News Story not available This story has been published on: 2022-11-01. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. This story is no longer available on our site. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for one out of every four deaths each year. Some estimate the costs of heart-related health problems will rise to as high as $3.6 trillion annually within a decade. Cardiovascular problems can lead to heart attacks, which range from undetectable, minor incidents to heart failure and death. The prevalence of heart disease varies considerably across the United States. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the incidence of heart attack in 190 U.S. metropolitan areas. We examined the percentage of adults in each area who have been told by a medical practitioner that they have had a heart attack. These data came from 2015 Community Rankings for Incidence of Heart Attack, a report from Gallup-Healthways. Charleston, West Virginia leads the nation as the city where the highest share of adults have a history of heart attack. ALSO READ: America's 50 Best Cities to Live Ten of the 15 cities with the highest prevalence of heart attack are located in the Southern United States. In a study tracing heart disease mortality from 1973 to 2010 that was published in March, CDC researchers found that the geographic patterns of heart-related deaths have shifted dramatically. The highest heart disease mortality 40 years ago was concentrated in the Northeast. Today, the highest concentration has shifted to the South. Dr. Matthew Ritchey is an epidemiologist with the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In an email to 24/7 Wall St., Ritchey said The consistent progression southward over the past few decades suggests that the pattern is not random and could be attributed to geographic differences in community-level prevention and treatment opportunities. Click image above to enlarge Gallups report highlighted the heavy toll heart disease takes on individuals, families, and caregivers. Individuals with a history of heart attack are considerably more likely than those who have never been diagnosed to miss work and be admitted to a hospital, for example. The average American reports seven physically or mentally unhealthy days in a given month. Of the 15 metros with the highest prevalence of heart attacks, 13 report greater average numbers of unhealthy days in a month. Story continues Certain behaviors and health conditions known to increase the risk of heart attack tend to be relatively common in the areas with the highest incidence of heart attacks. Ritchey noted the prevalence of heart attacks largely depends on the degree of heart attack risk factors a community has, which include poor blood pressure control, high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity. The percentage of adults who smoke in 11 of the 15 metro areas on this list exceeds the national adult smoking rate of 17%. Similarly, the obesity rate in eight of the 15 areas exceeds 30%, higher than in most metropolitan areas. A range of socioeconomic factors appear related to a high prevalence of heart attack. Just as high educational attainment in a population often accompanies positive health outcomes, low educational attainment is often tied to poor health outcomes. Without a college degree it can be difficult to earn a decent wage -- income needed for medical expenses, accessing exercise venues, alleviating stress from finances, etc. To identify the cities where the lowest percentage of adults have had heart attacks, 24/7 Wall St. examined 2015 Community Rankings for Incidence of Heart Attack, a Gallup-Healthways report that reviewed 190 U.S. metropolitan areas. Gallups survey was based on 353,983 telephone interviews with U.S. adults across all 50 states and the District of Columbia and was conducted from January 2, 2014 to December 30, 2015. Participants were asked, Have you ever been told by a physician or nurse that you have had a heart attack? The percentage of adults with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a history of diabetes or depression, as well as the obesity rate also came from Gallup. Median household income, poverty rate, and educational attainment came from the U.S. Census Bureaus 2015 American Community Survey. The smoking rate came from County Health Rankings and Roadmaps. These are the cities with the highest risk of heart attack. 15. Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 6.2% > Obesity rate: 26.5% > Smoking rate: 16.4% > Median household income: $50,651 One of the most important factors in heart attack prevention is maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. In the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area, 32.5% of adults have high cholesterol, one of the largest shares of any metro area. In health-related risk factors, however, Cape Coral residents rank relatively favorably. Just 10.1% of adults have diabetes, and 26.5% are obese -- smaller shares than in most major metropolitan areas. ALSO READ: The Most Republican County in Each State Many Cape Coral residents may be at a higher risk of heart attack regardless of their health. Heart attacks are far more prevalent in older age. Roughly 80% of all heart disease deaths nationwide occur in Americans 65 and older. Cape Coral is one of the metros with the oldest populations in the country. More than one in four residents are 65 and older, among the highest concentrations of any city. 14. Ocala, FL > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 6.3% > Obesity rate: 24.6% > Smoking rate: 17.4% > Median household income: $40,050 By many measures of cardiovascular health, Ocala residents are at a greater risk of heart attack than the majority of U.S. metro areas. The American Heart Association estimates that adults are two to four times as likely to die of a heart attack or stroke if they have diabetes, a condition which affects 15.0% of Ocala adults. Additionally, 37.8% have high blood pressure, and 32.8% have high cholesterol -- some of the largest shares nationwide. An estimated 6.3% of Ocala adults have had a heart attack, one of the largest shares of any city. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease increases dramatically with old age, and about four out of every five of all people who die from heart disease nationwide are 65 and older. In the Ocala metro area, 28.3% of residents are 65 and older, compared to the 14.9% share across the nation who are senior citizens. 13. Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 6.3% > Obesity rate: 34.9% > Smoking rate: 19.4% > Median household income: $40,380 The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton metro area is one of many relatively poor, rural places where residents are at an increased risk of heart attack. The typical Hickory household earns $40,380 annually, far less than the $55,775 national median household income. Physical activity can help control weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. However, fewer than three in five Hickory residents have access to opportunities for physical activity. In the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton metro area, 34.9% of adults are obese, 38.8% have high blood pressure, and 30.1% have high cholesterol -- some of the largest shares nationwide. Additionally, 16.8% have diabetes, which more than doubles the risk of heart attack or stroke in adults. 12. Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 6.4% > Obesity rate: 33.6% > Smoking rate: 17.2% > Median household income: $44,061 By many measures of cardiovascular health, residents of the Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area are at a relatively high risk of heart attack. More than one in three adults are obese, which can cause fatal strain on the heart. An estimated 6.4% of adults have experienced a heart attack, the 12th largest share of any metropolitan areas surveyed by Gallup. Americans 65 and older are more than twice as likely to experience a heart attack than younger Americans. Nearly one in five Lakeland-Winter Haven residents are 65 and over, one of the highest concentrations nationwide. Additionally, 15.3% of adults in the metro area have diabetes, close to the largest share in the country. According to the American Heart Association, at least 68% of Americans with diabetes over 65 die of heart disease. ALSO READ: 80 Most Infuential Americans Over 80 11. Burlington-South Burlington, VT > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 6.5% > Obesity rate: 25.5% > Smoking rate: 13.4% > Median household income: $66,807 By several measures, Burlington is unique on this list. Notably, unlike most areas with a high incidence of heart attack, relatively few Burlington residents rate their own health poorly. Less than 10% of people report fair or poor health, the only city on this list with such a low share and one of the lowest such percentages of U.S. cities. The percentage of adults in the metro area who report excessive drinking, at 23%, is nearly the highest nationwide. While most of the cities with the highest incidence of heart attack report relatively low excessive drinking, the higher level of drinking in Burlington may partially explain heart problems among some city residents. 10. Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 6.8% > Obesity rate: 31.9% > Smoking rate: 22.6% > Median household income: $41,206 Less than two in three Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol residents have access to opportunities for physical activity. While the American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise five days a week or more, 34% of Kingsport adults report engaging in no physical activity whatsoever, the sixth highest inactivity rate in the country. Regular exercise can help control blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which help lower the risk of heart attack. In Kingsport, 40.8% of adults have high blood pressure, and 32.4% have high cholesterol, each close to the highest shares among major U.S. metro areas. 9. North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 7.0% > Obesity rate: 22.3% > Smoking rate: 14.9% > Median household income: $53,698 In the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metro area, 21.3% of adults do not exercise regularly, and 22.3% are obese -- each lower shares than most metropolitan areas, and particularly among metro areas with high heart attack rates. Additionally, 14.9% of North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton adults smoke, less than the 17.0% national smoking rate. Despite the relatively healthy behavior of its population, 7.0% of the citys adults have had a heart attack, one of the largest shares in the country. The high incidence of heart attack in North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton may be due to risk factors beyond the residents control. Americans 65 and over, who are at more than twice the risk of heart attack than the rest of the country, comprise 30.5% of the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton population, the sixth largest share nationwide. 8. Fort Smith, AR-OK > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 7.1% > Obesity rate: 38.1% > Smoking rate: 22.7% > Median household income: $41,040 Residents of poor, rural areas often lack the access to health care that can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and related conditions. In the Fort Smith metro area, 20.5% of residents live in poverty, and just 57.7% have adequate access to opportunities for physical activity -- each far worse than the national poverty and access rates. ALSO READ: States With the Worst Roads Close to one in three Fort Worth adults do not exercise regularly, one of the largest shares among major metropolitan areas. Lack of physical activity can significantly increase the risk of obesity and high blood pressure, both of which affect approximately two in five Fort Worth adults. An estimated 7.1% of adults in the metro area have had a heart attack, one of the largest shares nationwide. 7. Chico, CA > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 7.1% > Obesity rate: 36.7% > Smoking rate: 15.0% > Median household income: $45,644 While by many measures of cardiovascular health the population of Chico is at a relatively low risk of heart disease, 7.1% of adults in the metro have suffered a heart attack -- one of the largest shares nationwide. Just 27.2% of Chico adults have high blood pressure, 19.5% have high cholesterol, and 9.9% have diabetes, far lower shares than in a majority of U.S. metro areas. One partial explanation for the high incidence of heart attack in Chico may be the high prevalence of obesity in the metro area. An estimated 36.7% of Chico adults are obese, nearly the largest share of any city surveyed by Gallup. According to the World Heart Federation, one in five cases of coronary artery disease -- the most common heart disease -- is attributable to being overweight. 6. Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 7.2% > Obesity rate: 25.6% > Smoking rate: 20.0% > Median household income: $40,908 Elderly residents are the most likely age group to report having had a heart attack. This may help explain the Lake Havasu City-Kingman metro areas high rate of heart attacks, as 27.5% of area residents 65 and over, one of the highest shares of all U.S. metro areas. Regular exercise is one way to help reduce the risk of heart ailments and improve overall health. Nearly one-third of Lake Havasu City area residents do not exercise during their leisure time, well above the 23% of people nationwide who report such sedentary lifestyles. The low level of physical exercise may also be due to the poor access to exercise venues in the metro area. Less than 65% of the population has access to opportunities for physical activity, much less than the national percentage of 84%. 5. Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 7.4% > Obesity rate: 35.1% > Smoking rate: 20.7% > Median household income: $43,127 In the Youngstown-Warren-Boardman metro area, 36.6% of surveyed adults have high blood pressure, 33.4% have high cholesterol, and 15.1% have diabetes -- some of the largest shares in the country. For adults with both high blood pressure and diabetes, the risk of cardiovascular disease is twice as high as for those without these conditions. An estimated 7.4% of adults in the metro area have suffered a heart attack, the fifth largest share of all major metropolitan areas. ALSO READ: 10 Worst States for Women In addition to heart disease, Youngstown residents are at an increased risk of asthma and other lung problems. Youngstown-Warren-Boardman has some of the worst air quality in the country. Studies have also suggested a link between air pollution and heart disease. 4. Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 7.7% > Obesity rate: 31.8% > Smoking rate: 22.9% > Median household income: $42,237 Financial stability facilitates maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Financial difficulties can impede recovery in the case of a heart attack, which often comes with costly medical bills in the thousands of dollars. When it comes to finances, the Huntington-Ashland metro area is no different than other metros with a high incidence of heart attack -- area residents are not especially wealthy. More than 20% of people in the area live in poverty, one of the higher poverty rates nationwide. A college education helps ensure a higher income, and college-educated adults are generally more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices. Less than 20% of adults in the Huntington area have a college degree, one of the lowest percentages in the nation. 3. Duluth, MN-WI > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 7.7% > Obesity rate: 29.2% > Smoking rate: 19.2% > Median household income: $50,566 While by many measures of cardiovascular health the population of the Duluth metro area is at a relatively low risk of heart disease, 7.7% of residents have suffered a heart attack -- one of the largest shares nationwide. Just 28.4% of Duluth adults have high blood pressure, 24.1% have high cholesterol, and 9.6% have diabetes -- smaller shares than most of surveyed metro areas. One part of the explanation for the high incidence of heart attack in Duluth may be the high prevalence of depression among city residents. An estimated 23.5% of Duluth adults are depressed, the fifth largest share among cities surveyed by Gallup. Depression can often lead to many health behaviors that increase the risk of heart attack. Studies have also shown people to be more likely to develop depression after experiencing a heart attack or undergoing cardiovascular surgery. 2. Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 7.9% > Obesity rate: 29.3% > Smoking rate: 18.4% > Median household income: $43,284 Relatively large shares of Deltona area residents engage in behaviors known to increase the risk of heart attack. The adult smoking rate of 18.4%, for example, is among the higher rates compared with other U.S. metros. Like a number of other cities with a high incidence of heart attack, Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach residents have relatively low incomes, which for some residents likely hinders efforts to stay healthy. Because the Americans 65 and older are twice as likely to have had a heart attack, a high concentration of the age group in a city can explain a high incidence of heart attack. This appears to be the case in the Deltona area, where nearly 25% of residents are 65 and older, well above the national proportion of 14.9%. ALSO READ: 40 Countries the U.S. Government Doesn't Want You to Visit 1. Charleston, WV > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 8.8% > Obesity rate: 40.6% > Smoking rate: 23.6% > Median household income: $42,526 No city has a higher lifetime incidence of heart attack than Charleston, where 8.8% of adults have survived a heart attack. Close to one in four area adults are smokers, and more than two in five are obese -- each among the highest proportions of any U.S. metro area. Since smoking and obesity increase the risk of heart disease substantially, these relatively common lifestyles in Charleston likely helps explain the high incidence of heart attack among the area's population. Like in many other cities where heart attacks are more common, Charleston residents are not especially wealthy. The typical household earns $42,526 annually, well below the national median income of $55,775 annually. Related Articles We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Women's Resource Center adapts to meet rising domestic abuse concerns With many victims unable to reach out during the pandemic, the Women's Resource Center had to find new ways to connect. GettyImages 521599536 CNN president Jeff Zucker on Wednesday said the network had completed an investigation after it was revealed interim Democratic National Committee chair Donna Brazile seemingly obtained questions in advance of a primary debate and town hall. Yes, we have done a complete investigation, Zucker said, according to a source who watched the television town hall where the remarks were made. Zucker added: This behavior was completely unacceptable and we are clear, exactly where they came from." The CNN chief described it all as a "very unfortunate situation." "One bad apple, I don't think ruins the entire process," he said, according to the source. "Clearly this was unprofessional and this should not have happened and this has been dealt with." Zucker then said the network would not partner ever again with TV One, the network it worked with to host the Ohio town hall in which Brazile appeared to have leaked a question to the Clinton campaign. Brazile denied being the source of the leak in October, but an email obtained by Politico later showed she had access to the exact wording of a question from TV One moderator Roland Martin. An email published on Monday revealed Brazile also apparently tipped off the Clinton campaign to a question ahead of a March CNN primary debate in Flint, Michigan. "One of the questions directed to HRC tomorrow is from a woman with a rash," Brazile emailed John Podesta, Clinton's campaign chairman, and Jennifer Palmieri, Clinton's communications director. Brazile added: "Her family has lead poison and she will ask what, if anything, will Hillary do as president to help the ppl of Flint." A CNN employee told Business Insider at the time that it was possible Brazile obtained the question directly from the individual at a community service event held the day before the debate. However, the two individuals who asked Flint-related questions told The Daily Caller that they never spoke with her. Story continues At the time of the debate and town hall, Brazile was a CNN contributor and vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. Zucker slammed her "disgusting" conduct with the Clinton campaign in an editorial meeting on Tuesday, The Huffington Post reported. CNN announced Monday that it had parted ways with Brazile earlier this month. A representative for the network did not immediately respond to a request for comment. NOW WATCH: How late-breaking bombshells affected past presidential elections More From Business Insider U.S. Supreme Court evaluating Venezuela oil rig dispute U.S. justices drill down on Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Company vs Venezuela oil rig lawsuit. WASHINGTON Petroleumworld.com 11 03 2016 Some U.S. Supreme Court justices on Wednesday appeared wary about the foreign policy implications of making it too easy for foreign governments to be sued in U.S. courts as they considered a lawsuit by an Oklahoma-based oil drilling company that claims Venezuela unlawfully seized 11 drilling rigs six years ago. The eight justices heard an hour-long argument in Venezuela's appeal of a lower court ruling that allowed one of the claims brought by Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Company against the South American nation to proceed. The company sued both the Venezuelan government and state-owned oil companies under a U.S. law called the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, claiming among other things that the property seizure violated international law. That law allows for foreign governments to be sued in U.S. courts under certain circumstances, including when private property is seized. Justice Anthony Kennedy was among those concerned about the foreign policy implications, noting the "extreme sensitivity with reference to suing foreign sovereigns." But other justices including Ruth Bader Ginsburg seemed more sympathetic to the company's arguments. The legal question before the justices was whether the company's lawsuit succeeded in meeting the legal bar that would allow the case to continue. Venezuela, backed by the Obama administration, says it did not. The rigs in question were owned by Helmerich's wholly owned Venezuela-based subsidiary. The Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act does not allow lawsuits to go forward when a foreign government seizes domestic-owned property. But the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in May 2015 said such suits can proceed when the interests of foreign shareholders are implicated. Illustrating the difficulty facing the court in resolving the dispute, Justice Stephen Breyer said he "can't get my hands around this case, or my mind around it." Breyer suggested that individual judges should get to decide which cases can be heard in U.S. courts, as long as they understand that "we don't want to have foreign countries in our courts unless there's a good case against them." Helmerich had long provided drilling services for the Venezuelan government. The company disassembled its rigs in 2009 after Venezuela had failed to pay $100 million in bills. In response, Venezuela's government in 2010 seized the properties, which were still in the country. Then-President Hugo Chavez ordered the seizure, saying the rigs could be used by the government-owned companies. A U.S. district court had ruled largely in favor of the drilling company. The appeals court then blocked the company's separate breach of contract claim while allowing the expropriation claim to proceed. A ruling is due by the end of June. Estimated Global Robot Shipments This story was delivered to BI Intelligence IoT Briefing subscribers. To learn more and subscribe, please click here. The Australian RPAS Consortium (ARC) recently launched its Angel Drone project, whose mission is to eventually deliver medical supplies in Australia via drones, reports Mashable. While the consortium will start by testing drone delivery of blood samples, it hopes to ultimately deliver both medical supplies and samples. The tests will begin by the end of the year and take place in the countrys Northern Territory,according to Mark Puterflam, the commercial director of drone operators at the Aerolens Group, which is involved in the initial trials. He added that the consortium is exploring deliveries in both rural locations that may not be accessible by roads, as well as in crowded city neighborhoods that are difficult to access quickly via car or ambulance. ARC has spoken to some clients about potentially delivering anti-venom to victims of snake bites, for example. If these tests prove to be successful, they could prompt regulatory agencies to approve similar drone-based medical supply delivery services sooner than expected. Similar tests were recently conducted in Cape May, New Jersey, by researchers from Johns Hopkins University. In the US, the Federal Aviation Administration is expected to release regulations regarding commercial drone deliveries in 2018, but this could change if the agency determines that deliveries of this kind can be life saving, especially in the case of natural disasters. Drones turned the corner in 2015 to become a popular consumer device, while a framework for regulation that legitimizes drones in the US began to take shape. Technological and regulatory barriers still exist to further drone adoption. Drone manufacturers and software providers are quickly developing technologies like geo-fencing and collision avoidance that will make flying drones safer. The accelerating pace of drone adoption is also pushing governments to create new regulations that balance safety and innovation. Story continues Safer technology and better regulation will open up new applications for drones in the commercial sector, including drone delivery programs like Amazons Prime Air and Googles Project Wing initiatives. BI Intelligence, Business Insider's premium research service, has compiled a detailed drones report that forecasts sales revenues for consumer, enterprise, and military drones. It also projects the growth of drone shipments for consumers and enterprises. The report details several of worlds major drone suppliers and examines trends in drone adoption among several leading industries. Finally, it examines the regulatory landscape in several markets and explains how technologies like obstacle avoidance and drone-to-drone communications will impact drone adoption. Drones Report Cover Here are some of the key takeaways from the report: We project revenues from drones sales to top $12 billion in 2021, up from just over $8 billion last year. Shipments of consumer drones will more than quadruple over the next five years, fueled by increasing price competition and new technologies that make flying drones easier for beginners. Growth in the enterprise sector will outpace the consumer sector in both shipments and revenues as regulations open up new use cases in the US and EU, the two biggest potential markets for enterprise drones. Technologies like geo-fencing and collision avoidance will make flying drones safer and make regulators feel more comfortable with larger numbers of drones taking to the skies. Right now FAA regulations have limited commercial drones to a select few industries and applications like aerial surveying in the agriculture, mining, and oil and gas sectors. The military sector will continue to lead all other sectors in drone spending during our forecast period thanks to the high cost of military drones and the growing number of countries seeking to acquire them. In full, the report: Compares drone adoption across the consumer, enterprise, and government sectors. Breaks down drone regulations across several key markets and explains how theyve impacted adoption. Discusses popular use cases for drones in the enterprise sector, as well as nascent use case that are on the rise. Analyzes how different drone manufacturers are trying to differentiate their offerings with better hardware and software components. Explains how drone manufacturers are quickly enabling autonomous flight in their products that will be a major boon for drone adoption. To get your copy of this invaluable guide, choose one of these options: Subscribe to an ALL-ACCESS Membership with BI Intelligence and gain immediate access to this report AND over 100 other expertly researched deep-dive reports, subscriptions to all of our daily newsletters, and much more. >> START A MEMBERSHIP Purchase the report and download it immediately from our research store. >> BUY THE REPORT The choice is yours. But however you decide to acquire this report, youve given yourself a powerful advantage in your understanding of the world of drones. More From Business Insider What will it look like? The cis-lunar outpost would be built primarily out of modular components riding NASAs giant SLS rocket as hitchhikers along with the Orion spacecraft. Following its insertion into trans-lunar trajectory, the Orion crew capsule would separate from the booster stage, turn around and dock with the add-on module still attached to the booster stage, very much like Apollo crews did to extract their lunar modules in the 1960s. However, instead of landing on the lunar surface, each Orion mission would bring an add-on module to the vicinity of the Moon, where they would all be bolted together to form a long-term habitat. Other countries could launch their own components, as with the ISS program. Assembly sequence According to the latest architecture worked out by the partners, the construction of the outpost would start with a 8.5-ton power and propulsion module launched during the Orions third Exploration Mission, EM-3. Recently, the European Space Agency agreed to provide an additional cutting-edge electric engine unit, which would help to propel the first module. Both American and European electric thrusters would be fed by xenon gas. The same module would also provide power supply and communications for the entire outpost. Last but not least, Canada would build a robotic arm, which would be strapped to the propulsion module and later used on the outpost. Once the power and propulsion capabilities are in place, a pair of habitation modules would be delivered and attached to it in two subsequent Orion missions, EM-4 and EM-5. Previous incarnations of the plans envisioned these components being built in Russia or Europe, but the Japanese space agency has recently offered to contribute its own habitat. The Japanese habitat would feature a closed-loop life-support system, greatly reducing dependency of the outpost on deliveries of water and oxygen from Earth. Also this year, the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, agreed to consider contributing an airlock module for the outpost, which would be used for spacewalks. During its ride to the lunar vicinity with the Orion spacecraft, the airlock would be packed full of supplies for the future station, bringing its launch mass to around nine tons. Alternatively, Roscosmos could launch the airlock module independently, using its new-generation Angara-5 rocket, upgraded with a high-power hydrogen space tug. Theoretically, Russia could also support the international program with its next-generation transport spacecraft dubbed Federatsiya (Federation), which is expected to be the only alternative to the Orion in bringing crews to the outpost. As of today, Roscosmos promises the first crewed flight of the new ship in the low Earths orbit in 2024, followed by the first mission to lunar orbit in 2027. Although SpaceX and other private providers are likely interested in providing transportation services to a cis-lunar program, only the NASA Orion and Roscosmos CTV spacecraft appear on the official schedule. The cis-lunar space station could also be complemented by a 10-ton robotic vehicle developed jointly by ESA, Japan, and Canada. It could be equipped with a rover and an ascent stage for returning soil samples from the surface of the Moon. The robotic vehicle could be launched independently on a rocket provided by one of the partner agencies in 2026, at the earliest. Once the probe lands on the Moon, a crew onboard the cis-lunar outpost could remotely operate the soil-sampling rover on the surface and then launch the ascent stage for the subsequent transfer of samples back to Earth. In the course of its assembly and operation, the cis-lunar outpost could be resupplied by cargo vehicles launched on a variety of rockets. During the second phase of assembly, at the end of the 2020s, the outpost would be complemented with NASAs newest habitation and propulsion module launched on a dedicated SLS rocket. This latest addition could make it possible for the outpost to embark on the first mission into deep space. Where do they stand? Sources familiar with the matter say that after years of negotiations, the international team made enough progress to reach an agreement in the near future, which would see ISS partners all contributing components and technologies for the common goal. The initial phase of development of the cis-lunar outpost, known as Phase A, could then go ahead in 2017 or 2018. During the Houston meeting this month, it was decided to postpone the beginning of the habitat construction by around a year until 2023. Under this scenario, the first phase of the outpost would be completed in 2028. Of course, if history of the ISS is any guide, many delays are very likely. There are several political developments coming even this year, which can throw a monkey wrench into the carefully constructed schedule. Obviously, the first being the US presidential elections, which are notorious for changing the course of the American space program. Next, comes a meeting in December of the European ministers drawing the ESAs budget for the next several years. And another wild card in the project is the Russian involvement, which remains uncertain due to an array of political, financial and technical problems. Not surprisingly, partners scheduled the next meeting on the cis-lunar outpost at the beginning of next year. Although 2017 is just two months away, it could very well be in another era for space exploration Anatoly Zak is the publisher of RussianSpaceWeb.com and the author of Russia in Space: the Past Explained, the Future Explored. PRAGUE, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Economic growth will pick up in central, east and southeastern European countries (CESEE) next year on economic recoveries in Russia and neighbouring countries, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Wednesday. The IMF forecast the emerging Europe region as a whole would grow by 2.1 percent next year, an acceleration from 1.3 percent in 2016. This will be led by 1.1 percent growth in Russia in 2017, compared with a 0.8 percent contraction this year, helped by more favourable oil prices. The economies of Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova combined will expand by 1.6 percent in 2017 after 0.1 percent growth in 2016, it said. "In (Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus), after exiting the recession in 2016, the recovery is projected to gather pace in 2017, supported by improved outlook in Russia, given linkages through trade and remittances," it said. Elsewhere in the region, a cyclical rebound may soon peak and growth will be difficult to sustain over the longer term. Central Europe will see a slight acceleration to 3.0 percent growth next year from 2.8 percent in 2016. Growth in Turkey is expected to cool to 3 percent in 2017 from this year's 3.3 percent, the IMF said, after a failed coup attempt in August and purges added to existing political uncertainty. "In 2017, growth is projected to slow further as the one-off factors pushing growth in 2016 dissipate (e.g. fiscal loosening, increase in minimum wages), and headwinds from eroded business confidence further weigh on investment," it said. Overall downside risks to the growth prospect dominate in the entire region, although possibly less than six months ago, the IMF said. The report did not focus on the potential fallout from Britain's decision to leave the European Union, which is seen as a risk factor for European economies. It said longer-term impacts of Brexit are unclear. There has been some decrease in concerns about China's near-term prospects, the pace of monetary normalisation in key advanced economies, and the refugee crisis, the IMF said. But risks from rising populism - which may lead to reversal of growth-supporting reforms - have become more pronounced. Story continues The IMF said the region needs a new round of structural reforms to raise investment and productivity. Initiatives like efficient public investment are needed to lift its growth potential, given large infrastructure gaps compared with advanced Europe and low investment rates, the IMF said. (Reporting by Jan Lopatka; Editing by Andrew Hay) This is game-changing for China. At 57 meters tall and weighing 869 metric tons, the Long March 5 is among the worlds most powerful currently active, comparable to the Delta-IV Heavy. It will allow China to launch components for a large, 60-ton modular space station, starting with the 20 metric ton core in 2018. The space station will eventually share its orbit with a Hubble-class telescope, also to be launched by the Long March 5, capable of docking with the station for maintenance. The heavy-lift rocket also means China is now capable of carrying out exciting deep-space missions. Next year the same Long March 5 variant as launched today will send the Change-5 probe to the Moon to collect samples and return to Earth, something not attempted since the 1970s. The countrys first independent interplanetary mission which boldly combines an orbiter, lander and rover in one shot will head for Mars in summer 2020. China is also developing a deep space strategy for coming decades to make use of these new capabilities, including missions to the lunar far side and the poles. If some of this sounds like a repeat of past endeavors by others, or lacks the vision of the grand humans-to-Mars plans out there or even a Moon landing its worth looking at where China came from to reach this point, and consider what they could achieve next. Chinas leaders approved the Project 921 human spaceflight program in 1992 when the countrys economy was around 20 times smaller than today, setting the upcoming space station as the ultimate goal. With a relative lack of resources but some technological assistance from Russia, just over a decade later in October 2003 Yang Liwei became the first Chinese in space. But for the next stage, building the space station, China needed new, larger rockets, with more powerful engines burning different fuels to the now-aging Long March launch vehicles powered by highly toxic hydrazine. Developing the new rockets would take more than a decade of planning and overcoming diverse challenges. The 5-meter-diameter core of the Long March 5 posed big engineering and manufacturing challenges, requiring strength while having a thickness of just 3 millimeters. The countrys rail, road and tunnel networks cannot handle such a huge rocket, so they had to develop a new, coastal launch center. Transporting components from Tianjin in the north to Hainan in the south required the building of new ships, Yuanwang 21 and 22. But after more than a decade of development, channeling resources, and overcoming delays from engine test failures, China now has a new and adaptable heavy-lift rocket, and has big plans to use it. There are other benefits, too. The Long March 5 is part of a new generation of rockets including the medium-lift Long March 7, whose modular design and manufacturing bring benefits in terms of cost, preparation time, and reliability. Using refined RP-1 kerosene and liquid hydrogen with liquid oxygen oxidizer, the propellant is cheaper, provides more thrust, and produces far less dangerous or polluting by-products than the older, hydrazine-powered Long March 2, 3 and 4 launch vehicles. Chinas progress to this point has been a long, steady march, but with this success the pace may now pick up. The Long March 5 experience is helping Chinas early work on the Saturn-V class Long March 9. Meanwhile, the first Long March 7 launched in June tested a scale return capsule intended for future deep space use. Looking at what China has achieved, its ability to plan ahead and the various pieces being assembled, todays launch could be seen as a one more step towards not only establishing a permanent presence in low Earth orbit, but also putting people back on the Moon. Accused cop killer Scott Michael Greene faces life in prison if convicted. (Photo: Des Moines PD) Police charged Scott Michael Greene with two counts of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of two Des Moines-area officers Thursday then took him to jail in the handcuffs belonging to the officers Greene is accused of killing. Urbandale Police Officer Justin Martin and Des Moines Police Sgt. Anthony Beminio were ambushed in their patrol vehicles about 2 miles and 20 minutes apart early Wednesday morning. Des Moines' police chief Thursday lashed out at the man accused of fatally ambushing two metro-area officers, calling the suspect a monster and the shooting cowardly, the Des Moines Register reports. This was calculated murder, Chief Dana Wingert said during a morning news conference. Theres no ifs, ands or buts about it. It was cowardly in every sense of the word, from the way it was carried out, to the way that it ended. Also on Thursday, officials announced: * The weapon used in the slayings was found in an area in Dallas County near where Greene was apprehended. The rifle had been well-hidden, said Sgt. Paul Parizek, Des Moines police spokesman. However, an explosive detection dog on loan from the ATF was able to find it. He did not identify the make and model. There is absolutely no way anyone would have been able to find the rifle, Parizek said. * The truck Greene was driving was left near where he was apprehended. Parizek said the vehicle, which was searched, was bogged down in mud. * Officials have searched the house in which Greene lived. No details were provided on what, if anything, was discovered. Greene could face a life sentence in prison if convicted of the charges. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS. Candidates vying for a Louisiana US Senate seat met on the debate stage in New Orleans on Wednesday night. Among the candidates which included Republican frontrunner John Kennedy and Democratic candidate Caroline Fayard was former Ku Klux Klan leader, David Duke. Duke is running as a Republican. He was added to the debate roster last month, after crossing the 5% polling threshold needed to attend. The affair got off to a fiery start, when Fayard called Duke a bad guy who "slithered out of the swamp." Duke, who is a self-avowed white-supremacist, took umbrage at the remark, saying "Yeah, Im the bad guy because I defend the people of this country that made our country great," loosely co-opting Donald Trump's campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again." Duke invoked Trump's name early and often during the debate, and compared himself to the GOP nominee while complaining that he is unfairly criticized for his controversial views. "I will be Donald Trump's most loyal advocate," Duke said. Trump has repeatedly disavowed Duke's support and, more recently, that of a KKK publication that endorsed him this week. The debate quickly went off the rails when Duke got into an extended shouting match with the moderator. Watch the exchange below, starting at the 22:43 mark: In defending some unsavory remarks about Jews, Duke said "Im not opposed to all Jews ... there is a problem in America with a very strong, powerful, tribal group that dominates our media and dominates our international banking." He also accused such groups of controlling the reins of American foreign policy, citing the civil war in Syria while attempting to draw parallels between those groups and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. "The lady should be getting the electric chair, being charged with treason," Duke said. The debate was held at Dillard University in New Orleans, a historically black liberal-arts school. Notably, the auditorium where the debate was held appeared to be mostly empty. Story continues David Duke NOW WATCH: How late-breaking bombshells affected past presidential elections More From Business Insider Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Variety Magazine has taken the step of endorsing a presidential candidate for the first time since 1905, and their choice is Hillary Clinton. Co-editors-in-chief Claudia Weller and Andrew Wallenstein, as well as publisher Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, call her not only the best candidate for the job, but the only candidate. They explained that, For the same reason that The Atlantic endorsed Clinton (marking only the third time since its 1857 founding to back a candidate), we didnt want to sit on the sidelines and come down on the wrong side of history. Their reasons for endorsing Hillary Clinton sound familiar: There are a number of other motivating factors behind our decision. We believe that Clinton is not only the best candidate for the job, but the only candidate. As many endorsements have noted, she has the experience and temperament necessary to make a truly effective president. In fact, its hard to think of any presidential candidate with the depth of knowledge and public-service record she has. Clinton has been spent her entire life as a social-justice activist, fighting for the rights of women, children, families, the disabled, farmers, veterans, and the LGBTQ community. She has taken on such crucial issues as climate change, racial injustice, and the epidemic of gun violence. Shes not nasty shes tough and unafraid to smash barriers, whether it was negotiating strict sanctions against Iran, or brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Shes a global diplomat who has traveled extensively to forge ties with foreign leaders. Another reason is the unsuitability of Donald Trump, and again, the reasons sound familiar: Donald Trump lacks the experience, knowledge, and diplomacy to hold public office. His run for the presidency can be viewed as nothing more than a ploy to land another TV deal or launch a new cable channel so he can continue spewing his sexist, racist views. (Variety frequently writes about how sexism and racism run rampant in Hollywood, publishing such stories as a way to keep shining a light on the inequities that oddly still exist in a business that is largely liberal.) Trump has a long history of disrespect for and objectification of women. Since the surfacing of the now infamous video of his lewd 2005 conversation with Billy Bush, at least a dozen women have gone public with claims that he sexually harassed them. They cite also Trumps racist views, and say that Trump would not be a moral leader who could inspire change. Their conclusion is firmly rooted in reality and a far cry from both Trumps and Fox News strident claims of an angry and hectoring woman without energy (I know, I hear your protests, but Obama they said was a lazy dictator, so anything is possible for Republicans). We are proud to endorse Hillary Clinton as president and put an end to a prolonged election circus dominated by an egomaniacal ringmaster. Through it all, she has remained dignified and focused on the issues. We believe she will lead America forward with great vigor and success. No doubt none of this will matter to Donald Trump and less to his followers, who by and large share his views; if anything, it will register a comment from Trump that nobody reads Variety anyway, his stock response to such criticisms from any media source. This is yet another sign that the only people Trump is fooling are his gullible followers, who like Hillary Clinton said last night, are letting themselves be used and exploited. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Melania Trump railed against the bullying of women and children Thursday in a rare campaign speech in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. Trump hasnt given a solo speech after her RNC speech that was plagiarized in parts directly from Michelle Obamas 2008 convention speech. Trump said she would tackle online bullying as one of her main focuses if she is first lady. Melania Trump said, We have to find a better way to talk to each other, to disagree with each other, to respect each other. https://youtu.be/PF3LYGbtrV0 MJ lee noted one of the most ironic moments of Trumps speech, Melania Trump says our culture has gotten too mean and too rough; that people put down others on looks and intelligence. Melania Trump says "our culture has gotten too mean and too rough"; that people put down others on "looks and intelligence." #2016 MJ Lee (@mj_lee) November 3, 2016 Emily Schultheis reported two more, More Melania Trump in PA: We must treat each other with respect and kindness, even when we disagree.' Our culture has gotten too mean and too rough, especially to children and teenagers. We have to find a better way to talk to each other "Our culture has gotten too mean and too rough, especially to children and teenagers. We have to find a better way to talk to each other" Emily Schultheis (@emilyrs) November 3, 2016 Melania told a pretty story about her own immigration, without noting that her husband is campaigning on building a wall between the U.S. and Mexico and has objected to providing refuge for Syrian refugees who have gone through a substantial vetting process. I want our children in this country, and all around the world, to live a beautiful life, to be safe and secure, to dream freely of love and a family of their own someday, Mrs Trump said. We need to teach our youth American values: kindness, honesty, respect, compassion, charity, understanding, cooperation. I do worry about all of our children. Trump is married to Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president who calls Mexicans rapists, mocked a disabled reporter, bragged about sexually assaulting women, tossed a baby out of a rally, and wants to ban Muslims from our country. Twelve women have come forward to tell their stories about being assaulted by Donald Trump. Donald Trump has also suggested that his opponent might be shot if she wins, and his aides have called for Hillary Clinton to be shot for treason, a crime she hasnt even been accused of. Donald Trumps behavior is so abhorrent that teachers who see his behavior mimicked in children bullying other children are calling it the Trump effect. Its almost as if Melania Trump is gaslighting the country for her husband, making a case against bullying of women and children as a reason to vote for the man who has bullied women reporters and continues to do so. Or maybe Melania Trump simply lacks the irony gene. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print A new Politico/Morning Consult in-depth study of the electorate has found that there is no silent majority of hidden Trump voters. Trump voters arent hiding their support, and that if Republicans were counting on a silent election day wave, theyre likely to be disappointed. The study talked to voters both online and with live interviewers to determine if people were hiding their support for Trump. It concluded that there is no social desirability effect among voters, Overall, there is no mode effect among likely voters. Clinton leads by 5 (52-47) by phone and by 3 (51-48) online. This is an effect in the expected direction (Clinton performing better on the phone), but its not statistically significant. The study did find that more affluent and well educated Republican households were more likely to hide their support for Trump, but the idea that there is a big wave of disgruntled lower-middle class white voters who are going to rise and power Trump to the White House is false. There are affluent and well-educated Republicans who dont want their Republican friends to know that they are supporting Trump. This dynamic helps to explain the tightening of the polls. Many Republicans were always going to support Trump. They just didnt want to say it out loud. The number of Never Trump Republicans might be exaggerated, but the reality is that Donald Trump still lacks the level of support needed to win the White House. There is no hidden Trump vote. There are no shy Trump voters. It is just the Republican Party, and the shrinking GOP tent has proven in previous years that it lacks the numbers needed to win a presidential election. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print You know how the left is largely free of conservatisms obsession with ideological purity because were a diverse collection of various groups all working together? Were used to Republicans talking about ideological purity, but with Donald Trump, weve arrived at the point where it is more about racial purity. The New York Forum, a private, invitation-only gathering or racists, had its inaugural meeting in May. It consciously and this cannot be stressed enough consciously modeled itself on something called the London Forum, a group of Holocaust deniers and anti-Semites brought together by British nationalist Jeremy Jez Turner. Greg Johnson, whose white nationalist publishing company, Counter-Currents Publishing, sponsors The New York Forum, writes that The purpose of the New York Forum is metapolitics: speading [sic] ideas and building community. We have to assume he means spreading but it is mildly amusing to think about secret gatherings building community. Arent the two diametrically opposed? I dunno. Sounds like the Illuminati business model to me. Which, when you think about it, is perfect for the Trump obsession with conspiracy theories. Johnson says (dreamily, one must assume) he wants to make this a thing: If I get my way, our online influence will grow to the point that our ideas completely saturate the entire web and Leftists are as marginalized as pedophiles trading jpegs in secret forums. Says the guy running a secret forum which supports the most immoral candidate in living memory, and ironically, the one who says creepy things about underage girls, whether it is his own daughter or someone elses, Donald Trump. One could respond, over my dead mouse-clicking finger, but lets think for a moment about how much swimming against the tide this involves for white nationalists. Yes, Trump has given them a voice, and yes, the mainstream media has been complicit in Trumps message getting out. However, look at the rapidly changing demographics that groups like this have organized themselves to prevent: Open-minded millennials who dont care what their friends look like, and who, as nones increasingly let their parents ties to organized religion disappear in a puff of logic; Donald Trumps Mexicans, actually people from all over Latin America; African-Americans, who so overwhelmingly vote Democrat that outliers are statistically insignificant; Jews, who Trump supporter David Duke says dominate our media, who also largely vote left; the LGBT community which endures ceaseless attacks on civil rights by Trumps Religious Right supporters; and to these we can add Muslims, women, and many others. These are groups who make up more and more of the electorate with each passing year. It is, as Lindsey Graham so sagely put it, angry white guys like Johnson who are on the endangered species list. Johnson says his group wants to address race differences, the Jewish question, and the negative consequences of multiculturalism, but he wants to do this in a multicultural society; whats more, in a society that has always been multicultural. The champions of white privilege have always had somebody to hate: if it was not Native-Americans it was African-Americans or the Irish or the Chinese or Jews. The other has always been present, and per the Constitution, has the same rights as the angry white guys who dont want to share. David Tobin laments at Counter-Currents, Stronger together is not a presidential campaign slogan, its more of a war propaganda slogan to rally the masses for supporting a war waged by the liberal establishment against racism, sexism, islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and all other irredeemable and deplorable ism, that have been conveniently made synonymous with being a straight white male in America. I feel I am being appropriated here. I am a straight white male, and I am none of those things. I just happen to think you shouldnt hate people because of their religion, their race, or their gender, and that as the Constitution promises, we are all of us whatever we look like and whichever bathroom we use equal under the law. And it can be pointed out here that the United States Constitution says nothing about the United States of America belonging only to white people. The nation does not need saving on account of what its inhabitants look like. Donald Trump is the champion of those who dont want to share, not only their bathrooms but their country. And there is no Jewish question and even talking about a Jewish question makes you sound like Adolf Hitler. Do you have a solution to the Jewish question, Mr. Johnson? Johnson says, Plan A is reform. Plan B is revolution. Trump is not the last chance for white people in North America. He is the last chance for plan A. He is the last chance to save America. He is the last chance of the system to cede power and change course to avoid the multicultural bloodbath that their policies will inevitably produce. Trump is their last chance, not ours. Johnson talks about a multicultural bloodbath but such a bloodbath can only be metaphorical unless white supremacists decide otherwise. These are the real thugs, with their Confederate and Nazi flags, the banners of racism, and there is no race war but the race war Johnson and his ilk bring with themselves. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print New polling shows that newly registered and voters who sat out the 2012 election are breaking strongly for Hillary Clinton in North Carolina, Florida, and Pennsylvania. The Upshot analyzed the numbers, and they show that new and missing white voters arent going to help Trump: According to the data, its Mrs. Clinton not Mr. Trump who stands to gain from a surge of new voters. Mrs. Clinton has a considerable lead over Mr. Trump among newly registered voters in Pennsylvania, Florida and North Carolina combined, 47 percent to 31 percent. Mrs. Clintons lead among newly registered voters isnt simply about an influx of voters who were previously ineligible, either. She leads among every age group of new voters, giving her a similar margin of 45 to 33 among newly registered voters who werent eligible in 2012. Trump lead with registered white voters who didnt vote in 2012 is just 40%-34% over Clinton, which wont be enough to offset the gender gap and the Democrats lead with minority voters. The idea that there are millions of new voters flocking into the Republican Party because of Trump was a myth, and the missing white voters that Trump and Republicans thought could power him to victory in a state like Pennsylvania havent materialized. The surge of newly registered voters that Trump predicted did happen.for Hillary Clinton. There is no wave of angry white voters coming to rescue Trump. The idea that millions of new voters are voting for the GOP this year was another lie sold to Republicans by Donald Trump. Instead, the new white voters are supporting Hillary Clinton. You are the owner of this article. Gov. Nikki Haley along with Attorney General Alan Wilson and other leaders announce a proposal to consolidate crime victim services from three different agencies into a "one-stop shop" under Wilson's office. The group gathered in the S.C. Crime Victims Memorial Garden in Columbia on Thursday. The proposal will require legislation be approved by state lawmakers next year. Gavin Jackson/staff Dorchester County has put the 1 percent sales tax back on the ballot on Nov. 8 for a proposed 15-year continuation, and several parties have their own opinions on the benefits or detriments of the referendum. Read moreDorchester Countys 1% sales tax back on the ballot as critics, supporters weigh its impact This month will mark the 83rd anniversary of the Soviet Union's attack on Finland in November 1939, when the Soviet Goliath pounced on the neighboring David. It started a conflict that became one of the most intensely brutal engagements of the Second World War, much of it in temperatures 30 Read moreCommentary: Are Russian leaders headed for another winter war? Electric vehicles arent a panacea. They dont reduce traffic congestion or the need to spend billions of dollars repairing and expanding our highways, the way mass transit, ride sharing and more walkable and bicycleable communities can. To the contrary, they make it more difficult to pay for the necessary upgrades, because despite some modest steps, politicians here and elsewhere have been unwilling to change our tax laws to ensure that vehicles using little or no gasoline pay their fair share for those improvements. Read moreEditorial: SC electric vehicle expansion helps state in multiple ways Joe Powers, owner of Powers Ventures, which has the Canadian Honker and Mayowood Stone Barn among other well-known businesses, had a lot to say when we talked today about the campaign finance complaint filed against Rochester City Council President Randy Staver. To recap, and click here for the news story that's on Page One today, Rochester resident Abe Sauerfiled a complaint Wednesday with the state Office of Administrative Hearings, alleging that Staver knowingly violated the state Campaign Finance Act by dividing in-kind donations for a single-event expense. The single event was a campaign fundraiser at the Stone Barn and it was paid for by Powers' three adult children, as contributions to Staver's campaign. As Powers says in the story: Powers, contacted by the Post Bulletin this morning, expressed outrage at the complaint and said, "I can 100 percent guarantee that what we did is legal. I've been involved in campaigns since I was a kid, I worked with professionals in doing this. My kids, who have zero ownership in the company, were given a bill and they paid for it with their personal credit cards and personal check. ADVERTISEMENT "My kids are involved in Randy's campaign and it was their donation, which they have the right to do," Powers said. He called Staver an "extremely ethical individual" and Sauer's attempts to "make him look like an unethical person is the farthest thing from the truth. What he's done to Randy and (Mayor Ardell Brede) is not right." Here's more from my interview with him: "I've been very upfront" regarding my work on behalf of Staver's campaign, he said. Powers has been involved in local fundraising for the campaign, "which I have a right to do. I'm not starting a PAC. I wouldn't know how to do it if I wanted to. I'm collecting money and (forwarding it) to Randy's campaign." "I have a right as the owner (of the Stone Barn) to rent it for whatever we rent it for," he said. "We do it for zero for nonprofits." There's a higher rental fee for weddings, which are all-day and multiple-day events, but the cost for the Staver fundraiser for fair value for catering and event, Powers said. "I'll stand by what I've done in this community, and if (Sauer) think I'm going to hide a thousand dollars (as a campaign contribution), he's nuts." Sauer has made no secret of his support for Staver's opponent, restaurant owner, developer and neighborhood activist Sean Allen. About that, Powers said: "The only reference I'd made to that is, I don't personally know his relationship (to the Allen campaign), but obviously by the actions (Sauer) has taken against Randy, who I regard as an extremely ethical individual -- he accuses him of something completely false. He's trying to make Randy look like an unethical person, and that's the farthest thing from the truth. "These allegations are so false, it's not even close to the truth." ADVERTISEMENT He said, "To my knowledge, I haven't given Randy a dime -- yet. I have a right to" and still may, in the final days of the campaign. And Powers said, on a personal note regarding Mayor Ardell Brede, who was also the subject of a Sauer ethics complaint this week along with Staver, "The mayor really didn't need that right now," when his wife Judy is seriously ill. "This type of thing is why I'm involved in Staver's campaign ... I'm not involved in Randy's campaign for myself, I'm involved for our community." In today's Post-Bulletin, we have photos of the dedication of a new bench at the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial in honor of the local Honor Flights, which took aging veterans for a day trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the war memorials. That reminded me of a day in April 2008, when I traveled with local veterans on the very first Honor Flight out of Rochester. It was an amazing and humbling experience. Those men and women, many who have since passed on, were amazing and received a little bit of long overdue recognition. Here's some from one of the articles I wrote about that trip and some of the photos. ------ ADVERTISEMENT "Overwhelming." Thats how many of the 80 World War II veterans described their day in Washington, D.C., after landing Saturday night to a huge welcome celebration at Rochester International Airport about 15 hours after they started the first Minnesota Honor Flight. "I never thought Id see it," said Haven Streiff, who was wounded on the Philippines and awarded the Bronze Star medal. Streiff, from Rochester and Eyota, smiled as he looked at Minnesota pillar at the World War II Memorial. "It is something." As they visited the World War II, Iwo Jima, Korean War and Vietnam memorials, the veterans did not expect the gratitude shown by strangers who shook their hands, posed for pictures with them and thanked them for their service. "I never shook so many hands in my life," said a grinning Lester Hartleip of Byron as he sat on a bench in the warm sun by the fountains of the World War II Memorial. Beside him, Ray Lundquist of Rochester said, "I feel like a celebrity" as more people stopped to thank them. The veterans, most in their 80s, made the free trip thanks to Honor Flight, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing as many men and women who fought in World War II to their memorial while they still can. It was financed entirely with local money. ADVERTISEMENT Seven other Honor Flights brought crowds from Ohio, Michigan and elsewhere to memorials along with the Minnesota contingent Saturday. Organized by Ted Adams of Rochester with the help of the Rochester Soldiers Field Memorial Committee, the flight is the first of what is hoped will be many. Fundraising has started for a second round in October. While the day included some tears as memories came back, the group spent more time telling stories, laughing, smiling and wondering at all of the attention. "All of this for us? It is so overwhelming," said Helen Donelan, as the welcome home celebration surged around her Saturday night. "We didnt do anything unusual." Walter Halloran, who fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, says he used to be uncomfortable talking about the wars. "Then I finally realized, were dying disappearing," he said as he sat next to the reflection pool at Korean War Memorial. How did the trip affect him? "I think what impresses me most, other than the physical grandeur of monuments, is the attitude of people. Total strangers children come up to shake your hand and thank you," he said. ADVERTISEMENT HAVANA 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. 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." ADVERTISEMENT 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 largely had disappeared by the mid-1990s. Celebrities and fashionistas have made Havana a hot destination during 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 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. ADVERTISEMENT Oronoco businessman Javon Bea said at a DMC meeting last week that if it weren't for Mayo Clinic patients and visitors, Rochester would be just another " dumpy little Midwestern city of 110,000." Some people took offense at that and Bea later amended his comments , but that got me thinking about other " Midwestern cities of 110,000 " and what our competition would be if, in fact, we were "dumpy." How many dumpy Midwestern cities are out there? This all depends on your definition of dumpy, of course. What you call dumpy, I might call colorful or full of character. It also depends on your definition of the Midwest, and mine's a little more constrained than others -- I think of Indiana as out East, for example. But for today's "thought exercise," as a Destination Medical Center planner might put it, here's our competition among Midwestern cities of about 110,000. Frankly, there aren't many to choose from -- in Midwestern terms, Rochester is a fairly big small town and a very small big town. Davenport, Iowa : Population 99,685 in 2010. Dumpy or not dumpy? I've visited marvelous Moline a time or two, but have only passed through Davenport. It's not a fair comparison to Rochester, really, since the Quad Cities' population is more like 500,000. ADVERTISEMENT Fargo, N.D.: 105,549 and definitely not dumpy. Half of Fargo is new and the other half was pretty good to start with, except where the Red River floods and the sandbag dikes tend to fail. Elgin, Ill.: Population 108,188. The only thing I know about Elgin is the toll booth and plaza on I-90. The jury is out on dumpiness. Peoria, Ill.: 115,007. Anyone know how Peoria plays these days? I'm guessing it's not Utopia. Green Bay, Wis.: Oh ho ho, here we go -- bingo! 104,057 people, and leaving aside Lambeau Field, is it dumpy? I have some definite opinions on this, but I await your feedback. So, now that you know the competition, would you say that Rochester is better off, more attractive, more prosperous, well-maintained, safe, livable and not dumpy? And if you agree that we're a cut above these cities in terms of lack of dumpiness, how much credit are you willing to give to the state's largest private employer, which is powered by patients and visitors? I could go through census data and prepare a chopped salad of metrics, but I'm more interested in what you, my discerning and worldly readers, have to say. Tell me and I'll revisit next week. Here's another one related to Bea, whose family interests own Miracle Mile Shopping Center and have proposed a $25 million-plus redevelopment project there, including apartments, new retail and a Fresh Thyme Farmers Market grocery. ADVERTISEMENT Dear Answer Man, do you know or have you heard where all the businesses in the southern half of Miracle Mile will go when it is demolished? -- Peggy Sparks Miracle Mile management is working with tenants such as the Arrow Ace Hardware store t o move them northward into open space at the center. The project has been in the works for a while with this in mind, according to Bea. Whether everyone moves remains to be seen, and whether that big project moves ahead despite a hornet's nest of Kutzky Park neighborhood opposition will be seen in a few weeks, after the election. A Rochester man accused of soliciting and exchanging child pornography on Twitter made his first appearance Tuesday in Olmsted County District Court. John Bronson Rosales, 39, of 4709 Harvest Court NW, has been charged with one count of disseminating pornographic work and six counts of possessing pornographic work. All are felonies. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court Jan. 13. The investigation began in December, when Twitter officials reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an account appeared to contain child porn, passing along the user ID, the phone number used to tweet or upload the files, an activity log and Internet provider address. The NCMEC passed the tip on to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which determined the account user had uploaded at least 218 images of young females, many naked or only wearing underwear, the complaint says. ADVERTISEMENT Twitter later provided the BCA with a log of Twitter "chat" between the account user and other users, asking for more photos and saying he liked "the young ones," followed by a smiley-face emoticon, court documents say. The majority of the account log-ins were conducted with an IP address allegedly registered to Rosales' name and home address. The phone number used to access the Twitter account was also registered to Rosales' name and address, the reports say. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home in June; Rosales was interviewed at his job, where he initially said the only pornography he'd received was unsolicited and unintentional. Later, he reportedly admitted "following" a Twitter group that shared child porn, and had re-tweeted images he'd received. A forensic analysis of Rosales' cell phone revealed an instant messaging conversation with someone using the name "Forbi Dden." In it, Rosales was asked for images of young females he knew, the criminal complaint says; he responded by saying he'd try to take photos of them playing in the sprinklers. Rosales allegedly asked for child porn from "Forbi Dden," who responded by sending six sexually graphic photos of young girls between the ages of 4 and 10. If convicted, the dissemination charge carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. The possession charges are punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. ALBERT LEA The Austin man accused of running over a party-goer in a pasture, killing him, was sentenced Friday to 36 months in prison for a DWI charge he'd appeared in court for the day before the fatal crash. The three-year sentence for Nathan Paul Brooks, 27, was stayed for seven years at his original sentencing in April 2015. He'd pleaded guilty to the felony charge in January 2015 in Mower County District Court. Brooks was sent to the Minnesota Correctional Facility-St. Cloud with credit for 211 days already served; his anticipated release date is March 29, 2018. He will serve that sentence as the criminal vehicular homicide case against him proceeds in Freeborn County District Court. Brooks was charged in April after the death of Alex Tapp, 30, at a party. ADVERTISEMENT That investigation began about 9:15 p.m. April 16, when deputies were sent to a home in rural Freeborn County for a report of a man who'd been run over. It was Tapp, also of Austin; he was pronounced dead at the scene. There had been a party and bonfire in the pasture of the property that evening; several witnesses said Brooks was driving a large SUV around the pasture, "doing donuts," "tearing around" and "four-wheeling." At least three people reported seeing Brooks after Tapp's body was found; when they called 911 and started CPR, Brooks allegedly said, "I thought I hit the dog." He was no longer in the pasture when first responders arrived. According to court documents, deputies looked in the pasture, near the bonfire and in the nearby home, but couldn't find Brooks. After multiple calls to his cell phone went unanswered, the cell phone provider "pinged" the phone; it was determined the phone was in a seven-mile radius of the property, but the provider couldn't be more specific. Brooks wasn't located that night; the next afternoon, an attorney called law enforcement and said Brooks would turn himself in, which he did. Brooks reportedly told authorities when he was returning to the pasture with more firewood, he ran over something and his "heart just stopped." He said he hoped it was just a log. After parking the SUV near the bonfire, he noticed Tapp wasn't around; Brooks claimed he ran to the area where he'd run over something and found Tapp on the ground, critically injured. Brooks said he alerted others, who called 911 and began CPR, and said he was on the phone with 911 when they were doing CPR. ADVERTISEMENT According to the criminal complaint, Brooks said he walked to the house, went into the basement, kept the lights off and sat in the dark. He called his wife to have her come over, then shut off his phone and cried, he told investigators. Brooks denied driving carelessly and denied trying to hide; he said he didn't hear anyone in the house or he would've talked to the deputies, but admitted he didn't speak with law enforcement before going inside. When a detective told Brooks that deputies had searched the house that night and had spoken with his wife there, Brooks again denied hiding, and said he didn't speak to his wife until 9:30 the next morning. The detective asked Brooks why he'd shut off his phone; according to court records, Brooks denied shutting it off, saying instead that it had died. A review of Brooks' criminal history reveals three convictions for DWI between 2009 and 2014. In addition, his driver's license has been revoked since 2010. The criminal vehicular homicide charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both. PRESTON A former Preston man currently serving a prison term at the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Rush City pleaded guilty Tuesday to a case stemming from a series of incidents in June. Dylan Cantrell Bathke, 20, made the trip from Rush City to enter an Alford plea of guilty to one count each of motor vehicle theft and terroristic threats, both felonies. With an Alford plea, Bathke maintains his innocence but acknowledges the evidence would be sufficient to convict him. In exchange for the plea, two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, a second count of terroristic threats and one count each of theft and fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, all felonies, are expected to be dismissed. Misdemeanor counts of careless driving, reckless driving and speeding are also likely to be dismissed at his Feb. 6 sentencing in Fillmore County District Court. The case began the night of June 15, when a woman reported Bathke had taken a computer from her home and was planning to go to Alabama because some guys were going to kill him over a debt, the complaint says. When she called Bathke from the sheriff's office, "he sounded out of it," the report says; Bathke handed the phone to a friend who said she didn't know the computer was stolen, and agreed to return it. The friend came to the sheriff's office with the computer, but said Bathke had jumped out of her car, claiming he had guns and drugs on him and didn't want to go to prison. According to court documents, Bathke "started eating (plastic bags) of drugs," then pulled a gun and pointed it at her. ADVERTISEMENT About an hour later, the owner of the computer called law enforcement to report Bathke was outside her home. Officers established a perimeter in the area; minutes later, a truck attempted to leave the area. The person was driving erratically while turning the vehicle's headlights on and off and refused to stop for an officer. The truck made its way to U.S. Highway 52, traveling south. At times, the vehicle was in the northbound lane and on the west shoulder, driving at speeds of about 75 mph. While attempting to negotiate a turn, the truck went into the ditch, then east through a cornfield. The chase eventually involved three squad cars and another trip across the cornfield, court documents say, with Bathke at the wheel. Once out of the field, he allegedly rammed one squad car with the pickup, which swung around and struck the car again. After the collision, Bathke drove back into the cornfield again, where the truck became stuck, the complaint says; Bathke was arrested a short time later. No weapon was found. Less than three weeks later, Bathke escaped from the county jail, but was arrested less than 24 hours later in Rochester. He pleaded guilty to that felony Tuesday, also. A week after he was recaptured, he was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison for his conviction of receiving stolen property in a 2015 case. Bathke was given credit for 84 days already served and ordered to pay more than $3,000 in restitution. His anticipated prison release date in that case is Dec. 19. Rochester City Council President Randy Staver, who's running for re-election on Nov. 8, is the subject of another formal complaint, this time filed in the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings. Complainant Abe Sauer alleges in the filing that Staver knowingly violated the Campaign Finances Act by dividing in-kind donations for a single event expense. Staver responded by calling the complaint, coupled with a previous complaint filed locally by Sauer, "11th-hour tactics (that are) nothing short of dirty politics and bordering on harassment." Sauer, a Rochester resident and self-described supporter of Staver's challenger, neighborhood activist and business owner Sean Allen, recently filed complaints against Staver and Mayor Ardell Brede with the city Ethical Practices Board for failure to list an arts organization on disclosure forms. The Office of Administrative Hearings complaint was filed Wednesday. In a response from the office forwarded to the Post Bulletin, an administrative judge said the matter would be reviewed within three business days. ADVERTISEMENT If the matter is determined to be a potential violation of Minnesota statutes, it will be set for a hearing. If no potential for violation of statutes exists, the matter would be dismissed. According to Sauer's complaint, Staver and his campaign hosted a fundraising event Sept. 13 at the Mayowood Stone Barn . The event was catered by Powers Ventures, the complaint says, and Powers Ventures is the owner of the venue. In campaign finance reports filed with the city, Staver's campaign lists three in-kind donations from Nick Powers, Joey Powers and Melissa Walker, Joe Powers' daughter. The donations were for $933.33 each and were dated Sept. 16, Sept. 22 and Sept. 25. The complaint alleges that if the children have no ownership in the business, the contributions should be attributed to the business owner, Joe Powers, and therefore constitute a donation over the maximum single-party limit of $1,000. Powers, contacted by the Post Bulletin this morning, expressed outrage at the complaint and said, "I can 100 percent guarantee that what we did is legal. I've been involved in campaigns since I was a kid, I worked with professionals in doing this. My kids, who have zero ownership in the company, were given a bill and they paid for it with their personal credit cards and personal check. "My kids are involved in Randy's campaign and it was their donation, which they have the right to do," Powers said. He called Staver an "extremely ethical individual" and Sauer's attempts to "make him look like an unethical person is the farthest thing from the truth. What he's done to Randy and (Mayor Ardell Brede) is not right." Staver told the Post Bulletin that the cost of hosting the Sept. 13 event totaled $2,800 and was split equally and invoiced to three individuals. He said his campaign team "is very aware of the campaign finance rules and also acutely aware that details are scrutinized. That is why we are extremely careful to follow the rules and keep all needed documentation." ADVERTISEMENT Staver was clearly frustrated by the multiple complaints filed by Sauer, who owns Old Abe Coffee Co. in Rochester . "I am quite frankly irritated that Mr. Sauer, a well-known supporter of my opponent, is choosing to bring these kinds of unsubstantiated allegations forward coincidentally only days before the election," Staver said. "I have maintained high integrity throughout the campaign and have not denigrated my opposition, instead choosing to focus on the positive. But I find it difficult to believe that these 11th-hour tactics are nothing short of dirty politics and bordering on harassment," he said. Sauer replied: "If following the letter of the law is 'dirty politicking,' then I guess I'm dirty politicking. If a judge finds that Joe Powers' attempts to hide his thousands of dollars in donations to Staver's campaign were strictly legal, then I will respect and support that judgment." Brian Conner Age: 58 Education: Graduated from Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis., with two degrees Occupation: Benchmark Electronics Inc., senior supplier development engineer Political experience: None ADVERTISEMENT Community involvement: Active church member, DNR youth gun safety instructor, 4-H leader. Website: None Top three priorities: 1. Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of county residents. 2. Maintain a safe infrastructure throughout Winona County. 3. Protect the environment for future generations. What is your position on the frac sand issue? The state of Minnesota does not endorse a ban; the Winona Township Officers do not endorse a ban; nor does the Winona Planning Committee. I support the compromise set forth by the Winona Planning Committee. It is fair for both sides, and it mirrors what Goodhue County has established. That being said, I do not expect any more frac sand mines in Winona, other than the two we currently have. It is not economically feasible. ADVERTISEMENT What should be done, if anything, to upgrade the Winona County Detention Facility? This is a challenge that I will have to look into when I become the District 4 commissioner. Upgrading is an option, but there is limited space to conform to the newest MN DOC requirements. In my opinion, Winona County will have to look at building a new jail in the near future or transport more inmates to surrounding county jails. It will come down to the cost associated with upgrading; new jail or increased transportation of inmates. How should road and bridge repairs be paid for in Winona County? Although the county commissioners recently passed a half-cent sales tax geared to providing funds for the infrastructure of the county, it is only a stopgap between the lack of funds from the Minnesota Legislature. With escalating costs associated with infrastructure maintenance, the county needs to push back on the Legislature as to the need for long-term revenue requirements. Greg Olson Age: 52 Education: Minnesota State College Southeast Technical Occupation: Facilities foreman, Houston County ADVERTISEMENT Political experience: Winona County Commissioner since 2009 Community involvement: WSU Neighborhood mentor, adopt a block committee, volunteer firefighter, annual spring cleanup, flood volunteer, Semcac board, workforce investment board, neighborhood watch. Website: None What are your top three priorities? 1. Effective and efficient government operations. 2. Bluff protection. 3. Health safety and welfare of county residents. What is your position on the frac sand issue? I worked on the introduction of the industrial silica sand ban proposal at the county board level. The public hearing process and public input process have been overwhelmingly in favor of a ban. The public has a clear message: Winona County should not compromise on the protection of our bluffs, groundwater, air or roads. The health, safety and welfare of the public should be our No. 1 priority. What should be done, if anything, to upgrade the Winona County Detention Facility? I believe a plan that utilizes our current facility along with any needed upgrades or additions would best serve both our current and future needs. We have received input via a facility analysis and report from the National Institute of Corrections, and we will continue to work with our CJCC to identify specific goals and trends that will best serve our citizens and our responsibility. How should road and bridge repairs be paid for in Winona County? I did not support the half-cent sales tax motion or language for funding of our infrastructure needs. The funding mechanisms of the state gas tax allocations and local levy are the traditional methods. The state Legislature needs to address this mandate via the gas tax and transportation funding. We need to keep applying pressure at the state level for necessary funding of our public road and bridge infrastructure. Soil and Water Supervisor, District 3 Bill Rowekamp Soil and Water Supervisor, District 5 Andy Kronebusch Terry Lane Dodge County EDA considers selling former hardware store building WEST CONCORD An old hardware store building is on the table for discussion. The Economic Development Authority is considering an offer from Eugene Poncelet to purchase the building for $55,000. The EDA discussed this at a special meeting and decided they would need additional information on the way the building would be used. Houston County ADVERTISEMENT Dental therapist starts work at Herman Dental CALEDONIA Herman Dental is now offering a dental therapist's services. Megan Guthmiller is working at the clinic in this capacity. She likens it to being a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. She provides dental service to those with limited access to dental care of are on the state dental insurance program. She is one of 60 licensed dental therapists in Minnesota. Fillmore County Canton to sponsor Christmas light contest CANTON The Canton City Council has decided that the city will again sponsor the Christmas lighting contest the week prior to Dec. 10. Winners will be awarded $100, $75 and $50 for first, second and third places, respectively. The Santa Day event, Christmas parade and city Christmas celebration will be held on Dec. 10. ADVERTISEMENT Mower County Minority Business Project offers help to immigrants AUSTIN Legal, economic and advocacy groups have joined together to provide Latino and other minority immigrants a step up in establishing new businesses in the Austin area through the Austin Area Minority Business Project. Partnership services include, among other things, improving or acquiring legal immigration status and citizenship through naturalization for individuals and families; providing community and economic development through immigrant business training and support; and assistance with employment law. Funding comes from a grant from the Legal Services Advisory Committee. More information is available at 507-460-8948. Wabasha County State available for flood damage WABASHA Gov. Mark Dayton has authorized up to $143,295 for Wabasha County to aid with repairs related to heavy rains and flooding on Aug. 10-11, which caused damage to local roads and agricultural drainage systems. ADVERTISEMENT Aid from the contingency account will reimburse the counties for public infrastructure repairs and clean-up costs. Under Minnesota law, the state will reimburse 75 percent of eligible costs for public infrastructure repairs and cleanup, with localities responsible for covering the remaining 25 percent. Goodhue County Trail submitted to Destination Mississippi Project RED WING Goodhue County Geographic Information Systems staff submitted the Cannon Valley Trail to be part of National Geographic's Destination Mississippi Project. This project encompasses places to go, where to stay and things to do along the entire length of the river. The Cannon Valley Trail connects the cities of Cannon Falls, Welch and Red Wing on a former Chicago Great Western Railway line. Winona County Memories of Vietnam exhibit opens Nov. 9 WINONA The Memories of Vietnam will open Nov. 9 at the Winona County History Center. The exhibit will feature artifacts and stories from local veterans and explore the impact the Vietnam War had on Winona County. The center is at 160 Johnson St. Olmsted County Sheriff's Office deputies and Adult Detention Center jailers could be wearing body camera technology by early next year. The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved Sheriff Kevin Torgerson's request to use $316,498 in reserve funding during three years to purchase equipment and implement a body-worn camera program for county law enforcement officers. Several circumstances made this the right time for Olmsted County to move forward with a body camera program, Torgerson explained. The county board last November had considered purchasing the equipment but opted to wait for state legislation to clear up data classification questions. The Minnesota Legislature acted in May this year to classify the majority of body camera data as nonpublic, to specify how long video data should be retained and when data should be released. Torgerson said the public attitude toward law enforcement agencies also had shifted in the last year; the public, including jurors, had come to expect body camera video as evidence in many situations. ADVERTISEMENT "We'd be really doing a disservice at this point in time, to delay any longer the opportunity for our officers to restore that credibility and the honor of what they try to do out there every day," Torgerson said. County board member Sheila Kiscaden said Torgerson had answered many of her questions on technology integration, cost and policy. She supported the expenditure. "I think we're in a time when, you're right, there is an unfortunate attitude of distrust," Kiscaden said. "And yet, at the same time, this is a wonderful tool for law enforcement for gathering evidence but also being more accountable to the public." The three-year $316,498 expense includes purchasing camera equipment from vendor TASER International, as well as purchasing smartphones for sheriff's deputies to use in conjunction with the body-worn cameras. The cost for cameras is $148,681. The phone purchase would replace a stipend the sheriff's office currently pays to officers for use of personal phones. Torgerson recommended purchase of Samsung Note 5 phones, at a cost of $137,883. Cameras for law enforcement staff at the Adult Detention Center added another $55,934, less a previous $26,000 allocation the county board made in 2014 for camera equipment as part of a training program. The county board voted 6-0 to approve the expense. Board member Jim Bier was absent. The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office has a policy in draft form to govern body camera use. It is available for review online at www.co.olmsted.mn.us/sheriff, and a public comment period is open through Nov. 15 for comments on the policy. Comments can be sent by email to sheriffweb@co.olmsted.mn.us. ADVERTISEMENT A county board meeting in December will offer a public hearing and comment period for in-person comments on the policy. Torgerson, following the county board meeting, said county law enforcement could begin wearing cameras by early next year, potentially by February or March. The Rochester Police Department issued body cameras to its officers in March and is in the process of revising its policy based on state legislation passed this year. Organizations across Olmsted County are working on similar issues housing, transportation and workforce and with the help of a new tool, the organizations can move forward using the same data on those issues. The Community Networking Group recently released its Compass Points 2016 dashboard of community data. The dashboard shows information and research compiled around 13 areas of community well-being. Olmsted County, the city of Rochester, Rochester Area Foundation, Mayo Clinic and United Way of Olmsted County provided funding for the study. The Community Networking Group worked with Wilder Research and Minnesota Compass Points to produce the dashboard. Community Networking Group leaders hope the dashboard will provide common ground for groups working to address key issues in the community. "Our hope is that everyone in the community will use this. This is a public document for organizations of all sizes to use with their own planning documents," Audrey Betcher, Rochester Public Library executive director and Community Networking Group member, said at a Tuesday Olmsted County Board of Commissioners meeting. ADVERTISEMENT Key findings from the study showed room for improvement in the community's affordable housing availability, workforce attraction and retention, and transportation costs. According to the dashboard , 46 percent of Olmsted County renters pay more than 30 percent of their income for rent and are considered "cost burdened." Of all households in Olmsted County, 21 percent pay more than 30 percent of their income for housing. Olmsted residents are also paying a high share of their income for transportation. The average median income household spends 21 percent of its income on transportation. Low-income, single-parent households spend as much as one-third of their income on transportation. The dashboard also points out a worrying trend in the local workforce: the population of older adults in the community, ages 64-84, grew by 68 percent from 2000 to 2015. In the same period, the population of working-age residents in the community grew by 20 percent. To address any of the benchmark issues the dashboard identified, it would take a combination of local government, nonprofit organizations and businesses, said Carrie Zimmerman, communications manager at Rochester Area Foundation. "When you talk about well being and all of its different facets, it really is an all hands on deck sort of a situation," Zimmerman said. Having a common set of data for organizations to refer to could help guide policy and investment decisions. "There's lots of reports or various numbers we hear on specific things that sort of perk people's ears up, but the more that we can take a holistic view of the community and see all the data side by side and understand how that compares to our past it really gives us a good context for planning and making decisions," Zimmerman said. ADVERTISEMENT Some organizations are considering investing in similar, compatible data sets, said Sheila Kiscaden, Olmsted County board member. The Destination Medical Center Corp. Board of Directors has invested in a dashboard-style data set, and Journey to Growth is considering using this and similar data to measure regional vitality, Kiscaden said. The dashboard data is available to view online at cngv2.dmcbeam.org . Just off Rice Street in St. Paul is an auto repair shop called SKD Auto Tek. It's run by two refugee brothers who were born in the Karen state of Myanmar, formerly called Burma. Younger brother Kaw Hai, 31, is the head mechanic. "For us, we don't work hourly right now because we run our own business," he said. "Sometimes we work really long hours. Some nights I go home at 2 or 3 in the morning." That kind of dedication may help explain a new report that shows refugees have contributed significantly to the Twin Cities' economy. Among some ethnic groups, refugee men join the labor force at higher rates than U.S.-born men. As he worked on a car in the SKD garage, Hai explained he'd started looking for a job as soon as his family arrived in the United States 16 years ago. "I worked at McDonald's," he said with a laugh, adding his father and brother worked there as well. "It was the beginning ... step by step. Later, when we know more English, go to another level, better pay." ADVERTISEMENT His older brother, Soe Doh, is the brains of the business. He's a former accountant in the San Francisco office of PricewaterhouseCoopers. "This is my country," he said. "This is the only country that I am able to have a solid paper that I can look at and say, 'Oh, that's my name. I'm a U.S. citizen.'" Before the family came to the United States, Soe Doh said, "We were stateless; we don't have a country. We were running from the Burmese government. ... To be in this country was a blessing." Doh counts himself among the lucky ones. Unlike many other refugees, he didn't witness a lot of violence and was able to focus on getting an education and becoming the professional he is today. "To say that refugees are not hard at work, you know, you can't," he said. "You can't generalize about refugees because we have a lot of American people that don't like to work. They know English and don't want to work. It's even worse than being a refugee who doesn't like to work." A report released recently by the Center for American Progress in Washington and the Fiscal Policy Institute in New York shows that refugee men such as the Karen brothers quickly find work, often at a rate exceeding that of U.S.-born men. The report focused on refugees from Somalia, Myanmar, Laos and Bosnia who came to the United States from 1982 to 2014. Of the four groups, refugees from Myanmar had the most improved wages. For example, recently arrived male refugees earn a median wage of $23,000 per year, but men who have been in the United States for a decade earn more than twice that. In this election season, the refugee story has been distorted, said Clark Biegler, a policy analyst with the Minnesota Budget Project. ADVERTISEMENT "Sometimes the message that gets sent in the media is that they're takers -- they're taking too much of services, they're not paying taxes and not always working, but in fact the opposite is true," Biegler said. "This report shows that these folks ... are getting jobs; they're participating in our economy by becoming business owners. They're trying to make a new life." Her group released a separate report last week called The State of Working Minnesota 2016 . It shows people of color in the state continue to earn lower incomes than white Minnesotans, and people of color are more likely than white Minnesotans to be unemployed or underemployed. That's why Eh Tah Khu keeps working to connect employers with refugees. He's the co-executive director of The Karen Organization of Minnesota. When he makes those connections, they pay off. One factory manager was so happy with some Karen workers that he asked for 100 more, and fast. "He said that the Karen people are hard-working people," Khu said. "They are on time. They follow instructions. And they listen, are respectful." Khu wants to focus next on academic scholarships and job training for children of refugees. Similar to many other states, Minnesota will face a labor shortage as baby boomers retire, opening up more opportunities for refugees and immigrants. Dr. B Speaks! It always seems impossible until it's done. That is the way Nelson Mandela put it. His quote motivates mission-driven people to accomplish d Read moreTeacher assistants help support teachers and students to learn Hillary Clintons woes and Donald Trumps revival figure to be good news for down ballot Republican candidates. I dont think the House was ever going to flip, but not long ago the Senate seemed very likely to. Now, perhaps, the GOP will maintain control. I want to focus on two races one that we have covered extensively and one Im not sure we have discussed at all. In Wisconsin, Sen. Ron Johnson ( a Power Line pick) has pulled nearly even with Russ Feingold. The most recent poll Ive seen, by Marquette Law School has Feingold ahead by a statistically insignificant margin of one point (Trump trails Clinton by 7 points). The only other recent poll I know of, by Emerson, had Feingold up by 4 points (Trump trailed by 6). However, Marquette is rated the best pollster in the state by FiveThirtyEight. Johnsons surge has been remarkable. A month or so ago, he was trailing by around 10 points in some surveys, including Emersons. Now, a gap may no longer exist. Wed like to thank our readers for contributing to Sen. Johnsons campaign, and remind them that they can do so (or do so again) here. The other race that has turned dramatically is in Indiana. Democrats thought they had pulled a coup when former Senator Evan Bayh entered the race to succeed Sen. Dan Coats. And thats how it looked until recently. In mid-August, Bayh led comfortably and continued to well into October. For example, a Monmouth poll taken October 11-13 showed Bayh up by six points. But now a new Monmouth poll shows Bayh tied with Rep. Todd Young. The only other fairly recent poll puts Bayh ahead by 2 points, just inside the margin of error. Bayhs decline seems to stem from a series of stories showing his extensive lobbying efforts and lack of ties to the state he once represented. Bayh owns two multi-million dollar homes in Washington and repeatedly listed them as his main places of residence. He also owns a condo in Indianapolis, but apparently almost never uses it. Indeed, according to CNN, even when Bayh returned to Indianapolis last summer for an Indiana Democratic Party dinner, he stayed at a JW Marriott, 12 miles away from his condo. A source with Indianapolis Power and Light said Bayhs monthly electric bills averaged less than $20 per month since 2012. Bayh is also harmed by the fact that Indiana is that rare state where Donald Trump is punching above his weight. With Mike Pence on the ticket, Trump leads by almost ten points in a state that Barack Obama carried in 2008. Trumps lead was down to about 5 points not long ago. Youngs surge corresponds with Trumps. Bayh is beginning to remind me of Mark Udall a politician with a long record of success from a big political family whose campaign suddenly implodes. But Bayh is still even or slightly ahead. To help take him down, you can contribute to Todd Youngs campaign here. I just did. If Ron Johnson and Todd Young both prevail, the GOP will have an excellent chance at holding the Senate. A thing to understand about legendary university towns like Berkeley or Boulder or Madison is that they are fundamentally conservative in the ordinary sense of that term: they never change. Take Berkeley (please, as the joke goes). Its got a hot race for mayor going off next Tuesday, and the Daily Californian is doing profiles of all the candidates. And Ive found mine: Berkeley Activist Zachary RunningWolf runs 4th Mayoral Campaign Zachary RunningWolf has campaigned for Berkeley mayor from a jail cell. Twice. A staple in Berkeley activism folklore, RunningWolf has now run for mayor four times. He is best known for leading a 21-month long tree sit back in 2006 in protest of campus construction plans to cut down an old oak grove bordering Memorial Stadium. This campaign season, he was arrested for a 30-day stretch beginning in September on suspicion of vandalism and marijuana possession while marching in support of a prison labor strike in Oakland. During his time in jail, he began a two-week hunger strike after his hearing was postponed twice. RunningWolf saw his incarceration as a flagrant injustice. The whole story is worth a read if you have the time, but this section is vital to take in: In the city of Berkeley we dont celebrate, we riot. We go against the machine, RunningWolf said. He frames problems in Berkeley and in the United States or United Snakes of Ameriklan as he calls it as symptoms of larger international issues. RunningWolf is a continual advocate against nuclear programs, and his most recent effort on the nuclear front is raising awareness for the ongoing nuclear waste spill in Fukushima, Japan. . . Both his adoptive parents were white, and he didnt reconnect with his biological mother, a member of the Blackfoot tribe, until 1999. Before, RunningWolf had been a chronic alcoholic. RunningWolf said his alcoholism came through the ills of capitalism, distraught that his job building houses required him to tear up environment. Later, however, he secured his title as a Blackfoot elder, after he ran across the country from San Francisco to Philadelphia in 2001 in support of Mumia Abu-Jamal, an iconic political activist who at the time was convicted and sentenced to death. So in other words he sounds like hes the Forrest Gump of Berkeley. Anyway, hes got my vote. If youre going to go Berkeley, go full Berkeley I say. November 3, 2016 Cypriot LGBT rights group ACCEPT has labeled Archbishop Chrysostomos as hateful, and is calling for his recent comments on the desire to create schools aimed at instilling children with traditional, Orthodox morality to be investigated, reports The Cyprus Weekly. In an interview with the MEGAONE television station the archbishop revealed that the Church is contemplating creating its own school system, with nurseries, elementary, middle and high schools being created over the next several years. The primate correctly identified homosexuality as an aberrance and a sin, saying It is not something normal. It is unnatural. In this light he noted that the proposed schools will aim to form upright, moral citizens, direct[ing] children away from homosexuality. In response, ACCEPT announced, We will be reporting the incident to the Attorney General of the Republic as a violation of the Criminal Code concerning the promotion of hatred due to sexual orientation or gender identity, and will make all relevant representations. The group also wants the TV station investigated for the supposed promotion of racist messages and hate speech. The voice of the Orthodox Church on such matters is generally respected in Cyprus, though the country has been forced to reexamine its human rights legislation since seeking EU membership. In this vein, ACCEPT proclaimed, revealing its utter lack of understanding of Orthodoxy: Morality and belief have nothing to do with sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics and a person can both be LGBTI and simultaneously follow the path of God and his teachings. Lets not forget, moreover, that the Church itself was created, composed, and represented by people with their own passions. While the group promoting immoral lifestyles accuses the archbishop of using a rhetoric of hatred, Archbishop Chrysostomos statements instead focused on teaching the path to salvation of all. He stated that when speaking to students who themselves identify as homosexual he would tell them that humans ought to learn how to strugglethe same effort that places all Orthodox Christians in the path of Christs life. The Federal Government and the World Bank on Thursday signed a Partial Risk Guarantee (PRG) agreement for the supply of gas to the $500 million Calabar gas plant to boost energy supply by 500 megawatts. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who witnessed the signing of the agreement at the Presidential Villa, said the event is very significant for the country as it would encourage investment in gas infrastructure. He said government expected that going by the current power situation, the investment was worth celebrating. He said government was grateful to the World Bank and the investors in the Calabar plant for coming to the aid of the country in its quest for more energy supply. We are looking forward to the multiplier effect that will come from this investment, Osinbajo said noting that the gas plant traversed Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. The Vice President also said the investment would portend greater things that could happen in the future. Chiedu Ugbo, the Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) Ltd., said the agreement was to tackle the gas supply issues in the plant built to generate about 561 megawatts of electricity. He said the agreement was to enable the gas supplier to supply approximately 131 million cubic feet of gas per day to the Calabar plant from its field in Akwa Ibom. Mr. Ugbo said it was the first PRG agreement for the payment security for the supply of gas to cushion any breach in payment. According to him, the Calabar Generation Company is owned by the NDPHC, a government concern. He added that in the event of breach, JP Morgan under the World Bank would pay and be reimbursed gradually in 12 months. Also speaking, Philip Iheanacho, the Chief Executive of Seven Energy, said this was the first gas-to-power guarantee that the World Bank had provided for encouraging investment in the gas sector in Nigeria. He said it had unlocked about $700 million investment into gas infrastructure in the country. Seven Energy has committed its shareholders together with its banks for very significant investment on the back of this guarantee from the World Bank. It is a means of attracting capital into the gas sector, which is critical to the power sector in Nigeria, he said. Mr. Iheanacho noted that the World Bank had a programme of gas-to-power guarantees that could be used for further investments in the sector. He said the big challenge for investors in the gas sector was their worry about payment risks. This structure enables investors to be confident that they would be paid on time because it is a guarantee from the World Bank. And that will unlock a lot more investment in the gas and power sector in Nigeria, he added. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun and Mr. Ugbo signed for Nigeria while Rachid Benmessaoud, World Bank Country Director, and Mr. Iheanacho signed for World Bank. (NAN) India said it has recalled eight of its diplomats from Pakistan after they were accused of running an espionage ring by Islamabad and their names and photos were also leaked to the media. Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Vikas Swarup, told journalists in New Delhi on Thursday. Government strongly protests the manner in which the names and photos of eight Indian officials, four of them holders of diplomatic passports, have been published. The officials were falsely implicated. Pakistans false allegations against them have the potential to adversely affect the corresponding activities of the high commission, Mr. Swarup noted. The recalling of Indian diplomats came a day after Pakistan said that it was withdrawing six of its officials from its High Commission in Delhi after they were ousted as suspected spies by India. It however came days after one of its visa section officials was expelled for running a spy network in the country. The tit-for-tat action by India and Pakistan came amid growing tensions between the two countries in the aftermath of the terror attack on an Indian Army post in Indian-controlled Kashmirs Uri sector in September. In the terror attack, 19 soldiers lost their lives. However, India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, a claim denied by the latter. Both nations stake claim to Kashmir and have fought not less than three major wars over the disputed region in the past 65 years. (Xinhua/NAN) A former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has returned N100 million to the Nigerian government following his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt. Sources close to the former minister and others at the anti-graft agency confirmed the payment. Our sources said the EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu, rejected the offer and asked for more return by the embattled former senator. Mr. Magu, sources said, demanded that the former minister sign an undertaking to pay back N600 million within a stipulated time. The former minister rejected the demands, saying he had no means of raising such an amount. He refused to sign the pledge, saying the money was too much, an EFCC source said. But the source said Mr. Obanikoro, nonetheless, continued to cooperate with his interrogators. He had really carried himself very well since he got here, really cooperating with everyone. The EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed that Mr. Obanikoro had indeed returned some money. He, however, said the EFCC was still verifying the payments and continuing its investigation. Mr. Obanikoro was remanded in custody after turning himself in to the anti-graft agency on October 17. He is accused of accepting more than N2 billion from the embattled former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki. Eso Faleke, a prosecution witness in the on-going trial of former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, said on Wednesday that the former air force chief operated Iyalikam Nigerian Ltd account. Mr. Badeh is standing trial before an Abuja Federal High Court on alleged N3.97 billion fraud. Mrs. Faleke, who is a staff of the Guaranty Trust Bank and the account officer of Iyalikam Nigerian Ltd, the 2nd defendant, told the court that the companys account was opened in 2005 by one Mary Badeh. The witness was led in evidence by Rotimi Jacobs, the prosecution counsel. The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Mr. Badeh had earlier denied operating such a company account. The witness said the bank transferred N48 million from the companys account on Mr. Badehs instructions to some companies and individuals. She also informed the court that she electronically transferred N10 million from the second defendants account on July 23, 2015 on the instruction of Mr. Badeh. She also said another N8 million was also transferred to one Mohammed Hamidu on July 23, 2015. According to Mrs. Faleke, the bank transferred another N30 million, in two tranches of N14 million and N16 million to Habco Nigeria Ltd. The witness informed the court that N4,740,000 was paid into Iyalikams account on July 2013 by the order of Bamuba Global Resource. Mrs. Faleke said that another N3 million was also deposited on October 18, 2013 by one Enyi Jonathan, while N6 million was transferred into the account by Nonaway Nigeria Ltd. According to her, Prime Touch Insurance also deposited N40 million into the companys accounts on April 23, 2015. When cross-examined by counsel to the defendant, Akinlolu Olujimi, Mr. Faleke informed the court that Iyalikam Nigeria Ltd accounts was opened at the Garki branch in 2013. The witness told the court that it was one Olorunfemi, who had since left the bank, that handled the opening of the account. According to the witness, as at the time the account was opened, Mr. Badeh was not a signatory. She said he became a signatory in 2015. Mrs. Faleke said that the N30 million transfer was under the written instruction of Mr. Badeh and that the N10 million and N8 million were transferred based on telephone instructions. According to the witness, telephone instructions were valid instructions and they were backed by verification via the e-mail sent by Mr. Badeh. Justice Okon Abang adjourned the matter till November 3 for the continuation of cross-examination of the witness. (NAN) The Senate on Thursday blamed its rejection of President Muhammadu Buharis $29.960 billion external loan bid on the incompetence of presidential aides tasked with preparing the proposal. This position was given by the Senate spokesperson, Aliyu Abdullahi, when he featured on a Channels TV breakfast programme, Sunrise, on Thursday. The president, last week Tuesday, forwarded a request to the National Assembly to approve an external borrowing plan of $29.960 billion to execute key infrastructural projects across the country between 2016 and 2018. Mr. Buhari said the external loan, the biggest in Nigerias history, will fund targeted projects cutting across all sectors with special emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, water supply, growth and employment generation. Other sectors, he said, are poverty reduction through social safety net programmes and governance and financial management reforms, among others. But a week after the request was submitted, the Senate on Tuesday threw out the loan request without debate. The Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, later revealed that the presidents letter had no detailed information about the loan bid, even though the letter made reference to an attached breakdown in its first paragraph. This was admitted by the Presidency through Mr. Buharis assistant on the Senate, Ita Enang, who said the government would work with relevant agencies to collate the needed information. Speaking on the development Thursday morning, the Senate spokesperson, Mr. Abdullahi, said people entrusted with key responsibilities within the Presidency must do their work. He noted that there was a line in the letter that read attached, but lamented nothing is attached. He blamed the anomaly on officials who were responsible for helping the President on matters of communication. This is the reality unfortunately. We have to rethink position given to certain persons and people who are not competent should step aside. What is the Chief of Staff doing? What is the SGF doing? We have said it that some people are working to set the president against the legislature, said Mr. Abdullahi. Defending the Senates action, the spokesperson said since the presidents letter was not supported by detailed information, the lawmakers had nothing to work with. Mr. Abdullahi however said if all these things are addressed, the Senate is more than desirous to consider the loan authorisation request. As at June, Nigerias debt profile is N16.29 trillion, representing $61.7 billion at N283/$1 exchange rate, according to the Debt Management Office. In the 2016 budget, N1.48 trillion is meant for debt servicing, far higher than the countrys N221.7 billion budget for health and the N369.6 billion for education. The proposed 2016-2018 borrowing (rolling) plan of $29.960 billion is made up of proposed projects and programmes loan of $11.274 billion, special national infrastructure projects $10.686 billion, Euro bonds of $4.5 billion and Federal Government budget support of $3.5 billion. The Nigerian Police have set up a panel to investigate cases of sexual abuse in Internally Displaced Persons camps, first reported by global rights group, Human Rights Watch. President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier called on security operatives to investigate the allegations, published on Monday. Human Rights Watch reported extensive sexual abuse and exploitation in the IDP camps, and accused security personnel and other officials of being the culprits. Officials either raped women and girls or lured them into sex in exchange for financial and material benefits, the report said. It is bad enough that these women and girls are not getting much-needed support for the horrific trauma they suffered at the hands of Boko Haram, said Mausi Segun, senior Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch. It is disgraceful and outrageous that people who should protect these women and girls are attacking and abusing them, she had added. The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, said in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Don Awunah, that a special police panel will investigate. The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris MPN mni, has set up a Special dedicated Investigation Team to immediately commence thorough Investigation into all cases of alleged sexual abuses, exploitation, harassments, gender based violence and professional misconduct on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in some of North-eastern States contained in a report published by the Human Right Watch against Camp officials, vigilante groups, Soldiers and Policemen among others, the statement said. It called on the rights group to help the investigation team by providing credible information that can serve as evidence for the alleged abuses. A Kano Magistrates Court on Thursday discharged all the five suspects, who allegedly killed a trader, Bridget Agbahime in Kano on June 2 over allegations of blasphemy. The suspects, Dauda Ahmed, Abdulmumeen Mustafa, Zubairu Abubakar, Abdullahi Abubakar and Musa Abdullahi were slammed with a four-count charge of allegedly inciting disturbance, culpable homicide, joint act and mischief. Mrs. Agbahime, 74, an Imo indigene, was murdered in Kofar Wambai Market in Kano over alleged blasphemy. The Chief Magistrate, Muhammad Jibril, discharged the five suspects and terminated the case as advised by the attorney-general of Kano State. Earlier, the Principal State Counsel, Rabiu Yusuf, representing the attorney-general of Kano State, told the court that they received the case diary from the police on June 8. Having gone through the case diary, the attorney- general of Kano State evaluated the facts in accordance with Sections 130 and150 of the Criminal Procedure Code, presented the legal advice, Mr. Yusuf said. The legal advice presented to the court, dated June 24, states that there is no case to answer as the suspects are all innocent and orders the court to discharge all the suspects. The counsel to the suspects, Abdulsalam Gambo, commended the attorney-general for the judgment in the case. NAN reports that the suspects and their families expressed gratitude to God for the judgment and for their freedom. (NAN) Three more people that partook in a deadly cassava flour meal in Ogaminana area of Okene in Kogi State, have lost their lives. Two of them, a 42-year-old woman and 10-year-old boy, died on Thursday at the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, the acting Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Olatunde Alabi, told journalists. Mr. Alabi said three victims of the cassava flour meal were rushed to the hospital in critical condition on Wednesday morning from Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area, but two of them died Thursday morning. He said that the boy died at about 4 a.m while the woman died at about 10 a.m. Mr. Alabi said the third victim, a girl of about 13 years, is in critical condition. The chief medical director confirmed that seven people actually died between Monday and Tuesday, and not six as speculated. According to him, the cause of the deaths was yet to be ascertained. He said the hospital suspected cyanide poison from the cassava meal. Clinically, we are saying we are suspecting cyanide poison, Mr. Alabi said. He said the hospital staff did their best to save their lives but the worst still happened. He said the state government appeared determined to ascertain the real cause of the death of the people as it has decided to send the blood samples of the victims for detoxincology test in South Africa. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that a woman, three of her children and three of neighbours children lost their lives between Monday and Tuesday, after a meal of cassava flour. The woman was said to have brought the cassava flour from her farm at Uhuepe village on Sunday, from which she prepared a dinner (white amala) for her family. She also extended the meal to the children of her neighbours. The woman and three of her children died in their house on Monday, while the three children of their neighbours who partook in the meal died at the Okene General Hospital the next day. (NAN) The Senate on Thursday dismissed the 2017-2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper sent to it by President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the documents as empty and not worth considering. Senates action is coming two days after it rejected the presidents plan to borrow $29.690 billion to execute key infrastructural projects across the country between 2016 and 2018. It said the plan lacked detailed information. It also came on the same day the Senate denounced presidential aides as being incompetent, saying they failed to present a comprehensive proposal on Mr. Buharis bid to borrow $30 billion. Mr. Buhari had on October 4 sent the MTEF and FSP, ahead of the 2017 budget, to the Senate and the House of Representatives for consideration. The Senate complained that the details of the fiscal proposals, which in Nigerias public finance architecture are the precursors to the annual budget, were not attached to the presidents letter requesting the consideration. At plenary on Thursday, the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, raised a point of order drawing the attention of his colleagues to a newspaper report with a headline, which suggested that the National Assembly was to blame for failure to meet the October target for the submission of the 2017 budget proposal. He said the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udoma, was quoted as saying in the publication that the suspension of debate of the MTEF/FSP had stalled the ministrys plan to transmit the 2017 budget to the legislature. Mr. Ndume expressed displeasure that the executive arm had resorted to blaming the legislature over the avoidable delay. He said, As the Leader of this Senate and I am responsible for presenting communications, bills from the Executive. You will recall that we received the MTEF on 30th September. Instead of submitting it according to law not later than 1st of September, that is not even the problem. I went through and the copies have been circulated. I talked to some experts. Even in this chamber, we have people that you can call experts. If you look at this document that they call MTEF, it is empty. And it doesnt contain anything. If you have nothing how do you consider nothing? Mr. Ndume said on October 19 he wrote Mr. Udoma and his Finance counterpart, Kemi Adeosun, seeking the details of the MTEF/FSP but that he was yet to get any response from the duo. He said he invited both ministers to meet with the Senate on November 1 to review the MTEF from holistic perspective but that they failed to turn up. He further explained that in the letter he requested that a comprehensive report on the implementation of the 2016 budget as of third quarter as well as the fiscal rates taxes and charges used to derive the projected revenue. Up till now, there is no communication to that, the senate leader lamented. Mr. Ndume warned that the legislature could not afford to begin the 2017 budget process with blame game. He said, We cannot afford to start the 2017 budget process with this blame game. This Senate is Nigerian Senate. We have the opposition that is co-operating with us and we have the majority in this Senate. So, it is not like we are working against the government but we know what we are doing. And we should do it right. When they bring nothing and we ask for something so that we will do it properly, they run to the newspaper to start blaming the National Assembly. The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said he called Mr. Udoma on phone to discuss the matter and that the minister was ready to retract what he reportedly said about the MTEF and the blame on the legislature. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, Albert Bassey, also said, I called the Minister of Budget and he confirmed that he was quoted out of context that he will address this. On his part, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, gave assurance that the Senate was ready to consider the 2017 budget provided things were done right. We are ready to take the budget presentation anytime in doing so, the executive must be reminded that everything must be done right. All arms of government must live to its responsibility. The issue of blame game should be put behind us, he said. The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mr. Udoma, denied snubbing the Senate. In a statement by his media aide, Akpandem James, Mr. Udoma expressed surprise at the accusation by Mr. Ndume. He said the proposed meeting with the Senate was eventually moved by agreement; and wondered why Mr. Ndume would go on the floor of the upper legislative chamber to say he failed to turn up, when he was aware that the meeting was rescheduled. Senator Udoma was equally surprised that even after the newspaper that published the story, which quoted him as blaming the National Assembly for the delay in the presentation of the 2017 budget, has published that the reporter never spoke with the Minister, Senator Ndume still went ahead to make an issue out of the matter on the floor of the Senate, his aide said. The House of Representatives on Thursday slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission for allegedly suppressing the rights of some Nigerians to adequate representation in government. The complaints were contained in a motion moved under matters of urgent national importance by Kingsley Chinda. Mr. Chinda, from Rivers State, said there are no fewer than 66 constituencies spread across 19 states of the country that currently have no representation in their respective state assemblies. He listed the states to include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Delta, Edo, Imo and Jigawa. Others included Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers and Sokoto. Mr. Chinda said by refusing to carve out these locations, the electoral umpire is violating Section 153 (1) (F) of the Constitution. We are hereby worried that the INECs action has denied people of the affected communities of their right to adequate representation, Mr. Chinda said. The House subsequently adopted the motion and called on INEC to immediately delineate the areas of their inhabitants to be able to vote in subsequent elections. The Nigerian Army said on Thursday that it intercepted a group of suspected Boko Haram insurgents allegedly on a mission to loot logistics supplies in surrounding villages. Sani Usman, the Director, Army Public Relations Department, made the disclosure in a statement issued to journalists in Maiduguri. He said that the troops were patrolling the Monguno-Brimari road when the incident occurred. On sighting the patrol, the insurgents engaged the troops in a shootout that lasted for about fifteen minutes before they were overpowered by the superior fire power of the patrol. In the encounter, 2 insurgents were neutralised and their weapons including one FN rifle loaded with a magazine of 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one AK 47 rifle with 3 magazines were captured. Also recovered from the insurgents were 2 motorcycles, drugs, wrappers and clothes, the spokesperson said. (NAN) The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has insisted on the termination of the appointment of 5,000 secondary school teachers who were yet to receive placement letter from the state government. Mr. Emmanuel said the teachers recruitment, hurriedly done in the last days of the previous administration of Godswill Akpabio, was faulty. Even the bible says if the foundation is not right, what can the righteous man do? a Government House press release quoted Governor Emmanuel as telling journalists on Wednesday, when he landed at the Akwa Ibom International Airport. We have tried to see how we could get something out of that recruitment process, but believe me, the foundation was very faulty. Mr. Emmanuel repeated what he had often said about the recruitment that there was a syndicate which had given out fake appointment letters to thousands of unqualified applicants. He said that prompted the cancelation of the recruitment. The release said Mr. Emmanuel warned that the administration wasnt ready to bow to sentiments, and that he would ensure that the right decisions were made in the interest of the Akwa Ibom people. If we are putting people to teach our children, please let us leave sentiments apart and go for the right people, the governor said. We need to make sure they went through the right process and have the right qualifications. We are assuring the 5000 people that they need not worry, when we are calling for aptitude test, you need not re-apply, just walk into the venue of the exercise with that appointment letter and justify that you are qualified to teach our children. The cancellation was first announced few days ago by the Head of Civil Service in the state, Ekereobong Akpan, before the latest remark by the governor. It is obviously an unexpected blow to the unemployed teachers who for about two years now have been putting pressure on the governmentto assign them to public secondary schools across the state. Meanwhile, a lawyer and human rights activist from the state, Inibehe Effiong has criticized the action of the state government, describing it as illegal and insensitive. The current government should note that the moment the teachers accepted the offer(s) of employment, a contract of employment (with statutory flavour) was created with terms and conditions, including the manner of disengagement, clearly regulated by statute, Mr. Effiong said in a statement on Wednesday. The law is firmly established that contracts of employment with statutory flavour cannot be terminated arbitrarily without strict compliance with the relevant statute, rules and regulations governing the contract. Supposing without conceding that the government has the right in law to terminate the contract because of alleged irregularities in the recruitment exercise, the manner in which it was done renders the purported cancellation unconstitutional owing to the failure of the government to accord the affected persons fair hearing as mandatorily required by Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). If Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, had not breached the Aburi Accord, the 30-month Nigerian Civil War that killed the post-independence promise of national development and integration and claimed millions of lives would not have happened. Chudi Offodile, a lawyer and two-term member of the House of Representatives, observed this in a new book, while making a retrospective scrutiny of the Nigerian Civil War, almost half a century after the outbreak of hostilities on May 30, 1967. The Aburi Accord, which was reached between January 4 and 5, 1967 at a meeting attended by delegates of both the Federal Government of Nigeria, led by General Gowon, and the Eastern Regions leader, Emeka Ojukwu, at a small town in Ghana, presented a last chance of avoiding an all-out war between Eastern Nigeria and the rest of Nigeria. The Accord broke down due to differences in interpretation of its contents by both parties. The war began a few months later. The recent publication of his 280-page book, The Politics of Biafra And The Future of Nigeria, offered Mr. Offodile a moment for the re-examination of the tragic incidents that nearly split Nigeria. In debunking the position of some that the issue of the Nigerian State was already a settled matter, he asked: Settled by who? In any case, nothing is ever settled until it is settled right. Nigeria is still very much unstable and the democratic institutions remain fragile. There is need to reinforce the structures of the country through deliberate inclusiveness in order to achieve stability. The author, who said he was just two-and-a-half years old when the war broke out and was exactly five years and two months old when it ended, in a conversation on his book with PREMIUM TIMES observed that, Someone once said that history is always current because it always manages to repeat itself. It is never too late to discuss historical matters. He singled out a specific episode that could have altered the course of Nigerias history: In the case of the Aburi agreement, I am of the view that it was the breach of this agreement voluntarily entered into in Ghana that led to the war. The terms of the agreement were clear and unambiguous. No one disputes the original terms. But once General Gowon returned to Lagos, the so-called super bureaucrats, composed mainly of ethnic minorities in the north and south of Nigeria, persuaded him to jettison the agreement. That was not really a problem, and let me even concede for a moment that they had genuine reasons and even good intentions for all. The problem was that they UNILATERALLY altered it. To suggest therefore that General Ojukwu should have accepted the unilateral alteration, even if it offered the East 95 percent of the original agreement, as argued by Chief Phillip Asiodu, is at the root of the lack of honour and integrity in the conduct of national affairs. As I pointed out in the book, honour and integrity cannot be measured in percentages. Recalling the sequence of missteps be believed triggered the war, Mr. Offodile regretted that some officials, acting on behalf of the Federal Government, circumvented the implementation of an important provision of the accord and plunged Nigeria into a bloody conflict. The second point about the Aburi agreement, which may be even more important than the first, is that both sides agreed that the constitutional conference which was ongoing before the counter coup that brought Gowon into power should continue and draft a new constitution for Nigeria. The decision by Gowon to dissolve that conference and then unilaterally set up a political committee to advise him on the creation of between 12 and 14 states exposed clearly the real motives for the breach of the agreement. The constitutional conference had the mandate to draft a new constitution and a timetable for the return to civil rule. Gowon and the new power elite in Lagos wanted to elongate their hold on power, and state creation was the bait. Yet, they successfully branded Ojukwu as the ambitious one, despite clear evidence to the contrary. This is one of those strange paradoxes of history. How can one who wanted a new constitution drafted and a return to civil rule be accused of provoking a war because of his ambition? Ojukwu had his own faults but they manifested in Biafra but not before it. It was the breach of Aburi that led to the war and nothing else. Mr. Offodile, who was elected into Nigerias Federal House of Representatives in May 1999 for Awka North/South federal constituency of Anambra State and served as Chairman, Special Committee on Joint Venture Oil Operations between 2001-2003, and, Chairman, Public Petitions Committee between 2003 and 2005, disclosed further that the recurring disregard for the will of the people arising from arbitrary breaches of agreements and the law resulted in Nigerias experience of prolonged military rule that has distorted Nigerias federal structure. Let me finally point out that this same matter of whether the people or the government should work out the structure of their government was again an issue in 1970 when the instrument of surrender was being negotiated after the fall of Biafra. The Biafran Chief Justice, Late Sir Louis Mbanefo, insisted on inserting clause C of the surrender instrument, which after accepting the EXISTING ADMINISTRATIVE AND POLITICAL STRUCTURES [12 States], says that any future constitutional arrangement will be worked out by the representatives of the Nigerian people. Six years later, in 1976, General Murtala Mohammed and General Olusegu Obasanjo unilaterally increased the number of states to 19. General Babangida added his, and General Abacha brought the number to 36. He advised that in view of the prevailing turmoil in the land, there should be an end to the arbitrary use of state power. He noted that in order to foster a sense of national belonging, Nigerian citizens need to agree on the terms of being together. This raises issues of jurisprudence and, of course, the compelling argument that the new states arbitrarily created have been accepted by the people by electing representatives in those states under the existing constitution over the years, Mr. Offodile said. Equally compelling, is the concern, in view of existing tensions in the land, of the sustainability of the arbitrary exercise of state power. There is the need to have Nigerians agree to the terms of our union. It will infuse the citizenry with the missing dose of patriotism. Addressing the revival of the Biafran idea in the emergence of MASSOB (Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra) and IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra), he blamed it on the non-inclusive exercise of state power by successive governments at the centre. Uwazurike formed MASSOB in 1999, I believe, in response to the mood of the Igbo nation after Dr. Alex Ekwueme lost his presidential bid. It is there in Wikipedia, the author said. The struggle has gone beyond Uwazurike. There are several other groups but Nnamdi Kanu has emerged as a charismatic leader and captured the imagination of not a few of the Igbo people. They have a strong following and should be engaged. The author, whose father, Chris Offodile, now late, was the first Nigerian Editor of the Hansard (the official parliamentary reports of the Federal House of Representatives) and the author of a biography on Dr. M.I. Okpara, former Premier of Eastern region, also expressed serious concern about what he said was the unsatisfactory performance of some of the past governments in the South East of Nigeria. He praised Ukpabi Asikas post war administration (1970-1975) as the golden era of governance in the region, that now comprises five of the 36 states in the federation Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo. He suggested that one of the most effective ways to alter this dismal picture of non-performance by state governments was through devolution of powers to the states. I am persuaded that a change in the structure of the federation will make for better performance by the component units but even with the present arrangement, we could have done better but I leave that for the citizens of the respective states to make their own assessment. On the planned national census for which almost N300 billion has been proposed, the author suggested that the controversies that dogged past national census exercises would be of little consequence when Nigeria is restructured. Census is good for planning purposes. It is politicised in Nigeria because of the kind of system we operate. Money accrues generally into the federation account and all the states share from it every month These things will not be so important if a proper federal arrangement is worked out. Projecting into the future of Nigeria in global terms and condemning what he called Nigerias descent into a dysfunctional Unitary-Federalism, Mr. Offodile, whose book was publicly presented at an elaborate event at the Yar Adua Centre in Abuja also lent his voice to the calls for the restructuring of the federation. The future of Nigeria depends to a large extent on how the calls for restructuring are handled, he said. Those who insist on the status quo keep on attacking the patriotism of those who call for a review of the existing structure, instead of giving reasons for the continuance of what has clearly failed. In the end, it is what it is a contest of ideas. I stand firmly on the side of those who insist that the present consumption structure must give way to a competitive structure, no matter how configured. A lot of Nigerians have become global citizens, living and competing all over the world. The government of their home country should modernise and embrace global best practices in line with the aspirations of several thousands of its people playing on the world stage. That would help lift millions of others out of poverty. Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, will cut his United States green card and pack out of that country if Republican Party candidate, Donald Trump, wins the American presidential election next week. The moment they announce his [Trumps] victory, I will cut my green card myself and start packing up, Mr. Soyinka said. The British Broadcasting Corporation reported on Thursday that Mr. Soyinka spoke at a gathering in Oxford University. Mr. Trump, a businessman, is challenging a former U.S. Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, in the election that comes up next Tuesday. Mr. Trump has been known for his blunt take on issues, and hed repeatedly stated his intention to erect a wall around the U.S.-Mexico border to fend off illegal immigration into his country. Mr. Soyinka said he knew Mr. Trump would waste little time in sending Mexicans and people of colour out of America should he emerge president. The professor said he would not wait for Mr. Trump to make the pronouncement before shredding his green card. Well, Im not waiting for that, Mr. Soyinka said. The green card is a permanent residence permit issued by the United States and its highly sought by Africans. The House of Representatives on Thursday said it did not pass a Bill for the implementation of Sharia law in the country. The Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazak Namdas (APC-Adamawa), told journalists in Abuja that reports of such passage were just a rumour. The Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Chukwuka Onyeama (PDP-Anambra), affirmed that position. According to Mr. Onyeama, the bill is before the House ad hoc committee on the review of the constitution and for now it remains a working document until it is forwarded for debate. When a bill for constitutional amendment is brought to the House, it is forwarded to the committee on the review of the constitution. The committee will review it and present it to the House for debate and it is only when it is tabled that we look at it. Mr. Onyeama said this at the briefing of the South/East caucus of the House in Abuja. You see those of us sitting here are not sleeping and you will see us on the floor when the bill comes. So, no Sharia bill has been passed, he said. The Bill to alter the 1999 Constitution to increase the jurisdiction of the Sharia Courts, also known as the Sharia expansion bill, was sponsored by Abdullahi Salame (APC-Sokoto). The bill seeks to expand the jurisdiction or increase the existing powers of Sharia Courts to include criminal cases. Mr. Salame seeks to amend sections 262 and 277 of the 1999 Constitution to add criminal to the existing provisions. The House had referred the bill to its ad hoc committee on the review of the 1999 constitution headed by Deputy Speaker Yussuff Lasun on May 28. While referring the bill, the speaker, Yakubu Dogara, had explained that no debate was taken on the bill because of its sensitive nature. The Minority Leader of the House, Rep. Leo Ogor, had also allayed fears of Nigerians. He explained that The jurisdiction of the court referred to in sections 262 and 277 of the Constitution means the powers of the court in states where it already exists, not expanding Sharia to other parts of the country. The amendment sought to these sections is to add criminal to the existing jurisdiction it has on civil litigation. That is the jurisdiction that is being expanded, not the expansion of Sharia Law itself, he said. Explaining why the bill was not debated, the minority leader stated that the matter was not debated because the amendment is a constitutional amendment. It is on a matter that could be better handled by the constitution review committee. Debating it on the floor will not resolve it since the Ad Hoc Committee on Constitution Review will still conduct a public hearing on it. Those concerned will be invited to come and give their opinions on how the added powers of the court will affect them and so on. Nobody is expanding Sharia to anywhere. Members of the public should not panic over this at all. (NAN) The south-east caucus of the House of Representatives on Thursday decried alleged exclusion of the zone in projects to be funded from the $29.9 billion loan proposed by the Federal Government. Consequently, the lawmakers said that though they were not against the loan proposal, they would support it if projects to be funded were spread across all the geopolitical zones. The Federal Government had in a letter to the National Assembly, sought approval to borrow $29.9 billion from the World Bank. The money is expected to be used to provide critical infrastructure and fund projects in some sectors of the economy. But, the Senate on Wednesday turned down the request, insisting that the executive should do a breakdown of the projects to be funded with the money. Besides, some stakeholders, including groups, had criticised the move to obtain the loan and advised the government to drop the idea. Briefing journalists in Abuja, the caucus said that details of the terms of the loan were unclear. According to the chairman of the group, Chukwuka Onyema, all the geopolitical zones should be captured in allocation of the projects. He said there was concentration of projects in particular zones in the country, and unless the details of the proposed projects under the loan was known, the caucus would not support the borrowing. Mr. Onyema said: Details of the loan utilization must be made available to us to ensure geographical spread and relevance to current economic outlook with a view to job creation. We therefore insist that, as a part of this country, the south-east infrastructural deficit must be captured to ensure uniform development and inclusive growth. He condemned the alleged killing of three Igbos in the Federal Capital Territory and called on relevant authorities to ensure that the culprits were brought to book. We call on all relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Judiciary to expedite action in bringing the culprits to book. We also condemn in strong terms the demolition of Zone 3 Canopy Market mostly patronized by Igbo traders. We demand the immediate compensation of families of all those who lost their lives and property in the two incidents, he said. On the economy, the caucus leader said we recognize that as our country is going through economic recession which has resulted in the loss of jobs, decreased spending, prevalence of hunger and uncertainty in the polity. We stand with our fellow Nigerians in this difficult period. We urge the executive arm of government to speedily formulate fiscal and economic policies that will see an end to the present economic downturn. (NAN) The Federal Government on Thursday said Nigeria has no intention of withdrawing its membership from the International Criminal Court, ICC. This was contained in a statement by the acting spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jane Adams. on Thursday in Abuja. Adams stated that Nigeria was poised towards improving the working methods of the court for efficient delivery of its mandate in the service of humanity and equitable justice. She said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs observed the recent developments on withdrawal of membership of the ICC by some African countries, describing the actions as national decisions. South Africa, Gambia, and Burundi had in October announced their intent to withdraw from the ICC. According to the spokesperson, the ICC represents the hope and aspirations of millions of people around the world. She said that Nigeria as a state party to the Rome Statute believed that the court represents an international mechanism for ensuring justice for all. Nigeria remains a signatory to the Rome Statute adopted on 17th July 1998 and which entered into force in July 1, 2002. Nigeria deposited its instrument on 27thSeptember, 2001. Many members States of The UN, not just Africans are not yet signatories and state parties of the statute. Though non membership does not protect anyone from prosecution by the court as the UN Security Council can refer cases to the Court, the time has however come to call on all member states who have not yet signed the Rome Statute to consider becoming signatories to the statute. It is only by working together that we can ensure that the court effectively performs its functions and serves humanity faithfully, she stated. Nigeria, according to her, underscores the ideals and objectives which inspired the creation of ICC. Ms. Adams said this include fighting impunity and ensuring that perpetrators of crimes such as war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity are brought to justice. A strengthened, reinvigorated and fine-tuned ICC as a symbol of the International Criminal system has an important role to play to offer solace to victims of heinous despicable and dastardly crimes. It will also make the perpetrators of those crimes know that there is no rest for the wicked. We collectively owe it as a duty to this and future generations, to give voice to the voiceless, she said. (NAN) Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State has pardoned 20 suspects currently being detained in Bauchi Prisons for allegedly pelting him at the eid ground during the 2016 Eid-el-Fitr celebration. Mr. Abubakar announced this on Thursday in Bauchi when officials of Amnesty International paid him a courtesy visit. He said that it was never his wish to arrest and detain the suspects in the first instance for what they did to him. It is not my wish to arrest them, but I have to do that because there is the need for people to respect their leaders. Even the Holy Quran teaches us to respect our leaders. So I dont see any reason why I will be stoned by my people just because I am conducting verification exercise of workers in my state. I will communicate this decision to the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice for him to go to the prison and release those people to their families, Mr. Abubakar said. The governor pleaded with the people to be patient with the government, especially over the current economic hardships. He assured that the situation would soon be history as government was doing everything possible to make life better for Nigerians. Suleiman Shuaibu, the leader of the delegation who is also head of the organisation in the northern states, had earlier pleaded with the governor to pardon the suspects. Mr. Shuaibu said his team became aware of the situation while it was pursuing a case. He urged the governor to forgive the suspects. He said the team also stumbled on the case of one Mahmud Tatimu who was arrested by the police for allegedly attempting to break Bauchi prisons with his accomplices. When we investigated the case, we found out that it is not true as the suspect went to the prison to visit his brother who was standing trial in a case of terrorism. The suspect had told his brother during the visit that by the grace of God the brother would be out of prison before the last Sallah celebration. It is that statement that Tatimu made that led him to stay in prison for about 53 days; but we thank God he gained his freedom today through the intervention of Amnesty International, he said. (NAN) Residents of Okpai, Benaku, Obodugwa and Irri Communities in Delta State, Nigeria have cried out against alleged exploitation of their communities by oil firms, ENI Agip, and Xenegia. In a petition to the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, leaders of the communities said the oil producing companies had ironically taken advantage of the UN Clean Development Mechanism to further pollute their land. The petition said ENI Agip has engaged in the illegal exploitation of their land and gas flaring since 1960. It also said Xenergia has been flaring gas illegally, within Obodugwa community in Kwale, Delta State, since it commenced production of oil in the region in 2008. We are particularly worried that the UN Clean Development Mechanism is being used as a tool by these companies to perpetuate pollution of our communities, the communities said in a letter seen by PREMIUM TIMES. The leaders of the communities said they were hopeful when the companies registered under the UNs CDM programme, and had hoped that their registration would mean an end to the illegal flaring of gas in the region. ENI Agip was registered on December 23, 2005 while Xenergia registered on November 28, 2012. The communities said gas flaring was increasing rather than decreasing. We are even more appalled at the fact that the executive of the UN clean development mechanism failed woefully in its responsibility by not taking the requisite steps to ensure the safeguard of our lives, as stipulated in the accreditation procedure of the Un Clean Development Mechanism Ditto for the Designated Operational Entities, (DOEs), they said. The community leaders called for an immediate introduction of a fact-finding committee by the UN to investigate the alleged exploitation and violation of their right to live. Social Action, a Port Harcourt-based nongovernmental organisation that has conducted studies on the implementation of CDM in Niger Delta communities, blamed government conspiracy with powerful oil companies for the communities fate. The Nigerian government has conveniently looked the other way while oil corporations operating in the country willfully flout its own laws, industry regulations as well as spurn even a court ruling on gas flaring, said Vivian Bellonwu-Okafor, head of Social Actions Abuja office. While the government goes to the international fora (as the climate conferences {CoP}) and makes elaborate speeches on Nigeria and the climate change quandary, these speeches for us remain mere hypocrisies and pretentious lip-services so long as government refuses to deal with the fundamental causes of this in Nigeria, major amongst which is gas flaring. The spokesperson for ENI/Agip, Tajudeen Adigun, did not comment when contacted. He neither picked nor return calls. He did not also respond to text messages. The Nigerian Customs Service in Owerri said it intercepted a truck with 11,315 cartons of imported poultry products whose Duty Paid Value (DPV) stood at N108.6 million. The Area Controller of Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Mohammed Garba, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Owerri on Thursday. He said the truck with registration LND 641 XM was impounded at the Benin axis on October 31, while two suspects were arrested with the illicit items. The suspects are now helping the Customs in its investigations. The truck was ferrying the contraband good by a new strategy contrived by smugglers simply known as false bottom method concealment to beat men of the Nigeria Customs Service. The seized truck was cleverly partitioned with wood, bolted and knotted, as a strategy to avoid being detected by Customs officials. The inner layer of the partitioned truck was stockpiled with the contraband goods, while the outer layer of the partitions was left empty, he said. Mr. Garba expressed worry at the continued indulgence in smuggling by some Nigerians in spite of the obvious consequences. He warned those still engrossed in the illicit business to purge themselves or be prepared to face the full weight of the law. Poultry products remained prohibited goods because of its unhygienic preservative methods which is injurious to humans. The NCS is now better equipped and mobilised to meet smuggling challenges. We are also working in line with the mandate of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd), who is poised to eliminate all traces of smuggling in the country, he said. Mr. Garba implored members of the public with useful information about smugglers, their agents and collaborators to make them available to the NCS or its sister organisations like the NDLEA, NAFDAC, Police and SON. He said the identity of such informants would be handled with utmost confidentiality. (NAN) A senior lawyer has withdrawn from representing businessman Jimoh Ibrahim in court. Alex Iziyon, who was representing the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate at the Court of Appeal on Wednesday withdrew as counsel to the politician. Mr. Ibrahim is a respondent in various applications brought before the Appeal Court in Abuja by Eyitayo Jegede; another PDP governorship aspirant who was removed for Mr. Ibrahim to be party candidate. The electoral commission, INEC, recognised Mr. Ibrahim as the PDP candidate based on a ruling of the Federal High Court. Mr. Jegede and other members of the Ahmed Makarfi faction of the party later approached the appeal court seeking to upturn the judgement and make INEC recognise Mr. Jegede as PDP candidate for the November 26 governorship poll. The applications were slated for hearing and determination by the appeal court on Tuesday. They were later postponed following a petition written by a factional chairman of the party in Ondo State, Biyi Poroye, who is loyal to Mr. Ibrahim. Mr. Poroye, a respondent in the matter, made allegations of fraud against a presiding judge in the appellate court, Jummai Sankey. Reacting to the petition, Ms. Sankey and other members of the panel withdrew their participation in the matter, until the determination of the issues raised in the petition. In a letter addressed to Mr. Ibrahim and signed by Mr. Iziyon, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the counsel said he was withdrawing based on an allegation made against him by Ms. Sankey. You will recall my position was indicated by the presiding justice as having the foreknowledge of the petition written by the first respondent, despite my protest and innocence. It is in this regard that I hereby withdraw from further appearance. This is to enable you brief another lawyer who shall take over the file. We will forward the file and the processes to your Personal Assistant forthwith, Mr. Iziyon said. He noted that further arrangements had been made by his team of lawyers to reach the terms of agreement as contained in the contract involving Mr. Ibrahim and himself. Mr. Iziyon had denied knowing about the petition on Tuesday and condemned it. The Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday denounced a petition by a leader of the party in Ondo State claiming that a Court of Appeal judge received N350 million bribe. The petition by Biyi Poroye, a factional chairman of the PDP in Ondo State, said Jummai Sankey was compromised by Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State to alter the outcome of an election matter before the court. Mr. Poroye belongs to the faction of the party led by a former governor of Borno State, Modu Sheriff. Mr. Mimiko belongs to the Makarfi faction. The accused judge, Mrs. Sankey, was handling the matter between the two factions, and was to decide, alongside two other judges, which faction had the proper candidate for the forthcoming Ondo governorship election. The candidate for the Makarfi faction is Eyitayo Jegede, while the Sheriff faction has Jimoh Ibrahim. Mrs. Sankey later stood down from the case. Reacting to Mr. Poroyes petition, the National publicity Secretary of PDP, from Mr. Makarfis faction, Dayo Adeyeye, said the petition did not emanate from a recognised group of PDP members. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeks to completely dissociate itself from the Petition written by one Mr. Biyi Poroye against the Justice Jummai Sankey led Appeal Panel set up to determine appeals against the Judgment of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, he said. We find the Petition to be distasteful, offensive, indecent and completely out of keeping with the principles, ideology and ethos of our Party to make such unsubstantiated allegations against members of an institution as important as the Judiciary. It is important to stress that neither the Writer of the Petition nor his sponsors are members of our Party. They are a group of people with powerful backers within and outside government who are determined to bend all institutions of democracy to suit their whims; and while failing, they are willing to resort to destructive tactics against such institutions. Even our Party is a victim of their destructive tendencies. All their attempt is to pervert justice and stop the will of justice from rolling on. As a responsible political Party, we reaffirm our faith in the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man. We have faith that there are men and women of integrity in the Judiciary who ensure that justice is not only done, but that it is seen to be done. We use this opportunity to encourage the Judiciary to weather this storm of blackmail, harassment and intimidation currently being heralded by evil men in the Country, the statement said. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Thursday appealed to the Ogun State government to reinstate its members sacked or suspended following a workers strike last month. The appeal came barely 24 hours after the organised labour in the state called off the two weeks strike following an agreement with the state government. Before the agreement at a meeting on Wednesday, Governor Ibikunle Amosun had announced the dismissal of the state chairman of the NUT, Dare Ilekoya, and 14 other leaders of the union, from service. He also suspended 19 others for alleged involvement in acts considered to be partisan. Addressing a press conference at the NUT secretariat in Abeokuta, the National President of the union, Michael Olukoya, admitted that the sacked and suspended teachers burnt their fingers by making political commentaries during the annual Teachers Day celebration. The national leadership of the NUT reviewed the activities of the NUT Ogun State Wing during the said 2016 World Teachers Day Celebration and discovered that the situation was not only unfortunate but also regrettable, Mr. Olukoya said. He said the development demanded an apology from the body and begged the governor to temper justice with mercy for the affected officials. Mr. Olukoya said the action of the state officials did not conform with the tradition of NUT celebrations. Having discovered the errors and serious shortcomings on the part of the state wing in the planning and execution of the 2016 World Teachers Day Celebration in Ogun State, the union, right from the regional level of South West, quickly rose to the situation, condemned the action of the union in the state and tried to reach the state government to see how to handle the unfortunate situation, he stated. As a responsible organisation, we wish to apologise on behalf of our offending members and ask for clemency from the governor of the state. We plead with the state governor to grant them pardon, recall and reinstate them to their duty posts. Government should be rest assured that no such condition shall repeat itself again in future, the NUT leader said. He said the union had sent a letter of appeal to the governor. The NUT president also called on the media and traditional rulers in the state to join it in appealing to the state government to reconsider its punishment of the affected teachers. The Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, has asked cattle breeders in the state to register with traditional rulers in their local governments within 14 days in furtherance to enforcing the grazing control act. He also said there was no going back on the law, given that it was part of governments responsibility to ensure the safety of the lives and property of Ekiti citizens. Mr. Fayose however reached a truce with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria at a meeting on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti. After the signing a peace pact, the governor released nine cows seized by the anti-grazing officials, saying it was a gesture to underscore the promise by the cattle breeders to cooperate with the government. He said he had directed the suspension of activities of the Ekiti Grazing Enforcement Marshals till Thursday, so as to enable the free movement of cattle to designated ranches in the state, hoping all the herders had complied. Today, I am giving cattle farmers in the State 14 days to register with traditional rulers in the communities where they are operating, while the traditional rulers will forward the registered herdsmen to the state government, he said. The governor, who addressed the meeting, both as a governor and also a cattle farmer, said he had no grudges against the Fulanis or any other tribe. He said he had 83 cows, and had warned the man watching over them not to break the law, as he would be responsible to any loss to the anti-grazing marshals. It is in pursuit of this vital responsibility of government that we have chosen to control cattle grazing in Ekiti State and it is being done in other civilised countries of the world, he said. Or are cattle breeders leading their cattle across city centres and major roads, with the cows defecating everywhere in cities like London, New York, Paris, or even Accra in Ghana and Mecca in Saudi Arabia? Let me therefore reiterate that there is no going back on the total enforcement of the Prohibition of Cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti State Law, 2016, which came into force on August 29, 2016. It is a law that all residents of Ekiti State must obey. Mr. Fayose also warned that herdsmen going about with arms would be arrested and charged with terrorism. If we are encouraging our people to embrace farming by giving lands to them to farm through the creation of Land Banks in the 16 Local Councils, and many of them have borrowed money to invest in farming, when these farmlands being cultivated with borrowed funds are destroyed by herdsmen, who are also engaged in their own form of farming, how do we get others to embrace farming? he asked. He recalled that two persons were killed, peoples wives raped by those hiding under the guise of rearing cattle in Oke Ako Ekitii in May this year, but wondered why the leaders of the Miyetti Allah did not show concern. I was therefore miffed when I read in the newspapers that the Miyetti Allah threatened a reprisal attack on the government and people of Ekiti State and I, as the one the people elected to provide them must not shy away from that responsibility of protecting the people against any aggressor, he said. When I heard that you were coming to invade our land, we were also prepared for you people because I am not one of the governors that are afraid of anyone. As I speak to you today, I am reiterating that Ekiti people and all residents of the State will be protected with everything within my power. That is my duty as a governor and I will perform it without fear or favour. Mr. Fayose said he was however delighted that the cattle breeders had seen reasons to cooperate with the government to enforce the anti-grazing law. According to him, it was untrue that the Ekiti Grazing Enforcement Marshals were shooting cows, adding that cow rearers should not see themselves as different from other farmers. As cattle farmers, which I am one, we must realise that we are not different from other farmers, Mr. Fayose said. We are not also different from other businessmen who own business premises where they transact their businesses. If fish farmers are providing their own ponds and poultry farmers building their own pens, while also buying feed for their animals, there is no reason we as cattle farmers should not also provide our own ranch and feed our cows without encroaching on other peoples farmlands and properties. Therefore, you have a duty to join in the crusade to free our State from the menace of herdsmen. You must expose those hiding under cattle grazing to perpetrate crimes like armed robbery, murder, rape and willful destruction of peoples properties. The Southwest Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Mohammed Abass, advised governments at all levels against politicising the crisis between his members and farmers in some states. Mr. Abass, who said the cattle business was very profitable in the southwest, noted that politicising the agriculture sector would destroy the Agro business, which would in turn adversely affect the diversification process of the government. We want to appeal to the government to leave us out of politics, said Mr. Abass. We are here to do our business and whatever crisis we have, I think we should be able to resolve it. But when issues that could be resolved are being politicised, then it assumes a dangerous dimension. Cattle business is profitable in the southwest. Many of us were born here and we have multi-million naira businesses which government can bank on and make enough revenues. So, we are pleading with Governor Fayose to ensure that this business thrives in Ekiti. Your average restaurant week normally includes deals and prix fixe menus from some of the areas best restaurants. But Somers Points restaurant week isnt average theyve amped up their culinary celebration into a 10-day social event. Despite the fact that Somers Points restaurant week starts Friday, Nov. 4 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 13, there have already been two pre-restaurant week events that also served as fundraisers for the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and ACCC culinary scholarships. We grew it into this animal thats actually become something, says Patty Hurst, owner of Fitzpatricks Deli & Steakhouse along with her husband Bill, both of whom are co-chairs of Restaurant Week. We just wanted to raise more awareness about the eateries that are here. Head to participating restaurants to get a two-course lunch for $12.07 or a three-course prix-fixe dinner for $25.07. Besides Fitzpatricks, 14 other Somers Point restaurants will show their stuff at Restaurant Week. I think it brings restaurants to the forefront, Bill says. A lot of the restaurants are putting their best foot forward. It makes it fun for the staff and the owners everywhere. Other participating restaurants are: Offering lunch: Buon Appetito Ristorante, Charlies Bar & Restaurant, Clancys by the Bay, The Docs Place, Fitzpatricks Deli & Steakhouse, Greate Bay Country Club, Gregorys Restaurant & Bar, Micchellis Pizza, Sals Cafe & Coal Fired Pizza, The Windjammer Offering Dinner: Anchorage Tavern, Buon Appetito Ristorante, Buona Vita, Charlies Bar & Restaurant, Clancys by the Bay, the Crab Trap, the Docs Place, El Tipico Mexican Taqueria, Fitzpatricks Deli & Steakhouse, Greate Bay Country Club, Gregorys Restaurant & Bar, Sals Cafe, Tavern on the Bay, the Windjammer. ATLANTIC CITY Dan Pirillo is dead-set against a state takeover of his hometown. I think Mayor (Don) Guardian and City Council have done everything humanly possible to get us out of the mess were in, Pirillo said Thursday morning, finishing breakfast outside Brittany Cafe. Pirillo, of the citys Northeast Inlet section, is a fan of Guardian, his old boss at the Atlantic City Special Improvement District, from which Pirillo retired. A few blocks away, Alfred Bernardini stopped on the Boardwalk to say hes all in favor of the state stepping in and cleaning house. I think its a good idea, because the city doesnt know what theyre doing, the Chelsea resident said, throwing a four-letter word in that gap for emphasis. He said recent calls to one city department went unanswered, and his dealings with another were a disgrace. The state made its latest move in its long-running battle with the city this week when Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Charles Richman rejected the citys proposed recovery plan, calling it not likely to achieve financial stability for Atlantic City. The announcement could set the stage for a state takeover. Residents reaction to the states rejection ranged from opposition to support to confusion to a combination of all three. Jim Pomarico, of Lower Chelsea, worked as a cocktail server at Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort. But when Taj closed last month, he was out of a job after 26 years. I dont want to see the state take over. I dont think that would be a good move for Atlantic City, said Pomarico, who wore a T-shirt expressing his opinion on legalizing casinos in North Jersey. (He votes no.) On Ventnor Avenue, David Nam had mixed emotions about the battle between Trenton and Atlantic City, where he lives and runs Angies Cleaners. The mayor is doing an awesome job, Nam said. He shouldve been elected 10 or 15 years ago. But something has to change. Either he does it or somebody else has to do it. You have to cut the expenses. Nam looks at it as basic math for a small-business owner: If you have $10,000, how are you going to pay $20,000 a month? In order to survive, you have to do better. On the Boardwalk, Caren Pollack said she owns a condo in Atlantic City, although she doesnt live there full-time. So the retired teacher is interested in what happens in the city, but she just doesnt understand it. For one thing, her bill for property taxes is late, so she cant send money that shes sure the city could use these days. But she also cant figure out why the state would reject the citys plan but not say what its own answer is. Its like Donald Trump, she said, finding a national parallel for the local news. He says, This is bad. This is bad. But then he doesnt come up with any policies of his own. OK, things are bad, but how do you fix them? Outside home on Ventnor Avenue, Andreas Aivazoglou still has lots of evidence of his native Greece in his voice, even after 50 years and lots of history in Atlantic City. And at age 87, he said he does his best not to worry too much about todays news. I have to clean my place, he said with a smile, taking a quick pause from raking leaves off his lawn. Im working. I dont bother anybody, and nobody bothers me. John Alvarez hasnt been a fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyles Sherlock Holmes all his life. After his first Sherlock Holmes Weekend in Cape May in 1990, however, something clicked. I knew of Sherlock Holmes and read some of the stories, but I became a fan after the first weekend, he said. In 2009, Alvarez, professor of theater history and acting at Atlantic Cape Community College, took the reins on the popular biannual Sherlock Holmes Weekend, directing, performing, writing and casting several shows for the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities. Fans of Holmes from around the United States find an excuse to come to Cape Mays weekend celebrating the famous fictional detective. But local fans feel theres no limit to knowing and loving Doyles characters through acting and literature. Alvarez has been able to detect what Holmes fans like and dont like when it comes to creating original mysteries for the character. Surprisingly, the Sherlockian fans like that, he said. If youre respectful to the work or respectful to the characters, they seem to thoroughly enjoy that. Its when you completely disrespect it, or play it for a complete joke or buffoonery, that they have a tendency to get mad at it, because some seem to take it very seriously. Inside the Carriage House at the Emlen Physick Estate on a recent Friday, Alvarez slipped into his role of Dr. John Watson. Along with five other actors, the group went over their lines in preparation for the big show at the Inn of Cape May. From Friday through Sunday, Alvarez and his cast will put on three acts of an original Holmes mystery. From there, the guests are turned loose in Cape May to search for clues. Over the years, he has worked to make the search and clues challenging for the weekends participants. Its amazingly fun, Alvarez said. The Sherlockians make Star Treks trekkies look like amateurs, Alvarez said. On some occasions, Alvarez said, hes had fans approach him in the street to ask him about the clue search, forcing him to go into character on the spot. Zach La Torre, who plays Holmes, said interacting with die-hard fans is what makes his weekend. We dont do this because we get paid. We dont do this because were looking for fame. We do this because we enjoy doing it for these people who love it so much, said the Cape May resident. During the productions, its not unusual to see guests drop their heads and begin scribbling away, diligently keeping notes for the big clue hunt, Alvarez said. If I mention a name, location, all the heads drop down and write it as if its a clue, he said. One of those note-taking fans, Karen Bohme, of North Wildwood, will take the stage this year as Mrs. Hudson. Ive been a participant in the weekend since the early 2000s. Ive been in the show three or four times helping out, she said. When he said they take notes, he wasnt kidding Ive been one of them. After getting tickets as a Christmas gift from her ex-husband, Bohme was hooked and soon amassed a closet full of Victorian-era dresses. Ive got to make some very good friends, and I thought this would be really great to get involved (with), she said. For Bohme, suiting up in Victorian gowns to support local arts is important. What amazed me over the years, I think Im one of the only locals who participate in this. Theres only one other couple since Ive been coming, and thats like 2001, that were from this area. Everybody comes from out of town, and thats really surprising. But it isnt just the actors who show their love for the great detective around this time. Locals Dottie and Mal Knapp, of North Cape May, will enjoy the weekend in a different way by visiting the East Lynne Theater Companys Detective Holmes and Carter radio-style show. Aside from being Holmes film fans, the Knapps said they enjoy watching how an old radio show would take place. Although he would hardly call himself a Sherlockian, Mal has read the books and said he enjoys the relationship between Holmes and Watson. A lot of the time, the second person in one of these things, is a sidekick. Watson isnt a sidekick. Hes a companion. They work together, he said. Thats a lot more sophisticated than the usual hero-sidekick relationship. With a booked weekend, MACs chief outreach officer, Mary Stewart, said the weekend doesnt draw many locals, but the ones it does draw tend to opt for the self-guided Search for Clues tour Saturday. If youve never done a murder-mystery weekend, its a great way to get your feet wet. If youre a veteran, its a great way to keep being engaged, she said. After all, Steward said, Cape Mays Victorian flare is the perfect backdrop for an adventure for Holmes and Watson so much so that local author Steve Leadley wrote a story about Holmes teaming up with Dr. Emlen Physick. Leadley, a teacher at Lower Cape May Regional High School, wrote Sherlock Holmes in Cape May, which later was spun into a Holmes trilogy. Later, he penned another Holmes tale, Death by Misadventure. But his book, which is displayed at the Carriage House, gets Sherlockians talking. A lot of people either buy the book when Im there or theyve already bought it and want to talk to me about it, Leadley said, who will sign books Saturday. Ive had a lot of real positive reaction that I mimicked Doyles style and (that the story) kind of plausibly fits in. Since picking up Doyles books at 23, Leadley has remained a traditionalist. Despite modern depictions of the famous sleuth, Leadley believes Holmes is best suited to Victorian times, making Cape May the perfect back drop. To me, the ambiance to Sherlock Holmes is that Victorian setting, he said. As a history teacher and a history guy, I find it much more interesting to read about situations in the past when they couldnt just Google stuff, he said. I really hope the younger generation would get involved with that. When something is considered a classic, whether its literature or a movie, theres a reason for that. Warning: The following includes spoilers for Episode 5 of Marvels Luke Cage. Check out our recaps of Episodes 1-4, then rejoin the party, already in progress. Realizing he couldnt stop Luke Cage with a rocket launcher, crime boss Cornell Cottonmouth Stokes (Mahershala Ali) has decided to exact his revenge on the people of Harlem, ordering his lieutenants to shake down the local business owners for extra protection money and calling it the Luke Cage stability tax. You hit the boulevard and squeeze em hard, and when they start screaming Why? Why? you tell em to go talk to Luke Cage down at the barbershop, Cottonmouth says. And sure enough, the neighborhood finds Cage (Mike Colter) at Pops and demands he retrieve their stolen earnings and valuables. Im on it! he yells as he walks off. As Luke works on becoming the peoples champion, a new player enters Harlem: ex-Hells Kitchen nurse Claire Temple (Rosario Dawson). Claire and Luke last crossed paths at the end of Jessica Jones, when Jessica (Krysten Ritter) conscripted Claire into saving Lukes life after he was mind-controlled by Kilgrave (David Tennant). They wont be reunited this episode, but its clear Daredevils onetime personal nurse isnt done with the superhero community. As we said after Episode 1, Cage is grounded in Harlem but still connected to the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe. A bored Claire recounts for her mother the Hands attack on Mercy General Hospital and the events that led her to lose her job. She says she wants to help people with abilities (despite doing her level best to disassociate herself from Matt Murdock last season). The world isnt the world anymore, Mija, her mother tells her. Aliens coming out of the sky. People with silver hammers. Green monsters. The battle at the end of the first Avengers movie was like another 9/11 for the people of this version of New York, the consequences of which are still coming to light. One of those consequences: New and more powerful weaponry. Back at Harlems Paradise, after revealing his shared history with the former Carl Lucas, Shades (Theo Rossi) shows Cottonmouth video of a Ukrainian weapons test. Thanks to Chitauri technology, there is now a bullet that can blow a person up from the inside. If you wanted to kill Jesus, thats the bullet youd use, Shades says. Thats why they call it the Judas. Cottonmouth thinks this would be just the thing to get rid of his Luke Cage problem, but because hes cash-poor on account of Cage robbed Fort Knox, he cant afford it. Cottonmouths only option, Shades says, is to ask Shades boss, Diamondback, to handle Cage for him, and in so doing cede control of Harlem. Instead, Cottonmouth plans to use his police connections to get his guns out of evidence, sell the guns to his Latin rival, Domingo (the fella who dropped his candy wrappers all over the floor of the club in Episode 3), and use that money to buy the superbullet to kill Cage. The plan might have worked, if Detective Scarfe (Frank Whaley), whom we found out in Episode 3 was working for Cottonmouth, hadnt gotten cold feet at the delivery site, on account of he found out from his equally corrupt lieutenant hes being investigated by Internal Affairs in the disappearance of Chico Diaz, whom Scarfe killed. Well no doubt see the effects of that in the next episode. Everyone comes together at the end for Pops memorial, including Cottonmouth and Luke, who take turns at the altar rallying the community by making thinly veiled threats against each other in Pops memory. Cottonmouth tells the people they are being invaded by foreign interlopers and people with arcane abilities. Luke preaches the value of work and of standing up to a bully, especially if he calls himself a friend, for which he receives a standing ovation, once more publicly embarrassing his rival. Cottonmouth isnt the only one who wants Luke gone, though. Detective Misty Knight (Simone Missick) believes Cage is a danger to Harlem, regardless of his intentions. She tells Luke after the memorial that the justice system will win and doesnt need him, to which he replies the system will only spit Cottonmouth right back out especially since Cottonmouth apparently has multiple moles inside the system. Im sorry things couldnt be different between us, but I aint going nowhere, Luke says before disappearing into the barbershop right before the credits. Observations: Where was Mariah (Alfre Woodard) for all this? The woman who claims she wants to make Harlem a black paradise is nowhere to be found when her cousin begins busting up the neighborhood in the name of vengeance. She also doesnt attend Pops memorial, despite the fact shes a local political figurehead and Pop was beloved by the community and died tragically. That altar was her opportunity for a grand speech just as much as it was Cottonmouths and Lukes, although I suppose that would have muddied the episodes central conflict. Still, it only feeds my belief her character is underwritten, and Im hoping she lets her cousin have it in the next episode. The music-set montages are always the best parts of this show, and this episode we get one right at the beginning. While Jidenna raps Long Live the Chief, Cottonmouth sits quietly, watching, plotting his next move against Luke, who meanwhile is cleaning up the wreckage of Genghis Connies with his bare hands, never mind that hes being recorded by passers-by. He finds Pops swear jar, but the next visitor to the scene, Misty, finds a photo of Reva, Lukes late lover. At the same time, Claire gets off a train in Harlem, ready to start the next chapter of her life after ninjas ruined the last one. Shes immediately greeted by a purse-snatcher, whom she successfully chases down and beats up on her way to visit her mother at a local diner. Why are people still using guns on Luke? Its been five episodes, and bad guys are still firing bullets at him like they think this time will be different. Pro baseball player-turned-alcoholic sports memorabilia shop owner Eddie Axton is played by comedian Mike Britt, the man who sings the theme song to Netflixs most precious gem, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Arlene Sullivan flipped through the pages while sitting on her couch, pointing to different pictures of her and her friends from the past. This wasnt a yearbook or scrapbook, but a new coffee-table book she co-authored about her years on the television series American Bandstand. The book is called Bandstand Diaries: The Philadelphia Years 1956 to 1963. American Bandstand, which originally aired as just Bandstand in 1952, was shot at WFIL-TVs studios in West Philadelphia, first with hosts Bob Horn and Lee Stewart and later Dick Clark. The show featured popular songs and dances and was the first TV appearances for stars such as Chubby Checker, Frankie Avalon and Patti LaBelle. Sullivan, 73, who grew up in Philadelphia and lives in Ventnor, will be in Philadelphia on Friday at the original shows studio at the Enterprise Center to sign copies of the new book. The idea for the book started in 2013, when co-author Sharon Sultan Cutler contacted Sullivan to contribute to the book. Sullivan initially declined but was convinced to add her memories of the show and she had plenty. Sullivan was one of the regulars dancing on the show from 1956 to 1960. She remembers the time she won an Italian-designed Isetta micro-car from a dance contest. She remembers disc jockey Jerry Blavat and others protesting outside the Enterprise Center when Dick Clark took over the show from Bob Horn in 1956. The show, Sullivan said, was the MTV for kids of the 1950s. It was pop culture before the term was coined. It was Bandstand that was delivering the hip songs at the time, she said. All the artists that got on Bandstand would have a hit record. Sullivan said kids who watched the show wanted to be like her and the other dancers. But they were, she said. We were just like them, and they were just like us. We werent professionals. We were amateurs. Sullivan and her friends would head to 46th & Market streets in Philadelphia after school, dance for a couple of hours and head home by curfew. Our parents knew what time we had to be home, and they could watch us on TV. It was just an innocent time, she said. Sullivan moved to Atlantic City when gambling became legal and worked as a blackjack dealer. She was there the day Harrahs Resort opened its doors, and she worked at the Golden Nugget Atlantic City when it was known as Trumps Castle. She moved to Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in 1993 and stayed there as a dealer until her retirement in 2011. Sullivan hopes the book shows younger generations the show their parents and grandparents grew up on. The shows success still surprises her. We were just regular kids. None of us ever expected this show to become one of the most popular shows in the United States, she said. Though she has been back to multiple reunions since leaving American Bandstand in 1960, she still enjoys walking around the Enterprise Center, scanning the walls of photos of some of the best times of her life. Shes excited to take a stroll down memory lane Friday. When you think back, its almost 60 years ago. Its unbelievable how fast it flies by, she said. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. Wildwood and North Wildwood have been awarded $22 million in Hurricane Sandy recovery money aimed at reducing flooding that has hurt businesses and cut off escape routes during major storms. The federal funding will be used for projects that include building two pump stations to suck storm water through underground pipes and into the ocean. Touted as a critically important project, North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello said it will keep clear an emergency exit route off the island. The city will receive about $10 million to replace a small stormwater collection system near Hereford Inlet with a gravity collection system and pump station. When a coastal storm event combines with a rain event, that area floods and theres no longer a way to get off the island, Rosenello said during a press conference Thursday in Wildwood. He said he expects the project to be complete by 2018. Wildwood will receive $12.3 million for projects along Pacific Avenue to redirect storm water from five beach outfalls to one outfall that will extend 300 feet from the shoreline. Mayor Ernie Troiano said he has been trying for 17 years to have the flooding alleviated in the business district. A 2-inch rainfall in a half hour and our whole business district on Pacific Avenue is under water, he said. Wildwood Engineer Marc DeBlasio said a pump station is planned for Leaming Avenue near the Boardwalk, with a pipe to pump the water into the ocean. He expects contracts to be awarded next summer and construction to start that fall, with completion in the summer of 2018. Business owners impacted by frequent flooding on Pacific Avenue were happy to hear the news Thursday. Among them was Catina Simmons, of Wildwood, who has owned Beach Whiskers at Pacific and Rio Grande avenues for six years. Simmons said she has to close her store often due to flooding on the main thoroughfare. She said the flooding occurs during normal rainstorms. We get flooded all the time. Its part of being on Pacific Avenue, she said. Jim Moore, manager of Greens Liquors at Hildreth and Pacific avenues, said the flooding prevents customers from entering stores and causes water damage in some places. The businesses get killed, he said. The beauty salon, they had to redo the inside. Moore said the floodwater never enters the liquor store, but often comes up to the sidewalks in the area. The grants are being awarded as part of the second round of funding from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protections Flood Hazard Risk Reduction and Resiliency Program, a result of Hurricane Sandy four years ago. The $50 million program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. New Jersey Sierra Club Director Jeff Tittel on Thursday criticized the award, citing the rollback of stormwater protections by Gov. Chris Christie and his administration. He said the state must consider sea level rise and climate change. We are concerned that these stormwater projects will fail by causing more flooding and pollution in other areas, like what happened with the Barnegat Bay, Tittel said. U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, was on hand for the announcement Thursday with DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. Martin said he hoped the projects would help reduce anxiety among residents, businesses and property owners in both communities. LoBiondo said at this time four years ago, many Jersey Shore communities were still just assessing the damage from Hurricane Sandy. We were still trying to pick up the pieces, he said, Trying to figure out where we go from here. We know that Sandy will not be the last storm that we deal with, LoBiondo said. Martin said towns received official notice of the funding Thursday and have preliminary designs for each project in place. He said the grants will be reimbursements after the projects are completed. Troiano said he was anxious to get started. Im a very, very impatient person. If we started it yesterday, that would be too late, he said. The race for the at-large seat on the Atlantic County freeholder board has come down to two familiar names. The candidates are Republican Amy Gatto and Democrat Brenda Brathwaite, both lifelong county residents. Republicans have an 8 to 1 majority on the freeholder board. Gatto, 34, of Hamilton Township, was elected to the Hamilton Township Council at 24 and was later voted mayor. Over the summer, Gatto was appointed freeholder by Atlantic County Republicans to take over for Will Pauls, who resigned from the board after moving to Cape May County. Brathwaite, of Egg Harbor Township, is an eighth-grade math teacher in the Atlantic City school district, an executive committee member of the Atlantic County Council of Education Associations and a part-time communications consultant for the New Jersey Education Association. Absecon mayor, opponent tout experience ABSECON The financial crisis in Atlantic City has had a profound effect on neighboring Abs She unsuccessfully ran against Freeholder Chairman Frank Formica last year. Brathwaite said she wants to bring more transparency to the board that would include lobbying to change meeting times to be more accommodating to residents around the county instead of the normal 4 p.m. meeting times. Increased resident participation in meetings and awareness of issues would induce freeholders to be more accountable for the decisions that are made, Brathwaite said in a statement. She also said that the role of a freeholder has expanded to finding creative solutions to relieve the fiscal pressures that many residents around the county are experiencing. I would bring a different and progressive voice to considering alternatives different from the traditional solutions of reducing costs through only the sharing of municipal services or the reduction of resident services, she said. Gatto said that she will leverage her nine years of political experience to help Atlantic County navigate through persisting economic issues. Despite tough economic times in our region, in Hamilton Township we were able to eliminate our $2.4 million structural deficit by encouraging economic development and making government more efficient, she said in a statement. She said some of her goals will be to remain focused on opposing North Jersey casinos if the issue were to appear on future ballots, protect taxpayers by ensuring they are not on the hook for Atlantic Citys financial crisis and help diversify the countys economy by attracting investors. The N.J. Department of Environmental Protection has been dishonest in its efforts to allow the use of steel leghold traps to catch animals even though theyre banned under state law. Last week a state Appellate Court added another layer of dishonesty in this scheme to thwart the will of N.J. residents as a favor to a small number of animal trappers. Traps with metal jaws that snap shut on an animals leg were banned in 1984, and a prior Republican administration declared the ban unambiguous, absolute and not avoidable by technical modifications. The traps can break the bones of animals, which sometimes chew off their legs to escape or just suffer for days waiting for a trapper to return. At the request of trappers who number 1,200 in the state and make an average of $480 a year selling the fur of animals they kill the DEP decided to push a view that the leghold trap ban is ambiguous and avoidable by technical modifications. The big modification: Instead of springing when an animal steps on it, the trap snaps when an animal sticks a paw in to get at a piece of bait. To make the trap seem more acceptable, the DEP marketed this reach-in leghold trap as a foothold trap. That is simply dishonest. To start with, the leg is the entire limb of the animal, so its still a leghold trap. And steel jaws wont hold an animal unless theyre clamped behind the joint of the foot, so calling it a foothold trap is intentionally misleading. To its credit, the Superior Court Appellate Division calls the modified traps what they are: leghold traps. And it acknowledges the vigorous opposition received during the public -comment period, with 899 citizens opposing the DEP proposal and those in support apparently too few to mention. But then the court makes a preposterous assertion about the meaning of the word jaws to find a way to side with the DEP against the people of the state. In their decision, the judges start by saying theres no need to worry about the intent of the Legislatures ban on steel-jaw leghold traps because the statutes language is clear and unambiguous. Then it decides that the modified steel traps do not operate as jaws, having only one part that moves. This astonishing definition of jaws rejects the origin of the word and would mean that the jaws of every animal including those of judges arent actually jaws because only the bottom half of the jaw moves to hold, crush or chew something. This ridiculous attempt to ignore the ban on steel-jaw leghold traps is being made simply for the convenience of a small number of people making money off of the publics natural resources. Trappers for three decades have continued to kill and skin animals by catching them in live traps, which enclose the whole animal painlessly. Being bigger, they are less convenient to transport. The return of steel-jaw leghold traps will result again in much other wildlife, some possibly protected, being caught in the traps. And while the DEP boasts that dogs wont get grabbed by the modified traps, cats will. A resolution to stop the DEPs return of leghold traps already has passed the state Assembly. The Senate should pass it and the governor should sign it soon to reassert the publics desire that New Jersey be free of these cruel traps. "We have Nero and Caligula arguing about the future of Rome, and like fools were listening to it" The CEO of , which owns Victorias Secret, compared Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton to two of Romes most notorious emperors, faulting their divisive campaign for distracting shoppers. We have Nero and Caligula arguing about the future of Rome, and like fools we're listening to it, Ohio billionaire Les Wexner said Tuesday during the companys investor day. Wexner, in remarks reported by Bloomberg, said the presidential election had distracted consumers. "We've got this peculiar election," said Wexner, who has donated to Republican candidates in the past. "On the one hand, you can choose somebody who's absolutely nuts or somebody who's probably very selfish and dishonest." He didnt clarify which candidate had earned a comparison to which emperor. Caligula was murdered by his advisers after a short, tumultuous reign as emperor. Nero, his nephew, was a tyrant known for debauchery who fled the city during a revolt against him. See original article on Fortune.com More from Fortune.com 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. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos Amazon has been going hard at expanding its physical stores lately, starting with its first brick-and-mortar bookstore last year to nationwide pop-up stores and a bunch of grocery spots. And now it looks like Amazon may be eyeing the overseas market as well. According to The Australian Financial Review, Amazon is opening physical stores, alongside warehouses, in the Australian market by next September. The report is based on an interview with Watermark Funds Investment's chief investment officer Justin Braitling, who claims to have heard about the plans last week in a special briefing with an Amazon Australia executive. They will also be putting physical stores on the ground which I dont think anyone knows about, Braitling told The AFR. If these plans come to fruition, this would make Australia the first non-US market to have Amazon's brick-and-mortar store. Amazon currently has three physical bookstores and over 25 pop-up stores in the US, and sees potential for up to 2,000 grocery stores over the next decade, Business Insider previously reported. Braitling also said the stores will be associated with Amazon's Prime brand, indicating the company may be planning to make its paid Prime membership service available in Australia as well. Amazon does serve Australia, but hasn't launched Prime there yet. We spoke to the guy rolling out Amazons business here in Australia and in his words: We are going to destroy the retail environment in Australia, Braitling said. Braitling's fund, Watermark, has $600 million under management. It's one of the largest short sellers in Australia, according to the AFR, which means the firm bets on a market decline. So Braitling's comment should be taken with a bit of a grain of salt as he stands to gain from driving down investor sentiment. Amazon's representative wasn't immediately available for comment. Local media Channelnews previously reported that Amazon is seeking a CEO for its Australian operation. It also reported Amazon's Prime Video may be coming to Australia early next year. Story continues In its most recent earnings call, Amazon CFO Brian Olsavsky said the company's "experimented" with physical stores, including bookstores and pop-up shops, but declined the comment on any of its grocery store plans. "We continue to believe consumables and groceries are a key part of the offer to our customers. Were finding it a very attractive service," he said. NOW WATCH: Scientists have discovered why American honey bees are turning into zombies More From Business Insider Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump havent said much about Daylight Saving Time. (Source: Reuters) Considering Daylight Saving Time amid the 2016 campaign filled with issues like healthcare, immigration, sexual assault, and rising income inequalityjust to name a fewmay seem like a joke. But its not. In a recent study, JPMorgan Chase (JPM) compared how the switch from Daylight Saving Time affected spending in Los Angeles and Phoenix (Arizona is one of the two states that doesnt observe DST). The analysis found that consumer spending through debit cards drops 3.5% when clocks fall back and gain an hour in November. The study also found that recovering from that drop is slow; when the hour of evening light is returned in March, spending rises just 0.9%. Over two-thirds of the decline is due to a reduction in the number of transactions, which is consistent with the idea that daylight affects the decision to go to the store, the study says. The banks study jibes with much of what weve learned about switching to and from Daylight Saving Time. Research has shown that the energy savings President Richard Nixon touted when he promoted DST in a 1973 bill, the Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act of 1973, have been mostly negligible, falling in the realm of statistical error, or varying widely state to state, since air conditioning and heating cost far more than candles and incandescent bulbs, let alone todays efficient LED and fluorescent bulbs. Additionally, multiple studies have found that the change to DST takes a toll on sleep that consistently spikes car crashes. According to one study published by a University of Colorado professor, each year between 2002 and 2011 averaged 30 deaths and $275 million in damage from the change. Plus, having separate summer and winter time zones means people get out of work in the dark half the year. It might seem incidental, but presidents have a long history of tampering with Daylight Saving Time. And given that minor incidents tend to metastasize into major issues in an election year, its worth considering how our current candidates see DST. In 1986, Ronald Reagan moved the start of DST from late April to the first Sunday of the month. Again, George W. Bush expanded it to start even earlier in March and end later in November, back in 2007. Given the precedent, a Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump presidency could spearhead a change. Story continues This year, clocks fall back just two days before the election, so official responses arent likely. But if the Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit posts by Trump supporters are anything to go by (Daylight Savings and Trump have a lot of hits on Twitter), they do not like changing their clocks. According to a tweet yesterday from one Trump supporter, America will truly be great when president Trump finally ends daylight savings time. Its useless! Its not a far stretch that Trump would agree, considering he doesnt like to lose anything. Officials from the Clinton and Trump campaigns have not responded to requests for their position on the matterkeep the change, stick with daylight saving time, or stick with standard timeand Trump economic advisor Peter Navarro declined to respond in an email (Not an election issue. Lets keep it real.). On the Clinton side, we actually have a somewhat clearer picture. In fact, the secretary herself has answered this question head on. In February, Patrick Villa, a math professor at College of Southern Nevada, decided to ask Clinton about DST at a roundtable campaign event in Las Vegas. I figured maybe someone striving for the presidency could give a minipromise to promote the end of this to the states if she got elected, he told Yahoo Finance. Living in a 24-hour city like Las Vegas, it really doesnt help at all; rather, it disrupts. Im all about efficiency and this is anything but that. So he asked whether shed consider getting rid of the archaic time switch and make either DST or standard time permanent. Im serious about that, he added. It makes it hard. Clinton, and the crowd, let out a chuckle. I will certainly consider that, she told him. I honestly think you may be the first person to do this in my 20 years of work whos ever asked me that. I will take a look. I mean, people have talked about it with regard to energy savings and things like that but getting teenagers up in the morning is hard under any kind of clock. And so let me take that back and think about it. Ethan Wolff-Mann is a writer at Yahoo Finance focusing on consumerism, tech, and personal finance. Follow him on Twitter @ewolffmann. Read more: How Elizabeth Warren used a new congressional power to punish Wells Fargo How Facebook and Twitter make Trump mask Trumps incoherence This calculator shows how much Trump and Clinton would affect your tax bill Two professors predicted the Wells Fargo scandalin 2014 SINGAPORE, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Jebsen & Jessen Family Enterprise, a family firm first established in Hong Kong at the end of the 19th Century, was awarded the 21stannual IMD-Lombard Odier Global Family Business Award at the 27th Summit of the Family Business Network International (FBN-I) in Suzhou, China. Awarded by IMD business school, and by Lombard Odier, one of the main private banks in Europe, this prize is regarded by many as the most prestigious for successful global family businesses. The award recognizes firms that are exemplary in uniting family interests with those of the business and in combining tradition and innovation while demonstrating a clear commitment to their local community. See full press release. "Jebsen & Jessen Family Enterprise is a flagbearer for family business excellence and has successfully blended an enduring entrepreneurial spirit with the strong commitment to sustainability, environment, and its many partnerships," said IMD President Dominique Turpin. Jebsen & Jessen Family Enterprise is a third-generation family enterprise with highly diversified business that spans across distribution, manufacturing, engineering and mining activities. The company employs over 7,700 people worldwide and generates about US$4.5 billion in sales and, for decades, has been a partner to leading global companies and brands, including Air Liquide, Club Car, Demag, Dyson, Evonik Industries, Kronos, Pentax, Porsche, Toro, Xylem and others. "Jebsen & Jessen Family Enterprise is an outstanding company that operates according to the very best practices and offers inspiration to its peers," said Patrick Odier, Senior Managing Partner of Lombard Odier. The IMD-Lombard Odier Global Family Business Award celebrates its 21st anniversary. Previous winners include LEGO, S.C. Johnson, Hermes, Merck, Firmenich, Bel Group and Bavaria. - Cross reference: Picture is available via epa european pressphoto agency (http://www.epa.eu ) - Contact Matthew Mortellaro IMD communications +41-(0)21-618-0352 matthew.mortellaro@imd.org SOURCE IMD International Scientists Awarded For Their Work By Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Eight researchers receive acclaimed 7th Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The supply of fresh, safe water is rapidly diminishing around the globe. Pollution, contamination, water borne diseases, poor water treatment and filtration are substantial problems, as is the mere availability of clean water in some regions. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161103/436135LOGO The conflict between the 'haves' and 'have nots' has turned violent in some countries. This represents a harbinger of things to come unless nations take action to reverse the trends. The inequitable availability of safe water strains societal stability, threatens national security and limits economic growth. The number of people on earth with no access to safe water is 1.2 billion. Another 2.7 billion go without clean water for at least one month each year. "There is no life without water," said H.R.H. Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz, the chairman of the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water, an international non-governmental organization. "Water security is part of national security for a nation." At a United Nations ceremony Wednesday, eight leading researchers were awarded the 7th Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW). UN Secretary General Ban-Ki-moon said the researchers work is essential. "Water innovation is critical for peace and prosperity, yet hundreds of millions lack access to safe water. We will not leave them behind. Science has a crucial role to play. We must recognize science as a universal public good and increase the investment into integrative scientific approaches to sustainable development." "We call for an international summit for heads of state, as they do for economic summits because even if we bear with the economic difficulties, we cannot surpass water challenges," Prince Khaled said. The prize winners are scientists who achieved tangible breakthroughs, such as making it possible to detect a cholera outbreaka water-borne disease that kills 100,000 a yearup to six months ahead of time; developing better and less expensive ways to treat water; detecting poisons buried in sediment; predicting and limiting the damage and death caused by flooding and erosion; and mitigating and reducing the environmental stress on water sources. At least 167 countries will experience water depletion in the next 25 years. In the U.S. alone, 40 states, including California, Texas and Florida, will experience water scarcity in the next decade. "Water scarcity is a growing problem. Every ounce of scientific ingenuity is needed to prevent the world's growing water crisis," said Dr. Abdulmalek A. Al Alshaikh, General Secretary of PSIPW. "Solutions must be creative and effective." Established in 2002 by Saudi Arabia's late HRH Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz, PSIPW focuses on awarding scientists who establish concrete developments that can save millions of lives. Among this year's award winning achievements: A solution that predicts cholera outbreaks up to six-months in advance; up to six-months in advance; An energy-efficient solution to sustainability sanitize larger volumes of water; larger volumes of water; A model that forecasts monsoonal floods one- to two-weeks in advance; one- to two-weeks in advance; Research that advances scientific understanding of changes in river flows and, therefore, the functionality of river systems as a water source. "This award will motivate more research and raise awareness of this issue around the world." Water sanitation, said UN Secretary General Ban-Ki-moon, "requires investment and partnership and international attention and cooperation among different scientific communities and nations," said. Award Winners: The Creativity Prize: (shared) The team of Dr. Rita Colwell ( University of Maryland at College Park ) and Dr. Shafiqul Islam ( Tufts University ) Dr. Peter J. Webster ( Georgia Institute of Technology ) The team of Dr. ( ) and Dr. ( ) Dr. ( ) Creativity Prize: Dr. Peter J. Webster ( Georgia Institute of Technology , USA ). Dr. ( , ). Surface Water Prize: Gary Parker ( University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ) ( ) Groundwater Prize: Dr. Tissa H. Illangasekare ( Colorado School of Mines ) Dr. ( ) Alternative Water Resources Prize: The team of Dr. Rong Wang & Dr. Anthony G. Fane ( Nanyang Technological University , Singapore ) The team of Dr. Rong Wang & Dr. ( , ) Water Management and Protection Prize: Dr. Daniel P. Loucks ( Cornell University ) The UN Missions of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Thailand and Tajikistan co-sponsored the Nov. 2 ceremony at the United Nations. The event included approximately 150 high-level diplomats and UN officials in attendance. Background on the PSIPW awards and recipients can be found here. SOURCE Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water ABU DHABI and DUBAI, UAE, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Taking place in Abu Dhabi, ADIPEC offers DarkMatter the opportunity to showcase its vast experience managing and mitigating cyber risk for energy companies DarkMatter, an international cyber security firm headquartered in the UAE, announces its major participation at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) for the first time. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161103/435794 ) The event is taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) November 7-10, 2016 where close to 100,000 visitors from across the region are expected to assemble to discuss the strategic and technological developments occurring in the energy sector. DarkMatter views the exhibition as an opportunity to bring to bear its vast cyber security experience across sectors, including the energy sector, and to connect with regional oil and gas companies. Energy companies are widely exposed to cyber attack not least because of the sheer complexity of their infrastructure and their intersection with third-party suppliers and contractors over whom they may have little control. Energy is a strategic target for malicious actors, as power interruptions, even if minor, can cause a cascade of secondary consequences that may cause longer term damage. DarkMatter will be looking to showcase the importance of adopting a holistic approach to cyber security in order to better protect this critical national infrastructure from the effects of cyber attack. DarkMatter will also showcase its thought leadership through a number of speaking engagements at the Security In Energy conference, which is taking place alongside ADIPEC. Stephen Brennan, DarkMatter's Senior Vice President of Cyber Network Defence will speak on the reinvention of cyber security in a hyper connected Internet of Things environment; while Eric Eifert, Senior Vice President of Managed Security Services, will participate on a panel discussing the impact of hyper connectivity on the protection of critical infrastructure. Commenting on DarkMatter's participation at ADIPEC, Faisal Al Bannai, Chief Executive Officer said, "The energy sector is such a strategically important one that the requirement for its protection from a whole range of threat actors is fundamental. Increasingly, industrial control systems are linked to the wider Internet and while this has increased efficiency, enabled the collection and analysis of performance data and allowed remote maintenance, it now provides a conduit for malicious interference." Faisal Al Bannai continued, "The Middle East is rapidly recognising its level of vulnerability to cyber attack and working to improve its overall posture. Energy firms in particular underpin the GCC economy and as more systems become interconnected with the Internet, they can be targeted by a host of threat actors to include cyber criminals. Our participation at ADIPEC 2016 is aimed at raising awareness around these cyber security threats and what energy companies can do to manage and mitigate the risk." Independent research confirms how attacks on industrial control systems such as those overseeing public and private sector infrastructure such as the electrical grid and transportation systems, are on the rise. And this trend will likely continue, according to the Industrial Cybersecurity Threat Briefing report published by Booz Allen Hamilton earlier this year. The research found that new targets are likely to emerge or expand with respect to industrial control systems and the barrier to entry for threat actors is lowering. Several sectors were particularly hard hit in 2015, according to the report, including energy and transportation. ADIPEC is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and has become a new meeting point for the global energy industry. The event draws ever increasing numbers of exhibiting companies, international country pavilions, visitors and conference speakers from around the world. Picture caption: Faisal Al Bannai, is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of DarkMatter, an international cyber security company based in the UAE, which is empowering digitisation globally. He can be reached on Twitter handle @albannai_faisal -ENDS- About DarkMatter DarkMatter is transforming the cyber security landscape. Headquartered in the UAE and operating globally, we're the region's first and only fully integrated digital defence and cyber security consultancy and implementation firm. Our elite team of global experts deliver advanced, next-generation solutions to governments and enterprises across the cyber security spectrum. We help clients simplify the enormous complexity of today's ever-evolving cyber threats. Our vision is to secure the future by protecting its technologies. Innovation and Research are cornerstones to our development and the activities in these areas underpin our entire range offerings, including Secure Communications, Public Key Infrastructure and Big Data & Analytics products. They also extend to our activities in Governance, Risk & Compliance, Cyber Network Defence, Managed Security Services, Infrastructure & System Integration, Test & Validation Labs, and Smart Solutions. For further details, visit http://www.darkmatter.ae SOURCE DarkMatter HATFIELD, England, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Halaven (eribulin) for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in a Final Appraisal Determination published today. Eribulin is the first breast cancer treatment to be recommended by NICE in nearly a decade.[1] Eribulin is indicated in the European Union for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have progressed after at least one chemotherapeutic regimen for advanced disease. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline and a taxane in either the adjuvant or metastatic setting, unless patients were not suitable for these treatments.[2] NICE has today recommended Eribulin for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have progressed after at least two chemotherapeutic regimen for advanced disease. Prior therapy may have included an anthracycline or a taxane, and capecitabine.[3] "Eribulin was approved in March 2011 and after years of uncertainty for patients and poor management of the Cancer Drugs Fund, people with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in England will finally now have routine access to eribulin. Over a period of more than five years Eisai has shown great flexibility in pricing to maintain patient access to eribulin both in the CDF and with NICE and would like the same opportunity to enable access to our newer cancer drug lenvatinib for radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer patients, however so far an unacceptable process has again taken precedence over patients," comments Gary Hendler, Chairman & CEO Eisai EMEA. Approximately 44,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in England each year,[4] of whom one third subsequently develop metastatic disease.[5] Only 15% of women with metastatic breast cancer will survive beyond five years.[6] Eribulin is one of the most prescribed treatments within the CDF and to date approximately 4,000 patients have been able to access eribulin in the UK since 2011.[7] "I am delighted that women in England with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer will continue to be able to access eribulin, and that the future of this treatment within the NHS is secure. Eribulin significantly improves overall survival in women with this disease and it is therefore an important option against breast cancer," comments Dr Mark Harries, Consultant Medical Oncologist. Eribulin was first approved and launched in the UK in 2011 and marketing authorisation was extended for earlier use in advanced breast cancer from the European Commission on 3 July 2014. Eribulin is currently approved in more than 60 countries around the world including all of the European Union, Canada, United States, Russia, Switzerland, South Korea, Japan and Singapore. Eisai is dedicated to the discovery, development and production of innovative oncology therapies that can make a difference and impact the lives of patients and their families. This passion for people is part of Eisai's human health care (hhc) mission, which strives to better understand the needs of patients and their families to increase the benefits health care provides. Notes to Editors Halaven (eribulin) Eribulin is the first in the halichondrin class of microtubule dynamics inhibitors with a novel mechanism of action. Structurally eribulin is a simplified and synthetically produced version of halichondrin B, a natural product isolated from the marine sponge Halichondria okadai. Eribulin is believed to work by inhibiting the growth phase of microtubule dynamics which prevents cell division. Metastatic Breast Cancer Over 300,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Europe every year,[8] of whom about one third subsequently develop metastatic disease.[5] Metastatic disease is an advanced stage of the disease that occurs when cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body. About Eisai EMEA in Oncology Eisai is committed to the development and delivery of highly beneficial new treatments for people with cancer. The development of therapeutic options in oncology is a major strategic area for Eisai in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Russia and Oceania (EMEA). In the European Union, Eisai currently has three marketed treatments across four indications: Lenvima (lenvatinib) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with progressive locally advanced or metastatic, differentiated (papillary, follicular, Hurthle cell) thyroid carcinoma (DTC) refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI). (lenvatinib) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with progressive locally advanced or metastatic, differentiated (papillary, follicular, Hurthle cell) thyroid carcinoma (DTC) refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI). Kisplyx (lenvatinib) is indicated in combination with everolimus for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following one prior vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy. (lenvatinib) is indicated in combination with everolimus for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following one prior vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy. Halaven (eribulin) is indicated for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have received at least one chemotherapeutic regimen for advanced disease. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline and a taxane in either the adjuvant or metastatic setting, unless patients were not suitable for these treatments. Halaven (eribulin) is also indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable liposarcomas who have received prior anthracycline containing therapy (unless unsuitable) for advanced or metastatic disease. About Eisai Co., Ltd. Eisai Co., Ltd. is a leading global research and development-based pharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan. We define our corporate mission as "giving first thought to patients and their families and to increasing the benefits health care provides," which we call our human health care (hhc) philosophy. With over 10,000 employees working across our global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to realise our hhc philosophy by delivering innovative products in multiple therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs, including Oncology and Neurology. As a global pharmaceutical company, our mission extends to patients around the world through our investment and participation in partnership-based initiatives to improve access to medicines in developing and emerging countries. For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visit. References 1. NICE: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/cancer/breast-cancer Accessed: November 2016 2. Halaven (eribulin) SPC (updated August 2016). Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/24382/SPC/Halaven+0.44+mg+ml+solution+for+injection/ Accessed: November 2016 3. NICE: https://www.nice.org.uk/news Accessed: November 2016 4. Cancer Research UK. Breast cancer incidence by sex and UK region. Available at: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/breast-cancer/incidence-invasive#heading-Zero. Accessed: November 2016 5. O'Shaughnessy J. Extending survival with chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer. The Oncologist. 2005;10(Suppl 3):20-29. 6. Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer - Outlook by Grade - Available at: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/breast-cancer/treatment/statistics-and-outlook-for-breast-cancer#overall Accessed November 2016 7. Eisai Data on File (ERI-219) 8. World Health Organization. Atlas of Health in Europe. 2003. World Health Organization, Regional Office of Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark. Eribulin-UK2217 November 2016 SOURCE Eisai LAGOS, Nigeria, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Foundation Convenes Entrepreneurs & Announces Partnerships With AFDB, Ecowas, The Coca-Cola Africa Foundaton & Nigerian Ministry of Information October 28-29, The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) convened nearly 1,000 entrepreneurs from 54 African countries during the 2nd TEF Entrepreneurship Forum - the largest gathering of African entrepreneurs in the world. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161103/436023 ) The Forum celebrated the 2016 cohort of entrepreneurs, selected from over 45,000 applicants and was the highlight of the 2016 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme. It allowed African policymakers and business leaders to support the Foundation's $100 million commitment to empower 10,000 African entrepreneurs in 10 years. His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma, President of Sierra Leone said, "it's a genuinely innovative approach to African philanthropy - an African offering African solutions. Other philanthropists will be inspired to support and promote this philosophy. Even when we had Ebola in Sierra Leone, Tony was there. His is an example which other successful Africans must follow," he said. TEF Founder Tony O. Elumelu said, "I salute those here - our ambition is that you become ambassadors for entrepreneurship in Africa. You are a generation of wealth creators who share our commitment to the transformation of Africa. Momar Mass-Taal turned his first $5,000 seed capital from the Foundation into a $1.2 million revenue business. We will have many more of these." The two-day forum buzzed with energy as entrepreneurs shared and gained knowledge, built cross-border partnerships, and connected with policymakers, fostering intra-African innovation and collaboration. The first day featured masterclasses, sector specific workshops and a session on Africapitalism; the second day featured policy panels seeking solutions to strengthen the enabling environment for business. Moderated by BBC News correspondent Lerato Mbele, the panel featured: His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma, President of Sierra Leone President Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria Former Prime Minister of Benin Republic Lionel Zinsou Honourable Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, Vice Chair of Famfa Oil President Obasanjo said: "By every means, God has made His face shine upon you. You are not the only one, but unlike you, others don't have the idea of empowering the next generation of Africans in the manner and scale that you are doing." Former Prime Minister of Benin, Lionel Zinsou, said, "What Tony Elumelu is doing is the exception, not the norm." Information: http://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/teep/tef-forum2016 Contact: Bolanle.omisore@tonyelumelufoundation.org, +234-814-590-0809 SOURCE The Tony Elumelu Foundation DUBLIN, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Fast Casual Restaurants Market in the US 2016-2020" report to their offering. The report forecasts the fast casual restaurants market in the US to grow at a CAGR of 10.38% during the period 2016-2020. Packaging is often considered to be an extension of a particular brand's value. Therefore, packaging of any brand is important in generating interest and curiosity among consumers. Innovations are made in terms of biodegradable packaging, compostable packaging, and packaging customized to a particular shape and size of a food product. According to the report, a fast casual pizza restaurant is a fresh and rapidly growing concept. It is a combination of fast food and casual dining restaurants. It serves healthier pizza that is fresh but costs more than the ones served in quick service pizza restaurants. The increase in health consciousness has pushed the demand for this segment. Consumers are willing to pay more for the healthy, fresh, and low-calorie pizza served at fast casual restaurants. In 2013, Chipotle Mexican Grill partnered with restaurateurs Bobby Stuckey and Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson to launch a fast casual pizza concept called Pizzeria Locale, which cooks pizzas in around two minutes in customized 900F oven. MOD Pizza, Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza, Pie Five Pizza, PizzaRev, Uncle Maddio's Pizza, and Live Basil Pizza are the top pizza restaurants in this category in the US. Further, the report states that a major challenge for almost all the types of restaurants including fast casual restaurants is the fluctuation in the prices of food commodities such as sugar, grains, meat, and dairy products, which are vital for the preparation of food. In 2015, the prices of meat and vegetables shot up considerably by 3%-5% compared to 2014. Key vendors: Chipotle Mexican Grill Firehouse Restaurant Five Guys Panda Express Panera Bread Key Topics Covered: PART 01: Executive summary PART 02: Scope of the report PART 03: Market research methodology PART 04: Introduction PART 05: Country profile: US PART 06: Market landscape PART 07: Market segmentation by product PART 08: Market drivers PART 09: Impact of drivers PART 10: Market challenges PART 11: Impact of drivers and challenges PART 12: Market trends PART 13: Competitor analysis PART 14: Appendix For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/nnmgrq/fast_casual Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com SOURCE Research and Markets SAN FRANCISCO, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The global flame retardants market is expected to reach USD 11.96 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Favorable regulatory scenario promoting the use of these materials for fire safety is expected to fuel market growth over the forecast period. Flame retardants are added to potentially flammable products as a precautionary measure against fire hazards. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150105/723757 ) Stringent fire safety regulations and guidelines have forced construction industry to adopt flame retardant usage. The usage of the high amount of composite material and plastics has increased the risk of fire hazards. To reduce this risk and to increase the critical escape time in case of fire hazards, there has been an increase in FR usage and this trend is expected to grow over the next nine years thus benefitting flame retardant demand. Non halogenated flame retardants emerged as the leading product segment and accounted for 57.7% of total market volume in 2015. The product segment is also expected to witness the highest growth of 5.7% over the forecast period. Favorable regulations regarding the use of non halogenated flame retardants are expected to drive this segment over the forecast period. Browse full research report with TOC on "Flame Retardant Market Analysis By Product (Halogenated (Brominated, Antimony Trioxide), Non Halogenated (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Dihydroxide, Phosphorous)), By Application, By End-Use And Segment Forecasts, 2014 - 2025" at: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/flame-retardant-market Further key findings from the report suggest: The global flame retardant market demand was 2.49 million tons in 2015 and is expected to exceed 4.0 million tons by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2016 to 2025 Aluminum hydroxide had the highest penetration within the non halogenated segment, in terms of demand in 2015 and is expected to grow at an estimated CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period. Regulations restricting the usage of halogenated flame retardants have been benefitting their non halogenated counterparts Epoxy resins were the largest application segment and accounted for 24.1% of total market volume in 2015. Polyolefins are expected to experience the fastest growth of 5.5% over the forecast period. Electrical & electronics was the leading end-use industry consuming flame retardants with a demand share exceeding 40% in 2015. It is also expected to witness the highest growth of 5.2% over the forecast period. The growth of electronics industry particularly in Asia Pacific coupled with favorable regulations is expected to drive growth. coupled with favorable regulations is expected to drive growth. They are used widely in electronics & electrical industry to achieve the prescribed flammability standards. Components such as printed wiring boards, electrical connectors, wires & cables and electrical cabinets & enclosures use flame retardants. Asia Pacific was the leading consumer and accounted for 47.9% of total market volume in 2015. The presence of manufacturing hubs, rising demand for construction and consumer electronics in the region are the primarily attributed reasons for the highest penetration. The region is also expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period. was the leading consumer and accounted for 47.9% of total market volume in 2015. The presence of manufacturing hubs, rising demand for construction and consumer electronics in the region are the primarily attributed reasons for the highest penetration. The region is also expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period. Major industry participants include Chemtura Corporation, Albemarle Corporation, Israel Chemical LTD., Clariant International Ltd., BASF, & DSM N.V. Companies have been inking agreements to allow the marketing and sale of their products in the regional markets. Capacity addition, expansion, and increase in raw material storage capacity to deal with demand fluctuations have been undertaken by major industry participants. Browse related reports by Grand View Research: Propylene Oxide Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/propylene-oxide-market Automotive Composites Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/automotive-composites-market Thermoformed Plastics Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/thermoformed-plastics-market Waterborne Epoxy Resin Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/waterborne-epoxy-resin-market Grand View Research has segmented the flame retardant market on the basis of product, application, end use and region: Product Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons, Revenue; USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Halogenated Flame Retardants Brominated FR Chlorinated Phosphates Antimony Trioxide Others Non Halogenated Flame Retardants Aluminum Hydroxide Magnesium Dihydroxide Phosphorous Based Others Application Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons, Revenue; USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Polyolefins Epoxy resins Unsaturated Polyester Polyvinyl Chloride Engineering Thermoplastics Rubber Styrenics Others End-Use Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons, Revenue; USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Construction Transportation Electrical & Electronics Others Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons, Revenue; USD Million, 2014 - 2025) North America U.S Europe Germany France UK Asia Pacific China Japan India Central & South America Middle East and Africa Access research Insight - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/research-insights/flame-retardants-market-insights-first-line-of-defense 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. Read Our Blogs - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/blogs/bulk-chemicals Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com Web: http://www.grandviewresearch.com SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc. KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Fleurette Group ("Fleurette") is pleased to announce the third quarter operating results for Mutanda Mining SARL ("MUMI"). Mutanda continues to operate above nameplate capacity, testament to the considerable investment in the asset by the shareholders over a long period of time. Highlights Copper production of 53,400 tonnes consistent with prior periods since commissioning in plant in 2014 Copper production at the end of the first nine months of 2016 162.3kt, up 1% from the same period last year (2015: 161.0kt) Cobalt production of 7,300 tonnes, up 22% from Q2 2016 and 49% from Q3 2015 following completion of plant optimisation Production 2015 2016 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Year Q1 Q2 Q3 YtD Copper metal Kt 51.6 53.9 55.5 55.1 216.1 54.7 54.2 53.4 162.3 Cobalt contained Kt 2.6 3.7 4.9 5.3 16.5 4.9 6.0 7.3 18.2 During the third quarter MUMI produced 53,400 tonnes of copper (Q2 54,200 tonnes) and 7,300 tonnes of cobalt (Q2 6,000 tonnes), a decrease in copper of 1% and an increase in cobalt of 22% respectively on the second quarter of 2016. Total copper production in the first nine months of 2016 was 162.3kt, up 1% from the same period last year (2015: 161.0kt). The plant consistently produced above nameplate capacity. Cobalt production of 18,200 tonnes YTD was 7,000 tonnes (63%) higher than the comparable period, due to the completion of plant optimisation projects during 2016 and improved cobalt grades in the material processed. Dan Gertler, Senior Advisor to Fleurette Group commented: "Mutanda is a stand-out asset in the DRC mining sector, and continues to reap the benefits of a prolonged period of investment. Mutanda remains one of the largest contributors to the DRC fiscal authorities and a major employer in the region. I am also pleased with the continued progress on the mine's CSR programme which is delivering real benefits to the surrounding community in the form of access to fresh water, education facilities, investment in better healthcare and a growing agricultural sector." Social Investment Update In 2016 Q3 MUMI's main social investments included: Sustainable rural livelihoods - Cultivation of 300 hectares of crops. MUMI assisted with donation of inputs, training of cooperatives members and preparation of the soil - Cultivation of 300 hectares of crops. MUMI assisted with donation of inputs, training of cooperatives members and preparation of the soil Health - Support to Lualaba health zone for awareness on malaria - Support to Lualaba health zone for awareness on malaria Water - Installation of 11 hand pumps to community wells - Installation of 11 hand pumps to community wells Education - Support to summer camps and soccer tournaments in communities. MUMI provided school supplies for participating children, educational material for activities and gifts MUMI comprises the Mutanda and Kansuki concessions in the Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of Congo which were merged in July 2013. MUMI is jointly owned by Glencore (69% ownership) and Fleurette (31% ownership). MUMI is managed by Glencore who also have a 100% offtake contract for all copper and cobalt production. Fleurette has invested $440 million in acquiring and developing the asset in partnership with Glencore. This has driven production from 100,000 to the current run rate of 200,000 tonnes of copper per annum. The total investment in MUMI is over $1.8 billion. MUMI employs over 3,500 Congolese at the current design capacity, and as further investment is made into the asset, we would expect this number to increase. -Ends- Media enquiries: Powerscourt +44(0)20 7250 1446 fleurette@powerscourt-group.com About Fleurette - http://www.fleurettegroup.com / LinkedIn / Twitter The Fleurette Group of Companies ("Fleurette") is an entrepreneurial business with significant investment in diverse sectors, including natural resources, infrastructure, agriculture and technology. Fleurette has substantial investments and operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The parent company of the group, Fleurette Properties Limited, a Dutch resident company, is owned by Line Trust Corporation Limited strictly and solely as trustees of the Ashdale Settlement, a trust established in 2006 for the benefit of the family of Dan Gertler. Mr. Gertler is a citizen and resident of Israel and the DRC (and honorary counsel to the DRC) and is committed to developing the country's natural resources and infrastructure, while investing in the Congolese people and their communities. Fleurette has a proven track record of successful co-operation with diverse parties, including the DRC State-owned mining company Gecamines, and to date has brought more than USD $7 billion of investment into the DRC, on top of its USD $2 billion in private investment. As a result, Fleurette's subsidiaries and partnerships support around 30,000 jobs in the DRC and are amongst the DRC's leading taxpayers, contributing significant revenues to the State. Fleurette is also a major contributor to social development in the DRC through the Gertler Family Foundation (GFF) and through direct investment in social infrastructure. The GFF is the largest charitable organization in the DRC, funding more than 50 programs and projects across the DRC, which help tens of thousands of Congolese every year. These include rebuilding key hospitals, notably the Kisangini "Hospital du Cinquantenaire"; supporting the Operation Smile campaign in Lubumbashi and Kinshasa; rebuilding Blaise Pascal School in Lubumbashi; and supporting the Lubumbashi Zoo. SOURCE Fleurette Group DUBLIN, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- FlowForma, the leading provider of BPM tools for Microsoft Office 365 is pleased to announce its upcoming webinar focusing on the benefits of deploying a low code approach to BPM, featuring Forrester Vice President and Principal Analyst, John Rymer. Digital business means different things to different organizational leaders. But all agree that speedy, iterative delivery of business process software helps separate digital leaders from digital laggards. Speed is crucial in introducing new disruptive products, engaging and responding to customers across different channels, and adapting existing services based on shifting competitive drivers. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435267 ) (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160908/823123 ) Join FlowForma's guest Forrester Vice President and Principal Analyst, John Rymer at this upcoming webinar, as he discusses how these market forces have led to a step change in the BPM landscape, and how this relentless focus on "digital speed" is forcing leaders to reach for new approaches and platforms that enable delivery of new apps in days and weeks, instead of months. Imagine having a process management platform that can deliver rapid benefits without requiring hefty upfront investments in training, governance, and platforms. To fully contribute to digital transformation efforts, BPM teams must cast off legacy practices and platforms in favor of new, low code approaches that accelerate digital process innovation. Webinar Details When: 8th November 2016 @ 11am EDT / 4pm GMT Where: Online. Register for free today. Who: COOs, Operations Managers, Business Analysts, Process Analysts, CIOs, CTOs, System Architects, Performance Analysts, IT Managers, Project Managers, Delivery Managers and IT Consultants. Hear from Neil Young, CEO, FlowForma on how organizations today are embracing three new practices to get the most out of low code platforms. These practices focus on test and learn development, lightweight governance, and designing low code apps for future scale. Secure your complementary place at this upcoming webinar. Supporting Resources To learn more about FlowForma ' s upcoming webinar featuring Forrester visit: https://www.flowforma.com/allevents/webinar-waking-up-the-sleepy-world-of-bpm-with-a-low-code-approach-featuring-john-rymer To find out how the FlowForma Cloud BPM tool works visit: http://www.flowforma.com/howitworks Watch a demo video of FlowForma BPM 5.0: https://www.flowforma.com/flowforma-latest-update-5.0-demo-video To download a free trial of FlowForma visit: http://www.flowforma.com/trial About FlowForma FlowForma, the leading provider of Business Process Management (BPM) tools for Microsoft Office 365 has been revolutionizing the traditional BPM space with an innovative approach to developing award winning BPM products that empower users to create and streamline processes smarter and faster, utilizing the familiar SharePoint platform, without any coding. FlowForma is a Microsoft Partner, with over 60 customers and 75,000 users across Europe, South Africa and North America. The company is headquartered in Dublin with offices in London and Lithuania and is motivated by its values to innovate, evolve and achieve with employees, customers and partners. For further information, visit http://www.flowforma.com About Forrester Inc Forrester is one of the most influential research and advisory firms in the world. Forrester's unique insights are grounded in annual surveys of more than 500,000 consumers and business leaders worldwide, rigorous and objective methodologies, and the shared wisdom of most innovative organizations. Through proprietary research, data, custom consulting, exclusive executive peer groups, and events, the Forrester experience is about a singular and powerful purpose: to challenge thinking and to help lead change in organizations. SOURCE FlowForma CAMBRIDGE, England, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Arkessa, the leading provider of Global Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) managed connectivity services, has been recognised by Gartner in the Magic Quadrant for M2M Managed Services* for a third year running. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161031/434392 ) In the 2016 Magic Quadrant, Arkessa features with a number of its Mobile Network Operator Partners including Vodafone, Telefonica, Verizon and Orange. Arkessa works with all of the leading global MNOs to bring the best of their services to market whether the requirement is for high data 4G or 3G, low data cellular or low power wide area (LPWAN). Andrew Orrock, CEO of Arkessa, said "Adoption of IoT and Enterprise connectivity continues to accelerate and featuring in Gartner's Global Magic Quadrant again is another fantastic accolade for the team at Arkessa and a reflection of their technical innovation, leadership, and commitment to providing world-class support to Enterprises of all sizes. We have an incredible team dedicated to delivering and supporting best of breed IoT services in all regions of the World. I'm grateful to all of them and also our customers and ecosystem partners who continue to drive Arkessa to innovate and lead in this dynamic market. Congratulations again to all of our team and to our mobile network partners." For more information on Arkessa and how we can help you succeed in M2M and IoT please visit http://www.arkessa.com/download * The Gartner Magic Quadrants are a series of market research reports produced by Gartner Inc., a US-based research and advisory firm. The 2016 Magic Quadrant for M2M Managed Services evaluates the leading communication service provider (CSPs) and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) service providers and provides recommendation for consideration by sourcing executives. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. SOURCE Arkessa DALLAS, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Aragon Research named Intelledox an 'Innovator' in the first Aragon Research Globe(TM) for Digital Transaction Management. Intelledox was included for its ease of use and ability to deliver on the Content Automation component of DTM. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435742 Led by CEO Jim Lundy, Aragon states that "DTM is now a well-established business category that both large and small enterprises are adopting in a growing fashion." DTM essentially is about streamlining business processes by keeping document processes fully digital. Aragon expects that DTM will grow into a $30-billion market by 2020. Intelledox is one of only 15 exclusive vendors selected for the Aragon Research Globe(TM) for DTM, 2016. Aragon analyzed three parameters of Strategy, Performance and Reach as part of a rigorous comparative evaluation of each vendor. Intelledox qualifies as an Innovator due to the ability to generate documents based on data collected via adaptive interviews while seamlessly transferring the collected data to systems of record. Additionally, the joint partnership between Intelledox and DocuSign offers a unique integration that enables users, for e.g. in insurance and banking, to create customized, compliant documents that can be distributed to relevant stakeholders and electronically signed in real-time. Jim Lundy, Founder and CEO of Aragon Research said, "One of the capabilities that stands out is its adaptive interviews which can automatically complete documents and forms for users to eSign in real-time. The need to shift to the content automation part of DTM makes Intelledox one to watch." Intelledox President Rodney Frye said, "We are honored to be recognized by Aragon Research as an Innovator in the 2016 Aragon Research Globe for DTM. This research note is a reflection of the significant shift we are noticing in the banking and insurance industries driven by the need to improve the customer experience, accelerate revenue, drive efficiencies, improve profitability and ensure compliance. Aragon also recognized our global partnership with DocuSign, which provides our customers, end-to-end DTM capabilities, ensuring that documents that are born digital, stay digital." The Aragon Research Globe graphically represents Aragon's analysis of a specific market and its component vendors. The research note looks beyond size and market share, and instead uses those as comparative factors in evaluating providers' product-oriented capabilities. Learn more about the Aragon Research Globe for DTM by clicking the link below: https://aragonresearch.com/the-aragon-research-globe-for-digital-transaction-management-2016/ About Aragon Research Aragon Research is the newest technology research and advisory firm. Aragon delivers high impact advisory, interactive research and consulting services to provide enterprises the insight they need to help them make better technology and strategy decisions. Aragon Research serves business and IT leaders and has a proven team of veteran analysts. For more information, visit www.aragonresearch.com. About Intelledox Utilizing intuitive, conversational digital interviews, Intelledox's Adaptive Engagement solutions help companies rapidly develop and deliver mobile-ready business processes. Insurance, Financial Services, Government and Enterprise customers worldwide deploy the Infiniti platform to enhance customer engagement, increase customer satisfaction, streamline efficiency, and drive down operational costs. With North American Headquarters located in Dallas Texas, Intelledox has offices in New York, Toronto, London, Singapore, Sydney and Global Headquarters in Canberra Australia. http://www.intelledox.com. For further information, please contact: Neville Braganza Marketing Manager Neville.braganza@intelledox.com Aragon Research Disclaimer Aragon Research does not endorse vendors, or their products or services that are referenced in its research publications, and does not advise users to select those vendors that are rated the highest. Aragon Research publications consist of the opinions of Aragon Research and Advisory Services organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Aragon Research provides its research publications and the information contained in them "AS IS," without warranty of any kind. Related Links http://www.intelledox.com SOURCE Intelledox LONDON and RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading international, UK and Saudi businesses, organisations and start-ups within tech, innovation, health and business investment have lined up to support the first ever Misk Hackathon event taking place live and simultaneously in London and Riyadh on 25-27 November. Limited places are still available and candidates can register here: http://www.miskhackathon.com Representatives from Microsoft, STC, the Saudi-British Joint Business Council, the British Council, the British Embassy Riyadh, the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HealthTech Women, Tech London Advocates, Women Who Code, Stemettes, Code:First Girls and GrowthEnabler, among many more, have all pledged support, with many occupying mentoring roles at the event. The panel of judges will soon be unveiled. Organised by the Misk Foundation, the Hackathon is part of its ongoing work to cultivate learning and leadership among all Saudi youth through innovative programmes in association with local and global organisations and partners across diverse and creative fields, under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. In what the Deputy Crown Prince has called a "milestone initiative", the event will be the first time that cross-cultural, mixed gender collaboration between the two nations has taken place, with up to 400 participants communicating through technology and a live satellite broadcast link to dream up a health tech innovation. His Royal Highness said: "Strong and collaborative cross-nation partnership through technology, innovation and youth enterprise hold the keys to a thriving, healthy, diverse and prosperous state, paving the way for our next generation and the future of our Kingdom." Welcoming the initiative, UK Executive Director Chris Innes-Hopkins of the Saudi-British Joint Business Council said, "The UK is a key strategic partner for Saudi Arabia's implementation of Vision 2030. In a global economy, collaboration between the two nations is an important driver of tech innovation, entrepreneurship and shared productivity. We hope this initiative inspires more Saudi-UK innovation ventures of this kind." The British Council has also applauded the initiative for increasing cross-cultural connectivity. Comments British Council Country Director, Saudi Arabia, Amir Ramzan: "'All our work in Saudi promotes cross-cultural collaboration and is driven by the belief that a people-to-people approach helps to build long term trust and understanding. We're delighted to be working with MiSK Hackathon this year to connect young, ambitious entrepreneurs in Saudi and the UK and give them a space where they can experiment together and accelerate their thinking.' Deemah Alyahya, Executive Director of Microsoft, which is supporting the event said: "The Misk Hackathon is all about connecting people around the world through technology, helping them realise their full potential. That's our aim too, and we're proud to support anything that helps bring about such positive change." The initiative has also driven accolades from leading female-focused tech and health organisations and networks, which all champion the ambition to bring more women into a male-dominated technology sector. Comments Maxine Mackintosh, UK Chair of international network, HealthTech Women, "In the UK, about 20 per cent of the Med Tech sector are female. It's encouraging that the Middle East is breaking new ground with an increasing trend of entrepreneurial women entering this sector, and it's great to see initiatives like this, which have a huge role to play in fostering diversity through shared experiences and learning." Adds Gen Ashley, Director of global, not-for-profit organisation, Women Who Code: "Technology is an empowering force and can be a key emancipator for women no matter what their lifestyle or life stage. We need to see greater diversity and greater opportunity for women in this sector. It's a vital path to progress and could open up doors to innovation we'd never dreamed of." Follow @MiskTech and sign up at: http://www.miskhackathon.com - ENDS - Media contacts: hackathon@misk.org.sa Notes to editor: About MiSK Hackathon 2016 MiSK Hackathon 2016 takes place on 25-27 November in London (ILEC Conference Centre, Fulham) and Riyadh. The contest is open to all young Britons and Saudis aged between 18 and 32 years. Participants can find more information and register at http://www.miskhackathon.com Closing date for entry is 18 November. SOURCE MiSK Hackathon 2016 BARCELONA, Spain, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Gas Union (IGU) is pleased to announce that as of 1 November 2016, Mr. Luis Bertran Rafecas has assumed the position of Secretary General, taking over from Pal Rasmussen. This transition comes at a pivotal time for the global gas industry. There is increasing understanding of the unprecedented role natural gas can play in the global energy transformation. Natural gas is a vital energy source on its own and in its unique ability to enable and support the greater deployment of renewable energies. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151202/292697LOGO ) The enhanced use of natural gas in power generation, heating and industry will not only drive economic growth, but also reduce carbon emissions as well as emissions of harmful air pollutants. With the change in leadership, the IGU's Secretariat has also relocated from Oslo, Norway to Barcelona, Spain, with Gas Natural Fenosa and Sedigas becoming the new Secretariat host organizations. David Carroll, President IGU, said, "We congratulate Luis on his new position, and also thank outgoing Secretary General Pal Rasmussen for his leadership and contributions to the IGU over the past two years. We would also like to thank Statoil for their significant and generous contribution to the IGU in hosting the Secretariat for the past nine years, and recognize Gas Natural Fenosa and Sedigas for their willingness to host the new Secretariat." Luis Bertran Rafecas, incoming IGU Secretary General commented, "I am delighted to take up the position as Secretary General and work closely with IGU President David Carroll to further advance the role of natural gas in the global energy mix." About The International Gas Union (IGU) The International Gas Union (IGU) was founded in 1931 and is a worldwide non-profit organisation aimed at promoting the political, technical and economic progress of the gas industry. The Union has more than 150 members worldwide on all continents, representing approximately 97% of the world gas market. The members of the IGU are national associations and corporations within the gas industry worldwide. The IGU organises the World Gas Conference (WGC) every three years, with the forthcoming WGC taking place in Washington, D.C., United States, in June 2018. The IGU's working organisation covers all aspects of the gas industry from exploration and production, storage, LNG, distribution and natural gas utilisation in all market segments. http://www.igu.org SOURCE The International Gas Union (IGU) LONDON, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- New global report highlights 5 small steps to improve hygiene practices and reduce the burden of infectious diseases in children worldwide The Global Hygiene Council (GHC) have today launched their "Small Steps for Big Change" report, investigating the alarming burden of preventable infectious diseases in children worldwide and calls for families, communities and healthcare professions to implement a simple 5-step plan to improve everyday hygiene practices and stop children dying from preventable infections. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161012/427744 ) (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161012/427745-INFO ) The report highlights that more than 3 million children under the age of 5 years die from infectious diseases each year,[1] almost a million children die from pneumonia each year,[1] and more than 700,000 children under the age of 5 years die as a result of diarrhoea.[2] "It is unacceptable that largely preventable infections such as diarrhoea are still one of the biggest killers of children globally," says Professor John Oxford, an infectious diseases expert from the UK and Chair of the GHC. "Handwashing with soap has been shown to reduce diarrhoeal deaths by 50% and by developing this 5-step plan, we want to deliver a clear and consistent message about how small changes in hygiene practices could have a big impact on the health and well-being of children around the world." The 5-step plan has been developed by GHC experts, spanning paediatricians, infectious disease specialists, and public health experts from the UK, France, the USA, Nigeria, and South Africa. The 5-steps focus on making small changes such as improved hand hygiene and preventing the spread of infection in the home. The potential big changes that might result include halving the incidence of diarrhoea and reducing the burden of common childhood infections such as colds and influenza. "Poor personal hygiene and home hygiene practices are widely recognised as the main causes of infection transmission for colds, influenza and diarrhoea," says Professor Oxford. "Families, communities and healthcare professionals need to acknowledge that improved hygiene is effectively a first line of defence and that adopting better hygiene practices could have a dramatic and positive impact on the lives of young children worldwide." Five Small Hygiene Steps Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN8Em-QYF50 1. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs178/en/ 2. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs330/en/ To review the full "Small Steps for Big Change" report see: http://www.hygienecouncil.org For further press information and media interviews, please contact: Catherine Major on +44-(0)-1444 811099 or email: Catherine@Spinkhealth.com (or info@hygienecouncil.org) SOURCE The Global Hygiene Council LONDON, November 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital business matchmaking platform Opportunity Network today announced a major global expansion plan that will expand its brand reach and business development efforts while maintaining its entrepreneurial culture. Opportunity Network is now investing significant resources in talent attraction and acquisition, targeting to double local presence to reach 40 strategic markets by the end of 2016. "Our team is very excited about the exceptional growth we are experiencing in such a concentrated period of time. We believe now is the perfect moment to grow our company, and demonstrate our strong commitment to the company's goal to facilitate global trade and direct investment, adding value to all our stakeholders. We are also very proud to have attracted senior executives such as former CEOs of reputable banks to join us. It is a clear proof that we serve the purpose and vision that attract business leaders of today and the future," said Brian Pallas, Founder and CEO for Opportunity Network. The company will continue its rapid growth by expanding its team to countries including Benelux, Nordics, India, Slovakia, Turkey, Morocco, Qatar, Chile, Colombia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. The company will also invest additional resources toward business development in the United States and Italy in anticipation of future business needs as those two core markets mature. Including the company's current footprint in the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Poland, the US, Canada, Israel, UAE, Nigeria, South Africa, Russia, Ukraine, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Kuwait, Australia, Hong Kong and Vietnam, Opportunity Network will be present in approximately 40 countries. Opportunity Network will keep expanding its culturally diverse top-level team by recruiting from local markets in support of companies and financial institutions worldwide. "We couldn't be prouder by the quality of the professionals joining our team. We know our success so far is purely due to our people, and the main reason they are joining is that they identify with our purpose. Today people work for meaning and want to make an impact. We believe our symbiotic and collaborative growth model exemplifies that purpose," explains Julia Puig, Chief Commercial Officer and Founding Team Member of the company. About Opportunity Network Opportunity Network (http://www.opportunitynetwork.com) is the business matchmaking platform where members find trustworthy counterparties for any deal above $ 1M and that allows banks to grow their market share. Members, key decision-makers selected by financial institutions from all over the world, post Opportunities anonymously that vary from M&A, commercial partnerships, investments, to joint ventures. Opportunity Network has now a valuation of around $150Mn and partnerships with top financial institutions like London Stock Exchange Group, CaixaBank, and Intesa Sanpaolo. Among other publications, Opportunity Network has been featured by the Financial Times (http://on.ft.com/1Qn0wzQ), Forbes (http://onforb.es/1Qn0aJp) and other international publications (for more information: http://www.opportunitynetwork.com/press-page). SOURCE Opportunity Network ZURICH, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Competition winner announced UBS announces the winner of 'WOMEN: Heroes', a digital campaign celebrating women making an impact in their communities. The campaign complements the 10-city international tour of 'WOMEN: New Portraits', an exhibition of newly commissioned photographs by Annie Leibovitz, featuring women of outstanding achievement. Exhibition visitors and audiences globally were invited to share stories of inspiring women in their own lives. 90,000 people engaged in the competition. Participants submitted their captioned photos via Instagram using #ShareYourHero or directly to the digital gallery at http://www.ubs.com/shareyourhero. The winner Tatjana Neubauer, a 23-year old from Vienna, nominated her mother and won a trip for two to New York to meet Annie Leibovitz and attend the opening of 'WOMEN: New Portraits' on 18 November 2016. "My mother always puts other people first. I don't get to see her that often, as I work and study in Vienna, but we never lose track of each other's lives." Johan Jervoe, Chief Marketing Officer, UBS said: "There has been so much interest in the exhibition tour we wanted to invite audiences globally to celebrate their female role models and to explore their own creativity. Collectively this is a global and progressive portrait." WOMEN: Heroes stories: Kevin Elmore on his wife: Diane is my hero. We have 2 great sons, she's a personal chef and a gifted athlete. At the Princeton IronMan 70.3 race, I had a 25 minute head start. She caught me, but slowed down so we could finish together. Liz McGonigal on her niece: At a mere 4 years old, my niece Hannah claims the hero position for her eagerness to explore, hunger for knowledge, boundless creativity, extraordinary confidence and self-love. She teaches me everyday, how to live. Explore more stories http://www.ubs.com/shareyourhero Notes to editors: 'WOMEN: New Portraits', will open to the public in New York on 18 November 2016 at the former Bayview Correctional Facility, the future home of The Women's Building. Access to the exhibition is free. http://www.ubs.com/annieleibovitz UBS and Contemporary Art UBS, a global financial services firm, has a long and substantial record of engagement in contemporary art, actively enabling clients and audiences to participate in international conversations through its contemporary art and digital platforms. UBS provides long-term support as global Lead Partner to the international Art Basel shows, as well as to the Guggenheim UBS MAP global partnership. SOURCE UBS SEATTLE, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- OfficeFinder is pleased to announce the addition of their online 360 interactive panoramic office space virtual tours program. With 30 virtual tours of executive suites and cowork spaces in the Seattle and Bellevue metropolitan markets, OfficeFinder is the first to implement this visual way of finding office space. The tours include Regus, WeWork, Premier as well as other local operators. The crystal clear high definition 360 x 180 spherical panoramic online tours create a viewing experience that is as close as possible to the actual experience of being at the place where the tour was shot. It will provide seekers of office space a new way of touring office space without having to be physically there. Properties have a virtual open-house 24/7 without the need for to arrange appointments. They can be visited day or night. It allows for more confidence to make decisions on the best options and saves time traveling from one location to another looking at properties that are not suitable. James Osgood, the founder and CEO of OfficeFinder, said about the program "We hope this will be the start of a new way for businesses to find their offices. Now, when you go to almost any office space listing website, you will see pretty much the same information. Included is the same basic data and same photographs on almost every web site. We thought we could improve the user experience by producing 360 HD interactive panoramic office space virtual tours to allow visitors to get the full "flavor" of the space. No one else is providing this experience and once we see how it works out in the Seattle area, we hope to expand the program both nationwide and into Canada." For More Information About OfficeFinder's Virtual Tours: OfficeFinder Website - https://www.officefinder.com/VirtualTours/ About OfficeFinder: Founded in the Seattle Metropolitan area, OfficeFinder.com has been assisting companies throughout the U.S. and Canada since 1995. During that time, OfficeFinder has successfully helped provide information, resources and solutions to more than 250,000 businesses. With a strong network of nearly 1000 highly qualified local professional office space experts throughout the US and Canada, OfficeFinder has made it much easier for businesses to find office space with the help of qualified local professional. Assistance is at no cost to their clients. Contact: James Osgood Phone 425-391-8900 [email protected] www.officefinder.com SOURCE OfficeFinder Related Links http://www.officefinder.com ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Abacus Life Settlements, a leading life settlement provider in the secondary market for life insurance, announces that Jay Jackson will be joining the firm as Vice President of Capital Markets. "Jay brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with the capital markets and is an important addition to our team in our quest to provide unparalleled service to policy sellers, financial professionals and the investment community," said Samantha Butcher, Chief Operations Officer of Abacus. "I am thrilled to be partnering with a firm that has such a strong origination platform and a wealth of longstanding relationships in the insurance community," said Jackson. According to a 2015 Life Settlement Provider ranking released by The Deal, Life Settlement Report, Abacus earned the number two spot among providers for having purchased a total face value of more than $184 million. Butcher noted that Abacus's industry ranking, which places it among the nation's top three providers, strengthens the company's market position when competing for policy acquisition and when attracting new investment capital. Abacus believes the recent resurgence of the secondary market for life insurance provides senior consumers with a valuable funding source for alternative income-producing investments. For aging baby boomers, who may be financially ill-prepared for their own longevity, life settlements can be a source of funds to help pay for medical and long-term care expenses. About Abacus Settlements, LLC Abacus Settlements, LLC is a national licensed life settlement provider with corporate offices in Orlando, Florida. Founded in 2004, Abacus has purchased billions of dollars of death benefit. We are an active member of the Life Insurance Settlement Association (LISA) and work with life settlement brokers, professional advisors, consumers and institutional investors in optimizing the value of unwanted life insurance policies. The company is committed to providing market participants with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions regarding life insurance policies that are no longer needed or affordable. A life settlement may not be appropriate for all circumstances. Policy sellers should consider all options before entering into a life settlement. Abacus Settlements is not licensed in all states. For more information, visit https://abacuslifesettlements.com. Media Contact: Samantha Butcher, COO 800-561-4148 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150116/169688LOGO SOURCE Abacus Life Settlements Related Links http://www.abacussettlements.com CHICAGO, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) and National PTA have teamed up to support schools in creating healthier environments and help children and families develop healthy lifestyles. To kick off the program, 25 schools will receive Game On Grants for the 2016-2017 school year. The grants, funded by ALDI, aim to expand student access to in-school physical activity and healthy foods, improve knowledge and behaviors around exercise and nutrition, and provide funding and support to PTAs and other parent groups in engaging parents and families in these efforts both at school and at home. "Parents are a powerful force for change in schools and can help bring together school staff and community partners to create healthier learning environments for students," said Rob Bisceglie, CEO, Action for Healthy Kids. "The complementary missions of AFHK and National PTA, combined with the ALDI commitment to helping all families live healthier lives, makes our collaboration and these grants powerful tools, starting with these 25 deserving schools." Through its Game On program, AFHK provides schools with technical support to activate their grants, assistance with developing their school health teams and assessing their school health environments, as well as other tools and resources. Twenty-five schools in five states California, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Texas will each receive up to a $1,000 grant that will be used for a variety of wellness purposes including: Nutrition education, school gardens, taste tests, and healthy classroom parties and celebrations that introduce students to the value of a healthy lifestyle; and Funding for physical education, active indoor and outdoor recess, classroom energizers, walking and running clubs, and before- and after-school programs. "Ensuring children have access to physical activity and nutritious foods in schools is critical to their success and to set the stage for a healthy lifestyle into adulthood," said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. "PTA leaders, members and families play an important role in helping schools deliver physical activity programs and implement improved meal offerings. We are pleased to team up with Action for Healthy Kids and ALDI to equip PTAs and schools with resources to engage families and provide a healthier environment for students." "In working with Action for Healthy Kids over the years, we know firsthand the great work schools can do when supported with the right resources and people power," said ALDI spokeswoman Liz Ruggles. "This new collaboration with Action for Healthy Kids and National PTA truly demonstrates what it means to bring schools, parents and community partners together to make a difference in the lives of children and families. We're honored to be able to support families in the communities where we operate." For more information and a complete list of schools awarded Game On Grants for the 2016-2017 school year, visit www.actionforhealthykids.org/ALDI. About Action for Healthy Kids Action for Healthy Kids is a nationwide grassroots network mobilizing school professionals, families and communities to take actions that improve school foods, nutrition education, physical activity and physical education for all students. Through funding opportunities, expert technical assistance, and our flagship program, Game On, Action for Healthy Kids supports schools in developing healthy environments where children thrive. To learn more about the ways our 100,000+ volunteer network is helping to make every kid healthy, active and ready to learn, visit us at www.ActionforHealthyKids.org, on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/act4healthykids) and on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Act4HlthyKids). About National PTA National PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth. About ALDI Inc. A leader in the grocery retailing industry, ALDI operates nearly 1,600 US stores in 34 states. More than 32 million customers each month save up to 50 percent on their grocery bills, benefiting from the ALDI simple and streamlined approach to retailing. ALDI sells the most frequently purchased grocery and household items, primarily under its exclusive brands, which must meet or exceed the national name brands on taste and quality. ALDI is so confident in the quality of its products, the company offers a Double Guarantee: If for any reason a customer is not 100 percent satisfied with any ALDI food product, ALDI will gladly replace the product and refund the purchase price. ALDI was honored with the 2015 Supermarket News Retail Achievement Award, recognizing the company for its ongoing business expansion and product evolution. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us. SOURCE Action for Healthy Kids Related Links http://www.ActionforHealthyKids.org MUMBAI, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Aegis Limited, a global outsourcing and technology services company, today announced that it has been acknowledged for its Human Resource (HR) Best Practices at the BW Businessworld 2nd HR Excellence Awards 2016 held in Mumbai. The company has been acclaimed for its innovative HR practices and its ability to define and align to the organizational purpose. At the BW Businessworld awards, Aegis was also recognized with Excellence in Global HR Strategy, Workplaces Practice Innovation and Change Management. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120710/NY37889LOGO ) Over the past couple of years, Aegis has been successful in creating, marketing and selling its Employee Value Proposition (EVP) - GET SET GO - that reflects the true culture of the organization along with the reason for its existence. The company has also scaled-up its Diversity & Inclusion agenda - Aegis currently employs over 700 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) which comprises of over 1.8% of its total workforce. Aegis maintains a healthy gender ratio of 63:37 and its presence in tier 3 and 4 cities provides opportunities to employ socio-economic and culturally diverse people. The company employs 1.56% of its global workforce as mature age people and 80-100% as local indigenous people. Sandip Sen, Global CEO, Aegis Limited said, "Building a successful and sustainable organization requires a unified team effort. This feature is a testimony to our innovative HR practices and strategies that align our workforce towards one vision and mission." As part of the assessment process, HR applications at BW Businessworld awards undergo a 5-step rigorous assessment process comprising of editorial screenings, qualifiers, process auditor assessment, pre-jury assessment and a very stringent jury evaluation. Commenting on Aegis' HR practices, Annurag Batra, Chairman & Editor in Chief, BW Businessworld said, "The BPO/KPO domain is a talent and human intensive industry. The HR practices of Aegis have brought down attrition and contributed to happiness of team members. I congratulate them on this people-friendly practice." Recently, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) also recognized Aegis for its six-dimensional diversity & inclusion framework at the SHRM India HR Awards 2016. SM Gupta, Global Chief People Officer, Aegis Limited said, "This award is a testimony to the way Aegis engages talent and builds competitive advantage through its people to achieve organizational results. It recognizes our workplace practices and systems used in managing organizational change with respect to people and processes." Aegis' people practices and its innovative model on HR focus on building robust processes for attaining global agility, effectiveness and competitiveness. All organizational HR practices are designed and implemented in order to ensure that they serve the business value chain. Aegis incorporates sophisticated forecasting and workforce analytics into its business processes. This enables the organization to translate companywide talent, business data and external workforce segment data into workable insights to use and share with business leaders. In order to attract, retain and motivate the right set of employees, Aegis has continuously worked towards developing world-class systems and processes thus positioning itself as "Employer of Choice". About Aegis Aegis is a global outsourcing and technology services company committed to impacting clients' business outcomes by focusing on enhancing customer experience across all touch points and channels. Aegis has operations in 46 locations across 9 countries with more than 40,000 employees. Aegis services over 150 clients from verticals such as Banking and Financial Services, Insurance, Technology, Telecom, Healthcare, Travel & Hospitality, Consumer Goods, Retail, and Energy & Utilities. The company is wholly owned by Essar, a USD 27 billion conglomerate. For more information, write to us at [email protected] or visit http://www.aegisglobal.com. Media Contacts: Aegis (Global) Danveer Bhasin, Vice President - Global Marketing and Strategy Aegis Limited Phone: +91-9930135788 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Aegis Limited Mr. William Bray joins Ankura as Managing Director after a distinguished career in the United States Navy with more than 20 years of experience in geopolitical analysis and worldwide terrorism analysis. While on active duty, Captain Bray commanded the Navy's largest Intelligence Center, leading more than 1,000 civilian and military personnel, and was responsible for global maritime and transnational threat analysis to Chief of Naval Operations, Secretary of the Navy, and National Security Council staff. Throughout his career, he provided geopolitical analysis and wrote extensively on Iran, Russia, China, North Korea and more than 40 African and Middle Eastern countries. Highlights of his broad experience include authorship of daily terrorism updates for the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his selection and performance as a military fellow to the Director of National Intelligence. Most recently he managed day-to-day operations of a senior staff that creates, implements, and oversees all Naval Intelligence policies and programs worldwide. "Bill joins Ankura as a great asset to our clients, bringing demonstrated leadership to high-pressure, geopolitical situations to produce clear insights," said Michelle DiGruttolo, Ankura Senior Managing Director. "Each step that Ankura takes to expand its Risk, Resilience & Geopolitical group, allows the firm to better serve clients in transforming uncertainty into opportunity across the globe." About Ankura Consulting Group Ankura Consulting Group is a business advisory and expert services firm. Its deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges clients face enables its team to provide impactful, senior-level counsel. As an independent firm built on five key principles Integrity, Quality, Diversity, Collaboration and Longevity Ankura's relationships extend beyond one engagement or issue. The firm empowers its industry experts to provide a high-touch, unique approach for its clients in critical times. Ankura's offering includes a wide range of services offered within its Data Analytics & Technology Services, Investigations & Accounting Advisory, Litigation & Disputes, Regulatory & Contractual Compliance, Risk, Resilience & Geopolitical, Turnaround & Restructuring groups. For more information: ankuraconsulting.com. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435743 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160424/359269LOGO SOURCE Ankura Consulting Group Related Links https://ankuraconsulting.com Since 2008, Applebee's restaurants across the country have served almost eight million free meals to veterans and active duty military personnel on Veterans Day. This year all current and former military personnel will also receive a $5 coupon that can be redeemed between November 12 and November 27, 2016. "Applebee's was one of the first restaurant chains in the country to honor our veterans and active service men and women by welcoming them into our restaurants across the country for a free meal on Veterans Day," said Julia Stewart, chairman and CEO of Applebee's parent company DineEquity, Inc. [NYSE: DIN] and president of Applebee's. "This is a day our Applebee's family looks forward to year in and year out. We are proud to be able to serve and honor the heroes in our neighborhoods who have sacrificed so much to protect the freedom of our great country." Applebee's will offer seven of its signature menu items on its Veterans Day menu: Butcher's Meat and Potatoes The classic steakhouse cut, savory to the last bite. Served with seasonal vegetables and a choice of garlic mashed potatoes or baked potato. The classic steakhouse cut, savory to the last bite. Served with seasonal vegetables and a choice of garlic mashed potatoes or baked potato. Oriental Chicken Salad Fresh Asian greens tossed in a tasty Oriental vinaigrette and topped with crispy noodles, toasted almonds and golden fried chicken. Fresh Asian greens tossed in a tasty Oriental vinaigrette and topped with crispy noodles, toasted almonds and golden fried chicken. Fiesta Lime Chicken -- Grilled chicken done fiesta style, with zesty lime sauce, Mexi-ranch and Jack cheddar, served with crisp tortilla strips, seasoned rice and freshly made pico de gallo. -- Grilled chicken done fiesta style, with zesty lime sauce, Mexi-ranch and Jack cheddar, served with crisp tortilla strips, seasoned rice and freshly made pico de gallo. Chicken Tenders Platter Tender, juicy, breaded and downright delicious, served with Honey Dijon mustard, fries and cole slaw. Tender, juicy, breaded and downright delicious, served with Honey Dijon mustard, fries and cole slaw. Double Crunch Shrimp A generous portion of succulent shrimp, golden fried to crunchy perfection and served with fries, cole slaw and cocktail sauce. A generous portion of succulent shrimp, golden fried to crunchy perfection and served with fries, cole slaw and cocktail sauce. Three-Cheese Chicken Penne A blend of Italian cheeses tops a rich mix of penne pasta, grilled chicken, bruschetta tomatoes, fresh basil and creamy Alfredo sauce. A blend of Italian cheeses tops a rich mix of penne pasta, grilled chicken, bruschetta tomatoes, fresh basil and creamy Alfredo sauce. American Standard All-In Burger -- The Applebee's signature burger, with pickles, bacon and onion seared in and topped with American cheese and grill sauce. Free meals will be available at all of the nearly 1,900 Applebee's locations nationwide. In order to receive a free meal on Friday, November 11, 2016, guests need to provide proof of military service, which includes: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, photograph in uniform or wearing uniform, DD214, Citation or Commendation. In addition, Applebee's will again invite everyone to join the Thank You Movement by sending personal messages of gratitude to current and former Armed Service members at ThankYouMovement.com. Over the past five years, more than nine million messages have been sent through the Thank You Movement to those who have defended and continue to defend the nation. Guests can also visit the site to find their local Applebee's. Friday, November 11, 2016, is also Remembrance Day in Canada. Applebee's restaurants in Canada will be offering free meals to all Canadian active and retired armed forces personnel on this day. Offer is valid for limited menu items only. Menu selection and participation may vary. Dine-in only. Traditional sides are included with free entrees; 2 for $20 appetizers, upgraded side items or extras, beverages, desserts and gratuity are not included. Applebee's will offer free meals for veterans and active duty military during normal business hours on Friday, Nov. 11. Hours vary by location, so guests should call their local Applebee's restaurant in advance to inquire about specific location hours. Applebee's encourages guests to call their local Applebee's or visit www.applebees.com for more information. About Applebee's Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar offers a lively bar and grill experience combining hand-crafted drinks and simple, craveable American fare with flair. All Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to serving their communities and offering the best in food and drinks with genuine, neighborly service. With 1,900 locations now in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico and 15 countries, Applebee's is one of the world's largest casual dining brands. Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of DineEquity, Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is among the world's largest full-service restaurant companies. Follow us: Instagram: @applebees Twitter: @applebees Facebook: www.facebook.com/applebees SOURCE Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar Stirling Peak Properties' three partners will be joining the Douglas Elliman team, Stirling, Shea and Merritt. All active brokers from their team will also be joining Elliman. Stirling Peak Properties will keep their current offices, located at 600 E. Main St. in Aspen, Colorado, which will be rebranded under the Douglas Elliman name. "With the addition of Stirling Peak Properties, Douglas Elliman will be gaining a great book of business along with deep connections to the community, through which we can better represent the entire Aspen market. Not only that, but we will be joined by a team well-respected for their high level of integrity, professionalism and experience," said Ed Foran, managing broker of Douglas Elliman's Aspen market. "A partnership such as this aligns with Elliman's strategic growth in the Western Region, advancing in local markets through genuine partnerships with the region's best," added Stephen Kotler, Elliman's chief revenue officer. Active brokers and partners from Stirling Peak Properties bring with them a significant inventory of homes ranging from $500,000 to $14,950,000, providing Elliman a greater market share in the Aspen area. "We look forward to joining forces with Elliman's powerful team. We believe it will bring everyone greater strength, in addition to broadening our reach and enhancing our connections and opportunities," said Stirling, owner of Stirling Peak. "We admire Elliman's collaborative approach and look forward to working together as a team for many years to come." In addition to serving as the Mayor of Aspen, Stirling is a 30-year veteran of real estate in the region. He and his team have worked alongside Elliman's top agents in the Aspen real estate market for years, most notably Joshua Saslove. Their unique, yet parallel, histories in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley combine to create a deep bench of knowledge and expertise for Elliman's growing Colorado brokerage arm. About Douglas Elliman Real Estate Established in 1911, Douglas Elliman Real Estate is the largest brokerage in the New York Metropolitan area and the fourth largest residential real estate company nationwide. With more than 6,000 agents, the company operates approximately 81 offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey, Long Island, the Hamptons & North Fork, Westchester, Greenwich, South Florida, Colorado and California. Moreover, Douglas Elliman has a strategic global alliance with London-based Knight Frank Residential for business in the worldwide luxury markets spanning 59 countries and six continents. The company also controls a portfolio of real estate services including Douglas Elliman Development Marketing; Manhattan's largest residential property manager, Douglas Elliman Property Management with over 250 buildings; and DE Commercial. For more information on Douglas Elliman as well as expert commentary on emerging trends in the real estate industry, please visit www.elliman.com. CONTACT: Samantha Feld Priyanka Banerjee Douglas Elliman The Hoyt Organization (212) 891-7735 (310) 373-0103 [email protected] [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435714 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160916/408761LOGO SOURCE Douglas Elliman Real Estate Related Links http://www.elliman.com FAIRFAX, Va., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- InfoComm International, the trade association representing the commercial audiovisual industry worldwide, has partnered with Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT) in Boston to create an AV technology program at the college. Through this partnership with InfoComm, BFIT is offering coursework in AV technology within its Computer Technology Department and is planning to create an associate degree in the field. The programming will include InfoComm's courses Quick Start to the AV Industry, Essentials of AV Technology, AV Math and Networking Technology. In addition, students will take the AV Technologist exam. The AV technology courses will begin January 2017. Founded in 1908 in Boston, Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT) is one of New England's oldest colleges of technology. Started with a bequest from Benjamin Franklin, and a matching gift from Andrew Carnegie, the private non-profit college offers an affordable education for people seeking technical careers. "We had been hearing of the evolving needs for AV technology from our industry partners and the resulting skill gap in the job market in these areas," said Larson Rogers, Chair of the Computer Technology department, BFIT. "We were looking to create a new program to address these needs when we first connected with InfoComm. It turned out to be a perfect match. Our plan is to become the premier site for AV technician training in New England. There is a clear demand and great jobs waiting." "We're very proud of the progress InfoComm and its foundation, the International Communications Industry Foundation (ICIF), have made building relationships with educational programs around the world," said Betsy Jaffe, Executive Director, ICIF, and Senior Vice President of Member Services, InfoComm International. "One of the common themes we hear when speaking with InfoComm members in New England is the difficulty in finding qualified AV technicians. By partnering with BFIT, we are not only lifting people up by providing them with training for an exciting trade, but we are securing the future of the AV industry." In 2016, InfoComm has built partnerships with Downey Unified School District in Southern California, Columbia College in Chicago, Valencia College in Orlando, Bogota public schools in Colombia and other learning institutions to bring AV education into the classroom. The International Communications Industries Foundation develops and supports programs designed to equip the next generation of audiovisual industry leaders with the knowledge and skills required to successfully manage challenges and opportunities in the future. Through the ICIF Grant Program, students receive mentoring, internships and educational scholarships to support their pursuits for a career in the AV industry. "We believe in the power of education, especially in the field of technology. It is crucial for our company to continue to educate our workforce in order to stay competitive in such a rapidly growing field," says Tahanee Karim, Vice President of Contracts/New Business Relations for SecureTech360, LLC, a sponsor of the ICIF Grant Program. "As a business, you have the opportunity to develop your future workforce by providing an internship program." For more information on the ICIF and workforce development, visit infocomm.org/icif. About the International Communications Industries Foundation The International Communications Industries Foundation (ICIF) is a non-profit charitable and educational organization chartered to support the audiovisual communications industry, bringing manufacturers and dealers together to improve the industry through education and research. The foundation generates support from corporations, philanthropic foundations and government sources to improve and expand the educational programs of InfoComm International. More information is available at infocomm.org/icif. About InfoComm International InfoComm International is the global trade association representing the commercial audiovisual and information communications industries. Established in 1939, InfoComm has more than 5,400 members, representing over 70,000 AV professionals worldwide, including manufacturers, systems integrators, dealers and distributors, independent consultants, programmers, rental and staging companies, end users and multimedia professionals from more than 80 countries. InfoComm International is the leading resource for AV standards, market research and news. Its training, certification and education programs set a standard of excellence for AV professionals. InfoComm International is the founder of InfoComm, the largest annual conference and exhibition for AV buyers and sellers in the Western Hemisphere. InfoComm also produces trade shows in China, Europe, India, Latin America and the Middle East. Additional information is available at infocomm.org. PRESS CONTACT: Krystle Murphy, Communications Manager, InfoComm International Email: [email protected] Phone: +1.703.279.6366 SOURCE InfoComm International Related Links http://www.infocomm.org NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the best U.S. airport and New York's LaGuardia Airport is the worst, according to a new study conducted by ThePointsGuy.com, which has 3.4 million monthly unique visitors and is a leading resource for travel news. Click here for more information: https://thepointsguy.com/2016/10/best-and-worst-airports-usa-2016/ ThePointsGuy.com ranked the nation's 30 busiest airports according to timeliness, accessibility and amenities These airports rank the best and worst in terms of flight delays, cancellations and security wait times The study examined the 30 busiest U.S. airports and used data from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, J.D. Power, Google Maps, iFly.com and the airports' official websites. Categories included flight delays, cancellations, average security wait times, distance from the city center, public transit options, bars/restaurants, lounges, WiFi costs and parking rates. The study placed top importance on how well each airport serves its primary purpose getting you where you're going on time. Next, how easy it is to reach the airport by car or public transportation? The third category is amenities like restaurants and lounges, as well as fees for parking and WiFi. Best U.S. Airports 1. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport 2. Portland (Oregon) International Airport 3. San Diego International Airport 4. Salt Lake City International Airport 5. Honolulu International Airport Sky Harbor is a consistently strong performer: It has the shortest driving time from the city center, the 2nd-shortest public transit time, the 3rd-cheapest parking, the 3rd-most bars/restaurants per capita and the 5th-fewest flight cancellations. Its only below-average ranking is for lounges per capita (19th). Worst U.S. Airports 26. Detroit Metropolitan Airport 27. Chicago O'Hare International Airport 28. Newark Liberty International Airport 29. John F. Kennedy International Airport 30. LaGuardia Airport LaGuardia has the most flight delays and cancellations and the most expensive parking among the 30 surveyed airports. JFK has the longest average security wait time and the longest driving time from the city center. Newark has the 2nd-most flight delays and cancellations, plus the 3rd-longest average security wait time. About The Points Guy: ThePointsGuy.com (TPG) is a trusted travel and lifestyle media platform. Launched in 2010 by founder Brian Kelly, TPG consists of an expert team of travel editors, searching around the clock for the latest deals and breaking industry news. Updated multiple times daily, TPG's ability to cut through the noise and provide useful and applicable advice has established us as an industry leader. With 3.4 million monthly unique visitors and over 1.7 million followers across our social platforms, TPG is the ultimate authority in maximizing travel and minimizing spending. Brian has been featured in over 100 publications and news outlets including The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, The Los Angeles Times, The Independent, CNN, and The Today Show, among others. He has presented at various travel conferences including the LA Times and New York Times Travel Shows, and the annual Chicago Frequent Flyer Seminars. Follow The Points Guy on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter: @ThePointsGuy For More Information: Ted Rossman Public Relations Director [email protected] 917-368-8635 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435501-INFO Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435502 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160727/393421LOGO SOURCE ThePointsGuy.com PISCATAWAY, N.J., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BlackStratus, a leading provider of cloud-based security and compliance technology tailored for both SMBs and large enterprises, announced today that U.S. government entities responsible for sending, receiving and storing election data need to deploy Security Information Event Management (SIEM) technology to adequately handle cyberattacks. Recent cyber-attacks on election databases in the states of Arizona and Illinois reveal the absence of SIEM, the only technology capable of identifying irregular activities occurring on a network and reporting it to security administrators who can then determine if a potential cyberattack is underway. BlackStratus is one of the original pioneers of SIEM, holding several key patents dating back to the 1990's. U.S. government and defense agencies, including large corporations from around the globe deploy BlackStratus' SIEM technology to help security administrators identify when a potential cyberattack is underway. The technology is designed to report suspicious and irregular activities occurring on a network, which then produces a report that is sent to a network security administrator who then determines if the activities represent whether a cyberattack is underway. "SIEM technology is an integral part of the security and compliance apparatus of a network and when it's not deployed it can expose huge risks to anyone and anything coming in contact with that particular network," said Mike Maxwell, Chief Security Officer of BlackStratus. "The recent cyberattacks on election related data within the states of Arizona and Illinois not only represent a clear and present danger to not just our democracy and voters, but to the integrity of our elections, which is why SIEM needs to be fully deployed by government entities responsible for handling that information." If you are a member of the press and are working on a story related to the security of election data for the 2016 U.S. general election and would like to talk to an executive from BlackStratus about SIEM, please contact PR agent David Splivalo at 703.798.2395 or [email protected]. About BlackStratus BlackStratus is a pioneer of trusted security and compliance solutions deployed and operated on premise, in the cloud or "as a Service'' by providers of all sizes, government agencies and individual enterprises. Through patented multitenant security information and event management (SIEM) technology, BlackStratus delivers unparalleled security visibility, prevents downtime and achieves and maintains compliant operations at a lower cost to operate. BlackStratus is headquartered in Piscataway, New Jersey, and protects millions of devices and thousands of businesses worldwide. For more information about BlackStratus, please visit www.blackstratus.com. Follow the firm via Twitter at @BlackStratusInc. BlackStratus PR Contact: David Splivalo [email protected] 1.703.798.2395 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160921/410385LOGO SOURCE BlackStratus Related Links http://www.blackstratus.com USAG Fort Hamilton Youth Center Boys & Girls Club of Albany Delaware Avenue Unit Delaware Avenue Unit Boys & Girls Club of Mosholu Montefiore Community Center Seton Unit Boys & Girls Club of Mosholu Montefiore Community Center Teen Center Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Navy Yard Unit & Girls Club Navy Yard Unit Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Thomas S. Murphy Clubhouse & Girls Club Thomas S. Murphy Clubhouse Boys & Girls Club of Albany Arbor Hill Elementary School Unit "After-school hours are a critical time for the health and wellness of our nation's kids and teens," said Larry Schreiber, president and CEO, Empire BlueCross BlueShield. "With New York youth back to school, we are committed to helping fill their open afternoons and weekends with constructive games and fun activities that will help build lifelong healthy habits." As Boys & Girls Clubs of America's proven health and wellness program, Triple Play is a game plan for the mind, body and soul. Supported by founding sponsor The Coca-Cola Company and co-sponsor, the Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation, the program's three components encourage Club members to eat healthier (mind), become more physically active (body) and increase their ability to engage in healthy relationships (soul). "Year after year we experience tremendous adoption of our Triple Play programs, and thanks to continued support from our partner Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation we are able to bring Triple Play to even more Clubs across the country," said Dr. Jennifer Bateman, national vice president for programs, training and youth development with BGCA. "The new grants in New York will create a healthy environment where our youth can thrive, and the funds will have a lasting impact on the kids and teens served by these Clubs." The Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation is committed to improving health and strengthening New York communities. Through its Healthy Generations grant program, the Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation works to identify the issues most in need of attention and then directs its financial support and volunteer efforts toward improving health in those areas. Promoting youth health and active lifestyles is an ongoing focus of the foundation. The Triple Play grants announced today are part of a five-year, $10 million commitment from Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation's parent company foundation to BGCA to promote healthy lifestyles. About Boys & Girls Clubs of America For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,200 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter. About Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation Through charitable grant making, the Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation and the Empire BlueCross Foundation, trade names of the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation L.L.C., independent licensees of the BlueCross BlueShield Association, serving residents and businesses in the 28 eastern and southeastern counties of New York State, promotes Empire's inherent commitment to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families in communities that Empire serves. The Foundation focuses its funding on strategic initiatives that address and provide innovative solutions to health care challenges, as well as promoting the Healthy Generations Program, a multi-generational initiative that targets specific disease states and medical conditions. These include: prenatal care in the first trimester, low birth weight babies, cardiac morbidity rates, long term activities that decrease obesity and increase physical activity, diabetes prevalence in adult populations, adult pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations and smoking cessation. The Foundation also coordinates the company's year-round Associate Giving program and its parent foundation provides a 50 percent match of associates' pledges. About Empire BlueCross BlueShield Serving New Yorkers for 80 years, Empire BlueCross BlueShield is the largest health insurer in New York supporting more than four million members and more than 38,000 businesses in New York. Empire BlueCross BlueShield (Empire) is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc., independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving residents and businesses in the 28 eastern and southeastern counties of New York State. Additional information about Empire is available at www.empireblue.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at @empirebcbs. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130710/MM44829-b SOURCE Boys & Girls Clubs of America Related Links http://www.bgca.org LONDON, Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Analysing Cardiac Rhythm Management, Prosthetics, Interventional Cardiology, Heart Monitoring and Diagnostics, also Assessing Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Ventricular Assist Products, Stents, Artificial Heart Valves, Catheters, Angioplasty Balloons, Guidewires, Electrocardiography, Cardio Output Monitoring and Accessories, Covering the US, Japan, China, India, Brazil, Russia and Europe (EU5) Report Details Cardiovascular Medical Devices How to Discover That Technology's Rising Commercial Potential What is the future of devices for the human circulatory system? In visiongain's updated study you discover technological and commercial predictions from 2016. See what is possible. That way you stay ahead for data, benefiting your work and authority. For those medical devices you explore sales results, developments, opportunities and revenue forecasts to 2026. Succeed through discovering companies' trends, progress and potential gains. Forecasts and other analysis showing potential revenues from those cardio products Discover how to help your reputation for commercial insight. Our study's purpose is showing you cardiovascular device revenues to 2026 at overall world, submarket and national level. That way you reduce struggles to find information on devices for controlling and monitoring blood circulation. Hear what is possible for developers, makers and marketers. Besides revenue predictions, our new analysis shows recent results, growth rates and market shares. Our 166 page study gives you 46 tables and 76 charts. See what the future holds for those products and their makers. The following sections explain how our investigation helps. Predictions for the cardio devices market and its segments assess sales prospects What potential does that biomedical industry hold? And what secrets underpin its progress? Discover in our report overall world revenue to 2026 for cardiovascular medical devices. There you also find individual revenue predictions from 2016 to 2026 at world level for four main submarkets: Cardiac rhythm management Prosthetic devices Interventional cardiology products Monitoring and diagnostics. You also gain world revenue forecasts from 2016 to 2026 for 11 deeper market segments: Cardiac pacemakers Defibrillators Ventricular assist devices Coronary stents Artificial heart valves Catheters Angioplasty balloons Guidewires Accessories Electrocardiography products Cardiac output monitoring equipment. That way you assess revenue expansion, seeing where you could gain. You also investigate competition among developers and producers of those cardiac products. Explore marketed brands, emerging technologies and fields with the fastest-rising sales. See what is possible. Our work also divides its overall world market into geographical revenue predictions. Sales in leading national markets what future demand is possible? Our analyses show you individual revenue forecasts to 2026 for 11 leading countries: United States Japan Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy and Spain (EU5) Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). You find countries with highest revenues, demand and potential increases in those devices' use. And you understand competitors, users' needs and commercial opportunities. That way you explore trends, progress and potentials, discovering what gains the future holds. And how do events, challenges and advances in cardiac technology affect that medical device sector? Our study explains. Forces affecting developers and producers of those cardio products Our report explains issues, progress and other events affecting that market. Those forces influencing the sector from 2016 include these: Incidence and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) Approval and regulatory systems explore US FDA and EU regulations Effects of US excise tax on medical devices and their sellers Expanding market for remote monitoring devices for the blood circulatory system. And you explore these trends and influences affecting that human healthcare, among other forces: Minimally invasive techniques for heart valve replacement, bioabsorbable stents and other product development assess R&D trends Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and other innovations Reducing the gap between cardiac devices and MRI scans Mergers and acquisitions explore deals consolidating that medical industry. With that information in our report you explore progress, trends and advances. You discover what benefits and what restricts participants in that industry, affecting its results. Prominent companies and 2020 world market value What does the future hold? Our study predicts that overall market will reach $63.4bn in 2020, more than doubling in revenues from 2015 to 2026. Discover what the future holds. And our study examines activities of prominent companies: Medtronic St. Jude Medical Boston Scientific Biotronik Abbott Johnson & Johnson Edwards Lifesciences Terumo LivaNova CR Bard Integer Holdings. In that work you discover profiles of leading organisations, assessing their activities and potentials. Our new survey explains forces affecting that industry's present and future, revealing trends, opportunities and predictions. That market gives many opportunities. See where those potential gains lie, discovering how that industry can succeed, benefiting companies, patients and healthcare providers. Ways Cardiovascular Medical Devices Market and Forecasts 2016-2026 helps your work In particular our new investigation gives this knowledge to benefit your research, analyses, plans and presentations: Revenues for cardio devices, to 2026, at world level and for 15 submarkets explore prospects for development, production, marketing and investments Forecasts, to 2026, for 11 countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia assess developed and developing national markets for demand and predicted revenues Prospects for established firms and rising companies examine product portfolios, research and development, results, strategies and outlooks Analyses of what stimulates and restrains that industry's participants investigate challenges, strengths and competition affecting organisations' success. Information found nowhere else, benefiting your insight, work and influence That study, done in-house by our UK-based analysts, gives independent analysis. There you gain competitive intelligence found only in our report, finding where progress and money lie. With that data you are less likely to fall behind in information or miss opportunity. See how you could save time and effort. And, through your choice, benefit your plans, decisions and authority, helping you gain competitive advantages. Data to help your knowledge of products for the human circulatory system benefit now Our analysis suits professionals investigating cardio devices for healthcare. With that study you discover trends, results and revenue forecasts. Avoid missing out instead stay ahead by getting our new report here now. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3516953/ 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 Related Links http://www.reportbuyer.com CHICAGO and ATLANTA, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Citizens across the United States are preparing to cast their ballot on Tuesday, November 8 and bring an end to what has been a very contentious Presidential election. While there are dozens of foreign and domestic policies to consider, CareerBuilder asks one important question: "If you had to choose, which candidate would you like to be your boss?" According to a new survey, 57 percent of workers say they would prefer to work for the former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton while the remaining 43 percent say they would like businessman Donald Trump as a boss. Hillary Clinton was firmly preferred by women in the survey with 62 percent saying they would prefer the former Senator as a boss. Men were tighter in their decision between candidates, with an even split between Clinton and Trump. The national study was conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder from August 11 to September 7, 2016 and included a representative sample of 3,133 full-time workers in the private sector across industries and company sizes. Candidate/Boss Preference by Race Each candidate has fought to secure votes from members of every racial background throughout the election season. But, which candidate would each demographic prefer to report to at work? Fifty-two percent of workers that identify as Caucasian would like Donald Trump as their boss. On the other hand, Hillary Clinton was the preferred choice among African American (87 percent), Hispanic (79 percent) and Asian (78 percent) professionals. Candidate/Boss Preference by Industry Creating a stable economy that brings fruitful job growth is also a tenet to any great candidacy. Presidential hopefuls address various industries throughout their campaign speeches to garner support. A larger proportion of workers in the manufacturing industry would prefer to work for Donald Trump than Hillary Clinton. However, Secretary Clinton was favored in the other industries in the survey. Industry Hillary Clinton Donald Trump Health Care 63% 37% Retail 58% 42% Leisure & Hospitality 52% 48% IT 58% 42% Manufacturing 45% 55% Financial Services 60% 40% Transportation 52% 48% How to Handle Talking Politics in the Workplace "Employees may be tempted to openly discuss the coming election over the next few days, and we all know that politics in particular can lead to some pretty heated conversations," says Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer for CareerBuilder. "Keep topics fair and respectful to others especially those that may be within earshot and not directly involved in the discussion." Haefner provides some other tips for political chit-chat in the office: Recognize there's a thin line between freedom of expression and a potential source of conflict. Consider providing respect and dignity behavioral training to all employees and emphasize tolerance for different ideas, beliefs and needs. Ensure your harassment policies and harassment complaint system are posted and that employees are trained in the process. Similarly, make sure employees are aware of any guidelines that prohibit bringing campaign materials into the office. Create a culture of open dialogue and mutual respect, but if conversations do turn heated, encourage employees to walk away. Survey Methodology The survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder among 3,133 employees ages 18 and over (employed full-time, not self-employed, non-government) between August 11 and September 7, 2016. With a pure probability sample of 3,133, one could say with a 95 percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/- 1.75 percentage points. 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. Media Contact: Rob Zaldivar 312-698-1042 [email protected] http://www.twitter.com/CareerBuilderPR Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415848LOGO SOURCE CareerBuilder Related Links http://www.careerbuilder.com LONDON, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- This study focuses on China's market trends. In the two past decades, the market has been growing at a fast pace. The dramatic expansions of the manufacturing capabilities and rising consumer consumptions in China have transformed China's society and economy. China is one of the world's major producers for industrial and consumer products. Far outpacing other economies in the world, China is the world's fastest growing market for the consumptions of goods and services. The Chinese economy maintains a high speed growth which has been stimulated by the consecutive increases of industrial output, imports & exports, consumer consumption and capital investment for over two decades. Rapid consolidation between medium and large players is anticipated since the Chinese government has been encouraging industry consolidation with an effort to regulate the industry and to improve competitiveness in the world market. Although China has enjoyed the benefits of an expanding market for production and distribution, the industry is suffering from minimal innovation and investment in R&D and new product development. The sector's economies of scale have yet to be achieved. Most domestic manufacturers lack the autonomic intellectual property and financial resources to develop their own brand name products. This new study focuses on market trends and forecasts with historical data (2005, 2010 and 2015) and long-term forecasts through 2020 and 2025 are presented. The primary and secondary research is done in China in order to access up-to-date government regulations, market information and industry data. Data were collected from the Chinese government publications, Chinese language newspapers and magazines, industry associations, local governments' industry bureaus, industry publications, and our in-house databases. Asia Market Info & Dev Co. is one of the leading sources for up-to-date market information and research on the fastest-growing Chinese markets. We have published over 2,000 reports focusing on the Chinese markets, industry forecasts and company profiles. We provide hard-to-find market data and analyses. Our publications are intended to help international marketers identify business opportunities and promote their product sales in the Chinese markets. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4268666/ 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 Related Links http://www.reportbuyer.com AUBURN, Ala., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken Salad Chick, the nation's only southern inspired, fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced today it will be expanding in Louisiana with its second location in Lafayette. The new restaurant will open on Tuesday, Nov. 15 and is located at 101 Saloom Farm Road, Suite 101 in Ambassador Crossing near the Whole Foods Market. This location is owned and operated by existing father-and-son franchisee team Beau Nicolosi and Pete Nicolosi, who also own the first Chicken Salad Chick restaurant in Lafayette on Coolidge St. During the grand opening week, guests will enjoy southern hospitality through giveaways and specials at the new Chicken Salad Chick restaurant: Tuesday, Nov. 15 The first guest will win one free pound of chicken salad per week for an entire year; the next 99 guests receive one free pound of chicken salad per month.* The first guest will win one free pound of chicken salad per week for an entire year; the next 99 guests receive one free pound of chicken salad per month.* Wednesday, Nov. 16 The first 100 guests will receive a free scoop of chicken salad of choice. The first 100 guests will receive a free scoop of chicken salad of choice. Thursday, Nov. 17 The first 100 guests will receive a complimentary Chicken Salad Chick selfie stick. The first 100 guests will receive a complimentary Chicken Salad Chick selfie stick. Friday, Nov. 18 The first 100 guests to buy two pounds of chicken salad will receive a free Chicken Salad Chick mini cooler. The first 100 guests to buy two pounds of chicken salad will receive a free Chicken Salad Chick mini cooler. Saturday, Nov. 19 The first 100 guests will receive a complimentary Chicken Salad Chick coozie. In addition, the first 50 guests to order a Chick Special will receive a free slice of Pumpkin Cheesecake. "Once my father and I saw the success of our first Louisiana location, we knew we wanted to expand and share Chicken Salad Chick's fantastic product and southern hospitality with even more Lafayette residents," said Beau Nicolosi, Lafayette Chicken Salad Chick franchisee. "Becoming a part of the Chicken Salad Chick family has offered us an invaluable opportunity to spread joy, enrich lives and serve others, and we're thrilled to be growing our partnership by opening our second restaurant in my hometown." Beau Nicolosi discovered the Chicken Salad Chick concept two years ago while on vacation in Destin, Fla. and immediately realized the potential of the unique brand. A lifetime resident of Lafayette, Beau Nicolosi partnered with his father, Pete Nicolosi, in February to bring their first restaurant into the state of Louisiana. The Chicken Salad Chick concept, born in Auburn, Ala., was established in 2008 in the kitchen of founder, Stacy Brown. When Stacy discovered that the local county health department would not allow her to continue making and selling her delicious recipes out of her home kitchen, she overcame that obstacle by launching her first restaurant with the business expertise of her future husband and fellow founder, Kevin Brown. Together, they opened a small takeout restaurant, which quickly grew; the company now has more than 60 restaurants across the Southeast. Chicken Salad Chick in Lafayette will be open Monday Saturday from 10:30 a.m. 8 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.chickensaladchick.com, or call 337-983-2350. Follow Chicken Salad Chick on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and trends. *Eligible winners must be over 16 years of age and are required to download the CravingCredits app. About Chicken Salad Chick Chicken Salad Chick puts an edgy twist on a Southern classic, offering guests a "custom fit" chicken salad experience, with 15 original flavors to choose from, as well as gourmet soups, flavorful side salads and freshly-baked desserts. Chicken Salad Chick serves southern style chicken salad with heart and strives to spread joy, enrich lives and serve others every day. Today, the brand has more than 60 locations across the Southeast, and has currently sold 146 franchises to be developed across the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana and Texas. The brand was recently named as the top chicken salad in the country to try in the 2015 March/April issue of Cooking with Paula Deen, as well as one of FastCasual.com's top Movers and Shakers and one of NRN's 2015 Breakout Brands. Chicken Salad Chick also ranked #37 on Inc.'s annual list of the 500 fastest-growing companies in the U.S. Corporate offices are located at 724 North Dean Road in Auburn, Alabama. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information. Contact: Tiffany Trilli Fish Consulting 954-893-9150 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151005/274280LOGO SOURCE Chicken Salad Chick Related Links http://www.chickensaladchick.com NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical robotics can be used in surgery, rescue, transport, care, rehabilitation, dispensing and so on for the sick and wounded. Especially, surgical, rehabilitation and dispensing robots are the R & D priorities for China. The overall development of Chinese medical robotics, in particular surgical robots, is relatively backward. In recent years, China has been dependent on Da Vinci products imported from the United States-based Intuitive Surgical. As of the end of December 2015, more than 40 Chinese hospitals had installed over 50 surgical robots for fulfilling 11,445 cases of surgery in 2015 and 22,917 cases over the years cumulatively. According to diseases, Da Vinci surgical system finds main application in urology and general surgical disciplines (hepatobiliary, pancreatic, gastrointestinal, colorectal and thyroid surgery, etc.) in China, and have implemented 9,313 and 7,220 cases so far respectively, occupying 40.6% and 31.5% of the total separately. However, Chinese surgical robots have also made some progress with the support of the national policies and subsidies. In July 2016, CFDA received Beijing TINAVI's registration application for its third-generation "Tianji" orthopedic surgery robot, which is expected to be formally commercialized at the end of 2016 or in early 2017. At present, TINAVI's orthopedic surgery robots have been applied to more than 10 hospitals such as Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, and have completed beyond 2,000 cases cumulatively. In addition, Tianjin University has put its minimally invasive surgical robot system "Smart S" into clinical application and prototyped three models of "Smart S2" which are expected to be mass-produced at the end of 2016 or in 2017. Neurosurgical robot Remebot, the 6th-generation product co-developed by Navy General Hospital and Beihang University (Remebot responsible for industrialization) came out and was specially accepted for approval by CFDA in 2015 and is expected to be granted approval certificate at the end of 2016. Moreover, Remebot has started CE certification. The Laboratory of Robotics and System of Harbin Institute of Technology (affiliated companies: Boshi Automation and Harbin Sizherui Intelligent Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.) is expected to apply for product registration for its minimally invasive celiac surgical robot system at the end of 2017. Jinshan Science & Technology announced in Sept 2016 that the "minimally invasive thoracic & celiac surgical robot" co-developed with Tianjin University, Suzhou University, Harbin Institute of Technology, Chongqing University, and Southwest Hospital will go into clinical stage soon. Due to low technical barriers and good market prospects, many Chinese enterprises have gotten involved in rehabilitation robot and dispensing robot fields and aggressive industrialization of these products. The enterprises focusing on rehabilitation robot include Jimho Robot (Shanghai), SIASUN Robot & Automation, Jinming Machinery, Truking Technology, and Midea Group and the ones on dispensing robot are Weibond Technology, Shenzhen Sanggu Medical Robot, and Wuxi Angel Medical Robot. However, it should be noted that these companies generally lack core technologies with less intelligent robots and need to spend large sums of money on R&D in the future. China Medical Robotics Industry Report 2016-2020 highlights the following: Operating environment for medical robotics in China (international markets, domestic policies, etc.); Medical robot industry in China (status quo, competitive landscape, market segments (rehabilitation robot, surgical robot, dispensing robot), etc.); 6 overseas and 18 Chinese medical robot enterprises (operation, medical robot business, development prospects, etc.) Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04275461-summary/view-report.html About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. http://www.reportlinker.com __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, announced today a new global agreement with Ctrip, the largest online travel agency in China. In addition, Choice Hotels has added a series of new amenities to the Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites brands to cater to the increase in Chinese tourism. These two initiatives highlight Choice Hotels' focus on better serving the U.S. inbound Chinese travel market. With Chinese tourism set to be the top market for inbound travel to the U.S. by 2019, participating Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites hotels will provide guests with cultural offerings, such as green tea, slippers, and acceptance of China Union Pay on-property, in addition to free hot breakfast and Wi-Fi. The green tea will be made available in lobbies of Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites hotels and the free slippers will be provided at the front desks of Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites hotels as part of the brand's "Forgot Something?" program. "China is, and will continue to be, a major market for inbound tourism in the next few years, and Choice is dedicated to anticipating the needs of guests traveling from abroad by ensuring they have the amenities they desire and expect. With properties located near iconic U.S. landmarks and major cities and amenities such as free WiFi, Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites are a great hotels for Chinese travelers exploring the U.S.," said Robert McDowell, Chief Commercial Officer at Choice Hotels International. "Furthermore, our global partnership with Ctrip will expand Choice Hotels reach into the growing Chinese tourism market." The amenities are the latest in a series of enhancements to the Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites brands. In addition to announcing its smoke-free policy and new, healthy breakfast options, Comfort Inn completed a variety of renovations as part of Choice Hotels' landmark $40 million Comfort brand property improvement incentive, which has yielded favorable results and feedback from developers and guests alike. About Choice Hotels Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the world's largest lodging companies. With more than 6,400 hotels franchised in more than 40 countries and territories, Choice Hotels International represents more than 500,000 rooms around the globe. As of September 30, 2016, 745 hotels were in our development pipeline. Our company's Ascend Hotel Collection, Cambria hotels & suites, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Sleep Inn, Quality, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, and Vacation Rentals by Choice HotelsTM brands provide a spectrum of lodging choices to meet guests' needs. With more than 28 million members and counting, our Choice Privileges rewards program enhances every trip a guest takes, with benefits ranging from instant, every day rewards to exceptional experiences, starting right when they join. All hotels and vacation rentals are independently owned and operated. Visit us at www.choicehotels.com for more information. 2016 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved. SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc. Related Links http://www.choicehotels.com BOSTON, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cone Communications, a public relations and marketing agency, welcomes the addition of one of the industry's preeminent creative duos George Koukkos, Creative Director/Copywriter and Ryan Raulie, Creative Director/Art Director. The Emmy-nominated pair joins Cone to expand and enhance the agency's creative firepower, led by VP/Creative Director Eivind Ueland, writer on one of the most talked about Super Bowl commercials of all time, "Budweiser Respect." For more than 15 years, Koukkos has prided himself on bringing out the true voice of brands, including Dunkin' Donuts, Liberty Mutual, CVS/pharmacy, John Hancock and Zildjian and was recently named to The Boston Ad Club's "Hatch 100" as a top creative influencer in Boston. Raulie expresses his genuine passion for unlocking the full potential of brands through integrated campaigns for clients including GE, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Staples and the Museum of Science in partnership with Pixar. Both come to Cone with an Emmy nomination for their work with the Boston Celtics. "Ideas are currency in the next generation of public relations offerings, and our clients expect and deserve creativity, innovation and cutting edge thinking," says Bill Fleishman, Chief Executive Officer, Cone Communications. "Koukkos and Raulie have proven how a creative idea can come to life across multiple channels -- and how data, analytics, and social must be woven together to create a powerful stories." For more than 35 years, Cone Communications has been committed to Always Making a Difference for businesses, brands and society. Cone connects brands and people through emotion and experiences that drive business value and social impact. The agency's team of experts from across research and planning, public relations and corporate social responsibility and communications collaborate to bring the best, most informed and innovative thinking to every client. About Cone Communications Cone Communications (www.conecomm.com) is a public relations and marketing agency that is Always Making a Difference for business, brands and society. With a unique combination of corporate responsibility, consumer brand and integrated marketing expertise, our people deliver emotional storytelling and business value for every client. Cone is part of the Omnicom Public Relations Group. About Omnicom Public Relations Group Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, marketing to women, fashion, global health strategy and corporate social responsibility. It encompasses more than 6,000 public relations professionals in more than 330 offices worldwide who provide their expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and nonprofits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. that includes more than 200 companies in a wide range of marketing disciplines including advertising, public relations, healthcare, customer relationship management, events, promotional marketing, branding and research. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111004/NE79797LOGO SOURCE Cone Communications, Inc. Related Links http://www.conecomm.com "To help drive print-at-home coupons for OTC cold and flu products, we're introducing the world to Frank F. Sullivan, the local 'office sicky,'" said Jay Loeffler, Senior Director of National Accounts for Cox Target Media. "The campaign will be brought to life with Frank and give audiences a chance to connect with a person, rather than a brand, and find tools to help them stay healthy throughout the cold and flu season in other words, 'Don't Be a Frank!'" At the center of the campaign is dontbeafrank.com, a site with a live flu tracker, consumer tips for avoiding or enduring cold and flu symptoms and, of course, discounts and offers on OTC cold and flu products. CTM will also be leveraging much of the user-friendly content found at knowyourotcs.org, a site published by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) Educational Foundation. The campaign will include several humorous videos of Frank in the office annoying his co-workers with his coughing, sneezing and general presence. The website will share Frank's story via video, and encourage consumers to call out their own "office sicky" story via Twitter. In addition, helpful consumer content from the CHPA and funny Frank videos will be shared socially, driving traffic to the site. Consumers who visit the site will also be able to see if the cold and flu is present in their area via the live flu tracker and click through to find offers for products that aid in the prevention and treatment of the cold and flu. All of this combined content will be shared through a network of more than 1,000 bloggers, social influencers and via social media. The extensive social network will also be leveraged to promote various product offers. For more information, visit dontbeafrank.com. About Cox Target Media Based in St. Petersburg, FL, Cox Target Media (CTM) is a national direct marketing company that offers targeted marketing solutions to identify and engage specific shopper segments. We provide marketers with keen insights into how consumers think and behave when shopping and buying. CTM's mass reach coupled with powerful, precise targeting and true consumer insights drives measurable-buying transactions across verticals, including consumer packaged goods (CPG), over-the-counter (OTC) and omnichannel retail. CTM is the parent company of Valpak, one of North America's leading direct marketing companies, and Savings.com, a leading online source for savings. CTM is a subsidiary of Cox Media Group in Atlanta. CONTACT: Samantha Rego Cox Target Media 727-399-3139 [email protected] Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd6PXeAF_r8 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160616/380207LOGO SOURCE Cox Target Media Related Links http://dontbeafrank.com TEANECK, N.J., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominent New Jersey law firm DeCotiis, FitzPatrick & Cole, LLP has announced the addition of five new lawyers, representing a significant expansion of the firm's Health Care Practice Group. Catherine J. Flynn and Michael A. Moroney will join the firm as partners. Paul J. Miller, Randall S. Watts and Stefanie L. Rokosz will join as associates. The DeCotiis firm has a long history of representing clients in a wide range of complex health care issues, and with this addition the practice group gains significant additional expertise. "We're very proud to welcome Catherine, Mike and their colleagues to the firm they are an important addition to the services we provide clients in the health care arena," stated Joseph DeCotiis, Managing Partner at DeCotiis, FitzPatrick & Cole. "With this practice group expansion we will continue to provide our clients with the highest quality legal advice, representation and counsel." "My colleagues and I are very excited about joining the DeCotiis law firm, and we look forward to our roles in supporting the firm's health care practice," added Catherine Flynn. "There are few firms who can boast as much talent and skill under one roof especially in terms of health care and we are pleased to be a part of this expansion." Catherine J. Flynn has a history of expert representation in health care law, having counseled medical institutions, private practices, health professionals, and individual clients. As an active malpractice defense lawyer for over 26 years, she has successfully argued cases before the New Jersey Supreme Court and Appellate Division, in addition to providing representation in administrative professional licensure matters, and Federal and State regulatory and compliance cases. Michael Moroney has represented physicians, PPOs and health care institutions in Federal and State courts regarding matters of professional negligence, regulatory & compliance plans, product liability defense, HIPAA, HITECH, and fraud & abuse investigations. He has earned the highest ranking for ethical standards and professional excellence from Martindale-Hubbell, and has lectured on a wide range of health care topics including HIPAA, Social Media, ACO's, fraud & abuse, the False Claims Act, Stark Laws, the Anti-Kickback Statute, and Compliance plans. Paul Miller specializes in healthcare law, working with clients in medical malpractice matters. He has spent years representing hospitals, dialysis centers, surgical centers, physicians, nurses, dentists, and physician's assistants before the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners. He also has experience handling general liability and personal injury matters, multistate litigation involving failure to warn, and product liability claims asserted against pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers. Randall Watts has dedicated his practice to medical malpractice defense, as well as other areas of health care law. He is a graduate of Rutgers University School of Law Camden, and has worked as a Victim Advisor with the Domestic Violence Clinic and as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Hon. Roger F. Mahon, J.S.C., in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Hunterdon County, Criminal and Probate Parts. Stefanie Rokosz is a passionate advocate for clients in medical malpractice defense and insurance defense. Before graduating cum laude from Albany Law School with a Health Law Concentration with honors, Stefanie represented people battling HIV/AIDS and Cancer in social security and disability claims, and interned at the Consumer Affairs Counseling Section of the New Jersey Attorney General's Law Division. She recently authored an article in the Food and Drug Law Journal entitled "Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Advances in Medical Practice or Human Subject Research". About DeCotiis, Fitzpatrick & Cole, LLP DeCotiis, FitzPatrick & Cole, LLP, is a sixty plus-lawyer, full-service firm headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey. They are a group of exceptionally skilled, experienced attorneys, who practice in a wide variety of specialties. A partial list of their practice areas includes real estate, labor law, public procurement, litigation, environmental law, public finance, tax, municipal law, government and regulatory affairs, healthcare law, corporate law, banking and bankruptcy. For more information about the firm's roster of accomplished attorneys please visit decotiislaw.com SOURCE DeCotiis, Fitzpatrick & Cole, LLP Related Links http://www.decotiislaw.com In this issue: Open APIs, Canada's payments modernization, and much more. NEW YORK, Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - DH Corporation (TSX: DH) ("D+H"), a leading provider of technology solutions to financial institutions globally, today announced that the latest issue of its Payments & Treasury Solutions News is now available. The tri-annual magazine provides D+H customersand the transaction banking industry at largewith the latest news from D+H and features relevant articles on the trends impacting our customers' businesses. View the latest issue at: http://www.dh.com/expertise/e-magazine. In this issue, we feature an article titled "How Open APIs are Re-Shaping the Future of Payments," which discusses how open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are transforming the payments industry. Another article examines Canada's move toward payments modernization and how recent payments changes around the world have paved the way for its success. D+H's Sue Hutchison, Group Head, Global Treasury, provides a feature on the increasing collaborative environment between banks, and how this could present an opportunity for faster, lower-cost, and more agile banking services. The issue also contains D+H customer news and information on upcoming events. About D+H D+H (TSX: DH) is a leading financial technology provider that the world's financial institutions rely on every day to help them grow and succeed. Our global payments, lending and financial solutions are trusted by nearly 8,000 banks, specialty lenders, community banks, credit unions, governments and corporations. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, D+H has more than 5,500 employees worldwide who are passionate about partnering with clients to create forward-thinking solutions that fit their needs. With annual revenues in excess of $1.5 billion, D+H is recognized as one of the world's top FinTech companies on IDC Financial Insights FinTech Rankings and American Banker's FinTech Forward rankings. For more information, visit dh.com. SOURCE DH Corporation Related Links www.dh.com TACOMA, Wash., Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Sept. 29, 2016, drivers and monitors at First Student in Steilacoom, Wash. voted unanimously to join the Teamsters. The 21 drivers and monitors in the bargaining unit will become members of Local 313. The workers filed for the union election with the National Labor Relations Board on Sept. 20, 2016 and the results were certified on Oct. 12, 2016. The drivers and monitors will immediately be entitled to reap the benefits of the existing, industry-leading, First Student National Master Agreement. "Organizing is the life blood of our union and we're thrilled to welcome these new members to the brotherhood," said John Emrick, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 313. "We look forward to representing workers at First Student with the pride and professionalism exemplified by our union." Negotiations for a local supplemental agreement, which includes wages and other benefits, will begin soon. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.teamster.org. Contact: Galen Munroe, (202) 624-6911, [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100127/IBTLOGO SOURCE Teamsters Local 313 Related Links http://www.teamster.org Alabama A&M University , Marching Maroon & White (Southwestern Athletic Conference) 4 th appearance , Marching Maroon & White (Southwestern Athletic Conference) 4 appearance Alabama State University , Mighty Marching Hornets (Southwestern Athletic Conference) 5 th appearance , Mighty Marching Hornets (Southwestern Athletic Conference) 5 appearance Benedict College , Marching Band of Distinction (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference ) 1 st appearance , Marching Band of Distinction (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic ) 1 appearance Bethune-Cookman University , Marching Wildcats ( Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference ) 12 th appearance , Marching Wildcats ( ) 12 appearance Jackson State University , Sonic Boom of the South (Southwestern Athletic Conference) 8 th appearance , Sonic Boom of the South (Southwestern Athletic Conference) 8 appearance North Carolina A&T State University , Blue and Gold Marching Machine ( Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference ) 5 th appearance , Blue and Gold Marching Machine ( ) 5 appearance Texas Southern University , Ocean of Soul (Southwestern Athletic Conference) 2 nd appearance , Ocean of Soul (Southwestern Athletic Conference) 2 appearance Winston-Salem State University , Red Sea of Sound (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) 6th appearance These bands were selected through a process that included online fan voting, as well as feedback from band directors, HBCU school presidents and Honda representatives. Each of the final eight bands will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the Invitational Showcase, and their universities will receive a $20,000 grant from Honda to support their music education programs. And as a thank-you to all the bands who participated in this year's voting process, Honda will donate $1,000 to their respective schools' music programs. "Honda is excited to have the final eight bands take the field at our fifteenth annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase," said Alexandra Warnier, Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility for Honda. "We hope fans will join us for this milestone celebration that promises to deliver some fantastic performances." Tickets to the HBOB Invitational Showcase are available for purchase on the official website, starting at $10. In addition to performances by the final eight bands, Honda will honor one special nominee with the third annual HBCU Power of Dreams Award at the Invitational Showcase. Students, alumni and fans are invited to nominate exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond to help their HBCU community. Nominations can be submitted online at hondabattleofthebands.com/power-of-dreams through November 14. Fans can follow each band's journey to the Georgia Dome via official HBOB social media channels and join the conversation using #HBOB. For more information on the 2017 Honda Battle of the Bands and the HBCU Power of Dreams Award, visit HondaBattleoftheBands.com. About Honda Honda seeks to be a company that society wants to exist, creating products and technologies that improve the lives of people while minimizing the environmental impacts of its products and business operations to ensure a sustainable future. Honda also is committed to making positive contributions to the communities where it does business, to socially responsible business practices and to the promotion of diversity in its workforce. From Honda's involvement in STEM education and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to its support of pediatric brain tumor research and volunteer efforts by Honda associates including environmental clean-up activities Honda believes in giving back to the communities where its associates live and work. Learn more at csr.honda.com. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161103/435758 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100923/HONDALOGO SOURCE Honda Related Links http://csr.honda.com/ October 28-29, The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) convened nearly 1,000 entrepreneurs from 54 African countries during the 2nd TEF Entrepreneurship Forum - the largest gathering of African entrepreneurs in the world. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161103/436023 ) The Forum celebrated the 2016 cohort of entrepreneurs, selected from over 45,000 applicants and was the highlight of the 2016 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme. It allowed African policymakers and business leaders to support the Foundation's $100 million commitment to empower 10,000 African entrepreneurs in 10 years. His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma, President of Sierra Leone said, "it's a genuinely innovative approach to African philanthropy - an African offering African solutions. Other philanthropists will be inspired to support and promote this philosophy. Even when we had Ebola in Sierra Leone, Tony was there. His is an example which other successful Africans must follow," he said. TEF Founder Tony O. Elumelu said, "I salute those here - our ambition is that you become ambassadors for entrepreneurship in Africa. You are a generation of wealth creators who share our commitment to the transformation of Africa. Momar Mass-Taal turned his first $5,000 seed capital from the Foundation into a $1.2 million revenue business. We will have many more of these." The two-day forum buzzed with energy as entrepreneurs shared and gained knowledge, built cross-border partnerships, and connected with policymakers, fostering intra-African innovation and collaboration. The first day featured masterclasses, sector specific workshops and a session on Africapitalism; the second day featured policy panels seeking solutions to strengthen the enabling environment for business. Moderated by BBC News correspondent Lerato Mbele, the panel featured: His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma, President of Sierra Leone President Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria Former Prime Minister of Benin Republic Lionel Zinsou Honourable Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, Vice Chair of Famfa Oil President Obasanjo said: "By every means, God has made His face shine upon you. You are not the only one, but unlike you, others don't have the idea of empowering the next generation of Africans in the manner and scale that you are doing." Former Prime Minister of Benin, Lionel Zinsou, said, "What Tony Elumelu is doing is the exception, not the norm." Information: http://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/teep/tef-forum2016 Contact: [email protected], +234-814-590-0809 SOURCE The Tony Elumelu Foundation FREMONT, Calif., Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Exar Corporation (NYSE: EXAR) a leading supplier of analog mixed-signal application specific technology solutions serving the Industrial, Infrastructure, Automotive, and Audio/Video markets, today announced financial results for the Company's fiscal year 2017 second quarter, which ended on October 2, 2016. Unless otherwise indicated, all non-GAAP financial results exclude the financial results of the iML Display business which the Company is in the process of divesting, and are presented in the GAAP results as discontinued operations. Fiscal 2017 Second Quarter Highlights Net sales of $27.6 million , up 2% sequentially , up 2% sequentially GAAP gross margin of 47.8% (Non-GAAP gross margin of 51.9%) GAAP operating income of $0.1 million (Non-GAAP operating income of $3.7 million ) (Non-GAAP operating income of ) GAAP EPS from continuing operations of $0.00 (Non-GAAP EPS of $0.08 ) (Non-GAAP EPS of ) GAAP EPS from discontinued operations of $0.02 (Non-GAAP EPS of $0.05 ) (Non-GAAP EPS of ) IML divestiture cleared CFIUS and Taiwan regulatory reviews Ryan Benton, Exar's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Exar again delivered solid financial results, with second quarter revenue, Non-GAAP gross margin and EPS from continuing operations all within our guidance range. Revenue increased 2% sequentially, despite going from 14 weeks in the first quarter to the usual 13 weeks in the second quarter. Revenue per week was up 10% sequentially. We had strong execution from Exar's core business, as non-GAAP EPS from continuing operations came in at $0.08 for the second quarter in a row, despite the one less work week." Mr. Benton added, "On the deal front, we have made significant progress on the sale of our iML subsidiary to Beijing E-Town Chipone Technology Co., Ltd. The transaction has cleared CFIUS review in the United States and another key regulatory hurdle in Taiwan, and we expect to close the transaction within a few weeks. This transaction is a great example of cross-border cooperation and is a true win-win." Fiscal 2017 Second Quarter Highlights (Continuing Operations Only): The following highlights the Company's financial performance on both a GAAP and supplemental non-GAAP basis. The Company provides supplemental information regarding its operating performance on a non-GAAP basis that excludes certain gains, losses, and charges, which either occur relatively infrequently or which management considers to be outside our core operating results. Non-GAAP results are not in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to non-GAAP information provided by other companies. Non-GAAP information should be considered a supplement to, not a substitute for, financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. A complete reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results is attached to this press release. Exar's fiscal 2017 first quarter was comprised of fourteen weeks, as opposed to the second quarter, which consisted of the usual thirteen weeks. Net Sales Second quarter net sales of $27.6 million increased $0.5 million , or 2%, from the previous quarter's $27.1 million . Gross Margin GAAP gross margin of 47.8% decreased from 49.2% reported in the previous quarter. Non-GAAP gross margin of 51.9% was consistent with 51.8% reported in the previous quarter. Operating Expenses GAAP operating expenses of $13.1 million increased $7.6 million from the previous quarter's expenses of $5.5 million , which was net of a gain of $9.3 million related to the sale-leaseback of our corporate headquarters. Fiscal 2017 second quarter operating expenses included: Charges of (i) $2.1 million stock-based compensation expense and (ii) $0.4 million mergers and acquisitions costs. Non-GAAP operating expenses of $10.6 million increased by $0.5 million , or 5% from the previous quarter's operating expenses of $10.1 million . Net Income GAAP net income of $0.1 million , compared to $7.5 million reported in the previous quarter, which included a gain of $9.3 million related to the sale-leaseback of our corporate headquarters. Non-GAAP net income of $3.8 million was consistent with the previous quarter's net income of $3.8 million . Earnings Per Share GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.00 , compared to $0.15 reported in the previous quarter, which included a gain of $9.3 million related to the sale-leaseback of our corporate headquarters. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.08 were consistent with that reported in the previous quarter. Keith Tainsky, Exar's Chief Financial Officer, stated, "We remain committed to our fundamental goal of delivering predictable operating results and increasing shareholder value. Through the first half of the fiscal year we have had solid earnings. Increasing advanced product sales and expanding the funnel of cost-down activities is a winning recipe for Exar." Mr. Tainsky continued, "In addition to launching new products for Tier 1 accounts, we will continue to drive the organization and our supply chain to a leaner cost structure. Keeping the pressure on our supply chain will enable our sales team to capitalize and grow our core business." Fiscal 2017 Third Quarter Guidance: For the fiscal 2017 third quarter ending January 1, 2017, the Company expects results to be as follows: Net sales: $27.1 million plus or minus $0.5 million plus or minus GAAP gross margin: 47.5% to 49.5% (Non-GAAP 51.5% to 53.5%) GAAP operating expenses: $13.0 million to $13.5 million (Non-GAAP $10.6 million to $11.0 million ) (Non-GAAP ) GAAP EPS: $(0.01) to $0.02 (Non-GAAP $0.06 to $0.08 ) Conference Call and Prepared Remarks Exar is providing a copy of prepared remarks in conjunction with its press release. These remarks are offered to provide stockholders and analysts with additional time and detail for analyzing results in advance of the Company's quarterly conference call. The remarks will be available at Exar's Investor webpage in conjunction with this press release. As previously scheduled, the conference call will begin today, November 2, 2016 at 4:45 p.m. EDT (1:45 p.m. PDT). To access the conference call, please dial (918) 534-8424 or (844) 359-0802. The passcode for the live call is 91970722. In addition, a live webcast will be available on Exar's Investor webpage. An archive of the conference call webcast will be available on Exar's Investor webpage after the conference call's conclusion. About Exar Exar's mission is to leverage our extensive analog and mixed-signal portfolio, experience and IP to deliver leading-edge application specific technology solutions to target markets where operational excellence and reliability are valued. We service the Industrial, Infrastructure, Automotive, and Audio/Video markets by acting as an extension of the customer's own technology organization and singularly focusing on exceeding customer expectations. For more information, visit http://www.exar.com. Forward-Looking Statements Safe Harbor Disclosure Except for historical information contained herein, this press release and matters discussed on the conference call contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the sale of the Company's iML subsidiary to Beijing E-Town Chipone Technology Co., Ltd., including the expected timing of the closing of that transaction, that the Company will continue to drive the organization and its supply chain to a leaner cost structure, the expected impact of keeping the pressure on the Company's supply chain enabling its sales team to capitalize and grow the Company's core business and the Company's financial outlook expectations for the third quarter ending January 1, 2017. These statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed herein. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, the Company urges investors to review in detail the risks and uncertainties and other factors described in its Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including, but not limited to, the "Risk Factors", "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of our public reports filed with the SEC, including our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on May 27, 2016 and our Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 10, 2016, and available on our Investor webpage and on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures The Company's non-GAAP measures exclude charges related to stock-based compensation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, impairment charges, initial gain upon closing sale-leaseback of our corporate headquarters, restructuring charges and exit costs which include costs for personnel whose positions have been eliminated as part of a restructuring or are in the process of being eliminated as part of the discontinuation of a product line, severance costs associated with the former CEO, accruals for and proceeds received from dispute resolutions and patent litigation, merger and acquisition and related integration costs, certain income tax benefits and credits, and related income tax effects on certain excluded items. The Company excludes these items primarily because they are significant special expense and gain estimates, which management separates for consideration when evaluating and managing business operations. The Company's management uses non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP earnings per share to evaluate its current operating results and financial results and to compare them against historical financial results. Additionally, we disclose the non-GAAP measure of free cash flow, which is derived from our net cash provided (used) by operations, less purchases of fixed assets and IP, plus proceeds from the sale of fixed assets and IP. Management believes these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors because they are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in evaluating the Company and provide further clarity on its profitability. Unless otherwise indicated, all non-GAAP financial results exclude the financial results of the iML Display business which the Company is in the process of divesting, and are presented in the GAAP results as discontinued operations. In addition, the Company believes that providing investors with these non-GAAP measurements enhances their ability to compare the Company's business against that of its competitors who employ and disclose similar non-GAAP measures. However, the manner in which we calculate these non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP methods of accounting and reporting used by the Company's competitors to the extent their non-GAAP measures include or exclude other items. The material limitation associated with the use of the non-GAAP financial measures is that the non-GAAP measures may not reflect the full economic impact of Exar's activities. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on non-GAAP information. The presentation of this additional information should not be considered a substitute for net income or net income per diluted share or other measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Investors should refer to the reconciliation of Non-GAAP Results to GAAP Results, which is contained in this press release. For more information, visit http://www.exar.com For Press Inquiries Contact: [email protected] For Investor Relations Contact: Keith Tainsky, CFO Laura Guerrant-Oiye, Investor Relations Phone: (510) 668-7201 Phone: (510) 668-7201 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] -Tables follow- Unless otherwise indicated, all financial results presented in the following tables exclude the financial results of the iML Display business which the Company is in the process of divesting, and are presented as discontinued operations. FINANCIAL COMPARISON (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) GAAP Results THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 2, 2016 JULY 3, 2016 SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 OCTOBER 2, 2016 SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 Industrial $ 19,042 69% $ 18,436 67% $ 17,134 75% $ 37,478 69% $ 36,599 71% Infrastructure 5,065 18% 5,596 21% 2,224 10% 10,661 19% 6,698 13% Audio/Video 1,840 7% 1,852 7% 2,022 9% 3,692 7% 3,962 8% Automotive 961 3% 779 3% 859 4% 1,740 3% 1,805 4% Other 693 3% 473 2% 516 2% 1,166 2% 1,874 4% Net Sales $ 27,601 100% $ 27,136 100% $ 22,755 100% $ 54,737 100% $ 50,938 100% Gross Profit $ 13,193 48% $ 13,362 49% $ 8,553 38% $ 26,555 49% $ 21,431 42% Operating Expenses $ 13,112 48% $ 5,492 20% $ 13,984 61% $ 18,604 34% $ 29,933 59% Income (loss) from operations $ 81 0% $ 7,870 29% $ (5,431) -24% $ 7,951 15% $ (8,502) -17% Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ 83 0% $ 7,543 28% $ (2,090) -9% $ 7,626 14% $ (4,444) -9% Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations Basic $ 0.00 $ 0.15 $ (0.04) $ 0.15 $ (0.09) Diluted $ 0.00 $ 0.15 $ (0.04) $ 0.15 $ (0.09) Non-GAAP Results THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 2, 2016 JULY 3, 2016 SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 OCTOBER 2, 2016 SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 Gross Profit $ 14,331 52% $ 14,070 52% $ 8,498 37% $ 28,401 52% $ 22,070 43% Operating Expenses $ 10,605 38% $ 10,087 37% $ 11,642 51% $ 20,692 38% $ 24,030 47% Income from operations $ 3,726 13% $ 3,983 15% $ (3,144) -14% $ 7,709 14% $ (1,960) -4% Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ 3,839 14% $ 3,798 14% $ (3,220) -14% $ 7,637 14% $ (2,143) -4% Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations Basic $ 0.08 $ 0.08 $ (0.07) $ 0.16 $ (0.04) Diluted $ 0.08 $ 0.08 $ (0.07) $ 0.15 $ (0.04) EXAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 2, JULY 3, SEPTEMBER 27, OCTOBER 2, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net sales $ 20,400 $ 19,636 $ 14,050 $ 40,036 $ 30,856 Net sales, related party 7,201 7,500 8,705 14,701 20,082 Total net sales 27,601 27,136 22,755 54,737 50,938 Cost of sales: Cost of sales (1) 11,008 10,411 10,430 21,419 20,206 Cost of sales, related party 2,581 2,769 3,906 5,350 8,822 Restructuring charges and exit costs 225 - 740 225 740 Proceeds from legal settlement - - (1,500) - (1,500) Amortization of purchased intangible assets 594 594 626 1,188 1,239 Total cost of sales 14,408 13,774 14,202 28,182 29,507 Gross profit 13,193 13,362 8,553 26,555 21,431 Operating expenses: 47.8% 49.2% 37.6% 48.5% 42.1% Research and development(2) 4,945 4,931 5,844 9,876 12,273 Selling, general and administrative (3) 7,752 6,564 7,163 14,316 14,909 Restructuring charges and exit costs - 923 977 923 2,207 Merger and acquisition costs 415 855 - 1,270 544 Impairment of design tools - 1,519 - 1,519 - Gain on disposal of property - (9,300) - (9,300) - Total operating expenses 13,112 5,492 13,984 18,604 29,933 Income (loss) from operations 81 7,870 (5,431) 7,951 (8,502) Other income and expense, net: Interest income and other, net 85 2 (26) 87 (48) Interest expense and other, net (29) (38) (45) (67) (93) Total other income (expense), net 56 (36) (71) 20 (141) Income (loss) before income taxes 137 7,834 (5,502) 7,971 (8,643) Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 54 291 (3,412) 345 (4,199) Net income (loss) from continuing operations 83 7,543 (2,090) 7,626 (4,444) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations 925 1,397 (2,107) 2,322 (2,263) Net income (loss) $ 1,008 $ 8,940 $ (4,197) $ 9,948 $ (6,707) Income (loss) per share basic From continuing operations $ 0.00 $ 0.15 $ (0.04) $ 0.15 $ (0.09) From discontinued operations 0.02 0.03 (0.04) 0.05 (0.05) Income (loss) per share basic $ 0.02 $ 0.18 $ (0.08) $ 0.20 $ (0.14) Income (loss) per share diluted From continuing operations $ 0.00 $ 0.15 $ (0.04) $ 0.15 $ (0.09) From discontinued operations 0.02 0.03 (0.04) 0.05 (0.05) Income (loss) per share diluted $ 0.02 $ 0.18 $ (0.08) $ 0.20 $ (0.14) Shares used in the computation of net income (loss) per share: Basic 49,614 48,680 48,121 49,129 48,024 Diluted 50,434 49,058 48,121 49,661 48,024 (1)Stock-based compensation included in cost of sales $ 301 $ 114 $ 79 $ 415 $ 159 (2)Stock-based compensation included in R&D 524 246 98 770 392 (3)Stock-based compensation included in SG&A 1,579 733 1,099 2,312 2,448 EXAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) (Unaudited) OCTOBER 2, JULY 3, MARCH 27, 2016 2016 2016 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 96,382 $ 85,276 $ 55,070 Accounts receivable, net 15,693 15,539 16,130 Accounts receivable, related party, net 3,184 3,184 3,247 Inventories 23,245 22,104 20,807 Other current assets 2,000 2,179 1,922 Assets held for sale 89,745 92,688 93,911 Total current assets 230,249 220,970 191,087 Property, plant and equipment, net 4,984 5,159 20,299 Goodwill 31,613 31,613 31,613 Intangible assets, net 10,307 11,012 11,735 Other non-current assets 972 1,006 639 Total assets $ 278,125 $ 269,760 $ 255,373 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 7,200 $ 11,312 $ 11,258 Accrued compensation and related benefits 2,839 2,273 2,984 Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors 3,017 3,213 3,053 Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors, related party 3,357 5,885 4,683 Other current liabilities 11,800 12,299 10,669 Liabilities held for sale 7,376 2,479 3,470 Total current liabilities 35,589 37,461 36,117 Long-term lease financing obligations 428 856 1,285 Other non-current obligations 4,094 4,314 3,422 Total liabilities 40,111 42,631 40,824 Stockholders' equity 238,014 227,129 214,549 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 278,125 $ 269,760 $ 255,373 EXAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP RESULTS (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) THREE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 2, 2016 Gross Margin Oper. Expenses Oper. Income Net Income from Cont. Operations Oper. Income from Disc. Operations Net Income from Disc. Operations Net Income GAAP amount $ 13,193 $ 13,112 $ 81 $ 83 $ 1,034 $ 925 $ 1,008 Adjustments to GAAP amounts: Amortization of purchased intangible assets 594 (108) 702 702 - - 702 Restructuring charges and other non-GAAP exit costs, net 243 - 243 243 - - 243 Stock-based compensation 301 (2,103) 2,404 2,404 761 761 3,165 Merger and acquisition costs - (415) 415 415 - - 415 Transition service and retention charges for disposal group - (279) 279 279 965 965 1,244 Impairment of design tools - - - - - - - Gain on disposal of property - 398 (398) (398) - - (398) Income tax effects - - - 111 - 112 223 Non-GAAP amount $ 14,331 $ 10,605 $ 3,726 $ 3,839 $ 2,760 $ 2,763 $ 6,602 % of revenue 51.9% 38.4% 13.5% 13.9% N/A Non-GAAP net income per share $ 0.08 $ 0.05 Shares used in the computation of Non-GAAP net income per share 51,165 51,165 THREE MONTHS ENDED JULY 3, 2016 Gross Margin Oper. Expenses Oper. Income Net Income from Cont. Operations Oper. Income from Disc. Operations Net Income from Disc. Operations Net Income GAAP amount $ 13,362 $ 5,492 $ 7,870 $ 7,543 $ 1,493 $ 1,397 $ 8,940 Adjustments to GAAP amounts: Amortization of purchased intangible assets 594 (125) 719 719 1,806 1,806 2,525 Restructuring charges and other non-GAAP exit costs, net - (923) 923 923 109 109 1,032 Stock-based compensation 114 (979) 1,093 1,093 (52) (52) 1,041 Merger and acquisition costs - (855) 855 855 - - 855 Transition service for disposal group - (304) 304 304 - - 304 Impairment of design tools - (1,519) 1,519 1,519 - - 1,519 Gain on disposal of property - 9,300 (9,300) (9,300) - - (9,300) Income tax effects - - - 142 - 160 302 Non-GAAP amount $ 14,070 $ 10,087 $ 3,983 $ 3,798 $ 3,356 $ 3,420 $ 7,218 % of revenue 51.8% 37.2% 14.7% 14.0% N/A Non-GAAP net income per share $ 0.08 $ 0.07 Shares used in the computation of Non-GAAP net income per share 49,281 49,281 THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 Gross Margin Oper. Expenses Oper. Income (Expense) Net Income (Loss) from Cont. Operations Oper. Income from Disc. Operations Net Income (Loss) from Disc. Operations Net Income (Loss) GAAP amount $ 8,553 $ 13,984 $ (5,431) $ (2,090) $ 180 $ (2,107) $ (4,197) Adjustments to GAAP amounts: Amortization of purchased intangible assets 626 (125) 751 751 2,650 2,650 3,401 Restructuring charges and other non-GAAP exit costs, net 740 (977) 1,717 1,717 339 339 2,056 Stock-based compensation 79 (1,197) 1,276 1,276 176 176 1,452 Proceeds from legal settlement (1,500) - (1,500) (1,500) 201 201 (1,299) Merger and acquisition costs - (43) 43 43 - - 43 Income tax effects - - - (3,417) - 2,229 (1,188) Non-GAAP amount $ 8,498 $ 11,642 $ (3,144) $ (3,220) $ 3,546 $ 3,488 $ 268 % of revenue 37.3% 51.2% -13.8% -14.2% N/A Non-GAAP net income (loss) per share $ (0.07) $ 0.07 Shares used in the computation of Non-GAAP net income (loss) per share 48,121 49,172 EXAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP RESULTS (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 2, 2016 Gross Margin Oper. Expenses Oper. Income Net Income from Cont. Operations Oper. Income from Disc. Operations Net Income from Disc. Operations Net Income GAAP amount $ 26,555 $ 18,604 $ 7,951 $ 7,626 $ 2,527 $ 2,322 $ 9,948 Adjustments to GAAP amounts: Amortization of purchased intangible assets 1,188 (233) 1,421 1,421 - 1,806 1,806 3,227 Restructuring charges and other non-GAAP exit costs, net 243 (923) 1,166 1,166 - 109 109 1,275 Stock-based compensation 415 (3,082) 3,497 3,497 - 709 709 4,206 Merger and acquisition costs - (1,270) 1,270 1,270 - - - 1,270 Transition service and retention charges for disposal group - (583) 583 583 - 965 965 1,548 Impairment of design tools - (1,519) 1,519 1,519 - - - 1,519 Gain on disposal of property - 9,698 (9,698) (9,698) - - - (9,698) Income tax effects - - - 253 - - 272 525 Non-GAAP amount $ 28,401 $ 20,692 $ 7,709 $ 7,637 $ 6,116 $ 6,183 $ 13,820 % of revenue 51.9% 37.8% 14.1% 14.0% N/A Non-GAAP net income per share $ 0.15 $ 0.12 Shares used in the computation of Non-GAAP net income per share 50,323 50,323 SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 Gross Margin Oper. Expenses Oper. Income (Expense) Net Income (Loss) from Cont. Operations Oper. Income from Disc. Operations Net Income (Loss) from Disc. Operations Net Income (Loss) GAAP amount $ 21,431 $ 29,933 $ (8,502) $ (4,444) $ 912 $ (2,263) $ (6,707) Adjustments to GAAP amounts: Amortization of purchased intangible assets 1,239 (269) 1,508 1,508 5,259 5,259 6,767 Restructuring charges and other non-GAAP exit costs, net 740 (2,208) 2,948 2,948 745 745 3,693 Stock-based compensation 160 (2,839) 2,999 2,999 390 390 3,389 Proceeds from legal settlement (1,500) - (1,500) (1,500) 201 201 (1,299) Merger and acquisition costs - (587) 587 587 124 124 711 Income tax effects - - - (4,241) - 3,033 (1,208) Non-GAAP amount $ 22,070 $ 24,030 $ (1,960) $ (2,143) $ 7,631 $ 7,489 $ 5,346 % of revenue 43.3% 47.2% -3.8% -4.2% N/A Non-GAAP (loss) net income per share $ (0.04) $ 0.15 Shares used in the computation of Non-GAAP net income (loss) per share 48,024 49,661 SOURCE Exar Corporation Related Links http://www.exar.com LOS ANGELES, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Conference Series has been instrumental in conducting international metabolomics and proteomics meetings for seven years, and very excited to expand Europe, America and Asia Pacific continents. Previous meetings were held in major cities like San Francisco, Tokyo, Madrid, Toronto, Hyderabad and Berlin, with success the meetings again scheduled in three continents. 8th Metabolomics Meeting to be held during May 11-13, 2017 at Singapore, Asia. 9th Analytical Metabolomics Meeting scheduled in Netherlands, Europe. 10th Conference and Exhibition on Metabolomics planned to be conducted at Baltimore during October 19-20, 2017. 8th International Conference on Proteomics and Bioinformatics, to be held during May 22-24, 2017 in Osaka, Japan. In Europe, Paris chosen for 9th Proteomics Meeting during October 23-25, 2017 and 10th Meeting scheduled in United States. The Global Proteomics business sector is fast emerging globally and expected to reach $2,100 Million by 2019, with CAGR of 8.39% during 2014-2019. North America is pioneer with 42% of market share; followed by Europe with an offer of 38%.The Asia-Pacific's business sector is relied to develop at a CAGR of 23% amid the gauge period. Japan is the second largest life sciences market in the world after the United States. According to Data Monitor, Japanese biotechnology market is expected to grow from $43.3 billion in 2013 to $53.8 billion by 2017. The global metabolomics market was valued at $712 million in 2012 and is expect to reach $1.4 billion by 2017, at a CAGR of 14.2%. Factors like increased scope of toxicological studies, clinical trials; rise in awareness for health & government and institution funds for research have immensely contributed for the rising demand for the metabolomics market. North America is the market leader with a share of ~42% of the global market, followed by Europe with a share of ~38%. The presence of a large number of analytical equipment manufacturers has contributed significantly to the North American and European metabolomics market. However, the Asia-Pacific region represents a significant growth opportunity for the metabolomics market during the forecast period of 2014 to 2019. "We believe Metabolomics and proteomics are poised for disruption and the global demand for emerging -omics healthcare techniques will grow virtually inelastic as an indispensable spend. We've observed enormous growth in the areas of metabolomics and proteomics from last one decade and remain interested in this type of emerging markets" says Dr Srinubabu Gedela, CEO of OMICS International. Everyone interested in the future of emerging -omics healthcare techniques majorly in metabolomics and proteomics is encouraged to attend. Connect with our social network pages to get regular industry updates. About us: ConferenceSeries.com hosts 3000+ Global Events that includes over 1000+ International Conferences, 1000+ Symposiums and 1000+Workshops and preconference workshops on diverse Medical, Pharmaceutical, Clinical, Engineering, Science, Technology, Business and Management fields. Over 25 Million visitors flock to our websites to observe the attest developments in these fields. PR Contact: [email protected] SOURCE OMICS International Related Links https://www.omicsgroup.org SINGAPORE, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Father and son team Asad and Ameer Jumabhoy from tourist VAT refund and payments technology company The Scotts Group, and Jeremy Tan, an expert in financial technology, mobile payments and loyalty platforms from Korvac Holdings, announce the launch of UTU, a cross-border loyalty and rewards platform that enables people to convert, earn and redeem points in real time at any UTU merchant outlet worldwide through their smartphone. UTU consolidates rewards points from multiple credit and debit cards; eliminates the time it takes for those points to be processed; removes the barriers to cross-border loyalty; and offers shoppers a new kind of consumer model - one that enables them to earn rewards points now and pay with them at point of sale. The platform also features a merchant portal that allows brands to set up their own promotions, optimize campaigns and track their return on engagement. "UTU's potential lies in its ability to engage merchants with consumers, acquirers with merchants and issuers with their consumers on a single integrated platform," says Asad Jumabhoy, an entrepreneur and pioneer in the digitization of global tax-free shopping. "Real innovation minimizes the gap between process and people. With UTU, we're bringing it all together in the retail, travel and rewards space at home and away, online and instore." UTU launches in Thailand in November, with further roll out happening in Asia in 2016/2017. The choice of Thailand as a launch location is attributed to the country's deep loyalty culture, and presents UTU the opportunity to fill an immediate need (e.g. as of August 2016 over 70 million credit and debit cards were in circulation in the country; Thais carry an average of seven loyalty cards each; and brand rewards programs are the country's most popular Google search category). Brand partners at launch include Visa Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, RSH Limited and Singapore's NTUC Link. Availability in the UK, Europe and US is anticipated in 2017. "We are excited to be working with UTU on the expansion of the Plus! Partners network beyond Singapore and is in line with our vision to provide gratifying experiences for members of the Plus! Rewards Program," says Tony Tan, CEO of NTUC Link. "This synergistic partnership allows Plus! Members to maximize the mileage of their overseas expenditure as points earned during their travels can be converted and redeemed for rewards when they return home. The growing number of leisure and business travelers in our membership base will definitely benefit from the enriched array of options UTU will make available around the world." "UTU promises to enhance everyday retail experiences by providing greater seamlessness between customers and brands across borders," says Indranu Hati, CEO of RSH Thailand Group. "UTU is the perfect loyalty service partner for us, given our growing footprint in nearly a dozen countries across Pan Asia." UTU is a response to the observation that the tourist today is a local tomorrow, and a local today is a tourist tomorrow. With more than one billion people travelling to foreign countries a year, locals and tourists want integrated loyalty programs, greater ease in managing their rewards points and more relevant deals from merchants. With UTU, shoppers continue to be rewarded, regardless of geography, through the one piece of technology they use every day their mobile phone. To use UTU, users download the free mobile application; register up to five credit or debit cards on to the UTU app; earn rewards points when they shop; convert those points through the UTU platform; and spend them at thousands of participating redemption outlets. Users can also gift points, select to receive promotions and earn extra points through merchant engagement. The global loyalty industry is estimated to reach US$20 billion by 2020. Loyalty management today is an expensive and segmented process which has resulted in a plethora of programs delivering incremental advantages to the consumer. Merchants bear the cost of loyalty systems and front line education and training. Shoppers are burdened with physical cards and are responsible for monitoring their points and merchant offers through separate portals. UTU eliminates the inconvenience for all parties and provides a streamlined experience. "We congratulate UTU on launching this global loyalty rewards program and choosing Thailand as its springboard," says Suripong Tantiyanon, Country Manager, Visa Thailand. "Through Visa Direct, UTU taps the push payment capability of Visa's global payment system to redeem points and rewards." "Loyalty is the key to brand success in a digital world, yet we're still limited in how we are rewarded for how we choose to spend our money," says Ameer Jumabhoy, a second-generation student at MIT Sloan School of Management involved in MIT's Digital Currency Initiative. "What we're working to achieve with UTU is to remove those boundaries and give people the freedom to get more." About UTU UTU Pte Ltd. is a cross-border loyalty and rewards platform founded by The Scotts Group Pte Ltd. and Korvac Holdings Pte Ltd. The brainchild of Asad & Ameer Jumabhoy and Jeremy Tan, the co-founders bring decades of knowledge and experience in the retail and payments industries, having developed systems and technology around transaction networks, dynamic currency conversion, mobile payments and the digitization of tax-free shopping. UTU allows users to earn, aggregate and redeem rewards points at home and overseas. It provides a consistent cross-border connection between merchants, consumers, acquirers and issuers, through an authentically mobile, online and real time experience. At the time of launch, UTU users will be able to redeem points at outlets such as Zara, Starbucks, Boots, Tom N Toms and HomePro in Thailand. UTU's corporate headquarters are in Singapore, with staff in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the UK, the Netherlands and the US, and its technology innovation center is based in India. UTU is launching in November 2016 in Thailand, with a projected rollout to include other Asian countries and the UK, Europe and the US anticipated in 2017. UTU is payment card industry compliant and PCI Security Standards Council certified. For more information, visit http://www.utu.global/. Media Contacts: Brenda Fuster (U.S./UK) Sarah Tan (Asia) (212) 256-8157 65 9488 3704 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE UTU Pte Ltd. Related Links http://www.utu.global Digital business means different things to different organizational leaders. But all agree that speedy, iterative delivery of business process software helps separate digital leaders from digital laggards. Speed is crucial in introducing new disruptive products, engaging and responding to customers across different channels, and adapting existing services based on shifting competitive drivers. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435267 ) (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160908/823123 ) Join FlowForma's guest Forrester Vice President and Principal Analyst, John Rymer at this upcoming webinar, as he discusses how these market forces have led to a step change in the BPM landscape, and how this relentless focus on "digital speed" is forcing leaders to reach for new approaches and platforms that enable delivery of new apps in days and weeks, instead of months. Imagine having a process management platform that can deliver rapid benefits without requiring hefty upfront investments in training, governance, and platforms. To fully contribute to digital transformation efforts, BPM teams must cast off legacy practices and platforms in favor of new, low code approaches that accelerate digital process innovation. Webinar Details When: 8th November 2016 @ 11am EDT / 4pm GMT Where: Online. Register for free today. Who: COOs, Operations Managers, Business Analysts, Process Analysts, CIOs, CTOs, System Architects, Performance Analysts, IT Managers, Project Managers, Delivery Managers and IT Consultants. Hear from Neil Young, CEO, FlowForma on how organizations today are embracing three new practices to get the most out of low code platforms. These practices focus on test and learn development, lightweight governance, and designing low code apps for future scale. Secure your complementary place at this upcoming webinar. Supporting Resources To learn more about FlowForma ' s upcoming webinar featuring Forrester visit: https://www.flowforma.com/allevents/webinar-waking-up-the-sleepy-world-of-bpm-with-a-low-code-approach-featuring-john-rymer To find out how the FlowForma Cloud BPM tool works visit: http://www.flowforma.com/howitworks Watch a demo video of FlowForma BPM 5.0: https://www.flowforma.com/flowforma-latest-update-5.0-demo-video To download a free trial of FlowForma visit: http://www.flowforma.com/trial About FlowForma FlowForma, the leading provider of Business Process Management (BPM) tools for Microsoft Office 365 has been revolutionizing the traditional BPM space with an innovative approach to developing award winning BPM products that empower users to create and streamline processes smarter and faster, utilizing the familiar SharePoint platform, without any coding. FlowForma is a Microsoft Partner, with over 60 customers and 75,000 users across Europe, South Africa and North America. The company is headquartered in Dublin with offices in London and Lithuania and is motivated by its values to innovate, evolve and achieve with employees, customers and partners. For further information, visit http://www.flowforma.com About Forrester Inc Forrester is one of the most influential research and advisory firms in the world. Forrester's unique insights are grounded in annual surveys of more than 500,000 consumers and business leaders worldwide, rigorous and objective methodologies, and the shared wisdom of most innovative organizations. Through proprietary research, data, custom consulting, exclusive executive peer groups, and events, the Forrester experience is about a singular and powerful purpose: to challenge thinking and to help lead change in organizations. SOURCE FlowForma CLEVELAND, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Forest City Realty Trust, Inc., (NYSE: FCEA and FCEB) today announced that Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Geralyn M. Presti, will resign from her role with the company in the first quarter of 2017 to become President and Chief Executive Officer of The Music Settlement of University Circle. The Music Settlement, a 104-year-old Cleveland non-profit organization that provides music instruction, music therapy, and early childhood education, is where Presti began her professional career as a music therapist prior to her distinguished career in the law. "Geri Presti has served Forest City with dedication and integrity for 27 years, including the last 14 years as our general counsel," said David J. LaRue, Forest City president and chief executive officer. "She has developed a strong internal legal team and has been a key leader on many companywide initiatives. On a personal note, she has been a mentor, advisor and great friend to me and to so many others among our executive team, board and associates. We will always consider her to be part of the Forest City family and we wish her all the best in her 'encore' career." "The decision to leave Forest City was very difficult," said Presti. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this great company and to work with such talented and creative professionals. The Music Settlement is one of Cleveland's cornerstone non-profit institutions, and the opportunity to partner with the board, faculty, staff and community partners to further strengthen the positive impact it has on the lives of so many, was something I could not pass up." Presti will begin to transition to her role leading The Music Settlement in the first quarter of 2017, and will continue to carry out her responsibilities with Forest City through the beginning of March. The company intends to conduct a national search to identify her successor. About Forest City Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. is an NYSE-listed national real estate company with $8.9 billion in consolidated assets. The company is principally engaged in the ownership, development, management and acquisition of commercial and residential real estate throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.forestcity.net. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080515/FRSTCTYLOGO SOURCE Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. Related Links http://www.forestcity.net DALLAS, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Gradalis, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing Vigil engineered autologous tumor cell (EATC) immunotherapy, will participate in the 22nd Annual BIO Europe Conference. The conference is being held November 7-9 in Cologne, Germany. "Gradalis is actively seeking collaboration partners for geographic rights to Vigil EATC Cellular Immunotherapy," said Mr. Sunil Joshi, President and Chief Executive Officer, Gradalis. "With registrational studies underway in Ewing's sarcoma and ovarian cancer, Gradalis intends to engage other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to discuss development and commercialization of Vigil in US and Ex-US markets." Partnering requests to Gradalis may be made through the BIO Europe partnering portal, or directly to Mr. Scott Generes at [email protected]. Mr. Joshi will be available for meetings during the conference from November 7 through November 9, 2016. About BIO Europe: More information about BIO Europe may be found at their website www.ebdgroup.knect365.com/bioeurope/ 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. visit us at www.gradalisinc.com, follow us on Twitter or on Facebook. 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 PD1 and PD-L1 inhibitors. More information about these studies can be found at www.vigilclinicaltrials.com. Gradalis and Vigil are registered trademarks of Gradalis, Inc. Contact: Beth Kriegel Chief Financial Officer Gradalis, Inc. (214) 307-8203 SOURCE Gradalis Related Links http://www.gradalisinc.com NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- This research study analyzes the market for gravure printing ink in terms of revenue (US$ Mn) and volume (Kilo Tons). The gravure printing ink market has been segmented on the basis of product, end use applications, and geography. The geographical segmentation includes regions, which are further divided into 20 countries-in the global gravure printing ink market. The report features a detailed regional segmentation with market growth forecasts for the years 2016?2024. 2015 has been considered as the base year and 2016 the estimated year, while all forecasts have been given for the period from 2016 to 2024. Market data for all the segments has been provided at the regional and country-specific levels from 2016 to 2024. The report provides a broad competitive analysis of companies engaged in the development of gravure printing ink technologies for the gravure printing ink business. The report also includes key market dynamics such as the drivers, restraints, and opportunities affecting the global gravure printing ink market. These are analyzed in detail and illustrated in the report with the help of supporting graphs and tables. The report also provides a comprehensive analysis of the market with the help of the Porter's Five Forces Analysis model, which helps in understanding the factors that affect the structure and profitability of the global gravure printing ink market. These are the bargaining power of buyers, the bargaining power of suppliers, the threat of new entrants, the threat of substitutes, and the degree of competition. The high-level analysis in the report provides detailed insights into the gravure printing ink business globally. There are currently numerous drivers for the market. The most prominent drivers include rapid growth in the packaging industry, increasing GDP in several countries, and rising demand for water-based gravure inks. Market attractiveness analysis was carried out for the gravure printing ink market on the basis of product type, application, region, and country. Market attractiveness was estimated on the basis of common parameters that directly impact the market. On the basis of product type, the market has been segmented into solvent-based gravure printing inks and water-based gravure printing inks. By application, the gravure printing ink market has been segmented by various end-use applications, including food packaging, wallpapers, wrapping paper, furniture laminates, greeting cards, magazines, newspaper, and other applications. In terms of geography, the market has been segmented into five regions: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. China is expected to remain the dominant market for gravure printing ink, with demand reaching 190.7 kilo tons by 2024. A zero tax agreement between ASEAN and China has created a stable position for ASEAN, which is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.2% between 2016 and 2024. India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Favorable government regulations and the emergence of medium and small enterprises in India have contributed significantly to the gravure printing ink market. Key players in the gravure printing ink market are Tokyo Printing Ink Mfg. Co. Ltd., Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd., Sun Chemical Corporation, Flint Group, Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co., Ltd., Lawter Inc. , Yansefu Inks and Coatings Pvt. Ltd., Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA, Sakata INX Corporation, Huber Group, Zeller+Gmelin GmbH & Co. KG, ALTANA AG, Wikoff Color Corporation, SICPA Holding SA, Fujifilm Sericol India Private Limited, Royal Dutch Printing Ink Factories Van Son and T&K Toka Co., Ltd. The report provides an overview of these companies, followed by their financial details, business strategies, and recent developments. Gravure Printing Market: By Product Solvent-based Gravure Printing Inks Water-based Gravure Printing Inks Gravure printing ink Market: By Application Food Packaging Wallpapers Wrapping Paper Furniture Laminates Greeting Cards Magazines Newspaper Other Gravure printing ink Market: By Region North America The U.S. Canada Europe The U.K. France Germany Spain Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa GCC Egypt South Africa Rest of Middle East and Africa Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04268674-summary/view-report.html About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. http://www.reportlinker.com __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com In 2006, Hainan Airlines launched Beijing-Brussels service, creating an air bridge for friendly exchanges between China and Brussels, headquarters for the vast majority of the European Union's institutions. In 2015, 114,000 passengers took the flight, an increase nearing five times the number that flew the route during its first year of service. In March 2016, Hainan Airlines held a "Remembrance at 10,000 Meters" ceremony to convey its support for the people affected by the Brussels terrorism attack. Hainan Airlines' executive Sun Jianfeng said the airline is committed to supporting China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative, the Chinese government's program to develop trade through and with the countries that lie along the ancient Silk Road overland and seaborne trade routes, by providing an air bridge linking China and countries across Eurasia. The exchanges between China and other Eurasian countries, as well as the connection between Chinese and world markets, play a key role in implementing the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. The air bridge being put in place by the aviation industry now replaces the camels and horses that were once used for transportation along the ancient Silk Road trade routes. Hainan Airlines now operates eight European routes, including the Beijing-Brussels, Beijing-Berlin, Beijing-Moscow, Beijing-Saint Petersburg, Hangzhou-Xi'an-Paris, Chongqing-Rome, Beijing-Prague and Beijing- Manchester routes. By the end of 2015, Hainan Airlines' passenger loads to and from European destinations accounted for over 30 percent of the international total. In 2015, the company increased its capacity servicing Europe by 41 percent from the prior year. The airline has, to date, launched over 700 inbound and outbound routes connecting passengers to more than 100 cities around the world, with comprehensive coverage extending into Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. Hainan Airlines has been named as a SKYTRAX five-star airline for six consecutive years and has safely operated its fleet for 23 years. The airline was ranked fifth in Airline Safety Ranking 2016 by JACDEC, a German airline safety data evaluation firm. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435258 SOURCE Hainan Airlines Co., LTD MASON CITY, Iowa, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Convenience store chain Yesway today announced the grand opening of its six Mason City, Iowa stores. Featuring new and upgraded store facilities both inside and out, Yesway now offers an enhanced shopping experience, neighborly customer service, and competitively priced gas. PHOTO OPPORTUNITY A grand opening event will be held in celebration on Friday, November 4th from 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday, November 5th from 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. at Yesway's 1920 South Federal Avenue location, with local radio stations Star 106.1 KLSS-FM and 93.9 KIA-FM broadcasting live each day respectively. The event will also mark the kick-off of a month-long fundraiser benefiting The North Iowa CERT and Teen CERT Teams, an organization that strives to help and assist first responders in the event of a disaster or community crisis. Throughout the fundraiser, 5 cents from every cup of coffee purchased at Yesway's Mason City stores will be donated directly to the organization. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, November 4th from 2:30 3:00 p.m., which is open to the public. A number of residents will be in attendance, including Mason City community members, local dignitaries, members of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as Yesway team members and executives. Carl Hutchinson, President of the North Iowa CERT Team, will also be on-hand for the ceremony as Yesway begins its month-long fundraiser for the organization. Attendees of the grand opening celebration will enjoy free coffee and food, Yesway giveaways and freebies, special deals, and have a chance to win exciting prizes. Mason City residents are also encouraged to join Yesway's social media community on Facebook and Twitter and share their photos from the event. Brian Trout, Yesway's Senior Vice President of Operations, said that the grand opening marks an exciting time for Yesway and for the community. "We see this as the beginning of a very strong partnership with the citizens of Mason City. Our goal is to provide everyone with a terrific shopping experience. We look forward to serving quality food, good coffee and reliable fuel, and to making life easier and each day a bit more pleasant for the Mason City community. That's our promise to all of our customers." "We strive to play a vital role in the communities we serve - one that goes beyond bringing you that great cup of coffee or ensuring our shelves are always stocked," said Thomas Nicholas Trkla, Yesway's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "That's why at Yesway, we recognize and actively support local charities, civic organizations, first responders and those who serve or have served in the military, and those folks who make a difference in the lives of others; those organizations and individuals who spend their free time striving to help their fellow citizens and communities, who go above and beyond, while asking nothing in return. That's why we'll be donating 5 cents from every cup of Yesway coffee sold over the next month to the North Iowa CERT and Teen CERT Teams. Their selflessness and commitment to supporting the Mason City community are values that we at Yesway support fully and hope to emulate." Editor Note: Media are invited to attend and cover Yesway's Mason City grand opening events. To confirm attendance, or to arrange interviews with Yesway executives, please contact Erin Vadala of Warner Communications at [email protected] or 978-468-3076. High-resolutions images and graphics are available upon request. About Yesway BW Gas & Convenience, d/b/a Yesway, is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. Yesway plans to acquire, improve and rebrand 600 convenience stores in selected regions of the United States over the next several years. For more information on Yesway, please visit the company's website at www.yesway.com, and connect on Facebook and Twitter. Contact: Erin Vadala, Warner Communications; 978-468-3076, [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415433LOGO SOURCE Yesway Related Links http://www.yesway.com As part of this alliance, members of Relais & Ch a teaux Club 5C will benefit from an exclusive upgrade to President's Circle, the highest tier of Hertz's loyalty programme, Gold Plus Rewards . Additionally, all Relais & Chateaux guests around the world will now enjoy fast track access to Gold Plus Rewards ' Five Star tier and up to 15 percent off Hertz car rental*. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members will continue to benefit from special offers from Relais & Chateaux on their luxurious gift boxes and gift certificates. Michel Taride, Group President, Hertz International, said: "Renewing our alliance with Relais & Chateaux, one of the world's most prestigious experts in refined hospitality, allows us to continue to offer its discerning guests a superior car rental experience at exceptional rates. Additionally, this is a great opportunity to extend our marketing reach even further. Hertz's superb car rental offering - including our exclusive Green, Family, Fun, Prestige and Dream Collections - and excellent customer service are the perfect choice for Relais & Chateaux business and leisure guests." Phillippe Gombert, President of Relais & Chateaux, commented: "We take great pride to offer an introduction to a lifestyle inspired by local culture to all of our guests and work hard to ensure that our partners share our dedication to great customer service and satisfaction. Hertz's commitment to excellence and its wide range of destinations are a natural choice for us. We are pleased to continue to offer our guests fantastic car rental value through Hertz's discounted rates and special benefits." Guests of Relais & Chateaux can sign up to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star for free and take advantage of a number of added value rewards that include discounts on best available rates, free additional driver and car upgrades. In addition, Five Star members are entitled to one reward rental day after ten qualifying rentals, a one-car-class upgrade (subject to availability) and 10 per cent bonus on Hertz Gold Plus Rewards points. With their upgrade to the President Circle tier, members of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux Club 5C can enjoy all Five Star benefits plus a one-car-class upgrade guaranteed, 25% bonus on Gold Plus Rewards points, guaranteed vehicle availability and other special benefits. *The discounts apply on any car rental group and on Hertz's Family, Fun, Green and Prestige Collections worldwide. About Hertz Global Hertz Global operates the Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and Firefly car rental brands in approximately 9,980 corporate and licensee locations throughout approximately 150 countries in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and New Zealand. Hertz is the largest worldwide airport general use car rental company with approximately 1,635 airport locations in the U.S. and more than 1,320 airport locations internationally. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, NeverLost, Carfirmations, Mobile Wi-Fi and unique vehicles offered through the Adrenaline, Dream, Green and Prestige Collections set Hertz apart from the competition. Additionally, Hertz Global owns the vehicle leasing and fleet management leader Donlen Corporation, operates the Hertz 24/7 hourly car rental business in international markets and sells vehicles through its Rent2Buy program. For more information about Hertz Global, visit: www.hertz.com. About Relais & Chateaux Established in 1954, Relais & Chateaux is an association of more than 540 landmark hotels and restaurants operated by independent innkeepers, chefs, and owners who share a passion for their businesses and a desire for authenticity in their relationships with their clientele. Relais & Chateaux is established around the globe, from the Napa Valley vineyards and French Provence to the beaches of the Indian Ocean. It offers an introduction to a lifestyle inspired by local culture and a unique dip into human history. Relais & Chateaux members have a driving desire to protect and promote the richness and diversity of the world's cuisine and traditions of hospitality. They are committed to preserving local heritage and the environment, as encompassed in the Charter presented to UNESCO in November 2014. www.relaischateaux.com Media Contact: Hertz Media Relations Telephone: (844) 845-2180 (toll free from the U.S.) and (+1) 239-301-6300 Email: [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161103/435793 SOURCE Hertz Global Holdings Inc. Related Links http://www.hertz.com But after delivering outstanding performance and accomplishments that raise the standard for business excellence and customer satisfaction, International Integrated Solutions, Ltd. (IIS) rose above the field to claim HPE's Global Partner of the Year award, presented at the 2016 HPE Global Partner Conference. The company is aligned well to HPE's four global Transformation Areas Transform to a Hybrid Infrastructure, Protect Your Digital Enterprise, Empower the Data-Driven Organization and Enable Workplace Productivity and continues to innovate its business as the IT world continues to evolve. For IIS, which was also named North American Software Partner of the Year, the win proves that it was best aligned with HPE to deliver the business outcomes that give customers a competitive edge. "We're honored to have been chosen from among all of the global partners for such a prestigious award," said IIS co-founder and CEO John Iacone. "We've been delivering HPE solutions to our customers for over 20 years, and this award shows how efficiently we've adapted and evolved to dramatically changing IT needs over that time." According to HPE, IIS was a natural choice for the award, given its excellent financial performance and drive for meaningful business results with shared customers. "HPE is changing the way it does business as rapidly as anyone in the industry, and our global partners have had to keep pace just as quickly," said Kerry Bailey, Senior Vice President World Wide Indirect Sales at HPE. "IIS is a shining example of how to navigate that process." Each year HPE recognizes its outstanding partners as part of its Global Partner Conference; this year's event took place September 12-14 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. About IIS Headquartered on Long Island, NY, and servicing the Northeast from Boston to Philadelphia, IIS is a Platinum HP Partner with over two decades of proven results by consulting and delivering IT Solutions for customers' most complex issues. Our customers include Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized enterprises, fast growing start-ups, higher education, and government agencies at the local and state levels. As a smart, responsive, accountable partner, The IIS Advantage is Accelerating Your Digital Transformation. Visit IIS at www.iisl.com. Media Contact: Susan Signet Name, Title: Susan Signet, Marketing Director Company: International Integrated Solutions, Ltd. Phone Number: 877-704-4001 Email: [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435556 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435557LOGO SOURCE IIS Related Links http://www.iisl.com Top Thanksgiving destinations Based on Expedia.com hotel data 1 , travelers will be giving thanks in Sin City, big cities and at the beach this year. Many more will take advantage of the Thanksgiving break to travel abroad, with international destinations such as London and Paris helping round out the list for top destinations. Overall, Cancun is the third most popular destination this year, up from nine last year. Los Angeles, however, dropped off the list this year, down from number four overall last year. The top 15 destinations include: Las Vegas New York Cancun Orlando Punta Cana Playa del Carmen San Francisco Anaheim Honolulu Chicago London Paris New Orleans San Diego Cabo San Lucas Insider holiday travel tips "You should absolutely consider when to book if you are looking to save money this year for holiday travel," says Expedia Senior Editor and Travel Expert Sarah Gavin. "Looking at data from last year's holiday season, we found customers hoping to take to the skies for Thanksgiving festivities should act fast, with some of the lowest prices for flights likely to be secured 21-30 days in advance of travel.2 As for the December holidays, we found booking air travel 7-13 days in advance of departure could lead to meaningful savings3," she explains. Expedia has long recommended customers book travel as a package and bundling this holiday season is no different. Gavin explains, "If you're planning to book any combination of a hotel, flight or car rental reservation this holiday season you should absolutely bundle them together. We've found that when doing this simple task, travelers can save up to $600. Think of these savings as a bonus holiday gift that can help put a little something extra under the tree or saved away for a future trip. And this year, it's easier than ever to couple trip components as Expedia recently updated its mobile apps for iOS and Android to support hotel and flight bundle deals." Head to Mexico for some holiday rest and relaxation For travelers looking to skip the traditional Thanksgiving gatherings this year and save money while doing so, Expedia analysts found Mexico is a hot spot for packages. Travelers booking a package to Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Los Cabos can save more than 25%.4 Average ticket prices for travelers making their way from New York (JFK) or Los Angeles (LAX) to Cancun (CUN) for Thanksgiving cost on average 20% less this year versus last year5. Travel analysts for Expedia also found New York, Los Angeles and Chicago to Cancun routes are seeing high year-over-year savings for Christmas-time travel as well6. Tickets for Christmas-time flights from New York (JFK) to Cancun (CUN) cost, on average, nearly 40% less this year versus last year. Tickets for flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Cancun (CUN) cost, on average, over 25% less than last year. Top Christmas-time destinations Expedia.com hotel data shows that top destinations for Christmas travel this year include Las Vegas, New York, Cancun, Orlando and Punta Cana7. Playa de Carmen is also a great destination for savings on hotels during this time where average daily rates are down nearly 15% from the same time period last year. The top 15 destinations include: Las Vegas New York Cancun Orlando Punta Cana Honolulu Playa del Carmen London Anaheim Cabo San Lucas Kissimmee Paris Puerto Vallarta San Diego Tokyo Top destinations to ring in the New Year Warm-weather and big city destinations lead the top ten lists of domestic and international destinations for ringing in the New Year. Top domestic destinations include Las Vegas, New York, San Francisco and New Orleans while the most popular international destinations include Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, London and Paris8. IMAGES : High res images of Holiday destinations are available on the Expedia Viewfinder Travel blog. About Expedia.com Expedia.com is one of the world's largest full service travel sites, helping millions of travelers per month easily plan and book travel. Expedia.com (https://www.expedia.com/, 1-800-EXPEDIA) aims to provide the latest technology and the widest selection of top vacation destinations, cheap tickets, hotel deals, car rentals, destination weddings, cruise deals and in-destination activities, attractions, services and travel apps. With the Expedia Best Price Guarantee, Expedia.com customers can get the best rates available online for all types of travel. Expedia, Expedia.com, Expedia+, Find Yours, Vacation Deprivation and the Airplane logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners 2016 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. CST # 2029030-50. SOURCE: Expedia.com Web site: https://www.expedia.com/ 1 Expedia.com US bookings Jan-Sept 2016; Check-in Dates: Nov 18-24, 2016 2 Expedia.com US bookings Jan 1 - Nov 18, 2015 for travel from November 18-24, 2015 3 Expedia.com US bookings Jan 1 - Dec 18, 2015; for travel from Dec 18-24, 2015. 4 Expedia.com US bookings Jan-June 2016 for travel in 2016 and 2017. 5 Expedia.com US searches Jan-Sept 2016; Departure Dates: Nov 18-24, 2016 6 Expedia.com US searches Jan-Sept 2016; Departure Dates: Dec 18-24, 2016 7 Expedia.com US bookings Jan-Sept 2016; Check-In Dates: Dec 18-24, 2016 8 Expedia.com US bookings Jan-Sept 2016; Check-In Dates: Dec 30, 2016-Jan 2, 2017 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110121/SF33870LOGO-b Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435720 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435721 SOURCE Expedia.com Related Links http://www.expedia.com ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization recognized five outstanding volunteers at the organization's professional development event, "The Intensives," hosted in Hollywood, Florida, October 31 through November 2. The Volunteers are the Foundation of Hospice Awards recognizes hospice volunteers who best reflect the universal concept of volunteerism in its truest senseserving as an inspiration to others. Chosen from more than 200 nominations, this year's recipients are: Clyde Day, a volunteer with Peterson Hospice in Kerrville, Texas, honored for organization support. In 1984, Clyde worked with other community members to donate their time and raise money to start Heart of the Hills Hospice in Kerrville. He helped negotiated the agreement between Peterson Memorial Hospital and the Hills Hospice which was the beginning of Peterson Hospice where he currently volunteers. Day's service has included visiting patients, delivering flowers, sweeping floors, building shelves in the Thrift Store, as well as serving on the Board. Karen Jackson, a volunteer with Suncoast Hospice / Empath Health in Clearwater, Florida, was honored for Specialized Volunteer Service primarily for her work with the hospice's perinatal loss doula program for which she has served since it began in 2004. With more than 1,600 hours of service, she has often served as the "voice" of the program, playing an instrumental role in public speaking events, attending advisory board meetings, and presenting the program at local and national events and conferences. Ryan Regan, a young volunteer with Suncoast Hospice / Empath Health in Clearwater, Florida, was recognized for his contributions to the hospice's Teen Volunteer Program. Since January 2014 he has contributed more than 1,000 volunteer service hours in support of more than 240 families. Regan was selected to serve as one of six members of the Suncoast Hospice Teen Volunteer Regional Leadership Board/North County. He is active in the recruitment of teen volunteers and serves as a mentor to young people coming into the volunteer program. Colonel Patsy Thompson, a volunteer with Sutter Care at Home Hospice in Roseville, California, was honored for Specialized Volunteer Service. In her twentieth year of volunteering for the hospice, she began by visiting patients with her spouse and their dog Pretzel. Now, Thompson has taken the lead of the "We Honor Our Veterans" ceremony program where she has been honored by the community and continues to serve with gusto. Ingrid Watt, another volunteer with Suncoast Hospice / Empath Health in Clearwater, was recognized in the Patient and Family Support category. She began her volunteer journey with Suncoast Hospice in 1993 and has provided over 2,900 hours of service in caregiver relief, transportation, Transitions Companion visits, and bereavement support for patients and their families. Through her volunteer work, she has become a Reiki Master and uses this therapeutic technique in her work with patients. "Volunteers play an integral role in hospice care and each and every one deserves recognition and the highest accolades. From direct patient support and caregiver relief to board service and community outreach and education, hospice volunteers selflessly give of their time to serve patients and families who are facing end-of-life challenges and are integral to the hospice programs for which they serve," said J. Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president and CEO. NHPCO reports that there are more than 430,000 trained hospice volunteers contributing more than 19 million hours of service to hospice organizations across the country. "At our event in Florida, we recognized five volunteers who have shown remarkable dedication, compassion, and commitment. We often say that volunteers are the heart of hospice. Their gift of caring has a profound impact on patients and families and we cannot say thank you enough for the support they provide," Schumacher remarked. These volunteer awards were created and administered by NHPCO's National Council of Hospice and Palliative Professionals, a section of the organization's membership that promotes the contributions and skills of the different professional disciplines that make up the hospice interdisciplinary team. Contact: Jon Radulovic NHPCO, Vice President of Communications 703-837-3139 NHPCO is the oldest and largest nonprofit membership organization representing hospice and palliative care programs and professionals in the United States. NHPCO's mission is to lead and mobilize social change for improved care at the end of life. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110105/DC25260LOGO SOURCE National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Related Links http://www.nhpco.org LANSING, Mich., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan leaders of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) are among many state leaders calling on the Michigan legislature to support Senate Bills 437-438, sponsored by Senate Energy Committee chair and vice chair Senators Mike Nofs and John Proos. "On behalf of our combined 25,000 members around the state, the UWUA and the IBEW urge Michigan legislators to pass these comprehensive energy updates to ensure reliability for Michigan workers and their families," said Dean Bradley, Business Manager of IBEW Local 17. "That is why we fully support quick passage of Senate Bills 437 and 438 in the Senate so the House can take them up before the end of the year. It is past time to update Michigan's energy policy." After hundreds of hours of testimony and public input, Senators Nofs and Proos found consensus among a variety of organizations, including business and labor, for legislation that ensures affordable, reliable and clean energy for Michigan families and workers. As written, the bills sustain electric choice, protect electric reliability, and ensure a competitive process for new generation, according to IBEW and UWUA officials. "The Utility Workers Union of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers have played a critical role in building and maintaining Michigan's energy infrastructure and we support these plans to make sure Michigan power will be always be generated in Michigan by Michigan workers," said Patrick Dillon, President of the Michigan State Utility Workers Council UWUA. "Reliable, affordable and clean energy is essential for Michigan's future." Michael Richard, chair of the IBEW Michigan State Conference, said: "The IBEW implores senators to update Michigan's energy laws to ensure that the skilled men and women who have developed and cultivated Michigan's energy infrastructure will continue to do so and provide reliable electrical generation for Michigan workers and families." IBEW and UWUA with a combined membership over 25,000 in Michigan represent workers and their families who have built and maintained Michigan's energy infrastructure and generating capacity. SOURCE Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) One of the world's deadliest diseases, tuberculosis kills almost 1.5 million each year and is a leading killer of people who are HIV infected. About one-third of the world's population is infected with the bacterium that causes TB, creating a potential reservoir of disease. There is an increasing threat from multi-drug resistant and extensively drug resistant strains, demonstrating the need to develop more effective, cheaper and faster-acting drugs the prime focus of IDRI's TB Discovery Program, led by Tanya Parish Ph.D., Vice President of Drug Discovery. The new funding from Lilly extends the work that has occurred over the past eight years, with a focus on moving new chemical entities into lead optimization with the intent to have at least one preclinical drug candidate. "Being part of the Lilly Initiative has helped us move through the phases of the traditional drug development 'funnel,' from hit evaluation to formal hit assessment, then hits to leads followed by lead optimization," said Parish. The Lilly Initiative's initial funding helped set up the foundation of IDRI's Discovery Program personnel, equipment and specialized lab facilities followed by the screening of compounds provided by Lilly, which was unique at the time. "The partnership marked one of the first times a large pharmaceutical company opened its compound library to an outside entity," said Parish. "We began screening those compounds to find out if there was potential for TB drugs; to date, we've screened more than 500,000 compounds." From there, Parish's group moved into evaluation and the TB Drug Accelerator (TBDA) was started, which led to additional screening. The TBDA is a partnership of eight pharmaceutical companies, including Lilly, and four other institutions funded in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that targets the discovery of new TB drugs by collaborating on early-stage drug discovery for tuberculosis. According to Parish, the Lilly Initiative and the TBDA are important, productive and complementary programs that move TB drug discovery forward. "This partnership with Lilly has expanded over the years," said Parish. "Not only do they provide financial and scientific resources, but people as well. We work together as one team with common goals, using our individual areas of expertise; for Lilly that's proven success in the field of drug discovery and for IDRI it is in-depth knowledge of tuberculosis." Philip Hipskind, Ph.D., Distinguished Research Fellow and leader of the Lilly Initiative, added, "Together with IDRI, the NIAID, and our other partners, we've made remarkable progress over the last eight years towards new therapies for tuberculosis, and we are delighted to extend our collaboration for five more years." About IDRI: As a non-profit global health organization, IDRI (Infectious Disease Research Institute) takes a comprehensive approach to combat infectious diseases, combining the high-quality science of a research organization with the product development capabilities of a biotech company to create new diagnostics, drugs and vaccines. IDRI combines passion for improving human health with the understanding that it is not just what our scientists know about disease, but what we do to change its course that will have the greatest impact. Founded in 1993, IDRI has 125 employees headquartered in Seattle with nearly 100 partners/collaborators around the world. For more information, visit www.idri.org. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435598 SOURCE Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) Related Links http://www.idri.org Donald Trump Donald Trump is gaining ground in a state that many considered to be left for dead: Pennsylvania. Four Keystone State polls published Wednesday from Susquehanna, Monmouth University, CNN/ORC, and Quinnipiac showed Trump trailing Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton by between 2 and 5 points. They followed another recent poll from the GOP firm Remington Research that showed Trump trailing by just 2 points. As a result, Clinton's lead in the RealClearPolitics four-way polling average which includes Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson and Green Party nominee Jill Stein has dipped to 4.9 points. In early October, she held a nearly 9-point average lead in the state. While Clinton is near her high-water mark of support in the average currently 47.3% Trump his his general election high of 42.4% support in the aggregate. This is in line with recent polling results that have shown Trump making a bit of a comeback nationally, highlighted by Clinton's 1.7-point lead in the national RCP average in a race between the candidates. A slew of swing-state polls released by CNN and Quinnipiac University on Wednesday showed Trump closing in other battleground states, as well. In the CNN polls, Clinton held a 2-point lead in Florida and faced a 6-point deficit in Nevada. In the Quinnipiac polls, she led by a point in Florida and 3 points in North Carolina, while trailing by 5 in Ohio. Pennsylvania which awards a treasure trove of 20 electoral votes has not voted for a Republican since George H.W. Bush in 1988. Based on current trends, Trump needs to win three of these four states to have a shot at securing the presidency: Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, and North Carolina. Trump has recently targeted Pennsylvania, holding a rally in Valley Forge on Tuesday and having top surrogates roll through the state this week. NOW WATCH: How late-breaking bombshells affected past presidential elections More From Business Insider CHICAGO, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Studio One Eleven, the design and innovation division of Berlin Packaging, offers full-service design and engineering support with a twist: they provide their services at no charge in exchange for supply agreements for packaging. Where some might characterize such a strategy as unconventional, executives at its design division use an altogether different word: Aligned. Unique Business Model Resonating "Because fee-based engagement models demand it, most design consultancies focus on their billable hours rather than their clients' financial success. Whether the product they've designed launches or not and whether that product is successful or not doesn't financially impact the consultant," said Scott Jost, Vice President of Innovation & Design at Studio One Eleven. "It's our belief that the pure fee-for-service model is antiquated. At Studio One Eleven, we are fully vested in the success of every project we work on. We exist to help increase the revenue of our customers." In 1999, Berlin Packaging made the decision to provide Studio One Eleven's design services to its customers at no charge in exchange for customers' packaging business. Seventeen years later, this innovation continues to pay off with record-setting corporate revenues along with double-digit increases in project counts for Studio One Eleven. 2016 is on trend to be yet another solid year winning with customers, with dozens of patents filed and on average more than one custom component tool approved per calendar day. Driving it all, Jost notes, is the success of Berlin Packaging's broad customer base. "The packaging we designed at Studio One Eleven helped generate more than $3 billion in sales for our clients last year," he said. "We're not trying to get a bigger piece of a fixed pie. Instead we're working to make the pie itself bigger for everybody." In the past year, Studio One Eleven's design solutions have performed almost as well at award competitions as they have in the marketplace. In addition to winning multiple honors at some of the industry's most respected competitions, including the WorldStar Packaging Awards, the Studio's solution for Nu Skin Enterprises' ageLOC Me skin care device received the prestigious "A-prime" Platinum Award. Most recently, its package for Thea's English Tea earned the People's Choice Award at the Brand Packaging Design Gallery Awards. Investing for More Now boasting a staff of 25, Studio One Eleven offers 300+ years of combined product, packaging and brand building experience. The team is comprised of people from blue-chip design agencies and leading packaged-goods firms; team members importantly also bring expertise from outside packaging, from consumer electronics and clothing to footwear and medical devices. Two new positions were created over the last 18 months to further enhance the team. Shar Puskala, a certified internal auditor for ISO 13485 with Class I and II medical device commercialization experience, joined as Director of Program Management to help customers navigate complex project development cycles in regulated product categories. Martin Rathgeber augmented the engineering team as Director of Engineering to improve the integration of design and manufacturing. Rathgeber and Puskala bring a combined four decades of experience in teaching, practicing and leading engineering engagements for a range of global firms that includes Wrigley, SC Johnson, Kimberly Clark, Clorox, Procter & Gamble and Kraft Foods. The Studio recently moved to a new 8,000-square-foot space in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood, adjacent to Berlin Packaging's world headquarters. The new facility features a full packaging resource and sample library, collaboration and meeting spaces, and an in-house model shop for real-time prototyping. "We take great pride in our old-world modeling skills, but as early adopters of rapid prototyping technologies we've woven the ability to test parts early and often into our methodologies," Jost states. "Getting our customers to market with great solutions faster means that we're all making money sooner." End-to-End with No Skipped Steps Something that has not changed is the Studio's approach to each project, which has earned the globally-recognized ISO 9001:2008 certification. Before any design work begins, the Studio seeks out consumer, category and competitor insights with user ethnographies, store visits and market research. This feeds the brand strategy, graphic design and structural design work. But the Studio designs much more than bottles and caps; they can handle complex systems like compliance packages, medical consumables, applicators and dispensing systems. The Studio's engineers then review all designs to ensure they will manufacture properly and move smoothly through the supply chain. A dedicated mold-building team shepherds the final, customer-approved design through a mold-build process and collaborates with Berlin's procurement team, who selects the right manufacturer from a network of 900+ companies located around the world. "The hard part is doing all the steps well," said Andrew Sanguinet, Director of Industrial Design at Studio One Eleven. "No amount of consumer research means that a design solution can be produced, filled, capped and labeled properly. And you could say the same thing about beautifully-architected products that ignore consumers' needs. One of the reasons we were so happy to earn ISO certification of our robust process is that it validates the care with which we attend to all aspects of the project." "These past twelve months have substantiated our overall approach," said Jost. "Whether we're creating a new package for Honest Company, helping define the evolution of an established brand like Turtle Wax, or reviving a storied product like Mylanta, our solutions are built with both the consumer and commercialization in mind. Our ultimate aim, now and in the future, is to help our clients 'package more profit.'" About Berlin Packaging Berlin Packaging is the only Hybrid Packaging Supplier of plastic, glass, and metal containers and closures. See HybridPackagingSupplier.com and GreaterFaster.com for more on how the company exists to help people and companies excel. With 40,000+ available SKUs, 200+ packaging consultants, and 100+ sales and warehouse locations across North America and Europe, the company has the right products, expertise, and geographic proximity to help customers increase their net income through packaging products and services. Berlin Packaging supplies billions of containers and closures annually as well as warehousing and logistics services for customers of all sizes in all industries. It is the only company in its sector to be ISO 9001 certified, to have Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) certification, and to achieve 99% on-time delivery of its shipments every month for more than 12 years. Related services and specialty product divisions include Studio One Eleven custom packaging and graphic design, Berlin Global sourcing solutions, E3 profit-oriented consulting, Berlin Financial financing for equipment and capital improvements, Berlin Quality advocacy, Dangerous Goods transport, Freund Container & Supply convenience, and Qorpak laboratory supplies. The company can be reached at 1.800.2.BERLIN, BerlinPackaging.com, and on LinkedIn and Twitter. SOURCE Berlin Packaging Related Links http://www.berlinpackaging.com DALLAS, Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Aragon Research named Intelledox an 'Innovator' in the first Aragon Research Globe(TM) for Digital Transaction Management. Intelledox was included for its ease of use and ability to deliver on the Content Automation component of DTM. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435742 Led by CEO Jim Lundy, Aragon states that "DTM is now a well-established business category that both large and small enterprises are adopting in a growing fashion." DTM essentially is about streamlining business processes by keeping document processes fully digital. Aragon expects that DTM will grow into a $30-billion market by 2020. Intelledox is one of only 15 exclusive vendors selected for the Aragon Research Globe(TM) for DTM, 2016. Aragon analyzed three parameters of Strategy, Performance and Reach as part of a rigorous comparative evaluation of each vendor. Intelledox qualifies as an Innovator due to the ability to generate documents based on data collected via adaptive interviews while seamlessly transferring the collected data to systems of record. Additionally, the joint partnership between Intelledox and DocuSign offers a unique integration that enables users, for e.g. in insurance and banking, to create customized, compliant documents that can be distributed to relevant stakeholders and electronically signed in real-time. Jim Lundy, Founder and CEO of Aragon Research said, "One of the capabilities that stands out is its adaptive interviews which can automatically complete documents and forms for users to eSign in real-time. The need to shift to the content automation part of DTM makes Intelledox one to watch." Intelledox President Rodney Frye said, "We are honored to be recognized by Aragon Research as an Innovator in the 2016 Aragon Research Globe for DTM. This research note is a reflection of the significant shift we are noticing in the banking and insurance industries driven by the need to improve the customer experience, accelerate revenue, drive efficiencies, improve profitability and ensure compliance. Aragon also recognized our global partnership with DocuSign, which provides our customers, end-to-end DTM capabilities, ensuring that documents that are born digital, stay digital." The Aragon Research Globe graphically represents Aragon's analysis of a specific market and its component vendors. The research note looks beyond size and market share, and instead uses those as comparative factors in evaluating providers' product-oriented capabilities. Learn more about the Aragon Research Globe for DTM by clicking the link below: https://aragonresearch.com/the-aragon-research-globe-for-digital-transaction-management-2016/ About Aragon Research Aragon Research is the newest technology research and advisory firm. Aragon delivers high impact advisory, interactive research and consulting services to provide enterprises the insight they need to help them make better technology and strategy decisions. Aragon Research serves business and IT leaders and has a proven team of veteran analysts. For more information, visit www.aragonresearch.com. About Intelledox Utilizing intuitive, conversational digital interviews, Intelledox's Adaptive Engagement solutions help companies rapidly develop and deliver mobile-ready business processes. Insurance, Financial Services, Government and Enterprise customers worldwide deploy the Infiniti platform to enhance customer engagement, increase customer satisfaction, streamline efficiency, and drive down operational costs. With North American Headquarters located in Dallas Texas, Intelledox has offices in New York, Toronto, London, Singapore, Sydney and Global Headquarters in Canberra Australia. http://www.intelledox.com. For further information, please contact: Neville Braganza Marketing Manager [email protected] Aragon Research Disclaimer Aragon Research does not endorse vendors, or their products or services that are referenced in its research publications, and does not advise users to select those vendors that are rated the highest. Aragon Research publications consist of the opinions of Aragon Research and Advisory Services organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Aragon Research provides its research publications and the information contained in them "AS IS," without warranty of any kind. SOURCE Intelledox Related Links http://www.intelledox.com WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Iraqi Christian Relief Council stands with Iraq's persecuted religious and ethnic minorities who now ask for a recognized and protected safe-haven in the form of a new federal province within Iraq. The minority groups, who make up most of the fertile Nineveh Plain north east of Mosul, believe that without the creation of a new province in Iraq they will be susceptible to new attacks. To support the return of families to their ancestral towns, Iraqi Christian Relief Council is launching a massive relief campaign, Operation Return to Nineveh, in mid-November to support Assyrian Christians in the rebuilding of community centers, schools, homes, and churches destroyed by ISIS. All churches in the Nineveh Plain have been destroyed or damaged, according to a source in Iraq. Now three weeks into the Mosul Offensive, Iraq's Nineveh Plain minorities, including Assyrian Christians, Yezidis, Shabaks, and Turkmen, say the formation of a new province is necessary to rebuild their decimated communities once Iraqi Coalition Forces root ISIS from its second largest support base. Nineveh Plain minorities are calling on the international community to uphold a 2014 Iraqi Council of Ministers decision promising a standalone province for Iraq's rapidly disappearing Nineveh Plain minorities. Iraq's instability and violence has put minorities at risk of atrocities from Sunni and Shia extremists since 2003. More than 800,000 Nineveh Plain minorities were driven from their homes, with thousands abducted or killed, as ISIS carried out one of its most violent campaigns during the summer of 2014. The terror group attacked Nineveh Plain cities, towns, and villages where they deliberately destroyed churches and temples amounting to a US government-recognized genocide. Available for immediate interviews Juliana Taimoorazy Founder of the Iraqi Christian Relief Council and Senior Fellow at Philos Project Juliana Taimoorazy is internationally recognized for her work with persecuted Christians, as well as Yezidi and Muslim communities in Iraq. She is sought after for her analysis on terror's impact on indigenous Christian communities in Iraq and the Middle East. She has appeared in Wall Street Journal, New York Post, BBC, The Telegraph, National Catholic Register, The Stream, and Israel News. Juliana is a contributing writer for the Huffington Post. SOURCE Iraqi Christian Relief Council MCLEAN, VA., Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Aireon has announced the successful completion of a service delivery point Site Acceptance Test (SAT) with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), Ireland's Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP). The test confirmed that IAA's service delivery point, a critical component for receiving global air traffic surveillance data, can process Aireon's space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) data as soon as satellites are in orbit. This is a major step towards deploying space-based ADS-B in Irish airspace, in addition to implementing the Aireon Aircraft Locating and Emergency Response Tracking (ALERT) service. Aireon ALERT is a free global emergency-tracking service that will be hosted and operated by the IAA from its North Atlantic Centre in Ballygirreen on the West Coast of Ireland. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161101/434985LOGO The first service for IAA will be augmented surveillance in 5 nautical mile (NM) and 3NM airspace. Aireon's space-based ADS-B system will be used to augment ground surveillance sensors by contributing to IAA's air traffic management automation platform. "Both IAA's and Aireon's engineering teams have worked around the clock to ensure our systems are ready to ingest the ADS-B data from Aireon's global space-based aircraft traffic surveillance system," said Peter Kearney, director ATM operations & strategy, IAA. "With the successful Site Acceptance Test, we are ready to implement space-based ADS-B data as soon as it begins transmitting, and that will further enhance our safety and surveillance capability in Irish-controlled airspace." Kearney added, "Our team in Ballygirreen is also simultaneously getting ready to deploy Aireon ALERT to provide aviation stakeholders with free emergency tracking of aircraft. Aireon ALERT will greatly assist airlines, search and rescue agencies, aviation authorities and ANSPs during emergency situations. At their request, on a 24-hour basis, we will be able to provide Aireon ALERT users, with the immediate 'last known' location of aircraft with tremendous accuracy. Aireon ALERT will offer precisely the kind of service being sought by ICAO, IATA, airlines and other aviation bodies to help locate missing aircraft as fast as possible." Over the next several years, as more commercial aircraft in Europe are mandated to equip with an ADS-B transponder, IAA will increase its use of space-based ADS-B in its automation system. Following validation and the upgrading of the aircraft fleet to carry ADS-B capable transponders, space-based ADS-B could facilitate the decommissioning of redundant coverage ground sensors, delivering radar surveillance infrastructure and maintenance savings of up to 50 percent off current costs. "IAA is a leader in international aviation and has made safety their number one priority. Not only are they moving ahead quickly and confidently with getting systems ready for space-based ADS-B, but they are putting their team whole-heartedly behind supporting emergency tracking and locating for the worlds' ADS-B equipped aircraft," said Vincent Capezzuto, chief technology officer and vice president of engineering, Aireon. "Aireon ALERT will be a public service to the industry, fully backed and operated by IAA. They have made it part of their mission critical operations to track aircraft in distress for our industry. We commend their dedication to Aireon's next generation technology." Aireon's space-based ADS-B service is scheduled to be operational in 2018. For more information about Aireon, visit Aireon.com. About Aireon LLC Aireon is deploying a global, space-based air traffic surveillance system for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipped aircraft over the entire globe. For the first time, Aireon will provide real-time ADS-B surveillance to oceanic, polar and remote regions, as well as augment existing ground-based systems that are limited to terrestrial airspace. Aireon will harness next generation aviation surveillance technologies and extend them globally to significantly improve efficiency, enhance safety, reduce emissions and provide cost savings benefits to all stakeholders. In partnership with leading ANSPs from around the world, NAV CANADA, ENAV, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and Naviair, as well as Iridium Communications, Aireon will have an operational, global, space-based air traffic surveillance system by 2018. For more information about Aireon, visit: www.aireon.com. About IAA The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is a profitable commercial semi state company employing approximately 650 people at five main locations in Ireland. The IAA is responsible for the provision of Air Traffic Management (ATM) in Irish controlled airspace (covering some 451,000 square km) as well as aeronautical communications on the North Atlantic. The IAA operates one of the most modern ATM systems in the world and safely manages over one million flights every year. The IAA is amongst the most cost-effective providers of air navigation in Europe. The IAA is also responsible for safety and security regulation of the civil aviation industry and ensures that Irish civil aviation operates to the highest international safety standards. Its regulatory functions include aircraft airworthiness certification and registration; the licensing of pilots, air traffic controllers, radio officers and aerodromes licensing and aircraft maintenance organisations; aviation security oversight; and the approval and surveillance of air carrier operating standards and of general aviation including drones. For more information please see www.iaa.ie PRESS CONTACTS: Jessie Hillenbrand Aireon +1 (703) 287-7452 [email protected] Alec Elliott Irish Aviation Authority +353 86 822 3010 [email protected] SOURCE Aireon Related Links www.aireon.com HORSHAM, Pa., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Janssen Biotech, Inc. announced today that 28 abstracts will be presented at the 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Meeting taking place in Washington, D.C. from November 11-16, 2016. Data from the extensive rheumatology portfolio including new Phase 3 study results evaluating SIMPONI ARIA (golimumab) infusion in adults with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS); a pooled safety analysis of STELARA (ustekinumab) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA), Crohn's disease, and psoriasis; and real world data of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on REMICADE (infliximab) will be presented. Pipeline presentations of note include results from a Phase 2a study evaluating guselkumab, a novel anti-interleukin (IL)-23 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in the treatment of adults with active PsA and results from a Phase 3 study evaluating sirukumab*, an IL-6 mAb, in the treatment of moderately to severely active RA. Several posters highlighting research in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) will also be presented. "At Janssen, we are committed to addressing the unmet needs of patients living with rheumatic diseases today, and in the future through our continued efforts in research and development of therapies with novel mechanisms of action and different delivery systems," said Andrew Greenspan, M.D., Vice President, Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC. "We're proud to present the latest data at the American College of Rheumatology meeting from our portfolio and pipeline, including new data for SIMPONI ARIA in the treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis." JANSSEN ABSTRACTS TO BE PRESENTED DURING ACR INCLUDE: Abstracts can be accessed on the ACR 2016 Annual Meeting website at: http://acrabstracts.org/. SIMPONI ARIA (golimumab) infusion Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Golimumab in Adult Patients with Active Ankylosing Spondylitis: Results through Week 28 (Presentation 56212) Oral Presentation: Sunday, November 13 , 4:30 pm 6:00 pm Real World United States-based Clinical Experience with Prior Biologic Use Among First Time Golimumab Intravenous and Infliximab Treated Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients (Presentation 55984) Poster Presentation: Sunday, November 13 , 9:00 am 11:00 am Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Golimumab Plus Methotrexate in Patients 65 Years and Younger and Those Greater than 65 Years of Age-A Post Hoc Analysis (Presentation 56208) Poster Presentation: Sunday, November 13 , 9:00 am 11:00 am Patient Characteristics and Medication Utilization Patterns of Infliximab-treated Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Subsequently Transitioned to Intravenous Golimumab (Presentation 56707) Poster Presentation: Sunday, November 13 , 9:00 am 11:00 am STELARA (ustekinumab) An Integrated Safety Data Analysis Across All Phase II and Phase III Clinical Programs for Ustekinumab in Psoriatic Arthritis, Crohn's Disease, and Psoriasis (Presentation 1726) Poster presentation: Monday, November 14 , 9:00 am 11:00 am REMICADE (infliximab) Disease Activity Trends After Dose Escalation of Infliximab (Remicade) Results From the US Corrona Registry (Presentation 55991) Poster Presentation: Sunday, November 13 , 9:00 am 11:00 am A Descriptive Analysis of Real-World Treatment Patterns of Innovator Infliximab (Remicade) and Biosimilar Infliximab in a Treatment Naive Turkish Rheumatologic Disease Population (Presentation 58565) Poster Presentation: Monday, November 14 , 9:00 am 11:00 am A Descriptive Analysis of Real-world Treatment Patterns in a Turkish Rheumatology Population That Continued Innovator Infliximab (Remicade) Therapy or Switched to Biosimilar Infliximab (Presentation 58557) Poster Presentation: Tuesday, November 15 , 9:00 am 11:00 am Guselkumab (Anti-IL23 mAb) Efficacy and Safety Results of Guselkumab, an Anti-IL-23 Monoclonal Antibody, in Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis Over 24 weeks: a Phase 2a, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study (Presentation 4L ) ACR Late-breaking Abstract Oral Presentation : Tuesday, November 15, 2016 ; 4:30 pm 6:00 pm ) Sirukumab* (Anti-IL6 mAb) In Vitro Cellular Profiling of Sirukumab, an Anti-IL-6 Cytokine Monoclonal Antibody, Reveals a Distinct Phenotypic Signature Compared to Tocilizumab, an Anti-IL-6 Receptor Monoclonal Antibody (Presentation 57359) Poster Presentation: Monday, November 14 , 9:00 am 11:00 am Analysis of a Phase 3 Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Sirukumab, an Anti-IL-6 Cytokine Monoclonal Antibody, Across Subgroups in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Despite Treatment With Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (Presentation 59004) Poster Presentation: Monday, November 14 , 9:00 am 11:00 am Prediction of Inhibition of Radiographic Progression by Sirukumab, an Anti-IL-6 Cytokine Monoclonal Antibody, in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Despite Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug Treatment: Results of a Global, Phase 3 Trial (Presentation 59324) Poster Presentation : Tuesday, November 15 , 9:00 am 11:00 am Consistent Pharmacodynamic Effects of Sirukumab, an Anti-IL-6 Cytokine Monoclonal Antibody, on Serum Analytes Across Four Phase 3 Clinical Trials in Rheumatoid Arthritis (Presentation 59542) Poster Presentation: Monday, November 14 , 9:00 am 11:00 am Treatment With Sirukumab, an Anti-IL-6 Cytokine Monoclonal Antibody, Improves Fatigue and Health-Related Physical and Emotional Well Being in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Refractory to Conventional or Biologic Therapy: Results of Two Global, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3 Trials (Presentation 57844) Poster Presentation: Monday, November 14 , 9:00 am 11:00 am Efficacy and Safety of Sirukumab, an Anti-IL-6 Cytokine Monoclonal Antibody, in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Despite Anti-TNF Therapy: Results From a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Global, Phase 3 Study (Presentation 59233) Oral Presentation: Wednesday, November 16 , 11:00 am 12:30 pm Efficacy of Sirukumab, an Anti-IL-6 Cytokine Monoclonal Antibody, Based Upon Prior Use of Non-Anti-TNF Biologics in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Despite Anti-TNF Therapy: Results From a Global Phase 3 Study (Presentation 59315) Oral Presentation: Wednesday, November 16 , 11:00 am 12:30 pm Sirukumab, an AntiIL-6 Cytokine Monoclonal Antibody, Significantly Improves Physical Function and Reduces Morning Stiffness in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Despite Anti-TNF Therapy: Results From a Global, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3 Trial (Presentation 57645) Poster Presentation: Monday, November 14 , 9:00 am 11:00 am Efficacy and Safety of Monotherapy With Sirukumab, an Anti-IL-6 Cytokine Monoclonal Antibody, Compared With Adalimumab Monotherapy in Biologic-Naive Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results of a Global, Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Phase 3 Study (Presentation 57374) Oral Presentation: Wednesday, November 16 , 11:00 am 12:30 pm Network Meta-Analysis to Assess the Relative Efficacy of Sirukumab, an Anti-IL-6 Cytokine Monoclonal Antibody, in Combination Therapy for Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Despite Conventional Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) (Presentation 59357) Poster Presentation: Monday, November 14 , 9:00 am 11:00 am SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) Blood And Kidney Molecular Profiles Distinguish Individuals With Lupus Nephritis From Other Kidney Disorders (Presentation 2064) Oral Presentation: Monday, November 14 , 4:30 pm 6:00 pm Results From a Phase 0 Longitudinal Clinical Trial in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Analysis of the Type 1 Interferon (IFN) Signature in the Skin and Blood and Its Relationship With Disease Activity Scores and Autoantibody Profiles (Presentation 2857) Poster Presentation: Tuesday, November 15 , 9:00 am 11:00 am Introducing a Novel SLE-Specific Interferon-1 (IFN-1) Inhibitor CNTO 6358: Laying the Groundwork for Precision Medicine in Lupus (Presentation 770) Poster Presentation: Sunday, November 13 , 9:00 am 11:00 am Broad Autoantibody Profiling in Ethnically Diverse SLE Cohorts Reveals a Set of Conserved Autoantibodies That are Correlated to a Type 1 Interferon Signature (Presentation 2816) Poster Presentation: Tuesday, November 15 , 9:00 am 11:00 am Comparative Analysis of Anti-Nuclear Antibody Testing Using Blinded Replicate Samples Reveals Variability Between Commercial Testing Laboratories (Presentation 2809) Poster Presentation: Tuesday, November 15 , 9:00 am 11:00 am HEALTH ECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH DATA Updated Results for Serious Infections in Psoriasis Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis in the Psoriasis Longitudinal Assessment and Registry Study (Presentation 56212) Poster Presentation: Monday, November 14 , 9:00 am 11:00 am Updated Results for All-cause Mortality and Malignancies in Psoriasis Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis in the Psoriasis Longitudinal Assessment and Registry Study (Presentation 56211) Poster Presentation: Monday, November 14 , 9:00 am 11:00 am Physician/Site Staff Assessments Contribute to High Placebo Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials (Presentation 55935) Poster Presentation: Tuesday, November 15 , 9:00 am 11:00 am Utilization Patterns of Subcutaneously Administered Biologic Medications Within a Sample of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients (Presentation 59885) Poster Presentation: Tuesday, November 15 , 9:00 am 11:00 am About Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory condition that is often characterized by symptoms that include pain, stiffness and inflammation of the joints, and in some cases, joint destruction and disability. An estimated 1.5 million Americans1 have the condition, which affects nearly three times as many women as men. While the cause of RA is unknown, many cases are believed to result from genetic and environmental factors. There is no medical cure for RA, but there are several medications available to help alleviate symptoms. About Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by both joint inflammation and the skin lesions associated with psoriasis which effects 125 million people worldwide.6 An estimated 600,000 Americansand more than 12 million people worldwidehave PsA.5 While estimates of the prevalence of psoriatic arthritis among people living with psoriasis vary, up to 30 percent may develop inflammatory arthritis.1 The disease causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints and commonly appears between the ages of 30 and 50, but can develop at any time.2 Though the exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown, genes, the immune system and environmental factors are all believed to play a role in the onset of the disease.2 About Ankylosing Spondylitis Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease that causes enthesitis, or inflammation where ligaments and muscles attach to bones, most commonly those within the spine. It is the primary disease in a group of arthritis-related diseases known as spondylitis, spondyloarthropathy or spondyloarthritis.3 The disease affects men more often than women and typically manifests in early adulthood.4 In contrast to mechanical low back pain, low back pain and stiffness with ankylosing spondylitis worsen after a period of rest or upon waking up in the morning and improve after exercise, a hot bath or a shower.3 About Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) also known as lupus is a chronic, complex and prevalent autoimmune disease that affects more than 1.5 million Americans7 and 5 million people worldwide.8 In lupus, the immune system, which is designed to protect against infection, creates antibodies that attack the body's own tissues and organs the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin, and joints. Lupus is difficult to diagnose because symptoms come and go, mimic those of other diseases, and there is no single laboratory test that can definitively diagnose it. More than 90 percent of those with lupus are women, mostly between the ages of 15 to 44 and women of color are two to three times more at risk for lupus than Caucasians.7 About Guselkumab Guselkumab is an investigational human monoclonal antibody with a novel mechanism of action that targets the protein interleukin (IL)-23 and is in Phase 3 development as a subcutaneously administered therapy for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. A Phase 2 study evaluating guselkumab in the treatment of moderately to severely active psoriatic arthritis is also ongoing. About Sirukumab* Sirukumab is an investigational human monoclonal IgG1 kappa antibody in Phase 3 development for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active RA. Sirukumab targets the cytokine IL-6, a naturally occurring protein that is believed to play a role in autoimmune conditions like RA. In December 2011, Janssen and GSK entered into a licensing and co-development collaboration agreement, initially for RA. Under the terms, Janssen has exclusive rights to commercialize sirukumab in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, while GSK retains commercialization rights in North, Central and South America.* Prior to the agreement, Janssen had been developing sirukumab for RA. U.S. and European Union regulatory filings for RA were announced in September 2016 and in Japan in October 2016. About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies At the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, we are working to create a world without disease. Transforming lives by finding new and better ways to prevent, intercept, treat and cure disease inspires us. We bring together the best minds and pursue the most promising science. We are Janssen. We collaborate with the world for the health of everyone in it. Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JanssenGlobal. About SIMPONI ARIA (golimumab) infusion SIMPONI ARIA is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in combination with methotrexate. More information about SIMPONI ARIA is available at www.SimponiARIA.com. Janssen Biotech, Inc. discovered and developed SIMPONI ARIA. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION SIMPONI ARIA (golimumab) can lower your ability to fight infections. Serious and sometimes fatal events may occur. There have been reports of serious infections including tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that have spread throughout the body. Other possible serious side effects may include lymphoma, a rare and fatal cancer called hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, skin cancer, other cancers, hepatitis B, heart failure, nervous system problems, lupus-like symptoms, or allergic reactions. To learn more about these and other risks, please read the Important Safety Information, and the Medication Guide, and talk with your doctor. SERIOUS INFECTIONS SIMPONI ARIA (golimumab) is a prescription medicine. SIMPONI ARIA can lower your ability to fight infections. There are reports of serious infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that have spread throughout the body, including tuberculosis (TB) and histoplasmosis. Some of these infections have been fatal. Your doctor will test you for TB before starting SIMPONI ARIA and will closely monitor you for signs of TB during treatment. Tell your doctor if you have been in close contact with people with TB. Tell your doctor if you have been in a region (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys and the Southwest) where certain fungal infections like histoplasmosis or coccidioidomycosis are common. You should not receive SIMPONI ARIA if you have any kind of infection. Tell your doctor if you are prone to or have a history of infections or have diabetes, HIV or a weak immune system. You should also tell your doctor if you are currently being treated for an infection or if you have or develop any signs of an infection such as: fever, sweats, or chills muscle aches cough shortness of breath blood in phlegm weight loss warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body diarrhea or stomach pain burning when you urinate or urinate more than normal feel very tired CANCER Unusual cancers have been reported in children and teenage patients taking TNF-blocker medicines. For children and adults receiving TNF blockers, including SIMPONI ARIA, the chances for getting lymphoma or other cancers may increase. Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, a rare and fatal lymphoma, has occurred mostly in teenage or young adult males with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who were taking a TNF blocker with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine. You should tell your doctor if you have had or develop lymphoma or other cancers. Some people treated with SIMPONI ARIA developed skin cancer. Tell your doctor if any changes in the appearance of your skin or growths on your skin occur during or after your treatment with SIMPONI ARIA. Your doctor should periodically examine your skin, especially if you have a history of skin cancer. USE WITH OTHER DRUGS Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including ORENCIA (abatacept), KINERET (anakinra), ACTEMRA (tocilizumab), RITUXAN (rituximab), or another TNF blocker, or if you are scheduled to or recently received a vaccine. People receiving SIMPONI ARIA should not receive live vaccines or treatment with a weakened bacteria (such as BCG for bladder cancer). HEPATITIS B INFECTION Reactivation of hepatitis B virus has been reported in patients who are carriers of this virus and are receiving TNF-blocker medicines, such as SIMPONI ARIA. Some of these cases have been fatal. Your doctor should do blood tests before and after you start treatment with SIMPONI ARIA. Tell your doctor if you know or think you may be a carrier of hepatitis B virus or if you experience signs of hepatitis B infection, such as: feel very tired clay-colored bowel movements dark urine fevers skin or eyes look yellow little or no appetite vomiting muscle aches chills stomach discomfort skin rash HEART FAILURE Heart failure can occur or get worse in people who use TNF blockers, including SIMPONI ARIA. If you develop new or worsening heart failure with SIMPONI ARIA, you may need treatment in a hospital, and it may result in death. Your doctor will closely monitor you if you have heart failure. Tell your doctor right away if you get new or worsening symptoms of heart failure like shortness of breath, swelling of your lower legs or feet, or sudden weight gain. NERVOUS SYSTEM PROBLEMS Rarely, people using TNF blockers, including SIMPONI ARIA, can have nervous system problems such as multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barre syndrome. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms like vision changes, weakness in your arms or legs, or numbness or tingling in any part of your body. IMMUNE SYSTEM PROBLEMS Rarely, people using TNF blockers have developed lupus-like symptoms. Tell your doctor if you have any symptoms such as a rash on your cheeks or other parts of the body, sensitivity to the sun, new joint or muscle pain, becoming very tired, chest pain or shortness of breath, swelling of the feet, ankles or legs. LIVER PROBLEMS Serious liver problems can happen in people using TNF blockers, including SIMPONI ARIA. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as feeling very tired, skin or eyes look yellow, poor appetite or vomiting, or pain on the right side of your stomach. BLOOD PROBLEMS Low blood counts have been seen with people using TNF blockers, including SIMPONI ARIA. If this occurs, your body may not make enough blood cells to help fight infections or help stop bleeding. Your doctor will check your blood counts before and during treatment. Tell your doctor if you have signs such as fever, bruising, bleeding easily, or paleness. ALLERGIC REACTIONS Allergic reactions can happen in people who use TNF-blocker medicines, including SIMPONI ARIA. Tell your doctor if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction while receiving SIMPONI ARIA such as hives, swollen face, breathing trouble, or chest pain. Some reactions can be serious and life-threatening. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR Tell your doctor if you have psoriasis. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding or have a baby and received SIMPONI ARIA during pregnancy. Tell your baby's doctor before your baby receives any vaccine because of an increased risk of infection for up to six months after birth. COMMON SIDE EFFECTS The most common side effects of SIMPONI ARIA include: upper respiratory infection, viral infections, bronchitis, high blood pressure, and rash. Please read the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for SIMPONI ARIA and discuss any questions you have with your doctor. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. About STELARA (ustekinumab) STELARA is a human interleukin-12 and -23 antagonist indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with: moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy, active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), alone or in combination with methotrexate, moderately to severely active Crohn's disease (CD) who have failed or were intolerant to treatment with immunomodulators or corticosteroids, but never failed a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker or failed or were in intolerant to treatment with one or more TNF. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION STELARA is a prescription medicine that affects your immune system. STELARA can increase your chance of having serious side effects including: Serious Infections STELARA may lower your ability to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections. While taking STELARA, some people have serious infections, which may require hospitalization, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Your doctor should check you for TB before starting STELARA and watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with STELARA. If your doctor feels that you are at risk for TB, you may be treated for TB before and during treatment with STELARA. You should not start taking STELARA if you have any kind of infection unless your doctor says it is okay. Before starting STELARA, tell your doctor if you: think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection such as: fever, sweats, or chills muscle aches cough shortness of breath blood in your phlegm weight loss warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body diarrhea or stomach pain burning when you urinate or urinate more often than normal feel very tired are being treated for an infection get a lot of infections or have infections that keep coming back have TB, or have been in close contact with someone who has TB After starting STELARA, call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of an infection (see above). STELARA can make you more likely to get infections or make an infection that you have worse. People who have a genetic problem where the body does not make any of the proteins interleukin-12 (IL12) and interleukin-23 (IL23) are at a higher risk for certain serious infections that can spread throughout the body and cause death. People who take STELARA may also be more likely to get these infections. Cancers STELARA may decrease the activity of your immune system and increase your risk for certain types of cancer. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of cancer. Some people who had risk factors for skin cancer developed certain types of skin cancers while receiving STELARA. Tell your doctor if you have any new skin growths. Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS) RPLS is a rare condition that affects the brain and can cause death. The cause of RPLS is not known. If RPLS is found early and treated, most people recover. Tell your doctor right away if you have any new or worsening medical problems including: headache, seizures, confusion, and vision problems. Serious Allergic Reactions Serious allergic reactions can occur. Stop using STELARA and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms such as: feeling faint, swelling of your face, eyelids, tongue, or throat, chest tightness, or skin rash. Before receiving STELARA, tell your doctor if you: have any of the conditions or symptoms listed above for serious infections, cancers, or RPLS. ever had an allergic reaction to STELARA or any of its ingredients. Ask your doctor if you are not sure. are allergic to latex. The needle cover on the prefilled syringe contains latex. have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). People who take STELARA should not receive live vaccines. Tell your doctor if anyone in your house needs a vaccine. The viruses used in some types of vaccines can spread to people with a weakened immune system, and can cause serious problems. You should not receive the BCG vaccine during the one year before taking STELARA or one year after you stop taking STELARA. have any new or changing lesions within psoriasis areas or on normal skin. are receiving or have received allergy shots, especially for serious allergic reactions. receive or have received phototherapy for your psoriasis. have any other medical conditions. are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if STELARA will harm your unborn baby. You and your doctor should decide if you will take STELARA. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is thought that STELARA passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take STELARA. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and overthecounter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. When prescribed STELARA: Use STELARA exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If your doctor decides that you or a caregiver may give your injections of STELARA at home, you should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject STELARA. Do not try to inject STELARA yourself until you or your caregiver has been shown how to inject STELARA by your doctor or nurse. Common side effects of STELARA include: upper respiratory infections, headache, tiredness, joint pain, nausea, itching, vomiting, vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and redness at the injection site. These are not all of the possible side effects with STELARA. Tell your doctor about any side effect that you experience. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Please read the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for STELARA and discuss any questions you have with your doctor. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. About REMICADE (infliximab) REMICADE was the first anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha treatment approved in the United States in August 1998 and the first TNF inhibitor to be approved in three different therapeutic areas: gastroenterology, rheumatology and dermatology. REMICADE has demonstrated broad clinical utility with indications in Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis (UC), pediatric Crohn's disease and psoriasis. The safety and efficacy of REMICADE have been well established in clinical trials over the past 17 years and through commercial experience with more than 2.7 million patients treated worldwide. In the U.S., REMICADE is approved for the following indications: Crohn's Disease: Reducing signs and symptoms and inducing and maintaining clinical remission in adult patients with moderately to severely active disease who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy. Reducing the number of draining enterocutaneous and rectovaginal fistulas and maintaining fistula closure in adult patients with fistulizing disease. Pediatric Crohn's Disease: Reducing signs and symptoms and inducing and maintaining clinical remission in pediatric patients with moderately to severely active disease who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy. Ulcerative Colitis: Reducing signs and symptoms, inducing and maintaining clinical remission and mucosal healing, and eliminating corticosteroid use in adult patients with moderately to severely active disease who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy. Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis: Reducing signs and symptoms and inducing and maintaining clinical remission in pediatric patients with moderately to severely active disease who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy. Rheumatoid Arthritis in combination with methotrexate: Reducing signs and symptoms, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in patients with moderately to severely active disease. Ankylosing Spondylitis: Reducing signs and symptoms in patients with active disease. Psoriatic Arthritis: Reducing signs and symptoms of active arthritis, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function. Plaque Psoriasis: Treatment of adult patients with chronic severe (i.e., extensive and/or disabling) plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy and when other systemic therapies are medically less appropriate. Janssen Biotech, Inc. discovered and developed REMICADE and markets the product in the United States. The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies market REMICADE in Canada, Central and South America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. In Japan, Indonesia, and Taiwan, Janssen Biotech, Inc. licenses distribution rights to REMICADE to Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation. In Europe, Russia and Turkey, Janssen Biotech, Inc. licenses distribution rights to REMICADE to Schering-Plough (Ireland) Company, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Inc. Important Safety Information (U.S.) Only your doctor can recommend a course of treatment after checking your health condition. REMICADE (infliximab) can cause serious side effects such as lowering your ability to fight infections. Some patients, especially those 65 years and older, have had serious infections caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria that have spread throughout the body, including tuberculosis (TB) and histoplasmosis. Some of these infections have been fatal. Your doctor should monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with REMICADE. Unusual cancers have been reported in children and teenage patients taking TNF-blocker medicines. Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of fatal lymphoma, has occurred mostly in teenage or young adult males with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who were taking REMICADE and azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine. For children and adults taking TNF blockers, including REMICADE, the chances of getting lymphoma or other cancers may increase. You should discuss any concerns about your health and medical care with your doctor. What should I tell my doctor before I take REMICADE? You should let your doctor know if you have or ever had any of the following: Tuberculosis (TB) or have been near someone who has TB. Your doctor will check you for TB with a skin test. If you have latent (inactive) TB, you will begin TB treatment before you start REMICADE. Lived in a region where certain fungal infections like histoplasmosis or coccidioidomycosis are common. Infections that keep coming back, have diabetes or an immune system problem. Any type of cancer or a risk factor for developing cancer, for example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or had phototherapy for psoriasis. Heart failure or any heart condition. Many people with heart failure should not take REMICADE . . Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection or think you may be a carrier of HBV. Your doctor will test you for HBV. Nervous system disorders (like multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barre syndrome). Also tell your doctor if you: use the medicines Kineret (anakinra), Orencia (abatacept) or Actemra (tocilizumab) or other medicines called biologics used to treat the same problems as REMICADE. are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, are breast-feeding, or have a baby and were using REMICADE during your pregnancy. Tell your baby's doctor about your REMICADE use. If your baby receives a live vaccine within six months after birth, your baby may develop infections with serious complications that can lead to death. recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine. Adults and children taking REMICADE should not receive live vaccines or treatment with a weakened bacteria (such as BCG for bladder cancer) while taking REMICADE. What should I watch for and talk to my doctor about before or while taking REMICADE? The following serious (sometimes fatal) side effects have been reported in people taking REMICADE. You should tell your doctor right away if you have any of the signs listed below: Infections (like TB, blood infections, pneumonia)fever, tiredness, cough, flu, or warm, red or painful skin or any open sores. REMICADE can make you more likely to get an infection or make any infection that you have worse. Lymphoma, or any other cancers in adults and children. Skin cancerany changes in or growths on your skin. Heart failurenew or worsening symptoms, such as shortness of breath, swelling of your ankles or feet, or sudden weight gain. Reactivation of HBVfeeling unwell, poor appetite, tiredness, fever, skin rash and/or joint pain. Liver injuryjaundice (yellow skin and eyes), dark brown urine, right-sided abdominal pain, fever, or severe tiredness. Blood disordersfever that doesn't go away, bruising, bleeding or severe paleness. Nervous system disordersnumbness, weakness, tingling, changes in your vision or seizures. Allergic reactions during or after the infusionhives, difficulty breathing, chest pain, high or low blood pressure, swelling of face and hands, and fever or chills. Lupus-like syndromechest discomfort or pain that does not go away, shortness of breath, joint pain, rash on the cheeks or arms that gets worse in the sun. Psoriasisnew or worsening psoriasis such as red scaly patches or raised bumps on the skin that are filled with pus. The more common side effects with REMICADE are respiratory infections (that may include sinus infections and sore throat), headache, rash, coughing and stomach pain. Please read the Medication Guide for REMICADE and discuss it with your doctor. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download.) You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. References 1. World Health Organization. The Global Burden of Disease: 2004 Update. p32. Available at: http://www.who.int/healthinfo/global_burden_disease/GBD_report_2004update_full.pdf. Accessed October 2016. 2. National Psoriasis Foundation. About Psoriatic Arthritis. Available at: http://www.psoriasis.org/psoriatic-arthritis. Accessed October 2016. 3. Arthritis Foundation. Ankylosing Spondylitis. Available at http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/ankylosing-spondylitis. Accessed October 2016. 4. Mayo Clinic. Ankylosing Spondylitis. Available at http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/basics/definition/con-20019766?p=1. Accessed October 2016. 5. Spondylitis Association of America. Living with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An Overview Of PsA: Available at http://www.spondylitis.org/About-Spondylitis/Psoriatic-Arthritis 6. World Psoriasis Day. Available at: http://www.worldpsoriasisday.com/web/page.aspx?sid=8538. Accessed October 2016. 7. Lupus Research Institute. Lupus Fact Sheet. Available at http://www.lupusresearchinstitute.org/lupus-facts/lupus-fact-sheet. Accessed on September 6, 2016. 8. Lupus Foundation of America. About Us, Statistics on Lupus. Available at http://www.lupus.org/about/statistics-on-lupus. Accessed October 2016. Media Contacts: Investor Contacts: Ania DiAntonio Lesley Fishman Mobile: 215-620-9717 Johnson & Johnson Office: 732-524-3922 Brian Kenney Joseph J. Wolk Mobile: 215-620-0111 Johnson & Johnson Office: 732-524-1142 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435539LOGO SOURCE Janssen Biotech, Inc. Related Links http://www.janssen.com Consulting Magazine's "Women Leaders in Consulting" award, which will celebrate its 10 th Anniversary in 2017, is announced every fall and recognizes the value and impact of women in the consulting field. In addition to McCaskey, 12 women leaders in the profession and the firms they represent were recognized in various categories including Lifetime Achievement, Client Service, Leadership and Future Leaders. This year, more than 400 nominations were received by the magazine. "I am passionate about building and maintaining relationships and living our firm's mission to create a positive impact," said McCaskey. "Receiving this particular award is especially exciting because it celebrates our commitment to our clients and the Healthcare industry." Jenny is a registered nurse with more than 20 years' experience in healthcare information technology. She has served as an Executive Mentor, Project Director and Project Manager on many electronic health record (EHR) implementations and change management projects, and is recognized as a leader in Cerner Program Management. Jenny leads the Impact Advisors' Cerner Service Line and has been with the firm since 2010. For more information on Impact Advisors, visit www.impact-advisors.com or visit the company on Facebook www.facebook.com/impactadvisors. About Impact Advisors, LLC Impact Advisors is a nationally recognized healthcare information technology consulting firm that is solving some of the toughest challenges in the industry by delivering strategic advisory, implementation and optimization services. Our comprehensive suite of patient access, clinical and revenue cycle services span the lifecycle of our clients' needs. Our experienced team has a powerful combination of clinical, revenue, operations, consulting and IT experience. The firm has earned a number of prestigious industry and workplace awards including Best in KLAS for eight consecutive years, Healthcare Informatics HCI 100, Crain's Chicago Business Fast Fifty, as well as "best place to work" awards from: Modern Healthcare, Consulting Magazine, Becker's Hospital Review and Achievers. For more information about Impact Advisors, visit www.impact-advisors.com. Media Contact: Karli Smith Chartwell Agency 815-977-5343 [email protected] Photo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161103/435967 SOURCE Impact Advisors, LLC Related Links http://www.impact-advisors.com SAN MATEO, Calif., Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The landscape of mission critical communications is rapidly evolving in public safety and beyond. For years, Sonim Technologies has embraced the notion of leveraging open architectures and open standards to improve the communications experience for first responders and industrial workers and paving the way for critical LTE communications. "Our use of open standards and open, adaptable architectures help us provide robust, tailor made solutions for our customers working in ultra-rugged environments," said Robert Escalle, Sonim's VP of Public Safety. "This design flexibility, coupled with access to important apps in the Google Play store and our Enterprise SDK, allows Sonim to deliver handsets with critical functionalities as well as integrate with accessories needed to get the job done." As mission critical communication transitions from narrowband to broadband technology using public and private LTE networks, there are unique requirements on devices, accessories, applications, and services that are not addressed by consumer oriented products. Aroon Tungare, PhD, Vice President, Innovation & IPR, Sonim Technologies will speak on the topic at 5 p.m on Nov. 2. For more information, visit www.sonimtech.com. ABOUT SONIM TECHNOLOGIES: Sonim Technologies (http://www.sonimtech.com) is the provider of mission-critical solutions designed specifically for workers in extreme, hazardous and isolated environments. The Sonim solution includes ultra-rugged mobile phones, business-process applications and a suite of industrial-grade accessories, collectively designed to increase worker productivity, accountability and safety on the job site. Sonim's industry-leading, 3-year comprehensive warranty has redefined customer expectations of rugged technology. The company is headquartered in San Mateo, Calif., and offers its products with mobile operators around the world. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141014/151907LOGO SOURCE Sonim Technologies Related Links http://www.sonimtech.com NEW YORK and HOUSTON, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Anheuser-Busch announced an agreement to acquire Karbach Brewing Co., a leading Texas craft brewer and one of the country's fastest -growing craft brands. Karbach joins a diverse portfolio of craft breweries within The High End, the business unit within Anheuser-Busch that focuses on its craft and import brands. "Chuck and I started the brewery five years ago on Karbach Street in Houston, where the warehouse was located for the beer distribution company we started decades before. After watching so much great beer move through our warehouse over the years we decided it was time to add our own to that list," said co-founder Ken Goodman. "Karbach is the heart and soul of our beer industry careers, and we are thrilled about this new partnership with The High End and what it will mean for our dream to give more Texans the most unique, unexpected, and exciting beers they'll have fun drinking." "We are so grateful for the growth we've experienced in this first phase of Karbach, but we have maxed out our growth potential on our own, and a partnership with The High End will open doors to keep innovating and experimenting with our unique styles and continue to expand," said co-founder Chuck Robertson. "While we are joining a talented and innovative group of craft breweries in The High End, Karbach will retain a high level of independence, and the existing management and brewing teams will continue to drive culture and strategy, all while having fun building our brands." In 2013, just two years after Karbach launched, the brewery produced 17,000 barrels of beer, reaching 40,000 barrels just over a year later. The brewery then expanded capacity by building a new brewhouse at the end of 2014, equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology and innovative equipment. Karbach opened an on-site restaurant, tap room, and biergarten last May. The company expanded from Houston to the Dallas / Ft. Worth metroplex region in June of 2015. Anheuser-Busch plans to invest in Karbach to realize a brewing capacity of 150,000 barrels per year by 2019. In a state with nearly 200 craft brewers, Karbach has distinguished itself with its "MainStay" brews including its flagship brand Hopadillo IPA, as well as a kolsch Love Street, a pale ale Weekend Warrior and Weisse Versa Wheat. It also has a Seasonal Lineup including award-winning Karbachtoberfest, that has captured the fun, outdoor loving spirit of Texas beer aficionados. "Karbach has built a unique, thriving brand rooted in the Texas spirit," said Felipe Szpigel, president, The High End. "From the beginning, they have shown creativity and passion with the super beers they brew, and they've been able to use their unique offerings to appeal to the laid back lifestyle that resonates with Texans. Pair these qualities with dynamic leadership, an amazing brewing team, and a dream to do more, and you have a recipe for a promising future together." Duff and Phelps acted as financial advisor to Karbach Brewing Co. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. About Karbach Brewing Co. We like beer. A lot. Our background is in the beer biz. Everything from distribution and importing to German training and brewery operations. A few years ago we had an opportunity that would allow us to open up our own brewery. We jumped on it. We're extremely excited about this brewery, and we think it shows in everything we do. This is just plain fun for us. The day it starts to feel like a job is the day when lightning shall strike us dead. Cause, hey, at the end of the day we're making beer. And beer is fun. About Anheuser-Busch For more than 160 years, Anheuser-Busch and its world-class brewmasters have carried on a legacy of brewing America's most-popular beers. Starting with the finest ingredients sourced from Anheuser-Busch's family of growers, every batch is crafted using the same exacting standards and time-honored traditions passed down through generations of proud Anheuser-Busch brewmasters and employees. Anheuser-Busch owns and operates 19 breweries, 21 distributorships and 22 agricultural and packaging facilities, employing more than 16,000 people across the United States. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com. About The High End The High End is a business unit of Anheuser-Busch, created to provide its unique craft and European import brands with autonomy and support for growth, while fostering a collaborative environment for the brightest brewers in the beer community. The High End brings dedicated resources to support the growth of its brands, create successful partnerships and deliver more variety to consumers. Established in 2015, The High End includes brands such as Stella Artois and Shock Top, along with craft breweries Goose Island, Blue Point, 10 Barrel, Elysian, Golden Road, Virtue Cider, Four Peaks, Breckenridge Brewery, Devils Backbone and SpikedSeltzer. SOURCE Anheuser-Busch Related Links http://www.anheuser-busch.com In Kimberly-Clark Corp. v. Comm'r of Revenue , the Minnesota Supreme Court held that the Compact was not binding on the State under the "unmistakability doctrine," which was developed in United States v. Winstar . 3 Under the doctrine, unless there is an unmistakable provision to the contrary, contractual arrangements, including those to which a state itself is a party, remain subject to subsequent state legislation. The Minnesota Supreme Court found that the Compact did not contain an unmistakable provision that it would not change its apportionment factor. Therefore, the Minnesota legislation that adopted a super-weighted sales factor apportionment formula (in 1983), and repealed the Compact's equally weighted three factor formula (in 1987) was upheld by the Minnesota Supreme Court. Several other cases are awaiting state court review. The Oregon decision to deny a refund based on the Compact provisions is on appeal, as well as a Texas decision to the same effect.4 Finally, Sherwin-Williams has filed a claim under the Compact in Colorado and recently filed an appeal of the denial in Denver County District Court.5 Ryan will continue to monitor developments on those cases that affect the Multistate Tax Compact. 1 Kimberly-Clark Corp. v. Comm'r of Revenue, United States Supreme Court, Dkt. No. 16-565. 2 U.S. Supreme Court Dkt. No. 15-1442. 3 Kimberly-Clark Corp. v. Comm'r of Revenue, 880 N.W.2d 844 (Minn. 2016); see United States v. Winstar Corp., 518 U.S. 839 (1996). 4Health Net, Inc. and Subsidiaries v. Department of Revenue, Oregon Supreme Court, Dkt. No. S063625; Graphic Packaging v. Hegar, Texas Supreme Court, Dkt. No. 15-0669. 5 Sherwin-Williams Co. v. Department of Revenue, Colorado District Court, Case No. 2016CV31072. 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. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160125/325377LOGO TECHNICAL INFORMATION CONTACTS: Mark Nachbar Principal Ryan 630.515.0477 [email protected] Mary Bernard Director Ryan 401.272.3363 [email protected] SOURCE Ryan Related Links http://www.ryan.com LONDON, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Britain faces at least two years of economic "turbulence" and a period of "fiscal uncertainty" as the country prepares for Brexit in 2019 and the prospect of a clean break with the EU, the Chancellor, Philip Hammond has warned. Lord Redesdale, CEO of the Energy Managers Association warns businesses to act now and reduce their energy demand. Energy prices will rise by an estimated 50% over the next 5 years while demand will exceed current grid capacity this winter. Also, UK's commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 2020 will impose tighter regulations on commercial properties and create new laws on business energy efficiency taxation. Energy Management is essential to any business if you want to control costs, be fully compliant with legislation and enhance the organisation's reputation. EMEX (www.emexlondon.com) and its community are returning to the ExCeL Centre in London on 16th and 17th November with a packed programme spread across 4 free-to-attend CPD-accredited seminar theatres. This content, curated by the Energy Managers Association and its Board of major energy users, will include the opportunity to meet with top industry experts, peers and numerous leading suppliers that will unveil the latest technology and energy efficiency strategies available right now. Organisations like Network Rail, Land Securities, Local Councils, Ministry of Defence, National Grid, E.ON, Unite Students, Servest Group, Bourne Leisure, British Sugar, Costa Express, Port of Milford Haven, Water Plus, University College London, Bank of England, Skanska, BIFM, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), House of Commons, The Body Shop International, Pets At Home, Total Gas & Power, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Greater London Authority, Broad gate Estates, Queen Mary University of London, Lloyds Banking Group, and Regent Street Management Direct are confirmed to speak at EMEX 2016. 1. Saving Energy through People One of the most important energy efficiency measures is training. You could save up to 30% on your utility bills. The latest developments in behavioural change can help your business to engage with your staff so they become active players in reducing operating costs while improving sustainability credentials, all this with no capital outlay and no interruption of day-to-day business. Experts, such as the Operations Improvement Manager at British Sugar, the Senior Sustainability Manager at Skanska, the Energy and Environmental Manager at the Bank of England, the Energy and Utilities Advisor at the House of Commons and the Energy and Sustainability Manager at University College London, all specialists in behaviour change, to name just a few, will share their experience. Their presentations, in the Siemens theatre, will leave you better equipped to deliver energy efficiency in your organisation from one-off projects to a strategy that is embedded in staff culture. See seminars in Saving Energy Through People Track. 2. Reducing Energy Use in the Built Environment. About half of CO2 emissions in the UK come from energy used in our homes and buildings leading the UK Government to implement tougher regulations in the built environment. Get on top of new Government energy standards, assess risks and, where necessary, act now to make improvements that ensure buildings exceed the minimum energy efficiency standard or face the prospect of the value of your assets decreasing significantly. By April 2018, it will be unlawful to renew or grant new leases for residential, or commercial property with an EPC rating below "E" unless registered as an exemption. By April 2020, the regulation will be extended to apply to ALL residential lettings (both new AND existing). By simply commissioning or upgrading existing systems, you can expect energy savings of 20-40%, which typically represent a simple payback of less than 3 years. With over 120 exhibitors ranging from major utilities to brokers and consultants, equipment manufacturers to training companies and showcasing a broad range of energy efficient solutions and services under one roof, EMEX has become a unique opportunity to learn about the new technology, systems and services available in this fast changing environment. There are a number of talks about Energy Use in the Built Environment. 3. Optimising Costs Through Sustainable Operations One area of operational expenditure that has been largely overlooked, but which has substantial potential to deliver savings, is the cost and use of indirect materials and resources, such as water, energy, maintenance and hidden value in assets. Beyond price, there are further financial considerations associated with buying and using these key resources. Energy efficiency is already a well-established part of the corporate and social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability agenda. Businesses committed to safeguarding their reputation for corporate responsibility - and the commercial value attached to that - have no option but to meet the challenge of developing sustainable operations. Applying silo thinking to operational management rarely delivers the maximum savings possible. A far more effective approach is to focus on the whole operation and identify the interdependencies between each function. With this broader view, it is possible to develop and implement solutions that deliver greater cost reductions by achieving the following results: Increase energy efficiency across multiple facilities; reduce maintenance costs; reduce water consumption; decrease production downtime; remove supply chain costs; deliver a return on investment; increase business assets value; enhance workplace productivity. Start implementing all the necessary improvements by mapping out the opportunities and building a solid business case to get a sign-off from board of directors and company executives. There are a number of informative seminars here. 4. Capturing the Full Benefits of Demand Flexibility The UK is entering a period of energy transition. The main forces driving this transition are a growing consensus about the scale and importance of climate change, the need to ensure secure energy supplies for the UK in the face of rising global demand and an ageing and centralised grid. There is an urgent imperative to re-shape policy in order to decarbonise the energy that we use, evolve infrastructures and to secure sustainable local generation supplies for the long term. The UK's energy market mix is already fast changing with a fast growing interest in flexible strategies that empower end-users to manage their consumption, mitigate intermittency in supply, lower their costs and generate new revenue. At EMEX, National Grid will present Power Responsive, a stakeholder-led programme of work to stimulate increased participation in the different forms of flexible technology in Britain's energy markets. They also plan to facilitate the rapid growth of demand-side solutions. Demand Reduction is a key area for policy makers and companies this year, as this winter will see a very tight margin between supply and demand. The EMA will be launching Dynamic Response, which will offer a new solution to this problem - flexible load shifting through battery storage from off-peak to peak periods. This system will help you reduce costs through reduction in expensive peak time pricing, reduce transmission charges and deal with security of supply issues. This new technology will be rolled out in the next couple of years. Seminars on how you could incorporate this system into your business and actually make a profit will be explored in the presentations found in the DONG Energy theatre. With the deployment of demand-side response systems and energy storage, renewables will play a central part of generation on the grid. How the electricity codes will need to be amended will be covered, and the work of the EMA in lobbying for these changes will also be highlighted. 5. Increasing Renewables in your Energy Mix Renewables now account for 25% of the UK electricity generation, which is up from 9% in 2011. Switching to renewables and green-tech is a substantial and yet untapped opportunity for most businesses to reduce costs and meet carbon emission targets rapidly. At EMEX, Good Energy will launch their new web platform for business customers to enhance transparency and control of their energy supply with the ability to match with local renewable power generators. DONG Energy is leading the way in the development of sophisticated tools that enable businesses to be more flexible in the way that energy is consumed. It has come up with a unique way to help balance its own generation at times when the wind doesn't blow. Corona Energy, a leading independent energy supplier to UK businesses will offer expert advice on energy efficiency, with a fresh approach to managing your energy usage presented at the show. Alternatively, instead of buying all of your energy from suppliers, you can install renewables technology, also known as micro generation, and low-carbon technology to generate your own. ENERCON UK, Emergya Wind Technologies, Lightsource Renewable Energy, Norvento Wind Energy and others will present the latest technologies to generate energy from wind, sun and biomass fuel. Also presenting at the show, Origami Energy is an ambitious new technology company, created with the objective of developing the technology and financial systems that are required to connect, control and actively manage a large network of existing energy generating / energy using / energy storing assets connected to the electricity grid. Learn about all of these in the Renewable Power Generation track. 6. Get ready for the UK water market de-regulation Businesses need to start planning now for the most radical changes in the water industry for a generation. From April 2017, over 1.2 million eligible businesses and other non-household customers in England will be able to choose their supplier of water and wastewater retail services. The smallest high street shops to the largest public authorities will be able to shop around and choose their retailer or renegotiate the existing deal. If you prepare well for the changes in advance, deregulation of the water industry presents a fresh opportunity for your company to make significant savings when it comes to managing your utility costs. Companies operating in multiple locations can use just one supplier rather than several, which allows them to negotiate price on a much larger volume and to simplify the billing process. Some retailers will work with such clients to reduce their water bill through the introduction of water efficient kit and metering, in order to form the basis of a Water Performance Contract in which water efficiency savings will be shared by the client and the retailer. In Scotland, where competition was introduced in 2008, Business Stream achieved more than 35 million in Water Efficiency savings, experienced a 26% increase in customer satisfaction, made available more than 30m worth of discounts, saved public sector customers more than 20m and helped customers save 16 billion litres of water and more than 28,000 tons of CO2 in the first 3 years. Early birds in the market will snap the best deals, so don't wait until April 2017 to do your benchmarking. Business Stream, SES Business Water, Source for Business, Water Plus (a new joint venture between Severn Trent and United Utilities), The Water Retail Company, Waterscan and Water 2 Business to name a few will be presenting their offerings at EMEX. Check all the free-to-attend seminars and training sessions in the Water Retail Market Opening track. EMEX is over 3,000 visitors, 120 exhibitors, 100 speakers and 80 training and seminars. More info, visit www.emexlondon.com SOURCE Emex London VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Nov 3, 2016) - Lithium Americas Corp. (the "Company" or "LAC") (LAC.TO)(LACDF) is pleased to provide an update on the Cauchari-Olaroz Lithium Project (the "Project") joint venture with Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. ("SQM") in Jujuy Province, Argentina. Further to the Company's news release dated August 26, 2016, the Board of the joint venture company, Minera Exar S.A. ("Minera Exar"), has been authorized to proceed with development planning for the Project based on the following parameters: (i) a two stage development consisting of an initial phase at 25,000 tpa LCE capacity, followed by a second stage at 25,000 tpa LCE capacity; and (ii) an accelerated path to production, with a target for commencement of construction in early 2017 and stage one production in 2019. Detailed engineering is advanced on the layout of ponds and the chemical plant flow sheet process has been defined by SQM and Hatch Canada. The Company has been advised that an update of the NI 43-101 compliant feasibility study for stage one is anticipated to be completed by year end. The exploration program is rapidly advancing the Project to the pre-construction phase. Testing of liner materials and trials of earth moving equipment is on-going and is scheduled for completion by the end of November. Various combinations of different materials and liner configurations are being tested in ten ponds to optimize the technical and economic design and performance. Earth moving trials are underway to finalize the optimal construction methodology. Final topographical reports have been completed defining materials characteristics in different areas of the project. A second series of tests in soil mechanics are underway to determine the most efficient area to build. Construction of the project roads and 14 drill platforms is expected to be completed by the end of November. The Project campsite is being expanded with the addition of modular accommodations for 52 people. Story continues The Company is also advancing the discussions to raise the project capital with both financial institutions and potential industry offtake partners for long-term supply contracts. Tom Hodgson, Chief Executive Officer of LAC, commented, "We wanted to provide this update to our stakeholders and make them aware of our significant progress in developing the Project. This progress demonstrates the strong confidence of the Company's management and our 50/50 joint venture partner SQM, as well as a high level of cooperation between our management teams. The Minera Exar joint venture is committed to advancing the Cauchari-Olaroz Project to bring new lithium supply to the market in a timely manner to meet the increasing demand." About the Company The Company is developing the Cauchari-Olaroz Lithium Project, located in Jujuy Province, Argentina, and the Lithium Nevada project (formerly Kings Valley project) in Nevada, USA, with the intent to become a major supplier of lithium products. In addition, Lithium Americas is a supplier of specialty drilling additives, Hectatone and other organoclay products for the oil and gas and other industries. Forward-looking statements Statements in this release that are forward-looking information are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking information in this news release includes: timing and results of the development plan at the Cauchari-Olaroz project; timing for release of a NI 43-101 technical report on the Cauchari-Olaroz project; timing and terms of the capital raising process; timing and results of current development work on the Cauchari-Olaroz Project. When used in this document, the words such as "anticipate", "explore," "believe", "intent", "schedule", and similar expressions is forward-looking information. Information provided in this document is necessarily summarized and may not contain all available material information. All such forward-looking information and statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Lithium Americas management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. These statements, however, are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information or statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements include those described under the heading "Risks Factors" in the Lithium America's most recently filed Annual Information Form and other continuous disclosure filings. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Lianlian Pay, the 4th largest mobile payment service provider in China, has become an up and coming major force in connecting China with the world through fast, cost-effective money transfers and optimized user experience. By partnering with market leaders like PayPal, World First, Uber, Apple and Citi, Lianlian Pay has a proven record of offering customized and competitive products and services that cater to the needs of efficient cross-border fund flows and satisfy foreign regulations. A second-time sponsor of the Money 20/20 event, Lianlian Pay made elaborate presentations and displays of its products, business models and case scenarios on the show, which attracted much attention from those who are engaged in facilitating money flows in and out of China. Due to vast differences in regulatory requirements in different countries, relatively isolated and independent clearing networks and varied user habits, FinTech companies in cross-border payment face daunting challenges in making their ways into various markets. As a regulated cross-border RMB and foreign currency service provider, Lianlian Pay is committed in serving incumbent RSPs, PSPs, marketplaces and other businesses to facilitate their money transfers in China-related corridors. When it comes to capabilities and competitiveness, Peng Xu, SVP and Head of Cross-border Payments, speaks highly of their comprehensive and reliable bank network, sound compliance structure and operation system, risk control and information security system that are up to the highest possible international standard. "We are a market leader domestically. That gives us an unparalleled edge to guarantee the best service capability and we also have an elite cross-border team specialised in providing one-stop payment solutions to substantially enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cross-border money transfers." The existing cross-border payment solutions present obvious shortcomings and entry barriers, thus bringing enormous opportunities for innovative and disruptive first-movers. Lianlian Pay is well-positioned to make the best use of the explosive growth of online export from China and global sharing economy while on track of establishing its global network and product structure. Lianlian Pay became the exclusive official partner of PayPal for RMB withdrawal in China and has since been providing secure, fast and compliant cross-border collection, FX and local disbursement to Chinese sellers on international e-marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, PriceMinister, Newegg, Etsy and Cdiscount. Year to date Lianlian Pay has served millions of Chinese businesses and individuals collecting cross-border sales proceeds amounting to tens of billions RMB. With seasonal sales and year-end shopping spree approaching, the total transaction volumes is poised to witness an even faster growth. About Lianlian Pay A leading mobile payment service provider in China, Lianlian Pay is licensed by SAFE and PBOC with both cross-border RMB and foreign currency approvals, specialised in offering cross-border payment, FX, settlement and disbursement solutions to Chinese and foreign businesses and marketplaces. Lianlian Pay is also one of the first partners working with China (Hangzhou) Cross-border E-commerce Comprehensive Pilot Area, the first national level cross-border e-commerce pilot area approved by the State Council. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161103/435788 SOURCE Lianlian Pay INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced that new post-hoc analyses of pooled efficacy and safety data from baricitinib phase 3 studies, along with findings from a real-world assessment of medication use among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and other phase 2 studies, will be presented at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP) Annual Meeting in Washington DC, November 11-16, 2016. Additionally, six abstracts, including one oral presentation, will feature results from pivotal phase 3 data of Taltz (ixekizumab) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis. "The positive data to be presented at ACR provide further support for baricitinib as a potential treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis patients," said J. Anthony Ware, M.D., senior vice president, product development, Lilly Bio-Medicines. "We look forward to presenting these new results, along with other important data from our immunology portfolio, as we continue our work to address and alleviate unmet needs people living with chronic autoimmune diseases face." Highlighted presentations and posters include: Baricitinib Sunday, November 13, 2016, 9:00am 11:00am EST POSTER PRESENTATIONS Biologic Initiation Patterns Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in Moderate or High Disease Activity While Using Conventional Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (Presenting Author: Boytsov, N.) Abstract Number: 637 Drivers of the SLE Responder Index (SRI) Endpoint in Clinical Trials of SLE (Presenting Author: Kalunian, K.) Abstract Number: 784 Monday, November 14, 2016, 9:00am 11:00am EST POSTER PRESENTATIONS Baricitinib Exposure-Efficacy Relationship in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients from Integrated Analyses of Phase 2 and Phase 3 Studies (Presenting Author: Ernest, C.) Abstract Number: 1584 Previous Use of Conventional Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs and Response to Baricitinib (Presenting Author: Kavanaugh, A.) Abstract Number: 1585 Efficacy and Safety of Baricitinib in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and an Inadequate Response to Conventional Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs: A United States Subpopulation Analysis from Two Phase 3 Trials (Presenting Author: Wells, A.) Abstract Number: 1586 Safety and Efficacy of Baricitinib in Elderly Patients with Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis (Presenting Author: Fleischmann, R.) Abstract Number: 1590 Efficacy and Safety of Switching from Adalimumab to Baricitinib: Phase 3 Data in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (Presenting Author: Taylor, P.) Abstract Number: 1591 Speed of Onset of Effect on Patient-Reported Outcomes Assessed through Daily Electronic Patient Diaries in the Baricitinib Phase 3 RA Clinical Program (Presenting Author: Taylor, P.) Abstract Number: 1599 Effect of BMI on Baricitinib Efficacy: Pooled Analysis from Two Phase 3 Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials (Presenting Author: Zerbini, C.) Abstract Number: 1640 Tuesday, November 15, 2016, 9:00am 11:00am EST POSTER PRESENTATIONS Biologic DMARD Use Among U.S. Patients in an Online Rheumatoid Arthritis Community (Presenting Author: Chang, L.) Abstract Number: 2237 RA Medication Preferences Among U.S. Patients in an Online Rheumatoid Arthritis Community (Presenting Author: Zhu, B.) Abstract Number: 2238 DMARD, Biologic and Small Molecule Drug Use Among ACPA Positive and ACPA Negative RA Patients in a Tertiary Referral Center (Presenting Author: Meehan, R.) Abstract Number: 2496 Prevalence of Anemia Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated With Conventional Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (Presenting Author: Kay, J.) Abstract Number: 2584 Effects of Baseline Patient Characteristics on Baricitinib Efficacy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (Presenting Author: Kremer, J.) Abstract Number: 2632 Tuesday, November 15, 2016, 2:30pm 4:30pm EST ORAL PRESENTATIONS A Molecular Signature Based on IFN Gene Signature and Serology Defines Two Populations of Patients with Different Baseline Disease Activity in a Large Multinational Phase 3 SLE Trial Population (Presenting Author: Petri, M.) Abstract Number: 2991 Lipid Profile and Effect of Statin Treatment in Pooled Phase 2 and Phase 3 Baricitinib Studies (Presenting Author: McInnes, I.) Abstract Number: 3023 Herpes Zoster in Patients with Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Baricitinib (Presenting Author: Winthrop, K.) Abstract Number: 3027 Taltz Data Sunday, November 13, 2016, 2:30pm 4:00pm EST ORAL PRESENTATION Efficacy and Safety of Ixekizumab in Patients with Active Psoriatic Arthritis: 52 week Results from a Phase 3 Study (Presenting Author: Mease, P.) Abstract Number: 959 Monday, November 14, 2016, 9:00am 11:00am EST POSTER PRESENTATIONS Association of Early Skin Improvement with ACR Responses Among Biologic DMARD-Naive Psoriatic Arthritic Patients Treated with Ixekizumab (Presenting Author: Birt, J.) Abstract Number: 1686 Effect of Concomitant Conventional Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) on the Efficacy and Safety of Ixekizumab in Biologic DMARD-Naive Patients with Active Psoriatic Arthritis (Presenting Author: Lin, C.) Abstract Number: 1687 Ixekizumab Provides Sustained Improvement up to 52 Weeks of Disease Activity as Assessed by Composite Measure Scores in Biologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug -Naive Patients with Active Psoriatic Arthritis (Presenting Author: Coates, L.) Abstract Number: 1688 Ixekizumab Provides Improvements Through 52 Weeks in Physical Function, Quality of Life, and Work Productivity in Biologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug-Naive Patients with Active Psoriatic Arthritis (Presenting Author: Gladman, D.) Abstract Number: 1689 Sustained Efficacy of Ixekizumab in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis and Concomitant Psoriatic Arthritis (Presenting Author: Burge, R.) Abstract Number: 1733 Indications and Usage Taltz is indicated for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION CONTRAINDICATIONS Taltz is contraindicated in patients with a previous serious hypersensitivity reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to ixekizumab or to any of the excipients. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Infections Taltz may increase the risk of infection. The Taltz group had a higher rate of infections than the placebo group (27% vs. 23%). Serious infections have occurred. Instruct patients to seek medical advice if signs or symptoms of clinically important chronic or acute infection occur. If a serious infection develops, discontinue Taltz until the infection resolves. Pre-Treatment Evaluation for Tuberculosis Evaluate patients for tuberculosis (TB) infection prior to initiating treatment with Taltz. Do not administer to patients with active TB infection. Initiate treatment of latent TB prior to administering Taltz. Patients receiving Taltz should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of active TB during and after treatment. Hypersensitivity Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema and urticaria (each < 0.1%), occurred in the Taltz group in clinical trials. If a serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue Taltz immediately and initiate appropriate therapy. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, including exacerbations, occurred at a greater frequency in the Taltz group (Crohn's disease 0.1%, ulcerative colitis 0.2%) than in the placebo group (0%) during clinical trials. During Taltz treatment, monitor patients for onset or exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease. Immunizations Prior to initiating therapy with Taltz, consider completion of all age-appropriate immunizations according to current immunization guidelines. Live vaccines should not be given with Taltz. ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions ( > 1%) associated with Taltz treatment are injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infections, nausea, and tinea infections. Please see accompanying Prescribing Information and Medication Guide. Please see Instructions for Use included with the device. IX HCP ISI 22MAR2016 About Baricitinib Baricitinib is a once-daily oral selective JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor currently in late-stage clinical studies for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. There are four known JAK enzymes: JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2. JAK-dependent cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, suggesting that JAK inhibitors may be useful for the treatment of a broad range of inflammatory conditions. Baricitinib demonstrates approximately 100-fold greater potency of inhibition against JAK1 and JAK2 than JAK3 in kinase assays. In December 2009, Lilly and Incyte announced an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement for the development and commercialization of baricitinib and certain follow-on compounds for patients with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Baricitinib was submitted for regulatory review seeking marketing approval for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the U.S., European Union and Japan in Q1 2016, and is being studied in phase 2 trials for atopic dermatitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. About Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and progressive destruction of joints.i,ii More than 23 million people worldwide suffer from RA.iii Approximately three times as many women as men have the disease. Current treatment of RA includes the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (cDMARDs), such as methotrexate the current standard of care and injectable, biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) that target selected mediators implicated in the pathogenesis of RA.iv Despite current treatment options, many patients do not reach their therapeutic goals or sustained remission.v,vi There remains an important need to provide additional treatments to improve overall patient care. About Taltz Taltz (ixekizumab) is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds with interleukin 17A (IL-17A) cytokine and inhibits its interaction with the IL-17 receptor. IL-17A is a naturally occurring cytokine that is involved in normal inflammatory and immune responses. Ixekizumab inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Taltz is in clinical development for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis and axial spondlyoarthritis. About Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a progressive, chronic disease that can cause swelling, stiffness and pain in and around the joints, nail changes and impaired physical function.vii,viii Not everyone who has psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis; however, approximately 30 percent of people with psoriasis may also develop psoriatic arthritis.IX About Eli Lilly and Company Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at www.lilly.com and newsroom.lilly.com/social-channels. P-LLY This press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) about baricitinib as a potential treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ixekizumab as a treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and reflects Lilly's current belief. However, as with any pharmaceutical product, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of development and commercialization. Among other things, there can be no guarantee that future study results will be consistent with the results to date or that baricitinib or ixekizumab will achieve its primary study endpoints or receive regulatory approvals. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see Lilly's most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release. _________________________ i American College of Rheumatology, Rheumatoid Arthritis, http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/ra.asp. Accessed May 16, 2016. ii Hand Clinics, Advances in the Medical Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3135413/pdf/nihms305780.pdf. Accessed May 16, 2016. iii WHO Global Burden of Disease Report, (table 7, page 32) 2004, http://www.who.int/healthinfo/global_burden_disease/GBD_report_2004update_full.pdf. Accessed May 16, 2016. iv Arthritis Foundation, Medications for Rheumatoid Arthritis, http://www.arthritistoday.org/about-arthritis/types-of-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis/treatment-plan/medication-overview/ra-medications.php. Accessed May 16, 2016. v Rheumatoid arthritis, Lancet, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27156434. Accessed May 19, 2016. vi Sustained rheumatoid arthritis remission is uncommon in clinical practice, Arthritis Research & Therapy, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3446437/. Accessed May 19, 2016. vii Gladman D, Antoni C, et. al. Psoriatic arthritis: epidemiology, clinical features, course, and outcome. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2005;64(2):ii14-ii17. viii Psoriatic arthritis. National Psoriasis Foundation website. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriatic-arthritis. Accessed September 27, 2016. IX What is psoriatic arthritis? Arthritis Foundation website. http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/psoriatic-arthritis/what-is-psoriatic-arthritis.php. Accessed September 27, 2016. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20031219/LLYLOGO Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120608/DE21226LOGO SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company Related Links https://www.lilly.com STOCKHOLM and DENVER, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Telia Carrier announced today that Limelight Networks (LLNW) has deployed its IP Transit and Wavelength services in North America and Europe. These services will expand Limelight's global infrastructure, support backbone traffic and enhance the end-user experience. Given the sustained demand for digital content by end-users, media, content and gaming companies continue to utilize CDN providers to deliver high-quality internet services. CDNs connect a vast distributed system of servers across the globe deployed in facilities nearest the end-users, optimizing speed, performance and latency, while minimizing delay. With Telia Carrier's global footprint of high-speed services, these solutions provide Limelight, a global leader in digital content delivery, with high-performance capacity and connectivity to many internet peering locations to meet increasing demands for bandwidth. "Consumers today demand the highest quality online experiences at any time, on any device, and from anywhere," said Art Kazmierczak, director of network and business development, Americas, at Telia Carrier, Inc. "Limelight choosing Telia Carrier to deliver services to meet these demands reflects our ability to turn up services quickly and provide a resilient, global backbone at the highest speeds available. We're committed to continually expanding, updating and optimizing our network to keep pace with the increasing demand for digital content." Telia Carrier's global fiber backbone was built organically, without acquisitions, and is the first to be 100G-enabled in both Europe and North America. It is also the first network to successfully transmit 1 Tb/s on its US network. According to Dyn Research's global backbone rankings, AS1299, Telia Carrier's global IP backbone is currently ranked top-two. Telia Carrier's rapid growth and ascension through the rankings was recently highlighted in Dyn's 'Baker's Dozen, 2015 edition' report. The company enables worldwide connectivity by connecting more than 200 Points of Presence (PoPs) across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East including over 70 PoPs in North America alone. Media Enquiries: Rickard Backlin, VP brand & marketing, Telia Carrier, +46-72-2368327, [email protected] About Telia Carrier Telia Carrier owns and operates one of the world's most extensive fiber backbones. Our mission is to provide exceptional network infrastructure and services empowering individuals, businesses and societies to execute their most critical activities. By working close to our customers, we make big ideas happen at the speed of fiber. Discover more at teliacarrier.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160209/331598LOGO SOURCE Telia Carrier Related Links http://www.teliacarrier.com/ FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As the 2016 presidential campaign heads into the home stretch, many issues will be debated. But perhaps no issue is more important--or less discussed--than our veterans. Some 2.7 million Americans have served in the military since the attacks of 9-11. Many of them have now left the service and are returning to civilian life. The challenges they face are many. Some of them face health challenges that will require years of treatment and rehab. Others face financial hardships. Many more struggle to find work. But all face challenges of some kind. And all need help. It's been said of those who serve that while some gave all, all gave some. Now, it's our turn to help give something back to our veterans. And the candidate who figures out how to help veterans could win the election. The good news is that all the candidates need to do is look at the business communitywe are already showing the way. Just last year the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the George W. Bush Institute launched the Veteran Employment Transition Roadmap. The goal is to help transitioning veterans as they re-enter the workplace. The program offers practical assistance for veterans looking for work. For example, the program helps veterans re-write their resumes so that potential employers can see the connection between what the veteran did in the service and how those skills can translate into civilian work. Meanwhile, President Obama and the Republican Congress created the Returning Heroes Tax Credit that provides a $5600.00 incentive for businesses to hire veterans. Countless businesses across the country have already taken advantage of this and hired veterans. But the help that businesses are providing to veterans extends beyond just employment. Many veterans face financial challenges at home including how to pay for needed repairs. And businesses across the country are finding ways to help here too. I know because my business is one of them. In 2015, Lon Smith Roofing, the largest residential roofing company in Texas, began a program we call "Roof for Vets." The idea began because we wanted to give back to those who have given to so much to our country. As a roofing company, it made sense for us to use roofing as our way to help out. The program works like this: a veteran in financial need is nominated and the application is carefully reviewed by our staff. To qualify, a veteran must have demonstrated financial need and must have a roof that needs repairs. Once a veteran is chosen, we install a new roof free of charge. To put that into perspective, a typical roof on a project like this can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000. Since we inaugurated our program, we have been proud to install a free roof for several worthy veterans including Richard Overton, the oldest living veteran in America. This is our way of playing a small part in a bigger story of Americans helping veterans. But our political leaders can help too. Presidential candidates should outline ways to do even more for veterans. First, they should consider expanding and making permanent the Returning Heroes Tax Credit. Second, they should demand that the mess at VA hospitals be fixed immediately. Finally, they should highlight the good works being done by businesses across the nation as they work to honor our veterans. America is the land of the free only because it is the home of the brave. This election, our country needs to pledge itself again to serving those who have served us in uniform. It's the least we can do for those who have done so much for us. David Cox is the President and CEO of Lon Smith Roofing in Fort Worth, the largest roofing company in Texas. SOURCE Lon Smith Roofing DARMSTADT, Germany, November 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, today announced that clinical data on atacicept, an investigational drug for systemic lupus erythematosus, are scheduled to be presented in poster sessions at the 2016 American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ACR/ARHP) Annual Meeting taking place from November 11-16, 2016, in Washington, DC, U.S. "There is a significant unmet medical need in systemic lupus erythematosus, with limited treatment options currently available for this debilitating disease," said Luciano Rossetti, Head of Global Research & Development for the biopharma business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. "The safety and efficacy data that will be presented at ACR/ARHP indicate that atacicept may play an important role as a potential new therapeutic option for patients with lupus. Our goal is to continue to advance innovation across our immunology pipeline that could make a meaningful difference for people living with lupus and other autoimmune diseases." Notes to Editors Accepted Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany-supported abstracts, including a late-breaking poster presentation, are listed below. Presentation Session Title Lead Author Abstract ID Date / Time Type/Title Late-Breaking Poster Presentation Efficacy and Safety of Dr. Joan T. Abstract ID: Sunday, November Late-breaking Atacicept in Patients Merrill, 12L 13, 9:00 - 11:00 Abstract Session/ with Systemic Lupus Oklahoma AM ET Late-breaking Erythematosus: Results Medical Presentation Poster Session of a 24-Week Research Time: Tuesday, Randomized, Foundation, November 15, Placebo-Controlled, Oklahoma 9:00 - 11:00 AM Phase IIb Study City, OK, ET U.S. Poster Presentation Atacicept: Integrated Dr. Patricia Abstract ID: Sunday, November Poster Session A/ Safety Profile from Fraser, 764 13, 9:00 - 11:00 Systemic Lupus Phase II Randomized EMD Serono, AM ET Erythematosus - Placebo-Controlled Billerica, Clinical Aspects Studies in Autoimmune MA, U.S. and Treatment - Diseases Poster Session I: Clinical Trial Design and Current Therapies For more information about the data to be presented, please review the ACR/ARHP website. Also, visit Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany's booth at this year's Annual Meeting to learn more about the company's commitment to advancing innovation in lupus and other immunological diseases. About Atacicept Atacicept is a potential treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Atacicept, a recombinant fusion protein, contains the soluble TACI receptor that binds to the cytokines BLyS and APRIL. These cytokines are members of the tumor necrosis factor family that promote B-cell survival and autoantibody production associated with certain autoimmune diseases such as SLE. Atacicept has been shown in animal models to affect several stages of B-cell development and may inhibit the survival of cells responsible for making antibodies. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, acquired exclusive worldwide development and commercialization rights for atacicept, including in North America, from Zymogenetics in 2008. Atacicept is currently under clinical investigation and not approved for any use in the United States, Canada and Europe. About Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease, where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues and organs. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form of lupus and can result in swollen, painful joints, skin rash, extreme fatigue and kidney damage. Estimates vary widely, but SLE may affect as many as 300,000 patients in the U.S. alone. Women and individuals with African, Asian and Hispanic heritage are affected disproportionately by SLE. About EMD Serono, Inc. EMD Serono is the biopharma business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in the U.S. and Canada - a leading science and technology company - focused exclusively on specialty care. For more than 40 years, the business has integrated cutting-edge science, innovative products and industry-leading patient support and access programs. EMD Serono has deep expertise in neurology, fertility and endocrinology, as well as a robust pipeline of potential therapies in oncology, immuno-oncology and immunology as R&D focus areas. Today, the business has more than 1,100 employees around the country with commercial, clinical and research operations based in the company's home state of Massachusetts. http://www.emdserono.com About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life - from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2015, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of 12.8 billion in 66 countries. Founded in 1668, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, holds the global rights to the Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160629/384917LOGO ) SOURCE Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Jeff Rumburg, co-founder and Managing Partner of MetricNet, presented Session 309, 'C-Level Success and the Secret Weapon of Service and Support', at the Annual FUSION Conference in Las Vegas, NV. FUSION 16, the most comprehensive four-day event covering all aspects of the IT service management industry, is happening November 1-4 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161101/435004LOGO In this presentation, Mr. Rumburg, who has been retained as an IT service and support expert by some of the world's largest corporations, used benchmarking data and case studies to demonstrate the crucial role that service and support can play in the management and career success of IT executives. "A growing body of empirical evidence demonstrates a simple truth: the quality and effectiveness of service and support has a direct and measurable impact on the career success of those in IT leadership," said Rumburg. "When customers are happy with IT support, they are happy with all of IT. And when they are happy with all of IT, that reflects well on the entire executive team." Those interested in this presentation can find a copy of the slide deck on MetricNet's website. Mr. Rumburg is also scheduled to present Session 704, 'The CSI Imperative How Successful Support Organizations Institutionalize Continual Service Improvement', on Friday, November 4, 2016. Mr. Rumburg is the 2014 winner of the prestigious Ron Muns Lifetime Achievement Award for service and support and has been retained as a service desk and desktop support expert by some of the world's largest corporations, including American Express, Hewlett-Packard, General Motors, and IBM. If you would like more information about benchmarking your service and support functions, please visit http://www.metricnet.com, or e-mail Jeff Rumburg at [email protected]. About MetricNet MetricNet is the global leader in IT service and support benchmarking. More than half of the FORTUNE 500 rely on MetricNet benchmarks to improve and optimize their performance. MetricNet is the first, and still the only company to offer downloadable service desk and desktop support benchmarks from their website. With a global benchmarking database of more than 3,700 IT service and support benchmarks, MetricNet has the most comprehensive database of process and performance metrics in the industry. About itSMF USA The itSMF USA, a chapter of itSMF International, is the independent professional organization and forum for IT Service Management professionals in the US. A not-for-profit organization, itSMF is a prominent player in the on-going development of IT Service management professionals and the promotion of IT Service Management (ITSM) best practices, standards and qualifications in the United States. This network of industry professionals, white papers, webinars, podcasts, conferences and other resources creates an opportunity for you and your organization to connect, learn and grow. Come be part of the IT service management profession. Visit the itSMF USA website About HDI Founded in 1989, HDI is the first membership association and certification body created for the technical service and support industry. Since then, HDI has remained the source for professional development by offering the resources needed to promote organization-wide success through exceptional customer service. In other words, we help professionals in service management better connect with customers. We do this by facilitating collaboration and networking, hosting acclaimed conferences and events, producing renowned publications and research, certifying and training thousands of professionals each year, and connecting solution providers with practitioners. Learn more at www.ThinkHDI.com. About FUSION Jointly hosted by industry leaders HDI and itSMF USA, the annual FUSION Conference & Expo unites IT service management's best speakers, solution providers, and networking opportunities for an unparalleled educational experience. Each year, industry professionals, experts, and vendors attend to discover the best and newest technologies, ideas, systems, and methodologies. Looking for ways to improve their IT services, attendees gain valuable business contacts and tangible tools to immediately effect change within their organizations. Learn more at www.servicemanagementfusion.com. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com SOURCE MetricNet, LLC Related Links http://www.metricnet.com SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Metaldyne Performance Group Inc. (NYSE: MPG), a leading provider of highly-engineered components for use in powertrain and suspension applications for the global light, commercial and industrial vehicle markets, today reported the following financial results for its third quarter and nine months ended October 2, 2016. Financial Highlights: (In millions, except EPS) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended October 2, 2016 September 27, 2015 October 2, 2016 September 27, 2015 Net sales $ 676 747 $ 2,144 2,312 Net income attributable to stockholders $ 19 28 $ 80 105 Diluted EPS attributable to stockholders $ 0.28 0.41 $ 1.15 1.52 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 69 94 $ 196 212 Capital expenditures 51 54 145 169 Free Cash Flow $ 18 40 $ 51 43 Adjusted EBITDA $ 114 129 $ 386 415 Adjusted EBITDA Margin 17 % 17 % 18 % 18 % Adjusted EPS attributable to stockholders $ 0.33 0.40 $ 1.37 1.52 2016 Third Quarter Highlights: Completed the strategic acquisition of Brillion Iron Works, a business unit of Accuride Corporation. The acquisition complements MPG's existing casting business and capacity. Booked $589 million of new business awards year to date, surpassing the original 2016 target of $400 million . of new business awards year to date, surpassing the original 2016 target of . Declared a dividend of $0.0925 per share of common stock outstanding, payable on December 9, 2016 to stockholders of record as of November 18, 2016 . Commenting on the Company's results, George Thanopoulos, Chief Executive Officer of MPG, stated, "We continue to deliver strong operating results and margins despite certain macro headwinds and the planned attrition of our non-core wheel bearing business. We attribute these results to our relentless focus on cost reductions. We also see continued momentum in our new business wins, centered on our core fuel efficient powertrain products with $589 million year to date. Our results and new business wins are aligned with our short and long-term value creation model." Conference Call: The Company will hold a conference call today at 8:00 a.m. ET. Presentation materials for today's call will be available at investors.mpgdriven.com. IMPORTANT: The dial-in phone number for the conference call HAS CHANGED to: U.S. (855) 681-2072 International (213) 358-0831 Conference number 12791647 For those unable to participate in the conference call, a replay will be available from 1:00 p.m. ET on November 3rd, until 11:59 p.m. ET on November 10th. The replay dial-in phone number is: U.S. (855) 859-2056 International (404) 537-3406 Conference number 12791647 About MPG: MPG is a leading provider of highly-engineered components for use in powertrain and suspension applications for the global light, commercial and industrial vehicle markets. MPG produces these components using complex metal-forming manufacturing technologies and processes for a global customer base of vehicle OEMs and Tier I suppliers. MPG's metal-forming manufacturing technologies and processes include aluminum die casting, forging, iron casting and powder metal forming as well as advanced machining and assembly. Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, MPG has a global footprint spanning 60 locations in 13 countries across North America, South America, Europe and Asia with approximately 12,000 employees. For more information, visit www.mpgdriven.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release and any related statements contain certain "forward-looking statements" about MPG's financial results and estimates and business prospects within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "plans," "projects," "believes," "seeks," "targets," "forecasts," "estimates," "will" or other words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for the Company's future business, prospects and financial performance; the industry outlook, our backlog and our 2016 financial guidance. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially due to global political, economic, business, competitive, market, regulatory, and other factors and risks, among them being: volatility in the global economy impacting demand for new vehicles and our products; a decline in vehicle production levels, particularly with respect to platforms for which we are a significant supplier, or the financial distress of any of our major customers; cyclicality and seasonality in the light vehicle, industrial and commercial vehicle markets; our significant competition; our dependence on large-volume customers for current and future sales; a reduction in outsourcing by our customers, the loss or discontinuation of material production or programs, or a failure to secure sufficient alternative programs; our failure to offset continuing pressure from our customers to reduce our prices; our inability to realize all of the sales expected from awarded business or fully recover pre-production costs; our failure to increase production capacity or over-expanding our production in times of overcapacity; our reliance on key machinery and tooling to manufacture components for powertrain and safety-critical systems that cannot be easily replicated; program launch difficulties; a disruption in our supply or delivery chain which causes one or more of our customers to halt production; the damage to or termination of our relationships with key third-party suppliers; work stoppages or production limitations at one or more of our customer's facilities; a catastrophic loss of one of our key manufacturing facilities; failure to protect our know-how and intellectual property; the disruption or harm to our business as a result of any acquisitions or joint ventures we make; a significant increase in the prices of raw materials and commodities we use; our failure to maintain our cost structure; the incurrence of significant costs if we close any of our manufacturing facilities; potential significant costs at our facility in Sandusky, Ohio; the incurrence of significant costs, liabilities, and obligations as a result of environmental requirements and other regulatory risks; extensive and growing governmental regulations; the incurrence of material costs related to legal proceedings; our inability to recruit and retain key personnel; any failure to maintain satisfactory labor relations; pension and other postretirement benefit obligations; risks related to our global operations; competitive threats posed by global operations and entering new markets; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; our substantial indebtedness; our inability, or the inability of our customers or our suppliers, to obtain and maintain sufficient debt financing, including working capital lines; our exposure to a number of different tax uncertainties; the mix of profits and losses in various jurisdictions adversely affecting our tax rate. For the reasons described above, we caution you against relying on any forward-looking statements, which should also be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included elsewhere in this press release and in our public filings, including under the heading "Risk Factors" in our filings that we make from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not consider any list of such factors to be an exhaustive statement of all the risks, uncertainties, or potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause our current expectations or beliefs to change. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as otherwise may be required by law. Non-GAAP Financial Measures Adjusted EPS We define Adjusted EPS as Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Stockholders, defined as net income attributable to stockholders before the after-tax impact of (i) gains and losses on foreign currency transactions, including the re-measurement of the Company's Euro denominated term loan (the "Euro Term Loan"), (ii) specific non-recurring items, and (iii) other adjustments, divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period on a diluted basis. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EPS to diluted EPS, the most directly comparable measure determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), see "RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EPS TO US GAAP DILUTED EPS". Adjusted EBITDA We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, provision for (benefit from) income taxes and depreciation and amortization, with further adjustments to reflect the additions and eliminations of certain income statement items, including (i) gains and losses on foreign currency and fixed assets and debt transaction expenses, (ii) stock-based compensation and other non-cash charges, (iii) sponsor management fees and other income and expense items that we consider to be not indicative of our ongoing operations, (iv) specified non-recurring items, and (v) other adjustments. We believe Adjusted EBITDA is used by investors as a supplemental measure to evaluate the overall operating performance of companies in our industry. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA (i) as a measurement to compare our operating performance on a consistent basis, (ii) to calculate incentive compensation for our employees, (iii) for planning purposes, including the preparation of our internal annual operating budget, (iv) to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of our operational strategies and (v) to assess compliance with various metrics associated with our agreements governing our indebtedness. Accordingly, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating performance in the same manner as our management. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to income before tax, the most directly comparable measure determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), see "RECONCILIATION OF US GAAP INCOME BEFORE TAX TO ADJUSTED EBITDA AND ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW". Adjusted Free Cash Flow We define Adjusted Free Cash Flow as Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures. Capital expenditures are on an accrual basis of accounting and can be calculated by taking the capital expenditures found in the investing section of our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows and adjusting for the change in the period of the capital expenditures in accounts payables found in the supplemental cash flow information on our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. We present Adjusted Free Cash Flow because our management considers it to be a useful, supplemental indicator of our performance. When measured over time, Adjusted Free Cash Flow provides supplemental information to investors concerning our results of operations and our ability to generate cash flows to satisfy mandatory debt service requirements and make other non-discretionary expenditures. For a reconciliation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow to income before tax, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, see "RECONCILIATION OF US GAAP INCOME BEFORE TAX TO ADJUSTED EBITDA AND ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW". Free Cash Flow We define Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by operating activities, as stated on the Company's condensed consolidated statement of cash flows, less capital expenditures, as stated on the Company's condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Contacts Investor Relations David Gann Vice President of Investor Relations and Communications [email protected] 248-727-1829 METALDYNE PERFORMANCE GROUP INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In millions except per share data) October 2, 2016 December 31, 2015 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 151.1 168.2 Receivables, net: Trade 378.9 309.1 Other 35.1 35.4 Total receivables, net 414.0 344.5 Inventories 173.8 186.8 Prepaid expenses 14.1 15.0 Other assets 28.1 21.5 Total current assets 781.1 736.0 Property and equipment, net 818.4 786.0 Goodwill 907.7 907.7 Amortizable intangible assets, net 656.6 708.9 Deferred income taxes 5.7 1.7 Other assets 16.2 17.3 Total assets $ 3,185.7 3,157.6 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 245.4 248.9 Accrued compensation 52.9 55.2 Accrued liabilities 78.8 66.8 Short-term debt 0.4 0.7 Current maturities, long-term debt and capital lease obligations 13.4 14.5 Total current liabilities 390.9 386.1 Long-term debt, less current maturities 1,827.2 1,827.1 Capital lease obligations, less current maturities 22.7 22.5 Deferred income taxes 205.1 231.3 Other long-term liabilities 52.8 51.6 Total liabilities 2,498.7 2,518.6 Stockholders' equity: Common Stock: par $0.001, 400.0 authorized, 66.9 and 67.9 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 0.1 0.1 Common stock held in treasury, at cost: 1.7 and zero shares, respectively (25.8) Paid-in capital 870.0 856.2 Deficit (102.2) (162.9) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (58.4) (57.3) Total equity attributable to stockholders 683.7 636.1 Noncontrolling interest 3.3 2.9 Total stockholders' equity 687.0 639.0 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 3,185.7 3,157.6 METALDYNE PERFORMANCE GROUP INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In millions except per share amounts) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended October 2, 2016 September 27, 2015 October 2, 2016 September 27, 2015 Net sales $ 676.2 746.6 $ 2,144.1 2,312.0 Cost of sales 569.8 620.4 1,770.9 1,915.2 Gross profit 106.4 126.2 373.2 396.8 Selling, general and administrative expenses 56.2 64.8 177.0 178.8 Operating income 50.2 61.4 196.2 218.0 Interest expense, net 25.7 26.0 78.1 80.5 Loss on debt extinguishment 0.4 Other, net 2.0 (1.7) 10.7 (8.2) Other expense, net 27.7 24.3 88.8 72.7 Income before tax 22.5 37.1 107.4 145.3 Income tax expense 3.1 8.8 27.3 40.3 Net income 19.4 28.3 80.1 105.0 Income attributable to noncontrolling interest 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.3 Net income attributable to stockholders $ 19.3 28.2 $ 79.7 104.7 Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic 67.2 67.3 67.6 67.2 Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted 69.2 69.0 69.2 69.0 Cash dividends declared per share $ 0.0925 0.0900 $ 0.2750 0.1800 Net income per share attributable to stockholders Basic $ 0.29 0.42 $ 1.18 1.56 Diluted 0.28 0.41 1.15 1.52 METALDYNE PERFORMANCE GROUP INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In millions) Nine Months Ended October 2, 2016 September 27, 2015 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 80.1 105.0 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 165.6 172.1 Debt fee amortization 2.5 2.4 Loss on fixed asset dispositions 2.6 1.9 Deferred income taxes (30.2) (25.9) Noncash interest expense 0.8 0.8 Stock-based compensation expense 12.6 15.4 Foreign currency adjustment 7.6 (3.6) Other 1.5 5.4 Changes in assets and liabilities: Receivables, net (62.5) (78.3) Inventories 14.2 9.8 Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and accrued compensation 5.9 11.2 Other, current (4.2) (0.7) Other, non-current (0.1) (3.9) Net cash provided by operating activities 196.4 211.6 Cash flow from investing activities: Capital expenditures (145.4) (168.7) Proceeds from sale of fixed assets 0.2 3.8 Capitalized patent costs (0.2) (0.3) Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired (14.0) Net cash used for investing activities (159.4) (165.2) Cash flows from financing activities: Cash dividends (18.7) (12.1) Proceeds from stock issuance 1.8 2.5 Purchases of treasury stock (25.6) Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation 0.9 1.8 Cash settlement of equity awards (1.5) (0.7) Borrowings of revolving lines of credit 14.3 Payments of revolving lines of credit (14.6) Proceeds of long-term debt 1,326.6 Payments of long-term debt (10.0) (1,385.2) Payment of debt issuance costs (0.1) Other debt, net (1.8) (1.9) Payment of offering related costs (0.1) Net cash used for financing activities (54.9) (69.5) Effect of exchange rates on cash 0.8 (8.8) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ (17.1) (31.9) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 168.2 156.5 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (17.1) (31.9) Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 151.1 124.6 Supplementary cash flow information: Cash paid for income taxes, net $ 55.9 49.2 Cash paid for interest 63.5 66.1 Noncash transactions: Capital expenditures in accounts payables 16.8 16.5 Dividends declared on restricted stock awards not yet vested 0.5 0.2 Purchase of treasury stock not yet settled 0.2 0.2 METALDYNE PERFORMANCE GROUP INC. RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EPS TO US GAAP DILUTED EPS (In millions except per share amounts) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended October 2, 2016 September 27, 2015 October 2, 2016 September 27, 2015 Net income attributable to stockholders $ 19.3 28.2 $ 79.7 104.7 Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted 69.2 69.0 69.2 69.0 Net income per share attributable to stockholders - Diluted $ 0.28 0.41 $ 1.15 1.52 Adjustments to Arrive at Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Stockholders Loss (gain) on re-measurement of Euro Term Loan $ 2.2 0.6 $ 7.7 (3.5) Loss (gain) on foreign currency transactions - other 0.4 (3.4) 1.1 (8.2) Loss on debt extinguishment 0.4 Debt transaction expenses 1.7 Non-recurring acquisition related items (1.4) 1.3 2.0 1.4 Non-recurring operational items (1) 3.3 0.9 9.3 8.0 Tax impact of adjustments to net income attributable to stockholders (1.2) 0.2 (5.2) 0.1 Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Stockholders $ 22.6 27.8 $ 94.6 104.6 Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted 69.2 69.0 69.2 69.0 Adjusted EPS $ 0.33 0.40 $ 1.37 1.52 (1) Included in non-recurring operational items are impairment charges and exit costs associated with the closures of Grede's Berlin, Wisconsin, and Bessemer, Alabama facilities. RECONCILIATION OF US GAAP INCOME BEFORE TAX TO ADJUSTED EBITDA AND ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW (In millions) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended October 2, 2016 September 27, 2015 October 2, 2016 September 27, 2015 Income before tax $ 22.5 37.1 $ 107.4 145.3 Addbacks to Arrive at Unadjusted EBITDA Interest expense, net 25.7 26.0 78.1 80.5 Depreciation and amortization 55.0 56.9 165.6 172.1 Unadjusted EBITDA $ 103.2 120.0 $ 351.1 397.9 Adjustments to Arrive at Adjusted EBITDA Loss (gain) on foreign currency $ 2.6 (2.8) $ 8.8 (11.7) Loss on fixed assets 1.4 1.5 2.6 1.9 Loss on debt extinguishment 0.0 0.4 Debt transaction expenses 1.7 Stock-based compensation expense 4.4 7.9 12.6 15.4 Non-recurring acquisition related items (1.4) 1.3 2.0 1.4 Non-recurring operational items (1) 3.3 0.9 9.3 8.0 Adjusted EBITDA $ 113.5 128.8 $ 386.4 415.0 Capital expenditures 42.2 51.1 132.7 149.0 Adjusted Free Cash Flow $ 71.3 77.7 $ 253.7 266.0 (1) Included in non-recurring operational items are impairment charges and exit costs associated with the closures of Grede's Berlin, Wisconsin, and Bessemer, Alabama facilities. METALDYNE PERFORMANCE GROUP INC. RECONCILIATION OF 2016 GUIDANCE INCOME BEFORE TAX TO ADJUSTED EBITDA AND ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW (In millions) 2016 Guidance 2016 Guidance Low End of Range High End of Range Income before tax $ 130.7 170.7 Addbacks to Arrive at Unadjusted EBITDA Interest expense, net 104.4 104.4 Depreciation and amortization 238.4 238.4 Unadjusted EBITDA 473.5 513.5 Adjustments to Arrive at Adjusted EBITDA Stock-based compensation expense 18.0 18.0 Non-recurring operational items (1) 8.5 8.5 Adjusted EBITDA $ 500.0 540.0 Capital expenditures (190.0) (210.0) Adjusted Free Cash Flow $ 310.0 330.0 (1) Non-recurring operational items include charges for disposed operations and other. SOURCE Metaldyne Performance Group Inc. Related Links http://www.mpgdriven.com SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With the new alliance between NACE and Automechanika Chicago comes a plethora of new association relationships. As the largest U.S. tradeshow dedicated to high-end technical and management-related training for the automotive service and collision repair shops, this co-production creates a unified platform for product discovery and education for the entire automotive industry. NACE Automechanika Chicago will be held at McCormick Place West, Chicago, Illinois, July 26 29, 2017. In addition to past association related features that occurred both on the show floor and in the venue, this year's event will incorporate several co-located events traditionally associated with NACE. "The co-located events strengthen the value of the show for attendees and exhibitors. NACE Automechanika is a show for the industry and bringing the industry together is how we define success," commented Dan Risley, President and Executive Director, Automotive Service Association. Collision Industry Conference (CIC) Welcoming participants from all industry segments, the CIC is a forum where collision industry stakeholders come together to discuss issues, enhance understanding, find common ground and communicate possible solutions to the industry. Through discussion and research during meetings and extensive interim committee work, CIC attempts to form consensus on various issues, aware that all such findings are nonbinding and voluntarily accepted. http://www.ciclink.com/ Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) Supporting collision repair educational programs, schools, and students, the Collision Repair Education Foundation assists in the development of qualified employees and connects them to an array of career opportunities. As a nationwide industry, they also recognize that business partners draw talent from local communities. Therefore, a primary goal is to ensure that there is a top-tier collision school in every market in America. These programs have the newest tools, equipment, and supplies to enhance the educational experience, giving students the necessary skills and experience with current repair technology taught in a realistic, practical environment. http://collisioneducationfoundation.org/ "We are pleased to incorporate these and many other key organizations into NACE Automechanika. The industry has requested one cohesive event serving all segments of the automotive market and we have answered. We look forward to announcing additional collaborations as we move forward in the development of the show," stated Bridget Ferris, Automechanika Chicago Show Director. In addition to the aforementioned organizations, NACE Automechanika anticipates participation from the other automotive events such as NABC, CIECA, OE Round Table, SCRS and I-CAR. Get additional details on the tradeshow, the many training opportunities and a complete listing of exhibitors showcasing the newest tools, equipment and products in the market at www.NACEAutomechanika.com. About Automotive Service Association The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. Headquartered in North Richland Hills, TX, ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry. ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. http://asashop.org/ About UBM Americas UBM Americas, a part of UBM plc, is the largest business-to-business events and trade show organizer in the U.S. Through a range of aligned interactive physical and digital environments, UBM Americas increases business effectiveness for both customers and audiences by cultivating meaningful experiences, knowledge and connections. UBM Americas has offices spanning North and South America, and serves a variety of specialist industries with dedicated events and marketing services covering everything from fashion, tech and life sciences to advanced manufacturing, cruise shipping, specialty chemicals, powersports and automotive, concrete, hospitality, cargo transportation and more. For more information, visit: www.ubmamericas.com. About Messe Frankfurt Messe Frankfurt is one of the world's leading trade fair organizers, generating around 648 million in sales and employing 2,244 people. The Messe Frankfurt Group has a global network of 30 subsidiaries and 55 international Sales Partners, allowing it to serve its customers on location in 175 countries. Messe Frankfurt events take place at approx. 50 locations around the globe. In 2015, Messe Frankfurt organized a total of 133 trade fairs, of which more than half took place outside Germany. Comprising an area of 592,127 square metres, Messe Frankfurt's exhibition grounds are home to ten exhibition halls. The company also operates two congress centres. The historic Festhalle, one of the most popular venues in Germany, plays host to events of all kinds. Messe Frankfurt is publicly owned, with the City of Frankfurt holding 60 percent and the State of Hesse 40 percent. For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com The North American headquarters in Atlanta is currently producing eleven trade shows in the USA, Canada and Mexico across various industries. For more information about Messe Frankfurt, please visit our web site at www.MesseFrankfurt.us. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161101/435185LOGO SOURCE NACE Automechanika Related Links http://www.naceautomechanika.com HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- NAI CIR, a member of the world's premier managed network of commercial real estate firms, announced today that Robin R. Zellers, the firm's President, has been awarded the CRE (Counselor of Real Estate) credential by The Counselors of Real Estate, an international group of high-profile real estate practitioners who provide expert advisory services to clients on complex real property and land related matter. Membership in The Counselors of Real Estate is awarded by invitation only and recognizes professionals for their professional integrity and excellence in counseling services within the real estate industry. Of the over 150,000 practitioners in commercial real estate today, fewer than 1,100 have been awarded the CRE credential. The credential invitation was approved at The Counselors of Real Estate Annual Meeting in Washington DC. Zellers is President, Partner and Broker of Record of NAI CIR, the Central Pennsylvania based commercial industrial real estate brokerage firm. A past Chairman of the NAI Global Leadership Board, the world's largest network of independently owned commercial real estate firms, he currently serves on the Board's Executive Committee. Zellers works with governmental, institutional and corporate clients of NAI CIR, across all service lines including sale and lease transaction advisory, asset management, counseling and strategic planning. About The Counselors of Real Estate The Counselors of Real Estate, established in 1953 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is an international professional organization whose members provide objective, reliable advice and counsel on matters affecting all forms of real property in the United States and abroad. Once invited into membership, Counselors must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice. Members include ranking representatives of real estate consulting, financial, legal and accounting firms as well as leaders of Wall Street, government and academia. About NAI CIR NAI CIR, based in Lemoyne, PA, is Central Pennsylvania's oldest and largest exclusively commercial industrial real estate full service brokerage firm. Founded in 1970, NAI CIR retains local ownership and a team of over 40 professionals. The firm is consistently ranked as the top producing commercial industrial sales and leasing firm by the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal and in investment sales by Real Capital Analytics. NAI CIR has been honored as a Philadelphia Region CoStar Power Broker for 12 consecutive years. Note: For a photo and/or additional information on Robin R. Zellers or NAI CIR, contact Nicole Clark at 717-761-5070 ext. 117 or visit the firm's website at www.naicir.com. For additional information on The Counselors of Real Estate or the CRE credential, visit the CRE website at www.cre.org. Contact: Nicole Clark 717- 761-5070 [email protected] SOURCE NAI CIR Related Links http://www.naicir.com SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Nastydress is geared towards trendsetters, those looking for cutting edge fashions that push the envelope on social norms. The fashion e-commerce website has grown exponentially over the last several years due to its cheap prices and high quality products. Nastydress stays profitable by selling a large quantity of inventory daily, rather than a small amount of inventory at high prices. To keep prices affordable, Nastydress is now looking at its loyal fan base to help promote the site. Nastydress has seen many customers often come back and even tell their friends and families about Nastydress products. To give even more incentive, Nastydress has introduced an affiliate marketing program. Partners who join the affiliate team are provided with the ability to pick hours, save on Nastydress products, and make huge commissions. Nastydress Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435250 Nastydress is renowned globally for having one of the largest and most extensive inventories of fashion products. The company has been built around providing customers the cheapest prices, now the company provides even more ways to save with its affiliate program. Customers who become affiliate partners on Nastydress can buy the products that they sell and make commission on even their own orders, this provides even more savings. The savings are not just limited to the affiliate partner; savings can be passed onto family and friends. Affiliates can buy products for family and friends and pass the savings on to them. Supplement income has become a huge issue in today's society. Many people cannot meet ends meet with a single job, Nastydress's new affiliate program offers a flexible source of supplemental income. Partners can work around their own schedules to set up and administer their own affiliate sites. Nastydress does not ask partners to put in a specific amount of time, whatever time they can afford is allowed. The new Nastydress affiliate program offers up to 18% in commission, this is above the average 4-15% threshold seen on other affiliate sites. The new Nastydress affiliate program is live now at http://affiliate.Nastydress.com/. Potential partners can sign up by clicking the affiliate link at the bottom of the Nastydress homepage. The process to sign up is quick and customers can begin selling right away. For further questions, they can also be reached at affiliate(at)Nastydress(dot)com. http://www.Nastydress.com/ http://affiliate.Nastydress.com/ Media contact: Rob Woo affiliate(at)Nastydress(dot)com (503) 928-7482 SOURCE Nastydress Related Links http://www.nastydress.com NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A Customer Perspective This study is derived from a survey of IT decision makers around the world across multiple industries. It provides insightful information on what drives investment in IT solutions, the IT-related challenges that organizations face today, and most importantly, plans for IT budgets. Technologies covered include Enterprise Mobility Management, Social Media Management & Marketing Tools, eCommerce/mCommerce, Unified Communications & Collaboration, Infrastructure and Data Centers, Big Data and Analytics, Digital Marketing, Customer Experience Management, Cybersecurity, Internet of Things (M2M), ERP/Supply Chain Management/HR Management. There is section on Internet of Things that explores drivers, challenges, and different phases of implementation. End user companies will be able to benchmark themselves with regard to IT investments while IT companies will learn how to gain a competitive advantage over the next few years. Excerpts from study: -The top three IT challenges in United States are dealing with security threats, aligning with business strategies, and ensuring network stability and reliability. -CIOs are more concerned than CEOs about dealing with security threats and migrating to the cloud. -Cybersecurity may be the top IT investment today, there will be a shift towards enterprise solutions such as UC and mobility management. IoT will also grow rapidly. -Companies with the strongest revenue growth reported greater usage of technologies that improve sales and marketing effectiveness and attaining and retaining their workforce. -Companies with the strongest growth find that enterprise mobility management has a big impact on revenues. -Social media management and marketing tools, eCommerce and mCommerce, and digital marketing solutions are the top three technologies that impact revenues. -Top security concerns include cyber-crime, malware, and espionage. -mCommerce is considered critical or very critical by two-thirds of organizations. Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04248640-summary/view-report.html About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. http://www.reportlinker.com __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com BURLINGTON, Mass., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Decision Resources Group finds that 88 percent of health technology assessment (HTA) reviews that examined several recently-launched multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies in terms of cost effectiveness ultimately recommended reimbursing these therapies either fully, or in a restricted fashion. The analysis of 25 decisions by seven agencies in four countries for Sanofi Genzyme's Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) and Aubagio (teriflunomide), and Biogen's Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) and Plegridy (pegylated interferon beta 1a), found that the final negotiated prices of these therapies were typically deemed acceptable to HTA agencies based on cost-effectiveness analysis or cost-minimization strategies, although feedback from HTA/dossier reviewers raised concerns about the impact of newer drugs on their budgets. In the examination of payer decisions in Australia, Canada, Sweden, and the United Kingdom within DRG's Global Market Access Solution HTA database, a consistent theme regarding price concerns emerged in the assessments, which in some cases led to recommendations being issued only for drugs for which prices were capped or reduced vs. comparator treatment. The value of patient access schemes or risk-sharing arrangements also emerged as a theme, appearing in reimbursement decisions such as for Aubagio in England, Scotland, and Australia. Other key findings from the Global Market Access Solution's Health Technology Database update on MS: In certain cases such as Aubagio in the United Kingdom , recommendations were restricted to specific populations, such as those that do not have highly active or rapidly evolving severe relapsing-remitting MS, where the greatest cost-effectiveness was seen. , recommendations were restricted to specific populations, such as those that do not have highly active or rapidly evolving severe relapsing-remitting MS, where the greatest cost-effectiveness was seen. In assessing the newer therapies, the preferred economic model varied by payer, but with comparable use of budget impact, cost-minimization and cost-utility analysis. Cost-minimization analysis was used after non-inferiority vs. a comparator was demonstrated, whereas cost-utility analysis measured value-for efficacy. The choice of economic comparator for the four drugs did not vary appreciably by the economic model employed. Those examining budget impact or following a cost-minimization approach typically pitted the newer therapies vs. a beta interferon or Copaxone (Teva's glatiramer acetate) or Gilenya (Novartis' fingolimod). For those using cost-utility or another cost-effective model, Copaxone was again the most common comparator, followed by the beta interferons or Gilenya. When utilizing a cost-utility assessment model, the resulting incremental cost effectiveness ratios fell within the reasonable range for payers (less than 30,000 in the United Kingdom and CA$45,000 in Canada ). Insights from Roy Moore, Principal Director of Global Market Access Insights at Decision Resources Group: "Every day payers weigh the efficacy offered by newer therapies against their resulting price. In the four years since these therapies first received market authorization in the markets queried, our analysis found that payers were balancing cost and efficacy attributes by seeking discounts in many cases. When applied to the cost-utility models, these drugs were therefore cost-effective." "The decisions by global payers will serve as an interesting backdrop for U.S. health-economic decision-makers. Over the next few months the Institute for Clinical and Economic Research (ICER) and the California Technology Assessment Forum are assessing the disease-modifying MS therapies. Based on ICER determinations for other indications, it remains to be seen if the MS drugs are seen as cost effective in the U.S. " Insights from John Crowley, Ph.D., Principal Business Insights Analyst at Decision Resources Group: "With 14 approved treatments, the MS market is fragmented. Developers of new products face a high bar to demonstrate meaningful clinical differentiation of their drug from the growing mix of highly-expensive oral, injectable, and infusible products approved for relapsing MS patients. This challenge may impact cost-effectiveness analyses as well, especially for the coming wave of follow-on products advancing through the late-phase pipeline for relapsing MS. Novel treatments that do not stand apart from the pack may also struggle, as seen with NICE's initial negative opinion on Biogen/AbbVie's Zinbryta (daclizumab). Moving forward, real clinical achievements, such as success in underserved progressive MS populations, or price concessions likely will be necessary for new products to optimize reimbursement terms." John Crowley , Ph.D., Principal Business Insights Analyst Follow DRG on Twitter @DRGInsights and on LinkedIn and keep up with the latest industry news on the DRG Blog. About Decision Resources Group DRG, a subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises Ltd., offers best-in-class, high-value data, analytics and insights products and services to the healthcare industry, delivered by more than 1000 employees across 17 offices in North America, Europe and Asia. DRG provides the Life Sciences, Provider, Payer and Financial Services industries the data, tools, insights and advice they need to compete and thrive in an increasingly complex and value-based marketplace. decisionresourcesgroup.com. Media Contact: Tori McClain 617-747-9054 SOURCE Decision Resources Group Related Links http://www.decisionresourcesgroup.com CHICAGO, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Restaurant Business magazine has released its annual ranking of the Top 100 Independent Restaurants, an important benchmark for industry operators that highlights the highest-grossing non-chain restaurant concepts in the U.S. In all, 30 New York restaurants are included on the list. Despite the many issues facing restaurants these days, Tao Asian Bistro in Las Vegas continues to top the list with a total food and beverage revenue of $47,941,106 in 2015, up from $47 million in 2014. Tao operates three additional restaurants in New York City that landed in the top 11 spots: Tao Downtown at No. 3 with $33,822,962, Lavo New York at No. 6 with $27,508,162, and Tao Uptown at No. 11 with $23,357,631. All of the restaurants in the Top 100 serve as a reminder that being nimble, resilient and thoughtful about both customers and employees is a formula fit for today's restaurant climate. "In many ways, by going back to the basicsempowering and nurturing employee ambassadors, finding new ways to operate lean and connecting with their communitiesthese restaurants are standing strong amid challenging times for the industry," says Sara Rush Wirth, managing editor of Restaurant Business. Revenues for independents in the Top 100 ranking ranged from Timberline Steaks and Grille with $12,150,000 to Tao Asian Bistro with nearly $48 million. Restaurants in this year's Top 100 Independents list had total food and beverage revenues of roughly $1.8 billion in 2015. It's an important number to focus on, especially with chain restaurants' current state of decreasing sales. New York Independents Although some smaller cities are growing in presence, New York City dominates other cities with 30 restaurants making the rank. To view the complete rank of New York's Top Independents, visit 2016 Top Independent Restaurants in NYC. The Top 10 Independents in New York City and their 2015 revenues are as follows: Restaurant Top 100 Rank 2015 Sales Tao Downtown 3 $33,822,962 Carmine's (Times Square) 4 $32,015,788 Lavo New York 6 $27,508,162 Smith & Wollensky 7 $25,584,000 Tao Uptown 11 $23,357,631 Junior's (Times Square) 15 $21,501,008 Buddakan 16 $20,960,758 Bryant Park Grill & Cafe 19 $20,000,000 Sparks Steak House 24 $18,600,000* Blue Fin 27 $18,400,000* *RB estimate The full Top 100 Independents feature is published in the October 2016 issue of Restaurant Business magazine. To view more restaurants on the ranking, visit: http://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/special-reports/top-100-independents. About Restaurant Business Restaurant Business is the leading media brand in the commercial foodservice industry, with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation and growth. Through its monthly print magazine and website RestaurantBusinessOnline.com, Restaurant Business concisely shows growth-minded restaurateurs how to capitalize on trends, new concepts, changes in consumer tastes, new purchasing strategies and peers' best practices. The editors track ideas and trends as they develop within key channel segments including high volume independents, multiunit operators, emerging chains, the top 100 chains plus their leading franchisees. Visit RestaurantBusinessOnline.com for more information. About Winsight Winsight, LLC is the market-leading, business-to-business media and information company specializing in the convenience retailing, restaurant and noncommercial foodservice industries. Winsight has an extensive media portfolio with leading publications and digital products, including CSP, Restaurant Business, FoodService Director and Convenience Store Products. Winsight Events produces large-scale executive-level conferences, including Restaurant Leadership Conference, Global Restaurant Leadership Conference, FARE, Outlook Leadership, FSTEC, and MenuDirectionsin addition to more than 12 major EduNetworking conferences and advisory meetings. Winsight recently acquired Technomic, Inc., the leading provider of market information and advisory services to the food industry. For more information on Winsight and its brands, go to http://www.winsightmedia.com/. CONTACT Sheila Charapata Director of Marketing Winsight, LLC 312.940.1970 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160816/398727LOGO SOURCE Winsight, LLC Related Links http://www.winsightmedia.com/ LONDON, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Noble Corporation plc (NYSE: NE) today reported a third quarter 2016 net loss attributable to Noble Corporation plc (the Company) of $55 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, on revenues of $385 million. The results compare to net income attributable to the Company for the second quarter of 2016 of $323 million, or $1.28 per diluted share, on revenues of $895 million. Second quarter 2016 results included net favorable after-tax items totaling $322 million, or $1.27 per diluted share, resulting largely from a contract cancellation agreement with Freeport-McMoRan and its subsidiary Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas (Freeport) involving two of the Company's rigs, the valuation of a derivative instrument pertaining to future contingent payments as part of the contract cancellation settlement, and the early termination of debt. These items were partially offset by net losses resulting from the impairment of certain capital spares and a discrete tax item. Excluding all of these items, adjusted net income attributable to the Company for the second quarter of 2016 was slightly greater than $1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, on adjusted revenues of $502 million. For the third quarter of 2015, net income attributable to Noble Corporation plc was $326 million, or $1.32 per diluted share, on revenues of $897 million. Third quarter 2015 results included the recognition of $148 million after tax, or $0.60 per diluted share, pertaining to the proceeds of the Noble Homer Ferrington arbitration award. Excluding the impact of the arbitration award, adjusted net income attributable to the Company for the third quarter of 2015 was $178 million, or $0.72 per diluted share, on adjusted revenues of $760 million. A Non-GAAP supporting schedule is available following the financial information attached to this press release and at www.noblecorp.com providing a reconciliation for total revenues, net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation, income tax and diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2016 and the third quarter of 2015. Addressing third quarter 2016 results and highlights, David W. Williams, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble Corporation plc, noted, "Utilization of our jackup fleet remained healthy in the third quarter at 80 percent and recent contract awards for the Noble Regina Allen and Noble Houston Colbert support our expectations for continued relative strong jackup fleet performance in the near-term. However, in our floating rig fleet, utilization in the third quarter declined from the previous quarter, reflecting the challenging offshore drilling conditions that persist. Also, fleet downtime in the quarter of six percent was slightly above guidance of five percent, and we experienced higher-than-expected shipyard days. "Financial metrics remained solid with cash and cash equivalents of $426 million and an undrawn revolver of $2.445 billion, or a liquidity position of $2.9 billion, and a debt-to-total-capitalization ratio of just below 35 percent. Capital expenditures over upcoming quarters will average significantly below third quarter spending of $472 million, which included the delivery in July of our final rig in the current newbuild program, the high-specification jackup Noble Lloyd Noble. The rig, which accounted for almost 90 percent of our capital spend in the third quarter, has arrived at its drilling location in the North Sea and is undergoing final acceptance testing." Contract drilling services revenue in the third quarter was $373 million compared to $877 million in the second quarter. Excluding the impact of the Freeport contract cancellation agreement of $379 million, plus $14 million pertaining to the contract termination date valuation of a derivative instrument relating to future contingent revenue payments which are part of the contract cancellation settlement, adjusted contract drilling services revenue in the second quarter was $484 million. The decline in revenue between quarters was driven primarily by a reduction in fleet operating days, an increase in fleet downtime, and lower demobilization revenues. Fleet utilization in the third quarter fell to 59 percent, while average daily revenue declined to $238,900. The results compared to fleet utilization in the second quarter of 65 percent and average daily revenues of $280,900, after adjusting for the impact of the Freeport contract cancellation agreement. Contract drilling services costs in the third quarter were $207 million compared to $244 million in the second quarter. Excluding expenses of $11 million associated with the accelerated recognition of deferred mobilization revenues in connection with the Freeport contract cancellation agreement, adjusted contract drilling services costs in the second quarter were $233 million. A nine percent decline in fleet operating days, concentrated in the floating rig fleet, contributed to a reduction in the Company's third quarter contract drilling margin to 45 percent compared to 52 percent in the second quarter, excluding the impact of the Freeport settlement. Net cash from operating activities through September 30, 2016 improved to $963 million. Capital expenditures in the third quarter totaled $472 million, including a $409 million expenditure pertaining to delivery of the jackup Noble Lloyd Noble, resulting in capital expenditures through September 2016 of $592 million, including capitalized interest. Total debt at September 30, 2016 was $4.1 billion, unchanged from the previous quarter, with a debt-to-total-capitalization ratio of 34.7 percent. Operating Highlights Utilization of the Company's 16 floating rigs was 41 percent in the third quarter compared to 51 percent in the second quarter. The decline was driven largely by an increase in non-operating days on the drillships Noble Tom Madden and Noble Sam Croft following the contract cancellation agreement with Freeport in May 2016, and on the semisubmersible Noble Dave Beard, which concluded a drilling assignment offshore Brazil in April 2016, and was thereafter relocated to Singapore for cold stacking. Also in the third quarter, the Company experienced modestly higher out-of-service time, and higher shipyard days, due primarily to the Noble Bully I to complete thruster repairs, and on the Noble Globetrotter I, following a decision to accelerate certain regulatory procedures, including a special periodic survey, previously planned for 2017. Average daily revenue in the floating fleet declined to $441,600 in the third quarter compared to $472,600 in the second quarter, excluding the impact of the Freeport contract settlement. At the conclusion of the third quarter, one of the Company's eight semisubmersibles, the Noble Paul Romano, remained under contract and was awarded a contract extension that should keep the rig under contract through 2016. Among the Company's eight drillships, six remained under contract, with the Noble Sam Croft and Noble Tom Madden currently warm stacked in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Utilization of the Company's 14 jackup rigs was 80 percent in the third quarter compared to 83 percent in the previous quarter. The decline in utilization was due largely to an increase in non-operating days on the Noble Houston Colbert, which completed a drilling assignment offshore Argentina in June 2016 and was relocated to the Middle East. Also, the Noble Alan Hay entered the shipyard in the quarter for a scheduled regulatory inspection and maintenance. The shipyard program was completed in September and the rig has returned to service in the United Arab Emirates. Effects of these out-of-service events were partially offset by the return to service in July 2016 of the Noble Mick O'Brien following the commencement of an estimated 400-day contract in the Middle East. Average daily revenue in the jackup fleet was $109,400 in the third quarter compared to $136,000 in the previous quarter. At the conclusion of the third quarter, 13 of the Company's 14 jackups were under contract. The Noble Regina Allen was awarded a contract in September for accommodation services in the North Sea and commenced operations in early October. Also, since the conclusion of the third quarter, the Noble Houston Colbert was awarded a one-well contract for operations offshore Qatar with an expected commencement in December of 2016, while the Noble Tom Prosser completed its drilling assignment offshore Australia and is being demobilized out of the area. Finally, following the shipyard delivery in July 2016, the Noble Lloyd Noble completed its mobilization from Singapore and is currently jacked up on location and undergoing final acceptance testing before an expected November 2016 commencement of a four-year primary term contract in the North Sea. At September 30, 2016, Noble's total contract backlog was $4.7 billion. Approximately $3.5 billion of the backlog relates to the floating rig fleet, with $1.2 billion from the jackup fleet. An estimated 62 percent of available rig operating days for the remainder of 2016 are committed to contracts, including 41 percent of floating rig days and 85 percent of jackup rig days. In 2017, 47 percent of the available fleet operating days are committed to contracts, including 28 percent and 69 percent of floating and jackup rig days, respectively. Outlook In closing, Mr. Williams stated, "Our industry continues to work through a challenging period. However, we expect our business to improve over time, through a combination of further fleet attrition and a rebound in offshore spending by our customers. Until we begin to realize the benefits of these important factors, we intend to maintain our established strong industry position by keeping our focus on operational excellence, cost management and financial discipline. We expect our efforts to result in a significant reduction in operating costs in 2017 when compared to our stated cost expectations for 2016. The anticipated reduction in costs, together with our backlog and strong fleet mix, should prove meaningful regarding our 2017 financial performance, including our expectation to remain cash flow positive. Preservation of liquidity remains a chief component of our financial strategy as we plan ahead. We expect our continued attention to strong and consistent operational execution, material reductions in capital expenditures, and the elimination of our quarterly dividend, to support our liquidity position, while helping to secure our favorable industry position into the future." About Noble Corporation plc Noble is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. The Company owns and operates one of the most modern, versatile and technically advanced fleets in the offshore drilling industry. Noble performs, through its subsidiaries, contract drilling services with a fleet of 30 offshore drilling units, consisting of 16 semisubmersibles and drillships and 14 jackups, focused largely on ultra-deepwater and high-specification jackup drilling opportunities in both established and emerging regions worldwide. Noble is a public limited company registered in England and Wales with company number 08354954 and registered office at Devonshire House, 1 Mayfair Place, London, W1J 8AJ England. Additional information on Noble is available at www.noblecorp.com. Forward-looking Disclosure Statement Statements regarding contract backlog, future earnings, costs, expense management, revenue, rig demand, fleet condition, operational or financial performance, shareholder value, contract commitments, dayrates, contract commencements, contract extensions, renewals or renegotiations, letters of intent or award, industry fundamentals, customer relationships and requirements, strategic initiatives, future performance, growth opportunities, market outlook, capital allocation strategies, liquidity, competitive position, capital expenditures, financial flexibility, debt levels, debt repayment, as well as any other statements that are not historical facts in this release, are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These include but are not limited to operating hazards and delays, risks associated with operations outside of the U.S., actions by regulatory authorities, customers and other third parties, legislation and regulations affecting drilling operations, compliance with regulatory requirements, factors affecting the level of activity in the oil and gas industry, supply and demand of drilling rigs, factors affecting the duration of contracts, the actual amount of downtime, factors that reduce applicable dayrates, violations of anti-corruption laws, hurricanes and other weather conditions, market conditions, the future price of oil and gas and other factors detailed in the Company's most recent Form 10-K, Form 10-Q's and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated. Conference Call Noble has scheduled a conference call and webcast related to its third quarter 2016 results on Friday, November 4, 2016, at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Central Daylight Time. Interested parties are invited to listen to the call by dialing 1-877-201-0168, or internationally 1-647-788-4901, using access code: 89706715, or by asking for the Noble Corporation plc conference call. Interested parties may also listen over the Internet through a link posted in the Investor Relations section of the Company's Website. A replay of the conference call will be available on Friday, November 4, 2016, beginning at 11:00 a.m. U.S. Central Daylight Time, through Friday, December 2, 2016, ending at 11:00 p.m. U.S. Central Standard Time. The phone number for the conference call replay is 1-855-859-2056 or, for calls from outside of the U.S., 1-404-537-3406, using access code: 89706715. The replay will also be available on the Company's Website following the end of the live call. NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Operating revenues Contract drilling services $ 373,257 $ 873,813 $ 1,841,321 $ 2,424,481 Reimbursables 11,733 22,858 50,272 70,087 Other 163 316 - 385,153 896,671 1,891,909 2,494,568 Operating costs and expenses Contract drilling services 207,204 293,067 702,628 934,024 Reimbursables 9,142 17,783 39,446 55,592 Depreciation and amortization 155,242 160,652 455,907 473,913 General and administrative 15,773 15,196 54,346 61,558 Loss on impairment - 16,616 - 387,361 486,698 1,268,943 1,525,087 Operating income (loss) (2,208) 409,973 622,966 969,481 Other income (expense) Interest expense, net of amount capitalized (52,569) (54,687) (166,975) (161,196) Gain on extinguishment of debt, net 11,066 - Interest income and other, net 540 30,934 (1,443) 37,085 Income (loss) before income taxes (54,237) 386,220 465,614 845,370 Income tax benefit (provision) 10,002 (41,789) (40,317) (124,641) Net income (loss) (44,235) 344,431 425,297 720,729 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (10,846) (18,624) (52,027) (57,488) Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc $ (55,081) $ 325,807 $ 373,270 $ 663,241 Per share data: Basic $ (0.23) $ 1.32 $ 1.48 $ 2.68 Diluted $ (0.23) $ 1.32 $ 1.48 $ 2.68 NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) (Unaudited) September 30, December 31, 2016 2015 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 426,052 $ 512,245 Accounts receivable 319,567 498,931 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 138,165 229,442 Total current assets 883,784 1,240,618 Property and equipment, at cost 14,604,796 14,056,323 Accumulated depreciation (3,013,008) (2,572,700) Property and equipment, net 11,591,788 11,483,623 Other assets 108,566 141,404 Total assets $ 12,584,138 $ 12,865,645 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Current maturities of long-term debt $ 299,762 $ 299,924 Accounts payable 114,392 223,221 Accrued payroll and related costs 53,377 81,464 Other current liabilities 216,587 258,975 Total current liabilities 684,118 863,584 Long-term debt 3,830,224 4,162,638 Other liabilities 311,813 417,193 Total liabilities 4,826,155 5,443,415 Commitments and contingencies Equity Total shareholders' equity 7,044,935 6,699,229 Noncontrolling interests 713,048 723,001 Total equity 7,757,983 7,422,230 Total liabilities and equity $ 12,584,138 $ 12,865,645 NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Cash flows from operating activities Net income $ 425,297 $ 720,729 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 455,907 473,913 Loss on impairment 16,616 - Gain on extinguishment of debt, net (11,066) - Other changes in operating activities 75,921 57,583 Net cash from operating activities 962,675 1,252,225 Cash flows from investing activities New construction (431,031) (41,001) Other capital expenditures (145,069) (220,763) Capitalized interest (15,938) (18,284) Other investing activities (17,845) (40,905) Net cash from investing activities (609,883) (320,953) Cash flows from financing activities Net change in borrowings outstanding on bank credit facilities - (1,123,495) Issuance of senior notes - 1,092,728 Debt issuance costs on senior notes and credit facilities - (16,070) Repayment of long-term debt (300,000) (350,000) Early repayment of long-term debt (22,207) - Premiums paid on early repayment of long-term debt (1,781) - Dividend payments (47,534) (278,443) Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (61,980) (57,048) Repurchases of shares - (100,630) Other financing activities (5,483) (2,394) Net cash from financing activities (438,985) (835,352) Net change in cash and cash equivalents (86,193) 95,920 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 512,245 68,510 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 426,052 $ 164,430 NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL INFORMATION BY SEGMENT (In thousands, except operating statistics) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 Contract Contract Contract Drilling Drilling Drilling Services Other Total Services Other Total Services Other Total Operating revenues Contract drilling services $ 373,257 $ - $ 373,257 $ 873,813 $ - $ 873,813 $ 876,697 $ - $ 876,697 Reimbursables 11,733 - 11,733 22,858 - 22,858 17,933 - 17,933 Other 163 - 163 - - - 153 - 153 $ 385,153 $ - $ 385,153 $ 896,671 $ - $ 896,671 $ 894,783 $ - $ 894,783 Operating costs and expenses Contract drilling services $ 207,204 $ - $ 207,204 $ 293,067 $ - $ 293,067 $ 244,176 $ - $ 244,176 Reimbursables 9,142 - 9,142 17,783 - 17,783 14,298 - 14,298 Depreciation and amortization 149,398 5,844 155,242 155,180 5,472 160,652 145,237 5,709 150,946 General and administrative 15,773 - 15,773 15,196 - 15,196 19,033 - 19,033 Loss on impairment - - - - - - 16,616 - 16,616 $ 381,517 $ 5,844 $ 387,361 $ 481,226 $ 5,472 $ 486,698 $ 439,360 $ 5,709 $ 445,069 Operating income (loss) $ 3,636 $ (5,844) $ (2,208) $ 415,445 $ (5,472) $ 409,973 $ 455,423 $ (5,709) $ 449,714 Operating statistics Jackups: Average Rig Utilization 80% 84% 83% Operating Days 954 1,005 981 Average Dayrate $ 109,387 $ 159,745 $ 136,041 Semisubmersibles: Average Rig Utilization 13% 59% 16% Operating Days 92 432 115 Average Dayrate (2) $ 293,269 $ 698,512 $ 290,106 Drillships: Average Rig Utilization 70% 100% 86% Operating Days 517 828 626 Average Dayrate (1) $ 467,949 $ 497,147 $ 1,134,011 Total: Average Rig Utilization 59% 82% 65% Operating Days 1,563 2,265 1,722 Average Dayrate (1) $ 238,869 $ 385,755 $ 509,145 (1) The second quarter of 2016 includes the contract cancellation and the termination date valuation of the contingent payments relating to the Noble Sam Croft and Noble Tom Madden contract settlement and termination with Freeport. Exclusive of these items, the average dayrate for the second quarter of 2016 would have been $506,146 and $280,884 for drillships and the total fleet, respectively. (2) Includes dayrate portion of the settlement of the Noble Homer Ferrington matter with BP and Exxon during the third quarter of 2015. Exclusive of the settlement, the average dayrate for the third quarter of 2015 would have been $382,545 and $325,537 for semisubmersibles and the total fleet, respectively. NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES CALCULATION OF BASIC AND DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Numerator: Basic Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc $ (55,081) $ 325,807 $ 373,270 $ 663,241 Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards - (7,143) (13,415) (14,661) Net income (loss) to common shareholders - basic $ (55,081) $ 318,664 $ 359,855 $ 648,580 Diluted Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc $ (55,081) $ 325,807 $ 373,270 $ 663,241 Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards - (7,143) (13,415) (14,661) Net income (loss) to common shareholders - diluted $ (55,081) $ 318,664 $ 359,855 $ 648,580 Denominator: Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic 243,224 241,970 243,089 242,204 Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options - - - - Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted 243,224 241,970 243,089 242,204 Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards - 5,424 9,062 5,475 Earnings (loss) per share Basic $ (0.23) $ 1.32 $ 1.48 $ 2.68 Diluted $ (0.23) $ 1.32 $ 1.48 $ 2.68 Non-GAAP Reconciliation Certain non-GAAP performance measures and corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures for the Company have been provided for meaningful comparisons between current results and prior operating periods. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance, financial position, or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are not normally included or excluded in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In order to fully assess the financial operating results, management believes that the results of operations, adjusted to exclude the following items, which are included in the Company's press release issued on November 3, 2016, and discussed in the related conference call on November 4, 2016, are appropriate measures of the continuing and normal operations of the Company: (i) In the second quarter of 2016, the Noble Sam Croft and Noble Tom Madden contract cancellations with Freeport-McMoRan Inc. and its subsidiary, Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas ("Freeport"), including the contract termination date valuation of a derivative instrument pertaining to future contingent payments from Freeport, the early retirement of debt in connection with the Company's tender offers on its Senior Notes due in 2020 and 2021, the impairment of certain capital spares, and second quarter discrete tax items; and (ii) In the third quarter of 2015, the recognition of proceeds of the Noble Homer Ferrington arbitration award. These non-GAAP adjusted measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, contract drilling revenue, contract drilling cost, contract drilling margin, average daily revenue, operating income, cash flows from operations, or other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Please see the following Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations for a complete description of the adjustments. NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES NON-GAAP MEASURES (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) Reconciliation of total revenue Three Months Ended Three Months Ended September 30, June 30, 2015 2016 Contract drilling services revenue $ 873,813 $ 876,697 Reimbursables 22,858 17,933 Other - 153 Total revenue $ 896,671 $ 894,783 Adjustments Noble Homer Ferrington arbitration award (136,406) - Adjustments for Noble Sam Croft and Noble Tom Madden contract cancellations with Freeport: Contract termination fee & accelerated recognition of other deferred contractual items - (379,143) Termination date valuation of contingent payments - (13,900) Total Adjustments (136,406) (393,043) Adjusted total revenue $ 760,265 $ 501,740 Reconciliation of Income tax provision Three Months Ended Three Months Ended September 30, June 30, 2015 2016 Income tax provision $ (41,789) $ (56,822) Adjustments Noble Homer Ferrington arbitration award (28,984) - Freeport contract termination fee & accelerated recognition of other deferred contractual items - (32,035) Termination date valuation of contingent payments from Freeport - (1,211) Loss on impairment - 1,448 Gain on extinguishment of debt - (964) Discrete tax items - (21,771) Total Adjustments (28,984) (54,533) Adjusted income tax provision $ (12,805) $ (2,289) Reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc Three Months Ended Three Months Ended September 30, June 30, 2015 2016 Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc $ 325,807 $ 322,866 Adjustments Noble Homer Ferrington arbitration award (147,669) - Freeport contract termination fee & accelerated recognition of other deferred contractual items, net of tax - (335,578) Termination date valuation of contingent payments from Freeport, net of tax - (12,689) Loss on impairment, net of tax - 15,168 Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax - (10,102) Discrete tax items - 21,771 Total Adjustments (147,669) (321,430) Adjusted net income attributable to Noble Corporation plc $ 178,138 $ 1,436 Reconciliation of diluted EPS Three Months Ended Three Months Ended September 30, June 30, 2015 2016 Unadjusted diluted EPS (1) $ 1.32 $ 1.28 Noble Homer Ferrington arbitration award $ (0.60) $ - Freeport contract termination fee & accelerated recognition of other deferred contractual items, net of tax $ - $ (1.33) Termination date valuation of contingent payments from Freeport, net of tax $ - $ (0.05) Loss on impairment, net of tax $ - $ 0.06 Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of tax $ - $ (0.04) Discrete tax items $ - $ 0.09 Adjusted diluted EPS $ 0.72 $ 0.01 (1) For the quarter ended September 30, 2016 we experienced a net loss from continuing operations. As such, unvested share-based payment awards were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for these periods as such awards were not dilutive. SOURCE Noble Corporation Related Links http://www.noblecorp.com RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Nonprofit Colleges Online, a website dedicated to helping students find the best offerings in affordable online degree programs, has published a ranking of seventeen Bachelor's of Health Information Management / Health Informatics programs (http://www.nonprofitcollegesonline.com/best-online-bachelors-health-information-management-informatics/). For this ranking, Nonprofit Colleges Online chose online programs from nonprofit colleges and universities accredited by trusted and independent accreditation boards. Each program in this list has lower than average tuition costs and is ranked according to affordability. Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah, placed first in this ranking, offering students the greatest value for its Bachelor's of Health Information Management degree program. Its program costs an estimated $23,120. Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire, placed second with an estimated tuition cost of $38,400, and Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota, placed third with an estimated tuition cost of $40,000. Other colleges and universities in this ranking are listed below in alphabetical order: Champlain College - Burlington, Vermont LeTourneau University - Longview, Texas Liberty University - Lynchburg, Virginia Louisiana Tech University - Ruston, Louisiana Missouri Western State University - St. Joseph, Missouri Oregon Institute of Technology - Klamath Falls, Oregon Pennsylvania college of Technology - Williamsport, Pennsylvania Rutgers University - New Brunswick, New Jersey Saint Joseph's College of Maine - Standish, Maine Stephens College - Columbia, Missouri Stevens-Henager College - Ogden, Utah University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati, Ohio University of New England - Biddeford, Maine Weber State University - Ogden Utah The Health Information Management field of study is ideal for students who would like to pursue a highly interdisciplinary career within a rapidly expanding field. Students must master a range of skills that encompass both technology and a solid understanding of health care systems. Students learn about everything from patient needs to ethical procedures related to patient confidentiality. Sam Mazany, editor at Nonprofit Colleges Online, says, "With the growing movement towards digital record keeping and bookkeeping, many healthcare organizations are looking for workers who understand technological principles and can also negotiate the potential technological hurdles that an organization must jump through as they move to design, implement, and maintain an up-to-date health information system." Mazany adds, "Career opportunities in the field of Health Management continue to expand, making these programs an appealing choice for many prospective students. This ranking seeks to protect the interest of prospective students by helping them sort through the myriad choices on the internet. Not every program exists for the good of the student. Nonprofit Colleges Online aims to sift through existing options and highlight programs that are both trustworthy and affordable." Nonprofit Colleges Online (http://www.nonprofitcollegesonline.com) is an online publication committed to promoting accredited institutions that put students before profits. The site helps students find affordable, distance education learning solutions by publishing rankings that make this information more readily available. Contact: Sam Mazany Editor, Nonprofit Colleges Online http://www.nonprofitcollegesonline.com [email protected] 919-452-4684 SOURCE Nonprofit Colleges Online Related Links http://www.nonprofitcollegesonline.com IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Numecent, a pioneer of cloud-based application delivery, today announced that it is the winner of the 23rd Annual OC Tech Alliance High-Tech Innovation Award in the category of Cloud/SaaS/Web Platform Solutions. The award was announced at the October 6th OC Tech Alliance dinner at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. "Numecent is honored to be recognized by the OC Tech Alliance for our innovative Cloudpaging products," says Tom Lagatta, Numecent's President and CEO. "Cloudpaging provides cost savings to enterprise customers who need to distribute vital applications to end users by streamlining delivery, reducing demands on IT, and helping to manage license and subscription costs." The OC Tech Alliance Award recognized Numecent for the ingenuity of its Cloudpaging technology. Cloudpaging allows Windows Applications to be delivered through Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), which enables enterprise customers to streamline application delivery via a self- service, app store-style website. This greatly reduces the time needed for new user on-boarding and app updates, delivering applications in minutes, fully ready to run with no installation needed. Cloudpaging also allows ISVs to deliver subscription-level offerings with full license control, securely and instantly. Numecent's Cloudpaging technology saves enterprise customers time and money by easing the burden on the IT department. The OC Tech Alliance High Tech Awards recognize Orange County-based companies that have demonstrated genuine technological innovation. The OC Technology Alliance is a nonprofit trade association committed to addressing the needs of small-to-midsize technology companies in Orange County, CA. More information about the OC Tech Alliance is available at www.octechalliance.com About Numecent Numecent is a fast-growing software and cloud-services company pioneering application delivery. Numecent's Cloudpaging technology brings rapid, secure and friction free provisioning of native applications from the cloud through virtualization and containerization. Delivering solutions to Enterprise customers via channel partners while also servicing cloud providers and ISV's, Numecent, has delivered cloudified applications worldwide, reducing the pain points for application delivery while helping lower costs. Numecent was founded in 2008, and is headquartered in Irvine, California. More information can be found at www.numecent.com All trademarks and registered trademarks previously cited are hereby recognized as the property of their respective owners Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160314/344191LOGO SOURCE Numecent Related Links http://numecent.com "Nachos are a fun meal that is perfect for being shared among friends," said Ashley Zickefoose, Chief Marketing Officer for On The Border . "Our National Nacho Day offer is an incredible deal that encourages everyone to dive in and enjoy the day." Stacked Nachos are piled high with freshly made refried beans, perfectly seasoned ground beef, mixed cheeses, queso and sour cream, topped with pico de gallo, pickled jalapenos and guacamole that is made fresh in-house daily. Grande Fajita Nachos feature steak or chicken, refried beans and cheese and are also served with guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo individually served ensuring guests get each fresh ingredient in every bite. It's no wonder guests are craving for the Grande Fajita Nachos to make a permanent comeback. NACHO AVERAGE ELECTION With elections just a few days away, On The Border decided to join in on the fun and is hosting an election of its own. The two contenders are the Stacked Nachos and the Grande Fajita Nachos. By simply ordering one or the other, guests will be casting a vote for which wins the popular vote. "The stakes are higher for the Grande Fajita Nachos, as fans will help determine if these nachos will remain on the menu as a permanent fixture," Zickefoose said. No coupons are needed and the half-off deal is available for everyone at participating restaurants, including dine in and to go. Online ordering is also available. For more information about On the Border, including menu items and locations, visit www.ontheborder.com. About On The Border On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is the world's largest Mexican casual dining brand, offering an extensive menu of great-tasting, classic and contemporary Mexican food, like sizzling mesquite-grilled fajitas, and Margaritas as big and bold as the border itself. On The Border is owned by Border Holdings, LLC, with 154 restaurants in 32 states, Puerto Rico and Asia. Follow and 'like' On The Border on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderMexicanGrillandCantina , and @OnTheBorder on Twitter. For more information, visit www.ontheborder.com. Contact: Nicole Brandfon 888.869.7899 [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435640 SOURCE On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina Related Links https://www.ontheborder.com CALGARY, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (TSX: ONC) (OTCQX: ONCYF) (FRA: ONY) ("Oncolytics" or the "Company") today announced its financial results and operational highlights for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016. "During the quarter we reported additional statistically significant, randomized clinical data that further strengthened the linkage between genetic status and survival outcomes in patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung," said Dr. Matt Coffey, Interim President and CEO of Oncolytics Biotech. "In parallel with reporting data from sponsored Phase 2 randomized studies, we continued to push ahead with preparations for a registration study." Selected Highlights Since July 1, 2016, selected highlights announced by the Company include: Clinical Program Additional data from a randomized, sponsored Phase II clinical study of REOLYSIN in non-small cell lung cancer (IND 211), which showed that: progression free survival ("PFS") was statistically significantly better for female patients in the test arm (n=20) than for those in the control arm (n=16) in patients with adenocarcinoma. Median PFS was 5.39 months compared with 3.02 months, respectively (p=0.0201); evolving overall survival ("OS") demonstrated a strong trend towards survival benefit for female patients in the test arm with adenocarcinoma (n=20, six of whom remained alive at the time of the analysis) over those in the control arm (n=16, three of whom remained alive at the time of the analysis). Median OS was 10.68 months compared with 7.59 months, respectively (p=0.145) (Figure B). By contrast, no PFS or OS benefit was noted for the male patients with adenocarcinoma; and patients with adenocarcinoma treated with REOLYSIN with one or more target biomarkers (EGFR, Hras, Kras, Nras, Braf and/or p53 mutations) had a greater PFS (p=0.039) and OS (p=0.031) than patients treated with REOLYSIN without any of these biomarkers. The presence of these biomarkers may account, at least in part, for the difference between the survival outcomes for male and female patients; target biomarkers were present in a higher proportion of the female patients in the study than the male patients (66.7% versus 43.6%). As a result, pre-screening for target biomarkers in patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung is warranted. in non-small cell lung cancer (IND 211), which showed that: Financial At September 30, 2016, the Company reported $17.7 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. At November 2, 2016, the Company had approximately $16.7 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. ONCOLYTICS BIOTECH INC. INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (unaudited) September 30, 2016 $ December 31, 2015 $ Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 15,612,729 24,016,275 Short-term investments 2,088,800 2,060,977 Accounts receivable 44,991 340,059 Prepaid expenses 356,741 506,669 Total current assets 18,103,261 26,923,980 Non-current assets Property and equipment 333,926 459,818 Total non-current assets 333,926 459,818 Total assets 18,437,187 27,383,798 Liabilities And Shareholders' Equity Current Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2,809,008 2,709,492 Total current liabilities 2,809,008 2,709,492 Shareholders' equity Share capital Authorized: unlimited Issued: September 30, 2016 120,873,222 December 31, 2015 118,151,622 262,218,228 261,324,692 Contributed surplus 26,536,601 26,277,966 Accumulated other comprehensive income 492,637 760,978 Accumulated deficit (273,619,287) (263,689,330) Total shareholders' equity 15,628,179 24,674,306 Total liabilities and equity 18,437,187 27,383,798 ONCOLYTICS BIOTECH INC. INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (unaudited) Three Month Period Ending September 30, 2016 $ Three Month Period Ending September 30, 2015 $ Nine Month Period Ending September 30, 2016 $ Nine Month Period Ending September 30, 2015 $ Expenses Research and development 2,141,737 1,704,784 6,358,822 6,601,877 Operating 1,222,447 1,176,023 3,708,317 3,780,812 Operating loss (3,364,184) (2,880,807) (10,067,139) (10,382,689) Interest 31,691 52,756 136,849 153,313 Loss before income taxes (3,332,493) (2,828,051) (9,930,290) (10,229,376) Income tax expense 19 4,074 333 3,303 Net loss (3,332,474) (2,823,977) (9,929,957) (10,226,073) Other comprehensive income items that may be reclassified to net loss Translation adjustment 32,545 192,586 (268,341) 377,060 Net comprehensive loss (3,299,929) (2,631,391) (10,198,298) (9,849,013) Basic and diluted loss per common share (0.03) (0.02) (0.08) (0.09) Weighted average number of shares (basic and diluted) 120,552,638 117,963,979 119,455,440 110,757,811 ONCOLYTICS BIOTECH INC. INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (unaudited) Share Capital $ Contributed Surplus $ Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income $ Accumulated Deficit $ Total $ As at December 31, 2014 237,657,056 25,848,429 280,043 (249,966,335) 13,819,193 Net loss and other comprehensive income 377,060 (10,226,073) (9,849,013) Issued, pursuant to Share Purchase Agreement 4,305,396 4,305,396 Issued, pursuant to "At the Market" Agreement 19,267,267 19,267,267 Share based compensation 181,436 181,436 As at September 30, 2015 261,229,719 26,029,865 657,103 (260,192,408) 27,724,279 Share Capital $ Contributed Surplus $ Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income $ Accumulated Deficit $ Total $ As at December 31, 2015 261,324,692 26,277,966 760,978 (263,689,330) 24,674,306 Net loss and other comprehensive loss (268,341) (9,929,957) (10,198,298) Issued, pursuant to "At the Market" Agreement 852,536 852,536 Issued, pursuant to incentive share award plan 41,000 (41,000) Share based compensation 299,635 299,635 As at September 30, 2016 262,218,228 26,536,601 492,637 (273,619,287) 15,628,179 ONCOLYTICS BIOTECH INC. INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) Three Month Period Ending September 30, 2016 $ Three Month Period Ending September 30, 2015 $ Nine Month Period Ending September 30, 2016 $ Nine Month Period Ending September 30, 2015 $ Operating Activities Net loss for the period (3,332,474) (2,823,977) (9,929,957) (10,226,073) Amortization - property and equipment 44,014 44,761 134,631 134,743 Share based compensation 98,369 10,791 299,635 181,436 Unrealized foreign exchange gain (49,400) (182,131) (152,019) (485,653) Net change in non-cash working capital 216,611 92,792 978,847 (327,690) Cash used in operating activities (3,022,880) (2,857,764) (8,668,863) (10,723,237) Investing Activities Acquisition of property and equipment (4,851) (17,695) (10,553) (47,292) Purchase of short-term investments (27,823) (29,292) Cash used in investing activities (4,851) (17,695) (38,376) (76,584) Financing Activities Proceeds from Share Purchase Agreement 4,305,396 Proceeds from "At the Market" equity distribution agreement 242,706 213,742 852,536 19,267,267 Cash provided by financing activities 242,706 213,742 852,536 23,572,663 (Decrease) increase in cash (2,785,025) (2,661,717) (7,854,703) 12,772,842 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 18,320,981 30,018,217 24,016,275 14,152,825 Impact of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents 76,773 605,962 (548,843) 1,036,795 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 15,612,729 27,962,462 15,612,729 27,962,462 To view the Company's Fiscal 2016 Third Quarter Consolidated Financial Statements, related Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and Management's Discussion and Analysis, please see the Company's quarterly filings, which will be available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and on Oncolytics' website at http://www.oncolyticsbiotech.com/investor-centre/financials/. About Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Oncolytics is a Calgary-based biotechnology company focused on the development of oncolytic viruses as potential cancer therapeutics. Oncolytics' clinical program includes a variety of later-stage, randomized human trials in various indications using REOLYSIN, its proprietary formulation of the human reovirus. For further information about Oncolytics, please visit: www.oncolyticsbiotech.com. This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements, including the Company's belief as to the potential of REOLYSIN as a cancer therapeutic; the Company's expectations as to the success of its research and development programs in 2016 and beyond, the Company's planned operations, the value of the additional patents and intellectual property; the Company's expectations related to the applications of the patented technology; the Company's expectations as to adequacy of its existing capital resources; the design, timing, success of planned clinical trial programs; and other statements related to anticipated developments in the Company's business and technologies involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the availability of funds and resources to pursue research and development projects, the efficacy of REOLYSIN as a cancer treatment, the success and timely completion of clinical studies and trials, the Company's ability to successfully commercialize REOLYSIN, uncertainties related to the research and development of pharmaceuticals, uncertainties related to the regulatory process and general changes to the economic environment. Investors should consult the Company's quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian and U.S. securities commissions for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. SOURCE Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Related Links http://www.oncolyticsbiotech.com "Parker Remick's Portland office strengthens our Pacific Northwest roots. Kelley and Jeff's depth of experience with senior executive searches, as well as tech industry knowledge, make them natural additions to our regional and global practices," said Steve Jackson, managing partner, Parker Remick. Before joining Parker Remick, Pecis served as managing director at Herd Freed Hartz, where she opened and ran the firm's Portland business. Earlier, she spent 10 years guiding clients through major technology changes within enterprise resource planning software for financial applications including procurement, accounts payable, general ledger, assets, accounts receivable and project accounting at Fortune 500 companies including Accenture, Oracle and AT&T Wireless. "Parker Remick is the go-to firm for today's most innovative brands," said Kelley Pecis, director, Parker Remick. "This is an exciting next step for me: Parker Remick's consultants closely partner with clients and one another. The research team is more robust and tightly integrated into each search than at other firms." Jeff Markham brings more than 18 years of experience to Parker Remick, partnering with CEOs and board search committees on matters of executive talent acquisition, succession planning and executive leadership development. Jeff previously held leadership roles with Herd Freed Hartz and Nosal Partners. He also managed the talent acquisition teams for ACME Business Consulting and Tripwire. "I'm thrilled to be joining Parker Remick. Our region's burgeoning technology offeringsfor example, wearable tech, are now world leading. I'm eager to manage senior executive searches for global brands across areas such as digital media, Fintech and mobile," said Jeff Markham, director, Parker Remick. "I love the thought of concurrently helping clients in Portland, San Francisco and Berlin. At Parker Remick, that's the norm." About Parker Remick Parker Remick is a technology-focused, retained executive search firm that provides research, insights and consulting guidance to drive sound hiring decisions. Our experience includes successful assignments in 24 countries. We tell the truth as we see it and help clients make well-informed decisions to select talent from among the tech industry's most accomplished leaders. Founded in 1998, Parker Remick calls the Pacific Northwest home with offices in Bellingham, Seattle and Portland. For more information, visit parkerremick.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435701 SOURCE Parker Remick Related Links http://www.parkerremick.com Some of the unique intricate jewellery pieces that Foundation Jewellers are exhibiting include an elegant Peranakan silver belt with phoenix-motif buckle and a stylish tiara shaped pendant. Both pieces are encrusted in brilliant-cut diamonds, set in 18-karat yellow gold to symbolise the grandeur of royalty. Revival Vintage Jewels & Objects will feature a stunning diamond double clip brooch designed as a scrolling baguette and circular-cut ribbon by Trabert Hoeffer Mauboussin. The brooch's timeless beauty dates back to the 1940s. The Oro D'Italia Pavillion presented by Famosi Singapore and MADE IN PARADISE LUXURY will host esteemed Italian brands like TODINI, Santagostino, Massimo Ripa and Mario Buzzanca, which are new to Singapore's jewellery market. Singapore Jewellery Design Award The Singapore Jewellery Design Award (SJDA) will be presented at the fair on Friday, 4 November 2016. Themed "Metamorphosis", this year's competition challenged design students to create riveting and commercially viable jewellery for the modern women through versatility, innovation and creativity. The most outstanding designs will be transformed into dazzling pieces of jewellery, produced by SJDA's official manufacturing sponsor -- Lee Hwa Jewellery. The list of 2016 winners are: Category A (Day & Night) - Winner: Ms Liubov Klivitkina , Russia , The Moscow State University of Design and Technology Category B (Past & Future) - Winner: Ms Abigail Cutaran , The Philippines , University of the Philippines Category C (Fluidity & Solidity) - Winner: Ms Lee Yu Chien , Taiwan , Taiwan Jewellery Arts Institute "Young designers play a pivotal role in injecting the jewellery industry with a fresh contemporary outlook on the creative development of jewellery designs and techniques," said Charles Ho, Managing Director, On Cheong Company Pte Ltd and President of the Singapore Jewellers Association. "Their artistic creativity will revolutionise the industry and bring innovative designs to life. Through the awards, we hope to tap into the abundance of raw talent out there and recognise these promising young designers by providing them the opportunity to display their unique skills and designs." Mr. Kean Ng, Business Director, Lee Hwa Jewellery, said, "This year's theme, 'Metamorphosis', is selected to push the boundaries for jewellery design. Students are challenged to create riveting and commercially viable jewellery for the modern women. The theme calls for designs that would showcase versatility, innovation and creativity through a keen understanding of the current jewellery market. This year's entries have provided an encouraging outlook on the future of the jewellery design landscape in Singapore. We would like to thank all the participants and congratulate the finalists and winners of the competition." Declaration Programme for Natural Diamond Exhibitors Those seeking to purchase natural diamonds during the Singapore Jewellery & Gem Fair will also be able to take advantage of the Declaration Programme for Natural Diamond Exhibitors, an initiative by UBM Asia (organisers of the event) and Diamond Exchange of Singapore (DES). "We want to make it easier for buyers to locate verified suppliers of natural diamonds in Singapore on the show floor. As such, only members of DES who participate in the Declaration Programme will be allowed to display a standard label in a prominent position on their booths identifying them as natural diamond suppliers," said Reuben Khafi, President of DES. Jewellery insights at your fingertips Throughout the four-day event, the Singapore Jewellery & Gem Fair will be hosting a series of seminars and workshops designed to educate visitors about the latest jewellery design and gemstone trends. The seminars will feature distinguished experts such as Tanja Sadow, Dean and Director of Jewellery Design and Management International School and Panissara Navasamakkarnanja, Instructor, GIA Education, who will be sharing their tips, insights, perspectives and knowledge on topics such as "Marketing Gemstones & Jewellery to Millennials", "A Guide To Collecting Vintage Jewellery" and "History and Value Factors of Pearls" to allow participants to learn, understand and gain a more profound appreciation of fine jewellery and gems. For more information, visit: www.singaporejewellerygemfair.com About Singapore Jewellery & Gem Fair Exclusively endorsed by the Singapore Jewellers Association and the Diamond Exchange of Singapore, Singapore Jewellery & Gem Fair is the most important fine jewellery event in Singapore and the region. In 2015, the event attracted over 100 internationally-acclaimed exhibitors, targeting the region's fastest growing high-net-worth population, jewellery enthusiasts as well as jewellery trade buyers. The fair is organised by UBM Exhibition Singapore Pte Ltd, member of UBM Asia, the organiser of the world's leading fine jewellery event, the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. About UBM Asia (www.ubmasia.com) Owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is the largest trade show organiser in Asia and the largest commercial organiser in China, India, Malaysia and Thailand. Established with its headquarters in Hong Kong and subsidiary companies across Asia and in the US, UBM Asia has a strong global presence in 24 major cities with 32 offices and 1,300 staff. With a track record spanning over 30 years, UBM Asia operates in 19 market sectors with 230 events, 28 targeted trade publications, 18 round-the-clock online products for over 2,000,000 quality exhibitors, visitors, conference delegates, advertisers and subscribers from all over the world. We provide a one-stop diversified global service for high-value business matching, quality market news and online trading networks. UBM Asia has extensive office networks in China, Southeast Asia and India, three of the world's fastest growing B2B events markets. UBM China has 12 offices in the major cities in mainland China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Guzhen and Shenzhen, where we organise 90 events. In ASEAN, UBM Asia operates from its offices in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines with 70 events in this region. UBM India teams in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai organise over 20 events every year across the country. UBM Asia was awarded 'Asia's Most Reliable Trade Show Organizer Award' in Hong Kong's Most Valuable Companies Awards (HKMVCA) 2016. Media contacts Selena Sheikh PINPOINT PR Mobile: +65 9746 8549 [email protected] Clara Leong UBM Exhibition Singapore Office: +65 6592 0888 ext 783 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161015/429065LOGO Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121014/HK92339LOGO-d Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435290 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435291 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435292 SOURCE UBM Asia Related Links http://www.ubmasia.com NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- QBE North America today announced that Carla Owens has joined the organization as Senior Vice President, Operations for the Specialty Business Group. Based in New York City, Ms. Owens will report to Jeffrey S. Grange, President, Specialty Insurance, QBE North America. In this new role, Ms. Owens will manage the design and implementation of the Specialty Operating Platform (SOP). This critical business technology project will deliver core processing capabilities across policy administration and billing functions for QBE's Specialty Insurance business, which includes Accident & Health, Aviation, Cyber, Healthcare, Inland Marine, Management Liability and Professional Lines, Programs, Surety, Trade Credit and Transactional Liability practices. The platform will also be integrated with existing financial, customer, processing and policy systems. A proven business program manager with a depth of expertise across Specialty Insurance product lines, Ms. Owens has a track record of success launching, directing and managing large-scale programs and projects to drive operational, underwriting and profit improvement. Prior to joining QBE, Ms. Owens spent 15 years at Chubb. Starting as an Executive Protection Underwriter, she quickly advanced to the position of Executive Protection Leader, where she was responsible for underwriting profit and loss results and marketing of a $60 million Management Liability portfolio. Later, as the Assistant Vice President, Profitability Indicator Business Project Manager, Ms. Owens worked as the business lead for the development and implementation of predictive models to support risk selection and pricing for Specialty coverage lines and segments. Most recently, she served as Vice President, Small Business Solution Program Manager, responsible for a $30 million program of work that included predictive modeling, renewal processing and online quoting portal projects. Ms. Owens holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Michigan State University. "This appointment further underscores our focus on the customer. The platform enables straight-through processing, increasing the speed with which we can quote, bind and issue policies improving the customer experience. Carla's deep Specialty business knowledge and proven program management skills will serve us well as we work to successfully design, implement, and embed the platform into our Specialty business, laying a strong foundation to continue our aggressive growth strategy," said Mr. Grange. Mr. Grange's comments were echoed by QBE North America's Chief Operating Officer, Bob James, who added "cloud capabilities provide scale and security, allowing us to expand the platform beyond Specialty and into other business units in the future." About QBE QBE North America is part of QBE Insurance Group Limited, one of the largest insurers and reinsurers worldwide. QBE NA reported Gross Written Premiums in 2015 of $4.6 billion. QBE Insurance Group's 2015 results can be found at www.qbena.com. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, QBE operates out of 37 countries around the globe, with a presence in every key insurance market. The North America division, headquartered in New York, conducts business through its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries. QBE insurance companies are rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best and "A+" by Standard & Poor's. Additional information can be found at www.qbena.com, or follow QBE North America on Twitter. SOURCE QBE Related Links http://www.qbena.com HOUSTON, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE: PWR) today announced that company management will present at the Baird 2016 Global Industrial Conference to be held November 8-10, 2016, in Chicago. Duke Austin, chief executive officer and Derrick Jensen, chief financial officer, will present at the Baird 2016 Global Industrial Conference on Wednesday, November 9, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. Central time. Quanta's presentation at the Baird 2016 Global Industrial Conference will be broadcast live over the Internet. Live webcast links will be available on Quanta's website at www.quantaservices.com and will also be archived for replay on Quanta's website and through the Quanta Services Investor Relations app for iPhone, iPad and Android devices. GET THE QUANTA SERVICES IR APP AND FOLLOW QUANTA SERVICES IR ON SOCIAL MEDIA The Quanta Services investor relations app is available for free for iPhone and iPad devices at Apple's App Store and for Android devices at Google Play. The Quanta Services investor relations app allows users to navigate the company's investor relations materials including the latest press releases, SEC filings, presentations, videos, audio cast conference calls and stock price information. Sharing functionality via email, Twitter and Facebook is available as well as the ability for investors to be notified when new information is posted to Quanta's IR app. Also, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in our company to follow Quanta Investor Relations and Quanta Services on the social media channels listed on our website in the Investors & Media section. ABOUT QUANTA SERVICES Quanta Services is a leading specialized contracting services company, delivering infrastructure solutions for the electric power and oil and gas industries. Quanta's comprehensive services include designing, installing, repairing and maintaining energy infrastructure. With operations throughout the United States, Canada and Australia and in select other international markets, Quanta has the manpower, resources and expertise to safely complete projects that are local, regional, national or international in scope. For more information, visit www.quantaservices.com. Contacts: Investors - Kip Rupp, CFA Media Deborah Buks and Molly LeCronier Quanta Services, Inc. Ward Creative Communications 713-629-7600 713-869-0707 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110810/MM50805LOGO SOURCE Quanta Services, Inc. Related Links http://www.quantaservices.com MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Quotient Technology Inc. (NYSE: QUOT), formerly Coupons.com Incorporated, and nonprofit KaBOOM! are joining forces to build a playspace at Grover Cleveland Park in San Leandro, CA., on November 4, 2016. More than 200 volunteers are expected to participate, bringing a much-needed place to play in the in East Bay suburb of San Francisco. The playspace is Quotient's third consecutive build in partnership with KaBOOM!. "At Quotient, we're committed to helping our neighbors and all kids get a fair start in life," said Michele Boal, cofounder and chief philanthropy officer at Quotient. "Active kids create active minds. We're proud of our continued partnership with KaBOOM! as we continue to make it a priority to do our part to build stronger communities." Grover Cleveland Park is the only space available for children to play in the Davis East neighborhood in San Leandro. The next closest park is over one mile away and, for many, would require crossing a highway. The existing playground equipment is over 25 years old and no longer safe for children to play on. The design of the new playspace is inspired by drawings done by children from a special event held in September. They were encouraged to draw the playspaces of their dreams. "KaBOOM! is dedicated to fostering healthy and productive lives with kids through play," said James Seigal, CEO of KaBOOM!. "Quotient has been a great partner for us over the years. Together, with the city of San Leandro, we continue our mission of giving children the balanced and active play they need to thrive." In prior years, Quotient has constructed playspaces and more at Roses in Concrete Community School in Oakland and at Bell Street Park in East Palo Alto. The playspace builds are part of Quotient's commitment to giving all children the opportunity to get a fair start in life. Build day begins at 8:30 a.m. PDT on Friday, November 4, 2016, at Grover Cleveland Park located at 862 O'Donnell Avenue in San Leandro, CA 94577. For more information or to RSVP, please email [email protected] or call at (650) 396-8821. About Quotient Technology Inc. Quotient Technology Inc. (NYSE: QUOT), formerly Coupons.com Incorporated, is a leading digital promotion and media platform that connects brands, retailers and consumers. We distribute digital coupons and media through a variety of products, including: digital printable coupons, digital paperless coupons, coupon codes and card linked offers. We operate Quotient Retailer iQ, a real-time digital coupon platform that connects into a retailer's point-of-sale system and provides targeting and analytics for manufacturers and retailers. We also power digital coupon initiatives in online marketing campaigns, including display and video advertising. Our distribution network includes our flagship site, Coupons.com, our mobile applications, Grocery iQ, Shopmium, and our thousands of publisher partners. We serve hundreds of consumer packaged goods companies, such as Clorox, Procter & Gamble, General Mills and Kellogg's, as well as top retailers like Albertsons-Safeway, CVS, Dollar General, Kroger, and Walgreens. Founded in 1998, Quotient is based in Mountain View, Calif., and is bringing the multi-billion dollar offline promotions industry into the digital world. Learn more about the company at http://quotient.com and follow us on Twitter @Quotient. Quotient Technology Inc., Quotient Retailer iQ, Coupons.com, Grocery iQ and Shopmium are trademarks of Quotient Technology Inc. All other marks are owned by their respective owners. About KaBOOM! KaBOOM! is the national non-profit dedicated to giving all kids particularly those growing up in poverty in America the childhood they deserve filled with balanced and active play, so they can thrive. Since 1996, KaBOOM! has collaborated with partners to build, open or improve nearly 16,300 playgrounds, engaged more than one million volunteers and served 8.1 million kids. KaBOOM! creates great places to play, inspires communities to promote and support play, and works to drive the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive lives. To learn why #playmatters: visit kaboom.org or join the conversation at twitter.com/kaboom or facebook.com/kaboom. Contact: Tessa Chen Sr. Communications Manager (650) 396-8821 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151022/279702LOGO SOURCE Quotient Technology Inc. Related Links https://www.quotient.com DAYTON, Ohio, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Reynolds and Reynolds Company today announced the release of the Reynolds LAW Oklahoma F&I Library, a comprehensive catalog of standardized, legally reviewed finance and insurance (F&I) documents for new motor vehicle dealers in Oklahoma. The Reynolds LAW Oklahoma F&I Library was jointly developed by Reynolds Document Services and the Oklahoma Automobile Dealers Association (OADA). "We are pleased to announce this comprehensive suite of documents for new motor vehicle dealers in Oklahoma," said Jerry Kirwan, senior vice president and general manager of Reynolds Document Services. "The documents in the LAW Oklahoma F&I Library are designed to help dealers meet compliance obligations and manage risk. The documents in the library are regularly reviewed for legal sufficiency with the latest automotive regulations by Reynolds' industry-leading forms specialists alongside Reynolds' outside legal partners and representatives from the OADA." Kirwan also noted that the documents in the library are written in consumer-friendly language and can help to establish a clearer, more efficient F&I process at the dealership. By increasing the efficiency of the F&I process, the overall consumer experience with the dealership can be improved. Steven Rankin, President of the Oklahoma Automobile Dealers Association, said, "The Oklahoma Automobile Dealers Association aims to protect and support the business interests of Oklahoma car and truck dealers. We are happy to share the LAW Oklahoma F&I Library with our dealers because it is designed to help them maintain compliance, improve day-to-day F&I operations, and improve the experience of buying a car or truck for their customers." In addition, the printed documents in the LAW Oklahoma F&I Library are available in a digital format, which can help facilitate the conversion to laser-printed transactions and e-contracting. Reynolds Document Services maintains licensing agreements with all major providers of electronic F&I (e-F&I) solutions. The Oklahoma Automobile Dealers Association is the trade association for dealerships in Oklahoma. It serves more than 300 new car and heavy duty truck dealers across the state. About Reynolds LAW Brand Documents Reynolds' LAW brand is well established as one of the most trusted brands in the automotive industry. LAW documents are available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and have been endorsed by a number of state automobile dealers associations and leading automotive finance institutions. The flagship product of the LAW brand is the Reynolds LAW 553 Universal Retail Installment Sale Contract, the most widely accepted document in auto finance. The Reynolds LAW 553 is regularly reviewed by industry experts to help keep pace with new legislative and regulatory developments. Reynolds and Reynolds was founded in 1866 as a business forms printer. Since the 1920s, Reynolds has been known as the leader in serving automobile dealerships nationwide with standard and custom business and vehicle sales and service documents to help dealers manage their operations more efficiently and serve their customers more effectively. About Reynolds Reynolds and Reynolds is a leading provider of automobile dealership software, services, and forms to help dealerships deliver better business results and transform the customer experience. The company is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, with major operations in Houston and College Station, Texas, and Celina, Ohio. (www.reyrey.com) SOURCE The Reynolds and Reynolds Company Related Links http://www.reyrey.com WATERLOO, ON, Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - RuListing Inc. is pleased to announce www.rulisting.com, a real estate network that connects buyers and owners before a home is listed on the market. Homebuyers now have a dedicated real estate application to build a wishlist and select to post on an address, street or desired neighborhood. Homeowners can view a buyer's post and connect directly without the time and expense of listing on the open market. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161101/435039LOGO) "I recognized a problem when I couldn't find anything interesting on the market and I wanted to connect directly with homeowners of homes not yet available for sale" said Susan Joynt, Founder, RuListing Inc. RuListing services the residential and commercial market, connecting buyers and owners for any real estate need, including purchase, rent and lease, anywhere in the world. Whether in San Diego, or as far away as Hong Kong, buyers can post an interest on properties around the world and connect with homeowners even before they've arrived. RuListing's wishlist and network services are free. Premium members can complete a profile that calculates a buyer's ruRTP score, a RuListing proprietary metric that helps distinguish browsers from serious buyers, and provides homeowners with a level of comfort before sending a buyer a message. "Virtually every industry has been reinvented with people-to-people networks that reset the value of traditional services. The likes of Airbnb and Uber have transformed traditional industry business models the real estate industry is long overdue," Joynt said. The real estate industry is dominated by well-established industry leaders including Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.ca., who spend millions on marketing and intellectual property to drive site traffic and sales behind properties already listed on the market. Over the years, owners and buyers have come to resent the lack of available alternatives, high commission fees and third party representation supporting barriers to direct buyer and owner contact that is contrary to modern day people-to-people technology trends. RuListing provides a global real estate community of buyers and owners, offering both parities the choice to decide whether to work together privately or hire a realtor. Driving homebuyer usage is the key to transforming the real estate industry as owners would have ready access to qualified buyers before listing, effectively preempting traditional real estate sites. No longer are buyers limited to only those properties listed on the market. Connecting to owners before listing expands supply to unlisted homes and offers homebuyers more choice among those properties not yet available on the open market. RuListing on mobile helps buyers organize their home search on-the-go and while searching within their desired neighborhood. Buyers can save favorite homes, streets and neighborhoods, add notes and photos, share, and post interests. Homebuyers can also mail a member letter inviting homeowners to view their post and connect over rulisting.com. ruListing Inc., 2016. All rights reserved. ruListing, the ruListing logo and the ruRTP Score are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of ruListing Inc SOURCE RUListing WAYNE, Pa., Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ryan & Maniskas, LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on behalf of purchasers of Adeptus Health Inc. ("Adeptus Health" or the "Company") (NYSE: ADPT) Class A common shares (hereinafter the "common shares" or "common stock") pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's secondary public offering (the "SPO") on or about July 31, 2015, seeking to pursue remedies under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), as well as purchasers of the Company's common shares between April 23, 2015 and November 16, 2015, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Adeptus Health shareholders may, no later than December 27, 2016, move the Court for appointment as a lead plaintiff of the Class. If you purchased shares of Adeptus Health and would like to learn more about these claims or if you wish to discuss these matters and have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights, contact Richard A. Maniskas, Esquire toll-free at (877) 316-3218 or to sign up online, visit: www.rmclasslaw.com/cases/adpt. The complaint charges Adeptus Health, certain of its officers and directors and the underwriters of its SPO with violations of the Securities Act and/or the Exchange Act. Adeptus Health owns and operates a network of independent freestanding emergency rooms in the United States. The complaint alleges that defendants misrepresented and failed to disclose material adverse facts regarding the Company's business and prospects, which were known to defendants or recklessly disregarded by them, including that: (a) Adeptus Health had been engaging in widespread predatory billing practices, particularly with respect to lower acuity level patients; (b) Adeptus Health's predatory billing practices subjected the Company to numerous known, but undisclosed, risks, including monetary risks, reputational risks, risks associated with improper financial reporting, civil or criminal sanctions, and even exclusion from federal and state healthcare programs; (c) the Company's financial statements had not been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles; (d) contrary to defendants' representations about the Company's practice of referring lower acuity patients to urgent care facilities, Adeptus Health routinely treated lower acuity patients and excessively billed them for the services it rendered; and (e) as a result of the foregoing, defendants lacked a reasonable basis for their positive statements about Adeptus Health's then-current business and future financial prospects. On November 17, 2015, KUSA, an NBC-affiliated television station located in Denver, Colorado, aired a 9WANTS To Know investigative report about the billing practices at Adeptus Health's Colorado First Choice emergency rooms ("ERs"). According to the report, which had been based on "months" of investigation, the Company's First Choice ERs engaged in a pattern and practice of predatory overbilling. In response to the airing of the KUSA investigative report, the price of Adeptus Health common stock plummeted more than 22% on very heavy trading volume, falling from $59.87 per share on November 16, 2015 to $46.50 per share on November 17, 2015. If you are a member of the class, you may, no later than December 27, 2016, request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff of the class. A lead plaintiff is a representative party that acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member's claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class. Under certain circumstances, one or more class members may together serve as "lead plaintiff." Your ability to share in any recovery is not, however, affected by the decision whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. You may retain Ryan & Maniskas, LLP or other counsel of your choice, to serve as your counsel in this action. For more information regarding this, please contact Ryan & Maniskas, LLP (Richard A. Maniskas, Esquire) toll-free at (877) 316-3218 or by email at [email protected] or visit: www.rmclasslaw.com/cases/adpt. For more information about class action cases in general or to learn more about Ryan & Maniskas, LLP, please visit our website: www.rmclasslaw.com. Ryan & Maniskas, LLP is a national shareholder litigation firm. Ryan & Maniskas, LLP is devoted to protecting the interests of individual and institutional investors in shareholder actions in state and federal courts nationwide. CONTACT: Ryan & Maniskas, LLP Richard A. Maniskas, Esquire 995 Old Eagle School Rd., Suite 311 Wayne, PA 19087 484-588-5516 877-316-3218 www.rmclasslaw.com/cases/adpt [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121112/MM11729LOGO SOURCE Ryan & Maniskas, LLP Related Links http://www.rmclasslaw.com SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the Customer Success Platform and world's #1 CRM company, today announced Lightning Partner Communitya fast and intelligent solution for companies looking to accelerate sales from their partner ecosystem. With Lightning Partner Community, companies can arm resellers, franchisees, channel teams and more with the same tools that make their own direct sales force successful. Partner ecosystems are imperative to helping companies scale and drive growth. In fact, according to Accenture, an average of 70 percent of high-tech sales come from channel partners[1]. However, many partners are hampered by the solutions that connect them with vendors todayarchaic systems that are difficult to navigate, fragmented and impossible to access from a mobile devicelimiting the potential of what their sales could be. Introducing Lightning Partner Community: Supercharging your Partner Ecosystem The new Lightning Partner Community enables companies to turn partners into an extension of their own direct sales team by giving them a single place to identify opportunities, track progress and close deals. The new Lightning Partner Community includes: Lightning Partner Experience: Featuring a new, mobile-first design, the Lightning Partner Experience allows companies to easily deliver an intuitive, personalized and branded user experience across any device. For example, an insurance agent now has access to all of the policy and pricing information they need to answer any question that comes up during a meeting, even in a client's home. Featuring a new, mobile-first design, the Lightning Partner Experience allows companies to easily deliver an intuitive, personalized and branded user experience across any device. For example, an insurance agent now has access to all of the policy and pricing information they need to answer any question that comes up during a meeting, even in a client's home. Integrated CRM for Partners: Now including Sales Path, Kanban View, Lightning Dashboards and Salesforce CPQ, Integrated CRM for Partners extends CRM recordsincluding leads, opportunities and accountsin an intuitive workflow that provides partners with everything they need to close deals in a single location. For example, a technology reseller can now easily track their deals from lead-to-cashidentify opportunities, update deal progress and configure the best solutionenabling them to close more deals faster. Now including Sales Path, Kanban View, Lightning Dashboards and Salesforce CPQ, Integrated CRM for Partners extends CRM recordsincluding leads, opportunities and accountsin an intuitive workflow that provides partners with everything they need to close deals in a single location. For example, a technology reseller can now easily track their deals from lead-to-cashidentify opportunities, update deal progress and configure the best solutionenabling them to close more deals faster. Salesforce Einstein for Partner Community: Now with recommended answers, knowledge articles and experts, Salesforce Einstein for Partner Community enables partners to sell faster and smarter. For example, if a franchise owner is looking to expand their restaurant business, they're bound to encounter a few questions along the wayeverything from distance between locations to promotional offers and staffing ratios. Salesforce Einstein is able to recommend articles and experts in the community who can answer their questions, enabling the franchisee to grow their business as seamlessly as possible. Comments on the news: "Companies have the ability to accelerate growth if they create a partner ecosystem that can act like an extension of their sales team," said Mike Micucci , GM & SVP, Salesforce Community Cloud. "With the new Lightning Partner Community, companies can now arm partners with the world's smartest CRM, helping them close more deals faster." , GM & SVP, Salesforce Community Cloud. "With the new Lightning Partner Community, companies can now arm partners with the world's smartest CRM, helping them close more deals faster." "With Lightning Partner Community, we will be able to more effectively capture the information related to our collective infrastructure and as a result provide better, more proactive support to our franchise community," said Adrian Butler , CIO, DineEquity, Inc. "The ability to access critical information and communities across our system is an excellent enabling platform for DineEquity's global growth." , CIO, DineEquity, Inc. "The ability to access critical information and communities across our system is an excellent enabling platform for DineEquity's global growth." "At Zurich, our priority is delivering fast, personalized service for our customers," said Marc Fabris , Head of Digital at Zurich Australia. "Our continued development for Advisers using the Lightning Partner Community will enable them to work faster, smarter and build deeper relationships with our mutual customers." Salesforce Community Cloud enables companies of all sizes to integrate business data and processes with their communities, creating a seamless customer, partner and employee experience. Built on the Salesforce Platform, Community Cloud is part of Salesforce CRM, and easily connects to third-party systems and data sources, so companies can access the tools and information they need to be successful. With Community Cloud, companies have experienced a 46% increase in partner engagement and a 43% increase in sales[2]. Pricing & Availability Lightning Partner Community is generally available today with the Partner Community Cloud License. Salesforce CPQ for Lightning Partner Community will be generally available in early 2017. Additional Information Learn more about the Salesforce Community Cloud here: http://www.salesforce.com/communities/overview/ Learn how to get started with Salesforce Community Cloud here: http://trailhead.salesforce.com/community_cloud_basics Connect with Salesforce Like Salesforce and Salesforce Community Cloud on Facebook. Follow @salesforce and @communitycloud on Twitter. About Salesforce Salesforce, the Customer Success Platform and world's #1 CRM, empowers companies to connect with their customers in a whole new way. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), visit: www.salesforce.com. Any unreleased services or features referenced in this or other press releases or public statements are not currently available and may not be delivered on time or at all. Customers who purchase Salesforce applications should make their purchase decisions based upon features that are currently available. Salesforce has headquarters in San Francisco, with offices in Europe and Asia, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CRM." For more information please visit http://www.salesforce.com, or call 1-800-NO-SOFTWARE. [1] Accenture, Improving the ROI of Indirect Channel Incentives 2015, https://www.accenture.com/us-en/~/media/Accenture/Conversion-Assets/DotCom/Documents/Global/PDF/Technology_1/Accenture-Improving-The-ROI-of-Indirect-Channel-Incentives.pdf [2] Salesforce Customer Relationship Survey, conducted March 2015 - May 2015 by an independent third-party, Confirmit Inc., on 4,600+ customers randomly selected Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130612/SF30598LOGO SOURCE Salesforce Related Links http://www.salesforce.com BOSTON, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Santander's Business and Retail customers now have access to some of the Bank's recent innovations in the palm of their hands. The Bank today announced the launch of its Business Banking app, a new multi-feature mobile platform specifically created to meet the unique needs of its business banking customers. The app is designed to save business customers time and keep them better informed about their finances. Santander also recently made enhancements to its Consumer Banking app, making it easier to use and adding features, including a fingerprint login option for customers with Touch ID technology on their mobile devices. "We are investing more resources in our digital platform to accommodate the growing number of customers who prefer to do their banking online or on their mobile devices," said Michael Cleary, Head of Consumer and Business Banking at Santander. "Our customers lead busy lives and part of delivering a great customer experience includes giving them options. These customer-focused innovations ensure that making deposits, checking multiple account balances and managing your business's finances with Santander is quicker and more effortless than ever before." Using Santander's Business Banking app, business customers can use their mobile devices to deposit up to $15,000 per day into their accounts without visiting a branch or ATM and they can easily transfer funds between their business and personal accounts. The app's additional features include 'Quick Balance,' which allows customers to check their balances in up to three Santander accounts without signing into mobile banking. Santander piloted the Business Banking app in July 2016 with nearly 250 business customers. When surveyed, more than 95% of respondents said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the app and more than 90% said they would recommend it to other business owners. Based on the pilot's success, Santander recently rolled out the app to all of its business account holders. Amir Madjlessi, Santander's Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Business Banking, added, "For business owners, time is money so their banking experiences need to be simple and convenient. As one of the few banks in our Northeast footprint to offer a mobile platform exclusively for business banking customers, we are fulfilling our promise to listen to our customers and give them the banking tools and options that are most useful in their professional and personal lives." The improved Consumer Banking app is easier to navigate and now, for customers wanting immediate access to their account balances, they can view balances for up to three Santander accounts without logging in to mobile banking. The app's self-service functionality allows customers to reset their online and mobile banking passwords anytime, anywhere - and customers who have iOS devices compatible with Touch ID technology can now use their fingerprint to log in. Santander will be adding more features and enhancements to its Consumer Mobile app later this year and throughout 2017. The Business Banking app can be found in the iTunes App Store and Google Play under 'Business Banking.' Santander Bank, N.A. is one of the country's top retail and commercial banks by deposits and a wholly owned subsidiary of Banco Santander, S.A. - one of the most respected banking groups in the world. With its corporate offices in Boston, Santander Bank's more than 670 branches and nearly 2,100 ATMs are principally located in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. The Bank's 9,400 employees are committed to helping our 2.1 million customers make progress toward their financial goals with the support of our call centers, interactive online banking platform and easy-to-use mobile app. Madrid-based Banco Santander (NYSE: SAN) serves more than 117 million customers in the U.K., Europe, Latin America and the U.S. Through its local affiliates, including Santander Bank, Banco Santander is the largest corporate contributor to higher education in the world, investing over $165 million annually in colleges and universities across more than 20 countries, including the U.S. For more information on Santander Bank, please visit www.santanderbank.com. Media Contacts: Ann Davis 617-757-5891 [email protected] Nancy Orlando 617-757-5765 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130724/PH52209LOGO SOURCE Santander Bank, N.A. Related Links http://www.santanderbank.com LYNDHURST, N.J., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Scarinci Hollenbeck successfully represented AASKI Technology, Inc. ("AASKI") in a bid protest before the Government Accountability Office (GAO), preserving the Ocean-based defense contractor's award to provide professional support to the U.S. Army (the "Army"). URS Federal Services, Inc., represented by Washington D.C. - based Wiley Rein, protested the award, arguing the Army misevaluated its lower-cost proposal and applied unstated criterion when evaluating its proposed key personnel. On October 12, 2016, the GAO rejected URS's protest and upheld the award to AASKI. Roshan D. Shah, Esq. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435403LOGO Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435404 RTEP Issued by the Army A Request for Task Execution Proposal (RTEP) was issued by the Army under the Rapid Response Third Generation (R2-3G) multiple award contract. The solicitation stated that an award would be made on a lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) basis. It also stated that the offerors would be evaluated on three factors: technical, cost, and cost control factors. The technical evaluation factor consisted of five subfactors, including key personnel. To satisfy the key personnel subfactor, offerors were required to submit resumes for 11 key personnel positions. The resumes needed to show that each proposed candidate met the criteria established by the R2-3G base labor categories and the Performance Work Statement. After evaluating the proposals, the Army awarded the contract to AASKI. The Army held that although URS' proposal was lower in cost, it failed to submit a suitable candidate for one of its 11 key personnel positions, namely the position of Senior Analyst for the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) program. The Army found that URS's proposed candidate lacked EOD-specific training or experience. URS filed a bid protest with the GAO, arguing that EOD specific training or experience was not required under the terms of the solicitation. URS argued, in the alternative, that the Army unreasonably evaluated its candidate. They stated that certain key aspects of the candidate's training were ignored by the Army. AASKI Prevails After two rounds of briefing from the Army, URS and AASKI, the GAO denied URS' bid protest. The GAO found that the RTEP sufficiently placed URS on notice that its proposed candidate needed to demonstrate knowledge of the EOD program. In light of this, the Army did not apply an unstated criterion. The GAO also found URS' contention that its proposed candidate met the requirements based on his experience with counter-IEDs and the Army to be unpersuasive. The GAO pointed out that URS conceded its candidate had no specific EOD training or experience. Thus, they determined that URS' argument amounted to "no more than mere disagreement with the [Army] and provides no basis to question the reasonableness of the [Army's] evaluation." Scarinci Hollenbeck Senior Associate Roshan D. Shah represented AASKI Technology, Inc. For the full decision, see Matter of URS Federal Services, Inc. About Roshan D. Shah Roshan D. Shah is a distinguished litigator and trial attorney Mr. Shah has successfully tried cases to juries in federal and state courts, and administrative agencies. Among his many honors and awards, he was named one of the New Jersey Law Journals New Leaders of the Bar for 2016. In 2015, he was awarded the New Jersey Attorney General's Award for Trial Excellence. To learn more about Roshan Shah, go to www.sh-law.com/attorneys/roshan-d-shah/ About Scarinci Hollenbeck With a growing practice of close to 60 experienced attorneys, Scarinci Hollenbeck (www.sh-law.com) is a regional alternative to a National 250 law firm. With offices in New Jersey, New York City, and the District of Columbia, we serve the niche practice areas most often required by institutions, corporations, entities, and the people who own and control them. Since the firm was founded in 1988, we have maintained our reputation for knowledge, experience, and professionalism. Most attorneys at Scarinci Hollenbeck have significant experience in their practice areas, and have published and lectured on current topics in their field. Contact : Peter Moeller Tel: 201-896-4100 x 3324 [email protected] SOURCE Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC Related Links http://www.sh-law.com AIR SHOW CHINA, Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Shenzhen Airlines has selected the V2500 engine to power 13 firm Airbus A320ceo family aircraft. The V2500 engine is offered through IAE International Aero Engines AG, a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders comprise Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX); Pratt & Whitney Aero Engines International GmbH; Japanese Aero Engines Corporation; and MTU Aero Engines GmbH. "We appreciate the choice Shenzhen Airlines made in selecting the V2500 engine to power its A320ceo family aircraft," said Rick Deurloo, senior vice president, Commercial Engine Sales, Marketing & Customer Support, Pratt & Whitney. "We look forward to continuing our relationship with Shenzhen Airlines in supporting their V2500 powered A320ceo family aircraft." Established in 1992, Shenzhen Airlines, a member of the Star Alliance, operates passenger, freight and postal transport. Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit its website at www.utc.com, or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC. This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in levels of demand in the aerospace industry, in levels of air travel, and in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges in the design, development, production support, performance and realization of the anticipated benefits of advanced technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corp.'s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Sara Banda Grace Xie Pratt & Whitney Pratt & Whitney China 860-565-4031 office 86 - 21- 6036 0602 office 860-202-8644 mobile 86 - 15801772527 mobile [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Pratt & Whitney Related Links http://www.utc.com SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Siluria Technologies (www.siluria.com) continues to garner worldwide attention for its technology leadership in the production of chemicals and transportation fuels derived from natural gas. Driven to "build with natural gas," Siluria's breakthroughs have been called "a holy grail in the petrochemicals industry" by Forbes.com and its leadership will be further amplified when its EVP of Strategy & Corporate Development, Rahul Iyer, Co-Chairs the Center for Energy Initiatives' (CEI) Natural Gas Utilization Workshop, taking place November 1-3 in Morgantown, West Virginia. CEI is a member of The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AiChE) technological community. The CEI workshop on natural gas conversion technologies will bring together leaders in downstream natural gas conversion across industry, academia and government to discuss various perspectives on hurdles to technology implementation. Siluria's perspective was sought for its analysis and insight on new and beneficial downstream technologies, and to address opportunities and constraints on the development and commercialization of technology in a new era of natural gas. The workshop will consider diverse stakeholder interests across the natural gas value chain and provide recommendations to federal agencies on how best to accelerate technology adoption. "I am honored to accept this role with an organization that is absolutely critical to advancing the chemical engineering industry," said Iyer. "I greatly look forward to working with my event Co-Chair, Dr. John Hu, the Statler Endowed Faculty Chair in Engineering for Natural Gas Utilization at the University of West Virginia. Together with industry leaders from Dow Chemical, ExxonMobil, the National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and top academic minds from The University of West Virginia, Texas A&M and Penn State University, we'll be working to chart a course to further AiChE's growth, development and global influence for the near-and-long term. " AiChE is the world's leading organization for chemical engineering professionals, with more than 50,000 members representing more than 100 countries. Iyer was sought for his leadership role based on Siluria's well-documented success and industry-disrupting innovation, along with his established reputation as a trusted industry source on the "how" and "why" of advanced energy technology commercialization among a community of innovators, investors, policy makers, and leading academics. More information about the CEI workshop can be found on the event website here. About Siluria: Siluria Technologies is pioneering the commercial production of fuels and chemicals made from clean, abundant natural gas. Siluria's proprietary technologies address the global petrochemical industry's complex challenges of volatile commodity prices, shifting supply and demand patterns, stricter environmental regulations, and capitally intensive conventional technologies. Siluria's breakthrough Oxidative Coupling of Methane ("OCM") process is the first commercially-viable process to directly convert methane into ethylene. Siluria's second process technology can convert ethylene to liquid fuels, such as gasoline, diesel or jet fuel. Both processes enable natural gas to supplement petroleum as the worldwide basis for transportation fuels and commodity chemicals. Siluria's innovation platform continues to drive breakthroughs in process technologies. Previously solely focused on producing ethylene and gasoline from natural gas, Siluria's platform has now expanded to target further addressable markets through broader feedstock slates, and additional valuable petrochemical products. Siluria's revolutionary catalyst and process technologies uniquely combine nanomaterials, catalyst development, and chemical engineering, to convert low value carbon sources into higher-value products through efficient processes that can be seamlessly integrated into existing industry infrastructure. For more information about Siluria, visit www.siluria.com. Media Contact: Chris Wailes [email protected] (713) 627-2223 (office) (713) 585-5144 (mobile) Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160511/366381LOGO SOURCE Siluria Technologies Related Links http://www.siluria.com NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- New Business Models Must Consider Commercial Grid Connection Implications as the Distribution Network Transforms The South African small-scale embedded generation market is entering an exponential implementation phase. Soon after 2010, the uptake of private solar photovoltaic (PV) systems began to increase. This resulted in the creation of more than 215 companies that provide either a product, a service, or both in South Africa. This new sector begged the option of returning generated power back into the grid, which itself was hindered by a lack of policy. The City of Cape Town has led the creation of a policy, which is spreading to other municipalities. Over time, the volume of private power generation will begin to affect revenue of the state-owned power utility, Eskom. A disruptive technology is one that significantly alters a market by suddenly capturing share and forcing competitors to alter their business models or risk becoming irrelevant. This report highlights the market in 2016 and unpacks how the utility's revenue business models are being disrupted. It further highlights the current and future states of the power sector in South Africa. The study's objectives are: To highlight current power generation capacity and future independent power producer (IPP) programmes To highlight what it means for solar PV to be a disruptive technology for a utility, and to consider current legislation and policy structures in South Africa that allow small-scale embedded generation To size the market in South Africa by considering the competitive landscape, the total capacity rolled out thus far, and the solar PV value chain To unpack the opportunities that exist in various links of the solar PV value chain: technology suppliers, energy developers, engineering, procurements and construction management companies (EPCs) and operations and maintenance (O&M) companies Primary research was conducted in the form of phone interviews with companies that are closely involved in the South African PV market, including small-scale PV embedded generation, and by compiling research from energy conferences. A base year of 2015 was chosen; this is the most recent year in which a full set of data was available. Companies consulted included Power Quality & Renewable Services, which generates an up-to-date database of the South African PV market. Information on legislation for off-grid solutions was obtained directly from government sources. The research focuses on the opportunities being created in South Africa as power sourcing evolves from a centralised to a decentralised model. The study considers off-grid solutions, including solar rooftop PV, that are privately producing power and that are selling back into the network. Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04259429-summary/view-report.html About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. http://www.reportlinker.com __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com FRANKLIN, Tenn., Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Indie writing organization Second Chance Publishing announces the release of Greg Schaffer's new novel, Temptations of the Innocent, the prequel to the acclaimed novel Forgiveness. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161101/434743 Author Greg Schaffer Temptations of the Innocent Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161101/434744 Seminarian and World War II veteran Albert Whelan, deeply devoted to his primary calling to help others, is naively unaware of his status as a prime target for indoctrination as part of a Soviet plot to infiltrate the Roman Catholic Church from within. However, the agent posing as a priest leading the subversion effort in New York has a deeper, more sinister motive for maintaining authority over Albert. Consumed with a desire for revenge, he believes Albert may be "The One" bent on destroying him, threatening his eternal existence. Spanning four decades in the middle of twentieth century New York, this upmarket fantasy, with characters transcending time and the material world, explores the battle of good versus evil on several levels, slowly revealing an underlying story arc exploring the possibilities of an existence and a purpose beyond life and death. "With its extended timeline, I wanted to include elements correlating with actual events, such as dovetailing President Ronald Reagan's travel schedule in the 1980s with a significant character's development," Schaffer explained. "This allows for connecting what we know with the fantasy of the unknown." The positive reader feedback for his debut novel Forgiveness prompted Schaffer to expand that tale to a trilogy. "There was a greater story to be told," he said. "While Forgiveness touched on second chances, Temptations of the Innocent explores that theme from the beginning of life itself." He expects to release the final element of the trilogy and the sequel to Forgiveness, with a current working title of Redemption, in 2018. Second Chance Publishing is an indie writing resource highlighting independent writers. Contact Second Chance Publishing and Greg Schaffer at (615) 948-6550, [email protected] , or www.secondchancebook.org. SOURCE Second Chance Publishing Related Links http://www.secondchancebook.org SAN MATEO, Calif., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Insurance provider Starkweather & Shepley is partnering with Marketo, Inc., the leading provider of marketing software and solutions, to help its clients better prepare for uncertainty through personalized, practical content related to life's unexpected situations. Using Marketo's platform, Starkweather & Shepley has built stronger connections with its customer base and grown new business revenue by 10-15 percent through marketing. Other notable achievements include: Numerous high-premium deals with help from automated event follow-up messages with help from automated event follow-up messages As high as 100 percent open-rates on video introductions from sales reps to highly targeted prospective customer lists on video introductions from sales reps to highly targeted prospective customer lists Nearly 50 percent of attendance to certain seminars sourced via Marketo Ad Bridge and ads on LinkedIn and Facebook via and ads on LinkedIn and Facebook A reduction in unsubscribe rates thanks to content optimized for mobile and desktop, all with a consistent look and feel across all channels In an industry where companies are responsible for providing their customers with peace of mind, it is essential that insurers be able to help clients prepare for any unexpected event. Consumers are increasingly searching online for more personalized insurance offerings, breaking the industry mode of traditional paper communication. Starkweather & Shepley recognized that a digital shift would make a big difference for the firm, from the ability to automatically send alerts to financial customers on industry regulation changes to supplying customers with claims information ahead of winter storms. The 137-year-old brokerage chose Marketo as a partner for their digital transformation because of its proven success in regulated industries and strong platform that could support a full suite of marketing activities. Since January 2016, Starkweather & Shepley has used Marketo to do everything from deploying weekly email newsletters across its 19 practice groups to sending short video introductions from sales reps to prospective customers. The latter has given a more creative and personal touch to sales outreach, with the ability to measure which videos have led to closed deals. In addition, the firm's marketing team of one has been able to automate email campaigns to attendees of live and online events, in turn tracking how they have contributed to millions of dollars in revenue, a number that has gradually increased since January. As a result of these efforts, Starkweather & Shepley was recognized as one of the top three "Fastest-Growing & Innovative Companies" by Providence Business News. "We never thought that something as simple as sending out a newsletter to prospects or a survey to customers would generate business, but we're closing deals thanks to the engagement we're driving," says Stefan Petrella, marketing & advertising director, Starkweather & Shepley. "Marketo makes it possible for Starkweather & Shepley to continue to put clients first by having ongoing conversations that lead to deeper relationships and ultimately more revenue." To learn more about how Marketo is helping customers in the insurance industry and beyond, visit www.marketo.com. About Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage, Inc. Starkweather & Shepley is presently the largest independent agency in Rhode Island and the 69th largest insurance brokerage firm in the U.S. Starkweather & Shepley is also one of the oldest companies in the state with over 135 years of experience of providing insurance solutions to New England residents and businesses alike. The firm provides commercial insurance, personal insurance, health and employee benefits, surety bonding and risk management service. These services are provided nationally and internationally, through its partnership with Assurex Global. Headquartered in East Providence, RI, Starkweather has additional branch offices in Westerly, RI; Bristol and Shelton, CT; Westwood, Sturbridge, and Martha's Vineyard, MA; and Fort Myers, FL. About Marketo Marketo provides the leading engagement marketing software and solutions designed to help marketers develop long-term relationships with their customers - from acquisition to advocacy. Marketo is built for marketers, by marketers and is setting the innovation agenda for marketing technology. Marketo puts Marketing First. Headquartered in San Mateo, CA, with offices around the world, Marketo serves as a strategic partner to large enterprise and fast-growing small companies across a wide variety of industries. To learn more about Marketo's Engagement Marketing Platform, LaunchPoint partner ecosystem, and the vast community that is the Marketo Marketing Nation, visit www.marketo.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20070917/AQM011LOGO SOURCE Marketo, Inc. Henry Ford was the first hospital in the United States performing the unique procedure called transcaval valve replacement, which accesses the heart by temporarily connecting major blood vessels in the patient's abdomen. Cardiologist Adam Greenbaum, M.D., director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Henry Ford Hospital, led the team who performed the first procedure at Henry Ford on July 3, 2013. The study published this week online in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, reported a 98% success rate for the procedure in 100 patients in a multi-center trial. Dr. Greenbaum presented the results to interventional cardiologists gathered at the 28th annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) scientific symposium in Washington, D.C. "There were some doubters, so the reason we did this prospective trial was to prove that it could be done safely," Greenbaum said at the conference focused on catheter-based treatments. "The success of this approach offers a new route for heart valve patients who may be out of options." Robert Lederman, M.D., an interventional cardiologist at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, developed the transcaval technique in a research setting. He came to Henry Ford in July 2013 to observe the initial procedure and share his insights. Since then, the procedure has been performed when the patients were either too sick for traditional open heart surgery, or their anatomy like small arteries -- prevented the use of more traditional routes to the heart using a catheter. During transcaval valve replacement, a wire is guided into a leg and up through the femoral vein. An opening between the vein and artery is widened to the point of allowing a catheter to connect them, continue to the heart, and implant the new artificial aortic heart valve. As the catheter is removed, plugs are inserted in the artery and the vein to close the holes made for the temporary connection of the two major blood vessels. Greenbaum and the Center for Structural Heart Disease team at Henry Ford Hospital are the most experienced team performing the procedure in the United States. Northern Michigan resident Viola Waller was 80 years old when she underwent Henry Ford's first transcaval procedure at Henry Ford in 2013 after being told at another hospital her condition was untreatable. The mother of three, grandmother of five and great-grandmother of three now lives in Charlevoix in northern Michigan. William O'Neill, M.D., medical director of Henry Ford's Center for Structural Heart Disease, says the procedure could help 25,000 to 50,000 patients annually. "The milestone brings a message of hope for other potential patients in Michigan and across the country," says Dr. O'Neill. Approximately 5 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with heart valve disease annually. With an aging population that is often too frail for open-heart surgery, more than 20,000 Americans die of the disease each year, according to the American Heart Association. For more information on heart valve replacement, or an appointment, call (313) 916-1878 or visit www.henryfordhospital.com/structuralheart. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161103/435810 SOURCE Henry Ford Health System Related Links http://www.henryford.com Company plans to build on strong BrightMatter momentum and commercialize in worldwide markets TORONTO and NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Synaptive Medical, a leading medical device and technology company that pursues connections to transform the process of care, announced today that General Atlantic, a global growth equity firm, has made a strategic investment in the company. With over 35 years of experience investing in 250 growth companies and deep expertise in the healthcare and technology sectors, General Atlantic partners with entrepreneurs and management teams around the world to help them accelerate growth and become market leaders. General Atlantic Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Toronto, Synaptive develops integrated technologies to solve challenges both in and beyond the operating room through deep collaboration with surgeons and hospitals. The company's BrightMatter suite of products provide advanced visual and information tools that allow surgeons to focus on patient outcomes within a global healthcare industry. "The healthcare industry is shifting toward an integrated delivery model that treats the whole patient from the diagnosis to surgery and beyond. Efficient medical imaging, combined with timely and effective care, is a critical driver of that change. Synaptive is developing novel imaging solutions that will help improve clinical outcomes for patients in partnership with the people and institutions that care for them," said Cameron Piron, President of Synaptive Medical. "Partnering with an outstanding investor such as General Atlantic demonstrates our commitment to long-term growth. We look forward to leveraging GA's deep healthcare expertise and strong track record backing high-growth companies." The company's surgical technologywhich combines informatics, imaging, surgical planning, navigation and advanced opticshas been installed at top-ranked health care facilities across the United States, including recent installations at Emory University Hospital, the Gates Vascular Institute, Grady Health, Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital and Mount Sinai. Synaptive also pursues unique collaborations with its customers, such as its recent initiative with Henry Ford Health System to empower ONConnect, a virtual tumor board that aims to offer patients greater transparency in determining their brain tumor treatment options. "I am pleased about the partnership between Synaptive Medical and growth equity firm General Atlantic," said Reza Moridi, Ontario's Minister of Research, Innovation and Science. "It will help Ontario-based Synaptive continue its rapid growth and provide better outcomes for patients. It is strategic collaborations such as this one that are helping drive Ontario's knowledge-based economy." Synaptive's partnership with General Atlantic is expected to help accelerate the commercialization of the company's existing solutions across worldwide markets and help provide the foundation for significant investment in new research and product development. "We are excited to partner with Synaptive's passionate team, whose commitment to innovation, engagement with surgeons, and passion for patient care, has built an incredibly unique suite of products," said David Caluori, Principal at General Atlantic, who will join Synaptive's board of directors. "Synaptive's vision for a better approach to surgery is highly disruptive and is expected to address pain points common to many surgical areas that we expect will enhance patient outcomes over time." "Synaptive marks the first investment by General Atlantic in the medical device sector, which speaks volumes to the attractive market opportunity we see in the healthcare technology industry," said Alex Crisses, Managing Director at General Atlantic, who will join Synaptive's board of directors as an observer. Synaptive has successfully cleared its products for clinical use through the stringent review processes of the United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada, beginning with BrightMatter Plan, its innovative surgical planning tool, which received approval in early 2014 and continuing with approval of the company's more complex surgical navigation and visualization systems. In four years, Synaptive has introduced five Class-II and three Class-I medical devices in the United States and an equivalent number of products in Canada. Most recently, ImageDrive, Synaptive's flagship informatics platform, received FDA approval in early 2016. In 2015, Synaptive acquired intellectual property and products from ClearCanvas, a developer of innovative imaging informatics solutions. ClearCanvas technology is the architectural backbone for Synaptive's BrightMatter products, including BrightMatter Plan, and currently has approximately 60,000 worldwide users. About Synaptive Medical Synaptive Medical Inc., a Toronto-based medical device and technology company, has a talented team of scientists, engineers, locally-based customer care specialists and business experts specifically committed to developing and supporting surgical technologies and therapies. Their BrightMatter products provide advanced tools and information that allow surgeons to focus on patient outcomes. From advanced visualization and guidance to their first hands-free surgical scope, Synaptive Medical collaborates with surgeons, hospitals and industry partners to evolve the standard of care for surgical intervention. For more information, watch a video called "Synaptive Connections Come to Life" or visit https://www.synaptivemedical.com/. About General Atlantic General Atlantic is a leading global growth equity firm providing capital and strategic support for growth companies. Established in 1980, General Atlantic combines a collaborative global approach, sector-specific expertise, long-term investment horizon, and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great management and build exceptional businesses worldwide. The firm's Global Healthcare sector team, led by Managing Director Robbert Vorhoff, has made recent investments in healthcare companies including Alignment Healthcare, CitiusTech, eviCore Healthcare, Oak Street Health, Ourofino Saude Animal, and Sanfer. General Atlantic has more than 100 investment professionals based in New York, Amsterdam, Beijing, Greenwich, Hong Kong, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Munich, Palo Alto, Sao Paulo, and Singapore. www.generalatlantic.com Media Contacts Sherrie Van Oss Synaptive Medical +1-404-290-9664 [email protected] Kara Brickman Edelman for General Atlantic +1-212-729-2443 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435646LOGO Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150818/259242LOGO SOURCE General Atlantic Related Links http://www.generalatlantic.com WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Labor Relations Board has dismissed six objections filed by XPO Logistics involving the Oct. 12 election in Aurora, Ill., which means the Teamsters are now certified as the workers' bargaining representative. The union anticipates the company will appeal the decision to further delay the will of the workers. "We expected and are pleased that the NLRB definitively rejected these frivolous charges as simply a desperate attempt by the company to delay the certification of the election," said Tom Flynn, President of Teamsters Local 179 in Joliet, Ill. "We look forward to negotiating a strong first contract for the 74 drivers in Aurora." "This is good news, but the company continues to hire professional, high-priced union busters and attorneys to try to stop workers from forming their union," said Tyson Johnson, Director of the Teamsters Freight Division. "The hundreds of thousands of dollars the company spends should go to workers' wages and benefits instead. This company needs to start honoring the will of its employees who choose to form their union as Teamsters, and it also needs to stop attempting to intimidate its workers who are exercising their federally protected rights to organize." Local 179 has filed 10 labor charges against XPO for its actions in Aurora. The Aurora drivers at XPO voted for Teamster representation on Oct. 12, the same day that 127 warehouse workers in North Haven, Conn., voted to form their union as Teamsters. They join XPO workers in Miami; Laredo, Texas; and Vernon, Calif. who have already formed their union as Teamsters. On Nov. 10, XPO freight workers in the Philadelphia area will vote in their Teamsters election. On Oct. 21, the NLRB certified the Teamsters as the bargaining representative for the workers in North Haven. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @teamsters and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters. Contact: Kara Deniz, (202) 624-6911 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100127/IBTLOGO SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters Related Links http://www.teamster.org ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The ACSI technology licensed by consulting firm CFI Group is now the basis for an innovative new exchange-traded fund (ETF). The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) is the only national cross-industry measure of customer satisfaction that utilizes a proprietary econometric model to gather and interpret data. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435647LOGO The ACSI forms the core of a new ETF by ACSI Funds. The ETF, called the American Customer Satisfaction Core Alpha ETF, is traded on Bats ETF Marketplace, the #1 U.S. market for ETF trading. The ACSI enables ACSI Funds to provide broad equity exposure to investors by utilizing proprietary customer satisfaction and retention data as a signal of future changes in public company earnings and performance. "Our research has shown that changes in customer satisfaction lead to changes in company earnings and ultimately stock prices over the long term," said Phil Bak, CEO of ACSI Funds. "By utilizing the same technology as CFI Group the groundbreaking models developed by Dr. Claes Fornell we are able to objectively measure and quantify customer satisfaction, delivering it as an optimizing factor in the American Customer Satisfaction Core Alpha ETF." CFI Group was a founding partner of the ACSI in 1994 and is the only company within the United States licensed to apply the ACSI methodology in both the private and public sectors. CFI Group CEO Sheri Petras adds, "We are excited to see the power of the ACSI made available to investors. Over the past 20 years, CFI Group has leveraged the remarkable predictive power of the ACSI method for our clients both in industry and the public sphere. The ASCI method enables CFI Group to uncover the drivers and impact of customer experience." To learn more about CFI Group and the power of the ACSI visit www.cfigroup.com. About CFI Group (www.cfigroup.com) Since 1988, CFI Group has delivered customer experience measurement and business insights from its Ann Arbor, Michigan headquarters and a network of global offices. As founding partner of the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), CFI Group is the only company within the United States licensed to apply ACSI methodology in both the private and public sectors. Using this patented technology and top research experts, CFI Group uncovers the business drivers and financial impact of customer experience. About ACSI Funds Group (www.acsifunds.com) ACSI Funds is a boutique asset manager that creates investment products based upon the nationally recognized American Customer Satisfaction Index, created in 1994 by University of Michigan Professor Claes Fornell. The ACSI is the only national cross-industry measure of customer satisfaction. In addition to Prof. Fornell, ACSI Funds' management team includes investment industry veterans Phil Bak and Kevin Quigg. About Bats Global Markets (www.bats.com) Bats Global Markets, Inc. is a leading global operator of exchanges and services for financial markets, dedicated to Making Markets Better. Bats is the second-largest stock exchange operator in the U.S., operates the largest stock exchange and trade reporting facility in Europe, and the #1 market globally for ETF trading. We also operate growing ETF listings venues in the U.S. and Europe, two U.S. options exchanges and Bats Hotspot, our global foreign exchange market. Also, ETF.com, a leading provider of ETF news, data and analysis, is a wholly-owned subsidiary. The company is headquartered in Kansas City with offices in New York, London, Chicago, San Francisco, Singapore and Quito. Visit bats.com and @BatsGlobal for more information. Media Contact: Rich Rezler Rezler Communications for CFI Group [email protected] (734) 358-1910 SOURCE CFI Group Related Links http://www.cfigroup.com mark zuckerberg A big questions investors have for Facebook is when it will start making money from its collection of standalone apps. Instagram, the photo-sharing app Facebook bought for $1 billion in 2012, already contributes significantly to the company's ad revenue, but the company has been slowly tip-toeing towards monetization with its two other messaging apps, Messenger and WhatsApp. CEO Mark Zuckerberg laid out how he thinks about monetizing products in three phases during Facebook's third quarter earnings call on Wednesday: Build a great consumer experience and get it to scale (Facebook does that last part exceptionally well). Give people a way to "organically" communicate with businesses. Give businesses "tools to reach those people." Zuckerberg explained that Instagram is well into the third stage the app has over 1 million business accounts, serves ads, and is starting to let people shop for things. Although Facebook doesn't break out Instagram's revenue, analysts believe it is already contributing nicely to the top line. Money in messaging Messenger is early into the second stage, Zuckerberg said, as evidenced by the thousands of chat bots businesses have already built to communicate with people. Facebook said there are now 33,000 bots which allow Messenger users to buy anything from flowers to airplane tickets up from 11,000 in July. Facebook is also experimenting with different types of revenue-generating ads that connect users with bots and businesses. WhatsApp, which Facebook acquired for $22 billion in 2014, is still in the first stage. The app is starting to show early signs of revenue potential through a recent update to its privacy policy that linked WhatsApp and Facebook accounts for the first time, but it has yet to introduce any chat bots for businesses like Messenger. Zuckerberg said that "were going to really start working on the next phase next year for WhatsApp, which means we'll probably get an update about chat bots for WhatsApp at Facebook's annual developer conference in the spring. Story continues NOW WATCH: WhatsApp is now sharing your data with Facebook here's how to turn it off More From Business Insider OLATHE, Kan., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Terracon, a leading provider of environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services, announces the establishment of its first Virginia office locations through the acquisition of Geotechnical Consulting & Testing Inc. (GC&T), headquartered in Woodbridge, with a laboratory in Dulles. Formed in 1990, GC&T is a privately owned firm primarily dedicated to providing geotechnical and materials testing services. GC&T provides services for transportation and infrastructure, commercial, industrial, retail, residential, office, medical, and hospitality projects throughout the Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. David Gaboury, P.E., president and CEO of Terracon, said, "As Terracon continues our strategy of profitable growth and geographic expansion, we seek to build our presence in regions such as the Mid-Atlantic, where we can bring value to even greater numbers of clients nationwide." The transition is effective immediately. The company operates as Geotechnical Consulting & Testing, A Terracon Company. Terracon is retaining all 52 GC&T employees. GC&T is especially well-regarded in Washington D.C. for its laboratory testing capabilities and cost-effective performance of tests on soil, concrete, and reinforcing steel. The laboratory is accredited by the Washington Area Council of Engineering Laboratories, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, and the Virginia Department of Transportation. "Aligning with Terracon is a great opportunity for our employees and clients," said Emad Saadeh, P.E., chief engineer and president of GC&T. "This change provides our employees with the support of a national organization, and our clients with an expanded network of resources and complementary service offerings." GC&T joins Building Exterior Solutions, Mayes Testing Engineers Inc., and ROC Geotechnical Consulting Engineers as Terracon's fourth acquisition in 2016. Terracon is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm with more than 3,500 employees providing environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services from more than 130 offices with services available in all 50 states. Terracon currently ranks 32nd on Engineering News-Record's list of Top 500 Design Firms. For additional information about Terracon, visit www.terracon.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160908/405849LOGO SOURCE Terracon Related Links http://www.terracon.com DALLAS, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Pain Relief Group, a division of Physician Partners of America, is proud to introduce our newest physician, Dr. Paul Sardella. Dr. Sardella is a prominent physician in Texas, who is board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain management. A bilingual physician, Dr. Sardella graduated from Northwestern and then became a physician after attending Georgetown University Medical School. He is a member of American Society of Anesthesiologists, Texas Society of Anesthesiologists, and the Texas Pain Society. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435582LOGO Dr. Sardella performed a fellowship at Texas Tech Pain Management in Lubbock, Texas and then went into private practice. He is certified in a variety of injections which include: Neuroplasty, Facet, Epidural, and all Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Injections. For more information or to schedule an appointment: Please visit www.TexasPainReliefGroup.com or call 1-844-542-5724 (844-KICK-PAIN) to schedule an appointment. Dr. Paul Sardella is actively seeing new patients in the Dallas area at the following clinic locations: 4364 Heritage Trace Pkwy Suite #112 Fort Worth, TX 76244 About PPOA: Physician Partners of America (PPOA) is a national healthcare organization focused on strengthening the doctor-patient relationship and improving patient outcomes. PPOA, and their affiliates; Florida Pain Relief Group, Texas Pain Relief Group, Texas Foot and Ankle Group, Urgent Care of Texas and National Medical Practices, all share a common vision to ensure the well-being of patients and provide their physician partners the opportunity to focus on the practice of medicine. This model allows physicians to be physicians, caring about patients and their needs versus the ever complex administrative requirements. For more information about Physician Partners of America, visit www.physicianpartnersoa.com. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com. SOURCE Texas Pain Relief Group Related Links http://www.texaspainreliefgroup.com "The campaign has provided daily evidence that Mr Trump would be a terrible president. He has exploited America's simmering racial tensions. His experience, temperament and character make him horribly unsuited to being the head of state of the nation that the rest of the democratic world looks to for leadership, the commander-in-chief of the world's most powerful armed forces and the person who controls America's nuclear deterrent." The Economist's hypothetical vote therefore goes to Mrs Clinton. "Although, by itself, that is not much of an endorsement, we would go further. Mrs Clinton is a better candidate than she seems and better suited to cope with the awful, broken state of Washington politics than her critics allow. She deserves to prevail on her own merits." To read the whole endorsement, go to http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21709540-why-we-would-cast-our-hypothetical-vote-hillary-clinton-americas-best-hope or pick up the November 5th edition of The Economist. About The Economist (www.economist.com) With a growing global circulation and a reputation for insightful analysis and perspective on every aspect of world events, The Economist is one of the most widely recognised and well-read current affairs publications. The paper covers politics, business, science and technology, and books and arts, concluding each week with the obituary. In addition to the web-only content such as blogs, debates and audio/video programmes available on the website, The Economist is available to download for reading on Android, Blackberry PlayBook, iPhone or iPad devices. The Economist Espresso, our daily briefing smartphone app, is also available for download via iTunes App Store or Google Play. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435722 SOURCE The Economist Related Links http://www.economist.com "We are delighted," said TMS Board of Directors Chair Maura L. Hughes. "The Board unanimously agrees that Geri Presti's long-standing commitment to our organization and her well-known leadership strengths and business acumen make her the seamless fit for President and CEO of The Music Settlement." Presti will begin to transition to her role leading The Music Settlement in the first quarter of 2017, and will continue to carry out her responsibilities with Forest City through the beginning of March 2017. 'Like Coming Home' After earning her Bachelor of Music (summa cum laude) at Ohio University, Presti began her career as a music therapist at The Music Settlement, the 104-year-old Cleveland non-profit organization that provides music instruction, music therapy, and early childhood education to thousands of northeast Ohioans annually. Geri Presti's dedication to the Settlement has included 15 years of serving on its Board of Directors. She served two terms as TMS Board Chair, during which she and Robert Conrad co-led The Music Settlement's year-long Centennial Celebration. She has remained active in the Settlement's work as Board Emeritus. The honors that Presti has received in recognition of her constancy to the Settlement include a 2012 Judson Smart Living Arts Award and a music-therapy studio named in her honor at Kulas House at TMS. "This is truly like coming home," Presti said. "The Music Settlement is a gem in the crown of arts and cultural organizations that comprise University Circle. I will serve this inclusive and venerable institution as it expands its award-winning offerings to further enrich everyone in Northeast Ohio, regardless of their age, ethnicity, or financial standing." Presti's music-therapy background will add luster to TMS's 50th anniversary of its Center for Music Therapy: a celebration that will last the entire year and includes a ticketed event on Monday, Nov. 7, 2016 (www.themusicsettlement.org/calendar). The Music Settlement was the first community school of music in the nation to offer music-therapy services. Inspiring Levels of Community Service Presti's boundless service to the community has benefitted many non-profit organizations. She currently serves the on the boards of the Sisters of Charity Foundation, Tri-C College, Business Volunteers Unlimited, and the national board of The Society for Corporate Governance Professionals. "I am thrilled by this new opportunity to partner with Cleveland's non-profit leadership: to support and inspire each other, to fulfill our missions, and provide genuine value to our stakeholders and communities," Presti said. Her recent honors include the 2010 YWCA Women of Achievement Award, 2013 Athena Award, 2015 Humanitarian of the Year from The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, and being named to the 2016 Women of Note class by Crain's Cleveland Business. "Geri's character is impeccable. Her enthusiasm and tirelessness already inspire our community," Hughes said. "She embodies the generous spirit of the Cleveland Music School Settlement and Northeast Ohio." Real-Estate Experience: Timely As a member of Forest City's executive team, where she has been responsible for all legal affairs for the company and was an important co-leader for the company's reorganization and transition to a Real Estate Investment Trust, Presti played a key role in executing the company's strategic plan, board and corporate governance practices, and also billions of dollars of capital-markets transactions. Her practice areas at Forest City include real-estate development, financing, corporate governance, and securities transactions. Presti's real-estate law experience will directly benefit TMS, which recently announced the construction of a new campus as part of the Snavely Group development at West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue on the west side of Cleveland. About The Music Settlement Founded in 1912 by Almeda Adams as The Cleveland Music School Settlement, The Music Settlement is one of the nation's oldest community schools of music. Providing early childhood education since 1955 and music therapy since 1966, The Music Settlement remains on the forefront of music-based initiatives that advance human potential. With programs for students from birth through retirement and beyond, The Music Settlement is proud to inspire a second century of generations of music. The Music Settlement is generously funded by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and the Ohio Arts Council. In 2014, the Settlement opened the BOP STOP nightclub on the west side of Cleveland, after its donation to the organization in late 2013. In 2016, TMS won its second consecutive Cleveland Magazine "Best Music Instruction" award. The organization is currently building a new campus on the near-west side of Cleveland. Its online properties include www.TheMusicSettlement.org, facebook.com/TheMusicSettlement, and twitter.com/musicsettlement. Classes and programs can be sorted by age of participant at www.TheMusicSettlement.org/all. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435508 SOURCE The Music Settlement Related Links http://www.themusicsettlement.org With the help of a fully illustrated guide, creating a veteran's military service page on TogetherWeServed.org has been designed to be an easy and rewarding experience. Once completed, each veteran's service page contains his or her photo in uniform, entire service history, plus all medals, badges, insignia and photographs presented in a unique, "shadow box" format which can be printed, framed, and shared via a personal web-link. Also included, is a self-interview called "Service Reflections" which helps veterans recall the people and events that shaped their lives forever. "The legacy of the men and women who served our country are some of our most precious national resources," said Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam veteran, HM2 Donald Ballard, USN. "Together We Served is providing a great service to our veterans, their families, and our nation by providing a convenient place to capture these stories. This is living history that must be preserved." "The stories that we've collected never cease to amaze me," said TWS's chief administrator and Navy veteran, Diane Short. "I've helped several veterans complete their military service page and some of the photos and memories we have saved are truly heartwarming." Together We Served also provides a unique opportunity for family members to bond with their veteran on a different, more emotional basis. "My children often asked me about my time in the service, and I never quite knew where to start," said Vietnam Veteran and twice Silver Star recipient, LtCol Mike Christy, USA Ret. "My military service page on Together We Served not only made it easy for me to record what I did in the military, but it also gave me peace of mind knowing that my story will be read by my grandchildren and future generations long after I'm gone. I was a combat veteran being able to open up in this way after so many years of bottling up memories has been a truly cathartic experience." To assist family members and veterans with any questions, Together We Served operates an online help desk on its website, manned entirely by disabled veterans, that is available seven days a week. If you have a military veteran in your life, please go to TogetherWeServed.org today and join this important national campaign to Save Our Veterans' Stories. For further information contact: Diane Short Email: [email protected] Phone: 888-398-3262 ABOUT TOGETHER WE SERVED Run by veterans for veterans, Together We Served (TWS) is the largest exclusively military resource for U.S. military veterans to reconnect with those they served with and create a lasting legacy of their military service. Launched in 2003 as a military heritage website for connecting U.S. Marines, Together We Served has expanded to five websites, serving veterans of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Coast Guard. Together We Served is free to join, and aims to capture the service stories of more than 5 million veterans over the next five years. www.togetherweserved.org Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fXlpfQBUoI Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435536 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435221LOGO SOURCE Together We Served Related Links http://www.togetherweserved.org NORTH READING, Mass., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- TraceLink Inc., the World's Largest Track and Trace Network for connecting the life sciences supply chain and eliminating counterfeit prescription drugs from the global marketplace, will be addressing delegates at Pharmaceutical Serialisation & Traceability 2016, taking place November 7 - 9, in Geneva, Switzerland. Jean-Marie Aulnette, vice president of EMEA, TraceLink, will discuss key success factors to consider when implementing a global serialisation strategy. The presentation will take place on Wednesday, November 9 at 13:30 p.m. CEST. The EU Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) introduces complex safety features for pharmaceutical companies, parallel importers, wholesalers, and pharmacies that sell or dispense products into the European Union. The law requires unit-level serialisation, compliance reporting, and verification to go into effect by February 2019. As part of the regulation, all serialised data must be sent to the centralized EU Hub and then passed through to the national repositories within the individual EU countries. To date, 39 pharmaceutical manufacturers with EU FMD requirements have chosen the Life Sciences Cloud, giving them single-integration access to an EMVO-tested, compliance solution that will help eliminate business risk and ensure drug products reach patients in the most timely and cost-effective manner. Two years ahead of the February 2019 deadline, TraceLink has already processed compliance reports for 227,034 units of product into the EU Hub for its customers that are live on the network and meeting EU FMD compliance regulations. Learn more about the EU FMD requirements and TraceLink's real-time experience with the EU Hub at this year's Pharmaceutical Serialisation & Traceability meeting. Schedule a free onsite serialisation consultation with a TraceLink compliance expert and receive custom guidance on how to move your company's serialization strategy forward in the EU, and globally. About TraceLink TraceLink is the World's Largest Track and Trace Network for connecting the Life Sciences supply chain and eliminating counterfeit prescription drugs from the global marketplace. Leading businesses, including 16 of the top-20 global pharmaceutical companies, trust the TraceLink Life Sciences Cloud to deliver complete global connectivity, visibility and traceability of pharmaceuticals from ingredient to patient. A single point and click connection to the Life Sciences Cloud creates a supply chain control tower that delivers the information, insight and collaboration needed to improve performance and reduce risk across global supply, manufacturing and distribution operations. A winner of numerous industry awards including Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 (ranked number 293 in 2015), the Amazon AWS Global Start-Up Challenge Grand Prize, and the Edison Award for Innovation in Health Management, the Life Sciences Cloud is used by businesses across the globe to meet strategic goals in ensuring global compliance, fighting drug counterfeiting, improving on-time and in-full delivery, protecting product quality and reducing operational cost. For more information on TraceLink and our solutions, visit www.tracelink.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. TraceLink is funded by FirstMark Capital, Volition Capital and F-Prime Capital. SOURCE TraceLink Inc. Related Links http://www.tracelink.com OAK BROOK, Ill., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS) announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Matthew J. Foulston, age 52, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Foulston was most recently Chief Financial Officer of Compass Minerals International, Inc. where he was responsible for accounting, financial planning and reporting, tax, internal audit, capital investment management and investor relations. To ensure a smooth transition, Mr. Foulston has agreed to remain with Compass Minerals through December 1, 2016. Consequently, he will join TreeHouse no later than December 2, 2016. "We are delighted to welcome Matthew to our TreeHouse family," said Sam K. Reed, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TreeHouse Foods. "As we continue the integration of Private Brands, Matthew will be a key partner in our organization and will be instrumental to our growth and simplification initiatives. Matthew's large public company background in the automotive industry will serve us well as we enter the next phase of our Company's growth." "The track record of this management team over the last 10 years is what initially interested me in TreeHouse," said Mr. Foulston. "As I've gotten to know more of the senior team, it is clear to me that this is a special organization. We have a unique and tremendous opportunity within the private label food and beverage landscape, and I am eager to make a meaningful contribution at TreeHouse." Prior to joining Compass Minerals in December 2014, Mr. Foulston was Senior Vice President of Operations and Corporate Finance at Navistar International and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Navistar Truck. He previously held senior leadership positions at Mazda North America and Ford Motor Company in Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. Mr. Foulston earned his Bachelors of Science with honors in Economics from Loughborough University in Leicestershire, United Kingdom. ABOUT TREEHOUSE FOODS TreeHouse Foods, Inc. is a manufacturer of packaged foods and beverages with more than 50 manufacturing facilities across the United States, Canada and Italy that focuses primarily on private label products for both retail grocery and food away from home customers. We manufacture shelf stable, refrigerated, frozen and fresh products, including beverages and beverage enhancers (single serve beverages, coffees, teas, creamers, powdered beverages and smoothies); meals (cereal, pasta, macaroni and cheese and side dishes); retail bakery (refrigerated and frozen dough, cookies and crackers); condiments (pourable and spoonable dressing, dips, pickles, soups and sauces) and healthy snacks (nuts, trail mix, bars, dried fruits and vegetables). We have a comprehensive offering of packaging formats and flavor profiles, and we also offer natural, organic and preservative free ingredients in many categories. Our strategy is to be the leading supplier of private label food and beverage products by providing the best balance of quality and cost to our customers. Additional information, including TreeHouse's most recent statements on Forms 10-Q and 10-K, may be found at TreeHouse's website, http://www.treehousefoods.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements and other information are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions made by us using information currently available. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "project," "expect," "intend," "plan," "should," and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, or intended. We do not intend to update these forward-looking statements following the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements, because they relate to future events, are by their very nature subject to many important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release and other public statements we make. Such factors include the risks that are set forth in the Risk Factors section, the Legal Proceedings section, the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section, and other sections of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, when evaluating the information presented in this press release. TreeHouse expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein, to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto, or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. SOURCE TreeHouse Foods, Inc. Related Links http://www.treehousefoods.com SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today fashion oriented individuals are looking at accessories to upper their style game. Twinkledeals has taken pride in becoming the one stop shop for all accessory needs. The website houses an array of products for both men and women. Customers back Twinkledeals because it provides affordable products while keeping quality standards above industry standards. To generate more profits Twinkledeals is looking to leverage its customer base through a new affiliate marketing program. To offset the low prices and be profitable Twinkledeals needs to sell more products and the company is always looking for ways to do so. The new affiliate marketing program will give the company even more sales while providing the seller a large cut in commission. On top of large commissions, Twinkledeals will provide other great incentives like allowing the affiliate partner to work at their own time. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161103/435808 Working a second job is become more and more of a real world situation with the prices of goods and services increasing, however, many individuals find their primary jobs do not give much flexibility. The Twinkledeals affiliate marketing program breaks this mold by giving the affiliate marketer the opportunity to choose their own hours. Marketers can sell as much or as little as they want, they can work at any hour of the day, and are truly their own bosses. The Twinkledeals affiliate marketing program provides industry leading commission. Affiliate partners will be provided up to 18% commission on each product sold, this is above the 15% cap that other affiliate networks have. Twinkledeals also rewards affiliate partners by letting them purchase Twinkledeals products through their own links. This means the affiliate will be saving money on all Twinkledeals products, up to 18% off each purchase through the commission generated. These purchases can go beyond buying themselves products, affiliate partners can use their links to buy friends and family products while saving! Affiliate marketing is becoming the new norm in making money online, anyone with a computer and internet connection can sign up to become an affiliate partner of Twinkledeals. The company is now inviting all users to head over to the Twinkledeals website and click the affiliate marketing button at the bottom of the page. The registration process is quick and partners can begin selling right away. To know more information about the program, please visit http://affiliate.Twinkledeals.com/ or email them at affiliate(at)twinkledeals(dot)com Related links: http://affiliate.Twinkledeals.com/ http://www.Twinkledeals.com/ Contact: Anson Smith 503-928-7482 affiliate(at)Twinkledeals(dot)com SOURCE Twinkledeals OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Tuesday the State's Office of the Inspector General issued a report that gave Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) a failing grade for the medical care it provides to inmates at the Soledad facility. Fifteen years after a lawsuit in which a federal judge ruled that the health care given in California prisons constituted "cruel and unusual punishment," the Inspector General found that SVSP still demonstrates "a profound inability to provide patients with adequate access to care." Much of the problem comes from an on-going shortage of physicians in California prisons. According to the Inspector General's report: "Of critical importance was SVSP's shortage of providers and extreme difficulty with recruitment and retention of qualified physicians. This inadequate staffing at SVSP led to an institutional backlog of over 400 patients at the time of the onsite inspection, and contributed to the inadequate rating." Currently, there are four physicians working onsite at Salinas Valley State Prison, treating over 3800 prisoners. The physician shortage is a pervasive problem affecting most of the 34 state adult prisons in California. On Wednesday the Associated Press reported that California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) spokesperson Joyce Hayhoe "agreed that the prison has a serious, ongoing doctor shortage and said officials are trying to hire doctors." However, the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD), which is now negotiating with the State on behalf of prison doctors, believes not enough is being done. UAPD asserts that recruitment and retention is still a serious problem that is affecting patient care. "The State can't hire more doctors because doctors can work elsewhere with better compensation and working conditions," reported Dr. Stuart A. Bussey, president of UAPD. "At the bargaining table we've made multiple proposals that would help with prison doctor recruitment, but the State has said no to every one of them." "These are not easy patients," according to Dr. Fernando Tuvera, a physician at SVSP. "I am moved from unit to unit, treating people with injuries, Hepatitis C, end-stage liver disease, COPD, diabetes, and many other conditions. We work long hours during the day, and the four of us have to divide up all the after-hours coverage too. That means one week per month I'm working all day and all night. We need more doctors here." The Union has also filed grievances at SVSP over the effects of inadequate staffing on the few remaining doctors, and proposed remedies that would help alleviate the strain. Those grievances were denied by CCHCS. SOURCE Union of American Physicians and Dentists Related Links http://www.uapd.com FREDERICK, Md., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SLCA) today announced a net loss of $11.3 million or $(0.17) per basic and diluted share for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, 2016 compared with net income of $2.4 million or $0.05 per basic share and $0.04 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2015. The third quarter results were negatively impacted by $4.7 million of business development-related expense, including acquisition-related costs for Sandbox and NBR Sands. Excluding these expenses, net of $1.8 million tax effect, EPS was $(0.13) per basic share for the quarter. "Our team showed tremendous discipline and determination during the quarter to successfully integrate two major acquisitions while continuing to move our base businesses forward," said Bryan Shinn, president and chief executive officer. "With the additions of Sandbox and NBR Sands, we can further maximize value for our Oil & Gas customers by having the widest raw sand product offering of anyone in our industry and the only commercially viable last-mile containerized delivery solution. On the industrial side, we continue to benefit from the inherent value of ISP to generate consistent cash flows to cover fixed costs in a downturn while providing a platform for growth going forward." Third Quarter 2016 Highlights Total Company Revenue totaled $137.7 million compared with $155.4 million for the same period last year, a decrease of 11% on a year-over-year basis and an increase of 18% sequentially compared with the second quarter of 2016. compared with for the same period last year, a decrease of 11% on a year-over-year basis and an increase of 18% sequentially compared with the second quarter of 2016. Overall tons sold totaled 2.5 million, down 5% compared with the 2.6 million tons sold in the third quarter of 2015 and an increase of 11% sequentially from the second quarter of 2016. Contribution margin for the quarter was $19.7 million , down 46% compared with $36.5 million in the same period of the prior year but up 27% sequentially from the second quarter of 2016. , down 46% compared with in the same period of the prior year but up 27% sequentially from the second quarter of 2016. Adjusted EBITDA was $8.3 million compared with Adjusted EBITDA of $24.0 million for the same period last year, a decrease of 66% on a year-over-year basis and an increase of 54% sequentially compared with the second quarter of 2016. Oil and Gas Revenue for the quarter totaled $86.8 million compared with $102.0 million in the same period in 2015, a decrease of 15% on a year-over-year basis and an increase of 34% sequentially from the second quarter of 2016. compared with in the same period in 2015, a decrease of 15% on a year-over-year basis and an increase of 34% sequentially from the second quarter of 2016. Tons sold totaled 1.6 million, essentially flat compared with 1.6 million tons sold in the third quarter of 2015 and up 21% sequentially compared with the tons sold in the second quarter of 2016. 65% of tons were sold in basin compared with 61% sold in basin in the third quarter of 2015, and 55% sold in basin in the second quarter of 2016. Segment contribution margin was a loss of $1.9 million versus a profit of $16.5 million in the third quarter of 2015, an increase of 68% sequentially compared with the second quarter of 2016. Industrial and Specialty Products Revenue for the quarter totaled $51.0 million compared with $53.4 million for the same period in 2015, a decrease of 5% on a year-over-year basis and a decrease of 2% on a sequential basis from the second quarter of 2016. compared with for the same period in 2015, a decrease of 5% on a year-over-year basis and a decrease of 2% on a sequential basis from the second quarter of 2016. Tons sold totaled 0.876 million, a decrease of 13% on a year-over-year basis and a decrease of 3% on a sequential basis compared with the second quarter of 2016. Segment contribution margin was $21.6 million compared with $20.0 million in the third quarter of 2015, an increase of 8% on a year-over-year basis and flat sequentially compared with the second quarter of 2016. Capital Update As of Sept. 30, 2016, the Company had $264.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and $46.0 million available under its credit facilities. Total debt at Sept. 30, 2016 was $506.6 million. Capital expenditures in the third quarter totaled $9.4 million and were associated largely with the Company's investments in various maintenance, expansion and cost improvement projects. Outlook and Guidance Due to the current lack of visibility in its Oil and Gas business, the Company will continue to refrain from providing guidance for Adjusted EBITDA until such time as it can gain more clarity around our customers' business activity levels and the associated demand for our products. Based on current market conditions, the Company anticipates that its capital expenditures for 2016 will be in the range of $42 million to $47 million. Conference Call U.S. Silica will host a conference call for investors tomorrow, Nov. 4, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss these results. Hosting the call will be Bryan Shinn, president and chief executive officer and Don Merril, executive vice president and chief financial officer. Investors are invited to listen to a live webcast of the conference call by visiting the "Investor Resources" section of the Company's website at www.ussilica.com. The webcast will be archived for one year. The call can also be accessed live over the telephone by dialing (877) 869-3847 or for international callers, (201) 689-8261. A replay will be available shortly after the call and can be accessed by dialing (877) 660-6853 or for international callers (201) 612-7415. The conference ID number for the replay is 13647944. The replay of the call will be available through Dec. 2, 2016. About U.S. Silica U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc., a member of the Russell 2000, is a leading producer of commercial silica used in the oil and gas industry, and in a wide range of industrial applications. Over its 116-year history, U.S. Silica has developed core competencies in mining, processing, logistics and materials science that enable it to produce and cost-effectively deliver 235 products to over 1,200 customers across our end markets. The Company currently operates nine industrial sand production plants, nine oil and gas sand production plants and seven Sandbox distribution centers. The Company is headquartered in Frederick, Maryland and also has offices located in Chicago, Illinois, and Houston, Texas. Forward-looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and speak only as of this date. Forward-looking statements made include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact and may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding U.S. Silica's growth opportunities, strategy, future financial results, forecasts, projections, plans and capital expenditures, and the commercial silica industry. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions, which may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements. Among these factors are: (1) fluctuations in demand for commercial silica; (2) the cyclical nature of our customers' businesses; (3) operating risks that are beyond our control; (4) federal, state and local legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing; (5) our ability to implement our capacity expansion plans within our current timetable and budget; (6) loss of, or reduction in, business from our largest customers or failure of our customers to pay amounts due to us; (7) increasing costs or a lack of dependability or availability of transportation services or infrastructure; (8) our substantial indebtedness and pension obligations; (9) our ability to attract and retain key personnel; (10) silica-related health issues and corresponding litigation; (11) seasonal and severe weather conditions; and (12) extensive and evolving environmental, mining, health and safety, licensing, reclamation and other regulation (and changes in their enforcement or interpretation). Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in U.S. Silica's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited; dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 June 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 Sales $ 137,748 $ 116,994 $ 155,408 Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization) 119,426 102,707 122,599 Operating expenses Selling, general and administrative 18,472 14,585 13,559 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 17,175 15,209 15,158 35,647 29,794 28,717 Operating income (loss) (17,325) (15,507) 4,092 Other income (expense) Interest expense (6,684) (6,647) (6,684) Other income, net, including interest income 493 608 309 (6,191) (6,039) (6,375) Loss before income taxes (23,516) (21,546) (2,283) Income tax benefit 12,177 9,775 4,695 Net income (loss) $ (11,339) $ (11,771) $ 2,412 Earnings (loss) per share: Basic ($0.17) ($0.19) $0.05 Diluted ($0.17) ($0.19) $0.04 Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 66,676 63,417 53,321 Diluted 66,676 63,417 53,742 Dividends declared per share $0.06 $0.06 $0.13 U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (dollars in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (unaudited) (audited) ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 264,060 $ 277,077 Short-term investments - 21,849 Accounts receivable, net 70,725 58,706 Inventories, net 77,429 65,004 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 14,092 9,921 Income tax deposits 8,017 6,583 Total current assets 434,323 439,140 Property, plant and mine development, net 790,565 561,196 Goodwill 233,196 68,647 Trade names 32,318 14,474 Intellectual property 57,700 - Customer relationships, net 56,700 6,453 Other assets 16,031 18,709 Total assets $ 1,620,833 $ 1,108,619 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 68,692 $ 49,631 Dividends payable 4,546 3,453 Accrued liabilities 12,821 11,708 Accrued interest 57 58 Current portion of capital leases 1,136 - Current portion of long-term debt 6,745 3,330 Deferred revenue 9,131 15,738 Total current liabilities 103,128 83,918 Long-term debt 499,886 488,375 Deferred revenue 66,030 59,676 Obligation under capital lease 1,281 - Liability for pension and other post-retirement benefits 63,715 55,893 Deferred income taxes, net 57,330 19,513 Other long-term obligations 18,668 17,077 Total liabilities 810,038 724,452 Stockholders' Equity: Preferred stock - - Common stock 708 539 Additional paid-in capital 660,448 194,670 Retained earnings 175,210 220,974 Treasury stock, at cost (5,105) (15,845) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (20,466) (16,171) Total stockholders' equity 810,795 384,167 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,620,833 $ 1,108,619 Non-GAAP Financial Measures Segment Contribution Margin Segment contribution margin is a key metric that management uses to evaluate our operating performance and to determine resource allocation between segments. Segment contribution margin excludes certain corporate costs not associated with the operations of the segment. These unallocated costs include costs related to corporate functional areas such as sales, production and engineering, corporate purchasing, accounting, treasury, information technology, legal and human resources. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to segment contribution margin. For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 June 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 (unaudited; in thousands) Sales: Oil & Gas Proppants $ 86,782 $ 64,926 $ 101,987 Industrial & Specialty Products 50,966 52,068 53,421 Total Sales 137,748 116,994 155,408 Segment contribution margin: Oil & Gas Proppants (1,897) (5,995) 16,521 Industrial & Specialty Products 21,587 21,486 19,967 Total segment contribution margin 19,690 15,491 36,488 Operating activities excluded from segment cost of goods sold (1,368) (1,204) (3,679) Selling, general and administrative (18,472) (14,585) (13,559) Depreciation, depletion and amortization (17,175) (15,209) (15,158) Interest expense (6,684) (6,647) (6,684) Other income, net, including interest income 493 608 309 Income tax benefit 12,177 9,775 4,695 Net income (loss) $ (11,339) $ (11,771) $ 2,412 Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, is included in this release because it is a key metric used by management to assess our operating performance and by our lenders to evaluate our covenant compliance. Adjusted EBITDA excludes certain income and/or costs, the removal of which improves comparability of operating results across reporting periods. Our target performance goals under our incentive compensation plan are tied, in part, to our Adjusted EBITDA. In addition, our revolving credit facility (Revolver) contains a consolidated total net leverage ratio that we must meet as of the last day of any fiscal quarter whenever usage of the Revolver (other than certain undrawn letters of credit) exceeds 25% of the Revolver commitment, which is calculated based on our Adjusted EBITDA. Noncompliance with the financial ratio covenant contained in the Revolver could result in the acceleration of our obligations to repay all amounts outstanding under the Revolver and the term loan. Moreover, the Revolver and the term loan contain covenants that restrict, subject to certain exceptions, our ability to make permitted acquisitions, incur additional indebtedness, make restricted payments (including dividends) and retain excess cash flow based, in some cases, on our ability to meet leverage ratios calculated based on our Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of our financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) as a measure of operating performance, cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for management's discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, tax payments and debt service requirements. Adjusted EBITDA contains certain other limitations, including the failure to reflect our cash expenditures, cash requirements for working capital needs and cash costs to replace assets being depreciated and amortized, and excludes certain non-recurring charges that may recur in the future. Management compensates for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and by using Adjusted EBITDA only supplementally. Our measure of Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to potential inconsistencies in the methods of calculation. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted EBITDA: For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 June 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 (unaudited; in thousands) Net income (loss) $ (11,339) $ (11,771) $ 2,412 Total interest expense, net of interest income 6,211 6,150 6,485 Provision for taxes (12,177) (9,775) (4,695) Total depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses 17,175 15,209 15,158 EBITDA (130) (187) 19,360 Non-cash incentive compensation (1) 3,720 3,449 1,913 Post-employment expenses (excluding service costs) (2) (184) 199 765 Business development related expenses (3) 4,667 861 390 Other adjustments allowable under our existing credit agreement (4) 185 1,051 1,577 Adjusted EBITDA $ 8,258 $ 5,373 $ 24,005 (1) Reflects equity-based compensation expense. (2) Includes net pension cost and net post-retirement cost relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations during the applicable period, but in each case excluding the service cost relating to benefits earned during such period. See Note L - Pension and Post-retirement Benefits to our Financial Statements in Part 1, Item 1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. (3) Reflects expenses related to business development activities in connection with our growth and expansion initiatives, including acquisition-related costs for our NBI Acquisition and Sandbox Acquisition completed in August 2016. (4) Reflects miscellaneous adjustments permitted under our existing credit agreement, including such items as restructuring costs for actions that will provide future cost savings. Restructuring costs were $0.0 million, $1.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2016, June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015. Investor Contact: Michael Lawson Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications (301) 682-0304 [email protected] SOURCE U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. Related Links http://www.ussilica.com VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Visteon Corporation (NYSE: VC), a leading global supplier of vehicle cockpit electronics, will present at the Baird 2016 Global Industrial Conference in Chicago from 11:30-11:55 a.m. ET (10:30-10:55 a.m. CT) on Thursday, Nov. 10. Sachin Lawande, president and CEO, and Christian Garcia, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will provide an overview of the company's strategy, financial profile and related matters. A live, listen-only webcast, along with the presentation material and other supplemental information, will be accessible through Visteon's website at www.visteon.com/investors/presentations.html. A replay will be available following the event. About Visteon Visteon is a global company that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative cockpit electronics products and connected car solutions for most of the world's major vehicle manufacturers. Visteon is a leading provider of instrument clusters, head-up displays, information displays, infotainment, audio systems, telematics solutions and SmartCore cockpit domain controllers. Visteon also supplies embedded multimedia and smartphone connectivity software solutions to the global automotive industry. Headquartered in Van Buren Township, Michigan, Visteon has approximately 10,000 employees at more than 40 facilities in 18 countries. Visteon had sales of $3.25 billion in 2015. Learn more at www.visteon.com. Follow Visteon: www.twitter.com/visteon www.youtube.com/visteon http://blog.visteon.com www.google.com/+visteon www.linkedin.com/company/visteon https://www.facebook.com/VisteonCorporation https://www.instagram.com/visteon http://www.slideshare.net/VisteonCorporation https://vine.co/u/1264235937429684224 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO SOURCE Visteon Corporation Related Links http://www.visteon.com NAMUR, Belgium, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- VolitionRx Limited (NYSE MKT: VNRX), a life sciences company focused on developing diagnostic tests for cancer, today announced its collaboration with Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark in a prospective clinical study of 30,000 patients. This ambitious clinical study signifies Volition's commitment to the discovery of new cancer blood tests into the middle of the next decade. Pursuant to the terms of the collaboration, Volition has agreed to make payments of 7.5 million Danish Krone (approximately $1.1 million USD) per year for the first two years of the study (Phase I). After the completion of Phase I, Volition may elect to continue with Phase 2 and/or Phase 3 of the study upon payment of 7.5 million Danish Krone annually for up to an additional 4 years. Under the terms of the study, a total of 90,000 blood samples will be collected from 30,000 patients who have tested negative in a national fecal colorectal cancer screening test. A blood sample will be collected from each patient on three separate occasions at 2-year intervals, and the study will follow his or her progress over time. Volition will test whether, and how early, its Nu.QTM assays detect cancer in samples taken before the definitive diagnosis of colorectal cancer. All blood samples will be accompanied by up to 120 clinical information data points, including life style factors and a wide range of other diseases, allowing Volition to use this study in a wider context for other cancers. Professor Hans Jorgen Nielsen from Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, voiced his support for the study, saying: "We are very pleased to be continuing our work with Volition, especially on a study that is identifying patients who are going undiagnosed under the current screening system. This is an incredibly powerful longitudinal study because we are going to be collecting a huge amount of data over a seven-year period." Jake Micallef, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Volition said, "We are delighted to be working with the Hvidovre Hospital again. We believe that this is one of the biggest clinical studies ever undertaken. Each sample collected will be sufficient for multiple Nu.QTM tests and the study will form the basis for our product pipeline in multiple cancers for many years to come." Dr. Jason Terrell, Volition's Chief Medical Officer and Head of U.S. Operations, commented: "The study with Hvidovre Hospital can play a major role in the expansion of our clinical development program. Large prospective studies of this quality provide invaluable clinical information. The partnership with Hvidovre Hospital will support our mission to deliver accurate and cost-effective early stage cancer diagnostics." Volition and Hvidovre Hospital expect to have initial interim results from this study by the end of 2018. Volition currently has numerous other ongoing studies on its Nu.QTM blood tests, and its first test, the Nu.QTM colorectal cancer triage test, is expected to have a commercial release in early 2017. About Volition Volition is a life sciences company focused on developing diagnostic tests for cancer. The tests are based on the science of Nucleosomics, which is the practice of identifying and measuring nucleosomes in the bloodstream or other bodily fluid an indication that disease is present. Volition's goal is to make the tests as easy and simple to use, for both patients and doctors, as existing diabetic and cholesterol blood tests. Volition's research and development activities are currently centered in Belgium as the company focuses on bringing its diagnostic products to market first in Europe, then in the U.S. and ultimately, worldwide. For more information about Volition, visit Volition's website (http://www.volitionrx.com) or connect with us via: Twitter: https://twitter.com/volitionrx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volitionrx Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VolitionRx/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VolitionRx The contents found at Volition's website address, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube are not incorporated by reference into this document and should not be considered part of this document. The addresses for Volition's website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube are included in this document as inactive textual references only. Media / Investor Contacts Safe Harbor Statement Statements in this press release may be "forward-looking statements" 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, that concern matters that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "aims," "targets," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "optimizing," "potential," "goal," "suggests," "could," "would," "should," "may," "will" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate to the effectiveness of the Company's bodily-fluid-based diagnostic tests as well as the Company's ability to develop and successfully commercialize such test platforms for early detection of cancer. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements due to numerous risks and uncertainties. For instance, if we fail to develop and commercialize diagnostic products, we may be unable to execute our plan of operations. Other risks and uncertainties include the Company's failure to obtain necessary regulatory clearances or approvals to distribute and market future products in the clinical IVD market; a failure by the marketplace to accept the products in the Company's development pipeline or any other diagnostic products the Company might develop; the Company will face fierce competition and the Company's intended products may become obsolete due to the highly competitive nature of the diagnostics market and its rapid technological change; and other risks identified in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as other documents that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release, and, except as required by law, the Company does not undertake an obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances. Nucleosomics, NuQ, Nu.QTM and HyperGenomics and their respective logos are trademarks and/or service marks of VolitionRx Limited and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this press release are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE VolitionRx Ltd LAS VEGAS, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To honor all those who have served our country, nonprofit, online WGU Nevada announced today a new scholarship for veterans and their families who want to earn their bachelor's and master's degrees. The WGU Nevada Salute To Veterans Scholarship is valued at up to $2,500 per student and will be applied at the rate of $625 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms, toward WGU Nevada's already-low tuition of about $3,000 per term for most programs. WGU Nevada will award at least five scholarships to new students throughout the state. Applications are being accepted now through January 31, 2017. Additional military scholarships are available for active-duty personnel and their families at www.nevada.wgu.edu/militaryappreciation. "The military scholarship that I got from WGU is a blessing for my three kids and me," said Dennis Hall of North Las Vegas, Nevada, who is currently working on his B.S. in Information Technology. "It is allowing me to move forward with my career, it's not breaking the bank, and I feel like WGU is not just here to help me get a degree, but actually investing in my success." More than 8% of WGU Nevada students are active-duty military personnel, veterans, or dependent family members of military personnel. WGU Nevada's parent universityWestern Governors Universityhas been recognized for nine consecutive years by Military Advanced Education Magazine for being among the Top Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities and for six consecutive years as a Military Friendly School by militaryfriendly.com. "We at WGU Nevada have a long history of giving back and showing our appreciation to veterans," said Spencer Stewart, Chancellor of WGU Nevada. "We hope to continue that tradition by helping veterans get the quality education that they deserve." All WGU Nevada degree programs are competency-based, providing the flexibility that nontraditional students like veterans and their families need. Designed with employer input to meet the needs of adult learners, competency-based education allows students to take advantage of their knowledge and real-world experience to move quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. WGU faculty members work one-on-one with students as mentors, offering guidance, support, and individualized instruction. While WGU Nevada's degree programs are rigorous and challenging, competency-based learning makes it possible for students to accelerate their programs, saving both time and money. The WGU Nevada Salute to Veterans Scholarship is open to new students who have been officially admitted to WGU Nevada. While multiple scholarships will be awarded, it is a competitive program, and scholarships will be awarded based on a candidate's academic record, readiness for online study, and current competency, as well as other considerations. About WGU Nevada WGU Nevada is an online, nonprofit, competency-based university established to expand Nevadans' access to higher education throughout the state. Formed through a partnership between the state of Nevada and nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Nevada is open to all qualified Nevada residents. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the high-demand career fields of business, K12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). WGU's Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and its nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)*. In addition to WGU Nevada, there are five other WGU state-based, state-endorsed universities: WGU Indiana, established in June 2010; WGU Washington, established in April 2011; WGU Texas, established in August 2011; WGU Missouri, established in February 2013; and WGU Tennessee, established in July 2013. For more information, visit the WGU Nevada website, nevada.wgu.edu, or call 877-214-7005. *Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington, DC 20036, 202-877-6791). Follow WGU Nevada: https://www.facebook.com/WGUNevada https://twitter.com/WGUNevada https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYl2xE6dv7pMshZsiiddEJA http://nevada.wgu.edu/blog Contact for media inquiries: Contact for enrollment information: Holly Silvestri 877-214-7005 The Ferraro Group nevada.wgu.edu 702-367-7771 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161103/435917LOGO SOURCE WGU Nevada 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 Mumbai, Oct 28 : Filmmaker Karan Johar, who admits he has taken the botox way for his face, says that going under knife is a well hidden secret of Bollywood. The filmmaker, whose movie "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" released on Friday after a lot of hullabaloo, admitted getting the cosmetic procedure in a special video -- which he shot to talk about the forthcoming season of popular talk show "Koffee with Karan season 5". "It's me, my face. I am botoxed, I put collagen up there, I have adjusted my nose, I have done what everyone does in my industry, so that is one of the things," Karan said. Talking about other things the fans should watch out for in the show, Karan added: "What is the second thing? Well, there will be some fun coming up in the Rapid Fire Round! There will actually be some additional add-ons; nothing really changes in this show as you know, because you don't allow new celebrities to walk into the industry. "So pretty much the same people, different combinations. Fortunately everyone has a new lover, a new enemy and a new controversy to talk about." Karan is also excited about the new set of the show, which will be aired on Star World and Star World HD from November 6 onwards. He said: "The third thing is, uh, well the set! You have to see it, it is stripes, black and white, just like a Zebra is, but you can't cross over at all! Alright! And I am the one who will ask the questions!" In its past seasons, the show has been graced by a string of A-list actors including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Gurinder Chadha, Farah Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, Alia Bhatt and more at their candid best. This time, Shah Rukh Khan and Alia will be seen promoting their upcoming film "Dear Zindagi" in the fifth season of he talk show. Shimla, Oct 28 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Friday declared the state free of open defecation under the 'Swachh Bharat Mission', thereby ensuring a clean state. The hill state is the first state in the category of big states to become free of open defecation. The Chief Minister announced this at a function here where Union Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda were also present. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said it was not possible without the support of the people. He said though Sikkim was the first state to achieve the distinction of becoming free of open defecation, but it was in the small states' category. "We are lucky enough to become second state, leaving Kerala behind, which is also in the race and I suppose would be declared free of open defecation after four days on November 1, while celebrating Kerala Day," Virbhadra Singh said. "I insisted upon the Union Rural Development Minister to be with us despite his busy schedule, as I always wanted that our state should be the first amongst the big states to be free of open defecation." "It was also a matter of pride that we accomplished the feat six months before the target of March 2017, and we are committed to maintaining the status in times to come," he said. "It's more important now to keep the momentum going," he added. Toeing Mahatma Gandhi's ideology of observing cleanliness, the Chief Minister said: "The state is fully cooperating with the central government in implementing the centrally-aided development programmes and policies." The hill state has 12 districts, 78 development blocks, 3,226 Panchayats and 18,465 villages and all have been declared free of open defecation. Under the 'Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan' -- a demand-driven and community-led programme to achieve the 'Nirmal' or free of open defecation -- the aim is to achieve 100 per cent access to sanitation for all rural households by 2022 by constructing individual, institutional, cluster and community toilets. Bhubaneswar, Oct 29 : Air India on Saturday apologized for publishing an article that said that non-vegetarian dishes were served at the Jagannath temple in Puri. "AI apologizes for the error. Our intention was not to hurt sentiments. #ShubhYatra magazine copies have been removed with immediate effect," tweeted Air India. Shubh Yatra, the in-flight monthly magazine of Air India, published the wrong information in an article titled 'Devotion Can Be Delicious'. Different organisations and people in Odisha criticized Air India for publishing the article. "This is an unfortunate incident. We will take it up strongly with the appropriate authorities," said Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Members of Jagannath Sena staged a demonstration in front of Sri Mandir protesting against the report. Macau, Oct 30 : Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish may help to remove metabolites, including amyloid-beta peptides which is one of the factors that lead to Alzheimer's, finds a study conducted by researchers from the University of Macau. The research published in the FASEB Journal suggested that Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in fish oil could improve the function of the glymphatic system, which facilitates the clearance of waste from the brain. To make this discovery, scientists first used transgenic fat-1 mice, which express high endogenous Omega-3 PUFAs in the brain, to investigate the effect of Omega-3 PUFAs on the clearance function of the glymphatic system. Compared to the wild-type mice, the fat-1 mice with enriched endogenous Omega-3 PUFAs significantly promote the clearance function of the lymphatic system, including the amyloid-beta clearance from the brain. Wild-type mice were supplemented with fish oil, which contains high concentrations of Omega-3 PUFAs, and found that fish oil-supplemented mice also improved the clearance function of the glymphatic system compared to the control mice without fish oil supplementation. Omega-3 PUFAs help maintain the brain homeostasis, which may provide benefits in a number of neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, and sleep impairment, among others. "The brain is an extremely vascularised organ, while we might also bear in mind that Omega-3 fatty acids may impact neurons, glia, and astrocytes themselves," said Thoru Pederson, Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal. Islamabad, Oct 30 : Over 70 activists of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) were arrested as they tried to march to party chief Imran Khan's residence here before a planned November 2 Islamabad lockdown protest against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Imran Khan had urged party workers to reach his residence in the upscale Bani Gala neighbourhood of Islamabad even if they had to "climb mountains" to do so in the wake of the government's crackdown. Protesters then plan to hold a protest rally in central Islamabad on Wednesday. The police prevented protesters from reaching Bani Gala via lesser-known unpaved routes running through the wilderness by surrounding them on all sides. Protesters threw stones at security forces and set off fires in the wilderness, after which the police resorted to tear-gas shelling, Dawn reported. The police have erected check posts from Link Road to Bani Gala in Islamabad to prevent the march. Meanwhile, the police also claimed to have recovered six Kalashnikov rifles, some magazines, a bulletproof vest, some bottles of alcohol and tear-gas shells from PTI leader Amin Gandapur's car outside Bani Gala. Gandapur, however, said only two licensed Kalashnikovs were found in his car and that he carried the licence when he was travelling in the vehicle. He said the police let him go after they saw the licence. On October 27, the police stormed a PTI youth convention and arrested over 200 party workers for protesting against the government following which, Imran Khan gave a call for countrywide protests against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Sharif government. The PTI is protesting and demanding the Prime Minister's resignation over alleged money laundering by Sharif and his family, allegedly exposed by the 'Panama Papers' leak. The government remains adamant that it will not allow the PTI to shut down Islamabad on November 2 and has vowed to take action against the party if it challenged the writ of the state. The Pakistan government has banned political rallies in the capital city for two months. The administration in the capital have banned people's gathering of five or more at any location. New Delhi, Oct 31 : Questioning what contemporary artists are doing for society, prominent curator Uma Nair has said that they are concentrating on producing art and not creating it. "What is happening today is production, not creation, of art. People like Alphonse Mucha and Pablo Picasso would find their own stone and material and create their works with their own hands," Nair told IANS. "I feel that contemporary artists don't want to draw. Suddenly, everybody has gotten into this thing of fabrication. You don't know who did the fabrication for you. You never give credit to the person who has created your sculpture, but you say that this is your sculpture when you haven't even touched it with your hand," she added. To that extent "Earth Songs", a tribal art and sculpture show curated by Nair that is on at Lalit Kala Akademi till November 15 is an attempt at course-correction. The exhibition will travel to many cities after Delhi. "The show needs to travel for people to realise that India's marginalised population has so much talent. Galleries also need to look at tribal art and not just elitest works by those who are earning millions. They are earning it for themselves; what are they doing for the art world?" she asked. "Earth Songs" is a suite of works that portray the depth and appeal of India's folk and tribal artists. The 66 paintings, along with a few sculptures, have been created at Lalit Kala Akademi art camps held over the past three years. The 10 sculptures belong to Bastar folk art (1985) as well as wooden works that have been created more recently. While three works belong to the Madiya dancers of Chhattisgarh, a sculpture of a peacock and those of Mahadev Lord Shiva are creations that have unique iconography. The exhibition begins with a tribal artist's daughter Japani and goes on to three masters who are all award-winning artists. "Japani is the daughter of an artist who committed suicide in Japan because they didn't allow him to come back. He named his daughter after the Land of the Rising Sun. I begin the show with the works of Japani as a tribute to him," Nair said. "She belongs to the Gond tribe where nature is very important. You will find that they create hybrid compositions. Every composition tells us a story. These are old stories that have been handed down since generations." Japani Shyam said that she just created her works out of what she saw and felt. "Sometimes I think of stories, sometimes I think about the beauty of nature about animals. I love birds and the deer; I feel if the forests are lost where will these animals goH," she wondered. Talking of Venkat Shyam, Uma Nair said: "I used his work for the poster of the exhibition. It's so beautiful. When he speaks about nature, he speaks about the balance of the humankind." "I love the feminine note that he adds to it by giving us a saree that connects both men and women. He gives us the fish. In many ways, it has a very strong ecological echo," she added. "The trees and the creatures of forest are important in most of them. It is as if they give us the tree of life in different ways. According to them, the life revolves around tree," she observed. "I was fascinated by the neatness each composition has. Also, there is a peculiarity with which these artists treat their subjects. The creatures look so different. Each work tells us a different story." Baghdad, Nov 1 : Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi on Tuesday said that forces are very close to liberate the city of Mosul, noting that the only option for the Islamic State (IS) extremists now was to surrender or die. In remarks to the official Al-Iraqiya Television station, during his inspection of the military units deployed south of Mosul, al-Abadi underlind that the miliatnts have no way out, Efe news reported. He added that the Iraqi forces have reached Mosul, second largest city in Iraq, to free it. The Prime Minister explained that after the liberation of Mosul, extremists would not be able to resist in other IS enclaves. In his speech, he said that the armed forces and their allies were advancing in all villages and areas. He also addressed the Iraqi political leaders, asking them to put aside their differences, at least until the end of the offensive. The major offensive to recapture Mosul from the IS began on October 17. Mumbai, Nov 1 : A 28-year-old woman was allegedly tied up and gang-raped by eight persons at Amboli late on Monday night, the city police said here on Tuesday. Following a complaint by the husband and the victim, the police said, seven persons, one of them a history-sheeter, were arrested and the local Amboli police are trying to track the eighth attacker. Mumbai's Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Dudhe, who is also the police spokesman, said the couple had gone house-hunting in the Shyamnagar slums in Jogeshwari with a woman estate agent. Since it got late, the couple stayed back at the estate agent's home on Monday night, the Diwali New Year. That was when, a gang of eight local youths, aged between 20-25, saw them and went inside the tenement. They threatened the husband and forced him to leave the tenement, tied up the woman and took turns to rape her. The accused men were presented before a magistrate court in Andheri on Tuesday afternoon and were remanded in police custody till November 4. The condition of the woman, who was admitted to a local hospital, was reported to be stable, Dudhe added. The incident brought alive the memories of the infamous gang-rape incident inside the desolate Shakti Mills complex in central Mumbai in 2013 which had shaken Mumbaikars. New Delhi, Nov 1 : In the wake of firing by Pakistani forces, residents staying in areas along the border in Jammu and Kashmir are being moved to safe places and health and medical facilities are being provided to the injured, union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday. "The administration has geared up, residents are being moved to safer spots," Singh, who is Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, told reporters here. "In the current kind of turmoil, with shelling happening here and there, the immediate requirement is to move injured civilians to safer areas; that is happening," Singh said. "The health department is in action. I have told the administration to let me know if some injured need to to be shifted to Delhi," he said. The minister also said it was "disgusting" that while India abstained from firing during Eid, the Pakistani side did not practise restraint during Diwali. "What is most disgusting is that whenever there is a festival like Eid, there is restraint from Indian side but that did not happen from Pakistan's side during Diwali," he said. His remarks came as seven civilians, including five women, were killed and 15 others were injured on Tuesday as Pakistani troopers bombarded several areas of Jammu and Kashmir with heavy mortar shells, triggering mass migration from dozens of frontier villages. Five civilians were killed in Ramgarh in the frontier district of Samba on the International Border, while two others died in Rajouri on the Line of Control -- the de facto border that divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan. A police spokesperson said the dead in Ramgarh sector included a girl, 16, and two women. A total of 15 civilians were injured in the shelling from across the border. Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 1 : The southern state of Kerala on Tuesday became the third state overall and the largest state so far to be declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM- Gramin). The declaration was formally made by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during a ceremony at the Central Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, an official release said in the national capital. Vijayan also distributed awards to and felicitated district collectors and other government officials who had been instrumental in bringing about this landmark achievement for the state. With this, all 14 districts, 152 blocks, 940 Gram Panchayats and 2117 villages of Kerala have been declared free from open defecation. Freedom from open defecation has been proven to lead to significant health benefits in terms of incidences of water-borne diseases, especially in children, and provide safety and dignity for all, especially women and senior citizens. "Kerala, with a rural population of approximately 3.5 crores, is also the largest state so far to have achieved the ODF Status, after Sikkim (6 lakhs) and Himachal Pradesh (70 lakhs)," the release said. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Vijayan emphasised the importance of behaviour change communication in the efforts made by the state to achieve ODF status. He also underscored the need to sustain this status now that it has been achieved through a continued focus on sanitation, the release said. Washington, Nov 2 : Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has urged American citizens who have in early voting already cast their ballots for his Democrat rival Hillary Clinton to change their votes. "This is a message for any Democratic voters who have already cast their ballots for Hillary Clinton and are having a bad case of buyer's remorse -- in other words you want to change your vote -- Wisconsin is one of several states where you can change your early ballot if you think you've made a mistake," Trump said on Tuesday. In a rally in Eau Calire in Wisconsin, Trump said a lot of things had come to light since early voting began, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) reopening of the investigation against Clinton for using her private email server while she was Secretary of State (2009-2013), Efe news reported. The real-estate tycoon said the option to change early vote was allowed only in some states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan, all of them presumably Democratic states. For example, in Pennsylvania, voters who wish to switch their vote have to show up at the polling station on the election day on November 8 and tell the staff that they would like to vote again. The latest polls place Trump and Clinton neck to neck in the contest, following the reopening of the FBI investigation. Early voting in some US states is going ahead full steam, for example, in Florida, where 33 percent of the registered voters -- over four million -- have already cast their vote. Seoul, Nov 2 : South Korea's opposition parties have rejected the cabinet reshuffle announced on Wednesday by President Park Geun-hye without prior consultation, as the country tries to cope with an unfolding scandal surrounding her long time confidant. Political experts said the opposition parties' boycott of parliamentary hearings on the candidate will emerge as a hurdle since the post for Prime Minister calls for the participation of more than half of the lawmakers, while nominees can only be appointed with a majority backing, Yonhap news agency reported. Senior members of the main opposition Minjoo Party denounced the President for naming the second-highest cabinet member without any advance notice and discussion with the opposition party. Park earlier named Kim Byong-joon, former senior Presidential Policy Secretary under late President Roh Moo-hyun, as the new premier. Kim is currently a professor at the Kookmin University in Seoul, Xinhua news agency reported. "Park is attempting to overcome the crisis by implementing a reshuffle that only looks like a neutral Cabinet from the outside by tapping officials who served under a liberal administration," said Rep. Woo Sang-ho, the floor leader of the main opposition Democratic Party. Park reshuffled her presidential secretariat on Sunday, accepting resignations of eight secretaries that include the Presidential Chief of Staff and Senior Secretaries for Civil Affairs and Policy Coordination. Her reshuffle, however, seems not to be enough to contain public anger and condemnations from opposition lawmakers and even from members of the non-President Park faction within the ruling party. The cabinet reshuffle came amid allegations against Choi Soon-sil, who is suspected of peddling influence and intervening in state affairs behind the scenes by using her longtime friendship with President Park. Floor leader of the casting vote-wielding People's Party blasted the appointment of the main cabinet posts without any communications. Rep. Park Jie-won, the floor leader of the People's Party, said, "Park cannot cover the situation through a reshuffle while avoiding the fact-finding efforts." The lawmakers of the ruling Saenuri Party were also divided over the earlier-than-expected personnel reshuffle by the Presidential Office. While Rep. Kim Sung-won, the ruling party's Spokesman, said, adding that the change will play a key role in overcoming the crisis, Rep. Kim Yong-tae, one of the non-Park lawmakers, said a true neutral Cabinet can only be made when the parliament proposes candidates to the President, with Park stepping aside from state affairs. Opposition lawmakers and part of the ruling party members have called on the embattled President to name a new Prime Minister proposed by the parliament following an agreement among political parties. The lawmaker said the opposition has been demanding an investigation into Park, adding such a reshuffle will not ease public anger. Rep. Choo Mi-ae, the head of the party stressed that the President is a suspect who needs to be questioned and yet she unilaterally appointed a new premier. "This move contradicts public sentiment," she said. Jammu, Nov 2 : Three civilians were injured on Wednesday in Pakistan shelling at Indian positions on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch border district, a police officer said. The officer said the Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked shelling in Mendhar, Balakot and Bhimber Ghali sectors in Poonch after the nightlong lull on both the International Border and the LoC. "The Pakistan Army used 120 mm and 82 mm mortars to target civil and military facilities. Three civilians were injured in Mendhar sector," the police officer said. "The army has appropriately retaliated Pakistan shelling and firing." The fresh cross-border shelling came a day after eight civilians were killed and 24 injured in Pakistan firing on the International Border and the LoC on Tuesday. Rome, Nov 3 : A 50-year-old policeman in Italy's Genoa city murdered his wife and two young daughters before killing himself and leaving a suicide note. "Too many problems. I don't want to leave my wife without a husband and my daughters without a father plus problems: I am taking everybody with me," Mauro Agrosi wrote in the suicide note. Agrosi shot his wife and 10 and 14-year-old daughters dead in their sleep early on Wednesday using a cushion as a silencer. He then called 999 and confessed to the murders before turning the pistol on himself, police said. Agrosi had some minor gaming debts and had taken out a bank loan that he was repaying with one-fifth of his salary each month, according to investigators. Agrosi's mother had to be taken to hospital on learning of the tragedy while neighbours said they were in disbelief as the family had seemed such a happy one. Police colleagues described Agrosi as "balanced" and said he had never shown signs of any mental problems. But his cousin said Agrosi "had been through a lot" after his father died and his brother committed suicide by jumping to his death from an apartment window. Agrosi worked as a police computer technician having previously chosen to leave active service. Washington, Nov 3 : US President Barack Obama travelled to North Carolina to urge African Americans and college students to cast their ballots for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. "So I hate to put a little pressure on you, but the fate of the republic rests on your shoulders. The fate of the world is teetering and you, North Carolina, are going to have to make sure that we push it in the right direction," he said on Wednesday in front of over16,000 people on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Efe news reported. The Clinton campaign has come to regard North Carolina as a potential counterweight in case of losses in traditionally Democratic states. Polls show North Carolina voters are almost evenly divided between Clinton and her Republican rival Donald Trump with just days to go before the November 8 election. Obama narrowly won the Tar Heel state in 2008, but lost there in 2012, a defeat attributed to a decline in turnout among black voters. The president acknowledged on Wednesday that he was concerned about the levels of African American participation this year as reflected in figures on early voting. The number of blacks in North Carolina taking advantage of early voting is down 16 per cent from 2012, according to an analysis by The New York Times. Besides making an appeal to African Americans, Obama addressed the many students in the crowd at UNC. "It's not often that you can move the arc of history. Don't let that chance slip away. Young people here, it's not often that you know your voice will have an impact. Don't give away your power. Don't fall for the easy cynicism that says my vote doesn't matter. That's what Hillary's opponent wants you to think because they don't want you to vote," the president said. Invoking the struggle for voting rights, Obama accused the Republicans of seeking to keep young people and minorities from casting ballots. "There are groups that are not even making secret plans. They are just saying that they will try to suppress the African-American vote on Election Day. Or the youth vote on Election Day," he said. Canberra, Nov 3 : Archaeologists in central Australia have discovered that humans arrived in the region 10,000 years earlier than previously thought. Researchers excavating a rock shelter site in Flinders Ranges, 550 km north of Adelaide, believed that they found evidence of a human presence in the area dating back 49,000 years, Xinhua news agency reported. The artefacts, including burnt egg shells and stone tools, challenge the widely-held belief that the continent's first humans, which arrived in New South Wales (NSW) on the east coast 50,000 years ago, took up to 11,000 years to reach Australia's centre. The latest discovery indicates that figure is more likely to be 1,000 years. Giles Hamm, the lead researcher of the project, said the discovery would question ideas of how and when such tools came to be used in Australia. "The old idea is that people might have come from the East, from the Levant, out of Africa, and these modern humans may have come with a package of innovative technologies," Hamm said on Thursday. "But the development of these fine stone tools, the bone technology, we think that happened as a local innovation, due to a local cultural evolution." Hamm along with local indigenous elder Clifford Coulthard found the site, known as Warratyi, by accident while surveying gorges in the northern Flinders Ranges. Hamm said that while initially surveying the gorge he noticed a cave with a blackened roof 20 metres above the creek bed but admitted he thought the site would reach back 5,000 years. The team spent nine years excavating the site at a depth of one metre, recovering approximately 4,300 artefacts and 200 bone fragments from 16 mammals. New Delhi : Title: The Infinite Tortoise - The Curious Thought Experiments of History's Great Thinkers; Author: Joel Levy; Publisher: Michael O'Mara Books Ltd/Hachette India ; Pages: 190; Price: Rs 250 A crime requires a criminal intent as well as the act. But if we could discern what crime someone may commit in the future, is it valid to act against them when they might not have any such intention or even expertise now. Such 'pre-emptive justice', which has cropped up here out of justifications for killing escaped terror suspects, is however already been under debate and can be understood as a "Minority Report" scenario. Using the 2001 Tom Cruise film, where such a state of affairs is visualised, and this key issue affecting security of the state and society, and human rights is by no means a trivialisation but part of a gamut of vividly imaginative scenarios, freely using paradoxes and fanciful analogies, to answer big questions about us and our universe. And in this book, writer and journalist Joel Levy presents a wide spectrum of such "curious thought experiments" through which the world's greatest scientists and philosophers have tried to understand the mysteries of the human condition and existence, of the natural world and phenomenon, and more. "The Prisoner's Dilemma" about cooperation may be familiar as well as the case of the donkey who starves while deciding between the two piles of hay before him, while "The Ship of Theseus" on when an object, whose parts are being replaced, stops being the original, occurs in various forms. Those who know their philosophy will know of Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" while those who remember their science and maths will know of "Achilles and the Tortoise", "Newton's Cannon", the "Demons" of Laplace and Maxwell, the "Grandfather Paradox", and "Schrodinger's Cat" familiar. But what about "The Teleporter Duplicate Paradox", "The Trolley Problem" or the people who have the problem of 'atemnophilia' or "Body Integrity Identity Disorder"? And why are such fanciful 'experiments' needed at all, and don't they complicate matters, rather than simplifying them? Levy however notes the use of this approach can enable people to come up with "creative responses, challenge received notions, overcome prejudices and pre-conceptions". "One way is to use the problem itself and frame it in such a way that it affords creative and insightful solutions, brings clarity in place of confusion and makes accessible the obscure," he contends. And while experiments, as we understand them, "implies a practical operation physically carried out in the real world, probably concerning science", Levy argues they "can also have a much broader definition, encompassing a way of thinking that remains entirely intellectual and imaginary". "(Albert) Einstein called them them Gedankenexperiment, or thought experiments," he says, adding he uses the term to encompass "paradoxes and analogies; scenarios used to illustrate, test and tease out arguments and hypotheses, to make plain logical contradictions and push theories to breaking points". Levy, author of over a dozen books dealing with science and history including "The Little Book of Conspiracies", "Scientific Feuds: From Galileo to the Human Genome Project" and "Freudian Slips: All the Psychology You Need to Know", then goes on to who explains a whole raft of such experiments concisely but clearly. He also goes on cite their advantages and drawbacks, cross-referencing them with other similar ventures, or those which have advanced or refuted their conclusions, The selection is divided in five parts - "The Natural World" concerned with natural phenomenon especially light, gravity, time and entropy; "How Does the Mind Work" on perception, and thought and our brain's limitations and possibilities; "How to be Good" dealing with questions of ethics, morality, faith, justice and rights; and "What Can We Know" on knowledge, especially its acquisition. Finally "What Makes Us Who We Are?" on identity, and being, and including such questions how many entities you need to remove from pile before it stops being a pile, and Theseus's ship, which Levy enlivens with more scenarios. Not only "intellectual parlour games or curiousities", these thought experiments also teach us how difficult it is to understand our complex world and our equally complex minds. And there is no easy route to this goal, or single truthful explanation for anything, which is the real lesson. (Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in) San Diego, Nov 3 : Leveraging its machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning capabilities, software major Adobe Systems has unveiled Adobe Sensei -- a new framework and set of intelligent services that improve the design and delivery of digital experiences -- at its ongoing annual creativity conference here. Adobe "Sensei", which means "master" or "teacher" in Japanese, tackles complex experience challenges, including image matching across millions of images, understanding the meaning and sentiment of documents and finely targeting important audience segments. "Adobe Sensei is uniquely focused on solving today's complex experience challenges in the design, document and marketing fields, where only Adobe has decades of expertise and market leadership," Shantanu Narayen, President and CEO of Adobe said on Wednesday. "Leveraging our machine learning and AI capabilities, as well as trillions of content and data assets, Adobe Sensei will be one of our biggest strategic investments. We're excited to open it up to our broader ecosystem of partners, ISVs and developers to enable even more innovation," he added. Adobe Sensei, unveiled at the Adobe Max 2016 creativity conference, includes a unified AI/machine learning framework that power Creative Cloud, Adobe Document Cloud and Adobe Marketing Cloud and automates mundane tasks, drive predictive and personalisation capabilities and boost productivity. For example, when a user searches for images, Adobe Sensei uses deep learning to search and tag images automatically and makes recommendations. It can find faces in an image and uses "landmarks" such as eyebrows, lips and eyes to understand their position and change the facial expression without ruining the image. It also does "Semantic Segmentation" and shows each image region labeled with its type -- whether it is a building or the sky, for example. This labeling allow easy selection and manipulation of objects, using simple commands. Apart from giving marketers and analysts new visibility into which segments are most important to their businesses, it also algorithmically determines the impact of different marketing touch points on consumers' decisions to engage with a brand. In addition to its availability in Adobe's cloud offerings, Adobe Sensei will be available to partners and developers as APIs via Adobe.io -- Adobe's developer platform. (Sourabh Kulesh is attending the event in San Diego at the invitation by Adobe. He can be contacted at sourabh.k@ians.in) New Delhi, Nov 3 : Marvel Studios is holding a special screening of "Doctor Strange" for the Nepal crew members who worked on the Benedict Cumberbatch starrer superhero film. The actor and his team had shot extensively in Kathmandu for the film, and as a special thank you, a screening will be held on Thursday at Kumari Cinemas in Kathmandu, Nepal, read a statement. Helmed by Scott Derrickson, "Doctor Strange" narrates the journey of an arrogant neurosurgeon Stephen Strange to transforming into a powerful sorcerer. It will hit the screens in India on Friday, the same day as its North American release. "I've been doing it for a while now and every time you go on location, you see things that you didn't imagine that spark new ideas. In this case, the most surprising scout that we did was Kathmandu, Nepal," Derrickson said. He added: "I've been all over the world, but there's no place on the planet like Kathmandu. It is a city with almost no western influence in it. It is a large city that is so deeply mystical and religious in all operations, and in a most peaceful, beautiful, colourful way. The visual qualities of that city are unlike anyplace else." The "Sherlock" star said kicking off the shoot in Nepal was an important aspect of the film. "Kathmandu was absolutely vital to this film, I think not least because it's so based in something that is exotic. It was a magical way to start the shoot. "It's important to a film like this, which has a profound gearshift into a spiritual and otherworldly dimension, that the portal for that be in a place that actually happens, in itself, regardless of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, to be incredibly spiritual and marvellous," Cumberbatch said. The first scene of principal photography was shot in Pashupati, home to Pashupatinath Temple, a famous Hindu temple on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. There were 300 extras, made up of locals and tourists, along with cows and dogs. The production had an audience of curious locals as well as the many families of wild monkeys that freely roam Nepal. Islamabad, Nov 3 : Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday denied holding offshore companies in a written response to the Supreme Court on Panamagate petitions. In his reply, Sharif said he had declared all his assets in 2013, hence he was not liable for disqualification under the Constitution. Expressing displeasure over the failure of Sharif family's counsel to submit a reply on behalf of Maryam, Hussain and Hassan (all children of the Prime Minister), the five-judge larger bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali gave an ultimatum to Sharif's three children to respond to the notices served regarding the investigation. Justice Asif Saeed Khosa observed that by law, if an individual fails to submit a reply in any matter, it is to be considered that he or she is accepting the allegations. The court has asked counsel to submit responses by Monday. Angered by the delay in the case, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf leader Imran Khan said, "Government is using delaying tactics in SC. Despite being given two weeks plus to file reply, Sharif lawyer failed to file Sharif kids' replies." On Tuesday, the Supreme Court asked Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to submit their Terms of Reference for the commission to be formed to probe the Panama Papers leaks. Moscow/Baghdad, Nov 3 : The US-led coalition forces supporting the siege of the Islamic State's de-facto capital Mosul on Thursday hit residential areas in and around the Iraqi city, the Russian military reported. "The US is continuing to carry out airstrikes on residential areas in Mosul and towns in the Nineveh governorate," Lt Gen Sergey Rudosky said, RT online reported. "On October 31, the Bazvaia and Gogieli neighborhoods, located 14 km and 19 km east of Mosul, were subjected to massive bombardment by coalition aircraft," Rudosky, head of operations for Russia's General Staff, told journalists on Thursday. He added that earlier on October 26, the coalition had attacked residential areas in Hamam el-Elil, damaging a local mosque and causing civilian casualties. Hyderabad, Nov 3 : The suspense over the whereabouts of top Maoist leader Ramakrishna continues as Andhra Pradesh Police on Thursday told the Hyderabad High Court that he is not in their custody. Police said this in a counter-affidavit filed as per the direction of the court, which was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Kandula Sirisha, wife of Ramakrishna, a Central Committee member of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist). Sirisha alleged that police took Ramakrishna, popularly known as R.K., into custody during a joint operation along with Odisha Police on the Andhra-Odisha border. She had sought a direction to police to produce R.K. in the court. Visakhapatnam (Rural) Superintendent of Police Rahul Dev Sharma, in the counter-affidavit informed the court that there are 40 criminal cases pending against R.K., who is also the incharge of CPI-Maoist in the Andhra-Odisha border area. The division bench asked the petitioner if she has evidence of her husband being in police custody. To this, the petitioner sought 10 days' time to prove her charge. The bench comprising Justice C.V. Nagarjuna and Justice M.S.K. Jaiswal adjourned the hearing by two weeks. As many as 30 Maoists were killed in a series of alleged gun battles with Andhra and Odisha Police last week in Malkangiri district of Odisha. The Maoist group alleged that it was a 'covert' operation by police during which many leaders including R.K. were arrested. Sirisha's counsel V. Raghunath said the police affidavit is a 'pack of lies'. He said police failed to respond to the points raised in the affidavit. Revolutionary writer and Maoist sympathiser Varavara Rao said they received the information that R.K. was injured in the police operation. Son of R.K., Munna (23), was among 24 Maoists killed in the joint operation by Andhra's elite anti-Maoist force Greyhounds and Odisha police on October 24. Six more Maoists were killed in two subsequent alleged exchanges of fire in the same region. The CPI-Maoist alleged that police attacked Maoists who were holding the meeting. It claimed that police arrested its cadre and later killed them in cold blood. Police have denied the allegation and claimed that it fired in self-defence after Maoists refused to surrender and opened fire, killing a Greyhounds constable and injuring another. Kolkata, Nov 3 : Google does not perceive ISRO's geo-portal app Bhuvan as competition, a senior Google India official said here on Thursday, stressing that such data sharing platforms help bolster the industry. "From our analysis, it's a great platform for sharing data. We generally don't look at a different app as a competition as we are trying to solve the same problem," said Google India's Maps Lead Sanket Gupta. "There's a long way to go... It is something like a great experience and generally great for the industry," Gupta told the media here. Bhuvan is a software application created by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) that allows users to explore 2D/3D representation of the Earth's surface. The mapping app is specifically tailored to view India, offering highest resolution in the region and providing content in four local languages. Asked about the security and privacy concerns regarding live traffic updates, Gupta clarified the company aggregates anonymised traffic data from people using Google Maps apps. "We generally strip out personal identifiable information which keeps it secure and that's why we can't identify a particular traffic update to a particular cell phone," Gupta added. Michael Slager Jurors have been selected in the criminal trial of Michael Slager, the South Carolina police officer accused of murder in the death of Walter Scott last year. All but one of the 12 jurors is white a black man was selected, along with six white men and five white women. Scott's death drew fierce reactions after a bystander video emerged of Slager, a North Charleston police officer, shooting Scott eight times as he ran away from the officer. The image of a white officer shooting an unarmed black man ignited a firestorm of protests and debate over police violence against minorities. Slager's attorneys disqualified nine potential jurors, seven of whom were minorities, triggering the prosecution to challenge whether they were using race as the basis for striking them, according to the Associated Press. However the challenge was dropped when the defense provided detailed reasons for the disqualifications. One potential juror, for example, reportedly did not have a good understanding of English, while another was a friend of a medical examiner who is expected to testify. Scott family attorney Justin Bamberg did not seem bothered by the racial makeup of the jury. "White people believe in justice, too," he said, according to CNN. Slager was indicted on a murder charge in June 2015, and if convicted, could face life in prison. He also faces federal charges for obstruction of justice, violating Scott's civil rights, and unlawful use of his weapon in the commission of a crime. Opening statements of the trial began Thursday. NOW WATCH: Animated map shows where your bottled water actually comes from More From Business Insider Tehran, Nov 3 : Thousands of Iranians held nationwide demonstrations on Thursday to mark the 37th anniversary of the 1979 seizure of the US embassy in Tehran. Iranians have been celebrating the occasion every year by holding rallies on the anniversary and marking it as the "National Day against the Global Arrogance", Xinhua news agency reported. Demonstrators gathered outside the former US embassy in central Tehran, now called "den of espionage", carrying placards denouncing the "arrogant powers" and shouting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. In 2013, the election of Hassan Rouhani as the Iranian president signalled the thaw in relations with the US, but observers say hardliners in Iran are pushing to heighten anti-US sentiments by insisting on the slogan of "Death to America" at different gatherings, criticising Rouhani for reaching out to Washington and the West in general to solve the country's nuclear issue and economic problems. On Wednesday, Iran's top leader Ali Khamenei ruled out the possibility of restoring ties with the US, saying that compromise and negotiations with Washington will not solve regional and domestic problems of Iran. The US embassy was stormed on November 4, 1979, and its personnel were held hostage for 444 days. The US broke off diplomatic relations with Iran in 1980 and their ties have remained severed ever since. New Delhi, Nov 3 : In a bid to take on the ruling SP and Mayawati-led BSP in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, the BJP on Thursday announced a 17,000-km 'Parivartan Yatra' in the state from Saturday. Party National General Secretary Bhupender Yadav and Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad made the announcement at the party headquarters here, saying the Parivartan Yatra will commence from Saharanpur and end in 192 working days. Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections are due early next year. "BJP's Parivartan Yatra will start from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh on November 5. It will cover 17,000 km in 192 working days," Yadav said at the joint press briefing. Top party leaders, including party's National President Amit Shah and several Union ministers, will be addressing public meetings as the yatra proceeds. Prasad said the party's aim is to convert "hopeless Uttar Pradesh into a state of expectations". The minister also reminded of the good governance of BJP Chief Ministers Kalyan Singh and Rajnath Singh in Uttar Pradesh and stressed on eliminating fear and corruption from the state. "Uttar Pradesh needs good governance, development. For investment, corruption and fear must be eliminated from the state. Uttar Pradesh remembers the days of good governance under the leadership of BJP Chief Ministers Kalyan Singh Ji and Rajnath Singh ji," Prasad said. "Poorna Bahumat, Sampoorna Vikas, BJP Par Hai Vishwash" will be the slogan of the party in Uttar Pradesh, the minister informed. Idukki : Government chief whip and CPI-M leader M M Mani has rankled the CPI, the second largest constituent of the ruling LDF, by pouring scorn on two of its ministers in the Pinarayi Vijayan-led cabinet. Speaking at a function in Idukki, his home turf, M M Mani indulged in a bit of plain speaking, calling into question the credentials of CPI ministers E Chandrasekharan and V S Sunilkumar, who handle the revenue and agriculture portfolios respectively. The goof-ups made by ministers oblivious to the States problems would pose trouble for the government, he said. E Chandrasekharan is ignorant of the problems in the State. Hes talking gibberish about matters related to Idukki, M M Mani charged. Coming down on agriculture minister V S Sunilkumar, Mani said that the minister was falling short in finding solutions to farmers concerns. The farmers would have to fight unitedly to find redressal for their grievances, he added. Taking exception to the remarks, the district CPI leadership has launched a blistering attack on Mani. M M Manis remarks were motivated by jealousy, CPI district secretary K K Sivaraman said. M M Mani and E P Jayarajan (CPI-M legislator from Kannur), who have both set world records in stupidity, are the real reasons for the crisis in the CPI-M, he quipped. Manis statements were in conflict with the spirit of a coalition alliance, Sivaraman added. CPI-M leader M M Mani has a reputation for making rustic and pull-no-punches speeches. They have landed him in hot water on a few occasions, even to the extent of inviting legal troubles. Lucknow, Nov 3 : Uttar Pradesh's ruling Samajwadi Party is treading cautiously on the possibility of weaving a grand alliance in the coming assembly polls. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who began a 'Vikas Rath Yatra' on Thursday, said he was not aware of any such proposal. His uncle and state Samajwadi Party chief Shivpal Singh Yadav also said that invites to old socialist leaders for the party's silver jubilee should not be seen as efforts to sew a grand alliance. "The matter will be dealt by the national leadership of our party but we do want all secular forces to come together and defeat the BJP," he said. Earlier, Akhilesh Yadav said he was not aware of any such alliance. "I leave it to the wisdom of Netaji to decide on the matter," he said, referring to his father and Samajwadi Party supremo Mualayam Singh Yadav. Akhilesh Yadav has so far been championing a go-alone policy and has expressed confidence that the Samajwadi Party will retain power based on his work over the last five years. But with the party and the Yadav family deeply divided on many issues, behind-the-door action picked up early this week when election strategist Prashant Kishore met Mulayam Singh at his New Delhi residence. Accompanied by Samajwadi Party General Secretary Amar Singh, the two were closeted for more than two hours, triggering speculation that a grand alliance was on the way. Amar Singh is said to be keen on a tie-up between the Samajwadi Party and like-minded parties. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad, who is attending the November 5 event of the Samajwadi Party along with former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, says there are no talks of any alliance as of now. Informed sources say that Bihar's ruling Janata Dal-United and RJD were in no hurry to bell the cat. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is said to feel that any alliance would be of no consequence in Uttar Pradesh if it did not have the stamp of approval of Akhilesh Yadav. Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Ajit Singh, however, is seemingly inclined towards such an arrangement. With depleting support base in western Uttar Pradesh and continued isolation in state and central politics, he is learnt to be warm to the idea of a grand alliance if his party gets a share of 50-odd seats in Uttar Pradesh. Highly-placed sources say the only stumbling block in the copy book script seems to the Congress, a party which the Samajwadi Party wants to maintain some distance with -- for more reasons than one. Shivpal Yadav made it clear that no invite had been sent to the Congress and its leaders for the Samajwadi Party event. Another major player in the state, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), is also set it fight the election on its own strength. A resurgent Mayawati means a block missing from the secular pie, making the possibility of a grand alliance further feeble in Uttar Pradesh. (Mohit Dubey can be contacted at mohit.d@ians.in) New Delhi, Nov 3 : A Delhi court on Thursday reserved its order for November 7 on a bail plea of sacked Delhi Minister Sandeep Kumar, who was arrested on charge of rape. Special Judge Poonam Chaudhry reserved the order after both the defence and prosecution concluded their arguments. Kumar, a minister in the Aam Aadmi Party government who was later sacked, said he was in custody for nearly two months now whereas the case probe is still incomplete. The bail plea said Kumar's conduct since the first information report was filed against him had been good and unquestionable and he had himself surrendered before the police. The Delhi Police, while opposing the bail plea, told the court that he can try to influence witnesses and the complainant in the case if he was released on bail. The former Social Welfare and Women and Child Development Minister, who was also suspended from the Aam Aadmi Party, was arrested on September 3 on a complaint filed with the Sultanpuri police station in north Delhi by a woman who figured in a sex video with him. He was booked under Sections 376 (committing rape) and 328 (causing hurt with poison, with an intent to commit an offence) of the Indian Penal Code. The AAP legislator was also charged under Section 67-A (publishing or transmitting material containing sexually explicit act in electronic form) of the Information Technology Act and under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The woman said in her complaint that she was sexually harassed by Kumar at his office-cum-residence in the Sultanpuri area where she had gone to get her ration card made. Shanghai, Nov 3 : France-based global 3D design software company Dassault Systemes inaugurated here on Thursday its 'manufacturing in the age of experience" event aimed at exploring digital transformation of the industry and helping manufacturers provide "personalised experience" to their customers. The event unites 3DExperience platform user communities and Dassault SystAmes executives to exchange ideas, applications and expertise on the digital transformation taking place in industrial manufacturing operations. "The world of manufacturing has a new goal, across all markets: mass customisation and quick delivery to an on-demand generation of consumers, meaning that the fragmented manufacturing of yesteryear will simply not do anymore," said Monica Menghini, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Dassault Systemes. "Complete synchronization and integration of operations, modularity and predictive analytics will allow manufacturers to provide consumers with a personalized experience with which they can feel an emotional connection. 'Manufacturing in the Age of Experience' offers a unique opportunity to explore how to achieve this with the 3DExperience platform," Menghini noted. Top Dassault SystAmes brand leaders gave presentations on virtualising the industry value chain during the plenary session. Top officials from Airbus Helicopters, Doosan Infracore and Honda Motor also shared customer case stories on manufacturing transformation and success. The two-day event will see participation from industry leaders from fields as diverse as aerospace and defence, transportation and mobility, energy, process and utilities, consumer goods and retail. (Partha Sarathi Mitra is attending the event in Shanghai at the invitation of Dassault Systemes. He can be contacted at ps.mitra@ians.in) New Delhi, Nov 3 : Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi was on Thursday stopped by police from proceeding on a protest march against non-implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for the armed forces. "Gandhi was stopped while he was proceeding with the protest march near Parliament Street," Joint Commissioner of Police Dependra Pathak told IANS. The Congress protest comes in the wake of the suicide by ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal on Tuesday demanding implementation of OROP. Patna, Nov 3 : Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday stoked another controversy by saying the Muslims in India were not in a minority and hence should not be given such a status. The minister said the Muslim population in the country was 21 crore, adding it is not proper to treat such a large population as minority. "A new law should be passed to change their minority status," Singh told the media in Nawada district of Bihar. "As per the state's official records, their population is 19 per cent of Bihar's 10.5 crore population. Muslims are in a majority in Kishanganj district, with 80 per cent population. But still they are getting minority status," the minister said. Singh is the Bharatiya Janata Party's Lok Sabha member from Nawada in Bihar. On October 24, the minister said Hindus should seriously think of increasing their population in the country by producing more children. Victoria (Seychelles), Nov 3 : In a bid to attract more tourists from India as also China, to Seychelles, SriLankan Airlines on Thursday launched its inaugural service to the Indian Ocean archipelago nation. SriLankan Flight UL 0707 touched down at Seychelles International Airport shortly after noon on Thursday and was greeted with a water cannon salute amid torrential rains. "It is very important for us to reach out to major (tourism) source markets like India and China," Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Alain St Ange said soon after the SriLankan flight from Colombo touched down. "SriLankan can play a very important role in this," he said. Tourism contributes to 80 percent of the Seychelles' revenue, exports of tuna fish being the other major source. The country comprises 115 islands of which Mahe, on which capital Victoria is situated, Praslin and La-Digue are the three biggest ones According to the minister, this year, till date, over 7,000 Indian tourists have visited this exotic tropical tourist destination. "SriLankan's operations will help us reach out to a much larger market as they have operations to much more Indian destinations than Air Seychelles," Ange told IANS. He said Seychelles wanted Indians not only as tourists and for holding weddings but also for film shooting as "we provide readymade outdoor shooting sets". According to Siva Ramachandran, Chief Commercial Officer of SriLankan, his airline operates 107 flights to different destinations in India per week, and is planning to increase this number further next year. "The idea is to develop Sri Lanka and Seychelles as top tourist destinations and tap the key markets of India and China," he said. "We are also looking to increase trade between Sri Lanka and Seychelles as that will increase the business traffic well." Ramachandran said that direct connectivity to a large country like India would help develop the economies of the small island nations of the region as well. "We see India as an extended home market for us. "We want to work with Air India and Jet Airways in other domestic routes in India as well," he added. (Aroonim Bhuyan visited Seychelles at the invitation of SriLankan Airlines. He can be contacted at aroonim.b@ians.in) New Delhi, Nov 3 : A special court hearing a coal block allocation case, allegedly involving former Congress MP and industrialist Naveen Jindal, on Thursday directed the CBI to file the final progress report on the investigation. Special Judge Bharat Parashar said the report on further investigation cannot be filed piecemeal by the Central Bureau of Investigation. "Report of further investigation cannot be filed piecemeal and all these lists of witnesses or documents or articles should be filed along with the final report on further investigation as and when completed in accordance with the provisions of law," the judge said in his order. The court returned to CBI the list of supplementary witnesses and documents and asked it to file them along with the final progress report. The court fixed November 16 for the next hearing. Former Minister of State for Coal Dasari Narayana Rao and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda are also accused in the case. The court directed the CBI's Investigating Officer to submit a written communication to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) authorities to expedite its report as the case trial was getting held up. The IO said though further investigation was almost complete, a report on the hard disk and some documents sent to the FSL was awaited. He said he had asked the FSL officials to expedite the report. In April, the court said there was prima facie evidence against Jindal, Narayana Rao, Koda and others in the case related to the allocation of Jharkhand's Amarkonda Murgadangal coal block to Jindal Steel and Gagan Sponge. However, the accused denied the charge. The CBI, in April 2015, filed a charge sheet against Jindal, Koda, Rao and ex-Coal Secretary H.C. Gupta, Jindal Realty Director Rajeev Jain, Gagan Sponge Directors Girish Kumar Juneja and R.K. Saraf, Sowbhagya Media's Managing Director K. Ramakrishna and others. Five private companies -- four based in Delhi and one in Hyderabad -- were also named in the charge sheet. They are Jindal Steel and Power Ltd., Gagan Sponge Iron Pvt. Ltd., Jindal Reality Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi Exim Pvt. Ltd. and Sowbhagya Media Ltd. Dhaka, Nov 3 : Bangladesh police on Thursday claimed to have arrested four persons belonging to banned militant outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), who allegedly supplied arms for the Gulshan terror attack, media reports said. Police spokesperson Masudur Rahman said the arrests were made from the capital's Darus Salam area late on Wednesday and identified them as Abu Taher, 37, Mizanur Rahman, 34, Selim Mia, 45 and Toufiqul Islam, 32. All of them belong to Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Rahman told bdnews24.com. "Almost 800 detonators and a 9mm pistol have been found during the raid," he said. During initial investigation, the suspects confessed to smuggling weapons and explosives across the border near Chapainawabganj, the senior police official said. The suspects also confessed that JMB's Chapainawabganj unit chief Mizanur Rahman supplied weapons and explosives to Gulshan cafe attack mastermind Tamim Chowdhury and Nurul Islam. On July 1, 2016, five militants took hostages and opened fire on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan, killing 29 persons, mostly foreigners including 19-year-old Indian Tarishi Jain. Milan, Nov 3 : Police in Italy arrested a Kosovan accused of supporting the Islamic State jihadist group and of instigating and condoning international terrorism via the Internet. The 24-year-old man was detained on Wednesday in the town of Fiesse in the Lombardy region's province of Brescia, anti-terrorism police said. Police also carried out raids on several properties, the latest in a series of anti-terrorism operations that earlier led to the arrests of seven suspected jihadists including a young Italian woman convert to Islam in Brescia province. The Kosovan terrorism suspect allegedly posted videos to the Internet urging Muslims to wage Jihad and was in the process of radicalising his small son, investigators said. Police last week arrested two alleged Egyptian and an Algerian IS supporter in Lombardy and in the northwest Piedmont and Liguria regions in an operation that targeted a suspected Egyptian terrorist cell. The alleged cell spread jihadist propaganda via social media and sent militants from North Africa to Syria to fight for IS, according to police. A total of 55 suspected Islamic extremists have been arrested and deported this year and 121 since January 2015, Italy's interior minister Angelino Alfano said on October 3. Chandigarh, Nov 3 : Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday virtually added fuel to the raging controversy over the suicide of ex-serviceman Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal by raising a question over 'martyr' status for the deceased. On the other hand, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced Rs 1 crore assistance to Grewal's family. Khattar said that Grewal, who committed suicide in New Delhi on Tuesday evening over the issue of One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme, cannot be declared a martyr. Khattar was responding to media queries following a demand from Grewal's family that he be declared a martyr. "The soldiers who give their life for the country while fighting on the front are categorised as martyrs," Khattar said, adding that Grewal's death should not be politicised. Pointing out that there were some discrepancies in Grewal's bank account, which led him (Grewal) to take the extreme step, Khattar said that a soldier can never commit suicide. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the same day Rs 1 crore as financial assistance to the family of the deceased soldier. "We are giving Rs 1 crore to the family of Ram Kishan (Grewal), whom we consider a martyr," Kejriwal told journalists in Bamla village in Haryana's Bhiwani district after Grewal's cremation. Kejriwal added that the money being given as compensation -- in line with a Delhi government policy -- was a small amount and meant to be just a good gesture to the martyrs. Kejriwal, who was detained for seven hours by police in Delhi on Wednesday when he tried to meet Grewal's family, was critical of the way police treated the grieving family. Asked about allegations that he was doing politics over Grewal's death, Kejriwal replied: "Yes, we are doing politics. We are doing politics to secure the soldiers' rights and the central government is doing politics to cheat the soldiers." Haryana's Leader of Opposition INLD's Abhay Singh Chautala accused the Congress of politicising the ex-serviceman's suicide. "The Congress did nothing on OROP issue when it was in power for over four decades," Chautala pointed out. New Delhi, Nov 3 : Art creates a world where boundaries of geography melt and reality transforms into fantasy. An ongoing group art show here breaches boundaries by tracing links between stylistically varied artists. The exhibition titled, "More Than Human - beyond morality and individuality" is on view till November 5 at Art Explore in Hauz Khas Village. "More Than Human is the inaugural exhibition that show cases a range of artists from seniors to emerging names," chief curator Georgina Maddox told IANS. "The focus is to present the viewer with art that is off the beaten track and moves beyond the mundane. In the age of the selfie, art presents a point of departure, into a land of fantasy and mythology engaging and provoking the viewer," she added. The participating artists are Gogi Saroj Pal, Pramod Kumar, Pallav Chander, Anjum Khan, Venus Thokchom, Shampa Sircar Das, Kanchan Chander, Ritu Kamat, Amith Das, Hifzul Sheikh Kabeer and Satadru Sovan. "Each artist works with a certain sense of fantasy and mythology, albeit a contemporary interpretation of it," thew curator said, adding: "The show offers the viewer an escape into a world that is surreal and expressionistic, serving up serious concerns of urban apocalypse with a shade of humor and irony." Artist Gogi Saroj Pal creates larger-than life portraits of women that fill the entire compositional space, bringing a new significance to the term Close-Up. The gold-leaf backdrop adds to the opulent nature of this work. The face of the woman bears a haughty expression. In this other work Gogi has worked a delicate portrait of a fair-skinned girl, against and ornate gold-leaf backdrop. "Art is the mirror of my thoughts and emotions and are therefore really close to my heart. Each art work portray the different expressions of women, Pal told IANS. Kanchan Chander's series on Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is a tribute and wish fulfilment. Hifzul Sheik Kabeer is known for creating mythical characters that draw on the art that surrounded him in his childhood in Jharkhand, that is known for its rich heritage of folk art and Gond paintings. Kabeer described his works, saying: "They have been brought out of my childhood memories and the heritage that I am so attached with. Through my works I wish to take the spectators to a land of imagination and away from reality for a while". Ritu Kamath's series, titled Journey in a Strange Land, talks of the flight into an unknown world. Shampa Sircar Das, creates a dreamy art world where the four elements, earth, water, fire and wind are in harmony with mankind. Satadru Sovan is a multi-disciplinary artist whose works deal with the world of fantasy that is created with the advent of social media like Facebook and Orkut. Anjum Khan's Head 1 is part of a series where Anjum has focused on the modern city-bred Indian woman, who is young and fashionable with curly hair, alluring sun glasses and a direct almost challenging stare. Pallav Chander's series Conquering Gold, is laced with the ironies of life. Pramod Kumar is one of the young artist that we at Art Explore have talent spotted among the many students from the Delhi College of Art who have completed their Bachelors in Fine Art. Amith Das's works were chosen since his works have an air of intrigue and selectivity about them. Venus Thokchom hails from Manipur, a state which is filled with beauty and disquiet in equal measure. Budgam (J&k), Nov 3 : Two days after an ex-serviceman's suicide on the OROP issue, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said most defence veterans had been given benefits under the scheme while around one lakh still left will be given these in two months. "Only one lakh ex-servicemen out of over 20 lakh are not getting pension as per the OROP scheme due to some technical difficulty or documentation problems," the minister said. The minister paid homage to Major Somnath Sharma, the country's first recipient of highest military honour the Param Vir Chakra on his 69th martyrdom anniversary in central Badgam district. "These one lakh personnel are yet to get the full benefits under the OROP... we will soon sort out the paperwork. In the next two months, we will finalise it," he also told the media here. He said the OROP issue had not been implemented in the past 43 years. "We did it. Every year, an expenditure of Rs 7,500 crore will be incurred and Rs 11,000 crore have been paid as arrears. There has been an average increase of 23 to 24 per cent in pensions under the OROP," he said. Parrikar is on a visit to Kashmir to review the preparedness of troops in the wake of repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan. The Defence Minister's remarks came after a political controversy erupted in Delhi on Wednesday over the suicide on Tuesday of Ram Kishan Grewal, a retired Subedar of the Indian Army. Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag accompanied Parrikar when he listened to the problems of army veterans present at the homage-paying ceremony. "The problems conveyed to me by you will be resolved before I come here the next time," he assured the veterans. The minister said he was aware that benefits under certain reservation quota were not being extended by the state government to ex-servicemen. "I will ask for a report from the state government on this issue. The facilities offered by the central government will also be extended to you," Parrikar assured the ex-servicemen. New Delhi, Nov 3 : A delegation of Japanese Parliamentarians led by Toshihiro Nikai, visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Modi welcomed the initiative undertaken by Toshihiro Nikai to raise awareness about the threat posed by tsunamis and sought strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the field of disaster risk reduction and disaster management, said an official release. Modi said that he was looking forward to his visit to Japan next week. India and Japan are likely to sign a civil nuclear cooperation agreement during his visit on November 11-12. During the discussion with the delegation, Modi recalled his interaction with the Japan-India Parliamentarians' Friendship League in September, and welcomed increased interaction between the legislatures of both countries. He called for strengthening exchanges between State-level legislatures. New Delhi, Nov 3 : The IAF has succeeded in short-field landing of the mighty C-17 Globemaster aircraft at high-altitude Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunchal Pradesh near the border with China, an official statement said. This underlined yet again the Indian Air Force's capability to reach out to the remote ALG located at Mechuka in the Yargyap river valley of West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, just 29 km from the India-China border, it said. The ALG, situated at an altitude of 6,200 feet with a landing surface of only 4,200 feet, was recently upgraded. The road connectivity to the nearest air/rail head at Dibrugarh, about 500 km away, is generally involves two days of travel, if the roads are not damaged due to frequent landslides. "This is a quantum jump from the existing capability of AN-32 and C-130J aircraft. Such airlift capability facilitates speedy transfer of men and material in this rugged terrain, interspersed with valleys and high mountain ranges that inhibit road connectivity. "In the event of a disaster in the region, C-17 operations to the remote ALG can enhance the speed and quantum of national relief effort," said the IAF statement. The IAF said it has plans to validate airlift operations to and from various ALGs in the region that would usher in a new dimension in enhanced disaster response. "This trial landing is expected to pave the way for operation of civil flights operating to and from the newly upgraded ALGs, which hold enormous potential to boost tourism by improving connectivity to remote locations in the north-east," the statement said. Dharamsala, Nov 3 : Filmmaker Raam Reddy's award-winning Kannada film "Thithi" on Thursday kickstarted the fifth edition of Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) with a screening to a packed house here. The opening of the four-day long film festival was attended by Himachal Pradesh Urban Development Minister Sudhir Sharma, among other dignetaries. "Thithi", which earlier won various honours at 68th Locarno International Film Festival, Marrakech International Film Festival, 19th Shanghai International Film Festival and 63rd National Film Awards, is a dramatic comedy about how three generations of sons react to the death of the oldest in their clan, a man named Century Gowda -- a locally renowned, highly cantankerous 101-year-old man. Not only the film give a perfect start to the cultural and independent film festival, but it also witnessed a packed house in the Tibetan Children's Village here. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh was supposed to attend the opening ceremony, but was forced to leave for Delhi due to bad health, said filmmaker Ritu Sarin, who curates the festival along with her husband Tenzing Sonam. "I welcome you all on behalf of the Chief Minister, who was scheduled to be here, but had to change his schedule at last minute for a meeting in Delhi," said Sharma who came instead. "Slowly and steadily this film festival is growing every year. I want to assure the organisers that the government of Himachal Pradesh is ready to help them in every way possible for this festival," he added. The end of the movie was marked by a loud applause by the audience which included independent filmmakers, critics, local audience, tourists and movie aficionados. Presented in collaboration with Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary, the festival is also supported by the Himachal Pradesh government and the National Film Development Corporation of India. DIFF 2016 will feature 43 films in total from 21 countries including Thailand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Germany, Bhutan among others. The festival will come to an end with National Award-winning filmmaker Vetrimaaran's critically acclaimed Tamil drama "Visaranai" (Interrogation), which is India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the upcoming 89th Academy Awards. (The writer's trip to Dharamsala is at the invitation of the Dharamshala International Film Festival organisers. Sandeep Sharma can be contacted at sandeep.s@ians.in) Philadelphia, Nov 4 : Melania Trump, the wife of US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, said on Thursday she would work to improve a social media culture that "has gotten too mean and too rough, especially to children and teenagers" if she becomes First Lady. Trump, who was born in Slovenia and became an American citizen in 2006, said that becoming a United States citizen was "the greatest privilege in the world". "I'm an immigrant, and no one values the freedoms and opportunities of America more than me," CNN quoted her as saying. In a rare appearance on the campaign trail she discussed her vision for her role in the White House for the first time in suburban Philadelphia. "It is never OK when a 12-year-old girl or boy is mocked, bullied or attacked. It is terrible when it happens on the playground, and it is absolutely unacceptable when it is done by someone with no name hiding on the internet. We have to find a better way to talk to each other," Melania Trump said. "We must find better ways to honour and support the basic goodness of our children, especially in social media," she said. "It will be one of the main focuses of my work, if I am privileged enough to become your First Lady." However, she made no allusion to her husband's long history of bullying political foes, journalists and entertainers on Twitter. In September, after Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton cited Trump's reference to 1996 Miss Universe Alicia Machado as "Miss Piggy" and "Miss Housekeeper" during their first presidential debate, Trump said in a 3 a.m. Twitter rant that Machado is "disgusting" and a "con" and directed followers to check out a non-existent Machado sex tape. It was Melania Trump's first speech since her appearance at the Republican National Convention, where her remarks triggered controversy because one section plagiarised Michelle Obama's 2008 Democratic National Committee speech. A speechwriter later apologised. She cast her husband as someone who's in touch with America's working class. "Every time my husband learned of a factory closing in Ohio or North Carolina or Pennsylvania, I could see him get very upset," CNN quoted her as saying as she made the case that the Republican candidate can fix the nation's economic woes. Her speech on Thursday was the first of what Donald Trump said in an interview with ABC would be two or three major speeches before the November 8 election. The speech took place in Berwyn, Pennsylvania -- in the suburbs of Philadelphia -- and was designed to help Trump win over the middle-class women in the region who could tip the balance of Pennsylvania's 20 electoral votes for Trump or Clinton. Geneva, Nov 4 : An estimated 239 migrants are missing after two separate boats capsized in the Mediterranean Sea off the Libyan coast on Wednesday, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) confirmed on Thursday. "Survivors from one boat said about 140 people, including six children and approximately 20 women, some of them pregnant, left Libya at around 3.00 a.m.," UNHCR spokesman Leo Dobbs told Xinhua news agency in a written statement. "After a few hours, the wooden planks at the bottom of the dinghy they were travelling on broke, causing it to capsize approximately 25 miles off the Libyan coast," he added. According to initial reports, rescuers saved 29 people and recovered 12 bodies. In the second incident, reports from survivors who disembarked at the Italian port of Lampedusa were that around 128 people had lost their lives after "an already unsafe dinghy" sank at around 5.00 a.m. local time (0400) on Wednesday. According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), this brings this year's total number of Mediterranean migrant deaths to a record-breaking 4,220. Washington, Nov 4 : US Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday expressed confidence about the future of the US-Philippines relationship, which has soured following Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's tirades against the US. "I am confident about the future of our bilateral relationship, notwithstanding a difference here or there about one thing or another," Xinhua news agency quoted Kerry as saying at the State Department as he swore in Sung Kim as the new US ambassador to the Philippines. "The United States continues to place a high value on the close ties that exist between our countries," Kerry said. "We continue to recognise our ironclad commitment to the sovereignty, independence, and security of the Philippines." Kerry also expressed the hope to visit the Southeast Asian country before the end of his term as Secretary of State. In recent months, Duterte repeatedly lashed out at the US, throwing the alliance between the two countries into disarray, after Washington raised concern on the reported extrajudicial killings of drug suspects amid Manila's war on illegal drugs. The Philippine President also threatened to "break up" with Washington. He hit out at the United States, the European Union and the United Nations for using human rights to criticise his campaign to curb the illicit drug menace in the Philippines. "I will be re-configuring my foreign policy," Duterte said in a speech before the Jewish Association of the Philippines in Makati City on October 4. "Eventually I might in my time break up with America. I would rather go to Russia and to China," said Duterte. South Dakotans will need their state lawmakers help now to pry open physicians iron grip on secret decisions about which doctors get to practice in hospitals and why. Thats because the states Supreme Court ruled this vital information must be kept confidential, even if releasing it would serve a wider good of disclosing possible criminal or fraudulent conduct. The high court ducked its potential role in helping more than 30 patients who claim they were mangled in excruciating, needless surgeries performed by Allen Sossan, an osteopath with an easily discovered criminal past and a checkered medical practice record in the area around Yankton, S.D. Ive written about this case before. Several South Dakota hospitals gave Sossan practice privileges after his credentials were reviewed by physician committees, which, since have fought mightily to keep secret what they knew and when they knew it about him. Sossan since has been indicted for providing false information to medical licensing authorities. The convicted burglar and check kiter apparently has fled the country and may be back in his native Iran. A lower court judge had ruled that the hospitals and doctors could not keep secret their peer reviews, especially as numerous, fact-based lawsuits against Sossan indicated fraud or criminal conduct may have been involved. The hospitals and physicians are under fire because court cases already have shown they were concerned that Sossan operated too readily and poorly, even as they publicly praised him and positioned him as a skilled spinal surgeon. The hospitals, in particular, have been criticized for discussing their revenue potential from bringing on a doctor to perform highly lucrative back surgeries. Sossans victims say he was brutal, inflicting, for example, multiple, complex, and major surgeries on one patient who also suffered infections and died in agony within a year of her care by him. They wanted to force disclosure of why the hospitals granted operating privileges to Sossan to support their contentions that the hospitals were negligent and lax in bringing him on board. If they could establish that in court, they would potentially be able to collect damages from the hospitals for the harm Sossan caused. His own malpractice insurance would likely cover only a small fraction of the harm hes alleged to have inflicted. The state Supreme Court, as it suggested in oral arguments, ruled quickly and unanimously that state laws exempted disclosure of physician peer reviews, and the only way this could be changed would be by South Dakota lawmakers. Other states have acted differently, and advocates noted that South Dakotas high court carves out exemptions to laws in many other instances. I know it isnt easy for lawmakers to battle doctors. But this is an easy call for them to do the right thing. If theres a worry that key information, not pertinent to a given legal dispute, might be disclosed when physician reviews are made public, judges can review the materials in private (in camera, as its known in the law). If these practices suffice for national security, they certainly could be applied here. If hospitals and doctors abet or commit fraud or crimes, they cant be allowed to hide records that show this. Doctors groups in South Dakota say the Sossan case is an outlier, where bad facts shouldnt create bad law. The extreme harm that he inflicted, as has been proven in court cases already, is indefensibleand medical leaders do themselves, their profession, their communities, and most of all their patients, an extreme disservice by not throwing sunshine on the wrongs and disinfecting a clearly nasty situation. Billy Phinizy, a 68W Combat Medic, returned home from Afghanistan still suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury. Billy's wife Laurin and children maintain a positive outlook on life ... one of Budget Blinds' goals is to help educate consumers on products, options, and features to keep homes with children safe, while still enjoying beautiful window coverings." Budget Blinds, the largest window coverings franchise in North America with over than 1,000 territories, partnered for a fourth time with the producers of Designing Spaces, the award-winning home remodeling show, to provide another deserving veteran with the ultimate home makeover, complete with new custom window coverings. Billy Phinizy, a 68W Combat Medic, faced many challenges after his return from Afghanistan in 2010. Billy spent several months in an inpatient facility for severe PTSD and still suffers from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other related health issues. Despite his injuries, his wife, Lauren, and their two young children maintain a positive outlook on life and work hard for everything they have. In 2016, Designing Spaces approached Budget Blinds to be their exclusive window coverings provider for Military Makeover, which Budget Blinds graciously accepted in order to help create homes that would honor our nations heroes for their service to our country. In turn, Budget Blinds recruited one of their valued manufacturing partners to renovate the home with beautiful, child-friendly shutters and cordless faux wood blinds from their exclusive Enlightened Style collection. Along with drapery panels and hardware from their partner, Rowley, to accent the windows in the master bedroom and living room, the Phinizy family home will become a more energy-efficient and safe place for their children to live. To see the final results, watch the three-part series of Designing Spaces Military Makeover on Fridays, beginning on November 11 at 7:30 a.m. (ET/PT) on Lifetime Television. We were thrilled to participate in Military Makeover for a fourth time, said Tracy Christman, Vice President of Vendor Alliance at Budget Blinds, who also appears in an episode. Not only does Budget Blinds have a long-standing history and commitment to supporting our veterans, our goal is to help educate consumers on products, options, and features to keep homes with children safe, while still enjoying beautiful window coverings. Chief Executive Officer of Budget Blinds and its parent company, Home Franchise Concepts, Shirin Behzadi, also added, At Budget Blinds, we share a strong commitment to supporting veterans who have served our country. Many of our franchisees across the country are veterans or have personal connections to the U.S. Armed Forces, so we are excited about helping to get these families settled into their newly renovated homes, and proud to support our veterans in this way. Budget Blinds offers Veteran programs that heavily discount franchise fees, and recently received the Best for Vets: Franchise 2016 ranking by the Military Times. They have also received accolades or recognition for their Veteran programs from VetFran and Franchise Business Review, as well as other prestigious franchise networks including Entrepreneur, Franchise 500, Inc. 5000, Canadian Franchise Association and Franchise Times. To learn more about their Veteran business ownership opportunities, visit budget-blinds-franchise.com. Budget Blinds will be featured in the three-part series airing on Fridays, November 11, November 25, and December 9 on Lifetime Television at 7:30 a.m. (ET/PT). Check your local listings. About Military Makeover From the producers of the award-winning home decorating and remodeling show, Designing Spaces, comes a very special mini-series dedicated to giving back to members of our Military and their loved ones. Enlisting the help of decorators, designers, landscapers and other home renovation experts, the host, retired United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant R. Lee Ermey, The Gunny, helps transform the homes and the lives of military families across the country. The series airs at 7:30 a.m. (ET/PT) on Lifetime. Go to http://www.militarymakeover.tv/ for episodes or more information. About Budget Blinds Budget Blinds was founded in 1992 and is part of a family of brands under the umbrella of Home Franchise Concepts, franchisor of home improvement service companies including Tailored Living and Concrete Craft. Budget Blinds currently boasts more than 1,000 franchise territories throughout the United States, Canada and in Monterrey, Mexico. The company offers a full line of quality window coverings including shutters, shades, blinds, draperies and window film. It also provides free in-home consultations as well as complete measuring and installation services. Budget Blinds has been recognized as a leader in the franchise industry by organizations such as Entrepreneur, AllBusiness, Inc. and Franchise Business Review. For more information on Budget Blinds, visit http://www.budgetblinds.com or connect with us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/budgetblinds. For franchise opportunities, please visit http://www.budget-blinds-franchise.com. Making an impact in the lives of Latinos in STEM. It never ceases to amaze us, the tens of thousands Latino students and professionals we have impacted through our programs. Our conference serves as unique platform to experience our missions impact in real time. Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) will bring over 6,500 attendees to Seattle, WA on November 2nd through November 5th, 2016. The annual SHPE Conference is the largest gathering of Latinx student and professional STEM talent in the nation. The SHPE Conference introduces students to STEM careers, provides programming to support personal and professional growth, offers professional development and networking opportunities, and attracts companies seeking highly qualified Latinx talent in these disciplines. Over 500 attendees join the SHPE conference representing Fortune 500 companies, Government, Military Branches, and Academia to lead workshops, recruit top Latinx STEM talent, network, and recognize award recipients at the STAR Awards Gala. SHPE has the honor to celebrate Boeings Centennial at conference. In an effort to connect SHPE members and attendees with Seattles rising Tech Hub and near-by Silicon Valley, SHPE is launching a Tech Program that includes a Hackathon. The Tech program will include 2 days of workshop, a Tech Innovation Theater, and Technology and Entrepreneurship tracks, amongst other robust educational workshops. The last time SHPE Conference was hosted 1995 that featured Bill Gates, SHPE has grown exponentially from hosting it at a hotel ballroom to taking up the entire Seattle Convention Center. For 2016, we are excited to have Mayor Ed Murray dedicate a proclamation to SHPE. It never ceases to amaze us, the tens of thousands Latino students and professionals we have impacted through our programs. Our conference serves as unique platform to experience our missions impact in real time. This is where it all comes together; where you see SHPE changing lives through STEM in our community, CEO, Barry Cordero SHPE National Conference is the culmination of all SHPE programs covering the entire STEM Pipeline that serve K-12 through the Pre-College Symposium, Undergraduates, Graduate, Faculty and Academia, and Professionals. The conference will also host an Executive Roundtable; The Inclusion in D&I: Advancing Latinx in the STEM Workforce. Aimed at raising awareness and developing inclusion plans to corporate leaders in attendance and the Industry Partnership Council made up of 46 Fortune 500 companies. SHPE recognizes all of their partners that support diverse recruitment. SHPE professional programs focus on retention strategies and advancement of Latinx talent. For more information on SHPE Conference 2016, please visit http://www.shpe.org/shpe2016. About SHPE The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers offers a network of more than 400 chapters nationally. SHPEs mission is to change lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support and development. SHPE provides a variety of programming and resources including hosting the largest annual Hispanic STEM conference in the nation. For more information, visit http://www.shpe.org. Main Street Processing, a leading merchant services and cash advance services company, has launched a new branding campaign via its updated website. Leading with 5 Minutes Could Save 15% as the new tag line and call to action, Main Street Processing seeks to reach small businesses using credit and debit card terminals. Specifically, Main Street Processing is marketing to businesses in need of EMV or chip terminal upgrades along with providing businesses both mobile payment solutions including online options for eCommerce transactions. Everyone here is very excited about the relaunch of Main Street's merchant services brand and engaging with new small business owners. The landscape and technology for credit and debit card processing is quickly changing and Main Street Processing is dedicated to staying on top of new technologies and regulatory issues that directly affect merchants and retailers. Since were a full service provider, and not just a re-seller, we can help businesses navigate through the complicated POS options and help them lower their transaction costs, said Marco Santos, VP of Sales. Main Street has been providing payment solutions for both debit and credit card processing for merchants for over 10 years as well enhancing merchants revenue options through loyalty card and gift card services. With the new addition of Main Street Cash Advance, businesses can leverage the power of their on-going transaction revenue to potentially acquire cash resources to address inventory acquisitions, facility expansion, pay taxes and payroll. Other uses include, cash for unforeseen events due to weather, key management illness or accidents which are not completely covered by insurance. Main Street Processings new web site highlights the companys full suite of products and services, informative news and blog posts along with providing access to new potential business customers where they can upload merchant statements for a free cost comparison and analysis of fees from their current credit card processing provider. Main Street is proud to service thousands of unique businesses across the United States and provide a broad range of payment solutions tailored to the smallest mom and pop shops to larger businesses with hundreds of employees operating in different locations. Main Street Processing maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and key management has over 100 years collective experience in merchant services. The company also reports one of the lowest on hold times for customer service calls. Merchants can also access their accounts online or speak with someone personally in a matter of minutes without long, inconvenient hold times. About Main Street Processing: Main Street Processing based in Richardson, Texas, is a leading national provider of merchant processing services, POS Systems and check and gift card solutions. The company provides cutting edge transaction technology including EMV and end-to-end tokenized transaction encryption, which offers the ultimate in data security protection. The company has been a leader in the field for more than 10 years and offers a comprehensive suite of products and services to merchants with small and medium size businesses helping them to be more profitable and successful. The company provides 24/7 superior customer development and support services which are unparalleled and nationally recognized within the industry. To learn more about Main Street Processing, visit us at http://www.MainStreetProcessing.com Apparently theres not much public insistence on medical privacy for the President. Respondents to a national online poll strongly favor total medical transparency for any future President who develops AIDS, an infection which can raise sensitive questions as to its source. The poll was conducted for the just-published mystery novel, The President Has AIDS (http://www.ThePresidentHasAIDS.com), reports Dr. Leslie Norins, the books author. The poll presented three options as to whether the public should be informed about such an AIDS diagnosis: Yes, always inform; No, never inform; or Yes informbut only if the source were one of several choices offered. A significant majority, two-thirds (65.8%), of respondents said the public should always be informed, regardless of the circumstances under which a Commander in Chief acquired the HIV which led to AIDS. In contrast, only about one-fifth (21%) said the public should not be informed at all. The smallest portion of poll-takers, 13.2 %, said the public should be informed--but only if the HIV source were one of seven possibilities presented. (These respondents could vote for more than one source as meriting disclosure) Highest ranked of these seven was contaminated blood transfusion (62.2%). Second was extramarital sex with a same-sex partner (51%). Two sources were tied for third place (48% each): enemy plot and personal drug abuse using contaminated needle. Then came contaminated surgical instrument (46.9%) and extramarital sex with opposite sex partner (43.9%). In last place was sex with infected spouse (38.8%). The non-scientific online poll, open to anyone interested, was taken October 14 through November 2. Dr. Norins declined to report the precise total of respondents, but called it substantial. He explained that the poll illuminates one of the two big challenges in his book: White House insiders are grappling with whether the Presidents AIDS infection should be revealed to the public. The second challenge is faced by the mysterys medical detective, Dr. Martin Rikerferreting out the source of POTUSs HIV. Just before the book ends, its fictional President, Paul Ralston, does decide whether to disclose his AIDS infection to the American people. Book author Dr. Leslie Norins graduated Johns Hopkins University and received his M.D. from Duke University School of Medicine. He then received his Ph.D. from the University of Melbourne (Australia) where he strudied immunology with Sir Macfarlane Burnet, Nobel prize-winner, at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Early in his career he directed the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Then he became a medical publisher, creating and growing over the next 35 years more than 80 monthly newsletters serving specialized information needs of healthcare professionals and facilities. Dr. Norins previously authored, with contributions from Thomas Hauck, the thriller, "Deadly Pages", in which Mideast terrorists plot to attack vulnerable Americans with smallpox, disseminated by contaminating the printing ink of the New York Times. The President Has AIDS. by Leslie Norins, MD, is published by Medvostat LLC, and is available at Amazon.com and bookstores. $14.95 paperback, $9.95 Kindle. ISBN 978-0692758003. (http://www.ThePresidentHasAIDS.com) . Cox Target Media (CTM) is proud to announce that Ashley Roberson has joined the company, taking on the role of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Campaign Manager. She is responsible for creating a streamlined approach to sales execution as it relates to CPG -- from developing pertinent client strategies to driving successful implementation. Roberson joins CTM from Catalina, a personalized digital media company, where she spent over four years managing budgets for multiple CPG brands, including Big Heart Pet Brands, Dole, Mead Johnson and White Wave Foods. While at Catalina, she served as a team lead in Account Management and as a platform manager. Her background also extends into the insurance industry, more specifically commercial and surety lines. Roberson received her bachelors degree in business administration from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. About Cox Target Media Based in St. Petersburg, FL, Cox Target Media (CTM) is a national direct marketing company that offers targeted marketing solutions to identify and engage specific shopper segments. We provide marketers with keen insights into how consumers think and behave when shopping and buying. CTMs mass reach coupled with powerful, precise targeting and true consumer insights drives measurable-buying transactions across verticals, including consumer packaged goods (CPG), over-the-counter (OTC) and omnichannel retail. CTM is the parent company of Valpak, one of North Americas leading direct marketing companies, and Savings.com, a leading online source for savings. CTM is a subsidiary of Cox Media Group in Atlanta. ### Independent drug chain Benzer Pharmacy has been selected to order Cosentyx (secukinumab), a limited distribution drug. Cosentyx which is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, is a biologic product and only interleukin-17A inhibitor that is FDA approved to treat adults with any of the following autoimmune inflammatory disorders: moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, or active ankylosing spondylitis. The drug is intended for patients who are eligible for systemic therapy, phototherapy or a combination of the two; which is given by patient self-injection and is highly effective in improving patient symptoms and enhancing quality of life. We are excited about this privilege as this is a limited-distribution drug which is only available through a selected few specialty pharmacies. Says Lindsay Wall, Benzer Pharmacy Chief Clinical Officer. Benzer Pharmacy has been selected following its highest standards for clinical expertise, patient education, personalized services, treatment monitoring and support. Patients who need a specialty pharmacy often are challenged with complex and chronic conditions requiring advanced drug therapies, injectable medications and more complicated treatment regimens. Our patient advocates assist in managing these complex treatment regimens, and handle insurance concerns. Adds Lindsay. Benzer Pharmacy will deliver Cosentyx through five of its full service stores located at: 301 Havendale Blvd. Auburndale, FL 33823; 11304 Hawthorne Dr. Suite 120 Mint Hill, NC 28227; 4860 Rucker Rd. Suite #1 Moneta, VA 24121; 28577 Schoenherr Rd. Waren, MI 48088; and 2525 Canal St New Orleans, LA 70119. For more information about Cosentyx and Novartis Pharmaceuticals can be found at http://www.cosentyx.com. For more information, call: 877-4-BENZER ### ABOUT BENZER PHARMACY Benzer Pharmacy is a chain of independent retail pharmacies that specializes in specialty drugs and also focusses on medication management programs for people with complex chronic diseases, including Hepatitis, HIV, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Dermatological conditions and Gastrointestinal Disorders (GI). The first Benzer Pharmacy opened in the year 2009 and there are now over 60 locations throughout Tennessee, Florida, Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, Georgia, Nevada, Oklahoma, Iowa, Louisiana and Arkansas. ACCREDITATIONS - 2016: Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC) accreditation for Specialty Pharmacy 2015: PCAB compounding accreditation with Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) ACCOLADES Florida Fast 50 (2016) - Tampa Bays Fastest Growing Companies. EY Entrepreneur of the Year, (2016) - Benzer Pharmacy CEO was a Florida Finalist. CFO of the Year Awards (2016): Finalist Large company category. Chain Drug Review (2016: Rank 54 out of 100 in the Top 100 Chains by Pharmacy Count Inc. 5000 (2015): Rank 1500 - Fastest growing private company in America. Florida Fast 100 (2015): Rank 39 out of 100 Fastest growing private companies in Florida TBBJ 200 (2015): Rank 67 out of 200 - Tampa Bays largest private companies All Benzer Pharmacy medications require a doctor's prescription. For more information: http://www.benzerpharmacy.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenzerPharmacy Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/benzerpharmacy Andrea Young Georgia State University will host a day-long symposium Nov. 9 exploring racial equity and social inequality in Atlanta, a city experiencing significant demographic and social changes. Still the Black Mecca?: Race, Social Inequality and Urban Displacement in 21st Century Atlanta will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Georgia State College of Law Building, 85 Park Place, N.E. The event is free and open to the public. Panelists will discuss structural racism and political, cultural and economic solutions. The event will connect scholars, activists and students in the struggle for racial justice in the historic capital of the Civil Rights Movement. Andrea Young, director of the Andrew Young Foundation and daughter of civil-rights icon Andrew Young, a former U.S. ambassador and mayor of Atlanta, will be a panelist. Other panelists include scholars from Georgia State, Emory University, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University and the Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as local clergy, artist and activists. The symposium is organized by Georgia States Department of Sociology, the James Weldon Johnson Institute at Emory University, and the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Clark Atlanta University. For more information about the event, the program of sessions for the symposium and registration, visit http://www.raceinatl.com. Our talented fans will now have more time to perfect their video to participate! To give more seniors the opportunity to compete in this years Seniors Got Talent, the publication has decided to extend the deadline for videos from November 1 to November 31. The online talent competition, hosted by Seniors Guide, awards the senior(s) whose video receives the most online votes $1,000, with second and third places receiving $500 and $250. With the election stealing everyones attention, we wanted to give seniors a little extra time to get their entries in this year, says Katharine Ross, vice president of Seniors Guide magazine. Our talented fans will now have more time to perfect their video to participate! In the 2016 competition, submissions have ranged from a 95-year-old Alzheimers patient playing Amazing Grace on the piano to a hip hop dance team. Video entries are posted on http://www.seniorsguideonline.com, where supporters with a valid email address can place one vote per day for their favorite videos. Voting ends on December 31, and Seniors Guide will announce the winners in January. This is the sixth year of the competition. Visit http://www.seniorsguideonline.com/seniors-got-talent-contest-rules-regulations for contest rules. Seniors Guide, a Richmond, Va. -based company, publishes Seniors Guide magazines throughout Cincinnati, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia; and Roanoke-Lynchburg, Virginia and features a correlating website of SeniorsGuideOnline.com. Seniors Guides mission is to help seniors and their families find the information they need on options available in senior housing, senior care, assisted living, independent senior living, retirement communities and other retirement living needs. Seniors Guide also has resources at http://www.HomeCareChoice.com for Cincinnati, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; and Richmond, VA. Ross Publishing, Seniors Guides parent company, began in 1991 and has been publishing helpful, free publications and websites ever since. In addition to the many Seniors Guide titles, the team at Ross Publishing is behind lifestyle magazine BOOMER and real estate publication Apartment Navigator. Aven Tools is pleased to announce the new redesigned http://www.aventools.com website! The new website provides a new look, improved navigation, a user-friendly interface, ability to search, and an easy-to-use shopping cart. Aven Tools is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, 4330 Varsity Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Aven Tools is a supplier of high performance tools for microscopy, inspection, and precision assembly. Avens world class Custom Digital Microscopes & Video Inspection Systems are tailored to your specifications. Mike Shahpurwala, President of Aven Tools said, We would like to thank everyone at Miller Media for bringing to life a fantastic new web site for us. Tim Doyle, our in-house Media Manager, was instrumental in updating all of the product attributes of over 700 unique products. Great work!" The new site design provides our online visitors with dramatic improvements in navigation, appearance and accessibility. The homepage welcomes you with eye pleasing colors, a clean uncluttered design, moving product images and the ability to easily select a product. The search feature was created with streamlined search functionality to enable you to quickly find any product on our website. In addition, footers and sidebars on every page provide intuitive site navigation. We invite you to explore the new Aven Tools website and discover all that we have to offer. Please contact us at: sales(at)aveninc(dot)com or Phone: (734) 973-0099 Miller Media, also located in Michigan, is a full service Google Certified, Digital marketing firm providing B2B & B2C solutions and advice on Pay-Per-Click Management, Website Development, Website Design, & Search Engine Optimization. The Aven Tools website has been dramatically redesigned with a fresh new look. Were thrilled to have the opportunity to help Aven expand awareness & distribution of their products. We love working with great brands here in Michigan! To contact Miller Media: Email: info(at)millermediainc(dot)com, Phone: 248.528.3600, http://www.millermediainc.com IoT Analytics is the driving force in the Internet of Things era. "We're excited to be presenting our IoT analytics platform's ability to turn that big data into revenue using our platform." Tellient, the award-winning IoT analytics platform, announced today that it will be presenting at the 4th Annual IoT Summit Chicago. The IoT Summit Chicago, brought to you by Illinois Technology Association (ITA), and featuring the First Analysis Capital Conference, is a convergence of IoT thought leadership and investor engagement. This years Summit will explore some of the timeliest issues impacting the Internet of Things, such as data ownership and governance, said Fred Hoch, ITA CEO. We will simultaneously be showcasing local IoT companies, attracting investors and capital to the region. The IoT Summit Chicago will feature over 50 sessions and will provide insights on everything from IoT in clothing and jewelry to driverless cars to industrial implementations. The conference will also feature 20 presentations from cutting-edge IoT companies, bringing together executives from IoT companies and venture capital and private equity investors. The IoT Summit Chicago strongly emphasizes big data, underscoring the importance of analytics to the functioning of the IoT, said Shawn Conahan, Tellient CEO. We're excited to be presenting our IoT analytics platform's ability to turn that big data into revenue using our platform. See the full IoT Summit schedule and register to attend at iotsummitchicago.com. About Tellient Tellient is an analytics platform built specifically for the Internet of Things. Our customers are connected device makers, providers of the technologies that power IoT devices, and the network operators that those devices connect through. We collect and process the enormous quantities of data generated by the IoT and turn it into a new revenue source for our customers. For more information about our IoT analytics platform, visit tellient.com Contact: Tristan Barnum, tristan(at)tellient(dot)com, +1.858.256.6426 ext. 102 About ITA The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) scales Illinois tech companies. With innovative resources that allow members to collaborate with each other, build their talent networks and elevate their local and national presence, ITA is the regions strongest advocate for fostering innovation and growth. Founded in 2005 and supporting 500-plus growth-stage tech companies, ITA has a rich history of driving the business forward. For more information, visit illinoistech.org, follow @ITAbuzz on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn. Contact: Julia Kanouse, julia(at)illinoistech(dot)org, +1.312.924.1443 The Community for Accredited Online Schools (AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org), a leading online higher education resource site, has released its list of the nations Best Paramedic Programs. Comparing data from both online and on-campus programs at two- and four-year schools, top scores went to Colorado Mountain College, Florida Gateway College, Santa Fe College, Midland College and College of Central Florida for four-year schools; Northland Pioneer College, Eastern New Mexico University Roswell, North Arkansas College, Arkansas State University Beebe and Galveston College for two-year schools for 2016-2017. The U.S. Department of Labor shows the job outlook for paramedics is extremely favorable over the next decade, said Doug Jones, CEO and Founder of the Community for Accredited Online Schools. The schools on this list are raising the bar when it comes to Paramedic education, providing the best combination of affordability and quality to their students. To qualify for the Best Paramedic Program list, the Community for Accredited Online Schools requires schools to meet specific baseline requirements. All institutions are required to be accredited public or private not-for-profit entities. Each must also offer students career placement assistance or services post-graduation. More than a dozen different school-specific metrics, from graduation rates to student-teacher ratios, are weighed against one another to determine individual school scores and placement on rankings. The full list of colleges included on the Best Paramedic Programs list is included below. Find more details on the methodology used to score each school, as well as specific scores at: http://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/vocational-trade-school/paramedic/ 2016-2017s Best Paramedic Programs at Two-Year Schools: Arizona Western College Arkansas Northeastern College Arkansas State University - Beebe Arkansas State University - Mountain Home Athens Technical College Belmont College Black River Technical College Central Community College Central New Mexico Community College Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Crowder College Del Mar College East Arkansas Community College East Mississippi Community College Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell Campus Estrella Mountain Community College Gadsden State Community College Galveston College Grayson College H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College Hill College Hillsborough Community College Hinds Community College Howard College Itawamba Community College Jefferson College Johnson County Community College Lakeshore Technical College Lenoir Community College Meridian Community College Mesa Community College Metropolitan Community College North Arkansas College North Florida Community College North Georgia Technical College Northeast Texas Community College Northern Maine Community College Northland Pioneer College Redlands Community College San Juan College Santa Fe Community College Sinclair College South Arkansas Community College Southeast Arkansas College Tallahassee Community College Trinidad State Junior College University of Arkansas Community Hope - Texarkana Wallace State Community College - Hanceville Western Iowa Tech Community College Western Nebraska Community College 2016-2017s Best Paramedic Programs at Four-Year Schools: Arkansas Tech University Baker College of Clinton Township Baker College of Muskegon Bismarck State College Broward College Chipola College College of Central Florida College of Southern Nevada Colorado Mountain College Creighton University Daytona State College Dixie State University Drexel University Florida Gateway College Florida SouthWestern State College Florida State College at Jacksonville Goodwin College Great Basin College Idaho State University Jackson College Lake Michigan College Lewis-Clark State College Miami Dade College Midland College Missouri Southern State University Montana State University - Billings Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City Palm Beach State College Pasco-Hernando State College Pensacola State College Polk State College Saint Josephs College Santa Fe College Seattle Community College - North Campus Seminole State College of Florida Shawnee State University Siena Heights University South Florida State College St. Petersburg College University of Alaska Fairbanks University of Arkansas at Monticello University of Cincinnati - Blue Ash College University of Cincinnati - Clermont College University of New Haven University of Sioux Falls Utah Valley University Valencia College Vincennes University Weber State University Youngstown State University ### About Us: The Community for Accredited Online Schools (AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org) was founded in 2011 to provide students and parents with quality data and information about pursuing an affordable education that has been certified by an accrediting agency. Our community resource materials and tools span topics such as college accreditation, financial aid, opportunities available to veterans, people with disabilities, as well as online learning resources. We feature higher education institutions that have developed online learning programs that include highly trained faculty, new technology and resources, and online support services to help students achieve educational success. environments that include highly trained faculty, new technology and resources, and online support services to help students achieve educational and career success. Over The Edge for Brain Cancer - San Diego "Sometimes it takes extreme measures to make extreme impact." -- Max Wallace, CEO of ABC On November 4th and 5th, 70 Edgers (participants) will rappel down the Manchester Grand Hyatt to fund San Diego-based research/projects to end brain cancer. In its 4th year, Over the Edge for Brain Cancer (@OTE4BrainCancer) has raised over $700,000 for ABC (Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure). This two day event kicks off Friday (November 4th) with an impressive list of VIPs Bryce Newman, brain cancer survivor John R Crawford, MD, Director of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, UCSD School of Medicine Michael L Levy, MD, PhD, Chief of Neurological Surgery, Rady Childrens Hospital and Clinical Professor of Surgery, UCSD School of Medicine Susan Wilson, Development, Medical Science Liaison, Tocagen, Inc. Michael Cochran, Associate Director of Sales, Manchester Grand Hyatt Heather Orosco, Senior Physician Assistant, UCSD Health Systems Liz Bowen, Lifestyle/entertainment writer at Discover SD Michelle Dederko, editor of Discover SD Brain cancer is one of the most challenging and underfunded diseases, said Max Wallace, CEO of ABC. Sometimes it takes extreme measures to make extreme impact. Supporters of Over the Edge for Brain Cancer are real life superheroes with courage and determination to help save the lives of brain cancer patients. The fun continues on Saturday (November 5) with participants, including Coronado Councilman Richard Bailey who is running for Mayor of Coronado and Ian Urtnowski, owner/found of URT an apparel company. Spectators and supporters are invited to gather on the pool deck of the Manchester Grand Hyatt to cheer on participants. Confirmed sponsors and partners for this years @OTE4BrainCancer include the Manchester Grand Hyatt, Encore Event Technologies, Mesa Rim, Stilson Greene Graphic Design, UC San Diego Health and Over the Edge. When: Friday, November 4: 1:00 PM 4:00 PM VIP/Media Day: Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101, Pool Deck Saturday, November 5: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM Main Event Day: Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101, Pool Deck Media interested in covering either day are asked to contact Mindy Hoff, 703-772-5562 or mindy(dot)hoff(at)abc2(dot)org What: Over the Edge for Brain Cancer is a unique and exciting opportunity in which participants or edgers rappel 365 ft down the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Edgers raise a minimum of $1500 to participate and have 30 days after the rappel to fundraise. All event proceeds benefit San Diego-based brain cancer research/projects. Why: Brain Cancer is: The leading cause of cancer deaths among children and young adults Extremely heterogeneous, with 120 different types of tumors, all of which have unknown causes Not as rare as you think. Today there are more than 600,000 people in the US living with a brain tumor diagnosis and another 66,000 new diagnosis are expected this year. ### About ABC (Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure) ABC is focused on speeding the discovery of a cure for brain cancer. By applying an aggressive, venture funding approach not typically seen in the nonprofit sector, ABC closes the current gaps in funding in order to catalyze research and rapidly bring new therapies to patients. ABC has awarded more than 100 grants totaling $20 million in brain tumor research funding to highly qualified investigators and physician-scientists from 54 institutions and companies. To learn more, visit http://www.abc2.org. I believe Green House Data is well-positioned for future success. Ive watched them begin to step on to the national stage, and am excited to work with the team in an executive capacity. Cheyenne, WY DATE Green House Data, a leading cloud hosting and colocation provider, today announced the appointment of Sam E. Galeotos to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board. A board member since April of 2014, Mr. Galeotos expanded position will fill a key leadership role as the company continues to execute on its acquisition, national expansion, and client growth strategies. Mr. Galeotos has served in a number of executive leadership positions throughout his career including President and CEO of Galileo International, a leading travel global distribution services (GDS) company. While with Galileo he concurrently led Cendant Corporations Travel Distribution Services division comprised of nine affiliated brands generating in excess of $1.5 billion in annual revenues with operations in over 100 countries. Other positions held by Mr. Galeotos have included CEO of strategic distribution and travel services at Cendant Corp.; President and CEO of Cheap Tickets, Inc. based in Honolulu, Hawaii; Co-CEO of Worldspan Travel Information Systems of Atlanta, Ga.; and leadership positions at Delta Air Lines and DatasLink Business Systems, a subsidiary of Delta. A native of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Mr. Galeotos earned a bachelors degree in Business Administration with majors in Accounting and Management Information Systems from the University of Arizona, and is also a graduate of The Wharton School's Advanced Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania. He currently resides with his family on a ranch near Cheyenne, Wyoming. Throughout his career, Mr. Galeotos has believed strongly in supporting community initiatives. He has served with the Boys & Girls Club of Cobb County, Georgia, the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, and the Georgia 100 Womens Mentoring Program. He was selected as a community hero to carry the Torch for the 1996 Olympic Games. He has continued his community service in Southeast Wyoming, serving with boards such as the Boys & Girls Club of Cheyenne, Wyoming State Travel and Tourism, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, the University of Wyoming College of Business Advisory Council, Cheyenne Frontier Days, Holy Apostles Orthodox Christian Church of Cheyenne, and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver. As Executive Chairman of Green House Data, Mr. Galeotos will serve as an advisor to CEO Shawn Mills and his management team as they expand the companys services, products, locations and investor base. I believe Green House Data is well-positioned for future success. Ive watched them begin to step on to the national stage, and am excited to work with the team in an executive capacity, said Galeotos. As a board member, I am familiar with the companys growth potential, and look forward to adding value in a more hands-on capacity. We selected Sam for this role because of his experience leading high-performance teams, said Shawn Mills, President and CEO of Green House Data. He is an exceptional leader with a great track record, as demonstrated in the numerous corporate, non-profit, and charitable enterprises he has been associated with. We look forward to a great partnership and welcome Sam to our management team. ABOUT GREEN HOUSE DATA Green House Data operates eight cloud and colocation facilities across the United States, all powered by renewable wind energy and supported by a 15 Minute Hear from a Human SLA. Key industry segments include finance, healthcare, media, and technology. HCIs quality content will be a valuable resource for HRCI-certified professionals, and we are likewise looking forward to introducing HRCIs portfolio of world-class certifications to HCI members. HR Certification Institute (HRCI), the premier credentialing organization for the human resources profession, and Human Capital Institute (HCI), the global association for strategic management, today announced an agreement to offer HRCI-certified professionals easy and discounted access to HCIs HR and talent management content and offer HCI members discounted opportunities to advance their careers and HR functions through HRCI certification. HCI is a thought leader in the human capital space and shares our vision to elevate the HR profession through education and certification, said HRCI CEO Amy Schabacker Dufrane, Ed.D., SPHR, CAE. Offering HCIs quality content in a format designed specifically for HRCI-certified professionals will be a valuable resource for our certificants, and we are likewise looking forward to introducing HRCIs portfolio of world-class certifications to HCI members. Through the agreement, HRCI certificants will have exclusive access to a dedicated, user-friendly portal created by HCI. The portal provides an easy and efficient conduit for HRCI credential holders to access HCIs extensive online, virtual and live conferences and classes, including over 400 pre-approved HRCI recertification credits. HRCI certificants can enter the portal directly from the HRCI website, where they will enjoy special pricing on all HRCI pre-approved conferences and classes. The portals content is organized based on HRCIs exam content categories Business Management and Strategy, Workforce Planning and Employment, Human Resource Development, Compensation and Benefits, Employee and Labor Relations, and Risk Management making it convenient for recertification as well as professional development. "As a leading provider of education and development for HR and talent management professionals around the world, HCI has always valued our connection with the HR Certification Institute," said Carl Rhodes, CEO of HCI. "By bringing HRCIs highly regarded certifications to the attention of HCI members, we hope they will take advantage of this special opportunity to experience first hand the value and ROI of professional certification. Through the agreement, HCI members can apply to earn any of HRCIs seven professional certifications at a discount. HRCI offers NCCA-accredited credentials and is the only professional credentialing body to offer HR certifications for entry-level and early career individuals, mid- and senior- level HR professionals, and professionals practicing HR around the world. Learn more at HRCI or HCI. About HCI Todays human capital professionals are constantly searching for the cutting-edge talent practices that can help their companies succeed. HCI knows that and has developed a new model for insight. We aggregate human capital best practices from prominent companies, thought leaders, and academic research and offer them up to our members in a variety of formats through conferences, certification programs, webcasts, podcasts, research and others. Our network includes expert practitioners, Fortune 1000 and Global 2000 corporations, government agencies, global consultants, and business schools all sharing their new ways to manage talent. About HRCI HR Certification Institute (HRCI) is the premier professional credentialing organization for the worldwide human resources profession. For over 40 years, the nonprofit HRCI has set the standard for HR mastery and excellence around the globe through developing and administering best-in-class certifications, including the NCCA-accredited Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), plus the new Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR). HRCIs credentials are recognized as the most rigorous, meaningful, and relevant professional certifications demonstrating competency, real-world practical skills and knowledge in the field. Together with HRCI-certified professionals in 100 countries around the globe, HRCI ensures, strengthens and advances the strategic value and impact of HR. # # # "Les Roches is opening as many doors as possible in an industry that is being shaken by technology and the digital age. In October 2016, Les Roches Global Hospitality Educations next generation of hospitality leaders, together with the schools management team, headed to Silicon Valley to spark an intricate conversation between hospitality and technology. The three-day program comprised on-site meetings with executives of the worlds leading technology companies: Google, Facebook and its Instagram division, 500 Startups, HotelTonight and ScreenMeet. Tech and hospitality are connected on so many levels, said Sonia Tatar, CEO Worldwide of Les Roches. Our meetings with technology giants are yet another way for us to integrate the vast impact technology companies continue to have on the hospitality industry in our experiential learning model, the new jobs that have risen, and the multiple career opportunities for hospitality management graduates to join start-ups or launch their own enterprises. Les Roches is committed to immersing our students into the latest trends and to opening as many doors as possible in an industry that is being shaken by technology and the digital age. We were impressed by the questions the Les Roches students asked during their visit, said Ben Lilienthal, Founder of ScreenMeet. Our screen-sharing technology helps people have experiences together, and thats the core function of the hotel industry. We also have in common the ethic of helping people in ways that are seamless and graceful. Our visitors from Les Roches understand this at a deep level. About Les Roches Global Hospitality Education Founded in 1954, Les Roches is a private institution based on the Swiss model of experiential learning, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of hospitality, tourism and event management. Les Roches prepares entrepreneurial and innovative graduates across a global network of campuses in Switzerland, Spain, the US, China and Jordan. Les Roches is accredited at the university level by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC) and ranked by luxury hotel hiring managers among the top three hospitality management schools in the world for an international career (TNS Global Survey, 2013). For more information, visit http://www.lesroches.edu Wine2wine Asia is our first attempt to create a useful networking session dedicated to both the exhibiting producers and the trade attendees, in an effort to address the critical issues specific to China and the rest of Asia Registration is on for wine2wine (http://www.wine2wine.net/event), the annual wine business forum to be held in Verona on December 6th to 7th, with 100+ speakers and 2000+ attendees. Now, for the first time, this B2B forum also heads East, with the creation of wine2wine Asia (asia.wine2wine.net), a series of breakfast seminars to be held throughout Vinitaly HK, as part of the HKIWSF (Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair) from November 10th to 12th 2016. The aim is to bring the educational and informative platform of wine2wine, albeit at a smaller scale, to Hong Kong, with a special focus on the wine business in the Chinese and Asian markets. The wine2wine Hong Kong edition, is condensed into three key sessions, an unmissable opportunity to learn from and be inspired by some of the industrys most renowned figures, locally and internationally. Experts will discuss trends and the impelling topics that wine markets in Asia are facing today. Each session begins at 9:15 a.m., and is followed by a networking breakfast. Vinitaly has been leading the Italian Pavilion at HKIWSF for the past six years. Wine2wine Asia is our first attempt to create a useful networking session dedicated to both the exhibiting producers and the trade attendees, in an effort to address the critical issues specific to China and the rest of Asia. explains Stevie Kim, Managing Director of Vinitaly International. She adds, The breakfast sessions will not interfere with business agendas, since it all happens before the official opening hours of the fair. Anyone not here in HK, can participate in all three sessions by joining us via FB Live from the comfort of home, with coffee or wine depending on your time-zone. Wine2wine Asia opens on November 10th with the Aftermath of 9/9: is e-commerce the future of wine business in China? Today, there are 688 million of active internet users and 659 million users on social media in China. Moreover, half of millennials (25-34 years old) are considered middle-class, of which 52% buy wine on line. Yet after Jack Ma, e-commerce tycoon, announced the very first Tmall Global Wine & Spirit Festival at Vinitaly earlier this year, involving 100,000 brands together with 10,000 online stores on September 9th, 2016, no official sales data has been released by Alibaba. Join the expert panel of e-commerce pioneers, Bruno Baudry, CEO of ASC, Davis Luan, Executive VP of Yesmywine, Li Meng, CEO of wajiu.com and Andrew Tan, General Manager of Jiuku (wholly owned subsidiary of 1919.cn), bringing strategic insight to a number of compelling questions regarding the effectiveness of e-commerce and how it can evolve. The November 11th session turns to the topic of wine education, which has played a central role in a rapidly growing Chinese wine market. Key opinion leaders, wine educators and B2C wine events are often collaborating in an educational network to promote wine culture and wine appreciation, but are these efforts translating into increased wine consumption by local consumers? Ian Harris, Chief Executive at the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and Ian DAgata, the Scientific Director of the Vinitaly International Academy lead a panel of key opinion leaders, wine educators and B2C organisers, offering insight into how wine education is shaping and will continue to shape the Chinese wine market. Just one day after the opening of WSETs first International Office in Hong Kong, Ian Harris, Chief Executive at the WSET, will also join to explain the long-term goal and critical role of education in the development of the Chinese wine market. The first wine2wine Asia business forum in Hong Kong will close on November 12th with the session, ABC to wine trade in China. Undoubtedly, China is the worlds most sought-after market, but also the most vexing. In this session wine producers poised to penetrate this fascinating market will have the opportunity to explore innovative and creative tools aimed at supporting trade with an expert panel led by Debra Meiburg, Master of Wine, wine journalist and wine educator, and Alan Hung, Executive Director of the Shenzhen PACCO Cultural Communication CO., Ltd. For more information or to register to the event visit http://asia.wine2wine.net/ About: Veronafiere is the leading organizer of trade shows in Italy including Vinitaly (http://www.vinitaly.com), the largest wine and spirits fair in the world. During its 50th edition Vinitaly counted more than 4,100 exhibitors on a 100,000+ square meter area and 130,000 visitors from 140 different countries. The next edition of the fair will take place on 9 - 12 April 2017. The premier event to Vinitaly, OperaWine (http://www.operawine.it) Finest Italian Wines: 100 Great Producers, will unite international wine professionals on April 8th in the heart of Verona, offering them the unique opportunity to discover and taste the wines of the 100 Best Italian Producers, as selected by Wine Spectator. Since 1998 Vinitaly International travels to several countries such as Russia, China, USA and Hong Kong thanks to its strategic arm abroad, Vinitaly International. In February 2014 Vinitaly International launched an educational project, the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) with the aim of divulging and broadcasting the excellence and diversity of Italian wine around the globe. VIA this year launched the second edition of its Certification Course and today counts 54 Italian Wine Ambassadors and 3 Italian Wine Experts. ### The Hospital Safety Score is an elite designation from The Leapfrog Group, a national, independent watchdog that sets the highest standards for patient safety in the United States. New Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, which assign A, B, C, D and F letter grades to hospitals nationwide, were announced by The Leapfrog Group, a national patient safety watchdog. Salt Lake Regional Medical Center and Davis Hospital and Medical Center received an A, ranking them among the safest hospitals in the United States. Patient safety and satisfaction are top priority for our team at Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, said Dale Johns, CEO of Salt Lake Regional Medical Center. Earning an A rating from the Leapfrog Group is an outstanding accomplishment, and it only motivates us to continue to make positive changes for the benefit of our patients. Our clinical staff, physicians, and support staff collectively strive for excellence every step of the way. Developed under the guidance of an expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 30 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign A, B, C, D and F grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals twice per year. It is calculated by top patient safety experts, peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Davis Hospital and Medical Center is dedicated to offering the best possible care to our patients, said Mike Jensen, CEO of Davis Hospital and Medical Center. The excellent grade we received from the Leapfrog Group not only demonstrates our patient safety standards, but also our commitment to continuing to invest in new technology and providing quality care. To view the full grade for both Salt Lake Regional Medical Center and Davis Hospital and Medical Center, visit http://www.hospitalsafetygrade.org. About Salt Lake Regional Medical Center Salt Lake Regional Medical Center has been caring for the people of the Salt Lake Valley for 140 years. Built in 1875, it was one of the first hospitals in the Salt Lake Valley. Salt Lake Regional offers comprehensive healthcare services, including emergency care, heart care, advanced surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, maternity care, womens services and help for a broad range of medical conditions. Currently, the 158-bed hospital encompasses 316,000 sq. ft. of medical facilities, including three medical office buildings on campus. Salt Lake Regional Medical Center is directly or indirectly owned by an entity that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospitals medical staff. For more information, visit saltlakeregional.com or call 1-866-431-WELL (9355). About Davis Hospital and Medical Center Since 1976, Davis Hospital and Medical Center has been providing high-quality health care in Layton and surrounding communities. Davis Hospital is equipped with advanced medical technology and offers comprehensive health care services, including emergency care, heart care, advanced surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, maternity care, womens services, cancer services, and help for a broad range of medical conditions. With an experienced medical staff of more than 400 and a dedicated health care team, Davis Hospital and Medical Center is committed to providing high-quality care in a friendly hospital environment. Davis Hospital and Medical Center is directly or indirectly owned by an entity that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospitals medical staff. For more information, visit davishospital.com or call 1-866-431-WELL (9355). Follow Davis Hospital on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/davishospital and on Twitter at Twitter.com/DavisHospital. About The Leapfrog Group Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American healthcare. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey collects and transparently reports hospital performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrogs other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections. ### The findings of the 2016 Expat Review are broken down into five parts: demographics, planning, transportation, challenges, and what the Expats wish they knew. The 2016 Expat Review Volume 2 is the second study of the expatriate community in the United States conducted by expat provider International AutoSource. In 2016, over 1,500 expats who had relocated to the U.S. answered questions about their experiences moving to the country, and the challenges and successes that followed. The Expat Review reveals the findings of the survey and is available for free download online. International AutoSource used the data and findings collected from the 2015 Expat Review to create the 2016 survey. The questions were designed to probe deeper into the world of an expatriate, and the results proved successful. The findings of the 2016 Expat Review are broken down into five parts: demographics, planning, transportation, challenges, and "what the Expats wish they knew." The expatriates surveyed were customers of International AutoSource and members of the Expat communities, British Expats and Expat Exchange. The participants relocated from around the world, but the most common countries of origin were the United Kingdom, Philippines, Brazil, Mexico, and India. The majority (92.9%) had relocated to the U.S. on a work assignment. Perhaps the most insightful part of the 2016 Expat Review is the section titled "what the Expats wish they knew." Featured throughout the study are testimonials from expatriates, sharing what information they wish someone had told them before they moved. Topics range from health insurance and tax implications to cultural differences. Suzanne W. from the United Kingdom wrote that she wished she knew how culturally different the UK & US wasseems so similar from films/TV but its not. Expatriates and relocation specialists alike will find that the 2016 Expat Review is a great tool for learning more about the expatriate community in the United States. The study can be downloaded online from International AutoSource. About International AutoSource For over 20 years, International AutoSource has been providing value added services and benefits specifically designed for expatriates and the global community for short and long-term assignments. Their programs offer full-service personal transportation solutions for financing, purchasing, leasing and rental without a local credit or driving history. Through outstanding service, value and support IAS strives to make assignments into a foreign country as seamless as possible while saving customers valuable time, money and resources. For more information, please contact International AutoSource at 516.496.1816, email at intlauto(at)intlauto(dot)com or visit their website http://www.intlauto.com. Eliminating waste and reducing costs, while driving efficiency, within your Risk Adjustment and Quality programs requires new and innovative solutions. Mr. Criswell will discuss how the shift from legacy Gap Closure approaches to new and effective technology will improve your Gap Analytic programs. During this presentation, attendees will get a better understanding of innovative solutions for Risk and Quality programs, including the following: Leverage advanced analytics that will coordinate gap closure efforts to dynamically address both risk adjustment and quality initiatives Collaborate with network providers on efficient data collection methods that will reduce provider abrasion and alert fatigue Utilize alternative data gathering and intervention modalities, such as EMR Integration and telehealth, to improve gap closure rates Implement Provider Engagement and Collaboration strategies that are essential to mutually beneficial quality and risk score improvement Mr. Criswell looks forward to sharing with the audience the innovative, data-driven strategies being deployed by leading health plans and at-risk provider organizations to succeed in todays increasingly risk-adjusted and quality-rated environment. About Pulse8 Pulse8 is the only Healthcare Analytics and Technology Company delivering complete visibility into the efficacy of Risk Adjustment and Quality Management programs, enabling health plans and at-risk providers to achieve the greatest financial impact in the ACA Commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid markets. By combining advanced analytic methodologies with extensive health plan experience, Pulse8 has developed a suite of uniquely pragmatic solutions that are revolutionizing risk adjustment and quality. Pulse8s flexible business intelligence tools offer real-time visibility into member and provider activities so our clients can apply the most cost-effective and appropriate interventions for closing gaps in documentation, coding, and quality. For more company information, please contact Scott Filiault at (732) 570-9095, visit us at http://www.Pulse8.com, or follow us on Twitter @Pulse8News. About Healthcare Education Associates Healthcare Education Associates (HEA) is a division of Financial Research Associates, LLC. HEA is a resource for the healthcare and pharmaceutical communities to improve their businesses by providing access to timely and focused business information and networking opportunities in topical areas. Offering highly targeted conferences, Healthcare Education Associates positions itself as a preferred resource for executives and managers seeking cutting-edge information on the next wave of business opportunities. Backed with over 26 years of combined conference industry experience, the producers of HEA conferences assist healthcare professionals, actuaries, attorneys, consultants, researchers and government representatives in their professional endeavors. For more information on upcoming events, visit us online: http://www.healthcare-conferences.com About Resource Initiative and Society for Education RISE is the first national association totally dedicated to enabling healthcare professionals working in organizations and aspiring to meet the challenges of the emerging landscape of accountable care and health care reform. We strive to serve our members on four fronts: Education, Industry Intelligence, Networking and Career Development. To learn more about RISE and to join, visit us online: http://www.rasociety.org Seth Luker, Rockin' Wellness Founder, CEO & Wellness Warrior It was time for us to bring new talent into our management team and secure some investment that would enable us to realize our vision for Rockin Wellness." Seth Luker, Founder, CEO Past News Releases RSS Rockin Wellness Shaking-up the... Rockin Wellness (http://www.rockinwellness.com) announces the completion of their management team development. The continued growth of Rockin Wellness created an opportunity to explore an expanded management and investor team that would facilitate the ongoing success and evolution of the organization. Rockin Wellness has grown dramatically during our first five years in business; we have gone from strength to strength, but we needed to align our operational performance with the continued expansion of our customer base. I want to ensure that our growth never outpaces our brand promise; that we are always responsive, compassionate and available to our loyal supporters and customers," said Seth Luker, Founder and CEO of Rockin Wellness. It was time for us to bring new talent into our management team and secure some investment that would enable us to realize our vision for Rockin Wellness. Im thrilled with the makeup of our new team and what we can achieve together in the coming years. The team comprises a solid mix of fiscal, operational and marketing prowess that will solidify the many advances made by Rockin Wellness in recent years. The integrity of our product is unmatched in the marketplace and the development of the organization driving Rockin Wellness will be the catalyst for an exciting new era for the company. Seth Luker Founder, CEO & Wellness Warrior Seth earned a degree in finance from the University of North Texas, but upon graduating followed his passion to become a professional music group tour manager for emerging bands. Seths world drastically changed in 2005 when a routine check-up revealed Stage III Colon Cancer. Three years later another routine scan found that his cancer had metastasized to stage IV colon cancer and spread to his liver. During his nearly year-long treatment, Seth focused his energy on learning about alternative ways to give improve his ability to heal and remain healthy while fighting cancer. He began applying his knowledge on Superfoods, roots, herbs, greens, spices and supplements so that he could enhance and boost his immune system and help him detoxify. He started an online blog Rockin Wellness to discuss his findings in hopes of helping others. Through many experiments and trial the Rockin Wellness Nutritional Shake was born. Seth continues to actively fight his 11 year battle with cancer which fuels his passion to not only help himself, but continue to bring innovative new products to the Rockin Wellness community of wellness warriors. David Finkelstein Investor, Chief Operating Officer A member of the Bentley University Honors Society, David graduated with a 3.5 GPA and a double major in Marketing and Finance. Right out of school he began working with his Father, Richard Finkelstein (an accomplished entrepreneur), developing business ideas and researching investments. Eager to learn more about how markets work and what makes business move, he worked as an Equity Trader for Chimera Securities for 3 years. Managing a multi-million portfolio, he schooled himself in the art of the trade and the interwoven intricacies of finance and business strategy. In 2014 he re-joined his father working on new investments and their extremely successful fuel distribution business and their respective fuel station tenants. In 2016 he launched his own diesel motor fuel distribution business and continues to develop a number of businesses. His natural business abilities, coupled with his strategic skills have allowed him to achieve incredible success. At just 29 years old, he brings an unprecedented level of business expertise, energy and wisdom that is invigorating Rockin Wellness. He is creating a new paradigm for health focused businesses that will transform the way consumers interact with health related brands. Richard Finkelstein Investor, Board Advisor Richard is a forward-thinking entrepreneur with more than thirty years of initiating positive change within the wholesale and retail petroleum industry. Since 1977 he has owned and operated Mink Enterprises Inc. headquartered in Oceanside, New York. Richard had successfully ridden the economic and technological waves of an ever-fluctuating fuel-driven economy. He is identified as proven business innovator, visionary and dealmaker who continually meets the needs of the end-user...regardless of the industry. A graduate from St. Johns University in Queens, New York with a degree in Marketing. Alison Luker Customer Engagement Director Allison graduated Cum Laude from The University of Hartfords prestigious Hartford Art School with dual majors in Graphic Design & Photography. She founded a graphic design & advertising agency right out of college. Now in its 20th year, she specializes in automotive print advertising for car dealerships as well as creating logos and corporate identity designs for hundreds of small businesses on Long Island, NY. Her experience played a major role in getting Rockin Wellness off to such a successful start. Allison is still the main branding graphic designer for Rockin Wellness products but her role has expanded to and is now Customer Engagement Director managing real-time customer interaction across all social media channels. Joanne Bloomfield FCIM Chief Marketing Officer, Board Advisor A 25+ year marketing veteran specializing in direct marketing and branding, with a Masters Degree Marketing and a Bachelors Degree in creative writing. Joanne is a successful marketing consultant whose clients range from multinational corporations to start-ups. An expert in neuro marketing (behaviorally adapted marketing) she is also a Fellow of the Royal Chartered Institute of Marketing (the worlds largest academic and professional marketing body). In addition to her considerable commercial experience she is a post graduate lecturer in Marketing Communications Theory at universities on both sides of the Atlantic. An accomplished writer - she is published in 7 countries - Joanne is a regular contributor to marketing publications in the UK and USA. With over 2 million Facebook followers, Rockin Wellness is set for dramatic growth in the coming years. To celebrate its 5 Year Anniversary, the company will be launching a series of special offers and promotions throughout the remainder of 2016. To access these exciting promotions, consumers should visit http://www.rockinwellness.com and subscribe to the mailing list to receive the limited time offers. Rockin Wellness Founded in 2011 by Seth Luker, Rockin Wellness produces whole body, nutritional superfood smoothie and tea blends that are manufactured on Long Island, New York and shipped throughout North America. Rockin Wellness mission is to bring natural health to the forefront of the general public through education and premium nutritional products that surpass todays highest-quality standards at an affordable price. With the healthiest lifestyle in mind, Rockin Wellness created an energizing superfood mix that has helped tens of thousands of people maintain and regain optimal health. Rockin Wellness is a great tasting, easy-to-make superfood mix that focuses on pure plant based nutrition that support the body's systems as a whole. Certified Vegan Non-GMO Dairy Free Gluten Free Superfoods & Omegas For ordering information please visit http://www.rockinwellness.com or call (855) 876-2593 BLRBusiness & Legal Resources has recently launched a new podcast, The 2016 Election and the Environment, as part of its EHS on Tap series. In this episode, The 2016 Election and the Environment: Shaping Our Future, BLR environmental editor Emily Remmel discusses the upcoming presidential election and the significant environmental impact that will likely occur regardless of who wins. Ms. Remmel also speaks with Iowa Senator Rob Hogg, who has a rich history of public service in Cedar Rapids and beyond. He is currently serving his third term. Senator Hogg has passionately advocated for policies and practices to improve natural resources and has extensive experience educating people in his home state and across the country to help them understand the dangers of climate change. In 2013, he authored Americas Climate Century, a book detailing what climate change means for America in the 21st century and what to do about it. Additional discussion topics include: Climate change: Is it a real scientific occurrence or merely a hoax? The EPA and its future existence The election and the impact on U.S. Supreme Court nominees The Keystone XL and the current controversy over the North Dakota Access Pipeline Fracking Lead poisoning in Flint, Michigan Renewable energy The podcast 2016 Election and the Environment: Shaping Our Future aired Monday, October 31. Visit Enviro.BLR.com to listen. About EHS on Tap EHS on Tap is an environmental, health, and safety podcast by BLR. During each episode of EHS on Tap, host Emily Remmel discusses emerging legal, regulatory, and policy issues with industry experts and the impact on everyday environmental and safety professionals. EHS on Tap runs the gamut of contemporary environmental issues, including water, air, and waste, as well as a wide variety of safety issues. Download EHS on Tap episodes on SoundCloud and in the iTunes Store. About BLR Since 1975, BLR has been one of the nations leading information providers by offering authoritative content, training, and practical, easy-to-use tools in workplace safety, environmental compliance, compensation and benefits, health care, HR & employment law, and politics and legal markets. BLR offers solutions for business owners, executives, employees, and managers for all-sized organizations and industries. Simply put, anyone worried about how their local state agency or national DOL, OSHA, and EPA legal requirements impact their organization can benefit from BLR. New report on job training success Supportive services, such as child care and transportation subsidies, can help job training participants succeed in programs that lead to good jobs. According to a new report by the Institute for Womens Policy Research (IWPR), supportive services for those in job training are needed to improve access to programs and completion, but these services are rare. The report, Supportive Services in Job Training: A Research Review, summarizes existing research and 25 expert interviews to discuss the availability of supports, like child care and transportation, and their effects on job training and education program outcomes. The report finds that many individuals in training and education programs, especially those with caregiving responsibilities, face obstacles that supportive services could address, including the need to care for young children, and the need for transportation, housing, and cash assistance. Individuals in job training programs are working toward a brighter future, yet many of them face life challenges that threaten to stall their progress, said IWPR Associate Director of Research Cynthia Hess, Ph.D. Supportive services, such as child care and transportation subsidies, can help participants succeed in programs that lead to good jobs. Completion Rates Need to Improve A Social Policy Research Associates study finds that about one-third of adults who participated in Workforce Investment Act training did not finish the program. IWPR research finds that among all first-time, beginning students enrolled in certificate programs at postsecondary institutions in 20032004, over one-third (36 percent) left the programs without a credential or degree within six years. Single parents of dependent children had especially low certificate attainment rates. Supportive Services May Improve Outcomes A Mathematica study of women who participated in Workforce Investment Act-funded programs found that 78 percent of adults who received supportive services were employed within one year after the program, compared with 73 percent who received no supportive services. Women who received these services earned, on average, $389 more per quarter than those who did not. A Public/Private Ventures study of nine sectoral job training programs suggests that the comparatively high completion rates of one program, Project Quest, may well be related to its unusually strong system of supportive services. Supportive Services Are Needed but Rare Experts interviewed by IWPR identified transportation and child care as two of the most important unmet service needs among job training participants. In an evaluation of Single Stop USAs Community College Initiative, multiple site coordinators identified transportation needs as especially acute for their students. Among low-income women in the Mathematica study (mentioned above), only 22 percent received supportive services of any kind. A Workforce Benchmarking Network survey of 259 job training programs found that 48 percent provided transportation assistance to at least half of their participants. Six percent gave assistance with child care expenses to a majority of participants. Programs Could Utilize More Existing Funding Experts interviewed said more programs could use funds from the SNAP Employment & Training program (SNAP E&T), which has uncapped federal grants that reimburse states for up to half of certain program costs, including supportive services. More states could allow education and training to count as a work activity under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program, and create incentives for case workers to make education and training referrals, which would help low-income students obtain supports. The report recommends new research to better understand the landscape of supportive services in job training, leverage public funding for these services, and improve service delivery by implementing promising practices from successful programs. Businesses are looking for qualified workers to fill skilled jobs, said Dr. Hess. Identifying supports that help workers succeed in career training programs can help families support themselves, meet the demand for workers, and grow local economies. Supportive Services in Job Training: A Research Review is a product of IWPRs Job Training Success Initiative, supported by the Walmart Foundation, which focuses on understanding the landscape of social supports in job training programs, and how these services may improve outcomes for participants, particularly low-income women. IWPRs forthcoming research in this area, including surveys of job training administrators and participants, and a report identifying promising practices, will fill information gaps about the role of supportive services and job training success. Holly Lake Resort is one of three resorts to join the Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand. Im excited that our owners and members will have the opportunity to experience these great new family vacation destinations now, said Don Harrill, CEO of Orange Lake Resorts. Orange Lake Resorts, home to the Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the worlds leading hotel companies, announced today the addition of two Texas resorts and one Missouri resort to the Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand portfolio. The 72-unit Holiday Inn Club Vacations Timber Creek Resort in Desoto, Missouri, joined the Holiday Inn Club on October 26, while the 130-unit Holiday Inn Club Vacations Holly Lake Resort located in Holly Lake Ranch, Texas, and the 64-unit Holiday Inn Club Vacations Lake o the Woods Resort in Flint, Texas, were launched on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 respectively. These new properties add 266 villas to the rapidly growing vacation ownership brand. The Holiday Inn Club Vacations portfolio now has 25 branded resorts with more than 7,250 villas in 12 states. The resorts joining the Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand were part of the 2015 purchase of Silverleaf Resorts by Orange Lake Resorts. This included a portfolio of 13 properties, enabling the company to introduce the brand into many new markets. Im excited that our owners and members will have the opportunity to experience these great new family vacation destinations now, said Don Harrill, CEO of Orange Lake Resorts. Following the acquisition, we targeted a very aggressive integration schedule so that we could offer even more travel options in our rapidly growing resort network. This means that we have only one of the 13 resorts from the acquisition left to integrate into the Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand. These three new resort brandings expand our footprint in two key vacation destinations, said Tom Nelson, President and COO of Orange Lake Resorts. Flint and Holly Lake Ranch, Texas, are situated just a short drive from one of our key markets Dallas. Desoto, Missouri, is a short drive from downtown St. Louis and provides another Midwest option for our owners and members. The Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand is part of IHGs diverse family of brands in nearly 100 countries and territories. The scale and diversity of the IHG family of brands means that its hotels can meet guests needs whatever the occasion whether an overnight getaway, a business trip, a family celebration or a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand participates in IHG Rewards Club. The industrys first and largest hotel rewards program is free, and guests can enroll at IHGRewardsClub.com, by downloading the IHG App, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of any of IHGs more than 5,000 hotels worldwide. About Orange Lake Resorts Orange Lake Resorts encompasses 26 resorts and 7,400 villas in the U.S., with more than 340,000 timeshare owners and 6,000+ employees. Orange Lake Resorts, a leader within the vacation ownership industry with more than three decades of proven success, operates the Holiday Inn Club. The Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand was created in 2008 through a strategic alliance with IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the worlds leading hotel companies. The Holiday Inn Club Vacations flagship property in Orlando, Fla., located next to the Walt Disney World Resort, was established in 1982 by Holiday Inn founder Kemmons Wilson. The timeshare brand includes 25 resorts across 12 states. For more information on Holiday Inn Club Vacations or to book reservations, visit hiclubvacations.com. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/hiclubvacations or Twitter at twitter.com/hiclubvacations. Notes to Editors: IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organization with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites. IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns nearly 5,100 hotels and more than 750,000 guest rooms in almost 100 countries, with nearly 1,500 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages IHG Rewards Club, the worlds first and largest hotel loyalty program, with nearly 99 million members worldwide. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Groups holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. More than 350,000 people work across IHGs hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit http://www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and http://www.ihgrewardsclub.com for more on IHG Rewards Club. For our latest news, visit: http://www.ihgplc.com/news-and-media and follow us on social media at: http://www.twitter.com/ihg, http://www.facebook.com/ihg and http://www.youtube.com/ihgplc. Media Contact: Brian Martin Orange Lake Resorts 407.395.6925 brmartin(at)orangelake(dot)com Jordan Worrall Holiday Inn Brand 770.604.5010 jordan.worrall(at)ihg(dot)com Ceremonial passing of the gavel at the LES Annual Business Meeting, Vancouver, B.C., on October 24, 2016. Left to right: Brian OShaughnessy, RatnerPrestia and Jeff Whittle, Immediate Past-President RatnerPrestia is pleased to announce the accomplishments of three Shareholders making headlines in the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) and Licensing Executives Society (LES) circuits. Jacques L. Etkowicz has been elected to a three-year term on the Board of Directors for AIPLA. Prior to being elected to the Board, Mr. Etkowicz served as Chair of the Professional Programs Committee, the Electronic and Computer Law Committee, and the 2017 Mid-Winter Institute Planning Committee. Kenneth N. Nigon received the Presidents Outstanding Service Award. It is earned by recipients that provide outstanding service in fostering the mission and goals of AIPLA. This award recognizes those who demonstrate excellence by making an exceptional contribution to AIPLA, particularly in furtherance of AIPLA's goals, including advocacy, service, education, and growth. AIPLA is a premier professional organization for intellectual property attorneys nationwide and around the world, with approximately 14,000 members in private practice, government service, and academia. AIPLA takes an active role in shaping domestic and international Intellectual Property policy in large part through its education and advocacy programs. As previously reported, Brian P. OShaughnessy was elected President and Chairman of the Board of the Licensing Executives Society (USA & Canada), Inc. (LES). The election was held at the Societys Business Meeting of the LES Annual Meeting, Vancouver, B.C., October 24, 2016. Brian has served on the LES Board of Trustees since 2007, and on its Executive Committee since 2011. Brian has previously served as LES Regional Vice President, U.S.A., where he was responsible for the Societys public policy work, addressing matters before the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. In other leadership roles, Brian has served as Trustee for Education, Trustee for Committees, LES 2013 Annual Meeting Committee Chair, and on the LES IP100 Planning Committee. LES is a welcoming business community that empowers, connects, and celebrates IP professionals through: Education, Best Practices, Networking, Participation and Mentoring. RatnerPrestia is a law firm expert in all things IP. The Firm handles procurement, enforcement, licensing, commercialization, global strategic IP planning, and all related business aspects of IP. The Firm has attorneys experienced and successful in all relevant U.S. and German agencies and tribunals, including the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, The German Patent Office, The European Patent Office, The U.S. International Trade Commission, and Federal Courts, both trial and appellate, in both the U.S. and Germany. With clients based around the world, RP understands that IP is global. Myron Brilliant (L), executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and U.S former secretary of commerce Carlos Gutierrez (R) talk inside the U.S. pavilion during the Havana International Fair (FIHAV) in Havana, Cuba November 2, 2016. REUTERS/Enrique de la Osa By Marc Frank HAVANA (Reuters) - Red tape and slow approvals from Washington and Havana make it hard for U.S. companies to do business in Cuba despite a detente between the U.S. and Cuban governments, according to American executives in Havana for an annual trade fair this week. Many vowed to keep trying, though, as reconciliation between the former Cold War foes slowly opens the door to a new market. In the build-up to the fair, representatives from 25 U.S. companies spoke about opportunities on the Communist-ruled island as they gathered at the former U.S. Businessmens Club in Old Havana. It was a symbolic location, in a building taken over by Fidel Castro's revolutionary government after the overthrow of a U.S.-backed dictatorship in 1959. A U.S. hotel, cruise ships and commercial flights have appeared in Cuba for the first time in more than 50 years, since U.S. President Barack Obama and his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro, announced in 2014 that they would work toward normalizing relations. But while Obama has loosened the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba, the Republican-controlled U.S. Congress has not heeded his calls to end it. Together with Cubas bureaucracy and ongoing allergy to capitalism, that means serious opportunities on the large island close to Florida remain a struggle for most U.S. companies. "We are seeking a blanket license from the U.S. Treasury Department for all our products. We have been waiting a while already, something like 10 months," said Hector Rodriguez, sales manager at Puerto Rico company Rimco, the official dealer for Caterpillar's Cuba business and one of the trade fair's exhibitors. Progress has been made in areas such as civil aviation and telecommunications, but not others such as infrastructure, energy and health, said Myron Brilliant, executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which represents many at the fair and hosted the meeting at the old downtown business club. Story continues "There has been significant, historic progress on the political front while on the commercial, only incremental progress," said Brilliant, whose group represents corporations eying or already in Cuba, including American Airlines , Dow Chemical Co , Fifth Street Asset Management First Data Corp and General Electric Co . "Cuba has not been a country that has encouraged foreign investment, profitability, entrepreneurship and innovation, and these remain sensitive cultural issues," Brilliant said, voicing frustration that more deals had not been signed and admiration that so many of his members took a long view and remained interested in Cuba. Hundreds of U.S. companies and their legal counsels have met Cuban officials over the last year to discuss trade and investment, often accompanying local, state and national politicians.Some companies have lost interest, but many remain in contact with Cuban officials. "You are trying to undo 55 years of enmity and that requires patience," said Pedro Freyre, chair of international practice at Akerman LLP, and who travels frequently to Havana, adding that some clients became frustrated, but most understood. "That you can use your cell phone in Cuba, that you can catch a flight out of New York or Ft. Lauderdale, that Cuban programmers are doing work for U.S. companies, that a cruise ship regularly docks here, that is remarkable, he said. (Reporting by Marc Frank, additional reporting by Sarah Marsh; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel and Tom Brown) ProMIS Neurosciences (ProMIS or the Company), a company focused on discovery and development of precision treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced that five of its monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutic candidates for Alzheimers disease (AD) display the ideal product profile targeting prion-like strains of Amyloid beta (A). Having previously identified five distinct targets (epitopes) on prion-like strains of A using our proprietary discovery platform, we are pleased to confirm that based on results of our validation studies we have selected five potential mAb therapeutics displaying the ideal target profile, with each mAb product directed against one of the five epitope targets previously identified, said ProMIS CSO, Dr. Neil Cashman. Based on experimental evidence and results of prior clinical trials, an optimal mAb therapeutic should specifically bind the neurotoxic prion-like strains of A; with no binding to A monomers to avoid reduced efficacy due to off-target binding, and no binding to plaque to avoid the edema (brain swelling) associated with engagement of plaque. Each of the five successful mAb product candidates (and several backup candidates) demonstrated this desired target profile in brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from AD patients. To enable final selection of products for drug development, we are now studying all five lead mAb product candidates, as well as additional backup candidates with the desired target binding profiles, to evaluate their ability to block both the neurotoxicity and propagation of prion-like strains of A, commented Dr. Elliot Goldstein, ProMIS CEO. We are encouraged by the ability of our lead mAbs to bind and detect their respective targets in CSF from AD patients, as this offers great hope for the development of precision therapeutics and companion diagnostics specific for the several, prion-like strains of A implicated in AD. About ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. The mission of ProMIS Neurosciences is to discover and develop precision medicine therapeutics for effective treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimers disease and ALS. ProMIS Neurosciences proprietary target discovery engine is based on the use of two, complementary techniques. The Company applies its thermodynamic, computational discovery platformProMIS and Collective Coordinates to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes (DSEs) on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique "precision medicine" approach, ProMIS Neurosciences aims to develop novel antibody therapeutics and specific companion diagnostics for Alzheimers disease and ALS. The company has also developed two proprietary technologies to specifically identify very low levels of misfolded proteins in a biological sample. In addition, ProMIS Neurosciences owns a portfolio of therapeutic and diagnostic patents relating to misfolded SOD1 in ALS, and currently has a preclinical monoclonal antibody therapeutic against this target. The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release may contain certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information please consult the Company's website at: http://www.promisneurosciences.com Follow us on Twitter Like us on LinkedIn NATIONAL Equicom Michael Moore Tel. 858-886-7813 mmoore(at)national.ca Abby Garfunkel Tel. 403-218-2887 agarfunkel(at)national.ca or contact Dr. Elliot Goldstein President and Chief Executive Officer, ProMIS Neurosciences Inc. Tel. 415 341-5783 Elliot.goldstein(at)promisneurosciences.com The Seattle International Auto Show is the one place to see over 500 new vehicles, test drive over 50 different vehicles and check out a multi-million dollar display of luxury and exotic vehicles. The 2017-Model Seattle International Auto Show drives into the CenturyLink Field Event Center on Thursday, Nov.10 and runs through Sunday, Nov.13, 2016. The event center will be packed with all the auto industry has to offer more than 500 vehicles including electric and alternative fuel vehicles, ultra-high-end exotics, luxury rides, test drives and more. From car buffs to casual enthusiasts, the Seattle International Auto Show offers something for everyone. This annual event offers consumers the chance to compare hundreds of new vehicles side by side, all under one roof, in a non-selling environment. Attendees can sit in the drivers seats, inspect engines, kick tires, count cup holders, check trunk space, test drive vehicles and take in that new car smell. From Audi to Toyota, dozens of new models will turn heads on the show floor including the Chevrolet Colorado (Motor Trends 2016 Truck of the Year), Chevrolet Camaro (Motor Trends 2016 Car of the Year), Volvo XC90 (Motor Trends 2016 SUV of the Year), the redesigned Honda Ridgeline and more, as well as the latest alternative fuel options such as the BMW i3, Chevrolet Bolt EV and Toyota Prius Prime. Highlights this year include: Test drives Attendees can get behind the wheel and test drive over 50 new vehicles from Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Chevrolet, Subaru, Buick, GMC and Toyotaon the streets around CenturyLink Field Event Center, Friday through Sunday. (Hours of operation vary, see website for details). Kids Test Track Why should mom and dad have all the fun? Kids ages 3-7 can do their own test drives of a variety of battery-powered ride-on cars on two special tracks just for them. Luxury Zone The Luxury Zone features a multi-million-dollar display of current vehicles from Acura, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Ferrari, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce. The duPont REGISTRY LIVE showcase features the ultimate in extravagance with a stunning collection of unique, rarely seen luxury and exotic vehicles, including a Ferrari Scuderia, Ford GT (Heritage Paint Scheme) and a 1960 Corvette. Hot Rod Garage Sure to steal the spotlight at this year's show is the Hot Rod Garage. Aficionados of the genre will be drooling over the selection of muscle cars, classic cars and hot rod restorations including: 55 Chevy 210 Handyman, 55 Chevy Coupe, 69 Chevy Camaro, 67 Pontiac GTO, 69 Chevy Camaro Dragster, 34 Ford 5 Window Coupe and 67 Chevy Nova and more. ArtCars4Kids Eleven popular local artists have unleashed their imagination and talent to transform 15 traditional pedal cars into one-of-a-kind works of art. The ArtCars4Kids project takes the idea of a shiny paint job to a whole new level with the mini-cars serving as the artists canvas for imaginative, unique designs. Although the cars have already been or some will be auctioned at Seattle Childrens Home fundraisers, online, and at other upcoming events, all will be on display at the show. Through the magic of technology, visitors to the show will have an opportunity to get a free caricature of themselves in their favorite pedal car as a souvenir. Additionally, Ryan Henry Ward, Seattles most prolific muralist, will be onsite painting one of the cars on Saturday, 10 a.m.- noon. In honor of Veterans Day, two IAV (Interim Armored Vehicle) Stryker armored fighting vehicles will be on display, courtesy of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. On display Friday Nov.11 only. The Seattle International Auto Show will be open to the public Thursday, Nov. 10 through Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016 at the CenturyLink Field Event Center, located at 800 Occidental Drive South, in Seattle. Show hours are Thursday, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $16 for adults (13 & over), $13 for senior citizens (62 and older) and $13 for Military (with any D.O.D. ID). Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult, compliments of BECU. Attendees can sign up for a FREE one-year subscription to Motor Trend magazine, courtesy of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association. Advance sale discount E-tickets can be purchased online at http://www.SeattleAutoShow.com. Official Social Media: Official Hashtag: #SeattleAutoShow #ArtCars4KidsCause http://www.facebook.com/SeattleInternationalAutoShow http://www.twitter.com/SeaAutoShow http://www.instagram.com/SeattleAutoShow When hunger strikes, convenience is now king. Consumers are increasingly walking away from their kitchen pantries and reaching instead for their phones, laptops or tablets to place an order for delivery. But they arent going directly to specific restaurant websites to satisfy their cravings. Instead, theyre looking to third party delivery apps that house menus for thousands of different restaurants ranging in price, proximity and type of cuisine. Boston-based Foodler is leveraging its position as a leader in online ordering and rapidly becoming the one of the nations fastest growing delivery applications, due to its one-of-a-kind rewards program and ability to deliver ratings and food recommendations down to the ingredient levelsomething no other app on the market can do. Foodler launched in 2004 when tech expert Christian Dumontet noticed a glaring disconnect between restaurants and consumers. Each group was on its own distinct side of the same business, and Dumontet and his co-founders saw the opportunity to bridge that gap. He identified speed of delivery times and expansion of restaurant access as deficiencies in existing services. So he created a unique algorithm that brought food to people in areas where delivery wasnt normally accessible. At the time, restaurants and delivery services were strictly filling orders by zip code, but there was definitely room for improvement, said Dumontet, co-founder and chief executive officer of Foodler. With my technology background, this was the perfect opportunity for a shift in the industry. A faster, more individualized delivery service experience was the missing link between restaurants and consumers. Its incredible to see how far Foodler has come since that initial lightbulb went off. Foodler now boasts more than half a million active users and 100 employees across the country. Foodler currently works with thousands of restaurants across many metropolitan areas. Beyond having access to the best local and major restaurants, the brands app offers a variety of perks that cant be found on any other online ordering platform. Foodlers rewards program alone sets the app apart from all of its competition. For every order submitted, customers earn Foodler points. Those points can then be used as FoodlerBucks, which reduce the price of future orders. Points can also be redeemed to purchase Foodler branded merchandise like cups and hats. Foodler also goes above and beyond other apps when it delivers ratings and recommendations back to its customer base. Online ordering and delivery services typically allow customers to rate a restaurants overall performance on a simple scale. Foodler instead allows its users to take the rating process a step further by rating specific menu items all the way down to the ingredients they contain. These ratings then become a part of a users profile. Through its revolutionary algorithm, Foodler tailors the customers ensuing recommendations based on their specific tastes. The more you use the site, the better your recommendations become. Foodlers model is designed to connect consumers with restaurants and menus theyll love in order to ensure a positive experience every time an order is placed. The technology that we have developed to power Foodler has a patent pending on it, because nothing like this has ever existed in the delivery industry. Thats why the vast majority of our users continue to utilize our app long after their first order, said Dumontet. Backed by its commitment to innovation and customized service, Foodler looks to lead the $70 billion takeout industry in the U.S. The company is now entering new markets and adding restaurants to its lineup at a rapidly increasing rate. Each month, over 100 restaurants add their menus to Foodlers lineup. The company is growing by about 30 percent annually and that figure jumps to 80 percent when Foodler enters new markets. Foodler is also working on new ways to further innovate the delivery automation industry, launching things like Apple Pay and Android Pay to make online ordering more convenient for customers. In addition, Foodler recently rolled out a group ordering feature that allows for seamless check splitting for work lunches or dinner with friends. The online ordering industry is constantly evolving, and were committed to staying ahead of the curve, said Dumontet. By continuing to innovate and introduce new features to our platform, Foodlers growth potential is unlimited. Within the next year, we anticipate that Foodler will have grown by an additional 30 percent. Within the next five years, we believe Foodler will be synonymous with local food delivery nationwide. ABOUT FOODLER Foodler is a premiere online food ordering service that bridges the gap between consumers and restaurants. With a wide variety of restaurants for immediate delivery and individual recommendations based on order history, user ratings, discounts and free delivery, the app is truly one-of-a-kind. Foodler makes ordering a positive experience for both restaurants and customers by automatically remembering favorite foods, ingredients, payment methods and tip preferences. It also allows customers to earn rewards with every order made, giving them access to exclusive savings. For more information, please visit http://www.foodler.com. Osmond Marketing founder Dr. Amy Osmond Cook, center, and her employees pose at the MountainWest Capital Network's Utah 100 Awards. The event was held Tuesday, October 18 at the Grand America Hotel in What started as a mom job to supplement our familys income eight years ago during the Great Recession turned into an amazing company of highly skilled professionals dedicated to providing superior content, Osmond Marketing has been recognized as one of the fastest growing businesses by MountainWest Capital Network in the 22nd annual Utah 100 Awards Program. Osmond Marketing was one of 100 businesses selected from thousands of eligible applicants from throughout the state and across all industries of business and finished 28th overall. The recipients of the award were chosen based on percentage revenue increase between 2011 and 2015. Osmond Marketing is a full-service marketing agency founded by Dr. Amy Osmond Cook in 2011. The services Osmond Marketing provides include public relations, content production, design, and web services for businesses and organizations of all sizes and across various industries. Between 2011 and 2015, the marketing agency saw nearly 800 percent growth in revenue. What started as a mom job to supplement our familys income eight years ago during the Great Recession turned into an amazing company of highly skilled professionals dedicated to providing superior content, Cook said. I am surprised, grateful, and thrilled about the growth our company has experienced. We are on track for similar growth in 2016 and are dedicated to becoming the premier content provider in Utah. Utah remains one of the best economic and entrepreneurial states in the country. With its dynamic economy and long-term stability that invites strong companies, the state has an ample number of businesses that demonstrate incredible growth, said Paul Skeen, Chairman of the MWCN Utah 100 committee. It is a pleasure to recognize each of the Utah 100 and acknowledge their success, progression and foresight. The Utah 100 Awards Program was held Tuesday, October 18, in the Grand America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City and was hosted by MountainWest Capital Networks. More information about the awards ceremony can be found by visiting http://www.mwcn.org/. "The digital revolution is upending how every industry operates and the consequences will catch many incumbents flat footed." Thomas Bonney, founder and managing director of CMF Associates, a leading provider of financial, operational and human capital solutions to private equity, middle-market and small-cap public companies, has been selected as a panelist at the 2016 M&A Advisor Summit in New York on November 9th. Mr. Bonney will be a featured panelist on the Stalwarts Roundtable The Value of M&A in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which will examine the role of information technology and how it is changing the industry. "The digital revolution is upending how every industry operates and the consequences will catch many incumbents flat footed and drastically change organizations. Major drivers of success will involve how executives consider talent, customer service, flexibility and on demand resources in the latest industrial revolution. Bonney said. The M&A Advisor Summit is being held in conjunction with the 15th Annual M&A Advisor Awards. CMF is a finalist in three categories: Consulting Firm of the Year, Service Professional of the Year, and Product or Service of the Year. About CMF Associates CMF Associates, LLC, private equitys preferred operating partner for finance and financial leadership, delivers transaction and transition focused financial, operational, and human capital solutions to private equity backed portfolio companies. Headquartered in Philadelphia and with offices in Chicago, New York, and Vancouver, CMFs offerings include interim CFO, COO, and controllership services; M&A advisory including pre-transaction due diligence, carve out services and post-transaction integration; full-time executive search; and deal sourcing. To learn more, visit http://www.cmfassociates.com. About The M&A Advisor The M&A Advisor was founded in 1998 to offer insights and intelligence on mergers and acquisitions through the industrys leading publication. Today, the firm is recognized as the worlds premier think tank and leadership organization for M&A, restructuring and financing professionals, providing a range of integrated services, including: M&A Advisor Forums and Summits; M&A Advisor Market Intelligence; M&A.TV; M&A Advisor Live; M&A Advisor Awards; and M&A Advisor Connects. For additional information about The M&A Advisors leadership services visit http://www.maadvisor.com. Contact: Sharon Alexander 215-940-4431 (o) 484-431-0199 (m) salexander(at)cmfassociates(dot)com Carl Deckard to be presented with AMUGs Innovators Award following his interview in the groups Innovators Showcase. "With over 30 years of technology innovation in the additive manufacturing industry, the candidate pool for the Innovators Award is quite deep. But in the end, we made the best choice, the right choice, when we named Carl Deckard as the recipient. The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) today announced Carl Deckard, inventor of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), as the recipient of its esteemed Innovators Award. The award will be presented at the 2017 AMUG Conference, to be held in Chicago, Illinois, after Mr. Deckards onstage appearance during the user group conferences Innovators Showcase. The Innovators Award is bestowed on those that have cultivated innovative ideas that in turn have advanced the additive manufacturing industry. Previous recipients include technology creators Chuck Hull and Scott Crump, founders of 3D Systems Corporation and Stratasys, Ltd., respectively. Mr. Deckard, who is Structured Polymers co-founder and chief technology officer, conceived and developed the Selective Laser Sintering technology while at the University of Texas at Austin. The concept of Selective Laser Sintering took shape when he was an undergrad. Mr. Deckard then pursued it for his masters degree and Ph.D work. Carl then co-founded Nova Automation, which was later renamed DTM Corp and ultimately acquired by 3D Systems Corp. With the launch of the Sinterstation 2000 in 1993, Selective Laser Sintering moved from the research labs into industry. In 2012, Mr. Deckard teamed with Jim Mikulak and Vikram Devarajan to found Structured Polymers, a material company focused on improved materials for Selective Laser Sintering and other powder bed fusion additive manufacturing processes. Mr. Deckard has also served as assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Clemson University. Steve Deak, AMUG president, said, With over 30 years of technology innovation in the additive manufacturing industry, the candidate pool for the Innovators Award is quite deep. This made the selection process very difficult. But in the end, we made the best choice, the right choice, when we named Carl Deckard as the recipient. He continued, In the early days, the three core technologies were Selective Laser Sintering, Stereolithography and Fused Deposition Modeling. The inventors of the latter two have already received the award. It was time to recognize the innovative mind behind SLS. On Wednesday, March 22, 2017, Mr. Deckard will take the stage for a casual, relaxed interview during the 29th annual AMUG Education and Training Conference. In this Innovators Showcase, he will respond to questions asked by the host and conference attendees with the intent of getting to know the man behind the technology and gaining guidance from his experience in shepherding a technology from concept to commercialization. Steve Deak said, The Innovators Showcase has been a highlight of the past two conferences. Our attendees really enjoy hearing the stories of progress, challenges and triumphs as well as seeing the personal side of industry titans. Carl Deckard has great stories to share so I am confident that his appearance will be very well received. Deak noted that the Innovators Showcase is unique in that it is structured to be an intimate conversation between two friends that just happens to be witnessed by over 1,000 AMUG Conference attendees. Designed for both novice and experienced additive manufacturing users, the AMUG Conference agenda topics range from technology basics to advanced applications to business considerations. Although the agenda is still in development, AMUG anticipates having nearly 200 presentations, workshops and hands-on training sessions. The AMUG Conference will also feature its annual Technical Competition with awards for exemplary applications of additive manufacturing and superior part finishing. The competition provides a forum for users of additive manufacturing technologies to display their prowess with the technology. The 29th annual AMUG Conference will be held March 19 - 23, 2017, at the Hilton Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. Conference details and registration are available at http://www.additivemanufacturingusersgroup.com. Thomas A. Edison Award The IEC has paid tribute to the dedication and work of eight leaders of the IEC family who, through their outstanding commitment and expertise, have contributed to making products and electrical systems safer, more energy efficient and more compatible. The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) has paid tribute to the dedication and work of eight leaders of the IEC family who, through their outstanding commitment and expertise, have contributed to making products and electrical systems safer, more energy efficient and more compatible. At the IEC 80th General Meeting in Frankfurt, the following were recognized with the 2016 Thomas A. Edison Award: Robert Arsenault, Secretary, TC 4 Giovanni Cassinelli, Secretary, SC 23E Marie-Elisabeth d'Ornano, Chair, IECQ Geoffrey S. Ibbott, Past Chair, SC 62C Yoshiaki Ichikawa, Chair, TC 111 Maurice Montavon, Secretary, TC 5 Heribert Schorn, IEC Coordinator, ISO CASCO WGs Bernd Sisolefsky, Past Chair, CISPR CIS/B The Thomas A. Edison Award is in the spirit of Thomas Alva Edison, 1847-1931, one of the greatest inventors in history. Edison developed a system of electric power generation and distribution which was a major development in the modern industrialized world. His over 1,000 patents included improving the incandescent lamp, film projection and sound recording, which still have an impact on our daily lives. Genius is 1 % inspiration and 99 % perspiration is one of Edisons most famous quotes. Robert Arsenault, Secretary, TC 4 Robert Arseneault has been Secretary of IEC TC 4, Hydraulic turbines, since 1992, when Canada took over the responsibility of the Secretariat. He was particularly instrumental in the publication of dual logo standards like IEC/IEEE, where the coordination of editing, comments and planning are essential. Arseneault excels in fostering the exchange of ideas between people from different cultures. In the last five years, Arsenault worked closely with the Chair of TC 4 to launch two new working groups, MT31 on Turbine residual life and WG33 on pressure fluctuations. Arsenault is also constantly promoting the IEC through presentations at international conferences (recently at HydroVision) and through his contributions to articles about the work of IEC TC 4. Giovanni Cassinelli, Secretary, SC 23E, Italy Giovanni Cassinelli has served as Secretary of SC 23E, Circuit-breakers and similar equipment for household use, since January 2003. He strongly supports the TC Chair in smoothly solving conflicts and maintaining a cooperative environment. Cassinelli has helped ensure highest quality results in the development, editing and translation of SC 23E documents. His contributions led to 23 new publications, including new IEC International Standards and amendments of existing ones, and over 400 official SC documents. He played a crucial role in the successful implementation of a new Blocks and Modules approach in the structure of SC 23E Standards, aiming at harmonizing a family of standards, thus avoiding mistakes, inconsistencies or discrepancies. Marie-Elisabeth d'Ornano, Chair, IECQ, France IECQ Chair since 1 January 2014, Marie-Elisabeth dOrnano has embraced her role, responsibilities and duties with enthusiasm and a dynamic hands-on approach. In this role, she has had the strong support of her employer, LCIE a Bureau Veritas company. IECQ has been reinforced as an international best practice model for supplier assessment and as an extremely valuable Supply Chain Management tool for the many industries involved in the manufacture, supply and distribution of electrical/electronic components, parts and assemblies. During her initial term as Chair, IECQ has benefited from d'Ornanos leadership as illustrated in a number of key initiatives and achievements: IECQ support and collaboration on the new CA Harmonized Basic Rules Closer cooperation between IECQ and specialized industries, e.g. avionics Development and rollout of the new IECQ Scheme for LED lighting Establishment of collaboration between IECQ and other CA Systems, notably IECEE Introduction of the new IECQ developed and run Training Programme, launched in 2015 The first IECQ International Conference on Supply Chain Management, in Paris in April 2016 Fostering international cooperation with other organizations, e.g. STACK International Geoffrey S. Ibbott, Past Chair, SC 62C, United States During his term as Chair of IEC SC 62C, Equipment for radiotherapy, nuclear medicine and radiation dosimetry, Geoffrey S. Ibbott outstandingly promoted the development and recognition of IEC Standards for medical radiation therapy equipment, nuclear medicine and radiation measurement. Ibbott successfully encouraged various experts and stakeholders from industry, medical physics and regulatory bodies to join the Committee. About 20 IEC publications have been issued under his leadership, and these have been widely accepted in the regulatory environments of EU, US, China, Japan and other jurisdictions. As a result, IEC is highly recognized as a home for standards in the field of medical equipment publications for radiation therapy, nuclear medicine and radiation measurement. Yoshiaki Ichikawa, Chair, TC 11, Japan Dr Yoshiaki (Yoshi) Ichikawa has led environmental standardization in TC 111 Environmental standardization for electrical and electronic products and systems for 11 years, since its establishment in 2004. He served as the Convenor of WG2 Environmentally Conscious Design (ECD) and published IEC 62430 Environmentally conscious design for electrical and electronic products. For this contribution he received the 1906 Award in 2007. In 2009, Ichikawa was appointed as the Chair of TC 111. TC 111 has published 18 deliverables to date, in the fields of chemical, eco-design, greenhouse gas and resource efficiency. Most of these have been integrated into legal frameworks specifying product environmental aspects around the world through which the electrotechnical industry has gained benefits. Ichikawa's activities also extend to other fields. He is an expert of IEC TC 62 Electrical equipment in medical practice, where he is supporting the Convenor of PT 62926, addressing the systems aspects of real-time radiation therapy. Maurice Montavon, Secretary, TC 5, Switzerland With his personal engagement during the last 44 years Maurice Montavon has devoted countless hours to IEC. In 1972, Montavon was designated as expert by the Swiss NC for the first time to WG 1 of TC 5, Steam turbines. From 1982 to 1984 he was involved in the publication IEC60045-1. Montavon has been Chair of the Swiss Mirror Committee TC 5 for almost 30 years. In 2007 he was elected by SMB as Secretary of TC 5, succeeding in the reactivation of TC 5 in 2008.Today TC 5 has 4 MTs and 2 WGs, with more than 70 experts. In the area of cogeneration he has recently also achieved a collaboration with ISO following the advice given by SMB. During his career Montavon always promoted international standardization within IEC and used his network to bring new experts into TCs, not only from Switzerland but also from other countries where he worked. Montavon founded the Swiss Mirror Committee of TC 117 Solar thermal electric plants, as Chair in 2011 and he acts as liaison officer between TC 5, TC 117 and TC 120. Heribert Schorn, IEC Coordinator, ISO CASCO WGs, Germany Heribert Schorn has been recognized for exceptional current and long-term achievement in representing the IEC CAB in ISO/CASCO Working Groups, for the development of conformity assessment standards, specifically the ISO/IEC 17000 series. This series of dual logo ISO/IEC Standards are the foundation on which the IEC CA Systems are based. Schorn has been active as an IEC representative and coordinator in CASCO Working Groups for the last ten years. He has been actively involved in the preparation of ISO/IEC 17043, Conformity assessment General requirements for proficiency testing; ISO/IEC 17065, General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems; and ISO/IEC 17026, Conformity assessment Example of a certification scheme for tangible products. Since 2014, he has been the IEC Coordinator for CASCO WG 42, preparing the revision of ISO/IEC 17011, Conformity assessment - General requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies. This standard is expected to be published in 2016. In 2015, a leadership structure with a Convener and two Co-conveners was agreed for the revision of ISO/IEC 17025, Conformity assessment General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. This is a very important Standard for IEC CA activities. CASCO WG 44 was created for this revision, with Schorn as Co-Convenor. Bernd Sisolefsky, Past Chair, CISPR CIS/B, Germany Dr Bernd Sisolefsky, former Chair of CISPR, the International special committee on radio interference, is an experienced EMC expert who has been active in IEC work since the early 1990s. During the last 25 years he has made countless contributions and held several offices in technical bodies under the CISPR roof. These include the role of Chair of CISPR/SC B from 2006 to September 2015. CISPR/B is responsible for standardization in the field of radio interference suppression of industrial, scientific and medical radio frequency equipment and also of high voltage lines and installations. During this period, the International Standard CISPR 11 was advanced two times, which culminated in the addition of requirements for grid connected power converters (GCPC), which serve for the connection of photovoltaic systems to the electricity distribution network. The addition of further requirements for wireless power transfer (WPT) devices was also started when Sisolefsky was Chair. Finally he also worked constantly within other technical bodies of CISPR, in particular in CISRP/F, which is responsible for radio interference suppression of household and similar electrical appliances and of lighting equipment, and in CISPR/I especially in the field of radio interference suppression of powerline telecommunications equipment. About the Thomas Edison Award Created in 2010, the Thomas A. Edison Award recognizes exceptional achievement (within the past five years), dedicated service and significant contributions to the IEC through the effective management of committees of currently active TC/SC Officers (Chair, Secretary or Assistant Secretary of a Technical Committee or Subcommittee) and officers of the IEC Conformity Assessment Systems and their subsidiary bodies. TC/SC officers must have: made an outstanding contribution, within the TC/SC, to the development and promotion of IEC systems and standards been responsible, through the TC/SC, for an IEC activity that has had a significant impact on industry and/or commerce been organizationally or technically responsible for a significant development in quality and timely performance by the TC/SC Officers of a conformity assessment system or subsidiary body must have: made an outstanding contribution, within one of the systems, to the development and promotion of IEC conformity assessment services or, through a system, to an IEC activity that has had a significant impact on industry and/or commerce beyond the conformity assessment community been organizationally or technically responsible for a significant development in service quality and performance by an IEC conformity assessment system made an outstanding contribution, in accordance with the IEC Policy on Conformity Assessment, to the development and promotion of IEC conformity assessment services outside the IEC systems The IEC Thomas A. Edison Awards are presented by the Vice-Presidents or Chair of the respective SMB or CAB boards, at the meetings held in conjunction with the General Meeting, or on another suitable occasion. State Farm Agent Celeste Middleton is proud to announce she was recently named to the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County. I started working with the Boys & Girls Clubs because of its stellar reputation and the care it shows for the community and its children, said Middleton. The Boys & Girls Clubs is a great place for kids to get involved in after school because it offers so many different programs, as well as homework help, character development skills and sports. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County concentrates on academic success, healthy lifestyles and good citizenship. The life skills and values learned while being involved in the club are skills that will help its young members in adulthood. I have been impressed with this organization and the powerful impact it has on our local youth for some time now, concluded Middleton. Furthermore, there is a lot of positive energy and excitement with the board and I am excited to be a part of the team. To get involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County or to sign up to volunteer, please visit http://www.bgcrc.net/get-involved.aspx. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County HolidayFest Gala at Stones River Country Clubs is on Saturday, November 12, 2016, at 6 p.m. Single tickets and tables are available at http://bgcrc.net/news-events/holidayfest.aspx. All proceeds from the event will benefit the over 2,800 children who are proud members of the Boys & Girls Clubs in Murfreesboro and Smyrna. About Celeste Middleton, State Farm In addition to auto, home, life and long-term health insurance, Celeste Middleton, State Farm Agent, offers annuities and financial products. This agency focuses on customers who relocate and move to Tennessee from other states. Some people may believe insurance is boring and automated, but at Celeste Middletons agency, they create a positive and energetic atmosphere that will leave their clients with a smile. For more information, please call (615) 895-2700, visit http://www.celestemiddleton.com, or follow Celeste on Facebook. 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. Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers Regardless of ones party affiliation, ABIL strongly advocates that all immigrants be respected for the benefits they bring to the United States, whether as entrepreneurs or as hard working employees. The United States has always prided itself as a nation of immigrants. ABIL believes that there has been disturbing rhetoric against immigrants and refugees in the current presidential election season. This has been exemplified in racist taunts and epithets against Hamdi Ulukaya, a Turkish immigrant of Kurdish descent, who is the founder of the highly successful Chobani business that makes Greek yogurt and employs about 2,000 people, some of whom are refugees. Chobanis annual yogurt sales are $1.5 billion. According to a recent New York Time article (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/01/business/for-helping-immigrants-chobanis-founder-draws-threats.html?_r=1), false stories have been published by right wing news outlets like Brietbart News and WND claiming that Mr. Ulukaya wants to drown the United States in Muslims. Some articles have also drawn a connection, again falsely, between Chobani hiring refugees and a spike in tuberculosis. This has led to unfortunate calls on Facebook and Twitter to boycott Chobani. The Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers, better known as ABIL, condemns such xenophobic attacks against a successful immigrant entrepreneur who has created jobs in the United States. It is already difficult for a foreign entrepreneur to obtain legal status in the United States under the current broken immigration system, and to then be successful and create thousands of jobs. Mr. Ulukaya is a shining example of an immigrant entrepreneur who has overcome these obstacles to benefit the United States. Foreign born entrepreneurs like Mr. Ulukaya must be welcomed rather than attacked in such a shameful and despicable manner, ABILs President Steve Garfinkel stated. These attacks go against the grain of what America represents a nation that has always welcomed those to its shores who wish to better themselves and contribute to the country. Regardless of ones party affiliation, ABIL strongly advocates that all immigrants be respected for the benefits they bring to the United States, whether as entrepreneurs or as hard working employees. ABIL also calls for urgent reform of the immigration system that can tap into the talents of more immigrants like Mr. Ulukaya who bring growth and prosperity to America. Nearly 200 supporters of The Glenholme School gathered at Bryant Park Grill in Manhattan in late October for the sixth annual gala to raise funds for the schools scholarship fund and to honor the Ghetto Film School president and founder. The Glenholme School, a special needs boarding and day school in Washington, Connecticut, teaches students with high functioning autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, OCD, Tourette, depression, anxiety and various learning differences. A collaboration between Ghetto Film School (GFS) and Glenholme was an easy decision. The relationship, over two years in the making, was spurred by Joe Hall when he first attended a Glenholme fundraiser in 2013. The initial joint filmmaking endeavor between the two schools took place over the summer. The result was not only two marvelously produced, silent short films but also an incredible learning experience for all. The arts is only one of the many instructional activities students benefit from at Glenholme. Each year, dozens of young people with special needs are unable to enroll in Glenholme because of financial constraints and special needs funding difficulties. In response, the Glenholme Development Board created the Manhattan fundraiser to subsidize the schools scholarship fund which helps support those who would otherwise be unable to access the life-changing programs that can provide a solid foundation for a successful and meaningful life. The vibrant, welcoming event offered ardent guests ample excitement with a cocktail hour and a silent auction; dinner, an energetic live auction, and an inspiring award presentation. David O. Russell distinguished Joe Hall with the Excelsior! award for his dedication to nurturing the minds of young filmmakers and storytellers including students at Glenholme. Later, David added more excitement and energy to the occasion by auctioning off walk-on movie roles in his next production starring Robert DeNiro and Julianne Moore. Through the assistance of the many The Glenholme School champions, the Development Boards sixth annual Evening in Manhattan raised over $275,000 for the scholarship fund recognizing the enduring effect Glenholme can have on young people with learning differences and their families. The Hollywood Reporter also published an article about the evening,David O. Russell, Ghetto Film School President Talk "Two-Way" Benefits of Working With Special-Needs Kids. About The Glenholme School: The Glenholme School is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) special needs boarding and day school for young people with high functioning autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, OCD, Tourette, depression, anxiety, and various learning differences. The program provides a treatment milieu designed to build competence socially and academically. Our learning environment supports and enhances the ability for young people with special needs to succeed. Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is a leading nonprofit behavioral health organization that supports many of the most vulnerable members of our society. For more information about The Glenholme School and its program, visit http://www.theglenholmeschool.org/. Eric Shamus, PhD, DPT, CSCS, Associate Professor & Chair, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast University The Faculty of the College of Health Professions and Social Work Florida Gulf Coast University conducted a scientific study in 2016. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the counter-clockwise oscillating vibration platform (OSFLOW) has a significant effect on older adults balance and postural sway. The OSFLOW counterclockwise oscillation vibration platform was used for this study. The device was calibrated to 10 Hertz. Each participant was asked to attend four sessions a week for the five-week period and stand on the vibration device for five minutes. There was a statistically significant increase in balance confidence per ABC Balance Confidence Scale. In addition, anecdotal, the most frequently noted improvement was in posture. Many of the participants described feeling that their posture was improving, noting that they felt it easier to stand straight with their shoulders back and cervical spine in a neutral position. Others reported feeling that they had made improvements in their sleep patterns, decreased joint pain, or increased sense of energy. This study confirms in a scientific way what we have seen in many individual cases over the years. With the regular use of the OSFLOW, people are doing something good for themselves, feeling limber and loose with an improved posture, more balanced and automatically this will increase anyones well being, says Judith Rudolf, owner of OsflowUSA Distribution LLC as she shares her excitement about the outcome of the study. The OSFLOW oscillates very gently with 10 Hertz. Through its horizontal oscillations, it brings the skeleton back into its natural and centered position. As a result, balance and flexibility improves. Back pain is often caused by muscle tensions. The oscillations help the muscles relax. Relaxed muscles help intercept these pain circulations. The OSFLOW oscillation platform helps reduce the occurrence of those nagging injuries that so many aging people suffer from. I have personally experienced the OSFLOW and I am excited that the positive results are now also confirmed by Florida Gulf Coast University through their scientific work. In todays Country Club world, anything that helps to improve balance and well-being has to be supported. Some of our Healthiest Clubs we work with are using the OSFLOW successfully, says Rick Ladendorf, founder of Prevo Health Solutions, a wellness company and executive producer of the Private Club Industry Americas Healthiest Club certification program. The OSFLOW is an oscillation wellness platform and has the potential to be a life changer. The oscillations from the OSFLOW are like a deep tissue massage, relax your muscles and increase your balance and flexibility. The device has proven to deliver great results for MS, Parkinson and Stroke patients as well. Florida Physical Therapist in PP and many other professionals working in the health and wellness area recommend the OSFLOW. I have been using my OSFLOW for almost 7 weeks now and I can report that it has made a huge difference to my well being and fitness. I bought it principally for lower back pain after having a nasty fall. Not only has it almost cured my back pain but it has also given me a much better alignment and balance. I do not hesitate to recommend the OSFLOW, says Margaret Smith, VA. By the year 2050, the elderly population will exceed 20% of all Americans, with the greatest increase being in those aged 85 and older. The aging process will have multiple components, and some of these variables can be influenced by participation in exercise and regular physical activity. Balance, coordination, and strength are all abilities that can be improved with proper training. One of the leading causes of accidental falls among the elderly citizens is a lack of balance. OSFLOWUSA Distribution LLC, was founded in 2013, as the sole importer of the OSFLOW device. The OSFLOW is imported from Germany and is available all over Europe for more than 12 years. OSFLOWUSA Distribution LLC conducts every year dozens of events in high-end Fitness Centers and Country Clubs in South West Florida and the feedback from the community is enormous. OsflowUSA Distribution LLC is currently seeking additional distribution partners. If interested to learn more about OSFLOW, contact crudolf(at)osflowusa(dot)com or call (239) 592-4062. http://www.osflowusa.com OsflowUSA Distribution LLC | 1010 Barcarmil Way, Naples, FL 34110 | http://www.osflowusa.com Connect with us on Facebook, Youtube Michael Vincent Dlask weaves rhythm and rhyme, poetry and prose in his latest book sharing Secrets of the Heart (published by iUniverse). First published in May of 2011, this poem collection is set for a new marketing campaign. Secrets of the Heart is Dlasks second poem anthology that expresses the challenges of everyday life that he has faced. Sometimes he disappeared into the background and felt as though his existence was being ignored by everyone. Every heartwarming piece strives to help people understand that even though everyday life might be hidden, it is never forgotten. Believe in yourself and learn to trust your inner-self. Remember, the heart is the key to complete and total happiness. Fill it with love instead of regret, peace instead of hatred, and truth instead of constant lies. No matter what, just be yourself, the author reminds readers. Dlasks poetry symbolizes the realism and hardship that many people try to hide from others each and every day. The messages of these poems provide a better, more nuanced perspective on the life every person lives through. A snippet from Secrets of the Heart reads: Believing in yourself may be the only way youll ever succeed; So reach high in the sky and exceed your expectations. Secrets of the Heart By Michael Vincent Dlask Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 64 pages | ISBN 9781450237451 E-Book | 64 pages | ISBN 9781450237468 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Born on March 1, 1977 at 5:06pm, Michael Vincent Dlask has been a typical person who has a hidden talent and passion for poetry. At a young age, he has developed these skills as a reflection of his mind. Being raised in Chicago, he is the middle child of five kids, and everything was a challenge to him. No matter what, he is the type to achieve his goals and dreams and does not let anybody get in the way of that. He is also the author of Poetrys Best Kept Secret. iUniverse, an Author Solutions, LLC, self-publishing imprint, is the leading book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing provider. iUniverse has a strategic alliance with Indigo Books & Music, Inc. in Canada, and titles accepted into the iUniverse Rising Star program are featured in a special collection on BarnesandNoble.com. iUniverse recognizes excellence in book publishing through the Star, Readers Choice, Rising Star and Editors Choice designationsself-publishings only such awards program. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, iUniverse also operates offices in Indianapolis. For more information or to publish a book, please visit iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS. For the latest, follow @iuniversebooks on Twitter. Govt cuts windfall profit tax on crude oil; hikes it on diesel, ATF exports: FinMin. Court remands four of nine accused arrested in Morbi bridge collapse case in four-day police custody. New stores prep to open in Washington and Massachusetts; a political display gets protection in New York; Barnes & Noble continues to close locations; and more. BookTree Opens in Kirkland, Wash.: Parkplace Books co-owner Mary Harris wasnt willing to give up her 40-year career in books when the store closed last year. So she teamed up with a new business partner, Chris Jarmick, to open a store to fill the void when Parkplace closed. The name of the store comes from the BookTree bookself in the childrens department of Parkplace. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for November 4; the grand opening for November 5. Cabot Street Books Opens in Beverly, Mass: After a year-long delay because of building problems, the fourth general bookstore in the HugoBooks mini chain had its soft opening earlier this week on November 1. The store is adjacent to Atomic Cafe, as is its Book Rack Bookstore in Newburyport, Mass. Inquiring Minds Wins Fight to Display Anti-Trump Banner with Swastika: Brian Donoghue refused to take down an anti-Trump window display in the window in his bookstore in Saugerties, N.Y. The display, which includes a swastika, shows the parallels between the Republican presidential candidates rise and that of Adulf Hitler. At the request of the American Booksellers Association, attorneys for Media Coalition informed town officials that an earlier order to remove the banner violated Donoghues First Amendment rights. Officials agreed to withdraw the notice of violations if Donoghue removes the banner after the election. B&N Closing Costa Mesa, Calif., Store: In addition to its Bronx store, Barnes & Noble plans to close its Metro Pointe store when its lease expires at the end of 2016. A clearance sale has already begun, with some items marked down 30%. B&N has stores nearby including ones in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, and Fullerton. As Election Day looms, evangelical Christians are a voting bloc that pundits and pollsters continue to watch. Having consistently cast Republican ballots for years, white evangelicals are questioning the party's nominee, Donald Trump, in ways that may shakeup up the electoral college math. For authorswho write about the Christian community, or are a part of itthis election has produced much to ponder and, at times, despair. Prominent evangelical leadersconservativesare speaking out against Trump, said Michael Wear, former director of faith outreach for President Obamas 2012 re-election campaign and the author of Reclaiming Hope (Thomas Nelson, Jan. 2017). Theyre proving that conservatives are not beholden to the Republican Party. Many evangelicals have spoken about the fact that they face a crisis of conscience in having to choose between Trump and Hillary Clinton, especially because the latter is pro-choice. There is a real burden and spiritual harm due to this election, said Wear. His advice: Cast a vote that aligns with your life; which candidate will best be used to love your neighbor? Jim Wallis, author of Americas Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America (Brazos, Jan.) and founding editor of Sojourners magazine, considers the presidential election a moral test for white evangelicals. Racism goes against the very heart of the gospel, he told PW. And Donald Trump has very clearly and deliberately stoked and used racial bigotry for his own political advancement. Theologian Miroslav Volf has endorsed Hillary Clinton, making her the first presidential candidate he has publicly supported in his career. Donald Trump has no regard for the most vulnerable people in societythe poor, the sick, the young, and the elderlyor for common decency toward women, Volf told PW. The prospect of having an incredibly incompetent and very arrogant person leading a powerful country is very scary; that combination can be disastrous. (Volfs most recent book, Public Faith in Action (Brazos) was named one of PWs five best religion books of 2016.) Bestselling author of A Year of Biblical Womanhood (Thomas Nelson, 2012) Rachel Held Evans not only endorsed Hillary Clinton, but detailed her support in a blog that refers to Trump as an incompetent narcissist who poses a unique threat to our American democracy. Jen Hatmaker, who has sold nearly 200,000 copies of her 2015 book For the Love (Thomas Nelson), recently discussed the presidential candidates with Religion News Service. Donald Trump, she said, is absolutely, positively, thoroughly unfit for the presidency, and her vote is between Hillary Clinton and Evan McMullin (a third-party candidate who has been winning in some polls in Utah). Franciscan friar Richard Rohr, author most recently of The Divine Dance (Whitaker House, Oct.) has Tweeted about his opposition to Trump. The evangelical support of Trump will be an indictment against its validity as a Christian movement for generations to come, he wrote. Perhaps the most vocal anti-Trump evangelical leader is Russell Moore, who said he will be voting for a write-in candidate in an op-ed for the New York Times. Moore, the president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, the public-policy arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, and author of 2015s Onward: Engaging the Culture Without Losing the Gospel (B&H), compared Trumps campaign to moral sewage while speaking to CBS News. A number of evangelical authors have also opted to comment on the election without picking a side, such as novelist and legal analyst for Fox News, Lis Wiehl (The Candidate, Thomas Nelson, 2016). Speaking to PW about Trump calling Clinton a nasty woman during the Oct. 19 presidential debate, Wiehl said that "as a woman, it was a horrible moment. Noting that she did not endorse either candidate, Wiehl observed deep unrest in the Christian community as a result of the election. I see a lot of people confused, saddened, with aching hearts, she said. Although Max Lucado, a pastor and the bestselling author of God Will Use This For Good (Thomas Nelson), declined to comment for this article, the bestselling author shared his thoughts on the election back in February in a blog post titled Decency for President. I dont know Mr. Trump. But Ive been chagrined at his antics, Lucado wrote, citing the candidate's disparaging comments at, among others, a veteran and a female reporter. Lucado was subsequently included in an anti-Trump campaign without his consent, and later denied endorsing either candidate. More recently, Lucado shared a blog urging voters to pray. We are really ready for this presidential election to be over, he wrote. Rather than wring our hands we bend our knees, we select prayer over despair. On Oct. 9 Beth Moore, the author of the 2010 bestseller So Long, Insecurity (Tyndale) and several Bible study books, reacted to the video footage that recorded Trump discussing groping and kissing women against their will. Wake up, Sleepers, to what women have dealt with all along in environments of gross entitlement & power, Moore posted to Twitter. A week later, the author clarified that she does not support or endorse any candidate, writing: My tweets on 10/9/16 had 1 purpose: to speak up for sexually abused women who feel voiceless. Although the divide among evangelicalswith some voting against Trump and others even voting for Clintonsignals a major break from tradition, there are still a number of evangelicals who support Trump. Eric Metaxas, author of If You Can Keep It: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty (Viking, June), endorses the Republican candidate and has urged his fans to do the same. For many of us, this is very painful, pulling the lever for someone many think odious, he wrote in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal. And, on October 22, he tweeted: What lies ahead under a Clinton presidency is the end of America as we know it. Dr. Robert Jeffress, author of Not All Roads Lead to Heaven (Baker, Feb.), defended his endorsement of Trump during an interview with NPR in October. If the answer is not Donald Trump because he has verbally or otherwise assaulted women, do you really want to put a woman into the White House who supports the greatest assault on women of all? And that is murdering them in the womb before they have a chance to be born, he said. Other evangelicals, who are against Trump, have seized the election as a chance to change the public image of their community. Over 21,000 evangelical leadersincluding authors such as Lisa Sharon Harper, Shane Claiborne and Marlena Graveshave signed a petition opposing Trump on Change.org that also urges the media to stop making the "mistake" of identifying the evangelical community as largely white, conservative men. It notes that this "narrow label," among other things, "ignore[s] our diversity" and fails "to accurately represent views expressed by the full body of evangelical Christians." The petition continues: We, undersigned evangelicals, simply will not tolerate the racial, religious, and gender bigotry that Donald Trump has consistently and deliberately fueled, no matter how else we choose to vote or not to vote. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Students planning to attend Purdue University West Lafayette in fall 2017 must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1, 2017, to receive priority consideration for federal, state and university-based financial aid. Indiana families can get free FAFSA filing help from financial aid experts at College Goal Sunday on Nov 13, starting at 2 p.m. local time. "With the FAFSA start date moving forward from January to October, College Goal Sunday made the decision to add a November event in addition to the traditional February event," said David Reseigh, assistant director of outreach services in Purdue's Division of Financial Aid. "Now there will be two College Goal Sunday events across Indiana to help families file the FAFSA and bring students one step closer to fulfilling their educational goals." Students should attend College Goal Sunday with their parent(s) or guardian(s), and parents should bring completed 2015 IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 Forms, and other 2015 income and benefits information. Students who worked last year should bring their income information as well. Students 24 and older may attend alone and bring their own completed 2015 IRS 1040 tax return, W-2 Form or other 2015 income and benefits information. Families in the Lafayette area can attend at Ivy Tech Community College, Ivy Hall, at 3101 S. Creasy Lane. A complete list of all participating sites around Indiana can be found at www.collegegoalsunday.org/. Students and parents are highly encouraged to apply for their U.S. Department of Education FSA IDs at https://fsaid.ed.gov prior to the event. The Division of Financial Aid provides financial aid information to students and families through community outreach, via email and online at www.purdue.edu/dfa. The Division of Financial Aid can be reached by calling 765-494-5050 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, or by emailing facontact@purdue.edu. Source: David Reseigh, 765-496-3919, dlreseigh@purdue.edu Former Tata Group chairman Cyrus Mistry was unceremoniously sacked last month, leading to a bitter and pubic spat with company patriarch Ratan Tata (AFP Photo/Indranil Mukherjee) Tata has long swelled the pride of India's small Parsi community but recent infighting and fears the conglomerate's next chief will be an outsider is unnerving the rapidly dwindling group. Mumbai's famous but notoriously private Parsis are unhappy at the daily mudslinging between company patriarch Ratan Tata and his Parsi counterpart, former chairman Cyrus Mistry, following the latter's unceremonious sacking last month. "Parsis are upset because the battle between Mistry and Tata went public instead of staying as boardroom negotiations. We hope it is over soon," said Jehangir Patel, editor of community magazine Parsiana. Parsis are followers of Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest religions. Zoroastrians believe in one god and worship in fire temples, believing fire to be a symbol of their god's purity. They first arrived in India more than 1,000 years ago after fleeing persecution in Persia. They became one of India's wealthiest communities, boasting a number of famed industrialists, including the internationally-renowned Tata family synonymous with the financial rise of India's commercial capital Mumbai. The community has also produced acclaimed Indian scientists and musicians and its influence far exceeds its size. However, late marriages and falling birth rates have sparked a demographic crisis that is threatening the group's survival with the number of Zoroastrians in India more than halving since 1940. There are now fewer than 60,000 in India, where most Zoroastrians live, and infighting between reformists and traditionalists about how to preserve the traditionally closed group is commonplace. Tata and Mistry are pillars of Mumbai's Parsi set and their spat appears to be adding to the angst that many Parsi-Zoroastrians feel about the community's uncertain future. "The feud is a letdown for the Parsi community as its number of role models and people in position of power reduces," Patel told AFP. Story continues Tata Group is a sprawling $103 billion steel-to-salt conglomerate founded under British colonial rule in 1868. It operates in more than 100 countries and owns high-profile companies such as Britain's Jaguar Land Rover and Anglo-Dutch steel firm Corus. Mistry, 48, was sacked as chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of Tata Group, on October 24, just four years after succeeding Ratan Tata to become its first chief who was not a member of the immediate Tata family. Tata is said to have become increasingly frustrated by Mistry's focus on divestments as he sought to reduce the sprawling group's $30 billion debt level. - Non-Parsi for Tata? - Tata, 78, took interim charge and for over a week the two camps have been trading bitter accusations that are threatening the conglomerate's global reputation but are also out of tune with the Parsi ethos of quiet respect and loyalty. The feud risks being compounded by the fact that Mistry is heir to the multi-billion-dollar construction giant the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, which is the largest single shareholder in Tata Sons, owning 18.4 percent. Dinshaw Mehta, a former chairman of Mumbai's leading Parsi organisation the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, described Mistry's removal as "ungraceful" and worries the subsequent conflict will be "self-destructive" for the company. He has a bigger concern though -- a non-Parsi leading India's most famous family conglomerate. "Tata is a Parsi legacy business and we are hopeful that a Parsi takes over the chairman's post. We don't want candidates from any other communities taking over," he said. While Ratan Tata's half-brother Noel Tata -- who incidentally is married to Mistry's sister -- is believed to be in the running, Mehta's fears are real with the other favourites coming from outside the community. Tata Consultancy Services chief N. Chandrasekaran, from the southern state of Tamil Nadu, has been tipped by many commentators while Jaguar Land Rover head Ralf Speth, a German, has also been mentioned. The pair were promoted to the Tata Sons board following Mistry's dismissal and many analysts took it as a sign that they were being prepared for the top job. Some Parsis say the community's shrinking talent pool means Tata will have to look elsewhere. "Outside or within the Tata group, there are no Parsis with the accomplishments and profile fit enough to take on the chairman's role," said magazine editor Patel. Others are more worried about the community's battle for survival than the fight to lead Tata. "There are bigger issues for the community to bother about than egos and worthless legacies of Parsi billionaires," wrote a reader on Parsi newspaper Jam-e-Jamshed's Facebook page. ROCK ISLAND -- The Illinois Opportunity Project on Wednesday said Rock Island County Democrats and the Illinois Attorney General's office are suppressing voter turnout and harassing people involved in its vote-by-mail program. "This is a clear case of powerful politicians, including and especially Attorney General Lisa Madigan, using their offices to harass their political opponents," said Pat Hughes, co-founder of the conservative group. "In doing so, they are denying numerous Illinoisans one of their most basic civil liberties: the right to vote." On Friday, Rock Island County Clerk Karen Kinney said she thought the Chicago-based nonprofit group cofounded by radio host Dan Proft might be part of a voter suppression scheme. Her comments came after more than 1,500 Rock Island County absentee ballot applications were found in a Rock Island post office box rented by the organization. In Illinois, third party organizations can send voters applications to receive a mail-in ballot. Ms. Kinney said 1,511 such applications sat for weeks in a Rock Island post office box before being delivered to her office Thursday and Friday. The deadline for such requests is today. Rock Island County is one of seven in Illinois where Mr. Hughes said his group conducted a vote-by-mail program to increase turnout. He said his group has learned in recent weeks that its mail is being delayed and held at post offices and that his office has received threatening phone calls and letters from Ms. Madigan, a Democrat. Rock Island County State's Attorney John McGehee also is investigating the group's efforts locally. "You have a Democratic county clerk and a Democratic state's attorney saying things publicly about ballots languishing and voter suppression," Mr. Hughes said Wednesday. "None of that is true." The Huffington Post on Wednesday quoted Rock Island Post Office Postmaster Mark Curley as saying the Illinois Opportunity Project's absentee applications didn't languish as alleged by Ms. Kinney. Mr. Curley could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Ms. Kinney has denied the allegations by Mr. Hughes. "I'm being criticized for calling it a voter suppression scheme?" she said. "I'm guilty of calling it like I see it. "How am I suppressing anything?" she asked. "I want to be able to administer a fair process here for the voters. I don't care what party you're with. "Here's my fear," she said. "I want my applications. What if someone shows up on Monday and dumps a bunch of applications on me that I can't process?" Maura Possley, of Attorney General Madigan's office, said they continue to investigate complaints about the vote-by-mail applications. Her office contacted the Illinois Opportunity Project, she said, because the complaints raised specific concerns about its efforts and delivery of vote-by-mail applications to county clerks. "Because the Illinois Opportunity Project's mailings do not identify that organization and, instead, are sent from '(Name of County) County Vote By Mail Center,' they have led to voter confusion regarding whether they are official documents from counties," Ms. Possley said. "Our concern has been -- and continues to be -- that all voters who choose to vote by mail have their votes counted," she said. Ms. Kinney and Mr. McGehee this week said Illinois law should be changed to require all absentee ballot applications be mailed directly to county clerks' offices. An attack, possibly domestic-related, in the South Chicago neighborhood left two people dead and a woman critically wounded. They were shot in the 8000 block of S. South Shore Drive about 12:10 a.m. Thursday, police said. A 16-year-old boy and a 20-year-old woman were pronounced dead after the shooting, and two other women, ages 30 and 42, were critically wounded in the same incident. Both went to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. At least three men were killed in Chicago shootings Wednesday, police said. About 9:40 p.m. on the Southwest Side, a 24-year-old man was fatally shot in the 7300 block of South Maplewood Avenue in the Marquette Park neighborhood, according to police. Police were called to the area because of a person shot and found the man, lying facedown on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to the head. Just after 7:20 p.m. on the West Side, a man was found shot in the head in the 3000 block of West Fifth Avenue in the East Garfield Park neighborhood, according to police. He was pronounced dead on the scene. Just after 7 p.m. on the South Side, a 27-year-old man was found shot in the 7100 block of South Rhodes Avenue in the Park Manor neighborhood, said Officer Thomas Sweeney, a police spokesman. The man was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. About 10:15 p.m. on the West Side, a 15-year-old boy was critically injured after being shot several times in the 700 block of South Kenneth Avenue, according to police. Police were called to the Lawndale neighborhood because of gunfire being reported, but they found that the boy had already been taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in a private vehicle. No one was in custody. CHICAGO (AP) State Board of Elections records show 12 percent of Illinois' record 8 million registered voters have cast ballots ahead of next week's presidential election. The total includes those who voted in person, by mail or used grace period registration, which lets people register and vote simultaneously. Totals updated on Wednesday show over 8 million active registered voters, a number expected to increase because Illinois allows registration through Election Day. Over 1 million Illinoisans have voted. Most cast ballots in person. Election officials say early voting is increasingly popular. Illinois has expanded its early voting period. Daily pre-election early voting totals weren't available for previous years. Officials say during 2012's general election, nearly 16 percent of registered voters voted early at polls, representing 22 percent of the nearly 5.3 million votes. Republican former New Hampshire Gov. John H. Sununu said Thursday that Donald Trump is growing "as a Republican" who understands the key issues the need to repeal Obamacare, reform the tax code, and rollback overregulation. In an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box" interview, the former chief of staff to President George H.W. Bush said he supports Trump and believes the real estate tycoon can beat Hillary Clinton. "Republicans are coming home," he predicted, as recent polls tighten nationally and in some battleground states with five days to the election. Sununu's endorsement of Trump goes against Bush 41, who reportedly plans to vote for Hillary Clinton . "They carry a lot of personal attacks out of the primary," he said of the Bushes, referring to Trump's attacks on Jeb Bush. Sununu said he didn't always support Trump. He said he was unsure in the primary, recalling how he gave the eventual-GOP nominee a "hard time." But he's come to believe Trump has the temperament and the intellect to be president. "Generally, [Trump's] instincts align with mine," he said. He said Trump has stayed on message in the final days of the campaign, and it's paid off. In the swing state of New Hampshire, a new poll by Boston public radio station WBUR shows Trump ahead of Clinton by 1 percentage point, well within the plus or minus 4.4 percentage point margin of error. The survey was conducted from Saturday to Tuesday, after Friday's FBI bombshell of renewed interest in Clinton's emails. The previous poll, on Oct. 10-12, had Clinton up 3 points. Sununu cited the poll as a positive for Trump, but warned against any expectation of a "smoking gun" before Tuesday in the Clinton email investigation. As patriarch, Sununu has seen his sons follow in his footsteps, with Chris Sununu currently running for governor and John E. Sununu having served as a U.S. senator and congressman. Story continues More From CNBC DAVENPORT -- U.S. senator and one-time presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, D-Vermont, will visit Davenport Friday to campaign for Hillary Clinton. Sen. Sanders will hold a "Get Out the Vote" rally at 11 a.m. at Modern Woodmen Park, 209 S. Gaines St., Davenport. Doors will open at 10 a.m. Make reservations at hillaryclinton.com/events/view/liuiabm6cylstdmh/. Sen. Sanders will compare Democratic candidate Clinton's plans to build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top, and Republican candidate Donald Trump's plans, which would benefit himself and other millionaires and billionaires like him, according to media release information. Sen. Sanders will promote raising the minimum wage to a living wage, making public colleges and universities tuition-free, ending a broken criminal justice system, defeating Mr. Trump and making Secretary Clinton president. Sen Sanders also will make Friday stops in Iowa City and Cedar Falls, and Saturday in Ames, all in Iowa. G'day! It's Murray here. I've put together a little quiz to test your musical knowledge. Think you can score top marks in Murray's Magic Music Quiz? Give it a go now! 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. Each bank is providing half of the funds for the transaction, which is composed of two facilities: a 5.5-year loan and a VAT facility worth more than 18m. DVB Bank has acted as both agent and lender, while KfW IPEX Bank has operated exclusively as a lender. Luxembourg-based investment fund Touax Investments SCA will provide equity for the transaction. Another Touax Group subsidiary, Touax Rail, will be responsible for managing the wagons as part of its lease portfolio. The Association of American Railroads on Nov. 2 awarded the 2016 Professional Environmental Excellence Award, described as the highest honor for environmental professionals in the railroad industry, to Russ McDaniel, Director of Environmental Engineering, Remediation and Compliance, Norfolk Southern. McDaniel, one of eight railroaders nominated, entered the rail industry more than 20 years ago, and representatives say he has made significant contributions to environmental awareness both at NS and throughout the industry. During his time at NS, McDaniel has held several engineering positions in the environmental department, eventually taking on his current position as the Director of Environmental Engineering, Remediation and Compliance. He manages remediation of impacted sites, compliance with air and water permits and management of storm water protection and spill preparedness plans, among other areas. McDaniel and his team also took on a $10 million, multi-year project to remediate a site that was home to a railcar manufacturing facility for nearly 100 years. The team worked with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to restore 79 acres of the site for industrial use. The AAR says the annual award recognizes an individual who has exhibited exceptional performance in environmental awareness and responsibility. The award was presented during the Railroad Environmental Conference at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Railroads and environmental preservation go hand-in-hand, and we proudly honor those who exhibit a commitment to environmental stewardship, said AAR \resident and CEO Ed Hamberger. Russ and railroad employees like him bring a range of environmental expertise, making them an integral part of the industrys successful environmental program in countless ways. The other nominees were Carl Akins, Kansas City Southern; George Bray, Amtrak; Stuart Boykin, CSX; Todd Cabonor, Metra; Chantele Despres, CN; Susana Lizcano Gonzalez, Union Pacific; and Gregory Jeffries, BNSF. With migration high on the policy agenda across Europe, there is a need to consider how migrant children are integrated into education systems. In 2015, roughly 10 per cent of the EU population were born outside the country in which they reside, with children under the age of 15 comprising five per cent. Although the pattern varies across EU member states, research suggests that children with a migrant background tend to have lower educational performance and are more likely to leave school early than native children. However, the situation is complex: children are not necessarily at risk of poor educational performance simply due to their migrant background. Other factors can explain differences in a child's educational performance, such as language barriers, socio-economic disadvantage or a lack of parental engagement with the child's education. As part of work for the European Platform for Investing in Children, RAND Europe explored the discrepancies in educational performance between migrant children and native born children in more detail. Limited or no command of the host society language is the most common educational barrier faced by migrant children. An Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report found that both first- and second-generation migrant children who started school without speaking the host country's language were disadvantaged compared to native pupils. Learning and educational performance is often hindered for these children until the language barrier is overcome. Studies have noted that migrant children perform better in school as they acquire the host country's language. Socio-economic disadvantage has also been linked to lower education performance. According to research from OECD, students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds are twice as likely to be low performers. Some evidence even suggests that socio-economic disadvantage can have a greater negative impact on educational outcomes than being from a migrant background. Indeed, member states with higher concentrations of children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to have a poorer educational performance than those with higher concentrations of migrant children. Education attainment is also linked to levels of parental engagement with the school and the child's education. Parents who themselves have limited command of the host country's language may face challenges in engaging with their children's education and wider school environment. Engagement is also linked to the socio-economic status of the parents and their own level of education. These factors can lead families to become socially isolated, which further limits the ability of parents to support their children in education. The range of factors that may contribute to poor educational outcomes makes it difficult to identify a silver bullet that will improve educational outcomes for all European children, both migrant and native. Helping migrant children acquire the host country's language, addressing socio-economic disadvantage and building relationships between educators and parents are all important factors in seeking to improve educational performance. Barbara Janta is a senior analyst and Emma Harte is an associate analyst at RAND Europe. Both were involved in the policy brief Education of migrant children: Education policy responses for the inclusion of migrant children in Europe. This commentary originally appeared on New Europe on October 31, 2016. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis. What can the city of Rialto, in San Bernardino County, teach the world's criminal justice agencies? After all, its Police Department of 54 officers only serves 100,000 residents. But here's what you may not know: The Rialto Police Department led the world in the understanding of how body-worn cameras can change policing. In 2012, we joined the Rialto police in conducting the world's first randomized experiment of the effect of body cameras on relations between police and the public. This experiment came about through the foresight of then-Police Chief Tony Farrar, with whom wetwo academics with expertise in criminal justiceco-authored the research. Each week, all shifts were randomly assigned to treatment or control. On a treatment shift, all officers had to wear cameras, had to keep the cameras turned on for their whole shift and had to give verbal warnings to anyone they encountered that they were wearing a camera. On control shifts, no one wore cameras. The study then compared those shifts where cameras were being used to those where they weren't. The results were surprisingbecause they were so clear. When officers were wearing cameras on shifts, police use of force against suspects was 50 percent lower. Similarly, complaints against the police fell to almost zero in the 12 months after the cameras were introduced. A single complaint against a police force can cost upward of a million dollars. Police use of force and the complaints it engenders are expensive for police departments. They cost the trust and cooperation of communities. And a single complaint against a police force can cost upward of a million dollars in compensation. For a small force like Rialto, that's a big blow to the budget. Does success in Rialto predict success in places like Houston and Baton Rouge, where we've seen police come under public scrutiny for excessive use of force? Recently, we ran a series of new experiments with 10 police forces across the U.S. and U.K., with more underway. The results from these studies generally confirm the Rialto Police Department experiment findings. But there are two crucial caveats: It cannot be left to the officers to determine the shifts during which they will wear the cameras, and the cameras must stay turned on for the entire shift. As soon as officers are given the power to decide which cases should be recorded, or at which point during the interaction with the citizen to turn the camera on, body-worn cameras not only can fail, but may backfire. We found that when officers used their discretion to turn cameras on and off during their shifts, this was associated with an increased use of force. Cameras should be on before officers are engaged with suspects and kept on throughout their whole shift. What we take from this is that when making the decision to invest in body cameras, police departments need to be thinking hard about how they want them usedwe think the evidence is good enough to say that cameras should be on before officers are engaged with suspects and (ideally) kept on throughout their whole shift. And this isn't just about use of force, but also their role in evidence, police-community interactions and police accountability. The Rialto Police Department, like many other law enforcement agencies, began using an online system operated by Taser called Evidence.com to streamline tracking of evidence and delivery of cases to the District Attorney's Office. This is part of a wider movement of digitization in policing, and Rialto was one of its leaders. Having all the interactions recorded, available for audit if necessary and electronically coded, added to the overall design of the experiment. We anticipate that this will soon be standard procedure for policing. If being observed by a body camera leads to greater professionalism, accountability and a more consensual style of policing, officers may not resort to unnecessary or excessive force. At the same timeand as importantcitizens who are videotaped while talking to cops may exercise more self-control and take part in a respectful dialogue with officers of the law, even if they are suspected of breaking the law. The camera keeps both the officer and the citizen in check by reminding them they are being watched. Body-worn cameras alone cannot solve the problems with policing in America today. But used properly they can help address the mistrust that has grown between some communities and their police. Alex Sutherland is a research leader at RAND Europe, part of the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation. Barak Ariel is a lecturer in Experimental Criminology at the Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge, and at Hebrew University, Jerusalem. This essay is part of a Zocalo Inquiry into what makes a healthy neighborhood, produced in conjunction with the California Wellness Foundation's Advancing Wellness Poll. This commentary originally appeared on San Diego Union-Tribune on October 21, 2016. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis. Unlike most government boards, the Defense Innovation Advisory Board is a particularly eclectic assembly that includes astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, and Instagram Chief Operating Officer Marne Levin. With startling speed, they recently released their first findings, aimed at encouraging a culture of innovation in the Department of Defense. Four of the findings were discrete ideas about developing greater programming expertise across different elements of the Department of Defense. But two were more strategic appointing a chief innovation officer and providing combatant commands with funds for their own innovation initiatives. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter is already moving to implement the first idea. A chief innovation officer would provide coordination and top-cover to innovation efforts happening across the Pentagon. This suggests that top-down intervention to foster an innovation culture is needed. Providing combatant commands with funding enables those who are closer to the ground to turn ideas from the field into reality. This suggests an opposite impulse to use a bottom-up, user-centric approach to fostering a culture of innovation.... The remainder of this commentary is available on warontherocks.com. Jonathan Wong is an assistant policy analyst at RAND and recently earned a doctorate in policy analysis from the Pardee RAND Graduate School, where his dissertation examined rapid acquisition policy. He served as a Marine Corps infantryman from 2001 to 2011. This commentary originally appeared on War on the Rocks on November 2, 2016. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis. Three months after its split from al Qaeda, which in reality is simply a feint, Jabhat Fateh al Sham (JFS), formerly known as Jabhat al Nusra, may pose a more significant long-term threat to the West than the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). While the West targets ISIS, JFS is quietly laying the groundwork for al Qaeda's resurgence by hunkering down, rebuilding, and repositioning itself along several fronts. This should come as no surprise al Qaeda and its affiliates are nothing if not resilient. With approximately 10,000 fighters, JFS is now both the largest al Qaeda franchise and by many accounts, the most lethal, eclipsing the capabilities of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). As a failed state on the periphery of Europe, Syria is the ideal staging ground for al Qaeda to rejuvenate its global campaign of terrorism through JFS. Jabhat Fateh al Sham is now both the largest al Qaeda franchise and by many accounts, the most lethal. Veteran al Qaeda leaders like Saif al-Adl are thought to be among the current leadership directing JFS strategy in Syria. A critical centerpiece of this strategy is seeking consent of locals and working to garner political legitimacy in Sunni-dominated parts of northwest Syria, where JFS has established an enclave. This approach stands out in stark juxtaposition to ISIS's ultra-violent, scorched-earth campaign. JFS has benefited from the combined Western and Russian campaign against ISIS, as it has allowed the al Qaeda splinter to survive and thrive. Moreover, by publicly disassociating itself from al Qaeda, JFS has attempted to maintain a lower profile with respect to its adversaries, namely the Russian-backed regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the U.S.-led coalition. The rebranding failed to convince the U.S. government, but as prominent terrorism scholars have pointed out, Washington was never the intended audience. A major line of effort within al Qaeda's broader campaign has been establishing close ties with locals in the areas where it now operates. For the past several years, al Qaeda has been shifting fighters and resources into Syria and slowly accruing popular support among locals. JFS is focused on political and military targets and has worked to build localized bases of influence and embed its fighters into established zones of territorial control. The change in nomenclature from Nusra to JFS serves several specific purposes. One potential outcome is that countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar may feel more at ease arming or aiding the militants now that they have publicly distanced themselves, even if in name only, from al Qaeda. Qatar, in particular, has been urging such a move for months. Another objective of the rebranding is to present JFS as a more inclusive organization, open to working with, instead of against, the myriad Syrian rebel groups aligned against the Assad regime. Compared to ISIS, JFS has been far more selective in recruiting new members, especially among the thousands of foreign fighters that have flocked to Syria since the civil war erupted five years ago. By merging with parts of the local opposition, JFS can present itself as the most representative and legitimate alternative among active jihadist groups. Like its parent organization al Qaeda, Jabhat Fateh al Sham is playing the long game. Like its parent organization al Qaeda, JFS is playing the long game. Its new name allows it to portray itself as a vanguard of the Syrian people rather than an al Qaeda puppet. Another motive of the name change is to integrate JFS within the current patchwork rebel coalition of anti-Assad fighters. If JFS successfully embeds itself within the opposition, there are serious consequences in both the short and long term. More immediately, this could prolong the conflict. In the long run, this symbiosis could lead to political legitimacy, enabling the militants to emulate the staying power that Hezbollah has demonstrated in neighboring Lebanon. Compared to the more technologically adept and media-savvy ISIS, al Qaeda, and by extension JFS, is a more conservative and old-school jihadi outfit. There is little doubt that ISIS poses a significant threat to regional stability in the Middle East and has already demonstrated both a willingness and capability to strike the West. But in the grander scheme, ISIS has been compared to an infection that can be treated and contained, while al Qaeda and its affiliates are likened to a cancer that defies treatment and continues to spread. The West should be doing everything possible to ensure that JFS and its ideological sympathizers are unsuccessful in their attempt to entrench themselves in Syria the way Hezbollah did in Lebanon. This likely means taking aggressive measures to separate or isolate jihadists from the more moderate elements within Syria's rebel opposition. Regardless of whether Assad stays or goes, this should be an overarching goal of Western countries working to resolve the Syrian crisis. Colin P. Clarke is a political scientist at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation. This commentary originally appeared on The Cipher Brief on November 2, 2016. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis. Looking to enable convergence from 2018, Argentina is promoting its strategy across the Americas aiming to draw investment in telecoms. During the Council of Americas Argentina Tic Day, held in New York, Rodrigo de Loredo, president of Arsat , said the public telco will be key for technological convergence, as it controls the national satellite infrastructure and is deploying an extensive fibre network across the country.Arsat is a tool for digital inclusion and social integration. The Plan Federal de Internet will bring broadband technologies to over 1,300 towns, de Loredo said.He added that the Government is looking to increase public and private investment in telecoms before 1 January 2018 from which time every telecom company will be able to offer all services, including pay-TV At the same event Jorge Di Blasio, president of the association of local cablecos Red Intercable said he believes convergence will be positive for the industry.Technologically, Argentina has fallen behind in recent years. As duty barriers are removed and rules allow better competition, there will be concrete improvements and benefits for the final user, he said. Having been on air for two weeks, Mexicos Imagen Television has started to automate broadcast workflows using VSNs Multicom. The launch of Imagen Television broke a 20-year duopoly in Mexicos free-to-air (FTA) TV sector between Televisa and TV Azteca.The project required the implementation of a complete master control room automation workflow integrated with all third-party equipment available to provide Imagen Television with reliable transmission. To this end, Spains VSN along with Teletec , installed two VSNMulticom systems to ensure uninterrupted broadcasting 24/7.In order to establish an end-to-end automation workflow, VSN developed a complete integration of both VSNMulticom and the media management solution VSNEXplorer to manage files along with Harmonic Spectrum Video Servers, Icon Master mixer from Imagine Communications and Orad graphics systems from Avid.Imagen Television is the third nationwide FTA TV group and currently reaches more than 70 million people thanks to 123 broadcasting stations deployed throughout the country. Australias linear TV viewing figures for this years Melbourne Cup are down as hundreds of thousands switched to live streaming the nations favourite horse race. Linear TV figures reached 1.986 million viewers in Australias five metro cities, down from 2.07 million in 2015, according to OzTAM. However, streaming figures from all of broadcaster Sevens channels, including the Plus7 Live app, topped 575,000 across the day up 18% on last years figures.The melbourne Cup was also streamed live on Twitter for the first time, after the social media network struck a deal with the Victoria Racing Club. However, no viewing figures have yet been released from the social media network.In Australia, the Cup presentation drew linear TV audiences of 1.690 million viewers in the metro region, while 1.405 million tuned in for the pre-race commentary. Seven dominated the days TV ratings in Australia, as jockey Kerrin McEvoy rode Almandin to a narrow victory ahead of Heartbreak City and favourite Hartnell.Within individual TV markets, Seven described the audiences as outstanding. In Melbourne alone, an average audience of 947,000 viewers watched the race, with the audience peaking at 976,000. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our privacy policy unless you have disabled them. You can change your cookie settings at any time but parts of our site will not function correctly without them. [Close] SPI-controlled Kino Polska TV has added a second part to its Polish portfolio in the form of Zoom TV, a universal channel with programming encompassing lifestyle formats, infotainment, local news, documentaries, films and TV series. Debuting as a linear channel on the Polish DTT network on 25 October, Poland Zoom TV is broadcast by Cable Television Networks & Partners whose shareholders are Kino Polska TV SA Group and PIKSEL Foundation established by PIKE, the Polish Chamber for Electronic Communication. The new channel will be available on the eighth DTT multiplex in the country and will also be carried by all major cable networks in Poland including UPC, Multimedia, Toya and Inea.The new network will air several shows produced by Grupa Onet, Poland's online media company, hosted by popular TV personalities such as Jarosaw Kuzniar and Bartosz Weglarczyk. Zoom TV is also presenting an original programme hosted by well-known journalist Piotr Najsztub. It adds that a vital part of the content will be supplied by local TV and cable networks associated with PIKE.We are actually working on three Zoom channels. The first one has just debuted on DTT in Poland and now we are focusing on delivering it to every household, explained Kino Polska president Bogusaw Kisielewski. Zoom 2 will be interactive and launched soon, in spring 2017. We hope that DTT viewers will enjoy new interactive features and will be more willing to connect their TVs to the Internet. Zoom 3 will be an international version of Zoom TV dedicated to Polish communities abroad. We will offer this channel just before the end of the first half of next year. Disabled Russian ex-colonel freed after being sentenced to 5 years in jail MOSCOW, November 3 (RAPSI, Yevgeniya Sokolova) Ex-colonel Yury Gaidukov was sentenced to five years in prison, fined 800,000 rubles (about $12,600) and freed on Thursday after the Moscow District Military Court learnt about his loss of sight. Gaidukov, who worked at Russias Audit Chamber, was charged in 2007 with accepting a bribe in the amount of 7 million euros when inspecting rocket engine maker NPO Energomash. Nikolay Serykh, the head of the federal bureau Lord Enterprises, Alan Gogichayev, the owner of Carven restaurant, and Zarina Farniyeva, ex-head of the Chambers legal department, were also implicated in the probe. According to investigators, when inspecting Energomash Gaidukov found out that the enterprise delivered rocket engines to the U.S. in circumvention of the Russian government ban on exports of dual-capable engines. The export license was then suspended; investigators believe that Gaidukov demanded 7 million euros for license renewal and for endorsing positive results of the inspection. The deal was allegedly arranged in Carven restaurant. In September 2007, after receiving the first tranche of the bribe amounting to 1 million euros, Serykh was apprehended by officers of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). Investigators allege the money were to be given to Gaidukov, who in turn was to transfer part of the sum to Farniyeva. Gaidukov went practically blind in detention. It took him almost three years to study case records. We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on the website. The purposes of using cookies are defined in the Privacy Policy of RAPSI If you agree to continue using cookies, please click the "Confirm" button. If you do not agree, you can change your browser settings. This piece was created in collaboration with the Wilson Center. Andrew Selee is the Executive Vice President of the Woodrow Wilson Center and was the founding director of the Centers Mexico Institute. Pablo Paras is the founding President of OPM, one of Mexicos leading public opinion firms, and a frequent collaborator of the Wilson Center. The views expressed here are the authors own. Rethinking U.S. relations with Mexico has become a surprisingly popular theme in this year's presidential and congressional elections. Arguments about whether to build a wall on the border, revise trade deals, or deport unauthorized immigrants back to the country next door have inflamed passions and led to heated arguments between candidates and among the general public. Mexico was even the scene of perhaps the most improbable international visit by a presidential candidate in modern history, when Republican presidential contender Donald Trump made a surprise trip there in early September after roundly criticizing Mexico during much of his campaign. In the debate over Mexico's relationship to the United States, two opposing ideas of the country next door frame candidates' and citizens' concerns. One sees Mexico as a weak neighbor, chronically poor, expelling its population northward in large numbers. The other sees Mexico as an increasingly successful country that has gradually claimed more and more American jobs by building increasingly modern manufacturing facilities and besting the United States in trade negotiations. It turns out that neither of these frameworks is completely right, simply because both are partial. Priorities on the bilateral agenda also illustrate differences in how Mexico is perceived or how it wants to be positioned. While the north is preoccupied with job relocation, violence, and the rule of law, the south wants to talk about tourism and trade-related job creation; when one promotes beaches, the other responds with travel warnings. So the question lingers: Where does Mexico stand? One way to tackle the question is to see where Mexico ranks in the global arena across a wide variety of topics. Such an overview gives us a holistic look at countries strengths and weaknesses. The chart above shows where Mexico ranks in 21 global indexes that cover several political, economic, and social indicators. For comparison, each value was adjusted to use a common scale (0 to 100 in this case). We believe that Mexico's story over the past two decades is one of a glass half full (or of a glass filling), rather than half empty, but clearly there are both impressive advances and persistent problems in the picture. Advances To begin with, Mexico is a country that has taken huge strides to overcome sluggish economic growth and build new sources of economic competitiveness. People are living longer, staying healthier, and learning more. Happiness indices usually show that Mexicans are among the happiest people in the world, perhaps enjoying the expanded opportunities they have today. But further progress will depend on dealing with poor educational quality, persistent inequality, and, perhaps most of all, weakness in the law enforcement, judicial, and regulatory institutions that give people certainty and protection. The changes in Mexico over the past 20 years have given an important boost to the American economy. Economic development has slowed the flow of unauthorized immigrants crossing the border and has created an expanding consumer market south of the border that now receives almost 1 in every 6 U.S. exports (16 percent), making Mexico the second largest U.S. export market, following only Canada. Mexico's manufacturing base, rather than competing with America's, has become deeply integrated with that of the United States. Instead of manufacturing operations relocating overseas, companies that build cars, airplanes, refrigerators, and technological products have remained competitive in the global economy by building seamless production chains that span the two countries. null The number of unauthorized Mexicans in the United States has actually dropped as more Mexicans return to their home country -- around 1 million from 2009 to 2014 according to the Pew Center -- than come to the United States each year, a sign of the country next door's increased vibrancy and economic health. Few Mexicans want to illegally cross the U.S. border these days, despite the intensity of the arguments around illegal immigration in this country. Even among legal immigrants, Mexicans have been surpassed by Chinese and Indian visa-seekers. Problems Yet not all is well south of the border. While educational attainment has expanded, the quality of instruction lags far behind, with Mexico ranked in the bottom quarter of the 65 countries surveyed annually by the Program for International Student Assessment (number 53 in the mean score for mathematics). While Mexico produces tens of thousands of highly qualified engineers each year -- and no shortage of highly trained scientists, business leaders, and medical doctors -- many Mexicans have limited access to high-quality education. Inequality also stunts growth in Mexico. With a Gini Score of 48.2, Mexico remains among the most unequal countries in the distribution of wealth in the world -- though a bit below Brazil and not far above the United States (51.5 and 41.1 respectively). The very real gains in access to education and income have not been shared equitably throughout the population. Parts of Mexico, especially those areas linked to the global economy, increasingly resemble developed economies like the United States, with modern infrastructure, good schools, top-notch health care, and significant cell phone penetration and broadband access. Other parts of the country remain isolated from these trends. In these areas, people have few opportunities to advance other than to migrate -- even though they may now be migrating inside Mexico rather than to the United States. null Perhaps of greatest concern, institutions supporting the rule of law remain weak -- everything from police, prosecutors, and courts, to regulatory agencies designed to ensure competition in key sectors of the economy. The most dramatic result of this weakness has been the spike in violence, most of it tied to organized crime and drug trafficking, that has shocked the country over the past decade. Mexico's homicide rate tripled between 2007 and 2011 before dropping noticeably over the past five years. It still remains far higher than it was two decades ago and shows no signs of dropping any further. Corruption too remains endemic, with payoffs to individual public authorities for favors replacing fees and taxes that could benefit the public good. In this environment of weak institutions, businesses often hold off investments because they worry about corruption, about enforcing contracts, and about protecting their workers from crime. Many of these challenges pose a real threat to the quality of democracy as well as to Mexico's hope to become an economic powerhouse. At the beginning of the current government in Mexico, all of the principal political parties agreed to move ahead on major reforms to tackle the country's biggest challenges. Several major pieces of legislation were passed and signed into law in 2013 and 2014. These included a constitutional change to allow private investment in energy; new standards to improve teaching; regulations to encourage competition in telecommunications; the establishment of an independent prosecutor's office; and an expansive transparency law to make government documents public. These were welcome developments, but it's too early to know how effective the reforms will be and whether they will be implemented as intended. A more strategic dialogue If Mexico does manage to tackle its remaining challenges over the next two decades and dramatically expands its growth rates, the benefits for the United States would be significant. As Mexico's economy grows, its citizens buy more U.S. products, and the two economies work even better together as a common production platform to export to the rest of the world. Now we are seeing the beginning of a new trend, as Mexican companies have begun to expand their manufacturing operations north of the border, making everything from auto parts and cement to bread, yogurt, and snack foods, in factories that employ American workers. Far from the vision of two competing economies -- or two completely dissimilar ones -- Mexico and the United States are increasingly similar and complementary countries, and they are likely to only grow closer in the coming years. The border region is a clear example of how interrelated both societies and economies are; a microcosm where some of the most important success stories and challenges to the relationship coexist. Yes, Mexico should be a popular theme in everyday conversations and public debates in the United States, but the tone needs to change from threat to opportunity, from problematic neighbor to strategic partner. It is in the interest of the United States that Mexico experiences sustained and significant growth in the years to come and that both countries pursue a common agenda that takes full advantage of the opportunities of a better understanding and greater integration. Isnt it time to change the narrative about our neighbor to the south? Viewing it as a glass half full can be a first step. Space may be miles above us, but how it is being used and by whom is becoming increasingly important here on Earth. As of now, the United States leads the world in space exploration and exploitation, but China is determined to narrow the gap. Beijing has set its sights on becoming a major power in space, and in the next two decades it could surpass veterans in the field such as Russia, perhaps even someday rivaling the United States itself. It may come as little surprise, then, that Washington and Beijing rarely consider each other partners in space. Though not for lack of trying on China's part, U.S. leaders are suspicious of Beijing's intentions, particularly since the Chinese space program remains shrouded in secrecy. China's propensity for stealing technology is only added cause for concern in Washington, as is the Chinese army's interest in using civil and commercial advances in space for military gain. In fact, in some ways the United States' current competition with China is not unlike its Cold War-era space race with the Soviet Union. Today's contest, however, is unfolding in a profoundly different atmosphere. Space is no longer a theater reserved for the world's militaries, and as the skies become more crowded, the costs of an accidental confrontation are rising. At a time when many civil space programs are struggling to stretch their shrinking budgets to cover growing expenses, most countries can no longer afford to pursue their lofty ambitions in space on their own. The United States and China are no exception, and despite their mutual distrust, they may have no choice but to work together to achieve some of their common goals in space. A History of U.S. Unease For decades, the United States has watched China's burgeoning space program with growing apprehension. Washington's fears initially did not stop it from allowing U.S. companies to use Chinese launch systems to put satellites into orbit. After a string of failures in the mid-1990s, however, the United States began to distance itself from its Chinese competitor. Yet even then, Washington continued to play an important role in shaping Beijing's progress in space. The most disastrous failure the 1996 explosion of a U.S. satellite piggybacking on the maiden flight of the Chinese-built Long March 3B rocket prompted insurance companies to request an investigation led by Western engineers. They determined that a faulty guidance system in the rocket caused the blast, a discovery the U.S. Department of Commerce passed along to China. After all, the Long March 3B's debut was important to Beijing, since it was designed to place payloads into geostationary orbit (a capability commonly used in communications satellites). That said, the rocket's guidance technology can be used for another purpose as well: to lead weapons, including ballistic missiles, to their targets. In the wake of the investigation, many charged the team with inadvertently helping China to improve its military guidance systems an allegation that, if true, would mean that the team had violated the U.S. Arms Export Control Act of 1976. (The act requires the U.S. State Department to sign off on international transfers of technology or information with military applications.) Following a congressional review of the case, the United States began classifying the bulk of satellite technologies regardless of their intended use under the U.S. Munitions List, subjecting them to the export controls listed under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). For better or worse, the move revolutionized the development and commercialization of space. Not only did virtually all collaboration between the United States and China in the field cease, but space industries outside the United States also began to flourish. Global producers of spacecraft and their parts, hoping to wean themselves off U.S. technology and go "ITAR-free," began to buy components from suppliers elsewhere. Meanwhile, Washington's fears of U.S. technology falling into Chinese hands were magnified when it discovered that a vital navigational chip was missing from the wreckage of the satellite Beijing turned over to the United States after the Long March 3B's explosion. Washington's worries have lingered ever since, in spite of the belief held by many of its foreign partners that cooperation with China may be well worth the risk. China's ample resources could provide a much-needed cash infusion to the world's civil and commercial space programs, which are having a hard time meeting the ever-expanding price of operating in space. Moreover, few countries consider China a military adversary to the extent that the United States does. Several of Washington's European allies, for instance, have lobbied to include China in the International Space Station, an idea the United States has steadfastly opposed. Hoping to isolate China's space program even further, Congress barred NASA in April 2011 from working with Chinese citizens linked to government enterprises. And though the United States loosened its regulations on exports of satellites and their parts in 2014, it continued to bar U.S. companies from exporting those goods to China. (The only other countries included in the ban were North Korea and several state sponsors of terrorism.) China's Space Strategy Evolves This hawkish stance, which is particularly common among outspoken members of the Republican Party, is hardly shocking. Challenging the United States, both militarily and in space, is a stated mission of China. Beijing has made no secret of its vision to become a global military, economic and technological leader, or of its intention to use space as a means to that end. In fact, many of China's strategic goals can be met only if it closes the gap between itself and the United States in space especially by integrating space-based systems into its military platforms. The structure of the Chinese space sector will no doubt be a boon to Beijing as it pursues its military objectives. Much of the industry, notorious for its ambiguous and opaque organization, overlaps with different segments of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The PLA regulates many aspects of the Chinese space sector, oversees space launches, tracks and monitors satellites, and contributes heavily to space research and development. Of course, the PLA is not the only state organ involved in the industry, and the blurry divides between private and public, or civil and military, often work to Beijing's advantage. The Beidou navigational system, for example, will certainly be used in ways that have nothing to do with the Chinese military, though China's primary motive for developing it is to free its military from relying on foreign technology. Given its strategic interest in space, the Chinese government will not be eager to cede its control over the industry. The deregulation and partial privatization that have become common in space sectors across the West, including the United States, probably will not be mirrored in China anytime soon, nor are the ties between the Chinese military and space industry likely to be severed. Nevertheless, as President Xi Jinping tries to transform China into a scientific and technological pioneer in its own right, the civil and commercial aspects of the country's space program will become important stepping-stones toward that goal, as well as great sources of national pride. Likewise, as China's economy continues to develop and mature, its sensory and telecommunications capabilities will become ever more vital to that growth. Water scarcity, urban congestion, environmental decline and constraints in agricultural productivity loom on China's horizon, all of which will make the collection of data from space invaluable to Chinese policymakers. The rise of China's civil and private space industries will shape Beijing's policies abroad as well. China hopes to someday use its space sector as a foundation upon which to build relationships with other countries that do not have easy access to space. (China has already used a similar strategy in the developing world in areas such as agriculture.) For example, Beijing plans to launch the Beidou system in states that are participating in its One Belt, One Road initiative. China has also invited other countries to conduct research on its planned space station. Beijing's quest for collaboration will do little to ease Washington's misgivings about the Chinese space program. The fact remains that the United States and China are fierce geopolitical rivals, and Beijing will continue to mold its space industry with an eye toward its military aspirations. Aware of this, Washington will undoubtedly keep restricting the sale or transfer of most space-related technologies to China, regardless of the damage it will do to the U.S. space sector as China turns to other companies and contractors around the world. A Cold Shoulder, Not a Cold War Of course, this does not mean the United States will be willing or able to completely wall itself off from China on space-related matters, as it once did with the Soviet Union. At the height of the Cold War, cooperation in space between Washington and Moscow was nearly nonexistent, thanks to the deep enmity and distrust that arose between them as each raced to build up its weaponry. Once the Soviet Union fell, however, the military components of its space program were left in shambles. Fearing the Soviets' technology might fall into the wrong hands, the United States kept a close eye on the fledgling Russian state and sought to work more closely with its astronauts and scientists collaboration that still exists on several levels today. The United States' relationship with China may be frosty at times, but it is no Cold War. And in the current environment, going it alone in space is no longer feasible. NASA's budget has been diminishing for some time, and in order for it to achieve its aims, the organization has been forced to look to its counterparts abroad for help. As China's capabilities grow, eventually outstripping the capabilities of its competitors in Europe and Russia, NASA may not be able to avoid partnering with it for much longer. The same could be true of private U.S. space firms, which might up the pressure on Washington to permit NASA to work with China, whether directly or indirectly through joint projects. Meanwhile, as the number of countries and companies with access to space has skyrocketed, a global effort to address certain shared challenges in space will make sequestering China more difficult. Monitoring and tracking space debris objects floating in orbit that can cause significant damage to spacecraft and satellites has become an international concern, and one in which the United States has taken a keen interest. But Washington cannot safeguard its satellites from such debris (or tackle other international problems in space) without Beijing's help, especially since China is poised to become the second-largest satellite operator within the next 20 years. Moreover, as space becomes a more common area that any nation can use, diplomatic solutions to new problems that arise will have to include the field's two most important players. Crafting space policy is getting more complicated as the lines between commercial, civil and military space programs become less well-defined. Complicating matters, space-related technologies regularly have both commercial and military applications. Neither the United States nor China can afford to ignore what progress in space might mean for each other's military capabilities. But it also becoming clear that neither country can achieve its mission in space without the other's help. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate Property details: ESCAPE TO GODS COUNTRY AND OWN A PIECE OF PARADISE IN THE NORTHERN MAINE WOODS. This huge 77 +/- acre tract of recreational and hunting land is located in Wade Maine. This lot has a lot of potential, you have a new 12' by 22' cabin that sits 40' from a stream, you have a 50' right of way on the Salmon Brook Road that leads to the 77 acres, you have three brooks on this lot which includes Salmon Brook with over 2200' of water frontage and the fishing and hunting is excellent. The city of Presque ... Price: $ 1,025 Seller State of Residence: Maine Property Address: North Wade Road State/Province: Maine Type: Recreational, Acreage Zoning: Mixed Zip/Postal Code: 04786 Location: 047**, Washburn, Maine You will be redirected to eBay Nearby 04786 Coffee and tweed jackets might be some of the things you would expect a professor to spend money on, but during election years, professors at the University of Georgia open up their wallets and checkbooks for political candidates. For many college students, education is more than just a campaign issue. The cost of college and high school curriculums and standards can have longstanding effects on students' well-being and overall success in life. In a Red & Black/GLOBIS survey, approximately 84 percent of students agreed or strongly agreed that loans would be a serious burden for currently-enrolled students. To the workers at the Athens-Clarke County Public Library, National Library Week, held April 9 through 15, is more than just a holiday. Jan Roes first football season as the general manager of the Country Inn & Suites has been a tough one. Autumn usually one of the most profitable seasons for hotels, condos and many other businesses in Athens hasnt been as reliable as in previous years. Diners place orders at new Burrito Bandito location on Hartnell in east Redding. SHARE Burrito bowl Two tacos and a Mexican soda By Marc Beauchamp Burrito Bandito is on the move. The Redding-based chain recently moved into larger digs on Placer Street, opened a restaurant in Chico and on Aug. 1 opened a store on Hartnell Avenue in the Cobblestone Shopping Center. Counting the original location on Airport Road (opened in 2002), the Anderson restaurant on Center Street and the Red Bluff store on Adobe Road, Burrito Bandito now has six North State locations. With the new Hartnell restaurant theres a Burrito Bandito within a five-mile radius of everyone in Redding, co-founder Paul LaBarbera noted. We stopped by the Hartnell location one evening last week. My wife had a burrito bowl with carne asada and pollo (chicken) and I ordered two tacos, one with machaca (shredded beef) and the other with chile verde and a Mexican lime soda. The freshly prepared food and friendly and efficient service were what weve grown to expect from Burrito Bandito. If anything the new location seems even more colorfully decorated than Id remembered. Co-owner Sheryl LaBarbera who came up with the idea for Burrito Bandito oversees the decor, making good use of colorful folk art from Mexico and Central America. There was a steady stream of customers ordering burritos, tacos, quesadillas and burrito bowls to dine in or take-out. (Note: the Hartnell location has a drive-through window for orders that have been called or faxed in.) If youve never tried a burrito bowl Id recommend one it comes with a choice of meat, shredded cabbage, jalapenos, cheese, sour cream, rice, onions, refried beans, etc. Stacey M. of Lake Balboa recently wrote online: This L.A. womans new favorite place in Redding. I am stuffed and cant stop eating my burrito bowl. Young, colorful, fast and quirky, added Aaron C. of Sacramento. Not many menu items but thats part of the beauty. Get in and customize your burrito and enjoy. The whole thing apparently has come as a surprise to the LaBarberas. I never dreamed wed be as successful as we are, Paul LaBarbera told me a few years back. When we moved down here (from Burney in the 1990s) I was working for eight bucks an hour. Go now Burrito Bandito Address: 66 Hartnell Ave., Redding Phone: 226-5100 Fax: 226-5102 Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Website: www.juanmeanburrito.com Social media: Facebook, Twitter Owners: Paul and Sheryl LaBarbera Established: November 2002 Sample menu items: Burritos $8.75 Vegetarian burrito $7.50 Burrito bowls $8.75 Tacos $3.85 Quesadillas $7.85 Chips & salsa $1.79 SHARE Updated at noon The Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency will provide free Hepatitis A vaccines this week for people who were exposed to possibly contaminated strawberries at a local restaurant and school. Anyone who may have been potentially exposed to Hepatitis A after consuming the recalled frozen strawberry product at Bella Vista Elementary School on Oct. 25 or Vittles Restaurant in Anderson between Oct. 20-28 can go to the clinic at 2650 Breslauer Way. The product was used in smoothies at the school and in menu items with strawberry syrup and topping at the restaurant. Hepatitis A vaccinations will be offered from 1-4:30 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Vaccines will be provided through Nov. 10 during normal clinic hours as well. Anyone potentially exposed, including students and restaurant employees, who may not have been vaccinated is urged to get immunized within two weeks of exposure. ORIGINAL STORY County public health officials are warning residents of possible exposure to Hepatitis A after a contaminated strawberry product was served at a local school and restaurant. In a press release by the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency, Bella Vista Elementary School and Vittles Restaurant in Anderson were the two locations that were served the recalled frozen strawberry product. Bella Vista Elementary School used the product Oct. 25 in smoothies during breakfast and Vittles Restaurant used some of the frozen strawberries with strawberry syrup or topping between Oct. 20 and Oct. 28. Once the school and restaurant were notified of the recall, they disposed their stock. Public health officials are urging those who may have been exposed, to contact their local medical provider and find out if they have received a Hepatitis A immunization. If not, they must be vaccinated within two weeks of exposure. For students, they must receive an immunization on or before Nov. 7. The public health clinic at 2650 Breslauer Way in Redding is offering free Hepatitis A vaccinations through Nov. 10. While some people may show no symptoms after being exposed to Hepatitis A, common symptoms are fever, fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and dark urine. SHARE By Joe Szydlowski of the Redding Record Searchlight The owner of Shasta Lake's industrial park is suing the city for money he claims was lost after the city rejected a for-profit Christian training center earlier this year. Bert Boothroyd, represented by Redding attorney Jeffery Swanson, says the city wrongly denied permits that would have allowed Eagles Nest International to open its school that would teach liberal arts and religious classes, according to the civil complaint filed with the Shasta County Superior Court on Oct. 19. Earlier this year, traveling minister Timothy Sherman sought to open the faith-based school in the city's industrial park, 3595 Iron Court, to offer classes up to 80 people and host seminars. The school went before the city's Planning Commission, which twice rejected it. It then went to the City Council, which first sought a compromise and then ultimately rejected the school. City Council members and city staff had emergency access concerns, especially with so many people at the school, and thought a school teaching art, dancing, graphic design and religion didn't fit in as a trade school in an industrial park, said John Kenny, Shasta Lake's city attorney. "It's a zoning issue," Kenny said. But Swanson says that the city's laws allow a trade school in the park but don't define what a trade school is. Therefore, it's difficult to say that it doesn't fit. He said the city also has allowed other non-industrial businesses, such as an inflatable bounce-house rental company, to operate there. He added that the Shasta Lake Fire Protection District said the site did have the required, albeit not ideal, second emergency route via a road at the Knauf Fibergass plant that has a locked gate. He is seeking an undetermined amount of money from the city to compensate Boothroyd for the lost rental income. Kenny said the city isn't liable for losses due to zoning decisions unless they strip the entire value of the land, such as changing an area's zoning from residential to a public open space, thus removing any potential development by the owners. A settlement conference is scheduled for June 2017, with a trial date set for Sept. 19, 2017. Jim Schultz/Record Searchlight Earl Allen Boek listens to testimony during his Wednesday trial in Shasta County Superior Court. SHARE Jim Schultz/Record Searchlight Michael Hagland answers questions on the witness stand during Earl Allen Boek's trial in Shasta County Superior Court. By Jim Schultz of the Redding Record Searchlight The trial of a Redding man charged with pepper-spraying a neighbor during a confrontation over his driving got underway Wednesday in Shasta County Superior Court. Earl Allen Boek, 66, has been volunteering for more than two years as a citizens patrol captain. He's accused of pepper-spraying Michael Haglan during a Jan. 5 encounter outside Haglan's White River Court home. Boek is charged with one felony count of illegal use of tear gas. He denies the charge against him. Prosecutors contend it was Boek's overzealous actions that caused and provoked the confrontation with Haglan. During opening statements Wednesday, Shasta County Deputy District Attorney Josh Brown said Boek pepper-sprayed Haglan after following him to his home because he believed he was speeding and driving recklessly in the subdivision. Boek was patrolling his neighborhood in a white Crown Victoria when he believed Haglan ran a stop sign at White River Drive and Redwood Boulevard at about 60 mph in a 25 mph zone. Haglan told police his tires lost traction on the wet roadway and says he was not driving 60 mph. Boek turned on his yellow flashing light on his dashboard as he followed Haglan home. Boek stopped his car at the curb with one wheel on Haglan's lawn. An irate and cursing Haglan approached Boek as he remained in his car. He demanded Boek leave. Boek pulled out a can of pepper-spray and sprayed him, Brown said. Boek's defense attorney, Joseph Tully, said his client fired a burst of pepper spray at Haglan from about 6 feet away because he feared he was about to be attacked by Haglan. Tully said the spray didn't hit Haglan an assertion Haglan disputed during his testimony on the witness stand. Although Tully said Boek initially showed him the can of pepper-spray and told him not to come any closer, Haglan continued to advance toward him, prompting his client to spray a quick burst from the can. Boek then drove away after Haglan said he was going to call police. Haglan, who under questioning admitted to having two DUI convictions, said it was Boek who was the aggressor and that Boek never showed him the pepper-spray can before discharging a burst toward him. He said a "mist" of pepper-spray left his face and eyes with a burning sensation. "It surrounded me," Haglan said. Redding Police officer Jacob Provencio said in a police report after speaking with Boek that he told him he just wanted to scare Haglan, so he directed the spray in his direction. "Boek said if he had really wanted to, he could have soaked the victim," Provencio wrote. Boek's trial, expected to take three or four days, resumes Thursday. He faces up to three years in jail if convicted of the felony count. The Treaty Room in the White House in Washington in August 2016. The Treaty Room is filled with memorabilia including one of President Barack Obama's two Grammy Awards, family photos, and a personalized football. (Michael Mundy / AP) We all knew Michelle redecorated now we know how it turned out. Architectural Digest released the first-ever photo tour of the Obamas' private quarters, designed by Michael S. Smith with heavy input from First Lady Michelle Obama yesterday, scratching an 8-year itch for folks who love to gawk at houses online. Advertisement When President Obama, Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha moved into the White House eight years ago, they commissioned Smith, known for posh, cultured rooms, to design their private quarters. Treading carefully around the formidable design ghosts of former First Ladies like Jacqueline Kennedy and Nancy Reagan (and legendary designers such as Sister Parish), Michelle Obama and Smith looked to inject a little modern style into rooms heavy on tradition. The Treaty Room in the White House in Washington in August 2016. The Treaty Room is where President Obama often retreats late at night. (Michael Mundy / AP) The photos reveal they did just that though you have to look closely to catch those nuances. Art from a roster of contemporary heavyweights such as Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns does the work, bringing the rooms a chic modernity that contrasts with furnishings that still skew, for the most part, to pedigreed antiques. A work by Robert Mangold against fabric-covered walls in the Family Dining Room hits the perfect note. "Sky Light," a 1973 painting by Alma Thomas, the first African-American woman to have her work featured in the White House, steals the show in the West Hall if you're looking at art, that is. Advertisement The Old Family Dining room in the White House in Washington. Works by Robert Rauschenberg, right, and Alma Thomas, the first African American artist woman represented in the White House, left, make a modern splash. (Michael Mundy/ AP) Audiophiles online immediately cued in on another detail in that photo: President Obama's turntable set-up, arrayed on a circa-1875 English mahogany table, with a copy of Al Green's Greatest Hits on vinyl resting underneath. "Who's going to be the guy to email the president and let him know he shouldn't have the speakers and subwoofer sitting on the same table as his record player," wrote Reddit user fenderProcrastinator; others knocked his speakers, apparently lack of an amp and rock critics weighed in to identify the President's albums. "Yeah, he may have the nuclear codes (but) my setup totally owns that pitiful rig," tweeted cartoonist Ben Towle. So much for house proud. RELATED STORIES: President Obama talks the importance of millennial voters with Samantha Bee President Obama's arts focus was national, not local Obama to make his first appearance on HBO's 'Real Time With Bill Maher' Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox) 'Nano is like an open canvas for us. We have the option of positioning it on the lines of the (Volkswagen) Beetle or the (BMW) Mini.' Besides the Nano, among the most noted car brands Tata Motors rolled out in the recent decade were Manza and Vista. After the initial pull, demand for both brands (known formerly as Indigo Manza and Indica Vista) nose-dived just like the Nano. After years of sustained poor performance, the company was forced to pull out both models from the production lines. Nanos production, though, continues unhindered despite mounting losses. Last year, Nano sales jumped 24 per cent to close at 21,012 units, compared to 16,901 units in 2014-15. The increase was on the back of the launch of an upgraded version, priced higher than the outgoing model. However, the excitement, faded in the ensuing quarter when Nano sales almost halved to 2,352 units in April-June compared with 4,529 units sold in the same quarter a year ago. In March, Nano sales dropped to 732 units, far from the 20,000 units a month envisaged earlier, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. Last year, Tata Motors tried to shed the cheap car tag and reposition the Nano as a smart city car on the lines of Marutis popular Alto and Hyundais Eon. With the launch of GenX Nano, featuring a boot, improved styling and an automatic gearbox, the car saw a sharp mark-up in cost to the tune of 50 per cent. Despite the change, Nano sales remain disappointingly low, even as buyers flocked in encouraging numbers to Renault showrooms to buy the Kwid, a tall and stylish 800cc hatchback the French company launched a year ago. Insiders and market watchers believe the cheap car tag, apart, the negative publicity received during its initial days when pictures of Nano cars catching fire went viral, became a pivotal point of consumer rejection. Safety issues concerned the Nano buyer the most during that period, said a Mumbai-based analyst. Tata Motors, however, left no stone unturned when it came to marketing and sales. Several schemes including two-wheeler trade-ins, attractive lending options, cash discounts, free service maintenance, small Nano kiosks in the rural areas, multiple freebies, etc, were rolled out to draw customers to showrooms. LOW GEAR After years of sustained poor performance, the firm stopped production of Manza and Vista Nanos production, however, continued unhindered despite mounting losses Its sales rose 24% to 21,012 units against 16,901 in 2014-15, however in the ensuing quarter, it almost halved to 2,352 units in April-June against 4,529 in year-ago period Tata Motors, then, tried to shed its cheap car tag and reposition itself as a smart city car but its sales remained disappointingly low One of the biggest causes of worry for the Nano was the companys near-failure to tap its overseas demand. Before its commercial launch in India, the then chairman Ratan Tata shared his plans to take the car to developing markets of south-east Asia, Latin America and Africa. The car, however, has reached the shores of Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh. An e-mail questionnaire sent to Tata Motors seeking comments on the issues raised by Mistry remained unanswered. The Nano product development concept called for a car below Rs 1 lakh, but the costs were always above this. This product has consistently lost money peaking at Rs 1,000 crore. As theres no line of sight to profitability for the Nano, any turnaround strategy for the company requires to shut it down. Emotional reasons alone have kept us away from this crucial decision, said Cyrus Mistry, the ousted chairman of Tata Sons, in his letter to the Tata Sons board. With Tata Motors exhausting all means to make the car a commercial success, the companys former managing director Karl Slym had told Business Standard: Nano is like an open canvas for us. We have the option of positioning it on the lines of the (Volkswagen) Beetle or the (BMW) Mini. India Inc believes the economy is faring better and is optimistic about demand rising, shows a survey by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci). However, companies remain concerned over the high cost of credit and difficulties in sourcing it. Ficcis latest Business Confidence Survey showed that companies have improved their assessment on current conditions and expectations from the next six months, till March. It had responses from 181 companies, with annual turnover ranging from Rs 2 crore to Rs 80,000 crore, from a wide array of sectors. The proportion of respondents who said current economic conditions were moderately to substantially better vis-a-vis the earlier six months was 63 per cent. This was 48 per cent in the earlier survey, published in August. And, 60 per cent of respondents said their company was faring better, compared to the previous six months, up from 51 per cent in the earlier survey. This was on account of rising demand, with the majority of surveyed companies saying the demand pulse was gradually gaining strength. Good monsoon and Pay Commission award will give a further trigger to demand, the survey added. However, 46 per cent of participants still say weak demand is an impediment, albeit much less than the 59 per cent who said so in the earlier round. Expectations regarding the performance of the economy in the next six months went up, with about 75 per cent positive on growth, up from 66 per cent. This was backed by 63 per cent of respondents who believed their sector would do better and 70 per cent who expected the same thing from their companies over this period. However, 54 per cent reported the availability and cost of credit to be a bothering factor. The corresponding number in the previous round was 46 per cent. In addition, 29 per cent of companies said availability of credit was an issue compared to 24 per cent stating likewise in the previous round. On sales prospects, 62 per cent of participating companies said they expect higher numbers over the coming six months, up from 55 per cent. Higher disposable income with consumers, along with onset of the festive season, is expected to drive sales. A marginal increase of two per cent was seen regarding companies expecting a rise in investments, with 41 per cent of respondents saying so. Photograph: Reuters. Industry watchers attribute a lot of the current successes of the $6 billion Hero Group to how B M Munjal planned and executed succession in HeroCorp, balancing the interests of other family-owned businesses. Sudipto Dey reports. At a time when questions are being raised on corporate India's track record in succession planning and transfer of power, the late Brijmohan Lall Munjal (B M Munjal), the founder of the $6 billion Hero Group and the two-wheeler major HeroCorp, could give a lesson or two on how to go about any succession transition. Last week HeroCorp reported stellar financial performance in its July-September quarter for FY17. Net profit for the quarter touched all-time high at Rs 1,004 crore (Rs 10.04 billion), as against Rs 786 crore (Rs 7.86 billion) during the same period, last year -- a jump of 27.7 per cent. Net sales increased by 14.5 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) to Rs 7,796 crore (Rs 77.96 billion) in the second quarter of the current financial year. Analysts tracking the country's largest two-wheeler company expect volumes growth to improve in the coming months, riding on positive consumer sentiment following a good monsoon. There is plenty of looking back at this point as exactly one year ago, on November 1, 2015, group founder B M Munjal passed away. Indeed, industry watchers and analysts attribute a lot of the current successes of the group to how the senior Munjal planned and executed succession in HeroCorp, balancing the interests of other family-owned businesses. The Munjal brothers -- B M Munjal, O P Munjal, Satyanand Munjal and Dayanand Munjal -- started off in the early 1940s as a bicycle-maker. The Hero Group officially came into existence in 1956. Apart from the flagship two-wheeler business, that commands around 50 per cent market share in the country, the Munjal family has interests in auto components and ancillaries, knowledge processing, insurance distribution, infrastructure development, among others. Company insiders said B M Munjal ensured early on in the group's business journey that all transactions with family-owned companies are at arm's length and get no preferential treatment. Before he passed on the management baton in Hero Honda, the erstwhile joint venture of Hero MotorCorp, to two of his sons -- Pawan Munjal and Sunil Kant Munjal -- both went up the corporate ladder through hands-on operational experience gathered over several years. As the Hero Group prepared for life beyond its 26-year-old joint venture with Japan's Honda Motor Company, B M Munjal first went about untangling cross-ownership of the family in the group's various businesses. Post the settlement, the B M Munjal family retained control over Hero Honda, Hero Corporate Services, Rockman Cycles Industries, Hero Mindmine Institute, Easy Bill and Hero Management Service. Elder brother Satyanand Munjal's son Yogesh Munjal took charge of Munjal Showa, while Ashok Munjal, the late Dayanand Munjal's son, controlled Sunbeam Auto. A year later in 2011, B M Munjal and family bought out the Japanese joint venture partner to strike out on its own under the flagship brand Hero MotoCorp. The group augmented its global presence to sell products in 34 countries across Asia, Africa, Central and South America. Plans are now afoot to expand its international presence to 50 countries by 2020. In August 2014, B M Munjal gave up the chairman's position to Pawan Munjal, while Sunil Munjal continued to remain joint managing director of the company, while being chairman of Hero Corporate Services. Then, nine months after B M Munjal's demise, the family decided to realign its businesses. Sunil Kant Munjal quit the Hero MotorCorp board, while he continued to lead other Munjal family businesses such as Hero BPO, Mindmine, Hero Realty, and Hero Corporate Service. "The fact that the splitting of the family business did not have any negative impact on the flagship two-wheeler brand is a huge positive," said a Mumbai-based auto analyst who tracks the group closely. Sunil Kant Munjal is now expected to lead the group's foray into sectors like defence, power and realty. According to Kavil Ramachandran, executive director, Thomas Schmidheiny Centre for Family Enterprise at the Indian School of Business, what worked for the Munjal family in its succession plan and its execution over the years is their clear vision for the pre-B M Munjal and post-B M Munjal eras. "The family has been deeply involved in the operations of the business with clarity in role of the family members," said Ramachandran. The succession planning and its execution were spread out over years with the transition handled by the senior Munjal himself, helped mitigate any bumps on the way, said analysts. There could be a lesson or two for those in the middle of the Bombay House battle on how B M Munjal handled the transition and transfer of power in his $6 billion group to the next generation. IMAGE: The late B M Munjal astride a two-wheeler his company manufactured near India Gate. Photograph: Reuters Insurer likely to support Ratan Tata; reduction in stake might have been profit booking. The State-owned insurer Life Corporation of India, a major investor in Tata group stocks, reduced its stake in the companies during Cyrus Mistrys tenure at the helm. According to shareholding data submitted to stock exchanges, LIC trimmed its holding significantly in many of the frontline Tata group stocks since December 2012, when Cyrus Mistry took over as the chairman of Tata Sons. Among the companies that have witnessed a sharp selling by LIC are Tata Elxsi (526 bps or basis points), Tata Communications (412 bps) and Indian Hotels (401 bps). In the same period, the largest insurer in the country increased its stake in Tata Global Beverages by 249 bps, and marginally in Tata Motors (22 bps), Tata Power (14 bps) and Tata Consultancy Services (2 bps). Sources indicated that LIC was likely to take the side of Interim Chairman Ratan Tata in the ongoing feud between him and Mistry, who was ousted as chairman last Monday. Officials said traditionally, LIC, being a conservative player, had supported the founders or promoters in cases of feuds in past cases. Tata also met with LIC Acting Chairman V K Sharma on October 28. Even in the July-September 2016 quarter, the State-owned insurer had trimmed holdings in six out of 11 Tata group companies, the data showed. LIC owns shares worth more than Rs 30,000 crore across various listed companies of the Tata group. According to a fund manager at LIC, who did not wish to be named, this selling by the insurer was a part of its long-term investment strategy and investment decisions were taken keeping in mind the market conditions at that point of time. It was not a great period for equity markets. In 2013, the Sensex yielded only eight per cent returns and several top Tata stocks took a beating during the correction and hence LIC had acted accordingly, said the fund manager. An email sent to LIC seeking a response remained unanswered. Corporate governance experts said leadership was a key factor that institutional investors might consider while investing. The tone of a company, its ethical values and business strategies are set by its leadership. Hence, it is an important factor for investors. However, there are several other factors such as future outlook, market conditions and financials that investors would consider before taking a call on investing, said Shriram Subramanian, founder and managing director, InGovern Research Services, a proxy advisory and corporate governance firm. Another senior officer at LIC said there was no correlation between the selling and the feud within the Tata group. When profit booking is required, we always look at an opportunity to sell the existing stocks we have. That is what has happened in this case as well. The current situation at the Tata group was not a reason for our investment decision, he said. Although LIC has pruned its holding in the Tata group companies during Mistrys tenure, their stock price performance has been better than the market over the past four years. For instance, shares of Tata Motors have surged more than 150 per cent since 2012 while shares of TCS have climbed 96 per cent since Mistry took over. Even shares of Indian Hotels rallied 110 per cent during the period. The only exception to the list is Tata Steel whose shares have given flat returns. Incidentally, Mistry, too, highlighted the outperformance of Tata group in a recent letter to the Tata Sons board. During my term, the operating cash flows of the group have grown at 31 per cent compounded per annum. The Tata group valuation from 2013 to 2016 increased by 14.9 per cent per annum in rupee terms as against the BSE Sensex annual increase of 10.4 per cent over the same period. The Tata Sons net worth has increased from approximately Rs 26,000 crore to Rs 42,000 crore, after considering the impairments, Mistry said in the letter. 'Will people who buy iPhones stop buying iPhones to help swadeshi models?' 'There should be some advantage for the consumer to make them buy a Made in India product.' 'Patriotism and nationalism are good words, but in business, it won't work.' R Balakrishnan, an independent financial consultant for over three decades, started his career as a banker. After he became the co-founder of Crisil, he also helped set up Malaysia's first credit rating agency. He was head of equity research at DSP Financial Consultants and CEO and CIO of a couple of mutual funds. Other than a financial consultant, columnist and public speaker, he is an entrepreneur and has co-founded the Lawrencedale Agroprocessing India Pvt Ltd, an organic agro farm, with his friend Palat Vijayaraghavan. He is also the CFO of the firm. R Balakrishnan spoke to Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier. According to the data released by the Central Statistics Organisation, the Indian economy grew at 7.3% in the first quarter of 2016 and 7.1% in the second quarter. But some economists feel the exuberance associated with 7.1% growth is not visible in the market. If you look at consumer spending, it is going on at record levels. If you look at the automobile sector, which is a very good indicator of how the economy behaves, it is also registering record high growth. The services sector is growing at 10 per cent today. The stock market is at record levels; in fact, stocks are booming. Every IPO is getting record subscription. Definitely, the base is getting ready for a bigger boom. If this is not growth, what is? The problem is our expectations have become so high that we are not satisfied with 7.1% growth. Growth is happening, but, at the same time, the disparity also is widening. That is why many people are discontent. We have seen globally that growth need not be associated with additional jobs because of productivity gains and improvement in technology. It is a cause for worry for a country like India, as everything was labour oriented here. We had 10 people doing a job which two are doing today. The advantage we have is that 90 per cent of our economy is inward driven. Because of that, our base is low. But when the world contracts, we don't contract. Above all, the government spending on infrastructure has just started. IMAGE: R Balakrishnan. Image: Kind courtesy R Balakrishnan/Twitter Do you attribute government spending to the 7.1% growth we witness today? There is a difference between the growth we saw in 1991 and what see now. The confidence at the corporate level is not as high because of the global meltdown. Every capitalist wants to conserve capital as he is not sure about the future. Industrial growth is struggling and services is driving growth. The push this time is coming from the government side on infrastructure which will provide more jobs and business. Make in India is a good slogan, but when infrastructure is not there to drive the slogan, it is tough to encourage manufacturing to make a shift to India. Does that mean the import of cheap Chinese goods will continue for a very long time? With the kind of prices at which they can export, it will continue. In the 5 to 10 years of opening up with China, our imports went up to $60 billion, but our exports have come down. The only exports are things like iron ore. Undoubtedly, China dominates the world by becoming the factory to the world. The criticism is that the government is allowing the import of Chinese goods and letting the MSME sector die. It is easy to be critical and say that the MSMEs died because of the import of cheap Chinese goods. I would like people to look at the situation from the consumer's perspective. The consumer has benefitted more from this while an inefficient MSME could not compete with the world. What is inefficient will not survive in today's world. It is not right to ask the consumers to sacrifice their choices for the MSMEs to survive. It is a natural order that only efficiency survives. You are not going to buy a Made in India product to show that you are patriotic. As a consumer, you will buy a good product that is cost effective. So, to compete with China, you have to think of setting up a factory that can make 10 crore (100 million) mobile phones a month rather than 10,000 mobile phones a month. The thinking has to change this way. So, the slogan of 'Boycott Chinese goods and buy swadeshi goods' will not work? Why should it work? Will people who buy iPhones stop buying iPhones to help swadeshi models? There should be some advantage for the consumer to make them buy a Made in India product. Patriotism and nationalism are good words, but in business, it won't work. Free trade is what made all the changes in Indian economy from 1991. If you want to go back to protectionism and bullock carts, it is fine. The criticism against the Modi government is that it caters to the Ambanis and the Adanis. When I interviewed the BJP's Kisan Mazdoor Sangh leader, K C Mishra, he said the Modi government is pro-capitalism. What do you say? The Ambanis and Adanis survived all governments. It is a worldwide phenomenon that capitalists survive all governments. The trade union leaders should realise that if you relax labour laws, more jobs will be created here which will only benefit them. Today, you cannot have the guarantee that your job will be lifelong. You cannot say you should not be dismissed. That is why Communism and Socialism failed all over. I will say capitalism is the only way you can grow at 7% or more. I am very happy if a government is described as pro-capitalist. If we do not get people to work in our farms in Ooty, it is because they have a choice. What is anti-labour is the old labour laws that prevent people from creating more jobs. You need to create more pro-capital policies than pro-labour. The government has deleted more than 1,200 Acts, but not enough publicity has been given to it. I am not a big fan of the prime minister or his party. I am critical of their politics, but I feel that, on the economic front, they are doing a lot of good things, the effect of which will be seen later. They have just completed two years. Give them more time. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit in 2011. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters Is the Modi government not following the economic policies of earlier governments? The Congress started everything, but did not have the courage to carry it forward. They started rolling back many policies last time before the elections. I see more determination in this government to do things at the policy level. You mean the Modi government is doing better than the earlier governments on the economic front? I would think so. This government is creating a much better platform for economic growth by changing the laws, the legal framework, facilitating things, etc. They have embraced technology in a big way. A change is happening. This prime minister has the courage to push things forward without caring too much about public opinion. You also can see that more noise against their policies is coming from the Communists and liberals. Today, the man on the street is more concerned about his job than about policies. Everybody has become ambitious and that is the way forward. We don't hear much about the economic reforms they have initiated. The noises are only about beef, cow slaughter, etc. That is the tragedy of this government. It is as if there is a pent up anger in the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and the VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) camp that they let loose. Their actions are taking the attention away from economics. The media is very happy to pick up these noises. It is not sensational at the 9 o'clock news to say that 13 km of road was laid today! There are a lot of things happening on the economic front. I am not worried about the economy. I will not say we will grow at 10%. The biggest worry is that the disparity will continue to grow. IMAGE: Prime Minister Modi promotes Make In India. Photograph: Reuters Is removing hindrances for economic growth the Modi sarkar's biggest achievement? Yes, removing the hindrances is the biggest achievement of this government. Look at the PSUs. I thought nobody would touch them, but things are changing. (Then Resereve Bank of India governor) Raghuram Rajan started the cleaning up of the banks. The next big step should be to reduce the number of public sector banks. At present, so much of resources have been wasted. Maybe we will see the results in 10 years. Today, there is a fear of lending and that has to go away. Was it a good decision on Raghuram Rajan's part to ask banks to reveal their non performing assets, which resulted in panic in the banking sector? It was an excellent decision. If you have cancer, you should be able to say, it is cancer. You can't say I have a slight fever which will go away with aspirin. If somebody is sick, you have to recognise it and give the proper treatment. The prime minister is also building bridges with countries and businessmen and that has resulted in more FDI coming in. The criticism against foreign direct investment is that for every rupee coming in, more money is going out? I don't think so. Where is it going out? After so many years, our current account deficit is just about a billion dollars or so. The low oil prices might have helped, but I think the government has a good platform now. They are building on it slowly and steadily. Another criticism against the Modi government is that the unemployment rate has not come down though the country is growing at 7.1%. Unemployment is said to be 1.7% in the rural areas and 3.4% in the urban areas. It is a part of growing up. I don't think any country can escape this, more so in India. When you have the freedom to evolve, there will be two sets of people. One set will grab the opportunities and another set will say the government owes me a living and I won't do anything. These are the people who will be left behind. IMAGE: Can India become an economic superpower? Photograph: Reuters Rakesh Maria's tough posture as Mumbai police chief, it seems, ruffled feathers in the Fadnavis government, says Neeta Kolhatkar. The Central Bureau of Investigation's questioning of Maharashtra Director General of Police (Home Guards) Rakesh Maria in the Sheena Bora murder case is a big setback for the former Mumbai police commissioner. The embarrassment was compounded when Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the media that Maria and other police officers had misguided him in the sensational case. Maria was considered close to Sharad Pawar by the Bharatiya Janata Party, and Fadnavis was not keen on appointing him Mumbai police commissioner. After news of the Sheena Bora murder broke, Maria was very active with the investigation. He ensured that Indrani Mukherjea was arrested and questioned her husband Peter Mukerjea. Maria is a seasoned investigator. The accused in the March 12, 1993 Mumbai blasts case cracked due to the pressure imposed by the investigation teams Maria then led. Like him or not, the fact is that this police officer has cracked tough cases and tougher criminals. He has a network of informers and believes in their importance. He also trusts his team of officers. Maria was also the darling of the media. He was known to provide detailed briefings to the media when he was posted as joint commissioner of police (crime). His briefings were called 'Maria's class' by the media. It often seemed that an aura was spun around Maria. When the tables turn, so do equations and relations. The chief minister's statement has led to the inevitable conspiracy theories. Maria had no reason to go soft on Peter Mukherjea. His tough posture as Mumbai's police chief, it seems, ruffled feathers in the Fadnavis government. Fadnavis' statement has failed to find many takers. Many ask why the chief minister waited for so long to point out that he had been misled in the Sheena Bora case. 'It will take years for the mission in Islamabad to recover as a top-notch diplomatic establishment,' says Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar. As could have been anticipated, Pakistani intelligence is having the last laugh in the merry-go-round that we kick-started a week ago by breaking an unwritten 13-year-old India-Pakistan code of conduct and staging a dramatic ambush to catch a staffer by name Mehmood Akhtar in the Pakistani mission in Delhi, detain him, 'interrogate' him and thereafter expel him. Pakistan retaliated promptly by expelling a staffer in the Indian mission in Islamabad. Generally speaking, one would have expected that the score had evened out and the matter ended, and life would move on. But then, we forced Pakistan to unilaterally withdraw another six diplomats by leaking to the media that Akhtar had 'confessed' during interrogation that there were more Pakistani spies in the mission in Chanakyapuri. That meant effectively that we 'lost' one guy in Islamabad, while Pakistan 'lost' seven, all in all. That was terrific achievement. But the sense of triumph proved momentary. Pakistan took another day to get all their 6 diplomats and staffers back on their soil across the Wagah border, and thereafter they hit us below the loins where it really hurts. There was no crude ambush, no detention violating the Vienna Convention, no 'interrogation', no 'confession', no 'manhandling', no media blitzkrieg. They scrupulously observed the 13-year code of conduct ensuring that the undesirable alien simply walked back home with bag and baggage. They simply went on to publicly name 8 Indian diplomats and staffers in the mission in Islamabad as belonging to two Indian intelligence agencies. Effectively speaking, they made 8 of our chaps 'burnt-out' cases. At this point, our chaps lost nerve. We should have point-blank rejected the Pakistani allegation. But instead, we decided to withdraw those 8 personnel on the ground that their 'identity has been compromised,' according to MEA sources quoted by NDTV. Aren't we admitting that the 8 personnel were indeed spies? We should have insisted that these 8 personnel were pucca gentlemen belonging to the Indian Foreign Service. On the other hand, if the Pakistanis have been spot on, then, our mission in Islamabad has been badly compromised. Quite obviously, in that case, the Pakistanis even knew the parent cadre of our personnel. This is a very serious matter indeed. At what point did the Pakistanis get access to such information? Is this the end of the story? Or have the Pakistanis only partly 'declassified' what they know? A host of troubling questions arise. To be sure, it will take years for the mission in Islamabad to recover as a top-notch diplomatic establishment. This is not a matter of simply finding 8 replacements. Our mission stands humiliated and crippled. Technically, Pakistan has not expelled these 8 personnel. Therefore, we can't 'retaliate', either. Funnily, if the latest score is accurate, we seem to have had more spies in Islamabad than they had in Delhi. That doesn't look good for our 'image' in the international community when Pakistan projects itself as a victim of terrorism. To my mind, all this is becoming too tragi-comic for words. Isn't there a saying 'Let sleeping dogs lie'? Perhaps, a better one will be 'People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.' Personally, though, I prefer Winston Churchill's famous saying, 'You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.' Why is such a macabre pantomime playing out? Who stands to gain? IMAGE: The Pakistan high commission in New Delhi. 'If you question the police you become an anti-national and that is ridiculous.' 'Either you say we live by the Constitution or you say the State will not follow the Constitution.' IMAGE: Policemen with the dead bodies of the SIMI undertrials who were killed in an encounter at Acharpura village on the outskirts of Bhopal, October 31, 2016. Photograph: PTI Photo Against the backdrop of the killing of eight SIMI undertrials in Bhopal after they escaped from a high-security jail on Monday, October 31, Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf spoke to Mihir Desai, the distinguished lawyer. Desai, below, left, fought the custodial death case of Khwaja Yunus, who was arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for his alleged involvement in a 2002 Mumbai bomb blast case. The police claimed that Yunus had escaped while being escorted to Aurangabad in January 2003, but a CBI probe showed this up to be false and that Yunus had been murdered in police custody. What is the stand taken by courts in the killing of suspected terrorists in such circumstances as the one in Bhopal? The courts have never approved of such killings. When there is a real encounter, not a fake one like the present case, then it is a different matter. Otherwise, there is no question of approving killings. What is your offence? a. If you have killed the prison guard, then you will be charged for the murder. b. If you have merely escaped, you will get enhanced punishment which you will have to suffer. That's all. Why do you feel the Bhopal killings was a fake encounter? From the videos online you can make out that those people were unarmed. These videos were never refuted by anybody. I have not come across an independent report saying that these eight men were armed. The villagers are saying they were not armed. So what did the police do? They murdered them in cold blood. To my mind, on the basis of what has happened until now, it appears like a fake encounter. What does the law state on how to deal with an escaped convict? There is a legislation which, unlike the government, states that we should not believe the police story. The Criminal Procedure Code requires that every case of encounter death has to be independently investigated. Not just cases which are suspicious, but every case. This is not my law or the Supreme Court's law, but the legislature's law. If the police version was to be believed, why has the legislature enacted this law which says that every encounter has to be investigated independently? Both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress voted for this in Parliament. The truth may be anything, but since 1868 when the CrPC was brought in, there is a section in it which says that any confession made to a police officer cannot be believed. If the law says you cannot believe whatever the police say, then why is the government saying that we need to believe the police? The law is very clear. Forget what happened in Bhopal. The law says the police version cannot be believed and this law has not been changed. It further says that every custodial and encounter death has to be independently investigated. If that is the case, why is the government insisting that we need to believe the police version? Why are they being praised today without an inquiry being set up? I do not know what will come out tomorrow in an independent inquiry, but I smell a fake encounter. Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju says asking questions about the Bhopal encounter is not good. Then change the law. I am asking questions that the law allows me to ask, so who is Kiren Rijiju or anybody else to tell me not to question? Which law specifies what needs to be done in case of encounter deaths? Section 176 of the CrPc (external link) as amended in 2005. Secondly, on September 23, 2014, in the case filed by the People's Union for Civil Liberties, then Chief Justice of India R M Lodha said that in every case of police encounter deaths there has to be a mandatory registration of FIR and an independent inquiry done by the CID or any other independent agency. The police may be right or wrong, but there has to be an independent inquiry. And combined with this amendment to Section 176 of the CrPc, every custodial death has to have an independent inquiry done by a judicial magistrate. The point I am making is that the legislature and the Supreme Court in the PUCL versus State of Maharashtra case agreed that there can be cases of fake encounters. Therefore, all these cases need to be investigated impartially. Therefore, the demand that we must believe the police version because the police are saying so is incorrect. The police may be right or wrong, but challenging them does not mean you are anti-national. It means you are only following the law. Do you believe the police claim that the undertrials escaped using toothbrushes and utensils to pick the locks, etc? It sounds unlikely. One knows that at times security is very lax. It is difficult for me to say what exactly happened inside the jail. It may not be a toothbrush, but some jail authorities may be in connivance. These things need to be investigated. I will not be able to say whether there was a jailbreak or not. When does the law authorise the police to shoot to kill? You must never shoot to kill. You must only shoot to ensure that the person is immobilised. That is the practice, and one needs to follow that. But this never happens. These things (shooting to kill) normally happen in fake encounters. Policemen never get hurt and every one (of the accused) is hit above the chest. Look at what happened in Mumbai during the '90s. If (encounter specialist) Daya Nayak and all were so good, these policemen should have been posted on the border. More problematic is that there are people who are supporting fake encounters. They are saying even if it is a fake encounter, so what? That is the argument. You question the police and you become an anti-national, and that is ridiculous. What is the legal recourse available to the families of those killed? They must insist on an inquiry and they can file a case of murder against the policemen. Of course, nobody will register this case, so they will have to go to the court to get it registered. According to you, do the Bhopal killings qualify as extra-judicial killings? At present it looks like that. I don't want to come to any conclusion because as a lawyer, until I see all the documents, it is difficult to answer, but from all appearances it looks like (extra-judicial killings). Some of the accused had broken out of jail earlier and therefore the fear was that they would have carried out more terror activity after their escape. But they were never convicted of any crime although they were charged with multiple crimes. I don't know under what law they were arrested, but in all likelihood they were arrested under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) which is similar to TADA and POTA. In that case, they will remain in jail for years together without being found guilty and just because someone is running away from jail, it is not proof of his guilt. People run away from jail a number of times, and I am not justifying it, but that cannot be seen as proof of guilt. If tomorrow I am put behind bars under UAPA in some false case and I know I will be in jail for 10 years, I will run away whenever I get a chance, whether I am guilty or not guilty. Whatever I have read, I found that in a number of cases, these accused were found not guilty and in no case were they found guilty. In such a situation, if they run away, they will face a longer prison term when they are caught. So the question that I am concerned about is, no matter what happened, the Constitution says that a person is presumed innocent until proved guilty. If we are going to go by the police version or the army version, then why have a judiciary? Let the police decide whom to give punishment to. The fact is that the Constitution needs a judiciary and that means you cannot go with the police version. In my experience, I have seen the police filing false charges on so many and for me to say whether someone is guilty or not is not possible. I can understand the angst of the people and I am not disputing that, but the people should understand if someone is arrested and branded a terrorist, it does not make him a terrorist. By the same logic (Bharatiya Janata Party President) Amit Shah should have been declared a murderer the day he was arrested. Why wait for a trial? I don't see such logic to be correct. This jingoistic nationalism, I have real problems with it. The general perception is that since the undertrials were accused of terrorism it was okay for them to be killed. Even if they were convicted of terrorism, they had the right to live unless they were given death sentences. In this case, they were not even convicted. Even if they were convicted, it is for the judiciary to decide whether they should be given death sentences or not. Either you say we live by the Constitution or you say that the State will not follow the Constitution. In which case why should anybody else follow the rule of law? Remember, the State is supposed to set an example, to show people how the rule of law works. The State cannot set an example by going beyond the law and killing people, but expect the people to follow the rule of law. Is there excess focus on the SIMI undertrials, and not enough sympathy being shown to Ramashankar Yadav, left, the prison guard who was murdered by them? That is not correct. Sympathy in what sense? How do you show sympathy? Organisations who work on human rights start acting when they find there is something which requires to be questioned. I feel that the person who died in prison, his family must be given protection, a job and compensation which I feel the government will do. I agree with that. I am right now concerned with the rule of law. 'If Modi is talking to every Tom, Dick and Harry, why is he afraid of talking to ex-servicemen?' IMAGE: Military veterans and their families protest the non-implementation of One Rank One Pension in New Delhi. Photograph: PTI Photo On Wednesday, November 2, Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal (retired), 70, a resident of Bhiwani district in Haryana, committed suicide in the national capital allegedly over the non-implementation of the One Rank, One Pension, triggering a political war of words. When Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal turned up at the hospital where Grewal's body was kept, they were detained by the police. Brigadier J S Sandhu (retired), a member of the group of retired soldiers spearheading the demand for the OROP scheme, tells Rediff.com's Firdaus Ashraf why ex-servicemen are unhappy with the Modi government. What is the problem with OROP? Why are ex-servicemen still protesting? To understand this issue, you will have to go back to 1973. Till then, OROP was given to the armed forces and it was reviewed each year. This was taken away in 1973 on the pretext that the retirement age of jawans would increase and they would be absorbed into the paramilitary forces. Using this false pretext, they increased the pension of civil bureaucrats from 33 per cent to 50 per cent. Since then, the Pay Commissions -- 3, 4, 5, 6 -- started degrading the status of officers. So, this is nothing new as we are asking for the restoration of our status that was adjusted in 1973. We have been making this same demand for the past 40 years. There have been reports that OROP has been implemented and soldiers are getting revised pensions. Isn't that the case? When Narendra Modi was campaigning to be prime minister in 2014, he promised us that he would implement OROP. OROP means revision of pension every year. It means those who are of the same rank and have served for the same period of time, receive the same pension. For example, you are in the infantry and serve as a havaldar for 18 years in the Sikh Regiment. Similarly, you serve as a havaldar in the Jat Regiment for 18 years. Naturally when someone has become havaldar in 14 years he will get more pension than that havaldar who has become one in 18 years. We said that this is peculiar to the army and it is not the havaldar's fault. This does not happen in the civil services. Now if the date of retirement is the same for both the havaldars, then both the havaldars must get the same pension and this is what we demand. Right now, they are not getting the same pension. So what did the Modi government give then? Firstly, the government changed the pension rule by adjusting it not every year, but every five years. This is not OROP, but a one-time increase. OROP means an increase in pension every year. Secondly, at the top of scale, they made an average. Now if an infantry guy becomes a havaldar after 14 years and another infantry guy becomes havaldar after 18 years, the government says there will be an average year which will be calculated. The government says they will average out the years of the havaldars and will give the middle figure of 16 years and then calculate the pension accordingly. Thirdly, pension calculations were not right vis-a-vis the financial year. Wasn't your dharna withdrawn after OROP was announced?(Back in June 2015, the ex-servicemen had sat on a dharna at Jantar Mantar demanding the implementation of OROP.) We did not withdraw, we have been there every day. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said we had put a gun to his head. He didn't call us for talks and instead formed a committee. And this committee did not take up our demands. Therefore, we have gone back on a dharna from November 1. The understanding among the public is that OROP has been implemented by the Modi government. The Modi government is not speaking the truth on OROP. If he (Modi) is saying that OROP has been implemented, then let him call the veterans face to face and decide the issue. Why is the Modi government not meeting ex-servicemen? The Modi government is lying on OROP. They have given OROP, but it is not complete OROP. As an ex-serviceman, do you feel sad to see politicians indulging in politics over Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal's death? It is very bad. Politics must not be played in this case. If these politicians were bothered about Ram Kishan Grewal, they should have taken up our cause in Parliament, which they did not do. They took up our cause very casually when Parliament was in session. OROP was passed by Parliament, but if the Opposition had taken up the matter, then probably Ram Kishan Grewal would not have died and we would have not been sitting here (on dharna). Who is to blame for Subedar Grewal's death? It is the politicians and bureaucrats. The nation keeps saying they are with the army. If that is the case, then why is the OROP issue not being solved? Pardon me for what I say next. 99 per cent of politicians are average (in mind). However, the bureaucrats, IAS officers, are sharp and do not wish the army to be of the same standing as them. They have put an unnecessary fear in the minds of the politicians that the army will stage a coup and take over the administration of the country. They keep tinkering and manoeuvring the system to deny us our rights. A brigadier who is equivalent to a deputy inspector general of police now draws less pension than a DIG. The bureaucracy has instilled the fear of a military coup in the minds of politicians ever since the time of Jawaharlal Nehru. When the Pakistani army took over, Nehru was made to fear the same. He suffered badly in the 1962 war and a book can be written on how Nehru degraded the army's status from 1947 to 1962. It is also a fact that India got Independence earlier because of the Indian Army. The British knew the Indian Army had gone against them and they ran away. Independence was due in January 1948, but we got it in 1947 as the British ran away. Do you feel there is a genuine fear in the government that the army will take over if they are given importance? This is an unfounded fear. I have written letters saying in 68 years nothing has happened! No one has done this in the last 70 years, so why are they afraid? I have spent 36 years in the army and I don't think I have ever seen any such tendency in any general. Defence Minister Parikkar has said it is only one lakh ex-servicemen who have not got their dues and that too due to some technical difficulties. We are not going into the details of who has got what and who has not got it. We are saying that your basic matrix is wrong and it is not much of money. What Parikkar is saying is administrative details. If Prime Minister Modi is talking to every Tom, Dick and Harry, why is he afraid of talking to ex-servicemen? He is going to servicemen who are in uniform, but not ex-servicemen. Even when we were on a hunger strike, Modi did not come. No one from the government has so far come to Jantar Mantar to meet us. The Modi government is very pro-defence forces, you cannot deny that. They are pro-army in their statements and outlook, but not from their hearts. Are you hopeful this OROP issue will be resolved now? We are hoping for the best. We will carry on with this struggle till they agree and OROP is implemented. The government just gave us a one time increase in the pension. All the governments have been fooling us for the last 40 years. In a major boost to the country's rapid airlift capability in Arunachal Pradesh, the mighty C-17 Globemaster aircraft on Thursday made its first landing at Mechuka Advanced Landing Ground, just 29 km from Sino-Indian border. At an elevation of 6,200 ft with a landing surface only 4,200 ft long, the plane landed, validating its short field landing performance at high altitude. The ALG at Mechuka in the Yargyap river valley of West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh had been upgraded recently. Situated along the international border, Mechuka was one of the strategic locations during the India-China war in 1962. The Indian Air Force had started its operations with Dakota and Otter in 1962 in the area and subsequently the Antonov-32, popularly known as AN-32, was operated till October 2013 before the upgrade work was started. The road connectivity to the nearest air/rail head at Dibrugarh, about 500 km away, is generally two days of travel, unless the roads get damaged due to frequent landslides. "This is a quantum jump from the existing capability of An-32 and C-130J aircraft. Such airlift capability facilitates speedy transfer of men and material in this rugged terrain, interspersed with valleys and high mountain ranges that inhibit road connectivity," a statement by the IAF said. In the event of a disaster in the region, C-17 operations to the remote ALG can enhance the speed and quantum of national relief effort. The IAF has plans to validate airlift operations to and from various ALGs in the region that would usher in a new dimension in enhanced disaster response. This trial landing is expected to pave the way for operation of civil flights operating to and from the newly upgraded ALGs, which has an enormous potential to boost tourism by improving connectivity to remote locations in the North East. India on Thursday completely rejected as "baseless and unsubstantiated" allegations levelled by Pakistan against eight officials of the Indian high commission in Islamabad and strongly protested the manner in which their names and photos were published, compromising their security. In a sharp reaction, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the allegations against Indian officials represent an "after-thought" and a "crude attempt" to target them for no fault of theirs, after a Pakistan high commission staffer was caught red handed in New Delhi last week while indulging in anti-India activities. Pakistan claimed that the Indian high commission officials were involved in "espionage, subversion and supporting terrorist activities in Balochistan and Sindh, especially Karachi, sabotaging China Pakistan Economic Corridor, and fuelling instability in the two provinces." Asked whether the Indian officials are being recalled, Swarup said it is procedural matter and government will take necessary steps keeping in view all aspects of the situation. "We completely reject the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations made by Pakistan against certain officials of the Indian high commission in Islamabad. The government categorically denies those allegations. "It is especially regrettable that Pakistani authorities have chosen to level these allegations after deciding to recall, on their own, six officials of the Pakistan high commission, some of whom may have been named to Indian authorities by Mehmood Akhtar -- Pakistan high commission official caught red handed," Swarup said. It is learnt that India will withdraw the eight diplomats as their security have been compromised. Swarup said the Indian officials "falsely implicated" were working in the fields of promoting people-to-people and trade and economic contacts between the two countries. "Pakistan's false allegations against them have the potential to adversely affect the corresponding activities of the high commission," he said. He said the government "protests strongly the manner in which names and photos of the eight Indian officials -- four of them holders of diplomatic passport -- have been published. This is against basic norms of diplomatic practice and courtesy." The MEA spokesperson said the allegations against the Indian official are prejudicial to their safety and security. "We expect the Government of Pakistan to take all necessary steps to ensure the security and safety of not only these eight diplomats and officials but all other members of the high commission and their families while they are in Pakistan," he said. Pakistan had on on Wednesday pulled out six of its officials in the wake of a spy scandal involving staffers of its high commission. Swarup said Pakistan's baseless allegations add to the "risks to peace and security in the region emanating from Pakistan's support to cross-border terrorism against its neighbours." He said Pakistan was in complete denial of the problem and deflecting its responsibility by resorting to "fanciful accusations". On Pakistan's allegations of ceasefire violations by India along the LoC, he said they neither do Indian forces initiate ceasefire violation nor do they target civilians. "They retaliate in a very calibrated and restrained manner when either their defensive posts or personnel are targeted or cover fire is provided by the Pakistani army to allow infiltrators to cross the Line of Control. "We completely reject Pakistan's allegations of any unprovoked firing by our forces. I would like to remind you that that we have lodged a strong protest with Pakistan on killing of our civilians in shelling by Pakistan forces," he said. The MEA spokesperson said approximately two-thirds of the ceasefire violations this year by Pakistan have taken place in the last five weeks. "In fact in several districts along the International Border and Line of Control, normal life has been affected, people have been displaced and over 100 schools have been closed," he said. On Tuesday, Indian deputy high commissioner in Islamabad was summoned by the Pakistan foreign office for the fourth time in just over a week alleging "unprovoked ceasefire violations" by Indian security forces. India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan deputy high commissioner in New Delhi and conveyed its "grave concern" as well as strong protest at the recent escalation in incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan on border which have resulted in several fatalities on Indian side. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on thursday said only one lakh ex-servicemen were facing problem in getting pension as per One Rank One Pension scheme and it will be resolved within two months. "Only one lakh ex-servicemen (out of over 20 lakh) are not getting pension as per OROP scheme due to some technical difficulty or documentation problems. We will resolve these problems in coming two months," he said addressing army veterans in Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The defence minister, accompanied by Army Chief General Dalbir Singh, was here to pay homage to Major Somnath Sharma, the first Param Vir Chakra awardee of independent India, and other soldiers who laid down their lives while pushing back an offensive by Pakistani raiders to control Srinagar Airport in 1947. Parrikar said the government is sensitive to OROP issue as it was not implemented for the past 43 years. "We did it. Every year Rs 7,500 crore (will be incurred) and Rs 11,000 crore arrears have been paid. There has been 23 to 24 per cent average increase in pension," he added. After interacting and listening to the problems of the ex-servicemen, Parikkar assure them that their grievances would be resolved. "Whatever (problems) has been conveyed to me today will be resolved by the time I come again. Today, I was given 10 minutes for an interaction with you but I extended it to 40 minutes. Next time, I will spend half a day with you," he said, adding he will make all efforts to resolve the problmes of the ex-servicemen. "Several of these (problems) will be resolved at the local level. I know that the reservation (benefits) and facilities of the state government have not been fully extended to you. "I will seek a report from the state government on this issue. The facilities of central government will also be extended to you. I will look into it. I will find solution to the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) problem also," he said. After blue-eyed Pakistani chaiwala Arshad Khan took the Internet by storm, social media users are now raving over photographs of a Nepali tarkariwali (a vegetable seller). The Gundruk Post reported that her looks and 'mesmerising smile' caught the attention of the Internet soon after Nepali photographer Rupchandra Maharjan clicked her images and posted them on social media. The photos of the girl carrying vegetables on her back was apparently captured at Fishling suspension bridge between Gorkha and Chitwan. The Nepali girl who has been trending on social media platforms as #tarkariwali, is being lauded for her hard work and praised for her looks and smile. In fact, some social media users seem to be greatly inspired by her choice of profession. Though the veracity of the photographs is yet to be ascertained, we await to see whether her luck changes the way it did for Arshad Khan who found overnight fame and won a modelling contract after his photo was shared all over the world. Photographs: Rupchandra Maharjan/Facebook Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi was on Thursday detained for the third time in two days, with Delhi Police picking him up from Jantar Mantar to prevent him from leading a protest march over the suicide of an ex-serviceman, allegedly due to his grievances in implementation of One Rank One Pension. Around 7 pm, Rahul was whisked away by police, first to 5 Firoz Shah Road and later to Tughlak Road Police Station where he was kept for over one hour. The police action triggered sharp reactions from the Congress leadership which accused the Narendra Modi government of making a "mockery of democracy" and likened the situation to an "undeclared emergency". Speaking to reporters after his release, Rahul claimed police refused to lodge his complaint over his detention. "If police refuses to accept the complaint of an MP, imagine the plight of the common man. How will they accept their complaints? Yeh Modi ji ka naya Hindustan hai (This is the new India of Modi)," Rahul said. Police sources claimed that Rahul wanted to lodge a complaint of "kidnapping" against it, however, he "later changed his mind." Police also claimed that Rahul refused to get off the police vehicle at Firoz Shah Road, forcing them to take him to Tughlak Road Police Station. "Rahul Gandhi was detained at Tolstoy Marg when he continued his candle march towards India Gate in spite of repeated requests not to proceed. He along with other leaders was brought to police station, Tuglak Road, and were released," police said in a statement. The police action enraged Congress leadership, prompting former Union minister Salman Khurshid, former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala and Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ajay Maken to hit out at the Centre, under which the Delhi police functions. Earlier, confusion prevailed on whether Rahul was detained or not as police kept on claiming that the Congress leader was not detained but merely taken away from the protest site keeping his security in mind. Rahul, however, claimed in a tweet: "Was detained by Delhi police and taken away from Jantar Mantar." "Police vehicle was stopped at 5, Feroze Shah Road, enroute to Tughlak Road PS," he tweeted. At Firoz Shah Road, Rahul told reporters, "I have only one thing to say that the way the family was treated was wrong and it may affect the morale of the army. The police should at least apologise to the family. The prime minister should apologise to the family, accept what he did was wrong and deliver OROP. "The prime minister should act on 7th pay commission. He lied that OROP has been implemented. That's why the gentleman killed himself. His family was disrespected and humiliated," he said. A police official said the action was taken keeping Rahul's security in mind as the crowd at Jantar Mantar was swelling by the minute. On Wednesday, Rahul was detained twice when he went to meet the family of Ram Kishan Grewal, who committed suicide over the "non-implementation" of One Rank One Pension. "It is a chaotic disruption for civil liberties. Delhi Police is behaving like a headless chicken, unclear about its duty, unclear about its authority. This whole episode is a mockery of democracy," Surjewala said. IMAGE: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi along with party leader Jyotiraditya Scindia. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/PTI Photo The Republican Hindu Coalition, which hosted Donald Trump's desi rally in New Jersey last month, has branded Huma Abedin 'pro-terrorist. George Joseph reports from New York. IMAGE: Democratic US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton with Huma Abedin in New York. Photograph: Andrew Theodorakis/Getty Images As the race to the White House enters its final days, the accusations are getting nastier, the advertisements even more dirtier. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's embattled aide Huma Abedin is again under fire -- not over the e-mails she exchanged with her boss on her estranged husband Antony Weiner's laptop -- but for her heritage. The Republican Hindu Coalition, headed by Chicago businessman Shalabh 'Shalli' Kumar, has taken aim at Abedin, branding her 'pro-terrorist.' A 30-second television ad, beamed on desi channels in the US, questions her 'Pakistani and Saudi background.' The ad begins by attacking Clinton, alleging she is sympathetic towards Pakistan. It goes on to say, 'Hillary gave billions of dollars in aid and military equipment used against India. Huma Abedin is of Pakistani origin and will become chief of staff if she wins.' Huma's parents were born in undivided India. Her father, in fact, was born in Delhi. The Abedins lived in Saudi Arabia for many years where the parents taught at universities in the kingdom. Huma's mother still teaches at Jeddah university, her father passed away in 1993. Kumar, founder of the Republican Hindu Coalition, says there is nothing wrong in the advertisements he has funded against Abedin. "We have to point out the elephant in the room. I don't know why Hillary Clinton relies on her this much. It is mind-boggling. Why couldn't she find another intern?" Kumar, who organised and funded the October 15 desi rally in Edison, New Jersey for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, asks. Abedin's mother, Kumar alleges, writes for a magazine in Saudi Arabia with connections to the Muslim Brotherhood, an organisation banned in the United States. "Why is the daughter of such a person a top aide to Clinton?" Kumar asks. A spokesperson for the Republican Hindu Coalition said the advertisements have been received well, adding that the ads would unite Indian Americans to rally for Trump. The Coalition is sending 60,000 direct mailers to Hindu-American voters in Florida, North Carolina and Ohio that state: 'Chief of Staff in Clinton White House will be Huma Abedin, of Pakistani and Saudi background.' There is no certainty that Huma Abedin will be chief of staff in a Hillary administration. Or whether she will have an official position if Hillary is elected to the American presidency. Kumar claims he has spent $4 million (about Rs 26.6 crore/Rs 266 million) of his own money to help elect Trump. He says he could spend a "couple million" dollars more to help Trump's candidacy. "Huma in general is as pro-terrorist as you could be..." Kumar alleged. "She's got a really dark background," he alleged. "I don't understand why Hillary will associate herself with Huma." Sensing victory six days ahead of the elections, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has urged his supporters to go out and vote and "not blow up" the new momentum his campaign has gained after the FBI's decision to re-open investigation in the alleged email scandal of his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. "In six days, we are going to win the great state of Florida and we are going to win back the White House 100 per cent," Trump,70, told thousands of his supporters at a fair ground here in Florida, the key battle ground State that has 29 presidential college votes in its kitty. "Give us two more days, I think we are going to be anywhere. The change that you have been waiting for all your life will come in six days," he said. Top political leaders from both Democratic and Republican parties have literally flooded Florida and are on a spree of addressing election rallies across the length and breadth of the State. In addition to Trump and Clinton, US President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and former US President Bill Clinton are all camping in this crucial State. Referring to the various polls that have been coming in the past few days, Trump said that he was leading in various key battleground States of Florida, Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina. "This is your one chance to change," he said and urged his people to go out and vote. "Go out and vote. Do not blow it up. We're on the cusp of an incredible historic change that transfers power from a failed political establishment and returns that power to our families, communities and citizens, to you. The system is rigged. We're going to change," he added. Trump urged his supporters to show up early and vote. "Show up early. You know, the lines are incredible. The polls are all saying we're going to win Florida. Don't believe it. Don't believe it. Get out there and vote. Pretend we're slightly behind. We don't want to blow this," he said. 'Hillary's probe likely to conclude in a criminal trial' Trump claimed the reopened FBI investigation into Hillary's alleged email scandal would take years and end up in a criminal trial. "They (FBI) will have some things in there that I can just imagine are going to be unbelievable. Hillary's likely to be under investigation for many years. Probably concluding in a criminal trial," 70-year-old Trump said. "The FBI has reopened its investigation into crooked Hillary Clinton. Hillary wants to blame everyone else for amounting legal troubles and I don't see if you've watched her last few speeches over the last few days. She has become totally unhinged, unbelievable," he alleged. "What she's saying and what she's doing is actually, it's unbelievable. She has no one to blame but herself. Hillary is the one who set up the illegal private e-mail server to shield her criminal activity," he said. Trump alleged that Hillary was the one who lied to the Congress and the FBI and engaged in a corrupt pay for play scheme at the State Department. "Hillary is the one who lied so many times to Congress and to the FBI. Hilary is the one who made 13 phones disappear, some with a hammer and who destroyed 33,000 e-mails after, after receiving a congressional subpoena, think of that. Unbelievable," he said. Trump also accused the media for protecting Clinton in this presidential election. "I'll tell you what. The system is rigged. The system is rigged. Hillary is not the victim; the American people are the victims of this system," he said. "The media is a part and one of the vital cogs in the rigged system under which we live. They're a big fat cog and they never show the crowds. They never show what's happening," he alleged. "All we have to do is cut our ties with these failed politicians of the past. Hillary is a candidate of yesterday. We are the movement of the future," Trump said. It's time for new leadership Asserting that America cannot afford to have another four years of Obama administration by electing his rival Hillary Clinton as the next US president, Trump has said it is time for a "new leadership." "Hillary and our failed Washington establishment have spent $6 trillion on wars in the Middle East that we never won and that never end. And it's now in worse shape than ever before. The Middle East is a catastrophe, it's far worse off than had we spent nothing," he said. Trump alleged that US President Barack Obama and his former Secretary of State Hillary had dragged the country into foreign wars that have made US less safe. "They've left our borders wide open at home. They have shipped our jobs and wealth to other countries. It is disappearing. Our country in a certain sense is disappearing. Real prosperity is disappearing. We owe $20 trillion," he said. "Our trade deals, we lose $800 billion a year on trade. We have trade deficits. Think of that. Who negotiates these deals? You know who does? Stupid people. With very stupid leadership who, by the way, they campaign all the time," he said, adding that Obama is campaigning now for "crooked" Hillary. Trump questioned Obama for his campaigning for Hillary who has been under federal investigation for alleged email scandal. "We've got a president campaigning for her. That's all he does is campaign. He ought to be working on your jobs that are leaving and going to Mexico. And your military," he said. "I'll tell you what, first of all, she's got bigger problems. But four more years of Obama, we can't take it, folks. Four more years of ISIS, that's what it is. Four more years of no jobs," Trump said. He alleged that Clinton wanted to start a shooting war in Syria and conflict with a nuclear-armed Russia that could very well lead to World War III. "Russia is heavily armed, doesn't like her. Putin does not respect her, doesn't like her. What are we doing, folks? She's a mess," he alleged. Trump said that he was almost starting to think that the least important problem that Hillary has is the fact that his campaign is winning. "I think she's got perhaps bigger problems than even that. We're fighting for every citizen who believes that government should serve the people, not the donors and nor Hillary's special interests," he said. "We are fighting to unlock the potential of every American community and every American family who hope and pray and yearn for a much better future. I am asking you to dream big. I got to dream big," he said. Image: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump holds a campaign event in Miami, Florida, US. Photograph: Carlo Allegri/Reuters Amid tight security, ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal, whose alleged suicide over One Rank, One Pension triggered a political storm, was on Thursday cremated in his native village in Haryana which was flocked by political leaders including Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Grewals eldest son Dilawar lit the pyre at around noon in the presence of a large number of people who had gathered from nearby areas in Bamla, 20 km away from Bhiwani. The 70-year-old ex-serviceman, who was a former sarpanch of his village, committed suicide by consuming poison at a park in New Delhi on Tuesday evening. Kejriwal announces Rs 1 crore Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the family of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal who allegedly committed suicide over the issue of One Rank, One Pension. Kejriwal made the announcement at Grewals village Bamla where he attended the army veterans cremation. I want the people to take his fight forward. We will fight till our last breath and snatch OROP from the Centre. Our soldiers deserve what is their due, Kejriwal said. On allegations that the Aam Aadmi Party was politicising the issue, Kejriwal said, Yes, we are doing politics. We are doing politics to grant our soldiers their rights while Modiji is doing politics to take those rights away. The incident snowballed into a political row on Wednesday with the Congress vice president, Kejriwal and other opposition leaders attacking the Modi government on the issue while there was high drama that continued late into the night after police detained and prevented them from entering a hospital in Delhi where Grewals body was kept. Tight security arrangements were made on Thursday in view of the events in New Delhi. Rahul, who travelled by road, spent a few minutes with the grieving family of Grewal. He had to jostle with the crowd to reach the family members of Grewal as slogans of Ram Kishan amar rahe rented the air. Other Congress leaders including former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Haryana Congress president Ashok Tanwar, leader of Congress Legislature Party Kiran Chaudhary, Selja and Kuldip Bishnoi were also present. Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Randeep Singh Surjewala and Trinamool Congress Derek OBrien also reached the village. Kejriwal, who was detained for four hours by Delhi Police on Wednesday night from Lady Hardinge Hospital when he tried to meet the kin of ex-serviceman, was also among those present at the cremation of Grewal. Bharatiya Janata Party MPs Rattan Lal Kataria and Dharambir Singh and Haryana minister Krishna Lal Panwar were among those who spent some time with the family members of the deceased and later left the venue. Police said Grewal along with some other ex-servicemen was in the process of submitting a memorandum to the Defence Ministry over the issue of OROP. According to his friends, Grewal had been upset over the issue for some time. Grewal had gone to Delhi with three of his friends from Bhiwani in the intervening night of October 31 and November 1. On Tuesday evening, he allegedly consumed poisonous tablets. One of his friends called the police at 100 and the police personnel immediately took him to RML hospital. Unfortunately, he died after a few hours, the police said. In his last phone conversation with his son Pradeep, Grewal said injustice is being done with jawans. I wanted to fight this (OROP) battle...now it is up to the jawans what they do, he said. Subedar Grewals suicide has been used by the opposition parties to accuse the Modi government of failing to implement the OROP, an issue which remained pending for about 40 years during the Congress regime. Grewal is survived by his widow, five sons and two daughters. He served in the Army for six years in the Infantry Battalion and then served the Defence Security Force for 31 years. He retired in 2004 after attaining Subedar rank. He became sarpanch of the village in 2006. One of his sons is Havildar in army and the eldest son is in Haryana police. IMAGE: Rahul Gandhi arrives to attend the cremation ceremony of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal at hius village Bamla in Bhiwani, Haryana. Photograph: PTI A video captured in Fairbanks, Alaska, showing a strange "thing" swimming in the Chena River, has set the Internet on fire. Craig McCaa, who works for the Bureau of Land Management in Fairbanks, recorded the movement of a mysterious object (or creature) in the Chena River. Speaking with Alaska Dispatch News, Craig McCaa said he spotted the "thing" when he was taking photos of the ice forming on the river. "It never fully revealed itself," the bureau employee told the newspaper. "I initially thought, and several people thought, it could be some rope that snagged on the bottom of the river with chunks of ice. Other people have mentioned everything from sea monster to giant sturgeon," McCaa said. Online guesses to the identity of the "strange thing" have ranged from it being a "zombie salmon" to a mysterious beast deemed "The Chena Chomper". Speculations aside, however, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Tanana River Management seemed to have a clear idea what it was looking at. Biologist Klaus Wuttig said it's probably just a rope stuck to a bridge pier. He said cold temperatures at night allowed frazil ice -- a kind of loose, slushy ice that forms on water -- to stick to the rope, which caused it to float to the surface. "It looks like it's swimming but it's actually stationary and just wading in the current," Wuttig said. Though Bureau of Land Management officials admit to adding music and adjusting the speed of the video, they maintain that what was spotted in the river is real. The Jawaharlal Nehru University vice chancellor is not acting to trace university student Najeeb Ahmed as he is scared of going missing himself if he did so, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday. Kejriwal made the comments at a solidarity meeting on the JNU campus. The chief minister said Najeeb, who has been missing for over two weeks now, will come back only when Prime Minister Narendra Modi could be made to realise that he is losing votes over the issue. Najeeb will come back only when Modiji will realise that he is losing out on votes of youth. The movement for demanding justice for Najeeb needs to come to mainstream. The vice chancellor is also scared that if he will take any action he will also go missing, Kejriwal said. Kejriwal, who has had frequent run-ins with the Delhi Police, said it will not dare to pursue any investigation in this regard as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's students wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad was involved in the brawl following which Najeeb went missing. Whoever will raise any voice against RSS, ABVP or BJP will be called anti-national, will go missing. If Najeeb was Ambanis son Modiji would have taken a flight to visit him but this will not attract his attention, the Aam Aadmi Party chief said. He also wondered why no one from the ABVP who was part of the campus brawl been questioned by the Police. Kejriwal said he has written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and will take a delegation to President Pranab Mukherjee when he returns from his Nepal visit. Earlier, the JNU administration appealed to students and teachers to discourage obstructive politics and protests on the campus as it was hampering the smooth functioning of the university and unreasonable demands are being raised through demonstrations. The appeal by the authorities came in the wake of protests by various student groups and teachers for the last two weeks over Najeeb's case. Najeeb, 27, a student of School of Biotechnology and a native of Badaun in Uttar Pradesh, went missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with the members of ABVP the night before. A large number of faculty, students, officers and staff have repeatedly approached the JNU administration expressing their discomfort and disagreement with the frequent politicisation and holding of dharnas and public meetings near the administration building and the academic areas, the appeal issued by Vice Chancellor Jagadesh Kumar said. Despite all efforts, pamphlets, posters, demonstrations, dharnas, unlawful confinement and offensive sloganeering have been going on to spread lies and to blame the administration and make unreasonable demands. Attempts are being made to disturb the normal functioning and conduct of academic activities including examinations, it said. Alleging inaction on the part of the administration, Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union has been agitating over Najeeb's disappearance from the campus. The protesting students had even confined the VC and other senior officials in the administrative building for over 20 hours. Following a directive from the Union home ministry, Delhi Police has formed a special investigation team to trace the missing student. Sit-ins, public functions, dharnas, putting tents, shouting slogan with loud beating of musical instruments have made it difficult for staff and officers working in the administration building to carry on with their official duties. These activities are a violation of university rules and even rulings by the highest judicial body of the country. This uncooperative attitude has been obstructing the normal functioning of the university, it said. The administration appeals to the entire JNU community to unite to trace Najeeb and keep away from unnecessary politicisation. To help JNU continue to focus on academic excellence, please discourage obstructive politics and protests in the campus, it added. IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addresses the JNUSU Solidarity Meeting organised over the missing student at JNU Campus in New Delhi on Thursday. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sishodia, JD-U leader K C Tyagi, and RJD's Manoj Jha are also seen. Photograph: PTI Photo Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is the only candidate in the race to the White House who has devoted her entire life to the people of America, outgoing US President Barack Obama has said. "There's only one candidate in this race who has devoted her entire life to lifting up that better America -- and that is next President of the United States, Hillary Rodham Clinton. She's the right person. She's the right person at the right time," Obama, 55, said at an election rally in Raleigh, North Carolina. He said Clinton's opponent was someone whom his own party leaders in the past had declared a con artist. "This choice actually is pretty clear, because the guy that the Republicans nominated -- even though a bunch of them knew they shouldn't nominate him -- the guy they nominated who many of the Republicans he is running against said was a con-artist and a know-nothing and wasn't qualified to hold this office," Obama alleged. "This guy is temperamentally unfit to be Commander in Chief and he is not equipped to be President. This should not be a controversial claim. It really shouldn't. It's strange how, over time, what is crazy gets normalized and we just kind of assume, well, you know what, he said a hundred crazy things, so the hundred-and-first thing we just don't even notice," he said. Obama said the US could not afford a President who suggests that America should torture people or that it should ban entire religions from the country. "We deserve better than a Commander-in-Chief who insults POWs, or attacks a Gold Star mom, or denigrates our troops. This is somebody who vilifies minorities, vilifies immigrants, vilifies people of Muslim faith, makes fun of Americans with disabilities," he said. How is that person going to be your voice? Do you want somebody to be your voice who on tape brags about how being famous allows him to get away with sexual assault? Who calls women 'pigs', or 'dogs', or 'slobs' and grades them on a scale of one to ten? That is not the voice of America, Obama asked and the audience responded with a big "No". "We have a choice. We can choose to teach our kids that our diversity is our strength; that women are full and equal citizens capable of doing anything a man does - that our job, particularly when we have positions of authority, particularly when this country has blessed us, is to treat everybody with dignity, treat everybody with respect, to treat everybody with generosity and kindness," he said. "We have to stop thinking that his behavior is normal, that its within the bound of what has, up until this point, been our normal political discourse. You hear some folks now justifying it and making excuses," he said. Obama made a strong case for Clinton as the next president of the United States. "Hillary hasn't stopped fighting for justice, hasn't stopped fighting for equality ever since. Her heart has always been in the right place, and she works hard every single day. First of all, she ran against me, and she worked really hard. And then she worked for me, and she worked really hard," he said. "She was there in the Situation Room, and she was there in the Oval Office. When we were making big decisions about going after bin Laden even when it was risky, when it was time for us to figure out how to win back world opinion in the wake of the Iraq war, she circled the globe tirelessly as Secretary of State, earned the respect of world leaders," he added. Clinton is not flashy, he observed. Noting that sometimes Clinton is "underappreciated" here at home, Obama said she made me a better President and is an outstanding public servant who knows her stuff. "She understands the challenges we face. She is tough. When things don't go her way, she doesn't whine, and she doesn't complain. She doesnt blame others, suggesting everything is rigged," he said in an apparent reference to the recent statements of Trump. Clinton works through whatever is in front of her. She has got grit and she has got resilience, Obama said. "If she gets knocked down, she just comes back up and she goes back at it. And she knows, most importantly, what the decisions that a President makes means to you," Obama said. 'We don't operate on incomplete information' The FBI operates on "concrete decisions" and not on incomplete information or leaks, Obama has said as he spoke for the first time on the reopened investigation against Hillary Clinton's alleged email scandal by the country's top domestic intelligence agency. Obama appeared to be critical of FBI director James B Comey in his remarks even though the White House refuted that the president's statement gave any such impression. "I do think that there is a norm that, you know, when there are investigations, we don't operate on innuendo. We don't operate on incomplete information. We don't operate on leaks. We operate based on concrete decisions that are made," he said. Declaring that he had made a deliberate effort to make sure that it did not look like he was "meddling" in what are supposed to be independent processes for making these assessments, Obama also expressed his confidence in Hillary. "Setting aside the particulars of this case. I know that she is somebody who has always looked out for the interest of America and the American people first," Obama told NowThis in an interview. Citing the conclusions of FBI, Justice Department and repeated congressional investigations he said, Hillary had made some "mistakes" but there was not anything there that was prosecutable. The White House, however, refuted that the Obama's weighing in on the issues reflected that he was critical of the FBI's decision in this regard. "Nothing changed. If you read the full transcript of the President's remarks, you will see that the President went out of his way that he wasn't going to comment on any specific investigation. The President said that a couple of times," White House Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz told reporters travelling with the President. "We are not going to be in a position to defend or criticise the FBI Director. That is our view. But what is also true, and what Josh said on Monday and what the President reiterated yesterday, is that we do take seriously these longstanding norms and customs that historically limit the sort of public speculation and public discussion of facts and materials that are collected in the context of a law enforcement investigation," Schultz said. What the President was talking about was the importance of adhering to those norms and practices that have governed the rule of law for a long time now, he stressed. "I'll also say that the President believes these customs shouldn't only apply to someone who's famous or if an election is around the corner, but these are principles worth upholding no matter the circumstances surrounding any particular investigation," he asserted. Image: US President Barack Obama participates in a "Get Out the Early Vote" campaign event for Hillary Clinton in Columbus, Ohio, US. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters If November 9 ushers in a Hillary Clinton presidency, you can bet your last dollar that Huma Abedin will be back at POTUS' side. IMAGE: Hillary Clinton with Huma Abedin in Kendall, Florida, March 9, 2016. Photograph: Carlo Allegri Huma Abedin, whose parents were born in India, has been working tirelessly with Hillary Clinton since 1996 when she first arrived in the White House as an intern in the then First Lady's office. If Clinton makes it to the White House next week, Huma -- despite last week's e-mail thunderstorm -- will be at hand to help her mentor navigate her way through the daily grind of being POTUS, the single most powerful person on our planet (sorry Xi, sorry Vladmir, you don't make that cut). Elegant, sharp, hard-working, but very private, that is Huma Abedin. Huma -- who stands 5' 7" in her stockings, but is usually seen in tasteful 3 to 4 inch highs; she loves heels unlike her boss who prefers dull kitten heels or flats -- turned 40 on July 28. IMAGE: Hillary and Huma order coffee at the Urban Standard cafe in Birmingham, Alabama, February 27, 2016. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters Her father was born in Delhi in 1928, and studied at Aligarh Muslim University. Her mother was born in undivided India, but which is now in Pakistan. Huma was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the American state with the largest Muslim population. Her parents came to the US to earn doctoral degrees at the University of Pennsylvania. Her dad Dr Syed Zainul Abedin had an affiliation of some sort with the Muslim Students Association at Western Michigan University, which is how Huma came to be born in The Wolverine State. Huma spent her childhood and early adolescence -- 16 years -- in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where her parents moved when she was 2. She hails from a conservative Muslim family. Her mom Dr Saleha Mahmood Abedin (who teaches sociology at the Dar Al-Hekma College, a Jeddah university and is the editor-in-chief of The Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs) wears a burkha, as would be expected of someone who lives and works in Saudi Arabia. Huma (her name means lucky) made it to this year's The Muslim 500, a list of the most influential Muslims globally, issued annually by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, Amman, Jordan. Last year, Huma tweeted: 'You can be a proud American, a proud Muslim, and proudly serve this great country. Pride versus prejudice.' She speaks English, Hindi, Urdu and Arabic. She also tweets about iftars, Eid and more. But there are no pictures of Huma visiting a mosque or praying. And she married a Jew. IMAGE: Huma at a Clinton campaign rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, July 5, 2016. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters 'I grew up in a very traditional family,' Huma has said, 'but there was never anything I didn't think I could do.' 'I remember going with my parents to weddings where the women would arrive covered in black veils,' she once recalled, 'but underneath, they'd be wearing the most exquisite brightly colored Dolce & Gabbana suits. They were like peacocks showing off their tails.' She attended a British girls' school, the name of which is not listed. Huma returned to the United States in 1994 to attend George Washington University. She studied journalism at GWU and was also the associate editor for 12 years of the Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, which was published by her family. She told Vogue recently, 'I have often thought that if I weren't in politics I would work in fashion.' IMAGE: Anthony Weiner and Huma Abedin arrive at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, New York, May 2, 2016. Photograph: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters Huma has certainly brought elegance to her job -- always smartly attired, the epitome of power dressing -- often sporting Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang and Alexander McQueen. In stark comparison to the dowdily dressed Hillary. In a podcast to Call Your Girlfriend, Huma revealed that Hillary and she love to talk about shoes, celeb gossip, but most of all about food! IMAGE: Huma leaves a campaign office in San Francisco, October 13, 2016. Photograph: Lucy Nicholson/Reuters Her intellect, deep knowledge of current issues, discretion, competence and smarts made certain that her internship with then then First Lady, that started when she was about 21, expanded into the role of an aide and over two decades her portfolio of responsibilities has grown leaps and bounds. For the 2016 campaign, of which she is the vice-chair, she helped pick the key players on the Clinton staff. When Huma married then New York US Congressman Anthony Weiner in 2010, Bill Clinton presided over the wedding. At the wedding Hillary said: 'I have one daughter. But if I had a second daughter, it would (be) Huma.' The Clintons have never publicly expressed an opinion about Huma's controversial husband, but it is widely speculated that they despise him. IMAGE: Anthony Weiner, then a New York mayoral candidate, and Huma at a news conference in New York, July 23, 2013. Photograph: Eric Thayer/Reuters Huma first met Weiner at a 2001 Martha's Vineyard Democratic National Committee retreat, where he expressed interest in her and she mildly snubbed him. They married nine years later. Like Hillary, Huma stood by her philandering husband who has been entangled in multiple sexting scandals. Unlike Hillary, she dumped him after the most recent sexting scandal hit the headlines, especially when one photograph Weiner sent a young lady had their son Jordan in it. Before the Hillary Clinton 2016 campaign began in earnest, the high-powered Huma was a work-from-home mom, raising Jordan Zain Weiner, who will be 5 in December, and caring for two cats and a straying husband. Perhaps in an attempt to resurrect Weiner's DOA political career (his plan to be New York's mayor capsized, you guessed it, when a sexting scandal hit the fan), the famously private Huma agreed to participate in a documentary, Weiner, on her husband's failed mayoral race, stunning everyone who thought they knew her. IMAGE: Huma and Hillary at the second Democratic presidential candidates debate in Des Moines, Iowa, November 14, 2015. Photograph: Jim Young/Reuters Thanks to the sexting scandal of a few months ago, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced it would investigate if Weiner had committed a crime by appearing in a photograph with a minor (his son Jordan). The FBI took Weiner's laptop into custody and discovered on it countless e-mails Huma had exchanged with Hillary when both ladies worked for the State Department. (As one startled former Rediff.com staffer asked, surely Weiner and Abedin were affluent enough to own multiple laptops, so why was Huma using her husband's laptop to communicate with Clinton?) After announcing in July that the FBI's investigation into Hillary's use of a private e-mail server when she was secretary of state had not endangered confidental matters of State information, Bureau Director James Comey -- once a registered Republican (and incidentally once the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, a position Preet Bharara occupies currently) -- announced 11 days before the US presidential election that Hillary and Huma's mails were the subject of an investigation. The FBI threat could unravel Hillary's chances of becoming America's first woman president (not to speak of the shudderable prospect of Donald Trump in the Oval Office) and if that were to come to pass, Huma Abedin would be the one responsible. By her carelessness. Unless using her husband's laptop and not her own was to elude legal scrutiny. image: Don't count Huma Abedin out yet! Photograph: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters Huma is no stranger to controversy. She has been accused of links with the Muslim Brotherhood, to the possibility of her being a Saudi spy, even of being an agent for Al Qaeda! Needless to say, these bizarre charges have come from the same sort of Americans who root for Trump and his hateful, xenophobic, politics. Startlingly, the New York Post reported on Wednesday, November 2, that the Republican Hindu Coalition is 'taking aim at Abedin, branding her "pro-terrorist," and, in a new TV ad targeting Hindu-American voters, questioning her "Pakistani and Saudi background".' 'The 30-second TV spot begins by attacking Clinton,' the Post, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch noted: '"Hillary, sympathetic towards Pakistan. Gave billions of dollars in aid and military equipment used against India".' 'The ad, which began running this week, is being played on Zee TV, TV Asia, Star TV, Times Now, Gemini, AAJ and around 10 other stations,' the Post added. 'Additionally,' the Post discovered, 'the Republican Hindu Coalition is sending 60,000 direct mail pieces to Hindu-American voters in Florida, North Carolina and Ohio that state: "Chief of Staff in Clinton White House will be Huma Abedin, of Pakistani and Saudi background".' 'Huma in general is as pro-terrorist as you could be... she's got a really dark background. I can't even fathom. I don't understand why Hillary will associate herself with Huma",' Chicago businessman Shailabh Kumar, who paid for the October 15 rally for Donald Trump told the Post. By the way, a sample of the Huma e-mails found on Weiner's laptop: Abedin: Have you been going over calls with her (Clinton) for tomorrow? So she knows (Manmohan) singh ls at 8? . (Another aide, Monica) Hanley: She was in bed for a nap by the time I heard that she had an 8 am. call. Will go over with her. Abedin: Very imp(ortant) to do that. She's often confused. Neither Hillary nor Bill have said a word against Huma since the FBI announced its probe. Their rage and the anger of the Clinton campaign has been directed against James Comey for behaving like his long-dead predecessor, the much feared J Edgar Hoover, trying to influence the direction of American politics. If November 9 ushers in a Hillary Clinton presidency, you can bet your last dollar that Huma Abedin will be back at POTUS' side, after a few discreet months away from the limelight. Major Somnath Sharma was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his bravery in the Kashmir operations in November 1947. We salute this hero whose courage has inspired hundreds of thousands of Indian soldiers with this 2006 Rediff.com feature by Claude Arpi: The time has come to remember a true martyr: Major Somnath Sharma who on November 3, 1947 saved Srinagar airport (and Kashmir) at the supreme cost of his life. Had he not sacrificed his life, Afzal's defenders would not today make front page news in the Indian press, for the simple reason that they would be Pakistani citizens living under a military dictatorship. Our story starts during in the early days of October 1947 when Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru received a message from a former deputy commissioner of Dera Ismail Khan [one of the province's main districts] in the North West Frontier Province. The bureaucrat warned of 'a scheme to send armed tribals from Pakistan to the Pakistan-Kashmir border; some of them had already moved towards the area in transport provided by the Pakistan government. Arms confiscated from non-Muslims had been supplied to these tribals.' As Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir was reluctant to sign the Instrument of Accession to India, Nehru refused to take any action. Two weeks later a large contingent of Afridis, Mahsuds, Wazirs, Swathis and regular soldiers of the Pakistan army 'in mufti' began to enter Kashmir. During the night of October 22, the 'raiders' burnt the town of Muzaffarabad. They then overran Uri and captured Mahura, the electric power station, fifty miles from Srinagar. The city of Srinagar was plunged in darkness. In these dramatic circumstances, V P Menon, Sardar Patel's faithful collaborator, went to Jammu and got Hari Singh's signature on the printed Accession Form. He rushed back for the historic meeting in Delhi with India's governor general, Lord Mountbatten in the chair. A young army colonel named Sam Manekshaw, who attended the meeting, recalled: 'As usual Nehru talked about the United Nations, Russia, Africa, God Almighty, everybody, until Sardar Patel lost his temper. He said, 'Jawaharlal, do you want Kashmir, or do you want to give it away?' He [Nehru] said, 'Of course, I want Kashmir.' Then he [Patel] said: 'Please give your orders.' Everything then moved very fast. Early the next morning, the first troops and equipment were airlifted from Palam airport [in Delhi] to Srinagar. A young major was sent on his first assignment to Kashmir. He was responsible for the logistic. His name was S K Sinha (today the governor of Jammu and Kashmir). He later wrote about the first Indian jawans reaching Srinagar: 'It was indeed inspiring to see grim determination writ large on their faces. They were all determined to do their best, no matter what handicap they had to contend with. I had never before seen such enthusiasm and fervour for duty.' They knew that all eyes in India were focused on them. At Srinagar airfield, just before returning to Delhi, Sinha met an old friend, Major Somnath Sharma of 4 Kumaon. He had come a day earlier from Delhi with a broken arm. Sinha found him 'rather disgusted with life.' With his 'wretched hand in plaster,' no one would give him 'an active assignment in Delhi.' His company had now been posted to Kashmir, but he was looking to be relieved soon from his present job and given 'something really active.' His company's duty was 'only' to protect the airport. Sinha tried to impress on Somnath 'the vital importance of the airfield to us and in that context the importance of the task assigned to him,' but says the governor this 'sermonising could do little to fulfill his desire for being sent further forward.' After spending an hour discussing and sipping a mug of tea reclining on his kitbag, Sinha left for Delhi. 'Little did I then know that within the next forty-eight hours, he was to die a hero's death and earn great renown, fighting most gallantly in very close proximity to where we then lay talking so leisurely.' But let us spend a moment on Somnath Sharma's life. He was born as the eldest son of an army family. His father General A N Sharma, who retired as the first director general of the Armed Medical Services after Independence, was often in non-family postings. Som, as his friends and family called him, used to spend time with his maternal grandfather Pandit Daulat Ram in Srinagar. His favourite pastime was listening to his grandfather's on the Bhagavad Gita. This influence of Krishna's teachings to Arjun were to remain with Somnath till his last breath. At the age of 10, Som enrolled at the Prince of Wales Royal Military College in Dehra Dun and later joined the Royal Indian Military Academy. As a young lieutenant, he chose to join the 8/19 Hyderabad Infantry Regiment. His maternal uncle Captain Krishna Dutt Vasudeva who belonged to this regiment had died defending a bridge on the River Slim in Malaya against the Japanese. His bravery had made it possible for hundreds of his jawans to cross over to safety. The example of his uncle greatly influenced him during his career. Somnath fought in World War II under Colonel K S Thimmayya (later the army chief) in Burma with the British Army. An anecdote speaks tellingly about the character of the young officer. One day, Sharma's orderly Bahadur was badly wounded in action and was unable to return to the camp. Sharma lifted Bahadur on his shoulders and began walking. When Thimmayya found his officer lagging behind under the weight of his orderly, he ordered him -- 'Leave this man, Som and rush back to the camp.' Somnath retorted, 'Sir, it is my own orderly that I am carrying; he is badly wounded and bleeding, l will not leave him behind.' He eventually managed to carry Bahadur back, saving his life. He was awarded a 'Mention in Dispatch' for this act of bravery. After the Japanese surrender in Kuala Lumpur in September 1945, Somnath returned from Malaya via Calcutta. Before landing, a small incident occurred when the British Military Police came aboard to check for contraband. Som had an unauthorised pistol unofficially presented to him by some Japanese officer in addition to a Samurai sword (officially allotted to each officer). Somnath refused to lie or invent a story to bluff the British officer, he immediately threw the pistol into the sea through a porthole. Such was his straightforwardness! Two years later, India became independent, but fell prey to mad communal fighting. With his Kumaonis, Somnath was dispatched to aid the civil administration. From his headquarters at Parliament Street police station, he spent his time extinguishing fires between the two communities -- both well armed. To complicate the matter, streams of refugees were pouring in wave after wave to the capital. The Kumaon Regiment rose to the occasion, doing their duty honestly and impartially towards both communities. At that time, Somnath was moving around with his broken arm and a plaster from the wrist to the elbow. When his company was ordered to move to Srinagar, Somnath, though technically 'unfit for active duty in war' insisted that he had to lead his company. Before leaving for Srinagar, he spent his last night in Delhi with Major K K Tewari, his best friend and Burma companion, at the Queen Victoria Road bachelor Officers' Mess in Delhi. They chatted late into the night. Somnath remarked at one point that he was going to war again but alone this time (without his friend). Having probably some premonition, he asked for a memento from Tewari who told him that he could take whatever he wanted from the room. Somnath went straight to the cupboard and took his automatic pistol, a German Luger. Quite upset, Tewari had no choice but to honour his promise. The next morning Somnath Sharma landed in Srinagar (where he met S K Sinha). The situation was fast deteriorating. Two days later on November 3, the 'raiders' reached Badgam a few miles away from the Srinagar airfield. Brigadier 'Bogey' Sen, the commander in Srinagar, immediately dispatched Sharma and his company to Badgam. At 2:30 pm, supported by 3-inch and 2-inch mortars, a 700-strong tribal force attacked the Indian jawans. Being outnumbered by 7 to 1, Sharma immediately sent a request to Brigadier Sen for reinforcements. He knew that if the enemy advanced any further, the airport would be lost and Kashmir would become a province of Pakistan; the airfield was the only lifeline between the Valley and the rest of India. His last wireless message to the headquarters stated: 'The enemy are only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.' Soon after, Somnath Sharma was killed by a mortar. By the evening, when reinforcement reached Badgam; it was too late. The Kumaonis had suffered over 50 per cent casualties though they had inflicted much heavier losses to the 'raiders' who lost 200 men and the airport and Kashmir. Major Somnath Sharma was awarded the first Param Vir Chakra, the highest Indian gallantry award (the Indian equivalent of the Victoria Cross). The citation read: 'Keeping his nerve, he skillfully directed the fire of his section into the ever-advancing enemy. He repeatedly exposed himself to the full fury of enemy fire and laid out cloth airstrips to guide our aircraft onto their targets in full view of the enemy. His leadership, gallantry and tenacious defence were such that his men were inspired to fight the enemy outnumbering them. Major Sharma set an example of courage and qualities seldom equaled in the history of the Indian Army.' Three days later, Sharma's body was recovered. Though mutilated beyond recognition, a few pages of the Gita that he always kept in his breast pocket and the empty leather holster of Tewari's pistol helped to identify the body. The pistol was gone. During the last chat with his friend before flying to Kashmir, Somnath had joked that either he would die and win the Victoria Cross or become the army chief. It is his younger brother V N Sharma who in 1988 became chief of army staff. Today, the world has gone topsy-turvy: true heroes are forgotten and terrorists become martyrs. 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. Myanmar refugees pave the way home in pilot return Publisher UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Publication Date 28 October 2016 Cite as UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Myanmar refugees pave the way home in pilot return, 28 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/581b4ce54.html [accessed 1 November 2022] After decades in exile, 71 refugees have returned from Thailand to Myanmar, feeling both joy and trepidation about their future. More than 70 refugees have arrived safely back in Myanmar in the first voluntary return organized by the governments of Thailand and Myanmar in over 30 years. Earlier this week, a total of 71 refugees left Thailand's Tham Hin and Nupo camps to return home to Yangon, Tanintharyi region, Kayin, Bago, Mon and Rakhine states. The return from Nupo camp started early on Wednesday. Shuffling at dawn, 65 refugees pushed carts piled high with bags containing their worldly possessions - mostly clothing and household items, with the occasional bicycle and wheelchair. They received an assistance package to help with their return and initial reintegration, before boarding trucks that would take them on a winding five-hour drive to the Mae Sot-Myawaddy border crossing point. As friends and relatives clung on to say goodbye, many started crying at the thought of leaving behind the only life they've known in recent years and moving on to a new chapter. One man, however, was grinning. "I've been waiting for years for the government to welcome us back. The day has finally come," said a betel-nut seller who is heading to central Myanmar with his wife and two children. "I'm very excited as I think things will be better there," he added. "But at the same time I'm worried about how we'll be treated in Myanmar, how we'll survive in the future." Such mixed feelings were common among the returnees, who expressed confidence in Myanmar's reforms, and uncertainty over how they would cope back home. "What will happen when the assistance money runs out?" asked returnee Pu Let, referring to the assistance packages provided by the Myanmar government, UNHCR, the World Food Programme, Myanmar Red Cross Society and other agencies. His in-laws have some land in Kayin state, and he hoped they could grow enough crops to feed themselves. Livelihood was less of a concern for Yangon-bound Thant Zin Maung, 48. With the 15 certificates he acquired in the camp for trainings such as cooking, sewing, business and auto repair, he plans to use his return assistance to set up a small business. His first priority, however, is to enrol his two sons in school and to seek treatment for his wife's health problems. As the refugees crossed back into Myanmar in the afternoon heat, many were exhausted but visibly emotional as government officials welcomed them back at a processing centre in the border town of Myawaddy. Naw Lah Kyi, 72, was reunited with her son who works in Myawaddy. After five years apart, she was relieved to see him as he supported her to the centre's clinic to monitor her high blood pressure. Maung Saw Schwe, 63, is also heading back to his wife and three children in western Myanmar. Asked if he would hug his wife upon his return, he smiled, "I'm too old for that. After I drop off my luggage, I will contact my old colleagues. I have a lot to catch up with as I want to do more for my people." On Thursday, the returnees underwent health and document checks for national identity cards at the Myawaddy centre. Some of them were then assisted to their final destinations in Yangon, Mawlamyine and Sittwe. As 45-year-old grandmother Ei Pay sat waiting for transportation home to Kayin state's Mae Pra area, she shared that she and her husband had actually visited the area four months ago to start planting vegetables. They came back last weekend to escort their 11-member extended family home. "Our village is peaceful now, no problem," she said. "There's more freedom there than in the camp. We can grow our own food. In fact, I put on some weight there because my appetite was so good!" Yangon returnee Thant Zin Maung has called his sister, who is cleaning up a place for him in Myanmar's commercial capital. "I hope that in five years, my wife will be walking, my children doing well in school and that I'll be successful in business with the skills I learnt as a refugee," he said. This week's pilot voluntary return programme was supported by Thailand and Myanmar, as well as UNHCR and its partners, which include the International Organization for Migration and Handicap International. While modest in number, there is hope that these returns will help to build peace and pave the way for lasting solutions to one of Asia's longest-running refugee situations. Saudi Arabia: Sentence Over, Activist Still Held Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 3 November 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Saudi Arabia: Sentence Over, Activist Still Held, 3 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/581b4d9654.html [accessed 1 November 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. Saudi authorities are still holding a Saudi activist even though his eight-year sentence for protesting the war in Gaza expired on October 5, 2016. Saudi activists said that the man, Khalid al-'Umair, began a hunger strike in al-Ha'ir prison, south of Riyadh, on October 6 to protest his continued imprisonment. Activists did not know why Saudi authorities continued to hold al-'Umair. Based on the Islamic year used in Saudi Arabia, which is about 11 days shorter than a Gregorian year, his sentence was completed on October 5, 2016. Saudi Arabia bans all forms of public protest throughout the country, and has prosecuted dozens of people for protest-related crimes since 2011, sentencing over 25 to death. "Saudi Arabia's inexplicable move to hold Khalid al-'Umair, even though he completed his unjust sentence, points up just how arbitrary the country's criminal justice system is," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "Saudi authorities should immediately release Khalid al-'Umair so he can go on with his life." Human Rights Watch has previously documented cases in which Saudi authorities did not release prisoners who had completed their sentences, leaving them in prison for additional months and years. Often these extended arbitrary detentions were the product of bureaucratic mistakes. A person with direct knowledge of al-'Umair's case told Human Rights Watch that Saudi authorities arrested al-'Umair and approximately 14 others, among them Saudis and Palestinian residents of Saudi Arabia, on January 1, 2009, as they were approaching al-Nahda street in central Riyadh to begin a protest march against the Israeli bombing of Gaza at that time. The source said that police released all but al-'Umair and one other activist, whom they held and interrogated and charged in 2010. On January 21, 2009, activists submitted a complaint over al-'Umair's case to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Saudi authorities responded to this complaint in September 2009, stating that al-'Umair "was detained on a security-related charge, which necessitated his remaining in custody for questioning." On May 15, 2011, Saudi Arabia's Specialized Criminal Court convicted both men for "breaking obedience with the ruler" and "embarking on a protest." The protester arrested with al-'Umair received a three-year sentence on these charges. Al-'Umair received the same three-year sentence plus five additional years under to Saudi Arabia's cybercrime law on the pretext that he called for the protest online, leaving him with a sentence of eight years. The sentence began from the day of al-'Umair's arrest in 2009. Al-'Umair and his co-defendant did not have access to a lawyer during their detention or at trial, the source said. The other defendant was released following the completion of his three-year sentence. Extending detention following completion of a judicial sentence is arbitrary, and violates both Saudi law and international human rights standards. "Al-'Umair never should have spent a day in jail, but now he is faced with the prospect of indefinite arbitrary detention," Whitson said. "Saudi Arabia should immediately release him." Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch We value your privacy. Focus Taiwan (CNA) uses tracking technologies to provide better reading experiences, but it also respects readers' privacy. Click here to find out more about Focus Taiwan's privacy policy. When you close this window, it means you agree with this policy. Camarillo, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/03/2016 --SPL Systems has been a provider of top level audio services for over 20 years Owner Bill Forbes says that while the company once handled retail and installation as part of their business, they grew to focus exclusively on live sound. As a result, Forbes and his team spend a lot of time transporting gear to jobs that can range from state fairs to corporate events. Looking to overhaul their amplifier rig in pursuit of superior audio performance, next generation DSP and networking, and a more compact amplifier rig, SPL Systems turned to industry-leading power amplifier manufacturer Powersoft and their X and K Series amplifiers. Tough Decision, Easy Choice Forbes's decision to overhaul the SPL Systems amplifier inventory was not made lightly. "I'm a very cautious buyer and it took a lot for me to pull the trigger and make the switch," he says. "I wanted more power with less weight and I also wanted get into the 21st century as far as DSP and networking technology. Everyone in the industry I talked to about it said Powersoft was the best choice to address those needs." Forbes purchased a package of two K20 amplifiers, five X4 amplifiers, and two X8 amplifiers, a system he knew would be well equipped to drive his EAW speaker system. Fitting all of the amps into only two racks, he had slimmed down his rig while powering up his output. Multi-Tool Player Since the changeover in June of this year, Forbes has been harnessing the power of Powersoft's Armonia software to get the most out of his new amplifiers. "What's great about Armonia is that I can change any amp to any role on the fly, so my racks aren't limited to just one use," he says. "I used to have a specific rack for monitors, one for my KF 730 speakers, one for my KF 740 speakers, and so on. Now I've just got my two racks and I can designate any amp for any task on the fly through the DSP platform." Forbes also harnesses the power of Armonia's presets, which provide optimal settings for his EAW speakers, as well as other manufacturers. "Powersoft always has the most up-to-date presets from EAW, so I simply load them onto my amplifiers and I'm good to go," he says. "They also have great libraries for other manufacturers, which is good to know because if I ever rent out my amp racks I know the user will find whatever presets they need." Lightening the Load Everywhere Forbes goes with his Powersoft racks he's carrying far less weight than ever before, making trucking much more manageable. "The power density I can achieve with Powersoft's single and dual-rack space amps is amazing," he says. "I don't have to worry about getting pulled over at weigh stations on the way to one of the fairs we work and having the trucks be over weight. And I can handle a lot of these events with just one of the Powersoft racks, saving around 600 lbs of amplifier weight compared to the old system." One such recent event was the Eastern State Expositionor "Big E"in West Springfield, Massachusetts. "It's one of the top attended fairs in the country and this year we used one of the Powersoft racks on the Code of Honor stage," he says. Forbes used the amps to run twelve EAW KS 730s and six SB1000 subs, plus microwedge monitors and front fills. "They sound phenomenal, really above and beyond in clarity," he notes. "It's as good as I've ever heard my speakers sound. We had some great engineers come in with a variety of different bands and they were all really pleased with the sonic performance. Fairground Tough Reliability has been a shining quality of the new Powersoft amps already. "I've been putting these amps through their paces this summer as far as heat and general environmental nastiness and they don't let up," Forbes says. "With all the outdoor fairs we're in the dirt, the dust, the rain, and the humidity, pretty torturous conditions for an amplifier, and these things are just loving it." Forbes has also tested their capacity for handling low-resistive loads. "I've purposely loaded them down to 2 ohms to see how they'd handle it and they make it look easy. I didn't have a single issue with the amps all summer; it was a real breathe of fresh air." Welcome Change While it wasn't an easy decision for Forbes to overhaul his amplifier stock, he knows he made the right choice with Powersoft, and Powersoft's excellent support has made the transition as easy and seamless as possible. "The support has been great," he says. "Any question I've had has been answered promptly and thoroughly, but to be honest the product has been really easy to navigate on my own. The interfaces all make sense, which is important for somebody like me who doesn't like to read manuals!" While winter is a slower season for SPL Systems as outdoor events wind down in the Northeast, Forbes is already looking forward to hitting the ground running in the spring with his new rig. "I can't wait to get the Powersoft rig out again and take it through its paces." About Powersoft Powersoft is the world leader in lightweight, high power, single rack space, energy efficient amplifiers for the professional audio market. Founded in Italy in 1995, headquartered in Florence, Italy, with offices in Camarillo, CA, Powersoft couples the experience and precision of its production department with exceptional components to deliver products with perfect audio response and high performance reliability. Its state-of-the-art amplifiers can be found in an array of markets, ranging from stadiums, sporting arenas, theme parks, performance venues and airports to convention centres, churches and clubs, and are used by the world's leading tour sound companies. For more information, visit the Powersoft website @ www.powersoft-audio.com Morgan County Election Board reviews financial records The Morgan County Election Board met Friday to review the campaign finance reports of local candidates running for office. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below This just in... Cambodian land rights activists shout slogans during a protest in front of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court building, Aug. 22, 2016. On the same day jailed opposition party activists called on Cambodias political leaders to set aside their differences for the sake of the nation, Prime Minister Hun Sen issued a call to the nations armed forces to put down any so-called color revolution. Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) lawmaker Ho Vann, who led a group of seven people to visit the 15 jailed opposition activists in prison on Thursday, told RFAs Khmer Service they wanted to see the parties end their political stalemate. They called for both parties to learn how to work together in solidarity and refrain from locking horns, Ho Vann said. We are concerned about the future of the country. While the CNRP issued a message of hope from inside their prison cells, Prime Minister Hun Sen sent out a darker message, calling on the military to crush any color revolution. All armed forces are obliged to absolutely ensure that Cambodia is free from any color revolutions, the Cambodian strong man wrote in a Facebook post. Such a revolution will harm peoples happiness and peace in Cambodia, he wrote. Armed forces shall protect the legitimate government. He made similar remarks during the Police Academy of Cambodias graduation ceremony on Thursday. Its not true that the government has any resentment against them Sok Eysan, a spokesman for the Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) answered the jailed activists appeal with a non sequitur, saying the activists are jailed because they have committed crimes. Its not true that the government has any resentment against them, he said. What has happened to them is the result of their commission of illegal acts. Long Kimkhorn, an academic expert on foreign political affairs and international law said the activists were jailed because of the politically motivated charges. Everyone is aware that the charges against them were politically motivated. It has nothing to do with laws and court, he said. If the politicians of the two parties resume talks, the court cases will be eventually resolved. Those prisoners of conscience would then be released. Thursdays remarks by Hun Sen are not the first time he has inveighed against color revolutions, named after a series of popular movements that used nonviolent protests under colored banners to topple governments in countries of the former Soviet Union during the 2000s. Civil society groups and their supporters began staging Black Monday protests soon after the arrests of officials from the human rights group ADHOC that came in connection with the governments wide-ranging probe into an alleged affair between CNRP leader Kem Sokha and a young hair dresser. In addition to the ADHOC arrests, the Cambodian authorities also arrested an election official. At the same time a U.N. official was also charged. While Black Monday began as an attempt to pressure the government over the arrests, it has morphed into a more generalized campaign against government abuses, including land confiscations. The seizure of land for developmentoften without due process or fair compensation for displaced residentshas been a major cause of protest in Cambodia and other authoritarian Asian countries, including China and Myanmar. In one of the most egregious land grabs, some 3,500 families were evicted from the land surrounding Boeung Kak Lake, which was filled with sand to make way for a development project with close ties to Prime Minister Hun Sen and the ruling CPP. Boeung Kak Lake land-right activists demonstrated near Hun Sens office and the European Union offices in Phnom Penh on Monday. They delivered a petition to the EU urging it to stop providing the Cambodian government with assistance unless human rights situation improves. We hope the suffering of the villagers of Borei Keila and Boeung Kak will be addressed once and for all, said Im Srey Touch, a member of the Boeung Kak Lake community. Our main objective today is to appeal to the EU to immediately freeze all its assistance to Hun Sens Government. I hope he wont be fooled by his subordinates anymore While they were delivering their petition on foreign aid to the EU, security forces dispersed them. The 300 families in the Borei Keila community were forcibly evicted from their homes in 2012 to make way for development by the politically-connected construction company Phanimex. Bov Sophea, another member of the Boeung Kak community and several other activists demonstrated near Hun Sens office as they petitioned for the release of activist Tep Vanny and sought government action to address their concerns. If our petition reaches Prime Minister Hun Sen, I believe there will be a solution to our concerns, said Bov Sophea, who accused the prime ministers subordinates of misleading him. I dont think he will continue to turn his blind eye to our issues when he is better informed, she said. I hope he wont be fooled by his subordinates anymore. Tep Vanny and Bov Sophea were among the protestors who used an August 15 demonstration to call on the government to resolve land-grab issues across the country. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court found Tep Vanny and Bov Sophea guilty of insulting a public official, and sentenced each of them to six days of imprisonment and an 80,000 riels (U.S. $20) fine a verdict the activists and their supporters said is unjust. While Bov Sophea was released, Tep Vanny is still being held. Reported by Heng Sun, Sarada Taing and Samnang Rann for RFA's Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Brooks Boliek. Authorities in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong on Thursday handed down a 21-month prison term to a labor activist detained as part of a crackdown on nongovernment groups last December. The Panyu District People's Court sentenced Meng after finding him guilty of "gathering crowds to disrupt public order," sources close to the case said. "[The lawyer] told me he received a jail term of one year and nine months," the source said. "Meng Han pleaded guilty, and the lawyer gave an independent opinion that the court refused to accept." "It wasn't a heavy sentence, but he still has to go to jail, while the others have been released," the source said. Repeated calls to Meng's defense attorney Yan Xin rang unanswered on Thursday. However, Guangdong-based rights lawyer Wu Kouming said the sentence was a form of political retaliation for Meng's support for workers in a slew of recent labor disputes and strikes. "It's morally tricky for them to target NGO workers like Meng Han and Zeng Feiyang, so they use these trumped-up charges, which they really need them to plead guilty to," Wu said. A Chinese labor activist who asked to remain anonymous said Meng had likely pleaded guilty under extreme pressure. "We understand and respect Meng Han's decision to plead guilty, which under such huge pressure is totally understandable," the activist said. "However, we accept neither the verdict and sentence nor Meng Han's guilty plea as valid." Family attacked According to the Hong Kong-based China Labour Bulletin (CLB), Meng's family faced continual pressure during his detention. "His parents had to move out after unidentified thugs attacked their apartment door with an axe," the group said in an article on its website. It said Meng's group had helped negotiate in several high-profile collective bargaining cases, "effectively defusing the possibility of more severe social unrest." CLB director Han Dongfang said the tactic of jailing activists like Meng would likely backfire, as Guangdong continues to see a wave of labor unrest against a background of widespread factory closures and relocations. "They can try to blame the firefighters, but if those who were helping put the fire out are not allowed to do their job, it can only get worse", Han said. Hong Kong-based labor activist Lee Cheuk-yan said the sentence would likely have a dampening effect on labor activism in the region. "There is likely to be a chilling effect, as people realize that the likely outcome of getting involved in rights movements and protests is that you go to jail," Lee told RFA. "They will do anything to force rights activists to surrender, and to use them as a form of propaganda." Colleagues released Meng was detained alongside his colleagues at the Panyu Workers Center Zhu Xiaomei, Tang Huanxing, and Zeng Feiyang. All were initially detained on the same charge, but Zeng, Zhu, and Tang were released with suspended jail terms on Sept. 26 after pleading guilty. Meng remained in police detention while prosecutors sent his case back to police for "further investigation." Following his initial detention on Dec. 3, Meng was denied access to a defense attorney until Feb. 19, the CLB reported, citing other violations of his rights during detention. The ruling Chinese Communist Party is in the middle of a widening crackdown on nongovernment groups, especially those involved in the country's nascent but unofficial labor movement. According to the New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW), Chinese NGOs work on issues that affect millions of ordinary people daily, including domestic violence and discrimination, child welfare, labor disputes, and environmental pollution. But NGOs that work on human rights or civil liberties issues and rely on foreign funding are being forced to accept police supervision under a Foreign NGOs Management Law that took effect in April. Reported by Hai Nan for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Yang Fan for the Mandarin Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. Legislators-elect Sixtus "Baggio" Leung (L) and Yau Wai-ching (2nd from L) of the localist group Youngspiration are surrounded by reporters outside the High Court in Hong Kong, Nov. 3, 2016. Lawyers on all sides made their arguments to Hong Kong's High Court on Thursday amid a judicial review amid a political storm over the swearing-in of two newly elected pro-independence lawmakers. The hearing concluded with no firm date for a ruling, however, sparking fears that Beijing may step in with its own ruling on the city's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, preempting the court's decision. Sixtus "Baggio" Leung and Yau Wai-ching of the localist group Youngspiration, who were elected to the Legislative Council (LegCo) in last September's elections, used their swearing-in ceremony last month to pledge to represent the "Hong Kong nation" instead of swearing allegiance to China, inserting swear-words, slurs, and pro-independence slogans into their oaths. They were unable to take up their seats, as their oaths were deemed invalid by LegCo chairman and pro-Beijing politician Andrew Leung. Now, the government is seeking to bar them permanently from office, and has refused to rule out requesting intervention from the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Some media reports suggest that China's rubber-stamp parliament, the National People's Congress (NPC), may issue a decree as soon as Monday. Government lawyer Benjamin Yu told the High Court that the government has not yet asked Beijing for an interpretation over the row, but has sought clarification over whether it plans to issue one. He also denied that the administration of chief executive Leung Chun-ying was deliberately seeking the court's authorization for the removal of the two lawmakers from office. Any discussion of independence for the former British colony is anathema to Beijing, and Leung Chun-ying has said schools in the city should strongly discourage it. Mass walkout Sixtus Leung and Yau Wai-ching had planned to retake their oaths, but pro-Beijing lawmakers staged a mass walkout last week, rendering the ceremony invalid. The government is arguing that the pair failed to fulfill Article 104 of the Basic Law, which requires all legislators to pledge allegiance to the SAR and swear to uphold the Basic Law. The two were also in breach of the Oaths and Declarations Ordinance, which disqualifies anyone from public office who "declines or neglects" to take the oath, Yu said. Sixtus Leung and Yau Wai-ching told reporters on their way into the hearing that they felt confident. "We have confidence in our judicial system, and we also have confidence in our legal team," Sixtus Leung said. "If certain kind and caring people decide to damage Hong Kong by issuing an interpretation, then the responsibility for that will be on their kind and caring heads," he added. Rumors that an interpretation may be imminent have sparked fears that Hong Kong's judicial independence, enshrined in the 1997 handover agreement, could be irreparably damaged. The pro-democracy Progressive Lawyers Group meanwhile warned that any interventions from Beijing would hurt business interests in Hong Kong, which was promised a "high degree of autonomy" under Chinese rule. "This is a situation where perceptions matter as much as the reality, and in circumstances where a pretty explicit threat has been made ... it will always create doubts in the minds of the public, and in the minds of the international community," convenor Kevin Yam told government broadcaster RTHK. "We have never had the National People's Congress standing committee seeking to interpret the Basic Law in relation to a pending [court] case other than one a few years ago ... outside the remit of Hong Kong's autonomy," Yam said. "[There is] a concern that whenever those in authority get a public law result that they do not like, or they fear that they might get such a result, they'll basically go off and interpret it in whichever way they like and ... undermine and undercut our courts and our legal system," he said. "We see such behavior and such actions as unacceptable," he said. Citys reputation at stake Yam said the Basic Law doesn't just govern Hong Kong's political life, and could affect the city's reputation as an open and transparent investment environment. "A lot of Basic Law litigation actually concerns commercial entities, business entities using the Basic Law to protect their commercial rights," Yam said. "In the future, an interpretation could be used in a much wider range of matters where the government doesn't like the result." More than a thousand protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong on Wednesday evening to protest any intervention by Beijing. Reported by Lam Kwok-lap for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. Colonel Tun Oo, chief of police in northern Myanmar's Kachin state, discusses the Yadanar Yaung Chi Company blast at his office in Hpakant, Nov. 3, 2016. The office of a jade-mining company in Myanmars resource-rich Hpakant region was blown up by assailants on Thursday, the latest such attack on a mining firm in the countrys volatile Kachin state, according to a company official and local police. Yadanar Yaung Chi Company, which mined more than 200 tons of jade stones in October, lost at least U.S. $5 million dollars worth of machinery and equipment in the fire caused by the blast, said Kyaw Aye, the head of the concern. Police Colonel Tun Oo, chief of police in Kachin state, told RFAs Myanmar Service that he believed the attackers are members of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), an ethnic armed group that is engaged in clashes with the national military in the state. About 18 men and two women from the KIA had guns and forced 30 company employees to lower their heads, then destroyed the companys property, he said. The attackers also took 1 million kyats (U.S. $7,630) and two cell phones. Kyaw Aye told RFAs Myanmar Service that only government authorities know who staged the attack. But Lieutenant Colonel Htan Sant, commander of the KIAs No. 6 Battalion, denied that the rebel army was involved in the explosion. Government soldiers and local security forces found unexploded homemade bombs during a clearance operation of the area after the blast, sources said. Other blasts this year Many explosions have rocked Hpakant, targeting mining companies, government buildings, and bridges since a cease-fire between KIA and government military broke down in 2012. In May, unknown assailants blew up the offices of two jade-mining companies in Hpakant township, destroying heavy vehicles, trucks, and workers hostels. The first explosion occurred at Yadanar Moe Myay Mining Company Ltd. where about 10 men exploded handmade mines in apparent retaliation for the operators refusal to give in to demands for taxes by local extortionists, according to a report at the time by Democratic Voice of Burma. The men then went to Linn Htet Aung Company where they exploded handmade mines, according to a local village administrator. The explosions did not appear to have caused any injuries or deaths. Another explosion rocked the area on May 8, injuring a woman and three men and destroying buildings and heavy vehicles from three companies. Hpakant contains many lucrative jade mining operations that have come under fire for creating mountainous slag heaps, some of which have caused deadly landslides. Rights groups routinely criticize the companies for the detrimental social and environmental impacts of their activities in the largely unregulated industry. Reported by Kyaw Myo Min for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Kyaw Aung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Andy Hall, holding a bouquet of flowers, is joined by supporters and workers from Myanmar at the Supreme Court in Bangkok, Nov. 3, 2016. Thailands top court Thursday dismissed a criminal defamation claim against a labor rights activist over jurisdictional issues, but he still faces jail time from a conviction in another complaint brought by a pineapple processing company. The Supreme Court ruled that Briton Andy Hall, who has campaigned for years in Thailand for the rights of migrant workers from Myanmar and other countries, could not be tried in Thailand because the plaintiff had no power to prosecute him over comments made in another country. The charges were filed over comments made to the Al-Jazeera television network three years ago in Myanmar. I am glad that the unfair charge came to an end, but at the same time, we see that this company does not stop, does not end and uses the law to intimidate, Hall told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service, in a phone interview. Despite the favorable ruling, Hall still faces three years in a Thai prison as a result of his conviction on similar charges in September. The Bangkok South Criminal Court then sentenced him to prison and fined him 150,000 baht (U.S. $4,292), after finding him guilty of defaming the Natural Fruit Co. and violating Thailands Computer Crimes Act. The court on Sept. 20 handed down a four-year sentence, but reduced it to three years and included the stipulation that he could begin serving the sentence in two years. Hall vowed to press on with his legal battle against the fruit company even as he faces additional defamation charges. We have to press charges in return. In fact, we are sorry to have to press charges against them and were not mad at them. I have nothing against them. But it does not stop, so we just have to continue, Hall said. Ongoing legal battles Halls attorney, Sira Osottham, said his client must prepare for a pair of outstanding cases and potentially more legal actions against him. At present, Andy Hall has two civil court cases at Pra Kanong Court (in Bangkok) and Nakorn Pathom Court, Sira said, adding there was a high possibility that the fruit company would file another civil case. Meanwhile, a lawyer for the company said it respected the court ruling, but that Hall could expect more legal action soon. Further civil case proceedings will continue, and [Natural Fruit Co.] will file a case on Monday, lawyer Somsak Toraksa told BenarNews. Hall faces prison time over his September conviction for defamation over the online publication of a survey about workplace conditions, in which he interviewed workers most of whom are from Myanmar at the Thai pineapple companys plant in the southern part of the country. According to the survey, workers at the plant that employs some 800 people in Prachuap Khiri Khan province complained that Natural Fruit had violated Thai labor law through paying them salaries below minimum wage, not giving them sick and holiday leave, and employing children, among other allegations. Hall undertook the research for Finnwatch, and claimed he merely relayed the information he had collected for the Finland-based NGO that advocates global corporate responsibility. In 2013, Finnwatch posted its report on the internet based on Halls work. Following the verdict, National Fruit owner and president Wirach Piyapornphaiboon said the court had vindicated the fruit company. On Thursday, the U.N. Human Rights office in Bangkok issued a statement praising the courts decision. But it also called on the Thai government to drop charges against all human rights defenders who have been charged with criminal offenses for reporting human rights violations in accordance with its obligations under international human rights law. Reported by Nontarat Phaicharoen for BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. United Nations envoy Renata Lok-Dessallien (C) and other diplomats speak to the press in Sittwe about their mission to volatile Maungdaw township, western Myanmar's Rakhine state, Nov. 3, 2016. A United Nations envoy to Myanmar called on the government on Thursday to launch an independent investigation of alleged human rights abuses in the northwestern township of Maungdaw that followed last months deadly border guard attacks and other violent clashes. Security forces that swept the area in western Myanmars Rakhine state after the initial attacks on Oct. 9 have been accused of arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, arson, and rape as they forcibly searched villages where Rohingya Muslims live. They also cut off access to aid workers and journalists. Because of the allegations of abuses during the security operations that many of you are aware of, we have also discussed and stressed the importance of an independent, credible investigation, Renata Lok-Dessallien, the U.N.s resident and humanitarian coordinator and the United Nations Development Programmes resident representative in Myanmar, said during a press conference in Rakhines capital Sittwe. We have urged that the government pull together an independent, credible investigation team quickly and send the team into the area to address these allegations, she said. Lok-Dessallien and several foreign ambassadors to Myanmar conducted a two-day visit to Maungdaw to survey the situation on the ground and talk to residents and security forces. On Wednesday, they visited one of the three border guard stations that assailants had raided along with Rohingya villages in Maungdaw and Rathedaung townships where the outpost attacks occurred. They also met with members of the Rakhine state parliament to exchange views on the situation and discuss assistance for Muslim refugees, she said. The mission repeated its condemnation of the Oct. 9 attacks and expressed its condolences for the loss of life, she said. Close to 40 soldiers and attackers have been killed in the raids and subsequent violence, and up to 15,000 people from Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine communities have been forced to flee their homes. The members of the mission visited villages from which residents had fled three weeks ago and where some rapes allegedly had occurred, but did not speak to any victims, Lok-Dessallien said. Or mission was not [able] to look into these issues, and it would have been irresponsible of us to even try, she said, adding that trauma specialists would have to be brought in to talk to those who have said they were raped by security forces. Residents return Some residents began to return to two of the villages when they saw the mission there, she said. We could see that having been out three weeks, there were clear humanitarian needs, Lok-Dessallien said. The mission has urged the government to provide humanitarian support to the returning residents and allow the resumption of international humanitarian aid to the affected areas, which security forces have suspended since Oct. 9, she said. The Myanmar government has agreed to allow aid deliveries the area and let international observers monitor whether food and other necessities are reaching residents, she said The mission also called on the government to handle the situation according to the rule of law. We have urged that and appreciate the fact that the government has stated that the response will be according to the rule of law and that international principles will be followed in this response, Lok-Dessallien said. State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmars de facto leader, said on Oct. 12 that the country will deal with the situation fairly and according to legal principles. She repeated this again on Thursday during an official visit to Japan, adding that the problem in Rakhine state is extremely delicate and care is needed in responding, Reuters reported. We all know that underneath this incident are many items of concern and its now more important than ever for the government to promote lasting solutions to the interlocking challenges that face Rakhine state at this moment, Lok-Dessallien said. So, weve urged that these root causes and underlying issues be addressed as soon as possible. The violence is the worst to hit Rakhine since 2012 when communal violence between ethnic Rakhine people and the Rohingya left more than 200 dead and tens of thousands homeless. The Rohingya, who bore the brunt of the attacks, were later forced to live in refugee camps in Rakhine, where about 120,000 currently remain, while thousands of others have fled persecution in the Buddhist-dominated country on rickety boats to other Southeast Asian countries in recent years. The Myanmar government considers the Rohingya to be illegal immigrants from neighboring Bangladesh and denies them basic rights, freedom of movement, and access to social services and education. Reported by Min Thein Aung for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Kyaw Aung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Monks and nuns targeted for eviction from Sichuans Larung Gar Buddhist Academy are now being locked out of their residences, with no chance given to retrieve their belongings before they are sent away, sources say. As Chinese authorities continue to work to reduce the size of Larung Gar, officials are trying new tactics to facilitate forced removals, a local source told RFAs Tibetan Service. Officials are now locking the doors of the monks and nuns quarters when the occupants are at class or away on an errand, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Then, when they return, they are unable to get inside, the source said. Chinese officials are warning that anyone found tampering with the locks, which are numbered and painted red, will have broken the law and be dealt with accordingly, RFAs source said. Under these threats, many of the monks and nuns have to leave in despair without gathering their few possessions, he said. Many thousands of Tibetans and Han Chinese study at the sprawling Larung Gar complex, which was founded in 1980 by the late religious teacher Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok and is one of the worlds largest and most important centers for the study of Tibetan Buddhism. The order now to reduce the number of Larung Gars residents by about half to a maximum level of 5,000 next year comes from higher authorities, with Chinas president Xi Jinping taking a personal interest in the matter, sources told RFA in earlier reports. Thousands have already left, with hundreds sent away by bus on Oct. 30 alone, RFAs source said. Now, groups of monks and nuns are still being forced to leave each day, he said. Though authorities claim that those leaving Larung Gar are returning to their family homes voluntarily and in agreement with the governments plan, intimidation and coercion are being used to force them to leave, the source said. The monks and nuns are also being told that their family members will face dire consequences if they fail to comply with official orders, he said. Reported by Kunsang Tenzin for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Dorjee Damdul. Written in English by Richard Finney. Armenia is looking to increase imports of natural gas from neighboring Iran after the two countries signed an agreement earlier this week. Armenias Ministry of Energy, Infrastructure, and Natural Resources reported on November 2 that representatives of Armenias Energaimpex company and the National Iranian Gas Export Company signed a document authorizing the purchase of more Iranian natural gas during a visit to Iran on October 31 and November 1. Armenia currently imports up to 500 million cubic meters of Iranian gas annually through a pipeline built in 2008. By comparison, Russian gas supplies to the South Caucasus country total around 2 billion cubic meters. Iranian gas has until now been purchased by a state-owned Armenian thermal-power plant. The plant pays for it with electricity delivered to Iran. Recently, Yerevan reportedly offered to buy additional volumes of Iranian gas, some of which could be re-exported to Georgia, and the Iranian side is said to have accepted the proposal. The Armenian Energy Ministry said that its delegation, led by Deputy Minister Hayk Harutiunian, discussed prospects of transiting Iranian gas to third countries via Armenia with Irans deputy oil minister and a senior National Gas Export Company representative. The delegation also met with Irans Deputy Energy Minister Houshang Falahatian and an adviser to the minister, Homayoun Hayeri, and discussed increasing the volumes of electricity flows between the countries. The parties discussed increasing power flows between Armenia, Iran, and Georgia within the current capacity of high-voltage lines, and also in the Iran-Armenia-Georgia-Russia regional cooperation format after the expected launch of new infrastructure, the ministry said. The Armenian delegation members also visited the Iranian Mapna Company, which intends to invest in the construction of wind power stations in Armenia, as well as the Sanir Company, which is the general contractor for the construction of a third Iran-Armenia high-voltage line. Artashes Tumanian, the Armenian ambassador to Iran, told RFE/RLs Armenian Service last month that Russia will not object to the increased energy cooperation with Iran because the deal does not run counter to anybodys interests. Two trains have collided in the Pakistani port city of Karachi, killing at least 19 people and injuring around 50 others, officials said. The collision occurred as the Zakaria Express from Multan rammed into the Fareed Express from Lahore on November 3. Television footage of the country's second major rail collision in less than two months showed mangled and overturned carriages, and media reported rescuers were working to free people trapped in the wreckage. Train traffic between Karachi, Pakistan's biggest city, and the rest of the country was suspended after the collision near the city's Landi Railway Station, television news channels reported. In September, at least four people were killed and 93 injured when an express train collided with a freight train near the city of Multan in Punjab Province. Pakistan's colonial-era railway network has fallen into disrepair in recent decades due to chronic underinvestment and poor maintenance. Based on reporting by Reuters, dpa, Dawn, and AFP An international human rights watchdog has called on the Azerbaijani government to stop what it calls the harassment of two lawyers known for representing political prisoners. Robert Herman, vice president for international programs at the U.S.-based NGO Freedom House, said in a November 3 statement that the Azerbaijani government "should end its campaign of innuendo and threats against Elchin Sadiqov and Fariz Namazli, two of the few lawyers in the country who dare to represent political prisoners and bring attention to government wrongdoing." Herman added that "the [Azerbaijani] government should stop mistreating lawyers for conducting their professional duties." A pro-government media outlet in Azerbaijan posted articles on its website on November 2 accusing Sadiqov of being romantically involved with the wife of one of his clients. Sadiqov said he also received violent threats while at the Interior Ministry and his wife, lawyer Zubeyda Sadiqova, has also received threats recently in regard to her husband's work. Also on November 2, Namazli was told a complaint had been filed against him alleging that he assaulted someone while in court on October 20, in an incident during which Namazli himself had been the victim of an unprovoked attack. Azerbaijan is rated as "Not Free" in Freedom House's overall freedom and media freedom indexes. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton said voters should consider her opponent Donald Trump's past comments on women in next week's U.S. presidential election. Speaking to a campaign rally on November 2, she pointed to Trump's criticism of his primary opponent Carly Fiorina, a former chief executive at Hewlett Packard. At his campaign stop in Florida, the Republican nominee told supporters to stop believing in "failed politicians." (AP Video) Internationally renowned Russian circus clown Oleg Popov has died at the age of 86. Popov was on tour in Russia's southern city of Rostov when he went into cardiac arrest at his hotel on November 2, said Dmitry Reznichenko, the director of the circus where he was performing. Russia's Investigative Committee said on November 3 that "pre-investigative checking measures" had been launched into his death. No reasons were given. Meanwhile, Russian Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky offered his condolences, saying Popov's performances "brought joy and goodness to many generations of our compatriots." Known as the "Sunshine Clown," Popov was considered one of the last great circus performers. He studied at the Russian state circus school and spent several years touring the provinces before joining the Moscow State Circus in 1955. He achieved fame as the state circus's main clown on tours abroad. Popov was named People's Artist of the Soviet Union in 1969. He moved to Germany in 1991. In the summer of 2015 he began performing again in Russia for the first time in 24 years. Based on reporting by Interfax, TASS, and AFP The mayor of Kyiv says electricity and water supplies have been restored after a day of Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, including hydroelectric power stations, that caused blackouts, mobile phone outages, and reductions in water supplies. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. "The water supply to the homes of Kyiv residents has been fully restored. Thank you to the experts of Kyivvodokanal and DTEK, who worked for almost a day to restore water and electricity [supplies] to the residents of the capital," Vitali Klitschko wrote on Telegram early on November 1. Klitschko said that the electricity supply in the Ukrainian capital had also been restored but that blackouts are inevitable because of the extensive damage to the power system after the Russian attacks. In Mykolayiv, regional military administration chief Vitaliy Kim said on November 1 that Russia fired four S-300 missiles overnight, demolishing half an apartment building in the city and killing one person. Russia has been targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure and other civilian buildings with missile, drone, and artillery attacks for weeks amid a Ukrainian counteroffensive that has driven Russian troops out of the northeast and pushed them back in the east and southeast. In his nightly address, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine's air defenses did a good job shooting down most of the missiles, but that strengthening the country's air-defense capabilities remains a top priority. "Our air force and everyone involved in protecting the sky did a very good job today," Zelenskiy said late on October 31. "Most of the objectives that the terrorists identified as targets were saved. This morning alone, terrorists used 55 cruise missiles for a massive attack. Forty-five of them were shot down. We will continue to strengthen our air defense." Zelenskiy added that restoration work was still ongoing in regions targeted by Russian missiles. Russia launched missiles into several Ukrainian cities on October 31, including the nations capital, Kyiv, as the Kremlin continues its relentless assault on critical Ukrainian infrastructure in the hopes of wearing down the populations will to resist. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko called on the Group of 20 major economies to expel Russia and rescind President Vladimir Putins invitation to a G20 summit in Bali next month. Nikolenko said in a tweet on November 1 that Putin's public acknowledgement that he ordered missile strikes on Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure meant "his hands [are] stained in blood" and that "he must not be allowed to sit at the table with world leaders." With its eight-month invasion failing and the prospects of a defeat rising, the Kremlin is seeking to terrorize and demoralize the Ukrainian population in an attempt to break it, Western and Ukrainian officials have said. Russia has destroyed more than 40 percent of Ukraine's energy infrastructure in a few weeks, causing electricity cuts in Kyiv and other places as winter approaches. Separately, in eastern Ukraine, the military command said there were fierce battles near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region and that Ukrainian forces had held back Russian assaults on two other areas in the region, around Avdiyivka and Uhledar. Ukraine's General Staff said in a statement on November 1 that Russia struck more than 50 settlements in the Donetsk region. Russia is also expanding the forced evacuation of Ukrainian citizens from occupied Kherson as its forces seek to hold the region. Vladimir Saldo, the Russia-appointed head of Kherson, announced on October 31 that citizens will be evacuated from another seven districts. Just three days earlier, the Russia-installed officials had announced that the evacuation process in the Kherson region had ended. The Ukrainian military reported that Russian troops are mining evacuated residential areas in the Kakhovka settlement. In Moscow, the Russian Defense Ministry said all military mobilization activities, including summons delivery, have been suspended. The ministry said in a statement that all activities related to conscription for military service have been stopped. According to the statement, military units will only be accepting volunteers and contractors from now on. However, the announcement does not amount to an official end to the partial mobilization decreed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in September. That can only be done with an official decree from Putin. Hundreds of thousands of Russians have fled Russia since Putin declared the partial military mobilization. With reporting by Reuters and AFP Eight Afghans detained in the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay have been imprisoned for years on the basis of "vague accusations" rife with "gross errors of fact," according to a new report. The report, titled Kafka In Cuba, The Afghan Experience In Guantanamo, was published on November 3 by the Afghanistan Analysts Network (AAN), an independent, nonprofit research group. AAN examined the cases of eight of the longest-serving Afghan detainees, all either still in Guantanamo Bay or recently moved to the United Arab Emirates. The detainees, including a former flower seller and a doorman, were held over accusations ranging from being a Taliban financier to being a member of an Al-Qaeda bomb-making cell. But the report said the U.S. military had been unable to substantiate accusations against any of them. "Reading through the United States military and court documents outlining the allegations and evidence against these eight men, one enters a Kafkaesque world of strange, vague accusations, rife with hearsay, secret evidence, bad translations, gross errors of fact and testimony obtained under duress and torture", it said. The report said the cases demonstrate the perilousness of the power to arbitrarily detain, which in Afghanistan has led to miscarriages of justice, a major factor in driving some Afghans toward insurgency. U.S. President Barack Obama, who had pledged to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay before he leaves office in January, is scaling the facility down by transferring detainees not considered a threat to foreign countries. Afghans make up more than one-quarter of the 781 men held in the prison. Based on reporting by Reuters and dpa KYIV -- Ukrainian hackers claim to have broken into a second e-mail account linked to Vladislav Surkov, a senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, releasing documents they say add to mounting evidence of the Kremlin meddling in Kyiv's affairs. The new e-mails were obtained by RFE/RL from the hackers in advance of their public release on November 3. If authentic, they provide detail about the extent to which Surkov's office worked to set up separatist enclaves in eastern Ukraine in 2014. The e-mails include plans that ostensibly show how associates of Surkov plotted to destabilize Ukraines eastern Kharkiv region, researched Ukrainian politicians who openly supported weakening central power in a bid to exploit the countrys political divisions, and helped establish the leadership of separatist groups in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. They indicate that, in one case, a draft law on an economic zone in eastern Ukraine purportedly written by Surkov himself was sent to the office of an opposition lawmaker and later introduced in the Ukrainian parliament. The new release comes one week after an initial batch of e-mails from an inbox allegedly associated with Surkov, a longtime Putin aide who is the point man for Ukraine in his administration. Analysts say they demonstrate careful planning by Russia ahead of the forcible annexation of Crimea in March 2014 and a direct Russian role in fomenting anti-Kyiv actions in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which led to a war that has killed more than 9,600 people since that April and persists despite Western-brokered cease-fire deals. In both cases, the e-mails were released by a group of Ukrainian "hacktivists" who call themselves the Cyber Alliance. On November 3, the Cyber Alliance posted a video on YouTube in which a character in a trademark mask of the hacker group Anonymous takes credit for hacking accounts in Surkovs office and warns, "This is just the beginning." Independent international analysts and Ukraine's domestic Security Service, the SBU, have said many of the e-mails in the first group appear authentic, but there were doubts about some of the documents. Several people whose correspondence with Surkov was included in the leak have confirmed they sent the messages to Surkov released by the hackers. The Kremlin has not explicitly called the e-mails or attached material fraudulent but has sought to cast doubt on their authenticity. Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said of one unspecified text that Surkov "doesn't use electronic mail...so someone must have sweated quite a bit to compose this document." Surkov himself has not commented on the matter. The e-mails released on November 3 were hacked from pochta_mg@mail.ru, a private e-mail account that uses the digital signature "Ivan Ivanov" but appears to have been managed by Surkov assistants Maria Vinogradova and Yevgenia Kudryavtseva, to whom many of the letters are directly addressed. Vinogradova and Kudryavtseva also handled the e-mail account from the first leak. Contacted by RFE/RLs Russian Service, both declined to comment. The pochta_mg@mail.ru account, reviewed by RFE/RL, includes 340 megabytes of data from 336 incoming messages, many addressed to Surkov himself, and 87 outgoing messages, including some that appear to have been signed by Surkov, between November 28, 2014, and September 21, 2016. The authenticity of the newly released e-mails and documents has not yet been fully established, but Aric Toler of the open-source investigation unit Bellingcat and the Atlantic Councils Digital Forensic Lab told RFE/RL that the metadata and other aspects of the e-mails appeared genuine. An e-mail sent to Surkovs office on April 29, 2015, by Anna Makharinskaya, an assistant to Mikhail Markelov, a State Duma member from the ruling United Russia party at the time, included a detailed plan to destabilize Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, with 1.4 million people. Neither Makharinskaya nor Markelov, who the document indicates authored the plan, could be reached for comment. The plan -- titled Package Of Measures X -- says that "the majority of the population of the Kharkiv region adheres to opposition views toward Kyiv" and includes a proposal to create an organization called Civil Initiative that would "develop and implement a set of...actions in order to mobilize dissent [and] criticism of Kyiv authorities," as well as promoting "autonomy" for the region and establishing "a dialogue in this regard between Kharkiv and Kyiv." But the plan appears to have fizzled if it ever got under way, according to a June 4 e-mail identified as being from Markelov. "'The Kharkov, rise up!' movement and 'destabilization rallies and actions' have become "irrelevant," the author wrote, using the Russian spelling for the city name. Among Kharkivs youth there is growing support for the ideas "'Ukraine is Europe,' 'Russia invaded Ukraine,' 'Kharkiv is Ukraine,' etc.," the author continued, adding that among pro-Russian activists it is believed that "Russia has abandoned us." The developments described in those e-mails seems to align with events and attitudes in Kharkiv in 2015. In the months following the pro-Western Euromaidan protests in Kyiv, which drove Russia-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych from power in February 2014, Russia-backed separatists rallied for a "Kharkiv People's Republic," storming government offices like their counterparts in Donetsk and Luhansk, and a group calling itself Kharkiv Partisans targeted pro-Kyiv groups in a bombing campaign that killed several people, according to Ukrainian authorities. Ultimately, the uprising in Kharkiv failed and the city remains under Ukrainian control today -- while Donetsk and Luhansk are held by the Russia-backed separatists. Other e-mails included in the November 3 release indicate that Surkovs associates devoted time to researching Ukrainian federalization -- a process for granting more power to the regions, weakening the central government in Kyiv. Many of the e-mails in the account contain what appear to be briefings from his assistants on legislation in Ukraines parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, and news reports about the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The e-mails suggest Vinogradova and Kudryavtseva were used to pass correspondence between Surkov and leaders of the separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk. Russian Aleksandr Kazakov, an aide to Donetsk separatist leader Aleksandr Zakharchenko, features prominently in the e-mails, writing to Vinogradova with several requests to pass on messages to Surkov. In one, addressed directly to Surkov, an author identified as Kazakov begs for a meeting to ask about Surkov placing him on "unpaid leave." On December 15, 2015, an unidentified sender sent a list with proposed replacements for the heads of so-called "ministries" in what separatists describe as the "Luhansk Peoples Republic." It included the names and resumes of possible candidates to replace 13 officials but not the the self-declared "prime minister," Igor Plotnitsky. There is also correspondence apparently involving European officials. In a series of e-mails that appear to have been sent from official government e-mail accounts in April and May 2015, an author identified as Steffen Thomas, who is listed on the official German Bundestag website as state secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance, discusses with Russian Deputy Finance Minister Aleksei Moiseyev the possible resumption of banking services in the separatist-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk. Banking services in those parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions remain cut off today. With reporting by Mark Krutov of RFE/RLs Russian Service 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. A U.S. military official says Islamic State (IS) group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is losing control of his troops as Iraqi forces try to recapture the IS-held city of Mosul. U.S. Colonel John Dorrian, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition fighting IS militants in Iraq and Syria, made his comments after a reported recording of Baghdadi on November 3 exhorting his fighters in Mosul not to retreat in the battle for the northern city with Iraqi forces. Dorrian said that although the authenticity of the recording had not been verified, it was a clear effort by IS leaders to communicate with their militants. He added that the voice on the recording was heard telling the fighters not to "fight amongst yourselves." "This is the type of thing that a leader who is losing command and control and ability to keep everybody on the same page says," Dorrian said. Ludovico Carlino, an analyst with IHS Jane's, said the speech suggested the group's leadership "is increasingly concerned about defections and militants fleeing the battlefield." Baghdadi's whereabouts is unknown and there have been repeated rumors that he had been injured in fighting or a bomb attack from the U.S.-led coalition. Iraqi forces and their allies have broken into the eastern part of the city of some 1.5 million people and are closing in from the south and north. Based on reporting by AFP and AP Kazakh authorities have detained prominent actor and film director Tunghyshbai Zhamanqulov on suspicion of embezzlement, shortly after accusing a minister of corruption. The Interior Ministry says Zhamanqulov was detained on November 2 on suspicion of embezzling some 70 million tenges ($205,000) allocated for shooting a movie. Zhamanqulov's detention came weeks after he publicly alleged that Culture Minister Arystanbek Mukhamediuly was involved in corruption activities. He also supported several young women who had accused Mukhamediuly of sexual harassment -- an allegation rejected by the minister. Zhamanqulov, 68, starred in 33 movies and became well known by playing a main character in the popular satire show Tamasha in the 1970s. The political party of Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev has built a new majority coalition, less than two weeks after the previous ruling coalition collapsed. The new coalition formed on November 3 includes Atambaev's Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Kyrgyzstan party, and the Bir Bol (Be United) party. Sooronbai Jeenbekov was nominated for prime minister, a position he held in the previous cabinet. Jeenbekovs government resigned on October 26 after the SDP quit the ruling coalition because some partners refused to support proposed constitutional changes. On November 2, Kyrgyz lawmakers approved plans to hold a national referendum on December 11 on the controversial reforms. The constitution bars Atambaev from running for a second presidential term when his mandate ends next year. Critics say the proposed reform would enable him to become a powerful prime minister. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. NATO Deputy Secretary-General Rose Gottemoeller says Montenegro's bid to join NATO is progressing smoothly despite strong opposition from Russia. She made the comments near the Montenegrin capital as the tiny Balkan nation hosted NATO military flood rescue drills. (RFE/RL's Balkan Service) Pakistan has accused eight Indian diplomats of espionage and terrorism, amid mounting tensions between the two neighbors. The Foreign Ministry named the suspects on November 3, saying six of them worked for Indias Research & Analysis Wing intelligence agency, while two were operatives for the Intelligence Bureau agency. The accusations against the diplomats included fueling instability in Pakistan's Sindh and Baluchistan provinces, liaising with factions of the Pakistani Taliban, and working to damage Islamabads relations with Kabul. It was not immediately clear if the diplomats would be expelled by Islamabad or withdrawn by New Delhi. Last week, the countries expelled one diplomat from each other's embassies, accusing them of spying. Islamabad also said it had withdrawn six diplomats from its mission in India after Indian media reported that they had been involved in spying. The developments came amid frequent artillery duels and skirmishes between the two countries in the disputed region of Kashmir. Based on reporting by Reuters and Dawn Sharbat Gula was immortalized as the green-eyed "Afghan girl" after she appeared on the cover of National Geographic magazine 30 years ago. Her haunting gaze -- captured in a Pakistani refugee camp by American photographer Steve McCurry in 1984 -- became an iconic symbol of the horrors of a Soviet occupation that killed or uprooted millions of Afghans. Now a widow in her 40s, Gula has become the face of another struggle. Since her arrest by Pakistani authorities last month on document-fraud charges, the mother of four has come to embody the plight of the millions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Activists warn that Gula and other hapless Afghans trying to escape war and hardship at home face apathy in the international community and mistreatment by authorities in the region. In July, the government in Islamabad began a crackdown on the estimated 2.5 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, the second-largest refugee population in the world. The United Nations said more than 350,000 Afghan refugees -- documented and undocumented -- have returned to their homeland claiming to have been beaten by police, detained, and evicted from their homes in Pakistan. 'Poster Child For Desperation' "She's become the poster child for the desperate situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan," says Patricia Gossman, a senior researcher on Afghanistan at Human Rights Watch. "She is just one of the hundreds of thousands of Afghans who are facing abuses by the Pakistani authorities. Basically, [they're] being compelled to return to a very uncertain future in Afghanistan." Gossman is hopeful the widespread coverage that Gula's arrest has garnered in the media can help bring attention to the plight of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. "It's incredible that it has been allowed to happen on this scale with so little concern around the world," she says. Photographer McCurry has hired a lawyer for Gula, who he says Pakistani authorities may have singled out because she is well-known. He has promised to do "everything and anything" to secure her release. "Sharbat Gula has been the symbol of refugees for decades," McCurry wrote on Instagram on November 2. "Now she has become the face of unwanted migrants." Jailed In Pakistan Gula has been held in jail in the northwest Pakistani city of Peshawar since her arrest on October 26 for allegedly forging documents to get Pakistani nationality. A special court for anticorruption and immigration denied her bail on November 2, saying her application for release focused on humanitarian, not legal, arguments. Afghanistan's ambassador in Pakistan, Omar Zakhilwal, said Gula, who suffers from hepatitis, was hospitalized for treatment the same day. "The arrest of Sharbat Gula...had already hurt feelings of all Afghans," Zakhilwal wrote in a post on Facebook on November 2. "Today's ruling was a further disregard to those feelings." Zakhilwal said Gula's Pakistani identification document was neither "fake or obtained fraudulently." He said Pakistan's National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) issued her an ID "as per its normal process years ago." Gula's brother-in-law, Shahshad Khan, has said she is not a refugee but a legal Pakistani resident because she was married to his brother, Rahmat Khan, who was born in Pakistan and died five years ago. Gula faces up to 14 years in prison if convicted of fraud, though it is more common for Afghan refugees to be deported than to serve time in prison. Her arrest came after a two-year investigation. She allegedly applied for an ID card in April 2014, using the name Sharbat Bibi. It has been illegal for non-Pakistanis to have national IDs since they were first issued in the 1970s, but the law was not enforced until a crackdown began in recent months. Desperate Measures Gula is just one of hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees taking desperate measures to avoid returning to their homeland, where extreme poverty is rife and security is deteriorating further against a backdrop of decades of war. The United Nations and the Afghan government have pleaded with Islamabad to extend the March 2017 deadline it has set for the return of all Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan. Kabul says its resources are overstretched and that it cannot accommodate such a large number of returnees so quickly. Since 2009, Islamabad has repeatedly pushed back a deadline for Afghan refugees to return, but fears are growing that the latest cutoff date will be final. European Union officials have also reportedly been pressing Afghan authorities to accept returnees from among the many thousands of Afghan nationals seeking refuge in Europe, part of the biggest influx of migrants to the continent since World War II. Although only scheduled for release in March 2017, a new film about the early life of the last Russian tsar has some conservative activists up in arms. Only the trailer from the film Matilda, by director Aleksei Uchitel, is available, but that has been enough for the nongovernmental Tsar's Cross organization to denounce it as pornographic and unpatriotic. "Against a general background of degradation, this film is just another attempt to insult something that is holy for the Russian people," the organization's leader, Nikolai Mishustin, wrote on social media on November 3. Matilda tells the story of a three-year love affair between the future Tsar Nicholas II and a teenaged ballet dancer named Matilde Kshesinskaya. After the affair, which ended in 1894 when Nicholas married the German princess who became Empress Aleksandra, Kshesinskaya married the tsar's cousin, Grand Duke Andrei Vladimirovich. She died in 1971. Nicholas, together with his entire family, was executed after the 1917 Bolshevik coup. They were canonized as Russian Orthodox saints in 2000. At the request of Tsar's Cross, Duma Deputy Natalya Poklonskaya, the former Russian chief prosecutor in the occupied Ukrainian region of Crimea, has said she will file an official request with legal authorities to investigate whether the film violates legislation on offending religious sensibilities. "Yesterday, the people, our electorate, appealed to us as their elected representative for help," Poklonskaya wrote on her LiveJournal blog. "I consider it my duty to consider and to react to this appeal. After all, one can betray God with silence." Poklonskaya, an avowed monarchist who oddly carried a portrait of Nicholas II during the Immortal Regiment march to mark the 70th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in 2015, and many of those who object to the film deny that Nicholas ever had an affair with Kshesinskaya. They also object to the "desecration" of state symbols and the fact that Nicholas is portrayed by German actor Lars Eidinger. Because of the Romanov family's preference for marrying into European -- primarily German -- noble families, Nicholas's last primarily ethnic Russian ancestor was the 18th-century Tsar Peter the Great. 'Defenders Of Morality'? The attacks on the film Matilda come against a background of growing concern about the influence of social and religious conservatives on the country's cultural life. Late last month, theater director Konstantin Raikin gave a speech in which he lamented "attacks on art," mentioning the closure of an exhibition of photographs by American Jock Sturges, the cancelation of a production of Jesus Christ Superstar in Omsk, the 2015 closing of a production of the German opera Tannhauser in Novosibirsk, and others. Noting that one protester at the controversial Sturges exhibition urinated on one of the photographs, Raikin questioned whether the protesters can really be considered defenders of morality. Raikin said the protests against such cultural events were illegal and "paid for," implying that the government or the church could be inciting them. He accused the government of trying to set itself up as the sole arbiter of morality and called on the cultural community to unite to prevent a return to "Stalinist times" in culture. Writing in Kommersant on October 27, filmmaker Andrei Zvyagintsev, whose film Leviathan was shortlisted for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 2014, said "only a liar or an ignoramus" could deny the existence of censorship in Russia. Russia is increasing its military capabilities on its western border in response to NATO building up its forces, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on November 2. Russia and its ally Belarus must increase defenses as "the United States and other NATO members actively build up their offensive potential," Shoigu told high-ranking military officials in Minsk. NATO's "actions are undermining strategic stability and are forcing Russia to take countermeasures of a defensive nature," he said. "Hotbeds of tension have moved close to our borders." NATO, in response to increased Russian military moves, wants to send 4,000 soldiers to the Baltic states, with Lithuania leading the core of the additional group starting next year. Shoigu did not specify any figures in his speech. According to previous information, Russia wants to increase the number of troops along its western border by about 30,000. Based on reporting by dpa, Interfax, and TASS Russia has warned that a dispute between Moscow and Dushanbe over the status of a new Russian international airport may lead to the suspension of all flights to Tajikistan. Russia's Transport Ministry said on November 3 that it would suspend flights to Tajikistan from November 8 unless Tajik aviation authorities change their position on the Zhukovsky airport near Moscow. Zhukovsky International Airport was officially opened in May 2016. Dushanbe is calling for a revision of existing bilateral agreements on mutual air flights, saying that Zhukovsky is Moscows fourth international airport and that it has increased the number of flights from Moscow to Tajikistan. We need to protect the interests of our air companies, Rahmon Yusuf Azim of Tajikistan's Transport Ministry told RFE/RL. Russian Transport Ministry officials insist that the Zhukovsky airport is not under Moscows authority but of the town of Ramenskoye. With reporting by TASS Serbian officials have released a Kosovar Albanian who was arrested last week on suspicion of committing war crimes during the 1998-99 conflict in Kosovo. Sead Spahovic, the lawyer for Hilmi Kelmendi, said on November 3 that his client will "leave jail today" and "is a free man." Spahovic said the prosecution had "called off" the case against Kelmendi, who was arrested while travelling through Serbia on a trip from Kosovo to Germany on October 29. Kosovo's Foreign Ministry had called Kelmendi's arrest "unacceptable" and said it threatened the "dialogue for the normalization of relations" between the two countries. Kelmendi's arrest came nearly one month after Serbia's detention of Nehat Thaqi, the police chief of Kosovo's Mitrovica region. Thaqi, who was facing terrorism-related charges, was released by Serbian police on October 31. A former Serbian province, Kosovo declared independence in 2008 and has been recognized by 112 countries. Belgrade has refused to recognize the move and regards Kosovo as a breakaway territory. Based on reporting by AFP and BIRN President Vladimir Putin has awarded Russian citizenship to U.S. actor Steven Seagal. The 64-year-old Seagal "has been insistent for a long time in asking to be granted Russian citizenship," Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on November 3. He is known for his warm feelings to our country. He never made a secret of it, and he's also a well-known actor, which gave grounds to make him a Russian citizen," Peskov added. Seagal is one of several Western celebrities who have socialized with Putin and praised him, despite the deep chill in diplomatic relations between Moscow and the West. Other foreign celebrities to be awarded Russian citizenship by the Kremlin in recent years included French actor Gerard Depardieu and U.S. boxer Roy Jones Jr. In January, Seagal was granted Serbian citizenship after the veteran actor and producer made visits to Serbia, praising its populist leadership and saying he feels like a Serb. Based on reporting by TASS, Interfax, AP, and Reuters To activate the text-to-speech service, please first agree to the privacy policy below. Taipei, Nov. 3 (CNA) Premier Lin Chuan () said Thursday that students who come to Taiwan to study for a degree, whether they are Chinese or foreign, will be covered by the nation's health insurance program and be required to pay the full amount of the health insurance premium. ON MY MIND Speaking in Athens yesterday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that, inevitably, Russia and the West will need to sit down and talk to resolve differences over Syria, Ukraine, and elsewhere. Vladimir Putin suggested the same in remarks at the Valdai Discussion Forum last week. This all ignores the fact that Moscow's track record on agreements with the West has been far from stellar. The ink was barely dry on the Minsk cease-fire and the recent cease-fire in Syria before Russia began violating them. And as Mark Schneider notes in a piece featured below, it is not complying with the 2010 New START nuclear treaty. So there's that. But leaving aside the issue of noncompliance, there are deeper questions about what a grand compromise with Russia would look like. Russia is not going to return Crimea to Ukraine. It is not going to stop its intervention in the Donbas. It is not going to stop trying to dominate its neighbors. Russia appears to want detente without changing any of its behavior. It doesn't want compromise. It wants capitulation. And for this reason, a grand bargain with Moscow is all but impossible. IN THE NEWS Ukrainian hackers claim to have broken into a second e-mail account linked to Vladislav Surkov, a senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, releasing documents they say add to mounting evidence of Kremlin meddling in Kyivs affairs. Russian paratroopers have launched joint exercises with Serbian military units at the same time as NATO is holding exercises in neighboring Montenegro. The Russian Federal Penitentiary Service has said doctors found no traces of trauma or assault on a jailed activist who alleges he was tortured. Human rights activists, however, have expressed doubts over the independence of the prison service's findings. Vladimir Putin has granted Russian citizenship to actor Steven Seagal. A Moscow court has seized the assets of Pavel Ivlev, a former lawyer for the Yukos oil company, who lives in the United States. The Russian State Duma has passed a bill criminalizing doping. Internationally renowned Russian circus clown Oleg Popov has died at the age of 86. Pro-Western Moldovan presidential candidate Maia Sandu has suggested her opponent, Igor Dodon, made treasonous comments in saying that Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula is now effectively part of Russia, two years after being forcibly annexed by Moscow. The U.S. ambassador in Kyiv, Marie Yovanovitch, has welcomed Ukrainian officials' public declarations of their wealth as a step toward increasing citizens' confidence in elected officials. The trial of the director of Moscow's Ukrainian Literature Library began in Moscow on November 2. Natalya Sharina pleaded not guilty to charges of extremism and embezzlement. WHAT I'M READING Vladimir Of Arabia Emile Simpson, a research fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows, has a piece in Foreign Policy looking at the causes and consequences of Putin's return to the Middle East. "As any demagogue knows, one way to create power out of nothing is to find a division and then exploit it. In the Middle East, the fundamental division Russia has exploited is the one between the Wests aversion to Islamists, on the one hand, and human rights abuses on the other," Simpson writes. "The conflict between these aims often produces equivocation in Western foreign policy. It also opens up political space where Russia can operate by investing in repression and discounting democracy." The Culture Of Warfare Stephen Covington, a strategic fellow at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, has a new report out: The Culture of Strategic Thought Behind Russia's Modern Approaches to Warfare. "After years of marginalization, Russian military strategic culture has returned to a position of great influence inside Russias political system, and strikingly so over the last four years," Covington writes. "This culture of strategic thought plays a dominant role in the countrys military preparations for war, and shapes the country's economic priorities. Russian military strategic culture also provides President Putin a strategic framework for Russias most critical security and defense calculations in peace, crisis, and war." Nuclear Posturing Former U.S. Defense Department official Mark Schneider, a senior analyst at the National Institute for Public Policy, has a new piece out: The Russian Nuclear Weapons Buildup And The Future Of The New START Treaty. "Compliance with New START should have been easy for Russia," Schneider writes. "As a result of the buildup of its strategic offensive forces, however, Russia is now 246 warheads above the New START treaty limit on deployed warheads. It now appears unlikely that Russia intends to comply with the New START treaty ceilings in early 2018 when they come into legal effect." The Non-Cold War Anton Shekhovtsov has a piece in Opendemocracy arguing that calling the confrontation between Russia and the West a new Cold War "relies on outdated thinking and ignores new realities." The Glazyev Tapes, The Surkov Leaks, And Ukraine Andreas Umland, a senior research fellow at the Institute for Euro-Atlantic Cooperation in Kyiv, has a piece on the European Council on Foreign Relations looking at what leaked communications from Kremlin aides Sergei Glazyev and Vladislav Surkov reveal about Russia's war on Ukraine. Defining The Russian Nation In a piece in The Moscow Times, Aleksandr Verkhovsky, director of the SOVA Center, looks at what is behind Putin's call for a law defining the Russian nation. "If there is a law on the Russian nation, it will almost certainly tie ethnicity in with national security issues," Verkhovsky writes. "It will also continue the vague, ideological quest that some have politely referred to as 'the ideology of new state nationalism.'" The Return Of The Kremlinologists Novaya Gazeta has a piece looking at the return of "Sovietology" in the West. Fear And Loathing In Kaliningrad Foreign Policy's Robbie Gramer weighs in on Kaliningrad's economic woes. Meet The New Propaganda (Same As The Old Propaganda) MIkhail Khodorkovsky's Open Wall web portal looks at how Russian propaganda reuses and updates old Soviet memes. SRB Podcast The new SRB Podcast, hosted by Sean Guillory of the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Russian and Eastern European Studies, takes a look at Soviet television. Sean's guest is Christine Evans, a history professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and author of the book Between Truth And Time: A History Of Soviet Central Television. The UN Security Council has condemned the use of human shields in Iraq by Islamic State (IS) militants as fighting for the city of Mosul continues. The council said in a statement after a closed-door meeting on November 2 that all sides fighting for Mosul must avoid hurting civilians. The meeting was held to hear UN human rights and humanitarian aid officials' reports on the situation in Mosul as Iraqi forces reached the city's eastern outskirts on November 1. The head of the Security Council, Senegali Deputy UN Ambassador Georgui Ciss, said reports of IS fighters taking thousands of civilians from their homes to be used as human shields has alarmed council members. Iraqi special forces who began their assault on Mosul some two weeks ago spent November 2 consolidating their gains in the eastern part of the city. Iraqi officials said eight IS militants were killed in Mosul on November 2 and that hundreds of residents had fled the city to safe areas. Many Mosul citizens were seen shaving the beards they were forced to grow while IS controlled the city. Many shops were boarded up in Mosul's easternmost district of Gogjali, while others had been destroyed by artillery shells. General Abdul-Ghani al-Asadi, commander of the counterterrorism forces, said a curfew had been ordered in the neighborhood. South of Mosul, progress has lagged with Iraqi forces still 30 kilometers away from Mosul. But Iraqi police forces said they had captured four villages in the Hamam al-Alil area from IS militants. Mosul is the extremist group's last major stronghold in Iraq. It seized the city in 2014 and has imposed its harsh form of Islam on Mosul residents. Many observers are concerned about the fate of civilians caught in the fighting in Mosul after reports that IS militants were rounding up thousands of people as human shields and killing those suspected of links to Iraqi security forces. The Norwegian Refugee Council warned that more than 1 million civilians trapped in Mosul "are in grave danger" as Iraqi troops advance. The aid group said about 18,000 Iraqis have fled their homes since the October 17 start of the Mosul operation. Separately, Amnesty International said tribal Sunni fighters taking part in the Mosul fighting had killed men and boys in newly captured areas that they suspected of being IS militants. Based on reporting by AFP and AP The United States is talking with Turkey about taking an eventual role in the campaign to regain control of the Syrian city of Raqqa from the Islamic State extremist group, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter has said. "We'll continue to talk with Turkey about its role in the eventual seizure of Raqqa, but we're proceeding now with the operation according to our plan," Carter said at a news conference on November 2. "We intend to go there soon with the force that is capable of doing that and enveloping the city of Raqqa. ... The final seizure of Raqqa, we continue to talk to Turkey about that and a possible role for Turkey in that further down the road," Carter said. Carter has said that Kurdish YPG militia fighters will be part of the force charged with surrounding and isolating IS in its most important stronghold in Syria. But Arab forces are expected to be the ones to take the city itself, U.S. officials say, to avoid potential ethnic conflicts. A similar strategy has been followed in the operation to retake Iraq's Mosul from IS to avoid igniting ethnic and sectarian conflicts. The role of the Kurds in the battle has emerged as a major sticking point with Turkey. The United States regards the YPG as its most capable Syrian ally in the fight against IS, but Turkey regards it as a terrorist organization because of its links with Kurdish militants fighting a three-decade insurgency in Turkey. Turkey's concern has grown as the Syrian Kurds, with strong U.S. backing, have taken control of much of the Syria-Turkey border from the militants. Turkey has said that the Raqqa operation should be carried out by local forces and the Kurdish YPG militia should not be included. But U.S. officials have privately warned Turkey that it must stand aside and let the coalition-backed operation proceed, The Washington Post reported. Carter's comments on November 2 suggest that the United States will try to involve Turkey in the final takeover of the city after Kurdish YPG forces have helped to surround and isolate it. With reporting by Reuters and The Washington Post WASHINGTON -- A U.S. judge has again postponed a deadline for federal authorities to agree with Uzbekistan over what to do with hundreds of millions of dollars linked to the daughter of the Central Asian country's late president. Judge Andrew Carter's order on November 2 sets a new deadline for the end of January 2017 for the two sides to agree on the fate of the funds currently being held in a Swiss bank account. The order also means that the talks, which have been described to RFE/RL as very difficult, continue to be problematic. "They've been talking for what, almost nine months now?" said Brian Campbell, a U.S. lawyer who has advocated for Uzbek civil-society groups trying to influence the negotiations. "You would think if they were going well, they would come to some sort of conclusion." Earlier this year, the U.S. Justice Department placed a seizure order on more than $600 million stemming from an audacious multiyear bribery scheme allegedly involving Gulnara Karimova, the eldest daughter of Uzbek President Islam Karimov, an authoritarian leader who died two months ago. U.S. officials have indicated that they want to return the money to Uzbekistan. But there are deep concerns about who will receive the money, how it will be disbursed, and what sort of oversight there will be. Uzbek officials, meanwhile, are chafing at the idea of Washington dictating how they spend money that they see as rightfully theirs. Further complicating matters is the ongoing political transition in Uzbekistan following Karimov's death, which was announced on September 2 following days of secrecy and speculation about his condition. Karimov had ruled Uzbekistan with an iron fist since before the Soviet collapse, and in the weeks since his death, the acting president, Shavkat Mirziyaev, has moved to consolidate his power, installing allies in key government agencies and bureaucracies. Mirziyaev is widely expected to secure a formal term as president in elections scheduled to be held next month. The State Department referred questions about the negotiations over the illicit funds to the Justice Department, which is conducting the talks with the Uzbeks. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment. Gulnara's whereabouts, meanwhile, continues to be a mystery. In her heyday, she gained notoriety for a glamorous lifestyle that included designing jewelry, staging fashion shows, running television stations and night clubs, and recording syrupy pop videos. She was once seen as heir apparent to her father. Two years ago, however, she was reportedly put under house arrest in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, and little has been heard of her since. She was not seen publicly at her father's lavish funeral. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. Virginia Commonwealth University has been awarded a $4.4 million grant from the federal government to conduct four studies of business practices that lead to companies hiring and retaining employees with disabilities. The grant will pay for work that will be conducted over the next five years. The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research in the U.S. Department for Health and Human Services is funding the grant, according to a news release issued by VCU. For the largest and most significant of the four studies, VCU will partner with Bon Secours Virginia Health System, a long-term leader in diversity and hiring of persons with disabilities, according to the release. VCU will also partner with researchers at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. The lead researcher on all of the studies will be Paul Wehman, a professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the VCU School of Medicine and in the Department of Counseling and Special Education in the VCU School of Education. These studies will allow us to work closely with businesses in Virginia and especially with Bon Secours to provide an intensive study of why businesses hire or do not hire persons with disabilities, Wehman said in the release. This is important as close to 60 percent of persons with disabilities remain unemployed in this country today. Workforce inclusion and diversity is paramount to Bon Secours culture, said Jim Godwin, vice president of human resources for the Bon Secours Virginia Health System. Understanding and incorporating diversity, to include ethnicity, language, religion, disability, gender, and so much more, into our workforce is critical in providing exceptional health care, he said in the release. Another VCU research study, which will be conducted in Richmond, will involve working with up to 75 employers of various sizes. Conner Brothers Body Shop, Mango Salon and VCU Health have already committed to participate. This study will investigate the real-time decision-making processes that supervisors go through when deciding to hire, retain or promote people with disabilities. The two remaining studies will take place at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, which is receiving a $1.75 million subcontract from VCU to perform the work together over five years, Wehman said. Jack Berry's mayoral campaign released a poll Thursday that shows him leading Joe Morrissey and Levar Stoney in the north Richmond 3rd District, which is widely considered a battleground in the coming mayoral contest. The live survey of 175 voters, conducted by political polling firm American Strategies, shows Berry with 31 percent of the vote, Stoney with 24 percent and Morrissey with 19 percent. Berry's opponents disputed the findings, though they declined to release any internal polling of their own in response. Meanwhile, independent political observers cautioned that the data, while potentially accurate, is likely a selective release of the most flattering polling his campaign has conducted. "I'm always a bit skeptical when interest groups that are supporting a candidate are providing polling data, and, in particular, I'm skeptical about whether they're providing all the polling data they have," said political scientist Bob Holsworth. Berry's survey was conducted between Oct. 27 and Oct. 31, meaning it was in the field when allegations Morrissey sexually harassed a law client were first made public. The last public polling released on Oct. 15 showed Morrissey winning the district with 23 percent of the vote, followed by 20 percent for Stoney and 12 percent for Berry. To win on Election Day, a mayoral candidate must win five of nine council districts. Berry has reliably carried three districts, while Morrissey has shown leads in as many as six. Berry's campaign said the survey shows he is best positioned to beat Morrissey. "We hope that support will continue to unify around Jack Berry," said spokesman Matt Rigby in a statement. In addition to the 3rd District, the city's 5th District is also considered a battleground, stretching from the Fan to Oregon Hill and across the James to neighborhoods adjacent to Forest Hill Park. Holsworth called it telling that Berry's campaign declined to release any polling for that district. He also noted that the demographics of the respondents don't appear to match the district, skewing toward college-educated residents he said are more likely to support Berry and Stoney. Stoney's campaign declined to respond to Berry's poll. Morrissey said his internal polling still shows him winning six districts and that his numbers have been trending upward, though he declined to release any reports. "My statement to Jack is if he's got that lead in the 3rd, well, congratulations, Jack, that's wonderful," Morrissey said. Vincent White grew up in South Richmond hearing stories from his grandfather warning him to steer clear of police. Now 36, he has made an unlikely friend in Lt. Faith Flippo, a white, female sector lieutenant in the citys 2nd Precinct, which covers the lower portion of South Side. I never saw police walking around or patrolling there when I was young, said White, who is black. My grandfather told me to leave police alone. But I started seeing (Flippo) around, and I saw she really cared. I had to change my entire thinking. White, a leader at Faith and Family Church on Walmsley Boulevard and part of the Richmond Christian Leadership Initiative, is teaming up with Flippo and other faith leaders for an event aimed at bridging the gap between community members and police, Saturdays second annual Faith Leaders Safety Picnic is free and open to the community. It will feature bounce houses, music, a soccer tournament, raffles giving away Thanksgiving turkeys, and public safety tips. The link between faith leaders and police was a natural one, Flippo said. Between pastors and police, our goals are the same: to help people, she said. If someone needs help, theyre calling 911 or going to church. Before meeting Flippo, White said that if he had ever had a confrontation with police, it probably would have confirmed the stereotypes his grandfather told him. And that would have been that, White said. At 36, I didnt have a contrast before. People need a visual. Thats what the picnic is all about: the community seeing police out and about. Playing soccer. Not chasing down criminals. Talking with, not interrogating, people. Its also important for officers to see community members outside of their duties, Flippo said. Its good for my officers to see people who appreciate them, she said. Flippo plans to bring her three children and husband, also a police officer, to Saturdays picnic. So people see the person in me, not just the uniform. The Rev. Keith E. Edmonds, senior pastor of Koinonia Christian Church and president of the Hull Street/Midlothian Civic Association, said faith leaders and police have been meeting for more than a year a product of Police Chief Alfred Durhams community policing efforts. The church is in the community, and we have a duty to reach out, Edmonds said. You can see the change. White said he still gets nervous if he sees blue lights flashing behind him. Flippo smiled knowingly. Me, too, he said. The administration of Mayor Dwight C. Jones on Thursday announced the filing 11 months late of a mandatory annual financial report to the state wielded in recent years by his detractors as a reoccurring symbol of municipal dysfunction. The audited, technical snapshot of Richmond finances was due to the state Auditor of Public Accounts last November; the report was submitted Oct. 31, according to a release. A few forms needed to technically finalize the citys obligations have yet to be submitted, according to Rachel Reamy, the local government audit manager for the state auditor. Among them are an internal control and compliance report and a single audit of the citys use of federal funds. They informed me that those are soon forthcoming once they have received (them) from their auditors, Reamy said in an email. This years delay exceeds last years by three weeks, and marks the third consecutive year in which officials have said employee turnover and challenges migrating financial systems snarled the process. As of September the company working on the 2015 report had not yet said whether they would again partner with the city to prepare 2016s, which is due to the state Nov. 30. All localities must submit a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report annually. As of last month, Richmond and the city of Hopewell were the last localities with reports overdue. Jones in a statement expressed confidence in city finance workers brought in to replace the initial turnaround team of a half-dozen workers brought in to improve operations in 2014. I am more confident than ever in the personnel that we have assembled for our financial operations, Jones stated. Now that we have closed this chapter on FY15 with a clean opinion, we will be moving forward aggressively to have the FY16 CAFR completed as quickly as possible and to set future CAFRs on track for consistent timely reporting. City officials last month told members of the city council that the 2015 report was delayed in part because of an illness at the outside auditing firm hired to scrutinize the citys books. The 2015 report has been uploaded to the citys website. Its cover page is anchored by photos of the city skyline, Huguenot High School, cyclists and a smiling Jones. In a release he touted a $4.6 million increase in the citys unassigned fund balance as proof Richmond is moving in the right direction. The citys bond health as graded by Moodys, Standards and Poors and Fitch held steady at Aa2, AA+ and AA+, respectively, which are regarded as stable ratings. Grant Thornton LLP audited Richmonds financials for the 2015 report after the citys previous contractor, Cherry Bekaert, declined the work in March 2015, citing a high-risk, dysfunction working environment that had continually gotten worse every year. Council members have complained openly about having to conduct budget deliberations without having access to audited financial statements. Perhaps our pitch sounded better during the dawn of summer, with school out and city elections nearly five months away. But Richmond Superintendent Dana Bedden embraced the Richmond Times-Dispatchs plan to embed in several Richmond Public Schools for this school year to spotlight successes and challenges. During that June 22 meeting in a school district conference room, a relaxed Bedden offered story ideas to me, staff photographer Daniel Sangjib Min and two Times-Dispatch editors. We were on our way, it appeared. So on Aug. 2, I announced to readers that Id be taking a hiatus from column writing as I spend concentrated time in several Richmond schools. With help from Richmond School Board members Don Coleman and Kristen Larson, and the school districts bilingual parent liaison Fanty Polanco, I ultimately found three students and their families who were willing to allow us to shadow and profile them during the school year. Im here today to tell you that, despite our best efforts, the project will not be moving forward. From the districts perspective, this was an awesome opportunity to help depict the true story of Richmond Public Schools, RPS spokeswoman Kenita Bowers said in an email Wednesday. While all were on board during preliminary discussions that took place over the summer, it is difficult to predict the response at the school level. Additionally, the expectation was set in the planning stages that obtaining consent forms from all impacted students at all three schools was not only necessary, but also could potentially be difficult to accomplish, she said. Our primary goal is to always provide a comfortable learning environment for all students and to ensure that instruction is not disrupted by any means. Furthermore, we are obligated to adhere to all student privacy guidelines and regulations. Although things did not pan out to allow for in-school shadowing of our students, we look forward to opportunities to contribute to sharing our story for your readers in other ways. Our first indication of blockage at the schoolhouse door came on Aug. 26, when, in a meeting, spokeswoman Cletisha Lovelace voiced the concerns of the school districts legal counsel. I was told we could not have access to any classrooms without parental consent forms because of district policies and student privacy regulations. Collecting those forms which had to be signed by each teacher and a parent of every child in the classrooms wed sit in on would take until October, I was told. As wed hoped to be in the classrooms when school opened after Labor Day, this wasnt good news. I tried to arrange a meeting with the districts attorneys, but I was told they were unavailable that week. I was also told that the lawyers were drafting a memorandum of understanding that would establish the ground rules for our interaction with students, our access in the school building and other issues. I was told it would be available by Sept. 2 for review and sign-off by The Times-Dispatch. We got antsy as that deadline came and went. We finally received the memorandum on Sept. 13 for The Times-Dispatchs legal counsel to review. The project stalled further as our lawyers and theirs hammered out a memorandum of understanding that both parties could live with. We signed a final version of the five-page document Sept. 29. The document limited us to two school days per month for the three students we were following, unless the school district granted more. And the district reserved the right to have a representative shadow us as we shadowed the students. Even with our signing off on the memorandum, there was still the matter of the consent forms for parents or guardians and for school employees. The district asked us to come up with consent forms of our own, which were finalized on Oct. 3. The forms were worrisome, to say the least, particularly the section that read, (Richmond Times-Dispatch) understands that it will not be permitted to go into any classrooms to shadow any students unless the teacher, and the parents and/or legal guardians of all of the students in the class, have given written signed consent for the reporter and/or photographer to be present. Yes, the stipulation applied even to students who werent interviewed, photographed or otherwise identified. Thats a bar as high as the Himalayas. It virtually ensured that we wouldnt gain classroom access. And so it came to pass. Late last week, I learned that two parents at Greene Elementary School had declined to sign the consent form. So, unfortunately, we will not have the necessary participation there to move forward, Lovelace wrote to me in an email. Meanwhile, at Huguenot High School, Principal Robert Gilstrap gave the consent forms to teachers before distributing them to students. Two teachers indicated they did not wish to participate. And at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, the paucity of returned forms led Principal Jeryl Scott to redistribute them. So now its November two months into a school year in which wed hoped to be embedded in our selected schools and we are pulling the plug. In hindsight, perhaps we should have held off on announcing the project until we had ironclad agreements. But the school district appeared to be fully on board during our June meeting. And frankly, nothing I knew about such projects led me to foresee such an outcome. For two months in 1995, my future wife, Robin Farmer then an education reporter for The Times-Dispatch taught writing to students at Henderson Middle School as part of a project called Trading Places: From the Newsroom to the Classroom. Patricia Conn was superintendent at the time; Harold Fitrer, now president and CEO of Communities in Schools-Richmond, was Hendersons principal. Robin spent much of the 1996-97 school year inside Hanover Countys Atlee High School, chronicling the doings of its senior class with the blessing of Superintendent Stewart Roberson. She recalls no paperwork or legal wrangling before either project. In 2004-05 the school year that students from the former John F. Kennedy High merged with those from Armstrong High RTD reporters Lindsay Kastner and Mark Holmberg, and photographer Eva Russo, spent a year in the East End school, spurred in part by a climate of foreboding over what the merger might bring. (Those fears proved largely unfounded.) The Armstrong project was greenlighted by Deborah Jewell-Sherman, then Richmond school superintendent. Our staffers were in the school by opening day and had virtually unfettered access. A dozen years and two superintendents later, its a different story. Maybe Bedden took stock of the unstable political environment two of his School Board allies (Larson and Kimberly Gray) are seeking seats on the City Council, and a third (Coleman) is stepping down and concluded the timing wasnt right. The districts foundering SOL scores couldnt have been helpful. The superintendent is in an awkward post-honeymoon period where patience is running thin. Perhaps he concluded that the potential disruption wasnt worth alienating our selected schools principals, two of whom were new and in challenging situations. Whatever the reason, the perceived lack of transparency is not a good look. We had embarked on this project to shine a light on the real challenges facing public education in Richmond, as seen through the eyes of students and families who have entrusted their fate to the beleaguered school district. We had hoped our project might help highlight education as an issue during the mayoral election. Instead, the election will come and go without us in the classroom. The students who agreed to let us shadow them for this project Danna Garcia-Jimenez of Greene Elementary, Toniyah Ross of MLK Middle and Matthew Moore of Huguenot High have all the appearances of being fine ambassadors for the school district. Please look for their stories over the long Thanksgiving weekend. But unfortunately, without access to the schools, our telling of their stories can only be graded as incomplete. An attorney for the mother of a slain University of Virginia lacrosse player asked a Charlottesville judge Wednesday to postpone the trial of her $29.45 million wrongful death lawsuit against George Huguely . Sharon Love filed the suit after Huguely was convicted in 2012 of second-degree murder in the slaying of his girlfriend Yeardley Love two years earlier. Huguely, 28, is serving a 23-year sentence at the Augusta Correctional Center for the slaying. He has continued to fight his criminal conviction, even after the U.S. Supreme Court in October 2015 denied a request to review his case. Huguely also is involved in a 2013 court case in Maryland, brought by Chartis Property Casualty Co., a holding company of insurance giant AIG. Huguely sought insurance coverage from Chartis as part of two policies held by his mother. If granted, the insurance policy can cover Huguelys legal defense and up to $6 million of any monetary sum awarded to Sharon Love, according to Huguelys attorney, Matthew Green. In court Wednesday, Loves attorney, Jeffrey Stedman, asked Charlottesville Circuit Court Judge Richard Moore to postpone the March trial date until a Maryland court makes a decision in the insurance case. If the court decides Huguely acted intentionally, the insurance company would not have to pay up, said Stedman. He argued the Maryland case needed to be resolved before the wrongful death lawsuit could move forward. The purpose of this litigation is for [Huguely] to compensate for the plaintiffs loss, Stedman said in court. Money is always a poor substitute for the loss of a loved one, but it is the only remedy in this case. Arguing to keep the trial date as is, Green said the Maryland court has had abundant time to reach a decision and the delay has caused the case to drag on long enough. By waiting longer, he said, there also is prejudice against Huguely in the form of additional legal expenses. After hearing both sides, Moore said the primary issue is determining how long to wait for the Maryland court to make a decision Because both sides have received only silence from the court, Moore said he was inclined to deny the motion to postpone the case. However, he said, he would take a few days to read additional case law and make a decision within the next week or so. Im not going to rush, but I am inclined to deny the motion, Moore said. We havent heard anything to indicate Maryland will make a decision any time soon. If we heard from Maryland in the next week or two, that will affect my decision. Following the hearing, Green said its important that the case move forward . As George has said all along, hes legally responsible for this, and Sharon Love Yeardleys mother is entitled to monetary compensation; we dont contest that, Green said. I think this needs a resolution at this point. Its very unusual for a civil case to drag on like this certainly this is a very unusual case for a number of reasons, but the sooner we can get all of this done, the community can heal a little bit and George can get on with his life. Loves request to continue the trial date comes after a hearing last month in which her attorneys asked Moore to suspend the lawsuit until the Maryland court made a decision. At that earlier hearing, Moore made similar observations about the uncertainty of the insurance case and denied the request. Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine will hold a closing rally Monday evening in Richmond, the Hillary Clinton campaign announced Thursday. Kaine, a former Virginia governor and Richmond mayor, will be joined by his wife, Anne Holton, for an evening rally at a location to be determined, the campaign said. Kaine will urge Virginians to make history on Tuesday by electing Hillary Clinton president and embracing an America that is stronger together, with an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top, the campaign said in a news release. Earlier Monday, Kaine and Holton will hold an event in Northern Virginia. Its not clear if the Republican ticket will make any last-minute appearances in Virginia. John Fredericks, chairman of Donald Trumps Virginia campaign, said in an interview Thursday that Trumps national campaign had asked him if more Virginia rallies with Trump or vice presidential nominee Mike Pence would help win the state. Fredericks said he answered no and told the national campaign that Trump should focus on other states. Weve got everything we need, Fredericks said. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Virginia expects to save $2.5 billion in a public-private partnership contract that the state intends to award to a business consortium to build express toll lanes and other improvements along 22.5 miles of Interstate 66 outside the Capital Beltway in Northern Virginia to relieve the worst traffic congestion in the state. Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced today that the state has selected Express Mobility Partners a consortium of Spanish multinational company Ferrovial, its subsidiary Cintra, global investment and asset management firm Meridiam, and construction firm Allan Myers to finance, design, maintain and operate the toll expressway under a 50-year concession. The group was one of two bidders for the project under new rules for public-private transportation deals to protect taxpayers from costly projects such as the failed attempt to build a toll expressway along U.S. 460 and the ongoing expansion of the Downtown and Midtown Tunnels in Hampton Roads. The Spanish consortium won the bidding war against the rival Transurban/Skanska team with an offer that includes a $500 million up-front payment to Virginia, as well as a commitment for $800 million in public transit improvements and $350 million in other transportation projects in the I-66 corridor over the life of the toll concession. This project will transform travel in the I-66 corridor and pave the way for additional multi-modal options that will reduce congestion and commute times, McAuliffe said. The agreement also will free up to $600 million in state and regional funds that had been allocated as a potential contribution to the project, but no longer will be required to pay for improvements in the highest-priority transportation project in Virginia. The administration and legislative allies say the deal vindicates their decision to overhaul the 20-year-old Public-Private Transportation Act last year to protect state taxpayers from the risks and costs of previous agreements on U.S. 460 and the Downtown-Midtown Tunnel. We put accountability at the forefront of the process, which I think was lacking before, said House Appropriations Chairman Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, who sponsored legislation to reform the public-private partnership, or P3, process to increase public oversight of deals proposed under the law. Jones called the 2012 agreement between Elizabeth River Crossings and Gov. Bob McDonnells administration to expand and renovate the Downtown and Midtown tunnels between Norfolk and Portsmouth one of the worst deals Ive ever seen. State officials say the deal has cost Virginia nearly $300 million to buy down tolls, while exposing the state to an estimated $700 million in penalties if it builds other projects that affect the private companys toll revenue. It was too one-sided, Jones said. Jones also has been a fierce critic of the agreement McDonnell signed in late 2012 to build a 55-mile toll expressway along U.S. 460 from Suffolk to Prince George County. McAuliffe canceled the project in early 2014 after discovering the state had little chance of getting a federal permit to destroy hundreds of acres of wetlands for a road that ultimately would have cost $1.8 billion in an uncongested region of the state. Ultimately, state taxpayers absorbed a $260 million loss on the project. We assumed all the risk, hence the taxpayer got left holding the bag, the appropriations chairman said. Those deals prompted the McAuliffe administration to change the states approach to public-private transportation projects in order to ground deals in sound numbers and ensure the state was working from a strong bargaining position. We closed the buffet, spokesman Brian Coy said. The original estimate for a public-private partnership to build the I-66 project from Interstate 495 to U.S. 15 in Haymarket would have cost the state $900 million to $1 billion, without money for transit improvements or other projects to relieve congestion in the traffic-clogged corridor, Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne said. The McAuliffe administration dropped the plan and devised a different approach based on what the project would cost if it was built by the state. The state ultimately decided it could build the toll lanes for $600 million, about $350 million less than the original estimate, and pay for it with toll-backed bonds. The key was the governor kept saying (to private vendors), Were going to do it ourselves unless you come to the table, Layne said. Layne said the new approach saved $1.5 billion by including in any deal the cost of transit and other corridor improvements. The competition between the Cintra and Transurban teams resulted in offers that met the states terms, but the winning bid turned a $600 million public cost into a $500 million gain, Layne said. The Cintra offer scored higher than the other proposal on technical requirements and financial terms, Layne said. This was not a close call, Layne said, adding that the deal marks the first time in the states history that it has gotten a check for a concession. The administration got help this year from the General Assembly, which kept alive legislation that would allow the sale of $600 million in bonds to build the project if private vendors did not produce proposals that met the states terms. The legislation passed the Senate and was carried over in the House of Delegates, pending the outcome of competitive bidding. The I-66 project is the first to go through the new process required by the law adopted last year to reform public-private partnerships. The new rules require a finding of public interest that considers the risks, liabilities and responsibilities of a project, subject to review and approval by a new oversight committee that includes representatives of the General Assemblys budget committees as well as the Commonwealth Transportation Board. At the end of the process, the transportation secretary must certify that the project as approved still meets all the findings of public interest. The risks and rewards are in much better balance in the process than there had been in past deals, Deputy Secretary of Transportation Nick Donohue said. Virginia chose Express Mobility Partners despite public criticism by the Unite Here union of Ferrovial and its Cintra subsidiary for past bankruptcies and other controversies, such as toll hikes and contract provisions that require payments if state agencies build new road capacity that reduces toll revenue. Layne said Donohue and Deputy Secretary of Transportation Grindly Johnson thoroughly vetted the companys performance in Texas, Toronto, Florida, and North Carolina, and returned with what he called glowing reviews, especially for customer service. Ultimately, however, Layne said the state is less concerned about the companys profits than the protection of taxpayer interests. I dont care how much money they make as long as they do it cheaper than we can, he said. The agreement with Express Mobility Partners does however, submit the state to certain restrictions. Officials have agreed to pay the consortium if the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority extends the Orange Line during the next 10 years or if the new general purpose lanes are added to I-66 in that time frame. Neither project is likely to happen in the next decade, state officials say. The consortium gets the right to collect and set tolls on the express lanes for 50 years, though tolls will be determined via an algorithm using dynamic pricing. The state will be able to audit the toll collections to ensure rates are within the contract terms, Layne said. The project is expected to deliver two express lanes along three regular lanes in each direction, with space in the median for transit. Vehicles with three or more people travel the express lanes for free, others pay the toll. The general purpose lanes are free to all traffic. There will also be corridor-wide bike and pedestrian improvements, 13 new and improved transit routes, new park-and-ride lots and safety and operational improvements at key interchanges. Ontario Putting Consumers FirstMinister of Government and Consumer Services Marie-France Lalonde made the announcement today in Toronto. The proposed new rules are part of the government's Putting Consumers First Act, and are aimed at protecting consumers in transactions with common household and financial services.If passed, the proposed changes would:Make it possible to ban unsolicited, door-to-door sales of certain household appliances, including water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners and water filtersRegulate the home inspection industry through required licensing and proper qualifications for home inspectors, as well as minimum standards for contracts, home inspection reports, disclosures and the performance of home inspectionsStrengthen consumer financial protections with new rules for alternative financial services such as payday loans, including extended repayment periods and more time between loans, as well expanded rules against unfair debt collection practices.Protecting Ontario's consumers is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.Quick FactsHome inspectors are one of the only professionals involved in a real estate transaction that are not currently provincially regulated.Ontario has over 800 payday lenders and loan brokers.Starting January 1, 2017, Ontarios maximum total cost of borrowing a payday loan will drop to $18 per $100 borrowed.Door-to-door sales have been among the top complaints received by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services for some time. Recently, the number of complaints about furnaces and air conditioners has surpassed those received for water heater rentals since the new rules for water heater door-to-door sales came into effect April 1, 2015.The government will seek public input to determine the types of household products that would be restricted from door-to-door sales.The proposed legislation to regulate home inspectors was based on 35 recommendations made by a 16-member expert panel, which were supported by both industry and consumers. MELILEA Organic Soymilk Powder Giveaway MELILEA Malaysia is giving away FREE Organic Soymilk Powder worth RM21. This giveaway is available on 8 November 2016, at China Press Daily office in Ipoh. Simply collect China Press Daily Newspaper header (any 4 pcs from 2 8 November 2016) to redeem this freebies. Terms and conditions apply. Limited quantity available, while stock last. Redemption Details Date: 8 November 2016 Time: 9.30 am 10am, or while stock last Venue: 224-226(2nd Floor), Jalan Sultan Iskandar, Ipoh, Perak MELILEA Organic Soymilk Powder Everyday, Lets Drink for Good Health! It is made from soybeans grown exclusively in fertile black soils of Heilong Jiang region in Northeastern China. Selected quality beans undergo de-hulling, vacuum concentration and spray drying processes using state-of-the-art technology. This retains the nutritional value of the beans with NO ADDITION of chemicals, preservatives, flavoring or coloring. Nutritious & Delicious Daily Drink for You! Naturaly grown soybeans from fertile black soils of Heilong Jiang High nutritional value and rich in protein, lecithin, and Isoflavone Fine de-hulled, enhanced smooth taste of soybeans No artificial flavoring and coloring No preservative and food additive Other Ongoing FREE Samples Giveaway (1prime.ru) Russian Gokhran in the future may consider selling diamonds at the Eurasian trade center in Vladivostok, which ALROSA opened in September, said head of the Gokhran Andrei Yurin in an interview with RIA Novosti. "The new trading platform in Vladivostok still needs to get stronger and to evolve to full scale. Sales of rough diamonds from the State Fund of Russia, including the foreign market, are carried out through Almazyuvelirexport. Still, it is more expedient to hold trading in Moscow, where the sorting mechanism, configuration of goods, display to bidders are finely tuned," - said Yurin. According to him, the opening of the Eurasian trade center in Vladivostok may be evaluated in the coming years. The diamond market is gradually reoriented to the Far East region, which is the main focus of producers and consumers of diamonds today. "Our task now is that Gokhran's state control unit on imports and exports of precious stones to/from non-members of the Eurasian Economic Union would work as quickly and accurately as possible, so that the enterprise sector could freely develop their business," - said Yurin. Angolas largest diamond mine, Catoca, recorded a 3.5 percent drop in revenue to $582 million in 2015 as the average price slumped 11 percent to $87 per carat. The diamond market was adversely affected by the economic downturn in China and the appreciation of the U.S. dollar, coupled with weak demand for polished diamonds, which consequently damaged rough demand, Catoca said. Rapaport quoted the company as saying that its sales volume, however, increased 3.5 percent to 6.9 million carats during the same period. Catocas production also leaped 4.2 percent to 6.7 million carats. It recorded a net profit of $126.8 million. Catoca was 32.8 percent owned by Endiama, an Angolan state-owned enterprise, while Russias ALROSA holds the same stake. Chinese-owned LL International Holding and Brazil-based Odebrecht Mining Services own the remainder. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished A member of the Civil Society Coalition said it is still boycotting the Kimberley Process (KP) despite claims it will attend the organizations plenary meeting in Dubai beginning November 13. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based KP chair for 2016, announced October 22 that CENADEP will attend the meeting, citing a letter he received from Albert Kabuya Muyebal, CENADEPs KP representative. Civil Society is boycotting the KP over the UAEs chairmanship due to the countrys failure to address concerns about its rough trade such as over-valuation of rough re-exports, and for the lack of engagement with the coalition. Bin Sulayem recently appealed to Civil Society to attend the plenary, outlining efforts made to address the coalitions concerns. While other members of the coalition have upheld the boycott, CENADEPs executive director Danny Singoma stressed Kabuya Muyebal was not authorized to make such a decision and the group, which operates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), will not attend the plenary. [Kabuya] is receiving a suspension of 15 days and has been relieved of his representation of our organization at the KP, Singoma said in an email to Rapaport News. Bin Sulayem stressed there was no reason to doubt the genuine nature of the letter he received from CENADEP, which was seen by Rapaport News. Frankly, we were both surprised and pleased with the positive reaction on our remediation proposal, Bin Sulayem said. CENADEP is an important player in the Civil Society field in the DRC." Kabuya Muyebal did not respond to a request for comment at press time. Kimberley Diamonds said an offtake sales agreement that its subsidiary, Lerala Diamond, had entered into with Alpha Capitals subsidiary, Capital Diamonds, has failed to materialise. The company said it was now looking for a new buyer for its diamonds from the Lerala mine, in Botswana. To date, Capital Diamonds has failed to make payment for the first parcel of diamonds it had agreed to acquire under the offtake agreement despite numerous written acnkowledgements that the payment is due as well as numerous written promises from Capital Diamonds that the payment will be made without any further delay, Kimberley said. Kimberley said it had issued Capital Diamonds with a default notice for the first parcel, requiring the company to make payments no later than October 28. However, no such payment was received and Capital Diamonds was now in default for the first parcel of diamonds. Kimberley said it now intends to sell the defaulted first parcel of diamonds through an upcoming tender, and start legal action against Capital Diamonds for damages and false representation. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished Luk Fooks same-store retail sales accelerated their quarterly decline to 37 percent as gold sales plummeted from a high base amid sluggish consumer sentiment. Sales of the yellow metal by the retailer slumped 47 percent in the second fiscal quarter that ended September 30, weighed down by the negative base effect of the small-scale gold rush a year ago and the relatively high price this quarter. Revenue from gold dropped 49 percent in Hong Kong and Macau, compared with a 30 percent slide in Mainland China. Total gem-set jewelry sales fell 14 percent, with revenue slipping 3 percent in Mainland China and 14 percent in Hong Kong and Macau. Overall same-store retail sales slid 23 percent in Mainland China and 39 percent in Hong Kong and Macau. The 37 percent group-wide decline follows a 24 percent drop in sales in the first fiscal quarter. The slump in same-store revenue growth for gem-set jewelry was, however, narrower, Luk Fook said. A stable macro-economic environment and sudden drop in gold prices saw around 25 per cent higher jewellery sales in India as compared to last year. Though gold prices this Dhanteras were slightly higher than last year, it failed to dampen the spirits of buyers. Experts explained that although the prices were higher on a year-on-year basis, gold prices on Dhanteras day had softened as compared to the last few months. One of the major trends this year is that antique or traditional gold jewellery is back in demand. Diamond jewellery saw brisk sales this year as well across the country. Jewellery lovers loosened their purse strings this year and went full throttle with gold buying, not limiting to the usual token purchases on Dhanteras day. Jewellers too have regained confidence due to stability in terms of the overall business environment, and expected robust business after a tough first half. For the last few months jewellery demand in India had been slow due to volatile gold prices and a short period of strike by jewellers. Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished In reply to Michael: Hi Andy I've only got a couple of photos of Booted Eagles in flight.and this is one of them. This was from Extremadura in Spain last May. The markings and wing shape look pretty similar to yours so I think it's possible that it is a Booted Eagle. My main caveat would be that they are summer visitors so I'm not sure whether they would still be around. PS I've just checked this site and two Booted Eagles were seen on the 31st October on the Costa Blanca so it seems they are still around. http://www.finesystem.co.uk/birdwatchingcostablanca/sOct16.html ____________________________________________________________________ Regards,Tony My Flickr Photostream The Department of Justice has filed an antitrust lawsuit against AT&T Inc.'s (T) DirecTV for acting as the ringleader of a series of unlawful information exchanges between DIRECTV and three of its competitors during negotiations to carry SportsNet LA that holds the exclusive rights to Dodgers games in the Los Angeles area. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The DoJ alleges that DIRECTV unlawfully exchanged competitively-sensitive information with Cox, Charter and AT&T during the companies' negotiations for the right to telecast the Dodgers Channel. The department claims that information exchange helped to obtain bargaining leverage and to reduce the risk of losing subscribers to a competitor. "As the complaint explains, Dodgers fans were denied a fair competitive process when DIRECTV orchestrated a series of information exchanges with direct competitors that ultimately made consumers less likely to be able to watch their hometown team," said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Sallet of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, or SECO, is scheduled to release its consumer confidence index for October in the pre-European session on Thursday at 2:45 am ET. The consumer confidence index is expected to improve to -13 in October, compared to a decline to -15 in July. Ahead of the data, the Swiss franc held steady against its major rivals. As of 2:40 am ET, the Swiss franc was trading at 1.0786 against the euro, 1.1966 against the pound, 0.9701 against the U.S. dollar and 105.91 against the yen. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Forex News Yogurt giant Chobani's founder Hamdi Ulukaya has received threats and calls to boycott his products for employing refugees, reports said. The Chairman and CEO of Chobani, Ulukaya, himself a Turkish immigrant, has welcomed refugees into his two factories, located in upstate New York and Idaho. The latest criticism, which included death threats, is said to be driven mainly by members of the extreme right. Meanwhile, Ulukaya has been helping immigrants for a long time now, and has hired some 300 refugees over the years. He has also started a refugee advocacy foundation, Tent. Through this, he enlists other companies to employ struggling migrants. When Ulukaya came to the United States, he made a modest living selling homemade feta cheese, and later became a self-made billionaire with the founding of Chobani 2007. In an earlier editorial, he wrote, "The private sector has a powerful incentive to find new solutions to a crisis that cannot be solved by governments and goodwill alone." Meanwhile, the local communities where Chobani operates its two plants, such as New Berlin, New York; and Twin Falls, Idaho, people has overwhelmingly positive response towards the yogurt giant. Twin Falls Mayor Shawn Barigar has also raised his support for Chobani. As part of his broader campaign to treat employees well, Ulukaya reportedly pays his refugees above minimum wage. Last month, Chobani announced that it would give six weeks of 100 percent paid parental leave to both mothers and fathers. Ulukaya also said in April that he was giving employees a 10 percent stake in the company when it goes public or is sold. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Shares of Credit Suisse Group AG (CS) were losing around 6 percent in the mid-day trading after the Swiss banking giant reported Thursday a sharp decline in third-quarter profit. Meanwhile, Dutch banking firm ING Group NV's (ING) stock gained 4 percent, as third-quarter profit climbed on solid commercial momentum. French lender Societe Generale SA's (SCGLF.PK,SCGLY.PK) shares were also gaining around 7 percent, despite recording weak net profit in the quarter. Looking ahead, Credit Suisse said it expects market activity to continue to be influenced by geopolitical and macro-economic uncertainty over the next several quarters and the outlook to remain challenging. It believes that it is on the right path and are making progress on implementing strategy. Meanwhile, Societe Generale said it is confident about its outlook and determined to pursue the challenge of its transformation process. In the third quarter, Credit Suisse reported that net income attributable to shareholders fell 95 percent to 41 million Swiss francs from 779 million francs last year. Quarterly net revenues decreased 10 percent year-over-year to 5.396 billion francs, primarily reflecting lower net revenues in Corporate Center and Global Markets. These were partially offset by higher net revenues in Swiss Universal Bank mainly due to the gains on the sale of real estate. Core Results net revenues were 5.561 billion francs, down 8 percent from the prior year. The company said it remained focused on reducing cost base. Total adjusted operating cost base at constant FX rates decreased 2 percent. At constant FX rates, adjusted non-compensation expenses decreased 12 percent, reflecting restructuring efforts beyond straight headcount reductions. The company noted that as of November 3, headcount was reduced by 5,400, of the 6000 cuts targeted for 2016. For ING, third-quarter group net result climbed 26.8 percent to 1.349 billion euros from last year's 1.064 billion euros. ING Bank's net result grew 23.9 percent to 1.336 billion euros, reflecting solid commercial momentum. The total underlying result before tax was 1.878 billion euros, compared to 1.495 billion euros a year ago. The results reflected continued loan growth at healthy margins, effective cost control and a relatively low level of risk costs. Total underlying income was 4.36 billion euros, 9 percent higher than last year's 4 billion euros. The company noted that ING Bank recorded 3.6 billion euros of net core lending growth and attracted 2.0 billion euros of net customer deposits in the third quarter. The quarterly performance reflected continued loan growth at healthy margins, as well as higher commission and fee income. Societe Generale's third-quarter reported group net income declined 2.4 percent to 1.10 billion euros from last year's 1.13 billion euros. However, Group net income, adjusted for revaluation of own financial liabilities and DVA, climbed 39 percent to 1.26 billion euros from 904 million euros a year ago. The company noted that International Retail Banking & Financial Services' earnings grew 30.6 percent, and earnings of Global Banking & Investor Solutions climbed 42.1 percent. French Retail Banking's contribution to earnings were lower than last year. Operating income declined 13.1 percent from last year to 1.58 billion euros. Book net banking income dropped 5.6 percent to 6.01 billion euros from 6.36 billion euros last year. Net banking income, excluding non-economic items, totaled 6.251 billion euros, up 3.7 percent from last year. In Zurich, Credit Suisse shares were trading at 12.53 francs, down 5.51 percent. In Amsterdam, ING shares were at 12.06 euros, up 4.28 percent. In Paris, Societe Generale shares were trading at 36.44 euros, up 6.60 percent. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Author Thomas Wolfe was wrong. You can go home again. And author Timothy G. Anderson is proof. On Sunday, the former Oakland resident will be back in his hometown this time to talk about Nebraska poet laureate John G. Neihardt and his wife, Mona. The event begins with a turkey dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday in the Oakland Swedish Heritage Center. The public is invited; a freewill offering will be accepted. At 1 p.m., Anderson, a Humanities Nebraska speaker, will present the program, The Romance of John and Mona Neihardt. Anderson, who grew up in Oakland, graduated from Oakland-Craig High School in 1970. He worked at New York Newsday and then the New York Times, said Jeff Troupe of Oakland, event coordinator. Anderson had read Black Elk Speaks, Neihardts best-known book while attending the University of Nebraska in the early 1970s and met the author at a book-signing event in 1972. Twenty-five years later, Anderson was looking for a book project and re-read the Neihardt book. He contacted one of the late authors daughters, Hilda, who sent him books, along with audio and video tapes. Anderson, who was then living in New York, began his research on Neihardt at the public library. During that research, Anderson was surprised to learn that Neihardt had lived two decades of his life less than 20 miles from where Anderson had grown up. His book, A Perfect Understanding: The Romance of John and Mona Neihardt talks about their relationship. Neihardt, who authored 25 volumes of poetry, fiction and philosophy, proposed to Mona Martinsen and she accepted before theyd even seen each other. Martinsen was a sculptor, and together they built a life based on something they called the higher values of art and beauty, states information from the Humanities Nebraska website. Though to a large extent she set aside her own art for the sake of her husbands, Mona was integral to his work, advising him and contributing to a life that made his work possible. Besides writing about the Neihardts romance, Anderson also authored the book: Lonesome Dreamer: The Life of John C. Neihardt. That book delves into Neihardts personal life and writing career, starting with his birth in 1881 in Sharpsburg, Ill., and continuing to his death in 1973. Troupe noted that Oakland has a connection with Neihardt. At the start of Neihardts career, he wrote a book titled, The River & I, about a Missouri River adventure. During that trek, Neihardt and an Oakland photographer, named Jacobs, and a teen from Bancroft traveled down the river from Fort Benton, Mont., to Sioux City in a small canoe. Troupe encourages area residents to attend Sundays event. Weve always had outstanding Humanities speaker bureau people, Troupe said. Theyre all really good and interesting. The Oakland Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the program and Humanities Nebraska provides major funding for it. Hello, fellow moviegoers! Inferno is directed by Ron Howard, and it stars Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones, and Irrfan Khan. When Professor Robert Langdon wakes up in a hospital with no recollection of the previous few days, he must discover what hes doing in Italy, as well as why people are chasing after him. This film is the third in a series that includes The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons. You would think a movie directed by Oscar winner Ron Howard, starring two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks, and Oscar nominee Felicity Jones, would be fantastic. No question about it. However, the directing in this film was mediocre at best, Tom Hanks seemed like he wanted to be doing other things, and Felicity Jones was just sort of there. Inferno starts on a bad note, and it doesnt get much better than that. Almost immediately, the film uses a really poor shaky-cam method and quick jump-cuts to show whats going on. Or, at least its trying to show whats going on. Its almost impossible to tell what youre looking at. Its incredibly distracting, and it gets pretty frustrating at times. Inferno, to put it lightly, was a boring movie. It tries to keep you interested by throwing puzzles and action sequences up on the screen, but even those miss the mark. From beginning to end, watching this movie felt like a chore. Because of the audiences disinterest, the movie feels much longer than it actually is. The movie is about two hours long, but it easily feels like three. In fact, it felt so long that it prompted me to do something that I absolutely never do. I turned on my phone and checked the time. I was expecting it to be at least 9:20, it was only 8:40 Regarding the plot, it seemed to be trying to do way too much. Tom Hanks and Felicity Jones were going on a sort of Amazing Race style search for this plague. After they discover Dantes Inferno through a glorified laser pointer, the sequence of events that follows makes absolutely no sense. Inferno is a bland, confusing, and blatantly uninteresting film. Nobody in front or behind the camera gave the impression that they actually wanted to make this movie. It feels much longer than it actually is, and watching it feels like work. Unless you are a big fan of the Robert Langdon character, you can avoid this movie. Inferno feels like the type of movie youd find in a $2 bargain bin at a truck stop. 3 out of 10 Kyle Kruse is a senior at Cedar Bluffs Public Schools. He loves watching and writing about movies, primarily dramas and action flicks. He will share his thoughts about a movie for Fremont Tribune readers every other Thursday. You can find more of his reviews and miscellaneous movie thoughts at www.Kruzereviews.com. 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 ... Sara Trimble understands the challenges a young mom faces. Now a mother of four, she recalls what it was like in the early days of parenting after her first daughter was born. I just remember feeling kind of overwhelmed and I was wondering: How do you balance everything in life? I was working and I had my daughter to take care of, she said. Added to that was housework, cleaning, laundry and meal preparation. And she wanted time to read the Bible and pray. I remember really wanting to have older women to tell me how you balance everything, she said. I remember seeing how much women need each other in life. Now, women have an opportunity to network while learning more about Gods word at the sixth annual Nebraska Christian Womens Conference. The event is set for Nov. 19-20 in the Nielsen Community Center in West Point. The public is invited to the free event; a freewill offering will be accepted. Speaking this year will be the Rev. LeRoy and Kimberly Wagner, co-authors of the book Men Who Love Fierce Women. This is the second year that Kimberly Wagner has spoken at the event. We had her in 2013 and she was just tremendous, Trimble said. Trimble said the Wagners have had interviews on the Christian program, Family Life Today with Dennis Rainey and are launching their new book. The conference isnt focused on marriage. The theme of the conference is Living an Abundant Life. So everyone will be able to be blessed by this, no matter what age or background, said Trimble, the event coordinator. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 19. The conference and lunch (soup buffet with desserts) is set from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sessions 1-3 will take place that day. Daycare will be provided for infants through age 3 and childrens ministry for youngsters ages 4-10. Sundays activities, open to the entire family, begin with a 10 a.m. concert by Eternity Focus, a group of four sisters from Kansas. Theyre a tremendous Christian band, Trimble said. They do the worship throughout the conference and theyll do a concert on Sunday morning. Sunday mornings activities continue with Session 4 with the Rev. LeRoy Wagner, followed by a Thanksgiving community lunch. Registration to the event is free. Attendees are asked to leave their name, phone number, address and names and ages of children they plan to bring to: nebraskachristianwomen@gmail.com, text their information to: 402-922-1665 or leave a voice mail. Conference participants who register by Saturday will be eligible for door prizes. Trimble said an estimated 100 to 150 people, women from various denominations along with those who dont attend church, come to the conference traveling from cities even two hours away. She believes it offers a good opportunity for area women. Its very solid Biblically and its a great environment for women to come and worship the Lord, she said. I believe its a tremendous experience for any women who are needing a touch from God in their lives. Trimble, whose husband, Aaron, is pastor of West Point Family Worship Center, also points out a Scripture on which the event is based. Its from the second chapter of the book of Titus in the New Testament, which basically talks about older women teaching younger ones. She knows how much women need one another and notes something else: Were all an older woman to somebody and we can teach others from our own experiences. We dont have to be perfect, but the lessons weve learned in life can help others. Trimble notes that there can be a lack of this much-needed teaching. Were all so busy in our lives that we forget that we can benefit other people simply by spending time with them and I believe mentoring is something that is very important in the Christian life, she said, adding, Its something we can be involved in. Trimble said feedback from previous conferences has been good. Were always trying to improve any way we can every year, she said, adding, Its something that is a special treat for a small town like West Point. She looks forward to future conferences. As long as God wills, well keep putting this on every year as were led by him, she said. Our prayer is that women really grow in their relationship with Christ and with other Christian women. By SA Commercial Prop News Centre court of Mall of the North Polokwane Limpopos own world-class super-regional shopping centre celebrates one year of successful trading this April it first opened its doors to shoppers on 14 April 2011. Mall of the Norths General Manager, Sumari de Ridder, reports the Polokwane shopping centre has gone from strength to strength in its first year, and its popularity with shoppers is still growing. Mall of the North has quickly become a massive part of the Polokwane and regional communities regular shopping patterns, says de Ridder. Local consumers have embraced the mall. We value the resoundingly positive welcome and strong support we have received. Besides bringing a huge variety of top-notch one-stop shopping to Limpopo, Mall of the North has boosted the local economy by keeping retail spend local. Further, the mall now provides employment for around 2,000 people, with roughly 1,800 permanent jobs and about 200 temporary positions. After its massive opening success, Mall of the North has enjoyed several trading highlights, with festive season trade being no exception. Retailer turnovers essentially doubled across the board during December 2011, notes de Ridder. De Ridder notes that while many shoppers visit the centre for its vast retail variety and regular grocery shopping, fashion comes first with Limpopos trendy shoppers. Our fashion and footwear retailers are trading particularly well. Shoppers are notably keen on branded fashion labels, quality and value. Retailers that meet these criteria, like Spitz, Sunglass Hut and Edgars, are fast favourites, explains de Ridder. A fun day-out is also popular with locals and Mall of the Norths restaurants and coffee shops can attest to this. Mall of the North Spur achieved the groups highest turnover in the Limpopo Province and was fourth highest in the Gauteng Region during December 2011, points out de Ridder. She describes Mall of the Norths first year trading as exceptional, but says there is lots of good shopping still to come. A first-of-its-kind journey along India and Pakistan border What binds the two most talked about nations - India and Pakistan together? What makes the SNc Channels: Search About Salem-News.com Nov-02-2016 20:37 TweetFollow @OregonNews FBI: A Primer on DarkNet Marketplaces What They Are and What Law Enforcement is Doing to Combat Them Image: FBI (WASHINGTON D.C.) - Last week, the FBI joined a number of other U.S. law enforcement agencies in Operation Hyperion, a successful international action aimed at disrupting the operations and infrastructure of illicit DarkNet marketplaces. During Operation Hyperion, FBI agents made contact with more than 150 individuals around the country suspected of purchasing illicit items from various DarkNet marketplaces. Some of these individuals confessed to ordering a range of illegal drugs and controlled substances online, including heroin, cocaine, morphine, and ketamine. The initiative was the brainchild of the Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group (FELEG), an international coalition of law enforcement agencies from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States who share criminal intelligence and collaborate on operations to combat transnational crime. FELEG has a number of working groups that concentrate on specific criminal or functional areas, and one of those groupsthe Cyber Crime Working Groupfocuses on identifying the sophisticated perpetrators operating key criminal services in the cyber underground marketplace. But what are these underground marketplaces, and what exactly is the DarkNet? To understand both, you first have to have a basic understanding of the entire Internet. First, theres whats known as the Clear Web , or Surface Web, which contains content for the general public that is indexed by traditional search engines (like websites for news, e-commerce, marketing, collaboration, and social networking). The FBIs own public website is part of the Clear Web. , or Surface Web, which contains content for the general public that is indexed by traditional search engines (like websites for news, e-commerce, marketing, collaboration, and social networking). The FBIs own public website is part of the Clear Web. Second, there is a vast amount of web content out there on the Internet, and much of it is not indexed by traditional search engines that part of the web is known as the Deep Web . Its content is still available to the general public, but its harder to find unless you have the exact URL. Examples of Deep Web content are websites and forums that require log-ins, websites that dont allow for indexing or arent linked to anything, and databases. that part of the web is known as . Its content is still available to the general public, but its harder to find unless you have the exact URL. Examples of Deep Web content are websites and forums that require log-ins, websites that dont allow for indexing or arent linked to anything, and databases. Third,and finally, theres the DarkNet, which is a subset of the Deep Web. DarkNet content is not indexed and consists of overlaying networks that use the public Internet but require unique software, configuration, or authorization to access. And this access is predominately designed to hide the identity of the user. There is some criminal activity like fraud schemes that takes place on the Clear Web and on the Deep Web. And there are some legitimate uses and users of the DarkNet. But, because of the anonymity it offers, many criminals and criminal groups gravitate toward the DarkNet, often doing business through online marketplaces set up for nefarious purposes. Whats available for sale through illicit DarkNet marketplaces? Typically, products and services involve child sexual exploitation; drugs; guns; chemical, biological, and radiological materials and knowledge; stolen goods; counterfeit goods; and computer hacking tools. Payment for these goods and services is usually through virtual currency like bitcoin, also designed to be anonymous. On illicit DarkNet marketplaces just like on legitimate online marketplaces on the Clear Web buyers can also provide feedback on products and services, communicate through internal messaging, and take part in website forums. The difference, of course, is that the feedback, internal messaging, and forums on DarkNet marketplaces focus on topics like the quality of child pornography images, the potency of a particular poison, or the speed at which a cache of guns is mailed to its buyer. In its investigative efforts against DarkNet marketplaces, the FBI much like in our other criminal priorities focuses its resources not on individual criminals but on the most egregious criminal organizations and activities. Illicit DarkNet marketplaces, by their very nature, are difficult to penetrate. But not impossible. The Bureau, with its partners, uses all available investigative techniques to target buyers, sellers, marketplace administrators, and the technical infrastructure of the marketplaces themselves. And we have had success doing it. For example, in November 2014, federal law enforcement took action against more than 400 hidden service DarkNet addresses, including dozens of illicit marketplace websites operating on what is known as the Onion Router, or Tor, network, which was designed to make it practically impossible to physically locate the computers hosting or accessing websites on the network. One of the most prolific websites taken down as a result of those investigative activities was Silk Road 2.0and the websites operator was arrested and charged. Successes like this are vital. Yes, they allow us to dismantle illicit websites and go after those responsible for them. But they also enable us to develop actionable intelligence on other websites, criminals, and criminal organizations. And the knowledge we gain from these investigations helps us create more sophisticated investigative tools to shine a brighter light into criminal activity on the DarkNet. Source: FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) _________________________________________ Technology | Crime | Business | Education | Most Commented on Articles for November 1, 2016 | Articles for November 2, 2016 | Articles for November 3, 2016 Along with the change of season comes new beginnings at Keep Fremont Beautiful. After spending nearly five years in the Main Street Collective Kansas AG candidates weigh in on plans for Uri price gouging investigation Either Kris Kobach or Chris Mann will take over the Kansas attorney general natural gas price gouging investigation after the November 2022 election. One of the oldest school buildings at St. Marys Primary School has been spruced up, thanks to a $30,000 renovation job officially blessed yesterday. Principal Sister Masela Tenisio and the President of the P.T.A, Laki MaChee, said they wanted to maintain the building as it has great historical value to the school. We wanted to maintain this building because it is a historical place for us, said Mr. MaChee. The work has taken about four to five weeks. The budget for the materials was about $25,000 and then for construction was about $13,000 but we came slightly over budget. It is a heritage block so that is why the sisters wanted to refurbish it and retain it for as long as we can. Mr. MaChee said the school has a long-term plan for the block but for now, Year 1 and 2 students will be using it. The long term plan is that this might ultimately become the Library, the Reading and English Room and other uses that sister might have in mind. The President of the P.T.A said the renovation work was complicated. The brief was that we wanted to maintain the character and the historical value of the building, he said. Therefore whilst we were installing different features we decided to keep the original concept of the building and we kept the doors and things like that and even the desks. Sister Masela said maintaining part of the schools history is very important. This building or block is very important because it has been here since the sisters arrived in Samoa in 1864. We still want to retain and maintain this building as part of our history, she said. Plus we want to continue using this for the educating of the children of Samoa and that is the main purpose. She acknowledges the help from people who supported the work. I want to thank the President of P.T.A and particular our contractor and the workers for the work well done because if it wasnt for him and the workers this wouldnt be like this so I want to thank all of them, she said. I want to thank our parents for their generosity and for their time given to the work here and also wed like to thank the sponsors like S.M.I, A.C.P, B.S.L and also M.&J. Ah Fook and especially CeCes Bingo and the whole community of St. Marys for their support. World champion athlete Valerie Adams will tour the recently opened prosthetics and orthotics workshop, and national pharmaceutical warehouse at Motootua when she arrives in Samoa this afternoon. New Zealand contributed NZ$4.3 million to the funding for these facilities together with Australia and the World Bank under the jointly funded health sector wide approach programme (S.W.A.p.). Adams will then visit Saoluafata tomorrow, one of the villages under the P.E.N Faa Samoa programme, delivered by the Ministry of Health with assistance of the W.H.O. local office. P.E.N. Faa Samoa addresses key issues by integrating community participation and village outreach services for non-communicable diseases (N.C.D.s) to ensure the early detection of people at risk, to establish easy access & mechanisms for referral to district health facility for treatment and follow up, and to increase awareness of N.C.D. risk factors. This will be a valuable opportunity for Valerie Adams to see first-hand how New Zealand is supporting Samoa health development as well as spreading the message about the benefits of active, healthy lifestyles for everyone. It is wonderful to receive a visit from a world champion whose success can be an inspiration to our youth and community and its also a great opportunity to emphasise the importance of keeping active for our health, Dr. Maria Kerslake, on behalf of Faletua & Tausi Saoluafata Womens Village Committee. Valeries visit is timely, ahead of the Annual National Health week, to highlight the importance of healthy living, said Ministry of Health C.E.O., Leausa Dr Take Naseri. Valerie Vilis programme today 2.10pm: Arrive at Faleolo International Airport 3.30pm: Meeting with Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi 4.15pm: Meeting with Minister of Health Tuitama Dr. Leao Talalelei Tuitama 4.30pm: Tour of health facilities with Minister of Health, Family Health Clinic and Orthotics Building 7pm: Dinner reception at New Zealand High Commission. Re: Youth behaviour leaves family traumatised Nomalei demands more police presence instead of employing soothing, community-building, more constructive tactics, such as engaging the youth in soul-enriching discussions on their concerns, their future. We have to consider the widespread lack of opportunity for their personal development, the glaring absence of jobs for young Samoans, the continuous waste of funds and potential within the country. I know in my heart (and more importantly, in my mind) that her ultimate approach is NOT the key. Bronnie The gas supplying market in Samoa just got a new competitor, Samoa Propane Gas. Located in the industrial area of Vaitele-Uta, Samoa Propane Gas offers American quality propane that is affordable, environmentally friendly and top quality. Small Business Owner, Moroni Tenney, claims that cooking with propane is the number one flammable gas alternative compared to other cooking methods as it doesnt release carbon monoxide, which can be harmful when cooking indoors. We have almost 90% propane and thats the cleanest you can buy propane gas to cook with or to use it, he said. Its environmentally friendly, its not polluted. So if it spills on the ground, it doesnt do anything to the environment. Everything else evaporates. If it burns in the house, it does not produce carbon monoxide. Theres still a lot of people cooking with firewood and here we are preaching about pollution and trying to keep our environment clean. Propane is the number one alternative, and thats where most of the overseas countries are going with. Theyre cooking , heating and cooling with propane. Its a lot cheaper than electricity and its a lot more environmentally friendly. Its a lot better for our health but also economically friendly with cost and time all that kind of stuff. Despite pricing being on the higher end of the market, Mr.Teeney ensures that all of his products are up to American standard and regulations to ensure top quality and security. We carry a better quality of fuel for a competitive price, similar with all the low prices in Samoa. Also, we bring a lot of updated LPG fixtures, ovens, refrigerators, appliances and that kind of stuff. Were updated with the American market and rules, and its a lot safer. Everything is brought from America. With the love of Chinese vendors here in Samoa, Im not talking bad about the Chinese but their market is sell. They dont care about the quality. With the American stuff, its more about the quality than cost. It all depends on what the people are looking for. Our prices on our products are a little bit higher , but still affordable compared to what is sold here in Samoa. It is higher but its better quality. Born and raised in Samoa, Mr. Teeney left for the States to pursue other ventures. Now, the entrepreneur is back home and ready to settle in with his wife and kids. Hence the reason behind the company logo, Samoan Owned, as stated by Mr.Teeney, by investing in local businesses the money will ultimately be invested back in the local economy. What we have is Samoan owned. It does make sense in the long run, because we live here in Samoa. The other difference between us and other corporations is that, this money that people will come and buy gas with from us will put my kids to school. Ill use it for here in Samoa. Ill buy bread for here in Samoa. Our money still returns back to here in Samoa , were here to stay. Now that theyve got everything squared away, Samoa Propane Gas is open for business and is anticipating a grand opening for the entire community sometime in December. The spokesperson of the Ministry of Police, Sua Muliaga Tiumalu, has confirmed there is no official complaint filed against a woman convicted and jailed in New Zealand a decade ago for fraud. Wanted in New Zealand for an unpaid hotel bill, Tracey Anne Gordon, has surfaced in Samoa, with a member of the business community ringing the alarm bells about her presence. During a press conference yesterday, Sua confirmed that Ms. Gordon has been spotted by some people in Upolu. Although an officer had seen her, we cannot detain her unless there is an official complaint against her, said Sua. But we do acknowledge the reports on the media alerting businesses about the woman. Repeated attempts to get a comment from Ms. Gordon were unsuccessful. When Lynns Getaway at Motootua where she had stayed for two weeks was contacted for a comment, a staff member who is not authorised to speak to the media said Ms. Gordon left a week ago. She hasnt paid her bill. She hasnt come back to the hotel, said the staff member. She stayed with us for two weeks but when we went down to check the room she was in a week ago it was only her luggage that was there. Tracey hasnt turned up at the hotel ever since. Last week, a business woman who did not want to be named wanted to alert the business community about the antics of Ms. Gordon. I just want people to know that this woman Tracey is not who she says she is, said the businesswoman. She is very nice and a good talker but shes not who people think she is. She is not to be believed that she has money because she passed on a forged cheque to me which the police are investigating. I know there are several other hoteliers to whom she has not paid accommodation and she is going around to other hoteliers. The businesswoman accused Ms. Gordon of preying on people and owing people money. Like I said, I just want people to be warned that she is a schemer and owes money to other businesses in hotels in New Zealand. Sinalei Reef Resort has already become a victim. Manager Sose Annandale confirmed Ms. Gordon owes them money for accommodation and the matter has been referred to their lawyer. Asked how much money she owes, Ms. Annandale said: I really prefer not to disclose that. Its awkward because Samoa is a small place and everyone is related to someone. According to a report in the New Zealand Herald on 3rd September 2016, Ms. Gordon sentenced to jail a decade ago for fraud and has a string of ill-fated ventures behind her, including one her own lawyer described in court as "fairyland stuff". The story says that Ms. Gordon left The Surrey Hotel in February telling staff she was going to San Francisco on business. She stayed on and off at the hotel in Grey Lynn for more than two years and regularly paid her bills using her father's credit card. But her father, marine explorer Keith Gordon, told the hotel they should have asked him before the credit card was used the last time, and he cancelled the payment, hotel manager Denise King told the Herald. Tracey Gordon had grand plans, said King. She told staff that she was trading in aviation fuel and she offered a staff member a job as her personal chef on a yacht she planned to buy. "She was going to buy an apartment at the Stamford [Hotel], another in Sydney. The apartments were worth millions and she would have the brochures to back her up." King said she never saw evidence of the purchases or big business deals being concluded. Gordon, 49, was sentenced to jail a decade ago after admitting eight charges of fraud. A Herald report about the case described her as petite, smartly-dressed, a forger and a thief with a penchant for Hilton hotels. King said she wrongly assumed Gordon's father would pay his daughter's last bill because he always had previously. "This time, he said, 'you should have called me,'" said King. "It's almost like he'd had enough of her." The police have told King it is a civil matter. "It's a very bitter pill to try to have to swallow." "We feel we have been 100 per cent ripped off. Her father is not part of it in any way but he could have warned us that he was no longer going to pay her bills." The suspect in the theft of half a million tala from the Yazaki Eds Samoa Limited has been captured in New Zealand. Police Spokesperson, Sua Muliaga Tiumalu, confirmed this yesterday saying the local police are working with the New Zealand authorities to bring back the accused. Asked to explain how the accused was captured, Sua said he did not have the details. However, he confirmed the accused is in the hands of the authorities in New Zealand to be brought back to Samoa. The accused fled the country last year before Police completed its investigation. During a recent interview with Assistant Police Commissioner, Maotaoalii Kaioneta, he said there were reasons why the suspect managed to flee the country. It depends on how quick it was in identifying and confirming the allegations, said Maota. The quicker its reported to police the faster we get on to the investigation. In most cases the activities have been done for years and they had only found out in the following year. Close to half a million was alleged to have been misappropriated by a senior accounts officer in March last year. The employee was sacked following an internal investigation. A similar incident happened three years ago where another employee of Yazaki allegedly stole a sum of US$100,000 (T$230,000) Samoa is known for its beautiful environment, white sandy beaches, crystal clear seawater and swaying palm trees. In that regard, it certainly is paradise. But there is also a downside. Lurking in the dark and in Samoas beautiful surroundings are uncontrollable stray dogs looking for people to feed upon. Its not a new problem and although much has been done to try and solve the countrys canine troubles, it continues to leave visitors in a state of fright. Lena Gunther-Seggl and Emily Flett, who are in Samoa volunteering for Projects Abroad, have become the latest victims. They are fearful for their lives. We have noticed so many dogs on the streets here in Samoa, Emily said. For me it was shocking to see dogs running wildly here. When we got to live in the villages, we started to experience that there were twenty dogs on the street each day. Even when we walked to the bus there were always dogs following us. One day, the dogs got too close for comfort. One day they started chasing me, she said. At that point, I was afraid. We had to grab a rock or whatever we could find. I only had a bottle in my hand, so I threw it after them while I was yelling. I was so frightened by them and I feared for my life. Lena has also had her own experience. In Apia, I was walking from the gym to the bus stop when a dog started to run after me, she said. It was really scary but I picked up a big rock and screamed at them and then they ran away. It is really scary when something like that happens, and this was even in town during the day. Both visitors to Samoa believe the authorities should do a better job dealing with the issue because it will have a tremendous impact on Samoas efforts to promote the nation as a tourism destination. In Austria there are rules for example, Lena said. If you own a dog you need to have a Pet-Passport for the dog, the dog needs to go to the doctor, have insurance and so on. The same happens in New Zealand, Emily said. In Samoa, Lena said families should only be allowed to keep a certain amount of dogs. In some cases, no one really cares about them and I think that is why the dogs get so angry and want to attack people. The people arent nice to the dogs and so the dogs arent nice to the people. That is the circle here. Its vicious. The volunteers are here to help Samoa combat the high rate of obesity and diabetes. They dont experience anything with the dogs while they are working, but when they are off work, it becomes a real annoyance. When you are a volunteer you are mainly here for the work, but you also want to see something from the island but that becomes difficult when you are here and you dont feel safe, said Lena. Both volunteers love dogs. But hungry and angry dogs pose a threat to society, they say. Bus drivers, taxi drivers and people on the streets have warned us about the dogs. Theyve told us you cant walk by yourself or walk at night. Everyone here has taught us how to defend ourselves and things you can do, so you dont get afraid of them. But that is not the solution, they believe. They both agreed that it would be much easier, if the dogs were trained and controlled by their owners and so that they behave properly. Lena reiterated that stray dogs are eating away at the efforts to promote Samoa as a safe tourism destination. You get warned by everyone here and that scares you, she said. Its a big problem for tourism, because when I leave Samoa in one month, I will tell people what I really remember about Samoa and for it is the dogs. I dont think that is the impression Samoa wants tourists and visitors to leave with. UNITED NATIONS (AP) Kenya accused the U. N. secretary-general on Thursday of instigating an investigation of deadly attacks in South Sudan with the "preordained" outcome of blaming the Kenyan commander of the U.N. peacekeeping force who was fired after just three weeks on the job. Kenya's U.N. Ambassador Macharia Kamau told a news conference that Lt. Gen. Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki was sacked by U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon as "a scapegoat" for the systemic failures of the U.N. peacekeeping system. He said the investigation was demanded "by certain current and future members" of the Security Council who wanted to protect their interests during the July attacks in South Sudan's capital, Juba. He refused to identify them. The investigation sharply criticized the U.N. peacekeeping force's response to attacks on a U.N. compound in Juba housing 27,000 displaced people. Over three days in July, at least 73 people were killed, including two Chinese peacekeepers and more than 20 internally displaced people who had sought U.N. protection. The investigators also criticized U.N. peacekeepers for failing to respond to an attack on a private compound just over a kilometer away where U.N. staff, aid workers and local staff were robbed, beaten, raped and killed by armed government soldiers. Kenya's Foreign Ministry, expressing "dismay" at Ondieki's firing and the way the investigation was conducted, announced Wednesday that it was withdrawing its 1,000 troops from the U.N. peacekeeping operation in South Sudan and will not contribute to beefing up the force by 4,000 troops. "Kenya had warned that any unfair or prejudicial action taken on the basis of this investigation would compel Kenya to re-evaluate completely its engagement in South Sudan," Kamau said. "The secretary-general, in his lame-duck season, seems to have found the courage that has eluded him throughout his tenure by choosing to ignore Kenya's plea." Ban's 10 years as U.N. chief ends on Dec. 31 and Antonio Guterres will take over as secretary-general on Jan. 1. South Sudan, the world's youngest country, has been riven by ethnic violence since shortly after gaining its independence from Sudan in 2011. Civil war broke out in 2013 when government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, battled rebels led by his former vice president Riek Machar, who is a Nuer. Tens of thousands have been killed, more than 2 million displaced, and despite an August 2015 peace agreement, fighting has continued. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric rejected Kamau's accusations, saying there was "no preordained conclusion" to the investigation led by retired Dutch Maj. Gen. Patrick Cammaert. He said the investigators looked at "leadership, command decisions taken on that day," and the secretary-general fired Ondieki on the basis of their findings, which "deeply distressed" him. "The decision to ask for his removal is an initial decision," Dujarric said. "Other decisions might be taken, but obviously the secretary-general stands by the report that Mr. Cammaert did and the way it was done." U.N. peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous said "there is, of course, the system-wide accountability. We all have a degree of responsibility." As for the firing of Ondieki, he said, "I don't want to add salt to the wound. I think that conclusions were irrefutable." Ladsous spoke to reporters after briefing the Security Council at a closed meeting. A council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because the session was private, said the United States proposed a press statement welcoming the report and the U.N.'s transparency, but there was no agreement because China was not willing to accept any reference to the report. In the attacks on the U.N. compound, the report said confusing senior leadership and the lack of leadership on the ground, where the Chinese battalion commander had been appointed as the incident commander, "contributed to incidents of poor performance among the military and police contingents at UN House." This included "at least two instances in which the Chinese battalion abandoned some of its defensive positions" and an "inadequate" performance by Nepalese police to stop looting by some displaced people and control the crowd, it said. Kamau said "the sources used to inform the investigation, according to our information, were people who were ... in the direct line of command and related colleagues to the force commander. "These individuals, who had been in position years and months before the force commander arrived, have reason to miscue information in a manner that protects them and apportions blame elsewhere," he said. Kamau said "the investigation could not and should not have been just about the force commander." Instead, the investigation should have centered on response to events, the failure of the peacekeeping system, and the need for collective responsibility and accountability from the U.N. peacekeeping department in New York to the joint operations command at the U.N. mission in Juba, Kamau said. Luna Grills brand of Mediterranean food seems to be appetizing to investors. The San Diego-based fast-casual food chain recently secured nearly $30 million in financing from private investment firm CapitalSpring, which will be used for expanding and updating restaurants. The most it had received in a funding period before this was roughly $4 million. The 12-year-old company has 30 restaurants and is constructing 18 more in the next year. Advertisement Sean Pourteymour, founder and CEO of Luna Grill, said Wednesday that the company was pleasantly surprised by the amount of money it received. It gives us a lot of breathing room to focus on our culture, and the opening of Luna Grills that we have in the pipeline, he said. Pourteymour said the money will be used for research and development, upgrading infrastructure and building the 18 restaurants, which are mostly in Southern California and the Dallas-Forth Worth area. Luna Grill will move its headquarters to a new 10,500-square-foot office building in Carmel Mountain Ranch, more than double the size of its previous location. Food analyst John Gordon, founder and principal of Pacific Management Consulting, said Mediterranean food is popular right now with investors because it has a balanced draw of men and women. Also, it tends to have a consistent pull of customers at lunch and dinner. Mediterranean is hot, he said. Daytime, when many restaurants are slower, Mediterranean is able to attract nice business. Gordon said there are private equity firms that do nothing but scout restaurants chances for potential growth. The restaurant space in the United States is very crowded, very busy, he said. But, there is always room for new brands, which take on a life of their own. Pourteymour said by the time the new restaurants open, it will have added 400 to 500 new employees. It currently has more than 700 workers. He said the restaurant has aspirations to spread throughout the United States but will be careful about it. We want to do this in a very methodical way, Pourteymour said. We are 12 years old and most of our growth has happened in the last three to four years . . . We want to be responsible, not just put up stores because we can. We want to be cautious but not complacent. phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1891 Twitter: @phillipmolnar ALSO San Diego home price gains one of biggest in California Every year, more home-bound seniors are becoming food insecure, which means they dont know where their next meal is coming from or they dont have enough money to cover groceries for the month. To help fill that gap, Meals on Wheels San Diego County offers low-price meals for seniors that are packed and home-delivered by an army of volunteers that includes Allan Thomas of Carlsbad. The retired 68-year-old welder spends two and sometimes three days a week delivering meals to nearly 40 clients, and frequently helps out by doing free handyman tasks around their homes. Advertisement Charlotte Fan, a North County district supervisor for Meals on Wheels, said she can always count on Thomas to pick up an extra shift when needed. Allan is like a teddy bear, Fan said. Hes very kind, very caring. You can look in his eyes and see his heart is pouring out for seniors and anyone else he can care for. Since he retired six years ago, Thomas now volunteers five days a week. He spent a week this past month on a painting project at his church. He just finished up a concrete project at the home of an elderly couple with mobility issues. He serves on the executive committee of the North County NAACP chapter and he recruits workers for the Ironworkers unions apprentice program. Thomas said he feels a responsibility to give back to his adopted country. Born and raised in Trinidad, he came to the U.S. in 1970 for work. He achieved his American Dream, but had to leave his aging mother behind in their native country. While I was here in this country, my mom was really sick. Some of the guys I grew up with, whenever she needed something done, they would do it, he said. This is my way of giving back. If someone could help my mom, then I feel its my duty to help someone elses mom. Thomas was 21 when he arrived alone in this country with the goal of working hard to achieve success. He was hired as a steelworker, building and repairing ships. Then he transitioned into welding, working as a hot spot welder in coal-fired and nuclear power plants. In 1997, he moved to Carlsbad to work at the San Onofre nuclear power plant and retired from that job in 2010. Thomas is proud of his decades-long career in the construction industry and especially proud of his three adult children who have all achieved success. His 45-year-old son graduated from West Point and is now a retired Army colonel who works as a consultant for the Pentagon. His youngest daughter is a research scientist in Kentucky and his older daughter lives in Trinidad. When he first retired, Thomas first volunteered at Tri-City Medical Center, where he shuttled elderly patients around the hospital and worked in the cafeteria. One day, an older woman asked if she could take home the cafeterias leftovers because she didnt have any food at home. Haunted by the thought of her going hungry, he tracked her down after she left the hospital. I went over to where she lived and saw all these people in the home she was living in, people in wheelchairs, and I thought oh my goodness, look at all these hungry people, he said. I bought meals for all of them. And thats how I got hooked up with Meals on Wheels. Debbie Case, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels San Diego County, said her district serves just under 3,300 hungry seniors each year. The majority of clients are age 60 and over, the rest are younger people with disabilities, their caregivers and others with special circumstances. Nationwide there are 9.2 million seniors in the United States who are food insecure and 121,000 of them live here in San Diego County. Clients pay for home-delivered meals on a sliding scale based on ability to pay. It costs Meals on Wheels $7 to provide two meals and a beverage each day, and seniors can sign up for meal delivery three to seven days a week. Clients pay just one-third of the cost of producing the meals. The rest is made up through donations and grants. Case said the district can hold down its costs thanks to its 2,600 volunteers, who use their own cars and gasoline to make deliveries. The volunteers like Allan save us over $2 million a year in costs, Case said. If we had to pay taxes, benefits and minimum wage, we wouldnt be able to do it. Theyre our lifeblood. Case said the need for volunteers and donations continues to grow as the population ages and the cost of living grows. Six years ago, the districts annual budget was $2.6 million. Now its nearing $5 million. Luanne Hinkle, director of marketing for Meals on Wheels San Diego County, said Thomas began volunteering for the program in early 2015 and quickly became a highly reliable and enthusiastic volunteer. At first he worked in the office, but he missed interacting with the public so he asked to be transferred to delivery duty. Allan has a deep level of understanding and caring for the challenges of getting older, Hinkle said. He tends to spend a good amount of time with our seniors and creates a wonderful friendship with them. Thats what stands out the most about him. In his heart, he really cares. Meals on Wheels volunteers dont just deliver meals. Case said theyre also often the only connection many home-bound seniors have to the outside world. Thomas said that one couple in their 70s often asked him if he knew a good handyman so he volunteered to do the work himself. He trimmed their hedges, replaced termite-infested wood in their backyard deck and repaired and painted a concrete area in their back yard. Hes also done painting and landscaping for other Meals on Wheels clients. Because of Thomas efforts to go above and beyond, Meals on Wheels recently recognized him for making a difference in the community. Hinkle said Meals on Wheels has recently introduced a philanthropy program where the public can volunteer on Saturdays to do household repairs and chores for seniors, like weeding, mowing lawns and other physical tasks. In many cases, these seniors we serve dont have a family in town, Case said. We are their family. Were the ones making sure theyre OK and if they need a higher level of care. Thats why people like Allan are so important for us. He really likes to make that human connection. pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com The Port of San Diego is hosting a party on the Chula Vista waterfront to celebrate its latest pop-up art project: Bench Party. The Nov. 19 free event is open to the public and will feature two live bands, food and new artwork. It will be held near Chula Vista Bayside Park on G Street from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with free parking at 999 Bayside Parkway. Advertisement Bench Party, created by artist/designer team Jose Parral and Tasia Paulson, is comprised of more than 30 wood and steel sculptures that function as benches. Parral and Paulson are a California-based art and design team whose work is a cross between landscape urbanism and public art. The benches will be arranged in clusters that create unique vantage points of San Diego Bay and its shoreline. The work will be on display through May 20, 2017. Bench Party is the second art installation commissioned under the ports plan to encourage the public to explore art surrounding the tidelands. The port last month hosted a temporary art installation at the newly upgraded Cesar Chavez Park Pier, which features an interactive sound experience titled Time Strata by artist Margaret Noble. The Port of San Diegos Office of Arts and Culture was created to energize its waterfront with art and culture, among other things, to attract more people to port tidelands. All the projects are part of an art strategy adopted by the Board of Port Commissioners in 2012, developed by Port Chief Curator Yvonne Wise with help from the ports public art committee. Selected artists develop concepts based on project goals, which vary from monuments to traditional bronze sculptures, vibrant murals, fountains, light projections, sound art and conceptual artworks. The port has developed a map for self-guided walking tours of its public art collection, which features 70 creations in all five member cities including Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego. What do you get when you merge one of classical musics leading chamber ensembles (Calidore String Quartet) with one of the most vibrant young ensembles (Neave Trio) today? Well, for one thing, quartet plus trio equals septet. In this case, the two ensembles will join to form the Zwilich Septet for one evening to play the works of American composer Ellen Taaffe Zwilich as well as those by Arthur Foote and Robert Schumann. Here are five things you need to know about the concert Tuesday at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library: Advertisement 1. Breaking glass ceilings The Miami-born Ellen Taafee Zwilich, now 77, is the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for music. She graduated from Florida State University with a bachelors degree in music and continued to pursue advanced degrees at Juilliard, where she became the first woman to earn a Doctor of Musical Arts in composition. Shes considered by many to be one of Americas most popular living composers. 2. Epitome of confidence and finesse Thats how the Calidore String Quartet was described in Gramophone Magazine, the worlds leading classical music magazine. The quartet is composed of Jeffrey Myers, violin; Ryan Meehan, violin; Jeremy Berry, viola; and Estelle Choi, cello. Together, they are a chamber music tour de force, having recently won the grand prize in the M-Prize Chamber Music Competition. This year, they began a three-year residency at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Two. 3. Dynamic and intelligent David Finckel, co-director of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, had this to say about the Calidore String Quartet: Todays classical music world is heavily populated with young string quartets and its a rare occasion when one turns heads as convincingly as the Calidore Quartet. This dynamic and intelligent ensemble has already demonstrated skill and maturity beyond their collective years, and they show seemingly endless potential. Finckel should be a familiar name in San Diego he and his wife, Wu Han, are former co-directors of the La Jolla Music Societys annual SummerFest. 4. Familiar faces The Neave Trio Mikhail Veselov, cello; Eri Nakamura, piano; and Anna Williams, violin are no strangers to San Diegos classical music audiences. They have performed with the La Jolla Music Society, UC San Diegos ArtPower! and the San Diego Fringe Festival, where the group performed with the Blythe Barton Dance Company. 5. Innovation The Neave Trios partnership with the Blythe Barton Dance Company in San Diego garnered a lot of praise in 2015, mostly because of the unique juxtaposition of the two genres in the Fringe Festival environment. It wasnt the first time the trio pushed the envelope: In 2014, it collaborated with composer Amanuel Zarzowski to present an interactive concert series, which used audience participation and social media to expand the experience to a wider audience. Barbara and William Karatz 2016-17 Chamber Concert Series: Calidore String Quartet and Neave Trio When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8 Where: Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Room, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla Tickets: $40 members, $45 non-members Phone: (858) 454-5872 Online: ljathenaeum.org/chamber-concert-series Twitter: @outdoorlivingsd michael.rocha@sduniontribune.com A judge on Wednesday denied a request to reduce bail for a Navy man accused of driving drunk and plunging off the San Diego-Coronado Bridge last month, killing four people. Richard Anthony Sepolio, 24, remains held in county jail in lieu of $2 million bail. He faces four counts of gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI charges, stemming from the Oct. 15 incident in Chicano Park. Sepolio is a Navy aviation technician stationed at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado. Advertisement At the bail review hearing, San Diego County Superior Court Judge Frederick Maguire also denied a defense lawyers request to place the defendant in the care of the military because of his medical issues. Attorney Paul Pfingst said he wanted his client transferred to the Navy base so that he could receive the surgical attention he needs and is not getting in jail. Sepolio, who appeared in court wearing a neck brace, has fractured vertebrae and ribs and a broken hand, Pfingst said. Sepolio is accused of losing control of his pickup while transitioning from northbound Interstate 5 onto the bridge. The truck crashed through a barrier wall next to traffic lanes and landed in the park, which was packed with about 3,000 people. Cruz Contreras, 52, and his wife, Annamarie Contreras, 50, of Chandler, Ariz., were killed, as were Andre Banks, 49, and his wife, Francine Jimenez, 46, of Hacienda Heights. Sepolio and three other people were hospitalized with major injuries; five others were treated for lesser injuries. Deputy Dist. Atty. Cally Bright had said at Sepolios arraignment that he had a 0.08% blood-alcohol level half an hour after the crash. That is the legal limit for drivers in California. Pfingst said Wednesday that Sepolio was given a breath test shortly after the incident that showed his blood-alcohol content measured 0.05%, and a second test a minute later that measured 0.06%. An hour later, a blood test showed his level was 0.08%. Pfingst stressed that the earliest test the one that happened nearest to the time of the crash showed Sepolio was not under the influence at the time he was driving the pickup. No evidence shows that his driving was anything other than him trying to avoid another driver on the bridge, the attorney said in an interview after the hearing. Sepolio has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He faces up to 23 years and eight months in prison if convicted. dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com Littlefield writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune ALSO Immobile home? Prefabricated house tumbles onto freeway in Pacoima KTLA news anchor Lu Parker arrested at LAX on suspicion of petty theft Bay Area Uber driver arrested on suspicion of groping and stalking female passenger A man was charged Thursday in the fatal stabbing of a 3-year-old girl at her parents downtown factory job and in a knife attack on another woman months earlier. Ricardo Augusto Utuy, 34, faces one count each of murder and attempted murder, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office. Prosecutors allege that Utuy used a knife during the attacks. Utuy surrendered to detectives Tuesday, a day after police said he repeatedly stabbed Baby Ruby Vasquez without warning at a clothing factory where he and her parents worked. Advertisement The attack occurred just after 5 p.m. when Rubys parents brought her to work in the 800 block of McGarry Street, prosecutors said. While at the factory, Ruby went over to her father to give him a cookie, prosecutors said. Her mother, who had stepped away from her workstation, noticed that her daughter was then running toward her with Utuy just steps behind, they said. Thats when Utuy attacked the girl with a knife, stabbing her multiple times before fleeing, according to police. The mother returned to find her daughter mortally wounded. The girl was taken to an area hospital, where she died. On Wednesday, police said a second victim came forward after seeing Utuys photograph. According to prosecutors, Utuy stabbed the woman on March 10 at another factory in downtown Los Angeles. Utuy fled after the stabbing, they said. LAPD Capt. Jorge Rodriguez said Utuy was sometimes seen laughing and talking to himself. He did things that made co-workers think he was not all there, the captain said. The girls mother and Utuy had minimal contact at the factory, police said. If Utuy is convicted, he faces life in state prison. Staff writer Joseph Serna contributed to this report. veronica.rocha@latimes.com For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter. ALSO San Francisco sues developer over sinking skyscraper Mexican businessman pleads guilty in 1995 cartel drug trafficking case LAPD investigating Boyle Heights vandalism as possible hate crimes sparked by gentrification fight UPDATES: 12:01 p.m.: This article has been updated with charges being filed against Ricardo Augusto Utuy 11:35 a.m.: This article was updated with additional details. This article was originally published at 10:15 a.m. Sheriffs officials urged students and staff at Sonoma State University to use caution Thursday hours after a body was found in a shallow grave on campus. The body was found just after noon Wednesday by a campus landscaper, who was clearing brush in the undeveloped area, said Sonoma County sheriffs spokesman Spencer Crum. This would be concerning to everybody to staff and students alike and we would encourage them to use caution, he said. Take the precautions that are necessary. Advertisement On Thursday, investigators cordoned off a three-acre area around a parking lot at the university as they worked to unearth the body. We dont know if someone dug [a] hole or simply threw dirt on it. We will be out there this morning processing the scene, Crum said in an email to The Times. The area where the body was found is rugged and dense with trees and brush, Crum said. Its fairly recent because of the lack of decomposition, Crum told reporters Thursday afternoon. The age, sex and cause of death of the body have yet to be determined. We want to make sure we collect all the evidence every little fiber and hair that could possibly led us to a potential suspect, he said. No students, faculty or staff have been reported missing on campus, he said. But detectives were combing through missing-person reports at an area sheriffs station. Joseph.serna@latimes.com For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter. Times staff writer Veronica Rocha contributed to this article. ALSO Man arrested in fatal stabbing of toddler at mothers workplace is linked to another attack Man severely burned in a Hollywood Hills fire that reveals lab for refining marijuana L.A. Unified school bus struck by stray bullet on its way to pick up students, police say UPDATES: 3:05 p.m.: This article was updated with sheriffs deputies urging students and staff to use caution. This article was originally published at 8:50 a.m. President Obama faulted the FBI on Wednesday over its handling of the investigation into whether newfound emails are related to Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clintons private server, condemning the bureau for falling short of standards. There is a norm that when there are investigations, we dont operate on innuendo and we dont operate on incomplete information and we dont operate on leaks, Obama told NowThis in an interview. We operate based on concrete decisions that are made. The remarks were Obamas first public reaction to FBI Director James B. Comeys decision last week to make the review public just days before the election. Advertisement He did not mention Comey by name and cautioned that he wasnt trying to interfere with the investigation. Nonetheless, his comments constituted an extraordinary departure for a president who has held his fire on the FBIs actions in a variety of cases, citing a longstanding precedent of presidents trying not to influence federal investigations. Clintons campaign, most Democrats and even some Republicans excoriated Comey for reinjecting the emails into the forefront of the presidential race. More than three months earlier, Comey said his agents had completed their investigation into whether Clinton mishandled sensitive government information and concluded that they did not have enough evidence to recommend charges. When this was investigated thoroughly the last time, the conclusion of the FBI, the conclusion of the Justice Department, the conclusion of repeated congressional investigations was that she had made some mistakes but that there wasnt anything there that was prosecutable, Obama said. Others said that Comey, who notified lawmakers of the new review in a brief letter Friday, should have released more information about it once he decided to go public. Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), the head of the Senate Judiciary Committee, demanded that the director release more about the probe and complained that much of what was publicly known came from media reports. Comey has agreed not to seek subpoenas or take other investigative steps in probes related to either Clinton or Donald Trump so close to the presidential election, a federal law enforcement official confirmed. That applies to an investigation involving the Clinton Foundation charitable organization and another into whether Trumps former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, had improper business dealings with Ukraine. Justice Department officials worried that taking public investigative steps could affect the outcome of the November elections, and Comey agreed with that determination in both cases, as first reported by the New York Times. Such actions would also have violated longstanding agency guidelines prohibiting law enforcement action or public statements about investigations within weeks of an election. The new FBI probe comes at a critical moment not only for Clinton but also for Obama, who is focused intently on electing her to succeed him in the Oval Office. With his legacy hanging in the balance, he has been on the campaign trail nearly every day this week on behalf of the Clinton campaign, telling voters that all of the achievements of his term in office could be wiped away if he is succeeded by Trump. He plans to travel at least three more days before the election. And in interviews, Obama is trying to reassure voters who have concerns about the transparency of a Clinton administration. The news that the FBI may once again be looking at her use of a personal email server has given new life to concerns about whether she would comply with principles of openness and transparency if she were president. Clinton campaign officials say theyre not worried about the effect of the Comey announcement on the electorate. If weve seen any impact from Jim Comeys letter, it is to be a motivating factor for our supporters, senior advisor Jennifer Palmieri said Wednesday. She said the campaign has set records for fundraising in the past few days. At the same time, Democrats argue, Comeys announcement raises concerns that may be baseless. Its only right that Obama should call it into question, said Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Its a subtle way for the president to say that the Department of Justice policies are sound and ought to be followed, said Schiff. I dont think he was trying to be overtly critical of the director. I dont feel anyone in the administration thinks this was a good call. The view of the attorney general and other top lawyers in the Department of Justice is broadly shared in the administration. White House spokesman Eric Schultz argued that Obamas remarks did not reflect any change in White House position. We do take seriously the longstanding norms and customs that have historically limited what law enforcement can say about a pending investigation, Schultz said. Those norms are designed to limit speculation and yes, innuendo, he said. Times staff writer Del Quentin Wilber in Washington and Michael A. Memoli aboard the Clinton campaign plane contributed to this report. Christi.Parsons@latimes.com Follow @cparsons for news about the White House. ALSO Trump proposed poll-monitoring in urban areas, so black voters are fighting back with monitoring of their own Trump is placing a long-shot bet to win a handful of states. It could overturn the electoral map Donald Trump built a political movement. Now what? Gov. Jerry Browns effort to revise and ultimately loosen state prison parole rules appears to be on its way to passage on Nov. 8, as a new poll finds strong support across a wide swath of California voters. Fifty-seven percent of likely voters in a new USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times survey backed Browns Proposition 57, and only 31% were opposed. While earlier polling showed an even wider lead, the proposal has had consistently solid backing throughout the campaign season. Proposition 57 should pass comfortably, said Ben Winston of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, the Democratic pollster who makes up the bipartisan team that conducts the survey. Advertisement The measure, which would allow more prisoners a chance at parole and give additional authority to prison officials to award good-behavior credits, has wide appeal among the states young voters. As many as two-thirds of the polls likely voters under the age of 40 supported Proposition 57, with the highest backing from younger white Californians. Support was at, or surpassed, the 60% threshold among Democrats, white voters who are independent of any political party and Latino women. The only serious opposition came from registered Republicans, self-described conservatives and older, non-college-educated voters. Young voters may be a harbinger of a dramatic long-term shift on crime and punishment in a state where long prison sentences for sensationalized crimes were once the hallmark of successful campaigns. This generation of California voters simply wasnt alive when a tough-on-crime approach was necessary to win a statewide election, said Dan Schnur, director of USCs Unruh Institute of Politics. Political analysts also point to a potential correlation in the poll between supporters of the parole overhaul and those who support Proposition 64, the effort to fully legalize marijuana. Seventy-one percent of the likely voters who support the marijuana measure also support Proposition 57. I think there are parallel issues here, said Doug Herman, a Democratic strategist. Theyre making the point that the criminal justice system is broken. The ballot box guide to Californias propositions Brown has fought bitterly with district attorneys across California over Proposition 57, which he contends is simply offering the chance for a prisoners request to be heard by the state Board of Parole Hearings. Under the measure, parole commissioners could consider releasing any prisoner whose primary sentence was not for one of the states specifically listed violent crimes, and then only for secondary crimes or enhancements added at the time of sentencing. Prosecutors, on the other hand, argue that Proposition 57 would almost certainly lead to the early release of dangerous criminals. And they believe the initiatives expansion of good-behavior credits would mean less time behind bars even for high-risk predators. The USC/Times poll, like most nonpartisan surveys, tested voter opinions by using Proposition 57s official ballot title and summary a description that has become a bone of contention during the campaign. The ballot title and summary is a gross and blatant misrepresentation of what this measure would do, said Merced County Dist. Atty. Larry Morse. It is incredibly dishonest. Law enforcement opponents dispute that new parole eligibility would be given only to offender, who are nonviolent, a word that Morse said he believes downplays the threat and thus artificially inflates any estimates of true voter support for the governors policy proposal. He knows damn good and well this applies to crimes that anyone would see as violent, Morse said of Brown. Dan Newman, a spokesman for the Proposition 57 campaign, said the measure is exactly what voters want in a public safety policy a focus on keeping dangerous offenders locked up while rehabilitating nonviolent offenders before they get out. While most of the focus is on the impact of revising prison parole procedures, Proposition 57 also would revoke provisions of a 2000 ballot measure that has sent some juvenile defendants into adult courtrooms. Prosecutors helped lead the campaign for that proposal 16 years ago, but Morse said he and other district attorneys now agree those teenagers should remain in the juvenile justice system. Sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter The survey of 1,500 registered voters was conducted for USC Dornsife and the Los Angeles Times by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research and American Viewpoint. Support for the ballot initiative was almost identical among the entire sample 58% in favor as it was among likely voters. The poll results come as both sides in the Proposition 57 campaign ramp up efforts to persuade voters. Brown has raised more than $19.7 million in support of the measure, with the largest share of that money spent during the spring on gathering signatures to quickly qualify the initiative for the ballot after skirmishes in court over whether it was properly vetted under state election law. The governors effort had enough money left over for campaign mailers and a statewide radio ad blitz, while opponents, having raised less than $1.4 million, have had fewer opportunities. That imbalance may help explain another strong marker for the initiative in the poll: It was winning with 63% of voters who said they already have cast a ballot. john.myers@latimes.com Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast ALSO: Detailed poll results Gov. Jerry Browns Prop 57 is a parole showdown with prosecutors What you need to know about the 17 propositions on the Nov. 8 ballot Track news on California ballot measures and campaigns In a February 2006 ruling, U.S. District Judge Jeremy Fogel found Californias lethal injection protocols could cause excessive pain, raising constitutional issues that ultimately halted the execution of an inmate only an hour before his scheduled death. Ten years later, the death penalty system remains on pause, as the state has sought to develop a new method for killing prisoners amid mounting legal challenges and national outcry over botched executions. The fate of its latest proposal for new execution protocols now hangs on what happens at the ballot box. For the record: A previous version of this article misspelled Kent Scheideggers last name as Schedeigger. Under current law, all state agencies, including the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, must follow the states Administrative Procedure Act when establishing new regulations, which ensures they meet public notice and hearing requirements. Advertisement As part of the process, public vetting of a humane and dignified single-drug injection procedure, unveiled last year, concludes a day before Tuesdays election. The proposal will then move on to the final step, a review by the California Office of Administrative Law. But if voters approve Proposition 66, which seeks to expedite the death penalty, prison officials would be exempt from the existing regulation process, meaning they would no longer have to comply with the rule-making process under the Administrative Procedure Act. Opponents of the proposition argue the move hurts transparency and gives unchecked executive power to a state agency. Proponents argue it would remove bureaucratic barriers and speed up the system. Execution protocols will continue to be intensely scrutinized by the courts, but they will no longer be subject to an administrative process that was never intended for them, is not appropriate for them, and wastes taxpayer money on a pointless exercise, said Proposition 66 author Kent Scheidegger with the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation. A Marin County Superior Court judge first ordered the state corrections department to comply with the Administrative Procedure Act in 2007 after death row inmates sued over its execution protocols process. That year, Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneggers office had undertaken a massive review of the death penalty system in response to a ruling by Fogel in December 2006, which deemed the states administration of the death penalty cruel and unusual punishment under the 8th Amendment. Schwarzeneggers office sought to address some of Fogels concerns, among them inconsistent and unreliable screening of execution team members, a lack of meaningful training and oversight on how to carry out the practice and improper mixing and preparation of execution cocktails. But before the 2007 state ruling, the corrections department only notified the parties involved, including the state public defender, of any changes in its execution protocol. Proposition 66 supporters say the new rules under the administrative law have helped keep the death penalty system in limbo ever since, as opponents of the practice have mounted legal challenges and taken advantage of the public vetting process. Among other requirements, the corrections department must accept public comments and respond to them, and they must accept emailed comments, Scheidegger said. Opponents of the death penalty therefore launch spamming campaigns dumping tens of thousands of comments that are irrelevant, repetitive, or both just to bog down the system. But Jen Moreno, a staff attorney at the Berkeley Law Death Penalty Clinic, said Proposition 66 proponents want to remove public oversight and transparency to compensate for the unwillingness or inability of the [corrections department] with respect to following the law. Death row inmates initially filed a legal challenge against the department in 2007 for its failure to go through the process, she said, and then again for its failure to comply with the requirements when it did go through the process in 2009. That resulted in the latest invalidation of the states execution protocols in 2012. Proposition 66 opponents argue that it has been transparency that has brought to light improprieties in the process, such as the states retention of a three-drug cocktail that had led to botched executions in other states. Prop. 66 gives the director of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, an unelected official, unfettered discretion to develop an execution protocol in secret and to implement the protocol with no public oversight, said Ana Zamora, manager of the No on Prop. 66 campaign. The latest proposal for a new California protocol stems from a lawsuit filed against the state by crime victims families who support the death penalty and want to see it enforced. It would allow a choice of four barbiturates for lethal injection: amobarbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital and thiopental. And the selection would occur on a case-by-case basis, taking into account changing factors such as the availability of a supply of chemical, according to a copy of the proposal published online. Over the last year, approximately 36,000 people have submitted 167,000 individual comments, more than what corrections officials have received in the past, according to the corrections department. Terry Thornton, an agency spokeswoman, said the department has not completed the administrative process which by law must be completed within a year and could not confirm whether the proposal would be sent to the Office of Administrative Law by the Nov. 7 deadline. If Proposition 66 is defeated, the Office of Administrative Law would continue with its final review, which it has 30 working days to complete. But this year, death penalty opponents also have another measure on the ballot that could declare the whole issue moot: Proposition 62 would retroactively apply life sentences to death row inmates and replace the death penalty with life in prison without parole. Whatever happens on Tuesday, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation would comply with the law, Thornton said. How it will do that remains to be determined, she said. Why Silicon Valley is pouring money into efforts to repeal Californias death penalty jazmine.ulloa@latimes.com Follow @jazmineulloa on Twitter ALSO House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi endorses ballot measure to repeal the death penalty in California I am 25 and still afraid of the dark: Victims families wrestle with grief as they weigh the death penalty on the ballot How MASH actor Mike Farrell became a leading voice against the death penalty in California Updates on California politics UPDATES: 11:50 a.m., Nov. 3: This article was updated with a statement from California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation spokeswoman Terry Thornton on the status of the agencys administrative process. This article was originally published at 2:05 p.m. on Nov. 2. Two of the four announced speakers at Aglow Internationals annual conference, Nov. 10-13 in San Diego, will warn against the role of Muslims in the U.S. Sam Solomon, the headliner during the morning and afternoon sessions of Nov. 12, is described as a leading expert on Islam and Sharia law. Hell be followed that evening by Brigette Gabriel, founder and president of Act! for America. Advertisement Act! has been labeled by the Anti-Defamation League a Jewish civil-rights organization as an anti-Muslim group. The Southern Poverty Law Center calls it a hate group. In Gabriels 2008 book, They Must Be Stopped: Why We Must Defeat Radical Islam and How We Can Do It, she condemned that faith. It is not yet politically correct to talk about a religious war, she wrote. But this is exactly what we are facing: a religious war declared by devout Muslims. Its not radical Islam. Its what Islam is at its core. Hanif Mohebi, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations San Diego chapter, called Act! an anti-Muslim group. We are not happy to have them anywhere near our county, he said. Several attempts to contact Aglow International this week were unsuccessful. An employee, who asked not to be identified, explained that Rick Allen, the groups spokesman, is tending to a family emergency. Other leaders were busy preparing for the conference. Sessions at the conference will be devoted to several topics, including human trafficking and how to prepare for natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Based in Everett, Wash., Aglow is a 49-year-old conservative Christian group that claims more than 200,000 members in 170 nations. Founded by four women, Aglow opened membership to men a decade ago. This years conference, at the Town & Country Resort in Mission Valley, is expected to draw about 3,000 delegates. Other speakers include Jane Hansen Hoyt, Aglows president and CEO, and Dan Hammer, senior pastor at Sonrise Christian Center in Everett. A Mexican businessman extradited to the U.S. 20 years after being charged with orchestrating shipments for the Sinaloa drug cartel pleaded guilty Wednesday in San Diego federal court to cocaine trafficking charges. Antonio Reynoso Gonzalez, 72, also known as El Ingeniero or The Engineer, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years on the charge: conspiracy to import cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute. Prosecutors, however, have agreed to recommend a sentence of about eight years, asking the judge to take into consideration Reynosos age, health and acceptance of responsibility, among other factors. Reynoso is one of 23 people named in a 1995 San Diego indictment that accuses Sinaloa drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman of smuggling cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and into the U.S. via planes, trains, autos and tunnels. Reynosos family owned a successful food importation business in Los Angeles, which Guzman used to add legitimacy to the cartels business, according to the indictment. Reynoso admitted paying for a man to lease a warehouse in Mexico under the company name Distribudores de Basicos in 1993, knowing that the purpose was to store cocaine to be sold across the United States, according to his plea agreement. Advertisement About 7.3 tons of cocaine was loaded into roughly 400 cases of La Comadre chile pepper cans and were to be taken to the warehouse, but they were seized by Mexican law enforcement en route, the plea states. Reynoso also admitted arranging a 390-kilogram shipment of cocaine hidden inside a hollowed-out boiler from Los Angeles to Chicago in 1994. The load was seized in Chicago once it arrived. Reynoso was recorded talking about the shipment, the plea states. The indictment accused Reynosos two brothers, Jose and Jesus Reynoso, of obtaining a warehouse property for one of their food businesses in Otay Mesa so a drug tunnel could be built underneath, the indictment states. When Guzman was arrested in 1993, authorities found a map in one of his safe houses that led to the discovery of the nearly complete tunnel. It ended just short of the Otay Mesa warehouse for the Reynoso business. (It came up short because the tunnel builders apparently relied on a faulty county map.) Reynoso lived in the open in Mexico for years following his indictment and was a fixture in prominent social circles. He built a green-roofed mansion complete with turret and glass pool atrium that backs up to the U.S. border with San Diego, a 1997 Los Angeles Times article noted. U.S. officials had asked Mexican authorities to issue an arrest warrant for him back then, saying they would initiate the extradition process once he was in Mexican custody, the Times reported. Reynoso was among 13 top targets extradited to the United States a year ago as part of a renewed cooperation with Mexico to target drug trafficking. kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @kristinadavis While gaining an hour of sleep Sunday morning sounds like a gift, falling back my actually be a drag on the economy. Daylight saving time is a controversial subject, disrupting sleep cycles twice a year. But, as J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. discovered, falling back reduced consumer spending. The report suggests that economic activity may be heavily influenced by sunlight. Advertisement The researchers analyzed 2.5 million transactions from Chase customers in Los Angeles and Phoenix. Arizona doesnt observe daylight saving time, so it served as a control factor. Los Angeles showed a 3.5 percent decrease at the end of daylight saving time, compared to a 0.9 percent increase in the spring. Spending fell back for most goods, particularly retailers and grocery stores during the week. There are two channels by which such a decline could occur: consumers could either make fewer trips to merchants (reflected in fewer transactions) or spend less money per transaction, the authors wrote. In our data, over two-thirds of the decline is due to a reduction in the number of transactions, which is consistent with the idea that daylight affects the decision to go to the store. The study also looked at spending in San Diego to compare to Los Angeles numbers. Those numbers showed: a 2.9 percent increase at the beginning of DST and a 2.2 percent decrease at the end. As Data Watch has previously reported, daylight saving time creates dozens of negative health outcomes. Much of the research on the health effects of the time shift relate to the circadian rhythms, the bodys internal clock that, when in sync, helps people wake up, eat and sleep around the same time every day. The most widespread effect of the time change may be muddle-headed drivers. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that groggy drivers make the roads more dangerous on the Monday following the time change. Workplace injuries also jump after the change, according to research in the Journal of Applied Psychology. And that same journal has published research that indicates the grogginess translates to more cyberloafing the first Monday back. Reach the writer at: daniel.wheaton@sduniontribune.com or @theheroofthyme Momentum appears to be building to expand a pilot program that allows community colleges to offer four-year bachelor degrees to help meet a projected shortage of educated workers in California. That was the central theme of speakers who addressed state lawmakers meeting at City College this week to discuss the future of the program. The pilot program was created in 2014 by Senate Bill 850, which authorized 15 community colleges to offer the degrees. MiraCosta College and Mesa College are among the schools in the program, which is schedule.to end Jan. 1, 2024. Advertisement One state Assembly member and three state senators, including SB 850 author Marty Block of San Diego, attended the Tuesday hearing and heard calls for the program to continue and be expanded to help meet a projected shortfall of 1.1 million workers with bachelor degrees needed in the workforce by 2030. Even ramping things up, were going to be 600,000 individuals short, said Community College League of California President Larry Galizio, one of the speakers at the hearing. Its frightening. Theres just no way were going to meet the demands. Besides a need to increase the number of workers with four-year degrees, Galizio said the pilot program is addressing an demand for affordable higher education in California. Others at the hearing said the program also should be expanded because it benefits students and their families and addresses the changing needs in the state. Among the people testifying for the program to continue were Sunny Cooke, president/superintendent of MiraCosta College, and Constance Carroll, chancellor of the San Diego Community College District, which includes Mesa College. Democratic state Sens. Jerry Hill of San Mateo and Benjamin Allen of Redondo Beach and Assemblyman Jose Medina, D-Riverside, appeared receptive to the idea of continuing and possibly expanding the program. Block, who did not seek re-election, said the future fight for expanding the program would be left to the other legislators. The camels nose is under the tent, he said. Its up to you to get the rest of the camel in. In this case, the camel was a four-year nursing program. Early interest in a bachelor program at community colleges was driven by a need for more nurses with four-year degrees, but was excluded following opposition from the California State University and the California Nursing Association. Mesa is offering a degree in health information management, and MiraCosta will begin a four-year degree in biomanufacturing next year. The need for more nurses with four-year degrees has not dwindled, however. Grossmont College President Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh said drones and brewing sciences are among the four-year degrees his school would like to offer, but he also said the time has come to consider bachelor degrees in nursing. I think for good, pragmatic reasons it was excluded from the community college bachelor program, but its one thats very important to talk about, said Abu-Ghazaleh, who was president of West Los Angeles College when it was chosen as one of the 15 schools in the pilot program. Abu-Ghazaleh said Grossmont College offers associate degrees in healthcare, but graduates are beginning to find difficulty in getting hired because more hospitals are demanding four-year degrees. Carroll also said a demand from employers for workers with bachelor degrees was among the reason the San Diego Community College District wanted to participate in the pilot program. Our greatest hope would be that the legislator would consider simply allowing a change in mission to allow community colleges to offer bachelor degrees on an as-need basis, she said, noting that colleges and universities add and drop degrees all the time without legislative involvement. She also asked the lawmakers to consider delaying the scheduled sun-setting of the pilot program and expedite final reports from the Legislative Analysts Office that are required for lawmakers to consider expanding the program. Cooke said MiraCosta College is preparing to hold information sessions about its new four-year degree next month, and said there have been more than 500 inquiries into the 30-student initial class. I think there is way more demand than we can meet, she said, adding that there is strong evidence that more nurses with four-year degrees also are needed locally. Following the hearing, Carroll sent an e-mails to colleagues in her district to say she was pleased to report that legislators were enthusiastic about the prospect of expanding the program. Given the obvious needs and given the positive nature of this hearing, I am encouraged that progress may be made sooner rather than later, she wrote. At the end of the hearing, Hill indicated that he was ready to face obstacles that may be ahead in trying to introduce nursing into the pilot program. Well fight the politics when the time comes, he said. Allen told Block that the pilot program would be his legacy, and said he saw many reason for it to continue and expand. Block acknowledged that some have seen the pilot program as drifting from the community colleges mission, but said he disagreed. I dont see it as a change in the community college mission, he said. Industry has changed and now demands four-year degrees. gary.warth@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @GaryWarthUT 760-529-4939 Chalk graffiti that targeted Mexican-American students was once again found on some sidewalk at UC San Diego recently. After the messages were discovered late Thursday last week, two vice chancellors answered student concerns with an e-mail that called the messages hurtful. Graffiti found in front of the Raza Resource Centro read No sanctuaries schools or cities. Advertisement Chalk writings also were found on Library Walk and other places, and included Stop illegals, stop trafficking and Build the wall, stop drugs, stop crime, stop rape. The graffiti did not mention Donald Trump, although it did echo statements he has made during the campaign. In April, similar messages that also included Trump 2016 were found on sidewalks at UC San Diego. Student Adan Chavez e-mailed Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Juan Gonzalez and Vice Chancellor of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Becky Petitt about the graffiti last Friday. As administrators who should be concerned over the academic and social well-being of our students, we expect no less than an immediate response regarding the matter as well as additional steps moving forward in order to address persistent and re-occurring campus climate issues, Chavez wrote. The administrators replied: First and foremost, please know we are aware this type of incident is hurtful and weakens the sense of community we are working to build on our campus. The reply also urged the campus community to care for one another and reach out to faculty, advisers and counselors to talk and express sentiments and needs. An earlier statement Petitt had released on Sept. 26 also was re-released. That statement recognized the diverse political views on campus but also called for civility. We honor this diversity and encourage the exchange of perspectives in constructive, responsible ways, the statement read. We cannot allow the increasing level of political polarization, anxiety, fear, and affronts that pervade our current national discourse to disrupt and divide our campus community. It is possible to disagree without being disagreeable. Chavez responded with another letter, also signed by Latino student leaders Alfredo Arriola, Alexis Buz and Belen Hernandez, calling for a stronger statement from the administration and greater diversity among the schools faculty, staff and counselors. Our students are concerned that protected speech is often a blanket to hate speech and believe there should be a distinction made next time the document (is) issued, their e-mail continued. Patrick Velasquez, who teaches education studies at UC San Diego and co-chairs the San Diego Chicano/Latino Concilio, said he has met with the four students and others since the graffiti was discovered and heard a consensus that the school should do more to recruit Latino students and help them succeed. Velasquez also said the statement from administration doesnt go far enough because it has no enforcement power, and added that students he talked to would like UC San Diegos Sixth College to be named after a Latino woman. gary.warth@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @GaryWarthUT 760-529-4939 Between requests for prayers for the sick and a notice for an upcoming chastity luncheon, a newsletter from a Catholic church in Old Town that doubles as an election-day polling site included a flier that told parishioners theyll go to hell if they vote for Democrats. Two Sundays later, the message had changed: Satan was working through former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Advertisement The Oct. 16 bulletin from the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church was stuffed with a flyer written in both English and Spanish that cited five legislative policies support for abortion, same-sex marriage, euthanasia, human cloning, and embryonic stem cell research that will doom a politician and their supporters to eternal damnation. It is a mortal sin to vote Democrat immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, the flyer said. It cited the five public policy issues from the Voters Guide for Serious Catholics and said that Democrats violate each of them, while Republicans cross none. The political messages continued as early voting began and the election drew closer. An article in the Oct. 30 the church bulletin claimed that Clinton is influenced by Satan. Voters start tackling mega-ballot The bulletin took a quote from a 2015 speech by Clinton out of context to make it appear that through Satanic intervention the Democratic nominee, using techniques from trailblazing community organizer Saul Alinsky, was telling Christians to change their religious beliefs to support abortion. The devil does this through tactics outlined by Saul Alinsky with the outcome as Hillary Clinton stated And deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed, to draw us away from Gods teachings regarding the sanctity of life to those of the world and its prince, the bulletin said. Clinton, speaking at the Women in the World Summit, was actually talking about eliminating cultural barriers that prevent girls from attending elementary school and women from attending college, as well as obstacles that stand between enforcement of domestic violence laws and access to reproductive and maternal healthcare. Lawyers who study churches and other nonprofit organizations said the statements violate regulations that prevent tax-exempt groups from speaking in support or against political candidates. The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego on Wednesday said the messages in the flier and bulletin do not reflect Catholic teaching or diocese policies, are inappropriate, and that voters should use their conscience to determine which candidates to support. Its not a mortal sin to vote for Democrats, number one. And number two, the church doesnt take positions on this, and were not going to, diocese spokesman Kevin Eckery said. In a speech Tuesday at the Center for Catholic Thought and Culture at the University of San Diego, Bishop Robert McElroy stressed the importance both for his faith and for the country of religious leaders like himself staying out of candidate elections. I speak to you tonight as a bishop who is part of a long tradition in Catholic episcopal leadership in the United States which holds that both the Church and society are best served when bishops refrain from publicly endorsing or favoring, either directly or indirectly, specific candidates in partisan elections, a transcript of his address says. The diocese said the flier was not authorized by the parish, but it was somehow inserted into the Oct. 16 bulletin. For all I know someone thought that they were doing a service, by putting it into the bulletin, Eckery said. The pastor said it was not something he had reviewed or approved. In his homily three weeks before the flier appeared in bulletins the churchs pastor, the Rev. Richard Perozich, discussed those same five points from the flier and how theyre relevant in this upcoming election but didnt mention political parties, candidates, or damnation. In the church, we have what we call the five non-negotiables, things that are most important, and theyre around life issues. Theres life, from conception to natural death. Theres marriage and sexuality, embryonic stem cell research, cloning and euthanasia. When we vote, we dont vote for candidates who support these things, even if they support other things that we really like, said Perozich, according to a recording of the Sept. 25 homily posted on the churchs website. Eckery said Perozich was not available for comment. Francine Busby, the head of San Diego County Democrats, said she saw the flier and thought it was absurd to the point it didnt seem like something the faith she grew up in would publish. My initial reaction was that this was extreme and completely over the top in the accusations, she said. I thought it was important to bring it to the attention to the diocese, just as a friend. I know that they didnt mean it. Clearly this was something that the diocese would never ever approve. While the bulletin cites The Voters Guide for Serious Catholics from El Cajon-based Catholic Answers Press to claim that voting for a Democrat results in eternal damnation, the guide references neither Democrats nor Republicans, and says voting by political party is an ineffective way to align with Catholic teachings. Do not just vote based on your political party affiliation, your earlier voting habits, or your familys voting tradition, the guide says. Years ago, these may have been trustworthy ways to determine whom to vote for, but today they are often not reliable. You need to look at the stands each candidate takes. This means that you may end up casting votes for more than one party. The Clinton-as-Satan comment was in an article from the Oct. 30 bulletin headlined Voting Catholic that discusses contemporary issues that Catholics have long stood against like abortion and same-sex marriage, plus ones that Eckery said are not a part of Catholic teachings and out of line with diocesan policy. The article, which was written in the bulletin and not an insert, listed 10 sins that have enslaved American society created by politicians, judges and the voters who support them. Besides long-standing matters the church has opposed, it also spoke against the importation of immigrants whose religious values are to eradicate every belief except those of their own prophet and god, and to impose this on America and public assistance for immigrants adding to the public debt while paying Americans to sit home and not work. The article also criticized regulating the right to bear arms for free citizens in a nation where criminals and terrorists will always have weapons, and where government is now in opposition to the citizens. The article goes on to criticize clergy and politicians who think Christians who are concerned about these issues are homophobic or Islamophobic. We are called by politicians such as Hillary Clinton, deplorables, it said. This article does not reflect the Catholic churchs stance, Eckery said. Theres no Catholic teaching to national debt, theres no Catholic teaching on the Second Amendment. Those are civil issues, not Catholic issues, he said. It doesnt reflect official church teaching. Were a welcoming church, welcoming to immigrants. Eckery said the article came from within the parish, but its not clear who the author was, or who approved it for the bulletin. Legal experts said that flier and bulletin run afoul of IRS regulations that prohibit nonprofit organizations, including churches, from backing or opposing political campaigns as a condition of receiving a tax-free status. This is absolutely blatant. I would use that word. It is a blatant violation on the ban on campaign activity, said Richard Schmalbeck, a law professor at Duke University who specializes in nonprofit regulations. Its among the worst. Really, when youre threatening eternal damnation, there really arent bigger guns than that. But the infraction couldnt be fairly blamed on the church if it were inserted by a rogue actor, he said. Bruce Hopkins, a law professor at the University of Kansas, said he didnt think that the flier about Democrats is a problem because it mentions a party, not a specific candidate. The Oct. 30 bulletin the one that says Satan is working through Clinton is an issue, he said. I think it is a problem, as a matter of law, when you have her mentioned, specifically, that close to an election day, Hopkins said. Its an obvious criticism of her in the context of the campaign. They both also said its unlikely that the IRS will investigate or impose any sort of sanction, however. The IRS these days is not enforcing much in this area, Hopkins said. It doesnt have the resources, and its been criticized so much on (Capitol) Hill and elsewhere that its kind of skittish about moving in certain areas, and this is one of them. When there have been sanctions, theyve been mild, Schmalbeck said. In 2004 the IRS audited All Saints Church in Pasadena for a sermon that depicted a hypothetical debate between Jesus and then-Sen. John Kerry and President George W. Bush. It didnt say specifically who to vote for or against, but it could be inferred, and compared to Immaculate Conception, it was much milder, he said. The IRS investigated, found that the Pasadena church had violated regulations for non-profits and gave it a warning, Schmalbeck said. Churches arent entirely sidelined from the political process. The IRS says they can hold candidate forums and publish election guides and organize voter registration drives, but their efforts must be conducted in a non-partisan manner. The Old Town parish has hosted a polling site for the last four elections, and the flier is not a problem for Tuesdays general election because voting will take place in a hall adjacent to the church and the polling area will be politically neutral, county spokesman Michael Workman said. Approximately 250 houses of worship across San Diego County are used for polling places, amounting to around one of every six voting locations. Of those, all but around 10 are Christian churches. There are also at least two synagogues and one Buddhist temple used for voting, but it does not appear that any mosques are used. The morality of either political party is far from agreed upon among the Catholic clergy and lay people, and likewise, there are Catholics in all levels of government across party lines. There have been two priests in Congress both were Democrats. There have likewise been two Catholics in the executive branch, Vice President Joe Biden and President John F. Kennedy, also Democrats. Also, Rep. Juan Vargas, D-San Diego, and Gov. Jerry Brown, also a Democrat, both studied to become Jesuit priests. In 1989 then-San Diego Bishop Leo Maher became the first in the country to deny the Eucharist to a politician when the sacrament was refused to state Senate candidate Lucy Killea. She won her race, and years later worshiped with Episcopalians. 10 best zingers Clinton, Trump traded at Al Smith dinner In 2004, John Kerry was the last Catholic to receive the Democratic Partys nomination for president and while he was campaigning he was denied communion because of his abortion rights stance. Besides him and Kennedy in 1960, the only other Catholic to receive the nomination from one of the two major parties was Al Smith in 1928, a Democrat and three-time New York governor. Smith is still a figure in presidential politics as the namesake of a charity dinner where the two candidates appear together to roast each other and themselves to raise money for Catholic organizations that assist children. Critics weighed in on Clinton and Trumps comedic speeches, giving them both boos and praise, but Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of the Diocese of New York, laughed at them both. Twitter: @jptstewart joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1841 A man suspected of setting fire to his Talmadge apartment early Thursday while his wife and children were away was arrested on an arson charge, San Diego police said. Residents yelled to wake up neighbors and officers helped with evacuations as flames roared out a second-story bedroom window. No injuries were reported at the complex on 50th Street near El Cajon Boulevard. Advertisement A family of four lived there, but the mother and children were not home at the time, said Lee Swanson, San DIego Fire-Rescue Department spokesman. Arson and domestic violence unit detectives were investigating the case. The blaze was reported about 2:45 a.m. in the two-story building. An apartment near the back was on fire, and crews had trouble getting to it on narrow walkways, a fire official said. About 40 firefighters got the flames out in about 20 minutes. The fire damage was largely contained to the master bedroom, Swanson said. An apartment below sustained water damage. The Red Cross was called to assist a family of four living there, as well as the family in the burned unit. Damage was estimated at $250,000. Police detained a 34-year-old man at the apartment complex about 4 a.m., then arrested him on an arson charge. He was booked and held on $150,000 in bail. No motive for setting the fire was given. A San Diego woman killed by Torrance police after she rammed two patrol cars was grieved by her family Wednesday and remembered as a tender-hearted, smart, ambitious woman who worked hard to keep her bipolar disorder in check. Michelle Lee Shirley, 39, was always interested in science, but her great desire was to be a lawyer, her mother said. She always wanted to be lawyer that helped be a voice for people who didnt have a voice people who had a mental disability, or women with child custody issues, said Debra Shirley, from her home in the Valencia Park neighborhood of San Diego. Advertisement She and her husband, Ron Shirley, raised seven children there. Michelle was the oldest, nicknamed Mickey from childhood. She graduated from Gompers High School, the University of California, San Diego in 2001, then Loyola University of Chicago School of Law in 2006. It took her extra time to complete law school as she worked and raised a son with her boyfriend. Michelle was really driven. It was part of her bipolar disorder: go, go, go, and not sleep, her mother said. She said she doesnt know if Michelle suffered a bipolar episode that caused her to drive erratically and hit the police cars Monday afternoon. Michelle had been in the Los Angeles area about a week, earning extra money as an Uber driver so she could return to Oklahoma and start a business making advertising magnets, Shirley said. Two Torrance police detectives visited Shirley and her family Wednesday afternoon to ask about Michelle, but gave them little information. We dont know how many bullets, or any details about the shooting, said Shirley, a 62-year-old retired social services worker. Torrance police issued this account of the incident: Several drivers called 911 about 2:30 p.m. Monday to report a reckless driver in a damaged car that had inflated side airbags. Officers got into a short pursuit with Michelle. It ended when they used a patrol car to knock her sedan into a spin that stopped her on Cabrillo Avenue at Sepulveda Boulevard. Officers had her penned in and guns aimed at her car as she backed into one occupied patrol car, then drove forward into another. More than one officer opened fire, blasting out the car windows and fatally wounding her. Cellphone video from a witness showed her gray sedan hemmed in by police cars, then plow forward to shove one out of the way. Gunshots can be heard as her car swerves into a corner gas station lot. My heart feels they handled it totally wrong, Shirley said. I feel like when they see people of color, there is no connection there, no empathy, and they dont take the extra step they need to do the best job they can. She said five or six times, her daughter suffered bipolar episodes that knocked her out cold, and San Diego police got her to the hospital and the help she needed. Weve appreciated it, Shirley said. But police have to know that black lives matter. Human beings matter. They should not be so quick to unload their guns into a human being. She said her oldest daughter took part in science lab internships at UCSD during her high school summers, loved teaching Sunday school, and became fluent in Spanish. Michelle was also proud of time she spent working for the National Alliance for Mental Illness, her mother said. She said her daughters condition set in while under the pressure of law school, long commutes to work and child-rearing. Her boyfriend gained custody of their son, now 13, after she locked the child out of the house while having a bipolar episode, and was hospitalized for a time. Despite her best efforts, Michelle narrowly failed the California bar exam. She left San Diego five years ago for Kansas and Oklahoma, where she got into advertising, then started her own company. Shirley, surrounded by her other six children, her mother, and grandchildren, flipped through family photo albums looking for a favorite of Michelle as a child riding her fathers shoulders. Better days, she told daughter Stephanie, 33, before bursting into sobs. I want so bad to turn back the clock. A man wanted in a shooting at a cellphone giveaway booth in El Cajon was Tased and arrested Tuesday in Lemon Grove after a brief chase, police said. Michael Riordan, 41, is accused of shooting another man in the leg on Friday. He was identified as the suspect by detectives with El Cajon police and the East County Regional Gang Task Force. Detectives served search warrants at three residences in East County where Riordan is known to stay, police said. In one of the homes, they found a handgun matching the caliber of the shell casing found at the site of the shooting. Advertisement Police said three or four men were giving away cellphones through a federal aid program at a pop-up booth at South First and Decker streets about 12:40 p.m. Two men walked up, and a fight ensued. One of the booth visitors, police said, went to his vehicle to fetch a gun. The man fired two rounds, striking the victim once in the leg. On Tuesday, detectives found Riordan driving in the Lakeside area and followed his vehicle onto west Interstate 8, police said. Two San Diego Harbor police officers, assisted by a sheriffs helicopter, tried to pull over the vehicle, but Riordan did not stop, police said. He led officers on a 3-mile pursuit into Lemon Grove to the home of an acquaintance. As he pulled into the driveway, he nearly struck a young child standing outside, police said. Riordan got out of the vehicle and briefly fought with officers until one of them used a Taser to subdue him. He was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of assault with a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, felony evasion, threats to a police officer and child endangerment. Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez The gunfire that killed a 15-year-old girl in a middle-of-the-night attack at an Oceanside park came from documented gang members hunting for random rivals to kill, a prosecutor said Wednesday. The two men, Daniel Ramos and Elias Ramos, who are not related, pleaded not guilty in Vista Superior Court to murder in the fatal shooting, which took place around 2:30 a.m. Sept. 3 in Balderrama Park, in a neighborhood that has been troubled by gang violence over the years. Oceanside resident Annebell Flores was shot at least once in the attack. Police found her wounded on the playground, but she died before she could be taken to a hospital. Advertisement The two 20-year-old defendants are also accused of premeditated attempted murder for shooting at a 20-year-old man who had been hanging out at the park with Annebell. He wasnt hurt in the attack. The men face up to life in prison if convicted of all charges, which include gang allegations. During Wednesdays arraignment, Superior Court Judge James Mangione set bail for Daniel Ramos, the suspected gunman, at $3 million. Bail for Elias Ramos was set at $2 million. Both have prior felonies linked to weapons possession, and both were prohibited from having a gun. The hearing was brief, and the prosecutor did not say what led investigators to suspect the pair, who are Oceanside residents. When they were arrested on murder charges Friday, both were already in jail and had been since late September for probation violations in unrelated cases, according to court documents. Deputy District Attorney Shawn Tafreshi said after Wednesdays hearing that the park murder was gang motivated, and that the evidence leads authorities to believe this was a targeted and premeditated attack. He said the defendants chose the two victims believing that they were rival gang members. They saw both Annebell Flores and a friend of hers on a playground structure, where kids play everyday, Tafreshi said of the two suspects. They attacked both of them, firing several rounds. The prosecutor, who has long handled gang cases, said that gang members dont need provocation, and sometimes look for rivals to attack. Sometimes this kind of violence spills over and it ends up killing a 15-year-old girl, like happened in this case with Annebell, who was on a play structure minding her own business when she was shot and killed, Tafreshi said. The prosecutor said any links the two victims may have to gangs is under investigation. Annebells friends and family have said she was not in a gang. Some of her supporters, including her mother and grandfather, attended Wednesdays hearing. Her mother and others wore t-shirts with a photo of the smiling girl. Annebells death was the third homicide in or near Balderrama Park between late June and early September. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT ALSO: Police seek witnesses in fatal shooting A San Diego woman is on a desperate search for her two dogs that have been missing since Saturday after a burglary at her boyfriends family home in Mira Mesa. Jackie Perdue said her dog Zoey, a 1-year-old pit bull/chocolate lab mix and her 2-year-old husky named Coco Ellie have simply disappeared after someone broke into the back gate at the house on New Salem Street. She said the family had gone out about 6 p.m. and that when she got there about 9 p.m., the front door was wide open. Advertisement It appeared that someone had kicked open the locked gate, stole a bike and some tools, and then exited through the house, leaving a laptop and other expensive items untouched. Perdue said she and family and friends conducted an exhaustive search of the neighborhood and adjacent canyon, checked the shelters from San Diego to Los Angeles in person and by phone, and called veterinarians offices. They have also blanketed the neighborhood with flyers and posted the news all over social media. Still, there has been no trace of the beloved pets. There has been no sign of them at all, she said. Perdue said she did not know if the dogs had been stolen or if they just ran outside, although that did not seem the case as the animals had been out before and they always came back. They are also well-known and loved by the neighbors who would have taken them home if they were found, Perdue said. I just really feel in my heart that someone has taken them and it crushes us, she said. Perdue said Coco has a white and reddish coat and she weighs about 45 pounds. She said the dog is super sweet and calm and that she loves people and attention. Coco was wearing a purple collar. Zoey, who is a rescue dog, is brown with white markings, weighs about 56 pounds and had on a pink collar. Perdue said she is super shy and timid. The dogs, who are not microchipped, both had tags. My heart just breaks wondering where they are right now, she said. Perdue said that the last few days have been exhausting and filled with anxiety. She said she has not been able to work and that sleeping and eating are difficult. Her boyfriend, who is working out of town right now, feels helpless because he is not able to join in the search. Perdue said she would do anything to get the dogs back, and pay any amount of money for their return. Theyre like our children, she said They mean everything to us. Perdue said that if someone did take them, she has no clue as to why. I have no idea, she said. People are just so evil sometimes. Still, she said, she will not give up looking for her beloved pets. Im not going to lose hope, she said. I know Im going to get them back. Anyone with information is asked to contact Perdue at jackieperdue@ymail.com. 619-293-1710 debbi.baker@sduniontribune.com twitter.com/Debbi_Baker Thursday was demolition day for a La Jolla artist who lost his battle with the city to keep a large concrete sculpture in his front yard. I was hoping it was going to stay there as a gift to our community, but unfortunately, we are losing it, said Nasser Pirasteh, who created the artwork. He and his wife Zari tried to relocate the fanciful piece, which is covered in bright colored glass and ceramics, But it was built with rebar and concrete and proved too heavy. Advertisement They had hoped to move it about 80 feet and they demolished an existing fountain made of granite and another sculpture to make room. But a crew using heavy equipment tried for two days and could only get it to budge a few feet. Angel Morales, who owns the construction company tasked with the job, estimated that the artwork weighed about 5 tons. It was as strong as it was beautiful, said family friend John Humphrey who came to offer support to the couple on what Zari Pirasteh called a heartbreaking day. Pirasteh had installed In Out in the front corner of his ocean-view home on Nautilus Street at Avenida Manana, just a few feet away from the sidewalk. He described as representing life and the passage of time. He had worked on the piece for about nine months until it was complete in February. Shortly thereafter someone filed a complaint with the city. The Pirastehs were notified in March that they were in violation of municipal code. The artwork, which measured about 8 by 10 feet and resembled a rounded hut, was a structure that did not meet the 20-foot setback from the street. The couple had two hearings with city officials and argued that the work was not a building but rather an expression of their First Amendment rights. Their argument was rejected. They were ordered to pay $1,144 in administrative costs and fined $10,000, with the caveat that half of the fine would be stayed if the mandated conditions were met. On Thursday, the sculpture was a shadow of its former self, with parts of the walls cut away and pieces of crumbled concrete littering the ground. As he watched a man tearing away at the roof with an industrial demolition hammer, Pirasteh said he hoped to save at least some of the sculpture for use in another form. He said he had spent $20,000 so far on the effort to move the piece and the ensuing work to demolish it, which would take at least another day. Zari Pirasteh said she felt very emotional about the months-long ordeal. Every time I think about it, it brings tears to my eyes, she said. Its tough. Nasser said he was also disappointed. I share my art with people as a public artist, and there were hundreds of people supporting us and it seems like their support does not count, he said. Several people attended the administrative hearings with the couple and dozens of others wrote chalk messages of approval and encouragement on the wall around their home. But not everyone appreciated the art that was on prominent display. In a letter to the Union-Tribune, one woman wrote, This man is in violation. He sells his art to anyone who will buy the junk. She went on to say that if supporters like Pirastehs art so much they can put it in their own yards. This guys house and yard is one of THE biggest eyesores in La Jolla, wrote another person in a comment on a Union-Tribune story. Definitely proves the old adage that one mans trash is anothers treasure. Sadly, this one is mostly trash. A commenter on the La Jolla Light website said Pirasteh was an egomaniac who built a Tijuana brothel in his front yard. Others commented that many neighbors felt the same way. Pirasteh said if he could talk to his detractors, he would invite them over for coffee and that perhaps they could come to an understanding or even become friends. And to the person who filed the original complaint he would simply ask why they did it. Im not asking you to like it or agree with it, but I want to know, he said. He also wondered if he should be allowed to come and inspect and critique their home. His wife said that they may have lost their battle with the city but that they found support from people all over the county from La Jolla to Oceanside to Escondido. I have gained so many friends through this process, she said. Nasser said that he will not stop creating art, although he has not yet decided what, if anything, he will put in place of In Out. He also said that he felt like no one won. At the end, between all of us and the city and San Diego, were minus one piece of original art. 619-293-1710 debbi.baker@sduniontribune.com twitter.com/Debbi_Baker Editors note: In this extraordinary election, we think 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romneys views about 2016 GOP nominee Donald Trump as prepared for delivery at the University of Utah earlier this year during the nomination process deserve consideration. Ellipses show where the remarks were edited for space reasons. I am not here to announce my candidacy for office. I am not going to endorse a candidate today. Instead, I would like to offer my perspective on the nominating process of my party. In 1964, days before the presidential election which, incidentally, we lost, Ronald Reagan went on national television and challenged America saying that it was a Time for Choosing. He saw two paths for America, one that embraced conservative principles dedicated to lifting people out of poverty and helping create opportunity for all, and the other, an oppressive government that would lead America down a darker, less free path. Im no Ronald Reagan and this is a different moment, but I believe with all my heart and soul that we face another time for choosing, one that will have profound consequences for the Republican Party and more importantly, for the country. I say this in part because of my conviction that America is poised to lead the world for another century. Our technology engines, our innovation dynamic, and the ambition and skill of our people will propel our economy and raise our standard of living. America will remain as it is today, the envy of the world. Advertisement Warren Buffett was 100 percent right when he said last week that the babies being born in America today are the luckiest crop in history. That doesnt mean we dont have real problems and serious challenges. At home, poverty persists and wages are stagnant. The horrific massacres of Paris and San Bernardino, the nuclear ambitions of the Iranian mullahs, the aggressions of Putin, the growing assertiveness of China and the nuclear tests of North Korea confirm that we live in troubled and dangerous times. But if we make the right choices, Americas future will be even better than our past and better than our present. On the other hand, if we make improvident choices, the bright horizon I foresee will never materialize. Let me put it plainly, if we Republicans choose Donald Trump as our nominee, the prospects for a safe and prosperous future are greatly diminished. Let me explain why. First, the economy: If Donald Trumps plans were ever implemented, the country would sink into a prolonged recession. A few examples: His proposed 35 percent tariff-like penalties would instigate a trade war that would raise prices for consumers, kill export jobs, and lead entrepreneurs and businesses to flee America. His tax plan, in combination with his refusal to reform entitlements and to honestly address spending, would balloon the deficit and the national debt. So even as Donald Trump has offered very few specific economic plans, what little he has said is enough to know that he would be very bad for American workers and for American families. But wait, you say, isnt he a huge business success that knows what hes talking about? No, he isnt. His bankruptcies have crushed small businesses and the men and women who worked for them. He inherited his business, he didnt create it. And what ever happened to Trump Airlines? How about Trump University? And then theres Trump Magazine and Trump Vodka and Trump Steaks, and Trump Mortgage? A business genius he is not. Now not every policy Donald Trump has floated is bad. He wants to repeal and replace Obamacare. He wants to bring jobs home from China and Japan. But his prescriptions to do these things are flimsy at best. ... Let me turn to national security and the safety of our homes and loved ones. Trumps bombast is already alarming our allies and fueling the enmity of our enemies. Insulting all Muslims will keep many of them from fully engaging with us in the urgent fight against ISIS. And for what purpose? Muslim terrorists would only have to lie about their religion to enter the country. What he said on 60 Minutes about Syria and ISIS has to go down as the most ridiculous and dangerous idea of the campaign season: Let ISIS take out Assad, he said, and then we can pick up the remnants. Think about that: Let the most dangerous terror organization the world has ever known take over a country? This is recklessness in the extreme. Donald Trump tells us that he is very, very smart. Im afraid that when it comes to foreign policy he is very, very not smart. I am far from the first to conclude that Donald Trump lacks the temperament to be president. After all, this is an individual who mocked a disabled reporter, who attributed a reporters questions to her menstrual cycle, who mocked a brilliant rival who happened to be a woman due to her appearance, who bragged about his marital affairs and who laces his public speeches with vulgarity. Donald Trump says he admires Vladimir Putin, while he has called George W. Bush a liar. That is a twisted example of evil trumping good. There is dark irony in his boasts of his sexual exploits during the Vietnam War while John McCain, whom he has mocked, was imprisoned and tortured. Dishonesty is Trumps hallmark: He claimed that he had spoken clearly and boldly against going into Iraq. Wrong, he spoke in favor of invading Iraq. He said he saw thousands of Muslims in New Jersey celebrating 9/11. Wrong, he saw no such thing. He imagined it. His is not the temperament of a stable, thoughtful leader. His imagination must not be married to real power. The president of the United States has long been the leader of the free world. The president and, yes, the nominees of the countrys great parties help define America to billions of people. All of them bear the responsibility of being an example for our children and grandchildren. Think of Donald Trumps personal qualities, the bullying, the greed, the showing off, the misogyny, the absurd third grade theatrics. ... Now imagine your children and your grandchildren acting the way he does. Will you welcome that? Havent we seen before what happens when people in prominent positions fail the basic responsibility of honorable conduct? We have, and it always injures our families and our country. ... Trump relishes any poll that reflects what he thinks of himself. But polls are also saying that he will lose to Hillary Clinton. On Hillary Clintons watch at the State Department, Americas interests were diminished in every corner of the world. She compromised our national secrets, dissembled to the families of the slain, and jettisoned her most profound beliefs to gain presidential power. For the last three decades, the Clintons have lived at the intersection of money and politics, trading their political influence to enrich their personal finances. They embody the term crony capitalism. It disgusts the American people and causes them to lose faith in our political process. A person so untrustworthy and dishonest as Hillary Clinton must not become president. But a Trump nomination enables her victory. The audio and video of the infamous Tapper-Trump exchange on the Ku Klux Klan will play a hundred thousand times on cable and who knows how many million times on social media. There are a number of people who claim that Mr. Trump is a con man, a fake. There is indeed evidence of that. Mr. Trump has changed his positions not just over the years, but over the course of the campaign, and on the Ku Klux Klan, daily for three days in a row. ... Ronald Reagan used to quote a Scottish philosopher who predicted that democracies and civilizations couldnt last more than about 200 years. John Adams wrote this: Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide. I believe that America has proven these dire predictions wrong for two reasons. First, we have been blessed with great presidents, with giants among us. Men of character, integrity and selflessness have led our nation from its very beginning. None were perfect: Each surely made mistakes. But in every case, they acted out of the desire to do what was right for America and for freedom. The second reason is because we are blessed with a great people, people who at every critical moment of choosing have put the interests of the country above their own. These two things are related: Our presidents time and again have called on us to rise to the occasion. John F. Kennedy asked us to consider what we could do for our country. Lincoln drew upon the better angels of our nature to save the union. I understand the anger Americans feel today. In the past, our presidents have channeled that anger, and forged it into resolve, into endurance and high purpose, and into the will to defeat the enemies of freedom. Our anger was transformed into energy directed for good. Mr. Trump is directing our anger for less than noble purposes. He creates scapegoats of Muslims and Mexican immigrants, he calls for the use of torture and for killing the innocent children and family members of terrorists. He cheers assaults on protesters. He applauds the prospect of twisting the Constitution to limit first amendment freedom of the press. This is the very brand of anger that has led other nations into the abyss. Heres what I know. Donald Trump is a phony, a fraud. His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University. Hes playing the American public for suckers: He gets a free ride to the White House and all we get is a lousy hat. His domestic policies would lead to recession. His foreign policies would make America and the world less safe. He has neither the temperament nor the judgment to be president. And his personal qualities would mean that America would cease to be a shining city on a hill. America has greatness ahead. This is a time for choosing. God bless us to choose a nominee who will make that vision a reality. As you stand at your local polling place this year, waiting semi-patiently to fill out your ballot, look around at your fellow voters and ask yourself if this will be the last year all of you will have the chance to cast a ballot for president in person. With the recent passage of Senate Bill 450 signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown on Sept. 29 we may be experiencing the last major election in California where voters cast their ballot at a local precinct. The ironically titled Californias Voters Choice Act will, if enacted by the states counties, have the effect of eliminating voter choice. Advertisement Under this law, many California counties are now free to impose mail-ballot-only elections beginning in 2018 and all counties (except Los Angeles) may do so by 2020. It is difficult to see how eliminating an entire method of voting will do anything other than further lower already abysmal voter turnout. But even if this law does not further discourage voter participation, it is still a grave civic mistake. For there is value in coming together in common cause to cast our votes. Voting in person is admittedly, as supporters of the new law argue, inefficient compared to voting by mail. As voters, we have to take time out of our day, walk or drive (or bike) to our local polling place, stand in line, then fill out the ballot in a flimsy cardboard booth, and hand it to a poll worker to be submitted for counting that night. And look at all the volunteers that are needed: The poll workers to check names and addresses and hand out the ballots, and man the ballot box. Then there is the space needed to host a polling place whether at a church, civic group or other community partners. The time and expense of setting up and running each polling place is significant. And thats exactly what gives it value. It is remarkable how many people from all walks of life, and from across the political spectrum are willing to step up and volunteer their time to allow the rest of us to exercise this most important of all our civic duties. And consider how many churches and veterans halls and service clubs and, in my neighborhood, a mobile-home park community clubhouse will donate space for people to vote. When youre standing in line waiting to vote, you are truly in solidarity with all your neighbors there with you also standing in line even if the practical effect of your presence is to cancel out each others votes. You dont know how the person in front of you or behind you or the volunteer poll workers cheerfully handing you your ballot, having you sign in or giving you your I voted sticker afterward is going to cast their votes. Thats the beauty of it: It truly doesnt matter. What matters is that youre all there, taking the time to come exercise your democratic authority. Given the critical importance of voting and given that voting rates in this nation are embarrassingly low compared to those of other democratic systems this new law to allow for polling places to be abolished is utterly backward. Rather than taking away our neighborhood polling places and forcing us to cast our ballots by mail, the California Legislature would do better to declare Election Day a state holiday. Close all public schools and government offices, and encourage businesses to close as well, so that voters have the time they need to finish up their research, to take their time and get to their local precinct to cast their ballot. Keep asking citizens to sign up to volunteer as poll workers, and continue partnering with local groups throughout the state to host these polling places. All of these investments strengthen our ties as members of the longest-running experiment in representative government the world has yet seen. Its a worthwhile investment, its inefficiency its greatest virtue. Trageser is the former editorial page editor of the North County Times. San Diego Habitat for Humanity is still hoping to convince Poway residents to support a 22-unit veterans housing complex the group wants to build in the city a proposal that faces an uphill climb, much to the dismay of two city councilmen. Habitat held an informational meeting Tuesday inside Trinity San Diego Assemblies of God Church, which is next door to a 2-acre city-owned parcel on Twin Peaks Road where the project has been planned for several years. The Poway City Council is set to vote on the proposal Nov. 15 and its possible the meeting could erupt into something rarely seen on the council: a heated disagreement among its members. Advertisement Councilmen Jim Cunningham and John Mullin have long supported veteran causes and have expressed strong support for the Habitat project. But Mayor Steve Vaus and councilmen Barry Leonard and Dave Grosch have hesitated, primarily based on objections from neighbors worried about increased traffic. The cost of the affordable-housing project and whether it can truly be limited to veterans are also sticking points. Habitats plan would cost the city about $1.8 million, including $1 million for the donation of the land, which sits between the church to the west and a small shopping plaza best known for its popular doughnut place and taco shop. Twin Peaks road near the intersection of Espola Road already sees terrible traffic congestion during rush hour. The morning commute is especially bad as more than 1,000 cars turn north onto the two-lane Espola Road headed to Poway High School. Residents of the area point out that accidents of all severity are common in the area and that adding 22 families and their vehicles within a few hundred feet of the intersection could only makes things worse. Tuesdays informational meeting attracted only a couple dozen people, most of them hostile to the project, said Habitats President and CEO Lori Holt Pfeiler. Traffic was the No. 1 issue, she said. Still, Habitat is working to assuage those concerns and rally the council to support veterans in need. Pfeiler said the project will be limited only to veterans and their families. Habitat has also reduced the number of units from 26 to 22 and increased the amount of parking to address fears that overflow vehicles would park on nearby residential streets. Im hopeful we can present to the council something that responds to the concerns that we can control the parking, the veterans only issue, the design issue, Pfeiler said. lm hoping weve paved a path that allows them to vote yes. Do they have the guts to do that? Im not sure. The City Council meeting starts at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 in the City Council Chambers, 13325 Civic Center Drive. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Weekly Newsletter The best of The Saturday Evening Post in your inbox! Join He was known for his courage as a correspondent in World War II, as a man always ready to take a chance. He went on eight bombing missions over Germany, crash-landed in a glider at the Battle of the Bulge, and accompanied the first allied troops into North Africa. I was very brave, he says, only because I did everything once, before I knew how hard it really was. Written by Lewis Lapham The Secret Life of Walter (Mitty) Cronkite, was published in the March 16, 1963, issue of The Saturday Evening Post. A generation of Americans must be wondering about Walter Cronkite, who made his last regular newscast in 1981. Why is he remembered so fondly by many Americans? Why was he once voted the most trusted man in America, and who has won that title in recent years? Subscribe and get unlimited access to our online magazine archive. Subscribe Today Laphams article on Cronkite probably cant answer these questions. However, it offers some interesting details about the man and hints at why many Americans came to trust what he said. Over the past 20 years, as a correspondent for the United Press and for CBS, the 46-year-old Cronkite has been present at innumerable historic events. In one recent year, in the line of duty, he traveled 300,000 miles by plane, auto, submarine and even dogsled. He has landed with invading troops on hostile beaches, conversed with queens and dictators, lived under the polar ice for a week, seen governments fall and atomic bombs exploded. Cronkite is renowned among journalists for his prodigious if sometimes erratic, memory. He can recall offhand, for instance, what happened at Smyrna in 1922 [the city was nearly destroyed by fire]. Yet he seldom can remember peoples names. Once he talked at fond length to an interviewer about his newborn daughter, Judy. His daughters name is Nancy. Judy was the name of the familys cocker spaniel. He frequently takes part in road rallies in Westchester County and could have been killed in 1961 when the Triumph TR-3 he was driving in an international rally skidded off a road in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The car pitched over an embankment and fell end over end into a lake 100 feet below. Cronkite emerged wet but unhurt. He is determined to make his show as estimable as possible, even though he is conscious of the weaknesses inherent in TV news. It cant be anything but a front-page service, he said, looking out the window. There just isnt time enough to give more than a few headlines and then hope that people will read the next mornings paper. Compared to a newspaper the fifteen-minute broadcast, mine or anybody elses, is a paltry sideshow. He proposed the hypothetical example of two men locked inside windowless rooms for a year, one receiving a newspaper every day and the other a daily television broadcast. At the end of that time, Cronkite remarked, the guy who had been watching television would come out with a damn strange idea of what had happened in the world. Cronkites detractors usually criticize him for this unwillingness to advance an outspoken opinion. They complain that he is too polite, too bland, too dull. He considers the criticism unreasonable. Probably if I made a few more acerbic remarks, 1 might win a few more viewers, he concedes, but I dont feel like being funny with the news; 1 dont think thats my place. Was there anything he hadnt done that he still would like to do? Id like to see Hong Kong, Oslo and Addis Ababa, he answered. For some damn reason Ive never managed to get to those cities. But just then another idea captured Cronkite, and he smiled wistfully, as Walter Mitty is said to have smiled, Or maybe, it might be possible, you know, to go to the moon. Can you imagine how great it would be to say to an audience, Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, this is Walter Cronkite, reporting for CBS direct from the surface of the moon? On July 21, 1969, he was able to do the next best thing. And thats the way it was. Read on, click here to read the PDF. Weekly Newsletter The best of The Saturday Evening Post in your inbox! Join In the January 11, 1947, edition of the Post, Lt. Col. Max Myers (ret.) cites several acts of heroism and sacrifice by soldiers of the 77th Division during the Pacific campaign of World War II. One of the soldiers Myers mentions is Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who served as a medic in the 77th. During the battle for Okinawa, Doss earned the Medal of Honor for rescuing wounded men from the battlefield, treating their injuries, and then lowering them down an escarpment to safety. The article claimed that Doss had saved at least 50 lives during the battle. The official count was closer to 75. Myers account of Doss service takes up just one paragraph of the story after all, the medic was just one of many men who had served with distinction. Myers article also tells how Pvt. George Benjamin, weighed down by a radio and carrying only a pistol, led an attack under fire on an enemy-held hill. And how Pfc. Richard Hammond and three other privates held back 200 enemy soldiers until they were relieved at dawn. And how Company E, surrounded by Japanese soldiers, held their ground for two days, losing all but 48 of their 204 men. Myers also reminded readers that the intense fighting on Okinawa claimed the life of famed war correspondent Ernie Pyle, who was accompanying the 77th. Given the scale of sacrifice and courage shown by soldiers of the 77th, its not surprising the story of Corporal Doss received such a brief write-up. But now, his story is the subject of the motion picture Hacksaw Ridge. The film tells the remarkable story a man dedicated to serving his country and his comrades in battle while refusing to carry a weapon. Subscribe and get unlimited access to our online magazine archive. Subscribe Today It would be difficult for any motion picture to do justice to Doss service. The citation for his Medal of Honor reads like a ridiculously implausible action movie: Private First Class Doss was a company aid man when the 1st Battalion assaulted a jagged escarpment 400 feet high. As our troops gained the summit, a heavy concentration of artillery, mortar and machine gun fire crashed into them, inflicting approximately 75 casualties and driving the others back. Pfc. Doss refused to seek cover and remained in the fire-swept area with the many stricken, carrying all 75 casualties one-by-one to the edge of the escarpment and there lowering them on a rope-supported litter down the face of a cliff to friendly hands. On May 2, he exposed himself to heavy rifle and mortar fire in rescuing a wounded man 200 yards forward of the lines on the same escarpment; and 2 days later he treated 4 men who had been cut down while assaulting a strongly defended cave, advancing through a shower of grenades to within eight yards of enemy forces in a caves mouth, where he dressed his comrades wounds before making 4 separate trips under fire to evacuate them to safety. On May 5, he unhesitatingly braved enemy shelling and small arms fire to assist an artillery officer. He applied bandages, moved his patient to a spot that offered protection from small arms fire and, while artillery and mortar shells fell close by, painstakingly administered plasma. Later that day, when an American was severely wounded by fire from a cave, Pfc. Doss crawled to him where he had fallen 25 feet from the enemy position, rendered aid, and carried him 100 yards to safety while continually exposed to enemy fire. On May 21, in a night attack on high ground near Shuri, he remained in exposed territory while the rest of his company took cover, fearlessly risking the chance that he would be mistaken for an infiltrating Japanese, and giving aid to the injured until he was himself seriously wounded in the legs by the explosion of a grenade. Rather than call another aid man from cover, he cared for his own injuries and waited 5 hours before litter bearers reached him and started carrying him to cover. The trio was caught in an enemy tank attack and Pfc. Doss, seeing a more critically wounded man nearby, crawled off the litter; and directed the bearers to give their first attention to the other man. Awaiting the litter bearers return, he was again struck, by a sniper bullet, while being carried off the field by a comrade, this time suffering a compound fracture of one arm. With magnificent fortitude he bound a rifle stock to his shattered arm as a splint and then crawled 300 yards over rough terrain to the aid station. Through his outstanding bravery and unflinching determination in the face of desperately dangerous conditions Pfc. Doss saved the lives of many soldiers. His name became a symbol throughout the 77th Infantry Division for outstanding gallantry far above and beyond the call of duty. To be fair to the other soldiers of the 77th, however, you should read Myers article, Lookit Those Old Buzzards Go! It will give you a sense of the incredible service given by the entire 77th Division. Lookit Those Old Buzzards Go! By Lt. Col. Max Myers Originally published on January 11, 1947 You could get this story much better at the 77th Division Club in Manhattan. The 77th was a big-city outfit, and its heart is still in New York. There lawyers and clerks and taxi drivers who used to be its privates and captains and sergeants get together and talk. They talk about Guam and Leyte and Okinawa in the personal, sometimes unprintable language of men who were there. There may also be some mention of Baccarat and the Argonne Forest, but this comes from old grads of World War Is 77th Infantry Division, in which Secretary of War Robert P. Patterson rose to major. Even the World War II alumni are not very young. By normal standards, many of them were too old for infantry combat. But circumstances were not normal in March 1942, when the 77th Division was activated. The Army had to make fighting men, and quickly, out of whatever Selective Service turned up. For the 77th, it happened to turn up mostly older, settled men, averaging 32 years of age, with wives back in Brooklyn or Manhattan or Jersey City. They came because they had been sent for, but nobody had to drag them. Those who survived are proud to have belonged to the 77th Division, although they hated almost every minute of it while they did belong. What these military ancients lacked in youthful zip they made up in perseverance and tenacity. In the Pacific, a beardless marine veteran early pinned a label on them which stuck. Watching them swarm onto the beaches at Guam, he exclaimed, approximately, Lookit those old buzzards go! There were 13,000 of the old buzzards when the division began to form at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, three months after Pearl Harbor. Along with the New York area, the Pennsylvania coal region, among others, was well represented. There were a few volunteers, some of them more than 50, with memories of the AEF. Then there was a scattering of regulars, a handful of reserve officers, a few hundred half-trained Southern cadre sergeants. From this unprepossessing material Maj. Gen. Robert L. Eichelberger had orders to create a fighting division right away or sooner. The critical question at this gloomy hour in the war, and one on which there were grave doubts in high quarters, was whether masses of American civilians could and would convert quickly into combat soldiers. The 77th and its littermates, the 82nd Airborne and 90th Motorized divisions, were test cases. Under extreme pressure, the officers and men of the 77th worked overlong and overhard, studied beyond their capacity to absorb, made hasty and sometimes erroneous decisions. They griped and they lost their tempers, but somehow they kept learning their trade. After less than two months training, the 77th marched in a corps-strength review before Lord Louis Mountbatten and performed so well that he wrote to Brig. Gen. Roscoe B. Woodruff, then division commander: I feel I must write and tell you once more that of all the many interesting and encouraging things I have come across during my visit to the United States, none has made me feel more certain of our victory than the efficiency which your division displayed at the end of only eight weeks training. Winston Churchill and Gen. George C. Marshall, United States Chief of Staff, expressed similar cheer. The 77th Division went on to Louisiana maneuvers in early 1943, then made ready to go overseas. Instead they found themselves in the desert at Hyder, Arizona, for six months of learning to get along on less of everything. Maj. Gen. A.D. Bruce, a rangy, aggressive Texan, and Brig. Gen. Edwin H. Randle, the command team that was to lead the division through combat, joined the 77th during this period. These were not happy months. Many of the brothers at the 77th Division Club today will tell you that the desert training, with its heat and thirst and live-ammunition problems, was worse than combat. They lost some men at Hyder a few actual casualties, and others who could not meet the physical strain. But the men could still laugh, with the wry humor soldiers have, directed mostly at themselves. In this spirit they conceived the Hyder Campaign Ribbon, a mock decoration consisting of a broken thermometer mounted on a strip of sandpaper, symbolizing the infernal heat and the quality of the desert terrain. The division came away from the desert leaner, tougher, a little bitter, and ready to cause trouble for somebody, as the Japanese would learn. Their fighting edge stayed sharp through winter mountain training in West Virginia and raw, cold, amphibious landings in Chesapeake Bay. Furloughs scattered men with the Statue of Liberty shoulder patch along the East Coast. Then, early in 1944, they rolled west to San Francisco and boarded transports for Hawaii, their last stop before the shooting war. Here there was jungle-fighting instruction on Army time, and special reconnaissance at Honolulu and Waikiki Beach on their own. But not for long. On July 21, 1944, in support of some veteran marine outfits, they hit the water off Guam. Guam presented a difficult terrain, a friendly Chamorro population, and some 20,000 decidedly hostile Japanese troops. Fortunately, the untested Liberty Division was not required to undertake a costly assault landing or fight large battles its first time out. But the individual soldier was just as busy, just as miserable, and in just as much danger most of the time as he was to be later in more important campaigns. His troubles began at the reef 600 yards offshore, where he disembarked into water which was too shallow for boats, but too deep for walking. Encumbered with gear, he plunged, slid, stumbled, and swam to the beach. There he found no haven, but only confusion, debris and falling mortar shells. The 77th went in immediately after Marine assault waves. The landings were not perfect real ones never are. Part of the 77ths lead regiment, the 305th, got ashore in daylight, but two battalions, delayed by snarled naval communications, lack of boats, and an air alarm, waded to the beach in darkness. The Marines were critical at the time, but soon they were to reverse their judgment on the 77th. The old buzzards of the 77th expanded the small beachhead, supported a marine attack on the Orote Peninsula, and reconnoitered Southern Guam. Then, cutting loose from roads and supplies, they pushed across the island, turned north to capture supply routes, and pursued and eliminated the Japanese forces. It wasnt easy. The Liberty Division men killed more than 2,700 Japanese, took 36 prisoners, and had 1,143 casualties themselves. At Barrigada the divisions 307th Regiment, fighting for a vital water supply, struck a determined enemy defense, and during a long, costly day tried unsuccessfully to dislodge the hidden force. But the next morning the Japanese were gone; they had had enough. At Yigo the 306th and 307th regiments and the 706th Tank Battalion, with plenty of artillery support, tore apart the last Japanese positions and turned the campaign into a hunt. But these organized fights were exceptions. Most of the time it was squad or platoon against a few enemy in dark jungle where you could step on a Jap before you saw him. The division command post and the medical clearing station were almost on line with the infantry. No one was clean, comfortable, or safe. Col. Douglas McNair, likable and respected chief of staff of the division, was killed by a hidden Japanese while selecting a site for a command post. At the 77th Division Club today, no conversation about Guam is likely to omit the rainy season at the hilly trail known as Harmon Canal. Even water buffalo bogged down at times, and all rations had to be backpacked by men for two or three miles. Men who had not made the acquaintance of diarrhea and dengue fever in combat soon did so here. The 77th pulled out of Guam in November for New Caledonia, but never reached that promised rest area. On Thanksgiving Day, the Liberty Division was thrust into the stalemated, month-old battle for Leyte. Japanese General Yamashita was making Leyte, as he had promised, the decisive battleground of the Philippines. With help from mountains and mud, he had almost stopped the American divisions driving west, north, and south. He held all of Northwestern Leyte, including the fertile Ormoc Valley, Valencia airfield, and ports at Ormoc and Palompon. He had nearly as many troops as the Americans, and he was getting reinforcements at least as rapidly, though at a terrible cost. General MacArthur and his shrewd, battle-wise 6th Army commander, Gen. Walter Krueger, decided to forward-pass the 77th Division to a landing in Ormoc behind the enemy. It was a typically bold undertaking which could break the stalemate or become a division-sized Dunkirk. The Liberty Division, which had spent its first days on Leyte in messy mopping-up and service operations, had practically no time to prepare for this amphibious jump. Back at Guam, however, General Bruce had looked thoughtfully at a map of Leyte and said, That fight will probably be decided in the Ormoc Valley. Someone may have to land there, and it could be us. Well make an alternate plan for that. Now the alternate plan came out of the files, and after three days of feverish preparation, the 77th Division assault forces went aboard a tin-can fleet for an overnight run. They were to land in the early hours of December 7, the third anniversary of Pearl Harbor, behind the lines of an enemy force that would outnumber them at least three to one. The American convoy would remain only two hours, and there would be no supply or reinforcement for two days. There would be little or no American air support. The old buzzards were old soldiers now. At General Bruces insistence, they jumped off onto the beaches about four miles south of Ormoc rather than into the defended streets of the town itself. It was a swift, smooth assault landing, hastened by the sight of planes with red spots on them. A few enemy service troops were caught entirely by surprise. Division headquarters was ashore 35 minutes after the first rifleman. The American force was insufficient to man the beachhead and attack simultaneously. Yet they must attack before the Japanese recovered from surprise and concentrated their superior forces. So the 77th operated as a rolling beachhead. It attacked north toward Ormoc and abandoned ground behind. There were skirmishes all the way, and a desperate fight when Col. Steamboat Hamiltons 307th Combat Team took an old military post at Camp Downes. By the 10th of December, backed by everything the division could bring into play, the 307th had fought its way house to house through the burning ruins of Ormoc. General Bruce sent a brief, characteristic message to the commanders of the 7th Division, fighting its way up from the south, and the 11th Airborne Division, struggling across the mountains from the east: Have rolled two sevens in Ormoc. Come seven, come eleven. Bruce. Ormoc was only the beginning. The soldiers of the Japanese 12th Regiment dug in for a fight to the death at a large concrete building at Cogon, just north of the port city. Their graves are there. Col. Vincent J. Tanzolas 305th Combat Team annihilated the defenders in a four-day assault of unsurpassed ferocity. At times the American soldiers called artillery air bursts to within 25 yards of their own front lines to stave off desperate Japanese charges. Most of the enemy were in covered foxholes, some with armored lids. It was necessary to blast the building almost to dust and then to dig out the individual enemy. An armored bulldozer aided mightily. As its blade uncovered foxholes, Capt. James F. Carruth, of the 302nd Engineer Battalion, leaned from the cab and shot the occupants. Lt. Col. Edward Chalgren got part of his third battalion of the 305th onto a knife-edge ridge on the flank of this Cogon position. A reinforced Jap battalion was on the opposite side of the crest. Company K took five savage counterattacks in one afternoon. No one, Jap or American, could live on that ridge crest. Soldiers collapsed in the jungle heat, were carried back, splashed with cold water, rested a few minutes, and then hurried forward to join the grenade fights. Capt. Louis Hinson spotted Japs in a gully slightly to the rear and called down all the battalions fire; an enemy counterattack disintegrated into 350 torn dead. While the 305th took Cogon and then drove north up a frantically defended road, the two other regiments of the 77th Division initiated spectacular movements. They had the alternative of striking to the east of the Ormoc-Valencia road, against mountains and ridges heavily manned by Japs, or to the west, through miles of low, swampy ricelands considered impassable for troops, and therefore virtually undefended. They preferred an impassable area to a pitched battle any day. Patrols went out to find routes through the swamps, and did. So the 306th Infantry in the center and the 307th on the left set out in wide enveloping movements. The plan called for the 306th to cut the main road some miles north of Ormoc, and for the 307th to take Valencia and cut the road even farther north. The 305th was to drive up the road and make contact with the two other regiments. In two slashing days the steady oldsters of the 77th made the difficult two-pronged envelopment, and came back together holding the road from Ormoc to Valencia and the Valencia airfield. The Japs could have staved off a frontal attack for many days. The American cost in sweat and fatigue was terrific, but in blood it was negligible, except at Cogon. The division pushed north from Valencia, with the 306th and 307th regiments driving to take the Libongao road junction and to effect a juncture with other American forces coming south. The way was barred by part of the Japs 1st Division and by their 5th Combat Team, just arrived from Luzon. These were elite troops, the best the 77th came up against anywhere during the war. There were about 4,500 of them, and they died there. The Liberty Divisions 307th Regiment, with General Randle and Colonel Hamilton unintentionally serving as a pistol-packing spearhead, seized the junction; Col. Aubrey Smith led his 306th Regiment in taking the Tagbong River bridge, and also linked up with southbound troops of the 1st Cavalry Division. The Ormoc Valley was opened. On a nameless hill just across the Tagbong River, Pvt. George Benjamin, a radio operator of Company A, 306th Infantry, won the first of the divisions seven Congressional Medals of Honor. In an attack on this hill, a rifle platoon supporting a light tank hesitated. Benjamin ran across open, bullet-whipped terrain to the tank, waving and shouting for the platoon to follow. Burdened with his radio and armed only with a pistol, he advanced to the enemy positions, killed one Jap in a foxhole, moved on to wipe out a machine-gun crew, and went on over the hill. His followers captured it. Fatally wounded, Benjamin insisted, before he died, on reporting to the battalion operations officer the enemy positions he had seen. The 77th pushed on. An improvised armored column of tank destroyers, tanks, and miscellaneous vehicles, originally intended to force the mountain trail to Palompon, was converted into an amphibious force. The reinforced 1st Battalion of the 305th Regiment, under Lt. Col. James E. Landrum, undertook a daring 44-mile voyage around the corner of the island to Palompon. Their transports were amtracs, normally used only for short trips to the beach. Their naval fire support consisted of two PT boats, and their air cover was one Cub plane carrying a pilot and General Bruce. It was another successful forward pass. On Christmas morning, the force went ashore near Palompon and wheeled to take the village. Another battalion was sent around by landing craft. Under attack from both east and west, the Japs defending the Palompon road soon gave way. Now, according to GHQ, the Leyte campaign was officially over. But the GHQ announcement failed to impress several thousand remaining enemy. The 77th kept busy in Northwestern Leyte into February. At insignificant villages like Villaba and Abijao, and on out-of-the-way mountain ridges, forces up to battalion strength ran into many a stiff fight. Then there were thousands of Filipino civilians to be rescued from remote prison villages. There were continuing contacts with the woods-wise loyal guerrillas of the 96th Filipino Infantry. Enemy munition dumps were found daily. Capt. George C. Sarauw and his 92nd Bomb Disposal Squad noisily disposed of the explosives in 200-ton daily blowings. Both American and Japanese observers have called the Ormoc Valley campaign a divisional epic. Certainly it was the decisive blow in Leyte, which, in turn, was the decisive operation in the Philippines. The 77th Division in this one slashing advance killed 19,456 enemy, took 124 prisoners, and destroyed immense amounts of supplies, at a cost of 543 killed and 1,469 wounded. Even before the full results of their Leyte drive were apparent, the 77th was preparing to move on. There was another big job to be done at a place called Okinawa, and the military oldsters of the 77th Division now liberally salted with replacements of every age were to have another lonely, risky assignment. Their mission was to hit the Okinawa area a week ahead of the main invasion to clean up some outlying islands and to establish an advance naval base. G-2 warned that there would be numerous enemy air bases within range and hundreds of suicide pilots. On the Kerama Retto a cluster of wooded, rocky islets about seventeen miles west of Okinawa several squadrons of tiny Jap suicide boats had been carefully rehearsed for an attack against an American fleet off Okinawa. But the unpredictable 77th hit the Kerama Retto first, and the boats were captured or destroyed on shore. All together, the Liberty Division struck in six separate amphibious assault landings and followed up with nine more to capture the islets and secure the protected anchorage. There were about a thousand Jap troops to be fought and killed on the Kerama Retto. A few of the men at the 77th Division Club today can tell of a hand-to-hand night action on Zamami in which one machine-gun post changed hands six times, but, on the whole, it was a well-executed, easy campaign. However, hundreds of the simple village folks, believing what the Jap soldiers had told them about the brutality of Americans, killed their children and themselves rather than be captured. For two weeks, while other divisions invaded Okinawa, the 77th floated around and attempted to dodge Kamikazes. Several ships were hit, and on one died almost the entire headquarters of the 305th Regiment, including its popular commander, Col. Vincent J. Tanzola. There was little time for regret. Ie Shima, a nearby island, had to be taken for its air base as soon as the tide was right. Lt. Col. J.B. Coolidge and a new staff took over the 305th. The artillerymen sneaked their guns ashore on tiny Minna Shima, two miles from flat-topped Ie. The Navy brought up shooting ships and carriers for the bombardment. Ie Shima had some deceptively easy beaches immediately in front of Ie town, and one towering hill called Iegusugu Yama. The 77th characteristically chose to land instead on difficult approaches at the other end. Two-thirds of the island, including the air base, fell at once with little resistance. However, there were enemy on the island. The division spent seven terrible days digging them out of the town and the steep peak, both honeycombed with fortifications. Almost 5,000 Japanese were killed and 140 prisoners were taken. Japanese soldiers and civilians, men and women, fought to the end. There was no practical method of telling them apart during the many desperate night banzai attacks and raids. One night charge on Company G, of the 307th, ended with 280 dead Japanese inside the company position. Another time Lt. Col. Elbert Tuttle, commander of the 304th Field Artillery, awoke in his slit trench to find two Japs beating at him with bamboo poles. These weapons proved inferior to his American pistol. Maj. John Kriegsman, division air officer, was attacked in daylight by two stone-throwing enemy. During the final push on Iegusugu Yama, there were skillfully coordinated attacks, like one made by the 307th Regiment, which could be backed only by mortars because the infantrymen were at too close quarters for regular artillery support. Lt. Col. Claude Bartons first battalion, 306th Regiment, was singled out for a unit citation because its assault was notably courageous even for brave and seasoned infantrymen. A War Department observer commented, Why, I saw troops go through enemy mortar concentrations and machine-gun fire that should have pinned them down. But instead they poured across the field and took the mountain against really tough opposition without even slowing down. Communiques written elsewhere described the fighting as moderate. Actually it cost the division more than 1,100 men killed or wounded. Among those killed was a quiet little man, a writer who wanted no higher title than that of infantryman. The 77th put up an inscription at the place of his death: On this spot the 77th Division lost a buddy, Ernie Pyle. Only three days after Ie was captured, the men of the 307th Combat Team moved to Okinawa proper to relieve the 96th Division on the center of the front. Subsequently the 306th took up positions on the left of the 307th. The 307th was assaulting an almost vertical ridge which never had any name but The Escarpment. It called for scaling ladders and cargo nets, flame throwers and burning gasoline. Colonel Hamiltons veterans were driven off the narrow plateau several times before they held, and then needed bloody days to clear the reverse slope. From mazes of tunnels and shafts, time after time, there poured desperate charges of several hundred Japanese. At The Escarpment, Pfc. Desmond T. Doss, a conscientious objector who went to war as a medical-aid man, won the Congressional Medal of Honor he had many times earned. Three times his company was driven off the top, but he stayed alone to rescue, treat, and lower to safety the wounded. On this one occasion he saved at least 50 lives. Just as the 307th finished clearing out The Escarpment, the Japanese launched a grand counteroffensive intended to push the Americans into the sea. Supported by the greatest Japanese artillery concentrations of the Pacific war, it achieved tactical surprise along the three-division front. The main blow struck and stopped at the 77th Divisions 306th Regiment position in the center of the line. The enemy tried and died by the thousands, but the American forces held. Many small units of the Liberty Division had to beat back the attacks of superior forces. Five men from the intelligence section of the 306ths third battalion volunteered to spend a night in an observation post high on a hill between American units. The teams mission was only to locate and report Japanese gun flashes, but at four oclock in the morning Pfc. Richard Hammond ordered his little group to open fire on an enemy company that he spotted advancing into American territory. The odds were about 40 to 1. Hammond and the four other privates were dug in at the base of an outjutting ledge of rock. In the first screaming enemy rush, Pfc. Joseph Zanfini was killed. In the second, the four survivors were all wounded. Then Japs from atop the ledge began to drop grenades into the position. The Americans kept tossing them back. When one grenade could not be reached in time, Pfc. John P. Kenny swung his legs over it and took the full explosion, blowing one of his legs to shreds. With a pistol in each hand, Pfc. Raymond Higginbotham climbed out and blasted the offending Japs off the ledge. Hammond, Kenny, Higginbotham, and Dunmire held their little fort until dawn. They were still there shooting when a second-battalion patrol came to the hill. There were more than 100 dead enemy around the position. Okinawa was dirty work all the way. The 77th Divisions zone of advance was roughly half a mile wide and two miles long, extending south to the hill town of Shuri, key to the entire Japanese defense. It took the Liberty Division men 32 days to get there, and en route they killed about 14,000 Japanese. But 4,000 men of the 77th gave their lives or blood in exchange. Meanwhile the other American divisions were inching ahead in the same fashion. During this costly push, the 77th initiated night advances which attained almost complete surprise, because the enemy firmly believed that Americans never attacked at night. The morning after such an advance, bewildered Japs would emerge from caves in which they had spent the night to find themselves in the midst of efficient American killing units. On one of these night advances Company E, of the 307th, seized a portion of a key ridge in the Shuri defenses. At daybreak, as surprised Japs came out from holes and tunnels in the company position, Lt. Theodore S. Bell and his 204 men including a platoon from Company C mowed them down with bayonets and grenades. But the unit was surrounded by enemy on higher ground. Japanese fire swept the area from all directions. Medical supplies ran out. Both of their light machine guns and five of their six radios were destroyed. At night, the decimated platoons were assembled for a final stand. The second day brought the radioed order to hold on at all costs. Although the division could not reach its isolated company with men, it laid around it an almost continuous curtain of explosives. The second night a litter-bearing party got through to take out the wounded and leave a little water. During the second and third days, the surrounded men played hide-and-seek with the Jap mortar shells. Sooner or later, men lost in this game. The only hope of the few surviving Americans lay in the knowledge that supporting units were definitely coming up. The relief did come. Company Es mission had been accomplished, but there were only 48 men to go back. Every outfit on the Okinawa front experienced fights as bitter, although not so isolated and prolonged, as that of E Company. At the end, when the Jap remnants fell back to Southern Okinawa, there lay across this green island a five-mile red-clay scar on which no living thing grew. The big objective of Shuri fell, now a worthless mass of rubble, and the fight moved south beyond the 77th Divisions zone. One last position of three fortified hills was reduced late in June by Col. Gordon Kimbrell and his 305th Combat Team. This was the final Liberty Division chore before Japan. While resting and refitting under the palm trees at Cebu for the assault on Kyushu, the 77th learned of the end of the war. There was no riotous celebration. These battle veterans took the news quietly. They were thankful, and more than a little dazed. They were assigned to accept the surrender of some 5,400 armed Japanese from the hills of Central Cebu. Detachments from the 306th Infantry gathered them in without incident, except for restraining the Filipinos understandable inclination to throw things at their once-proud conquerors. In October, the Liberty Division went to occupy Hokkaido in Japan. It went combat-loaded, just in case. It took over the islands 3,000,000 people and 100,000 Jap troops smoothly. There were no lootings, no major black markets, no American-soldier protest meetings in Hokkaido. Most of the combat veterans went home before Christmas. Their places were taken by younger men from all over the nation. Occupation duties went on. The Americans made the best of the cold winter in a strange land. In March 1946, four years old and half a world from home, the 77th Infantry Division was inactivated. Recently it was reactivated as a reserve division. During almost a year of combat, it killed about 44,000 Japanese and took 488 prisoners. More than 2,000 of the divisions men would never get home. Another 7,000 had received battle wounds. Now, back at the 77ths own club in Manhattan, the surviving old buzzards do not argue about whether their division or some other was best. They learned that in war it is futile to pass judgment on men or units. It is enough that theirs was an outfit that did its work well. They talk freely of themselves and their own platoons, in the way wives and parents never hear. But now and again a small group grows momentarily silent, as someone mentions a name that hasnt been used recently not since Cogon or The Escarpment. Featured image: U.S. National Archives via World War II Database Global Partnership Save the Childrens child rights programs in India and Pakistan, funded by the IKEA Foundation, aim to improve the lives of children in cotton-growing districts by protecting them from hazardous forms of child labor, abuse, violence, exploitation and neglect. We make tremendous efforts to fight the root causes of child labor and strengthen childrens rights in the cotton communities so we can keep children safe, out of factories and cotton fields and in classrooms where they can learn, play and develop. 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Running from 2003 to 2015, the campaign aimed to improve the education of the most disadvantaged children, recognizing that education is one of the best investments for them. Our programs focused on children of ethnic minority groups and children with disabilities groups which are often the most vulnerable. Harleysville, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/03/2016 -- For those who want a new home but are not interested in moving, remodeling might be the answer. From remodeling a kitchen to adding on a media room, the experts at Gehman Design Remodeling can transform an old house into a home worth loving. Residents of Collegeville, PA and its neighboring communities who are interested in a new design for their kitchen are encouraged to call Gehman Design Remodeling today. With autumn in full swing and the days getting shorter, residents who need their bathrooms remodeled should act quickly and hire someone to do so before winter sets in. 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About Gehman Design Remodeling Gehman Design Remodeling is a Harleysville, Pennsylvania- based organization providing a wide variety of home design, rebuilding and remodeling services. Aside from redesigning and renovating kitchens and bathrooms, Gehman Design Remodeling also assists with significant structural changes and full additions including additional stories when necessary. Reach them in Southeastern Pennsylvania by phone at 215-660-5635. New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/03/2016 -- According to the latest market report published by Persistence Market Research, titled "Global Market Study on Semiconductor Assembly & Testing Services (SATS): To be Driven by Increasing Demand for High-End Packaging Solutions", the semiconductor assembly & testing services market is estimated to be valued at US$ 29,585.9 Mn by the end of 2015 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2015 to 2021, to account for US$ 39,050.7 Mn by 2021. Request to view Sample Report @ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4786 Semiconductor Assembly and Testing Services (SATS) market are witnessing increased demand for outsourced SATS services. Presently, around half of the market is exploiting the Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) services, and the trend is expected to continue in the long run. With increasing competition from the leading and regional players, the market is witnessing consolidation. This helps market participants in utilizing resources of other players to meet increasing technological demands. Currently, the semiconductor assembly & testing services market across the world is mainly driven by factors such as increasing demand for mobility and connectivity in the consumer electronic products. An increasing demand for connected devices worldwide including smartphones and tablets having connectivity and multimedia capabilities are fuelling the demand for higher packaging technologies, setting up potential revenue opportunity for the SATS market. Additional features offered by SATS providers over in-house testing and packaging capabilities is also one of the primary reasons for the market growth. Additionally, SATS providers facilitate a more efficient supply chain and in-turn reduces time-to-market for a product, therefore SATS providers are becoming the primary choice of integrated design manufacturers. Increased use of safety systems in the automobile industry is also one of the factors contributing to the growth of the SATS market. . However, factors such as the high capital requirement for offering higher end packaging solutions, fluctuations in exchange rates, and volatility in the market are expected to constrain the growth of the SATS market. On the basis of services, the semiconductor assembly & testing services market has been segmented into assembly & packaging services and testing services. The assembly & packaging services segment is expected to account for 79.4% share of the global Semiconductor assembly & testing services market by 2015 end and is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 4.9%, during the forecast period (20152021). The Assembly and Packaging services segment is further classified on the basis of packaging solutions (interconnecting technologies) which includes copper and gold wire bonding, copper clip, flip chip, wafer level packaging, and TSV. Copper and gold wire bonding accounted for the 55.5%share of the assembly and packaging services segment in 2014. The wafer level packaging (interconnecting technology) segment in the global SATS market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period. On the basis of application, the semiconductor assembly & testing services market is segmented into communications, computing & networking, consumer electronics, industrial and automotive electronics. Among these, communication segment dominated the market in 2014 and is expected to account for 49.4% share of the global semiconductor assembly & testing services market by 2015 end. This segment is expected to expand at CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. Increasing adoption of tablets and wearable devices globally, is expected to drive the market growth of consumer electronics segment during the forecast period. Consumer electronics segment is analyzed to increase at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period. The report provides detailed information about various trends driving each segment and offers analysis and insights about the potential of the semiconductor assembly & testing services market in specific regions. 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Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge. Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement. 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View Report At :http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/855931 Scope - Overview of current fiscal terms governing upstream oil and gas operations in Azerbaijan - Assessment of the current fiscal regimes state take and attractiveness to investors - Charts illustrating the regime structure, and legal and institutional frameworks - Detail on legal framework and governing bodies administering the industry - Levels of upfront payments and taxation applicable to oil and gas production - Information on application of fiscal and regulatory terms to specific licenses - Outlook on future of fiscal and regulatory terms in Azerbaijan Reasons to buy - Understand the complex regulations and contractual requirements applicable to Azerbaijans upstream oil and gas sector - Evaluate factors determining profit levels in the industry - Identify potential regulatory issues facing investors in the countrys upstream sector - Utilize considered insight on future trends to inform decision-making Download Sample copy of this Report at : http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/855931 Table of Contents 1.Table of Contents 1.1 List of Tables 2 1.2 List of Figures 2 2 Regime Overview 3 3 State Take Assessment 6 4 Key Fiscal Terms - Production Sharing Agreement 7 4.1 Bonuses 7 4.1.1 Signature Bonus 7 4.1.2 Discovery Bonus 7 4.1.3 Production Bonus 7 4.2 Acreage Fees 8 4.3 Training Fees 8 4.4 Compensatory Petroleum 8 4.5 Cost Recovery 9 4.5.1 Cost Recovery Limit 9 4.5.2 Recoverable Costs 9 4.6 Profit-Sharing 9 4.7 Direct Taxation 11 4.7.1 Profit Tax 11 4.7.2 Deductions and Depreciation 11 4.8 Natural Gas 12 4.9 State Participation 12 4.10 Stabilization Clause 12 4.11 Indirect Taxation 13 4.11.1 Import and Export Tax 13 4.11.2 Exemption from Primary Indirect Taxes 13 5 Key Fiscal Terms - Royalty/Tax 13 5.1 Mining Tax 13 5.2 Direct Taxation 13 5.2.1 Profit Tax 13 5.2.2 Deductions and Depreciation 13 5.3 Indirect Taxation 14 5.3.1 VAT 14 5.3.2 Property Tax 14 5.3.3 Land Tax 14 6 Regulation and Licensing 15 6.1 Legal Framework 15 6.1.1 Governing Law 15 6.1.2 Contract Type 15 6.1.3 Title to Hydrocarbons 15 6.2 Institutional Framework 16 6.2.1 Licensing Authority 16 6.2.2 Regulatory Agency 16 6.2.3 National Oil Company 16 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketresearchreports-biz About MarketResearchReports.biz MarketResearchReports.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. Contact State Tower 90 State Street, Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207 Tel: 518-621-2074 Website: http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Seattle, WA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/03/2016 -- The report "TCMS Market by Component (Vehicle Control Unit, Mobile Communication Gateway, & HMI), Train Type (Metros and High-Speed Trains, EMU, DMU), Train Control Solutions (PTC, CBTC & Integrated Train Control) and Region - Global Forecast to 2021", The global train control and management system (TCMS) market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.72% from 2016 to 2021, to reach a market size of USD 3.28 Billion by 2021. Browse 70 market data Tables and 50 Figures spread through 142 Pages and in-depth TOC on "TCMS Market - Global Forecast to 2021" Make an Inquiry Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports. Factors such as rapid urbanization, the growing trend of metros and high-speed trains, and the increasing demand for safe and comfortable transit solutions are fueling the demand for TCMS across the globe. Speak to Analyst Europe: The largest market for train control and management systems Developed economies in Europe, such as Spain, France, Germany, Denmark, and Italy, have been investing heavily in the modernization and upgradation of rail infrastructure. The social and trade agreements between European Union (EU) countries have promoted large-scale, cross-border trade and passenger traffic in the region. The use of advanced mechanical and communication technology has led to rapid developments in the high-speed rail sector. Planned investments to improve urban transport and traffic infrastructure in Spain, France, and the U.K. are expected to drive the European railway transportation market. Additionally, all private rail operators in the region are opting for trains equipped with TCMS. Europe is also home to some of the key players in TCMS market, including Alstom SA (France), Strukton Rail (Germany), and Siemens AG (Germany). Communication-based train control: The future of train control Communication-based train control (CBTC) improves interoperability, reduces maintenance costs, and increases the efficiency of rail transit control; hence, most train operators are opting for CBTC systems. CBTC is also more energy efficient than conventional, manually driven systems. Train operators across the globe are inclined towards the modernization of old rail lines; this represents a promising opportunity for CBTC. Existing signaling and train control systems are being replaced by CBTC, which improves operational safety and passenger capacity. Additionally, CBTC is preferred for new rail lines owing to its benefits. Given the above-mentioned factors, the market for CBTC solutions is expected to witness substantial growth in the near future. Key players in the global TCMS market include Bombardier Inc. (Canada), Alstom SA (France), Siemens AG (Germany), Toshiba Corporation (Japan), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), Hitachi Ltd. (Japan), EKE-Electronics (Finland), Strukton Rail (The Netherlands), and CAF (Spain). About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers. We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository. Contact: Mr. Rohan MarketsandMarkets INC. 701 Pike Street Suite 2175, Seattle, WA 98101, United States Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Blog: http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/automotive-and-transportation New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/03/2016 -- LA-based model, Stefan Apostolov, who appeared two years ago on a worldwide stage through the commercial of top brand 'Playboy Shower Gel' has attracted a big following after appearing in a series of television commercials. He has modeled for many international brands over the years in countries like US, Italy, South Africa and Bulgaria, which has resulted in a cult-like following of the handsome model. Stefan has been known for appearing in several high-profile ad campaigns, including American Apparel and Maceoo advertisements for their e-commerce platform. The well-known model was quoted at a recent live event,"I believe that talent and hard work form the core foundation for success in any industry. I am focused on the upcoming opportunities and I hope that I can continue the good work in order to achieve my long term goals." Having done his B.A. in Theatre and Dance, the prolific model is known to be represented by some of the top modeling agencies in the world, such as Next Model Management (LA), Elite Model Management (Miami), 3D Management (Cape Town, South Africa), Evolution Management (London, England), Brave Models (Milan, Italy) and Ivet Fashion Agency (Sofia, Bulgaria). He has also done several runway shows for some of the most renowned names in the fashion industry, including Dolce & Gabbana, Corneliani and Quest Apparel. Originally from Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Stefan has seen a meteoric rise after the release of the internationally recognized video 'Stefan Apostolov for Michael Downs.' He was featured as the lead male model for 'The Society diaries Magazine' on their September-October issues in 2014. Texas-based 'The Society Diaries Magazine' sells tens of thousands of copies every month and the issue with Stefan broke all time sale records. Stefan has also worked with the famous American luxury department store "Neiman Marcus" on multiple presentation and runway jobs for brands like Alexander McQueen, Brunello Cucinelli, Burberry, Zegna, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Prada, Tom Ford. In addition, he had the luxury of making a few trips to San Diego for the famous Maceoo campaign, in which Stefan was shot together with a female model. The advertisement is said to be very elegant and Stefan has been a major part of their advertising catalogue since then. Stefan has gained worldwide recognition after appearing in Elle magazine and starring in numerous TV commercials for renowned brands like Samsung, Hyundai and Playboy, as well as other national commercials for names like Kohl's, Casio Oceanus and Muller Yogurt. One of the most celebrated advertising campaigns for the model was the 'Autoscout 24 commercial,' which hit the billboards in Germany nation-wide. Stefan's commercial reel can be seen at the link below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvjSOFXJoeo Follow Stefan on twitter: @ApostolovStefan Website: http://www.nextmanagement.com/los-angeles/profile/stefan-apostolov The sabertooth salmon (Oncorhynchus rastrosus), a giant species of salmon that swam in Pacific Northwest waters from the mid-Miocene to early Pliocene, fought with tusk-shaped teeth during the spawning season, according to a research team led by California State University paleontologist Dr. Julia Sankey. Oncorhynchus rastrosus, also known as giant, tusk-toothed salmon, lived along the Pacific coast of North America (California, Oregon, and Washington) roughly 11 to 5 million years ago. This ancient fish was large, approximately 3-9 feet (1-3 m) long and nearly 400 pounds (177 kg) in weight, much larger than the typical salmon found in the Pacific today. The species migrated from the Pacific Ocean to inland rivers to spawn, as salmon do today. And it was planktivorous, based on numerous gill-rakers, and a few, small teeth. Oncorhynchus rastrosus also had two, large (0.8-1.2 inches, or 2-3 cm, long), upper tusk-shaped teeth. A great deal is known about Oncorhynchus rastrosus from previous studies. However, there are still gaps in our knowledge about this fascinating giant salmon, Dr. Sankey and co-authors said. To see if the tusk-shaped teeth played an important role in breeding of this species, the researchers compared 51 different fossils from ancient deposits of both freshwater and saltwater environments. Teeth from freshwater deposits are not only larger, but they are also more recurved, and the tooth tips more worn and blunt. In addition, their bony tooth bases are considerably larger, they said. Teeth from coastal marine deposits are smaller, straighter, their tooth tips sharper, and their tooth bases smaller. This supports our hypothesis that Oncorhynchus rastrosus did developmentally change between the marine and freshwater stages of their lives, as modern salmon do today. The paleontologists think it is likely Oncorhynchus rastrosus were using their tusk-shaped teeth for fighting and display against each other during the spawning season, up in the ancient rivers of California. These giant, spike-toothed salmon were amazing fish. You can picture them getting scooped out of the Proto-Tuolumne River near Modesto, California by large bears 5 million years ago, Dr. Sankey said. Dr. Sankey and co-authors presented their research October 27 in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the 76th Annual Meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. _____ Julia T. Sankey et al. Did the giant, tusk-toothed salmon (Oncorhynchus rastrosus) morph before migration upriver like modern salmon do today? Abstracts of the 76th Annual Meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, p. 217-218 A museum in Florida, which was headed and supported by spaceflight pioneers, community leaders, and former space program workers, has been given a better name to reflect its unique mission. Know more about now's The American Space Museum. The US Space Walk of Fame Museum was founded in 2001 and currently, it has been renamed to The American Space Museum. According to Space.com, Tara Dixon Engel, executive director of American Space Museum said, "The name change of the museum was a logical next step in our evolution as it gives the visitors a better idea of what they will experience at our facility." The museum covers 6100-sq. foot (570-sq.m) and it was moved into its present Titusville building in 2014. The museum displays artifacts and figurines which are mostly donated by the astronauts and space workers who were involved in the US programs since the early 1950s. The museum possesses extraordinary exhibition halls which are completely dedicated to NASA's Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs and also the most recently retired space shuttle program. One of the major highlights of the museum is its popular exhibit which offers the visitors a chance to experience the sensations and sound of an actual rocket countdown and its launch. The Cape Canaveral Room at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station features a sequencer from the Launch Complex 16. It has been used to launch Titan II missiles and consoles from Pad 36A, which were last used during the launch of Atlas-Centaur rockets in 2005. Since the past few years, the museum has been in the extensive limelight due to the implementation of new collection practices, the creation of interpretive signage and redesigning the galleries and public areas of the facility. There are four monuments constructed to honor the workers behind the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space shuttle programs at the Space View Park. As per a report published in eScience News, Dixon Engel states that today, Titusville maintains the monuments while our foundation manages the engraving process. She also added that they have been trying to improve the processes and the overall visitor experience. The researchers discovered an ancient water beneath the ground in Northern Ontario that may harbor alien life. It is considered the world's oldest water that is estimated to have been cut off from the surface for about 2.64 billion years. The findings of the study were published in the Nature Communications. The researchers found that there could be a possibility that exotic life has been developing in the ancient water without sunlight or atmospheric oxygen for billions of years, according to Science Alert. Microbial communities may evolve underneath the planet's surface. This indicates that similar thing could be happening on planet Mars, according to the team. Barbara Sherwood Lollar, one of the researchers from the University of Toronto said that this continues to open ideas of how much of this planet is habitable. This suggests habitability of Mars too. In the study, the researchers gathered samples of the ancient water from boreholes at the Kidd mine in Ontario. Dr. Long Li, the assistant professor at the University of Alberta described the flow of water as abundant and lukewarm. It's not very pleasant as its flavor has a combination of bitter, salty and metallic. On the other hand, the water has Sulphur content, which Dr. Li most interested at. The Globe and Mail discovered that the sulfur in the ancient water is supplied by the mineral pyrite in the surrounding rocks. They explained that the natural radioactivity of the rock generates much energy that separates a small amount of water into oxygen and hydrogen. The oxygen that dissolves the Sulphur turns into sulphate. The chemical process of the sulphate indicates a long-term sustainable environment for bacteria. Alex Sessions, a geobiologist at the California Institute of Technology, said that the thing that's special is that the sulphate is being generated by radioactive decay. Dr. Li also added that because this is a common geological setting in early Earth as well as on modern Mars, they think that if the right minerals and water are present, they can create the needed energy source to support the microbes. The argument between the pro flu shot and the anti-flu shot is never ending. Now a mother is sending a message to other moms after her daughter died because of skipping a flu shot. This mother is taking a stand so that no other kids will be victims of the unwanted tragedy just by not taking the shot. Pegy Lowery decided not to let her 12-year-old daughter get the flu vaccine. This was the time when 2015-2016 flu shot season arrives. Piper, her daughter has a fear of needles and it outweighed the potential benefit of the vaccine. A year later, in January 2016, Piper lost the battle with the virus complications. Now, the Washington mom encourages other moms to never allow their kids to skip the flu shot. Peggy is now raising an awareness to reach other moms that flu shot should not be ignored because same with what happened to Piper death could come. In an interview with Q13F0x, Peggy told them that the illness of Piper progressed fast like a "freight train" on January 12, 2016. Four days after her daughter's experience high fever, Piper died. During the time, Piper was taken to the hospital three times because of high fever. One instance her fever reached up to 105 degrees. Doctors gave her Tamiflu, but there was no improvement. After the failure of Tamiflu, Piper began to vomit blood. Pegy brought her to the emergency room at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma. But, Piper already collapsed in her mother's arms in the parking lot. Pegy screamed for help,but when the doctors arrived it was too late. They cannot revive Piper anymore. The doctor's diagnosis is H1N1 complications, it attacked Piper's kidneys that lead to renal failure, which began the day before her tragic death.Pegy said that " for us, it's been really hard, all I have now is pictures, an urn sitting on the mantle," according to Fox News. However, Pegy is not positive that the flu shot would have saved her daughter's life, she is still working with Tacoma-based Fight the Flu Foundation to promote what she now knows is widely accurate about the vaccine, which is that in many cases, it can be life-saving. In behalf of her late daughter, awareness regarding the flu shot is her way to help others. As the global warming continues to hit the Earth, more people become aware of it. An increasing number of activists and campaigners are prepared to fight against climate change. Recently, a group of campaigners won the battle in the high court against the UK government. The campaigners took their step to a higher platform and eventually triumphed their stance. Their purpose is to speed up and improve measures to fight against the harmful air pollution. The environmental lawyers, ClientEarth, took the legal action following the "continuing failure to tackle the national air pollution crisis." As the court sees the harmful effect they have favored the side of the campaigners, forcing the government to make an immediate action, according to ITV News. What a day! Big thanks to all my @ClientEarth colleagues and our barristers @benjaffey Natalie Lieven & Ravi Mehta Alan Andrews (@AlanClientEarth) November 2, 2016 ClientEarth Lawyer, Alan Andrews said that "We hope the new Government will finally get on with preparing a credible plan to resolve this issue once and for all. We look forward to working with Defra ministers on developing a new plan which makes a genuine attempt to achieve legal limits throughout the UK as soon as possible." He added that the need of a national network of clean air zones must take place by 2018 in cities across the UK, not just in a handful of cities. An estimated of 9,400 deaths happen each year in London alone. The deaths link to illnesses caused by long-term exposure to air pollution. Meanwhile, 448 schools in the capital exceed legal air quality. Poorer children are most at risk from the effects of #airpollution which can cause respiratory diseases and harm them for life pic.twitter.com/EfWCNcVuug UNICEF (@UNICEF) November 3, 2016 London Mayor Sadiq Khan stated that today's High Court ruling brings sharply into focus the scale of the country's air pollution crisis and lays the blame at the door of the Government for its complacency in failing to tackle the problem quickly and credibly. They have let down millions of people the length and breadth of the country. This must now act as a real wake-up call to Government, according to BBC News. FLORENCE, S.C. -- Nov. 17, McLeod Health will conclude a year-long celebration of 110 years of providing care to the region with two free public events in downtown Florence: a Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony at the Florence County Museum, and a Commissioned Choral Symphony presented at the Francis Marion Performing Arts Center. At 5:30 p.m., a marker from the South Carolina Department of Archives and History will be unveiled on the 100 Block of West Cheves Street, adjacent to the Florence County Museum -- the site of the original McLeod Infirmary established by Dr. F.H. McLeod in 1906. The two-sided marker will bear the inscription: McLeod Medical Center The McLeod Infirmary was located here in 1906, inspired by the need to provide access to local medical and surgical care for the people of the region. Frank Hilton McLeod was born in Richmond County, N.C. in 1868 and graduated from the University of Tennessee Medical School. In 1891, he moved to Florence and chartered the Florence Infirmary. By the 1920s it was the third largest hospital in the state. In 1930, with the assistance of the Duke Endowment, McLeod Infirmary became a non-profit institution. A new building opened in 1935 and expanded capacity to 190 beds. Renamed McLeod Memorial Hospital in 1971, expansion continued when 14 blocks of Urban Renewal land were acquired just east of this location. The McLeod Regional Medical Center opened in 1979 with over 300 beds and improved acute care facilities. This marker is the first to be placed in the core of the revitalization of downtown Florence. At 7:30 p.m., the Florence Symphony Orchestra, The Masterworks Choir, and Soloists will present It Is Well - A Healing Suite," a commissioned choral symphony at the Francis Marion Performing Arts Center. The four movement work is composed by Dr. Brandon D. Goff, Professor of Music at Francis Marion University, and uses familiar hymns with texts centered on healing and comfort: There Is a Balm in Gilead, Abide With Me, Stand By Me, and It Is Well with My Soul. The symphony will be conducted by Dr. Terry Roberts and features soloists Roger Kirby, Gracie Myers, and Rebecca Thompson, and speaker David Hamilton. The auditorium will open at 7 p.m. for general admission seating. These events are gifts to the community from McLeod Health and have no admission charge. Please join McLeod in celebrating 110 Years of reflecting on our past and caring for your future. FLORENCE, S.C. -- Francis Marion Universitys growing School of Health Sciences is adding yet another new specialty. FMU will launch a graduate-level Speech Pathology degree program in the Fall of 2018. The university received final regulatory approval from South Carolinas Commission on Higher Education last week and has named Dr. Freda Wilson as the director of the new program. Wilson, a Greenville, N.C. native, brings more than 40 years of experience to the position, with educational and practical proficiency highlighting her career within the field of speech pathology. Most recently, Wilson was the head of the Department of Communication Disorders and Co-Investigator of the Autistic Children's Research Project at the King Faisel Specialist Hospital & Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A graduate of South Carolina State with a bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, and a master's degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences, Wilson also holds a Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Illinois. Speech Pathology will be the fifth masters-level program in FMUs School of Health Science. It will be just the third speech pathology program in the state of South Carolina. United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) statistics shows demand for speech pathologists is already high and expected to grow in the years ahead. The Bureau projects a 21 percent increase in the number of open positions from 2014 to 2024. Besides being one of the fastest-growing health sciences fields, its also one of the best paying, with annual mean wages starting at $67,850 in South Carolina according to the BLS. The program will feature a partnership with McLeod Health, Carolinas Hospital System, and the Pee Dee Area Health Education Center, which will assist in the placement of students into clinical positions. Dr. Christopher Kennedy, Francis Marion Universitys associate provost for academic affairs, says the program will be a valuable resource to the region and the state. We havent had to sell this program to anyone, Kennedy says. We have students calling at least a few each week that are looking to get into the program. We have all the major players coming on board. Everyone is on board. The initial class will be limited of 20 students, with future classes project to grow to 30 or more as the program matures. Students will be required to complete 60 credit hours. Thats roughly two years of class work, depending upon the academic experience a student brings with them to the program. Prospective students should have a degree in a field closely associated with pre-med. JOHNSONVILLE, S.C. Patrick ONeal, a reformed addict, spoke at the October Choose Life meeting about the effects alcohol and drugs once had on him. Choose Life is a grassroots organization designed to help reduce the sale and use of illegal drugs in the Johnsonville, Hemingway and surrounding areas. ONeal said he grew up in a financially secure home where his parents entertained frequently. They drank, as did their friends, and alcohol was accessible to him at a very young age. He began having problems in school and with his stepfather because of his usage. ONeals mother sent him to relatives in South Carolina, hoping it would make a change in him. "I only got worse," O'Neal said. "The situation she put me in was not a wholesome one, and anything I wanted was available to me. It got to the point where I was laying on my bed one night contemplating suicide, wondering what method I would use, when I came to my senses and decided what I needed was God. He said he changed his life forever and no longer has a desire for alcohol or pills. I try to point addicts that I work with in the right direction and let them know there is a better way of life out there, that they don't have to depend on selling or using either drugs or alcohol, ONeal said. They will be much happier and healthy without them. The decision is theirs, and they have to want to change before the change will take place." Jody Lynch, a candidate for Florence County sheriff, was in attendance at the Choose Life meeting. "I think you are going in the right direction to fight horrible situations as a group," she said. "It is not only the children and young people who need to be educated. The older people have problems as well. They need to be told what tools and places are available to help them get off these addictions." Among those attending were an attorney, two ministers, volunteers from the Johnsonville Rescue Service and other community leaders. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday in the Johnsonville Community Meeting House at 304 S. Hampton St. There will be refreshments and speakers along with a time for questions and answers. Election day is almost here, thankfully. That is a day when the Divided State of America will begin anew, or it will be the beginning of the end. The beginning of the end may have started in 2008 or even earlier, but it accelerated in '08. We have had no leadership at the top for a long time and even though Congress has been controlled by so-called conservative Republicans for some time, it has allowed a socialist to rule America. Congress evidently gave Obama a blank check and looks the other way when he breaks the law, ignores the Constitution and gives the country away to illegal migrants. Between now and inauguration day on Jan. 20, I predict he will do some things that will blow your mind and not in a good way. Will Congress continue to allow such things? If on Tuesday HRC is elected, you can stick a fork in America. We are done. Some people will vote for her just because she is a woman or just because she is a Democrat, ignoring the fact that she is a crooked, deceiving, self-serving, world-class liar. Politics is a dirty business, and she is at the top of the heap. On Oct. 29, the FBI announced that new evidence has come up in the email scandal, and it is reopening the case. She is not qualified for the White House but most certainly is for the big house. How anyone can in good conscience vote for that woman is beyond my comprehension. Look at her past. Is she the person you want to lead our military? Should she be allowed to have a top security clearance? The same person who allowed four Americans to be murdered in Benghazi then lied by blaming the attack on a movie and saying that now infamous line: At this point what difference does it make? She and Bill are said to have stolen about $200,000 worth of OUR property when they exited the White House. How low class can a person be to do that and a multitude of other despicable things? Donald Trump is not an angel, but I don't believe he is anywhere close to being what HRC is. I sincerely believe he has good intentions and will do his very best to at least try to turn this great and once greater country around. A no vote or vote for a third-party candidate is a vote for HRC. If you want America to survive, please vote, and I certainly hope you will vote for Trump. DAVE HICKLIN Florence It is alarming how many voters still think Hillary Clinton should be our next president but cant cite one thing she has done for the betterment of this country in over 30 years in government. I am a conservative who believes in following rules and being honest. For those reasons alone I could not vote for Hillary because she has not followed rules and certainly isnt honest. She did not follow the rules as secretary of state and sent confidential information over her personal email servers, then lied repeatedly to authorities about those actions. During the committee hearings on the emails, she stated she didnt know the C on the top of the document meant it was "confidential." Following the FBI investigation, which I believe was influenced by not only Barack Obama but also Bill Clinton, FBI Director James Comey stated that there was evidence they (the State Department under Hillary Clinton) were extremely careless in their handing of very sensitive, highly classified information. In other words, Hillary cannot be trusted to safely handle classified or confidential information based on FBI findings. And people believe she could function as president and keep our country safe? This election is key to the future of this country because it will determine our rights for four and perhaps the next eight years. The next president could nominate up to four judges to the Supreme Court. Hillary has stated she thinks Obama should sit on the Supreme Court! Certainly she will appoint judges of like mind and who will enable her to move on with her agenda to change the USA. She wants to greatly restrict our rights to guns. She wants to open our borders without limitations to anyone wishing to enter this country. She has little or no respect to our military or even to her own Secret Service agents. Agents protecting Mrs. Clinton in both Arkansas and when Bill Clinton was president state Mrs. Clinton is proficient in throwing around the F word and uses it multiple times each day. She is so rude to the agents they even named the helicopter used by the First Lady as Broomstick One! And that is presidential material? I hope voters will look closely at the candidates and see them for who they are. I expect the yellow-dog Democrats will turn out in huge numbers to vote for Hillary because unfortunately they vote party and dont consider the negative impact of their vote. Those of us who consider all aspects of the candidates will see Hillary Clinton for the liar and corrupt person she is known to be and Donald Trump as a savvy, generous business man bent on saving this country. I hope you vote for the candidate who will change this country for the better, not the candidate who promises to continue Obamas policies and push this country to destruction. VICKY R. ZELENKA Florence Afghan officials say at least 30 civilians, including women and children, have been killed and dozens more wounded in an air strike in the country's north. Grim protests erupted in Kunduz after the November 3 bombing on the outskirts of the city, with dozens of people rallying outside the governor's office, some of them carrying the bodies of victims. NATO said it had conducted air strikes to protect friendly forces in an operation in Kunduz, adding that "all civilian casualty claims will be investigated." A survivor of the air strike told RFE/RL that more than 70 people were taken to the hospital. "Dozens of people are still under the ruins of their homes," the man said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Many children have been made orphans. We have lost everything." Protesters used pickup trucks to carry the corpses of many apparent victims as they marched through the streets. Men and women were seen weeping as they showed the bodies, some of them young children, to the media. A witness told RFE/RL that he saw warplanes dropping bombs from the sky. "Everything was destroyed," he said. "Among the dead was a headless child. Another person was killed when he was working in the fields." NATO earlier said two U.S. soldiers were killed and two others wounded during an operation around Kunduz. It said the soldiers came under fire "during a train, advise, and assist mission with our Afghan partners to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the group's operations in Kunduz district." It was not immediately clear if the two incidents were related. The developments underlined the precarious security situation around Kunduz, which Taliban militants managed to enter last month, a year after they briefly captured the city. U.S. and NATO forces routinely conduct air strikes and other operations in Afghanistan to support that country's central government as it tries to defeat militant threats from fundamentalist Taliban and Islamic State (IS) fighters, nearly 15 years after a U.S.-led invasion ousted the Taliban and helped install a UN-backed government in Kabul. The United Nations concluded recently that the number of civilians killed or maimed in Afghanistan in the first six months of 2016 was a half-year record since counting began in 2009. With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and AP KHOST, Afghanistan -- In a sign that Afghan youth are trying to change their society for the better, young activists in a remote Afghan province are pushing to end cruel customary practices against women. In Khost, a mountainous province in southeastern Afghanistan, young men and women campaigners have united to end forced and underage marriages, exorbitant bridewealth, and bloody feuds that often result in cycles of vengeance spanning generations. Khan Wali Adil, 23, says he and likeminded others have lobbied hard with the regions clerics and tribal leaders to secure their backing to end or at least reform exploitative cultural practices. Our immediate aim is to rid this region of one or two traditions within the next couple of months, he said. We want to show the people of Afghanistan we can achieve results within a limited timeframe. Another activist, Nasir Ahmed Rokhan, says child marriages, forced marriages -- sometimes arranged to end family feuds -- and forcing widows to marry a brother or relatives of her deceased husband are some of the traditions they hope to see brought to an end. We want our struggle to have social ownership. This is why we want the ulema (eds: Muslim clergymen), influential figures, and tribal leaders to support us, he said. We would like to end such a negative phenomenon. Khost and the surrounding provinces of Paktia and Paktika are collectively called Loya or greater Paktia. Inhabited by Pashtun tribes, life in the rural mountainous region is regulated by ancient codes and unwritten customary laws, which are collectively called Pashtunwali or The Way of Pashtuns. Adil and his allies say they now need to reform Pashtunwali by ending some of its exploitative traditions. Most discriminate against women and are carried out in the name of following Pashtunwali. Earlier this year, he protested outside Afghan Parliament in the capital, Kabul, for months. His protest camp, a modest tent, attracted considerable attention. His activism was spurred by family disagreements; Adil protested a family ban on his younger sisters education and some male relatives refusing to heed his calls to end a long-running land dispute. Back in his homeland, Adil has encouraged women to speak out, as well. Feroza, an activist who goes by one name only, says that among many of greater Paktia communities, women are married as a means of ending feuds. Many women still have no say in choosing their spouse, she said. Feroza says the custom of paying bridewealth for the women is also highly exploitative. In many cases, men pay a lot of money as bridewealth for their brides. And the women suffer because their in-laws expect them to do a lot of hard labor to justify the money spent. Halima Ehsas, a womens rights campaigner, says ending exploitative traditions will require individuals to change their outlook, which should go hand in hand with government efforts to implement laws to end the exploitation of women. Our clerics and community leaders need to embrace changes within their families and communities by banning forced and underage marriages or other discriminatory practices, she said. I demand that the Afghan Womens Affairs Ministry make it their priority to end such practices. Mawlawi Abdul Qudus, a Muslim cleric in Khost, backs the campaigners and says such practices are a violation of Islamic injunctions. What we also need to push for is to enable women to claim and receive their due share in family inheritance, he said. fg/ As president of the Mayo Clinic Platform, I lead a portfolio of new digital platform businesses focused on transforming health by leveraging artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and an ecosystem of partners for Mayo Clinic. This is made possible by an extraordinary team of people at Mayo and collaborators worldwide. This blog will document their story. WATERLOO Are we going to charge forward or are we going to change backward? That was the question and overarching theme posed by former President Bill Clinton during his stop in Waterloo Wednesday afternoon to campaign for his wife, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. The resounding answer from the audience of about 300 people was forward and forward together. Smile, and say, We believe we should go forward together. We are coming back for you if you make Hillary president. We want you to be part of our future. America needs you too. We all have to rise together, Clinton said of how to talk to people who disagree with Hillary Clinton and her supporters. One audience member, echoing first lady Michelle Obama, shouted, When they go low, we go high. Clinton described going backward as returning to a trickle-down economy but on steroids, as going back to a time when people of color, other minority groups and women had more limited rights, and as rolling back the Affordable Care Act. We dont want to go back to that. What we want to do is go forward together. Thats what this whole election Clinton said as he was until drowned out by applause. Clinton sounded an optimistic tone for the six days until the Nov. 8 election. Thats the most important thing. We know shell win if everybody who is for her votes, Clinton said, encouraging people to vote if they havent already and then go out to work to get others to vote. Polls in Iowa show either Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump with a slight lead or Clinton and Trump tied, but there has been infrequent polling in the swing state. Clinton spent about 30 minutes addressing the crowd. While he touched on a few different issues immigration, raising the minimum wage and improving health care affordability among them his biggest focus was in contrasting his wifes vision with that of Trumps. Hillary says, OK, your frustration and your anger is legitimate, but you need empowerment not resentment. And he says, Oh no you dont. You just keep right on resenting so I can ride this horse as long as I can, Clinton said. He said theres a chance for a future where people rise together, but we cant get there if we choose anger over answers, if we choose resentment over empowerment, if we choose division over cooperation, and if we choose fantasy over fact. Clinton praised his wife for delivering answers to solve the nations major issues and for focusing on how to achieve goals in her proposals. Republican National Committee spokeswoman Lindsay Jancek criticized the events in Iowa as just more empty words and promises from the Clinton campaign and said it was a last-ditch effort to manufacture lagging enthusiasm for the campaign. Clinton was in Sioux City earlier Wednesday, and had planned to do an evening event in Des Moines. The latter event was canceled due to two police officers being shot and killed in the Des Moines area early Wednesday. CEDAR RAPIDS Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine called Rudy Giulianis comparison of Hillary and Bill Clinton to a mafia crime family disconnected to reality. Kaine, who paid a surprise visit to Brewhemia in the NewBo neighborhood Thursday morning, said he feels badly for Giuliani when he hears his comments. Somebody who had a good public service record, hes just specializing in really over-the-top stuff, Kaine said after shaking hands and visiting with the coffeehouse patrons. I worry about him. Kaine, who did a similar walk-around in Iowa City Wednesday night, made small talk with Brewhemia patrons and Democratic supporters. It was really exciting to get a chance to talk to hopefully the next vice president of the United States, Jill LaGrange of Cedar Rapids said. A second-year students at Kirkwood Community College, LaGrange asked Kaine for advice. He told me the most important thing is to help each other, she said. Giuliani, a former New York City mayor and federal prosecutor, told a Republican audience in Hiawatha Wednesday that electing Hilary Clinton would be like having a criminal organization take over the White House. Thats what Clinton, Inc., is a criminal organization, he said about relationship between the Clintons, their public roles and the Clinton Foundation. That contrasts with the Clinton-Kaine campaigns positive vision for the country, the Virginia senator said. Were going to have a lot of healing to do as a nation and it doesnt get easier when people make outrageous comments like that, Kaine said. The Clintons have been great public servants. The Clinton Foundation serves people around the world in the best tradition of American NGOs non-governmental organizations. Without directly tying Giuliani and GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump to the fatal shootings of two police officers in Des Moines and Urbandale, Kaine suggested their rhetoric is dangerous. The accused shooter, Scott Michael Greene, reportedly has a history of racially-charged encounters and has faced a harassment charge for calling a man a racial slur and threatening to kill him. You dont want to draw too direct a line, but you worry about it, said Kaine, who cancelled a Des Moines area appearance Wednesday because of the shootings. This whole notion that the election is rigged, you know, it basically is preaching a disrespect for authority. If you preach a disrespect for authority the more likely it is that people will take action, even actions of violence, against authority A tenet of American democracy is acceptance of election outcomes and then we peacefully transition, Kaine said. When someone calls that into questions its like they are taking the central pillar of the whole thing and trying to pull it down, he said. The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment. State Sen. Mary Jo Wilhelm, D-Cresco, is facing Republican Waylon Brown for the District 26 seat in the Nov. 8 election. Brown, 37, of St. Ansgar, owns and operates a construction company and farm. He and his wife, Julie, have two children, Reece and Elyse, both 8. I want to represent our district in the state Senate to share our story and get results, Brown told the Mitchell County Press-News. The district includes Worth, Mitchell, Howard, Floyd and Chickasaw counties as well as parts of Cerro Gordo and Winneshiek counties. Brown decided to run for the Senate because he feels the district has potential due to citizens work ethic and its strategic location for transportation. I think it is my responsibility to share the successes and struggles of our district and show legislators from our more urban districts why a strong rural Iowa supports growth in their districts, Brown said. The most important issue for Brown is increasing job opportunities, including creating a tax and regulatory environment to encourage risk-taking and investment. I want North Iowa to be an area where our kids can find good jobs to live and work here if they choose, Brown said. I love living in this area and I want those same opportunities for our children. Brown views water quality as an important issue as well. My goal in the Legislature is to work across party lines to find a sustainable long-term funding solution to water quality, Brown said. It is important that the funds allocated to the projects have the greatest impact on actually improving water quality. Wilhelm, 61, is a residential real estate appraiser. She and her husband, Michael, have two children, Ben and Alex. Wilhelm has served for two terms. She decided to run for her third term to continue her work with public education, water quality and mental health issues. Education will always be a key issue for me in the Legislature, Wilhelm said. One of the unique issues in many school districts is the high cost of transportation, Wilhelm said. Schools and school districts in rural Iowa have different budget constraints than schools in larger cities and I have always been a dedicated advocate for our schools, Wilhelm said. She doesnt want Iowa to slip in the rankings for states with the best public education. Brown believes that the Iowa Legislature has over-promised and under-delivered on education funding, creating problems for schools balancing budgets. First and foremost, under-delivering on funding promises is extremely detrimental to school budgets and I will do everything in my power to ensure a promise made by the Legislature on funding is a promise we can keep, Brown said. As someone who has had to set and live by a budget, I understand the stress delays in setting supplemental state aid causes school administrators and educators. Wilhelm served as a Howard County supervisor for 12 years and believes her experience there and in Des Moines sets her apart from Brown. When I have knocked on doors any time in the last year, what people want to talk about are the issues, Wilhelm said. They want to talk about education, water quality or a personal story about a friend or family member on Medicaid who is struggling with the new system. In talking to her constituents, Wilhelm said, she keeps hearing that they are tired of candidates not talking about the issues. Wilhelm said she has been frustrated with negative ads throughout the campaign. At the state level, we have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of everyday Iowans, and that is what I want to focus on in this race, Wilhelm said. MASON CITY National Guard members from the 1133rd Transportation Co., Mason City, will raise the American flag in a ceremony honoring veterans. The event will be 9:15 a.m. Nov. 7 at the Principal Financial Group office, 22 W. State St. It is open to the public and veterans. Local trumpeter Ron Stroup, a retired Mason City High School teacher and helicopter pilot in Vietnam, will play To the Color. A reception will follow the ceremony at the flagpole, located on the north end of the building. The flag will be illuminated for display 24 hours a day through Veterans Day, Nov. 11. MISCs wholly-owned GKL is claiming approximately $245m from SSPC, wholly-owned by Shell, over a contract for the construction and lease of Gumusut-Kakap semi-floating production system (FPS). The legal proceedings were commenced to seek resolution on contractual disputes covering claims for outstanding additional lease rates, payment for completed variation works and other associated costs under the contract, MISC stated. GKL filed a notice of adjudication and a notice of arbitration against SSPC on 23 September and 2 September this year, respectively. However, Shells SSPC refuted both the notices and indicated intention to counter-claim based on allegations that GKL had failed to perform the work in accordance with the contract. The full amount of SSPCs claim has yet to be quantified, MISC said. Appointment of adjudicator and arbitrators are ongoing. Meanwhile, SSPC had on 19 October called upon a bank guarantee of $20m which was provided by GKL in favour of SSPC as security for the said contract. GKL contested the bank guarantee demand and obtained an interim injunction against the release of the bank guarantee. The court has fixed 3 November 2016 to hear both parties arguments on SSPCs call on the bank guarantee, MISC mentioned. The legal battle came to light as MISC announced a third quarter profit of MYR134.16m ($32.08m), a sharp fall of 72.3% from the gain of MYR483.56m in the previous corresponding period. Revenue for the three months ended 30 September 2016 was recorded at MYR2.29bn down from MYR2.51bn in the year-ago period. Yee Yang Chien, ceo of MISC, commented: Moving forward, to fulfill our aspiration of consistently providing better energy-related maritime solutions and services, MISC will capitalise on timely investment opportunities to ensure future business sustainability. SWS, also a unit of CSSC, penned the loan agreement with the lenders on Wednesday. The credit facilities can be drawn upon over a three-year period. Apart from ZCFC, the two other lenders are Shanghai Pudong Development Bank and Industrial Bank Co Shanghai branch. Guan Jianli, deputy general manager of ZCFC, pointed out that SWS carries a national responsibility particularly over the construction of the countrys first large cruise ship of 133,500 gross tonnes. Wang Qize, director of SWS, said the shipyard is currently pushing ahead with reform plans amidst the shipbuilding industry crisis, and focusing on sharpening technology and constructing higher value ships. CSSC announced earlier that the industry slump has led to SWS facing severe lack of work especially on the commercial shipbuilding segment. Separately in May this year, SWS inked a strategic cooperation agreement with China Construction Banks Shanghai branch for it to support the shipbuilder with a suite of financial services. In the January - June period shipmanagement added EUR438m ($483m) to Cypriot coffers down from EUR462m in such revenues in the second half of 2015 and a record EUR64m in the first half of 2015, the countrys central bank said in a mid-year report. The latest result reflects the ongoing slump in shipping markets as the boost received 12 months ago primarily came from Greece as a result of tax uncertainty and the countrys domestic economic crisis. Cyprus is one of Europes most significant management hubs and despite the drop, shipmanagement revenues still account for over 5% of the country's economic output. Payments out of Germany remained by far the biggest source of ship-management revenue for the island, accounting for 38% of the total down from 41% in the second half of 2015. Greeces share, which had reached 8% at the end of last year has declined to 6% as the initial concern over the European Union's moves against Greece's shipping tax legislation abated. The decline on the part of Greece-based owners put them on a par with Switzerland and Singapore as Cyprus second-biggest clients. Russia and Malta come next, each with a 4% market share. ALGONA A man wearing a ski mask and black clothing attempted to abduct a teenage boy as he walked to school Thursday morning in Algona, police say. The eighth-grader told police he was walking alone from his east side residence to the middle school when a van pulled alongside him, Police Chief Kendall Pals said. The man driving the vehicle a silver minivan with a 6-inch black stripe along the lower end of the drivers side asked the boy if he wanted $200. He declined and walked a little faster, Pals said. He was aware of the previous incident last Thursday where there was an offer of money. In that incident, a middle-aged white male with reddish or blonde hair approached four 7-year-old girls in Algona, offering them $100 to get into his gray vehicle. The girls ran away. A similar attempt involving a suspect matching that description was reported in Humboldt County about an hour later, according to the Algona Upper Des Moines. Pals said the man who is between 61 and 62 and does not have a thin build then followed the teen, got out of his vehicle and grabbed him. After struggling, the eighth-grader was able to break away. The teen told police the man then went back to his van, turned around and drove in the opposite direction. He reported the attempted abduction to school officials around 7 a.m. In both Algona instances, no license plate number was recorded. Pals said the two attempted abductions could be connected, but its possible the most recent is a copycat. He said there is no indication this mornings attempted abduction is a false report. Were treating it seriously, as we should, Pals said. He advised parents should tell their children to stay away from vehicles that approach them or are parked on the street. They should also be cautious of strangers offering to give them something, asking questions or needing help. We want them to take some precautions without scaring them to the point where theyre not living a happy, normal life, Pals said. Other similar abduction attempts have been reported across the state. In May, an 11-year-old was offered $100 and a ride near Earlville in east central Iowa, according to the Algona Upper Des Moines. A 10-year-old Marshalltown girl was offered money to get in a four-door silver car in August. Neither child complied. Anyone with information about the incidents or sees the vehicle/suspect matching the description should call the Algona Police Department at 515-295-3515 or the Kossuth County Sheriffs Department at 515-295-3514. Police are asking people to report sighting locations, license plate information, direction of travel and any other details they can give. Climbing the corporate ladder towards a six-figure salary at age 39, Sabrina Simmons never thought she'd need anything other than her two cars to get around. Then she started to lose her eyesight. That was four years ago, and Simmons is now legally blind as a result of diabetic retinopathy. She remains active working as a trainer for the computer screen-reading software JAWS, participates in multiple community organizations, volunteers and works out at the YMCA, and cares for her 14-year-old son. But now that her driving days are over, Simmons has to rely on others to get her to and from those commitments. She prefers the independence of using public transit instead of asking family or friends for rides, but she says using existing transit service can be a frustrating proposition if she's traveling any significant distance from her home just east of the Detroit-Dearborn border. "For me to go anywhere beyond Fairlane, on average it's going to take me about four hours," Simmons says. That's thanks to the often complicated interactions between DDOT and SMART's bus systems, and the even spottier connections to service in the Ann Arbor area. But Simmons has hope that more convenient new service may be on the way if Metro Detroit voters approve the The master plan proposes passenger rail service between Detroit and Ann Arbor, as well as bus rapid transit lines along Woodward from Detroit to Pontiac, Michigan Avenue from Detroit to Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Washtenaw Avenue from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti, and Gratiot between Detroit and M-59. Continued improvement and coordination of existing bus service is also included in the plan. RTA CEO Michael Ford says the plan is long overdue. "We're one of the last metropolitan cities that doesn't have regional transit," he says. "It's critical to get people to jobs and back home from jobs and to hospital appointments and to educational institutions. It's just the quality of life that's desperately needed to help connect people in the four-county region." However, the RTA's proposal has already faced considerable opposition before even making it onto the ballot. RTA board members representing Oakland and Macomb counties But the plan is still a hard sell in many communities. Multiple Oakland County municipalities "It won't do anything for us," Dunn says. "Northern Oakland County is not going to be helped one bit." Anatomy of a campaign So how to address viewpoints like Dunn's while also delivering the kind of regional transit service that residents like Simmons are hoping for? Jason Jordan, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Transportation Excellence, says the RTA and its supporters have their work cut out for them. In Jordan's 15 years of studying and advocating for transportation funding campaigns nationwide, transit funding measures pass 71 percent of the time but often by a slim margin. "That suggests to us that how a campaign is run, and how the benefits and the accountability measures are communicated to voters, is important to maintaining that level of success and to securing a decent level of trust with voters," Jordan says. Examples of how to run such an effective regional transit campaign can be found around the country. One particularly influential recent example is the 2010 Proposition A campaign in St. Louis County, in which voters approved a 0.5-percent sales tax to fund expansion of the region's MetroLink light rail system. Tom Shrout is the former executive director of "The underlying message was you may not use transit, but the people you rely on may," Shrout says. "Therefore you benefit. The people who fix your coffee and the people who take care of you in the hospital have a way of getting to work, and all of society benefits with a good transit program even if you don't ride it." As in Metro Detroit, Shrout says there's often conflict in the St. Louis area between urban dwellers who use transit heavily and suburbanites who feel taxation is an unnecessary burden for a service they don't use. However, Proposition A passed with 63 percent of the vote. "I'm not sure if we changed minds, but I think that we informed undecideds," Shrout says. Strong messaging isn't the only key to selling non-believers on transit, however. Who the messaging is coming from also makes a big difference. Kim Cella, the current executive director of CMT, says the Prop A campaign benefited hugely from recruiting major community figures as first-time transit advocates. The chancellor of St. Louis' Washington University and the president and CEO of BJC Healthcare, a major employer in the St. Louis area, both were visible public figureheads for the Prop A campaign. "We needed to demonstrate to the general public and the voting public that there are transit champions in this community," Cella says. "People that they might not ever tie into transit became our transit champion and our spokesperson for the project." Brad Williams is vice president of governmental affairs at the "I don't think this is about just one television ad or one charming image that's used to communicate," he says. "I think it gets down to the grassroots level." Beyond Election Day Of course, challenges for regional transit in Detroit don't end on Election Day. Shrout and Cella note that it's important for a transit agency to follow through on its campaign promises, and it may fall to transit advocates to keep up the pressure to move things forward. In Utah, where voters in 17 of 29 counties last year approved a sales tax increase for transportation funding, signage will draw residents' attention to the new benefits they're getting for their tax dollars. "At every new route, every new bus stop, there's going to be a placard that says, 'Thank you voters of XYZ County. This is brought to you by Prop 1,'" says Abby Albrecht, director of the Of course, the RTA and its supporters must also consider the possibility that there won't be a victory party the night of November 8. "There is a very good chance that anyone going to the ballot, especially in this November election, will fail," says James Corless, director of Washington, D.C.-based Jordan notes that it's "not uncommon to see a loss before a win," and the experiences of numerous other transit advocates nationwide back that assertion up. Before Prop A's success in St. Louis in 2010, a similar proposal lost by a slim margin in 2008. Cella says transit advocates in St. Louis engaged in a "definite regrouping" afterwards and took away valuable lessons that helped them win by a much more definitive margin in 2010. "We really went back and looked at our messaging and we knew that we had not impacted the voters who may not be using transit," she says. Jordan, Cella, Shrout, and Albrecht all note the vital importance of maintaining a transit campaign coalition even in the wake of a loss. That includes not just keeping up internal communications among the coalition members, but maintaining public visibility and taking full advantage of whatever time elapses before the next shot at the ballot. "You've got to keep educating voters," Albrecht says. "You've got to keep explaining it to them. Don't stop, even if you don't pass it." As Simmons' story proves, there are always minds to be changed. Simmons notes that before she lost her sight, she wasn't much of a public transportation supporter herself. "I may have at one point had the mindset, 'Well, that doesn't affect me,'" she says. "But when I take a look at it on an overall basis ... it may not affect me, but how is it affecting the others around me?" It's a fact that's not lost on Megan Ackroyd, president of Ackroyd's Scottish Bakery, third generation. "At Christmas time or Thanksgiving, certain families have traditions that are based around our food. That's such a huge compliment and we don't take that for granted at all. It's really incredible for me to be able to say that," says Megan. "My family's business is someone else's family tradition. That's a very specific thing. It's a huge honor. I want to keep that going." Megan assumed the role of president after her return to Michigan in 2010. It was something she never planned on -- she didn't even plan on staying in Michigan. Fresh off a nearly eight year stint in corporate America, Megan figured she'd return to her family's shop, get re-acquainted with the business, and open a new Ackroyd's Scottish Bakery in Charlotte, North Carolina. But her return stirred a deep emotional connection to the family business and its customers. So she stayed. Megan has committed herself to growing the Ackroyd's brand, making sure that it sticks around for generations to come. In 1949, Megan's grandfather Allan Ackroyd and his brother Silas came over from Windsor, Ontario and opened their first shop as Ackroyd's Meat Market near the intersection of 6 Mile and Schaefer roads in Detroit. First a butcher shop, Ackroyd's morphed into a bakery as the brothers began to carry other companies' meat pies and pasties. Soon deciding they could cut out the middle man, they began making their own traditional Scottish meat pies. The business grew with multiple locations opening across metro Detroit. At somewhere around seven or eight years old, Megan started working at the family's Birmingham location. Too small to see over the counter, she would peek around its edge to take customers' orders. "I loved working there," says Megan. "It wasn't like my parents were ever forcing me to be there. I was just there for fun." Ackroyd's is now down to one location, the storefront on 5 Mile Road in Redford. But business is good, and Megan is currently working on a strategy to grow Ackroyd's into a multiple location business once again. The online presence of the company continues to grow. They've also begun selling their products at the new Red Dot Coffee Company in Northville. Other companies, like Door to Door Organics, sell their shortbread cookies. And Detroit's Bon Bon Bon recently used the Ackroyd's shortbread as a main component in its Butter Cookie Bon Bon treat. Megan is also planning on a redesign for the Redford location, which is fairly utilitarian with its metal racks and spartan decor. She's tapped Branded by Detroit to create custom wooden shelves and a hand-painted wooden sign. She wants to tell the story of the unique products Ackroyd's creates and carries. In addition to the range of cookies, teacakes, meat pies, sausage rolls, and many other products they make in house, you'd be hard-pressed to find another business in metro Detroit with the special products they import from the United Kingdom, including foreign candies, pops, and groceries. And the special UK Christmas treats are just about to arrive, too. "December is, hands down, our best month," says Megan. "It is the busiest, it is the craziest, but it's also the most fun around here." Ackroyd's remains as much of a family business as ever. Megan's father, Allan, Jr., still works in the back, having always preferred the production side of the bakery, while Megan works the business side of things, her own preferred role. At 90 years old, her grandpa, the co-founder Allan Ackroyd, is also around. Megan's partner Joe Hakim handles the marketing side of the business. And Megan and Joe's three-year-old son is now getting familiar with the store, rearranging the products on the shelves and trying to eat whatever cookies he can get his hands on. Give him a couple years and you might be ordering from him, too. Name and title: Megan Ackroyd, President Year (or years) business opened: Detroit, 1949. Moved to Redford in '72. Additional store in Birmingham 1983-2004 What is one interesting job you held before owning/running your own biz: During college, I edited scientific manuscripts (mostly about fruit flies) for the head of the Entomology (bug) Dept at Michigan State Favorite memory from working in the shop: It's a toss up between taking class field trips to the bakery, during which I got to see my grandma and dad (such innocent thrills as a kid, huh?), and working with some of my best high school friends from Marian and U of D. We had so much damn fun, but I can't speak for how my dad felt about all of the fun we were having. :) Those are by far my most treasured memories of working in the Birmingham location. Favorite item you serve and why: Our meat pies. They are an instrumental part of our company's history and future, a unique product and the process for creating them is a multi-day labor of love. As the holiday season draws close, the lines grow longer and longer at Ackroyd's Scottish Bakery, a small storefront in Redford. And like the multiple generations of Ackroyds that have been running the bakery since it first opened, they've been serving their traditional Scottish meat pies, sausage rolls, and bridies to multiple generations of families across the region. Plans are underway at Michigan Technological University to build three capital projects over the next five years. The university's board approved the five-year plan at their October meeting, and now it'll go to the state for approval and funding. What Tech wants to do is build a new engineering and health technologies complex in two phases, and also has requested capital for integrating student maker spaces on campus. First up would, of course, be the first phase of the H-STEM complex, as they're calling it, costing $39.6 million, of which the university would pay about a quarter. If the state gives the go-ahead and agrees to provide the rest of the money, that phase would start in 2018, with blueprints and additional private fundraising. The idea behind the complex is human-centered education and research, bringing teams of researchers and students from fields like biomedical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, computer, and materials engineering, biology, chemistry, cognitive and learning sciences, computer sciences, kinesiology and integrative physiology, all working together with shared equipment in flexible lab spaces. The goal is to position MTU and its graduates to work in health and related technologies as those fields grow and demand further research. Work at the center would include development of therapeutic devices, sensors and instruments, and devising health strategies. "Current economic projections indicate that demand for technological innovations related to the way that humans interact with technology, as well as human health, is going to grow substantially, says President Glenn Mroz of the planned complex. Writer: Kim Eggleston Source: Michigan Technological University Clinton P. Moldenhauer FOREST CITY Clinton P. Moldenhauer, 89, of Forest City, died Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Forest City, with Pastor Zech Anderson officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Cataldo Schott Funeral Home, Forest City. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Britt, with military honors performed by the Forest City American Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Clinton P. Moldenhauer Memorial Fund in care of the family. Arrangements are with Cataldo Schott Funeral Home in Forest City. China on Thursday successfully launched a rocket nearly as powerful as the largest booster in the U.S. fleet. Decades in the making, the debut flight of China's heavy-lift Long March-5 rocket marks a key step in the country's goal to build its own multi-module space station in orbit around Earth. "The Long March-5 is needed to lift the station modules," said Joan Johnson-Freese, a professor of national security affairs at the Naval War College in Rhode Island. China expects to have its three-module space station finished by 2022, Zhonggui Wang, deputy designer of the China Manned Space Program, said during a briefing at the International Astronautical Congress in September. China also plans to expand its exploration of the moon, with launch of another Long March-5 next year on a lunar sample return mission. China already has flown two orbiters and a rover to the moon. It plans to fly a rover to Mars as well. RELATED: Two Chinese Astronauts Arrive at Orbiting Space Lab "They are building infrastructure and building blocks for a long-term human presence in space," Johnson-Freese, an expert on China's space program, told Seeker. China's state-run media reported that the Long March-5 blasted off from the Wenchang Space Launch center in south China's Hainan province at 8:43 p.m. Beijing time (8:43 a.m. EDT). The rocket, which stands 187 feet tall and is fueled by liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, is more than twice as powerful as any previous Chinese booster. It is capable of carrying payloads weighting as much as 27 tons into low-altitude orbits around Earth. That makes the Long March-5 twice as powerful as any previous Chinese booster and nearly the matching the lift capacity of the most powerful rocket in the U.S. fleet, the Delta 4 Heavy, made by United Launch Alliance. China's new rocket is more powerful than Europe's Ariane 5 and Russia's Proton. RELATED: China to Send a Mission to Moon's Mysterious 'Dark Side' U.S. satellites and satellites with U.S. components are prohibited from flying on Chinese rockets due to concerns about missile technology ending up in enemy hands. The regulation are known as ITAR, or International Traffic in Arms Reduction. NASA and private companies, including Elon Musk's SpaceX, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, are working on even bigger rockets that will be needed for human exploration and development of the moon and Mars, and for sending robotic probes on fast tracks to planets and moons farther away in the solar system. A teenager and budding inventor in Auckland, New Zealand named Mitchell Hollows had a problem. He enjoyed diving to gather paua the Maori name for an edible shellfish, referred to in the United States as abalone but only paua of a certain size can be legally removed from the sea, and he knew that any undersized shells he gathered could bleed to death when placed back on the rocks where they were found. So Hollows, a South Otago senior, did what any 18-year-old would do. Well, maybe not any. He built a hand-held underwater tool that points a laser onto a paua shell and returns the shell's size to the device. Whether or not the snail is of legal size can be determined without even touching it. "You can just go scan, scan, scan, pop off the legal ones and you're away laughing," the young scientist told New Zealand's 1 News Now. RELATED: Harmful Algal Blooms Intoxicate Marine Animals The young fisherman was compelled to create the tool after he learned that paua are hemophiliac and can be damaged, lethally so, when they are measured in the traditional method, which involves picking them up from their rocks. For the second time in a week, Ukrainian activists released a big batch of e-mails from a top Kremlin advisor who was the architect of Russia's involvement in Ukraine. The e-mails reveal that Russia's leaders are just as vulnerable to the sort of cyberattacks that experts say they have launched on other nations. The Ukrainian cyber "hacktivists" aren't explaining how they got into the mailboxes of Vladislav Surkov, one of the architects of Russia's current political system, according to reporting by the BBC. The emails support the well-established belief that Russia controls the separatist authorities in eastern Ukraine, who have been fighting a war with the Ukrainian government since the spring of 2014. Among other things, they show a budget for ministries in the breakaway republics in Eastern Ukraine in Russian currency, as well as a map of Ukraine split into three sections "New Russia" to the east, "Lesser Russia" in the Center and "Galicia" to the west, the BBC report stated. Interviews with the group's leaders in Kiev by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reveal that there's been a digital cyberwar of sorts between Ukrainian and Russian hackers that mirror the war of guns and tanks on the ground. The Ukrainian Cyber Alliance includes four hacker groups, CyberHunta, Falcons Flame, Trinity and RUH8 that oppose the Russian government and its involvement in Ukraine, the RFE/RL report stated. RELATED: Russia Hacks Messaging Apps Their opponents are a Russian hacker group called CyberBerkut that has been blamed for attacks on Ukrainian ministries, a Ukrainian regional power grid and its presidential election in 2014. A related Russian group, called Cozy Bear, has been blamed for email leaks and digital mischief in the U.S. presidential election. Experts at the Atlantic Council in Washington verified in recent days that the emails are authentic. "It is with great certainty that they were authentic," said Maks Czuperski, director of the council's digital forensic research lab. "There was little evidence that it would be otherwise." The first batch released last week included more than 3,000 emails from a Russian government e-mail address. The second batch out today was also a large dump, according to Czuperski. "There's no such thing as a secure system when you are asking about cybersecurity," he said. It's not clear what the political fallout of the email leak will be for Russian president Vladimir Putin or his circle of advisors. The leak is big news in Ukraine's capital Kiev, but not so much in Moscow, Czuperski said. "The Russian news environment is more controlled and what is played on the nightly news is not independent," he said. "One thing is clear that it does provide a valuable working into the workings of the Kremlin architect of the Crimean takeover." RELATED: Russian Hacks Continue as States Prep for Election Day Another Russia expert was less impressed at the technical abilities of the Ukrainian hackers. Simon Saradzhyan, director of the Russia Matters Project at Harvard University's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, noted that American teenagers have hacked unsecure government email accounts of U.S. officials in the past. "Clearly, the very size of the cache shows that at least some must have been taken from government accounts," Saradzyan said. "There's nothing in there that stands out as surprising." He noted that in June, Russian hackers leaked email correspondence between a former American NATO general, the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and U.S. State Department officials about the possibility of the United States forcing conflict with Russia over Crimea in 2014. "Its just tit for tat," said Saradzyan, a former Russian journalist. "Russia published leaks and now the Ukrainians are trying to retaliate." The Ukrainian cyber-activists said that they will be releasing more emails from other Russian leaders in the coming days. Photo: Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vladislav Surko WATCH: Canada And Russia's Complicated Alliance Press Release November 3, 2016 Legarda Welcomes Entry into Force of Paris Agreement Senator Loren Legarda, UN Global Champion for Resilience, welcomes the entry into force of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change on November 4, as she renewed her call to concerned agencies of government, led by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), to work together for the Philippines' ratification of the treaty. Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, said that the Philippines should ratify the Agreement to gain access to funds that will help the country adapt to climate change impacts. "I call on all government agencies concerned to submit their respective certificates of concurrence (COC) in the Paris Agreement to the CCC and the DFA. We understand that government is in transition, but we expect that the CCC and DFA have already met with the agencies and have explained the importance of this Agreement in our pursuit of sustainable development and climate and disaster resilience," said Legarda. The CCC is gathering all COCs from the member agencies of the Climate Change Commission Advisory Board (CCCAB) and the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (CCCCAM). There are 33 member agencies of the CCCAB and the CCCCAM. To date, 10 agencies have submitted their COCs. These are the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of National Defense (DND) with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NCRRMC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Security Council (NSC), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). Once complete, the DFA will endorse all COCs and the instrument of ratification to the President. The endorsement serves as DFA's COC. Legarda said, once the Executive ratifies and transmits the instrument of ratification to the Senate, she would shepherd the Upper Chamber's immediate concurrence. "The Paris Agreement is very important for the Philippines, being one of the most vulnerable nations to the impacts of climate change. We need to ratify the Agreement so that we can access the Green Climate Fund. This is what we have been waiting for--for developed countries that are the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHG) to aid vulnerable, low-emitting nations like the Philippines. The Paris Agreement addresses the issue of climate justice, which is the President's concern," she added. "There is no provision in the Paris Agreement that would prevent our industrialization. We have nothing to lose, but everything to gain with it," Legarda concluded. Under the Paris Agreement, developed nations are asked to decarbonize economy-wide. They must raise $100 Billion every year to help vulnerable nations for mitigation and adaptation, and to transfer technology. On the other hand, the Agreement acknowledges that developing nations, like the Philippines, will take time to decarbonize and will be able to do so with external support. This means that the success of the country's conditional target to reduce its GHG emissions to 70% by the year 2030, as stated in its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC), will depend on both its efforts and the technical and financial support that will be provided to the country. The Philippines was among the most influential countries in the crafting of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which seeks to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and possibly not more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Philippines also signed the Agreement in New York last April 22 and will be considered to have joined the Agreement once the President ratifies it and the Senate concurs in the ratification. PROLE Texas Sen. Ted Cruz joined Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence at a Warren County farm Thursday to urge Iowans to think about jobs, freedom and security when they go to the polls next week to decide a pivotal election that carries long-term implications for the nation. This race is on, Pence told about 325 supporters who gathered for a campaign rally on a bright fall day in a machine shed at Bruere Farms in rural Warren County. He scoffed at recent predictions by what he called biased media that Democrat Hillary Clinton would win next Tuesday, saying he is seeing amazing momentum for GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump that will carry Republicans to victory. Its a choice between two futures, said Pence, the governor of Indiana. Either the path of big government regulation, taxation and corruption under Clinton, he said, or Trumps vision to make America stronger and more secure both home and abroad with a revitalized economy fueled by pro-job trade policies, lower taxes, less regulation and ethics reform designed to drain the swamp in the nations capital. Cruz and Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, joined Pence in calling for Congress and the next president to replace and repeal Obamacare, citing higher premiums and rosy promises that never materialized under health-care reforms put in place by President Obama and congressional Democrats. If youre premiums have dropped $2,500, vote for the Democrats, said Cruz, who finished ahead of Trump in Iowas Feb. 1 first-in-the-nation nominating caucuses. If not, if your premiums have gone up under this train wreck that is Obamacare, then vote for the Republicans and throw the bums out. Cruz, who drew criticism in July when he did not endorse Trump at the GOP national convention in Cleveland after a contentious primary battle before announcing his backing two months later, was surgical in his remarks Thursday in bashing Clinton without mentioning Trump at the rally headlined by Pence. Putting a Republican in the White House and keeping a Republican Senate is the whole enchilada, Cruz told the gathering. In the last election Barack Obama won the state of Iowa. But I can tell you right now that, thanks to the men and women across this state, Hillary Clinton aint winning Iowa. King, on the other hand, was more than willing to sing Trumps praising, telling those assembled Im 100 percent, all the way, full bore, all in with both feet for Donald Trump. Pence punctuated the days proceedings by urging attendees to go vote and then do all you can do to encourage others to do likewise with five days remaining to deliver a victory for Trump and Republicans up and down the ticket. At this point its all about turnout, said Cruz, who was one of 17 Republicans who sought their partys presidential nomination in an election that he called a wild ride. It has been something else and we are coming down to the closing stretch and Ill tell you, the stakes have never been higher for our country, the Texas senator added. Iowa Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald, a West Des Moines Democrat, issued a statement on behalf of the Clinton campaign in response to the GOP rally, saying Iowans are overwhelmingly voting early for Hillary Clinton because they know she will build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top. Working families simply dont trust Donald Trump who has a disturbing record of not paying his workers, makes his products overseas, and continues to support tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires like himself, Fitzgerald added. Sam Roecker, spokesman for Democrat Patty Judge, Grassleys opponent in Iowas U.S. Senate race, said Grassleys presence at the rural Prole rally reaffirmed the GOP senators support for the divisive and dangerous Trump-Pence ticket. Just five days before the election, Grassley is standing onstage with a man who defends Trumps hateful, sexist, xenophobic, and uninformed rhetoric. He is standing shoulder to shoulder with a governor who sought to prevent Indianas women from accessing healthcare, strip LGBTQ citizens of their civil liberties, and supports economic policies that would be disastrous for everyday Iowans. Chuck Grassley is also standing shoulder to shoulder with Ted Cruz, who supports indefinitely blocking any Supreme Court nomination made by Hillary Clinton. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate An owner of the unfinished Oakland apartment building all but destroyed in a blaze this week was sued by former tenants who lived on the property before the fire and claimed they were driven out by dangerous conditions to make way for the new complex. The June 2015 lawsuit charges Adelphos LLC, whose primary owner and manager is Athan Magganas, kept the property in disrepair, including doing little to stop a rodent infestation and allowing construction workers to tap into their electricity, causing their utility bills to skyrocket. The lawsuit was filed in Alameda County Superior Court on behalf of four people who lived in small rent-controlled apartments on the property in the 300 block of Lester Avenue and accused the landlord of driving them out by starting demolition work for the new apartment complex while they were still in their units. A huge five-alarm blaze broke out early Monday at the 41-unit apartment complex Adelphos was constructing on the Lester Avenue property. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting in the probe, officials said Wednesday. Michael Bracamontes, the attorney for the former residents who filed the lawsuit, called Mondays fire highly suspicious in light of the interactions of his clients with their then-landlords. Normally, I wouldnt think it was too suspicious if this happened in another lawsuit, Bracamontes said. But I dont know. These guys are just so crazy in terms of the way they dealt with their tenants. It seems like a strange coincidence to me. In the lawsuit scheduled to go to trial in May Bracamontes accused Adelphos of failing to provide habitable, safe and sanitary living arrangements. 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. Bracamontes said the company refused to make a host of repairs requested by residents and began construction on the new apartment building in September 2014 without giving them formal notice. Among the tenants complaints was that the owners dug a large hole that filled with stagnant water and attracted a swarm of mosquitoes. When the tenants complained, the landlord raised their rents by more than 10 percent, Bracamontes said. Neither Magganas nor other representatives of his company returned requests for comment. Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @michael_bodley This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate At a time when too many new buildings look as though they were packaged rather than designed often packaged badly the nine-story addition to San Franciscos Potrero Avenue is positively refreshing. Even though its a nine-story concrete box. The solid concrete walls on the north and south are like bookends, with structural concrete columns along the facade that at the third floor fan out to form six-story Vs across the length of the building. The concrete floors, also on view, reinforce the strength of the vertical elements. In short, what you see is what you get. And the fact that it works so well makes the 70-unit complex dubbed Rowan worth a closer look. The building sits on the edge of the Mission near Potrero Hill, sharing one side of the block with a gas station and a McDonalds. If thats not glamorous enough, directly to the north on 16th Street is a faux suburban shopping center anchored by Safeway, Petco and Ross. But theres also an industrial texture to the area, with distribution facilities and the old Hamms Brewery within hailing distance. So when developer Trumark Urban hired Handel Architects to scope out the large rectangular lot at 338 Potrero Ave., the firm decided to stick to the basics. Michael Macor/The Chronicle Other than a few columns inside, weve taken all our structure to the exterior of the building, said Glenn Rescalvo, who runs Handels San Francisco office. We like the idea of something thats not just good design, but shows how things are built. The structural system is known as an exoskeleton, and you can find local examples dating back to 1967s One Maritime Plaza. That blunt shaft just north of Embarcadero Center still turns heads, 25 stories held aloft by bronze-colored X-braces, though additional beams added for seismic reasons in 2003 have dulled the purity of the original design by Skidmore Owings & Merrill. Another exoskeleton now stands at 181 Fremont St. a jutting high-rise that has reached its ultimate height of 57 stories. But the massive steel beams will be hidden behind aluminum panels, which already cover the lower floors of the tower. Not so at Rowan, where the cast-in-place concrete is on full view. Rescalvo worked with engineering consultant Nishkian Menninger and general contractor Build Group to give the concrete cage a bit of style, with the Vs or Ws or zigzags, take your choice emerging like thick diagonal branches from a trunk. The glass walls are pulled back 18 inches from the frame to add visual depth while allowing for Juliet balconies that allow residents to open their floor-to-ceiling windows and step outside, but not very far. The tall storefronts along the sidewalk include Cor-Ten steel planters. The second-floor facade is cloaked in chiseled basalt tiles. Other than that, the design sticks to the basics. The architects even nixed a secondary pattern of concrete streaks behind the structural braces. That touch had been approved, but Rescalvo decided the diagonal echo would be an unnecessary frill. John King/The Chronicle Trumark Urban plays up the supposed edginess of Rowan, with the projects website trumpeting how concrete meets creativity. The interior touches include an artfully graffitied column inside the lobby, doing its best to make glamour of grit. But what I like is the disciplined rigor a trait that these days is something close to avant garde. 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. By now you know the routine, with costumes that vary to fit the desired marketing niche. Maybe its a stack of boxy bays in random bright colors. Maybe theres a stucco wrapping with vague Mediterranean accents, or squat cubes pushed in here and pulled out there to give the hint of upward motion. This two-dimensional show is true of towers as well, as shown by the glass shafts that crowd the top of Rincon Hill near the Bay Bridge. Each one is fussed with enough so that planners will give the green light. They all come out looking pretty much the same. Rowan shows the virtues of efficient strength, a clean concept done with care. The scale might be startling, but it hints at other large blocks of housing likely to come to a corner of the Mission that can handle it better than most. The morale in the office picked up while we were working on this, said Rescalvo, whose office has a half-dozen other residential buildings in the works, none so structurally honest. Some parts of the city offer an opportunity to experiment with something different. With luck and with planners and neighbors open to architecture that might seem startling at first glance in the years to come well have plenty more. Place is a weekly column by John King, The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron Against Everything. Catchy title: trippy, knowing. But for all it has to do with what comes after grave topics, well handled its as apropos as Nematode or Zanzibar. Against everything, if it was corrupt, dubious, enervating, untrue to us, false to happiness, writes n+1 co-founder Mark Greif. Thats better. Hypocrisy, delusion, power lunching. It seems Greif has always and ever been disgruntled with the way things are. I taught myself to overturn, undo, deflate, rearrange, unthink. He taught himself to rethink, and rethinking has released this fusillade of essays, as dense and chewy as a pastrami on rye from Katzs Delicatessen. Greif isnt a doomsayer, but a smart man, soused in decency and fellow feeling. He would like to know the meaning of life, how best how worthily and true to expend his attention and energy. This collection self-scrutinizes Greifs way in the world, a book of critique of things I do, scathing, seething and going dead serious like our nations honesty-brokers: stand-up comedians. Yes, Greif has a sense of humor. Dark. Greif has been in the world for more than 40 years, which is a lot of ground to cover. The result is a promiscuous sampling of engagements, from the gym to eating; music to hipsters; Afternoon of the Sex Children to Mogadishu, Baghdad, Troy, or Heroes without War. Even something as light as his experience with a health club can burn your fingers. Nothing can make you believe we harbor nostalgia for factory work but a modern gym. ... You repeat grim labors, as if mopping the floor. To paraphrase: We graft the desperate economies of health onto the desperate materialist gratification of hedonic society immediate comfort and happiness deferring happiness and delaying comforts in the service of endless life-maintenance. Exercise, if it isnt part of your everyday, should be conducted in the privacy of home, the Greeks advised, to make the foundation for a public person someone sure enough in his privacy to take the drastic risks of public life, to think, to speak against others wills, to choose with utter independence. If Greif can take the health club this much to task, imagine what he would do with police behavior. Turn to Chapter 7, Part B. A surprise of being around police is how much they touch you. They touch you without consent and in both seemingly friendly and unfriendly ways. This is menacing, since the citizen must never return the touch. Menace to sinister: The purpose of touching by the police is to make persons touchable. Touch readies more touch. It is preparatory. What you are being prepared for varies with the citizens identity: perhaps it is the maintenance of spatial order, or keeping the peace, or enforcing racial terror. Old story. Greif extends it. Part of the reason police seem at present unreformable is that they have no intelligible place in the philosophy of democracy. They swear to uphold the Constitution, but constitutionally they are an afterthought. Social-contract theory has a place for punishment, not police, except as herders. How could democratic agreement fail to be self-enforcing ... if the agreement is real, sustained by each individuals consent? Yet they must exist; as first responders and last resorts, they channel the violence citizens might use upon one another despite the aspirations of a democratic polity. The police measure out in public what society will tolerate, even to our shame. Perspicacity follows perspicacity. On the sexualization of children, The trouble with Lolita is plainly its ability to describe what a sexual twelve-year-old looks like. The commercial sexual valuation of youth is urged by the liberalization of sex and the fixation on youth in a competitive economy. One fears our cultural preoccupation with pedophilia is not really about valuing childhood but about overvaluing child sex. And how. Then consider experience: that if life is a collection of experiences, then view every object as a work of art. You experience a work of art. You go into it. Or you can go for living deliberately, where you weigh every experience against the state of yourself, and accept or refuse it. Consider passion: life organized around subcultures, with music at the expressive center: defiant bebop, defiant Radiohead, defiant punk, defiant rap. Consider the Meaning of Life, in Four Parts (share out money so that there are no poor citizens; learn the meaning of enough.). Greif finishes with a broadside at the hounding of the trailer park from Walden Pond by the burghers of Concord, Mass. Thoreau actually meant to simplify; thats what those trail folk were doing. How much more life, Thoreau asked, if we foreswore holding a job, owing property, swearing to debts and credits; cost varied proportionally with the amount of life exchanged for it. Civil disobedience is a lived way to counter plutocracy. Consider Occupy Wall Street, an action in which Greif participated. Fight the Power. Thats to live. Peter Lewis is the former director of the American Geographical Society. Email: books@sfchronicle.com Against Everything Essays By Mark Greif (Pantheon; 304 pages; $28.95) This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The scientists were nervous. Milling around the Rickshaw Stop and nursing pints of beer, a few dozen brainiacs were about to sit for a curated performance of personal science-based stories. Strings of lights dangled across the ceiling overhead, and one wall was draped in a red velvet curtain. The whole ambience felt much more Park Slope than Hayes Valley. Even the bartender looked like he wasnt quite sure what exactly was going on. The Rickshaw Stop is usually a music venue, but had been taken over on this particular Sunday night and eschewed hard rock for an evening of science storytelling, The Story Collider. Its all about showing that science is a part of everyones lives, explained Story Collider Artistic Director Erin Barker, while hanging out in the Rickshaw Stops graffiti-walled, punk-rock greenroom. Scientists arent always crazy-haired white guys in a lab coat. Story Collider was founded six years ago by two physicists who wanted to humanize science by asking real scientists to tell interesting short stories onstage in bars. The concept is similar to the wildly popular programs from The Moth, the granddaddy of present-day hipster storytelling. Since its New York inception, Story Collider has grown to host monthly shows in five big cities and produces a podcast with a following in the millions. Barker isnt a scientist, but she mingled among them freely. The petite, deadpan New Yorker offered an air of street cred to the proceedings. After all, Barker is the first woman to win The Moths GrandSlam storytelling competition twice. She now has the full-time job of finding the right science stories to bring to an everyman audience. I know nothing about science, which is really one of my strengths, Barker said, laughing. The Story Collider comes to San Francisco only once or twice a year. The show on Sunday, Oct. 30, was part of the Bay Area Science Festival, a 10-day scientific extravaganza featuring all sorts of events and activities around town. Its like a less-famous, science-y version of Sketchfest. I asked Barker if The Story Collider might ever consider regular shows in San Francisco. Eh, maybe, she said, adding that theyve just started producing monthly shows in Los Angeles and anyway, theyll be back at the Rickshaw Stop next month for the American Geological Union Conference. As Barker looked up the date of that show (its Dec. 15 and its free), the slightly nervous, slightly science-y storytellers hanging out in the greenroom agreed that geologists were the coolest scientists. And Ive heard, said Barker, that they party the hardest. There is indeed such a thing as a cool scientist. There are lots of them. Thats the whole mission of The Story Collider. Barker doesnt really have such a tough time finding scientists with interesting stories that they can present onstage in an engaging way. Theyre more socially intelligent than they get credit for, she said, smiling. Disclaimer: Sunday nights storytellers were all excellent, but not all scientists. Julie Stoller, one of the evenings performers, founded Story Slam Oakland. Stoller told her tale of sneaking weed through SFO to deliver to her dying mother. Journalist Erika Check Hayden shared her moving account of covering the Ebola virus in Sierra Leone. I ended up sitting next to Haydens mother, who told me all about her favorite political podcasts that she devours on her daily two-hour walks. Haydens charming, straightforward mom seemed like the type of woman who would definitely have a grown child writing about Ebola in Sierra Leone. She sat in the front row, dripping pride. Sebastian Alvarado, however, is a real scientist, and he was really nervous. Throughout the first half of his story, Alvarado kept his arms folded across his chest and concentrated on getting through his explanation of ant DNA. But soon Alvarado began to get comfortable in front of a bar full of strangers. His hands dropped to his sides before becoming props themselves. He was a relatable genius, a cool scientist. It felt good to be in a room filled with friendly fellow nerds, perhaps especially on a Halloween weekend when personal tales of science dont top the citys hottest event listings. On this night when you could be dressed up in costumes or watching what may be the last game of the World Series, youre here, Barker said from the stage. She slipped her hands into her back pockets and smiled. We appreciate that. Reader Julian Grant got a nearly complete list of presidential candidates of 2015 from Ranker.com, and it turned out this one had been reported in Rolling Stone: Waka Flocka Flame, an Atlanta rapper who announced his candidacy on 4/20 (noting the significance of that date), is running on a platform of legalizing marijuana; banning dogs in restaurants; and making it illegal for anyone whose feet are bigger than size 13 to walk in public, because they take up too much room. Forum host Michael Krasnys new book is Let There Be Laughter: A Treasury of Great Jewish Humor and What It All Means, and hes been all around the Bay Area talking about it. The image on the cover of the book, he says, is a distinctly Moses-looking figure with a white robe and a long beard holding up to the heavens a branch that looks like a divining rod. Is that your Dad on the cover? a friend asked his younger daughter. (Hell talk about the book with Evan Karp at the Hillside Club in Oakland on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m.) Eric Idle, in town last week for shows with John Cleese at the Golden Gate Theatre, went to ACT to see Tom Stoppards The Hard Problem. And Idle and Cleese dined together at Waterbar on Halloween night. Chris Morano, chief concierge at the Fountaingrove Inn in Santa Rosa, won a 2016 Excellence in Lodging & Hospitality Award from the California Lodging Industry Association. Special requests? On the Thursday before Labor Day Weekend, a guest called to ask Morano to hire a bluegrass duo or combo for that Sunday afternoon. Morano tried, but the usual and unusual Sonoma County suspects were busy. When the guest checked in, Moran said hed struck out with bluegrass. Bluegrass? said the guest. Why did I send you that request? He wanted background music for his daughters wedding reception. A cello duo would be just fine. Upon which Dirty Cello was hired. And, it is said, the band played on. Dave Jensen says the gift shop at the Smithsonians National Museum of the American Indian carries the Official Dude Big Lebowski Sweater, made by Pendleton in a pattern based on sweaters hand-knit by Pacific Northwest tribes. Todays puzzle: Which part of this is sacred, and which profane? I was saddened to read in Hoodline that Lil Wayne had been killed on Oct. 14 by a hit-and-run driver at Bush and Divisadero. He was the duck that lived across the street and belonged to a boy named Hendrix and his mother, Miranda Coleman. Lil Wayne was known around the hood. He was struck down while walking with Coleman to pick up Hendrix at school. Hendrix sometimes took him to school, and he was familiar to patrons and staff at Fallettis, Escape From New York Pizza, the Booksmith and other local hot spots. Lil Wayne came when called and hugged well-wishers by stretching his neck alongside ones arm. I saw him last on Aug. 20, walking East on Page Street, with booties bought from an Etsy vendor who made bird clothes, said Coleman Velcroed to his webbed feet. Visiting relatives were astounded at the sight, which they deemed typical of our eccentric city. Coleman established a GoFundMe campaign to raise $400 to pay for his cremation and related expenses. The goal was reached in its first day. He truly was the peoples duck, she told Hoodline. On Michigan Avenue in Chicago a few weeks ago, Bill Prucha of Walnut Creek encountered a fully dressed up clown, with painted clown face, on a skateboard, blowing up balloons, no easy feat. When Prucha engaged this unscary clown in conversation, he learned that he is a UC Berkeley grad, and his usual beat is Fishermans Wharf. He said he was trying to expand his horizons. I checked the website on the sticker that Kenny the Clown handed to Prucha and learned that Kenny has received numerous awards and recognition. He has served as a public school substitute teacher in the city of Alameda. Kenny The Clown, Kenneth Kahn, has appeared on television many times, and has even run for Mayor of the city of San Francisco and Alameda. Leah Garchik is open for business in San Francisco, (415) 777-8426. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @leahgarchik Public Eavesdropping Im discovering that my golden years are turning out to be my iron pyrite years. Man to man, overheard in Petaluma by John Seaton By 10 a.m., the Richmond commercial kitchen that serves as a base for Mattersons Jamaican Cuisine is inundated with the aromas of chiles, thyme, allspice and grill smoke. Obrian Matterson, a slim 38-year-old whose vowels broaden and constrict depending on whether hes talking to fellow Jamaicans or reporters, has already grilled off 180 legs of jerk chicken. As he packs food into aluminum containers, his staff hustle around him, slicing plantains to deep-fry and pouring jerk sauce into containers. Half of the food will be carted onto Mattersons food truck, Scotch Bonnet, destined for San Franciscos Financial District. The other half is being driven to tech companies in the South Bay. In San Francisco, the common wisdom has been that tech companies are bad for nearby restaurants because so many build luxe cafeterias to keep employees near their desks. And yet the culture of free food has allowed hundreds of small food operations like Mattersons to thrive by providing lunches to the tech industry. It is not an underground economy, but a quiet one, invisible to the public and sometimes the workers they feed Also growing is the number of brokers who connect cooks to offices and take a cut of the profits. Most are based in the Bay Area and have attracted significant sums from venture capitalists: more than $20 million for Zesty, $16.5 million for Eat Club and close to $6 million for ZeroCater. Two Bay Area companies, ZeroCater and Cater2Me, were the first to connect tech offices with local cooks and restaurants in 2010. Zach Yungst, who founded Cater2Me with Alex Lorton, came up with the idea of a n office-lunch concierge service after becoming dissatisfied with the watery soups and wilted salads provided by his former employer, a private-equity firm. Cater2Me sold companies on its ability to curate lunch, rotating cuisines so employees wouldnt get bored. In the early days, he canvassed farmers markets and food trucks, looking for food businesses willing to prepare meals in a commercial kitchen and deliver them to corporate offices. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle Obrian Matterson met Yungst through those scouting trips. Matterson had moved from Jamaica to the Bay Area a year earlier after marrying his American-born wife, Loris. The couple were cooking out of their home, but Cater2Mes offer of legitimate catering work spurred them to take what they called a crash course in food business, getting the right paperwork and renting a commercial kitchen. The effort paid off. We started out doing one job a day, and four weeks later, we were doing 30 to 35 jobs a week, Obrian said. The timing couldnt have been more ideal for both sides. With billions of dollars gushing into Silicon Valley and San Francisco, Cater2Me and ZeroCater provided an easy-to-scale, flexible employee perk, and the two catering brokers amassed large stables of food businesses. By 2013, many of their food vendors worked for both competitors. There was enough work to go around. Its like having a sales person, so we dont have to worry about finding the business, pounding the pavement, dealing with the logistics, said Brian Yee of City Smoke House. We can just focus on the food. The money has been good enough for Yee and his brother, Brandon, to take over a two-story commercial kitchen on Sixth Street in San Francisco, where their staff of seven smokes briskets and bakes poster-size pans of corn bread without a storefront or a food truck. The steady stream of income coming from corporate catering has allowed cooks to expand farther and faster than they could have on their own. Vive La Tartes owners, Arnaud Goethals and Julie Vandermeersch, emigrated from Brussels to San Francisco five years ago and began baking Belgian-inspired tartes and quiches. In the early days, 75 percent of their business was through brokers like Cater2Me and ZeroCater, Goethals said. Eighteen months ago, Vive La Tarte was able to open an expansive, airy cafe in SoMa. Constructed with multiple income streams in mind, it has an espresso station, a long pastry case and a large production kitchen, because catering lunches and parties still brings in a third of Vive La Tartes revenue. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle Cooking lunch for office workers comes with its challenges. You dont have a lot of leeway, Goethals said. If they tell you 12:30, you have to be there at 12:30. Drivers who know how to set up the food properly are rare. Staying competitive with gluten-free crusts, vegan dishes and Paleo dishes has taken ingenuity. Established restaurants have also seen the benefit of adding corporate catering. Our food gets delivered by Zesty to downtown offices where we have no physical presence, said Anjan Mitra of Dosa. Dosa prepares orders for Eat Club and Farm Hill, too, largely in its South San Francisco commissary or at its Valencia Street location, which isnt open for lunch. We just felt like it was a revenue opportunity for us in the daytime. In January 2015, a five-alarm fire shut down Los Shucos, Sofia Kecks Guatemalan hot dog stand in the Mission. Thats when she discovered Cater2Me. Keck began prepping out of a commercial kitchen and assembling her elaborately garnished sausage sandwiches at companies around the region. When the repairs at Los Shucos were completed, she reopened with limited hours mostly on the weekend so she wouldnt lose all her new catering clients. Catering has always been a lucrative side business for restaurants. But the brokers who arrange for office lunches take a large cut generally 15 to 30 percent. Food vendors rely on volume to make a profit. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. That large cut is why Caleb Zigas, executive director of the San Francisco business incubator program La Cocina, is wary of the brokers. Theyve certainly played a big role in the growth of the companies at La Cocina, Zigas said. What I keep pushing on our businesses is that (catering through brokers) has to be a temporary cash-flow situation until they can get themselves on their feet. Its a very dependent relationship, he added. Cater2Me and ZeroCater require vendors to deliver and set up the food, establishing at least some personal interaction with the companies they serve. Newer companies like Zesty and Chewse handle all the delivery, eliminating the hassle but also the vendors exposure. Binita Pradhan, owner of Binis Kitchen, laughed when asked about Zigas concerns. The clients are super good. I feel blessed, she said. Catering represents 40 to 50 percent of her business, but she also sells her momos (Nepalese dumplings) and curries to Whole Foods stores, operates a stand at Off the Grids Fort Mason event and, as of last year, runs a takeout restaurant in the Financial District. She has 16 employees. Yet Zigas fear of overdependence may not just be professional paranoia. A number of food vendors have seen their catering income drop of late. After the Mattersons launched their food truck in 2014, funded by their catering earnings, Cater2Me and ZeroCater brought on additional Caribbean vendors and their orders shrank. Vive La Tarte and City Smoke House are also seeing decreasing orders, and both said their clients are spending less per person for lunch. We indirectly have our finger on the pulse of the economy, Brian Yee says. Both Cater2Me and Zesty insist that their companies are growing, though they refused to provide specific metrics. Yungst claimed that in 2015, Cater2Me worked with 1,000 vendors in 11 cities. The average vendor sold $10,000 in food each month through the broker, and the higher-volume vendors could make up to $100,000 a month. Back at the Richmond kitchen, Loris and Obrian Matterson are relishing the prospect of a winter slowdown after a busy summer juggling public festivals, food truck gatherings and office catering. It will give them some time to figure out what direction they will take next: A second food truck? A full-service restaurant? Loris said that, despite the success of Scotch Bonnet, ZeroCater and Cater2Me still provide 35 to 40 percent of their gross sales. It definitely helps pay the bills, she said. When aspiring chefs ask her whether they should buy a food truck or open a restaurant, she tells them to test the waters first. A good way to see if your product is good is corporate catering, she said. Its like an incremental step. Jonathan Kauffman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jkauffman@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jonkauffman President Obama, in his first remarks on the standoff over an oil pipeline near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota, called on both sides to show restraint, and revealed that the Army Corps of Engineers is considering an alternative route for the project. In an interview with NowThis News, Obama said: We are monitoring this closely. I think as a general rule, my view is that there is a way for us to accommodate sacred lands of Native Americans. I think that right now the Army Corps is examining whether there are ways to reroute this pipeline. Protesters have been gathering since April outside Cannon Ball, N.D., a town in the south-central part of the state near the South Dakota border, to rally against the pipeline. Energy Transfer Partners, which has been working to finish construction on the 1,170-mile, $3.7 billion pipeline, contends it would be a safer way to transport oil from North Dakota to Illinois. But American Indian tribes say it threatens the local water supply, sacred land and tribal burial ground. David Archambault II, the chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, said in a statement Wednesday that the tribe applauded Obamas commitment to protect our sacred lands, our water and the water of 17 million others. But he said work on the pipeline should be stopped while the Army Corps examines the issue. The nation and the world are watching, Archambault said. The injustices done to Native people in North Dakota and throughout the country must be addressed. The number of protesters has grown to several hundred, many drawn from across the country. Last week, the standoff boiled over as officers in riot gear tried to force crowds from protest camps near Cannon Ball. In the months-long unrest, more than 400 people have been arrested, some accused of engaging in riots and conspiracy to endanger by fire and explosion. On Wednesday, officers in riot gear clashed again with protesters near the pipeline, hitting dozens with pepper spray as they waded through waist-deep water in an attempt to reach property owned by the pipelines developer. Volunteer medics treated some of the protesters for hypothermia during the confrontation. The Army Corps of Engineers is expected to review a crucial stretch of the proposed path for the pipeline, through Army Corps land and under the Missouri River. Asked to comment on law enforcement tactics, including the use of rubber bullets, Obama said: It is a challenging situation. I think that my general rule when I talk to governors and state and local officials, whenever they are dealing with protests including, for example during the Black Lives Matter protests there is an obligation for protesters to be peaceful, and there is an obligation for authorities to show restraint. I want to make sure that as everybody is exercising their constitutional rights to be heard that both sides are refraining from situations that might result in people being hurt, he added. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont said on Twitter on Wednesday that he was grateful Obama was listening to the protesters and that the pipeline work should stop until the Army Corps review was completed. MASON CITY A former employee at Armour-Eckrich Meats in Mason City is suing the company because she was fired after failing to show up for a shift after she was denied leave to be with her injured son in the hospital. The company, now called Smithfield Foods, claims the woman was not eligible to take time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act at the time, and her failure to show up for work the morning after her son was injured made her in violation of the companys attendance policy. The company is asking the lawsuit be dismissed. Lisa Germundson originally filed the suit in Cerro Gordo County District Court, but it was transferred to U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa last month. Germundson began working at Armour-Eckrich as a general laborer in June 2013. On Oct. 24, 2015, her adult son suffered a life-threatening injury and was admitted to the hospital, according to the lawsuit. Germundson called Armour-Eckrich to ask if she could take FMLA leave because she knew she was high on attendance violations, the lawsuit states. Germundson claims a representative from the company told her she did not qualify for FMLA leave because her son was over 18 and not disabled. The representative also told her if she did not report to work that day, she would reach seven attendance policy violations and would be fired, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit states Germundson was given a final warning about violating the attendance police after leaving work early one day in August 2015 because her shoulder was swollen and she was in pain. Germundson is requesting an unspecified amount in damages and a jury trial. In court papers filed on Wednesday, the company states that at the time Germundson was fired, she had only worked 1,209 hours in the preceding 12 months, meaning she was short of the 1,250 hours needed to be eligible for FMLA leave. The company noted Germundson had been eligible for and granted FMLA leave in the past including being allowed to work half days from Dec. 8, 2014, through Feb. 10, 2015, for issues arising from a work-related shoulder injury. It was deemed San Francisco Day, and the city certainly showed off. The Chronicles front page from Nov. 3, 1915, covers a record-breaking day of attendance at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Everybody was there, and San Francisco met herself for the first time since the days when all the city could congregate in old Portsmouth Square, the story read. The directory has grown some since those days, and it was nothing short of the animated directory that peopled the broad avenues and thronged the courts and palaces of the exposition to make it San Francisco Day. The worlds fair had been showcasing the best of San Francisco since February, and it was already clear that the city had recovered since the great quake of 1906 and had reached new heights. The previous record for attendance was set opening day, Feb. 20, 1915. That number, 255,149, far outdistanced the third-biggest day: the Fourth of July celebration held on July 5, 1915, which drew 190,000. Without question, Nov. 2 pushed the celebration over the top. Was the 330,000 mark reached? the story asked. Well, rather: Did San Francisco ever set a mark and then fail to reach it, and a little more for good measure? Why certainly not. See more front pages: Go to SFChronicle.com/covers to search a database of hundreds of Chronicle Covers articles that showcase the newspapers history. More from the Archive The Vault Home of the San Francisco Chronicle's archive and more than 150 years of journalism covering the Bay Area and beyond. Chronicle Covers highlights one classic Chronicle newspaper page from our archive every day for 366 days. Library director Bill Van Niekerken and producers Kimberly Chua, Michelle Devera and Jillian Sullivan contributed to the project. Tim ORourke is the executive producer and editor of SFChronicle.com. Email: torourke@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TimothyORourke Hillary Clinton is headed for a 20-point romp over Donald Trump in California even though more than half of likely voters hold a negative view of the Democratic nominee, according to a new Field Poll released Thursday. But a whopping two-thirds of likely California voters view Republican Trump unfavorably, and a majority of those, 56 percent, hold strongly unfavorable views, which could have repercussions for three vulnerable House incumbents in toss-up California races and for other down-ballot Republican candidates, said Field Poll Director Mark DiCamillo. Voter views of Trump in the state are far worse than any Republican nominee since 2000, none of whom has been seen in a negative light by a majority of California voters, DiCamillo said. The final pre-election poll, conducted online Oct. 25-31 with UC Berkeleys Institute of Governmental Studies, shows Clinton with a 53 percent lead among likely voters, while 33 percent support Trump. Seven percent said they plan to vote for other candidates, and another 7 percent are undecided or said they may not vote for anyone for president. The poll shows Clinton beating Trump in Republican strongholds such as the Central Valley, where Clinton is up by two points, and San Diego and Orange counties, where Clinton is up by three points. Clinton could make history if she beats Trump in Orange County, which has not thrown its support to a Democratic presidential nominee since 1936. Trumps unpopularity could be dangerous to three GOP House incumbents in toss-up races: Rep. Jeff Denham of Turlock (Stanislaus County), running against Democrat Michael Eggman; Rep. Darrell Issa of Vista (San Diego County), running against Democrat Doug Applegate; and Rep. Steve Knight of Palmdale (Los Angeles County), running against Democrat Brian Caforio. Clinton is also unpopular, just much less so than Trump. Just over half of those polled, 51 percent, viewed Clinton negatively, and 40 percent of those have a strongly unfavorable view of her. Clintons negative ratings are about 10 points higher than the three previous Democratic nominees, DiCamillo said. Clinton was wounded early on in the primary from the left by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, damaging her standing among progressive Democrats, DiCamillo said. So while its no surprise that Republican voters dislike Clinton, within her own party on the progressive wing, shes viewed more negatively than historically would be the case for Democrats, he said. Clintons 20-point lead is up slightly from her 17-point advantage in mid-September, before the first debate, but its lower than President Obamas 23-point lead in 2012. Still, her support among California voters is extremely broad-based. She beats Trump among independents, men, women, all age groups except those over 65, all ethnic groups and all education levels except those with a high school degree or less. Women are Clintons strongest backers in the poll, where she leads Trump by 27 points. She is also up by 38 points among Latinos, 67 points among African Americans, 44 points among Asian Americans, and nine points among non-Hispanic whites. Trump leads among born-again Christians by 16 points. 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. Clintons strongest support is in the Bay Area, where she has a 3-to-1 lead over Trump, and in Los Angeles County, where she holds a more than 2-to-1 lead. DiCamillo attributed Clintons gains in traditional GOP strongholds to the demographic trends that have turned California increasingly blue over the past two decades. San Diego County was reliably Republican until voting for Obama in 2012. Orange County appears headed in the same direction. Whats happening in Orange County is just reflecting whats happened in other parts of the state, DiCamillo said. As the ethnic population grows in number, they make the state and the counties where they live bluer and more Democratic. From 1952 to 1988, California voted consistently Republican in every presidential contest with the exception of 1964, when GOP nominee Barry Goldwater lost in a landslide. Starting with President Bill Clinton in 1992, the state has voted consistently Democratic. Californias 55 electoral votes, just under 10 percent of the total Electoral College and the most of any state, now give Democrats a big built-in advantage in presidential races. The Field/IGS Poll results were based on online surveys by the site YouGov of 1,498 registered voters across the state. The poll did not supply a margin of error. Opt-in polls such as the online survey do not lend themselves to the calculation of sampling error as easily as traditional telephone surveys, DiCamillo said. Carolyn Lochhead is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com Voters will have many options at the polls Tuesday. Taking a selfie of their ballot wont be one of them. The American Civil Liberties Union argued in federal court Wednesday that a 125-year-old California law banning voters from showing their marked ballots to anyone else violates freedom of expression. Voters, lawyers for the ACLU said, should be free to take pictures of their ballots and use them to persuade their friends. A federal judge in San Francisco wasnt impressed. The law had a legitimate purpose when it was enacted, U.S. District Judge William Alsup said, because some employers in the past had taken voters to the polls, ordered them to display their ballots afterward and fired anyone who defied the company line. But even if current enforcement of the photo-sharing ban crosses constitutional boundaries, he said, suspending it less than a week before the election would be a recipe for confusion. No one is at fault more than the ACLU for bringing this lawsuit at the last minute and trying to jam this down their throat, Alsup said. Ballot-box selfies will be allowed at future elections, because the Legislature has repealed the law, effective Jan. 1. ACLU attorney Michael Risher said his organization had waited until Monday to go to court because it had been negotiating with Secretary of State Alex Padilla and had hoped to avoid a lawsuit. Padilla, the states top elections official, had supported repeal of the 19th-century law and said he would abide by a court order to suspend it. But he has advised local registrars offices that the law against sharing the contents of ballots prohibits photography in voting booths next week, although news organizations can take pictures of candidates casting their ballots. A court-ordered change would have required retraining for workers at Californias 14,101 polling places on a massive scale, Deputy Attorney General Emmanuelle Soichet, Padillas lawyer, told Alsup. But Risher noted that similar laws in other states have been struck down by a majority of the federal courts that have considered them. In a state where more than half the voters cast absentee ballots, Risher said, the law allows them to photograph their ballots, but makes it a crime to share the photos with others by posting them online. At least for those voters, he said, immediately lifting the ban on photo-sharing would cause no polling-place disruption or any other harmful effects. 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. Alsup countered that any judicial intervention at this point would raise too many questions what about the voter who mounts a cell phone on a stick for a better shot, which might also show the next voting booth? Or the voter who recorded a ballot on video, with vocal accompaniment, while someone in the next booth was trying to concentrate? Risher said such intrusions are already illegal. But the judge said potential problems should not be figured out on the fly in a two-minute drill in the last few days of the election cycle. The ACLU hasnt decided whether to seek an emergency order from a federal appeals court, Risher said afterward. Padilla issued a statement noting that Californians can still take their smartphones to the polls to access their sample ballots or do last-minute research on ballot issues. In the meantime, he said, voters can still take a selfie with their I Voted sticker. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko The top Bay Area donor to local elections isnt a household name, even in political circles. Paul Graham is the co-founder of Y-Combinator, the prestigious tech incubator, which has helped companies such as Dropbox, Reddit and Airbnb become successful. Forbes has called Graham one of the worlds most powerful entrepreneurs. In 2014, Graham handed over leadership of the company to his young acolyte, Sam Altman, but remains involved in the company. In three donations, in May and August, Graham contributed $550,000, split between Airbnbs Committee to Expand the Middle Class and Progress San Francisco. Progress San Francisco has spent most of its money to support moderate candidates running for the Board of Supervisors. The Airbnb committee has contributed to Progress as well, and also given $50,000 to support a sales tax that would fund transportation and homeless services, and $50,000 to create a Department of Police Accountability. Graham, who is a frequent tweeter and a prolific writer, didnt respond to a request for comment. His website includes essays from the past 13 years in which he muses on everything from how to begin a startup to the necessity of economic inequality. He supports Hillary Clinton and abolishing the death penalty. S.F. Election 2016 Big-bucks donors wield their influence on SF ballot measures Born in England, Graham, 51, attended Cornell University and received his masters from Harvard University. One of his first successful ventures was Viaweb, which allowed people to make their own Internet stores. He is married to Jessica Livingston, an author who has written about startups. In recent essays, Graham criticizes the governments business regulations of the 1970s. He says they fostered inefficient companies that overpaid unions for labor. He recently tweeted, Industries afflicted by unions are sclerotic so have left lots undone. Competition, by contrast, fosters creativity and rewards productive people, he writes. Most people get rich by creating wealth not by taking away from the poor. Focusing on wealth redistribution as a way to address poverty is the wrong approach, he argues, and he says economic inequality is a necessary byproduct of creating great companies. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The steak a la Bruno is coming back. So is the broiled burger. And the ravioli. And dont forget about the calamari steak. Joes of Westlake reopens its doors next week, marking the first time in more than two years that the charcoal grills will be fired up at the beloved Daly City landmark and bringing an end to years of speculation about its fate. The rebirth comes courtesy of new proprietors: The Duggan family, which also owns Original Joes in North Beach. Its renovated the entire restaurant in an effort to balance past success and future sustainability. The aim is to open on Monday. Our goal is that the customers will feel very comfortable coming in. The bar is where the bar was. The Cascade is where the Cascade was. The main dining room is the same, said John Duggan, who is running the show with his sister, Elena. Just everything is brand new. The layout of the redone, 10,000-square-foot, 300-seat restaurant will be familiar to the established clientele. However, diners will now notice that they can see from room to room. The bar, to the left of the entrance, still has a fireplace and televisions, but also fewer tables and a new sight line to the main dining area. Similarly, the adjacent Cascade Room once a less desirable secondary dining room with low, claustrophobia-inducing ceilings has been opened up with big windows letting in natural light. The main dining room still revolves around the counter and the charcoal grill, but the booths are outfitted in green leather rather than the bygone oatmeal hue. If you had any doubt about the location, a towering backlit sign above the kitchen reads Westlake. The swivel counter seats remain, but have been reupholstered. Sputnik light fixtures a tip of the cap to the Henry Doelger era are scattered throughout the space. Given the two-year hiatus, much longer than expected, much of the old staff will not be back, though regulars might recognize a few of the old staff, like maitre d Gus Kiniris and cooks Siamara Leon and Maynor Tabora. Ravioli maker Julio De La Rosa, a 35-year Westlake vet, is coming back, as is Oscar Ticas, who served tables there for 30 years. Its been a huge undertaking, said Elena Duggan. It was really run down. It hadnt been touched since it opened, other than band-aids. For us to build something thats going to live on for another 50 years, we had to start fresh. Gabrielle Lurie/Special to The Chronicle And the food: It will be a hybrid of what North Beach is, and what Westlake was. Fresh pasta and ravioli will be made on site, and many of the standard Westlake dishes will be there. Prices always a sensitive subject when classic restaurants are updated will be lower than Original Joes but higher than the old Westlake version. Call it the tax of evolution. The wheels of change were set in motion in late 2013, when Joes of Westlake owner Melinda Scatena struck a deal to sell the restaurant to the Duggans. Decades earlier, her father, Bruno Scatena, had partnered with Tony Rodin grandfather to John and Elena to open Original Joes No. 2 on Chestnut and Fillmore. He eventually branched off on his own to open Joes of Westlake in 1956. Joes of Westlake was a grandiose mid-century vision, built by Doelger, the San Francisco developer who built much of the Sunset District. The restaurant was the centerpiece of his once-futuristic Westlake neighborhood, an early model of suburbia. Occupying the corner of John Daly Boulevard and Lake Merced Boulevard, the building had all the hallmarks of a Joes restaurant, too: dining counter, cocktail lounge, big booths. Yet by 2014, Melinda Scatena, citing health reasons, wanted to sell the place. She figured the Duggans, given the common history with her father, would be appropriate stewards. Scatena recently saw the remodeled version, newly glossy with fresh upholstery, tile and paint. And, well, she approved. Its gorgeous, she said. They did a good job. Gabrielle Lurie/Special to The Chronicle She believes that the renovated restaurant now christened Original Joes of Westlake is going to do strong business. A harder sell may be the restaurants hordes of loyalists. When longtime Daly City resident Patty Gibney Sturm first heard that Joes of Westlake was closing, she was crushed. I swear to God, it was a gut punch, Sturm said. Joes of Westlake, closing. We had no idea. Joes was the place that would cater dinners at her grammar school, Our Lady of Mercy. Years later, when she worked at J.C. Penney nearby, it was the place where she would walk for lunch on secretaries day. Most recently, she would go at least once a month, always ordering the same dish: filet of sole, with ravioli. Her husband, who would trek down and up the hill from their Broadmoor home with her, always opted for the steak a la Bruno. Sturm is not alone in her sentimental attachment to Joes of Westlake. Over the past two years of darkness, thousands of locals have shared similar sentiments surrounding the big neon signs, the surly staff and the charred smells wafting from the grill, seemingly penetrating the foggy air for blocks around the joint. It was a multigenerational place, an increasing rarity in todays restaurant landscape, equally friendly to kids, young adults and seniors 8 to 80, with everything in between. Theres a lot of family connected to Joes. Rehearsal dinners, after funerals, prom. Its a gathering place, said Sturm. Its almost like family in there. The minute you walk in the door, no matter how many people are milling in the lobby, it feels like home. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. It holds a special place in the Daly City community, which is something that Sturm quickly found out when she started a public Facebook page about the restaurants changes in 2013. Given the uncertainty swirling around at the time, she titled it Save Joes of Westlake, half hoping to rally employees and loyalists to buy it. Once news broke that the Duggans would reopen the restaurant, she changed the pages name to Memories of Joes of Westlake; the site became a de facto message board for the wayward clientele to float rumors, ask questions, seek out recipes, express outrage and even share their amateur detective work surrounding the reopening. The Westlake community has been vocal, almost proprietary, in all news surrounding the restaurant, be it wondering about steak prices or changing recipes. Their reaction should be interesting to witness. A lot of old timers, senior citizens with the oxygen tanks and walkers and the whole bit Im sure theyll find it expensive for their tastes, said Sturm. I think it will be a much higher dining experience no more frozen vegetables but you have to pay for it. The Duggans are acutely aware of the delicate balance between nostalgia and modernization, admitting they read everything that people write about them. They tackled the modernization dilemma several years ago, when a fire forced Original Joes to move from its longtime gritty Tenderloin location on Taylor Street to a glossier, polished blockbuster on North Beachs Washington Square Park. Its paid off in a big way; these days, Original Joes does an average of 800 covers a day. Taylor Street was a dying brand, said John Duggan. If we didnt reinvent ourselves and make it more approachable to a wider range of people, wed be dead. At Westlake, creating that same balance will be the challenge. This is the anchor of Daly City and the Peninsula dining scene, said Duggan. For us, growing up in San Francisco, west of Twin Peaks all the way to Burlingame, what do you have? What restaurants define that area? Not too many. Maybe the Gold Mirror, Marcellos. We want to be the home for the west side of San Francisco and the Peninsula. Thats what Westlake, in its heyday, was. We think bringing it back to this level, well be that again. Paolo Lucchesi is the editor of San Francisco Chronicle Food and Wine team. E-mail: plucchesi@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @lucchesi A little more than a year ago, I spent a week in Bergerac, France an ancient wine-growing region, more likely recognizable to Americans as home to the fictional Cyrano. Many of the wines were delightful, in some cases exceptional a few, of course, more rustic too. What was the greatest challenge facing Bergerac? Its western neighbor, Bordeaux. This was hardly news. For centuries Bergerac has sought to evade the shadow of the red-wine worlds most powerful regional brand. And despite Bergeracs recent attempts to market its own fresh identity, the vintners without fail would point out to me the storied vineyards of Saint-Emilion, so near on the horizon you could only speculate where one appellation ended and the next began. I couldnt help but remember Bergeracs enduring tale as I crossed from Napa County into Lake County for my inaugural visit. For years Id only seen Lake County from the northern reaches of Calistoga. Lake Countys viticultural history, however, commenced only three decades later than Napas, the first vines planted there in the 1870s. Prohibition all but destroyed Lake Countys wine industry. Winemaker Jed Steele recalls only three wineries when he first came to the area 33 years ago to establish Kendall-Jacksons Lake County program. That number has now increased tenfold; today more than 30 wineries occupy Lake County, propelling the region into a renewed quest to establish its place on Californias wine map. Lake County has long struggled to project its voice loudly. Roughly 80 percent of Lake Countys grapes make it to bottles without any indication of origin on the label. But many of Lake Countys top producers are placing their faith in one variety to bring the area recognition: Cabernet Sauvignon. People talk about Cabernet in California being monolithic; I dont think these wines are, says Peter Molnar, co-founder of the lauded Obsidian Ridge Vineyard. Whereas Napa generically divides itself between the brighter, more polished wines from the valley floor versus the rugged, muscular Cabernets cultivated on the hillsides, Lake County grows almost exclusively mountain fruit. The lake itself is already at 1,300 feet above sea level, says Debra Sommerfield, president of the Lake County Winegrape Commission. The whole region is a high-elevation region. With its mountainous southern border, Lake County barricades the fog that blankets so much Californias North Coast. The result is a higher intensity of UV light that can soften Cabernets green flavors. As a whole, Lake County Cabernet can appear lighter on its feet, exuberantly displaying a juicy red fruit purity structured by a cooling backbone of acidity. Obsidian Ridge Lake County is home to myriad geologically distinct soils, but the Red Hills appellation has garnered the most attention for its potential to yield world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. The region ascends from Clear Lakes southwestern banks, with Mount Konocti standing as its northern boundary. The Red Hills derives its name from the striking reddish-amber hued volcanic soils, speckled in some parts by sharp wedges of black obsidian glass, all vestiges of Konoctis last eruption 13,000 years ago. Theyre unique for Cabernet soils that weve seen anywhere. We start at 2,000 feet, and that changes everything from barometric pressures to quality of light, explains all-star vineyard owner Andy Beckstoffer. Beckstoffer is arguably Californias most successful grape grower, his branded vineyards often commanding as much clout on a label as his high-end clients. An owner of some of Napas most coveted heritage vineyard properties, including a portion of Oakvilles historic To Kalon Vineyard, Beckstoffer is placing his bets that the Red Hills will be Californias next great Cabernet territory. In 1996, Andy purchased his Amber Knolls Vineyard in the Red Hills. He explains, In those days, we could have purchased land in Pope Valley or Napa County for basically the same price we were paying in the Red Hills. We decided to go for the quality we saw in the Red Hills and give up the name of Napa Valley, which is very valuable. Peter DaSilva/Special to The Chronicle Twenty years later, Beckstoffer finds that his fruit shows greater potential than the resulting wines demonstrate. In a groundbreaking campaign beginning this harvest, Beckstoffer is giving away an acres worth of his Lake County grapes to 10 winemakers for three vintages. The move is unprecedented; Beckstoffer typically fetches astronomical prices, at bare minimum over three times Napas average cost per ton for Cabernet. Beckstoffer stipulates that winners have to use the best barrels and materials and winemaking techniques that are used to make these cult Cabernets in Napa Valley. Hes kept his lips sealed about the recipients. He says: Theyre people who are hungry to do something new, who are looking to establish themselves even more in making Cabernet. We wont see the results of Beckstoffers grand experiment for several years, but a handful of Red Hills producers already validate the regions promise. Obsidian Ridge bottles exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon of complexity and character, while Shannon Ridge and Gregory Graham have also made strides for the appellation. The Red Hills is not alone in Lake Countys pursuit for top-shelf Cabernet. Sommerfield says: Cabernet grows great there, but there are other areas of the county were Cab grows very well. When May-Britt Malbec first endeavored with her late husband, Denis both famed Napa winemakers to purchase fruit for their Lake County label Alienor, they searched for soils more reminiscent of Bordeauxs Left Bank. (The couple actually met while working at first-growth Chateau Latour.) They found that land in Big Valley, a region most Lake County wineries praise for its Sauvignon Blanc. Malbec says: The soil reminded my husband very much of the soils in Bordeaux. Theyre so much more gravelly than the soil in Napa where we usually make wine. Alienors Grand Vin, admittedly today a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, challenges the Red Hills monopoly over quality wines from red Bordeaux varieties. Across Clear Lake, the nascent High Valley region also indicates a proclivity to Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Joy Merrilees of Shannon Ridge actually predicts that her High Valley Cabernet, a softer, more finessed expression, can outlive their Vigilance Red Hills bottling. At Brassfield, the only other property owners in High Valley, newly appointed winemaker Matt Hughes sees the same prospects, striving to expand the estates presently small Cabernet program. Lake County isnt Napa yet. But, with any luck, it wont every have to be. Lake Countys greatest asset is its grapes, and winegrowers are beginning to recognize the unique conditions that separate their Cabernet country from the rest of Californias. You cant farm grapes in Lake County the same way you do in foggy regions. I think thats showing in the wines, Sommerfield says. The wines have gotten markedly better in the last 10 years. Over the next five to 10 years, thats going to grow. Wed love to share with more people the excitement we have for the region right now. Bryce Wiatrak is a freelance writer. E-mail: travel@sfchronicle.com Wines to try 2012 Obsidian Ridge The Slope Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Hills, Lake County) $45, www.tricyclewine.com. This wine might just be the best Cabernet Sauvignon presently being made in Lake County. Coming from the estates steepest plots, The Slope presents itself with a broad stoicism. It offers a generous wall of concentrated red plum flavor, grounded by a foundation of rugged black earth that reflects the landscape from which the wine is born. Nuanced with more peppery floral tones, this is a Cabernet of impressive structure and aging potential. 2012 Gregory Graham Crimson Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Hills, Lake County) $30, www.ggwines.com A markedly different expression of the Red Hills than Obsidian Ridge, Gregory Grahams Crimson Hill Cabernet finds an intriguing figgy, pomegranate profile. The wine carries a certain medicinal quality, tasting of balsamic-soaked herbs and autumn spice. 2010 Alienor Grand Vin (Lake County) $65, www.alienorwines.com This wine is actually a blend of the other Cabernet, Cab Franc, with Merlot, but Id be remiss not to mention this exceptional wine in the Right Bank Bordeaux tradition. Alienors Grand Vin feels as if it comes from another era, where flavors of dried violet, rose-petal potpourri and antique shop mingle in perfect balance. 2014 Shannon Ridge High Valley Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (High Valley, Lake County) $30, www.shannonridge.com This Cabernet speaks in more hushed tones than Shannon Ridges Red Hills equivalent. A wine of purity and grace, the High Valley Cabernet beckons you with charming aromas of rosewater and feminine spice and the purity of its red raspberry flavor. 2012 Langtry Tephra Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Lake County) $40, www.langtryestate.com Coming from Lake Countys southern edge, along the foothills of Howell Mountain, Langtrys Tephra Ridge Cabernet balances lively, red berry aromas with a darker, earthier palate. The wine takes off with a fresh red currant acidity, but lingers long with spicier licorice tones. B.W. When the Cartoon Art Museum lost its lease on Mission Street last year after its rent doubled, it looked like another sad story of a unique San Francisco institution displaced by the changing city. But the museums executives made good on their promise to return, on Wednesday announcing the museums new home: the 8,000 square feet in a historic brick building at 781 Beach St., a block from Ghirardelli Square. They plan to open to the public in the spring. Weve been through the moving process before, and that in-between time is agonizing, said museum curator Andrew Farago. The real estate market in the Bay Area and especially San Francisco ... is so unpredictable, you cant take anything for granted. (But) we had confidence everything was going to work out. The museum has thousands of original art pieces in its collection, and strong relationships with legends in the comics, animation and political cartooning world. Tears were shed when the museum lost its longtime home at 655 Mission St., around the corner from the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. But the museum never disappeared, ramping up its off-site exhibitions and educational programs while working out of the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, a San Francisco nonprofit that gives assistance to new and growing business. The Beach Street building, established in 1912, has a view of the water and a rich history. It housed the International Milling Co. before that business was destroyed by a fire in 1921. It hosted the Italian-Swiss Winery Storeroom after that, an antique clock emporium and, starting in the 1970s, the Circle Gallery. At one point in the 1980s, the art gallery showcased Walt Disney animation cels the type of thing that might show up at the Cartoon Art Museum. Farago said the museum had high-maintenance needs exhibition space, classrooms, a book store and space to house the archive that made the search more of a challenge. We knew it wasnt just going to drop into our laps, he said. The Cartoon Art Museum was founded in 1984, spending most of its years at two South of Market locations. Peanuts creator Charles Schulz was an early supporter. The new venue is farther away from some of the citys most popular museums, but it lands in an area surrounded with history. Aquatic Park, the Maritime Museum and Hyde Street cable car turnaround are all nearby. Its a beautiful brick facade, and were not going to touch that, Farago said. Its just a beautiful piece of architecture. Our director and board fell in love with the place as soon as they saw it. Peter Hartlaub is The San Francisco Chronicle pop culture critic. Email: phartlaub@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @PeterHartlaub This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Ads for a decidedly feminist brand of womens underwear will be arriving soon at a BART station near you, but theyll be missing a billboard for pussy-grabbing-proof panties that has been banned by the transit agency. Thinx, which sells moisture-absorbing underwear, teamed up with the agency that places ads on the BART system for station domination campaigns at the Montgomery and 16th Street-Mission stations in San Francisco later this month. The ads feature inverted photographs of models wearing the underwear above the Thinx logo. BART was OK with anxiety-proof underwear and patriarchy-proof underwear, and didnt bat an eye at the trans models in two ads. But BART could not abide the phrase pussy-grabbing, and rejected that ad as violating the agencys policies. Spokeswoman Alicia Trost said in a statement that the display contains words recognized by the community as vulgar, indecent or profane for display in a public setting that includes minors. Days of discussion ensued. Miki Agrawal, Thinx CEO and co-founder, argued that the word wasnt a profanity because it appears in childrens books like The Owl and the Pussycat and band names like the Pussycat Dolls. BART wasnt buying. The Thinx folks also argued that the phrase has become common part of the vocabulary, like it or not, thanks to Donald Trumps infamous boast in a videotaped 2005 conversation of what his celebrity status allowed him to do to women. The term pussy grabbing is a colloquialism today for sexual violence and has been heard on every national TV station, written on so many many newspaper and in so many blogs, Agrawal argued. Why is it suddenly being banned in the context of what were trying to do? Trost said BARTs rejection of the ad follows a long precedent and complies with a policy posted on its website. Crude descriptions of sexual anatomy, regardless of sex, are vulgar, she said. This is not the kind of atmosphere we feel is appropriate to generate inside BART stations. While we understand the spirit behind reclaiming vulgar words, our advertising standards make it clear that BART is not the suitable setting to begin such a campaign. Agrawal said she gets BARTs position but doesnt agree. They dont want to ruffle any feathers, she said. I understand where theyre coming from, but the term is already out there in the world, and in this context, its meant to be pro-woman. Were a feminist brand that agrees with consent, and we want to make sure people know that this is a political statement. Since pussy-grabbing has been banned, Agrawal said, Thinx decided to replace that ad with glass-ceiling proof. Trost, who was involved in discussions over the ad in question, would be pleased to see the dispute go away. Ive had to say the P-word a lot more times than I would have liked the past several days, she said. Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Show More Show Less 3 of 3 The U.S. Justice Department has dropped a three-year legal fight to shut down a prominent Berkeley medical marijuana business, the latest signal that the federal government is backing away from challenging dispensaries allowed to operate under California law. Federal prosecutors in San Francisco filed a motion Monday to dismiss their civil forfeiture case against the Berkeley Patients Group, which opened in 1999 and bills itself as the oldest medical marijuana dispensary in the country. Having once again blown by Wall Street expectations, Facebook announced Wednesday that the company will double down on what executives believe is the future of communication: video. The company, which last week unveiled an experimental Snapchat-like camera in its main app, brought in $7.01 billion in revenue in its third quarter typically a slow period for social media companies beating analysts expectations of $6.92 billion in revenue for the quarter and posting an increase of 56 percent over the same period last year. That translated to profit of $2.38 billion ($1.09 per share), up from $896 million (57 cents) a year earlier. Facebook also boosted its monthly user base by about 80 million people, and reported that, for the first time, the number of people accessing Facebook on their mobile devices each month passed the 1 billion mark. Facebook now reaches 1.79 billion people across all platforms every month. In the companys quarterly call with investors Wednesday, CEO Mark Zuckerberg credited Facebooks progress to its emphasis on video and incorporating it into more services, like Instagram and Messenger, Facebooks stand-alone messaging app. Its not the traditional video experience; its a more social experience, Zuckerberg said. People have gone live from all seven continents and also from outer space. He touted Facebook Live, video streaming that has gained notoriety in recent months as events have been broadcast via Facebook, including police shootings and other news. During the Summer Olympics, decorated swimmer Michael Phelps announced his retirement over Facebook Live. Zuckerberg hailed live video as a revolutionary means of communication, and said the companys short-term goal is to incorporate video more seamlessly into every aspect of the social network. Video first ... has certainly been the biggest theme of the last quarter, Zuckerberg said. Everything we do is about opening the world to everyone and allowing more people to connect and share. In September, news broke that the company had botched two years worth of reports on average video advertisement viewing time. However, it did not appear to affect Facebooks ability to bring in advertising clients. Facebook made $6.82 billion from ads during the third quarter, driven in part by its growing mobile audience, dynamic advertisements and tools that allow advertisers to track and analyze their customers using information collected by Facebook. Despite the third-quarter results, Facebooks shares fell more than 8 percent in after-hours trading Wednesday after Chief Financial Officer David Wehner warned that ad growth would probably slow in the final quarter of the year due to ad load limitations, and that 2017 may be an expensive year as Facebook invests more in its video-first strategy. Facebook is still going pedal to the metal when it comes to building out its products and services, observed eMarketer analyst Debra Aho Williamson. Its flagship service is still growing in every metric that we track, and its other services, such as Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger, are also performing well. Marissa Lang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mlang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Marissa_Jae Wells Fargo has confirmed that the Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating its sales practices, and revealed that it has almost doubled to $1.7 billion the amount set aside to deal with its legal problems. The bank said in a regulatory filing Thursday that a myriad of local, state and federal government agencies are investigating Wells for its sales practices. Thats on top of class-action lawsuits filed against the bank by investors, former employees and customers. Wells Fargo had reported that it set aside $1 billion for the legal woes as of June 30, then raised that to $1.7 billion in the third quarter. The San Francisco bank has been under fire since it was discovered that in order to meet extremely lofty sales goals, employees opened as many as 2 million bank and credit card accounts without customer authorization. The company had also fired more than 5,000 employees, the vast majority of them lower-level workers. The biggest scandal in the banks 164-year history forced the abrupt retirement last month of CEO John Stumpf after the board reclaimed $41 million in compensation. The company named as its new CEO Tim Sloan, who has made fixing the banks reputation his top priority. Sloan held an all-hands meeting with employees last month where he apologized directly to the banks front-line workers. Wells has also launched an advertising campaign to apologize to customers. The bank is also fighting off angry politicians, both Republican and Democrat, who in a tense election year have make an example of Wells Fargo. I know there is a lot we need to get right and team members throughout the company are focused on doing the hard work that is necessary to restore trust in Wells Fargo, Sloan said in prepared remarks at an investor conference in Boston on Thursday. Sloan said Wells will also now provide updates on the activity inside its branches on a monthly basis. When Wells reported its third-quarter results last month, there were some early signs that customers were pulling back their business with the bank. Wells reported double-digit percentage drops in bank account openings, as well as declines in branch traffic. Wells employees have said, since the scandal, that they are sometimes spending their entire work days closing customer accounts. While acknowledging the decline in branch traffic, Mary Mack, the new head of consumer banking at Wells, told investors Thursday that It is still too early to gauge the longer term impact on these business trends. But the banks legal woes clearly are nowhere close to being over. Along with the disclosure about the legal issues regarding its sales practices, Wells also disclosed it is in talks with state and federal regulators over its practices tied to the housing bubble and subsequent financial crisis. A 28-year-old San Jose man was charged with murder in the July shooting death of a South Bay community college instructor, prosecutors said Thursday. Eddie Ruiz is suspected of killing David Moglen an associate professor of economics at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills and at Evergreen Valley College in San Jose the night of July 28 in an apparent robbery attempt. Moglen, 37, was sitting in his car near Willow and First streets in San Jose when a stranger opened the door and demanded his wallet and identification, according to a report written by Detective Wayne Smith and included in court records. Moglen took out his wallet, and a struggle quickly ensued between the two men, according to the report. Moglen tried to chase the suspect as he ran away, but the gunman turned around and shot him in the chest, according to the records. Several eyewitnesses, a tipster and video surveillance footage led to Ruizs arrest last month in Los Altos Hills, but police said they have been waiting for witnesses to make statements before announcing the development. Ruiz was charged Oct. 11 with murder and illegal firearm use. Ruiz was not charged with robbery, said Santa Clara County prosecutor Lance Daugherty, who added that the charges could change. He faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Moglen, who was a married father with two young daughters, started college at age 15 and earned his masters degree in economics by 21. In addition to editing two textbooks and producing a rap album, he frequently blogged about his belief in progressive economics the idea of using government intervention to correct inequality and market failings. For more than a decade, Moglen taught economics at various community colleges, including De Anza, West Valley and Mission. He had been teaching a summer course at Foothill when he was killed. Ruiz was ordered to return to court Nov. 28 to enter a plea. Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov We admire the non-political approach of the three Iowa Supreme Court judges up for retention in the Nov. 8 election and urge Iowans to vote to keep them on the bench. In 2010, Justices Marsha Ternus, Michael Streit and David Baker failed to receive the majority of votes needed to serve for another eight years the first time Supreme Court justices were removed from office by voters since the retention system was established in 1962. Each received less than 45 percent. The issue was the courts legalization of gay marriage. Conservative elements, bolstered by out-of-state money, waged a vigorous campaign against the three, who refused to campaign for their jobs, saying the courts should remain above politics. Leader of the opposition effort was Christian conservative Bob Vander Plaats, who spearheaded fundraising of more than $1 million. Thankfully, in 2012, gay rights opponents, again led by Vander Plaats, failed to remove Justice David Wiggins, who received more than 54 percent of the vote and continues to serve. We hope that will be the same result for the three judges on Tuesdays ballot Chief Justice Mark Cady and Justices Daryl Hecht and Brent Appel. Vander Plaats has been far more quiet on the issue this time around, although he has encouraged Iowans to vote against retention. A major reason for the subdued effort, many observers believe, is the U.S. Supreme Courts ruling last year affirming that state bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional a decision that vindicated rulings in Iowa and other states. The three judges voted off the bench say they do not regret not campaigning for their jobs. In fact, they believe and we agree it would be dangerous. Said Ternus: I think its dangerous when politics are injected into the courts and I think that is what happened in 2010. If voters vote on judges or justices based on their views of issues rather than what the law requires, what theyre telling judges to do is to ignore the law when popular opinion wants them to do so. Then, were not a country based on the rule of law and thats a dangerous path to go down. If youre going to do that you have to go out and solicit funds and, whether you do or you dont, the perception is that you owe somebody, Baker said recently. Im still of the belief that politics and judges are a bad mix. That has been the approach of the current justices: No campaigning, no comments other than one statement by Cady: I believe campaigns for judicial office only open the door of a court system to the influence of politics and money. This door must never swing open. Iowans should appreciate that the justices on the highest court are above politics, that in no case would they allow popular opinion to influence their actions. We hope Iowans will vote to retain these justices. We see no valid reason to do otherwise. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MIAMI With the turbulent White House race scrambled in new directions, Donald Trump is campaigning like it all hinges on one all-too-familiar swing state: Florida. The Republican nominee lashed out at Crooked Hillary in Miami, predicting that a Hillary Clinton victory would trigger an unprecedented and protracted constitutional crisis as federal investigators probe the former secretary of states email practices. Conceding nothing in the state, Clinton has also been a frequent visitor. She posed for pictures and shook hands during a surprise visit to a South Florida Caribbean American neighborhood Wednesday morning. Both sides agree the New York businessman has virtually no chance to win the presidency without Floridas trove of 29 electoral votes. Clinton has been ahead there in opinion polls, but Democrats acknowledge that the FBIs renewed attention to her has helped rally reluctant Republicans behind their nominee. Thats given Trump an enthusiasm boost in Florida and across Midwestern battlegrounds long considered reliably blue territory. Im definitely nervous, said former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, a Democrat. Democrats in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, if you heard it was over, if you thought those states were in the bag, dont believe it. Perhaps heeding Rendells warning, Clintons team is devoting new resources to states like Michigan, which hasnt supported a Republican presidential nominee in nearly three decades. While she had two appearances Wednesday in Republican-leaning Arizona, Clinton planned to spend part of Friday in Detroit. At the same time, a pro-Clinton super PAC was spending more than $1 million on Michigan airwaves along with at least $1 million more in Colorado, another state where Clinton has enjoyed a significant polling advantage for much of the fall. As the final-days scramble for votes intensifies, Florida remains perhaps the nations most critical swing state. The Trump campaign knows there is no realistic path to the White House without Florida, where polls give Clinton a narrow lead. The New York businessman campaigned in three Florida cities Wednesday Miami, Orlando and Pensacola and will follow up with a stop in Jacksonville on Thursday. While Trump has devoted perhaps his most valuable resource his time to Florida, Clinton has built a powerful ground game, backed by a dominant media presence, that dwarfs her opponents. The Democratic nominee has more than doubled Trumps investment in Florida television ads. WASHINGTON Hillary Clinton may not be accumulating the type of early-vote advantage her campaign wanted, but she continues to maintain an apparent edge over Donald Trump, with more than one-quarter of all expected ballots cast in the 2016 election. The Democrats campaign once hoped to bank substantial votes from Democrats in North Carolina and Florida before election day. Both are must-win states for Trump. But data about the early vote suggest shes not doing as well as President Obama in 2012. Ballot requests from likely supporters have been weak in parts of the Midwest, and African American turnout has fallen, too. Still, the tens of millions of early votes cast also point to strength from Democratic-leaning Latino voters, potentially giving Clinton a significant advantage in Nevada and Colorado. With more than half the votes already cast in those states, Democrats are matching if not exceeding their successful 2012 pace, according to data compiled by the Associated Press. We are seeing the trajectory of the election change in some states, but Democrats are also making up ground, said Michael McDonald, a University of Florida professor and expert in voter turnout. Early voting by mail and at polling stations is under way in 37 states. At least 35.1 million votes have been cast, representing more than 25 percent of the total votes expected nationwide if turnout is similar to 2012. In all, more than 46 million people or as much as 40 percent of the electorate are expected to vote before Tuesday, according to AP data. A look at the latest trends: In North Carolina and Florida, Democrats did better with mail balloting than they had in previous elections. Democrats lead in ballots submitted, 43 percent to 32 percent. In Florida, more than half of voters have already cast ballots. Democrats remain virtually tied with Republicans. The black share of ballots is down, while the Latino share is up. Latinos may be providing Clinton with support she needs in key Western states. In swing-state Nevada, where half the total ballots have been cast, Democrats lead with 42 percent to 37 percent. Some 1.4 million residents cast ballots in Colorado, or more than half the expected vote. Democrats hold the advantage, 36 percent to 35 percent. MIDWAY ATOLL, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands The Battle of Midway was a major turning point in World War IIs Pacific theater. The remote atoll where thousands died is now a delicate sanctuary for millions of seabirds, and a new battle is pitting preservation of its vaunted military history against the protection of its wildlife. Halfway between the United States and Asia, Midways three islets are surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and are home to the biggest colony of Laysan albatrosses on Earth. The large, white and black seabirds pair off and mate for life, nesting and raising their young on Midway. The critically endangered short-tailed albatross can be found only on Midway and one other small Pacific island. Endangered Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles also frequent Midways shores. President Obama recently traveled to the area to announce the expansion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, now the worlds biggest oceanic preserve. I look forward to knowing that 20 years from now, 40 years from now, 100 years from now, this is a place where people can still come to and see what a place like this looks like when its not overcrowded and destroyed by human populations, Obama said. The atoll is a place where many people have lived, and perished almost 3,000 in the historic conflict with Japan. And the public has not been allowed to visit the refuge or the battle monuments for years. Midway is now a mix of boarded-up buildings left over from the islands military heyday and freshly painted facilities still in use by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Fish and Wildlife has every right and obligation to protect the wildlife, but they also have an obligation to protect the historic sites and the meaning of Midway, said James DAngelo, founder of the International Midway Memorial Foundation. Since 2000, the site has been designated as a National Memorial to the Battle of Midway. The original seaplane hangar is deeply rusted and has shrapnel pockmarks. Behind it, a huge pile of desks, bicycles, rusting metal and broken speedboat engines await removal. In 1996, the government reached an agreement with Georgias Phoenix Midway Corp. to help operate the islands visitor program. But in its six years of operation, the company had only one profitable month. In mid-2001, the company pulled out. After that, there was either no visitor program or a limited one. Officials say more than $1 million a year would be required to re-establish a visitation program. Matthew Brown, Fish and Wildlifes superintendent for the marine national monument, said sustainable tourism is feasible despite the challenges. 1 Troubled man: An Iowa man jailed in the killings of two police officers was facing intense money problems, had been found by a judge to have hit and financially exploited his mother, and was ordered to move out of her basement hours before the shootings. Scott Michael Greene, 46, was arrested Thursday afternoon after detectives questioned him at the Des Moines police station. Greene was secured with the handcuffs that had belonged to the patrolmen who were killed in ambush-style attacks, Des Moines Sgt. Anthony Beminio and Urbandale Officer Justin Martin, and was later booked into the county jail. 2 Overdose lawsuit: The mother of a University of Massachusetts Amherst student who died of a heroin overdose has filed a $6 million lawsuit against the school and another student charged with selling her son the drugs. Francesca Sinacoris suit filed last month seeks $5 million from the university for breach of contract and $1 million from the other student for wrongful death. Eric Sinacori, 20, of Whitehouse Station, N.J., was found dead in his off-campus apartment in October 2013. He was an informant for campus police at the time after police agreed not to press drug charges if he cooperated with them. CINCINNATI With the nation focused on the closing days of the long, heated race for the presidency, two trials related to the countrys continued racial divisions have just begun. Juries in Cincinnati and Charleston, S.C., will decide the fates of white former police officers charged with murder in the shootings of black men. The cases are among a series of deaths of blacks in police encounters over the past two years that have raised attention to how police deal with black people. There have been widespread protests, some violent, in cities such as Baltimore; Charlotte, N.C.; Chicago; and Ferguson, Mo., over police killings of black men. Both shootings followed traffic stops in what defense attorneys say were crime-plagued areas. In South Carolina, former North Charleston Officer Michael Slager is charged with murder in the April 2015 shooting death of Walter Scott as he ran from a traffic stop for a broken taillight. Relatives have said Scott, 50, fled because he feared arrest for being behind on child support payments. Slager told investigators he fired because Scott grabbed the officers Taser and pointed the stun gun at him as they fought on the ground. Scott was shot multiple times in the back and buttocks. If convicted, Slager, who is white and 34 years old, faces 30 years to life imprisonment. In Ohio, former University of Cincinnati Officer Ray Tensing is charged with murder and voluntary manslaughter for the July 2015 fatal shooting of Sam DuBose after a traffic stop for a missing front license plate near campus. Tensings attorney has said he feared for his life as DuBose tried to drive away, using his car as a weapon. DuBose, 43, was shot once in the head. The defense attorney also told jurors that DuBose was desperate to get away because he had enough marijuana in his car to face a felony conviction. If convicted of murder, Tensing, who is white and 26, faces 15 years to life in prison. Video could be pivotal evidence in both trials, with the two sides in each case disputing what can be concluded from it. The North Charleston shooting was captured on video by a bystander and seen widely via the Internet. It shows Scott being shot eight times in the back. Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters told jurors the video from the officers body-worn camera shows that Tensing shot an unarmed man who did nothing other than try to drive away. Defense attorney Stewart Mathews countered that the video supports Tensings contention that he was under serious threat. MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Nov. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DataWind Inc. (TSX:DW), the leader in delivering Internet access to emerging markets, has partnered with Telefonica to provide the lowest-cost mobile Internet access in Guatemala, marking DataWinds expansion into Latin America and their continued provision of the worlds lowest cost access to the internet. A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0c0d77fe-39f1-4f7a-92d3-923d0a58fc57 In partnership with Telefonica and G53s distribution channel, DataWind has launched the Ubislate 3G7 tablet nationwide in Guatemala. This tablet comes bundled with one year of web browsing through UbiSurfer, DataWinds patented browser. Telefonica Guatemala, a subsidiary of Spain Telefonica, is a wireless telecom service provider and one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world. Telefonica is one of the major network operators in Guatemala, offering 4G/ 3G throughout most major cities and 2G coverage in rural areas of the country. In Guatemala, 12 million people or 74% of the total population of 16.3 million are without Internet access. DataWind's Internet Delivery Platform represents a monumental step forward in low-cost Internet connectivity, offering an unparalleled solution to bring the Internet to the unconnected. Using their patented, cloud-based technology, DataWind's solution reduces bandwidth consumption by factors of over 10 to 30 times, resulting in the worlds most affordable, broadband-like Internet experience on any data network -- even on 2G networks that remain prevalent in developing countries. The Ubislate 3G7 Dual SIM tablet comes with 4GB of built-in storage that's expandable via microSD card up to 32GB. It also supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Micro-USB connectivity options. The tablet also comes with 1.2 GHz Dual Core Processor and supports 3G connectivity. In partnership with Telefonica Guatemala, DataWind will be offering one-year of unlimited Internet browsing bundled with its low-cost tablet computers and smartphones. This offering will deliver the benefits of DataWinds breakthrough technology to the Android smartphone customers at a never before seen affordable price in Guatemala. Their products will be available in Walmart, one of the largest retail chain stores in Guatemala. "These new partnerships and our entry into Latin America represent a new milestone for DataWind following our success in India," commented DataWind CEO, Suneet Singh Tuli. Partnering with Telefonica to deliver Internet access demonstrates our continued ability to gain the support of major network operators which will allow for future sales in Guatemala as well as help lay the groundwork for our long term expansion plans throughout other regions of Latin America." Forward-Looking Information This press release includes certain forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations, which involve risks and uncertainties associated with our business and the environment in which the business operates. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including those identified by the expressions anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, expect, intend and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the company or its management. The forward- looking statements are not historical facts, but reflect managements current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. The company does not undertake or accept any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in the companys expectations, except as prescribed by applicable securities laws. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved the contents of this press release/media advisory. About Telefonica Guatemala Telefonica, S.A. is a Spanish multinational broadband and telecommunications provider with operations in Europe, Asia, and North, Central and South America. Operating globally, it is one of the largest telephone operators and mobile network providers in the world. About Walmart Walmart Stores, Inc. doing business as Walmart is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores and grocery stores. Walmart has 11,562 stores and clubs in 28 countries, under a total of 63 banners. About DataWind DataWind, Inc. is a leader in providing affordable mobile Internet connectivity in emerging markets. The company's patented, cloud-based technology reduces up to 97% the amount of data needed for web browsing, providing a broadband experience on any network -- even on legacy 2G networks that are still prevalent in developing countries. DataWind also provides economical smartphones and tablets that come bundled with one year of unlimited Internet access, making it the largest tablet provider in India. DataWind's unique solution offers broad social and economic benefits for the billions of people around the world for whom an Internet connection was previously out of reach. DataWind is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:DW). For more information, visit www.datawind.com. Hillary Clinton is headed for a 20-point romp over Donald Trump in California even though more than half of likely voters hold a negative view of the Democratic nominee, according to a new Field Poll released Thursday. But a whopping two-thirds of likely California voters view Republican Trump unfavorably, and a majority of those, 56 percent, hold strongly unfavorable views, which could have repercussions for three vulnerable House incumbents in toss-up California races and for other down-ballot Republican candidates, said Field Poll Director Mark DiCamillo. Voter views of Trump in the state are far worse than any Republican nominee since 2000, none of whom has been seen in a negative light by a majority of California voters, DiCamillo said. The final pre-election poll, conducted online Oct. 25-31 with UC Berkeleys Institute of Governmental Studies, shows Clinton with a 53 percent lead among likely voters, while 33 percent support Trump. Seven percent said they plan to vote for other candidates, and another 7 percent are undecided or said they may not vote for anyone for president. The poll shows Clinton beating Trump in Republican strongholds such as the Central Valley, where Clinton is up by two points, and San Diego and Orange counties, where Clinton is up by three points. Clinton could make history if she beats Trump in Orange County, which has not thrown its support to a Democratic presidential nominee since 1936. Trumps unpopularity could be dangerous to three GOP House incumbents in toss-up races: Rep. Jeff Denham of Turlock (Stanislaus County), running against Democrat Michael Eggman; Rep. Darrell Issa of Vista (San Diego County), running against Democrat Doug Applegate; and Rep. Steve Knight of Palmdale (Los Angeles County), running against Democrat Brian Caforio. Clinton is also unpopular, just much less so than Trump. Just over half of those polled, 51 percent, viewed Clinton negatively, and 40 percent of those have a strongly unfavorable view of her. Clintons negative ratings are about 10 points higher than the three previous Democratic nominees, DiCamillo said. Clinton was wounded early on in the primary from the left by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, damaging her standing among progressive Democrats, DiCamillo said. So while its no surprise that Republican voters dislike Clinton, within her own party on the progressive wing, shes viewed more negatively than historically would be the case for Democrats, he said. Clintons 20-point lead is up slightly from her 17-point advantage in mid-September, before the first debate, but its lower than President Obamas 23-point lead in 2012. Still, her support among California voters is extremely broad-based. She beats Trump among independents, men, women, all age groups except those over 65, all ethnic groups and all education levels except those with a high school degree or less. Women are Clintons strongest backers in the poll, where she leads Trump by 27 points. She is also up by 38 points among Latinos, 67 points among African Americans, 44 points among Asian Americans, and nine points among non-Hispanic whites. Trump leads among born-again Christians by 16 points. Clintons strongest support is in the Bay Area, where she has a 3-to-1 lead over Trump, and in Los Angeles County, where she holds a more than 2-to-1 lead. DiCamillo attributed Clintons gains in traditional GOP strongholds to the demographic trends that have turned California increasingly blue over the past two decades. San Diego County was reliably Republican until voting for Obama in 2012. Orange County appears headed in the same direction. Whats happening in Orange County is just reflecting whats happened in other parts of the state, DiCamillo said. As the ethnic population grows in number, they make the state and the counties where they live bluer and more Democratic. From 1952 to 1988, California voted consistently Republican in every presidential contest with the exception of 1964, when GOP nominee Barry Goldwater lost in a landslide. Starting with President Bill Clinton in 1992, the state has voted consistently Democratic. Californias 55 electoral votes, just under 10 percent of the total Electoral College and the most of any state, now give Democrats a big built-in advantage in presidential races. The Field/IGS Poll results were based on online surveys by the site YouGov of 1,498 registered voters across the state. The poll did not supply a margin of error. Opt-in polls such as the online survey do not lend themselves to the calculation of sampling error as easily as traditional telephone surveys, DiCamillo said. Carolyn Lochhead is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com Camber significantly broadens HIIs existing capabilities and customer base Acquisition and reorganization consistent with Path to 2020 strategy to optimize and expand services portfolio Strong financial profile expected to make Camber accretive to earnings and cash flow in the first full year Transaction to be funded utilizing existing balance sheet cash; no change to shareholder free cash flow distribution objectives Camber will become a foundational component of new HII Technical Solutions segment NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Nov. 02, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Camber Corporation, a government services company headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. The planned acquisition has been approved by the HII Board of Directors and is expected to close in late 2016, subject to certain regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Camber is a $364 million revenue generating, pure-play provider of sophisticated mission-based and information technology solutions. Major customers are the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army; Federal and civilian customers to include the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and the U.S. Postal Service; and the intelligence community. With its strong position and capabilities in growth areas, including agile software and network engineering, modeling simulation and training, unmanned systems, systems engineering, and data analytics, Camber significantly broadens HIIs existing service offerings and customer base. This acquisition is consistent with our Path to 2020 strategy to optimize and expand our services portfolio while continuing to invest in our shipbuilding business and returning substantially all free cash flow to shareholders, said Mike Petters, HIIs president and CEO. Camber has an impressive and complementary array of people, capabilities and relationships that make it a great fit for us, and we are excited to welcome Cambers 1,700 employees to the HII family. HII will acquire Camber for $380 million, which includes approximately $25 million of tax benefits, subject to customary closing adjustments. The purchase price reflects a buyers multiple (net of estimated tax benefits) of 8.6 times Cambers adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 (which excludes certain non-recurring expenses). The transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings per share and cash flow in the first full year and will be funded with cash on the balance sheet. Upon closing of the Camber acquisition, HII will reorganize its services businesses to establish a new reportable segment consisting of Camber and the following HII subsidiaries: AMSEC, Continental Maritime of San Diego, Newport News Industrial, SN3, Undersea Solutions Group and UniversalPegasus International. The new segment, to be named HII Technical Solutions, will enhance strategic and operational alignment among the services businesses, expand opportunities for growth and improve performance transparency. Including Camber, the Technical Solutions segment is expected to generate approximately $1 billion of combined revenue in FY17, with operating margin in the low single digits, expanding to an expected 5%-7% range by 2020. HII Technical Solutions will be led by Andy Green, who will serve as executive vice president of HII and president of the Technical Solutions segment, reporting directly to Mike Petters. Green currently serves as corporate vice president of corporate development, with responsibility for all business development activities related to marine technical services and shipbuilding. The acquisition of Camber and the establishment of our Technical Solutions segment under Andys leadership builds upon our strong heritage as a valued and trusted partner to our customers, Petters said. Moreover, the combination of Camber and our existing services businesses provides an excellent platform for future growth and value creation for our shareholders. A fact sheet with additional information about the Camber acquisition and the newly formed Technical Solutions segment can be found on the Investor Relations page of the HII website at www.huntingtoningalls.com. About Camber: Camber was founded in 1990 and within five years was named to Inc.s list of fastest-growing companies in the United States, specializing in aviation sensors and simulations; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives (CBRNE) research and development; training and logistical support; information technology support; and training. Camber has continued to add highly specialized capabilities to its portfolio of services, including agile software engineering and IT; all hazards; modeling, simulation and training; unmanned systems, intelligence analysis and operations; and engineering and management. Camber is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, and has a major workforce concentration in the Washington, D.C., area and other locations in the U.S. and around the world, including Europe, the Middle East and Asia. For more information, visit: www.camber.com. About HII: Huntington Ingalls Industries is Americas largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of engineering, manufacturing and management services to the nuclear energy, oil and gas markets. For more than a century, HIIs Newport News and Ingalls shipbuilding divisions in Virginia and Mississippi have built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII employs nearly 35,000 people operating both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit: HII on the web: www.huntingtoningalls.com HII on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HuntingtonIngallsIndustries HII on Twitter: twitter.com/hiindustries Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in these statements. Factors that may cause such differences include: changes in government and customer priorities and requirements (including government budgetary constraints and changes in customer short-range and long-range plans); our ability to win new contracts and perform our contracts effectively; changes in procurement processes and government regulations and our ability to comply with such requirements; our ability to compete within our markets; our ability to effectively integrate Camber into our existing business operations and achieve projected operating results; our ability to achieve the results we expect from the formation of the new Technical Solutions segment; and other risk factors discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. There may be other risks and uncertainties that we are unable to predict at this time or that we currently do not expect to have a material adverse effect on our business, and we undertake no obligations to update any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements that we may make. ATLANTA, Nov. 02, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lee County, Florida will upgrade its water system with Mueller Systems state-of-the-art advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) network. Mueller Systems is a leading provider of innovative water infrastructure products and services and technologically advanced metering systems. Lee County Utilities, which serves more than 340,000 customers in Southwest Florida, awarded the project to Ferguson Waterworks, which will implement the Mi.Net System, Mueller Systems advanced two-way AMI network. The Mi.Net system links meters, distribution sensors and control devices in an efficient wireless network for real-time access. This smart solution provides the ultimate in flexibility and scalability, allowing utilities to cost-effectively add advanced capabilities to fixed networks or drive-by solutions. In addition to the Mi.Net System, Lee County will install 80,000 water meters throughout its service area by the middle of 2019, a portion of which will be Mueller Systems 420 Remote Disconnect Meter (RDM). The 420 RDM is a fully integrated remote disconnect meter and is designed to enable Lee County to remotely manage water services through the Mi.Net System, which can be especially beneficial given the large number of seasonal residents in its service area. Lee County will also use Mi.Data, Mueller Systems consumer portal that allows ratepayers to proactively monitor their water usage. The Mi.Net system makes usage data available to both the utility and their customers, enabling the utility to identify issues before they escalate and enabling end users to better manage their water usage. The Mi.Net system features on-demand meter readings, e-mail alerts and alarms based upon near real-time information as well as the ability for utilities to better manage their water resources through on-going access to custom data and information. Lee County is taking a leadership role in using technology to improve service for its customers, become more efficient in how it does business and, above all else, better manage a precious natural resource, said Hassan Ali, vice president and general manager of Mueller Systems. Our technology automates the collection of meter readings, provides customers with a better understanding of their water usage, identifies leaks that are responsible for losing treated water and promotes greater operating efficiencies for the utilities. About Mueller Systems Mueller Systems, LLC is a Mueller Technologies company and a subsidiary of Mueller Water Products, Inc. (NYSE:MWA). Mueller Systems provides Smart Metering solutions to optimize the delivery and use of water such as the Mi.Net Mueller Infrastructure Network for Utilities. Mueller Systems offers a full line of residential, fire line and commercial meters, AMR / AMI systems and related products. For more information about Mueller Systems, please visit their website at www.muellersystems.com. About Mueller Water Products, Inc. Mueller Water Products, Inc. (NYSE:MWA) is a leading manufacturer and marketer of products and services used in the transmission, distribution and measurement of water in North America. Our broad product and service portfolio includes engineered valves, fire hydrants, metering products and systems, leak detection and pipe condition assessment. We help municipalities increase operational efficiencies, improve customer service and prioritize capital spending, demonstrating why Mueller Water Products is Where Intelligence Meets Infrastructure. The piping component systems produced by Anvil help build connections that last in commercial, industrial and oil & gas applications. Visit us at www.muellerwaterproducts.com. NEW YORK, LONDON AND HONG KONG, Nov. 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hazeltree, the leading provider of integrated buy-side treasury management solutions, today expanded its management team by hiring industry veteran Sal Ventura as head of client relationship management. Mr. Ventura brings to Hazeltree more than 25 years of experience in prime brokerage, product development, operations, and client service. As a client service executive, he oversaw the servicing and support of a range of buy-side clients, including hedge fund managers, asset managers, insurance companies and pension funds. As regulations continue to impact our industry, we continue to see increased focus on treasury and counterparty management, said Sameer Shalaby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hazeltree. Sals industry experience provides him a unique perspective to manage our client relationships as we respond to global market demands. Mr. Ventura will be primarily focused on managing client relationships to ensure senior-level sponsorship and connectivity between clients and Hazeltree, prioritizing client requests once they are fully implemented with Hazeltree, and maximizing the value of Hazeltrees solutions to clients on a continuous basis. Mr. Ventura most recently was Managing Director and Global Head of Client Service for JP Morgans Custody and Fund Services business. Prior to that, Ventura was the Global Head of Citigroups Investment Banking and Private Banking Operations & Middle Office where he successfully transformed their operations strategy while facing dramatic regulatory change and profitability challenges. Before joining Citi, Ventura spent 10 years in prime brokerage at Credit Suisse and Lehman Brothers serving hedge fund managers as the Global Head of Prime Broker Client Services responsible for client onboarding and consulting in addition to the day over day client service, business and product development functions. From supporting fund managers for many years, I am fully aware of the significant challenges they face daily, ranging from increased regulations, tough performance, fee pressures, and increased investor demands, said Sal Ventura, head of client relationship management at Hazeltree. I joined Hazeltree because it was clear we could make a difference and I am committed to working with our clients to understand their specific needs and harnessing the power of Hazeltree to address them head on. Mr. Ventura started his professional career with Price Waterhouse in their Financial Services Industry Practice unit auditing banks, broker dealers, investment companies and alternative managers. Ventura is a CPA and a graduate of Binghamton University holding a B.S. in Accounting. About Hazeltree Hazeltree is the leading Treasury Management solution provider, serving hedge funds, asset managers, fund administrators, insurance companies and pension funds with powerful, proactive performance enhancement and risk mitigation capabilities that generate operational alpha, reduce a range of risks and streamline operations. Hazeltrees integrated treasury management solution includes comprehensive cash management, securities financing, collateral management, counterparty management and margin management capabilities. Hazeltree is headquartered in New York with offices in London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.hazeltree.com. The Oakland City Council has voted unanimously to approve changes in the city's downtown parking program, including implementing demand-based pricing at meters and city-owned garages. Jeffrey Tumlin, the interim director of the city's Department of Transportation, said under the new policy the price of metered parking could vary from 50 cents to $4 an hour, based on demand. Tumlin said that means prices for parking spots in the most crowded parts of downtown will go up from current levels but prices for spots in less crowded areas will go down. The goal is to have 85 percent of the city's parking spaces during normal hours, he said. "We hope that everything will be evened out," Tumlin said. Less than half the parking spots in some parts of downtown Oakland are used at any given time so that means "prices are way too high" there, he said. When the new policy takes effect, people who are willing to walk an extra block or two from their parking spot to their eventual destination will save money, Tumlin said. The City Council approved the changes at its meeting on Tuesday night and is expected to give final approval at its meeting on Nov. 29. Tumlin said the changes will be implemented gradually in the city's downtown, Temescal and Koreatown-Northgate areas after the city gets input from business improvement districts, neighborhood associations and other members of the public. The program will then be expanded to other parts of the city in subsequent phases, depending on the availability of additional funding, he said. The changes are based on a two-year pilot program in Oakland's Montclair neighborhood as well as similar policies instituted in San Francisco, Berkeley and Redwood City. Tumlin said the Metropolitan Transportation Commission has awarded the city a $1.3 million, three-year grant to fund the demand-based pricing initiative, which will be used to pay for staff, consultants and equipment. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) The names of three candidates for San Francisco's next chief of police have been forwarded by the Police Commission to Mayor Ed Lee for consideration, city officials said today. The commission launched a search for a new police chief in May following the resignation of former Chief Greg Suhr and the appointment of interim Chief Toney Chaplin. The department has received at least 60 applications, 11 of which came from current or former members of the Police Department, according to commission officials. Chaplin, a former head of the department's homicide detail and a key figure in department reform efforts under Suhr, was among those applying for the job and has the backing of groups including the San Francisco Police Officers Association. The new chief, when selected, will take office at a time of great change in the department. Suhr's abrupt departure following the police shooting of 29-year-old Jessica Williams came after months of protests and turmoil over similar officer-involved shootings, including the deaths of Mario Woods last December and Luis Gongora in April. Lee has said the new chief will be expected to implement the recommendations of a U.S. Department of Justice collaborative review that was launched under Suhr. The result of that review was a report released last month that found racial disparities in traffic stops and searches, problems in the handling of use of force incidents and a lack of transparency around officer discipline cases, among many other issues. The commission has chosen to keep the names of the final three candidates confidential, despite calls from some quarters to release the names. Supervisor Jane Kim today released a statement urging the mayor to release the names and invite the public to comment and participate. "In order to fully embrace community policing -- we actually need to include the community, including soliciting their input in the choice of a new chief," Kim said, arguing that other cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Phoenix, Memphis, San Antonio and Fort Worth have taken similar steps. Supervisor Norman Yee also weighed in on the chief's search Tuesday at the Board of Supervisors meeting, introducing a non-binding resolution calling for the police chief to live in San Francisco and for the city to support relocation for whoever is selected, if necessary. Dutch English Regulated Information - Inside Information 3 November 2016 at 07:00 CET Nyrstar NV ("Nyrstar" or the "Company") today announces that it has successfully completed the sale of its El Toqui mine in Chile to Laguna Gold Limited, an Australian based mining company, for a total cash consideration of USD 25 million, plus future proceeds through a price participation agreement with Laguna. As previously announced, the share purchase agreement for the sale was entered into on 27 June 2016 and had a number of customary conditions precedent that needed to be satisfied before the transaction could complete. As part of the completed sale, Nyrstar and Laguna have also entered into an off-take agreement pursuant to which Laguna will sell to Nyrstar 100% of the zinc concentrate production from El Toqui for the coming four year period and 85% of the zinc concentrate production thereafter. About Nyrstar Nyrstar is a global multi-metals business, with a market leading position in zinc and lead, and growing positions in other base and precious metals, which are essential resources that are fuelling the rapid urbanisation and industrialisation of our changing world. Nyrstar has mining, smelting, and other operations located in Europe, the Americas and Australia and employs approximately 5,000 people. Nyrstar is incorporated in Belgium and has its corporate office in Switzerland. Nyrstar is listed on Euronext Brussels under the symbol NYR. For further information please visit the Nyrstar website: www.nyrstar.com For further information contact: Anthony Simms - Group Manager Investor Relations T: +41 44 745 8157 M: +41 79 722 2152 anthony.simms@nyrstar.com Franziska Morroni - Group Manager Corporate Communications T: +41 44 745 8295 M: +41 79 719 2342 franziska.morroni@nyrstar.com The full press release can be downloaded from the following link: German English Vamorolone, a novel compound for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, holds potential to better preserve muscle function and prolong ambulation for the patient, without some of the side effects associated with glucocorticoid therapy. ALLSCHWIL, SWITZERLAND, and ROCKVILLE (MD), USA - 03 November 2016 - Actelion Ltd (SIX: ATLN) and ReveraGen BioPharma, Inc., a privately held company engaged in the discovery and development of proprietary therapeutic products for neuromuscular and inflammatory diseases, announced today that they have entered into an agreement. By this agreement, Actelion has obtained an exclusive option to in-license ReveraGen's lead compound vamorolone for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at two different stages in its development. Vamorolone is a novel compound that has the potential to preserve muscle function and prolong ambulation, without some of the known side effects associated with corticosteroids currently in use. This is important especially for very young patients with Duchenne, where glucocorticoid therapy is not appropriate due to these side effects, which include growth stunting and immune suppression. Jean-Paul Clozel, MD and Chief Executive Officer of Actelion, commented: "We have been very impressed by the pioneering work performed by Dr. Hoffman and his team at ReveraGen, and by the encouragement the development of vamorolone receives from the patient community. With our proven scientific, regulatory and marketing expertise in the area of orphan drugs, Actelion is ideally positioned to support the development of this new therapeutic approach, to benefit the boys affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and help those who care for them." Eric Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer of ReveraGen, commented: "Duchenne has been the focus of our efforts for many years, and we now have the chance to slow the progression of this devastating disease. The project has already greatly benefited from broad philanthropic support, and we are delighted with the option agreement, which will bring Actelion's scientific and commercial competencies to the table, enabling vamorolone to rapidly reach patients with Duchenne and their families." ReveraGen is pursuing parallel clinical development for vamorolone in both the US and Europe. Phase I clinical trials were completed in late 2015, funded through venture philanthropy contracts by organizations including the Muscular Dystrophy Association (USA), Joining Jack (UK), Duchenne Research Fund (UK) and Duchenne Children's Trust (UK). A Phase IIa program is currently underway and investigates the safety and efficacy of vamorolone in 4-7 year old steroid-naive boys with Duchenne (patients that have not taken prednisone or deflazacort). The DMD clinical program is being developed and run by a collaboration between the CINRG group and Newcastle University (Kate Bushby and Michela Guglieri). A Phase IIb program is in the planning stage. ### NOTES TO EDITOR: ABOUT THE AGREEMENT Actelion signed a license, collaborative development and commercialization agreement with ReveraGen BioPharma, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Delaware, US, to research and co-develop vamorolone, a non-hormonal steroid modulator primarily for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ("DMD"). To date Actelion has paid a total of USD 10 million to ReveraGen which has been expensed as R&D costs. Under the terms of the agreement Actelion will also support R&D activities up to a maximum amount of USD 1 million p.a. for the next three years. In addition, Actelion acquired an option to obtain the exclusive worldwide license rights on vamorolone at any time but not later than following the receipt of the Phase IIb study results. If the option is exercised, ReveraGen will be entitled to receive up to USD 165 million in development and regulatory milestones for the DMD indication and up to USD 190 million for three further indications depending on achievement of certain development, regulatory approval and commercialization milestones. Furthermore, Actelion will pay increasing tiered single- to double-digit royalties on the net sales of vamorolone. ABOUT VAMOROLONE Vamorolone is the first-in-human steroid-like compound that shows signs of effectively separating a number of sub-properties seen in corticosteroids. Animal models indicate that vamorolone retains sub-properties associated with efficacy (namely anti-inflammatory effects), and in addition shows new membrane stabilization and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist sub-properties, all without the growth stunting and immune suppression side effects of corticosteroids. Treatment with vamorolone in the earlier stages of DMD holds potential to better preserve muscle function than is seen currently, without some of the side effects that have limited the use of corticosteroids in very young children in particular. Vamorolone has received Orphan Drug Designation in both the US and Europe. ReveraGen is pursuing parallel clinical development for vamorolone in both the US and Europe. Phase I clinical trials have been completed in late 2015. A Phase IIa program is currently underway and investigates the safety and efficacy of vamorolone in 4-7 year old steroid-naive DMD boys (patients that have not taken prednisone or deflazacort). The DMD clinical program is being developed and run by a collaboration between the CINRG group and Newcastle University (Kate Bushby and Michela Guglieri). A Phase IIb program is in the planning stage. ABOUT DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY (DMD) Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a devastating and aggressive genetic disorder where progressive muscle wasting leads to increasing weakness, disability and early death. It is caused by a mutation of the gene which codes for dystrophin, a protein that is essential to maintain normal muscle function. If dystrophin is absent, the stability of the muscle cell membranes is reduced - the muscle cells are easily damaged and die. Duchenne is an X-linked disease, such as hemophilia and red-green color blindness. As the dystrophin gene is located on the X chromosome - of which females have two, but males only one - females have a "backup" if one of the genes is flawed, and will produce enough dystrophin to preserve muscle function. Females can however be carriers, giving the X chromosome with the mutated dystrophin gene to their sons, who will likely develop Duchenne or Becker Muscular Dystrophy, a milder form of muscular dystrophy related to Duchenne, depending on the mutation. It is estimated that approximately 1 in every 3,500 live male births is affected, with about 20,000 new cases each year worldwide. Onset typically occurs in early childhood, with early motor developmental milestones being delayed. By age four or five, mobility and movement problems like falling or trouble climbing stairs become increasingly apparent. As muscles continue to weaken, the boys begin to require increased physical support and have to use a wheelchair around the age of 7-13 years. With the disease progressing, arms, chest and neck muscles can also be affected and the heart muscle and diaphragm may weaken. By young adulthood, the condition causes premature death, mostly due to respiratory or cardiac failure resulting from extreme muscle weakness. REVERAGEN BIOPHARMA, INC. ReveraGen BioPharma, Inc. is a private pharmaceutical company, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Rockville (MD), USA. ReveraGen's single asset, vamorolone, is a proprietary compound for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Vamorolone development has progressed through venture philanthropy, partnering with government programs such as the US National Institutes of Health, European Community, and international stakeholder foundations, including The Foundation to Eradicate Duchenne, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Save Our Sons, and others. In total, approximately USD 20 million has been provided by government and stakeholders to date. ACTELION LTD Actelion Ltd. is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative drugs for diseases with significant unmet medical needs. Actelion is a leader in the field of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Our portfolio of PAH treatments covers the spectrum of disease, from WHO Functional Class (FC) II through to FC IV, with oral, inhaled and intravenous medications. Although not available in all countries, Actelion also has treatments approved by health authorities for a number of specialist diseases including Type 1 Gaucher disease, Niemann-Pick type C disease, Digital Ulcers in patients suffering from systemic sclerosis, and mycosis fungoides type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Founded in late 1997, with now over 2,500 dedicated professionals covering all key markets around the world including Europe, the US, Japan, China, Russia and Mexico, Actelion has its corporate headquarters in Allschwil / Basel, Switzerland. Actelion shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol: ATLN) as part of the Swiss blue-chip index SMI (Swiss Market Index SMI). All trademarks are legally protected. For further information, please contact: For Actelion: Andrew C. Weiss Senior Vice President, Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Gewerbestrasse 16, CH-4123 Allschwil +41 61 565 62 62 http://www.actelion.com For ReveraGen BioPharma, Inc.: Eric Hoffman Chief Executive Officer ReveraGen BioPharma, Inc., 155 Gibbs St, Suite 433, Rockville, MD, 20850 +001 301 762 7980 http://www.reveragen.com The above information contains certain "forward-looking statements", relating to the company's business, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "estimates", "believes", "expects", "may", "are expected to", "will", "will continue", "should", "would be", "seeks", "pending" or "anticipates" or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Such statements include descriptions of the company's investment and research and development programs and anticipated expenditures in connection therewith, descriptions of new products expected to be introduced by the company and anticipated customer demand for such products and products in the company's existing portfolio. Such statements reflect the current views of the company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Attachments: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5bcd1ed5-be1e-485f-a4dd-f7785898355a English French Paris, November 3, 2016 Presentation of the Trust Together strategic project Trust Together: Air France-KLM regains the offensive with a new strategic project Jean-Marc Janaillac, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air France-KLM, today unveils Trust Together, Air France-KLM's new strategic project. "With Trust Together, Air France-KLM regains the offensive with a project which is both ambitious and realistic. It will enable us to capture our share of air transport industry growth by improving the competitiveness of our businesses. With our nine strategic priorities, we shall be fighting back on every front. Our strength lies in the fact that we are challengers. The status quo is not an option. We must launch a new dynamic to return to a leadership position in our markets." said Jean-Marc Janaillac. The Air France-KLM Group's ambition is to regain the offensive to return to a leadership position in the global air transport industry: Built around major airlines - Air France and KLM - coordinating two European hubs, mainly focused on: Its long-haul network, at the heart of a network of alliances, Its medium-haul network which feeds the dual hubs. A major point-to-point player within Europe, to/from its French and Dutch home markets thanks, notably, to Transavia, the Group's low-cost vehicle. An industry reference for its customers in terms of operational efficiency, product quality and customer intimacy thanks, notably, to digital. A world leader in the airline MRO business Defending its Cargo business in support of the Passenger business. Trust Together must enable Air France-KLM to rise to three major challenges: capture its share within worldwide air transport growth, reinforce the Group's competitiveness and operational efficiency and further enhance the customer experience. The Air France-KLM Group's strategic project is based on nine strategic priorities: Regain the offensive in long haul Air France-KLM is targeting profitable growth for the long-haul operations of between 2% and 3% per year through to 2020, based on several levers: At revenue level: alliances and commercial integration with partners, together with investment in the existing tools. At cost level: ongoing measures to improve the competitiveness of Air France and KLM. Concerning Air France, the development of an additional tool - a new company - adapted to ultra-competitive markets and positioned on structurally loss-making routes, or those that have been closed in the past few years. . Deepen alliances modelled on the partnership with Delta Air France-KLM will reinforce its commercial integration with its principal partners to benefit from an expanded market position, leverage joint distribution networks and be able to offer customers a global proposition in each market. . Creation of a new company alongside Air France, which is competitive and innovative and will drive growth for the Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub This new company will constitute the Group's response to the Gulf State airlines which are developing at low production costs on key markets where Air France-KLM is pursuing its growth ambition. This initiative to regain market share has been dubbed Boost. It will be focused on ultra-competitive markets and will enable the Group to go on the offensive by opening new routes, re-opening routes closed due to their lack of profitability and maintaining routes under threat. This new company will propose a simple, modern and innovative offer, whose positioning will not be low cost. It will offer its customers business and leisure destinations with standards comparable to those of Air France in terms of product quality and the professionalism of the crews. The new company will also serve as a laboratory for the Group's innovative ability in terms of products, digital and technology, catering, cabin design, services and the customer experience, as well as for working methods. It will number 10 long-haul aircraft by 2020 with some 30% of operations focused on newly-created routes. It will operate with Air France pilots on a volunteer basis at work conditions adapted to its competitive positioning. For cabin crews, an independent career path will be created to enable this new company to be operated at the level of market costs. The ground operations, handled by Air France, will also be optimized by benefiting to the maximum from digitalization. The HR framework for this new company will be negotiated with the unions in the coming weeks. Improve the efficiency and connectivity of the hubs The Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol hubs play a central role in the strategy of Air France-KLM and its partners. The Group is going to strengthen the measures aimed at improving their operational efficiency and supporting the economic performance of the long and medium-haul operations to/from the hubs. The Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub will also gain renewed dynamism, within the framework of the Boost initiative, through the launch of the new company on the medium-haul network with a simple, modern and innovative offer. The Amsterdam-Schiphol hub will be reinforced by closer coordination between Transavia and KLM, particularly in terms of investment in the fleet and the development of the network and new joint commercial approaches. Develop the point-to-point markets on departure from the French and Dutch home markets The point-to-point operations, i.e. the short- and medium-haul flights without connections in a Group hub, are currently operated by Transavia, HOP! Air France, Air France and KLM. The priority for Transavia, the Group's low-cost airline, will be growth in its French and Dutch home markets. In France, Transavia will reinforce its position on some routes to compete with the TGV and the low cost carriers, and will develop its European routes on departure from Orly and the provinces. Commercial coordination between Transavia and the Group's other airlines (HOP! Air France, Air France and KLM) will be stepped up to expand the offer to customers. The Group will rationalize its brands and optimize its networks in the French market. Starting from 2017, HOP! Air France and Transavia will be the only two brands in point-to-point. Concerning the ground operations at Paris-Orly and the French stations, Air France will redefine an operational model on a station-by-station basis, to reconcile changes in the professions and activity. Strengthen the growth of the maintenance business Air France-KLM will continue its investment in this high-growth market to reinforce its global number two position and improve the efficiency of its production tools. From this perspective, the Group will launch a review of this business' industrial model, examining its potential corporatization, knowing that Air France-KLM wishes to retain exclusive control. Defend the Cargo business in support of the Passenger activities To seize opportunities in the air freight market, Air France-KLM will continue to rescale its activity focused on the utilization of long and medium-haul aircraft bellies. The Group will put the emphasis on digitalization and the steamlining of processes, and on a high level of service quality. Reinforce competitiveness and the utilization of aircraft To improve its competitiveness, the Group plans to act on all levels by pursuing and amplifying the initiatives already under way in terms of unit cost reduction. Air France-KLM will focus its efforts on reducing fleet costs by optimizing the utilization of its aircraft. Further develop the customer relationship to create more value Air France-KLM is looking to differentiate itself via investment in digital tools, a more personalized service for customers and a move up market. The Group will thus amplify its customer-focused action plans: Personalization of the customer experience and relationship thanks to Big Data, An ongoing move up market for products and services - with, for example, a new uniform for Air France and Hop! Air France by 2018-2019, Improvement in the operational efficiency of its airlines. Optimize organizational structures and gain agility to facilitate the initiatives and accelerate innovation The work in progress on organizational optimization and functioning modes will be pursued and intensified. Air France plans to launch a new HR ambition for employees, in the form of a commitment to greater recognition, career development, empowerment, innovation and internal cohesion, across all staff categories, accompanied by concrete action plans. The implementation of digital tools for Air France-KLM employees and the digitalization of processes will be accelerated to facilitate collaborative working across the Group and gain agility. Pursue lobbying initiatives in Europe and France directed at more equitable competition The Group will pursue its lobbying initiatives at European level to establish equitable competition with the Gulf State and low-cost carriers and, at French level, reduce the structural lag in competitiveness due to higher taxes and fees. The implementation of Trust Together must guarantee Air France-KLM's financial flexibility Air France-KLM must pursue efforts to improve its competitiveness, by confirming the Perform 2020 competitiveness objectives and by improving the cost of fleet utilization and financing. The unit cost reduction target for the 2017-2020 period is in excess of 1.5% per annum. The Group will also maintain strict capex discipline, by targeting annual positive free cash-flow before disposals and by limiting its investment. For 2017 and 2018, the capex forecast is between 1.7bn and 2.2bn per year. Deleveraging will remain the priority, with a mid-cycle adjusted net debt/EBITDAR ratio target of below 2.5x at the end of 2020. With this ambitious project, by 2020 the Air France-KLM Group aims to reach: Revenues of around 28 billion (depending on the trend in RASK); For 100 million passengers carried; With a fleet reaching 435 aircraft (excluding regional aircraft). Investor relations Press Marie-Agnes de Peslouan Tel : +33 1 41 56 56 00 Head of Investor Relations Tel : +33 1 49 89 52 59 Email: madepeslouan@airfranceklm.com Website: www.airfranceklm-finance.com Dirk Voermans Senior manager, Investor Relations Tel : +33 1 49 89 52 60 Email: divoermans@airfranceklm.com Finnish English SAMPO PLC PRESS RELEASE 3 November 2016 at 2:10 pm Letter sent to owners of the shares on Sampo's joint book-entry account Sampo plc has today sent the attached letter to shareholders who have not yet registered their Sampo shares into a book-entry account. The letters were sent to private persons who were registered as shareholders on Sampo's shareholders' register dated on 12 September 1997. Sampo aims at reaching as many holders of Sampo plc's old share certificates as possible in order to have their shares registered into the book-entry system. The shareholders are contacted because, in accordance with Section 10 (2) of Chapter 4 of the Finnish Companies Act, Sampo plc's General Meeting may on 27 April 2017 resolve on the forfeiture of the shareholder rights related to the so-called unclaimed shares on the joint book-entry account. Sampo plc joined the book-entry system on 12 September 1997. Approximately 1.2 per cent of Sampo shares have not been registered into the book-entry system. SAMPO PLC Shareholder Services Further information: Shareholder Services tel. +358 10 516 0051 osakaspalvelut@sampo.fi Distribution: The principal media www.sampo.com CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GCP Applied Technologies (NYSE:GCP), formerly part of W.R. Grace, is pleased to announce that its flagship product, Ice & Water Shield self-adhered roofing underlayment and latest residential building envelope innovation, Vycor enV-S self-adhered weather resistive barrier, were used in the renovation of the This Old House Arts & Crafts project airing now on PBS (check local listings). We are proud to work with the This Old House crew on another unique home project, said Sonya Santos, Director of Marketing for GCPs Residential Building Materials business. It is one of our greatest honors to have our Ice & Water Shield, which has been trusted for nearly 40 years, used by such a highly trusted brand and team of respected home renovation experts. The new This Old House episodes feature the renovation of an Arts & Crafts home in Arlington, Massachusetts. Original Grace Ice & Water Shield was used on the roof of the Arlington home to protect it from extreme weather such as wind-driven rain and ice dams. The underlayment seals around the fasteners used to attach the shingles, which helps prevent water build up from leaking into the house. Ice & Water Shield also sticks to the roof deck so that water may not travel under the underlayment and enter the house via a vulnerable roof deck joint. The episode that includes Ice & Water Shield is titled "To Paint or Not to Paint," number 1507/3607 and airs on PBS beginning November 10, 2016 (check local listings). The This Old House crew also selected our advanced weather barrier, Vycor enV-S, an advanced alternative to house wrap. This weather resistive barrier represents the latest in residential building science to create an air-tight, yet breathable home, and achieve the highest product performance available, said Sonya Santos. The well-respected Oak Ridge National Lab tested and evaluated the annual savings potential of Vycor enV-S membrane compared to traditional house wrap. Vycor enV-S weather resistive barrier boasts an air leakage rate 7 times lower than the leading house wrap brand. The Oak Ridge Lab also found that using this new and advanced membrane can provide significant energy savings for homeowners in all regions of the United States. The new This Old House Season 37 episodes air nationally on PBS. To find out exactly when an episode will air in your area, check your local listings here. Episodes also stream digitally at thisoldhouse.com/watchtoh. About GCP Applied Technologies Inc. Through applied knowledge and service excellence, GCP Applied Technologies (NYSE:GCP) provides premier specialty construction chemicals and specialty building materials for many of the worlds most renowned structures, and packaging technologies for the best-known consumer brands, delivering results for all our customers. With customers in 110 countries, operations on six continents, and a team of approximately 2,850 employees, GCP Applied Technologies had 2015 net sales of US $1.4 billion. Formerly part of the W.R. Grace & Co. group, GCP Applied Technologies Inc. became a NYSE-listed company in February 2016, headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. More information is available at GCPAT.com. ALEXANDRIA, VA, Nov. 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SynGlyphX, the leading provider of 3D interactive data visualization and discovery technology, announced today that it will participate in design thinking classes as a part of the United States Air Force Academys (USAFA) CyberWorx Project. Cadets participating in the CyberWorx project will focus on the design thinking approach to explore how to present tailored cyber risk information to commanders at various levels of war. SynGlyphX is one of only a handful of companies invited to join an industry cohort that will work in peer to peer groups with cadets in hands on tech collaboration. The invitation is one of a series of invitations to participate in elite Federal Government programs. SynGlyphX will work weekly with cadet teams throughout the USAFA fall semester. We are very excited to participate in the CyberWorx project, said Mark Sloan, CEO and Co-founder of SynGlyphX. We focus on helping analysts get from data to insights faster. SynGlyphX software transforms data, of any type, into a visual environment that helps the user to easily understand a vast array of information at a glance. Analysts can simultaneously see spatial, temporal, and relational data in an integrated environment. We are elated to work with the USAFA to share and explore ideas of data visualization, design thinking and analysis. USAFA cadets will explore and learn how the visual representation of complex data as glyphs enables commanders and analysts to comprehend and act on vast amounts of data faster than other forms of data visualization. SynGlyphX will work closely with cadets and five other industry leaders in collaborative, peer to peer, work groups to create innovative processes for cyber analysis. C-TRAC recognizes the value of SynGlyphX expertise in data visualization and selected them to bring these unique perspectives to the Air Force and CyberWorx for this fall term, states managing director of C-TRAC, Erin Miller. SynGlyphX understands how the mind assimilates and processes complex data. Its unique approach to interactive visualization technology is enhanced by Perceptual Engineering -- the optimal design of a visual environment to enable the user to more efficiently interact with and synthesize complex data sets. This approach is supported by decades of academic and government-funded research on how the mind best understands and processes complex data. Government CIO Outlook has ranked SynGlyphX among the Top 10 Big Data Solution Providers 2016. Read about SynGlyphX here: http://www.govciooutlook.com/vendor/article3/SynGlyphX About SynGlyphX Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, U.S., SynGlyphX is transforming the way the world interacts with data for discovery and insight. With superior technology, perceptual engineering and knowledgeable staff, it offers its customers the ability to assimilate massive amounts of data in a single computer screen, allowing user to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies and ultimately transform data to knowledge faster. For more info: http://www.SynGlyphX.com/ FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VPR brands LP (OTC:VPRB) is proud to announce its participation in the 2016 Harold Levinson Associates (HLA) fall buying show. The show is taking place today, November 3rd 2016, we are showcasing two of our top selling product lines Vaporin and Helium to HLA customers. Vaporin brand (vaporin.com) is a high quality but affordable entry-level range of Vaporizers and eliquid sold in smoke shops, convenience stores and gas stations. Helium brand (vapehelium.com) is the very first premium eliquid to be sold chilled, to stay fresh, in its unique custom counter top display chiller. "HLA has been a valued distribution partner for our company and we look forward to participating in their trade show and having the opportunity to interact directly with their sales staff and valued customers," says Dawn Kershaw, national sales manager for VPR Brands, LP Harold Levinson Associates (HLA) is one of the nation's largest full line convenience store distributors in the USA. Occupying a 22-acre site in Farmingdale, NY, HLA has over 525 dedicated employees who work out of their new 600,000-square foot facility and 150 Sales Professionals on the street with over 100 trucks in their fleet and services over 22,000 c-stores. VPR Brands is a technology holding company, whose assets include issued U.S. and Chinese patents for atomization related products including technology for medical marijuana vaporizers and electronic cigarette products and components. The company is also engaged in product development for the vapor or vaping market, including e-liquids. Electronic cigarettes (also known as ecigs) are devices which deliver nicotine through atomization or vaping of e-liquids and without smoke and other chemicals constituents typically found in traditional tobacco burning cigarette products. This news release contains statements that involve expectations, plans or intentions, and other factors discussed from time to time in the Companys Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These statements are forward-looking and are subject to risks and uncertainties, so actual results may vary materially. The company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The company disclaims any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. FORM 8.3 PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code") 1. KEY INFORMATION (a) Full name of discloser: Majedie Asset Management Limited (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree DIAMONDCORP PLC (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 02 November 2016 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" No 2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security. (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any) Class of relevant security: 0.01P Ordinary Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 37,123,138 7.75 (2) Cash-settled derivatives: (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: TOTAL: 37,123,138 7.75 Class of relevant security: Senior Secured UK Bonds 14 December 2018 Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,554,095 77.17 (2) Cash-settled derivatives: (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: TOTAL: 1,554,095 77.17 All interests and all short positions should be disclosed. Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions). (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options) Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages: 3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1, copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in. The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated. Purchases and sales Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit 0.01P Ordinary Sale 5,000,000 2.1 (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options) (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit (ii) Exercise Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities) Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable) 4. OTHER INFORMATION (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" None (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" None (c) Attachments Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? No Date of disclosure: 3 November 2016 Contact name: Matthew Hambly Telephone number: 020 7618 3903 Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service and must also be emailed to the Takeover Panel at monitoring@disclosure.org.uk. The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129. The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. One lesson of this California election is already clear: Dont dismiss apocalyptic warnings from Stockton. If you have a television, youre encountering a barrage of ill-advised Stockton dismissals. Gov. Jerry Brown, labor unions and Sacramento infrastructure lobbies are trying to defeat a November ballot initiative Proposition 53, which would require voter approval for state revenue bonds of $2 billion by marginalizing it as the flawed idea of a rich, selfish Stockton farmer. This messaging turns out to be doubly wrong, as I learned on a recent visit to Stockton. For one thing, Stockton farmer badly underestimates the man in question, Dino Cortopassi, a formidable businessman with a taste for taking on difficult fights. For another, the political message trivializes the real trauma in the city of 300,000 as it struggles through the aftermath of municipal bankruptcy. Cortopassi grew up on Stocktons east side and has spent his life in the area, despite amassing a multimillion-dollar fortune that would allow him to move anywhere he desired. Hes also all too familiar with debt. He started as a tenant farmer, borrowing heavily to buy equipment and to farm as much land as he could, and then plowing the profits into expansion. I was in debt a long part of my life, he told me. Debt never goes away. So when you borrow, dont forget you have to pay it back. Cortopassi, 79, got ahead by specializing in headache crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers and onions which require more labor and attention and carry greater risk. While he identifies himself as a farmer, much of his business was in food processing. He was an early adopter of new technologies, a talented marketer, and a savvy investor (notably in Dreyers Ice Cream). His combativeness also distinguished him: He waged big fights against larger food companies and powerful unions. In recent years, Cortopassi watched, with fury, as his hometown fell into bankruptcy. The Stockton story is a convoluted tale of a city accumulating all sorts of debts, without recognizing the risks. First, the housing market collapse crushed overextended Stockton homeowners and the city budget. The city had little cushion because it had borrowed aggressively to pay for public buildings, an arena and downtown improvements. The final straw was a bond Stockton sold in 2007, just before the financial crisis, to cover employee pensions. As a result, basic services were cut, including policing in one of the countrys most violent cities. Cortopassi says he is frustrated by how, despite the fiscal carnage, public borrowing has continued apace. So he started issuing warnings in interviews, in a pamphlet called Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire! and in newspaper ads about the Sacramento gang that keeps adding to the Debt Dragon. Cortopassi can be bombastic. During our half day together, Cortopassi yelled at me when I argued with him about the numbers he uses on state debt. But, beyond the bluster, I found him to be quite thoughtful. Prop. 53 reflects Cortopassis strategic impulses. It might seem like a broadside against one mode of borrowing a requirement for voter approval of state revenue bonds that have a clear source of funds to pay them back (like tolls for a bridge). But the initiative is actually a political document full of exemptions for local governments, and with a requirement so high only bonds of $2 billion or more would require voter approval that it would be an obstacle to only two current projects: high-speed rail and the proposed Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta water tunnels. Those projects face so much opposition, both may die whether Prop. 53 passes or not. Cortopassi has business interests in the delta, so the No on 53 campaign has argued that hes acting to serve himself. Cortopassi acknowledges his fervent opposition to the tunnels but says his delta interests amount to less than 5 percent of his empire. When pressed, Cortopassi said that Prop. 53, like any ballot initiative, cant do everything. His goal for the measure is to win a victory at the polls that forces a further reckoning with debt. Whatever you think of Prop. 53 (and I remain skeptical), Cortopassis larger point is inarguable: California governments have taken on too many different forms of debt without facing up to the consequences. In his writings, Cortopassi shows how debt already cuts into vital public services. He writes about how the states prison realignment has created financial burdens for cities; about how water bonds are often corrupt efforts to secure money for the favored projects of the measures sponsors; about the $60 billion-plus in deferred maintenance on state roads; and especially about the billions in unfunded pension liabilities. We act like we dont have to pay debt back, he says. If youre from Stockton, you know better. Joe Mathews writes the Connecting California column for Zocalo Public Square. To comment, submit your letter to the editor at http://bit.ly/SFChroniceletters. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Local chef and restaurateur Michael Chiarello was arrested Wednesday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance, officials said. Chiarello was pulled over and arrested by a California Highway Patrol officer at 3:27 a.m. at Yountville Cross Road and Silverado Trail near Yountville, officials said. He was booked at 4:46 a.m. in Napa County Jail and released at 7:28 a.m. after posting $5,000 bail. When contacted on Wednesday, Chiarello declined to comment. On Thursday, his spokesman Terry Fahn released a statement saying that Chiarello disputes the charges. Although he is embarrassed and apologizes to his family, friends and business colleagues about this occurrence, he intends to vigorously challenge the misdemeanor charges filed against him, the statement read. The 54-year-old Chiarello owns Bottega in downtown Yountville, about 2 miles from where he was arrested, and Coqueta in San Francisco. Over the past decade, he has been a frequent television presence on Food Network and Bravo. Driving a black 2015 Porsche Boxster, Chiarello told the arresting officer that he was coming from Yountville, said Officer Marc Renspurger, a CHP spokesman. He said he couldnt confirm whether the celebrity chef was coming from Bottega. Renspurger also said he couldnt immediately identify the type of drug officers discovered on Chiarello, citing the ongoing investigation. The arrest, first reported by Eater, comes on the heels of a high-profile lawsuit this year involving Chiarello. In that lawsuit, filed in March, two former servers at Coqueta accused Chiarello of sexual harassment, failure to prevent harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and unfair business practices. Also named in the suit were Coqueta chef Dominick Maietta, general manager Mirko Galliani and assistant general manager Marc Peyer. The suit alleged the Coqueta chefs and managers engaged in a pattern and practice of inappropriate sexual comments, touching and other sex-related abuse. At the time, Chiarellos spokesman called the allegations unfounded and against his core beliefs. The case was settled Tuesday, according to public documents, though neither the plaintiffs attorneys nor Fahn would comment on the matter. Paolo Lucchesi is The San Francisco Chronicles food and wine editor. Email: plucchesi@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @lucchesi MILAN Survivors say as many as 240 people have died in two shipwrecks off Libya, the U.N. refugee agency reported Thursday, bringing this years toll to more than 4,220 refugees dead or missing in risky Mediterranean Sea crossings, the highest count on record. Carlotta Sami, a UNHCR spokeswoman in Italy, said 31 survivors of two shipwrecks who arrived on the southern Italian island of Lampedusa reported that the rubber dinghies they were traveling in had capsized Wednesday in heavy seas shortly after leaving Libya. The first dinghy which carried around 140 people, including six children and about 20 women, some pregnant sank when wooden planks laid at the bottom broke, causing the dinghy to capsize 25 miles off the Libyan coast, the UNHCR said. Twenty-nine people were rescued, and 12 bodies were recovered. In a separate operation, two women found swimming at sea told rescuers that 128 other people had died in their wreck. International agencies rely heavily on survivor accounts to tally the number of people dead or missing in the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean in smugglers boats. Often the boats sink in high seas, where it is difficult if not impossible to recover any bodies. In both cases reported Thursday, most people on board appeared to have been sub-Saharan Africans. UNHCR said the increased number of deaths this year is partly due to the fact that smugglers are often using rubber dinghies, which are prone to deflating, capsizing and losing people who fall overboard. In addition, more refugees are arriving with severe burns from being exposed to fuel mixed with sea water in the bottom of the dinghies. Smugglers are using rubber dinghies because they are cheaper and easier to obtain. According to the International Organization for Migration, 3,777 people were dead or missing as they tried to cross the Mediterranean last year, the previous high. Also Thursday, the last residents of a sprawling refugee camp in the French port city of Calais were evacuated on Thursday 291 women and children transferred to family centers around France. The departure completed a relocation of nearly 7,000 people in 11 days. JERUSALEM Political newcomer Yair Lapid believes he has finally found a formula that will allow him to do something that has eluded Israeli politicians for nearly a decade: defeat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an election. Just three years after Lapid gave up a successful media career for the rough-and-tumble of Israeli politics, his centrist Yesh Atid party has been surging in opinion polls repeatedly coming out ahead of Netanyahus long-dominant Likud Party. Although elections are not scheduled until 2019, few Israeli governments last for their full terms. Lapid attributed his recent success to hard work by his partys lawmakers and the appeal of a moderate party in a country that has been pushed to extremes. The concept of a center party, of people who are pragmatic and moderate and look for solutions, instead of sticking to extreme ideologies, is more and more appealing, at least in this country, he said. Netanyahu presides over a hard-line coalition that is dominated by nationalist allies of the West Bank settler movement. Now in his third consecutive term, Netanyahu remains in control as long as key partners maintain the coalition. But he and his allies are under tremendous pressure from powerful groups in Israel that bitterly oppose the government sustaining a siege atmosphere and sense of constant peril in government circles. Among the contentious issues are policies that appear to be aimed at stifling dovish critics. Peace efforts with the Palestinians have been frozen for years, while settlement construction in occupied territories has steamed ahead leading to repeated run-ins with the United States and other key allies. At home, Netanyahu is heading into a stormy winter parliamentary session that will tackle a series of issues that each could threaten his coalition from within. The government faces a court-ordered Dec. 25 deadline to evacuate an illegal West Bank outpost over the objections of key coalition partners and a state watchdog agency is set to issue a potentially damaging report on the governments handling of a 2014 war in the Gaza Strip. But the most galvanizing issue for Netanyahus rivals is the sense that the countrys liberal democracy is under assault. An example of that is Netanyahus contentious plan to reform the state-run broadcast authority that critics say is aimed at increasing his control of local media. A former author, columnist, news anchor and bank pitchman, Lapid burst onto the political scene in 2013, leading his newfound party to a surprisingly strong showing in elections. 1 Iceland government: President Gudni Th. Johannessson asked the center-right Independence Party Wednesday to form a government after it won the biggest share of votes in the countrys election. He said said giving a mandate to Independence Party chairman Bjarni Benediktsson was the most viable option for getting a stable government for the Atlantic island nation. The election saw voters reject the Progressive Party tainted by Panama Papers revelations about accounts in offshore tax havens and boost the votes for the Left-Green Movement and the antiauthoritarian Pirate Party. 2 Pipeline bombing: A community leader says militants have bombed Nigerias state-owned Trans Forcados oil pipeline. Batan community leader Dickson Ogugu says the militants attacked Tuesday night, hours after President Muhammadu Buhari held talks with leaders from the oil-producing Niger Delta aimed at halting such sabotage. No group has claimed responsibility. But the Niger Delta Green Land Justice Mandate threatened last week to blow up the pipeline to show its displeasure that the talks included none of its representatives. The Trans Forcados pipeline was bombed in July and resumed operations two days ago. DENVER, Nov. 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Native Rank, Inc. today announced that it has been selected as a candidate for Red Herring's 2016 Top 100 Global award, a prestigious recognition honoring the years most audacious and far-reaching private technology companies and entrepreneurs from across the globe. The Red Herring editorial team selected the companies demonstrating the most innovative technologies and business models originating from over 1,000 companies from more than 40 nations. These companies, representing past Red Herring Asia, Europe and North America award winners in their respective regions, are judged on a range of qualitative and quantitative metrics, including but not limited to, technology innovation, financial performance, growth criterion, management's execution standards, potential globalization of the strategy, and market share improvement. In today's economies, the unrivaled technology ubiquity is not only disrupting how we work but also how we live and think. The vast amount of data and intellectual property combined with the innovation and disruption created by todays entrepreneurs is touching every sector. More than 300 startups are striving in the construction field alone. The 2016 Red Herring nominees have proven that while some will worry about a bubble, there is no pause in innovation any time soon. And nothing must be taken for granted in this electoral year, said Red Herring CEO, Alex Vieux. Speed, creativity and unconventional business models are constantly shifting investors' thesis and users' behavior - both are demanding more, not less, from entrepreneurs. An unprecedented number of entrepreneurs are jumping ahead of the competition and making a difference. Constant breakthroughs make recent developments obsolete faster than ever before. In light of everything Native Rank, Inc. is performing exceptionally well in its field and deserves to be singled out as one of the Red Herring Global finalists. At this stage, we are left with the daunting task to select the best qualified companies for the 2016 Top 100 Global Award." The finalists are invited to present their winning strategies at the Red Herring Global forum in Los Angeles, November 15 to 17. The Top 100 winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on November 17. About Native Rank Founded in 2010, Native Rank is a performance-driven digital marketing company with a history for generating great results in an array of industries across the globe. With services in both local and national SEO, PPC, web design, social media, and more, Native Ranks ambition to be the worlds most innovative, customer-centric, and comprehensive digital marketing company is second to none, as exemplified by their recent alliance with Google as an AdWords Premier Partner. By achieving this milestone, Native Rank has proven to be an industry leader in meeting and exceeding the highest standards of clients advertising experiences and expectations. The customer transparency and rapport they possess, the high-performance local and national campaigns they execute, and the expertise they have in more than generating traffic towards your business, but also accruing you actual customers has set the benchmark for the digital marketing industry. About Red Herring Red Herring is a global media company that unites the worlds best high-technology innovators, venture investors and business decision-makers in a variety of forums, including print, online and exclusive events worldwide. Red Herring provides an insiders access to the global innovation economy, identifying new and innovative technology companies and entrepreneurs. Its Red Herring 100 awards for North America, Europe, Asia and Global have recognized more than 5,000 companies in their early stages, including Baidu, Google, eBay and Skype. For more information, please go to: http://www.redherring.com/events/ Pence Rallies Las Cruces Crowd Republican vice presidential candidate on Wednesday. He told supporters he thinks New Mexico is coming together for the Trump ticket. A new shows Trump and Clinton essentially tied a week before the election. Timing of Audit's Release Questioned Justin Horwath reports, Just six days before the election, Democratic State Auditor Tim Keller in how the town of Estancia handled $1.6 million in taxpayers money. Students Sign Anti-Gun Violence Pledge New Mexico had the eighth-worst firearm death rate in the country in 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions most recent data, and by signing anti-gun violence pledges for the third year in a row. Johnson Criticized for Missing Mark Despite his gaffes, Gary Johnson insists its been a banner year for the Libertarian Party. Others complain the former New Mexico governors presidential campaign this election cycle. State Agency Budget Director Busted for Computer Theft Andrew Oxford reports that the budget director for the states Game and Fish Department was arrested by New Mexico State Police on Tuesday. Kelly Muniz from the Department of Health, where she worked previously. Drillers Allowed to 'Skip' State Rent Payments So the New Mexico State Land Office has decided to let some struggling oil and gas producers and they start drilling again. Thanksgiving Travel Expected to be Busy If youre planning to fly during the crowded Thanksgiving holiday, you can and fuller flights. Travel experts estimate holiday travel will be up 2.5 percent this year. Cubs Comeback Complete The Chicago Cubs finally won the World Series again by , 8-7. The team last took the title in 1908. The Cubs, who won 103 games this year, are also the first team to come back from a 3-1 series deficit since the Kansas City Royals did it in 1985. The Indians havent won the series since 1948. Santa Fe Reporter Jenke insists that Ultra Health never intended for the booth display to be considered a new or alternative production facility and that the plant was "secured, guarded and controlled by our licensed personnel at all times." In her October 12 response letter, Jenke writes that Ultra Health "acted in good faith with full disclosure," adding that the company received a full refund from fair administrators. Jenke's letter also reveals that Vigil never contacted the company to ask questions or inquire about the booth's preapproved status before handing out the disciplinary action. That upsets Jenke. She says the proposed punishment is inconsistent with any sanctions ever imposed by the Medical Cannabis Program. In fact, documents obtained through a public records request show that other growers caught violating program rules have simply had to provide the regulators formal corrective action plans. New MexiCann Natural Medicine, a Santa Fe dispensary, however, did receive a $13,000 fine from OSHA following a gas explosion that seriously injured two employees, but no monetary sanction from the health department and was prohibited from using gas extraction methods to manufacture cannabis products for 12 months. Duke Rodriguez, the president of the Ultra Health's shared management company, tells SFR he thinks the unprecedented punishment is retaliation for a lawsuit the company jointly filed in August with Nicole Sena, the mother of an infant patient, challenging the department's 450-plant cap limitation. Rodriguez says the seedling taken to the fair from a greenhouse in Bernalillo amounted to less than one percent of the company's 450-plant total. "There is no way that this constituted a substantial change to Ultra Health's production or distribution plans," says Rodriguez. "The Department of Health has run roughshod over the cannabis program with rules detrimental to patient care, delaying cards, excessive taxes and fees, low plant counts, historical and continuous adequate supply issues and now threatened sanctions." If the department's sanction sticks it could cost the provider substantially more than a $100 fine. Rodriguez estimates Ultra Health stands to lose around $100,000 in total sales by shutting down all six of its New Mexico dispensaries for nearly a week. The long-term impact could be even bigger as loyal customers seek alternative providers during the shutdown. Roger Posey, a Hobbs resident, who uses cannabis to treat his post-traumatic stress disorder, tells SFR via a telephone interview that if Ultra Health is forced to shutter its dispensary he will probably turn to street dealers. I need the medical grade we get here at Ultra Health. On the street, you never know what people are putting into it, says Posey, adding that driving 192 miles to the next closest dispensary in Ruidoso is out of the question. Another dispensary in Hobbs is only open a few hours a day. Health department spokesman Paul Rhien contends patients will not lose access to medicine because of this disciplinary action. The health department has retained Albuquerque attorney Craig Erickson to hear both sides of the issue at a closed-door meeting on Nov. 30. His recommendation is nonbinding. Instead, acting Secretary of Health Lynn Gallagher makes the final decision to uphold or deny the disciplinary action. In the meantime, Ultra Health is planning to return to Expo New Mexico and Tingley Coliseum next spring as the title sponsor of the annual Gathering of Nations. WOOT! Santa Fe represent! SantaCafes executive chef Fernando Ruiz won fame, glory and $10,000 this week on the Food Networks Chopped show (he's second from the left). Heres a great story about him in the Arizona Republic, connecting Ruiz and his passion for cooking to the time he spent in Sheriff Joe Arpaios Maricopa County Tent City. "I cannot believe I won Chopped," he said as he reflected on his long journey. "Seventeen years ago I would have probably ended up in prison or dead. Now it's a totally different story, Ruiz said when the judges revealed hed won. GREAT STORY! La Boca (72 W Marcy St.) is having a Sherry dinner this Saturday night. I hear you. You're like: "Sherry? That's for little old ladies to sip while darning socks!" No, no it is not. Campbell Caruso pairs six courses with six sherries from Lustau ($95). Check it out for a very cool introduction (or re-introduction) to this venerable Spanish wine that pairs incredibly well with La Boca's food (like this blood sausage with peaches on the right). Call 982-3433 for reservations. Put this on your calendar: Buffalo Thunder is hosting a Margarita Festival Nov. 19 from noon-5 pm. Do you need to drink more margaritas? Yes, yes you do. Plus this is drinking for charity. My favorite. A $20 ticket includes tequila tastings, margarita sampling and food tastings. The Food Depot gets 25 percent of the ticket proceeds. Bring three 10-ounce cans of non-perishable food and you get a commemorative t-shirt. Next week Sara Moulton is teaching some cooking classes at Las Cosas Kitchen Shoppe. You know her from her PBS show Sara's Weeknight Meals, from her tenure at Good Morning America or her time at Gourmet Magazine. She's here promoting her most recent book, Sara Moulton's Home Cooking 101: How To Make Everything Taste Better. She'll be demonstrating a tomato paella soup, fusilli with Italian sausage and bananas Foster crepes on Friday, Nov. 11 from 6-8 pm ($80). On Saturday, Nov 12 from 10 am-noon she'll demo Korean chicken noodle soup, Greek omelet souffle and the bananas Foster crepes ($80). After that class she'll sign copies of the book that you buy at Las Cosas. The signing is open to the public. Call 988-3394 to register for the classes. There's a new Middle Eastern restaurant on Canyon Road. Milad Persian Bistro is scheduled to open to the public on Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. The location at 802 Canyon Road has hosted several other restaurants. Call (505) 303-3581 for more information. Need a gift for the friend who's watching your dog for two weeks over the holiday? Or for the neighbor who brings your paper up to the porch when it rains unexpectedly? Or for the cousin who hosts Thanksgiving every year so you don't have to? Modern General is making some really cool gift buckets. I like the Craft Cocktail version, which comes with Mess Hall cocktail cherries, Dram Apothecary bitters, some bar tools and a choice of cocktail books ($90). The Foodie Bucket ($60) has spicy granola, Fool's Gold local honey, Cuvee Coffee, a jar of MG cinnamon turmeric paste (for making golden milk) and a bag of MG gluten-free ginger cookies. A fancier version of the bucket ($125) includes a pair of handmade mugs by local artist Douglas Hough. To place an order Call 204-8223 or email info@moderngeneralnm.com. What news do you want to see in this newsletter? We want to hear from you! Let us know! Email thefork@sfreporter.com Santa Fe Reporter NZX has sold the Clear Grain Exchange to the operation's head, Nathan Cattle, for an undisclosed sum, exiting a business that's incurred multi-million dollar legal costs over a dispute with the previous owners. The terms of the sale are confidential, but not material to group earnings, and the deal is scheduled to complete on Dec. 1, the Wellington-based company said in a statement. The grain exchange was valued at $1.3 million as at Dec. 31. The stock market operator announced the sale as part of an overhaul to its agri division, which has been a drag on the group over the past year, with the unit's earning slumping 37 percent to $291,000 in the first half of the year. NZX has already sold the Country-Wide and Dairy Exporter magazines to its current head of agri business, Tony Leggett, which completed on Nov. 1, leaving it with its agricultural data business and the Farmer Weekly publication. "As a result of these sales, NZX's agri business is now predominantly focused on data and analytics, which is an attractive business in its own right, and continues to provide valuable information to support and develop agricultural commodity products," NZX said. "These businesses are now being restructured into a single trans-Tasman business and NZX is recruiting for a new head for that business to drive growth across these activities." NZX's 2009 acquisition of the Clear Grain Exchange for A$6.9 million upfront and the prospect of A$7 million in earn-outs ended up a dud for the stock market operator after the unit didn't meet expectations and created an acrimonious split with the vendors, who were still involved with the business. That relationship deteriorated to the point where both parties sued each other, dragging on for several years before finally reaching the High Court earlier this year in a months-long hearing. The agri restructure comes as chief executive Tim Bennett nears the end of his tenure on Dec. 31, having led the company since mid-2012. NZX shares last traded at $1.02, and have declined 4.7 percent this year. BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: AIA - Auckland Airport announces executive team change South Port NZ Ltd - 2022 Annual Meeting ENS - Rights Issue Offer Document NZK - Resignation of NZKS Chief Executive SML - Executive Leadership Team appointment SCL - Meateor and Fayman Settlement & Market Update November 1st Morning Report NZME Investor Day 2022 Virtual Event SPG - Changes to Executive Team HGH - Details for the Heartland 2022 Annual Shareholder Meeting The government's Resource Management Act reforms face further delay, with Environment Minister Nick Smith conceding for the first time the risk that delays will prevent their passage before Christmas. In comments to BusinessDesk, Smith conceded it could now be February before the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill can be passed into law. The bill is due back in Parliament on next Monday after 11 months and three deadline extensions for the local government and environment select committee, after Opposition MPs refused to grant a further extension of time for flagship reforms that foundered after the government failed to find a parliamentary majority for them among its support parties. However, Smith told BusinessDesk this evening that the government would move a non-debatable motion in Parliament sending the bill back to the select committee to complete its deliberations. Asked whether that would allow enough time for the bill to pass into law before Christmas, as Prime Minister John Key was confident it would as recently as Monday this week, Smith said: "It's tight. I'm not guaranteeing it can be done, but what the select committee is saying is we could get it back in December and get it through. "I remain confident it will be passed in December or February." The chair of the local government and environment select committee chair, Scott Simpson, told Parliament at Question Time that the committee "continues its work" ... "and has yet to complete its work". Labour MP David Parker told BusinessDesk the committee would not be furnishing any report when the bill returned to the House on Nov. 7, an embarrassment for the government, as is the unusual step of Parliament ordering the bill back to the select committee for completion after Opposition MPs refused to grant a fourth deadline extension this week. In his unofficial minority report, released today, Parker says the Parliamentary Counsel Office had advised the committee that redrafting the bill to deal with recommended changes "would take months after it receives drafting instructions", which it had not yet received. However, Smith said two-thirds of that work had been done, based on a draft report that the select committee had been working with for months. It only received the 500-page final version of the officials' report this morning. Parker claimed the release of his minority report was not a breach of Parliament's Standing Orders, which require confidentiality for select committee deliberations because the committee had rejected it. Smith said he was clearly discussing the confidential deliberations of the committee, in breach of Standing Orders. Smith said negotiations with the Maori Party, which are vital to passing the bill, were "in good shape" and that the ongoing discussions related to the complex and inter-related nature of the bill so that changes in one area could affect another. The National Party's other support parties, Act and United Future, are opposed to numerous provisions, as are Labour, the Greens, and New Zealand First. An MP risks breaching parliamentary privilege by "divulging the proceedings or the report of a select committee or a subcommittee contrary to the Standing Orders" and Speaker David Carter shut down questions to Simpson in Parliament today when they threatened to breach the confidentiality requirement. However, Parker, NZ First's Denis O'Rourke and the Greens' Eugenie Sage all issued statements on what Parker described as a legislative process that had become "a slow-moving train wreck". O'Rourke said "the bill will go back to parliament but it is not ready or fit for purpose", while Sage said it was a shambles and should not proceed. Because of interference by the executive, resulting in interminable delays to the finalisation of the final departmental report received only today, and because there has been no time to produce a draft revised bill for consideration by the select committee, the process has become the most frustrating and least productive of any we have experienced," O'Rourke said. The RLA Bill was to have been reported back in June and then September before the deadline was extended to Nov. 7. Among objections to the draft bill is the extent of proposed new ministerial powers to override local government planning documents, to control resource consents, and to limit participation rights. Reduced rights of appeal have also been widely criticised, while detail dealing with alternative collaborative processes was "unnecessary, wrong in its details, and adds further complexity," said Parker. The bill had drawn opposition from a very broad range of interests, ranging from the New Zealand Law Society, local government, major infrastructure developers, environmental lobbyists, and major industry players, including Fonterra. BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: AIA - Auckland Airport announces executive team change South Port NZ Ltd - 2022 Annual Meeting ENS - Rights Issue Offer Document NZK - Resignation of NZKS Chief Executive SML - Executive Leadership Team appointment SCL - Meateor and Fayman Settlement & Market Update November 1st Morning Report NZME Investor Day 2022 Virtual Event SPG - Changes to Executive Team HGH - Details for the Heartland 2022 Annual Shareholder Meeting The Financial Markets Authority will get an extra $9.8 million a year after Commerce Minister Paul Goldsmith signed off on an increase in the regulator's funding to beef up its monitoring. Goldsmith approved the move which will see most of the burden fall on financial services providers through the annual levy they pay, which officials say will enable the market watchdog "to proactively engage with the populations it regulates and with those populations that are at the perimeter of its regulatory sphere of activity" and "should allow FMA to regulate financial markets more effectively and should come closer than the base case to what is expected internationally of a financial markets conduct regulator". Goldsmith also increased funding for the Companies Office by $5.3 million and adjusted the agency's fees. "The FMAs funding increase will come from changes in levies on financial services providers," Goldsmith said in a statement. "While the majority of levy payers will see an increase, the consultation process has given consideration to the structure of the FMA levy model so as not to pose barriers to entry or growth for levy payers." The FMA sought the enhanced funding case, largely paid for through levy increases, that it said at the time gave it "the best chance to continue to develop a risk-based intelligence led organisation that is right sized for New Zealand and to address the mandate that it has, and be best placed to support the long-term growth and innovation needed in New Zealands capital markets." The market regulator was set up in 2011 as part of a wider overhaul of the financial markets, amalgamating various supervision responsibilities that had been spread across a number of agencies. The FMA said the decision gave it certainty about its future and allowed it to develop medium-term plans on how to respond to risks in financial markets, and build up its capabilities as a regulator. The regulator built up cash reserves in its early years enabling it to operate above its funding base, though that's set to be exhausted at the end of this financial year. "The additional funding approved this week covers the deficit in our financial resource to allow us operate at our current level and also provides the capacity for some additional investment both in people and systems," the agency said in an emailed statement. The government has also agreed to a capital grant of $2.25 million in the current financial year enabling it "to move ahead with its decision to investment in intelligence/data analytics and knowledge management systems," it said. BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: AIA - Auckland Airport announces executive team change South Port NZ Ltd - 2022 Annual Meeting ENS - Rights Issue Offer Document NZK - Resignation of NZKS Chief Executive SML - Executive Leadership Team appointment SCL - Meateor and Fayman Settlement & Market Update November 1st Morning Report NZME Investor Day 2022 Virtual Event SPG - Changes to Executive Team HGH - Details for the Heartland 2022 Annual Shareholder Meeting Alfa Romeo is the winner of EuroCarBody 2016, the world's most prestigious award for body design organized by "Automotive Circle International". The 18th edition of the congress, which brings together experts in body design, materials, processes and manufacturing, was held at the end of October in Bad Neuheim, Germany. Open to all car makers, the yearly competition includes a number of workshops in which the most innovative solutions in the sector are presented in detail. In addition to this, the bodies of the competing cars are painstakingly scrutinised during the three-day event by a panel of engineers and experts and assessed on the basis of over 20 criteria grouped in five macro areas: development and application of innovative materials; innovative development and design solutions; innovative concepts applied to the industrial manufacturing process; values that are significant for the customer, such as safety, ergonomics, acoustic comfort and quality, and, finally, the comprehensiveness and quality of the presentation of the required technical/technological content. Scoring 39.46 points out of a total 50, the exciting Giulia - the most genuine expression of the Alfa Romeo spirit and entirely made in Italy - triumphed over the high-level competitors: Honda NSX, Volvo V90, Bentley Bentayga, Aston Martin DB 11, Land Rover Discovery, Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 3008. This outstanding result was achieved thanks to an efficient bodyshell which is light and rigid in equal measure, and the extensive use of ultra-lightweight materials such as carbon-fibre and aluminium. Additionally, this technical peculiarity, combined with the adoption of many innovative safety devices, contributed to obtaining top score (five stars) from EuroNCAP. Giulia totalled a 98% rating for adult protection, the highest ever achieved by a car despite the more severe evaluation system introduced in 2015. The "EuroCarBody 2016" accolade recognises the qualities of this one-of-a-kind car. Getting into an Alfa Romeo Giulia, the symbol of technological excellence and Italian style, means climbing into the centre of this splendid mechanical creation. It is a new automotive dimension, one where functional and dynamic beauty combine to achieve new levels of performance with powerful engines, perfect weight distribution, unique technical solutions and the best power-to-weight ratio in its segment. French English Paris, 3 November 2016 - 17h35 Coface results at 30 September 2016: Operating trends in line with Fit to Win Operating income in line with expectations at 56.3m, of which 4.5m for Q3 Turnover at 1,065.4m, in line with previous trends; Q3 down (3.7)% vs. Q3-2015 (ex. FX) Continuing pressure in mature markets and effects of risk measures in emerging markets Net combined ratio 9M-2016 at 96.6% Net loss ratio in the middle of target range at 64.6% Net cost ratio at 31.9% driven by flat costs in Q3 Year to date net income (group share) 14.4m, 22.2m ex. Q3 minority interest one-off Confirming net loss ratio guidance of 63% to 66% for full-year 2016 Unless otherwise stated, changes are in comparison with 9M 2015 Xavier Durand, CEO of Coface, commented: "These results are in line with the trends that we highlighted last September at our Investor Day. Net loss ratio for the period remains well within the 63-66% range on which we guided for the year 2016. Emerging market losses, mainly Latin America and Asia, remain high as the impacts of our risk action plans have yet to fully materialize in time. Coface continues to rigorously adjust commercial and risk underwriting in these countries. Underlying an operating result slightly positive for Q3, we are delivering a stabilized net loss ratio, at 72.4%, and a 33.0% net cost ratio. In recent weeks, we continued to strengthen our leadership positions and initiated the implementation of our 3-year strategic plan Fit to Win with our clients, partners and employees. This new plan is designed to transform Coface into the most agile global credit partner in the industry, and aims to return Coface to normalized loss ratios over the cycle, improve our client service and operational efficiency, and drive selected profitable growth while evolving towards a more efficient capital model." Key figures as at September 30th 2016 The Board of Directors of Coface SA examined the summary consolidated financial statements for the first three months during its meeting on 3 November 2016. They were subject to review by the Audit Committee. Income statement items - in m 9M-2015 9M-2016 V % V% ex. FX Consolidated revenues 1,126.3 1,065.4 (5.4)% (3.5)% of which gross earned premiums 894.1 841.5 (5.9)% (3.6)% Underwriting income after reinsurance 116.0 15.4 (86.7)% Investment income net of expenses 40.5 43.1 +6.4% Operating income 152.5 56.3 (63.1)% Operating income excluding restated items 142.7 50.3 (64.7)% (63.2)% Net result (group share) 98.3 14.4 (85.4)% (83.6)% Of which interest in associate one-off (7.8) Net result (group share) excluding restated items2 101.1 19.4 (80.8)% (78.8)% Key ratios - in % 9M-2015 9M-2016 Variation Loss ratio net of reinsurance 52.5% 64.6% +12.1 ppts. Cost ratio net of reinsurance 29.3% 31.9% +2.6 ppts. Combined ratio net of reinsurance 81.8% 96.6% +14.8 ppts. Balance sheet items - in m 31/12/2015 30/09/2016 Variation Equity (group share) 1,761.0 1,734.5 (1.5)% Turnover For the first nine months of 2016, Coface registered a turnover of 1,065.4m, down (5.4)% against 9M-2015 ((3.5)% ex. FX). In mature markets, the trend is similar to previous periods and price continues to be under pressure given the relatively low level of domestic risk in these regions. Turnover of Central Europe region is flat for the period, driven by lower debt collection revenues in Q3. In North America, turnover was up 5.8% (ex. FX), mainly driven by global clients. In emerging markets, restoring profitability is the number one priority and revenue growth is negatively impacted by portfolio adjustments. New business production is stable vs. 9M-2015 at 113m, driven by an improved performance in Q3. Coface's client retention rate remains strong, at 89.4% supported by a targeted, customer-focused approach. Price decline is stabilizing at (1.9)% yoy. Client activity, a key driver of premium growth, is flat as it is affected by strong declines in some sectors (metals, commodities.), offsetting low growth in most other sectors. Business turnover in m 9M-2015 9M-2016 V% V% ex. FX Western Europe 276.7 247.5 (10.6)% (9.3)% Northern Europe 248.0 235.0 (5.2)% (5.2)% Mediterranean & Africa 257.8 246.6 (4.3)% (2.9)% North America 99.4 104.3 +4.8% +5.8% Central Europe 93.9 91.3 (2.8)% (0.1)% Asia-Pacific 86.8 83.4 (3.8)% (4.6)% Latin America 63.8 57.4 (10.1)% +8.1% Consolidated business turnover 1,126.3 1,065.4 (5.4)% (3.5)% Results Combined ratio The Group's net combined ratio stood at 96.6% for 9M-2016. Loss ratio Against the backdrop of a volatile and risky environment, the loss ratio has been driven by claims in emerging countries. Measures were taken throughout 2015 and 2016 to reduce our risk exposures in these areas and their effects will materialize gradually. The loss ratio net of reinsurance is stabilizing in Q3 at 72.4% vs. 73.2% in Q2-2016, excluding the 13.8m positive Q2 reinsurance one-off. It stood at 64.6% at 30 September 2016, in the middle of the 63%-66% targeted range for 2016. Cost ratio Excluding one-offs (which had a (0.9) ppt impact in 9M-2016), the net cost ratio stood at 31.0%. Expenses decreased to 519m compared with 536m at 30 September 2015 (-1.4% at constant FX1), of which internal costs, excluding one-offs, stood at 405m (compared with 416m for 9M-2015). Financial income Financial income was 43.1m (of which (0.2)m realized loss on sales) at 30 September 2016, against 40.5m (of which 4.1m gains on sales5) for 9M-2015. Coface's accounting yield, excluding capital gains and losses, stood at 1.3% for 9M-2016, compared with 1.6% for 9M-2015. Operating income and net income Operating income stood at 56.3m in 9M-2016, of which 4.5m in Q3, in line with previous announcements. Net income (group share) is down at 14.4m, impacted by a (7.8)m one-off loss (ceding risk) in Q3 linked to 36% minority holding in Cofacredit. Excluding this exceptional, recurring net income was 22.2m at 30 September of which (3.4)m in Q3. Outlook The Group recently presented its new strategic plan called Fit to Win, which aims at positioning Coface as the most agile global trade-credit partner in the industry, while evolving to a more capital efficient business model. With a 3-year time horizon, Fit to Win aims to restore Coface financial performance through three operational transformation drivers: (a) reinforcing our risk management expertise and infrastructure - especially in emerging markets (b) driving operational efficiency under a client-centric business model and (c) differentiating our approach to growth in each one of the markets we are operating in prioritizing value creation over growth for growth. Coface is totally focused on the execution of Fit to Win and the set of initiatives we have now started to implement are expected to materialize gradually. For the full-year 2016, Coface continues to expect a net loss ratio of 63% to 66%. In 2017, our priority will be to implement the Fit to Win strategic plan while monitoring closely the development of the risk landscape. Once fully implemented, Fit to Win is targeting to position Coface to deliver an ambitious but realistic return on average tangible equity of 9% or above across the cycle. Conference call A conference call to discuss Coface 9M-2016 results will be held on November 3, 2016 at 6.00 pm Paris time. Dial in numbers: +33(0)1 70 77 09 37 (France), +44 (0)20 3367 9462 (UK), +1 855 402 77 64 (US). The presentation will be available at the following address: http://www.coface.com/Investors/Financial-reporting Appendix The like-for-like change is calculated at constant FX and scope Operating income including finance costs and net result (group share) excluding the following restated one-off items: former CEO severance costs (2.6m) + State guarantees revenues adjustment for 2015 (2.7m) + others (0.5m). Others include contingent capital costs, audit and consultant fees. Please refer to the Annexe "Bridge Table" on the analyst presentation for 9M-2016 Results. For the calculation of the net income (group share), a normalised tax rate has been applied to the restated elements for Q3-2015 (30 September 2015) and Q3-2016 (30 September 2016), respectively CONTACTS MEDIA Monica COULL T. +33 (0)1 49 02 25 01 monica.coull@coface.com Maria KRELLENSTEIN T. +33 (0)1 49 02 16 29 maria.krellenstein@coface.com ANALYSTS / INVESTORS Thomas JACQUET T. +33 (0)1 49 02 12 58 thomas.jacquet@coface.com Cecile COMBEAU T. +33 (0)1 49 02 18 03 cecile.combeau@coface.com FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2017 (subject to change) FY-2016 results: 8 February 2017, after market close Q1-2017 results: 26 April 2017, after market close Annual General Meeting: 17 May 2017 H1-2017 results: 28 July 2017, before market opening 9M-2017 results: 25 October 2017, after market close FINANCIAL INFORMATION This press release, as well as Coface SA's integral regulatory information, can be found on the Group's website: http://www.coface.com/Investors For regulated information on Alternative Performance Measures (APM), please refer to our Interim half year financial report About Coface The Coface Group, a worldwide leader in credit insurance, offers companies around the globe solutions to protect them against the risk of financial default of their clients, both on the domestic market and for export. In 2015, the Group, supported by its 4,500 staff, posted a consolidated turnover of 1.490 billion. Present directly or indirectly in 100 countries, it secures transactions of 40,000 companies in more than 200 countries. Each quarter, Coface publishes its assessments of country risk for 160 countries, based on its unique knowledge of companies' payment behaviour and on the expertise of its 660 underwriters and credit analysts located close to clients and their debtors. In France, Coface manages export public guarantees on behalf of the French State. www.coface.com Coface SA. is listed on Euronext Paris - Compartment A ISIN: FR0010667147 / Ticker: COFA DISCLAIMER - Certain declarations featured in this press release may contain forecasts that notably relate to future events, trends, projects or targets. By nature, these forecasts include identified or unidentified risks and uncertainties, and may be affected by many factors likely to give rise to a significant discrepancy between the real results and those stated in these declarations. Please refer to the section 2.4 "Report from the Chairman of the Board of Directors on corporate governance, internal control and risk management procedures" as well as chapter 5 "Main risk factors and their management within the Group" of the Coface Group's 2015 Registration Document filed with AMF on 13 April 2016 under the number No. R.16-020 in order to obtain a description of certain major factors, risks and uncertainties likely to influence the Coface Group's businesses. The Coface Group disclaims any intention or obligation to publish an update of these forecasts, or provide new information on future events or any other circumstance. NEW YORK, Nov. 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In response to the growing demand for sustainable investing education from asset owners, asset managers, financial analysts and other financial professionals we are pleased to announce a one-day certificate program entitled, "Introduction to Corporate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) for Investment and Finance Professionals." The program is organized by Governance & Accountability Institute (G&A) in collaboration with Global Change Associates (GCA) and hosted by the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College/CUNY. The first all-day certification program will be presented on Wednesday, December 14, 2016. The program is being hosted at Baruch Colleges Newman Vertical Campus (55 Lexington Avenue) in midtown Manhattan. The course will begin at 8 a.m. with registration and continental breakfast, leading into a full day of lectures from leaders in the sustainable investing field. A networking lunch is included. Participants will receive a certificate of completion from G&A and GCA at the 5 p.m. close of the seminar. AGENDA Arrival, Registration & Continental Breakfast What is Corporate ESG and Why It Really Matters to Shareowners Hank Boerner, Chairman & Co-Founder, Governance & Accountability Institute Bridging the Perceived Gap Between Corporate Sustainability & Corporate Profitability: Materiality, Risk Management and How Top and Bottom Lines Are Affected Louis Coppola, EVP & Co-Founder, Governance & Accountability Institute Coffee Break and Networking ESG Analysis, Rating, and Research Samuel Block, Research Analyst - Investment ESG Risk, MSCI What Investors Need to Know About the Rising Importance of Impact Investing Kate Starr (Invited), Founder & CIO, Flat World Partners; formerly Vice President-Capital Deployment, Heron Foundation Networking Lunch SASB 101: About the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and More Effective 10-k Disclosure Eric Kane, Sector Analyst - Health Care, SASB Case Study of Corporate Malfeasance: The VW Emissions Scandal Peter Fusaro, Chairman, Global Change Associates Break ESG Equity Fundamentals Data Analytics Hideki Suzuki, ESG Group, Equity Fundamentals Department, Bloomberg LP About the Baruch CSR-Sustainability Monitor Project Mert Demir, Ph.D. in Finance, Senior Research Associate, Weismann Center for International Business at Baruch College Looking Beyond Corporate Sustainability & Financial Performance Louis Coppola, EVP & Co-Founder, Governance & Accountability Institute Peter Fusaro, Chairman, Global Change Associates Lecturers include leading experts in the sustainable investing field and the participants will come away with an understanding of why ESG matters, and how to apply ESG to corporate valuations, reputation, risk, opportunity and other aspects of financial analysis. For information and to register click the link below: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/intro-to-corporate-esg-for-investment-finance-professionals-certification-tickets-29052781652 About Baruch College (http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/) Baruch College is a senior college in the City University of New York (CUNY) with a total enrollment of more than 18,000 students, who represent 164 countries and speak more than 129 languages. Ranked among the top 15% of U.S. colleges and the No. 5 public regional university, Baruch College is regularly recognized as among the most ethnically diverse colleges in the country. As a public institution with a tradition of academic excellence, Baruch College offers accessibility and opportunity for students from every corner of New York City and from around the world. About Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. (www.ga-institute.com) Governance & Accountability Institute is a New York City-based sustainability research, consulting and educational services company working with corporate sector and investment community clients. Typical engagements include preparation of sustainability, CSR and citizenship reports; peer benchmarking on ESG issues and reporting; customized ESG research (environmental, social and governance performance); strategic materiality analysis; sustainable investor relations; corporate communications around sustainability; and assistance with stakeholder engagements. The company is the exclusive Data Partner for the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for the USA, UK and the Republic of Ireland. About Global Change Associates (www.global-change.com) Peter C. Fusaro founded Global Change Associates, Inc. in 1991 to focus on the convergence of energy and environmental financial markets. His insights have earned him the international status of thought leader in these markets. His advice to client companies who require expert guidance to navigate their way through the multiple impacts of clean energy, natural gas and water technologies has proven invaluable to them. The focus of GCA today is to assist in raising funds for clean energy funds as a Registered Representative and to assist in the commercialization of new energy technologies. Peter holds the highly successful Wall Street Green Summit (www.wsgts.com) now in its 16th year and held in New York City each spring. English French HIPAY GROUP Accelerated growth in third quarter Sales growth for the 3rd quarter: +26% vs. Q3 2015 Strong growth in the Fullservice business line Transaction volumes: +85% vs. Q3 2015 Net sales: +55% vs. Q3 2015 Successful launch of the Italian subsidiary Orders trending higher Paris, 3 November 2016, 17:45 - HiPay Group (ISIN FR0012821916 - HIPAY), the Fintech company specialized in online payments, announces its results for the third quarter of 2016. In millions EUR Q3 2016 Q3 2015 Var. 9M 2016 9M 2015 Var. Revenue 7.6 6.0 +26% 21.9 17.9 +22% Fullservice 4.5 2.9 +55% 13.5 9.6 +40% Micropayments 3.1 3.1 - 8.4 8.3 +1% Commenting on the third quarter earnings, Gabriel de Montessus, Chief Executive Officer, "The third quarter continues to show significant traction with more than 85% growth in run rates for our Fullservice platform. Our international expansion is performing as planned particularly in Italy where we have seen increased sales during the last few months. This sets the stage for continued positive results in 2017 with new product launches in the coming months to consolidate our technological lead and strengthen the foundation for sustainable growth." SUSTAINED GROWTH In the third quarter of 2016, the transaction run rate grew more than 85% on our Fullservice platform. Revenues for the 3rd quarter grew at 26% during the period with 7.6M Euros. The revenue during the last nine months of 2016 comes in at 21.9M Euros, 22% higher than the same period in 2015. Our Fullservice business line which now represents more than 90 % of our transactions, contributed 4.5M Euros in the 3rd quarter, up 55%, and 13.5M Euros in first 9 months of the year, representing 60% of the Group's sales. The international development of the Fullservice business has been punctuated in recent months with the successful launch of the business in Italy including the signing of two commercial sites in the top 30 of Italian e-commerce. In addition, HiPay recently built out a centralized head office team to better support sales to European merchants. The micropayment activity remained stable over the period. A legacy payment method from the French telecom operators has been stopped during the third quarter, and refocuses our offer and micropayment technologies around mobile strengths. OUTLOOK The first nine months of the year are in line with the company development plan. Thanks to sustained growth, a steady increase in order bookings and a promising launch of international development activities, HiPay can prepare for 2017 in the best conditions with the launch of new products in the coming months. This context is favorable for the consolidation of our technology advances and provides a foundation for sustainable growth. Next communication: 9 February 2017 - 2016 Revenue About HiPay Group HiPay Group is an expert in online payments. It offers online publishers and e-retailers next generation payment solutions in order to leverage their businesses. HiPay brings added value to payment processing with specific solutions, suited for each merchant, on data, mobile and international development. HiPay owns two European licenses: e-money issuer and payment institution, in order to support e-merchants in all their payment needs. HiPay has offices in 6 European countries, in Brazil and in the United States, and has over 150 employees. HiPay Group is listed on the Euronext Paris Compartment C (ISIN code: FR0012821916 / Mnemo: HIPAY). More information : www.hipay.com Follow us on Twitter: @hipay LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/company/hipay Google+: plus.google.com/+hipay/ Contacts Citigate Dewe Rogerson Antoine Denry (Investors relations) +33 (0)1 53 32 78 95 antoine.denry@citigate.fr Daiana Hirte (Press) +33 (0)1 53 32 78 90 daiana.hirte@citigate.fr This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy HiPay Group shares. If you wish to obtain more complete information about HiPay Group, please refer to our Internet site www.hipay.com under the Investors heading. This press release may contain some forward-looking statements. Although HiPay Group considers that these statements are based on reasonable hypotheses on the publication date of this release, they are by their very nature subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ from those indicated or projected in these statements. HiPay Group operates in a continually changing environment and new risks could potentially emerge. HiPay Group assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or other circumstances. Harrisburg, PA, Nov. 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, with the stroke of his pen, Governor Tom Wolf adds Pennsylvania to the list of states that acknowledge the value of alternative healthcare from a qualified professional. Pennsylvania becomes the 21st U.S. jurisdiction to regulate naturopathic medicine. The new law HB516 regulates naturopathic doctors; ensuring patients can trust that their wellness professional holds a graduate degree from an accredited naturopathic medical school. Heidi Weinhold, N.D. and Legislative Chair of the Pennsylvania Association of Naturopathic Physicians (PANP), says, This is a historic day for naturopathic medicine. The governors approval will throw open the doors for more Pennsylvania students to choose this academic course of study. Then, they can return home from a four-year graduate program to set up a practice as a naturopathic doctor. The PANP members worked for the last 16 years with the state legislature to advance the much-needed recognition of this growing medical field. Their goal was to increase the credibility and minimize the confusion between professionals with an advance degree and the self-study practitioner. Naturopathic professionals also seek to better coordinate and collaborate with medical professionals across the spectrum. We believe in integrative care, and this law gives us the stature we need to work peer-to-peer with other disciplines, explains Dr. Weinhold. Under the new law, the terms Naturopathic Doctor and ND will be reserved exclusively for those who have attended four-year, post-graduate level programs at institutions recognized by the United States Department of Education. This protects the scope-of-work and title for graduates from an accredited N.D. program, offers Dr. JoAnn Yanez, executive director of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Colleges. Naturopathic Doctors are currently practicing at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia, as well as the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centers, where they work side by side with medical doctors in an integrative setting. More patients could be served in this manner once naturopathic doctors are registered in this state. Both Penn State Hershey Medical Center and West Penn Allegheny General Hospital have indicated that they would hire Naturopathic Doctors if they were registered in the state. The PANP will be working over the next year on implementation of the legislation in order that NDs can begin to register with the Board of Medicine. A number of Representatives and Senators have encouraged us to come back to the legislature next session in order to expand the scope of this bill. We are very encouraged about the future of naturopathic medicine in Pennsylvania, says Dr. Marie Winters, manager of the Naturopathic Medicine Department of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America and president of PANP. The law will go into effect January 1, 2018. Pennsylvania joins these other jurisdictions which regulate naturopathic medicine: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands, and these provinces in Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan. The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges supports the work of its seven member colleges and promotes the naturopathic medical profession. The AANMC website is a clearinghouse for information about this growing health field and serves as a resource for prospective students of naturopathic medicine. Request Info on our colleges. AANMCs member schools are: Bastyr University (Seattle, Washington and San Diego, California), The Boucher Institute (British Columbia, Canada), Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (Toronto, Canada), National University of Natural Medicine (Portland, Oregon), National University of Health Sciences (Chicago, Illinois), Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences (Phoenix, Arizona), University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine (Bridgeport, Connecticut). Career Information Sidebar: The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Colleges is comprised of 7 colleges with 8 campuses across the U.S. and Canada. Their recent study, 2016 Graduate Success and Compensation Study found the vast majority (74 percent) of naturopathic physicians are satisfied or very satisfied with their career choice. Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession that combines the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science, focusing on whole-patient wellness. The study also shows that a strong majority (77 percent) of naturopathic medical professionals overall feel successful in their careers. For professionals using their degree full-time, the mean salary after graduating from naturopathic medical school is about $90,000 in the U.S. and $74,000 in Canada more than double their annual pay prior to entering school, according to the study. More than nine out of ten (92 percent) are using their naturopathic degrees, and in a wide variety of positions, including primary care physicians, specialists, medical/health/wellness consultants, writers, public speakers, natural products industry, medical faculty and administrators. To learn more about becoming a naturopathic doctor, visit http://aanmc.org. WYOMISSING, Pa., Nov. 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Customers Bancorp, Inc. (the Company) (NYSE:CUBI), the parent company for Customers Bank, today announced that it has commenced an underwritten public offering of 2,600,000 shares of its common stock. FBR Capital Markets & Co. and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. are acting as the joint book-running managers for the offering. The Company expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the shares of common stock sold, at the public offering price less the underwriting discount, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. The offering is subject to market conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the offering. The Company expects to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital and the funding of organic growth at Customers Bank. A shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-209760) relating to the offering was filed previously with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is effective. A preliminary prospectus supplement related to the offering has been filed with the SEC. Copies of the shelf registration statement (including the base prospectus), the preliminary prospectus supplement and other documents that the Company has filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into the registration statement are available at no charge by visiting EDGAR on the SECs website located at www.sec.gov. A final prospectus supplement will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SECs website once filed. The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus and a related prospectus supplement, copies of which may be obtained, when available, by contacting: FBR, Attention: Syndicate Prospectus Department, 1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1400, Arlington, VA 22209, or by telephone at 703-312-9580, or by email at prospectuses@fbr.com. This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company, nor shall there be any offer or sale of 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. Institutional Background Customers Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company located in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania engaged in banking and related business through its bank subsidiary, Customers Bank. Customers Bank is a community-based, full-service bank with assets of approximately $9.6 billion that was named one of Forbes magazine's 2016 100 Best Banks in America (there are over 6,200 banks in the United States). A member of the Federal Reserve System with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Customers Bank is an equal opportunity lender that provides a range of banking services to small and medium-sized businesses, professionals, individuals and families through offices in Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Committed to fostering customer loyalty, Customers Bank uses a High Tech/High Touch strategy that includes use of technology to provide customers better access to their money, as well as Concierge Banking by appointment at customers' homes or offices 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers Bank offers a continually expanding portfolio of loans to small businesses, multi-family projects, mortgage companies and consumers. BankMobile is a division of Customers Bank, offering state of the art high tech digital banking services with high level of personal customer service. Customers Bancorp, Inc.s voting common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CUBI. Additional information about Customers Bancorp, Inc. can be found on the Company's website, www.customersbank.com. Information on, or accessible through, our website is not part of any prospectus supplement or prospectus relating to the offering described herein, other than documents that we file with the SEC that are specifically incorporated by reference into any such prospectus supplement or prospectus. Safe Harbor Statement In addition to historical information, this press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s strategies, goals, beliefs, expectations, estimates, intentions, capital raising efforts, financial condition and results of operations, future performance and business. Statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words "may," "could," "should," "pro forma," "looking forward," "would," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan," or similar expressions generally indicate a forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various important factors (some of which, in whole or in part, are beyond Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s control). Numerous competitive, economic, regulatory, legal and technological factors, among others, could cause Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s financial performance to differ materially from the goals, plans, objectives, intentions and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. In addition, important factors relating to the acquisition of the Disbursements business, the combination of Customers' BankMobile business with the acquired Disbursements business and the implementation of Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s strategy regarding BankMobile, including with respect to the possible disposition of the BankMobile business, depending upon market conditions and opportunities, also could cause Customers Bancorp's actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Customers Bancorp, Inc. cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive, and neither such factors nor any such forward-looking statement takes into account the impact of any future events. All forward-looking statements and information set forth herein are based on management's current beliefs and assumptions as of the date hereof and speak only as of the date they are made. For a more complete discussion of the assumptions, risks and uncertainties related to our business, you are encouraged to review Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K that update or provide information in addition to the information included in the Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings. Customers Bancorp, Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Customers Bancorp, Inc. or by or on behalf of Customers Bank. HOUSTON, Nov. 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tokio Marine HCC today announced that A.M. Best Company, Inc. has upgraded the financial strength ratings (FSR) to A++ (Superior) from A+ (Superior) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) to aa+ from aa of the property/casualty companies in the Houston Casualty Group and HCC Life Insurance Company. The outlook for all of A.M. Bests ratings is Stable. We are very pleased with the actions taken by A.M. Best to upgrade our insurance company ratings. These changes reflect our strong balance sheet and consistent underwriting results and the strategic role that we play within the Tokio Marine Group, said Christopher J.B. Williams, Tokio Marine HCCs Chief Executive Officer. The following property/casualty insurance companies comprise Houston Casualty Group, as defined by A.M. Best: Houston Casualty Company U.S. Specialty Insurance Company Avemco Insurance Company HCC Specialty Insurance Company American Contractors Indemnity Company United States Surety Company Producers Agriculture Insurance Company Producers Lloyds Insurance Company Tokio Marine HCC is the marketing name used to describe the affiliated companies under the common ownership of HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc., a Delaware-incorporated insurance holding company. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Tokio Marine HCC is a leading specialty insurance group with offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain and Ireland. Tokio Marine HCCs major domestic and international insurance companies have financial strength ratings of AA- (Very Strong) from Standard & Poors Financial Services LLC, A++ (Superior) from A.M. Best Company, Inc., and AA- (Very Strong) from Fitch Ratings. Tokio Marine HCC is a member of the Tokio Marine Group, a premier global company founded in 1879 with a market capitalization of $30 billion as of December 31, 2015. For more information about Tokio Marine HCC, please visit www.tokiomarinehcc.com. MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new study recently released by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) reveals that consumers are increasingly turning to mobile and online banking to access and manage their accounts. From 2013 to 2015, the population of U.S. consumers using online banking increased from 55% to 60%, and those using mobile banking grew at an ever greater pace, from 23% to 32%. The FDIC says consumers appreciate the greater control and convenience these channels provide. The study also showed that the proportion of households that used a prepaid card in the past 12 months increased from 7.9% to 9.8%, with this growth seen broadly across socioeconomic and demographic groups. FDIC says that about one in five households identified as underbanked, and that these households are more likely to rely upon their mobile device as their primary means of managing their financial accounts. The underbanked reported significant benefits from immediate access to account information, including reminders and balance alerts that help keep them on track with their finances. The FDIC concluded that by providing better and more timely information on balances and transactions, mobile financial services give consumers an important element of control over their financial lives. Mobile financial services can also help address some of the underlying reasons consumers report becoming completely unbanked, such as wanting to avoid unexpected fees and worrying about low balances. According to the FDIC, the unbanked now represents more than 15 million adults or 7% of U.S. households. The FDIC report is good news for the Minneapolis-based Cachet Financial Solutions, Inc. (OTCQB:CAFN), purveyor of Select Mobile Money, the award-winning cloud-based SaaS platform used by financial institutions and alternative financial services (AFS) providers nationwide. Select Mobile Money enables these organizations to offer their customers a full suite of mobile financial services, including prepaid general purpose reloadable debit and payroll cards, powered by an easy-to-use, multilingual mobile app available on both Apple iOS and Android devices. Cloud-based services include account management, check-to-card fund loading with an option for instant good funds, card-to-card transfer and international remittance. The customizable app also features location-based technology that can pinpoint nearby ATMs and supports a national mobile coupon network of 150,000 merchants offering local deals. Powerful back-end analytics enable financial institutions to segment customers based on behavior, and send relevant marketing notifications that keep customers engaged. Apple Pay and Apple Watch integration is also available. Cachet also offers several other consumer mobile financial solutions that provide greater consumer convenience, including: Select Mobile Deposit, which saves consumers a trip to the bank or credit union by allowing them to snap a photo of their check deposit and submit electronically via a tablet or smartphone; Select Mobile Account Opening, which eliminates cumbersome manual entry on a mobile enrollment form by enabling consumers to take a photo of their drivers license or ID with their mobile device and using the data to auto fill the form; and Select Mobile NowPay, which enables consumers to use their mobile device to snap a photo of their check payment and submit electronically versus dropping the payment off at a lender branch office or the post office. Our easy-to-deploy products and services allow financial institutions to tap into larger, underserved populations without major capital expense or time-to-market, says Jeffrey Mack, president and CEO of Cachet. The power, flexibility and security of our products has allowed us to become a trusted partner of some of the worlds largest and most respected financial organizations. About Cachet Financial Solutions, Inc. Cachet Financial Solutions is a leading cloud-based, SaaS technology provider serving the financial services industry with mobile money and remote deposit capture solutions for PC, Mac and mobile. Founded in early 2010, Cachet has quickly grown into a technology leader and trusted partner of some of the largest and most respected financial organizations. With remarkable growth, an impressive client base and award-winning technology, Cachet continues to drive innovation and deliver world-class solutions to financial institutions of all sizes. Cachet believes that its industry-leading solutions can help the companys clients increase customer retention and revenue opportunities. Cachet's cloud-based technology platform simplifies development, deployment and servicing of consumer and commercial solutionsminimizing cost and accelerating speed-to-market for Cachets clients. Enabled by Cachet's suite of business and consumer solutions, financial institutions can better serve the needs of all their customers. For more information, visit www.cachetfinancial.com. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements that would be deemed "forward-looking statements" under Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933. Words such as "may," "likely," "anticipate," "expect" and "believes" indicate forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events, are based on assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. We discuss many of these risks in greater detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 14, 2016, under the heading "Risk Factors" and in the other reports we file with the Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Also, forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. BENGALURU: The everlasting demand for Smartphones has driven popular Smartphone manufacturers like Xiaomi to capture the Indian market. Xiaomi has been successfully able to meet the demands of the people at affordable price ranges with its enormous Smartphone offerings. With the common goal of driving peoples demands, the company features its latest flagship product such as Xiaomi Mi Note 2 and Mi Mix. Giving a quick review about the Smartphones, Mi Note 2 is a successor to the original Mi Note and Mi Mix is a concept phone that is sold only in China. Both the flagship products are the most expensive Xiaomi phones till date where Mi Note 2 inbuilt with 4GB RAM and 64GB is priced at RMB 2,799 ( 27,600 approx) while the top-end 6GB RAM and 128GB storage will cost buyers RMB 3,499 ( 34,500 approx). Whereas, the base price of Mi Mix with 4GB RAM and 128GB memory option will cost RMB 3,499 while, top-end 6GB with 256GB memory option is priced at RMB 3,999 (approx 39,500). Read Also: Zen Mobile Launches New Smartphone At 3,777 Apple Unveils Thinnest, Lightest New MacBook Pro BENGALURU: It has become a growing trend in the US, as more and more governors and state legislators are recognizing the need to prohibit cities and towns from passing ordinances and regulations that might affect the economy in a negative way. The ever-increasing cases of states intervention are the local rules that are creating roadblocks for companies like Uber, Lyft and Airbnb, reports ET. Theres been a talk about Tennessee lawmakers taking up legislation that preempts Nashville's capricious cap on host permits for Airbnb, as well as other home-sharing services. States preemption of local home-sharing restrictions, like that under consideration in Tennessee, can promote tourism and also allow residents to make additional money. The worst hit by these licensing requirements is the general public, particularly consisting of middle and low income households. In a study conducted by the University of Minnesota, occupational-licensing requirements cost consumers more than $200 billion a year, and may have affected the creation of over 2.85 billion jobs. Thats a huge number to consider and can have a great impact on the economy. Another example of this capricious behavior on part of the local authorities is the case of Austin. The Austin City Council this year imposed fingerprinting requirements for ride-sharing drivers, which forced Uber and Lyft to close their shop in the city. This stubborn and heavy-handed nature of the local authorities has tarnished the image of the city and has led to the elimination of a source of income for many. When the new session starts in January, Texas lawmakers are expected to take up legislation that would overturn Austin's ride-sharing regulations and also preempt other cities and towns from enacting similar laws. Last month, Hillsborough County, Florida, also introduced Austin-style fingerprinting requirements for drivers contracting with Uber, Lyft and other ride-sharing services. When they return for session in January, Florida lawmakers are expected to follow the example of their Texas counterparts by introducing legislation, which overturns the new local regulation. Its in the hands of the lawmakers to make their states an attractive place to live and earn a living and they should do everything in their powers to make their states conducive to growth and economic development. They should do everything to prevent local authorities from passing draconian laws that is against the very nature of free enterprise. Read Also: Teens with Great Achievements in Less Time Cisco Unveils Next-Gen Secured Storage Server, Cloud Suite BENGALURU: The recent clash between Reliance Jio and other telecom operators across the country staged a situation where people are facing frequent call drops on a large scale. In an attempt to keep an eye on the level of call performance offered by the operators, TRAI now plans to develop a customer feedback platform in the next one month. According to Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha, the new platform will enable customers to post direct feedbacks about network related issues; mainly focusing on call drops. Minister addressed the media after a meeting held with the CEOs of telecom companies. Previously, a 100-day plan was introduced by the service providers; assuring the installation of 60,000 base transceiver stations (BTS) with an investment of about 12,000 crores. Affirming the commitment made, Sinha stated that the operators have successfully met the target. However, he also suggested that even though Reliance Jio is not a part of the 100-day plan, the company has already installed 35,000 BTS. TRAI also imposed a combined penalty of Rs 3,050 crores on several network service providers in relation to the current interconnection issue between Reliance Jio and other service providers. The telecom authority claims that they will ensure uninterrupted and high quality services are delivered to the customers. Sinha proclaims that the operators have a spectrum of 965 MHz and TRAI has instructed the operators to rollout the spectrum at the earliest. Furthermore, he also states that, by 19th of November, the government plans to allot spectrum to the successful bidders in auction. "Consumers are of paramount importance. They should not be affected," says the minister. Read Also: Bharti Airtel to Wait and Watch Reliance Jio's Tariff Plans Ways to Protect Your Mental Health Due to the Side-Effects of Modern Technology NEW YORK: India, which scripted history with its successful maiden Mars orbiter mission, has the potential to be a big player in the global space program and could even see its private sector develop its own SpaceX, award-winning author Stephen Petranek says. Petranek, author of the book 'How We'll live on Mars', says that humans will live on the Red Planet by the year 2027. "There is no reason why a country as big as India can't have a massive space program. In many ways what Indiaaccomplished by orbiting Mars is as successful as much larger organizations like the Russian space agency, NASAand European space agencies (have achieved)," Petranek told PTI in an interview here. The author says space programs are going to be one of the biggest businesses in the future, which will lead to competition among nations. "I won't be surprised to see a company in India start developing and becoming its own Space X (the aerospace behemoth founded by Elon Musk), he says. Petranek is among the "big thinkers" for National Geographic's ambitious project 'MARS', a six-part series that will take its viewers to Mars and explain the possibility of life on the red planet using drama and documentary. The National Geographic Channel aims to re-imagine factual storytelling with its biggest production series, which will premiere on November 14 in 171 countries and 45 languages. 'MARS' is set both in the future and in the present day and tells the story from the vantage point of a fictitious crewed mission to the red planet in 2033. National Geographic received exclusive access to film Musk and his team at SpaceX mission control as they successfully landed their Falcon 9 reusable rocket on a drone ship off the East Coast of the US this past April. "The future of humanity is fundamentally going to bifurcate along one of two directions: either we're going to become a multi-planet species and a spacefaring civilization, or we're going to be stuck on one planet until some eventual extinction event. "In order for me to be excited and inspired about the future, it's got to be the first option," says Musk in the series. Petranek says while the Indian space program currently is like a "smaller NASA", he would not be surprised to see private industry in India become a big player in the space program and exploration given the expertise and capital in India. By getting an important satellite to Mars, India has shown that it has the technology that even the Russians have not been successful at, he says. "Russians have not been that successful. They have launched 17 satellite to Mars, most have crashed. We are going to see countries like Japan, Australia, Brazil all developing a bigger and better space program and we are going to see a lot of that move into the private industry. "I would not be surprised to see a private space company in India grow and develop given the potential space exploration has in future. Read Also: NASA Satellite Helps Create Global Maps Of Human-Made CO2 590 Cos From 36 Countries Take Part In Broadcast India Show BEIJING: India has made a strong pitch for Chinese investments under the Make in India initiative in a range of sectors like infrastructure development and solar energy at two events in the booming eastern Zhejiang province. Nagaraj Naidu, Director-General of Investment Trade and Promotion Division of Ministry of External Affairs, introduced the overall investment environment and guidelines for benefit of companies from Huzhou city at the India-China Business and Investment Forum and India Week celebrations. A 60-member Indian business delegation headed by Prakash Gupta, Consul-General of Indian Consulate in Shanghai, took part in the events from October 31. The events were jointly organised by the consulate and the local Huzhou government. The cooperation with Huzhou was a unique initiative bringing together economic, commercial and cultural aspects and intends to transport a truly Indian experience, said a statement from the consulate today. India's strong pitch for Chinese investments at the two events was mainly directed towards infrastructure development, solar panels, roads, smart cities, urban transportation and power sectors. Huzhou - located at an hour's drive from Shanghai - has been a key business partner for India in the Eastern China Region, and the city firms have shown a keen interest in investing in India under Make in India initiative, it said. There was also considerable interest amongst the Huzhou people to know about the Indian culture, films and art forms and given this context, Huzhou was chosen as the second city in Zhejiang Province after Wenzhou to launch the India Week celebrations, it said. Huzhou Communist Party of China Secretary Qiu Dongyao assured them of Huzhou companies' strong interest in investing in Make in India projects pertaining to infrastructure and smart cities. The India Week Celebrations commenced with a cultural dance performance 'Rhythms of Rajasthan' by the Kalbelia dance troupe. Additional presentations covered possible collaboration in banking, IT, e-commerce and medical tourism into India. A series of B2B meetings were also organised for participating Indian companies with their Huzhou counterparts. An MoU was signed between Indian Confederation of Indian Industry - Shanghai Rep Office and China Council for Promotion of International Trade - Huzhou for future collaboration in promoting bilateral commercial exchanges between India and Huzhou, the statement said. An Indian food festival was also organised showcasing the best Indian culinary experience, it added. Read Also: NASA Satellite Helps Create Global Maps Of Human-Made CO2 Facebook Officially Announces Windows Desktop Gaming Platform HAMILTON, Bermuda, Nov. 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TransAtlantic Petroleum Ltd. (TSX:TNP) (NYSE-MKT:TAT) (the Company or TransAtlantic) today announced that it expects to issue its earnings release for the third quarter of 2016 after the market closes on Wednesday, November 9, 2016. Third Quarter 2016 Conference Call The Company will host a live webcast and conference call on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. Central (9:00 a.m. Eastern) to discuss third quarter 2016 financial results and provide an operations update. Investors who would like to participate in the conference call should dial (877) 878-2762 or (678) 809-1005 approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and ask for the TransAtlantic conference call. The conference ID is 12221010. An enhanced live webcast of the conference call and replay will be available through the Companys website at http://www.transatlanticpetroleum.com. To access the webcast and replay, click on Investors, select Events & Presentations, and click on Listen to webcast under the event listing. The webcast requires iOS, Microsoft Windows Media Player or RealOne Player. A telephonic replay of the call will be available through November 11, 2016 and may be accessed by dialing (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406. The conference ID is 12221010. About TransAtlantic TransAtlantic Petroleum Ltd. is an international oil and natural gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas. The Company holds interests in developed and undeveloped properties in Turkey, Albania and Bulgaria. (NO STOCK EXCHANGE, SECURITIES COMMISSION OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN.) Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements concerning the issuance of earnings releases, timing of earnings conference calls, and other expectations, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions or information about future events, conditions, results of operations or performance that may constitute forward-looking statements or information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. In addition to other assumptions identified in this news release, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the ability of the Company to continue to develop and exploit attractive foreign initiatives. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. bartman.JPG In this Oct 14, 2003 file photo, Steve Bartman catches a ball as Chicago Cubs left fielder Moises Alou's arm is seen reaching into the stands, at right, against the Florida Marlins in the eighth inning during Game 6 of the National League championship series Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2003, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) My childhood friend, Bob Competiello, a former Staten Islander who now resides in New Jersey, Facebooked me Thursday afternoon and said the Chicago Cubs should let Steve Bartman throw out the ceremonial first ball on Opening Day at Wrigley Field next season. In this Oct. 14, 2003, file photo, Chicago Cubs left fielder Moises Alou reaches into the stands unsuccessfully for a foul ball, as Cubs fan Steve Bartman also reaches for the ball, during the eighth inning during Game 6 of the National League Championship Series between the Cubs and the Florida Marlins at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Yes, those same Cubs and their fans who have not let Bartman, a fellow Cubs fan off the hook for reaching over the rail to grab a foul ball that Cub leftfielder Moises Alou might have caught in the eight inning of Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS. Bartman knocked into Alou and the ball fell harmlessly to the ground. However, that gave Luis Castillo, who was facing a full-count with one out, a man on second and a three-run deficit, new life. He wound up walking on the next pitch and the then-Miami Marlins went on to beat the Cubs and oust them from the playoffs. Bartman, wearing a green turtleneck, bulky headphones and an aged Cubs hat, was practically booed out of Wrigley that night. He received death threats and nasty mail for the next several years. Chicago Cub fans surely weren't going to let this die -- not even for a fellow Cub diehard. But after Wednesday night's historic World Series victory over the Cleveland Indians, which ended 108 years of frustration for the Cubs and their loyal fan base, the organization should apologize to Bartman and let him throw out the first pitch next season like Competiello, and others, suggest. Whether or not Bartman, who went into hiding soon after the flub, would want to do such a thing is up to him. But if the Cubs are offering, it may be a chance for all to kiss and make up and write a happier ending to a story everyone can laugh at now that the Cubs are world champions! STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Police have arrested two 18-year-old men in a robbery of a Sunnyside deli Wednesday night -- and detectives are working to determine whether they are connected to any more incidents in a spree of at least a dozen robberies that spans Staten Island and New Jersey, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation. Police are investigating whether these men are responsible for a stick-up of the same deli in October and other robberies identified by police as a pattern, the source said. Patrick Weah of Park Hill Avenue and Isaiah Williams of Stuyvesant Avenue in Irvington, N.J., were arrested on Wednesday night on Grymes Hill in the vicinity of Hillside and Howard avenues, according to a spokesman for the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. The duo have both been charged with robbery for the incident that occurred at about 9:03 p.m. Wednesday at the Victory Superette & Bagels at 1212 Victory Blvd., the police spokesman said. Victory Superette was also hit in the early morning hours of on Oct. 15 in what police have identified as a 10-robbery pattern. Weah and Williams have not been charged in connection with any of those incidents at this time. On Wednesday night, Weah allegedly went behind the counter, displayed a handgun and demanded that the workers open the registers. Weah allegedly took money from the cash register and lottery machine, the police spokesman said. Meanwhile, Williams allegedly stood guard at the door and told the workers not to move, according to police. Both Weah and Williams were dressed in hooded sweatshirts and covered their hands with gloves, according to authorities. One was wearing a pink mask while the other culprit obscured his face by pulling down his hood, police said. After the suspects fled, police officers canvassing the area saw a livery car with three riders, including two who fit the descriptions of the robbers. As police approached the cab, at least one of the suspects jumped out of the cab, ran and was chased down by officers, police said. Police also found a 17-year-old girl in the cab who claimed that she didn't know the suspects went to Victory Superette to rob the deli. She reportedly told police that she met up with one of the suspects to smoke marijuana and thought the suspects went into the store to shop. Earlier this week, police released surveillance photos of two individuals sought for questioning in connection with at least 10 robberies. "Pattern 23 in Staten Island" includes nine robberies in the borough and three in New Jersey, NYPD Chief of Department Robert Boyce said on Tuesday. "They consist of purse-snatches, knifepoint, and robberies," Boyce said during a crime briefing at police headquarters. "We don't believe it's derived from any kind of narcotic need or addiction right now. These are young fellows, we have one ID, we're looking to arrest the other two." Victims have been robbed in stores, gas stations, residences and on the street in Staten Island and New Jersey, according to authorities. For more videos related to the wave of robberies on Staten Island, check out our YouTube playlist below: AX008_251B_9.JPG The Port Authority is advising Staten Island motorists to expect delays this weekend due to construction on both the Goethals and Bayonne bridges. To allow for the safe installation of girders for the new Goethals Bridge, exit 13 from the Southbound NJ Turnpike will be closed overnight Thursday, Friday and Saturday. (Port Authority photo) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- To accommodate Port Authority construction on the Goethals Bridge Replacement Project, Exit 13 of the New Jersey Turnpike will be closed to southbound traffic overnight Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Signed detour routes will be provided at Interchanges 13A and 12 for drivers headed to Staten Island and east. The closure does not affect the Northbound NJ Turnpike. Traffic across the Goethals Bridge in both directions also will not be affected. The schedule for the Turnpike closure is as follows: Thursday, Nov. 3, from 7:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4, from 7:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. Additionally, the Port Authority has modified its overnight Bayonne Bridge closure schedule as follows: The bridge will be closed Thursday, Nov. 3, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. The bridge will be closed Friday, Nov. 4, from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. The bridge will remain open from Saturday, Nov. 5, until Monday, Nov. 7, at 9 a.m. During the week, the bridge is normally closed on Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and overnight on Mondays through Thursdays, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. There will be signs posted at key locations in both New York and New Jersey, as well as Port Authority E-Alerts. Drivers can sign up for alerts to get information in real time by logging on to www.paalerts.com McMahon.jpg District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- District Attorney Michael E. McMahon has cautioned Staten Islanders to be patient while authorities investigate the string of robberies the past few weeks. "I am confident that the police are working incredibly hard to keep the people of Staten Island safe and the public can rest assured that my office will vigorously prosecute those responsible for these crimes," McMahon said in a statement to the Advance. "For now, we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and calm as the NYPD continues its ongoing investigation." The crime spree continued Wednesday when a Sunnyside deli was robbed for the second time since mid-October and a Westerleigh deli was hit. The Sunnyside robbery occurred at Richmond Food, located at 1212 Victory Blvd., at approximately 8 p.m. Patrick Weah of Park Hill Avenue and Isaiah Williams of Stuyvesant Avenue in Irvington, N.J., both 18, were arrested and charged with robbery in connection with the incident, police said. Detectives are working to determine whether they are connected to any more incidents in a spree of at least a dozen robberies that spans Staten Island and New Jersey, according to a law enforcement source. The same deli was robbed on Oct. 15 by three individuals who displayed a handgun and made off with approximately $5,000, police said. Silvestro's Deli & Grocery, located at 286 Watchogue Road in Westerleigh, was robbed at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. The suspect, who called the owner a terrorist, made off with about $17,500, the owner said. On Tuesday, police asked the public's help identifying several individuals sought for questioning in connection to a series of robberies that have occurred on Staten Island. Unidentified individuals are sought in 10 incidents across the borough, and NYPD Chief of Department Robery Boyce said Tuesday that the investigation now spans two states. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A justice on Wednesday ordered a psychiatric exam for Anthony Morales, the Mariners Harbor man accused of gunning down a mother and her son in their community seven months ago, and who was later shot himself by cops. Defense lawyer Mark J. Fonte requested the tests during a conference in state Supreme Court, St. George, to determine whether his client is fit to stand trial. "Mr. Morales appears to be an extremely low-functioning individual with a diminished mental capacity," Fonte said outside court. "I want a professional to evaluate him." The exam will determine whether Morales understands the charges against him and can aid in his defense. Morales, 49, who was arraigned in September via video teleconference from his bed at Manhattan's Bellevue Hospital Center appeared in court Wednesday for the first time. The defendant was wounded on March 28 when authorities captured him in Pennsylvania, four days after he allegedly slayed Idelle Rivera, 47, and her son, Anthony Rivera, 21, on March 24. In June, prosecutors filed a seven-count indictment charging Morales with two counts each of first- and second-degree murder and single counts of attempted first- and second-degree murder and second-degree criminal weapon possession. According to a criminal complaint, the slayings occurred between 6 and 6:12 p.m. outside 20 Roxbury St., only steps from the victims' apartment building. Morales lives in a different apartment in the same Mariners Harbor Houses building as the mother and son did, according to police. Detectives are exploring the possibility that a dispute over a car sparked the shooting. Shortly before the slayings, Anthony Rivera had sold a car to the suspect, who was unhappy with the automobile and wanted a refund, a source with knowledge of the police investigation told the Advance. Idelle Rivera was shot once in the head, while her son was hit with three bullets in the head. Jose Ramirez, then 22 and a friend of the younger Rivera, was shot nine times about the body. In an exclusive interview at his hospital bed after the shooting, Ramirez told the Advance the Rivera family had an ongoing feud with Morales regarding a stolen radio antenna from the suspect's vehicle. Morales lit out for Pennsylvania afterward, sparking a multi-state manhunt. Investigators tracked him to West Brunswick Township in Schuylkill County, about 125 miles west of Staten Island. Morales was shot 10 times on March 28 when he ignored repeated commands from authorities to put up his hands before he made a sign of the cross, reached toward his waist and brandished a gun, NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce told reporters. Morales was rushed to Reading Hospital in critical, but stable, condition, police said. He was later extradited to Staten Island. Prosecutors have said the gun recovered in Pennsylvania was the same weapon with which the defendant had shot and killed the Riveras and shot and wounded Ramirez. Morales remains held without bail and will return to court on Dec. 5, when the results of the psychiatric exam may be disclosed. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A felon from Clifton, who pleaded guilty last month to manslaughter stemming from the fatal shooting of a victim on a New Brighton street late last year, was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison. Prosecutors accused Derrick Felder of gunning down Tyquan Pass, 23, shortly after midnight on Nov. 28. Pass was found at about 12:10 a.m. lying on the sidewalk opposite 323 Jersey St., said authorities. The West Brighton resident had a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was carrying an unlicensed 9 mm handgun, but it was not the same weapon used to kill him, said police. According to a criminal complaint, Felder, then 24, had tried to rob the victim and another man about 40 minutes before the fatal shooting. Felder approached them at around 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 27, pointed a gun at them and demanded, "Empty your pockets," said the complaint. Afterward, Pass retrieved a gun, said a law enforcement source with knowledge of the case. He returned and crossed paths with Felder again less than an hour later with deadly results, said police. Felder was charged with murder, attempted robbery and criminal weapon possession. At the time of the shooting, Felder was on probation for five years, stemming from a Feb. 23, 2013 incident for which he had pleaded guilty to attempted third-degree robbery. After the agreement was reached, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon said Felder's plea to first-degree manslaughter would hold him "accountable" for his "violent and callous actions." In addition to prison time, Felder was sentenced in state Supreme Court, St. George, to five years' post-release supervision. Assistant District Attorneys Nina Spadafora and Sun Moo Heo prosecuted the case. Thomas Reilly represented Felder. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Two 20-year-old men were arrested Tuesday for allegedly robbing a New Brighton deli. Abraham Tarr, of Jersey Street, and Eric Coleman, of Richmond Terrace, were arrested at approximately 2:23 p.m., according to a spokesman for the NYPD. One of the men entered Tejada Grocery Store at 78 Westervelt Ave., hit an employee in the head and fled with an undetermined amount of money, police said. The owner of the store said his nephew was the attacked employee, and that he had checked himself in to Richmond University Medical Center yesterday. Police said the deli bandits also made off with a cell phone, tablet and credit cards from the heist. Tarr and Coleman are both charged with robbery. Police could not comment on whether the two men arrested were involved in an ongoing robbery spree dubbed "Pattern 23." The NYPD released photos yesterday of several individuals sought for questioning in connection to the 10 robberies that have taken place across the borough. Police could not provide further information on the number of individuals they were searching for, or if the individuals were working together. The individuals are described as black males, 18 to 25 years old, last seen wearing dark colored clothing. ATLANTA, Nov. 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BlueLinx Holdings Inc. (NYSE:BXC), a leading distributor of building and industrial products in the United States will release third-quarter financial results on Thursday, November 10th, with a conference call at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. During the call, Mitch Lewis, Chief Executive Officer and Susan O'Farrell, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, will discuss the Company's financial results for the period ended October 1, 2016. Investors can listen to the conference call and view the accompanying slide presentation by going to the BlueLinx web site, www.BlueLinxCo.com, and selecting the conference link on the Investor Relations page. Investors will be able to access an archived recording of the conference call for one week by calling 404-537-3406, Conference ID# 3043825. The recording will be available at 1:00pm after the conference call has concluded. Investors can also access a recording of this call on the BlueLinx web site, where a replay of the webcast will be available. About BlueLinx Holdings Inc. BlueLinx Holdings Inc., operating through its wholly owned subsidiary BlueLinx Corporation, is a leading distributor of building and industrial products in the United States. The Company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and operates its distribution business through its national network of distribution centers. BlueLinx is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BXC. Additional information about BlueLinx can be found on its website at www.BlueLinxCo.com. By clicking Agree, you consent to Slates Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and the use of technologies such as cookies by Slate and our partners to deliver relevant advertising on our iOS app to personalize content and perform site analytics. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information about our use of data, your rights, and how to withdraw consent. Agree Best Canadian Blog 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 About Kate Why this blog? Until this moment I have been forced to listen while media and politicians alike have told me "what Canadians think". In all that time they never once asked. This is just the voice of an ordinary Canadian yelling back at the radio - "You don't speak for me." (goes to a private mailserver in Europe) I can't answer or use every tip, but all are appreciated! Katewerk Art Support SDA I am not a registered charity. I cannot issue tax receipts. Reconnaissance Man Economics for the Disinterested ...a fast-paced polar bear attack thriller! Want lies? Hire a regular consultant. Want truth? Hire an asshole. Weather Shop Click to inquire about rates. Dow Jones What They Say About SDA "Smalldeadanimals doesn't speak for the people of Saskatchewan" Former Sask Premier Lorne Calvert "I got so much traffic after your post my web host asked me to buy a larger traffic allowance." Dr.Ross McKitrick Holy hell, woman. 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But Canberrans should not hold their breath about the trouble-plagued jet returning to full service just yet, with the National Capital Authority only testing the new pump, which could yet run into more trouble. The Captain Cook Memorial Jet is finally shooting water after a two-year repair-debacle. Credit:Graham Tidy On Thursday, the NCA began the commissioning stage of the repair works, which also includes testing underground infrastructure such as mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems and equipment. An NCA spokeswoman said the testing could take "several weeks" and expected the jet to be permanently working by the end of the year. ANZ Bank says it is prepared to surrender market share in home loans to rivals because of the risks of fast-rising house prices and soft household income growth. As the bank delivered an 18 per cent slump in full-year profits to $5.9 billion on Thursday after a swag of one-off charges, chief executive Shayne Elliott highlighted ANZ's more cautious view towards expanding its loan book, including in home lending. Rather than trying to grab a larger slice of the lucrative mortgage market, Mr Elliott said ANZ would be happy to grow in line with the broader industry or lose "a little bit" of share to rivals, in response to rising risks and stiff competition. However, its concerns apply less in NSW, despite the resurgent Sydney property market. The bank was still looking to bulk up its market share in NSW because of the strength of the state's economy and ANZ's smaller share in the state, he said. The NSW government has revealed its plans to eliminate the "super profits" enjoyed by the four insurance giants licensed to sell green slips in the state. At present, NRMA, QBE, Allianz, (Allianz and CIC-Allianz) and Suncorp (AAMI and GIO) are pocketing 19 in each green slip dollar as profit more than double what they predict when setting their prices. Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Victor Dominello, in the midst of reforming the Compulsory Third Party insurance scheme, released a discussion paper on Friday saying he wants a fairer and more affordable system. When Wendy Crosland was hunting for a job, she did not wait by her phone or computer to hear if her applications had been successful. Instead she travelled regularly on a bus to the closest job network, where she could access phone and internet services, two "essential services" she couldn't access from home at the time. "I have definitely struggled with the cost of phone and internet services," Ms Crosland said. "Quite often I've gone for a week or two without a phone, living pay-to-pay just to get credit." Ms Crosland's experience is all too familiar to the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) and the South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS), who today released a report highlighting the financial strain of telecommunications services on low-income consumers. The report, Connectivity Costs: Telecommunications Affordability for Low-Income Australians, was based on focus groups and a survey of more than 500 Centrelink recipients and low-income Health Care Card holders. Electricity prices are almost certain to go up following the closure of the Hazelwood power station in Victoria's Latrobe Valley but by how much is far from certain amid competing plans to build more windfarms and the possibility of the closure of a large aluminium smelter which could free up more power generation capacity. "In the short and medium term, it is almost certain prices will go up," Hugh Saddler, of consultants Pitt & Sherry said, but the extent of any rises is unclear since how other power companies would react to the closure is not known. "It is likely prices would go up.There is less price competition and there would be changes in the market power of the remaining operators. "In the longer run, if Victoria starts to get up to speed with meeting its new renewable energy target it would mean more wind coming into the market which would push prices down." Big corporates Telstra, Woolworths, Westpac and 11 top-tier law firms have signed an agreement to hire more female barristers to improve gender equity in the profession. The law firms which include Allens, Herbert Smith Freehills, King & Wood Mallesons, Minter Ellison and Clayton Utz have made a commitment to boost the number of briefs given to female barristers. The aim of the Law Council of Australia's national equity policy is to ensure female barristers are briefed on at least 30 per cent of all matters and receive at least 30 per cent of the value of all briefs by 2020. NSW Bar Association figures for 2015 show women represent less than 10 per cent of Senior Counsel members of the bar and less than a quarter of Junior Counsel. That is despite women accounting for more than half of graduates from NSW law schools and outperforming male students academically. Oil giant Caltex is in damage control after widening an internal investigation to include the Rana family, one of its largest franchisee groups with stores in NSW and South Australia. Caltex chief executive Julian Segal said the company had ramped up its investigation into the franchise network of 650 sites to stamp out wage fraud. Syed Aqeel was formerly employed at Caltex. Credit:David Mariuz "We are disgusted and we will act on any unlawful behaviour, including termination of franchise agreements," he said. He said a core value of Caltex was "care" and some franchisees in the system had done the wrong thing by their workers. The master franchisor of the Yogurberry frozen yoghurt chain and associated companies have been fined $146,000 for the exploitation of four Korean workers at one of its Sydney outlets. The Fair Work Ombudsman said the Federal Court judgment this week had set a precedent in penalising a master franchisor as an accessory to an associated company's conduct. Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James: "If you operate a company in Australia and your business model involves exploitation of vulnerable workers, you can expect to face harsh scrutiny and serious punishment." Credit:Arsineh Houspian Almost half of the penalties were against companies in the Yogurberry Group who were found to be accessories to the exploitation of workers. The company must now undergo a national audit requiring the master franchisor to ensure compliance with fair work laws in the future. Jakarta: A group of Australian firms is exploring developing major infrastructure projects near Jakarta's international airport in a partnership with the provincial government that is potentially worth billions of dollars and could pave the way for increased Australian foreign investment in Indonesia. Indonesian President Joko Widodo will visit Australia next week, with a key aim of his trip to secure more investment in priority infrastructure projects, such as seaports, which are needed to sustain economic growth. An industrial estate-cum-seaport is planned for an area close to Sukarno Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. Credit:Tatan Syuflana The Indonesian Foreign Ministry's director of East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Edi Yusuf, said the focus of President Widodo's visit to Sydney and Canberra from November 6 to 8 would be to deepen economic and maritime cooperation between the two countries. "Two documents will be signed on maritime cooperation and infrastructure," Mr Edi said. Online accounting software group Xero is headed for 1 million subscribers well within the next six months as its losses continue to narrow. More than half the Kiwi upstart's client base is in Australia and New Zealand, where it claims to be the market leader. It sees the UK as its "next growth engine" but has only a modest presence in the key US market, where the incumbent, Intuit, is working to defend its dominance. 'Early next year - first quarter', is when Xero expect to top 1 million subscribers, the group's co-founder Rod Drury said. Credit:Andrew Hobbs "Early next year - the first quarter", is when Xero will top 1 million subscribers, the group's co-founder Rod Drury said, "with significant upside in cashflow during the second half". At the end of September, Xero had 862,000 paying subscribers, up 37 per cent on a year ago. Revenue per subscriber edged up 5 per cent to $NZ29.30, which helped the gross margin reach 75 per cent, up 1 percentage point. With the election now done and dusted and the battles for spots in the ministry and the shadow ministry resolved, the Canberra Liberals must now feel at the start of a long road ahead. While learning the lessons of defeat can be hard, the quickest and most effective way to find their way back to contention is to get on with the main job of any opposition: holding the government to account. This doesn't mean waging Tony Abbott-style guerrilla warfare against any and all legislative measures proposed by the parties in power. But it doesn't involve presenting such a small target strategy that the electorate concludes you are an ideas-free zone, bereft of any policies or beliefs of your own, either. This is why new Opposition Leader Alistair Coe's stated willingness to move on from outright opposition to light rail is refreshingly welcome. His attitude of accepting that light rail will proceed, but pledging to monitor it closely and watch the spending, is a sound strategy. In my teens I became active in the pro-life movement after the Victorian 2008 Abortion Law Reform Bill passed, legalising abortion up to birth. I spoke at rallies, sidewalk counselled and advocated for life wherever I could. During this time I found the pro-life movement was mostly supported by civil-minded advocates, who were deeply concerned about the rising rate of abortion and wished to save life and support mothers. Demonstrators on both sides of the abortion issue stand in front of the Supreme Court in Washington in June. Credit:AP However, over the years, despite the movement's positive intentions, much of the advocacy had become out of touch at the best of times, and extremist at worst. An unrepresentative minority, who aggressively picketed abortion clinics, shamed distressed women and threatened eternal damnation, unsurprisingly failed to win the public debate. The Day case is particularly concerning given it involves deals with the government and taxpayer-funded schemes that could give rise to doubts about undue influence, not to mention constitutional breaches. The High Court will in effect determine who can and cannot replace Family First's Bob Day. Credit:Stefan Postles Like flaws in the oversight of MP expenses, the system covering conflicts of interest relies on candidates and politicians being honest enough to fess up. The High Court may rule within weeks whether Mr Day a supporter of Coalition measures, including anti-union bills has breached the constitution and as such was ineligible for the July 2 election. If ruled out, his replacement is likely to be determined by a recount of that ballot. That could cost the Coalition one crucial vote. In a separate but more clear-cut case, the High Court will decide whether One Nation's Rod Culleton was an ineligible Senate candidate because he had been convicted of larceny a charge carrying more than a year's imprisonment or was insolvent. Mr Culleton had been expected to oppose the Coalition's anti-union bills. If he is forced out, the government may gain a vote. But both cases show that an honesty box system with weak rules fails to vet candidates properly. The Day case turns on a deal struck after the 2013 election in which Mr Day went guarantor for a loan to an associate's company, Fullarton Investments, so it could buy from him the premises he wanted to use as his electoral office at Kent Town in Adelaide. Fullarton subsequently leased the premises to the commonwealth, which has paid no rent. Section 44 bans the election of anyone with an indirect pecuniary interest with the commonwealth. Mr Day accepts that Fullarton "owes me money" but claims no interest because "I had an agreement with someone else who had an agreement with the commonwealth". Building new coal-fired power plants would be "detrimental" to efforts to curb carbon emissions that currently place the world on a path to warm 2.9-3.4 degrees this century, a United Nations scientist says. Jacqueline McGlade, chief scientist for the UN Environment Program, said new coal plants would be "entirely contradictory" to the need to close a wide gap between national promises made at last year's Paris climate summit and the carbon emissions trajectory. "Anything that leads to an increase in greenhouse gases we see as detrimental," Professor McGlade said. "From an environmental perspective it's just a no go [for new coal]." The comments come as the Paris climate agreement signed by almost 200 nations pledging to keep global warming to less than 2 degrees comes into force on Friday. Home buyers and tradies burnt by the collapse of Bob Day's construction empire are weighing up whether to go after up to $2 million in loans and donations made to the former senator's party even as his companies were teetering on collapse. A successful action could bankrupt the Family First party along with Mr Day, who has already quit Parliament to face personal ruin including the loss of his family home and other assets. Australian Electoral Commission disclosure returns show Mr Day contributed almost $2 million to the minor party between 2009-10 and 2014-15. That includes $484,000 in donations in 2013-14 and $73,200 in 2014-15, well after his Home Australia business started faltering. Streamlining complaints under controversial provisions of the Human Rights Act would avoid long delays in cases like cartoonist Bill Leak and students at the Queensland University of Technology, Liberal backbench newcomer Julian Leeser said on Friday. Offering a compromise for reform of section 18C of the act, which makes it an offence to "offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate" on the basis of race, Mr Leeser said the Human Rights Commission should be required to more quickly determine whether a complaint has any prospect of success, before lengthy legal processes begin. In a speech to the Chinese Australian Services Society in Sydney, the Berowra MP argued a part-time judicial member of the commission could be appointed to initially consider complaints, and those with little prospect of success could be quickly terminated. The proposal comes ahead of Friday's decision by a Brisbane judge on the controversial QUT case, over accusations of racial vilification by a trio of students who complained on social media about being asked to leave a computer lab reserved for use by Indigenous students The partner of Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis has been found guilty of the murder of his former wife, who was stabbed 18 times, doused in fuel and set on fire in a western Sydney apartment block. Delivering his verdict in the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday, Justice Peter Johnson said Amirah Droudis, 37, was motivated by a desire to form a family unit with Monis when she stabbed the 30-year-old to death and set her body on fire during a frenzied attack in 2013. Droudis, who was in a relationship with Monis for several years, pleaded not guilty to the murder, claiming she was at her parents' home at Belmore the time. Justice Johnson said Monis orchestrated the murder of his former wife and "took advantage" of Droudis who was "enthralled by him" and had "adopted uncritically" his view of the world. Only hours after the ritualistic murder of his ex-wife, Man Haron Monis and his lover Amirah Droudis filmed what seemed liked scenes of a happy family. The video showed Monis, his two children, Droudis, and her child, eating dinner, playing, and reading books together before going to bed. It was a desire to form this family unit that fuelled Monis and Droudis' plan to dispose of his ex-wife and mother of his children, and they wasted no time after her brutal killing to perform a tableaux of domestic bliss. In the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday, Justice Peter Johnson found Droudis, 37, guilty of stabbing Monis' ex-wife 18 times, dousing her body in petrol, and setting her on fire during a frenzied attack in a western Sydney apartment block in 2013. A nurse found guilty of murdering two women with lethal doses of insulin had previously been investigated for injecting the same medication into patients who did not need it during her problematic career. Megan Jean Haines, 49, was stripped of her nurse's registration in 2008 after it emerged she had given insulin to non-diabetic patients on two separate occasions at a medical centre in Victoria. Six years later she used this same method to murder two women at a NSW North Coast nursing home after learning she was the subject of a potentially career-ending complaints investigation. Marie Darragh, 82, and Isabella Spencer, 77, were found in comatose states in their beds at St Andrews Village, Ballina, on the morning of May 10, 2014. A five-year-old girl has allegedly been indecently assaulted by three older students at a primary school in Sydney's south-west. Police are investigating allegations that the girl was attacked on Wednesday afternoon. A NSW Police spokeswoman said officers went to the school on Thursday. "Officers from Fairfield Local Area Command attended the school and are investigating," the spokeswoman said. The students have not yet been charged and the school involved cannot be named. Police have been ordered to pay the legal fees of a man they accused of knocking out an officer during an arrest on the Gold Coast earlier this year. Jake Pearson, 22, was found not guilty at Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday of serious assault of a police officer after the incident at the Surfers Paradise safe drink precinct in June. An officer lost consciousness during the arrest. Credit:Glenn Hunt Pearson was out with his girlfriend when he got into a scuffle with police with one of the officers briefly losing consciousness. Magistrate Kay Philipson told the court prosecutors had been unable to prove Pearson was the one responsible for causing Constable Rohan Larkin to be knocked out, despite CCTV footage of the incident. Business will be lured to the Latrobe Valley with tax breaks and cash grants as part of a major $266 million Victorian rescue package to cushion the blow following the closure of the Hazelwood power plant. In a radical move designed to head off a jobs crisis, the Andrews government is set to announce a new "economic growth zone" offering financial incentives - including the reimbursement of fees and charges - to businesses wanting to expand or set up in the valley. Under the plan, a business buying a $500,000 property in the Latrobe Valley could get a stamp duty tax break worth up to $25,000. The new zone will cover the Latrobe City Council, Wellington Shire and Baw Baw Shire, with funding handed out on a case-by-case basis by the new Latrobe Valley Authority. Bangkok: Australia has provided wide-ranging training, support and assistance for Philippine police who are at the centre of president Rodrigo Duterte's highly contentious crackdown on drugs that has left thousands of Filipinos dead. Human rights groups and independent investigations, including by Fairfax Media, have uncovered evidence showing Philippine police involvement in targeted assassinations and vigilante hit squads. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte last month. Credit:Bloomberg The United States this week blocked the sale of 26,000 automatic weapons to the Philippine National Police, prompting focus on Australia's multimillion dollar support program to Philippine police that includes the training of more than 1200 officers. Australia stepped up its support for Philippine law enforcement agencies after the Australian Federal Police and Philippine National Police signed a memorandum of understanding to develop co-operation in 2012. Donald Trump and his supporters hope to overcome sweeping demographic shifts by rallying the support of "missing white voters"-- disaffected, conservative populists who sat out the 2012 presidential election. Millions of these voters could be activated, the theory goes -- enough to overcome the demographic changes that favour Hillary Clinton. Trump may yet win this election. But if he does, it probably will not be because of a huge influx of Republican-leaning "missing" voters. There has been no surge in registration among white voters since 2012, and the white voters who have joined the electorate are younger and likelier to support Clinton than those who were already registered. No warrants were produced to search the businesses, severe damage at both establishments while detectives help themselves to free beverages during the search which lasted over 12 hours. PHILIPSBURG:--- Relatives of the Meyers family and the exotic dancers that are operating at El Captain and Le Petit Chateau raised several questions about the searches that were conducted on Tuesday. Speaking to SMN News were some family members who said that about 15 detectives went to the Meyers residence about 5am on Tuesday morning. The relatives who spoke to SMN News on the condition of anonymity said that when the detectives reached the gate they somehow got Etienne Toochie Meyers attention who willingly opened his gate electronically. The relatives said when the detectives got closer to the home they asked Meyers to meet them downstairs, at the time Meyers were in his underpants, but he complied with the detectives, judge and prosecutors request to join them downstairs. Moments later the detectives including the judge and prosecutor along with Meyers went into his home and spoke to Meyers who immediately told his wife to call his lawyers but when she tried to approach her phones, the judge and prosecutor told her that she was not allowed to touch the phones. The relatives said shortly after that the prosecutor and judge told Meyers to get dressed and after that was done they presented him with a warrant which basically stated that he will be arrested and his home will be searched. The relatives further explained that the judge and prosecutor then told Meyers wife that they were going to search her home and if it was necessary they will return. They said in the process of searching the home ---which they basically ransacked they confiscated 10 watches (expensive watches such as Movado, Rolex, and other top brands) all of which belong to Mrs. Meyers and Etienne Meyers, the detectives they said also confiscated a box that contained documents that are related to Play to Win casino license. The relatives further explained that Mrs. Meyers asked the detectives why they were confiscating her watches all which are gifts given to them by their children and she was told that those are valuables that will be confiscated for the criminal acts committed. The relatives said that after the detectives went over to a vacant land that had several heavy types of equipment including two boats which they did not even check to see who owns the immovable properties. The relatives said the detectives even confiscated the private vehicle belonging to Mrs. Meyers and that of Etienne Toochie Meyers. The relatives further stated that while the detectives, judge, and prosecutor were at the home of the Meyers, his wife turned over all the keys belonging to the vehicles that were confiscated and the two clubs. The relatives said they did not know that while there were about 15 detectives at the Meyers residence, there were another set at El Captain and the Le Petit Chateau. Licensed Firearm confiscated. The family also explained when the detectives entered Meyers home, he informed them that he was in possession of a licensed firearm and offered to show them the firearm and the license but the judge and prosecutor refused to see those and instead, it appeared in one of the newspapers that an illegal firearm was found in Meyers home. Damages at the Clubs SMN News visited El Captain on Wednesday afternoon and found that the detectives damaged almost every door at the building including the glass door on the outside that has no locks. Besides that those at the club said that the cleaner was at the location when the detectives arrived there at 5am and she offered to open the building but the detectives refused the offer and proceeded to damage the doors, cash pans, safe, and slot machines, surveillance cameras, and other parts while inside the building. What was amazing to see is the damage done to the slot machines. No Warrants to search clubs. The daughter of Etienne Meyers said that she and her brother went to El Captain after 8am and asked the detectives to provide her with a copy of the warrant to search El Captain, her fathers property. The young woman said when they arrived at the location they were prevented from entering and they could not obtain a copy of the warrant because the detectives basically told them that the administrative procedures were done by the judge and prosecutor and they did not have a copy with them to hand over to her. The families also posed questions about the clubs that were raided and the people who were arrested in this and other cases. They said that so far all the clubs that were targeted belong to locals while those that are operated by foreigners were not raided. They said that while there was a stop on issuing working permits to the clubs other clubs such as Platinum are still open and they are not being targeted. Detectives helped themselves to free beverages during the search. Inside the club, in the bar area, several empty water bottles were seen along with coca cola cans. The female workers said that they personally saw the detectives taking beverages out of the coolers and were drinking since they searched El Captain from 5am to 5pm. The dancers said that some of them went inside to get water and juice because all day they were not given anything to eat but were told that they should stay in their rooms, they said when they went inside the club and told the detectives that they were there to get something to drink the detectives basically told them to take all that they wanted to drink since there is no camera and their bosses are not there. Interrogation of illegal dancers that are still free. At El Captain there were between 11 to 15 commercial sex workers that were found without legal documents while there were about the same amount at Le Petit Chateau. Some of the women arrived on the island 3 days ago legally, and another 5 were supposed to arrive on Wednesday since the club owner paid $1,600 (NAF,2, 500) to process their working documents (residency and work permits ) for the club, which they obtained from the immigration and labor services. However, the commercial sex workers that are legal on the island told SMN News that the documents Meyers obtained from the immigration department, the detective told them those documents are fraudulent and as such, they would have to leave the island within a week time. They said the detectives confiscated their passports and even went as far as telling them if they testify against Meyers they would get back their passports faster and they would be able to leave the island. The commercial sex workers, especially those that arrived three days ago said that they paid their own tickets and they just arrived here with legal documents and now they are told that those documents their boss obtained from government are fraudulent, this they said they cannot understand and most shocking was the statements made to them which were if they cooperated with the detectives and testify against Meyers they would be able to leave faster. As for the illegal commercial sex workers, the detectives left them at the clubs and told them that they are allowed to remain on the island and solicit work outside of the club until it is time for them to leave. Here it is we have detectives telling us that we can stay at the club even though we are here illegally and we could solicit work outside of the club. This is something we all find strange while those that obtained working documents are told that their documents are fraudulent and they have to leave. Attorney at Law Jairo Bloem in a statement to SMN News said that it is regrettable to see in one newspaper that a gun was found in Meyers home which according to him is incorrect. Bloem said that he spoke to his client when he was arrested and his client told him that he informed the judge, prosecutor, and detectives, that he is possession of a licensed firearm, yet it appeared in the newspaper in a negative light. Bloem said his client had illegal workers in his club and that is indeed wrong (illegal) but the things that were done during the search is unimaginable. He said the outgoing Minister of Justice had promised the club owners to extend the permits for the women that are already on the island working at the clubs since the government was taking way too long in regulating the situation and all the clubs were suffering financially. Bloem said even though the Minister of Justice made that statement verbally he never executed the extension thus leaving the women undocumented. Bloem said Meyers has 60 employees who today would be without work, besides that the businessman has loans and mortgages to pay monthly which amounts to $18,000.00 per month. Bloem said since May the court ordered the government to start issuing permits to the club owners for the commercial sex workers and now that it is being done, the prosecutors and judge that were on the scene are telling them that the documents they obtained from the government are fraudulent. He said that detectives went to Dulcia Florentina home and they banged so hard on her door that she panicked. Bloem said that Florentina suffers from several ailments and what happened to her on Tuesday almost killed her. He further explained that when the detectives reached the woman home she was still in her nightdress and when she was told that she would be detained she told the officers she needed to get dress and while in her room trying to get dress in the presence of a female officer, a male detective walked in the room and did not want to leave the room when Florentina asked him to leave so she could get dressed. He said another suspect Louella Rog was manhandled when she was arrested. Bloem said that the officer cuffed her inward and when she asked why she was mistreated because she was not resisting arrest, the detectives told her that they are treating her the way they believe she treated the women at the club. Bloem said based on what transpired on Tuesday he is contemplating opening a preliminary criminal investigation against the prosecutor and those that were involved in the searches. Asked if he received the search warrants for all the properties, he said that he did not get anything from the Prosecution as yet. He said that so far he saw his clients and could only report what his clients told him. Bloem said that the operators of the clubs had control on the women, since they were seeing doctors weekly and whenever they leave the club at nights with clients, those persons have to give the club owners some sort of identification for the safety of the women. Since the warrants for the establishments were not given to the owners it is still not clear why this search and arrest took place. Another question that still has to be answered by law enforcement is the reason why local club owners are harassed by the judicial system while those on the western side of the island remained untouched. Click here to see photos of the damage done at El Captain. Study-abroad opportunities inspire life of travel Wendy Mason 01 had never left the United States until a St. Norbert music tour. The travel bug bit, and she embarked on a semester abroad; then a graduate education in international travel; and on to her job at SIT Study Abroad School for International Training, where she is assistant director of admissions. On a recent visit to campus, Wendy spoke with John Devroy (Office of Communications). (This was not the first time the two of them had chatted: Devroy is Masons uncle.) Q: What first gave you the itch to travel? Study abroad was something I really wanted to take advantage of during my college career, and I knew St. Norbert had a great international office that worked with students that had that interest and had a lot of offerings. I had heard from a student that had just come back from Japan at the time, and that just made me more excited about the prospect to go to SNC. Q: Your experience at St. Norbert College really influenced your life in a rather large way. Can you talk about that? The first time I actually left the U.S. was with the music department at St. Norbert, Dr. Michael Rosewall and the crew took the entire instrumental and vocal to Europe for a tour. We went through Austria, Germany and Italy; and I knew then I had the travel bug. So then I started researching. I ended up directly enrolling at University College Cork in Ireland. My experience abroad was amazing. I had a great international office at UCC in Cork that were very supportive as well. I remember sitting in their office with one of the women there once, thinking, this is such a great job. When I graduated, I actually started in a career more in the photography, digital imaging realm, working with a photo lab for about three years before I got that [travel] itch again. Somebody mentioned to me that I ought to look into graduate programs, and so I started to look at international studies or international education, doing a masters; and SIT Graduate Institute came up. I asked Rosemary Sands [then study abroad director] about SIT. They have actually had interns from SIT work in the international office at SNC. They were well aware of the program and spoke of it very highly, and that sort of sealed the deal. I decided to move out to Vermont and got accepted into SIT and began my graduate work. Q: You went through the program and then what happened? Part of the program included a practicum. I looked at opportunities there and the first thing that came up actually was working with the SIT Study Abroad Program based in Dublin. The program theme was Peace & Conflict Studies. I applied for that and I was very lucky to be able to work as a program assistant in a two-person office in Dublin, and we ran it for a semester together with nine students from various colleges around the U.S. I traveled a lot of Ireland with them, speaking with people about peace and conflict studies. Somewhere half-way through that practicum (it was a six-month practicum) a job opportunity in the admissions office at SIT Study Abroad, based in Brattleboro, Vermont, came up. So literally a week after my practicum ended with SIT, I returned to Brattleboro and began full-time as a staff member in their admissions department. Q: What are you doing now? While I do admissions and work with students procuring visas and preparing them for a semester abroad, I also have an opportunity now to use my communication and even graphic arts skills doing some of the marketing, email marketing and outreach to potential students who would be a good fit, good matches for SIT. Its a great field because you are really never quite sure what skills you are going to end up needing, besides a passion for international work and trying to give students that opportunity youve had in the past. Q: Can you share a little more about SIT? SIT Study Abroad is a third-party provider that creates study-abroad programs and markets them to college students throughout the U.S. We send students out the door and hope they come back with their lives changed, basically. Our programs include a lot of primary research. A lot of students sometimes afterward will go back to continue their research in the country where they had studied abroad. Theyll end up with Fulbright scholarships; some of them will use their projects for graduate work later on. It is really great to see what they do afterward. Q: Youve had a lot of opportunity to travel, as part of this. Can you tell me about some of the places you have been? Ive been to Iceland, the Netherlands, of course Ireland, Northern Ireland, Argentina, let me see India, China, Vietnam. Im heading to South Africa soon and who knows where else, yeah! France, Spain, Q: We recently heard of an incident where a student studying abroad in Italy was killed by a stranger. When something like that happens, does your office get a lot of calls from parents of prospective students about the safety of these programs? We do get that often, from parents and schools and students themselves especially if they are planning to go to the region or the country where the incident happened. The Nepal earthquake last summer was an example. We have three programs that run in Nepal and were preparing to send students to Nepal for a summer program right before that happened. Risk assessment is a big deal in international education and the study-abroad world. We have close relationships with people in U.S. embassies in each location where we run programs, and it helps us keep our ear to the floors. Common sense is a part of it, staying knowledgeable about your location. I mean even New York City ... thats often an example we bring up when speaking to parents. There are parts of New York City you would not want to go by yourself at night. It could be Johannesburg, South Africa, or it could be another place you are sending your students, and they just have to be aware of where safe zones are traveling with others, even down to if there are taxi companies that are more reputable than others. We are always thinking about it. Safety is absolutely first and foremost on any study-abroad program. Nov. 1, 2016 IGEL Names Accelera Solutions Inc. a Platinum Partner FAIRFAX, VA and SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Marketwired) 11/03/16 a leading provider of cloud, mobility, and virtualization solutions, and , a world leader in the delivery of powerful workspace management software, IGEL Linux-powered thin clients, zero clients and all-in-one thin client solutions, today announced that Accelera Solutions has been named a Platinum member of the new IGEL Partner Program. The new distinction coincides with the release of IGELs new Partner Program which has been designed to help channel partners capitalize on the thin client and workspace management software market to create new opportunities to grow their business more quickly and profitably. We are pleased to recognize Accelera Solutions as a Platinum member of the IGEL partner ecosystem, said Jed Ayres, President and CEO, IGEL North America. With an innovative approach to end-user computing, Accelera Solutions is a trusted advisor for organizations nationwide that want to optimize their endpoint infrastructure. Together we will help customers reduce power, hardware and administrative costs while simplifying endpoint security and control. Joe Brown, Acceleras President and COO, commented on the announcement, saying, Were thrilled to be able to take our long-standing partnership with IGEL to the next level. This partnership reinforces our commitment to our customers to provide innovative solutions anchored by best-of-breed technology. Our relationship with IGEL continues to allow us to provide organizations with secure, high performance endpoint options that save cost, reduce administration and generally improve the way IT is being delivered. The newly enhanced IGEL Partner Program gives program members exclusive access to the resources that drive both hardware and software business, create new opportunities, fuel revenue growth and close deals faster. The new programs Platinum level gives members exclusive inclusion in the IGEL Platinum Partner Council, first look previews of IGEL NDA roadmaps, back end rebates, deal registration and protection and preferential disbursement of leads. Members also receive IGEL-delivered technical and sales enablement training, joint marketing support, and direct access to customer care, inside sales and support for technical inquiries. Program members additionally have access to beta programs for customers, and receive demo equipment and deep discounts for NFR equipment and licenses as well as the ability to increase margins based on tier partner levels and participation in deal registration. The new IGEL Partner Program launched on October 1, 2016. For more information on how to join, please visit: . Twitter: LinkedIn: Facebook: Blog: Accelera Solutions is a leading provider of secure and flexible cloud, mobility, and virtualization solutions. Our areas of focus include end-user computing, desktop as a service, cloud management and automation, and business continuity. Our services include professional consulting, staff augmentation, and full IT managed services. Headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, Acceleras customers include the Federal Government, DoD and civilian agencies, state and local Government, and commercial business throughout the United States. We maintain presence in Fairfax, VA, Charleston, SC, San Antonio, TX, and Denver, CO. Twitter: Facebook: Google+: LinkedIn: YouTube: IGEL delivers powerful endpoint management software that is revolutionary in its simplicity and purpose-built for the enterprise. The companys world-leading products, including the IGEL Universal Management Suite, IGEL Linux-powered thin and zero clients, and all-in-one thin client solutions, deliver a smart and secure endpoint management experience that shifts granular control of thin and zero client devices from the end user to IT. This enables enterprises to remotely control all thin client devices from a single dashboard interface. With IGEL, IT teams can do more with less, lower their total cost of ownership and operation, and future-proof their organization. IGEL has 10 offices worldwide and is represented by partners in over 50 countries. For more information on IGEL, visit . Erin Jones Avista PR for IGEL 704-664-2170 Chris Eastman Accelera Solutions 703-637-5053 Sauce Labs Announces SauceCon 2017; Opens Call for Speakers SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Marketwired) 11/03/16 , provider of the worlds largest cloud-based platform for automated testing of web and mobile applications, today announced details around its user conference and opened its . The event will take place June 6 8, 2017 in San Francisco. Modern development teams now recognize that they cannot achieve DevOps or Continuous Delivery without automating their tests, said Charles Ramsey, CEO of Sauce Labs. We know that the shift to automated testing is frequently challenging, especially for larger organizations. At SauceCon, attendees will learn from their peers as well as industry experts how to automate testing at scale and meet the demands of todays modern development practices. The two-day conference will be preceded by a full day of training courses on both Selenium and Appium. SauceCon 2017, the Sauce Labs Inaugural User Conference June 6 8, 2017 JW Marriott, 515 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 Save the date! Speaking abstracts can also be submitted at . Tickets are scheduled to go on sale in December 2016. The call for speakers is open today through January 31st, 2017. Presentations featuring actionable paths to success and real world stories about automated testing and optimizing integrations with CI/CD environments are welcome. For details and to submit, visit: Related to best practices in automated testing, Sauce Labs today released the first in a series of short video vignettes, Automated Testing Myth Busters: Sauce Labs provides the worlds largest cloud-based platform for the automated testing of web and mobile applications. Its award-winning service eliminates the time and expense of maintaining an in-house testing infrastructure, freeing development teams of any size to innovate and release better software, faster. Sauce Labs is a privately held company funded by Toba Capital, Salesforce Ventures, Triage Ventures and the Contrarian Group. For more information, please visit . Scott Lechner Kulesa Faul for Sauce Labs (530) 521-3095 Huaweis Mate 9 Features Qeexos FingerSense Technology Posted by Publisher Hardware MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (Marketwired) 11/03/16 , developer of user interaction solutions for touch-enabled devices, today announces that its next generation touch platform is available on the just-released Huawei Mate 9 smartphone. Huawei made the announcement today during its Mate 9 launch in Munich, Germany. Qeexo FingerSense is becoming in touch technology on Android, and were excited about the growing partnership with Huawei that has put FingerSense into the hands of tens of millions of consumers, said Sang Won Lee, CEO of Qeexo. With FingerSense, users of the Mate 9 will have access to the worlds most advanced touch technology and enjoy a far more delightful and engaging user experience. Huawei, the worlds third largest smartphone manufacturer, uses Qeexo FingerSense technology (rebranding it Knuckle Sense or Knuckle Gestures) for many of it its flagship smartphones, including the Mate 9. FingerSense enables users to quickly access powerful functions, simply by using a knuckle to draw or knock on the screen. For example, users can use a knuckle to knock twice on the display to take a screenshot, or to draw letters such as m and c to launch the Mates 9s music player and camera respectively. FingerSense is the next generation touch platform from Qeexo and the worlds first software-only solution that can distinguish between touchscreen inputs such as fingertip, knuckle, nail and stylus. With FingerSense, smartphone OEMs can offer a range of new capabilities to delight users and make it easier for users to perform smartphone tasks. Using simple gestures, FingerSense enables: enhanced screenshot capabilities, more robust live screen-recording tools and quick-launch of applications via letter gestures. To watch a demo of Qeexos FingerSense technology, go to: . By bringing machine intelligence to human input, Qeexo develops innovative solutions to advance the field of human-computer interaction. The companys technologies elevate the user experience of touch-enabled devices, making them more intelligent, more powerful and easier to use. Qeexo works with the worlds top mobile companies and its technology is deployed on tens of millions of devices worldwide. Spun out of Carnegie Mellon University, Qeexo is venture-backed and headquartered in Mountain View, Calif. To learn more, visit . Lisa Langsdorf FareHarbor Acquires Activity Link Systems Expanding Market Share in Tours and Activities industry to $3 Billion DENVER, CO (Marketwired) 11/03/16 , a family-owned business serving tour and activity operators and concierge desks with the industrys ultimate online booking and reservation management platform, today announced the acquisition of (ALS), a leading provider of software for the activity industry. The acquisition further extends FareHarbors client portfolio to 10 percent of the U.S. tours and activities market in 2017. In June 2016 FareHarbor announced it was on track to process $1 billion in tour bookings over the upcoming 12 months. Less than 5 months later, with the acquisition of ALS, FareHarbor now expects to handle $3 billion in tour bookings in 2017. Founded in Wailuku, Hawaii in 2000 by Kumar Manuel, ALS provides Internet-ready, PCI-compliant point-of-sale systems that support real-time reservation integration with a customers existing site. Its flagship products include AL-Pro for activity providers or vendors and AL-Desk for concierge/activity desks or agencies. The Activity Link Network (ALN) facilitates real-time bookings between AL-Desk and AL-Pro and other travel industry partners. AL-Pro Helicopter Edition is the leading reservation platform for the high demand helicopter tours industry. We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Activity Link Systems and we welcome their loyal roster of clients to the FareHarbor family, said Lawrence Hester, CEO and co-founder of FareHarbor. We continually seek ways to enhance our software and services portfolio and our value proposition to meet the ever-changing needs of our operators, whether organically or through acquisition, and Activity Link Systems helps us achieve that objective. With a focus on unmatched customer service, software innovation and platform reliability at our core, our new and existing customers can count on the team at FareHarbor to be a true partner in helping achieve their business objectives. Through the acquisition of ALS, FareHarbor gains 110 new tour and activity clients, including , Papillion Airways, and a host of other leading helicopter, parasail, boat, fixed wing and bicycle tour operators. The state-of-the-art reservation platform now supports more than 3,000 different clients offering over 25,000 unique bookable activities. FareHarbor ended its first year of operation in 2013 with 25 local tour operators and $4 million in tour bookings. FareHarbor will be on-hand at the upcoming in Los Angeles from November 14-17 to discuss the ALS acquisition and other company news. Members of the press and industry partners are invited to schedule a meeting with FareHarbor executives during the conference by emailing the company at . Founded in January 2013, Honolulu-based FareHarbor began shortly after a planned family vacation to Hawaii, when co-founder Zachary Hester and his brother Lawrence discovered the challenges of booking activities online while on the island. After working in the business for two years, he assembled a team of family and friends and together they set out to create a world-class online reservation system specifically designed to empower tour operators to better serve their customers while increasing online bookings and revenue. Today, FareHarbor supports more than 3,000 tour operators, booking agents and concierge desks in 50 states plus the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and Tahiti from its offices in Hawaii, San Francisco, Denver, Minneapolis and Boston. For more information, please visit . Jeremy Ertl Skyya Communications (952) 746-1311 Thanks [QUOTE=Dee74;6209923]I have no experience with it Miko. As I understand there's a variety of different things out there marketed as 'CBD oil' - some will get you high and some won't...so there's a risk there from the get go. If it was me I'd discuss this with my doctor first to see if it is a suitable treatment for me and if they agree it is I'd go to considerable effort to ensure the stuff I use is not psychoactive. Thanks for reply dee. The stuff isn't phychoactive , it's made from the hemp plant with nearly no thc , the phychoactive part of cannibis that gets you high. If you drive your car after it, it wouldn't get u in trouble as it's not enough in it to show up in your blood. Also it's used on children with seizures and other illnesses and disorders , with no addictive qualities and no overdose factor. I think it might be a hidden beauty , the talk is big pharma are in process of looking at it just now and I'm sure we will see it being used more widely than it is now. Thanks for your advice dee. Solar Novus Today Has Been Integrated With Novus Light Technologies Today Visit Novus Light Technologies Today to see all the cutting-edge stories and products that you have come to enjoy on Solar Novus Today. In addition, you will find more information on related light-based technologies. Get the latest solar and renewable energy news delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for the Green Technologies newsletter CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR GREEN TECHNOLOGIES NEWSLETTER The idea for the trail was added during planning to stabilize the north bank of the Red Run, including restoration in eroded spots, particularly on the north side, where it had gotten to within 10 feet of the landfill on which Freedom Hill was built, officials said. A guide to voter rights in Indiana. What you need to know before you cast a ballot Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Welcome to SwanseaOnline - your home for the best news, sports and what's on coverage of the city. Never miss a Swansea story with our daily newsletter Sign up to comment on our stories here Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Swansea City news | Ospreys news | InYourArea Canadian astronaut Roberta Bondar (right) and Sandra Hanington, president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint join other officials for the unveiling of the "View of Canada From Space" coin at Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Nov. 1. Twenty-five years after Canada's first woman lifted off into space, the nation has launched a new coin honoring astronaut Roberta Bondar's historic mission. The Royal Canadian Mint's "View of Canada From Space" $25 coin features a photoluminescent illustration of North America that reveals city lights as they are seen from orbit when the coin is placed in the dark. The commemorative is the world's first curved and glow-in-the-dark silver coin. "The Mint is proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Dr. Bondar's historic mission with a coin as innovative as what she achieved for women and all of Canada," said Sandra Hanington, the president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "This new silver coin captures yet another story of a Canadian reaching for the stars and accomplishing things that will inspire us for generations to come." [Women in Space: A Space History Gallery] Illustration showing how the Royal Canadian Mints "View of Canada From Space" curved silver coin looks in the light and in the dark. (Image credit: Royal Canadian Mint) Bondar, who was also the world's first neurologist to fly in space, launched as a payload specialist aboard the space shuttle Discovery on its STS-42 mission. For eight days in January 1992, Bondar and her six U.S. and German crew mates worked in a Spacelab module to study the effects of weightlessness on living organisms and materials as part of the International Microgravity Laboratory-1. "We need to celebrate our milestones and pioneers as we push the frontiers of discovery," said Bondar, who attended the coin's unveiling at Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on Tuesday (Nov. 1). "Glowing in the dark, the coin represents inspiration and hope for the future and it is an honor to have my role in human spaceflight recognized in this meaningful way." "My view from [aboard space shuttle] Discovery 25 years ago forever changed my view of Earth and instilled in me a commitment to protect this magnificent planet. This special coin symbolizes the beauty of Earth from space," she said. As designed by Canadian artist Alexandra Lefort, the outer band framing the coin's central design features Bondar's name and text highlighting the anniversary of her mission, as well as a miniature depiction of space shuttle Discovery as it appeared on the STS-42 mission patch. "As the first Canadian woman to fly in space, Dr. Bondar will always be remembered as a pioneer among Canada's modern-day explorers," stated Terry Sheehan, member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. "The government of Canada is pleased that her achievement of 25 years ago and ongoing dedication to science have been honored by the Royal Canadian Mint." "Dr. Bondar has done so much to make her hometown of Sault Ste. Marie and the rest of Canada proud," Christian Provenzano, Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, stated. "My fellow citizens and I are delighted that the Royal Canadian Mint has honored Dr. Bondar's remarkable achievements with this impressive silver coin." The 2017 "View of Canada from Space" $25 coin is limited to a mintage of 8,500 and retails for $159.95 CDN (about $120 U.S.). It is available from the Royal Canadian Mint, through its online store, as well as in the Mint's boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver, or from authorized dealers, including participating Canada Post outlets. The new coin is the latest to honor Canada's astronauts. The Royal Canadian Mint previously issued coins in 2006 that featured a holographic portrait of Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian astronaut to walk in space. Eight years later in 2014, the Mint released a coin featuring an astronaut in its design to celebrate the Canadian Space Agency's 25th anniversary. Canada's $5 bill also features the illustration of a Canadian astronaut on a spacewalk, as well as the Canadarm2 and Dextre robotic arms. See the "View of Canada From Space" silver coin in 360 degrees at collectSPACE.com. Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2016 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved. WASHINGTON A Japanese H-2A rocket launched the Himawari-9 geostationary weather satellite Wednesday (Nov. 2), marking the workhorse rocket's second and final launch of 2016. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency conducted the launch on behalf of the Japan Meteorological Agency. Mitsubishi Electric Corp. built the satellite, which will serve as an on-orbit backup for the Himawari-8 satellite currently in operation. Wednesday's launch comes on the heels of rocketmaker MHI declaring its intent to expand commercial use of the H-2A, a 15-year-old rocket the company aims to replace around 2020 with a next-generation launcher it's calling H3. [Japan's Spaceport: The Tanegashima Space Center in Photos] In an annual report released Oct. 25, MHI said it "intends to market more proactively its H-2A satellite launch services both in Japan and abroad." The report also describes emerging space players as ripe opportunities for future launch contracts. "We will promote H-2A rocket launch services to countries new to space exploration, and accelerate activities to attract orders for H-2A and H3 launch services from leading global satellite operators," the company wrote. The H-2A debuted in 2001 and put up a dozen Japanese satellites before a 2003 failure sidelined the vehicle for 15 months. Since its 2005 return to flight, the H-2A has launched successfully 25 times, orbiting dozens of satellites for Japan and a small handful for the United States, South Korea, Australia and Canada. The larger H-2B rocket has been used five times to launch Japan's HTV cargo tug to the International Space Station. A sixth HTV launch is planned for December. Using the H-2A and H-2B rockets, MHI generally performs four to five launches per year, mainly for the Japanese government. Last year was slower, according to the report, with only three launches compared to the five it conducted in 2014. However, 2015 did include an H-2A launch of the high-throughput Telstar 12 Vantage satellite for Telesat of Canada, marking the first time a commercial telecommunications satellite operator used the launcher. The success of this launch, which featured an upgraded upper stage for geosynchronous missions, apparently whet the company's appetite for a larger piece of the commercial market despite its current limitations in executing such missions. MHI officials have said commercial interest in Japanese launches exceeds what the company is currently capable of providing due to production limits something the Tokyo-based company plans to change with the H3 rocket in 2020. Until the next-generation launcher is online, MHI has room for only one commercial launch a year. Whereas H-2A/B quantities are mostly tied to government demand, the H3 will have a production rate of six to eight per year possibly climbing up to 10 if demand allows providing room for several commercial missions on the vehicles annual manifest. As of now, MHI has no private commercial missions on its launch manifests. However, the H-2A has been tapped to launch the United Arab Emirates' KhalifaSat remote-sensing satellite in 2018 and the Emirates Mars Mission Hope spacecraft in 2020. This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry. This dark, lumpy, golf ball-size object is an iron-nickel meteorite. NASA's Curiosity rover discovered it on Mars on Oct. 30, 2016. NASA's Mars rover Curiosity stumbled upon a dark grey, golf-ball-size object last week that looks nothing like the typical red-orange rocks that are normally seen on Mars. To figure out exactly what this weird rock is and where it came from, Curiosity used its on-board rock-zapping laser to analyze the rock's chemical composition. This test revealed that it is an iron-nickel meteorite that fell from the Martian sky. Curiosity's science team dubbed the newfound meteorite "Egg Rock." These types of meteorites have been discovered on both Earth and Mars in the past, but this is the first time that Curiosity's laser-firing spectrometer, the "ChemCam," has been used to study such a rock. [Here's What a Mars Meteorite on Earth Looks Like (Photos)] NASA's Mars Science Lab, also known as the Curiosity rover, spotted this strange, dark object on the Martian surface. The rover's Mast Camera (Mastcam) took this photo of the golf ball-sized meteor on Oct. 30, 2016. Further inspection with Curiosity's Chemistry and Camera (ChemCam) instrument revealed that the rock is an iron-nickel meteorite. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS) ChemCam works by firing laser pulses at objects of interest. When an object is struck by the laser, the electrons around its atoms get excited and emit light of varying wavelengths, or colors, depending on the elements that are being zapped. By analyzing this emitted light, Curiosity can then determine precisely what an object is made of. This strange rock is made up of iron, nickel, phosphorous and a few other trace elements, which led scientists to conclude that it is a meteorite that is non-native to the Red Planet. These types of meteorites come from the molten cores of asteroids. This dark, lumpy, golf ball-size object is an iron-nickel meteorite. NASA's Curiosity rover discovered it on Mars on Oct. 30, 2016. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/LANL/CNES/IRAP/LPGNantes/CNRS/IAS/MSSS) "Iron meteorites provide records of many different asteroids that broke up, with fragments of their cores ending up on Earth and on Mars," ChemCam team member Horton Newsom said in a statement. Scientists working with Curiosity (the rover is the centerpiece of NASA's $2.5 billion Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission) first noticed Egg Rock on Oct. 30 in photos taken by the rover's Mast Camera, known as Mastcam. "The dark, smooth and lustrous aspect of this target, and its sort of spherical shape attracted the attention of some MSL scientists when we received the Mastcam images at the new location," ChemCam team member Pierre-Yves Meslin said in the same statement. Curiosity came across the meteorite in an area called the Murray formation in lower Mount Sharp. The rover will continue to explore this area as a part of its extended mission, which is focused on learning how Mars' environment changed over time, and whether the environment could have possibly harbored life in the past. Email Hanneke Weitering at hweitering@space.com or follow her @hannekescience. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Optimization Are you frustrated with a slow pc or a hard disk not performing as it should? Try SLOW-PCfighter to speed up boot time on a slow PC, or try a free scan of FULL-DISKfighter to recover space on a full disk. The latest offering is DRIVERfighter to update your driver updater. Get complete PC optimization and extend the life of your PC with these must-have software tools. Algiers, November 03, 2016 (SPS) The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), together with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the UN Childrens fund (UNICEF) is appealing for continued donor support for refugees from Western Sahara living in Algeria. The three agencies say that insufficient funding makes a cut in basic food rations imminent. For more than 40 years, the Sahrawi refugees have been living under extremely harsh conditions in the Sahara desert in south-western Algeria. Hosted in five camps close to the town of Tindouf, they remain heavily dependent on external humanitarian assistance. WFP represents the most important source of food in the camps; any reduction or halt of WFP food assistance will have a severe impact on the food security and nutritional status of the refugees, especially young children, pregnant and nursing women, the elderly and the sick. At the recently adopted New York Declaration this month, states committed to providing additional and predictable humanitarian funding and development support for refugees, said UNHCR Representative in Algeria Hamdi Bukhari. We badly need this for our humanitarian activities in support of the Sahrawis. Chronic underfunding has affected the provision of health, shelter, food and water. In June last year, our three agencies warned about the lack of funding for food, and we are doing so again as food assistance is critical. WFP faces a funding shortfall of US$10 million for the next six months. In October, WFP was forced to suspend part of its food assistance; from November, rations are likely to be reduced by half. Stocks have already been depleted to cover the last few months, and at least three staple products wheat flour, vegetable oil, and rice are running out. WFP has informed donors, stakeholders and local partners, including the Algerian and Sahrawi Red Crescent, of possible cuts. Cost-cutting measures, such as the replacement of some commodities by cheaper ones, have so far allowed WFP to extend resources to cover requirements. However, if new funding is not available soon, WFP will be forced to reduce food rations. This is bound to hurt the nutritional status of refugees, said WFP Representative Romain Sirois. Last month, WFP, UNHCR, UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as NGOs providing humanitarian assistance to Sahrawi refugees, appealed for funds to provide food, shelter, health and education in the camps. The appeal was issued to donors in Algiers on 19 September, and will be re-issued soon at a donor meeting in Geneva. Sahrawi refugee children living in camps in Tindouf are highly dependent on food distributions, and anxiety among families about further reduction is high. Childrens nutritional and health status could be at risk, said UNICEF Representative in Algeria Marc Lucet. Together with UN agencies working in the camps, we call upon donors to maintain their support to refugees so their basic humanitarian needs continue to be covered. WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Each year, WFP assists some 80 million people in around 80 countries.SPS 125/090 This blog has nothing to do with gorillas (though I love 'em)...fellow bloggers have inspired me to share vintage images of Disneyland from my personal collection. But don't be surprised if you see something from a World's Fair, Knott's Berry Farm, or someplace else that is cool! Ranch dressing, the salad dressing invented from buttermilk, is having a moment. New York Magazine reports that the "Great American Condiment" is appearing on the city's hippest restaurant menus as a topping or dipping sauce on everything from chicken sandwiches and onion rings to pizza. Last year a restaurant serving ranch dressing on all its dishes opened in St Louis. National food blogs recommend putting ranch on every inappropriate food one can imagine, from pasta to breakfast cereal, while a list of top organic restaurants in L.A. praises one place for putting ranch on french fries and another for adding it to lettuce tacos. Ranch was invented by a Nebraskan who began serving it in at a dude ranch in California, but its spiritual home has always been the Midwest. In its purest form, it's made of buttermilk, salt, garlic, onion, herbs and spices, although the stuff sold in stores and served in chain restaurants has ingredients like sugar, vegetable oil and unpronounceable chemicals. It's the kind of topping serious chefs correctly disdained for decades as extravagant and trashy. But now, animated by a kind of faddish philistinism, professional food connoisseurs are giving it another look. Today's hip chefs revel in finding ways to profit from glorified junk food, from cronuts to little $8 jars of artisanal bacon mayonnaise, and the food critics cheer them on, as if this were a worthy endeavor. The current ethos is something like this: The more lowbrow a dish is, the more drenched in fat a dish is, the better. It isn't. There are three main problems with ranch dressing. More for you 24 Surprising, Bizarre and Delicious Fast Food Items From... First, it's disgusting. It tastes like exactly what it is, which is milk that's halfway rotten. Why would anyone want to take something that they would throw out if they unexpectedly smelled it in their fridge and put that on their salad? The gooey goop doesn't even spread well when tossed. Since 1992, ranch dressing has been America's most popular salad dressing, and it currently has twice the market share of its nearest competitor, blue cheese dressing, which is basically a better, more flavorful version of ranch. So Americans have bad taste, as is their right. But the whole point of expensive restaurants that get glowing reviews is to expand a diner's horizons with something better than the stuff he or she picks up at the supermarket. Second, diners are using it incorrectly. Putting ranch on salad at least has a rationale: Many people don't appreciate vegetables and feel compelled to slather everything in processed fat. Fine. But why would anyone use it on french fries? Because deep-fried food isn't greasy and caloric enough? And putting it on pizza -- a horrifying, common practice -- is insane because pizza is already dripping with mozzarella. It's completely redundant, wildly unhealthy and disrespectful to any halfway decent pizza, the chef who made it and to the Italian people who gave it to us. (One pizzeria in Houston, owned by Italian Americans, has banned ranch dressing.) Pizza does not need a dipping sauce, because it's already perfect. If it needs ranch to improve the taste, it's bad pizza, and you shouldn't eat it at all. Finally, our vulgar extravagance is going to destroy the planet and starve the global poor. Like meat, dairy produces more local and climate pollution than most plant-based foods. Dairy cows also require more land, water and other resources than grains and vegetables. Unless we moderate our habits, we will run out of resources to feed the Earth's 7 billion-and-growing population and cause massive climate disruption. Here's an easy way to cut back: Don't slather milk products on foods already awash in them. Putting ranch dressing on pizza springs from the same idiotic thinking -- that more milk fat on everything is always better -- that inspires such revolting innovations as Pizza Hut's new Grilled Cheese Stuffed Crust Pizza. The dish, which contains "extra gooey cheddar and mozzarella cheese" in the crust and toasted bread crumbs and melted butter on top, prompted Thrillist to enthuse, "It simply contains way too much cheese for any mere mortal to resist." Defiling pizza by turning its crust into a fake grilled cheese sandwich, or by putting ranch dressing on it, is the culinary equivalent of setting your air conditioner to 62 degrees or driving a Hummer. It's tacky, wrong even on its own terms -- it doesn't taste better, just like over air-conditioned rooms are uncomfortable and Hummers are blocky, unattractive cars -- and it's also worse for the environment. Emily, a restaurant mentioned in the New York article for offering ranch dressing on one of their highly-regarded pizzas, happens to be near my apartment, so I've been a few times. It's great -- if you want to stand for 25 minutes in a dark, cramped entryway waiting for a table and then pay $25 for a personal pizza. And judging from the patrons waiting in line, a shocking number of inexplicably skinny young people do. But overpriced pizza is just one of the many trends fetishizing down-market food. Cities are awash in lists of the "best hamburgers" that add toppings such as pork belly or fried pork rinds. Every hip neighborhood has a new barbecue joint or four. Fried chicken is featured in upscale restaurants. And expensive pizza is served with crude American toppings that would have any nonna worth her red sauce spinning in her grave. This is not doing any favors for our planet or our health. The ingredients may be organic, locally sourced and so on. But no matter where you raise the beef for your burger, it's still less healthy and more carbon-intensive than vegetables -- and that's before you put ranch dressing on the fries. Socially responsible eating isn't knowing the name of the heritage breed of pig your ribs came from. It's actually minimizing your impact on the planet. How about, in exchange for feeding tastemakers willing to line up and pay handsomely, chefs serve something that won't kill their clientele or do gratuitous harm to the planet? They should do the work of finding interesting flavors instead of just asking what they serve at Buffalo Wild Wings and cooking a twee version of it. - Adler is a staff writer at Grist, where he covers environmental politics and policy with a focus on climate change, energy and urban planning. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Contributed photo / Stamford Police Department Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Contributed photo / Stamford Police Department Show More Show Less 3 of 3 STAMFORD A felon who was caught with two guns and a stash of drugs during a raid of his apartments last year faces up to a decade in prison after pleading guilty Thursday in federal court. Caleeb Brown, 25, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and will remain in federal custody until his sentencing in April. A property management company and a number of landlords who own buildings in Chinatown and the Lower East Side are being sued by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman for allegedly harassing their rent stabilized tenants. According to a press release from the Attorney General's office, property management company Marolda Properties, Inc. and a handful of landlords tried to evict their rent stabilized tenants by taking them to housing court with false claims that they no longer lived in their apartments. The lawsuit against the landlords claims that they relied on false information to prove rent stabilized tenants no longer lived in their apartments, including false claims from their building employees that they hadn't seen tenants in the buildings for long periods of time. In addition to trying to push out the tenants, many of whom were elderly and didn't speak fluent English, with false claims about their residency status, the defendants allegedly didn't register some of their rent stabilized buildings with the Department of Housing and Community Renewal, as is required by state law. The lawsuit claims the landlords did repairs to buildings that they falsely claimed were vacant, in order to avoid legally required safety plans to protect tenants. The defendants are also alleged to have refused to make necessary repairs to their buildings, including one case where tenants haven't had gas since February. Marolda Properties has been under investigation by the state's Tenant Protection Unit since 2014, when it was alleged that the company refused to renew rent stabilized leases and tried to evict rent stabilized tenants without cause. Tenant advocates accused Marolda Properties of "papering the buildings" that they owned with lawsuits falsely claiming rent stabilized tenants didn't use their apartments as a primary residence. Schneiderman's office is using the lawsuit to get "a court order prohibiting defendants from engaging in these kinds of practices in the future, directing them to pay damages and/or restitution to tenants who were harmed, disgorge all profits that resulted from their illegal practices, pay penalties for their illegal conduct, create comprehensive policies for employees to follow and engage a third-party administrator to monitor compliance with the law," according to the press release. O ne of the things that has been overlooked in the recent struggle to defenestrate the Governor of the Bank of England is what a premature departure might mean for the Banks culture. Supporters and opponents of Mark Carney have focused on, and been pre-occupied with, his interventions and policy initiatives which have generated political fallout. But there is much more to his job than that, and what actually matters more for the longer term is his success or failure at the Bank as an agent of change. It is easy forget amid the noise that one of the reasons heavily touted in support of his appointment by the then chancellor George Osborne was that he would be a new broom. That split the Bank a bit it did not go down particularly well in some quarters while others thought it long overdue and there is history here. Relations between the Treasury and the Bank of England have usually had an edge to them, which is not helped by the feeling in the Treasury that it is the more important body but the people in the Bank get paid much more. The secrecy of the Bank and the lack of consultation around some of its unseen interventions during the financial crisis created further estrangement. So to some extent, Carneys appointment was seen as the Treasurys revenge. As an outsider with the full backing of the Government, he would see what needed to change within the Bank and bring it, kicking and screaming if necessary, into the 21st century. Monetary policy matters in the here and now but the Banks culture is what drives its interventions over centuries, so this non-glamorous side of the brief is in many ways the more important. Yet despite the pre-appointment hype, it remains unclear how much has been achieved, and how much of the talked-about change has been embedded. There have been some milestones. The nature of the relationship with the Treasury Select Committee has been formalised, the board structure has become less archaic, reporting lines within the Bank have been clarified. There has even been an effort to attack the silo culture, in which different departments do not talk to each other, with what is known as the one Bank policy. But despite the hype around these initiatives, the complaint particularly from the Banks middle-tier employees is how little has actually changed. There has been talk but not a great deal of action, and day-to-day impact on how these staff work has been slight. From the outside, it is hard to know who is right, but help is at hand. A report was published at the end of last month under the auspices of think-tank New City Agenda, with research by Andre Spicer of the Cass Business School*. It is concerned with the lack of cultural change, with reference not just to the Bank and its offshoot the Prudential Regulation Authority but also to the other major City watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority. The reports findings are mixed but they do not make comforting reading. By common consent, what the City needs are powerful informed regulators who know the firms within their orbit and are willing to apply their judgment to decide what is acceptable and what should not be tolerated. What it has got is a highly expensive bureaucracy, costing some 1.2 billion a year and necessitating an additional spend by the industry as a whole of probably two to three times that much again. There is a regulatory staff that has almost tripled in 15 years to not far short of 5000, and a rule book that costs as much as a second-hand Mini and, in hard copy form, would probably weigh more than the car. In total, we have developed a system of mind-boggling complexity that is so difficult to understand it almost requires a box-ticking approach to deliver any degree of certainty. What is does not do, however, is give the financial services industry a regulatory structure that is fit for purpose and will actively help the City prosper in the post-Brexit world, assuming we ever get there. It also seems to be fragile surprisingly so, given the time and money invested in making it resilient in the past eight years. David Davis, a founder of the New City Agenda, has gone off to do other things but, in a foreword to the report, his remaining founding colleagues Labours Lord McFall and the Lib-Dems Lord Sharkey comment forcefully about how it is not enough to learn the lessons of a financial crisis, what really matters is that these lessons are remembered and embedded in the culture of the regulator so that they are there for next time they are needed. In their view, this is not happening to the desired extent and some key initiatives have been abandoned in the face of sustained industry lobbying. This, they believe, leaves the system very exposed. Indeed, in a damning comment, they say that unless there is a change in culture within the regulators, we will be sleepwalking into the next financial crisis. Within the Bank and the Prudential Regulation Authority, there needs to be considerably more transparency and less group-think. There have been efforts in this direction but the momentum needs to be maintained. Space precludes a discussion here about the Financial Conduct Authority, but again the report thinks there is a lot of work to do. So what we really need are politicians who leave the regulators alone but understand and support the drive for cultural change because if it is not successfully put in place in a next few years, we may not have the regulatory system of the quality we need when we need it. *Cultural Change in the FCA, PRA & Bank of England, published by the New City Agenda and Cass Business School S hares in Tate & Lyle, the company best-known for sugar but which no longer makes the white stuff, sprung up 7% earlier after the sweeteners maker upped its profit forecast. Tate, which sold its sugar business six years ago and now focuses on making ingredients like glucose syrup and locust bean gum, was toasting strong demand for soft drinks in the United States and the weak pound. Chief executive Javed Ahmed said those factors meant we expect adjusted profit before tax in constant currency for the full year to be higher than we anticipated coming into the year, and the shares rose accordingly. They were already up 24% since the Brexit vote in June sent the pound plunging, and on Thursday rose 51p to 829p. The companys sales increased by 13% to 1.3 billion in the six months to October. However, after stripping out the impact of weaker sterling, the rise was just 1%. Tate argued that, since it generates less than 2% of its revenues in the UK, the European Union referendum result was not expected to have a material near-term impact on our business. I ts not clear what has gone wrong in Sir (for now) Philip Greens dealings with the Pensions Regulator because he wont explain his side of the argument. All hell say is that his proposed funding plan has been approved by the chairman of the BHS trustees, so it cant be bad. Unfortunately for Sir Philip, thats not the point. If the regulators not happy, the deal wont happen. The law of the land is that she tells you what to do, not the other way round. And if you still refuse, the courts will decide: again, not you. It will wound him in ego and wallet, but PG cant haggle his way out of this one. As the process heads to mlearned friends, its the lawyers, not BHS pensioners, or him, wholl be the winners. Foods frozen out James Bond always has a prickly relationship with politicians. I suspect the boss of Aston Martin gets on with them far better. Having seen his old employer Nissan squeeze special Brexit favours out of the Government, Aston Martin chief executive Andy Palmer today says he wanted the same treatment. Inspired by the linguistic ticks of Auric Goldfinger, he says the Government must levelize the terms for all carmakers. Given that, like drugs firms, his industry enjoys a special place in Downing Streets heart, hell probably get what hes asking for. Powerful lobbies such as aerospace and defence will also be granted special Brexit support. But, as the EU negotiations loom, others less glamorous are being left behind. Take the food industry. It employs millions across every town, city and village. Its products are consumed by 100% of the population. Yet it hardly gets a mention in our industrial strategy. And, as the Food & Drink Federations Brexit conference heard this week, this is an industry deeply concerned about labour shortages ahead. You can see why: EU workers make up 90% of parts of the UK food chain. Yet, as a senior grocer said the other day, they are being totally overlooked by our Brexit negotiators. With little more than four months before we fire the Article 50 starting gun, she said, her company has only once been invited to state its case in Downing Street. Even then, they were given so little notice they struggled to scramble senior management in time. Food isnt as sexy as cars, jets or cures for cancer. Despite Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda employing thousands in their constituencies, politicians prefer to don hard hats and hi-viz jackets than hairnets and aprons for their photocalls. But surely food is just as vital for the countrys prosperity. After all, you cant eat an Aston Martin, unless your names Jaws. S hares in drugmaker Shire returned to rude health today as concerns eased about rising competition for its haemophilia business. Four patients suffered serious adverse effects in a Phase 3 haemophilia trial by Swiss rival Roche, which is hoping to challenge Shire and Novo Nordisk in the treatment of patients whose blood does not clot properly. Shires shares took a hit on Tuesday when it revealed that third-quarter sales of haemophilia medicines, now its biggest division, fell by 6% to $884 million (717 million), but news of Roches strife boosted them 161.75p, or 3.7%, to 4593.25p today. Shire snapped up haemophilia treatment FEIBA when it bought US firm Baxalta for $32 billion this year. Baxalta generated more than two-thirds of its profits from FEIBA. Analysts at Liberum warned that if Roche manages to get its haemophilia drug up and running, it could hurt Shires profits for 2021 by between 10% and 12%. Equities steadied after yesterdays flight to safety as the FTSE 100 picked up 24.99 points to 6870.41, with higher oil prices lifting the mood. Fizzy drinks bottler Coca-Cola HBC flowed 13p higher to 1782p as it repeated its full-year guidance after a solid third quarter, but gold producer Randgold Resources slipped 405p, or 5.3%, to 7180p after its own results for the period disappointed investors. Among the mid-caps, car insurer esure reversed 65.83p, or 25%, to 199.97p as expected after completing its split from price comparison site GoCompare, which began trading separately today. GoCompare was flat at 75p. Kitchen fitter Howden Joinery sank 23p to 358.9p after its revenues in the second half missed analyst forecasts with growth of 4.1%. Investors had a flutter on gambling firm GVC, which rose 11.5p to 697.5p after it unveiled plans to reward shareholders in February with a 30 million (27 million) special dividend and regular payouts after that. GVC shelved its divi for 2016 as part of its 1.1 billion takeover of Bwin. On AIM, GVCs old home, Sirius Minerals, off 6.5p at 26.75p, took another dive after confirming the 20p price of its 370 million share placing and open offer to investors, part of which will finance the potash mine under the North York Moors National Park. I magine if one of Britains judges advised a woman to be a better wife to her abusive husband. If she had sought a divorce after being beaten, only to be told that she should stand by her man or risk losing her children. Youd think outrage would go into overdrive. Yet this has happened here not in our courts but in a sharia council. This woman is still with her husband today. An inquiry into Sharia law is so overdue, we now have two: one by the Home Office, and a second by the Home Affairs Select Committee. They are trying to open a curtain on a shrouded world; Sharia bodies are a long way from open justice. We dont even know how many there are, although 85 is the oft-quoted (now old) number. We do know what isnt happening, though. When Britain First supporters turn puce over Sharia UK, they envisage imams hijacking our legal system to demand adulterers be stoned. This is Donald-Trumps-hair preposterous. Most of the cases Sharia bodies rule on are divorces. The main problem lies if, as their opponents argue, they are charters for the patriarchy and render women second-class citizens. Their defenders respond that Sharia is simply a code of conduct. This is an attempt to minimise fears about possible conflicts because we can all think of sets of rules that happily co-exist with British laws those we (mostly) stick to when we play Monopoly, say, or behavioural constraints imposed by employers. But Sharia remains contentious because its rulings are sometimes at odds with the spirit of British law. Moreover, its principles arent applied consistently. All Sharia bodies are not equal. The most cruel cases illustrate why an inquiry is needed. The human rights activist Mandy Sanghera told me about a woman given no financial support after her marriage was dissolved; she ended up homeless. The researcher Machteld Zee came across mothers who had lost custody of their children even though a British court would have been expected to reach the opposite judgment. So first: a simple, partial fix. Many Islamic marriages are unregistered because only a religious ceremony the nikah took place, meaning custody and financial rights arent protected under British law. The Government should introduce compulsory civil registration of religious marriages. For Sharia courts we then face a choice: reform and regulate, or abolish. The main question here is what do those directly affected want? Shaista Gohir the chair of Muslim Womens Network UK warned this week that the voices of Muslim women risk being sidelined in the inquiries. She then called for higher standards, rather than a ban, noting that Sharia can deliver speedy divorces. Im torn. If you keep Sharia bodies open, some women may feel pressurised by their community to seek an inferior form of justice when they would have fared better in a mainstream court. That isnt to suggest those women are weak but that faith groups can exert enormous influence over an individual. However, theres also a risk as Gohir has said that instant abolition would drive such services underground. Is a phase out plan possible? Sharia raises a broader societal question too. It devolves some legal decisions to clerics who oversee a subset of the population. We often hear that acceptance of Sharia law is liberalism gone mad but that doesnt sound liberal; it sounds communitarian. And we might ask if faith groups having that degree of self-government stokes division. I dont envy those carrying out the inquiries. They can expect flak from all sides. But lets hope they lift the shroud over Sharia and let the light in. Ukip should drop the dead donkey For lovers of farce, the Ukip leadership contest is really delivering. My favourite candidate/ character is John Rees-Evans, aka Mr A Gay Donkey Tried to Rape My Horse. First JRE, as he has styled himself, released a video. Dressed as Knight Rider, he strides around London, displaying an aversion to pavements and using a microphone properly. Afterwards, he broke the cardinal rule of YouTube: never engage with commenters. Told to F*** off to Russia or China, Rees-Evans replied: I respect your passion. This week JRE released a second video. Hes still striding but with parkour and passer-by piss-taking. What will video three bring? Moon-walking? Vogueing? A donkey cameo? A Scandi thriller that spreads the eco-word Ive long wondered how we can propel saving the planet up the political to-do list. Its not that no one cares about the Arctic many turn misty-eyed at the thought of polar bears on shrinking ice floes realising that, like Jack and Rose in Titanic, this raft wont take their weight any more. Its just that we fail to see that that cheap flight we book is an ice-melter. Our cognitive dissonance is rarely greater than with the environment. Even Hollywood has failed to deliver a film that will inspire a generation to start sorting its rubbish properly. Which is why my new Netflix obsession, Occupied, seems so clever. In the near future, a climate-change catastrophe has hit Norway. A green government sweeps to power, promising to suspend oil production. The rest of Europe is livid. Occupation ensues. Its a political thriller, looking not at the disaster but the fall-out like Borgen, but on behalf of the bears. Short of a live-stream of homeless animals popping up on your mobile every time you turn up the heating, there could scarcely be more potent propaganda for the green movement. * Those pesky experts have struck again. According to a paper by academics at Kings College London, leaving the European Union may be too much of a Gordian knot for British politicians to handle. So well done the Brexiteers for following up their titanic win by hounding Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, the lone member of the establishment who grasped the impact of Brexit and delivered some post-referendum stability. N eighbours today hit out at tin-eared management which changed their residential street into Oxford Street overnight with the three month closure one of Londons busiest roads. Holloway Road will be closed southbound until at least January due to works on the 25m replacement of the 100-year-old Upper Holloway bridge. The works which include more than four weeks of total closure in both directions - were brought in on October 21, a week after Transport for London announced it needed to do the work. Residents of Tufnell Park Road have complained their normally quiet two lane residential road had now become the main diversion for traffic which would normally use the six lane arterial road. The street has been gridlocked in the past week, with bumper to bumper buses, lorries and other large vehicles getting stuck as they try and navigate it. Park cars have been damaged, and residents say it takes an hour-and-a-half to travel the length of the 1.2km street. Residents have complained of constant traffic since the work began On Wednesday the traffic chaos saw an HGV collided with a van, causing its load to shift. The lorry then hit a bus, smashing its windows. Residents said it was typical of the mayhem the road had seen since Holloway Road was closed in both directions. David Huttner, a consultant who lives on the street and a member of the Tufnell Park Road Residents Association said it was simply inept and tin-eared management which had seen transport bosses divert such high volumes of traffic down the road. He said: Its a residential street full of families and we were turned into Oxford Street overnight. Residents couldnt get in their cars, the pollution and the fumes were terrible. "There were just bumper to bumper buses with no one on them because everyone got off the traffic was so bad. I dont know if its stupidness or arrogance that TfL thought it would work to fit the volume of traffic from such a busy road down a normal street. TfL have since banned lorries from Tufnell Park Road and said it expected traffic volumes to lessen this week because Holloway Road will now only be closed Southbound. But more chaos is expected to return when Holloway Road is closed in both directions for a further six days next month and from December 24 to January 16. Residents are also asking that six bus routes being diverted down the street are given alternative routes. Kathleen Greaves, 82, chairwoman of the Tufnell Park Road Residents Association said: Its complete chaos and it needs to be sorted out. Its been unbearable for residents and thrust on us with little warning. Islington Council threatened legal action against TfL in the wake of the announcement of the closures, and has been involved in the campaign for the HGV ban. It has also secured commitments from TfL to help commuters and motorists over the coming months, including a shuttle bus to help disabled residents. Transport for London has said the unexpectedly complex utility services during work at Upper Holloway Station meant work on the bridge needed to take place. Nick Fairholme, Director of Projects and Programmes in Surface Transport at TfL, said: We apologise to the London Borough of Islington, residents and businesses for the additional disruption this closure will cause, and we will do absolutely everything we can to complete the work as quickly as possible. We discovered unexpectedly complex utility services in and around the Upper Holloway Bridge and are very sorry that this requires us to undertake more work than we had originally planned. But it is vital that this work is completed now so that the electrification of the Gospel Oak to Barking line can take place on schedule - improving rail services and doubling capacity on this route. We have re-planned all other non-emergency road works in the area and are undertaking an extensive customer and stakeholder communications campaign. T he film shows a muddy field in northern France, circa early last century; a stern-faced sergeant shouting at his recruits. They run across the training yard, then they jump and spiral, arch their bodies and artfully slide to the floor. Its not the military manoeuvres you might expect from soldiers in the Great War but thats because this is not a documentary but dance. The first dance feature film, in fact, made by Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, aka the BalletBoyz. Young Men is based on the stage show of the same name, choreographed by the Spaniard Ivan Perez, and screening on BBC2 on November 12 as part of its autumn arts season. The main thing the co-directors wanted to communicate was that movement can convey complex emotion on screen, says Nunn. And lots of people cry when they watch it, grown men. Hes pleased about that. I think its fantastic. The BalletBoyz are no strangers to TV. Former dancers with the Royal Ballet, their cheeky backstage video diary of life at the Royal Opera House was broadcast on Channel 4 back in 1999, launching a parallel life as documentary film-makers alongside their stage careers. Now in their late forties, theyre not boys any more, and they cringe at the name some people come expecting a drag act, they tell me but the brand recognition means theres no changing it now. William Trevitt and Michael Nunn When they hung up their dancing shoes Nunn and Trevitt kept the company going by recruiting a new roster of young talent, 10 dancers, all male, with a busy touring schedule in the UK and abroad, but more and more of their time is spent on film-making. On one hand theyre experts they shoot and edit everything themselves, theyve won an International Emmy and a Rose dOr, fronted a talent show in the US, and they blend in perfectly with all the other film and media types at Soho House, where we meet. But at the same time, with zero formal training, they say theyre still making it up as they go along. With all art forms you feel you need to have this private knowledge, and it turns out that you dont really, says Nunn. It was quite nice to find out that there is no secret [to making a feature film], he says. Its just about putting your ideas into the camera. How you do it doesnt really matter. Young Men was easily their most ambitious project to date. They took a cast and crew of 50 to Normandy for two weeks for what was an arduous shoot of early mornings and late nights in the cold, muddy countryside. Arts picks of the week: 31st October - 6th November 1 /10 Arts picks of the week: 31st October - 6th November War Poems; the dead returning lightly to dance Poems on the Underground give you lovely things to read when youre on your smelly commute. Now they are holding an evening of First World War poetry set to music at the London Museum of Transport. University of Sussex professor Dr Evelyn Ficarra has included the words of Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon, and European and Russian poets, and the music will be performed by the Apollo Chamber Orchestra. November 2, London Transport Museum; ltmuseum.co.uk King Lear One of the biggest casting coups of the year has been to get Glenda Jackson back on stage to take on the role of King Lear at the Old Vic. She stood down as an MP at the last election, and now is sure to offer a Lear that will go down in legend. With Jane Horrocks, Celia Imrie, Rhys Ifans and Harry Melling also in the cast, shes in great company. October 25 - December 3, Old Vic Theatre; oldvictheatre.com V&A Revolution weekender The V&A is hosting a bit of a knees-up this weekend to celebrate their exhibition You Say You Want a Revolution? Records and Rebels 1966-70. From Friday to Sunday, it will be all about peace and love, with a stage adaptation of John Lennons first book, as well as the culmination of a project where 12 young people were mentored by Skepta. November 4-6, V&A Museum; vam.ac.uk Imperial War Museum's Real to Reel Movie Nights If youve loved the Imperial War Museums Real to Reel, a celebration of war films throughout history, their film nights will be a dream evening for you. This week you can watch some of the best war films after hours in the museums beautiful atrium. Showing from Wednesday, you can catch Atonement, Casablanca and Full Metal Jacket. November 2-4, Imperial War Museum; iwm.org.uk London Stories: Made By Migrants Londons a busy place, but did you ever stop to wonder about the journeys of the people who ended up here? Battersea Arts Centres new storytelling festival gives audiences a chance to explore the building and hear true stories from migrants themselves. November 4 - 26, Battersea Arts Centre; bac.org.uk London Musical Theatre Orchestra Freddie Tapner is only 26 and hes already founded the London Musical Theatre Orchestra - nice work. He brings full orchestral scores to theatre loving audiences, opening up the artform to the ears you dont often find in concert halls. This Sunday, the orchestra will perform Rodgers and Hammersteins State Fair, which is the first time the fully orchestrated score will have been performed in London. November 6, Cadogan Hall; lmto.org Holy Smoke Not really up for standing in a field with loud bangs and the smell of burning this weekend? Theres a show at the Southbank Centre called Holy Smoke, which promises to offer a vivid landscape of image and colour, and even includes a shamanic practitioner as part of its creative team. November 4-5, Southbank Centre; southbankcentre.co.uk Hair by Sam McKnight Youll be running straight to the salon shouting Sam McKnight! after you go to this exhibition at Somerset House. Celebrating the legendary hairstylist who has looked after the lock of Princess Diana and Madonna, its a reminder that he helped create some of the most iconic images in popular culture. November 2 - March 12, Somerset House; somerset.org.uk Trainspotting This immersive production of the classic Irvine Welsh novel promises to no-holds-barred. Will one of the cast find themselves stuck in the depths of a toilet bowl? Either way, its a classic, and it can now be seen at The Vaults, a great setting for the this cult 90s hit. November 3 - January 15, The Vaults; thevaults.london Steve Reich turns 80 Steve Reich, minimalist auteur, is turning 80 this weekend, and the Barbican are throwing some celebrations. Some of Reichs landmark works will be performed in concert, and there will be a discussion about the impact his sound has made. Some of the events are already sold out but theres still a chance to nab tickets. November 5-6, Barbican Centre; barbican.org.uk The film is about the impact on young men of going to war, a theme that Nunn admits is relentlessly miserable, and the mood matches that. The men dance in the dim gloaming to a melancholy score by songwriter Keaton Henson, the soldiers and their psyches increasingly haggard in the half-light. We hosed the dancers down at 530 in the morning to keep the look, says Nunn. That would make you miserable. But their company instinct saw them through, as well as their dancers discipline. I think one of the things that surprised the crew most was the work ethic of the dancers, says Trevitt. They were really surprised to find that the choreography is the equivalent of the script. The dancers knew every single line they had to deliver, again and again, in any scenario. The film crew we used were very accommodating, says Nunn. Even though I imagine what we were doing was very strange to them. It is definitely an unusual proposition (preposterous, suggests Trevitt). Not a filmed performance, nor a film about dance there arent big dance numbers or wide shots of the full company its all intimate close-ups, focusing on the dynamics between people, and the psychological state of the characters, including a compelling depiction of shellshock. For Saturday night TV viewers an hour of danced storytelling, just movement and music, could be a big ask. We tried various scenarios with script, with voiceover, with text, says Nunn. But the more we thought about it the more we moved away from it, it seemed like a cop-out. Were dance filmmakers, lets make a dance film. There was a fork in the road where we were looking at trying to explain what was going on in every scene, says Trevitt, but we decided its more interesting if there isnt really a right or wrong interpretation. Whatever you thought was going on there, thats fine. The duo have a list of films they want to make next, Romeo and Juliet being the first one, and theres another tour of Young Men planned as well as their current double bill, Life. Then theres a new project inviting four choreographers and four composers to each make a new work in 14 days I love giving choreographers certain restraints, says Nunn and of course there will be a documentary to go with it about the creative process. Nunn and Trevitt have also made a major shift towards working in education, building an online platform for teaching dance in schools, partly because the training for contemporary dancers in the UK is so limited, they say. Our training system in the UK doesnt work, says Trevitt, bluntly. Contemporary dancers, unlike ballet, dont specialise until theyre 16, whereas in other parts of Europe you can do so at 10 or 12, and as a result they train more intelligent dancers. The pair clearly complement each other, as Trevitt explains: The simplest way to put it is that if somethings not working Michael is very happy to throw it away and start anew. Whereas I want to fix it. Hell either talk me down, says Nunn, or think about it and say, Yeah, that could work. If we were both like him wed never do anything, and if we were both like me, wed just throw everything out. Not only do they spend all day together at work but their families hang out together in their spare time as well theyre both married to former dancers, have five sons between them and all live in south-west London, not far from the BalletBoyzs Kingston studio. Its been an amazingly fruitful partnership, it seems. Do they ever get sick of each other? Nunn shakes his head: Its only been 32 years. Young Men is on BBC2 on November 12 at 8.30pm. Visit standard.co.uk/arts for the latest news and reviews from Londons arts scene. Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESGoingOut I f the idea of diving into the IKEA ball pit has always appealed, a new venture in east London could be right up your street. BallieBallerson, set over two floors at a venue in Dalston, gives adults the opportunity to be young again by diving into a pit filled with more than 200,000 plastic balls. There is also foam and blow-up toys to play with. A bag of yellow balls will be hidden in the pit every session for people to find in order to win a prize. To make it a truly adult affair, weekly changing DJs will play tunes ranging from funk to bass and techno from a booth within the ball pit. Organisers have invested in a ball cleaner - with weekly sessions taking place to ensure cleanliness. When guests have had enough, upstairs is a bar, cafe and chill out zone decorated by graffiti and street artists. Retro cocktails using favourite confectionary ingredients such as Wham Bars, Dip Dabs and Pink Shrimp Foam costing 7 will be served, as well as local craft beers. The kitchen will be serving ball-themed snacks and treats like Yorkshire Balls - beef meatballs in a Yorkshire pudding with roasted onions and homemade gravy costing 4 and giant arancini balls for 2 each. This is not the first time there has been a ball pit in London, but it is believed to be the largest. Last year, a free pit containing 81,000 balls, which could hold 30 people at a time opened in Hammersmith, West London. It was the brainchild of creative agency Pearlfisher who donated money to charity for every person that visited. The pop-up comes from the organisers of Django Bango - the wild west pop up in Whitechapel based on the hit Hollywood Movie Django Unchained. Wenny Armstrong said her latest project was, for her, the ultimate throwback destination: blending cheeky nostalgia with adult hedonism both day and night. Things to do this weekend (Nov 4 - 6) 1 /14 Things to do this weekend (Nov 4 - 6) Sliders Curling Club Roof East Floors, 7 & 8, Stratford Multi Storey Car Park Great Eastern Way, E15 1XE, from Nov 3 'What did you do this weekend?' 'Went curling, you?' That's all you really need to know - when else and where else are you going to do something like this? Besides the chance to try curling, there's karaoke courtesy of Lucky Voice, two rooftop bars and hotdogs from Rockadolllar . The Last Dance Hoxton Hall, 130 Hoxton Street, N1 6SH, Nov 1 - 26 This immersive dance fest isn't your regular night on the tiles. It's more of theatrical experience, set in a dystopian match-making institute, which ends on the dance floor. The dress code is strictly white t-shirt and blue jeans, and you should come to get down well into the wee small hours. Macarons at Coq D'Argent 1 Poultry,Bank, EC2R 8EJ, now until Dec 1 Head to one of London's finest and most famous French restaurants to try a peculiar, and yet oddly delicious, pudding. Finish up a meal with a plate of honey mustard macarons. It's a world first for the flavour, both sweet and savoury, and perfect with an after-supper coffee (though we, of course, had dessert wine because we're like that). It's a chance to try something you literally can't get anywhere else, but also, Coq D'Argent is one of those places that seems custom built for a treat at this time of year. Theset menu (from 28) represents the best value and make sure to have the rabbit for your main, it's everything you'd want from a warming dish as the night's go cold. A ball pit bar is opening BallieBallerson, 79 Stoke Newington Road, N16 8AD, from Nov 4 Chances are its probably been a while since youve been in a ball pit. In fact, its probably a while since youve been allowed in a ball pit. But thats all about to change as a bar with its very own version of the kids' classic launches on Stoke Newington Road. Ballie Ballerson will feature a chest-high pit filled with over 200,000 balls, inflatables and foam toys and will blast out funk, soul and bass. It will serve both sweet and savoury cocktails including a pink shrimp daiquiri, a skittle sour and a green pepper Mary and will also offer weekend brunches where prosecco, punch and spaghetti meatballs are all bottomless. Bonfire Night Fireworks Across London, Nov 4 - 6 Remember, remember the 5th of November. Or indeed the 4th and the 6th November London has fireworks displays happening on all of them. There are 26 major Bonfire Night events happening across London this year, taking in virtually every corner of the capital. As well as the main displays, many include food markets and funfairs, while several also offer live music, artsy performances and early-evening kid-friendly shows with fewer bangs before the real deal. Gothic Tales By Candlelight The Archivist, Unit V Reliance Wharf, N1 5ET, Nov 4 Halloween is over, with all its tackiness. Time to be unsettled properly with this series of readings, which include extracts from Mysteries of Udolpho, A Sicilian Romance, and The Monk and Maud. There'll also be live music and prizes to be one. It's BYOB, with someone on site mixing drinks. Glenda Jackson in King Lear Old Vic Theatre, The Cut, SE1 8NB, now until Dec 3 One of the biggest casting coups of the year has been to get Glenda Jackson back on stage to take on the role of King Lear at the Old Vic. She stood down as an MP at the last election, and now is sure to offer a Lear that will go down in legend. With Jane Horrocks, Celia Imrie, Rhys Ifans and Harry Melling also in the cast, shes in great company. Sara Pascoe's Literary Salon The Book Club, 100 Leonard Street, EC2A 4RH, Nov 6 Top comedian Sara Pascoe returns with her Literary Salon after their first outings last year proved a much-loved success. Expect jokes, book readings and even some audience participation. Canary Wharf Ice Rink opens Montgomery Street, E14 5AB, Nov 4 - Feb 25 This large rink might be in the unpopular financial district, but it has plenty of fans. It's brightening up Canada Square Park quite literally this year, with more than eight kilometres of LED lights underneath the ice. For really keen skaters, there are lessons available, while for the little ones, the seal skating aids are simply adorable. If you're just there to watch, bask in the glory of the heated viewing deck and don't miss the bar, either. Jurassic Park with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP, Nov 3 - 5 Come on now, who in their right mind wouldn't want to do this? It's at the Albert Hall one of London's most stunning venues with the rawsome Jurassic Park on screen, and the music is played live by an orchestra. If you've never been to one of the movie-with-live-music shindigs, make a start now: hearing the music live somehow completely changes the experience, and makes the film that much more absorbing. Craig David turns on the Oxford Street Christmas Lights Oxford Street, Nov 6 Grammy-nominated singer Craig David, best known for his Nineties classics Seven Days, Walking Away and Fill Me In, will hit the switch for Oxford Street's Christmas lights on Sunday night. David, who recently released his album Following My Intuition 16 years after his debut Born To Do said: Its a great honour to be switching on the lights and lighting up Oxford Street. I hope everyone has a great Christmas and an incredible 2017. Jeremy Selwyn The 30-year-old from Hackney said: It is just a bit of fun. I think I came up with the idea when I had had too much coffee and just thought it would capture the imagination of a lot of people. The response has been huge - and Im really excited to see how it goes. BallieBallerson opens on November 4 and runs until the end of December. Tickets to the ball pit cost 5, with entry to the bar free. The area can be hired for private functions, with prices on request. BallieBallerson is open Thursday to Saturday, ballieballerson.com Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESGoingOut Review at a glance I ts such a treat to have The Last Five Years (2001) back in London. Jason Robert Browns clever cult musical about an unravelling marriage between two young and artistic New Yorkers is notable for the fact that it requires only two actors who almost never share a scene. Yet what vivid roles actress Cathy and writer Jamie are, and how well they are filled here by Samantha Barks, best known as Eponine on stage and screen in Les Miserables, and the upcoming Jonathan Bailey, who seems to be in pretty much everything thats good on television. Brown cleverly works Pinters Betrayal into a musical format and adds in a hearty dash of Merrily We Roll Along too, as we examine this relationship by going backwards in time at least from Cathys perspective. With her, we start at the end of the marriage, but Brown spices up the formula by taking us forwards with Jamie, from the first flushes of romance. Only once does the pair intersect on stage and thats on their wedding day. This playful, through-sung structure helps to formulate character too: shes soulful, hes forceful; hes self-absorbed whereas she is self-doubting. The punchy songs are a delight; theres a particularly amusing sequence of variations on Cathys increasingly disastrous auditions. Barks undoubtedly has the stronger voice and makes fine work of Cathys pensive realisation that she is fated to enjoy the lesser professional success, to be permanently stuck in summer season in Ohio while her husband enjoys the glittering lights of big city literary acclaim. Yet Bailey has the convincing puppyish energy of a thrusting and talented young man in a hurry, who doesnt quite have the patience or monogamous instincts for a wife who cant keep up with him. Brown himself directs this production, which probably accounts for its confident ease with the material, as well as its peppy drive. Seeing both ends of a relationship at once gives rise to big thoughts on how we define ourselves, both personally and professionally. Until Dec 3, St James Theatre; stjamestheatre.co.uk Visit standard.co.uk/theatre for the latest news and reviews from Londons theatre scene. Follow Going Out on Facebook and Twitter @ESGoingOut What if there was a giant dome over Midtown Manhattan? A 108-story hyperbolic skyscraper in the place of Grand Central? Or a futuristic mini-city of 8,000 on Ellis Island? These are some of the questions you ponder while browsing Greg Goldin and Sam Lubell's new book Never Built New York (Metropolis Books, $55.00), which examines some of the most outrageous architectural and urban planning ideas from more than 150 years of New York City history. The book features beautiful architectural sketches and renderings of these proposals, some of which seem like they would have been legitimately exciting, some of which are truly nightmarish, and some of which the creator was probably just fucking around with. An elevated pneumatic railroad would have been cool, as would Steve Holl's prescient 1980 design that would have turned what is now the High Line into a long elevated complex of mixed-income housing units and a plan to build the world's largest park next to Floyd Bennett Field. Some of the crazier ideas include Buckminster Fuller's proposal to put a dome over Midtown Manhattan and William Zeckendorf's scheme for a 144-square-block airport elevated above the West Side and jutting out into the Hudson River. On the terrible ideas front, there are lots of starchitect boondoggles and mid-century plans to turn the entire city into highways, most notably those offered by Robert Moses. Well-represented in the book are designs for projects that did get built, but by other architects or in radically revised form, such as Daniel Libeskind's asymmetric corkscrew World Trade Center concept and Frank Gehry's probably-would-have-had-a leaky-roof proposal for the Atlantic Yards. There is an entire chapter devoted to different iterations of the UN, one of which would have rammed it through much of Midtown East. The book also offers an important reminder: Santiago Calatrava is the master of expensive, impractical, and bombastic architecture. A nyone who watched Absolutely Fashion a fly-on-the-wall look at the comings and goings of British Vogue with the sense that there was nothing new to be learned, will find Alexandra Shulmans take on the magazines centenary year more compelling. While Richard Macers BBC documentary offered a naive and flippant view of the fashion industry and its almost unquantifiable contribution to contemporary society, Shulmans day-by-day account is loaded with acute insights and titbits which succeed in shedding light on the life of an overworked editor-in-chief with a tough gig on her hands. The diary covers a 10-month period, from September 2015 to June 2016, during which Vogue launched its Vogue 100: A Century of Style exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery and pulled off the cover coup of the century by snaring the Duchess of Cambridge for its centenary celebration issue. In an authors note Shulman admits that each entry features her immediate and unchanged impression of each day as it happened. The result is a readable monologue in an honest, if unsophisticated format. From the nerves Shulman experiences on her first meeting with the duchess to the hurt she feels when she is criticised in the press, the grumpy and disgruntled editor portrayed by Macer is recast here as vulnerable. Then there are her dealings with the Beckhams. While an interview with Victoria proves straightforward David is fussy about the photographer, and she is sympathetic to Philip Green who, she says, has been a friend to Vogue. She reveals details of her bad-tempered text exchanges with Mail on Sunday editor Geordie Greig, whom I regard as a friend and supporter over Liz Jones, the rabid Rottweiler columnist who did a hatchet job on the centenary cover. The book is packed with honest observations, which are unsurprising, obvious even including Kate Moss always being late but entertaining nonetheless. Her tactic is never to be salacious: there are no character assassinations but rather passing digs at those who have wronged her. More book reviews 1 /24 More book reviews Recovery by Russell Brand Will Russells brand of self-help prove quite so addictive? By Nicholas Lezard. Read review A Life in Questions by Jeremy Paxman Paxo refuses to answer all the really good questions, says David Sexton. Read review Politics: Between: The Extremes by Nick Clegg The basis of this book makes it impossible not to warm to Clegg, says Melanie McDonagh. Read review Serious Sweet by A L Kennedy Thank heavens for London in this tale of self-obsessed lovers. Read review The Last Royal Rebel: The Life and Death of James, Duke of Monmouth by Anna Keay Born a kings b****** and destined for a traitors death. Read review Man Up: Boys, Men and Breaking the Male Rules by Rebecca Asher Getting to the bottom of why boys will be boys. Read review The Course of Love by Alain de Botton A philosophical novel that does run smooth, says Johanna Thomas-Corr. Read review The Tree Climbers Guide: Adventures in the Urban Canopy by Jack Cooke How I gave this book a proper test and ended up with a broken ankle. Read review Reader, I Married Him: Stories Inspired by Jane Eyre Brontes classic tale in the imaginations of other writers, says Claire Harman. Read review Moranifesto by Caitlin Moran Caitlin comes clean about politics the world according to our funniest feminist. By Rosamund Urwin. Read review Spark Joy An Illustrated Guide to the Japanese Art of Tidying by Marie Kondo Theres no messing wih Marie, says Katie Law. Read review Cockfosters Stories by Helen Simpson After 50, a womans life gets better not worse. By Katie Law. Read review Stalins Englishman: The Lives of Guy Burgess by Andrew Lownie Joker in the spying pack. By Richard Bassett. Read review Even Dogs in the Wild by Ian Rankin The darkness that lies at the heart of the novel is offset by a lightness of touch, says Mark Sanderson. Read review Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink by Elvis Costello Elvis proves not quite so lyrical on the page, says Nick Curtis. Read review The Importance of Elsewhere: Philip Larkins Photographs by Richard Bradford His poetry paints better pictures than any camera, says David Sexton. Read review Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith Morality wins out over macabre murders, says Melanie McDonagh. Read review The Grownup by Gillian Flynn Calling all Flynnies: the con girl whos like gone girl. Read review Shulman also comes across as a hard-working mother, and loving partner to David Jenkins, who worries about her leaky kitchen ceiling, the happiness of her 20-year-old son Sam and the shortcomings of her Ocado delivery, while facing the busiest year of her career with a film crew in tow. For those with a special interest in fashion, her accounts of the relevance of fashion shows in 21st century society, the clothes that contribute to creating a great cover and what its like to have a one-to-one meeting with Karl Lagerfeld will all prove interesting. But for everyone else, and in particular those receiving Inside Vogue in their Christmas stocking this December, its her dealings with the Duchess of Cambridge her face is more interesting than it sometimes appears, mobile and expressive that will grip. As the diary of a working woman, Shulmans account is equally successful. She is as vulnerable and plagued with anxieties as any metropolitan woman I know. The role of a fashion magazine editor is about so much more than trying on handbags. This book proves it. Z adie Smiths exuberant, slightly overstuffed fifth novel is about what we own and what we owe, in terms of our culture and the people we love. Its also about how increasingly complex ideas about the meaning of race relate to starker economic gradations in a globalised world and particularly in London a subject that has preoccupied Smith since her first novel, White Teeth, and was explicit and central to her last, NW. But it is also a story of two Willesden council estate girls, each with one black and one white parent, who love dancing, especially old-school tap and swing. The energy of the dance, and Smiths delicately incisive way with words, make the book sing, even in the moments when you dont quite believe it. Smiths unnamed narrator measures herself against others. First, her Jamaican mother, a striking Nefertiti lookalike who favours political posturing over practical parenting. Then Tracey, the friend whose worth must be parsed out though their skin colour is the same, Traceys economic status is lower, her sexual allure and terpsichorean ability greater. (Smith is very good on the subtleties of social interaction, from the classroom on.) Third, theres Aimee, a driven, mega-wealthy pop star who, though Australian and as cute as Kylie, is modelled closely on Madonna. Our narrator lets call her Z, as she shares quite a few traits with the author lucks into a free university education, then a job at a music TV channel where the booze and drugs are largely free, then into working for Aimee. She jets around the world while Tracey embarks on a none-too-successful career in musical theatre and pops out children by different fathers. Zs mother, meanwhile, moves on from the husband she didnt love to become a councillor, an MP and eventually a lesbian of sorts. The fact of Zs own lack of a partner or child, and the underlying theme of cultural appropriation, come into sharp focus when Aimee procures a lover and adopts a baby in the small African country unnamed, but clearly The Gambia where she has set up a school. Shes co-opted the dance moves of the continent and now shes come for its young. Zs increasing disgruntlement with Aimee, fed by her experience of real life in impoverished Africa, lead her to an action that at least seems to break her cycle of just going along with things. Z is a cool narrator, reactive and observant. The London classroom she shares with Tracey is a social experiment where the dinner ladys daughter shared a desk with the son of an art critic. Graduating from university, Z finds her friends suddenly furnished with unpaid internships and deposits for London flats, often in my neighbourhood, or others like it, which they discussed in derring-do terms, as if these were wild frontiers to be conquered. In one abrasive encounter with Tracey, her pat phrases were like lids dancing on top of bubbling cooking pots, and all I had to do was sit patiently and wait for her to boil over. More book reviews 1 /24 More book reviews Recovery by Russell Brand Will Russells brand of self-help prove quite so addictive? By Nicholas Lezard. Read review A Life in Questions by Jeremy Paxman Paxo refuses to answer all the really good questions, says David Sexton. Read review Politics: Between: The Extremes by Nick Clegg The basis of this book makes it impossible not to warm to Clegg, says Melanie McDonagh. Read review Serious Sweet by A L Kennedy Thank heavens for London in this tale of self-obsessed lovers. Read review The Last Royal Rebel: The Life and Death of James, Duke of Monmouth by Anna Keay Born a kings b****** and destined for a traitors death. Read review Man Up: Boys, Men and Breaking the Male Rules by Rebecca Asher Getting to the bottom of why boys will be boys. Read review The Course of Love by Alain de Botton A philosophical novel that does run smooth, says Johanna Thomas-Corr. Read review The Tree Climbers Guide: Adventures in the Urban Canopy by Jack Cooke How I gave this book a proper test and ended up with a broken ankle. Read review Reader, I Married Him: Stories Inspired by Jane Eyre Brontes classic tale in the imaginations of other writers, says Claire Harman. Read review Moranifesto by Caitlin Moran Caitlin comes clean about politics the world according to our funniest feminist. By Rosamund Urwin. Read review Spark Joy An Illustrated Guide to the Japanese Art of Tidying by Marie Kondo Theres no messing wih Marie, says Katie Law. Read review Cockfosters Stories by Helen Simpson After 50, a womans life gets better not worse. By Katie Law. Read review Stalins Englishman: The Lives of Guy Burgess by Andrew Lownie Joker in the spying pack. By Richard Bassett. Read review Even Dogs in the Wild by Ian Rankin The darkness that lies at the heart of the novel is offset by a lightness of touch, says Mark Sanderson. Read review Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink by Elvis Costello Elvis proves not quite so lyrical on the page, says Nick Curtis. Read review The Importance of Elsewhere: Philip Larkins Photographs by Richard Bradford His poetry paints better pictures than any camera, says David Sexton. Read review Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith Morality wins out over macabre murders, says Melanie McDonagh. Read review The Grownup by Gillian Flynn Calling all Flynnies: the con girl whos like gone girl. Read review The arc of Zs relationship with her mother is beautifully described (Swing Time is dedicated to Smiths), and the scenes about dance, about rewinding and replaying knackered VHS tapes of Astaire and Bojangles and the criminally neglected Jeni LeGon, are full of bated excitement. But I simply didnt believe Traceys conversion to wacko conspiracy theories about the Illuminati, and its unclear whether something crucial she reveals about Zs dad is real or spiteful fantasy. Still, its better to have a story with too much in it, rather than too little. Swing Time dances to an open-ended conclusion, but closes on a beautiful image, which has stayed with me. A fter hours in the lift of an LA hotel, Andrew Warren and his clique of pneumatic hangers-on choreograph an impromptu shoot. One is dressed like a deconstructed Wonder Woman, another is a naughty maid. Warren a tall, tanned 23-year-old fashion designer with dramatically side-parted hair is flexing his hewn abs, bent slightly in order to capture them all on camera. The gold-plated interiors act as a 360-degree mirror, creating a sort of trompe-loeil effect; the scene is dishevelled but clearly expensive. Then: click, filter, upload. Welcome to an average night out with the Snap Pack a transatlantic set of wealthy twenty-somethings with surnames youll definitely recognise: Kyra Kennedy, daughter of Robert F Kennedy Junior (and great-niece of JFK); Gaia Matisse, great-great-granddaughter of Henri; Princess Olympia of Greece; hotel heir Barron Hilton (no prize for guessing); Peter Brant Junior, son of supermodel Stephanie Seymour and newspaper tycoon Peter M Brant; and, notably, Tiffany Trump, youngest daughter of presidential lets-hope-not, Donald. Together, the heirs to the storied clans have their run of international nightlife, ricocheting between exclusive condos in New York, couture fittings in Paris and five-star hotels in London. Their name (coined by The New York Times, enthusiastically adopted by the gossip columns) riffs on their It clan ancestors the Brat and Rat Packs and is intended to imply the same triple threat of wealth, influence and power. But it also refers to the groups habit of recording their antics for public consumption primarily on Snapchat where they splice together photos and video clips into fast-moving montages that expire after 24 hours (after all, a still picture speaks only a thousand words which in our frenzied, accelerated world is barely saying anything at all). The result? Follower counts in the tens of thousands, which have helped make the gilded clique as influential in its social context as their parents are in theirs, allowing them to sit in front rows at fashion shows and get invited to DJ at clubs chasing a young clientele. Warren, the grandson of New York textile tycoon David Warren, is the lynchpin the self-described Kris Jenner of the group seemingly friends with them all. Hes also the only one with a real job his fashion line, Just Drew, has been worn by the likes of Bella Thorne and model Sofia Richie. He employs his female friends to model the clothes and uses his own social media profiles to make the brand more covetable. Kennedy, 21, Trump, 23, and Matisse, 23, all modelled for his first New York Fashion Week show in February as did Reya Benitez, 24-year-old daughter of DJ Jellybean Benitez, who has produced songs for Madonna, Whitney Houston and Paul McCartney. Gaia Matisse The rest of the group are primarily employed as deft marketeers of their personal brands. Especially Matisse nicknamed Koala by the group. She graduated from New York University in 2015 after studying the self and other identities, and has also studied acting, which she started doing as a form of therapy after her fathers death in her teens. Her IMDB includes only three films: My Butterfly (2011), Forgetting Sandy Glass (said to be in post-production) and Mumbai Chopra: Misadventures of an It Girl (2010). Online, she turns the quotidian into the glamorous whether its sitting in a tattoo parlour, hanging off a neon motel sign or gurning into the camera at Burning Man festival. Her butterfly chihuahua called Bambi is a perpetual companion. Brant, meanwhile, is following in his mothers footsteps as a model. Hilton, who graduated from Loyola Marymount University last year, has a booming Instagram food blog (Barrons bites). And Kennedy has just finished her first year at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Snap pack: in pictures 1 /10 Snap pack: in pictures Andrew Warren with friends including Tiffany Trump Princess Olympia with Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing Tiffany Trump Reya with Samantha Garson Princess Olympia of Greece (left) and Sofia Richie. Gaia Matisse Barron Hilton Tiffany Trump Then theres Princess Olympia of Greece, 20, the exiled royalty with 94.4k followers on Instagram. Her superior social media reach is likely the result of a Tatler cover in 2014, shoots for upcoming appearances in Paper and Italian Vanity Fair, and appearances in the elite rows at shows for houses including Michael Kors and Valentino. Shes the Londoner of the group: though studying in New York at Parsons School of Design, she grew up in a house in Cheyne Walk with her four brothers and frequently visits London, where her family still lives. Perhaps unexpectedly, considering her pedigree, Trump who has just graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in sociology is the least showy of them all. Likely because her Instagram account where she has 261k followers has been subsumed by the campaign: recent pictures include herself and Ivanka at the last debate (hashtagged Team Trump) and snaps from the Republican National Convention, where the 23-year-old gave a speech. Members of the group use the term best friend liberally, so real alliances can be hard to measure. How and why they know each other beyond their shared privilege is unclear. Some of them are old friends Matisse apparently met Warren in middle school. Gaia has always been shameless and a lot of fun to be around, Warren told W Magazine recently. She would literally wear a T-shirt and boots and get into any club before over-dressed girls and models. Kyra Kennedy and Princess Olympia spent New Years together in Colorado last year, and have holidayed together in Paris. Kennedy says that Warren scooped [her] up on a ski trip in Aspen last year at which point she was installed in his group. Tiffany Trump Brant Junior and Kennedy met on the party circuit, which you do if your parents have media and political East-Coast credentials. Trump, meanwhile, has known Warren since she was three years old. She regularly appears, dressed up in Just Drew (obviously), on his Instagram account. It polarises after he shared birthday message to her, some followers objected, with one posting: Disgusting. Why did you allow this? Did you post this pic because you agree with Trump? Warren reportedly shot back: Dressing my best friend for years has nothing to do with political beliefs, so you can stop posting on my pages that Im racist or that Tiffany is racist. But how they know each other, is secondary to the riotous antics. The Snap Pack must keep up appearances: ultimately, party friends are the most valuable friends. One evening, it will be a restaurant launch in New Yorks Meatpacking District, the next drinks at Claridges or the Ritz in Paris. On one day last week, Warrens Snapchat story cut from a picture of breakfast at his condo overlooking Central Park to an invite to his latest show, to himself in an Uber, to Benitez bewitching in a black dress, spliced with selfies from the back of private cars. Their favourite drinks are Patron, Grey Goose and Dom Perignon and conversation pivots on parties, projects and poses. As for politics, well, presumably Kennedy and Trump do not have much to say to each other about politics though Brant and Warren do. After Obamas re-election, an unfortunate exchange between the pair went viral, in which Warren observed, Guess were poor now, to which Brant responded: I have a contingency plan. Kill Obama hahaha. Brant later issued an apology assuring everyone that he was joking. Princess Olympia of Greece (left) and Sofia Richie. The group is often in trouble and, ironically, news of their exploits is accelerated by social media, where there is always someone waiting to catch them out. Last year, Kennedy reportedly threw a tantrum after she was turned away from a club in the city because she was trying to use her then 26-year-old sister Kicks passport. She is said to have protested, furiously, Im a Kennedy Google me! (though has later said the whole thing was basically fabricated). Her relationship with her father appears to be rather strained: last year, it was reported that hed ordered her to clean up her Instagram account, and this year, he insisted she close her account after she was caught using it to slag off a New York-based journalist, Allie Jones, who had written a faintly derisory piece about the set. Brant, too, has had several altercations with the law, notably, he was reportedly arrested at JFK airport in March for throwing a drunken scene, in which he allegedly attacked a security officer. Much of it was captured on video by onlookers, who shared the incident online. His lawyer branded him an idiot. Trump, meanwhile, has become known as Donalds other daughter due to her general reticence on the campaign trail which some have speculated could be to do with her connection to the group. The Packs defenders might say this is sour grapes. Certainly, its members are defensive when it comes to criticism of their high-rolling ways. I dont think I should be judged for posting a photo like eating caviar at Claridges, Warren has said, while its okay for someone to post a picture at McDonalds. Matisse, meanwhile, insists the social media tsarina tag is unfair. I have such a misconstrued persona, she told W Magazine. I mean, understandably so because my Instagram is pictures of me going out. Im not going to post pictures of me sobbing in my acting class, though. Thats my work. On the other hand, sometimes they inflate their own hype. I got arrested on my birthday while wearing a tiara, a pink North Face, and multi-colored rainbow Dunks, Matisse told W Magazine this year. Very modern muses must fascinate, scandalise and influence in equal measure and this pack have everything they need to do so. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @EsMagOfficial A s the final fight for the presidential crown gets underway, theres much more to Washington D C than political intrigue and infighting. From hipster food markets and fabulous fusion cooking to Dwight Eisenhower cocktails and David Adjayes new African-American Museum, theres something in the US capital for everyone. Eat your heart out Masseria, near Union Market, serves top-notch Puglian-inspired cuisine in industrial-chic surroundings. Tables flank the open-plan kitchen, so punters can watch their beef tripe, veal tartare and buffalo milk fagottini being prepared under the watchful eye of maestro-chef, Nick Stefanelli. The six-course tasting menu with paired wines, 182, is sensational but requires stamina (masseria-dc.com). Many of the most exciting new eateries are in the up-and-coming Shaw district and include Chinese-French fusion restaurant Kyirisan. The deep-fried tofu with spring onions and hot black-pepper sauce is out of this world. (kyirisandc.com) Masseria Immerse Yourself Officially opened by Barack Obama in September, the African-American Museum is the hottest ticket in town. British architect David Adjayes jutting, square building encased in bronze-coloured metal filigree is an arresting sight in itself, standing out from the white-stone Smithsonians along the National Mall. Visitors should start in the murky basement, where the story of the origins of African slavery begins. From the metal cuffs and shackles to pictures of tightly packed slave ships crossing the Atlantic and reconstructed slave cabins, its all here. Work your way up the building through the history of the Civil Rights Movement era to the top floor, where an exhibition celebrating the achievements of black athletes, musicians and actors leavens the mood. Entry is free, but you need to book in advance. (nmaahc.si.edu) Bedding down Indulge in luxury and a great nights sleep at the Rosewood Washington D C Its bang in the middle of leafy, historic Georgetown, overlooking the C&O Canal and has a rooftop bar with its own plunge pool and great views across the capital. A few minutes walk from the high-end shopping of M Street, its surrounded by cosy neighbourhood restaurants and is a stones throw from the legendary Georgetown Cupcake. Nurse a cocktail at the ground floor Rye Bar, enjoy the jazz trio (Thursday and Friday nights) and observe the glam Washington set schmoozing. From 780, excluding breakfast. (rosewoodhotels.com/washingtondc) How to get there Virgin Atlantic flies daily to Washington Dulles International Airport from London Heathrow. (0844 209 2770; virginatlantic.com) T he photo shoot is running late so I have a good hour to admire Zayn Malik doing mean-eyed Zoolander pouts with his collars flipped, before he is disrobed, released for a smoke, and then plonked in front of me for his real close up. Aside from the strong-smelling tobacco, the most noticeable thing is how distractingly pretty he is like Aladdin but with inch-long eyelashes and a full pelt of stubble. For a while, he had a badger streak in his swept-up hair, but today its tamed and thick. He changes it almost daily blond one, shaved the next which, according to those close to him, can be read as screaming f*** you to his former life in One Direction, where rules on appearance were so strict that everything from hair dye to beards and earrings had to be signed off, because we had to have a certain look for the brand. So at 23, he already has enough fodder for a slim autobiography Zayn that covers 2015 to 2016, the year of his liberation from bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Liam Payne, thrown together on The X Factor in 2010. In that time, hes largely relocated to LA (where he has a house, as well as another in north London, and another in Bradford where his father, mother and three sisters still live). His girlfriend is the model Gigi Hadid, although: We havent officially swapped keys or anything yet, we live together wherever we are. Hes released a solo album called Mind of Mine from which the single Pillowtalk went straight to No.1 in the US and UK (the video is basically him snogging Hadid with psychedelic effects). Of course, his decision to quit One Direction was considered earth-shattering. It was said hed self-destructed and had a breakdown. A statement was released saying and I read it out to him now: I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. So is he normal now? He smirks and leans forward: Im going to ask you a question now do you think I wrote that? Like, look how its worded. Im not a 35-year-old lawyer. I dont write like that, he sits back, satisfied. I guess this is his point: even his exit was choreographed. There was no breakdown. He cant even cite a low point, saying it was more a consistent numbing, miserable flat-line. Management took over the minutiae. Days were structured so that you didnt have time to think because you were concentrating so hard on work. I lost my bearings of what time it was, sometimes, what day it was. As well as the enforced pop uniform, the boys werent supposed to have tattoos without permission although Malik broke this because whoops, once its done, its done. They kind of went crazy when I had a massive ZAP tattooed on my arm, he says. In all seriousness, he adds: It was just a continuous struggle because I was hurried into a situation that I didnt necessarily want to be in. Obviously I had to stop feeling like that. So one day I stopped being in the band. COS T-shirt, 12 (cosstores.com). Rings, Zayns own / Clare Shilland By hurried he means there was no time to stop and think after The X Factor. The band finished third (behind soloists Matt Cardle and Rebecca Ferguson) and were signed to Syco, Simon Cowells record company. I was very ignorant at 17 blind beyond my years. I thought going on X Factor meant you won a million pounds and got a contract at the end of it. And I was like: Shit. All my problems are solved. I win a million pounds and thats it. Simple. But you dont think about everything else that goes with it. Youre only 17, your dreams are immature. You see what you want. What advice would he give his 17-year-old self now? Dont do it. At first, I think hes joking. I would say: Do your research and be a bit more prepared about certain situations before you make a decision, he says. One Direction's Zayn Malik - In pictures 1 /38 One Direction's Zayn Malik - In pictures Getty Images With the band Zayn Malik with One Direction performing on The X Factor On tour The singer arrives at Sydney International Airport ahead of a One Direction gig Rex Features Getty Images Reuters Acting rumours Zayn Malik fuelled speculation that he is moving into acting when he uploaded a selfie with Gurinda Chadha after quitting One Direction Zayn Malik Ex Zayn Malik with his then fiancee Perrie Edwards celebrating his 21st birthday at Disneyland Paris Rex Features Dedicated fans A crowd of Filipino fans outside a concert venue where One Direction performed in Manila EPA Zayn Malik quits One Direction Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson performing during the "Where We Are" tour at Met Life Stadium in August 2014 Getty Images All together Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Harry Styles PA Stage presence The singer performing on The X Factor three years after finding fame on the show Rex Features Rex Features Crowd pleaser Zayn Malik performs to VIPs at the 2014 American Music Awards Getty Images Family affair Zayn Malik making his first solo appearance since leaving One Direction at the Asian Awards Getty Images Going it alone Zayn Malik in the music video for his single as a solo artist, Like I Would Zayn Malik/Vevo New love Zayn Malik and his new girlfriend Gigi Hadid arrive for the "Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology" Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on 02 May 2016 in New York City Karwai Tang/WireImage Loved up Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid put on an affectionate display as they make their red carpet debut Rex Features London calling Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid out and about during a visit to London in September 2016 Rex Features Cover star Zayn Malik on the cover of ELLE Magazine ELLE UK Fashionable couple Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid attend the Givenchy show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2017 on 02 October 2016 in Paris, France Getty Images Getty Images Home sweet home Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid arrive at Hadid's apartment on September 12, 2016 in New York City James Devaney/GC Images American Vogue front cover of their August issue which features supermodel Gigi Hadid and singer Zayn Malik Vogue Getty Images Zayn Malik seen arriving back to his apartment in the same clothing as yesterday after spending the night at his ex Gigi Hadids house in NYC Splash News Zayn Malik attends the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Madison Square Garden Getty Images Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik are a striking pair as they step out for his 25th birthday party Splash News Zayn Malik seen at Gigi Hadid's home in New York City after being spotted together kissing the day before Splash News Splash News That bad? Yeah. Would he still have signed with the knowledge he has now? He stalls and, at first, furnishes me with platitudes, saying hes super thankful for everything he has as a result. But I probably wouldnt have [signed] I wouldve waited a couple more extra years. Just so I had that time to just get my head around being a famous person. Ive never been able to have, whats the word? Anonymity. He repeats the word. If I could go back, Id have a few more years of anonymity. Is there a place he isnt recognised? Ive tried a few remote places and you still get pictured. Its flattering theyre fans and it comes with the job but it would be nice to know there was a country where nobody knew you at all. Id like to find it. VERSACE jumper, 580 (uk.versace.com). GREAT FROG LONDON ring (left), 155 (thegreatfroglondon.com) / Clare Shilland He jokes about being transported into the bubble of One Direction. One day, I was a chilled normal guy living at home with my parents, going to school. The next, Im all over the world and people know who I am. He missed home a lot I just wanted to come home and forget about the world. But his mum told him to pull his socks up. She said: Sometimes you have to do things you dont want to do. The girls were hard to ignore. They mobbed his manager, his PR, his agent. Hes been asked to sign breasts which he did, because: You cant say Put it away. Youve got to be friendly, right? At other times, hed be sitting in the car while nipples were flattened against the window. Which is all right if youre having a shit day, he grins. He recalls having a cigarette at the back of a studio with his bandmates one day And the dustbin started moving. We were like, Whats going on? Suddenly this girl jumped out screaming. The bin fell over and five security jumped on her. She was screaming and beating them off one girl, five men. She didnt care. She was like: Im going to have all of you. VALENTINO jacket, 2,623.50 (valentino.com). CALVIN KLEIN T-shirt, 45 (uk.calvinklein.com) / Clare Shilland Im horrified by this image, but Malik assures me it was funny. I hope she got an autograph? She did. She deserved it. We signed some stuff and took a photo with her too. What wasnt funny was the rush of One Directioners who began self-harming and using the hashtag #Cut4Zayn in response to his departure. I never anticipated or couldve planned for what the reaction was going to be, he says. It was crazy. One major cost of his five years in One Direction was that Malik developed an anxiety disorder. He started to live in perpetual fear of letting anyone down. In my hour with him, he displays multiple small acts of politeness jumping up to close the door when the music gets loud, offering to refresh my tea and asking if Id like a cigarette. I keep thinking how proud his mum must be (She is). Gigi Hadid - Style File 1 /85 Gigi Hadid - Style File February 27, 2020 Walking in the Off-White show alongside sister Bella and mum Yolanda Rex Features February 26, 2020 Attending the Harper's Bazaar Exhibition alongside sister Bella Getty Images November 13, 2019 Attending the Country Music Awards Getty Images August 26, 2019 Backstage at the VMA's with sister Bella and friend Taylor Swift Getty Images for Republic Record April 23,2018 Gigi Hadid celebrates her 23rd birthday Felipe Ramales / Splash News March 29, 2018 Gigi Hadid wears an oversized shirt with Cara Delevingne kisses Adwoa Aboah when out and about in New York Splash News February 11, 2018 Gigi Hadid attends the Maybelline New York x V Magazine Party at the Nomo Soho Hotel Cindy Ord/Getty Images February 23, 2018 Gigi Hadid carrying a dog, presents a creation by Tod's during the women's Fall/Winter 2018/2019 collection fashion show in Milan Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images November 13, 2017 Gigi Hadid attends Glamour's 2017 Women of The Year Awards at Kings Theatre Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images May 1, 2017 Gigi Hadid attends the "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between" Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images June 27, 2017 Gigi Hadid attends Gigi Hadid for Vogue Eyewear #ShowYourParty event Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images September 19, 2017 Gigi Hadid walks the runway at the Tommy Hilfiger TOMMYNOW Fall 2017 Show during London Fashion Wee Ian Gavan/Getty Images November 3, 2017 Gigi Hadid attends the Gigi Hadid x Maybelline New York International Launch Party Cindy Ord/Getty Images November 7, 2017 Gigi Hadid attends the Gigi Hadid X Maybelline party held at "Hotel Gigi" in London Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images February 10, 2017 Gigi Hadid walks the runway for the Jeremy Scott collection during, New York Fashion Week: The Shows at Gallery 1, Skylight Clarkson Sq Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images September 29, 2016 Gigi Hadid walks the runway during the Balmain show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2017 Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images October 2, 2016 Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid attend the Givenchy show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2017 Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images November 30, 2016 Gigi Hadid walks the runway during the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images November 30, 2016 Gigi Hadid walks the runway during the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images November 30, 2016 Gigi Hadid attends the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show after party Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images December 5, 2016 Gigi Hadid attends The Fashion Awards 2016 Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images June 4, 2016 Gigi Hadid attends Spike TV's 10th Annual Guys Choice Awards at Sony Pictures Studios Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) June 19, 2016 Gigi Hadid arrives at the 2016 iHeartRADIO MuchMusic Video Awards Sonia Recchia/Getty Images September 9, 2016 Gigi Hadid attends the #TOMMYNOW Women's Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week Grant Lamos IV/Getty Images March 20, 2016 Gigi Hadid attends the Daily Front Row "Fashion Los Angeles Awards" at Sunset Tower Hotel Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images May 2, 2016 Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik attend the 'Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology' Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images February 16, 2016 Gigi Hadid attends the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 - NYC VIP press event Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images September 15, 2015 Attending the Serena Williams show at New York Fashion Week Grant Lamos IV/Getty Images September 16, 2015 Spotted around New York Fashion Week Mike Coppola/Getty Images May 21, 2015 At amfAR's 22nd Cinema Against AIDS Gala Tristan Fewings/Getty Images August 4, 2015 Talking on stage at Myer Macquarie Centre Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images August 30, 2015 Attending the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards Jason Merritt/Getty Images September 14, 2015 Spotted around New York Fashion Week Larry Busacca/Getty Images September 14, 2015 Walking the Tommy Hilfiger runway Randy Brooke/Getty Images February 22, 2015 At the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images March 5, 2015 With Kendall Jenner at the Balmain Aftershow Dinner as part of the Paris Fashion Week Jacopo Raule/Getty Images March 14, 2015 Attending the Ultimate Spring Break Bash hosted by Victoria's Secret John Parra/Getty Images April 10, 2015 At the Official H&M Loves Coachella Party Michael Kovac/Getty Images May 4, 2015 Attending the MET Gala Rob Kim/Getty Images January 22, 2015 At The Daily Front Row 'Fashion Los Angeles Awards' Show Jason Kempin/Getty Images February 11, 2015 With Lily Aldridge at the Sports Illustrated 2015 Swimsuit Takes Over Nashville With Kings of Leon event Rick Diamond/Getty Images February 17, 2015 On the front row at Tory Burch Cindy Ord/Getty Images February 22, 2015 At the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images November 18, 2014 On the 2015 Pirelli Calendar Red Carpet Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images February 6, 2014 Walking the Desigual runway Frazer Harrison/Getty Images February 20, 2014 At the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Beach Volleyball Tournament Frazer Harrison/Getty Images September 27, 2014 Walking for Jean Paul Gaultier Miguel Medina/AFP/Getty Images February 18, 2014 At the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 50 Years of Swim in NYC Celebration Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images February 19, 2014 Attending Club SI Swimsuit hosted by Sports Illustrated Neilson Barnard/Getty Images February 20, 2014 At the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit South Beach Soiree Frazer Harrison/Getty Images March 2, 2014 With her then-boyfriend Cody Simpson at the 2014 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images March 29, 2014 Attending Nickelodeon's 27th Annual Kids' Choice Awards Frazer Harrison/Getty Images August 28, 2014 At DuJour Magazine's Jason Binn celebrating Kendall and Kylie Jenner's Bruce Weber shoot Mike Coppola/Getty Images September 5, 2014 At The Daily Front Row Second Annual Fashion Media Awards Rommel Demano/Getty Images September 5, 2014 Attending Harper's BAZAAR Celebrates Icons By Carine Roitfeld Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images September 11, 2014 Backstage at Marc Jacobs Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images September 29, 2014 Walking the Sonia Rykiel runway Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images September 30, 2014 Walking the Chanel runway Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images October 20, 2014 At Angel Ball 2014 hosted by Gabrielle's Angel Foundation Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images October 28, 2014 Attending the Sportmax and Teen Vogue Celebrate The Fall/Winter 2014 Collection event in New York Monica Schipper/Getty Images November 4, 2014 Arriving at the Emirates Marquee on Melbourne Cup Day Cameron Spencer/Getty Images March 23, 2013 At Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XIX Michael Buckner/Getty Images April 13, 2013 At the GUESS Hotel pool party John Sciulli/Getty Images May 10, 2012 At The Heart Foundation Gala Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images I want people to see the good side to me and, yeah, the emotional stress of maybe not fulfilling that is a lot sometimes, he says. Anxiety is something people dont necessarily want to advertise because its seen, in a way, like a weakness. I speak about it so that people understand that it doesnt matter what level of success you have, where youre from, who you are, what sex you are, what you do you can still experience these things. For me to pretend that I didnt have anxiety would be fake. It also helps people understand why I behave in a certain way. Sometimes things get in the way of us doing exactly what we want. I never mean to offend. Its an uncontrollable thing that I cant do anything about. Hes turned down opportunities as a result. Sometimes I wont go heads in with something that could be really beneficial because I dont feel comfortable. One of his great discoveries has been talking about how I feel, not least to his mum a therapist of sorts? Kind of, yeah. Mixed in with my dad, and a bit of my manager. Theres no doubt his life has changed, not just because of the 30-odd million in the bank. He has a bodyguard and someone he calls a dude who tailors my clothes because Im a weird body shape wide shoulders, super skinny, and, like, really long arms. Yet the first thing he did on returning to the UK two days ago was get fish and chips with curry sauce and mushy peas. Bradford, hell always have a soft spot for, because its where Im from. Zayn and Gigi Malik is the son of a Pakistani father, Yaser who stayed at home to bring up the four children (he has three sisters aged 25, 17 and 13, who tell him when hes being an idiot, which is quite frequently) and an English mother of Irish descent, Trisha, who worked as a chef. At school he was outgoing and confident, loud and crazy. He loved comics, drawing, and anything sci-fi, weird and alien. He wouldve been eight when tensions between the Asian population and white working-class fascists erupted into race riots in 2001. Bradford had a sizeable and active National Front and the British Nationalist Party won four council seats in 2004 not an easy place to grow up in a mixed-race family. It was very confusing, he says, because Id see dad as dad and mum as mum. I didnt see colour, I didnt see religion, I didnt see race. And then obviously as you get older, you start to develop your identity and see who you are and where youre from and which group you belong to. So that was also very confusing. I was lucky that my mum and dad would always explain it to me: This is just the way it is, this is some peoples belief, this is the way that theyve been brought up. Youre brought up differently so youve got to respect everybody and hope that people respect you in return. Hes very forgiving, putting some of the racism down to just very old-fashioned views: theres a lot of old people there and theyre stuck in their ways. That generation were taught a certain way, thats all they know. Towards the end of the 1980s, beginning of the 1990s, you had mixed families all over the place, and those older people didnt really understand that. They didnt understand that you can be white and you can be brown. You can be from England and a Muslim and be from Pakistan and be a Christian. People found it very hard to distinguish between religion and culture and race. Was he hurt by those attitudes? A little, yeah. I got excluded, got in fights. Nine times out of 10, the fights were due to racial things. He flicks his lighter a few times. I never really dwelled on this in the past, but I do believe it is something that people should know this is who I am, this is where Ive come from. Its not so much that it hurts its what builds you as a person. What you learn from that. I have an understanding of certain issues. For a second, he sounds annoyed: Just because I dont dwell on those issues, doesnt mean I dont know. I am aware of what things go on. I am aware that people grow up in racially segregated communities. He weaves that flat, deadpan Bradford accent around some rather poetic turns of phrase, which reminds me that he was plucked quite literally from the middle of his English A Level at Tong High School to audition for ALEXANDER McQUEEN jumper, 1,695 (alexandermcqueen.com).DSQUARED2 trousers, 460 (dsquared2.com). Rings, Zayns own / Clare Shilland The X Factor (hed still like to go back to university one day). A favourite book is Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck; he talks about Shakespeare, The Handmaids Tale and 1984, and laughs about being one guy in a class of females in English and being constantly cornered by 15 women being super-feminist and killing me [saying] Shut up Zayn, thats wrong if I was ever asked to give the male point of view. My mum brought me up as a feminist, he adds. Three sisters, five aunties and a mum not a hope. This means hes happy to cook for Gigi and says he makes her steak and potato pie, Sunday roast dinner and Yorkshire pudding. Seriously? Yeah, she likes a good Yorkshire pudding. They met at a Victorias Secret party and he recognised her from her picture and asked her out. They went to The Bowery Hotels restaurant, Gemma, in New York. It were really nice, he says. Shes a very intelligent woman. She knows how to carry herself. Shes quite classy and that. Shes not, like, arrogant in any way, shes confident. She carries it well. Shes cool. Theyve met each others families. Hers are cool. Although he adds that Gigis mother, Yolanda, star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, has Lyme disease and isnt well. The couple spend all their spare time together in LA or her flat in New York. And they sing together Shes got a nice voice, I like her voice. He drinks whiskey (Jameson or Glenfiddich), she likes tequila (spicy margaritas with jalapenos crazy). Does he smoke weed? Weed is also a part of my life for certain things, he admits. I find it helps me be creative. Some people say it kills your ambition, some people say it destroys your personality. Personally I havent had any of them experiences yet. Does he smoke it for breakfast? He shrugs and grins. I dont think Im allowed to specify dont get me arrested. I ask what their friends are like and he says the LA kids are different from the people he grew up with. They live on beaches, theyre zen and chilled. You get a moody feel in the UK and I very much embodied that personality throughout my teens. I was a moody-bastard British guy, you know, hated even walking so was dragging my feet. In LA, they are very happy and positive and its nice to be surrounded by that sometimes. Not that I dont like coming back to earth here. He likes having control of his life again. Before, because I was told what to do and told where to go, I didnt feel like the reward was mine to take home. Do you know what Im saying? Whereas this, Im in control of. Its crazy, but its mine, so it is rewarding and its worth it now. Zayn by Zayn is out now, 18.99 (Penguin Random House) B ritish dramas dont get much more freighted with anticipation than The Crown, due to hit Netflix tomorrow. Its subject matter includes not just the biography of our 90-year-old monarch but post-war Britain in general, spread over a planned six seasons. Even for writer Peter Morgan, who made his name in similar territory with The Deal, The Queen and The Audience, this is an ambitious undertaking. The rumoured 100 million budget makes it certainly the most expensive drama in Netflix history, and possibly the most expensive British television series ever. It will be money well spent if it achieves the companys stated goal of introducing its streaming service to a new demographic (the over-40s) and new territories from Singapore to St Petersburg, according to co-founder Reed Hastings. Yet if director Stephen Daldry is feeling the pressure, there isnt the slightest hint of it in his unwrinkled suit and unruffled demeanour. I never thought we were shooting television, I thought we were making a 10-hour film, he says. Theres a pause and a smile. If you look at it on that basis, its rather a low budget film. The Crown may be Daldrys first television series but he is evidently at ease moving between mediums. Billy Elliot, the 2000 film which marked his move from stage to screen, is now also a book and a touring musical. Today he is physically moving back and forth between the hotel where the interview is taking place and the nearby Playhouse Theatre, where technical rehearsals for his hugely successful revival of An Inspector Calls are ongoing. During our conversation Daldrys attention is occasionally diverted by his phone screen but be assured hes not sneaking a peak at his Instagram feed. As Im talking to you now Im picking up details of whats going on about the clearances in the camp. It sounds terrible. Daldry has had more than a concerned citizens interest in the Calais refugee camp since he became involved in the Good Chance theatre project, which set up a theatre of hope in the now demolished Jungle, playing host to visiting talent including Jude Law and Benedict Cumberbatch and providing a forum for refugees to tell their own stories. Actors from Shakespeare's Globe perform Hamlet to migrants at the Good Chance Theatre Tent in the Jungle Refugee Camp / Getty He says the experience has affected his work in all sorts of ways. If Im being honest about it, particularly over the past week, its brought me to not to a state of despair, I think thats too strong but certainly to a state of anger regarding the failure of the response, both from the French agencies and the French government, and the lack of planning and almost illegal acts by the British Government. All that has made one and consistently makes one very angry. Given Daldrys campaigning interests and a body of work which, by his own admission, wears its politics on its sleeve, The Crown might seem a departure. If only because it ties him down, not just for a few episodes, but for the next six years. The Crown - trailer - Netflix He says hes not coming at it from the obvious angle. Have I always wanted to explore the nature of the royal family? The answer is no. My point of interest really was how frustrating is it to be the most visible invisible woman in the world? What strains and pressures are on a constitutional monarch with apparently all the power in the world and actually none at all? Not even the power to have a point of view. Predictably, then, theres been no word yet from the palace and Daldry isnt holding his breath. I sincerely hope that they dont watch it I would hate to watch a programme about my life. Obviously there are things where we know we are going away from the truth and weve made things up I think Id find that deeply frustrating. The central performances in particular are accurate to the point of potential discomfort. As the royal couple, Claire Foy and Matt Smith have both done remarkable work at humanising their iconic subjects, but also at replicating familiar mannerisms without straying into comic impersonation. Daldry hoped to be respectful, but in the end he says, I have to follow my dramatic nose. For example, the royal familys consonants have been softened and their vowels shortened because to put them into an accent that is historically accurate would just be too distancingyou would think it just sounded ridiculous. Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II and Matt Smith as Prince Philip / Netflix Royal rumpy-pumpy was also considered for inclusion but eventually decided against: It is a well-documented fact that Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh had a very er passionate love affair. Whether one wants to see the nature of that passion on the screen I thought probably not. But that was just my own taste. Yet the first-rate writing and performances go only part way to explaining The Crowns appeal and whether you collect Diana memorabilia or campaign for the dissolution of the monarchy, it is utterly irresistible. Its appeal may also be a reflection of the state of the world today. I mean the monarchy is an eccentric absurdity, but given the catastrophic failure of our politicians at the moment, there is something quite comforting about having a head of state who is not subject to the idiocies of what seems to be happening with our elected leaders, says Daldry. Adrian Lourie Hes referencing a recent satirical article in The New Yorker titled Queen Offers to Restore British Rule Over United States, but the same could be said to apply at home too. Brexit is an irrational act by an irrational nation thats run irrationally, with no constitution. So in that case its fascinating having to explore the roots of that choice lets understand the role of the old imperial commonwealth and why we would ever imagine that could be the future of England, going back to what we were doing in the Fifties. Would Daldry describe himself as a royalist? I want the Queen to have questioned our role over Suez; I want the Queen, as we did in The Audience, to have questioned Tony Blair about our role in Iraq. Whether she did or not, I dont know, and probably she didnt. So in a sense theres a sensibility that Im projecting onto her which is my sensibility. Best TV dramas 2016 1 /38 Best TV dramas 2016 The Missing The addictive and twisty second series of the BBC's crime anthology series BBC/New Pictures/Robert Viglasky Dark Angel Joanne Froggatt stared as Victorian mass murderer Mary Ann Cotton in this ITV drama ITV Close to the Enemy Stephen Poliakoff's post-war drama thriller BBC/Little Island Pictures Ordinary Lies The BBC anthology drama returns with more twisted tales BBC/Red Productions/Adrian Rogers The Night Of Riz Ahmed stars in HBO's critically acclaimed crime mini-series HBO Cold Feet The classic ITV comedy-drama returns - and it's just as good as it ever was ITV Victoria ITV have given Poldark some stiff competition with this period drama about a young Queen Victoria ITV Poldark The BBC's hit drama returns with more brooding, and less naked scything BBC/Robert Viglasky One of Us The BBC kept everyone guessing with this claustrophobic four-part whodunit Ripper Street The fan-favourite Victorian police drama returned for Series 4 BBC/Tiger Aspect 2016/Bernard Walsh The Secret Agent Toby Jones led the cast in the BBC's Joseph Conrad adaptation BBC/World Productions/Mark Mainz/Matt Burlem The Living and the Dead The BBC's gothic romance debuted in full on iPlayer BBC Preacher AMC's adaptation of Garth Ennis' cult comic book is available week-by-week on Amazon Prime Amazon / AMC Versailles A raunchy royal romp around the court of King Louis XIV, spicing up Wednesdays on BBC Two Canal +/ BBC Locked Up The Spanish prison drama came to the UK thanks to Channel 4's Walter Presents series Channel 4 / Global Series Peaky Blinders The Birmingham-set gangster thriller was more popular than ever in its third series BBC/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/Robert Viglasky The A Word The BBC gave us a nuanced and emotional take on autism BBC/Fifty Fathoms Marcella Anna Friel stars in ITV's British take on the Scandi-noir thriller ITV Grantchester James Norton is back as the crime-solving vicar ITV / Lovely Day Stag The comedy-thriller from the team behind The Wrong Mans is both hilarious and chilling BBC/Des Willie/Hal Shinnie/Matt Burlem Vinyl Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger present a glossy drama about the Seventies music industry HBO American Crime Story: The People vs OJ Simpson Cuba Gooding Jr leads an all-star cast in a dramatic re-telling of the 'trial of century' BBC/Fox Happy Valley Sarah Lancashire returned as Sgt Catherine Cawood for a second series of the gritty crime thriller BBC/Red Productions/Ben Blackall The X Files Mulder and Scully return for a brand new set of mysteries War and Peace The BBC's epic adaptation of the Russian literary classic BBC/Mitch Jenkins Call the Midwife The BBC period drama moved into the Sixties for Series 5 BBC/Neal Street Productions/Sophie Mutevelian Dickensian Charles Dickens' most famous characters collide in this historical soap BBC Jericho ITV's British western set in the wilds of Yorkshire Silent Witness The hugely popular detective drama returns for a 19th series Yet the Queen also has some admirable qualities which arent a matter of perspective. I cant help having a deep respect for what she has survived and how she has maintained a role for herself and her family. I mean, if the country voted whether we should keep the monarchy now, my guess is that about 85 per cent of the population would vote for her. And as for the other 15 per cent? The Crown will win them round. Netflixs latest series was begun with grand ambitions and the finished product may achieve much more. Its not just a lavish period drama designed to appeal to the Downton crowd at home and abroad; its a portrait of Britain as it was and more importantly as it wants to be seen. We need TV like The Crown more than ever. Its probably a projection, Daldry concedes. But I dont think I mind my projection. Follow Ellen Jones on Twitter: @MsEllenEJones The Crown is available on Netflix from tomorrow F ireworks are set to light up London's skies soon with Bonfire Night nearly upon us. A whole host of extravagant festivities will set the capital aglow this weekend and on Monday, November 5. We all know the rhyme "remember, remember, the 5th of November", when crowds gather to watch effigies of Guy Fawkes being burnt on a bonfire. But why do we commemorate Bonfire Night with spectacular pyrotechnics, who was Guy Fawkes and what did he do to deserve such a fiery fate? What is Bonfire Night and why do we celebrate it? Known as Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Night, November 5 marks the failure of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot. A group of English Catholic conspirators, incensed by anti-Catholic sentiment during the reign of King James I, planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate the monarch in the process. Thirty-six barrels of gunpowder were transported to Westminster and placed in a cellar beneath the Houses of Parliament, where they were guarded by Guy Fawkes. On November 5 1605, guards were alerted to the threat, leading to a search of the cellars and the discovery of both the gunpowder and Guy Fawkes. Reinhold Thiele/Thiele/Getty Image Who was Guy Fawkes? Although he was not the ringleader of the gang, Guy Fawkes has gained the most notoriety. As the member charged with the task of lighting the fuse that would set off the explosives, he was the one caught guarding them during a search of the cellars beneath Westminster. After his capture Fawkes was to be hung, drawn and quartered - a gruesome death sentence which involved cutting off of prisoners genitalia and removing their entrails before their eyes. However, he managed to avoid this horrifying fate by jumping from the scaffolding where he had been taken to be hung, causing instant death from a broken neck. Boris Johnson effigy to be burned at annual bonfire event How is Bonfire Night celebrated? Guy Fawkes Night is celebrated with firework displays, whose sparks and flashing colours are intended to resemble the sights and sounds of the explosion that would have been. In the immediate aftermath of the failed plot, bonfires were lit in honour of King James survival. This tradition continues today, with effigies of Guy Fawkes made by local communities being burned. To find out where to watch fireworks in London, click here. Follow us on Twitter @eslifeandstyle I ts an estate car, and so youd expect it to serve time going to the tip, taking off on European jaunts and so on. And thats exactly what it has done. The issue at first is that we expected a bit of excitement in the mix and it just didnt seem to be there. Performance seemed lacking. Then we took it on a track day. As you do. That abuse, at 1500 miles, seemed to wake the whole car up, and from then on its been transformed. For a grey estate, it handles tracks very competently indeed, although its shown up one failing that we thought was just our car, but it turns out its deliberate. The front end has a VAQ diff, and it just didnt seem to work as well as we imagined it would in a sporting estate. It turns out its simply not set up as aggressively as it is in some other cars in the VW Group stables. Some tuning companies are working to liberate its abilities, and that would be a worthwhile upgrade when it happens. But as a rapid load carrier thats also fun, its really hit the mark. Its been four times to Europe, three of them to Le Mans. The fourth was a 2000-mile thrash with camping kit and a mountain bike on the back, and it really came good when you headed off the autobahns and into the mountains. Not much has gone wrong in our time with the car. We had a flat battery that was never fully explained. It also showed up that you can get a flat battery and then not be able to unlock the door to open up the bonnet, which is a bit of a logic failure. There were a few warning signs on and off after that but a quick diagnostic with Skoda put everything right again. In fact, that trip back to Skoda had one other advantage in that they replaced the front tyres, which were looking a bit shabby at 11,000 miles. This was due to them working hard on track days, a sure sign that this is a grey estate that is a whole heap of fun as well as a practical friend for week and weekend. Itll be missed. Take a look at the first of the Skoda's long term reviews here. KEY STATS - 2016 Skoda Octavia vRS 230 Estate Mileage: 15,000 List price new: 29,910 Options List Basic list of 27,800 plus Tow bar: 550 Adaptive Cruise Control: 765 Crew Protection Assist 150 Heated seats: 200 Simply Clever package: 85 Meteor Grey paint: 360 D etectives launched a murder hunt today after a young man who worked for a shipping company was shot dead on his doorstep in front of his mother. James Owusu was speaking on his phone with his front door open in Harlesden when two men casually walked past and blasted him in the back, his family said. Police, paramedics and firearms officers rushed to the scene in Tynsdale Road at 10.45pm last night after reports of a shooting. Mr Owusu, 22, a business administration graduate, was treated in his home for mutliple gunshot wounds but died at the scene. Today his devastated family told how the victim worked for a shipping company in Wembley and was also a part time DJ. Victim: James Owusu His mother Deborah described how witnessed her son slump on the doorstep after he was gunned down. She told the Standard : He was my only son, I am absolutely devastated. He was a good boy in every way. We cannot understand why this has happened I am heartbroken. His uncle George said: He was a bright, lovely, gentle guy. He was never in any trouble. We cannot understand. He was shot in front of his mother. "We are all just confused, I spent a lot if time with him, we even worked together. He was no gang member or anything like that. Another uncle Tom Katro, 49, said Mr Owusus family were originally from Ghana and were well respected in the community. He said his nephew was brought up as a Jehovahs Witness and attended bible reading classes. Mr Katro, who runs a valet service, said: James was a lovely boy who knew his scriptures well. He was bright and was liked by everyone who knew him. He went to university and his family were very proud of him. This was not a boy who was in trouble. His mum and dad are devastated. He was shot in front of his mother who has been very ill. He was her only son this is just so terrible. A witness, who did not want to be named, said: Two people walked by and shot him in the back. He was on his phone and the door was open, he was not expecting it. "I tried to save him and gave him CPR but theres nothing more I could have done. He was a good friend, we are all hurting. The boss of the shipping company where the victim worked described him as a model employee. Sam Amiah, 63, who runs Sam Amiah Shipping, said: He was really good. I knew him from a little boy because I am close to the family. He worked hard, was always punctual and was good on the phone. Just hours before he was killed he called me to talk about the business and was doing an extra course at the University of Hertfordshire to improve himself. "He did some DJing as well but it never got in the way off his work for me. Believe me, he was a good person. Resdients described hearing four load bangs which they thought was fireworks going off. Pauline Murray, 43, said: There were four load thuds, I thought it was fireworks going off so thought no more about it. Its such a tragedy. It happens too much around here. The shooting took place just fifty metres from the spot where Oilver Tetlow, 27, was killed in a hail of machine gun fire in March. There is no evidence the incidents are linked. Scotland Yard appealed for witnesses to the shooting. There have been no arrests. Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8785 8244 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A motorcyclist has died after colliding with a car at a busy crossroads in east London. The man, aged in his 40s, was found seriously injured near Horns Road in Ilford by paramedics. He was rushed to an east London hospital by London Air Ambulance but died a short while later. The driver, also aged in his 40s, was arrested at the scene of the crash on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Road closed: Police are investigating / @sutharsan_krish Pictures from the scene showed police tape around the entire crossing with wreckage strewn on the tarmac. The A12 Eastern Avenue remains closed and officers are appealing for information from witnesses. A Met spokeswoman said: Police were called at 7.23am on Thursday to reports of a collision between a car and a motorcycle on the A12 eastbound at Ley Street junction with Horns Road. Officers, the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London's Air Ambulance found a male motorcyclist, in his 40s seriously injured. He was taken to an east London hospital where he died at 09:37hrs. The car stopped at the scene and the driver, a male in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving. He is currently in custody at an east London police station. Any who witnessed the collision or has any information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111. S cotland Yard today warned of the risk of violence at this weekends bonfire night Million Mask March amid growing fears it could descend into chaos. Clad in V for Vendetta masks, thousands of activists are set to descend on central London on Saturday for the annual protest organised by activist group Anonymous. Police announced a series of restrictions on the event this evening and said officers believe peaceful protest is the last thing on the minds of those who plan to attend. Last year's march saw ugly scenes as missiles and fireworks were thrown at police. Four officers and six police horses were injured and 50 people arrested. Chief Superintendent Pippa Mills said the force had serious concerns about a repeat of last years disorder. Conditions of Million Mask March 2016 She said in a statement: We will always facilitate peaceful protest and have a strong history of doing so. However we have strong reason to believe that peaceful protest is the last thing on the minds of many of the people who will come along this year. Criminality at the event has increased year-on-year. Last year hundreds of Londoners on their way home from work, or out enjoying an evening in the Capital, were harassed and intimidated by people causing them huge concern. Public property was damaged, businesses had windows smashed and police officers and horses came under attack. Flares are let off during the protest in Westminster / Nigel Howard Those who choose to behave like this are not protestors, they are committing criminal acts. But the protests organisers appeared to be putting on a defiant front, posting on their Facebook page: "the police are not your friends". Police have imposed conditions on the march, limiting it to a three-hour period between 6pm and 9pm on a prescribed route between Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. Any static protest must only take place in Trafalgar Square, Richmond Terrace and Parliament Square and the Met warned anyone breaching the conditions could be arrested for public order offences. MASK MARCH crowds 2 Chief Superintendent Pippa Mills said: "We will always facilitate peaceful protest and have a strong history of doing so. However we have strong reason to believe that peaceful protest is the last thing on the minds of many of the people who will come along this year. "Criminality at the event has increased year-on-year. Last year hundreds of Londoners on their way home from work, or out enjoying an evening in the capital, were harassed and intimidated by people causing them huge concern. "We have such serious concerns about a repetition of such criminal behaviour this year that we have made the decision to impose conditions under the Public Order Act on the event on Saturday 5 November." P olice are hunting a thief who ripped a 24-carat gold Rolex from a mans wrist at an exclusive private members' club in east London. The 31-year-old victim was threatened and assaulted before the 24,000 watch was taken from him at Shoreditch House club in Ebor Street, police say. It is not known whether the man was injured but police said he declined medical help. Detectives in Hackney have today released CCTV of a man they want to identify following the reported robbery on September 11 between 8.25pm and 8.40pm. Appeal: Police have released an image of a man they want to identify / Met Police The footage sees two men talking on the street before one of them later flees the club. No arrests have been made. The suspect is described as a black man with short hair, 5ft 11in tall and in his late 20s. He was seen wearing a grey hooded top, light jeans, light brown shoes and had a light brown satchel. PC Scott Stark, the officer in the case for Hackney CID, said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the man shown in the footage or the still released, or anyone who witnessed the incident." Anyone that can assist the investigation is asked to contact Hackney CID via 101. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org A young woman who was forcibly strip-searched by five police officers after being arrested outside a Notting Hill club has received a formal apology from the Met after a five-year battle. Details of the apology for the humiliating ordeal were revealed today. The force has also admitted that the woman, now 27, waited two years for a female custody sergeant to be disciplined only for the gross misconduct hearing to be scrapped a week before it was to take place, on a technicality. The Met refused to confirm whether the officer still worked for the force. Two other officers were criticised for failings in the way they handled earlier complaints by the woman, known only as Miss X. They would have faced management action had they not retired, her letter of apology reveals. On March 6, 2011, PR industry worker Miss X, then aged 22, was arrested and taken to Chelsea police station after being found confused and distressed outside Supperclub in Acklam Road, Notting Hill, apparently after her drinks were spiked. In 2013 an Independent Police Complaints Commission report said officers had suspected her of taking and carrying drugs, but none were found and she tested negative. She reportedly believed she was strip-searched by one female and four male officers because she is black, and she feared she was being raped. Her bra was cut off from the front. CCTV broadcast the search, and the 30 minutes she was left naked in a cell, to the custody desk. Last year Miss X received 37,000 damages from the Met. Today her lawyer, Clair Hilder of Hodge Jones & Allen, revealed details of the apology, which came after a complaint to the Mets Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS). Dc Shane ONeill, of the directorates serious misconduct investigation unit, wrote: I would like to personally apologise to you on behalf of the DPS, my predecessors and the Metropolitan police. Ms Hilder said: My client was subject to a humiliating ordeal when she was clearly vulnerable and in need of medical attention. The officers acted in breach of regulations, taking an unjustified, callous and cavalier approach. To add insult to injury there has since been failings in relation to my clients complaint. She was not kept up to date about proceedings, finding out later that the custody sergeant has never faced gross misconduct proceedings. While we welcome the apology, it shouldnt have taken repeated attempts and many years. The custody sergeant has been let off with no more than a warning and others will face no action because they have since retired. The gross misconduct charge was dropped when the sergeant was found to have already faced the lesser charge of misconduct. She received management action advising her to familiarise herself with the rules. The Met said it was disappointed by the treatment the woman experienced which was a breach of strict protocols. Strip-searching is a vital power to ensure the safety of detainees and staff; searches must be carried out sensitively. A postgraduate researcher who designed a violin made from silk has won a new competition to find Londons most innovative foreign student. Italian Luca Alessandrini beat hundreds of other entries from 49 different countries and 17 universities to receive the 10,000 prize. Mr Alessandrini, a joint masters graduate from the Royal College of Art and Imperial College, made the instrument from a composite material that is a mixture of spider silk and resin. He received the The Mayor of Londons International Student Innovation Award last night at a ceremony attended by University of the Arts alumni and Games of Thrones actress Tara Fitzgerald. Winner: Italian Luca Alessandrini Mr Alessandrini said he hopes the new material could allow the acoustics of instruments and sound equipment to be customised with a degree of control that is difficult to obtain with other modern materials such as carbon fibre. He said: Studying in London has been one of the best experiences in my life and this incredible initiative will allow me to bring my project closer to reality. I have spent two years working full time with 38 people from 14 different countries and I couldnt imagine a more supportive and stimulating environment than this city. L ondoners faced plummeting temperatures this week following an unusually hot Halloween. The remarkably warm Halloween saw highs of 18C across the capital six degrees above what is considered normal for this time of year. But Londoners will have noticed a chilly drop as a cold weather front has moved south across the country, with temperatures around 11C. According to the Met Office Londoners should expect overnight temperatures to reach the lower single figures this weekend, in stark contrast to last weekend's mild weather. Oli Claydon, a Met Office spokesman, said: The cold front has bought with it a cold body of air bringing temperatures back to normal November levels. Depending on cloud cover London could see overnight temperatures fall to the lower single figures as well as some frost. A person has been rushed to hospital after a fire destroyed the ground floor of a building in north London tonight. Firefighters raced to the blaze at 6.15pm as smoke was seen billowing from the former shop in Dalston. Four fire engines were called and police cordoned off the scene, on Balls Pond Road near to the junction with Kingsbury Road. A spokeswoman for the London Fire Brigade said the fire in the three-storey building was put out by just after 7.05pm. Cordoned: Police taped off Balls Pond Road as the fire brigade dealt with the blaze. / Shane Croucher The London Ambulance Service said they were called at 6.23pm and treated one person, who they took to hospital. Witnesses reported buses being diverted because of the "serious fire". The fire service's Islington branch said their firefighters "worked extremely hard" to tackle the fire. T raders in Hampstead are bitterly divided over membership of a new business group that charges them for improvements to one of Londons wealthiest villages. Fewer than half the eligible businesses voted in favour of the Business Improvement District (BID) for the area in the July ballot. However, it got the go-ahead because 65 per cent of those businesses that voted were in favour. The BID was set up to drive high street footfall and sustain the unique vibe of the area, and individual contributions of hundreds of pounds a year are compulsory. Some businesses who were opposed to the BID are now refusing to pay but say they are being intimidated by pro-BID businesses. Steve Coxshall, 47, owner of the Duke of Hamilton, the oldest pub in the area, said: This is the biggest load of codswallop. This stupid pot of money will solve nothing and I am not paying my bill until our questions are answered. He added: It is not businesses job to make the area clean and attractive; we already pay the council to do that. It is exploitative and some business owners are too scared to speak out. Hampstead magazine publisher Sebastian Wocker, 51, said: People are scared of boycotts on their businesses and that is why I am speaking out. I have already been shouted at in the street for opposing the BID. The levy is collected by Camden council, which charges 12,000 to cover its administrative costs. Solveig Hennes, 40, who has been operating salons in the area for eight years, said: This is an excuse for Camden to stop investing in business owners and I have made a formal complaint. But hair salon owner Sean Spence, 47, supported the BID because it will give small businesses a say in what happens in Hampstead over chains. He said: I think some of the others are angry because they voted no and still got the levy. But it is a good thing. Hampstead Village BID chief executive Caroline Goldsack said: Our improvements are ones Camden council cannot be expected to achieve on its own with the limited resources it has available. Z ac Goldsmith has refused to rule out returning to the Conservative Party in the future after he resigned as an MP following the Heathrow airport decision. Mr Goldsmith said resigning was not something I relish but said he did not regret making the promises to stand down if the government backed the third runway. The ex-MP gave up his seat in Richmond Park just 48 hours after the decision was announced and will now stand as an independent in Decembers by-election. Theresa May faces a potential dramatic local revolt if local Conservatives back him. Environmentalist: The Richmond Park MP long threatened to resign if the Government backed the expansion plan. / PA This afternoon he gave his first broadcast interview since resigning as MP on LBC radio, with the station inviting listeners to phone-in questions for the ex-London mayor candidate. But Mr Goldsmith received no questions from the public during the half hour slot. He also accused the Government and Heathrow Airport of having a relationship that "borders on the corrupt" and said the interaction between the airport and Whitehall was "rotten". Talking about the promise he made to consitiuents last year to stand down, Mr Goldsmith said there was no wiggle room in his pledge. Theresa May announced the government's decision last month. / Jack Taylor/Getty Images I made a promise to my constituents if my then party u-turned on Heathrow I would resign and give them an opportunity to vote again, he told the radio show. It gives people a strong opportunity in my patch to send a strong message. But asked whether he might return to stand as a Conservative MP in future elections, he said: Im not ruling anything out. If youd asked me two years ago if Id have a pop at mayor I would have said no." The 30 minute interview slot also saw Mr Goldsmith asked about Brexit, following todays court ruling that a Commons and House of Lords vote is needed to trigger Article 50. He said it would be indescribably dangerous for MPs to vote to reject the Brexit vote. If we put our fingers up to them we would see the emergence of far right groups, he told presenter Iain Dale. There would be a political revolution. Mr Goldsmith also said he could probably name the 10 people who were revealed to have made half of the 25,000 complaints about the Heathrow plans, saying he receives a lot of emails too. A top Scotland Yard officer has issued a warning to masked criminals seeking to run amok at this weekends so-called Million Mask March. Thousands are set to descend on central London on Saturday for the annual bonfire night protest organised by activist group Anonymous. Last years march brought chaos as missiles and fireworks were thrown at police officers, leaving four in hospital and injuring six police horses. A police car was also set on fire as 50 arrests were made for possession of offensive weapons, committing criminal damage and assaulting officers. Now Met Commander BJ Harrington has sent a fierce message to those planning to attend the march, claiming there are people who come along intent on criminality. Warning: Commander BJ Harrington said officers will arrest anyone committing a criminal act / Met police He said: Over recent years this event, Million Mask March, has caused significant disruption to Londoners with increasing amounts of anti-social behaviour, violence, damage to public property and businesses. Last year we saw participants causing criminal damage to public property, smashing the windows of businesses and attacking police officers all whilst harassing and intimidating families as they visited theatres, dined out or shopped in the West End. MASK MARCH crowds 2 The public found this completely unacceptable. This was not peaceful protest by any measure. Those who chose to behave like this are not protestors, they are criminals, and they undermine the thousands of people who protest responsibly and safely in London every year. He added: Any claim that somehow the police are responsible for this violence is simply not borne out by the facts. It comes after secretive group Anonymous blamed the Met for last years havoc, claiming officers put on a pitiful display of aggression and violence. This year demonstrators will gather in Trafalgar Square at 6pm before the march begins around an hour later. MASK MARCH police 2 In a statement promoting the march on Facebook, the organisers slammed the abuses and malpractice of this government, and governments before it. They then encouraged activists, workers, students, doctors, nurses and all those that want to see a positive change in the world to join. The government and the 1 per cent have played their hand, now it is time to play ours, it ended. The Million Mask March is part of a global anti-establishment movement spearheaded by Anonymous, with the masks inspired by the final scene in 2006 thriller V for Vendetta. Most New Yorkersmost people, periodhaven't eaten at any of the Michelin-starred restaurants on Chef Gabriel Hedlund's resume, which include Kokkeriet and Noma. But Hedlund wants n'eat, his first American venture, which opens this Thursday, to be differenta more casual take on New Nordic cuisine. The entirely a la carte menu currently features a rotating list of snacks, larger (but not too large) plates, and desserts made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Only two of the 20-plus items on the menua braised short rib with pickled berries and bone marrow, and fried turbot with cauliflower, tarragon, and wheyare priced above $16, and sommelier Pernille Folkersen said she wants the wine list to be "something for everybody, at a price-friendly level." Creating a menu of only in-season ingredients proved to be a challenge for Hedlund, who says he had to rewrite the menu six times in the year it took to open before deciding on what is, for now, their finalized list. Hedlund hopes that one to two dishes will change every week depending on what local ingredients are available. "We use whatever makes sense from the New York area," Allan Jensen, n'eat's general manager said. "New Nordic cuisine is all about using local ingredients and being true to that. Everything is local, fresh, strictly in-season. There's a lot of fermenting and picklingthe region is cold, so in the winter it's hard to grow anything. So we use ingredients from the best of both worldsit would be crazy to import everything." Among the few imported ingredients are three cheeses from Danish cheesemonger Arla Unika, which make an appearance in many of n'eats entrees (which are a little smaller than typical entree size) and desserts, including one of the stars of the menu: poached egg yolk with Brussel sprouts and gammel knas, a Havarti-like cheese. Other menu items include raw mackerel with nasturtium, green tomatoes, and horseradish served in a cold tomato broth; lamb tartar topped with buckwheat, chives, and capers; and rehydrated beets two wayswith blackberries, pine, and cottage cheese or served as a dessert with goat cheese ice cream and browned butter crumble. None of the desserts, including the beets, are too sweet (and most aren't made with typical dessert ingredients). The best by far is a small, refreshing serving of Icelandic skyr yogurt, dill, cucumber, and a tiny, crispy piece of white chocolate. For now, n'eat will only be open for dinner at 6 p.m.but that, like the menu, could change in the future. n'eat is located at 58 2nd Avenue neat - opening menu by Nell Casey on Scribd P osters for a major new campaign on the UKs transport network have sparked a racism row. Onlookers claim the new artwork, for the British Transport Police's See it. Say it. Sorted" campaign are similar to images of Jewish persecution used in Nazi Germany. Outraged commuters have hit out posters, claiming the image on them is anti-Semitic. The posters form part of the campaign by the government and British Transport Police aimed at encouraging people to report suspicious behaviour on trains. The poster in question shows a suspicious-looking man in the foreground and a woman behind him, with the caption: See it. Say it. Sorted. Are they wearing a big coat to hide something? Cannon Street: The same poster seen at another London station. / @LondonerAlex Many people called the poster shocking and deeply offensive with some calling on the BTP to have them removed. But the Department for Transport said the images were "carefully designed" to avoid any stereotypes. Susie Symes, chair of the Museum of Immigration and Diversity in East London, told the Standard she had a frankly horrible shock when she saw them. Nazi propaganda: Some people claim the posters are similar to a poster produced in Nazi Germany / Wikicommons For anybody who is old enough to remember them or whos studied them of who has ever seen images from the Nazi era, this is the same imagery, she said. Im sure these must have been completely unintentional, I dont think they knew what they were doing. But the fact is its exactly classic. Theres two things. One is the imagery. The dark, large nosed, threatening stranger. And the contrast with the young white, innocent young woman and the dark skinned bulky man. And also the use of language, of they. Its demonising a particular group. She added: This is using iconography of the past which contains the connotations of racist tropes and Nazism. It should not be used. Clearly safety and security on public transport is absolutely vital. Its absolutely right we should take care to be careful. What we mustnt do is use dangerous and damaging imagery. Others said the male figure pictured is similar to a 1937 poster of the Eternal Jew Exhibition produced by the Nazis. Joseph Willits, 29, from Clapton, in Hackney, told the Standard: Its pretty shocking. I know they might not be deliberate but the image is reminiscent of them from Nazi Germany. Its pretty startling. And its from a government department, from the police and from Network Rail which makes it even more shocking, particularly when xenophobia is on the rise. It fits in to this sort of insidious narrative and sense of where we are going at the moment. Its quite scary, even if its not deliberate. Scores of people took to social media to express their views on the poster. Actor Mark Gatiss, who has appeared in TV series' Doctor Who and Sherlock, also retweeted people who called the poster offensive. A BTP spokesman denied claims the campaign was racist and said illustrations had been used to avoid singling out any group or part of the community. He added: Were saddened that people may have been upset by parts of this important campaign. That certainly wasnt the intention. The campaign uses illustrations rather than photographs to avoid singling out any group or part of the community. Our priority is the safety and security of the public, and the intention is to show specific examples of what people should look out for, focusing on the behaviour rather than the person. We have listened to this feedback and will take it on board along with our campaign partners the Government and the rail industry. A DFT spokesperson said: These posters were carefully designed to avoid any stereotypes, using black and white drawings instead of photographs. The campaign depicts suspicious behaviour and sends a clear message to anyone threatening the security of our railways that people are ready to report any potential threat. P rotesters have dropped hundreds of plastic limbs outside the Russian embassy in London to protest against bombing in Syria. The activists chained themselves to the gates of the Kensington building as part of the protest against Russian airstrikes which are killing civilians in the Syrian city of Aleppo. Two campaign groups - The Syria Campaign and Syria Solidarity UK - dumped 800 adult and child-sized mannequin limbs in front of the entrance. According to the campaigners, the plastic body parts represented the horrific injuries which civilians in the city are suffering because of airstrikes. Protest: A police officer gestures outside the Russian embassy in London where activists scattered over 800 limbs. / PA The activists also held posters and wore t-shirts with the slogan "Save Aleppo". Campaigners: The protest is calling for an end to the Russian bombing of Syria. / PA Bissan Fakih, from the Syria Campaign, said: "We are blocking the gates of the Russian embassy because their warplanes are killing so many families. "They are shredding the bodies of little children with their cluster bombs and their missiles are falling into hospitals and rescue centres. "Our message to the people of that building (the embassy) is that the people of the world are watching." She added: "We are making a point that Russia needs to stop its bombing of Aleppo." S adiq Khan has warned a new law may be required to ensure Airbnb does not worsen Londons housing crisis. The mayor has written to MPs detailing his concerns that the potentially more lucrative short-term holiday rental service is reducing the number of long-term rentals in the capital. Mr Khan has also highlighted worries about anti-social behaviour including noise pollution and refuse dumping connected to Airbnb properties. He writes: "If boroughs are finding that the legislation needs to be revisited to make sure that we find a better way of balancing the benefits of the sharing economy with the protection of local residents and the retention of housing for long-term use, then I will be happy to work with them and discuss with Government whether any changes may be needed." Sadiq Khan: the Mayor has warned legislation my be required / Yui Mok/PA A meeting between Airbnb, London boroughs and a City Hall representative has been organised by Tom Copley of the London Assembly. The aim is to discuss the issues surrounding short-term rentals raised in the mayors letter. A City Hall spokesman told the Standard: The Mayor supports the right of Londoners to be able to benefit from renting out their homes for short periods and welcomes the fact that Airbnb helps make it cheaper and easier for people to visit London. However, these benefits must to be balanced against the need to ensure Londoners are not adversely affected and Londons housing supply is not lost through short-term bookings. Sadiq welcomes dialogue between London Boroughs and Airbnb about how existing legislation could better be enforced in the capital, and whether the legislation needs to be revisited. Airbnb has previously denied it is to blame for rising rental costs in London. Olivier Gremillon, Airbnbs managing director in Europe, said: "There have been a few studies done by academics which said no, it doesn't really increase the price of housing. "There is a housing shortage in London (but) is it because of Airbnb? "No. There are a lot of other reasons why prices are high." A spokesman for Airbnb said in a statement: ""Home sharing helps thousands of regular Londoners afford one of the most expensive cities in the world. "London has clear home sharing rules and we are always investigating new ways to work with policymakers to make communities stronger and help tackle bad actors, who have no place on Airbnb." London boroughs are already able to take action against landlords who do not adhere to current legislation on short-term lets. A young woman has been rushed to hospital after being hit by a motorcycle in Tower Hamlets. Metropolitan Police officers were called to Roman Road shortly after 10.40am today to reports of a crash between a pedestrian and a motorcycle. The woman, believed to be aged around 25 years old, suffered a head injury and was rushed to hospital by paramedics from London Ambulance Service. A Met Police spokesman said: We received a call to reports of a pedestrian hit by a motorcycle in Roman Road at 10.42am today. The woman, aged around 25, was taken to hospital with a head injury not deemed to be life-threatening or life-changing. No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue. M ichael Gove has spent the summer in the doghouse. Following his fall from grace at Westminster, he and his wife Sarah Vine were criticised for leaving their 11-year-old son William alone at a hotel while they went to a party. The pair are also trying to sell their North Kensington home. Now journalist James Delingpole seems to have a bone to pick with the couple over bad dog etiquette. When youve got friends with dogs to stay, it seems the rule is that your house rules must be bent to accommodate their house rules, Delingpole writes in his Spectator column. Even if, as was the case with some recent visitors, those rules extend to letting their manky canine specimens wander where they will, pissing all over your carpet. Delingpole is too classy to reveal who he means but the code is not hard to crack. Let us call them Michael and Sarah G, he writes. A high-powered couple who may or may not have political and media connections. Who could this indecorous couple be? Last year Vine admitted that Snowy, her bichon frise, is already quite a handful. She wrote in her Mail column, Thanks to Snowy there are entire postcodes across the country where my family and I are no longer welcome house guests. This same Snowy came second in the 2014 Westminster Dog of the Year competition, and is married to George Osbornes dog Lola. I have the pictures, Vine said in 2014. There was a ceremony with flowers. Snowy has since been joined at the Gove residence by Muffin, a Lhasa apso with a touch of wire-haired dachshund, who Vine describes as deranged. But in a week where Michael Heseltine confessed to choking his mothers alsatian, perhaps a bit of hair on the sofa isnt too much of a problem. -- The collapse of the Western world might get you down but its a perfect plugging opportunity for Alain de Botton. The philosopher runs the School of Life and last night tweeted a link to its online store, specifically the range of pessimistic greetings cards. All great choices, one reads, come down to deciding what variety of suffering wed prefer. We might be in the market for one of these on Wednesday morning, de Botton added. Chin up, Alain. A pitch-perfect business visits the palace There are less intimidating people to pitch a business idea to than The Queen but at St Jamess Palace last night entrepreneur Wes Sugden-Brook handled the pressure with aplomb. He was taking part in Prince Andrews Dragons Den-style Pitch@Palace event, and presented a water-saving initiative that was voted the best of the night. His audience included The Queen in the front row, as well as Sarah Duchess of York and a crowd of venture capitalists. It has been an all-round great evening, Prince Andrew said. We continue to expand our service and this group of excellent entrepreneurs we are showcasing are a diverse group of companies, solving many interesting problems". Poppy power rules The London Poppy Day party was held at The Hurlingham Club in Fulham last night, with actress Liz Hurley, designer Patrick Cox and fashion maven Trinny Woodall attending. Cox talked The Londoner through his new collection inspired by British military design while Hurley, the daughter of an Army officer, was thrilled to be there. To the disappointment of the servicemen, though, she was unable to test the weapons on display they malfunctioned as soon as she arrived. No need to be abashed, boys: it happens to everyone. Watch out for those icebergs, Boris What to wear to the Spectator Parliamentarian of the Year Awards? Well, if the compere is George Osborne and youre Prime Minister Theresa May, the answer is clearly hi-viz and a helmet. Earlier in the evening Osborne had suggested that he would give May a frosty reception, asking winners to keep to the schedule. There wont be much time for chit- chat, he said. Much like the last time Theresa and I last spoke. It was all smiles, though, when she took to the podium to collect the Politician of the Year award, saying: Come on, were all builders now. However, smiles turned to grimaces when Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson speaking at the awards, arrived to pick up his prize for Political Comeback of the Year. Brexit means Brexit, he began. And were going to make a Titanic success of it. Iceberg ahead, one attendee muttered. Guests at the event held at the Rosewood hotel in Holborn included Lord Ashcroft, Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nigel Farage, who shot down rumours of an appearance on Im a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here as entirely untrue. But the speech of the night came from Sadiq Khan, who received the Joseph Chamberlain Award. The person I should thank, Khan began, for helping me achieve the biggest personal mandate in British political history is Zac Goldsmith. Fair enough. -- AS THE breakout star of BBCs Fleabag, Phoebe Waller-Bridge appears destined for great heights. But fame did not come instantly: she was unemployed for two years after she studied at Rada. I assumed Id be fine after Rada, she tells this months Vogue, because being posh with curly hair basically equals a Shakespearean career. Sometimes the road to success is paved with delusions of grandeur. Sixty years of sheer drama MANY happy returns to the Royal Court Theatre, which celebrated its diamond anniversary last night with an evening of dinner, performances and champagne. Actors including Daniel Mays, Meera Syal and Sherlock star Andrew Scott, with the The Hour actress Romola Garai, performed extracts from some of the theatres most iconic plays, such as Caryl Churchills Top Girls, Mike Bartletts Cock and The Rocky Horror Show.Laurence Olivier award-winner Kenneth Cranham took to the stage for Samuel Becketts play Endgame and paused afterwards to pay tribute. This has been the only club I have ever wanted to be a member of, he said.Heres to 60 more years. -- Offer of the day: after Strictly contestant Laura Whitmore injured her ankle, fellow jiver Ed Balls proposed himself as available to rub your ankle anytime. Dont tell Yvette T heresa May suffered a major defeat today as she was told by the High Court that she cannot trigger Brexit without Parliament's approval. Three judges ruled that she must give MPs a vote before moving Article 50, which starts the countdown for Britain to leave the EU. Downing Street vowed to fight the verdict in the Supreme Court. A No 10 spokesman said: We will appeal this judgment. But the pound surged by more than one per cent against the dollar to its highest level in a month, as the verdict was hailed as a boost for MPs who want a deal that keeps Britain inside Europes single market. What is Article 50? - Explained In the Commons, International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said the Government was disappointed but remained determined to respect the result of the referendum. The Prime Minister had argued she could trigger Article 50 using royal prerogative alone and only offered MPs a vote on the result of her negotiations, possibly two years away. Opponents of Brexit were jubilant at her defeat. Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said Mrs May should now lay out her negotiating position in Parliament. Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the ruling as significant indeed. Ukip leader Nigel Farage said he feared a betrayal may now be near at hand and warned of public anger if Mrs May is prevented from honouring the June in-out referendum result. Brexit victory: Gina Miller outside court today / PA There were shouts of glee by Labour MPs in the Commons at the ruling by Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas. Campaigners launched the legal action by arguing Mrs May had no constitutional right to take a step that would extinguish British rights established in law over 40 years ago and it was for Parliament to decide. Loading.... David Greene, from Edwin Coe, representing applicant Deir Dos Santos, said: This is a victory not just for the brave individuals who brought this claim but, more importantly, for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law. "This is a victory for democracy over the feudal institution of royal prerogative. TODO: define component type apester The Government has to accept the constitutional reality that Parliament must have early involvement in the process. "It shows that political leaders are not above the law and that Brexit must follow due process. Historic ruling: Campaigners outside the High Court / Niklas Hallen/AFP/Getty Images Outside court, businesswoman Gina Miller, who brought the case with hairdresser Mr Dos Santos, welcomed the decision and said it would bring sobriety to Brexit proceedings. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: This ruling underlines the need for the Government to bring its negotiating terms to Parliament without delay. Labour respects the decision of the British people to leave the European Union. But there must be transparency and accountability to Parliament on the terms of Brexit. We will press the case for a Brexit that works for Britain, putting jobs, living standards and the economy first. The appeal could be heard in December. If the Government loses, there could be months of parliamentary hurdles before Mrs May is finally allowed to begin the exit countdown. Mrs May has promised the EU she will move Article 50 by the end of March 2017 but this may now be difficult. Other EU leaders have refused to begin any formal talks on Brexit until she moves Article 50, leaving the process in limbo. U kip leadership hopeful Suzanne Evans has called for the sacking of the High Court judges who ruled that Theresa May cannot trigger Article 50. The "activist judges", as described by Ms Evans, ruled that Theresa May cannot trigger Article 50 and so begin Brexit without the backing of Parliament. And Ms Evans has argued their decision has undermined democracy and overturns the "will" of voters. "How dare these activist judges attempt to overturn our will? It's a power grab and undermines democracy," she wrote on Twitter. "Time we had the right to sack them. Legal ruling: Lead claimant Gina Miller started proceedings against the Government / Niklas Hallen/AFP/Getty Images "Article 50 is an EU trap we must not fall into. It will tie us into the EU for years. The Government must appeal. People power must win." She added: "Predictably, the same people now quoting 'parliamentary sovereignty' are the very same people who were happy to give it away for last 40yrs." High Court rules Government cannot trigger Article 50 without parliamentary approval The Ukip leadership contender also suggested that MPs who fail to stick up for their constituents who voted to leave risk losing their seats to Ukip candidates. She wrote: "Most MPs had constituents who voted Leave. If they don't stand up for them now, UKIP will take their votes for good. "And if it comes down to Peers v People the House of Lords will not survive for long." Success: The London businesswoman was the lead claimant in the legal case / AP Interim leader Nigel Farage has warned that the decision could lead to a betrayal of the 51.9 per cent of people who voted to leave the EU. Leave campaigner: Nigel Farage warned of a 'betrayal' / AFP/Getty Images / GLYN KIRK / Stringer He wrote on Twitter: "Last night at the Spectator Parliamentary Awards I had a distinct feeling that our political class, who were out in force, do not accept the 23rd of June referendum result. "I now fear that every attempt will be made to block or delay the triggering of Article 50. "If this is so, they have no idea of the level of public anger they will provoke." T he Government could be forced to produce a full Act of Parliament in order to trigger Brexit, David Davis has said. The Brexit Secretary confirmed the Article 50 bill would have to be approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords unless the Government can overturn today's High Court ruling. He said Parliament had already put the decision on leaving the European Union into the hands of voters and MPs and peers should not frustrate that. A full Act of Parliament requiring the agreement of both the Commons and the Lords could lead to multiple attempts to amend the legislation - causing further difficulties for the Government. Mr Davis said the result of the referendum "must be respected", adding: "Parliament voted by six to one to give the decision to the people, no ifs or buts, and that's why we are appealing this to get on with delivering the best deal for Britain - that's the best deal for growth, the best deal for investment, the best deal for jobs. TODO: define component type brightcove "The people want us to get on with it and that is what we are going to do." The Cabinet minister said it was not entirely clear exactly what the judgment would mean but it looked as though a full Act of Parliament would be needed. "The judges have laid out what we can't do and not exactly what we can do, but we are presuming it requires an Act of Parliament, therefore both Commons and Lords," he said. Mr Davis's comments came after senior Tories urged Theresa May to produce full-blown legislation in order to give MPs extensive opportunities to scrutinise Brexit before she triggers Article 50 and starts the formal two-year countdown to leaving the European Union. He said: Parliament is sovereign and has been sovereign but of course the people are sovereign the people are the ones who parliament represents. 17.4 million of them, the biggest mandate in history, voted for us to leave the European Union were going to deliver on that mandate in the best way possible for the British national interest. Loading.... Parliament voted by six to one to give the decision to the people no ifs or buts and that is why we are appealing this to get on with delivering the best deal for Britain. That is the best deal for growth, the best deal for investment the best deal for jobs. The people want us to get on with it and that is what we intend to do. Today's High Court rulling was hailed as a boost for MPs who want a deal that keeps Britain inside Europes single market. J eremy Corbyn has declared Labour will not attempt to block Britains exit from the European Union following the Governments Brexit defeat in the High Court. Mr Corbyn issued a statement in which he said the party respects the vote in June to leave the EU and will press for a Brexit that works. It comes after three judges ruled today Theresa May must give MPs a vote before triggering Article 50, the two-year countdown for Britain to leave the EU. Downing Street vowed to appeal the judgment in the Supreme Court. Loading.... Mr Corbyn said: This ruling underlines the need for the Government to bring its negotiating terms to parliament without delay. Labour respects the decision of the British people to leave the European Union. But there must be transparency and accountability to parliament on the terms of Brexit. Labour will be pressing the case for a Brexit that works for Britain, putting jobs, living standards and the economy first. TODO: define component type apester On a visit to Nottingham, Mr Corbyn described the moment to move Article 50 as a crucial decision for the country. He told the BBC: Its being appealed by the government so we dont know the outcome of that appeal but what it does mean is that Parliament is going to have to take a decision when the government finally comes up with what its bottom line is on Article 50 clauses. Parliament has to have a say and this is a crucial decision for the future of this country. Were going to be looking at the issue of market access to Europe, looking at the future of the manufacturing industry, looking at the access of finance services to Europe and of course crucially workplace regulations, environmental regulations and consumer rights. It could delay things of course. Speculation about a general election is always with us. T he High Court will rule today whether or not Theresa May can start the Brexit process without the backing of parliament. Last month a British businesswoman, Gina Miller, brought the case to the High Court arguing that the British Government cannot invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, commencing the formal process by which Britain leaves the EU, without consulting parliament. Ms Miller was chosen as the main claimant after several people mounted legal challenges to Mrs Mays announcement that she would trigger Article 50 before March. During the case Attorney General Jeremy Wright, the Governments top legal officer, defended Mrs Mays decision to use the royal prerogative in her Brexit strategy, arguing she was fulfilling the will of the people. Gina Miller: Arrives at court during proceedings / AP He told senior judges that invoking Article 50 involved the proper and well established use of the royal prerogative by the executive. Mrs May announced at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham that she intends to use Article 50 to start the Brexit process by the end of March 2017 using the royal prerogative. The judicial review is being heard by Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas, and two other senior judges. It has been described as one of the most important constitutional cases in generations. Judges are set to give their verdict at 10am. On August 4, 2010, four days after his 17th birthday, Ben Van Zandt rode his bike from his house in the Albany suburb of Selkirk to a wealthy Delmar development just under a mile away. He made his way to the home of Robert Lilley, whose family he'd learned from Facebook was away on vacation in France, smashed in a window, poured some gasoline, and set a substantial fire. Family and friends were shocked. This wasn't the Ben Van Zandt they knewa Boy Scout and good student who'd never really gotten into trouble. What they didn't realize was that over the past few weeks or monthsit's not entirely clearVan Zandt had begun to hear voices in his head. They told him to light fires. At first, he set off controlled blazes in his backyard, but soon the voices were instructing Van Zandt to do something big. "He was pretty delusional," his mother, Alicia Barraza, recalls. "He was convinced that setting a large fire was what was going to make his severe unhappiness go away. That was his solutionhe wasn't thinking straight He wasn't a criminal. He was a kid who had a mental health issue." These views were not shared by local authorities, who days later tracked Van Zandt to his home via purchases made with credit cards he'd taken from Lilley's home before torching it. They came to Van Zandt's house with a warrant and arrested him. But even though Van Zandt was only 17, they wouldn't let his father come down to the station. Later, they read Van Zandt his rightswhich Barraza claims he did not understandand convinced him to put his feelings about the incident on paper. They said it would make him feel better. Van Zandt wrote out his confession. There was no adult advocate present. And because this was New York, which is one of only two statesthe other is North Carolinawhere 16- and 17-year-olds accused of committing a crime are automatically treated as adults, the police weren't required to let him contact his parents. "He was naive," says Barraza. "He had no experience with law enforcement or being in trouble." In February 2011, Van Zandt took a plea deal rather than face the risk of a trial or the chance of being shunted into a psychiatric facility for life. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and incarcerated at the adult Woodbourne Correctional Facility. At first, he managed to find some satisfaction in earning his GED and enrolling in classes through the Bard Prison Initiative, but in early 2013 he was moved from a cell block to dormitory housing, where he found himself more exposed to older and sometimes violent inmates. In the dormitory housing, he was allegedly sexually abused by a 45-year-old prisoner, Donald J. Robinson. Guards later caught Van Zandt engaged in a sexual act with Robinson. Both were disciplined; Van Zandt was ultimately transferred to another facility, where a prison gang reportedly coerced him into smuggling drugs. He was transferred again, to the Fishkill Correctional Facility, where his mental illness seemed to worsen. He then witnessed the beating of another mentally ill inmate. After being accused of fighting a fellow inmate in the prison yarda charge his family believes was trumped up to punish him for complaining about conditions at FishkillVan Zandt was placed in solitary in late October 2014. On October 30, 2014, he was found hanging from a makeshift noose in his cell, dead. He was 21. Barraza says the brutality of incarceration in an adult prison broke her son. She believes that if he'd been treated as a juvenile, he would likely be alive today. With a parental advocate at his interrogation, he might not have signed a confession, and might have gotten a better plea. And in a juvenile facility, he likely would have had access to a host of programs tailored towards people his age. Barraza thinks that would have helped him stabilize. She has filed several lawsuits against the state, including a wrongful death suit against the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and the Office of Mental Health alleging that her son received inadequate and inappropriate treatment while in custody. Her first case is likely to go to trial in 2017. But Barraza also understands that her son's case is not unique. Adult prisons rarely offer services or resources targeted at 16- and 17-year-olds, and they tend to emphasize punishment over rehabilitation. Inmates under 18 in adult prisons are far more likely than adults or their peers in juvenile facilities to be sexually abused, seriously injured or killed. They're also far more likely to commit suicide. This reality has moved Barraza to join the movement to bring New York in line with the bulk of the country by raising the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18. "It really doesn't take much for a kid to get into trouble," she says. "But if you're charged as an adult, that's it. Everything changes. And you carry that criminal record with you for the rest of your life." *** Advocates for justice reform have been pushing for New York State to raise the age of criminal majority for decades. But only in the past few years have their efforts gained traction, thanks to a growing body of research on the development of the teenage brain, increased awareness of the unique risks faced by youth in the adult justice system, and broader acknowledgement of the long-term costs of incarcerating 16- and 17-year-old offenders. Then, in January 2014, during his final first-term State of the State address, Governor Andrew Cuomo declared his support for a "Raise the Age" initiative and announced the formation of the Commission on Youth, Public Safety and Justice, which would study possible approaches to realize that initiative's key goals. Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivers the 2016 State of the State address. (Governor's Office / Flickr) For those in the movement, this was a tremendous moment. After years of frustration, they finally had the bully pulpit of the governor behind them. In January 2015, Cuomo's commission released a 164-page report recommending raising the age of criminal majority to 18, as well as several dozen related policy changes. Soon after, liberal legislators pushed for a bill based on the commission's recommendations. Their efforts were backed by dozens of civil rights and justice reform groups, all of whom were well armed with mountains of data illustrating the short- and long-term harm the criminal justice system can do to young people, as well as the potent stories of youth like Van Zandt and Kalief Browder. That legislation did not move forward. Despite renewed support in his 2016 State of the State and another pass at advancing a bill, Raise the Age stalled out again during this past legislative session. In fact, according to Krista Larson, the director of the Vera Institute's Center for Youth Justice and a longtime Raise the Age activist, this year's legislative push gained even less traction than last year's. In recent years, Raise the Age movements have found success all across the country, including in traditionally "tough-on-crime" states like Mississippi and South Carolina. This past spring, Louisiana, the so-called "prison capital of the world," raised their age of criminal majority from 17 to 18. Yet in New York, a generally progressive state, the age of criminal majority remains unchanged, which has left observers like Larson scratching their heads. Raise the Age advocates here are working with the same playbook as their counterparts across the country, so that's not the obstacle. Rather, the state's trouble with passing Raise the Age has little to with the merits of treating 16- and 17-year-olds differently than adult criminals and everything to do with the difficulty of negotiating the surprisingly complex path by which to make that seemingly simple shift. *** The age of legal majority in New York was first floated in 1824, the year the state created the first juvenile reformatory in the United States. The idea that the teenage years constituted a separate phase of life from adulthood was quite new at the time and 16 was more or less an arbitrary choice. (For centuries beforehand, English common law had held that children, as a vague demographic, ought to be treated differently than adults in some cases, but the details could get squidgy.) In 1909, the age was more formally enshrined, when the state legislature amended the penal code so that offenders younger than 16 would be sent to reformatories or charitable institutions, rather than adult jails or prisons. Over the ensuing decades, states across the country settled upon an older age of legal majority, with most drifting to the civic age of majority of 18. By 1940, 16 was the age of criminal majority in only three states: North Carolina, Connecticut, and New York. In the early '60s, a number of state legislators and other officials revisited the age issue, but the state ultimately decided to hold off on making reforms pending further study of the implications of a policy change. Then came the crime wave of the late 1970s to the early 1990s and the backlash, which turned the national conversation toward lowering the age of criminal majority. In 1978, the New York state legislature passed a law that made it the norm to prosecute as adults teenagerssome as young as 13accused of major crimes like rape or murder. Crime rates fell precipitously in the '90s, but harsh punishments for offenders remained on the books. The age of criminal majority was left untouched. Last year, there were over 27,000 arrests of 16- and 17-year-olds in New York State, the vast majority for misdemeanor offenses. Over 2,000 of these teenagers were sentenced to time in adult facilities. Including individuals who are behind bars pre-trial or pre-sentencing because they could not make bail, there are approximately 800 16- and 17-year olds in adult facilities statewide on a given day. In New York City, that figure is around 200, though this summer Mayor de Blasio announced a plan to ultimately move these young people off the island to a separate facility in the Bronx. As is the case across almost every facet of the justice system, people of color are disproportionately represented in these figures. The Cuomo commission found that black and Latino youth account for over 80 percent of 16- and 17-year-olds confined in adult facilities. Wood engraving of the House of Refuge, 1854. The facility, located on Randall's Island, was the the first juvenile reformatory in the United States. (Wikimedia Commons) Over the past couple of decades, a broad scientific consensus has emerged that the human brain is highly malleable up until the age of 25. Before that point, parts of our brain that process environmental stimuli are still growing and other parts roughly responsible for emotional intelligence, impulse control and planning have not yet fully developed. This brain science has played a role in three recent Supreme Court decisionsin 2005, 2010 and 2012 that banned capital punishment and life sentences for youth for any crimes whatsoever. Recent studies have also shown how dangerous adult criminal facilities can be for teens. Due to their youth, they are 36 times more likely to commit suicide, five times as likely to be sexually assaulted, twice as likely to be beaten by staff and 50 percent more likely to be attacked with a weapon than their peers in juvenile facilities. (Reports of brutal treatment of teens on Riker's Island played a role in prompting the Cuomo-led push for Raise the Age legislation.) Unless a teen tried as an adult is issued "youthful offender" status, which mostly seals a criminal record from the public, past crimes can continue to haunt an individual, causing serious issues in the quest to obtain housing, education, or employment, to name a few, often for the rest of his or her life. There's even mounting evidence that just touching the adult justice system, without conviction or incarceration, can have a lasting negative impact on kids and teens. New York's adult criminal facilities offer little in the way of educational or rehabilitative opportunities and Cuomo's commission found that youth in adult facilities were 26 percent more likely to re-offend than their peers in juvenile facilities; other studies have put that figure even higher. There's also research suggesting that when youth in this cohort re-offend, their crimes are more violent than those of peers coming out of the juvenile justice system. Meanwhile, states that have raised their ages in recent years, like Connecticut and Illinois, haven't seen increases in crime. They've also found that while in the short term it costs more to move kids into juvenile facilities (which spend more per-person in areas like social services), in the long run Raise the Age measures are money savers. An Urban Institute study from 2006 put it most succinctly: for every dollar spent on moving juveniles into juvenile facilities, society saves three in reduced crime and incarceration. *** Yet despite all this research, Republican senators in the state legislature have continued to oppose bills pushing for status changes. "Whatever changes we're going to affect," Republican senator Patrick Gallivan told reporters earlier this year, "we have to make sure they're good for everybody, not just the individual who commits a crime." Some opponents have voiced concerns about the logistics of making the change, asking how New York's family court system would handle an influx of 40,000 or so cases. But according to Monica Drinane, a former family court judge who spoke to me on behalf of the Office of Court Administration, most judges are supportive of raising the age of criminal majority. "The concept that youngsters between the ages of 16 and 18 should be treated as what they are, which is adolescent and not as adults, I think is pretty much uniformly support by all of the judges I have worked with either in New York City or statewide," says Drinane. "It's perplexing to us and to many who have worked on this issue why we have gotten this opposition," says Alphonso David, counsel to the governor and his longtime civil rights advisor. Cuomo has blamed fears of appearing "soft on crime," particularly in an election year, for Republican intransigence, a theory echoed by Raise the Age advocates and media commentators. There's also the cultural bit. "There are still many parts of New York where the idea of teaching kids a lesson through prison is still held by many lawmakers and elected officials," says Alexandra Cox, a SUNY New Paltz criminologist and Raise the Age advocate. "That is a moral position that has been hard to rebut through the use of research." Jail complex on Rikers Island. (Spencer Platt / Getty Images) Paige Pierce, the CEO of Families Together in New York State and one of the leaders of the local Raise the Age campaign, adds that many of these (mostly upstate) senators may just think of this as an issue that affects people off in the cities, not the bulk of their constituency. "They don't even realize that if their kid were arrested, they wouldn't get a call," she said, before quickly correcting herself: "They probably would, because they live in a community where they're known, they have access to legal representation, and there's, especially in smaller communities, more of a sense of common sense when it comes to calling the parents because they should." Columbia Law professor and juvenile justice expert Jeffrey Fagan says it's "hard to get New York to change," especially when it comes to the highly symbolic politics of crime. "You have to have something like a Sandy Hook to get a gun law passed," he said. Crime rates in New York have been stable for years, but people are fearful that they're rising. Fagan said that fear is what's "feeding the political side" of the Raise the Age debate. Pierce's take-away from the past few years has mainly been that she and her fellow advocates still have a lot of educating to do. She's optimistic that outside of the pressures of an election year, the facts will win out over inertia and entrenched conservatism on crime issues. *** There's more to the story than just conservative hostility to the abstract notion of appearing soft on crime, though. Even blood-red states have raised their age close to electionssee again this year's successful legislation down in Louisiana. "I would hope that New York wasn't so different," says Justine Luongo, the head of criminal practice at the Legal Aid Society in New York, "that we are stuck." In fact, opposing senators and "law-and-order" groups have been fairly receptive to the concept of treating 16- and 17-year-olds differently than adults. Many just say they're against the details of the main legislation put forward on how to achieve thatalthough Alphonso David says he doesn't know if you can really separate the two. It's not just them; groups that might support Raise the Age have questioned the legislation, too. From the outside, it seems like raising the age would require no more than a simple piece of legislation that would require all jurisdictions to move 16- and 17-year-olds into the juvenile justice system and treat them like their juvenile peers. In practice, though, David points out, raising the age involves weedy debates about where to put 16- and 17-year-olds (whether into standard juvenile facilities or new separate facilities with distinct services), which courts to run them through (family court or some new special part within or separate from the adult criminal system with its own rules), when and whether to seal or unseal their records, and which major crimes (if any) should still automatically fall under the jurisdiction of the adult criminal justice system. There has been some variation among the iterations of Raise the Age legislation put forth over the past two years, but broadly, they propose: banning the placement of people under 18 in adult prisons; trying them in family courts except in the case of the most serious felonies like murder (but creating a new part in the criminal system to try them under slightly modified standards and away from the adult population); allowing for records to be conditionally sealed save for serious felonies while expanding the option to apply youthful offender status up to age 20; and raising the lower end of criminal responsibility from seven to 1210 in the case of murder. Alicia Barraza with Families Together in New York State CEO Paige Pierce at a press conference promoting Raise the Age. (Photo courtesy of Families Together in New York State) According to Luongo, advocates had hoped the exhaustive work of Cuomo's commission to find a middle ground approach, which was reflected in this legislation, would satisfy the numerous stakeholders in the debate. But New York is an enormous, politically fractured state and the compromise legislation didn't pass muster with a number of key constituencies. Itamar Yeger, counsel to Rockland County DA Thomas Zugibe, the current president of the District Attorney Association of New York State, claims that DAANYS officially opposed the legislation out of fear that it would increase the number of records that are sealed, making it more difficult to identify repeat offenders. "We don't want the worst of the worst to suddenly pop up on our radar screens when they're 18 years old," says Yeger. He stresses that DAs already provide services for school-aged children, which he claims are most effectively targeted if their records are visible. Recently, the association has been shopping around its own proposal, under which 16- and 17-year-olds would be processed in a part of the adult criminal justice system that would offer them services similar to those in the juvenile system while at the same time allowing more district attorney intervention. That's troubling for those who want youth in that age group to be entirely within the juvenile justice system, particularly because prosecutors can hold great sway over legislators sensitive to charges that they're "soft" on crime. On the other side of the aisle, some progressives typically aligned with Raise the Age proposals snubbed the legislation as well, mostly for making too many concessions to law-and-order hardliners. Professor Cox has arguedthat the legislation inspired by Cuomos commission would actually leave many youth with fewer protections. She cites the proposed extension rather than elimination of juvenile offender status and provisions for unsealing records, blocks on what cases can enter family courts and the expansion of the list of violent crimes for which they can be applied as particular points of concern. Cuomo's legislation, she says, "became a vehicle for introducing enhanced penalties where they didn't previously exist and new and expanded opportunities to charge kids with violent crimes." Cox has sought to shepherd supporters towards alternative legislation in the State Assembly that would place all cases involving individuals younger than 18 in the juvenile justice system. Other sources of potential support faded away, explains Jeffrey Butts of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, due to fundamental misgivings with the quality of even the juvenile justice system and with the arbitrary choice of 18 as a magical birthday. Butts and others have advocated for a total overhaul of the system, so that it gradually escalates responsibility and adjusts services up to age 25. He said he told individuals within the Cuomo Administration of his concerns in 2014. "My advice was don't do this," he says. "Don't waste the political capital on the Raise the Age debate because it's a partial victory at the very best." "Why would he want to be the 49th governor to raise the age to 18," he continues, "when he could be the first governor to revolutionize the whole conversation?" Any hopes that different interest groups could effectively negotiate within the context of existing legislative proposals have fallen flat because the bills are dense and both sides of the debate believe their opponents operate on knee-jerk misunderstandings of their positions. Cuomo's office officially remains dedicated to facilitating negotiations, but Raise the Age isn't well known among ordinary New Yorkers so there's little push to put it on top of the legislative heap. "I want to believe because I am a glass-half-full New Yorker that we're better than this," says Legal Aid's Luongo. "Except I've been in the rooms and I've heard, 'This is it: this is the line in the sand.' And I worry that history's just going to repeat itself." *** One model for New Yorks Raise the Age movement was legislation passed a decade ago in Connecticut, which essentially mandated that criminal majority there would jump from 16 to 18 by a certain date and created a commission to hash out the details, avoiding the legislative gridlock Albany's seen in recent years. But advocates like Pierce argue that proposing comprehensive legislation was ultimately the best route in New York, as they do not believe a simple bill would or could have worked. Pierce says there's a real chance for legislation to get through in 2017, when electoral pressure will have receded, though she acknowledges there's still work to be done educating opponents she thinks are ill-informed, as well as potential supporters unaware of the issues involved. Yet it's unclear how long the momentum built around the Cuomo-initiated push can last. Last December, the governor pardoned a number of people convicted at ages 16 and 17. He also used an executive order to separate juveniles in adult state prisons (but not county jails) into separate facilities, a stopgap measure that took effect this summer. Van Zandt with his mother, Alicia Barraza. (Photo courtesy of Alicia Barraza) Alphonso David said Raise the Age remains a priority for Cuomo, but he stopped short of confirming that it would be a stated priority for 2017 in the State of the State address. Meanwhile, North Carolina, New York's only companion in treating 16-year-olds as adults, will be issuing its own commission report at the end of this year and will likely advance legislation based upon it in the 2017 session. Local advocates say they're optimistic about getting a Raise the Age bill passed. That would leave New York all alone in ignominy, with thousands of young people like Ben Van Zandt each year facing the grave consequences of entering the adult justice system. Luongo wonders if this might actually help the Raise the Age movement here. "There's one thing we do know about New Yorkers is that we're highly competitive people, no matter what side of the line we're on," Luongo says. "So we don't want to be the last on this." Mark Hay is a Brooklyn-based freelance writer most frequently featured at VICE, where he covers crime and a number of other topics. A Conservative MP is calling on BBC One to play the national anthem once a day to send out a message that Britain is back after Brexit. Andrew Rosindell, MP for Romford, wants the national broadcaster to be unashamedly British and return to the tradition it scrapped almost two decades ago. He has tabled an early day motion inspired by the UKs Brexit vote and the Queens 90th birthday. Mr Rosindell, who campaigned loudly for Britain to leave the EU, told the Telegraph: The British Broadcasting Corporation should be unashamedly British and playing our British National Anthem once a day on BBC1 is not much to ask. Motion: the MP wants to mark the Queen's 90th birthday / Richard Gardner/Rex "They used to do it and its time it was restored, to send out a message that Britain is back, following Brexit in tribute to Her Majesty in this, her 90th year! It is the MPs second attempt to restore the practice since he first entered Parliament in 2001. He wants the channel to play God save the Queen after the days programming has finished, before the switch over to BBC News 24. His motion reads: That this House calls upon the British Broadcasting Corporation to restore the British National Anthem on BBC1 at the end of each days programming, before the switch over to BBC News 24; regrets the decision on the 3rd October 1997 to play God Save The Queen on BBC1 for the last time; and believes that this proud British tradition should be reinstated before the end of 2016, in honour of Her Majestys 90th birthday." Mr Rosindell has consistently campaigned to promote patriotism throughout the UK and its overseas territorites since being elected to Parliament. He states on his website: Patriotism is an important force which binds nations together. In modern, diverse Britain, it is important that we have common culture and set of values to which we all adhere. "Flags, national holidays, celebrations of British identity all of these help to bring people together. "We should teach children from a young age just how lucky they are to live in Britain." A BBC spokesperson said: "We're aware of Mr Rosindell's interest in this issue as he has made the same request in seven previous Early Day Motions. The BBC continues to play the national anthem at appropriate times, such as during the broadcast of the Queen's Christmas broadcast. We no longer play the national anthem on a daily basis on BBC One because it doesn't close down in the evening." M ila Kunis has hit out at a Hollywood film producer for demanding that she pose semi-naked on a magazine cover. In an open letter, the A-lister claims that she was told that her career would be over if she didnt take her clothes off, blasting the industrys sexist attitude towards women. You'll never work in this town again.A cliche to be sure, but also what a producer threatened when I refused to pose semi-naked on the cover of a men's magazine to promote our film, Kunis wrote on aplus. I was no longer willing to subject myself to a naive compromise that I had previously been willing to. I will never work in this town again? I was livid, I felt objectified, and for the first time in my career I said no. Mila Kunis is sick of described as Ashton Kutcher's wife / Ezra Shaw/Getty Images And guess what? The world didn't end. The film made a lot of money and I did work in this town again, and again, and again. What this producer may never realize is that he spoke aloud the exact fear every woman feels when confronted with gender bias in the workplace. She added: It's what we are conditioned to believe that if we speak up, our livelihoods will be threatened; that standing our ground will lead to our demise. We don't want to be kicked out of the sandbox for being a "bitch." So we compromise our integrity for the sake of maintaining the status quo and hope that change is coming. Mila Kunis - In pictures 1 /53 Mila Kunis - In pictures 2016 Mila Kunis, one of the recipients of the Female Stars of the Year Award attends the CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards at Caesars Palace Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images 2016 Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis attend Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images 2016 Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn and Kristen Bell speak onstage during the 2016 Billboard Music Awards at T-Mobile Arena Kevin Winter/Getty Images 2016 Mila Kunis in 'Bad Moms' /STX Entertainment 2016 Mila Kunis arrives at the premiere of 20th Century Fox's "Max Payne" held at Mann's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, California Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images 2016 Mila Kunis attends the premiere of STX Entertainment's "Bad Moms" at Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, California Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 2016 Mila Kunis visits "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon"at Rockefeller Center in New York City Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images 2016 Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis attend Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena= in Oakland, California Ezra Shaw/Getty Images 2015 Mila Kunis in 'Jupiter Ascending' Warner Bros 2015 Mila Kunis arrives at the Premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures' "Jupiter Ascending" at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 2014 Ashton Kutcher (L) and Mila Kunis attend day 1 of 2014 Stagecoach: California's Country Music Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 2014 Mila Kunis poses with the Best Villain award for 'Oz The Great and Powerful' in the press room during the 2014 MTV Movie Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California Jason Merritt/Getty Images 2014 Mila Kunis attends the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California Jason Merritt/Getty Images 2014 Robn Williams and Mila Kunis in 'The Angriest Man in Brooklyn' AMIB Productions 2014 Mila Kunis attends the premiere of Sony Picture Classics' "Third Person" at Linwood Dunn Theater at the Pickford Center in Hollywood, California. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images 2013 Mila Kunis and Clive Owen in 'Blood Ties' Lionsgate 2013 Mila Kunis attends the UK film premiere of Oz: The Great and Powerful at the Empire Leicester Square in London Ian Gavan/Getty Images 2013 Mila Kunis in 'Oz The Great & Poerful' Disney 2012 ila Kunis attends the Christian Dior Ready-To-Wear Fall/Winter 2012 show as part of Paris Fashion Week at Musee Rodin in Paris, France Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images 2012 Mila Kunis arrives at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California Jason Merritt/Getty Images 2012 Mila Kunis and Mark Wharlberg in 'Ted' Universal Pictures 2011 Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake in 'Friends with Benefits' Sony Pictures 2011 Mila Kunis visits "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" at Rockefeller Center in New York City Theo Wargo/Getty Images 2011 Mila Kunis attends the "Friends with Benefits" premiere at Ziegfeld Theater in New York City. Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images 2011 Justin Timberlake (L) and Mila Kunis present an award onstage during the 2011 MTV Movie Awards at Universal Studios' Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California Kevin Winter/Getty Images 2011 Mila Kunis arrives at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images 2011 Mila Kunis arrives at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California Jason Merritt/Getty Images 2010 Mila Kunis and Denzel Washington in 'The Book of Eli' Alacon Entertainment 2010 Mila Kunis in 'Black Swan' Fox Searchlight 2010 Mila Kunis attends the New York Premiere of "Black Swan" at Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City Michael Loccisano/Getty Images 2010 Mila Kunis attends the premiere of 'Black Swan' during the 54th BFI London Film Festival at the Vue West End in London Samir Hussein/Getty Images 2010 Mila Kunis attends the 'Black Swan' photocall during the 54th BFI London Film Festival at the Berkeley Hotel in London Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images 2010 Mila Kunis and ames Franco in 'Date Night' 20th Century Fox 2009 Mila Kunis arrives at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California Jason Merritt/Getty Images 2008 Mila Kunis in 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' Universal Pictures 2008 Mila Kunis in 'Max Payne' 20th Century Fox 2005 Mila Kunis makes an appearance on MTV's Total Request Live on April 25, 2005 in New York City Peter Kramer/Getty Images 2002 Mila Kunis in 'Amercia Pstycho' Lionsgate Films 2001 Kirsten Dunst and Mila Kunis in 'Get Over It' Miramax Films 1998 Mila Kunis and Ashotn Kutcher in 'That 70's Show' Fox Network Kunis, who has now set up her own production company with three amazing women, went on to say that there have been moments in her career that she had been insulted, sidelined, paid less, and creatively ignored because of her gender. She also said that she was sick of being described as Ashton Kutchers wife instead of an actress and producer in her own right. She wrote: In the process of pitching this show to a major network, the typical follow-up emails were sent to executives at this network. In this email chain, this producer chose to email the following: And Mila is a mega star. One of biggest actors in Hollywood and soon to be Ashton's wife and baby momma!!! This is the entirety of his email. Factual inaccuracies aside, he reduced my value to nothing more than my relationship to a successful man and my ability to bear children. It ignored my (and my team's) significant creative and logistical contributions. S trictly Come Dancing star Laura Whitmore dodged questions about flirty texts from Ed Balls today, saying: Everyone loves Ed. The former shadow chancellor reportedly messaged Whitmore after a rehearsal injury forced her to pull out two weeks ago saying: Im available to rub your ankle any time. But the model and presenter, 31, told the Standard: Were all just good friends. The only Strictly curse Ive seen so far has been on my ankle. Whitmore returned with dance partner Giovanni Pernice, 26, for last Saturdays show after being given a bye to get through the previous week. Very threw the first snowball in this year's Christmas ad wars with a large scale public screening with Laura Whitmoore She said: I felt worse for Gio because I was letting him down. Theres been a lot of tears but Gio is my crutch. "At first he was frustrated I had to take so many breaks but now he knows to bring me chocolates. He shouts, Laura are you in the room? when my mind starts to wander. Last dance: Laura Whitmore and Giovanni Pernice during Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing. / PA Balls, who is a fan favourite despite often coming bottom of the leaderboard, has spoken about feeling excluded when the younger contestants go clubbing after the show. Ed Balls nearly drops Katya Jones on Strictly Come Dancing Whitmore dismissed his concerns, saying: Im sure that was tongue in cheek, hes always invited but everyone goes straight to bed after filming. I sent him pictures of [positive] magazine columns. Hes proud of himself and he should be. Strictly Come Dancing 2016 - who's been eliminated so far? 1 /10 Strictly Come Dancing 2016 - who's been eliminated so far? Week Seven Daisy Lowe and Aljaz Skorjanec failed to win over the judges in a dance-off against Greg Rutherford BBC Week Six Laura Whitmore and Giovanni Pernice left the competition after losing out in a dance-off to Ore Oduba hours after slipping up on her samba BBC Week Five Anastacia and Brendan Cole left the competition during the Fright Night special after judges voted to save Daisy Lowe Guy Levy/BBC Week Three Naga Munchetty was axed with dance partner Pasha Kovalev after losing a dance-off to Anastacia Guy Levy/BBC Week Four Lesley Joseph was pitted against Daisy Lowe when she was eliminated Guy Levy/BBC Quit Will Young quit the competition after the second live show due to "personal reasons" Guy Levy/BBC Week Two Tameka Empson was voted off after losing a dance-off to Laura Whitmore Guy Levy/BBC Week One Melvin Odoom was the first casualty of the ballroom after being booted out on the public vote Guy Levy/BBC She said competing on the show was a dream come true, adding: Its my mams favourite. They asked me a couple of years ago but my schedule was wrong. People would pay serious money to get [this] training. The Irish star was speaking at the launch of Very.co.uks Christmas campaign on a Thames boat ride. The online retailer started the Christmas ad war with a large scale 3D projection of their animated TV campaign on London's County Hall, the London Eye was even turned pink for the occasion. Whitmoore joined an army of 100 Very gift givers on Westminster Bridge to hand out pink presents to passers-by and encourage them to 'get more out of giving'. She said: I live in a different country so [Christmas] is an opportunity to be with my loved ones. You can forget about troubles for a couple of days. Very.co.uk's Christmas advert airs this Saturday during ITV's X Factor. To preview head to YouTube.com/VeryNetwork G eordie Shores Charlotte Crosby caused outrage on Twitter when she recently announced and then denied that shes been lined up for Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. Now the reality TV star has claimed that shes been banned from taking part in the show. Crosby said that her time on Channel 5s Celebrity Big Brother has been a factor in not entering the jungle. Speaking to The Sun, she said that she tweeted that she was joining the show this year to persuade ITV to change their minds. I'm A Celebrity 2016 line-up rumours 1 /22 I'm A Celebrity 2016 line-up rumours Coleen Rooney She's previously said I'm A Celeb is the only reality show she'd ever do Jeremy Selwyn Carol Vorderman The former Countdown presenter has reportedly been offered a six-figure sum to join the show Gareth Cattermole/Getty Charlotte Crosby After Vicky Pattison won last year, another Geordie Shore alumnus could be in h NOW TV/Aqua Daemon Craig Charles The Red Dwarf star was forced to leave the jungle early in 2014 when his brother died ITV Ola Jordan The former Strictly dancer has been much-rumoured after hanging up her ballroom shoes Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images Scarlett Moffatt Rex Features Wayne Bridge Ian Gavan/Getty Images Larry Lamb Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images Lisa Snowdon Dave Benett Sam Quek Manan Vatsyayana/AFP/Getty Images Danny BakeR BBC Adam Thomas ITV Tom Fletcher McFly frontman Tom teased his involvement in the show with a cockroach Instagram post John Phillips/Getty Robbie Savage It's not unheard of for footballers to enter the show - and Robbie Savage is no stranger to reality shows having done Strictly Stu Forster/Getty Images Spencer Matthews The Made in Chelsea star was forced to leave the 2015 jungle when his steroid use was revealed - could he be back for more? ITV Eamonn Holmes The TV personality has just left his Sky morning show - will that free him up for I'm A Celeb? Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images Martin Roberts The Homes Under the Hammer presenter is said to have signed up for the jungle John Phillips/Getty Everyone was so excited so Im hoping it gave the producers the push to think they should let me on the show, Charlotte explained. My fans were so upset because they want us on. I cant go on as they wont have us, Ive been banned because I was on Big Brother and they wont follow suit. Its out of my control. Crosby had been rumoured for the series after fellow Geordie Vicky Pattison won the 2015 series. I'm a Celebrity 2016: Ant and Dec in new trailer The new series of Im A Celebrity is due to being on Sunday November 13, with a raft of famous faces entering the Australian jungle. Rumours suggest that Carol Vorderman, McFly frontman Tom Fletcher, and Homes Under the Hammers Martin Roberts could be taking part in the show this year. I ts finally time to invest in that snazzy new TV youve been eyeballing David Attenboroughs Planet Earth is back for a new series and youre going to want to watch it in the highest definition possible. Its a decade since the ground-breaking nature show first aired, and the new series simply titled Planet Earth II looks set to be even more impressive. Heres everything you need to know about this years most exciting documentary show. 1) It starts on November 6 Planet Earth II is set to be your Sunday night end-of-weekend treat with episodes airing at 8pm on BBC One. The series kicks off on November 6, and consists of six episodes the perfect way to spend the dark wintry evenings. BBC NHU/Elizabeth White 2) David Attenborough is on narration duties Planet Earth wouldnt be the same without David Attenborough and hes once again lending his voice to narrate the show. His soothing and characterful tones really help the animals stories spring to life, complementing the stunning cinematography. Of course, his knowledge is unparalleled too this is set to be another gem in his incredible body of work. Planet Earth II- Official Extended Trailer - BBC Earth 3) It was filmed in 40 countries The team behind Planet Earth visited a lot of, well, planet Earth while making the new series shooting in 40 countries. Each episode focuses on a different environment islands, mountains, jungles, deserts, grasslands, and cities in locations ranging from Madagascar to Botswana, India to Israel, Kazakhstan to Argentina. Theres even a section in the Grasslands episode that was shot a little closer to home Norfolk, to be exact following a tiny adorable harvest mouse. 4) Hans Zimmer has written the score Video this impressive needs audio to match and the BBC have lined up Hans Zimmer to provide a score. For a sneak peek of how beautiful and epic the arrangements are going to sound, heres a short video from the recording sessions. Prepare for major goosebumps. 5) Its more immersive than ever Planet Earth II wont just be more of the same. Series Producer Tom Hugh-Jones has explained that they took a different approach to filming the new series for a greater sense of immersion. This time were bringing audiences a much more engaging experience of the natural world, he says. If you want people to connect emotionally, its better for viewers to feel like theyre down there close, with a wide-angle lens, within the action and seeing things from the animal characters point of view. BBC NHU/Emma Napper 6) Its been years in the making Of course, a show like this doesnt just happen overnight but Hugh-Jones has revealed that some of the footage was especially gruelling to set up. One section in the Islands episode was filmed on Zavodovski in the South Sandwich Islands, and required a whole year of planning. Its a big volcanic island in the Sub Antarctic and home to the worlds biggest colony of chin strap penguins, Hugh-Jones explains. The islands beaches are usually too rough to land on, so you have to access it via the cliff with 12 metre waves crashing around you! The sequence we filmed here is a powerful story of the penguins challenge to survive and raise their chicks. BBC One, Sunday 8pm Upskilling is a wise investment for employers, employees alike Next month, the State of Michigan will open applications for the Going PRO Talent Fund. Since 2014, this fund has... Kautman-Jones endorses Davis Please support Meredith Davis in her re-election to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners - 8th District. I have had... Writer recommend Delor, Jones for GB school board I have met heard April Delor and Patricia Jones for the Grand Blanc School Board. They both have many years... Chairman Matt Smith reminds you to vote It is important that the voters of Genesee County show up and cast their ballot on Tuesday, November 8th, 2022.... Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? 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"The people I talked to - common people, company or firm managers, business owners - told me that this economic growth cannot be felt. My question is: where is the money? We have this economic growth, but where's the money? It goes neither in wages, nor in investment. The Ministry of Health has 500 million lei idling around. The amount of investments planned for this year has not been accomplished. These are simple questions for which Premier Ciolos should provide equally simple answers," said Tariceanu. According to him, economic growth should be reflected to a certain extent in wage earnings, even if the pay rise proposals made lately by several political parties are not be fully sustainable. "On the other hand, some wage increases must be operated. Statistical data shows that the economic growth is 6 percent. For such a growth rate, which would be the highest in Europe if confirmed, one would expect to see a transfer from the economy to wages," added Calin Popescu-Tariceanu. The ALDE co-chair who is visiting on Tuesday Hunedoara County, toured a local factory in the city of Hunedoara and met with party members and sympathizers. In the afternoon Calin Popescu-Tariceanu will meet in Petrosani ALDE members from the Jiu Valley. Agerpres The Central Electoral Bureau (BEC) admitted, in the meeting held on Thursday the registration of the Save Romania Union's (USR) election sign, as well as of another ten parties, a release of the institution reveals. Moreover, also admitted were the electoral signs of the following political formations: Humanist Power Party (Social-Liberal), Green Party, Romanian Socialist Party, Great Romania Party, Romanian Republican Party, "National Union Bloc" Party, Our Vrancea Party, Romanian Ecologist Party, Roma Democrat Party, Civil Action of Youth Platform Party. Furthermore, the BEC also adopted a decision which targets the enforcement of provisions stipulated in the article 67, paragraph (7), of Law no. 208/2015 regarding the election of the Senate and Deputies' Chamber, as well as for the organizing and functioning of the Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP), including the subsequent amendments and additions. According to this decision, the stipulations of article 67, paragraph (7), of Law no. 208/2015 through which the buying of airtime in order to distribute clips or electoral programs is forbidden is refers exclusively to the purchase of airtime outside the shows which are notified to the National Audiovisual Council of Romania (CNA). Agerpres The activity of the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) "unsettles those who believed were unreachable," while Sweden in a model worth imitating by Romania, DNA chief prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi said Thursday upon being presented Sweden's Order of the Polar Star in rank of Commander decoration. "When it comes to tools to fight corruption, Sweden is a model to us. The absence of immunities and special privileges, the existence of administrative transparency of public spending, all principles enshrined in Sweden's Constitution, are worthy of being taken up by Romania as well," said Kovesi. He added that her colleagues are equally worthy of the decoration. "This decoration honours me and it is a constant recognition of the efforts deployed by the DNA colleagues in the fair and professional fight against high-level corruption. My only merit is to co-ordinate a team made up of professionals, courageous people who believe in a corruption-free Romania, in county where honesty is a reflex and competence is the most important criterion," said Kovesi. She added that "law rightfully applied" is the pillar of DNA's work. "That is why we have the strength to carry on. All pressures, all attempts at intimidation and harassment in our personal or professional lives have failed. We continue our work as determined and consistent as ever. In our hour of need, we are backed up by many courageous and honest people," said Kovesi. She added that "behind the DNA efforts lie the work and courage of some people, their human and professional strength." "Our work unsettles many who believed they were unreachable, while bothering those who wanted to use the state bodies in their own personal interest. Obviously, we still have to put up with challenges of the past, but we will continue our investigations," said Kovesi. DNA's work was the subject of a film that ran at the end of the award ceremony, where everyday people, ambassadors, including Swedish ambassador in Bucharest Anneli Lindahl Kenny who presented the decoration, and journalists talked about the importance of the DNA. The ambassador said the creation of DNA and its independence from politics in the early 2000s were a cornerstone, and examples from other countries show that a legal framework and access to resources are not enough, because right people are also needed in the mix. The appointment of Laura Codruta Kovesi as DNA chief, she said, showed that the organisation has the right person. The ambassador added that the decoration is awarded to Kovesi for sustained and courageous fight against corruption, which she added made important steps forward toward improving transparency and law enforcement in Romania. She added that the award equally recognise the DNA team, Romania and its citizens, and the example of a hard-working and courageous woman Romania has managed to set an example for Europe and the world. Kovesi's unwavering dedication, she said, has given Romanians hope for a better future. Also attending the award ceremony at the Swedish Embassy in Bucharest were Chairman of the Supreme Council of Magistrates (CSM) Mircea Aron; head of the Directorate for Organised Crime and Terror Investigation (DIICOT) Daniel Horodniceanu; US ambassador in Bucharest Hans Klemm; Romania's Justice Minister Raluca Pruna, as well as Kovesi's parents. agerpres. Commander of Turkey's Armed Forces General Hulusi Akar is paying an official visit to Romania, having so far met Romania's Defence Minister Mihnea Motoc and Chief of Romania's Army Staff Nicolae Ciuca. Romania's Defence Ministry (MApN) says in a press statement that discussed at the meeting of Motoc and Akar on Tuesday were regional security in the enraged Black Sea zone and prospects for intensifying defence cooperation, at a bilateral and NATO level. Akar also presented Turkey's opinions on the latest security developments on Syria and Iraq. "In order to consolidate NATO's deterrence and defence posture covering the entire eastern flank of NATO, the importance of implementing the decisions adopted by the heads of state or government at the Warsaw Summit of NATO in terms of adapted advanced presence on the southern and eastern flanks. Motoc praised what he called a good round of talks within a NATO framework, at an October defence ministers' meeting, underscoring the importance of NATO efforts to implement, in the period immediately ahead, the decisions regarding the advanced presence, with emphasis on Romania's decisions regarding land, air and sea defence in the Black Sea zone. He also praised Turkey for its important contribution to the approval of a balanced approach of security and stability on NATO's eastern and southern flanks," said MApN. On Wednesday, Akar met Ciuca. The two enlarged on the latest developments in cooperation between Romania and Turkey's armed forces, joint international defence cooperation projects, the security developments in the enlarged Black Sea zone, defence cooperation between Romania and Turkey in NATO and regional formats, as well as the implementation of the Warsaw NATO Summit's measures, with emphasis on Romania's initiatives, according to Romania's General Army Staff (SMG). agerpres. Romania must capitalize on its digital advantages that include a highly performing broadband infrastructure and a dynamic IT sector, President Klaus Iohannis said on Thursday. "In today's highly dynamic world, Romania must not miss the start, but instead capitalize in the best possible manner on its advantages, of which the following are worth mentioning: the highly performing broadband infrastructure, as Romania is among the countries with the fastest internet service; the highly dynamic IT sector that has increased in the past year by more than 20 percent to a turnover of over three billion euro; the highly skilled workforce - we have 120,000 IT experts and the number of graduates from science, technology or math faculties places Romania on a very honorable position in European Union; the innovative potential we need to take advantage of by developing a culture of success based on performance, work, honesty and integrity - exactly what we want the Educated Romania project to signify," said the head of state at the opening of the Digital Romania - Industry 4.0 International Forum organized at the Victoria Palace of Government. According to President Iohannis, Romania can be an important player in the smart car industry. "In this regard, we have a developed, integrated and performing auto industry, but also top-notch applied research centers and high-tech products," said Iohannis. The head of the state emphasized that all these are arguments for Romania's becoming a development vector for the digital agenda in a regional and European context. "But in order to render effective these advantages, we need a long-term vision to consistently support our development potential and shape Romania's trajectory in a European context and beyond that. The freshly initiated country project will address these national requirements through vision, far-reaching ambition and consensus. If we have a long-term plan in place, we will better know how to do things tomorrow," said Iohannis. The President pointed out that the digital revolution brings about a profound change in society, and added that the EU of free circulation requires a single digital market based on freedom and security, which complements the desideratum of the European single market. "Digital networks and services could bring about the revival the European economy so badly needs, in both substance and direction," said Iohannis. Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos and European Commissioner for Digital economy and Society Gunther Oettinger also attend the opening of the forum. agerpres. Romania's quota of new foreign workers to be taken up in 2017 would stay at 5,500, same as in 2016, according to a draft government decision posted on the website of the Ministry of Labour, Family Affairs, Social Protection and the Elderly. Out of the total quota, 3,000 will be permanent workers, 700 seconded workers, 700 intra-group seconded workers, 500 highly-qualified workers, 400 seasonal workers, 100 internship workers and 100 cross-border workers. The 2015 quota was the same in 2016, for 3,500 permanent workers, 200 internship workers, 200 seasonal workers, 100 cross-border workers, 800 highly-qualified workers and 700 seconded workers. Labour Minister Dragos Pislaru said early this October that the Romanian Government was working on simplifying work visa requirements for foreign workers that can be competed under current government. "There are certain things that we could do right now. First, simplifying visa requirements. It may take up to six months for a foreigner to come and work in Romania (...) There are instances of working under projects, when they come, work and leave. For instance an Indian employing a Vietnamese under an IT project... We have been working with the Foreign Ministry for three-four months on that. There is some progress, but not as fast as I would have liked it; at least us working on it is comforting. I know how it is - it does not sound highly determined - but this is what we have and I am hopeful we can complete it under the tenure of the incumbent government," said Pislaru back then. agerpres. Inferno At the Cinemark (PG-13) Grade: C When last we met Tom Hanks, he was deftly landing a commercial airliner on the Hudson River. Aw, shucks, was only just doing my job, sort of said Sully, aka Hanks. That performance should earn Hanks an Oscar nomination. That may not be his only nomination this year. Hanks may also earn a Razzie nomination from Harvard as worst actor of the year for his work in Inferno. How cool would it be to win both!? Best and worst simultaneously. At its heart, Inferno is about a bad guy preparing to release a virus in the world that authorities fear will kill two-thirds of the worlds population. The villain is concerned about the harms of overpopulation, so hes devised a simple solution: Reinstitute the plague. Problem solved. If you remember the Da Vinci Code then you are likely aware that Inferno is a branch of that conspiratorial tree that reflects on such matters as Catholicism, ancient artifacts, museums and Dante. Inferno is a James Bond movie, pure and simple. Bad guy wants to destroy the world. Time is running out. Send in 007. In this case, however, Bond becomes Harvard Professor Robert Langdon. For the record, Harvard -- in a playful unstuffy moment -- said that although theyre sure Tom Hanks courses would be filled to overflowing that they havent considered creating a department of symbology. Which must be symbolic of something, said the wry press release. Author Dan Brown has worked very hard to wrap this silly plague-filled premise inside ancient historical and religious trappings, so well think were on a scholarly journey. Professor Langdon loves going from museum to museum looking for clues. This story is hung up on Dante, thus the title Inferno. The story starts with a dazed Tom Hanks finding in his pocket a mysterious cylinder that includes Botticellis Map of Hell, which is an ancient Google map guide to Dantes Inferno. The gullible professor thinks hes chasing Dante, when hes actually chasing a psychotic mad man. For diversion, theres a pretty nurse who becomes Hanks buddy for this adventure. We also meet an older lady who, apparently, is the long lost lover in Hanks life. They seem to still yearn for one another. These old friends say things that I translated thusly: Do you ever wonder what might have been? and Maybe it could still be? and I still got inferno-level hots for you. Hanks delivers an almost embarrassing performance as he tries to convince us he cares about this character and this story. Stars like Hanks live paycheck to paycheck, hoping the last $20 million payday can somehow get them through the winter. I will admit I enjoyed the travelogue to Europes magical destinations such as Florence, Venice and Istanbul. Ive been a bit too harsh, perhaps, but the hypocrisy of planting a Bond movie atop Dantes grave, rankled my sensibility. Mappa dellInferno and Goldfinger dont belong together. Ringing Rocks road reopens The Bureau of Land Managements Butte Field Office has reopened the route to the Ringing Rocks site after making much-needed repairs to the rough, rocky road. The popular Ringing Rocks site is located 18 miles east of Butte and north of I-90. The rocks in this unique geologic area chime when tapped with a hammer. To reach Ringing Rocks, take Exit 241 (Pipestone) from I-90 and travel east on a gravel road which parallels the interstate for about three-fourths of a mile, then turn north on a gravel road, cross the railroad tracks and continue north for approximately three miles. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. For more information, call the Butte Field Office at 406-533-7600. *** Public input sought for naming lake The Montana State Library is soliciting additional public opinion on a proposal to assign the name Lone Coyote Lake to a lake in Flathead County. The lake is near Lone Coyote Trail, north of Church Drive, and about 7 miles northwest of Kalispell. Two residents have responded to the initial request for comment with the opinion that the lake has previously been named Moon Lake or Mohn Lake. Mathis Mohn owned land around the lake between 1898 and 1937 and donated the property that the Stillwater Lutheran Church is on in 1911. A street near the lake is named Moon Lake Trail and likely is named after the lake. The Lone Coyote Lake name was proposed by Kenneth and Sharon Ramsey of Kalispell, who live near the lake. The name is intended to associate the lake with the nearest street, Lone Coyote Trail. More information regarding the proposal can be found at https://goo.gl/cjBj6h. The request to name the lake will be ruled on by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN), which determines what names the federal government recognizes for natural features of the landscape. The BGN recognizes an individual in each state as that state's geographic names adviser, whose duties include soliciting opinions from state and local officials on name proposals. Montana's geographic names adviser is Gerry Daumiller, a geographer with the Montana State Library. Any person with knowledge of the Moon Lake or Mohn Lake names or documents showing these names is invited to contact Daumiller by emailing gdaumiller@mt.gov, by calling 444-5358, or by sending him a letter at P.O. Box 201800, Helena, MT, 59620. All comments will be forwarded to the Board on Geographic Names. The initial comment period ends on Nov. 15 but all comments received until the Board on Geographic Names makes its decision will be forwarded. *** Future Fisheries grant deadline upcoming Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds landowners, watershed groups and others that the deadline to apply for this round of Future Fisheries Improvement Program grants is Nov. 30. The goal of FWP's Future Fisheries Program is to restore rivers, streams and lakes to improve Montanas wild fish habitat. Entities can receive funding for qualifying projects that benefit Montana's wild fish. Each project is assessed by an independent review panel and final funding decisions are made by the Fish & Wildlife Commission. Grants will be awarded early in 2017. To learn more about the Future Fisheries Improvement Program, and to download the grant application form, go to the Fishing home page on FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov/fishing, or call FWP at 444-2432. Completed Future Fisheries Improvement Program applications must be received on or before Nov. 30 and should be sent electronically to mmcgree@mt.gov. Paper applications can be sent to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Fisheries Habitat Bureau, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. *** Artist-in-residence applications available The Glacier National Park Artist-in-Residence program offers professional artists focused time to creatively explore the natural and cultural resources of this astounding landscape. It also allows artists the opportunity to share their work with an international audience through educational programs and exhibits. Each session of the Artist-in-Residence program offers the artist four weeks of uninterrupted time to pursue their artistic discipline. It also provides the artist with a furnished house located in the park. The artist is required to present several public programs during their residency. The programs must be related to their experience as the artist-in-residence and can be demonstrations, talks, exploratory walks, or performances. Artists of all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Applications are available online at www.callforentry.org. The deadline to apply is Jan.y 31, 2017. For more information contact the Artist-in-Residence Coordinator, Jessica Kusky, at 406-888-7851. A 31-year-old man faces a felony charge after police say he was found unresponsive behind the wheel of a car while holding a can of beer. After receiving a call from a concerned citizen, a police officer located Robert Kerry Smiun Jr. in a 1996 Geo Prizm, which was still running, court documents say. The officer noted Smuin's eyes were closed despite the stereo blasting music loudly in the car, and it took several minutes to awake Smuin. While the officer had Smuin perform sobriety tests, a woman and two children, 1 and 4, returned to the car. The woman told the officer Smuin had driven the three from East Helena. He faces a felony charge of criminal child endangerment. Court documents say Smuin told the officer he had about three beers prior to driving with the children in the vehicle and had another "three sips" of a beer after dropping off the children. His blood alcohol content was at 0.144, according to court documents. Lawyers for ExxonMobil have told a variety of non-governmental organizations to preserve all communications regarding climate change investigations with a sweeping array of other groups and individuals including members of the press. The letters from Exxon's lawyers Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison said the groups, including the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Rockefeller Family Fund, should hang onto communications with individuals such as former vice president Al Gore and William McKibben, a Middlebury professor and leader of the environmental group 350.org. The letters are the latest twist of a legal saga in which Massachusetts attorney general Maura Healey and New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman have publicly announced inquiries into whether ExxonMobil improperly concealed information about climate change from consumers, investors and the public long after it knew the dangers. As part of those probes, the attorneys general have issued subpoenas for documents going back as far as the 1970s. If ExxonMobil were found to have concealed such information that could be a violation of the Martin Act, which gives the New York attorney general broad power to pursue fraud cases. Schneiderman and other attorneys general, in an unusual step, held a press conference that included Gore in March vowing to work together to combat climate change, including through the investigation of ExxonMobil. The company has alleged Healey and Schneiderman were biased and it has fought back in a Texas federal district court, where Judge Ed Kinkeade said there was reason enough to allow Exxon to seek documents from Healey that might show she prejudged the matter. Exxon appears to be relying on that ruling to issue the latest letters to non-governmental organizations. "Our request to preserve documents is focused on groups or individuals directly involved in a campaign to discredit our company using false allegations and mischaracterizations of the company's history of climate research and communications with investors," Alan T. Jeffers, an ExxonMobil spokesman, said in an email. "We have no choice but to defend ourselves against politically motivated investigations that are biased, in bad faith and without legal merit." "We did not start this, but we will see it through and will vigorously defend ourselves." Lee Wasserman, director of the Rockefeller Family Fund, set up in large part with money from the Standard Oil fortune, said Exxon sought "to protect a destructive, obsolete business model ushering in the climate catastrophe its scientists long ago predicted, rather than evolving into a corporation for the 21st century." "How tragic that the management of a once great corporation would permit itself to devolve into a civic bully committed to intimidation of public interest advocates," Wasserman said. "We're not a party to this litigation," said Kenneth Kimmell, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists. "It raises questions about how an [non-governmental organization] like UCS can be dragged into a legal fight between Exxon and the attorney general." He added that it would "very burdensome" for the group to comply if a court or prosecutor were to issue an actual subpoena to produce such documents. "The letter that we received from ExxonMobil's lawyers signals that the company is planning a massive fishing expedition into UCS's internal emails and communications with others, including the press," Kimmell said in an email. "We don't see how this relates to the company's current disputes with the New York and Massachusetts Attorneys General, and it appears to be yet another effort to intimidate us from exposing climate science deception." A long-running legal dispute between two rival pet food companies, Nestle Purina PetCare and Blue Buffalo, is over. Purina and Blue Buffalo announced early Thursday that theyve reached a confidential, mutually agreeable settlement of the lawsuits. In a hearing in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on Thursday morning, the terms of the settlement, including any financial compensation, were not mentioned. Carmine R. Zarlenga III, a lawyer for Purina, told U.S. District Judge Rodney Sippel, Were happy to have resolved this with Blue Buffalo. Steven A. Zalesin, a lawyer for Blue Buffalo, told Sippel that the companys lawsuit would continue against third-party suppliers of ingredients. He said he hoped that a trial on the remaining issues, including whether those suppliers delivered what they promised to deliver could be held before the end of 2017. If Blue Buffalos claims are successful, those suppliers could be held responsible for paying some of Blue Buffalos settlement, lawyers said during the hearing. St. Louis-based Nestle Purina PetCare, maker of Beneful, Alpo and other brands, sued Blue Buffalo in 2014, alleging it lied to customers about its use of natural ingredients. Wilton, Conn.-based Blue Buffalo touts its use of natural ingredients in its ads, but Purina alleged testing showed that Blue Buffalo used chicken byproducts in some food, among other allegations. Blue Buffalos manufacturing facility is located in Joplin, Mo. The two companies waged a battle online, with Purina creating a website, petfoodhonesty.com, to provide updates on the dispute. In response, Blue Buffalo posted a letter to its customers on its website reiterating its marketing claims and calling Purinas allegations outrageous. Blue Buffalo later countersued Purina, accusing the company of false advertising and unfair competition. During the case, Blue Buffalo admitted that some of its dog and cat food contained poultry byproduct meal even though its bags and marketing materials said they did not contain the ingredient. Blue Buffalo alleged it was defrauded by a supplier, Wilber-Ellis Co., that provided the poultry byproduct meal and mislabeled some of the ingredients shipped to its customers. The company has since named other suppliers, all of which have denied Blue Buffalos claims. As a result of the suppliers conduct, our advertising claims of no chicken or poultry byproduct meals were inaccurate as to products containing the mislabeled ingredients, Blue Buffalo stated in a recent regulatory filing. In a separate 2014 lawsuit filed in St. Louis against Blue Buffalo by customers, Sippel approved a $32 million settlement in May. As part of the settlement, customers who bought mislabeled Blue Buffalo pet food products and filed a claim with the court will get a refund. Robert Patrick of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. TreeHouse Foods Inc. cut its full-year profit forecast due to weak results at its newly acquired private label business and announced the departure of an executive who had a key role in making the company the largest U.S. private label food maker. TreeHouse, whose shares fell 19.5 percent to close at $69.72 on Thursday, boosted its private label business when it acquired ConAgra Foods St. Louis-based private label business for $2.7 billion this year. The results at the business fell short of TreeHouses expectations in the third quarter, and sales in the current quarter would not be enough to stem the declines, Chief Executive Officer Sam Reed said in a statement. The company which also owns brands such as Bay Valley Foods and Flag Stone Foods cut its full-year adjusted earnings forecast to $2.80-$2.85 per share from $3.00-$3.10, pinning the blame squarely on the underperforming private label business. TreeHouse also said President Christopher Silva would leave. The departure, which comes three months after Chief Financial Officer Dennis Riordan said he would quit, will leave the company without the two key executives who helped orchestrate and implement the ConAgra deal. We are disturbed by the departure of Chris Silva, the No. 2 executive of the company, following last quarters announcement of the retirement of CFO Dennis Riordan, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey analyst William Chappell Jr. wrote in a note. TreeHouse said Riordan would replace Silva as president on an interim basis and appointed Matthew Foulston, a Compass Minerals International Inc executive, as its chief financial officer. ConAgra itself had struggled to make a profit from the private label business formerly known as Ralcorp. That business was plagued by integration costs, customer service problems and low profit margins because of price concessions. TreeHouses forecast signals that company executives were not conservative enough in their previous estimate and/or the private brands business was even more damaged than they realized, Chappell said. He cut his rating on the stock to hold from buy. The company also said it would close a manufacturing plant in Delta, British Columbia and cut 100 of the 160 jobs at a plant in Battle Creek, Mich. both of which it acquired as part of the ConAgra deal. The Oak Brook, Ill.-based company also reported lower-than-expected profit and sales for the third quarter ended Sept. 30. Vladimir Zelevinsky a prolific, award-winning playwright whose work has appeared on fine small stages across the country and abroad is about to make his St. Louis debut. Friday night, the West End Players Guild opens his play about America, Manifest/Destiny. What a sweeping title. What a pocket-size production. Manifest/Destiny demands next to nothing in the way of costumes, sets or props. Nevertheless, Zelevinsky and WEPG director Steve Callahan intend to tell an immense story: a story of American immigration from the 16th century to the 21st century, starting with westward voyages across the Atlantic and continuing to travel west across the continent. Weaving together dozens of stories, the play is by turns comic and tragic, historic and ripped from the headlines. I wanted to write a big play for theaters without a big budget, says Zelevinsky, 43. There are over 100 roles Im not sure how many because every time I add it up, it comes out differently but just four actors. At WEPG, they are Jeremy Goldmeier, Emily Johnson, Ariel Roukaerts and Zach Venturella. The play is all about the commonalities and the differences the characters experience as immigrants and as migrants. I was trying to capture the spirit of the nation. Zelevinsky, who comes from Novosibirsk in Siberia, is quick to point out that his characters endure much more than he did. My immigrant experience was quite effortless, he says. When I was 18, I came (to the U.S.) with my family. Soon after they arrived, Zelevinsky entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, where he picked up a couple of degrees in nuclear physics, the family business. Zelevinskys father is a physics professor at Michigan State University, his sister an associate physics professor at Columbia University. The mother, currently a homemaker, is a physicist, too. But at MIT, Zelevinsky found himself drawn to the arts, studying theater and writing about it for the school paper. That led him to what must have been the strangest position anyone at MIT ever moved into: He became a critic for the Boston Globe. After a while, though, I decided I would rather write for theater than about theater, he says. Almost immediately, he was named playwright-in-residence for the Theatre Cooperative in neighboring Somerville, Mass. For four years I had a slot an incredible thing for a playwright just starting out, says the playwright, who also works for a software start-up; he holds more than half a dozen patents on data processing and evaluation systems. Zelevinsky still lives in Cambridge with his wife, a Californian, and their two children. Some of her ancestors went west in covered wagons, the same mode employed by characters in Manifest/Destiny. The Cooperative was a small theater, but thats where the interesting working is done, he found. Its limitations taught him to hone a lean style, encouraging him to think in terms of spare plays produced with minimal budgets. He began to wonder if he could maintain those constraints yet create a play that was big in other respects thematically, for example. Manifest/Destiny is certainly big in terms of its expansive time period and its many, many issues. Where are they going? Why are they going? A ships manifest can tell you a lot about people who migrate, but it cant tell you everything. It cant tell you who they are or what they want. Theater, he reasoned, suggested other ways to discern their motives. These are not, Zelevinsky hastens to add, his personal motives, even though he is a citizen by naturalization rather than by birth. In his case, he believes, the distinction is subtle. Heres the biggest difference: I am fluent in two languages, but not perfect in either one, he says ruefully. I first learned English from people (in Russia) for whom it was a second language. Now, I am surrounded by English, and I dont usually speak Russian. Maybe thats why I write. When I write, I dont have an accent. This column rarely lingers over the dessert menu sometimes, I admit, because Im already full and the babysitters meter is running, but usually because, with a few (very few) exceptions, the dessert menus in this town are a soporific hodgepodge of bread pudding, creme brulee and dark-chocolate slabs. Save the calories for a digestif. Save the calories, period. To satisfy your sweet tooth in St. Louis, visit those who have made desserts a full-time concern: our doughnut shops, ice-cream parlors, chocolatiers and bakeries. For bakeries, especially, these past few years have been a boom time, with the arrival of Pint Size Bakery, La Patisserie Chouquette and Comet Coffee & Microbakery. To that list we can now add Nathaniel Reid Bakery, which opened in August on Manchester Road in Kirkwood. Its storefront is bright in an otherwise unassuming, even drab, shopping strip. The rainbow display of macarons inside is brighter still. The eponymous Nathaniel Reid is a graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and has been the pastry chef at the Ritz-Carlton in St. Louis and has also worked at the St. Regis Hotel in Dana Point, Calif., as well as the Las Vegas restaurant of world-renowned chef Joel Robuchon. In 2010, he won Pastry Chef of the Year at the U.S. Pastry Competition in New York City. Even without Reids biography at hand, you could guess that his background is in luxury-hotel kitchens. In the center of his bakerys display counter, arrayed like the baubles in a jewelers case, each as precisely, exquisitely plated as if you had ordered it at the Ritz, are his individually portioned cakes. The most dramatic of these is the Polynesia ($5.95), a disc the vivid yellow of a childs Crayola sun. A banana-passion fruit cream is the tart, refreshing heart of this dessert atop the cake base, almond pain de Genes, all of it bound together by Tahitian-vanilla mousse. (Reid has since changed this to a coconut mousse.) Atop the dessert, a coconut crisp provides a slight but essential textural contrast. Humble only by comparison is the Amber ($5.95), appropriately named for its subtle variations on its namesake color. Reid balances a half-sphere of caramel mousse and a thin layer of pecan caramel atop a sable Breton (a sort of pleasantly crumbly shortbread). Around the edges of the mousse he arranges bits of caramelized pecan. Whats striking, for all of the caramel and caramelization, is how sophisticated the Ambers sweetness is, slowly unfurling notes of roasted and nutty notes. Reid doesnt offer a great many chocolate desserts. He doesnt need to. The Sambava ($5.95) layers rich chocolate cake and silken chocolate mousse, with a crisp hazelnut base and, in the middle, vanilla creme brulee as textural foils. A far more conventional, but no less impressive use of chocolate is in the brownie ($3), a specialty of Reids wife and fellow pastry chef, Lee Lee Reid. This expertly navigated the path between being too airy and too dense, with a full but not bitter chocolate flavor. Youll find the brownie in the same third of the display case as the breakfast pastries and other, for lack of a better term, everyday fare, like meltingly tender cookies with chocolate chunks and bits of pecan. The basic croissant ($3.25) is crackling and buttery, and Reid uses the dough as a base for other pastries, like an apricot danish or what he calls an apple-pie croissant (both $3.50). The danish is the one dish here Id describe as simply sweet not a criticism, exactly, just a bit of a surprise compared to the other dishes. The apple-pie croissant might put you off the traditional apple-pie crust permanently. Reid does serve savory options, including a croissant filled with thinly sliced ham and melted havarti cheese ($4.25). It makes for a filling, though not overwhelming, breakfast sandwich. Youll usually find a couple of different quiches in the display case, as well as a selection of sandwiches on house-baked bread. The Italian-salami sandwich ($8) is a straightforward affair; the bread, like the apricot danish, is slightly disappointing, only for being not as exceptional as everything else. Then again, you likely wont stop at Nathaniel Reid Bakery for lunch and then just happen to get a treat. If you do, though, dont take an unnecessary risk. Eat dessert first. Where Nathaniel Reid Bakery, 11243 Manchester Road, Kirkwood Three stars out of four More info 314-858-1019; nrbakery.com Menu Cakes, pastries, croissants and other baked goods Hours 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday Fair Good Excellent Extraordinary (c) 2016, The Washington Post. Angela Patrick's 8-week-old son was sleeping peacefully on that day in 1964 when he was taken out of her arms. The new mother, then 19, had been living in a Catholic home near London for unmarried women who had committed the ultimate sin and become pregnant. Two months after giving birth, a taxi took her to an adoption charity, where a woman carried Patrick's baby, Paul, into a room to meet his potential new parents. "She came back in and she didn't have my baby with her," Patrick said, tears filling her eyes as she recounted the day in a new documentary. "She said, 'you can go when you're ready.'" During the 30 years after World War II, more than half a million women - many unmarried - had a child adopted. A number of religious organizations, including the Catholic Church, the Church of England and the Salvation Army, oversaw these adoptions, before a 1976 change to English law gave the responsibility to local authorities. More than five decades later, in the new ITV documentary, the head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales apologized for its role in the adoptions, which many of the women say were coerced. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, said the practices of adoption agencies at the time were "sometimes lacking in care and sensitivity." "We apologize for the hurt caused by agencies acting in the name of the Catholic church," Nichols said. "Sadly for unmarried mothers, adoption was considered to be in the best interests of the mother and child because of the associated stigma and the lack of support for lone parents," Nichols added. The documentary, "Britain's Adoption Scandal: Breaking the Silence," tells the stories of some of the women who gave up their babies for adoption during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. It is scheduled for broadcast on ITV on Nov. 9. About 60 women were interviewed for the documentary. Many of them said they felt they did not have much of a choice at the time. An unmarried mother was considered unfit to care for a baby alone, one of these mothers, Veronica Smith, said in a phone interview with the Washington Post. Smith was 23 years old and unmarried when she became pregnant and was sent to a hostel run by the Catholic Church in southern England. One week after her daughter was born, the infant was handed over for adoption. For many years, Smith buried the memory of her pregnancy, and of her daughter. But in the early 1990s, "I had breakdown and it all came tumbling out," Smith said. She had to have therapy and psychiatric care. "I feel angry with my mother, the church, myself for being so compliant," Smith, now 75, said. "I was on this conveyor belt, you know. Once the decision was made, you couldn't get off." One of the other mothers interviewed, a woman named Jill, recalled in the documentary that people would frequently tell her, "well if you love your baby, you'll give your baby up." Another mother, identified only by her first name, Margaret, who was sent to a Salvation Army maternity home in West Yorkshire, England, described the shame and guilt she felt at the time. "I would like somebody to say sorry," she said, but added, "why would anybody say they're sorry? I was the one that did wrong." The documentary was reminiscent of the 2013 film Philomena, based on a 2009 book about an Irish teenager who was sent to a convent after becoming pregnant out of wedlock. Her son, Anthony Lee, was handed over to a new family at age 3 and taken to the United States, where he grew up, never seeing his birth mother again. Similar adoptions peaked in 1968, when more than 16,000 babies born to unmarried mothers were adopted by new parents, the Guardian reported. In recent years, women and advocates have called for an official apology on behalf of Parliament for the pain and grief caused by the adoption practices over the 30-year time period. In Australia, where an estimated 150,000 women had their babies offered up for adoption against their will between the 1950s and 1970s, the prime minister delivered a national apology to the victims in 2013. Two years earlier, Smith co-founded a group called Movement for an Adoption Apology in the United Kingdom to advance the cause of a parliamentary apology. In a mission statement, the group wrote that unmarried, pregnant women of the time period were not given information about the welfare services, including housing and financial help, available at the time. "There was no question of these women being found to be unfit mothers; they were simply prevented from becoming mothers at all," the group wrote. "This experience so traumatised many of these women that they have suffered years of mental and/or physical ill health ever since, and many were unable to have more children." Smith said she hopes the documentary helps urge Parliament to issue a formal apology, to give those mothers reassurance "that they weren't bad women." "We don't want compensation, we just want acknowledgment," Smith said in a phone interview. A team of lawyers is now also calling for an inquiry into the handling of such adoptions before 1976, Smith said. "These women were told not to speak about what had happened to them," Carolynn Gallwey, a lawyer with Bhatt Murphy Solicitors, said in the documentary. "But now they're entitled to have their experiences recognized. And the only way to do that is through a public inquiry." In a statement given to the Guardian, the Church of England expressed regret for its role in the adoptions. "What was thought to be the right thing to do at the time has caused great hurt. That is a matter of great regret," a spokesperson said. Looking back on the day she was pressured to give up her son for adoption, Patrick said she doesn't even recall crying when she left the charity. "It was just sort of a horrible noise I was making," Patrick said. "I remember looking at other people and thinking you don't know, you have no idea what I've just been asked to do. "For you it's just a normal day and I've just had to give up my baby," she added. Three decades later, on Jan. 19, 1994, Patrick received a letter from her son, Paul, she told the Guardian in a 2012 article. She sobbed uncontrollably, and the mother and son reunited soon after. She would later write a memoir about the pregnancy, the adoption, and the reunion with Paul. "When it came to it, we just hugged and didn't let go," she said. A daily newspaper in Montana is crying foul after the campaign of Republican Greg Gianforte, who is trying to unseat incumbent Democrat Gov. Steve Bullock in next weeks election, used its logo in a television ad the paper says misrepresents its reporting. Last week the Bozeman Daily Chronicle responded to the spot, called Hush Money, with a blog post outlining the differences between the story and Gianfortes ad. The commercial uses eight headlines, none of which are the headlines that appeared on the print or online version of the story, which ran Oct. 13. The post, by Michael Becker, says the ad used the phrases hush money and thats corruption, which were not in the story. It also referred to lawyers from Bullocks party, while the story only included one Helena lawyer, Mike Meloy, who has represented the Montana Democratic Party and was included in the story because of his role as the attorney for the Montana Freedom of Information Hotline. While Montana has laws that require campaigns and political groups to include certain information in political materials, such as who paid for the advertisement, it does not regulate the rest of the content. It's free speech and it doesnt sound right to say that you basically can say whatever the heck you want, but to a certain degree thats true. You can share your take on anything and thats free speech and thats protected, said Chris Gallus, a Helena attorney who focuses on election law. Gianforte's campaign on Monday issued this response to questions about the ad: "Folks can disagree over the ad's design, but the facts remain: nearly a million dollars in settlements have been paid out to state employees, and career politician Steve Bullock refuses to answer questions about the settlements," said campaign spokesman Aaron Flint. In the statement, Flint said the reports portrayed that the payouts were to "cover up misdeeds, silence whistle blowers, and to sweep alleged discrimination under the rug." The Chronicle referenced an anonymous source who said the payments were to "cover up misdeeds," according to the story by Troy Carter. According to the Chronicle, the same source said he or she was fired in retaliation for whistle-blower activities and offered a settlement of more than $50,000. The Chronicle verified the settlement through official documents. That employee filed a complaint with the Human Rights Bureau over alleged discrimination. Though campaigns using and misconstruing publicly available documents such as newspaper articles and court documents is nothing new, voters can be confused by these advertisements, said Lee Banville, a political researcher and journalism professor at the University of Montana. Usually what happened is an attack ad would take what a politician said out of context and use it to attack that politician, he said. Now theyre taking what a reporter finds out about an issue and turning it into some kind of uncontextualized attack that paints it in a very different light. Its unfortunate because what it does create is the impression the media has come to this conclusion through reporting. Thats what Chronicle managing editor Nick Ehli said in a letter to the Gianforte campaign last week. Ehli declined to comment for this story, but pointed to his comments in Beckers post: I realize that political ads are, by nature, political. I did, however, want to express my concern about the campaigns ads that started this weekend. I have no problem with the content; its certainly fair game. But it does seem the charges in the spot are being made not by the campaign, but by the Chronicle. I cant imagine a viewer having any other reaction. Ehli did say he was told his concerns were passed on to Gianforte. The state at one point had a law that would require candidates making claims about an incumbent's voting record to include in election materials a "statement of accuracy" and information about years of past votes. Earlier this year a federal judge struck down a part of the Disclose Act -- a broad new set of campaign finance laws -- that reinstated those previously ruled-unconstitutional provisions. The May ruling upheld a lawsuit filed by Republican J.C. Kantorowicz, who said his First Amendment rights were limited by laws that would have required him to send along with his campaign mailer a 42-page letter documenting all of the votes his incumbent opponent made in the last Legislative session, said Bozeman attorney Matthew Monforton, who represented Kantorowicz. Kantorowicz lost in the June primary for Senate District 10, south of Great Falls, to Republican Steve Fitzpatrick. Montana Newspaper Association executive director Jim Rickman said he hasnt heard in this election cycle or in years past of papers complaining about their stories being used or how they are portrayed by campaigns. He also said the issue hasnt come up at association gatherings, though he added the practice is common. More and more ... we start seeing these clips and brands of newspapers showing up in commercials and direct mails." Complaints over the validity of claims made in advertisements have come up before in this election cycle. In July Gianforte sent a cease-and-desist letter to "all Montana Broadcast Station Managers" demanding them to stop airing a television spot that called the candidate a "millionaire from New Jersey" and that he sued to close a fishing access site near his Bozeman home. Gianforte moved to Montana in 1995 and has said that the lawsuit was filed as a placeholder but never served on FWP. On Monday Good Jobs Montana released its final ad, hammering Gianforte on his past statements on a sales tax, among other things. That ad uses images of newspapers as they appeared in print and highlights lines of text, growing them to fill the screen. In the St. Louis Police Department, truth-telling is an actionable offense. Thats the message sent by police administrators this week when they filed a disciplinary complaint against Sgt. Heather Taylor, president of the Ethical Society of Police, for a violation of department policy. Taylors alleged sin? Talking to me. On Tuesday, Taylor received notice that a commander, Lt. Col. Ed Kuntz, had filed a complaint accusing her of violating Special Order 6-03, which says, among other things, that No Department employee will speak to the media without proper authorization. The complaint stemmed from my Oct. 28 column about the police departments ShotSpotter gunfire detection system being shut down for three months because the bill didnt get paid. The column was first posted online at STLtoday.com on Oct. 27, and that is the day the complaint was filed according to the document given to me by Taylors attorney. I told the truth and got in trouble for it, Taylor told me after hearing about the complaint. Its disheartening. Ive never been in trouble. It sends a message that if you stand up for your officers or the community, youre going to be a target. The complaint does more than that. Like so many issues in St. Louis, it indicates an ugly racial divide in the city. Even in the police department, where the color blue often unites, St. Louis has two police associations. While there is some overlap, most of the white officers belong to the St. Louis Police Officers Association, and most of the black officers belong to the Ethical Society of Police. The complaint against Taylor suggests the department has different standards for white officers who represent their association members and black officers who represent theirs. Taylor is black. Her white colleagues who have been in a similar position as president of the St. Louis Police Officers Association Joe Steiger and David Bonenberger are the last two have made dozens of statements to the press in the past without discipline. The complaint speaks to a nefarious motive, said Anthony Gray, who is Taylors attorney. That she would be disciplined for something that other officers have done for years is mind-boggling. What makes the complaint even more maddening is that all Taylor did is confirm information I had already been given by two city aldermen, Cara Spencer and Antonio French. They had heard from officers in their wards Spencer on the south side, French on the north side that ShotSpotter had been down for three months. The technology identifies gunshots as they are fired in key high-crime neighborhoods in the city and helps police pinpoint the location of the shots. It helps officers reply quickly to crime scenes, and, Taylor told me, sometimes helps police get to crime victims more quickly. I emailed Taylor on her Ethical Society of Police account and asked her if she could confirm the news for me. She did. As I later also confirmed in a conversation with Police Chief Sam Dotson, the ShotSpotter system had been down for three months because of a budget dispute. Taylor could have taken the easy way out. Police officers in St. Louis often speak to reporters anonymously because they fear retaliation. I gave Taylor that option. Just to be sure, is this on the record? I asked her in an email. Yes, she replied. Respectfully, Heather Taylor, president of the ESOP. Now, at least one of her supervisors wants to punish her for daring to help shed light on a situation that had many St. Louis residents in dangerous neighborhoods angry that ShotSpotter had been turned off. Within 24 hours of my columns being published, the system was back on. Taylors attorney is ticked off. I think this is an effort to stifle her voice, Gray said of the complaint. Its unprecedented. As the president of the Ethical Society of Police, she is free to speak to the press. Wednesday morning, an officer from the police departments internal affairs unit visited the Post-Dispatch to try to speak with me about the complaint. Through a spokeswoman, the department declined to make either Kuntz or Dotson available for an interview. Dotson, it should be noted, is running for mayor. Hes off to a bumpy start. Dotsons campaign began after Mayor Francis Slay went public with his stance that he wanted a full-time police chief and that Dotson should resign if he wanted to run for mayor. Now its apparent that Dotsons department struggles to pay the bills and seeks to silence the First Amendment rights of its members or some of them, anyway. Taylor said she spoke the truth and she will not be silenced. The police department had better gird for a battle if it doesnt drop the complaint, Gray said. This is nothing but a cheap shot, he said. Its improper. Its unethical. Its asinine. BRENTWOOD When a for-profit chain of schools closed all of its campuses Tuesday, the closures affected a newly acquired campus in St. Louis County. An employee of Missouri College is now suing the parent company, Weston Educational, Inc., or Heritage College. Brittany Evans filed a federal class-action lawsuit Wednesday under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act since the school didn't give employees a 60-day notice of the closure. A similar story to those shared by other employees earlier this week, Evans said she and her colleagues were called into a meeting Tuesday afternoon and told that effective immediately, the school was closing and they were unemployed. Students received notice via an email Tuesday night. Evans estimates in her lawsuit that more than 100 people work for Weston Educational Group nationwide. The company was housed out of Denver. She's asking for unpaid wages, 401(k) contributions and other benefit pay. UPDATED Nov. 4 with information about the number of alleged victims. ST. LOUIS A man from Jefferson County has been arrested and accused of involvement in a ring that lured as many as 60 underage girls into posing nude online and then saved and stored the images. Jonathan A. Terp Cripe, 28, of Imperial, was one of seven men indicted last month in U.S. District Court in South Carolina on charges that include conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography, conspiracy to produce child porn and conspiracy to advertise child porn. Cripe was arrested Oct. 31 and appeared Wednesday in federal court in St. Louis for a hearing on a prosecution request that he be held in jail until trial. On Nov. 3, U.S. Magistrate Judge Shirley Padmore Mensah ordered him released on bond subject to a series of conditions. Cripe is under house arrest and will be subject to GPS monitoring by GPS, has to stay away from drugs and alcohol, and must undergo sex-offender evaluation. He will is also prohibited from "any unsupervised contact with minors and from possessing any pornography," she wrote. In the order, Mensah writes that the allegations involve a "large child pornography ring that involved sixty victims." But she, says, prosecutors produced no evidence that Cripe "was ever physically present with a child in connection with any of the alleged conduct." Prosecutors have declined to comment on the case. The case started more than a year ago with charges against Brandon D. Gressette, a former cook in Charleston, S.C. Charging documents accuse Gressette of participating in a website that enticed minors into performing sex acts on webcams. The sites administrator later told the FBI there were 10-20 original members, including about 10 still very active who were the most motivated, the documents say. Members claimed online to also be minors, and kept a previously recorded webcam video of a child on hand to prove it if challenged by their prey. Getting an explicit video was called a win. Documents show the overall investigation began in January 2015 with the FBIs arrest of a user of an unspecified Canadian website linked to production and trafficking in child porn. That suspect helped agents get access to a different site in which Gressette was a member. Mounties took it down that March, and it reappeared in the United Kingdom but was shut down again. Gressette also has been linked in media reports to a Romanian woman accused of accepting money via Western Union for performing sex acts with her toddler. Gressette pleaded not guilty and will be held in jail until trial. The alleged role of Cripe, a security guard, is not clear. His attorney, Dan Juengel, said Wednesday that he expected his client to plead not guilty. In a court filing, Juengel says Cripe has no criminal convictions and if granted bail would not be at risk of fleeing. WASHINGTON, Mo. The Major Case Squad was called out to help Franklin County sheriffs deputies investigate the discovery of a mans body in his home under suspicious circumstances Thursday morning. The victim, Kenneth Allen Jr., had filed a lawsuit about three months ago, claiming that the county retaliated against his drug counseling service in a dispute regarding use of clients as police informers. Allen, 70, was found dead about 8:30 a.m. by an acquaintance who had gone to the home, in the 300 block of Elmwood Estates Drive, to help move furniture, according to Lt. Gary Higginbotham, deputy commander of the squad. When nobody answered the door, the man let himself in and found Allen dead, and the house in disarray, Higginbotham explained. There were no obvious signs of trauma to Allens body, but foul play is suspected given the look of his home, said Higginbotham, who is with the Jefferson County Sheriffs Department. It was obvious that someone had gone through things, he said. Kenneth and Jan Allen had filed suit in federal court in St. Louis on Aug. 1, alleging that their business, Meramec Recovery Center Inc., unfairly lost a contract. The suit against Franklin County and others alleges that their business with the countys drug court suffered because some participants were forced by sheriffs Lt. Jason Grellner to work as informers for police. That, the suit says, exposed those people to the drug culture and caused them to fail drug tests. Meramec, which worked for the drug court since 2000, lost its contract in 2013 after complaining, the suit says. Grellner, who is one of the defendants, said in August that the allegations were untrue. He suggested the action was motivated by political opponents who circulated the claim before the suit was filed. On Aug. 2, Grellner lost his run to be the Republican nominee for sheriff. He has questioned why he was named in the suit but not the Office of State Courts Administrator, which had both signed the drug court treatment agreement with Meramec and terminated it. The Allens suit also names new treatment provider Bridgeway Behavioral Health Foundation, one of its officials, a former prosecutor, a state probation officer and the director of the Missouri Department of Corrections. ST. LOUIS COUNTY Four years after Democrat Scott Sifton of the Affton area narrowly captured the Republican-held 1st District state Senate seat, another expensive election contest is nearing a conclusion there. Now its Sifton trying to keep his spot in the Senate against a serious challenge from this years GOP nominee, Randy Jotte, a former Webster Groves councilman. The contentious right to work proposal has added fuel to this political fire, with opposing unions going all out to aid Sifton, while a major backer of the measure is helping Jotte. The two candidates also differ on various other issues. The district stretches from St. Louis Countys southeast corner north to Webster and Maplewood and has a diverse political and income-level mix. Accordingly, both candidates pitches are aimed beyond their parties ideological bases. Sifton, 42, a lawyer, emphasizes his ability to work with the GOP majority in the Legislature to get things done, even while he fights the Republicans on labor and some other issues. About half the voters (in the district) favor each party, he said. People here want somebody who can work across the aisle and Ive proven that. Among other things, he points to a bill he sponsored last year to require licensed day care centers to adhere to infant sleep safety standards. The idea was rolled into a Republican colleagues broader child protection bill, which ultimately passed. Sifton says he also worked with GOP lawmakers to set up a state task force on dyslexia and to require schools to screen for the disorder. Jotte, meanwhile, promises to approach issues in Jefferson City the same way he handles his job as an emergency room physician. In that capacity, he said, he acts in the best interest of patients, not their employer, insurance company or family. So as a senator, he says, hed put constituents interests before those of his political party, advocacy groups and lobbyists. They can play a role ... but when they become the end in themselves, I just disagree with that, said Jotte, 56. Competitive and costly About half of the 34 state Senate seats are up for election this year. Of those, the 1st and the GOP-held 19th District in the Columbia area are considered the most competitive, thus drawing the most attention from party fundraising committees and strategists and other donors as well. In the 1st, Sifton has raised more than $2.1 million and Jotte more than $740,000; both amounts exceed what two Democratic nominees for statewide office have pulled in. In the 19th, a total of more than $3.8 million has been put into the campaigns of Democrat Stephen Webber and Republican Caleb Rowden, both state representatives. Organized labor has been a key Sifton campaign money source, led by a Carpenters Union committees $100,000 total. Another big Sifton donor has been a Planned Parenthood committee that kicked in more than $89,000. Sifton, a supporter of abortion rights, voted against a 72-hour waiting period for abortions passed in 2014 by the Legislature. Jotte, who supports the 72-hour wait, is endorsed by Missouri Right to Life, the states leading anti-abortion group. Among Jottes biggest contributors is a committee largely funded by David Humphreys, a Joplin building products company owner and prominent right-to-work backer, which gave $290,000. Right-to-work is shorthand for a law barring labor contracts that make union dues a condition of employment. Supporters say the measure would attract new business and generate jobs; opponents say it would weaken unions and shrink wages and the middle class. I have seen what can happen to families that hit hard times, Sifton said at a metro area labor rally last month in St. Charles. Jotte says right-to-work isnt the armageddon for unions feared by opponents but just a form of accountability for unions. He adds that new jobs will come more from places such as the Cortex complex for high-tech entrepreneurs in midtown St. Louis than traditional unionized factories. Sifton got his start in elective politics on the Affton School Board, serving nine years before running successfully for the Missouri House in 2010. In 2012, he unseated Republican Sen. Jim Lembke of the Lemay area by an edge of 50.9 percent to 49.1 percent. Sifton, while sticking to his 2012 campaign pledge to refuse lobbyist meals and gifts, has pushed unsuccessfully for a law to ban all legislators from accepting such freebies. Jotte takes the same position. Jotte was on the Webster Groves council from 2004 to 2008 and previously was a councilman in a Cleveland suburb when he lived there. He has run unsuccessfully here for the U.S. House, Missouri House and St. Louis County Council. Medicaid differences Among the issues dividing the two is Medicaid expansion. Sifton joins many other Democrats in supporting the idea, which backers note would pull in millions of dollars in extra federal money. Jotte says hes open to improving coverage but opposes expanding the current state Medicaid system unless changes are first made to make it more efficient. He says hed use his health care expertise to come up with such modifications. There are some great inefficiencies that allow redundant care, not the best outcomes and very, very expensive care for a small percentage of recipients, he said. Sifton says he supports making Medicaid more efficient while expanding who it covers but opposes simply rationing care to save a buck. The two also disagree on embryonic stem cell research, with Sifton in favor and Jotte opposed. They also differ on a proposed statewide prescription drug monitoring program to fight addiction to opioid painkillers. Sifton supports such a law. Jotte says he doesnt oppose the idea but that the bill should also include initiatives aimed at treating addicts which he sees as a more effective way to fight the problem. One possibility, he said, is seeking a waiver from federal rules that he says now dont allow many doctors to prescribe some anti-craving drugs. Both candidates raised enough money to afford TV commercials in the final weeks before Tuesdays election. A Jotte ad shows him at work as a doctor. In it he says he doesnt ask patients party affiliation and that state government would work better with that approach. A Sifton commercial features the mother of a 7-month-old boy who died while napping at a Webster Groves child care facility. In the ad, she commends Siftons work on the day care sleep standards measure. Another Sifton ad proclaims his endorsement by the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police. A county police officer is on camera commending Siftons work in the Legislature, including his ongoing efforts to expand DNA testing for people facing felony charges. The two differ on who could be more effective. Sifton said that he would be a check on the Republican majority and that Jotte would be just one more GOP vote. But Jotte said that he as a suburban Republican would have more leverage to balance urban versus rural interests. MISSOULA -- After the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked a pair of logging projects near Bozeman on Tuesday, Sen. Steve Daines has increased his effort to make Congress overturn the legal decision. Daines, R-Montana, sent a memorandum on Wednesday asking the Senate and House of Representatives to promptly reverse the Cottonwood Environmental Law Center vs. U.S. Forest Service ruling. Known as a Dear Colleague letter, Daines message asked for a statutory amendment codifying a different courts decision. Todays disastrous ruling against a commonsense project to reduce wildfire risk and protect Bozemans watershed makes it even more urgent that we enact meaningful forest reform that will remove this sort of absurd regulatory burden, Daines wrote in a Tuesday email. The projects he referred to would have sent logging crews into the Bozeman and Hyalite creek drainages forming Bozemans water supply and along the East Boulder River southeast of Big Timber. The Cottonwood decision looked at the way the U.S. Forest Service worked with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect Canada lynx populations on its federal acreage. FWS created lynx critical habitat guidelines in 2006 that did not include Forest Service lands. The Forest Service adopted those guidelines in 2007. But a subsequent investigation found Bush administration officials had improperly limited the lynx territory. A new analysis expanded the critical habitat from 1,841 square miles to about 39,000 square miles. The Forest Service did not revisit its lynx guidelines after FWS issued its new analysis. Cottonwood Law and its clients sued, claiming the Forest Services forest plans should reflect the new material. The Forest Service countered that it could consider the new critical habitat guidelines on a project-by-project basis. Both a U.S. District Court judge and the 9th Circuit Court panel of judges ruled that was insufficient. The Forest Service appealed to the Supreme Court. A federal district court had blocked the Custer-Gallatin forest projects and the 9th Circuit delayed its ruling until it learned what the high court would do with its Cottonwood decision. The Supreme Court declined to hear the Forest Services appeal on Oct. 11, making the Ninth Circuit decision the final ruling. In an Oct. 15 interview, Cottonwood general counsel John Meyer called the legislative effort to change the ruling misguided, because it was a failure to protect Canada lynx in Forest Service forest plans that got the wild cat listed in the first place. Its ironic that the whole reason we won the case was because of political interference, Meyer said. If (the Bush Administration) had allowed the Fish and Wildlife Service to designate critical habitat properly, the Forest Service wouldnt have this problem on their hands. Does Daines plan on political interference again? He should stop playing biologist and let the biologists do their job. However, a separate case before the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals with similar circumstances reached a different decision in 2007. In Forest Guardians v. Forsgren, the appeals court judges agreed with the Forest Service that only project-level analysis is needed. In his letter, Daines asked for an amendment declaring the 10th Circuit decision was the correct one, and that the Forest Service shouldnt have to reconsider its forest plans every time new Endangered Species Act consultation might be needed. Unless Congress acts, this ruling will further increase the regulatory burden on federal agencies, drain limited budgets and consume much time and energy of agency personnel, Daines wrote on Wednesday. That would happen without improving analyses related to endangered species, which are already protected by project-level consultation processes. Theres no greater supporter of First Amendment rights than this newspaper, but theres a line between political expression and hate speech that must not be crossed. The filth spewed by two-time felon Bob Romanik, a radio host and candidate for the Illinois state House, has no place on the public airwaves. In recorded ads played this week on AM station KZQZ, sandwiched between ads for local St. Clair County Freedom Coalition politicians, Romanik referred repeatedly to County Board Chairman Mark Kern as a cross-dresser and faggot. Listeners must not allow this abuse of the public airwaves to stand. The Federal Communications Commission needs to hear from anyone who believes Romaniks hate speech deserves sanction. Romanik makes GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump seem like a model of good manners and decorum. Kern is clearly flustered by the attack ads but declines to engage. Bob Romaniks hate is unworthy of comment, he said. Rodger Cook, who is challenging Kern in Tuesdays board election and is a beneficiary of Romaniks Freedom Coalition ad campaign, described himself as a Christian guy and said that sometimes Romaniks language makes him cringe. Upon learning the Post-Dispatch editorial board was making queries, Romanik called us and began shouting the worst kinds of unprintable homophobic slurs. What Romanik says on the phone is one thing. Over the public airwaves, during the daytime when children could be listening, is an entirely different matter, which is why the FCC should investigate. In this weeks ads, Romanik started with a legitimate critique of Kerns role in the sagging fortunes of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and the countys losing bid to become the site for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agencys new western headquarters. Kern had lied, Romanik asserted. Then he added: Have you also been lying about your sexuality and sex life? Mark Sweetcakes Kern, not a wolf in sheeps clothing but a very small man in womens clothing. You have now earned a new name. To all the people of St. Clair County, youll be known as Mark The Faggot Kern, a faggot forever. Tiny Tims 1968 recording of Tiptoe Through the Tulips served as background music. At least one listener complained. Romanik responded on his talk show Tuesday that anyone who thinks he doesnt have the right to speak his mind can kiss my red, white and blue, hairy, stinky old ass. I can question anybodys sexuality. Romanik referred to the complainer as one of Kerns ignorant butt boys, you ignorant bastard. Minutes later, referring to Kern, he said, Hey, faggot boy. Are you or are you not gay? Had enough? Let the FCC know if you think a license review is in order. The FCC accepts complaints by phone at 1-888-225-5322. Chairman Tom Wheelers email address is tom.wheeler@fcc.gov. 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? Does he or doesnt he? Republican candidate for governor Greg Gianforte, who is running to unseat incumbent Democrat Gov. Steve Bullock, has been accused by Bullock of wanting a sales tax, even though in the so-called 406 tax plan Gianforte released the zero stands for, in part, no sales tax. The idea of a sales tax is unpopular in Montana. A 2011 poll by Lee Newspapers showed that residents did not support one, with 64 percent opposing the idea and only 25 percent supporting it. Voters in 1971 and 1993 decisively killed proposed sales taxes, and the Legislature has never passed an overall sales tax, though bills to do so have been introduced. So how does Bullock and the Montana Democratic Party make that claim, even though it doesn't match with what Gianforte is proposing now? By using Gianfortes own words from an income tax advisory council meeting in 2002. On Sept. 29 the party released audio from a meeting 14 years ago in which Gianforte, then the CEO of RightNow Technologies, called a sales tax an ideal solution from a high-tech perspective. Gianforte was testifying before then-Republican Gov. Judy Martz's Income Tax Advisory Council tasked with coming up with a proposal to reduce the state's income tax by 10 percent, reduce the effective capital gains rate and explore eliminating federal deductibility. Since the release of the audio, Democrats and the Bullock campaign have hammered Gianforte over his testimony, saying hes lying when he tells voters hes never supported a sales tax. The state party has released more than 30 emails citing Gianfortes sales tax with images showing how much things like groceries or shoes would cost with a statewide sales tax, encouraging people to share the image using the hashtag #salestaxgreg. At the 2002 meeting, Gianforte acknowledged political roadblocks to implementing a sales tax, one of three ideas he presented. He said in 2002 it may be politically impossible to do the wholesale change from an income tax to a sales tax." Gianforte spokesman Aaron Flint this week said that Gianfortes testimony before the committee was not advocating for a sales tax. He was lobbying the Legislature to lower the tax rates, which they eventually did, Flint said. Gianfortes campaign has called the discussion of a sales tax during the meeting hypothetical and said Gianforte acknowledged at the time the political unlikelihood of Montana enacting a sales tax. There are huge political issues and constitutional issues to a sales tax, Gianforte said in 2002. He also called it politically untenable and suggested the possibility of exemptions for farm equipment, before adding: But I didnt think I would be fair in coming here and not saying I believe that this is the ideal solution to move to a consumptive tax that would focus more on maybe the tourism industry we have in the state. But if you want high-tech, our competition has zero income, zero capital gains. Thats an ideal solution. Gianforte then said: Lets assume for a second thats an ideal solution, before presenting two other ideas. Montanas tax code in 2002 made it hard, Gianforte said, to attract and keep qualified workers in the state. At the time, the state had a income tax rate of 11 percent, the highest in the nation then, and a 9 percent effective capital gains rate, the highest in the region. Gianforte said a sales tax would make Montana competitive with other states that did not have as high of an income tax as Montana and create high-wage jobs that allowed the next generation to stay in Montana or return for work. Gianforte, whose wife and daughter were at the 2002 meeting, said his move to Montana wasn't the smartest business choice but an emotional decision" and that he intended to stay. Now I view myself as a Montanan and I want to be on the team to create an environment that might attract more people and create the kind of jobs we want, he said. Flint this week said Gianfortes tax plan presented to voters this year calls for no sales tax. "If Greg got a bill on his desk banning a sales tax, as governor he would sign it, he said. Democrats have countered that while Gianforte may not support a sales tax now, he is lying about his past support. In audio provided by Montana Democrats, Gianforte told a voter in Belgrade on Monday "I've never advocated for a sales tax." The person at the tour said "That's not true," to which Gianforte said "Well, you're wrong." Gianforte told the voter he said it was politically impossible and that he was not in favor of a sales tax. Audio from the 2002 meeting does not show Gianforte saying he was not in favor of a sales tax. Montana Democratic Party spokesman Jason Pitt said Montana voters don't believe Gianforte. "Gianforte can continue to lie to Montana voters ... but folks here see right through it," he said. "It is clear Montanans are genuinely concerned about Mr. Gianforte's record of advocating for sales tax, and pretending it never happened won't cut it." Earlier this month Bullock said if re-elected he would ask the Legislature to send voters a referendum to ban a statewide sales tax. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., who was a state senator representing Big Sandy in 2002 and attended the meeting, said its distressing to see Gianfortes claims now. He solidly advocated for a sales tax, Tester said. Theres no ifs, ands or buts about it. Its there, it was 14 years ago but thats how I remember it and I think the record confirms that. Tester said he remembers the committee, which included Democrats, Republicans and Independents, heard the idea but didnt pursue it. Im sure we bounced that around but didnt give it a lot of credence, Tester said. Montana voters opposed many times a statewide sales tax. Former Director of the Department of Revenue under Martz, Kurt Alme, who was at the meeting, said this week that Gianfortes testimony was helpful. At the Senate hearing on Gov. Martz's proposal, Greg Gianforte's testimony was very helpful as we encouraged the Legislature to lower Montana's high income and capital gains tax rates. His efforts helped secure the lower tax rates all Montanans now enjoy." At the meeting, Gianforte talked about what would happen if the company went public and employees, who owned 30 percent of RightNow in stock, wanted to sell it. Were going to have a difficult decision in a couple years when this business morphs into something else and theres going to be a $7 to $10 million personal incentive to leave the state. The advisory council ended up recommending a limited sales tax on goods and services which it said nonresidents bought more than Montanans, things like eating out, alcoholic beverages, rental cars and guided trips. In 2003 the Legislature passed and Martz signed the Montana Economic Development Tax Act, which reduced the number of tax brackets, lowered the top bracket from 11 percent to 6.9 percent and gave a credit on capital gains of 2 percent by 2007, among other things. The act created a limited sales tax on accommodations and campgrounds and rental cars and increased taxes on cigarettes and other types of tobacco. A report by the Montana Budget and Policy Center in 2009 said the act did not expand the states economy. A 2013 report by Dan Dodds, a senior economist with the Department of Revenue, in part says any effect SB 407 had on the state economy appears to be smaller than the effects due to other influences. The departments report also says the law didnt increase the supply of labor and its unclear if it increased entrepreneurship. The evidence is consistent with increased employment due to SB 407 making Montana more attractive for unincorporated businesses, but lack of payroll data from before 2005 limits what can be said. Severn Trent Water are investigating after residents raised concerns about a chemically taste in their tap water this week. Several residents took to social media this week to complain about the taste of their tap water, some speculating that the strange taste and smell was caused by chlorine. A spokesperson for Severn Trent said: Were aware that some customers in the Stratford-upon-Avon area have concerns about their water supply, however weve only received one complaint about water quality from that area. We want people to be confident about their water supply, and as people are worried, were completing a full investigation to see if theres anything that could be affecting the water quality in the area. We carry out rigorous quality checks of our water every hour of every day to make sure its safe to drink and meets the high expectations that our customers have. None of our routine tests show any evidence that the water is unsafe to drink. Revd Patrick Taylor with Dr Rowan Williams when he visited Holy Trinity earlier this year. Inset, Louis Osborne as the young Will Shakeshafte. A dramatic new play about William Shakespeare written by the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, is to have its English premiere at Stratford-upon-Avons Holy Trinity Church where the poet was baptised and is buried. Set in 1581, the play Shakeshafte reconstructs a dialogue between a young Shakespeare and the Jesuit missionary Edmund Campion, who was later arrested by priest hunters, convicted of high treason and hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn. Now Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, Dr Williams revealed the plot when guest speaker at a fund-raising dinner organised by the Friends of Shakespeares Church for the 70,000 restoration of the churchs 13th Century St Peters Chapel. Describing Shakeshafte as a bit of imaginative writing, Dr Williams said: Its not a comedy or a tragedy, its a drama with a bit of blood and guts to it, although not literally. The play is based on the idea that Shakespeare might, as a young man, have spent some time in Lancashire in one of the great houses of a Catholic family. There was some evidence, says Dr Williams, that he was there in the winter of 1581, as was Campion who would be travelling in disguise because it was then illegal to be a Catholic priest. What I really wanted to do was not write a piece of historical detective work but to think about what a great saint and a great artist might have had to say to each other. So the core of the play is the dialogue between Shakeshafte/Shakespeare and Campion, a man of colossal courage who knows that as soon as he is captured he will be tortured and executed. How might Campion, a playwright himself with an understanding of acting, have influenced the young poet? What lessons might he have passed on about theatre, about pretence, about authority, about disguise? Such was the interest in the play from those attending the dinner in February, that Ronnie Mulryne, Chairman of the Friends and Emeritus Professor specialising in Shakespeare and renaissance drama at Warwick University, approached Dr Williams about the possibility of performing it in Stratford. Dr Williams sent me the script and I discussed the idea with the Vicar, the Revd Patrick Taylor, and our drama group, Trinity Players, Prof Mulryne said: We were fascinated by the concept of the play and to perform it in Shakespeares Church and in the playwrights 400th anniversary year, seemed absolutely right. This is, as Dr Williams says, a gutsy play that conveys a strong sense of the tensions and anxieties of William Shakespeares time as well as its crisis of religious belief. Powerful stuff! Ursula Russell who leads Trinity Players, said: We formed the drama group in 2007 and have staged a number of successful productions in Holy Trinity Church. The Archbishop knows our work and it is a tremendous honour that he is entrusting us to be the first drama group in England to perform his play. In July, Dr Williams attended the Welsh premiere of the play at the Dylan Thomas Theatre in Swansea, his home town. One reviewer wrote: Whether or not Shakeshafte was Shakespeare, this thought-provoking portrayal deserves to be staged beyond Williamss native West Wales where it was very well received. When and Where: Shakeshafte will be performed at Holy Trinity Church tonight (Thursday) at 7pm and on Saturday, 2pm and 7pm - tickets available on the door. Haivision and Thinkingbox Power 360-Degree Virtual Reality 4K Live Stream for The CMA Awards Mary Kay Fashion Cam on the Red Carpet Montreal( ) Haivision, a market leader in enterprise video and streaming solutions, today announced that it is helping power the 360-degree virtual reality (VR) 4K live stream for The CMA Awards Mary Kay Fashion Cam the first live VR experience from The CMA Awards Red Carpet. Starting at 6 p.m. CT on Wednesday, November 2, the live stream from the fashion cam will give fans an exclusive inside look at artists live on the red carpet at The 50th Annual CMA Awards as they enter the action and answer questions from music duo and YouTube stars Megan & Liz Mace. To watch the Fashion Cam live, viewers can visit http://countrymu.sc/marykay. The broadcast of The 50th Annual CMA Awards continues at 7CT/8ET on ABC. The live stream is powered by the Nokia Ozo VR camera and Haivision's KB 4K HEVC/H.264 Encoder, and the digital production is managed by Thinkingbox, a leading global creative and digital production studio. Trusted for the highest quality immersive 360 VR internet streaming experiences, Haivisions KB 4K Encoder features HEVC to deliver the highest resolution video to global internet audiences. In the live video workflow, the 8 cameras of the Nokia OZO are aggregated by OZO Live video processing software and delivered to the Haivision KB 4K Encoder as 4096 2160 resolution stereoscopic (3D) video. The Haivision 4K Encoder encodes the video and streams directly to YouTube Live. Viewers can enjoy an engaging red carpet experience as if they were standing right in the action by watching on YouTubes HTML5 Video Player which supports 3D VR 360 playback. Webinar about Internet Streaming with Haivisions KB Encoder To learn more about Haivisions KB 4K Encoder, register for the webinar taking place on November 10th at 11am ET. About Thinkingbox Thinkingbox is a leading Global creative and digital production studio. Producing award winning creative content, digital experiences, VR / AR projects and experiential campaigns, the studio works with a roster of global agencies and brands. For more information about Thinkingbox see www.thinkingbox.com. About CMA Awards The CMA Awards debuted in 1967 with Sonny James and Bobbie Gentry as hosts. In 1968, Dale Evans and Roy Rogers took over and the Awards were taped by NBC at the Kraft Music Hall, for its national broadcast debut on NBC-TV (the FIRST nationally televised music awards program on network television). In 1969, the Awards were televised live for the first time. The Awards expanded to two hours in 1988 and expanded yet again to three hours in 1993. Recognized worldwide as "Country Music's Biggest Night," the CMA Awards represents the pinnacle of achievement for Country Music artists, musicians, producers, publishers, songwriters, video directors, and industry executives who work in America's most popular music genre. CMA Award winners are chosen in online voting by eligible industry professional members of CMA. Thus, Award winners are honored by their peers in the music industry. The staff of CMA does not participate in the voting process. About Haivision Wells Fargo analyst David Maris weighed in on Valeant Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: VRX) following reports it may be close to a deal to divest Salix for approximately $10 billion. VRX issued a statement that it is in discussions with third parties for various divestitures including but not limited to Salix. Maris said selling Salix is like selling the stove to keep the restaurant. "This is the latest in a string of surprising news that we believe is all connected and is more of an acknowledgment of significant challenges rather than a resolution," Maris said. "VRX has confirmed discussions regarding a potential Salix sale; this comes just one day after Bloomberg reported the Department of Justice may be preparing accounting fraud charges against VRX and/or its former executives, and just 2 weeks after the company unexpectedly raised prices on a number of products, including the two largest revenue generators. VRX may be trying to avoid a potential default, knowing accounting fraud charges, class action suits, and pending maturities may significantly outstrip its ability to meet its obligations. In other words, we think VRX would not sell its core assets if things were going well." If VRX were to sell Salix, they believe the company's growth profile would be significantly reduced as the company would be more levered to its neuro/other products portfolio, which is expected to decline by 20% per year through 2018, and its dermatology franchise, which appears to us to also be in decline, based on current prescription and sales trends. The firm maintained an Underperform rating and price target range of $17-$22 on the stock. For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Valeant Pharmaceuticals click here. For more ratings news on Valeant Pharmaceuticals click here. Shares of Valeant Pharmaceuticals closed at $23.86 yesterday. WALTHAM, Mass., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- American DG Energy Inc. (NYSE MKT: ADGE), On-Site Utility, offering clean electricity, heat, hot water and cooling solutions to hospitality, healthcare, housing and fitness facilities will release its financial results for the third quarter of 2016 before the market opens on Thursday, November 10, 2016. The earnings press release will be available in the "News Releases" section of the Company website at http://investors.americandg.com/. Members of American DG's senior management team will hold a conference call and webcast on the same day at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the company's third quarter financial performance. The conference call will be available live via telephone and webcast. To listen to the audio portion, dial toll free (866) 364-3819 from the U.S., (855) 669-9657 from Canada, or +1 (412) 902-4209 from other international locations. Participants should ask to be joined to the American DG Energy earnings call. Please begin dialing at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time. Alternately, to register for and listen to the live webcast, please go to http://investors.americandg.com/webcast. The earnings conference call will be recorded and available for playback one hour after the end of the call through Thursday, November 17, 2016. To listen to the playback, dial (877) 344-7529 from the U.S., (855) 669-9658 from Canada, or +1 (412) 317-0088 from other international locations and reference Replay Access Code 10094791. Following the call, the webcast will be archived for 30 days. About American DG EnergyAmerican DG Energy supplies low-cost energy to its customers through distributed power generating systems. We are committed to providing institutional, commercial and small industrial facilities with clean, reliable power, cooling, heat and hot water at lower costs than charged by local utilities - without any capital or start-up costs to the energy user - through our On-Site Utility energy solutions. American DG Energy is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Learn more about how American DG Energy reduces energy costs at www.americandg.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSThis press release contains forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, as disclosed on the Company's website and in Securities and Exchange Commission filings. This press release does not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities by the Company, its subsidiaries or any associated party and is meant purely for informational purposes. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its website or otherwise. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-dg-energy-schedules-earnings-release-and-conference-call-for-third-quarter-2016-results-300355772.html SOURCE American DG Energy Inc. - Fourth annual Seeing Business Differently Award winners recognized in San Antonio - PADUCAH, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Computer Services, Inc. (CSI) (OTCQX: CSVI), a provider of end-to-end financial technology solutions, honored three banks for their outstanding approach to technology and service as part of the companys fourth annual Seeing Business Differently Awards. Illinois National Bank, Salin Bank and Truxton Trust were selected as this years winning institutions and were recognized during CSI Customer Conference 2016. CSIs Seeing Business Differently Awards highlight the ongoing efforts of CSI customers to enhance their institutions performance by deploying innovative strategies and the latest technologies. Specifically, nominees are evaluated on a series of key metrics, including their ability to implement new products and programs to improve profitability, attract new customers and enhance operations. The recipients of our fourth annual Seeing Business Different Awards have continued to improve their business practices and attract new customers through technology-based, service-focused initiatives, said Steve Powless, CSIs chief executive officer. The financial industry is tremendously competitive and always evolving, and CSI is proud to honor these companies for setting themselves apart from their competitors through a strategic use of technology. Honorees were determined based on the awards established criteria; however, each institution utilized different tactics to achieve its success: In an effort to streamline internal operations while still assuring quality customer service, Illinois National Bank (Springfield, Illinois) utilized CSI CRM to implement a new centralized call center that allows the bank to provide consistent customer support across its entire branch network, while also leveraging that information to help identify and resolve issues faster than ever before. The bank also utilizes CSI IQ, a robust data analytics tool, to create reports based on the data available within the core and CSI CRM. Since these solutions are fully integrated, Illinois National Bank can now leverage its customer data to better understand its clients needs and develop more meaningful service experiences. We see real value in the integration among these products because it allows us to capture every interaction, from the call center to the drive-through window, and use that information to better serve our customers, said Sarah Phalen, president and CEO of Illinois National Bank. And not only has the call center freed up time for our in-branch staff, but now when we contact customers and use the data available to us, they recognize that we are truly delivering services that are relevant to their financial needs. Salin Bank (Indianapolis, Indiana) wanted to use technology to transform its bank network to continue building and fostering meaningful customer relationships, especially as its customers financial needs evolve. The bank set out to make this transition by adding interactive video service to its 40 ATMs throughout the state, allowing it to expand customer service hours from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Reliable technology infrastructure was required to implement the initiative, so the bank partnered with CSI for its numerous IT needs, including server hosting, IT systems management, threat mitigation and backup capabilities. At Salin Bank, were focused on transforming our branch network because as client needs evolve, so must the ways in which we provide service, said Jim Alender, president of Salin Bank. The investments made in our branches and technology allows us to offer best-in-class service to our clients regardless of their delivery-channel preferences, and our partnership with CSI for managed services allows them to provide the reliable infrastructure we need, while we get to focus on client service and profitability. Finally, Truxton Trust (Nashville, Tennessee) has established a large network of clients across the U.S. by using self-service technology and giving their financial advisors the freedom to travel to different markets in order to serve customers directly. The banks goal is to make banking so simple that clients can interact with the bank from anywhere, all while providing excellent personal support. In fact, Truxton currently has customers in roughly 20 states where it has no physical branches. And its been the banks strategic use of such outsourced technology strategies as managed services that has enabled its business model. "With the help of secure, reliable technology, we can take our services directly to our clients offices, which allows us to work with clients who can live literally anywhere," said Tom Stumb, chairman and CEO of Truxton Trust. "Our approach to technology is twofold: it has to save users from hassle and effort, and it needs to save business owners time and money. And at Truxton, we are using technology that accomplishes both those objectives." CSI Customer Conference 2016 was held Nov.1 through Nov. 3 in San Antonio, Texas, at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa. About Computer Services, Inc. Computer Services, Inc. (CSI) delivers core processing, managed services, mobile and Internet solutions, payments processing, print and electronic distribution, and regulatory compliance solutions to financial institutions and corporate customers across the nation. Exceptional service, dynamic solutions and superior results are the foundation of CSIs reputation and have resulted in the companys inclusion in such top industry-wide rankings as the FinTech 100, Talkin Cloud 100 and MSPmentor Top 501 Global Managed Service Providers List. CSIs stock is traded on OTCQX under the symbol CSVI. For more information about CSI, visit www.csiweb.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005015/en/ For CSI Brandon Dyce, 270-442-7361 or For CSI Stephen Sprayberry, 678-781-7207 or For CSI Haleigh Tomasek, 678-781-7208 Source: Computer Services, Inc. CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island, Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Melanie Wildman was named the winner of four Stevie Awards multiple categories in The 13th Annual International Business Awards. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435715 The International Business Awards are the world's premier business awards program. All individuals and organizations worldwide public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small - are eligible to submit nominations. The 2016 IBAs received entries from more than 60 nations and territories. Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word for "crowned," the awards were presented to winners at the gala awards banquet at the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Rome, Italy on 21 October. A record total of more than 3,800 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories, including Company of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Startup of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year, and Executive of the Year, among others. Melanie Wildman won four awards in total. Two gold Stevie Awards for Nutracelle in Startup of the Year Consumer Products Industries and for Best New Product or Service of the Year Consumer Products. She also won one gold Stevie Award for Woman of the Year and one silver Stevie Award for Innovator of the Year. "Very strong entry, Nutracelle's results were amazing. This company has grown at a rapid pace, and their KPI information indicates they have the ability to exceed their own expectations. Very interesting entry to read about on the Internet, as well. Awesome job," wrote one of the judges. Melanie Wildman is ecstatic about her newest venture's recognition. "Thank you, Stevie Awards! It is not often enough that women in business are recognized for the amazing accomplishments they achieve. The platform you provide for businesses is invaluable. Nutracelle is truly a team effort and I am proud of what our team has accomplished in such a short amount of time. We will continue inspiring women to achieve more than they dream is possible." Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 200 executives worldwide who participated in the judging process from May through early August. "This year's IBA judges were treated to many remarkable and inspiring stories of achievement around the world," said Michael Gallagher, president and founder of the Stevie Awards. "We look forward to sharing many of these stories with people around the world over the coming months, through the Stevie Awards blog and social media channels, with the hope that they will inspire and instruct the next generation of business achievers." Details about The International Business Awards and the lists of Stevie Award winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/IBA. About Melanie Wildman Melanie Wildman is a mother of three, wife, Founder and CEO of two successful multi-million dollar companies, WLF Medical and Nutracelle, and a former Stevie Award winner for International Women in Business Award for Bronze Executive of the Year. Melanie, a former Mrs. Canada and First Runner up to Mrs. Universe lost over 100 lbs after having bariatric surgery, and she is passionate about helping others live healthier lives and achieving their dreams. Learn more about Nutracelle at http://nutracelle.com. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in seven programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 10,000 nominations each year from organizations in more than 60 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at www.StevieAwards.com. MELANIE WILDMAN WINS FOUR STEVIE AWARDS IN 2016 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AWARDSSM Related Images image1.jpg image2.jpg image3.jpg Related Links Web Site Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScXOnD1Ab2A This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/melanie-wildman-wins-four-stevie-awards-in-2016-international-business-awards-300356503.html SOURCE Melanie Wildman SINGAPORE, Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Discover a breathtaking array of stunning jewellery this weekend at the Singapore Jewellery & Gem Fair 2016. A range of exquisitely handcrafted jewellery, first-time pieces, to view or buy, include Peranakan-themed jewellery from Foundation Jewellers, pieces from the Italian jeweller Famosi Singapore, as well as antique and vintage jewellery from Revival Vintage Jewels & Objects. Along with these pieces on show for the first time in Southeast Asia, is a wide array of jewellery at prices set to suit any budget. Over 100 upcoming designers, international manufacturers and private boutiques are exhibiting at the fair, which takes place at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre from Friday to Monday, 4-7 November 2016 between 11am-8pm (4-6 November) and 11am-5pm (7 November). Some of the unique intricate jewellery pieces that Foundation Jewellers are exhibiting include an elegant Peranakan silver belt with phoenix-motif buckle and a stylish tiara shaped pendant. Both pieces are encrusted in brilliant-cut diamonds, set in 18-karat yellow gold to symbolise the grandeur of royalty. Revival Vintage Jewels & Objects will feature a stunning diamond double clip brooch designed as a scrolling baguette and circular-cut ribbon by Trabert Hoeffer Mauboussin. The brooch's timeless beauty dates back to the 1940s. The Oro D'Italia Pavillion presented by Famosi Singapore and MADE IN PARADISE LUXURY will host esteemed Italian brands like TODINI, Santagostino, Massimo Ripa and Mario Buzzanca, which are new to Singapore's jewellery market. Singapore Jewellery Design Award The Singapore Jewellery Design Award (SJDA) will be presented at the fair on Friday, 4 November 2016. Themed "Metamorphosis", this year's competition challenged design students to create riveting and commercially viable jewellery for the modern women through versatility, innovation and creativity. The most outstanding designs will be transformed into dazzling pieces of jewellery, produced by SJDA's official manufacturing sponsor -- Lee Hwa Jewellery. The list of 2016 winners are: Category A (Day & Night) - Winner: Ms Liubov Klivitkina, Russia, The Moscow State University of Design and Technology Category B (Past & Future) - Winner: Ms Abigail Cutaran, The Philippines, University of the Philippines Category C (Fluidity & Solidity) - Winner: Ms Lee Yu Chien, Taiwan, Taiwan Jewellery Arts Institute "Young designers play a pivotal role in injecting the jewellery industry with a fresh contemporary outlook on the creative development of jewellery designs and techniques," said Charles Ho, Managing Director, On Cheong Company Pte Ltd and President of the Singapore Jewellers Association. "Their artistic creativity will revolutionise the industry and bring innovative designs to life. Through the awards, we hope to tap into the abundance of raw talent out there and recognise these promising young designers by providing them the opportunity to display their unique skills and designs." Mr. Kean Ng, Business Director, Lee Hwa Jewellery, said, "This year's theme, 'Metamorphosis', is selected to push the boundaries for jewellery design. Students are challenged to create riveting and commercially viable jewellery for the modern women. The theme calls for designs that would showcase versatility, innovation and creativity through a keen understanding of the current jewellery market. This year's entries have provided an encouraging outlook on the future of the jewellery design landscape in Singapore. We would like to thank all the participants and congratulate the finalists and winners of the competition." Declaration Programme for Natural Diamond Exhibitors Those seeking to purchase natural diamonds during the Singapore Jewellery & Gem Fair will also be able to take advantage of the Declaration Programme for Natural Diamond Exhibitors, an initiative by UBM Asia (organisers of the event) and Diamond Exchange of Singapore (DES). "We want to make it easier for buyers to locate verified suppliers of natural diamonds in Singapore on the show floor. As such, only members of DES who participate in the Declaration Programme will be allowed to display a standard label in a prominent position on their booths identifying them as natural diamond suppliers," said Reuben Khafi, President of DES. Jewellery insights at your fingertips Throughout the four-day event, the Singapore Jewellery & Gem Fair will be hosting a series of seminars and workshops designed to educate visitors about the latest jewellery design and gemstone trends. The seminars will feature distinguished experts such as Tanja Sadow, Dean and Director of Jewellery Design and Management International School and Panissara Navasamakkarnanja, Instructor, GIA Education, who will be sharing their tips, insights, perspectives and knowledge on topics such as "Marketing Gemstones & Jewellery to Millennials", "A Guide To Collecting Vintage Jewellery" and "History and Value Factors of Pearls" to allow participants to learn, understand and gain a more profound appreciation of fine jewellery and gems. For more information, visit: www.singaporejewellerygemfair.com About Singapore Jewellery & Gem Fair Exclusively endorsed by the Singapore Jewellers Association and the Diamond Exchange of Singapore, Singapore Jewellery & Gem Fair is the most important fine jewellery event in Singapore and the region. In 2015, the event attracted over 100 internationally-acclaimed exhibitors, targeting the region's fastest growing high-net-worth population, jewellery enthusiasts as well as jewellery trade buyers. The fair is organised by UBM Exhibition Singapore Pte Ltd, member of UBM Asia, the organiser of the world's leading fine jewellery event, the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. About UBM Asia (www.ubmasia.com) Owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is the largest trade show organiser in Asia and the largest commercial organiser in China, India, Malaysia and Thailand. Established with its headquarters in Hong Kong and subsidiary companies across Asia and in the US, UBM Asia has a strong global presence in 24 major cities with 32 offices and 1,300 staff. With a track record spanning over 30 years, UBM Asia operates in 19 market sectors with 230 events, 28 targeted trade publications, 18 round-the-clock online products for over 2,000,000 quality exhibitors, visitors, conference delegates, advertisers and subscribers from all over the world. We provide a one-stop diversified global service for high-value business matching, quality market news and online trading networks. UBM Asia has extensive office networks in China, Southeast Asia and India, three of the world's fastest growing B2B events markets. UBM China has 12 offices in the major cities in mainland China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Guzhen and Shenzhen, where we organise 90 events. In ASEAN, UBM Asia operates from its offices in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines with 70 events in this region. UBM India teams in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai organise over 20 events every year across the country. UBM Asia was awarded 'Asia's Most Reliable Trade Show Organizer Award' in Hong Kong's Most Valuable Companies Awards (HKMVCA) 2016. Media contacts Selena SheikhPINPOINT PRMobile: +65 9746 8549[email protected] Clara Leong UBM Exhibition SingaporeOffice: +65 6592 0888 ext 783[email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161015/429065LOGOLogo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121014/HK92339LOGO-dPhoto - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435290Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435291Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435292 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/prepared-to-be-bedazzled-by-breathtaking-uniquely-handcrafted-jewellery-this-weekend-300356501.html SOURCE UBM Asia CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/02/16 -- Pulse Seismic Inc. ("Pulse" or "the Company") (TSX: PSD)(OTCQX: PLSDF) reports its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and management's discussion and analysis will be filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and will be available on Pulse's website (www.pulseseismic.com). HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 Financial highlights for the three and nine-month periods are: -- Seismic data library sales for the third quarter of 2016 increased to $5.6 million from $4.7 million for the comparable period in 2015. Seismic data library sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $10.2 million compared to $12.5 million for the comparable period of 2015; -- Total seismic revenue, consisting strictly of data library sales, was $10.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $15.7 million, which included $3.2 million of participation survey revenue, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015; -- The net loss was $302,000 ($0.01 per share basic and diluted) for the third quarter of 2016 compared to a net loss of $1.6 million ($0.03 per share basic and diluted) for the same period in 2015. The net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $6.2 million ($0.11 per share basic and diluted) compared to a net loss of $6.0 million ($0.10 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months of 2015; -- Cash EBITDA(a) was $4.4 million ($0.08 per share basic and diluted) for the third quarter of 2016 compared to $3.3 million ($0.06 per share basic and diluted) for the third quarter of 2015. Cash EBITDA was $6.1 million ($0.11 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $8.1 million ($0.14 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015; -- Shareholder free cash flow(a) was $4.3 million ($0.08 per share basic and diluted) for the third quarter of 2016 compared to $3.2 million ($0.06 per share basic and diluted) for the comparable period in 2015. Shareholder free cash flow was $6.0 million ($0.11 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $7.8 million ($0.14 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015; -- The Company did not buy any shares during the third quarter of 2016. In the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016 Pulse purchased and cancelled, through its normal course issuer bid, a total of 100,900 common shares at a total cost of approximately $231,000 (average cost of $2.29 per common share including commissions); and -- At September 30, 2016 Pulse was debt-free and had a cash balance of $3.9 million. The Company's $30.0 million revolving credit facility is undrawn and fully available. SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Year ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 December 31, (thousands of dollars except per share data, number of shares and kilometres of seismic data) (unaudited) (unaudited) 2015 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue Data library sales 5,613 4,678 10,163 12,455 21,214 Participation surveys - - - 3,220 3,220 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total revenue 5,613 4,678 10,163 15,675 24,434 Amortization of seismic data library 4,701 5,262 14,316 17,857 22,836 Impairment loss - - - - 937 Net loss (302) (1,579) (6,237) (5,966) (5,308) Per share basic and diluted (0.01) (0.03) (0.11) (0.10) (0.09) Cash provided by operating activities 2,265 7,832 6,954 14,193 17,094 Per share basic and diluted 0.04 0.14 0.12 0.25 0.30 Cash EBITDA (a) 4,353 3,332 6,123 8,078 15,121 Per share basic and diluted (a) 0.08 0.06 0.11 0.14 0.27 Shareholder free cash flow (a) 4,336 3,249 6,026 7,773 14,745 Per share basic and diluted (a) 0.08 0.06 0.11 0.14 0.26 Capital expenditures Participation surveys (cost reduction) - (9) - 3,959 3,959 Seismic data purchases, digitization and related costs 165 - 2,380 183 933 Property and equipment - - 6 14 14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total capital expenditures 165 (9) 2,386 4,156 4,906 Weighted average shares outstanding Basic and diluted 56,161,432 56,618,252 56,126,720 56,826,409 56,628,524 Shares outstanding at period-end 56,161,432 56,352,989 55,592,689 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seismic library 2D in kilometres 447,000 339,991 339,991 3D in square kilometres 28,642 28,409 28,555 FINANCIAL POSITION AND RATIOS (thousands of dollars except September 30, September 30, December 31, ratios) 2016 2015 2015 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Working capital 8,008 1,988 4,996 Working capital ratio 9.56:1 2.76:1 4.44:1 Total assets 46,782 56,496 54,618 Long-term debt - 1,456 - Trailing twelve-month (TTM) cash EBITDA (b) 13,166 14,739 15,121 Shareholders' equity 40,406 46,396 45,389 Long-term debt to TTM cash EBITDA ratio 0.00:1 0.10:1 0.00:1 Long-term debt to equity ratio 0.00:1 0.03:1 0.00:1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (a) The Company's continuous disclosure documents provide discussion and analysis of "cash EBITDA", "cash EBITDA per share", "shareholder free cash flow" and "shareholder free cash flow per share". These non-GAAP financial measures do not have standard definitions prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies. The Company has included these non-GAAP financial measures because management, investors, analysts and others use them as measures of the Company's financial performance. The Company's definition of cash EBITDA is cash available for interest payments, cash taxes if applicable, repayment of debt, purchase of its shares, discretionary capital expenditures and the payment of dividends (if applicable), and is calculated as earnings (loss) from operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization less participation survey revenue, plus any non-cash and non-recurring expenses. Cash EBITDA excludes participation survey revenue as these funds are directly used to fund specific participation surveys and this revenue is not available for discretionary capital expenditures. The Company believes cash EBITDA assists investors in comparing Pulse's results on a consistent basis without regard to participation survey revenue and non-cash items, such as depreciation and amortization, which can vary significantly depending on accounting methods or non- operating factors such as historical cost. Cash EBITDA per share is defined as cash EBITDA divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Shareholder free cash flow further refines the calculation of capital available to invest in growing the Company's 2D and 3D seismic data library, to repay debt, to purchase its common shares and to pay dividends (if applicable) by deducting non- discretionary expenditures from cash EBITDA. Non-discretionary expenditures are defined as debt financing costs (net of deferred financing expenses amortized in the current period) and current tax provisions. Shareholder free cash flow per share is defined as shareholder free cash flow divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. (b) TTM cash EBITDA is defined as the sum of the trailing 12 months' cash EBITDA and is used to provide a comparable annualized measure. OUTLOOK The Company is observing a number of positive signs that, although individually modest, collectively point towards a strengthened oil and natural gas industry outlook. Pulse's improved seismic data library sales in the third quarter made up some of the ground lost in the weak second quarter. Pulse continues to have poor visibility regarding both traditional and transaction-based data library sales for the remainder of the year and, accordingly, overall data library sales for 2016 could be lower year-over-year. Industry merger and acquisition activity, the primary source of Pulse's transaction-based sales, has been lower than expected to date this year. Although many producing asset packages and companies continue to be marketed, bid-ask spreads remain high and some management teams appear to be attempting to "hold on" until better times. Mineral lease auctions across western Canada have remained extremely low, as has oil and natural gas drilling activity. The Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors' revised 2016 drilling forecast, issued in late September, calls for only 3,562 wells to be drilled in 2016, down by 25 percent from the organization's original forecast of 4,728 wells and down from 5,300 wells drilled in 2015. Drilling rig utilization was only 17 percent in the third quarter compared to 24 percent utilization of a larger drilling fleet in the same months of 2015. These figures mainly confirm, however, that 2016 will be a weak year for the industry and suggest low field activity for the short term. Certain other forward-looking indicators appear to be improving. In mid-October crude oil prices did briefly climb above US$50 per barrel WTI amidst indicators that the growth in crude oil inventories has halted and may begin to decline. Natural gas prices have improved markedly. The Alberta benchmark AECO price closed at $3.25 per mcf on October 20. This was up from $2.61 per mcf one year earlier and is significantly higher than the year-to-date average price of $1.95 per mcf. Natural gas storage volumes in the United States, though high, are now tracking the upper end of the five-year weekly range. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently predicted robust growth in U.S. residential natural gas consumption over the winter. Meanwhile, with barely 100 rigs drilling for natural gas in the U.S., production from unconventional shale reservoirs is continuing its decline. Pipeline exports to Mexico continue to grow, while Cheniere Energy's Sabine Pass project, North America's first large-scale LNG export operation, now has two liquefaction trains licensed for commercial operations. The EIA forecasts that U.S. LNG exports will average 1.3 billion cubic feet per day in 2017, marking the country's first material export volumes spanning an entire year. In Canada, federal approval (with numerous conditions) of the Pacific Northwest LNG export facility is a positive step towards a final investment decision for this landmark project. Together, these factors suggest potential for a supply-demand rebalancing to take hold in North America. For western Canada's upstream oil and gas sector, low to negative cash flows, typically heavy debt loads, low share prices and investor caution are likely to delay by a number of months or quarters a noticeable supply response in the form of greater field capital expenditures, land acquisitions and drilling. The price-related trends for both major hydrocarbon commodities are, however, generally positive for the first time in at least two years. Higher industry capital spending historically has been associated with higher data library sales. For this reason, Pulse remains very cautious about the short term, but is becoming more optimistic regarding the medium term. Due to its low cost structure, Pulse is a high-margin business under even modestly positive levels of data library sales, and creates significant leverage for cash EBITDA and shareholder free cash flow under a significant rebound in data library sales. In the meantime, Pulse will remain financially prudent. With zero long-term debt and cash of $3.9 million at September 30, the Company's balance sheet is even stronger than at the end of the first or second quarters. The Company's ability to generate cash EBITDA and shareholder free cash flow in all three quarters underscores the benefits of the Company's cash-focused business model. Pulse's long-term goal continues to be growing into Western Canada's largest licensable seismic data library. CONFERENCE CALL The Company's next conference call will be held after the release of its year-end 2016 results, in March 2017. Should investors or analysts wish to contact the Company, please feel free to contact Neal Coleman or Pamela Wicks at the e-mail address or telephone number provided below. CORPORATE PROFILE Pulse is a market leader in the acquisition, marketing and licensing of 2D and 3D seismic data to the western Canadian energy sector. Pulse owns the second-largest licensable seismic data library in Canada, currently consisting of approximately 28,600 square kilometres of 3D seismic and 447,000 kilometres of 2D seismic. The library extensively covers the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin where most of Canada's oil and natural gas exploration and development occur. This news release contains information that constitutes "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation which includes, among other things, statements regarding: -- Pulse continues to have poor visibility regarding both traditional and transaction-based data library sales for the reminder of the year; -- Overall data library sales for 2016 could be lower year-over-year; -- Pulse remains very cautious about the short term but is becoming more optimistic regarding the medium term; -- Oil and natural gas prices; -- Oil and natural gas drilling activity and land sales activity; -- Oil and natural gas company capital budgets; -- Future demand for seismic data; -- Future seismic data sales; -- Future demand for participation surveys; -- Pulse's business and growth strategy; and -- Other expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions, information and statements about possible future events, conditions, results and performance. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to vary and in some instances to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Pulse does not publish specific financial goals or otherwise provide guidance, due to the inherently poor visibility of seismic revenue. The material risk factors include, without limitation: -- Oil and natural gas prices; -- Seismic industry cycles and seasonality; -- The demand for seismic data and participation surveys; -- The pricing of data library licensing sales; -- Relicensing (change-of-control) fees, partner copy sales and asset disposition-related sales; -- The level of pre-funding of participation surveys, and the Company's ability to make subsequent data library sales from such participation surveys; -- The Company's ability to complete participation surveys on time and within budget; -- Environmental, health and safety risks; -- The effect of seasonality and weather conditions on participation surveys; -- Federal and provincial government laws and regulations, including those pertaining to taxation, royalty rates, environmental protection and safety; -- Competition; -- Dependence on qualified seismic field contractors; -- Dependence on key management, operations and marketing personnel; -- The loss of seismic data; -- Cybersecurity threats; -- Protection of intellectual property rights; and -- The introduction of new products. The foregoing list is not exhaustive. Additional information on these risks and other factors which could affect the Company's operations and financial results is included under "Risk Factors" for the most recently completed financial year and interim periods. Forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, expectations, estimates and opinions of the Company's management at the time the information is presented. Contacts: Pulse Seismic Inc. Neal Coleman President and CEO 403-237-5559 or Toll Free: 1-877-460-5559 Pulse Seismic Inc. Pamela Wicks VP Finance and CFO 403-237-5559 or Toll Free: 1-877-460-5559 [email protected] www.pulseseismic.com Source: Pulse Seismic Inc. President of Argentina, Mauricio Macri gestures during a joint news conference with his Uruguayan counterpart, Tabare Vazquez at the Olivos Presidential residence in Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 24, 2016. REUTERS/Enrique Marcarian By Nicolas Misculin BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentina's government has introduced a voting reform bill that could hurt the Peronist opposition in a mid-term election next year that will determine the legislative strength that President Mauricio Macri will have in the final two years of his term. The proposal would require the government to print unified election ballots listing all candidates, replacing the party-by-party ballot system that has benefited bigger groups such as the Peronists. Since his 2015 election, Macri has lowered energy subsidies, cut grains export taxes and ditched trade and currency controls. The October 2017 mid-term election will decide whether he can get the rest of his free-market program through Congress. Under current law, each party provides its own separate ballot sheet. To split a vote and cast one for another party requires another sheet, giving an advantage to larger parties, such as the Peronists, who can print more ballots and man more polling stations to make sure all their votes are counted. Past elections have seen claims of voter fraud involving one party or another making the ballot sheets of their rivals disappear. "The unified ballot will hit the bigger parties," said Mariel Fornoni, an analyst with polling firm Management & Fit. A government official familiar with Macri's thinking was more explicit. "The reform will mean the end of the Peronist machine," said the official, who asked not to be named. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill in the coming weeks. Macri's party is outnumbered in the Senate but he may be able to cobble together a coalition to pass the bill and send it to the lower house for final approval. Peronism has been a huge force since Juan Domingo Peron burst onto the national scene as part of a coup in the 1940s. Macri's predecessor, Cristina Fernandez, is from a left-leaning branch of the Peronist umbrella. Macri is head of the much smaller PRO party, which has had success getting bills through Congress as part of his wider "Let's Change" coalition. "We do not believe in political machines," Macri's Chief of Staff Marcos Pena recently told Reuters. "We have a more contemporary view of politics." Macri was elected on promises of pulling Argentina out of a recession and attracting waves of foreign direct investment. Neither has happened so far. Industrial output shrank 7.3 percent in September versus a year earlier. (Writing by Hugh Bronstein; Editing by Alan Crosby) Senior diplomats from the U.N., United States, China, Britain, the European Union and India board an helicopter in Sittwe to visit the troubled Rohingya villages in the Maungdaw area in northern Rakhine State in Myanmar Novenber 2, 2016. REUTERS/Wa Lone By Simon Lewis and Wa Lone SITTWE, Myanmar (Reuters) - A group of parliamentarians from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called on Myanmar to probe reports of human rights abuses in troubled Rakhine state on Wednesday, as top diplomats based in the country set off to visit the area. Troops have poured into northern Rakhine since militants believed to be Rohingya Muslims launched coordinated attacks on border posts on Oct. 9, killing nine police. The government says five soldiers and at least 33 alleged attackers have been killed in the military operation. The territory has been cut off to aid workers and observers for more than three weeks. Residents and human rights advocates have said government forces have committed abuses including summary executions, rape and setting fire to homes. The government of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi has denied any abuses have been committed. The Rohingya, most of whom live in apartheid-like conditions, are seen by many Myanmar Buddhists as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Some 125,000 remain displaced and face severe travel restrictions in squalid camps since fighting erupted in Rakhine between Buddhists and Muslims in 2012. ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) has urged the Myanmar government to conduct a "thorough and impartial investigation into reports of abuses by security forces" against civilians in Rakhine. It also called on the military to allow aid workers and journalists access to affected areas in order to provide humanitarian assistance and document developments. "The reports coming out of Myanmar's Rakhine State are alarming and demand a credible investigation... All authorities must take urgent action to prevent further violations and fulfill their responsibility to protect the rights of all civilians," said APHR Chairperson Charles Santiago, a member of the Malaysian parliament. "We remain deeply concerned, however, that as a result of the lack of government oversight of security forces, effective systems are not in place to protect civilians or support their chance of seeing justice served." The military operation has sharpened the tension between Suu Kyi's six-month-old civilian administration and the army, which ruled the country for decades and retains key powers, including control of ministries responsible for security. Suu Kyi, on a visit to Japan, was meeting the Burmese diaspora on Wednesday was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the afternoon. The ambassadors of the United States, China, Britain and the European Union left the Rakhine capital, Sittwe, on Wednesday for the northern part of the state under military lockdown. They were led by Nyi Pu, the Suu Kyi-appointed chief minister of Rakhine State. The list of participants reviewed by Reuters also included the top U.N. representative in Myanmar, Renata Lok-Dessallien, as well as envoys from several other countries, including India, Turkey and Indonesia. The officials will visit the Maungdaw area, although the government has not shared a detailed itinerary. The officials have privately expressed scepticism that the high-level diplomatic mission will address the concerns raised by the international community or gain thorough access and will be able to investigate abuses independently. In a sign that the mission was carefully managed by the authorities, state media have been invited to film the diplomats visiting the area, but no international reporters were informed of the trip or allowed to join. Rohingya sources from the area have echoed the concerns about independent access to witnesses, but said the diplomats were likely to visit villages where residents have told Reuters of rapes, destruction of houses and killings of civilians. (Editing by Antoni Slodkowski and Nick Macfie) King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima (R) of the Netherlands place poppies on the Wall of Remembrance during a visit to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia, November 2, 2016. REUTERS/Mark Graham/POOL CANBERRA (Reuters) - King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands laid sunflowers at a memorial in the Australian capital on Wednesday for victims of the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 shot down over Ukraine two years ago. The Dutch royal couple also added to the sea of poppies at the War Memorial in Canberra's Wall of Remembrance and placed a wreath in the Hall of Memory, commemorating servicemen and women who have died in battle. "I think, as a historian, I attach great value to commemorating historical moments, but they are only worthwhile if we also have a common future," King Willem-Alexander said during a meeting with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. "Otherwise, it is not worth celebrating the past." Remembrance Day, commemorating the end of World War One, is on Nov. 11. MH17, traveling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down in July 2014 killing all 298 passengers and crew. Most of the victims were Dutch and 28 were Australians. International prosecutors said in September that the airliner was shot down by a missile fired from a launcher brought into Ukraine from Russia and located in a a village held by pro-Russian rebels, contradicting Moscow's suggestion that Ukraine's military brought down the plane. During their five-day official visit to Australia, the royal couple are due to host a concert at the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday, featuring two renowned Dutch classical pianists Arthur and Lucas Jussen. (Reporting by Reuters TV, Writing by Natasha Howitt; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) People walk in front of the headquarters of the Brazil's largest fixed-line telecoms group Oi, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 22, 2016. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes By Guillermo Parra-Bernal and Ana Mano SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Oi SA is working on a plan by which small-sized suppliers and contractors would be repaid before banks and bondholders, as Brazil's biggest fixed-line phone carrier seeks to garner support from thousands of creditors to emerge faster from creditor protection, two people familiar with the matter said. According to the people, the plan could be presented to members of the so-called Classes 1, 3 and 4 of creditors as early as next week. About 95 percent of Oi's almost 67,000 creditors are included in those classes, which encompass employees, plaintiffs in court cases and small contractors. While the amount owed to the targeted members of the three classes is slightly over 1.2 billion reais ($371 million), Chief Executive Officer Marco Schroeder and the majority of Oi's board believe settling those debts first would help speed up passage of the creditor protection plan, the people said. The plan must be presented first to Oi's bankruptcy judge and prosecutors. The initiative underscores Schroeder's efforts to untangle a protracted reorganization plan that has met fierce resistance from financial creditors and revealed shareholder rifts. At stake is the recovery of a carrier that employs some 140,000 people and is the only phone company operating in about one-third of the nation's 5,500 municipalities. Rio de Janeiro-based Oi, which filed for bankruptcy protection in June after talks to restructure 65.4 billion reais in debt collapsed, declined to comment. The media offices of Oi's two biggest shareholders, Pharol SGPS SA and investment firm FIA Societe Mondiale, also declined to comment. The people spoke under the condition of anonymity because the plan remains private. Oi's legal advisers are currently assessing whether it would be legal to repay some or all of the money owed to smaller creditors in the three creditor classes before the reorganization plan is fully approved, the people said. REPLACEMENT FOR PJT? By negotiating early with smaller creditors who are struggling with Oi's bankruptcy protection, management is signaling that the tussle with banks and bondholders will take longer, said one of the people. If passed, the plan would help shave off the equivalent of 1.5 percent of Oi's total debt. Once the plan for small creditors is formally presented to them, Oi's board and management will decide how to negotiate with financial creditors, the people said. The first step would be deciding whether Oi will hire a replacement for PJT Partners Inc (NYSE: PJT) as the company's adviser in the renegotiation of over 34 billion reais in financial liabilities. Reuters reported on Sept. 30 that PJT would step down over how the negotiations with bond investors were being conducted. According to one of the sources, there is a list of potential replacements to PJT, although Schroeder and part of the board want a Brazil-based firm with deep knowledge of the country's bankruptcy proceedings to undertake the task. Societe Mondiale is against hiring an external adviser to negotiate with bondholders, a third person said. The list of prospective substitutes for PJT includes G5 Evercore, a Sao Paulo-based investment banking firm that is 47 percent-owned by Evercore Partners Inc (NYSE: EVR); Alvarez & Marsal Holdings LLC, and a consortium formed by local turnaround consultancy firm Integra Associados and New York-based investment bank Abadi & Co Global Markets Inc, said the same person. ($1 = 3.2353 reais) (Editing by Phil Berlowitz) Then-Tehran Prosecutor General Saeed Mortazavi attends an execution by hanging in Tehran in this August 2, 2007 file photo. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (Reuters) - Former Tehran prosecutor general Saeed Mortazavi, whose role in curbing dissent has been condemned by human rights groups for years, has been sentenced to 135 lashes on charges related to a corruption trial, Iranian media reported on Wednesday. Mortazavi was convicted of "seizing and wasting public funds while head of the Social Security Organization, an Iranian NGO that provides insurance for the elderly, unemployed and others, in 2012 and 2013, according to state TV's website. The sentence marked a dramatic reversal of fortune for a man who once personified the heavy hand of the Islamic Republic's hardline judiciary. In 2010, Human Rights Watch described Mortazavi as a "serial human rights abuser". Mostafa Turk Hamedani, an attorney for the plaintiffs in the Social Security Organization case, said on Wednesday the sentence was too light for the charges Mortazavi faced. "With respect to the opinion of the judge I am going to file a complaint with the judiciary, he said, according to state television's website. Mortazavi, 49, served as prosecutor general in Tehran from 2003 until 2009 and was the head of the capital's Revolutionary Court for a few years prior to that posting. He first gained widespread attention in the early 2000s for his role in closing dozens of reformist newspapers while heading up the revolutionary court during the reformist presidency of Mohammad Khatami, who was despised by Iranian conservative hardliners for trying to liberalize the Islamic Republic. Zahra Kazemi, an Iranian-Canadian photo journalist, died in Tehrans Evin prison in 2003 in the midst of this crackdown on critical media. The Canadian government said Kazemi was tortured to death and accused Mortazavi of direct involvement. During Mortazavis tenure, three detainees were killed and many tortured in Kahrizak prison in 2009, according to human rights campaigners. The three had been jailed for taking part in street unrest over allegations of fraud in the re-election of then-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a Mortazavi ally. Mortazavi was acquitted of charges related to the deaths of the three Kahrizak prisoners in 2014 but banned from holding public office for five years. Mortavazi was also involved by extension in a protracted feud between Ahmadinejad and the prominent Larijani family. In 2013, Ahmadinejad played an audio clip in the Iranian parliament in which the brother of parliament speaker Ali Larijani allegedly offers a bribe to Mortazavi. Sadeq Amoli Larijani, another brother, is the head of the judiciary. Mortazavi was arrested on the day Ahmadinejad played the audio clip but freed after two days, without explanation. (Reporting by Babak Dehghanpisheh; editing by Mark Heinrich) STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Iceland's president on Wednesday asked the leader of the center-right Independence Party to form a new government after the party emerged on top in a general election on Saturday. President Gudni Johannesson gave the mandate to Bjarni Benediktsson after the party won the largest share of the vote with 29 percent on a campaign to lower taxes and keep the economic recovery on track. "My first step is to speak to leaders of other parties," Benediktsson told reporters. "But this can always take some time, in particular when it is clear that it will not be enough to get two parties to form a government." The Independence Party was a junior member of the former government and has been part of every government between 1980 and 2009 and again from 2013. It presided over the privatization of the banks, the liberalization of the financial sector and its demise, and the country's eventual economic recovery from its 2008 crisis. With voters still angered by the 2008 financial crisis and the naming of several government figures in an offshore tax haven scandal this year, Icelanders looked to oust the center-right coalition in its current form. But many Icelanders opted for stability and the anti-establishment Pirate Party, founded by a group of internet activists, did not perform as well as polls had indicated. While its share of the vote tripled from the last election in 2013, it came in only third with 15 percent. The Left-Green Movement emerged as the second-biggest party while the former government Progressive Party lost more than half of its votes. Its party leader resigned as prime minister on Sunday, a formality as the government did not get a majority. (Reporting by Stockholm newsroom; Editing by Alistair Scrutton) By Mike Stone WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE: LMT) concluded negotiations on their ninth contract for F-35 fighter jets after 14 months of negotiations on the more than $6.1 billion deal, the Pentagon said on Wednesday. The unilateral agreement on the contract for 57 of the new war planes, will give profit margin certainty to Lockheed and its partners who have been producing the jet under a placeholder agreement known as an "undefinitized contract action". People familiar with the contract negotiations who spoke under condition of anonymity said the tenth production contract, a 94-plane deal, was still under negotiation. In a statement, Lockheed said that the contract was "not a mutually agreed upon contract, it was a unilateral contract action, which obligates us to perform under standard terms and conditions, and previously agreed-to items." Adding, "We are disappointed with the decision by the government to issue a unilateral contract action." People familiar with the procurement process said that the unilateral decision was rare. The previous lot of 43 jets, lot 8, had an average unit price of $108 million per plane. Planes in lot 9 are about $107 million per plane, 3.7 percent less, making it the lowest price per jet thus far. The F-35 is the Pentagon's costliest arms program. The U.S. Defense Department expects to spend $391 billion to develop the plane and buy 2,443 of the supersonic, stealthy new warplanes, in the coming decades. The ninth batch of jets includes 42 F-35 A-model jets for the U.S. Air Force, Norway, Israel and Japan; and 13 F-35 B-model jets, which can handle short takeoffs and vertical landings, for the Marine Corps and the British navy, as well as two carrier-variant F-35C jets for the U.S. Navy. Lockheed, and its main partners including Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC), Pratt & Whitney (NYSE: UTX) and BAE Systems , have been developing and building F-35s for the U.S. military and 10 allies. Lockheed's F-35 program manager Jeff Babione had previously said that the price of the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing version of the jet would drop to under $100 million per plane in the 10th low-rate production batch. On Oct. 25 Lockheed, the world's largest defense contractor, reported a quarterly profit that handily beat analysts' expectations, as sales of its Sikorsky helicopters pushed total revenue up 14.8 percent. (Reporting by Mike Stone in Washington; Editing by Bernard Orr) PRAGUE (Reuters) - Russia has asked the Czech Republic to extradite exiled Russian underground artist Oleg Vorotnikov who has been in the country since being detained by police in September, the Czech Justice Ministry said on Wednesday. Vorotnikov, the founder of the art collective Voina who fled Russia five years ago, was detained in Prague after a routine identity check and released the next day but ordered to stay in the country to await a possible extradition request from Moscow. A Czech court will rule on his extradition but Justice Minister Robert Pelikan has the final say. He has been quoted in the local media as saying Vorotnikov was not likely to be returned to Russia. A ministry spokeswoman declined to say what course the minister would take. She said it may take months before a decision on the extradition request is reached. Vorotnikov fled Russia in 2011 and was subject to an Interpol warrant due to his group's high-profile stunts, which authorities have denounced as insulting and violent. His group Voina (War) started in 2007 and gained attention in 2010 by painting a huge phallus on a drawbridge near offices of Russia's FSB security service in St Petersburg. It came under more pressure that year after members overturned police cars in a protest against abuse of power by the force. Vorotnikov could face charges of hooliganism in Russia, which carry stiff sentences. (Reporting by Jason Hovet; Editing by Tom Heneghan) BRATISLAVA (Reuters) - Slovakia has banned companies with undisclosed ownership from doing business with the state as part of a package of anti-corruption measures, the justice minister said on Wednesday. The central European nation, which ranked 50th among 168 countries in Transparency International's 2015 corruption perception index, last year introduced a register of final beneficiaries of companies participating in public procurement. However, law experts have criticized the measures as not being strict enough to prevent corruption, which analysts say stifles the proper functioning of the state and business environment. "The state will make business only with companies that will disclose their ownership including their final beneficiary, or a real owner," justice minister Lucia Zitnanska told reporters after the ban was approved by parliament. The move to withhold government contracts from companies with opaque ownership structures comes as governments across Europe seek to improve corporate transparency and crack down on tax avoidance. In 2011 Slovakia introduced a requirement to put all public contracts on the internet, which analysts said has led to a drop in prices the government pays for procured services. The government has also introduced a 35 percent tax on dividends from companies based in countries that have not signed an agreement on the international exchange of tax-related information. (Reporting By Tatiana Jancarikova; Editing by David Goodman) Turkey's Chief of the General Staff Hulusi Akar greets audience during the Democracy and Martyrs Rally, organized by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and supported by ruling AK Party (AKP), oppositions Republican People's Party (CHP) and Nationalist Movem ANKARA (Reuters) - The head of the Turkish armed forces, General Hulusi Akar, held "constructive" talks with his Russian counterparts on the situation in Syria's Aleppo and the fight against Islamic State, the Turkish military said in a statement on Wednesday. Russia and Turkey, a NATO member, back opposing sides in the Syrian conflict. In recent months they have been normalizing ties that broke down a year ago when Turkey shot down a Russian warplane along its border with Syria. Akar visited Russia on Tuesday with Turkey's intelligence chief to discuss military cooperation and regional developments. "The subjects taken up in the talks were a settlement to the clashes in Syria and normalization of the situation in Aleppo as well as continuing to develop coordination between the two countries with the aim of ... ending the threat from Daesh (Islamic State)," the Turkish statement said. "The talks were held in a constructive atmosphere," it said, without giving further details. (Reporting by Tulay Karadeniz; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Nick Tattersall) By Anastasia Moloney BOGOTA (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The tatty cluster of tents occupying a corner of Bogota's central square jars with the parliament's classical architecture and the colonial cathedral, but the hundreds of young people camped out here say they are not leaving until peace comes to Colombia. In a referendum a month ago, Colombians narrowly rejected an historic peace accord to end five decades of war signed between the government and rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Peace negotiators from both sides are back in Cuba, where peace talks took place for four years, discussing proposals for changes and additions to the deal from representatives of those who voted to reject it. The "No" side, led by former president Alvaro Uribe, says the accord was too lenient on the rebels and wants tougher punishments for fighters who have committed war crimes, possibly jail time, and a ban on them holding elected office. While negotiators try to hammer out a new deal, young Colombians, including university students, have been camping out in the capital's main square for nearly a month. "When the 'No' vote won it was painful. The tents are a show of our frustration, of our indignation," said Manuel Llano, who pitched his tent just days after the shock result on Oct. 2. Since then others have joined the so-called peace camp dotted with white flags and Colombia's national flag where around 300 people are living in some 100 tents. They are staying put until a new accord is reached and want guarantees from the government a ceasefire will hold until the FARC's 7,000 fighters hand in their weapons, said Llano. "We want peace to come quickly," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "We represent a national clamor for peace," said the 28-year-old designer, whose parents had to leave their home because of the conflict. Since the referendum result, tens of thousands of Colombians have taken to the streets in protest marches, many of them young people and students, to show support for a peace deal. The peace camp, just steps away from the presidential palace, caught the attention of Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos who visited last week. "He listened attentively to our demands .. he told us we will enjoy Christmas in peace," said Llano, one of the camp leaders. NEW PEACE ACCORD Santos said earlier this week a new deal could be reached soon and may be put to Colombia's congress for approval. "We are very close to the definition of a new accord with the necessary legal and political legitimacy needed so it can be implemented in the shortest time possible," Santos said. Time is short for negotiators to secure a new agreement before a government ceasefire ends on Dec. 31. "To administer a ceasefire, the one that we have right now, for a long, long time is very difficult," Santos said in an interview with PBS television this week. The longer the ceasefire is in place, the harder it is to keep it intact and for discipline to hold among FARC fighters. "We need to have a new agreement very soon in order to avoid the risks of people getting out, the base of the FARC, going to other regions and simply abandoning their organization," he said. WAR VICTIMS Among those camped in the square are Colombians who have suffered at the hands of FARC rebels, including a small number of Afro-Colombian and indigenous people, who have borne the brunt of violence mainly concentrated in rural and jungle areas. The conflict has killed more than 200,000 people, and there are nearly 8 million war victims registered by the government, the majority of whom have been forcibly driven from their homes by the warring sides. Rodolfo Oviedo, 40, had to flee his small farm in the central Tolima province in 2004 when FARC fighters attacked his family. "They forced me off my land. They killed my father, two brothers, two sons and my wife. I'd forgive them (rebels) given a chance to speak to them in person," he said, with tears in his eyes. "It leaves a mark on your life forever. At the camp I've found help from people to heal my wounds a bit. I've found solidarity and a community," said Oviedo, who has been camping out for the past 27 days. He urged those who voted 'No' in the referendum to show more empathy with fellow Colombians like him who have lived in the country's impoverished rural and border areas most battered by the conflict. "I'd tell the 'No' voters put your hand on your heart and stop being selfish. Many haven't lived the war like we have," Oviedo said. "I'll stay put here until the end. I want peace in Colombia." (Reporting by Anastasia Moloney, 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 http://news.trust.org) PEORIA The good ship Caterpillar Inc. may be changing its captain in the middle of an economic storm, but the company insists there's no upheaval in the corporate wheelhouse. Speaking with industry analysts recently after announcing third-quarter results off 16 percent from this time last year, departing CEO and chairman Doug Oberhelman insisted there's no drama here. Oberhelman will step down Jan. 1 from the CEO job and retire in March as chairman of the board. He's being replaced as CEO by long-time Caterpillar executive Jim Umpleby. Investment company executive Dave Calhoun takes over the board chairmanship in a move that does appear to have resulted from outside pressure. I think most of you know we've had a shareholder proposal on that for several years in a row and we have a couple of large shareholders that are fundamentally for that, Oberhelman told the analysts. They push that at transition times and, obviously, this was a time the board considered that (the chairmanship change) because we're in transition. Outside criticism of the company during Oberhelman's tenure has faulted him for concentrating too many resources on producing products aimed at mining customers, like the giant off-road dump trucks built at its Decatur plant. One analyst asked the company if the goodwill write-off from the loss of value in the mining business side of Caterpillar's operations could hit $3.6 billion. Goodwill is the amount a company's activities are valued at above the value of physical assets like buildings and machinery. The analyst wondered if such a write-down would jeopardize Caterpillar's shareholder dividend or its credit rating. Michael DeWalt, Caterpillar's vice president for financial services, said he couldn't imagine such a write-down would affect either, and accounting procedures to decide on whether there is an impairment aren't even complete yet. If there's an impairment, we'll book it. If there's not, we won't, DeWalt added. Caterpillar's main coping mechanism as its sales ride out an unprecedented fourth straight year of sinking numbers has been to slash jobs and shutter facilities; 30,000 jobs have been axed since 2012. The company also believes that its future may depend on helping its customers improve their efficiency by cutting their own worker expenses. Speaking to yet more analysts at the Goldman Sachs Industrials Conference in Boston Wednesday, Caterpillar management said its pioneering robot mining trucks that have no driver. We've had autonomous vehicles running for 15 years now, said Rob Charter, the group president of customer and dealer support. And one of our customers in western Australia has about 54 trucks running... these are unmanned trucks basically controlled from a control room that can be thousands of miles away. Charter said one of the keys to Caterpillar's survival was partnering with customers to develop innovations like this which drive bottom line efficiency. The interesting thing with these products is they don't need to stop for a biological break, they don't need to stop because they are tired, they don't need to do any of those things, he added. Twenty-four hours a day.... they are there, continually running. CERRO GORDO A teenager's obsession with a musical has led to friendship, art, personal growth and possibly an expansion of performances of the musical. It was a big risk, Cerro Gordo junior Cora Hyde said of the production she mounted of the musical Side Show. I knew I'd either fall on my face or end up standing somewhat. Hyde directed and co-starred in a special production of Side Show. The Broadway musical was first launched in 1997. It's about the sideshow freak culture, also documented in the 1932 feature film Freaks. The focus of the musical is the story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton. Throughout the musical, the lead actresses are inseparable, just like the real-life Hiltons. While on a tour of New York's Broadway two years ago, Hyde saw a poster for the revival of the show. I was, she said, intrigued by the image of the stylishly dressed conjoined twins. I've always been intrigued when things are different, Hyde said. She tells a story of being fascinated with a duck with a deformed leg, and looking for that duck every time she returned to the place she'd originally seen it. They're different externally. I feel different internally. When Hyde did more research into Side Show, she was taken by the story, the music and the complexity of the idea. It's packed with emotion and heartache, she said. This show has such a sense of belonging. Every person. Everyone is a freak. We just hide it. A teenager obsessing on a musical is an everyday occurrence. But more mainstream plays are normally the subject. I personally don't connect with 'Cats' and 'Wicked' and 'Hamlton', Hyde said. I don't like it when things are spelled out for you. I love 'Dr. Zhivago,' 'Side Show,' stories where it's about the underdog. I like having things that aren't so out there or in your face or over the top. I guess I relate more to things that are reserved. She didn't stop with the soundtrack album, either. When a production of the play appeared in Chicago a year ago, Hyde naturally acquired tickets. Meanwhile, she'd introduced herself via e-mail to the play's writer, Bill Russell, and its composer, Henry Krieger. Cerro Gordo theater instructor Vicky Gilpin last year held the first workshop presentation of a play in the high school's library. Hyde, encouraged by her knowledge of multiple versions of the play and by her acquaintance with the writers, proposed mounting the musical. How unusual is a student production at the school? It's never happened under Gilpin's watch. We have a talent show here, the teacher said, and about 10 years ago, we had a student direct a scene in that. And we've had students who wanted to write plays. But this is the first time we've had something like this. Until now, we never had the follow-through. With Cora, I knew it wouldn't be an issue. I knew about her obsession and interest in this show. Had it been a different student, it might have been an issue. But she was committed. The degree of her commitment was deep. She and her mother spent the summer working on costumes for the project. Hyde spent the summer recording piano tracks for the production. She discussed changes and additions with writers Russell and Krieger. She held auditions, and assembled a cast and crew of about 20 people. Hyde dealt with what Gilpin called the normal high school issues of cast members dropping out and scrambling to replace them. One defection caused Hyde to return home hours before showtime to rerecord piano tracks in a different key for a new cast member. This is just how much this show means to me, Hyde said. I think it went very, very well with so many people helping out. There were people stepping in and being excited. The new people just embodied their characters. Gilpin left Hyde in charge, checking in briefly on just one rehearsal. We conferred a lot, Gilpin said, but all I did was check in on her once. I made it clear I was consulting. I didn't want anyone looking at me and saying, 'What do you think?' It was more making sure she had the support. The musical was presented in the middle of the library with seats on either side. Seats had to be added as an audience filled the library. There was no seating in the front of the stage. That space housed the music playback and video and still cameras. The performance was documented at the request of Russell and Krieger, with hints of the possibility of using Hyde's production as a guide for a potential high school licensing version of the musical. I hope it's the beginning of something new, Hyde said. I hope people want more. And whatever happens, Hyde has found two new friends in the conjoined twins. The Hiltons died at age 60 in 1969, but documents of their lives remain, and Hyde is a collector. Some of her collection was on display at the performance. I could talk about them for hours, Hyde said. They're such fascinating people. Just the idea of conjoined twins being the basis of such a cool musical. I was interested in the way they live, and in their background of the story. I've channeled them through my daily life. DECATUR Lucien Kapp's love for Decatur is obvious upon first meeting him. His life began in here and, at 83 years old, his history continues to run deep. It's a personal identity, he said. It is my life here. His pride is easily seen in his artwork, including paintings, sculptures and poetry. The public can view the historical and personal collection titled Celestial Fallen Light: Six Decades of Work throughout November at the Anne Lloyd Gallery. Kapp will be available during the First Friday Gallery Walk from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. The event will also feature live music by The Tim Holl Quartet. Kapp will give an artist talk at 6 p.m. The public is invited to the free event. The art center's directors invited Kapp because of his fascinating life and connection with the arts. He is very well-traveled and learned, an antique collector and more, said Sue Powell, gallery director for the Decatur Area Arts Council. He has always cared deeply about Decatur. Much of Kapp's artwork has emotional ties as well as historical elements. For example, his pencil drawing of the Decatur High School features the school, students and classic cars next to a pile of rubble. As a graduate of the school, Kapp fought for years to save the building, but with no success. Other pieces in the exhibit include logos Kapp created for the symphony guild, a drafting table he designed, etchings for historical home fixtures, photographs and functional sculptures such as his daughter's cradle. He will also display pieces from his childhood. One piece is from his kindergarten years in the basement of the Millikin conservatory. It won't be as polished as it should be, he said. Kapp graduated from University of Illinois with a Masters of Fine Arts in advertising in 1959. He taught at Millikin University for three years before joining the family business managing commercial properties. But I'm an artist, he said. The paintings spanning his life include water colors, abstract designs, murals and portraits. Some pieces were painted on walls then removed from homes, complete with the sheet rock they were painted on. The family cut the painting out when they moved, he said. They weigh a lot. Although he has traveled throughout the world, Kapp's love remains with his town. He lives in the home of his parents in which he restored back to its original historical element. He has continued to be involved in the historic preservation of other Decatur architectural homes and buildings, including homes in the Millikin homestead area and St. Patrick Church. He has designed pieces for other houses, including light fixtures, woodwork and fire places. I have created things that were not on canvas, he said. This is what happens when you are a designer. November art exhibits ANNE LLOYD GALLERY. The exhibit Celestial Fallen Light: Six Decades of Work features the artwork of Lucien Kapp. He will be available during the First Friday Gallery Walk artist talk at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4. BICENTENNIAL ART CENTER. The Paris art center will display the annual Fall Show Juried Exhibition through Nov. 11. Beginning Nov. 18, Artisan Works by Paris Artists will feature various mediums, including wood, glass and doll making. The exhibit will be displayed until Dec. 30. BLUE CONNECTION. Millikin University's retail art gallery will display the artwork of Millikin students Taryn Pepping and Natalie Zelman. Pepping, a junior majoring in art therapy, will exhibit her paintings and ceramics. Zelman, a senior obtaining her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, will also display ceramic pieces and sculptures. An artists' talk will begin at 6 p.m. at the gallery during the First Friday Gallery Walk on Nov. 4. DECATUR AIRPORT GALLERY. The artwork of Rae Nell Spencer will be displayed at the Airport Gallery during November. FLOURISHES GALLERY AND STUDIOS. The downtown Shelbyville gallery will exhibit the paintings of Jessica Disbrow. Art produced by students from St. Patricks School will be in Studio D. Grade school students from Shelbyville schools will exhibit their artwork in the junior area of the ballroom. For an appointment, call (217) 827-5690. GALLERY 510. Gallery 510 will display the jewelry of Tina Sekimi. A reception will be held during First Friday Gallery Walk, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. Sekimi will be available during the artist talk at 6:30 p.m. GIERTZ GALLERY. The Parkland College gallery will feature the 2016 State of the Art, Drawing Invitational beginning Nov. 14. A reception will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17. Shelby Shadwell will offer a gallery talk at 6 p.m. The exhibited will be displayed until Feb. 4. For more information, visit www.artgallery.parkland.edu. KRANNERT ART MUSEUM. The University of Illinois art museum will display Borderland Collective: Northern Triangle until Dec. 22. The exhibit includes art and historical documents communicating the the struggles of the many children who have crossed into the United States over the borders of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, known as the Northern Triangle. Beginning Nov. 11, the exhibit Did You Know We Taught Them How to Dance? by Zina Saro-Wiwa will feature artwork of popular Nigerian culture, folklore and traditions through photographs, video and sound installation. The exhibit will be displayed through March 25. LINCOLN ART INSTITUTE. Logan County Arts members will host the annual Holiday Show and Shop event. The show will open with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10. A variety of artwork will be available for purchase, including portraits, photography, greeting cards and decorations. Call (217) 651-8355 for an appointment. MADDEN ARTS CENTER 3RD FLOOR GALLERY. The student exhibit "Our Voice through Art" will be on display on the third floor of the Madden Arts Center. The exhibit will highlight the art program for high school students and adults with special needs. PERKINSON ART GALLERY. Kirkland Fine Arts Center's art gallery will display the ACE Annual High School Art Show beginning Nov. 7 through 19. Beginning Nov. 21, oil paintings by David Linneweh will be exhibited. The show will be displayed until Jan. 20. ROCK SPRINGS NATURE CENTER. Rock Springs Nature Center's north wing art gallery will feature pieces from the Barnes Colony Artists. The photography of David Caster will be exhibited in the south gallery of the nature center. His photos include images of deer, herons and plants. Both exhibits will be on display until the end of the December. TARBLE ARTS CENTER. Eastern Illinois University will begin their new exhibits on Nov. 19. The main art gallery will display Vessels of Genealogies by Firelei Baez until Feb. 12. Also in the main gallery will be the exhibit by Chul Hyun Ahn Reaching Into Infinity. The display will be featured until Feb. 9. In the Brainard Gallery, an exhibition by artist Eli Craven titled P.S. will be featured until Feb. 12. The EGallery will present the works of the Blackbox exhibition titled Phantasmagoria until Feb. 12 Tours are available by appointment only. To schedule a tour, call (217) 581-2787 or email tarble@eiu.edu. UPSTAIRS GALLERY. Paintings of Sue Goodpaster will be displayed at the Decatur Public Librarys second floor gallery throughout November. WILDFLOUR ARTISAN BAKERY AND CAFE. The photography of Jeff Shaw will be on display at the artisan cafe during November. DECATUR Robert L. Howell Jr., a 54-year-old Decatur man with an extensive criminal history, is being held without bond on charges of armed robbery and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, for allegedly slashing a man in his face and chest with a knife during a robbery. The victim, a 41-year-old man, told police he was walking in the vicinity of North Hilton Street and East Prairie Avenue when a man who knew by the name Lil Bob approached him and asked him for $10, as he presented a silver switchblade style knife, said a probable cause affidavit by Decatur patrol officer Ryan Wicks. The victim offered a $10 to him, but Lil Bob demanded more money. When the victim refused to give him more, Lil Bob then slashed him in the face and the right side of his chest with a switchblade, Wicks wrote in his statement. When the police arrived on the scene, the victim was no longer in the vicinity. The officers spoke with a man who had reported the incident to police, who helped them to locate the victim. He said he saw the victim walking southbound on Hilton, just north of Wood Street, which turned out to be in the direction of the victim's house. Officers followed a blood trail toward the victim's house, which led through the back porch into his residence on East Wood Street. When the victim said Lil Bob was the one who stabbed him, the witness said his real name is Robert Howell. The victim viewed a police photo lineup with six images, in which identified the picture of Howell as the man who robbed and stabbed him. Howell was apprehended Oct. 17 by special deputy U.S. Marshal Lorne Sturdivant and booked into the Macon County Jail, where he is being held without bond. He was arraigned Oct. 21 on a Class X count of armed robbery with a dangerous weapon, punishable by 21 to 45 years in prison, and one count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, carrying a two-to-five year sentence. He entered a plea of not guilty Wednesday and was assigned an attorney from the Macon County Public Defender's Office. Howell has 10 felony convictions for crimes he committed between 1989 and 2012, including robbery, aggravated battery/great bodily harm, domestic battery/bodily harm and narcotics possession. He has served nine terms in the Illinois Department of Corrections, in addition to numerous jail terms for misdemeanor convictions. He is due back in court for a pretrial hearing Nov. 21. The killers of Taupo toddler Moko Rangitoheriri are appealing to the Court of Appeal to reduce their 17-year jail terms. David Haewera and Tania Shailer were found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced in June, in a verdict widely criticised at the time. Tania Shailer should be jailed for up to 12 years for killing Taupo toddler Moko Rangitoheriri, her lawyer has told the Court of Appeal. Ron Mansfield says there should be a greater discount for her mental illness that had led to the offending. Three year-old Moko was the victim of several months of sustained abuse while in the care of the couple, culminating in his death on August 10, 2015. An autopsy ruled it was difficult to determine the exact cause of death due to the number of injuries Moko received. Mokos injuries included facial and neck contusions and abrasions; human bite marks on the left cheek, right cheek and arms; lacerations to his chin, neck, ears and lip; haemorrhages to both eyes; and multiple abrasions and contusions over the skin of his chest and abdomen. Mokos mother Nicola Dally-Paki said at the time she should have picked up on the signs, including a haunting conversation with Shailer in which the latter is reported to have said, Your f***ing son smashed a window, Im so mad right now. Nicola spoke to her son the following day, noting he was quiet and withdrawn. Months later, he was dead. Initially charged with murder, Haewera and Shailer pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, which secured a conviction but left many in the public dissatisfied with the outcome. Protest marches were organised, including in Tauranga. A group of St John Ambulance volunteers were been put through their paces during a mass casualty simulation at the Tauranga Racecourse. Involving members of the New Zealand Fire Service, the exercise saw the ten volunteers from Tauranga, Te Puke, Rotorua, Murupara, Gisborne and Mangakino triage and treat a group of actors suffering a range of simulated injuries caused as a result of a massive explosion. The premise of the simulation was a group of people got together to make illegal fireworks or illegal explosives but its all gone terribly wrong and theres a massive explosion, says St John clinical support officer Nicole Spargo. So we used a smoke machine to replicate the conditions they would face, and some of the injuries we simulated included a bowel evisceration, someone being impaled by a piece of metal, and people suffering asthma attacks, chest pain, minor grazes, and burns. Wednesdays exercise was delivered as part of St Johns National Diploma in Ambulance Practice which the ten volunteers have all been undertaking for the past three months. St Johns runs two diploma classes in Tauranga each year and previous simulations include an explosion on a fishing trawler, an explosion at a metal scrapyard, plus multiple vehicle car accidents. Nicole says this latest crop of diploma students all come from a wide range of backgrounds, and because theyre volunteers, the work they do for St John is in on top of their regular lives. Theyre all making a valuable contribution to their communities, especially for the likes of the people from Murupara and Mangakino where theres not many volunteers or ambulance staff. On the flipside, some of the volunteers who work out of metropolitan stations, like Mount Maunganui and Gisborne, assist and support our frontline ambulance staff and are a major part of our workforce. Fellow St John clinical support officer Adam Rayner says Wednesdays simulation ran perfectly and was an amazing learning opportunity for the volunteers. The trainees all learned a hell of a lot during the exercise, they were all given an opportunity to practice St Johns major incident procedure which will be very beneficial for them. I want to thank all the actors who were involved in the exercise and also give a huge thank you to the Tauranga Equestrian Show Jumping Association who provided us the venue for the simulation. Firefighters are dealing with a large fire in Burrows Street, near 15th Ave. A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says "the fire is quite large". Firefighters have been called to the scene. Police have blocked off the road and motorists are being asked to avoid the area until further notice. Northern fire communications acting shift manager Carren Larking says they received mulitple calls of the fire at 1.34pm. "On arrival we found a well involved building fire and a second alarm for back up was made." Carren says four fire trucks were called to the scene. The fire is understood to have started in a ventilation system in roof. At the scene? Call 0800 SUNLIVE or email photos to newsroom@thesun.co.nz Philanthropist, economist, bird lover and Mount resident Gareth Morgan has today announced the formation of a new political party. The Opportunities Party seeks to improve fairness, and give many more New Zealanders the opportunity to fulfil their aspirations, according to a press release from the Morgan Foundation. As a result of this new venture, Gareth has resigned as a trustee of the foundation, in order to focus on his political campaign. He calls the Opportunities Party a rebellion against the politics of mediocrity and the inertia of the established parties. Some of the partys key focus areas are: fairness reduced poverty housing affordability environmental sustainability and making the most from our natural capital national pride Gareth says they will be able to work with either National or Labour. The party logo is the Wa kainga/Home flag, which was the winning design in a new flag competition held by the Morgan Foundation last year. Gareth says the next few months will be spent convincing voters the party will produce a substantial improvement in wellbeing. The changes Im talking about will benefit us, our children and our grandchildren, he says. But to effect change we need to be in parliament and in sufficient numbers to have undue influence. More information on the new party can be found on their website. Community organisations and households will be better off this year to the tune of $40 million thanks to distributions made by the Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust. A total of $4.5m has already been divvied out to 152 community organisations this year, while in October alone, 34 organisations each received their share of $2m in TECT funding. One of the 17 community amenities projects supported by TECT in October was Habitat for Humanity Taurangas latest housing development, with trustee Paul Broatch presented with a $200,000 cheque this week. Habitat for Humanity believes everyone deserves a decent place to live. TECTs funding is vital for us to continue with our building programme. This money will go directly toward helping us house needy families in Tauranga. For the past 22 years, TECT has granted $93m to a variety of organisations and causes like the Tertiary Education Campus, Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter, Baywave, TECT All Terrain Park, ASB Arena, Waipuna Hospice and St John. TECT General Manager Wayne Werder says at the end of the day more than 200 organisations and causes will benefit from TECTs financial support in 2016/17. I think its fantastic that we have this asset for the Western Bay of Plenty region and we can support a variety of causes and organisations that play such an important role in our community. Established in in 1993 as part of the electricity industry reforms, TECT uses its income to make direct and indirect distributions to its beneficiaries who are eligible Trustpower consumers in Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty. While for 23 years the trust has distributed $306m in cheques back to consumers. TECT is currently preparing to send out this years TECT cheque to more than 56,000 Trustpower consumers totalling $31.2m. These cheques will be delivered from early to mid-November. TECT Chairman Bill Holland says the trust is committed to ensuring benefits flow to the region, which includes community grants and the expenditure of distributions back into the local retail sector. Importantly, the money distributed by the Trust ends up staying in the region and that benefits everyone. For more information about the cheque mailout visit the Tauranga Energy Consumer Trusts website at: www.tect.org.nz OCTOBER TECT GRANT RECIPIENTS Community Amenities Grants: Arataki School $25,000 Athenree Homestead $175,000 Bethlehem Pottery Club $6356 Blue Rovers Junior Football Club $40,000 Fairhaven School $120,000 Golden Sands School $200,000 Habitat for Humanity $200,000 Katikati Memorial Hall $54,000 Mount Maunganui Tennis Club $170,000 Papamoa Football Club $105,760 Tauranga City Baseball $38,836 Tauranga City Elim Church $90,000 Tauranga Pistol Club $56,150 Tauranga Special School $120,000 Tauranga Squash & Fitness $160,435 Te Ara Kahikatea $50,000 Te Puke Squash Club $26,658 Community Development Grants: Alzheimers Society $35,000 Bellevue School $28,500 Brookfield School $16,650 Get Smart Tauranga $30,000 NZ Blue Light Ventures $60,000 Oropi School $5625 Otumoetai Intermediate School $58,703 Papamoa Family Services $30,000 St Josephs Catholic Parish Te Puna $9059 St Marys School $43,900 St Vincent de Paul $6852 Tauranga Korean Presbyterian Church $10,000 Tauranga Motorcycle Club $20,000 Tauranga Woodcrafters Guild $7000 Water Safety New Zealand $75,000 Whakamarama School $6003 Community Events Grants: Created with the resources and technical ability of Swarovski and crafted from Swarovski Crystal, the hexagonal design draws inspiration from crystal clusters and rock structures. The trophies are all handcrafted at Swarovskis headquarters in Wattens, Austria and will complete an 800 mile journey from there to the Royal Albert Hall in London. Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, commented: We are thrilled to have worked with Marc Newson on the design of the trophies for the Fashion Awards, which we are excited to support this year. Marc's innovative crystal design concept is a fitting tribute to the global creative talent we are celebrating this year. Originally from Australia, Newson has lived and worked in Tokyo and Paris and is now based in London. He has been described as one of the most influential designers of his generation and has worked across a wide range of disciplines, creating everything from furniture and households objects to bicycles and cars, private and commercial aircrafts, yachts and architectural commissions. Newson was included in Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People in the World and has received numerous awards and distinctions. His work is present in many major museum collections, including the MoMA in New York, Londons Design Museum, the V&A, the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris and the Vitra Design Museum in Germany. Marc Newson CBE said: I was delighted to be asked to design this trophy. Swarovski crystal is a fantastic material to work with, and I am happy with the striking visual effect that has been created from the reflections of each individual trophy when set together. We could not have achieved this spectacular result with any other material. It is a pleasure to contribute to the evolution of the Fashion Awards and to celebrate such great talent with these trophies. The Fashion Awards 2016 will celebrate the best talent from the global fashion community and will be the inaugural annual fundraiser gala for the British Fashion Council Education Foundation charity. The Education Foundation offers scholarships to talented young people to study BAs and MAs and offers funding for apprenticeships to develop much needed industry skills. Authorities and professionals from the region will be at the World Travel Market tourism fair next week The Andalucia stand at a previous World Travel Market. :: S. Salas Tourism figures in Andalucia have been breaking their own records over the last few years, however the industry knows that this is no time to rest on its laurels. British tourists form the largest group of international visitors in southern Spain and the authorities and professionals know that they have to look after the them and continue to work hard to promote the region. Next week the huge delegation from Andalucia, including representatives from the Costa del Sol and Malaga, will be at the fair at Londons Excel centre, hoping to seal new deals with tour operators and travel agents. And as always to help them along, SUR inEnglish will be at the fair with our own stand, distributing the full colour tourism supplements that are also inside this edition. The SUR staff are on hand to answer questions about this holiday destination, highlighting the many types of tourism that come together in this one region. This newspaper is also literally putting Andalucia in the hands of London commuters with a special version of the tourism supplement inserted inside the daily business newspaper City A.M. on Monday morning. The tourism industry also plans promotional campaigns parallel to the World Travel Market. Representatives of Turismo Costa del Sol arrive in Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh today for special events aimed at residents in the north of England and Scotland. Meanwhile this Friday morning, the city of Seville is at the National Gallery in London to officially present its Year of Murillo, a full programme of events starting near the end of 2017 to commemorate the fourth centenary of the artists birth. The Bollywood Dancers perform during the Diwali festival in Torremolinos last Tuesday. :: Tony Bryant The Hindu communities of Malaga came together in the Plaza La Nogalera in Torremolinos on Tuesday to welcome the Diwali Festival, a celebration that serves as a link between cultures and values. The Diwali festival, also known as the festival of lights, is one of the major festivals of Hinduism and it spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. The Indian Association of Malaga organised the festival and hundreds of people enjoyed Bollywood music and Indian dance demonstrations. Visitors were invited to sample traditional Indian cuisine, the aroma of which added a hint of authenticity to the proceedings. The event was organised to raise money for the Hindu temple in Benalmadena Costa, and the local community, many in tradition colourful costumes, came together in mass to enjoy a celebration that is observed by Hindus all over the world. The women were dressed in silk saris of every colour and design imaginable. These were complimented with gold bangles, beads and cashmere scarves, while the men looked quite regal in their long sherwani coats, embroidered with silver and gold. Several dance troupes performed classical and folk routines, their twirling bodies creating a kaleidoscope of colour, and a performance by several young children received a rousing reception from proud parents and spectators. Jose Ortiz, Mayor of Torremolinos, who was keen to demonstrate his dancing skills, attended the festival, along with several members of the town council, who also joined in the fun. The Diwali festival is a time to celebrate with family and friends and it is a night that coincides with the darkest, new moon of the Hindu calendar. Sonia Tharani, member of the local Hindu community, and choreographer of the Bollywood Dancers, told SURin English, Our aim is to expand our culture and make everyone aware of our traditions; this is a good way to bring our community together. This was the first time the Diwali festival had been held in Torremolinos and the organisers hope it will become a major event for the ever-increasing number of Hindus that reside in the area. The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five-day period, and on Diwali night people dress up in new clothes, light lamps and candles, and participate in puja (prayers) to Lakshmi - the goddess of fertility and prosperity. The festival has its roots in an ancient legend that concerns a handsome warrior called Rama, who is said to have rescued Sita, a beautiful Indian princess who had been captured and imprisoned by ferocious demons. If a millennial voter goes to the polls but isnt allowed to take a ballot selfie to document the moment on social media, did it really happen? More important, is democracy imperiled? Were sort of teasing about young peoples obsession with smartphone cameras. Were serious about believing voters have a constitutional right to take pictures of themselves in a voting booth with a completed ballot. You might be surprised to learn there is an active question surrounding the legality of so-called ballot selfies, with conflicting opinions held by election officials. Some like the idea; others are appalled and wont allow photography. That means depending on where you vote Nov. 8 or during early voting, you could get in trouble for whipping out your iPhone. The confusion needs to be resolved. In the Chicago area, Cook County Clerk David Orr says all photography is banned at all polling places, citing privacy concerns. But a spokesman for the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners says city voters have a constitutional right to take ballot selfies. Voters in the further out Lake County also will be allowed to do so. As long as they dont infringe on anyone elses ballot security, we are OK with it, Lake County Clerk Carla Wyckoff said. The city and Lake County take their cues from recent court decisions that say voters at polling stations who take photos of themselves with marked ballots and then post them to social media are exercising freedom of speech. Laugh if Facebook and Instagram mean nothing to you, but the court rulings said political selfies are protected by the First Amendment. The starkest argument in favor of a ban is that shooting pictures of completed ballots could encourage vote buying (show a photo to prove you voted for Candidate X and collect $10). Voter fraud was more common decades ago, but the argument still carries sway. The Associated Press recently identified 18 states in which current law appeared to view ballot selfies as illegal. The AP said Illinois law declares it a felony to knowingly fill out a ballot and divulge it to another person. Conviction could mean imprisonment of one to three years. Whoa. Times change, though, and selfies rule: selfies at dinner, at Wrigley Field and, sure, at the ballot box. All elections are exercises in free speech, and political discourse is ubiquitous today. The internet and social media allow all citizens to express themselves, so no shock that many voters who share their political views on social media want to show Election Day pride with ballot photos. They have a constitutional right to do so. Think of a ballot selfie as the digital equivalent of a citizenship badge. On Election Day many people who perform their civic duty proudly wear a sticker that says I voted. The photo says the same thing. Chicago Tribune Delegations from Unite the Union, the Chamber of Commerce and other organisations were able to express their concerns to Minister Robin Walker Chief minister Fabian Picardo (right) with Lord Hague of Richmond. :: SUR Chief Minister Fabian Picardo returned to London earlier this week for a further series of meetings regarding the effects of Brexit on Gibraltar, this time with Robin Walker MP, Minister in the Department for Exiting the European Union. The meeting with Walker was also attended by representatives of Unite the Union in Gibraltar, who were able to explain the concerns of union members about the social and industrial issues which Brexit could cause in Gibraltar. On another matter, the Unite team also expressed their members concerns about recent announcements by the Ministry of Defence that it will be seeking voluntary redundancies among civilians who are employed at the Gibraltar Forward Mounting Base. The second meeting with Robin Walker was attended by representatives of Gibraltars Chamber of Commerce, Finance Centre Council and the Betting and Gaming Association, and there was a submission from the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses, who had been invited but were unable to attend. The issues raised included access to the single market, fluidity at the frontier and other concerns which the Gibraltar government has already pursued with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Department for Exiting the European Union, but which the chief minister thought should also be put directly by the affected stakeholders who represent industry sectors. Picardo described the meetings as constructive and friendly and said the delegations had impressed on Robin Walker the things that matter to working people and to business and commerce in Gibraltar. In the past 48 hours we have made great progress in the statements we have had from Secretary of State Liam Fox, and in the approach from Minister Walker. Gibraltar is being fully involved in the preparation for the Brexit negotiations, which we did not choose, but which we are determined to make a success of for Gibraltar, he said. While in London, the chief minister also met with Lord Hague of Richmond, the former Foreign Secretary, who he described as a long term friend of Gibraltar. The PP leader has been voted in as PM following the abstention of most MPs from the PSOE, who must now work to reunite their own divided party Mariano Rajoy is applauded by his MPs after the Congreso vote. :: EFE After a final debating session in Spains Congreso last Saturday (October 29th) the members of Spains Congreso voted to allow conservative candidate and until now acting prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, to form a government. The Partido Popular (PP) leaders bid to lead the government for another term of office succeeded, ending the countrys long political deadlock, with 170 votes in favour, 111 against and 68 abstentions. Of the Socialist PSOE MPs, the majority complied with their partys instructions to abstain in this second round of voting in the investiture debate, as decided at last weeks committee meeting headed by the caretaker commission that is currently at the helm of the party. Fifteen Socialists defied the partys whip and voted against Rajoys bid, mainly members from the partys branches in Catalonia and the Basque Country. Thousands of people answered calls to surround Congreso to protest at the investiture of Mariano Rajoy as PM. New cabinet decided Rajoy lost no time preparing the new government, meeting King Felipe on Thursday evening to inform him of his choice of ministers for his new cabinet. On going to press, political commentators believed that Rajoy has opted for continuity with the last government, with only a few bigchanges or new names in key positions, thereby resisting calls from potential political allies in parliament like Ciudadanos for a clean sweep of fresh faces. The government of Spain can now begin, however Rajoys PP will find it hard to pass legislation in parliament, where it still doesnt have a majority of MPs. Ciudadanos leader, Albert Rivera, has said that he would consider joining a government only if Rajoy wasnt prime minister. PSOE division continues Earlier last Saturday, former PSOE leader Pedro Sanchez tearfully resigned his seat as a member of Congreso ahead of the vote appointing Rajoy, calling for a full party congress as soon as possible to elect a new leader. Sanchez had opposed his partys policy to abstain in the investiture vote. He said that now, as one of many grassroots party members, he would fight for the right of all members to vote for a new leader to recuperate the Socialist party. The PSOE now seems set for a period of reflection and internal debate ahead of convening a full party congress, possibly in early 2017, where party members will vote on a new leader. It wasnt clear if Sanchez himself would stand again for the position. Leader of the party in Andalucia and Sanchezs rival, Susana Diaz, is being touted as one of the main leadership candidates and on Wednesday called on the party to unite and for Sanchez not to push personal projects. Meanwhile the party continues under the caretaker administration of Javier Fernandez, amidst criticism from some sides that he is the caretaker for Susana Diaz and could be arranging the timing of a future party congress in her favour. Creating more shade in play areas, reorganising timetables to avoid the hours when UVI is highest, the use of hats and sunglasses and training sessions for parents are just some of the initiatives Teachers and children at the Indira Gandhi school, with their S@ludable Distinction. :: JOSELE-LANZA Five schools have become pioneers in sun protection, thanks to a project which is the first of its type in Spain and was designed by staff at the Costa del Sol hospital. Two years ago, with the backing of the Junta de Andalucias Health and Education departments, the hospital set up a process by which schools within its area of influence could be issued with a certificate for sun protection, if they met certain requirements which were set by the Health Quality Agency of Andalucia (ACSA). These five schools, out of a total of 16 that applied to take part in the scheme, have now successfully attained the S@ludable Distinction of School SunProtection. Earlier this week the heads of the Infant and Junior departments of the Indira Gandhi school in Las Lagunas in Mijas, Pablo Picasso school in Manilva, Al-Andalus in Marbella and the CEIP in San Pedro Alcantara, together with the Mar de Alboran secondary school in Estepona, were given their certificates at the Costa del Sol hospital, in an event attended by the regional minister for Health, Ana Isabel Gonzalez, the hospital manager Torcuato Romero, the director of the Costa del Sol Health District, Francisco Pozo, the head of the Patient Safety Observatory of the Andalusian Health Quality Agency, Vicente Santana, the director of the Marbella-Coin Teachers Centre, Manuel Mellado, and the director of the Dermatology department of the Costa del Sol Health Agency, Magdalena de Troya, the alma mater of this pioneering initiative. They all paid tribute to the work on prevention which is being carried out at the hospital, and the involvement of teachers, pupils and the authorities in this project. The creation of new shady areas, changes in habits to promote the use of hats and sunglasses in outdoor activities, initiatives to register the level of solar radiation and training campaigns for parents are just some of the measures these schools have introduced and which have helped them to pass the test set by the Andalusian Agency for Health Quality. At the Mar de Alboran school, trees have been planted to create new areas of natural shade, and posters have been put up all round the school (among other initiatives). At the CEIP San Pedro, the lessons have been planned to make sure that outdoor activities take place when the suns rays are at their minimum or at times when there is the most shade. They have also installed a mural which shows the UVI level each day. At the Al-Andalus school, they created a mascot called Lorenzo (a nickname used in Spain for the sun) a few months ago: this is a sun which is featured in the middle of a flag, and it reminds pupils of the measures they should be taking to protect themselves from the sun. At the Pablo Picasso school the regulations have been changed to allow hats to be worn during outdoor activities or at break time in the playground. The five schools have also encouraged the use of sun protection cream, have published information leaflets, held meetings for parents and training sessions for teachers,among other initiatives, as Nuria Blazquez, the head of the Dermatology Unit at the Costa del Sl Health Agency, explained at the event. Meanwhile, nearly a dozen other schools on the Costa del Sol are working towards attaining this distinction to show that they too are taking measures to protect their pupils and staff from the effects of the sun. An exhibition about Juan Picasso is being held at the Casa Natal. :: SUR The museum in the house in which Picasso was born recently opened its first exhibition dedicated to the life and work of Juan Picasso, the great-uncle of Pablo Ruiz Picasso, who was a high-ranking military officer and a prominent figure in Spain during the first decades of the 20th century. He signed the so-called Expediente Picasso or Picasso File, about the negligence of the Spanish commanders in the War of Morocco, which contributed to the removal of Alfonso XIII from the throne. He was on the Supreme War and Navy Council and was a Spanish representative at the Society of Nations. Juan Picasso is one of many people - although perhaps the most notable - who have been overshadowed by the powerful figure of the artist Pablo Ruiz Picasso. The exhibition abut his life and his talent at drawing highlight the fact that there are other interesting lives in Picassos genealogy. Here, we take a look at some of them. Francisco Picasso Guardeno (1825-1883?) Maternal grandfather The customs officer who went to Cuba, became a refugee from justice and started a new family For his grandson, he was a characterm of legend, writes Rafael Inglada in Diccionario Malaga-Picasso Picasso-Malaga (published by Arguval in 2005). A trader by profession, Francisco studied in the UK, married Ines Lopez Robles and had six daughters with her. However, in 1866 he abandoned them all and went to Cuba, where he worked for the Ports. Four years later he was wanted by the legal authorities, accused of involvement in the theft of a State document in which he participated together with other Customs officers. In 1880, from Cienfuegos, he gave his consent to the marriage between his daughter Maria - Pablo Ruiz Picassos mother - and Jose Ruiz Blasco. In his book, Inglada says that when Francisco made that decision he had already formed a new family in the Antilles. Picassos biographer, who is also the curator of the exhibition about Juan Picasso, says that he died alone of yellow fever at the Hospital de la Caridad in Cienfuegos. Many years later, his heirs in Malaga learned of his death and were sent the trunks containing his few belongings. Diego Ruiz de Almoguera (1799-1876) Paternal grandfather A trader who instilled a love of culture in his children Born in Cordoba, Diego moved to Malaga with his parents and later opened a leather goods shop there. He also played double bass in the municipal theatre orchestra, having inherited his fathers musical inclinations. He took part in debates at the Lyceum, was a talkative and cheerful man who loved hunting and was interested in painting, according to documentation about him at the Picasso-Museo Casa Natal Foundation. Diego Ruiz de Almoguera had 11 children, including Jose, the father Pablo Ruiz Picasso. Two of his sons, Jose and Pablo, attended the free painting classes which were taught by Jose Garcia Chicano. Details such as this have led Inglada to conclude that it was Diego Ruiz de Almoguera who instilled a love of art in his children. Diego Ruiz Blasco (1830-1884) Uncle on his fathers side Private secretary to the Duke of Osuna and amateur painter Rather overshadowed by his brothers Jose - Picassos father - and the ebulliant Salvador, Diego Ruiz Blasco became personal secretary to the Duke of Osuna and was an amateur artist. He used to paint still life and pictures of saints, and he copied Rubens and Velazquez, says the material about his life in the Documentation Centre at the Picasso Foundation. Jose Ruiz Blasco (1838-1913) Picassos father Pablo Picassos first teacher, and curator at the municipal museum He was very tall and thin, red-haired, pale with freckles... Because of his appearance, Jose Ruiz Blasco was nicknamed El ingles, The Englishman. He was a dandy, who loved bullfighting and flamenco singing, according to the Foundation about the life and work of his son. Ruiz Blasco, who was a teacher by profession, was also his son Pablos first art master. He was the curator of the municipal museum and became quite well-known as an artist during the 1870s and 1880s, as Inglada relates in his geneological study of Pablo Ruiz Picasso. We mustnt forget that from the time he was born Picasso had a passion for bullfighting and flamenco singing (he inherited his fathers tastes), and loved the pigeons which he saw as a child in the Plaza de la Merced. That stayed with him for the rest of his life, and they also featured in his fathers paintings, says Inglada. Salvador Ruiz Blasco (1844-1908) Uncle on fathers side Doctor, founder of the Vaccination Institute and patron of the young Picasso The youngest of the three Ruiz Blasco brothers was a crucial figure in the first years of his nephew Pablos life. In fact, he assisted in Pablos birth, and over time he became one of his principal patrons. Uncle Salvador, who was a doctor of maritime health at Malaga Port, worked in Mahon (Menorca) for a while and when he returned to Malaga he was one of the founders of the Vaccination Institute. As a sponsor of his nephews artistic career, his collection included some of Picassos early works such as La Primera Comunion (1896), El monaguillo (1896) and Ciencia y Caridad (1897) which are now part of the collection at the Picasso Museum in Barcelona. Manuel Blasco Alarcon (1899-1992) Second cousin Antiquarian, cultural patron and author of two books about the artist In his book, Rafael Inglada explains that Manuel Blasco Alarcon was Picassos second cousin and the son of the painters godparents. In the 1950s, with his brother Salvador, he opened an antiques shop in the Plaza del Obispo, and it became famous for its literary and artistic talks and the personalities who used to frequent it, says Inglada. Manuel wrote Picasso insolito and Picasso para ninos (both in 1981), but the only time he met the artist was in Mougins on 29 September 1968. It was during that decade, the 1960s, that he began his career as a Naive painter in Torremolinos. New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Sun and clouds mixed. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 74F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low around 60F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. OK, let's say you're looking for a printed piece of promotional material for a 1987 Nissan Sentra. Wait, that's too easy. How about a long-forgotten Daewoo? It's hard to imagine anybody would want anything related to Daewoo, but if that was the case where would it come from? There is one guy, not that he's taking calls, but if he did it would be Chris Frye, of Liverpool, N.Y., a one-man walking encyclopedia of auto things esoteric and memorabilia collector extraordinaire. Chris has a collection of material that's here, there and everywhere. It's in bins, it's on shelves, it's stacked and packed and at this point it's a library of over 10,000 pieces, all of which he's collected himself. "I don't care what it is," he said of his collection. The material includes everything from ordinary brochures to training materials to color chips that were part of ordering materials for auto dealership sales people. Chris began collecting when he was 6, somehow knowing then that he had a thing for auto promotional material, so he began the task of establishing his library. At age 11, he did volunteer work doing filing for a Central New York man who made a business out of collecting and selling material, and for Chris it was an experience that only fueled his desire to get his hands on as much stuff as he could. Although Chris didn't plan to make a living collecting and selling, he was interested in cars and knew he wanted to sell, which he did at several dealerships over the years in Central New York and in the greater Phoenix area of Arizona. The Arizona experience was fun because he found himself in some unusual situations, such as the time he was hired by Daewoo Motor America, to sell Daewoo cars, but the problem was the dealership didn't have a certificate of occupancy at its building in Tempe, Arizona. "We had to go door-to-door looking for customers in the traditional Asian manner," Chris said. At one point, Chris set up a table and chairs in front of the building in his effort to sell customers on Daewoo products. Maybe that sounds extreme but it pointed out that he was a young man who wanted to hone his craft and be successful. In addition to the Daewoo dealer, Chris also worked for Powell Volvo, of Scottsdale, Berge Mazda Volkswagen, in Mesa, Penske Honda, in Tempe, and Saturn of Tempe. When he returned to Syracuse he worked for Lowery Bros. Infiniti, in Syracuse, and he spent several years at Driver's Village, in Cicero. Perhaps his love of cars and fascination with printed materials about them can be traced to a great uncle, Wally Goodman, owner of Wally Goodman's Used Cars, located in Weedsport, N.Y. "He was a great influence on my life," Chris said. While he worked at those dealerships he was constantly scooping up unwanted material to add to his collection. Most of the material he laid claim to was headed for the circular file or had been stashed somewhere and forgotten, so it was no crime for Chris to save it for posterity. Along the way he accumulated enough material to help a friend, Darren Seeman, who runs www.toyotareference.com, an online resource center for people seeking archived information about Toyotas. "I donated some of my material to his site so it can be accessed for free," Chris said. "Most of this material is history and should be shared by those who are interested," he added. All of this activity made Chris very knowledgeable about cars to the point that a few times in the past he's been contacted by police departments and asked to help identify suspect vehicles. His love for auto memorabilia didn't translate to actual automobiles until a few years ago when he bought a 1978 Porsche 924. When it was introduced in 1976, the 924 had a front-mounted water-cooled engine, a big break from Porsche's rich tradition of cars with engines located where the trunk should be. The Porsche 924 Chris owns is a 1978 and it was considered by many aficionados to be an entry-level car even though at $14,728 it was easily $10,000 more than the average cost of an American-made car. Chris found his car in Saratoga Springs. It's finished in the understated color of Dolamite Gray Metallic. Besides the fact that it's an old Porsche in nice condition, it's fully documented and it's relatively rare -- there were only 11,638 models (924) built for the United States market and of those only 1,800 left the factory in Dolomite Gray Metallic. Chris said the color became popular and was later added to the Porsche palette for use on other models. Chris drives the car, often to and from work and he's not afraid to take it almost anywhere believing it to be reliable enough to withstand almost any encounter. As a member of the CNY Chapter of the Porsche Club of America, a band of people whose interest is definitely focused, Chris most likely is adding to his collection from time-to-time. After all, as he said, "I'm more selective now." 1978 Porsche 924 Cost new: $14,728 Engine: 2-liter, 4-cylinder, 115 horsepower Color: Dolamite Gray Metallic Owner: Chris Frye, Liverpool, N.Y. Also owns: Automobile memorabilia in the form of printed material. Know a car you'd like featured? Contact Kenn Peters: kpeters@twcny.rr.com. Previously from Kenn: A 1957 Thunderbird, a 1950 Mercury, a 1937 Plymouth street rod, and a 1950 Chevy pickup keep the Donovan family together. More great cars and news about cars. Stolen Sculptures Double.jpg State police said they are seeking the public's help finding several large wooden sculptures that were stolen from a yard in Oneida County last weekend. (New York State Police) The thefts are believed to have occurred sometime Saturday or Sunday. DEERFIELD, N.Y. -- Authorities are asking for help from the public after thieves carted away several wooden sculptures from a home in Oneida County. The New York State Police said three large wooden sculptures were stolen from the yard of a home on Wells Road in the town of Deerfield. The thefts are believed to have occurred sometime Saturday or Sunday. It was not clear if the thefts were related to Halloween and state police did not say what the sculptures were valued at. State police asked that anyone with information on the suspects or the whereabouts of the sculptures contact 315-366-6000. Donald R. Rose Donald R. Rose (Phoenix Police Department) PHOENIX, N.Y. -- A mask-wearing, knife-wielding man robbed an Oswego County store late Wednesday night, police said. Donald R. Rose entered the Nice N Easy grocery store in Phoenix around 10:15 p.m., said the Phoenix Police Department. After stealing merchandise from the 485 Main St. shop, the robber left the store, police said. But Rose didn't get very far, police said. Rose, 34, of 57 Bridge St., Phoenix, was arrested by Officer Shane Chimber after a short foot chase, police said. He was charged with first-degree robbery, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree menacing and petit larceny. Rose is in the Oswego County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash or a $50,000 bond. Phoenix police were assisted by the New York State Police and the Oswego County Sheriff's Office. U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Carpenter met with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and Armenian Minister of Defense Vigen Sargsyan today in Yerevan. Carpenter also met with U.S. military personnel in Armenia as part of a program to train Armenian non-commissioned officers as military doctors assistants. The U.S. official also met with Armenian military personnel and officers at the 12th peacekeepers brigade who have participated in peacekeeping missions as part of a NSATO and United Nations program. The United States and Armenia have longstanding cooperation on the field of security based on the friendship of the American and Armenian peoples, Carpenter noted, adding that given the security challenges facing Europe in the 21st century such cooperation is extremely important for regional peace and stability. Bless our families and our children, and choose from our homes those who you desire for this holy work. Heavenly Father,your divine Son taught usto pray to the Lord of the harvestto send laborers into His vineyard.We earnestly beg youto bless our Diocese and our worldwith many priests and religiouswho will love you fervently and gladlyand courageously spend their livesin service to your Son's Church,especially the poor and the needy.Teach them to respond generouslyand keep them ever faithfulin following your Son Jesus Christ,that under the guidance of the HolySpiritand with the inspiration ofSaint Damien and Blessed Mariannethe Good News of redemptionmay be brought to all.We ask this through Christ our Lord. There is a uniqueness to e x i l e that makes it captivating from start to finish. I can honestly say that I have never seen anything like it. It is deeply disturbing, startling, and at times unnerving. And yet, the performance provides for an unforgettable viewing experience. As I entered the Corpus Playroom, it was immediately clear that e x i l e was going to be a play characterised by twists. All six actresses were in place prior to the performance starting; five sitting against the walls of the Playroom, and one, Medea (Niamh Curran) lying bloody and seemingly lifeless in the centre of the sandy stage. Indeed, the stage floor was transformed into a bed of sand, the desert scene emphasising the truly desolate nature of exile. The plot centres on the relationship forged between the women as they struggle to survive. Members of the group originate from a variety of cultures and historical periods in time, including Ancient Athens and Nepal. Yet each woman shares one thing in common with the rest; she has been ostracised by her community. In a flashback Nepalese Samasti (Claire Takami-Siljedahl) chillingly relives her experience of being forced into a shed on the outskirts of her village due to starting her period, which is regarded as impure: the gods were angry and their anger was red. There is an unmissable feminist tone throughout the play, which brings to light the brutal, cross-cultural maltreatment of women throughout history. Antoinette (Beatriz Santos) for example, recalls how she was locked in the attic of her Caribbean home by her husband, and Abhita (Ruby Kwong) is subjected to unimaginable violence after having been captured protesting outside Parliament. Her piercing screams echo in the mind of the viewer long after the conclusion of the play. Despite all this, however, the underlying message is one of hope rather than despair, as the bond which forms between the women is defined by sisterly strength in the face of oppression. The use of sound throughout the play was utterly transfixing the work of composer Arthur Robjns cannot go unnoticed. His original soundtrack is serene, yet at the same time unsettling, perfectly capturing both the gravity of the situation and the strength of the six women. The sand is also used as a mechanism to create sound, as the women let it run through their hands and rub against their skin. e x i l e is a play that cannot fail to intrigue, and is a must-see this week. 9/10 Netflix Director of Corporate Communications Cliff Edward said less than two years ago that offline viewing was "never going to happen." Neil Hunt, chief product officer at Netflix, admitted in September 2015 that offline viewing was something that lots of people ask for but more or less said people would be too stupid to manage downloads. Has Netflix's stance on the matter changed over the past year? It appears so. In a recent interview with CNBC, Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said that as they've launched in more territories, they've noticed that each have different levels of broadband speeds and Wi-Fi access. In those countries, he continued, citizens have adapted their behaviors to be much more of a downloading culture. In such areas, the idea of an offline mode becomes a little more interesting. As they continue to expand into the underdeveloped world and developing countries, they'll want to find alternatives for people to use Netflix easily. When asked point blank if an offline mode will come to Netflix soon, Sarandos said they're "looking at it now, so we'll see when." Based on Sarandos' comments, if Netflix were to roll out an offline mode that would let users download and view programming without an active Internet connection, it wouldn't be offered in developed nations like the US. Image courtesy Eric Charbonneau, AP Images Chinese smartphone maker Huawei on Thursday unveiled its long-rumored Mate 9 smartphone, a flagship that'll eventually find its way to US shores. The Huawei Mate 9 features a large 5.9-inch display operating at a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 with 2.5D glass that's powered by a Kirin 960 octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM. It also includes 64GB of local flash (expandable via microSD card slot), a rear-facing dual camera system comprised of 12-megapixel and 20-megapixel f/2.2 aperture cameras with optical image stabilization, an 8-megapixel f/1.9 aperture selfie camera up front, a fingerprint sensor and a large 4,000mAh non-removable battery with fast charging technology. As Engadget details, Huawei built in a machine-learning algorithm that aims to learn your phone habits and optimize resources accordingly. For example, if you often play a specific game immediately after checking Twitter, the Mate 9 can pick up on this and prepare the CPU and RAM for a faster launch. The idea is to prevent your phone from running more slowly over time and thus, extend its usable life. Huawei has also reportedly spruced up EMUI 5.0, its Android 7.0 Nougat overlay. After spending some time with it, Engadget says the UI does feel a little less cluttered as icons have been redesigned and shuffled around in a meaningful way. Huawei didn't say exactly when the Mate 9 would arrive in the US although a person reportedly familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal that it'll debut in the states in January. It's a real shame to consumers that Huawei's Mate 9 will miss the holiday buying season as there's a huge gap in the market left by the early exit of Samsung's Galaxy Note 7. Video-sharing website Vimeo is looking to take on the likes of Amazon, Netflix and YouTube with a consumer-facing subscription service of its own. The Hollywood Reporter points to a recent shareholder letter from IAC CEO and interim Vimeo chief Joey Levin in which he pitches the idea for the service (Vimeo is one of the many companies IAC owns). In the letter, Levin says Vimeo has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to, following in Netflix's footsteps, deliver compelling subscription viewing experiences for consumers in the market for pay TV. The main differentiator between Vimeo and all others in the over-the-top market is that unlike others that have to start from scratch, Levin says they will begin with more than a billion monthly video views, 115 million videos available, 240 million monthly viewers and millions of customers that have already purchased content from a Vimeo creator on their platform. Levin acknowledged that they'll face stiff competition but their reputation as a one-stop shop for creators to bypass the entire existing media infrastructure will allow them to stand out among the crowd. What's more, unlike other platforms that focus on building celebrities and influencers, Vimeo has loads of behind-the-camera talent (emerging filmmakers, editors and directors) known for turning out top-notch content. One example is High Maintenance, a title that originated on Vimeo and was recently picked up by HBO. The executive didn't provide any details as to how much its subscription service will cost or what all it'll include. Image courtesy Getty Images As Black Friday approaches, you can bet wireless carriers will be offering great deals on the most popular smartphones and tablets. A list of T-Mobile's Black Friday 2016 deals has leaked, and it includes a free iPad mini 4, LG G5 and more. When it comes to finding amazing deals on the latest and greatest smartphones and tablets, Black Friday has become one of the best days to score significant savings just in time for holiday gift giving to loved ones or yourself. All the major U.S. wireless carriers are gearing up to tempt customers with offers on popular devices from Apple, Samsung, LG and more. While T-Mobile hasn't officially revealed its Black Friday plans, a Reddit user has posted T-Mobile's Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday deals ahead of the carrier's official announcement, which is expected to be announced in about two weeks. T-Mobile Thanksgiving Deals The biggest retailers are no longer waiting for Black Friday to start holiday deals and in the last few years have been kicking things off on Thanksgiving Day. According to the source, T-Mobile will offer customers free smartphones when signing up for a new line of service and credit customer's accounts in the form of bill credits. Users will be able to choose from several Samsung and LG handsets, Samsung On5, Samsung Galaxy J7, LG K10 and flagship LG G5. T-Mobile Black Friday iPad And iPhone Deals T-Mobile will offer customers an "iPad on us" promotion, which will consist of a free iPad mini 4 that will be reimbursed via bill credits, $250 off a 32 GB 9.7-inch iPad Pro or iPad Air 2. "iPhone for all" deal will offer a 16 GB iPhone SE for $99 after bill credits. iPhone accessory bundle will offer 30 percent off iPhone accessories when you buy three. While there's no mention of iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus deals, considering the carrier has already offered a free iPhone 7 deal, it's very likely it will offer Apple's latest iPhones at a savings alongside its iPhone SE deal. T-Mobile Black Friday Samsung Smartphone Deals T-Mobile is set to offer Samsung's current flagship Galaxy S7 and Galaxy Note 5 under its BOGO deal, which will provide a second device for half off in the form of bill credits to your account. The carrier is also planning to offer a $200 bill credit when a customer activates four new lines and ports in numbers on each line. It will provide a $50 bill credit when a customer activates one line and ports in a number. We'll keep you posted on Black Friday deals from Verizon, AT&T and Sprint as they become available. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Kickstarter just announced a new livestreaming platform called Kickstarter Live last Nov. 1, and by the looks of it, the feature could prove exciting if not entirely revolutionary for the crowdsourcing platform and its community. Ideally, Kickstarter Livestream is all about engagement and collaboration. The aim is to bring supporters and creators closer together so that campaigns generate interest and get funded. "The key to Kickstarter Live is its intimacy. It brings creators and the people supporting them right into the same room together," Kickstarter said. "And it encourages personal connection. Viewers can ask questions, chat, send selfies, select rewards, and back the project all while tuned in." Regardless of how Kickstarter markets this new streaming feature, it serves as a great boon to investors who want to get to know the people behind a Kickstarter campaign, eyeball a potential investment in its infancy and proceed on monitoring what is happening with an ongoing project they support. For startups livestreaming a project, it should be an added pressure to do better since their backers would be practically breathing on their necks, spying at their every move. Kickstarter captured this bit accurately when it alluded to how the new livestreaming feature serves to increase transparency. With it, investors are reassured that the creators they support are not sitting on their projects or wasting away their money. Kickstarter developed Live with a Vancouver-based startup called Huzza. Like the livestreaming features offered by other platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, Kickstarter Live allows viewers to ask questions. Features unique to Kickstarter's solution include the capability to pledge support directly within the livestreaming interface. There will probably come a time when livestreaming teams will be pestered with questions and are forced to answer them instead of working on their projects, but this is a minor issue. Not only will they able to showcase their projects real-time but also engage with investors with more tangible proofs especially when their works are truly spectacular. Also, projects are getting livestreamed according to specific schedule. It is not yet clear whether investors can demand a 24/7 feed just to spy on a project. At this point, live broadcasts at Kickstarter's dedicated Live page do not offer high-quality productions or fancy presentations, but they underscore the rawness and authenticity of each project. The case of the new Stretch campaign is a case in point. The goal was launched by Felipe Cagno with a livestream from his bedroom. "It feels like the early days of Kickstarter to me," Yancey Strickler, Kickstarter CEO told Tech Crunch. "Proudly amateur. These are not slick broadcasts with fancy graphics. It's very direct: here I am, here's what I'm making. It's extremely transparent, very honest." 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NASA is calling for expressions of interest from private companies in sending small scientific payloads to the moon, starting in 2017. To widen the scope of lunar exploration and increase the number of commercial flights to the moon, NASA has issued a Request for Information for a "Small Lunar Surface Payload," relying on the ability of U.S. companies to develop robots that can land on the moon. However, NASA has made no commitment in terms of funding and is only looking for payload ideas. The American space agency will not be awarding any contracts at this juncture. The timing is significant as it coincides with the Google Lunar XPRIZE competition for landing a small spacecraft on the moon's surface by the end of 2017. "NASA is asking for information about small instruments that could be placed on small lunar landers, and our interest is that we want to address our strategic knowledge gaps," said John Guidi, NASA deputy director for advanced exploration systems. Moon Exploration To Strengthen Mars Mission There is some surprise among observers over NASA's new plan of sending more hardware to the moon: it seems to some as a departure from the manned mission to Mars. The space agency has been harping on putting humans on Mars as a priority since 2010 and talk about missions to the lunar surface has been rare. Obviously, NASA is looking to widen the understanding of moon's environment as a stepping stone for expanding human exploration to other planets. For example, NASA has already tied up with some private companies in developing deep-space habitats that are operating in the region called Cislunar space around the moon. Now NASA wants to know Cislunar habitats could be used for humans mission to the Mars. It wants moon's resources explored better for space travel including lunar water for making spacecraft fuel. Similarly, aspects like radiation exposure and dust on the lunar surface and their impact on the human body also top the list. "Though we have gathered a great deal of information over the decades about the Moon from the earliest robotic probes, from the Apollo missions, and more recently from spacecraft ... there is still much more that we need to learn," William Gerstenmaier, NASA's associate administrator for human exploration said. Lunar Scout By Moon Express One of the front runners keen to join the NASA's lunar plans will be lunar lander maker Moon Express, which announced a "Lunar Scout" program separately on Nov 1. The Moon Express program offers $500,000 each for three instruments that will fly on the lunar lander of Moon Express to be selected by NASA. "The Moon Express Lunar Scout Program is designed to expand our partnership with NASA with new low-cost lunar orbiter and surface missions," Moon Express Chief Executive Bob Richards said. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The U.S. military is currently employing a sensing technique to remotely monitor the air, in order to detect potentially life-threatening chemicals, pathogens and toxins. The idea was recently used as a source of inspiration, and turned into an instrument that could help probes "sniff" for extraterrestrial life on Mars and possibly everywhere else in our solar system. The instrument is called the Bio-Indicator Lidar Instrument, or BILI. The NASA technologist in charge of the project formerly worked for a company developing the sensor; he had the idea from there, then turned it into a prototype at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Through his project, the scientist proved that the same principles used in identifying bio-hazards can be employed in spotting organic bio-signatures on other planets. This is how Branimir Blagojevic came up with BILI, a fluorescence-based lidar, which is essentially a remote-sensing instrument using the principles of radars; however, instead of being operated through radio waves, the instruments use light to analyze the particles' composition in the atmosphere. In the process of detecting chemicals in the Earth's atmosphere, NASA has utilized fluorescence instruments, but the technique hasn't yet been tested in planetary studies. However, the team of scientists on the project is quite excited by the possibilities this instrument opens. The reason why it will be unique, aside from not being used anywhere else in the world, is that the small levels of complex organic materials will be instantly detected from a distance of a few hundred miles away. The manner this instrument is built implies that it will autonomously look for bio-signatures in plumes, and it will manage to reach areas that can hardly be reached by a normal rover, the level of its analysis being both very precise in nature and very wide in practicality. Moreover, due to the fact that the analysis will be carried out from a distance, the instrument will less likely contaminate the samples with other substances or materials that could influence the results and impair the analysis. Due to these qualities, the instrument represents a perfect complementary instrument. Used with point sensor-type spectrometers, which cannot measure the same amount of material as BILI. The possibility of finding bio-signatures will significantly increase once this instrument will be out "sniffing" for extraterrestrial life forms, as it not only complements the other instruments already employed, but it also has a different detection mechanism, which will add plurality and perspective to the procedure of inspecting other planets for bio-signatures. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A mighty, mysterious creature spotted moving in Alaska's semi-frozen Chena River has set tongues wagging with the matter further blown up in the social media. Enthusiasts took over the mystery and started defining the monster spicing it up with weird theories that ranged from the incarnation of Loch Ness Monster to branding it as fanciful creatures until the suspense ended in a new update. Viral Video Viewed more than 900,000 times, the video shows an unidentified object floating in the current of Alaskan River. For the viewers who are used to the Alaska's BLM photos and videos of squirrels, porcupines and dramatic landscapes, the new video was different and spooky. The purportedly Ice Monster was captured on camera by a BLM staffer as a moving icy shaped "creature" floating in the water. The BLM employee, Craig McCaa, who shot the footage was on his routine job of taking photos from the University Avenue bridge in Fairbanks to show the magic of weather change. The employee was struck by the view of a creature advancing with ripples and having a 15-foot body and swaying in the current. "I initially thought, and several people thought, it could be some rope that snagged on the bottom of the river with chunks of ice," McCaa said. Facebook Frenzy The video went viral after McCaa promptly took the scary object to the Facebook with a short video. There were people going ga-ga with their imagination running wild and calling it many names sea monster, giant sturgeon with a few swearing the object nothing but the second coming of Scotland's famous Loch Ness Monster. Among the motley of descriptions thrown on it were Chena Chomper, zombie salmon, a scabby whale, and an alligator or a huge arthropod. According to experts, this kind of frenetic behavior is common when mysterious sightings happen. Society gets into overdrive when news about wild and undiscovered creatures or species comes up. History is replete with examples of random appearances or unusual sights and stories following them and narrating them as extraterrestrial visitations and fantastic mythological creatures. Quashed Suspense However, the anti-climax came on Sunday with experts at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game noting that there is nothing biological about it and was a piece of junk. The Facebook update of BLM put to rest the prediction spree as the BLM asserted that it was a "frazil ice stuck to a rope that is probably caught on a bridge pier." Those who made wild comparisons were carried away by the aquatic slither of the creature much like a snake. In the comments section many who weaved theories such as the arrival of Alaskan ice monster, visitation of Loch Ness monster's cousin or Nessie herself on a comeback beat a hasty retreat. However, the man who found it was in awe and far from consoled. "It's a strange thing. I don't know what I would have done if I had come by in a canoe or something," McCaa added. So a story whose build up was grand petered out fast, throwing more yarn than the tail. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Most offline streaming services, such as Spotify, offer offline playback so users can enjoy content even without an internet connection. Netflix, one of the most popular video streaming service providers, currently doesn't offer this feature to its users. This may change soon, if recent reports are correct, but it might not be available in the United States immediately, or ever. Netflix is currently developing a feature that could allow users offline play, making the company's expansive library available to download. This will enable video playback even when disconnected from the internet. Rumors of a potential offline viewing feature first surfaced in October, suggesting that the company is set to offer it "within the next two months." An offline mode appeals most to users who are in a location where high-speed internet isn't available, Ted Sarandos, chief content officer of Netflix, told CNBC. "They [different territories] all have different levels of broadband speeds and Wi-Fi access," Sarandos said. "I think as we get into more and more [into the] undeveloped world and developing countries that we want to find alternatives for people to use Netflix easily." Since low-speed internet isn't a major concern in the United States, the offline feature may not be offered in the country. For now, Netflix is trying to target underdeveloped markets who may not enjoy high-speed connections. Asked if this feature will arrive soon, Sarandos offered a vague placeholder, telling CNBC that the company is currently looking on it. "[W]e'll see when," he said. Sarandos wasn't able to offer more details beyond that, but fundamentally, the idea is that any users with a Netflix subscription could soon download a film from Netflix's library when an internet connection is available and then have the option to watch it when there's no internet. In 2014, Netflix's chief executive, Redd Hastings, was openly averse to the idea of offline streaming since he reasoned out that people are never far away from an internet connection. In April this year, however, the company seems to have soften up to the prospect of downloading Netflix content for offline playback. These, coupled with Sarandos' comments, imply that offline streaming may be ranking up the list of priorities for the company. Netflix expanded its availability in 130 new countries beginning January this year, summing up its total reach to 190 countries. In the third quarter of the fiscal year, Netflix collected a sizable $2.15 billion in revenue thanks to its headline shows, such as Stranger Things and Narcos. The revenue spelled a 36 percent increase compared with last year, with the company also garnering 3.6 million new subscribers. Netflix's strongest suit is arguably found in its original programming, and the company is investing $6 billion just for the green-lighting and development of new shows. The video streaming service better serves the watching habits of many today, as people often not have the luxury of following a programming schedule set by a network. With Netflix, they can easily choose to watch whenever they want at their own preferred speed, hence the cultural explosion of "binge-watching" in recent years. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microsoft's augmented reality headset, the HoloLens, has already demonstrated potential applications in fields such as medicine, space travel and architecture. In the newest utilization of the technology, the HoloLens is soon heading to the battlefield. Modern tanks are equipped with several cameras, with soldiers relying on monitors located inside the cabin to see their surroundings. The system could use some improvement, and it seems that such an upgrade is on its way. Circular Review System With HoloLens Tank commanders in the Ukraine military will soon be using HoloLens-enabled helmets to increase the effectiveness of the war machines. The helmets, named the Circular Review System, features a HoloLens device mounted right on its front. Developed by Limpid Armor, the CRS looks to provide tank commanders with a better look of what surrounds the war vehicle by simply turning their heads, instead of having to check several monitors. The video feeds that will be gathered by the tank's exterior cameras will be stitched together and shown to the tank commander as a "mixed reality" image. Through the CRS, the wearer will see a 360-degree view of the tank's surroundings in both the visible and infrared spectrums. The CRS will also be able to determine who the friendly solders are on the battlefield and who the enemy soldiers are and can automatically target them or mark them for air strikes and drone strikes. The CRS, which was first unveiled in the middle of October at the Arms and Security show that was held in Kiev, can also function as a communication tool, allowing other commanders to send orders and information to the tank's passengers. Limpid Armor has not yet tried the CRS in live combat, as tests have so far been limited to within controlled facilities. However, there is a plan to quickly add the helmet to the capabilities of the Ukraine military. HoloLens-Equipped Helmets For Civilians The company also said that it is planning to create a version of the CRS for civilians, which will be used by industrial vehicle drivers, drone pilots and aircraft pilots. Microsoft launched preorders for the HoloLens last month to six new markets, which is over half a year since the company released the Development Edition of the device in the United States and Canada. It was not until August, though, when the HoloLens Development Edition was made available outside of companies and developers, as the device was posted on the online Microsoft Store. Technically, only developers and business customers were allowed to purchase the HoloLens Development Edition. However, as Microsoft waived the requirement of submitting an application to purchase the headset, anybody with $3,000 to spare would be able to buy it. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The far-right "road rebellion" asks that "the Army intervene to prevent the return of communism." | Read More An expanded product range aimed at broadening the client base alongside plans to target new markets are part of Thailands campaign to shore up its medical tourism industry. Thailand is coming under pressure from increased competition and weaker economic performance in key source countries. In early September the Ministry of Public Health unveiled a new series of packages as part of the Visit Thailand Enhance Your Healthy Life programme aimed at increasing medical and wellness tourism arrivals. Under the new initiative developed in conjunction with state agencies and private health care providers overseas visitors will be able to undergo standard health checks at up to 70 internationally certified hospitals and clinics, combining a regular medical assessment with their vacation. Additionally, the ministry is introducing a wider range of dental and reproductive health services for foreign visitors. The government is also looking at shifting its promotional efforts towards newer markets, such as China, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, to take advantage of the growing affluence in those countries and the rising demand for professional health care. To encourage health tourism from these nations, the government has tripled the period visitors undergoing medical treatments can stay in Thailand to 90 days. This would allow for overseas visitors to undergo extensive procedures and to potentially combine treatment with leisure travel. Uncertain prognosis Efforts to broaden the base of Thailands health and wellness tourism sector are timely, as the market is coming under pressure from a range of external factors. Last year the medical tourism segment maintained its record of strong growth, with local media reporting foreign patient numbers up 10.2% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 1.8m in in early September, representing 6% of total arrivals in 2015. It is estimated that receipts from medical tourism account for 0.4% of national GDP. This strong performance, however, could come under threat this year. Local financial services firm Kasikorn Securities has warned that weaker economic growth in key visitor markets such as the Middle East and Russia, a result of lower energy prices, could erode the numbers of foreign visitors making use of Thailands medical facilities. Furthermore, improved service provision offered by clinics in the UAE, a significant market for Thailands medical tourism segment, is also draining off client numbers, the Kasikorn report said. This external pressure has seen a retreat of the health care services index on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), with a number of primary medical services providers posting sharp falls in their share prices this year. However, despite having fallen from highs recorded in late April and still trending downwards as of mid-September, the index is performing better than other industrial groups on the SET. Though many health services providers are coming under pressure as a result of economic downturn in key markets, most are continuing to post solid earnings results. Of the 17 health service companies listed on the SET, only one posted a y-o-y loss in the first six months of the year, according to data issued by the market. The SETs health care service index saw listed firms report a combined 7.4% increase in sales y-o-y, though overall gross profit margins against expenses dipped marginally, down to 33.6% compared to 34.2% in the first half of last year. While in the short term the weaker performance of Middle Eastern economies will affect the operations of those Thai health care providers that serve the medical tourism industry, the new products and the opening up of new markets should help to sustain growth. The expansion of economies in countries such as Vietnam and Myanmar, which do not yet have health systems to match that of Thailand, should see the development of a new client base, according to Jintana Mekintharanggur, director of equity investment in Bangkok for Manulife Asset Management. In the short term the economic slowdown in the Middle East will weaken some investors confidence on earnings growth for domestic hospital operators, she told international media at the end of May. However, due to Thailands ability to compete regionally, the company is still reportedly bullish on the sector. Health threat to medical tourism Another challenge Thailands medical sector and the broader tourism industry faces in attracting overseas clientele is the recent spike in cases of the Zika virus in the country and, in particular, in the capital. At least 100 cases of the mosquito-borne disease had been confirmed by mid-September. Thai authorities have said there is no need for alarm as every measure was being taken to combat the spread of the virus. However, Anuttarasakdi Ratchatatat, epidemiologist at the Ministry of Health, acknowledged in mid-September that Zika could deter overseas visitors, when explaining why only broad information about infection rates was being released. The information on Zika is quite sensitive because if we say which province has infections then attention will turn on that province, and if that province is popular with tourists it will have an impact on tourism, he said. Any downturn in medical tourism arrivals could allow rivals in the sector, such as Malaysia, Turkey and India, to increase their market share at Thailands expense. Source: Thailand seeks to boost health of medical tourism segment | Thailand 2016 | Oxford Business Group There was a revealing exchange last week between a representative of Startup India and a French tech delegation that was in Bangalore, which brought up differences in attitude between the two ecosystems. It was a roundtable discussion at the Nasscom Product Conclave where La French Tech the French equivalent of the Startup India initiative wanted to let Indian startups know how to get a ticket to Paris for incubation and access to European markets. The Startup India rep wanted to know if that would be reciprocated by French startups coming to India. To this, an Indian startup, that had already moved to France and was part of the delegation, countered: does India have a tangible program like the French to welcome early stage foreign startups? Mani Doraisamy, co-founder of Guesswork, which has a product recommendation engine for new users on ecommerce sites, then went on to describe just how easy the French had made it for his startup to go to Paris. If you get selected for the Y Combinator accelerator in Silicon Valley, you still have to get a US visa to make it there, pointed out Mani. But the French took care of everything, once we got selected from a startup visa and resident permit to financial support. They took care of everything from a startup visa and resident permit to financial support. Guesswork is among 23 early stage foreign startups, including two Indian ones, which are currently being hosted in Paris under the French Tech Ticket program. The French government runs this program in association with businesses and accelerators. Hence the ease of entry. The second season of this year-long free acceleration program in 2017 will have 70 startups. The maximum number of the 1,200 plus applicants are from India, said Sylvain Biard, Mumbai-based MD of Business France. Its too late to apply for this batch, but familiarity with the program will help those who want to try for it when applications reopen in a few months for the 2018 season. Think pragmatically For Guesswork, the timing of the French ticket was perfect, Mani told me during a networking meetup at the French consulate in Bangalore the previous evening. The startups initial customers were in India and Southeast Asia, one of which was German investor Rocket Internets Zalora. Hes hoping to now use the Rocket Internet connections to get European ecommerce sites to try his product. Being mentored in France is useful also because the European ecommerce scene is very different from that in India, he explains. For example, sales cycles are short in India because the ecommerce sites are startups too. In Europe, he has to deal with established retailers in ecommerce, as well as stringent privacy regulations governing user behavior analysis for product recommendation. But once you get in, the business can be far more stable and lucrative than in Asia, he feels. Startups have to think pragmatically how to leverage different regions. Language is a bit of a barrier for Indian startups targeting European markets, which is why they have preferred using the UK as a gateway to Europe. But its different now after Brexit. Frankfurt and Paris are becoming the preferred destinations to do business with the European Union. Frances overture to attract Indian innovation and talent comes in this context. Startups have to think pragmatically how to leverage different regions, said Bertrand Diard, serial entrepreneur and chairman of industry body Tech in France, which is the equivalent of Nasscom. The post-Brexit advantage of France over the UK is clear: it provides unfettered access to 27 European Union countries without financial or border complexities. But its not just about Brexit. France has a solid foundation in high tech, which would be handy for new age startups wanting to upgrade their skills in currently hot domains like machine learning and artificial intelligence. Last year, Facebook opened an AI hub in Paris to take advantage of French tech talent in deep learning. See: How this pioneer built a SaaS hub in Chennai from scratch Station F As many as 41 accelerators in different regions of France, from the telecom and R&D hub of Brittany to the aerospace center of Toulouse, apart from Paris, are participating in La French Techs program for foreign startups. Two of them also have accelerators running in Bangalore NUMA and Airbus Bizlab. The Airbus accelerator shows the eagerness of French corporate entities to work with foreign startups, recognizing the need to be disruptive to avoid getting disrupted. Next year, Paris will have the worlds biggest co-working space for entrepreneurs and investors from around the world, aiming to create a whole startup ecosystem under one roof. Named Station F, it is housed within a 34,000 square meter freight station from 1929 which is listed as historical monument for its architecture. The redesigned building will be able to accommodate 3,000 startups. It will be 310 meters long and 58 meters wide. Just imagine the Eiffel Tower on its side, quips the Station F website. Theres a lot to learn from La French Tech for Startup India and similar initiatives around Asia. This post Why Paris is the new gateway to European markets for startups, after Brexit appeared first on Tech in Asia. Source link Heads up to prevent injury from falls Morning walks in my neighborhood are one of the most enjoyable parts of my day. I love the coolness of daybreak and the special sightings of the stag and two does that frequent our open space. I also enjoy my walk because each day at... Signs that point to the best time for retirement Ive been thinking a lot about retirement lately. One of our amazing staff members, who has been with Senior Concerns for the last 13 years, retired last month. It just doesnt seem real. I always thought of Dana as young. Certainly not the person to... Rethinking the mandatory retirement age How old is too old for working at a job? Last week a news story hit my inbox and it really got me to thinking about age and retirement. The article noted that Target Corp. abandoned its mandatory retirement age of 65 for its CEO,... Tips to promoting a healthy nights sleep for children Question: Help, please. My daughter is almost 2 years old and has been an easy child to put into her own bed. Yet in the past few weeks she is purposefully stretching out the bedtime routine longer and longer. She wants more: more stories, more... Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The group tasked with crafting a long-range plan for stabilizing Louisiana's turbulent state finances has released its list of recommendations for the state Legislature to consider next year. The state should improve its revenue forecasting and evaluate contracts for efficiencies; reduce its sales tax and broaden the tax base to include some services, similar to what has been done in Texas and elsewhere; eliminate deductions for federal personal and corporate income taxes; and end locally assessed ad valorem taxes on inventory and the corresponding state-funded tax credit that corresponds with it, among other ideas. We recommend implementing this full package as a comprehensive solution to stabilize the states finances, said task force co-chair Jim Richardson. A piecemeal approach will fall short of that goal. But the recommendations came as little surprise, and it remains to be seen how much traction the package will gain as its vetted by lawmakers. The Legislature is expected to focus its 2017 session on addressing the state budget, with the goal of ending the repeated cycle of shortfalls seen in recent years. Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, expressed appreciation for the group's work, but said that the recommendations have all been made before to hesitant legislators. "The bottom line is, there are no surprises," Edwards said after a news conference Wednesday. Edwards said that the Legislature, faced with data from economists and fiscal advisers, could have acted earlier this year on some of the items. Lawmakers met in two special sessions this year to address budget stresses. Groups across the political spectrum with interests in the state economy, swiftly weighed in on the final task force report upon its release Wednesday. Most commended the task force for its months of work, but it's clear that there isn't universal backing for the full slate of recommendations. The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the largest business lobby in the state, released a statement in support of some of the recommendations, but noting that other elements "require additional vetting and debate" and noted that the release is only the start of a lengthy process. While the Task Force has made numerous suggestions to the tax code, we must begin to acknowledge that even with an ideal tax code, spending projections are still likely to outpace revenue growth in the years to come," LABI President Stephen Waguespack said. Meanwhile, the Louisiana Budget Project, which advocates on behalf of low and moderate income people, said "more is needed to put Louisiana's budget back in the black." "A preliminary analysis from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy shows that even if the Legislature agrees to the sales tax and income-tax changes recommended by the task force, Louisiana will still not have sufficient revenue to make the investments needed," LBP said in a statement. The Council for a Better Louisiana, meanwhile, released a statement urging people to review the recommendations "in a holistic way." CABL President Barry Erwin served on the group. "Are the recommendations in the report perfect? It is likely that no member of the task force would say that they are," CABL said in a statement. "But thats probably a good thing because it is an indication that the task force was grappling with some extremely difficult issues and yet still found a way to address them. Hopefully, that bodes well for the future." Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission David Duke's inclusion in the final U.S. Senate debate stirred many to protest at Dillard University, leading to at least one arrest and pepper spray to be used. Photos and video show the tense scene, as protesters attempted to enter Georges Auditorium. Trouble seeing the video? Click here. Meanwhile, a heated debate raged inside between the six U.S. Senate candidates who qualified for the forum: U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, former KKK grand wizard David Duke, New Orleans-area attorney Caroline Fayard, U.S. Rep John Fleming and Louisiana Treasurer John Kennedy. At one-point during the hour-long debate, Duke was attempting to answer a question about tax reform and job creation, when moderator and WVUE anchor John Snell attempted to make a clarifying point. The two quickly became embroiled in an argument that stretched on for over a minute. David Duke's meltdown from moments ago pic.twitter.com/6k23rRx6p0 Andrew Blake (@apblake) November 3, 2016 Trouble seeing the video? Click here. Later, after the debate had ended and the other candidates left the stage, Duke could be seen speaking from the stage to the open room. There was no audience for the televised debate due to safety concerns. #lasen debate over. Everyone scattered at end, leaving Duke doing this... pic.twitter.com/BCjGWyjp8p Elizabeth Crisp (@elizabethcrisp) November 3, 2016 Trouble seeing the video? Click here. Police pepper-sprayed protesters outside Georges Auditorium during a televised U.S. Senate debate at Dillard University on Wednesday night, while inside, the target of their venom, David Duke, became embroiled in arguments with the other candidates and even the moderator, WVUE-TV anchor John Snell. Snell and the three journalists on the panel tried to keep the 60-minute debate on track with questions about the federal health care law, taxes, Social Security, the U.S. Supreme Court and the candidates political leanings. State Treasurer John Kennedy, the front-runner, according to polls, found himself under attack by the other candidates. Kennedy had to explain why he supported then-Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry in 2004 when Kennedy was a Democrat. Kennedy, who became a Republican in 2007, defended himself by saying Ronald Reagan, former U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin and even Donald Trump were once Democrats. (Kennedy) switched when this state became a Republican state, retorted U.S. Rep. John Fleming. The state treasurer is like a publicity hound, said Caroline Fayard, a Democrat. This election is about change, Kennedy said. Either you like the direction the Washington insiders have taken America, or you dont. I dont. ... You cant fix stupid, but you can vote it out. The candidates focused on issues when they could. Fleming, Kennedy, Duke and U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany all Republicans said they would repeal the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as "Obamacare," while Fayard and Foster Campbell, the other Democrat, said they would retain it but make changes. The four Republicans also voiced support for putting a conservative on the Supreme Court to replace Justice Antonin Scalia, who died earlier this year. Campbell and Fayard said the Senate should do its job and confirm Merrick Garland, nominated by President Barack Obama to replace Scalia. The debate repeatedly centered on Duke, either from the other candidates attacks on him or his own comments. He stopped the debate early on to accuse Snell of not letting him answer a question. Can't see the video? Click here. Fayard and Campbell traded insults over who was more anti-Duke, while Duke lashed out at the two Democrats and labeled the three other Republicans as corrupt members of the political establishment. Im not a supremacist, Duke said in response to Fayard at one point when she called him a white supremacist. I believe in equal rights for all, said Duke, a former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard and state representative. We have a media that puts out hate propaganda against white people. Standing next to Duke, Fayard said she wanted to cut off the head of his hatred once and for all. That gave Campbell an opening to call Fayard a liar for running a television advertisement where he is heard saying he is like Duke. Campbell and independent analysts have said Fayard took his words out of context in comments made at a forum sponsored by the Alliance for Good Government. Fayards ad prompted the group to rescind its endorsement of her. Campbell has launched a fierce counterattack to the ad, featuring scathing remarks about Fayard from state Sen. Wesley Bishop, D-New Orleans; New Orleans City Councilman James Gray; and former New Orleans Mayor Sidney Barthelemy. Nothing in the ad is untrue, Fayard said during the debate. That Dukes presence at a debate hosted by a historically black university produced fireworks came as no surprise, given his extremist views and the polarizing reactions he provokes. The one-hour debate from Dillard televised on C-SPAN nationally and on Raycom Media stations throughout the state marked the second and final debate during a Senate campaign that has raised few passions. No major issue has emerged to divide all of the candidates. The event took place only six days before Election Day and provided each of the six candidates an electronic forum to win over enough voters to qualify for the runoff campaign which will begin the day after Tuesdays primary and end with the election of the winner on Dec. 10. The new senator will replace Sen. David Vitter, who chose not to seek a third term. Polls have shown Kennedy to be the strongest candidate, followed closely by Boustany and Campbell and then Fayard and Fleming. Duke has badly trailed the other five in polls but claims that he is dramatically underpolling and will win a spot in the runoff. Not qualifying for Wednesday nights debate were conservative Republican Rob Maness and 17 minor candidates. Campbell noted that he is the only candidate who has released his tax return. All four Republicans supported Trump, the Republican presidential nominee. Fayard and Campbell said they support Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee. The debate took place in Georges Auditorium, a 400-seat hall that was nearly empty as Raycom Media officials chose to exclude students, the general public and reporters, who had to watch the event from a nearby room. Before the debate, a group of 50-75 students protested outside Dillards gates and then outside of the auditorium. No Duke/No KKK/No Fascist USA, they chanted. Two protesters were detained at one point, but university authorities relented and released them after the larger group of students protested. Dillard University police pepper-sprayed the protesters twice as they rushed the entrance, said university spokesman David Grubb. The candidates said they could hear the students chanting outside and banging on the doors to get in. Afterward, protesters blocked the main gate, but Duke left via another exit. Campbell, who lives on a farm in Bossier Parish, noted he has the support of Gov. John Bel Edwards. Fayard has the backing of New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, as well as his sister, former U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu. Fayard, an attorney from New Orleans who lost her only bid for elected office in 2010, kept up her campaign theme that she best represents the change voters want. Fleming, who kept up his campaign message as the one true conservative in the race, has represented north Louisiana since 2008. He has the support of Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a far-right favorite who will campaign with him on Monday. Kennedy, an attorney, was first elected as state treasurer in 1999. Since becoming a Republican, he has lost a Senate race and won re-election three more times as treasurer. Boustany, who presented himself as a conservative who gets results, has represented Acadiana and coastal parishes since 2004. I actually have gotten legislation passed, Boustany said. Gov. John Bel Edwards on Wednesday criticized one of the most controversial ads of the U.S. Senate race in Louisiana as "wrong and irresponsible." Edwards announced several months ago that he was backing Democrat Foster Campbell in a Senate race that has drawn two dozen candidates from all sides of the partisan aisle. Now, Edwards is directly calling out Campbell's Democratic rival, New Orleans attorney Caroline Fayard, over an ad in which her campaign has attempted to link Campbell to former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke. Negative ads ramp up as Senate race approaches Election Day As the blistering battle for an open U.S. Senate seat entered the final stretch before the N "David Duke represents the worst of Louisianas past, and these attacks on (Campbell) are wrong and irresponsible," Edwards said. "Ive known Foster for a long time, and I know he has the courage to stand up for all Louisianans, from his farm in Shreveport to the mouth of the Mississippi." Fayard's campaign responded stressing its respect for the governor but said it disagrees with his take on the ad. While we have utmost respect for Gov. Edwards, we flatly disagree with him on this issue," David Morris, Fayard's campaign manager, said. "There is nothing in the ad that wasnt true. Foster Campbell and David Duke are the past. Foster Campbell will not say Hillary Clintons name, he wont say if he voted for President Obama, but he was more than happy to chat with David Duke and shake his hand." The ad uses audio of a line Campbell uttered about tax exemptions in an attempt to link Campbell to Duke, a Republican who also is in the race. It features a grainy audio clip of Campbell saying, "I may be like Mr. Duke," but without the rest of the quote, which makes clear it's in reference only to the number of examples he could name and not in reference to racism, anti-Semitism or other objectionable views normally associated with Duke. "Campbell and Duke, the past," the ad's narrator says, before identifying Fayard as "our future." The television ad forced Fayard to give up the endorsement of the New Orleans-area Alliance for Good Government, after the group asked her to discontinue it. She has stood by it, and the 30-second television spot continues to run in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge markets. The bitter battle between Campbell and Fayard has divided the state's Democratic leaders into rival camps just months after Edwards, who won an unexpected victory over Republican David Vitter last fall, became the only Democrat currently holding state-wide office in Louisiana. Among those backing Fayard are former U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu and her brother, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. Among the 24 candidates on the ballot in the Senate race, Campbell and Fayard have emerged as the leading Democrats, while state Treasurer John Kennedy and U.S. Reps. Charles Boustany and John Fleming have the lead on the Republican side. The top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, will go to a Dec. 10 runoff, if no single contender wins more than 50 percent of the vote Tuesday. On Wednesday, Edwards re-iterated his support for Campbell. "In this election for the U.S. Senate, the stakes couldnt be higher. Washington is broken, and we need a Senator who can break through the gridlock to help Louisiana overcome some significant challenges. That candidate is Foster Campbell," Edwards said. Jeremy Hanson has revealed he lacked the numbers to keep the Liberal leadership, but pledged to be loyal to new leader Alistair Coe and says he plans to stay in politics for the long haul. "I wish Alistair well," Mr Hanson said on Thursday in his first interview since the Liberals ousted him as leader in favour of Mr Coe after the election loss. "He was a very very capable, effective and loyal deputy, he's a good friend of mine and he'll get the same friendship, support, professionalism and loyalty from me that he demonstrated in the last term." Former Liberal leader Jeremy Hanson: "If a majority of the party room had wished me to continue then I would have done so. But that's not the case." Credit:Karleen Minney Mr Hanson didn't contest the leadership, but concedes the decision was forced on him because he didn't have the numbers. "I discussed the issue of leadership with my colleagues and it was clear that a majority of my colleagues wanted a change," he said. "... If a majority of the party room had wished me to continue then I would have done so. But that's not the case." Sometime in 1991, Willem Bowen Scheeren travelled to Sydney under the guise of helping his half-sister find her son, who had run away from boarding school. Instead of bringing him home to Canberra immediately, Scheeren, now 59, took his nephew to a house in Surry Hills, where they smoked cannabis, watched pornography, and where he molested the 14-year-old boy. Scheeren pleaded guilty in August 2015 to four child sex offences against his nephew, none of which related to the events in Sydney. But as justice John Burns noted when sentencing the man in the ACT Supreme Court on Thursday, the events in Surry Hills were significant in that they showed the current charges were not isolated. The offences he was eventually charged with were "representative" and were not tied to any specific date. They were only ones his nephew, 15 at the time, could remember in detail, the court heard. He was already serving time in the Alexander Maconochie Centre for child sex offences committed in the 1970s and 1980s against a boy of 11 and 12, to which he had also pleaded guilty. The ACT's inaugural Woman Lawyer of the Year is Nooraini Blumer, who finished school at 16, had her first child a year later and then studied law by distance education from the NSW town of Griffith. When choosing Ms Blumer, from Blumers Lawyers, for the top award, presented at a gala dinner on Thursday night, the selection committee cited her "tireless" advocacy for the interests of women lawyers everywhere. Nooraini Blumer, the ACT's first Woman Lawyer of the Year. Credit:Elesa Kurtz "Noor reflects the law as a profession in the truest sense of the word and demonstrates the spirit of public service in everything she does," the committee said. "She is a leader and inspiration to her peers and to the women lawyers who come after her." The inaugural ACT Women Lawyers Awards were launched this year by the Women Lawyers Association ACT, in the name of promoting local women's achievements. After years of constant criticism from their members, North Melbourne will finally unveil a new meaner-looking club logo on Friday. Fairfax Media understands that the new logo will feature a more fearsome kangaroo than the playful-looking one that has been in use since 2007 the same year the club almost relocated to the Gold Coast. North Melbourne have unveiled part of the logo already. Credit:North Melbourne/Twitter The club tweeted part of the logo on Thursday morning. North's new logo, the seventh in their VFL/AFL history, will also aim to reflect the club's traditional heartland after spending a period of the recent past as the "travelling Kangaroos" hopping around Australia looking for a second home in places such as Canberra, Gold Coast and Sydney. Indeed, it will echo James Brayshaw's now famous speech at the Dallas Brooks Hall in late 2007 when the then-chairman assured supporters that the club would be returning to its North Melbourne roots as they officially rejected the AFL's push for them to head to south-east Queensland. A new logo has been on the club's radar for some time, with the process beginning in August last year. The logo will be the culmination of a re-branding which has seen the club draw up new values and also redefine what "Shinboner spirit" means to them. The club has formed the view that the current logo does not reflect its values of being "bold", "never beaten" and "belonging". It's exam time and tensions have been high, especially in homes with final-year VCE or HSC students. My helpers for this column, Charlie and Louise, sailed through their exams. Charlie had to work hard but Louise was just one of those kids who knew everything. "And she is still trying to convince us of that," says Charlie. But does all that late study really make a lot of difference in the end? Sure it helps you pass but I doubt it makes you any smarter. A "temporary blockage" in real estate listings is affecting revenue at Fairfax Media, which is lower than last year but better than the company expected, according to a trading update released before Thursday's annual general meeting. Overall group revenue since July was between 6 and 7 per cent down on the same period last year. Fairfax chief executive Greg Hywood told shareholders the real estate market was affected by the "longest federal election campaign in modern history [and] proposed changes to superannuation caps". Credit:James Brickwood Fairfax shares dropped 11 per cent in the morning to 73 but recovered to close at 77. Overall revenue from real estate business Domain was up 2 per cent, with its total digital business up 11 per cent. But, as home hunters know, fewer new properties went to market in recent months. Police charges laid against the leaders of Victoria's largest building union are "nonsense" and should be struck out immediately, a court has been told. Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) state secretary John Setka and Deputy Shaun Reardon are facing court after being charged with criminal blackmail, an offence that carries possible jail time if proven. Police claim the pair organised an industry-wide boycott of Boral after the company refused to cave into the union's demands to stop supplying developer Grocon. The unionists allegedly made unwarranted demands with "intention to cause harm" to Grocon, with whom the CFMEU was engaged in a bitter industrial feud. But defence lawyers on Thursday mounted a surprising new line of attack, arguing that the police charges violated civil legal protections that have "decriminalised" these tactics in industrial conflicts. It's a safe bet Mike Baird absolutely loathes the nickname "Casino Mike", which despite his best efforts has stuck to him like a pokie addict sticks to a machine during a winning streak. The character, famously rendered on a Chippendale wall by Scott Marsh with a glass of wine and cigarette in one hand, kebab in the other, surrounded by gambling chips, is the antithesis of the image Baird likes to cultivate of a clean-living Christian surfer who finds himself in politics more due to a calling than a career. So there he was this week on Facebook posing in front of the offending piece of street art, one eyebrow arched at the camera in disdain. This is not me, he seemed to be saying. Well actually, Premier, on the available evidence many people find it easy to believe that it is. As a teacher in frustration I once asked my class of students who could not take in what I was teaching: "What are you? Stupid or stubborn?" A little voice answered: "A bit of both." So I ask Mr Turnbull the same question about his volte-face on issues like climate change, marriage equality and now refugee resettlement. He is stubbornly not listening to the majority of Australians, whose reaction to his lurch to the right is reflected in the polls. Can he be that stupid to think that by acquiescing to his right wing he will retain the leadership and the Coalition will be re-elected in 2019? Dream on. Robert Ray, Sassafras A man who stands for nothing Kevin Rudd was his own man, but Mr Turnbull is not, yet he has nothing to lose and everything to gain by standing on his feet if everything is self-respect and public respect. Mr Rudd wasn't beholden to unions and factions in Labor. When they took the leadership off him he kept his pride, and fought another day. Mr Turnbull, with his "Paris is worth a Mass" mentality as he kowtows to the party right, can only be dismissed by history as someone who stood for nothing; is it worth it? Perhaps he should listen to the Who and say to the right: "Why don't you all fade away..." Better still, apply Christian values since the lot of them say they are and ask the question: "What would Jesus do with refugees?", for example. What is the Jesus-like way, Malcolm? John Dobinson, North Balwyn THE FORUM Jail won't help my son Please let there be no more talk of mandatory sentencing. It is not a deterrent to crime, which is often a result of irrational behaviour that is drug or alcohol fuelled. It prevents magistrates and judges from taking into account all circumstances and it clogs our jails with people who have a better chance of being rehabilitated in another setting. My youngest is 22, and has suffered drug/alcohol addiction for the past five years. He has been in and out of the court system, and has avoided prison by being placed on community based orders. For the past five months he has been making progress in a rehabilitation facility, and finally glimpses a future for himself. He has one serious charge still pending. Under the proposed laws he would go to jail but under the current legislation he may receive a further community based order because he is trying to tackle his issues. How could a jail term at this point help him or the community? We must ensure sentencing arrangements are flexible. More rehabilitation centres throughout the state would also ultimately reduce crime and give our addicts hope for a future. Name and address withheld High recidivism rate Victoria's prison population is soaring disproportionately to the level of crime (The Age, 3/11). This costly "tough on crime" approach is unlikely to make our community safer, with Victoria's recidivism rate remaining high at 42.8 per cent. While people must be held accountable for their actions, we know that many in our overcrowded prison system are dealing with multiple, complex forms of disadvantage. More than half have alcohol or drug problems and 43 per cent expect to be homeless on release. If we truly want to reduce crime, we must provide prisoners with education and counselling and treatment services while in detention and stronger transitional programs upon exit. But to reduce criminal behaviour in the first place we must invest in housing, health, and education and training pathways. Julie Edwards, CEO, Jesuit Social Services Teachers, not police The recent increased disturbances at youth detention centres are the result of a foolish decision by the then Baillieu government five years ago. The Liberals had promised there would be no cuts to education, but once in government they cut school funding for VCAL courses and cut $300 million from TAFE, also a major VCAL provider. The Baillieu government also built jails rather than schools and funded extra police rather than extra teachers. It was no coincidence that crime rates, after years of declining, began rising, despite more police, harsher penalties and more jails. A generation of "at risk" students has missed out on educational opportunities and we are seeing the consequences. It is much easier to destroy than to build. Paul Kennelly, Caulfield North According to the script One of the arguments against the privatisation of Victoria's power stations was that new owners, particularly foreign ones, could let the asset run down and walk away from it. This was dismissed as being ridiculous by the government at the time. Yet that is what is happening with Hazelwood. Just the latest example of the "success" of privatising Victoria's power generation grid. Geoff McNamara, Newry Slash use, cut bills With the closure of Hazelwood, much has been written that transitioning from coal-fired power to renewable energy will increase electricity prices, and thus our bills ("Closure to force power bills higher", 3/11). But why is there no talk about what can be done to reduce how much electricity households use? What about that energy efficiency and conservation stuff we used to hear about? It is time governments introduced mandatory energy performance standards for existing dwellings (especially rental properties); strengthened energy efficiency requirements for appliances; provided free home energy audits (remember them?); and even green loans. There is no shortage of ideas on how to slash energy usage and save money. And these measures will help enormously in cutting carbon emissions. We just have to get serious about it. Increased power bills are not inevitable. Andrea Bunting, Brunswick Crack down on visas And now it is Caltex; yet another company accused of underpaying and intimidating workers (The Age, 3/11). And for every business that is reported, many go unreported. Australia led the world with the Eight Hour Day in 1856 and the basic wage in 1907, guaranteeing a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. This changed with the Independent Contractors Act in 2006, which resulted in some companies no longer employing staff directly to avoid paying sick leave, holiday pay and superannuation and setting the stage for the exploitation of workers. Furthermore, the introduction of 457 visas have meant foreign workers are not only taking jobs from qualified locals, but the companies importing these workers are not adequately policed to ensure they pay appropriate wages and supply safe working and living conditions. The government, Fair Work Australia and the unions must cooperate to restore decency and fairness in the workplace. A media campaign would also ensure workers knew their rights and could name and shame dishonest businesses. Benign neglect has proved disastrous. Meg Paul, Camberwell Pushed to medicate I recently applied for a disability pension after six years of struggling with health issues. I have been told by Centrelink that my depression and anxiety are not adequately "treated". I have been receiving psychological treatment and have been taking anti-depressants. Perhaps with more time and therapy things may improve, but at the moment I need support after 40 years in the workforce. However, I have been told by Centrelink staff to see a psychiatrist for further medication. I have done so grudgingly, feeling that my current therapy is best for me. But I have been pushed by the "system" to accept this, and now have to take stronger medication. I wonder if this is happening to others. It must be disheartening for psychologists when their clients are making progress with therapy but are then considered not "adequately treated" if they are not heavily medicated (Letters, 2/11). Jacque Macdonald, Bentleigh East Beware giving advice The most common killer of people aged 15-44 in Australia is not car accidents or cancer; it is depression leading to suicide. Anyone can develop depression. Between 10 and 15 per cent of women will develop depression in the year after childbirth. Research shows that mild depression, like mild diabetes, may respond to non-medication treatments, but significant depression is a disabling and, at times, life-threatening condition. Such severe illness requires medication and non-medication interventions over a suitable period. Suggesting to a friend or family member that they stop taking antidepressants is equivalent to telling a diabetic to stop insulin, and such advice has caused deaths. Associate Professor David Horgan, Australian Suicide Prevention Foundation Meaningless message Gamble responsibly. Gamble responsibly. Gamble responsibly. Gamble responsibly. Gamble responsibly. Gamble responsibly. Gamble responsibly. Gamble responsibly. Gamble responsibly. Given the message is meaningless and has no impact let's repeat it as often as possible. Marco Mercadante, Eltham In a manner of speaking In discussing "the broader issue of how we often treat poorly those with the courage to speak up on inequality and discrimination" ("Race for jockey equality has a long way to run", Editorial, 3/11), one of the things we need to evaluate is the manner in which people go about speaking up. I'm not sure publicly telling detractors to "get stuffed" did Michelle Payne and her important cause many favours. If a man had said something like that, I wonder whether we would have been as quick to pass it off as "endearing". Offence is unfortunately easily stirred up nowadays and maybe Payne gave her patriarchal industry too easy an excuse for continued intransigence. John Skaro, Malvern Tenacity of a spider Last night, while driving, I was disturbed to find a massive huntsman spider on the side window, just 300 millimetres from my face. In the dark, I couldn't tell whether it was inside or out. However, on the (hopeful) assumption that it was outside, I was struck by its ability to walk on the newly washed window of a car travelling at 110km/h. A simple maths sum indicates it was hanging on to the glass in spite of being blown by a force at the very least four times its body weight. Inspection of the car afterwards indicated the spider tethered itself by laying down a short single strand of silk. Isn't that simple, natural thing marvellous? Colin Simmons, Woodend AND ANOTHER THING... Politics Tony Abbott must be getting frantic to have a friend send a job application to newspapers. Maureen Goldie, Blackwood, SA What is Abbott really up to? Sheridan Rodgers, Berwick Is Malcolm guilty of misleading and deceptive conduct ("Turnbull tougher than Abbott", 31/10)? Jenny Bone, Surrey Hills Turnbull PM Plasticine Moulded. David Clarke, Eltham You obviously can't hear the children cry from Point Piper. Craig Jory, Glenroy, NSW Malcolm's dream of exciting times ahead seems to be getting out of hand somewhat. Hugh McCaig, Blackburn Disgraceful, these babies. Just because they can double-dip from mum they think they can do it from the nation. Hugh Niall, St Kilda Today's Senate: One (whitebread) Nation, (my) Family First, National (agribusiness only) and Liberal (anything but). Greg Curtin, Blackburn South Who are we to mock the circus that is the US election when we look at our appalling Senate. Lesley Black, Frankston Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini promised to make their countries great again. When I listen to Donald Trump, my blood runs cold. Anna Summerfield, Bendigo Elsewhere Placing wind turbines on top of the Hazelwood chimneys would improve the look of them immensely. Steve Melzer, Hughesdale I wonder how many Dreamworld employees are hapless "casuals", stood down without pay. Terry Godden, Heidelberg West Served in the Birdcage, Penfolds 2012 Grange, $850 per bottle. Newstart allowance, approximately $265 per week. I'm just saying. Again. The recent expose of 7-Eleven and this week's revelations about Caltex show there is a systemic problem involving the serious mistreatment of international students at work in certain industries. In these cases, international students were highly reluctant to complain to the authorities about gross exploitation, the franchisor's head office was complicit in the exploitation or tipped off its franchisees, and international students were bullied by employers threatening them with deportation if they dared voice concerns to the Fair Work Ombudsman. Illustration: Andrew Dyson Without international students coming forward to expose workplace exploitation, it will continue to be widespread and prolific. The Fair Work Ombudsman, with its limited resources (it has 300 inspectors for 11 million workers across Australia) and its limited powers (it has less enforcement and investigative powers than most comparable regulators, for example, ASIC and the ACCC), will continue to face a Herculean enforcement challenge. A primary reason why international students do not complain is they are hugely fearful about deportation. International students can only work 40 hours a fortnight during term time and breach of this visa condition can lead to deportation. It happened because a white man was scared. Chase Coleman was on a park road, probably lost and confused, having straggled far behind the pack he's a cross-country runner from Syracuse, New York when the white man got out of his car and shoved him. A witness said Chase flew back 10 feet and landed on his backside. Chase Coleman, a 15-year-old student in Syracuse, New York. Credit:Washington Post Because that white man was scared. He had no reason to be. As described by witnesses in the Washington Post and on Syracuse.com, Chase is a gangly black kid, 15 years of age, who weighs about 60 kilograms. The white man is said to be very tall and to weigh twice that. A watershed moment in the push to wind back racial discrimination laws is set to unfold on Friday, with a Brisbane judge to finally decide on a controversial case involving students at the Queensland University of Technology. Fairfax Media understands Federal Circuit Court judge Michael Jarrett will hand down his ruling on whether the civil lawsuit, brought under section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, should proceed to the next stage. Opponents of section 18C, which makes it unlawful to "offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate another person" on the grounds of race, believe the case exemplifies why the law should be amended or repealed. Momentum appears to be building for change, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull considering a parliamentary inquiry into the law, after a strident push by Coalition backbenchers including its entire Senate backbench cohort. The government will delay presenting key industrial relations bills to the Senate until it thinks it has the numbers, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull confirmed on Thursday. In the wake of challenges to the eligibility of One Nation senator Rod Culleton and former Family First crossbencher Bob Day, the government's legislative program looks to be in limbo, with bills to re-establish the Australian Building and Construction Commission and creating a registered organisations commission at risk of not being passed before Parliament rises in December. Hours after manager of government business in the Senate Mitch Fifield avoided saying if the legislation would be debated by the Senate, Mr Turnbull confirmed the government would hold off until it believed it had a majority in support. He rejected the suggestions the Senate was in "chaos". Time to up stumps for me. What happened? Not much - at least, not compared to yesterday. The Prime Minister wants us to know everything is under control and there is no chaos in the Senate or anywhere else. The opposition says the government couldn't organise a chook raffle in a pub. It's a war of perception as much as anything else. Whoever is right, next week is sure to be a showstopper. Until we meet then, you can follow me on Facebook. See you on Monday. Spence moves the cakes onto another sideboard and hauls the cool bed onto the table. She places a towel over the silver plate, which is attached by a reinforced hose to a black box sitting on the floor. That's a compressor, pumping coolant, and can be adjusted to -25C, but Spence usually sets it at 1 to 5C, the temperature funeral directors must keep bodies in a mortuary under NSW regulations. (Victoria has industry standards of practice but no specific regulations). A few minutes later, a small group trickles into the spacious Mary, Mother of Mercy Condolence Lounge, a reception area at western Sydney's Rookwood cemetery. The group has just come from a tour of a nearby funeral home, part of Dying to Know Day, a national event which encourages people to plan better for their deaths. So far, they have visited a mortuary and learnt about different types of funerals. The tour will next inspect the cremation machines at Rookwood, a cemetery so large it has its own postcode. But first, Spence, 51, statuesque in a long black coat, gives a short speech. "I've been asked to talk about caring for somebody at the end of their life and after they have died at home," she tells the group. She explains that people are allowed to keep a body at home for up to five days, and that the cool bed is designed to make that process easier. "If anyone is game, you can get on the bench and have a lie on it," she says. (Nobody takes her up on the offer.) Spence talks about Rosie Young, a 74-year-old woman who died at home on the family couch in the inner-west Sydney suburb of Annandale. It was summer, and Young was left on a cool bed on the couch for four days. During this time, her daughters cared for her body and decorated her coffin in preparation for a home funeral. Perhaps more than anything else, death and dying remind us of what we hold to be truly important, what we really care about and what we really want to do. Dr Peter Banki, philosopher Using a PowerPoint presentation projected onto the wall, Spence shows the crowd a picture of Rosie on a couch, draped in a cobalt blue sheet, a blue pillow under her head, her granddaughter Daisy holding her foot as she paints her toenails. A candle burns on a table next to her. It looks as if she is asleep. "One of the things that often happens with vigils is people are surprised at how beautiful our dead look," Spence says. "How peaceful, how simple, how real and what a privilege it is to travel with the people we love into their deaths." One woman in the tour group wipes away a tear. Spence is used to tears, and emotional intensity, which she says defines her work. For 15 years, she has worked as a bespoke death consultant specialising in the space between the end of life and after-death care. The clients who come to her practice Spence is a trained counsellor and civil celebrant who also does funerals, name-days and weddings want to better organise their experience of death and dying. She counsels the terminally ill and their carers, dissolving tensions, encouraging discussions, running funeral celebrations. Death comes in clusters, in Spence's experience, and she employs two part-time staff to assist families with home deaths, bringing their dead home for vigils, as well as liaising with hospitals, hospices and funeral directors, organising transport and the cool bed if it's needed. (Many hospitals do not have procedures for families to take bodies home. Also, the bereaved cannot send a coffin from their home to the cremator or graveyard. Under NSW regulations, a funeral director must be employed to "coffin" a body in a mortuary.) Spence's first 10 at-home vigils were done with dry ice, but for nearly a decade she has been renting out her two cool beds, imported from the Netherlands, where most people die at home and vigils with corpses are common. A few weeks later, I'm at Spence's house in Earlwood, in Sydney's south, to hear what an at-home vigil is actually like. Spence has invited Rosie Young's daughter, Fiona, to talk about her experience with her mother's vigil. Fiona, 38, says when she tells people about it, they're surprised: "They're like, 'Wow, I didn't know it was legal to have the body at home.' " The idea for a home vigil came after Fiona and Rosie watched Tender, a documentary about a NSW South Coast community group setting up their own not-for-profit funeral business so families could play a bigger role in looking after their dead. Rosie, who was terminally ill with six months to live, was inspired by the film and wanted her daughter to look into arranging an at-home vigil for her, which led Fiona to Spence. Fiona called Spence just after her mother's death and a few hours later Spence was showing the family how to care for Rosie over the next four days. "She talked us through the whole process of what actually happens to the body and the way to care for it, how to wash Mum every day," says Fiona. "Of course, she still had body fluids in her, she hadn't been drained, so we had to stuff her mouth with cotton wool buds to keep her fluids in. We also had to strap her head and her chin to keep her mouth shut." "I never felt scared," she continues. "It felt very natural for me It was a beautiful duty. And an act of kindness for her to remain in her house, on her sofa. It just felt like part of the journey for me." Spence who grew up on Sydney's North Shore, says while her father's home death, in 1994, was "amazing", his funeral was a farce. "The celebrant got his name wrong," she sighs. "My mother was in the front row. His name was John Walton and the celebrant was calling him John Walter and my mother was in the front row going, 'Walton, Walton, Walton!' " Her 20s and 30s were spent in contemporary performance, organising and performing in shows that ranged from charting the impact of HIV and AIDS to queer cabaret events. That experience of live art feeds into her work today: holding a group's attention during a funeral service, improvising to help hold together families in intense situations, creating meaningful ceremonies. The birth of daughter Honey galvanised Spence into using her skills in a new way. She trained as a celebrant with the goal of reinvigorating civil funerals, but soon realised that she was way down the hierarchy of the funeral industry. "The day, the date, the time, the location and duration of the ceremony were already set by the time I got my phone call." Spence recommends booking two slots for a service at the crematorium for more time it's only a little more expensive. Moving deeper into the industry, Spence also found that many people wanted to hold home vigils, but were finding it hard to transport the bodies there. "I saw people move into this space often with a lot of anxiety, even the surest people, who said, 'I've cared for my person through their cancer, I've done vomit, I've done blood, I've done tumours, I've done all sorts of things. Why would I hand them over now? We're not ready. The kids need more time.' " Mounting research shows exposure to a corpse gives people signals that someone is dead and helps accelerate the grieving process. A 2015 study analysed the mortuary practices of 57 cultures since 1901 and found 93 per cent of these cultures had seen a corpse, with 82 per cent engaging in moderately intimate practices, such as washing or dressing. A recent study by Sydney's University of Notre Dame found that people who had viewed a body after sudden death experienced myriad responses: a sense of reality, satisfaction and, sometimes, regret. People are intrinsically scared of dead bodies, wary about what happens to them, particularly purging when fluid comes out of the mouth, nose and other orifices. But Spence says that even if that does happen, the changes to the skin of a corpse, and the subtle sweet smell which comes after a few days, help people realise someone is really gone. "It is an important thing to recognise that this flesh is no longer vital," she says. "It helps with beginning the transition to accepting death 'I can touch it, I can see it and I can smell it.' " In Australia, the funeral industry is dominated by Invocare, a multinational with a raft of well-known brands, including White Lady Funerals, Simplicity Funerals, and many cemeteries and crematoria. Spence is cautious about criticising the mainstream funeral industry she knows too many "fantastic women" working in it but says the refined service model doesn't always cater to people's needs. "Part of the sleight-of-hand trick of the funeral industry is to go, 'Don't you worry about it, we'll look after it, you've got better things to do, take comfort in our care.' It's got this whole rhetoric which actually disables people from being able to do what their bodies are primed to do. There is this whole physical and psychological response that our bodies have to death." Still, Spence doesn't say home vigils necessarily work for everybody. Instead, she hopes for a "field of biodiversity" when it comes to dying, with "each community doing its own thing". THE TEACHER Dr Peter Banki Philosopher Peter Banki wants more people to be open to ideas about death without feeling a need to reconcile them into a coherent view. Credit:Nic Walker On a spring evening in Bondi, a crowd of eight is settled in Dr Peter Banki's apartment on chairs and large cushions. The eclectic group includes an oncologist, a mental health worker and a former SBS journalist. Banki, a boyish 47, is an associate member of the Philosophy Research Initiative at the Western Sydney University. He's just distributed print-outs on the death of Socrates as written by his disciple Plato. Socrates was sentenced to death by poisoning for corrupting young minds and "not believing the gods of the state". In the scene the group is reading, he drinks the poison and his disciples begin to weep, for which he chides them. "What conduct is this, you strange men! I sent the women away chiefly for this very reason, that they might not behave in this absurd way; for I have heard that it is best to die in silence. Keep quiet and be brave." A short time later, as the poison spreads, Socrates utters his famously ambiguous last words. "Crito, we owe a cock to Aesculapius. Pay it and do not neglect it." The room is quiet. "So, comments?" asks Banki eventually. Papers shuffle, bums move on chairs. "Well, I would say one of two things," says the oncologist eventually. "One, I think the way the whole thing as it is portrayed is very bland." He pauses. "And that he's decisive." "That's why they didn't want the women," says Banki. "Socrates is kind of like the embodiment of the philosopher. So, a philosopher is someone who assumes his own death and in a way takes charge of it He even tells off his students for losing control of themselves." Since 2013, Banki has been running philosophical classes around death, advertising online and through social media and usually attended by death professionals and the dying. His latest venture is the inaugural Sydney Festival of Death and Dying, which will run from November 18 to 20. Workshops hosts will include Trypheyna McShane, an art therapist, who will teach people how to assemble a "Soul Kit", a box where one stores their end-of-life wishes and, perhaps, passwords for banking or social media accounts, and Dr Michael Barbato, a palliative care physician, who will discuss the experiences of dying patients. Banki grew up in Sydney but moved to Paris at 23 to study under the deconstructionist philosopher Jacques Derrida. After Paris, he moved to New York where he completed a PhD at New York University on the Holocaust and forgiveness, in part prompted by the fact he had relatives who died in the genocide. After years of thinking about forgiveness his book Holocaust Forgiveness is coming out next year he has returned to death, inspired by the fact his parents, based in Sydney, are elderly. He has also had a number of people he knows take their own life, including his philosophy supervisor in Paris and, more recently, a friend who was also a philosopher. "It is an occupational hazard," he says light-heartedly. "I think I'll be okay." In fact, Banki sees his interest in death as life-affirming. In an email to Good Weekend, he writes: "Perhaps more than anything else, death and dying remind us of what we hold to be truly important: what we really care about and what we really want to do Today, more and more people realise that our culture's fear and denial of death stops us from living more deeply." Banki who chuckles a lot in conversation intentionally doesn't have an overarching philosophical construct on death. "What I want to do is encourage people, and also myself, to be open to listening to knowledge and perspectives on death without being able to reconcile them into a coherent view." Unable to get a job at a university as a philosopher, Banki has essentially had to create his own work. "It's one thing to do philosophy in an academic world where everything is set up for you to do it," he says. "It's another thing to try do philosophical work in a field where it's not normally validated or accepted to create something new." For the past decade, he has also run sex and relationships classes and, more recently, also started an experientially-based festival about sex. But tonight, over two hours, the discussion centres on the "right way to die". The group travels down various streams, covering everything from the intense last work written by Bohemian-Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke, to The Instant of My Death, a powerful short story by French writer and philosopher Maurice Blanchot that describes how he narrowly escaped being shot during World War II. The oncologist in Banki's class is Dr Jonathan Page, who mainly works out of Manly Hospital. He has spent a number of years studying death through a Buddhist lens, and meditates on his demise daily. Death, he says, is at the forefront of the minds of a lot of patients, both terminal and survivors. "My antennae are up for any opportunity to talk about spiritual matters or existential matters, death and dying with my patients." Banki says he has learnt a lot from his students, citing a nun with terminal cancer who told him that sometimes when she dropped off to sleep, when she awoke it was like the lights would come on again. "Then, sometimes, when she woke up, she thought, 'Ah, it's like I've been dead.' " THE ACTIVIST Kerrie Noonan Psychologist Kerrie Noonan: Weve lost our death literacy over time, because care of the dying has been profession-alised. Credit:Nic Walker Kerrie Noonan is standing in a room at the centre of 4C, a palliative care ward at south-west Sydney's Liverpool Hospital. A clinical psychologist, Noonan is clutching a bundle of parking vouchers. Dubbed "the parking lady" by colleagues, she uses the vouchers as an informal way to meet new patients, some of whom are dying, others there to manage their symptoms before they head home. "We encourage people to bring their own clothes, their own doonas and pillow slips, and to make it homely as possible," Noonan says. "Especially if you are dying and this is the last room you will see it would be nice to be dressed in your own clothes and have your own doona on the bed," she says, above a consistent "beep, beep, beep" of a nearby medical machine. A fellow staff member arrives to discuss a terminally ill patient who is feeling anxious about his breathing. It is a problem that Noonan sees a lot of. "People feel like they are going to die breathless," she says. "What happens is that the physical change in their body changes their breathing and this creates more anxiety, which creates more breathlessness, which creates more anxiety, and around and around it goes." She leaves to have a conversation with the breathless man, who is in his 70s. Ward 4C has all the usual whiteness of a hospital, but one wall is lined with more than 100 thank-you cards embossed with flowers, teddy bears and butterflies. In one card, a family apologises for having so many people in the room when their relative died. Noonan, a tall, striking 44-year-old with long black hair tinged purple at points and an undercut on one side, returns to explain that the man with the breathing problem wants to go home to die, but his wife is unsure if she can shift gears mentally or physically to cope with home-based end-of-life care. This is precisely the problem that Noonan is trying to address: reactivating society's intimate knowledge of death and dying. "We've lost our death literacy over time because caring has been professionalised," she says. "Care of the dying has been professionalised, death has been professionalised and bereavement has been professionalised. All of those social processes that we used to naturally engage in, they've all been professionalised and silo-ed." Noonan, who grew up in Ballina on the NSW North Coast, became interested in death at 14, when her grandmother May suddenly died. The experience is still visceral for her; she becomes quite upset as she recalls the memory. "I remember saying to my parents, 'Can we have a viewing?' I don't know how I had the language." She says she and her five cousins went into the viewing room at the funeral parlour. "We pulled the sheet off her face," she recalls. "I remember my cousin, she's a year older, taking the lead of it all and that was really nice. She kissed her first. I thought, 'Wow, I'm doing that too.' " Noonan left her swimming medal and cap and a letter in the coffin. It was in 2010, after a trip to Kerala, India for a palliative care conference that Noonan decided to co-found GroundSwell, a world-first non-government organisation dedicated to raising "death literacy", a term she invented to describe people's skills and knowledge around dying. In India, she was astonished to meet young people who were voluntarily caring for he dying in their community, going door to door to see who was in pain and needed support. "We even met kids in kindergarten who were talking about palliative care," she says. Noonan couldn't stop thinking about the scheme, and wanted to find a way to start something similar in Australia. "All these young people in India have these amazing experiences of end-of-life! What were we doing to engage young people here?" Aside from arts projects in high schools and at Liverpool Hospital, the NGO also runs Dying to Know Day and "Ten things you need to know before you go" workshops, in which people learn about planning for the end of life. "Death is part of life," Noonan says, as we sit in "the family room", a bland room decked out in Ikea furniture where visitors can take time out to watch TV or have naps. "To see someone dying and dead as a young person is quite a normal family ritual in most of the world except the West." For those who want to die at home, she is eager to build people's confidence, arguing death is not a medical event but a social event with medical input. "We have such a discourse around everybody 'getting better' in hospitals." She cites a study in which researchers examined Grey's Anatomy and House MD, two US medical dramas, and found that CPR revived nearly 70 per cent of patients twice that of actual survival rates. "I know people who are giving CPR and they can feel their [the patient's] ribs breaking under their hands and the family is going, 'Keep going,' " she says. The gap in knowledge extends to after-death care. "Most people wouldn't know how to get a dead person from this hospital into a coffin and to the crematorium," she says. While the burden of caring for the dying has been well-documented, Western Sydney University researchers, including Noonan, studied more than 300 Australians who had successfully helped with a home death and found that primary carers, often with no prior knowledge or skill-set on dying, worked with a network of, on average, 16 people, made up of family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. The medical system and formal services were typically on the periphery. While home death is a tough gig filled with challenges, carers and their networks spoke of their experiences in triumphant terms. "Our research has shown that when you care for someone who is dying, there is a ripple effect," Noonan says. "Attitudes change and the ability to care in the future also seems to be enhanced by being involved in caring for someone who is dying." Noonan thinks people are slowly beginning to understand the system around death, which covers everything from funeral directors to palliative care to public policy. "If I understand the death system, I can look at my options as a person," she says, adding that people can then make informed decisions about keeping their mum at home to die or not. Loading Superstar Beyonce now has something in common with WAGs Bec Judd and Nadia Bartel after appearing in a dress by Melbourne couturiers J'Aton at the Country Music Awards. Queen Bey wore the champagne beaded gown with billowing sleeves to perform with two songs with the Dixie Chicks at the awards in Nashville on Wednesday night local time. Beyonce wears a J'Aton dress as she performs with the Dixie Chicks at the Country Music Awards in Nashville on Wednesday. Credit:Image Group LA The appearance had been planned for months but the duo behind the label, Jacob Luppino and Anthony Pittorino, couldn't contain their excitement at seeing their creation on the world stage. "We were honoured to create this special piece for Beyonce, we worked closely for months to create this," the pair told Daily Life on Thursday night from Italy, where they are working on a new project. The findings are contained in UK supermarket Waitrose's annual report on Britain's eating habits, which I authored. Writing the report, I was struck by how unashamed people are about taking snaps of their food. It is simply something they do. It seemed extraordinary until I scrolled through my own social media feeds: snaps of a mean merluza en salsa verde my sister-in-law cooked in Spain; a miso-flavoured porridge I tried; and - hilarious, this - a roast chicken I had prepared that looked like William Hague. The research finds that almost half of us make more effort when preparing food for guests or social media-minded members of family if we think a photo of it may appear online. We are becoming, to adapt Napoleon's phrase, a nation of shot-reapers - and it's changing the way we eat and entertain at home. In the last month alone, one in five UK adults has posted a picture of his or her food on social media, or sent a shot to a friend, according to research published today. (This rises to a third among 18- to 24-year-olds.) When, in 1827, French inventor Nicephore Niepce photographed a table set with a bowl, a wine bottle and a hunk of bread, he could not have imagined the precedent he was setting. In taking the world's first still-life picture of food, Niepce was foreshadowing one of this century's most curious phenomena. The food industry is taking note. Sales of patterned bowls at Waitrose have risen by 12 per cent as people look for more Instagram-friendly ways to present their food at home. Last month, the Italian restaurant chain Zizzi teamed up with Leanne Lim-Walker, a popular Instagrammer, to train its staff "to help diners capture the perfect foodie snap". According to industry insiders, some restaurants are now deliberately including one eminently Facebook-able dish on their menus - a trend not universally welcomed. At the same time, certain restaurants in the US and France have banned customers from taking pictures of their dishes, or "foodstagramming", as it has become known. Patrons at Heston Blumenthal's (pictured left) Mandarin Oriental restaurant Dinner have been asked to refrain from using flashes when snapping their food. So what's the most foodstagrammed meal? On the basis of its global hashtag popularity, it's pizza, followed by sushi and chicken. When tastes are broken down on a city-by-city basis, London comes out as the most popular place for foodstagramming burgers, accounting for five per cent of posts worldwide. The British capital is also the leader for pulled pork (7.5 per cent), while one in ten of all curry photos is taken in Tokyo (with London in third place behind Osaka). New York is top for bacon, empanadas, chicken, pizza, sushi and bao buns, while almost nine per cent of burrito photos are taken in Los Angeles. To delve deeper, tap #food into Instagram and there are 192 million pictures to work your way through. The Waitrose research also revealed some fascinating regional variations across the UK. People from Sheffield are twice as likely to have shared a food picture on social media than people from Oxford, while people in the East Midlands are snap-happiest. Whatever the geographic quirks, the trend looks here to stay. But why do we feel compelled to take photographs of our food in the first place? There's a "coarse logic" explanation, which can be described as the Everest principle: we take pictures of our food because we can. The Australian Taxation Office is fuming after cyber-criminals ruined the finale of Tax Time 2016 with an attack on the government's web portal myGov. The troubled myGov portal, which handles traffic to most federal government customer service sites, had to be taken offline on Monday as it came under the same sort of attack as the one that took down the census in August. The ATO was forced to offer a one-day extension to taxpayers to get their 2015-2016 returns lodged after the attack. Monday's incident occurred as thousands of taxpayers were trying to access the Tax Office website and lodge their annual tax returns before the cut-off deadline. The ATO says there was nothing wrong with its sites and officials there are understood to be furious with the performance of their counterparts at the giant Department of Human Services, which runs myGov. Applying lockout and last drinks laws to The Star casino is not being ruled out by the NSW government should the liquor and gaming regulator recommend it after investigating allegations the venue has been under-reporting violent incidents to police. Asked if it would consider the move, a spokesman for Deputy Premier and Hospitality Minister Troy Grant told Fairfax Media the government would consider "any and all recommendations" of the regulator, Liquor and Gaming NSW. A leaked document from a review carried out by the regulator revealed on Monday that police were not involved in the response to 75 out of 111 violent incidents that occurred between March and August. The revelation calls into question a Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) analysis published in April that relied on police reports to conclude violence had not been pushed out of the lockout zones of Kings Cross and the CBD to The Star at Pyrmont. Harvey Zimmer is almost out, Manpreet and Gurpreet Ghuman want in, but a coalition of neighbors of a longtime liquor store along the Beltline near Seminole Highway say it would be best if the business would shutter its doors. Concerns about litter, drug dealing, illegal parking and customers passed out on the front lawns of some nearby homes has the leadership of the Dunns Marsh Neighborhood Association pushing a petition asking the city not to grant a liquor license to the Ghumans. For the past 2 years the couple has owned Rockys Liquor at 4429 Milwaukee St. and now they want to expand their business and convert Zimmers Liquor into Rockys Liquor West. The Ghumans bought the building at 4217 W. Beltline Highway on Sept. 30 and Manpreet Ghuman met for nearly an hour Thursday morning with concerned residents. Despite promises to clean up and paint the property, install security cameras and be more selective about the clientele he serves, Ghuman made little headway in swaying Mary Mullen, president of the neighborhood association that includes the Allied Drive area and parts of Fitchburg. The problems that we have are just endemic with a liquor store, said Mullen, who lives about four blocks from the store. I know there are other people in the neighborhood who feel its a beloved institution and that because its been a liquor store for so long that it ought to remain one. But thats not my personal opinion. The citys Alcohol License Review Committee is scheduled to discuss the license for the Ghumans at its meeting at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 16. If approved by the ALRC, the City Council could vote on the issue Dec. 6. Zimmer, who is called Mr. Z by many of his customers, has operated his liquor store in the brick building since 1981 by leasing the 800 square feet of retail space from the buildings owner. Frank Schiro owned the building and operated a liquor store at the location prior to Zimmer, but Zimmer never purchased the building. Most recently he leased the space from John Reed, but for the last five years, it was only a verbal agreement, Zimmer said. Its been a good business, Zimmer, 69, said. I survived Supersaver (a former grocery store on Verona Road) that took 50 percent of my business and (Cub Foods). I survived it but I wanted to go a couple more years. When Reed sold the building to the Ghumans, the Ghumans offered to buy Zimmers inventory and pay him $40,000 for the business, which Zimmer accepted. Zimmers last day of business is Thursday, with the Ghumans saying they want to reopen the store by Nov. 18 if they can get a temporary license from the city. Im going to do a better job than what the current owner is doing, Manpreet Ghuman, 31, told a gathering of nine people who attended the meeting held in the back lot of the liquor store. I drive by every day here. Its a nice property and its on the Beltline. The way Madison is developing, theres going to be big building (projects) here. But for Annette Shesman, who lives on Danbury Street, a few blocks away, the liquor store, regardless of ownership, will create problems. She has lived in her home since April and twice has found people passed out on her front lawn. This is a billboard for our neighborhood and its really hard for me to support this, Shesman told Ghuman. Its really sad. There have been bottles all throughout my yard. Joe Schlesing, director of the Meadowood Neighborhood Center, 5740 Raymond Road, said that while Ghuman may run a good business on Milwaukee Street, his proposed store on the Beltline would do more harm than good for those living in the Dunns Marsh Neighborhood. It sounds like youre being responsible at your other location but the concern for me is a totally different set of dynamics that effects neighborhood residents and other businesses, Schlesing told Ghuman during the meeting. This is a liquor store in a neighborhood thats got other problems and the liquor store is kind of a catalyst for some of those problems. Police have charged a 34-year-old man over an alleged attack that left a second man in a critical condition in hospital on Thursday. The 55-year-old was standing on Crown Street in Darlinghurst at 10.15am when he was allegedly approached by the younger man. Police do not believe the men were known to each other. The younger man allegedly punched and kicked the 55-year-old, who lost consciousness and fell to the ground, police said. The man was found on the ground a few minutes later by a passerby, who called an ambulance believing he had been hit by a car. A western Sydney man charged on Thursday with fighting for terrorist groups in the Middle East was allegedly lured back from the Syrian battleground in a sting by his family. Mehmet Biber, 24, allegedly left Sydney in July 2013 and travelled to Syria, via Turkey, to join Jabhat al-Nusra, a rebel group fighting against the Syrian government. Mehmet Biber is arrested during sweeping counter-terrorism raids in November that also targeted Amin Elmir. Credit:NSW Police He returned to Australia in January 2014 and was charged on Thursday with foreign incursion offences. A 17-year-old close associate, whom Mr Biber had allegedly been counselling spiritually, was also arrested on Thursday after he allegedly attempted to go to Syria in January 2015 and then allegedly encouraged a 26-year-old friend to do the same. Just over six months ago, Roy Tabalbag was deemed to be a murderer. But, on Wednesday, a second jury found that the frenzied stabbing attack of his partner's lover was manslaughter instead. Roy Tabalbag during his Supreme Court trial. Credit:James Brickwood Tabalbag, 31, killed chef Amin Sthapit, 30, after catching him having sex with Tabalbag's long-time partner Geecy Rebucas in the couple's Darling Point unit in Sydney's east in November 2013. His previous conviction for murder was quashed on appeal earlier this year. Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis met the mother of his two children as well as the woman who would brutally murder her through his spiritual healing and clairvoyant business. Monis' lover Amirah Droudis, 37, was on Thursday found guilty of the murder of Monis' ex-wife, who was stabbed, doused in petrol and set on fire in an apartment building stairwell in 2013. In handing down his verdict in the NSW Supreme Court, Justice Peter Johnson said Monis had a history of affairs and relationships with different women. "The evidence indicates that Monis had associations with a range of females over the years, sometimes simultaneously," Justice Johnson said. Two people have been charged with foreign incursion offences following counter-terrorism raids in Sydney on Thursday morning. The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team executed search warrants at several properties as part of an ongoing investigation into foreign incursion offences. One of the accused, Mehmet Biber, 24, has been charged with going to fight for terrorism groups in Syria. He was arrested during a roadside vehicle stop in Birrong on Thursday morning and charged with one count of incursions into foreign states. Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe had a little bit of a break today, with people running out of steam on the trains debacle. Instead Leanne Donaldson was reluctantly thrown into the spotlight on her unpaid bills. In total, since parliament started today, there were 20 MPs warned but none had to take a walk. On the naughty list are: Whitsunday, Kawana, Logan, Nanango, Indooroopilly, Everton, Redlands, Albert, Callide, Burleigh, Lockyer, Gladstone, Chatsworth, Ferny Grove, Clayfield, Hinchinbrook, Maryborough, Glass House, Brisbane Central. And one lucky MP whose warning I didn't quite catch. Thanks for tuning in and thank you to Danielle Cronin for producing and making this happen. The state's safety watchdog has called out Dreamworld's claim that government operators approved the theme park's Cyclone ride staffing numbers. Australian Workers Union general secretary Ben Swann told Fairfax Media last Friday he had provided police with two emails from 2015 in which senior Dreamworld staff defended having one staff member to operate the ride when the manufacturer's guidelines specify two, "preferably three staff". Dreamworld CEO Craig Davidson announced on Monday staff operating procedures of the one-car Cyclone ride, now called Hot Wheels SideWinder, were approved through "four separate tiers". Mr Davidson said the procedures were subject to an internal safety and risk assessment and approved by the manufacturer, an independent ride safety expert and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ). Only households with smart meters will be able to move to monthly electricity bills. Credit:Kenneth Cheung The cost of electricity is expected to rise, though projections are notoriously difficult. Estimates have varied wildly, from an immediate 25 per cent spike to a jump so insignificant that we would barely notice. A state government commissioned analysis puts the likely increase in Victoria at between 4 and 8 per cent. A smaller bump is likely in other states. Some of the increase may already have happened reports of Hazelwood's imminent demise prompted futures markets to start factoring it in weeks ago. the workers? A company linked to billionaire coal investor Hans Mende has acquired a Vale mine in Queensland Credit:Joe Armao Proportionally, the Hazelwood plant and mine is a large employer in the Latrobe Valley. About 750 people work at the plant as direct employees or contractors. More jobs in local service industries are linked to the generator. It is the biggest employer among the valley's four coal plants. The state government has promised $22 million to help workers and affected businesses and $20 million to set up a Latrobe Valley Authority to lead the response in Morwell. The federal government is spending $43 million split between a jobs package, local infrastructure and helping workers adjust. Engie said retrenched workers would be given a generous redundancy package, and 130 workers would be kept on until 2023 to work on rehabilitation of the site. Up to another 130 specialist rehabilitation jobs will be created. ...the community? A local worker crosses the road in the Morwell town center. Photo: Eddie Jim Credit:Eddie Jim While it is too early to know the full economic ramifications, there are difficult times ahead. The valley has been here before. Before it was privatised in the mid-1990s, the State Electricity Commission employed about 10,000 people. Today, barely a quarter of those jobs remain. The valley is one of the most disadvantaged parts of Victoria, with unemployment nearly 20 per cent in Morwell and 15 per cent in neighbouring Moe. While locals have been braced for some time for Hazelwood to shut down, it is the prospect of a sudden complete closure that locals have dreaded, as the economic shock of that many job losses at once could be unsustainable. From a health perspective, it may have some positive impact. Burning coal is the overwhelming contributor to air pollution in the Latrobe Valley, according to the Environment Protection Authority. Studies have linked pollution to an increased premature death rate in towns near coal mines. Morwell is just a few hundred metres from Hazelwood. ...the state and federal governments? Daniel Andrews emerges to face the press alongside other state and federal leaders. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Both knew this was coming. Ministers from each have met in Paris with the management of French majority owner Engie in recent weeks. The Andrews government will be seen as the first responder. It will need to convince the public that it has taken steps to ensure the state keeps running and will support the people of the valley. The Turnbull government will face renewed calls to explain what role it will play in guiding the huge structural change under way in electricity and to shed some light on how it will meet the climate change commitments it made in Paris last December. the future of the electricity market? In the short-term, Hazelwood's closure is likely to make other coal plants more profitable. With a large competitor out of the way they will be able to run at greater capacity and sell their electricity at a higher rate. It may help Engie sell its other Latrobe Valley coal generator, Loy Yang B. A review into energy security, led by Commonwealth chief scientist Alan Finkel, has begun. It is likely there will be changes to electricity market rules to better incorporate different types of generation. The future could include some gas-fired power as a stop-gap replacement for coal, more decentralised solar generation, programs to manage electricity demand, micro-grids powering specific areas and the rise of battery storage. It should also mean better connections between the states to help prevent the sort of blackout that hit South Australia. Australia's climate change targets? Summer and storm season could cause more problems for the energy network next summer. Credit:Glenn Campbell Hazelwood is often described as Australia's dirtiest power plant. When fully operational, it is responsible for up to 15 per cent of Victorian and about 3 per cent of national greenhouse gas emissions. But the impact of closing it will be smaller than those numbers suggest. Other coal plants that have been running below capacity will increase generation to pick up the slack. Some will be black coal plants in NSW and Queensland, which emit about half as much as Hazelwood. Loading That said, the closure is a necessary early step if Australia is to meet the goal implied in the Paris climate deal and increasingly being factored in by business of Australia having net zero emissions by mid-century. Many more coal plants are likely to follow in the years ahead. A worker entering the Hazelwood plant on Thursday morning. Credit:Eddie Jim "I would love to provide a job for everybody but we don't have that. But we are doing our best to really help all our employees to transition respectfully through this period. "It's going to be difficult for these families. We need to help them to find a new future, so we have career counselling that has been planned, we have training that will be provided - up to $4000 per employee to help each employee to find a new future. Some workers have been seen boarding buses. Credit:Eddie Jim "We also have financial planning and superannuation planning done, in order to help them. And finally, we need also to help them humanly to go through this transition," he said. He stressed that the company had not accelerated the decision to close Hazelwood in response to the mine fire of 2014. "Engie has taken the decision to reduce its operation in carbon plants, and is hence looking around the world to potentially sell some of them in order to redeploy all the capital that has been raised for the energy transition activities," he said. Mr Keisser said it would be good if "some of the younger people" at Hazelwood could be redeployed to the Loy Yang B power station near Traralgon, which Engie also owns. The closure of Hazelwood was described as "the end of an era" by federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg, but he reassured Victorians that the energy market could cope. Hazelwood currently generates up to a quarter of Victoria's supply. A report released on Thursday by the Australian Energy Market Operator indicated that black coal generation in NSW and gas-fired energy in South Australia would increase to compensate for the loss of Hazelwood. It said Victoria may have to import power from NSW and Tasmania during peak demand. The closure of Hazelwood is likely to drive up the value of the Loy Yang B station near Traralgon, which Engie is planning to sell. The valley's other three plants Yallourn, Loy Yang A and Loy Yang B will continue to operate, though Loy Yang A is subject to industrial action that its owner, AGL, has warned could force it offline. Their long-term future cannot be guaranteed as companies and governments around the world move away from coal-powered generators. But beyond the workers and their entitlements, the closure of a plant that employed 750 people is a bitter blow for an economically depressed area. "There's no sugar-coating" the Latrobe Valley's high unemployment figures, Premier Daniel Andrews said at a lunchtime press conference at Morwell's Centenary Rose Garden. "That just means we have to work harder." He condemned as "distasteful" reports that anyone was celebrating the closure of the plant. He acknowledged that a hike in electricity prices would put pressure on family budgets, but dismissed estimates of a 25 per cent increase as "wild, inaccurate." He said any price rise would be close to 4 per cent, or an average of 85 cents a week. The Latrobe Valley is one of the most disadvantaged parts of Victoria, having struggled to recover since losing about 15,000 jobs when the electricity system was privatised in the 1990s. Unemployment is as high as 19.7 per cent in Morwell and 14.6 per cent in Moe. Mr Frydenberg and Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas recently met with senior Engie executives in Paris. Mr Frydenberg said Engie had assured the government it would meet all its entitlement obligations for Hazelwood workers. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull pledged to work with the Victorian government to support workers who lose their jobs. "This is a very, very tough time for the valley," he told reporters in Sydney. He said the federal government had established a ministerial task group "to provide the support the community needs to ensure there are jobs and opportunities". Loading Before news emerged of the closure Wendy Farmer, from community group Voices for the Valley, said it was a day of mixed feelings for herself and the community. The mother of toddler Nikki Francis-Coslovich has been accused in court of being "cunning" and "manipulative", after the jury heard secret recordings of conversations between her and an undercover police officer who befriended her. John Torney, 32, has pleaded not guilty to Nikki's murder, saying it was his ex-girlfriend and Nikki's mother Peta-Ann Francis who killed her before he agreed to hide the body. Two-year-old Nikki was found dead in the roof of her Oram Court home on August 25 last year. Ms Francis found out while on the witness stand yesterday a friend known as Steph -- who befriended Ms Francis in the weeks after Nikki's death -- was actually an undercover cop assigned by the homicide squad to speak to her. The designer hot dog restaurant on Gilman Street near the UW campus has closed. wiener shop with a small "w" "just couldn't survive the construction any longer," reads a post on the restaurant's Facebook page. "Thank you for your business & support over the last 2 years." When one fan wrote "say it ain't so," the response was that it was too late and they had moved out already. A number of hot dog shops have tried and failed in Madison. And all in more promising locations than wiener shop, which was under the radar at 447 W. Gilman St. It opened in April 2015. Early on, Nate Chu, who owned the "craft" dog shop with Rex Arthur, said they eventually hoped to turn the business into a chain. Arthur went to culinary school at Madison Area Technical College and has cooked at Umami, Harvest and Tornado Steakhouse. Accused drug trafficker Rocco Arico has been branded the "puppeteer" behind a scheme to recover an alleged $100,000 drug debt following a string of threats and attacks staged against a former friend and associate. The prosecution's claim was put to Mr Arico after he took the stand on Thursday to testify at his trial on charges of extortion, recklessly or intentionally causing injury, and trafficking methylamphetamine. Rocco Arico: "I was just trying to get my money." Credit:Getty Images The County Court has been told that drug dealer-turned-witness Arthur Vouthas was forced to repay Mr Arico for the cost of a kilogram of cocaine that was allegedly stolen by bikie Toby Mitchell from Mr Vouthas during a botched deal in 2010. Mr Arico claims the allegations are "nonsense" and "made up" and that his then friend borrowed the money when Mr Vouthas got into trouble with "some people from Sydney". Police have charged a Claremont man over the alleged 1989 murder of father-of-eight Van Phan Nguyen - three days after a fresh inquiry was opened on Monday. Nearly 27 years to the day since Mr Nguyen, 62, was stabbed to death near McIver Train Station on November 23, 1989, police confirmed they had charged a 54-year-old man on Thursday morning. It will be alleged he was stabbed numerous times in what police believe was a random attack. The two men were not thought to be known to each other. He has been charged with wilful murder and is expected to appear in Perth Magistrate's Court on Thursday. Karajarri Senior Ranger Jess Bangu collects samples for a biodiversity survey near Bidyadanga community in the Kimberley. Credit:Stories from the Scenic Route "Now we're almost half-half with the men. It's not just the ranger program that's been growing, but our women and our communities too." Back at the office in Bidyadanga, Indigenous Protected Area co-ordinator Sam Bayley is planning the ranger's schedule for this week. Sam pads each task with plenty of time. He's aware of the difficulties in managing such vast and ferocious country, and he knows that life up here is not ruled by the inexorable calendar. Tourist Shane admires a bough shed built by the Karajarri rangers at Saddle Hill near Broome. Credit:Stories from the Scenic Route For 170 million hectares of Aboriginal freehold land in Australia, there are only 777 full-time equivalent ranger positions, or only one 'full-time' ranger per 2,000 square-kilometres. PEW Charitable Trust spokesperson Patrick O'Leary said more must be done to secure viable futures for Indigenous Australians living on their traditional country. Karajarri rangers proudly display their work near Bidyadanga community in the Kimberley. Credit:Stories from the Scenic Route "The ranger program is one of the most outstanding programs that has ever worked at the grassroots level right across Australia. These models are world leading models and create a working partnership between indigenous peoples, government and other agencies to deliver better environmental management at the scale that we need it," Mr O'Leary says. "This is something that wins for the environment, and for people. We need to grow the program to the scale that the land needs, and create more jobs where they're needed most in Australia." Sheen Kitty sets out across the mud flats at Mud Creek, near Broome, in search of a traditional fishing net. Credit:Stories from the Scenic Route The federally funded program is regarded as one of the most successful Aboriginal-employment related policies, and while the current government will fund the program until 2020, commitment beyond that remains unclear. The Coalition was the only significant political party not to make any federal election commitment to continue or increase the funding of rangers, while a Labor government would double the number of available ranger positions. The ranger's responsibilities go beyond keeping their country healthy. Aboriginal people share an overriding concern that when senior members of the community pass away, knowledge is lost, and the rangers work to preserve their culture for future generations. Jess has been digitising the Karajarri dictionary, recording the five different dialects spoken by her people. On the biodiversity surveys she has been leading, the rangers record important ecological knowledge pertaining to their culture. Jess' work has paved the way for younger rangers, like Sheen Kitty. Sheen left his home when he was 18 to pursue a plumbing apprenticeship in Melbourne. He struggled to adjust to life in a foreign city, and quit midway through to return home, unsure of his future. Now, through the ranger program, Sheen is able to learn new skills without having to sever what is important to him. "Being able to stay on Country and work, that's a big bonus," he says. "This is my home, and I've been making my family proud with all the good work I've been doing. They grew me up, and now I get the chance to give something back and show my people the right way." "That's worth more than all the money in the world to me." Rangers like Sheen are role models in their community, and they work with low-attendance students from the local school on cultural learning programs. Indigenous Protected Area co-ordinator Sam Bayley says these mentorships have been highly effective in re-engaging students at school, but progress has been limited by available resources. "For these kids, it's important they're formally schooled in the education system, but they also need to learn skills that are relevant to who they are and where they come from," Mr Bayley says. "A lot of the kids see the rangers taking pride in their work and realise becoming a ranger is a really desirable option. But without a formal program in place, we don't have the resources to be consistent in making a difference for these kids." A 'Learning on Country Program' has been already been implemented in schools around Arnhem Land, with proven practical outcomes. An independent report commissioned by the Prime Minister's Office found the program had been demonstrably successful in improving attendance rates, engaging the wider community in schooling, and providing young people with a pathway from education to employment. If you were upset at missing Wednesday night's meteorite shower over Perth, don't fret - the shower will peak this weekend, according to the Perth Observatory. Spokesman Matt Woods said although there were widespread social media reports of activity in the sky on Wednesday night, the best shows should actually be happening Friday night or Saturday morning. Most months, Perth saw meteorite showers from different comets, including the famous Halley, but this one, Encke, is known for its moon-bright showers occurring from around September 20 to November 10. "A fireball, or or bolide, is the official term," Mr Woods said. It seems Perth can't get enough of the Boss, with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band adding a third night to his already packed tour schedule. The 67-year-old rocker has already sold out shows on January 25 and 27, and has now added January 22 to his list. The Boss first visited WA in 2014. Credit:Owen Sweeney It will be the first date of the highly anticipated Summer '17 tour, and all three gigs will be held at Perth Arena. Bad puns aside, the burlesque parody show Star Wars: The Empire Strips Back is set to bring seductive glimpses of a galaxy far, far away right to audiences at Perth's Regal Theatre on November 11 and 12. The Empire Strips Back plays Perth's Regal Theatre on November 11 and 12. Credit:The Empire Strips Back The burlesque show is a celebration and reinterpretation of classic Star Wars combining striptease, song and dance, troupe routines and comedy. Audiences can expect to see a little more of their favourite characters than usual, with Princess Leia, the bounty hunter Boba Fett, Darth Vader and even the stormtroopers getting in on the action. Sydneysider Kael Murray told Fairfax Media about her experience as a dancer with the show, saying it was a very unique show to be part of. "We often get fans come meet us after the shows, we chat and pose for photos and we get to thank them for supporting us in return," Ms Murray said. London: Britain's prime minister cannot trigger Brexit single-handedly, the country's High Court has ruled, in a decision that embarrassed the government and gave new hope to "Remainers". After a high-stakes argument over the balance of power between Parliament and the Crown, the court ruled unanimously that the "royal prerogative" did not give the government power to start the legal process of taking Britain out of the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May had planned to trigger the "Article 50" treaty exit clause by the end of March, but must now first seek the approval of parliament. This will open the door to Remainers who wish to dilute or even block Brexit. A man wipes tears from his eyes and holds a white flag as Iraqi soldiers search his home in Gogjali, an eastern district of Mosul. Credit:AP At the same time, they were trying to keep order as entire families, with backpacks and suitcases in tow, streamed in from neighbourhoods still controlled by the Islamic State. Male residents were mostly fixated on three things: the big beards they had been forced to keep, the cigarettes they had been denied, and the cellphones they had been forbidden to use. Civilians carry a white flag as they pass by Iraqi special forces on patrol in Gogjali, an eastern district of Mosul. Credit:AP "They would have killed me if they saw this," said Farras Sharif, 55, holding up a mobile phone. "Just one bullet." A man who still had his beard said his razor was electric, so shaving would have to wait until power was restored. A newly clean-shaven man, Saad Qhais, held his hands about three inches from his chin and said, "My beard was to here. I was really dirty." Soldiers look at an Islamic State flag inside an abandoned house in Faziliya, north of Mosul. Credit:AP Most of the women from the neighbourhood stayed indoors, but there were many among those displaced from other neighbourhoods, in niqabs and veils, some carrying white flags and bags of clothing. Parents said they were hopeful that their children, out of school for two years, could return to classrooms. One father, Mohammed Mahmoud, 33, said he was grateful that he no longer had to worry that his young daughter would be forced to marry an Islamic State fighter. "What worried me the most was my daughter," Mahmoud said. "Because they have no religion. I consider me and my family born again today." Although there were plenty of outward signs that the civilian population of Mosul was welcoming the soldiers as liberators, that was not the only story. Military commanders and residents acknowledge that there is still a degree of support within Mosul for the Islamic State, and that thousands of fighters are digging in to defend the heart of the city. In the newly secured neighbourhood on Wednesday, the counter-terrorism troops, Iraq's most professional fighting force, seemed to be taking care not to alienate civilians. But this is not the only battle that will be fought, and fears have run high that vengeful violence will tear through liberated areas. (An Amnesty International report issued on Wednesday alleged that a tribal militia taking part in the offensive had tortured detainees in liberated villages near Mosul.) But Hassan, speaking for himself and many neighbours, said that, more than anything, they want to feel like Iraqis again. "The love of the country is greater than the love of the religion," he said. "Now we understand that." Sharif, his friend, agreed. "Now, yes, we are with the Iraqi army, with the law, with Iraq," he said. At least for one day, the atmosphere was a mix of jubilation, as civilians welcomed the soldiers with handshakes and hugs, and tension, as soldiers tried to determine who among the crowds of bearded men might be Islamic State fighters and who were ordinary civilians. Soldiers collected the men in groups, demanding their government identification cards, if they had them, so they could check them against a list of Islamic State members compiled from informants. Later, a colonel asked all of them to go home and shave their beards and then gather at sunset with their ID cards in hand. In some cases, civilians were helping the soldiers by pointing out neighbours they said had joined or supported the Islamic State. An Iraqi colonel said one resident's information had led to the capture of a local Islamic State leader, who had injured his leg when he fell off a motorcycle. The suspect, in his 40s or 50s, could be seen handcuffed and hobbling before he was pushed into the back of a white pickup truck. A red-and-white kaffiyeh scarf was tied around his face, and he was driven off. A man identified as that local leader's son was also handcuffed and placed in the back of a different truck. But local residents then said the son had nothing to do with the father and had not been an active member of the Islamic State, and he was let go. When the son hesitated, a soldier threatened to start shooting after a count to four, and then shoved him in the back. The man ran off, and disappeared down an alley. With the Iraqi forces now inside the city, the focus will soon turn to the question of whether the politicians, after the battle, can bring together the communities of Mosul Sunnis, Shiites, Christians, Yazidis and others as part of their effort to reunite the country. In Iraq's long history of wars, the political aftermath has usually led to something worse. Mexico City: Mexico is preparing a contingency plan for an "adverse" election result in the United States, according to the country's Central Bank Governor Agustin Carstens. Mr Carstens, who has previously stated that a victory for Donald Trump would hit his country like a hurricane, said the plan was a sensible precaution. "If the adverse situation materialises, it's foreseeable that the Mexican authorities respond in some way," he told Milenio television. "It's a contingency plan that we're discussing with the finance ministry we hope we don't have to use it." Mr Carstens did not provide details of the contingency plan. "Vote Trump" is spray painted on the side of the fire-damaged Hopewell MB Baptist Church in Greenville, Mississippi. Credit:AP Trump has repeatedly urged his followers to monitor polls, claiming that rampant electoral fraud, which is virtually non-existent in the US, could rob him of victory. His associates and others on the far right have responded that they will have thousands of monitors at predominantly black precincts - and, because this is America, many can be expected to be armed. Arguably the biggest self-promoter in living memory: Donald Trump. Credit:AP Some claim to be freelancing, others that they are liaising with the Trump campaign. Funnily, with millions of early votes already cast, there has been just a single report of attempted voter fraud - by a Trump supporter in Iowa, who was arrested after she attempted to vote a second time. Residents use an electronic voting machine at a polling location in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Credit:Bloomberg If on the morning of Election Day it turns out that we have white supremacists standing around looking threatening at polling places, I think it would arouse anger. Mark Potok, Southern Poverty Law Centre "The possibility of violence is very real," Mark Potok, of the Southern Poverty Law Centre, which monitors race and hate groups, told reporters. "Donald Trump has been telling his supporters for weeks and weeks and weeks now that they are about to have the election stolen from them by evil forces on behalf of the elites." John Olsen, of Ankeny, Iowa, left, and Mark Cooper, of Des Moines, Iowa, race to be the first to submit their ballot in Des Moines. Credit:AP Describing some who are making the threats as "serial exaggerators", Potok warned that if the activist turnout eventuated it might backfire - because of the absence of fraud. "If on the morning of Election Day it turns out that we have white supremacists standing around looking threatening at polling places, I think it would arouse anger," he said. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton greets employees at the Mirage in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Credit:AP "People would vote just to prove they're not being intimidated by these radical racists." Andrew Anglin, a leader in the neo-Nazi movement, spoke of distributing liquor and marijuana in what he called the Philadelphia "ghetto", and a group that hosts a website called The Right Stuff claims to be setting up a network of hidden cameras to record people making more than a single visit to a polling place. San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon, left, and elections director John Arntz, discuss election security in San Francisco. Credit:AP Anglin, who edits the neo-Nazi Daily Stormer website, claimed he would be sending "an army of Alt-Right nationalists" to watch the polls. The Oath Keepers, made up of thousands of former police, military and security types who often go heavily armed in public, is reportedly urging members to conduct "undercover intelligence-gathering". Attempting to justify their activity, an unnamed representative of The Right Stuff rather stupidly told Politico magazine how secret cameras would be installed. He said in an email: "Many polling locations are in schools, and black schools are so disorderly that pretty much any official-looking white person with a clipboard can gain access to them ahead of time and set up a hidden camera. You don't really ever even have to speak with an adult. Simply walk in like you belong there and no one even asks you why you are there. "So we usually go in teams of two, one person driving and one person dressed as a blue-collar worker with a clipboard, and we set up a hidden camera in the school cafeteria. Go during lunchtime and the teachers are all so busy trying to contain the kids that no one says anything. We already have a few set up." Trump adviser Roger Stone has set up Stop the Steal and claims he has a force of "monitors" who will watch at 7000 precincts, almost a third of them in Philadelphia, where he claims Democratic control of the city will allow electoral officials to rig the result. William Johnson, chairman of the American Freedom party, which advocates deporting non-whites from the United States, said his members were responding to the Trump campaign's call for volunteer monitors. Court actions to date suggest smaller operations than the boasts by Trump's various supporters - a Democratic action in Arizona mentions 93 people who had signed up with Stone's Stop the Steal; and in Ohio, there's mention of Stone having "dozens" of volunteers. NHTSA Head: Automakers Have "Ultimate Responsibility" To Replace Dangerous Air Bags SEE ALSO: SERIOUS BUSINESS - TAKE YOUR RECALLED HONDA OR ACURA TO A DEALER NOW! Detroit Nov 2, 2016; Joseph White writing for Reuters reported that Mark Rosekind, the head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration told reporters in Detroit earlier today that automakers have "ultimate responsibility" for the costs of replacing potentially deadly Takata Corp airbags, no matter what happens to the Japanese supplier,, told reporters in Detroit he is concerned that not enough is being done to find and fix more than 300,000 older vehicles, mostly made by Honda Motor Co, that have Takata airbags with a 50 percent chance of exploding in a crash. Takata is seeking a buyer, amid speculation the company could seek bankruptcy protection as part of a deal. Rosekind said his agency believes it has "several layers of protection" to assure that recalls of up to 70 million potentially defective Takata airbag inflators are completed as agreed with the company. Automakers worldwide are ramping up the industry's biggest-ever recall after Takata, under pressure from U.S. authorities, agreed earlier this year to declare more of its air bags as defective in the United States and other countries. U.S. safety regulators have linked 11 deaths in the United States to Takata airbags that ruptured, sending metal shrapnel flying inside vehicles. The most-recent reported U.S. fatality was of a 50-year-old woman who died in a 2001 Honda Civic after a Sept. 30 crash in Riverside County, Calif. Her death is one of 16 worldwide now linked to defective Takata airbag inflators and the NHTSA said the Honda Civic involved in the crash belonged to the high-risk population of vehicles the agency is targeting. "We have had a significant number of meetings with Honda," Rosekind said after appearing at a conference in Detroit. The urgency of replacing the faulty airbag inflators could require knocking on doors or sending mobile repair teams to neighborhoods to fix vehicles, Rosekind said. Honda could not be reached immediately for comment. The automaker has said it is cooperating with regulators and said in connection with the Riverside death that it had mailed 20 recall notices to owners of the vehicle since 2008, but the car was never fixed. Separately, Rosekind said the NHTSA's decision to demand that San Francisco self-driving car startup Comma.ai demonstrate the safety of a proposed aftermarket system to enable vehicles to pilot themselves on the highway represented the agency's effort to be more proactive in addressing emerging technology. "Our expectation is you're going to come and let us know what you are doing," Rosekind said. The Transportation Department's proposed guidelines for autonomous vehicles are meant to encourage innovation, Rosekind said. "That is not a free-for-all." (Editing for Reuters by Steve Orlofsky and Alan Crosby) Volvo Cars Expands Production In China Volvo Cars, the premium car maker, has unveiled a new manufacturing strategy for China in which production capacity will be increased and China will be developed into a global manufacturing and export hub servicing growing demand for its new range of cars in the US, Europe and Asia Pacific. Volvo Cars will make its top-of-the-range S90-series cars based on its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) at its plant in Daqing, Heilongjiang province, in northern China. It also announced today that production of the new S90 premium sedan will in future be moved from Europe to China. The Swedish company also announced that existing and future 60-series medium-sized SPA-based cars will be built at its plant in Chengdu, Szechuan province, in Western China, while its planned 40 series smaller cars, based on its Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), will be made at a plant that is currently being built in Luqiao, 350km south of Shanghai. With three plants and the designation of one car line for each plant Volvo creates an efficient production structure ensuring future capacity for growth, said Hakan Samuelsson, president and chief executive. The Luqiao plant, which is owned by Zhejiang Geely Holdings but operated by Volvo Cars, will make Volvos new range of smaller 40-series CMA-based cars, as well as CMA-based cars for LYNK & CO, the new car brand launched in October by Geely Auto, highlighting the growing industrial synergies being developed by the automotive group. Volvos expanded production capacity in China forms an integral part of its broader global industrial footprint. Volvo currently operates two plants in Europe, in Sweden and Belgium. The Sweden plant in Gothenburg will continue to make 90 series and 60 series SPA cars while its plant in Ghent, Belgium, will in future be a CMA-only production facility making new 40 series cars. Volvo is also building a new plant in South Carolina in the US that will also make SPA-based vehicles for domestic US consumption and for export. The details of Volvos new manufacturing strategy in China came the same day it unveiled a new China-built version of its S90 sedan and a top-of-the-line, specially upgraded luxury model called S90 Excellence, in advance of their first public appearance at the 2016 Guangzhou Motor Show. The new S90 will be the most premium car ever made in China. Both versions will be built in Volvo Cars production facility in Daqing and exported globally, demonstrating the high levels of quality control that underpin Volvos global manufacturing strategy. All Volvo Cars plants adhere to Volvo Cars global Volvo Car Manufacturing System (VCMS), utilising and following the companys global manufacturing and quality standards. Volvo has paved the way in developing Chinas exports of locally made cars to global markets. It was the first Western car maker to export a premium China-made car to the US in 2015 with the S60 Inscription. ------------------------------- Volvo Car Group in 2015 For the 2015 financial year, Volvo Car Group recorded an operating profit of 6,620 MSEK (2,128 MSEK in 2014). Revenue over the period amounted to 164,043 MSEK (137,590 MSEK). For the full year 2015, global sales reached a record 503,127 cars, an increase of 8 per cent versus 2014. The record sales and operating profit cleared the way for Volvo Car Group to continue investing in its global transformation plan. About Volvo Car Group Volvo has been in operation since 1927. Today, Volvo Cars is one of the most well-known and respected car brands in the world with sales of 503,127 in 2015 in about 100 countries. Volvo Cars has been under the ownership of the Zhejiang Geely Holding (Geely Holding) of China since 2010. It formed part of the Swedish Volvo Group until 1999, when the company was bought by Ford Motor Company of the US. In 2010, Volvo Cars was acquired by Geely Holding. As of December 2015, Volvo Cars had almost 29,000 employees worldwide. Volvo Cars head office, product development, marketing and administration functions are mainly located in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo Cars head office for China is located in Shanghai. The companys main car production plants are located in Gothenburg (Sweden), Ghent (Belgium), Chengdu and Daqing (China), while engines are manufactured in Skovde (Sweden) and Zhangjiakou (China) and body components in Olofstrom (Sweden). if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi... Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/11/2016 (2190 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Find these stories and more in the Nov. 3 issue of The Carillon. No longer perfect Sports editor Terry Frey talks about the Steinbach Pistons who remain strong, though no longer perfect, as the MJHL season continues. Millwork troubles Reporter Jordan Ross shares about Mid Canada Millwork and the companys entry into receivership. McPhail saying farewell Reporter Adriana Mingo talks with Southern Health CEO Kathy McPhail, who announced she is headed for retirement next April. 4 hours ago Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks If you are wondering if it's too late to get into energy stocks the best answer is no. Energy prices are down from their peak and there is a potential slowdown in demand on the way but, for now, the underlying fundamentals are highly in favor of higher share prices. Read Article Officials at Brodhead High School are pondering communication issues as a media storm subsides over a driver-safety program that did not go according to plan last week. In an event that has brought attention from major media outlets and scrutiny from social media commenters, students at the southwestern Wisconsin high school were told at school announcements Oct. 26 that four of their classmates had died in a car crash related to texting and driving. There had been no advance warning to the students the announcement was fake, part of a driver-safety program initiated by the student council. Within minutes, the school principal who had heard the original announcement while standing in a hallway made an announcement assuring the first announcement was not true. But some students took it seriously and texted their parents, according to news stories by WMTV-TV (Ch. 15) and The Washington Post. Since then, said Superintendent Leonard Lueck, the district has been busy responding to media outlets far and wide. Weve been contacted for information by the Today show, The View, Inside Edition, Lueck said Wednesday. He has also been explaining how the program went wrong and what is being done about it. What we are doing is still looking at the activity itself. There were communication issues about the way it was conducted, he said. If we do it again, it will have to be introduced differently, he said, adding, I would say we are not doing this activity again unless we can do it in a manner that wouldnt offend other students, without providing stress to them. Then I would be in favor of it. This is the first time the schools annual safe-driving program usually mock crashes, driving simulators and guest speakers has taken this particular form. The idea for the fake fatal crash news came from the student council, Lueck said. The student council presented it to our principal, he said. It was an idea they got at a conference they attended. Texting and driving has been a focus of safety education in Wisconsin. The 2013 Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey by the Department of Public Instruction found that more than half of the states high school juniors and seniors reported texting while driving. The focus in Brodhead was to increase awareness of teen driving safety, Lueck said, and was not intended to shock and scare the students, but thats how it turned out. Ideally, the students would have known about it in advance, he said. Parents were told of the program and its effect after the fact, he said, in an instant message explaining what the intent was and apologizing for the stress it caused students. For now, we are evaluating the program and its value versus the downside of it. The program should have started with the students being told it was a simulation, but it wasnt, and the high school principal as soon as the first announcement was made, immediately went back to the office and announced this was not real, and then they continued to make that announcement, Lueck said. The school announcements are relayed on a broadcast video, in which one of two male students seated behind a table says: Currently today is the 26th. There have been a series of wrecks and multiple reckless driving things happening currently around Brodhead. Weve currently lost a handful of fellow students, and were going to show you some images of their lives now. Wed like you to give them a moment of silence. As part of the program, The Washington Post reported, the four students who died dressed in black that day. Student Sam Bolen told the Post that one of the announcements went into detail about how one of them was rushed to the hospital. I was pretty upset. It is a really small school, like, most of the people really knew who they were. Bolens mother, Sarah Bolen, told the Post, Theres better ways to go about teaching our children, and thats not through fear. Miranda Ryser, who identified herself as a member of the student council, defended the program in a series of comments on the Channel 15 Facebook page: To the people who are upset about what happened at school today, good. I hope youre upset about it because I would rather have you upset ... at the student council and the principal for a day, instead of being depressed because one of your classmates ACTUALLY died. She wrote other schools nationwide have used simulations such as this one, and that its value is that students pay attention. We did this because we wanted to send a different message to our school instead of making them sit down watch a 15 minute video that they could care less about. They would be on their phones not paying attention and or talking to their friends about how dumb it is, she wrote. OPKO Health, Inc., a healthcare company, engages in the diagnostics and pharmaceuticals businesses in the United States, Ireland, Chile, Spain, Israel, Mexico, and internationally. 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Read Article Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. In recent days, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnsons stance with his partys presidential nominee, Donald Trump, has evolved from a wary alliance to an all-out embrace. Johnson campaigned with Trump for the first time Tuesday in Eau Claire. Then he joined another Trump, the candidates son Eric, on the campaign trail Thursday. When Johnson, already widely seen as facing a tough re-election bid against Democrat Russ Feingold, began sharing a GOP ticket with Trump, it seemed to many like another liability with which Johnson had to contend. But the latest Marquette Law School Poll suggests Trumps relative unpopularity in Wisconsin is not harming Johnson. The poll, released Wednesday, showed the Senate race in a statistical tie among likely voters, with Feingold getting 45 percent support and Johnson 44 percent. The poll was conducted Oct. 26-31. Johnson, R-Oshkosh, is running well ahead of Trump, who trailed Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton 46-40. But unlike some other Republican U.S. Senate candidates in competitive races, Johnson is not distancing himself from Trump. Johnson has maintained support for Trump while occasionally rebuking him for his most controversial statements, such as Trumps live-mic comments in a 2005 Access Hollywood video about making unsolicited advances on women because when youre a star, they let you do it. In recent days, Johnson has adopted elements of Trumps rhetoric, urging supporters to drain the swamp in Washington. The Trump campaign has returned the favor. On Thursday, Eric Trump told the Associated Press that Johnson can help execute his fathers vision as president. Johnson spokesman Brian Reisinger said Johnson brings an outsiders perspective to take on the dysfunction in Washington. Hes made clear hes an independent voice for Wisconsin who is focused on the areas of agreement growing the economy, strengthening our military, destroying ISIS, and securing the border, Reisinger said. Democrats contend that Johnsons Trump stance will hurt him on Election Day. Feingold, D-Middleton, speaking to reporters Thursday, said Johnson wouldnt hire Donald Trump to even be in his plastics factory, referring to the company Johnson co-founded, Pacur. He wouldnt let him run loose in there, but hes willing to make him president, Feingold said. Thats just plain irresponsible and thats going to cost him some votes. Republican strategist Mark Graul, whos based in Green Bay, disagrees. Graul said voters are making a distinction between Trump and Johnson, predicting this election could see a return of the sort of split-ticket voting that used to be common in Wisconsin until the last decade. People are separating the races. Theyre making independent decisions, Graul said. Trump stronghold Johnson has been a frequent visitor lately near Jim Millers home in Wisconsins northwoods also known to the states Republicans as Trump country. Miller, who lives in Hayward and is chairman of the 7th Congressional District Republicans, watched Johnson appear with Trump Tuesday in Eau Claire. Miller said hes not surprised that Democrats have sought to link down-ballot Republicans such as Johnson to the controversial Trump. But in regions such as where Miller lives, he said it may not be a winning strategy. Particularly up north, they do it to their detriment, Miller said. In the latest Marquette poll, Johnsons standing improved with voters in the Green Bay-Appleton media market and all other parts of the state outside Madison and southeast Wisconsin. Those are the areas in which Trump enjoys his strongest support, polls have shown. Earlier Marquette polls showed Feingold faring better, and in some cases leading, in those regions. Meanwhile in the Republican-leaning Milwaukee suburbs, where Trump remains unusually unpopular for a GOP candidate, Johnson doesnt seem to be suffering. Johnson was viewed favorably by 50 percent of poll respondents who lived in the area outside the city of Milwaukee. Just 36 percent of voters in that area viewed Trump favorably. Johnson also was comfortably leading Feingold in that area, 50-40. Miller said Johnsons decision to finally appear with Trump at a campaign event Johnson had resisted doing so until Tuesday even though Trump had previously appeared in Wisconsin four times during the general election campaign soothed some pro-Trump Republicans in northern Wisconsin who were concerned about whether he and other Republicans were sufficiently supportive of their partys nominee. Miller said recent developments in the presidential race also have affected whether Trump is hurting Johnson. In the immediate aftermath of the release of the Access Hollywood video, Miller acknowledged being tied to Trump was a liability for any Republican. But then last week, FBI Director James Comey announced the bureau is reviewing newly discovered emails that may be relevant to its prior investigation into Clintons use of a private email server when she was U.S. secretary of state. Now Miller said it may be Feingold who is hurt by sharing a ticket with Clinton. Feingolds out there being on record saying Hillary Clinton is trustworthy, Miller said. State Journal reporters Briana Reilly and Molly Beck contributed to this report. For Dogs, its Trick and Treat Its almost Halloween, a great time to teach your dog a trick and give him a treat. Most trainers are fans of trick training. Its not as silly as it... Muzzle is not a bad word If you see a dog in a muzzle, you immediately think the dog is aggressive. Right? Well, this is not always true. Unfortunately, seeing a dog in a muzzle carries... David Duke wants so badly to be Donald Trump; to matter on a national scale like Donald Trump. And in his ugly exploitation of the debate stage in Louisiana on Wednesday night, he got what he wanted: headlines like Donald Trump. The former Ku Klux Klan leader now running for the U.S. Senate made his way to the big show on the strength of one poll that found him polling at 5.1 percent. So 32 Louisianans out of 625 polled gave him just enough support to share a stage, and TV time, with three other Republicans and two Democrats at historically black Dillard Universitya setting so ironically apt that no screenwriter would dare invent it. As hes done throughout his campaign, Duke petulantly and garishly raged against Jewish people, immigrants, and the Black Lives Matter movement, his words echoing hollow in an empty hall. All the while, he invoked Trump in his endless search for relevancy in a race that he will certainly not win. In the opening minutes of the hourlong affair, Duke got into a screaming match with the moderator who dared ask him about the time in 2003 when he was sentenced to 15 months in jail for tax and mail fraud. Youre not a moderator, youre a typical media hack! he screamed as protesters raged outside. Youre gonna silence me?! Youre gonna prevent me from answering the question because you wanna make a point?! Duke, turning a dark shade of red, continued as the moderator attempted to move on. Stymied by what was essentially racist performance art, and the limitations of one-minute answer limits, the moderator struggled to ask many, if any, followups. Mike Lawrence, who was essentially running Dukes campaign but quit last month because the candidate was not playing down his KKK past enough, told The Daily Beast in a text message before the event that it could be WWF smackdown. Look for Duke to come out swinging real aggressive on the attack, Lawrence, who said he still speaks with Duke, texted. Should be a lot of fun. Aggressive is one word for the display. Deplorable is more like it. Duke told The Daily Beast in July that he wanted to run because Trump inspired him to do so. And the contemporaneous shooting of police officers in Dallas made him feel compelled to attempt to defeat the Black Lives Matter movement (who had nothing to do with the shooting). Ever since February, when Trump went on live television and said he didnt know who Duke wasthe former Klansman said that was hogwashDuke has tried desperately to tie his fate to the Republican presidential nominee. He even snuck in one of Trumps favorite phrases, America First, in one of his responses Wednesday, savilly ensuring that the comparison would make it into articles about his debate performance. In one of the most disgusting exchanges in the history of American political debate, Duke was asked why his shoddily designed website makes constant references to CNN Jews. His answer was not at all surprising. Im not opposed to all Jews, he said, as if in 2016 this was a necessary distinction to make. But then he launched into a more explicit version of the kind of globalist conspiracy-mongering that has been a subtext of some of Trumps recent speeches. There is a problem in America with a very strong, powerful, tribal group that dominates our media and dominates our international banking, Duke said as if a member of the Third Reich. He is treated by other members of the Republican Party as an aberration rather than a symptom in a year when their standard-bearer has made excluding entire religions from entry into the United States part of his policy positions. The Louisiana GOP tried to expel him this year and even his beloved Donald J. Trump has disavowed him. But Duke is less like an isolated virus in a test tube and more like the partys Frankensteins monster. Take his answer on Hillary Clintons candidacy. She should get the electric chair and be charged with treason, Duke proclaimed, which is not all that different than a number of GOP figures who have called for Clintons death. He even seemed to strip a line that could have been in any one of Trumps stump speeches. Im voting for Donald Trump because hes the only guy there fighting the rigged system, Duke said when the candidates asked who they were voting for. No matter how many times Trump has disavowed this kind of support, its what his candidacy has wrought. He is the one who has been endorsed just this week by a KKK publication. He is the one who has a white-nationalist financially contributing to his campaign and making robocalls on his behalf. And he is the one who taught Duke how to make headlines, how to say the things that are going to keep the media coming back for more. I will be Donald Trumps most loyal advocate, Duke said toward the end of the debate. I hope he wins. And if he does, there will only be more David Dukes. The jury in the defamation trial against Rolling Stone over its 2014 story about a gang rape at the University of Virginia adjourned on Wednesday, having failed to arrive at a verdict after deliberating for more than six hours. On the 14th day of the trial in federal court, Judge Glen Conrad reportedly signed an order to give the jurors free meals while they deliberate the defamation suit brought by UVA administrator and former dean Nicole Eramo, who is seeking $7.5 million in damages from the magazine and arguing that Rolling Stone defamed her as uncaring about the alleged sexual assault of a student named Jackie. At issue is whether or not Rolling Stone and Sabrina Erdely, author of the now-discredited A Rape on Campus article, acted with actual malice when reporting the story. On Wednesdsay morning, Judge Conrad gave instructions to the jury that included a clear definition of actual malice, ensuring they knew that, in order to win her case, Eramo must prove Erdely and Rolling Stone defamed her with knowledge of the [defamatory] statements falsity or with reckless disregard for whether or not it is false. Acting with reckless disregard would mean Erdely and Rolling Stone either knew the statements about Eramo were false or in fact entertained serious doubts as to the truth of the publication, according to the Judge Conrads definition. His instructions also stressed that a failure to investigate does not establish actual malice, noting that malice is not simply negligence. Judge Conrad clarified that jurors could determine that Rolling Stone acted with actual malice if it failed to investigate when they began to doubt the story, because the article would then be weakened by inherent improbability, internal inconsistency, or apparently reliable contradictory information. Given that the Columbia Graduate School of Journalismwhich was called upon by Rolling Stone to investigate the articledetermined that it was a failure of journalism, one might have assumed that Eramo was at a significant advantage in this case. But legal experts say the actual malice standard is very difficult to prove. There seems to be a widely held assumption that because various independent organizations have already determined that Rolling Stone did not adhere to basic journalistic standards in its reporting of a supposed rape at UVA, Dean Eramo is going to win this case easily, said Virginia-based attorney Lee Berlik, who specializes in defamation law. Berlik noted that two significant rulings in the case present Eramo with serious challenges. If Judge Conrad had not ruled back in September (PDF) that Eramo was a limited-purpose public figure, her case would have been much easier to prove because the actual malice standard wouldnt have applied. While Eramo wasnt a household name or a celebrity, the court ruled that she was a public figure at UVA with respect to her former position there as a sexual assault advocate. Equally significant was the judges ruling earlier this week, which dismissed Eramos claim that the articles overall implications defamed her. On Monday, Judge Conrad ruled that no reasonable juror could find that the story as a whole implied Eramo acted as a false friend to Jackie who pretended to be on Jackies side while seeking to suppress sexual assault reporting. Berlik said that the most recent ruling limits Eramos case, since any verdict in favor of Eramo "must be based on something one or more of the defendants actually wrote or said expressly, and not on what those statements may have insinuated." The "actual malice" standard may be difficult to prove, but it was implemented as part of the landmark New York Times vs. Sullivan (1964) case to protect freedom of the press. The purpose of that standard is to give the press breathing room and prevent them from operating based on a chilling effect, said First Amendment lawyer Marc Randazza, adding, We dont want the press to be timid while doing its job. But theres a large gap between responsibility and timidity. If Rolling Stone is found not guilty, its because of that breathing room that our legal system gives the First Amendment, Randazza said. Without it, we could end up with a defamation regime like you have in Singapore, for example, where a cherry-picked error could result in [a publications] ruin. If the jury sides with Eramo, it would not only confirm that Rolling Stone committed journalistic malpractice but that the First Amendment is not impermeable, Randazza said. Another key component that the jury will have to contend with is whether Rolling Stones editors noteissued on December 5, 2014amounted to a republication of the article. Eramos attorneys have argued that then-managing editor Will Danas editors note drew more attention to the story and therefore further damaged Eramos reputation. If the jury finds that Rolling Stones editors notein which they admitted they had lost faith in Jackies storyis sufficient proof that they knew what they had published was false and defamatory, the case will not end well for the magazine. The article was not officially retracted until April 2015, after the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism essentially discredited the article. This week in court, Rolling Stone co-founder and publisher Jann Wenner said that the full retraction had been inaccurateWe do not retract the whole story. With six days to go before the election, attorney Lisa Bloom announced a woman was going to come forward to accuse Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump of rape. In a press conference from Blooms office, to be broadcast on Facebook Live, Katie Johnson (which may or may not be a pseudonym) would appear in public for the first time to allege that Trump had raped her in 1994 when she was 13 years old, and sexually assaulted her on other occasions while attending sex parties at the New York City mansion of pedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. And then she didnt. Jane Doe has received numerous threats today She has decided she is too afraid to show her face, Bloom said, according to MSNBC reporter Irin Carmon. Were going to have to reschedule. I apologize to all of you who came. I have nothing further. Katies press conference and sudden cancellation is just the most recent turn in a bizarre case that started in April of this year, when Katie filed a civil lawsuit in California accusing Trump of rape. As a reporter covering Katies case, I wasnt surprised at Katies no-show. Through lawyers and handlers, I have been promised interviews on several occasionsmeetings and phone calls that have been ultimately withdrawn, usually at the last minute. Unlike more than a dozen women who have come forward to allege nonconsensual groping, kissing, or otherwise inappropriate sexual contact by Trump, Katies allegations are by miles the most explosive and the only claims also being made in a court of law. The first hearing in Katies lawsuit is scheduled for Dec. 16 in Manhattan federal court. The allegations are not only categorically false, but disgusting at the highest level and clearly framed to solicit media attention or, perhaps, are simply politically motivated, Trump told RadarOnline after Katie filed her original lawsuit. There is absolutely no merit to these allegations. Period. Trump did not respond to a request for comment on Katies press conference. The complaint accuses Trump and Epstein of rape, sexual misconduct, criminal sexual acts, sexual abuse, forcible touching, assault, battery, intentional and reckless infliction of emotional distress, duress, false imprisonment, and threats of death and/or serious bodily injury. The lawsuit also includes sworn statements by two witnesses. A woman with the pseudonym Tiffany Doe claims she helped procure underage women, including Katie, for Epsteins sex parties and allegedly witnessed Katies rape firsthand. Another woman, known by Joan Doe, was a classmate of Katies who says she was told about the rape at school. Katie initially filed the complaint without legal representation in California, where she resides. After that case was thrown out by a judge on procedural grounds and her allegations were reported by a few tabloids, New Jersey patent lawyer Thomas Meagher took her case on. Meagher has since been joined by James Cheney Mason, best known for his representation of Casey Anthony in 2011, and Evan Goldman, a personal-injury lawyer who practices in New Jersey. Bloom is not involved with Katies legal case. When reached for comment on Blooms relationship to the case, Meagher told The Daily Beast, [Bloom] is representing her at a minimum for the work shes been doing over the last few days. Bloom, daughter of Gloria Allred, who has held press conferences of her own with several women accusing Trump of inappropriate sexual contact, is also representing Jill Harth, a former business associate of Trump who alleges he sexually assaulted her on several occasions in the 1990s. In June, Bloom published a column on The Huffington Post arguing the media had been irresponsible to ignore Katies lawsuit. Trumps history of derogatory comments about women paired with two prior legal actions accusing the Republican nominee of sexual misconduct (one from Trumps ex-wife Ivana, who claimed in a divorce deposition Trump had violently raped her, another from Jill Harth, whom Bloom now represents) made Katies allegations credible, Bloom claimed. And Trumps friendship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein has been well documented. Epstein was a member at Mar-a-Lago, and as gossip rags noted in the 90s, Trump was often a guest at Epsteins New York parties. Ive known Jeff for 15 years, Trump told New York magazine in 2002. Calling him a terrific guy, Trump said, Hes a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about itJeffrey enjoys his social life. Yet, despite the history and the lawsuit and even a tape of Katie detailing her allegationswhich has been in the hands of various media agencies for monthsmost reporters have been hesitant to report on Katies claims. This caution is a result of a number of red flags: Katies anonymity, some explosive claims in the original lawsuit (which were taken out in subsequent filings), and the motley crew of politically and financially motivated handlers pushing Katies story. The tape of Katies testimony, which has been reviewed by The Daily Beast, was at one time for sale for $1 million. The proceeds were, according to her supporters, going to be used for Katies security. The questionable characters surrounding Katiemost notably Al Taylor, a lewd ex-producer of The Jerry Springer Show who was shopping the tape, and conservative mega-donor and email agitator Steve Baer, who provided thousands of dollars to move Katie into a new apartment, again for her safetyat one time was even too much for Bloom to bear. In one of hundreds of emails concerning Katies case circulated by Baer, Bloom wrote (to Baer, who then forwarded the email with responses to dozens of reporters), I am not willing to get involved in the case, not now, not in the future, not ever, not pro bono, not for any amount of money. Because Steve and Al, you have destroyed it. But things change. And with todays press conference, and Blooms representation, the media blackout on Katies case just might have ended. Instead, the reporters Bloom had criticized for failing to cover Katies case were sent home. CHARLESTON When a bystanders video emerged of South Carolina policeman Michael Slager shooting an unarmed suspect five times in the back, he was quick to be charged with the killing, fired from his job, and condemned by a healthy portion of the general public. Now a court will consider whether to convict Slager of murder. Opening arguments began Thursday at the Charleston County Courthouse, with prosecutors claiming Slager unnecessarily shot Walter Scott dead before attempting to frame him and lying to police investigators. Slagers defense lawyer argued that Scott provoked Slager by fleeing from a traffic stop and then attempted to take the officers Taser during a physical confrontation, potentially endangering Slagers life. Slager was on patrol on the morning of Saturday, April 4, 2015, when he spotted Scott driving a 1991 Mercedes with a broken taillight. He pulled the car over but Scott soon fled, leading Slager on a foot chase. A bystanders video captures part of the pursuit, showing Scott and Slager tussling before Scott turns again to run. Slager then fires eight shots at Scott, killing the 50-year-old suspect as five bullets hit their mark. Days later, after the bystander publicly produced a video of the shooting, Slager was swiftly charged and fired. North Charlestons mayor and police chief, both white men, were praised for their quick action and resolve in a community long frustrated by racial tension between the police and the black community. To those frustrated by the seemingly routine occurrence of white cops shooting unarmed black men in the United States, here at least were a group of leaders unwilling to tolerate what they labeled an unjust killing. On Thursday, Slagers defense team argued that the encounter was more nuanced and that he was not guilty of murder. Lead defense attorney Andy Savage challenged what he deemed were assumptions made by the prosecution, including the contention that Scott was merely fleeing to avoid arrest for missed child support payments. Thats pure speculation to fit the narrative that the state wants you to believe, said Savage, noting that Slager, hot in pursuit, could not have known Scott was unarmed or the reason why he may have been running and what his next course of action might be. Why did he run? Why did he choose not to respect the request to stay where he was? asked Savage. He didnt just run. He physically and forcefully resisted to the extent that they were both fighting on the ground. Scotts DNA was found on Slagers Taser. Charleston County Solicitor Scarlett Wilson explained this away, however, by arguing that Scott was only reflexively pushing the Taser away from his body since Slager first shot him with the weapon and then painfully stabbed, or drive-stunned, him with the device at close range, using pain compliance to subdue the suspect. Savage suggested it was preposterous that Slager intentionally sought to harm Scott as he began his days patrol. Savage sought to humanize his client during his opening statement, mentioning Slager rising early in the morning to prepare for patrol duty, kissing his children and bidding goodbye to his pregnant wife. With a heavy thud Savage dropped a bulletproof vest and other police equipment on a courtroom table, explaining how every day Slager and other policeman don 25 pounds of protective gear before they start their shifts. Savage mentioned Slagers years of service in the Coast Guard, and touted his reputation of supposed excellence during five years of police work in North Charleston. He challenged the jury to detect any bit of hostility or malice directed toward Scott from Slager, to find anything but a police officer exercising his instructions, his duties as a police officer, in an absolute professional and unemotional way. Prosecutor Wilson painted a different picture of the former policeman. Slager, she argued to the jury, violated his duties as a policeman, first by responding inappropriately and excessively to a suspect fleeing from a minor traffic stop. Michael Slager had the duty of protecting Walter Scott and people like him even from themselves, even from their own foolishness, that is his responsibility, said Wilson. Moreover, Wilson argued, Michael Slager also had the duty to tell the truth. Wilson claimed Slager lied about his actions to investigators while also trying to pick up and relocate the Taser that Slager claimed Scott tried to grab. The prosecutor was confident the bystanders video would expose Slagers mistruths. He didnt know that we could show that wasnt true. He didnt know we would show that, said Wilson. He didnt know that we would be able to show that taser was twelve feet behind (Scott). Wilson said the policeman exhibited no concern for his shooting victim, but rather solely for himself. Michael Slagers first instinct wasnt to give CPR, it wasnt to give first aid, it was to stage [the crime scene], she said. Even if Scott had resisted to some extent, he should not have been shot dead, argued Wilson. Provocation is not the same as justification, she said. Matching Savages dramatic drop of the bulletproof vest, Wilson maneuvered around the small courtroom, illustrating how far Scott was from Slager as the policeman fired eight shots. Wilson first stood 17 feet away from the jurors, then 35, and finally 50 feet, where Scott fell dead. At none of these distances, she said, did the unarmed Scott pose a danger to Slager. MOSCOWIt could be an opening scene for a modern thriller. Powerful politicians in the United States and Russia are talking about the risk of World War III. Maybe there will be a confrontation in Syria. Maybe in the Baltics. Maybe in cyberspace. And then In the dim morning light an inspector at Moscows Perovo train station is checking cargo thats arrived from the town of Oryol, some 276 kilometers (234 miles) to the south. One of the railroad cars arrived in the Russian capital empty on Monday, at least that is what the paperwork says. There is no lock on the door, just a piece of wire holding it shut. The inspector pulls the wire. He opens the heavy door, and there, loose on the floor of the carriage he sees 125 mm tank shells, and green boxes piled high with many more of themtons more of them. What were unguarded explosives doing in this city of more than 12 million people? The inspector called for police; police called the Federal Security Service, the FSB; it reached out to the Ministry of Defensebut nobody could figure out who was responsible for sending this mysterious arsenal rolling down the tracks to the Moscow. Was it some reckless army officer too drunk to remember a thing next day, or, had somebody stolen the weapons or, the worst scenario, was some terrorist group plotting a massive attack. The preliminary investigation took two days. On Wednesday, reports said that the carriage with seven tons of explosive ammunition had traveled for up to 3,000 kilometers (about 1,900 miles) from the Russian Far East all the way across Russia to Moscow without any special convoy to protect it. The trip took two weeks, but during that whole period of time there was still no sign of any defense ministry official feeling concerned about the life-threatening cargo, or for that matter, noting it had gone missing. Russias Life News agency reminded its readers that it took only 350 kilos (772 pounds) to blow up a multi-story apartment building in Moscow back in 1999, the year Vladimir Putin came to power. The agency published an info-graphic showing the areaa 3-kilometer radiusthat could have been ravaged by the blast if somebody detonated the wagon in Moscow. If the tank shells blew up at Perovo station, the aftermath could count thousands of victims, Life News concluded. The incident demonstrated, at a minimum, serious security issues along thousands of miles of the Russian railroad, as well as a lack of professionalism among high-profile military commanders. But there were many more reasons to feel concerned. After all, while generals at the Ministry of Defense were looking for somebody to blame for the mysterious tank shells traveling from Far East to Moscow, several Russian submarines reportedly loaded with cruise missiles were heading towards Syria. President Putin has put a lot of heavy metal in motion. What is his strategy? And what are the risks? A much bigger incident caused by the horrifying corruption of our authorities can take place any moment in Syria or Europe, or here in Russia, former KGB captain and current Russian opposition leader Gennady Gudkov told The Daily Beast. Our trouble is that President Putin is not capable of controlling even the army any longer, he just keeps control of the election process and financial flows, while all institutions with power are degrading, at all levels. Yet that does not stop supporters from advocating ever more aggressive postures. Moscow is planning to take over eastern Aleppo during the period between the U.S. elections and the new presidents inauguration in a symbolical gesture to slap Obama in the face, Sergei Markov, a member of the Public Chamber, told The Daily Beast. Markov said that he prepared recommendations for the Russian president, which he delivered to the presidential administration. By bringing our forces to Syria, Putin reminded the West what sort of military power Russia could apply, Markov said. Washington attacks us by supporting the coup in Ukraine, by economic sanctions, by deploying information war, and giving money to our opposition and Putin defends Russia from the USA, like Churchill defended the U.K from Hitler, Markov said in the interview on Wednesday. Yet Putin himself seems to be dialing back. At last weeks Valdai International Discussion Club, he delivered a speech insisting that Russia was not planning any attacks on the West. It is unthinkable, foolish and completely unrealistic, he said. All of the NATO members together with the USA have a total population of 600 million, probably, but Russia has only 146 million, Putin calculated. It is simply absurd to even conceive such thoughts. Very few international newspapers covered the Voldai Club. It was seen as a boring event, but Putins responses reflect the contradictory messages hes sending out. Fedor Lukyanov, research director of the Valdai International Discussion Club told The Daily Beast that the Kremlin ran out of strategic ideas after diplomacy failed to bring a settlement in Syria that Moscow could accept. It is useless to think of strategy, as the modern world is too unpredictable, so Putin applies tactics, searches for the right way to react and find solutions to the issues, Lulyanov added. After trying to figure out Putin for 17 years, the editor-in-chief of Echo of Moscow, Aleksei Venediktov, says he has stopped paying serious attention to the presidents words. I am not interested in what Putin has to say, I am only interested in his actual actions since, knowing him well, I can see that he has no real strategy, he reacts to whatever happens in the world, Venediktov told The Daily Beast earlier this week. Venediktov insisted that it is Putins quick reactions that could be most unexpected and most dangerous. I am sure that Russian and NATO forces can get into a fight, but not in Syria. More likely in the Baltic countries. The fear of the war coming is not just somebodys paranoia, there is a serious concern that war in Europe could begin with one incident, a few Russian nationals feeling offended by Latvias officials, say, or an accidental blast killing a couple of officers, said Venediktov. Only one man makes decisions in RussiaPutin, who has only one adviser and that is Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. How he would have reacted if seven tons of tank shells had blown up in the middle of Moscow we can only imagine. Fortunately, thanks to a railroad inspector, we wont have to find out. In case anyone needs to be reminded about the perils of Twitter, a Los Angeles Times stringer in Asia received a harsh lesson Thursday after posting a tweet wishing Donald Trumps life [to] end. The Times fired Steven Borowiec, who has written about North and South Korea for the newspaper, after his tweet was linked on the Drudge Report and prompted a social media firestorm. Borowiec, who has written extensively for the paper from his base in Seoul, South Korea, had been responding to a tweet from Time magazine touting a feature on Trumps life in pictures. I would rather see Donald Trumps life end, he tweeted, in the middle of Thursday evening in Seoul. A few hours later, after his tweet attracted unwelcome attention and he deleted it, Borowiec declared on Twitter: I apologize for my Trump tweet. I meant it in jest. Borowiecs hasty apology did nothing to mitigate his punishment, or, for that matter the outraged abuse heaped upon him on the Internet. Typical tweeted responses included: *ARREST HIM NOW, @SecretService, for threatening the life of a presidential candidate. *Look another libtard deleted something. You vermin always scurry like nasty rats when the lights come on! *The piece of garbage needs to be fired asap *Pretty clear you've just signed your own death warrant as a journalist. Unfortunate you'll be judged on this 1 tweet. And this lament from James Newburg, who describes himself as a political science PhD student at Michigan studying how intergroup attitudes affect politics: How stupid. How deeply stupid. Thanks for undermining the public's trust in journalists. After the controversy roiled for several hours, The Times issued a terse statement: Earlier today, Steven Borowiec, a freelance journalist in South Korea, posted a tweet about Donald Trump on his personal Twitter profile that violated our professional standards. The Los Angeles Times is committed to fair, evenhanded coverage of the presidential campaign, and expects all journalists representing the paper, including non-staff contributors such as Mr. Borowiec, to adhere to this standard in their articles and social media posts. We regard Mr. Borowiecs comment as inexcusable, and we have ended our relationship with him. The Daily Beasts attempt to reach Borowiec was unsuccessful. A missing South Carolina woman was found chained in a metal storage container after she disappeared two months ago. Her boyfriend, who disappeared from their shared apartment the same day, was killed by her kidnapper, the woman told police. Investigators found 30-year-old Kala Brown chained by her neck in a 30-by-15-foot storage container owned by her employer on Thursday, FOX Carolina reported. A sex crimes tip led them to the shipping container on a rural property owned by Todd Kohlhepp, a registered sex offender, where they heard banging from inside the metal crate. Kohlhepp is a real estate agent, and Brown reportedly worked for him cleaning houses. Kohlhepp was arrested for kidnapping. But Brown said Kohlhepp also murdered her boyfriend Charlie Carver, who went missing with her in August. Brown told police that she watched Kohlhepp shoot and kill Carver, a spokesperson for South Carolina's Spartanburg County Prosecutor told The Daily Beast. A body was recovered from Kohlhepp's property on Friday, although it has not yet been identified, the spokesperson said. Carver's car, which had been missing since he disappeared, was discovered nearby, WYFF reports. Brown allegedly told police that up to four bodies might be buried on the property. "She said that there are four people buried on this property," Sheriff Chuck Wright told WYFF. "I dont know if thats true or not, but we will stay here as long as it takes to make sure that what she said is true or not true." Investigators are overturning the 100-acre property with a backhoe and cadaver dogs. Guns and ammunition were also discovered on the property. "Were trying to make sure we dont have a serial killer on our hands," Wright told WYFF, calling it "very possibly could be what we have." Kohlhepp was convicted of a 1987 kidnapping, public records show. A real estate agent, Kohlhepp had access to multiple rural properties including the overgrown lot where Brown was discovered in a storage unit. One of Browns friends told the Anderson Independent Mail that Brown worked for Kohlhepp cleaning houses before he showed them for sale. Brown and Carver disappeared under unusual circumstances in August. Carvers car vanished from outside their apartment, where their door was left unlocked. Inside, their dog had been left without food or water, and the couples medications were still on the property. Their phones went dead, or were turned off. But to the horror of the couples friends, Carvers Facebook page remained active, posting cryptic messages about the couple. One ominous post featured an old picture of the couple with the caption we are fine, Browns friend Lindsey Mayson told The Daily Beast last month, which is not him. His Facebook posts have been hacked. Its not him posting. Family members told FOX that Brown and Carver had been friends with Kohlhepp after meeting online, although he does not appear to be Facebook friends with Brown. Carvers Facebook was deleted following months of suspicious activity. On his own Facebook, Kohlhepp appeared to comment on Brown and Carvers disappearance. Reading the news.. this person missing, that person missing, another person missing.. oh wait.. that person just went to beach with friend, other person found with her parole violation boyfriend, Kohlhepp wrote on September 15, apparently dismissing the disappearances. In the event I become missing, please note no one would take me most likely if I am missing, its because my dumb ass did something on that tractor again and I am too stubborn to go to the doctor I got 9 lives.. I aint done yet. Defense Secretary Ash Carters claim last week that the assault on Raqqa, the capital of the so-called Islamic State , was within weeks was a surprise to the commanders planning the war, who believe local troops will not enter the city for months, three defense officials told The Daily Beast. One official told The Daily Beast the attack on the ISIS capital could be six months away. The broader question of retaking Raqqa and who does that is still open and were gonna continue to discuss that with all of our coalition partners, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, explained to reporters Wednesday. The local forces needed have not all been identified, their roles have yet to be defined, the weapons and training have yet to be allocated, and the so-called Islamic State has yet to be cut off from supply lines and foreign fighter flows that allow it to build up its defensive measures, officials said. Weeks?! one commander said when he first heard the weeks-long timeline to be within the city limits of Raqqa. Ive never heard anyone say that. Given all that, the only concrete U.S. plan so far is that in the coming weeks, U.S.-led coalition war planes will turn up strikes on the outskirts of Raqqa, softening the perimeter defenses and signaling to civilians that its time to flee, if they can, two senior U.S. military officials told The Daily Beast. You dont necessarily have to have all these issues worked out to continue the isolation phase and advance that, a senior military official said Wednesday. Isolation is a military term of art describing encircling the enemy and cutting them off from escape or resupply. The forces the U.S. would like to meld together to take RaqqaKurdish and Syrian Arab fighters and Turkish forcesare at odds with each other politically and sometimes on the battlefield. While the Syrian Arabs are willing to work with the Turkish troops, the Kurds thus far are not, defense officials said. The officials spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to describe the planning for the Raqqa assault publicly. For the U.S., the Kurdish forces known as the YPG have proven the most effective guerilla fighting force in the region, and are partnered with U.S. special operators based in Syria who help the fighters coordinate strikes and plan operations. The Kurds want to trade their help in taking Raqqa for U.S. support for an eventual homeland. The Turks dont want the YPG in any Raqqa offensive. And the U.S. wants to defeat ISIS and is looking for viable partners on the ground to lead the assault, even ones that are foes to their NATO ally, Turkey. Further complicating matters is a possible direct conflict between Turkey and the YPG on the battlefield. Turkey is threatening to enter another Syrian city, al Bab, which currently is under ISIS control, but also part of Kurdish aspirations for an autonomous region in the north that city. The YPG would view an assault on Raqqa as secondary to keeping al-Bab out of Turkish control. So far, U.S. officials have yet to reach any kind of deal with Turkey and but remain optimistic, albeit less so with each passing day. Nobody feels the need to take that off the table, the official said of Turkeys offer to take part. There might be some role. Ideally, the Americans want Turkeys support for the operation on Raqqa, but for now, would settle for their acquiescence to an SDF-led campaign, which to date has not been forthcoming. Theres a significant Arab element of the Syrian Defense Forcesa third of themwho would be willing to work with Turks, the official added. In addition, the U.S. military hopes to have roughly 6,000 Kurdish YPG troops positioned to cut off ISIS flight from Raqqa, a fourth senior defense official explained to The Daily Beast. It is all part of what the U.S. military is calling the isolating and shaping campaign of the battle for Raqqaa process that took eight months before the battle started for Mosul. Raqqa is a smaller city but could have a higher concentration of ISIS fighters. Carter said that the Raqqa assault would begin within weeks and overlap with Mosul one, which appeared to be part of a messaging campaign to suggest ISIS would face a two-front war. Iraqi forces launched an offensive to take back Mosul from ISIS, on Oct. 17. On Wednesday, Iraqi forces entered the eastern edge of the city. The premature prediction of an imminent Raqqa assault could be more about the Obama administration trying to paint its ISIS fight in the best light during the last few weeks of an election. I think that any administration in the last few months in office is going to try to shape their legacy and wrap up things they dont want to leave to the next administration. It could be that Carters statement is linked to that desire, Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, a senior fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies. But there is a risk with rushing such a campaign, even one that, if successful, would likely mark the demise of the so-called caliphate. The hastier your desire to enter, the uglier your allied forces will be, Gartenstein-Ross explained. There has already been a months-long U.S.-led coalition airstrike campaign around Raqqa, combined with a ground campaign to seize back towns and villages ISIS once controlled between Raqqa and the Syrian-Turkish border. ISIS operatives used to be able to hopscotch from their defacto capital to Turkey via safe havens it controlled, hiding from air strikes and resupplying along the way, but now theres a buffer of no-go territory between Raqqa and Turkey, one of the officials said. The daily drumbeat of airstrikes has also cut off ISIS supply routes and oil infrastructure, and has all but destroyed its illicit oil sales, once a top source of ISIS revenue, which brought in $500 million in 2014. Simultaneously, coalition airstrikes in Iraq have helped drive ISIS out of several Iraqi cities including Fallujah, Tikrit, Ramadi, and Hit. In addition, strikes against leadership figures continue, as midlevel leaders expose themselves to coalition targeting as they are forced to move around the battlefield to boost the morale of increasingly embattled ISIS rank and file. Late Wednesday night, comedian Seth Meyers presented his most convincing case yet for why American voters should not cast their ballot for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. But first, the Late Night host acknowledged that the polls had indeed gotten closer in the past few days, with a lot of the tightening happening before the FBIs recent announcement that they discovered new emails relevant to the investigation of Hillary Clintons private server. And now, Democrats are freaking out. Meyers then threw to a clip of a cable news pundit calling Democrats bedwetters, prompting the former SNL scribe to joke, Democrats are bedwetters, but to be fair, there really is a monster hiding in their closets, he said, before cutting to a picture of Trump. Of course, Trump had called all the polls rigged and phony ad nauseum over the past several months, but now that hes gaining on Hillarywith one dubious poll even having him up 1 percentage point nationallythe former reality-TV show host is singing a different tune: Polling is a strange science. If you recall back in 2012, the polls had Barack Obama and challenger Mitt Romney neck-and-neck up until Election Dayonly to see Obama crush Romney in the general election 332 electoral votes to 206. And if Hillary Clinton carries every Democratic state thats gone blue since 1992, that leaves her with 242 electoral votes already, with North Carolina and Virginia, where shes up considerably, taking her to 270 (thats without counting Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Michigan, etc.). This slice of reality prompted one of Trumps surrogates, CNNs Kayleigh McEnany, to go as far as suggesting that Trump has a chance in the traditionally blue state of Minnesota because a group of high-school students voted for Trump in a mock election. Newt Gingrich has been pointing out all day that there was a statewide election of high-school students in Minnesota, said McEnany. Seventy-seven thousand high-school students voted. Donald Trump won. Who in their right mind would think Donald Trump would win among high-school students in Minnesota? Jesus Christ. You think high-school students voting for Trump means hell win Minnesota? said Meyers. If high-school votes determined who won, our next president would be whoever brings weed to promor as hes more commonly known: Gary Johnson. And just before ending his Closer Look segment, which has become required viewing of late, Meyers presented viewers who just dont love the two choices for president with the case against each, rapid-fire style: I mean, do you pick someone whos under federal investigation for using a private email server, or do you pick someone who called Mexicans rapists, claimed the president was born in Kenya, proposed banning an entire religion from entering the U.S., mocked a disabled reporter, said John McCain wasnt a war hero because he was captured, attacked the parents of a fallen soldier, bragged about committing sexual assault, was accused by 12 women of committing sexual assault, said some of those women werent attractive enough for him to sexually assault, said more countries should get nukes, said he would force the military to commit war crimes, said a judge was biased because his parents were Mexicans, said women should be punished for having abortions, incited violence at his rallies, called global warming a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese, called for his opponent to be jailed, declared bankruptcy six times, bragged about not paying income taxes, stiffed his contractors and employees, lost a billion dollars in one year, scammed customers at his fake university, bought a six-foot-tall painting of himself with money from his fake foundation, has a trial for fraud coming up in November, insulted an opponents looks, insulted an opponents wifes looks, and bragged about grabbing women by the pussy. How do you choose? Meyers added. Because its so its so even. Its so even. ORLANDO, FloridaDonald Trump brought his warmest disposition to the Sunshine State. It was a strange, atypical approach for a candidate who has predicated his campaign on the notion that America is a disaster, and whose rallies have at times included scenes of violence. Were going to have such love in this country and such respect, Trump told his crowd. Dream big We are just six days away from the change youve been waiting for your entire life. Who is this man? It didnt sound like the candidate who is famously known for counterpunching, for making every campaign moment about him, and for wildly attacking opponents. He was on message, on scriptother than Hillary Clinton, he didnt mock a single personnot the Republican speaker, not a Hispanic beauty queen, not a disabled person. As the afternoon sun beat down on him thousands of rally attendees gathered at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, 13 miles northeast of the Happiest Place on EarthWalt Disney World. His volunteers opened fire with T-shirt cannons as the Backstreet Boys I Want It That Way, hummed in the background, despite the bands disapproval. Trump opened with a genuinely moving homage to his deceased mother and father, who he regretted he could not share this campaign with, but were constantly in his thoughts. I know theyre up there watching. I just felt that nice breeze, Trump said, as a slow wind crept across the stage. Later he complimented the beautiful lakeside view that adjoined the fairgrounds, adding: Anyone want to go swimming? Though his pathway to the White House remains narrow, there is reason for the nominees optimism in Florida, where Trump and his fellow Republicans have a narrow lead in early voting. More than 4.4 million Floridians have already cast their ballot, with with nearly 20,000 more Republicans and Democrats taking advantage of the process, according to the states Division of Elections. The Real Clear Politics polling average has Trump up by a hair, with a 0.6 percentage point lead. Two new polls showed Trump and Clinton in a statistical tie: Clinton ahead 50 to 49 percent in the CNN/ORC poll, and up 47 to 45 percent in the Quinnipiac poll. Instead of threatening lawsuits, Trumps first policy topic of the afternoon was that he wanted justice for every child trapped in poverty in the inner cities, adding, I want to give back to the country that I love. Following the third presidential debate in October, Trumps body languagelips pursed, shoulders hunchedhinted that he knew he was finished. Now hes campaigning with renewed vigor, and sounds like he actually believes he can win. Trump has been especially buoyed by the revelation last Friday that the FBI was revisiting its investigation of Hillary Clintons private email servera late October surprise that rocked the race. If that hadnt happened, he would have been less optimistic, said Daniel Lincoln, an 18-year-old rally attendee who cast his first ever ballot for Trump. Lincoln had attended a Trump event over a week ago, before the FBI fiasco, and was markedly more cheerful. It also appears that Trump wants to compete with Clinton over her core constituencies, or at least dissuade enough of them from voting for her that it makes a difference in the result. Our inner cities are going to come back, and theyre going to come back strong. And the African-American community, and the Hispanic community are really understanding whats going on, and you see that right now with whats happening at the polls, Trump said. Minorities and women are Clintons key voting blocks in the state. The former secretary of state had campaigned in Florida the day before, just an hours drive west, and she brought former Miss Universe Alicia Machado to the stage to emphasize the point that Trump was anti-Latino and anti-woman. On Wednesday, Trump responded, with a backdrop of a sea of pink Women for Trump and red Hispanics for Trump signs. But outside of his raucous rally, Trump and his running mate Mike Pence appear to be playing different rolesTrump playing the optimist with momentum, while Pence lectures wary Republicans to come home to vote for Trump. Now is the time for us to reach out to our conservative and Republican friends and say with one voice: Its time to come home, Pence said in Clearwater, Florida, Monday evening. Its a message to Republican voters its time to come home to make sure Hillary Clinton is never elected president. The argument indicates that the Trump campaign is concerned about low turnout among traditional Republican voters who have been disgusted by elements of Trumps controversial White House bid. Indeed, for many Republicans in Florida, a vote for Trump can be primarily justified as an anti-Clinton vote or a pro-Pence vote. [Trump is] a school yard bully, because of the things Ive heard him actually say and do on television, Florida voter Preston Stafford told The Daily Beast. And Stafford would knowhe has been a decades-long teacher of junior and senior high school in Lakeland, a town along the critical Florida I-4 corridor, which is rich with independent voters and a key bellwether area for the state. What I want to do is to get my friends who are on the fence to think about Pence as a stabilizer, someone Trump will listen to. If they dont like either of them, just vote for Pence, Stafford said. One Republican leader in Pinellas County, another key purple area in the state, said the final argument of the campaign was simple: Trump isnt Hillary Clinton. The parting argument is: If Hillary Clinton is elected president, were going to have more of what weve had a massive budget deficit and chaos in our foreign affairs, the Republican said. Ultimately, Trumps own closing argument was to lay the result at the feet of his supporters. Heand theyhad worked too hard on this election campaign to lose it, he told the crowd. This rally, and the election, was merely the end of the beginning, he addeda last, glorious surprise that they would pull on the countrys elites and political prognosticators. Get out there. We dont want to blow it, Trump admonished his rally-goers Wednesday afternoon. That I can tell you. Everyones doing the Lilohan. Thats not a hip new dance move or a boutique marijuana strainits Lindsay Lohans latest accent, which the star describes as a mixture of most of the languages I can understand or am trying to learn. Why be a polyglot when you can sound like youre in a community theater production of My Big Fat Greek Wedding? Lohan first revealed #Lilohana term she coined herself on Twitterto a reporter at the October 15th opening of the Lohan nightclub in Athens. Yes, the 30-year-old Parent Trap star named a Greek nightclub after herself. But when Lohan isnt recreating the global nightlife scene in her own image, shes homeschooling. In Casa Lohan its clubbing by night, and Rosetta Stone by day. She told The Daily Mail, Ive been learning different languages since I was a child. Im fluent in English and French, can understand Russian and am learning Turkish, Italian and Arabic. But perhaps even more startling than the actress aspirational accent was the content of her rambling interview. She mused at length about her work with Syrian refugees and the transformative power of nightclubs, and at one point seemed to imply that the Lohan club could branch off into a string of spas and refugee camps. Lohan also repeated her new favorite phrase, The world is bigger than fivewhich was originally coined by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This mantra, much like Lohans accent, is totally out of place. It refers to Erdogans belief that permanent membership of the UN Security Council should be expanded beyond its current five statesChina, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United Statespresumably to include Turkey. In the past, Lohan has voiced support for Erdogans AKP party, as well as his belief in restructuring the Security Council. And in a similarly strange interview with Turkish TV network Haberturk in October, Lohan praised how the Turkish strongman handled an attempted coup this year that left 300 people killed and more than 2,100 injured. Lohan opined, Erdogan did really well and his people, really admiring and respecting him, as the first elected president. This is a big deal. It felt like a scripted line about the Turkish leader, who has been accused of authoritarian practices and dramatically restricting freedoms. Of course, this isnt the first time that Lohan has reached deep into her mixed bag of political opinions. The troubled star was celebrated for her expats take on Brexit, a political phenomenon so mad that Lohan was well-equipped to translate it for the rest of us. Chiming in from a location just beyond our plane of reality, Lohan gifted us with Tweets like what would #MARGARETTHATCHER THINK OF #Brexit? If anyone could get #MargaretThatcher trending, its La Lohan. But Lohans recent forays into international politics have been far more involved. Unlike certain American politicians, Lindsay knows what Aleppo is. In fact, shes journeyed to Turkish camps and hospitals that house refugees from the ISIS-ravaged city. Lohans interactions with refugees have been well-documented; on her personal Instagram, she often shares pictures of herself playing with refugee children. In some pictures, she dons a long dress and headscarf. According to Page Six, the actress is reportedly a huge hit in Turkey and has even garnered comparisons to celebrity humanitarian Angelina Jolie. But while Jolie played a covert political operative in movies, Lohan may have taken the whole spy fantasy too far. Turkey has taken in over half of the 4.2 million Syrians who have been displaced by military conflict, and has contributed $9 billion to the ongoing crisis. But despite the legitimacy of this cause, many doubt Lohans motives. In light of the thinly veiled propaganda shes been spewing, sources have theorized that Lohan is actually in the pocket of the Turkish government. And in a year of conspiracy theories and living nightmares, this absurd proposition feels strangely plausible. At the very least, Turkish Twitter seems fairly convinced that Erdogan is calling the shots. One Turkish tweeter wondered why Turkey couldnt afford a bigger celebrity: Why dont you bring Sean Penn or Bono and have them say the world is bigger than 5? Who cares about Lindsay Lohan? If you are talking about pop culture, they have Rihanna over therewhich is a pretty good point. Also, does the rest of the world think that the three biggest celebrities in America are Sean Penn, Rihanna, and Bono? Lindsay Lohan has a lot going on right now. Unfortunately, none of it is good. Her engagement to Russian millionaire Egor Tarabasov ended amidst accusations that he strangled and abused her. To the world, Tarabasov is a cute, 23-year-old rich kid who nominally ran a one-star real estate company. But to Lohan, Tarabasov is a liar, a cheater, and the father of her fake unborn baby. The troubled engagement devolved into a blowout on Lohans London balcony. According to footage obtained by The Sun, Lohans neighbors awoke at 5 a.m. to the cries of a woman in distress. Please, please, please, Lohan shouted. He just strangled me. He almost killed me. Everybody will know. Get out of my house. In the wake of her estrangement from Tarabasov, Lohan has found that single life isnt always stress-free. On a nautical romp in early October, Lohan made headlines after she suffered a gory boating injury, accidentally ripping off the bottom of her finger. And in the years since Cady Heron ruled North Shore High School, Lohan has clearly lost track of Halloween costume customs. She celebrated the holiday in a confusing outfit that would make the Plastics proudpink lacy lingerie. Shes also rumored to be mixing business with pleasure, kissing her nightclub partner Dennis Papageorgiou. If this was just a bad call for club Lohan, that would be one thingbut what about the forthcoming refugee camps? And the luxury spas? While Lohans eponymous club sounds like a really good time, the rest of her life choices arequestionable. If LiLo is so set on being a political operative, theres no need for her to travel all the way to Turkeyshe should come back and campaign against Donald Trump. After all, the American presidential election strikes closer to home for her in more ways than one. Back in 2004, Donald Trump publicly mused about Lohans sexual prowess, telling Howard Stern that deeply troubled women are always the best in bed. How about coming home, Lindsay, and helping Hillary Clinton kick that perv to the curb? Sparing the American people from the outreach efforts of Lena Dunham, Katy Perry, and James Franco will only help your chances in 2020. Let's just come out and say it: 2016 has been a slow-burning dumpster fire, and the presidential election is largely responsible. But in the weeks leading up to Nov. 8, the doomsday aura surrounding American politics seems to have most overwhelmed one state in particular - Texas. Some counties there are using paper ballots; voters have blamed electronic glitches on nefarious, and unfounded, ballot-swapping schemes; and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has made unsubstantiated conspiracy theories of voter fraud in Texas a talking point during some of his recent stump speeches. Now, there's this: somebody in the Dallas metropolitan area super-glued razor blades to the bottom of a Trump campaign sign this week and plunged it into the ground outside an early voting polling place. It was left directly in front of the official polling site sign, according to a statement obtained by ABC affiliate WFAA 8, blocking "vote here" directions, so a do-gooder decided to relocate it at about 6:15 a.m. Tuesday. But in the early morning darkness, he didn't see the sharp, shiny line protruding from the sign's edge. He lifted - and the blades sliced. "Tampering a sign in this way. . . I have not seen that before," Collin County Elections Administrator Bruce Sherbet told WFAA. "I'm not even sure what the motivation to do something like that would be," he said. The incident was reported to the Texas Rangers, who are investigating, Collin College spokesperson Lisa Vasquez said in the statement. The sign was found on the college's Spring Creek Campus in Plano, a Dallas suburb. "All campaign signs on the college's campuses are being inspected, and any sharps found on signage will be removed," Vasquez said. "The college will be working with local election officials and both political parties to ensure safety." Officials told Fox 4 News that there are no cameras in the area and so far, no arrests have been made. The man declined to seek medical attention for the minor cuts on his hands, according to the Collin College statement, and chose to treat the wounds himself. The man was there that morning, the statement said, to drop off a friend who was volunteering as a poll worker. "It wasn't a prank as far as it looked to me. It looks like something intentional to hurt somebody," Sherbet told Fox 4. "These things on the surface look one way, but you can't jump to conclusions, which is why they need to be investigated thoroughly." Incidents of violence and vandalism have plagued this election cycle, and seem to have escalated in recent weeks. In mid-October, a Republican Party headquarters in North Carolina, a state bitterly divided this year, was firebombed and spray-painted with a swastika and the words: "Nazi Republicans leave town or else." On Tuesday night, the same day of the razor-blade incident, authorities say a fire was purposefully set at a historically black church in Mississippi, the outside of the sanctuary tagged with the spray-painted words "Vote Trump." It's being investigated as a hate crime. A large pile of animal manure was dumped in front of a Democratic Party headquarters in Ohio. North Carolina Republican Sen. Richard Burr joked at a get-out-the-vote meeting that gun-rights supporters might want to put a "bull's eye" on Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton - then later apologized. At a rally on Monday in Florida, Trump supporters held up target practice signs of Clinton's face. And now federal and state law enforcement officials are concerned this bitter election might end in violence, reported NBC News, especially if Trump loses and refuses to accept the results. "I will keep you in suspense," he said at the third presidential debate when asked if he'd consider the vote legitimate. "It's terrible we've become so polarized in our politics," Steve Spainhouer, the Democratic chair in Collin County Precinct 122, told CBS 11 News about the razor blade incident. "I think it's deplorable. It just shows how far we've come in politics where people want to be so mean, so hateful to try and injure somebody who's probably got no political party persuasion one way or another and is just working at a poll." He told the TV station it is the most heinous campaign-related incident he has seen in 16 years. Local Republican leaders agreed - this act was intentional and disturbing. "They were placed in front of a vote sign so someone would have to move it," Collin County Republican Party executive director Neil Katz told Fox 4. "It's obvious intent was for someone to get cut." As a dialogue specialist, this comes as no surprise. Working with leadership teams across the globe, I have seen time and time again how people struggle to talk about the big issues. As David Bohm, the quantum physicist, who later in life developed some powerful insights about human interaction, observed: "In our modern culture men and women are able to interact with one another in many ways: they can sing, dance and play together with little difficulty but their ability to talk together about subjects that matter deeply to them seems invariably to lead to dispute, division and often to violence. In our view this condition points to a deep and pervasive defect in the process of human thought." What can be done about this deficit in our human capacity? With COP22 on the horizon, it is a critical moment for better dialogue and an unparalleled opportunity to maintain the momentum generated in Paris. Protecting the planet from climate change calls for unprecedented levels of collaboration across countries and a new focus on both the big picture and the longer-term. Given how difficult it can be to talk together about tough issues, what can be done to enable better dialogue? Firstly, leaders need to attend to not only the words that are spoken but to their tone. For COP22 to strengthen climate action, the quality of the dialogue is key. To borrow an analogy from David Bohm, when we plant an acorn and it grows into an oak tree, we typically think of the seed as the source of the tree. It is, however, more accurate to see the total environment as giving rise to the tree - the moisture in the air, the nutrients in the soil and the energy from the sun. The seed is the aperture through which the tree unfolds. In a similar way, dialogue can be the aperture through which new life can be released. For a conversation to become this opening, it helps to be aware not just of how we talk (which could be compared to the seed), but the environment in which the conversation takes place. Our tone of voice matters, as does the quality of our presence - how receptive and honest we are. If COP22 is to be the opening through which international climate action unfolds, then the talking space at Marrakech needs to be as expansive as possible. Realizing that one event, or even a single dialogue, could open or shut the door on a whole new future - for each and every person on this planet - will help the leaders to become more conscious of how they talk with one another. Secondly, leaders need to examine their underlying thinking about the issues on the table. To move from the strategy agreed in Paris to implementation, the resistance involved needs to be considered in the round. When I worked with the country leadership team of an international development bank, we explored the underlying issues of operationalizing a new, and challenging, strategy to reduce poverty, by asking two key questions. "What's at risk if we follow this strategy?" and then, "And what's at risk if we don't?" Only by surfacing all the concerns in both directions did the team arrive at a route-map that worked for the whole system. As the saying goes, "What you resist persists"; it is only by looking at the roadblocks that they begin to disappear. Finally, implementing the Paris Agreement means that climate finance issues are addressed. The voices of developing countries, in particular, need to be heard. Dialogue works best when there is respect for diversity of opinion and authenticity of voice. People need to feel safe to express what's true for them, without fear of the consequences of speaking out. When people with divergent views are listened to, the discussion can move from breakdown to breakthrough and solutions that strengthen the whole emerge. Despite the bitter and controversial US election campaign, there are glimpses of optimism. There is a generation of people who do understand the issues, tools to make the transition to renewable energy are appearing and there is increasing recognition that joined-up global action is called for. By making the dialogue happen at Marrakech, we could be one step closer to a more sustainable future for us all. This Author Sarah Rozenthuler is a leading international figure in the field of multi-stakeholder dialogue. An author, chartered psychologist and leadership consultant, she co-presents the innovative skill-building programme Leading Systemic Dialogue: Unlocking Collective Intelligence at St Ethelburga's Centre (City of London), 9/10 November, sharing tools to co-create lasting transformative change in organizations. See who's on the ballot in Iowa's 2022 midterm election From the races for governor and senator, all the way down to county offices and judicial retention, here's what's on Iowans' ballots this year. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORWALK After several months of inactivity, construction has resumed on Wall Street Place. On Thursday afternoon, an electrical contractor was at work. The day before, another contractor poured concrete at the development site off Wall and Isaacs streets. The immediate goal, officials say, is to seal the half-completed building with its windowless exterior walls and exposed plywood from the elements as winter fast approaches. Youre going to see a lot of progress in the next month. The roof is scheduled to go on next week. It looks positive, said William D. Ireland, Norwalks chief building official. Theyll put the windows in. They want to make the outside complete and have the outside look finished thats their goal right now and then proceed to finishing the inner portion. Work ground to a halt in late summer over issues between developer POKO-IWSR Developers LLC and CitiBank, the primary lender for the first phase of Wall Street Place. Phase One a roughly $45 million undertaking calls for 101 housing units, 16,000 square feet of retail space, 23 surface parking spaces and an automated parking garage with more than 200 spaces available to residents and the public in the area of the Isaacs Street Parking Lot. Mayor Harry W. Rilling, who helped bring the long-delayed redevelopment project to groundbreaking last year, said he and other city officials met Thursday with CitiBank representatives to receive an update. He indicated that protecting the building from the weather is the first priority. Weve always known that we have to protect the assets, Rilling said. Ive said all along that the POKO development will go forward and this is our way of working with CitiBank to make sure that the things that need to get done to protect the assets from the elements are being done, so that we can then determine the process by which the project will move forward. Rilling said contractors will install a roof, install windows, wrap the exterior plywood with protective materials and at some point begin electrical and plumbing work inside the building. Probably around the springtime, theyll be going full-force again, Rilling said. The mayor would not disclose whether POKO-IWSR remains involved with Wall Street Place. I wouldnt want to compromise anything that CitiBank is doing, Rilling said. Ill just say that right now were looking at the project, trying to work together to make sure that it goes forward. On Aug. 31, Ireland and other city officials met with POKO-IWSR and Citibank representatives at the development site to discuss how to secure the half-completed building. Rich Olson, chief operating officer for POKO Management Corp., Norwalk Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Timothy T. Sheehan and Norwalk Director of Public Works Bruce J. Chimento were among those present at the visit. At that time, Norwalk Department of Public Works crews moved concrete Jersey barriers along Isaacs Street into the development site to restore on-street parking for businesses. POKO-IWSR Developers, the Port Chester, N.Y.,-based developer selected by the city to develop Wall Street Place, broke ground on the first phase of the project in June 2015 after years of delays. The developer attributed the delays to the 2008 recession and complex financing package for the project. The financing included a roughly $19.8 million loan from Citibank, a $5 million loan from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and low-income housing tax credits from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority. rkoch@hearstmediact.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORWALK While heavy metal seeps in f rom his neighbors apartment, Jacob Street is blaring music of his own the elegant, melodic sounds of his harpsichord wafting back through the walls. Street is keenly aware of the comical juxtaposition of his 18th century baroque compositions in the apartment complex built for millennials. Its pretty funny, Street laughed. Im used to it, though. Street, 28, brings his traditional keyboard talents to St. Pauls on the Green, where he will be officially introduced as the new director of music this weekend at a Hymn Festival hosted by the church. The event, which takes place at 5 p.m. Sunday which is not a church event so much as a musical event is free and open to the public. Street began playing piano at age 5, and once he could reach the pedals, transitioned to the organ. He hasnt really looked back since. Theres a bit of a height requirement to play the organ, but once I reached that, I tried it out when I was about 12. And for whatever reason I liked it more, and I wound up playing that instead, Street said. I liked it so much I went to school for it. A respected organist and harpsichordist, Street is a graduate of Holy Cross College and Oberlin Conservatory, where he earned his undergraduate degree and a masters in historical performance on historical keyboard instruments. He recently received a second masters in organ at Yale. He was named director of music at St. Pauls in August after serving in the interim position for several months. Street previously served as St. Pauls organ scholar from 2014 to 2015 while attending Yale. Street studied as Fulbright Scholar in the 2013-2014 school year in Germany where he took lessons on historical instruments and performed recitals throughout northern Germany. Street has also performed extensively throughout New England as a solo recitalist. It was fun, Street said of his time in Germany. Whats not to love? Theres bread and beer everywhere, and people would hand me the keys to instruments older than America. Id play until 3 in the morning. In his new role at St. Pauls, he will function as the artistic director of the Seabury Academy of Music and the Arts, an arts nonprofit organization in residence at St. Pauls. As the director of music, he will lead a large chorister program and adult choir and serve as the principal organist for the church. Richard Webster, director of music at Trinity Church, will accompany Street at the Hymn Festival this weekend, invited by Street to direct the chorus and perform on the organ. Webster first met Street in 2008 when Street participated in the chorus for the Royal School of Church Music, directed by Webster. Their paths intersected again after Street finished his first masters in 2012, and became the organ scholar at Trinity Church where Webster is also the director of music. In some ways, hes the reason Im a church musician at all, Street said. Having watched Street grow as a musician since 2008, Webster said he has enjoyed watching his journey from student to teacher. I will never forget in 2008 watching Jake learn how to work a swell box an learn how to push pistons for the first time in his life, Webster said. Now hes become a very fine organ accompanist in the Anglican tradition ... Hes become a consummate church musician on top of already being a consummate organist and soloist. Though he has performed extensively as a soloist, Street said he prefers the career path he has taken as an organist because it allows him to collaborate with other musicians and teach young ones. Its more fun making music with other people, Street said. Street said hes looking forward to expanding the music programs at St. Pauls, as well as participating in many of the large musical events the church hosts. We have a huge chorister program for kids who want to sing , and its great because theyre from all backgrounds, they dont have to be a member of the church and they dont have to be religious, Street said. Its not a huge church, but we have a huge amount of stuff going on and thats a lot of fun. Street said St. Pauls reputation as an open and accepting church also drew him to the position. The (churches) that allow all kinds of people are the most fun, Street said. Street said the Hymn Festival will feature music people of all backgrounds will recognize. Itll be loud and it will be fun, he said. It wont be as church-y as people would expect, Street said. Its all about the atmosphere. Music should be fun, and church should be engaging and participatory. Webster said its rare for church clergy to acknowledge or formally introduce new musicians. But St. Pauls, known for its motto of radical acceptance, has never been one to follow tradition to a tee. KKrasselt@scni.com; 203-354-1021; @kaitlynkrasselt Along with all too few Norwalk taxpayers I have attended all of the Ehlers/Duff debates over the last few weeks. For those who dont know these folks, Duff is the incumbent state senator representing Norwalk and Darien and Greg Ehlers is running against him. The election is Nov. 8. Throughout these debates, Duff has continually strayed far from the facts. To say that he consistently misrepresented the state of affairs would be a gross understatement. On virtually every point Duff was off base, evading questions with political speak and distortion, never facing up to Connecticuts dire financial state. Were growing, he said. Not so says the Tax Foundation. BROKEN BOW The Nebraska One Box Pheasant Hunt will have its 56th annual event Thursday through Saturday in Broken Bow. Shooting teams or individuals can apply to participate in the event. Applications are reviewed by a committee and selected based on preferred criteria. Teams that donate auction items, those who have participated before, or teams that have a celebrity, whether it be national or statewide, are given priority. Previous celebrity shooters include Tom Osborne, Neil Armstrong and John Anderson. Teams compete in events such as a clay bird competition in addition to the large hunt. Craft shows, luncheons and a wine class are also offered as part of the event. Kent Russell, the hunts 2016 chairman, said those who dont participate in the hunt are still welcome to bid on live action items during Fridays banquet if they have a ticket. Russell said all of the hunting spots are filled, with 35 new hunters and 35 returning hunters. The hunting event benefits the One Box Gun Club, youth shooting, scholarships and habitat programs. The program scholarships have been awarded since 1981 and include four $1,000 scholarships each year. The One Box Foundation gives $10,000 in scholarships each year. Scholarships are awarded based on criteria including college major, grade point average, extracurricular activities, community and civic participation, student or family One Box participation and the probability of returning to the area. Scoring is weighed toward individuals going into wildlife, range, forestry management or veterinary medicine with strong consideration given to education majors. The student or family participation in One Box activities also provides about one-third of the total points scored on the application. Russell said the main purpose of the hunt is to fund the scholarships. Were a nonprofit organization and this is our main fundraiser for the year, he said. Were hoping we raise good money for our scholarship program. Russell said hunt applications for the event are accepted as early as March, so people who want to participate next year can start preparing. I just hope all the guys have a good hunt and have a good experience here, he said. For more information on the event, visit www.nebraskaonebox.com. A 16-year-old girl accused of throwing her premature baby out the window sent Snapchat messages to her boyfriend during the birth. Then, prosecutors allege, Antonia Lopez threw the 2-pound baby out the second-story window of her apartment near 24th and Cuming Streets. It was a girl by the way, she wrote to the boyfriend at 2:23 a.m. on Sept. 30. Douglas County Judge Lawrence Barrett ruled Wednesday that Lopez will stand trial on a charge of felony child abuse resulting in death. Lopez, who is charged as an adult, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. She gave birth sometime in the early morning hours of Sept. 30 at her apartment at 2567 Izard Court. After throwing the baby out the window, police have said, Lopez told her mother what she had done. Her mother called 911 at 4:12 a.m. to report the babys death, Omaha Police Officer Chad Kavars testified Wednesday. The mother, he said, was distraught at the time and frantic. The baby and Lopez were taken to Creighton University Medical Center, where the baby was pronounced dead on arrival. Kavars interviewed Lopez at the hospital about 9 a.m. Lopez told him she didnt know she was pregnant and woke up in pain. She said she laid a towel on the floor of her bedroom because she thought she was having her period. She felt the urge to push and got a mirror to see what was happening. Lopez saw a sac emerging from her vagina and pierced it with a nail clipper tool. She saw feet. The baby came out. An autopsy later determined that Lopez had been pregnant for 25 to 28 weeks about the seventh month of gestation. Lopez panicked at that point and threw the baby out the window from her room, Kavars said. Lopezs boyfriend, however, told Kavars that Lopez knew she was pregnant because he and his mother were aware. The couple started dating in January and had sex in February, the boyfriend told Kavars. Kavars said the boyfriend also told him that he had urged Lopez to tell her mother about the pregnancy and seek a doctor for the unborn baby, but she didnt. In the early morning hours when she was in labor, Lopez sent her boyfriend six text messages and one photo through Snapchat: 12:56 a.m.: Babe Im having contractions in my lower abs every couple seconds. It hurts so much. 1:01 a.m.: I am in so much pain. 1:02 a.m.: I want it to stop. 2:23 a.m.: It was a girl by the way. 2:50 a.m.: Ill tell you whats happening when you get (up). 3:06 a.m.: Babe we can try again if you still want to be with me. Sometime during those text messages, Lopez sent a photo of the 14-inch-long baby with an emoji crying face and caption, Babe I had a miscarriage. It appeared the photo had been taken in the bedroom, Kavars said, because blood, the towel and carpeting were visible. Snapchat messages disappear after up to 10 seconds, but the boyfriend had taken screenshots of the texts and photo and provided them to police. At 3:40 a.m. Friday, about 30 minutes before police were called, Lopez posted on Facebook, Who can do me a huge favor and has a car? Three crying emoji faces followed the request. A friend responded, and she told him she needed trash bags and a car to get rid of the dead baby, the friend later told Kavars. An autopsy revealed the baby suffered bleeding near her skull, brain, spine and abdomen. The pathologist told Kavars that the bleeding indicated there was a heartbeat the baby was alive when the blunt-force injuries were sustained. A defense attorney argued the charge should be lessened to negligent child abuse because Lopez thought the child already was dead and didnt knowingly harm a living child. Judge Barrett ruled there was probable cause to proceed to trial. Lopez wept at the start of the hearing. She looked down during much of the testimony with her long hair covering her face. Relatives quickly left the courtroom after the hearing and declined to comment. Greetings to the people of Hall County, and especially the residents of District 6 of Hall County. There is a man whose name is Brian Whitecalf who is running on your behalf for District 6 supervisor. Yes, you already have a supervisor that has been in office for sometime. Brian has not had the privilege to be your supervisor yet. I would like to ask you, the voters of District 6, to vote for Brian. In your district you may only see yard signs at this point. So what are his thoughts behind all the yard signs and window displays. He supports buying local and investments in family-run, small businesses. Brian also believes in expanding Nebraskans energy portfolio with locally owned solar and wind power. There are many alternative energy projects that are going on all around Grand Island, but not in Grand Island. Why are we not involved in this new and exciting future? In doing so it could reduce property taxes, as opposed to always having to raise all sorts of taxes to better Grand Island and Hall County. This would also create new jobs, clean environment, and keep our water safe to drink. Brian is a special education paraeducator at Howard Elementary School. Keeping ourselves and our youths educated is paramount to our future. He will fight to keep the veterans home property for veterans use. Brian, as well, will see to it our senior citizens are taken care of as well. How do I know this? Two reasons. I am a veteran as well as a senior citizen. You may well see Brian downtown Railside, as he is a very firm believer in Grow Grand Island, Hall County, and Nebraska. Stop Brian and ask him questions. Democrats saw a surge in new voters in Pennsylvania as midterms near Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hendri Yulius (The Jakarta Post) Sydney Thu, November 3, 2016 Ever since Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahja Purnama announced he would seek reelection, a torrent of both support and protests has dominated national debate. The rising popularity of Ahok seems intriguing and threatening to other candidates, given the fact that he is a non-Muslim Chinese-Indonesian. Nevertheless, his identity and personal traits has also incited hatred against Chinese-Indonesians and non-Muslims, manifested in a number of marches involving hard-line Islamic groups, calling him a kafir (infidel) and urging Muslims to not vote for him. Since he is well known for his honesty and strong personality, his public commentaries often invoke negative sentiment from religious conservative groups. When he replaced now President Joko Jokowi Widodo as governor in 2014, the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) held massive demonstrations in front of City Hall, demanding that Ahok step down from his post. Besides religious hard-liners, activists have also questioned his commitment to human rights because of the evictions of the poor from informal settlements. In June, Ahok told public schools to stop making hijabs compulsory for female Muslim students. He emphasized that the substance of religiosity could not be defined through enforcing religious attire, since he said he had witnessed a girl taking off her hijab once having left school. Hence, it is essential for them to wear it with respect as religious virtues, rather than wearing it in school just because of rules. However, opponents were already emotional because he also used the word napkin to illustrate children who treated hijabs disrespectfully. His words were interpreted as a blasphemy, forbidding female students to follow the virtues of being Muslim girls. The push for legal action against his alleged blasphemy continued in October. Thousands of members of hard-line Islamic groups marched through the city from Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta, demanding that legal action be taken against Ahok. He reportedly told people in Thousand Islands regency not to be deceived by the Qurans Surah al-Maidah: 51. Protestors dressed in white attire yelled, We want a Muslim governor and Kafir! Although he has apologized for his statement, the Islamic hard-liners have called on Muslims to take part in a second demonstration set to be held on Nov. 4, to push for legal action against Ahok. Whether as a campaign tool to defeat him in the upcoming gubernatorial election, attacks against particular religions (and ethnicities) by conflating it with infidelity signals an unexpected shift in democratic Indonesia. During the repressive New Order regime, then president Soeharto repressed dissenting ideas and groups by relying upon a Sukarno-era presidential decree, the 1963 Subversion Law to curb communism. Soon after it came into power, the New Order began to use the decree to ban the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and Darul Islam, which strived to enact an Islamic state. Under this authoritarian era, Islamic political groups hence were suppressed. In Masculinity, Sexuality and Islam (2015), scholar Kathryn Robinson demonstrates that the states fear of potential influence from the Iranian revolution led Soeharto to prohibit political organizing around Islamic-derived ideologies and slogans in 1985. In similar vein, in 1982, a policy was enacted to ban the wearing of hijabs in public educational settings. Only in 1991 was the ban lifted. Discussions around ethnicity, religion and race (SARA) relations were also policed and banned during this era, as they were deemed sensitive. This helped Soeharto consolidate his power and subsequently curb separatist and interethnic conflicts. Despite his/her ethnicity and religiosity, everyone perceived themselves as Indonesian. However, in Religion, Politics and Gender in Indonesia (2010), researcher Sonja van Wienchelen points out that due to the worsening relationships with the military, Soeharto approached and reconciled with Islamic organizations. These dramatic changes resulted in the expansion of Muslim programs on TV and increased funding for Islamic schools. Although the state still controlled Islamic politics, the realignment of the state and Islamic groups has enabled the latter to enter the political arena and exert its power in the democratic era. The collapse of the Soeharto regime in 1998 signified Indonesias transition to democracy. The previously suppressed groups proliferated. Freedom of expression and media has also been guaranteed by the democratic moves. Prohibitions on SARA are not enacted strongly anymore and have even slowly faded. Islamic fundamentalist politics emerged openly and exerted their power through moral-based regulations or sharia. Decentralization or regional autonomy has further eased steps to gaining more political power. Aceh, for example, has become a special province implementing sharia. It is also interesting to observe that there has been increased piety among Indonesians through the use of religious symbols. Islamic television programs and missionary endeavors have also mushroomed. Further, religious vigilantes and conservative groups are getting more powerful in spreading moral panic, raiding activities deemed immoral and being actively involved in politics, calling on people to not vote for non-Muslim leaders. In the last presidential election, Jokowis religiosity was even questioned. These remarkable shifts are central to examining the unexpected outcomes of democratization in Indonesia. While freedom of expression is now guaranteed, hate speech has gotten out of control. Some would argue that Indonesias democracy is still nascent and hence needs more time to become more mature and substantive. Nevertheless, whatever the case, it is important to be continuously reminded that bigots are everywhere, and we should choose leaders based on their programs, track record and commitment, instead of religion and ethnicity. *** The writer, who obtained his Masters in public policy from the National University of Singapore, is the writer of Coming Out and a lecturer of gender and sexuality studies. He is currently pursuing his Masters by Research in Gender and Cultural Studies in The University of Sydney. See other writings by Hendri Yulius here. --------------- We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to community@jakpost.com. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rendi A. Witular (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 Former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono may have had enough with what he suspects to be deliberate attempts by the ruling government to send a hurricane to his family following his eldest sons bid to compete in the upcoming Jakarta gubernatorial race. After complaining about how the government had treated him and his son Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono unjustly, and positioning himself as a victim, the sixth president has broken a long-held tradition of forging mutual respect between presidential predecessors and successors. Yudhoyonos press conference on Wednesday may be seen as a bold move aiming a gun at President Joko Jokowi Widodo, and it seems to have been a personal one. The conference has also showcased how the retired Army general is in baper (touchy and over-emotional) mode regarding the plight he and his family are suffering from at the hands of the Jokowi administration. In an obviously furious tone, at least by Javanese standards, Yudhoyono said he could not accept the allegations leveled against him by the intelligence community that he had orchestrated the upcoming rally on Nov. 4 by Muslim hard-liners, who are demanding the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama for alleged blasphemy. Yudhoyono suspects that the allegation is aimed at eroding the possibility of Agus winning the election against Ahok, who is dubbed by many as Jokowis golden boy. In the past couple of days, Jokowi has taken a raft of measures to limit the impact of the rally following indications that hard-liners will attempt to incite violence and generate sectarian and ethnic conflict. Vigilante gangs such as the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) flourished during Yudhoyonos presidency, and now these hard-liners have repeatedly campaigned for the legitimacy of employing violence unless Jokowi agrees to have Ahok prosecuted. Taking the threat seriously, Jokowi has rounded up Indonesias biggest and most influential Muslim organizations, which have since pledged not to participate in the rally. Police and military personnel, as well as intelligence officers, are being deployed to ensure that the protest runs peacefully. But this is perceived by Yudhoyono as an attempt by Jokowi to restrict free speech, cast fear into society by exaggerating the threats to Indonesias unity and lead the public to believe that Yudhoyono and his Democratic Party, which has less than 10 percent of seats in the House of Representatives, are the plotters behind the protests. Yudhoyono met with Wiranto, his former military commander and now the coordinating political, legal and security affairs minister, and Vice President Jusuf Kalla to clarify the allegations on Tuesday. The public was largely unaware of the allegations surrounding Yudhoyono, and it was only after he renounced them, in public, and with such force, that the subject began to circulate and garner attention. He may have been spared from public scrutiny and ridicule on social media if he had simply refrained from calling the press conference and denying his alleged role in mobilizing the hard-liners. Yudhoyono went further, using his old trick of playing the victim to gain public sympathy for the plight of his family following Agus participation in the election a move that has had no impact and has been met with scorn. Social media is now awash with jokes and memes mocking Yudhoyonos quandary. But Yudhoyono may have reason to suspect Jokowi of intentionally trying to ruin his image and undermine Agus chances of taking out Ahok. In the past couple of weeks, attempts to have Yudhoyono sidelined have intensified. The Attorney Generals Office (AGO) plans to summon the former president in relation to a missing report into the mysterious death of human rights activist Munir Said Thalib. Officials from the State Secretariat recently announced that they handed over a luxury house, paid for by taxpayers, in a prestigious business district in South Jakarta to Yudhoyono as part of the former presidents compensation for holding the highest office. Yudhoyono has also claimed that a television station aired an allegation that he had accrued Rp 9 trillion (US$692 million) in wealth. Because Yudhoyono did not name the station, many suspect that he is just making things up. Perhaps in retaliation and to even the score against Jokowi, Yudhoyono has called publicly for the prosecution of Ahok as the only solution to ease the tensions engulfing the Muslim community and to prevent the rally from escalating into something even more unsettled. But the call was made in a tone perceived by some as an act of provocation that could disintegrate into sectarianism and Yudhoyono seems to have disregarded the fact that the Nov. 4 rally will be attended by hard-liners with a penchant for igniting violence. Yudhoyono has the right to launch a tirade against Jokowi, but what cannot be accepted is his irresponsible intervention into the furor surrounding Ahok and his alleged blasphemy, demanding a court trial in a tone that contained more than a hint of provocation. If this nation does not want to be engulfed in anger, Ahok should be prosecuted. There should not be any supposition that he is immune to the rule of law, Yudhoyono said. This comment is one of many examples of Yudhoyono toying with religious sentiment. After observing how Jokowi has skillfully clipped his political rivals and has positioned them to serve under his wing in less than two years, it would be foolish to think that the seventh President is just going to sit idly by and allow Yudhoyono to get away with his machinations unscathed. And though Yudhoyono seems to have taken the feud personally, one hopes that Jokowi will not be tempted to use his natural talent for crushing his opponents to leave the last man standing against him shattered and neutered. One hopes this for the sake of democracy. It is best for Jokowi to run with the hare and hunt with the hound. Allow Yudhoyono to quack, but not to whack. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Devina Heriyanto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 Jakarta has been on high alert since information began circulating online and offline suggesting that hard-liners from all over the country would flock to the city to demand that authorities prosecute incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama for religious defamation. Organizers have announced that 35,000 to 50,000 people would join the demonstration. Political figures as high as President Joko Jokowi Widodo, Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto, and former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) have all commented on the demonstration - signifying the gravity of the issue. With his double-minority status as a Christian of Chinese descent, Ahok is no stranger to SARA [ethnicity, religion and race] issues. When taking office as governor, Ahok also faced similar demonstrations. Widespread SARA sentiment leaves Indonesias young and fragile democracy vulnerable to identity politics, which were exploited in the 2012 Jakarta election and the 2014 presidential election. Still, whatever the issues might be, the demonstration is allowed under a democratic system. Jokowi said the government would guarantee Indonesians' rights to express their opinions as long as the protesters respected public order, adding that security personnel would be deployed to secure the rally. Jokowi has called for protestors to refrain from anarchic behavior during the rally and also met with his 2014 political opponent Prabowo and several Islamic organizations to ease tension. The National Polices Mobile Brigade (Brimob) has issued its highest security level, known as Siaga 1, and asked for military backup, saying that the rally could escalate into violence. Some 20,000 police officers will be deployed to ensure security and the TNI has said that it would deploy about 5,000 personnel as backup. What has triggered the rally? The issue began when a short clip surfaced of Ahok making a speech during a visit to the Thousand Islands regency in September. It went viral on social media after a netizen edited the video and added comment more than a week after the full video was uploaded by Ahoks administration. The video footage portrayed Ahok as joking to the laughter of the locals, telling them not to be lied to by political leaders using Surah al-Maidah, Verse 51 of the Quran, ahead of the February 2017 gubernatorial election. The verse includes statement that Muslims should not choose non-Muslims as leaders. Following strong objection from Muslim leaders, Ahok quickly apologized and clarified that the video and his statement had been distorted. Some news items regarding the case have also been accused of being framed to fan the flames of social-media anger. However, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) considers the statement to be blasphemy and has urged law enforcement officials to handle the case in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, hard-line group Islam Defenders Front (FPI) secretary general Novel Chaidir Hasan was the one who filed a report against Ahok with the National Police's Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim). Ahok previously claimed that the defamation case has ended, but since then has clarified his statement with Bareskrim and publicly apologized. The legal process still continues, with Jokowi ordering the National Police to probe the case further. The FPI has demanded Ahoks immediate imprisonment for blasphemy. Who initiated the rally? The rally was initiated by FPI leader Habieb Rizieq Shihab, whose personal website published the call for the rally on October 23. On the rally poster, it was written that the rally was to support the MUI fatwa on Ahok and the Al-Maidah 51 case. The MUI has officially announced that Ahoks statement constituted blasphemy. The rally aims to put Ahok behind bars for his so-called blasphemy. Rizieq has called for schools, businesses and government offices to close on Friday, urging people to join the rally. This is actually the second anti-Ahok rally initiated by the FPI after the first one on October 14. The first rally cost around Rp 60 million(US$4,620) to restore a pocket park in front of City Hall accidentally destroyed by demonstrators. The first anti-Ahok rally on October 14. (JP/Seto Wardhana) Why has this Jakarta issue become a national issue? The protesters will march from Istiqlal Mosque to the State Palace after Friday prayers, with the possibility of staying overnight in the palace. Jokowi is being targeted for his silence on the Al-Maidah 51 case, and he is accused of protecting Ahok from the law. This is an escalation compared to the first rally on Oct. 14, which took place in front of City Hall. Not only in Jakarta, there have also been demonstrations against Ahok in other cities, such as Bekasi, Bandung, Surabaya and Padang. The Nov. 4 rally has caused concern as participants have been advised to write a will for their family beforehand, inspiring fears that the demonstration will descend into chaos and violence similar to that of May 1998. However, Jakarta Police chief. Insp. Gen. M. Iriawan has prohibited police officers from bringing firearms when they guard the rally. To clear up another rumor that has also been circulating, Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Awi Setiyono also clarified that no shoot on sight order had been issued. MUIs logo is being used in the poster. Does this mean the MUI is one of the organizers of the rally? MUI vice secretary general Amirsyah has stated that the MUI had no part in organizing the rally, as reported by detik.com. However, he did not discourage MUI members from participating, saying that it was peoples prerogative and in accordance with the law. Chairman of MUIs West Java chapter Rachmat Syafei has called on all MUI members not to join or support the rally. The West Java chapter does not allow its members to use MUI attributes during the rally. What about other Muslim organizations? The countrys two largest Muslim organizations Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah have said separately that they would not encourage their members to take part in the rally, let alone any provocative actions at the event. Muhammadiyah, with around 40 million followers nationwide, said it would not prohibit its members from participating in the rally. NU suspects the rally has a hidden aim. I am afraid that [the rally] is propelled by a third party whose issues are bigger than just the [Jakarta] election, said NU central board chairman Said Aqil Siradj on Saturday. Jokowi met 30 religious leaders on Tuesday to hear suggestion on preventing violence during the rally. Some of those invited were MUI chairman Maruf Amin, NU chairman Said Aqil Siraj, and Muhammadiyah chairman Haedar Nasir. Should people be worried? Jakarta's acting governor Sumarsono has called on residents to not be worried. He claimed that business would go on as usual, dismissing rumors that schools would be closed on Friday. The Jakarta Police are preparing several alternative traffic routes in anticipation of heightened gridlock around venues likely to be used by protesters. The routes will depend on how the situation unfolds on Friday. Does this have anything to do with the upcoming Jakarta election? If the FPI gets what they want and Ahok is imprisoned, then he will have to withdraw from the race. Ahoks withdrawal would surely benefit his opponents as Ahok and his running mate Djarot have been consistently ahead in pre-election polls and surveys. Anies and Sandiaga have said they will not take part in the Nov. 4 demonstration. We are concentrating on winning the gubernatorial race. We wont be taking part in activities that are not related to the election, said Anies, who is a moderate Islamic figure. He refused to comment on the demonstration when asked on Wednesday. SBY, whose son is running against Ahok for the governors seat, held a press conference on Tuesday on the issue. He claimed that the government had received false intelligence with regard to the allegations that a political party is behind the rally. SBY also denied reports that he was behind the massive demonstration. (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 Christian Louboutin announced its brand new series of perfume oils on Tuesday, said to contain the highest concentration of fragrance oil with no added water or alcohol. Women are encouraged to apply the products, namely Bikini Questa Sera, Tornade Blonde and Trouble in Heaven, using a glass dabber contained within the bottle, "so that women can 'stroke' on the fragrance in a highly feminine and elegant gesture", a beauty ritual much loved by Louboutin. Created in collaboration with Heatherwick Studio, the perfume oil bottle also boasts an attractive metallic finish with a radiant effect. (Read also: Louboutin dedicates new shoes to those wanting great legs) According to a press release, the 30 ml product, priced at US$320, can be used on its own or layered with the fragrances to heighten the sensory experience". Famous for its shoes, the brand Christian Louboutin was created in 1992 when Louboutin opened his first boutique in Paris. It currently has more than 100 boutiques around the world. (mra/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Carla Bianpoen (The Jakarta Post) Singapore Thu, November 3, 2016 Through history, the Singapore Biennale and its selected artists and art works attempt to link the countries of Southeast Asia with South and East Asia, giving insights into the culture of unity in diversity. The Singapore biennale, which since its fourth edition has tried to stamp its own character on the global map of biennales, is now in its current fifth edition and it is reminiscing over the past through contemporary art in Southeast Asia, South Asia and East Asia. It is not only reflective, but also fascinating and revealing while evoking a sense of deep contemplation and artistic exploration. A new biennale vision seems to be emerging, with a higher than usual number of female artists participating (24 of the total of 60 artists involved) and a new collaboration with the Benesse Art Prize established at the Venice Biennale in 1995. Entitled The Atlas of Mirrors, 58 art works made with various mediums are clustered around nine subthemes and presented in seven venues. The venues are the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) and 8Q at SAM, the Asian Civilisations Museum, the de Suantio Gallery at Singapore Management University, the National Museum of Singapore, Stamford Green, the Old Parliament House and the Peranakan Museum. (Read also: Historic areas in Singapore you must visit) Surely, the cooperation with Benesse this year is a strong indication of the increasing interest in the regions developing art and the shortlisting of five artists for the Benesse Art Prize, including Indonesias Ade Darmawans, adds reason to rejoice. Ades commissioned work entitled Singapore Human Resources Instituteappears like a directors office, but is actually an imagined space consisting of objects, paintings and prints once found in offices and domestic environments in Singapore and Indonesia. It serves as a memory archive of parallel mini histories that commemorate the institutes achievements. Through history or the anticipated future, the biennale and its selected artists and art works try to link the countries of Southeast Asia with South and East Asia, giving insights into the culture of unity in diversity. One such example comes with a work by Indonesian artist Eddy Susanto, whose in-depth research once pointed at the similarity between the liberating spirit that entered Europe with the Renaissance and Islams arrival on the island of Java. His work in this Singapore Biennale, The Journey of Panji, reveals the dominating role of Java in uniting the countries of ASEAN through the stories of the legendary Prince Panji, which spread from the 14th century Kediri in East Java to its neighboring countries, becoming a sort of lingua franca in the region. Eddys installation in the biennale features a huge canvas on which the figures are shaped with original script starting with local Javanese, then flowing out to the regions where this narrative traveled. Letters from the original languages spill from the canvas to flow over to ultimately touch a book, Wangbang Wideya by SO Robson, containing a collection of the stories printed with Latin characters, which was only published in the last century. In this age of selfies when we want to see our faces mirrored as interestingly as possible and in the best possible position, Melati Suryodarmos dramatic three-hour-long performance Behind the Light is a sobering suggestion that our fine looks in the mirror may in fact be masks for our not-so-nice insides. Melati does so using two mirrors, one of which is placed at the back of the first mirror. In repetitive alternatives, visitors entering the space first see their own image reflected in the broad mirror. In fact, Melati stands right at the back of this mirror, but remains unseen until the light switches off and the audiences faces make way for Melati facing a red bench. Slowly bowing onto the rice paper on the bench, she imprints her besmeared face onto the white rice paper, which she then holds up to show an ugly, almost eerie image. Then the light switches on, returning to us our everyday faces. Behind the Light 2, a performance by Melati Suryodarmo(JP/File) The ghost of colonial power continues to haunt the present time. For leading artist Titarubi the bloody wars with the Western powers, the Dutch VOC, the Portuguese and the British, who strived to impose authority over the trade in simple nutmeg from the Indonesian Spice Islands that had become a most favored luxury in the West, has been an overpowering theme for her art works. Bloodshed, the extinction of the people of Bandaneira, the burning of ships off the north coast of Java, the brutal colonization of the Indonesian islands and the trampling on human rights have remained a haunting memory that has informed her art works. For the Singapore Biennale, she has crafted Aceh, Madurese and Banten ships out of burned wood, the images of which she only recently found on maps from Spain. Looming high on the charred ships are empty cloaks made of gold-plated nutmeg that rose from simple nutmeg to become the most lucrative commodity in the world. Although Titas title, History Repeats Itself, is open-ended, visitors in the know could imagine the Indonesian maritime affairs minister looking for the foreign ships that were stealing fish in Indonesian waters and sinking them when she caught them, somehow turning the tables of history. (Read also: Must-see artworks at National Gallery Singapore) As well, Balinese artist Made Wiantas Treasure Islands made of raw buffalo leather, mirrors and nails also harks back to the Spice Islands, namely that of Rhun in Maluku, which the Dutch exchanged for New York (then known as New Amsterdam), while another Balinese artist, Made Djirna, presents a personal cosmology mapping his personal imaginings about skala (scale) andniskala (abstract). Meanwhile, Agan Harahaps picture narrative reworks archival photographs to remind us of a community of descendants of freed slaves, the Mardijkers, found in major cities in the East Indies. The above described works are Indonesia-specific, answering the biennales crucial question: From where we are, how do we picture the world and ourselves? The other regions bear similar imprints and while our cultures may differ in one way or another and the materials used are different, their stories also intertwine together in various ways. Artistically reworked maps denoting cultural diversity abound, but it is Pala Pothupitiye from Sri Lanka who excels in re-crafting the official version of maps to tell a different story as he overlays, juxtaposes and transforms portraits of voyages, landscapes and mythical figures with his own personal history. Some outstanding works denote the exceptional development of scientific renderings in art, such as Ni You Yous Atlas, Dust and Invisible Force (from China) that use thousands of industrial magnets to represent the invisible force of gravity between celestial bodies. Pannaphan Yodmanee of Thailands Buddhist cosmology and modern science has led her to consider the concepts of change, loss, devastation and Armageddon; the existential in Han Sai Por of Singapores Black Forest, a hauntingly barren field of charcoal logs; a memory of sorts in Htein Lin of Myanmars installation of soap blocks in which little human figures are carved, which is a metaphor representing his incarceration; Home and a Home by Bui Cong Khan of Vietnam and Rathin Barman of India works with preservative carvings and architectural structure. Indias Adeela Sulemans series called Dead of Not Night are decorative stylized paintings on found ceramic plates that are replete with imagery of violence and the memory of violence. Singapores ever-developing sound artist, Zulkifle Mahmod, uses 146 wok lids in combination with technological advances for his imaginative and fascinating sound sculpture SONICreflection an immersive and impressive work of sounds denoting a pluralistic stance amidst Singapores multiple ethnic groups and races forming its urban culture. Wrapping up most elements found in the aforementioned works is Marine Ky of Cambodia, whose exquisite installation Setting off (a commissioned work) at the Peranakan Museum resonates well with the character of the museum, but above all renders for us a view of the culture that marked the region as it did her when the Khmer coup forced her to migrate to foreign lands at the age of 4 years. What looks like a tree of life, the six-meter-high structure traces the history of pattern making and her personal history through time and space, incorporating examples of Peranakan lace and embroidery patterns obtained from Cambodia, China, Hong Kong and Korea, while she imprints, etches and prints them over Khmer motifs using intaglio printing and Khmer engraving techniques. For this work she has been commuting between Cork, Ireland, where she makes her prints and her textile studio in Phnom Penh, as well as her storage places in Battambang and Singapore. _________________________ Singapore Biennale 2016 was commissioned by the National Council of Singapore and organized by the Singapore Art Museum. It runs until Feb. 26, 2017. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 2, 2016 Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said on Wednesday that his office had received information that sympathizers of the Islamic State (IS) radical movement would join the massive demonstration scheduled for Friday against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama. He declined to explain further about the IS sympathizers involvement in the demonstration, but the government was taking the information seriously. Any information regarding IS should not be ignored, said Ryamizard, adding that the Indonesian Military (TNI) was prepared to deploy military personnel to back the National Police to face any potential outbreak of violence during the demonstration. "We, the Defense Ministry and the TNI, are prepared," Ryamizard said. The minister announced that the TNI and the National Police had talked about the procedures on how to secure the demonstration that according to the organizers would involve about 200,000 people from Jakarta and its surrounding areas. Previously, the TNI announced that 500 military elite personnel from the Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) and Air Force Special Forces (Paskas) would be part of the security detail deployed to secure the demonstration. On Oct. 14, thousands went onto the street to demand the police investigate Ahok, accused by the protesters for committing religious defamation. Organizers of Fridays protest said they would repeat similar demands. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 The Research, Technology and Higher Education Ministry has issued a circular to advise university students, lecturers and staff against participating in the anticipated religion-driven rally on Friday in Jakarta. The rally, aimed at pushing for the prosecution of gubernatorial candidate and incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama on allegations of blasphemy, is expected to see 50,000 people from multiple Islamic organizations swarm Jakartas streets. The circular was signed by the ministrys director general for learning and student affairs, Intan Ahmad, on Wednesday and has been sent to thousands of state and private universities across the archipelago. We call on all students and lecturers to not get involved in the Nov. 4 mass rally, Intan said in the circular. The circular said under the Three Missions of University, or Tri Dharma, students had the right to voice their aspirations through demonstrations, as guaranteed by the countrys Constitution. However, as representatives of their respective universities, they must place themselves as nonpartisan parties in regard to political issues. Ahok, a Christian and Indonesian of Chinese descent in the Muslim-majority country, has sparked uproar among Islamic groups and communities after he made a comment on verses in the Quran during his visit to Thousand Islands regency in late September. The police have until now received around a dozen reports regarding the case. (Read also: Police summon Ahok in blasphemy case, deny favoritism) Should the police meet protesters demand, Ahok will risk losing his candidacy in the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election should he was named a suspect in the case. The ministry, however, notes that it cannot ban students from taking part in the rally as to do so would go against basic human rights principle. It, however, asks students and lecturers to not bring any university attributes should they decide to take part in the rally by their own initiative. (hwa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam Thu, November 3 2016 The governments failure to prevent its citizens working overseas illegally has been exposed by the recent capsizing of a boat in waters off Batam, Riau Islands, killing more than a dozen people. The small boat, which was en route to Batam from Malaysia carrying 101 people, including five children, capsized on Wednesday leaving at least 18 dead. Thirty nine survived and 36 others are still missing, including three crew members. Most of the passengers were illegal migrant workers. It was only the most recent in a series of accidents involving boats carrying illegal Indonesian workers near Batam this year. Twenty three died after an incident in January and 15 perished in another in July. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ina Parlina and Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3 2016 In an unprecedented turn of events on Wednesday, former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono lashed out at basically every major occurrence in the countrys current political scene and ranted about the allegation that he was involved in the murder of human rights activist Munir Said Thalib. Despite an earlier attempt to end the controversy by delivering a copy of his administrations report into the high-profile murder case, he expressed anger for being dragged into the case in the first place. Speaking in front of journalists at his private residence in Cikeas, Bogor, the chairman of the Democratic Party complained about the fact that his name was still being implicated with regards to the case. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Haeril Halim and Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3 2016 Police rescued Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama from a mob on Wednesday during a campaign stop in Rawa Belong, West Jakarta. Ahok was rushed into a public minivan by plain clothed police officers and then to a nearby police station after a group of angry protesters tried to attack him while he was campaigning at a traditional market. The failed attack was inspired by recent public anger over remarks the governor had made during a speech in Thousands Island regency in September. Some considered them blasphemous. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Indra Budiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 More than 200 people have already gathered at the headquarters of the hardline group the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) in Petamburan, West Jakarta, for Friday's mass rally to demand that incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama be charged for his allegedly blasphemous remarks. Wearing caps and white T-shirts or white attire, the protesters, who came from various cities, planned to spend the night at Al Islah Mosque, located a few meters away from the FPI's headquarters. The organization, which is among the protest's initiators, distributed boxes of rice, mineral water and oranges to the protesters gathered at the mosque. Ridho, one of the protesters, said he arrived in the capital from Bogor, West Java, in the morning. The FPI headquarters, he said, was previously not his destination and he and several other people coming from Bogor had planned to sleep at the Istiqlal Grand Mosque in Central Jakarta. "However, we were not allowed to sleep at the mosque so here we are now," he told The Jakarta Post. "We will start the rally in the morning early tomorrow." FPI official Rizieq Syihab had asked Jakarta mosque caretakers to open their doors to protesters who were going take part in the rally. Around 50,000 people from various cities are expected to swarm the capital on Friday for the rally. (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stefani Ribka and Esther Samboh (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3 2016 Apple may soon begin making smartphones in Indonesia by establishing three software development centers worth US$48 million in three years, enabling it to revive shipments into the country after a year-long hiatus. Since the iPhone 6S and now the iPhone 7 Apple has not been able to ship smartphones into Indonesia because of a regulation requiring them to be locally made. Still, the black market flourishes as unofficial resellers trade online and at local electronics centers. But soon enough, the US technology behemoth may be able to re-boot official sales in Indonesia as Apple seeks to develop its smartphone software in Indonesia through iOS app development centers in compliance with the so-called minimum local content regulation, said I Gusti Putu Suryawirawan, the Industry Ministrys director general for metals, machinery, transportation equipment and electronics. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung Thu, November 3 2016 Residents of Bandung, West Java, have welcomed the implementation of a styrofoam ban in the city, but demanded that the city administration also provide replacement materials. The ban, which is in force this month, was stipulated in a circular sent down to subdistricts across the city. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 The Bandung municipal administration in West Java will need at least Rp 60 trillion (US$4.6 billion) to finance the development of infrastructure facilities in the city, which has now turned into one of the countrys tourist destinations. The citys mayor, Ridwan Kamil, said the local government would invite private sector companies to support the projects under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. Among the potential projects to be executed under this partnership are the construction of overpasses and other public facilities, including video surveillance. "The city's budget is very limited so we need to invite investors to finance and build the projects, he said during Lintas Teknologi Solution Day event in Jakarta on Thursday. The city, he added, has made efforts to streamline procedures to obtain business licenses and other paperwork to help the private sector invest in the city. (hwa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 The National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) urged on Thursday state-owned companies to create corporate social responsibilities programs in relation to food security to solve chronic food and nutrition issues in Indonesia. Bappenas head Bambang Brodjonegoro said the daily calorie intake of Indonesians currently amounted to 1,949 kilo calories (kcal), below the standard recommended calorie intake of 2,150 kcal. Moreover, the fact that 37 percent of Indonesian toddlers suffered from stunting a condition where height is below age standard could threaten the nations workforce in the future. This is dangerous since when they grow up and enter the workforce, they will be a burden to the nation instead of an asset, he said during a forum in Jakarta. On the other end, 12 percent of Indonesian toddlers are obese, which means that the country faces a double malnutrition burden, Bambang said. One way state-owned enterprises could play a role is by implementing community based health and nutrition projects, including by improving water sanitation in villages, he said. State-owned enterprises, through their core business, could play a role in developing the country by implementing corporate social responsibility programs, he said. (win/dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 A bus loaded with protesters set to take part in Fridays rally to demand the immediate imprisonment of incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama on allegations of religious defamation, collided with a truck at the 115-kilometer point of the Cipali toll road in Subang, West Java, on Thursday morning. West Java Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Yusri Yunus said one passenger died, while 15 others were injured in the accident. The bus was carrying 62 passengers, reportedly members of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI). The victim was identified as Sarjono, 47, a resident of Klegen Gatak, Sewon, Bantul, Yogyakarta. The injured victims were treated at the nearby Ciereng city hospital in Subang and Ciuderes city hospital in Majalengka. "Other uninjured passengers continued their trip to Jakarta by hopping on other buses, according to the bus driver," Yusri was quoted as saying by Antara news agency. According to eyewitnesses, the bus was heading to Cikopo from Palimanan at high speed at 3:30 a.m.. The bus, driven by Ahmad Sakir, 31, rammed into a slower truck loaded with sand, which reportedly suddenly switched into the fast lane. Yusri said police were still questioning several eyewitnesses regarding the accident. (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desl (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 Business players have strongly criticized a government-sanctioned business competition watchdog's plan to increase fines for companies proven guilty of cartel practices in the proposed revision of the 1999 Monopoly Law. The Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) has endorsed the revision of penalties for such violations from the current level of a maximum Rp 25 billion (US$1.9 million), to 30 percent of a companys total sales. Sutrisno Iwantono, an Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) executive in charge of public policy, said the proposal could hamper business growth as the penalties could easily send businesses into bankruptcy. Thus, it will be fairer to calculate fines based on illegal profits obtained from cartel practices. Then, it could be multiplied by one, two or three times in accordance to the severity of the offences committed, Sutrisno said Wednesday in a discussion. KPPU head Syarkawi Rauf argued that the new policy would create a stronger deterrent effect. The prevailing law is not fair because the KPPU could set fines to as low as Rp 1 billion and the highest at Rp 25 billion. Thus, small size businesses are forced to bear huge fines whereas big businesses can't be fined more, he said. Lawmaker Azam Azman Natawijana, deputy chairman of House of Representatives' Commission VI overseeing trade, industry and investment, meanwhile, said the Houses Legislation Body (Baleg) had received the draft revision. Lawmakers, he said, would discuss it early next year with the government to decide whether they would proceed with the revision. (win/hwa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 Commuter trains serving the Greater Jakarta area will continue to operate at all stations on Friday with thousands of people set to take part in a mass rally in the capital city that day against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, the area's train management confirmed. On Friday, the commuter line will operate as usual and will stop at all stations, said PT KAI Commuter Jabodetabek spokeswoman Eva Chairunisa in a statement on Thursday. Eva said more police officers would be deployed to secure train stations located close to the areas of demonstration like at the Juanda, Sudirman and Gondangdia stations in Central Jakarta. For example, at Juanda Station, the number of police officers will increase to 34 personnel from [the standard] 14 personnel, she said. Organizers have estimated that around 200,000 people will take part in the demonstration that aims to push the police to seriously investigate the defamation case against the Jakarta governor. Ahok had apologized for his statement in Thousand Islands, and stressed that he had no intention to insult the Quran. Ahok had been reported to the National Police by a number of organizations and the police have questioned a number of witnesses. The police plan to summon Ahok next Monday. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 Some local administrations have called on residents not to flock to Jakarta for a mass rally on Friday. The East Kalimantan administration, for example, told residents via a circular to not fly to the capital to take part in the rally, which aims to pressure the police into prosecuting Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama over alleged blasphemy. "Based on Law No. 23/2014 on regional administrations, a regional head has the duty to maintain security and order among his communities," East Kalimantan Governor Awang Faroek Ishak said in the circular. "To keep order [in our] region, [we] inform members of society and civil society organizations to not fly to Jakarta to join the rally." Voicing similar concerns, the West Java administration has told civil servants to go to work as normal and not head to the capital. West Java administration secretary Iwa Karniwa expected residents to trust the police to follow up on the blasphemy allegations, saying the case was being handled by the National Police. (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hope Yen (Associated Press) Washington Thu, November 3, 2016 Hillary Clinton may not be accumulating the type of early-vote advantage her campaign wanted, but she continues to maintain an apparent edge over Donald Trump, with roughly one-fourth of all expected ballots cast in the 2016 election. The Democrat's campaign once hoped to bank substantial votes from Democrats in North Carolina and Florida before Election Day. Both are must-win states for Donald Trump. But data about the early vote suggest she's not doing as well as President Barack Obama in 2012. Ballot requests from likely supporters have been weak in parts of the Midwest, and African-American turnout has fallen, too. Still, the tens of millions of early votes cast also point to strength from Democratic-leaning Latino voters, potentially giving Clinton a significant advantage in Nevada and Colorado. With more than half the votes already cast in those states, Democrats are matching if not exceeding their successful 2012 pace, according to data compiled by The Associated Press. "We are seeing the trajectory of the election change in some states, but Democrats are also making up ground," said Michael McDonald, a University of Florida professor and expert in voter turnout. Early voting by mail and at polling stations is underway in 37 states. More than 31 million votes have been cast, representing nearly 25 percent of the total votes expected nationwide if turnout is similar to 2012. In all, more than 46 million people or as much as 40 percent of the electorate are expected to vote before Tuesday, according to AP data. The results of those votes won't be known until polls close next week. But early voting data party affiliation, race and other details are being carefully examined for clues about the ballots that have been cast so far. A look at the latest trends: RACE TIGHTENS IN NORTH CAROLINA, FLORIDA In North Carolina and Florida, Democrats did better with mail balloting than they had in previous elections. They expected to build on that with the start of in-person voting, where Democrats traditionally do well. But the big turnout especially among black voters hasn't yet happened. In North Carolina, with nearly half of the expected vote already cast, Democrats lead in ballots submitted, 43 percent to 32 percent. But that's slightly below the same period in 2012, when Mitt Romney narrowly won the state. This year, fewer polling locations were open in Democratic-leaning counties in the first week of early voting. More locations have since opened, but Democrats are still trying to catch up. Voting by African-Americans has declined to 22 percent of the early vote, from 28 percent in 2012. The white vote has risen to about 73 percent from 67 percent. In Florida, more than half of voters have already cast ballots. Democrats remain virtually tied with Republicans. At this point in 2008 and 2012, Democrats held an advantage in ballots cast. Obama won the state both years. The black share of ballots is down, while the Latino share is up. Democrats and Republican analysts say they see signs that Republican early voters are those who previously voted on Election Day, while Democrats are drawing new voters. That would be good news for Democrats. "I'm still bullish that Clinton will get to the 270 electoral votes" needed to win the White House, said Scott Tranter, co-founder of the Republican data firm Optimus. RISING LATINO VOTE MAY BOOST CLINTON Latinos may be providing Clinton with support she needs in key Western states. In swing-state Nevada, where half the total ballots have been cast, Democrats lead with 43 percent to 37 percent. That's comparable to the party's share at this point in 2012, good news for Clinton since Obama ultimately won the state by 6 percentage points. Ballots from Latinos and Asian-Americans another group that tends to vote Democratic are up, while ballots from African-American and white voters are down. More than 1.2 million residents have cast ballots in Colorado, or half the expected vote. Democrats hold the advantage, 37 percent to 35 percent. Colorado, for the first time in a presidential election, is voting mostly by mail. At this point in 2012, Republicans held the edge. In Arizona, where more than half the votes have been cast, Democrats trail by 5 percentage points. But at this point in 2012, Republicans had opened a 10 percentage point lead. The share of independent or voters whose party affiliation is unknown is also up slightly. Turnout rose among all races, but at higher rates among Hispanics. "Arizona is close," Tranter said. In Republican-leaning Texas, 3.3 million votes have been cast in the top 15 counties, up 36 percent. The state does not present breakdowns by party. Voter modeling by Catalist, a Democratic analytical firm, found ballots increasing by all race groups, but at sharper rates among Latinos. WHITES BUOY TRUMP IN OHIO, IOWA Trump may hold an edge in Ohio and Iowa, two states he's counting on to reach 270. In Ohio, the heavily Democratic counties of Cuyahoga and Franklin are posting declines in ballot requests compared to 2012, while Republican-leaning counties such as Warren have increased. The state does not break down ballots by party. Voter modeling by Catalist found the white share of Ohio ballot requests was up to 90 percent from 87 percent. The black share fell to 8 percent from 11 percent. Obama won Iowa in 2012 due to his strength in early voting. This year, Democrats lead there in both ballots requested and returned, 43 percent to 34 percent. But Democrats are running behind 2012 levels based in requested ballots, while Republicans are mostly on pace. But Republicans may be having trouble flipping another state, Wisconsin, that voted for Obama in the last two elections. Overall turnout in Wisconsin is outpacing 2012, with bigger shares coming from major Democratic counties such as Dane and Milwaukee. DEFENDING REPUBLICAN TURF Trump also may be holding ground in two Republican-leaning states that Clinton targeted. In Georgia, the number of ballots submitted has increased mostly among whites, while the black share declined. In Utah, Republicans lead in returned ballots, 46 percent to 15 percent; no party voters made up 35 percent. The Republican share in ballots is down from 2012 but improved from a week ago. ___ AP's Election Research and Quality Control Group in New York contributed to this report. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3 2016 JAKARTA: Customers of state-run lenders will soon enjoy simpler and lower-cost electronic transactions with the upcoming integration of the banks ATMs. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) director Sis Apik Wijayanto said the integration, which will start in December, would allow customers of four lenders under the State-Owned Banks Association (Himbara) Bank Mandiri, BRI, Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) and Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) to withdraw cash from ATMs under the ATM Himbara Link brand free of charge. The interface of an ATM will change according to the card being used. If you use a Mandiri card, you will receive a receipt with a Mandiri logo on it, the same goes for BRI card users, he told reporters on Wednesday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Piebo Dimas Perdana and Adi Abidin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3 2016 Most recent discussions of regional security in Southeast Asia center on the ongoing tension in the South China Sea. Chinas apparent assertiveness in expressing its claim to this region has raised concerns with Southeast Asian countries bordering this strategic spot. Indonesia, which controls the Natuna Islands in the southern end of the sea, keeps its distance from the dispute and tries to serve as an honest broker to keep the area peaceful and secure. But recent events seem to have prompted Indonesia to increase its defensive posture in the region. Several Chinese fishing boats backed by armed coast guard vessels have encroached into Natuna waters, and clashed with Indonesian security and military boats. In response, President Joko Jokowi Widodo inaugurated an expansion of Natunas airbase at the Indonesian Military (TNI) anniversary event last month. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan, North Sumatra Thu, November 3, 2016 The US Consulate office in Medan, North Sumatra, announced on Thursday that all activities scheduled for Friday had been canceled for security reasons. The consulates public affairs and economic assistant Hans Sukanto said the office had long scheduled activities that were to be conducted on Friday. I want to inform you all US Consulate activities on Friday, Nov.4, 2016, are canceled because of security concerns, he said in a statement made available to The Jakarta Post on Thursday evening. The US Consulate was scheduled to carry out a cultural visit to Tjong A Fie Mansion on Jl.Ahmad Yani, Medan by @Amerika director Karen P.Schinnerer, who is also the US Embassys cultural attache, and US Consul in Medan Juha P.Salin. In the press statement, the US Consulate did not elaborate on the security concerns. On Friday, several mass organizations are set to hold a rally in several areas across Medan against Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Ahok Purnama over his alleged religious-defamation remarks. Medan Police chief Sr. Comr. Mardiaz Kusin Dwihananto said 2,500 personnel would be deployed to secure the mass rally. They comprise regular and Mobile Brigade (Brimob) personnel as well as traffic police. Mardiaz said Indonesian Military personnel would assist the police in securing the event. We will safeguard the rally, he said after a call of readiness at Merdeka Square in Medan, on Thursday. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Bekasi Thu, November 3 2016 A 51-year-old domestic worker named Arwiyani was found dead with a wound on her wrist in her bedroom at her employers house in the South Bekasi subdistrict, West Java, on Wednesday. Mawardi Madjid, Arwiyanis employer, found her body after she became suspicious when the woman did not come out from her room on the second story of the house, South Bekasi Police chief Comr. Bayu Pratama said as reported by tribunnews.com. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3 2016 The Jakarta administration is set to disburse funds to residents living near the Integrated Waste Management Facility in Bantar Gebang, Bekasi, West Java, in compensation for the smell caused by the landfill. Each of the 18,192 families will receive Rp 500,000 (US$38.3) every three months, said acting governor Soni Sumarsono. The total amount, he added, would be Rp 143 billion as requested by the Bekasi administration. It is higher than the Rp 90 billion previously proposed by the Jakarta administration. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Bogor Thu, November 3 2016 The Bogor Police have arrested three police officers and two civilians in Bogor, West Java, as part of an extortion case, Bogor Police chief Sr. Comr. Yusri said on Wednesday. On Monday, the five reportedly approached three people at Bubulak Terminal in Bogor and accused them of being drug dealers. They were forced to get in a car, which took them around the city. The suspects also forced them to give up their belongings, said Yusri. The policemen and their two companions then phoned family members of the three and told them to pay Rp 15 million [US$1,149] or else they would be taken into custody, he said as quoted by tribunnews.com. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang and Novan Iman Santosa (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3 2016 All countries should improve their defense capabilities to mitigate ongoing tension around the world, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said Wednesday, adding that the potential for conflict is real everywhere. Boosting defense systems to maintain security is a must. It is not meant to create war. It is aimed at maintaining peace, he said when opening the 2016 Indo Defense Expo and Forum at JIExpo in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 The Communications and Information Ministry is trying to propel small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into regional and global markets, by providing free domain names to help them take advantage of the countrys growing e-commerce sector. The government will provide the free domain names to about 8 million SMEs in all parts of the country until 2020, Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara said on Wednesday. In the first stage, the ministry would provide free domain names to 1 million SME customers of stateowned Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) by 2018, he said. The ministry, in partnership with BRI, has also developed a digital platform for SMEs. We want to speed up the [1 million free domain name] program and BRI has a lot of SME customers, Rudiantara said on the sidelines of the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Jakarta, adding that that it might collaborate with other companies if necessary. Under the current cooperation with BRI, the SMEs will be given a free domain name for a year. At present, a commercial domain name in Indonesia costs between US$10 and $20 a year. BRI president director Asmawi Syam said the free domain would directly involve SMEs in the e-commerce business and expand their market, while the digital platform would help transform the SMEs which are the backbone of the Indonesian economy. Currently, BRI has 9.5 million SME debtors in total. The program, launched in August, has managed to facilitate free domain names for 5,000 of them. As of September, BRIs outstanding loans to SMEs stood at Rp 397 trillion ($30.4 billion). According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), there are more than 54.5 million SMEs in Indonesia. Accounting for around 60 percent of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP), they provide jobs for almost 99 percent of Indonesian workers. BRI consumer banking director Sis Apik Wijayanto explained that not all of the lenders clients in the SME segment would participate in the program, as it was only aimed at companies with good business prospects. The domain names, he further said, would allow them to sell their products nationwide and even abroad. If they are growing, it will be also good for BRI. When they have wider market, their turnover will increase and they will need bigger financings or loans from BRI to expand their business, Sis said. The ministrys target of 1 million domain names, he added, could be easily achieved due to the large number of BRIs SME customers. The lender has been disseminating information related to the program in its 12 regional offices in 10 provinces and aiming to do so in all 34 provinces in the country. It has also provided training for its clients in Yogyakarta, and in seven cities of West Java, on how to manage a website. (wnd) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Thu, November 3 2016 Thank heavens for the internet, which has changed millions of things in the way we live but like money, it can bring heaven or hell on earth. The latest result in attempting to correct the many negative impacts of online communication and the use of cyberspace is last weeks amendment to the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law. Hailed in 2008, hopes were placed on the law keeping us safe from fraud in online transactions, but at present, the law has become controversial as ordinary people have become victims from its clause on defamation. Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara has said more than 100 people have been criminalized for defamation. But he assures us that the amendment should no longer make the law a tool to criminalize freedom of speech, as procedures have become tighter. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 Ahead of the rally involving Islam hard-liner groups on Friday, the management of shopping malls around possible hot spot areas say they will open as usual but will up their security. The protesters are expected to pass shopping malls Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia, as well as Sarinah shopping center, all on Jl. MH Thamrin, as they are located near venues likely to be used for the rally; the State Palace, City Hall and the National Polices Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) office. Grand Indonesia security head Muhammad Said said his team would make sure the shopping mall was secure during its usual Friday operational time of 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. We will deploy 16 security officers for both the West Mall and East Mall. Usually, there are only eight people in charge for each mall, he told The Jakarta Post on Thursday, adding that the police had also built a temporary post at East Malls basement to monitor the area. Similar to Grand Indonesia, Sarinah is to operate with intensified security measures, which will be assisted by police. The police will help us from the morning. They will monitor Jl. MH Thamrin from our buildings frontage as well, said the malls security coordinator, Suharto. The police have marked streets that will likely be used by the protesters to stage the rally against inactive Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama for alleged defamation of a Quranic verse. The streets include Jl. MH Thamrin, Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur, Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara and Jl. Kebon Sirih The security of fX Sudirman mall in Central Jakarta has also been strengthened by coordination with the military and subprecinct police stations. "We have put boom gates around the mall. If the situation gets worse, we will close the boom gates," said the mall's security chief, Jasman, adding that the mall would operate normally on Friday. (adt/dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 President Joko Jokowi Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla showed up together at a press conference at the State Palace on Thursday, on the eve of Fridays mass rally, amid rumors of a rift between the two leaders. Before speaking to journalists, they were involved in a relaxed discussion, although at certain moments they were also seen to be talking seriously with one another. Jokowi said he often talked with Kalla on the veranda of the State Palace in the evenings. We often chat here in the evening, particularly when the weather is good, Jokowi said during the joint press conference as reported by tribunnews.com. Previously, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Fahri Hamzah criticized the supposedly fractured nature of Jokowi and Kallas leadership. It is regrettable that Pak Jokowi is becoming distant with Pak Kalla. We want them to maintain a strong bond, said Fahri on Wednesday. Recently, Kalla openly criticized Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama for Ahoks statements surrounding a verse in the Quran that sparked off Fridays mass rally. Jokowi, by contrast, has openly supported the governors re-election bid. Jokowi confirmed that before speaking to the journalists, he and Kalla had discussed the demonstration against Ahok organized by Islamic organizations. Certain Muslim groups are demanding that the police prosecute Ahok for alleged defamation. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fedina S. Sundaryani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 The early bird gets the worm. That may be what President Joko Jokowi Widodo had in mind when he gathered his Cabinet for a plenary meeting on Wednesday to discuss the 2018 state budget. The topic was considered unusual, considering that it was still early November 2016 and the lawmakers had only approved the 2017 state budget last week. Jokowi, however, said he wanted to get his ducks in a row long before 2017 ended. We need to start even earlier or else our planning would be too late. First and foremost, we want our growth to be above 6 percent, he said during the opening of the plenary meeting. He added that the preparations for 2018 must also take into consideration important factors like raising the growth of consumption by 5 percent, exports by 4 percent, imports by between 2 and 3 percent and investments by more than 10 percent. Realization may not come easy, a fact acknowledged by the President. His administration has so far failed to reach its economic growth targets for two years in a row, ever since he was inaugurated in late 2014. The slowest growth in six years was the 4.79 percent recorded in 2015, much lower than the initial target of 5.7 percent, as commodity prices plunged and China suffered from an economic slowdown. For 2016, the government has revised its full-year gross domestic product (GDP) target down to 5.2 percent from 5.5 percent and reported 4.92 percent growth in the first quarter. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said the global economy was predicted to remain sluggish in 2018, which would lead to exports only contributing about 1 percent to GDP growth. Because of this, economic growth is most likely going to come domestically, meaning that investments and consumption have a very important role, whether that be household or government spending, she said following the meeting. The government hopes domestic and foreign direct investments, the majority of which is expected to come from the private sector, will be more than Rp 800 trillion (US$61.26 billion) in 2018. The banking sector and capital markets are expected to generate investment funds of more than Rp 1.3 quadrillion, while stateowned enterprises are expected to make capital expenditures of about Rp 700 trillion. Gadjah Mada University economist Tony Prasetiantono, however, begged to differ. He argued that early planning would not necessarily help the government reach its 2018 targets, citing a highly dynamic economy. It is difficult to predict. If you try to force it, a lot of the projections will probably not be accurate. This will then require more revisions, making the state budget not credible, he told The Jakarta Post. Tony also expressed pessimism over the governments grandiose 2018 targets. Although Indonesias GDP will continue to grow, he claimed that a more gradual growth was more realistic based on the current economic situation. His estimated economic growth would be 5.2 percent in 2017 and 5.6 percent in 2018. Meanwhile, despite lauding the governments efforts to stoke growth, the World Bank predicts the economy will only expand by 5.3 percent in 2017 and perch at 5.5 percent in 2018. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 President Joko Jokowi Widodo has called on residents of Jakarta and its surrounding cities to go to work and school as usual on Friday, despite the massive demonstration against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama planned for that day. Those who work, go to work as usual and those who go to school, go to school as usual, Jokowi and Vice President Jusuf Kalla told journalists at the veranda of the State Palace on Thursday. The Presidents statement was made amid fears of violence of the demonstration, which according to its organizers would involve some 200,000 people from Jakarta and its surrounding cities. Similar protests will also be organized in a number of cities across the country. National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian made a similar statement, saying that the police had been in dialogue with a number of groups that would be involved in the demonstration, who were demanding legal charges against Ahok for alleged blasphemy. Inshallah [God willing], the demonstration will be held in accordance with the law, Tito said when interviewed on a TV talk show on Wednesday. Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Corm. Awi Setiyono said 20,000 security officers would be deployed to secure the demonstration, while the military said among the soldiers that would be deployed, members from elite forces like the Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) and Air Force Special Forces (Paskhas) would be included. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 The Research, Technology and Higher Education Ministry and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) are planning to meet this week to discuss a problematic regulation that gives the minister of the former influential power in determining university rector elections. The regulation, which allocated the research, technology and higher education minister a 35 percent block vote in rector elections, had been deemed problematic as it opened the possibility for abuse of power, KPK spokesperson Priharsa Nugraha said on Thursday. He added that the antigraft body had received reports related to the irregularities caused by the regulation and would collect more information before taking appropriate measures to ameliorate the issue. "The solution, however, does not always have to be through legal action. It can be through reform," he said. Earlier, the Indonesian Ombudsman brought up the problem, after receiving multiple reports saying that rector elections at several universities allegedly contained irregularities. "The regulation is actually good in that it gives the minister the power to supervise universities. However, several reports suggest otherwise. People who claim to be close acquaintances of the minister promise to lobby the minister to favor certain rector candidates in exchange for bribes," Ombudsman Commissioner Alamsyah Singgih said, adding that there were seven universities currently under scrutiny, which three were located in Java, two in Sulawesi and two in Sumatra. (fac/dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 Tebet Police arrested a man for allegedly molesting 16 boys at his rented home in South Jakarta. The 28-year-old suspect has been identified only by the initials HAN. "The suspect invited the victims to his house, promising them pocket money," Tebet Police chief Comr. Nurdin Arrahman was quoted as saying by Antara news agency on Thursday. The boys, most of whom were his neighbors, were reportedly given between Rp 2,000 (15 US cents) and Rp5,000, and were promised more. HAN's wife is a housemaid. Police investigators said HAN had been committing such crimes since 2014 while his wife was out. HAN was arrested after four of his alleged victims reported the abuse to their parents, who then filed a report against HAN with the police. HAN has been charged under Article 292 of the Criminal Code and the Child Protection Law, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Farida Susanty (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3 2016 The Public Works and Public Housing Ministry is looking to optimally use state assets under its management to help accelerate various projects in the country in a time of limited funding. The ministry currently holds various assets, including dams, worth more than a total of Rp 5 quadrillion (US$382.91 billion). Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said it had already calculated the potential amount of electricity the dams could generate to support the governments flagship program to produce an additional 35,000 megawatts (MW) of electrical power. It built five dams in 2015 that it expected would be able to generate at least 111.84 MW altogether. The Jati Gede Dam in West Java has the largest capacity, with a potential to generate 110 MW of electricity. The other dams are minihydro or microhydro projects, meaning they generate less than 10 MW each. Overall, the ministry plans to build 65 new dams by 2019 to generate a total of 408.69 MW, according to data from the ministry. It also issued Ministerial Regulation No. 9/2016 on the procedures for the utilization of water resource infrastructure through cooperation between the government and the private sector. However, Basuki claimed that optimizing the dams had not been easy. I am frustrated over how to utilize them. We have proposed to the Finance Ministry that these dams be used to generate electricity as well, but no progress has been made for the past two years, he said on Wednesday. His comments came a day after President Joko Jokowi Widodo expressed his annoyance over a setback in the 35,000 MW program caused by the sluggish issuance of business feasibility guarantees by the Finance Ministry. The Finance Ministry, which manages the state assets, also has Finance Minister Regulation No. 6/2014 on state asset utilization procedures. The regulation stipulates that utilization can occur through several possible schemes, including renting, borrowing and using, utilization cooperation, build-operate-transfers and cooperation over infrastructure procurement. It also stipulates that private sector partners involved in state asset utilization must be chosen through a bidding process, or through direct assignment if the assets are particularly complex, such as dams. Basuki said there had been no decision regarding the most appropriate scheme for the dams, based on the Public Works and Public Housing Ministrys discussions with the Finance Ministry and the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas). Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister Sofyan Djalil backed Basukis claim and called for faster and more flexible mechanisms to allow the utilization of state assets. Imagine if, for example, we charge Rp 50 per kilowatt hour generated from each dam. We will generate extra funding for the state, he said. Vincentius Sonny Loho, the Finance Ministrys director general for state assets, said it would simplify current regulations and adjust them to prevailing laws. However, he argued that the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry must also provide clear information on the number of dams to be used as hydroelectric plants. Center for Reform in Economics (CORE) research director Mohammad Faisal said that to repurpose existing dams to produce electricity would have a tremendous impact on the economy. ---------------- to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Farida Susanty (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 The Public Works and Public Housing Ministry is looking to optimally use state assets under its management to help accelerate various projects in the country in a time of limited funding. The ministry currently holds various assets, including dams, worth more than a total of Rp 5 quadrillion (US$382.91 billion). Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said it had already calculated the potential amount of electricity the dams could generate to support the governments flagship program to produce an additional 35,000 megawatts (MW) of electrical power. It built five dams in 2015 that it expected would be able to generate at least 111.84 MW altogether. The Jati Gede Dam in West Java has the largest capacity, with a potential to generate 110 MW of electricity. The other dams are minihydro or microhydro projects, meaning they generate less than 10 MW each. Overall, the ministry plans to build 65 new dams by 2019 to generate a total of 408.69 MW, according to data from the ministry. It also issued Ministerial Regulation No. 9/2016 on the procedures for the utilization of water resource infrastructure through cooperation between the government and the private sector. However, Basuki claimed that optimizing the dams had not been easy. I am frustrated over how to utilize them. We have proposed to the Finance Ministry that these dams be used to generate electricity as well, but no progress has been made for the past two years, he said on Wednesday. His comments came a day after President Joko Jokowi Widodo expressed his annoyance over a setback in the 35,000 MW program caused by the sluggish issuance of business feasibility guarantees by the Finance Ministry. The Finance Ministry, which manages the state assets, also has Finance Minister Regulation No. 6/2014 on state asset utilization procedures. The regulation stipulates that utilization can occur through several possible schemes, including renting, borrowing and using, utilization cooperation, build-operate-transfers and cooperation over infrastructure procurement. It also stipulates that private sector partners involved in state asset utilization must be chosen through a bidding process, or through direct assignment if the assets are particularly complex, such as dams. Basuki said there had been no decision regarding the most appropriate scheme for the dams, based on the Public Works and Public Housing Ministrys discussions with the Finance Ministry and the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas). Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister Sofyan Djalil backed Basukis claim and called for faster and more flexible mechanisms to allow the utilization of state assets. Imagine if, for example, we charge Rp 50 per kilowatt hour generated from each dam. We will generate extra funding for the state, he said. Vincentius Sonny Loho, the Finance Ministrys director general for state assets, said it would simplify current regulations and adjust them to prevailing laws. However, he argued that the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry must also provide clear information on the number of dams to be used as hydroelectric plants. Center for Reform in Economics (CORE) research director Mohammad Faisal said that to repurpose existing dams to produce electricity would have a tremendous impact on the economy. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Arya Dipa and Rizal Harahap (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta/Bandung/Pekanbaru Thu, November 3, 2016 As hundreds of Islamic hard-liners leave their hometowns to join a planned rally in Jakarta on Friday, the police and military have flexed their muscles, showing off thousands of personnel ready to secure the demonstration. Protesters in some regions, however, decided to hold simultaneous demonstrations in nearby cities, expanding the scale of the tensions to the national level, with security concerns raised across the archipelago. Hundreds of people reportedly left Bandung, West Java, on Wednesday to join the Nov. 4 rally in Jakarta, which is aimed at demanding the prosecution of gubernatorial candidate and incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama for blasphemy. West Java Islamic Movement Alliance head Asep Syaripudin said 11 buses and 23 cars had left for Jakarta so far. He said the demonstrators came from different groups, such as the Indonesian Muslim Student Action Union, the Greater Bandung Islam Defenders Front (FPI) and the Islamic Reform Movement. He added that they came from areas across the province, including Sumedang, Garut, Tasikmalaya, Ciamis and Pangandaran regencies. Separately, the leader of the FPIs Karawang chapter, Ade Dahyar, said the organization would send at least 400 of its members. FPI members from Jambi will also join the rally in Jakarta. As many as 162 FPI members from Jambi will depart on Thursday to join FPI members from all over Indonesia, Jambi FPI regional representative board secretary Abdullah Hamid said on Wednesday. In Pekanbaru, Riau, thousands of hard-liners claimed they would hold a rally in the provincial capital. The Pekanbaru Police said they had received a proposal from Islamic organizations to stage a rally that could see over 2,000 demonstrators hit the citys streets. Pekanbaru Police chief Sr. Comr. Toni Hermawan said some 500 personnel would secure the rally. Separately, head of the Religious Affairs Ministrys Riau office, Ahmad Supardi Hasibuan, said he had gathered all executives of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) from across the province to discuss the planned rally, as he had heard that hundreds of Muslims from Riau would also depart for Jakarta. Pekanbaru city councilor Mulyadi was among those intending to join the peaceful rally in Jakarta. I am already in Jakarta. We are not being paid for the rally. This is purely my personal intent, the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician said. Similar rallies are reportedly set to take place in other cities, such as Makassar and Surabaya. In Jakarta, some 5,000 personnel from the National Police, the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Jakarta Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) gathered at the National Monument in Central Jakarta on Wednesday. They were part of 18,000 personnel being readied ahead of the rally. National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian and TNI commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo attended the briefing to signal the level of attention they are giving the issue, as the threat of violence continues to loom. Several personnel from the West Java Police were also seen at the ceremony wearing white Muslim caps and clothing over their police attire. They are to be deployed at the forefront of the rally. Tito said the meeting was primarily intended to ensure that the personnel were ready to secure the capital for the upcoming gubernatorial election, but highlighted the Nov. 4 rally as a phase of the campaign that could potentially create violence. It is different in Jakarta, where citizens are now becoming polarized and have their own interests, Tito told reporters after the meeting. He said he hoped the rally would run smoothly and peacefully, adding that police personnel set to secure the rally would not carry guns or live bullets, and would instead be equipped with non-lethal weapons such as water cannons and tear gas. We have prepared [all of the measures] just in case [there is a riot], you know. We always think of the worst scenario, Tito said. Nurul Fitri Ramadhani, Marguerite Afra Sapiie, Jon Afrizal and Andi Hajramurni contributed to this story from Jakarta, Jambi and Makassar Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Panca Nugraha (The Jakarta Post) Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara Thu, November 3, 2016 The Agency for the Placement and Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (BP3TKI) West Nusa Tenggara is ready to facilitate the return of migrant workers from the province who were victims of a boat accident in Batam waters, Riau Islands, an official has said. We will help return Indonesian migrant workers that survived and were killed in the accident, to their families in their hometowns, said BP3TKI NTB head Mucharrom in Mataram on Thursday. He said information obtained by his agency revealed 34 people survived the incident, 22 of whom were from Lombok Island while 12 others were residents of Aceh, East Java, East Nusa Tenggara, Medan in North Sumatra, and Padang in West Sumatra. (Read also: NTB to identify victims of Batam boat accident) As reported earlier, a boat carrying 98 passengers, comprising illegal Indonesian migrant workers and their families, and three crew members sank in Tanjung Bembang waters, Nongsa, Batam, early on Wednesday. The latest data obtained by the West Nusa Tenggara Social Affairs, Population and Civil Registration on Thursday revealed 31 people were reportedly killed in the accident, up from the 18 reported earlier. Riau Islands Police chief Brig. Gen. Sambudi Gusdian said earlier there was still confusion about the passengers on board the boat when it sank in Nongsa waters because there was no passenger manifest. The boat departed from Selingi, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, at around 3 a.m. local time on Wednesday. The boat capsized when it was struck by a large wave off Tanjung Bembang, around two hours after it set sail. (ebf) Fadli contributed to this story from Batam, Riau Islands. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Panca Nugraha (The Jakarta Post) Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara Thu, November 3, 2016 The West Nusa Tenggara Social Affairs, Population and Civil Registration Agency has dispatched a team to help identify victims of a fatal boat accident in Batam, Riau Islands. We dispatched a team to Batam today to account for Indonesian migrant workers hailing from NTB who died and those that had survived the accident. This is in line with the directive of the governor [NTB governor KH M.Zainul Majdi], Agency head Ahsanul Khalik said in Mataram on Thursday. He said the registration was needed to process the return of all victims to their hometowns in NTB. In Batam, the agency team will also coordinate with the social affairs agencies of Batam, Tanjung Pinang and Riau Islands to discuss mechanisms to return victims to their hometowns. (Read also: 18 confirmed dead in Batam boat accident) Our team will stay in Batam until there are completed victim registration reports and return plans set with local administrations in Riau Islands, said Ahsanul. As reported earlier, a boat carrying 98 illegal Indonesian migrant workers and three crew members sank in Tanjung Bembang waters, Nongsa, Batam, after it departed from Selingi, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Wednesday morning. Ahsanul said according to information as of Thursday, 25 migrant workers from NTB had survived the accident. He said 31 people reportedly died in the accident, but had yet to confirm whether NTB migrant workers were among the deceased, as the identification process was still ongoing in Batam. As of Thursday morning, we have not yet received confirmation on the identities of the deceased. We are waiting for information from the team that has departed for Batam, said Ahsanul. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam, Riau Islands Thu, November 3, 2016 The Riau Islands Polices forensic team has identified seven out of the 18 remains of people killed in a boat accident in Tanjung Bembang waters, Nongsa district, Batam, Riau Islands, an official said on Thursday. The polices head of medicine and health division, Adj.Sr.Comr.Djarot Wibowo, said the forensic team was facing difficulties in matching postmortem data with antemortem data, and that as of Thursday it had only been able to identify seven accident victims. One more dead body will be identified later today, he went on to say. Six additional forensic doctors have arrived from Medan, North Sumatra and the National Police headquarters in Jakarta. They will help in the identification process, said Djarot in Batam on Thursday. (Read also: NTB to facilitate return of Batam boat accident victims) Syafrial, 36, the younger brother of Desiana, 44, one of the identified victims, said he had received confirmation on the death of his sister. He said his family would bury Desiana soon after the police returned her body. As reported earlier, a boat carrying 98 passengers, comprising illegal Indonesian migrant workers and their families, and three crew members sank in Tanjung Bembang waters, Nongsa, Batam, early on Wednesday. It was earlier reported that 18 people died in the accident. The latest data obtained by the West Nusa Tenggara Social Affairs, Population and Civil Registration Agency on Thursday said 31 people died in the accident. Riau Islands Police chief Brig. Gen. Sambudi Gusdian said earlier that there had been confusion regarding the number of passengers on board the boat when it sank in Nongsa waters because there was no passenger manifest. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Munir Ahmed and Ashok Sharma (Associated Press) Islamabad Thu, November 3, 2016 Pakistan on Wednesday withdrew six diplomats from its embassy in New Delhi, officials said, amid rising tension between the two countries over the disputed region of Kashmir. In another mark of the increasing animosity and suspicion between the nuclear-armed neighbors, two Pakistani officials said that they had uncovered an alleged "network of Indian spy agencies" working at the Indian embassy in Islamabad. They said authorities have sought Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's approval to expel a number of Indian diplomats. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the issue. In New Delhi, Vikas Swarup, the Indian External Affairs Ministry's spokesman, confirmed that six Pakistani diplomats flew back to Islamabad after being withdrawn by their government. He told The Associated Press that Pakistan had not yet expelled any Indian diplomats from the country. Swarup said earlier Wednesday that India had summoned senior Pakistani diplomat Syed Haider Shah to protest cease-fire violations in Kashmir. Last week, India expelled Pakistani diplomat Mahmood Akhtar from the embassy in New Delhi after detaining him on espionage charges. Within hours, Islamabad retaliated by expelling Indian diplomat Sujeel Singh. Akhtar told The Associated Press that he was arrested by Indian police while visiting the zoo in New Delhi. He said that while in detention he was tortured and forced to confess on camera to working for Pakistan's spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence. He said that police kicked him with batons and beat him. "My whole body is still in pain," he said. No Indian official was immediately available to comment. The diplomatic spat has grown out of rising violence in Kashmir, a mountainous region claimed by both countries and divided into Pakistani and Indian-controlled regions. Several troops from both sides have died in recent skirmishes along the Line of Control, which demarcates the two parts of Kashmir. A number of militant attacks in Indian-controlled Kashmir have added to the tension. Two of the three wars between India and Pakistan since 1947 have been fought over their competing claims to Kashmir. ___ Sharma report from New Delhi, India Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 Amid mounting public pressure, the National Police will summon gubernatorial candidate and incumbent Jakarta governor Basuki Ahok Thahaja Purnama for questioning next week regarding an alleged blasphemy case. The National Polices Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) had scheduled the questioning for Nov. 7 and would soon send the summons to Ahok, National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said. We will take his statement, Insya Allah [God Willing], on Monday, Tito said during the Mata Najwa talk show broadcast live by Metro TV station on Wednesday evening. Ahok, a Christian and Indonesian of Chinese descent in the predominantly Muslim country, sparked uproar among Muslim groups and communities after he made a comment on verses in the Quran during his visit to the Thousand Islands regency in late September. The police have so far received around a dozen reports regarding the case. On Friday, around 50,000 people are expected to swarm Jakarta's streets to demand Ahok's prosecution for alleged blasphemy. (Read also: Friendly approach to control Friday's rally) A number of Muslim figures have also accused law enforcers of protecting Ahok. Ahok, who previously served as deputy Jakarta governor, replaced his former boss, President Joko Jokowi Widodo, after the latter won the presidential election in 2014. Tito, however, strongly denied the accusation and said that the police would continue the legal process for the case. (hwa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ruslan Sangadji (The Jakarta Post) Palu, Central Sulawesi Thu, November 3, 2016 The Inter-Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) in Central Sulawesi has agreed to allow law enforcement authorities to solve the issue of inactive Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnamas alleged blasphemous remarks, in a six-point agreement signed on Thursday. The agreement signed at the Central Sulawesi Religious Affairs Agency in Palu was in response to a large-scale rally against Ahok planned by several Islamic organizations to take place on Friday. Agency head Abdullah Latopada said all FKUB members had agreed that law enforcement authorities should resolve the polemic triggered by a statement made by Ahok during a recent visit to Thousand Islands regency, in which he cited the Quran. In the meeting, they agreed not to commit provocative and anarchic acts, said Latopada. He added that the FKUB had agreed to urge the government to act fairly and transparently in enforcing the law against the alleged blasphemy. Commenting on several groups plan to hold a rally on Friday in Palu, parallel to a rally slated for Jakarta, Latopada said religious leaders and community figures should help to maintain peace and harmony and avoid being influenced by parties that wanted to use the situation for their own gains, damage the unity and integrity of the nation, or destroy harmonious relations between religious communities. The Indonesian Ulema Councils (MUI) Central Sulawesi branch confirmed that a large rally would be held in Palu on Friday. Rally participants are set to depart from Darussalam Grand Mosque on Jl. Bantilan, West Palu, and Lolu Grand Mosque on Jl. Masjid Raya, East Palu, before marching together to the Central Sulawesi Legislative Council building and the Central Sulawesi Police. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 Although the National Police and the Indonesian Military (TNI) have said they will guarantee security during a massive demonstration against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama planned for Friday, some residents plan to stay at home during the protest. Desy, a student of Jakartas Atma Jaya University who lives in Depok, West Java, said she was considering skipping class on Friday in fear of possible violent demonstrations. Since last week, Desy said, her aunt had advised her to stay home during the protest. "My aunt got a message that Jakarta will be on full security alert on Friday. She is worried that the protest will not only be directed at Ahok but also at other Chinese descendants like us," she told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. Tania, a Pluit resident who owns a clothing shop in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, said she would close the store on Friday. "The protest will make people scared to visit the shops in Tanah Abang. It will be useless for us to open the shop," she said, adding that most shops in Tanah Abang would be closed on Friday. The National Police and the TNI will deploy at least 20,000 personnel including 500 officers from the polices Mobile Brigade (Brimob), who will wear white Muslim caps and clothing over their uniforms during the rally organized by several Muslim groups to demand the prosecution of Ahok for alleged blasphemy. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 Human rights watchdog the Setara Institute has said Islam Defenders Front (FPI) chairman Habib Rizieq Shihab does not have the religious authority to make expert comments on the alleged defamation case against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahja Purnama. Police questioned Rizieq as an expert witness on Thursday in connection with the case that was ignited by comments made by Ahok in Thousand Islands regency about verse 51 in the Quran that according to several organizations was an insult to Islam. Setara Institute deputy chairman Bonar Tigor Naipospos said Rizieq had no notable publications in the field of Quranic translation, therefore he must not have the academic qualifications to be considered an expert in the blasphemy case. Although he claims himself an imam of the FPI, I think he does not have any capacity to be an expert witness in the case. What study has he ever produced? An expert witness must have an academic qualification, Bonar told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. In addition, Rizieq is the lead figure behind the scheduled mass demonstration for Friday, encouraging all Muslims in the country to flock to Jakarta to push for the National Polices prosecution of Ahok in the blasphemy case. Bonar further said an expert witness had to be a neutral party and Habibs role as a promoter of the mass rally disqualified him of an impartial status in the case. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani and Ina Parlina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 In an unprecedented move, former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has launched a tirade against the government, accusing it of producing a false intelligence report about him and his family. The conflict between Yudhoyono and his successor, President Joko Jokowi Widodo, seemed to have reached a boiling point on Wednesday, when Yudhoyono invited journalists to his residence in Cikeas, Bogor, West Java, to quell rumors that he is behind an upcoming rally involving thousands of hard-line Muslims in the capital. The rally has been organized to urge the police to charge Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, who is seeking a second term in the February gubernatorial election, with blasphemy over his statement about a Quranic verse. Ahok, a close friend of Jokowi, is running against former education and culture minister Anies Baswedan and Agus Harimurti, Yudhoyonos eldest son. A visibly emotional Yudhoyono claimed he had nothing to do with the planned rally, saying that circulating information that suggests he is the mastermind behind the rally was an intelligence failure and error. It is slanderous and insulting for [a party] to accuse certain people or political parties of [masterminding the rally] in the name of intelligent analysis, Yudhoyono said in a high tone of voice. And its very dangerous for the country. Yudhoyono said he had tried to make a clarification regarding the information with Cabinet members. On Tuesday, he met with Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto and Vice President Jusuf Kalla to clarify the allegation. He said the state should not consider information shared on social media to be reliable intelligence, particularly information spread by buzzers or social media users paid to spread political propaganda. Intelligence bodies [during my administration] never reported something that hadnt been proven to be accurate, Yudhoyono said. The former president said the rally planned for Nov. 4 and the gubernatorial race were two separate things, emphasizing the need for Ahok to go through the legal process for his alleged blasphemy. A legal case against Ahok could seriously hurt his chances in the gubernatorial race. Jokowi has promised not to interfere in Ahoks legal quagmire, while the police have repeatedly said they would follow up on the blasphemy allegation. Yudhoyono has claimed to have been a target of a number of political attacks since his party and his allies decided to field Agus in the Jakarta race. It is believed that Agus, a former Army major, is being groomed by Yudhoyhono as his political heir and a possible presidential candidate for the 2019 election. He said he was irked by the information in the media about him receiving a new house from the state, emphasizing that the regulation had been in place since 1978 and his administration had only made minor revisions to it. Dont think that its only me that has received such a house from the state, he said. He also questioned the governments move to put the blame on him for the missing investigation report into the murder of prominent human rights defender Munir Said Thalib. The Attorney Generals Office (AGO), he said, planned to question him about the report. It is absurd for SBY to be accused of being complicit in the Murnir killing. Come on, use your common sense, he said, adding that it was now the Jokowi administrations job to resolve the case. Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung declined to comment on Yudhoyonos claims. Wiranto said the government did not want to be engaged in a blame game and, therefore, he did not need to respond to Yudhoyonos statements. As a former state official, he is aware of what he says. And those are his personal statements, Wiranto said, adding that the public had the right to respond as they wished. Senior political expert Siti Zuhro from the Indonesia Institute of Science (LIPI) said Yudhoyono and Jokowi were now engaged in open conflict. Yudhoyono is very offended and feels driven into a corner by all the blame put onto him. Those are all very serious [allegations] that could hurt his dignity. So, its not surprising that he wants to make a clarification, Siti said. Political expert from Al-Azhar University in Jakarta Rachmat Bagja said that Yudhoyono wanted to remind people that he remains a political power to be reckoned with. He wants to show he still exists and that his son will compete on the national political stage, Rachmat said. Who knows, maybe he will run in the 2019 presidential election. No law prohibits him from doing so, he added. _____________________________ To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. For print subscription, please contact our call center at (+6221) 5360014 or subscription@thejakartapost.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Carla Bianpoen (The Jakarta Post) Singapore Thu, November 3 2016 Through history, the Singapore Biennale and its selected artists and art works attempt to link the countries of Southeast Asia with South and East Asia, giving insights into the culture of unity in diversity. The Singapore biennale, which since its fourth edition has tried to stamp its own character on the global map of biennales, is now in its current fifth edition and it is reminiscing over the past through contemporary art in Southeast Asia, South Asia and East Asia. It is not only reflective, but also fascinating and revealing while evoking a sense of deep contemplation and artistic exploration. A new biennale vision seems to be emerging, with a higher than usual number of female artists participating (24 of the total of 60 artists involved) and a new collaboration with the Benesse Art Prize established at the Venice Biennale in 1995. Entitled The Atlas of Mirrors, 58 art works made with various mediums are clustered around nine subthemes and presented in seven venues. The venues are the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) and 8Q at SAM, the Asian Civilisations Museum, the de Suantio Gallery at Singapore Management University, the National Museum of Singapore, Stamford Green, the Old Parliament House and the Peranakan Museum. Surely, the cooperation with Benesse this year is a strong indication of the increasing interest in the regions developing art and the shortlisting of five artists for the Benesse Art Prize, including Indonesias Ade Darmawans, adds reason to rejoice. Ades commissioned work entitled Singapore Human Resources Institute appears like a directors office, but is actually an imagined space consisting of objects, paintings and prints once found in offices and domestic environments in Singapore and Indonesia. It serves as a memory archive of parallel mini histories that commemorate the institutes achievements. Through history or the anticipated future, the biennale and its selected artists and art works try to link the countries of Southeast Asia with South and East Asia, giving insights into the culture of unity in diversity. One such example comes with a work by Indonesian artist Eddy Susanto, whose in-depth research once pointed at the similarity between the liberating spirit that entered Europe with the Renaissance and Islams arrival on the island of Java. His work in this Singapore Biennale, The Journey of Panji, reveals the dominating role of Java in uniting the countries of ASEAN through the stories of the legendary Prince Panji, which spread from the 14th century Kediri in East Java to its neighboring countries, becoming a sort of lingua franca in the region. Eddys installation in the biennale features a huge canvas on which the figures are shaped with original script starting with local Javanese, then flowing out to the regions where this narrative traveled. Letters from the original languages spill from the canvas to flow over to ultimately touch a book, Wangbang Wideya by SO Robson, containing a collection of the stories printed with Latin characters, which was only published in the last century. In this age of selfies when we want to see our faces mirrored as interestingly as possible and in the best possible position, Melati Suryodarmos dramatic three-hour-long performance Behind the Light is a sobering suggestion that our fine looks in the mirror may in fact be masks for our not-so-nice insides. Melati does so using two mirrors, one of which is placed at the back of the first mirror. In repetitive alternatives, visitors entering the space first see their own image reflected in the broad mirror. In fact, Melati stands right at the back of this mirror, but remains unseen until the light switches off and the audiences faces make way for Melati facing a red bench. Slowly bowing onto the rice paper on the bench, she imprints her besmeared face onto the white rice paper, which she then holds up to show an ugly, almost eerie image. Then the light switches on, returning to us our everyday faces. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 The Indonesian Military (TNI) shared on Thursday its optimism that the anticipated religion-driven rally on Friday in Jakarta would not be as massive as predicted earlier. Islamic hard-line groups, such as the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), previously claimed that tens of thousands Muslims from outside of Jakarta would flock to the nations capital to take part in a mass rally to push for the National Police to press ahead with legal action against gubernatorial candidate and incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama for alleged blasphemy. However, TNI spokesperson Brig. Gen. Wuryanto claimed that according to law enforcers observations as of Thursday afternoon, there had not been a significant influx of would-be protesters to Jakarta. There are some would-be protesters entering Jakarta but the number is insignificant. People already know [that the police investigation is still ongoing] and that could prevent them from massively storming the streets, as earlier predicted, Wuryanto told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. Ahok, a Christian and Indonesian of Chinese descent in the Muslim-majority country, has sparked uproar among Islamic groups and communities after he made a comment on verses in the Quran during his visit to Thousand Islands regency in late September. The police have so far received around a dozen reports regarding the case. National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said on Wednesday evening that the National Polices Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) would summons Ahok for questioning next week in the blasphemy case. (Read also: Police summon Ahok in blasphemy case, deny favoritism) To secure Fridays rally, the National Police will deploy at least 20,000 personnel, with additional support from the TNI, which will deploy 2,500 personnel. Wuryanto has told locals to carry out business as usual on Friday. People should not be worried about the rally. Trust the TNI and the National Police to handle it, he said. (hwa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 Despite a possibly tense rally on Friday, the operation of public transportation in Jakarta will remain normal, although some changes may be applied under particular circumstances. City-owned bus operator Transjakarta, for example, has assured the public that it will serve all routes and corridors on Friday. "We are committed to serving our passengers 24 hours a day, without exception," Transjakarta president director Budi Kaliwono said on Thursday. Around 50,000 people are expected to swarm Jakartas streets to demand the prosecution of gubernatorial candidate and incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Thahaja Purnama on blasphemy allegations. (Read also: TNI predicts calmer than expected anti-Ahok rally) To ensure passenger safety, Transjakarta, Budi added, was teaming up with the citys transportation agency to monitor traffic prior to, during and after the rally. If disruptions occur, the company will take immediate action, including by suspending routes. Separately, Indonesia's biggest taxi operator, Blue Bird, said that its services would also run normally on Friday. To avoid possible traffic gridlock, the company will use mobile data terminal (MDT) embedded in its fleet to update drivers with the latest traffic information. "We will warn our drivers to avoid rally hot spots, Blue Bird public relations manager Teguh Wijayanto told The Jakarta Post. (adt/hwa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Associated Press) Istanbul Thu, November 3, 2016 Turkey's Interior Ministry has dismissed 1,218 military personnel from the gendarmerie as part of the investigation into the movement allegedly behind the failed coup in July. In a statement released Thursday, the ministry says 419 officers, 604 non-commissioned officers and 195 other personnel were dismissed Thursday. The government says the movement of U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen was responsible for the coup, which killed over 270 people. The cleric denies any involvement. Authorities have arrested close to 37,000 people and dismissed or suspended more than 100,000 personnel from government jobs in a purge to eradicate the network. Meanwhile, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported that an unspecified number of Marmara University personnel were detained by police Thursday for using an encryption app allegedly favored by the Gulen movement. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Associated Press) Bahgdad Thu, November 3, 2016 The UN Security Council is expressing alarm at reports that Islamic State extremists are removing civilians from their homes and relocating them to act as human shields in Mosul. The council condemned the use of human shields and urged all parties to avoid harming civilians and civilian facilities. Council members said in a statement Wednesday after their first briefing on the Iraqi military campaign to liberate Mosul from Islamic State control that they don't want to see IS fighters fleeing across the border to Syria. The council statement, however, made no mention of support for the Iraqi military effort, which Iraq's UN Ambassador Mohamed Alhakim had sought. Senegal, which holds the council presidency this month, said that issue is still under discussion. Council members did express "strong support" for the coordinated efforts of the United Nations and the Iraqi government to address the humanitarian crisis. They urged all countries to contribute to the underfunded UN appeal to help those displaced as the military operation continues. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 The US government has committed to contributing further to the conservation of Indonesias ocean environment and promoting sustainable fishing. Speaking at an event at Bunaken National Marine Park, US charge daffaires Brian McFeeters said marine parks such as Bunaken were incredibly valuable to local livelihoods. By engaging in the protection and management of the area, economic development and environmental protection can be balanced, he said in a statement released by the US Embassy on Thursday. Consul general Heather Variava, marine scientists and professors from Manado's Sam Ratulangi University participated in the follow-up event to the 2016 Our Ocean conference, which was held in Washington DC in September. The promotion of the Blue Economy and sustainable fishing were a major focus of the conference. In the follow-up event, all participants had the opportunity to view the rich marine diversity of Bunaken and learn about Indonesias efforts to preserve its ocean environment. Environmental sustainability will ensure economic stability, benefiting all Indonesians, Variava said. The Our Ocean conference announced over 136 new initiatives on marine conservation and protection, worth more than US$5.24 billion. The initiatives are focused on key ocean issues, including marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, marine pollution and climate-related impacts on the ocean. Bunaken National Marine Park is located in the Coral Triangle, North Sulawesi. It provides a habitat for 390 species of coral, along with other marine species. Indonesia will host the Our Ocean conference in 2018. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jonathan Mann (The Jakarta Post) Atlanta, Georgia Thu, November 3 2016 Americas tumultuous, tawdry election campaign finally ends on Tuesday with one certainty: the people of the United States will elect a president many of them dont like. There is a lot about this election that is dispiriting, unsettling, Democrat Hillary Clinton told supporters in Seattle. For a lot of people, it is too much. They want to turn away and I totally get that. The campaign began as a mismatch between one of the most experienced, carefully calibrated and well-connected political figures in the country, and an astonishingly unfiltered and improvised outsider who has alienated many in his Republican Party. It ends with the two closer in the polls than a lot of people ever would have expected. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 4, 2016 Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said Thursday that the ministrys measures against rampant illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Indonesian territory had generated positive results. Although only 286 vessels were destroyed, 10,000 foreign ships left Indonesian waters. So the deterrent effect is real, she said, adding that it demonstrated the countrys commitment to fighting illegal fishing. With a string of measures taken against IUU fishing, the fisherman exchange rate (NTN) an indicator to measure the welfare of fishermen had jumped to 110 from 102 over the past one-and-a-half years, she said. An NTN above 100 indicates that the average fisherman has higher spending power due to surplus revenues. Implementing a zero tolerance approach for poachers was also crucial to increasing fish stocks in the countrys waters and raising peoples fish consumption, Susi said, adding that the action could ultimately reduce stunting among children. The stunting index shows that the quality of human resources in Indonesia needs to be improved [] One-third of Indonesian children suffer from stunting because they consume too little protein, she said. (win/bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Kor Kian Beng, Shannon Teoh (The Straits Times/ANN) Beijing Thu, November 3, 2016 The growth in bilateral ties and cooperation validates the trust that Malaysia has placed in China, said Prime Minister Najib Razak, whose visit is being closely watched for signs of a tilt towards Beijing. Few countries can represent the region's potential better than both countries in what will be the Asian Century, he added, as he warned former colonial powers against meddling in the domestic affairs of their "once exploited" states. "Malaysia and China stand united in agreeing on the need to defend the sovereignty of the nation state and in the belief that the individual histories, values and governance systems of different countries must be respected," Najib wrote in an op-ed published in the state-run China Daily on Wednesday. Calling the united stance "particularly relevant as the world's fulcrum shifts east," he said it is crucial for global institutions to reflect the legitimate aspirations and views of countries that had no say in the legal and security systems set up by the victors of World War II. "This is why we welcome China's initiative in creating the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank," added Najib. On their overlapping claims in the South China Sea, he said both sides believe the dispute "should be managed calmly and rationally through dialogue in accordance with the rule of law and peaceful negotiations." The other claimants are the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan. Najib said bilateral ties are set to hit new highs through 14 cooperation pacts in areas, such as education, trade and energy, worth 144 billion ringgit (US$34 billion). The most eye-catching was the first significant defense deal involving the sale of four Chinese-made Littoral Mission Ships - fast patrol vessels that can carry missiles and reportedly cost around 300 million ringgit each. Najib also appeared to liken himself to his father and former premier Tun Abdul Razak in forging a new type of relationship with China. Recounting how his father's 1974 visit to China led Malaysia to become the first ASEAN state to establish diplomatic ties with China despite questions and criticisms, Najib said the decision has been "validated" through growing economic relations and close political exchanges at the highest levels. The Malaysian leader arrived in China on Monday for a six-day visit, his third to the country since becoming prime minister in 2009. In Washington, spokesman of the US State Department John Kirby, when asked whether the Sino-Malaysian defense deal was bad news for the US' Asia pivot, said there was no evidence of a "landslide" in the region from the US. He also said it is not a zero-sum game where countries have to pick between the two powers. "We have nothing to fear from the peaceful, productive rise of China, and we have nothing to fear from nations establishing better, warmer and more productive relationships with China," Kirby added. Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein reportedly said Wednewday that Malaysia does not care how the US views the deal. He was quoted by the Sin Chew Daily as saying that Malaysia would consider a deal with the US if the latter provides a better offer than China. 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 Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Star) Jakarta Thu, November 3, 2016 Malaysians have been advised to stay away from Jakarta on Friday to avoid getting trapped in a demonstration planned against the city's governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama. Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia Zahrain Mohamed Hashim said Thursday Malaysians already in Jakarta should keep away from areas around the National Monument (Monas), Istiqal Mosque, City Hall, Tangerang and Bekasi. Malaysians who could not avoid coming to Jakarta were advised to register with the embassy through the online e-consular service at the www.kln.gov.my portal, he told Bernama. Those who required consular assistance could contact the Embassy of Malaysia at +62 215224947 or +62 81380813036 during office hours, he said. "The Immigration Counter at the embassy will be closed on Friday," he added. The Indonesian authorities expect more than 100,000 people to participate in a large-scale demonstration calling for legal action against Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, better known as Ahok, for having allegedly insulted the Quran during an election campaign on Thousand Islands regency last month. Ahok, who is seeking a fresh term as Jakarta governor in the election in February next year, has openly apologized for having allegedly hurt the feelings of Muslims. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Matthew Pennington (Associated Press) Washington Thu, November 3, 2016 The US called Wednesday for restoration of full humanitarian access in a strife-hit region of western Myanmar where the United Nations says more than 150,000 people, including 3,000 malnourished children, are being denied aid. The State Department said US Ambassador Scot Marciel joined the UN resident coordinator for Myanmar and other chiefs of mission on a two-day visit to villages in the northern part of Rakhine state. Human rights groups have raised alarm over a three-week surge in violence by security forces, prompted by the killings of nine police officers at border posts on Oct. 9 in Rakhine, home to many displaced Rohingya Muslims. Reports that government forces have been killing, raping and burning homes of the persecuted minority have increased pressure on new civilian administration of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, which took office five months ago in a historic democratic transition supported by the Obama administration. The military, which ran the country also known as Burma for five decades, remains powerful and controls access to sensitive border regions. State Department spokesman John Kirby said the visit was an "initial step" in what the US hopes will be a continued assessment of the situation in Rakhine by the government and international community. He said abuses are widely reported to have taken place against residents, including Rohingya. He said Marciel called for protection of all residents and a thorough investigation. Although they've lived in Myanmar for generations, Rohingya are barred from citizenship in the nation of 50 million. Since deadly communal violence with majority Buddhists broke out in 2012, many Rohingya have been driven from their homes to live in squalid camps guarded by police. The United Nations also called Wednesday for unimpeded access for humanitarian staff. "Humanitarian services have been disrupted since Oct. 9 in that area with more 150,000 people still unable to access their normal cash, food and nutrition assistance. More than 3,000 children were diagnosed with malnutrition in the area," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The current crackdown has prompted an estimated 15,000 people in the Rakhine area to flee their homes. Satellite images publicized by Human Rights Watch this week showed at least three villages that have been burned, and residents report food supplies are growing scarce as they are living under siege. Myanmar government officials have denied the reports of army attacks on Rohingya. It asserts a Rohingya group was responsible for the Oct. 9 attacks, but actual responsibility remains unclear. ___ Associated Press writer Michael Astor at the United Nations contributed to this report. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Associated Press) Frankfurt, Germany Thu, November 3, 2016 Low-cost airline Ryanair is starting flights from the German city of Frankfurt, which is the main hub for Lufthansa a move that opens a new front in the German carrier's battle with no-frills competitors. Ryanair said Wednesday it would base two aircraft in Frankfurt and fly to vacation destinations Alicante, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca in Spain, as well as to Faro in Portugal. Low-cost airlines often choose secondary airports rather than main hubs such as Frankfurt, where costs can be higher. Low-cost airlines have accounted for only about 4 percent of passenger traffic at Frankfurt's main airport. Ryanair says it will keep flying from much-smaller Frankfurt-Hahn airport some 125 kilometers (78 miles) to the west of Frankfurt. The CEO of airport operator Fraport, Stefan Schulte, said Ryanair was being offered a break on fees in line with international practice of 40 to 50 percent in the first year, to be phased out in three years, the dpa news agency reported. Fraport has submitted its fee incentive plan to the transport ministry of the local Hessen region for approval. (Read also: Airport, airline change name to Ronaldo) Ralf Teckentrup, the head of competitor Condor that also flies out of Frankfurt's main airport, said the incentives were a "competition-distorting subsidy model." Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said Lufthansa expected to be allowed to take advantage of the same lower fees and said it might move flights by its low-cost arm, Eurowings, to Frankfurt. Lufthansa under Spohr has made sweeping changes to its business to meet competition from low-cost airlines within Europe and from state-backed Gulf airlines Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways on long-haul routes. It has launched Eurowings, which flies to popular leisure destinations. Lufthansa has also pushed premium economy class seats with a bit more room to tempt economy class passengers to spend more. The news came as Lufthansa said its third-quarter net profit rose to 1.42 billion euros ($1.57 billion) from 794 million euros on reduced costs and a new pension deal with employees. Revenue fell 1.2 percent to 88.28 billion euros as repeated terror attacks and political and economic uncertainty continued to weigh on bookings. Throughout 2016, Zarin Fabrics has been celebrating its 80th anniversary on the Lower East Side. Over the years on The Lo-Down, weve reported on the current state of the business (its doing well). But until now, we havent focused on the history of Zarins, which calls itself New Yorks largest resource of discounted designer fabrics. Recently, third generation owner David Zarin talked with us about the companys LES beginnings. As a teenager, Harry Zarin went to work on Orchard Street in the fabric business, before going out on his own in 1936. He opened a tiny shop at 173 Orchard St. that, according to his grandson, was so small that (Harry) couldnt have people in the store. He was only able to fill the store with his inventory, which were bolts of fabric. Eventually, Harry began sending fabric to a shop down the street, where another merchant created ready-made blinds in standard sizes. He would put them on hangers in plastic and just sell them like hot cakes, said Zarin. Before long, he and another tenant in the building saved up enough money to purchase the property. The tenement, located on the northwest corner of Orchard and Rivington streets, remains in the Zarin family today. He also picked up another building across Orchard Street (where the Hotel Indigo is now located), using it mainly for storage. Zarins operated from that little shop on Orchard Street for decades before the company went into expansion mode. In the 1960s or 1970s, David Zarin isnt sure of the exact time frame, the shop took a much larger space at 292 Grand St., where Hong Kong Furniture is now located. It spread out over two floors, plus the basement, and began introducing new product lines. Harry Zarins son, Bobby, remembers working in the store as a kid. Hed watch over the merchandise lined up on the street, and make a few sales. Zarin told Hamptons.com, All of Orchard Street was lined up as far as the eye can see with these pushcarts selling stores wares. In later years, hed come down to work in the store after getting off work (Bobby Zarin was a special education teacher during the Vietnam War). After the war, Zarin joined the business full time. In 1974, Bobby Zarin opened a side business, making the store a distributor for drapery, hardware and upholstery supplies. David Zarin explained, Every other store (on the Lower East Side back then) was a decorating store, so they were making curtains, they were doing upholstery, they were selling fabric. My father saw an opportunity to sell all of the accoutrements to that industry. The business was so successful that Zarins needed more space. They purchased another building, 105-107 Eldridge St., where Fontanas Bar was located until earlier this year. Building owners at the time were anxious to unload their properties in a neighborhood that was anything but desirable. Bobby Zarin made a handshake deal with the owner, acquiring the building for $135,000. The drapery and upholstery business operated out of the ground floor and then, in the 1980s, Zarins began manufacturing vertical blinds from the second floor. In the late 1980s, David Zarin believes it was November of 1987, the business suffered a big setback. One day, a worker using a blowtorch at 292 Grand St. inadvertently set some fabric ablaze. The building was engulfed in flames and much of the inventory ruined. In the aftermath of that disaster, David Zarin said, My father and my grandfather thought, Thats it, were out of business. But it did not take them long to come up with a plan. Bobby Zarin took the fabric he could salvage over to a second floor space at 72 Allen St., which he had rented a few years earlier for storage. At the time, it did not seem like a promising move. Stores in those days were located exclusively on the ground floor, where the hordes of shoppers visiting the Lower East Side bargain district could easily find them. So Bobby Zarin got a friend with a convertible to drive him around the neighborhood, while he shouted into a bullhorn, cajoling shoppers to venture upstairs. But there was a problem. Local police did not take kindly to the bullhorn, which was being used for a purely commercial purpose. Only public service announcements were permitted, they said. Thats all Zarin needed to hear. The next day, he got back in the car, bullhorn in hand, broadcasting a new message: Please visit Harry Zarin Company, our new location, the second floor of 72 Allen St., and dont forget to vote. Bobby Zarin kept up his unconventional marketing campaign for months, and it worked. There were still many fabric stores on the Lower East Side at that point, but as David Zarin pointed out, There werent any big fabric warehouses. Most of the companies were decorating stores, where they maybe had some fabric, but they were primarily focused on the manufacture of window treatments and upholstery. The Grand street store eventually reopened, but it was never as successful as the new warehouse. Zarins eventually closed it, consolidating different parts of the company and leasing ground floor space in the warehouse building. They slowly took over storefronts in the building from two other businesses, a hat store and a clothing shop called Fishkin Knitwear. Like his father, David Zarin worked in the fabric store part-time while he was still in school. After college, he joined the business, helping to manage the familys real estate holdings. In 1998, Zarin convinced his dad to let him live in the Eldridge Street building with some friends, while they planned to renovate the property. It was a 3,000 square foot apartment in horrible condition. There were at least 15 buckets around the apartment (to collect water flowing from the ceiling), said Zarin. You could see through the floors. I lived there for a little less than a year while we worked on the plan to renovate. David Zarin later went to graduate school and spent several years in private real estate investment. But Zarin Fabrics suffered another setback that drew him back into the retail business. A manager who was brought in to help oversee Zarins embezzled about $1.5 million by setting up phony shell corporations and diverting money into those companies. Another manager brought in to run day-to-day operations didnt work out. It was getting to the point, said David Zarin, where there were serious concerns about the future of the store. Thats when I stepped in and I said, I always wanted to run the family business. Its been around for so long. Its a good business. David Zarin has been president of the company since 2007. In recent years, the store has gotten a publicity boost from Davids stepmom, who starred in the Real Housewives of New York City for four years. But there are other reasons Zarins has prospered. For starters, almost all of the stores competitors have fled for Midtown or the Flatiron District. The business has benefited from being the last man standing on the Lower East Side. The old-time feeling that we still have here, especially on our second floor, said Zarin, is a big draw for customers. There are employees who have been around for 20 years or more. Its like a family, he explained. This is an old world business. Theyre old world people. Theyre experts in what they do. They know how to source fabric, get the upholstery work done right. Theyre just so passionate about the business. Zarin also said the business benefits from a strong foundation. My grandfather and my father built up this great reputation of providing great service, great work, great fabrics, great pricing and quality. In the age of big box stores and online shopping a lot has changed, but Zarins has managed to navigate a tough industry. Our edge, said Zarin, is that we go directly to the mill. The fabric houses in the D&D Building (Decoration & Design Building in Midtown) and throughout the country, they go to these mills and they buy the fabrics at the same price we buy it for. But they have to produce thousands of fabric sample books and send them to designers all over the country. They have to have hundreds of employees. They have to have showrooms in expensive buildings. They might mark up something ten times. We dont have to do that. We can charge a fair price for something we pay a fair price for. Bobby Zarin was a leader of the Lower East Side Merchants Association, which later became the Lower East Side BID and is now known as the LES Partnership. David Zarin has followed in his footsteps, serving on the organizations executive committee for the past several years. Were very invested in the community, said Zarin. His hope is that the company will be able to stay on Allen Street for years to come. But Zarin is a realist and hes keeping a wary eye on the Lower East Side real estate market. It will be interesting to see what happens, he said. Hopefully this wont turn into another Soho or Chelsea, making the cost of doing business too great in the old neighborhood. Hopefully rent wont go through the roof and businesses like mine will be able to stay here. Zarin Fabrics is located at 69 Orchard St. (Theres also an entrance to the warehouse on Allen Street). A couple of years ago, a showroom was opened, offering home furnishings, gift items and a small selection of furniture. Alexa Chung has done it again. Her second collection for Marks & Spencer was released in stores across the UK on November 1st - so here's the low-down on all you need to know about this fashionable new collection before you set out to shop it for yourself. Like her first collection, ARCHIVE again takes inspiration from M&Ss most iconic back-catalogue. However, this time around, Chung has been notably braver with her rejuvinating of these old pieces. Far from setting out to create replicas of established classics, Chung has been vivacious with her designs, switching up and transferring old patterns onto different pieces to create a collection which screams unique while also being timelessly classic. The York Slipper One example, and a particular favourite of mine, is, priced at 39.50. The floral print, taken from a 1930s dressing gown by M&S, has been emboidered onto these delicate pumps, inkeeping with the current trend for patterned footwear - its the perfect revival for autumn/winter 2016. The theme running throughout the collection is 1970s disco and party wear - just what we want for the upcoming Christmas festivities. Below are just a few stand-out pieces from the collection that you will definitely want to be getting your hands on: 1. The Crown Jacket - 99 : This gorgeous cream faux fur hooded jacket is a luxury piece, but 100% worth the price. Its the little details with this one that make it such a stand out piece, the ring-pull zip being a particularly lovely design touch. 2. The Aire Shirt - 39.50 : Metallic silver, button up collar, featuring necktie detail. Whats not to love about this shirt? Inspired from a best-selling 1980s gold blouse, this shirt ticks all the trend boxes. 3. The Wellington Jumper - 35 : Alexa Chung is the queen of relaxed and effortless, and this jumper has both of these elements. So versatile itll work with mini skirts and mum jeans alike. 4. The Wade Velvet Boot - 65 : Navy velvet boots. Yes please! So beautiful and the perfect alternative to black, these shoes will make any outfit sing. Anything to do with woman getting a fair whack, gets a load of butthurt men exclaiming but what about me? They have problems and feelings too, you know? I mean they miss the fact that no one is dismissing them or their issues, but I guess they hate themselves so much they need constant reassurance or something. Dismissing stuff because other shit is happening elsewhere is the reason we might have a Trump presidency, whole groups of people cant get a fair deal, and we want to check kids teeth to check their ages before helping them! Im with Dream Wifes approach, their snarling new single says they will fuck you up. Violence is not big and it is not clever, but some of those horrible cretins bullying people online could do with a good smack in the chops. Regardless heres the best new music from the last week or so....The new tune from this Icelandic/British band splices the Spice Girls Wannabe into their punk mayhem with more Girl Power than the aforementioned 90s marketing phenomena could ever muster! FUU is an aggressive, unpredictable, punk cut.This Belfast based quartets down-tempo, jazz-influenced hardcore is one of the most vital, compelling new rock sounds weve heard in a while. Correct grooves with jazz-beats and sax, adding a smooth edge to fellow local act Girlbands grit and taking in the genre-hopping fusions of Fugazi.Taking a break from being the vocalist in Ninja Tune signed Stateless, Chris James is in midst of releasing his own solo work. Stairs Up To The Sun is the latest single cut from his debut EP Space in the Clouds out 9th December and as with his previous work is a compelling mix between folk and electronic.Now a duo Virginia Wing continue their ascent as one of the most interesting DIY outfits in the UK, melding avant guarde tendencies to a pop template. Future Body is taken from their forthcoming full length Forward Constant Motion.After one hell of a year gaining plaudits for their debut record You Might Be Right, Happy Accidents are signing off in style with a cover of Grimes California. Drummer Phoebe Cross takes up vocal duties for the first time and, on the strength of this, it wont be the last.George The Poet continues the evolution of turning his epic poetry pieces into musical bangers. Recently released Wake Up documents the highs and lows of being single over a classic UK Garage backdrop.Illum Sphere and Hieroglyphic Being are both artists we have covered in this column over the past few weeks, so one remixing the other seemed like something we need to share Enjoy!As a member of London experimentalists Three Trapped Tigers, Adam Betts has been exploring the boundaries between electronic and live music for years. His Man Vs Machine ideas have also featured on the work of The Heritage Orchestra and most recently Squarepusher, but his new solo work has wider focus. Hero Shit has the feel of euphoric dance music played by a rock band. Album Colossal Squid is out 25th November.Hotly-tipped alt-rock newcomers Honey Lung have just dropped a new EP that sounds like the best bits of the early 90s condensed. New video for End of Time has a woozy, 90s, DIY aesthetic that perfectly matches their explosive take on grunge era.Ted Feighan (aka Monster Rally) reinvents the classic exotica film scores of the past, channelling the ghosts of the likes of Ennio Morricone. New album Mystery Cove (out 11th November) is the soundtrack to an imaginary film in the grindhouse exploitation flick vein. Moonlight Chase comes across like a reggae version of Massive Attacks Karmacoma.Spinning an intoxicating web of downtempo beats, ethereal orchestration and a pure, powerful vocal style, Shaprece is becoming a recognised name in forward-thinking R&B. Send Down Your Love is a stand out track from debut album Coals which drops tomorrow.Young Legionnaire featuring ex-Bloc Party bassist Gordon Moakes and ex-Yourcodenameis:Milo/The Automatic front-man Paul Mulle, have dropped the second track from their forthcoming album Zero Worship. Heart Attack is a track that shows a band realising their music vision, one that forges taut melodies, math and post-rock influences in a carefully crafted wall of distortion.Leeds band Skull make rock music as we like it -fast and exciting, thunderous and raw, with a lovely dash of dark humour thrown in for good measure. New single RPM is out 19th November, and it needs to fit into any night of rock n roll debauchery.Recently dropped Nebula is the first single released in the run up to the second album from Lost Midas. Featuring the smooth vocals of Rachel Geller the track is another glitch, gleaming slab of electronic pop. Its wonderfully playful and sensual, fitting the pop template whilst pushing boundaries, something that Lost Midas continues to improve on with every release. The deputy leader of far-right group Britain First has been found guilty of religiously aggravated harassment after hurling abuse at a Muslim woman wearing a hijab in front of her four young children. Jayda Fransen, 30, was fined nearly 2,000 at Luton and South Bedfordshire Magistrates Court for wearing a political uniform and shouting at Sumayyah Sharpe during a Christian patrol of Bury Park in Luton on Saturday January 23. (David Mirzoeff/PA) Fransen admitted telling Sharpe that Muslim men force women to cover up to avoid being raped because they cannot control their sexual urges, adding thats why they are coming into my country raping women across the continent. She denied the words were intended to be offensive. (David Mirzoeff/PA) District Judge Carolyn Mellanby said she believed the group had gone to the area looking for trouble but that Sharpe had been mistaken as an easy target. I have no doubt the words used towards her (Sharpe), in her expression, represented everything against her and what she believes in, she said. In other words, offensive, insulting, abusive and, in my judgment, intended to cause offence and alarm and distress to her religion. (David Mirzoeff/PA) In video footage shown to court, Fransen was seen brandishing a white cross as she shouted at Sharpe after she refused to take a newspaper being handed out by the group which had a front page reading World War Three has begun Islam against the world. Following the incident, Sharpe said she had to go home and explain the meaning of the word rape to her young children. She also told the court her four-year-old son was now scared to leave the house in case they ran into the group. Since 1971 Copenhagen has played host to Freetown Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood where a culture of 'hippie' commune-living prevails and cannabis is bought and sold nearly uninterrupted by the Danish police, who are unwilling to enter the district. Army barracks have stood on the land now occupied by the commune since 1617. After over three hundred years of service they fell out of use in the wake of the Second World War and were eventually abandoned in the late 1960s. In 1971, with the free love movement in full swing a group led by journalist Jacob Ludvigsen became the first generation of Christianites, aiming to build a society from scratch while making use of pre-existing infrastructure. Image by: , check it out here Ludvigsen co-wrote the Christiania mission statement, which reads: The objective of Christiania is to create a self-governing society whereby each and every individual holds themselves responsible over the wellbeing of the entire community. Our society is to be economically self-sustaining and, as such, our aspiration is to be steadfast in our conviction that psychological and physical destitution can be averted. Due to the relaxed attitudes to drugs upon which the commune was built, problems began to occur in its initial years. Use of hard drugs in the area led to ten deaths in a year from 1978 to 1979 and many residents came to the conclusion that things could not continue as they were. An attempt to co-operate with the police was attempted and failed, when the officers intended to target serious narcotics instead focussed their efforts on cannabis sales alone. A group of Christianites then undertook what is now considered one of the greatest achievements of the communitys history: the Junk Blockade of 1979. In 1979 for 40 days and nights residents patrolled The Arc of Peace, the dishevelled building where most of the hard drugs were sold and consumed, and gave an ultimatum to anyone they found doing just that to give it up entirely or to leave Christiania for good. In the end they were successful in forcing the 'pushers' out of the district, and many users were successfully admitted to rehabilitation. From this time the community has, understandably, had an uneasy relationship with the Danish authorities. Police and government alike in Copenhagen have made multiple attempts to do away with the settlement, through drugs raids, normalization laws and political spin campaigns. In spite of it all, the commune lives on. It would seem that the spirit of Christiania is capable of withstanding anything that may come its way, and so even in light of a recent shooting, which highlighted the issues still facing the district, if one thing is certain it is that its days are not yet done. 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The ban stems from a normal unsettled commission deal and has nothing to do with any specific conflict between AIS and True Corp, he said. AIS and 7-Eleven have been doing business together for 16 years. Personally, I think once both companies come to an agreement, they might return to their normal business partnership. However, he declined to elaborate on future negotiations. Mr Suphachai, who is also chief executive of third-ranked TrueMove, the mobile subsidiary of True Corp, insisted 7-Eleven does not grant any privileges to TrueMove regarding the mobile top-up service despite the company being an affiliate of CP. TrueMove currently pays the highest commission to 7-Eleven at 7 per cent, compared with 5% for AIS and 6% for Total Access Communication. If AIS customers top up B100, the convenience store operator earns a commission of five baht. 7-Eleven wants to raise the commission for AISs top-up service to 7%. I guarantee that TrueMove was not the party behind the ban because both companies [TrueMove and 7-Eleven] have separate management and operations, Mr Suphachai said. The service ban by 7-Eleven has sparked criticism from consumers as it has caused considerable inconvenience. The dispute has hurt both 7-Eleven and AIS as the convenience store operator is facing a potential annual revenue loss of B1-1.2 billion from the mobile leader. AIS is also bearing the brunt of the tussle as 7-Eleven is the most recognisable convenience retailer in Thailand due to its vast network of franchises. In addition, many people prefer to refill their cards via the convenience stores counter service as they are not familiar with top-up machines. As of June 2016, AIS had 33.5 million prepaid customers out of a total 39.4 million subscribers. Titipong Khiewpaisal, senior vice-president for marketing at AIS, said the company could not accept 7-Elevens request to increase AISs top-up commission. However, AIS is ready to talk if 7-Eleven is open to a new round of negotiations from which both parties will benefit, he said. Read original story here. Family from fire damaged Phuket Town property receive assistance from officials, residents PHUKET: Phuket officials and residents have come together and donated cash and other items to the family who rented a Phuket Town property badly damaged by a fire on Tuesday night (Nov 1). accidentscultureproperty By Eakkapop Thongtub Thursday 3 November 2016, 11:36AM The entire second floor of the property was damaged in Tuesday night's fire. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The entire second floor of the property was damaged in Tuesday night's fire. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The entire second floor of the property was damaged in Tuesday night's fire. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The entire second floor of the property was damaged in Tuesday night's fire. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Vice Governor Siwaporn Chuasawad and Phuekt City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana yesterday (Nov 2) led a team of local and Red Cross officials to meet with the owner of the Moo Krob Khun Yai restaurant, Ms Wanicha Tieng-u and her family, following a fire at their property on Tuesday night. The incident happened at 7pm on Tuesday at the commercial property on Wichit Songkram Rd and left the entire second floor gutted. (See story here.) V/Gov Siwaporn said, Phuket Red Cross and Phuket City Municipality have donated money and other items to help the family get by. Officials have also helped remove damaged items from the second floor of the property so experts can examine the structure of the building. I have been told that officials from the Public Work and Town and Country Planning have inspected the property this morning and found the building to be structurally. They have also confirmed that the damage can easily be repaired, she said. In addition, local residents and ten students from Darasamuth School arrived at the fire damaged property yesterday to donate food, water and other items such as clothing items to the family. They also help move undamaged items to be stored in a temporary room set up behind the property. Property owner, Ms Wanicha, said that all her belongings including jewellery, Buddha images and important documents stored on the second floor had been lost in the fire and that the estimated cost of the damage could be up to B500,000. We had gone out for dinner when the fire happened, she said. But I would like to thank everyone for the assistance they have given us. We are not just worried about how we can repair the damage. I have rented this property for over six year now. However, though the owner of the property has offered to assist us with anything we need, we will probably have to come up with a lot of money to fix the place following the fire, she added. Phuket beach floating jetty investigated for causing coral damage PHUKET: Local marine conservation officials are investigating whether a floating jetty at Kamala Beach will have to be removed for possibly causing damage to more than 600 square metres of corals. marineenvironmentnatural-resourcesconstructiontourism By Eakkapop Thongtub Thursday 3 November 2016, 12:47PM The Marine Office issued a permit to install the jetty, but now says it has revoked that permit. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub When the tide is out, the jetty rests on the seabed immediately offshore. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The anchor points for the jetty may move during periods of strong waves, which may cause damage to coral, officials said. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The anchor points for the jetty may move during periods of strong waves, which may cause damage to coral, officials said. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub When the tide is out, the jetty rests on the seabed immediately offshore. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The Marine Office issued a permit to install the jetty, but now says it has revoked that permit. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The jetty is more than 190 metres long, and at low tide the floating structure rests on the seabed immediately offshore, explained Marine Ecology Chief Dr Nalinee Thongtam of the Sixth Marine and Coastal Resource Administration office Phuket. We surveyed the area and learned that the jetty is more than 190 metres long and when the tide is low the jetty sinks to the bottom on top of the coral, Dr Nalinee said. At high tide, the anchor points that hold the jetty in place by rope may move when there are strong waves, and any movement of these anchor points will damage coral, she added. We estimate the damage under the jetty to cover about 600sqm, which is a lot of damage. Even though some areas are only dead corals that look like rocks, if these corals were damaged by the jetty, we will hold the owner (sic) of the jetty because these dead corals are also our natural resources, she explained. The owner of the jetty Dr Nalinee referred to is a local hotel which requested and received permission to install the floating jetty. The hotel also paid for the jetty and hired a contractor to install it, as it would like its guests to use it to access the hotel, Phuket Marine Office Director Surat Sirisaiyad told The Phuket News yesterday (Nov 2). The hotel requested to have a jetty there and we issued them a permit, he said. But we also told them to be aware of other regulations, such as marine environment and wildlife preservation laws. We told hotel management last month to stop installing due to environmental risk, but they want to wait for DMCR officials to inspect the area first, Mr Surat said. Today (Nov 2) we held a meeting with officials to discuss this issue, and I will now issue them a notice to remove the structure, he added. Regardless, Suchart Rattanariangsri, Director of the DMCRs Marine Resource Conservation Division at the Sixth Marine Coastal Resources Administration Office (Phuket), is adamant his office will file charges against the hotel despite the Phuket Marine Office issuing a permit. The Phuket Marine Office gave the hotel a permit to build the jetty, but told the builder to check on other law and requirements before installing the floats, which I dont think they did, he said. There are so many laws regarding building structures into the water, he added. Mr Suchart said he would wait for the Phuket Marine Biology Centre (PMBC) to conclude their assessment of damage to the coral at the site before filing charges under the Marine and Coastal Resources Management Act (2015). Right now we think they broke Regulation 4 of Section 16 (of the Act), which prohibits anyone to build, seize or own anything that will damage marine and coastal natural resources, Mr Suchart said. We will also enforce Section 26 of the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 1992, which prohibits anyone to hunt or poach endangered species or protected wild animals except government, he said. Thai luxury pioneer Akaryn Hotel Group launches major expansion in Phuket, Bangkok, Laos PHUKET: AKARYN Hotel Group is building on the success of its increasingly popular portfolio of hotels and resorts to offer guests three distinctive new hospitality experiences in Phuket, Bangkok and Laos. tourismeconomics By The Phuket News Thursday 3 November 2016, 09:00AM President by AKARYN is a new landmark for the Laotian capital Vientiane. From left: AKARYN Hotel Group Group General Manger Mark Eletr; AKARYN Hotel Group Founder and Managing Director Anchalika Kijkanakorn; and Eight Thonglor Joint Managing Directors Janyarat and Chairat Sangthong. The akyra Beach Club Phuket will open on Dec 1 and will welcome guests to a sophisticated new oceanside destination at Natai Beach in Phang Nga province. The resort is but a stroll along the beach from its well established sister property Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa, and complements the barefoot luxury offerings next door. The akyra Beach Club Phuket boasts 59 luxurious rooms and stylish stand-alone villas with generous living spaces, branded amenities and a profusion high-end inclusions. Leading-edge resort facilities include a beach spa and fully equipped gym and the resorts integrated beach club offers guests a choice of refined waterfront dining options beside the beachfront pool. The venue also hosts exceptional daytime and evening events, romantic weddings, regular theme parties and a Sunday Brunch. In many ways the atmosphere is akin to the coolest summer festival by the beach. Its just a different kind of playground, says AHG founder and managing director Anchalika Kijkanakorn. The vision is less about unabashed hedonism, more about the epicurean lifestyle which features in all our resorts. Good food, good tunes, good vibes with extraordinary people enjoying the good things in life and looking fabulous while doing it. Thats what we are all about, she says. Meanwhile in the capital, akyra Thonglor Bangkok will also launch in December 2016. The second urban property in the akyra brand will undergo a full refurbishment that will quietly start this month to transform the former hotel into a unique address in the heart of the sought-after Thonglor neighbourhood. akyra Thonglor Bangkok boasts spacious rooms and suites enhanced by a full line-up of top class facilities and services including a pool bar with city views, a plush executive lounge, a choice of bright, airy meeting and function spaces, an enticing restaurant and a fully equipped 24-hour fitness centre. Thonglor is my favourite part of Bangkok. I live in the neighbourhood and there is a good reason why those in the know choose to spend most of their leisure and business time there, explains Ms Anchalika. Thonglor is exciting, arty, cutting edge, full of design inspiration and art galleries. Its also local in the sense that even though many expats live there, its the long term residents that choose Thonglor for the unique sense of belonging and diverse, always happening feel. AKARYN Hotel Groups first foray beyond Thai borders is also opening to host guests during the coming peak tourist season at The President by AKARYN, which sits nestled in a gentle curve of the Mekong River in Vientiane, Laos. Rather than refer to the property as the groups first hotel in Laos, the team at AKARYN prefer to describe it as Laos first hotel. An aura of timeless style and elegance pervades each of the 32 guest rooms and suites with an individual butler to be called upon whenever guests need assistance. The hotels location and the design are peerless with a prime position on the citys first thoroughfare, Setthathirath Road, with Parliament House and Haw Phra Kaew, the temple of the Emerald Buddha, as neighbours, says Ms Anchalika. The President By AKARYN will become the landmark of Vientiane. A place where diplomats come to meet and deals are done. A place where travellers, not tourists, travel back in time and experience the past and future of Laos Golden Age. The President by AKARYN has also been selected by the United Nations-led ASIA Geographical Indication (GI) programme as its main partner. In line with its sustainable approach to business growth and destination development, AKARYN Hotel Group will give back to local communities through sustainable sources of local income to promote sustainable living and tourism. Thirteen dead in Vietnam karaoke fire VIETNAM: A fire at a karaoke bar killed 13 people and injured two police officers in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, an official said today (Nov 2). accidentsdeath By AFP Wednesday 2 November 2016, 10:09AM Firefighters battle the fire at a karaoke bar in Hanoi. Photo: AFP The blaze started yesterday afternoon (Nov 1) in the busy Cau Giay district and quickly spread to neighbouring houses, according to local official The Chung. Photos showed plumes of smoke rising from the large fire as firefighters on ladders tackled the flames, with cars and motorbikes outside the building also burning. Hundreds of firemen and police officers were mobilised to extinguish the fire, Chung said. He added that two police officers were being treated after they were injured trying to put out the blaze. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has ordered police to immediately investigate and conclude reasons for the fire, seriously punishing wrongdoing, according to the governments official website. He also asked local authorities to closely inspect karaoke bars and restaurants for fire safety protocols and equipment, the statement added. Blazes are common at houses, bars and restaurants in communist Vietnam where fire prevention and firefighting is limited. In September, a seven-storey karaoke bar in Hanoi went up in flames at night, but no casualties were reported. South Dakotans in NFL Week 8: Don Gardner, Cade Johnson make NFL debuts Former Jackrabbit teammates elevated from practice squad for first regular season action By Emma Friedlander friedlan@grinnell.edu Central Iowa Family Planning (CIFP) decided on Tuesday, Nov. 1 that it will be closing its Grinnell office effective Nov. 7, according to the Times-Republican. The closure of the Grinnell office will be accompanied by the closure of the Marshalltown office on Nov. 14, thus closing the last two remaining CIFP offices in the state. Many Grinnell College students who rely on CIFP for affordable healthcare and medication will be adversely impacted by the closure of the office. Without a free reproductive health clinic in town, students may need to travel as far as Des Moines or Iowa City to fulfill their healthcare needs. Throughout this morning, Thursday, Nov. 3, the Grinnell office called its patients informing them of the closure and recommending that all patients refill their prescriptions by the end of the day today. SHACS and Vice President of Student Affairs Andrea Conner will release further information to students later today. The Colleges Sexual Health Information Center (SHIC) posted on its Facebook page today, We are looking into alternatives for health care, and will post them here once we have answers. This article will be updated as the story develops. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, right, sit next to professors during a ceremony by Piraeus University to receive an honorary doctorate , at Piraeus Municipal Theater , near Athens, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. Lavrov said that the next U.S. administration would have to work with Moscow to solve world crises.He also argued that the peace process in Syria had been "sabotaged" by other countries involved in talks.(AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) Patnaik's close aides say that to understand him, one has to understand his empathy By Pratul Sharma/Photos Sanjay Ahlawat Indias membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group(NSG) may come up next week at a special meeting being held in Vienna. New Zealand may have softened its stand on Indias membership, but China still needs to be won over. It is not really for us to comment as we are not inside the room," said Vikas Swarup, spokesperson for the ministry of external affairs. However, after the NSG plenary in Seoul, we have had continued conversations with NSG members and remain engaged in the process. We have lodged our application. Now it is for the NSG members to consider it and take a decision. India has been working with the dragon, especially on the NSG issue. The talks between Indias chief nuclear negotiator Amandeep Gill and his Chinese counterpart Director General of department of arms control, Wang Qun, that last week were substantive and constructive. We remain hopeful that China will see the benefit of India being part of the NSG. Indias prospects of using nuclear fuel as clean energy are bright. With Prime Minister Modi also scheduled to visit Japan -- and the civil nuclear deal being hammered out -- on November 11 for two days, it is hope that there will be progress on that front too. What seems to be stuck in a perpetual rut, however, is the Indo-Pak relationship. Pakistan recalled six members of their mission staff. They also exposed the identities of eight of the Indian staff members, thereby compromising their security. Pakistan has alleged that the eight Indians were IB and RAW operatives. India strongly denied the allegations. The allegations against the Indian officials represent an after-thought and a crude attempt to target these officials for no fault of theirs, said Swarup. A decision will be taken soon on whether to recall the eight Indian officials, looking at their safety and security, he said. Team Hillary is working overtime. As polls show the gap between her and Donald Trump narrowing down to just one per cent (this is the composite of several polls; in some polls Trump is ahead), her commanders are all out at the front, working overtime. President Barack Obama has a packed schedule in the final week of campaigning, hopping from battleground Florida to North Carolina to New Hampshire and back to Florida on November 7, a day before election day. Every swing state is being visited and revisited, not just by one celebrity endorser, but more. Chelsea Clinton, mother of a newborn is dashing from North Carolina to New Hampshire. Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and Tim Kaine too have several airmiles to cover. Clinton meanwhile released one of the nastiest advertisements so far, featuring Trump's anti-women utterances compiled from years of his statements. And as Obama spoke about how a man who speaks this way about women when campaigning is likely to be the same when he is president, America was left wondering what has happened to the countrywhen did a sitting president begin saying such things about someone who just might become president? In another advertisement, with more taste, the party appeals to the 27 million eligible Hispanic/Latino voters to vote for United States, not United Hate. Trump meanwhile appears to be rejuvenated with the poll indications. There's renewed vigour in his speeches. His trademark workman's cap is back on the head (he'd taken it off in recent days, perhaps to look more 'presidential'). He regaled audiences with a speech in which he kept telling himself to be under control, because Hillary was unhinged already. She is the candidate of yesterday, we are the future,'' he said. His schedule is rushing between Florida, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Ohio and North Carolina. Wife Melania is also slated to make a public appearance and speech, weeks after her debut speech, which was booed as it was copied from an earlier speech of Michelle Obama. Identities of eight officials of the Indian high commission, who were described as "undercover operatives", were made public in the Pakistani media along with their photographs on Thursday. Bilateral ties are expected to go further down afte rthe incident. According to a report in Dawn, the "alleged Indian intelligence personnel whose cover was blown in the media leak" are Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri, commercial counsellor in the Indian High Commission; Balbir Singh, First Secretary, Press and Culture; Anurag Singh First Secretary, Commercial; Amardeep Singh Bhatti, Visa Attache; Vijay Kumar Verma and Madhavan Nanda Kumar (Visa Assistants); and Jayabalan Senthil, Assistant, Personnel Welfare Office. Dawn said the media leak claimed that the officials were working either for the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) or the Indian Intelligence Bureau. No foreign office official was available to confirm the media leak -- which began with the electronic media -- or give its details, the report said. India said that the details of the eight Indian officers being published in the Pakistani media compromises their security, said sources in New Delhi. According to Dawn, the "revealed Indian agents", according to the information leaked to the media, were, found to be involved in "subversive activities", including attempts to disrupt the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and create fear and chaos in the country. They are alleged to be building a network of informants within Pakistan and fabricating evidence for tarnishing the country's image abroad, it added. It is expected that these agents would be declared persona non-grata by Pakistani authorities in the coming days or India would withdraw them, Dawn reported. The leak - that has taken the confrontation between the two countries to a new peak -- came after Pakistan was forced to pull out six of its officers and staff posted at the high commission in New Delhi because of Indian claims that four diplomats were working for Pakistani intelligence services. The withdrawn officers and staffers reached Lahore on Wednesday. Last week, Pakistan had declared Indian High Commission official Surjeet Singh 'persona non grata' and given him 48 hours to leave the country. Singh's expulsion followed that of a Pakistani High Commission official in New Delhi, Mehboob Akhtar, on charges of working for the Inter-Services Intelligence spy agency. In March, Pakistan said it had arrested a "serving Indian naval intelligence officer" Kulbhushan Jadhav in Balochistan for allegedly working for RAW. Relations between the two rivals have been strained since the past few months, following the January 2 terror attack on the Pathankot air base, which India has blamed on terrorists from Pakistan, and the long unrest in Kashmir Valley, which India has accused Pakistan of fomenting. The September 18 terror attack on an army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, that left 19 soldiers dead has flared tensions. India blamed the incident on Pakistan-based militants. India has said it carried out "surgical strikes" on terror launch pads in Pakistan as retribution. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte chided the United States on Wednesday for halting the planned sale of 26,000 rifles to his country, calling those behind the decision "fools" and "monkeys" and indicating he might turn to Russia and China instead. Duterte's tirades against the former colonial power are routine during his speeches and he said on Wednesday he once believed in Washington, but had since lost respect for the Philippines' biggest ally. In Washington, US State Department spokesman John Kirby said he regarded Duterte's latest salvo as "inexplicably at odds with the close relationship that we continue to have with not just the Filipino people, but the Filipino government." The State Department halted the sale of the assault rifles to the Philippine police after staff from US Senator Ben Cardin's office said he would oppose it, Senate aides told Reuters on Monday. Aides said Cardin, the top Democrat on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was reluctant for the United States to provide the weapons given concern about human rights violations in the Philippines during Duterte's bloody, four-month-old war on drugs. "Look at these monkeys, the 26,000 firearms we wanted to buy, they don't want to sell," Duterte said during a televised speech. "Son of a bitch, we have many homemade guns here. These American fools." More than 2,300 people have been killed in police operations or by suspected vigilantes as part of Duterte's anti-narcotics effort, which was the linchpin of his election campaign. Duterte has vented his anger at the United States for raising concerns about the extrajudicial killings. "That's why I was rude at them, because they were rude at me," he said. According to procedures in Washington, the State Department informs Congress when international weapons sales are in the works. Aides said the State Department had been informed Cardin would oppose the deal during the prenotification process, thus effectively halting the sale. "Committee staff told State that Cardin would block it if it was sent forward. They haven't sent it. Does that mean it has been stopped? I guess that depends on your definition. It would be highly unusual for State to move it forward with explicit opposition," a Senate aide said on Wednesday. Committed to Philippines alliance Kirby, the State Department spokesman, said he was barred from commenting on the status of the sale, while stressing the US commitment to the US-Philippines alliance. Asked how the United States could have a close relationship with the Phiippines' government without also having such ties with its president, Kirby said in a democracy, the government "doesn't rest on the shoulders of just one individual." Kirby denied Washington had any plan to circumvent Duterte but rather to stress that it has long and robust relationships with other parts of the government. "Those are solid, they remain. But obviously, you also need to develop a good working relationship with the head of state," Kirby said. "We're committed to doing that." Speaking with troops at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the long-standing military alliance had benefited both nations. "We continue to regard them as an ally. Obviously we're having conversations with the government of the Philippines about the future of that. That has been good for the Philippines, it is good for the United States," Carter said in response to a serviceman's question. The Philippine police chief, Ronald dela Rosa, who has expressed disappointment that police might not get the M4 rifles, held a news conference where he showed a letter from the supplier, SIG Sauer, saying it had been advised by State that the application for the export license was proceeding normally. If it does not go ahead, dela Rosa said, "We have many options and it's their loss, not ours, if the report is true." Duterte reiterated that Russia and China had shown willingness to sell arms to the Philippines, but he would wait to see if his military wanted to continue using US weapons. "Russia, they are inviting us. China also. China is open, anything you want, they sent me brochure saying we select there, we'll give you. "But I am holding off because I was asking the military if they have any problem. Because if you have, if you want to stick to America, fine. "But, look closely and balance the situation, they are rude to us." 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(YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: Media Resource Group) President Reuven and First Lady Nechama Rivlin on Wednesday morning 2 Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan hosted an official welcoming ceremony for Governor General of Canada David Johnston and his wife Mrs. Sharon Johnston, marking the first official visit to the State of Israel by a Governor General of Canada. The President and First Lady received their guests on the red carpet, before the national anthems were played, after which both the President and the Governor General reviewed an honor guard and delivered brief public statements. President Rivlin began by welcoming the Governor General, his wife, and all the delegation, It is a great honor to welcome you to Israel and to Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people. Jerusalem is not just the capital of the Jewish people; it is the heart of the Jewish people. He added, Governor General, your visit here together with your wife and delegation is important to us and to me, not just because of the respect we have for you but because of the close friendship between the people of Israel and the people of Canada. We see this in the growing cooperation, and we are proud of the partnerships between us in trade, in academia, in culture, in technology, in medicine, and much more. I know you will see an example of this cooperation during your stay, and I am pleased to congratulate you on the Honorary Doctorate from the Technion. He added, You arrive here after visiting my friend, King Abdallah of Jordan. Israelis and Jordanians are working together for the sake of the Jordan Valley, the Jordan River, and the holy sites all around that area. This is one example of the growing ties between Israel and her neighbors. During your stay in Israel you will visit a school where Jewish and Arab children learn and grow up, side by side. This is another example of how Jews, Muslims, and Christians live side by side in peace every day. The President stressed, I know you will visit our neighbors the Palestinians. I believe, that we can find an end to this conflict, and build trust between us. But there must be an end to incitement, and an end to terrorism. We are not doomed to live together; we are destined to live together. President Rivlin concluded by saying, Governor General I know, you have a motto which you use to express your vision: To envisage a better world. In the Jewish tradition, we also have this motto. In Hebrew, it is Tikun Olam, to heal the world. I think this shows your Excellency how deep the shared values between our peoples. I know your visit will help, strengthen the bonds between us, and I welcome you, on behalf of all the Israeli people. Governor General Johnston thanked the President for his warm welcome, and said, . Im delighted to be the first governor general of Canada to visit Israel, and added, were here to strengthen the already robust relationship between our countries. He noted, Our two countries are great friends and great partners. Moreover, we share common aspirations and values, one of which is the importance of pluralism and diversity. I know, President Rivlin, you have made this one of your priorities while in office. Canada is a diverse country with a multitude of different languages, backgrounds and religions. Israel, too, is a diverse nation, with significant ties to the history of many peoples. The Governor General continued, I would like to reaffirm Canadas commitment to work with Israelis, Palestinians and other partners to uphold the prospects of a two-state solution, and achieve a just and lasting peace. He concluded by noting that, In a world of instant, digital communication, face-to-face visits like this are so important. The Canada-Israel relationship is exceptional. It has economic, cultural, scientific, political and strategic dimensions, all of which are grounded in our people-to-people ties. It is my hope that Canadians and Israelis can continue to build smarter, more caring societies. And I hope that we will do so together. The President and the Governor General went on to hold a working meeting during which they discussed the regional situation, and the strengthening of ties between the two countries. Later, President and First Lady Rivlin will host a State Dinner in honor of the visit of the Governor General and his wife. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Mark Neiman, GPO) Using his state visit to Moscow, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan is seeking to influence officials to oppose a PA (Palestinian Authority) effort to join Interpol. Israels Foreign Ministry is also working to contact ally nations to oppose the move, explaining Interpol is an important organization that should not be politicized, and this is exactly what the PA is doing. PA media reports state Ramallah has begun the process and is in the midst of talks towards being accepted by Interpol. The vote on the PA request is set to take place at the organizations 85th General Assembly to be held in Indonesia next week. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Agudath Israel of America is pleased to note that the New York State Education Department (NYSED) will release an additional payment of approximately $54 million in Comprehensive Attendance Policy (CAP) funds owed to nonpublic schools. This payment, covering the 2004-05 school year, is larger than any previous one-year reimbursement figure and translates into approximately $18 million in funding for NYS yeshivos. CAP is an important component of the Mandated Services program, a program which reimburses nonpublic schools for the cost of certain government mandated school functions. Under CAP, NYS schools take attendance multiple times a day, and follow up on poor attendance patterns. Yet, for more than a decade, due to budget shortfalls and the use of a flawed formula to calculate CAP reimbursement, the state accumulated a substantial debt to nonpublic schools. In addition, for certain years, including 2004-05, the CAP mandate was unfunded and schools did not receive any reimbursement at all. Agudath Israel was working to address these issues, together with other nonpublic school groups and key NYS legislators, culminating in a $250 million appropriation enacted in 2015. This is the fourth installment of that appropriation. Since August 2015, including the payment of this $18 million, yeshivos will have received a total of approximately $63.7 million in prior-year CAP reimbursement. These monies are in addition to the regular Mandated Services and CAP payments the yeshivos receive each year. We could not have done this without the hard work and support of Governor Andrew Cuomo, NYS Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, and NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, said Rabbi Shmuel Lefkowitz, Agudath Israels Vice President for Community Services. Their tireless efforts made this possible. Rabbi Yosef Gelman, Menahel of Masores Bais Yaakov school in Brooklyn, said, We are very appreciative of the constant efforts of Agudas Yisroel in advocating on behalf of yeshivos and their talmidim and talmidos. I have seen firsthand the outstanding work of Agudas Yisroel in Albany and in other legislative venues, and they have earned the admiration and respect of government agencies. The release of the fourth installment of the long-overdue CAP monies is so vital to the yeshiva community, to help us continue providing a stellar education for our students. (By: Judith Dinowitz YWN) Donald Trump is urging his supporters to pretend were slightly losing in order to drive up enthusiasm in the crucial battleground of Florida. The Republican presidential candidate claimed were way up in Florida, but then urged his voters to not get complacent. Trump said: Ok ready? Pretend were down! Pretend were down! Most polls show a close race in Florida between Trump and Hillary Clinton. The downtown Miami rally, held under a blazing noon sun, was the first of three rallies Trump was holding Wednesday in Florida. Its a state he must win to capture the White House. Hes made repeated visits to the Sunshine State in recent weeks and is slated to have another rally in Jacksonville on Thursday. (AP) With the turbulent White House race scrambled in new directions, Donald Trump is campaigning with rare discipline like his presidential campaign hinges on one all-too-familiar swing state: Florida. Stay on point, Donald, stay on point,' the Republican nominee, in Pensacola, teasingly quoted his staff as saying. No sidetracks, Donald. Nice and easy. Nice and easy.' There was late action Wednesday in such unlikely arenas as Arizona and Michigan, too and in North Carolina, where President Barack Obama tried to energize black support for Hillary Clinton. But Trump marched ahead in his third multi-day visit to the Sunshine State in recent weeks. The Republican nominee lashed out at Crooked Hillary in Miami, predicting that a Clinton victory would trigger an unprecedented and protracted constitutional crisis as federal investigators probe the former secretary of states email practices. But Trump did not take the bait dangled by the Clinton campaign about his treatment of women. Conceding nothing in the state, Clinton has also been a frequent visitor. She posed for pictures and shook hands during a surprise visit to a South Florida Caribbean-American neighborhood Wednesday morning. Both sides agree the New York businessman has virtually no chance to win the presidency without Floridas trove of 29 electoral votes. Clinton has been ahead there in opinion polls, but Democrats acknowledge that the FBIs renewed attention to her has helped rally reluctant Republicans behind their nominee. Thats given Trump an enthusiasm boost in Florida and across Midwestern battlegrounds long considered reliably blue territory. Im definitely nervous, said former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, a Democrat. Democrats in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, if you heard it was over, if you thought those states were in the bag, dont believe it. Perhaps heeding Rendells warning, Clintons team is devoting new resources to states like Michigan, which hasnt supported a Republican presidential nominee in nearly three decades. Former President Bill Clinton was making an unannounced appearance in Detroit Wednesday night to meet privately with black ministers, the citys mayor and other local leaders. While Hillary Clinton had two appearances Wednesday in Republican-leaning Arizona, she planned to spend part of Friday in Detroit as well. At the same time, a pro-Clinton super PAC was spending more than $1 million on Michigan airwaves along with at least $1 million more in Colorado, another state where Clinton has enjoyed a significant polling advantage for much of the fall. Early voting numbers in some states suggest that her challenge stems, at least in part, from underwhelming support from African-American voters. Weak minority support could complicate her path in other states, too, including North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Early voting in North Carolina shows a 5 percentage point drop in ballots from black voters from 2012. Obama, the nations first black president, offered an urgent message to North Carolina voters on Wednesday: The fate of the Republic rests on your shoulders. He also criticized Trumps history of sexist comments and his initial reluctance to disavow white supremacists. They continue to rally behind the Republican nominee, though he rejects that support. If you accept the support of Klan sympathizers, Obama said, then youll tolerate that support when youre in office. At the same time, Clinton allies are speaking directly to black voters in a new advertising campaign running in Ohio, North Carolina and Florida. The ad from the pro-Clinton Priorities USA shows white Trump supporters screaming at and pushing black protesters, along with Obama warning that voters would lose everything if Trump wins. As the final-days scramble for votes intensifies, Florida remains perhaps the nations most critical swing state. The Trump campaign knows there is no realistic path to the White House without Florida, where polls give Clinton a narrow lead. The New York businessman campaigned in three Florida cities Wednesday Miami, Orlando and Pensacola and will follow up with a stop in Jacksonville on Thursday. We dont want to blow this, he told rowdy supporters in Miami. We gotta win. We gotta win big. While Trump has devoted perhaps his most valuable resource his time to Florida, Clinton has built a powerful ground game, backed by a dominant media presence, that dwarfs her opponents. The Democratic nominee has more than doubled Trumps investment in Florida television ads. Overall, the state has been deluged with $125 million in general election advertising by far the most of any state. Clinton, unlike Trump, can also afford to lose here. Even with national polls narrowing, the Democratic contender has many more paths to 270 electoral votes. One example: Clinton campaigned Wednesday in Arizona, a state that has voted for Republican presidential candidates all but once since 1952. (AP) With the nation focused on the closing days of the long, heated race for the presidency, two trials related to the countrys continued racial divisions have just begun. Juries in Cincinnati and Charleston, South Carolina, will decide the fates of white former police officers charged with murder in the shootings of black men. The cases are among a series of deaths of blacks in police encounters over the past two years that have raised attention to how police deal with black people. There have been widespread protests, some violent, in cities such as Baltimore, Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago and Ferguson, Missouri, over police killings of black men. A summary of key aspects of the two cases that will be decided in the days after Tuesdays election: THE SHOOTINGS Both shootings followed traffic stops in what defense attorneys say were crime-plagued areas. In South Carolina, former North Charleston officer Michael Slager is charged with murder in the April 2015 shooting death of Walter Scott as he ran from a traffic stop for a broken taillight. Relatives have said Scott, 50, apparently fled because he feared arrest for being behind on child support payments. Slager told investigators he fired because Scott grabbed his Taser and pointed the stun gun at him as they fought on the ground. Scott was shot multiple times in the back and buttocks. If convicted, Slager, who is white and 34 years old, faces 30 years to life imprisonment. In Ohio, former University of Cincinnati officer Ray Tensing is charged with murder and voluntary manslaughter for the July 2015 fatal shooting of Sam DuBose after a traffic stop for a missing front license plate near campus. Tensings attorney has said he feared for his life as DuBose tried to drive away, using his car as a weapon. DuBose, 43, was shot once in the head. The defense attorney also told jurors that DuBose was desperate to get away because he had enough marijuana in his car to face a felony conviction. DuBose had a long history of traffic and marijuana-related convictions, but his family says he wouldnt have been a threat to a police officer. If convicted of murder, Tensing, who is white and 26, faces 15 years to life in prison. THE ROLE OF VIDEO Video could be pivotal evidence in both trials, with the two sides in each case disputing what can be concluded from it. The North Charleston shooting was captured on video by a bystander and seen widely via the internet. It shows Scott being shot eight times in the back. Prosecutor Scarlett Wilson has said the video of Scotts death is helpful because it depicts the crime, and we arent having to rely just on peoples perceptions. But she added it isnt the be-all and end-all and the case is over. The jury will be able to make up their own mind after seeing the video and hearing the testimony. Slagers attorneys say there is far more to the story than the much-viewed short clip of the shooting. They say it doesnt show the entire struggle between the two men, doesnt show what the officer was seeing and is blurry and confusing. Slagers attorney Andy Savage opposed its use in trial, calling the video prejudicial, inflammatory and factually deficient. The two sides in the Ohio trial clashed over video in their opening statements Tuesday. Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters told jurors the video from the officers body-worn camera shows that Tensing violated police procedures and training in shooting an unarmed man who did nothing other than try to drive away. He said in his opening statement that Tensing grabbed DuBoses seat belt with his left hand and fired his pistol directly at his head with his right and that there was no threat to him. Thank God we have a body cam, said Deters, who released the video publicly last year after Tensing was indicted. He told jurors the video shows that Tensing lied when he claimed he was going to be dragged under the car. Defense attorney Stewart Mathews countered that the video supports Tensings contention that he was under serious threat. He says DuBose pulled his door shut, started the ignition and then pinned Tensings forearm when the officer tried to grab the keys out of the ignition. Mathews also told jurors the body-cam video doesnt have Tensings eye-level view and cant capture what he was feeling and what his instincts were telling him. DO JURIES CONVICT POLICE? Jurors tend to want to give police the benefit of the doubt, recognizing they have dangerous jobs that often require split-second decisions, legal experts say. But convictions do happen. Former Tulsa County volunteer sheriffs deputy Robert Bates, age 74, was sentenced in June to four years in prison on a second-degree manslaughter conviction in the April 2015 death of Eric Harris, an unarmed and restrained black man, during a sting operation. Bates, who is appealing, has said he confused his stun gun with his handgun. Former Portsmouth, Virginia, Police Officer Stephen Rankin was sentenced Oct. 12 to 2? years in prison for fatally shooting 18-year-old William Chapman II. Rankin shot the unarmed Chapman in April 2015 after responding to a shoplifting call outside a Wal-Mart store. Philip Stinson, of Bowling Green State University in Ohio, has been tracking on-duty police fatal shooting cases around the country since 2005. Of 77 U.S. police officers charged with murder or manslaughter in that time, 27 have been convicted, 14 in jury trials, he said. Thirteen others pleaded guilty, in some cases to reduced charges. Fifteen officers have been acquitted by juries, with six acquitted in nonjury bench trials, and charges dismissed in seven others. In one case, a grand jury declined to indict an officer who had been arrested. The Tensing and Slager cases are among 21 pending outcomes. They include three that ended in mistrials, and prosecutors havent decided yet on new trials. (AP) Israels High Court of Justice on Thursday 2 Cheshvan rejected a petition filed on behalf of Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto, who is seeking early release from prison due to his medical condition. The rabbi continues to undergo chemotherapy treatments as prisoner. In its decision Thursday, the High Court declined to overrule the district court, which rejected the petition for early release. A parole board agreed to release the rabbi but that was placed on hold to permit the state to file an appeal with a district court. The district court overturned the parole board and the rabbi was hoping the High Court of Justice would overturn the district court but this did not occur. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) A military court has sentenced 15-year-old terrorist Murad Abdullah Adais to life imprisonment for the brutal stabbing death of Otniel resident Mrs. Dafne Meir HYD. The military court made mention of the brutality of the attack and has recommended any future requests for parole for the terrorist be denied due to the heinous nature of the attack. The terrorist was also ordered to pay compensation in the amount of NIS 1.75 million. Mrs. Meir was stabbed numerous times at the entrance to the family home as some of her horrified children looked on. She used her last ounce of strength to fight and block the terrorist from entering the home so he could not harm her family. The terrorist fled and did not enter the home where a number of the children were present. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) [COMMUNICATED CONTENT] Beautiful hotels, breathtaking sites, beautiful architecture, and ancient Jewish history are all part of this enchanting tour to Italys greatest Gems-Venice, Padua, Verona & beyond this Thanksgiving week November 23-28, 2016. Dont miss out on this once-in- a-lifetime exclusive custom designed Kosher LMehadrin luxury touring experience with Nesivos/ Jewish Legacy Tours; inspiring Torah lectures, famous sites, beautiful hotels, and fresh gourmet meals! Spend a relaxing Shabbos in an Italian villa! Join world-renowned educator & speaker Rabbi Dovid Orlofsky and Rabbi Doniel Baron on this exciting, inspiring & powerful tour. Rabbi Orlofskys riveting Torah lectures, down-to- earth personality and humor is the perfect match for Rabbi Barons brilliant and entertaining historical insights. Youll experience Venices magnificent ancient shuls, the worlds first Ghetto, and take in the awesome sites and spectacular architecture of St. Marks square and the Rialto bridge. Enjoy a gondola ride and get lost through Venices labryinth of exciting sites. Visit one of Italys oldest shuls in Padua and the Ramchals home, and daven at the kever of Maharam MiPadua. Jewish history comes alive as you visit some of Italys oldest Jewish communties and enjoy learning about its fascinating history and how it plays an important role in our Jewish history & mesorah! HURRY SAVE YOUR PLACE! Contact Nesivos/Jewish Legacy Tour for more itinerary, costs & more details: CALL THANKSGIVING TOUR DIRECT US: Tel: 347-434- 9716 or 917-724- 2633 / Israel: 972- 54-654- 1991 / U.K. 44-203- 734-1193 / email: [email protected] / www.nesivos.com By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times Recently, former MK Rabbi Dov Lipman penned an op-ed in the Jerusalem Post, describing how a synagogue in his neighborhood of Beit Shemesh has changed its Simchas Torah policy. Some women had approached the shul to make a request. Consequently, the shul held a secret vote among its membership that ultimately changed the method in which the synagogue conducts the hakafos on the womens side of the Mechitzah. The Rav of the shul in Beit Shemesh had previously given a shiur where he had laid out his halachic perspective and the foundation of what was set to be practiced. Subsequently, the board voted to give the women Torah scrolls to dance with for the Hakafos on Simchas Torah. Rabbi Lipman writes about havig heard that the women were, shining with pride.. middle-aged women tearing up as they gave expression to their years of love for the Torah and Torah study, by dancing joyfully with that devotion in their arms; and senior citizens who never even considered kissing or holding a Torah as an option now given the opportunity to do so.. It is difficult not to see Rabbi Lipmans point. Every parent wants to see their child happy and when they see that something has brought their daughter cheer the natural tendency is to try and preserve and promote that. With due respect, however, I would like to suggest that Rabbi Lipmans tremendous love for others has perhaps colored his perspective. Rabbi Lipman writes in his op-ed: A brief look at the halachic sources make it clear that if a synagogue wants to make this policy change, it is completely within the framework of Halacha to do so. Indeed, such a decision is, in fact, actually outside of the framework of halacha for a number of reasons. I would also like to suggest that Rabbi Lipmans citation of the Mishna Brurah is disingenuous and, unfortunately, misleading. BASED UPON BEIS HAMIKDASH We must first realize that the hakafos of Simchas Torah did not emerge in a vacuum. They are based upon the hakafos that existed in the Beis HaMikdash itself. Deciding halacha and what we do in our shuls and on our Yomim Tovim based upon what makes our daughters feel spiritual is a grave danger particularly when we create new and different customs that are no longer based upon that which was originally done in the Beis HaMikdash. Lets say, for example, that someones daughter or son felt that playing Yanni or Springstein in the background to Birkas Kohanim enabled him or her to feel more spiritual that does not give us license to change the method in which we perform Birkas Kohanim. By the same token, just because his daughter and others felt that it was a much more spiritual experience for them, does not mean that the manner of hakafos should be changed. BREAKING FENCES Secondly, there is something to the idea of Poretz Geder breaking fences. If something was never done throughout Torah history, and we are actively changing the minhag of our parents, grandparents and ancestors throughout the generations this is something that should give us pause. In regard to such matters, Rabbeinu Tam (Sefer HaYashar #537) tells us, Kol Hameshaneh yado al hatachtona whomsoever initiates change his hand is on the lower edge. The Baalei Tosfos in Menachos 20b nifsal write, Minhag Avoseinu Torah the customs of our fathers are Torah. CASTING ASPERSIONS Our bubbies and great bubbies in Europe were not rural yentas as depicted in shtetl movies they were holy and righteous women infused with remarkable fear of Heaven and love of Torah. In thousands of years of Jewish history, such activity was unheard of. Changing the manner of how to rejoice on Simchas Torah is casting aspersions upon the holy women who were our ancestors. The Trumas HaDeshen #232 writes that it is often inappropriate to make changes when such a change casts aspersions on the conduct of earlier generations. INNACCURATE QUOTE OF THE MISHNA BRURAH More pertinent, however, is Rabbi Dov Lipmans citation of the Mishna Brurah. The Mishna Brurah (88:7) clearly rules that those undergoing menorrhea should not be viewing the Sefer Torah, citing the view of Rav Danziger author of the Chayei Odom. This, in fact, is perhaps the central basis for disallowing the holding of it as well. Differentiating between those currently undergoing menorrhea and those who are not would be a breach of propriety of the first order and, therefore, the custom is clearly to avoid it entirely. And while Rabbi Lipman can point to Sefardic authorities who allow those in a state of Tumah to hold a sefer Torah, Ashkenazim follow the Ramah and Mishna Brurah. ACCUSATIONS OF MISOGYNY Of late, a very disturbing trend has appeared. There have been many people that have attempted to characterize the practices and positions of Torah-true Judaism in regard to women and their exemption to certain Mitzvos as being misogynistic anti-women. This is furthest from the truth. To best understand the underlying issues, we might gain much by first familiarizing ourselves with a rather famous institution in upstate New York. WEST POINT The West Point Military Academy, is the U.S. Armys most famous educational institution. West Point trains more United States Army officers than any other single institution and a high proportion of distinguished American generals have been West Point graduates. Recently, it had been looking to fill some openings for two very important positions. They needed an instructor for a course in Introduction to Warfighting and an instructor in Fundamentals of Army Operations. These positions are described below. MS 100 Introduction to Warfighting is designed to provide cadets with a foundation of the military and tactical knowledge necessary for application during summer Cadet Field Training. Cadets will learn the organization of Maneuver, Fires, and Effects Squads and Platoons as well as the characteristics of their organic weapons systems. They are also exposed to map reading, military analysis, troop leading procedures, pre-combat inspections, and small unit tactics. MS200 Fundamentals of Army Operations is designed to hone the skills developed during the Cadets Plebe year and focuses on applying those skills using Tactical Decision Making Exercises. Using discussion based scenarios, instructors continue to develop the skills necessary to build strong, confident tactical decision makers that use the fundamental principles of Army doctrine and are able to apply creative thinking and common sense in solving tactical problems. If world events continue to deteriorate, if ISIS takes over more cities and or countries, it might be necessary for the United States to implement a draft. In such an event all able-bodied men within a certain age range might be called to serve. The people filling the positions above, however, would be exempt. It would be wrong to characterize their role as trivial or inconsequential. Their role is crucial. Without these people, cadets would be ill-prepared and the nations future would be at risk. Women generally are exempt from time-bound Mitzvos. The reason is that they have been granted the role as the educators of Israel (See Brachos 17a). The commentators explain that the wording in Haggadah of At Psach lo you, teach the fourth child that does not know how to ask is conjugated in the feminine because it is the women of Israel that are responsible for the training and educational development of the Jewish people. And like the instructors at West Point, it would be wrong to characterize their role as trivial or inconsequential. Their role is crucial. Without the women of Klal Yisroel, sons and husbands would be ill-prepared and the nations future would be at risk. Indeed, we see from the Ksav Sofer (Responsa OC #20) that her role is so paramount that when she assists her husband in his study of Torah she is actually completing his very soul. CONSULTING WITH OUTSTANDING SAGES These issues are not matters that should be taken lightly. Rather, they should be decided upon by leading Torah and halachic authorities. And while it is true that we have numerous other issues in which we face, molestation, theft, chillul hashem we should not brush this issue under the carpet. We do not change the manner in which we decide upon halacha based upon membership votes nor with disingenuous forays into halachic discourse. Rabbi Lipman has a powerful voice and is respected by many in Israels community. He speaks with an enthusiastic passion that can inspire the estranged and the unaffiliated toward a love for Torah and Yidishkeit. However, he should consult the great halachic authorities of our generation regarding this matter. If they tell him that this is, in fact, an erroneous move, he should issue a retraction. The author can be reached at [email protected] When the Nickless family moved into their new home in Rainham, Essex, they were brimming with excitement. Colin, 40, and Jessica, 37, bought the three-bedroom home in a brand new housing development in Orchard Village to live in with their two children, Ellie, 5, and Freddie, 3. However it wasn't long before the cracks began to show and what they had hoped would be a beautiful new home for their young family turned into a living nightmare. Five-year old Ellie, who suffers from cystic fibrosis and autism, has been hospitalised multiple times since they moved in last September with bacterial infections her doctor believes were caused by mould in her home. Her family blames their housing association Circle Housing, which they say has repeatedly and grossly failed to repair their brand new home. Now Colin, who is Ellie's full-time carer, has the backing of Westminster MPs, who this week launched a bitter attack on Circle Housing's 'disgraceful' and 'wholly unacceptable' treatment of thousands of tenants living in their developments. Scroll down for video Five-year old Ellie Nickless suffers from cystic fibrosis, autism and has been hospitalised multiple times with bacterial infections believed to be caused by mould in her family's home Ellie's story The Nickless family bought their new home through the government's shared ownership scheme - meaning they are dependent on their housing association, Circle Housing, to provide repairs and maintenance. 'We've had repeated problems with leaking pipes, carpets with damp, water dripping through electrical sockets and light fittings, waste pipes not being connected properly and pouring filthy water into my son's bedroom, no insulation - the list is just so long,' says Colin. 'We have had 117 repair visits to the property in 13 months and still there is black mould growing on walls.' To make matters worse, the house has its energy supplied on a fixed 25-year contract and, says Colin, the bills are 'really so much higher than we thought they would be'. As a result, they can't have the heating on all the time. The house is cold, damp and unfit to live in and since moving in, both Ellie and her brother, 3-year old Freddie, have been admitted to hospital with serious breathing difficulties on multiple occasions. Ellie's health is particularly worrying as she suffers from cystic fibrosis - a life-limiting condition which makes her very vulnerable to respiratory infections. Colin has appealed to Circle Housing to fix their house properly on multiple occasions, desperate for his children's health. He says he received emailed apologies and promises - but insufficient action to make the house fit to live in. Mould in a one-year old home in the Orchard Village development in Rainham, Essex Ellie's doctors also pleaded with Circle to make her home warm and dry. Jo Gregory, clinical nurse specialist in cystic fibrosis home care at London's Royal Brompton Hospital, wrote to Circle Housing in June this year, nine months after Ellie first started to show physical deterioration. 'I am sure you will appreciate the importance of ensuring that Eleanor has a home environment which does not aggravate her lung disease,' she wrote. 'This means that she must be in a warm, well ventilated home that is free from damp and mould. Damp in their home: Since the Nickless family's move, Ellie has had several exacerbations of respiratory symptoms, which have led to an increase in the treatment and medication that she requires 'I understand from Eleanors parents that since moving into their new home, there have been several issues with mould/dampness following a leak in 2015. Since their move, Eleanor has had several exacerbations of respiratory symptoms, which have led to an increase in the treatment and medication that she requires.' Ellie then developed a bacterial infection in her lungs - Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. Ms Gregory wrote: 'This particular bacteria can be located in mould and stagnant water, and is particularly worrying for patients with cystic fibrosis as there is a link between this infection and a decline in lung function.' Weeks of antibiotics and hospital visits followed 'causing further distress to both her and her parents'. Ellie also has autism, causing her repeated hospital admissions to be very unsettling for her and difficult for her family. Her nurse wrote: 'The treatment burden for Eleanor and her parents during the past six months has been huge, and made even more difficult because of her behavioural problems. Understandably, it is unacceptable for a child with cystic fibrosis to be living in a home with mould and dampness.' Colin says two letters were sent by the hospital and that Circle said they would deal with the issues, but Ellie's dad says he is still waiting. Damp in the home of Colin and Ellie Nickless which was built just a year ago There are hundreds of others suffering too Ellie's story is not the only one and momentum against Circle Housing is building. On Monday night this week Rushanara Ali, Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, tabled a debate in the House of Commons to address similar issues faced by her constituents in a Circle Housing development in Tower Hamlets. She told MPs: 'Hundreds of residents have been treated disgracefully by Circle Housing. Some of the cases are heart-breaking, including residents carrying umbrellas indoors because of leaking ceilings, a heavy heater falling off a wall near small children playing on the floor, lifts breaking down on a weekly basis, and 30 flats left without light for weeks. No one should have to live like that.' Mould in Colin Nickless' home which he believes has caused infection in his daughter One of Ms Ali's constituents called the Circle Housing office 40 times over a three-month period to fix leaks that left them using an umbrella when using the toilet. Another, who was eight months pregnant, slipped on water leaking from her toilet, which she had reported on 88 occasions. Another couple had a boiler that broke down repeatedly for nearly six months. A disabled resident was left without heating for the best part of two months. Another family had to sit with bowls on their laps and towels on their heads because of unrepaired leaks from above, Ms Ali told MPs. Hundreds of residents have been treated disgracefully by Circle Housing - MP She also explained how in another case, repair workers failed to attend four pre-agreed appointments organised since May this year to fix damaged walls and ceilings. An elderly pensioner in her eighties went without heating and hot water for 17 days. Another elderly resident had to live with no hot water or heating for eight weeks. Ms Ali said she asked Circle Housings chief executive 'if he could tolerate being treated like that' and had to threaten to inform the media about the 'appalling treatment' before her constituents boiler was finally fixed. She said: 'It cannot be right that we have go to such lengths to make Circle do its publicly funded job properly. It demonstrates incompetence and a dereliction of duty by Circle Housing.' On Monday night this week Rushanara Ali, Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, tabled a debate in the House of Commons to address similar issues faced by her constituents in a Circle Housing development in Tower Hamlets What is Circle Housing? Circle Housing has been given more than 250million of Government funding to provide families with new homes since 2010. The group is a non-profit-making housing association, and is one of many property developers across the UK that receive government grants to invest in housing developments with the aim of providing a mix of social and privately owned affordable housing. Since forming in 2005, Circle has delivered almost 10,000 new homes and is due to complete another 1,645 new homes through the Greater London Authority and Homes and Communities Agency Affordable Housing Programme. In response to the allegations made by Colin Nickless, a spokesman for Circle Housing said: 'Orchard Village is a 10-year regeneration project which involves the demolition of a poor quality ex-council estate to make way for 500 new, spacious homes. 'In one of the recent phases, the build in some homes has been of poor quality. We have apologised to the small number of customers affected and through a different contractor we are now carrying out the remedial work to put this right.' He said so far, 35 homes out of the 87 Circle has contacted have come forward as experiencing issues. He added: 'We will also be compensating these customers including Mr Nickless. We have been working closely with residents and Mr Nickless to keep them updated on progress with the work and both ourselves and our contractor have people on site to support residents on a daily basis.' So what happens now? Housing minister Gavin Barwell admitted that Circle Housing tenants were living in 'wholly unacceptable conditions' Ms Ali launched her searing attack in the Commons this week and publicly demanded that the housing minister, Gavin Barwell, respond to the allegations put by hundreds of social housing tenants failed by Circle Housing. He said Ms Ali had raised 'wholly unacceptable conditions that some of her constituents have been experiencing as tenants of the housing associations to which she referred'. But he added: 'I am confident that housing associations will continue to be responsible social landlords, acting in the best interests of both their current tenants and those in housing need. 'However, the regulator considers all the information it receives to determine whether there has been a breach of its standards and serious harm to tenantsas clearly happened in the case that the hon. Lady brought before the House tonightand acts where it judges that to be the case. 'I hope that the hon. Lady will understand that, as the regulator is independent and that independence is very important, I cannot directly intervene in individual cases. I am confident that the regulator takes all complaints seriously and investigates where necessary.' Responding to the allegations made by Ms Ali, the spokesman from Circle said: 'As a responsible charitable housing association we are committed to providing secure social housing at sub-market rents and a good responsive repairs service to our tenants and these aims will continue to be a priority for the new organisation. 'We are continuing to make improvements to the repairs and maintenance service that we offer to our customers in Tower Hamlets, and this is on top of the 100million Circle Housing has invested in improving homes in this area.' What do the regulators say? Ellie Nickless has to have intravenous antibiotics every single day Despite the letters from her doctors and photographic evidence of mould in the Nickless' home, of damp caused by incomplete construction work, and documented evidence that Circle's repairs have not solved these problems - investigations into both Circle and the contracting firm that built Orchard Village found neither had breached any rules. The National House Building Council concluded after an investigation into Orchard Village's builder Willmott Dixon that: 'From the information we have...we found the builder had complied with our technical requirements. I'm unable to ask them to carry out any repairs.' Today, an NHBC spokeswoman said: 'We are very sorry that Mr Nickless has been experiencing problems with his new home. 'We have visited the property in the last fortnight after receiving further information, and can confirm that there are defects that do not meet NHBC technical standards. 'We are liaising with all parties concerned to help resolve the problems as quickly as possible.' A statement from Willmott Dixon said: 'We have had some issues on the third phase of Orchard Village, which is a shame as the first two phases were delivered without fault. On phase three we found that there was some defective issues and that the performance of a small number of our supply chain has been unacceptable. We have however met our obligations head on to put defective works right which mainly relate to plumbing defects and some areas where insulation had not been installed, mainly where balconies were above habitable rooms. 'Over the past six months we have proactively met with every resident whose home was affected and agreed a programme of works, and most repairs are now complete.' Willmott Dixon has now been asked to 'step away from some of the market sale units' by Circle Housing, meaning Circle is now responsible for any further work needed. The social housing regulator says it cannot help Ms Ali told the housing minister last night: 'I could not imagine more cut and dried examples of serious detriment than leaving dozens, and possibly hundreds, of tenants without heating and hot water for extended periods.' Meanwhile the housing regulator, the Homes and Communities Agency, has also conducted a lengthy investigation into the allegations made against Circle Housing but concluded that no standards have been breached and that 'no serious detriment' to residents is evident as a direct result of a breach of standards. In a letter to Colin Nickless in August the HCA said: 'In your correspondence, you asked how we could suggest there had been no serious detriment in this case when your daughters health has been affected by damp and mould. 'I should explain that we can only take regulatory action if we conclude that there has been harm, or a risk of harm, arising following a breach of the standards. 'In this case we have not found that the Home standard has been breached and so we cannot conclude that serious detriment has arisen in this case. That does not mean that we doubt the information you, and your daughters specialist nurse, have provided regarding your daughters health, only that we cannot say that the impact arose due to a breach of the standards.' These standards do not extend to checking that the landlord or housing association delivers maintenance or repairs. A statement from the HCA today confirmed: 'We take regulatory action whenever there is a breach of the consumer standards that affects tenants. We considered all the information that was brought to our attention and a thorough investigation of this case found no breach of the standards. But Ms Ali told the housing minister during the Commons debate on Monday night: 'I could not imagine more cut and dried examples of serious detriment than leaving dozens, and possibly hundreds, of tenants without heating and hot water for extended periods. 'The provision of heating and hot water is one of the most fundamental of landlord functions. In response to that complaint, the HCA simply said it was satisfied with the progress Circle was making in improving its services.' What else can they do? The final port of call for tenants in dire straits is the Housing Ombudsman. But Colin Nickless believes they too have failed him and his family. 'We went to the Housing Ombudsman earlier in the year. They came back and said even though we had overwhelming evidence, they couldn't get involved as Circle "hadn't exhausted the complaints process",' says Colin. 'I pointed out that I had put in a formal complaint in December last year, and they had admitted failings in a response to this complaint in April. They also promised to fix our homes, sort out the insulation and award compensation, none of which they have done. 'Finally two weeks ago I spoke to the Housing Ombudsman again after being frustrated by the HCA. They told me that they would try and resolve this again, but I haven't seen anything yet.' Ms Ali said: 'Housing associations receive billions in public subsidy from the taxpayer. Between 2010 and 2016, Circle Housing alone received more than 250million of Government funding. 'It must be held to account properly if we are to prevent others from suffering in the way that many of my constituents have over the past few years at the hands of Circle Housing.' Nearly two thirds of workers aged under 40 want to open a new Lifetime Isa, allowing them to save for a home and retirement simultaneously from April 2017, new research reveals. The idea is even more popular among Londoners, with 72 per cent considering taking up the opportunity - and of those, 37 per cent plan to do so immediately after the launch. The pent-up demand in London highlights the difficulty of entering the housing market in the capital, and suggests getting on the property ladder is a priority for many younger savers interested in the Lifetime Isa. Getting on housing ladder: Lifetime Isas will allow people aged under 40 to save for a home and retirement simultaneously from April 2017 A cash bonus worth up to 1,000 a year will be added to every 4,000 saved into a Lifetime Isa, and 57 per cent of under-40s keen on the idea felt this was the main attraction, according to the survey by pension specialist Hymans Robertson. Some 36 per cent said it was the flexibility of being able to use savings for their first home instead of having it locked up until retirement. READ FULL DETAILS OF HOW LIFETIME ISAS WILL WORK BELOW. Among younger savers uninterested in opening a Lifetime Isa, 41 per cent said they were put off by the early exit penalty and 34 per cent preferred to save into a pension to benefit from employer contributions into their retirement pots. A 25 per cent penalty on early withdrawals from new Lifetime Isas has come in for criticism because it could see the Government claw back a large chunk of investment gains if a saver needs cash for other reasons besides buying a property. The Government will effectively contribute 20 per cent of your investment fund, but slap an exit fee of 25 per cent on the entire amount including all investment growth unless you stick to the rules or fall terminally ill. Meanwhile, former Pensions Minister Ros Altmann has also hit out at Lifetime Isas, on the grounds that giving people the chance to take a 100 per cent tax-free lump sum at 60 will discourage them from making their savings last throughout retirement. Charges are also not capped on Lifetime Isas, whereas they are limited at 0.75 per cent for people auto-enrolled into a default pension fund, she pointed out. Savings advantage: Young people cited the Government bonus and flexibility to access pots before retirement as main attractions of the Lifetime Isa Paul Waters, partner at Hymans Robertson, said his firm's research among 1,000 younger workers revealed an appetite for using Lifetime Isas, with 61 per cent considering opening one and of those 23 per cent planning to do so straight away. 'We need to look at the reality for young people. A 25 per cent bonus on savings towards a first home will be an irresistible and much appreciated leg up on to the property ladder for many,' he said. 'The fact that Lifetime Isas have even greater appeal among Londons young workers undoubtedly reflects the difficulties faced getting a foot on that first rung in the capital.' But Waters suggested that, unlike with mainstream Isas where most savings are in cash, people should hold underlying investments that are effective for meeting long-term goals in their Lifetime Isas. He added that pricing should be 'appropriate and consistent with' workplace pensions - a reference to the 0.75 per cent cap on fees described above. Hymans' survey also found that among workers wanting to open a Lifetime Isa, 68 per cent would save into one alongside their pension. Of this group, 49 per cent would save more into a pension and 19 per cent more into a Lifetime Isa. But this question was aimed at finding out how under-40s would choose to distribute their long-term savings, and assumed they would stick with a pension too. It was unclear from the research how many under-40s might opt out of pensions in order to use Lifetime Isas instead - a decision that could lose them valuable employer contributions. Waters said: 'We need to move away from looking at pensions and Lifetime Isa as competing products. One should not be at the expense of the other. Younger workers dont see them as an "either/or" decision. 'They see them as a product that could give a boost to their savings. But they also appreciate the boost to savings you get through employer matching contributions in workplace savings.' He went on: 'There is a growing disparity in wealth between the generations. Anything that gets younger people into the savings habit should be viewed as a positive.' Running a family business poses its own unique challenges, especially when it comes to finding the right balance between business objectives and family priorities. An estimated 4.6million UK businesses are family-owned and having a succession plan in place and making sure the younger generation feel involved are crucial to business success. That's because people dont work forever: retirement, illness or unexpected events can, and do, have a big impact on businesses. Passing the baton: Making sure the younger generation feel involved in the business is key On the one hand, family members naturally identify with the business and feel more attached to it. This usually leads them to work harder, be more passionate and consider their work more valuable all things that will help with a positive management-transfer to the next generation. On the other hand, emotional attachment to the business can sometimes get in the way. Older family members may struggle to step aside and let the younger generation assume their roles as successors. The structure might also put undue pressure on young family members who may worry about being able to live up to the expectations of others, and whether they can add value to the business. Educating and engaging future business leaders is challenging, but when done correctly it can be hugely rewarding and secure the financial future of both the family and the company. This means it's essential for family business owners to have a clear plan in place to guide them, while at the same time allowing young people enough space to set their own path. Help the next generation to learn about the world of business It is important for the next generation to take time to learn about the nuts and bolts of the family business. Increasing successors knowledge about your firm - and of business in general - will help them to engage. They also may not completely understand the requirements needed to be a responsible business owner so current leaders have a job to do in ensuring that they are equipped for that role. Everyone's educational needs are different so these should be properly analysed before you start, so that they get the learning and development plans that is right for them. Provide work experience According to our report into next generation engagement, almost a quarter of millennials have never undertaken any form of work experience within their family organisation and a similar amount say they have hazy or unformed plans around whether they want to be involved. Our report suggests that providing learning opportunities both informally and formally is key to get the younger generation interested in being involved in the future. This could involve training, shadowing, paid internships or work experience. Informal involvement such as discussions about the business at home or visiting the business premises will also help your successors to visualise how they will feel about potentially taking on the company. Elizabeth Bagger: 'Allow your successors to come up with new ideas and approaches' Understand what the next generation needs and find ways to harness their ideas When successors are introduced to the company they often bring a fresh and innovative perspective, something which may prove beneficial in the ever-changing business environment. The younger generation may be more attuned to the changes taking place in your industry, and have gained skills that will help your business to flourish. However, they can lack the wisdom of experience, making senior family members reluctant to recognise their potential or find a space for it. But if you frequently dismiss their ideas, your successor will eventually become disheartened. By allowing them to come up with new ideas and approaches, seniors can foster that talent. Make the business environment attractive to successors Making your business a pleasant place to work is vital. Creating an enjoyable business environment helps put future (and existing) employees at ease which will make them want to come to work and do well. Encouraging a pleasant atmosphere also helps to foster and develop a workplace where people can be open and honest and help to build stronger family bonds. Allow breathing space While you may feel you need to train up your successors as far in advance as possible, allowing breathing space gives them time to mature and allows them to really think about their professional future. Even if the next generation opt to gain experience of a different industry or workplace before joining the family firm, it could really help them to gain useful experience and well-rounded perspective. More importantly, the delicate balancing act of ensuring they are involved in the family business but at the same time dont feel pressurised into joining ensures that they will engage with it at their own pace. It is important that young family members see the family business as a flexible and understanding environment in which they are not forced, but invited, to be involved. Elizabeth Bagger is the executive director of the Institute for Family Business BTG plc acquires, develops, manufactures, and commercializes pharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Interventional Medicine, Pharmaceuticals, and Licensing. The Interventional Medicine segment offers interventional oncology products and systems, such as beads and TheraSphere for treatment of liver cancer; and GALIL medical system, a cryoablation technology for use in kidney cancer and other indications. This segment also provides interventional vascular products consisting of EKOS system, an ultrasonic catheter drug delivery device used in the treatment of blood clots; Varithena for the treatment of varicose veins; and PneumRx Coil for the treatment of emphysema, a debilitating lung disease. The Pharmaceuticals segment offers antidote products, such as CroFab for the treatment of crotalid snake envenomations; DigiFab for the treatment of digoxin toxicity; and Voraxaze for high-dose methotrexate toxicity. The Licensing segment provides Zytiga for treatment of prostate cancer; Two-Part Hip Cup; and Lemtrada. The company also manufactures and commercializes therapeutic ultrasound devices, and roxwood systems, as well as develops venous thrombus management devices. The company was formerly known as British Technology Group International plc and changed its name to BTG plc in March 1995. BTG plc was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. It facilitates the processing of payment transactions, including authorization, clearing, and settlement, as well as delivers other payment-related products and services. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; prepaid programs and management services; commercial credit and debit payment products and solutions; and payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts. It also provides value-added products and services comprising cyber and intelligence solutions for parties to transact, as well as proprietary insights, drawing on principled use of consumer, and merchant data services. In addition, the company offers analytics, test and learn, consulting, managed services, loyalty, processing, and payment gateway solutions for e-commerce merchants. Further, it provides open banking and digital identity platforms services. The company offers payment solutions and services under the MasterCard, Maestro, and Cirrus. Mastercard Incorporated was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Purchase, New York. 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. OGE Energy Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy and energy services provider that offers physical delivery and related services for electricity, natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids in the United States. The company generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric energy. It provides retail electric service to approximately 879,000 customers, which covers a service area of approximately 30,000 square miles in Oklahoma and western Arkansas; and owns and operates coal-fired, natural gas-fired, wind-powered, and solar-powered generating assets. As of December 31, 2021, the company owned and operated interconnected electric generation, transmission, and distribution systems, including 16 generating stations with an aggregate capability of 7,207 megawatts; and transmission systems comprising 54 substations and 5,122 structure miles of lines in Oklahoma, and 7 substations and 277 structure miles of lines in Arkansas. Its distribution systems included 350 substations; 29,494 structure miles of overhead lines; 3,365 miles of underground conduit; and 11,125 miles of underground conductors in Oklahoma, as well as 29 substations, 2,795 structure miles of overhead lines, 349 miles of underground conduit, and 662 miles of underground conductors in Arkansas. The company was founded in 1902 and is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Addressing fire safety Living in San Diego County, the threat of fires is constant, that is why I have made fire safety one... Supporting animals As a trained Project Wildlife Native Songbird Rehabilitator, my experience raising orphaned and injured songbirds and returning them to the... Looking for deals at annual Pittsburgh airport auction More than 800 appeared and about 700 participated in annual event last month. Chamber of Commerce & Industry SHARE By John Ingle of the Times Record News Wichita Falls is among the top 10 least expensive places to live nationwide, according to a cost of living report from the Council for Community and Economic Research. The quarterly report showed Wichita Falls was tied for sixth with Conway, Arkansas. McAllen and Harlingen were the two least expensive urban areas. Others in the top 10 least costly were Richmond, Indiana; Kalamazoo, Michigan; Tupelo, Mississippi; Cleveland, Tennessee; Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia; and Knoxville, Tennessee. The ranking was among 261 areas that participated in the organization's index for the third quarter of 2016. "The Council for Community and Economic Research produces the 'Cost of Living Index' to provide a useful and accurate measure of living cost differences among urban areas," according to the report. "Items on which the index is based have been carefully chosen to reflect the different categories of consumer expenditures." The report looks at the costs of miscellaneous consumer goods and services, housing, utilities, groceries, transportation and health care. Data, or prices in this instance, are compiled by chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and universities to show costs of 60 different items. Henry Florsheim, CEO and president of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said his organization collects and submits information to the CCER for inclusion in the study. He said the results shows what many in the economic development community here know Wichita Falls is an affordable place for people to live, making it attractive for businesses. "The good thing is this is one of those tools we can use to help educate companies and people on why Wichita Falls is a good place to be," he said. Florsheim said the item is also good for the chamber and Wichita Falls Economic Development Corp. to be able to look at because they can look at specific costs when comparing Wichita Falls to other communities. He said the information can also be used in promotional materials about the city and area. The index isn't just for recruiting businesses either, he said. It can also be used to retain existing businesses, as well as a recruitment tool those existing businesses can use to tell the story of Wichita Falls. "If our existing employers are trying to recruit people to move here from elsewhere, this is a good story to tell," he said. "It's hard at times to recruit someone from a big metro area like (Dallas-Fort Worth) for various reasons, but if we can point to things like very short commute times and low costs of doing business, then that might start to sway some people's attitudes to our favor." Florsheim said businesses considering a new location or relocating can also use the information to determine how the cost of living in a specific area will affect their employees. To see the full report, go to coli.org/products/. Christopher Collins/Times Record News State Rep. Roberto Alonzo (D-Dallas) speaks with a Wichita County democrat in Wichita Falls on Wednesday. SHARE By Christopher Collins of the Times Record News State Rep. Roberto Alonzo (D-Dallas) urged Wichita County democrats on Wednesday to support presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, despite the county's reputation as a stronghold of the GOP. Alonzo stumped for Clinton before an audience of about 25 people at Wichita County Democratic Party headquarters near the intersection of Kemp and Maplewood. In a brief speech, he reminded attendees of presidential battles narrowly won by Texas republicans, such as those in former president Bill Clinton's 1992 and 1996 campaigns. "To me, every single vote counts. Here in Wichita Falls, you're very important," Alonzo said. "When we vote, we vote for the whole state." Alonzo arrived in Wichita Falls the same day a Republican politician with a familiar last name held a fund-raiser in town. Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, grandson and nephew of two former presidents, son of a presidential candidate, entertained supporters at a private residence and was not available for media interviews. Earlier in the week, according to the Dallas Morning News, Bush said that while he does not know how his grandfather, George H. W. Bush, and uncle, George W. Bush, would vote, the two could possibly vote for Clinton. George P. Bush has said he supports Donald Trump for president. As of last week, about 13,200 early, in-person votes had been cast in Wichita County. The specifics of those votes will not be made available until the general election. The Hispanic population in Texas and elsewhere in the country likely will have significant influence in determining the winner of the presidential contest, said Alonzo, who himself is Hispanic. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has not endeared himself with the community by likening its members to "drug dealers, murderers and rapists," Alonzo said. According to the Pew Research Center, about 10.4 million Hispanic people live in Texas and make up about 39 percent of the state's population. In Wichita County, only 19 percent of residents are Hispanic, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Alonzo told attendees Trump is "not qualified" for the office, whereas Clinton "has been there and gets it done." In an interview, the representative said Clinton's email server scandal has detracted from policy debate and that "people are paying attention because it was brought up. In the end, you have to respond to it." Alonzo also was hopeful about the victory of U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego (D-Alpline), who lost his bid for re-election in 2014. Gallego is challenging Republican Will Hurd to win back the 23rd Congressional District, which also would strengthen Democrats' position in Congress. TROY A 22-year-old man was sentenced in Rensselaer County Court to prison on weapons charges Thursday, a spokesman for the Rensselaer County district attorney's office said. Judge Andrew Ceresia sentenced Xavier T. Hilton of Troy to 13 years in prison and five years post-release supervision for second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm. A jury convicted Hilton in September. Nassau It's all about great stories at the Nassau Free Library. As one of 75 Great Stories Club grant recipients selected from across the country by the American Library Association, the library at 18 Church St. is coordinating a reading and discussion program for at-risk teens. "Teenagers are inundated by choices," said Laurenne Teachout, director of the Nassau Free Library. "It is often difficult for them to see the long-term implications of their everyday actions." More Information Reading is key to change For information about the American Library Association's Great Stories Club, click here See More Collapse The nonprofit library partnered with the Berkshire Union Free School District and will use the competitive grant, supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities, to work with groups of six to 10 students. The school supports the Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth, a nonprofit child welfare agency that serves 8,500 children and families from across New York. Students will read and discuss three books, with the theme "The Art of Change: Creation, Growth and Transformation," which feature young adult narrators who use the creative arts to move past challenges. The books are: "Buck: A Memoir" by M.K. Asante; "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie; and "The Complete Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi. Selected by librarian advisers and humanities scholars, the titles were chosen to resonate with reluctant readers who struggle with complex issues like incarceration, violence and poverty. The library received 11 copies of each of book, which were given to book club participants. The grant also provided travel and accommodations for Teachout to attend an orientation workshop over the summer at the American Library Association's annual conference in Orlando, Fla., as well as project materials, training and support. The association is the oldest and largest library organization in the world, with about 62,000 members. Meetings of the Great Stories Club at Berkshire Junior-Senior High School began in September. "We're excited to introduce the participating teens to these three true stories of young people using the arts to respond productively to hardship," Teachout said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. Since its inception in 2006, the Great Stories Club has reached hundreds of libraries in 49 states as well as 30,000 young adult readers and counting. The grant is administered by the American Library Association's Public Programs Office in partnership with the Association for Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies, including the Library Services for Youth in Custody and Library Services to the Incarcerated and Detained interest groups. Teachout said the partnership seemed like a natural extension of the Nassau library's past collaborations with businesses, public schools, literacy groups, clubs and organizations. She added that one of the library's missions is to serve local youth, like teens in the program, who although separated from the library by circumstance, deserve to benefit from its attention and expertise. The Nassau Free Library is collecting small gifts through Dec. 1 to add to the Kids' Holiday Shop, as well as nonperishable food items for the Nassau Resource Center through Nov. 18. For information, go to http://www.nassaufreelibrary.org. jpatterson@timesunion.com @JenSPatterson 518-454-5340 There are fears that Nenagh could lose out on EU funding under a plan by a Brussels committee to switch its focus to major urban areas. The warning comes from local Independent councillor Hughie McGrath, a member of the EU's Committee of the Regions. The committee, which is made up of 350 members, allows local politicans to raise issues in Europe and must be consulted on EU policy. However, this October at its plenary session, the committee announced details of funding for major urban areas and Nenagh would be considered too small under its plans. I feel we are falling between two stools. We are not big enough to be in the urban agenda and we are too big for the rural agenda. That's the fear I have. Europe's urban is 60,000-100,000. Anything below that they see as rural open countryside. They don't get what a small town means in a community. Our Government needs to focus more on the small provincial town and stop the mindset of hubs and strategic towns. All towns are valuable, said Cllr McGrath. Cllr McGrath, who was appointed to the Committee by then Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly in 2015 said his role was to take out issues that he picked up within the council and find out if other countries had similar problems. One of the issues he would like to tackle is to bring home some sort of a grant for shopkeepers that have two storeys that could brought back into residential use, but they don't have the funds or capital funding. There is no incentive and I believe there should be some sort of tax incentive or grant, and, along with the county council stepping up, coming up with some sort of financial break such as while you are building, the council waivers the rates or something. That money would then come from Europe and the council wouldn't lose out. It's a win-win. If you can get shopkeepers to put an apartment overhead you've now brought a family back into the town which would increase footfall, he said. However, I am a small fish in a big pond. Cllr McGrath also fears that if we we become more and more European, we are going to lose a lot of our character. A fear I have is that the local shop will be gone. People will be talking to each other less. They will be doing online shopping and going to bigger outlets at the weekend and the community will fracture after that, he said. That could eventually lead to regions being hollowed out, as Cllr McGrath pointed out that Europe considers Limerick and Kilkenny as towns. Look at the announcement of First Data. We know the shot in the arm it gave the local business community that they are coming to town. The Government should start bringing jobs out of Dublin. It is bursting at the seams. We have a fantastic airport in Shannon. Shannon is just not being used and Shannon would open the whole of region and into Galway. Foynes port also underused. The Government has to start thinking of the regions. He pointed that First Data wil help as people come to live in Nenagh and be part of the local community, but, said that the Government needed EU help with putting in infrastructure such as roads, rail, and, especially broadband. We seem to be Third World in relation to broadband . It is very hard to have any sort of an industry if you don't have good broadband, he said. The Independent councillor is also chair of the joint consultative committee overseeing Montenegro's acccession to the EU in 2020 and attends meeting there to monitor developments. Montenegro is no backward country. Their street lights are solar lights. What we are doing in Nenagh should have been done 20 years ago but there are no votes underground, he said. Cllr McGrathsaid he was enjoying his time in Brussels and the relaxed atmosphere in Europe. But when it comes to pedestrianising our streets to develop a cafe culture, he said: The centres in Europe seem to be more user-friendly and geared towards the pedestrian and not the motorist. It is probably something we need to look at. It is something we will be doing next year with the traffic plan for Nenagh. For centuries the Irish have emigrated all over the world and named many of the places where they settled after towns and districts back home. Sizeable contingents from the same county would often flock to a particular area with the result that generations later, many of their descendants would claim to feel a deep connection and identification with the ancestral homeland even though most may have never visited there themselves. It's a fascinating and often under researched topic but one which is to be the subject of a forthcoming two-part documentary due to be aired on Tipp Mid West Radio when the connections between one such place in America and the Premier County are investigated. Tipperary Hill is a district in city of Syracuse, in Onondaga County in the state of New York. It's located roughly 300 miles inland from both New York City and Boston. Simply put, Tipperary Hill is purported to have got its name because of the sheer amount of immigrants who had settled there by 1860, that came not just from Ireland, but from Co. Tipperary. Not surprisingly the majority of these immigrants arrived during the Famine but the programme reveals that numbers also made the journey from Co. Tipperary during the Revolutionary War of the late 1700s and from 1817 onwards with the construction of the Erie Canal. Today Tipperary Hill is a thriving community with many of its residents extremely conscious and proud of their districts links to those who arrived from the Premier County. A large number of their descendants have also traced their ancestry back to particular areas with Cashel, Thurles, Upperchurch and Ballyporeen amongst the locations pinpointed by interviewees to the programme. In addition to investigating with American contributors what drew these early settlers from Co. Tipperary to the Syracuse area and how they fared when they got there, historians Des Marnane from Tipperary Town and Seamus King in Cashel offer an insight into the kind of place Co. Tipperary was to live, during the first half of the 19th century when the bulk of the emigration was taking place. Des Marnane, well-known for his extensive research into the Famine, also provides some heart wrenching eviction and emigration figures pertinent to the county for the period. The documentary also sheds light on the discrimination faced by the early Irish in the city of Syracuse and investigates the origins of the famous 'Upside Down Traffic Light' in Tipperary Hill which many link to the ancient practice of stone throwing associated with the Premier County. Part one of the revealing documentary entitled Conquering Tipperary Hill' by Tom Hurley was due to be aired on Tipp Mid West Radio on Monday 7th of November at 11.30am. Part two will be broadcast at the same time on the following week. The programmes can be heard outside the county on www.tippmidwestradio.com. Irish Central founder Niall O Dowd has said that Hillary Clinton would be a key ally for Ireland if elected next week as US president. The Thurles born journalist and long time Clinton associate said that Hillarys track record as First Lady and Senator of State have proven her commitment to Ireland and said he foresees her playing an active role in helping the country post Brexit. Hillary would be outstanding. She has an in-depth knowledge and a deep interest [in the country]. I believe on issues such as Brexit she could be very helpful to Ireland, Mr O Dowd told the Tipperary Star. O Dowd also claimed that there could be dreadful implications for Ireland and Irish immigrants in the US if Donald Trump is elected adding that Clintons years of working on Irish immigration issues would result in positive outcomes for the Irish in the US. Mr O Dowd, who spent his early years in Thurles where his father taught Irish in the local vocational school, emigrated to America in 1978 before going on to establish several Irish American newspapers and magazines, and has been a close family friend of the Clintons since 1990 when Bill ran for US president. O Dowd also serves as a member of Clinton's Finance Committee for her campaign trail. Mr O Dowd also predicted Irish Americans to back Clinton on polling day despite earlier polls conducted by Irish Central this year showing a 45 percent voting rate for Trump with Clinton trailing at 41 percent. Initially, a lot of people were interested in Trump but as he has got more erratic and I think the Irish Americans will vote for Clinton. Mr O Dowd also went on to slam Trump labeling him the worst candidate he has ever seen adding that Trump is full of hate and vitriol and that is not the American way. He also said that if elected he did not think Clinton would be as naive as her predecessor Obama who had mistakenly hoped for more cooperation from the Republican party during his presidency. "She has the experience and vision. I think you will see massive public works, a national minimum wage, immigration reform and Obamacare overhaul," he said of Clinton's possible future tenure adding that Clinton would likely play a waiting game once ISIS has been dismantled to see what emerges once militants stand down. "On foreign policy she will defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria and play a waiting game to see what emerges in Syria and then make her move. Unlike Trump she knows the Russians are not interested in helping the situation merely interested in extending their power." Mr O Dowd also spoke about his memories of growing up in Thurles including his trips to the creamery to retrieve milk in a can and watching an All-Ireland match outside an electrical shop in the town between his beloved Tipperary hurling team and Wexford. Tipp hurling has been a passion ever since and I was in Croke Park for the great victory in September, he said. "We were 55 years without any word at all so its nice to be able to tell the aul story now," says retired Corporal Tom Gunn who was one of 155 men from A company who fought in the Siege of Jadotville in 1961. Born in Kilvemnon, Mullinahone Tom was only 15 and a half when he signed up to join the Irish army after a three year stint training to become a Christian Brother in Dublin. If you were well fed and tall enough and could stop a bullet they signed you up, recalls the former army medic who says he joined the army out of sheer necessity. I was too young for England and there was no employment around. Its a thing I never wanted to do but circumstances alter situations as they say. After completing his army training in Clonmel, Tom headed west to Galway to enlist with the Irish speaking Battalion going on to be stationed with the Western Command. After training as a driver he met his wife Teresa and the pair were married in 1959. In June 1961 the 35th Battalion left for the Congo, Toms first time outside of Ireland. It was a completely different world altogether. The congo is as big as western Europe. It was the first time we saw a black man. It took us a while to get acclimatized to the humidity. We were in an abandoned old farm and in fact me and my friend were sleeping in the pig sty. We had no mosquito nets, just our big woolly uniforms. On the morning of September 13 1961, the six day siege began. Tom recalls being in his tent and mistakenly assuming the gunfire was down to someone letting off a few rounds when he was mounting guard. Then I heard the return fire and everything clicked into place. I remember the chaplain going round giving conditional absolution, if you survived the battle youd to tell them your confession. When your afraid you do things faster and without thinking. The first few hours were strange. You never really think of death, you do what your trained to do. The nights were the worst. You couldnt see your finger, you didnt know what was beside you. Every noise was multiplied. If a mouse stirred youd think twas an elephant or the enemy. "There was always hope that the men from B Company would get through to us so it kept us hopeful but they never did and we ran out of water first and then ammunition and then we had no other option only to hand in our arms." When we were taken we all shaved and put on our Sunday best and they paraded us through the town in trucks. Nobody said anything, the townspeople just gaped at us are these the fellas that were fighting for the last week. The film is about 80 percent accurate. They took artistic license on a few things," says Tom indicating a thrilling shot from the movie where a helicopter carrying water is shot down. Tom with 'Siege of Jadotville' star Jamie Dornan at the film premier earlier this year "It wasnt shot down, it landed right in front of the trench I was in. I was one of the first out to try to drink the water but wed to throw it all out as theyd never rinsed out the jerry cans so they were all oil. After opposing forces entered the Irish compound, all 155 soldiers were taken as prisoners of war for six weeks. We never spoke about it. I remember coming home to Mullinahone that December and there was no big fuss about us coming back, no one met us at the station except for our families. I left the army for a few years and I got a job. They all knew I was in the army but I never told anybody I was in Jadotville. I was nearly openly called a coward when I came back by some of the bar stool heros. 55 years is a long time to feel that way, he says. We were awarded with our presidential citation in Atlone last month. The recognition is nice. There's only about 50 soldiers left out of the 155. We all had to be reintroduced again. 55 years is a long time not to see a man. In an Altra Firearms advertisement in the Oct. 22 edition of the Area Shopper, the words Please NO Muslims or Hillary Supporters We dont feel safe selling to terrorists! ran in a yellow banner at the bottom of the ad. Alaska Communications Brings Mobility to Businesses By Alicia Young - Web Editor Even in cold, snowy Alaska, the workforce is becoming increasingly mobile. When conducting business in the state, you need to be prepared for anythingsnow, power outages, extremely cold weather for half the year, etc. Businesses without the right equipment can easily find themselves in trouble if employees cant get to work due to weather or other reasons. Thats why Alaska Communications is now offering Cloud Business Office, a managed IT and connectivity solution, to help Alaska businesses become more productive, collaborative and mobile. Alaska Communications is a provider of advanced broadband and managed IT services for businesses and consumers in Alaska. The company operates a statewide data network and an undersea fiber optic system that connects Alaska to the contiguous U.S. Taking charge of the states connectivity is a big job, and the company is looking to make things easier for everyone involved by investing in Cloud Business Office. The Cloud Business Office package provides businesses with broadband, voice communications, Microsoft Office applications, Microsoft OneDrive storage and support to keep them connected to their customers. So, even if theres a particularly stormy day and employees cant make it to work, they can remain connected to their businessworkers can access files through OneDrive and easily stay in contact with customers. The solution also includes the new Business Internet Plus, which delivers higher upload speeds. Better speed means better productivity, which is essential for any workforce, but especially an increasingly mobile one. Not only should this feature increase productivity, but improve computing efficiency and enhance user experience with cloud applications as well. Business Internet Plus is delivered over a secure connection, so employees dont have to worry about putting information at risk if they are working on the go. Alaska Communications Director of Product Management Jim Gutcher commented on the need for this solution by saying, We understand the importance of flexibilityWith Cloud Business Office, you can conduct business and engage with customers from anywhere, while not being tied to an office. And, best of all, your separate Internet, voice and office applications are combined into one solution with one provider, one invoice and one partner to call. Its all about making connectivity as easy as possible for Alaska businesses, from installation to training to actual use: Alaska Communications is committed to reliability. Cloud Business Office comes with network support, on-site setup, and user training, said Gutcher. We are excited to offer a solution that makes it easy for businesses to take advantage of technology and use the cloud. Please enable JavaScript to view the Edited by Maurice Nagle [November 03, 2016] Unbabel Raises $5 Million to Bring Artificial Intelligence to Global Translation Market Unbabel Inc. (www.unbabel.com), which combines machine learning with crowdsourced human translations, has raised $5 million from lead investors Notion Capital and Caixa Capital, with participation from existing investors including Faber Ventures and Schilling Capital Partners. This brings the three-year-old company's total funding to over $8 million. The company will use the funds to build out the "Unbabel Language Engine" - its proprietary technology platform that combines Natural Language Processing, artificial intelligence, quality estimation algorithms, and a global network of 40,000 human post-editors. This will enable cost-effective, quality translations for conversational content in emails and chat on a global scale. "With a $38 billion market in translation services, it's clear that the expense is huge for any company looking to do business in a multilingual world. However, this market is comprised of an incredibly long tail of high-cost, low-tech, and massively inefficient solutions where the business model is basically 'throw more humans at it,'" explained Vasco Pedro, Co-Founder and CEO of Unbabel. "We still think humans play a hugely important role in the process, but much further up the stack, atop cutting edge tech that does 95% of the job for them. With this approach, we can translate text faster and cheaper, including types of content that were previously seen as untranslatable like emails and chat." "We're hugely impressed by Unbabel's core technology and its early traction with customers like Pinterest, Microsoft (News - Alert) and Skyscanner, as well as the potential for rapid growth through platforms such as Zendesk and Salesforce," said Chris Tottman, Partner at Notion Capital. "We're dedicated to building Europe's next category-leaing SaaS (News - Alert) companies - Unbabel is the undisputed leader in this fast-moving sector, redefining what can be translated and how, and unlocking enormous value in the process. Imagine how much higher global GDP would be if we had no language barriers." A graduate of Y Combinator's 2014 Winter Batch, Unbabel offers APIs for easy integration with companies' internal content creation and translation workflows, with dedicated integrations for Zendesk and Salesforce that enable customer service representatives to deliver multilingual support with just a few clicks. Caixa Capital's Stephan Morais added, "Unbabel is creating fundamentally new ways for businesses to interact with consumers across language barriers and borders. Our investment in Unbabel reinforces Caixa Capital's leading role in funding the best of Portugal's new tech companies." "We're incredibly excited to have closed this new round of investment, and happier still to have a new partner in Notion Capital, who bring a wealth of experience and expertise in Cloud and SaaS and can help us to supercharge our growth efforts and explore new routes to market," said Unbabel CEO's Vasco Pedro. "We've already brought the cost of human translation down by a factor of ten over the past two years, and we're going to do the same again in the next two." About Unbabel: Unbabel builds multilingual understanding between companies and their customers. The Unbabel Language Engine combines machine translation with crowdsourced post-editing to deliver "Translation as a Service", dramatically reducing cost and maintaining human-quality results. The company was founded in August 2013, graduated from Y Combinator's 2014 Winter Batch, and has offices in Lisbon, Portugal and San Francisco, California. About Notion Capital: Notion Capital invests in exceptional entrepreneurs in the enterprise cloud and SaaS markets who have what it takes to transform large, global markets. The Notion team has unmatched expertise having founded, built and exited two highly successful SaaS businesses - Star and MessageLabs. Our portfolio includes Brightpearl, Dealflo, GoCardless, MoveGuides, NewVoiceMedia (News - Alert), The Currency Cloud, Tradeshift, Triptease and Workable. About Caixa Capital: Caixa Capital is the Private Equity and Venture Capital fund management company of Portugal's largest banking group Caixa Geral de Depositos, present in over 20 countries. Caixa Capital is a pioneering operator in the Portuguese market, with 500 million Euros under management and a total potential capital of 700 million euros for its managed funds . Caixa Capital's Venture Capital team partners with international funds to support global expansion of Portugal related startups with team members specialized in ICT, digital, health tech, engineering and cleantech. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005153/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations David Pressman to Join Boies, Schiller & Flexner Boies, Schiller & Flexner is pleased to announce that United States Ambassador to the United Nations for Special Political Affairs David Pressman will join the firm's New York City Office as a partner. Ambassador Pressman's practice will focus on complex international disputes, litigation and arbitration, white collar defense, and crisis management. Ambassador Pressman brings to the firm a distinguished record as a litigator, policymaker, and international negotiator. He was appointed by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate to represent the United States on the United Nations Security Council. On the Security Council, Ambassador Pressman has been the senior U.S. negotiator on international disputes around the world, from Europe to East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa to the Middle East. Commenting on his "strategic counsel, intellectual rigor, and lawyerly powers of persuasion," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power said in a statement about Ambassador Pressman that "he has spearheaded negotiations [for the United States] on some of the toughest international disputes that exist and has done so with great success." Boies, Schiller & Flexner Chairman David Boies added: "Ambassador Pressman is an extraordinary lawyer and a formidable advocate. His counsel has been sought out by some of the most influential people in the world because of his distinguished record of delivering practical and meaningful results, both inside and outside the courtroom. For clients navigating sensitive global disputes, Ambassador Pressman brings invaluable and unique perspective and a proven record of solving very hard problems. I am delighted to welcome him to the firm." Ambassador Pressman previously served on the senior leadership team of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), one of the largest law enforement agencies in the United States. As Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, Pressman led the Department's Office of Policy Development responsible for formulating and advancing policy and regulations on complex legal and security issues including matters related to sanctions, export controls, customs, foreign investment in the United States, transnational criminal investigations, cybersecurity, immigration, and related homeland security challenges. Ambassador Pressman also served on the National Security Council at the White House working on matters related to international criminal law. For clients seeking to resolve disputes with foreign governments or mitigate risks related to international trade, sanctions, corruption, and transnational investigations; or for sovereign clients seeking to navigate international litigation or related international entities, Ambassador Pressman offers a unique set of experiences and record of achievement. As a litigator in private practice, Ambassador Pressman has represented clients in challenging, high-profile, and complex criminal and civil litigation while affiliated with a well-known civil rights and criminal defense boutique in New York City. He also served as staff counsel with the American Civil Liberties Union in Chicago. He has overturned multiple murder convictions of wrongfully convicted clients who had served decades in prison for crimes they did not commit. "I am thrilled to join a team of enormously talented and innovative global litigators who are outcome-oriented in their approach to resolving clients' increasingly transnational problems," Ambassador Pressman said. Ambassador Pressman will also be serving as the Executive Director of the recently established Clooney Foundation for Justice. Pressman has advised a diverse set of highly-visible and prominent individuals on international strategy. With George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, and producer Jerry Weintraub, Pressman co-founded Not On Our Watch -an international advocacy and grant-making organization designed to focus global attention and resources on mass atrocities and gross violations of international human rights. Ambassador Pressman received his B.A. from Brown University and graduated magna cum laude and Order of the Coif from New York University School of Law. About Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP Boies, Schiller & Flexner (www.bsfllp.com) is one of the premier law firms based in the United States, regularly serving as lead counsel in the biggest, highest-profile disputes and representing some of the world's largest and most sophisticated organizations when the results matter most. Follow the firm on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005251/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 02, 2016] New Research from Cerulli Associates and Everplans Explores Relationship between Advisors and Client Heirs; Concludes AUM at Risk NEW YORK, Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- While many advisor-client relationships weaken with each passing generation, overall, a majority of advisors believe they will continue to manage at least a part of their clients' assets for multiple generations, according to new research released today by Everplans, the online estate and legacy planning platform, and Cerulli Associates, a global research and consulting firm that specializes in worldwide asset management and distribution analytics. Of the more than 200 financial advisors surveyed, 90 percent believe they will continue to manage at least a portion or all of the assets once passed on to their clients' children, despite the fact that only seven percent of clients' children know the advisor. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435471 "In a relationship-focused business, advisors must make time for building better relationships not just better businesses," said Everplans co-founder and co-CEO Abby Schneiderman. "Advisors inherently understand that they should be focusing on the next generation, but turning those good intentions into action is sometimes easier said than done. Everplans' holistic planning tool helps advisors have more meaningful conversations with clients and can be the perfect ice breaker in establishing good relationships with spouses as well as the next generation." A vast majority of advisors (95 percent) has a relationship with their clients' spouses, but only two-thirds of their clients' spouses are clients of the advisor. Still, 75 percent of advisors surveyed remain confident that when their clients pass, spouses will keep assets with the advisor, even if they weren't the primary client. What if the money is passed to a grandchild? Half of all advisors believe the assets will stay right where they are even though 92 percent of advisors are unacquainted or only quasi-acquainted with their clients' grandchildren. "What we have here is a case of wishful thinking," said Donnie Ethier, associate director, high-net-worth wealth management at Cerulli Associates. "Advisors today are under a tremendous amount of pressure regulatory concerns, performance and returns, and just the general stress of running a business. These numbers should be a harsh reminder that while everyone is facing increased competition, it's important to maintain your relationships if you wish to continue to grow your AUM." COMMUNICATION CRITICAL While advisors indicated that they do not routinely collaborate with clients' other advisors on estate planning documents (e.g., attorney, CPA), upon the death of a client or their spouse, more than 20 percent of time is spent consulting/advising with other professionals. Similarly, 27.6 percent of their time is spent communicating with spouses and heirs to retain the inherited assets under advisement. After a death, it can be a time consuming task to coordinate and organize affairs. On average, advisors spend 16 hours compiling docments, consulting with other professionals, and distributing assets when a client passes away. For larger firms (with more than $500 million AUM), the time it takes to assemble key documents increases to an average of nearly 22 hours. The highest number of hours by a single advisory firm, as indicated in the survey responses, was 700 hours. Bill Leeb, president of Financial Council, Inc. began offering Everplans to his clients in 2015. "For years, our firm had been seeking a method of strengthening the life and legacy planning branch of our service tree. Everplans has proven to be exactly what we were looking for, and so much more! Through our partnership with Everplans, we are able to dig even deeper in our efforts to build trust and take a 360 degree approach to our clients' financial lives," said Leeb. "With Everplans, our involvement as their financial advisor prompts deeper, forward-thinking conversations that become as natural, and as critical, as any of our financial discussions." Advisors commonly document many aspects of their clients' financial lives, including held-away assets (89 percent), mortgages/loans (79 percent) and banking/credit card information (55 percent). However, there are some topics advisors don't routinely address as a part of their estate planning process but can be critical information for heirs, such as access to utility bills and digital accounts or details of funeral preferences. BUILDING NEW RELATIONSHIPS Some advisors, including many who use Everplans with their clients, have found the key to developing a business relationship with the next generation of clients is to simply ask. Nearly 70 percent of advisors ask their clients and spouses to get their children involved. Other top tactics advisors utilize to bridge the relationship gap include: Seek to involve future generations from the outset of the client relationship (42 percent) Host informational sessions with children of current and potential clients, focusing on understanding and managing wealth (38 percent) Financial, estate and insurance professionals can request a demo of the Everplans Professional platform at www.everplans.com/professional. ABOUT EVERPLANS Everplans is the leading online planning and organization platform that helps people create, store, and securely share all of the important plans and information their family will need in the future. Through a combination of original content, a personalized guidance engine, an intuitively organized digital vault, and an enterprise platform for professionals, Everplans helps people create an estate plan that aggregates financial, health, personal, digital, and legacy information in one simple and accessible place. The company was founded by Adam Seifer and Abby Schneiderman, entrepreneurs with a passion for helping people and a proven track record of creating successful online communities. For more information, please visit www.everplans.com. ABOUT CERULLI ASSOCIATES Founded in 1992, Cerulli Associates is a Boston-, London-, and Singapore-based research and consulting firm specializing in asset management and distribution trends worldwide. Cerulli blends original research and data analysis to bring perspective to current market conditions and forecasts for future developments. Through our research publications, data platforms, custom research, and strategic consulting, we provide financial services firms with guidance in strategic positioning and new business development. Our repeatable, two-pronged proprietary research process (interviews and surveys) serves as the foundation of our published research and custom projects and provides clients with the necessary context, intelligence, and key implications to navigate today's and tomorrow's market environment. Cerulli's core product lines are complementary and are subscription-based. They include Cerulli Reports, The Cerulli Edge series, and Cerulli Lodestar. For more information, please visit www.cerulli.com. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The research was commissioned by Everplans, the online estate and legacy planning platform, in partnership with Cerulli Associates, a global research and consulting firm that specializes in worldwide asset management and distribution analytics. The study was conducted from August through September, 2016 as part of Cerulli's annual advisor survey. Asset information was self-reported by the respondents. Dedicated quantitative analysts reviewed all data for accuracy; survey analysts managed the distribution and data collection; and a survey review group ensured consistency and quality with all other Cerulli surveys. On average, advisors surveyed manage individual accounts of approximately $1.4 million with a minimum account size of $285,000, while the firms for which they work manage on average $1.1 billion in assets. Jennifer Newman Everplans 917-587-9462 [email protected] Jessica Taylor Impact Communications 913-649-5009 [email protected] This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-research-from-cerulli-associates-and-everplans-explores-relationship-between-advisors-and-client-heirs-concludes-aum-at-risk-300356275.html SOURCE Everplans [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 02, 2016] McLaren Health Care Names Robert Flora Chief Academic Officer/Designated Institutional Officer Robert F. Flora, M.D., MBA, MPH, has been appointed chief academic officer/designated institutional officer (CAO/DIO) for McLaren Health Care Corp., effective Oct. 17, 2016. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161102006862/en/ Dr. Robert F. Flora, a 20-year health care professional veteran, is the first C-suite-level academic officer/designated institutional officer for the Flint, Michigan-based McLaren Health Care Corp. (Photo: Business Wire) "Robert Flora is a highly accomplished medical professional with an impressive background in graduate medical education administration," said Michael McKenna, M.D., executive vice president and chief medical officer, McLaren Health Care. "In addition to his extensive academic appointments, publications, research grants, honors and activities, his track record as a medical education administrator has been exceptional, and his knowledge and experience certainly will be great assets for McLaren Health Care." Flora's responsibilities include administering all McLaren Health Care graduate medical education (GME) programs; ensuring McLaren meets all applicable requirements set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education as well as other professional, educational, accreditation and regulatory standards; and supervising all academic-related scholarly activity within the MLaren system and as it relates to its clinical and academic partners. With a career that spans more than 20 years in health care, Flora comes to McLaren from Providence-Providence Park Hospital in Southfield and in Novi, where he served as director of medical education and DIO. Currently, he holds the position of professor and associate chair for education of obstetrics and gynecology at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. In 2015, Flora worked to expand the College of Human Medicine, managing the development of its campus in Southeast Michigan. Prior to his employment at Providence, Flora served as professor and vice chair, obstetrics and gynecology, at Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio. From 1997 to 2012, he worked as founding section chief of urogynecology and reconstruction pelvic surgery at Summa Health System, Akron, Ohio. "I am very excited about the opportunities I am being given at McLaren," Flora said. "McLaren Health Care is positioning itself to address the changes in the way health care is going to be delivered. They truly are working toward the triple aim of better population health, better patient experience, and reducing cost while maintaining quality and patient satisfaction. The responsibility of training medical students and resident physicians toward the triple aim is my way of paying back the opportunities that have been given to me during my clinical years." Flora, 55, holds an MBA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as well as a master's degree in public health from the University of Akron/Northeast Ohio Medical University. He completed his medical degree and residency training at the Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, and fellowship training in Connecticut and New York. He is board certified in public health, obstetrics and gynecology, as well as in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Flora resides in Novi with his wife, Linda, who also is an OB-GYN physician. They have one daughter, Jenna, who is pursuing a graduate degree in business at Michigan State University. About McLaren Health Care McLaren Health Care, headquartered in Flint, Michigan, is a fully integrated health network committed to quality evidence-based patient care and cost efficiency. The McLaren system includes 12 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, an employed primary care physician network, commercial and Medicaid HMOs covering more than 250,000 lives, home health and hospice providers, retail medical equipment showrooms, pharmacy services, and a wholly owned medical malpractice insurance company. McLaren operates Michigan's largest network of cancer centers and providers, anchored by the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, one of only 45 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive centers in the U.S. McLaren has 22,000 employees and more than 40,000 network providers. Its operations are housed in more than 350 facilities serving the entire Lower Peninsula of the state of Michigan along with a portion of the Upper Peninsula. Learn more at mclaren.org. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161102006862/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 02, 2016] Fitch Affirms John Knox Village (FL) Rev Bonds at 'A-'; Stable Outlook Fitch Ratings has affirmed the 'A-' rating on the following bonds issued on behalf of John Knox Village (JKV): --$24,300,000 Pompano Beach (FL) (John Knox Village of Florida, Inc Project) health facilities revenue refunding bonds series 2010 (privately placed with PNC (News - Alert) Bank); --$31,795,000 Pompano Beach (FL) (John Knox Village Project) revenue bonds series 2015 The Rating Outlook is Stable. SECURITY Gross revenue pledge and a security interest in certain mortgaged property of the obligated group. KEY RATING DRIVERS GOOD LIQUIDITY AND DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE: JKV's 'A-' rating is supported by good liquidity metrics and solid debt service coverage ratios that are all in line with the 'A' category medians. MAJOR PROJECT COMPLETE: At the time of Fitch's last review in November 2014, JKV issued series 2015 bonds to fund the majority of the cost of a new skilled nursing facility (SNF; the Woodlands), which incorporates the Green House model featuring 144 private rooms in a home-like environment. The facility opened in June 2016, approximately three months behind schedule, but was still within budget. Total SNF capacity has increased to 194 beds from 155. The overall transition to the new facility has been successful and there is a focus on growing its short-term rehab business. CONSISTENT OCCUPANCY: JKV has 687 independent living units (ILUs) and ILU occupancy has consistently been in the high 80% range and was 85.9% through the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2016. Assisted living units (ALU) occupancy was 93.8% through the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2016. SNF occupancy dropped to 83.1% (based on weighted average of available units) through the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2016 from 88.6% in 2015 as the organization transitions to its new SNF. RELIANCE ON (News - Alert) ENTRANCE FEES: JKV's operating ratio has deteriorated over the last 18 months and was 108.2% through the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 105% in 2015 compared to 101% in 2014 and the Type A median of 98.7%. Revenue-only coverage is now negative, which is a concern and highlights JKV's dependence on turnover entrance fees to cover debt service. CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN PLANT: There have been strategic changes to the renovation process, as the organization has decided to take small studios and efficiencies off the market. There is a concerted effort to combine these units as well as renovate and upgrade units upon turnover, which is expected to improve JKV's marketability, as well as generate higher revenue. GOOD MARKET POSITION: JKV is the only continuing care retirement community (CCRC) within a five-mile radius of its location in Pompano Beach, FL with 85% of its residents originating within eight miles. RATING SENSITIVITIES FUTURE CAPITAL PLANS: Fitch expects John Knox Village's profitability to improve as the Woodlands ramps up operations. There are no major projects that have been approved; however, the organization constantly evaluates campus needs. Fitch believes John Knox Village has limited debt capacity at the current rating level. CREDIT PROFILE JKV is a Type A CCRC located in Pompano Beach, FL, approximately eight miles north of downtown Fort Lauderdale, with 687 ILUs, 64 ALUs, and 194 skilled nursing beds. JKV is one of the largest single-site communities in the nation and offers a nonrefundable entrance fee contract. JKV is the only member of the obligated group (OG). Fitch used consolidated financials, which include two non-OG subsidiaries. The OG accounted for 95% of total assets and all of the revenue in fiscal 2015 (Dec. 31 year-end). Total operating revenue was $47.8 million in 2015. There have been some leadership changes with the retirement of the president in September 2015; however, succession planning has been in place as the then COO also had the CEO title. In September 2015, the then CEO/COO assumed the role of president/CEO and there have been several new hires at the director level of various departments including dining, marketing, operations, wellness, human resources, and home and community -based services. WOODLANDS FACILITY The Woodlands project was within the budgeted ($35 million) despite being slightly delayed. The project cost was funded from the series 2015 bonds ($30 million) and funds raised by the Foundation ($5 million). The new skilled nursing facility opened on June 20, 2016 under a temporary certificate of occupancy and existing SNF residents from the legacy building were transferred between June and August. With the additional capacity - there is a focus on growing the Medicare short-term rehab business and there is staffing in place that have experience with bundled payments and fostering relationships with hospitals. The SNF currently has five stars from CMS. SNF revenue accounted for only 8% of overall net resident service revenue with almost 50% from Medicare. Fitch will monitor JKV's growing exposure to the changing landscape with Medicare short-stays. Approximately 35 residents remain in the legacy building and there are longer term plans to renovate the legacy building into the same model (Green House) as the Woodlands and potentially expand into hospice care. These plans are preliminary. ONGOING CAPITAL SPENDING A capital plan was not available; however, management expects capital spending over the next year to be around $9 million. The current focus is on combining smaller units and the total number of ILUs has declined to 687 at Sept. 30, 2016 from 719 in 2015 and 742 in 2010. GOOD LIQUIDITY At June 30, 2016, JKV had $69 million of unrestricted cash and investments (includes state minimum liquid reserve), which equaled 608 days cash on hand and 123.1% cash-to-debt consistent with the 'A' category median of 671 and 116.5%, respectively. JKV has a DCOH covenant of 100 days (excludes state minimum liquid reserve) and the covenant calculation at June 30, 2016 was 495.7. RELIANCE ON ENTRANCE FEES Profitabilit has declined due to higher expenses related to the opening of Woodlands. Fitch expects this to rebound as the Woodlands project ramps up operations. Net operating margin was negative 10.6% through the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to negative 8% in 2015 and negative 3.8% in 2014. There is a dependence on entrance fees to cover debt service, but this concern is somewhat mitigated by the nonrefundable contract. CCRC net available was $13.4 million in 2015, of which $14.6 million was from turnover entrance fees. Through the six months ended June 30, 2016, CCRC net available was $4.9 million with $5.2 million from turnover entrance fees. Debt service coverage remains solid at 2.8x through the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the 'A' category median of 3x but revenue-only coverage was negative 0.2x compared to the 'A' category median of 1.2x and the Type A median of 0.7x. DEBT PROFILE JKV has $56 million of long-term debt outstanding, which is 56.7% fixed rate and 43.3% variable rate ($24.3 million; series 2010). The series 2010 bonds are directly placed with PNC and have a mandatory tender in 2024. The bank documents have more stringent covenants than the MTI (News - Alert) including a rating covenant, 200 days cash on hand (100 under MTI) and 1.2x debt service coverage (1.1x under MTI). Fitch used maximum annual debt service (MADS) of $3.565 million, which incorporates the amortization of the series 2010 bonds through 2035. JKV's debt burden is manageable and MADS accounted for 7.4% of total revenue in 2015 compared to the A category median of 8.6%. DISCLOSURE JKV covenants to provide OG annual disclosure within 150 days of each fiscal year-end and quarterly disclosure within 45 days of the end of the first three fiscal quarters and within 60 days of the fourth fiscal quarter-end. Additional information is available at www.fitchratings.com Applicable Criteria Not-for-Profit Continuing Care Retirement Communities Rating Criteria (pub. 04 Aug 2015) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/868824 Revenue-Supported Rating Criteria (pub. 16 Jun 2014) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/750012 Additional Disclosures Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1014236 Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1014236 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 THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEB SITE AT WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM. 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View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161102006864/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 02, 2016] NFP to Host Third Quarter 2016 Earnings Call on November 9, 2016 NFP, a leading insurance broker and consultant that provides employee benefits, property & casualty, retirement and individual private client solutions, will post its third quarter 2016 earnings results the evening of November 8, 2016, to a password-protected website hosted by www.intralinks.com. In addition, NFP will host a live conference call to discuss the third quarter results on November 9, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. ET. Interested parties can request access to NFP earnings results and the conference call by contacting NFP at [email protected] or 212-301-1088. About NFP At NFP Corp., our solutions and expertise are matched ony by our personal commitment to each client's goals. We're a leading insurance broker and consultant that provides employee benefits, property & casualty, retirement and individual private client solutions through our licensed subsidiaries and affiliates. NFP has more than 3,400 employees and global capabilities. Our expansive reach gives us access to highly rated insurers, vendors and financial institutions in the industry, while our locally based employees tailor each solution to meet our clients' needs. We've become one of the largest insurance brokerage, consulting and wealth management firms by building enduring relationships with our clients and helping them realize their goals. Recently NFP was ranked the 2nd fastest-growing US large-group employee benefits brokers by Employee Benefit Adviser. In addition, Business Insurance ranked us as the 5th largest global benefits broker by revenue, the 4th largest US-based privately owned broker and the 11th largest broker of US business. PlanSponsor ranked us the 5th largest executive benefits provider of nonqualified deferred compensation by number of plans, and we were ranked 11th in personal lines P&C revenue by Insurance Journal. For more information, visit NFP.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161102006874/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 02, 2016] Australia - Telco Company Profiles - 2nd Tier LONDON, Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Enormous Market Consolidation Continues in the 2nd Tier Market Developments in this market have been dominated by industry consolidation, a process that is set to continue over coming years. Moving towards a structurally separated regulatory environment with a NBN at the horizon, size really does matter. The second tier market continues to grow strongly, in particular from Vocus and TPG, both of which continue to grow through increased scale via mergers and acquisitions. The market reached approaching $5 billion in 2016 with an annual growth rate of over 10% Growth is anticipated to subside over the next year due to market consolidation and a maturing market. The Vocus / Merger with M2 creates Australias fourth-largest telecommunications company and the third-largest in New Zealand. It sees a welcome strengthening of the competitive environment in Australia. The telecoms market has developed more and more into a utilities market, and in such markets size matters. It will allow the combined entity to be more efficient and more effective. While the TPG/iiNet merger brought two similar companies together, and as such potentially reduced the number of players in the market, the Vocus/M2 combination brings two different companies together one operating in the business market and one operating in the retail market. This will allow the companies to share resources and attract better deals from the various ICT (wholesale) providers they do business with. TPG Telecom (iiNet) TPG Telecom Limited provides telecoms and multimedia services in the Australian marketplace. In August 2015 TPG acquired local ISP iiNet. TPG is now Australias second-biggest provider of fixed-line broadband in Australia with over 1.7 million customers. Services including voice, internet and data solutions are provided to a customer base ranging from the consumer market through to small and medium enterprises, corporate and government sectors. The company also owns a cloud-hosting company and the PIPE network infrastructure that includes the third largest domestic dark-fibre operation and the submarine cable network to Guam, Asia and the United States. The company is delivering an extensive FttB service to apartment buildings in capital cities, offering broadband at 100Mb/s at a price which undercuts existing offers from rival ISPs. TPG has also secured spectrum in the 2.5GHz band to bolster its wireless broadband capabilities, and has committed to investing in additional capacity on the subsea cable linking to New Zealand and the US West Coast. The company has the largest data network and voice network after Telstra, the largest fully converged voice, video and data IP-based access network in regional Australia, and the largest voice-enabled IP network. The company's capabilities and reach were enhanced following its $450 million acquisition of AAPT's wholesale and business services from Telecom New Zealand, completed in February 2014. In 2015 TPG created a new retail arm to sell its wholesale fibre-t-the-basement product to residential customers. TPG is also active in New Zealand where it is eying potential acquisitions, both Vodafone New Zealand and 2 Degrees have been rumoured to be on the company's hit list. Also late 2016 TPG made a surprise move TPG to become a fourth player in the Singapore mobile market. Vocus (M2) Vocus is an Australian based telecommunications provider with offices in Australia and New Zealand . Its services include co-location, internet, voice, fibre and ethernet services. Vocus merged with M2 Communications in 2016 and acquired Amcom in 2015, a second-tier telecommunications carrier providing fibre, cloud services, IP voice solutions, broadband, data centre, and internet services to corporate and government.Vocus' core business centres around its carrier-grade fibre network. Services include dark fibre access, data centre services, IP Transit, Ethernet, wholesale DSL, wholesale voice and internet peering. The Vocus / Merger with M2 creates Australias fourth-largest telecommunications company and the third-largest in New Zealand . It sees a welcome strengthening of the competitive environment in Australia . The telecoms market has developed more and more into a utilities market, and in such markets size matters. It will allow the combined entity to be more efficient and more effective. The financial results of the telcos now all depend on who is the most cost-effective. They are both entrepreneurial companies and so they will be able to bring innovative new products and services to the market at attractive prices. Vocus' acquisition of Nextgen Networks in June 2016 , will seriously lift its position as an infrastructure based telco. The acquisition is the next and perhaps final part of a the company's strategic plan that has also seen his firm expand geographically with the previous acquisition of Amcom and FX Networks, and diversify into the consumer space via its merger with M2. While the TPG/iiNet merger brought two similar companies together, and as such potentially reduced the number of players in the market, the Vocus/M2 combination brings two different companies together one operating in the business market and one operating in the retail market. This will allow the companies to share resources and attract better deals from the various ICT (wholesale) providers they do business with. Nextgen Networks Nextgen Networks (Nextgen) is a licensed telecommunications carrier and the company specialises in data services for carriers, service providers, government and corporations. The company was also awarded an RSP license for the NBN Co trial areas. Nextgen owns and operates one of Australia's largest national fibre networks, of over 19,000km of fibre rings. It also operates data centre assets in all capital cities. A majority share of Leighton Holdings' telecom assets was sold in mid-2013 to a Canadian pension fund, and was subsequently rebranded as Nextgen Group Holdings.The fibre network runs between the country's principal capital cities of Brisbane , Sydney , Melbourne , Adelaide , Perth and Darwin and has links to nodes in regional cities and centres. The company has an extensive national Virtual Private LAN Service switched data network, the first such in Australia . The VPLS network allowed the company to become a full data service provider to the broader Australian market. Nextgen has rolled out around 6,000km of a fibre backhaul link to Darwin, which it manages on behalf of NBN Co as part of the Regional Backbone Blackspots Program. The Perth - Singapore submarine cable, being managed by Nextgen's subsidiary ASC International, secured landing permits in early 2014, so enabling the operator to proceed with the construction phase. In June 2016 Vocus Communications confirmed the $807 million acquisition of Nextgen. Macquarie Telecom Macquarie Telecom is an integrated telco providing a full range of hosting, data, voice and mobile services to the business and government market. It also offers a range of cloud services including security, storage, backup-as-a-service and virtual hosting / data centre services. Established in 1992, Macquarie Telecom was one of the first telecommunication providers of the deregulated era and successfully publicly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in late 1999. Macquarie's two key target markets are Australian mid-size corporates and the government sector. A third data centre, in Canberra bolstered the company's hosting and cloud-based services, which remain the main focus of its strategy for growth. Macquarie Telecom sold its Intellicentre 2 datacentre to Keppel DC, a Singapore real estate investment trust. In 2016 Macquarie Telecom created three new brands: Macquarie Telecom, focused on mid-large sized business customers; Macquarie Cloud Services, focussed on tech businesses and Digi SaaS customers; and Macquarie Government, focussed on cyber security and cloud for Government customers. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/2448873/ 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 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/australia---telco-company-profiles---2nd-tier-300356396.html SOURCE ReportBuyer [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 02, 2016] NeoCell Celebrates #1 Collagen Position by Paying It Forward NeoCell Corporation, a leading manufacturer of collagen support products for over 2 decades, continues to be ranked the nation's number one selling collagen brand in the collagen category according to research data compiled by SPINS, an information research and consulting company who specializes in the natural products industry in the US market. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161102006879/en/ Jessica Mulligan, NeoCell's Global Vice President, in the field with Vitamin Angels in Peru. Photo credit - Matt Dayka (Photo: Business Wire) NeoCell possesses the top four spots when ranked by item in the Collagen category. NeoCell Super Collagen Powder being the frontrunner owning the number one spot, NeoCell Super Collagen 250 and 120 tablets holding the number two and three spots, respectively. NeoCell Beauty Bursts Collagen Soft chews come in at the number four spot. "We are thrilled to see that in spite of an increasingly competitive category, NeoCell continues to have strong growth. Internally, we put a high focus on ingredients, innovation and education. This steadfast focus on these three pillars has earned the trust of our existing customer base and at the same time, allows new customers to discover the incredible benefits of NeoCell Collagen," says Global Vice President Jessica Mulligan. NeoCell announced today that they plan to pay this good news forward. For every NeoCell bottle sold in the next 3 months, the company will donate to Vitamin Angels. Each donation will give one child the life-changing nutrients it needs to survive and thrive. "Our continued success only fuels us to give back more. We are proud to announce that we will hit our goal and have helped over 1.75 million lives since partnering with Vitamin Angels. Giving is beautiful, and we are happy to spread this beauty worldwide," says Mulligan. About SPINS -Since 1995, SPINS has provided quantifiable information on Natural Product Industry sales across retail channels and on consumer and market dynamics underlying the industry's rapid growth. About NEOCELL- NeoCell is the originator and industry authority on solutions that promote vital collagen health and the America's #1 Collagen brand. Healthy collagen is crucial to overall health. With every product we develop, we maintain that as our vision so that people at all stages of life can live with confidence and vitality. Headquartered in Southern California, NeoCell products are available at Whole Foods Market, GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, CVS, Walgreens and health and natural product retailers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.neocell.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161102006879/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 02, 2016] InnovaCare, Inc. Receives Extension from Lenders InnovaCare, Inc., a leading provider of Medicare and Medicaid healthcare insurance services, announced today that it has entered into an amendment with its lenders to extend the maturity of the Company's outstanding indebtedness. Under the terms of the agreement, the maturity of InnovaCare's $300 million of indebtedness has been extended from December 2016 to June 30, 2019. In connection with the agreement, InnovaCare made a principal prepayment of $40 million and has agreed to a fixed amortization schedule commencing in 2018. "We are very pleased to reach agreement with our lenders on this term extension," InnovaCare Chief Executive Officer Dr. Richard Shinto said. "The agreement reflects the continuing strength of our healthcare business in Puerto Rico and the high quality of serviceswe provide to over 475,000 Medicare Advantage and Medicaid beneficiaries." Douglas Malton, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, added: "Coupled with sustained growth in EBITDA over the past two years, the establishment of a profitable Medicaid business in 2015 and the second consecutive 4 Star rating from CMS, the support of our lenders on this term extension provides the Company with substantial flexibility as we continue to capitalize on various opportunities to sustain and grow our business over the next two years." About InnovaCare InnovaCare, Inc. is the parent company of healthcare insurers MMM Healthcare, LLC, PMC Medicare Choice, LLC and MMM Multi Health, LLC, which together constitute the largest Medicare Advantage and Medicaid insurance organization in Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.innovacarehealth.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161102006898/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] TUV Rheinland Celebrates 30th Anniversary In Taiwan, Lights Sky Lantern for A Better Tomorrow TAIPEI, Taiwan, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Since its establishment in 1986, TUV Rheinland Taiwan has always striven to be the leader in safety and quality. For its 30th anniversary this year, a series of internal and public celebrations were held. The 30th anniversary evening banquet was held at the Taipei Marriott Hotel, in the fifth-floor Grand Ballroom, on October 28. The sky lantern was chosen as the theme of the banquet, symbolizing well-wishes, and many external guests, customers, and employees were invited to take part in the event together, in a fitting finale to the year's anniversary celebrations. Mr. Ralf Scheller, who has now been promoted to Chief Operating Officer of TUV Rheinland Group, served as managing director of the Taiwan branch many years ago, and has a long association with the island. Mr. Scheller not only thanked Taiwanese employees, customers, and friends in all sectors for their support on behalf of the TUV Rheinland Group, but also talked about the key milestones in recent years and the future focus of development. Over its 30 years of local development, TUV Rheinland Taiwan has gradually expanded from two German engineers sent to Taiwan to a team of more than 450 people. Its service portfolio encompasses a variety of different solutions in information technology, railways, food, system certification, used-car certification, environmental protection and energy, industrial services, and lifestyle products. These help to realize its mission of a better society by introducing international experience to Taiwan and delivering the value of Taiwan to the world. This has both helped to promote international exchange and also raised Taiwan's profile. Old photos from the past touched the hearts of employees and guests alike, awakening fond memories. A series of celebrations were undertaken with much success, including the request for time-capsule photos and voting. This activity generated an enthusiastic response from employees; many participants submitted special memories from their years with TUUV employees, and how marvelous the history of TUV Rheinland in Taiwan has been. The support and trust of customers is the engine of business growth. Winning the heart of customers in particular takes commitment and hard work from all employees, so that customer satisfaction can be converted to customer loyalty. "We've been working together for 22 years," said Tain-Rong Chen, Senior General Manager at Walsin Lihwa Corporation. "From ISO 9001 to PED, we have invited TUV Rheinland to handle our certification every time. A lot of these certifications were originally for the EU market, because it has the strictest standards. If we have had inspection-related questions, our first port of call has always been TUV Rheinland." MEAN WELL is another long-time customer, which began working with TUV Rheinland over 25 years ago as a small start-up and is now an international enterprise. Company founder Jerry Lin talked about his insights from years of cooperation on product-safety standards through to management systems: "TUV Rheinland's rigor and commitment means no detail is left to check. This ensures that our products comply with global requirements. It is also how MEAN WELL has become one of the leading brands for power supplies in Europe." TUV Rheinland Taiwan has worked over the years to understand its customers in every industry and to continuously incorporate their requirements into its service offerings in order to lay the foundations for mutual success. In the future, the pace of reforms will be accelerated under the "Do it. Best!" concept, guided by the 2020 targets set by the head office and the new organizational reform strategy. "TUV Rheinland Taiwan will enter a new stage," said Max Lyou, Managing Director of TUV Rheinland Taiwan. "We now want to be more than just a follower in product-safety standards. We want to become a pioneer in social safety. We hope that we can continue to channel energy for safety, sustainability, energy, and environmental protection to individuals, companies, and society as a whole." Taiwan's electronics and information industries have long enjoyed worldwide renown. Now that consumer electronics has entered the maturity phase, PCs are changing from being heavy, cumbersome computers, with usage moving into the ubiquitous cloud age. Emerging fields such as smart cities, smart homes, smart cars, smart wearable devices, smart robots, and virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality (AR) have all produced new products for which no safety standards previously existed. This in turn means that a strengthening of digital, energy, and infrastructure, as well as investments in supply-chain services, will play an important role in future development. TUV Rheinland Taiwan started out providing only localized services for export to Germany. This eventually grew to providing one-stop certification services for multiple countries and inspection requirements. By helping Taiwanese companies achieve explosive growth in the competitiveness of their exports, TUV Rheinland has in essence witnessed the rise and triumph of the Taiwanese ICT industry. Even today, TUV Rheinland still leads the industry in number of electrical and electronic specialists. At 30 years of age, TUV Rheinland Taiwan remains quite youthful in comparison to the TUV Rheinland Group, with its 140 years of history. It will continue to contribute its efforts to Taiwan and the Greater China region, while also helping companies accelerate their pace of globalization. The corporate "Precisely Right" spirit, and a corporate culture of innovation and safety, will be leveraged to create services that better meet the needs of users. TUV Rheinland has since its founding enjoyed support and recognition from all sectors. In the future, it will continue to build upon existing foundations, and engage in the pursuit of excellence with the goal of achieving a balance between man, technology and the environment. The 30th anniversary video: https://youtu.be/hUyHbkAn1rY About TUV Rheinland Taiwan With 30 years of history, TUV Rheinland Taiwan was the first branch set up by TUV Rheinland Group, an internationally renowned independent third-party testing and certification body, in the Greater China region. It has more than 450 employees and 13 laboratories, including chemical, food safety, electronics and electrical appliances, machinery, ergonomics, and optics and telecom. It is well-known for its high-quality testing and certifications, and for the fair and independent perspective of its professional assessment services. Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20161103/8521607163 Logo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150602/8521503584LOGO [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] Neovacs to attend Jefferies 2016 London Healthcare Conference November 16 & 17, 2016 PARIS and BOSTON, Nov. 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Neovacs (Alternext Paris:ALNEV) a leader in active immunotherapy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, today announced its participation at the Jefferies 2016 London Healthcare Conference taking place November 16-17 at the Waldorf Hilton in London, UK. This Conference is the largest healthcare meeting in Europe dedicated to companies from around the world from the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, generic, consumer health, medical technology and Healthcare Service sectors. Last year, the Jefferies conference hosted over 300 participating companies, 1,200 attendees and 3,700 business-to-business and investor meetings. The two-day event will include concurrent tracks of company presentations, thematic panel discussions, and 1x1/small-group meetings. This global gathering of leading healthcare executives and institutional, private equity and venture capital investors will address near- and ong-term investment opportunities and discuss the mechanisms driving global healthcare. About Neovacs Listed on Alternext Paris since 2010, Neovacs is today a leading biotechnology company focused on an active immunotherapy technology platform (Kinoids) with applications in autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases. On the basis of the companys proprietary technology for inducing a polyclonal immune response (covered by five patent families that potentially run until 2032) Neovacs is focusing its clinical development efforts on IFNa-Kinoid, an immunotherapy being developed for the indication of lupus, dermatomyositis and also in preclinical trial for Type 1 diabetes. Neovacs is also conducting preclinical development works on other therapeutic vaccines in the fields of auto-immune diseases, oncology and allergies. The goal of the Kinoid approach is to enable patients to have access to safe treatments with efficacy that is sustained in these life-long diseases. www.neovacs.fr Contacts NEOVACS Corporate Communication & Investor Relations Charlene Masson +33 (0)1 53 10 93 14 [email protected] Investor Relations / Financial Communications Germany MC Services Raimund Gabriel +49-89-21-02-28-30 [email protected] Press / U.S. Inquiries The Ruth Group Lee Roth / Joseph Green +1-646-536-7012 / 7013 [email protected] / [email protected] [November 03, 2016] NCKU Joins WUN to Partner with 20 Universities Globally National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Tainan, Taiwan, announced recently to join the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), a global strategic alliance and research network, as the commitment to innovation in research and education. A signing ceremony marked the establishment of partnership between the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) and National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) took place on November 2, 10:30am, at NCKU. NCKU President Huey-Jen Jenny Su and WUN Executive Director John Hearn on behalf of both organizations signed the agreement. Hearn said, "We delighted to have NCKU as a member and we'd like you to join us quickly, not only engaged in the programs that we have but also bring new strength and new programs that you have to our network." He also noted, "We are looking forward to having new culture dimensions, perhaps new research dimensions in helth, education, development of the public health, in educational reform." President Su said, "I see WUN network serve the interest for the university to gain more presents among the international partners and global peers, but also potentially would trigger more research programs that involved more foreign institutions." According to Hearn, WUN starts with a group of American and British universities 15 years ago. "About 7 years ago we went global and now we have 20 universities in many more countries and we intend to continue to grow globally," he said. He also explained, "But because we are a research organization, we don't want to grow over 25 universities. Now we have 20 with NCKU joining us and we delighted to have you join us." Knowing that young scholars in NCKU are ambitious in their research and shined in several international competitions, Hearn said, "Encouraging and helping the development of the young scholars and young leaders to gain international experience is the top priority for our network." "So the practical ways for them to become engaged is to look up our website and our programs to see what they like, see what they can join with, and see how their own expertise can bring leadership to new programs in WUN," he continued. NCKU is the first university joining WUN in Taiwan, according to the university. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161102006957/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] Pharnext to Attend Jefferies 2016 London Healthcare Conference Regulatory News: Pharnext SA (Paris:ALPHA) (FR00111911287 - ALPHA), a French biopharmaceuticals company developing an advanced portfolio of products in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, announces today its participation at the Jefferies 2016 London Healthcare Conference taking place November 16-17 at the Waldorf Hotel in London, UK. This Conference is the largest healthcare meeting in Europe dedicated to companies from around the world: biotechnologies, pharmaceuticals, generics, medtechs and healthcare services. Last year, the Jefferies conference hosted over 300 participating companies, 1,200 attendees and 3,700 B2B and investor meetings. ABOUT PHARNEXT Pharnext is an advanced clinical stage biopharmaceutical company founded by renowned scientists and entrepreneurs including Proessor Daniel Cohen, a pioneer in modern genomics. Pharnext focuses on neurodegenerative diseases and has two lead products in clinical development: PXT3003 is currently in an international Phase 3 trial for the treatment of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A and benefits from orphan drug status in Europe and the United States. Pharnext is the pioneer of a new drug discovery paradigm: PLEOTHERAPIE. Pharnext identifies and develops synergetic combinations of drugs that are already being used for other diseases. These PLEOMEDICAMENT are developed at new lower doses and repositioned into new indications. The PLEOMEDICAMENT offer several key advantages: efficacy, safety, and intellectual property including several composition of matter patents already granted. The Company is supported by a world-class scientific team. The company Pharnext is listed on Euronext Alternext Stock Exchange in Paris (ISIN code: FR00111911287). For more information, visit www.pharnext.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005151/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] New Milestone in Climate Change Monitoring: ECMWF Unveils ERA5 Preview READING, England, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - One year after the Paris Agreement, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) launches its most powerful global climate monitoring tool to date, ERA5. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435664 ) (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435665 ) The publication of the first data from ERA5, representing a two-month period, marks a milestone for climate reanalysis at ECMWF. Produced by the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service operated by ECMWF, this latest development in the ERA series improves on its predecessors through: Offering a much improved spatial resolution Providing hourly estimates of atmospheric variables Providing a consistent representation of uncertainties Using more satellite observations Giving access to all input observations Global climate reanalysis provides critical resources for understanding and monitoring the processes associated with climate change, and for informing scenarios of future climate change. Reanalysis combines information from past and present meteorological observations with modern forecast models, using data assimilation techniques originally developed for numerical weather prediction. ERA5 provides a new numerical description of the recent climate and contains estimates of atmospheric parameters such as air temperature, pressure and wind at different altitudes, and surface parameters such as rainfall, soil moisture content and ocean wave height. The Head of the Copernicus Climate Change Servce at ECMWF, Jean-Noel Thepaut, said: "With better use of observations, an improved description of physical processes and a considerably higher spatial and temporal resolution, ERA5 creates new global datasets to monitor climate change, for research, education, and for commercial applications. For the first time, users will have access to hourly estimates of atmospheric variables at a horizontal resolution of 31 km, and on 137 levels from the surface up to 1 Pa (around 80 km)." Another novelty of ERA5 is that it will produce a 10-member ensemble of climate reconstructions for all parameters and levels. This new feature is based on the Ensemble of Data Assimilations (EDA) system developed at ECMWF, which explicitly accounts for errors in the observations and in the forecast model. Users will be able to access data that will allow them to assess the confidence they can have in the analysis for various parameters, at different times and places. ERA5 is the fifth generation of ECMWF atmospheric reanalyses of the global climate. ECMWF climate reanalyses started with the FGGE reanalyses produced in the 1980s, followed by ERA-15, ERA-40 and most recently ERA-Interim. As a first step in the transition from ERA-Interim to ERA5, an ERA5 dataset covering two months is now available to enable users to adapt their systems to replace ERA-Interim. This release is an important milestone: it marks the beginning of a two-year journey which will progressively allow users to look back in time at the weather of the past 40 years. All ERA5 data products are open access and free to download. They are hosted in ECMWF's main archiving repository for meteorological data, MARS (Meteorological Archival and Retrieval System), and are available to the public through the ECMWF Web API. Notes for editors All ERA5 data products, which are open access and free to download, will include information about uncertainties, which will be provided for each parameter at 3-hourly intervals and at a horizontal resolution of 62 km. Compared with ERA-Interim, many new parameters, such as 100-metre wind components, will be available as part of the output. A database containing all input observations, together with detailed information about how they are used, will be available to users. Altogether, the entire ERA5 production will generate roughly 5 petabytes of data. Please note that the ERA5 preview data published today are provisional and may be superseded in the final release of ERA5 data. More information about ERA5 is available at: https://climate.copernicus.eu/climate-reanalysis The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is an intergovernmental organisation, developing and producing global weather predictions. It is supported by 34 Member and Co-operating States. ECMWF operates the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service and Copernicus Climate Change Service on behalf of the European Commission and contributes to the Copernicus Emergency Management Service. Academic and environmental institutions from across Europe, including national meteorological services, play an integral role in making Copernicus a success. SOURCE European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] ProtectWise CTO to Demonstrate Enterprise Security Platform at SINET Showcase ProtectWise, provider of the enterprise security platform that delivers pervasive visibility, was named a SINET 16 Innovator Award Winner and as such, CTO and Co-founder Gene Stevens will provide a demonstration of the capabilities and functionality of the ProtectWise Grid at the SINET Showcase in Washington D.C. on November 3. Stevens' presentation will demonstrate how the ProtectWise Grid harnesses the power and scale of the cloud to deliver unprecedented visibility and detection of enterprise network threats, dramatically accelerating incident response. The platform provides an intuitive visualization of all network activity in addition to comprehensive retrospective analysis. This technology enables security professionals to more efficiently and effectively respond to threats at every stage of an attack. What: As a member of the SINET 16, ProtectWise will present its cloud enterprise security platform at the SINET Showcase. Coordinated by the Security Innovation Network, the event provides a platform to identify and highlight "best-of-class" security companies that are addressing the most pressing needs and requirements in cybersecurity. When: November 3, 2016; 1:30 p.m. Where: The National Press Club 529 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. The SINET Showcase attracts senior information security personnel and members of the public and private sector buyers, builders, investors and researchers to learn how technical innovations are addressing the most pressing needs in information security. For additional event details, visit www.security-innovation.org/events/dc/. About ProtectWise ProtectWise is disrupting the security industry with The ProtectWise Grid, its network security platform that captures high fidelity network traffic, creates a lasting memory for the network, and delivers real time and retrospective alerting and analysis in a rich, innovative visualizer. By harnessing the power of the cloud, The ProtectWise Grid provides an integrated solution with complete detection and visibility of enterprise threats and accelerated incident response. The ProtectWise Grid delivers unique advantages over current network security solutions, including an unlimited retention window with full-fidelity forensic capacity, the industry's only automated smart retrospection, advanced security visualization, and the ease and cost-savings of an on-demand deployment model. Founded in April 2013, the company is based in Denver and led by a team of security and SaaS industry veterans from McAfee (News - Alert), Palo Alto Networks, and Symantec. ProtectWise has raised more than $42 million in funding and was named to Network World's list of "10 Security Start-Ups to Watch." For more information, visit www.protectwise.com. About SINET Showcase SINET Showcase provides a platform for the business of Cybersecurity to take place as emerging technology companies are able to present their solutions and connect with a select audience of nearly 400 venture capitalists, investment bankers as well as industry and government buyers. The program, which is supported by the Department of Homeland Security, Science & Technology Directorate, also features commentary on the latest investment and Cybersecurity trends from the industry's foremost experts. The program includes educational workshops, panel sessions, an interactive luncheon hour and a networking reception. To register for SINET Showcase and to see a complete list of speakers and a program agenda, see here. About SINET SINET is a "super connector." We provide a series of platforms for the business of Cybersecurity to take place within the global ecosystem of the entrepreneur including venture capital, investment banking, system integration, academia, science, legal, policy, and industry as well as Government intelligence, military and civilian departments and agencies. Our programs consistently attract the highest level of international industry and government executives. SINET is well known for its coveted and unparalleled networking opportunities. SINET programs are supported by Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate. Learn more at www.security-innovation.org. Connect with us on Twitter (News - Alert) at @SINETconnection. Follow the conversation about SINET 16 at #SINET16 and this year's SINET Showcase at #SINETDC. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005012/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] Esri Maps the Way to a More Connected World at IoT West Global smart-mapping leader Esri today announced that telecom executive Randy Frantz will be featured at the Internet of Things West conference on November 3, 2016, in Las Vegas. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005066/en/ Global smart-mapping leader Esri today announced that telecom executive Randy Frantz will be featured at the Internet of Things West conference on November 3, 2016, in Las Vegas. (Photo: Business Wire) Internet of Things West is an event covering advanced connectivity and cloud-based control of devices, equipment, facilities, and enterprise operations. Frantz will be on-site to discuss the emergence of the connected world and the ways location intelligence can create a smarter, more friendly Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. WHO: Randy Frantz, Telecommunications Executive, Esri WHAT: "Why Location Is the Missing Link in the IoT Ecosystem" WHERE: Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spas, 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada WHEN: 11:30 a.m.-noon, November 3, 2016 HOW: http://www.remotemagazine.com/IoTWest/ About Esri Since 1969, Esri has been giving customers around the world the power to think and plan geographically. As the market leader in GIS technology, Esri software is used in more than 350,000 organizations worldwide including each of the 200 largest cities in the United States, most national governments, more than two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies, and more than 7,000 colleges and universities. Esri applications, running on more than one million desktops and thousands of web and enterprise servers, provide the backbone for the world's mapping and spatial analysis. Esri is the only vendor that provides complete technical solutions for desktop, mobile, server, and Internet platforms. Visit us at esri.com/news. Copyright 2016 Esri. All rights reserved. Esri, the Esri globe logo, GIS by Esri, esri.com, and @esri.com are trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of Esri in the United States, the European Community, or certain other jurisdictions. Other companies and products or services mentioned herein may be trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of their respective mark owners. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005066/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] Welch's names Genuine Digital Agency of Record BOSTON, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Welch's, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of Concord and Niagara grape-based consumer products, today announced that Genuine has been named digital agency of record. Genuine will own digital and social campaigns from both a creative and media perspective for Welch's priority products, such as its 100% Purple Grape Juice. Shift in strategy and media confirms Welch's new digital focus. According to Karen Mitchell, General Manager at Welch's, "We constantly strive to keep up with ever-changing consumer needs delivering the products they want and engaging with them in relevant channels. As consumers' attention continues to shift more and more towards digital, mobile, and social, we needed a forward-thinking digital agency to help us win with consumers in this space. We're thrilled to be working with Genuine on becoming a digitally relevant brand." New products, a new agency relationship and two new campaigns. Welch's has a rich history of creating wholesome foods and beverages, and its broad range of consumer-packaged goods now includes juice drinks, fruit spreads and snacks. Genuine's relationship with Welch's kicked off with "The Mighty Concord," a digital and social campaign designed to entertain while it educates consumers about heart-health and other benefits of the Concord grape: http://themightyconcord.welchs.com. Also in testing is a promotional campaign for Graham Slams, Welch's newest snack product: http://grahamslam.welchs.com. Bringing strategic innovation to a legacy American brand. "We're honored to be chosen as the digital agency of record for Welch's. It is truly an iconic American brand. Welch's was a pioneer when it came to the idea of making fruit accessible to the massesfrom juice to snacks, it really led the way," said Chris Pape, Founder and Executive Creative Director of Genuine. "Now we need to marry that spirit of innovation with the powerful feelings that the name 'Welch's' inspires, and activate its fan base. We think it's a very attractive place to play and we look forward to helping Welch's reinvent its digital brand." ABOUT GENUINE Since Genuine's founding in 2005, the company has invented and launched digital experiences for the world's most innovative brands. A member of the Interpublic Group of Companies, Genuine's reach extends to serving brands around the world, including Johnson & Johnson, Boehringer Ingelheim, Akamai and Red Hat. Their mantra, "Invent Together," keeps the agency true to its core values, and fosters a collective determination to create the best user-driven, digital-first experiences that challenge and lead industry categories. Genuine's offices are located in Boston, New York, Chicago and San Francisco. www.wearegenuine.com. ABOUT WELCH'S Welch's is the processing and marketing subsidiary of the National Grape Cooperative. Located across America and in Ontario, Canada, the cooperative's approximately 1,000 family farmers own the company and grow the delicious and inherently healthy Concord grapes used in Welch's juices and other grape-based products. Welch's is committed to research and development that will meet the growing demand for products that address consumers' health and nutrition needs. Welch's products are sold throughout the United States and in approximately 40 countries around the globe. Welch's is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Minorities/Female/Disabled/Veterans. www.welchs.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/welchs-names-genuine-digital-agency-of-record-300356626.html SOURCE Genuine [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] Saratoga Partners acquires Xenon Cinema business from Philips Lighting NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Saratoga Partners, an alternative asset manager headquartered in New York City, today announced it has acquired the Xenon cinema business from Philips Lighting, (Euronext Amsterdam ticker: LIGHT), a global leader in lighting. The business, to be named Lighting Technologies International LLC (LTI), is a major manufacturer of xenon arc lamps for digital cinema projectors used in the worldwide cinema exhibition industry. LTI has approximately 220 employees located primarily in Baldwin Park, California, near Los Angeles. The LTI management team and all employees have transitioned over to the new operating unit. As part of the transaction, Philips Lighting has granted LTI a license enabling the new entity to continue to produce and sell xenon lamps under the Philips brand worldwide. Philips Lighting, which focuses on further strengthening its global leadership in connected LED lighting products, systems and services, will continue to provide lighting applications and systemsto cinemas and theatres and remains committed to LED-based projection lamp innovations. The LTI operation was started in 1999 and has captured a significant share of the global cinema xenon lamp market. This transaction returns LTI to its independent, entrepreneurial roots, after the business was acquired in 2007 by Philips. "We see substantial growth opportunities in the cinema and other specialty lighting markets, and we look forward to working with management to build the business," said Christian L. Oberbeck, Managing Director of Saratoga Partners. "We believe that we are well positioned to acquire and grow LTI as a stand-alone entity building on our history of successful acquisitions in the lighting space, track record of growing revenues and improving profitability of our lighting businesses, and long history and success in acquiring and building similarly sized companies." About Saratoga Partners Saratoga Partners ("Saratoga") is a New York based manager of equity and debt-focused investment funds. Since 1984, Saratoga's equity investment funds have acquired or invested in 35 portfolio companies with aggregate enterprise valuations approximating $3.7 billion in the manufacturing and business-services industries. Through Saratoga Investment Advisors, Saratoga also manages Saratoga Investment Corp., a NYSE (SAR) traded Business Development Company with current portfolio investments in some 30 companies. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/saratoga-partners-acquires-xenon-cinema-business-from-philips-lighting-300356758.html SOURCE Saratoga Partners [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] KNOWCROSS Brings Innovative Hospitality Solutions to Luxury Hotels in New York City NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- KNOWCROSS, a cloud-based hotel operations platform that elevates the guest experience, is becoming the go-to tool for New York City's top luxury hotel brands. The KNOWCROSS platform provides unprecedented efficiency improvements to hoteliers while allowing them to offer customers extraordinary levels of personalized service. Installations in the New York City area include: Arlo Hudson Square a 325-room micro hotel located in the heart of Hudson Square and steps from SoHo. Arlo will also roll out KNOWCROSS products for the opening of its NoMad location later this month Gansevoort Meatpacking a 186-room luxury hotel in NYC's buzzy Meatpacking District Gansevoort Park Avenue a 249-room luxury hotel on Park Avenue SIXTY LES a 141-room hotel located in NYC's trendy Lower East Side neighborhood SIXTY SoHo a 97-room luxury boutique hotel in SoHo The Mark an historic 5-star hotel with 156-guest rooms on the Upper East Side of New York The William Vale a 183-room luxury hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn With KNOWCROSS, the average housekeeping supervisor productivity goes up by approximately 35% and attendant productivity improves by 15%. The KNOWCROSS products being utilized in each of the properties includes KNOW Service, KNOW Mobile, KNOW Glitch, KNOW Housekeeping and KNOW Inspection. "Our staff is able to communicate quickly and efficiently which helps increase overall productivity," said Ash Bhasin, General Manager of SIXTY SoHo. "The KNOWCROSS platform is intuitive and allows us to have rooms ready for our VIP customers quickly. In turn, we've seen a positive impact on our customer service." According to Javier Egipciaco, Managing Director of ArloHotels, the technology behind KNOWCROSS' suite of products has provided an increased edge in the industry, "The most significant improvement since implementing KNOWCROSS has been the speed at which we're able to operate from fulfilling room assignments to accommodating guest requests. The ability to respond to guest's needs immediately, switch assigned rooms on the fly, and monitor statistical tracking on call times and number of guest requests has made an immediate impact on Arlo's already great service." Powered by its clear and consistent focus on ensuring cutting edge technology for the hospitality industry, KNOWCROSS' suite of five distinct products, are each unique in their ability to maximize control, ensure efficiency, and increase productivity of hotel back-of-house teams. The KNOWCROSS suite of products is customizable, down to the individual users within a hotel, and is available in multiple languages. "Working with KNOWCROSS has benefitted the hotel by enhancing our already optimized guest experience by increasing our ability to help and react to a guest's needs quickly," said Sebastien Maingourd, General Manager of Williamsburg, Brooklyn's newest luxury hotel, The William Vale. "Through KNOWCROSS, we are able to consistently deliver the right service at the right time, without an added disturbance." Understanding the true power and value behind its products, General Manager of Gansevoort Meatpacking, Jean-Francois Tremblay says that KNOWCROSS, "leaves no space for error and no need for house keepers to repeat themselves. Everything is clear, precise, and efficient. We've also been able to eliminate any complaints from guests about noisy radio communications in the hallways, giving them peace of mind through peace and quiet." KNOWCROSS takes the hassle and error out of fulfilling special requests and preferences from guests. By being able to integrate with a hotel's Property Management Software (PMS), the KNOWCROSS application is able to automatically pick up on special request codes and dispatch jobs to the right staff, at the right time. Ultimately, this real-time technology results in higher guest satisfaction scores. "As one of the most, if not the most, visited city in the U.S., there is intense competition within this market. Hoteliers in New York understand they need to not only meet but exceed the expectations of their guests," said Nikhil Nath, CEO and founder of KNOWCROSS. ABOUT KNOWCROSS Founded in 2002, KNOWCROSS is a cloud-based, hotel operations platform that elevates the guest experience. With more than 300 customers in over 40 countries, KNOWCROSS's suite of software services enhance efficiency, eliminate errors, improve communication, and increase mobility, directly impacting the bottom-line. Customers include: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Kempinski Hotels, Radisson Hotels, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, SIXTY Hotels, Commune Hotels & Resorts, Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces, Oberoi Hotels, and the Ritz Paris, among others. The Knowcross suite includes five software applications - KNOW Housekeeping, KNOW Service, KNOW Glitch, KNOW Mobile and KNOW Inspection. These applications are multi-lingual, can be interfaced to most PMS systems and are available either stand-alone or bundled. For more information, visit: www.knowcross.com. Media contact: North 6th Agency (for Knowcross), 212-334-9753, [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/knowcross-brings-innovative-hospitality-solutions-to-luxury-hotels-in-new-york-city-300356724.html SOURCE KNOWCROSS [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] Owlet Raises $15 Million in New Funding LEHI, Utah, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Owlet Baby Care, a Techstars company and creator of the Owlet Smart Sock, raised an additional $15 million through venture funding and a collaborator role grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), bringing its total raised to $25 million. Investors in this round include previous round participants Eclipse and Eniac, as well as new investors Trilogy Equity Partners, the Amazon Alexa Fund, RTP-HC, Capital Integral and Broadway Angels. "This new round of funding provides Owlet with the backing to expand our reach into retail and international distribution, launch two new product lines and kickoff the largest infant health study ever conducted," said Kurt Workman, Owlet Co-Founder and CEO. "We are very grateful for the continued support of our investors, and we're excited to welcome Trilogy Equity Partners, the Alexa Fund, RTP-HC, Capital Integral and Broadway Angels wh help make achieving our big vision and mission possible." Venture and angel participants in this fundraise include a diverse group of organizations, showing Owlet's appeal across various industries. In prior funding rounds, Owlet also raised money from top Utah seed fund Peak Ventures and TOMS Social Entrepreneurship Fund, among other funds and investors. In October, Forbes included Owlet on its list of projected Next Billion-Dollar Startup companies. "Owlet is a key component for the connected nursery and we are excited about supporting the company with an investment that helps propel it forward and support its mission," said Steve Rabuchin, Vice President of Amazon Alexa. "We look forward to the future opportunities to integrate Owlet with Alexa, empowering parents with the incredible data and information provided by Owlet." As part of this new funding, Owlet becomes the commercialization partner on a $1.5 million grant from the NIH to further infant health research. This brings the company's total grants from the NIH to $3 million since 2015. Owlet will launch an IRB-approved clinical study in 2017, which will focus on collecting the largest set of infant health data. Owlet believes the data collected through the Smart Sock can provide clinicians and researchers better insights into an infant's health and wellbeing. Also in 2017, Owlet will release a connected care feature giving users greater access to their data and the ability to share that data with pediatricians. Owlet envisions a safer, healthier future for infants and is committed to releasing the best products in infant health monitoring. ABOUT OWLET BABY CARE Owlet Baby Care was founded in 2013 by a team of passionate parents who wanted to bring themselves and other parents around the globe peace of mind and assurance by developing a monitor that tracks a baby's oxygen and heart rate. Using pulse oximetry, the same proven technology used in hospitals, the Owlet Smart Sock is designed to send notifications to the Base Station and via Wi-Fi to a smartphone, if baby's heart rate or oxygen fall outside a preset range. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435541LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/owlet-raises-15-million-in-new-funding-300356479.html SOURCE Owlet Baby Care [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] UQM Technologies to Hold Conference Call Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 4:30 P.M. Eastern Time UQM TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (NYSE MKT: UQM), a developer and manufacturer of power-dense, high-efficiency electric motors, generators and power electronic controllers, will hold a conference call with members of the investment community on Thursday, November 10, 2016, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. To participate in the call, dial 1-888-241-0326 approximately 10 minutes before the conference is scheduled to begin and provide conference ID code "10379005" to access the call. International callers should dial +1-647-427-3411. Joseph R. Mitchell, UQM Technologies' President and Chief Executive Officer and David I. Rosenthal, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, will be reviewing the Company's operating results for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. For anyone who is unable to participate inthe conference, access to a recording will be available for seven days following the call. Dial 1-855-859-2056 or 1-800-585-8367 and enter replay access code 10379005# to access the playback. International callers should dial +1-404-537-3406. Please allow two hours from the time of the conference call for initial setup before access. About UQM Technologies, Inc. UQM Technologies is a developer and manufacturer of power-dense, high-efficiency electric motors, generators, power electronic controllers and fuel cell compressors for the commercial truck, bus, automotive, marine, military and industrial markets. A major emphasis for UQM is developing propulsion systems for electric, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell electric vehicles. UQM is TS 16949 and ISO 14001 certified and located in Longmont, Colorado. Please visit www.uqm.com for more information. Source (News - Alert): UQM Technologies, Inc. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005539/en/ [November 03, 2016] miRagen Therapeutics Announces Presentation of MRG-106 Clinical Data at American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting miRagen Therapeutics, Inc. today announced that data from its ongoing Phase 1 clinical study of MRG-106 in patients with mycosis fungoides will be presented at the 58th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). The abstract will be available on the ASH conference web site, http://www.hematology.org. In the first cohort of the MRG-106 trial, six patients were dosed by direct injection into their tumor. The six patients tolerated the administrations well with only minor redness at the injection site reported for one patent. One patient discontinued the trial due to disease progression, which was considered unrelated to the study drug. Four of the five patients who completed dosing had their Composite Assessment of Index Lesion Severity (CAILS) scores evaluated in the MRG-106 treated lesions. The lesions in these four patients showed a 50% or greater reduction in the baseline CAILS score. The CAILS score measures the size and severity of the lesion. "We believe our initial clinical experience with MRG-106 is encouraging," said William S. Marshall, President and Chief Executive Officer of miRagen. "The drug was generally safe and well tolerated with preliminary indications of clinical responses in the first patients studied." Poster presentation details are as follows: Abstract Title: Preliminary Results of a Phase 1 Trial Evaluating MRG-106, a Synthetic microRNA inhibitor (LNA antimiR) of microRNA-155, in Patients with CTCL (Abstract #93903) Session Number: 624 Session Name: Hodgkin Lymphoma and T/NK Cell Lymphoma-Clinical Studies: Poster I Session Date: Saturday, December 3, 2016 Presentation Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Location: San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH About miRagen Therapeutics, Inc. miRagen Therapeutics, Inc., is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative microRNA (miRNA)-targeting therapies in disease areas of high unmet medical need. miRagen's lead product candidate, MRG-106, a synthetic microRNA inhibitor (LNA antimiR) of microRNA-155, is currently being studied in a Phse 1 clinical trial in patients suffering from cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) of the mycosis fungoides (MF) sub-type. miRagen is also conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial of MRG-201, its lead anti-fibrosis product candidate and a synthetic microRNA mimic (promiR) to microRNA-29b, in healthy volunteers. miRagen seeks to leverage in-house expertise in miRNA biology, oligonucleotide chemistry, and drug development to evaluate and advance promising technologies and high-potential product candidates for its own pipeline and in conjunction with strategic collaborators. About MRG-106 and microRNA-155 MRG-106 is an antimiR (inhibitor) of microRNA-155. In hematological malignancy microRNA-155 has key roles in the differentiation, function and proliferation of blood and lymph cells. miRagen believes therapeutic inhibition of microRNA-155 in lymphoma cells may restore normal function and reduce the aberrant cell proliferation that is characteristic of cancerous cells. Forward-looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to Miragen Therapeutics, Inc., including statements about the potential for MRG-106 to be a treatment for mycosis fungoides or any future development of MRG-106, the Company's plans to obtain funding, develop and commercialize it's therapeutic candidates, it's planned clinical trials, the timing of and ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for the Company's therapeutic candidates, the clinical utility of it's therapeutic candidates and the Company's intellectual property position. Forward-looking statements are identified by the use of forward-looking terminology including "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "intends," "plans," "pro forma," "estimates," or "anticipates" or the negative of these words and phrases or other variations of these words and phrases or comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. These statements involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as predictions of future events as the Company cannot assure investors that the events or circumstances reflected in these statements will be achieved or will occur. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause it's views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it has no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law. Investors should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Additional Information about the Proposed Merger between Signal Genetics, Inc. and Miragen Therapeutics, Inc. and Where to Find It In connection with the previously disclosed proposed merger between Signal Genetics, Inc. and Miragen Therapeutics, Inc., Signal and Miragen intend to file relevant materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC (News - Alert), including a registration statement on Form S-4 that will contain a proxy statement / prospectus / information statement. Investors and security holders of Signal and Miragen are urged to read these materials when they become available because they will contain important information about Signal, Miragen and the proposed merger. Investors and security holders are urged to read the proxy statement / prospectus/ information statement and the other relevant materials when they become available before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the proposed merger. This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities in connection with the proposed merger shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005574/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] Bristol-Myers Squibb Earns CEO Cancer Gold Standard Accreditation The CEO Roundtable on Cancer has accredited Bristol-Myers Squibb with the CEO Cancer Gold StandardTM recognizing its efforts to reduce the risk of cancer for its employees and covered family members. The CEO Roundtable on Cancer, a nonprofit organization of CEOs, founded by former President George H.W. Bush, developed and administers the Gold Standard, a workplace accreditation program which encourages and recognizes the commitment of organizations that take concrete actions to address cancer in their workplaces. Nearly 200 private, nonprofit and government employers in a wide range of occupational categories have earned Gold Standard accreditation, including the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and a number of NCI-designated cancer centers. To earn Gold Standard accreditation, an employer must establish programs to reduce cancer risk by taking concrete actions in five key areas: establishing policies and programs to reduce cancer risk by prohibiting tobacco use and supporting tobacco cessation efforts; promoting physical activity, healthy nutrition and weight management; providing health insurance options that include detecting cancer at its earliest stages, access to quality care and participation in cancer clinical trials; promoting employee awareness of these initiatives; and supporting the needs of cancer survivors in the workplace. "We are pleased to recognize the efforts of Bristol-Myers Squibb," said Robert A. Bradway, chairman and chief executive officer of Amgen and chairman of the CEO Roundtable on Cancer. "CEOs in healthcare industries see firsthand the benefit that improved workplace health and wellness can have in cancer prevention and improved overall health. I hop the leadership and commitment of Chief Executive Officer Dr. Giovanni Caforio and the team at Bristol-Myers Squibb will encourage other employers across all industries to become Gold Standard accredited." "This is certainly an honor," said Dr. Giovanni Caforio, Bristol-Myers Squibb Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Board of Directors. "Receiving the CEO Cancer Gold Standard accreditation underscores Bristol-Myers Squibb's commitment to transforming cancer care as well as our unwavering commitment to our patients and our people." In addition to NCI and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 NCI-designated cancer centers and more than 100 other hospitals have earned Gold Standard accreditation. CEOs from many industries are keenly aware of the life-improving impact they can have on health and controlling healthcare costs when they address cancer and other chronic diseases. Gold Standard employers include: Avis Budget Group, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Lowe's, Amgen, State Farm, Hogan Lovells, Dell, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, SAS (News - Alert) and many Blue Cross affiliates. About Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol-Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. About The CEO Roundtable on Cancer The CEO Roundtable on Cancer was founded in 2001, when former President George H.W. Bush challenged a group of executives to "do something bold and venturesome about cancer within your own corporate families." The CEOs responded by creating and encouraging the widespread adoption of the CEO Cancer Gold Standard which calls for organizations to evaluate their health benefits and workplace culture and take extensive, concrete actions in five key areas of health and wellness to address cancer in the workplace. For more information on the CEO Cancer Gold Standard and the free web-based accreditation process, please visit www.CancerGoldStandard.org. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005941/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] NYX Gaming Group approved by British Columbia regulator LAS VEGAS, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - NYX Gaming Group Limited (TSXV:NYX) ), a market leading content and technology supplier to lotteries, casinos and gaming operators across the globe, has been granted unconditional registration as a Class B Supplier from the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) in British Columbia. The registration permits NYX to deploy its market-leading content in British Columbia for the first time. The NYX sportsbook technology business, OpenBet, was certified in Canada in 2012, where they have longstanding partnerships with BCLC, Loto-Quebec and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation. In 2016, British Columbia Lottery Corporation's (BCLC) combined net win grew to CAD$2.36bn with much of the growth attributed to the expansion of online gaming, which delivered 24% year-on-year growth. Matt Davey, Group CEO NYX Gaming Group, commented: "Bringing NYX Gaming Group content to market in a growing and highly regulated jurisdiction like British Columbia is evidence of he synergies we are driving through our integration work with OpenBet. "NYX is committed to strict compliance and strong growth in regulated markets, so we are delighted to announce that we have been granted an unconditional registration in British Columbia." Regulatory standards in British Columbia are widely respected as among the most comprehensive within the gaming industry. The GPEB regulates all gaming in British Columbia, ensures the integrity of gaming industry companies, people and equipment, and ensures compliance with policies established under B.C.'s Gaming Control Act. This includes regulatory oversight of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), B.C.'s horse racing industry, and licensed gaming events. Note to Editors: GPEB also approved William Hill as an associate of NYX under the BC Gaming Control Act. About NYX Gaming Group Limited NYX Gaming Group Limited is a leading digital gaming provider headquartered in Las Vegas, USA with a staff of more than 1,000 employees based in over a dozen countries across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. The Company provides one of the world's largest portfolios of leading content and technology to some of the foremost gaming operators, lotteries and casinos across the globe. NYX also has one of the broadest distribution bases in the industry with over 200 unique customers and the widest portfolio of content available from their own global studios and broad partner network. The diversified game catalogue delivers content across web and mobile formats, focusing on Bingo, Casino, Lottery and Sportsbook verticals. NYX Gaming Group Limited is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol (TSXV: NYX). http://www.NYXGamingGroup.com SOURCE NYX Gaming Group Limited [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] Carbon market - A new partnership to foster Quebec's green economy Gaz Metro to acquire offset credits generated through WSP Canada Inc. biogas capture systems at certain landfill sites as part of the cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emission allowances (C & T system) MONTREAL, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Gaz Metro is proud to announce multi-year agreements with WSP Canada Inc. to purchase offset credits generated by the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through landfill biogas collection and destruction systems operated by WSP at the Mont-Laurier, Saint-Raymond, Riviere-Rouge and Saint-Flavien landfills. The partnership marks a further step towards attaining the environmental goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Quebec. The technology installed by WSP will bring about a permanent reduction of GHG emissions equal to some 140,000 tonnes of CO 2 equivalents (t CO 2 eq.). WSP operates collection and destruction systems for the biogas generated at each landfill. The collection systems carry the gas to a pumping station, after which it is destroyed. Overall, the process results in significant reductions of GHG emissions at the sites. "In recent years, we have developed substantial expertise in biogas collection. Through intensive research on the various technical aspects to this endeavour, we have developed a product unique to the industry in sites that meets the specific criteria of the C & T system. We are delighted to partner with Gaz Metro, a Quebec firm committed to actively reducing GHG emissions by purchasing the full offset credits generated through our technology. Such partneships are clear proof that respect for the environment can be economically viable and profitable for all parties involved in the reduction of GHGs," said Olivier Joyal, Environment Vice President Quebec at WSP. "As we evaluate the means for offsetting GHG emissions available to us and our customers, the importance of finding an approach that maximizes local economic and environmental benefits is clear. By partnering with WSP, we combe our commitment to helping achieve Quebec's environmental targets with long-term investment with our business partners," said Vincent Pouliot, Carbon Market and Energy Efficiency Manager at Gaz Metro. "We encourage our customers to reduce their energy consumption through our energy efficiency programs. Then we offset the remaining GHG emissions in various ways, including through the purchase of offset credits that we prioritize." About Gaz Metro With more than $7 billion in assets, Gaz Metro is a leading energy provider. It is the largest natural gas distribution company in Quebec, where its network of over 10,000 km of underground pipelines serves more than 300 municipalities and more than 200,000 customers. Gaz Metro is also present in Vermont, where it has more than 310,000 customers. There, it operates in the electricity production market and the electricity and natural gas distribution market. Gaz Metro is actively involved in developing and operating innovative, promising energy projects, including natural gas as fuel, liquefied natural gas as a replacement for higher emission-producing energies, the production of wind power and the development of biomethane. Gaz Metro is a major energy sector player that takes the lead in responding to the needs of its customers, regions and municipalities, local organizations, and communities while also satisfying the expectations of its Partners (GMi and Valener) and employees. About WSP One of the world's leading professional services firms, WSP offers technical expertise and strategic advice to clients in the Property & Buildings, Transportation & Infrastructure, Environment, Industry, Resources (including Mining and Oil & Gas) and Power & Energy sectors. WSP also offers highly specialised services in project delivery and strategic consulting. Its experts include engineers, advisors, technicians, scientists, architects, planners, surveyors and environmental specialists, as well as other design, program and construction management professionals. With approximately 36,500 people in 500 offices across 40 countries, WSP is well positioned to deliver successful and sustainable projects under its WSP and WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff brands. www.wsp-pb.com www.twitter.com/gazmetro http://www.gazmetro.com/pressroom SOURCE Gaz Metro [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] Socius One Cloud Expands Solutions Portfolio with Dynamics 365 - Business Edition DUBLIN, Ohio, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Socius, an award-winning business technology and consulting company, announces the addition of Dynamics 365 - Business Edition to the Socius One Cloud solutions portfolio. Socius is a Direct CSP (Cloud Solutions Provider) Partner with Microsoft, leveraging 30 years of business process, ERP and CRM expertise and a passion for partnership to deliver next-gen financial management and business productivity solutions that will help clients transform their business through the smart use of scalable technology. Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Financials Business Edition is a new business application designed for small- to mid-size businesses that have outgrown their basic accounting software, or have multiple stand-alone tools and systems that are difficult to connect to each other or integrate with new technologies. Dynamics 365 for Financials enables business growth within the small- to mid-size market with an option that bridges the gap between QuickBooks and Dynamics mid-market ERP solutions. Socius is part of a select group of Microsoft partners with diverse application expertise, from ERP to Office 365. Dynamics 365 is unique from all other ERP products because it empowers users to utilize the Microsoft productivity suite and work inside of Microsoft Outlook while handling financials, operations, sales, purchasing, customer relationship management, marketing and other related tasks. Some of the benefits of Dynmics 365 Business Edition include: Comprehensive Integration Deploy one solution to manage your financials, sales, service, and operations with the ability to connect applications like payroll, banking apps, CRM systems, or custom APIs. Fast from the Start Handle the most common business processes from day one, like quotes, orders, invoicing, purchasing, cash management, and reporting. It's built in the cloud, so it's easy to set up and manage. Mobile First Get the powerful desktop capabilities you need across Windows, iOS, and Android platforms. Desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone, you get one experience that is consistent and secure. Advanced Analytics for Deeper Insights Access, model, and analyze data across multiple dimensions to perform ad hoc, customized reporting. Use Microsoft Power BI to create highly compelling dashboards, and to infuse big data, predictive analytics, and Internet of Things to transform data into actionable intelligence. Industry Apps for Easy Extension via AppSource Easily and cost effectively extend Dynamics 365 to fit your industry or business needs with integrated add-on applications and Microsoft Power Apps. "Dynamics 365 Business Edition offers great options for both growing companies and existing small- to mid-market ERP clients who need a different level of functionality and mobility," said Jeff Geisler, Chief Executive Officer at Socius. "The launch of this practice is in keeping with our mission to transform client businesses and help companies use technology to grow." To learn more about how Socius can help businesses leverage technology for their growth with Dynamics 365, visit www.socius1.com. About Socius: Socius (www.socius1.com) is a strategic business consulting partner that provides comprehensive business management solutions to help companies leverage technology to fuel their growth and profitability and compete more successfully in today's economy. As a Gold Certified Microsoft Partner, Microsoft Dynamics Master VAR, a Sage Authorized Partner, and the largest NetSuite Partner in Ohio, Socius represents the most trusted accounting, enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and business intelligence and analytics technologies on the market. Backed by over 30 years of award-winning experience, Socius proudly serves clients throughout the country from its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, and its 28 additional locations. For more information, contact: Jennifer Richey Totten 248.457.5173 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160412/354341LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/socius-one-cloud-expands-solutions-portfolio-with-dynamics-365--business-edition-300356811.html SOURCE Socius [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] ACCIONA teams up with National Geographic to fight climate change ACCIONA signs an agreement to support the launch of new episodes of National Geographic Channel's "Years of Living Dangerously" in Canada , Chile , Mexico , Australia and Spain " Years of Living Dangerously", the series from executive producers James Cameron , Jerry Weintraub and Arnold Schwarzenegger , is airing globally in 171 countries and 45 languages. Hollywood celebrities along with a cast of high profile journalists highlight the problems caused by global warming and the available solutions to tackle it The series is broadcasting on the National Geographic Channel since October 30th VANCOUVER, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - ACCIONA, a global leader in sustainable solutions for infrastructure and renewable energies, and National Geographic have signed a collaborative agreement to promote the fight against climate change. The agreement involves ACCIONA's support for the launch of new episodes of National Geographic Channel's "Years of Living Dangerously" in Canada, Chile, Mexico, Australia and Spain; five countries in which ACCIONA has built flagship sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy projects that fit with its vision for sustainable development. The production features first-person stories, told by respected journalists and famous Hollywood names, of how climate change is impacting daily life all over the world. ACCIONA and National Geographic's shared commitment to sustainability and environmental protection is the basis of their collaboration. Their joint action aims to raise awareness of real alternatives to global warming and provide solutions, with the support of individuals and businesses playing a crucial role. The premiere of "Years of Living Dangerously" in Canada, Chile, Mexico, Australia and Spain will be accompanied by an official event to present the series. The event will feature an exclusive broadcast of one of the episodes and a forum in which respected journalists, National Geographic special correspondents and representatives of ACCIONA will discuss solutions and examples of how to combat climate change. The premiere screening for Canada will take place in Toronto on Tuesday, November 15th at the Sony Centre for Performing Arts. ACCIONA and National Geographic believe in economi policies and criteria that penalize greenhouse gas emissions and support the development of economic activities without compromising the environment. It is hoped that the concrete examples featured in "Years of Living Dangerously", will lead to some further awareness and solutions to reduce green gas emissions to combat climate change. The Emmy award winning series "Years of Living Dangerously" was considered to be "the most important television series ever made." Produced by James Cameron, Jerry Weintraub and Arnold Schwarzenegger, the series features Hollywood celebrities, producers and journalists who unite in the awareness-raising campaign about the surrounding effects of climate change. They include: Jack Black, Gisele Bundchen, Ty Burrell, Don Cheadle, America Ferrera, Thomas Friedman, Joshua Jackson, David Letterman, Aasif Mandvi, Nikki Reed, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ian Somerhalder, Cecily Strong, Sigourney Weaver and Bradley Whitford. Each Hollywood celebrity will share their personal stories surrounding climate change around the globe. Each episode of the series shows specific examples of the fundamental problem of global warming and the huge impact it has on the daily routines of people, as well as the large-scale damage caused by hurricanes, deforestation, energy crises, migration produced by natural disasters, desertification and biodiversity loss. The result is an objective and candid view of the impact our species has on the planet. But it is also one of hope that our ability to analyze and act will avoid and mitigate the problems we have generated, guaranteeing the future of a world that is both liveable, and sustainable for future generations. With a 15-year track record in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure development in Canada, ACCIONA is known as a local partner of choice. ACCIONA's projects combine technical excellence, carbon footprint reduction and resource conservation. ACCIONA aims to lead the transition to a low-carbon economy by investing in innovation and adopting processes and quality standards that optimise the use of resources and protect the environment in all its business activities. About National Geographic Channels The National Geographic Channels form the television and production arm of National Geographic Partners, a joint venture between 21st Century Fox and the National Geographic Society. As a global leader in premium science, adventure and exploration programming, the Channels include: National Geographic Channel (NGC), Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo People and Nat Geo MUNDO. Additionally, the Channels also run the in-house television production unit, National Geographic Studios. The Channels contribute to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education with entertaining, innovative programming from A-level talent around the world, and with profits that help support the society's mission. Globally, NGC is available in more than 440 million homes in 171 countries and 45 languages, and Nat Geo WILD is available in 131 countries and 38 languages. National Geographic Partners is also a leader in social media, with a fan base of 250 million people across all of its social pages. NGC contributes over 55 million social media fans globally on Facebook alone. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com and www.natgeowild.com About ACCIONA ACCIONA is a global leader in sustainable solutions for infrastructure and renewable energy projects. It expertise covers the entire value chain from research, development and design to the construction, operation and maintenance of projects. The company is present in more than 30 countries, where its business activities seek to contribute to the economic and social progress of the communities in which it operates. ACCIONA aims to lead the transition to a low-carbon economy by investing in innovation and adopting processes and quality standards that optimise the use of resources and protect the environment in all its business activities. The Company posted revenues of 6.5 billion in 2015. www.acciona.ca For further information ACCIONA Communication Department Emmanuelle Roux Tel. +1 604 622 6543 www.acciona.ca [email protected] Follow us on: http://www.acciona.ca/pressroom/social-networks/ SOURCE ACCIONA [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] Genetic Counselor Mandate Creates a Barrier to BRCA1/2 Testing, New Study Finds Healthcare payer mandates for consulting with a genetic specialist prior to BRCA1/2 genetic testing creates a significant barrier to care, particularly for minority patients, according to research published this week in the Journal of Oncology Practice. The large, nationwide study found that when pre-testing consults were required, test cancellation rates increased overall from 13.3% to 42.1% for at-risk patients whose cancer-related specialists had ordered exams. Cancellations increased from 9.5% to 37.7% for patients who met more stringent National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) testing criteria. For patients of African or Latin descent, rates increased to 48.9% and 49.6% respectively. Significantly, the study found that most cancellations were for patients who met testing criteria and would potentially benefit from the knowing the results. "A critical shortage of genetic counselors and medical geneticists means that often patients must endure extremely lengthy waiting periods for a pre-testing appointment. Also, they may not have access to these professionals locally," says Sheldon Feldman, MD, FACS, Chief of Breast Surgery Division of New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center and President of the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS), whose membership have been vocal in their objection to this policy as an impediment to appropriate genetic testing. Lead authors of the paper are a past chairman of the board of the ASBrS, Pat Whitworth, MD, FACS, Director of the Nashville Breast Center, and a former president of the ASBrS, Peter Beitsch, MD, FACS, of the Dallas Surgical Group. Numerous other medical societies have voiced similar objections. "This policy is extremely detrimental to patient care, and the difficulties are easily rectified," Dr. Feldman notes. "Numerous physician specialists have specific training that qualifies them to evaluate, counsel and appropriately order tests for at-risk patients, helping to streamline and broaden testing access for those who qualify. Breast surgeons and other breast health physicians in particular have payed a leading role in this testing since its inception. Many related specialists have been providing these services since the mid-1990s, and genetic consultations not only compromise patient care but also impose new limits on the scope of these physicians' practices." With the growth of hereditary cancer genetic testing, increasingly payers are requiring genetic consults with the stated goal of minimizing inappropriate testing. However, less than 10% of BRCA1/2 carriers currently have been identified1 and made aware of their risks so that they may pursue potentially life-saving preventative and detection strategies. "Failure to test qualifying patients has a range of negative consequences," points out Julie Margenthaler, MD, professor of surgery, Washington University School of Medicine and ASBrS board member. "In the age of personalized medicine, BRCA test results are playing an increasingly important role in shaping cancer treatment plans and can support more precise, targeted care. They also significantly impact research that can contribute immensely to better diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the future. This study also suggests that these new restrictions may have greater impact on underserved populations, broadening the economic discrepancy in quality of cancer care." Dr. Whitworth, the study's lead author, notes that this was a large well-controlled study with clear findings. It focused on patients covered by a large insurance payer that recently adopted a genetic specialist evaluation policy. Using a commercial lab BRCA testing database, the study looked at the number of tests ordered that did not result in a final report to determine test cancellation rates. This data was gathered for a 12 month period prior to and following adoption of the policy, with a four month hiatus to compensate for policy adoption. The reasons for test cancellation were tracked using a variety of measures. Missing insurance information, typically due to failure to meet with a genetic counselor to complete the data, emerged as the primary cause. "Notably," says Dr. Whitworth, "the mutation positive rate in the pre- and post-mandatory counseling remained similar, suggesting that patients were not being inappropriately referred." The study also included a control group of patients covered by a competing insurance company not requiring genetic specialist consultation for BRCA testing. This group was examined for the same time period. The control group's test cancellation rates remained low and changed little throughout the study period. Click for study abstract Click for full study 1 Drohan B, Roche CA (News - Alert), Cusack JC, Jr, et al: Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and other hereditary syndromes: Using technology to identify carriers. Ann Surg Oncol 19:1732-1737, 2012 Medline View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103006179/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] eClinicalHealth and Clinerion Launch Clinpal Readiness Certification at Several Hospitals in Turkey eClinicalHealth Limited, a technology and consulting company dedicated to providing innovative clinical trial solutions, has announced a technology-enabled collaboration with Clinerion that will offer unprecedented access to 27.5 million potential study candidates at several hospitals in Turkey. The Clinerion-supported hospitals in Turkey will complete an online training program and earn Clinpal Readiness Certification. The training ensures each hospital has key stakeholders with the skills necessary to solicit, enroll and engage study patients through its use of the Clinpal technology. Results from a recent, successful remote study sponsored by the Clinpal team showed that patient compliance can increase by 18 percent and time investment can reduce by 22 percent when technology is used to support the patient recruitment and engagement process. "We are excited about the new horizons the Clinpal Readiness Certification offers our clients," said Ulf Claesson, CEO of Clinerion. "Turkey has a consistent high quality of hospital data, a single countrywide data standardand government support for clinical trials. In addition, Turkish patients have a high willingness to participate in clinical trials." Nine of the Clinerion-supported hospitals in Turkey are in Istanbul, Konya and Malatya and are actively running over 300 clinical trials. The hospitals provide access to a population of 27.5 million and over 100 physicians and practicing investigators who conduct clinical trials. These hospitals are dedicated to clinical research and offer clinical trial trendsetters in oncology, cardiology, endocrine surgery, pediatric neurology and general practice. eClinicalHealth and Clinerion will leverage the complementary nature of their respective technologies, Clinpal and Patient Recruitment System, by offering them in tandem to hospitals, sponsor companies and CROs. These technologies, combined with the large population base and available investigators, will enable sponsors and CROs to get trials underway faster than ever before. "The Clinpal Readiness Certification speeds the overall recruitment process and advances patient engagement," said Karl Landert, chairman of the board and CEO of eClinicalHealth. "Jointly, with Clinerion, we are eager to advance technology-enabled clinical trials in the Turkish hospital setting." About eClinicalHealth Headquartered in Scotland, eClinicalHealth Limited, developers of the revolutionary Clinpal patient engagement platform, was founded in early 2012 to provide innovative clinical trial solutions. The company is committed to leading open and collaborative innovation discussions about patient-centric clinical trial processes and technology with pharmaceutical companies, CROs and other service and technology providers. About Clinerion Clinerion is an international technology services company offering highly scalable electronic patient recruitment solutions to increase efficiency and quality in clinical research. The company's Patient Recruitment System connects to and leverages existing electronic medical records. Following international privacy and confidentiality standards, Clinerion's solutions pseudonymize, enrich and normalize those records and facilitate real-time patient recruitment for clinical trials. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103006251/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] Numecent Wins OC Tech Alliance's 23rd Annual High-Tech Innovation Award IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Numecent, a pioneer of cloud-based application delivery, today announced that it is the winner of the 23rd Annual OC Tech Alliance High-Tech Innovation Award in the category of Cloud/SaaS/Web Platform Solutions. The award was announced at the October 6th OC Tech Alliance dinner at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. "Numecent is honored to be recognized by the OC Tech Alliance for our innovative Cloudpaging products," says Tom Lagatta, Numecent's President and CEO. "Cloudpaging provides cost savings to enterprise customers who need to distribute vital applications to end users by streamlining delivery, reducing demands on IT, and helping to manage license and subscription costs." The OC Tech Alliance Award recognized Numecent for the ingenuity of its Cloudpaging technology. Cloudpaging allows Windows Appications to be delivered through Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), which enables enterprise customers to streamline application delivery via a self- service, app store-style website. This greatly reduces the time needed for new user on-boarding and app updates, delivering applications in minutes, fully ready to run with no installation needed. Cloudpaging also allows ISVs to deliver subscription-level offerings with full license control, securely and instantly. Numecent's Cloudpaging technology saves enterprise customers time and money by easing the burden on the IT department. The OC Tech Alliance High Tech Awards recognize Orange County-based companies that have demonstrated genuine technological innovation. The OC Technology Alliance is a nonprofit trade association committed to addressing the needs of small-to-midsize technology companies in Orange County, CA. More information about the OC Tech Alliance is available at www.octechalliance.com About Numecent Numecent is a fast-growing software and cloud-services company pioneering application delivery. Numecent's Cloudpaging technology brings rapid, secure and friction free provisioning of native applications from the cloud through virtualization and containerization. Delivering solutions to Enterprise customers via channel partners while also servicing cloud providers and ISV's, Numecent, has delivered cloudified applications worldwide, reducing the pain points for application delivery while helping lower costs. Numecent was founded in 2008, and is headquartered in Irvine, California. More information can be found at www.numecent.com All trademarks and registered trademarks previously cited are hereby recognized as the property of their respective owners Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160314/344191LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/numecent-wins-oc-tech-alliances-23rd-annual-high-tech-innovation-award-300356884.html SOURCE Numecent [November 03, 2016] Reynolds, OADA, Announce New LAW Oklahoma F&I Library DAYTON, Ohio, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Reynolds and Reynolds Company today announced the release of the Reynolds LAW Oklahoma F&I Library, a comprehensive catalog of standardized, legally reviewed finance and insurance (F&I) documents for new motor vehicle dealers in Oklahoma. The Reynolds LAW Oklahoma F&I Library was jointly developed by Reynolds Document Services and the Oklahoma Automobile Dealers Association (OADA). "We are pleased to announce this comprehensive suite of documents for new motor vehicle dealers in Oklahoma," said Jerry Kirwan, senior vice president and general manager of Reynolds Document Services. "The documents in the LAW Oklahoma F&I Library are designed to help dealers meet compliance obligations and manage risk. The documents in the library are regularly reviewed for legal sufficiency with the latest automotive regulations by Reynolds' industry-leading forms specialists alongside Reynolds' outside legal partners and representatives from the OADA." Kirwan also noted that the documents in the library are written in consumer-friendly language and can help to establish a clearer, more efficient F&I process at the dealership. By increasing the efficiency of the F&I process, the overall consumer experience with the dealership can be improved. Steven Rankin, President of the Oklahoma Automobile Dealers Association, said, "The Oklahoma Automobile Dealers Association ams to protect and support the business interests of Oklahoma car and truck dealers. We are happy to share the LAW Oklahoma F&I Library with our dealers because it is designed to help them maintain compliance, improve day-to-day F&I operations, and improve the experience of buying a car or truck for their customers." In addition, the printed documents in the LAW Oklahoma F&I Library are available in a digital format, which can help facilitate the conversion to laser-printed transactions and e-contracting. Reynolds Document Services maintains licensing agreements with all major providers of electronic F&I (e-F&I) solutions. The Oklahoma Automobile Dealers Association is the trade association for dealerships in Oklahoma. It serves more than 300 new car and heavy duty truck dealers across the state. About Reynolds LAW Brand Documents Reynolds' LAW brand is well established as one of the most trusted brands in the automotive industry. LAW documents are available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and have been endorsed by a number of state automobile dealers associations and leading automotive finance institutions. The flagship product of the LAW brand is the Reynolds LAW 553 Universal Retail Installment Sale Contract, the most widely accepted document in auto finance. The Reynolds LAW 553 is regularly reviewed by industry experts to help keep pace with new legislative and regulatory developments. Reynolds and Reynolds was founded in 1866 as a business forms printer. Since the 1920s, Reynolds has been known as the leader in serving automobile dealerships nationwide with standard and custom business and vehicle sales and service documents to help dealers manage their operations more efficiently and serve their customers more effectively. About Reynolds Reynolds and Reynolds is a leading provider of automobile dealership software, services, and forms to help dealerships deliver better business results and transform the customer experience. The company is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, with major operations in Houston and College Station, Texas, and Celina, Ohio. (www.reyrey.com) To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reynolds-oada-announce-new-law-oklahoma-fi-library-300356875.html SOURCE The Reynolds and Reynolds Company [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Two candidates seeking NLCS Board District 2 seat In this year's general election, two candidates are seeking election to the district two seat on the NLCS board: Adam Parsley and Michael Patton. Saddling up to help children What gave rise to the Ventura County Sheriffs Posses latest initiative to help kids with disabilities? Just a man and his horse. Somis resident Russell... CRPD to dedicate latest neighborhood park near Janss/23 The newest installation in the Conejo Rec and Park District system is now open to the public. On Oct. 21, CRPD crews took down the... The best birthday gift ever As Kerri Braemer-Castro looked down at the mountains and valleys of Camarillo from the cockpit of a World War II B-25 bomber earlier this month,... Break out the costumes HISTORIC FUNTop, Layla Sayegh, 8, of West Hills tries her hand at roping on Oct. 22 during Leonis Adobe Museums annual Pumpkin Party. Above, Lisa... A total of 59 nominations have been filed in Arruvakurichi, 44 in Thirupparankundram and 36 in Thanjavur. By Akshaya Nath: A total of 139 candidates have filed their nomination to contest on three assembly constituencies in the upcoming by-elections in Tamil Nadu. The last date for filing nomination was Wednesday. The elections in Aravakurichi and Thanjavur were earlier cancelled after allegations of bribing the voters had surfaced. Thirupparankundram in Madurai District is going for a fresh election because the MLA elected from the seat, AIADMK's SM Seenivel, passed away days after the assembly election results were announced. advertisement ALSO READ: Tamil Nadu governor wants 'His Excellency' tag dropped, says use 'Honourable' instead According to Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni, 59 nominations have been filed in Arruvakurichi, 44 in Thirupparankundram and 36 in Thanjavur. The filing of nominations began on October 26 and the last date for withdrawal is November 5. The nomination papers of the candidate will be scrutinised ahead of the elections on November 19. The results will be declared on November 22. The by-election is the first big test for the AIADMK since the party chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's hospitilisation on September 22. ALSO READ: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa completely well, will be home soon: AIADMK ALSO READ: Amma's photo on desk: That's how Panneerselvam presided over Tamil Nadu cabinet meet ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- By PTI: Rameswaram (TN), Nov 3 (PTI) Four fishermen from Tamil Nadu, arrested by Sri Lankan Navy, were today set free by a court in the island nation, a senior fisheries official said. The fishermen from this island town were arrested on November 1 on charges of fishing in Sri Lankan waters and remanded to judicial custody. The four were produced before Oorkavalthurai Court in Sri Lanka, which ordered their release, Rameswaram Assistant Director of Fisheries K T Gopinath said. advertisement Five fishermen from Pudukottai, who were arrested for fishing in Sri Lankan waters last month, were released by a court there yesterday. All those released are expected to return home by tomorrow, the official said. PTI COR ROH SMJ --- ENDS --- By Devarsi Ghosh: Spoilers ahead. If you have not watched Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, please come back once you've watched it. Else, go ahead. First up, Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is not half as bad as social media would want you to believe. And no, this is not a "paid review", like many Twitter-happy trolls would want to think. The writer is a lowly serf who pays for his own movie tickets and if he was actually on Karan Johar's payroll, he would fly off to Paris in his private jet just aiwe, like KJo's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil hero Ayan does. But no, here he is, sitting in his office, batting for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, because there is much to love, appreciate and cherish in this romantic, emotional drama. advertisement Much of the criticism against Ae Dil Hai Mushkil from both professional critics and social media posts focus on the indecent wealth of the characters; Ayan (Ranbir Kapoor), Alizeh (Anushka Sharma), Urdu poetess Saba (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) and He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named Khan. The general consensus is that these people are rich and full of themselves and hence, their heartbreak and feelings, which are otherwise very human and very natural, are fake because hey! They are rich! How dare they? ALSO READ: At 34, Ranbir is a legend in the making ALSO READ: Is SRK's cameo in ADHM to pass the baton to Ranbir? ALSO SEE: SHIVAAY vs AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL FULL COVERAGE People are asking questions like, "Okay, who goes to Paris after heartbreak?" or "Who pines for the same girl for years yaar? Get a life, dude!" which are, perhaps, legitimate things to ask, because writers and critics are paid peanuts and Saif Ali Khan has taught us that it is uncool to be a loser in love. Jokes aside, the aforementioned complaints are so silly and stupid that Karan Johar SHOULD turn Ae Dil Hai Mushkil into a self-indulgent trilogy of sappy romances (Title suggestions for remaining two films: Ae Dil Abhi Bhi Hai Mushkil and Aur Phir Se Dil Hai Mushkil) just to screw with these people! He can afford to; after all, he does not have to give patriot tax anymore. Anyway, a fictional character's wealth or profession should ideally not come in the way of relating to his/her human emotions; emotions as basic as love, jealousy, heartbreak, lust, hunger, whatever. Can you say you hated Lagaan because you could not relate to it because Bhuvan and co. are poor peasants from 19th Century India? Did you have to pay teen goona lagaan to white people? No. But you still enjoyed their story. So, when someone goes on a trip to Paris after his heart is broken (because he can bloody afford it, doofus, and it has been established he is Richie Rich), what is the issue in that? It is difficult to understand people who walk into the theatre to watch a macho Salman Khan potboiler and then, walk out to complain, "Yaar matlab kitni unrealistic hai, matlab Salman hai to kuch bhi karlega na?" The star cast, the director and his/her body of work and the film's promos together should give you an idea about what a film is going to be like. If you thought KJo's characters are going to be chindi and gareeb like you, the joke's on you. advertisement Another popular criticism has been: What does Anushka's character Alizeh do for a living? Okay, counter-question: Does this have any bearing on the story in itself? Well, no. What Alizeh does is immaterial. Alizeh is simply a plot device whose existence serves to tell the audience Ayan's story of unrequited love and heartbreak... in Ayan's voice. Those wallowing in unrequited love, especially man-children of a certain type, have the tendency to drown in self-pity. Their outlook becomes myopic and to them, everything is just about them. Unrequited love is a very selfish kind of love, where the other person's perspective becomes unimportant in the face of such majestic, passionate love. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil has a story, that seems to exist entirely within the solipsistic mind of the heartbroken lover, Ayan. Therefore, the fact that He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named Khan is handsome and cool 'DJ' Ali, is important. Ayan repeatedly stresses on the fact that Ali is a DJ because Ali happens to be everything he is not; successful, charming, one who commands Alizeh's love. advertisement Similarly, that Saba (Aishwarya) is an Urdu poetess is highlighted with the subtlety one so obviously relates with Karan Johar's brand of cinema. Saba is shown as everything Alizeh is not. Saba is refined, tasteful, into poetry, sexual, and while Alizeh speaks in staccato bursts of you know, umm like umm Hinglish yeah, Saba's chaste Urdu vocabulary would put any Samaa TV anchor to shame. So, who Saba is and where she comes from is more important to the story than who or what Alizeh really is, because a story told from Ayan's point of view only considers elements of Alizeh that have relevance to his feelings. And speaking of elements of a character, Saba's characterisation has been joked about and written off as superficial in many quarters. It is a very knee-jerk way to react to how Saba has been shown. What we should not forget is that Karan Johar makes films in the 'Joharverse' which has its own set of preoccupations, aesthetic and rules. Karan Johar simplifies friendship to the bubbly, tomboyish look of Anjali in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and to him, love is exemplified with the long hair, perfect make-up and chiffon sarees that we see on Anjali in the second half of KKHH. KJo is just like that and to blame a KJo film for being a KJo film will not earn you a spot in Mensa International. Saba needs to be projected the way she appears to be, because again, Saba is not a real person, she is an archetype. advertisement All the characters of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil are not 'real people'. They are cinematic archetypes feeling real everyday emotions. Perhaps, the only and biggest pitfall of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, however, is giving Alizeh cancer in the last 30 minutes. In Indian films, when you need to give a sympathetic character cancer, it is always stage four. When you give one of the players in a love story, cancer, suddenly, every word said and every move made gets life-and-death importance. After showing Ayan crying in 10 different ways at 10 different points of time in ADHM, because he is not getting Alizeh to love him as her boyfriend, something has to give, right? So, what now? Give Alizeh cancer and let's see what Ayan does. Will Alizeh be floored with Ayan's return to her life at her most trying times and let him have sex with her, or will Alizeh stay true to herself, as she rightfully should, and Ayan will simply have to live with it? At least, the saving grace of this ridiculous plot development is that Alizeh does not give in to Ayan's childishness and Ayan just goes mmkay, if that's what you say. Like the writer said in the first paragraph, there is much to love, appreciate and cherish in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. The super-melodramatic pitch at which ADHM operates is reminiscent of an older kind of larger-than-life Hindi cinema that Karan Johar continuously references in the film. But where ADHM really stands out in Karan Johar's oeuvre, is that it is not manipulative. The moment Karan Johar starts manipulating in the film (i.e the cancer plotline begins), the film falters. But that's alright. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is pretty decent. Try to watch it with no hang-ups, it ain't that mushkil. (The writer tweets as @devarsighosh.) --- ENDS --- The Peep Tempel recently returned with a new LP, entitled Joy, and Rayguns, a powerful new single that forces Australians to wake up and take a long hard look in the mirror. Following on from their critically acclaimed sophomore album Tales, The Peep Tempel recorded their new LP in their West Melbourne studio last summer with engineer Anna Laverty. We recently caught up with vocalist and guitarist Blake Scott, ahead of the bands national tour, to find out more about the music thats inspired one of Australias most important bands. Metallica Metallica I think the first CD I ever had, no, the first tape I ever had was Metallicas Black Album. I think when the CDs came out, which was probably a year later of the year after that, or whenever, I think it was Pearl Jams Ten. I lived in the country so there wasnt much, you sort of got what was on the telly, or what was in Smash Hits magazine or something, thats what you were getting. I couldve done worse though. Metallica was just huge then, yknow. I was 7, 8, or 9, I dont remember the year, but they were all over the telly and I remember the film clips. Just seeing the film clips for The Unforgiven and Enter Sandman. I think its just, yknow, under the age of 10 and you like rock music, you hear riffs like Enter Sandman, youre going to get a bit of a rush, I think. Dan Kelly & The Alpha Males Sing The Tabloid Blues Theres a few of those, but probably Dan Kelly & The Alpha Males Sing The Tabloid Blues. All of Dans albums are incredible, but at that time of my life, when that came out, I just thought it was an incredible record. When I first heard Dans album Id only been in Melbourne about 18 months, and I moved into this real dodgy house in West Melbourne, it was so fucked up this joint, and just remember that album. The first few months I was there, I just had a mattress on the floor and I just laid down on the mattress, listened to it and drank lots of wine. It was just an album that I just, musically and lyrically, just found it incredibly enjoyable to listen to all the time. It has a sense of humour, and the players on that record; Gareth Liddiard is on it, and Christian Strybosch plays drums, yeah no, its a very, very good record. Nirvana In Utero That was probably the record that got me to start thinking outside the box musically. I think its a great record, I think its the best Nirvana record in my opinion. Great pop music, but yknow, it had a certain influence to it. Out of all those records, that I still sit down and identify with, that would be it. I liked Nevermind, I mean, its a great record, but like, I probably wouldnt listen to Nevermind now, whereas In Utero I could listen to over and over again. At the time I liked Nevermind, and it had amazing songs, it had probably one of the most amazing songs ever written. I just find In Utero more interesting. Jay Reatard Blood Visions Jay was obviously a huge inspiration for us. I hadnt really been excited about music for quite a while and we were really close to not really continuing music. Of course I think Id always play and have some sort of involvement, but as for being in bands and making records, I was getting a bit tired and just uninspired. We used to live in this block of four houses in West Melbourne, where I was talking about before, and it was pretty rough. Where we used to rehearse, next door to me and Steve the drummer, on the end there were these other blokes, I was walking past there and looked up and he was playing this record, and I thought That sounds cool. So I walked in, sat down, and it was about three in the morning. I think we played Blood Visions five times from start to finish. We sat there drinking, talking about the record, and from that we started talking about these 1977 punk records that he had, 45s and that sort of thing. Eddy Current Suppression Ring Primary Colours All of a sudden I was just so excited, and I was out searching for more records, and around that time I was listening to a lot of Eddy Current Suppression Ring because they were just doing so well at the time. Thats just two bands and records that really inspired us. The way in which they all influenced the recording, well it was just to go in and enjoy it. Especially the Eddy Current Suppression Ring record, where it sounded like they were really, really enjoying themselves. You know, thats just something you dont hear it a lot. Im not sure if Jay Reatard sounded like he was enjoying himself, but the energy was so incredible. I mean we went and saw him at The Tote and it was some of the best 15 minutes of my life, I think that was all he played for. Olympia Self Talk The Olympia record, Self Talk, is fantastic. I thought the new Drones record was really good, an important record, as all those are, I think. I think Olympias was pretty important too. It was a major label release that was still very tasteful. Very well produced, but tasteful, not over the top, and a great personality. Jess Ribeiro was probably the one of last year that just kept growing on me, its such a beautiful record. I went and saw her at the NGV and she has just such an amazingly gentle personality. Im also really enjoying the songs of her partner, hes got some really cool stuff, a great writer. Theres heaps of stuff really, were just so lucky, weve got lots of great bands. The Peep Tempels new album, Joy, is available now. The band will be hitting the road to celebrate the new album all this month check below for dates and details! The Peep Tempel National Tour Dates Friday, 4th November 2016 Jive Bar, Adelaide Friday, 11th November 2016 Shark Bar, Gold Coast Saturday, 12th November 2016 The Zoo, Brisbane Saturday, 19th November 2016 Corner Hotel, Melbourne Saturday, 26th November 2016 Amplifier Bar, Perth Friday, 2nd December 2016 Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney "Join us Kansas City and take your stand against the Dakota Access Pipeline #nodapl. We will rally outside City Hall, South Entrance, starting at 8am. Bring your signs, banners, drums, sage, prayers, song and dance. The City Council is considering a Resolution #160804 KC granting a Letter of Solidarity with Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in opposition of the Dakota Access Pipeline and protecting our Missouri River." Thehave resonated among Kansas City progressives who plan to push their support of this movement after the election.is going before the Neighborhoods and Public Safety Committee on Nov. 9. If the committee votes to pass it, it will then be directed to the full City Council, including Mayor Sly James.The latest call to action from this group:A protest in Kansas City is planned for the morning of Wednesday, November 9 at City Hall steps.Lots ofbut that doesn't always translate to real world support.You decide . . . By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 3 (PTI) A doctor at AIIMS has been awarded the prestigious honorary fellowship of Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) for his contribution to growth of medical education and healthcare in that country. Dr Ashutosh Biswas, Professor of Medicine at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), was presented the fellowship recently by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a function held in Dhaka. advertisement "It is an honour to receive this fellowship from Bangaldesh for rendering services to our neighbouring country. A doctor from Malaysia from the department of surgery also was awarded the international fellowship," Dr Biswas said. "Besides honorary international fellowships, national fellowships were also awarded. It is a very difficult examination and only 4-5 candidates clear it, sometimes after multiple attempts. It is the Bangladeshi equivalent of the UKs FRCS, FRCP," he said. Established in 1972 by former Bangladesh President Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, BCPS is one of the prestigious medical institutions that has been a pioneer in developing post-graduate medical education and training in that country. The AIIMS doctor said Bangladesh has been partnering with doctors from various countries to share their expertise with their doctors for bettering the healthcare system. "Bangladesh is in the right track and international collaboration is taking it a step further," he said. As part of a collaborative exchange programme between India and Bangladesh, Biswas was nominated by the Government of India to support Bangladesh in popularising and improving the standard of medical education and healthcare system in that country. Dr Biswas is a specialist in preventive medicines relating to infectious diseases like vector-borne diseases, and HIV, and alongside experts from the UK, Singapore, Malaysia and China, has suggested ways and means to improve the medical examination system in Bangladesh. PTI KND NSD --- ENDS --- class Last month our. . . Over the weekend a slate of GOP endorsements irked Kansas City's Democratic Party elite and denizens.The reality . . . Newspaper endorsements no longer drive votes they're pretty much a legacy of machine politics which are now run by way of e-mail.Nevertheless . . .Check the offending tweet . . .It's a good look at a lack ofsportsmanship from a GOP dude disliked by most of his own party because of his pro-union votes.Worse still . . . The hard right turn of the Kansas City Star hasn't inspired much excitement among Conservatives and mostly rage among their longtime progressive readers.Still, the myth of a "moderate" has been mostly destroyed by this divisive election as dividing lines continue to be drawn across Kansas City.Developing . . . CHECK CONGRESSMAN CLEAVER AND THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS CHALLENGING ADVERTISER OPTIONS ON FACEBOOK ALONG WITH CALLING OUT THEIR HIRING PRACTICES!!! Congressman Cleaver Urges Facebook to Change Alleged Discriminatory Advertising Practices Right now here's first word on Kansas City's top ranking elected officials taking on a tech giant.To wit . . .Here's the word as politics still trumps social media. Take a look:Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II joined Congresswoman Robin Kelly and other Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Members in sending a letter to Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. The letter, which can be foundaddresses reports of advertisers on Facebook, using a customization feature that excludes racial and ethnic groups when placing housing advertisements online.The customization feature allows for an Ethnic Affinities selection. By allowing online advertisers to promote or market a certain community for home sales, Facebook is therefore promoting restrictive housing practices.This is a direct violation of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and it is our strong desire to see Facebook address this issue immediately, stated the letter, signed by Congressman Cleaver, CBC Chairman G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL), and Congresswoman Yvette Clark (D-NY).Facebook may not have intentionally created this feature to separate communities, but there are minority families who have not seen or heard of the housing opportunities and sales that are being marketed and made available to others. Everyone should have the same opportunity to see whats available to them, said Congressman Cleaver.The Members are asking Mr. Zuckerberg to correct this customization feature in online housing advertisements. It is also important that technology industries like Facebook include more African Americans and minorities within their workforce to promote diversity and prevent future discriminatory practices.#############Developing . . . TAKE A LOOK AT ALONZO WASHINGTON TAKING APART THE CASE AGAINST THE ALLEGED WALDO RAPIST WHEREIN MORE RECENT CHARGES WERE ULTIMATELY DROPPED!!! EITHER WAY THIS IS IMPORTANT FOR ALL OF KANSAS CITY GIVEN THAT DROPPED CHARGES COULD SIGNAL THE WALDO RAPIST STILL AT LARGE AND THREATENING MORE WOMEN!!! Kansas City's most prolific anti-crime activist sheds more light on the aftermath of this controversial Kansas City case.The KC Crime Fighter argues there wasRemember that initially there wereQuestions aboutraise theUltimately, Mr. Washington sees this as. . .Accordingly . . .You decide . . . The refugee crisis is a European crisis. It concerns Europe and not only Greece and on this specific issue there is huge understanding in Germany, deputy minister of Economic Cooperation and Development and German Chancellor Angela Merkel's personal envoy in the Greek-German assembly Hans-Joachim Fuchtel said to Athens-Macedonian News Agency. The Greek-German assembly opened a new way in Europe. The close cooperation between Greek and German municipalities, communities and regions were fruitful for both sides, noted Fuchtel and underlined that the Greek-German Assembly meeting that opens on Thursday in the city of Nafplio is a network which is dynamically developing. This indicates that the approach is bearing fruit and is being established. Our collective work is convincing. During my last visit to Greece I met with government vice president Yiannis Dragasakis and with other ministers. They all showed interest in the cooperation with the Greek German Assembly. In local governance it refers to specific exchange of experiences, not very much on politics, and for this reason the interest in the assembly is increasing, said Fuchtel. The 6th annual meeting of the Greek-German Assembly Nafplio 2016: Local administration united with the eye to Europe's future is according to the German minister a very important event for all those involved in the local administration. The title proves that our cooperations at local governance is closely linked with the European vision. We are moving within the European lab, we exchange practices and we commonly develop new solutions. Come to Nafplio to see by yourselves how we work, how we discuss and how friendly is the atmosphere, said Fuchtel. 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 police have arrested the owner of a massage parlour in the city of Patra for using his business as a front for illicit sexual services Greek police have arrested the owner of a massage parlour in the city of Patra for using his business as a front for illicit sexual services. A 37-year-old female Latvian woman, who was employed as a professional masseuse at the establishment, would offer sexual services to clients for extra money, a commission of which went to the owner. An undercover police officer booked an appointment for a massage over the phone, where the owner informed him about the special treatment for an extra 70 euros. Once the owner took the marked euro notes after the meeting, police apprehended him. The officers confiscated 640 euros as a product of illegal sexual activities. The man was taken to the local prosecutor and charged with facilitating 3rd parties for sexual activities without permission, while the woman was released on a misdemeanour charge of violating soliciting laws. 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 government added an amendment to the TV licensing law which would require the approval of the National Council for Radio and Television in the starting price for a broadcasting licence The Greek government added on Thursday an amendment to the TV licensing law which would require the agreement of the National Council for Radio and Television (NCRTV) in determining the starting price for a broadcasting licence at the auction. The amendment was proposed by SYRIZA lawmaker Spyros Lappas and accepted by State Minister Nikos Pappas, who urged the opposition parties to recognize it as another step towards consensus. I welcome the course of this debate and I think we can complete it today and continue, in good faith, in the next meeting of Parliament Presidents, so we can complete this necessary step, Pappas said during a debate in parliament. 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 The Greek islands of Andros and Alonissos are among the 10 most underrated European Islands, according to Traveller.com.au The Australian travel website's complete list includes: 1. Mljet, Croatia Some of the Croatian islands have attained a cool, chic status that Mljet will never get to. Brac and Korcula have been hip for quite some time now. But Mljet stays in the shadows, visited by a few people on the ferry from Dubrovnik. It stays under the radar largely because it doesn't have an obvious must-see attraction. It's just a few villages, a couple of pretty churches, some blissful forest walking trails, and a lake in the middle where the moochers can cool off. It's pretty much the dictionary definition of idyllic. See mljet.hr. 2. Alonnisos, Greece The Greek islands that tend to get the attention are those in the south of the country, but head a bit further up and the Sporades group is largely forgotten. Of these, Alonnisos is the nature lover's dream. Astonishingly, it's home to Greece's only National Marine Park, and the wetlands provide a haven for bird life. Boat tours head out to find dolphins, rare monk seals and gliding falcons. See visitgreece.gr. 3. Andros, Greece Even the better known Greek Island chains have islands that don't get the attention they deserve. The Cyclades are an easy ferry hop from Athens, and the party crowds head to Mykonos and Ios, while Santorini pulls in the more romantically inclined. But then there's Andros, second largest of the Cyclades and one of the closest to Athens. It is riven with valleys and ancient footpaths, making it prime territory for walkers. The main town, Hora, is full of handsome ship-owners' mansions, but the charm comes from camping among the olive trees. See Andros.gr. 4. Aland, Finland Part of Finland, but Swedish-speaking, the Aland archipelago lies adrift in the Baltic Sea, left to do pretty much its own thing. Main island Aland is deliciously flat, and thus perfect for pootling around on a bike. There are a few museums that dip into the islands' history and maritime traditions, but mainly the pleasure comes from the tranquil meandering around the cute wooden houses and linden trees. See visitaland.com. 5. Mainland, Scotland Scotland's Western Isles have the attention-grabbing scenery, but the Orkney Islands off the north-eastern tip have the heritage sites. Over the years, several Neolithic settlements have been uncovered on the largest island, known as Mainland. Maes Howe is a 5000-year-old stone age tomb, while Skara Brae is the best-preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe. It's not all old stuff, though there's also the Highland Park whisky distillery and some of the world's best coldwater diving to check out. Scapa Flow, one of the world's largest natural harbours, is where seven German World War I ships were sunk and divers can swim around them. See visitorkney.com. 6. Ilha de Tavira, Portugal Part of southern Portugal's Parque Natural de Ria Formosa, Ilha De Tavira turns the stock images of an Algarve beach on their heads. Usually it's quaint coves with multi-coloured cliffs, or pounding Atlantic surf. Ilha de Tavira is none of that just a vast 11km stretch of near white sand, with usually duckpond-esque waters gently lapping away at it. The sunbeds and bars are near where the ferry docks, but you really don't have to walk far to get a vast swath of beach to yourself. See visitalgarve.pt. 7. Formentera, Spain Of Spain's Balearic Islands, Menorca is the traditionalist one, Mallorca the great all-rounder and Ibiza the party island. And poor Formentera gets forgotten about, unless considered as a day trip from Ibiza. Well, if it's a proper chill out you're after Formentera is the spot. There's very little to do there, and that's why it's ace. It's the Balearic white sand and blue seas that attracted the masses in the first place, with none of the resulting baggage. See Formentera.es. 8. Elba, Italy Known largely as the island Napoleon was banished to, Elba still celebrates that heritage. The Villa dei Mulini was Napoleon's rather lavish home. But the rest of the island is studded with cove beaches that are usually accessible only by clambering down steep stairs from the road. It also does a nice line in olive and wine production. Tenuta La Chiusa is the oldest wine estate, and offers simple self-catering accommodation too. See tenutalachiusa.it 9. The Lofoten Islands, Norway Usually skipped by cruise ships heading north, the Lofoten Islands make an unforgettable first impression, with their craggy jagged peaks rising out of the sea. The four main islands are connected by road, and offer some serious hiking up the steep peaks. They're also a good bet for high speed boat tours through spectacular narrow channels. Quirky museums include Magic Ice which tries to tell the islands' story through ice sculptures. See visitnorway.com. 10. Gozo, Malta Malta's little cousin has some magical coves and coastal caves, plus top snorkelling and diving spots. But it also throws in a fair bit of heritage too. Main town Victoria throws in a handsome cathedral and castle combo, while the megalithic Ggantija temples are at least 5000 years old. The extra effort required to get there means it's much quieter than its bigger neighbour. See visitgozo.com. 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 Impact Estate, an award-winning full service real estate company based in Bahrain, is showcasing its Dilmunia-based waterfront project Residence Sharq at Bipex 2016 in Manama. Bipex, organised by the Bahrain Society of Engineers under the patronage of Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, opened on November 3 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. For nine years, the expo has been offering a platform for investors, developers and buyers to meet and discuss the challenges and opportunities of real estate market in Bahrain, said the company in a statement. At this year's property exhibition, Impact Estate is exclusively presenting Residence Sharq. The new project of the leading Bahraini development company Al-Maawdah Group offers high-end luxury units with areas starting from 101 sq m for one-bedroom apartments, and going up to 339 sq m for four-bedroom townhouses, said the statement. Spacious waterfront units with premium quality finishing provide residents with island style living in Europe-inspired setting. Prices start from BD61,200 ($161,159) for two-bedroom apartments, it added. Oksana Konyshevska, the general manager of Impact Estate, said: "We look forward to the possibilities the Bipex will bring us this year." "It is always exciting to present a new project during the exhibition as there are many visitors coming to see what is new in the Bahrains real estate market. I am sure visitors of the property show will be impressed with the multimillion-dollar project we will be showcasing," she stated. Impact Estate was recently appointed by the Al-Maawdah Group as a sales and marketing agent for Residence Sharq. The project is scheduled for completion in 2019.-TradeArabia News Service Lithuania-based Fasa, a producer of packaging machines for liquid, paste and dry food production, has joined hands with Egli, a Swiss butter and margarine processing lines producer, to expand their businesses. This newly joint conglomerate will result in expanded operating geography, customer base, and will help to provide processing and packaging equipment from one stop source and to improve instant customer service worldwide, said a statement from the companies. Moreover, exchanging of good practices and know-how will improve internal processes and marketing strategies. The main advantage is a possible diversification of risks and markets of both companies in Lithuania and Switzerland, it said. Therefore new clients will benefit by receiving full and personalised solutions from one source, whether they need to produce butter in bulk packages or make retail margarine packs, it added. Karolis Samusis, CEO of Fasa, said: Switzerland is a symbol of high quality products and processes, and thanks to this cooperation, quality control of our companys equipment will meet even higher standards. Egli has proved to have strong values and leadership in the market, and now we have an opportunity to collaborate and reach new markets, new clients or new segments, he said. Our company gives huge importance to research and development, and this partnership will only increase our presence in a very competitive market, he added. Rudenz Egli, CEO of Egli, said: By constantly keeping in contact with our distributors we have realised the importance of a full range of products, therefore our cooperation was long waited and beneficial for both companies letting us benefit from larger sales. We will be adding extra value to our everyday work and our promise for partners. From now on, all Fasa and Egli production will be branded with a new logo announcing the collaboration, he concluded. TradeArabia News Service Doctors are advising against morning walks till November 7 because the air is no longer 'fresh'. Find out how smog can affect even a healthy Delhiite. By Sanjana Agnihotri: Delhi-NCR residents get no respite from the thick cover of smog as the region remains engulfed for the fourth consecutive day. Many blame bursting of crackers for this deterioration of air quality, and have even launched a change.org petition. But a NASA forecast showed high levels of 'fires and thermal anomalies' in neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana because farmers are burning crop stubble which is impacting Delhi's pollution levels as well. advertisement Burning crop stubble: A cause of deterioration of air quality Farmers set up paddy stubble on fire as a part of the slash and burn method of agriculture despite the National Green Tribunal last year ordering the government to stop farmers from burning their crops. Also read: This is what Delhi's polluted air can do to your lungs According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), levels of Particulate Matter (PM) 10 levels reached a record 500 mark on Wednesday and are not expected to fall before Friday. Doctor's advise Doctors are advising against morning walks till November 7 because the air is no longer 'fresh'. According to the wind forecast, significant improvement in the air quality is expected only around November 7. The pollution levels still remain multiple times more than the safe levels and is having an adverse impact even on the health of young children and a normal person with no respiratory diseases. "Pollution affects at the cellular level, such high pollution levels lead to increase in respiratory ailments, cognitive decline, irritability, brain-fogging, fatigue, and headaches," says Dr Sandeep Datta. Also read: Delhi becomes a gas chamber: This Diwali, anti-cracker campaign went up in smoke, quite literally Talking to India Today about how a normal person will recover after being exposed to such severe pollution levels, he said the process will vary as for some it will be gradual and others might observe sudden changes. "One can see sudden changes once the smog level goes down as toxicity at cellular level decreases and respiratory symptoms improve as irritant levels also decrease", he said. Heart patients and pregnant women should take extra care and wearing N 95 mask is important for prevention from the polluted air, the chest physician told India Today. "There has been an increase in number of patients, especially young children, complaining of respiratory problems", Dr Datta said. Also read: 173 fire-related incidents reported in Delhi on Diwali advertisement #SaveDelhi- Need of the hour Air pollution rose above 17 times the acceptable limit in Delhi which is an alarming figure considering there was a drop in sale of crackers this Diwali. Poor visibility conditions have increased traffic jams and delayed flights commuting via Delhi. Visibility issue has also cropped up because of drop in wind movement and increase in humidity, which makes the pollutants remain close to the ground reported Indian Express. A change.org petition to ban crackers is doing the rounds of social media and has already received the support of nearly 43,000 people. Watch: --- ENDS --- World Travel Market London 2016, the leading global event for the travel industry, is again hosting spa specialists in its Wellness Lounge, with 25 partners showcasing their product and for the first time a dedicated Wellness Speed Networking session. Following a successful introduction last year, the WTM Wellness Lounge will be open throughout the day on November 9, to maximise connection opportunities between wellness exhibitors and buyers who can talk business in the comfort of a dedicated area. Among those looking to facilitate business deals in the dedicated lounge area is Visit Guernsey, which is launching a campaign at WTM London to promote the destination as a wellness hotspot perfect for those who want to rejuvenate and enjoy salty air, sunny walks, quiet tranquil spots, pampering, meditation and yoga retreats. Other wellbeing specialists that can be found in the lounge include the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), which represents more than 30 towns in Europe and World Travel Award 2016 winner Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso, Greeces leading spa resort. Santani, a new wellness hotel that opened this year, will also have a pod in the WTM Wellness Lounge, as will Leukerbad Clinin Switzerland, one of the worlds most renowned providers of preventative medicine and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. New for this year, WTM London is adding a dedicated Wellness Speed Networking session within the lounge, linking up Wellness Lounge partners with more than 40 high-calibre buyers. The WTM Wellness Speed Networking will take place on Wednesday, 9 November, 10:00-11:00 in the WTM Wellness Lounge EM3050. Later, theres a chance for leaders in the sector to be recognised at the 2016 Wellness Travel Awards, hosted by Spafinder Wellness the only awards programme dedicated to honouring spas, resorts, hotels and retreats. The Wellness Travel Awards take place on November 9, 17:00-18:00, in the WTM Wellness Lounge EM3050. The Wellness Lounge is part of a two-day focus on wellness tourism at WTM London this year. On Tuesday, November 8, there is a full range of seminars dedicated to the sector taking place in the WTM Inspire Theatre - EU475. World Travel Market London, senior director Simon Press said: Although once a niche market, spas and well-being centres are becoming central to mainstream travel products and the WTM Wellness Lounge highlights the growing representation and importance of wellness tourism at WTM London. The WTM Wellness showcase offers suppliers an exclusive platform to meet new contacts and conduct business in the comfort of the dedicated lounge. Our speed networking sessions have worked really well in other market sectors and the WTM Wellness Speed Networking session is the perfect opportunity for domestic and international travel buyers to visit exhibitors in a series of mini-meetings. Combined with the 2016 Wellness Travel Awards and our dedicated wellness seminar programme, its an all-spa extravaganza at WTM London 2016. WTM London is the event where the travel and tourism industry conducts its business deals, with more than 2.5 billion ($3.06) in deals poised to be agreed at WTM London 2016. This year, the event will be revamped as a three-day event from November 7 9, with opening hours extended from 10 am 7 pm for all three days. - TradeArabia News Service You can opt out of certain types of cookies (e.g. those used in social media sharing) by choosing "I do not accept". The website will still largely function well, but with slightly less functionality in places. To manage your cookie preferences in future, visit the "Cookie Statement" link at the bottom of any page. Qingming Festival usually falls on April 4th or 5th. Qingming is the second of 24 solar terms on the traditional Chinese solar calendar. It is also a time for people to go outside and start enjoying the greenery of spring. Some people show their respects to their ancestors by laying wreaths in the front of the graves. As for the celebrants of the Qingming Festival, it is an important day of sacrifice for people wherein they go and sweep tombs to commemorate their family line and ancestors. There are various activities for Qingming Festival. The most popular ones, aside from tomb sweeping would be spring outings, kite flying and putting willow branches on gates, which all have been important to this festival since the beginning. Locals and all other celebrants commemorate and show respect to their ancestors by visiting their graves and offering food, tea, wine, incense and joss paper, which to serves as the representation of money. They sweep the tombs, remove weeds and add fresh soil to the graves, stick willow branches on the tomb and burn incense, as well as joss or 'paper money'. The day before Tomb Sweeping Day was the traditional Chinese Cold Food Day. But as time passed, the two festivals were gradually combined into one. On the cold food festival day, people used no fire and only ate cold food. Now people in some places still have the custom of eating cold food on Qingming Festival. Sweet green rice balls are one of the most traditional Qingming food. It is made of a mixture of glutinous rice powder and green vegetable juice, then stuffed with sweetened bean paste. Sweet green rice balls are jade-green in color and both sweet in taste and aroma. Qingming Festival is a national holiday in China. Many Chinese people will make use of the 3-day holiday to go traveling. Therefore, during the Qingming Festival, most attractions will be crowded, public transport is highly likely to be the same as well, and accommodation for travelers may be slightly more expensive. But nevertheless, the experience is still worth the trip. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Just like every election season in the United States, much more so now that Donald Trump has been announced as a candidate for president, many Americans express their interest in not only visiting their northern neighbor but most especially in staying there permanently. Many might speculate the reason as to why Canada ranked the highest for 2017's top travel destination. Aside from having many spots to offer tourists and having the most polite bunch of people in the planet, could it also have something to do with the fact that it is being led by Prince Eric look-alike Justin Trudeau who seems to have captivated the world too? Actually, as reported by Forbes, Canada became Lonely Planet's top travel destination because of the low value of Canadian dollar and its excellent tourism infrastructure definitely added a great deal of allure too. Alex Howard, Lonely Planet's Canada destination editor said in an email that, "Canada is always popular with us, but there are several things going on in 2017 that made it number one." "First, it's the country's biggest birthday party in recent memory with the sesquicentennial next year, and they won't be shy about celebrating. Also, international travelers can expect their money to go further due to the weak Canadian dollar, so now is the time to start planning a trip." The other countries that also landed a much coveted spot in Lonely Planet's list of 10 Best Travel Destinations for 2017 are: Columbia, which landed a close second; Finland which came in third, Dominica, an island in the Caribbean in the fourth spot, as well as Asian countries Myanmar, Oman and Mongolia. Whether you decide that you are just visiting or if you are going to stay for good, Abigail Williams of Huffington Post suggests these 6 destinations you should totally visit in Canada: 1. Vancouver, British Columbia 2. Toronto, Ontario 3. Montreal, Quebec 4. Banff National Park, Alberta 5. Cabot Trail, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia 6. Whistler, British Columbia from InternetOfVideos: 10 Best Places to Visit in Canada See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Despite innovations in air and sea travel, there are still many unknown places yet undiscovered by many. Island in particular, hold an air of isolation and seclusion that makes any traveler feel alone and relaxed. Famous islands like Hawaii and St. Barth's are great but what's better than discovering your own paradise? Here are five islands you've never heard of, but should visit now. 1. Saba, Dutch Caribbean Besides being a little piece of paradise with its lush jungles and beautiful coastline, Saba, known as the "Unspoiled Queen", is also an LGBT paradise. According to CNN, same-sex marriage is legal and even encouraged here, with the island's director of tourism openly gay, and very welcoming of travelers of all genders. 2. Quilalea, Mozambique Sitting in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the island is part of a strictly protected marine sanctuary. 9 villas of coral and thatch are the only structures erected on the island, and since 2011, nobody has lived on the island except for nesting sea turtles and its local diverse species. 3. Lummi Island, Washington Just a two hour drive from Seattle, the island is accessible via a 5-minute ferry ride, and takes travelers to a different world. Some of the best things to do on this island include mushroom foraging, whale watching and kayaking. According to Vogue, one of the only accommodations on the island is the Willows Inn, built in 1910 and run by local fishermen. The seven-room inn surprisingly hosts celebrity chef Blaine Wetzel who trained at Noma in New York. After winning a James Beard award, he stays on Lummi and forages for fresh ingredients such as kelp, blackberries and lavender. 4. Cuixmala, Mexico The most commonly asked question by staff is "How did you hear about us?". According to Travelers Today, Cuixmala is a secret island in Mexico with the most expensive hotel suite in the country. 9 casitas and 4 private villas are spread across 25,000 acres of land, lagoon and beach, perfect for getting away from it all. Other famous celebrities who have secretly gone here include Mick Jagger, Madonna and Bill Gates. 5. XXXX Island, Australia Atypical to the usual island paradise, this party island is decked with billiards, darts, Xbox and a free flowing bar. Huts scattered across the island are given quirky titles such as "School of Rock". Owned by beverage company Lion, the island was once known as Pumpkin Island. Currently, the only way to get to visit the mysterious island is to win a ticket from Lion's promotional competitions. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 China is a vast country filled with so much culture and beautiful sights all over. While Beijing, its capital, is the place where most tourists flock to, there are still a lot to be discovered in this diverse and colorful country. For instance, the tiny city of Yinchuan which is rapidly gaining in popularity, is being considered to be a 'Chinese oasis'. When translated literally, Yinchuan means 'silver river'; the city, while tiny serves as a melting pot of culture and tradition which takes its cues from both the Chinese and Muslim culture. According to Claire Bouchara of BlouinArtInfo, "What was historically a key point for commerce and culture on the Silk Route has blossomed into a rising city with 25 ethnic groups, major cultural sites, and a thriving agricultural industry thanks to the Yellow River traversing through Yinchuan." Being a city loaded with so much appreciation for history, culture and art, Yinchuan is also having its biennale for the very first time and is curated by Bose Krishnamachari, an Indian artist-curator. The exhibit has the theme "For an Image, Faster Than Light" and will be displayed until December 18, 2016 at Yinchuan's Museum of Contemporary Art. Aside from checking out the aforementioned exhibit, here are top 5 of the reasons why you should visit this place immediately. 1. Various sceneries Yinchuan has its fair share of picturesque sceneries - varying from deserts to lush green forests, this city has it too. Spanning a total area of 9,555 square kilometers, Yinchuan is pitched as the ultimate travel destination. Popular scenic spots include the Suyukou National Forest Park, Golden Water Tourist Area and Shaku Lake which showcases the beauty of nature from displaying an impressive mountain range to blue waters and golden desert sands. 2. Great view of the great wall The Great Wall is probably the most well known tourist spot in China. The opportunity to see the world-famous Great Wall, which is said to be also seen in space, can be also glimpsed when you're in Yinchuan because of its proximity. 3. Adventures to enjoy Since Yinchuan has a variety of landscapes which feature all of nature's greatest assets, it also presents the opportunity to go on all sorts of adventures while you are in this city. You can indulge your inner wild side and go on adrenaline-inducing activities such as going rafting at the Yellow River which is known to be quite chaotic sometimes, hiking and camping as well as riding over enormous sand dunes. 4. Rich history and culture Bouchara reports just what type of cultures are blended in the city of Yinchuan. She states that these include: "Central Plains culture, Frontier Fortress culture, Silk Road culture, Islamic culture, and Xixia culture. Today, it is the home of 25 ethnic groups including the Hui, Mongolian, and Manchu." Aside from having all of these cultures in the mix, Yinchuan also prides itself on having vast amount of architecture, much more so an abundance of pagodas; two of which are even part of the "Eight Famous Scenery of Ningxia". There is also a great deal of Muslim mosques in Yinchuan; in fact there are 2000 of them and they are widely known for fares made out of beef as well as mutton. If you have your sights set on China, Yinchuan is definitely one of the cities you should visit and add into your intinerary before it gets too crowded. from Best Places to Visit: Yinchuan (China) See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Last week, Air India claimed it had launched the world's longest flight - though this was purely thanks to its choice of routing. The mileages quoted by airlines are for the "Great Circle" route, the shortest distance between the two cities. In practice, the actual distance flown is significantly longer for reasons of geo-political sensitivity or, more usually, wind patterns. "Flying west means facing strong headwinds, that decrease an aircraft's actual ground speed, and flying east means getting string tailwinds, which do the opposite." But according to the traveller.com.au, the Air India's record will not stand for long, however as Singapore Airlines prepares to reinstate its Singapore-New York route that will cover 16,500 kilometers in 19 hours. At present the two most distant cities linked by a non-stop flight are Dubai and Auckland, 8,824 miles apart. Emirates flies the Airbus A380, the world's biggest passenger jet, daily between the two cities. The independent.co.uk says that from February 1next year, its rival Qatar Airways will also fly non-stop to New Zealand's largest city. As the Qatari capital is over 200 miles further away, the new Doha to Auckland link will take the prize. Eight of the longest 10 links begin or end in the US, and seven start or finish in the Gulf. Three serve Australasia (two to Auckland, one to Sydney). Europe and Asia are unrepresented, with Africa represented only by Johannesburg. Qantas is considering the first non-stop flight between Europe and Australia, with a link connecting London and Perth. Such a route would become the second-longest worldwide, with a direct distance of 8,991 miles. But the Australian airline is guarded about the possibility. Several ultra-long-haul routes have been touted but failed to materialise. Ultra-long-haul flights are extremely expensive to operate, and depend on relatively cheap oil for profitability. They burn a disproportionate amount of fuel per mile, because of the volume that needs to loaded to sustain the journey, and demand heavy crew resources. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Heathrow Airport received more than 25,000 noise complaints in just three months over the summer - but around half were made by the same 10 people. Stuff.co.nz says that London's Heathrow Airport released a report this week, showing that they received about 274 complaints a day between July and September. A spokesperson for Heathrow said it knew that 2,128 people made the 25,200 complaints, but that 10 people made 48.86 percent of those. The data comes on the back of the announcement that the London airport would be getting a third runway. The airport is the target of a number of campaign groups opposed to expansion. According to www.telegraph.co.uk, in January last year the airport unearthed a scheme whereby campaigners were using automated software to generate complaints against the airport. Officials caught out the set-up when the two anti-Heathrow enthusiasts forgot to take into account the hour going back in October, and began complaining about flights that had not yet taken off or arrived. "With half the village demolished and the rest up against the Heathrow fence, with the third runway I doubt I'll be able to open my front door without ear defenders," Justine Bayley, part of the Stop Heathrow Expansion Campaign, said. The British government gave the go-ahead on Wednesday to build a new runway despite concerns about air pollution, noise and the destruction of hundreds of homes in the English capital's densely populated western neighbourhoods. A spokesperson for Heathrow said: "Heathrow's plans for expansion will ensure fewer people are impacted by aircraft noise, offer more predictable respite than we can now and a world-class noise insulation scheme. John Stewart, chairman of the Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (Hacan), told the BBC that he expected complaints to rise should a third runway be built. "The biggest thing that Heathrow could do to reduce complaints would be to give more communities a break from the noise during the day by varying the flight paths," he said. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 The Philippine capital of Metro Manila-or Manila-used to be overlooked by travelers, as they would usually focus on the country's islands. Time's are a changing, however. More and more tourists, especially the younger crows, make sure that they spend time in the metro. From diverse food choices to hip accommodations, this city has loads of things in store for the millennial traveler. The following tips will focus on Makati-a place in Manila where you can find the best bars, food options, and great parties. Parties - If you like to go to gigs and parties (or both), check out Makati's Salcedo Village Here, you'll find venues like Black Market and 2020/XX XX. These venues always have excellent music, featuring both local and international acts. These parties start late, so you can pregame in smaller bars and restaurant Casual bars/restaurants- If you're looking for a place for booze and great food, head over to Poblacion. This - is where you'll find small bars that not only give you a wide array of both local and imported beers (cheap ones at that), the food is excellent as well. Check out places like Tambai, El Chupacabra, Senor Pollo, Buckys, Smokehouse-all of which are near one another, so you don't need to take a taxi. Weekend Markets - If you're in Makati on weekends, there are a number of excellent markets and pop ups that serve delicious, artisanal food, organic fruits and vegetables, local crafts, and so on. Don't miss Salcedo Market (Saturdays) and Legazpi Market (Sundays). Pro-tip: traffic in Manila is getting worse by the minute, so one great way to enjoy your stay and not spend hours in the car waiting to get to your destination, it's best if you stay near the spots you plan on visiting. This way, you can just walk or take a short taxi/Uber ride to your destination. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Just when you thought Aishwarya Rai Bachchan couldn't look more stunning, she appears on a Harper's Bazaar cover, looking like THIS. By India Today Web Desk: Words fall short when it comes to describing Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's beauty. The former beauty queen who is the epitome of elegance and all things stunning, recently turned muse for Harper's Bazaar November issue--and needless to say, ended up looking like a dream. With minimalism lying at the crux of the November issue, the outfit donned by Aishwarya is the brainchild of eminent fashion designer, Manish Malhotra. Picture Courtesy: Instagram/manishmalhotra05 advertisement Malhotra, who designed the gown exclusively for the shoot, managed to translate Aishwarya's timelessness into a simple-yet-stunning outfit. Shot at author Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi's Juhu studio, this month's issue also has Shanghvi profile the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil star. Also Read: Manish Malhotra shared the most gorgeous pics of his longtime muse Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Letting her outfit, center-parted hair and minimal makeup (by Mickey Contractor) do the talking, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's latest appearance is a testament to the fact that her beauty and elegance is timeless. Brainwired by Harper's Bazaar's fashion director Edward Lalrempuia and creative director Yurreipem Arthur, the November issue is bound to mesmerise one and all. --- ENDS --- When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. According to H R Shah, the CEO of TV Asia, the largest South Asian TV network in America, the US is more backward than India when it comes to leadership role for women. By Indo-Asian News Service: The US is "more backward" than India when it comes to leadership role for women, according to H R Shah, the CEO of TV Asia, the largest South Asian TV network in America. Endorsing Hillary Clinton for president, he said on Wednesday that US voters now had a chance to remedy this failing of the US by electing a woman and Indian Americans should back her. advertisement Speaking at a news conference held by 'Indian Americans for Democrats and Friends of Hillary for President', he said that the US was so "backward" that in its 240-year history it had not had a woman president while India, in its short history of about 70 years, has had a woman Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in office for 15 years. The US has the opportunity to elect Hillary Clinton as its first woman president and Indian Americans should be a part of the historic effort, he said. Mike Patel, who served under Bill Clinton as a member of the President's Advisory Commission on Asians and Pacific Islanders and is a former chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, said that contributing to election funds of politicians alone did not matter and Indian Americans should also vote and get involved in community affairs. He said that hotel owner were provide free rooms to volunteers who were working to mobilise voters in several key states as part of their involvement in the civic life of the US. --- ENDS --- By Ahmad Azeem: Aligarh Muslim University Vice-Chancellor Lt General (retired) Zameeruddin Shah spoke exclusively to India Today on various issues including the Army's surgical strikes, the controversy over the AMU's minority character, the triple talaq and Uniform Civil Code rows and other things. Here are the excerpts from his exclusive interview with India Today TV correspondent Ahmad Azeem: Q- You are an Army veteran. What will you say on the surgical strikes? advertisement A- The surgical strikes are very much a part of the military strategy and I myself have participated in 1982 in a surgical strike in Myanmar. Nobody knew about it, but only my brigade commander. We didn't want any publicity. We did whatever we had to and we got back, and there were no repercussions. ALSO READ | Deadliest Pakistan assault in J-K after surgical strikes: Families shattered, 8 civilians killed Q- Why surgical strikes should not be publicised? A- It should not be publicised. Then the very nature and purpose of the strike... I mean, what you are doing by publicising it? There is the question of safety of the soldiers involved in the strike. I think they've done a very sensible thing by not giving videos or anything like that, because they would have compromised the safety of the troops who took part. This is very, very important. People who took part in surgical operations, their identity and everything else should be kept a secret. It's called a surgical strike, you don't have to blow your trumpet. Just let the Army do what they think is best. ALSO READ | Project Cheetah: India to have combat drones to carry out surgical strikes Q- What will you say on the increasing tension between India and Pakistan? A- I will say what was once declared by our former Prime Minister AB Vajpayee: "borders are going to be there but they should not really matter." That's what I believe in. I think we should follow the principle that Germany did. You should see what Europe is doing. I mean, it's open borders. It will be beneficial for everybody. Peace will only come when there is economic interdependence... I think both the countries need to make peace, and be friends and take measures for the prosperity of our respective populations. Q- What is your take on the AMU's minority character issue? A- The matter is sub-judice, so I can't say much. It is a matter of life and death for us. We have full faith in the judiciary. We were not even represented in earlier matters (the Aziz Basha case) and were deprived of the minority character. We were judged upon without any representation or projecting our view. Now we've done our homework and hope that we will have success. Q- As a Muslim, what is your view on triple talaq and Uniform Civil Code? advertisement A- I don't want to get into trouble with the Department of Theology here. But all I would say is that in religious matters, people should be left alone. If there is something wrong, it will phase out with time. But if you try and force issues there would be resistance from people. So the best policy is to leave people alone. The demands of modernity and modern life would have an impact and it would be better. Women are at the receiving ends, but things will change. Q- Do you think Uniform Civil Code is possible in India? A- The fabric of our country is multitude of religions, beliefs, faiths. These factors should be left alone. Let people decide. Q- Your tenure as VC will be over in a few months. What have you achieved and what is left? A- In terms of ranking of the university, we brought it up to No. 2 position and we want it to be the No. 1 university of the country. I think that will be the primary job of my successor. We have had unbroken academic activity for the last four-and-a-half years. The university has not been closed for a single day. Earlier, sine-die closures were endemic. Research activities in the university have to be improved, that's why noted nuclear physicist and Nobel laureate Professor Takaaki Kajita of Japan was conferred with the Doctorate in Science (DSc) honoris causa by the AMU. We hope the wealth of his knowledge also comes to the AMU. advertisement Q- Who do you think should succeed you: an Army man or an academician? A- Somebody with guts, strength of truth and honesty behind him. I'm really not concerned who or which branch he or she is from. --- ENDS --- Tribune News Service Amritsar, November 3 Six years after the amendment in conducting morning assembly in government schools, the Education Department has sought suggestions for its improvement. Earlier, in 2010, the then Director General of School Education, Krishan Kumar, had made morning assembly mandatory in government schools and changed some of its content. He had advised teachers to make efforts to increase creative participation of students. The department wants to make morning assembly interesting, effective and educative. Teachers and others have to suggest to the department how morning assembly can be made more motivating. Teachers in government schools conduct several activities during morning assembly. Students do prayer, express thought of the day and sing National Anthem in a routine manner. Apart from this teachers are advised to deliver any motivational lecture to students. Teachers also ask students to share poem or story with other pupils. As per the earlier direction, it is mandatory to conduct some physical exercise during morning assembly. Suggestions were invited after observing the monotonous ongoing routine practices. In a letter to schools, the Education Department stated that morning assembly was an important part of the system and it played integral role in lives of students. Many schools in remote villages do not conduct morning assembly. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 3 PGI Institute Body, headed by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda, which met in New Delhi on Thursday, recommended PGI Head of Departments Dr Anil Bhansali (Endocrinology), Dr Meenu Singh (Paediatrics) and Dr Jagat Ram (Advanced Eye Centre) for appointment as new PGI director. Appointments committee of the Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, would select one of the three recommended candidates for the coveted post, which was vacated by Dr Yogesh Chawla following the completion of his stint on October 6. The father is said to have done so after seeking the advice of an Imam. The newborn was denied breastmilk for almost a day. By Revathi Rajeevan: A Kerala man allegedly refused to let his wife breastfeed their newborn baby, saying that it could be done only after five azan prayers (call for prayer in a mosque). The newborn boy in Mukkam in Kozhikode district was allegedly denied breastmilk for almost a day owing to the beliefs of his father, who is said to have done so based on the advice of an Imam. advertisement Also read: Baby born with missing organs, top consumer court slaps Indore hospital with penalty The father is also said to have given in writing to the hospital authorities that they would not be responsible if something went wrong with the baby. LOCAL POLICE INTERVENED The local police had to intervene and ensure that the baby was fed, though late, at the EMS hospital in Mukkam. "He was told by someone that the baby could be fed only after five azan prayers, which is post noon today. Apparently, this instruction the couple had followed even for their elder child. We left the hospital only after the nurse told us that the child was fed," said Salim, sub inspector of Mukkam. Also read: Indian techie's wife falls to death with baby from Melbourne highrise --- ENDS --- Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 2 Heads and representatives of the Chandigarh Region Innovation and Knowledge Cluster (CRIKC) institutions today held a meeting with the delegation of the Haydn Green Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Nottingham (UK), for creating a world-class start-up incubator in the city. The UK delegation was led by Hardev Singh. Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof Arun K Grover, INST Director Prof AK Ganguli, PEC Director Prof Manoj Arora, CRIKC co-ordinators Prof MM Gupta and Prof SK Mehta, along with several representatives of the CRIKC institutions, attended the meeting held at the VCs committee room. Professor Grover briefly mentioned about innovation and entrepreneurship activities happening at the PU as well as the CRIKC institutions. Hardev Singh emphasised on extending a complete support to such activities. CRIKC co-ordinator Prof SK Mehta presented an outline of the proposed CRIKC Atal Innovation Centre at the PU. Prof Manoj Arora also gave an overview of activities related to the Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the PEC University of Technology. Prof Ganguli promised all possible infrastructure support from the INST to these activities. At the meeting, the two sides agreed to set up a board to prepare a vision document and to frame the guidelines for the proposed endowment fund. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 3 Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has taken note of the Panjab University financial crisis and has assured the university that he will get the matter examined by the Secretary, Expenditure, of his ministry. The minister gave this assurance to PU Vice-Chancellor Arun Kumar Grover, who had submitted a detailed report about the university finances to Jaitley during his recent visit to Amritsar. Grover confirmed that the Finance Minister had assured him to get the concerns of the university examined by the Secretary, Expenditure. He said copies of the report submitted to the Finance Minister were also sent to the UGC and the HRD Ministry today. Grover said he had requested the minister to enhance the university grant and approve its revised budget estimates for 2016-17. Jaitley enquired about the universitys fee collection and its other sources of revenue during the short meeting with the VC. The university has a deficit budget of Rs 270.72 crore of which the UGC has released a grant of Rs 90 crore. The remaining grant of Rs 180.72 crore is pending. Besides, the HRD Ministry is yet to clear a pending grant of Rs 84 crore, including Rs 67 crore for 2015-16 and Rs 17 crore for 2014-15. The delay in the release of the grants has landed the PU in a financial crisis. During HRD Minister Prakash Javadekars recent visit to Mohali, the PU VC had stated that he would not be able to run the university if funds were not released on time by the HRD Ministry. In a 74-page report prepared by it, the PU stated that the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission would add to the burden of the university. Harish Khare It is the Diwali day. The text message landed at 9.17 am: Happy Diwali! Mins of YAS Sh Vijay Goel will celebrate Diwali with Army Jawans today 11.30am Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre, Delhi Cant wid NYKS students. Pl. cover. At 4.30 pm, there is another text: Hello Kindly check your mail box for Press Release Vijay Goel celebrates Diwali with Army Jawans along with pictures of the event. It is possible to infer confidently that other 60-odd Cabinet members were celebrating Diwali similarly in the conspicuous company of this or that Army unit. Nor can any one of them be chided for this PR overkill because they have been commanded to do so. In fact, advertisements had been appearing for days prior to Diwali, drawing attention to a PMO-directed campaign, called Sandesh-to-Soldiers, exhorting the citizens to remember this Diwali our courageous jawans who constantly protect our nation. Lakhs of people have already sent their messages, have you? A few days earlier, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Parkash Singh Badal, was reported to have decreed that all officers be appropriately respectful to the soldiers and ex-soldiers whenever they visited a government office. The Economic Times (October 27) had reported how the BJP was preparing to send out Diwali greetings to soldiers' households in Uttar Pradesh. Both Punjab and Uttar Pradesh are due to have assembly elections in a few months time. And, then, a few days after Diwali, we had on Wednesday a retired Army Subedar committing suicide, in support of the demand for one rank, one pension (OROP). That a retired Army man should commit suicide was sad enough; it is even sadder and uglier that professional political leaders should have sought to draw political mileage out of this tragedy. Earlier, the non-BJP political leaders were tut-tutting the government for wanting to do a bit of khoon ki dalali, now it was the turn of the BJP to pretend that a veterans suicide was nothing to get excited about and that it was in bad taste that someone should want to politicise the death. How are the republican voices and constituency to view this extraordinary state-sponsored glorification of the military men, values and demands? Are we in the process of re-arranging the ensemble of institutional preferences? Examine, for instance, the Income Tax Departments sales pitch. It takes out advertisements, showing a solitary solider standing guard over the forbidding mountainous border: He is doing his dutyHow about you? The he is the Army Jawan, and you is the tax deductor, who is sternly reminded that TDS procedures must be totally complied with. It is not too complicated to break the code of a new civil-military chemistry. Legitimacy, political respectability and electoral advantage are being sought to be derived from the soldier and his shahadat (martyrdom). Unthinkingly, new space, new respect and new autonomy are being ceded to the Army brass and other security forces. In the post-surgical strike days, various ministers and authorised spokespersons have made it clear: (1) it is for the Army to decide whether or not to give the lie to Pakistan's preposterous claim that there were no cross-border raids; (2) it is for the Army to decide what should be the response to provocations, if any, from Pakistan; and (3) that what the Army says or claims ought to be accepted, without any kind of reservation or dissent. The Republic finds itself at a fork in the road, an unfamiliar stage which could, in the long run, produce only democratic unhappiness. After all, all these years, generations after generations of Indians took pride in the fact that Jawaharlal Nehru and other democrats saw to it that the Army stayed in the barracks, and that the civil authority was firmly in control of matters of war and peace. The political crowd did not need to piggyback the soldiers. The fundamental reality was that the constitutional and political legitimacy accrued to the political elites only because they could garner for themselves a mandate to govern, and that too, in an open, fair and transparent electoral contest. There was a sacredness to this authority from the citizens and it entitled them to obedience and respect. We, the people of India were to be the ultimate and only sovereign. And, the political leader was deemed to be endowed with certain laudable skills and attitudes. He was respected as a politician because he undertook to understand the people's issues and grievances. A political operative who aspired to be recognised as a leader had to have the willingness to harmonise conflicting social values and claims to produce a kind of public good. Coercion was not to be his calling card; persuasion and motivation were to be his first, second and third preferences. Only autocrats rely on force and intimidation. All these years, there had been a complete consensus that the armed forces were a valuable institution, deriving its authority and parameters from the Constitution, and, that, as an institution, the armed forces were committed to democratic and secular values. The armed forces, to be fair, never asserted that they were outside the ambit of democratic accountability; nor did they demand a lion's share in the national resources. Unlike in our neighbourhood, the armed forces never subscribed to a grammar of entitlements. This despite the fact that in the last three decades or so we have come to depend heavily on the coercive arm of the Indian state to restore a semblance of order in large parts of the country. Yet, we find ourselves witness to the process of re-arranging some of the working assumptions that have served the Indian republic well for all these years. Unlike in Pakistan, where it were the Army Generals who made the judgement that the politicians were incompetent and incapable of safeguarding the best interests of their nation; we are not just deferring too much to the Generals, we are also redefining competence. Suddenly, it would seem that competence of a leader is to be judged by his willingness to allow the use of force. And, a willingness to let the security forces be the judge of how to use force, when to use it. And, once we let the security forces write their own ticket, the others who have capacity to initiate and inflict violence also take a cue. If the Army can give a bloody nose to the Pakis, so can the BSF; and if, the BSF can be allowed to over-react, why cant the cops in Bhopal go on a shooting spree and gun down a few SIMI boys? All this adds up to a new but troublesome acceptance of violence. Nehru's India is forging a new identity under the shadow of joyful acceptance of conflict. Elements of a garrison state are being grafted on to the republic's escutcheon. KV Prasad IT is a no-brainer to state that the attention of the world is riveted on the intense electoral battle in the US for one of the most-coveted jobs on planet earth President of the United States of America (POTUS) By the night of November 8, the US and the world should have a fair idea as to whom the Americans entrust with to run the affairs of the state nay the world. Will it be a quintessential politician Hillary Clinton or an untested realty mogul Donald Trump, who hopes to ride into office whipping up "anti-established politician" foam? By now millions of words written or spoken predicting the impact of this bruising campaign on the polity and anticipating what the outcome of these elections will signify to world has been done. Political gurus in each country are busy interpreting what a first woman or a political rookie, as the POTUS, will presage for their country. Like rest of the world, India too is zealously following elections in the country where Indian-Americans remain deeply engaged with the process. While it is natural for the focus to hover on the big fight, poll-watchers at home should not lose sight of a significant development during these elections. For the first time in over 60 years, there is a distinct possibility that results of elections in the United States for the Congress may result in more than one Indian-American becoming a lawmaker on Capitol Hill. From among the 3.4-million-strong Indian-Americans, a handful of them are in the race. A few for the office as a Representative and one for the prestigious Senate. This shows that the community is confidently working its way up the political ladder in the land they or their predecessors opted for. The six-decade-long march by Indian-Americans to seek political empowerment in the Congress begins with Dalip Singh Saund. Born in Chajjalwadi village, near Amritsar, in 1899, he went to the US to study. He chose to stay back and, and fought for naturalisation rights of Asian migrants that eventually came through in the late 1950s. Mathematician, judge and author Saund was the first Asian-American elected to the House in 1956 on a Democratic Party ticket and went on to serve three terms. To commemorate Saund's contribution, his oil portrait now adorns the Cannon House Office Building Rotunda with his words: There is no room in the United States of America for second-class citizenship. Since then, two more Indian-Americans served in the US Congress as Representatives, Bobby Jindal (from Louisiana as a Republican) and currently Ami Bera, a physician who challenged and won against Republican Dan Lungren in 2012 from California's 7th District. Gera's father Babulal, who hails from Gujarat, was convicted this summer by a court for campaign funds fraud. While Ami Bera is up for re-election, prominent among others are, Rohit "Ro" Khanna, a challenger in the 17th District of California (located in the heart of Silicon Valley), Raja Krishnamoorthi from the 8th District of Illinois (consisting West and Northwest suburbs of Chicago) and Pramila Jayapal from the 7th District of Washington (Seattle area). Kamala Harris, is running for the Senate from California, a state where she holds the distinction of being the first woman Attorney-General. She is qualified for either community Indian-American or African-American like the President, to claim her as own. Her cancer researcher mother Shyamla migrated from Tamil Nadu to marry a Jamaican economist, both divorced later. Incidentally, all these candidates are Democrats, validating a study by the Pew Research Centre some years ago that of all the Asian-Americans groups in the United States, some 65 per cent of Indian-Americans tend to lean towards the Democratic Party as against the national average of 50 per cent for the immigrants from the continent. Kamala, with 40 cent votes in the primary, is challenging Democratic Representative Loretta Sanchez (19 per cent votes). Both are contesting for the seat vacated by Barbara Boxer. The Economist, in its latest edition, sees her as the star in next Senate amid a not-so-young party leadership. Kamala enjoys the support of President Obama and endorsements of Senators Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, to the discomfort of her Latino opponent. Among the favourites tipped to make it is social activist Pramila Jayapal, running for the office for a seat vacated by veteran Democrat Jim McDermott. She joined McDermott, who served as the Chair of India-Caucus in running the "Hate Free Zone' campaign against attacks on Sikhs, Arabs and Muslims in the State post-9/11 phase. In the primaries, Jayapal with links to Tamil Nadu got some 42 per cent of votes as against 21 per cent by Brady Walkinshaw, also a Democrat. The State rules permits names of top two finishers on the ballot, irrespective of party affiliation. Raja Krishnamoorthi's campaign received a boost this summer when President Obama released a video endorsing candidature of a good friend" who helped "develop ideas for building an economy that works for everyone" when Obama ran for the US Senate and Raja served as Obama's policy adviser. He said, "Raja's plans will help small businesses grow, raise wages, and help families pay for college". Not quite on the same page as Raja, Ro Khanna received an endorsement from former President Jimmy Carter. Ro came into the limelight when President Obama appointed him Deputy Assistant Secretary in his first term. Ro is challenging veteran Democrat Mike Honda, an Asian- American with established credentials in the Congress. Indian-Americans figure among the highly educated ethnic groups, with some 70 per cent in the 2010 Census shown as having a median annual household of $88,000. Besides IT, Indian medical specialists and researchers in various fields and academia form the backbone of the country-specific groups' presence in the land of immigrants. The Indian-Americans have been moving the pieces, both in the States and at the Federal level, which each successive government in Delhi has learnt to leverage to its benefit. The Presidential race receives the greatest traction among election watchers but it will be prudent to pursue the progress of the Indian-Americans in the Congressional races with greater interest. The next administration will need to deal with the Capitol Hill. kveprasad2007@gmail.com The warring Mulayam Parivar put its best foot forward on Thursday after weeks of warfare that saw expulsions by the score. The occasion was Mulayam Junior sounding the poll bugle with a state-wide rath yatra. The initial portends were not uplifting for a party that needs to retain power against cut-throat competition from the BJP and the Bahujan Samaj Party. First, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadavs supporters and others battled it out for prominence before the cameras. Then the luxurious Mercedes Benz bus, fashioned as a rath, broke down fittingly enough on a road named after the Samajwadi Party icon, Ram Manohar Lohia. Does it indicate how far the first family of socialism in UP has strayed from Lohias ideology? No one really knows whether Mulayam knowingly let the feud simmer between his brother Shivpal and son Akhilesh to enable a cleansing of the Samajwadi stables and swing the balance of power in favour of his son. The net effect has been the expulsion of Akhilesh's ideologue, Ram Gopal Yadav, while Shivpal has had his trusted men thrown out from the UP Cabinet. The truth is despite his accent on development with showpieces such Lucknow Metro and Lucknow-Agra Expressway, the Akhilesh government is battling charges of lax law and order, communal violence, riots and lynching. Does the political downsizing of his brothers open up space for Mulayam to attempt course correction? Expelled cousin Ram Gopal is believed to have forced a rethink on the Samajwadi Partys association with the Nitish-Lalu-Congress grand alliance in Bihar. The expulsion gives Mulayam a free hand to invite the Bihar alliance and Ajit Singhs Rashtriya Lok Dal into a seat-sharing arrangement. The presence of secular parties might shore up the Samajwadi Partys sliding credentials with the Muslims. At the end of the day, however, questions will be asked about the quality of politics practised by the Samajwadi Parivar. The trend unfortunately has taken deep roots in most parties. The voter, as is the case elsewhere, will be asked to choose among parties whose real goals and targets remain guarded from public view. Geetanjali Gayatri Tribune News Service Panchkula, November 3 Politics played out openly, as parties competed with each other to eulogise their leaders and take credit for Haryanas formation. They lashed out at the BJP government for its failures during the last two years of rule before boycotting the golden jubilee celebrations over reckless wastage of public money. The scene of acrimony was at a conference of former and present MLAs and MPs here today. The INLD, initially seen to be supporting the government, finally found its voice today. The Congress, for its part, did not mince words in condemning the governments failures. Oppn goes all guns blazing Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar watched helplessly, as Leader of Opposition Abhay Chautala and Congress MLA Geeta Bhukkal used the platform to take potshots at the government repeatedly. Abhay opened the account with his tirade, alleging that the government, contrary to its claims, had reduced the golden jubilee function to a party programme for highlighting its achievements. The government has called the conference for suggestions on how to celebrate the 50th year. I have a list of 75 programmes. This is a farce. The BJP played politics at the November 1 programme. There was no reaction to Punjabs declaration that it will not give a drop of water to us. Prime Minister Narendra Modi went back without making any announcement for Haryana, he said. The INLD leader claimed farmers had been at the receiving end under the BJP rule and cheated of their due. The Rs1,700-crore budget for the celebrations will be used to project the BJP alone, he claimed. My grandfather, Devi Lal, and several others responsible for the creation of Haryana found no mention at the inaugural function; the ex-servicemen were forgotten. For this sheer wastage of public money, my party and I boycott this programme, he said, walking away. His party legislators followed him out. Bhukkal, in a fiery mood over violence during the Jat agitation, condemned the government for failing to act in time. She highlighted the governments failure in education, health and infrastructure creation. Violent attacks have become the norm in the name of cow protection. The government has failed to learn from the Gita. A celebration is out of place on a day when a martyr ex-serviceman is being cremated in Bhiwani. We dont want to be a part of celebrations in a year which has seen so much violence. We boycott the programme, she said. BJP counters tirade BJP leaders Union Ministers Birender Singh and Krishan Pal Gurjar tried to downplay the Oppositions tirade against the BJP. They said the conference was not a platform to air grievances, but an occasion to celebrate the states growth. Birender did not forget to mention the lop-sided development under previous governments, whose leaders gave preference to their constituencies. He said that all political leadership had ever done was to apply brakes on growth. The credit for all this progress goes to the people of Haryana. Those who have boycotted the programme have failed to celebrate Haryanas journey and will not be forgiven. Khattar tried to turn the tables on the Opposition by saying that its leaders followed the shoot and scoot policy without having the patience to hear out the other side. He clarified that the budget of Rs1,700 crore had been earmarked for development works to be undertaken during the year. The budget can be raised to Rs5,000 crore. Around Rs7 crore was spent on the inaugural function in Gurugram on November 1. Khattar added that since that ours is a democratic country, the verdict of the Supreme Court on the SYL canal would have to be accepted by all. Govt caught unawares Chandigarh: The INLDs sudden announcement to boycott the Swarna Jayanti Sammellan for serving and former MLAs and MPs on Thursday caught the government unawares. The development is being viewed as an intelligence failure. Though the Congress also boycotted the function later, the BJP believes its action was a corollary to the INLDs decision to prevent it from scoring points. A minister said, When Abhay Chautala announced to boycott the samaroh towards the end of his speech, we were all taken by surprise. He was seated with the Governor, the Speaker and the CM. Had the government any inkling of his move, it may not have allowed him to speak. A bureaucrat admitted to intelligence failure and said the agencies should have gathered inputs beforehand. Sushil Manav Nitish Sharma Tribune News Service Ambala November 3 Deputy Commissioner Prabhjot Singh has written a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Development and Panchayat Department seeking action against previous two Block Development and Panchayat Officers (BDPOs) of Naraingarh, Shehzadpur and Saha blocks for gross irregularities in the purchase of dustbins. The DC has also directed the BDPOs of Ambala I and Ambala II to recover the losses incurred under Section 53 of the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act from the responsible sarpanches. An inquiry report prepared by the DDPO also revealed the involvement of sarpanches concerned of the Ambala I and Ambala II blocks apart from the two BDPOs. According to the report, as many as 5,055 dustbins worth over Rs 2.07 crore were purchased in Ambala district. In Barara block, the dustbins were purchased at Rs 2,500 per piece. Similarly, in Ambala I, Ambala II, Naraingarh, Shehzadpur and Saha blocks, the dustbins were purchased at Rs 3,500-4,400 per piece. The report states the BDPOs and gram panchayats concerned failed to fulfill formalities such as procuring quotations, price comparison with adjoining blocks and inviting tenders before making the purchase. The TIN number was also found missing on several bills. The matter was raised by Dharamvir Dhindsa, an advocate, who claimed the official records showed the dustbins to cost Rs 3,500-4,000 each, whereas, their market price was Rs 1,200 per piece. Dhindsa demanded the officials concerned should be suspended and an FIR registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act against them. Pratibha Chauhan Tribune News Service Shimla, November 3 Even as the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has granted approval for appointment of consultants for the 55 national highway (NH) road projects measuring 3,880 km last week, tenders have been received for only 17 projects. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways approved a sum of Rs 229.690 crore for appointment of consultants for the 55 NH on October 27, 2016. However, it is only in case of 17 National Highway road projects that tenders have been received from consultants for preparation of detailed project report (DPR). As such in case of 38 projects fresh tenders have been invited which will be opened by December 15 next month. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari had announced 56 new National Highways for Himachal when he visited the state for two days on June 5. The number of new NHs to be made in the hill, which is largely dependent on road transport, was later enhanced to 61 and the notification was issued in July, 2016. Out of this three roads - Pathankot to Mandi, Kangra to Shimla and Baddi to Barotiwala - were declared as four lanes. At present, there are 17 national highways in the state with a total length of 2,017 kms. The new announced 61 roads will have a length of 3880.025 kms. The total cost on construction of these new 61 roads is likely to touch Rs 15,000 crore. The fact that no tenders have been received for 38 road projects indicates the limited number of empanelled Consultants working in the state, which could delay these projects. Since we have received either single or no tender for 38 road projects, we have re-advertised them so that work on preparation of the DPR can begin at the earliest, said Narinder Chauhan, Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works department. He said estimates worth Rs 169.71 crore had been sent to the Centre on August 20 for appointment of Consultants but these were returned on October 14 on the ground that these were to be prepared again as per the revised rates. The revised estimates worth Rs 217.382 crore were sent within a week on October 20 to the Centre. Incidentally Union Health Minister JP Nadda had blamed the state government for tardy progress on completion of formalities for preparation of the DPRs. Out of these 55 NH projects, 23 fall in Shimla Circle while 32 are in the Shahpur Circle. The tenders for two roads- Ranital-Kotla and Ghumarwin-Swarghat were not invited as these have already been developed under World Bank-funded projects. Vikas Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, November 3 Clouds of uncertainty looms large over the conduct of Display your Talent an extra-curricular festival exclusively for girls of government schools of Jammu district as the prevailing tension on the border areas in the wake of Pakistani shelling has affected the entries of the schools situated along the international border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC). The motive for organising the event is to provide a platform to the girl students of government schools for exhibit their potential on a bigger stage under the Centrally sponsored scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP). The event will be conducted under the overall supervision of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Jammu. The Centre government had recently extended the scheme to 10 more districts of J&K keeping in mind the declining child sex ratio (CSR) in these districts. These are Samba, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Rajouri, Srinagar, Shopian, Kupwara, Kulgam, Udhampur and Bandipora. Sources claimed that the registration of girl students of government schools was started from September 27 and last date was fixed at October 10. Later, it was extended after the district administration had witnessed an overwhelming response from the schools in terms of registration. The continuing heavy firing along many border areas in the Jammu region has affected the registration of government schools from border belt areas to a great extent. When the registration was opened, more than 100 schools registered within a few days, which also included schools from the border belt. But the prevailing grim scenario in the wake of Pakistani firing has really made the situation worse, a source said. As many as 174 schools, including both government and private, in the border belt of Jammu district have been recently closed by the authorities due to ongoing firing on border and it is unlikely that any entry will be received from government girls schools in the border areas till the situation gets normal, he maintained. Chief Education Officer (CEO), Jammu, JK Sudan said, Yes, a total of 174 schools along the IB and LoC have been closed by the district administration in the wake of continuous shelling. There are around 400 schools in the border belt, which also includes around 50 to 60 private schools. Earlier, we had received more than 100 entries from government schools for the upcoming event, the CEO added. The Bangalore Development Authority has given an undertaking to the Karnataka High Court that it will not proceed with the construction of the steel flyover for now. By Rohini Swamy: The Bangalore Development Authority has given an undertaking to the Karnataka High Court that they will not proceed with the construction of the steel flyover for now. The High Court will now examine the legal and constitutional issues involved in the project that include going through the due process of public consultation. SEVERAL BENGALURU CITIZENS OPPOSE PROJECT Several citizens in Bengaluru had opposed the project and now feel that their plea has forced the Karnataka govt, with the help of courts, to explain and scrutinise the need for a study of the environmental impact by the National Green Tribunal or NGT. advertisement Also read: Nerves of steel: Karnataka government firm on constructing steel flyover in Bengaluru The NGT had recently stayed the construction of the steel flyover for four weeks based on a petition filed by a group of citizens from Bangalore. --- ENDS --- Amir Karim Tantray & Vikram Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, November 2 A day after eight civilians were killed in Pakistani shelling, there was a lull along the 198-km-long International Border today. But Pakistani troops continued to violate the ceasefire in Balakote and Mendhar sectors along the Line of Control (LoC), injuring two civilians Muhammad Saleem and Muhammad Rafiq of Basooni village. The Border Security Force today released a hand-held thermal image (HHTI) video showing the damage inflicted on a Pakistani Rangers post in a series of blasts. Briefing mediapersons, the Inspector General, Jammu Frontiers, DK Upadhyay, said while Pakistan was targeting Indias civilian population, the BSF is only resorting to very specific, accurate and measured hitting of military installations and bunkers on the other side. To ensure human rights were not violated, our men are making precision targets only to destroy Pakistans military installations and bunkers without touching the civilian population, he said. Claiming to have destroyed 14 border posts and pickets of Pakistani Rangers, Upadhayay said: It is difficult to accurately assess the number of casualties inflicted on the other side. Generally, three persons man a bunker and after our precision targets, we are sure that none came out alive from any one of these. Rubbishing Pakistans claim of 80 civilians having been killed by the Indians, he said: Our targets were military installations and bunkers, but there is a possibility of collateral damage to civilians residing close to the military installations. A Defence PRO in Delhi said there had been unprovoked ceasefire violation by the Pakistan Army in Bhimbher Gali sector of Rajouri district. They used automatic weapons and 82 mm mortar bombs. The Indian troops gave a befitting reply, he said, adding there had been no reports of shelling along the IB since last night. About 37,000 people have been affected by border skirmishes since the Uri terror attack and the subsequent surgical strikes. As many as 300 schools from Jammu to Kathua districts have been closed. With fear and uncertainty looming large, few border residents headed back home today, despite the guns falling silent. Already, 70 per cent of the residents have moved to safer places. Vikram Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, November 3 Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said today the number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan during the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) rule at the Centre have been much higher than those during the term of the UPA government. He said Pakistans shelling has unleashed a reign of terror besides inflicting a heavy damage on the life and livestock in the border villages. Azad, who visited the injured at Government Medical College, Jammu, today said ceasefire violations were made by Pakistan under the Congress regime also in the past 65 years, but they were quite less in number. In the past two and a half years of the NDA rule, the border areas have witnessed an unabated violations, leading to a heavy damage and deaths. In Parliament, I will take up the issue and will bring the prolonged violations on the border to the notice of the government and the Prime Minister, he said. He said the Central government had issued warnings through media of acting strongly against enemys misdeeds. However, practically these did not yield positive results as the people of Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Rajouri and Mendhar had to suffer due to border firing, he added. He said during his tenure as the J&K CM, he had announced certain measures in this regard, but those steps could not be implemented as support was withdrawn to him by the coalition partner. Amit Khajuria Tribune News Service Jammu, November 3 Fourteen-month-old Pari, who was seriously injured in Pakistani shelling in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district on Tuesday, is caught between life and death after she was operated upon today in Government Medical College Hospital here. Even though splinters have been removed from her tiny body, she has not yet been declared out of danger. She is critical at the moment, said doctors attending on her. There were multiple injuries in her intestine. Doctors have successfully performed the surgery, which took more than two hours and now her condition is improving, said Dr Romesh Gupta, Medical Superintendent, Government Medical College Hospital. Lying still in the hospital bed, Pari is yet to regain consciousness after the surgery. Her helpless parents look on incessantly unsure of the fate of their daughter. Incidentally, the distraught parents had to arrange for the entire expense of the babys surgery, and it was only after the operation that the amount was refunded to them. The government did nothing to help them, the parents claimed. The parents paid for the treatment, but the amount was refunded to them later, admitted Dr Gupta. Pari, which means fairy, became the youngest victim of shelling when Pakistani mortar shells unleashed havoc on border villages in the Ramgarh sector. Children and women have been among the worst sufferers of shelling in villages close to the 198-km International Border and 242-km Line of Control. Itanagar/Leh, November 3 Even as Chinese and Indian troops are locked in a stand-off at the icy heights of Ladakh division since Wednesday after People's Liberation Army personnel stopped the civilian work, Indian Air Forces mighty C-17 Globemaster aircraft on Thursday made its first landing at Mechuka, just 29 km from Sino-Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh. At an elevation of 6,200 ft with a landing surface only 4,200 ft long, the C-17 landed, validating its short field landing performance at high altitude. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The Advanced Landing Ground at Mechuka in the Yargyap river valley of West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh had been upgraded recently. Situated along the international border, Mechuka was one of the strategic locations during the India-China war in 1962. The IAF had started its operations with Dakota and Otter in 1962 in the area and subsequently the Antonov-32, popularly known as AN-32, was operated till October 2013 before the upgrade work was started. The road connectivity to the nearest air/rail head at Dibrugarh, about 500 km away, is generally two days of travel, unless the roads get damaged due to frequent landslides. "This is a quantum jump from the existing capability of An-32 and C-130J aircraft. Such airlift capability facilitates speedy transfer of men and material in this rugged terrain, interspersed with valleys and high mountain ranges that inhibit road connectivity," a statement by the IAF said. In the event of a disaster in the region, C-17 operations to the remote ALG can enhance the speed and quantum of national relief effort. IAF has plans to validate airlift operations to and from various ALGs in the region that would usher in a new dimension in enhanced disaster response. This trial landing is expected to pave the way for operation of civil flights operating to and from the newly upgraded ALGs, which has an enormous potential to boost tourism by improving connectivity to remote locations in the North East. Chinese troops object to civilian work Meanwhile, in Ladakh, the Chinese troops raised objections yesterday when Indian army engineers were constructing an irrigation canal linking 'hot spring' waters for the villagers in Demchok, located 250 km east of Leh, under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). Around 55 Chinese troops arrived at the scene and halted the work in an aggressive manner, prompting the army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel to rush to the spot and stop the high-handedness of Chinese troops, official sources said today. The Chinese troops took positions on the perceived Line of Actual Control (LAC) and demanded that work be stopped as either side needs to take permission before undertaking any work, a claim disputed by the Indian side which says that as per the agreement between the two countries, information about construction needs to be shared only if it was meant for defence purposes. WATCH: Indian Air Force lands C-17 Globemaster at Mechuka (Arunachal Pradesh) at an elevation of 6200 feet pic.twitter.com/QZWQtw5QlV ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 Both sides pulled out banners and have been stationed on the ground, the sources said, adding the Army and ITBP was not allowing the Chinese to move an inch ahead despite the PLA claiming that the area belonged to China. The area had witnessed a similar incident in 2014 after it was decided to construct a small irrigation canal at Nilung Nalla under the MNREGA scheme that had been a sore point with the Chinese. The PLA had mobilised villagers from Tashigong to pitch Rebos (tents) at Charding-Ninglung Nallah (CNN) Track Junction to protest Indian action. This time, the sources said, there were 55 personnel from the Chinese PLA whereas nearly 70 personnel from ITBP and army had fortified the area and prevented their march deeper into Indian territory, the sources said. The 'hot spring' is different from the one in Chashool where Police Day is observed in memory of 10 CRPF men killed in 1959 by Chinese troops. Meanwhile, senior Army officers insisted that there was no stand-off and the issue is being resolved through established procedures. They added that such objections are not uncommon from either side and situations like these are resolved amicably. PTI New Delhi, November 3 Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi was on Thursday prevented from marching to India Gate to protest the suicide of an ex-serviceman, allegedly over OROP, a day after he was detained twice while trying to meet the family of the deceased soldier. Rahul was leading a candle light march organised by the Delhi Congress unit from Jantar Mantar to India Gate when police personnel restrained him and whisked him away on a van. He was, according to police, later dropped at a place on Feroze Shah Road, Police said. The Congress leader, however, claimed in a tweet: "Was detained by Delhi police and taken away from Jantar Mantar." "Police vehicle was stopped at 5, Feroze Shah Road, enroute to Tughlak Road PS," he tweeted. "I have only one thing to say that the way the family was treated was wrong and it may affect the morale of the army. The police should at least apologise to the family," he told reporters. A police official said the action was taken keeping Rahul's security in mind as the crowd at Jantar Mantar was swelling by the minute. Yesterday, Rahul was detained twice when he went to meet the family of Ram Kishan Grewal, who committed suicide over the "non-implementation" of One Rank One Pension (OROP). PTI Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 3 More than 54 years after India was caught napping due to poor infrastructure during the 1962 Chinese aggression, yet another airfield in north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh has been opened for military use. This is the fifth such airfield to be upgraded under a long-winded plan for rapid deployment of artillery guns, troops and even tanks. An Advanced Landing Ground (euphuism for British-era mud-paved landing strip) at Mechuka, located in Yargyap river valley of West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, has been upgraded to a paved runaway. The Indian Air Force today said it had landed its biggest transport plane, the Boeing C-17, at the 6,200-ft-high airfield. The plane can carry some 70 tonnes of load. The airfield is located near the Mcmahon Line (the boundary with China) and the nearest air/rail head is at Dibrugarh, about 500 km through mountains which are landslide-prone, stretching the travel time to two days. The landing of C-17 is a quantum jump from the existing capability of AN-32 and C-130J aircraft. Such airlift capability facilitates critical requirement of transfer of men and material in this rugged terrain of several adjacent river valleys, interspersed by high mountain ranges that inhibit road connectivity. Besides Mechuka, airfileds at Ziro, Along, Walong and Passighat are the other ones which have been opened. Passighat allows fighter jet operations. The last of the ALGs at Tuting is expected to open by the year-end while the helicopter landing ground at Tawang would be ready by mid-2017. The British had created small mud-paved landing grounds during the World War-II for their Burma and east India operations. The existing ALGs are too small in length and allow only very small aircraft to land and have a non-existent ground support. These are rendered unusable during rains. These airfields dot various folds of the Himalayas in Arunachal and cover an east-west axis, bringing the IAF and Armys rapid deployment capabilities much closer to the Mcmahon Line. Bharuch (Gujarat), Nov 3 Four labourers died and 13 others were injured following leakage of poisonous phosgene gas at a chemical plant of state PSU Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited (GNFC) at a village here. Four persons have been killed due to poisonous gas leakage from reactor gasket at GNFC plant in Rahiad village, District Collector Sandip Sagale said. The mishap took place late last night when a mechanical failure in a chemical reactor at the companys TDI (toluene di-isocyanate) plant caused leakage of phosgene, he said. The deceased were identified as Khurshid Rai, Wasi Ahmed, Mohammad Jamimuddin and Mohammad Taiba. We have launched an investigation into the case with officials of industrial safety from the district and the state inspecting the site. The company has also formed a high-level technical committee to investigate the incident, Sagale said. Contractual labourers who often work till late in different shifts were affected. We rushed some of them to our own hospital at the company, while those critically affected were rushed to private hospitals at Bharuch, the official said. The 13 injured were admitted to a hospital at Bharuch. Of them, two have been referred to a government hospital in Vadodara. Three were discharged, Bharuch Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh said. A team of Forensic Science Laboratory would visit the site, he added. PTI Kathmandu, November 3 President Pranab Mukherjee has underlined the need to involve every section of the Nepalese society as equal stakeholders in the process of building democracy, in an apparent reference to the political upheaval over the new Constitution that had strained Indo-Nepal ties. As a close neighbour, India is interested in peace, stability and progress of Nepal, said Mukherjee, who is the first Indian President to visit Nepal in 18 years. We have learnt from our own experience that sustainable socio-economic development can only be achieved in an environment of peace, stability and a participatory democracy, and where every section of society is an equal stakeholder in political processes and the outcomes. These lessons could be of benefit to Nepal as it embarks on its own path of building democracy, he told Nepalese dailies in an interview. There are times when we may have differing perceptions on certain aspects, he said on questions about Indias position on the Madhesi protests that led to a blockade of border checkpoints. Mukherjee said because of the shared border, developments within Nepal can impact on the flows across it. But we do manage any such differences with sensitivity, goodwill and utmost understanding of each others vital interests, he said. PTI Jerusalem, November 3 Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will lead a high-profile delegation on a six-day visit to India beginning November 15 to boost cooperation in the field of security, education, cyber, energy, water and agriculture. Informed sources here said Rivlin would meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan among others during his visit. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Rivlin would be only the second Israeli President to visit India since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1992 and his visit comes almost after a gap of 20 years since former President Ezer Weizmann visited India in 1996-97. Rivlin will lead a high-profile delegation of business leaders and academics during his visit to India from November 15-20. His talks with the top leaders are scheduled to take place on November 15. Expressing his interest in visiting India following the historic visit of Mukherjee last year to Israel, he had earlier said, The cooperation between the two countries is something that is said all over. The cooperation is not only in innovation but you know very well that we are trying our very best to address problems of agriculture, water, energy, cyber and every need of security that we have to work out in order to be prepared for the kind of burden of security that is imposed on both people. I would like to see your Prime Minister here, the 77-year-old president had said. Speculation is rife that the Israeli Presidents visit would pave the way for Modis visit to Jerusalem, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, and is likely to take place next year when the two countries celebrate 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who on Sunday during a cabinet meeting mentioned about Rivlins forthcoming visit to India, is also likely to visit New Delhi next year. Israel is also very keen on strengthening ties between academic institutions in the two countries. The Israeli President in the past has complimented the Indian students in Israel, saying they are among the best of the lot. Israel has consistently remained the second largest supplier of defence equipment to India for many years and its timely supply of Indian requirements during the Kargil War has earned it the tag of a reliable partner. The Indo-Israel bilateral trade has also registered a remarkable growth reaching a figure of almost USD 5 billion starting from a humble USD 200 million in 1992. PTI New Delhi, November 3 The JNU vice-chancellor is not acting to trace university student Najeeb Ahmed as he is "scared" of going "missing" himself if he did so, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said. Kejriwal made the comments at a solidarity meeting on the JNU campus. The Chief Minister said Najeeb, who has been missing for over two weeks now, will come back only when Prime Minister Narendra Modi could be made to realise that he is losing votes over the issue. Najeeb will come back only when Modiji will realise that he is losing out on votes of youth. The movement for demanding justice for Najeeb needs to come to mainstream. The vice-chancellor is also scared that if he will take any action he will also go missing," Kejriwal said. Kejriwal, who has had frequent run-ins with the Delhi Police, said it will not dare to pursue any investigation in this regard as RSS' students' wing ABVP was involved in the brawl following which Najeeb went missing. "Whoever will raise any voice against RSS, ABVP or BJP will be called anti-national and will go missing. If Najeeb was Ambani's son Modiji would have taken a flight to visit him but this will not attract his attention," the AAP chief said. He also wondered why no one from the ABVP who was part of the campus brawl been questioned by the Police. Kejriwal said he has written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and will take a delegation to President Pranab Mukherjee when he returns from his Nepal visit. Earlier, the JNU administration appealed to students and teachers to "discourage obstructive politics and protests" on the campus as it was hampering the smooth functioning of the university and "unreasonable" demands are being raised through demonstrations. The appeal by the authorities came in the wake of protests by various student groups and teachers for the last two weeks over Najeeb's case. Najeeb (27), a student of School of Biotechnology and a native of Badaun in Uttar Pradesh, went missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with the members of ABVP the night before. PTI By India Today Web Desk: Bigg Boss Season 10 contestants know how to keep the viewers at the edge of their seats. Tonight's episode will have its dose of masala, as usual--from Lopamudra Raut and Mona Lisa's pool time to Bani Judge's emotional breakdown; you cannot miss this one! Also read:BB10: Bigg Boss to punish Gaurav, Rahul, Bani; Om Swami can't hide his happiness advertisement Mona Lisa and Lopamudra Raut's fun time in the pool Mona Lisa and Lopamudra will chill in the swimming pool and raise the temperature of the house by a few degrees. Of course, Om Swami and Manu Punjabi will be there to stare at them, and have their own share of fun. In fact, Om Swami will even go as far as to comment on the ladies as they frolic in the pool--"Kya adaaien hain." Wait, isn't Om Swami a brahmachari? At least that is what we hear him say every now and then. Om Swami's argument with Rohan Mehra Swamiji will be ordered by Rohan to clean the jail, but the said order will not go down well with him, and he will refuse to sweep the jail. Swamiji will then go and complain about the whole issue to Gaurav Chopra, saying that Rohan is just asking him to clean the jail for his revenge. Who will go to jail? Both the teams will decide who will go to jail this time, and as they take a vote; Lopa and Bani will have a clash over the issue. Meanwhile, Nitibha will be voted by everyone from her team. Later, Nitibha will get into an ugly spat with Lokesh over the food that will be served to her in jail. Bani J, Rahul Dev, and Gaurav Chopra to get punished by Bigg Boss Bani, Gaurav, and Rahul will get punished by Bigg Boss for breaking the golden rule of the house, despite several warnings. The three celebs have been conversing in English, and have not been talking in Hindi, thus disobeying Bigg Boss' order. Bani Judge's emotional breakdown Celeb contestant Bani Judge will end up crying while discussing a task. She will complain to Gaurav that no one cares for her. Gaurav will try to convince her otherwise. To know how the episode unfolds, tune in to Colors TV at 10:30 pm. --- ENDS --- Kathmandu, November 3 President Pranab Mukherjee, on a three-day state trip to Nepal, on Thursday visited the 5th century Hindu shrine Pashupatinath Temple on the bank of Bagmati river here and performed a special puja. Upon his arrival at the premises of the famous temple, Mukherjee was accorded warm welcome by chief of Pashupati Area Development Trust Govinda Tandon and other members of the trust. He was welcomed by 108 Batuk (Hindu boys) chanting Swasti mantras amid musical resonance of panchai baja and thime baja (traditional musical instruments) after entering through the main eastern gate of the temple. He performed a special puja called Rudrabhisekh, which includs bathing the Shiva Linga with panchamrit, consisting of milk, curd, honey, sugar and ghee, and lighting one lakh cotton lamps or lakh batti at the holy Hindu shrine. The temple, a UNESCO heritage site, is visited by thousands of Hindus from across the world. He spent more than 45 minutes while performing the puja, which is performed by donating a sum of 27,000 rupees to the treasury of the temple. While worshipping at the main temple, Mukherjee was assisted by a team of Indian priests, led by chief priest Ganesh Bhatta. He also performed puja at Basuki Naag temple in the premises of the Pashupatinath by pouring milk, which is known as Dugdhabhisekh. Traditional drum and other instruments were played in Mukherjees honour as soon as he arrived at the temple premises accompanied by Indian Ambassador Ranjit Rae amid tight security. As part of the preparations to welcome the Indian President, the temple premises were decorated with colourful flowers. While keenly inspecting the shrine, the president also commented about the Bagmati river, according to chief of the trust Tandon. The President said that Bagmati river was cleaner than what he saw seven years ago, when he visited there as the Indian External Affairs Minister, according to Tandon. He also inquired about the damaged caused to the temple and its premises by last years devastating earthquakes. Very little damage was done to the Pashupatinath Temple by the earthquakes, Tandon said, adding that except a kitchen in the premises of the temple, no other structures were damaged. Mukherjee also showed his interest in the preservation of Bagmati river and renovation of Aryaghat, the traditional crematorium site of the Hindus situated near the river bank. In his remarks in the guest book of the temple, he wrote: I am delighted to be here at the Pashupatinath temple once again. It is a place having cultural, religious and historical importance. I felt blissful after performing the special puja. Tandon also presented a beautiful wooden idol to Mukherjee, who arrived in Nepal yesterday at the invitation of President Bidya Devi Bhandari as the first Indian president to visit the country in 18 years. PTI Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 3 After the suicide by ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal plunged the capital into chaos on Wednesday, Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday asserted that one lakh people were yet to benefit under the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme and would be assisted soon after the rectification of the error causing the delay. Parrikar elucidated that the delay in sanctioning money under the scheme was being caused due to some technical error and said, One lakh people are yet to get full benefit of the OROP. There is some technical issue. We will soon sort out the paperwork. Parrikar was addressing ex-servicemen in central Kashmirs Budgam district. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Grewal had consumed poison on Wednesday. The 69-year-old former jawan was protesting over the OROP issue at Jantar Mantar in Delhi when he committed suicide. Earlier in the day, the mortal remains of Grewal were consigned to flames at his native village in Bhiwani. With ANI Islamabad, November 3 Pakistan on Thursday named eight Indian High Commission officials alleging that they were members of Indian intelligence agencies and involved in subversive activities, in the latest tit-for-tat action amid raging Indo-Pak tensions. Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria read out a statement at his weekly briefing saying that a number of Indian diplomats and staffers were involved in coordinating terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan under the garb of diplomatic assignments. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Their names and designations are: Research and Analysis Wings operativesRAWs station chief Anurag Singh, first secretary Commercial; Commercial Counsellor Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri; Amerdeep Singh Bhatti, attache visa; Dharmendra Sodhi, staff; Vijay Kumar Verma, staff; and Madhavan Nanda Kumar, staff, he said. Indian Intelligence Bureaus operatives are Balbir Singh, first secretary press and information and IB station chief and Jayabalan Senthil, assistant personnel welfare officer, Zakaria said. He claimed that Surjeet Singh, who was declared persona non grata by Pakistan a few days back, was also an IB operative. Surjeet was using a fake identity pretending to be telecom company Warids employee, he claimed. Pakistan had declared Surjeet persona non grata after Indias action against Pakistan High Commission official Mehmood Akhtar following Indian polices busting of an ISI-run spy ring. Zakaria claimed that the High Commission officials were involved in espionage, subversion and supporting terrorist activities in Balochistan and Sindh, especially Karachi, sabotaging China Pakistan Economic Corridor, and fuelling instability in the two provinces. Meanwhile, Vikas Swarup, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said the Government strongly protests the manner in which names and photos of eight Indian officials, four of whom holders of diplomatic passports, have been published. We have not yet recalled any of those officials as only one was declared persona non grata, Swarup said. PTI Raipur, November 3 BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy has described Ratan Tata as the most corrupt chairman in the history of the Tata group. The most corrupt person in Tata history is Ratan Tata. He is not even a Tata, as his father was an adopted child, he said. Ratan Tata is doing injustice with Cyrus Mistry. Two months back, the entire board appreciated the work of Cyrus Mistry and it could be his (Ratan Tatas) jealousy that prompted the action, he added. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Swamy told reporters in Raipur that Ratan Tata had been involved in various scams like the 2G scam, Air Asia scam, the Vistara partnership and the Jaguar deal. He has taken the step to save himself from getting caught in scam deals, but he will not be spared whenever he is tried in court, the BJP leader said. Swamy said, The government should intervene and set up an SIT. I have written to the Prime Minister and informed him about the sections involved where Ratan Tata has breached the Indian Penal Code. Tata Sons has accused Mistry, who was appointed chairman in 2012, of making unsubstantiated claims and malicious allegations post his sacking. Mistry has accused the company of governance failures and unacceptable interference by Ratan Tata in running the affairs of the group. ANI Tampa, November 3 A Republican Hindu organisation is running an anti-Hillary Clinton advertisement on Indian-American television channels, attacking the Democratic presidential candidate as sympathetic towards Pakistan and her longtime aide for her Pakistani origin. The 29-second commercial begins with a photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has a map of Pakistan, which includes disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as its territory. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Hillary, sympathetic towards Pakistan, gave billions of dollars in aid and military equipment used against India. She was instrumental in blocking PM Modis visa. (She) takes contributions from countries and individuals known to support radical Islam, says the ad endorsed by the Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC). The advertisement also attacks former US president and Clintons husband Bill, and her longtime aide Huma Abedin. Her current aide Huma Abedin is of Pakistani origin and will become chief of staff if she wins. Her husband Bill Clinton wants to give Kashmir to Pakistan, it says and calls on Americans to Vote Republicangreat for you, great for US-Indian relations and great for America. Abedins mother is of Pakistani origin and her father is from India. She was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1976 to Syed Zainul Abedin, from Delhi, and Saleha Mahmood Abedin. The family moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, when Abedin was two. RHCs head Shalabh Kumar did not respond to questions on the ad that began airing days ahead of the November 8 polls. He, however, has told the New York Post, Huma in general is as pro-terrorist as you could be...shes got a really dark background. I cant even fathom. I dont understand why Hillary will associate herself with Huma. He said RHC is heavily involved in the battleground states of Florida, North Carolina and Ohio. Indian-American supporters of Clinton slammed RHC for its commercial. This advertisement is misleading, incorrect and false, said Ajay Jain Bhutoria, a fund-raiser for Clinton campaign. Trump and RHC are misleading the community with false facts, he alleged. Trump showed disrespect for Indians and has mocked Indian call-centre workers at an election rally earlier this year. Trump has created conflict between Hindus and Muslims...Indians and Pakistanis in the USA. We left these kinds of religion-based politics back in our home country, Bhutoria said. Bhutoria said Clinton had built strong relations with India as the first lady and later as secretary of state. No incoming US president has had the level of interaction with India that Hillary has had. Her trip in 1995 helped pave the way years later for President Bill Clintons historic visit to India in 2000. Hillary has walked that extra mile for India, he said. As US Senator, Hillary Clinton was co-chair of the Senate India Caucus. And as US Secretary of State she made multiple visits, during which she highlighted the need for India to not just look east, but engage east and act easta mantra the Modi government subsequently adopted, Bhutoria said. PTI Shahira Naim Tribune News Service Lucknow, November 3 Putting up a united face amid ongoing turmoil, Samajwadi Party national president Mulayam Singh Yadav along with brother and state chief Shivpal Yadav flagged off Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadavs Vikas se Vijay Tak Rath Yatra here on Thursday. Amid unprecedented crowd that virtually choked every road in the state capital, the yatra was flagged off almost two hours behind schedule from the La Martiniere school ground close to the CMs official residence. Sources in the party said the delay was due to the party backstage boys persuading Mulayam to be present on the occasion to send out a positive message. The show of unity, however, did not last as Akhilesh did not wish his uncle Shivpal with whom he is reportedly at loggerheads. Akhilesh referred to Shivpal as the state chief and mentioned him only after naming various senior leaders. The palpable tension on the dais was clear. Most of the ministers kept a safe distance from Shivpal. Dismissed minister Manoj Pandey was also seated on the dais. Shivpal also appeared visibly ill at ease in the presence of youth leaders close to Akhilesh whom he expelled last month. Senior minister and Muslim face of the party Mohd Azam Khan was conspicuous by his absence as was Beni Verma who had tried to broker peace in the faction-ridden party. National general secretary Amar Singh was also not present. Dedicating most of his address to the martyred soldiers, Mulayam asked the youth to fight injustice nonviolently. Choosing the occasion to support Shivpal, Mulayam recalled the latters hard work and sacrifices for the party. In his brief address, Shivpal conveyed his wishes for the success of the yatra, saying he was confident that it would help the SP return to power with greater majority. Shahira Naim Tribune News Service Lucknow, November 3 Presenting a picture of unity Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, accompanied by brother and state president Shivpal Yadav, flagged off Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadavs Vikas se Vijay Tak Rath Yatra here on Thursday. Amidst unprecedented crowds that virtually choked every road in the state capital the yatra was flagged off almost two hours behind schedule from the La Martiniere school ground close to the chief ministers official residence. Samajwadi Party sources said the delay was reportedly due to the party backstage boys persuading Mulayam to be present on the occasion to send a positive message. (Read: Akhileshs Mercedes 'rath' breaks down, shifts to SUV) Finally, Mulayam arrived, accompanied by brother Shivpal Yadav, and the programme started. The show of unity, however, did not last. Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav neither wished nor greeted his uncle Shivpal Yadav with whom he is reportedly at loggerheads. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) In his address, Akhilesh referred to chacha Shivpal as state president and mentioned him only after naming many senior leaders. The palpable tension on the dais was clear. Most of the ministers kept a safe distance from Shivpal. Dismissed minister Manoj Pandey was also seated on the dais. Shivpal also appeared visibly ill at ease in the presence of youth leaders close to Akhilesh whom he had expelled last month after becoming the state president, for indiscipline and anti-party activities. Interestingly, senior minister and Muslim face of the party Mohammad Azam Khan was conspicuous by his absence as was Beni Varma who had tried to broker peace in the faction-ridden party last week. National general secretary Amar Singh was obviously not there. Reprimanding the noisy expelled youth leaders present on the dais, Mulayam said loudly that raising slogans was not enough to be a Samajwadi. You should read the writings of the great ideologues and also about the struggle with which the party has reached where it has, he said while urging the youth to exercise restraint. Dedicating most of his address to the martyred soldiers, Mulayam asked the youth to fight against injustice in a non-violent manner. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to meet the families of martyred soldiers. Choosing the occasion to come in support of his brother Shivpal, Mulayam recalled his hard work and sacrifices for the party. In his brief address, Shivpal Yadav conveyed his wishes for the success of the chief ministers yatra and said that he was confident that it would help the Samajwadi Party return to power with greater majority. Akhilesh said the rath yatra would change the politics of the nation. He said the target this time was not only to return to power with a greater majority but to keep communal elements at bay. Some people conspired against us and we momentarily stumbled but the youth are our biggest strength and we are moving ahead with their support, said Akhilesh appealing to his followers to ensure the success of the partys silver jubilee programme on Saturday just as they had worked hard for the success of the rath launch. Barely 300 metres from the starting point there was a minor technical problem with the rath which is a Mercedes bus modified into a hi-tech rath and Akhilesh continued onwards in his own car. Meanwhile, all schools and colleges have been closed in Lucknow to save children from getting stuck in jams. Despite route diversions the main roads have remained jammed since early morning. The yatra is scheduled to travel about 60 kilometres to neighbouring Unnao district on the first day where Akhilesh would address a public meeting at Shuklaganj later in the day. Aman Sood Tribune News Service Patiala, November 3 Around 900 persons in the state, a majority of them politically active and connected, are guarded by over 2,500 personnel of the state police. This is the official figure as mentioned in a list prepared by the police and submitted to the Election Commission. Sources, however, say unofficially at least 4,000 police personnel are deputed on such duty. As per the police, over 10 per cent of the police force is protecting VIPs instead of maintaining law and order. Many IG and DIG-level officers, many of them retired, are getting security over and above their sanctioned limit. Amritsar tops the list with 212 policemen deployed on security duty. It is followed by Jalandhar 209 and Ludhiana 152. On an average, a police district has 1,200 to 3,500 personnel on its rolls, of which officially 10 per cent is deployed on the security of VIPs. Unofficially, another 5 per cent of the force is given to self-styled VIPs, said an SSP-rank officer. Sometimes we have a few men to run a police station effectively, while these self-styled VIPs approach our seniors in Chandigarh through their political bosses and manage to get security. We are left with no option in such cases, he said. As per norms, the Z+ category comprises over 36 guards, Z 22 and Y 11. At least, 36 VIPs fall in these three categories, while several lesser-known leaders in every district continue to avail security ranging from one to 12 personnel. VK Singh, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, said they had sought a complete list, but it does not mean that the police need to prune the security cover immediately. Once the election code of conduct comes into force, we will decide every case on merit, he said. On the authenticity of the list, VK Singh said: We believe that the SSPs will not keep us in the dark and submit a factual list. We have means to check the authenticity of VIPs availing security. Despite repeated attempts, no senior police officer was willing to comment on the issue. Additional DGP (Security) BK Bawa could not be contacted. Tribune News Service Sangrur, November 3 Vijay Kumar, the main accused in the Quran desecration case that took place on June 24 at Malerkotla, today alleged that the Punjab Police was forcing him to implicate Naresh Yadav, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Delhi, in the case. Otherwise, the police were threatening to book him for murder, he claimed. Earlier news: Malerkotla: Police say AAP MLA mastermind Talking to mediapersons after appearing in the court of Additional Sessions Judge KK Singla here today, Vijay Kumar said that they had enough evidence to prove in court that they were innocent and they had neither desecrated the Quran nor insulted any religion. On why he had said earlier that they had committed the crime on Yadavs instructions, Vijay said he had given the statement due to the pressure exerted by the police. AAP MLA Naresh Yadav said Vijays statement today had exposed the SAD-BJP governments designs to defame the AAP in view of the upcoming Assembly elections. I have been saying all along that it is a political conspiracy hatched by the SAD-BJP government, Yadav said. Naresh Yadav, Vijay Kumar, Nand Kishor Goldy and his son Gaurav, all accused in the case, today appeared in the court of Additional Sessions Judge KK Singla here. The court fixed December 1 as the next date of hearing. Harpal Singh Cheema, counsel for Naresh Yadav, said that they had today moved an application in the court to provide them a copy of the statement of co-accused Vijay Kumar, recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC. Besides, they have also demanded the phone call details of the accused that had been collected by the police during investigation. Cheema said that on their application, the court has directed the state to give its reply on December 1. The actor arrived for a pre-trial hearing at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pennsylvania on Tuesday By India Today Web Desk: Comedian and actor Bill Cosby arrived for a pre-trial hearing at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, where he faces criminal charges of sexual assault against Andrea Constand. The blind 79-year-old was accompanied by his team of lawyers, who walked him from the car to the door of the courthouse. Tuesday's hearing will determine if 13 accusers will be allowed to testify. Cosby's defence attorneys argue that because he is blind he cannot identify the accusers --- ENDS --- advertisement Ruchika M Khanna Tribune News Service Daulewala (Moga), Nov 3 Motorcycle-borne youngsters, mostly in their teens or early 20s, zip through the kutcha roads of this village. Its noon, and all shops in the village except one are closed. The lone open one has a thick iron grille with a small window, big enough only to let out a hand from inside. Its here that half a dozen vehicles are parked and scores of youngsters are queuing up. At first, it seems that the shop is selling items of daily use, but a closer look reveals that on sale is samaan, known as chitta (drugs) in common parlance. As one moves around the village, one sees youngsters huddled together, consuming drugs. Used syringes are seen strewn in every nook and cranny of the village. On a small plot, two youths are lying, heads down, apparently in an inebriated condition. A girl in her early twenties, who says that she is from Galoti village, near here, begs for Rs 200, saying that its important to save her life. A six-foot-tall man, who was once a hotelier with a happy family in Harike, sits dejected, waiting for someone in the village to keep last nights leftover food before him, even as he waits to regain his senses. Once sober, he recalls how a regular customer at his hotel got him addicted to drugs. This village, where at least one-fifth of the residents are involved in the drug trade particularly smack and heroin has been on the radar of the Election Commission (EC). Daulewala and the nearby village of Nurpur Hakima have gained notoriety as the drug capital of Malwa. At a recent meeting with an EC delegation, the district civil and police officers pointed out that these villages needed to be kept under vigil because of the rampant drug supply from here. The drug business is brisk here, even as there are no cops around. Some of the residents who spoke to The Tribune said most of the village women were also involved in the drug trade, especially now that their men had been arrested. A few months ago, the police were deployed here, but a raid by a senior officer at night found the cops in an inebriated condition, themselves offering to sell chitta to the officer. The next day, the deployment was withdrawn. Since then, the villages infamy has spread, with many youngsters from Ludhiana coming here in swanky cars to buy contraband. This has also became a law and order issue for the administration. Several villages in Dharamkot have reported incidents of snatching by addicts. Jaswant Singh of Badduwal village says that women no longer wear jewellery while going out of the house. He alleges that even LPG cylinders are stolen. A government official posted in the village, requesting anonymity, told The Tribune that there had been several instances in which little children had mistakenly consumed smack lying in their houses and died. The village is thronged by addicts, but the villagers themselves are peddlers. They are in the drug trade because there is no economic development here and they have no source of income. With drugs coming from across the border, which is just 40 km away, these villagers have found it an easy way to earn a livelihood, he says. A dera in the village tried to wean the people away from the drug business. Its head, Baba Avtar Singh, said their anti-drug campaign met with stiff resistance from the peddlers. Even local MLA Tota Singh has often tried to make people shun the business, but no one minds making a quick buck, he says. Jotirmay Thapliyal Tribune News Service Almora, November 3 Climate change events can throw politicians out of power or if handled properly can help win elections for parties. This was revealed in a document - Himalayas, Climate Change and the Media brought out by the Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme, a joint Indo-Swiss initiative. The manner in which political parties prepare for and deal with natural disasters and extreme weather events can decide whether they will be voted back to power in the next elections or not. The party ruling Uttarakhand during the 2013 floods had to face its impact when it lost all five parliamentary seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. And more importantly, even earlier, then Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had to resign, the document said. Moreover, the document said a study by researchers, Andrew Healy of the Loyola Marymount University of California and Neil Malhotra of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business California, proved that voters punish or reward the ruling party for the way it handles an extreme weather event. Dr Mustafa Ali Khan, team leader of the Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme, said climate change was a political story. He said this was a natural reaction to the way the government warned people before the extreme event and how it carried rescue and rehabilitation in the aftermath. Khan said besides losing and winning elections, even other angles that reflect in international politics linked to climate change were related to national security when rising sea level could bring a change in national boundaries or a case of cross country migration of climate refugees. Jotirmay Thapliyal Tribune News Service Almora, November 3 Dr PP Dhyani, Director of the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development, has expressed concern over neglect of the Himalayas at national platforms when it comes to climate change discussions. Dhyani, while talking to The Tribune on the sidelines of a workshop on climate change reporting in Almora on Thursday, said the Himalayas being the youngest mountain range that has not yet stabilised are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change but they are ignored in discussions at international platforms. The Himalayas should have been on the global agenda but it is not the case, he added. He said though the World Mountain Forum had tried to bring the Himalayas in global climate change discussions. He would be taking part in the 22nd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) to the UNFCCC scheduled in Morocco from Nov 7 to 18. He added the Himalayas face multi-pronged climate change challenges. While on the one hand, climate change is warming up, impacting water availability in the region, agriculture that is linked both with temperature and water has also been affected, he said. Climate change is ultimately threatening livelihood. Further, intense rainfall and snowfall in the Himalayas, which now occur for fewer days will add to the risk of flash floods and landslides, he added. He admitted that the Himalayas being a data-deficient region was surely a challenge to the climate change study. Little is known about the impact of climate change on glaciers in the Himalayas though most scientists agree that a majority of the glaciers were receding. Climate change as a subject deserves far more extensive and intensive study, Dhyani said. Climate change due to global warming has become a reality and the climate change scenarios are not identical and this needs to be understood even in the case of the Himalayas, he added. Tribune News Service Dehradun, November 3 The Election Commission has received a favourable feedback from the political parties for holding the state Assembly elections in FebruaryMarch next year, said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr Nasim Zaidi here today. He said representatives of the political parties, while raising the issue of adverse weather conditions, suggested that the elections should be held in the last week of February or the first week of March in a single phase that should also coincide with elections in the border areas of Uttar Pradesh. Zaidis two-day tour ended today. A team of the Election Commission held consultations with the political parties, the officials concerned and the Chief Electoral office of Dehradun. Zaidi said the Election Commission would consider the feedback while preparing the election schedule. He said that the Election Commissions team was informed about the misuse of the discretionary funds in the pre-election period. The issue of appointment of neutral officers for carrying out election duties was also discussed. As the pre-election phase is important for creating a conducive environment, there were suggestions to ensure compliance with the model code of conduct. I have been assured by the Chief Secretary that the propriety of the discretionary fund will be maintained, he said. Further, for the first time in Uttarakhand, voter-verified paper audit trail machines will be attached with the EVMs that will allow voters to see whom he has voted for. This facility will be provided in constituencies which are still being finalised, he added. Significantly, the Election Commission is still working on covering the new voters in the age group of 18 to 19 years. There is a gap of 70,000 to 71,000 voters, according to projections, which is yet to be bridged in this category. In the state, there are a total of 73.81 lakh voters, he said. He also said that for the convenience of voters in the hilly areas, the Election Commission will set up auxiliary booths for the voters so that they are not forced to travel 5-7km to cast their votes. So far, around 350 sensitive polling booths have also been earmarked that will be constantly monitored by the Election Commission. Karachi, November 3 At least 19 people were killed and 50 others injured on Thursday after a passenger train crashed into a stationary train in Pakistans southern port city of Karachi. The accident occurred at Gaddafi town in Landhi area here at 7.18 am when Zakaria Express collided with the stationary Fareed Express at Juma Goth train station. Two bogies of Fareed Express and one bogie of Zakaria Express were completely destroyed in the collision. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) TV footage showed mangled and overturned carriages, and local media reported rescuers were working to free people trapped in the wreckage. Fareed Express was coming to Karachi from Lahore, while Zakaria Express had set off from Multan. According to initial investigation, the driver of Zakaria Express ignored the signal, Geo News reported. As many as 19 bodies and 50 injured had been brought to Jinnah Hospital, said Dr Seemi Jamali, head of Emergency Department at the hospital. Many among the injured have head injuries and some are in critical condition, she added. The crash resulted in traffic jam, and ambulances carrying the injured got stuck on the roads. All trains from Karachi have been suspended till rescue work is completed. President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in accident. Sharif ordered immediate inquiry into the accident and directed authorities to provide medical facilities to the injured. Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique announced Rs 10 lakh as compensation for the dead and Rs 5 lakh for the injured. In September, six persons were killed and over 150 others injured when a Karachi-bound passenger train rammed into a stationary freight train near Multan in Punjab province in a pre-dawn accident. PTI London, November 3 England's High Court ruled on Thursday that the British government requires parliamentary approval to trigger the process of exiting the European Union, a major upset for Prime Minister Theresa May's plans for Brexit. Sterling rose on the news, with many investors taking the view that lawmakers would temper the government's policies and make an economically disruptive "hard Brexit" less likely. The court said it had granted the government permission to appeal against the ruling before the Supreme Court, which has set aside December 5-8 to deal with the matter. A panel of three of the most senior judges in the country ruled that the government could not trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, the formal step needed to start negotiations on the terms of Brexit, without approval from Parliament. "The court does not accept the argument put forward by the government," said Lord Chief Justice John Thomas, reading out the three judges' ruling. "For the reasons set out in the judgment, we decide that the government does not have power ... to give notice pursuant to Article 50 for the UK to withdraw from the European Union." International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said the government was disappointed with the court ruling and would consider it carefully before deciding how to proceed. "The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by acts of Parliament. The government is determined to respect the result of the referendum," Fox said. Reuters Orlando, November 3 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has claimed that the reopened FBI investigation into the alleged email scandal of his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton would take years and end up in a criminal trial. Trump said the FBI was likely to find something in the 650,000 emails that it has found out in the laptop, which was shared by one of Hillarys close advisers and her husband. They (FBI) will have some things in there that I can just imagine are going to be unbelievable. Hillarys likely to be under investigation for many years. Probably concluding in a criminal trial, 70-year-old Trump said at an election rally in Orlando as he devoted considerable time of his speech on the email scandal on Wednesday. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The FBI has reopened its investigation into crooked Hillary Clinton. Hillary wants to blame everyone else for the mounting legal troubles and I dont see if youve watched her last few speeches over the last few days. She has become totally unhinged, unbelievable, he alleged. What shes saying and what shes doing is actually, its unbelievable. She has no one to blame but herself. Hillary is the one who set up the illegal private e-mail server to shield her criminal activity, he said. Trump alleged that Hillary was the one who lied to the Congress and the FBI and engaged in a corrupt pay for play scheme at the State Department. Hillary is the one who lied so many times to Congress and to the FBI. Hilary is the one who made 13 phones disappear, some with a hammer and who destroyed 33,000 e-mails after, after receiving a congressional subpoena, think of that. Unbelievable, he said. Trump also accused the media of protecting Clinton in this presidential election. Ill tell you what. The system is rigged. The system is rigged. Hillary is not the victim; the American people are the victims of this system, he said. The media is a part and one of the vital cogs in the rigged system under which we live. Theyre a big fat cog and they never show the crowds. They never show whats happening, he alleged. All we have to do is cut our ties with these failed politicians of the past. Hillary is a candidate of yesterday. We are the movement of the future, Trump said. PTI By PTI: Bhopal, Nov 3 (PTI) Defending the MP government over the alleged encounter of 8 SIMI activists, Chairman of All India Anti-Terrorist Front (AIATF) Maninderjeet Singh Bitta today said he salutes Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and the state police for "killing terrorists". "After I came to Madhya Pradesh I met Chief Minister Chouhan for the first time. I saluted Chouhan and MP police for killing the terrorists," Bitta, the former youth Congress leader, told reporters. advertisement Eight SIMI activists were killed in an alleged police encounter on the city outskirts when they escaped from the Bhopal Central Jail after killing a security guard. "I told the Chief Minister not to give statement that an inquiry will be conducted into the encounter," he added. "Jailbreak and lapses (leading to the escape of SIMI activist), should be probed but the fight (encounter) against the SIMI terrorists should not be investigated," he said. "These slain terrorists were involved in bomb blasts, robbery and other heinous crimes in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and other states," Bitta claimed. "After these terrorists escaped from the central jail killing a constable, the life of public was at danger. If they would have been left at large, they might have killed many innocent people," he added. "Votebank politics should stop over terrorism," he said. "He (Digvijay Singh) had made attempt to withdraw my security when Congress was in power (at the Centre)," Bitta alleged. "I have been defeated by Congress leaders like Kapil Sibal, P Chidambaram and Digvijay Singh and not by bombs," he added. To a query, Bitta claimed that UPA II lost elections due to jargons like "Bhagwa" (saffron) and "Hindu terrorism" which were coined by Digvijay. "I have been defeated by political terrorism and Im a victim of it," he added. Later, Bitta went to the residence of slain jail head constable Ramashanker Yadav and met his family members. Bitta assured Yadavs daughter Sonia (24) of all help in getting a government job and vocational training and said he will attend her wedding on December 9. Yadavs sons Shambhunath (36) and Prabhunath (32) are jawans in the Army posted at Guwahati and Hissar respectively. Bitta assured the family that he will help them get one of the sons posted in Bhopal. "The martyrs (the head constable killed) family is in profound grief. They are more sorrowful over the politics being played out over his death," Bitta said. advertisement He stressed that for quick disposal of cases related to terrorism, fast track courts should be formed. In such courts, cases should be disposed of by awarding capital punishment or life imprisonment, he added. PTI LAL MAS NRB NM AAR RDS --- ENDS --- BARTLESVILLE Marthas Task is celebrating 16 years of serving the community with a special holiday Open House scheduled this month. A Bartlesville nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating poverty since 2000, Marthas Task provides a training program teaching low income women to become seamstresses who craft items that are sold in the groups downtown office and store at 718 S. Johnstone Ave. This years holiday Open House, set from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, will be a festive day filled with refreshments, door prizes and shopping for beautiful gifts crafted by the Marthas Task seamstresses. The 2016 Open House celebration is especially meaningful as the organization is purchasing the building that has been its longtime home, securing a permanent location for the groups good works. We are excited to hold a true Open House party celebrating the generosity of our community in a successful capital campaign, as well as embracing the fullness of this holiday season of joy and thanksgiving, Laura Walton, Marthas Task executive director, said. We are so grateful to the community for the support shown to our program and to our seamstresses over all this time and we are committed to many more years of continuing to help women learn, grow and earn income to support themselves. Among the items to be featured for sale in the store this fall and winter are microwave bowls, aprons, microwaveable veggie nukers, casserole carriers, eye glass cases and tortilla warmers. Noteworthy Christmas items include gift bags, stuffed trees and scented hanging ornaments. The store also carries a full line of items for babies including bibs, blankets and pillows. Each item is stitched with love and care by seamstresses contributing to the program. The Marthas Task seamstresses who earn money by making items to sell keep 100 percent of the profits from each creation that is sold in the store or by contract. The seamstresses make many specialty items throughout the year, but especially during the Christmas gift giving season. Orders for contract items will be accepted as well. The seamstresses are happy to visit with customers about creations they would like to have made. The Marthas Task economic development program is made possible by generous community members who continually donate fabric, sewing notions and used sewing machines, providing the raw materials that enable women to use their talents to engage in creative, productive, work. The community benefits by recycling items they no longer need into the materials that create jobs for others, and the women of Martha's Task are empowered with new skills enabling them to better support themselves and their families. Marthas Task is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 718 S. Johnstone Avenue, available by phone at 918-336-8275 or visit the organization online at www.marthastask.com. The Downtown Coordinating Council will host a public meeting next week to discuss Iron Gates proposed move. The meeting, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, is an opportunity for business and property owners to discuss the nonprofits proposal to build a new soup kitchen and supporting facilities on vacant property between Seventh and Eighth streets and Kenosha and Elgin avenues. Kyle Johnston, Downtown Coordinating Council spokesman, said the council is reaching out to Iron Gate officials so they can participate in the discussion. Were really hoping its more of a conversation, Johnston said, adding that the idea is for various groups downtown to express and share thoughts and opinions on the planned relocation. Iron Gate officials are hoping to build a 20,000-square-foot facility on the property because it has outgrown its current location. The plan is dependent on the approval of a zoning change request that is set to be heard at a Tulsa Board of Adjustment special meeting Nov. 17. Because three of the five Board of Adjustment members are expected to recuse or abstain from the vote, it is unlikely the board will be able to approve the measure, which would force the issue to Tulsa County District Court. The zoning request was originally set for the Oct. 25 Board of Adjustment meeting. The Downtown Coordinating Council, an advisory board composed of property owners and other interested parties that provides support and advice for the improvement, marketing and maintenance of downtown Tulsa, requested the hearing be postponed so the proposed relocations impact on the area could be further assessed. Iron Gate provides daily meals to nearly 250 people through its soup kitchen and an additional 300 households each week through its food pantry. It has been located since its inception in 1978 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 501 S. Cincinnati Ave. The new facility would house food storage and kitchen space, a dining hall and administrative offices. An enclosed courtyard where people could wait to get into the building also is part of the plan. A capital campaign has raised more than $9 million to buy land, build the facility and create an operating reserve. Construction is expected to cost $3.2 million. Iron Gate legally separated from the church and became its own 501(3) organization in 1984, according to its website. A former Tulsa police officers daughter will return to court Friday to testify in her fathers first-degree murder trial in the shooting death of her boyfriend. Lisa Kepler, 20, became too emotional to continue testifying during questioning on Thursday. She was the prosecutions first witness in the trial of 56-year-old Shannon James Kepler, who is accused of killing 19-year-old Jeremey Lake and shooting at her and Lakes younger brother, Michael Hamilton. The trial is expected to continue into next week, with Shannon Kepler set to testify in his own defense. Although Lisa Kepler has testified against her father during a preliminary hearing and provided statements to the media after Lakes Aug. 5, 2014, death, she said Thursday that she was having trouble testifying at the trial because everything is blurring to me. She began to describe her relationship with Lake but then requested a break after Assistant District Attorney Kevin Gray began asking her about the moments leading up to Lakes shooting. Shannon Kepler appeared to have tears in his eyes when his daughter was on the witness stand, and he was comforted by one of his attorneys. Lisa Kepler returned to the stand about an hour later but again left in tears a few minutes into her second round of testimony. However, she told the jury she had met Lake at the Day Center for the Homeless after her parents kicked her out of their house and dropped her off there. Lake, Lisa Kepler said, was a very helpful person who socialized with people at the shelter and helped them when he could. He took her to his aunts home, in the 200 block of North Maybelle Avenue, to live, but she said he did not introduce her to his aunt until after she had spent a couple of nights at the residence. Lisa Kepler said that on the day of the shooting, we had gone under the bridge (near Lakes home) to see if the (homeless) people under the bridge needed anything. When they returned to the home, she said, she saw the Kepler familys black Chevrolet Suburban sitting at the end of the street. Gray said in his opening statement that once Shannon Kepler learned that Lisa was not at a homeless shelter, he began to look for her and discovered through Facebook that she was in a relationship with Lake. Hes got access to something you and I dont, Gray said of the former police officer. He has access to TRACIS, the Tulsa police record-keeping (of reports). On (Shannon Keplers) kitchen table was a TRACIS report for Jeremey Lake. Written on the back was 202 North Maybelle. He said Shannon Kepler drove to the Lake home, found his daughter walking with Lake and said to her: What the hell are you doing here? Get in the car. Gray went on to allege that Lake walked toward the Suburban and introduced himself to Shannon Kepler, who got out of the vehicle while carrying a revolver and shot Lake twice. The former officer is then alleged to have shot at his daughter and Lakes brother. But defense attorney Richard OCarroll said in his opening statement: Hes supposed to shoot at his daughter, who hes trying to rescue? That is what the state wants you to believe. OCarroll said the Kepler familys decision to take Lisa Kepler to the homeless shelter to scare her straight was probably the worst decision Shannon Kepler ever made. But he said he was afraid for his daughters safety once he looked through Lakes Facebook page and later found the police report about him. He told jurors that Shannon Kepler saw a gun in Lakes possession and told him, Stop! before firing at him twice, killing him. Shannon Kepler did what he had to do in a very dangerous situation, OCarroll said. However, four witnesses who are neighbors of Lakes family testified Thursday afternoon that they did not see a gun with or near Lake the day of his death. Terah Shorter, who lives two doors down, said she tried to compress one of the gunshot wounds on Lakes chest in an effort to stop the bleeding. He was laying on the ground, she said, crying. He was bleeding from several parts of his body. She and the other witnesses testified that Lisa Kepler was hysterical and screaming that her father had killed her boyfriend. Witness Jack Scheving testified that he saw someone fire a gun and wait about 20 seconds before returning to a dark-colored SUV, which is when he and Shorter ran to Lake to try to help. Its gonna be burned into my memory for the rest of my life, Scheving said of seeing Lakes body. On cross-examination, OCarroll highlighted Schevings history with the criminal justice system, which includes multiple drug-related felony convictions and a stint in prison. Scheving acknowledged that he is on probation and participating in Tulsa County drug court, but he said prosecutors had not offered him a deal of any kind to testify. The trial began with opening statements Thursday afternoon after 3 days of jury selection, which resulted in a jury composed of five men including one African-American and nine women. Two of the jurors are alternates. District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler and District Judge Sharon Holmes expressed concern during jury selection that OCarroll was showing a pattern of striking jurors based on race. OCarroll moved at different times this week to dismiss all six African-American prospective jurors in the pool of 60 people, but Holmes denied one of the requests because OCarroll did not raise a concern about the juror during individual or group questioning. Kepler is white, and Lake was of mixed race. The state interjected race into this case. I didnt, OCarroll said, referencing Kunzweilers discussion with jurors on Wednesday about a 2014 police shooting in Ferguson, Missouri. In one word (Ferguson), they have irrevocably contaminated this entire trial. OCarroll said There is not one scintilla of evidence of racial animus on Keplers part relating to why Lake was shot, and he questioned Kunzweilers characterization of Lake as being of mixed race, saying, Are we really just using the one-drop rule here? Lakes mother is white and his father is partially of African-American descent. After the first round of witnesses finished Thursday, OCarroll told reporters he fears that his client is not getting a fair trial because of the decisions Holmes has made about what can be presented to the jury. However, he questioned the strength of the states case based on those who have testified so far. Theyre gonna bring us some folks that live in the neighborhood, OCarroll said. Some of em are decent enough, but the testimony is all over the board, and I dont think theyre gonna ever get any two facts corroborated by a second witness in this particular case. BROKEN ARROW A Union High School senior on Wednesday told a group of state legislators that he is afraid he wont want to raise his future children in Oklahoma if the state doesnt provide incentives to attract and keep well-equipped teachers. Surrounded by his student peers at an education forum, Wade Witcher told the four lawmakers that he is grateful for the education he has had at Union Public Schools but is concerned that his kids wont have the same quality of teachers if he raises them in this state. Surrounding states are obviously paying well-equipped teachers to produce well-equipped students, and as someone who hopes to be a father one day, theres nothing more that I want than the best for my kid, Witcher told the Tulsa World afterward. So while it may be a hard decision to leave Oklahoma, its a decision that Ive considered and at this point I would make if I was graduating college. Witcher was one of about 20 high school juniors and seniors from districts including Jenks, Glenpool, Sand Springs, Bartlesville, Bixby, Owasso, Union and Broken Arrow who talked education policy with legislators at the fourth annual Student and Legislative Forum at the Broken Arrow Public Schools Education Service Center. For about two hours, the students voiced their perspectives on a number of hot-button education issues, asking questions that at times divided the legislators Rep. Katie Henke, Sen. Gary Stanislawski, Rep. Michael Rogers and Sen. Nathan Dahm. Students asked why the state hasnt funded education by raising income taxes or removing tax breaks for oil companies and pointed out how improving education could improve social and health problems as well as reduce states costly high rate of incarceration. One student wondered whether it would be beneficial to consolidate school districts to reduce administrative costs, and another asked why there seems to be more emphasis on STEM science, technology, engineering and math subjects rather than fine arts. Responding to students questions about State Question 790, which would allow public money to be spent for religious purposes, legislators spent a good portion of the forum debating whether school vouchers are beneficial or detrimental to students at schools given F grades by the states accountability system. Another student wanted to know each legislators opinion on State Question 779, which would raise the sales tax 1 percent to fund education. The legislators responded that they support raising teachers salaries but believe there are better ways to do that than increasing sales tax. The legislators said they appreciated hearing from the young people, acknowledging that they are directly affected by decisions regarding education even if they are not old enough to vote. Its incredibly encouraging for me to have sat here and listened to the thoughtful and insightful questions that you have, and I just have to say that the future is bright, Henke told the students at the end of the forum. I learn so much every time Im here. Broken Arrow Public Schools Superintendent Jarod Mendenhall called it a critical time for young people to be involved in education policy, encouraging them to understand all sides of the issues. Witcher, who plans to study chemical or biomedical engineering, said he hopes legislators will push to improve education in Oklahoma. I loved talking to the legislators, Witcher said afterward. I thought they were very open and honest about their policies, but my main thing was just giving them my side, from a student, and a lot of the problems I see and a lot of the ways I feel like we can fix it, and just letting them hear a different voice. Janet Dunlop, associate superintendent of instructional services at Broken Arrow, said exposing legislators to student perspectives was the reason the Northeast Oklahoma Curriculum Consortium organized the first forum four years ago. To hear it from the mouths of the babes, who are in the buildings and experiencing this every day theyre not just whining. This is their life, and I was so impressed by the value these students place on their education, Dunlop said. They want what they feel theyre worth, and they are worth it. So we have got to get it together in this state, and all the adults quit bickering about my side, your side, and come to the middle and make this work for kids. OKLAHOMA CITY The Oklahoma Highway Patrols response to a massive manhunt that ended Sunday could have taken longer had the agency had to furlough troopers, Public Safety Commissioner Michael Thompson said Wednesday. I dont even want to think about that because we are pretty strained as it is, Thompson said. We still would have responded to the situation. It just may have taken us a little longer to get there. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol, which is under the Department of Public Safety, recently received national attention following Sundays takedown of fugitive double-murder suspect Michael Dale Vance Jr. Five troopers were involved in his shooting death on a county road in Custer County following a weeklong manhunt and dramatic pursuit and gunbattle. Vance had been on the run since Oct. 23 when he allegedly shot two Wellston police officers who are recovering. Later in the day, he drove to the Luther home of his relatives, Valerie Kay Wilkson and Ronald Everett Wilkson, allegedly killing them and stealing their car. Lawmakers had $1.3 billion less to craft the fiscal year 2017 budget due to depressed energy prices, tax cuts and an inability to reduce tax incentives and credits given in hope of generating economic activity. Thompson in August said the agency was considering furloughs of up to 23 days for employees, including troopers. The agency at that time was seeking a $12 million supplemental appropriation to make it though the current fiscal year. Thompson said the agency has reduced its request to $6 million. The 23 days are off the table, Thompson said. That was the worst-case scenario. If the Department of Public Safety does not get the $6 million, it still has some other options, which Thompson characterized as belt tightening. I am committed to us not having to furlough Department of Public Safety employees and state troopers, Thompson said. The OHP was joined by several other law enforcement entities in the location and take down of Vance. I appreciate all of the hard work from our city, county, state and federal law officers for ending Michael Vances deadly rampage in Oklahoma, Gov. Mary Fallin said. Law officers risked their own lives in apprehending this dangerous person, who already had slain two people and wounded at least five others. Our Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers and local law enforcement showed their professionalism in pursuing and, faced with no alternative, ending this threat to public safety. Thompson said he was very encouraged that his agency could avoid furloughing troopers and other employees due to budget concerns. I am really encouraged from what I am hearing from our leadership and how everyone understands how critical it is, Thompson said. I think we can get this done. Public safety is a core function of state government and I certainly have a long record of supporting the work of our Department of Public Safety, Fallin said. The State Board of Equalization meeting in December will provide revenue estimates for spending for the next fiscal year, she said. We anticipate it will be a challenging budget, she said. However, public safety must be a priority in the allocation of our resources. I will be working with Commissioner Thompson on making sure we can get appropriate funding for his agency. By Siddhartha Rai: The BJP in poll bound Uttar Pradesh faces an uphill task in selecting candidates to contest the over 400 seats in the 2017 assembly elections. The dominant thought within the party is to give tickets to aspirants only based on their "winnability". So, even a new entrant may get the nod while a party stalwart loses out. advertisement UP ELECTION CRUCIAL The UP polls have been billed as the most crucial state elections for the party in power at the Centre and a lot of reputations hinge on the outcome. Observers have dubbed these elections the "semifinals" to the 2019 general elections and the BJP is not leaving any stone unturned to regain electoral momentum after losing Delhi and Bihar in quick succession though it found some solace in winning Assam. The party swept Uttar Pradesh in the 2014 general elections, helping it claim the biggest Lok Sabha majority in three decades. It has notched up gains in elections to the Rajya Sabha and is seeking to drive home the advantage in India's most populous state. This would also make it easier for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pass key reforms. But the biggest question that insiders are raising is whether the party would also set aside the legitimate claims of long-time activists while distributing tickets, with the ability to win being the decisive factor. UP BJP'S SOLE TARGET The answer attains significance as the party faced internal squabbles in the Bihar elections when old-timers were sidelined. So far the party has given all signals that getting to power in UP is the sole target; other issues can wait or can be managed. "The party is fighting these elections in UP to capture power. We have a lot of people coming into the party from all other political outfits and this is only going to increase after the poll dates are declared," said UP BJP spokesperson Chandra Mohan. "This means that we have a big pool of leaders to choose from at several seats in UP. We are in a position to actually 'select'." BJP WORKERS BEING REJECTED IN FAVOUR OF BIG NAMES The message is clear. But Mohan also clarified that not all who want to switch sides for political gains will be rewarded. "We are not going to invite all who want to join the party. Only those are welcome who can mould their ideological bent to suit the party thinking, ideas and traditions," he said. But why such a hue and cry over apprehensions that old timers in the party might be pushed aside for new entrants from outside? advertisement "Those who have so far joined the party from other parties are big names with big stature. The likes of Swami Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak joined the BJP from BSP. Former Congress state president Rita Bahuguna Joshi joined the BJP. The statures give an impression that so many have joined and that actual party workers who sweat and toil under the sun will be rejected for them," said a senior BJP leader on condition of anonymity. ALSO READ: Former Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi to join BJP? India Today-Axis Opinion Poll for Uttar Pradesh: BJP dream run to continue, but a hung Assembly likely --- ENDS --- South Korean leader struggles to overcome political crisis with approval rating slumping to single digit South Korean President Park Geun-hye picked a new prime minister Wednesday, as she battled to preserve her position amid calls for her resignation. Park, who this week suffered a single-digit approval rating for the first time in her presidency, has come under fire for seeking help in writing speeches from unappointed confidante Choi Soon-sil -- an old family contact accused of secretly steering state affairs, embezzlement and abusing her connections to ensure preferential treatment for her daughter at a top Seoul university. Prosecutors formally requested a court warrant to arrest Choi on Wednesday afternoon, after she had been detained on an emergency detention basis since being summoned two days earlier. While awaiting news of the fate facing her scandal-hit friend, Park continues to reshuffle her staff. Having already accepted the resignations of several key advisers, the president chose Kim Byong-joon to come in as prime minister in an apparent attempt to neutralize her conservative government. Kim was formerly a senior aide under the left-leaning Roh Moo-hyun administration -- other changes include Financial Services Commission chief Yim Jong-yong being tapped as finance minister and another ex-Roh staff member Park Seung-joo being named as public safety minister. Despite the suggestion being that the PM would now have a greater influence over state affairs than would ordinarily be the case under South Koreas president-focused government structure, the countrys main opposition parties immediately adopted a suspicious stance on Parks appointments and vowed to hold her accountable for the ongoing Blue House scandal. With Kim needing parliamentary approval, Democratic Party floor leader Woo Sang-ho was one of several high-profile politicians quoted by local news agency Yonhap. Woo accused the president of attempting to overcome the crisis by implementing a reshuffle that only looks like a neutral Cabinet from the outside by tapping officials who served under a liberal administration. His Peoples Party counterpart Park Jie-won added that Park cannot cover the situation through a reshuffle while avoiding the fact-finding efforts. Potential candidate for next years presidential election and Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon went further by demanding that the president immediately step down, echoing the voices of thousands of protesters around the country. Anadolu Agency Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus has called on Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to lower tensions that fanned the flames of ethnic and sectarian unrest in the region. Kurtulmus made the remarks Wednesday on Turkish private news channel NTV. "We recommend that Mr. al-Abadi see the big game as well as the big picture. Making Sunni and Shia forces clash against each other in this region [] means fanning the flames of ethnic and sectarian unrest in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey," Kurtulmus said. "So Mr. al-Abadi should speak up to lower the tensions. This is for the benefits of Iraq, Turkey and the region," he said. On Tuesday, al-Abadi addressed the recent tension between Iraq and Turkey. If there is a confrontation, the Turks will pay an exorbitant price, al-Abadi said, adding that while wars between neighboring countries can bring destruction to both, Iraq would be ready for any confrontation with Turkey. Any invasion of Iraq would lead to the dismantling of Turkey, the Iraqi premier said, adding that Iraq had welcomed Turkish forces inside the country to train fighters and give logistical support, not as a fighting force. Turkey has maintained a long-standing training base near Bashiqa, around 20 kilometers (12 miles) northeast of Mosul. Their presence has created tension between Ankara and Baghdad, with Iraqi lawmakers calling for their removal. The Iraqi government took exception to Turkeys military base in Bashiqa established to provide training to Iraqi local forces to battle Daesh. "We decide when we terminate our presence in Bashiqa. We said this almost six months ago," said Kurtulmus. Anadolu Agency Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has slammed Iraqi prime minister's remarks about an alleged "invasion", a day after Turkish tanks were deployed to Turkeys southeast border with Iraq. Speaking to the media in the resort city of Antalya, Cavusoglu said: There is no stronger supporter [of Iraq] than Turkey which wants Iraq to protect its territorial integrity and its independence. Iraqs security and stability are as important as ours. He said while Turkey backs Iraqs independence and stability, it was not a right thing to comment randomly on other countries provocations. On Tuesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi said Iraq did not want war or confrontation with Turkey. In case of confrontation, the Turks will pay an exorbitant price, al-Abadi said, adding that wars between neighboring countries would bring destruction to both countries; however, he said Iraq would be ready for a confrontation with Turkey. We do not [want] war with Turkey, we do not want a confrontation with Turkey. Any invasion of Iraq would lead to dismantling of Turkey, the Iraqi premier said, adding that Iraq had welcomed Turkish forces inside the country for training fighters and providing logistical support, not as a fighting force. Cavusoglu questioned Iraqs strength to fight against terrorism. If you [Iraq] have the power, why did you leave Mosul to terrorist organizations in the first place? the foreign minister asked. Why has the PKK been invading your lands for years? he added. He criticized the Iraqi premier for "not being able to cope against terrorist organizations, but trying to bully and being rhetorical." He said Turkish officials had declared earlier Turkey would take measures in the interest of its security reasons. We are taking these measures now," he added. Turkish army dispatched tanks to southeastern Sirnak province's Silopi district near the border with Iraq on Tuesday. About the movement of tanks, Defense Minister Fikri Isik told reporters in Ankara on Tuesday: "We are right now in a serious fight against terrorist groups, both inside Turkey and just outside our border. This dispatch is a part of preparation against those threats." Anadolu Agency At least 170,000 Syrian babies have been born in Turkey since refugees started coming into the country from Syria, a Turkish aid agency said Wednesday. Turkeys Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said it also provided special meal options to pregnant or breastfeeding refugee females at maternity and child healthcare facilities across the country. Turkey is hosting the largest number of Syrian refugees in the world, around 3 million and has so far spent more than $12 billion on the refugees. Help from the international community has so far amounted to around $512 million, the AFAD said. The AFAD also sent around 1.63 billion Turkish liras ($520 million) worth of humanitarian aid to Syria since the war began, the agency said. At least 82,000 Syrian children were admitted to schools at resettlement centers, it said. Also, cooperation between Turkeys Education Ministry and the AFAD ensured that 310,000 children of kindergarten and high school ages were taken off the streets and admitted to schools, it added. Also, at least 115,000 Syrian adults gained employable skills after going through various certificate programs organized at AFAD centers. The AFAD also said several women also took part in mukhtar (local head) elections and participated in the management of refugee camps. The AFAD staff also raised awareness among refugees about early marriages and polygamy. According to the authority, at least 400,000 people, including civilians lost their lives in Syria since the conflict began. At least 13.5 million people in the 20 million-strong country are in need of humanitarian aid. While 6.1 million people have displaced, around 4.8 million fled to neighboring countries. Turkeys AFAD has 26 settlement centers across Turkey and offers help to physical, social and psychological needs of refugees. According to the UNs Refugee Agency, Turkey hosts the largest population of refugees in the world. Also, UNICEF said the country was hosting the largest number of child refugees in the world. Anadolu Agency More than 100 members of a Daesh-linked militant group have been killed in the Philippines troubled south since intensified combat operations were launched in July, according to the militarys Western Mindanao Command. Spokesman Maj. Filemon Tan Jr. said Tuesday that the fatalities included around 60 Abu Sayyaf members killed in the island province of Sulu and another 52 in nearby Basilan. He added 19 militants were wounded and 30 others captured in Sulu, while 10 were reportedly wounded and 68 others were either captured or surrendered in Basilan. On the military side, 22 soldiers were killed in Sulu and six in Basilan, with a total of 36 other troops wounded in action. The militarys regional spokesman revealed the number of casualties on both sides a day after President Rodrigo Duterte -- who has ordered security forces to destroy the Abu Sayyaf -- traveled to Sulu to visit soldiers wounded during weekend clashes. Duterte awarded each of the six wounded soldiers at a hospital in Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo town a Wounded Personnel Medal. Since 1991, the Abu Sayyaf -- armed with mostly improvised explosive devices, mortars and automatic rifles -- has carried out bombings, kidnappings, assassinations and extortions in a self-determined fight for an independent province in the Philippines. It is notorious for beheading victims after ransoms have failed to be paid for their release. The Abu Sayyaf is among two militant groups in the south who have pledged allegiance to Daesh, prompting fears during the stalling of a peace process between the government and the country's one-time largest Moro rebel group that it could make inroads in a region torn by decades of armed conflict. Anadolu Agency More than 540 Palestinians were detained or arrested by Israeli forces last month in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem and the blockaded Gaza Strip, according to a report released Wednesday. Jointly issued by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)s committee on detainees and the Palestinian Prisoners Society, an NGO, the report states that a total of 544 Palestinians -- including 130 children and 10 women -- were rounded up by Israeli forces in October. "Of these," the report found, "261 were detained in East Jerusalem, 279 in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and four in the Gaza strip." The report also notes that, last month alone, Israel referred 120 Palestinian prisoners to "administrative detention" -- a policy by which prisoners can be held for up to one year without trial or charge. The Israeli army frequently carries out sweeping arrest campaigns in the occupied territories that ostensibly target "wanted" Palestinians. Over 7,000 Palestinian prisoners -- including 400 minors -- are currently languishing in jails throughout the Jewish state, according to Palestinian government figures. Anadolu Agency The number of refugees trying to reach Greek islands from Turkey via the Aegean Sea has once again dropped, according to Coast Guard statistics. The Turkish Coast Guard Command intercepted 2,437 illegal migrants on the Aegean in October, versus 3,425 in September, a drop of 28.8 percent. September saw the highest number in six months, data from its website revealed. Of the 34,493 refugees intercepted so far this year, there were 5,506 in January, 8,747 in February, 8,530 in March, and 1,717 in April, 1,109 in May, 538 in June, 881 in July, 1,603 in August, and 3,425 in September. Last year had 73,479 refugees intercepted in the same period, meaning this years numbers have already fallen over 47 percent from last year. The desperate journeys made by migrants and refugees hit their peak last year after some European countries announced they would take in thousands of people. Turkish Coast Guard data shows that 69 refugees lost their lives in 2014, 279 in 2015, and 174 so far in 2016, mainly through the use of unsafe vessels such as plastic boats. Over the past year, thousands of people have made short-but-perilous attempts to cross the Aegean in a bid to reach Greece, before going on to northern and western Europe. The EU-Turkey agreement reached this March allows for the return of irregular migrants to Turkey from Greece in exchange for Syrian refugees to be relocated within the EU. Anadolu Agency Iraqi forces on Wednesday evacuated more than 3,000 civilians from eastern districts of the Daesh-held city of Mosul, according to a military source. One day earlier, Iraqi counter-terrorism forces captured Mosuls eastern Kokjeli district, along with the Al-Shallalat area, considered the northern gateway into the city. Major-General Sami al-Aredi, a commander of Iraqs counter-terrorism forces, said in a televised statement that civilian residents -- including women and children -- had been evacuated from Mosuls eastern Al-Karama and Kokjeli districts to displacement camps on the citys outskirts. "Counter-terrorism forces are advancing in Al-Karama with a view to totally liberating the district [from Daesh]," al-Aredi said. Colonel Ahmed al-Jabouri, an army officer, told Anadolu Agency that army forces had also launched a parallel operation aimed at recapturing Mosuls southern Hamma al-Alil district. According to al-Jabouri, Iraqi forces have already "liberated" two villages lying southwest of the district. Located almost 30 kilometers south of Mosul, Hamma al-Alil is the last district in the area to remain under Daesh control. The districts recapture is expected to pave the way for a broad Iraqi army advance on Mosul citys southern neighborhoods. In a related development Wednesday, the Hashd al-Shaabi, an umbrella group of pro-government Shia militias, announced it had taken another four villages west of Mosul from Daesh militants. On Oct. 18, the Iraqi army -- backed by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes -- launched a wide-ranging operation aimed at retaking Mosul, which Daesh overran in mid-2014. Anadolu Agency 4 Jet Airways flights were today cancelled from Chennai as most pilots have gone on sick leaves after last-minute changes in their flying schedules. By Akshaya Nath: In the last few days, it has been seen that there have been several cancellations of Jet Airways flights after its pilots have reportedly been unwell. Four Jet Airways flights in Chennai -- Chennai-Madurai, Chennai-Delhi, Chennai-Bangalore and Chennai-Mumbai -- have been cancelled today. This after the Airline's pilots expressed their disappointment over last-minute changes in their roster and over being asked to fly anytime. advertisement Also read: Jet Airways flight returns to Bengaluru after smoke detected in cabin On October 28, the airline pilots' union of National Aviators' Guild (NAG) had decided to follow a safety week. According to the safety week plan, pilots are directed to follow the published duty chart and not accept any last-minute requests. WHY ARE PILOTS UNHAPPY After last-minute roster changes that have reportedly been happening frequently in Jet Airways of late, the pilots in the airlines have stared taking sick leaves. This has led to the schedules of over 100 flights getting affected in the last few days. Yesterday, the airlines had assured that the pilots' grievances would be resolved. Meanwhile, in the stand-off between the airlines and its pilots, passengers have been the worst-affected. --- ENDS --- The U.S. may not have shown enough sympathy for Turkey after the defeated July 15 coup attempt, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken conceded Tuesday. "Maybe we didn't communicate that we understood the depth of feeling the emotion in Turkey for the events of July," Blinken said at the American Turkish Council and U.S.-Turkish Business Councils 35th Annual Conference on U.S.-Turkish Relations. Saying that the Turkish people fought bravely for the Turkish nation and democracy, he said that the U.S., as a NATO ally, remains steadfast in supporting the democratically elected Turkish government and its institutions. Over 240 people were martyred and more than 2,100 injured during the July 15 coup attempt, leading to a nationwide probe to eliminate Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) sleeper cells which had infiltrated state institutions such as the judiciary and army. Fethullah Gulen, who has lived in Pennsylvania since 1999, is accused of being the FETO ringleader and mastermind behind the coup attempt. Since the failed putsch, the U.S. has been criticized for having shown insufficient and belated support for Turkey and its people. Turkish Ambassador to U.S. Serdar Kilic, also speaking at the conference, said that Turkey expected the U.S. government and American people to take a stronger stance against the putsch attempt. He called the reaction of various American and European media outlets and think-tanks "disappointing," adding that some went so far as to suggest that it was the government itself that staged the coup attempt. On the fight with the PKK, which Turkey and U.S. both consider a terrorist organization, Kilic said that it was not right for the U.S. to arm the PKK's Syrian wing the PYD in Syria. The PKK resumed its decades-old armed campaign in July last year. Since then, PKK terrorist attacks have martyred more than 700 security personnel and also claimed the lives of many civilians, including women and children, while nearly 8,000 PKK terrorists have been killed in army operations. Ankara considers the PYD a branch of the terrorist PKK, but the U.S. sees it as a "reliable partner" in the fight against Daesh. However, local media outlets have reported that the PYD has given weapons to the PKK, which the PKK in turn uses to attack Turkey. "The unacceptable consequence in that regard is that NATO ally Turkey is being impacted by the weapons of another NATO ally [the U.S.]," Kilic said. Anadolu Agency Russia on Wednesday announced it will hold another humanitarian pause in attacks on the northern Syrian city of Aleppo this Friday to prevent casualties and allow the provisioning of much-needed aid. The Russian and Syrian bombardment will halt for 10 hours, between 9.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. local time (0700-1700GMT), on Friday, Nov. 4 at the order of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the head of the Russian General Staffs operations department, Lt. Gen. Sergey Rudskoy, told a news conference after a high-ranking meeting in Moscow. He said eight existing humanitarian corridors would remain open, six for civilians, and two for armed groups to stop fighting in Aleppo and leave the city with their arms. On Oct. 18, Russian and Syrian warplanes ceased striking Aleppo in the run-up to a "humanitarian pause" slated for Oct. 20, but also urged civilians to leave the city, warning that a new offensive would begin once the pause expired. Russia later extended the pause until Oct. 24. Hundreds of civilians have reportedly been killed or injured in Russian and Syrian airstrikes since Sept. 19, when the Assad regime announced the end of a week-long truce. Syria has been locked in a vicious civil war since early 2011, when the Assad cracked down on pro-democracy protests which erupted as part of the Arab Spring uprisings with unexpected ferocity. Since then, more than a quarter of a million people have been killed and more than 10 million displaced across the war-torn country, according to UN figures. Anadolu Agency A delegation of diplomats is visiting Myanmar's Rakhine State amid growing international concerns that the area's Rohingya Muslim community is again being subjected to rights abuses. In the past month, rights groups have claimed that the military is killing, raping and torturing villagers in the country's western-most state as it seeks to avenge, and find those responsible for, the killing of nine border police officers. Many of the Rohingya -- described by the United Nations as among the most persecuted minority groups worldwide -- have been living in camps since communal violence broke out in Rakhine between ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya in 2012. On Wednesday, a UN-led 10-member delegation arrived in Maungdaw, close to the border with Bangladesh, where many of the armed individuals are suspected of coming from. Maungdaw is one of two townships in northern Rakhine where aid delivery and access to information have been tightly restricted since Oct. 9 when assailants killed the nine officers and stole dozens of weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Min Aung, spokesman for the Rakhine regional government, told Anadolu Agency on Wednesday that the delegation -- including diplomats from the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom and China -- will visit displaced people from both communities as well as villagers in the areas. During the two-day visit, they can freely talk to anyone they want to, he said by phone. The visit was arranged by the central government in cooperation with the regional government as soldiers from the area have been accused of the abuses during the operation. Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a statement Monday that satellite imagery shows evidence of fire-related destruction in the villages of Kyetyoepyin, Ngar Sar Kyu and Warpaik in Maungdaw on Oct. 22. It demanded the government allow the UN to assist in investigating the suspected destruction. New satellite images reveal destruction in Rakhine State that demands an impartial and independent investigation, something the Burmese government has yet to show it is capable of doing, said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at HRW. The government should end its blanket denial of wrongdoing and blocking of aid agencies, and stop making excuses for keeping international monitors from the area, he added. Min Aung told Anadolu Agency that the diplomats' visit will address the international concerns. They will see the ground situation, he underlined. According to the government, over 60 people have been arrested since the attacks on the police station outposts. The Free Syrian Army (FSA) has denied allegations its fighters killed civilians during an ongoing operation to break the Bashar al-Assad regimes siege on northern Aleppo city in Syria. In a written statement released Wednesday, the FSA said its fighters targeted "just military positions" during the Aleppo operation. "The target locations of our rocket operations are all military such as airbases, military strongholds and barracks. "Assad regime used civilians as human shields and installed artillery and rocket launchers in vital residential areas, blatantly violating the principle of distinction in the international humanitarian law." According to the statement, the opposition group urged civilians in regime-controlled areas to stay away from regime strongholds and their rocket launchers, and instead stay inside houses or shelters. The statement added that FSA factions such as the Fatah Halab too were trying not to hit innocent civilians during the operation. "Fatah Halab has avoided bloodshed by staying away from civilian areas and distinguishing fighters from civilians," the statement said. "People of Aleppo with different affiliations and from different areas, are our people, we are fighting for them," it added. Syria has been locked in a vicious civil war since early 2011, when Bashar al-Assad cracked down on pro-democracy protests -- which erupted as part of the Arab Spring uprisings -- with unexpected ferocity. Since then, more than a quarter of a million people have been killed and more than 10 million displaced across the war-torn country, according to UN figures. Anadolu Agency New drama series Sisters as tipped by TV Tonight has been greenlit for TEN in 2017. Offspring and The Wrong Girl have been renewed and Russell Coight, played by Glenn Robbins, is making a return to the small screen after a 13 year absence. TEN has announced its Upfronts through the media ahead of its presentation to advertisers at a Breakfast event in Sydney today. Sisters (pictured above) stars Lucy Durack, Maria Angelico, Antonia Prebble as three sisters who find out theyre related. It also features Magda Szubanski, Roy Billing, Barry Otto, Catherine McClements, Remy Hii, Dan Spielman, Charlie Garber and Zindzi Okenyo. Producer Imogen Banks shot a pilot mid year after production on Offspring concluded. Also new is Common Sense with real Aussies giving their opinions on news topics -described as a current affairs version of Gogglebox, it is set in the workplace. Produced by Endemol Shine Australia it will also be shared with Foxtel. Casting is yet to be announced on two part thriller Wake in Fright. Libby Babet joins Shannon Ponton for The Biggest Loser: Transformed. Also renewed are Todd Sampsons Bodyhack, Have You Been Paying Attention?, Shark Tank, The Living Room, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. But absent are Long Lost Family, The Great Australian Spelling Bee, Territory Cops and Gold Coast Cops. Update: Bondi Rescue is returning. TEN Chief Executive Officer, Paul Anderson, said: Every night of the week, television draws a willing and engaged audience of 16 million people, something no other medium can match. Growth, momentum and consistency have been the hallmark of Ten in recent years and that will continue in 2017. Next year we will create year-round consistency in our 7.30pm franchises, something TEN has never achieved before, he said. The 7.30pm content strategy is book-ended by the summer television sensation that is the KFC Big Bash League, which starts in mid-December each summer and runs until late January. It will continue across the year with proven hits such as MasterChef Australia, Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!, The Bachelor Australia, The Bachelorette Australia, Australian Survivor, The Living Room and The Biggest Loser: Transformed, a refreshed and contemporary version of the highly successful franchise. TEN Chief Content Officer, Beverley McGarvey, said: We have a diverse and deeply engaging line-up for 2017, with a great mix of returning and new shows that will reach viewers across multiple screens. People come to our network for shows that help them unwind or escape; that help them better understand their fellow Australians; that make them laugh; that connect them to the wider world; and that create moments that they will remember for years to come. We are excited that our shows are connecting with audiences in more ways than ever before. Our audiences are growing because we create content that is loved, watched, talked about, tweeted about and commented on. Russell Coights All Aussie Adventures. Hes back! After a 15-year break, Australias best-loved outback adventurer returns with a brand new series. Yes, Russell Coight is back on Ten, ready to share his unique blend of bushcraft and self-injury with an entire new audience. Looks like its time to hit the road with Russell Coights All Aussie Adventures in 2017. The Biggest Loser: Transformed. One of Australias most iconic and enduring series will return in 2017 in a contemporary and empowering version, The Biggest Loser: Transformed. Hosted by Fiona Falkiner with trainers Shannan Ponton and Libby Babet, and produced by Endemol Shine Australia, The Biggest Loser: Transformed will see a group of everyday Australians tackling relatable weight issues and undergoing transformations of their bodies and their minds. The reimagined and uplifting show will take the latest advancements in health and fitness to create a contemporary and goal-driven approach to transforming peoples lives. The Biggest Loser: Transformed will also be supported by an innovative new app that will help all Australians transform their lives. Common Sense. From the creators of the global phenomenon Gogglebox Australia comes Common Sense, a highly entertaining new show being produced for Foxtels Lifestyle Channel and Network Ten by Endemol Shine Australia. Common Sense will feature a cast of real people and their real opinions as they round up the weeks most talked-about news topics while in conversation with one another in their workplaces. From general news and current affairs to the latest in politics, sport and popular culture, Common Sense will bring genuine and immediate reactions that highlight the nations unfiltered take and differing points of view on the biggest talking points each week. Sisters. A contemporary, feel-good family drama from the makers of Offspring, Sisters asks the big questions: what makes you you; what is the difference between being related and being a family; and does it pay to have DNA tests before sleeping with someone? Exploring this fertile terrain is a superb cast that includes Barry Otto, Catherine McClements, Lucy Durack, Maria Angelico, Antonia Prebble, Remy Hii, Dan Spielman, Charlie Garber, Roy Billing, Zindzi Okenyo and the fabulous Magda Szubanski. Wake In Fright. This new adaptation of Kenneth Cooks classic Australian novel will tell the story of John Grant, a young school teacher who descends into his own personal nightmare after being stranded in the small outback mining town of Bundanyabba. Provocative, morally complex and brilliantly realised, Wake In Fright is guaranteed to stay with viewers long into the night and possibly for years to come. The two-part television event will be produced by Lingo Pictures in association with Endemol Shine Australia. This Is Us. From the writers and directors of Crazy, Stupid, Love, This Is Us is a smart, modern series that follows a group of people some of whom were born on the same day as their paths cross and their life stories intertwine in surprising ways. A strong ensemble cast including Mandy Moore (A Walk To Remember), Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes) and Sterling. K. Brown (The People V. O.J. Simpson) comes together in a refreshing, honest and provocative new series that will challenge your everyday assumptions about the people you think you know. This Is Us is the breakout hit new series in the US this year. 24: Legacy. A spin-off from the classic series, 24: Legacy will chronicle the story of Eric Carter, a US military hero who returns home after leading a mission to assassinate a terrorist leader only to find he and his squad members are now the targets of assassins. Carter has to fight to save his life and stop one of the largest terrorist attacks on American soil. The stellar cast of 24: Legacy includes Corey Hawkins (The Walking Dead, Straight Outta Compton) and Australias Miranda Otto (The Lord Of The Rings, What Lies Beneath). Bull. Former NCIS star Michael Weatherly plays Dr. Jason Bull in a drama inspired by the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw, the founder of one of the most prolific trial consulting firms of all time. Brilliant, brash and charming, Dr. Bull is the ultimate puppet master as he combines psychology, human intuition and high-tech data to learn what makes jurors, attorneys, witnesses and the accused tick. Bull, which is one of the biggest hits of the new television season in the US, also stars Freddy Rodriguez (Six Feet Under) and Geneva Carr. Man With A Plan. Golden Globe Award winner Matt LeBlanc (Friends, Episodes) plays Adam, a contractor who starts spending more time with his kids when his wife Andi goes back to work after 13 years as a stay-at-home mother. Adam soon discovers the truth every parent eventually realises: his little angels are devils. With Andis encouragement and advice from a couple of equally stressed parents, Adam takes charge of his brood and decides he is going to nail this job. Doubt. Katherine Heigl (Greys Anatomy, Knocked Up) stars as Sadie Ellis, a brilliant attorney at a boutique firm who starts to fall for her charismatic client, Billy Brennan, a paediatric surgeon recently accused of murdering his girlfriend 24 years ago. Sadies decision to become involved with her client could put her career, as well as her happiness, at risk if Billy is found guilty, which means she needs to work all the harder to prove reasonable doubt, even if she has some herself. The supporting cast includes Elliott Gould (Oceans Eleven, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice) and Laverne Cox (Orange Is The New Black). New: Sisters, Wake in Fright, Common Sense International: This is Us 24: Legacy Bull Man with a Plan Doubt Returning: Offspring, The Wrong Girl, MasterChef Australia, Australian Survivor, Russell Coights All Aussie Adventures, The Biggest Loser: Transformed, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!, Gogglebox, Have You Been Paying Attention?, Shark Tank, Todd Sampsons BodyHack, Big Bash League, The Project, Family Feud, All Star Family Feud, The Living Room, Studio 10, NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, Modern Family, Law & Order: SVU, Madam Secretary, Life in Pieces, The Graham Norton Show, David Attenborough specials ELEVEN: The Simpsons, Neighbours, No Tomorrow, The Great Indoors, Star, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Dating Naked, Bondi Ink Tattoo, Sleepy Hollow. ONE: Building Invincible, Rocky Mountain Railroad, Car Crash Global Sport Big Bash League, Womens Big Bash League Australian Formula One Grand Prix, Formula One. MotoGP, RPM, Supercars Championship, Bathurst 1000, Rugby Championship, This post Updates. Showtime is developing a TV series based on the 1980 Richard Gere film, American Gigolo (not to be confused with Hung!). To be set in present day Los Angeles, playwright Neil LaBute (In the Company of Men, Strange Fruit, The Shape of Things) is attached to write the show from Paramount TV and Jerry Bruckheimer Television -which has been working on the project for about 2 years. Paul Schrader, who wrote and directed the original film, is on board as an executive consultant. If it is developed to series American Gigolo would be headed to Stan in Australia, which has a pricey deal with Showtime. US studios have recently developed TV versions of feature films Sneakers and Enemy of the State. Source: Variety With an impressive 819,000 viewers last night Doctor Doctor was almost twice the audience of TENs The Wrong Girl, which struggled on 415,000. Whiles Nines drama rose on its 777,000 audience of last week, TENs went backwards, down from 501,000, landing fourth in its slot. But it had a flat lead-in from Jamies Super Food Family Classics with just 400,000. Nine had a strong night with The Block topping the night at 1.03m viewers, well ahead of Highway Patrol, Beach Cops, 7:30, Hard Quiz and Jamie Oliver. Both Hard Quiz and Upper Middle Bogan lifted for ABC but Rosehaven slipped backwards. Elsewhere, Seven News and A Current Affair were timeslot winners. Nine network won with 29.9% then Seven 27.9%, TEN 17.4%, ABC 17.3% and SBS 7.6%. The Block was #1 with 1.03m viewers for Nine then Nine News (927,000 / 909,000), Doctor Doctor (819,000), A Current Affair (818,000) and Hot Seat (517,000). Brett: A Life with No Arms was 253,000. Seven News (971,000 / 942,000) led for Seven followed by Highway Patrol (742,000), Beach Cops (731,000 / 700,000), Home and Away (694,000), The Chase (605,000 / 400,000), Ramsays Hotel Hell (432,000). The Big Bang Theory was 270,000 / 225,000. The Project (586,000 / 376,000) was best for TEN. TEN Eyewitness News was 426,000, The Wrong Girl was 415,000, Jamies Super Food Family Classics was 400,000 and Madam Secretary was 223,000. ABC News (763,000), 7:30 (626,000), Hard Quiz (556,000), Upper Middle Bogan (482,000), Rosehaven (456,000) and Adam Hills: The Last Leg (302,000) comprised ABCs night. On SBS it was Tutankhamun (312,000), India: Natures Wonderland (228,000), 24 Hours in Emergency (219,000) and SBS World News (135,000). ABC2s Octonauts was brightest on multichannels with 271,000. Sunrise: 315,000 Today: 291,000 ABC News Breakfast: 115,000 / 55,000 OzTAM Overnights: Wednesday 2 November 2016 Australian TV drama production has reached a record spend of $376 million in 2015 / 2015 -up by 25% according to Screen Australias annual Drama Report. Total hours were also up from 518 in 2014/15 to 561 in 2015/16 over 58 titles. What really stands out for me in this years Drama Report is the record expenditure on Australian TV drama, said Graeme Mason, CEO of Screen Australia. Im delighted to see every single network had multiple dramas in production an unprecedented 58 in total responding to the Australian audiences appetite to watch their own stories on screen. Including feature films, foreign investment, post-production and SVOD production, $843 million was spent across 118 productions this year compared to $853 million across 101 productions last year. Its encouraging to see feature film production grow. We do tend to see more ebb and flow in this area depending on the number of titles and their individual budgets. Australia continues to make a global name for itself in PDV [post, digital and visual effects], with this years Drama Report including work done on everything from Ghostbusters to Game of Thrones. Screen Australia COO Fiona Cameron added, From a very small base it is fantastic to see the growth in online drama. Screen Australia -supported projects like The Katering Show and Wolf Creek appearing on iview, Stan and international streaming services are a glimpse into the future. New talent developing local IP and selling to new platforms showcases the innovation of the sector. However TV production also skews towards the Miniseries comprising up to 13 episodes, which increases cost per hour. Screen Producers Australia warns this puts pressure on broadcasters and notes where some commercial broadcasters barely meet their quotas (particularly for childrens drama) they are importing second-run drama programs from New Zealand to fill quotas. SVOD services are also not yet subject to these quotas. AUSTRALIAN TV DRAMA Not only was it a record year for Australian TV drama titles produced; it was also a record year for total budgets ($416 million) and for total expenditure which was up 25% to $376 million. Significantly total hours are up from 518 in 2014/15 to 561 in 2015/16, an encouraging sign for local drama. The trend towards shorter length, high-cost TV dramas continued. This is reflected in an abundance of short-run shows (mini-series) such as Barracuda, Deep Water and The Secret Daughter. With the exception of ongoing serials Home and Away and Neighbours, long-form series (comprising 20 or more episodes) are now completely absent. Programs purposed as web series continued to make the leap to television. For example series 4 and 5 of Starting From Now, which was funded by Screen Australia for online self-distribution, was picked up by SBS. Broadcasters remain the leading financial backers for Australian TV drama, however the proportion of government funding has increased slightly, with 91% of titles having received some form of federal government assistance. More than half of titles (53%) received Screen Australia funding, compared to the average of 40% of titles over the four years prior. The Producer Offset administered by Screen Australia contributed $46 million, up from $38 million in 2014/15. Free TV CEO Brett Savill said, Our ongoing commitment to the investment in quality Australian drama is unrivalled and we are rightly proud of it. Not only do we produce a great range of Australian dramas that all Australians can enjoy for free, our industry successfully competes on the world stage, exporting a raft of drama shows including Home and Away, 800 Words, House Husbands, Love Child, Offspring and Neighbours. Despite the difficult market conditions that the industry faces, our commitment to producing Australian content has remained steadfast spend on Australian content accounts for a massive 78% of Free TV broadcasters total expenditure, he said. This commitment is reflected in the array of successful new and much-loved Australian dramas that commercial free to air broadcasters are delivering to audiences, including Molly, Secret Daughter, Doctor Doctor, Hyde and Seek, Brock and The Wrong Girl. Free TV again urged for licence fee cuts to maintain local production investment. Screen Producers Australia CEO, Matthew Deaner welcomed a modest yet mixed improvement in the overall health of the industry. This Drama Report shows there are green shoots for the industry after a difficult year last year in 2014/15. The record level of television drama spend and titles in 2015/16 is timely and welcome, he said. This year marks the conclusion of a newly updated Actors Television Repeats and Residuals Agreement which will provide some certainty to business dealings in the television drama sector, allowing for improved competition from international content and the exploitation of commissions on emerging and innovative platforms. With this framework in place I am cautiously optimistic that the industry can build on these impressive numbers in the coming years. Some serious headwinds remain. Cuts to the ABC and Screen Australia are being felt keenly and these reductions are yet to be balanced by long fought for increases to the offset for television production. African-American churches in the US have long been a support base for the Democratic Party. The church has been extensively damaged in the attack. (Photo: AP) By Reuters: A historic black church was burned and spray-painted with "Vote Trump" in Mississippi in the United States. The attack comes just a week before the presidential election. Authorities are probing if it was a hate crime. Greenville Fire Chief Ruben Brown Sr. told a news conference on Wednesday afternoon that investigators had determined the fire at the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church was "intentionally set". advertisement "Samples and evidence have been collected from inside the church and are being analysed to determine the accelerant or ignition source," Brown said. ALSO READ: Armed pro-Trump militia planning a march on Washington if Clinton wins A PERSON OF INTEREST QUESTIONED No one was injured in the attack but the church was extensively damaged. "We're investigating this as a hate crime," Greenville Police Chief Delando Wilson said. "We feel that the quote on the church is intimidating," Wilson said. Source: AP "It tries to push your beliefs on someone else, and this is a predominantly black church and no one has a right to try to influence the way someone votes in this election," he said. ALSO READ: US elections: Republican Party office firebombed, Trump blames animals representing Hillary Wilson told the Wall Street Journal that police on Wednesday evening were interviewing a "person of interest" in connection with the fire but the individual had not been charged. SUPPORT BASE OF DEMOCRATS Black churches in the US South have long been a base of support for the Democratic Party. ALSO READ: Julian Assange claims his next release will ensure Hillary Clinton is arrested During the US Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, southern black churches were often targets for arson and bombings by white supremacists. "The FBI Jackson Division is aware of the situation in Greenville, and we are working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to determine if any civil rights crimes were committed," the agency said in a statement. ALSO READ: Woman fed up with Donald Trump campaign smears 30 cars with peanut butter, arrested ATTACK ON RIGHT TO WORSHIP "This act is a direct assault of people's right to freely worship," Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons said in a statement. "The act that happened left our hearts broken," Pastor Carolyn Hudson told the news conference, noting that the church has a 111-year history. The Mississippi Republican Party declined to comment. advertisement ALSO READ: The other cat: Has Trump normalised the P-word for TV news? In October, the Orange County Republican Party's office in Hillsborough, North Carolina, was set on fire and a graffiti message left nearby said "leave town or else". No arrests have been made in that incident, which Indiana Governor Mike Pence, the Republican vice presidential candidate, called "political terrorism". ALSO READ: US presidential debate 2: Voters disgusted, say won't cast ballot ALSO READ: US presidential elections: Betting market picks up on Clinton, Trump ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- Russian-backed militants over the past day launched 47 attacks on the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Donbas. This has been reported by the ATO Headquarters press center. The militants launched 26 attacks on ATO troops in Mariupol direction. The enemy shelled positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, using heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, and small arms. Ukrainian positions near Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) and Krasnohorivka (29 km west of Donetsk) came under 82mm and 120mm mortar fire. Eight attacks were launched in Donetsk direction. Terrorists fired at Avdiivka, Slavne, using 82mm mortars, machine guns, grenade launchers and small arms. Thirteen ceasefire violations were recorded in Luhansk direction. ish The Ukrainian Ministry of Temporarily Occupied Territories and IDPs together with representatives of the World Bank have studied the needs and possibilities of Ukraines eastern regions to implement pilot projects on restoring the territories, the governments official website reports. In particular, the World Bank is ready to allocate $2.3 million for pilot projects on restoring four Ukrainian regions: Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Mykolaiv regions, according to the report. The procedure of joint financing via Trust Funds of various partners is aimed at assisting communities to overcome the challenges connected with excessive load on regions infrastructure because of a large number of internally displaced persons," Viktoria Voronina, a representative of the Ministry of Temporarily Occupied Territories stated. iy Estonian Foreign Ministry will allocate EUR 575,000 to help the residents of eastern Ukraine, as well as to provide them with shelter and living essentials. This has been reported by ERR with reference to Juri Seilenthal, Director of External Economic and Development Cooperation Department in the Estonian Foreign Ministry. He added that the situation in childcare institutions remained extremely complicated. ish The United States is ready to continue supporting reforms in the law enforcement agencies of Ukraine and to promote their professional development. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Ukraine Marie L. Yovanovitch said this on Thursday after large-scale exercises of the Interior Ministry involving Special Forces of the National Police KORD and the State Border Service, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "The United States of America is committed to support the process of reforms in Ukrainian law enforcement agencies and promote their professional development," she said. According to the ambassador, the US will maintain partnership with Ukraine, in particular, promote professional development of law enforcement bodies of Ukraine and conduct large-scale exercises. ish With China showing signs of a regional bully, India has decided to strengthen the supply system of its Air Force in Arunachal Pradesh. Military transport aircraft Globemaster III, which successfully landed and took-off from Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh- just 29 km from the Indo-China border By Manjeet Negi, Manogya Loiwal : It was a day that would go down in the history of aviation for the Indian Air Force. A Boeing C-17 Globemaster III successfully landed and took off from one of the highest landing strips in India, located in Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh. Located at an elevation of about 1830 metres above sea level and close to China border, Mechuka was one of the several strategic locations during the 1962 war with China. advertisement The Advance landing Ground at Mechuka in the Yargyap river valley of West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh had been upgraded recently. WATCH: THE MOMENT OF RECKONING With a landing surface only 4200 feet long, the trial landing was carried out by the mighty Boeing C-17 Globemaster aircraft on November 2, thereby validating its short field landing performance at high altitude. This operation demonstrated the Air Force's capability to reach out to this remote ALG (Advanced Landing Ground) located just 29 km from the Sino-Indian border. It is important because of the altitude and strategic location at the International Border. The road connectivity to the nearest air/ rail head at Dibrugarh, about 500 km away is generally two days of travel, unless the roads get damaged due to frequent landslides. READ: Dalai Lama visit to Arunachal will 'damage' ties, China warns India The aircraft was received by the Detachment Commander Fight Lieutenant S Dixit on its maiden landing in Mechuka. The aircrew who, were part of this historic landing, included Group Capt TR Ravi, Wing Commander P Sisodia, Wing Commander AK Patnaik, MWO Tripathi and WO Nirana Ram. WHAT IS GLOBEMASTER III? The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a state-of-the-art large military transport aircraft used to transport troops and even war machinery and equipment. It was developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) during 1980s and early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas. To counter China in the tough Himalayan terrain, the India Air Force has surely taken it as a feather in the cap. This will enable a swift and smooth movement of troops to higher altitude and advantage positions on the border as and when required which was till now an uphill task. READ: Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal is not a problem: Centre WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT? This is a quantum jump from the existing capability of An-32 and C-130J aircraft. Such airlift capability facilitates speedy transfer of men and material in this rugged terrain, interspersed with valleys and high mountain ranges that inhibit road connectivity. advertisement The success is not just in landing and take-off of an aircraft but of successfully achieving the making of an air strip at this altitude not just for AN 32 or Mi 17 helicopters but for one of the premier transport aircraft also. READ: China media slams India's 'irrational' move to seal Pakistan border In the event of a disaster in the region, Boeing C-17 operations to the remote ALG can enhance the speed and quantum of national relief effort. IAF has plans to validate airlift operations to and from various ALGs in the region that would usher in a new dimension in enhanced disaster response. WATCH: Indian Air Force lands C-17 Globemaster at Mechuka (Arunachal Pradesh) at an elevation of 6200 feet pic.twitter.com/QZWQtw5QlV ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 This trial landing is expected to pave the way for operation of civil flights operating to and from the newly upgraded ALGs, which has an enormous potential to boost tourism by improving connectivity to remote locations in the northeast. (With inputs from Yuvraj Mehta in Itanagar) ALSO READ: Chinese, Indian troops in stand-off at Ladakh --- ENDS --- Canada will send ten ambulances to Ukrainian medical establishments, Canadas Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour MaryAnn Mihychuk has said. The cars must arrive on November 27. As far as I know, currently they are in Germany, Mihychuk said. According to the Canadian minister, ambulances were granted to Ukraine by Canadas provincial governments, as well as by private organizations. iy SWINGING CHANDELIERS Actual antique chandeliers and not just chandelier earrings grabbed eyeballs at the Paris Biennale. Galerie Lumieres participated in the event for the first time and displayed 12 antique chandeliers from a period spanning 15th century to the 1930s. Cut crystal chandeliers, one from 1890 by Osler collection England, and another from beginning of the 20th century, created by Francois Linke drew gasps. "What made the chandeliers of this time so special now was their use of rock. Stone was used to imitate glass the way crystals were used to copy diamonds," said Regis Mathieu, President of Mathieu Lustrerie, a brand that restores and collects antique chandeliers in addition to designing modern ones. The oldest chandelier at the Galerie's display was a 15th century Flemish chandelier with fire gilded bronze arms that were originally lit with candles. SHINE LIKE A DIAMOND Though major jewellers including Cartier backed out of the Biennale this time, the diamonds still shone bright. Among the four that participated, two were from the Asian continent-Taiwanese artist Cindy Chao and Indian jewellery designer, Nirav Modi. Sceneographer Nathalie Criniere design-ed the sets so all the stalls looked equal from outside and didn't distract from the antiques and the art. Modi's specially patented Ainra and Jasmine cut diamonds, which were fashioned into waterfall earring and the Jasmine necklace made the designer stand out. His popular Embrace bangles, that constrict or expand to the size of one's wrist also generated a lot of interest. Inspired by Modi's daughter's stretchy toy bangles, pieces from this collection were passed along to ladies to try on. A diamond bracelet that's as comfortable as wearing a hair tie on your wrist? Who could resist? advertisement While Modi played on the novelty value of his craft, Taiwanese jewellery designer Cindy Chao displayed the theatrics of sheer craftsmanship. Known for her sculpted, three-dimensional pieces, Chao's biggest claim to fame was when the butterfly-shaped brooch (a signature Chao motif) she designed for actress Sarah Jessica Parker to raise money for the New York City Ballet, sold for $1.21 million at Sotheby's in Hong Kong. She unveiled the 2016 edition of the Black Label Masterpiece collection of which only 36 pieces are made annually. This year her story board moved to winter from her Four Seasons collection. Its standout piece was the Winter Leaves necklace which had over 240 carats of diamonds set in titanium with the shape and form of two scrunched up fallen leaves but glittering with a crust of diamonds of varying sizes. THE ALL-TIME GREATS You know you are at the Paris Biennale when works of Pablo Picasso seem almost commonplace. It's not something to stand awestruck by, and look at, forgetting almost to breathe. It's just something to admire in stoic silence and move on to the next work of art that affects you. Not impressed by Picasso's Trois Nudes (Cyzer and zakaim, London), move on to his La Viellesse et Le Jeunesse (Old age and Youth). Still not impressed? Try Marc Chagall. As Julia Roberts said of a Chagall in Notting Hill, 'Happiness isn't happiness without a violin playing goat." If you disagree, your pursuit of happiness could end with finding Chagall's The Blue Rooster or L'ane Rouge La Tour Eiffel. Is that too modern for you? How about the fellow whose works hang in that big old building across the Seine? The one who painted a lot of ballerinas in tutus. Edgar Degas' works, mostly accessible in a whirlwind tour of Paris's museums, or in the permanent collection at Paris's Musee D'Orsay, were also there at the 'salon'. Except, instead of just looking at them, you could if you wanted, purchase a sketch of his or a sculpture, namely a female nude on 61 x 66.5 cm paper from Galerie de Bayser or 35 x 46 cm bronze horse from Richard Green gallery. advertisement SPECIAL COLLECTIONS Some of the most luxurious pieces of art and antiquities present at the Biennale were not for sale at all and were presented as part of three special collections though Jean-Daniel Compain, general director of the Biennale Des Antiquaires, stressed that the salon was "commercial in nature." It was also the highlight of Paris's cultural calendar. The first was by Hermitage Museum of St Petersburg, another by Le Mobiler LondonNationale the organisation that furnishes and is responsible for the interiors of the Presidential residence, grand corps of the state, ministers and embassies, and the third by The Fondation De La Horlogerie, an association of watchmakers from 28 houses. Hermitage's A Century of French Elegance was devoted to its 18th century collection dominated by Russian nobility's love for all things French-from French fashion to furniture. Thirty-five pieces from this collection housed in St Petersburg travelled to the Paris Biennale. Among this was an 18th century writing desk ordered by Catherine II to commemorate the victory of the Russian army against Turkey between 1768 and 1774. Made of gilt bronze painted on enamel by French silversmith and enameller Barnabe Augustine de Mailly, its finesse is something to admire. Le Mobiler Nationale displayed modern works from 1967 to 1998 as part of their exhibition entitled Tradition and Daring. It included among others, tapestries by Jean Dewasne, Eugene Printz and more. advertisement LETTERS FROM INDIA The Biennale wasn't just about antiques from France. There was a sizeable display of antiques from the Orient and especially from India. From 8th to 9th century Buddha statues to Mughal era miniatures and an entire collection devoted to Chandigarh planner Le Corbusier. Galerie Christophe Hioco dwelled only on the "complexity of artistic influence in the Indian world." Case in point, a beautiful sandstone piece of Jain goddess Cakresvari circa 9th century and one of Buddha in Sarnath surrounded by his disciples as he delivered his sermon. Gallery Alexis Renard too displayed a selection of Persian, Indian and Ottoman works. Part of it was a stunning Mughal era knife in Damascus steel, white and pink gold. Its handle was in white jade in the shape of a knife with eyes of kundan rubies. At the end of our walk through the Biennale, it felt as if East maybe East, and West still West, but under the glass domes of Grand Palais in Paris, the twain had finally met. advertisement The Paris Biennale ran from September 10-18 at the Grand Palais, Paris --- ENDS --- Refugee children will benefit from school supplies under a global campaign launched today by non-profit H&M Foundation in support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. For every H&M gift card sold from 3 November until 31 December 2016, H&M Foundation will make a donation to help UNHCR provide school supplies for refugee children in countries around the world, including Ethiopia, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Sudan and Syria. The campaign will run in some 4,000 H&M stores in 47 markets worldwide. Today, there are 16.1 million refugees under UNHCRs mandate, of which more than half are children. When children are forced to flee, they often miss out on years of schooling. Education is crucial to helping refugee children thrive and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Yet, globally, only 50 per cent of refugee children have access to primary education and only 22 per cent go to secondary school. Ensuring that refugees have access to education is at the heart of UNHCRs mandate to protect the worlds rapidly increasing refugee population, and central to its mission of finding long-term solutions to refugee crises. My father used to tell me education is key. You can lose almost everything but you can never lose your knowledge, says supermodel and former refugee, Alek Wek, a supporter of the campaign. As a former refugee from what is now South Sudan, Alek knows what it is like to be forced to flee her home. Today she is an ambassador for H&M Foundation as well as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. With this latest donation H&M Foundation will have committed a total of US$7.5 million to different partners and programs related to refugees during the last two years. Children who have been forced to flee their homes are often the most marginalized and hardest to reach and we want to support UNHCR in their work to ensure an education for children in crisis settings, said Diana Amini, Global Manager for H&M Foundation. We are thrilled to see H&M Foundation engaging people worldwide in support of refugees, as part of its continued commitment to the refugee cause. At a time when record numbers of people have been forced to flee, campaigns such as this one are invaluable they enable UNHCR to assist refugees and at the same time provide a way for the public to take action, said Lionello Boscardi, UNHCR Head of Partnerships (Leadership Giving). For further information, including photos of Alek Wek, please contact: Laura Padoan External Relations Associate, UNHCR [email protected] +44 7775566127 Diana Amini Global Manager, H&M Foundation [email protected] +46 (0) 729 804 802 About UNHCR: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organisation dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. UNHCR leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. UNHCR delivers life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, helps safeguard fundamental human rights, and develops solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. UNHCR also works to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality. UNHCRs dedicated teams are on the ground in some 127 countries across the world, working in partnership with governments, NGOs, the private sector, community groups, host communities as well as refugees. About H&M Foundation: H&M Foundation is a non-profit global foundation, privately funded by the Stefan Persson family, founders and main owners of the fashion company H&M. The mission is to create long lasting positive change and improve living conditions by investing in communities, people and innovative ideas. Through partnerships with prominent organizations around the globe, H&M Foundation drives change within four focus areas; Education, Clean water, Equality and Protecting the planet. In addition, H&M Foundation can also provide emergency relief. H&M Foundation has been working with UNHCR since 2015, when it donated US$500,000 in support of UNHCRs response to the Europe emergency, helping to provide much needed food, shelter, medical care as well as registration services and special support for children. Four days after Diwali, the city's air quality also remained in the severe category as suspended particulates (PM2.5 and PM10) mixed with moisture leading to the formation of a thick cover of smog in the absence of local wind movement. By PTI: The national capital is facing the worst smog in 17 years, a green body said today while asking the Delhi government to issue health alerts and convey that children should stay indoors as there is a state of health emergency due to peaking air pollution. Four days after Diwali, the city's air quality also remained in the severe category as suspended particulates (PM2.5 and PM10) mixed with moisture leading to the formation of a thick cover of smog in the absence of local wind movement. advertisement The Delhi governments inter-ministerial task force headed by PWD Minister Satyendar Jain to combat the pollution menace also met and identified crop burning in Punjab and Haryana as one of the major factors behind the spiralling level of pollutants. Peak level of respirable pollutants PM2.5 and PM10 also violated the safe limits by over 15 times at places like RK Puram. The prescribed standard of PM2.5 is 60 micrograms per cubic metre, but it touched 955 in real-time during early morning hours. ALSO READ: Smothering capital: How the smog can affect a healthy Delhiite Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain wrote to his Union counterpart Anil Madhav Dave requesting strict action against crop burning in the neighbouring states. Tomorrow, the Delhi government will raise the issue in a high-level meeting called by the Union Environment Ministry. All the monitoring stations of SAFAR had air quality in the severe category. As visibility remained poor and the city choked due to a haze, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) asked the Delhi government to roll out stringent plans for controlling winter pollution from all sources of pollutants and issue daily health advisory to the people. "This demands emergency response to protect the vulnerable?- those who are suffering from respiratory and heart diseases and children. "The government should aggressively inform all and advise them to stay indoors and avoid outdoor exercises. At the same time, it should roll out stringent winter pollution control for all sources along with emergency action," said Anumita Roychowdhury, head of CSEs air pollution and sustainable mobility teams. CSE said that according to the Indian Meteorological Department, this is the worst smog with very poor visibility in 17 years and the Indira Gandhi International Airport recorded the worst levels of smog in 17 years on November 2, with visibility as low as 300-400 metres. --- ENDS --- HAVANA, Cuba, 2 November 2016 Reinier has a rapid and forceful response to everything. At the age of 18, his curiosity for everything and everyone around him keeps him suspended between illusion and absolute uncertainty as can happen with any teenager. But he is not concerned about the future; he knows that if he has managed to get this far, he can do anything. I was born blind so for me it is normal not to see, says Reinier. For those who lose their vision at my age, it is much more difficult, of course. I've developed as I was growing up, with the support of my family. Claribel, his mother, has been his most faithful and extraordinary companion since he was born. She has taught him the most important lesson of his life: that his development and his dreams, just like any other child, have no limits. For nine years, Reinier attended the Abel Santa Maria special school, where he learned all he needed to advance to a mainstream school. In Cuba, the temporary nature of the special schools is designed to serve as a transition towards integration into mainstream education. At Abel Santa Maria School he learned to use a cane, identify colours, play the guitar, play the piano and ride a bike. He also learned history, arithmetic and geography. By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 2 (PTI) The national capital today resembled a "gas chamber" as it came under a thick cover of pollutant-laden smog of scary proportions, forcing the residents to inhale severe quality air, even three days after Diwali. Pune-based SAFAR said North-westerly wind blowing from the areas of Punjab and Haryana where stubble burning is in full swing were to be largely blamed for the extremely high level of pollutants in the air, and the situation will persist for at least one more day. advertisement SAFARs mobile app, that issues advisories to people based on prevailing air quality, had the quality index at 473, slightly short of 500, the maximum limit. This coupled with hostile weather conditions like cool temperature and nearly zero wind movement were the major factors identified by experts for pollution level continuing to be on the higher side. "About the time when firecracker emissions from Delhi Sky was to dissipate, wind direction in the evening of November 1 became North-Westerly for few hours before settling down to North-Easterly (which was supposed to be expected) this morning," SAFAR said. The Delhi High Court had last year observed that living in Delhi was akin to living in a "gas chamber" as it directed the Centre and the city government to present comprehensive action plans to combat it. The peak levels of pollution (PM2.5 and PM10), recorded over ten times the safe limit during the morning hours, gradually came down across monitoring stations as the day progressed, but saw a sudden spike after evening. The safe limits of these microscopic particles are 60 and 100 micrograms per cubic metre respectively. "Wind is very calm and the temperature is only turning colder. All that is leading to trapping of pollutants near the surface. But this happens every winter, the intensity may differ. Delhi is truly a gas chamber now," Anumita Roychowdhury of Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said. She said the MeT department had forecast well ahead of Diwali that wind movement would peter out from October 29. It had led to a phenomenal build up of pollutants, she said. "Studies have shown that the pollutants from fireworks linger on for at least 24 hours. And firecrackers were burst well into last night. And moreover, these pollutants will enter the food chain once they settle down," she said. The 24-hour average of PM2.5 and PM10 were 348 and 522 micrograms per cubic metre respectively, as per SAFAR. AQI will be severe tomorrow as well, its forecast said. advertisement SAFAR had forecast that air quality was likely to improve slowly from November 2 but all its monitoring centres in the city recorded severe quality air in the evening hours. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) stations in Mandir Marg, Punjabi Bagh, Anand Vihar, RK Puram and Dwarka also recorded severe air quality. Prolonged exposure to severe category air may affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing diseases while very poor category may cause respiratory illness. Children, elderly and the sick are considered most vulnerable to the harmful effects of hazardous air. PTI SBR RG --- ENDS --- The Apple STEM Network has launched its initiative to help students advance in the field of science, ever evolving technology and math exploration for greater career opportunities in the future. Washington STEM recognizes the importance of STEM careers to the present society and wishes to be a part of Apple's campaign. Thereby, granting $110,000 to help implement the said campaign of Apple, according to KPQ. Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, runs a very valuable organization capitalizing on technology which is now worth $645 billion. His recent successes include Apple Music launch that would soon make music compact disks obsolete, as featured by Business Insider. The music-streaming service just fits into today's lifestyle with the massive computerization and the constant use of the internet.The iPhone needs no introduction and sooner or later, the market will be surprised with the Apple Car that is rumored to be nearing perfection. Therefore Apple STEM Network is in the position to conduct an intense evaluation of processes to enhance resources and activities from K-12, higher education levels, government sectors, community organizations, and private partnerships in creating a robust method for STEM education and its potential career path.Apple STEM Network will lead the expansion of project-based opportunities for learning. It will then support STEM students with their career goals and placements. Educators will also be exposed to the Apple environment to get the picture of the STEM challenges ahead of them. This is vital for them to know their role in propagating STEM work forces from the school to the region. Wenatchee Valley College continues to be the champion for the Apple STEM Network. Greater Wenatchee Area Tech Alliance (GWATA) will also help in spearheading the project. Jenny Rojanasthien, GWATA's Executive Director, will be co-director with Dr. Sue Kane, the planning director. Dr. Sue Kane explains that with Apple STEM Network's cooperation, they will be able to share their resources for STEM advancement with the rest of the 10 affiliates in the region. A Pennsylvania university student has been charged with attempted murder after admitting that he put bleach in his pregnant girlfriend's water bottle - in an attempt to cause harm to her unborn baby. Theophilous Washington, a 20-year-old student from Millersville University in Pennsylvania, has been charged with criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder of an unborn child, reports the Associated Press. He was also charged with reckless endangering. Washington's girlfriend, an unnamed freshman, was with him the night prior to the incident. According to the district attorney's office, the two were together Thursday evening through Friday morning. When the woman was about to leave, Washington asked her to get him a bottle of water from the refrigerator. Washington took a sip but then asked for juice instead, reports the Lancaster Online. He offered the water bottle to his girlfriend, who took it with her as she returned to her on-campus room. After drinking some water, however, the woman started to feel a burning sensation in her throat and tried to vomit what she had ingested. She sought for help and decided to call 911. A responding doctor examined the woman and said that she and her 2-month-old baby are in no danger and appear unharmed. Police interviewed Washington, who admitted to putting bleach in the water bottle he offered to the woman. He said he poured a cap-full of bleach into the water bottle he gave to his girlfriend, in the hopes of killing the baby. "Washington, the father of the child, admitted to putting bleach in the water bottle," prosecutors said. Washington told police he didn't want to harm his girlfriend, just the baby. An investigation inside Washington's room yielded a gallon-sized bottle of bleach. Washington will have his preliminary hearing on Nov. 4, and remains in Lancaster County Prison on $1 million bail. By PTI: Hyderabad, Nov 3 (PTI) Slamming the TRS governments proposal of constructing a new secretariat complex after demolishing the existing one, Telangana Congress today demanded the move be dropped forthwith as it would lead to wastage of "hundreds of crores" of tax payers money. State Congress chief N Uttamkumar Reddy wrote a letter to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao opposing construction of any new structure to house the headquarters of the administration. advertisement "As the President of Telangana Pradesh Congress, I wish to convey that your governments decision to demolish the present secretariat complex and construct a new complex at a huge cost of hundreds of crores of rupees is not a judicious decision and is a mere wastage of hundreds of crores of precious tax payers money," Reddy said in the letter. Several blocks in the present structure have been built in the recent times, he said. Reddy found fault with the state government allegedly citing vastu defects as the reason for reportedly deciding to demolish the existing complex. "It is really unfortunate that you have cited vastu defects as the reason for demolishing a fully functional secretariat with all buildings having many decades of life left and planning a plush building at a cost of Rs 350 crore. "In this age and time, spending hundreds of crores of rupees of precious public money because of vastu reason is not justified," he said. The state Congress chief said it is "astonishing" that the Advocate General has submitted to the High Court that the present secretariat complex doesnt meet fire safety regulations. "How come the secretariat have defects now when Chief Ministers in undivided Andhra Pradesh functioned from the same secretariat complex if the buildings did not meet fire safety standards?" he asked. It is sad the TRS government has not released funds for farmers loan waiver and students tuition fee reimbursements, but wants to waste public money on a new secretariat, Reddy alleged. PTI SJR RSY NSD PTP --- ENDS --- Every flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been campaigning for people to get their flu vaccines, which are found to be ineffective and even unsafe. There is a growing contention that CDC may be misleading the public in order to ensure and protect the profits of the vaccine makers. Health officials are promoting the flu shots because it supposedly offer protection from contracting Influenza by 50 to 60 percent. However, the agency admitted that the 2014 FluMist vaccine offered only a mere 23 percent protection based on a report by Vaccines.News. Last year's was only at 27 percent, further establishing a mismatch of the flu vaccines used and the flu strain hitting the country for a particular season. The predictive methodoly used by CDC is inaccurate and not backed up by hard data. Moreover, various studies suggest and even disprove the claims of the CDC. A Hong Kong funded double-blind placebo controlled study has discovered that the unvaccinated have fared better than the vaccinated subjects when exposed to the flu. The test subjects vary in ages ranging from 6 to 15 years old and were closely observed for 272 days. Another veritable study involves the elderly, which CDC claims to be at higher risk. In 2005, a team of scientists connected with the federal National Institutes of Health (NIH) revealed a study correlating increased mortality rate among seniors after vaccination. In the 2014 flu vaccine test trials, the Sanofi Pasteur's Fluzone killed 23 elderly and yet, it was approved and continued to be sold in the market. Perhaps the most alarming case of vaccine injuries was the case of a toddler, Joshua Hadfield, who received the vaccine as protection from H1N1 Swine Flu. Within weeks, the child was diagnosed with narcolepsy, a severe and debilitating ailment associated with brain damage caused by Glaxo's Pandermrix Influenza vaccine. The Glaxo vaccine was withdrawn, but it left hundreds of children and even adults incapacitated for life, according to the report by Global Research. Looking into a considerable amount of data disclaiming the efficacy of the flu vaccines, people are losing faith in CDC. The agency seems to have failed in regulating vaccines and in safeguarding the health of the American people by giving inaccurate information. Last year, the Internet went into a frenzy when a Rolling Stone magazine article reported a group sexual assault at the University of Virginia (UVa). The now-retracted article, which was published on Nov. 19, 2014, was written by Sabrina Erdely. It was claimed in the article that several members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at the school had raped a woman named Jackie. The act was said to have happened during a chapter house party as part of an initiation rite. However, as other journalists checked the claims, they found major discrepancies. This led to Rolling Stone issuing multiple apologies for the story. The issue has been brought up once again since, according to BuzzFeed News, the retraction of the University of Virginia sexual assault story is now being debated in federal court. UVa dean Nicole Eramo is suing Rolling Stone for libel and asking for $7.5 million in damages. She argued that the writer, Sabrina Erdely, defamed her in the article through the portrayal of her response to the alleged group sexual assault. The trial moved into closing arguments on Tuesday. Jann Wenner, Rolling Stone's founder and publisher, admitted that he disagreed with the managing editor then, Will Dana, when it was announced that the magazine was "officially retracting" the entire article. Wenner described it as "inaccurate" and said that "we do not retract the whole story." "To withdraw a retraction would seem to be an assertion that Rolling Stone is standing by the story," Michael C. Dorf, a Chicago-based attorney, said. "The only possible reason I could think for doing this is that Rolling Stone is going to try to use truth, the ultimate libel defense, as its trial strategy." According to The Daily Progress, an attorney of the University of Virginia has asked a student to disavow the Rolling Stone story. Apparently, Jackie did not inform the university of her allegations nor did she identify the fraternity in question. Last month, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk hosted a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) where he answered questions about the company and his Mars plans. The Q&A session was intended to follow-up on his speech at the International Astronautical Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico, two months ago. Musk's plan involves large, reusable rocket boosters which can launch spaceships into a "parking orbit." He revealed that these spaceships will be refueled by propellant tankers. Eventually, this mission would lead 1,000 spaceships with 100 people each to go to the Red Planet. In the Reddit AMA, Musk admitted that his space company SpaceX would create a refueling station first on Mars to harvest methane fuel by sending its Dragon spacecraft on missions. Later on, a spaceship with the equipment to build the station would be sent to the planet. The Verge reported that the SpaceX CEO and founder revealed how the Falcon 9 rocket and the big booster would line up. "The big booster will have an easier time of things than Falcon, as the mass ratio of the stages is lower and it will have lower density," Musk said. "Net result is that it won't come in quite as hot and fast as Falcon, so Falcon should be a bounding case on the big booster." Regarding the Interplanetary Transport System (ITS), Musk revealed that it may be configurable and the earliest missions will be focused on cargo than passengers. He also admitted that he and his company will likely reveal how the ITS will be configured after a year or two. Moreover, Elon Musk believes that the Falcon 9 rockets can be "used almost indefinitely so long as there is scheduled maintenance and careful inspections." The Falcon 9 Block 5, which is the final version of the series, is said to have the most performance and design for easy reuse. SpaceX is still continuing its investigation on the Falcon 9 rocket explosion last Sep. 1. It was reported that the cryogenic helium system inside the rocket's second stage liquid oxygen tank may have been a major factor in the blast. In a recent interview with Inc.com Shawn Achor shared that the secret to being happy is not being rich or smart but being smarter with our happiness and we can do that by making small positive changes. Shawn Achor is a best-selling author, speaker, happiness researcher and an advocate of positive psychology. Positive psychology may sound up-and-coming for some and it's not a surprise. Positive psy came to the spotlight barely 20 years ago when one of its proponents, Martin Seligman was elected president of the American Psychological Association (APA). Though there have been applications and research on the topic, Dr. Seligman is often credited as the father of positive psychology. There are a number of luminaries in this field. Some notable personalities include Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, James Pawelski, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Christopher Peterson and Tal Ben Shahar, who prior to going back to his native Israel, taught Positive Psychology 1504, the most popular course in Harvard. In the spring of 2006, a record 1,400 students enrolled in Positive Psy 1504. The course is focused on the psychological aspects of a fulfilling and flourishing life. Quite surprising that students would need to learn more about fulfillment when there are tons of things to do in campus, school work aside. Parties, games, rallies, movies and catching up with the course work when you've had too much fun, internships, part time jobs and other career plans. Is there a reason for college students to look for more ways to have a flourishing life? Apparently, 1,400 thought there is. In his popular TED Talk, Shawn revealed that we are not shaped by our reality but we are shaped by the way we perceive our reality. It the way our brains see the world that shapes our reality. Changing the lense through which we perceive reality can also change the levels of our happiness and everything else in our world. So what little changes can we do everyday to adjust our perceptions and be happier? Here 5 of them and they are free: 1. Be grateful The clicle "attitude of gratitude" exists for a reason. Gratitude makes us feel better because it allows us to feel positive emotions' that helps us to better deal with adversity and build stronger relationships. 2. Write to be happy There is vast research on the benefits of writing and being happy. This is because writing about oneself and other personal experiences can improve one's mood and expressive writing has also been associated with different positive outcomes. 3. Work out your happiness If you haven't seen Legally Blonde, then you probably haven't heard, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy." Elle Woods was right and science attests to that. 4. Find some quiet time and meditate Meditation allows us a deeper awareness of ourselves and our environment. It makes us mindful and gives us clarity that helps give a more positive feeling and outlook. 5. Rack up some RAKs (random acts of kindness) While some is dismissing this last one as a myth, research shows it works. Wrapping up, with a final tip: create rituals and build habits. In his book Happier, Dr. Tal Ben Shahar shared that in order for us to be happier, we should build a routine around being happy. This makes perfect sense because once rituals and habits are formed, it will not require additional effort or discipline. Think of little things like brushing your teeth or taking a shower, these are routines deeply rooted in our system that doing so is almost automatic. Aristotle said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." The same can apply to happiness. The University of Chicago was recently rated as the most intellectually diverse top university by the Heterodox Academy Guide to Colleges, composed of scholars campaigning for respect in the differences of opinions. 150 universities listed in U.S. News as well as World Report, are rated in terms of social sciences on their openness for exchanges of ideas in the form of debates and group discussions. Heterodox Academy claims that their organization is patronized by social scientists, natural scientists for physical studies, humanists, and other scholars for academic excellence. Many are not surprised with the University of Chicago's top position gaining a total score of 93.75. Heterodox noted University of Chicago's freedom of speech policies, says Chicago Maroon. Heterodox Academy condemns elite educational establishments that imposed uniform beliefs to be accepted. Ideas cannot be justified, instead, it must be debated upon to weigh the better options. They explained that in a controlled environment students are not inspired to know "how to think". There's nothing to argue about if their passion is already suppressed, to begin with. If not challenged by the situations that they are in, students cannot display their initiative to come up with solutions to problems. This is the perhaps the reason why most elite universities are ranked poorly. Right after the University of Chicago, the rest of the universities received relatively very low scores from 50 down. Does this mean that most schools in America are run with a close mind? Ivy League schools somewhat excel in this area. But Princeton survived among the uniformly-tamed breeds. It scored 62.5, occupying the third place with another university. While Yale scored only 12.5 after series of race protests that result to the resignation of two faculty members, who defended their rights to wear obnoxious costumes during Halloween - Harvard plunged into the143rd place scoring only 6.25, according to Washington Times. In a series of short films, Dubai Tourism will feature Shah Rukh Khan showcasing the tourist attractions of Dubai through his own perspective. By India Today Web Desk: Shah Rukh Khan is not new to Dubai. The superstar has been travelling in and out of the destination for a long time. Be it on business or a family vacation, he has been associated with the destination for years now. In fact, the actor is so much in love with the place that he even owns a residential villa at the iconic Palm Jumeirah. advertisement On the Bollywood superstar's birthday, Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) announced an interesting association with the actor. In a series of short films, Dubai Tourism will feature Shah Rukh Khan showcasing the tourist attractions of Dubai through his own perspective. Starting in the month of December this year, the series of short films will kick start a year-long campaign of multiple Dubai Tourism projects in collaboration with Bollywood. Also read: Pictures of Ranveer Singh 'chilling' in Switzerland will make you crave a vacation Commenting on this, Shah Rukh Khan said, "Dubai is a second home to me... Whether I am here on vacation with my family and friends or my many business trips here for shoots, it's a city that I truly relate to on so many levels - driven, passionate and spirited. And I can't wait to take my fans and fellow travelers from around the world on an unexpected discovery of a city that I love. This new collaboration with Dubai Tourism is exciting and one that I am personally very passionate about." Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said, "We are delighted to partner with Shah Rukh Khan for this special project, which highlights Dubai's diverse offerings that cater to every type of traveller. We look forward to exploring Shah Rukh's strong connection with Dubai, and sharing his unique experience with a global audience. These upcoming collaborations with the Bollywood industry will reinforce the strong role India has played in our city's evolution and further fortify our bond." --- ENDS --- By Sahil Joshi: In a blow to ousted Maharashtra minister Eknath Khadse, his supporter and incumbent Maharashtra Legislative Council member from Jalgaon Gurmukh Jagvani has been denied a ticket by the BJP. The party has instead given the ticket to Chandu Patel, who is a supporter of Khande's rival and state irrigation minister Girish Mahajan. The MLC elections will take place on November 19. advertisement The nomination of Patel comes a week after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said that he would like Khadse to join the state cabinet again. ALSO READ: Khadse caused Maharashtra govt loss of Rs 1,000 crore, alleges AAP leader WHEN WORDS DON'T MATCH ACTION He was compelled to quit from the cabinet after a string of allegations surfaced against him, including irregularities in a land deal and allegedly receiving calls on his cellphone from a landline number that belonged to Dawood Ibrahim. ALSO READ: Maharashtra polls: MLAs, ministers discontented with model code of conduct However, the latest development is in sharp contrast to Fadnavis earlier statement. Khadse had proposed Jagvani's name for Jalgaon, a constituency from which Khadse has been elected to the state assembly. He had expected that as a senior leader of the party his word would be taken seriously. However, barely 15 minutes before the closing of the nomination window, the BJP announced it would be fielding Chandu Patel from the constituency. A sulking Khadse said, "I didn't know that the party has started a new trend of fielding candidates who are not even active members." ALSO READ: Election Commission announces civic poll schedule in Maharashtra KHADSE-FADNAVIS COLD WAR Fadnavis and Khadse have shared a frosty relationship since the time Fadnavis was chosen over him for the state's top job. A few months ago, Khadse had openly talked about his disappointment over the party's decision to choose a young Fadnavis for the chief minister's post. He had also questioned the Fadnavis government's decision to force him to quit from the cabinet. ALSO READ: Fadnavis tries to douse Maratha agitation by increasing EBC limit ALSO READ: Did Devendra Fadnavis attack Sharad Pawar for gaining political mileage from Kopardi gangrape case? ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- Sen. Barrasso Staffer to Visit UW Herbarium Jamie Gronski, U.S. Sen. John Barrassos field representative in Cheyenne, will visit the University of Wyomings Rocky Mountain Herbarium Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 1:30 p.m. as part of the Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits program. The congressional visits are part of an initiative organized by the American Institute of Biological Sciences. The nationwide event facilitates meetings between scientists and their elected officials in local settings rather than in Washington, D.C., or a state capital. The program allows lawmakers to learn, firsthand, about the science and research facilities in their respective districts, and the importance that federal funding research has in supporting these facilities and the research being conducted. The Rocky Mountain Herbarium, located adjacent to the Aven Nelson Building, was founded in 1893 by Nelson. The herbarium contains the largest collection of Rocky Mountain plants and fungi in existence with additional representation of the floras of other parts of the Northern Hemisphere. It ranks 17th in the nation with 825,000 specimens -- with approximately 25,000 new specimens added each year -- and is the largest facility of its kind between St. Louis, Mo., and Berkeley, Calif. The Rocky Mountain Herbarium is a crown jewel of Wyomings natural history museum collections, and this congressional district visit provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the significance that federally funded research has played in the development of UWs herbarium, says Greg Brown, UW botany professor, and the College of Arts and Sciences associate dean who heads UWs Science Initiative. Gronski will meet with the herbarium management team, led by curator Ernie Nelson; Larry Schmidt, UW librarian; Dorothy Tuthill, UW Biodiversity Institute associate director; and Bonnie Heidel, Wyoming Natural Diversity Database lead botanist. UW MBA Students Travel to Germany for On-Site Visits Fifteen University of Wyoming second-year students in the College of Business MBA Program recently received global business experience by working with two of their fellow UW International MBA Program classmates and Pforzheim Universitys MBA students on business-related projects. The UW MBA students traveled to Pforzheim, Germany, as part of their Capstone Strategic Management course. While there, students worked with their colleagues at Pforzheim University on strategic analysis projects and visited several international companies. Pforzheim University, located in Pforzheim, is a town of nearly 120,000 people in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg in southwest Germany at the gate to the Black Forest. The experiential learning opportunities provided to our students truly set our MBA program apart from others, says Tanner Parmely, UW MBA Program recruiter. Krista Lewellyn, UW Department of Management and Marketing assistant professor, teaches the capstone strategy course. Our students collaborate with other students who are part of Pforzheim Universitys International MBA Program on a strategic analysis project related to the companies we visit, prior to, and during the visit, she says. This years team projects had UW MBA candidates working with MBA students from eight different countries. The international week activities extend the UW students experiences with issues they are likely to encounter in global business settings, while also providing the opportunity for them to develop their own personal competencies of working effectively in multicultural teams, Lewellyn adds. Working with a multinational team was difficult, yet beneficial to my development as a professional, says JT Cattelan, from Kemmerer. Working around different norms and customs is essential to doing business internationally. Work ethic and passion vary greatly among different societies and, as a group, I felt we overcame this obstacle. UW student Zachary Soukup also worked on his project with a team from Pforzheim University. Group dynamics are never easy to manage, especially from half a world away. But, by applying the skills and knowledge weve acquired over the course of our respective programs, we were able to bring together an excellent final product, he says. Altogether, it was an eye-opening experience, and I look forward to similar opportunities in the future. When project presentations were completed, UW students had the opportunity to travel to a number of international companies to learn about various strategic management operations. This year, the students traveled from Pforzheim to Basel, Switzerland. At the visits, the UW MBA students actively engaged in discussions with executives managing a variety of business operations, Lewellyn says. These interactive meetings provided insights about the challenges and opportunities associated with doing business in the global competitive landscape of the 21st century. The international experience allows for understanding of global business as a whole, Parmely says. With graduation coming up quickly, students will be able to actively leverage these experiences in their job hunt endeavors, she adds. For more information, call Parmely at (307) 766-2449 or email tparmely@uwyo.edu. Church News October 20, 2022 LIGHT OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH Needing Answers We want God to be like FedEx and deliver overnight. Things dont happen that way, but in... Church News October 13, 2022 LIGHT OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH Natures Therapy The pine tree with its solemn dignity lifts its branches to the sky as if to give... India Today's special investigation crew met the chief of the SBI's Ghanta Ghar branch in Haryana's Bhiwani which had been paying out the pension to the army veteran. By Shripal Shaktawat, Nitin Jain: Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal's bank has rebutted the government's allegations that it under-calculated the pension due to the late ex-serviceman. As Grewal's alleged suicide sent the country's political temperatures soaring, India Today's special investigation crew met the chief of the State Bank of India's Ghanta Ghar branch in Haryana's Bhiwani, which had been paying out the pension to the army veteran since his retirement in 2004. advertisement Ram Singh, the chief manager, explained that the onus of calculating wages and pensions lay solely with the government. Banks, he said, are only disbursing agents and not auditors of such funds, and trashed the government's allegations. ALSO READ: OROP suicide: Unanswered questions over Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal's death BLAME THE BANK The probe by India Today's special team came in the wake of claims by defence-ministry sources, who requested not to be named, that Grewal had been receiving Rs 5,000 less than his official monthly pension. The ministry sources blamed the bank for the anomaly. "As per the calculations, Grewal should have been receiving a pension of Rs 28,000 in pension but due to some miscalculation by the bank he was getting only Rs 23,000," a defence official said on Wednesday. ALSO READ: OROP suicide takes a political turn after Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal's detentions BANK NOT AT FAULT Singh, the chief manager of the SBI's Ghanta Ghar branch in Bhiwani, trashed the government's accusations circulated in the media, explaining pensions are disbursed in accordance with the pension payment orders (PPOs) issued by the former employers of the retired staff. "It's none of the bank's fault. Banks cannot be faulted in such cases at all. Our bank made the payment in accordance with the PPO. It's the department concerned that issues the PPO," he said. "Did they (the ministry officials) try to save their own skin and blamed the bank," asked India Today's investigative reporter. ALSO READ: Suicide of ex-jawan raises several question over Defence Ministry's efforts to implement OROP "This is up to you to judge," retorted Singh, sitting in his chamber. GREWAL NEVER COMPLAINED The Indian government has also created a dedicated portal for its pensioners, which lists out the rules for departments to issue PPOs to their staff well before their retirement. Employees, it mentions, are encouraged to report errors either to their supervisors or banks. ALSO READ: OROP suicide: Ex-jawan's mental state must be probed, says VK Singh advertisement "There's nothing much that we do at our end. We would credit pensioners' account and they would withdraw it. If we are informed about any anomalies, we forward their complaint (to their department)," Singh said. He insisted Grewal never raised any issue with the bank regarding his pension. "He never mentioned it. If we get any letter about any problem in pensions, we forward it to (the employers)," said Singh. He also shared with India Today the exact amount of the late veteran's last pension order. "On October 26, Rs 22,608 was credited as his pension to his account," Singh said. ALSO READ: OROP politics: Ex-soldier Grewal cremated as Rahul, Kejriwal join mourners ALSO READ: Problems related to OROP of 1 lakh ex-servicemen will be resolved: Manohar Parrikar ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- "They detained my brother and killed him." A Syrian woman freed from ISIS shared her tales of terror and how female Kurdish fighters saved many women and inspired them to form their own women-only battalion to fight ISIS. By India Today Web Desk: ISIS and its horror tales have haunted Syria, and the world, for years now. Battalions come and battalions go, each trying to free their lands from a so-called terrorist state. Hundreds of thousands of bullets are fired, grounds tremble as shock waves travel. Amidst the madness there are some women trying to set things right. Reuters Photo: Kurdish female fighters from the People's Protection Units (YPG), operating alongside with the Syria Democratic Forces. advertisement Syrian city of al-Bab is located northeast of Aleppo. Nearby is the town of Manbij which was liberated in August after two years of ISIS' cancerous rule. In Manbij, the deadly reign of ISIS was put to an end mostly by Kurdish alliance known as Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after a strong fight that went on for two months. Reuters Photo: A Kurdish female fighter from the People's Protection Units (YPG) gestures as she carries her weapon. Since then, both Kurdish-led and Turkish forces have been setting up 'military councils' and advancing closer to the surrounding region of the city of as many as 60,000 people, still breathing the terror of ISIS. Amidst all this, female Kurdish fighters have done more than what they were asked to do. Saving Kurds of their region and Syrians from ISIS, they have hit terror hard. ||Also Read: 'Angelina Jolie of Kurdistan', a brave soldier, dies while battling ISIS in Syria|| SAVING SYRIAN WOMEN Female Kurdish fighters freed Syrian women from ISIS. These women were rescued from al-Bab city who were saved by the female soldiers in the Kurdish Women's Protection Units (YPJ) Reuters Photo: Female fighters of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG). As the battle for reclaiming their region goes tough, the freed women, inspired by female Kurdish fighters, have set up their own all-female battalion. "When ISIS invaded al-Bab city, they detained my brother and killed him. I have been criticising the practices of Isis for a long time. I have been arrested and tortured several times at the hands of ISIS terrorists," one new member told local news outlet, according to a World News Report . "An ISIS female jihadi was responsible for torturing me in a very brutal way. And now I've joined the al-Bab Military Council in order to fight those terrorists." Reuters Photo: People who fled areas of conflict ride a pick-up truck in Dahiyet al-Assad, west Aleppo city. "I joined the council with the belief in the necessity of liberating our territory from Isis. The terrorist group has killed or displaced many of our people in al-Bab," a new recruit named Ahman said. advertisement Watch the video here: RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN THE REGION More than 50 women have joined the all-female battalion to protect their hard-earned freedom from ISIS. After getting rid of ISIS, the all-female council has even started to protect and promote the rights of women and girls in the region. Hailed as outlaws in Turkey, the council is committed to feminist principles nonetheless. --- ENDS --- La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas will honor the Thanksgiving holiday with a gourmet turkey dinner offered exclusively on Thursday, Nov. 24 (Photo credit: Jim Decker). Prepared by Executive Chef William DeMarco, the dinner includes sliced turkey breast with dried fruit stuffing, cranberry apple compote and creamy house-made sage gravy, priced at $21. A variety of sides for sharing include creamy mashed potatoes with sage gravy; collard and mustard greens; tender roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and onions; and sweet potatoes with caramelized marshmallows, each priced at $8. Traditional Thanksgiving dessert includes a choice of either pumpkin or pecan pie, priced at $9 per slice. Many people were reportedly injured in an early morning pile-up of more than 20 vehicles on the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura today. By India Today Web Desk: Many people were reportedly injured in an early morning pile-up of more than 20 vehicles on the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura today. Photo: ANI Images sent by news agency ANI showed the mangled remains of some of the vehicles hit by the pile-up. ALSO READ | Delhi continues to choke with smog, air quality 'severe' With pollution levels at record high in many places in the national capital and its outskirts, the pile-up happened because of dense fog. advertisement The 165-km-long Yamuna Expressway connects Noida with Agra. Watch the video here: --- ENDS --- CPA Australias second Career Expo attracted thousands of students, graduates and young professionals to meet with more than 50 well-established employers and leading universities in accounting and finance. The highlight of the 2016 Expos were the keynote presentations by Alex Malley, chief executive of CPA Australia and author of the best-selling professional mentoring book, The Naked CEO, which has been translated into Vietnamese and has been officially launched at Ho Chi Minh Book Street and at Career Expo. Career Expo 2016 offered students, graduates and young professionals the opportunity to meet with the top employers in finance, banking, accounting & auditing. Other interactive features of the Expo, including a career workshop, panel discussions by top industry experts and CV consultations that aimed to provide the students with advice about a career based on professional finance and accounting skills, were also fully and engagingly attended by the participants. Alex Malley, Chief Executive, CPA Australia and author of the best-selling professional mentoring book, The Naked CEO is sharing with a student the importance of dreaming big and living a big life. CPA Australia Career Expo has offered a valuable chance for students in finance, accounting and auditing like us to be exposed to the leading employers in these industries and to learn about the future career development opportunities. Meeting with representatives from the companies has helped me get to know more about their work environment and culture, the future career, the requirements of knowledge and skills which will help me set a direction towards my career goals, said Nguyen Tran Minh Hoang, Economics and Finance student from RMIT University. Besides, thanks to the Career Expo, I understand more about CPA Australia and how this designation can improve our career prospects. For the second edition of its Career Expo, CPA Australia has once again given students and professionals a great opportunity to meet and share valuable information, said said Laurent Nguyen, senior manager of the Audit & Business Advisory division of Mazars. As a dynamic employer abroad as well as in Vietnam, Mazars strongly believes in the role of active accounting bodies such as CPA Australia to be key players in bringing students closer to the labor market by offering them a chance to get a better understanding of the Finance & Accounting world Such events also allow employers like Mazars to keep themselves connected to students and continuously develop our HR and training policies to provide a better workplace, integration and career perspective to those whom represent tomorrows employees, he said. Mazars has been honored to participate once again as a guest speaker to put the emphasis on the importance of soft skills, maturity and determination of students for their career plan. The high attendance definitely shows the success of CPA Australias Career Expo 2016. As a recognised employer, Mazars would like to thank you for making this happen, he added. CPA Australia Career Expo is an international series of events held annually across 14 cities throughout the Asia Pacific. A cruise boat docks at a beach in Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang City. The city plans to ban all boats that have less than 50 seats from cruising the Han River. - VNS Photo Cong Thanh The city administration also announced yesterday that from 2018 onwards, it will ban under 50-seat boats, old boats and modified fishing boats from carrying tourists. The announcement said that relevant agencies and departments had inspected all cruise boats and ships sailing on the Han River, and granted licences to 24 50-seaters and five newly built boats. The city has asked owners of licensed boats to adopt top safety and quality standards and strictly abide by new, tightened regulations. The stricter regulations on granting a cruise licence were put in place after three tourists drowned in the Han River last June after their boat capsized.. Investigations found that the boat, which was modified from a fishing boat, was overloaded, carrying 56 tourists, double its allowed capacity. Poor management by the Han Port authority was also blamed for the accident. The boat did not have permission to offer tours on the Han River, and most passengers were not wearing life-jackets. The accident was the worst waterway accident in the citys history. Around 700 tourists go on night cruises on the Han River everyday. Inshore routes in the Son Tra peninsula are particularly popular during summer holidays. In related news, the city also announced yesterday it would fine traffic violations caught by cameras installed on several major streets. Last year, the cameras spotted 62 violations on the citys Thuan Phuoc Bridge. By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 3 (PTI) The food processing ministry has sought an extra fund of about Rs 350 crore for the current fiscal to implement the existing programmes, including mega food park, and is readying new schemes. Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said the government will soon come up with two new schemes for setting up of agro-processing clusters and creation of backward- forward linkages as part of its objective to double processing level from the current 10 per cent. advertisement She also announced that a new scheme will be formulated for incentivising the creation of FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations) in food processing area. The minister highlighted various activities undertaken by the ministry during Swachchta Pakhwada during October 16-31. She stressed on the need for cleanliness at abattoirs. For ease of doing business, Badal launched a web-based system to submit documents for release of grant-in-aid under scheme for Integrated Cold Chain and said the move will contribute to the cleanliness drive by reducing paperwork, besides ensuring transparency. Badal said the web-based system is already in place for the Mega Food Park Scheme since June and about Rs 160 crore has been disbursed electronically. Food Processing Secretary Avinash Srivastava said the ministry will soon approach the Cabinet for approval of Scheme for Creation of Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters and another Scheme for Creation of Backward-Forward Linkages. Asked about the fund, he said the ministry has sought Rs 1,000 crore for this fiscal to implement the existing and new schemes as against Rs 636 crore allocated in the budget. The secretary said the ministry will prepare a new scheme for incentivising creation of FPOs by the end of this year. PTI MJH ARD --- ENDS --- Photo: VGP At a reception for a delegation of the Confederation of Indian Industry led by its President Naushad Forbes in Ha Noi on November 2, the deputy PM affirmed that the Vietnamese government pledged favorable conditions for both foreign and domestic investors towards realizing the goal of developing one million enterprises by 2020. He suggested Indian companies promote cooperation and investment in projects under Viet Nams power development master plan no. 7, particularly the Long Khanh thermal power plant, and participate in Viet Nams value chain in the fields of garment, textile and footwear as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) takes effect in the near future. Viet Nam also encourages cooperation in the form of build-operate-transfer (BOT) and public-private partnership (PPP), as well as the transfer of technologies and energy-saving machinery in automobile manufacturing and the construction industry, Hue added. For his part, Naushad Forbes said that his working visit to Viet Nam aimed to concretize the contents of the meeting between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Ha Noi last September, manifesting strategic partnership connotations between the two countries as well as Indias Look East policy. Through business forums held in each country, enterprises of both sides are seeking investment opportunities in the areas of renewable energy, information technology, and adaptation to climate change, and others, Forbes noted. Representatives of Indian businesses expressed their belief in the growing political, economic and trade relations between the two nations, pledging their utmost efforts to accelerate long-term cooperation between the two countries business communities in the time ahead. They also asked the Vietnamese government to support and remove difficulties for the bilateral cooperation projects in the fields of hydropower, automobile manufacturing and assembling, pharmaceuticals and transport infrastructure. As flood waters rose quickly, many households in Cam Lo District of Quang Tri Province did not move their property to higher ground in time. The agreement was made during a teleconference on November 2 chaired by Tran Quang Hoai, Deputy Director of the General Department of Irrigation at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and permanent member of the steering committee. The provinces of Ha Tinh and Quang Binh were asked to evacuate residents to safe ground and provide them with daily necessities. Other local administrations must continue to keep track of the situation to devise precautionary measures. According to the Quang Tri authorities, over the past two days, the province has witnessed heavy rains on a large scale with rainfall from 170-220mm, particularly up to more than 480mm upstream the Hieu River, causing local flooding in some areas. The hard-hit communes of Cam Tuyen, Cam Thuy, Cam Hieu and Cam Thanh and the town of Cam Lo in a district of the same name have seen more than 2,140 houses flooded, including 860 under 1-3m of water, and hundreds of hectares of crops inundated. This morning, the body of Hoang Huu Thanh, a resident of Vinh An Hamlet, Cam Hieu Commune, Cam Lo District, was found. Yesterday morning, Thanh and his brother Hoang Huu Toan were swept away by floods while moving their assets to higher ground. Toan was fortunately saved, but Thanh had gone missing. Right since the flooding first occurred, Quang Tris military and police forces have mobilised more than 1,000 officers and soldiers and dozens of canoes to distribute aid and evacuate people from low-lying areas. In the province of Quang Binh, the flooding in the past two days has left two people missing and five injured. More than 18,000 houses have been inundated. Ba Don Town and Tuyen Hoa District have suffered the most, with over 13,800 houses flooded. This morning, a student in Son Thuy Commune, Le Thuy District went missing while going to school by boat. The Quang Binh Department of Education and Training shut down schools in flooded areas, while others in higher places were given autonomy on whether to hold classes. Traffic on National Highway 1A, the Ho Chi Minh Highway and the NorthSouth Railway running through Quang Binh is still fragmented. On the morning of November 2, six cars belonging to two relief teams got stuck on National Highway 12A and were guided to safe ground. From October 29 to November 1, heavy rains measuring from 500-600mm in the province of Ha Tinh submerged nearly 4,000 households in 29 communes and wards, of which Huong Khe District was the hardest hit with fifteen communes and over 2,600 houses seriously flooded from 1-2m, in addition to fourteen communes and wards containing nearly 1,400 households in Ky Anh Town and Cam Xuyen District. On the morning of November 1, all 64 schools, with 25,000 students, in the district of Huong Khe had to close due to the floods, while nearly 21,000 students in Ky Anh District could not go to school. Previously, torrential rains lasting from October 12-16 in Ha Tinh had inundated 108 communes and wards with more than 32,000 flooded. Nine people lost their lives while 36 were wounded, and thousands of hectares of crops and facilities were damaged, causing a total estimated damage of over VND1 trillion (US$45 million). The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) said that heavy rains would continue in the Central region until November 4, with average total rainfall of 100-250mm, particularly 250-400mm or even over 400mm in the localities of Thua ThienHue, Da Nang, Quang Nam and Quang Ngai. As of this morning, flooding on the Ngan Sau River in Ha Tinh Province continue to rise, having reached 10.2m, while water levels in rivers in Quang Nam and Binh Dinh are also up. Severe flooding continues in the districts of Huong Son, Huong Khe, Vu Quang, Cam Xuyen, and Duc Tho in Ha Tinh; Minh Hoa, Tuyen Hoa, Bo Trach, Quang Trach and Le Thuy Districts and Ba Don town in Quang Binh; and Cam Lo District in Quang Tri. A high risk of flash floods on small rivers and streams and landslides is predicted in low-lying areas from Thua ThienHue to Binh Dinh. The NCHMF has also issued warnings over the safety of reservoirs during floods in the Central provinces, especially from Thua ThienHue to Binh Dinh. According to the Irrigation Management Department, water reservoirs in the North, Centre and South reached 50-90% of their designed capacity as of November 1. At 6am the same day, two reservoirs in the Central region and eight others in the Central Highlands flushed water out, said the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Unaccompanied migrant children living near the demolished "Jungle" migrant camp in Calais, are taken by bus to a reception centre. (Photo: AFP/Philippe Huguen) A first bus carrying 43 minors left the area around 8.30am (0730 GMT) for the southwest, rapidly followed by a second one. More than 30 buses have been deployed to transfer the minors to 60 centres nationwide. The dismantling of the informal part of the camp that once housed up to 10,000 migrants, most of whom hoped to reach Britain, was completed on Monday night. Over 4,000 adults who had been living in tents and shacks - mainly Afghans, Eritreans and Sudanese - were moved to reception centres across France last week, before the bulldozers moved in. That left nearly 1,500 underage migrants, who stayed behind in a secure container park run by an NGO, and around 400 women and children living in a separate care facility a few hundred metres away. The plight of the unaccompanied children has been the subject of testy exchanges between France and Britain. France is hoping that Britain will take in most of the unaccompanied minors who travelled alone across the Mediterranean and up through Europe, in the hope of stowing away on trucks crossing the Channel to England. After initially dragging its heels on the issue, Britain in mid-October speeded up the transfer of child refugees. In the past two weeks it has taken in around 300 children with family or contacts across the Channel and promised to take hundreds more. Some aid agencies have warned that scattering the children around France could hold up that process. French authorities have assured that the minors still be able to pursue their dream of Britain from the far-flung shelters to which they are sent. "No further transfer applications will be handled in Calais," an official document circulated among the teens Tuesday read. THE LURE OF CALAIS France's Socialist government had been under pressure to move the remaining minors out of Calais, to avoid the re-emergence of a new shanty town. Various squalid settlements have existed for decades around the city, which is home to one of the country's biggest ports and the Channel Tunnel rail link connecting France and Britain. Over the past year the Jungle had mushroomed in size as hundreds of thousands of people fleeing war, poverty and persecution in Middle East and Africa poured into Europe. Speaking to La Voix du Nord local newspaper on Tuesday President Francois Hollande vowed there would be "no new settlement" on the site of the Jungle. "It has been evacuated. It will be secured. No-one else will be able to move there," he said. Some minors fear that being moved away from the Channel coast will diminish their chances of making it to Britain. "Around half" of the under-18s moved to children's shelters in eastern and western France last week had already slipped away, the head of the France Terre d'Asile charity, Pierre Henry, said. "They want to return to Calais," he said. Zika virus is transmitted through Aedes mosquito bites (Photo: EPA/VNA) Hung Vuong Hospital, which gives check-ups to about 600 pregnant women each day, has provided Zika-related advice and tests since April under Ministry of Health orders. Newly-born babies there are also examined for microcephaly, doctor Nguyen Vu My Linh said. Similar activities are being carried out at Tu Du Hospital, which specialises in obstetrics and gynaecology. Deputy Director of the hospital Tran Ngoc Hai said there had been an increase in the number of pregnant women asking about Zika, with one in five women concerned about the mosquito-borne virus. Whenever an expectant mother shows suspect symptoms, medical workers take samples for testing and give them necessary information, he added. One problem in screening for Zika is that the symptoms can be mistaken for those of flu, Hai said, advising pregnant women to get regular check-ups and tests when they have any two symptoms among fever, rash, arthralgia or conjunctivitis. Phan Trong Lan, Director of the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, recommends women who intend to have a baby or are in the first three months of pregnancy avoid Zika-infected areas and mosquito bites. On October 30, the Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health confirmed Vietnams first microcephaly likely Zika case in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak. Thanks to the Alcatel-Lucent acquisition, Nokia's net sales grew by nearly 94 per cent year-on-year to 5.89 billion (US$6.43 billion) (AFP/Irene Stachon) Nokia, the world's number one mobile phone manufacturer for more than a decade until 2012, had struck a deal to buy the other firm in April 2015 but has struggled to buy up the remaining shares to gain full control of the company. By January it held a controlling interest of around 76 per cent, but a public exchange offer to buy the rest dragged on as small shareholders held out for a better price. "The closing of the deal today, marked by the purchase of all outstanding Alcatel-Lucent shares, means Nokia will now start eliminating the complexity and costs of running two separate public companies," Nokia said in a statement. Nokia has been going through a process of radical transformation over the last few years. In 2013 it bought 50 per cent of its network activities from Germany's Siemens, and the following year it divested from its previously world-leading mobile phone business. It sold its mapping unit Here in 2015 as well as striking the deal to buy Alcatel-Lucent, which had only recorded one year of annual profit since its inception in 2006. Nokia remains in the red, though it said last week that it had managed to reduce net losses to 125 million (US$135 million) in the third quarter, after a 665-million (US$725 million) loss in the previous quarter. Thanks to the Alcatel-Lucent acquisition, the company's net sales grew by nearly 94 per cent to 5.89 billion from 3.04 billion for Nokia alone a year before. Nokia was the world's top mobile phone maker between 1998 and 2011 but was overtaken by South Korean rival Samsung after failing to respond to the rapid rise of smartphones. An electronic stock board on Ba Trieu Street in Ha Noi. VNS Photo oan Tung The benchmark VN-Index, a measure of 314 stocks on the HCM Stock Exchange dropped 0.8 per cent to close at 671.4 points after increasing 0.1 per cent on Tuesday. On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index tracking 379 shares was down 1.2 per cent to 81.3 points. It had rose 0.1 per cent the previous day. Overall market conditions were negative with 273 of total 693 stocks declining while 133 advanced. Market sentiment weakened as global stocks kept falling amid anxiety of the outcome of the US presidential election among other things. Although Viet Nams market typically lacks correlation with the world market, a solid trend may leave an effect, analysts at FPT Securities Co wrote in a note. Blue chips led the downturn as 23 of the top 30 biggest shares by market capitalisation dropped while only three increased. The biggest losers included insurer Bao Viet Holding (BVH) and steelmaker Hoa Phat Group (HPG) each down more than 2 per cent. The second largest listed lender Vietcombank (VCB) and real estate giant VinGroup (VIC) both fell over 1 per cent. Money focused on low-valued stocks as ten of the top 10 most active stocks on the two exchanges had value of below VN10,000 per share. Realty firms attracted the most attention. FLC Group (FLC), Tan Tao Investment and Industry (ITA), Hoang Quan Consulting-Trading-Service Real Estate (HQC), Sacomreal (SCR), Tasco (HUT) and PetroVietnam Construction (PVX) all were among the most heavily-traded stocks. Liquidity improved with a total of 175.2 million shares worth over VN2.7 trillion (US$121.1 million) exchanged in the two markets, up 13.3 per cent in volume and 22.7 per cent in value compared to Tuesday. According to analysts at BIDV Securities Co, the VN-Indexs retreat to the support level of 670 points showed that the market is no out of a medium-term upswing. Increased market risks can make the market adjust to lower support thresholds of around 660 points, they wrote in a note. Foreign investors returned as net sellers in HCM Citys market yesterday after three consecutive net buying sessions, offloading shares worth a net value of VN46 billion. They also extended net selling in Ha Nois market to three days in a row with net sell value of VN6 billion. The strategic partnership between the two countries is growing finely in all fields, particularly economics, trade and investment, the deputy PM said, stressing the significant role of businesses in deepening bilateral relations through investment projects and trade exchange. He spoke highly of Amatas scientific, basic and effective investment in Viet Nam from early times (the 1990s), which he said has contributed significantly to strengthening bilateral strategic partnership. Deputy PM Dung called on Amata, with its abundant experience, to contribute more effectively to the fields of construction and development of industrial zones and high-tech areas in Viet Nam. For his part, Vikrom Kromadit thanked the Vietnamese government for creating favorable conditions for his Amata Group to do effective business in the country over the past two decades. Amatas success in Viet Nam not only generates profits for the firm but also contributes to promoting local socio-economic development and improving the lives of local people, he said, adding that the group is planning to build smart cities and high-tech industrial zones in Viet Nam in the future. Kromadit praised the Vietnamese governments efforts to create an open and equal business environment between domestic and foreign enterprises, expressing his support for Viet Nams recent policies to boost investment attraction and production development. He recommended to the deputy PM some measures to accelerate the implementation of projects and effectively attract investment from Thailand in particular and foreign countries as a whole into Viet Nam. The majority of Indian investment come in energy, mineral exploration, agro-processing, IT and auto components. - Photo vietnamnet.vn Indian companies run 132 projects, worth a combined of US$1.07 billion in Viet Nam, ranking 27th among foreign investors in the country, he said, adding that the majority of Indian investment came in energy, mineral exploration, agro-processing, IT and auto components. India is one of Viet Nams top 10 trading partners, with two-way trade reaching $5.1 billion in 2015 and $2.9 billion in the past seven months of this year. These figures are encouraging. But, in order to eliminate trade barriers between the two countries there are issues that must be addressed, such as infrastructure, trade facilitation, expansion of the trilateral highway which currently includes only India, Myanmar, and Thailand, as well as reducing transaction costs, interconnectivity of goods and labour markets, he said. However, the chairman believes that bilateral economic relations will reach greater heights in the future. Besides implementing two projects in Viet Nam, Sanjay hoped to expand his companys investment in the country and introduce advanced technology in pump manufacturing to contribute to reducing flooding and drought in the countrys provinces and cities, especially in HCM City and the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta. Meanwhile, Naushad Forbes, the Confederation of Indian Industry president, said Indian firms at the conference wanted to find investment opportunities in Viet Nam, especially in energy, agriculture, finance, oil and gas, healthcare, information technology and education. In return, he called for Vietnamese businesses to come to India to seek opportunities. Naushad, who also chairs Forbes Marshall, an engineering and energy conservation solutions provider, lauded Viet Nams investment environment, saying that his company wanted to invest here. In his speech at the event, vice chairman of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hoang Quang Phong agreed that the two governments should pay a greater attention to accelerating bilateral relations. Despite several obstacles such as geographic distance, cultural differences and customers taste and insufficient information about each others market, Phong said he believed that trade and investment ties would further develop thanks to supports from the two governments and the efforts of the two business communities. The programme received more than 800 entries from nearly 90 universities as students across the country were tasked with creating inspirational phrases and art works to promote financial literacy concepts to their peers. Twenty of the best entries were on display during the programmes closing event, with the Hanoi Architectural University being awarded VND10 million ($450) for having the overall greatest student participation in the programme. The eight best student entries were awarded a share of VND38 million ($1,700) in Visa prepaid cards. The winners were graded on the number of total points they received based on their alignment with the topic of financial literacy, creativity, humor, educational value, and the potential to go viral. The winners come from Ho Chi Minh University of Food Industry and Foreign Trade University in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi Architectural University and Foreign Trade University in Hanoi, Pham Van Dong University in Quang Ngai, Nha Trang University in Khanh Hoa, Danang University of Architecture in Danang and Tay Nguyen University in Dak Lak We were incredibly impressed by the way in which students across the country embraced the competition and communicated some rather complex financial ideas in a simple and effective way, said Sean Preston, Visa country manager for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. The students in this years programme have gone above and beyond in terms of creativity, delivering some truly excellent educational work. We believe that these student-driven pieces have provided the community with great inspiration for better managing their finances, he said. With the aim of creating a playground for students to experience, test and learn more about personal financial management, the new format of Practical Money Skills 2016 successfully allowed students to express their creativity in communicating financial literacy messages and art works to their peers, said Nguyen Minh Triet, permanent vice chairman of CCVSA. The programme, which has run since 2012 in Vietnam and is the result of an ongoing partnership between Visa and the CCVSA, is aimed to teach university students about the importance of financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, and spending responsibly. This year, the programme was organised in two parts: one where students submitted slogans, catchphrases, and art pieces, and a second where the best 50 pieces were toured around the country in a series of exhibitions in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Quang Ngai, and Haiphong, reaching nearly 16,000 students. A range of programme resources are available on the Facebook page and YouTube channels, which have 21,077 likes and 2,018 subscribers with 1,707,092 views respectively. The official programme website www.practicalmoneyskills.com.vn and www.kynangquanlytaichinh.com.vn has achieved 53,625 unique visitors to date, and continues to provide useful advice from programme mascot Mr. Pocket, together with handy financial formulas and other tools. This programme also marks the second three-year Memorandum of Understanding signed between Visa and the CCVSA for the ongoing delivery of the programme. Since 2012, Visa and the CCVSA have jointly organised road shows to promote financial literacy awareness and to teach students the basic concepts of spending responsibly while learning to save and budget wisely. The four allegedly supplied raw materials for preparing grenades, and other arms to the Dhaka cafe attack plotters Tamim Chowdhury and Marzan. The Gulshan Cafe was attacked by armed militants in July By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: The Bangladesh Police said that it has arrested four people for allegedly supplying raw materials for preparing grenades, and other arms used in the Gulshan Cafe attack in Dhaka in which 29 people were killed. The four arrested men are Md Abu Taher(37), Mizanur Rahman (34), Md Selim Mia(45), and Tufiqul Islam alias Dr Toufiq (32). All of them are members of the banned militant outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). advertisement Deputy Commissioner of the Dhaka police (Media) Md Masudur Rahman said the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested the four suppliers from the capital's Darus Salam area. ALSO READ: Suspected militant in Dhaka cafe attack commits suicide: Bangladesh Police 787 DETONATORS SEIZED Masud told reporters that the main elements used in making a hand grenade, 787 detonators and a 9mm foreign pistol were seized from their possession. During the initial investigation, the suspects confessed of smuggling weapons and explosives across the Shibganj border of Chapainawabganj district. ALSO READ: Dhaka cafe attack: One more top militant killed in Bangladesh HELPED SEVERAL ATTACKERS The accused used to smuggle grenade detonators, gel and weapons from India which were used in the recent attacks carried out across the country by the faction neo-JMB, added Masudur. Masudur said one of the arrested, Mizanur Rahman, is the JMB's Chapainawabganj unit chief and goes by aliases 'Bara Mizan', 'Choto Mizan' and 'Tara'. ALSO READ: Dhaka attack mastermind Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury, two others killed in encounter with forces Police claimed that according to the confessions of the arrested accused, three of them supplied the smuggled arms and grenade-making materials to Mizanur Rahman, who then supplied the same to the Gulshan Cafe attack masterminds Tamim Chowdhury and Marzan. ALSO READ: Dhaka attack: Another Gulshan cafe attacker identified ALSO READ: Bangladesh: Indian arms trader detained in Dhaka ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- Photo by ASSOCIATED PRESS President Barack Obama, gesturing as he leaves the White House in Washington on Wednesday for a trip to Raleigh, N.C., told NowThis in an interview that federal investigations should not operate on incomplete information and leaks. Obama was discussing the FBIs email investigation into Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clintons email server. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. MoS Home Kiren Rijiju has promised to follow up an incident of alleged racial discrimination at Delhi's Jama Masjid as a girl from Arunachal Pradesh said that she was asked to pay Rs 300 there. By Parvina Purkayastha: It has happened in Delhi again. Several reports about people from northeast becoming victim of racism have not sensitised authorities in the capital city. Niyang Pertin, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh and studies law at Delhi University, posted a video on social media tagging MoS Home Kiren Rijiju narrating the discrimination she faced at Delhi's Jama Masjid. advertisement The incident reportedly took place when a group of students belonging to the North East visited Jama Masjid on Wednesday. ASKED TO PAY AT JAMA MASJID Niyang alleged that she and her friends were asked to pay Rs 300 at the Jama Masjid's gate number 8 for taking mobile phones inside. Others were allowed to carry their mobile phones without charging anything, Niyang said. "I and my friends were particularly targeted and asked to pay Rs 300 each to take mobile phones inside the premises of Jama Masjid. When we asked as to why only we are being charged, we were told to mind our own business," Niyang said. Despite Home Ministry taking various steps to stop discriminations against the North-East people this still happened! I will follow it up. pic.twitter.com/0RASlw797T Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 1, 2016 In her video message Niyang said that she had to prove that she was an Indian and not an outsider. "Being a member of northeast India, unfortunately, I always have to prove my nationality. Even if I visit a national museum, park or a site, I need to show my identity card to ensure that I am Indian and not an outsider. I don't know when a time will come when we will not be asked to prove our nationality and accepted as an Indian," Niyang said RIJIJU SAYS, I AM FOLLOWING UP MoS Home Kiren Rijiju retweeted the video of Niyang saying that he had asked the police and concerned officials to look into the matter. Dear Niyang, I'm following up with local authority, Police, @MinOfCultureGoI & @dr_maheshsharma ji for necessary actions & steps. https://t.co/s34yJb09Xk Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 2, 2016 In another tweet, Rijiju said, "Despite Home Ministry taking various steps to stop discriminations against the North-East people this still happened! I will follow it up." According to the Delhi Tourism website, entry to the Jama Masjid is free while a fee of Rs 200 is charged for photography. WATCH: --- ENDS --- advertisement Mindful Eating: Slower Consumption for Better Health With tight schedules and busy lives, sitting down to a meal free of distraction can be more of a luxury than the norm. Mindful eating gets pushed aside for many reasons. Taking a break to satisfy your hunger may also seem like the perfect opportunity to catch up on social Classes are now under way on state university campuses in Texas, where a new law went into effect last month allowing anyone with a concealed weapon license to bring a handgun on to campus, as long as it remains concealed. Since January, the same law has allowed open carry of handguns in most other public places, with little noticeable impact. As VOAs Greg Flakus reports from Houston, most students have expressed little concern, but some professors are worried. VOA Khmer's Seourn Vathana narrates. Larry Seng, a 46-year-old Cambodian-American living in Seattle, fled his homeland in the 1980s as civil war raged. Now an engineer at Boeing, the longtime Republican voter says he will not support the partys candidate this year, businessman Donald Trump. I always wonder again and again [why the] Republicans allowed Donald Trump to become the presidential candidate as Mr. Trump does not have experience in politics, he said. Seng is one of many thousand Cambodian-Americans grappling with the decision of who to vote for ahead of the November 8 poll. He says despite his support for the Republicans, he is voting for the Democrat candidate, Hillary Clinton, this time round. He is good at business, Seng continues, referring to Trump. [But] when he becomes the presidential candidate, many in the party withdrew the confidence. That is [because] the supporters feel disappointed and it is not only me. Others feel differently. Muy Chamroeun, a US Army veteran living in Washington, DC, said he is voting for Trump following allegations surfaced that Clinton used a private email server for official business when she was secretary of state. As a superpower, Chamroeun says the US must still not work above the law. If she does that, the small countries like Cambodia will do that [without a thought], he says. Hillary will try to blame him [Trump] for womanizing or not respecting females these are just little things compared to the mistakes that Hillary did, he adds. Echoing a similar position on Trump, Him Horn of Springfied, VA, a mechanic, said he would vote for the Republican candidate even though he is so aggressive. But he is republican. And I understand that if Trump does not work well, the next term we can vote to drop him down, he added. Sereyrod Chhin, however, is turned off by Trumps style. He is voting for Clinton, Because her personality is not as aggressive as Donald Trump. Donald Trump is a businessman but he is so aggressive. So, I do not want the president with aggressive mode to be my leader at all. Many Cambodian-Americans said they were unconcerned by foreign policy and based their decision on domestic issues. For Seng, the former Republican voter from Seattle, the widespread support the Clinton campaign has received from top leaders and Clintons experience in administration and governance was the deciding factor. Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhon has lauded what he described as an increasingly intimate relationship with Washington, following a visit to the country last week by a top U.S. envoy. Daniel Russel, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, visited Cambodia late last month and called for a conducive environment for elections to take place in 2018. The ministry issued a statement on Monday, following a meeting between Russel and Sokhon, saying the relationship between both nations has never been this intimate. Both Sokhon and Foreign Ministry spokesman Chum Sounry were unavailable for comment. Prime Minister Hun Sens government has regularly criticized the United States for what it says is interference in the countrys domestic affairs. Chheang Vannarith, chairman of the Cambodia Institute of Strategic Studies, said in reality the US-Cambodia relationship is strained and suffers from a lack of trust, while Cambodia continues to grow closer to China. The different value of human rights and democracy is the main barrier to both nations for building trust. However, the situation will change if the [opposition] win the next election. Deth Sok Oudom, a professor of International Relations, said Cambodia would be wise to balance its relationships with both the US and China to avoid an over-reliance on a single world power. To strengthen the country, as a small country, we should cooperate with the other ASEAN countries in order to prepare an international political policy that leads to a balance between the two powerful countries, he said. US Embassy spokesman Jay Raman said, While friends can disagree, we acknowledge the importance of maintaining discussions and consultations on various issues. We are looking forward to providing assistance to Cambodia government to order to form a free and fair election. The US will encourage Cambodia to maintain good relations and cooperation with its neighbors to ensure the stability in the region. We also welcome the stable, peaceful and wealthy China who will serve as a constructive role in regional and international affair., he added. Amnesty International said Thursday attempts to resolve the issue of the closure of its Moscow office have been "stonewalled" by city authorities. Staff of the international rights group office in the Russian capital arrived at work Wednesday morning to find the office's doors sealed and the locks changed. The Moscow mayor's office said later Wednesday the group had failed to pay rent on time. Amnesty called that claim "demonstrably false," adding in a statement on Thursday that it has documents proving the rent has been paid up to and including October of this year. "If the authorities remain unwilling to solve this issue, it will soon start to look ominously like a deliberate move to obstruct our work to defend human rights in Russia," said John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International's Europe and Central Asia Director. "It is becoming increasingly difficult not to see this incident through the prism of the wider crackdown on Russian civil society." Later Thursday, the Moscow authorities denied Amnesty's claim that it had paid all of its rent, Russia's TASS state news agency reported. Wednesday's closure of Amnesty International's Moscow office came a day after the group called on Russian authorities to investigate allegations made by Ildar Dadin, a jailed anti-Kremlin protester, that he had been beaten and tortured in prison. The group demanded that Dadin be immediately and unconditionally released. Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service said in a statement Wednesday a "commission of independent doctors" had physically examined Dadin at the northwestern Russian prison where he is incarcerated and found no evidence he had been beaten or "signs of previous injuries," TASS reported. On Thursday, however, the French News Agency (AFP) quoted Dadin's wife Anastasia Zotova as saying that activists who visited Dadin in the prison the previous day reported they had seen him suffer something like an "epileptic fit." Zotova said her husband's seizure occurred after he was beaten by prison staff and that he had never before suffered from fits. She said medics and experts had told her his seizure could have been caused by being "kicked in the head." Federal Penitentiary Service Deputy Director Valery Maksimenko said Thursday Dadin fell off a chair while being examined by doctors the previous day and was being tested for epilepsy. The tatty cluster of tents occupying a corner of Bogota's central square jars with the parliament's classical architecture and the colonial cathedral, but the hundreds of young people camped out here say they are not leaving until peace comes to Colombia. In a referendum a month ago, Colombians narrowly rejected an historic peace accord to end five decades of war signed between the government and rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Peace negotiators from both sides are back in Cuba, where peace talks took place for four years, discussing proposals for changes and additions to the deal from representatives of those who voted to reject it. The "No" side, led by former president Alvaro Uribe, says the accord was too lenient on the rebels and wants tougher punishments for fighters who have committed war crimes, possibly jail time, and a ban on them holding elected office. While negotiators try to hammer out a new deal, young Colombians, including university students, have been camping out in the capital's main square for nearly a month. "When the 'No' vote won it was painful. The tents are a show of our frustration, of our indignation," said Manuel Llano, who pitched his tent just days after the shocking result on Oct. 2. Since then, others have joined the so-called peace camp dotted with white flags and Colombia's national flag where around 300 people are living in some 100 tents. They are staying put until a new accord is reached and want guarantees from the government a cease-fire will hold until the FARC's 7,000 fighters hand in their weapons, said Llano. "We want peace to come quickly," he told Reuters. "We represent a national clamor for peace," said the 28-year-old designer, whose parents had to leave their home because of the conflict. Since the referendum result, tens of thousands of Colombians have taken to the streets in protest marches, many of them young people and students, to show support for a peace deal. The peace camp, just steps away from the presidential palace, caught the attention of Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos who visited last week. "He listened attentively to our demands ... he told us we will enjoy Christmas in peace," said Llano, one of the camp leaders. New peace accord Santos said earlier this week that a new deal could be reached soon, and may be put to Colombia's congress for approval. "We are very close to the definition of a new accord with the necessary legal and political legitimacy needed, so it can be implemented in the shortest time possible," Santos said. Time is short for negotiators to secure a new agreement before a government cease-fire ends Dec. 31. "To administer a cease-fire, the one that we have right now, for a long, long time is very difficult," Santos said in an interview with PBS television this week. The longer the cease-fire is in place, the harder it is to keep it intact and for discipline to hold among FARC fighters. "We need to have a new agreement very soon in order to avoid the risks of people getting out, the base of the FARC, going to other regions and simply abandoning their organization," he said. War victims Among those camped in the square are Colombians who have suffered at the hands of FARC rebels, including a small number of Afro-Colombian and indigenous people, who have borne the brunt of violence mainly concentrated in rural and jungle areas. The conflict has killed more than 200,000 people, and there are nearly 8 million war victims registered by the government, the majority of whom have been forcibly driven from their homes by the warring sides. Rodolfo Oviedo, 40, had to flee his small farm in the central Tolima province in 2004 when FARC fighters attacked his family. "They forced me off my land. They killed my father, two brothers, two sons and my wife. I'd forgive them [rebels] given a chance to speak to them in person," he said, with tears in his eyes. "It leaves a mark on your life forever. At the camp, I've found help from people to heal my wounds a bit. I've found solidarity and a community," said Oviedo, who has been camping out for the past 27 days. He urged those who voted No in the referendum to show more empathy with fellow Colombians like him who have lived in the country's impoverished rural and border areas most battered by the conflict. "I'd tell the 'No' voters, put your hand on your heart and stop being selfish. Many haven't lived the war like we have," Oviedo said. "I'll stay put here until the end. I want peace in Colombia." Indonesian police Thursday arrested two crewmen from the overcrowded speedboat that capsized the day before as rescuers continued searching for the dozens of passengers still missing. Batam Island police chief Sambudi Gusdian said the two crewmen, who were among the 39 people rescued, were arrested as they tried to flee to the nearby island of Bintan. The fate of a third crewman, believed to be the captain, was not known, he said. A woman believed to be responsible for the voyage had been arrested Wednesday as she tried to leave Batam for nearby Singapore. The boat was carrying Indonesian workers home from Malaysia when it capsized off the Indonesian island of Batam early Wednesday during stormy weather. Police suspect the trip was illegal and the workers were undocumented because of the high fares that passengers said they paid. The search effort, suspended overnight, started again at daylight with some 280 personnel involved, said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, head of the country's disaster mitigation agency. Eighteen bodies have been identified and 39 people were rescued Wednesday. Sutopo said 101 people were on the boat and 44 are missing. Hardin Nafiih, chief of the area's disaster mitigation agency, said the boat sank about 7.4 kilometers (4.6 miles) from land. Haryanto, a 51-year-old survivor, said the boat capsized in heavy rain and high waves about two hours after it left Johor Bahru in Malaysia. It was so crowded some of us could not sit, said Haryanto, who was saved by fishermen. Like many Indonesians, he goes by one name. Speedboats and ferries are a common form of transport in Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago. Sinkings are common because of poorly enforced safety regulations. One of the worst ferry sinkings in recent years occurred off Sulawesi island in 2009, killing more than 330 people. New allegations about ties between the Democratic Republic of Congos electoral commission and a bank linked to the presidents family have sparked calls for an investigation. The allegations come amid heightened tensions about delayed elections in the country. A Belgian newspaper published a report last week saying the Congolese electoral commission paid at least $2.4 million in fees to a bank with links to DRC President Joseph Kabila. The paper also said the commission withdrew $7.5 million in cash from the bank, BGFI, for reasons that are unclear. The claims relate to a $25 million credit facility the bank extended to the electoral commission, known as the CENI. DRC elections were supposed to be held this month, but have been postponed until at least April 2018. The government has claimed that CENI's lack of financial resources is one of the main reasons behind the delay. Georges Kapiamba, president of the Congolese Association for Access to Justice, told VOA the revelations are even more serious because they concern the resources put at the disposal of the CENI and because the electoral commission pretended it was unable to organize elections in the constitutional timeframe on the grounds that it did not have the money. Kapiamba has written to Congos attorney general, asking him investigate. But he does not expect his request will be acted on. Based on our past experience, Kapiamba said, we are not convinced the attorney general can do it with the independence we would like. Kapiamba claims those with the resources or who belong to the ruling political family can obtain protection whatever the gravity or degree of the acts they commit. The government of Belgium has also called for a full investigation. Denials of wrongdoing Both CENI and BGFI have denied wrongdoing. According to the bank, the fees are in no way unusual for a line of credit of this size, while the CENI's president has claimed that the cash withdrawals were made to pay salaries, rent vehicles and buy fuel in remote parts of the country which are unserved by banks. The disclosures have attracted extra attention because an adoptive brother of Kabila is BGFI's CEO and one of the president's sisters was listed as the owner of 40 percent of the bank as of October 2014. The allegations, the source of which is documents handed to the media by a former BGFI employee, also target Albert Yuma, president of Gecamines, the state mining company, and a close ally of Kabila. The Belgian newspaper article says in 2013 the central bank deposited $43 million in a BGFI account held by a food processing company chaired by Yuma that was never repaid. The same bank reportedly extended a loan of $30 million to Gecamines in September 2015 and deducted interested payments worth several million dollars on two separate occasions. Yuma and the bank have denied any wrongdoing. They say the accusation about the central bank diverting public funds to Yuma's company is false and without foundation, and that the second interest payment was taken from Gecamines due to a mistake that was rectified. Kapiamba told VOA he is unconvinced by the explanations, but unfortunately, he added, the Congolese justice system does not allow the population to confirm or quash the allegations. Researchers have found the number of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis cases in West Africa is greater than thought. Officially, the World Health Organization estimates the incidence of new cases of so-called MDR-TB in the African region is 2 percent, and 17 percent among people who were treated for TB more than once. But investigators on the ground in eight West African countries came up with higher numbers. They report that 6 percent of new cases and 35 percent of retreatment cases are drug-resistant to more than one medication. An analysis of almost 974 sputum samples from TB patients carried out by the West-African Network of Excellence for TB, AIDS and Malaria (WANETAM), found that 39 percent were resistant to at least one first-line antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis. Additionally, bacterial isolates in 22 percent of the samples did not respond to two or more anti-TB drugs. The findings are published in the online journal BMC Medicine. WANETAM'S Martin Antonio, with the medical research council unit in Gambia, said the statistics are particularly worrying for the region's 245 million inhabitants who live in one of the poorest corners in the world. "The higher the rates in the community," he explained, "the more likely it is to be spread. And we really need to catch that." Researchers also detected the presence of what is called pre-extensively drug-resistant TB in sputum samples at all study sites in Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo. These are on the verge of developing into extensively drug-resistant bacteria, which respond to neither first- or second-line drugs. The highest proportion of pre-extensive drug resistance was seen in Ghana, in 35 percent of MDR samples. Multidrug-resistant bacteria were most prevalent among patients who'd been treated for TB before in Bamako, Mali, and Lagos, Nigeria. They were four times more likely to be resistant compared to new cases. If the spread of MDR-TB continues at its current pace, according to Antonio, "it means the treatment options for those patients is highly limited. It means more patients may actually die from TB because they may be untreatable." He is calling for West African governments to put aggressive, community-wide TB containment efforts in place as soon as possible to prevent a worsening of the tuberculosis epidemic. That includes beefing up laboratories to conduct rapid testing and treatment of TB, more personnel to make sure patients take their drugs properly, and actively following those who are treated more than once for TB. Polls suggest that if European nations were voting in the U.S. election, Hillary Clinton would win in a landslide. Governments across the region are paying close attention and assessing how they will work with the next administration, including one that would be led by Donald Trump. The Republican candidate has found sympathy among a significant segment of Europes population, both in migrant-wary Eastern Europe and in Western Europe, where anti-immigrant, anti-EU advocates in Germany, France and Britain are hoping a Trump victory will bolster their causes. Establishment for Clinton But it is the concerns about the new American leaderships willingness to remain engaged with Europe that is tipping the scales in favor of Clinton, in the eyes of the European establishment. I admire her strategic thinking and her strong commitment to the trans-Atlantic partnership, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told the newspaper Bild am Sonntag earlier this year. Merkels opinion reflects that of many Europeans who see Clinton as sharing priorities that are trademarks of European classical liberalism: a commitment to free trade, a strong NATO, state-funded health care, and opposition to Brexit and other movements that threaten the integrity of the EU and its vision of a region without borders. Together, we are facing the challenge to give the name to a new era together, said Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi during an October visit to the White House. My personal opinion is that the name of future has to be freedom. The name of the future has to be education not intolerance, sustainability not distraction, trust not hate, bridge[s] not walls, an apparent reference to Trumps campaign promise to build a wall on the southern U.S. border with Mexico. Trump has support, too Trumps stance on the explosive issues of immigration and jobs brings him few friends among Europes leadership, but it endears him to followers of grassroots movements across the continent who see their nations as losing their sovereignty and their livelihood under what some perceive as a European super state. The same bloc of voters shares Trumps position against free trade, one of the key areas of concern for European leaders following the failure this year of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. A Trump victory would bolster populists on the continent who are keying into the grievances of those who see themselves as not benefiting from the economic growth that was promised to them from trade liberalization, and who blame immigrants and foreign nations. If you are an electorate or a voter, you can say its a failure of domestic competition in countries like China. You can say trade liberalization is bad and capitalism is bad, said Shanker Singham, director of economic policy and prosperity studies at the Legatum Institute in London. Thats what youre seeing in the U.S. and you saw it a little bit with the Brexit vote, part of [the mentality] was just throw these people out because my wage levels are stagnating. We need to just eliminate the people who caused this to happen, Singham said. Among those in Europe expecting to benefit from a Trump victory is Nigel Farage and his UK Independence Party, which opposes continued immigration. Farage has campaigned on behalf of Trump in the U.S. Hillary Clinton, Farage said recently, is part of a big business establishment. Simply, people want change. Trumps stance on immigration and terrorism also resonates among some like Hungarys Viktor Orban, who sees the Republican contender as better for Europe. The Hungarian leader, an EU critic who built a razor-wire fence to keep out migrants, has praised the Republicans anti-terrorism proposals that include a temporary ban on Muslims from entering the U.S. Speaking of Trumps overall plans to stop terrorism, he said, I myself could not have drawn up better what Europe needs. US election affects Europe Leaders and analysts see Tuesday as a crucial day that will determine what direction the West will take. The liberal order is fragile, said Dana Allin, a political analyst at Londons International Institute for Strategic Studies. With Britain voting to leave the European Union, a Trump victory in the United States and the rise of Marine Le Pen in France, the Western order could all of a sudden look very different, he said. French President Francois Hollande, a socialist, agrees the American election will change history. It could lead to a very strong turn to the right in the world, or to a correction, Hollande said in August. The movement of anti-immigrant crusader Le Pen gained strength after last summers wave of terrorist attacks in France, and Hollande expects the U.S. vote will directly influence the outcome in his countrys elections next year. The American campaign shows issues that will be reflected in the French campaign. If the Americans choose Trump, that will have consequences, because an American election is a world election, Hollande said. Christian customers found the interiors of Goregaon Social 'objectionable' due to its church-themed quotes and stained-glass paintings. Goregaon Social's decor has come under the scanner because it hurt the sentiments of the Christian community in India. Picture courtesy: Instagram/mumbailifestyles By Shreya Goswami: A branch of Social, that totally hip and cool pub chain across India, is the last place you'd expect to be 'objectionable'. But that's exactly what happened in Goregaon Social. The pub, located in Oberoi Mall, had a church-themed decor--Bible quotes and stained-glass paintings--that Christian activists found 'blasphemous' and protested against. As the protests took a serious turn, the pub's management pulled down the decor to appease the infuriated Christian community. Social's objectionable decor included warped quotes from the Bible. Picture courtesy: Instagram/krazy_kapture advertisement The whole thing started when a parishioner from a Goregaon church visited the Social branch with friends. He saw the decor and was offended by its warped representations of Bible quotes on the walls and saints on stained glass. According to Mumbai Mirror, he sent pictures of the place to his parish priest, who then forwarded them to the Watchdog Foundation, an organisation that claims to work for the interests of the Christian community. Representatives from the group then went to the pub on Sunday to check the extent of this 'blasphemy' by Goregaon Social. The stained-glass paintings at Goregaon Social include warped images of Jesus, Mother Mary and Moses. Picture courtesy: Twitter/onceuponachai Also read: Mumbai's Shamiana gets a modern makeover that you just shouldn't miss! After they found that the decor did indeed warp Christian representations (Jesus holding a bag, Mother Mary holding a chain instead of a rosary, St. Anthony wearing shades, and Moses holding a computer tablet instead of a stone one), the group filed an FIR at Dindoshi police station under Section 295A. The Archdiocese of Bombay supported the move, and protests were organised against the pub. The designing company behind Goregaon Social's decor came out with this public apology. Picture courtesy: Facebook/The Busride Design Studio The designing company behind Goregaon Social's decor came out with this public apology. Picture courtesy: Facebook/The Busride Design Studio The company that designed Goregaon Social, The Busride Design Studio, offered an unconditional apology on their Facebook page. The management of Goregaon Social also decided to pull down the 'objectionable' decor, and came out with their own apology. The management of Goregaon Social came out with this public apology, and pulled down the objectionable decor at the pub. Picture courtesy: Facebook/Goregaon Social --- ENDS --- When Uli Sigg began looking for contemporary art in China nearly three decades ago, he was surprised nobody was collecting it systematically. So he decided to do it himself. The Chinese Lives of Uli Sigg, a documentary to be screened alongside 44 others at this month's Beirut Art Film Festival tells how Sigg became the world's largest collector of Chinese contemporary art, gathering more than 2000 pieces. In 2012, he donated around 1,400 of them to the M+ Museum for Visual Design, set to open in Hong Kong in 2019. "I thought it's very weird, the biggest culture space in the world and nobody's paying attention to the contemporary artists," said the Swiss diplomat and businessman during a visit to Lebanon last month. He described the film festival, which is run in partnership with the Lebanese ministry of culture, and the British, Swiss and other embassies, as "an interesting initiative to cover documentaries about art so extensively." Sigg began visiting China in the late 1970s, as former leader Deng Xiaoping ushered in landmark economic reforms that eventually opened up the country to the outside world. Working for Swiss manufacturer Schindler, he helped negotiate the first industrial joint venture between China and Europe. "Nobody was willing to do it at the time," Sigg recalled. "People thought we were crazy." In the turbulent period following the death of the founder of modern China, Mao Zedong, Sigg - Swiss ambassador to Beijing in the late 1990s - says he looked for art that could give insights into the country's transformations. "I hoped the artists would be another source of information. But there was nothing to see, because they had been totally isolated," Sigg said. "When they found their language, it became much more interesting," he added. "I thought I would collect the way a national institution should but didn't." In 1997, Sigg created the Chinese Contemporary Art Award (CCAA) to encourage artists who then worked largely underground. Now in its second year, the Beirut Art Film Festival will showcase films from around the world, including a selection dedicated to Lebanese producers. Screening locations will take the festival outside the capital, to a cafe on a former frontline in the northern city of Tripoli, and a theater in the south that is reopening after a two-decade shutdown. "We started with a small festival for amateurs. We weren't expecting people to respond so well," said Alice Mogabgab, one of the founders. "This year, it has become national." An Afghanistan-based independent research group says unsubstantiated evidence and fantastical allegations led to years of detention for eight Afghan men at the U.S.-run prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In a report released Thursday based on publicly available U.S. military and court documents, the Afghanistan Analysts Network (AAN) said it focused on examining the cases of the longest-serving Afghan detainees at the controversial prison, which was established 15-years ago following the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. It says the detainees in question include three men that U.S. authorities freed and transferred to the United Arab Emirates in August, but whose movement is still restricted. They were part of a group of 16 prisoners released to authorities abroad, 13 of whom were never charged with a crime during their time in detention. The report examined the men's case files and said the documents used the U.S. military numerous errors involving dates, geography and factions. It said the U.S. documents mix up groups that laid down their weapons long ago or never fought with jihadists. Full of mistakes The Afghan case files are full of mistakes, bad translations and fanatical allegations, and evidence made up of hearsay, double hearsay, unsubstantiated intelligence reports and testimony from those who were tortured, asserted Kate Clark, the report author and a senior researcher at AAN. When asked about the report, U.S. Defense Department spokeswoman Lt. Col. Valerie Henderson said, "The Department of Defense is committed to treating all detainees humanely, and in accordance with all applicable domestic law and policy and international obligations, including Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions. The Pentagon also cited its plan to eventually close the Guantanamo Bay facility, in part by transferring detainees who are not considered threats. "Of the nearly 800 detainees at one time held at Guantanamo Bay, more than 85 percent have been transferred," the document says. A media adviser for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani told VOA that the Afghan government is confident the eight men are not a threat. "It has been 12 years and they havent been put on trial yet; because there is not such a crime committed by them that American administration or judiciary system could investigate, Nabi Misdaq said. U.S. officials have long argued that the detainees held at Guantanamo Bay were dangerous terrorists. However researchers found that none of the eight detainees they studied were captured on the battlefield. The group says U.S. documents show six of them were handed over to the U.S. military by Afghan forces or neighboring Pakistan and two were detained after tip-offs from unknown sources. "Viewing the U.S. detention regime through the lens of the Afghan experience in Guantanamo raises broader questions about the effectiveness of U.S. intelligence and justice, the report lamented. A former plastic flower seller, a private gatekeeper and grocer are among the detainees who were accused of links with the al-Qaida network or the Taliban, according to the AAN report. Kafkaesque It added that Afghan detainee Muhammad Rahim was accused of being a personal translator and aide to Osama Bin Laden, but the precise allegations against him remain secret. Looking into the files of these Afghans was like being in a Kafka novel, said Clark. Its been a puzzling, disturbing experience. After years of holding these men in detention, the U.S. has yet to present a coherent case for holding any of them. Despite his pledges to close the controversy-marred Guantanamo prison before leaving the White House, President Barack Obama has been unable to do so in the face of opposition from the U.S. Congress. However, he has scaled down the facility by transferring to various countries detainees who are not considered a threat to U.S. interests. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns millions of people die every year from preventable surgical infections. A WHO report says new global guidelines it is issuing for the prevention of surgical site infections will save many lives. The WHO reports more than 240 million surgical procedures are performed globally every year for a wide range of conditions, including cancer, heart disease, cataracts and traffic crash injuries. Surgical site infections occur when bacteria enter a patients body through incisions. They threaten the lives of millions of patients each year and contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance. The U.N. Agency says they are the most common hospital-acquired infection in poor countries and the second most common in rich countries. WHO Director of Service Delivery and Safety Ed Kelley says one in every 10 surgical patients in poor countries will get an infection. In some countries he says one third of all patients coming in for surgery are infected. In Africa, for instance, 20 percent of Caesarian sections result in surgical site infections, which endanger, of course, the life of the woman and, therefore, the life of her baby. These result in hundreds of thousands of extra hospital days, billions of dollars in extra hospital costs and tens of thousands of deaths, Kelley said. The new guidelines cover 29 recommendations in 23 areas. Kelley says evidence shows that antibiotics given as close as possible before surgery can prevent infections for certain surgical procedures. But he says using antibiotics after surgery does not prevent infections. Another recommendation, he says, is not to shave patients before surgery. Hair removal can actually increase the risk of causing microscopic cuts or traumas to the skin and evidence tells us that there is clear benefit to not removing the hair.... If you had to boil it down globally as to what could have some of the biggest impact, this question of proper site preparation, proper hand hygiene and really, then, the layout of the operating theater in terms of preventing infections, Kelly said. Of the 29 recommendations in the guidelines, health officials cite hand-washing as the single most important for preventing surgical site infections. With the U.S. presidential election only days away, new polling results indicate the race has tightened, with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton clinging to a narrow lead over Republican Donald Trump. The RealClear Politics national average on Thursday showed Clinton holding on to a thin 47 percent to 45.3 percent lead over Trump among likely voters a dip from her 49.0 to 41.9 margin on October 18. A New York Times/CBS News poll released Thursday also showed the distance between the two candidates has tightened, with Clinton holding a 45 percent to 42 percent lead over Trump in a four-way race that includes Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson and Green Party nominee Jill Stein. "I don't see that she's dropped that much," University of Maryland political science professor James Gimpel said in an interview with VOA. "What's different is that Trump has come up, but it's not been at her expense." Gimpel said Johnson is paying the price for Trump's gains in recent polls as some reluctant Republicans are "coming home" to their Republican nominee. Clinton backers shrug off emails The New York Times/CBS News poll began hours after FBI Director James Comey sent a letter to congressional leaders Friday announcing he will revisit the inquiry into Clinton's improper use of emails when she was secretary of state. But, Gimpel said, Clinton's generally stable poll standings have been mostly unaffected by the controversial FBI investigation. "How people can be saying that the Clinton campaign is falling through the floor and that the Comey investigation has caused it? How they can be saying that is pure fantasy," he said. University of Virginia Center for Politics political analyst Geoffrey Skelley agrees the FBI inquiry has not adversely affected Clinton, even though recent polls show the race has tightened. Skelley told VOA the FBI disclosure made little difference among Democrats, and most independent voters have already committed to the candidate of their choice. "But Republicans are now more enthused and more likely to support Trump, he said, probably because a reminder [of] the email scandal for Clinton has reminded Republicans that they really don't like Hillary Clinton." As the two candidates enter the final stretch of what has been a contentious presidential campaign, Clinton must encourage voters to go to the polls, according to Fordham University political science professor Christina Greer. "It's all about turnout, and she really needs to make sure that African-Americans and young people and Asians and Latinos vote," Greer said in an interview with VOA. "Forget about white men, that ship has sailed. They're not with her, so don't waste your time on that demographic." Battleground states Greer believes Clinton needs heavy turnout among her targeted demographic groups because the two third-party candidates, despite their negligible standings in the polls, may get enough votes in certain swing states to have a significant impact when Electoral College votes are tallied "because we are in a winner-take-all system." The Trump campaign should devote all its resources on battleground states where "he seems to be moving upward at the expense of Johnson," Gimpel said. WATCH: Electoral College Plays Key Role in US Vote "I also think [Trump] needs to focus on the economic message, which was always his winner: focus on the wreck Obamacare has become and otherwise keep his mouth shut," Gimpel advised. Although the race for the White House has tightened just before the November 8 election, Skelley said the factors behind the movement may just be "noise," but cautioned, "It may not be all that meaningful, but that's where we are, and so Clinton's position as a favorite is tenuous." Clinton's strong standing is based on her position in several swing states seen as key for securing enough electoral votes for victory. U.S. presidential elections are not decided by a national popular vote. Instead, they are decided by individual races in the 50 states, with each state's importance in the overall outcome weighted by its population. Winning presidential candidates have to amass a majority of 270 votes in the 538-member Electoral College based on the state-by-state results. The RealClearPolitics website projects that 236 electoral votes are firmly in Clinton's camp and 180 in Trump's. The remaining 132 votes are where the race will be determined. When Barack Obama was elected U.S. president in 2008, the event was hailed across Africa. He is the son of a Kenyan, after all, and many on the continent considered Obama one of their own. So Africans' hopes were high when he took office. Perhaps too high, suggests Kenyan political commentator Barrack Muluka. "If we in Africa were looking up to him, to come with a magic wand to solve our problems, then I think our expectations were misplaced," said Muluka. "He was not the president of Africa. He has been the president of the United States of America, elected by American citizens, and his foreign policy will be governed first and foremost by American interests." Muluka argues that because Obama was hindered by frequent questions about his birthplace, especially during his first term in office, he couldn't be perceived as favoring the continent, and therefore did not do as much as he might have otherwise. But as president, Obama made four trips to sub-Saharan Africa, visiting six countries. He challenged African governments on issues like human, LGBT and women's rights. He set the tone during his first visit in 2009, to Ghana, when he challenged some African leaders. "Now, make no mistake: History is on the side of these brave Africans, not with those who use coups or change constitutions to stay in power," Obama said. "Africa doesn't need strongmen. It needs strong institutions." Trade, not just aid A highlight of his Africa foreign policy has been his emphasis on trade, not just aid. "I think President Obama built a framework for the U.S. corporate sector to get engaged with Africa by consistently engaging through the business councils and so forth," said Aly-Khan Satchu, a Nairobi-based financial analyst. "It sort of 'de-risked' Africa in a lot of U.S. corporate minds. And I think that was an important achievement that the president made." Obama also made a point of addressing African youth, a group he focused on throughout his time in office. "When it comes to the people of Kenya, particularly the youths, I believe there is no limit to what you can achieve," Obama said during his state visit to Kenya in July 2015. And Obama's message of hope to Africa and its young people may be what defines his legacy here. "He's shown Africa a higher path, and I think he's done this generally. That's been his politics," Satchu said. "He's always lifted people's heads up and said, 'Look where you can go.' " Obama launched the Young African Leaders Initiative in 2010 to help promising young people across the continent prepare for leadership positions. More than 250,000 people have joined the YALI network, and 1,000 fellows attended leadership programs at U.S. colleges and universities in 2016. In 2013, he launched the Power Africa initiative, to try to double access to electricity across sub-Saharan Africa. Obama's legacy also includes increased military support in Somalia to fight al-Shabab, and in Cameroon and Chad to tackle Boko Haram, as well as his intervention in Libya. The latter was part of the NATO-led, multistate military intervention, a response to events during Libya's civil war in 2011. Iraqi troops were moving cautiously Thursday in a neighborhood just inside the city limits of Mosul, going from house-to-house to ensure the safety of civilians. The soldiers had to be wary of booby-trap bombs as well as ambushes and sniper fire from Islamic State militants, who are being urged by their leader to remain and resist losing the last major city they hold in Iraq. The breach into the city of Mosul, which IS seized more than two years ago, triggered an exodus of hundreds of families. They started to stream out of Mosul, some carrying white flags, others flashing victory signs at elite government troops with Iraqs U.S.-trained Golden Division, which spearheaded victories this year at Fallujah and elsewhere in Iraq against the jihadists. Fears of retaliation While locals in the eastern district of Gogjali welcomed their liberation from the jihadists, fears are mounting that, as neighborhoods in the more pro-IS western parts of the city fall to government troops, a cycle of retaliation and revenge will be triggered, both by locals who suffered under the jihadists two-year reign over Mosul and by Sunni militiamen, who have already been accused of carrying out revenge attacks on men and boys in nearby villages suspected of having ties to IS. Rights group Amnesty International said Wednesday it had received reports of alleged jihadist sympathizers being publicly humiliated, tortured and beaten as fighters with a militia called the Sabawi Tribal Mobilization swept through villages to the south of the city. Lynn Maalouf from Amnesty said there was a "dangerous culture of impunity in which perpetrators of such attacks feel they have free rein to commit crimes and go unpunished. Retaliation wasnt visible Thursday as the elite Iraqi counter-terrorism forces wearing their trademark black combat fatigues sought to consolidate their hold on the Gogjali district and nudge into neighboring ones. Their commanders and a Kurdish peshmerga general overseeing a battle on the outskirts of the Mosul say they are only at the first stage in a prolonged and fierce urban battle, and they are ready for weeks of house-to-house fighting. Weeks of fighting ahead They suspect IS militants will blow up the five bridges spanning the River Tigris that cuts through the city and will make a final stand in the west of Mosul. At best it will take a month, at worst two months, Peshmerga Gen. Nuraddin Tatarkhan told VOA. Booby-trap bombs triggered mainly by pressure pads are among the biggest danger for advancing forces, as well as sniper fire. They keep changing the designs of their bombs, he said. A veteran of Saddam Husseins army, Gen. Tatarkhan recognizes the military tacticians among the IS leadership as former Baathists and veterans like him of the Iran-Iraq and Gulf wars. Their tactics, he says, will be to drag out the resistance, copying what they did to attack U.S. forces after the ouster of Saddam Hussein. He also warns there are many foreign IS fighters in Mosul among them battle-hardened and highly fanatical Chechens and Kazakhs who will fight to the bitter end. The foreign fighters, he says, will likely heed the call by their leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who on Wednesday broke a nearly yearlong silence with a 31-minute audio recording urging his forces to remain firm in the face of the offensive on Mosul. Know that the value of staying on your land with honor is a thousand times better than the price of retreating with shame, he said, adding: This war is yours. Turn the dark night of the infidels into day, destroy their homes and make rivers of their blood. For those IS fighters who do want to flee Mosul, their escape route has been made much harder. Shiite militiamen with the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units working on the west of the city said Thursday they have control of a large portion of the Aleppo-Mosul Highway that runs to the terror group's main Syrian stronghold at Raqqa. To escape west into Syria, IS militants will have to navigate much more difficult roads, which as the rains come will be much harder to move along to enter the Syrias eastern provinces of Deir Ezzor and Al-Hasakah. Civilians flee On Thursday, civilians could be seen leaving Mosul, heading for camps to the east of the city, trudging along roads with toddlers and helping elderly family members. Many of the women wore niqabs covering their faces. Some men still wore the short trousers and long beards demanded by the jihadists, but others had quickly shaved, saying they were relieved to be able to do so. Some men relished smoking their first cigarettes in public in two years. Iraqi officials estimate that more than a million civilians remain in the city and fears are growing for their safety. The Norwegian Refugee Council aid agency has warned their lives are in grave danger due to the fighting. IS has tried to add to the citys population; as its fighters withdrew from outlying villages it forced some families to accompany them as human shields. One family of nine toddlers among them now at the Khazir camp for displaced people told VOA they had had to run for 20 minutes to escape IS and that the militants shot at them as they fled. The children lost their shoes and we had to stop and hide and then start to run again, said Zainab. They decided to flee because IS were treating us very badly and shooting men who wouldn't join them. They captured my husband as we ran and they beat him and screamed he was a very bad man for letting his family go, she said. Twenty-year-old Abbas said he was happy to be leaving Mosul. He said the four-day battle for control of the neighborhood had been terrifying and fierce. Daesh fighters wouldnt leave. They were mainly Chechens, Turks and Tunisians, he told VOA. As he spoke, flocks of sheep passed by. Many families refused to leave Gogjali without their prized livestock and they grouped together to herd sheep, mules and cows away and headed towards Kurdistan. Fearing mines, they avoided wasteland and the fields on the outskirts, clogging the main road into the neighborhood. Livestock and military vehicles competed for priority as they moved in opposite directions past wrecked shops, shattered masonry and over a carpet of broken glass and spent and live rounds, testimony to the ferocity of the conflict. Civilians left Gogjali in a variety of vehicles, some with their windscreens blown out and bullet holes peppering their sides. They used cars, tractors, trucks, SUVs, tractor-trailers and motorized tricycles, most sporting white flags. Some families had no choice but to trudge along on foot, carrying belongings and cradling babies in their arms. Others helped the hobbling elderly. Reporters leaving Mosul Thursday evening offered rides to families with young children or frail relatives, piling them in their pickups and SUVs. Many families said they hadnt wanted to leave their homes, fearing they would be pillaged. Death, destruction and new life A family of 14 part of an extended family of 40 hitched a ride on VOAs pickup. The weight blew out a tire. The head of the family, 45-year-old Tareq, said they had endured days of fighting. Their house is near Mosuls main TV tower, the scene this week of some of the most vicious combat. We all stayed in one room for four days. There were heavy bombardments and lots of mortar exchanges. The most terrifying were the airstrikes; one hit the house next door, killing a woman. The children screamed and cried but we didnt dare go out. It was horrible, but thank God, we are all safe now, he says. On the first day of battle, in the cramped room where his extended family were crowded, his niece gave birth to a baby girl. They named her Azraa, or Virgin. IS fighters withdrew Wednesday, he added. He said life under IS for the past two years had been difficult. They killed many people, especially those who had been in the Iraqi army or were policemen or who refused to join IS, he said. By Thursday, 40,000 civilians had fled Mosul and its outskirts - far fewer than had been expected and much less than the 800,000 who left when IS overran the city in 2014. But hundreds left Thursday from just one small outer district, suggesting that when the fight moves deeper into the city, many thousands more could be heading out when they get the opportunity. Fewer than 5,000 Islamic State fighters trying to hold onto the Iraqi city of Mosul are being urged to fight to the death. "Know that holding your ground with honor is a thousand times easier than retreating in shame," the terror group's leader and self-declared caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi exhorted in an audio recording released via social media late Tuesday. "Do not retreat," he said. "This total war and the great jihad only increased our firm belief, God willing, and our conviction that this is all a prelude to victory." The message from Baghdadi is the first since last December and comes nearly three weeks into the Iraqi and Kurdish campaign to retake Mosul, which has been under IS control for two years. U.S. intelligence sources say there is no reason to doubt the audio's authenticity and agree, based on the content of the remarks, it was likely made recently. IS command and control A U.S. military spokesman in Iraq said officials there were not yet ready to verify that the voice on the recording was that of the IS leader but acknowledged the message was clearly "an effort to rally the troops." "This is the type of thing that a leader who's losing command and control and ability to keep everybody on the same page says," Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman, Col. John Dorrian told reporters via a video conference from Baghdad. "We don't believe that it's going to work," he added. But intelligence officials believe the recording may also be intended to dispel any notions or rumors the reclusive Baghdadi has been killed. Some analysts examining the pacing and the rhetoric in the audio message think the significance of the recording could be even greater, suggesting a key shift in the way IS has been fighting up until now. "Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's statement is the fastest in tempo and strongest among his speeches," according to a Tweet by Hassan Hassan, a resident fellow at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy who has written extensively about IS. "The new tone/message tells us clearly that ISIS wants the remaining strongholds to be a big show," Hassan added in another tweet. "It won't withdraw as it did before." Choosing their fights There are indications that IS fighters are prepared to make such a stand in spite of overwhelming odds. "They don't seem to be panicking," a U.S. official told VOA. The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said despite the faster than expected advance of Iraqi and Kurdish forces, IS fighters in and around Mosul were showing no signs of abandoning their training or giving up their well-known tactics. U.S. defense officials also say it appears IS is picking its fights carefully. "In some villages, they slice through them like butter, and there's very little resistance at all, and ISIL up and leaves," Pentagon spokesman, Capt. Jeff Davis said Wednesday when asked about the type of resistance Iraqi and Kurdish forces were encountering around Mosul. "There are others that put up quite a fight," he added. Even civilians who have been rescued from IS say there are few signs the terror group is ready to fall apart. "I spoke to this large group of civilians who had been marched by ISIS north," said Human Rights Watch senior Iraq researcher Belkis Wille after visiting with civilians at Jeddah camp, near Qayyarah airfield south of Mosul. "They made it sound fairly organized," she said. "ISIS came door to door, knocked on each door, told people they had to leave. They had vehicles kind of patrolling the group as they were walking." How long? The question is just how long the group will be able to maintain that type of coherence, with the toughest and bloodiest fighting still ahead. And while in the past IS fighters have often fled in the face of overwhelming force, that may not be the case for those forces left in Mosul. "If they're still in Mosul, given that they've known there's a massive buildup of troops in that area, that means they probably want to fight till the end," said former CIA analyst Aki Peritz, now with George Washington University's Center for Cyber and Homeland Security. And with the number of likely escape routes shrinking, IS fighters may not have much of a choice. Scientists in Kenya are fitting radio collars on elephants to help secure the "corridors" they use between national parks, part of a conservation drive that has seen the nation's elephant population double within the last 35 years. "The purpose for collaring the elephants is that will provide information on its movements across this landscape," said Steve Jumbe, head of programs in East Africa for the conservation body International Fund for Animal Welfare. "Those movements will define critical corridors and dispersal areas that the elephants use ... so that we can secure [these areas.]" Conservationists used a combination of helicopters, four-wheel-drive vehicles and elders from the local Masaai tribe to track the elephants across the grass savannah. Two more elephants were fitted with collars Wednesday, making a total of 14 elephants being tracked under the program. Both were darted outside the limits of Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya, in areas where herders were grazing livestock, underscoring the potential for conflict with humans. Elephants also often raid crops and farms as they migrate between parks, angering villagers who rely on their produce to feed their families. But tracking data from the IFAW project showed elephants could be deterred by electric fences around farms, suggesting a way for the animals and their human neighbors to live together more peacefully. The collars can also provide rangers with an early warning if the elephants are straying too close to human habitation. The Kenya Wildlife Service said elephant numbers had rebounded to 32,000 from a low of 16,000 in 1989, the year that the world conservation body CITES banned sales of ivory from African elephants. Kenya's Wildlife Service was set up a year later. However, elephants remain threatened by poaching and habitat loss. Lebanon's prime minister-designate vowed on Thursday to work swiftly to put together a "national unity government that overcomes political divisions'' that have plagued the Mideast nation for years. The pledge by Saad Hariri, who already served as prime minister for 14 months until early 2011, came shortly after the country's newly elected president, Michel Aoun, asked him to form a new Cabinet. That process can go on for weeks or even months, and usually involves much bargaining among Lebanon's notoriously fragmented politicians. The government must then win parliament's approval. Aoun's office made the announcement about Hariri after two days of talks with lawmakers over their choice of prime minister. The statement didn't say how many lawmakers supported the 46-year-old Hariri for the post. A Christian leader and strong ally of the Shiite Hezbollah group, Aoun was elected by parliament as president on Monday, ending a 29-month presidential vacuum in Lebanon. His election was made possible after Hariri endorsed him for president, based on an understanding that Aoun would then appoint him as prime minister. "It is a new era,'' a beaming Hariri told journalists gathered at the Baabda presidential palace, repeating the phrase three times. "I have great hope -in this positive moment that ends the suffering of the country and its citizens that lasted for two-and-a-half years of vacancy and paralysis,'' he said. According to Lebanon's sectarian-based power-sharing system, the president must be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Muslim Sunni and the parliament speaker a Shiite Muslim. The Aoun-Hariri deal is an unlikely partnership between rivals: Aoun, a longtime Syria foe now allied with pro-Syrian forces, and Hariri, a vocal opponent of President Bashar Assad and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. Many Lebanese are skeptical Aoun's election would make a difference or that the country's perpetually divided politicians and dysfunctional politics would change. Still, most have breathed a sigh of relief that the country's top post has been filled following a two-year vacuum that brought state institutions dangerously close to collapse. That the country was able to execute a peaceful election in a region wracked by violence and conflict, however, was seen as a small victory for Lebanon. "We owe it to the Lebanese to start working as soon as possible to protect our country from the flames burning around it, to reinforce its immunity in the face of terrorism, to help it deal with the difficulty of the refugees' issue,'' Hariri said. Hariri is the son of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, a billionaire businessman and influential politician who was assassinated in a massive seaside bombing in 2005 in Beirut. Several Hezbollah members are being tried in absentia for the killing by a Netherlands-based U.N.-backed tribunal. Hariri, who holds a Georgetown University degree in international business, was a political novice thrown into politics when he took over his father's political mantle after the senior Hariri was killed. He headed a 14-month national unity government from late 2009 until early 2011, which collapsed after Hezbollah and its allies resigned from the Cabinet in a dispute over upcoming indictments in Rafik Hariri's assassination. Sometime after polls close on November 8, Americans will find out the next president of the United States. But one of the most intriguing questions of the 2016 election won't be resolved: what happens to the Republican Party in the age of Donald Trump? One person watching closely is independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin. One of Trump's fiercest conservative critics, McMullin isn't optimistic about where the Republican Party is headed under the leadership of its presidential nominee. "I think Donald Trump is doing potentially existential damage to the Republican Party," McMullin told VOA during an interview at his campaign headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. McMullin, who only entered the race in August, is threatening to pull off an upset victory in Utah, his home state. If that happens, it could be devastating to Trump's presidential chances, since the race between Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton appears to be narrowing and may be decided by a small number of electoral votes. McMullin's own chances of winning the presidency are slim. He's only on the ballot in 11 states. Even if he won all of those states, he'd still fall far short of the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency. The only way McMullin could possibly win is if neither Trump nor Clinton reached the needed threshold, sending the race to Congress to decide. After the election Instead, McMullin is looking past the election, beyond his own candidacy and toward what he calls a "new conservative movement" that would run parallel to the Republican Party. It's not certain that he can pull off such an ambitious proposal. And his own role in that movement is unclear. But nonetheless, he says it's important to provide a conservative alternative to Trump. "He has given the white supremacist movement a voice. He has opened the door for increased sexism and religious bigotry," McMullin said. "And that makes it very difficult for a party in a country as diverse as ours to offer leadership to the American people." McMullin is careful to emphasize that not all Trump supporters are white supremacists. But still, it's an issue he spends a lot of time talking about. During his 15-minute interview with VOA, he brought up white nationalists or white supremacists six times. The single, 40-year-old McMullin entered the national political scene only three months ago. Before that, he served 10 years as a CIA operative, including a stint as an undercover spy during the Iraq War. He's been a Mormon missionary to Brazil, an investment banker at Goldman Sachs, and a director of the House Republican Conference, focusing on domestic and foreign policy. McMullin calls himself a constitutional conservative, favoring limited government, and in that way is not unique for a Republican. But on social issues, he's relatively progressive, at least compared to some of his conservative peers in Washington. (For instance, he said he's personally against same-sex marriage, but considers the issue to have been settled by the Supreme Court.) On foreign policy, McMullin goes against the recent trend of isolationism within the Trump-led GOP. He is highly critical of President Barack Obama's foreign policy, saying it is too weak and has resulted in the U.S. withdrawing its leadership in the world. He also supports free trade, going against the recent wave of protectionism that has sprung up in both parties during the current election. In many aspects, McMullin dreams of a moderate conservative political party that doesn't actually exist right now. And he's using this election as a platform to see if he can make it happen. New party? McMullin isn't dead set on starting a new political party. But in his view, if Republicans continue to follow Trump, there won't be a choice. "If the Republican Party isn't able to change, and isn't able to reverse course and essentially do a 180-degree turn and go in the opposite direction, then I believe that it will shrink in size and influence and ultimately become a populist white nationalist party," he said. Historically, new political parties have largely failed to become competitive in the modern U.S. political arena. But McMullin points to exceptions, including the Republican Party itself, which rose to power on an anti-slavery platform in 1854, to the demise of a fractured Whig Party. But more recently, such efforts have failed. Political scientists point to a number of reasons. One factor is structural restraints, such as the first-past-the-post election system, which ensures that the parties of losing candidates do not receive any representation. "In American politics, the system is stacked against new parties," said Quin Monson, political scientist at Brigham Young University. To counter those challenges, any successful new party must identify and exploit a single polarizing issue that divides a large portion of the U.S. electorate, he says. Does McMullin have a single issue that is divisive enough to drive a significant wedge between traditional conservatives and those in the Trump camp? And could that issue be Trump's nativist appeals? Some political scientists say that's at least conceivable. "Trump and his supporters take much more explicitly nativist stances, basically saying we need to stop immigration and protect not only how America is now, but move it back to what it once was, and limit foreign influence," said Seth Masket, political science professor at the University of Denver, who believes the Republican Party is currently divided among two camps. "You have another good chunk of the Republican Party who for years now has been saying that's not how we win elections, that this country, whether we like it or not is becoming steadily more diverse and we have to learn now how to reach out to these people's concerns," Masket said. Looking ahead There is no shortage of prominent anti-Trump figures who would be well-placed to take up the conservative mantle, including 2012 Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, Ohio Governor John Kasich, or Arizona Senator John McCain. Where does McMullin fit among those figures, and is he considering a 2020 run for president, if Trump loses? Asked those questions, McMullin deflected, saying he's content for now to be a conservative alternative to Trump, hoping that can serve as a launching pad for a message that will carry forward beyond election day. "We concentrate more on building a new conservative movement," he said. "I'm not sure what my role will be in that." By PTI: PTI11_3_2016_000087B Bhiwani(Har)/New Delhi, Nov 3 (PTI) Ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal, whose alleged suicide over OROP issue unleashed a political storm, was today cremated at his native village in Haryana where politics played out with Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal being among the mourners. There was no let up in political bickering over the suicide on the issue of One Rank One Pension(OROP) with Union Minister V K Singh saying Grewal was a Congress worker, a day after he raised questions about the "mental state" of the 70- year-old ex-serviceman. Congress leader Raj Babbar slammed the former army chief for his remarks while one of Grewals sons said he did not contest on Congress ticket. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar hit out at Congress for "playing politics" over the suicide even as Kejriwal announced a compensation of Rs one crore for the family of Grewal. The case of Grewals suicide in the national capital on Tuesday was, meanwhile, handed over to the Crime Branch of Delhi police. Grewals eldest son Dilawar lit the pyre at around noon in the presence of a large number of people who had gathered from nearby areas in Bamla, 20 km away from Bhiwani in Haryana. advertisement Grewal, who was a former sarpanch of his village, committed suicide by consuming poison at a park in New Delhi on Tuesday evening. Tight security arrangements were made today in view of the events in New Delhi where Rahul and Kejriwal were detained by police. The Congress Vice President, who travelled by road, spent a few minutes with the grieving family members of Grewal. He had to jostle with the crowd to reach the family members of Grewal as slogans of "Ram Kishan amar rahe" rent the air. Other Congress leaders including former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Haryana Congress President Ashok Tanwar, Leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Kiran Chaudhary, Selja and Kuldip Bishnoi werea also present. Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Randeep Singh Surjewala and TMCs Derek O Brien also reached the village. "I want the people to take his fight forward. We will fight till our last breath and snatch OROP from the Centre. Our soldiers deserve what is their due," Kejriwal told reporters in Bhiwani. On allegations that AAP was politicising the issue, Kejriwal said, "Yes, we are doing politics. We are doing politics to grant our soldiers their rights while Modiji is doing politics to take those rights away." Under the AAP governments compensation policy, the families of martyrs who are residents of Delhi are given Rs one crore. Gen(retd) V K Singh also rejected reports about Grewal being a prominent face of the OROPagitation, saying ex- servicemen protesting at Jantar Mantar for its implementation had yesterday said they had seen the former armyman at the protest venue for the first time before he committed suicide. "It is very unfortunate that political parties are playing politics over the body of an ex-serviceman. It should not happen. Whether Congress or AAP is playing politics, it is condemnable," Khattar told reporters in Chandigarh. PTI VJ SBR EMY RT AKA GSN GSN --- ENDS --- Grainy video images and the screams of a young fishmonger who was crushed to death in a garbage truck while trying to stop police destroying his stock have shocked Moroccans and brought thousands on to the streets to protest. Five years after pro-democracy protests shook Morocco, this week's unrest is a reminder of pent-up frustrations the monarchy has managed to tame in the past with limited constitutional reforms, heavy welfare spending and tough security. With a rallying cry against the Makhzen - a term used to describe the royal establishment - protesters have vowed to stage more demonstrations over Mouhcine Fikri's death in the northern city of Al-Hoceima, which was captured on video by witnesses and widely shared on social media. They say he is a symbol of abuses against Moroccans and has revived the spirit of the February 20 movement which led the pro-democracy demonstrations that swept the country. The political and social stability of Morocco is closely watched by Western governments as it is the only country in North Africa where jihadist groups have failed to gain a foothold, and is an important partner against Islamist militancy in terms of intelligence-sharing. The public anger over the death has echoes of how Tunisia's own 2011 uprising began, when a young street vendor set himself on fire after police confiscated his fruit and vegetables. That uprising swept Tunisian President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali from power and triggered "Arab Spring" revolts across the region. But there are fundamental differences with Morocco, where now and even five years ago calls for greater freedoms and reform have not been directed at toppling the king. Morocco has a deeply rooted monarchy - the Muslim world's longest-serving dynasty - while Tunisia's autocracy was based around Ben Ali, who came to power in 1987, and his family. Preventing a repeat of 2011 The political protests - rare in Morocco - will nevertheless test the nerves of a kingdom that presents itself as a model for economic stability and gradual change and a haven for foreign investment in a region torn by violence and political upheaval. The monarchy wants to prevent the unrest from escalating to the level of the 2011 protests, which lasted about a year and forced King Mohamed to cede some of his absolute powers to the elected government. Protest organizers say the anger at Fikri's death, which shocked even staunch royalists, has rekindled the broader resentment at the establishment over joblessness and the big gap between rich and poor that drove those pro-democracy protests. "People learned from February 20 movement to not let themselves to be fooled, so we will fight with all our strength for the dignity that Fikri died for," said Nasser Zafzafi, one of the organizers. "We do not want scapegoats, but for the truly responsible to be punished, including high officials." Most of the kingdom's 34 million people follow a moderate form of Islam and the country has long acted as a bridge for Westerners to Islamic and African culture. The king holds executive powers but also claims religious legitimacy as the commander of the faithful. Royal condolences In an attempt to calm tensions, King Mohamed, currently touring Africa, ordered the interior minister to visit the victim's family and present royal condolences - a rare gesture of conciliation by the monarchy at a time of public protests. The minister said Fikri did not deserve what happened to him and promised the investigation would punish those responsible. Just like other governments in North Africa, Moroccan authorities often heavily police protests, nervous over popular unrest since 2011. Tunisia has seen rioting twice this year in its south over jobs and unions are warning over austerity plans. But the security forces appear to have taken a more low-key, hands-off approach this week, waiting in side streets and staying away from where demonstrations rallied. The authorities' more conciliatory approach this week, compared with in 2011 and during other more minor unrest since, could be partly down to the timing, according to political analysts. The protests erupted at a sensitive moment as the kingdom prepares to host the 2016 United Nations climate change conference in November (COP22) and the prime minister begins to form a coalition government after elections last month. "The Moroccan regime knows how to buy peace, especially now that the country is hosting COP22," said Mohammed Larbi Ben Othmane, a political scientist in Rabat university. "They know how to adapt, you would even see members of the royal cabinet protesting with people if they need to do so, but they will never show weakness." Ultimate authority Fikri's death last week prompted thousands of people to take to the streets for four days of protests in Al-Hoceima and major cities across the country including the capital Rabat and Marrakesh, among the biggest rallies Morocco has seen since 2011. Moroccan authorities have charged 11 people, jailing eight of them, over the death of Fikri who was crushed in a trash truck while trying to stop police from destroying 500 kilograms of swordfish they say he purchased illegally. The general prosecutor said on Tuesday those charged on involuntary manslaughter were two interior ministry officials, two local fisheries officials and a veterinary chief. Activists accused police officers at the scene of ordering garbage men to "grind" Fikri but the police denied those accusations. The involvement of local officials has fueled anger at the establishment and a frenzy of postings on social media blaming the Makhzen, reminding many of the February 20 movement calls to curb the monarchy's absolute powers. When protests erupted in 2011, the king called a referendum which backed constitutional reforms that saw him cede some of his powers to the government and guarantee more rights, including freedom of speech. He remains the ultimate authority in Morocco, however. Many February 20 activists were disappointed by the reforms, which they believe did not go far enough to bring democracy, and any suggestion of a resurgence of the movement is sensitive for a monarchic political system that critics describe as a medieval and archaic. "What happened shows that all the people who thought the February 20 movement was dead were wrong," said Ben Othmane. "Moroccans did not lose that capacity to resist." The National Geographic's iconic "Afghan Girl", Sharbat Gulla, has been hospitalized for unspecified medical treatment as she remains in police custody in Pakistan, officials said Thursday. Police arrested Gulla, 46, last week at her residence in the city of Peshawar on charges of fraudulently obtaining Pakistani national identity cards for her herself and her two sons. Gullas arrest has outraged human rights and civil society activists in Pakistan, while authorities in Afghanistan criticized it as part of an alleged ongoing harassment campaign trying to force Afghan refugees to leave the country, but the Pakistani government defended their decision and maintains she broke the law. "Ms. Gula has been receiving adequate hospital treatment," Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said Thursday. "Let me reiterate that there has been no cruel action taken against her. The rightful legal course has been pursued in this case, and you will see the outcome shortly." Presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are concentrating their efforts on North Carolina and Florida, two states seen by both campaigns as vital to winning the November 8 election. Trump has four rallies scheduled along the East Coast Thursday, beginning in the northern Florida city of Jacksonville before heading to a stop in eastern Pennsylvania and finally finishing out the day with two stops in North Carolina. Clinton, meanwhile, has two rallies scheduled in North Carolina, the first in Greenville, the second in nearby Raleigh. President Barack Obama will be campaigning on Clintons behalf in Florida, with an early morning stop planned for Miami and a later rally scheduled in Jacksonville just 30 miles from Trump's event and at the same time. Recent polling from both states shows the candidates in a virtual tie as the final week of the campaign comes to an end. The momentum seems to be in Trumps favor, as hes been able to close a four-point deficit in Florida and a three-point gap in North Carolina since the beginning of last week, according to a Real Clear Politics average of polls. North Carolina and Florida are considered swing states because, unlike many other states, they could go for either political party during presidential elections. For instance, North Carolina went for Obama in 2008 but switched in 2012 and supported Republican Mitt Romney. Florida voted twice for Republican George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004 but switched and went to Obama in 2008 and 2012, with the 2012 election decided by less than 0.9 percent of the vote. The two states are seen as particularly valuable swing states because of their high number of electoral votes: 15 in North Carolina and 29 in Florida. Only Texas, a Republican stronghold, and California, a Democrat stronghold, offer more electoral votes than Florida, with 38 and 55, respectively. For Trump, Florida is a virtual must-win, as his chances of winning the election drop to single digits should he lose the state. Clinton, though, could conceivably lose Florida and still have about a 40 percent chance of winning. If either candidate were to lose both states, their chances of winning would drop significantly. Realizing this, Trump has been spending virtually all of his time in Florida over the past few days, holding three rallies across the state just on Wednesday. During a rally in Pensacola on Wednesday, Trump hit both Clinton and Obama, who he said should stop campaigning for her and get back into the Oval Office to create jobs and keep watch on U.S. borders. Trump said a Clinton presidency would create an "unprecedented and protracted constitutional crisis." He said her handling of emails while secretary of state would remain an issue throughout her potential administration. WATCH: Trump Talks of 'Crisis' of Clinton Win FBI Director James Comey said last week he is reviving the email investigation after declaring in July that Clinton was "extremely careless" in her use of a private email server, but her actions showed no criminal intent. The FBI found emails it says may be germane to the Clinton case while carrying out a separate investigation into former U.S. congressman Anthony Weiner's alleged sexual online relationship with a 15 year-old girl. Clinton predicted authorities would reach the same conclusion they did in July. "There is no case here," she shouted during a campaign event earlier this week. Obama reaches out to black voters Obama, understanding the importance of North Carolinas electoral votes in the upcoming election, on Wednesday appealed to the state's black voters. Their support for Clinton is "not as solid as it needs to be, he said. Early voting numbers show a sharp downturn among black voters compared with four years ago, a concern for the Clinton campaign. Obama won two elections thanks in part to the turnout of black voters. Speaking with nationally syndicated radio host Tom Joyner ahead of a campaign event in North Carolina Wednesday, Obama noted black voters' lack of support for Clinton. Im going to be honest with you right now, because we track, weve got early voting, weve got all kinds of metrics to see whats going on, and right now, the Latino vote is up. Overall vote is up. But the African-American vote right now is not as solid as it needs to be," Obama said. In North Carolina, black voters have cast 111,000 fewer ballots than this time in 2012, a drop-off of about 16 percent. Obama admitted that the excitement level seen for him and first lady Michelle Obama hasnt materialized for Clinton, but said in order to continue his legacy, black voters needed to show up for her. You know what? I need everybody to understand that everything weve done is dependent on me being able to pass the baton to somebody who believes in the same things that I believe in," he said. "So if you really care about my presidency and what weve accomplished, then you are going to go and vote." The president also warned that more than just his legacy was at risk if Trump, who he called "uniquely unqualified," becomes president. "I ran against John McCain, I ran against Mitt Romney. I thought I would be a better president but I never thought that the republic was at risk if they were elected," Obama said. WATCH: Obama Calls Trump 'Uniquely Unqualified' Pakistan has accused eight Indian diplomats of espionage and sponsoring terrorism on its soil, just days after withdrawing six of its diplomatic staffers facing similar allegations in India. The reciprocal actions come as military clashes between the two nuclear-armed rival nations continued across their disputed Kashmir border amid fears of another full-scale war in the region. A number of Indian diplomats and staff belonging to the Indian intelligence agencies RAW (Research & Analysis Wing) and IB (Intelligence Bureau) have been found involved in coordinating terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan under the garb of diplomatic assignments, foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said Thursday in Islamabad. He identified Indias commercial counselor, Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri, as RAWs station chief in Islamabad. India reacts India rejected the allegations as "baseless." "We completely reject the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations made by Pakistan against certain officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad Indian foreign ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday. The allegations against the Indian officials represent an afterthought and a crude attempt to target these officials for no fault of theirs, he said. New Delhi says the officials named by Islamabad were involved in promoting people-to-people, trade and economic contacts between the two countries. We also regret the fact that Pakistans step adds to the risks to peace and security in the region emanating from Pakistans support to cross border terrorism against its neighbors, Swarup said. Pakistan details allegations Back in Islamabad, foreign ministry spokesman Zakaria released a list of alleged espionage activities the Indian diplomatic staff was involved in. They included alleged subversive activities aimed at fueling violence in the province of Baluchistan and the largest southern port city of Karachi. Zakaria added the network was also plotting to sabotage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC. Beijing is investing around $50 billion to build road, rail and communication networks to link western China to Pakistan's deep-water port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea. The foreign ministry spokesman asserted that Indian officials were also in contact with the anti-state Pakistani Taliban in their bid to damage Islamabads relations with neighboring Afghanistan. This is the gravest development that goes against the accepted norms of conducted diplomatic relations. This serious and most deplorable development is under constant review by the relevant authorities who will determine the next course of action, Zakaria said when asked whether the Indians will be expelled from Pakistan. He criticized India for subjecting a Pakistani diplomatic staffer to torture and a beating before expelling him from the country last week and later deliberately releasing names of six other diplomats accusing them of terrorism. Zakaria defended the withdrawal of the Pakistani diplomatic staff, saying the media leaks endangered their lives while their families were harassed, preventing them from undertaking diplomatic duties. Deadly clashes The diplomatic actions and counter actions follow days of clashes along the Line of Control that separates the Indian and Pakistani portions of Kashmir. The skirmishes left at least 20 people dead, mostly civilians, while dozens more were wounded and thousands fled to safer places. An already tense relationship between India and Pakistan worsened after New Delhi accused Islamabad of being behind a September militant raid on an Indian military base in Kashmir that killed 19 Indian soldiers. Pakistan rejected the charges. Days later, India announced it conducted retaliatory surgical strikes on the Pakistani side of the Kashmir frontier to eliminate militants, assertions Islamabad rejected as concocted and fabricated. Bilateral relations have since plunged to new lows amid fears the military clashes could escalate into a full-blown war. India and Pakistan have fought three wars, two over Kashmir, since gaining independence from Britain in 1947. But the rival nations have since equipped their militaries with nuclear weapons, raising concerns of nuclear exchanges in the event of a war. On his first voyage as captain, Philippine fisherman Joel Banila was more worried about being battered by Chinese coast guard ships than he was about the impending storm on the horizon in the South China Sea. His was one of the first boats to gamble on the big catches available in and around the disputed Scarborough Shoal since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made surprise overtures toward China, which sees the area as its sovereign territory. For four years, Chinese ships have blockaded the tranquil lagoon rich in fish stocks and forced fishermen from the Philippines to travel farther for smaller catches, reflecting tensions in the South China Sea, where several countries have overlapping claims. Frosty relations between China and the Philippines have improved markedly, however, as Duterte shifts away from traditional ally Washington and closer to Beijing, and some fishermen have decided to take a calculated risk. "I felt a bit nervous because it was my first time serving as captain," Banila, 32, told Reuters, a day after making the 10-hour, 124-mile journey back to the shores of the northwest Philippines. "We heard what happened before, that they [Chinese ships] ram the boats, so I was moving slowly around the shoal, but nothing happened." China: No change There has been considerable confusion at sea since Duterte's diplomatic shift, with China's foreign ministry saying this week that the situation at Scarborough Shoal "has not changed and will not change." Philippine officials said fishermen could return, but confirmed no agreement had been reached when Duterte visited Beijing two weeks ago in search of investment, trade and unimpeded access to the shoal. Duterte's outreach has stunned the region, coming just months after an arbitration tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines in a case it lodged in 2013 to challenge not only China's control of the rocky outcrop but also the legality of its man-made islands and vast maritime claims. "We heard there was a [Philippine] boat there, so we also tried go to Scarborough," Banila said. Some bountiful catches The situation is far from certain at the shoal, which the arbitral ruling said should be shared by all claimants, and no one country had sovereign rights to it. China has rejected the tribunal's findings. The Philippine defense minister and the president's spokesman on Friday said Chinese ships had withdrawn from the area. Within two days, defense and coast guard officials said Chinese were still there, but had scaled back their presence since Duterte's visit. Some fishermen have returned with big smiles and bountiful catches, reporting no interference from the Chinese as they accessed the lagoon. Among them was Cornel Garnel, who got back last week. "Before, when fishermen tried to fish there, they were driven away by water cannon," he said. Satellite imagery taken on Saturday by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative and the Center for Strategic and International Studies, however, showed fishermen were not entering the shoal itself and were working on its periphery, with China's coast guard still present. Banila said he spotted four Chinese ships, one at the mouth of the lagoon and three circling the area. His boat stayed outside, following the advice of other fishermen. "We were close enough for us to see them, but we can't go inside, only outside," he added. Leniency, but anxiety Laureano Artagame, a senior fisheries management official in Subic, said it was "unacceptable" that Chinese ships had let Filipinos shelter at the shoal during a typhoon, but made them leave afterward. "There is already a decision by the international arbitral court ... so why are the Chinese still there?" he said. "Yes, there's some leniency now, there's no more harassment. But there is still anxiety. They still worry." Artagame said the blockade meant fishermen had to be at sea three times longer to catch the kind of volumes of fish they would at Scarborough. He said fishermen were unhappy with the diplomatic ambiguity, and he planned to meet representatives of Duterte's government soon to push for answers. "One of the things we will talk about ... is to really ask the government, 'Is there a clear agreement opening the Scarborough? And why are they still blocking the entrance?' " he said. 2 For hours on Thursday crowds of people approached an empty camp, one several either set up or being set up in anticipation of a million newly displaced people from Mosul on Nov. 3, 2016, at the Khazir camp in Kurdish Iraq. (H.Shekha/VOA) Human rights group Amnesty International has accused Italian police of abusing migrants arriving on its shores from North Africa - including beatings and electric shocks. Amnesty accuses the European Unions so-called "hot spot" system of pressuring Italy into abusing the migrants. Under Europes "hotspot" system, all migrants are meant to be fingerprinted and processed in frontline countries like Italy allowing for a quick assessment of their asylum claims. But, in many cases, migrants refuse because they want to claim asylum in other European countries which is against EU law. Twenty-four of 170 migrants interviewed by Amnesty said they had been abused after refusing to give their fingerprints. Ill-treatment included beatings, but also the use of electricity, the discharge of electricity by means of stun weapons. And also threats threats of violence, beatings, or also permanent, prolonged detention, said Matteo de Bellis, who conducted the research. Next, Italian authorities attempt to separate genuine refugees escaping war or persecution from so-called "economic" migrants. Amnestys De Bellis says they take little account of the trauma many migrants have suffered on the journey. They have very often suffered abuses including torture, rape and prolonged detention," he said. "When they arrive in Italy, refugees and migrants are requested to explain what are the reasons. But actually in that moment very often they are still too traumatized." Failed asylum seekers can be forcibly repatriated. Including to countries whose governments are responsible for appalling atrocities," said De Bellis. "This is the case of Sudan for example, with which the Italian government has subscribed a memorandum of understanding in August this year. Amnesty says it has evidence that Italy has forcibly returned asylum seekers from the Darfur region of Sudan where a conflict between government-backed militias and rebels has killed tens of thousands of people. The EU insists it aims to uphold the highest standards of human rights when processing migrants. The head of the EU border agency Frontex, Fabrice Leggeri, said this week the bloc aims to expedite the return of failed asylum seekers. The agency uses these readmission agreements negotiated by the Commission at EU level," he said. "So as soon as we have EU readmission agreement we can, based on that, organize operations. October marked a record month for migrant arrivals in Italy with more than 27,000 people reaching its shores. More than 200 people have drowned in the past week and a-half alone. More than two dozen schools have been burned in Indian Kashmir by unidentified arsonists during the last two months as education becomes a new flashpoint in the unrest that has gripped the region since July. It is first time that schools have been targeted on this scale in the restive Himalayan valley where Islamic militants usually strike at military or police targets. Most schools have also remained closed for nearly four months due to a shutdown call given by separatist leaders in the state. After three schools were set ablaze last weekend, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court called on the state government to ensure their protection, unmask the enemies of education and deal with them with an iron hand. But there appear to be no clear answers as to who is behind the spate of destruction of school buildings that has taken place across 10 districts. Some schools have been completely gutted, while others are partially burnt. Police say they have made some arrests, but have not announced who is to blame. Observers say the burning of the institutions accelerated after the state government made attempts to reopen schools, and announced that examinations would be held on schedule despite their prolonged shutdown. Schools were initially closed due to a curfew imposed after the killing of a local militant leader, Burhan Wani, triggered a wave of violent anti-India protests in which about 90 people have died. Later separatist leaders included educational institutions in weekly strike instructions they have been issuing. Top state officials have slammed the separatists, saying they want to raise a generation of uneducated youth who can be used to pelt security forces with stones. That is the intention. To keep them away from schools and have cannon fodder ready, Kashmir education minister, Naeem Akhtar told VOA. They (separatists) have allowed businesses to work partially, the private trade, everything is going on. It is about denying education to students, he said. Condemning the burning of schools, Kashmirs main coalition of separatist groups, the All Parties Huriyat Conference, has shot back saying that the school burnings are part of a well-planned strategy to malign the ongoing movement and paint it as violence and anarchy. Amid the accusations and counter accusations, observers point out that the victims are the tens of thousands of students in the valley. For the government, reopening schools would be a signal that normalcy has returned to Kashmir, which is suffering its most prolonged phase of unrest since a violent separatist insurgency abated 15 years ago. Top separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani has said schools will only be allowed to open once the government concedes to their demand to release all those detained during the protests. It is just so sad that all issues in Kashmir begin to become about propaganda or rhetoric when these are very important daily life issues. It is between ridiculous and tragic, said Radha Kumar, a policy analyst who was a government interlocutor in Kashmir when protests gripped the region six years ago. Both the police and state government have appealed to the local community for help in protecting the schools, saying it is impossible to provide security to over 12,000 buildings spread over the mountainous region. As the arsons triggers a wave of popular anger, Education Minister Akhtar sees a ray of hope. The silver lining is that society has risen like one man. In fact the entire education has become a subject of debate. That is what I see as a silver lining in otherwise a very dark horizon, he said. In a region where there is widespread alienation and anger with security forces and the state government, the burning down of schools has caused consternation. Kumar said, at least where the issue of education is concerned, public opinion is with the government. What the government does have in their favor is that there is now a large public outcry against the burning of schools, she said. That should help them a great deal if they show a serious commitment to reopening the schools and providing education. South Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, Meenakshi Ganguly, said the situation in Kashmir since July has been very difficult for young students. Burning of schools is a serious concern. Attacks upon schools denies the child the right to an education, he said. Divided between India and Pakistan, Kashmir was wracked with a violent separatist insurgency in the 1990s, but the situation had greatly improved in the last 15 years, although there were brief phases of unrest. The present turmoil however has raised fears that it is slipping back into a conflict phase. Serbia and Russia began joint military exercises on Serbian territory on Thursday in a move likely to reinforce increased East-West tensions just as a five-day NATO drill in neighboring Montenegro draws to a close. Serbia is trying to balance its traditionally warm ties with Russia, a fellow Slavic, Orthodox Christian nation, with its push for membership of the European Union and closer relations with NATO, though it has no plans to join the Atlantic alliance. In the exercise dubbed "Slavic Brotherhood," which runs until November 9, more than 700 troops from Serbia, Russia and Belarus will stage helicopter assaults, a mock attack on an insurgent base, evacuate casualties and practice artillery bombardment. "It will all be very attractive," defense ministry spokesman Jovan Krivokapic told Tanjug news agency. The launch of the exercise coincides with the end of the NATO drill in Montenegro, which focused on handling emergency situations such as floods or chemical attacks that included 680 unarmed personnel from seven NATO members and also 10 partner countries including Serbia. The exercise also coincides with a deep chill in relations between Russia and the U.S.-led Atlantic alliance. NATO has announced plans to send troops, tanks and planes to the Baltic states and Poland to counter what it perceives as a more assertive Russia following Moscow's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and other actions. Serbia, which relies on Russia for energy, is not actively seeking membership of NATO, which remains unpopular among Serbs because of its 1999 bombing campaign to drive Serbian forces out of Kosovo. But as part of its integration with the West, Serbia last year signed the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), the highest level of cooperation between NATO and a country not aspiring to join. Since 2006, Serbia has held 1,400 various activities with NATO, including 197 last year. In 2016, out of 26 training exercises only two are with Russia. Out of 21 multinational training drills in 2015, the Serbian military participated in only two with Russia. Montenegro, which split from Serbia a decade ago, accepted an invitation last year to join NATO, angering Moscow. Last month Montenegro's outgoing Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic accused Moscow of meddling in his country's parliamentary election campaign and of financing the opposition. Protecting the environment makes nations more prosperous, a think tank said on Thursday, as a study showed Slovenia is the country best at using nature to improve the well-being of its citizens. In its study, the London-based Legatum Institute for the first time included governments' efforts to reduce pollution, preserve biodiversity and limit the exploitation of natural resources in a formula to calculate its annual prosperity index. "Protecting the environment, leaving citizens with a nicer, cleaner and even prettier environment, is strongly linked to well-being," Alexandra Mousavizadeh, director at the Legatum Institute, told Reuters. The index is published amid increased global efforts to tackle climate change and foster sustainable growth. In September last year, U.N. member states set a number of ambitious targets to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. In December, nearly 200 nations agreed to keep global temperature increases to below 2 degrees Celsius to curb global warming, as part of the landmark accord reached in Paris. The Legatum Institute's index measures the prosperity of 149 countries based not only on their wealth but also on a series of other factors including education, personal freedoms, how safe people feel and how they get on with their neighbors. In 2016, New Zealand was ranked first, followed by Norway, while Slovenia came top in the category dedicated to the natural environment. Its ranking was due to the "aggressive" environmental policy Slovenia has adopted over the past decade, which has included the creation of large protected areas on land and sea, according to the institute. "Slovenia is a country with a high diversity of natural environment gathered in a small area," the Slovenian ministry of the environment said in a statement. "Preserved nature is our core national treasure and our identity." The creation of natural parks increased health and happiness as well as helping the tourism industry, which, in turn, boosted the country's overall wealth, said Harriet Maltby, head of policy research at the institute's Prosperity Index. The new index penalized fast-developing countries like China and India that generated high levels of growth, reducing poverty, but at the expense of air quality. A "cool" high school teacher who had never discussed anything sexual in class will lose his salary of 120 days for having a discussion about stripping and prostitution with several female students in a darkroom. By India Today Web Desk: A New Jersey high school teacher will lose his salary of 120 days for discussing stripping and prostitution with female students. Thomas Strassle, a tenured teacher, had this "inappropriate" discussion during a photography class at Old Bridge High School. Strassle's annual salary is $106,778 (Rs 71,18,889) and he was also accused of requesting sexual favours in return of money to a female student but the charge was dismissed by arbitrator Melissa Biren due to absence of "competent and reliable evidence". advertisement Also read: Son of a gangster: Watch bullies brutally thrash schoolmate in Bihar One student told the arbitrator that one of the students said, that one of the fastest ways to make money was to become a stripper. To this Strassle asked 4-5 students involved in the conversation if they would do anything for money "like with someone around his age". The student testified that the girls responded saying "not really" and the conversation ended there. The student also said that Strassle was a "cool teacher" and had never discussed anything sexual in class. Also read: Malaysia: Woman locks 8-year-old daughter to lamp post with shackles for missing school However, the arbitrator found that Strassle had violated the school district policy by having a discussion about stripping and prostitution with several female students in a darkroom, reported AP. --- ENDS --- South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) party has warned its members to avoid corruption and abuse of state power. The party was reacting to a report from the nations anti-corruption chief that suggested President Jacob Zuma allowed a powerful family to choose cabinet ministers. The main opposition party is now pushing for a motion of no confidence against the president. In a statement Thursday, the ANC said it welcomes what is known as the State Capture Report. The party said the report gives it a basis to discuss the allegations of corruption, but fell short of saying that action will be taken against President Zuma and others who are implicated. In the report, former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela details accounts of a number of current and former government officials who were approached by the wealthy Gupta family to either take cabinet posts or make decisions that favor their business interests. The party has threatened to closely examine the lifestyles of its officials to expose those who amass wealth through corrupt means. Meanwhile, some party veterans have reacted angrily to Zuma's conduct as alleged in the report. Cheryl Carolus is one of them. Our country is burning and the African National Congress is missing in action," said Carolus. "We are appalled that the blatant looting of public assets is being openly facilitated by those close to us and those we see as our leaders. Opposition parties that went to court to stop Zuma from blocking the release of the report say they are considering various actions against the president. The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), says it will press criminal charges against Zuma and others implicated in the report. Mabine Seabe, the spokesperson for DA leader Mmusi Maimane, says the party will also ask parliament to act. We have set a motion of no confidence, and we hope this motion of no confidence will be debated and all those ANC members who have made noise about President Jacob Zuma's dishonorable conduct will hopefully vote to that motion of no confidence," said Seabe. Judith February, an analyst on governance issues at the Institute of Security Studies in South Africa, says that under the circumstances Zuma should voluntarily step down. We see a picture which is not constitutional," said February. "It's undermining the rule of law. It is the way of a state which is going rogue and a president who is going rogue. Tuesdays report called for the creation of an inquiry board that will investigate all the allegations and reveal its findings within 180 days. South Korean prosecutors detained a former advisor of President Park Geun-hye as part of a growing influence-peddling investigation. Ahn Jong-beom was Park's secretary for policy coordination before he and several other cabinet members were ordered to resign late last week. Ahn is under investigation for allegedly helping Choi Soon-sil, a longtime friend of the South Korean president, coerce companies to donate money to nonprofit organizations Choi reportedly set up and controlled. Choi allegedly used some of that money for personal gain. Choi was detained on Wednesday after three days of questioning, and prosecutors have requested an arrest warrant.. Choi is also alleged to have exercised cult-like control over President Park, including possibly making policy recommendations. Park admitted that Choi edited some of her speeches and provided other public relations help. South Korean media speculate that, although she had no government position, Choi may have had access to sensitive information. On Wednesday, Park announced the appointments of several new ministers including nominating a new prime minister as part of a major cabinet reshuffle in response to escalating criticism of Park and her administration. Kim Byong-joon, Park's prime minister-designate, said Thursday that it was possible that the president herself could be investigated, despite a constitutional provision that protects sitting presidents from criminal charges except for serious crimes, such as treason or insurrection. "Everyone, including the president, is equal before the law," Kim said at a press conference. Kenyas U.N. ambassador said Thursday that the Kenyan general who was in charge of peacekeepers in South Sudan during a violent episode in July has been made a scapegoat for systemic U.N. peacekeeping failures. Ambassador Macharia Kamau told reporters that an internal U.N. investigation into events during July 8-11, was conducted with a preordained outcome in mind. The investigation, we have come to conclude, is shameful, unfair and an exercise in scapegoating, Kamau said at a news conference. An independent investigation team appointed by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon blamed a lack of leadership on the part of key senior mission personnel for the peacekeepers chaotic and ineffective response to fighting that killed some 300 people. The U.N. announced Tuesday when the findings were released that it would immediately replace the missions force commander, Kenyan Lieutenant General Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki. Troop pull-out The Kenyan government responded Wednesday saying it will immediately pull its 1,000 troops from the mission South Sudan, known as UNMISS, and cancel plans to contribute soldiers to a 4,000-strong Regional Protection Force. The investigation was instigated and demanded by certain current and future members of the United Nations Security Council with vested interests in the political positions to protect in the contexts of what transpired in Southern Sudan during that particular incident that was under investigation, Ambassador Kamau said. He did not directly point fingers at any country, but China, a permanent council member, has troops in Juba. Investigators singled-out one battalion for poor performance during the episode. A Chinese commander was also criticized in the report, but has so far not been fired. Ethiopia, which will take a two-year seat on the council in January, provided the previous UNMISS force commander. Lieutenant-General Yohannes Gebremeskel Tesfamariam of Ethiopia led the peacekeepers from June 2014 until just weeks before the period under investigation. Plenty of blame to go around We think there is plenty of blame to go around, from headquarters all the way down to the field commanders, Kamau said. Its very difficult for us to imagine that it is possible that a guy who is in the job for three weeks can carry the full responsibility of events that transpired on his watch, he said. This to me is extraordinary, and really what we are challenging. U.N. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric dismissed Kenyan accusations that the report targeted their general from the outset, telling reporters, there was of course, no pre-ordained conclusion to the investigation. He said the decision to remove the Kenyan general was based on leadership and command decisions that the general took during the period under scrutiny. He indicated more heads could roll. The decision to ask for his removal is an initial decision, other decisions may be taken, Dujarric said. But it did not appear that the head of U.N. peacekeepings job is among those in jeopardy. The secretary-general has full confidence in Mr. [Herve] Ladsous, Dujarric added. Russias Deputy Ambassador Petr Illichev told reporters that the secretary-general acted too hastily in dismissing the force commander. For us the decision was premature, it should be considered and reconsidered, he said. Kenya was one of the TCCs [troop contributing countries] that was participating in UNMISS and was one of the core countries contributing to the Regional Protection Force; the whole structure is in ruins, he added. Voting is no easy task for Roland Gilbert. The retired Ohio lawyer, 86, who is legally blind, completes his absentee ballot with help from a machine that magnifies the print. So the registered Democrat was not completely surprised to learn he had made an error in filling out his 2014 ballot, entering that day's date in the birthdate field. What surprised him was that it cost him his vote. Local election officials rejected it because it did not perfectly match his registration information on file. "It didn't seem right," Gilbert said. "I felt foolish for making a silly mistake." Laws passed by the Republican-led Ohio state legislature in 2014 require voters to accurately fill out their personal information on absentee or provisional ballots or they will be rejected even if the votes are otherwise valid. The laws are being applied in a presidential election for the first time this year. A Reuters analysis found that where voters live can determine whether their provisional or absentee ballots count in Ohio. The law requiring a perfect match on information such as name, address, birthdate, signature and ID number has been enforced unequally county to county, federal data and court documents show, with local officials sometimes using wide latitude in applying the standards. Harm to Democrats The disparity could hurt Democrats in Ohio, a vital battleground in the November 8 election between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton. The 14 Ohio counties with the most restrictive enforcement accounted for 53 percent of Ohio's total vote in 2012 and gave Democratic President Barack Obama 60 percent of the votes he won in Ohio. More than half of the provisional and absentee votes discarded for minor errors in 2014 came from five large, Democratic-dominated urban counties: Lucas, home to the city of Toledo; Cuyahoga, which includes Cleveland; Franklin, home to the state capital, Columbus; Summit, which includes Akron, the fifth-largest city in the state; and Hamilton County, home of Cincinnati. While the number of votes rejected for technical reasons was small in the 2014 congressional election, when nearly 3,000 absentee and provisional ballots were thrown out, those totals are likely to swell in a presidential election, when more people will vote. The number of discarded ballots could go even higher in Ohio as a result of a court ruling that tens of thousands of voters who had been purged from state voter rolls could cast provisional ballots, expanding the possible pool of disputed votes. A provisional ballot is used to record a vote when there are questions about a voter's eligibility. Election boards, split evenly between Republicans and Democrats in Ohio, then examine the provisional ballots to determine whether the vote should count. Court challenge "There are going to be thousands of indisputably registered and eligible voters in Ohio who are going to be disenfranchised solely because they made trivial, immaterial errors and omissions on forms," said attorney Subodh Chandra, who has led a court challenge to the laws on behalf of a homeless coalition and the Ohio Democratic Party. A federal district judge threw out the provisions requiring a perfect match on personal information as discriminatory earlier this year, but most were later restored by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeals court did remove the requirement that voters accurately fill in their address and birthdate on the absentee form any vote cast by mail or in person prior to Election Day but kept the requirement for the other fields on both types of ballots. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected without explanation a request for an emergency stay of the appeals court ruling that would have allowed ballots with those technical mistakes to be counted. A spokesman for Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, a Republican, said that the 2014 laws were aimed at finding a balance between making it "easy to vote and hard to cheat" and that officials were striving to be more consistent in the law's application. The office has issued a directive that mistakes in the address and birthdate fields of provisional ballots should not be the sole basis for rejection if a board can still identify the voter. Chandra and other critics say the Ohio laws are aimed at low-income and minority voters who move more often and have less flexibility with schedules, making them more likely to cast absentee or provisional ballots. They also are more likely to back Democrats. "It's a clever scheme to shave off Democratic votes," said Chandra, arguing the laws create a modern-day literacy test by requiring voters to read, write and understand voting forms without making any errors or leaving out information. Republicans deny bias Republican backers of the Ohio law reject the claims of racial or partisan bias. "It is just nonsense," said state Senator Bill Coley, lead sponsor of one of the bills. "We aren't trying to disallow their ballot, we are trying to make sure that every ballot that is cast was cast by an actual registered voter, and you are cutting down on opportunities for shenanigans." U.S. Election Assistance Commission records show Democratic-leaning Franklin, the state's second-largest county, was the most strict in 2014, throwing out 651 ballots for technical errors including missing or incorrect Social Security numbers, ZIP codes, birthdates, cities or street names. Officials tossed five ballots because the voters wrote their names in cursive. Another seven were rejected because voters mixed up two digits of their Social Security numbers, the federal data showed. There were 256 ballots tossed because voters didn't provide birthdates. "We are not allowed to do anything other than what the law says," said David Payne, deputy director of the Franklin County Board of Elections. "We can't be arbitrary." In Democratic-leaning Lucas County, the elections board rejected an absentee ballot in 2014 because the street name was misspelled as "Cuthberth" rather than "Cuthbert," according to evidence presented in the lawsuit. More forgiving Many smaller, heavily Republican rural counties did not reject any ballots for those reasons. In Wyandot County, ballots examined for the lawsuit found officials had approved ballots without a valid street address, city or ZIP code, a wrong or missing birthdate, or a misspelled name. "We're not monsters. We want to count everybody's vote," said Deb Passet, elections director for Wyandot County, a sparsely populated county south of Toledo where Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney won 59 percent of the vote in 2012. Election officials in rural, Republican-leaning Adams County are also more likely to forgive voters who make a mistake. "If there is an opening and they can help the voter out, that's the way they will go," said Mary Fannin, director of the county's board of elections. Other states have tried to introduce similar exact-match information requirements. Georgia and Wisconsin also faced recent challenges that led to adjustments in laws requiring voters to provide letter-perfect personal identification information. The battle over the Ohio law is just one of several voting rights disputes complicating election forecasts in the state. In the last year, courts have also allowed the state to eliminate a period of early voting, known as Golden Week, when voters could register and cast a ballot on the same trip a convenience that has been popular with minority voters. "People should not have to jump through all these hoops to get their votes counted in Ohio," said state Democratic Representative Kathleen Clyde. The 2016 U.S. presidential election, with its unusually harsh rhetoric, has made teaching civics harder, instructors such as Javaughn Perkins say. VOA reporter Steve Baragona visits his classroom in the Washington suburb of Alexandria, Virginia, to find out what lessons Perkins students are drawing from the race. The risks of dissent in Vladimir Putin's Russia came in full view this week, as two separate cases highlighted the country's troubling human rights climate. On Wednesday, the Russian staff of Amnesty International's Moscow branch arrived to work only to find office locks changed and doors sealed without explanation or warning. According to comments later issued by the Moscow mayor's office, the group had failed to pay rent on time. All our computers, papers, personal effects theyre all still in there, behind the locked doors, said Amnesty Russias Ivan Kondratenko in post published to Facebook. Noting the group had rented the office from city authorities for 20 years without any incidents or not paying rent on time, Amnesty officials expressed hope the issue would be quickly resolved. Yet voices from Russias human rights community suggested the move was merely a sign of the times. The absolute lack of warning serves to reinforce the suspicion that this is not your ordinary landlord/tenant dispute, says Tanya Lokshina, the director of Human Rights Watch in Russia. Its rather about their Russia work as such, their staunch criticism of the deepening human rights crisis inside Russia, she tells VOA. And given the political climate, one has strong grounds to suspect that the action was taken to put pressure on Amnesty International. Foreign agents everywhere Amnestys troubles come as human rights groups and other NGOs working in Russia continue to grapple with a spate of recent laws that they say are aimed at stifling their work. Domestic organizations that once received foreign funding must now register with authorities as foreign agents or face crippling fines. Other groups including U.S. funded institutions like the National Democratic Institute -- have merely been labeled undesirable by the authorities and forced to close with little notice. The government says the moves are designed to prevent outside meddling in Russias political system. Human rights groups argue the Kremlins larger goal is stifling dissent, no matter how small. May I protest please Take the story of Ildar Dadin. Ildar was a just a regular guy. He didnt care at all about politics, says Dadins wife, Anastasiya Zotova. But in 2012 that all changed, she tells VOA in an interview. Dadin had volunteered as an election observer amid a contested election season that saw thousands of Russians take to streets to protest what many perceived as widespread vote rigging in favor of Vladimir Putins ruling United Russia party. When Dadin went to authorities with evidence of vote tampering amid the presidential race, he soon found himself detained by the authorities. The experience, says Zotova, turned her husband into a committed activist. That political awakening brought repeated arrests for lone, peaceful, and in theory, legal -- protests against the government in the ensuing years. Tough prison sentence Yet in December 2015, a Russian court sentenced Dadin to 3 years in prison (later reduced to 2.5 years upon appeal), as a repeat offender of a stricter anti-assembly restriction. Like the foreign agents law, the measure had been introduced in the wake of the 2011-2012 protests. Dadins case gained attention again this week after he smuggled out a letter to his wife alleging repeated torture and abuse by authorities at the prison in northwest Russia where hes currently serving out his sentence. Allegations of torture Over the course of a day, I was beaten a total four times, by 10-12 people at once. They would kick me repeatedly, he wrote. Dadin went on to describe being handcuffed and hung from a ceiling as punishment for hunger striking in protest: Then they took off my underwear and said they would bring another prisoner to rape me unless I stopped. Prison authorities, he writes, later threatened him with death, adding his was hardly an isolated case. Russian authorities say they are investigating the claims and since dispatched doctors to verify Dadins condition. But it was Amnesty International Russia -- among a few other independent media and local human rights groups who helped bring Dadin's letter to the public's attention. Ildar Dadins allegations of beatings, humiliation and rape threats are shocking, but unfortunately they are just the latest in a string of credible reports indicating that torture and other ill treatment widely used in the Russian penal system with impunity, aimed at silencing any form of dissent said Sergei Nikitin, the Director of Amnesty International Russia, in a statement issued Tuesday. The next day, his office locks were changed. They came to the camp packed in cars, buses and flatbed trucks, and even on tractors. Some children waved their hands and made victory signs, while others looked terrified as the row of vehicles inched toward the dusty parking lots. Families then joined the long lines of people waiting to register their names with aid organizations, and be assigned a tent at the Khazir camp in Kurdish Iraq. "We've been waiting to get out for two years," said one mother of four. "Our village was freed three days ago, but IS is sending mortars from Mosul." On the outskirts of Mosul, the Iraqi army advanced toward the city center, operating in Iraq's second-largest city for the first time in more than two years. As the army pushed forward, the region's latest humanitarian crisis began in earnest. "They are fleeing terrible situations," said Rizgar Barzani, who manages the camps for the Barzani Charity Foundation. "When they get here, they feel better since they know they are safe." Safe, he said, but the oncoming winter in the camp may be harrowing without more resources. The International Organization for Migration reported Thursday that nearly 22,000 people have fled their homes since the operation to re-take Mosul began more than two weeks ago. A million are expected. In Photos: Khazir Camp Kurdistan, Northern Iraq Joyous reunions Near one of the camp gates, as the masses of vehicles many waving white flags pulled in, one mother, Fazila, found her son, who had stayed behind in Mosul when much of the family fled more than two years ago. Fazila's husband was sick when they escaped, and her son stayed behind to care for his father, who died two months ago. For at least 20 minutes she wept for joy and held her son, kissing his cheeks and the cheeks of nearby soldiers and reporters. Along the corridor of vehicles and by gates and fences, other families reunited. "I cannot believe I am finally seeing my son," Fazila wept, before fainting from the strain. Her son splashed water on her face, shouting "Mom, mom," until she woke up. Soldiers and aid workers hustled her into a car to drive her to her assigned tent about 200 meters away. "I finally left home," he said. "When I saw my family here, I ran to them." Harrowing tales Inside the camp, hundreds of families who had arrived in the past few days set up laundry cords and collected blankets and lights from aid workers. Anwar Salam, a former taxi driver, arrived late Wednesday with his son, also Anwar. His wife and other five children stayed behind, judging flight to be more dangerous than hiding. The younger Anwar, however, had a sharp item embedded in his leg when mortar fire hit the village Wednesday. He needed to go to the hospital. "The past two years were the hardest of our lives," Salam said, describing beheadings and whippings, and more than two years without a job. The latest horror, he said, was in a nearby village, Waadi Hajjar. "Loser Islamic State" is a rough translation of graffiti found in Waadi Hajjar, he said. About 500 young men were then rounded up by IS militants, according to Salam. "No one knows what happened to the young men," he said. Around the corner, 27-year-old Ahmed wore an IS-style beard and carried a scissor. "I want to shave," he said. "But this is all I could find." A former Iraqi police officer, Ahmed spent most of the past two and half years in his home, hiding in a meter-deep pit when IS soldiers came to the door. Among his friends were police officers who were beheaded or hanged, with some bodies left dangling from bridges. "When they arrested someone," he said, describing some of the horror, "they would tie their hands behind their backs and give weapons and money to 16- or 17-year-old boys to kill them." The United States is continuing to talk with ally Turkey on the role it will play in the operation to seize the city of Raqqa, Islamic State's main stronghold in Syria, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said on Wednesday. Carter's comments, made during a news conference, come days after Turkey said it wants the Raqqa operation to start after Mosul and Euphrates Shield operations have been completed. "We'll continue to talk with Turkey about its role in the eventual seizure of Raqqa, but we're proceeding now with the operation according to our plan," Carter said. Carter said last week that Washington expected the Raqqa operation to overlap with the battle to retake Mosul from Islamic State. "We intend to go there soon with the force that is capable of doing that and enveloping the city of Raqqa... the final seizure of Raqqa, we continue to talk to Turkey about that and a possible role for Turkey in that further down the road," Carter said. Kurdish YPG militia fighters will be included as a part of the force to Isolate the Islamic State-held Syrian city, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq has said. Arab forces are expected to be the ones to take the city itself, U.S. officials have previously said. The United States regards the YPG as an ally in its fight against Islamic State, but Turkey regards it as a terrorist organization because of its links with Kurdish militants fighting a three-decade insurgency in Turkey. Turkey has said that the Raqqa operation should be carried out by local forces and the Kurdish YPG militia should not be included. Iraqi forces battled Islamic State fighters on the eastern edge of Mosul on Tuesday as the two-week campaign to recapture the jihadists' last main bastion in Iraq entered a new phase of urban warfare. Afghan authorities said Thursday that at least 30 civilians, including many children, were among those killed in pre-dawn clashes between U.S.-backed government forces and the Taliban in the northern Kunduz province. The U.S. military confirmed two of its soldiers were also killed in the fighting, and another two were wounded. The deadly fighting on the outskirts of the provincial capital erupted after Afghan forces with the help of American partners raided an insurgent compound. The service members came under fire during a train, advise and assist mission with our Afghan partners to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the groups operations in Kunduz district, said a U.S. statement. A provincial government spokesman, Mehmood Danish, said that four members of the Afghan Commando forces were killed, and unfortunately the fighting also left at least 30 civilians dead, including women and children." Many, many more wounded, he added. He said the joint operation also inflicted heavy casualties on Taliban insurgents, killing 26. Earlier, residents carrying the bodies of about 20 people including children took to the streets of Kunduz to protest the killing of civilians. Amnesty International has demanded a prompt, thorough and impartial inquiry into the airstrike blamed for civilian casualties. "Previous violations of international humanitarian law by U.S./NATO troops still remain uninvestigated and unpunished. This cannot be another example of inaction in the face of such loss of life," said Champa Patel, South Asia Director for the London-based human rights defender. The commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, described the loss of his troops as heartbreaking and offered his deepest condolences on behalf of his forces to the families and friends of the victims. Our wounded soldiers are receiving the best medical care possible and we are keeping them and their families in our thoughts today, as well," he said. Despite the tragic event, the general said, U.S. forces are steadfast in their commitment to help Afghan partners defend their nation. A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, says that three of its fighters were killed in the pre-dawn clashes, which erupted after the U.S. military raided an insurgent-held compound in Kunduz city. In a statement sent to media, Mujahid gave a much higher death toll inflicted on U.S. forces and alleged that the deadly clashes prompted occupying forces, a reference to the U.S.-led military coalition, to conduct airstrikes on civilian areas, causing many casualties. Afghan officials say the Taliban often uses civilian localities as shields to conduct insurgent activities. Kunduz has been under attack from the Taliban for weeks, and the insurgents came close to capturing the city early last month before Afghan forces pushed them back with the help of U.S. air power. The provincial capital briefly fell to the Taliban about a year ago. Despite the onset of Afghan winter, there has been no let-up in Taliban attacks, particularly in northern provinces. Afghan security forces have been able to keep the insurgents from capturing any urban center only with the U.S. assistance, said the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). The U.S. government-monitoring agency in its quarterly report released earlier this week revealed that in the first eight months of 2016, Afghan forces suffered more than 5,500 deaths, while around 10,000 were wounded. It said the Afghan government also suffered territorial loses during that period. The Taliban has stepped up battlefield attacks since August, inflicting more casualties on government forces. According to the U.S. military assessment, Afghan forces suffered around 5,000 deaths, while 15,000 were wounded during the entire year of 2015. Vietnamese police on Wednesday detained a prominent blogger for distributing anti-state information, the latest in a crackdown on critics of the country's Communist rulers. Ho Van Hai, 52, was arrested in Ho Chi Minh City and accused of spreading information and documents on the internet that are against the government of the Social Republic of Vietnam, according to a statement by Ho Chi Minh City police on their website. Police will investigate and handle Hai's violations in accordance with the law, the statement said. Hai's Facebook page and blog were inaccessible as of Wednesday night. Despite sweeping reforms to its economy and increasing openness toward social change, including gay, lesbian and transgender rights, Vietnam's ruling Communist Party retains tight media censorship and zero tolerance for criticism. Last month Vietnam police detained prominent blogger Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, or "Me Nam" (Mother Mushroom), for running propaganda against the state. The United States, European Union and Britain called for her release. Another well-known Vietnamese political blogger and his assistant lost their appeal in September when a higher court upheld their jail terms and reaffirmed they had abused their freedom and hurt the state's interests. The third edition of India Ideas Conclave to be held in Goa will debate and discuss democracy, development and dissent in India after 70 years of independence, specifically in defence, governance and education. By Mail Today Bureau: Some of India's tallest political leaders, noted intellectuals, top decision-makers and foreign dignitaries will come together at the third edition of India Ideas Conclave in Goa from November 4-6. The conclave, hosted by India Foundation, will debate and discuss democracy, development and dissent in India after 70 years of independence, specifically in defence, governance and education. advertisement WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED It will also threadbare the nature of nationalist narrative, the role of social media and perspectives of the youth. India Foundation, seen as a non-political voice of the right-wing in India, describes itself as an "independent think tank that focuses on the issues, challenges and opportunities of the Indian polity". "As part of the annual series of seminars and conferences the foundation organises India Ideas Conclave that brings together a luminary gathering of policy makers and public intellectuals from India and abroad," it said on its website about the upcoming event. ATTENDEES "Over 350 invited intellectuals including government leaders, corporate leaders, scholars, journalists, politicians and social activists participate in this important conclave where ideas and opinions are exchanged in a candid and scholarly atmosphere." The inaugural session will be chaired by railways minister Suresh Prabhu and BJP's national president Amit Shah is scheduled to deliver the keynote address. It would also see the presence of former Nepalese PM Sher Bahdur Deuba and global head of Chinmaya Mission Swami Tejomayananda. Another highlight would be a video address by Dalai Lama. Other high-profile faces from the government who would address the gathering include defence minister Manohar Parrikar, MoS civil aviation Jayant Sinha, MoS external affairs MJ Akbar, MoS petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan. Veteran journalists such as Swapan Dasgupta and Tavleen Singh will also address the sessions. Other intellectuals include David Frawley, JNU V-C M Jagadesh Kumar, authors Aatish Taseer and Tufail Ahmad and columnist Tarek Fatah. ALSO READ: Dalai Lama visit to Arunachal will 'damage' ties, China warns India BJP MP from Himachal Shanta Kumar demands Bharat Ratna for Dalai Lama --- ENDS --- Tracy Droz Tragos spent many of her childhood summers and winters in Rich Hill, Missouri. Her most recent film will premiere on HBO later this year. Brought to you by the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth. Photo: Marvel Doctor Strange has never been a conventional superhero. You could even make a strong argument that he isnt one though he wears a cape (more of a cloak, really) and fights evil, his mystic abilities and demonic foes place him more in the traditions of horror and fantasy. Nevertheless, hes tightly woven into the tapestry of the Marvel universe, right alongside Spider-Man, Captain America, and other spandex-wearers. That has always made the character exceptional in the comics canon, lending him an unorthodox spirit that carries over to his upcoming solo film. Before you head to the theater this weekend, here are some classic Strange tales to get you primed on the Sorcerer Supreme. Photo: Marvel Entertainment Doctor Strange Omnibus, Vol. 1 The first story is nothing great, but perhaps we can make something of him. So said Marvel impresario Stan Lee in a letter published just before the release of the first Doctor Strange story in 1963. That modesty, as it turned out, was undeserved. Strange was the brainchild of writer and artist Steve Ditko, with whom Lee had co-created Spider-Man the year before, and Lee took a mostly hands-off approach to Ditkos new addition to the burgeoning Marvel canon, just adding in dialogue and narration to Ditkos existing plots and artwork. The resulting collaboration was unlike anything the company had ever published. In this omnibus edition, you can see Stranges earliest adventures, in which the exotically dressed Master of the Dark Arts confronts extradimensional foes and protects the innocent. The writing is fun, but the real treat here are Ditkos drawings. The medium had simply never seen imagery this unnerving, expansive, and Escher-like. Though Ditkos run only lasted a few years, it remains one of the most influential in comics. Photo: Marvel Entertainment Doctor Strange Epic Collection: A Separate Reality Though Ditko abandoned his creation when he left Marvel over disputes with Lee, the doctor was put in good hands. In this volume, you can peruse a potpourri of the second generation of Doctor Strange creators, including writers Roy Thomas and Steve Englehart and artists Gene Colan and Barry Windsor-Smith. Of particular note are the tales co-written by Englehart, one of comics most ambitious scribes. As documented in historian Sean Howes masterful Marvel Comics: The Untold Story, Englehart would ingest LSD and wander the streets of New York in the mid-70s, taking note of his hallucinations and endeavoring to put them in the pages of Doctor Strange (often co-plotted at the time by writer/artist Frank Brunner). The work reflects that mind-expanding approach, and youll understand why the character occupied many a blacklight poster in the dens of his readers. Photo: Marvel Entertainment Doctor Strange: The Oath Though Doctor Strange has never been the most famous figure in the Marvel pantheon, an array of comics top talent has had opportunities to play around with him. One such creator was Brian K. Vaughan, best known for writing Y: The Last Man and Saga. Hes done with superhero work these days, but back in 2006, he cut this rip-roaring mini-series about the Sorcerer Supreme, in which our hero inadvertently stumbles upon a magic potion that can cure cancer. After that, he has to face down baddies who would have it destroyed, but more important, he has to grapple with what one would do with such an elixir. As is always true of Vaughan, the narrative is as clear as it is thrilling, and so is the pencil work of artist Marcos Martin. If youre looking for a single, self-contained story about Stephen Strange, this is a good one to grab. Photo: Marvel Entertainment Doctor Strange: Season One In 2012, Marvel executed an odd initiative called Season One, in which they hired ace creators to reimagine the origin stories of long-standing characters with an eye toward grabbing new readers. The results were spotty, but one of the better entries was Doctor Stranges, which came from the talented minds of writer Greg Pak, penciler Emma Rios, and colorist Jordie Bellaire. The original Ditko-Lee stories ran through Stranges early days pretty quickly, opening the door for the team behind Season One to fill in the blanks and give us a story that fits firmly in the tradition of fantasy-steeped training tales like The Once and Future King and the Harry Potter series. Its also an interesting reclamation of a problematic story: Doctor Stranges origin is an Orientalist fantasy about a white guy learning magic in the mysterious East, but the Korean-American Pak manages to flesh out the nonwhite characters in a way that feels rich and sympathetic. Photo: Marvel Entertainment Doctor Strange: Way of the Weird Never let it be said that Marvel doesnt understand brand synergy. The comics world had gone without a Doctor Strange solo ongoing series since 1996, but with the movie on the way, the publisher kicked him back into the spotlight in 2015. Fortunately, this was no mere cash-in: The creative duo that helms this new title is fantastic. Writer Jason Aaron is widely regarded as one of the best writers in the industry today, and artist Chris Bachalo has a sumptuous style that looks unlike anything else on the comics page. Together, theyre crafting an eye-popping story in which Strange unexpectedly takes on a new companion and simultaneously finds himself doing battle with threats that sap his abilities every time he strikes back at them. The story is exciting, funny, and eye-poppingly gorgeous. If Ditko werent a recluse who refuses to comment on the contemporary comics world, he might be proud of what his creation is up to, 53 years on. Photo: VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images Despite Hillary Clintons qualifications, people just cant seem to get excited enough about voting for her in the presidential election, and newscasters keep bringing up the enthusiasm gap. Well, America Ferrera doesnt know what youre talking about, because her ideal night with the Democratic presidential candidate doesnt revolve around talking about policy or brainstorming progressive legislation. No, shed rather just hang out with Clinton in (hopefully) matching pajamas during a girls night in. Id like to literally stream Netflix and chill with Hillary, Ferrera writes in a new essay for Latina magazine. Seriously, Id be down to snuggle in onesies with a pint of mint chocolate chip and do a Gilmore Girls binge with Secretary Clinton. In short, the first-generation American, millennial, female voter would totes be Hillarys BFF. And Ferrera better clear her calendar, because no matter how the election ends, Clinton is due for at least one night of R&R after next Tuesday. Get your onesies ready, America. Photo: Michael Kovac/WireImage Bob Dylan may not have much to say about his recent Nobel Prize honor, but hes a regular chatty Kathy if you ask him about his art. The American music legend was invited by Londons Halcyon Gallery to put on an exhibition of his landscape paintings, and hes written an essay for Vanity Fair all about his process and artistic philosophy called, In His Own Words: Why Bob Dylan Paints. In it, Dylan expounds on his use of up to the moment realism and the camera-obscura method, but he opens with an anecdote about the time he thought an arena full of fans were trying to burn him and the Band alive. In 1974, during his first public performance with the Band in eight years, Dylan thought the crowd of nearly 20,000 holding up lit matches to indicate their appreciation for his music actually meant they were going to set the building on fire and take the performers down with them. The Band and I hadnt played publicly together since 1966 where our shows caused a lot of disruption and turmoil a lot of anger. Now we were in Chicago starting up again. There was no way to predict what was going to happen. At the end of the concert we had played over 25 or 30 songs and we were standing on the stage looking out. The audience was in semi-darkness. All of a sudden, somebody lit a match. And then somebody else lit another match. In short time, there were areas of the arena that were engulfed in matches. Within seconds after that, it looked like the whole arena was in flames and that all the people in the arena had struck matches and were going to burn the place down. The Band and I looked for the nearest stage exit as none of us wanted to go down in flames. It seemed like nothing had changed. If we thought the response was extreme on the earlier tours we played, this was positively apocalyptic. Every one of us on the stage thought that wed really done it this time that the fans were going to burn the arena down. Obviously we were wrong. We misinterpreted and misunderstood the reaction of the crowd. What we believed to be disapproval was actually a grand appreciative gesture. Appearances can be deceiving. If only people had had iPhones to hold up 40 years ago, Dylan wouldnt have felt the creeping dread that a mob was trying to incinerate him. Obama, hitting the podium with his hand: "This isn't a joke! This isn't Survivor! This isn't the Bachelorette! This counts!" pic.twitter.com/W3VLT0LHvd Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) November 3, 2016 It would be easy to mistake this years election for a reality show: Its painful to watch but hard to look away from, Donald Trump is the star, and theres a colorful cast of characters you cant imagine ever having a job in the real world. But despite the evidence, President Obama would like to reassure you that unlike say, RuPauls Drag Race, there is a contestant in this very real election who does not deserve to win. You cant make excuses for this stuff. This isnt a joke. This isnt Survivor! This isnt The Bachelorette! This counts! Obama said after detailing a litany of Trumps flaws in a speech at Miamis Florida International University. This has to do with whats going to happen in your family, in your community, to soldiers and veterans. So next week, lets pretend the whole Trump campaign was The Apprentice and forget it was ever on TV. Benedict Cumberbatch in Doctor Strange. Photo: Marvel Studios Most superhero pictures are CGI-cluttered eyesores, but the new Doctor Strange has a dazzling, kaleidoscopic palette that compensates for the usual thin-ish story featuring A-list actors zapping one another, along with a hero who looks fearsomely witty even in repose. Created by Steve Ditko, Dr. Stephen Strange is not the most famous or distinctive of the Marvel characters, but thanks to Benedict Cumberbatch he might be the most entertaining. It wasnt so long ago that Cumberbatchs lizard-like physiognomy seemed strange, indeed. But weve grown accustomed to his face, which makes those of other leading men look blandly proportional. In Doctor Strange, his slanted, wide-apart eyes fit the films geometry. Hes like a Picasso figure striding through a cubist universe a place where walls can split into hard shards and open out like the Red Sea. Cumberbatchs Strange parts the material world like a Picasso Moses. When we meet him, hes a neurosurgeon, the best on Earth in his humble opinion, which makes him insufferable to his colleagues and his ex-girlfriend, fellow surgeon Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams). But this supreme egotist drives his car off the road, disintegrating the bones in his hands along with his identity. He cant even get people to call him Doctor, anymore. (The movie doesnt mention there are plenty of ways to be a functional M.D. without doing surgery but never mind.) As his ego shrinks, Strange comes to see himself as a tiny speck in an indifferent universe. But the Marvel universe is anything but indifferent: It has a wicked sense of humor. Under the tutelage of a Nepal-based bald woman of indeterminate origin called the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), Strange must accept that his former sense of mastery was an illusion, that one cant beat a river into submission but instead surrender to its current, that there are an infinite number of universes, and that the spirit exists apart from the body in a timeless and immaterial realm. Yes, its a lot of forget-what-you-think-you-know Matrix blather bolstered by Buddhist blah-de-blah, but it sounds great with the crisp diction of Swinton, whose dome seems to have been de-pored by computers to make it smooth as a babys butt. Meanwhile, the designers production, makeup, costume, effects make every bit of this nonsense sing. The problem with CGI in Marvel movies is that it tends to be used so promiscuously that miracles become cheap. But when theres a controlling idea the CGI can seem miraculous again. Doctor Strange takes off from Platos famous notion that the physical world is a reflection in a mirror and here that mirror can be shattered and reassembled and shattered again, or compressed like an accordion, or turned funhouse-wavy so that buildings become giant Gumbys that fold in on themselves. After Strange learns to spin flaming circles in the air and disappear into a spatial-temporal vortex, the film turns into a cosmic farce: The characters create their own doors for running in and out of. The most sustained sequence opens with Strange fighting the chief villain, former Ancient One protege Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelson), in Nepal and ends with his astral self directing his ex-girlfriend to perform surgery on his physical self on an operating table in New York. Kawabunga! The director, Scott Derrickson, has previously given us nasty horror dreck like The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Sinister. This is a rare case in which Marvel has freed a directors imagination instead of straitjacketing it. Did I say A-list actors? A+ is more like it, although the brilliant Chiwetel Ejiofor has to over-muzzle himself as the Ancient Ones second-in-command, Mordo. (A post-credits teaser suggests hell have more colorful things to do in the next installment.) Most of what Mikkelson says is gobbledegook, but his delivery is so bone-dry that he makes a vaudevillian-style word mix-up gag sound like Oscar Wilde, and his look is inspired. His eyes seem to have been gouged out and replaced with smoky shards of glass, which are spookily of a piece with those inhumanly sharp cheekbones. Above all there is Cumberbatch. His first scenes are too much out of the House playbook, and his from-nowhere American accent even resembles his countryman Hugh Lauries. But deprived of his normal, Sherlockian cadences, he seems abnormally vulnerable, and his attempts to control the time-space-continuum are small masterpieces of pantomime. Instead of a Thor-like hammer or Captain America-like Shield, Dr. Strange has a weaponized cape with a will of its own, and Cumberbatch is so skinny that the cape completes him. As he confidently strides into the terrifying dark dimension, we know hell be okay. His very spirit seems to billow. Smith in Notes from the Field: Doing Time in Education. Photo: Joan Marcus I always talk in stories; they really illustrate points, says Michael Tubbs, a councilman running for mayor of Stockton, California. Actually, its Anna Deavere Smith who speaks these words, channeling Tubbs verbatim as part of her latest and most devastating theater piece, Notes From the Field, which opens at Second Stage tonight. Like earlier works including Fires in the Mirror, about the 1991 Crown Heights riots, and Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992, about the postRodney King uprisings there, Notes From the Field is based on interviews in this case more than 250, conducted over five years that Smith has recorded, transcribed, and reproduced down to the minutest tics and gestures. The uhs, stutters, and blind alleys of speech that journalists usually edit out for clarity, she relishes for maximal expressiveness. In an essay describing her method she writes, I have been trying to become America word for word. Also, as the line from Tubbs indicates, story by story and point by point. Smiths method may be theatrical but her aims are political. Over the years her scope has expanded and deepened from cataclysmic single events to entire catastrophic systems. In Let Me Down Easy, seen at Second Stage in 2009, she anatomized health care in America. Now, in Notes From the Field, she has really hit the mother lode of rich, momentous material: the so-called school-to-prison pipeline that delivers young black men to semi-permanent incarceration directly from afternoon detention. With all its implications and consequences from shattered families to ingrained poverty to police brutality this is surely among the most pressing social issues of our time, and as such it is not enough that the people Smith re-creates onstage have something interesting to say about it. The bar, at this point in her career, is much higher than that. Her characters must say something that is profound and insightful and characterful and in some way unexpected, and it must fit neatly into the deliberate argument she is building one story at a time. So we get, for instance, the charming Tubbs, who describes Stockton to which he has returned after graduating from Stanford not only as a place where there are really no other alternatives or options for our boys and men of color than prison or death, but also as a place where it is impossible to buy an apple for his vegan girlfriend. We get Denise Dodson, an inmate at the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women, whose prison job training support dogs has helped her understand how severely undereducated she was. (In part because of that deficit, she says, she gravitated to my environment versus reaching out past my environment.) We get educators, school security personnel, judges, and activists, all black or Latino or Native American, all trying in one way or another to break the cycle of racism and nihilism and (as a psychiatrist speculates) epigenetic trauma that plays out every few weeks in the death of one nonwhite man or another. In a particularly hair-raising re-creation, Smith becomes Jamal-Harrison Bryant, the pastor who preached at the funeral of Freddie Gray in April 2015, turning a few verses of Luke into a thundering war cry. The only thing more astonishing than the expressivity of Smiths Lear-like rage is that it was borrowed intact from Bryants. But then each segment well, maybe one or two are less riveting than the others is fairly astonishing, with apt climaxes and startling kickers. The overall argument, too, is theatrically structured, moving from abstractions to specifics and from causes to results to a form of transcendence. (The last character heard from is Congressman John Lewis.) Along the way, Smith smoothly folds in a number of co-factors, including the disinvestment in public education that began as a racist response to school integration, and the overdiagnosis of ADHD among black children. These are handled, of course, anecdotally. Weve all seen and gasped over the YouTube video of a South Carolina high school student named Shakara as she is violently extracted from her desk by a sheriffs deputy; Smith gives us the video but also a later, verbal confrontation between the two. As reported by the journalist Amanda Ripley, whom Smith embodies, the deputy flips the braids out of Shakaras face and says, Did you take your meds today? And Shakara, who has barely spoken throughout the incident, finally does. She says: Yes. Did you? Telling and chilling though these anecdotes are, they work better as theater than as a framework for evaluating (or rethinking) policy. Its the problem of talking in stories: The selection process makes for an effective but not definitive portrait. Smith may have interviewed 250 people, but Notes From the Field features only 17 of them; what took five years to collect is bundled into a tight two hours. And because variety of mood and character are fundamental to the stage enterprise, you may begin to wonder whether what you are seeing, though obviously true, is really representative. It is perhaps for this reason that Smith and her director, Leonard Foglia, keep a fairly constant backbeat of statistics and captions and video documentation flittering across the panels that form the back of Riccardo Hernandezs minimal set. (The projections are by Elaine McCarthy.) More literally, they have added a backbeat in the music of Marcus Shelby, who accompanies some scenes and transitions with his jazz-inflected score for bass, and merely watches others as a sort of witness character, nodding and otherwise supporting Smiths impersonations. Though hes good, thats a mistake, softening material that should not be softened. Smith may not be a polemicist but she is not an illustrator either. Shes asking us to swallow some large and difficult ideas. Have we squandered several generations worth of hard-won civil rights victories? Have we turned our backs forever on the poor? (A Yurok tribal judge says, I think the countrys broken.) What makes these questions wrenching and moving is the way they are embodied in Smiths characters and then re-embodied, with only the slightest alteration of costume, in Smith herself. In a way, what she does is more like a summoning or a seance than a play. Id even call it anti-theatrical, except that its unquestionably great theater. Notes From the Field is at Second Stage through December 11. Photo: Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Vyacheslav Prokofyev/TASS According to Donald Trump, Russian president Vladimir Putin has no respect for Hillary Clinton. But you know who he has a lot of respect for? The 1990s action movie sensation (and sneakily prolific current working actor) Steven Seagal. In fact, Putin likes Seagal so much that he has just granted the famed martial artist Russian citizenship, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov telling Sputnik News, This [was his] desire, he had really applied. He had been really persistent for a long time and been asking to grant him citizenship, he is actually renowned for his quite warm feelings toward our country. But citizenship is just the latest dot on a timeline of increased involvement between Russia, Putin, and the star of movies like Marked for Death and Hard to Kill. In 2013, Putin reportedly proposed that Seagal be made an honorary consul of Russia in California and Arizona. That diplomatic appointment never came to fruition, but Seagal, whose mother was born in Russia, has apparently been making frequent trips to Russia over the last few years. At one point he helped Putin promote exercise among schoolchildren, and at another, he played a concert in Crimea after Russia annexed the territory in 2014 a move Seagal characterized as very reasonable. The two men have even appeared at martial-arts demonstrations together, which feels like the most Putinesque vacation ever. Now, even though Seagal has praised the Russian president as one of the greatest world leaders, he could also just be a little promiscuous with his citizenship. The BBC reports that he was also granted Serbian nationality earlier this year, after offering to set up a martial-arts school in Belgrade. And its not as though Russia doesnt love celebrity citizens people like Gerard Depardieu, boxer Roy Jones, and snowboarder Vic Wild were all previously given Russian citizenship. By PTI: From Abhishek Shukla Kathmandu, Nov 3 (PTI) India today welcomed Nepals efforts in implementing its new Constitution which, it said, should involve every section of the society as "equal stakeholders". President Pranab Mukherjee on second day of his visit said India stands ready to share its experience for building strong democratic institutions in the Himalayan nation. advertisement "India applauds the enterprise and achievements of the people of Nepal. We stand ready to share with Nepal our experience of building strong democratic institutions," said Mukherjee, who is the first Indian President to visit Nepal in 18 years. "India welcomes the ongoing efforts of the Government of Nepal to take on board all sections of its society for effective implementation of its Constitution. We wish the people of Nepal every success in this endeavour," he said at a seminar Nepal and India: Exploring New Vistas organized by India Foundation and Neeti Anusandhan Pratishthan Nepal here. Earlier in an interview to Nepalese media, Mukherjee underlined the need to involve every section of the Nepalese society as "equal stakeholders" in the process of building democracy, in an apparent reference to the political upheaval over the new Constitution that had strained Indo-Nepal ties. "These lessons could be of benefit to Nepal as it embarks on its own path of building democracy," he said, adding that as a close neighbour, India is interested in peace, stability and progress of Nepal. The President, who had meetings with wide range of political leaders from Nepal including President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Vice-President Nand Bahadur Pun and Prime Minister Prachanda, touched upon the changes being introduced in Nepals new Constitution to accommodate demands of Madhesis. Madhesis, the inhabitants of southern plains who are largely of Indian-origin, had launched months-long agitation demanding better representation in the Parliament and had alleged the Constitution Nepal adopted in September last year was discriminatory to their interest. Mukherjee said Nepal is striving to consolidate the gains of multi-party democracy and is presently engaged in charting the course for socio-economic development in all its regions. Calling for increased connectivity, a demand raised by Nepalese leaders, Mukherjee said both countries can do much more to promote tourist flows in both directions and develop the Ramayana and Buddhism tourism circuits. He said enhancing air, rail and road connectivity will facilitate tourism and normal movement of people. MORE PTI ABS ZH AKJ VSC ZH --- ENDS --- advertisement Amidst the carnage in Mosul was a rewarding moment for a soldier who met his family after two years. He shared how it was a 'living nightmare' for him. By India Today Web Desk: Member of the elite Golden Division special forces, fighting to reclaim the city of Mosul in Iraq from ISIS -- an Iraqi lieutenant -- recognised a few familiar faces. Amongst a group of refugees fleeing the city and its outskirts were his parents and his little nephew. The soldier was separated from them two years ago. Reuters Photo: Displaced Iraqis flee during a battle with Islamic State militants in Kokjali village near Mosul. advertisement The soldier gave his name as 1st Lt Salam to the CNN producer who captured the moment. Now, the name of the Iraqi soldier and his photo are doing rounds on the internet as people share this heartwarming moment. Reuters Photo: Displaced Iraqis flee during a battle with Islamic State militants in Kokjali village near Mosul. Upon meeting his family after two long years, letting his emotions run wild, he hugged his parents and embraced his brother. He picked up his young nephew and started walking, still carrying his nephew in his arms. He soon fell to his knees and kissed him. Salam says the last two-and-a-half years have been a "living nightmare" and that he still can't believe his family is alive. Mosul, the country's second largest city, has been under the control of the militant group since June 2014. Reuters Photo: Children who just fled Kokjali near Mosul. 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". Read everything you need to know about Mosul and Iraq's fresh offensive to recapture the city from Islamic State. --- ENDS --- French painter Claude Monet became one of the worlds leading artists of the late 18th and early 20th centuries thanks to his skill in capturing the shifting light of sky, water and landscape, but theres more to the Impressionists work than first impressions might suggest. Retired art scholar Paul Hayes Tucker, one of the leading experts on Monet and his work, will speak on the deeper levels of the artists painting in a 6 p.m. Thursday lecture at Mabee Theatre in Baylor Universitys Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center. His talk, sponsored by Baylors Allbritton Art Institute, is free and open to the public. Tucker will speak on The Sacred & Secular and Monet, a topic he admitted he chose as a conversation-starter at the Christian university. He was Catholic, but he did not go to church and did not participate in almost any religious function, he said. His work was grounded and enriched by visual experience, a basic tenet of Impressionism . . . and therefore, he was deeply secular. French realist Gustave Courbet, who preceded Monet but whose philosophy shaped the young artist, famously said he could not paint an angel or a goddess because he had never seen either and Monet largely stayed with natural scenes and physical objects as subjects throughout his career. Still, there was something more to his work. For Monet, art becomes something more than translating a visual sensation, he said. Id like to explore that. Tuckers lecture comes at a time when Fort Worths Kimbell Art Museum is hosting a major Monet exhibition. The 55 works in Monet: The Early Years start with the first painting the artist exhibited in 1858 and extend to 1872, when he began to paint scenes from the town of Argenteuil, capturing much the first decade of his work as the French painter began to solidify his eye and style. Monet: The Early Years will continue through Jan. 29 at the Kimbell. Tucker, who retired in 2014 after 36 years with the University of Massachusetts at Boston, spent much of his academic and professional career delving into the French masters life and artwork, without exhausting it. With seven books on Monet and his times to his credit as well as curation of several acclaimed Monet exhibitions, Tucker is notable in art circles for his use of history and biography in creating an interpretative context. (Monets) work operates on many, many levels, he said. At the same time, its often misunderstood. While Monet avoided highly detailed representation of the scenes before him, using short brush strokes that suggested dappled or changing light, or water in motion, he was far from slapdash in his approach or technique, Tucker pointed out. The largest misperception of Monet was that he painted out of doors, painting the scene in front of him. While he painted rapidly and spontaneously (outdoors), putting down impressions in thick, rich paint, most of his paintings were finished in his studio, Tucker explained. He was too good of an artist not to do that. Related to that misconception is another that the French painter was spontaneous in his approach and composition. There was no one better in plotting, then painting the perfect painting, he said. Monets sketchbooks show how the artist arranged the objects of his paintings and drawings, with objects sometimes added or removed. Tucker also suggested looking at his work from unorthodox angles. You can turn one of his images upside down or backward and see how they work, he said. Monet worked very hard at that structural integrity. He also had an eye on the commercial end of things. Though most famous for his landscapes and cityscapes, Monet painted a number of still lifes, because that was a popular subject for buyers of his time, Tucker said. For a landmark dissertation on Monet, Tucker lived in Argenteuil, a small town outside Paris where Monet painted many of his most famous vistas. He walked city streets and researched city council discussions, newspaper articles and letters of protest to reconstruct the world which Monet was recording. What Tucker found was that Monets paintings werent recording an idyllic past dotted by cottages, sailboats and trains, but a contemporary look at a growing suburban life. He painted about 700 pictures in this town. It was not a big town and he combed it relentlessly . . . It was a classic case of suburban development. Argenteuil was a town close to Paris about 15 minutes away by train and it became a popular place to live and work and play. The sailboats found in his paintings of the place werent an older mode of transportation, but a new recreation for suburbanites. It was a brand-new sport imported from England, he said. It was as current and jazzy as jet skis. By recreating the community in which Monet painted, Tucker found a different motivation for the artist. He was embracing the new, not retreating in the old, he said. Lately Ive been thinking a lot about the role of music in education and the ways in which schools introduce our children to music. Its no secret that when school districts have to tighten their belts, music and art programs are usually the first to be targeted. Many parents these days are more interested in students learning science and math anyway, so if music gets cut the perception is that its really no great loss. Three recent experiences, however, have showed me just how much music programs can mean to students and, contrary to some peoples expectations, losing music in the public schools is a very great loss indeed. A week ago the Baylor Symphony Orchestra played its annual day of concerts for area fourth and fifth graders. Ive written about this in previous columns and its always one of my favorite events of the year. Seeing the thousands of seats in Waco Hall fill three times with young kids, many of them having never seen an orchestra before, never gets old. Space exploration was the concert theme this year and the orchestra played, among other selections, Mars and Jupiter from Gustav Holsts suite The Planets, the fanfare from Strauss Also Sprach Zarathustra, (made unforgettable in the film 2001: A Space Odyssey) and a suite of music from Star Wars that brought the house down in each performance. Im not the only one who thinks that there are students who walk out of that concert each year with their entire lives changed by being exposed to something new and inspirational. About a week before that I watched as some fifth- and sixth-grade musicians at a local school received a gift of musical equipment from the Waco Symphony Orchestra. The WSO has an Adopt-a-School relationship with Lake Air Montessori and this fall presented the band program with a pair of crash cymbals, a suspended cymbal and stand, a triangle, a tambourine, numerous pairs of percussion mallets and brushes, and other equipment. Who needs reeds? the conductor asked, smiling. Numerous hands shot up from among the clarinets and alto saxes as he pulled out boxes of reeds courtesy of the WSO. It was like watching kids on Christmas morning. Symphony Association Executive Director Susan Taylor, another board member and I stayed for a while and listened to the band play through some of the music it was working on for its fall concert. Their enthusiasm was infectious and they played with joy. Last Sunday afternoon I listened to a concert by the Central Texas Youth Wind Ensemble, an organization made up of players in area junior high and high schools (10 schools are represented in the group) who simply want more chances to play music. The organizer and conductor of the ensemble is Baylor associate professor of instrumental music education Dr. Russell Gavin. The group is an opportunity for young people who love to play to come together and make music with other young people from the area that they might never meet otherwise, he explains. Despite a small number of rehearsals, Gavin had the musicians playing well together on a handful of difficult pieces. It was yet another experience that showed me how transformative music can be in the lives of young people. Happily, stories of schools slashing their fine arts programs have slowed somewhat in the past few years, but no one I know thinks theyre completely secure. The more people who witness firsthand what the arts can provide, however, the more secure theyre likely to be. The guitar may be one of the oldest of musical instruments, but its a relative newcomer to the symphony orchestra and a guitar ensemble even more recent. Waco Symphony Orchestra audiences will hear one of the foremost examples of the latter when the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet performs Joaquin Rodrigos Concierto Andaluz for Four Guitars in the WSOs Nov. 10 concert at Waco Hall. The concerto, from the same composer of the celebrated Concierto de Aranjuez for solo guitar and orchestra, is one of the better known pieces of the guitar ensemble repertory and LAGQ member William Kanengiser would know: As a founding member and classical guitarist with more than 30 years experience, hes watched much of that repertorys growth. The guitar quartet as a concert medium is relatively new, only about 60 or so years old, Kanengiser explained in a recent phone interview from Los Angeles. The existing repertory is very small, but more and more pieces are being written and more arrangements are being done. The LAGQ, in fact, will debut one of the newest additions to that body of work in New York on Friday when they play a 28-minute piece written for jazz guitarist Pat Metheny. Its a good example of how far the guitar quartet has come, he said. In Waco, the Nov. 10 performance of the Rodrigo concerto with its rich Spanish and Andalusian accents pays tribute to the Spanish roots of the guitar quartet. (Spanish guitar legend) Celedonio Romero and his three sons really legitimized the guitar quartet, said Kanengiser, who studied with Pepe Romero, one of those sons, in the early 1980s when the University of Southern California and Los Angeles were a hub of classical guitar activity. What the Waco Hall audience will hear in the guitar concerto, which shares program with Beethovens Symphony No. 3, the Eroica, are the guitars broad tonal range of warm tones and percussive effects, strands of Spanish and Andalusian folk tunes and boleros, trumpetlike fanfares and lots of strumming. Its almost like Rodrigo wrote an aural trip to Spain, said the 57-year-old guitarist. Unlike a string quartet or woodwind quartet, a guitar quartet is built largely from identical instruments. In the LAGQ, player John Dearmans guitar has an extra, seventh string for lower bass notes, but the guitars of colleagues Kanengiser, Matthew Greif and Scott Tennant are largely identical, though handbuilt. Four guitars are an odd group . . . (Playing) could become homogenous, but any of us become the lead or accompanist at any moment. We pass around (the lead) from player to player to keep the audience interested and ourselves interested, Kanengiser said. The classical guitars that the quartet plays differ slightly from the average acoustic guitar used in folk and country music. They use nylon strings rather than steel ones and their tops are more acoustically lively, with players using their fingernails for strumming rather than guitar picks. The result is a warmer, rounded sound that, when discreetly amplified, marries well with an orchestra as well as fills smaller rooms for which much of classical compositions are written. When you play a living room with about 30 people in it, it sounds amazing, he said. The LAGQ won a 2004 Grammy Award for Best Crossover Album, its Guitar Heroes, a tribute to such guitarists as Chet Atkins, Jimi Hendrix, Django Reinhardt and Pat Metheny and continues to expand its musical horizons. Kanengiser, with a career acclaimed for both his solo play and his guitar arrangements, doesnt see an end in sight. Ive been playing guitar since I was nine. In America in the 60s, the guitar was the really cool instrument. I started playing things by the Beatles, then James Taylor, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and the more I worked on it, the more I got into it and here I am, 48 years later, he laughed. The Rodrigo guitar concerto follows a pivotal work in the symphony orchestra repertory, Beethovens Third Symphony, the Eroica (Heroic). Beethoven supposedly wrote the 1804 work with Napoleon in mind as the type of heroic leader overthrowing Europes ruling aristocracies for popular democracies or republics, only to shred his dedication at news that Napoleon had crowned himself emperor. Others, however, have attributed its grand themes and sometimes turbulent passion as a product of Beethovens coming to grips with his growing deafness. Scored for a larger orchestra than Beethoven had previously written for, the symphony represented a turning point from the Classical era to the Romantic. Musically, its a totally different piece than anything that had gone before. For the first time, Beethoven is almost writing for himself. Its bigger and grander, said WSO Music Director Stephen Heyde, noting that some have called the funeral march of the symphonys second movement a symbolic burial of the symphonic music of the past. Its one of the most profound symphonies that was written and always has something to say, he said. John Abraham and Sonakshi Sinha, who will be seen in the upcoming film Force 2, were at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in New Delhi to pay their tributes to the Indian Army. By India Today Web Desk: John Abraham and Sonakshi Sinha on Thursday paid tribute to the armed forces and unsung heroes at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in Delhi. The actors, who were in the capital for a promotional event for their forthcoming actioner Force 2, placed a wreath near the Amar Jawan Jyoti and appealed that spies who lose their lives in safeguarding the country also get the recognition and status that martyrs get in India. advertisement PHOTOS: When John Abraham and WWE superstar Sheamus joined forces PHOTOS: John Abraham's Force 2 is all about guns, gore and high-octane action ALSO READ | John Abraham sings in Force 2: Other actors who slay it with their singing They attracted a huge crowd at India Gate and flaunted an important message via their T-shirts: "Respect the Indian forces". After the event, Sonakshi and John took to Twitter to voice their feelings. At Amar Jawan Jyoti paying our respect to the true heroes of our nation ... our armed forces #force2 #jaihind @sonakshisinha @Force2thefilm pic.twitter.com/cWTi3ApAyq John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) November 3, 2016 The film's team is trying to ensure that the names of these unsung heroes too are recognised. They also plan to take this petition to the President. John had previously said, "Even today, there are many unrecognised and forgotten martyrs from various intelligence agencies who need to gain recognition, if not celebrated." He said that the film's story is inspired from true life events. "It's our humble request to the system to recognise those who have sacrificed their lives while serving the nation. It's disheartening that these people put their lives at stake, without giving second thoughts to whether their efforts or sacrifice will ever be recognised. We understand that revealing names of people who are currently serving, may lead to political or security issues. However, it's a meek request that the long pending cases of people get resolved, giving them their needed status and recognition in our society." Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Abhinay Deo, Force 2 is scheduled for a November 18 release. The first song from Force 2, called Laal Rang, also saw John and Sonakshi paying their tribute to the Indian Army. --- ENDS --- Baylor Universitys Kappa Sigma Fraternity and Chi Omega Sorority are having a concert and chili cook-off to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation at 6 p.m. Friday at Waco Hall, 624 Speight Ave. The concert after the chili cook-off will feature the band Judah & the Lion. Tickets cost $15, $30 for VIP early entry tickets and $45 for VIP meet-and-greet tickets. Tickets are available online at www.baylor.edu/tickets. Hewitt Holiday Expo The Waco chapter of the National Association of Female Executives and the Hewitt Chamber of Commerce are having their annual Sip n Shop Holiday Expo from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd. in Woodway. Guests can enjoy refreshments and shopping, with more than 30 vendors on hand selling goods. Admission is free. For more information, call Glenda Ruiz at 732-2404. McLennan Dems event The McLennan County Democratic Party is sponsoring an appearance by Lt. Gen. Arlen Dirk Jameson from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 203 N. University Parks Drive Jameson will share his thoughts about Democratic nominee Hillary Clintons run for president. All military personnel and veterans, family and friends are encouraged to attend. DRT meeting The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Sterling C. Robertson Chapter of Waco will meet at 1 p.m. Thursday in the meeting room of the West Waco Library and Genealogy Center, 5301 Bosque Blvd. Guest speaker Martha Fleitas, fourth vice president general of the DRT, will speak about DRT medallions. Kathi Davis, a member of The Descendants of Stephen F. Austins Old Three Hundred, will talk about the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. For more information, call Kathleen Hale at 932-6370. Boil-water notice Because of issues arising while connecting a new waterline, the city of Waco water system issued a boil-water notice Wednesday for all customers residing west of Old Lorena Road, from Warren Road north to Riverview Drive, as well as customers on Summer Harvest Drive, Leutwyler Lane, El Gato Lane and Chapel Road, east of Old Lorena Road. For more information, call 299-2489. Leatherneck 5K The Heart of Texas Marine Corps Leagues 15th annual Leatherneck 5K Run will start at 8 a.m. Saturday in Indian Spring Park. Entry fee is $35 through 11 p.m. Thursday and $40 thereafter. Proceeds will benefit Toys for Tots and other Marine Corps League charities. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Waco/Leatherneck. State Highway 6 lane closure The Texas Department of Transportation will close the northbound left lane of State Highway 6 at Lake Waco from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. The lane will be closed as part of the project to overlay a portion of State Highway 6, west of Waco, between Bagby Avenue and Spur 412. Submit items for Briefly in printed or typed form to Briefly, P.O. Box 2588, Waco 76702-2588. A federal judge in Fort Worth has approved a reorganization plan for Waco-based Life Partners Holdings Inc., a major player in the viatical industry that filed for bankruptcy protection in 2015 amid allegations the company and founder Brian Pardo defrauded investors and put more than $1.4 billion in premiums at risk. The action means Pardo has no further involvement in the entity he created in 1991 to broker sales of life insurance policies from terminally ill patients to investors from around the world. Life Partners Holdings became a frequent target of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which most recently alleged the company purposefully underestimated the life expectancy of clients selling policies, making them more desirable to investors. The commission imposed an almost $47 million judgment. That case prompted the companys bankruptcy filing and the involvement of trustee H. Thomas Moran II, who called the affair one of the biggest frauds in Texas history. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Russell F. Nelms confirmed the reorganization plan Tuesday after Moran spent months identifying 22,000 investors; holding town hall-style informational meeting in several cities, including Waco; and holding five weeks of hearings before Nelms in a Fort Worth courtroom. The ruling preserves a portfolio of life insurance policies with a face value of $2.4 billion and provides a more certain future for $1.4 billion in premiums. Todays order is a tremendous victory for the investors we have been working so hard to protect, Moran said in a prepared statement. We are delighted to have joined with the advisory committee in obtaining confirmation of a plan which projects a substantial recovery for our investors 90 percent of invested capital over time. He said investors who are satisfied with their investments and wish to continue making premium payments on individual policies may do so. But an option also was created that allows investors to pool their resources in such a way that money already invested may be used to pay premiums. Yearslong process David M. Bennett, a Dallas attorney who has assisted Moran, said it will take years to carry out the plan that now is in place. Some policyholders soon will begin receiving checks, if clients whose life insurance policies they purchased through Life Partners have died since bankruptcy proceedings began more than a year ago. Others will have to wait until the deaths of those who sold policies, and many investors had some or all of their life savings at risk, Bennett said. Our goal is to write checks to the affected investors as quickly as we can after the effective date of the plan, which we believe will be around Nov. 30, Bennett said. As weve said, considering investors are having to pay premiums on policies for longer than they were led to believe, which is what this issue is all about, investors in all classes will be getting 90 percent of what they have put in, on average, though the actual number could be higher or lower. He said the reorganization blueprint provided relief in some areas but does not remove investors responsibility to pay premiums. Vida Capital Inc., an Austin-based company, will serve in an administrative role as the policy server and investor account administrator. The Waco office of Life Partners Holdings Inc. will carry out the tasks related to serving existing policies. The sale and brokering of new policies has come to an end. We believe we could have come up with a plan superior to what the trustee proposed, said Houston attorney Brent Perry, who represents Pardo. Perry said his client no longer has any involvement in the company, adding some issues related to the trustees attempt to secure money for investors may play out in court. For example, a lawsuit filed on behalf of Moran against 23 local, state and national nonprofit agencies has not yet been resolved. Pardo made $2.1 million in contributions to these groups before Life Partners filed for bankruptcy protection. The trustee is seeking the return of that money. Organizations including Fuzzy Friends Rescue, Rapoport Academy, Baylor Waco Foundation, the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce and many others were named in the filing in U.S. District Court in Fort Worth. Gifts in question Among the gifts called into question was a $500,000 donation made to Rapoport Academy to renovate the old Grant Hall on the historic Paul Quinn College campus in East Waco for use as an arts facility. The project was completed with help from Pardos donation. The investors have been victimized, and everything is being done with the investors in mind, to maximize their recovery, Bennett said of the suit. That means pursuing money Pardo donated to nonprofit groups, if necessary, Bennett said. We are not suggesting that any of these defendants were involved in fraud, he said earlier this year. But, unfortunately for them, we are trying to recover as much as we can for people who have lost material parts of their life savings. Perry, the attorney representing Pardo, said his client has not personally filed for bankruptcy protection and appealed the SECs $46.9 million judgment against Life Partners and two top executives to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. Perry said he and Pardo are awaiting a ruling. The total judgment against Life Partners included $6.2 million against Pardo and $2 million against R. Scott Peden, the companys general counsel. Since its incorporation, Life Partners claimed to have completed more than 143,000 transactions to more than 29,000 individuals and institutions in connection with the purchase of more than 6,500 policies worth $3 billion. But the companys fortunes began to sour when many people who sold their insurance policies did not die within the short time Life Partners led purchasers to believe. Returns diminished for investors, who had to continue paying premiums or see the policies lapse. Life Partners reportedly continued to demand service fees from investors, who either paid them or again risked policies lapsing. Pardo and other licensees involved in brokering the sale of policies to investors made more than $350 million in fees, according to SEC filings. A call center in McGregor that announced earlier this year it was hiring 500 new people to meet increased demand from a client will hire at least another 200 more. This is a busy time of year, and one of the great business clients we work with needs additional support, C3 site director Suzette Mansfield said. The Florida-based company has put about 500 new staffers to work and soon will begin training classes for 206 more, Mansfield said. New hires who work the phones start at $10 an hour but can make more through the companys incentive program, she said. The Waco center also needs a handful of additional supervisors. Mansfield said C3 employees field calls from clients of health insurance companies who need questions answered. We are trying to organize several classes for new hires in November and another couple in December, Mansfield said. We need to be done hiring by the third week of November. The company values employees with computer skills and customer service skills, she said. We want people who can provide an exceptional experience for those who call, similar to what you might get in a department store or restaurant, she said. C3 is filling full-time, 40-hour weekly positions for shifts that stretch from 6:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Incentives typically involve additional pay, but C3 on Monday presented a new Nissan Versa to an employee who qualified for a drawing by meeting performance goals. Mansfield said C3 finds most of the employees it needs from the Greater Waco and Temple areas and communities in between. She said with the hiring of about 200 additional staffers, employment at the customer center will hover between 1,000 and 1,200. C3 operates a call center in McGregors industrial district. The building had been vacant about nine months when C3 moved into the renovated structure in 2011. C3 pays $37,500 a month on its lease, which is close to expiring. The company has requested an extension of the existing lease through March, a request McGregor City Council will address at its next meeting. McGregor City Manager Kevin Evans said he expects the council to pass the extension and to strike a new long-term lease agreement shortly thereafter. Those interested in going to work for C3 should call 840-2194 or visit jobs.c3connect.com. Potterheads are unhappy with the casting choice, given the serious accusations of violent domestic abuse made against Johnny Depp. By India Today Web Desk: Warner Bros' announcement this week that Johnny Depp will be seen in Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them has not got the desired response. Potterheads were livid at the news that Depp, who has been accused of domestic violence by former partner Amber Heard, will feature in the fantasy series. SEE PICS: Amber Heard's domestic abuse claims against Johnny Depp get stronger with more images advertisement Depp is likely to be seen in JK Rowling's new film franchise as the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald who had a close relationship with Albus Dumbledore. This news caused outrage in the series' fans who felt that Warner Bros has overlooked the serious allegations levelled against Depp. I'm livid about the Johnny Depp casting. It's revealed that you attacked and abused your wife and then you get this? No. Absolutely not. Rosianna Halse Rojas (@papertimelady) November 2, 2016 glad we're all in agreeance that Warner Bros. grossly miscalculated public perception of Johnny Depp in 2016 Brett Redacted (@BrettRedacted) November 2, 2016 The first installment of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them will hit screens on November 17. --- ENDS --- Editors note: Corrected information in story Five more bikers arrested last year after the Twin Peaks shootout in Waco filed civil rights lawsuits Wednesday, alleging they were arrested with no proof of wrongdoing. Ester Weaver, Walter Weaver, Sandra Lynch, Michael Lynch and Julie Perkins join 17 other bikers who have filed lawsuits in an Austin federal court against McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna, former Waco Police Chief Brent Stroman, Waco police Detective Manuel Chavez and an unnamed state trooper. Dallas attorney Don Tittle represents 20 of the plaintiffs and said 13 of the 20 have not been indicted, including the five most recent plaintiffs. Stroman consulted with Reyna and his top assistants on the decision to arrest 177 bikers after the May 17, 2015, shootout that left nine dead and two dozen injured or wounded. Chavez obtained affidavits from a judge to make the arrests. Since then, 154 have been indicted on first-degree felony engaging in organized criminal activity charges. Some of the bikers indicted were not arrested the day of the shootout. Two bikers failed recently in efforts to disqualify Reyna from overseeing the prosecution of the biker cases. U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks, of Austin, who is presiding over the civil litigation, has put the civil lawsuits on hold until after the criminal cases are disposed of. The lawsuit alleges that authorities relied on identical, fill-in-the-blank arrest affidavits that did not allege specific facts against the plaintiffs that would in any way establish probable cause for their arrests. Do the right thing The district attorney (Reyna) recently claimed that his decision not to indict some of those arrested is proof that hes trying to do the right thing, Tittle said Wednesday. I know that for these individuals, and many others, his words ring hollow. Almost 18 months after their arrests, my clients are still waiting for their names to be cleared, hardly what youd expect from someone interested in doing the right thing. Reyna did not return a phone message Wednesday. According to the suit, the Weavers live in Bell County and have 23 grandchildren. Ester Weaver was a member of the Queens of Sheeba Motorcycle Club, an all-female group that socializes on weekends and is known for their charitable work, the suit states. Her husband, Walter, an Army veteran and an Army civilian employee, was not a member of any motorcycle club, according to the suit. The Weavers rode with friends to Waco the day of the shootout to attend a meeting of the Texas Confederation of Clubs and Independents at Twin Peaks, the suit alleges. Ester Weaver had just arrived at Twin Peaks, parked her motorcycle, lit a cigarette and began to walk toward her husband, who came earlier with friends, when she heard gunshots and took cover, according to the suit. Her husband, who was setting up a display stand when he heard the shots, also ran away and took cover, the suit alleges, adding that neither did anything to break the law. Sandra and Michael Lynch live in McLennan County and have six children and 19 grandchildren. The suit describes Sandra Lynch as an advocate for motorcyclist rights and says she is a member of the Los Pirados Motorcycle Club. The suit calls the Los Pirados group a mom and pop club and says it is a family-oriented, independent group with no affiliation to any other club. Sandra Lynch also came to attend the meeting, had set up a booth and helped park motorcycles. When the shots rang out, she took cover, according to the suit. Mrs. Lynchs actions were consistent with what 99 percent of the population would do in the same or similar situation. She immediately took cover to avoid being struck, the lawsuit states. Julie Perkins, a resident of Burleson County, is an Army veteran and worked as a contractor overseas during Operation Desert Storm. She is a member of the Distorted Motorcycle Club and does volunteer work with her group that benefits local charities, the lawsuit states. Like the others, she rode to Waco with friends to attend the meeting and ran for cover when the shooting started, according to the suit. Plaintiff Julie Perkins was engaged in completely lawful conduct at all times relevant to the Twin Peaks incident, the suit alleges. Sparks ruled in August that the civil rights lawsuits will remain in Austin, denying the defendants motions to move the cases to Wacos federal court. In his ruling to stay the civil proceedings, Sparks noted that the plaintiffs alleged claims and criminal charge are so closely interrelated that resolving the civil claims may impugn any conviction. . . . Most importantly, plaintiffs civil claims challenge the legality of his arrest, which may directly implicate or invalidate any conviction in his criminal case. Donald Trump so far is just a presidential candidate. Yet along with his baying partisan hounds in Congress and his angry throngs of devoted followers, he has successfully bullied and intimidated the head of the FBI into discrediting himself and his institution and doing untold damage to the American political system. In case you wondered what life might be like under a Trump presidency, consider this a preview. FBI Director James Comey is by all accounts a man of integrity and principle, including the principle of nonpartisanship. He made a determination in July, following a lengthy investigation, that Hillary Clinton should not be prosecuted. No one had reason to believe Comey, a Republican who has served in administrations of both parties, made his decision for partisan reasons. As he said, it was not even close. Yet at the time of his decision, he did something extraordinary and contrary to normal prosecutorial standards: He explained his decision; he talked about the investigation; he even expressed his opinion of Clintons behavior. Why? There was no good reason except fear of the partisan backlash from Trump and the Republican Party. Comey might have told himself that the American people needed reassurance that his decision was fair and nonpartisan, but if so, he was foolish. Anyone who was reassured probably did not require an explanation they trusted the judicial system. It was the Trump supporters, and the Republican Party, who could not be reassured, no matter what Comey said. Trumps entire campaign boiled down to one argument, summed up in his ever-elegant designation of his opponent as Crooked Hillary. That was all he had. At political rallies, even at the Republican National Convention, he encouraged his devoted throng to shout Lock her up! While many Republicans no doubt believed she had to be guilty of something (with the same confidence that many Democrats believed George W. Bush lied the nation into war in Iraq), they also needed her to be found guilty. With a sure loser as their nominee, it was their only hope. Republicans had become a lynch mob, demanding frontier justice, and they howled in outrage when Comey refused to participate in the hanging, accusing him of unfairly rigging the election when all he had done was his job. A more courageous man would have kept silent and taken the heat. Comey, however, succumbed to the pressure. He did so in July and again last week, when he wrote his letter informing Congress that the FBI had come across new emails, even though he had no reason to believe there was anything incriminating in them and even though in so doing he violated Justice Department guidelines against taking such action so close to an election. He was cowed by the mob, pure and simple. The most worrying part of all this is that Comeys unwillingness to stand up to Trump and take the heat from Republicans may be a harbinger of worse things to come if Trump is elected. There are very good reasons why the government makes no comment after it decides not to pursue criminal charges, why it offers no explanation and certainly expresses no opinions about the person who has been investigated. It is a dangerous abuse of the federal governments power. Imagine that this happened to you. The government investigates and doesnt find sufficient grounds to prosecute but releases selective bits of information it uncovered and publicly chastises you for bad, if noncriminal, behavior. Now imagine that the government did this to members of the opposition party or administration critics. No charges, just lengthy investigations, selective leaks and public chastisement. And, finally, imagine what would happen if the government were in the hands of someone who has no respect for democratic norms and practices, who loudly proclaimed as a candidate that he would investigate and lock up his opponent, would use the law to go after newspapers that criticized him, and would pursue legal action to quiet critics. We would be one step away from tyranny. One might hope that all those conservative thinkers who have been warning against the federal governments allegedly tyrannical tendencies for so many years would find this troubling. But of course they wont, because they have succumbed to the same lynch-mob mentality that Comey caved to that now threatens the integrity of our electoral process. Robert Kagan writes a monthly foreign affairs column for The Post and is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Kagan served in the State Department from 1984 to 1988 under President Ronald Reagan. Willapa Hills Audubon will host a program by well-known Washington photographer, naturalist and mountaineer Alan Bauer. Bauer is a professional photographer specializing in the natural history of the Pacific Northwest and coverage of local history. He is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, having grown up on a large family farm in Oregon's Willamette Valley and now calling Washington his home for the past 29 years. The title of his program is, "The Natural World Puts on a Show--Celebrating What's Right With the World!" His work has been published in Backpacker, Odyssey, Northwest Runner, CityDog, Northwest Outdoors, Northwest Magazine, Oregon Coast, and Northwest Travel magazines to name a few. Bauer is perhaps best known in the region for his photography and co-author work with publisher The Mountaineers Books as part of the new "Day Hiking" guidebook series. The program is scheduled on November 15 at 7 p.m. at the Lower Columbia College Health & Science Building Room 101. Admission is free. ASHLAND One thousand children from the Ashland-Greenwood School District will get to spend a week at Carol Joy Holling Camp (CJH) as a result of a donation from Bob and Christy Luebbe of Ashland. Starting with the summer 2017 camp season, 100 children will be given a week at CJH every summer for the next 10 years. Until recently, the Luebbes owned and operated Linoma Software in Ashland, a company they founded over 20 years ago. Earlier this summer, the Luebbes made the decision to sell the company, which Bob Luebbe continues to manage for the new owners. With the proceeds from the company sale, the Luebbes wanted to make a direct impact in the Ashland-Greenwood community. We really want children in this area to experience the wonderful things that Carol Joy Holling Camp has to offer. It is a fantastic place for young people to go and have fun for a few days each summer, with the opportunity to make new friends and grow spiritually, said Bob Luebbe. Christy Luebbe added, Our girls went to Carol Joy Holling Camp for many summers and really loved it. We want other children to be able to have similar, positive experiences, without cost to their families. According to the camp, there will be a $50 space reservation fee for each camper who takes advantage of the Luebbes offer but, the fee will be fully refunded at the end of each childs camp session. CJH Director of Development Jason Gerdes said the Luebbes generous gift is unprecedented. We love this idea and are humbled by the generosity of the Luebbes, said Gerdes. We simply cant wait to get the word out and to start signing up Ashland-Greenwood kids for Summer Camp 2017! The camp, owned and operated by Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM) since 1979, is located southeast of Ashland. NLOMs Executive Director Dave Coker believes that the Luebbes gift could start a trend. When a donor comes forward with an idea like this, its extraordinary. Bob and Christys vision for community-building in this way is something special and its an idea that, we think, can be imitated in towns all across Nebraska, he said. Coker added that, A week at CJH impacts the faith, confidence and outlook of each individual camper, but it doesnt stop there. When campers and families know and support friends that have had similar experiences, communities get stronger. Those communities are built on love, respect, service to one another and on healthy relationships. Bob and Christy Luebbe get it, and thats pretty cool. NLOM offers year round opportunities for people of all ages through its Carol Joy Holling Center and at a second location in Nebraska, Sullivan Hills Camp, just north of Lodgepole. All told, more than 20,000 people (2,000 campers and over 18,000 retreat and conference guests) are challenged to grow mentally, physically, morally and spiritually through NLOMs unique outdoor living and learning experiences. For more information about Carol Joy Holling Camp, go to www.caroljoyholling.org. To find out how to create a similar scholarship fund for children in any community, contact Gerdes at 402-944-2544 or by email at jgerdes@nlom.org. ASHLAND The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum will offer free admission and lunch to all military veterans during its Veterans Day program on Nov. 11. The general public is invited to attend the Veterans Day program. Admission will be charged but lunch is free. The program topic is focused on the United States missiles program starting with the political tensions of the Cold War and how the United States developed strategies that enabled strategic military forces to respond at a moments notice should anything threaten the United States. The program also covers the importance of missile tracking and monitoring today. This is an opportunity for guests to learn about six decades of technological advances of how USAF missileers transformed their service of manned bombers to an indispensible arm of Americas military force, said Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum Executive Director Dr. Michael McGinnis. This free admission and free lunch were made possible through the support of Midlands Community Foundation and Bellevue University. Guest speakers are Col. Reyes Colon, Chief Operations Command & Control Division, Global Operations Directorate, United States Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base and Brig. Gen. Paul G. Cohen, USAF (Ret.), Air National Guard. Colon will speak on the importance of missile tracking and monitoring today, while Cohens presentation, The United States Missile Program, will detail how the United States developed strategies that enabled military forces to respond at a moments notice, starting with the political tensions of the Cold War. Guests are asked to RSVP by Nov. 1. For further information contact Amy at 402-944-3100 ext. 253 or at events@sacmuseum.org. ASHLAND The Ashland-Greenwood Elementary School library will host a Scholastic Book Fair from Nov. 14 to 18, to raise money for the purchase of books for the Elementary Media Center. Families, teachers and the community are invited to attend the Book Fair. This years theme is Bookaneer Book Fair: Where Books are the Treasure! The book fair will be held daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Nov. 14 through Thursday, Nov. 17 and Friday, Nov. 18 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Ashland-Greenwood Elementary School is located at 1200 Boyd Street. On Monday, Nov. 14 and Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the book fair will feature special Family Nights where parents and grand-parents are invited to come and see what the book fair has to offer. The book fair will offer specially priced books, including new releases, award-winning titles, Nebraska Golden Sower books, childrens classics, interactive software, adult books and current best sellers from more than 100 publishers. Book fair customers may help the school build classroom libraries and improve childrens reading skills by purchasing books through the Classroom Wish List program where parents can purchase books for their students classroom. Teachers will select books they would like to have in their classroom, place them in wish baskets and parents or students may purchase these books for their teachers. The student can then personalize the book purchase by putting a book plate on the inside cover which will let everyone know who purchased the book and when. This year they are also offering an online Book Fair for those who may not be able to make it to the book fair in person. The online book fair will run Nov. 8 to 27 and offers an extended selection of books with free shipping to the elementary school. For more information about the online book fair go to http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bookfairs/cptoolkit/publish/ages or go to the school website at http://www.agps.org and click on AGPS Media>Scholastic Book Fair or contact Jerry Wendelin, K-5 Media Specialist, Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools, 402-944-7083, e-mail: jerry.wendelin@agps.org. By India Today Web Desk: Television heartthrob Karanvir Bohra is completely devoted to his actress-wife Teejay Sidhu. And today, on the occasion of his tenth marriage anniversary, the talented actor has posted the sweetest message on his personal Instagram account. Karanvir posted a 'just-wed' picture and wrote a rather long and adorable message in the description of the said picture. advertisement Also read:TV star Karanvir Bohra has just posted the CUTEST picture of his twin daughters Here is what he wrote Bebu wishing you a beautiful decade of our marriage. Can't believe that 10years have gone by so fast......and what better gift then having being blessed by 2angels. I want to thank you for being the backbone of my life, I don't know what I would have done without you. You've made my life even more beautiful....as Joshua Kadison rightfully said; You're my peace of mind In this crazy world You're everything I've tried to find Your love is a pearl You're my Mona Lisa You're my rainbow skies And my only prayer is that you realize... You'll always be beautiful in my eyes. Thank you for blossoming my life. Now, isn't that the most adorable thing in the world? Happy 10th anniversary, Karanvir and Teejay! --- ENDS --- ASHLAND The presidential race has drawn a lot of attention this election year, but it wont be the only race that voters will see multiple ovals. State, regional and local races and questions are also in abundance for the Nov. 8 General Election. The state ticket will have the race for District 23 legislator. Incumbent Jerry Johnson of Wahoo and Bruce Bostelman are the candidates for state senator. Voters will also decide if the states death penalty ban should be retained or repealed. On the county level, one of the three seats available on the County Board of Supervisors is contested. Republican and Incumbent Doris Karloff of Yutan and Democrat Stan Keiser of Ashland are both vying to be the District 2 representative. County voters will also be asked if the register of deeds and assessor offices should be one consolidated office. A yes vote is in support of consolidating the offices, while a no vote voices opposition. Cindy Jordan and Jacqueline Horton have tossed their hats into the ring in Memphis as declared write-ins for village board. Both are incumbents. Non-incumbent Andrew Horton filed as a candidate. There are three open seats on the Memphis Village Board. In Ashland, Paul Gossin filed by petition to be a candidate for City Council Ward 1, where previously there had been no declared candidate. Gossin was appointed to fill the vacant Ward 1 seat in September. In Ashlands Ward 2, Incumbent Russell DeVries is the only candidate on the ballot. Seats are also up for grabs on the board for the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District. In the nine sub-districts three are contested. All three sub-districts are in Saunders County. Ryan Sabatka of Weston and Bryon Chvatal of Prague are on the ballot for sub-district 7; James Gibney Jr. of Wahoo and Kenneth Stuchlik of Wahoo in sub-district 8; and Robert J. Meduna Jr. of Wahoo and Patrick McEvoy of Waterloo in sub-district 9. Charles A. Folsom of Fremont has also indicated he would be a write-in candidate for the NRDs sub-district 2. There was no candidate for that seat. WAHOO One item on peoples checklist should be healthcare, as open enrollment for health insurance plans began Nov. 1 and lasts until Jan. 31. A few changes for 2017 include an average increase in premiums and fewer plan options for those going through the marketplace. Individual health care rate premiums have increased from 28 to 34 percent across the board, said Eric Hancock, Anchor Insurance agent in Wahoo. That increase across the board may not necessarily mean group plan premiums will increase, he said. Premiums have gone up, but if you qualify for advanced premium tax credits, those have gone up as well. With tax subsidies, those individuals are not looking at significant increases, said Serena Reeves, marketplace navigator with Community Action. Thats not the case for everyone. If youre self-employed and making decent money, youre getting hammered, Hancock said. Individuals that had health insurance through United Health Care or Blue Cross Blue Shield will also have to look for other options on the marketplace, as neither company is offering individual plans in Nebraska, he added. They are still working in Nebraska for group plans. With these increases in premiums, many individuals are looking for cheaper options. There is a penalty for not having health care insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Penalties have increased incrementally since their inception in 2014, but will remain at 2016s numbers, Hancock said. Currently, the penalty is $695 per adult, $347.50 per child up to $2085 per household or 2.5 percent of yearly household income, whichever is greater, according to healthcare.gov. Hancock said there are options now. For some individuals and families, these options include the penalty and health coverage, while still being cheaper than getting healthcare through the marketplace. Hancock said that short-term plans are inexpensive and last less than one year, but that there are underwriting issues, like pre-existing conditions. This plan is for those looking to buy insurance outside of open enrollment. These plans look like insurance did 10 years ago, Hancock said. Another option that includes paying the penalty is with a Christian group called Medi-Share Concepts. Plans like these are not insurance, but health-care sharing programs that pool resources from a large group, in this case close to 300,000, and the group pays the medical bills. Hancock said plans like these are not for everyone. Its a bill-sharing ministry that could make sense with some families belief systems. With premiums up 34 percent for some, you can see where people want alternatives, Hancock said. The Affordable Care Act is helping some families, as six out of 10 uninsured Americans can get covered for $100 or less per month, he added. This includes the tax subsidies Reeves said and also include hardship exemptions if group plan premiums exceed close to eight percent of the individuals modified adjusted gross income. But knowing what individuals and families qualify for can be tricky and there are deadlines. Individuals and families need to enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage to begin Jan. 1, Reeves said. For coverage to begin Feb. 1, individuals and families need to enroll by Jan. 15. Reeves will be providing navigator services in Saunders County through Community Action in November and December. She will be at the Ashland Community Resource Center and Wahoo Public Library on Nov. 7. In Ashland, she will be there from 9 a.m. until noon and then travel to Wahoo from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m., she said. She will be in Ashland and Wahoo again on Dec. 5. Hours at each location will be the same. To attend, appointments should be made at enroll-ne.org/local. Individuals will be able put in their zip code and search for navigators closest to them. Reeves said individuals with appointments should bring social security numbers for whoever needs insurance and proof of current income. This can be in the form of a tax return or current pay stub, she said. Hancock said that when looking through plans, its important to consider medication, networks and doctors to avoid ongoing problems throughout the year. Due to the complexity of individual plans, doctors may take Coventry, but ask do they take my Coventry, he said. Across the board, thats where people are getting damaged the most, he said. To preview plans offered for 2017, visit www.healthcare.gov. Reeves said that based on community interest in receiving help from navigators, other dates might be added in Ashland and Lincoln. WAHOO Voters will be heading to the polls next Tuesday to cast their picks. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 8. Polling places will be the same as they were for the May Primary. Sites will be the Valparaiso Senior Center, Weston Legion Hall, Prague Parish Hall, Malmo Legion Hall, Ceresco Community Center, 4-H building on Saunders County Fairgrounds, First Presbyterian Church in Wahoo, Union Bank in Wahoo, Colon Fire Hall Community Building, Cedar Bluffs Auditorium, Mead Covenant Church, Pohocco Lutheran Church basement. Ashland Community Resource Center, American Lutheran Church in Ashland, Word of Hope Lutheran Church in Ashland and Yutan Veterans Country Club. Saunders County Election Commissioner Patti Lindgren has reported heavy traffic in her office. She said there has been an interesting shift in number of individuals changing party affiliation. As of Oct. 27, there are 8,209 registered Republicans, 3,948 registered Democrats, 2,542 registered non-partisans and 111 registered Libertarians in the county. In 2014, there were 7,817 registered Republicans, 4,172 registered Democrats, 2,377 registered non-partisans and 42 registered Libertarians. Early voting ballots were able to be cast Oct. 10, and Lindgren reported brisk activity for those too. Lindgrens office received 849 of the 1,338 early voter ballots they mailed out, as of Oct. 31. This years early voter ballots should easily surpass the 2008 sum of 1,473, she said. In preparation for Election Day Lindgrens office held poll-worker trainings on Nov. 1 and 2. With an average at five poll workers per polling place, the training will include everything from setup to takedown regarding the days events. While they will be equipped to handle most issues at the polls, if voters have issues with their registration or address, poll workers will call the election office for instructions on how to proceed, Lindgren said. Lindgren said that most polling places should see an increase in activity, compared to the most recent General Election in 2014 due to this being a presidential election. In the General Election in 2014, not a presidential election, there was only 51 percent voter turnout. In 2012, voter turnout for the General Election was at 72 percent, Lindgren said. These numbers compare similarly to the 2010 General Election, not a presidential race, at only 50 percent, but 71 percent turnout in the 2008 presidential race. Local results from the Nov. 8 election will be posted next week at www.wahoonewspaper.com or www.ashland-gazette.com. BOARD PROCEEDINGS SAUNDERS COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS/EQUALIZATION As per Nebr. State Statute 23-122, the following is a brief statement of the proceedings of the Saunders County Board of Supervisors and Board of Equalization October 25, 2016 meetings. Members present were Breunig, Rastovski, Mach, Sukstorf, Hanson, Lutton and Karloff. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PROCEEDINGS Chairperson Karloff called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. 1. M-Hanson, S-Rastovski to convene as an Equalization Board at 9:08 a.m. Yes all. BOARD OF EQUALIZATION PROCEEDINGS Chairperson Sukstorf called the meeting to order at 9:08 a.m. 1. M-Rastovski, S-Hanson to approve the application for Exemption from Motor Vehicle Taxes by Camp Rivercrest, Fremont. Yes all. 2. M-Karloff, S-Hanson to approve the minutes of the October 11th Board meeting. Yes all. Chairperson Sukstorf declared the meeting adjourned Sine Die at 9:09 a.m. **************** Upon the adjournment of the Equalization Board, the Saunders County Board of Supervisors reconvened in their Regular schedule Board meeting. 1. M-Lutton, S-Breunig to table the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Division & Saunders County Supplement to the Interlocal Agreement in order to provide cooperative support, to conduct and to administer the Cooperative Extension programs in 4-H and Youth Development and to place this agenda item on the November 1st meeting agenda. Yes all. 2. M-Breunig, S-Sukstorf to approve the Countys Payroll for the October 28th pay period. Yes all. 3. M-Sukstorf, S-Rastovski to approve the Vendor Claims against the County for the month of October. Yes all. 4. M-Hanson, S-Mach to approve the minutes of the October 18th Board meeting and to accept the Fee/Activity Reports for the month of September from the various County Officials. Yes all. Lutton excused at 9:25 a.m. Chairperson Karloff declared the meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m. A complete copy of the Saunders County Board of Supervisors & Equalization proceedings is on file in the Saunders County Clerks office for review by the Public or can be seen on the Countys Web Site at www.saunderscounty.ne.gov. NOTE: This is a draft of the minutes from the meetings; they are subject to change or correction(s) upon the approval by the Boards at their next regular scheduled meeting. SCOTT SUKSTORF Chairperson Board of Equalization DORIS KARLOFF Chairperson Board of Supervisors PATTI J. LINDGREN Saunders County Clerk 12088873; Nov 3 EAST BUTLER SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 12, 2016 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of School District No. 2R, Butler County Nebraska, the School District of East Butler, in the State of Nebraska was convened at the school in Brainard, NE the meeting place of said Board on Wednesday, October 12, 2016. Attending were Board Members: Megan Kozisek, Marlene Wade, Dan Zysset, Jan Bostelman, Stonie Cooper, Mark Janak, Nate Radenslaben, Chris Rezac, & Kim TePoel. Also present were Mr. Sam Stecher, Superintendent, Mr. Michael Eldridge, Secondary Principal and Mr. Shawn Biltoft, Elementary Principal. Motions were made on the following items: 1. Approve agenda as presented. 2. Approve consent agenda: minutes; treasurers report; recognition of the East Butler Education Association as the Exclusive Bargaining Agent for the districts non-supervisory certificated staff for the 2018-2019 contract year. 3. Property acquisition discussion. Items Discussed: 1. Informational Items: Assessment Data and Facilities Update 2. Administrative Comments 3. Items for November meeting: state of schools report/data and approval of next years calendar Next regular board meeting will be Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 6:30 P.M. in the Brainard Library. A Special Meeting of the Board of Education of School District No. 2R, Butler County Nebraska, the School District of East Butler, in the State of Nebraska was convened at the school in Brainard, NE the meeting place of said Board on Thursday, October 20, 2016. Attending were Board Members: Megan Kozisek, Marlene Wade, Dan Zysset, Jan Bostelman, Stonie Cooper, & Chris Rezac. Absent: Mark Janak, Nate Radenslaben, & Kim TePoel. Also present was Mr. Sam Stecher, Superintendent. Motions were made on the following items: 1. Approve agenda as presented. 2. Approve the amendment to the negotiated agreement and authorize Mr. Stecher to sign the amendment as the representative from the school district. THE ABOVE MINUTES SUBJECT TO APPROVAL AT THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Dan Zysset, Secretary 12088791; Nov 3 Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the East Butler Board of Education will be held Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 6:30 P.M. in the East Butler School in Brainard, Nebraska, which shall be open to the public. By Rohit Kumar Singh: Senior BJP leader Sushil Modi has slammed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav for questioning the authenticity of Bhopal encounter, where 8 SIMI suspected terrorists were gunned down, after they had escaped from the jail. Modi said by doubting and demanding a probe in the Bhopal encounter, Lalu and Nitish were lowering the morale of the security forces who carried out the successful operation to eliminate the suspected terrorists once they executed the jail break. advertisement "If political leaders raising doubts over Bhopal encounter are proved wrong, their property should be confiscated and sedition charges should be slapped on them", said Sushil Modi. He also alleged that Nitish Kumar government was turning Bihar into another Kashmir. Citing an incident that took place in Gaya, couple of days back, where 16 youths were found chanting pro-Pakistan slogans, Modi said the incumbent government was adopting a soft approach towards such anti-national forces in the state. Two months back, pro-Pakistan slogans were also shouted in Patna in support of controversial televangelist Zakir Naik, followed by hoisting of a Pakistani flag in Nitish Kumar's home district, Nalanda. Also read: Investors have lost confidence in Nitish's rule, says Sushil Modi "These forces have been so emboldened that they are shouting pro-Pakistan slogans. They also attacked puja procession last month. By not cracking down on these forces, the state government was encouraging them and it appears that the government wants Bihar to become another Kashmir," tweeted the BJP leader. BIHAR KA BETA Attacking the JDU, he reminded how JDU leaders had called terrorist Ishrat Jahan "Bihar Ki Beti" despite Pakistani terrorist David Headly admitting that Ishrat was part of Lashkar terror module. Modi took pot-shots at the JDU asserting that the manner in which they called Ishrat Jahan "Bihar Ki Beti", the party might call any one of the SIMI terrorists as "Bihar Ka Beta". "JDU is a party which does politics seeing the religion of the person and will one day wail by calling one of the SIMI terrorist killed as Bihar Ka Beta", tweeted Sushil Modi. Also read: Rahul Gandhi pitches for a Bihar-style Grand Alliance in UP, Akhilesh as SP face --- ENDS --- Ae Dil Hai Mushkil actor Lisa Haydon goes on a Twitter rampage against those calling her husband Dino Lalvani and his family 'Pakistani'. But does it even matter where they are from? By Devarsi Ghosh: Model and actor Lisa Haydon, who was recently seen in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, got married on November 1 to British businessman Dino Lalvani. However, Lalvani is born to Pakistani-born entrepreneur Gulu Lalvani, which inevitably led to some media outlets calling Gulu i.e Lisa Haydon's father-in-law, a Pakistani, and this has not gone down well with the actor. advertisement Addressing this, Lisa went on a Twitter rampage, criticising the newspaper in question, for wrongly calling her father-in-law a Pakistani; a person born in pre-Independence India does not become a Pakistani, is what she is trying to say. Dear @dna my husband is Indian. My father in law - Gulu Lalvani, was born in pre partition India and was thrown out of what is today... Lisa Haydon (@HaydonLisa) November 2, 2016 Called Pakistan - to call someone who has gone through the struggles of partition non Indian is absurd. Lisa Haydon (@HaydonLisa) November 2, 2016 Sad this article are the good wishes you would give a girl on the day she begins a new&exciting chapter in her life. Lisa Haydon (@HaydonLisa) November 2, 2016 The world needs lovers not haters?? Lisa Haydon (@HaydonLisa) November 2, 2016 But the real question is, even if Gulu and Dino were indeed Pakistanis, why would that even be a problem? Ideally, it should not. However, the vaataavaran (ADHM joke *wink wink*) in our country at the moment is such that anything or anyone, with any oblique, far-fetched connection to Pakistan, is condemned as an "anti-national" and threatened to be deported to 'Porkistan'. SEE PICS: Lisa gets hitched to boyfriend Dino Lalvani in Phuket SEE PICS: Feast your eyes on these HAWT pictures of Dino Lalvani and Lisa Haydon As such, the fact that Lisa Haydon would go on a righteous outrage-mode to cover her tracks is understandable. Such a beautiful, rich woman would not want to get chased around by trishul-wielding patriots, for ffs. Cross-border marriages between India and Pakistan have a history of being on the wrong side of public discourse, for reasons that are sometimes, unfortunate (Reena Roy-Mohsin Khan), and sometimes, plain stupid (Sania Mirza-Shoaib Malik). Actor Reena Roy married Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan, then converted to Islam and settled down in Pakistan. However, the couple divorced and soon, she was back in India fighting a legal battle over the custody of her daughter. While initially, she did lose custody of the child, she regained it when Mohsin Khan remarried. Such a topsy-turvy affair almost mirrors Indo-Pak relations, when one looks at the larger picture. advertisement Fast-forward a few years to 2010. Indian tennis star Sania Mirza marries Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik. Let's take a moment to wonder how such an event would be treated by the media and the offense-takers, today. And then you say, there is no intolerance. Yeah, right. Anyway, during a television interview, Sania was asked a question that was really smart from the perspective of the headline-hungry media. Sania, not one to be messed with, gave an equally intelligent, safe reply. When asked which country her and Shoaib's unborn child would play for, Sania said that she and Shoaib are just husband and wife and nationality plays no part here. LOL, ok, smart but vapid, but alright, you stopped the interviewer from asking any other nonsensical question. Forget that, remember the time Sania Mirza broke down on live television about how she had to, time and again, prove her 'Indian-ness'? Now, Lisa has taken care of proving her 'Indian-ness' with just four tweets, thereby dismantling any potential brouhaha brewing around her marriage with hurr...durr...PAKISTANI! businessman Dino Lalvani. advertisement Hopefully, the matter gets nipped in the bud here. It is rumoured that Mrs Lalvani is planning to quit Bollywood and will settle down in London for good. If that is true, here's hoping that the British tabloid industry just lets her be and doesn't try to get her goat. (The writer tweets as @devarsighosh .) --- ENDS --- A letter recovered from the site of the car blast in Malappuram Collectorate premises in Kerala on Tuesday has threatened that the killing of Mohammed Akhlaq, who was lynched to death in Uttar Pradesh's Dadri last year, will be avenged. By Revathi Rajeevan, Ashish Pandey: Two days after a car blast in Malappuram Collectorate premises in Kerala, officials investigating the case have seized a threat letter warning of another blast and avenging of Dadri beef victim Mohammed Akhlaq's murder. A pendrive containing photographs of PM Modi and videos of Babri Masjid demolition was also recovered from the scene. Investigating agencies believe that the Tamil Nadu-based terror outfit "Al-Ummah", which came into existence just after Babri Masjid demolition, may be behind these blasts. advertisement BOX, PENDRIVE RECOVERED FROM SITE OF BLAST During the investigation, a box and a pendrive were recovered from the scene of the blast. The pendrive was found to contain photos of PM Modi, perhaps suggesting that he is on the hit list of the 'Base Movement', another name for Al Ummah, a terror outfit banned after the 1998 Coimbatore blasts. The pendrive also had videos of Babri Masjid demolition, Gujarat riots, photographs of Mumbai blast convict Yakub Memon and Dadri mob lynching victim Akhlaq. The pendrive also contains the message that the "Base Movement" is determined to carry out more such attacks on courts in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Also read: Kerala: Blast in a car parked outside Malappuram Collectorate, no casualties Al Ummah had earlier tried to kill BJP Leader LK Advani in 1998 in Coimbatore. The 'Base Movement' has threatened that there will be another blast. It must be remembered that the low-intensity blasts that occurred in Chittur, Mysore, Kollam in recent times were carried out by the same group, which had issued similar threats at those times. A box, just like the one found from Malappuram blast spot on Tuesday, was earlier found from Nellore blast spot too in September. Following is the copy of an IB report that warned of blasts on Akhlaq's death anniversary. BLASTS IN SOUTH INDIA IN RECENT TIMES In the past nine months, three southern states have witnessed similar kinds of IED blasts (luckily without any casualty). The chain of events started from Chittoor of Andhra pradesh, where in April the first blast took place in the premises of a local court compound. The second blast took place in Kollam in Kerala in June, then a similar incident took place in Mysuru of Karnataka in August and in Nellore. In September, a similar kind of IED blast took place in the parking lot of Nellore district court of Andhra Pradesh. ALL ABOUT AL UMMAH Al Ummah owes its allegiance to Al Qaeda and that's a big worry for the investigating agencies as so far, there was no direct Al Qaeda presence in India. advertisement The organization has also been behind the killing of RSS activists in Tamil Nadu, apart from carrying out a blast at Chennai's RSS office earlier. It is believed that several radical Muslim organisations, along with Al Ummah, had created a "base movement" and are trying to avenge "injustices" done unto them. Also read: More than 30 youths from Kerala attended Islamic State training camps in Afghanistan: NIA Sources say the first presence of the so-called "Base movement" was found in January 2015, when a letter threatening a terror attack was sent to the office of the then additional chief secretary to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru. Similarly, this year on 11th January, the Bengaluru French consulate received an anonymous letter, warning the Republic Day Chief Guest French President Francois Hollande to cancel his visit. The third letter was sent by the "Base movement" to Deputy Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Chittoor office soon after the IED blast in local court on April 7. An alert has been issued regarding a possible attack on the first death anniversary of Akhlaq to all the states. As the anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition is approaching, the states particularly the ones in the south, have been asked to maintain extra vigil. advertisement While the agencies are on alert, a massive man hunt is on to find out the real faces behind the "Base Movement". Watch the video here: --- ENDS --- A WATERFORD GP has claimed we are now experiencing the worst level of Covid-19 in the country because we were effectively spared the brunt... Following on from the success of the inaugural To Be Irish At Christmas initiative last year, the programme returns again this December (8th - 23rd), celebrating... AFTER two long years without the fun and festivities that go with St Patricks Day, it has been confirmed that the St Patricks Day... Port of Waterford has estimated that it would generate 3.5m this summer with the return of cruise ships for the first time in two... The team at Waterford Walls has hardly been able to contain its excitement this week as it brings another exciting artwork to the city.... By Harish V Nair: They have nowhere to go. No one comes calling and no one is willing to take them back. For years they have been languishing at the mental hospitals. It's not that they are suffering from any mental ailment any more: they have been cured and are fit to be discharged from the hospitals. But across the country at different mental hospitals, they wait endlessly for someone to help them lead normal life. advertisement SC EXPRESSES CONCERN The Supreme Court has now expressed its concern on the issue and asked benevolent citizens to adopt such people from the hospitals. It's been seven years and Sagnik Singh, 38, is at a mental hospital in Kolkata. After proper treatment for mental illness he is now fit to be discharged, but his family is not ready to accept him. Similarly, Meenu Singh of Lucknow is also admitted in a mental hospital in Bareilly who has completely recovered and counting days to go back home. She was left at the hospital by her husband four years ago. Though doctors feel Meenu can return home, her family is unwilling. Like them, more than 600 people are stuck at mental hospitals across north and east India despite being cured of their ailments. In most cases, the families of the patients are not ready to take them back. Now the Supreme Court has expressed concern over the issue. OTHER CASES There are also those who were picked up from the streets and admitted in hospitals by the police and their addresses are not known. As a result, they could not be sent back to their homes. The SC is hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal who is seeking release of those people who are now fit to be discharged from the mental hospitals and necessary steps to ensure their social security after discharge. Bansal wants a policy in place to ensure well-being of these patients after their release from the hospitals. SC ASKS BENEVOLENT FAMILIES TO TAKE THEM IN However, the apex court said that since the families are not willing to take these cured people, benevolent people should take care of them post discharge. When pressed by the lawyer, the bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur said: "We know the issue is serious. But if their family is not ready to take them back what can the hospitals do? Would you like to adopt at least two of them? We will give you a chance. Go to the hospital and adopt some people. How many can you take care of? It may inspire others also. If benevolent people come forward then something can be done otherwise what can we do." According to an affidavit filed by Sunil Srivastava, director general of medical and health services, 27 women and five men were ready for discharge from the mental hospital at Bareilly while the figure in Agra and Varanasi were six women, 14 men; and 11 women and 14 men, respectively. advertisement "Even if they are ready for discharge, it does not mean that they are in a position to lead a normal life without support since they need a lot of post-discharge care without which their disease can relapse," said the affidavit. Explaining why several people could not be sent back despite them being cured, the affidavit said: "Whereabouts of many persons are unknown since they are admitted by police in view of order passed by magistrate. As far as other persons are concerned, they are admitted by relatives but after so much communication from concerned hospitals to their relatives of family members, neither any one from family or relative responded nor did any one visit the hospital to take them back." ALSO READ: New smartphone app can detect injuries, mental health symptoms advertisement Deepika gets emotional while talking about her depression --- ENDS --- ... but you will need to show proof of jab get into bars STUDENTS heading to college in September will not have to be vaccinated... Add-on travel insurance offered by Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar can cost up to 150 per cent more than standalone policies offered by providers and even the airlines themselves. In a review of 30-day worldwide travel insurance policies sold as part of a flight booking process on all three airlines, consumer group Choice found a family of four would save between $445 and $871 by purchasing a standalone policy instead of that offered by an airline. The review argued that airline add-on insurance policies commonly calculated the price based on every traveller, including children, leading to higher premiums. "The airlines are being very sneaky by charging adult prices for kids who can be insured for next to nothing if you purchase standalone policies directly through an insurer," said Choice head of media Tom Godfrey. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has stepped in to salvage his Australian Jamie's Italian restaurant franchise chain, taking it over from failed hospitality company the Keystone Group. Keystone's receiver Morgan Kelly said it was an "ideal outcome" for the Naked Chef's six Australian franchises, which include Jamie's Italian Sydney, Perth, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide and Parramatta. The buy-back decision by the star chef, who has built an empire from being an apprentice cook in his dad's pub in Essex, Britain, comes after Keystone was placed into the hands of Mr Kelly from Ferrier Hodgson in June when it failed to renegotiate an $80 million loan with its financiers, the private equity group KKR and Olympus Capital. Keystone also operates a range of pubs in Sydney including Bungalow 8, Cargo Bar, Gazebo, Kingsleys Woolloomooloo, Manly Wine, the Sugarmill Hotel, The Rook, the Winery and Kingsleys Brisbane, all of which were sold to the Dixon Hospitality group last month. What if we were on the cusp of one of the biggest ever advances in productivity and we didn't recognise it? That's how it must have been for Alexander Fleming with the discovery of penicillin, for university technicians with the development of the internet, and for Bill Clinton, who with the stroke of a pen in the year 2000, made highly accurate military global positioning satellites available for everyone to use for free. Peter Harris believes we are on the cusp of another transformation about as big one only made possible by the development of the internet and all the things that surround it. It's the exploitation of data. On one estimate we are now generating as much digital data every two days (five exabytes) as we generated in an entire year at the start of the 2000s. After a decade of stable numbers, Australia's mental health community is at a loss to explain why the number of suicides has increased by more than 20 per cent over the past two years. The increase from about 2500 suicides a year for 10 years to more than 3000 in 2015 is confounding. And it's heartbreaking. The numbers don't lie we are losing our fight to keep people alive. We've never been richer. We've never lived longer. We've never experienced such an extended period of economic growth, but at the same time we've never been more stressed, lacked more personal time or been more burdened by debt. We live in a period of enlightenment towards mental illness. We talk about it openly, honestly and often. Real and famous people talk publicly about their mental illness. Time and time again we learn how they live a contributing life with a mental illness. They tell us their story of diagnosis and recovery. A leading adviser to the Baird government's proposed changes to native vegetation laws has quit in protest, warning the plans could lead to a doubling of broadscale land clearing in the state. Hugh Possingham, a Queensland University conservation biologist, submitted his resignation letter to Premier Mike Baird and key ministers, saying his advice and those from a panel he had sat on were being ignored. Instead of improving the existing legislation, the new biodiversity conservation package due to be put to Parliament as soon as next week will enable farmers to clear hundreds of hectares a property without having to find equivalent areas of offsets to preserve biodiversity under so-called "equity codes". "It's not what we agreed to," Professor Possingham told Fairfax Media. "If you increase the quantity and quality of land clearing, you increase the chances of extinction." A traffic controller has been rushed to hospital after being crushed by a bobcat in Caversham on Wednesday morning. The female, believed to be in her 50s, was rushed by St John Ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital with life-threatening injuries around 10am. Nine News Perth reporter Jane Grljusich told Radio 6PR the woman suffered serious crush injuries when the bobcat reversed into her. "A witness told me a fellow worker reversed the bobcat into her, they heard the driver crying out in shock," she said. Narcotics Control Bureau in Mumbai has recovered 103 kg charas so far this year and arrested 15 people in this connection. By Virendrasingh Ghunawat: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Mumbai has arrested 3 people from the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) railway station, who were in possession of 12 kgs of hashish (charas). The accused were travelling from Jammu to Mumbai. The NCB team had received a tip-off about the trio's carrying the banned substance. A total of 103 kg of charas (approximately) has been recovered by the NCB in Mumbai so far this year, and 15 people arrested in this connection. advertisement In the last month itself, NCB had seized a consignment of 6.5 kgs charas worth more than Rs 20 lakh from Mumbra near Thane region. Two associates of the hashish drug trafficking organisation (DTO) Lala Bhai and Walla Bhai were arrested. 3 ARRESTS IN AUGUST In August, the agency had arrested three people, including two women from Kashmir, who were involved in hashish smuggling racket. "Acting on the information, we had arrested the two women from Srinagar and from Borivali station in Mumbai. They were carrying high quality hashish weighing 43.7 kg, said Kumar Sanjay Jha, NCB Zonal Director, of Mumbai and Goa regions. Also read: Major drug haul in Udaipur, Mandrax worth Rs 3,000 crore seized According to sources, good quality hashish costs Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 per 10 grams. The street value is much higher as it is sold after adulteration, Jha said. Till November 2, 2016, NCB Mumbai has seized around 103 kgs of hashish and arrested 15 other accused, including two women. WHAT ANNUAL REPORT OF 2015 SAYS As per the Annual Report 2015, a total of 3,349 kgs of hashish was seized against 2,280 kgs in 2014, an increase of nearly 46.8 per cent. Uttar Pradesh leads the list with recovery of 899 kg of the contraband drug. Also read: Party drug worth Rs 45 crore seized in Secunderabad, says NCB Other than domestic production, Nepal with whom India shares a long porous border is also a major source of hashish. In 2015, 21.95 per cent of the total hashish seizures in India were from Nepal. GRAPHICAL DATA OF HASHISH SEIZED IN 2016 MONTH SEIZURES ARRESTS Jan 2016 36 kg 4 accused June 2016 6 kg 3 accused Aug 2016 43 kg 3 accused (including 2 women) advertisement Oct 2016 6.5 kg 2 accused Nov 2016 12 kg 3 accused --- ENDS --- Bangkok: An unsupervised four-year-old elephant suddenly became agitated and attacked an Australian man on the Thai resort island of Phuket. The attack on Chan Yun, 62, from the Sydney suburb of Newington, happened as TripAdvisor, one of the world's largest travel websites, and its booking service Viator, announced it would not longer sell tickets to attractions where travellers come into contact with wild animals or endangeredspecies held in captivity. The elephant that attacked Australian man Chan Yun on the Thai resort island of Phuket. Mr Chan's deeply distressed family issued a statement warning Australians travelling overseas about the dangers of interacting with wild animals, including young elephants. A family friend said the untrained female elephant appeared calm as it roamed an area of Mai Khao beach on Phuket's north-west coast near five star resorts where there was no keeper, fence or warning sign. Rome: Italy has committed human rights abuses that may amount to torture as it tries to process tens of thousands of boat migrants, Amnesty International said on Thursday, prompting a sharp denial from the national police chief. An Amnesty report included allegations of beatings, electric shocks and sexual humiliation in cases involving mainly African migrants who resisted having their fingerprints taken. Italian police chief Franco Gabrielli dismissed the accusations, saying his officers, who he said worked alongside EU officials and human rights groups in the migration centres, had shown enormous responsibility in dealing with the crisis. "I categorically deny that violent methods are used on migrants both during identification and during repatriation," he Gabrielli said in a statement. The details of the conversation were revealed in court documents filed in Martin County, Florida, and obtained by the Palm Beach Post. A sergeant who heard the teen asked what he had eaten. "Help me. I ate something bad," Austin Harrouff said as he was being taken into custody. Harrouff is accused of killing a Florida couple this year, and biting the face of one of the victims. His case has garnered national attention in the US. The documents also note that, while Harrouff was at a hospital after the attack, a detective saw him "spit out what appeared to him to be human flesh". The detective also saw the college student with human hair in his mouth, according to the affidavit. Harrouff, 19, who is being held in the Martin County jail, is accused of the brutal killings of John Stevens, 59, and Michelle Mishcon, 53, at the couple's South Florida home on August 15. Authorities say that, during that fatal encounter, Harrouff tried to bite the face off one of the victims. Donald Trump has said, repeatedly, that he opposed the war in Iraq from the start. He didn't. He said he saw "thousands" of Muslims celebrating on New Jersey rooftops on the night of September 11, 2001. Didn't happen. He said that 58 per cent of black youths are unemployed. Nope. These are far from isolated incidents. In fact, 63 per cent of the 91 Trump statements that the WaPo's Fact Checker has checked were given the worst rating - meaning they were/are totally false. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief, accusing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of corruption and financial wrong doings, said that he is eagerly waiting to see the PM behind bars. By Press Trust of India: Accusing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of corruption and financial wrong doings, Pakistan' opposition leader Imran Khan today said he was "eagerly" waiting to see the premier and his younger brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif behind bars. Addressing thousands of his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supporters at Parade Ground here, Khan accused Sharif of transferring corruption money out of the country to let his children buy properties abroad which they manage through offshore companies as mentioned in the Panama leaks. Three of Sharif's four children are said to be owners of offshore companies, according to the Panama Papers. Khan had yesterday turned his proposed million men protest march in capital to force Sharif to step-down to a thank-giving gathering after Supreme Court agreed to hear petitions against Sharif in the corruption cases. "I am eagerly waiting for the day when Nawaz (Sharif) and his brother (Shahbaz) are put behind bars (for corruption)," he said to the applause of his workers. advertisement READ| 40 arrested as govt cracks down on PTI, Imran Khan calls for nationwide protest He said the Supreme Court has started the accountability of Sharif and hopefully his fate will be sealed soon. Sharif and his family have dismissed the allegations of money laundering and denied any wrongdoing but the opposition is demanding an independent probe. Khan also blasted Sharif's government for using police to stop workers from coming to his protest and alleged that even women supporters were beaten by the police. He said that it was the people's right under a democracy to stage a protest against corruption. Also Read: Imran Khan unveils 'occupy Islamabad' plan, demands Nawaz Sharif's resignation Pakistan security forces use brute force to silence Black Day protests in PoK Pakistan Minister Nisar Ali Khan meets leaders of banned groups over Imran Khan's protest march --- ENDS --- The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is holding its Commission meeting on Customs and Trade Facilitation, chaired by Mr. Norman Schenk, Vice President, Global Customs Policy and Public Affairs, United Parcel Service, United Parcel Service (UPS), at WCO Headquarters on 3 and 4 November 2016. On this occasion, WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya addressed the participants to the meeting by thanking them for their continued engagement with the WCO as a long-standing partner and highlighted the importance of a good working relationship between Customs Administrations and Trade. Against that background, Dr Mikuriya went quickly through a number of important issues that are currently on the table such as the role of Customs Administrations and WCO in the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Since 96 WTO Members have ratified the Agreement, its entry into force is imminent. The WCO can support its actual implementation process, given the fact that almost all the provisions to be implemented are Customs related. Secretary General Mikuriya went on to draw the attention of the audience to the issue of e-Commerce, which is of growing importance to Customs and Trade and the first meeting of the Working Group on e-Commerce in September testifies of its significance. Among the other topics touched upon by Dr. Mikuriya: Tax and Customs cooperation, Digital Customs, as well as the key role played by Customs in the field of security as well as in the fight against the illicit trade in endangered species. Responding to questions from the group, Dr Mikuriya stressed the leading role of Customs in Coordinated Border Management, both from the Security and from the Trade Facilitation perspective. The ICC and the WCO agreed to pursue their constructive dialogue and engagement. By PTI: India has an open border of 1,850 kilometers with Nepal India has an open border of 1,850 kilometers with Nepal spreading across five states -- Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim. The connectivity project now being brought up by Nepals Vice President can see the light of the day only when dams are built on the river and Kosi Development Project is started, the sources said. advertisement Kosi development project has been pending for over 60 years because of land issues and displacement of people from building dams on the river. Later in the evening, President Bhandari hosted a state banquet in honour of the Indian President. In his speech at the state banquet, Mukherjee said the common challenges that the two nations face in the 21st century will necessitate an environment of peace and security in the region and beyond. He said terrorism poses the most serious threat to the worlds peace and security and asked the international community to work together to eradicate the menace. "Terrorism today poses the most serious threat to our peace and security. The International community will need to work together. We will need to foster tolerance and understanding in all societies and eradicate the scourge of terrorism," said Mukherjee. The President also attended a reception hosted by Indias Ambassador Rae at the Indian Embassy premises. Nepals Vice president, ministers, top leaders of various political parties, lawmakers, senior government officials, members of civil society and journalists were also present during the function. President Mukherjee is here on a three-day visit -- the first by an Indian President in 18 years. Before this, the then President K R Narayanan had paid a state visit in 1998. The Nepal government declared a national holiday today to welcome Mukherjee and stepped up security around the capital. The President is accompanied by Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre, Members of Parliament Bhubaneswar Kalita, L Ganesan, Jagdambika Pal and R K Singh. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar is also accompanying the delegation. On November 3, the President will offer prayers at Pashupatinath temple, a UNESCO heritage site. Later, he will be conferred with an honorary degree from Kathmandu University followed a civic reception in Kathmandu in his honour. The President will also address a seminar of Niti Anusandhan Pratisthan Nepal and India Foundation. On November 4, a civic reception has been scheduled in his honour at Janakpur, epicentre of protests by Madhesi community, where he will interact with local people. He will also meet leaders of Madhesi community. advertisement The President, who is the supreme commander of the armed forces, will also visit Pokhra on the same day where he will interact with ex-servicemen of Indian Army from Gurkha community. PTI SBP ABS ASK AKJ ZH --- ENDS --- The court had earlier questioned the logic behind celebrating the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan. By Rohini Swamy: The Karnataka High Court today said that the Tipu Sultan Jayanti is a policy decision of the state government and the court will not interfere in it. With this, the court refused to stay the Tipu Jayanti celebrations scheduled to be held across the state on November 10. It, however, asked the petitioner to present his case before the Karnataka government. advertisement The court's observation comes a day after it questioned the logic behind celebrating the birth anniversary of the ruler. ALSO READ: Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary: BJP, RSS to protest against Karnataka celebrations TIPU WAS NOT FREEDOM FIGHTER Chief Justice S K Mukherjee had said, "As far as my knowledge goes, Tipu was only a king and fought the British to safeguard his kingdom. He is not a freedom fighter." The court was hearing a petition filed by Manjunath, a lawyer from Madikeri, asking for a stay on the celebrations. ALSO READ: Tipu Jayanti is like celebrating Aurangzeb's anniversary: Voices against Karnataka event PROTESTS AGAINST TIPU JAYANTI The state's decision to hold celebrations to mark Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary had led to widespread protests. The BJP and the RSS have been up in arms against the decision and will hold a mega rally on November 8 in Bengaluru. Christian organisations have also protested against Tipu's birth anniversary being celebrated as a state event. It is believed that Tipu forcefully converted several Christians too during his rule. ALSO READ: Everything you need to know about Tipu Sultan's anniversary controversy HISTORIANS DIVIDED Historians too are divided over the issue. Some believe that Tipu fought several wars to safeguard the people of his kingdom and fought with British conquerors too. Tipu is known as India's first missile man. Despite opposition, the Congress government in Karnataka has decided to celebrate the event in a grand fashion. The event will be organised by the department of Kannada culture and the state government has earmarked Rs 60 lakh from its budget for it. ALSO READ: Karnataka HC questions state govt's excitement over Tipu Jayanti, says he wasn't a freedom fighter ALSO READ: We will go ahead with Tipu Jayanti celebrations, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- After walking out of RK Puram Police station where he was detained for over 6 hours, Kejriwal slammed PM Modi for lying about One Rank One Pension. By India Today Web Desk: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal walked out of the RK Puram police station late last night after being detained for about six hours. Kejriwal was detained by the Delhi Police to prevent him from entering the hospital where the body of former Army jawan Ram Kishen Grewal was kept after he committed suicide over the long-standing OROP issue. advertisement KEJRIWAL REFUSED TO LEAVE POLICE STATION "Kejriwal was detained at Lady Hardinge Hospital around 7.45 PM and brought to the RK Puram police station in south District since there was no media or presence of political leaders there," police sources said. This after Kejriwal refused to leave the police station despite being asked to do so.Also read: 'Sharm nahi aati aapko?' Rahul slams Delhi Police for detaining ex-jawan's family After almost 6 hours, Kejriwal walked out of the police station, accompanied by Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and other senior AAP leaders. Sisodia, who was earlier detained at Parliament Street police station for close to ten hours and later released, had come to meet Kejriwal at RK Puram police station. The Delhi CM slammed Prime Minister Modi over his detention after coming out of jail. He said he would continue fighting for OROP. RAHUL GANDHI DETAINED TWICE Detained thrice over a period of 24 hours, Kejriwal wasn't the only politician to visit the family of the deceased army veteran. Rahul Gandhi too was detained twice earlier in the day yesterday. The Congress Vice President's detention triggered outrage from his party leaders. P Chidambaram has asked for the resignation of Delhi's top cop BS Bassi. Also read: OROP suicide takes a political turn after Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal's detentions The suicide by the army veteran over OROP has snowballed into a huge political controversy with Opposition leaders attacking the Modi government over the One Rank One Pension issue. EX-SERVICEMAN'S BODY SENT TO HOMETOWN BHIWANI Meanwhile, the ex-servicemen's body has been sent to his hometown Bhiwani in Haryana after the postmortem. The body was sent to Lady Hardinge Hospital early this morning from RML Hospital where he had died after being rushed there yesterday. "The postmortem began at around 9:30 PM and the report is currently with the hospital," a hospital source told PTI. On a day of intense political drama and high-voltage protests, the Government tried hard to control the situation, and former Army Chief General VK Singh raised questions about the army veteran's mental condition. Singh denied that there were any anomalies in the implementation of the One Rank One Pension. advertisement Watch the video here: Also read: OROP suicide: Ex-jawan's mental state must be probed, says VK Singh (WITH INPUTS FROM PTI) --- ENDS --- 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. 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Read More By India Today Web Desk: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi who was leading the candle light march in Jantar Mantar organised by the DPCC was detained by the Delhi Police. This is his third detention in last two days. He was however, released after being under detention for two hours. Rahul Gandhi to India Today said, "I have written a letter to PM on OROP and hope that action should be taken on it. All I want is that the government should apologise to the family of the ex-serviceman's family. I have personally witnesssed the son being dragged, they were manhandled, the way they have been treated is not acceptable." advertisement "It's almost half-an-hour and we are still here in the car.Police is not letting us out and is not even taking to us. We are told that we were removed because of Sec 144," he added. The Congress today took out a candle light march at Jantar Mantar to mark a condolence march for retired soldier Ram Kishan Grewal who killed himself on Tuesday demanding the OROP's implementation. Delhi: Congress takes out candle-light march for ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal #OROP pic.twitter.com/gb5NT1VVT0 ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today announced compensation of Rs 1 crore and job to the family of retired soldier Ram Kishan Grewal who killed himself on Tuesday demanding the OROP's implementation. The Aam Aadmi Party leader said this in the presence of the ex-serviceman's son Jaswant and a large number of people at the cremation ceremony in Haryana's Bhiwani district. Also read: OROP suicide: Who was Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal? A day after a massive political storm over the suicide of former Army jawan Ram Kishan Grewal over the contentious One Rank One Pension scheme, Delhi CM Kejriwal and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi reached Grewal's native village for his funeral. #FLASH Rs.1 crore to be granted to the kin of #RamkishanGrewal by Delhi Government. ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 Here are the latest developments: Rahul Gandhi finally released after being detained for two hours. Rahul Gandhi holds a candle light march at Jantar Mantar. Haryana minister Anil Vij stirred controversy by saying jawan committing suicide can't be called a martyr. Congress' Surjewala says the Modi government should apologise to the Indian Armed Forces and former Army jawan Grewal's family for questioning his mental state. "I think Delhi Police should have handled the situation better, they completely mishandled it," said BJP MP Satyapal Singh on detentions. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced Rs 1 crore financial assistance to the family of a retired soldier who killed himself demanding the OROP's implementation. Grewal cremated in his village in the presence of hundreds of people including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Grewal's son Jaswant said the government should implement the One Rank One Pension scheme without delay and "no one else should suffer the way we have...We are in pain." Kejriwal reaches Haryana for former Army jawan Ram Kishan Grewal's last rites. We have asked for a report (on Rahul Gandhi, Delhi CM, and Delhi Deputy CM's detention) from Delhi Police: MoS Home Hansraj Ahir. Haryana Transport Minister Krishan Lal Panwar announces Rs 10 lakh compensation to family of Ram Kishan Grewal and a job to one family member. Last rites of ex-jawan Ram Kishan Grewal is underway. "I don't mind being in police custody, but why did police take his family in custody," asked Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. advertisement ALSO READ | OROP suicide: Unanswered questions over Subedar Ram Kishen Grewal's death The suicide by the army veteran over OROP has snowballed into a huge political controversy with Opposition leaders attacking the Modi government over the One Rank One Pension issue. Politics peaked over Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal suicide after his demands on One Rank One Pension (OROP) were not met. Will go to their village and meet Ram Kishanji's family there today, tweets AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal. If Rahul Gandhi or Kejriwal wanted to meet the family they should have been allowed, says Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien. The Congress vice-president's detention triggered outrage from his party leaders. Senior leader P Chidambaram has asked for the resignation of Delhi's top cop BS Bassi. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi were detained yesterday after they tried to meet the grieving family of Ram Kishan Grewal. Both Kejriwal and Gandhi were later released. "The central government is intent on goondagardi. I am the Chief Minister of Delhi. An ex-serviceman has committed suicide. Is it not my duty to meet his family?" asked Kejrwal. Forensic experts on Wednesday night conducted the post-mortem of the body of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal whose alleged suicide over the OROP issue snowballed into a huge political show with Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other opposition leaders attacking the Modi government on the issue. Meanwhile, the ex-servicemen's body has been sent to his hometown Bhiwani in Haryana after the postmortem. A former Rajputana Rifles subedar, the 70-year-old allegedly consumed poison at a Delhi park on Tuesday evening demanding the immediate implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme. advertisement ALSO READ | OROP suicide takes a political turn after Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal's detentions --- ENDS --- advertisement BT Group plc provides communications services worldwide. Its Consumer segment sells telephones, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi extenders through high street retailers, online BT Shop, and Website BT.com; and offers home phone, copper and fiber broadband, TV, and mobile services in various packages. The company's EE segment offers 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile network services; broadband, fixed-voice, and TV services; and postpaid and prepaid plans, and emergency services network. This segment also sells 4G mobile phones, tablets, connected devices, and mobile broadband devices from various manufacturers. 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The company's Openreach segment engages in the provision of services over the local access network; and installation and maintenance of fiber and copper communications networks that connect homes and businesses. The company was formerly known as Newgate Telecommunications Limited and changed its name to BT Group plc in September 2001. BT Group plc was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. CarMax, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer of used vehicles in the United States. The company operates through two segments, CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance. It offers customers a range of makes and models of used vehicles, including domestic, imported, and luxury vehicles, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles; and extended protection plans to customers at the time of sale, as well as sells vehicles that are approximately 10 years old and has more than 100,000 miles through wholesale auctions. The company also provides reconditioning and vehicle repair services; and financing alternatives for retail customers across a range of credit spectrum through its CarMax Auto Finance and arrangements with various financial institutions. As of February 28, 2022, it operated approximately 230 used car stores. CarMax, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is based in Richmond, Virginia. Ram Singh, the chief manager of State Bank of India's Ghanta Ghar branch , explained that the onus of calculating wages and pensions lay solely with the government. Banks, he said, are only disbursing agents and not auditors of such funds. By Nitin Jain: Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal's bank has rebutted government allegations that it under-calculated the pension due to the late ex-serviceman. ONUS OF CALCULATING WAGES LIES WITH GOVERNMENT As Grewal's alleged suicide sent the country's political temperatures soaring, India Today TV's special investigation crew met the chief of the State Bank of India's Ghanta Ghar branch in Haryana's Bhiwani, which had been paying out the pension to the army veteran since his retirement in 2004. Ram Singh, the chief manager, explained that the onus of calculating wages and pensions lay solely with the government. Banks, he said, are only disbursing agents and not auditors of such funds. advertisement GREWAL RECIVED RS.5000 LESS THAN HE WAS OWED The probe by India Today TV's special team came in the wake of claims by defence-ministry sources, who requested not to be named, that Grewal had been receiving `5,000 less than his official monthly pension. The ministry sources blamed the bank for the anomaly. ""As per the calculations, Grewal should have been receiving a pension of `28,000 in pension but due to some miscalculation by the bank he was getting only `23,000," a defence official said Wednesday Singh, the chief manager of the SBI's Ghanta Ghar branch in Bhiwani, trashed the government's accusations circulated in the media, explaining pensions are disbursed in accordance with the pension payment orders (PPOs) issued by the former employers of the retired staff. NOT BANK'S FAULT "It's none of the bank's fault. Banks cannot be faulted in such cases at all. Our bank made the payment in accordance with the PPO. It's the department concerned that issues the PPO," he said. "Did they (the ministry officials) try to save their own skin and blamed the bank?" asked India Today TV's investigative reporter. "This is up to you to judge," retorted Singh, sitting in his chamber. The Indian government has also created a dedicated portal for its pensioners, which lists out the rules for departments to issue PPOs to their staff well before their retirement. Employees, it mentions, are encouraged to report errors. ALSO READ: OROP suicide: Unanswered questions over Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal's death Ex-serviceman's suicide over OROP: Kejriwal released after 6-hour detention --- ENDS --- LEESVILLE -- An escort will bring the remains of Army Sgt. James Edward Martin, a Korean War veteran, home to Vernon Parish on Nov. 15. Sgt. Martin's remains will be escorted by Texas law enforcement officers and will enter Vernon Parish via U.S. 171 South on Nov. 15 between the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The City of Leesville is asking all merchants to post American flags in a solemn show of patriotism. Officials are also asking residents to line the streets in an outpouring of respect for Martin and his family. A service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 18 and the procession will leave Jeane's Funeral Service en route to First Baptist Church in Anacoco via Cypress Street and around the school. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Nov. 19 at the First Baptist Church, followed by a graveside service at Mitchell Cemetery in Anacoco at 11 a.m. More details will be released closer to the date. Martin was a member of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was listed as "Missing in Action" while fighting the enemy in North Korea on Dec. 3, 1950. He was presumed dead on Dec. 31, 1953. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Martin was officially accounted for on Oct. 18. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial. Martin was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. For more information on assisting in this show of respect, call Sonny Harrell with the City of Leesville at 337-239-2444 or Lisa Manning with the Town of Anacoco at 337-239-0215. The following is a news release from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, released Oct. 25: Army Sgt. James E. Martin, missing from the Korean War, has now been accounted for. In late November, 1950, Martin was a member of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Approximately 2,500 U.S. and 700 South Korean soldiers assembled into the 31st Regimental Combat Team (RCT), which was deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, when it was engaged by overwhelming numbers of Chinese forces. By Dec. 2, the U.S. Army evacuated approximately 1,500 wounded service members; the remaining soldiers had been either captured or killed in enemy territory. Following the withdrawal, fighting continued. Because Martin could not be accounted for by his unit at the end of the battle, he was reported missing in action as of Dec. 3, 1950. Martins name did not appear on any prisoner of war lists and no repatriated Americans reported Martin as a prisoner of war. The U.S. Army declared him deceased as of Dec. 31, 1953. Although the U.S. Army Graves Registration Service hoped to recover American remains that remained north of the Korean Demilitarized Zone after the war, administrative details between the United Nations Command and North Korea complicated recovery efforts. An agreement was made and in September and October 1954, in what was known as Operation Glory, remains were returned. However, Martins remains were not included and he was declared non-recoverable. During the 25th Joint Recovery Operation in 2001, recovery teams conducted operations on the eastern bank of the Chosin Reservoir, Changjin County, North Korea, based on information provided by two Korean witnesses. The site was approximately one kilometer from the 31st RCTs defensive perimeter during its withdrawal. During the excavation, the recovery team recovered possible human remains of at least seven individuals. DNA analysis, as well as circumstantial and anthropological evidence, were used in identifying Martins remains. Link: http://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Recent-News-Stories/Article/985470/soldier-missing-from-korean-war-identified-martin/ The following is from the Town of Anacoco: SGT. James Edward Martin Let us never forget SGT. James Edward Martin joined the U.S. Army and was sent overseas to Germany then to Korea, to fight in the Korea War. On the night of Nov. 27, 1950, his whole regiment was attacked by the Chinese forces. After the attacks ceased, CPL. Martin could not be accounted for. On Dec. 3, 1950, he was considered missing in action. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on May 1, 1953. In September 2001, in a joint effort between the U.S. and Korean Peoples Army, they conducted a recovery team and recovered possible human remains for at least seven individuals. Those remains were then sent to a laboratory and due to todays technology they have been able to identify who those soldiers are. And now 65 years later, they are finally bringing our soldier home. We owe his legacy a huge amount of respect for giving his life for the country he loved. Fort Polk, LA (71446) Today A mix of clouds and sun this morning followed by increasing clouds with showers developing this afternoon. High around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 56F. Winds light and variable. "He was worried about the implementation of 6th and 7th pay commission directives for pensioners under the One Rank One Pension scheme", said Matu Ram who served with Grewal in the Indian Army's 105 TA Rajputana Rifles and defence security corps. By Ajay Kumar: At the age of 70, Ram Krishna Grewal remained a fighter. He wanted to do something to help fellow retired army personnel. And he died wearing his boots. "Grewal met me just four days ago," said Matu Ram, brother-in-arms of the war veteran who allegedly committed suicide over an insufficient pension. RAM KRISHNA'S GREWAL'S SERVICE "He asked me to accompany him to Delhi and hand over a memorandum to the defence minister." Ram said he and Grewal served in the Indian Army's 105 TA Rajputana Rifles and defence security corps. In their 30 yearlong career, they were posted in Kerala, Mumbai, Chennai Hyderabad, Gurugram, Arunachal Pradesh border, Delhi, Roorkee and Bodh Gaya. "We played second fiddle to the Army during the 1971 war with Pakistan. advertisement "We were then in the defence security corps and supplied arms, ammunitions and food while staying in the Bodh Gaya camp," he said. Ram added that as he and many other recruits were illiterate, they were drafted into the Indian Army as Jawans, but Grewal had cleared class X and so he received promotions and retired as a Subedar. "Grewal had not lost his fighting spirit till the end," said Ram. WORRIED ABOUT OROP IMPLEMENTATION "He was worried about the implementation of 6th and 7th pay commission directives for pensioners under the One Rank One Pension scheme. The Centre has given just two instalments under the sixth pay commission and so he wanted to hand over the memorandum to defence minister Manohar Parrikar." Grewal pointed out in the appeal that he had served 6 years and 11 days in the Rajputana Rifles and after taking a discharge certificate, he joined the defence security corps for more than 24 years. Matu Ram said Grewal met him and six other soldiers in their native village of Obra situated at the Rajasthan border on Govardhan festival a day after Diwali. "We had a brief meeting at Nehru Park in Bhiwani and he seemed fine and there was no sign of depression on his face," he said. A Delhi police officer said Grewal visited the defence and other ministries with the memorandum on Tuesday. "Though he had not shown any signs of dejection, according to his family members, there is a possibility that he was not satisfied with officials in various different ministries and fell into depression," said the officer, requesting anonymity. ALSO READ: OROP suicide takes a political turn after Rahul and Kejriwal's detentions Suicide of ex-jawan raises several question over Defence Ministry's efforts to implement OROP --- ENDS --- By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 03, 2016 | 08:30 AM | MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY A Paducah man faces multiple drug charges following his arrest on Wednesday. According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Office, just before 1 pm, a deputy saw a man walking partially in the roadway on Cairo Road. The man, 29-year-old Zachary Cavitt of Paducah, got into the back seat of a car as it was leaving a gas station. Cavitt was placed under arrest after the investigation showed that he was under the influence of intoxicants. When police searched Cavitt, they found a quantity of Xanax pills. Cavitt was transported to the McCracken County Regional Jail, where he allegedly attempted to discard two grams of methamphetamine onto the floor. Deputy jailers also reportedly located a baggie containing additional meth in Cavitts pants. Cavitt was charged with public intoxication - controlled substance, two counts of possession of controlled substance, tampering with physical evidence, promoting contraband and possession of drug paraphernalia. By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 02, 2016 | 09:46 PM | MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY A California couple were arrested Tuesday afternoon after police reportedly found more than 60 pounds of marijuana in their vehicle. According to Kentucky State Police, a Trooper stopped a pickup truck for a traffic violation on Interstate 24 near the 16 mile marker. During the traffic stop, the Trooper reportedly observed several indicators of criminal activity. A McCracken County Sheriff's Department K-9 was brought to the scene and alerted on the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, police located approximately 61 pounds of high grade marijuana and $2,737 in cash. The driver of the vehicle, 32-year-old Joseph E. Heyden, of Eureka, CA was arrested and charged with trafficking in marijuana more than 5 lbs. A passenger, 35-year-old Hannah Joy Voigt Silva, of Oakland, CA was also arrested and charged with complicity to traffic in marijuana more than 5 lbs. By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 02, 2016 | 09:17 PM | GRAVES COUNTY, KY Four men have been arrested after an investigation into theft at a local business. Graves County Sheriff Dewayne Redmon said detectives responded to a local business late Monday afternoon and took a report of a multi-thousand dollar theft that had taken place over the last few months. Detectives said company credit cards were stolen and used by employees to purchase gasoline for personal use. The gas was also reportedly traded for illegal drugs. Employees were stealing paint used in manufacturing equipment. Others were allegedly stealing copper from the company and destroying equipment to get the copper. In total, detectives said the company reported the theft of $4950 worth of gasoline and an undetermined amount of paint. Police said 22-year-old Andrew Chamberlain of Hickory, 22-year-old Matthew Palmer of Wingo and 24-year-old Michael Shultz of Mayfield were either currently employed or terminated from the company at the time of their arrest. Another man, 38-year-old Richard Cook Jr. of Mayfield, was not a company employee. All four were arrested and lodged in the Graves County Jail. Cook is charged with the sale/receipt of a stolen credit card, fraudulent use of a credit card under $10,000, receiving stolen property under $10,000 and trafficking controlled substance. Shultz and Palmer are each charged with the sale/receipt of a stolen credit card, fraudulent use of a credit card under $10,000 and theft by unlawful taking under $10,000. Chamberlain is charged with theft by unlawful taking under $500. Redmon said the investigation is continuing and more charges are possible. Mukhtaran Mai shone bright on the ramp of Fashion Pakistan Week, walking the runway for designer Rozina Munib. By Indo-Asian News Service: Mukhtaran Mai, the gang-rape survivor of Pakistan who works towards bettering the lives of women in her village, walked the ramp for a fashion week in Karachi. Designer Rozina Munib chose to have the gang-rape survivor and women's rights activist Mukhataran as a showstopper at the Fashion Pakistan Week in order to convey a message of her valour and bravery to women facing adverse situations. advertisement Mukhataran wore traditional wedding wear designed by Rozina, with her head remaining covered, the way she usually does. Mukhtaran Mai runs a sanctuary-cum-shelter for women and children in her native Muzaffargarh district of Punjab province in Pakistan. A symbol of hope for the neglected victims of violence, Mukhtaran said she was at the show to spread awareness about women's struggles, those shunned by the society as well as their families. Ahead of the show, designer Rozina told Dawn, "I have no intention of glamourising her into a model for the show. She will be wearing the kind of clothes that she would normally wear to a wedding. The purpose behind bringing her to Karachi and making her a part of my show is to tell her story so that it gives courage to other women." Mukhtaran Mai with designer Rozina Munib. Picture courtesy: Instagram/riaz.sohail Mukhtaran Mai with designer Rozina Munib. Picture courtesy: Instagram/riaz.sohail "Mukhtaran suffered terribly but instead of committing suicide or succumbing to depression she stood up for her rights. She won against all odds and moved on with her life. She has remarried now and runs a sanctuary where she provides shelter to women and helps them become self-sufficient." "It is Mukhtaran's story that inspired me to call my collection Zindagi Ke Rang. Life brings its share of pain, but one has to be strong enough to rise above it," Rozina added. A short film by Asad-ul-Haq, highlighting Mukhtaran's work for her village's women, was shown at the event. Mukhtaran was ordered to be gang-raped by a tribal council in 2002 after her 12-year-old brother Shakoor was accused of having an affair with a woman of the superior Mastoi tribe. The accused were acquitted by the Pakistan Supreme Court. --- ENDS --- By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 03, 2016 | 01:01 PM | MAYFIELD, KY A regional prayer rally is set for this weekend in Graves County. The prayer service will take place Sunday at 6 pm on the grounds of the former General Tire Plant in Mayfield. Pastor Chad Lamb with His House Ministries in Mayfield said people of all faiths are invited to come together and pray for our country. We're asking people to consider moving their church services tot hat night so we can show unity in this community, Lamb said. If there's ever a time we needed God to help us, it's now. Lamb said many area pastors and church leaders will be taking part in the service. He said there will be plenty of parking available and the event will be held rain or shine. Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. By The Associated Press Nov. 03, 2016 | 04:50 AM | PADUCAH, KY The Tennessee Valley Authority is seeking public input for an environmental impact statement on projects at the coal-fired Shawnee Fossil Plant. The authority is taking public comments until Dec. 1 and will hold a public open house Nov. 15 at the Robert Cherry Civic Center in Paducah on three initiatives. The authority is evaluating closure alternatives for an existing coal ash pond, analyzing impact of closing an existing special waste landfill, and considering building and running a new on-site landfill. The plant is located about 12 miles northeast of Paducah. The authority says the project supports its goal to convert from wet to dry storage of ash across its system. External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup declined to comment when asked whether the eight diplomats stationed in Islamabad would be withdrawn. By India Today Web Desk: India said on Wednesday it would withdraw eight of its diplomats from Pakistan after their identities had been revealed in the local media, amid continuing tensions between the two neighbours. External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup declined to comment when asked whether the eight diplomats stationed in Islamabad would be withdrawn. READ| Espionage racket: 6 Pakistani High Commission officials leave India advertisement He also said six Pakistani diplomats had left the Indian capital on Wednesday, but that they were not expelled. Pakistan declined to comment on the matter ahead of a planned news conference on Thursday. Last week India ordered Mehmood Akhtar of the Pakistani High Commission to leave the country on suspicion of espionage, triggering the expulsion of one of its own envoys by Islamabad. In a tit-for-tat Pakistan responded on the same day by declaring Surjeet Singh, an official of the Indian High Commission, as persona non grata. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Surjeet Singh was involved in activities that violated the Vienna. READ| India, Pakistan engage in tit-for-tat, expel mission staffers The diplomatic spat comes after months of sharply deteriorating relations that began with civil unrest in Kashmir and Pakistan's global lobbying against New Delhi's crackdown on the Kashmiri activists. India blamed Pakistan-based militants for the September attack in Uri in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed. Surgical strikes by India were carried out inside Pakistan as retribution, but Islamabad denied they even took place and accused New Delhi of fabrication to distract attention from its crackdown on the protests in the part of Kashmir it controls. Artillery duels and skirmishing along the disputed frontier that runs through Kashmir have escalated in recent days, leading India to summon the Pakistani deputy high commissioner on Wednesday to express its "grave concern and strong protest". READ| How sincere efforts, good luck helped Delhi cops nab ISI spy Mehmood Akhtar red handed In a statement, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs accused Pakistan of violations of a 2003 ceasefire that have caused several fatalities and injuries among its civilians and security forces. New Delhi also protested against the alleged mutilation of the body of an Indian soldier by an attacker who escaped across the Line of Control after "committing this heinous crime". On Wednesday the press wing of the Pakistani military said India had committed 178 ceasesfire violations this year, killing 19 civilians and injuring 80 more. (With inputs from Reuters) advertisement Also read: Pakistan declares Indian official persona non grata after New Delhi expels Mehmood Akhtar Pakistan spy ring explodes, expelled embassy staff takes 16 more names Pakistan spy racket: 2 Indians arrested, embassy staff asked to leave India Watch video --- ENDS --- At the Vikas Rath Yatra stage SP chief Mulayam Singh tried hard to present a united picture but Akhilesh and Shivpal did not see eye to eye during the flagging off ceremony. UP CM Akhilesh Yadav, SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and UP SP president Shivpal Yadav at flagging off ceremony of Vikas Rath Yatra in Lucknow on Thursday. (Photo: @aninewsUP) By India Today Web Desk: UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav emerged as the major gainer in the Samajwadi family feud as he embarked on the 100-km rath yatra in Lucknow on Thursday. SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav flagged off the rath yatra while UP SP president Shivpal Yadav wished the CM 'good luck'. The Vikas Rath Yatra is the third such election campaign by Akhilesh Yadav since 2001-02. But, it is the first where he is seeking re-election amid infighting in the family as well as the party. Approximately 3,000 vehicles form part of Akhilesh's rath yatra. advertisement WATCH: COLD WAR BETWEEN AKHILESH AND SHIVPAL All seemed fine, when Mulayam Singh and Shivpal came to flag off the Vikas Rath Yatra. But, Shivpal was visibly uneasy at the rath yatra stage in the presence of the UP CM, who looked nonchalant at the presence of his uncle. While Shivpal extended his good wishes but Akhilesh did not return the favour as he concluded his speech without taking UP SP president's name. "Main Akhilesh Yadav ko bhi shubhkamnayein dena chahata hun ki SP ki sarkar UP mein aaye (I extend by good wishes to Akhilesh Yadav for SP government in UP)," Shivpal Yadav said at Vikas Rath Yatra flagging off function. READ: Yadavs show unity before Akhilesh's solo roadshow "Hamara lakshya hai ki UP mein BJP ki sarkar na ban paye (Our aim is to stop BJP from forming government in UP)," Shivpal said. Akhilesh told his supporters that after a period of uncertainty, he has regained his composure. "Ye sarkar dobara laane ka samay hai. Logon ne shaazish ki, hum thoda sa dagmagaye hain. Lekin mujhe khushi hai ki naujawaano se, aise yuva aaye hain jo SP ideology ko aage lekar jaaenge (This is the time to bring back this government. People hatched a conspiracy; I was shaken a bit. But, I am happy that among the younger people came such youths, who would take SP ideology forward)," Akhilesh said. READ: Akhilesh's high-tech Mercedes rath breaks down just after one km "In coming times I am sure that farmers, youth, everyone will support us for all the development that SP has brought," the chief minister said. Akhilesh's wife and Lok Sabha MP Dimple Yadav also laid emphasis on the youth. "This will be a historic beginning, we can see so much youth force. We are very positive about the elections", Dimple Yadav said. MULAYAM DOES THE BALANCING ACT It was a cold war between Akhilesh and Shivpal as they did not see eye to eye while on the dais. Mulayam Singh was seen talking to both one by one. Shivpal was visibly uncomfortable on the stage as supporters were only shouting 'Akhilesh Zindabad'. Mulayam stepped here to remind the supporters of the CM that shouting slogans will not win them elections. advertisement "Only slogans are not enough. One has to bear lathis too to achieve success in politics," Mulayam Singh said. But, the occasion turned out to be a major embarrassment for the Samajwadi Party and the old guard. The supporters of Akhilesh and Shivpal clashed just ahead of the flagging off ceremony. ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi for a Bihar-style grand alliance in UP with Akhilesh as CM candidate --- ENDS --- If rumours are to be believed, the Prince and Suits actress Meghan Markle have been dating for about six months! By India Today Web Desk: The world's most eligible bachelor, namely Prince Harry, is now taken, it seems. And for all those women who thought they had a chance, look at his choice, guys, really: More behind the scenes shots of my shoot for @lifestylemag #obrigada ?? A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on Sep 19, 2016 at 5:35pm PDT advertisement You REALLY think you had a shot? Yes, that's actress 35-year-old Meghan Markle, from legal drama, Suits-or Rachel Zane, as you might know her better. California-born Markle also runs a lifestyle website, recently launched a cost-conscious clothing collection, and is an advocate for the UN and the charity, World Vision. Over the weekend, rumors of the two dating started doing the rounds. Though there have been no official statements from either side, we do know that both of them were in Canada at the same time in May, the same month the actress broke things off with her ex of two years, Canadian chef Cory Vitiello, according to Daily Mail. Prince Harry was visiting Toronto for the Invictus Games, an event and cause near to his heart that supports disabled and wounded veterans. Markle films Suits in Toronto, too, and the pair reportedly met at a charity event, reports Time. And if that wasn't enough, it's being reported that Markle has made several visits to England too recently! Gutted to be leaving #London - Thanks for a yummy breakfast @anderson_markus @sohohouse A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on Jul 5, 2016 at 5:58am PDT In an interview with The Sun, Markle's half-sister, Samantha, said, "My father has known for five months. When it came out, dad said: 'I knew it was Harry, I just didn't say anything.'" Markle, in fact, has even been posting "romantic" pictures on social media. For instance, this recent picture of two bananas spooning on the day that news of the two dating broke out. Sleep tight xx A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on Oct 31, 2016 at 7:19pm PDT In fact, Us Weekly has gone ahead and claimed that Prince Harry has even made Markle meet Prince Charles! Their first meet and greet apparently happened at a recent royal event. "It went really well," an insider tells Us, and added, "Everyone loved Meghan." --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: Priyanka Chopra, who is unabashedly her daddy's little girl, has paid tribute to fathers in the new song Baba from the Marathi film Ventilator. ALSO READ: Priyanka Chopra says she was LIVID about pregnancy clause in contract Ventilator, written and directed by Rajesh Mapuskar of Ferrari Ki Sawaari fame, is produced by Priyanka and her mother Madhu Chopra under their production banner Purple Pebble Pictures and is in memory of her deceased father Dr Ashok Chopra. advertisement The song tugs at your heartstrings with a daughter longing for her father. While the video starts with Priyanka struggling to get the Marathi lyrics right, her soulful rendition will move you to tears by the end of the song. Ventilator, which features 116 actors, explores the different emotions of the family members of an ailing old man who is put on the ventilator just days before Ganesh Chaturthi. WATCH THE VIDEO: --- ENDS --- By PTI: Srinagar, Nov 3 (PTI) Even as all educational institutions continue to remain shut owing to the 118-day long ongoing unrest in the Valley, the private school authorities are flashing messages to parents asking them to deposit the fees of their wards of the closed period. Most of the schools are charging full tuition fee from the students for the unrest period, besides 50 per cent bus fee charges for each month and are asking parents to deposit the school fees of their wards before the end of this month, which marks the culmination of the academic year in the Valley. advertisement The attempt has drawn criticism from the parents who demand waiver of the fee since their wards could not attend the schools for about past four months. Noisy scenes were witnessed at the premises of DPS Budgam, a leading school in private sector, in central Kashmir today after a large number of parents objected to the directive of the school authorities. "It is unethical and immoral. There is no logic in seeking the fee for the closed period at a time when the life has paralysed in the Valley," an agitated parent said. Sensing trouble, the school authorities closed the fee counters and decided to hold a parent-management meet on Monday to sort out the issue. The academic year ends in November in Kashmir and the school authorities used to clear the accounts before the start of the next session which is followed by three-month long winter vacation staring next month. Most of the schools used to charge the tuition fee for the winter months but wave off the bus fee. "We never sought waiver of the tuition fee for the winter months since we know the school management has to pay the staff. But this time around, every sphere of life has been affected due to the prevailing situation and it is not possible for an ordinary person to deposit the fee," another parent said. Earlier, chairman of hardline Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Geelani had appealed to the management of all private schools to allow 50 per cent fee concession to the students in view of the prevailing situation. "Under the prevailing situation, it is the duty of the people to help and provide comfort and concession to one another," Geelani had said in a statement last month. PTI MIJ AQS AQS --- ENDS --- Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/11/2016 (2190 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Manitoba justice officials have officially closed their high-profile criminal case against a Winnipeg police officer who died in a mysterious head-on crash last month. Court records show that 24 provincial charges against Trent Milan have now been stayed including breach of trust, attempting to obstruct justice, theft and possession of prohibited weapons including ammunition, three knives, bear spray, an eight ball and brass knuckles. They are for offences which allegedly occurred between 2010 and 2016. An additional 12 federal drug charges remain before the courts but are expected to also be dropped on Nov. 10, which is when Milan was set to first appear on them. Court documents show they involve allegations Milan was in possession of cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, oxycodone and marijuana during a raid on his Oakbank-area home in September. The charges include allegations of possession for the purpose of trafficking. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Const. Trent Milan, who, according to a Manitoba Justice source, had recently been told he would face six years in jail if he accepted a plea bargain, was killed in a crash on Garven Road in October. Milans sudden death means the usual fact-finding exercise of a criminal prosecution wont occur, likely resulting in much of the details surrounding these charges never being made public. Winnipeg police previously described Milans arrest as a dark chapter in their history. The 18-year veteran of the force was on administrative leave but still free in the community on promises to appear in court when his pickup truck slammed head on into the front of a gravel truck on Oct. 3. In an interview following the deadly crash, the gravel truck driver told the Free Press he had no time to react as Milan appeared to deliberately veer into his path. He suffered minor physical injuries but extreme emotional trauma. Why did he pick me? asked Rob Morgan. RCMP have not publicly stated Milans death was a suicide. Police say the investigation into Milan centered around evidence that had gone missing over a number of years, including the weapons found in his possession. One key item was a pricey necklace that belonged to a man whod been arrested and had it seized for processing. Milan was involved in the street crime unit during much of the time span covered by the charges. The breach-of-trust charge alleged he was benefiting personally by his police-related duties, while another charge alleged Milan gave confidential police information to somebody outside the service to attempt to obstruct, pervert or defeat the course of justice. mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Natural Resources Minister Jim Carrs attendance at a Liberal fundraiser hosted by a law firm that specializes in natural resources issues is more proof the oil lobby has Ottawas ear, oil pipeline protesters say. I think that kind of shows which way the (Liberal) policy is going to go, said Alex Paterson, a leader of the Manitoba Energy Justice Coalition. About a dozen Coalition protesters staged a sit-in Thursday at Carrs Winnipeg South Centre constituency office on Corydon Avenue, calling on Ottawa to reject expansion of the Kinder Morgan pipeline that transports crude oil between Edmonton and Burnaby, B.C. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A dozen protesters are taking part in a sit-in at Jim Carrs office in Winnipeg Thursday, calling for rejection of a Kinder Morgan pipeline. There was a corresponding sit-in Thursday at the Toronto constituency office of Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett. The proposed expansion would double the pipelines capacity and contribute to more development of fossil fuel extraction in Alberta. That will contribute to global warming, the group says. Were trying to impress upon the minister and prime minister that climate leaders cant build pipelines, said Paterson, whose group stacked a town hall meeting Carr held for constituents last month. Carr, who was in Ottawa Thursday, responded in a prepared statement: Our government welcomes the voices and opinions of all Canadians and we embrace and encourage a diversity of views on all major energy projects, including (Kinder Morgan), he said. I have met with the Manitoba Energy Justice Coalition several times and I respect their right to engage in peaceful protest. I would ask that they please respect the other tenants on the property and those who need to visit my constituency office. Paterson questioned the Liberal governments relations with pro-oil groups. Its very clear that the Liberal party is only listening to particular voices. These pay-for-access events really show that theyre kind of sending an income floor on who gets that pay-for-access, he said. Paterson claimed the Liberal party has been meeting much more with the oil lobby than with environmentalists. I think that shows which way the policy is going to go (on Kinder Morgan). If the conversations youre having are all with proponents of fossil fuel infrastructure, it says to me youre living in an atmosphere where the message is from pro-oil. With cabinet required to make a decision on Kinder Morgan by Dec. 19, protesters are ramping up their actions. About 100 protesters were recently arrested on Parliament Hill after calling on the government to reject the expansion. Paterson promised more acts of civil disobedience are coming but wouldnt detail the groups plans. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Economic Development Winnipeg has a new logo and a new commitment to working together. At this mornings annual event recognizing private-sector investment in EDWs sales organization, Yes! Winnipeg, the Winnipeg business community heard about the new, targeted, data-driven, collaborative approach EDW is taking. That means EDWs Yes! Winnipeg initiative will be more integrated with EDWs tourism and general economic development work. Dayna Spiring, appointed to run EDW seven months ago, believes the timing is right to work more closely with new business-friendly administrations at the province and city hall. The internal reorganization is intended to better target the most promising sectors in the economy for growth. YES! Winnipeg will remain a key component of EDW as I work toward unifying the entire team and equipping staff with the requisite knowledge and tools needed to deliver a more focused mandate, Spiring said. In in sixth year of work, Yes! Winnipeg claims it has helped create or maintain 4,500 jobs in the city representing about $500 million in investment. Shiv Sena said that Delhi Police could have handled the situation better rather than detained Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal leading to protests. By Mayuresh Ganapatye: While the political drama over the suicide of an ex-Army soldier continued in Delhi for the second day today with both the Congress and AAP looking to score some brownie points, the ruling BJP's ally at the Centre Shiv Sena has blamed the Delhi Police for the chaos on the streets of the national capital. Sena said that Delhi Police could have handled the situation better rather than detained Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal leading to protests. "Delhi Police could have handled the incident differently. There was no need to arrest Rahul Gandhi and Delhi CM Kejriwal," said Arvind Sawant, Shiv Sena MP from South Mumbai. "Due to this act of Delhi Police, the Opposition got a chance to politicise the whole issue," Sawant added. advertisement The repercussions of Wednesday's incident were seen in Mumbai today. At Azad Maidan, AAP held a protest rally against the BJP government. The party demanded that the government should apologize to 'martyr's' family whom BJP minister VK Singh 'insulted'. "We are fighting for ex-servicemen. The government should implement OROP as soon as possible," local AAP leader Preeti Sharma Menon said. Meanwhile, social activist Anna Hazare has also appealed to the government to implement OROP for the ex-servicemen. The veteran activist warned the Modi government that he will sit on fast at Delhi's Jantar Mantar if it continues to deny the veteran soldiers their due right. The UPA government failed in 2014 general elections and mishandling of the Jan Lokpal issue was one the prime reasons behind it.If the Modi government fails to tackle the issue of OROP, this small agitation will transform into a nation-wide campaign which will be difficult for the Modi government to contain, he said. --- ENDS --- Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA A low-cost airline that could bring 250 new jobs to Winnipeg is cleared for takeoff as the federal government plans to relax the foreign-ownership investment limit for Canadian airlines today. Transport Minister Marc Garneau is speaking about the future of transportation in Canada at a conference in Montreal this morning where he will announce the 25 per cent limit on foreign investment in airlines will be increased to 49 per cent, as was recommended by a review of the Canada Transportation Act last winter. Garneau said the change will set the conditions for lower fares and increased competition in Canadas airline industry. The change will mean a single Canadian airline can have up to 49 per cent foreign ownership, however, a single foreign company can only have a maximum ownership in that airline of 25 per cent. SUPPLIED Jetlines could bring up to 250 new jobs to Winnipeg. The announcement clears the path for Jetlines Ltd, a Richmond, B.C.-based start up which requested an exemption to the limit earlier this year. It has foreign investors from Europe and the U.S. lined up but couldnt go forward because the capital raised would exceed the 25 per cent limit. Jetlines business plan intends to fly up to 64 domestic and international routes within eight years, 12 of them out of Winnipeg. It also intends to make Winnipeg a regional hub with a maintenance operation and crew base, bringing an estimated 60 new jobs within three years and 250 by the end of eight years. Another 1,200 indirect jobs could be created, according to the airlines plan. Garneau said while the legislative changes to raise the limit for everyone will take time, he is granting the exemption requested by both Jetlines, and another startup, Calgary-based Enerjet, immediately. We believe that greater competition and strengthened passenger rights within our domestic airline industry will be good for Canadians providing more choice, greater connectivity, and making fares more affordable, while ensuring that all airlines have an incentive to deliver the best possible customer service, reads the text of his speech. Jetlines CEO Jim Scott was thrilled. He flew to the Montreal conference expecting some announcement on the foreign ownership component, but he did not find out Jetlines would get an immediate exemption until Wednesday night. Its huge, said Scott. People in the room couldnt believe it. About a month ago Scott expressed frustration to the government about the length of time it was taking for Garneau to decide about the exemption request, saying his foreign investor was not going to wait forever and the opportunity was going to be lost if a decision wasnt made soon. Scott said the plan now is to proceed through the rest of the regulatory hurdles and put the first planes in the sky next summer. We can now, in earnest, move forward, he said. The recommendation to raise the limit for everyone was made by former Industry Minister David Emerson, who headed up a review of the act to identify priorities for Canadas transportation systems over the next three decades. It was requested by the previous Conservative government. The report was delivered last December and made public in February. In addition to lifting the foreign ownership requirements, Garneau intends to introduce a passenger bill of rights. Canadas major airlines, Air Canada and WestJet, backed the change if done for everyone but opposed giving exemptions to specific low-cost airlines. The low-cost airlines aim to provide cheaper flights with few amenities, such as Ryan Air in Europe or Spirit Airlines in the United States. Scott said it is clear to him the minister wants a third airline in Canada and that he is intent on finding a way to ensure Canadians have lower-cost options for flying. Garneau acknowledged in his speech the cost of flying is one of the main irritations to Canadian airline passengers. Jetlines will also compete with Winnipeg-based NewLeaf Travel, which began flying between 12 Canadian cities July 25 after a delayed start to sort out regulatory issues. NewLeaf contracts with B.C.-based Flair Air for planes and pilots and is considered by Transport Canada to be a ticket reseller rather than an airline. As such, NewLeaf isnt subject to the foreign-investment limit, nor did it have to acquire an airline licence. Garneau also intends to introduce a passenger bill of rights to set standards and conditions for compensating passengers who are denied boarding because of something an airline did, such as overbooking a flight, or for lost or damaged baggage. As well new investments in technology to help cut waiting times at airport security are planned. Garneau said since the Emerson report was delivered his department had more than 150 meetings with various parties interested in the recommendations, to determine the best path forward. More details of the plans will be announced in the weeks to come. mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Visa Canada has taken its bitter fee dispute with Walmart Canada to the next level, by offering to reward its Manitoba cardholders if they buy their groceries from someone other than Walmart. The credit card giant has launched an advertising campagin that offers a $10 credit to cardholders who spend $50 or more at grocery stores in Manitoba. To qualify, all they have to do is enrol their credit card number before Nov. 30 at visa.ca/Manitoba, and make their qualifying purchase within 15 days of enrolling. The ad doesnt mention Walmart or the fee dispute the companies have been embroiled in since last summer. But the offer clearly has the potential to impact Walmart because, as of Oct. 24, it no longer accepts Visa card at its 16 Manitoba stores. Spokespersons for Visa Canada and Walmart Canada downplayed the significance of the latest move by the credit card company. Visa Canada spokesperson Carla Hindman said its not unusual for the company to conduct promotions that encourage cardholders to use their Visa cards in new and different places. Asked if this particular promotion was aimed at encouraging them to buy their groceries from someone other than Walmart, Hindman said, We hope this eases the inconvenience for Visa cardholders in Manitoba who cannot use their card everywhere they may want to. When asked for Walmart Canadas reaction to the Visa ad, company spokesman Alex Roberton said, We dont comment on how other organizations want to promote their brand. RYAN REMIORZ / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Manitoba is the first battleground in the war between Walmart Canada and Visa. One Canadian food-industry analyst Prof. Sylvain Charlebois, from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia described this latest move by Visa it also ran newspaper and billboard ads last month pointing out its cards are accepted at more than 28,000 other stores in Winnipeg as interesting and unusual. Charlebois said credit card companies in Europe have been known to be pretty aggressive at times, but that isnt the case with their North American counterparts. For Visa to go public and launch a campaign like this, which actually connects them directly with the consumer, is significant, he said. Visa is positioning itself as the savior of consumers and saying, Look, Walmart is complaining about our fee but here is what were trying to do for you,' he added. (Its) the battle of (who is) being the protector of the grocery shopper. Walmart vowed in June to stop accepting Visa at all of its more than 400 Canadian stores if Visa doesnt lower its credit card fee, which it charges to all of its retail customers. The retail giant said it pays more than $100 million in fees annually for customers to use the various brands of credit cards, and that Visas fees are too high. Walmart started off by banning Visa cards at its stores in Thunder Bay in July, then extended the ban to Manitoba on Oct. 24. It hasnt said yet how soon it will extend the ban to other cities and provinces. Hindman said Visa ran a similar ad in Thunder Bay after Walmart banned its cards in its stores there. The offer there was a $25 credit for every grocery purchase of $75 or more. Walmart claims it is pushing for lower credit-card fees as part of its ongoing effort to reduce costs and to provide products to Canadians at the lowest possible prices. And Roberton said that remains the companys primary focus. We work very hard to ensure our customers save money and we will continue to do that. Visa, which is Canadas largest credit card firm, has said it offered Walmart one of the lowest rates for any merchant in the country, but the retailer wants more. It said if it gives in, Walmarts fees would be lower than those charged to other grocers and many of its other retail customers. Charlebois said thats the crux of the issue for Visa Canada, and the main reason its refusing to cave in to Walmarts demands. If it does, other retailers will demand a reduction in their fees, as well. I think Visa may actually see this as a significant threat which could impact their entire business model, not just their business with Walmart, he said. But because Walmart is one of the worlds biggest retail chains, losing its business is going to hurt, he added. For Visa to respond (like this) likely means theyve already seen a dent in their sales. murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is finally in the black. CMHR officials confirmed Thursday that the federal government has quietly approved $8.2 million in new funding to cover back payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) owing to the city, and $2.7 million for this and future years PILT. PILT is used by the federal and provincial governments to compensate municipalities for services provided to government-owned buildings. Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press The CMHR has been successful at drawing in visitors, but that success has been overshadowed by an operating deficit. The museum will also receive an one-time grant of $1 million for capital improvement. The additional funds came from an appropriation for national museums included in the federal governments spring budget. In providing relief for past and future PILT, Ottawa is bringing to an end a dispute that goes back nearly a decade. The CMHR has been successful in drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors since it opened in 2014. However, that success has been overshadowed at times by an operating deficit caused in whole by the inability to meet PILT obligations to the city. When the federal government originally approved operating funding for the CMHR in 2006, it did not include a provision to cover annual increases in PILT. The refusal to provide additional money to cover municipal taxes has dogged nearly all national museums, and created conflict with municipalities across the country. Here is all you need to know about Army veteran and OROP activist Ram Kishan Grewal, who died yesterday after consuming poison in protest against the delay of One Rank One Pension implementation. By India Today Web Desk: Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal's suicide has shaken up the country to take notice of the OROP issue again. Rattled politicians are blaming one another, and social media has turned a hot bed for debates over the issue that was quite forgotten for a while now. The saddest thing is, it took the death of a a veteran soldier to garner attention again. advertisement Read more: Ex-serviceman commits suicide at Jantar Mantar over One Rank One Pension WHO WAS RAM KISHAN GREWAL? Ram Kishan Grewal was a 70-year-old Army veteran and an OROP activist from Haryana's Bhiwani district. He had served the Indian Army for 28 years before retiring as a subedar in 2004. After retiring from Defence Security Corps, he became the sarpanch of his village in the Bhiwani district, Bamla, and under his tenure, the village changed for the better. Subedar Grewal consumed pesticide on Tuesday on the lawns behind Jawahar Bhavan, the Ministry of External Affairs office, hours after he and other veterans failed to meet the defence minister to hand him a petition for an OROP scheme. He died in RML hospital on Wednesday. Also read: Unanswered questions over Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal's death HIS SERVICE AS A SARPANCH Reports show Subedar Grewal did plenty for his village while he was the sarpanch. He opened schools for girls, started higher secondary school for all, brought water pipelines into the village to put a check on the water crisis, and put an end to open defecation in Bamla. A report in the Hindustan Times says he was awarded the Nirmal Gram Puruskar in 2008 for his work in Bamla village, making it the first of the few Nirmal Grams in Haryana. He also received the Shankar Dayal Sharma award for social service and a letter of appreciation from General Nirmal Chandra Vij. His son, Jaswant Grewal, told HT that he had also gotten the tender to build a stadium for children in the village sanctioned. "Even after his retirement, he hardly sat at home to rest, Jaswant said about his father. He called us & informed he is committing suicide as the Govt has failed to fulfil their demands related to OROP: Son of Ram Kishan Garehwal pic.twitter.com/37WwsnBOao ANI (@ANI_news) November 2, 2016 Subedar Grewal had actively participated in the protests held at Jantar Mantar last year. He was the leader of a protest by former Haryana servicemen for the OROP issue. advertisement He is said to have sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding it as well. On Monday, he and three other veterans came to Delhi from Haryana to apparently submit a memo to the Defence Ministry, claiming that despite OROP's implementation, ex-servicemen were not receiving the increased pension of their due arrears as promised. Reports say that he had an application for defence minister Manohar Parrikar, stating his demands for OROP. At its bottom, he is said to have penned his intentions to commit suicide: "I am sacrificing my life for my country, my motherland and my country's brave soldiers". We can't independently verify the authenticity of this letter THE END OF A SOLDIER Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal's body was taken to his village after a post-mortem examination at Lady Hardinge Hospital. He is to be cremated later today. --- ENDS --- Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. An argument that turned violent early Tuesday morning during a house party on Dufferin Avenue sent one man to hospital and another man to jail. Winnipeg police said the argument started around 7:30 a.m. and escalated into a fight between two men during a gathering at a house in the 700 block of Dufferin Avenue. A 34-year-old man was critically injured when he was allegedly assaulted and stabbed in the lower body by a 22-year-old suspect. The suspect ran away after the attack. The police officers who were first on the scene found the victim in critical condition and provided emergency first aid until members of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service took over and transported the victim to hospital. He has since been upgraded to stable condition. Jordan Owen was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon, and failing to comply with the conditions of a recognizance. He remains in custody. Members of the Major Crimes Unit are continuing to investigate the incident. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. I hadnt planned to take you back down the same old road by writing yet another column on traffic and saving little lives. But then I received another personal and passionate email from a reader: my big boss. It was a fresh take on the subject from Free Press publisher Bob Cox that pointed me beyond that well-travelled road to a model for safer streets that we should consider. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES I had already written about the Calgary model for keeping kids safer by combining reduced-speed school zones with playgrounds, creating child-safety zones that operate 365 days a year. Bob is advocating a plan called Vision Zero, which has a goal of eliminating fatal and serious traffic accidents. Hence, the zero in its name. Its a strategy recently embraced by Edmonton another Alberta city we might learn from although thats not where Bob pointed for the best example. Instead, Bob referenced Sweden the birthplace of both Vision Zero and, not-so-coincidentally, his wife Lena. He noted Vision Zero has been in place in that famously progressive country for almost two decades and its working. It is a full program that looks at all aspects of roads, Bob explained, from the way they are constructed to who uses them to how fast you should drive. It has produced a lot of study of what are appropriate speed limits and the conclusion has been that the safe speed limit in built-up urban areas is 30 km per hour. Thats the same speed Winnipeg posts in reduced-speed school zones, but only during the school year. To put that speed in the context of safety, someone struck by a vehicle going 30 km/h has a 95 per cent chance of survival, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, although I suspect a small childs survival rate might be less. At 50 km/h, the chances of survival mirror that rate of speed; 50-50. Thats why 30 km/h makes safety sense and, as Bob pointed out, in Sweden where, for example, almost all the residential streets of a big city such as Gothenburg are posted at that reduced rate the country has virtually no cases of children being killed while crossing the street. Why does it work? Bob asked, rhetorically. One of the main reasons is consistency. Youre not constantly changing speed limits depending on whether youre near a school or a playground or whatever. It just is the speed limit. All the time. But Vision Zero isnt just about reducing road speeds. As Bob suggested, its also about designing and building safer roads that are more about keeping people safe than moving them in a huge hurry. Its about a country with a different mindset. Long before Vision Zero, my wifes home town of Alingsas implemented a system that allowed cars and people to almost never meet bike and pedestrian paths are separate from roadways, Bob explained. They dont even have level crossings, only underpasses or overpasses. On the residential street outside her parents home there is a sidewalk on only one side of the street that way it can be twice as wide as a normal sidewalk, broad enough for both pedestrians and cyclists to use with no need for either to be on the street with cars. Signs that warn motorists of possible pedestrians depict a woman holding a childs hand, a reminder of whats at stake. So are we ready for 30 km/h zones on residential streets? Are we ready for safer and more progressive approaches to designing and building roads, sidewalks and bike paths? Weve been down this go-slower road before with city administration as recently has two years ago and it has gone nowhere. The problem is our own mindset. It, like the roads weve designed and built in the past and even those weve constructed in more recent years seems to be set in concrete. Its about whats best for motor vehicles, not pedestrians and bicyclists. Its more about reducing infrastructure costs than about reducing deaths and serious injuries. All of that, alas, comes from a far different kind of vision zero. gordon.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Manitoba has a prison problem. It isnt just that Manitoba imprisons its citizens at nearly three times the Canadian average. And it isnt just that 60 per cent of those prisoners are legally innocent, in prison awaiting trial. JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The Winnipeg Remand Centre has come under scrutiny after the deaths of inmates in custody. Nor is it simply that 70 per cent of people in Manitoba prisons are indigenous, a number more indicative of serious systemic racism in Manitoba than anything else. Although each of those numbers is concerning on their own, confronting the prison problem became unavoidable when we learned that in 2016, seven people have died while in custody in Manitoba. Five of those were inmates at the Winnipeg Remand Centre. The deaths in state custody of Hollie Hall, Errol Greene, Robert McAdam, Russell Spence and three others whose names we do not yet know, are all tragedies. Each of these people relied on the government and were under the complete control of the government. Their medicine was dispensed (or not) according to government policies. They were given emergency medical treatment (or not) according to government policies. They were allowed to leave their cell (or not) according to government policies. The government must be held accountable for their deaths. Most people dont like thinking about prisons or prison inmates. Even for people who think people in prison deserve it, the idea of another person, stuck in a too-small room, at the mercy of the state and with none of the freedoms Canadians are used to, is disturbing. That phenomenon reared its ugly head last week when Canadians learned about Adam Capays four-year stay in solitary confinement. There was outrage, sure. But did the majority of Canadians really address the fact that a 20-something Ontario man, legally innocent, had been alone in a box for four years, with artificial lights on 24 hours a day? The problem is there are too many problems. In our era of reconciliation, how do we address the fact that a significant majority of people in our prisons are indigenous? When the justice system talks about access to justice at every conference and meeting, what do we do about 60 per cent of our inmates being legally innocent? And when the crime rate in Manitoba is on a downward trend, why are we locking up Manitobans at nearly three times the national average? Perhaps surprisingly, given the enormity of the problems, one change that would make a profound and nearly immediate difference is quite simple: fund legal aid equitably. Legal Aid Manitoba hasnt had a real budget increase in more than a decade. The lawyers in private practice who represent clients who have a legal aid certificate havent had a raise in eight years. The result of that short-sighted policy of both Conservative and NDP governments is many defence lawyers, especially the more experienced ones, simply dont work for legal aid anymore. The systemic underfunding of legal aid had impacts on the client side as well. If you earn more than $23,000 per year, youre not eligible for legal aid. If you earn $16,000 per year, you must reimburse legal aid for legal fees at their discounted rates. Depending on the charge, criminal trials can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 or more. Asking someone making $23,000 to spend nearly half their income (at least) on a lawyer is not reasonable and is setting the system up for the crisis in which we find ourselves today. These cutoffs for legal aid in Manitoba havent been changed in a quarter of a century. That $23,000 limit, when it was set in 1990, is equivalent to $43,000 today. And that makes sense, because a person making $25,000 or $35,000 cant afford to hire a lawyer to defend a criminal charge, despite legal aids cutoff. Raising legal aid eligibility ceilings and increasing the tariff rates arent just a symbolic change. Both would have an immediate positive impact on the access-to-justice problem and, by extension, our incarceration problem. It is an immediate, practical solution to the immediate, pressing problem. And it could quite literally be implemented tomorrow. However, the systemic problems require systemic solutions. To address the crisis of deaths in Manitobas correctional institutions, the new government must call a public inquiry empowered with an aggressive mandate to understand the systemic challenges and recommend long-term solutions. The mandatory inquests are not enough. A public inquiry with a broad mandate and the resources it needs to address the multitude of problems that brought us to where we are today, is the only way for Manitobans to get answers and solutions. But even that isnt good enough. Unless we as Canadians, as Manitobans, are prepared to confront the virulent systemic racism that has taken hold in every corner of our justice system, unless we are ready to admit the colonialism that led to the residential schools and 60s Scoop is alive and thriving today, we will in short order be right back where we started. There cannot be reconciliation until there is justice. There cannot be an end to colonialism until there is justice. There will not be equality until there is justice. And while, as it has been said, the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice, the continued persecution and colonialism faced by indigenous peoples in Canada tells us, as clear as can be, that Canadians must stand up, demand change, and, in doing so, bend the arc that much closer to justice. Corey Shefman is a Winnipeg human rights lawyer and former president of the Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. On Thursday, British Prime Minister Theresa May encountered a judicial speed bump on her way to extracting the United Kingdom from the European Union. Britains High Court found that the government needs Parliaments approval before it notifies the EU that it intends to quit. Parliament is unlikely to give that approval without first learning more about the consequences of quitting Europe and the government will have a tough time giving answers on that point. Mrs. May had intended to notify the EU before the end of March 2017 that the U.K. was leaving and needed to start negotiating the terms. The government believed it had authority to do that because the public voted 51.9 per cent in favour of leaving in a referendum in June. But the court found Thursday that the referendum was only advisory. Parliament had decided in 1972 to change British laws to conform to European laws and Parliament must vote on reversing that decision. If the government has to make the case for exiting Europe before Parliament, the process may extend beyond the end of March. The Labour opposition is demanding to know the negotiating objectives Britain will take into exit talks with its European partners. The Liberal Democratic minority contends that the British people voted on a departure in the June referendum but they havent yet been told the destination of the journey out of Europe. There has been no sign yet that the government has the faintest idea what post-Brexit Britain will look like or how trade relations with Europe would be regulated. KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May The British pound, which has been weak in foreign exchange markets since the referendum, strengthened slightly on news of yesterdays court decision. Bankers and the business class are hoping the referendum verdict can be reversed or circumvented so that the familiar system of trade with Britains largest overseas market can be continued. Members of Parliament, however, seem unlikely to defy the will of their electors directly. Most MPs campaigned to remain in Europe at the time of the referendum, but majorities in most of the constituencies voted to leave. The root of the difficulty is that the country hasnt really made up its mind what it wants to do. A majority of the country in June definitely wanted to be free of the annoyances of EU membership such as unrestricted immigration from EU member countries and imposition of edicts from Brussels on British people and businesses. But as the discussion continues, the need for a choice between this way or that way comes more clearly into focus. The U.K. knows from 44 years of experience what life within Europe is like. What life will be like after exit terms are negotiated and some ties with Europe are cut is purely a matter of conjecture at this point. When it was a matter of campaigning in the referendum, any conjecture was as good as any other, but now the time for real decisions with real consequences is approaching. It actually matters to get it right. Mere conjecture is no longer good enough. For Canadians, the conclusion of the CETA free trade deal with the European Union, if it can be achieved, may limit the damage of the current European trade turmoil. But the continuing U.K. indecision seems likely to weaken the economies of both Europe and the U.K. and curtail their value as trade partners. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Finance Minister Bill Morneau has already done everything he can think of to stimulate economic expansion in Canada this year and create jobs. In his fall economic statement to Parliament Tuesday, Mr. Morneau turned the countrys attention to the distant future and the wonderful things that may be built with government help 10 or 12 years from now. Since he had already spent all the available money, that was about the best he could do. The government cut income tax rates for nine million taxpayers on Jan. 1 and started distributing the Canada child benefit to families with children on July 1. These measures, besides pleasing voters, were supposed to make consumers spend more and encourage Canadian companies to expand. It hasnt worked yet. The unemployment rate remains at seven per cent and gross domestic product declined by 1.6 per cent in the second quarter. Mr. Morneau blames these disappointing results on China, which failed to grow as fast as it used to, the United Kingdom, which decided to quit the European Union and Canadas oil companies, which laid off workers when their markets dried up. SEAN KILPATRICK / THE CANADIAN PRESS Finance Minister Bill Morneau But in the face of these conditions, Mr. Morneau has no more ammunition to shoot. He has already driven the federal debt up to 31.8 per cent of gross domestic product and he dare not drive it higher. All he is left with is encouraging talk about the bright future that awaits several years from now. He did an excellent job of packaging that bright future. A Canada Infrastructure Bank will induce pension fund managers around the world to invest in Canadian pipelines, power lines, ports and airports. A safe, sustainable and efficient transportation system will bring Canadian exports to overseas markets. New roads and urban rail services will ease traffic congestion and speed up the daily commute. Affordable housing and shelters for abused women will be provided. Sewage treatment plants and water supply systems will be built. How and when all this will be done remains a vague for the moment, but more details will be provided in Mr. Morneaus budget in the spring. But theres more much more. The government will create an Invest in Canada Hub, which will be much better than the programs it already runs to encourage foreign direct investment. Immigration delays will be shortened for selected companies that are trying to bring executives to their Canadian offices. Best of all, the government will replace the National Statistics Council with a newly created Canadian Statistics Advisory Council to reinforce the independence of the national statistical system. Mr. Morneau lost his last chief statistician because the government refused to let him run his own information technology department, but that detail escaped the ministers notice in this weeks series of announcements. Statistics Canada will still be at the mercy of Shared Services Canada, the government computer agency. What it comes down to is: the cupboard is bare. Mr. Morneau gave it his best shot back in January and July, and now he must ask Canadians to wait patiently for that economic stimulus to take effect. If that seems like cold comfort as the winds of December and January sweep across the land, we should sing ourselves to sleep with a song about the Invest in Canada Hub and dream sweet dreams of the Canada Infrastructure Bank. In Winona County and across the country, voters are following the first half of that famous advice by voting early. The Winona County Auditor-Treasurers Office reported that as of early this week, they had sent out over 2,000 absentee ballots, with 1,500 of those returned with just a week left before the election. Thats approaching levels of the 2008 and 2012 elections, when they received 2,186 and 1,861, respectively, by Election Day. Auditor-treasurer Sandra Suchla said that the turnout had been strong, even with a week left of accepting absentee ballots. Weve had a really high turnout for absentees, Suchla said. How early voters are casting their ballots, however, wont be known until Election Day, or separated from other counts. Absentee votes are collected until Nov. 8 and attributed to the appropriate voting districts at the election. Early voting requires a ballot put into the actual voting machine ahead of time, which Suchla said the county is not currently equipped for, and staff isnt trained to assist with. The early-voting trend has grown at the state level and nationally over the past several years. In 2016, 37 states now permit advance voting by mail or in person with little restriction; thats up from 34 in 2012. More than 45 million people are expected to vote before Election Day, Nov. 8, either by mail-in ballots or going to early-voting stations, and at least 403,000 people had voted by early October, according to data compiled by The Associated Press. Preliminary data compiled by the AP suggest that advance voting could reach 40 percent of all votes nationally up from 35 percent in 2012. The data may also indicate a higher overall turnout in an election that has generated enormous public interest. Winona County is also putting in work to ensure Election Night runs smoothly. The county ran into some computer problems in the primary voting, which slowed down the counting of votes, leaving the county as one of the last handful across the state that submitted to the Secretary of States office. Suchla said county staff are trying to ensure doesnt happen again. Were testing it the best we can, Suchla said. My hope is we dont have any problems. Though they can technically process votes by hand, it takes a lot longer, Suchla said. At the state level, Minnesotas early online registration has seen more widespread use this year. According to the Secretary of States office, since the services launch in September 2013, more than 100,000 Minnesotans have registered online, including 49,711 this year by June. In addition to allowing registering and voting absentee before the election, Minnesota is one of only 11 states that allow same-day registration, allowing people to register and vote at the same time. The Winona County Auditor-Treasurers Office reported that as of early this week, they had sent out over 2,000 absentee ballots, with 1,500 of those returned with just a week left before the election. In the email sent by Keri Clifton, NAMI Minnesotas Director of Community Outreach and Engagement, to Karin Sonneman, CJCC Chair and Winona County Attorney, Clifton stated the NAMI Minnesota Criminal Justice Award recognizes an individual or group in the area of criminal justice that has demonstrated through its action a strong commitment to the decriminalization of mental illness. The Coordinating Council has been very engaged in the Stepping Up Initiative and has done a great job in bringing everyone together to create change. This is an award that is truly deserved. On behalf of all of the CJCC members, as the Chair of the CJCC, I thank you so much for this award. It is wonderful for our organization to be recognized for the culmination of many years of work that we have devoted to this issue on many fronts with our Stepping Up Initiative being one of the main focuses of our current strategic plan for a system-wide approach to prevention, early intervention, and problem-solving treatment based strategies and programs throughout the criminal justice system process using the sequential intercept model and incorporating programs we already have in our present system, working to improve or enhance those programs, and adding new programs where there are gaps. The Winona Family YMCA is returning for a second attempt at changing their propertys standing in Winonas comprehensive plan, as the organization continue to look for a buyer and developer while seeking a move to a new facility. The YMCA will return Nov. 14 to the Winona Planning Commission, which recommended denial of the previous attempt in May during a meeting that included quite a bit of debate about the YMCAs future. The controversy was less related to the zoning and more about a proposed purchase agreement with Kwik Trip to build a convenience store in the location. Neighbors in the adjacent historic Windom Park neighborhood were particularly concerned about lighting and traffic. YMCA CEO Derek Madsen said Thursday that no one is planning to purchase the building and property at the current time; the YMCA has listed it publicly at the request of neighbors, after spending significant time courting buyers who may have been interested in what has proved to be a difficult sell, given the age and use of the building. Meanwhile, he said, the need to change the comprehensive plan still remains. Madsen said making the request without an attached business proposing to use the property will be helpful in addressing the question of how the neighborhood, especially immediately around the property, had changed since the comprehensive plan was developed. The interstate bridge project has led to a transformation of the west end of downtown, with the removal of multiple commercial properties and more residential properties, and the neighborhood will continue to be in transition as the land again becomes available for development once the bridge work is completed. As one example, the owner of the former Timbers restaurant has transformed the small retail property into a multi-story apartment building; other larger residential complexes have also been completed or are nearing completion in the area. In the first request, people focused on the end user and not the question at hand, Madsen said. Many of the comments from attendees at the May planning commission meeting, as well as commission members, focused partly or solely on the proposed presence of a Kwik Trip in the location, rather than on the actual question of whether the rezoning was appropriate. The YMCA would still have to return to the planning commission and Winona City Council when they find a buyer to request rezoning of the property as well, Madsen said. The YMCAs request is to change the designation from traditional neighborhood to downtown fringe, to allow for a wider range of prospective developers other than just residential development. The YMCAs plans to move to a location next to Winona Health were announced in May after about five years of planning, during which the YMCA has negotiated without success with multiple parties over potentially purchasing the building and land. They have raised about $8.3 million so far toward the $13 million goal, and are hoping the sale of the building and property will provide a significant percentage of the remaining money, Madsen said. The current building, built in 1953, was put up for public sale in September for $1.25 million. The YMCA has been trying to find a buyer that would cooperate, as Kwik Trip had agreed to, with letting the YMCA operate until the new site is open and ready for use, as well as to demolish the building at its own cost, giving the YMCA the best return on their money. The planned new facility, which doesnt yet have completed renderings or designs, would sit between Lake Winona, Dairy Queen and the former Wells Fargo building on acreage owned by Winona Health. The idea is for the new spot to continue the YMCAs customers current needs while providing new and innovative wellness models aimed at serving everyone from seniors to at-risk youth to Winona Health clients, including having Winona Healths physical therapy in the building. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story had an incorrect headline; it said the YMCA was seeking a zoning change, when in fact it is seeking a change to the city's comprehensive plan. Please join me in helping re-elect Greg Olson to the Winona County board by voting for him Nov. 8 if you are in his district. (But not if you arent. We wouldnt want to have this election rigged!) He has shown himself to be a responsible and capable decision maker during his terms of public service, making thoughtful decisions independently and with in-depth knowledge of the issues. He has never appeared to be supported by or supporting only special interests. His ability to deal with the whole situation is especially needed during impending budget difficulties. His past record is to be responsive to all segments of the people. He understands the value of the land in our county and the need to preserve its integrity for both the owners and their neighbors. His opponent, Brian Conner, has demonstrated publicly his disdain for some people, in his racist act of posting a photo of a baby monkey as president Obamas baby picture on a social media site. The act of doing this is disturbing. Another writer in a letter to the editor clearly pointed out Conner's lack of preparation and his obvious lack interest in becoming prepared in many opportunities for the responsibility he wishes to assume. For these reasons, the choice in this race is blatantly obvious. Help us vote for Greg Olsons return to his seat on the commission to secure a broad, unbigoted, unbiased perspective. Frank and Ruth Bures, Winona Chartreuse and Luxardo, rare liqueurs from France and Italy, have a history that every liqueur collector must know. These are liqueurs you wouldn't find easily in bars, but they come with their own stories. Photo: Mail Today By Sourish Bhattacharyya: It's not an everyday occurrence to a find a bottle each of Chartreuse, the pungent French liqueur that's been made by Carthusian monks since 1737, and Luxardo, the Italian liqueur produced from Maraschino cherries, in a bar in our part of the world. So, imagine my surprise when, during my visit to Bella Cucina at Le Meridien Gurgaon, the manager of the Longitude Bar produced a bottle of each. advertisement Made with 130 different herbs, plants and flowers, and whose shade of green has become a part of the international colour palette, Chartreuse is made according to a recipe that goes back to 1605 and is produced only at one place in the world--the over-900-yearold Grande Chartreuse monastery of the Carthusian Order, located in the Chartreuse mountains in the region of Grenoble in France. It seems to be a favourite of writers--Wikipedia dredges out references from Alfred Hitchcock, John Steinbeck, Josephine Tey, Saki and Evelyn Waugh - but I maintain that it's an acquired taste. Also read: We need to market better, experiment more and drink wine, say India's top culinary experts I can't say so about Luxardo, which is named after Girolamo Luxardo, who started producing the liqueur developed by his wife in 1821. I just love Maraschino cherries and this liqueur breathes the robust flavours of the fruit. Interestingly, its birthplace, Zara (now Zadar), is in Croatia today - after World War II, the town, which had been gifted to the Kingdom of Italy after World War I, was handed over to the former Yugoslavia of Josip Broz Tito. Croatia emerged out of the ruins of Yugoslavia. Since 1945, as a result, the liqueur is being produced in Italy, at Torreglia, near Padua. --- ENDS --- FOX LAKE The Fox Lake City Council approved a final payment for the Ann and East Cherry streets construction project and approved agreements with MSA Professional Services for preliminary work for other projects during the November council meeting on Wednesday. The city council approved a final payment of $543 to Krause Excavating. It also accepted 259 square feet of dedicated to the public space at the corner of Spring and Trenton streets in the certified survey map from the town of Fox Lake. The city council approved three professional services agreements with MSA Professional Services for projects on Mill Road, Linden Lane/Court, and a 2019 Trenton Street reconstruction project, adding a sidewalk on one side. Its for safety reasons, Mayor Tom Bednarek said. He said it has not yet been decided what side of the street the sidewalk would be on, but said the number of pedestrians using the street make adding a sidewalk a good idea. In other business, the board authorized the mayor to sign an aquatic center collaboration agreement with the YMCA of Dodge County for the 2017 season and a 911 joint powers agreement with the Dodge County Sheriffs Department. The city council also authorized the mayor to sign an acceptance of award for a Community Development Block Grant of up to $500,000 and signed a Tree City USA proclamation. The city council approved waiving the community center rental fee for a sober New Years Eve party hosted by DARE of Dodge County. The board also approved the resignation of Rodney Binder from the Fox Lake Library Board, and approved the mayors appointment of Ann Buchda to fill his unexpired term through April 2018. During the citys Oct. 19 committee of the whole meeting, the mayor cited Binders service to the city, and said Buchda called and volunteered to fill the seat. By PTI: Bengaluru, Nov 3 (PTI) A senior functionary of Kerala-based Popular Front of India (PFI) has been arrested in connection with the recent murder of an RSS worker here. Azim Sheriff, PFI Bengaluru president, wasarrested last night, police said. 35-year-old RSS worker Rudresh was hacked to deathby two motorcycle-borne men on Kamaraja Road on October 16,when he was with his friends after attending a Sangh event. advertisement Police on October 27 had arrested four persons in connection with the incident. They said that Sheriffs name was spilled by the four persons, who were arrested earlier, in the case. PFI, a confederation of Muslim organizations, has condemned the arrest of Sheriff alleging that police have acted under pressure. "The murder which took place because of local or personal reasons is being linked to the organisation," PFI General Secretary Yasir Hasan told reporters here. He alleged that even beforepolice started investigating the murder, BJP leaders started linking Popular Front to the incident. Accusing BJP of "trying to mislead the police investigation", Hasan said, "Police without any reason are trying to fix our district President under pressure from BJP." Noting that this was not the first time such baseless allegations were levelled against PFI, he said wheneverthe murder of any Sangh parivar member takes place in Karnataka,BJP or RSS blame the organisation without any investigation. BJP, which staged protests over the incident, had blamed the "unholy nexus" of Jihadists andMarxists for the killing. The saffron party had also alleged PFIs role in the murder. PTI KSU RA RC SRY --- ENDS --- Sources in the police have confirmed that the four accused in RSS worker's murder case were allegedly involved in five low-intensity blasts in court complexes in southern India since April. By Rohini Swamy: Police officers investigating RSS worker Rudresh's murder suspect that the four arrested men had links with the members of banned outfit Al-Ummah. Sources in the police have confirmed that the four accused Wasim, Mazhar, Majeeb and Irfan were allegedly involved in five low-intensity blasts in court complexes in southern India since April. According to police sources, a meeting of the outfit members took place in North Kerala where the decision to kill an RSS worker and to bomb court complexes were discussed. advertisement Investigations have also revealed that multiple discussions on stacking the RSS worker were held at venues such as weddings and over social functions. Initially, the investigations were on the lines that there was some enemity amongst locals in Shivajinagar and that Rudresh's popularity was not being accepted by the accused. READ: Bengaluru Police cracks RSS worker murder case, 4 arrested But as investigations progressed, it indicated that the accused belong to a terror network. Irfan Pasha was the brain behind selecting Rudresh as a target as he was an emerging RSS leader in Shivajinagar. After the murder, Pasha is said to have fled to Kerala and later landed in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The accused returned to the city assuming that police may not have got any evidence to arrest them. However, the police had kept the video footage that helped them identify the accused confidential. The police said that Rudresh's murder was to intimidate the RSS workers in the state. Rudresh was brutally murdered on October 16 in the Shivajinagar area of Bengaluru where the two of the accused hacked him to death with a machete in broad daylight. The police had launched a manhunt and after scouting and enhancing the available CCTV images, they were able to identify the accused. Also Read: RSS worker murder: Former BJP man's involvement suspected Bengaluru: Section 144 imposed in four areas after RSS worker's murder Kerala: BJP worker hacked to death, his father was killed in 2002 Tamil Nadu: BJP youth wing leader hacked to death in broad daylight --- ENDS --- Devon Energy Corporation is an independent oil and gas company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The company was incorporated in 1971 by John Nichols and his son J. Larry Nichols and later went public in August 2000. The company has since grown to be included in the S&P 500 and is one of the first energy companies to introduce resolutions requiring the company to monitor its impact on global warming. One time a major player in the global oil market, Devon has since sold off its offshore holdings in an effort to focus on US production and its transition to a lower-carbon future. Devon Energy merged with WPX in early 2021 in an all-stock merger of equals. The new company is primarily engaged in the exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the US midwest. The company operates more than 5,100 wells in Oklahomas Delaware Basis, Eagle Ford Group, and the two locations in the Rocky Mountains. As of late 2022, the company laid claim to 1.625 million barrels of reserves including 44% petroleum, 27% natural gas liquids, and 29% natural gas. Daily production was running in the range of 300,000 BPD in petroleum liquids, 125,000 BPD in natural gas liquids, and 920 million cubic feet of natural gas. Rick Muncrief, formally CEO of WPX, is now the head of Devon Energy. Mr. Muncrief comes to the table with more than 40 years of experience including 27 years with one of the US Big Three Oil Companies. WPX Energy (Williams Production and Exploration) brought properties in the Williston and Permian Basins to the combined company. Its proven reserves were roughly 527 million barrels of oil and equivalents. The company also owns and operates a midstream network of pipelines and storage facilities it uses to market and deliver its products. Devon Energy Corporation has pledged to reduce its GHG impact to net zero by 2050. This will be done by a variety of methods that include improving efficiency and leakage, a reduction in flaring, and the electrification of its operations. Near-term goals include a 50% reduction in GHG by 2030 including a 65% reduction in methane release and a 100% reduction in flaring. The company is also focused on reducing its environmental impact by relying on recycled water wherever possible and plans to reduce freshwater usage by 90% in the most active areas. Total greenhouse gas emissions have been in decline since 2018 and fell 17% between 2018 and 2020 alone. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE), an S&P 500 urban office real estate investment trust ("REIT"), is the first, longest-tenured, and pioneering owner, operator, and developer uniquely focused on collaborative life science, technology, and agtech campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, with a total market capitalization of $31.9 billion as of December 31, 2020, and an asset base in North America of 49.7 million square feet ("SF"). The asset base in North America includes 31.9 million RSF of operating properties and 3.3 million RSF of Class A properties undergoing construction, 7.1 million RSF of near-term and intermediate-term development and redevelopment projects, and 7.4 million SF of future development projects. Founded in 1994, Alexandria pioneered this niche and has since established a significant market presence in key locations, including Greater Boston, San Francisco, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. Alexandria has a longstanding and proven track record of developing Class A properties clustered in urban life science, technology, and agtech campuses that provide our innovative tenants with highly dynamic and collaborative environments that enhance their ability to successfully recruit and retain world-class talent and inspire productivity, efficiency, creativity, and success. Alexandria also provides strategic capital to transformative life science, technology, and agtech companies through our venture capital platform. We believe our unique business model and diligent underwriting ensure a high-quality and diverse tenant base that results in higher occupancy levels, longer lease terms, higher rental income, higher returns, and greater long-term asset value. 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. By Vidya : The Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) has been inundated with work, and that is why the commission hasn't been able to decide the Salman Khan rape comment issue and put it on the back burner. Salman Khan had sparked outrage among fans and women when he compared the gruelling shooting of his film Sultan to rape. "I'd have to lift the same 120-kilo guy 10 times for 10 different angles. And likewise, get thrown that many times on the ground. This act is not repeated that many times in the real fights in the ring. When I used to walk out of the ring, after the shoot, I used to feel like a raped woman," the actor had said. advertisement ALSO READ: Salman Khan not sorry for 'raped woman' remark, says he didn't trivialise rape On June 22, the MSCW had issued a notice asking Salman to be appear before it on June 29. He had not only refused to appear but had instead blamed the MSCW of making him go through double the trouble as the National Commission for Women too had had issued summons asking him to explain his statement. The MSCW had issued another summon on June 29 asking the actor to appear before it on July 7. During this hearing as well, Khan and his lawyers did not appear, nor did they issue any apology or explanation as asked by the commission. On the "third and last chance" given to Khan, a similar scenario had unfolded, after which the MSCW sought legal opinion. MSCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar says, "Women who live in places like Chandrapur cannot travel over 800 kilometers to Mumbai to register a case in MSCW. So, we have to go there. We have started many outreach programmes in the last few months at district as well as region levels and thus, a few cases like Salman Khan's case were put on the back-burner. But we will sort it out soon." According to Rahatkar, the commission intended to take care of the case before Diwali but other commitments delayed the process. --- ENDS --- Associated Banc-Corp, a bank holding company, provides various banking and nonbanking products to individuals and businesses in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. The company operates through three segments: Corporate and Commercial Specialty; Community, Consumer, and Business; and Risk Management and Shared Services. Its Corporate and Commercial Specialty segment offers lending solutions, including commercial loans and lines of credit, commercial real estate financing, construction loans, letters of credit, leasing, asset based lending, and loan syndications; deposit and cash management solutions, such as commercial checking and interest-bearing deposit products, cash vault and night depository services, liquidity solutions, payables and receivables solutions, and information services; specialized financial services such as interest rate risk management, foreign exchange solutions, and commodity hedging; fiduciary services such as administration of pension, profit-sharing and other employee benefit plans, fiduciary and corporate agency services, and institutional asset management; and investable funds solutions such as savings, money market deposit accounts, IRA accounts, CDs, fixed and variable annuities, full-service, discount and online investment brokerage; investment advisory services; and trust and investment management accounts. The company's Community, Consumer, and Business segment offers lending solutions, such as residential mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, personal and installment loans, auto loans, business loans, and business lines of credit; and deposit and transactional solutions such as checking, credit, debit and pre-paid cards, online banking and bill pay; and money transfer services. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 215 banking branches. Associated Banc-Corp was founded in 1861 and is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Knoll, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, markets, and sells commercial and residential furniture, accessories, and coverings for the workplace and residential markets in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Office and Lifestyle segments. It provides systems furniture, including integrated panels or table desks, work surfaces and storage units, power and data systems, and lighting products; office seating products comprising various work chairs; and files and storage products, such as lateral files, mobile pedestals and other storage units, bookcases, and overhead cabinets. The company also offers adjustable tables, as well as meeting, conference, training, dining, and stand-alone and table desks; conference furniture product platforms; height desks, tables, and ergonomic seating and accessories principally for individual home offices and small businesses; technology support accessories, desktop organizational tools, and lighting and storage products; seating and lounge furniture, as well as side, cafA, and dining chairs; conference, training, dining, and occasional tables; and lighting, rugs, textiles, fabrics, felt, leather, upholstery, drapery, and related architectural products. It serves Fortune 1000 companies, governmental agencies, and other medium-to-large sized organizations in various industries, including financial, legal, technology, entertainment, accounting, education, healthcare, and hospitality through its direct sales force and showrooms, distribution partners, and independent dealers and retailers, as well as online. The company was founded in 1938 and is headquartered in East Greenville, Pennsylvania. Walker & Dunlop, Inc., through its subsidiaries, originates, sells, and services a range of multifamily and other commercial real estate financing products and services for owners and developers of real estate in the United States. The company offers first mortgage, second trust, supplemental, construction, mezzanine, preferred equity, small-balance, and bridge/interim loans. It also provides multifamily finance for manufactured housing communities, student housing, affordable housing, and senior housing properties under the Fannie Mae's DUS program; and construction and permanent loans to developers and owners of multifamily housing, affordable housing, senior housing, and healthcare facilities. In addition, the company acts as an intermediary in the placement of commercial real estate debt between institutional sources of capital, including life insurance companies, investment banks, commercial banks, pension funds, CMBS conduits, and other institutional investors, as well as owners of various types of commercial real estate. Further, it advises on capital structure; develops the financing package; facilitates negotiations between its client and institutional sources of capital; coordinates due diligence; and assists in closing the transaction. Additionally, the company offers property sales brokerage, underwriting and risk management, and servicing and asset management services. Walker & Dunlop, Inc. was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, and markets biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, neuroscience, and covid-19 diseases. The company's products include Revlimid, an oral immunomodulatory drug for the treatment of multiple myeloma; Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; and Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis. It also provides Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia; Yervoy for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma; Abraxane, a protein-bound chemotherapy product; Reblozyl for the treatment of anemia in adult patients with beta thalassemia; and Empliciti for the treatment of multiple myeloma. In addition, the company offers Zeposia to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; Breyanzi, a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma; Inrebic, an oral kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with myelofibrosis; and Onureg for the treatment of adult patients with AML. It sells products to wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies, retailers, hospitals, clinics, and government agencies. The company was formerly known as Bristol-Myers Company. The company was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Coeur Mining, Inc. explores for precious metals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company primarily explores for gold, silver, zinc, and lead properties. It holds 100% interests in the Palmarejo gold and silver mine covering an area of approximately 67,296 net acres located in the State of Chihuahua in Northern Mexico; the Rochester silver and gold mine that covers an area of approximately 43,441net acres situated in northwestern Nevada; the Kensington gold mine comprising 3,972 net acres located to the north of Juneau, Alaska; the Wharf gold mine covering an area of approximately 3,243 net acres situated in the northern Black Hills of western South Dakota; and the Silvertip silver-zinc-lead mine comprising 97,298 net acres located in northern British Columbia, Canada. In addition, the company owns interests in the Crown and Sterling projects located in southern Nevada; and the La Preciosa project located in Mexico. Further, it markets and sells its concentrates to third-party customers, smelters, under off-take agreements. The company was formerly known as Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation and changed its name to Coeur Mining, Inc. in May 2013.Coeur Mining, Inc. was incorporated in 1928 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. As fans waited all day long outside Mannat to get a glimpse of their superstar Shah Rukh Khan, SRK showed up and greeted them in style minutes before the sun set on Wednesday. By India Today Web Desk: Shah Rukh Khan is famous for celebrating his birthday with the media and in front of his fans ever year. However, this year, he chose to stay away from the paparazzi and instead spent time with his family. The 51-year-old had a quiet birthday celebration with his family and friends at Alibaug on Tuesday night. ALSO READ: Forget 10 things. Here are 51 things you need to know about Shah Rukh Khan on his 51st birthday advertisement PHOTOS: 10 unforgettable roles of Shah Rukh Khan OPINION: Why Shah Rukh Khan is yet to give his best performance However, fans had gathered around his house, Mannat, on Bandstand, Bandra (West), in thousands since early Wednesday morning. They did not get a chance to get a glimpse of their favourite actor almost throughout the day. But, SRK returned to Mannat on Wedensday and waved to his fans who had thronged outside his bungalow. Shah Rukh Khan at Mannat (photos by Yogen Shah) Shah Rukh Khan at Mannat (photos by Yogen Shah) Shah Rukh Khan tweeted a video of himself greeting his fans with the quote 'Thank you everyone who came from all over the world to wish me. U make me feel so special & loved. Really this is the best moment for me.' Thank you everyone who came from all over the world to wish me. U make me feel so special & loved. Really this is the best moment for me. pic.twitter.com/okHey7GDUm Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) November 2, 2016 He also tweeted a selfie of himself with his fans behind him with the quote 'If I could, I would jump amidst you. So that you could take me home. Thank you all for coming and making my birthday so special. Love you!' If I could, I would jump amidst you. So that you could take me home. Thank you all for coming and making my birthday so special. Love you! pic.twitter.com/wf6TUf5lSh Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) November 2, 2016 The star will be seen next in Dear Zindagi alongside Alia Bhatt, and Raees co-starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui. --- ENDS --- Paycom Software, Inc. provides cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solution delivered as software-as-a-service for small to mid-sized companies in the United States. It offers functionality and data analytics that businesses need to manage the employment life cycle from recruitment to retirement. The company's HCM solution provides a suite of applications in the areas of talent acquisition, including applicant tracking, candidate tracker, background checks, on-boarding, e-verify, and tax credit services; and time and labor management, such as time and attendance, scheduling/schedule exchange, time-off requests, labor allocation, labor management reports/push reporting, and geofencing/geotracking, and Microfence, a proprietary Bluetooth. Its HCM solution also offers payroll applications comprising better employee transaction interface, payroll and tax management, Paycom pay, expense management, mileage tracker/fixed and variable rates, garnishment management, and GL concierge applications; and talent management applications that include employee self-service, compensation budgeting, performance management, position management, and Paycom learning and content subscriptions, as well as my analytics, which offer employment predictor reporting. In addition, its HCM solution provides manager on-the-go that gives supervisors and managers the ability to perform a variety of tasks, such as approving time-off requests and expense reimbursements; direct data exchange; ask here, a tool for direct line of communication to ask work-related questions; document and checklist; government and compliance; benefits administration/benefits to carrier; COBRA administration; personnel action and performance discussion forms; surveys; and affordable care act applications, as well as Clue, which securely collect, track, and manage the vaccination and testing data of the workforce. Paycom Software, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. Read More Motorola Solutions, Inc. provides mission critical communications and analytics in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation, and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce. Its land mobile radio communications and video security and access control devices include two-way portable and vehicle-mounted radios, fixed and mobile video cameras, and accessories; radio network core and central processing software, base stations, consoles, and repeaters; and video analytics, network video management hardware and software, and access control solutions. The Software and Services segment provides repair, technical support, and hardware maintenance services. This segment also offers monitoring, software updates, and cybersecurity services; and public safety and enterprise command center software, unified communications applications, and video software solutions through on-premise and as a service. It serves government, public safety, and commercial customers. The company was formerly known as Motorola, Inc. and changed its name to Motorola Solutions, Inc. in January 2011. Motorola Solutions, Inc. was founded in 1928 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. According to the evidences, the cops chose to kill the eight members of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) instead of arresting them. By India Today Web Desk: After damning videos and photos, more skeletons tumble out of the controversy over the killing of eight undertrials in Bhopal earlier this week with new audio tapes of conversation between cops hinting at the encounter being a pre-planned murder. The audio clips accessed from the Madhya Pradesh police by Aaj Tak show that the cops chose to kill the eight members of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) instead of arresting them. advertisement READ | SIMI jailbreakers caught on videos: Was it an encounter or murder in cold blood? 'SABKO NIPTA DO' In the audio tapes, a police officer can be heard instructing the cops engaged in the operation. "Sabko nipta do... Sahab aanewale hain (Finish everyone... Sahab is about to reach)," he says. Another order says: "Bilkul peechhe nahi hatna hai. Gher ke pura kar do kaam tamaam (Don't hesitate at all. Surround them and finish them off)." Police had claimed that the fugitives, who had allegedly escaped from the high-security Bhopal Central Jail that morning and killed a prison guard, had firearms. Also Read: From serial blasts to jihad: All you need to know about SIMI, 8 jailbreakers who were shot dead But the audio tapes do not suggest any exchange of fire, and instead hint at an operation completed in a few minutes. "Sigma Seven One: chaar-paanch mar gaye hain. Unko goli lag gayi hai (Sigma Seven One, four-five are dead. They have been shot)", the tapes say. To which a senior officer replies: "Chalo, shaabash. Koi dikkat nahi hai. Hum log pahunch rahe hain (Well done, no problem at all. We are reaching the spot)." Also Read: SIMI encounter: BJP praises police; Oppn raises questions WERE THE MEN ARMED? Madhya Pradesh's anti-terror squad chief Sanjeev Shami had also claimed the eight SIMI activists shot dead in Bhopal were unarmed. Around the ninth minute into the clip, the cops can be heard announcing: "Aathon maare gaye. Khel Khatam. (All eight are dead. Game over)." Also Read: Yechury slams "inconsistencies" in claims on SIMI activists The announcement of their death is followed by loud claps from the cops engaged in the Monday killing. Most opposition parties have demanded a high-level, independent probe into the killing of the eight men. READ | Bhopal encounter: Post-mortem shows multiple wounds on SIMI men's bodies --- ENDS --- Members of the public are being offered the opportunity to vote for a winning play which will be performed at the University of Wolverhamptons Arena Theatre before touring around Europe. The University of Wolverhamptons Arena Theatre received a 150,000 grant to work in partnership with three other institutions across Europe in Italy, Romania and Spain to promote new work in theatre. Co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union, the Playwriting Award for POP Drama competition has been judged with four short-listed entries selected out of 300 scripts entered from across Europe. Readings from the four successful plays will be staged at the Arena Theatre every Monday for the next four weeks: 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th November at 7.30 pm giving the audience the chance to vote for the prize winning play. From American hotdogs to and Indian chaat, these are the roadside delights you must try at least once. Hotdogs are as popular in the US as chaat is in India. Picture courtesy: Pinterest/Serious Eats/Rachna's Kitchen By Shreya Goswami: Every avid foodie and traveller knows that when you visit a place, whether it be for the first time or the hundredth, you just have to try out the street food. It doesn't matter if you're going to Europe or Thailand, if you haven't spent enough time roaming the streets, watching local people, and savouring the same food that they love to eat, you'll have missed the very essence of the place. Streets are the one thing all of us, no matter what our age, religion or financial status, have to use. It's the meeting point of everything that represents us as humans, and food is an essential part of it. advertisement Think about it. Street foods from all over the world have become quite popular now, simply because they cater to the tastes of all the people in a particular country. It's as easy to get a satay or shawarma in India as it is to get chaat and pretzels in the USA. And some of these dishes are so famous that you just have to eat them at least once in your life. So check out these seven amazing street foods from around the world, and do get a bite of them if you can. 1. Empanadas, Argentina Empanadas look like Indian gujiyas, but are actually nothing similar. Picture courtesy: Pinterest/Pop Sugar Looks like the Indian gujiya, but tastes nothing like it--that's one good way to describe these Argentinian beauties. Empanadas are made the same way as gujiyas, with scrumptious stuffing inside a flour dough casing which is then deep fried. But that's where the similarity ends, because empanadas aren't vegetarian. In fact the very dough has animal fat to make it crispy, and the flling is usually minced meat or fish. When made for dessert, it has a fruit filling. But the one to die for are the spicy cheese and meat ones! Also read: A chef guides us through Mumbai's street food and the top 10 places to find them 2. Langos, Hungary Langos is popular in Central European countries, even though they originate in Hungary. Picture courtesy: Instagram/eloben.hu Does this dish remind you of a pizza? Well, it's not the same thing. Langos, as opposed to pizzas, are deep fried! This Hungarian delicacy dates back to the 15th century, and is one of the most popular street foods and snacks of Hungary, and even Serbia and Austria. What makes this dish irresistible isn't just the deep frying. The flat round langos is then slathered with sour cream and cheese, sometimes even garlic butter! Nobody would miss a pizza around this delightful and cheap snack. 3. Chaat, India There are so many varieties of chaat available in India. Picture courtesy: Pinterest/Rachna's Kitchen From alu tikkis to golgappas and bhelpuri, there's no end to the chaat varieties in India. They're always the perfect blend of sweet, sour and salty. Sometimes, chaats are made of putting together two or three individual dishes. Samosa chaat for example has samosas, chhole, green chutney, red chutney and yogurt. Bhelpuri and jhalmuri have everything from peanuts and sev to puffed rice and chopped veggies. Indian chaat might be basically a snack, but they're gourmet standard when it comes to the balance of flavours. advertisement 4. Shawarma, Lebanon Shawarma is so popular that it's now prepared all over the world. Picture courtesy: Instagram/lebanontimes Did you know that a single dialogue at the end of the first Avengers movie actually skyrocketed the popularity of shawarma all over the world? The Levantine meat dish is a delicacy that's now available everywhere, even in nooks and corners of India. Chunks of meat are fixed to a spit and grilled slowly for a whole day. What this does is to make the meat tender and juicy. If you haven't tried this dish yet, you totally should. 5. Tacos, Mexico Tacos are a Mexican delicacy that you just shouldn't miss. Picture courtesy: Pinterest/Creme de la Crumb Given that the global food chain, Taco Bell has opened branches all over the world, it's expected that you'd have heard of tacos. The Mexican snack is absolutely delicious! A corn or wheat flour tortilla is stuffed with meat, fish, or shelfish, along with chopped onions, avocados, cucumbers, tomatoes, and topped with cheese and lemon juice. It's spicy and tangy at the same time, and like a burst of fireworks on your palate. advertisement Also read: 7 places to find the best street food in Chennai 6. Churros, Spain Is it a dessert? Is it a snack? Churros are just the best. Picture courtesy: Pinterest/Lolly Jane If India has its freshly deep-fried jalebis, Spain has churros. A light and fluffy chox pastry is deep fried, and then rolled in cinnamon and powdered sugar. If that doesn't sound delicious enough, wait for this--churros are traditionally dipped in chocolate sauce! Yes, this dish might confuse you a bit by making you wonder if it's a dessert or a snack, but you just can't stop after having one bite of this! 7. Hotdogs, USA Hotdogs are well-known as an American street food, but they're actually German in origin. Picture courtesy: Pinterest/Serious Eats You might not know this, but the original hotdog isn't even American. It's actually German, but like so many other dishes, the US has made it its own. The dog in hotdog refers to the cooked sausage, which is usually steamed or grilled and then put in a sliced long bun. The toppings are usually mustard and ketchup, but other ingredients like chillies, tomoatoes, sour cream and jalapenos are also added in different parts of the country. advertisement You'll find that a number of these dishes are available in India, and we can all get a taste of it if we want to. But do make sure the dish is authentic. If it's not, then it would be best to go find it in its natural habitat, the country of its origin. --- ENDS --- China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page By Priya Pathak: Do you remember Symbian Operating System? Yes, this is the same OS that came in the high-end phones of Nokia and in all the N series phones. The N8 series smartphone which came later also used the Symbian OS. However, if you are still using a phone powered by Symbian-OS then you will not be able to access WhatsApp after December 31. advertisement The chat app had confirmed the news on its blog post earlier this year. However, with the nearing time, it is important to remind you that WhatsApp will withdraw its support from smartphones, which are powered by Symbian OS. Also support will end for a few of the Windows and BlackBerry phones. Phones running on Android 2.1 and Android 2.2 will also lose the support for WhatsApp. Company will end the support for these phones after December 31, 2016. Also Read: Chat smart! 12 tips that will make you WhatsApp expert -- Phones using BlackBerry OS and BlackBerry 10 Also Read: WhatsApp changes privacy terms: What is it, what does it mean for users? -- Phones using Nokia S40 -- Phones using Nokia S60 -- Phones using Android 2.1 and Android 2.2 -- Phones using Windows Phone 7.1 -- Apple iPhone 3GS and iPhones using iOS 6 While Nokia has stopped making phones for quite a long time now, there are few of its Symbian powered phones that are still widely used such as Nokia E6, Nokia 5233, Nokia C5 03, Nokia Asha 306 and Nokia E52. "While these mobile devices have been an important part of our story, they don't offer the kind of capabilities we need to expand our app's features in the future", WhatsApp noted in its blog. "This was a tough decision for us to make, but the right one in order to give people better ways to keep in touch with friends, family, and loved ones using WhatsApp." Company suggests the users of these phones to upgrade to a newer Android, iPhone, or Windows Phone before the end of 2016 to continue using the chat app. --- ENDS --- IAEA reviews Kazakhstan's nuclear infrastructure needs 03 November 2016 Share The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has begun an eight-day mission to Kazakhstan to assess the status of infrastructure required for the country to launch a nuclear power program. The mission is at the request of the Kazakh government. The opening of the INIR mission in Astana (Image: IAEA) The IAEA said the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission will consider issues such as Kazakhstan's legal and regulatory frameworks, nuclear safety and security, radioactive waste management, human resource development, stakeholder involvement and the capacity of the electrical grid. The mission began on 31 October and will be completed on 7 November. The IAEA team is headed by Dohee Hahn, director of the IAEA's nuclear energy division, while the Kazakh delegation is led by energy minister Kanat Bozumbayev. During the mission, the team will hold in-depth discussions with representatives from Kazakh nuclear- and energy-related organizations - including the RSE National Nuclear Centre, RSE Institute of Nuclear Physics and JSC NAC Kazatomprom - about experiences and best practices in developing nuclear power infrastructure. "The evaluation of its infrastructure status will help Kazakhstan in making a knowledgeable decision on whether to embark on a nuclear power program," the IAEA said. It added, "The IAEA does not influence countries' decisions as to whether to introduce nuclear power. However, if they do decide to embark on a nuclear power program, the IAEA helps them do it in a safe, secure and sustainable manner." "Today, more than 70% of Kazakhstan's energy supply comes from burning coal," the IAEA noted. "That, coupled with the fact that Kazakhstan already has experience in operating a fast breeder reactor and that it is also the world's leading uranium producer, gives grounds for considering nuclear as one of the options." Kazakhstan has 15% of the world's uranium resources and became the leading uranium producing country in 2009. The country was home to the BN-350 fast reactor at Aktau, which was built under Russian supervision and operated for 27 years, closing in 1999. The INIR mission to Kazakhstan is the 21st the IAEA has conducted since they were launched in 2009. It follows 16 full and four follow-up missions conducted in 14 countries. The IAEA has earlier conducted missions to assess Kazakhstan's nuclear safety regulation and emergency preparedness, the country's energy ministry noted. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Estonia is a country in the Baltic region, bordered by the Gulf of Finland to the north, Lake Peipus, and Russia to the east, Latvia to the south, and the Baltic Sea to the west. Estonia attained formal independence in 1991 from the Soviet rule after successive colonization of the Teutonic, Danish, Swedish, and Russian rule. It freed itself from the Russian rule towards the end of the First World War only to fall in the hands the Soviet Union in the Second World War, 1940. The Five Biggest Cities Of Estonia Tallinn Tallinn is the largest and the capital city of Estonia, covering an area of 159 square kilometers with a population of 443, 268. Founded in the 13th Century, Tallinn is one of the oldest cities in the northern Europe. Owing to its strategic location on the north coast, on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, the small town became a major trade hub and radically grew in importance as part of the Hanseatic League in the 14th and 16th centuries. The city is a prime financial, political, cultural, and educational center of Estonia, commonly aliased as the silicon valley of Europe. Tallinn's old town is among the best preserved gothic towns and UNESCO listed it as a world heritage site. Tartu Tartu city comes second after Tallinn city of Estonia. It covers an area of 40 square kilometers with a population of 100,000. The locals of Estonia perceive the city as the intellectual harbor of the country particularly as it hosts the renowned University of Tartu. Almost a seventh of its populations consist of students who have made the city's nightlife flourish and active almost all year round. The city is also home to the supreme court of Estonia, Estonian National Museum, and the Ministry of Education and Research. It lays claim to being Estonia's spiritual capital with locals talking about special Tartu vaim created by the feel of its wooden houses and stately buildings and the beauty of its parks and riverfront. Its climate is rather mild considering the high altitude due to its proximity to the Baltic Sea. Narva Narva city covers an area of 60 square kilometers and has a population of 62,000, ranks third among the biggest cities of Estonia. This frontier location of the city, at the extreme eastern point of Estonia and bordering Russia, is the most distinguishing feature of the past and the present face of the town. At this border, two distinct cultures meet, interact, and mutually influence each other culminating into a typical architectural ensemble, appealing beauty and dramatic effect. This skillful architectural fusion resulted into the city's most prominent landmark- 51 m-high long Hermann tower, the 15th-century castle. Parnu The strategic location of Parnu city on the southwest of Estonia, coast of Parnu Bay makes this fourth largest city of Estonia a famous summer holiday resort center. With a population of 40, 000, Parnu is the official summer capital of Estonia, hence a major tourist center in the country. Kohtla-jarve The city is a municipality in northeastern Estonia, founded in 1924 and acquired city rights in 1946. Ranking fifth among the biggest cities in Estonia,Kohtla-jarve is a major industrial center based in oil and petroleum productions. Kohtla-jarve city is ethnically diverse, consisting of people of over 40 ethnic groups. It comprises of two main parts, Jarve and Ahtime with approximate populations of 20,000 individuals in each, and set 10 km apart. Global Position Of Estonia Despite its successive colonization, Estonia is a developed country with a highly advanced high-income economy. Its economy is among the rapidly growing economies in the European Union. There are many important cities in Estonia which include Viljandi, Rakvere, Maardu, Sillamae, Kuressaare, Voru, Jovi, Paide among others. Estonia has an approximate population of 1.3 million and is one of the lowest populated members of the European Union, OECD, Schengen area, and The North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Romania is a sovereign country in the south-eastern parts of Europe. Bucharest is the capital and the largest city in the country. The official language in the country is Romanian while Albanian and Armenian are some of the recognized regional languages. The Romanians are the predominant ethnic group and make up 88.9% of the total population. By 2011, the country was highly urbanized with 54% of the population living in urban areas, but most people are relocating to the countryside. In this article, I will discuss some of the major cities in Romania. Major Cities In Romania Bucharest Bucharest is the largest city in Romania, and is the capital, cultural, industrial, and financial center of the country. Some of the ancient buildings in the city center were heavily damaged by war, earthquakes, and the Nicolae Ceausescus systemization program. There has been an economic and industrial boom in the city in the recent past. Currently, the city has an estimated population of 1.8 million residents. The quality of life in Bucharest is not appealing. Living conditions have been deteriorating with time and was ranked 108th in 2009 of 235 cities. Notable landmarks in the city include; the Triumphal arch, Carousel bookstore, and the statute of Ion Luca Carnegie. Constanta Constanta is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the country after being formed in 600 BC. It has a population of 283,872 people which makes it the fifth-largest city in the country by population. Constanta is a coastal town and receives a large number of tourists annually. In the 1930s during the inter-wars, the city was the countrys commercial hub. Like many coastal cities, Constanta experiences one of the warmest temperatures in the country. The main economic activities are tourism, industrialization, and fishing. In the first half of 2008, 3,144 companies were established in the city. The most notable landmarks in the city are; the Genoese Lighthouse, Carol 1 Mosque, the House with Lions, the cathedral of saints, and the Ottoman Hunt chair mosque. Cluj-Napoca Ranking third among the biggest cities in Romania, Cluj-Napoca is locally referred to as Cluj. It was founded in 1213 and is the second most populous city in the country. The city is surrounded by forests and grasslands with rare species such Venus slipper. There are animals such as boars, badgers, foxes, rabbits and squirrels in the nearby forests of Faget and Hoia. There are reports of human and aliens encounters in the Hoia-Baciu forest. Others have also alleged the presence of a monster in the nearby lake of Tarnita. There are many huge castles in the neighboring countryside surroundings built by medieval families living in the city. The Statute of Matthias Corvinus and the Fountain of Central Park are some of the citys landmarks. There are a large number of visitors in the city with a majority of them coming on a one day visit. Iasi This city is the cultural capital of Romania and is a symbol of the Romanian history. It is a home to the countrys oldest university and the first engineering school. It is an important education and research centers n Romania and accommodates more than 60,000 students in five public universities. The fourth biggest city in Romania is home to some of the oldest churches and monasteries which date back to more than five hundred years ago. Significant buildings in the city include; Central Hall Square, Cuza Place, Dosoftei House, and the Rozvanu Palace. Problems Affecting The Biggest Cities In Romania The common problem affecting cities in Romania is the provision of social amenities such as transport, health facilities and housing. The living conditions are poor and is forcing people back to the the rural areas. The shrinking of population in the cities is affecting urbanization and economic growth. Poor architectural designs are also found in these cities and the cities in Romania are described as structurally unattractive compared to other cities in europe. Appointed by the Saudi King as his successor and to rule in his stead during his absence, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia is one of the most powerful men in Saudi Arabia. His position is only second in prominence to that of the King. This arrangement has been in place since the Abdullah Era. A good equivalent would be the Prime Minister in Western democracies, and that is if the Prime Minister were also the successor to the throne. Succession to the throne is confined to the House of Saud, the ruling dynasty of Saudi Arabia. The Saud family has been in power since the time of Muhammad bin Saud who began his reign in 1765 and died in 1819. He was the Emir of Ad-Diriyyah, which included present-day Riyadh and was the first Saudi state. Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was the second son of King Abdulaziz, who became king after he had completed the unification of Saudi Arabia in 1932. Before the time of King Abdulaziz, succession to the Saudi throne passed exclusively from father to son. But when King Abdulaziz's eldest son, Turki, died in a flu outbreak in 1919, Turki's only child was still in his mother's womb. Therefore Abdulaziz named his second son, Turki's brother Saud as the Crown Prince in May 1933. Prince Saud led a military expedition to Yemen in 1934, regaining Najran for Saudi Arabia. When Abdulaziz died in 1933, Saud succeeded him as king and his brother Faisal became the Crown Prince. Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud There was constant wrangling between King Saud and his brother, Prince Faisal, with the latter questioning his brother's competence. Prince Faisal was an ambitious man, and from his youth had proved himself a man of decisive action. He had in 1925 led an army of Saudi loyalists and captured the Hejaz. In 1927 he became the viceroy of Hejaz. King Saud's financial policies frustrated the Prince. The king was planning to build a luxurious palace on the outskirts of Riyadh. The Ulema (Saudi Arabia's religious leadership) united with the royal family to pressure the king into appointing Prince Faisal as Prime Minister and increasing his power. Prince Faisal used his new powers to cut down on spending in a bid to avert bankruptcy, which seemed inevitable if the King's spending habits persisted. Frustrated, Prince Faisal resigned in 1960, accusing the King of derailing his financial reforms. Consequently, the King appointed their half-brother Prince Talal as the Minister of Finance. However, after rallying enough influence and support from the royal family, Crown Prince Faisal reinstalled himself as the Prime Minister. The prince was famous for reform and modernizing policies such as introducing education to women in Saudi Arabia, a conservative Muslim country. The prince took advantage of his position to eliminate the King's allies from the government, building a strong base of influence for himself until 1964 when he overthrew Saud and became the third king of unified Saudi Arabia. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud When Faisal became king, his brother Muhammad bin Abdulaziz al-Saud became the crown prince. However, after only a few months, Muhammad stepped down, and another brother, Khalid bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, became the new Crown Prince and heir to the throne in 1965. King Faisal appointed Prince Khalid as the First Deputy Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, with the responsibility of governing the council of ministers. It is believed that Prince Khalid was chosen heir because of his indifferent attitude to politics. It was easy for the different branches of the royal family to agree on him, ensuring minimal disputes. King Faisal was assassinated in 1975, and Prince Khalid succeeded him as king. A Position of Honor The present Crown Prince is Muhammad bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who was appointed by King Salman in 2015 to replace Prince Muqrin, who was relieved of his position after only three months of service. The post of the crown prince is part of an honorable tradition. It enables the future king a suitable training ground in readiness for his future responsibilities. As the First Deputy Prime Minister, the Crown Prince is in a position to exercise power, to gain experience worthy of a ruler, and to reflect on what sort of king he will be once he ascends the throne. Company initiates cost-cutting measures and re-imaging to face stiffer competition. Whole Foods Market announced on Wednesday the struggling grocery chain saw a decline in same-store sales for the previous year, the first time since 2009, and the company is making some changes to stop the slide, according to The Wall Street Journal. And the changes are beginning at the top. Co-founder John Mackey announced the company is eliminating the dual CEO structure, and his co-CEO, Walter Robb, will step down from the position at the end of the year. Robb will remain on the board of directors and will also function as a senior adviser. The move comes as Whole Foods Market is facing stiff competition from other grocery chains and online ordering services, coupled with a less than enthusiastic customer demand. The company has in recent years cut its prices and started a loyalty program, similar to mainstream supermarkets, as the retailer seeks to change the perception that they are an overpriced chain. Additional competition comes from more traditional markets who have begun to offer items such as organic and fresh local foods. Mackey said in the announcement, Competition is everywhere; everybodys feeling it. The firms same-store sales dropped 2.5% in fiscal 2016, slightly more that the 2% the company had predicted, marking only the second time ever for such an event. Same-store sales dropped 3.1% in fiscal 2009. The company said it expects its cost-cutting and streamlining measures to begin to be realized next year, predicting total revenue to rise by 2.5-4.5%, despite sales remaining flat or possibly falling by 2%. Admitting they have a lot to learn, the companys executives say they hope the new spin-off, 365 by Whole Foods Market, will strike a chord with younger Americans willing to purchase store branded foods, without the frills and luxuries of a traditional Whole Foods store. The company also announced their Chief Financial Officer, Glenda Flanagan, would retire at the end of fiscal 2017, after 29 year of service, but will continue as a senior adviser, and also Mary Ellen Coe, vice-president of sales and product operations at Google, has joined the companys board. Nery Carvajal Gonzalez By: Wayne Morin (Scroll down for video) A hair dresser was jailed after pleading guilty to practicing medicine without a license and causing a man to lose his manhood. 49-year-old Nery Carvajal Gonzalez, who worked as a hairdresser in Miami, Florida, was sentenced to 40 months in prison, in a plea deal with prosecutors in which she agreed to testify against Mark Schreiber, who also worked as an unlicensed doctor. Gonzalez offered her customers body enhancement procedures. One man took her up on the offer, as her prices were low. The man told police that Gonzalez gave him butt injections and he was very happy with the results. He later returned to her for a penis enlargement. However, she botched the procedure. She then recommended that the victim should go to Schreiber, 61, who police said lost his license 10 years ago over botched plastic surgeries. Schreiber told the man that he will be removing the filler that was injected. However, he made things much worse after he mutilated the manas private parts, leaving it just 1 inch long. The victim is no longer able to have sex due to the botched procedure. After the incident, Gonzalez fled to Colombia, but was arrested when she returned home. Gonzalez will have to testify against Schreiber, who has previously been convicted of similar offenses. The opposition has raised its flag regarding the vacuum created in the absence of CM Jayalalithaa, who has been in the hospital for over 42 days now. By Akshaya Nath: 42 days after the Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa was hospitalised and has been unable to discharge her duties, opposition has pointed out the vacuum created in her absence. The last update on chief minister's health was sent out on October 21. "There is no information on who is running the government. The government is in a state of limbo," said social activist Chandramohan. advertisement The last health bulletin issued by the Apollo hospital stated that the CM is responding to the treatment and progressing. However, the bulletin did not mention anything about the illness that the CM has been suffering from. READ | Jayalalithaa's thumb impression on election documents raises questions "TRANSPARENCY BECAUSE PUBLIC HAS THE RIGHT TO KNOW" "Because she is a public figure, there needs to be transparency in her health condition because she is the elected representative of the people and the public has the right to know," said senior journalist Kalyan Arun. Opposing the demand for transparency, senior journalist and founder of the Asian Group of Journalism, Sashi Kumar said, "She is a public figure but then it is not necessary that her medical report be made public." AMMA WILL BE BACK SOON, AIADMK CONFIDENT Meanwhile, the AIADMK supporters are confident that their leader is doing well. For them, there is no figment of doubt or uncertainty and are hopeful that their leader will come back to work very soon. Unfortunately the opposition has been concerned that the government at present is not fulfilling its duty in the absence of the chief in action. DMK spokesperson TKS ELangovan said, "None of the ministers are seen to be doing their duties. Though there is a change in portfolio, nothing major is being done by the government. Most of them are not even going to the secretariat regularly." READ | Nitish doing a Jayalalithaa by slapping defamation cases against opposition, says Sushil Modi --- ENDS --- JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski faces a familiar opponent in her latest re-election bid: Joe Miller, who challenged the Alaska senator six years ago in a historic, roller-coaster race. Miller, then a political novice, upset Murkowski in the 2010 primary only to see her win the general election with a longshot write-in campaign. It was the first time a U.S. senator had won as a write-in candidate since 1954. This years race has been less dramatic, with recent polls showing Murkowski with a big lead over a crowded field. A number of political observers consider her t... , , , . Though the delay in the programme forced Akhilesh Yadav to cancel many of his speaking engagements, a long line of crowd on both sides of the road greeted him despite waiting for him for more than 3 hours. By Brijesh Pandey: It was solo show for the new sultan of Samajwadi Party. An altercation seemed inevitable in this solo show. The show did not begin in the most auspicious way. First, it was minor scuffle which led to a pitched battle between two warring groups throwing chairs at each other at the ground from where Akhilesh's rath yatra began. advertisement Though Mulayam Yadav managed to get Shivpal on the stage, the right kind of noises and the strain in the relationship between 'chacha' and 'bhateeja' was not lost on anybody. As Shivpal was sitting on the dias, Akhilesh supporters starting shouting slogans in the name of Akhilesh. A visibly uncomfortable Shivpal sat on the dias and waited for his turn to come. Shivpal wished Akhilesh all the best and said, "Our aim is to keep BJP out of power and Samajwadi Party will form the next government." READ: Yadavs show unity before Akhilesh's solo roadshow Though Shivpal steered clear from making a controversial statement, body language between him and Akhilesh explained that the rift is too deep to be filled anytime soon. Akhilesh thanked everyboy in his speech but did not mention Shivpal. He did not forgot to tell his cheering supporters that due to internal sabotage and conspiracy, this Rath Yatra is a month late. He, however, did mention that Samajwadi Party will form the government again. Contrary to the expectations, Mulayam, who spoke next, was in a reminiscent mode and attacked Modi. In midst of this, the continuous sloganeering and commotion by Akhilesh's supporters irked him and he repeated again that if these slogan shouters are hit by a stick they will forget all this. A nervous Akhilesh waved at his supporters to calm down and heaved a sigh of relief that he didnt came in the direct line of fire and the much famed 'Rath Yatra' formally begun its 80-km long journey. Adding to the hurdles, the expensive hydrollic fitted bus could not survive one km of political heat of Lucknow and developed technical snag. Photo: PTI This not only embarrassed the chief minister but provided political opponents a chance to take a dig at him. Utilising the chance, UP BJP leader said that such is the vikas of UP that it cannot last a kilometer. This technical snag delayed Akhilesh by almost 3 hours but it still didn't dampen the spirit of Sultan wanting to establish his supermacy by this show of strength. READ: Akhilesh's high-tech Mercedes rath breaks down just after one km advertisement The rath gave way to a car and the 'vikas se vijay yatra' began. The size of Akhilesh's cavalcade was massive and close to 200 cars were following the CM. Owing to the display of strength and uproar, the District Magistrate of Lucknow closed all school and colleges for a day. Though the delay in the programme forced Akhilesh Yadav to cancel many of his speaking engagements, a long line of crowd on both sides of the road greeted him despite waiting for him for more than 3 hours. Talking about the differences within the party, Akhilesh said that different people in the party may have different views but in the end everybody will work for the party. He warded off the question on who is going to be the face of CM. "You can say this but how can I," Akhilesh said. Speaking elaborately on the proposed grand alliance for the first time, he said that Netaji (Mulayam Singh) will take a final call on this. "If we form an alliance, then we have to evaluate how much we will gain or lose in it and how many seats we can share," Akhilesh said. advertisement There are no talks on the alliance but only informal feelers have been sent. It was not lost on anybody that Akhilesh is out of loop as far as grand alliance is being worked out as his bete noir Shivpal Yadav is leading from the front on this aspect. READ | PariWar at rath yatra: Akhilesh exuberant, Shivpal uneasy as Mulayam does balancing act Meanwhile Shivpal Yadav held a press conference at the party headquarters to give out details of the silver juble preparation of the party. Later speaking to India Today on Grand alliance, he said that all Samajwadi and secular people are getting together which is a good thing. When asked about his differences with Akhilesh, he said, "Only Akhilesh can tell you. He has sacked me from my post. This is his prerogative. I am only doing what Netaji has asked me to do." When asked about why Akhilesh did not take his name in the rally, he smiled and said that in our family, younger ones don't take the name of their elders. "I have performed to the best of my ability for any task assigned and have never disobeyed any responsibility given by Akhilesh or Mulayam," Shivpal said. Photo: PTI advertisement Later during his Rath Yatra, Akhilesh elaborated on the kind of developmental work done by his government and unlike BSP or BJP they are only interested on the Vikas of the state. In his last address in Unnao, he hit out at the BJP saying that the party on one side is trying to claim credit for surgical strike but on the other side soldiers are committing suicide. It was clear that it will be very difficult for Mulayam Singh to bring truce between the warring son and brother and grand alliance could well be another sticking point between Akhilesh and Shivpal. As most of the leaders of the supposed grand alliance will be trooping to Lucknow on November 4 to attend the silver jubilee of Samajwadi Party, all eyes will be on the uprising of a more concrete form of this alliance. --- ENDS --- Councillors iPad Upgrade Plan Proceeds Some Councillors Use Own Devices Since 2012 This article is old - Published: Thursday, Nov 3rd, 2016 In a good humoured yet thorough meeting of the Democratic Services Committee this afternoon it was decided that plans to upgrade the current stock of Councillor iPads would proceed. During the meeting several nuggets of information were revealed, at times some coming as a surprise to some of the councillors present including that personal devices will be able to use Council email, and that since 2012 some councillors used their own devices rather than council bought ones. It was pointed out to the committee that they did not have decision making responsibility but can recommend to the Full Council who will then make the decision next year. Nugget from the iPad meeting that is ongoing right now Cllrs will be able to use secure email on personal devices under new licences. Wrexham.com (@wrexham) November 3, 2016 Wrexham Council use an email application called Good, which is an email client from Blackberry and is installed on Councillor iPad devices. The committee were told that new versions of the software will allow folder management, and searches back historically into email archives. The meeting heard how current iPads could in fact run this software, with new versions being rolled out this side of Christmas and the email archive search issue possible to be worked around by using a webmail system via the iPad. The software will also be able to be installed on councillors own personal devices, such as mobile phones. It appears such devices would still not be allowed to be used outside of the country (we believe the UK although no one clarified, so it could mean England!) due to UK Government security polices. A large section of the meeting was spent debating the replacement of Lead Member computers, and their allocation. Some councillors argued that mead members did not require both an iPad and a laptop, with others accepting a higher work load and ease of use of a laptop could be of benefit. One councillor asked a very specific query regarding lead member device usage, prompting the unintended ICT reply of: I would not want to say as I dont understand what Lead Members do on a daily basis which prompted a panto-esque chorus of Nor do we! from some Councillors. Comment from Councillor built for a Facebook audience, saying Councillors struggle to access payslips via their iPads ! Wrexham.com (@wrexham) November 3, 2016 One issue that struck us listening to the debate was the method of report provision with pages, with reference made to 500-600 page reports of information being too much to digest in a sensible manner on tablet devices. One councillor noted that reports provided as portrait A4 via PDFs were less useful on landscape mode devices. Cllr Brian Cameron stated he found reading all reports difficult on the device and pointed out others had similar issues. Cllr Derek Wright, although not fully versed in the technical aspects of mobile data, did query if he had a 4G device personally could he then use his sim card in a new Council provided iPad to get the same effect. He was told a new device to support that would cost an extra 75 one off fee. At this point it was noted the 15.50 data plan a month, per councillor, fee for 4G enabled iPads was just an example reference figure and not a proposal. Cllr Cameron cited the rubbish 4G signal, or even 3G signal in parts of Wrexham saying the issue was therefore irrelevant. The meeting was told by a Council Officer how the desire to a paperless system was underway, however does and will prove difficult at times and called the current Council a period of adjustment with it being the first session with iPads. Meeting told 3,500 iPads supported across local schools so knowledge and service options already in place and known so silly to change. Wrexham.com (@wrexham) November 3, 2016 Cllr Bill Baldwin observed the public gallery consisting of ourselves from Wrexham.com and a BBC reporter, saying: The press are here waiting for a story. Is this the right place to ask if we do not use iPads and do not endorse this, what do we use and what do we do? One wag piped up to say do as you do now Bill, nowt! which was taken in good humour, with Cllr Baldwin adding: I feel it is ok, but there has been a lot in the press and on social media over this and some might use it as a political weapon. I seriously want to know, are there alternatives out there? Speaking perhaps to our forums and social media comments, he added: Some of the 100 or so out there who have called us names and dont know what we do, should we use chalkboards an dusters? Should we use public phone boxes to phone people up? Cllr Carole OToole echoed his points, adding: We need the tools to do our job, we need the tools to perform our role and function and these are the totally necessary tool of the trade. Cllr Wright put meat on the bones of the figures, saying: When we took iPads we saved 35,000 a year so you dont have to be genius to work out which is cheaper for public and people of Wrexham. Cllr Bernie McCann was a little more circumspect, saying he had no problem with his current device, Now mine is working ok at the moment, do I need, or will I need one? Do I have the option to say wait until it packs up to get one? I wouldnt do this with a car. The meeting was told that due to the way iPads and computers in general work is the older they are the less likely support and security updates are provided. Further, examples were given that with the older iPads more are being brought to support teams for help, and there is an increase in Officer time spent to fix them. Cllr Baldwin tried to put forward a proposal to say that Whoever gets in in May should come here in expectation use iPad come hell or high water however other members, including Cllr Andrew Bailey said such things could not be dictated to councillors In a amusingly grim outlook to the elections Councillor Bailey said the debate was rubbing a crystal ball as newly elected councillors could be 52 whizz kids or dunderheads with some preferring paper over devices. The new version of the application is installable on personal devices, with Cllr Cameron enquiring about security implications. The meeting was told the app is run in a secure bubble and Wrexham Council themselves could wipe the app remotely if the device was lost or stolen. Councillor Lloyd Kenyon paid tribute to the ICT services of Wrexham Council giving an example of poor wifi he had experienced at a recent Welsh Government event, contrasting it with the wonderful service at Wrexham Council, I want to congratulate the whole team who are doing an excellent job. I have no issues with the iPad, but with the Good software. I am not sure why it is called Good as never reaches that description. The meeting was told of issues with the currently deployed iPads included connecting to wifi and going slow. This was attributed to them being base models rather than the top specification at the time. Cllr Baldwin said that the cost is now in the public eye and queried if councillors could personally buy their iPad if they wish to, so its up to their own personal preference if council or they want to pay for it. Seems option for Cllrs to buy own iPad has been in place since 2012 with four taking up that option. Some unhappy were not told about it. Wrexham.com (@wrexham) November 3, 2016 Cllr OToole noted that not all 52 Councillors had taken up the iPad option in 2012, with four members not having the tablet devices. This provoked a reaction from several other members, who said they had been told such a move was not possible due to security. Cllr OToole was asked if she moved to a Council issued device due to security, she said: No, not security, that was nothing todo with it. Cllr David Griffiths enquired on the new application licence that allows it to run on his own devices: I might as well do it off my personal one with other members appearing surprised that they had the option since 2012 to do similar. For those interested we think three Councillors present today did not use iPads, we think Cllr Griffiths had a laptop tucked away but was using an iPhone, six others were using iPads. Overall the committee agreed to put forward their approval, all agreeing apart from Councillor Alan Edwards who does not have an iPad, to pursue the new iPad plan where it will go before the Full Council. Parliamentary EU Vote: Lucas Will Take Into Account The Referendum Result In Wrexham This article is old - Published: Thursday, Nov 3rd, 2016 70,407 local voters will possibly be represented by a couple of MPs if a decision today over Brexit is upheld. Remarkably the in / out Referendum was held only back in June, with 41,544 local people voting to leave the EU and 28,822 voting to remain part of it with a whopping 71.6% turnout, unheard of in Wrexham. Today has seen a High Court judgement that currently means Parliament needs to vote before the famed Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty can be triggered, prompting the exit from the EU. The UK Government is appealing this decision, and any final outcome is likely in the new year. Rather than the usual vote boundaries the EU Referendum vote was based on the local authority boundary, so both Ian Lucas in the Wrexham constituency and Susan Elan Jones in the Clwyd South constituency would be representing local voter views in any forthcoming parliamentary vote. Prior to the Referendum both were remainers, with Elan Jones still having one of the 48% on her twitter profile today. As recently as last month she was tweeting saying Brexit vote is a tragedy and I will continue to speak out. Mr Lucas had campaigned for the remain vote, prior to the election calling leaving a body blow. After the result he recognised the vote but called it a calamity, and has referenced a parliamentary vote, but not in terms of in/out: The key point is that Parliament must have a vote on the opening position of the Government on the terms of negotiation with the EU. Ian Lucas (@IanCLucas) October 12, 2016 This morning Mr Lucas told Wrexham.com I will take into account the Referendum result in Wrexham, look at what I am asked to vote on, vote, and then be accountable for it. Thats my job. We will update as and when we get comment from Susan Elan Jones. This afternoon Susan Elan Jones told us, I think we need to respect the EU referendum decision, but the terms and timing of the process must be subject to proper parliamentary scrutiny. As the referendum debate focused so much on Parliamentary sovereignty, I dont think it would be possible to argue credibly for anything else. However, it is also important to realise that the decision made by the High Court today really does call into question the Governments strategy and judgement. Locally only Wrexham.com and the Daily Post thought the EU Referendum was worth covering as it was quite a big thing, you can see our on the night coverage here A copy of the judgement is doing the rounds on social media, with relevant bits marked: Wynne Wins Peoples Market Arts Hub Redevelopment Contract This article is old - Published: Thursday, Nov 3rd, 2016 Wynne Construction has been awarded the contract for the Peoples Market Oriel Wrecsam redevelopment project following a successful tender application. The North Wales based construction company will be working in partnership with The Arts Council of Wales, Wrexham County Borough Council and the Welsh Governments Vibrant and Viable Places Programme. Wrexham Council explained: With an overall cost of 4.5m, the scheme involves the refurbishment of the building to include two Galleries, one to national standards for the display of exhibitions, a number of performance spaces that will be flexible in use, market stalls, the Oriel Wrecsam shop and learning and education space. Other features include a Shepherds Hut (workshop space); new furniture/seating, and signage within the building. Councillor Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities and Partnerships said: Wrexham County Borough Council, along with its partners, are looking forward to working with Wynne Construction and taking forward the development of the project. This is a key project for Wrexham and by working together we can ensure the Peoples Market Oriel Wrecsam Redevelopment is a great success. Chris Wynne Managing Director, Wynne Construction added: As a reputable contractor in North Wales, we are delighted to have been awarded this contract by Wrexham Council. Our proven experience equips us to deliver the project to a high standard and during the construction process to strengthen our existing local supply chain and to support the local and North Wales economy in the redevelopment of the Peoples Market. We will also involve the local community and key stakeholders in delivering a range of community benefits in support of the investment into the project. Earlier this morning Councillor Hugh Jones was asked on Radio Wales about traders who still thought they were being kept in the dark over aspects of the project, we asked Councillor Neil Rogers about the comment, who told us Our Officers will be keeping in regular dialogue with traders, as at the end of the day they still have to make a living. We want to support them and work with them, and ensure they are happy with the overall project. Speaking about the almost 5m investment in Wrexham Town Centre, Councillor Rogers said he was delighted with the VVP money used from Welsh Government, we enquired if further tranches of funding became available would it be used to expand the Arts Hub offer, We are lobbying all the time, if I think there is some money in Cardiff I want some of it up here! We asked Andy Gardner from Wynne Construction about mitigation techniques and experiences in working in live environments, and how that can be applied to the Peoples Market project. Mr Gardner told us: Before we were ever appointed the markets team here have had a lot of dialogue with traders, we have a plan on how the traders will move around in a way that will least affect them. What we need to do now is to put more meat on the bone of that, and sit down with traders and get them to buy in to the way we are approaching it and to make sure they are happy. The last thing we want to do is to upset the market traders, we want to work with them. Speaking of previously Wynne Construction work inside operating schools, Mr Gardner added: If we are working inside an existing building with a school still operating it is very very similar to this. It does not matter if it is a school, market hall or a hospital, its basically a case of making sure the work areas are managed correctly, screened off, health and safety is of course paramount, with for example dust suppression in place. Overall it is a case of working with the traders and having regular dialogue with them. (Pic: Councillor Hugh Jones with Andy Gardner from Wynne Construction, Councillor Neil Rogers, market traders Jeanette Partington from Esmes Childrens Wear and Lynne Williams from Little Bs, Jade Parry from Wrexham Council and Graham Dickson from Wynne Construction) A gang hacked two brothers to death in broad daylight in Kumuli village on the outskirts of Trichy. By Pramod Madhav: Two brothers were hacked to death in full public view by a group of armed men over enmity at Kumuli village in Trichy on Wednesday. Raja and his younger brother Bhupathy were murdered in broad daylight by a six-member gang who attacked them with sickles near a bridge in the village. Both the brothers sustained multiple cut injuries and died on the spot. advertisement The gang covered their faces with clothes to hide their identities. They sped in motorcycles after committing the double murder. READ: 60-year-old woman found strangled to death in Chennai The brothers were murdered in the most brutal manner. While Raja's face and right hand were slashed, Bhupathy's both hands were chopped off after which he was beheaded. Bhupathy's wife fainted as she watched hospital workers carrying her husband in pieces back to the ambulance. Initial investigation revealed that the brothers were killed by their relative due to personal enmity. READ: Chennai: 2 killed in Kannagi Nagar in gang war over selling marijuana The shocked public staged a protest condemning the police for the lack of safety to public. The condition of law and order in the state has reached a questionable point as more daylight murders are continuously taking place. Also Read: Crime on the rise in Chennai, cops request senior citizens to enroll in data list to maintain safety Chennai: Woman dies after being set ablaze inside a car by husband Chennai: Man kills family, stays with the bodies for two days Woman's eyes gouged out, limb cut off by barbaric brothers in Pakistan's Punjab --- ENDS --- Late Tuesday evening, November 1, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) announced the results of voting by rank-and-file teachers on the concession-laden contract the union negotiated with Chicago Public Schools (CPS). With less than 60 schools still to be counted, the tentative results reported by CTU had 72 percent of teachers voting to approve the deal and just under 28 percent percent voting to reject. Now that voting by teachers is completed, a final ratification by the CPS board sets the stage for a purge of veteran teachers and further assaults on public education. The push to get teachers to ratify the contract takes place in the context of the current presidential election campaign and the CTUs desire for unity with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Democratic Party as a whole. An important component of the unions strategy was the dragging out of negotiations over a period of 15 months. The constant delays, including two separate strike votes and a limited one-day strike, were undertaken to blunt teacher militancy and to prepare the way for a closer integration of CTU leadership into the administration of the schools on the basis of an austerity program. Now that the agreement, referred to by both CTU President Karen Lewis and CPS spokespersons as a fair contract, has been concluded, the union is attempting to mobilize teachers in support of Hillary Clinton and other Democrats in the upcoming elections. In fact, the next item appearing on the CTUs web site on Wednesday after the news about the vote itself is an item explaining that the CTU is backing the general election political endorsements of the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), essentially the entire Democratic Party slate, including Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and other figures who have long spearheaded attacks on workers. Forrest Claypool, the CPS CEO and an Emanuel appointee, cast the agreement as an opportunity to work with the unions to get more funding for CPS out of Republican Governor Bruce Rauner. With a new collective bargaining agreement in place, he said, we will be able to work together to advocate for the resources our students deserve from the state. While placing blame for inadequate funding solely on the Republicans, the fact is the Democratic Party has overseen the starving of the public schools for decades. This was echoed by Karen Lewis in a speech to the City Club of Chicago where she assured the corporate and political elite, We will work with them to shore up their financial issues by promoting legislation that will adequately and equitably fund all of Illinois schools. The vote itself was spread over Monday and Tuesday of this week, after having been postponed from the end of last week. While the CTU tried to portray this as a courtesy that would give teachers the weekend to read the tentative agreement in full after a printing delay prevented distribution in time for the earlier vote this was no doubt due to suspicion and dissent from rank-and-file educators. It cannot be excluded the CTU decided that an attempt to ram through the agreement without terms being available would risk a rejection by the rank-and-file. Should the vote percentages stay roughly the same after all ballots have been counted, this contract will have registered among the lowest levels of support for a ratified contract in decades. Even the last contract, which paved the way for the closing of 50 schools, had approval from 79 percent of teachers. Several figures in the CTU leadership, including Vice President Jesse Sharkey, a member of the pseudo-left International Socialist Organization (ISO), have complained about people on the Internet and Facebook, by which they chiefly mean the World Socialist Web Site and its supporters, calling the contract a sellout and calling for its rejection. Sharkey and the ISOfunctioning on behalf the Emanuel administrationhave done everything to conceal the consequences of this rotten deal and ram it past teachers. Completely exposing the sham claims that this is any kind of a victory for teachers or for public education, Claypool went on an offensive after the ratification to reassure the ruling class that the contract would end up ultimately cutting costs, and claimed that it would end up costing the district $400 million less than the previous contract. He even boasted that Our agreement with the CTU is the most cost-effective contract in the history of CPS mayoral control and that it will allow CPS to bend its cost curve, that is, to ultimately reduce the amount of money spent on public education. Emanuel and the CTU are preparing for more attacks on schools, not least of all through the early retirement program created in the new contract, which is designed to purge the district of higher paid senior teachers. The scheme will pay $1,500 per year of service, but only if 1,500 or more teachers agree to quit by the end of the year, raising the specter of mass layoff threats and other moves to push out more experienced teachers. Teachers must draw the lessons from this betrayal. The CTU and their pseudo-left hatchet men function as direct tools of the budget-cutting Democratic Party and the banks and big business they defend. The way forward is to build new organizations of struggle, controlled by rank-and-file workers, to mobilize the broadest sections of the working class to defend public education and the social rights of the working class. This must be combined with the development of political counter-offensive of the working class based on a socialist perspective, which insists that societys wealth be utilized to meet human needs, including vastly improving public education, instead of war and bank bailouts. Sir John Chilcot, chair of the inquiry into the role of the British government in the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, stated Wednesday that former Labour Party Prime Minister Tony Blair went beyond the facts in order to justify the war. Referring to the notorious speech the unindicted war criminal Blair made to Parliament on the eve of war, Chilcot said that the evidence to support it was more qualified than he gave expression to. Chilcots appearance before Parliaments Liaison Committee provides further devastating confirmation of the illegal character of the war and the criminal role of those who organized and led it. This applies not only to Blair, who operated in Britain as chief propagandist for the invasion, but also the principal architects of the war in the United States: former President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and others, as well as all those who supported it, including the Democratic Partys presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Chilcots report was published in July, seven years after the inquiry was first convened. It covered the policy decisions made by the British government, military and intelligence services between 2001 and 2009. Although the inquiry had no legal powers and was instructed not to question the legality of the invasion, it provided overwhelming proof that those responsible for the war should face war crimes charges. The Chilcot report stated that the legal case for UK military action was far from satisfactory. The invasion that began on March 20, 2003 took place before peaceful options for disarmament had been exhausted, it recorded, adding, Military action at that time was not a last resort. Despite repeated attempts by members of the Conservative Party-dominated Liaison Committee who, for their own political purposes, tried to press Chilcot to state that Blair had lied to MPs and the population about the threat posed by Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, he refused. Instead, using the most diplomatic language possible, Chilcot asserted, I think when a government or the leader of a government presents a case with all the powers of advocacy that he or she can command, and in doing so goes beyond what the facts of the case and the basic analysis of that can support. Chilcot added that he can only imagine how long it would take to repair voters trust in politicians, as a result of the pack of lies utilized to justify the illegal war. Chilcots attempts to avoid the blindingly obvious, however, became increasingly threadbare, contradictory and desperate as he answered questions from Conservative committee chair, Julian Lewis, who cynically complained that in 2003 he was one of the MPs who spoke and voted in favour of removing Saddam Hussein, but who now believes it was entirely the wrong decision. Lewis: For what primarily do you blame Tony Blair about the way in which he took the country to war and from what do you absolve him? Chilcot: I absolve him of a personal and demonstrable decision to deceive Parliament or the public to say falsehoods knowing them to be false However, he also exercised his very considerable powers of advocacy and persuasion rather than laying the real issues fairly and squarely Lewis: Who should have stood up to him? Chilcot: Cabinet ministers were given promises by him in Cabinet that they would have the opportunity to consider, reflect and decide on a number of big decisions He did not give them the opportunity and they did not insist on it being given to them. Lewis: You seem to be willing to acquit Mr. Blair of lying about his belief in Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). Chilcot: It was exaggeration, placing more weight on the intelligence than it could possibly bear is a conclusion we reached. Lewis: A briefing note from Blair sent in January 2003 to Bush said the biggest risk we face is internecine fighting between rival groups after military intervention. Why did he ignore that terrible possibility that he himself said? Chilcot: I cannot give you the answer as to why. You would have to ask him. But what is clear is that this risk was clearly identified before the invasion. What was foreseeable and advised did indeed happen and arguably could and should have been avoided. Chilcot explained that the Hussein regime posed no imminent threat to Britain, and reports from the Iraq Survey Group showed that biological and chemical weapons had been destroyed after the 1990-1991 Gulf War. It would have been quite extraordinary if something was discovered on any scale at all, Chilcot said. He emphasised that there had been no hidden arsenal and that Hussein could not have supplied WMDs to terrorist organisations or acquired nuclear weapons within months. Ignoring this and the need for a United Nations Security Council resolution, which he knew was necessary, Chilcot continued, Blair shifted British policy from containment to coercive diplomacy i.e., war. Chilcot said the Labour cabinet did not receive formal written advice from the Attorney General, the governments most senior legal figure, about the legality of the war or discuss it. Chilcot attempted to explain that the drive to war was the result of Blairs forceful personality. He said former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw gave evidence to his inquiry claiming that the reason the Cabinet failed to challenge Blair was because he had won two general elections. Tony Blair had, as leader of the opposition and in government, rescued his party from a dire predicament. I had the sense from Straws answer that he had achieved a personal and political dominance, a sheer psychological dominance. Chilcot further attempted to absolve Blair by saying the US would have gone ahead without Britain anyway. This is an attempt to absolve the entire political establishment of its collusion in what the majority of the population knew was a barefaced violation of international law. Nearly 100 percent of those MPs in parliament long enough to do so either voted for the war in 2003 or voted against convening Chilcots inquiry. The real motive behind the war was not the threat of weapons of mass destruction or terrorism, but the pursuit of global domination by the US and the determination of Britains ruling elite to ensure their share of the spoils. Britains Parliament, led by the Labour government, voted for an illegal war of aggression because it agreed with Blair that supporting the US was a strategic imperative for Britains ruling elite. Within days of the invasion, Blair was boasting it was a chance to establish the true post-Cold War world order. The Chilcot report has served its purpose for the ruling elite, who always intended it as the basis for finally washing their hands of Iraq and moving on. Following the publication of Chilcots report earlier this year, only around 50 MPs, out of 650, even showed up to debate it in Parliament. Their main concern was that, whatever the consequences of Iraq, it would be wrong to use the criticisms to oppose further interventions. Neither newly appointed Tory Prime Minister Theresa May, nor, more significantly, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, participated. Corbyn is playing a central role in ensuring that those within his own party who were responsible for the invasion and occupation of Iraq are not brought to justice. Despite deriving a substantial part of his support from promises to oppose further military adventures in Syria and Iraq, Corbyn has refused to call Blair a war criminal or propose expelling him from the party, knowing the majority of Labours warmongering MPs would oppose it. The author also recommends: The Chilcot verdict on Iraq: A war crime by British and US imperialism [7 June 2016] Five days before Election Day, with the US presidential race significantly tightening, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton has stepped up her appeals for support from the military-intelligence apparatus. In a series of campaign appearances, she blasted Republican Donald Trump as unfit to be commander-in-chief, while Democratic Party operatives continued to push the manufactured claim that Trump is the candidate of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Virtually all national polls now show the Clinton-Trump race so close that the gap is within the margin of error or just outside it, with Clinton holding a small lead. She has a somewhat larger lead in the Electoral College, the mechanism that determines the actual victor. Most projections suggest that four of the 10 most populous statesFlorida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and North Carolinawill likely determine the outcome in the Electoral College. Trump needs to sweep all four to win because of Clintons edge in the Northeast, the Pacific Coast and the upper Midwest. Trump leads in most of the South and the thinly populated states of the Great Plains and Mountain West. Both campaigns have narrowed their efforts to the handful of most contested states. The Clinton campaign has focused on getting out the vote in African-American and Hispanic neighborhoods and on college campuses, concerned by indications that early voting numbers are lower than in 2012, when Barack Obama won a narrow reelection victory. A report in Wednesdays New York Times highlighted these fears without explaining the reason for popular disaffection among previous Democratic Party voters: namely, widespread disappointment with the eight years of the Obama administration and the consistently right-wing character of the Clinton campaign. Clinton has made little effort to appeal to the millions who voted for Bernie Sanders, her main challenger for the Democratic nomination. While Sanders attracted support, particularly from young people, with his claim to be a democratic socialist and his condemnation of the dominant role played by the billionaire class, Clinton is an open defender of Wall Street, who told a rally last week, I love having the support of real billionaires. The right-wing orientation of Clinton and the Democrats has found its most noxious expression in the anti-Russian, anti-Putin campaign. After FBI Director James Comey sent a letter to Congress last Friday announcing new investigative steps against Clinton over her use of a private email server while secretary of state, the Clinton campaign initially noted that the letter was an extraordinary violation of longstanding Justice Department policy, which barred such actions within 60 days of an election in order to avoid prejudicing public opinion against a candidate. But the focus of its response soon shifted to denouncing Comey for not making similar disclosures of inquiries directed against the Trump campaign in relation to the business activities of several of Trumps advisers, including former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, in Russia, Ukraine and other territories of the former Soviet Union. Clinton campaign chairman Robbie Mook attacked what he called a double standard. Congressional Democrats have escalated these attacks, with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid claiming that there are serious national security dangers involved in the alleged Trump-Russia connection. Pro-Clinton media have chimed in with a barrage of reports, including one claiming that there was a secret Internet communication channel between the headquarters of the Trump organization and Moscow-based Alfa Bank. Perhaps the most strident comment was an op-ed column in the Washington Post penned by Eric Chenoweth, co-director of the Institute for Democracy in Eastern Europe. Chenoweth is a longtime anti-communist operative who previously worked for the Albert Shanker Institute and the international affairs departments of the American Federation of Teachers and the AFL-CIO. In his column, Chenoweth denounced WikiLeaks publication of emails from Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta, claiming that the US media was being turned into an instrument of Russian intelligence services. The writer declared: What we are being introduced toand what the free media is not defending itself againstis the confabulation of state propaganda and intelligence organs of the Russian government What is terrifying is that it has become abundantly clear that US media could not protect itself from a directed manipulation through use of fabricated documents right before the election. The purpose of the anti-Russia campaign is not only to manipulate public opinion, but above all to curry favor with the military-intelligence apparatus by suggesting that Trump is either unstable and unserious in his attitude to Russia or disloyal to the interests of American imperialism. Clinton took up this theme in a speech reiterating her longstanding claim that she is far more qualified to be commander-in-chief because of her record as a hawkish secretary of state and advocate for the US military. At the same time, Clinton has continued to paint Trump as a serial sexual assaulter and misogynist. This is part of her emphasis on issues of race, gender and sexual orientation, which are the obsessive preoccupations of the privileged upper-middle class layers that constitute the main popular base of the Democratic Party. President Obama took up the Comey letter for the first time in an interview Wednesday in which he criticized the decision to notify Congress and the public on the eve of the election. I do think that there is a norm, that when there are investigations, we dont operate on innuendo, we dont operate on incomplete information, we dont operate on leaks, he said. There is a huge element of hypocrisy here, since the Democrats anti-Russia campaign consists entirely of unsupported allegations reinforced by the US intelligence agencies and promoted uncritically by the media. The Republican Party and the Trump campaign have responded to the intervention of the FBI by escalating their threats to democratic rights, directed both against voters in minority neighborhoods, who may be targeted for political provocations on Election Day in an effort to suppress the Democratic vote, and in threats against Clinton herself, the constant target of demands to lock her up at Trump campaign rallies. Several Republican officials have declared that impeachment proceedings against Clinton for alleged crimes bound up with her use of a private email server should be initiated immediately if she wins the election. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin told a local newspaper, I would say yes, high crime or misdemeanor. I believe she is in violation of both House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz said that hearings on the email server, the Benghazi affair, the Clinton Foundation and other issues would begin even before Clinton was inaugurated next January 20. In an even more ominous note, a black church in Mississippi was burned and partially destroyed Tuesday night and defaced with pro-Trump graffiti. The fire destroyed much of the main sanctuary at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, Mississippi. It came as a newspaper associated with the Ku Klux Klan, the Crusader, published an endorsement of Trump under the headline, Make America Great Again. The very fact that despite such associations, Trump is still in a competitive race and has a serious chance of winning the presidency is an indictment of the right-wing, anti-working class character of the Democratic Party. The 2016 election has boiled down to a contest between a billionaire demagogue who is encouraging fascistic and racist elements and a multi-millionaire reactionary who is the consensus choice of both Wall Street and the national-security establishment. Speaking to Parliaments Defence Committee, Conservative Defence Minister Michael Fallon declared that the UKs armed forces would be prepared for a military conflict with Russia as soon as 2018. Fallon was giving evidence to the committee as part of its review into how the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review affects the Army. His statement was prompted by an observation by Conservative Defence Committee member James Gray, who noted that in a book published earlier this year retired British general Sir Richard Shirreff had predicted a possible war with Russia in 2017. Shirreff was NATOs deputy supreme allied commander in Europe between 2011 and 2014. Gray also pointed to a letter published by Shirreff in Mondays Times in which he warned that the military encirclement of Russia had to proceed more rapidly. Last week's defence ministers' meeting in Brussels heard further announcements of the make-up of the forward presence [in the Baltic States and eastern Poland], but the reality is that there will be nothing on the ground until the late spring, nearly a year after the announcement was made, Shirreff wrote. What matters now is putting in place, as rapidly as possible, a defensive capability that can fight, and therefore deter, any Russian adventurism; a task for one of the many NATO Rapid Deployment Corps? While replying that Shirreffs book was very good, Fallon replied, I dont agree that war with Russia is likely next year. I think that is too extreme. Fallon added, We have seen much greater Russian aggression this year, and in previous years, in terms of long-range aviation, in terms of submarine activity, and the carrier task group that sailed through our waters, the role of Russia in Syria, and elsewhere. But I dont think that presages an open conflict next year. Having cautioned against Shirreffs scenario of imminent war, however, Fallon then stated that the UK armed forces would soon be fully prepared to participate in a military conflict with Russia. Pressed if the UK would be ready for war with Russia in 2018, or 2019, Fallon replied, Yes, we would be ready to increase the tempo in that kind of situation, which I dont immediately foresee. He added, And, of course, we will not be doing this on our own. We will be doing this as an active member of Nato, and presumably in some kind of Nato scenario. Earlier, Fallon stressed that Britains armed forces were central to the ongoing NATO encirclement of Russia. Asked about the realistic prospects in a crisis of being able to deploy a division to a front-line NATO state, he replied that the UK was already deploying to the eastern border of NATO. The RAF [Royal Air Force] have been there three summers running. We are putting troops in Estonia next year and we are putting troops in Poland and we are deploying the RAF to Romania. Giving more details on the deployment of 800 troops to Estonia, Fallon said, The whole point of forward deployment to Estonia is to arrange... an earlier tripwire so the force there doesnt have to wait for tension to escalate. The force will be there from next spring in any event, in all three of the Baltic states. Fallon warned, Its partly reassurance, but its also deterrence to make it very clear to any potential aggressor that NATO is ready to respond. On the day of the Defence Ministers testimony, the Guardian ran an interview with Andrew Parker, the head of Britains domestic spying agency, MI5. The interview was the first given to a newspaper by a serving spy chief. Parker said that Russia is using its whole range of state organs and powers to push its foreign policy abroad in increasingly aggressive ways involving propaganda, espionage, subversion and cyber-attacks. Russia is at work across Europe and in the UK today. It is MI5s job to get in the way of that. He added, Russia increasingly seems to define itself by opposition to the west and seems to act accordingly... You can see that on the ground with Russias activities in Ukraine and Syria. But there is high-volume activity out of sight with the cyber threat. Russia has been a covert threat for decades. Whats different these days is that there are more and more methods available. The UK government, armed forces and spy agencies are constantly stepping up anti-Russian rhetoric, so much so that Fallon felt it necessary to deny that war would take place next year! The reckless and dangerous calculation appears to be that either the government of Vladimir Putin will retreat in the face of the threats made by the NATO alliance, or it will be deposed by internal forces ready to accept subordination to the US, and its right to exploit the strategic resources and markets of the Russian Federation and even its territorial carve up the ultimate aim of Washington. But an entirely opposed scenario is increasingly possible where the unprecedented military build-up on its borders provokes retaliatory action by Moscow. The fact that Fallon, Parker and Shirreff speak in such belligerent terms about a possible war with Russia points to the existential crisis now facing British imperialism in the aftermath of Junes referendum vote to leave the European Union (EU). The vote reflected sharpening national tensions within Europe, amid the overall crisis of capitalism globallyforcing the UK to stake its claim to continuing relevance for the US based upon its readiness to engage in NATOs anti-Russian operations and to oppose plans for an EU army led by Germany. Parker chose the Guardian to make his statements because the newspaper has long-served as propagandist in chief in justifying the unprecedented NATO build-up on Russians western border. However, its columnist Mary Dejevsky felt it necessary to make a cautionary statement warning that anti-Russian propaganda and warmongering does not enjoy popular support. On Tuesday, in a column, Why is MI5 making such a fuss about Russia?, she noted that it is starting to become harder to demonise Russia now, advising her employers, [L]ook at the below the line comments on what Parker had to say and there is a current of dissent that cannot come exclusively from so-called Kremlin trolls. You hear something similar in phone-ins on Russian topics, where the voice of a sceptical public comes across loud and strong. What Dejevsky is acknowledging is the deep-felt anti-war sentiment within the British population, who have opposed Britains criminal involvement in imperialist wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries over the last three decades. However, this opposition to war is unable to find any political expressionabove all thanks to the Labour Party, under its so-called anti-war leader, Jeremy Corbyn. Since his election, Corbyn has made one retreat after another in the face of the warmongers within his party, so much so that his most recently appointed Shadow Defence Secretary, Nia Griffith, told Sky News last week, We are one of the four battalions out there now in Eastern Europe and its important we make clear in the Labour Party we are seriously committed to NATO and the NATO preparation It is very important that we make it clear to the Russians that we have that capability and we are prepared to use it. The author also recommends: Britains pseudo-left and the party of war http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2016/11/02/yeme-n02.html On October 28, DRI officials raided the premises of Udaipurbased Marudhar Drinks and detected a room filled with cartons of banned Mandrax tablets. By Mail Today Bureau: In its biggest-ever drug seizure, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized a huge haul of banned narcotic substance worth over `3,000 crore from a factory in Udaipur and also arrested Bollywood producer Subash Dudhani in this connection. MASTERMIND ARRESTED On October 28, DRI officials raided the premises of Udaipurbased Marudhar Drinks and detected a room filled with cartons of banned Mandrax tablets. The total number of tablets are estimated to be about 2 crore and weigh about 23.5 metric tonnes. advertisement "We have arrested the mastermind and efforts are underway to nab others involved with the drug syndicate," Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) chairperson Najib Shah said. He added that Subhas Dudhani, who has produced a number of Bollywood films, also had businesses and properties in Mumbai. ALSO READ: Delhi Police crackdown on drug trafficking racket, three African nationals arrested GoM directed to examine draft national policy for drug demand --- ENDS --- In his visit this week to China, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak sealed a raft of agreements, including one on naval cooperation between the two countries, and used the opportunity to lash out at former colonial powers. Before his departure for Beijing, Najib declared himself to be a true friend of China, determined to take the two countries relations to new heights. Writing in an editorial in the state-run China Daily on Tuesday, Najib said larger countries should treat smaller ones fairly. This includes former colonial powers. It is not for them to lecture countries they once exploited on how to conduct their internal affairs today, he stated. The remarks are clearly directed at the US and its European allies in particular, and mark a significant shift on the part of Najib toward Beijing. President Barack Obama has carefully cultivated Najib as part of Washingtons pivot to Asia directed against China. Obama visited Malaysia in 2014, the first official trip by a US president since 1966, and again last November, to strengthen strategic and military ties. Obama has deliberately ignored both Najibs repressive measures against political opponents and the rigged 2013 election that enabled his government to retain office. In July, however, the US Justice Department launched a civil action to recover $1 billion in funds that were looted from Malaysias state-owned investment fund, 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). This implied corruption by Najibreferred to in documents as Malaysian Official 1. The US case has compounded the political crisis surrounding Najib, who is under siege over the allegations. By contrast, Beijing provided a significant boost to Najib last November when the state-owned China Nuclear Power Group announced a $2.3 billion purchase of 1MDBs power assets, thus significantly relieving its heavy debt burdens. In the China Daily, Najib signalled a shift in relation to Malaysias territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. When it comes to the South China Sea, he said, we firmly believe that overlapping territorial and maritime disputes should be managed calmly and rationally through dialogue, in accordance with the rule of law and peaceful negotiations. Najib made no mention of Julys Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in The Hague in favour of a US-backed Philippine legal challenge to Chinese maritime claims in the disputed waters. Malaysia has previously protested against Chinese incursions into what it regards as its territory, including by Chinese naval vessels in waters near the James Shoal in January last year. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said on Tuesday that Malaysia had pledged to handle territorial disputes with China bilaterally. This is a significant concession to Beijing, which has always insisted on bilateral dialogue over the South China Sea, and objected to disputes being discussed in multinational forums such as the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) summitsas the US and its allies have pressed for. Najib met with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday and the two oversaw the signing of agreements worth a total of $34.25 billion, including a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation. Vice Foreign Minister Liu said: We havent touched upon the details of our cooperation. Mostly we are focussing on naval cooperation. As part of the naval cooperation, Malaysia has agreed to buy four Chinese naval vessels, two of which will be built in Malaysia and two in China. The deal is the first major purchase of Chinese arms by Malaysia, which has bought its armaments in the past largely from the US and Russia. Other agreements included the building of a high-speed rail link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, which is part of Beijings massive One Belt, One Road plan to integrate the Eurasian landmass, including South East Asia, more closely via land and sea. Undoubtedly Najib is engaged in a balancing act amid rising rivalry between the United States and China but his shift toward Beijing is a blow to Washingtons efforts to ramp up pressure on China. Najibs visit comes in the wake of Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertes trip last month to Beijing, where he signed $13.5 billion in deals and declared his countrys separation from the US. Reflecting concerns in Washington, Euan Graham, an analyst with the Sydney-based Lowy Institute, told the Financial Times: Now Malaysia seems like a wobbly domino. It lends itself to the pessimistic reading that there is a broader accommodation with China across South East Asia. Duterte, who has been far more strident in his anti-American posturing, has called for an end to joint US-Philippine military exercises and the withdrawal of American forces from the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. The forging of closer defence ties between China might call into question Malaysias military cooperation with the US. This has included permitting US Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft to take off from Malaysian bases for surveillance operations over the South China Sea. More broadly, the tilt by Manila and Kuala Lumpur toward Beijing has blunted US plans to escalate its confrontation with China over the South China Sea following the ruling in The Hague, and compounded concerns in the US and the region over the future of the pivot. The visits by Duterte and Najib occurred amid the intense uncertainty surrounding the American presidential elections and thus the future of US foreign policy. The opposition of both presidential candidates to the Trans-Pacific Partnershipthe economic linchpin of the pivothas called Washingtons commitment to Asia into question. The US, however, is not about to sit idly by while China extends its influence. Just as the American press is ratcheting up its exposure of Dutertes brutal anti-drug war, which has already claimed the lives of more than 4,000 alleged drug dealers, the US will undoubtedly begin to highlight the human rights abuses and corruption of the Malaysian government, in order to put pressure on Najib to change his orientation to Beijing. Mehring Books is pleased to announce the ePub version of David Norths latest work, A Quarter Century of War: The U.S. Drive for Global Hegemony 1990 2016. Both ePub and .mobi versions are now available from Mehring Books and will also be offered on Amazon and Apple iTunes for $9.99. The ePub will be available soon for librarians through EBSCO. Norths book provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of American foreign policy over the past quarter century, from the first Gulf War of 199091, to the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen. The author challenges conventional justifications of American militarism in the name of human rights and the War on Terror, arguing instead that successive administrations have viewed war as a means to counteract declining US economic power and growing domestic political tensions. There is an intimate connection between the US drive to war, the breakdown of the post-war nation-state system, and the 1991 dissolution of the USSR. As early as August 1990, with the first Bush administration preparing for war against Iraq, North wrote that the action marks the beginning of a new imperialist redivision of the world, a prediction borne out in the tragic events of the past quarter century. You may also be interested in listening to the online interview with David North, streamed on September 27. Buy the ePub version for $9.99 Buy the Kindle version for $9.99 Pro-Russian candidate Igor Dodon won the first round of Moldovas presidential election. He fell just short of an absolute majority, taking 48.5 percent of the vote. He must now participate in a run-off election on 13 November against Maia Sandu, who obtained 38.2 percent of the vote. The election is seen as decisive in determining whether Moldova will deepen its orientation to the European Union (EU) or strengthen ties with Russia. Dodon is the chairman of the Socialist Party (PSRM) founded in 1997. He joined in 2011 after leaving the Communist Party (PCRM) with many others. He was minister of trade between 2006 and 2009. His party represents a tiny privileged elite which has profited from strong ties with Russia and maintains close relations with Moscow and Russias oligarchic clans. Dodon announced that in the event of his victory, a referendum on cancelling Moldovas trade agreement concluded with the EU in 2014 would be held. Instead, the country would join a Russian-led customs union. In several interviews with the Russian press, he explained that the association agreement with the EU was a serious mistake. The Harvard graduate Sandu represents the countrys pro-European elite. Until 2012, she was an adviser to the World Bank in Washington. She subsequently became minister for education in the former liberal-led government. Politically, she advocates drastic market reforms and aggressive opposition to Russia. Sandu was nominated by the Liberal Democratic Party (PLDM). She was originally projected to win just 15 percent of the vote. But then Marian Lupu, the candidate of the Democratic Party (PDM), which is also pro-Western, withdrew his candidacy to the benefit of Sandu. Vladimir Plahotniuc, the countrys biggest oligarch, was a backer of Lupu. The political elite is in deep crisis. Since 2014, six prime ministers have been in office. While for a time up to 70 percent of the population favoured a pro-EU course, endemic corruption and bitter povertythe average income is 240 per monthhave resulted in a shift in public opinion. Last year, tens of thousands took to the streets for weeks of protests after it emerged that the central bank had permitted 1 billion (equivalent to 12 percent of the countrys GDP) to disappear without a trace into the foreign bank accounts of the corrupt elite. Sandu was among the initiators of the pro-European protests against the government at the time. Under the pretext of combatting corruption in the country, the alliance Dignity and Justice called for a Maidan in Moldova. Sandu is seeking to pull off a balancing act in the presidential campaign. She is attempting to distance herself somewhat from the corrupt elites and parties, while at the same time depending upon their support. The deep mistrust of the entire political elite was reflected in an extremely low election turnout. In a country with a population of 3.5 million, less than half of all eligible voters went to the polls. Sixty-three percent of voters were over the age of 41, a result of the mass migration of younger people unable to find work in Europes poorest country. The vote marks the first time the president has been directly elected in Moldova since 1996. In 2000, parliament changed the electoral law and has appointed presidents ever since with a three-fifths majority. Earlier this year, the constitutional court declared this procedure unconstitutional and ordered a direct election for the presidency. This decision was aimed at avoiding months of political crisis, which would have been unavoidable in the deeply fractious parliament. The lead for the pro-Russian candidate Dodon has provoked concern in Brussels and Washington. Situated between the NATO and EU member Romania and Ukraine, Moldova occupies a strategically important position. The EU and NATO have been trying for some time to draw the country into their sphere of influence. In addition, Transnistria, a small stretch of land east of the Dniester River, where 17 percent of the population lives, has been in effect independent since the establishment of Moldova in 1991, and has 2,000 Russian soldiers stationed there for its protection. The President of Transnistria, Yevgeni Shevchuk, announced in September his intention to apply for the region to be accepted into the Russian Federation. Igor Dodon spoke out openly against NATO during the election campaign, which apparently secured him support. We will not tolerate soldiers from NATO or other states on the territory of our country, he stated. Sandu represents a diametrically opposed standpoint. She calls for Moldova to assume the role of a spearhead against Russia and defends the increased militarisation of Romania and Moldova. For the first time, exercises of NATO troops took place on the territory of Moldova in May of this year, in clear violation of the countrys constitution. At the same time, NATO is strengthening ties with the government in Chisinau. The NATO programme Science for peace and security (SPS) began three initiatives at the beginning of the month. Among other things, they were aimed at enabling the armed forces to respond more swiftly to attacks and protect themselves against cyber attacks. At NATOs summit in Warsaw earlier this year, the Moldovan defence minister called for support to force Russian troops out of Transnistria. Protests continued yesterday in the Moroccan city of Al Hoceima, where fish salesman Mouhcine Fikri, 31, was crushed to death on Friday after a conflict with Moroccan police in the city. Tens of thousands of people had marched in protests in Al Hoceima, but also in Moroccos major cities including Casablanca, the capital Rabat, Fes, Marrakech, and Agadir, for Fikris funeral over the weekend. Many compared Fikris death to the suicide of Mohamed Bouazizi, the young merchant whose self-immolation in protest at the police confiscation of his fruits and vegetables triggered mass protests that brought down Tunisian President Zine El Abedine Ben Ali in 2011. Fikri died in a confrontation with police and regulatory officials who tried to confiscate a batch of swordfish that he had bought. While catching swordfish in autumn is banned, Fikri nonetheless bought the catch, reportedly worth approximately $11,000, with the knowledge of the port authorities, and was outraged when police and fisheries officials tried to confiscate the fish. Fikri tried to negotiate with the authorities for several hours in order to avoid the destruction of the fish. Ultimately, however, they ordered his catch confiscated and destroyed, placing it in the trash compactor of a garbage truck. Fikri and several friends went into the compactor of the truck to retrieve his merchandise. In a horrific scene captured by a bystander in a cell phone video, officials give the order to activate the trash compactor as Fikri tried to escape. Pictures of the killing, with Fikris head and one of his arms protruding from the compactor, rapidly circulated online, and mass protests erupted across Morocco on Sunday, the day of Fikris funeral. Protesters in Al Hoceima marched chanting slogans including Mouhcine is a martyr and Down with the Makhzen, the Moroccan political system led by the countrys US- and European-backed monarchy of King Mohamed VI. They walked from Al Hoceima, where Fikri worked, to the nearby municipality of Imzouren, where his family was from. Marchers carried the Berber flag as a symbol of protest in the Rif region, which has often witnessed protests against the ethnically Arab monarchy. Al Hoceima was the site of a revolt against Spanish colonial rule in 1920 and an insurrection in 1958 against the closing of the border with neighboring Algeria, amid the Algerian war for independence from France. That uprising was crushed by a force of 30,000 men led by Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, the future Mohammed V, leading to the lasting marginalization of the region by the Moroccan regime. Protests spread well beyond the Rif region, however, and turned into an expression of social anger at conditions in Morocco and political opposition to the Makhzen. This could have happened in any city of the country, here al Al Hoceima it simply took on a greater symbolic dimension, Abdessamad Bencherif, a journalist from the city, told Le Monde. Tens of thousands of people marched in the countrys major cities, expressing their opposition to hogra, that is, the impunity with which the monarchy and the authorities oppress the citizenry. The explosive nature of class conflict in North Africa and its revolutionary implications are again coming to the surface of political life. With the mass revolutionary struggles of the Tunisian and Egyptian working class in 2011 fresh in memory, the Moroccan monarchy is for its part desperately seeking to maintain control of the situation and limit the expression of popular discontent. King Mohamed VI sent Interior Minister Mohammed Hassad to present royal condolences to the family of the deceased. The Interior Ministry issued a statement pledging an investigation and declaring, Our King doesnt want such incidents to recur in our country. The investigation will make sure people are held accountable. It announced that the king had ordered a detailed and profound investigation. At the same time, Prime Minister Abdelilah Bekirane called for an end to protests against the killing. Benkiranes party, the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), expressed its regrets for this regrettable incident, telling its members not to respond in any way to calls for protests. The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which is directly aligned with the monarchy, called it a tragedy and called for punishing those who are responsible. Prosecutors have since arrested two agents of the public authority, the marine fisheries delegate, the head of service of the marine fisheries delegation, and the chief doctor of the veterinary medicine service, according to a communique they issued to the official MAP press agency. All the indications are, however, that this investigation will predictably serve to whitewash not only the local officials, but above all the conditions of poverty and oppression imposed on the population by the monarchyone of US and European imperialisms most pliant tools in the region. While witnesses at the scene accused officials of deliberately giving the order to activate the trash compactor while Fikri was inside, the prosecutors office claimed that the acts that have been committed take on the character of involuntary manslaughter. Eleven people were ultimately remanded, charged with involuntary manslaughter and also fraud in the preparation of public documents, charging that the orders given to the garbage truck to destroy Fikris swordfish were not drafted in a legal manner. This Saturday, November 5, the Socialist Equality Party and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality are holding a conference at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, Socialism vs. Capitalism and War. The purpose of this conference is to review the world situation and outline a political strategy and plan for building a socialist movement of the American, Canadian and international working class against militarism and the danger of a Third World War. The conference is being held three days before the US elections, which have exposed the deep crisis of the entire political order. The outcome of the election is not yet known, but regardless whether it is headed by Clinton or Trump, the next administration will pursue a policy of war abroad and social and political reaction at home. The conference will analyze the world crisis, the objective forces that underlie it, the political strategy that the working class must adopt, and the concrete tasks that are necessary to build a new movement against imperialist war. It will be based on the following agenda: 1. The global crisis and the danger of World War III Twenty-five years after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the First Gulf War, and 15 years after the onset of the war on terror, the unending regional wars launched by the United States are developing into an increasingly direct global confrontation with the larger rivals of American imperialism, including Russia and China. Behind the backs of the people, generals and Washington think tanks are drawing up plans for a major conflict between nations fighting over the terms of a new imperialist carve-up of the world. 2. The 2016 US elections, war and the crisis of American capitalism Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who has the backing of dominant sections of the military and foreign policy establishment, supports the creation of a no fly zone in Syria, which leading generals have said would mean war with Russia. Republican candidate Donald Trump has focused his America First program on China, where the US is engaged in increasingly provocative military exercises as part of the Obama administrations pivot to Asia. As the US election staggers to its conclusion, both Clinton and Trump are engaged in scandal-mongering, behind which different factions of the ruling class fight out internal conflicts while covering up the central issues facing workers in America and around the world. A major motive behind the US war drive is the need of the ruling class to redirect the explosive social tensions within the United States outward, against an external enemy. The aim is to unify by means of war a country that is deeply divided and presided over by institutions that lack any popular legitimacy. The Democrats and Republicans are despised by the broad mass of the population, and the two presidential candidates are the most unpopular in the modern history of the country. 3. The strategy of anti-imperialist struggle: Lessons of history History shows that the fight against imperialist war must be rooted in the working class and based on an internationalist and socialist program. One hundred years ago, the Russian Revolution emerged out of the horrors of World War I, which took the lives of more than 38 million people. The Fourth International, formed in opposition to the Stalinist degeneration of the Soviet Union, was established on the eve of World War II, which led to the deaths of 60 million more. It is an extraordinary political fact that even though the danger of world war is more immediate today than at any point since the height of the Cold War, there is no functioning anti-war movement in the United States or internationally. All the parties of the ruling class support war, while the pseudo-left organizations of the upper-middle class have become the most fervent supporters of imperialist intervention. The November 5 conference is based on the program of the International Committee of the Fourth International, which insists that: The struggle against war must be based in the working class, the great revolutionary force in society; It must be anti-capitalist and socialist, since there can be no serious struggle against war unless it is directed against the economic system, capitalism, that is the fundamental cause of war; It must be independent of and hostile to all of the political parties and organizations of the ruling class; Above all, it must be international, mobilizing the vast power of the working class in a unified global struggle against imperialism. 4. Building the international movement against war A new movement against imperialist war must be built! The same capitalist crisis that underlies the imperialist war drive also creates the objective conditions for socialist revolution. Alongside the growth of war, the class struggle is intensifying. The central task is the building of a revolutionary leadership. The political influence of the International Committee of the Fourth International and the Socialist Equality Party must be extended to every corner of the globe. Branches of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality must be established at every school and university. Factory and workplace committees must be organized in the major plants and among key sections of the working class to prepare for the struggles to come. The November 5 conference will be a milestone in preparing a socialist movement of the international working class against war and capitalism. On October 31, former Philippine President Fidel Ramos resigned as special envoy to China of current President Rodrigo Duterte in protest against Dutertes increasingly open opposition to Washington in pursuit of diplomatic and trade ties with Beijing. The resignation of Ramos, a central figure in Philippine politics for over four decades, highlights the extraordinary tensions caused by Washingtons drive to militarily encircle and subordinate China to US interests. The diplomatic architecture of this war drive is in shambles. Manila, under the Duterte administration, is seeking to secure trade and political relations with Beijing by repudiating the six-year political legacy of his predecessor, Benigno Aquino, whose administration served as a leading political proxy for the geopolitical interests of Washington. While Dutertes method has been a volatile and vulgar one, the underlying pressures behind his foreign policy choices are clear. Washingtons war drive has reached a point at which it is increasingly difficult to simultaneously support its pivot, and to maintain trade relations with China. The historic economic decline of the United States underlies both its diplomatic defeats and its determination to control the world through military means even if it entails a third world war. In the wake of Dutertes visit in October to Beijing, Filipino fishermen began returning to the disputed Scarborough shoal. For the past four years, this shoal has been the hottest flashpoint in the South China Sea, as Chinese Coast Guard vessels denied Filipino fishermen access to its rich fishing grounds. The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague ruled in July that this shoal did not belong to China. Washington sought to use the ruling to escalate tensions in the South China Sea, looking for Manila to assert its legal claim against China and possibly provide a pretext for a direct military confrontation between US and Chinese naval forces. To Washingtons consternation, the Duterte administration downplayed the decision and engaged in talks with Beijing without mentioning the ruling. Paul Reichler, Washington-based lawyer, who was the lead counsel for Manila in The Hague, tried vainly to depict the return of Filipino fisherman to Scarborough as a result of the courts decision, stating that the act was a recognition by Beijing of the ruling. It was nothing of the sort. Spokespersons for the Philippine Armed Forces initially claimed that Chinese vessels had left the Scarborough Shoal, but those statements were quickly retracted. Beijing, in appreciation of Dutertes diplomacy over the South China Sea, had instructed its vessels to tolerate the presence of the fishermen. It emerged in the Philippine press from statements by members of Dutertes entourage that a joint statement between China and the Philippines on the Scarborough had been mooted which would have declared that China allowed the fishermen to return, but was rejected as it would appear to be an official acknowledgement by Manila of Beijings territorial claims. Press statements from Beijing, however, make clear that this is Chinas understanding of the arrangement. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying stated that The Chinese side has always been exercising normal jurisdiction over Huangyan Dao [Scarborough]. The situation there is and will remain unchanged. Filipino fishing these waters, she stated, was a concession on the basis of the rapprochement with Duterte. We have seen all-round improvement of China-Philippines relations following President Dutertes visit to China. Under such circumstances, the Chinese side makes proper arrangements based on the friendship between China and the Philippines in response to the issue of President Dutertes concern. Far from being a result of the ruling in The Hague, the coexistence at Scarborough is the result of its being deliberately ignored. Greg Poling of the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies was far more accurate when he stated, Basically, the Xi-Duterte understanding seems to be to return to the status quo that was in effect for most of the Aquino presidency. Claiming that it had human rights concerns over Dutertes murderous anti-drug war, which has seen the police and vigilante killings of over 4,000 people, the US Senate foreign relations committee, and the US State Department, announced that it was intending to cancel the slated sale of 26,000 assault rifles to the Philippine National Police. As it has around the world, Washington is using the mask of human rights to conceal its imperialist interests. As the body count mounted, US Secretary of State John Kerry met with Duterte and pledged $32 million to support Dutertes fascistic policies. Washington is slated to give another $9 million in counter-narcotics aid to Manila in 2017. The curtailed arms sale is about geopolitics, not human rights; Washington is tightening the screws on the increasingly rogue administration in Manila. In a speech in which he turned over 17 Vietnamese fishermen, arrested for fishing in Philippine waters, to Hanoi, Duterte denounced the refusal to sell the arms. He stated that we Orientals understand each other [and] dont go around bullying each other or treating them like dogs, as the Americans have done. Now the American monkeys refused to sell Manila weapons, he stated. He claimed he was unconcerned and would buy weapons from Germany, Russia and China. Next week, Dutertes cabinet is scheduled to meet to hear the Defense Department give a presentation of US bases in the Philippines and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) that was signed under the Aquino presidency. The press reports that the meeting may decide to reduce or end this agreement. It is in this context that former President Ramos resigned and publicly denounced the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte. Ramos, a West Point graduate, and head of the Philippine military during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, has played a key role in the politics of the country for the past four decades. His words carry immense weight and reflect the interests of a large section of the ruling class. For the past decade, Ramos has sought to secure closer economic ties with Beijing, and he was a leading figure behind the moves of the Arroyo presidency to secure them. The ties of Ramos, however, are ultimately in West Point, Annapolis and the Pentagon. As Duterte has increasingly provoked the anger of Washington, Ramoswho was crucial to his electionbroke with him. Ramos explained his reasoning in a two-part piece published in the Manila Bulletin, in which he stated, In the overall assessment by this writer, we find out Team Philippines losing in the first 100 days of the Dutertes administrationand losing badly. This is a huge disappointment and let-down to many of us. Ramos was clear, the disappointment stemmed from Dutertes failure to support US interests. He continued, So, what gives?? Are we throwing away decades of military partnership, tactical proficiency, compatible weaponry, predictable logistics and soldier-to-soldier camaraderie just like that?? On President Dutertes say-so? Ramos is giving clear voice to concern within large sections of the ruling class which have been intimately tied to Washington since their fathers fathers served under, and profited from, its colonial rule over a century ago. He also speaks for the majority of the military brass, which is far more closely tied to the Pentagon than to any civilian government in the Malacanang presidential palace. If Duterte continues his present course, Washington will be calling on these forces to effectin one fashion or anotherhis removal from office. The strike by more than 4,700 transit workers in Philadelphia against the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), which began November 1, is a powerful manifestation of the militancy of workers on the eve of the presidential elections. The walkout that has paralyzed mass transportation in the nations fifth largest city has thrust workers into a direct confrontation with the Democratic Party, which has overseen public service cuts and attacks on workers at the local, state and federal level. The Transport Workers Union (TWU) was forced to call the strike after rank-and-file overwhelmingly opposed SEPTAs demands for a massive increase in out-of-pocket health care costs and wage and pension concessions. Workers also made it clear that they would not accept an extension of the contract and would strike without an agreement. Talks continued Wednesday night according to local news reports. SEPTA spokesman Andrew Busch said "steady progress" had been made while TWU Local 234 spokesman Jamie Horwitz said progress was being made "inch by inch." SEPTA executives want employees to contribute 11 times more than what they currently do for health care coverage. This is in line with the policies of the Obama administration whose central domestic policythe Affordable Care Acthas been used to shift health care costs from the employers to workers themselves. With the collusion of the unions, government and private employers throughout the US have been able to keep wage increases limited to 3.1 percent in 2016, according to the Society of Human Resource Management, after nine years that saw a fall in real wages of -1.0 percent. The meager pay increase this year, however, has been more than eaten up by 3.4 percent higher premiums and a staggering 12 percent hike in deductibles, according to a survey of 2,000 US businesses by Kaiser Family Foundation. Transit workers are also opposed to SEPTAs freeze on pension contributions on any annual earnings above $50,000. This currently translates into retirement income of only $30,000 a year, which will leave a pensioner and his family near if not in poverty in a major metropolitan area like Philadelphia. Transit managers have no such cap. Another major issue involves scheduling and driver fatigue. Currently, vehicle operators are only allowed five minutes between runs, a right, limited as it is, which is not always honored. The union demand to extend this to 10 minutes is in itself hardly sufficient to give operators necessary break and bathroom time for their health and safety, as well as the safety of the passengers. Another demand by workers involves the need for 14 hours between shifts instead of the current nine hours. Expressing a desire to expand the struggle, striking transit workers on Tuesday afternoon picketed SEPTAs regional rail lines, which are still running despite the walkout, and created a slowdown of that system. As a result, by 5:45pm, SEPTA obtained an injunction in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas that prevents picketers from interfering with the Regional Rail lines. SEPTA is also threatening to obtain an injunction if the strike lasts until Election Day, November 8. This would also involve the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, and the court would have to find that the walkout is placing the safety or welfare of the public at risk and the striking workers would be ordered to go back to work on that day. If this did happen, it could be used to establish a precedent for making any strike at anytime and anywhere illegal. While the Democrats are concerned the strike might undermine their electoral chances in the critical city of Philadelphia, the fact is they are more than willing to utilize any anti-democratic method to crush the strike and prevent it from sparking a broader movement of the working class throughout the city and region. Current Mayor Jim Kenney and his predecessor, Michael Nutter, are the tools of the banking, real estate and other corporate interests that dominate the city and want to deliver a punishing blow to transit workers. Pennsylvanias Democratic governor, Thomas Wolf, denounced the strike, saying, This is something that is bad for everybody and has to end. Democratic Party officials are working over time with TWU officials to come up with a deal to end the walkout. The fact that transit workers have struck in defiance of the official complaints about disrupting Election Day underscores the fact that millions of workers know that there will be no improvements whether Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump is in the White House. While the big-business political parties can find limitless resources for the banks and the military machine, they constantly assert there is no money for safe transportation, decent housing, health benefits and wages. The city has shut down scores of public schools and a year ago hundreds of students walked out of classes to protest state budget cuts and attacks on teachers. With entire neighborhoods being gentrified, the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), which provides for lowincome housing, just laid off 126 employeesor 14 percent of its workforcedue to cutbacks in federal funding. The trade unions, including the national Transport Workers Union, have offered meaningless gestures of support to striking workers. The last thing the unions want is the strike to become a catalyst for a far broader mobilization against the Democratic Party, which the unions rely on to secure their financial interests. TWU Local 234 President Willie Brown and the national TWU leadership are staunch supporters of Clinton, a warmonger and corrupt tool of Wall Street. If the strike is not be to strangled and defeated by the TWU and AFL-CIO, rank-and-file workers must take the conduct of the struggle into their own hands. They face powerful enemies but far more powerful potential alliesthe working class throughout Philadelphia, a city of 1.5 million. Rank-and-file strike committees should be elected to broaden the struggle, including the holding of mass demonstrations, rallies and joint strike action to oppose the austerity program of the Democrats and their anti-working class agenda. While the focus on Election Day will be on the contest between two extremely reactionary big business candidates who are both opposed by the majority of the population, Californians will also be voting on 17 separate statewide propositions. Two of these, Proposition 62 and Proposition 66, concern the death penalty. One calls for ending the death penalty and the other for streamlining the process of state murder. If they are both passed, the one with the most votes would become law. The current law providing for the death penalty in California was passed by a 70 percent majority in 1978. It came in the aftermath of a 1972 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Furman v. Georgia, which found that capital punishment was being applied in an unconstitutional manner while making no ruling on the constitutionality of capital punishment itself. In 2012, a proposition similar to the one on the current ballot calling for an end to the death penalty in California was narrowly defeated in a 53-47 percent vote. While capital punishment remains the law in California, only 13 of the 930 individuals who received a death sentence since 1978 have been executed. The last inmate executed in the state, Clarence Ray Allen, was killed by means of lethal injection in 2006 at the age of 76, after having spent 23 years on death row. As of July 1, there were 741 individuals still on Californias death row, out of the 2,905 people sentenced to die throughout the US. Millions of people in California and throughout the country oppose the death penalty as a barbaric practice that represents the ultimate violation of democratic rights and the U.S. Constitutions prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. A poll conducted last month by Pew Research found that, for the first time in half a century, less than half of those polled nationwide supported capital punishment. The US remains the only Western advanced capitalist country to continue the practice of state murder. Yet both of these propositions concentrate not on these fundamental considerations, but rather on the fact that legal and bureaucratic hurdles have led to a backlog of inmates on death row and a fiscal burden upon the state in dealing with legal appeals and the maintenance of death row facilities. Proposition 66 attempts to remove or mitigate these hurdles and make the entire process more efficient, i.e., to streamline the operation of the state murder apparatus. It does this by setting arbitrary time limits for legal review windows, eliminating special housing for death row inmates, limiting successive appeals by defendants, exempting prison officials from existing regulations for developing execution methods and enabling the transfer of inmates between prisons. It also changes the method for selecting attorneys to handle death penalty appeals in a manner that would leave those facing execution with less than competent counsel. Police and jail guard unions across the state have endorsed the measure, along with the Republican Party. Proposition 66 would additionally require the condemned to work while awaiting their execution, and would mandate the transfer of up to 70 percent of their wages to the families of their victims. The supporters of Proposition 66 argue that the death penalty is a necessary and generally appropriate legal response to certain crimes, but that, in practice, legal impediments have rendered it a waste of time and money. Its supporters claim its proposed changes will save tens of millions of dollars annually. Proposition 62, dubbed The Justice that Works Act, would legally end the death penalty in the state. Should it be passed, California would be the 21st state to abolish the death penalty. The legality of the death penalty is facing judicial challenges in several other states, including Delaware and Nebraska, and its fate in those states is still unresolved. The arguments put forward by those motivating Proposition 62, however, are based not on the fundamental inhumanity of the death penalty, but, like Proposition 66, on the prospect of saving the state money. Supporters claim that Proposition 62 will do this more effectively than Proposition 66, estimating savings on the order of $1 billion within five years. After indicting Californias current system of capital punishment as both ineffective in producing executions and a waste of money, the text of Proposition 62 endorses the sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole as a preferable alternative. The text of the proposition reads: Violent murderers who are sentenced to serve life in prison without the possibility of parole in California are never eligible for parole. They spend the rest of their lives in prison and they die in prison. (Emphasis in original) In other words, the proposition proposes replacing what is now a very uncertain death penalty, given the lack of any executions in a decade, with a very certain one: condemnation to die in prison after an indefinite period of incarceration. No one sentenced to life without parole has left prison alive in California or any other state. It is worth noting that this barbaric form of sentencing, based on the premise that the purpose of the so-called criminal justice system is maximum punishment, retribution and revenge, does not exist even in some countries that, like the U.S., are notorious for continuing to carry out executions, such as China and Pakistan. In the US as a whole, out of 159,000 people sentenced to life in prison as of 2012, just under a thirdnearly 50,000were serving life without a chance of parole. The numbers have grown rapidly with a decline in the use of the death penalty. Proposition 62 would further require everyone convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole to work while in prison, and to increase to 60 percent the portion of wages they must pay as restitution to their victims. This additional punishment is advanced under conditions where there has been a wave of strikes in prisons across the country by inmates protesting their being compelled to perform what amounts to slave labor. Wages for labor in prison are already extremely low, when there are any wages at all. Wages for prisoners working for Federal Prison Industries, a government corporation that employs seven percent of the prison workforce, range from 23 cents to $1.15 per hour. There are currently many more prisoners serving sentences of life without parole than there are death row inmates. Since the new restitution clause would apply to the entirety of the former category and not just those on death row, the 60 percent deduction would apply to a layer of the prison population that is several orders of magnitude larger than those presently on death row. When Proposition 34, very similar in its content to Proposition 62, was on the ballot in 2012, attempts were made to poll death row prisoners on their attitude to the ballot measure. The results suggested overwhelming opposition to the proposition by prisoners, who saw their death sentences being commuted to life without parole as worsening their conditions of imprisonment and automatically depriving them of their right to obtain state-appointed lawyers to pursue their habeas corpus appeals and potentially prove their innocence. Proposition 62 is endorsed by the Democratic Party and those in its orbit, including the Peace and Freedom Party and the Greens. It also has the backing of several California billionaires, primarily from the technology industry. Huge sums of money have been raised in support of both death penalty propositions. Supporters of Proposition 62 have raised $9 million for its support and another $10 million to oppose Proposition 66. Backers of Proposition 66 have raised $13 million for its support and another $12.5 million to oppose Proposition 62. Opposition to the death penalty is steadily growing. This is of a piece with popular revulsion over police violence and growing opposition to the political establishment as a whole. The death penalty is increasingly seen as another tool of state repression, imposed overwhelmingly against the most oppressed layers of the working class. Yet proposition 62 makes no appeal to these mass sentiments. Nowhere in the arguments advanced for this proposition is there a hint of the Enlightenment principle that the justice system should aim for reform rather than punishment or retribution. There is no trace of the notion that every punishment which does not arise from absolute necessity is tyrannical, as Montesquieu said. In place of this, and in place of the rights of the accused, there is homage to victims rights, which is broadened to include revenge in the name of closure. No question on the ballot can be considered outside of broader political considerations. Each proposition comes from capitalist elements and is drafted with capitalist political and economic interests in mind. Even where there is an element of progressive content ending the death penalty it is laced with reactionary caveats. The barbaric practices of capital punishment and life imprisonment without the possibility of parole are both expressions of the violent and criminal character of the American capitalist state and the vast social inequality that is a pervasive feature of American life. They are both predicated on the aristocratic principle that the wealthy and powerful are free to do whatever they want, while the poor and powerless are to be humiliated and degraded. Those conditions cannot be changed by ballot propositions, but only by means of the class struggle. Striking Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) musicians played a free Halloween-themed concert to an overflow audience of 350 at the Kelly Strayhorn theater in Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 29. Over sixty musicians, more than half the PSO ensemble, played classics such as Camille Saint-Saens Danse Macabre, Edvard Griegs In the Hall of the Mountain King, and Funeral March of a Marionette by Charles Gounod, popularized for a 20th century audience by the television show Alfred Hitchcock Presents. The atmosphere was lively, with numerous standing ovations throughout the performance that included an encore of Wagners Ride of the Valkyries, and a Halloween costume concert in the middle. After the concert, musicians enthusiastically took copies of a WSWS article covering the PSO strike. Tatjana Chamis, the associate principal viola player, with 23 years at the PSO, explained the importance of support concerts. Were playing free concerts for the community because we dont want the music to stop because were on strike. Weve been pulling these together without managers. Its great to see such rousing support from the audience. I believe in this city. Weve had overwhelming support. Were fighting to keep this a great orchestra. Its come a long way. Its at the highest level since I got here. Tatjana expressed her opposition to management demands. A 15 percent pay cut is huge. Were not going to get new players at the level we want them at. Were here because we want to be at the level of our peers. What has always impressed me about Pittsburgh is that arts and culture, the art museums and libraries, are really well-funded. I always felt like this city really values its art, until now. Now its like a restaurant that starts out really good, and they start to use lower-quality ingredients because they think nobodys going to notice. They think the audience will not recognize the difference if the PSO becomes a regional instead of a national orchestra, but they will. After a WSWS reporter noted cuts to arts programs across the country, including in schools, Tatjana argued, Its not right to cut music programs in schools. Were really big advocates of music in school. For a few years, weve had benefit concerts to fund a bussing for schools that have cut bussing to our free concerts for second, fourth, and sixth graders. That fund also goes to repairing instruments at schools. Kids who have instruments can create something. When I was a kid, I was mute for awhile. Other kids made fun of me, I had an accent, and I stopped talking. Thats the same time I started playing music. That was completely my voice, the violin and then the viola. If I didnt have that form of expression, that would have been terrible. I want to make sure kids have the same opportunities I did. When do kids year hear live music anymore? Its all through ear buds now, and its not the same. Pay teachers as much as you pay athletes! People are OK playing athletes millions of dollars. Noting the effects of cuts to arts programs, Tatjana asserted, Theres a lack of sensitivity. Who cares about the homeless, or refugees? Its a lack of sensitivity. Art opens up channels that would otherwise not be there. Theres a reason this music has lasted for hundreds of years. It touches something inside people. Music is something we really need to make us human. Its what separates us from worker bees (although I love bees). To take that away, especially from the kids, is what Im so against. Tatjana bought then bought a copy of the Mehring Books pamphlet The Detroit Symphony Strike and the Defense of Culture in the US. Another musician subsequently bought a copy as well. Catherine L. Gelblum, an artist and stay-home mother, explained her reasons for attending the Halloween concert. Im here because my very, very good friend is in the PSO, and I dont want her to move out of Pittsburgh. And its looking pretty sad that the management and the board arent speaking to them about a fair deal. And Im here to support my friend. I go to every concert in Heinz Hall. Catherine expressed gratitude for the WSWS coverage of the PSO strike. In a separate interview, a steelworker at Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (ATI) with more than 25 years, a veteran of the seven-month ATI lockout of 2015-2016, expressed strong support for striking PSO musicians. Im a big symphony supporter, and Im a big music lover. Its sad to see whats happening. Its happening everywhere in this country. Its not just people in factories being affected by this. Its terrible for Pittsburgh to lose a wonderful thing that we have. I totally support the musicians. The Musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra have planned two more performances, entitled Bravo for Beethoven, on Sunday, November 6 and 13 at 3pm. Both are at the Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead. In a further escalation in the bipartisan assault on the fundamental democratic right to asylum, the Liberal-National government last Sunday announced legislation to stop asylum seekers from entering Australia for the rest of their liveseven as visitors. No details of the proposed bill have yet been released, but it is clear that the measure will go far further than the already unprecedented legislation enacted by the previous Labor government in 2013 to bar all refugees from resettling in Australia. Not only will asylum seekers be blocked from ever living in Australia, as the Greens-backed minority Labor government established in 2013, when it reopened Australias brutal offshore detention camps on Nauru and Papua New Guineas Manus Island. They will never be allowed to visit the country, even to be reunited with their spouses and children, see other family members, or as tourists, students or temporary workers. Some of the most vulnerable people in the world, many fleeing the ravages of the wars and devastation caused by the US and its allies, including Australia, in the Middle East, are bearing the brunt of a brazen repudiation of basic legal and democratic rights. The new law is intended to inflict the maximum suffering on detainees in order to deter refugees from trying to reach Australia. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said the legislation would send a very clear message that Australia will never be an option for people to seek to come here illegally by boat. This takes to a new level the violation by successive Australian governments of international law, including the Refugees Convention of 1951, which recognises a right to seek protection from persecution and not to be punished for doing so. Adopted after the horrors of World War II, which forced millions to flee their homes, Article 31 of the Convention states that signatories shall not impose penalties, on account of their illegal entry or presence, on refugees. The right to family reunion is also enshrined in international treaties, including Article 16 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The new laws would apply regardless of whether detainees have been officially recognised as refugees under the Convention. Children who were under 18 at the time they were transported to Nauru or Manus would be exempt, but in many cases that would mean permanent separation from their parents. About 300 detainees currently in Australia on temporary visas, mostly for medical treatment, are also likely to be deported. According to legal experts, the proposal has no precedent. No other country has yet sought to impose a lifetime ban on refugees. It is another damning milestone set by Australias political establishment, which became the first in the world to detain all asylum seekers when the Keating Labor government imposed its mandatory detention policy in 1992. The current governments message was sent just weeks after two reports condemned Australias detention regime as a clear breach of international law. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed grave concern about inhuman and degrading treatment, including physical, psychological and sexual abuse. Amnesty International said the intentional infliction of intolerable cruelty to intimidate or coerce people amounted to torture. The bipartisan character of the anti-refugee policy was underscored when the government set July 19, 2013 as the date to which the new ban would be backdated. On that day, Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced the reopening of the Manus Island detention camp and declared: From now on, any asylum seeker who arrives in Australia by boat will have no chance of being settled in Australia as refugees. Aware of deep-felt popular opposition to the inhumane treatment of refugees, Labor leader Bill Shorten, who was one of Rudds key ministers, cynically sought to distance himself from the Coalition government. He said it seemed ridiculous to ban a refugee from coming to Australia as a tourist or on a business trip. But he refused to rule out backing the bill, saying Labor would wait to see details before taking a position. Rudd himself criticised Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, saying the policy was designed to throw red meat at the right, appease thugs in the Liberal Party and grovel to the broad politics of xenophobia. Rudd claimed that the 2013 decision had been intended to run for one year only. In reality, it was part of Labors policy, introduced the previous year, to supposedly stop the boats by incarcerating refugees, effectively indefinitely, for as many years as they would otherwise have waited in the overcrowded camps across the Middle East. Equally hypocritically, Greens leader Richard Di Natale, whose party propped up the minority Labor government from 2010 to 2013 as it implemented these policies, described the latest proposal as barbaric, cruel, shameful, cynical politics. Di Natale further covered for Labors record, appealing for Labor to join the Greens in opposing the bill in the Senate. Turnbulls plan certainly seeks to shift the official political agenda further to the rightdemonising refugees and dividing the working class along communal lines, in the face of rising unemployment, deteriorating social conditions and mounting attacks on welfare and other social spending. It is a clear pitch, in particular, to Pauline Hansons anti-immigrant One Nation party, whose support the government has been cultivating in order to pass contentious legislation through the Senate, where the Liberal-National Coalition holds only 30 of the 76 seats. Hanson welcomed the governments proposal, telling Channel Sevens Sunrise program: I think you need to make a tough stand and put out a clear message. Refugees are not welcome here. Hanson tweeted: Good to see that it looks like the government is now taking its cues from One Nation. Just like last time. During the late 1990s, the Howard Coalition government adopted much of One Nations program in order to divert growing social discontent in a reactionary xenophobic direction. Turnbulls government is on a similar course, but under conditions of an even deeper economic, social and political crisis. Last weekend, Hanson gave another indication of collaborating closely with the government. She praised it for outlining a further $6 billion worth of cuts to welfare over the next four years, on top of the $6 billion already imposed with Labors agreement since the government narrowly survived the July 2 election. The cruel treatment, by successive governments, of people fleeing oppression and war is setting far-reaching precedents for the abrogation of legal and democratic rights more broadly. The Australian Constitution contains no bill of rights providing protection of such essential rights, and all attempts to hold governments to account via appeals to UN agencies have failed. The government claims to have advice that the lifetime ban is legal, but has provided no details. On a number of occasions, it has simply blocked advice from the solicitor-general, Justin Gleeson, to avoid having to consider an adverse legal opinion. Gleeson resigned last month as a result. In recent months, similar dubious assurances of legality have been given for other legislation overturning core democratic rights, including to revoke citizenships and indefinitely incarcerate high risk offenders after they have served prison sentences. These developments are another warning of the governments lawlessness. The brutal methods utilised against refugees will also be brought forward domestically, including to deal with social and political opposition to the underlying program of slashing social spending and preparing for war. A U.S. naval base at Sasebo in western Japan, was put on lockdown on Thursday after reports of gunshots, a Navy spokesman said. By Reuters: The lockdown, that had been placed on a U.S. Navy base in Japan on Thursday morning after a report of shots being fired in one of the base's building, has been lifted, officials announced. A U.S. naval base at Sasebo in western Japan, was put on lockdown on Thursday after reports of gunshots, a Navy spokesman said, but there was no confirmation of an active shooter. advertisement ALL CLEAR, NO EVIDENCE OF SHOOTER "All clear at Fleet Activities Sasebo. No evidence of a shooter. No casualties. Base has returned to normal operations," U.S. Naval Forces Japan tweeted. Gunshots had been reported from a building on the base, 980 km (614 miles) west of Tokyo, and the base was put on lockdown as a precaution as the building was checked by security, said Darin Wilson, Deputy Public Affairs Officer for U.S. Naval Forces, Japan. The U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo is a U.S. Navy base located in Sasebo, Japan, on the island of Kyushu. --- ENDS --- TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Solar advocates are asking Florida's high court to invalidate Amendment 1, a ballot measure they argue is misleading, and throw out votes cast for it. The legal challenge was filed Wednesday with the Florida Supreme Court. It comes after a leading proponent of Amendment 1 was recorded saying that the measure was written to appear pro-solar, even though it could end up restricting solar growth in Florida by raising costs. Solar advocates are asking the court to revisit a previous ruling which found that Amendment 1's language was not misleading. Sarah Bascom, spokeswoman for a utility-funded group that supports the amendment, called the legal challenge "political grandstanding" and said the amendment will protect consumers. Amendment 1 seeks to change the state constitution to say consumers shouldn't "subsidize" solar growth. (Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) Tallahassee, FL (WTXL) -- Tallahassee-Leon Federal Credit Union's Mini Billionaires Academy is launching it's first training camp in the Philippines. Established in 2012, the academy educates kids from the ages of 8-16 on personal financial management. The MBA earned state and national awards for its unique ways of teaching the importance of responsible money management. Under the direction of TLFCU President/CEO Lisa Brown, the MBA was recognized by the Global Women's Leadership Network through the World Council of Credit Unions, and has been invited to replicate the program overseas. From November 11-29, Brown and camp leaders will travel to Cebu, Philippines to teach Entrepreneurship and Marketing followed by a visit to Mandaue, Philippines to teach Personal Finance. TLFCU CEO and campers will also discuss simple tips parent can teach children in order to help them learn how to manage their personal finances TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Millions of Floridians have already cast their ballots for the upcoming election and millions more are expected at the polls on Tuesday. But there is one group that won't be able to vote. Those convicted of a felony in Florida, lose that right to cast their ballot. Oceo Harris has been out of jail for nine years. He's earned two degrees and is currently working, but he can't vote. He said, "Not being able to vote -- having that access to vote -- creates more of a hindrance, continues to create barriers." The same goes for Gregory James. He started a church after getting out of prison and has worked with fellow ex-felons. But that service doesn't restore his right. "This election from a presidential standpoint has the possibility of shifting our entire nation, and I won't be a part of it," James explained. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Florida is one of three states where felons and ex-felons permanently lose voting rights. Harris said that the only way for change is to elect candidates who will vouch for them. "It's about the person that's going to move forward with taking up the banner, helping you remove those chains and those obstacles." For several ex-felons, being behind bars was a chapter of their past. However, they say they still feel like prisoners not being able to vote. "There is a system in place, because if there wasn't a system in place, then why would it be such a major war between Democrats and Republicans when it comes to the restoration of rights?" said James. Despite being unable to cast ballots, they say the right to vote shouldn't be taken for granted. By India Today Web Desk: In a bid to return to power in crucial elections due early next year, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav began his 80-km long Vikas Rath Yatra from state capital Lucknow. Before the yatra was flagged off by Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, there were clashes between groups of party workers - an indication that the Yadav family feud has not yet ended. advertisement But the Yadavs displayed unity, with both uncle Shivpal and father Mulayam attending the event as their party makes a pitch for another term. Akhilesh said the forthcoming election will change the country's politics. "On the one hand, there are soldiers fighting to defend the country. On the other side, we have jawans committing suicide. We must think in whose hands this country is in right now. It's time to change the country's politics," he said. Shivpal, in his speech, said his party will prevent the BJP from coming to power in the state. "It is our aim that the BJP is not able to form the government in Uttar Pradesh," he said. Last month, the turf war between Akhilesh and his uncle and state Samajwadi Party chief Shivpal Yadav, played out in the open, bringing the party on the brink of a split ahead of the crucial Assembly polls. Mercedes Rath Akhilesh embarked on the yatra atop a modified Mercedes bus from Lucknow. While the red-colour Mercedes bus has the images of Akhilesh and Mulayam, socialist ideologues Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia and Jnaneshwar Mishra, uncle Shivpal's picture is seen neither on the vehicle nor elsewhere. The bus also has pictures of the flagship schemes of the state government -- Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Free Laptop Scheme and 1090 Women helpline. The 37-foot-long and 15-foot tall bus has all the facilities like Wi-Fi connection, telephone connectivity, a small wash room, a mini-war room and a motorised platform, which will be propelled up by a hydraulic shaft that will bring Akhilesh out of the bus, face to face with the people. The Route In the first phase, he will venture out from the La Martinere Boys College in Lucknow, and after covering more than 75 km will conclude at the stadium in Shuklaganj, Unnao. The Chief Minister will end the Vikas Yatra the same evening and return to Lucknow. He will restart his Rath Yatra again on November 7, after attending the silver jubilee gala of the Samajwadi Party on November 5. All schools in the state capital and Unnao have been shut owing to the VVIP movement, which is all set to bring the state capital and the Lucknow-Kanpur highway to a grinding halt. advertisement Elaborate arrangements are in place on the routes that the Chief Minister's Rath will roll on. The yatra is being seen as his first show of strength after the turf war with his father Mulayam and uncle Shivpal. --- ENDS --- TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A memorial service is being held for the Taylor County deputy who was killed in a Monday morning crash after his vehicle collided with a semi-truck. Governor Rick Scott issued his condolences to both the families of Taylor County Deputy Scott Williams, and a fallen Miami Police Officer Jorge Sanchez, who was killed in a motorcycle crash. In his statement the governor said quote, "We must take every opportunity to recognize these officers, and their families, for this tremendous sacrifice. We will do all we can to honor Deputy Williams and Officer Sanchez's service and courage." A memorial service for Deputy Williams will be held on Saturday at 4 p.m at Steinhatchee High School. Don't fall for everything you see/read on social media. We get a doctor to tell you what and what not to do when breathing in Delhi's polluted air. By Somya Abrol: For those with predisposed respiratory disorders like asthma or bronchitis, the days following up to Diwali, and the days following Diwali, are no less than torturous. In fact, quality of Delhi air has dropped so low that even after the smog clears up, the quality of air will be marked 'very poor'--an upgrade from 'severe'--according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). advertisement Also read: As Delhi chokes, here's how you can breathe clean air inside your house In such dire times, when even hale-and-hearty people have to think twice before stepping out for their morning walk--and seeing a doctor seems too extreme a step for what just seems paranoia--the medium we choose to believe is social media--Facebook and WhatsApp forwards, to be precise. We're sure you've been seeing free advice on your smartphones the past couple of days about what and what not to do when the air you breathe is out to kill you. So, to put you out of misery, we spoke to Dr Gita Prakash, senior consultant, Max Super-Specialty Hospital, Delhi, about all the "healthcare advice" that's been doing the rounds. But before she busts some myths, here's what Dr Prakash has to say about the city we're breathing in: "It's wrong to blame the pollution for everything your body is going through; your immunity has as much a role to play in your health as does the air you're breathing. Yes, there is pollution, and we're living in it. So, we must learn to act accordingly. For instance, when you know pollution levels are high after Diwali, don't go wandering around the city, just do the essentials like going to the market for everyday groceries; try to stay indoors as much as possible. This is especially applicable for asthmatics and the elderly." "The basic idea is to build your immunity to combat the adverse effects of pollution. So, keep up a healthy, active lifestyle, workout regularly, eat healthy, avoid junk, oily food, and go about your daily life." Do air purifiers really work? Yes, they're effective to a large extent, but my question is this--will you carry an air purifier everywhere you go? How many hours of the day would you spend sitting in a room with purified air? What happens when you step out? Your body has to combat the pollution, no matter what. So, just a couple of hours of breathing so-called fresh air doesn't really help. Air purifiers are only beneficial for either the elderly who remain home all day or infants who aren't exposed to outside air. Does consuming jaggery help? Yes, it does. But jaggery is good in the winter any way. So is honey. These two things basically help build immunity--and that's the basic idea. People are saying don't go for early morning walks; wait for the sun to come up? The sun does kill a lot of bacteria, yes. Don't open doors and windows for fresh air till it gets sunny outside? The same logic as above. Sun kills bacteria in the air, so it's better to wait. advertisement --- ENDS --- In 1900's England, a mother-of-four took up the title of being "the ugliest woman in the world" to feed her children. Here's her story. By India Today Web Desk: Who gives us the right to tag someone as the prettiest or the ugliest? No one, but we do it anyway. Most recently, we picked the green-eyed chaiwala from Pakistan as the hottest. Then, we found a red-lipped Nepali young girl, labelled her 'tarkariwali', and lost our hearts to her. Google "most handsome doctor", and you'll find the fair-skinned Dr Mikhail Varshavski's pictures crop up. advertisement Also read: Nepali tarkariwali becomes the Internet eye candy after Pakistani chaiwala, but there's something wrong this time We don't stop there. We, sometimes in our minds and sometimes openly, choose who we think is the "ugliest" of all. In 1900's England, mother-of-four took up the title of being "the ugliest woman in the world" to feed her children. Here's her story: Born in Newham, London, in 1874, Mary Ann Bevan had an ordinary life as a young girl. She grew up to be a nurse and married a man named Thomas Bevan, with whom she had four children. Some years into the marriage, her health began showing signs of deterioration. What seemed like 'ugliness' to most was actually a condition she was suffering from, known as acromegaly, in which the body produce growth hormones in excess. Mary Ann with her children. Source: sideshows.wikia.com While disproportionate bodily features were noticeable, what people couldn't see was the pain she suffered because of this disorder, which came in forms of splitting migraines and muscle ache. But physical ailments had to take a back seat as, after 11 years of marriage, Mary's husband died, leaving her the sole breadwinner of their family. As their financial condition worsened, Mary chose to make a sacrifice. Some time around the 1920s, Mary Ann entered a "homeliest woman" contest - also dubbed as the "Ugly Woman" contest - in the hope of winning the prize money which could help her family. With the sacrifice of her dignity, she did win. But humiliation did not stop there for Mary Ann. After winning the contest, she got hired as a "freak show" performer in Coney Island's Dreamland sideshow. She also worked as a circus attraction. Till her death in 1933, Mary Ann kept working at the Coney Island Dreamland Sideshow. Source: sideshows.wikia.com But there was a good side to her story... Over the years, Mary Ann Bevan has come to be identified as an inspirational figure, especially for individual suffering with acromegaly or similar health conditions. --- ENDS --- Students in an Upper Galilee military preparatory academy found a gold coin dating to the early Islamic period from the years 776-777 CE which bears an Arabic inscription declaring belief in one god and the name of the prophet Mohammad. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "While collecting soil, I noticed a shining coin," said student Dor Yegev. "When I realized what it was, I just started yelling and we all got excited!" The thrill of discovery ( : , ) X In recent weeks, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), together with students of military preparatory academies, have begun digging at a site that is going to be turned into a parking area for heavy vehicles near Kfar Kama. The gold coin (Photo: Omer Zidan) According to the director of the excavation Omer Zidan of the IAA, "The coins were found in remains of buildings from the seventh and eighth century CE together with fragments of pottery, metal objects and animal bones. All of this tells the story of life that was active here in the early Islamic period." Photo: Mickey Peleg Dr. Robert Cole, an expert on ancient coins at the IAA, explained that "The excitement of the findings isn't just for the students, but also archeologists. It is rare to find a lone gold coin during an excavation. People usually kept gold in their possession and it passed through the generations. When we find gold coins in an excavation, they're usually hidden in a cache in an orderly fashion. A gold coin such as this, for a simple man, was a lot of money." Further excavations that were conducted in and around Kfar Kama in the last 50 years indicate the existence of ancient settlements already in place during the Middle Bronze Age (2,000 BC) and during the Roman and Byzantine periods (2nd-6th century CE), including the remains of a church. The woman who claims Trump raped her when she was 13 years old is breaking her silence for the first time since filing a lawsuit against the Republican presidential nomiee. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The woman claims that Trump raped her in 1994 during a party at the apartment of Jewish-American billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was convicted of soliciting an underage girl for prostitution in 2008. Trump at a rally in Miami (Photo: AFP) In a statement released by the plaintiff, she announced that she will hold a press conference in Los Angeles. "More than four months ago, Jane Doe filed suit against Donald Trump for a series of sexual assaults, which she said occurred at parties in New York in 1994. She was 13 years old at the time," said the Lisa Bloom Law Firm in the statement. "Jane Doe has decided to break her silence and talk about the allegations." Since the publication of a recording in which Trump is heard bragging about sexually assaulting women, a dozen women have accused the billionaire real estate magnate of sexual assault and sexual harassment. According to Jane Doe's attorney Chaney Mason, Jane Doe discussed attacks that took place over the course of several months between 1994 and 1995. Trump has repeatedly denied the allegations against him, calling them "reckless, irresponsible and incorrect," according to his attorney Alan Garten. Furthermore, Garten contends that the claims are "merely a publicity stunt designed to discredit my client." The cameras, paparazzi, and red carpet are all being prepared for Justin Bieber's arrival in Israel with the internationally renowned pop idol expected to perform at Park Hayarkon in May 2017. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Bieber's last performance in Israel was in 2011 when he was just 17 years old. Even by then he was an international pop sensation, taking the charts by storm. After being scouted at the age of 13, three years later he was already a pop superstar after releasing his hit single, 'Baby.' His last visit saw an intense confrontation with the paparazzi, in which the star almost hit a cameraman with his car. Justin Bieber (Photo: AFP) During his visit. it was also reported that he cancelled one meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, Bieber's entourage claimed that no such meeting had ever been planned. Justin Bieber during his last performance in Israel (Photo: Yaron Brenner) He released his fourth studio album titled 'Purpose,' which includes the hit songs 'Love Yourself' and 'Sorry.' The pop icon has also been collaborating with some of the biggest DJs in the world, including Major Lazer in the song 'Cold Water.' Ticket price information has not yet been released. Palestinian Dr. Izzadin Abu el-Aish, who lost three of three daughters after a missile was accidently fired from an Israeli tank during Operation Cast Lead in 2008-2009, visited Israeli President Reuven Rivlins Residence Wednesday and offered his insights on the conflict by drawing comparisons between the ongoing conflict and a medical sickness. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The disease destroys the patient, he said. Israelis are sick with the disease of fear because of their history and narrative. The Palestinians are sick with the disease of the occupation. How can we grow stronger, proudly live together side by side? What concerns me is that instead of us being closer to one another we are moving further away. El-Aish compared the situation to a patient reluctant to undergo surgery despite the positive results in can ultimately yield. Normally a sick person insist that he wont undergo surgery but after he has done so he is healed. Why not do this today to save more blood? The price is high. Every one of us suffers from (the conflict) and time is running out. Life is short. God created us to live. We have a responsibility to our children, he appealed. President Reuven Rivlin shakes hands with Dr. Izzadin Abu el-Aish in Jerusalem El-Aish arrived in Israel as part of Governor General of Canada David Johnstons delegation. While expressing sentiments for the promotion of peace and coexistence, the doctor nevertheless said he regretted that he was unable to visit his daughters graves in Gaza. I hurts me to arrive in the State of Israel and not be able to get to Gaza in order to visit the graves of my daughters, not only because of the shortage of time but also because I need permission and because of the checkpoints here. We need to build bridges between the people, not checkpoints, said el-Aish. He went on to say that when he was invited to join the delegation as a Palestinian-Canadian representative he was felt a deep sense of pride before urging the Canadian government to work for coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. I share the Canadian principles of a socialist country. Canada needs to work to bring hearts closer together and to bridge between Palestinians and Israelis and between the Israelis and Jordanians, said el-Aish. He also accompanied the delegation to Jordan and will be making his way to Ramallah shortly during the delegations visit to the Palestinian Authority. After shaking President Rivlins hand, the el-Aish described how he did not look at Rivlin as a president but rather as a father and grandfather. Canadian delegation with President Rivlin; el-Aish on the far right. President Rivlin works to bring different Israeli sectors together. We must build bridges between the sectors and find a way to live togetherArabs, Jews, Haredim and the secular. I really respect Rivlin for his efforts. We have to live together, he repeated. Saying that he was sure that Rivlin was familiar with his story, el-Aish said that as a father and a grandfather, he was sure that Rivlin could view the suffering from the point of view of both Israeli and Palestinian children. Asked how he sees the conflict between the two sides from Canada, the doctor replied, Israelis and Palestinians are Siamese twins. It has been decreed that we live together. Our future linked with one another. Shortly after the tragedy which befell el-Aish, he emigrated to Canada and received citizenship and has since dedicated his life to peaceful coexistence. As part of these efforts, he established the Daughters for Life Foundation, the aim of which is to promote Jewish and Arab women in academia. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has until December 13 to appoint ministers for the three ministries under his control before the High Court of Justice (HCJ) will have to intervene. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter In addition to being prime minister, Netanyahu is also the communications minister, the foreign minister and the minister of regional cooperation. The HCJ gave the prime minister eight months to resolve the issue and give up some of his other ministerial positions following a petition by Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid party. Prime Minister Netanyahu (Photo: Gil Yohanan) The HCJ determined that while the fact the prime minister continues holding onto these cabinet positions is technically legal, it's not a situation conducive to democracy. At the same time, the court also cast doubt on Netanyahu's ability to effectively manage the role of prime minister while also serving in all these other ministerial roles. Netanyahu most recently had to give up the post of health minister, appointing Yaakov Litzman (United Torah Judaism) who was the deputy minister up to that point. The HCJ decided that if the prime minister still holds additional ministerial positions after December 13, the issue will be brought back to the court for a more thorough examination of the issue. Based on the HCJ ruling, Yesh Atid asked Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit on Wednesday to hold off on any action regarding the Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC)which Netanyahu seeks to close downuntil the appointment of a new minister of communications. Yesh Atid claims that the fact that Netanyahu continues to serve as minister of communications and is "taking steps from which there is no turning back, such as the attempt to cancel the Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation law," he is "trampling on the provisions of the High Court." BEIRUT- Lebanese President Michel Aoun asked Sunni politician Saad al-Hariri on Thursday to form a new government, the presidency said in a statement, after he secured the support of a majority of MPs. Hariri, who was formerly prime minister from 2009 to 2011, was expected to be named to the position again as part of a political deal that resulted in Aoun being elected head of state by parliament on Monday. TEHRAN- Thousands of Iranians have burned the American flag and chanted anti-U.S. slogans as they marked the anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran by militant students 37 years ago. Such protests take place every year outside the compound that once housed the embassy on the anniversary of the 1979 takeover that followed the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Iranians at the rally outside the former embassy building on Thursday chanted "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" and burned the U.S. and Israeli flags. KUNDUZ - More than 30 Afghan civilians, including women, children and elderly men, were killed and dozens wounded in an air strike in the northern province of Kunduz on Thursday, the provincial governor said. The incident came as the U.S. military said it had conducted air strikes to protect friendly forces in an operation in Kunduz in which two Americans were killed. "Unfortunately more than 30 civilians were killed, including women and children, during the fighting. This was a horrible incident," said Asadullah Amarkhil, the governor of Kunduz. BERLIN- A Syrian asylum-seeker has been convicted of three counts of attempted murder for throwing his children out of the window of a refugee home in Germany. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Prosecutors say he threw the three children out of a second-floor window of the facility in February as a way to punish his wife because she refused to obey him after the family moved to Germany. The dpa news agency says the 35-year-old Syrian, identified only as Hassan Z. in line with German privacy laws, was convicted Thursday at the Bonn state court. The children -- aged 1, 5 and 7 at the time -- survived but the mother says the two oldest are still experiencing health problems from the fall. Iran now commands a force of around 25,000 Shi'ite Muslim militants in Syria, mostly made up of recruits from Afghanistan and Pakistan, the former head of Israel's domestic intelligence agency has told a visiting Swiss delegation. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Avi Dichter, chair of Israel's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, told members of the Swiss parliament the Iranian-backed force was focused on fighting Sunni rebels opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, not ISIS. Avi Dichter (Photo: Motti Kimchi) "This is a foreign legion of some 25,000 militants, most of whom have come from Afghanistan and Pakistan," Dichter told the delegation during the briefing on Wednesday, according to details provided by his office. "They are fighting in Syria only against the rebels and not against ISIS." In Syria, Iran also has the support of the Lebanese militia Hezbollah, which has long experience in the region, particularly against Israel. It is not clear how many Hezbollah fighters are in Syria, but Dichter said 1,600 had been killed. "The Iranians enlisted Hezbollah ... to fight in Syria because the Iranian army is better suited to fight as an army against another army, while the Hezbollah militants are adept at fighting against terror groups," he said. "The fighting has made Hezbollah a better fighting force and more adept in conventional military warfare." Photo: AP The briefing covered the fallout from the conflict, including the flow of migrants and refugees to Europe. Dichter cautioned that European states should not be naive about who was attempting to enter their borders. Israel has long seen Iran as its greatest threat and campaigned hard against US-led efforts to strike a nuclear deal with Tehran. At the same time, Israel frequently plays up the improving relations it has with some Sunni Arab states in the region, including Egypt and, to an extent, Saudi Arabia. Dichter told the delegation that Iran's "dream" was to rule the Islamic holy sites of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. "Everybody should ask themselves why the Iranians are building missiles with a range of 2,000 km, twice the distance from their territory to Israel," he said. "Egypt is also within their range, as is Saudi Arabia. Two thousand years ago, Iran was an empire and now it wants to recreate that." Echoing a common refrain from center and right-wing Israeli lawmakers, Dichter said that was the reason why Israel was convinced Iran had not abandoned its nuclear aspirations, but only put them on hold, playing a long game against the West. By PTI: Mumbai, Nov 2 (PTI) Pakistani actor Ali Zafar does not feature in a promotional song of upcoming film "Dear Zindagi" but is part of the movies cast, sources close to its producers said today. There was speculation that amid row over working of Pakistani artistes in Bollywood, 36-year-old Zafar was replaced by Tahir Raj Bhasin in the movie. advertisement The shooting of the mentioned track with the films lead actress Alia Bhatt and Bhasin further fuelled the rumour mills. A source close to films production house Dharma Productions, however, refuted replacement reports and said Tahir has shot only for the promotional song. Tahir is best known for his negative role in Rani Mukerji-starrer "Mardaani". Sources close to the 29-year-old actor maintain a "no- comments" stand. Gauri Shinde-directorial venture "Dear Zindagi" also features superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Angad Bedi, Aditya Roy Kapur, Kunal Kapoor. Only recently Karan Johars "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" had to bear the brunt of resistance as it starred Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. Many groups, including Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, had asked for a boycott of Pakistani artistes from the Indian film industry post the Uri attack. PTI KKP PSH ZMN --- ENDS --- SAMAQA -- When ISIS insurgents fired mortar bombs at Iranian Kurdish women fighters holding a desert position in northern Iraq, the women first hit back by singing through loudspeakers. Then the women opened fire with machineguns. "We wanted to make them angry. To tell Daesh that we are not afraid," said Mani Nasrallahpour, 21, one of about 200 female peshmerga fighters who left behind their life in Iran to take on the hardline Sunni militants. Religious Zionist rabbis are calling on the government to implement a decision to add another section to the area of the Western Wall so Reform and Conservative visitors may worship equally. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter According to the rabbis, the High Court erred when designating a separate prayer area for the Women of the Wall, as opposed to allowing them to pray in the central concourse. Now, the rabbis contend, the right thing to do is to at least partition the layout in this particular case. Photo: EPA The rabbis are part of a campaign by Ne'emanei Torah Va'Avodah, which supports the demands of the Reform and Conservative movements. In a video, Rabbi Shlomo Riskin explains, "Judaism in general and the Western Wall in particular are precious and important, it is impossible to leave the future of Judaism to Orthodox Jews alone. Rabbi Ronen Lubich, President of Ne'emanei Torah Va'Avodah, added, "We cannot leave the situation as it is. The partition plan for a smaller section of the Western Wall near the Robinson's Arch, or any other proposal, must be considered because for Diaspora Jewish communities, which are large and powerful, the connection to Israel is important." Rabbi Riskin (Photo: Haim Sanyou) Ne'emanei Torah Va'Avodah went on to call for Orthodox organizations as well as Knesset members to transcend religious differences with the Reform and Conservative movements and join them in preserving the special relationship with Diaspora Judaism. In contrast, Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Sites of Israel, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, attacked the recent protests and dubbed them "a small group that continues to do everything possible to fan the flames and turn it into a permanent fire." Furthermore, according to Rabinovitch, the protests are against the law and the guidelines of the attorney general. Rabinovitch called on the prime minister and protestors to end the "civil war," as he referred to it, and further quipped, "The extension was established according to your demands and is standing barren and open waiting for you. Please, pray traditionally. Respect the torah and preserve the sanctity of the Wall. The religious public call for no provocations and to not blaspheme God." Warsaw - Thirty top religious leaders from Israel's Christian, Druze, Jewish and Muslim communities on Wednesday condemned extremism and "hatred of the other" during a landmark visit to Auschwitz. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The members of the Council of Religious Community Leaders in Israel repudiated "racism, fanaticism and extremism, particularly when these are committed, allegedly in the name of religion" in a statement issued following their visit to the grounds of Nazi Germany's most infamous death camp. Joint prayer at Auschwitz (: ) X They also called on world leaders to "act with unwavering resoluteness against anti-Semitism, (and) hatred of the other, which once again plague contemporary society." The delegation at the death camp (Photo: MFA) The delegation, also including two Sunni imams from Galilee, walked through the camp's infamous wrought iron "Arbeit Macht Frei" (Work makes you free) gate before laying flowers at the death wall, where executions took place. The religious leaders also viewed exhibitions at the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum on the grounds of the former death camp in Oswiecim, southern Poland. One million European Jews died at the camp set up by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland in 1940-1945. More than 100,000 others including non-Jewish Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war and anti-Nazi resistance fighters also died there, according to the museum. An estimated 232,000 of Auschwitz victims were children. BARTELLA -- The commander of the Iraqi special forces who are spearheading the offensive to recapture the Islamic State stronghold of Mosul said on Thursday that they had gained a foothold in the city quicker than expected. Lieutenant-General Abdul Ghani al-Assadi also raised the possibility that if his elite troops made further progress they might try to sweep through the eastern half of Mosul all the way to the River Tigris, bypassing some districts. "If I want to speed up the operation, we may not take some areas and instead isolate them to prevent movement. That would reduce the time needed to reach the right bank," he told Reuters at a command post east of Mosul. He predicted that Islamic State fighters would withdraw to the group's stronghold on the western bank of the River Tigris. BEIRUT -- The Russian military says one of its helicopters in Syria has come under rebel fire and made an emergency landing, but no crew members were hurt. The military's Reconciliation Center in Syria says the helicopter came under fire Thursday in the province of Hama while on a mission to deliver humanitarian aid and made an emergency landing about 40 kilometers northwest of the city of Palmyra. It says the landing site came under rebel fire, but the crew was unhurt. A rescue helicopter quickly arrived to evacuate the crew to the Hemeimeem air base in Syria's coastal province of Latakia used by the Russian military. Russia has lost four helicopters in Syria, where it has waged an air campaign in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces. In any environment, under any condition, SERE specialists are highly trained to survive. SERE, which stands for Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape, is a program created to train air crew how to survive and resist the enemy in the event that their aircraft goes down. Recently the SERE specialists of Pacific Command convened at Yokota to share their knowledge and experience and practice the skills that help them keep air crews prepared. Eleven specialists assigned to Korea, Guam and Japan attended the SERE working group. During the five days they compared and contrasted the strengths of their respective programs, gleaning the best practices to be implemented across PACOM. They also performed personnel drops to maintain their jump proficiency and practiced survival in the wilderness near Mount Fuji. Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Johnis and Staff Sgt. Justin Bender, 374th Operations Support Squadron SERE specialists, organized the working group which is the second of its kind. Our goal is for the implementation of SERE working groups to become infectious across the commands, Johnis said. We are trying to align all the SERE and personnel recovery priorities across PACOM so that we are more unified in our efforts. Its all to ensure that anyone who becomes isolated or is captured returns with honor. According to Johnis, the working group participants accomplished about 90% if their intended objectives, which is a significant accomplishment. Everyone earned their currency requirements. They were also able to share best practices across the Guardian Angel community: the various professions which make up the Air Forces highly trained Personnel Recovery community. The SERE specialists convened at Yokota for their jump proficiency because of the available C-130 Hercules aircraft and the drop zone. Yet, the specialist were not the only ones who benefitted. The C-130 aircrews from the 36th Airlift Squadron benefited from practicing personnel drops and maintaining their qualifications. The 459th Airlift Squadron also had the opportunity to maintain qualifications. They brought UH-1 Iroquois helicopter capabilities for hoist training and simulated search and rescue operations. We all want the 459 AS to have top notch search and rescue capabilities in case theyre asked by the Japanese to respond to a real world event, Bender said. There is another benefit of the working group that was not officially accounted for. Bender explained that there is a fraternity among SERE professionals and bringing them together leads to a morale boost. Working group participants balanced the main goal, professional development, with the time spent getting to get reacquainted since last seeing each other. Getting together is an important and beneficial part of the SERE working group, Bender said. Morale is crucial. It keeps us all working towards that common goal of training aircrew members the best we can. When that morale starts to fade away the training starts to take a hit as well. The realism goes out the window and you start to get on a hamster wheel. Bender explained that he and the other specialists want to eliminate the hamster wheel and keep the job interesting. They want to keep a real sense of how they are contributing to the Air Force mission and collaborating with other units is a good way to do that. Collaborating gives us perspective, Bender said. It helps us see what other units are doing. Here at Yokota we have C-130s. Up at Misawa Air Base theyre mainly dealing with fighters. At Anderson AB Tech Sgt. Ryan Hyslop is developing his own SERE program from scratch. We can see his struggle and give him all our experience to make his life easier. If we can continue that network across PACOM that not only helps us out as individuals, it helps us as an Air Force. McChord Airmen complete 60 years of Antarctic airlift Airmen from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, flew from Christchurch, New Zealand to McMurdo Station, Antarctica Oct. 21, tracing a similar flight pattern to one flown 60 years earlier. The flight commemorated the first ever Air Force Antarctic flight flown in a Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, named Miss North Carolina Oct. 21, 1956. The combination of 62nd Airlift Wing personnel who are readily available and highly proficient in the C-17 combined with the 446th Airlift Wing personnel who have thousands of hours of aviation experience and longevity in Antarctic operations has allowed team McChord to safely complete this mission, said Lt. Col Robert Schmidt, 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander. The 1956 flight took 12 hours to complete in an unpressurized aircraft. In comparison to the first flight, last weeks flight, ICE12, utilizing a McChord C-17 Globemaster III was completed in just five hours. The C-17 flies faster and higher than the C-124, providing more convenient and comfortable service to passengers, said Dr. Robert Allen, 62nd AW historian. The Globemaster III is also a better cargo platform, carrying more cargo that is easier to unload, as well as having a more precise airdrop capability. Team McChord Airmen have participated in supporting Operation Deep Freeze since 1985 flying the C-141B Starlifter. ODF is the Department of Defense's support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation. Support for ODF has evolved naturally as aircraft, equipment and personnel training improved, said Allen. This has allowed the National Science Foundation to conduct its robust research program with increasing confidence. ODF is different from any other U.S. military operation. It is one of the military's most difficult peacetime missions due to the harsh Antarctic environment. The operating environment in Antarctica is significantly different from the rest of the globe, said Schmidt. The remoteness, rapidly changing weather, and harsh climate can create some significant logistical challenges that only the DOD has the capabilities to overcome. The C-17s unique airlift capabilities provides a premier platform to provide airlift to the most remote austere locations around the world, including Antarctica. The C-17, with its extended range fuel tanks, cargo capacity, and short/semi-prepared runway capabilities, is ideally suited for the Antarctic mission, said Schmidt. The extended range fuel capacity typically allows us to fly all of the way to Antarctica and back without requiring refueling. This not only improves the safety of the mission by giving the crews flexibility during rapidly changing weather conditions but also reduces the amount of fuel that needs to be shipped to Antarctica each year. Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand, serves as the staging point for deployments to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, a key research and operations facility for the USAP. Team McChord Airmen working with Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, execute inter- and intra-theater airlift, aeromedical evacuation support, search and rescue, and transportation requirements at NSFs request in order to support the USAP. ODF is a unique mission for the Air Force and Air Mobility Command in several ways, said Schmidt. The success of ODF depends on the Air Force and AMC working closely with the National Science Foundation to develop the best schedules and procedures to overcome the continent's logistical challenges Throughout the 2015-2016 season, JTF-SFA directed more than 350 inter/intra-theater airlift missions, moving over 6.5 million pounds of material and transporting approximately 5,500 passengers. An exhausted services Airman takes a break in a library after a long night of work in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. On the upper floor of a different building in the Khobar Towers military dormitory, a junior officer is preparing for bed and an early day. More than 7,000 miles away, a services Airman in the Air Force Reserves is preparing to report to active duty the next day, on June 26, 1996, at the Port Mortuary on Dover Air Force Base. All three Airmens lives, and many others, would forever change that night. Around 10 p.m., on June 25, 1996, the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia were rocked by a massive explosion, and the ripple effect of the blast would be felt for decades. Twenty years after the attack on the Khobar Towers, three survivors of the bombing and its aftermath work side by side at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO) on Dover. With the night of the attack and the days immediately after seared into their memories, they reflected on their similar journeys. Far removed from that summer night in 1996, an uncanny coincidence has brought them together surrounding the month and 20th anniversary of the attack. They are Air Force leaders and experts now in the esoteric field of military mortuary affairs, honoring all fallen members of the Armed Forces. Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, which was called Port Mortuary back when the Khobar Towers were attacked, is often described as the best-worst place to work. It is the most exclusive assignment for services Airmen. AFMAO Commander Col. Dawn Lancaster was a first lieutenant and assigned as a protocol officer when the attack happened. She said before her room was rocked by the explosion and she was jostled violently on her bed a couple buildings away from the structure that was directly impacted her biggest concern was waking up early enough to set up for a change of command the next morning. I was lying in bed, half asleep, half awake, she recalled while fingering the pages of a photo album shes kept of her time living at the Khobar Towers and working at the 4404th Air Expeditionary Wing. I remember trying to scream and nothing came out. Darkness. Smoke. A surreal serenity permeated the immediate seconds following the blast and its aftershock. Downstairs, outside, she said she found more darkness, more smoke. In the basement recreation, library and eating area of another building, then-Senior Airman Meshelle Lemon had just worked a full shift as a recreation specialist. The now-AFMAO chief enlisted advisor, Chief Master Sgt. Meshelle Dyer, said she would have been in her room had she not been invited to midnight meal by a co-worker. She might have saved my life or at the very least saved me from getting injured by flying glass, Dyer said. With her photographs from that earlier time spread out on a table in her office, she examined the wreckage of that time from her past. I had just gotten off shift and was exhausted, but I was more hungry than tired so I waited for her, thankfully. Dyers basement work area was like a bunker; she was shielded by the high, small windows, and by a couch and a stranger. There was a guy reading a book at a table behind the couch, and he jumped over the couch and shielded me from flying debris. The instinct to help, to protect, to secure, all came as second nature to so many, Lancaster recalled. When I got outside, there was so much dust, smoke, people walking around confused, dazed, bloodied. But something caught her eye in the distance and it stayed with her for more than twenty yearspartially attributed as the reason shes still in uniform today. I saw two guys carrying another guy on their shoulders; his legs were bloodied. I saw so many strangers helping each other. Everyone just helped. Lancaster assumed command of AFMAO a few days after the June anniversary of the attack, and she hired Dyer during that anniversary month. Neither woman knew that the other was a fellow survivor. We didnt even know each other when we were stationed there, Lancaster said, recalling that her deployment was nearly over when the attack happened. Dyer said she was beyond green back then. It was my fifth day there. We were locked down. Through the softened lens of years, for two survivors of the Khobar Towers attack the tragedy became the very reason they found themselves working together, both in leadership roles at the sole state-side military mortuary serving the fallen. When asked if the attack galvanized their sense of belonging in the Air Force: Definitely, its the reason I still serve, said Lancaster. Its a big reason Im still here, echoed Dyer. They both said it was the rallying together and the will to fight that defined them, not the bombs blast. Electa Wright, who was a one-striper Airman when the Khobar Towers attack happened, is now a retired senior master sergeant continuing to serve at AFMAO as a licensed mortuary technician. In 1996, her knowledge of the Khobar Towers was nil. I didnt even know where it was, she confessed, quickly acknowledging how intimate her understanding of the place soon became. In response to the attack, she served 14-hour days on orders as a much-needed Reservist at the old Port Mortuary. It was my job to take the fallen members from station to station; to stay with them throughout the process. Wright said somewhere in the long and daunting days following the attack, when 19 fallen Servicemembers passed through the care of the old Port Mort, she found a purpose in providing that final care to fellow service members. Opening the pouch containing human remains days after and thousands of miles away from the attack, Wright recalled 20 years later how she was forever changed. A service member killed by the blast while sleeping in his bed; another so burned by the intense heat that he appeared frozen in a position of running for his life. Wright said she could still recall the colors of their shirts, and she could tell the one member was sleeping because, He was curled up in the fetal position and his eyes were closed. On the night of the attack, Security Forces Airmen spotted a suspicious truck from a rooftop. After witnessing the driver running away, they began alerting residents. Moments later the explosion. The carnage. The acts of heroism. The selflessness in the face of tragedy. The rallying of spirits. All permeated the base like the dust and debris. Lancaster said everything, including the change of command, stopped because normalcy was needed most. Everyone focused on taking care of the wounded and the fallen in getting them home and nothing else mattered. The remains were transported from Dhahran to Dovers Port Mortuary. Airmen like Wright, the former one-striper, cleaned and dressed the remains, all to preserve their dignity and honor. Back across thousands of miles of land and sea, it would be up to others to sift through debris, to ask questions like Who? and Why? Questions aimed at exposing all those responsible for the attack. The first soluble steps at answering those questions would take 19 years. In August 2015, a man suspected in the bombing was captured and identified as Ahmed al-Mughassil, the head of the military wing of Saudi Hezbollah, according to the U.S. State Department and the FBI. He is suspected of orchestrating the attack, which was the deadliest targeting of U.S. forces since the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marines barracks in Beirut, when 241 American servicemen were killed. He has yet to face trial. To survivors, the lingering question of whether justice will ever be served for the 19 killed and the nearly 500 others injured was answered on the day of the attack. No. Not ever. There can never be justice for that, said Lancaster, who received a Purple Heart for wounds inflicted that day by shards of imploding glass. It was a defining time for me. Ive never forgotten it. Pararescuemen gather for rodeo, reunion That others may live. To a pararecueman, this is the motto, creed and essence of what it means to be part of the Air Forces guardian angel community. Through every war or conflict, this creed has created a brotherhood bonded through legacy - one continuing to be written. At the 2016 Pararescue Reunion in Melbourne, Florida, active duty, Guard and Reserve pararescuemen, also known as PJs, joined those that came before them to exchange stories, reminisce on missions and share in the thrill and excitement of a skills competition. The rodeo and reunion is a good chance for the old guys to see what the new guys are up to, and for the young guys to see what has changed since our day, said retired Chief Master Sgt. Paul Koester, the longest serving PJ in Air Force history with 41 years of service. It definitely strengthens the bonds of brotherhood. Its also about remembering those who have gone before us. The reunion brought in more than 600 retired and currently-serving PJs and their families to the beaches near Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. Some of the prior PJs are highly decorated in the pararescue career field and served as examples of what it means to leave a legacy. One of those attendees was retired Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Fisk, a recipient of two Silver Stars, a Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and 18 Air Medals to name a few. The 17-year PJ said the legacy of pararescue is rooted deep within the PJ creed. The legacy of pararescue is giving, said Fisk. It is self-sacrifice, service to others before self and in some cases, the ultimate sacrifice. Our motto, that others may live, rings true in our specialty. We are just individual players in the reinforcement of the motto. For an experienced man like Fisk, he said seeing current PJs who hone the same traits as he and his brothers exemplified while serving, gives him a sense of pride for his time wearing the coveted maroon beret. When we see these warriors of today and the pride they exude, it fires us retirees up, added Fisk. We see these young troops and look at them with awe; we must have served well, because they are following in our footsteps and making them bigger. When I see these studs out there doing this PJ thing and see how much better they are that is legacy. The sentiment of legacy was not lost on the current guardian angels. For 2nd Lt. Daniel Warren, a combat rescue officer for the 212th Rescue Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and former enlisted PJ of 10 years, the career field was a dream because of men like Fisk. Since 9th grade I always wanted to be a PJ, said Warren. Ive researched it, and a lot of that research was on these guys here and other PJs who paved the way. Now that Ive done some PJ stuff myself, and gotten to meet these older guys, its a shared bond youre never going to find with anyone else. While PJs from near and far shared their perspective on leaving a legacy, it was someone outside the career field who provoked thought about what it means to serve as a pararescuman. Retired Col. Kurt Buller was a former special tactics officer who served as a commander of battlefield Airmen such as PJs, combat controllers, tactical air control party troops, and special operations weathermen. He has lost 28 men since 9/11 in the mission of saving lives and defending freedom. The men in attendance at the reunion and those represented by them are war fighters who live and die by a code explained Buller. Everyone in this room is a hero; you went out there, you were given a task and you executed it to standard, said Buller. We take lives and save lives - not God-like, but with a code. When this country requires us to fight, we go out and fight. The legacy we leave is more important than the lineage we inherit, and when it comes to the pararescue force, the legacy is earned. These elite warriors have performed over 12,000 life-saving, combat rescue missions since 9/11. They've also eliminated and captured enemy combatants during the execution of these missions. You gotta risk your life to save a buddy to the left and right, you gotta risk your life to save someone caught in a crossfire, said Buller. And then when the fighting is over, you gotta to risk your life to save the enemy. Taking lives and saving lives thats the legacy of this force. And it is a noble one. This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company. As of 2020, Minuteman Review is now the proud owner and operator of Your Defence News, a website with a long history of breaking huge news stories and investigative journalism. We hope you are equally as excited as us. This means that now the teams of Minuteman can combine with the firepower of Your Defence News to stay at the absolute forefront for our readers. Keep an eye. Big things are coming soon. We couldn't be more excited. In the meanwhile, here are some of our most popular posts and categories to keep you busy. Happy shootin' my friends! Buying Guides: Firearms Firearm Accessories Ammunition Gun Safes Scopes & Optics Hunting Air Rifles Best AR-15 Best AR 15 Scope Best Hunting Rifle Best Gun Safe Best AK 47 Best AR 10 Best Glock Triggers Best Glock Best Home Defense Shotgun As a homeowner, you probably already know that you should be working to maintain your home. But, chances are, you Read More Moscow: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has denied that the Russian government was the source of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's emails that were published this year, a media report said on Thursday. "The Clinton camp has been able to project a hysteria that Russia is responsible for everything. Hillary Clinton has stated multiple times, falsely, that 17 US intelligence agencies had assessed that Russia was the source of our publications. That's false -- we can say that the Russian government is not the source," Assange told Russia's RT news in an exclusive interview from the Ecuadorian embassy in London where he has been living for four years. Assange also accused the US presidential candidate of being a pawn of behind-the-scenes interests, and voiced doubts about her physical fitness to take charge of the White House. "Hillary Clinton is just one person. I actually feel quite sorry for Hillary Clinton as a person, because I see someone who is eaten alive by their ambitions, tormented literally to the point where they become sick -- for example faint -- as a result of going on, and going with their ambitions. But she represents a whole network of people, and a whole network of relationships with particular states," the whistleblower said. Over the past nine months, WikiLeaks uploaded over 30,000 emails from Hillary Clinton's private email server, while she was Secretary of State (2009-2013). This was followed by nearly 20,000 emails sent to and by members of the US Democratic National Committee, exposing the party leadership's dismissive attitude towards Bernie Sanders, and his outsider primaries campaign. Last month, WikiLeaks posted over 50,000 emails connected to John Podesta, former President Bill Clinton's chief of staff, and a close associate of the current presidential frontrunner. The US Homeland Security Department and Office of the Director of National Intelligence posted a joint statement in October, claiming they were "confident" that the Russian government "directed" the leaks. Russia has rejected the accusations. Kabul: Two US service members were killed on Thursday while assisting Afghan security forces in operations against the Taliban around the northern city of Kunduz, a US military statement said. "The service members came under fire during a train, advise and assist mission with our Afghan partners to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the group`s operations in Kunduz district," the statement said. New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday took out a massive candlelight march covering some of the the city's famous landmarks like the Jantar Mantar and India Gate to protest against the government's handling of a suicide case pertaining to a 70-year-old retired jawan who had tragically ended his life over the delay in OROP pension. Here are the LIVE updates: - Ye Modiji ka naya Hindustan hai: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi after being released by police post 2-hour detention - Rahul Gandhi reaches his residence at Tughlaq Road after police release him, say reports. - This is perhaps the first time police refused to register a complaint from an MP: Rahul Gandhi after his release from detention. - Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has been released by police after being in detention for almost two hours. - Yesterday the family of the deceased veteran were treated miserably right in front of me. They were dragged and abused I am outraged by that as this affects the morale of our soldier protecting us on the borders. I want the Centre to apologise to the family: Rahul. - Day by day the Modi Government is showing its true face. All Rahul Gandhi and other Congress party workers did today was lead a peaceful march. This is the third time he has been detained in two days. We had given a notice to Delhi Police informing them about the march. This is nothing but a clear case of bullying: Congress leader Randeep Surjewala. - I was detained for doing my job. When I asked the police as to why they were doing this, they said that they had received the orders to do so from the top. Is it wrong to offer condolences? I just wanted to meet the family once. When they came out to meet me they were beaten and dragged to the police station: Rahul - Rahul Gandhi taken from Feroz Shah Road in the PCR van: ANI - I had gone to see a family who had served the nation, all doors of hospital were locked, there was no crowd: Rahul Gandhi - I want to tell the PM that he should deliver OROP to the country: Rahul Gandhi - I want the PM to assure me that he will address concerns on OROP: Rahul - Clash between police and Congress workers protesting over Rahul Gandhi's detention in Delhi. - Rahul Gandhi taken away from Jantar Mantar, police imposes Section 144, which prohibits the assembly of more than five people. - We are asked to remain in the car by police, they are not telling where are they going to take us now: Rahul Gandhi #WATCH: Rahul Gandhi speaks to ANI after detention from protest site,says 'have been in car for past half an hour,police not letting us out' pic.twitter.com/sCBt2XNmDG ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 - I will continue sitting here, I'm happy; PM should apologise to what they have done to Grewal's family: Rahul - They are not taking me to police station; I am sitting in the car, was told they are stopping me because of section 144: Rahul Gandhi - Rahul Gandhi has been stopped under section 144, media reports said citing police. - It's almost half an hour and we are still here in the car. Way the family was treated and dragged, Govt should apologise for it: Rahul Gandhi, ANI quoted Rahul Gandhi as saying. - Rahul Gandhi says he has only one demand and that is the Modi government should apologize to subadar Grewal's family members for beating them at police station. - The Congress on Thursday demanded an apology from the Narendra Modi-led central government for questioning the mental state of the ex-serviceman who allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison. - Rahul Gandhi was taken away in a police vehicle from Jantar Mantar when he was leading a protest march. - Rahul Gandhi taken to his house and not detained, say media reports citing Delhi police. - Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has been detained by the Delhi police during a candle light march of his party. - Senior Congress leaders as well as an army of party workers took part in the demonstration to highlight the government's failure to provide help to the retired army jawans and the police high-handedness. - The party also slammed Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar over his comment on the dead retired jawan who had tragically ended his life. - Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, who participated in the protest, accused the Modi government of fooling people on many key issues facing the nation". - He also slammed Union Minister General VK Singh for his comments on the dead soldier from Bhiwani, saying that he has gone against the sentiments of the defence forces by calling the retired subadar a "Congress worker". - Terming his remarks as shameful, Singh said, He (Parrikar) is a senior minister in the Modi Cabinet... a lot of things can be said about his tenure." - Slamming the Modi government, Singh said, even the surgical strike of the Army was unnecessary dragged into a controversy by deliberately giving it a political colour by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who allegedly said "it's an RSS 'shanskar'". New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi was on Thursday "detained" by Delhi police as his party took out a candle march to protest the ill-treatment of the family members of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal who committed suicide. The Congress leader was detained after about two hours but the police denied any such action. Congress had taken out a protest march from Jantar Mantar against "disrespect" to the family members of subedar Grewal who committed suicide. Rahul Gandhi said that he was restrained soon after he reached the venue of protest march which is to culminate at India Gate. "They are not taking me to the police station so we are sitting here," he said pointing to the car he was in with party MP Jyotiraditya Scindia. "I was told that I am being taken away as Section 144 (of the Criminal Procedure Code) was imposed here," he told reporters. He slammed the Narendra Modi government, saying it "should show respect to the family" of the ex-soldier Ram Kishan Grewal who committed suicide on Tuesday over the issue of One Rank One Pension (OROP). The Congress leader said that family of the deceased soldier had been "disrespected" and its members were detained by the police on Wednesday. "I am demanding apology from the government as they have manhandled, abused, threatened and beaten up the family of ex-soldier in front of me in the hospital and police station. They were humilated," he said. The 70-year-old former Rajputana Rifles subedar had committed suicide here on Tuesday evening. He was demanding immediate implementation of OROP scheme. Congress leader Manish Tewari told IANS that police detaining Gandhi was "highly undemocratic." "If there was violation for Section 144 why Rahul Gandhi detained alone?" he asked. He also said that the government is trying to subvert all such peaceful protests. Meanwhile, police refuted the Congress party's claims, saying that they have not detained Gandhi. London: The High Court in London ruled on Thursday that parliament, not the government, must approve the start of Britain`s withdrawal from the European Union, in a landmark decision that could delay Brexit. Three senior judges ruled that Prime Minister Theresa May did not have the right to use her executive power to trigger Article 50 of the EU`s Lisbon treaty, which begins a two-year countdown to leaving the bloc. "We hold that the Secretary of State does not have power under the Crown`s prerogative to give notice pursuant to Article 50 of the TEU for the United Kingdom to withdraw from the European Union," the judgement said. The government was given leave to appeal and is widely expected to take the ruling to the Supreme Court, but it made no immediate announcement on the subject. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said the government was "disappointed" at the decision on Article 50, adding: "The government is determined to respect the result of the referendum." May has said she intends to trigger Article 50 by the end of March, and accused those bringing the court challenge of seeking to frustrate the process. Most members of the House of Commons campaigned for Britain to stay in the EU in the June referendum, and there is speculation they could push for a softer break with the bloc or even delay it altogether. "I am grateful to the court for the result, this is a victory for parliamentary democracy," one of the claimants in the case, Grahame Pigney, told reporters outside court. "I now hope everyone will respect the court decision so parliament will now make a decision on relation to the service of the Article 50 notice. "The government has indicated that they wish to appeal to the Supreme court, we would ask them not to do that, but if we do will we take it there and fight this." Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today accused Congress of "playing politics" over the alleged suicide by an ex-serviceman, with the party hitting back, terming as "black day" the death of army veteran in the history of the state which is celebrating its golden jubilee. INLD, the principal opposition in the state, also attacked the Centre for "not properly" implementing OROP which impelled the ex-serviceman to end his life. The alleged suicide by ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal took political overtones at a time when Haryana was busy in celebrating its golden jubilee. Haryana, carved out of the then joint Punjab on November 1, 1966, turned 50. "It is very unfortunate that political parties are playing politics over the body of an ex-serviceman. It should not happen. Whether Congress or AAP is playing politics, it is condemnable," Khattar said while talking to media here today. Khattar slammed Congress for not implementing OROP for a long time, saying when BJP government came to power at the Centre, it implemented it. "Rs 5,500 crore has been disbursed under OROP by the Centre while Congress was just sitting on this scheme and had made a provision of just Rs 500 crore, which was a cruel joke with ex-army personnel," he said. Asked, will the Haryana government declare as martyr the army veteran who allegedly committed suicide, Khattar said only those who lay down their lives at the border are declared martyrs. "He (Grewal) has committed suicide which even he accepted during conversation with his son. He has committed suicide which is not right. A solider does not commit suicide. Why he ended his life, we should look into this," said Khattar. He further said the state government will provide suitable financial aid to the ex-serviceman's family. Asked if he will go to Bhiwani to express his grief with Grewal's family, Khattar said state Transport minister, local MP and other leaders had gone there to meet the family of ex-serviceman. "We do not want to play any politics on the issue," he noted. Meanwhile, Congress raised the issue of alleged suicide of by Grewal at a function to mark Haryana's golden jubilee, before boycotting it. "It is a Kala Diwas (Black Day) in Haryana because our ex-serviceman has committed suicide. Our leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Bhupinder Singh Hooda went to Bhiwani to attend his cremation. It is not a golden jubilee. It is a black day," Congress leader and MLA Geeta Bhukkal said here. Hajipur: Four policemen were today injured as an escort jeep in the convoy of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and his minister son Tej Pratap Yadav overturned on Gandhi Setu in Bihar's Vaishali district, a police officer said. The police jeep, with four cops on escort duty, in the motorcade of Prasad and state Health Minister Tej Pratap Yadav lost control at the northern end of Gandhi Setu and overturned after a car suddenly came from the opposite direction, Town police station in-charge Sunil Kumar said. All four policemen, including Sub-Inspector (SI) Ravindra Rai, sustained severe injuries, he said, adding that the injured were admitted to the sadar hospital. The RJD supremo and his minister son were on their way to Chakbaze village under Mahua police station to express condolences to the kin of martyred soldier Rajiv Rai, the police officer said. Itanagar: The Congress in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday approached the Gauhati High Court after the state election officer rejected the papers of party candidate Lapalum Kri for the Hayuliang legislative assembly constituency bypoll. Kri, who is holding the post of Chief Engineer of Public Health Engineering department, applied for Voluntarily Retirement Scheme (VRS) but is yet to be released by the state government. In view of this, the state election officer rejected the candidature of Kri for the bypoll, which is slated for November 19. "The BJP and PPA government in Arunachal Pradesh is scared of the Congress and is afraid of facing us in electoral battle. This is the reason the government had not released our candidate despite his supplication for the VRS," said Arunachal Pradesh Pradesh Congress Committee (APPCC) President Padi Richo. He said they have already moved the Gauhati High court following the rejection of Kri as the candidate. The Congress alleged that the government led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu deliberately withheld the release of Kri from the department so that he cannot contest the polls. A total of four candidates, including two Independents, had filed nomination papers for the November 19 bypoll. While the BJP has fielded Dasanglu Pul, third wife of former Chief Minister late Kalikho Pul, the state election officer had rejected the candidature of Congress candidate. There are two independent candidates in the fray now -- Yompi Kri and Konteso Kri. The bypoll to Hayuliang constituency was necessitated after Kalikho Pul was found hanging from a ceiling fan inside his official residence in August 2016. Pul represented the constituency. While the bypoll will be held on November 19, the counting of votes will take place on November 22. Jamboni (WB): Hoping that the people of West Bengal will show "religious tolerance" and maintain a peaceful environment during the upcoming Chhath Puja, Jagaddhatri Puja, Christmas and other festivals, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said her state never believed in discrimination. "West Bengal believes in the philosophies of Ramakrishna and Vivekananda and rejects any sort of discrimination against people," she said. Banerjee alleged that though "some people" were "spreading religious intolerance" in the state and there was an "atmosphere of religious and political intolerance" in the country, "complete communal harmony" prevailed in West Bengal. "Bengal does not allow politics of communalism and riots. It will not be tolerated," she cautioned while addressing a rally after an administrative meeting here in West Midnapore district. She took pride in the fact that it was only Bengal which could celebrate both Durga Puja and Muharram "harmoniously". The chief minister said Jhargram (now a sub-division under West Midnapore district) would soon be made a full-fledged district. "Jhargram will soon become a new district. We are waiting for judicial clearances. We are redefining tourism in Jhargram. Earlier, people were scared to come to these places," she said. Simultaneously, Asansol and Kalimpong would also be carved out from Burdwan and Darjeeling districts respectively as full-fledged districts for better administration and implementation of various development programs, she said. Stating that "a smiling Jangalmahal" was her biggest achievement, Banerjee said, "Five years ago, the people of Jangalmahal were living in terror. The tides have turned and this is my biggest achievement. I can give my life but will never forget Jangalmahal." She said the Tribal Development Ministry would soon form a development board for the welfare of the people of Jangalmahal, adding that the government had initiated a major irrigation project for the districts of Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore. Banerjee said she had instructed the Forest department to look into the problems of the locals posed by stray elephants from the Dalma range in Jharkhand. On the occasion, the chief minister distributed bicycles under the 'Sabuj Sathi' program among students, inaugurated a few projects and laid the foundation stones for some others. Aligarh: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) students' union staged a demonstration against the killing of eight SIMI activists after a jail break in Bhopal and demanded a judicial probe into the matter. In a memorandum to President Pranab Mukerjee, AMU students' union demanded a Supreme Court-monitored judicial probe into the Bhopal encounter, an AMU office bearer said. Anger had been brewing on the campus since the news broke out in the media on Monday but the authorities managed to prevent any public display of the mounting resentment in view of the annual convocation on Tuesday. However, slogan-shouting students took out a procession yesterday which culminated into rally at the Sir Syed Gate. Addressing the protestors, the students' union President Faizul Hasan charged that ever since the NDA government came to power "Muslims were being wrongly targeted" . "We are all against terrorists but the battle against terror has to be fought by uniting all sections and not by selectively targeting only a particular section of the people", he said. He said that by targeting "innocents" the present government was "weakening the fight against terror". Hasan said that if the present trend continues the Modi government would ultimately be held accountable for fostering religious extremism and hatred the country. AMU students believe the best way to fight terror "was to take a stand against injustice wherever it takes place", he said while offering his sympathies to the family of the police constable who was also killed in the Bhopal jail break. Eight SIMI activists were killed in an alleged encounter with police on Monday after they escaped from the Bhopal jail. New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Thursday urged the political parties not to indulge in politics over the suicide of a former soldier and especially issues involving the armed forces. "Politics should not be done over the armed forces of the country," Rijiju told reporters here. Rijiju's remarks came a day after a political tussle erupted over the suicide of a former Rajputana Rifles Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal who consumed poison on Tuesday demanding immediate implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme. "I am urging that whoever has to say anything, should say after thinking properly," the Minister said. When asked about the Opposition's allegations over the delay in the implementation of the OROP scheme, Rijiju said, "The country knows what Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our (BJP) government has done for the soldiers." Kathmandu: Students from Nepal will be able to write entrance examinations of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) here from next year to pursue graduate and post-graduate courses, President Pranab Mukherjee announced today. Addressing a seminar titled 'Nepal and India: Exploring New Vistas' organised by India Foundation and Neeti Anusandhan Pratishthan Nepal here, the President, who is on a three-day State visit here, said India and Nepal have enjoyed a long tradition of academic and student exchanges. "India is happy to help Nepal with its human resource development. Our commitment is reflected in the grant of around 3,000 scholarships to Nepalese students every year, providing opportunities to study in Nepal and in India. We offer more than 250 scholarships annually for Government and non-Government employees of Nepal for training in technical institutes in India," he said. Mukherjee also said that India recognises the importance of water resources in the accelerated development in Nepal for which post-graduate scholarships for courses in hydel power and water resources management at IIT, Roorkee have been offered to Nepali engineers and experts this year. "I am also very happy to announce that from 2017 onwards, Nepali students will have the opportunity to pursue graduate and post-graduate courses in Indian Institutes of Technology on a regular basis. For this, our Institutes of Technology will open their entrance examinations to Nepali students. Aspirants would have the option to write these examinations in Kathmandu," he said. The President said the region is blessed with the young people known for their strong spirit of enterprise, dynamism and entrepreneurship. "To channelise this energy in the right direction, we must invest in health, education, technology and employment generation. We cannot remain hostage to the political baggage of history and prejudice, nor can we continue to follow policies that have failed to lift our people out of poverty," he said. Highlighting the age-old relations between the two countries, Mukherjee said in a partnership so rich and diverse in its scope and content, there are bound to be, occasionally, some differences in perceptions.Mukherjee said in a partnership so rich and diverse in its scope and content, there are bound to be, occasionally, some differences in perceptions. "This is absolutely normal. With enlightened leadership in both countries, regular consultations, open dialogue, mutual trust and goodwill, we have managed to overcome such eventualities. I would underscore that it would be crucial, in our common interest, to stay focused on our shared objective of peace, stability and development for our peoples and our region," he said. Itanagar: In yet another display of its capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully carried out landing of C-17 Globemaster at its strategic Advanced Landing Grounds (ALG) of Mechuka in West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The successful mission gives a major boost to the country's rapid airlift capability for forward operations and troop deployment in border areas, Menchuka being just 29 kilometers from the border with China. It was a perfect combination of a state-of-the-art technology and skills of IAF's pilots that made it possible to land such a big military aircraft at an elevation of 6200 ft with a landing surface only 4200 feet long. The Menchuka ALG, which was re-activated earlier this year in May, was non-functional since 2013 following its reconstruction work along with the ALGs of Aalo, Ziro, Tuting, Pasighat and Tezu. Situated along the international border, Mechuka was one of the strategic locations during the Indo-China war in 1962. The McMohan Line is around 40 km from Mechuka town. The remoteness of the area can be gauged from the fact that it takes two days by road to travel to area from Dibrugarh, the nearest railhead. The IAF had started its operations with Dakota and Otter in 1962 in the area and subsequently the Antonov-32, popularly known as AN-32, was operated till October 2013 before the reconstruction work was started. Chennai: The ruling AIADMK has said Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has "started living a normal life" after being admitted to a hospital here more than a month ago, amidst visitors thronging the hospital to know about her health. Party workers continued to organise prayers for the Chief Minister's speedy recovery. "The doctors said there is no need for any concern and I am so happy to note that," actress Sarada told media persons outside the hospital today as she equated Jayalalithaa with Rani Lakshmibai. Yesterday the ruling AIADMK had said Jayalalithaa has "progressed well" and "started living a normal life". "She is very well and is consuming normal food. She has started living a normal life. She will return soon and resume public service," party leader C R Saraswathy said. Party spokesperson Panrutty S Ramachandran had said Jayalalithaa (68), had "progressed well", adding, "People are confident (of her return) and their prayers are yielding results." Jayalalithaa was admitted to the Apollo Hospital on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration. Later, the hospital had said she was being treated for infection with respiratory support among others. In its last medical bulletin on October 21, the hospital had said the Chief Minister was interacting and progressing gradually. Specialists from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and from London among others have treated Jayalalithaa. The AIADMK has commenced its campaign for the Thanjavur, Aravakurichi and Thiruparankundram assembly constituencies that will go to polls on November 19. Vijayawada: The day-long bandh called by the outlawed CPI (Maoist), to protest the recent encounter in the Andhra-Odisha border zone that left at least 24 ultras dead, had little impact in Andhra Pradesh today. Police, however, stepped up security measures in the tribal-inhabited agency areas of the state as a precautionary measure. According to police, no untoward incident was reported till noon. There was an uneasy silence in the agency villages in Visakhapatnam district that border Odisha where the outlaws normally move about. Visakhapatnam (Rural) Superintendent of Police Rahul Dev Sharma told PTI over the phone that everything remained normal as the bandh call had no impact. "Buses are plying normally. Businesses are open and even the weekly shandy is running," he said. Meanwhile, Vizianagaram District Superintendent of Police L K V Ranga Rao also said the bandh had no impact in the Naxal-infested areas of Saluru (rural), Pachipenta, Neelakantapuram and other agency areas. All the business establishments opened as usual and buses were also running in Naxal-hit areas of the district, the SP said, adding that people on roads were less due to the Nagula Chavithi festival. According to RTC public relations officer, about two per cent of the inter-state bus services, mainly operating from Vizianagaram to Odisha were affected while all bus services were operating as usual in Vizianagaram district and there was no impact on it due to the bandh New Delhi: India on Thursday raised strong objections to the printing of the names and photos of eight Indian diplomats in the Pakistani media after accusing them of spying. Government strongly protests the manner in which the names and photos of eight Indian officials, four of them holders of diplomatic passports, have been published, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup told the media. He said Pakistan's false allegations against the diplomats have the potential to adversely affect the corresponding activities of the high commission. Swarup said the officials were falsely implicated. In fact, they were working in the fields of promoting people to people, trade and economic contacts. It is important for Pakistan to desist its failed policies that has led to its diplomatic isolation, he said. Swarup said Pakistan must create a conducive atmosphere in which discussions on regional prosperity could take place within the SAARC framework. The root cause of problems between the two sides is Pakistan's support to cross-border terrorism and its promotion as element of state policy, he said. The MEA had earlier said that Mehmood Akhtar, the Pakistani high commission staffer who was arrested by Delhi police on charges of spying, revealed information about anti-India activities going inside Pakistani High Commission. Responding to a question on cross-border fire, Swarup said, Our forces don't initiate nor violate ceasefire, they only retaliate. 2/3rds of ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place in the last five weeks, he said, adding India rejects Pakistan's claim of ceasefire violations by Army. We completely reject baseless and unsubstantiated allegations made by Pakistan against certain Indian High Commission officials in Islamabad. Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik on Thursday said there was no scope for any alliance with the Congress. "There is no question at all of any alliance with the Congress. The Congress has always neglected the people of Odisha," Patnaik told reporters after addressing a public meeting in Balasore district. However, some leaders of the ruling Biju Janata Dal appeared willing to reconsider the stand. "Our position is that we may reconsider our stand of equidistance from both the Congress and BJP. Politics is dynamic and nobody is untouchable," BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahatab had said. Reports of alliance with the Congress surfaced after the BJD's parliamentary party leader in the Lok Sabha, Mahatab, indicated BJD was willing to join a grand alliance against the BJP. Srinagar: As the suicide by an Army veteran over One Rank One Pension scheme snowballed into a huge political show, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Thursday, said around one lakh ex-military personnnel are yet to get full benefit of OROP. Commenting on the contentious issue, Parrikar admitted that there was some technical issue in full implementation of OROP, adding that it will be soon sorted out. "Only one lakh ex-servicemen (out of over 20 lakh) are not getting pension as per OROP scheme due to some technical difficulty or documentation problems. We will resolve these problems in coming two months," he said addressing Army veterans in Budgam. The government is committed to fulfil its election promise of implementing the OROP, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) asserted. Government is committed to ex-servicemen welfare, the Union Minister said. Parrikar said the government is sensitive to OROP issue as it was not implemented for the past 43 years. "We did it. Every year Rs 7,500 crore (will be incurred) and Rs 11,000 crore arrears have been paid. There has been 23 to 24 percent average increase in pension," he added. After interacting and listening to the problems of the ex-servicemen, Parikkar assure them that their grievances would be resolved. "Whatever (problems) has been conveyed to me today will be resolved by the time I come again. Today, I was given 10 minutes for an interaction with you but I extended it to 40 minutes. Next time, I will spend half a day with you," he said, adding he will make all efforts to resolve the problems of the ex-servicemen. Earlier, the Defence Minister had tweeted the status report of OROP implementation. OROP implementation status as on September, 2016. Govt. is committed to ex-servicemen welfare. https://t.co/jc9eJgRmYA pic.twitter.com/HTI9qOZJgX Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) November 2, 2016 Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday had said the first installment of nearly Rs 5,500 crore has been paid for implementing the OROP scheme. "The OROP was not about just Rs 200 crore or Rs 500 crore, but Rs 10,000 crore... After I became the PM, and decided that I had to do (implement) it, the entire government lost sleep over it... It was not possible for the government to pay in one go, so I requested the ex-servicemen to accept it in four instalments. "The money will reach them in four instalments. Nearly, Rs 5,500 crore has been paid as the first installment," PM Modi had said. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other opposition leaders are attacking the Modi government over the suicide of former soldier Ram Kishan Grewal, who allegedly took the drastic step demanding OROP's implementation. A former Rajputana Rifles subedar, the 70-year-old allegedly consumed poison at a Delhi park on Tuesday evening demanding the immediate implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme. Also Read - OROP suicide row: Grewal cremated as Rahul, Kejriwal join mourners Huge political drama has been unfolding since yesterday with Kejriwal, Rahul and several other Congress leaders paying a visit to Bamla village in Haryana's Bhiwani district to attend the funeral of Grewal. BJP today hit out at Rahul and Kejriwal for playing politics over the ex-armyman's alleged suicide. New Delhi: Amid high political drama over the alleged suicide of former soldier Ram Kishan Grewal, Union Minister VK Singh on Thursday said the ex-serviceman's issue was with the bank, and not OROP, as it is being projected. A day after Singh triggered a controversy with his demand for probe into the "mental state" of the ex-serviceman, who committed alleged suicide over OROP, the MoS said, Grewal was a Congress worker and contested Sarpanch election on Congress ticket. He termed Grewal's death as unfortunate. The ex-Army chief raised serious doubts on Grewal's alleged suicide, saying it needs to be probed as from where the ex-Armyman procured the Sulpha tablets. The BJP leader said all facts needed to be investigated because "I don`t know the political reasons" behind his suicide. ''See, he committed sucide, nobody knows the reason why. OROP has been shown as the reason, but we do not know the status of his mental health. Let the investigation take place. I have already told that OROP should be kept separate from politics,'' Singh said. He added that most aspects of the OROP have been covered and that if someone complains over a few pennies and the delay of few years, should not be indulged. The Union Minister also raised questions on the telephonic conversation between Grewal and his son Kulwant Grewal. The Army veteran had reportedly called Kulwant minutes before taking the extreme step. ''I am sitting near India Gate and I have consumed poison. The government is doing injustice to jawans and I cant tolerate this. I am a man of principle. I am sacrificing my life for the betterment my family, ex-soldiers and my nation, 70-year-old Grewal is heard said in the audio. Defending the government, Singh asserted, If Grewal had reached out to us (Government), and didn't get help, then it would have been our fault. Also Read: Grewal cremated as Rahul, Kejriwal join mourners Former soldier Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal, who committed suicide on Tuesday was entitled to OROP but his pension was delayed due to some problem in calculation by his bank, defence ministry sources said. Menawhile, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala launched a scathing attack on teh Union MInsiter saying, "Singh's continuous character assassination of a soldier is disgusting...BJP encashs Army's bravery but fails to do justice to veterans." "Panchayat elections are not fought on party tickets in Haryana. BJP should stop lame duck excuses and apologise for insulting armed forces," Surjewala tweeted. Sources from the ministry said Grewal served the Territorial Army for six years and 11 months after which he was serving in the Defence Security Corps and was entitled to OROP. The delay in receiving the revised pension was due to problems in calculation by the State Bank of India bank branch in Haryana's Bhiwani district, said sources, adding that the matter was being looked into. Sources also said that as per the register, he did not seek any appointment with the defence minister. Former soldier Ram Kishan Grewal was cremated in Bamla village in Haryana's Bhiwani distric today in the presence of hundreds of people including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Also Read: 'I'm near India Gate... have consumed poison' - Subedar Ram Kishan Grewals last words to his family A former Rajputana Rifles subedar, the 70-year-old allegedly consumed poison at a Delhi park on Tuesday evening demanding the immediate implementation of the OROP scheme. Lucknow: UP CM Akhilesh Yadav's 'Vikas Rath Yatra' received a rocky start on Thursday as a clash broke out between Samajwadi Party workers at the yatra venue in Lucknow. Here is the video of the incident:- UP: Clash erupted between supporters of UP CM Akhilesh Yadav ahead of his Vikas Rath Yatra in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/10MQT5HxJI ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2016 Vikas Rath Yatra Call it a showdown or a show of strength, the stage is set for Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's 'Vikas Rath Yatra' to be flagged off on Thursday by SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, where Shivpal Yadav will remain present to send a message of unity in the ruling party. "All arrangements have been made. The yatra will be flagged off by 'Netaji' (Mulayam) and senior party leaders, party state president Shivpal Yadav will also remain present," MLC Sunil Yadav Sajan, who is close to Akhilesh, told media. Sajan, who is also incharge of first leg of the yatra, said at every second kilometre, the CM will be welcomed and he will also address gatherings at various locations. Last month, Shivpal had expelled Sajan, considered close to Akhilesh, from the party. The supporters of both Akhilesh and Shivpal factions are keeping an eye on the development and the entire route of yatra is dotted with hoardings, banners and colourful arches to welcome the 'Vikas Sey Vijay Tak' rath yatra starting from here. Jaipur: Congress leaders, led by PCC Chief Sachin Pilot, today courted arrest during a protest against the detention of party vice president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi when he was trying to meet the family members of army veteran Ram Kishan Grewal who allegedly committed suicide over One Rank One Pension issue. Congress leaders and workers held a demonstration at the Collectorate circle here during which Pilot accused the BJP-led NDA government of "misusing the machinery" and termed as "murder of the democracy" the detention of Gandhi. A senior police official said 21 Congress leaders courted arrest. "21 Congress leaders, including Pilot, courted arrest," DCP (West) Ashok Gupta said. Apart from Pilot, former Chief minister Ashok Gehlot, former PCC chief Chandrabhan, former Union minister Namonarain Meena were also present during the protest. "The BJP government had murdered the democracy by detaining Rahul Gandhi yesterday. The government misused the police and administration," Pilot said, addressing the workers during the demonstration. Terming as "unfortunate" the army veteran ending his life, he said "it shows the apathy of the government, which is ignoring the demands of the defence personnel." He also accused the central government of taking "political advantage of the surgical strikes". The PCC chief said visiting the grieving family was not a crime but the government acted against the spirit of the Constitution by detaining Gandhi, and demanded an apology. Former Chief minister Ashok Gehlot said the incident has exposed the "fascist" character of the BJP government at the Centre and alleged it has misused police and administration against the Opposition leaders. Lucknow: Hinting at forging alliance, Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav on Thursday vowed to unite all secular parties to defeat BJP in UP Assembly Elections. Also, he said that national leadership of Samajwadi Party and Netaji (Mulayam) will take a call on possible alliances. Earlier, seeking to send a message of unity in the ruling Samajwadi Party which has been battling a bitter power struggle, Mulayam Singh Yadav on Thursday flagged off Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's rath yatra in the presence of state SP chief Shivpal Yadav in Lucknow. Ending days of suspense on whether he will be present or not, the SP patriarch arrived at La Martinere grounds - the flag off venue - soon after Akhilesh reached there. Shivpal also joined them moments later. Mulayam took a seat on the stage and was flanked by Shivpal on one side and Akhilesh on the other to send a message that the party was united ahead of the upcoming UP Assemly elections barely a few months away. Greater Noida: Three women brick-klin workers were allegedly gang raped by some robbers who looted their houses in Karoli village here, police said today. The robbers struck at the houses at around 12.30 AM in the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday and after looting the houses they raped the three women, they said. An FIR has been registered in the matter, Greater Noida Superintendent of Police Sujata Singh said, adding medical examination of the victims have been conducted. An investigation is underway in the matter, she said. Srinagar: Even as all educational institutions continue to remain shut owing to the 118-day long ongoing unrest in the Valley, the private school authorities are flashing messages to parents asking them to deposit the fees of their wards of the closed period. Most of the schools are charging full tuition fee from the students for the unrest period, besides 50 per cent bus fee charges for each month and are asking parents to deposit the school fees of their wards before the end of this month, which marks the culmination of the academic year in the Valley. The attempt has drawn criticism from the parents who demand waiver of the fee since their wards could not attend the schools for about past four months. Noisy scenes were witnessed at the premises of DPS Budgam, a leading school in private sector, in central Kashmir today after a large number of parents objected to the directive of the school authorities. "It is unethical and immoral. There is no logic in seeking the fee for the closed period at a time when the life has paralysed in the Valley," an agitated parent said. Sensing trouble, the school authorities closed the fee counters and decided to hold a parent-management meet on Monday to sort out the issue. The academic year ends in November in Kashmir and the school authorities used to clear the accounts before the start of the next session which is followed by three-month long winter vacation staring next month. Most of the schools used to charge the tuition fee for the winter months but wave off the bus fee. "We never sought waiver of the tuition fee for the winter months since we know the school management has to pay the staff. But this time around, every sphere of life has been affected due to the prevailing situation and it is not possible for an ordinary person to deposit the fee," another parent said. Earlier, chairman of hardline Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Geelani had appealed to the management of all private schools to allow 50 per cent fee concession to the students in view of the prevailing situation. "Under the prevailing situation, it is the duty of the people to help and provide comfort and concession to one another," Geelani had said in a statement last month. Jabalpur (MP): A PIL was on Thursday filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking a judicial probe into the alleged encounter in which eight SIMI activists were killed in Bhopal on October 31. The petition was moved by Awadhesh Bhargava, a journalist and social worker in Bhopal, who raised doubts over the veracity of the encounter. "The action of the authorities amounts to violation of human rights and it is an abuse of process of law," the petition said while seeking a judicial investigation into the police action. The eight SIMI activists, who pulled off a daring prison break and escaped in the wee hours on Monday after killing a security guard at the Bhopal Central Jail, were gunned down in an encounter at Malikheda on Bhopal outskirts hours later. While CID is probing the alleged encounter, a separate investigation is on into the jailbreak. New Delhi: The CBI has filed a charge sheet against three accused in a case related to its probe in the Vyapam scam of Madhya Pradesh. The supplementary charge sheet, a CBI spokesperson said, was filed before a court in Gwalior against a solver, identified as Dilip Kumar Pathak, candidate Deshraj Singh and alleged middleman Suresh Jat. The spokesperson said the agency had registered a complaint in this regard in December last year after the Supreme Court directed the agency to take over probe in Vyapam cases. "It was alleged that during reconciliation and matching of photograph in PCRT Examination on September 30, 2012, the invigilators at the examination centre at Gwalior found that photograph and signatures in the application form of candidate were not matching with the candidate who was appearing in the said examination conducted by Vyapam. "It was revealed during investigation that the candidate (Singh) approached a middleman (Jat) to arrange a solver for appearing in the PCRT Examination, 2012 on his behalf," the agency said. It added that Jat arranged a solver (Pathak) who "impersonated in the examination" on behalf of Singh. "The state police had earlier filed charge sheet against the three accused persons. During CBI investigation, forensic opinion was obtained from the CFSL regarding fingerprint examination and handwriting which conclusively proved that the solver had allegedly impersonated candidate in the said examination fraudulently," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the agency also collected additional evidence and added certain sections of IPC and MPRE Act, 1937 in the supplementary charge sheet. "All the three accused persons appeared before the court at the time of filing of charge sheet on notice. The court cancelled their earlier bail and sent them to judicial custody," the spokesperson said. At least 155 FIRs have been registered by the CBI to look into the scam, which relates to alleged massive irregularities in recruitment to government jobs and selection for various professional courses like engineering and medical done by the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB), abbreviated in Hindi as 'Vyapam'. Mumbai: NCP today blamed Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan for the failure of the parties to formalise an alliance for the November 19 Legislative Council elections. State NCP president Sunil Tatkare told reporters that "some leaders have an apathy towards NCP since its inception." "When majority of Congress leaders are positive for an alliance with NCP to avoid split in votes, some leaders are creating roadblocks in finalisation of alliance. It is due to this attitude that the alliance was called off before 2014 Assembly polls," he said without naming Chavan. "There is still time to for the Congress to withdraw their candidates where NCP has sitting members. If Congress is willing, we are open to discussions," he said. NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said his party had not fielded candidate in Nanded where Congress has sitting member. "If Congress withdraws from seats where we are contesting, we will support Congress in Nanded, but it looks like some leaders from Satara want to bring trouble for Ashok Chavan in Nanded," he claimed. During a meeting with NCP to discuss prospects of poll alliance, Congress emphasised that they would want to contest three out of six seats, including Nanded. Malik said Prithviraj Chavan's insistence that Congress contest the Sangli-Satara local bodies seat caused a deadlock in alliance. "In Sangli-Satara, out of total 312 votes, NCP has 200 votes while Congress has 72 votes, BJP has 15, Shiv Sena 7, Shetkari Sanghatna one and independents six. How can Congress claim this seat?" Malik asked. He also hit out at the advertisements of the Maharashtra government on completing 2 years in office. "Instead of Maharashtra's growth and progress in the last two years, the state is crying and on the downhill. Muscle power is used in politics and social harmony is destroyed. Law and order is at its lowest ebb. Women are not safe," he said. "Women and Child Minister Pankaja Munde and Tribal Minister Vishnu Sawra should be sacked," he said. Malik also asked how the state can be called farmer friendly when there have been highest number of farmer suicides. Chandigarh: Former Shiromani Akali Dal MP Varinder Singh Bajwa and Aam Aadmi Party leader Harvinder Pal Singh were among those who joined the Punjab unit of Congress here today. Former Rajya Sabha member Bajwa, who resigned as the member of SAD political affairs committee, and AAP's convener from Shri Hargobindur joined Congress in the presence of party state chief Amarinder Singh. Amarinder, along with AICC General Secretary (Punjab Affairs) Asha Kumari, welcomed the new joinees to the party, describing the development as a sign of the complete loss of confidence by Akalis in the "corrupt" Badals and "disillusionment with the outsider" AAP. Alleging that SAD was being controlled by mafias, with no concern for the governance of Punjab, Bajwa said only Amarinder could lead the state out of the quagmire which it had been plunged into by the Badal government. Thanking Amarinder for welcoming him into the PPCC, Harvinder Pal Singh alleged that AAP had proved to be a sham, with its leadership only concerned with furthering their vested interests. He said he had joined AAP believing it to be an alternative to the other parties in Punjab but had soon found that it was a party of outsiders who had no understanding of problems of the people of the state. Having made a mess of Delhi since taking over its reins, AAP was now eyeing Punjab to promote its nefarious designs, Harvinder alleged. Another SAD leader to join PPCC was party general secretary Ram Parkash, brother of Kabir Das who recently left Punjab Congress to join the Akalis. Ram Parkash said he was completely disillusioned by SAD. Hardev Singh, member of SAD working committee as well as retired IAS officer TR Sarangal, were also welcomed by Amarinder and Kumari into the Congress fold, along with Harjinder Rehal, general secretary SAD Hoshiarpur. Lucknow: With an eye on Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2017, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav will embark on his 'Vikas Rath Yatra' on Thursday. However, utter confusion prevails in ruling Samajwadi Party camp over presence of party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and his brother Shivpal Yadav when Akhilesh embarks on his highly-publicised 'Rath Yatra' today. Lakhs of youths are expected to participate in the yatra, which will prove to be the turning point of politics. At every halt, Akhilesh will be welcomed by youths, farmers, minority and he will also address the gathering. The yatra's focus is to establish a new identity of Akhilesh "leadership" and help in ensuriing success for 2017 assembly polls. All schools in the state capital and Unnao have been shut owing to the "VVIP movement", which is all set to bring the state capital and the Lucknow-Kanpur highway to a grinding halt. A lot of arrangements have been made by Team Akhilesh for the success of the yatra, in which besides video titled 'Kam Bolta Hai' (Work speaks), showing the CM working tirelessly will also be shown. Arrangements are being made to ensure huge success of the yatra, amidst family tussle to establish Akhilesh as "indisputed" political heir of SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav. Akhilesh is set to embark on the yatra atop a modified Mercedes bus from Lucknow. Also Read: Minus Akhilesh, there is no Samajwadi Party, says Ram Gopal Yadav While the red-colour Mercedes bus has the images of SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Chief Minister himself, socialist ideologues Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia and Jnaneshwar Mishra, his uncle Shivpal's picture is seen neither on the vehicle nor elsewhere. The bus also has pictures of the flagship schemes of the state government -- Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Free Laptop Scheme and 1090 Women helpline. The 37-foot-long and 15-foot tall bus has all the facilities like Wi-Fi connection, telephone connectivity, a small wash room, a mini-war room and a motorised platform, which will be propelled up by a hydraulic shaft that will bring Akhilesh out of the bus, face to face with the people. In the first phase, he will venture out from the La Martinere Boys College in Lucknow, and after covering more than 75 km will conclude at the stadium in Shuklaganj, Unnao. The Chief Minister will end the Vikas Yatra the same evening and return to Lucknow. He will restart his Rath Yatra again on November 7, after attending the silver jubilee gala of the Samajwadi Party on November 5. The divided Yadav clan The Yadav family has been a divided house with Akhilesh and Ram Gopal Yadav on one side and Shivpal Yadav and Amar Singh on the other. The supporters of both Akhilesh and Shivpal factions are keeping an eye on the development and the entire route of yatra is dotted with hoardings, banners and colourful arches to welcome the 'Vikas Sey Vijay Tak' rath yatra starting from here. Also Read: Mulayam projects 'all is well' image in SP; Akhilesh says 'will quit as UP CM if father asks me to' A cavalcade of over 5,000 SUVs and trucks will seek to send a message to the party leadership that 43-year-old Akhilesh is the "most acceptable" face of SP. The pro-CM camp, which has expelled SP leaders, is working overtime to make it one of the biggest political shows of recent times, coming close on the heels of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's month-long Deoria-to-Delhi 'kisan yatra'. Shivpal had recently blamed his estranged cousin Ram Gopal Yadav for Samajwadi Party's decision to walk out of the alliance in Bihar. Ram Gopal, a Rajya Sabha member, has been backing Akhilesh in his fight against Shivpal. Ram Gopal was recently sacked from the party amid escalating tension between the rival camps. The ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) presented a united picture on Thursday as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav embarked on the first phase of the 'Samajwadi Vikas Path Yatra'. Dehradun: A team of Election Commission officials led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Naseem Zaidi is on a two-day visit to Uttarakhand to review the preparations for polls in the hill state, an official said on Thursday. The state goes to polls early next year to elect its legislative assembly, along with neighbouring states Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Soon after their arrival late on Wednesday, the poll panel officials attended an event aimed at creating voting awareness and the later viewed a street play improvised for encouraging more and more people to come out and vote. Uttarakhand Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Radha Ratoodi said the members of the commission and the CEC on the second day of their visit would launch a mobile application and three online apps. She added that the digital interface has been prepared for ease of communication and for making the electoral process more transparent. Baghdad: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi rose from obscurity to lead the world`s most infamous and feared jihadist group, but shuns the spotlight and cultivates an aura of mystery. A recording purportedly of the Islamic State leader`s voice was released on Thursday, the first such message in 2016. It came as thousands of Iraqi forces started to mass around the city of Mosul, where Baghdadi publicly announced the creation of his "caliphate", the most ambitious and brutal experiment in modern jihad. The recording released by the IS-affiliated Al-Furqan media group was a rare sign of life from Baghdadi, who is known as Caliph Ibrahim by his followers and has a $10 million US bounty on his head. Air strikes by the US-led coalition supporting the anti-IS war in Iraq and Syria have depleted the leadership of the jihadist organisation in recent months. Rumours have abounded about Baghdadi`s own health and movements but his whereabouts remain unclear. Shortly after jihadist fighters swept across swathes of Iraq in June 2014, Baghdadi appeared at the Great mosque of Al-Nuri to proclaim a "state" straddling Syria and Iraq in front of thousands of Muslim faithful. The video of the appearance in Mosul -- which showed a man with a black and grey beard wearing a black robe and matching turban -- is the only one IS has released of Baghdadi to date."It is rather remarkable that the leader of the most image-conscious terrorist group is so low-key in terms of his own publicity," said Patrick Skinner, an analyst with the Soufan Group intelligence consultancy. Baghdadi has been reported wounded in air strikes multiple times, but the claims have never been verified, and his apparent survival has added to his mystique. "He has an element of mystery about him and seems to have achieved a lot more in real terms" than "old guard" jihadists such as Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri, said Aymenn al-Tamimi, a fellow at the Middle East Forum. Baghdadi revived the fortunes of Iraq`s struggling Al-Qaeda affiliate, the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), turning it into the independent IS group. ISI was on the ropes when Baghdadi took over in 2010, but the group has bounced back, expanding into Syria in 2013 and then launching its sweeping offensive in Iraq last year. Baghdadi "and his circle made a very, very strategic plan and then they went out and executed that plan; that inspires loyalty and confidence," said Skinner. Until the first half of 2015, Baghdadi was the undisputed leader of the jihadist world but the steady decline of the "caliphate" will offer his rivals a chance to challenge his supremacy again.According to an official Iraqi government document, Baghdadi was born in Samarra in 1971 and has four children with his first wife -- two boys and two girls born between 2000 and 2008. Another ex-wife, Saja al-Dulaimi, who was detained in Lebanon in 2014, described Baghdadi in a March interview to Swedish daily Expressen as "a normal family man" and university professor adored by his offspring. Their seven-year-old daughter, Hagar, said she wanted to go to Europe to study. An Iraqi intelligence report indicates that Baghdadi has a PhD in Islamic studies and was a professor at Tikrit University. Baghdadi apparently joined the insurgency that erupted after the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, at one point spending time in an American military prison in the country`s south. Baghdadi`s path to jihadist leader differed sharply from that of Osama bin Laden, who had huge wealth to rely on to help build Al-Qaeda, appeared in far more videos and was internationally known long before the September 11 attacks. "His rise to fame really doesn`t compare to other more publicised terror leaders. (Bin Laden) was famous by his name, and he made a show of his piety and low-key demeanour," Skinner said. "Baghdadi seriously worked behind the scenes and then exploded into publicity when he was announced as the leader, but even then he didn`t do publicity stunts," he said. "He avoids the spotlight, and when he releases a speech, it is about the caliphate and its enemies, not himself." Libya: At least 110 people are feared drowned off Libya after a migrant shipwreck, the UN`s refugee agency said Thursday, quoting survivor testimony. "A vessel will around 140 people on board overturned Wednesday just a few hours after setting off from Libya, throwing everyone into the water. Only 29 people survived," UNHCR spokesperson Carlotta Sami told AFP. Dhaka: Bangladesh police on Thursday claimed to have arrested four persons belonging to banned militant outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), who allegedly supplied arms for the Gulshan terror attack, media reports said. Police spokesperson Masudur Rahman said the arrests were made from the capital`s Darus Salam area late on Wednesday and identified them as Abu Taher, 37, Mizanur Rahman, 34, Selim Mia, 45 and Toufiqul Islam, 32. All of them belong to Jama`atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Rahman told bdnews24.com. "Almost 800 detonators and a 9mm pistol have been found during the raid," he said. During initial investigation, the suspects confessed to smuggling weapons and explosives across the border near Chapainawabganj, the senior police official said. The suspects also confessed that JMB`s Chapainawabganj unit chief Mizanur Rahman supplied weapons and explosives to Gulshan cafe attack mastermind Tamim Chowdhury and Nurul Islam. On July 1, 2016, five militants took hostages and opened fire on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan, killing 29 persons, mostly foreigners including 19-year-old Indian Tarishi Jain. Baghdad: Islamic State's (IS) media arm has released an audio purportedly featuring its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in which he says he's "confident of victory" in Mosul, the group's Iraqi stronghold. Addressing the estimated 5,000 fighters holed up in the city, he said that "holding your ground in honour is a thousand times better than retreating in disgrace," CNN reported on Thursday. The tape was released by IS' media wing al-Furqan as the battle for Mosul intensifies, with Iraqi troops poised to enter the city. It is the first recording reportedly of al-Baghdadi released since late 2015. The sectarian tone and animosity toward Shia Muslims and other, non-Muslim groups is more vicious than in previous recordings. The voice, which CNN cannot independently verify, says that "God's enemies from the Jews, Christians, atheists, Shiites, apostates and all of the world's infidels have dedicated their media, money, army and munitions to fight Muslims and jihadis in the State of Nineveh after they witnessed it become one of the bases of Islam and one of its minarets under the Caliphate," he said. Ninevah is an archaic name for the modern day Mosul region. The audio, which is nearly 32 minutes long, references Turkey's massing of armaments along the Iraq-Turkey border, suggesting that the recording was made very recently. Along with rallying IS-affiliated fighters across the globe, he warns jihadis against "conflict and disagreement". "You need to be one and united in your fight against your enemy. You should seek to raise the word of God on Earth," he said. The leader of the brutal Islamist group first came into the public eye with a sermon delivered at the Great Mosque of al-Nuri in Mosul in July 2014. The most recent audio message attributed to al-Baghdadi surfaced online in December 2015, mocking the Western coalition aligned against him, threatening Israel and trying to boost his own forces' morale. Omaha, Neb: U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said on Thursday he was "deeply saddened" to learn that two U.S. service members had been killed and four injured overnight in Afghanistan. Two American service members were killed on Thursday fighting the Taliban near the northern Afghan city of Kunduz, and more than 30 civilians were killed in air strikes called in to protect Afghan and U.S. troops, officials said. "Our service members were doing their part to help the Afghans secure their own country while protecting our homeland from those who would do us harm," Carter said in a statement. He said the Americans were part of a `train, advise and assist` mission and that Afghan partners were also killed. According to Pentagon data, 1,832 other U.S. service members have been killed in action in Afghanistan since 2001, when U.S.-led forces invaded the country and toppled the Taliban regime. Jerusalem: Israeli troops today shot dead a Palestinian who attempted to stab a soldier near the West Bank settlement of Ofra, the army said. "Palestinian assailant armed with a knife attempted to stab an Israel Defence Forces soldier guarding a bus stop near the community of Ofra," a statement in English said. "Responding to threat, forces at the scene shot the assailant, resulting in his death," it said. A wave of Palestinian knife, gun and car-ramming attacks began a year ago, but the violence has significantly declined in recent months. Since October last year, the violence has claimed the lives of 238 Palestinians, 36 Israelis, two Americans, a Jordanian, an Eritrean and a Sudanese, according to an AFP count. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out attacks, according to Israeli authorities. Others were shot dead during protests and clashes, while some were killed in air strikes in the Gaza Strip. Most of the attacks were by lone-wolf assailants, many of them young people, including teenagers. Rome: The number of people living in temporary shelter due to a series of earthquakes in Italy has risen to 26,000, officials said Thursday as fears mount for the economic future of the worst-hit areas. Farmers` organisation Coldiretti warned that tourism, a key sector in the rugged mountain areas, is facing collapse as nature and food-loving visitors are put off by the scenes of devastation broadcast around the world. Coldiretti said tourists would normally spend a total of 220,000 nights a year in the quake zone, providing a financial lifeline for scores of farm B and B`s, hotels and restaurants, as well as a key market for local artisanal food producers. "The risk is that this will be wiped out completely by the earthquakes," the organisation said, citing a survey of operators which found "tourists fleeing, reservations being cancelled, occupancy rates at virtually zero and disastrous expectations for the Christmas holiday period". "If we are to avoid the area being permanently abandoned there has to be support for reconstruction and for people to resume their occupations," the organisation said. "A lot of farms are in danger of being forced to close." The government has vowed to rebuild all the damaged buildings and has announced plans to use converted shipping containers as temporary accommodation while reconstruction is completed. More than 40,000 people are estimated to have been forced out of their homes as a result of the damage done by the August 24, October 26 and October 30 quakes, and by thousands of powerful aftershocks, the latest of which was a 4.8 magnitude tremor which struck in the early hours of Thursday. Of the total, 26,000 are being put up in public buildings, hotels and tents, the national civil protection agency said. Around 17,000 of them have opted to stay close to their homes and dozens are still sleeping in their cars. The government has pledged the containers will be in place by Christmas. Ali Rash: Ammunition strapped across his chest and armed with a Dragunov sniper rifle, Ahmed Thair Jassem of Iraq`s 9th Armoured Division boasts of the jihadists he has killed in the battle for Mosul. "I aim for the head, because the jihadists often wear bullet-proof vests, but they never put on a helmet," the smiling soldier says, recounting fighting in the Christian town of Qaraqosh just east of Mosul. As Iraqi forces have advanced on Mosul, the last bastion of the Islamic State group in Iraq, elite forces like the Counter-Terrorism Service and the Rapid Response Division, or Kurdish peshmerga fighters, have garnered much of the attention. But for the grunts of the 9th Division, the role being played by traditional army units is no less important. Jassem recalls being in position on a roof about 400 metres (yards) from the entrance to an IS tunnel during the battle for metres (yards) from the entrance to an IS tunnel during the battle for Qaraqosh, which Iraqi forces were able to seize early in the offensive they launched on October 17. "I saw six Daesh men come out. I let them advance a short way and opened fire," he says, using an Arabic acronym for IS. "They ran, but I picked them off one by one, except the last one, who was wounded in the arm and was able to run back into his hole like a rat." After advancing towards the outskirts of Mosul along with other Iraqi forces, the 9th Division were in the village of Ali Rash, about eight kilometres (five miles) from the city. Their advance stopped due to bad weather, soldiers took photographs with the bodies of three jihadists, one almost completely burned. "We are an armoured division, and the power of our tanks and artillery forced the jihadists to flee, or crushed them," Staff Lieutenant General Qassem al-Maliki, the division commander, told AFP. "We are present on all axes of advance, north, east and south," Maliki says, joking that: "We are not as good at public relations as our comrades." The division is armed with Abrams and T-72 tanks in addition to artillery and one of the guns roared as it fired a round toward Mosul. "We had information that a group of Daesh (IS) were meeting in a house. We destroyed it," said Haider Saleh, a soldier who proudly displayed the scar on his throat that he received from a bullet during the battle for Tikrit last year. Firas Daham, another 9th Division soldier, is also proud. "Our finest feat of arms so far was to have liberated Qaraqosh for our Christian brothers," he says, referring to its large Christian population before IS forced them to convert or flee. "But it is only in Mosul that we will be able to celebrate our victory." Seoul: The prime minister-designate of South Korea on Thursday said that President Park Geun-Hye may be investigated for an alleged corruption and influence peddling scandal involving a close ally of the head of state. "There are different interpretations of the Constitution. But I believe we can conduct an investigation into Park," Kim Byong-joon, who still needs to be endorsed by the National Assembly to take up the role, said. "As she is still the head of state, however, we should be prudent about the process and methods," Yonhap news quoted Byong-joon as saying. Kim said the President, who is facing her worst political crisis since taking office in 2013, also asked him to take charge of economic and social affairs as the prime minister. The National Assembly has 20 days to confirm the prime ministerial nomination which may prove difficult as the opposition parties, which have a combined majority in the assembly, have announced a boycott, Efe news reported. On Thursday, the president also appointed a new chief of staff and top secretarial staff. Aleppo: Syrian rebels renewed their bid to break a government siege of eastern Aleppo on Thursday, shelling regime-held parts of the city hours before a brief Russian-declared ceasefire was due to begin. State media said at least 12 people had been killed in rebel rocket and gunfire on regime-controlled neighbourhoods, after an assault that began with a double car bomb attack. Rebels have been battling for nearly a week in a desperate bid to break the three-month siege but have so far been unable to push through government lines in western Aleppo. The opposition forces on Thursday announced a new phase in their assault on government forces in the city`s western outskirts. "We have started the second phase in our fight to break the siege with heavy artillery fire" on several neighbourhoods, rebel fighter Abu Hamza told AFP on the edges of Aleppo. Thick black smoke billowed out of the Dahiyet al-Assad district, where rebels had lit tyres to try to shield themselves from warplanes circling above. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said the "most intense fighting" was on the edges of the Halab al-Jadida neighbourhood. The clashes on Aleppo`s western outskirts could be heard in the city`s eastern districts, an AFP correspondent there said. No aid has reached eastern Aleppo city`s more than 250,000 residents since early July, and there are reports of shortages and price hikes.The Observatory said government forces were carrying out air strikes in areas where clashes were underway, but that the rebel-held neighbourhoods in the east of the city were largely quiet. Syrian state news agency SANA said at least 12 people had been killed and more than 200 wounded in rebel fire on Thursday. The Observatory put the toll at 15 dead, saying four children were among them, bringing to 69 the total number of civilians killed in rebel fire since Friday, including 23 children. State media also said eight people were being treated for suffocation after "terrorists fired poisonous gases" at the village of Minyan west of Aleppo. Once Syria`s economic powerhouse, Aleppo has been divided since mid-2012 between government control in the west and rebels in the east. A Russian-backed army offensive in September to recapture the whole city killed hundreds of civilians and hit infrastructure including the east`s few remaining health facilities. It provoked international recriminations, particularly against Russia, with the EU accusing it of actions that "may amount to war crimes". Moscow has rejected the criticism and in late October declared a unilateral three-day ceasefire, during which it urged civilians and rebels to leave east Aleppo. But only a handful did, with Russia accusing rebels of preventing people from leaving, and a UN plan to evacuate wounded people was shelved over security concerns. Moscow said Wednesday it would implement a new, 10-hour "humanitarian pause" for Aleppo on Friday, prompting the UN to warn that "humanitarian operations cannot be contingent on political or military initiatives". The pause was meant to "prevent senseless casualties", the chief of Russia`s General Staff Valery Gerasimov said. The Syrian army said the pause would start at 9:00 am (0700 GMT) local time. More than 300,000 have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in 2011 with anti-government protests that spiralled into a multi-front war involving regime, rebels, Kurds and jihadists like IS. The Kurdish-Arab Syrian Democratic Forces alliance has been fighting to oust IS from areas across northern Syria with air support from the US-led coalition against the jihadist group. The alliance said Thursday it would fight to recapture the IS stronghold of Raqa in a battle that could start in coming weeks. "We will see a campaign led by the Syrian Democratic Forces to liberate Raqa city," SDF spokesman Talal Sello said. "We are ready. We have the sufficient numbers for this campaign and we will start it soon," Sello told AFP, without specifying a timetable. But he insisted that the fight would not include Turkey, which views the YPG as linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers` Party (PKK), considered by Ankara as a "terrorist" group. "The topic of Turkey`s participation was settled with the (US-led anti-IS) coalition definitively. No Turkish participation," he said. Ankara in August began a military operation inside northern Syria targeting both IS and Kurdish fighters. Geneva: At least 239 migrants, believed to be from West Africa, have died in two shipwrecks off Libya, a spokesman for the United Nations migration agency, said on Thursday. One group of migrants, including about 20 women and six children, set off in a rubber dinghy from Libya around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, but their boat collapsed after a few hours, said Flavio di Giacomo, a spokesman for the UN`s International Organisation for Migration, who cited accounts by survivors. By the time rescuers arrived, most had drowned. Twelve bodies were recovered, including three babies. About 27 survived. Another two women reported surviving a separate disaster that happened at about the same time. Their rubber dinghy was carrying about 130 people. The International Organization for Migration said the latest deaths meant 4,220 lives had been lost in the Mediterranean so far this year, compared with 3,777 in the whole of 2015. October saw a surge in migrant arrivals in Italy, with 27,388 arriving, more than the two previous Octobers combined, and bringing this year`s total arrivals to over 158,000, di Giacomo said. The smugglers who arrange the journeys have told migrants that European training of Libyan coastguards means the rescue missions will soon be handed over to Libya and any rescued migrants will be taken ashore in Libya rather than Italy, di Giacomo said. That was possibly causing the rush to board boats now, he said, although the information, gleaned from rescued migrants, was not confirmed. London: A British court ruled on Thursday that the government needs parliamentary approval to start the process of leaving the European Union, potentially delaying Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plans. The government said it would appeal against the High Court ruling and Britain`s Supreme Court is expected to consider the case early next month. A spokeswoman for May said the prime minister still planned to launch talks on the terms of Brexit by the end of March and added: "We have no intention of letting this derail our timetable." The pound, which fell sharply after Britons voted to leave the EU by 52 to 48 percent on June 23, rose after the ruling. Many investors took the view that lawmakers would now be able to temper the government`s policies, making it less likely that the government would opt for a "hard Brexit" -- a scenario in which it prioritises tight controls on immigration over remaining in the European single market. The High Court ruled that the government needs parliament`s backing to trigger Article 50 of the EU`s Lisbon Treaty, the formal step needed to start the process of exiting the bloc. "The most fundamental rule of the UK`s constitution is that parliament is sovereign," said Lord Chief Justice John Thomas, England`s most senior judge. Thomas and two other senior judges did not spell out in their ruling whether the government would need to pass a new law to begin the divorce proceedings, but Britain`s Brexit minister David Davis said this was likely if the Supreme Court upheld the decision. "The judges have laid out what we can`t do and not exactly what we can do, but we`re presuming it requires an act of parliament," Davis told BBC TV. UNCERTAINTY Parliament could in theory block Brexit as most lawmakers (MPs) supported staying in the EU in a referendum in June. But few observers expect that outcome, and a Reuters survey last month suggested MPs would back Brexit now. Even so, the court ruling makes the already daunting task of taking Britain out of a political and trading club it joined 43 years ago even more complex. "The negotiations haven`t even yet begun. There will be uncertainty, there will be volatility around those negotiations as they proceed, and I would view this as one example of that uncertainty," Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said. Economists at Deutsche Bank told clients May had been weakened by the ruling and was likely to have to call a general election next year. But May`s spokeswoman dismissed the suggestion. "Our position has been clear that there shouldn`t be an election before 2020 - that remains the prime minister`s view," she told reporters. Trade minister Liam Fox told parliament the government was disappointed by the ruling but the government remained "determined to respect the result of the referendum". May had said she did not need parliament`s approval for triggering Article 50 under a historical power of "royal prerogative" where ministers act on behalf of the monarch. The High Court rejected that argument and the judges granted the government permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, Britain`s highest judicial body, which has set aside Dec. 5-8 to deal with the case. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition Labour Party, said his party respected the outcome of the referendum but that the government`s negotiating strategy needed parliamentary scrutiny. Dominic Grieve, lawmaker from May`s ruling Conservatives and a former British attorney general, said passing legislation to trigger Article 50 need not delay the process. "It doesn`t necessarily mean that it would hold it up for a very long time," he told BBC TV. "PROCESS NOT POLITICS" Investment manager Gina Miller, the lead claimant in the legal challenge, said the case was about "process, not politics" and rejected accusations from opponents, including May herself, that they were subverting democracy. "One of the big arguments (in the referendum) was parliamentary sovereignty," she told reporters. "So you can`t on the day you get back sovereignty decide you`re going to sidestep or throw it away." Some Brexit supporters said the ruling was "disgraceful". "Our democracy is being damaged by an elite band of people in the legal system," Richard Tice, co-chairman of the Leave Means Leave campaign. "A vote in Parliament is wholly unnecessary, time consuming and betrays the democratic will of the people." Nigel Farage, head of the anti-EU party UKIP, said on Twitter that he feared the ruling could turn into an attempt to scupper Brexit altogether. "I worry that a betrayal may be near at hand," he said, warning that attempts to block or delay triggering Article 50 would anger the British public. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker declined to comment on Thursday`s ruling but said he would be speaking to May by telephone on Friday. EU leaders have been frustrated by the mixed messages they say they have received from London since the June referendum, and senior parliamentarians in Germany warned Britain against further delays in spelling out its Brexit strategy. "What cannot happen is that the government uses this new situation as an excuse to delay Article 50 further," said Axel Schaefer, deputy parliamentary leader for the Social Democrats, who are part of Chancellor Angela Merkel`s governing coalition. "We need clarity by the end of March. If we don`t have that, the other 27 EU governments must have the courage to decide things on their own." Kunduz: US airstrikes early Thursday killed at least 30 Afghan civilians, including women and children, in the volatile northern province of Kunduz, officials said, after a Taliban assault left two American soldiers dead. The airstrike triggered emotionally-charged protests in the provincial capital, with the victims` relatives parading mutilated bodies of dead children piled into open trucks through the streets of Kunduz city. The carnage underscores worsening insecurity after the Taliban last month overran the city for the second time in a year, as NATO-backed Afghan forces struggle to rein in the insurgents. Afghan forces backed by US troops were conducting an operation against the Taliban on the outskirts of the city when they came under insurgent fire, prompting calls for air support. "In the bombardment 30 Afghan civilians were martyred and 25 others were wounded," provincial spokesman Mahmood Danish told AFP. Police spokesman Mahmoodullah Akbari gave the same toll to AFP, adding that the dead included infants aged as young as three months and other children. "They were asleep when their house came under attack," Akbari said. In a brief statement on Twitter, NATO conceded that US forces were behind the airstrike. "Airstrikes were conducted in #Kunduz to defend friendly forces under fire. All civilian casualty claims will be investigated," it said. Taza Gul, a 55-year-old labourer, was among dozens of angry protesters outside the Kunduz governor`s office, bringing with him the bodies of seven dead family members in a motorised tricycle. "I am devastated. I want to know why these innocent children were killed? Were they Taliban?" said Gul, breaking down in tears. "No, they were innocent children." Civilian casualties caused by NATO forces have been one of the most contentious issues in the 15-year campaign against the insurgents, prompting strong public and government criticism. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was "deeply saddened" by the killings, while urging the military to do everything possible to prevent civilian casualties. "The enemies of Afghanistan`s people use civilian houses in Kunduz as shields, resulting in the killing of a number of our countrymen, including women and children," the presidential palace said in a statement. The strikes occurred after a firefight with insurgents killed two US soldiers and three Afghan special forces during an anti-Taliban operation in Kunduz. The firefight erupted as American soldiers were assisting Afghan troops to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the group`s operations, US forces said. "On behalf of all of US Forces - Afghanistan, today`s loss is heartbreaking and we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of our service members who lost their lives today," said John Nicholson, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan. "Despite today`s tragic event, we are steadfast in our commitment to help our Afghan partners defend their nation," he added, without disclosing the names of the dead soldiers. The killings come just days before the US presidential election. During three lengthy debates between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Afghanistan got scarcely a passing mention -- even though the situation there will be an urgent matter for the new president. Either one of them will inherit America`s longest war with no end in sight. The US military, which leads a NATO mission to train and assist local forces after their combat mission ended in 2014, often gives upbeat assessments about Afghan military performance. But as Afghan military forces near the end of a second year leading security operations without full NATO assistance, they are sustaining record casualties. The Taliban`s apparent strategic goal in 2016 is to seize another provincial capital like they briefly did in Kunduz last year, in a stinging blow to Afghan forces. They have launched multiple assaults in recent months including in Kunduz, Lashkar Gar in poppy-growing Helmand province and Tarinkot, the capital of Uruzgan province. The worsening conflict has prompted US forces to step up airstrikes to support their struggling Afghan counterparts, fuelling the perception they are increasingly being drawn back into the conflict. Insurance Back ECPC, 2017: Top quality speakers will address the global customer protection concerns Peter BRAUMULLER Managing Director, FMA and Alternate Chair of EIOPA and Mirenchu DEL VALLE, Secretary General, Association of Spanish Insurers and Chair of the Insurance and Reinsurance Stakeholders Group within EIOPA will speak at the 3rd edition of the European Consumer Protection Conference , to be held in Vienna, on February 16th, 2017. In an era of globalization and increased complexity of the financial products, consumer protection issues are a key concern for financial supervisory authorities all over the world. Therefore, solutions to align regulatory provision in this field, providing customers worlwide equal rights and opportunities to get proper insurance product information and services are in course of implementation in different parts of the global market. "The way financial advertising and contractual and pre-contractual information is in occasions disclosed to consumers was the main consumer protection issue in the insurance sectorfor NCAs and stakeholders," states the EIOPA's Fourth Consumer Trends Report. In this field, the European authority is taking firm steps, in collaboration with the other ESAs, to implement a set of standardized documentation which will allow customers, both in the life and non-life insurance segments, to receive simple, comparable and easily understandable information about the insurance products. KID - the Key Information Document designed for complex life insurance products woth investment features -, as well as IPID, its equivalent for the non-life insurance segment, while aimimg to help consumers to make the right product choice according to their needs and interest, are a real challenge for the insurance providers, as their implementation requires both financial and management efforts. On the other hand, significant efforts are needed from the regulatory bodies, to ensurre that the documents are simultaneously simple to understand and relevant in terms of the information provided. The European Consumer Protection Conference will provide the latest news about are the current status and challenges in the matter, both in industry and supervisors terms, benefitting from the extensive expertise of its top quality speakers. Regulators, professional associations of insurance undertakings and distributors, consumer associations and consumer representatives andmass-media representatives are offered to attend free of charge subject to availability. More details on the participation terms and the event's content and speakers are available here Author: Daniela GHETU on 03.11.2016 Archive Comment this article 0 comments Atention! "Comment" and "E-mail" are mandatory Name: If you are logged on and you do not fill in your name, will be used the name that you used when you registered If you are not logged on, your name will appear preceded by '(Anonymous)'. For authentication, click here If you are logged on and you do not fill in your name, will be used the name that you used when you registered E-mail: Comment: < 10.000 car. Fill in the code from the image: The EU commission accuses Google of giving its own online shopping services top priority in search results to the detriment of other price comparison services US Internet giant Google on Thursday rejected new EU accusations that it illegally abuses its market dominance, in its formal reaction to anti-trust allegations by Brussels earlier this year. Google filed objections against beefed up charges made by hard-charging European Commission competition chief Margrethe Vestager over online shopping, and fresh charges over its advertising services. Kent Walker, senior vice president and general counsel of Google, said in a blog that the shopping case "still rests on a theory that just doesn't fit the reality of how most people shop online." "We believe these claims are wrong as a matter of fact, law, and economics," Walker said. The EU now has three cases on the go against Google, one of a series of US companies targeted by Vestager in a campaign that has raised hackles on the other side of the Atlantic. The biggest and most recent case involves Google's Android mobile phone operating system, a serious challenge to one of the company's most strategic businesses with smartphones fast taking from over traditional PCs. Google is expected to respond to the Android case next week. The second and oldest case involves Google's alleged abuse of the dominance of its search engine for online shopping. It was officially lodged in 2015, and then this July Vestager strengthened the case, to which Google is now responding. Brussels accuses Google of giving its own online shopping services top priority in search results to the detriment of other price comparison services. Thirdly the EU accuses Google of abusing its market power in the placement of search advertising on third-party websites. That case concerns Google's AdSense service where websites can install a customised search engine on their site which generates revenue from having relevant ads appear on the search results page. - 'Interests of consumers' - The European Commission, confirming it had received the response to the shopping and Adsense cases, said it "will carefully consider Google's response before taking any decision on how to proceed and cannot at this stage prejudge the final outcome of the investigation." Story continues The legal onslaught against Google came after a long period in which the two sides tried unsuccessfully to settle the case amicably. Instead, the cases have raised tensions between the Brussels and Washington, which has accused the EU of unfairly targeting US giants. Other EU investigations include cases against Starbucks, Amazon and McDonald's. The European Commission, which polices EU competition policy, launched an initial investigation into Google in 2010 following complaints from rivals such as Microsoft and Trip Advisor that it favoured its own services when customers ran searches. "We believe it is the European Commission that has the interests of consumers in mind, not a private company that makes money by using its market power to charge high prices to advertisers," said Thomas Vinje, legal counsel to FairSearch, a group that represents many of the complainants in the case. Vestager's predecessor, Joaquin Almunia, made three attempts to resolve the dispute but in each case intense pressure by national governments, rivals and privacy advocates scuppered the effort. Since that time, attitudes in Europe towards Google have deteriorated after revelations by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden that Silicon Valley giants had provided troves of personal data to US intelligence. President Obama made his first public comment on the recent FBI/Clinton email hijinks, just days before the election. "We don't operate on incomplete information," Obama said in an interview with NowThis News, released online today. "We don't operate on leaks. We operate based on concrete decisions that are made." "I've made a very deliberate effort to make sure I don't look like I am meddling", President Barack Obama of the FBI's ongoing review of Hillary Clinton's emails. "When this was investigated thoroughly the last time, the conclusion of the F.B.I., the conclusion of the Justice Department, the conclusion of repeated congressional investigations was that she had made some mistakes but that there wasn't anything there that was prosecutable," Mr. Obama said. The president did not mention F.B.I. director James Comey, but it's clear who Obama was talking about. [NowThisNews] 'We don't operate on innuendo' President Obama discusses Hillary, emails, and the FBI in an exclusive interview with NowThis pic.twitter.com/0J6tJyEYSh NowThis (@nowthisnews) November 2, 2016 From subsequent coverage of Obama's comments in this video interview, over at the New York Times: Lingerie company Naja released this amazing "nude for all" campaign back in May, but it's still worth celebrating now too. Elle has all the details on the collection, which features bras and panties in seven different shades Jane The Virgin star Gina Rodriguez is a face for the campaign: Naja is also revolutionizing the traditional lingerie manufacturing process by employing primarily single mothers or female heads of households in its factories. And the company pays them above market wages with healthcare benefits and flexible work policies. Plus Naja's Underwear For Hope project employs poor women from Colombia to make lingerie bags and become "micro-entrepreneurs." You can find more information and shop the Nude Collection on Naja's website. The lawsuit to force the UK government to call a Parliamentary vote before triggering Article 50 (the first and irrevocable step to pulling the UK out of the EU) has prevailed at the High Court. The UK government will almost certainly appeal. Many people have pointed out that the Brexit referendum has no legal standing to force the government to act, and investment manager Gina Miller sued the UK government to force a vote in Parliament before taking formal action to separate from the EU. It's hard to handicap a Parliamentary vote on this: MPs from constituencies that voted strongly in favour of Brexit would be hard-pressed to deny the explicit wishes of their constituents. But MPs from the opposition parties have very little to lose to vote against triggering Article 50, and even within the ruling Tories, there are strongly dissenting MPs who might side with the opposition. A failure to carry Brexit through Parliament would likely trigger another Conservative leadership battle that could unseat PM Theresa May, meaning that any threats she and her whips make against MPs who don't vote pro-Brexit could be neutralised once she lost her job. Even if Parliament could be counted on to vote in favour of Brexit, the wrangle to make this happen could take "months and years." The prime minister has said she will activate Article 50, formally notifying the EU of the UK's intention to leave, by the end of next March. This follows the UK's decision to back Brexit in June's referendum by a margin of 51.9% to 48.1%. The EU's other 27 members have said negotiations about the terms of the UK's exit due to last two years cannot begin until Article 50 has been invoked. BBC assistant political editor Norman Smith said, if the court's decision is not overturned, there could be "months and months" of parliamentary hurdles ahead. Government loses Article 50 court fight [BBC] In September 2015, President Obama raised the ceiling of refugees, many of them Syrian, who would be welcomed to the United States in the coming year from 70,000 to 85,000. While a wonderful humanitarian move, it also posed huge problems for the already-overwhelmed, byzantine systems in place to process refugee applications admissions. That's when the White House's crack tech team, the United States Digital Service, stepped in to help. The US Digital Service was born out of the disaster of Healthcare.gov, when the White House called in top-notch geeks from Silicon Valley and elsewhere to fix the disastrous Obamacare website. This year, they focused on how to get more refugees through the door. For a Webby Awards exclusive feature, I commissioned the talented journalist Lauren Smiley to tell the story of the US Digital Service and their sprint to bring in 85,000 refugees. From Lauren's feature: When the photo of a Syrian toddler washed up on a Turkey beach appeared in his newsfeed, Jason Wu was getting restless. It was September of last year, and he'd just left his job as a product manager at Facebook's Silicon Valley HQin some ways, exactly the kind of job he'd wanted back as a UC Berkeley computer science student. But at 29, having been ensconced in cush startup culture of T-shirt swag and free meals surrounding the challenging technical work, he was starting to mull a new question: "To what end?" Considering the options, he didn't want to join one of the many mobile app companies proliferating in the valley that solved the problems of the same wealthy young people who make them. "I wanted something that was pretty different than what was being offered over there." He says "over there," because he's sitting in a conference room in Washington, D.C., where he works at the startup created by the White House: the United States Digital Service. Once Wu applied and was accepted, he signed up for its refugee project. "If I were one more person at Uber, how much of an impact would I make?" Wu says. "Versus one more person on a refugee program?" Canada's Transport Minister Marc Garneau speaks during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, March 21, 2016. REUTERS/Chris Wattie By Allison Lampert MONTREAL (Reuters) - Canada will lift foreign investment limits for Canadian airlines to 49 percent from 25 percent, a change that should spur competition and lower fares by encouraging the launch of low-cost airlines, its transport minister said on Thursday. Air Canada shares fell 3.2 percent while WestJet Airlines Ltd slipped 1.4 percent following the news, though analysts said a flood of new low-cost competitors is unlikely given the country's high aviation taxes and charges. Consumer advocates have long complained that limited competition, high fares and airport fees make Canada a comparatively expensive country for air travel. "I expect fares to go down because of competition, and I expect more destination choices for Canadians," Transport Minister Marc Garneau said in Montreal. The rules still prohibit a foreign individual or single group of international investors from owning more than 25 percent of a Canadian carrier. WestJet Chief Executive Gregg Saretsky said the airline was disappointed the Canadian government had not done more to review aviation taxation and aviation infrastructure costs. Air Canada also called on the government to address high Canadian ticket taxes and other fees. Garneau told reporters he would look at airport rents and security fees but made no commitments. STARTUPS WELCOME CHANGE Although the new rules had not yet taken effect, Garneau will allow startups Canada Jetlines and Enerjet to seek additional foreign investment immediately. Enerjet Chief Commercial Officer Darcy Morgan said this will help in its talks with Arizona-based Indigo Partners LLC, whose managing partner Bill Franke is considered one of the most influential investors in low-cost airlines. Indigo was not immediately available for comment. "Enerjet has just found the lift it needs to fly," said aviation industry consultant Robert Mann. Jim Scott, Chief Executive of B.C.-based Canada Jetlines, said the change will help his talks with Asian and European investors to attract an estimated C$50 million ($37.35 million)to start and expand airline service in 2017. Story continues "Now we're able to go back and engage with them seriously," he said. The startups, however, must still contend with the challenges of a higher-cost market in which many carriers have failed. "The difficulty start-ups have had in getting off the ground is not for lack of capital but rather, concerns about the risks of a new ultra low-cost carrier business model," wrote RBC Dominion analyst Walter Spracklin in a note to clients. Delta Air Lines declined to comment on the changes. The U.S. airline has previously expressed interest in Canada, fueling speculation that it could take a stake in WestJet. ($1 = 1.3388 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Allison Lampert in Montreal; Additional reporting by Jeffrey Dastin in New York; Additional writing by David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe, Lisa Von Ahn and Chris Reese) Security Breaches Feds Arrest Suspected E-Mail Hacker The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York have announced the arrest of a man charged with one count of computer fraud in connection with hacking approximately 2,000 e-mails at 75 universities across the country. Sitting at a computer more than 2,000 miles away, Jonathan Powell allegedly attempted unauthorized access to more than 2,000 university e-mail accounts, said William Sweeney, FBI assistant director, in a prepared statement. Powell used password reset tools to basically pick the lock of thousands of personal spaces and look around at what was stored there. Powell was employed by a private business located in Phoenix, AZ. Using a work computer, Powell allegedly targeted a university in New York City, compromising the institutions confidential information and causing more than $5,000 of loss. Additionally, Powell attempted to access e-mail accounts at more than 75 universities nationwide. Powell allegedly stole students personal information and searched their photos for potentially embarrassing content, said U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. This case should serve as a wakeup call for universities and educational institutions around the country. There is no greater threat to our security and personal privacy than the cyber threat, and hackers must be identified, stopped and punished. Cybercrime victims can be large companies or individual users who have their network or accounts accessed illegally, even if there is no theft, Sweeney said. The FBI takes seriously any allegations of intrusions, and we will continue to hold accountable those who pose a threat in cyberspace. The report quoted Seyyed Pirouz Mousavi, the managing director of the Iran Oil Terminals Company, as saying that the Islamic Republic had already renovated the operations at virtually every step in the oil supply chain and had thus succeeded in returning its daily oil output to pre-sanctions levels. This claim stands in contrast to that put forward by the Oil Minister and other Iranian officials, who maintain that Irans oil production increased rapidly following the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action but leveled off somewhere just below the figure that Tehran had set as its pre-sanctions benchmark. The discrepancy is significant, largely because the more common claim that the Iranian oil industry still has some ways to go in order to reclaim former market share has been presented by the regime and its business affiliates as justification for non-cooperation with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, of which Iran is one of 14 members. On Monday, the Wall Street Journal reported that this situation was definitely continuing, as both Iran and Iraq had disputed OPECs estimates of their output, and would therefore not agree to any freeze or reduction as OPEC strives to raises prices that remain at about half what they were last year. Another report elaborated upon this situation on Wednesday in a report that cited five distinct factors in Irans decision not to cooperate with the oil cartel. The desire to recoup losses incurred during the period of US and EU sanctions is certainly one of those factors, as are the impulses to attract foreign investment and to demonstrate the value of last years nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers. The report also calls attention to the well-publicized and by most accounts intensifying conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which leads OPEC and is thus the most prominent voice in setting the organizations oil policy. It is little surprise that Iran has been resistant to abiding by Saudi-led plans for its oil industry, especially in light of the last factor cited by Al Monitor, the apparent ability of Iran to weather lower prices than its competitors, thanks to the diversification of its economy under the sanctions regime. The competitive, or even combative, aspects of Irans decision-making may help to explain the discrepant reports over its current output levels. In other words, Mousavis acknowledgement of the reclamation of pre-sanctions levels may have been a deviation from official claims that are maintained specifically for the sake of justifying non-cooperation with OPEC. This would in turn explain the sorts of discrepancies among OPEC estimates of Irans current oil output, estimates by independent industry analysts, and estimates by the Islamic Republic itself. An alternative explanation is that Iran truly is struggling to reclaim market share beyond a certain level. But if this was the case, then it stands to reason that Iran would be more willing than it has been to give additional incentives to buyers and investors. On Wednesday, the Iran Project reported that the Iranian Oil Ministry had rejected requests to that effect by potential Indian investors. Considering that Iran is already underselling some of its competitors and may be holding down global oil prices by refusing to cooperate with OPEC, it would appear that the speedy resolution of its supposed market share deficiency would be beneficial to everybody. But this ceases to be the case if Iranian leaders consider it most to their benefit if they not only boost their own oil industry outcomes, but cut into those of Saudi Arabia and its allies. It is easy to imagine that Tehran maintains this point of view, and also that its Arab adversaries are aware of it, in light of the steadily accumulating indicators of worsening animosity between those two sides. On Tuesday, Arab News reported that an Arab news outlet based in Egypt had run an advertising campaign that sought to tap into anxiety over growing Iranian influence in the region. One series of billboards that was installed as part of that campaign depicted Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei taking a selfie with Arab landmarks in the background. The intended message was reportedly that Tehran was looking at the Arab world with an eye toward owning large portions of it, although Arab News reports that the message was misconstrued by much of the population, thereby leading to the resignation of the head of that news outlet. Still, this reaction arguably underscored the extent of Arab anxiety about Iranian influence, in that the public regarded those billboards as a criticism of permissive Egyptian policies toward the Islamic Republic, which threatened to allow Iranian influence further into the region. Other warnings about that influence have been considerably clearer. For instance, the Turkish news outlet Baaghi reported on Wednesday that officials at Turkeys Saudi embassy had reiterated preexisting accusations about Irans role in the Yemeni Civil War and the increasingly far-reaching attacks by the Houthi rebel group. In October, those rebels launched their deepest missile strike into Saudi territory and soon thereafter launched three missiles toward American warships in the Red Sea. Analysts have concluded that these sorts of incursions are only possible thanks to Iranian weaponry, and the US Navy has indicated that former shipments of this weaponry had been turned back when clearly on route from Iran to Yemen. The war in Yemen is to a great extent a proxy war between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and that conflict has a long history and a wide geographic reach that occasionally penetrates the principal countries themselves. In January, an Iranian mob sacked and burned the Saudi embassy in Tehran, following Iranian propaganda broadcasts regarding the Saudi execution of a Shiite dissident cleric. Some reports indicated that security forces had been present alongside the mob but failed to intervene for upwards of an hour. On Wednesday, Al Arabiya reported upon the Iranian judiciarys lax response to the incident, which promised to contribute to accusations that the regime either contributed to the attack or deliberately instigated it. In October, the regime released the acknowledged mastermind of the attack, Hassan Kord Mihin. Thus, he joined 154 other individuals who were acquitted within two months of apparently taking part in the attack. Now, 20 more individuals supposedly remain in detention, although the Iranian judiciary has declined to release their identities or describe the charges against them. Tehran is also accused of having delayed their case by several months. Meanwhile, Mihin has indicated that members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Basij civilian militia had joined in his mob, a claim that is supported by the known affiliations of some of those who were acquitted in March. The IRGC is regarded as a particularly hardline faction of the Iranian regime, and its influence over the regime as a whole has apparently grown in recent years. This is reflected both in IRGC-led domestic crackdowns and in provocations by the IRGCs paramilitary forces against the US Navy and other traditional enemies of the Islamic Republic. The organization is also estimated to control the majority of Irans GDP, providing it with incentive to keep foreign investment partially at bay and to resist cooperation with the enemies targeted by the IRGCs military propaganda. English Finnish eQ PLC STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 3 November 2016 at 8:00 a.m. January to September 2016 in brief During the period under review, the Group's net revenue grew by 20 per cent to EUR 26.2 million (EUR 21.7 million from 1 Jan. to 30 Sept. 2015). The Groups net fee and commission income increased to EUR 24.7 million (EUR 20.1 million). The Groups net investment income from own investment operations was EUR 1.5 million (EUR 1.6 million). The Groups operating profit grew by 27 per cent to EUR 12.1 million (EUR 9.5 million). The Groups profit was EUR 9.5 million (EUR 7.5 million). The consolidated earnings per share grew by 27 per cent to EUR 0.26 (EUR 0.21). The net cash flow from own investment operations was EUR 2.4 million (EUR 6.2 million from 1 Jan. to 30 Sept. 2015) and the change in fair value was EUR -1.0 million (EUR 0.3 million). July to September 2016 in brief In the third quarter, the Groups net revenue grew by 17 per cent to EUR 7.8 million (EUR 6.7 million from 1 July to 30 Sept. 2015). The Groups net fee and commission income increased to EUR 6.9 million (EUR 6.0 million). The Groups net investment income from own investment operations was EUR 0.9 million (EUR 0.7 million). The Groups operating profit grew by 23 per cent to EUR 4.0 million (EUR 3.2 million). The Groups profit was EUR 3.2 million (EUR 2.6 million). The consolidated earnings per share grew by 24 per cent to EUR 0.09 (EUR 0.07). Key ratios 1-9/16 1-9/15 Change % 7-9/16 7-9/15 Change % 1-12/15 Net revenue, Group, M 26.2 21.7 20% 7.8 6.7 17% 30.5 Net revenue, Asset Management, M 18.6 16.2 15% 6.5 5.0 30% 21.7 Net revenue, Corporate Finance, M 6.3 4.2 50% 0.5 1.1 -53% 7.0 Net revenue, Investments, M 1.3 1.4 -7% 0.8 0.6 33% 1.8 Net revenue, Group administration and eliminations, M 0.0 0.0 0% 0.0 0.0 0% 0.0 Operating profit, Group, M 12.1 9.5 27% 4.0 3.2 23% 13.2 Operating profit, Asset Management, M 8.8 7.3 20% 3.4 2.4 44% 9.6 Operating profit, Corporate Finance, M 3.0 1.9 59% 0.0 0.5 -99% 3.4 Operating profit, Investments, M 1.3 1.4 -7% 0.8 0.6 33% 1.8 Operating profit, Group administration, M -1.0 -1.1 9% -0.3 -0.2 -9% -1.6 Profit for the period, M 9.5 7.5 27% 3.2 2.6 24% 10.5 Key ratios 1-9/16 1-9/15 Change % 7-9/16 7-9/15 Change % 1-12/15 Earnings per share, 0.26 0.21 27% 0.09 0,07 24% 0.29 Equity per share, 1.65 1.82 -9% 1.65 1.82 -9% 1.91 Cost/income ratio, Group, % 52.6 54.7 -4% 47.1 50.0 -6% 55.1 Liquid assets, M 12.1 18.1 -33% 12.1 18.1 -33% 21.6 Private equity investments, M 20.6 23.0 -10% 20.6 23.0 -10% 22.5 Interest-bearing liabilities, M 0.0 0.0 0% 0.0 0.0 0% 0.0 Assets under management, billion 8.4 7.4 14% 8.4 7.4 14% 7.6 Janne Larma, CEO eQs favourable profit development continued. In the first nine months, the net revenue of the Group grew by 20 per cent to EUR 26.2 million and the operating profit by 27 per cent to EUR 12.1 million. eQ Asset Managements success continued The business operations of eQ Asset Management developed in an excellent manner in the third quarter. In the first nine months, the net revenue of the Asset Management segment increased by 15 per cent to EUR 18.6 million and the operating profit by 20 per cent to EUR 8.8 million. The increase of the net revenue was based on the growth of real estate and private equity asset management. The strong sales of the real estate funds continued, and during the nine-month period, subscriptions worth EUR 176 million were made in the two real estate funds. Within traditional asset management, the fee and commission income grew compared with the two first quarters, but was at a lower level than the year before during the nine-month period. Our portfolio management was very successful during the first nine months of the year, as 64% of the funds under our own management exceeded their benchmark indices. During the past year, eQ has markedly improved its position as institutional asset manager in Finland. According to a study by SFR, the use of eQ as asset manager grew clearly the most, and we are the third most widely used institutional asset manager in Finland. Adviums result grew Adviums net revenue increased by 50 per cent to EUR 6.3 million and the operating profit grew by 59 per cent to EUR 3.0 million. In the third quarter, Advium acted as advisor in one finalised transaction when the DEGI Europe Fund managed by Aberdeen sold Tietos head office property to Veritas Pension Insurance Company. The market continues to be very active, and no change is visible in the market situation. In September, Advium was ranked the best Finnish investment bank in the real estate sector in an enquiry by the distinguished Euromoney magazine already for the 10th time. The result of the Investments segment almost at previous year's level The net revenue and operating profit of the Investments segment grew in the third quarter, as compared with the two previous quarters. The net revenue and operating profit for the nine-month period were almost at the same level as the year before, i.e. EUR 1.3 million (EUR 1.4 million from 1 Jan. to 30 Sept. 2015). The net cash flow from investments was EUR 2.4 million (EUR 6.2 million). eQs market position is very good Political and economic uncertainty in Europe, the presidential election in the U.S. and the Brexit negotiations are themes that investors will monitor during coming months. Regardless of their outcome, we believe that eQ has an excellent position in the asset management market based on its strong market position within real estate and private equity asset management. In addition, the eQ Forest fund established in the third quarter is well suited for the present market situation. Together with traditional asset management, the above mentioned cornerstones lay a good foundation for the future development of our business operations. The strong market position of Advium also offers good preconditions for the future. *** eQs interim report 1 January to 30 September 2016 is enclosed to this release and it will also be available on the company website at www.eQ.fi. Additional information: Janne Larma, CEO, tel. +358 9 6817 8920 Distribution: Nasdaq Helsinki, www.eQ.fi, media eQ Group is a Finnish group of companies specialising in asset management and corporate finance business. eQ Asset Management offers a wide range of asset management services (including private equity funds and real estate asset management) for institutions and individuals. The assets managed by the Group total approximately EUR 8.4 billion. Advium Corporate Finance, which is part of the Group, offers services related to mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions and equity capital markets. More information about the Group is available on our website www.eQ.fi. News_release Electron microscopy (EM), which uses particle beams of accelerated electrons to interrogate specimens, has long been a leading technology for revealing the shape and structure of the tiniest objects, from the cells which make up the bodies organs and microbes to individual building blocks or molecules which comprise cells, in often dramatic three-dimensional detail. But current EM techniques are limited in that they produce images only in grayscale, with colorization added later. In a paper published online November 3 in Cell Chemical Biology, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Howard Hughes Medical Institute describe a new form of multicolor EM that allows for simultaneous visualization of multiple molecular species. The ability to discern multiple specific molecules simultaneously adds a new dimension. It reveals details, actions and processes that arent necessarily visible or even suspected in a more monochromatic view, said Mark H. Ellisman, PhD, professor in the Department of Neurosciences and director of the National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research. Ellisman is a co-senior author of the study. Roger Tsien, PhD, professor of pharmacology, chemistry and biochemistry, was also co-senior author. Tsien, who passed away August 24, was co-winner of the 2008 Nobel Prize in chemistry for his work developing green fluorescent proteins as an imaging research tool. He was considered a leading light in microscopy and imaging research and was cited as one of the worlds most influential scientific minds by Thomson Reuters earlier this year. Although there have been major improvements in multicolor and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy in recent years, comparable progress in EM has been more limited, achieved through automation and developments like the miniSOG protein, a new type of genetic tag visible under an EM microscope that was developed by Tsien, Ellisman and colleagues in 2011. To create multicolor EM images, first author and project scientist Stephen R. Adams, PhD, said researchers sequentially painted cellular structures such as proteins, membranes or whole cells with different rare earth metals, such as lanthanum, cerium and praseodymium in the form of precipitates. A transmission electron microscope can distinguish each of these metals by electron energy-loss to give elemental maps of each that can be overlaid in color on the familiar monochrome electron micrograph, said Adams. Each color highlights a different component of the cellular ultrastructure. Multicolor EM offers the possibility to differentiate detail not possible with standard EM, which uses gold particles to label structures but which appear in images as sometimes hard-to-distinguish black spots. It provides spatial resolution not possible with fluorescence microscopy. This new method gives a more complete and easily detectable readout of the cellular components as colors, said Adams. In theory, we should be able to add many more colors if we can develop more ways of precipitating additional lanthanides. The method is quite simple to do, uses easily made chemicals and requires detectors that are already present on many transmission electron microscopes so it is potentially readily transferable to other laboratories. Further research is needed to improve the chemistry and sensitivity of the method, but this work will hopefully inspire other groups to devise similar methods in this field. Co-authors include: Mason R. Mackey, Ranjan Ramachandra, Sakina F. Palida Lemieux, Eric A. Bushong, Margaret T. Butko, Ben N.G. Giepmans, and Paul Steinbach, all at UC San Diego at the time they contributed to the work. Funding for this research came, in part, from UC San Diego Graduate Training Programs in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroplasticity of Aging, the National Institutes of Health (GM103412, GM086197) and the W.M. Keck Foundation. As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ A number of other recent reports have indicated that there is growing support for this type of reform. However, some of those reports have pointed out that changing the maximum sentence of most drug traffickers faces obstacles in the form of the Iranian supreme leader and the Assembly of Experts, which is tasked with vetting legislation and candidates for high office, in order to assure that they are in line with the principles of the Iranian revolution and the regimes fundamentalist interpretation of Islamic law. Hardline opposition has defeated similar reform efforts in the past, and this raises serious questions about whether the current push can be expected to be any different. Hardliners can be expected to push back against death penalty reform not only because of its traditional application to the countrys religious laws, but also because such reform might be seen as representing capitulation to foreign pressure, in light of the widespread criticism that Iran has received for its execution of political prisoners and its overall rate of judicially sanctioned killings. Many leading figures in the regime are clearly anxious about the perception of weakness in the wake of last years diplomatic agreement over the Iranian nuclear program. This has been expressed through a strict crackdown on supposed pro-Western or anti-Islamic sentiment, and through provocative moves against Western entities, including close encounters at sea and arrests of dual nationals inside of Iran. But it is worth noting that, at least in the case of the justice minister, support for reform has carefully avoided gratifying Western criticisms or implying Iranian acceptance of international human rights standards. Quite to the contrary, Pourmohammadi declared that he considered a change in the death penalty law to be prudent simply because the existing law had failed to have a deterrent effect in recent years, and not because of the number of individuals put to death annually. The AFP report noted that Pourmohammadi had advocated alternative penalties for drug traffickers, but had also justified Irans overall reliance on the death penalty, not just as punishment for the most serious crimes but as punishment for any person deemed to be morally irredeemable. The abolition of capital punishment is not possible, he said, because there are corrupt people in the country for whom there is no alternative but execution. In 1988, Pourmohammadi was the Intelligence Ministry representative to the Tehran death commission, which put thousands of political prisoners to death in a single summer, mostly on the basis of their affiliation with the opposition Peoples Mojahedin Organiztion of Iran. In August, a long-buried audio recording was released in which then-heir to the supreme leadership Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri was heard to criticize Pourmohammadi and others for their participation in the greatest crime of the Islamic Republic. In the wake of that revelation, Pourmohammadi openly declared that he was proud to have helped carry out Gods command of death for members and supporters of the PMOI. Such sentiments go a long way toward demonstrating that Pourmohammadi does not support death penalty reform on humanitarian groups. And according to his recent remarks, the justice minister believes that the judiciary as a whole shares his opinion on the matter. The lack of humanitarian concerns over capital punishment is evident in the behavior of the judiciary, as well, and not only because of its implementation of roughly 1,000 capital sentences in 2015, but also because of its aggressive prosecution of anti-death penalty activists. Last month, an Iranian appeals court upheld the 16-year sentence handed down against renowned lawyer and human rights activists Narges Mohmmadi for her peaceful activities and her leading role in the organization Step-by-Step to Stop the Death Penalty. In the wake of that move, 15 members of the Iranian parliament took the unprecedented measure of sending a letter to the judiciary urging reconsideration of her case. But there has been no response from judiciary head Sadeq Larijani, and lower-ranking officials have been noticeably dismissive of the request. The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran reported on Tuesday that judicial spokesperson Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei had told the Iranian press that Mohammadis verdict is final and that Islamic mercy cannot be applied to a case that has already been decided. The same report quoted Prosecutor General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri as accusing Mohammadis domestic defenders of acting based on ignorance and allowing themselves to be deceived by the enemy. Montazeri also accused Mohammadi and other human rights activists of being one part of a three-fold strategy by the West, aimed at weaken[ing] the identity and besmear[ing] the Islamic state. This further underscores the regimes opposition to reforms that seriously challenge the repressive laws currently in place. It also highlights the regimes paranoia about foreign influence, which has been driving the crackdown of dual nationals and pro-reform activists. The International Campaigns report went on to further emphasize the resistance to reform by pointing out that the supposedly moderate President Hassan Rouhani has still failed to follow up on his 2013 campaign promises assuring improvement of the human rights situation. That same year, the Rouhani administration assumed control over the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution and Constitutional Oversight, which could have given it unprecedented authority to challenge abuses of human rights by the state. But the commission was never used for this purpose, and a Rouhani administration official explained that its members were more focused on holding seminars on theoretical topics, rather than administrative issues. Also, in December of that year, Rouhani introduced the first draft of a Bill of Rights, but it was never adopted and never moved past the initial phase of public debate. In fact, the Rouhani government has been unresponsive to numerous violations of human rights, the International Campaign explains. Meanwhile, other organs of the government have plainly contributed to those violations, or publicly justified them. In some such cases, the abuses not only violated international standards but also the laws of the Islamic Republic itself. This trend could serve to further undermine the significance of calls for death penalty reform by such figures as Justice Minister Pourmohammadi. That is to say, the regimes demonstrated willingness to violate its own laws could allow for the death penalty to continue being applied arbitrarily, even if less frequently than during the recent surge in drug-trafficking executions. The International Campaign observes that Prosecutor General Montazeris continuous verbal assault on Narges Mohammadi, together with his accusation that she is tied to a Western plot, is a violation of Article 39 of the Iranian Constitution, which calls for punishment of those who defame detainees. And even if Montazeri is ignorant of the provision, that in itself is a violation of another article which calls for his position to be occupied by legal experts. An earlier report called attention to another person who, like Narges Mohammadi, had been subjected to arbitrary accusations instead of being treated in accordance with specifically defined Iranian laws. The person in question, Mansoureh Behkish, is connected to the group Mothers of Laleh Park, which was founded by the mothers of victims of the 1988 massacre and which calls for action to bring justice to those victims. In September, she was banned from leaving the country while on her way to visit her daughter, and was then summoned to court to answer for unspecified accusations. Behkish explained to the International Campaign that this was only one of many run-ins with the countrys security operation, each of which was based on politics and ideology rather than the law. Anyone who opposes their views is treated as an enemy, she said, adding that critics of the 1988 massacre have been subject to constant threats and pressure aimed at ending their activism. Of course, with respect to the 1988 massacre, the death penalty as a whole, and a wide range of other human rights topics, there are numerous instances of people being subject to extrajudicial punishments, including months-long periods of pre-trial detention, torturous interrogations aimed at eliciting false confessions, and mistreatment such as the denial of medical treatment for persons who are serving prison sentences. In some cases, legal violations by the judiciary are spurred by intervention from elsewhere in the regime, particularly from the Intelligence Ministry and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, both of which have apparently seen an increase in their domestic power in recent years, leading to the widespread perception of these organs as being above the law. This has reportedly been the case with Maryam Akbari Monfared, who made headlines last week when after having written a letter to the prosecutor general over the execution of her siblings as part of the 1988 massacre. The National Council of Resistance of Iran previously reported that she had been subject to new threats as a result of that letter. But the International Campaign notes that she had already been under pressure since her 2009 arrest for alleged participation in the 2009 Movement and connection to the PMOI. Two and a half years ago, Monfareds family offered a property deed in order to pay the unusually high bail amount of 362,000 dollars for her furlough. But since that time, the judiciary has been holding onto the deed while also arbitrarily keeping Monfared in prison on instructions from the Intelligence Ministry, in yet another apparent violation of the countrys own laws. He continues, Lebanons selection Monday of Michel Aoun as president ended a long impasse that left Beiruts presidential palace vacant for 2 / years. The victory of the 81-year-old former general seals via its proxy Hezbollah Irans dominance over Lebanon. He calls it the latest outcome of 1) President Obamas attempt to reorder the Middle East through Irans empowerment and 2) Russias reassertion of power through an alliance with the mullahs. Avni says, Meanwhile, Irans strongest foe, the Saudis, have bigger fish to fry than Lebanon. Theyre involved in Yemens civil war (on the opposite side of the Iranians) and also financing Sunni foes of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. So the Saudis all but gave up on Lebanon, which once served as the regions banker and a major cultural leader. Gen. Aoun was once a fierce enemy of Syria. He was forced to flee the country because he feared being assassinated by Assads father, Hafez. He returned home from Paris in 2005, this time as Damascus friend. In Lebanon, everyone in power has a regional patron and that patron can change at a moments notice. Aoun switched allegiances to Iran, and it paid off, says Avni. Now hes president. Avni claims that, Assad is elated. He owes much of his survival to Iran, which finances his bloody bid to hold onto power, and Hezbollah, whose Lebanese Shiite troops serve as Assads most effective foot soldiers and cannon fodder, and says that Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah chief, meanwhile is beaming like a groom on his wedding day. Some Lebanese, including Nasrallahs own Shiite supporters, have questioned his decision to go all in for Assad in Syria, but he wasnt swayed. Now Lebanon is his for the foreseeable future. The Lebanon watcher at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Tony Badran, notes, in the past, Hezbollah had a say, and even veto power, over the selection of president, but Aoun became the first president that Hezbollah [chose] directly. While Aouns victory speech was of unity and Lebanese patriotism, he sent clear messages, according to Avni, most notably a promise to support the resistance. Thats a reference to Hezbollahs unchallenged and illegal army. When Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called to congratulate him, as reported by Irans ISNA news agency, Aoun promised him Lebanon is ready to stand against any threat from terrorist groups or the Zionist Regime. Aoun is far from Nasrallahs only power lever. Hezbollah is the most powerful faction in Parliament, where a Shiite is guaranteed the speakers role (long held by Nabih Berry). It has much sway over the Lebanese Armed Forces, the countrys legitimate army. And now, with a hand-picked president whos also a former general with strong ties to the military, the Iran-backed terrorist powerhouse all but controls that national army, according to Avni. He continues, Next for Lebanon is the selection of a national cabinet. Sunni politician Saad Hariri reportedly made a deal to support Aoun in return for Hariri becoming prime minister. But Hariri will be hamstrung in office by Hezbollah, which will continue to control the cabinet. Lebanon, in other words, is now the fiefdom of Nasrallah and, by proxy, Iran. And its but a symptom of the Mideasts maladies. Lebanon wont escape from Irans spell by itself. Too few Lebanese have the will or power to push back on Nasrallah. A reversal of Irans fortunes, if any, will come in Syria, Yemen, Iraq or elsewhere in the Shiite Crescent that now spreads from south Asia to the Mediterranean. Should we care? Remember, Hezbollah remains one of the worlds most dangerous anti-American terror organizations. It fights on behalf of Iran in Syria and Yemen, and continues to justify its existence by calling to liberate lands controlled by Israel which it threatens with 150,000 rockets, including sophisticated long-range guided missiles, Avni says, adding, If the next American president wants to start reversing Hezbollahs fortunes, he or she must end our dangerous tilt toward the mullahs. And if the mullahs lose some of their current sheen, who knows maybe even Lebanons politicians will seek sugar daddies elsewhere. She told the interviewer, the forces were dressed in civilian clothes and Golrokh asked them to give her time to take her medicine but they prevented her and asked her what the use of medicine will be since she doesnt have long to live. They have taken Golrokh blindfolded and handcuffed in front of the neighbors and they put her in the car and took her to Evin Court. In the court, Golrokh explained about the security agents mistreatment with her during the arrest and how they prevented her from taking her Asthma medications as well as her other stuff. After a lot of struggle, they have finally accepted to go to her house with three policemen to take her medications and stuff. She was then transferred to Evin Prison, her mother said. She talked about Golrokhs current situation, Golrokh is very much concerned about Arashs (her imprisoned husband) hunger strike because he takes medicine and he is injured in shoulder area while he was being detained by the Revolutionary Guards forces. Golrokh has requested from the prosecutor of Evin Prison called Hajiloo to make Arash halt his hunger strike and Hajiloo has told her that she is banned from receiving the visitors unless Arash stops his hunger strike. Because of her operation just days ago, and the fact that she is on a waiting list for back surgery, Golrokhs Mother stressed that she could only visit Golrokh this once, and she is unsure if there will be any further visits. Arash Sadeghi is a civil activist who is now imprisoned in Evin prison. He went on a hunger strike on 24th October 2016 to protest against the detention of his wife, Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee. Prison guards told Arash that he is banned from visiting his wife until he halts his hunger strike. This blog generally follows traditional journalistic standards. It's not about opinions, though you may read one here occasionally. It's about facts that we think will be useful to rural journalists, non-rural journalists who do rural stories, and others interested in rural issues. We don't try to be provocative, so we don't generate as many comments as most blogs with the level of traffic we have, but we certainly invite comments -- and contributions, to . REPUBLICATION We invite articles submitted by our readers. You can add an article (subject to editorial approval) by emailing the Juan Wilson with what you want to post.We will include your name as the author, or, if you are forwarding another's words, we will add you as the source. I reached out to chef-owner Cedric Maupillier, who asked me to share the following email: Thank you for patronizing my establishment. While, I am blushing at your praises about the food and the drinks, as I really love to hear compliments, let me apologize for the lack of finesse you found from the server and manager that approached your table. I am to be blamed for it. Allow me the opportunity to explain: Last Wednesday, if I recall correctly, was a beautiful evening and probably one of the last days our guests could enjoy dining on our patio. We checked all the weather apps and they predicted light clouds throughout the evening with the potential for rain showers around 11pm. Therefore, I intentionally opened up extra slots for tables around the "prime-time" 7-7:30. I reasoned that this would allow my patio and dining room to fill up and generate more business. Only a small fraction of our guests come from walk-in traffic. Unfortunately, to my dismay and everyone's surprise, a light showers arrived a lot earlier that evening. While you were enjoying the first bites of your nibbles, we had to move five tables from the patio to inside the restaurant. Suddenly, we found ourselves overbooked by 30 guests which incidentally, is the capacity of our patio. As soon as I heard about the first drip I gathered my managers and asked, to work proactively, to communicate to the servers, and try to turn our first tables as fast as they could to control the damage that was inventively going to happen in our overbooked restaurant. That evening, we were very late in seating several tables. In an effort to make up for our poor performance we comped drinks and food to salvage their experience. A night that was supposed to be profitable turned out instead to be the opposite. I am truly sorry that you became a casualty of my lack of judgement. I would like to extend my sincere apologizes and to offer you and your guests the chance to enjoy all of what Convivial has to offer. Please email me directly at Cedric@convivialdc.com to arrange a return visit if you wish to give us the pleasure to serve you better. Greetings, all, and welcome to today's chat. Talking about food and cooking MIGHT be the last thing on your mind, given the election (and a little speech by Hillary Clinton happening as I type), but we're hoping you want to put all that out of your heads for an hour: Consider it an extended moment of Zen. We have some interesting things to chat about, including Tamar Haspel's piece about hunting deer for Thanksgiving; Jane Black's review of Vivian Howard's lovely new "Deep Run Roots" cookbook; Carrie Allan's look at some chemistry-geek cocktail making; and more. Tamar and Carrie will join us today, and we'll have a Very Special Guest, too: Vivian Howard herself! She's simply a joy. We also have put out our ever-helpful Thanksgiving Central page; this is where you can start all your T-Day menu planning. Our newest recipes are included in full, and we have links to lots more options, plus FAQs, other thematic menus; and videos, with more to be added over the next couple of weeks. Check it out, and let us know what you think! Remember that this is one of those great weeks when you can just keep on chatting. Dorie Greenspan will take the baton from us at 1, so you can send her baking and other cooking questions now, and then go join her live when we're done. We'll also have giveaway books today: a SIGNED copy of Vivian's "Deep Run Roots" and a copy of Alton Brown's "EveryDayCook," source of this week's Weeknight Veg recipe. Oh, and for you PostPoints members, here's today's code: FR2162 . Remember, you'll record and enter it into the PostPoints site under Claim My Points to earn points. The code expires at midnight, so be sure to enter the code by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday to get credit for participating. Let's do this! [November 02, 2016] ValiMail Accelerates Authentication Of The World's Email Through $12 Million Series A Round Led By Shasta Ventures SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ValiMail, the world's first provider of automated email authentication, today announced a $12 million series A funding round led by Shasta Ventures, with follow-on investments from Flybridge Capital Partners and Bloomberg Beta. This round brings ValiMail's total funding to $13.5 million to date. The company will use the funds to meet the rapidly expanding demand for its patent-pending authentication platform which brings visibility, control, compliance, and security to cloud-based email services. This announcement comes on the heels of an exponential growth year for the company. Founded just over a year ago, ValiMail already authenticates billions of emails each month for its fast-growing and diverse client base that includes Uber, Time Warner, Yelp, Twilio, and Fenwick & West. "Our mission is to authenticate the world's communications, starting with email," said ValiMail CEO Alexander Garcia-Tobar, "As cloud services multiply, enterprises realize they need visibility, control, compliance, and security to address the corresponding proliferation of cloud email services. ValiMail is able to auto-identify and block 100% of unauthorized email and criminal impersonation attempts with unprecedented accuracy." The rapi rise of cloud services has brought an explosion of new email senders to the enterprise. As a result, companies lose visibility and control over the email sent on their behalf, creating concerns about compliance, best practices, "Shadow IT," and modern spear phishing attacks. This trend drives the need for the discipline that authentication brings to email. ValiMail today is able to shield 2.7 billion consumer inboxes from unauthorized and imposter emails by automating implementation of an open standard called DMARC, which is enforced by the world's largest email service providers including Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and AOL. Though more than 60,000 domains have DMARC in place, recent research has highlighted that more than 70% are incomplete or broken and in need of an automated solution to address rampant phishing attacks, and to address Shadow IT a concern for over 80% of the nation's CIOs. "ValiMail has been instrumental in securing our well-known consumer brands against phishing attacks," said Stephen Fridakis, Vice President, Chief Information Security Officer at HBO. "We look forward to a fruitful partnership with them as we continue to secure our company's information and email communications." Customers can manage their approved sending services and view all email activity authorized, unauthorized, and criminal through a one-click online dashboard. ValiMail's use of open APIs and partner-friendly approach enables enterprises, Secure Email Gateways (SEGs), and other traditional security firms to integrate email authentication into their existing solutions. "We are impressed by ValiMail's approach to email authentication as a service," said Jason Pressman, Managing Director at Shasta Ventures. "The Valimail differentiated solution allows its customers visibility and control into one of their most important communication channels, allowing them to protect their brands, employees and, ultimately, their bottom line." ValiMail provides a free domain check tool indicating whether a domain is authenticating properly and how exposed it is to phishing attacks. ABOUT VALIMAIL ValiMail, the world's first provider of Email Authentication as a Service, enables automated email authentication for 2.7 billion email inboxes globally. Using the DMARC, SPF, and DKIM protocols, ValiMail gives enterprises full visibility and control over who sends messages using their domains, eliminates phishing impersonation attacks, and improves email deliverability. For more information visit www.ValiMail.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435395LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/valimail-accelerates-authentication-of-the-worlds-email-through-12-million-series-a-round-led-by-shasta-ventures-300355971.html SOURCE ValiMail [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Founded in 1949, the NIH Record is the biweekly newsletter for employees of the National Institutes of Health. It is produced by the Editorial Operations Branch, Office of Communications and Public Liaison, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. Published 25 times each year, the NIH Record comes out on payday Fridays. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivers a speech at Philippines Economic Forum in Tokyo, Japan October 26, 2016. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File photo Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivers a speech at Philippines Economic Forum in Tokyo, Japan October 26, 2016. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File photo Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivers a speech at Philippines Economic Forum in Tokyo, Japan October 26, 2016. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File photo Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivers a speech at Philippines Economic Forum in Tokyo, Japan October 26, 2016. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File photo Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte chided the United States on Wednesday for halting the planned sale of 26,000 rifles to his country, calling those behind the decision fools and monkeys and indicating he might turn to Russia and China instead. Dutertes tirades against the former colonial power are routine during his speeches and he said on Wednesday he once believed in Washington, but had since lost respect for the Philippines biggest ally. In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said he regarded Dutertes latest salvo as inexplicably at odds with the close relationship that we continue to have with not just the Filipino people, but the Filipino government. The State Department halted the sale of the assault rifles to the Philippine police after staff from U.S. Senator Ben Cardins office said he would oppose it, Senate aides told Reuters on Monday. Aides said Cardin, the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was reluctant for the United States to provide the weapons given concern about human rights violations in the Philippines during Dutertes bloody, four-month-old war on drugs. Look at these monkeys, the 26,000 firearms we wanted to buy, they dont want to sell, Duterte said during a televised speech. Son of a bitch, we have many homemade guns here. These American fools. More than 2,300 people have been killed in police operations or by suspected vigilantes as part of Dutertes anti-narcotics effort, which was the linchpin of his election campaign. Duterte has vented his anger at the United States for raising concerns about the extrajudicial killings. Story continues Thats why I was rude at them, because they were rude at me, he said. According to procedures in Washington, the State Department informs Congress when international weapons sales are in the works. Aides said the State Department had been informed Cardin would oppose the deal during the prenotification process, thus effectively halting the sale. Committee staff told State that Cardin would block it if it was sent forward. They havent sent it. Does that mean it has been stopped? I guess that depends on your definition. It would be highly unusual for State to move it forward with explicit opposition, a Senate aide said on Wednesday. COMMITTED TO PHILIPPINES ALLIANCE Kirby, the State Department spokesman, said he was barred from commenting on the status of the sale, while stressing the U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Philippines alliance. Asked how the United States could have a close relationship with the Phiippines government without also having such ties with its president, Kirby said in a democracy, the government doesnt rest on the shoulders of just one individual. Kirby denied Washington had any plan to circumvent Duterte but rather to stress that it has long and robust relationships with other parts of the government. Those are solid, they remain. But obviously, you also need to develop a good working relationship with the head of state, Kirby said. Were committed to doing that. Speaking with troops at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the long-standing military alliance had benefited both nations. We continue to regard them as an ally. Obviously were having conversations with the government of the Philippines about the future of that. That has been good for the Philippines, it is good for the United States, Carter said in response to a servicemans question. The Philippine police chief, Ronald dela Rosa, who has expressed disappointment that police might not get the M4 rifles, held a news conference where he showed a letter from the supplier, SIG Sauer, saying it had been advised by State that the application for the export license was proceeding normally. If it does not go ahead, dela Rosa said, We have many options and its their loss, not ours, if the report is true. Duterte reiterated that Russia and China had shown willingness to sell arms to the Philippines, but he would wait to see if his military wanted to continue using U.S. weapons. Russia, they are inviting us. China also. China is open, anything you want, they sent me brochure saying we select there, well give you. But I am holding off because I was asking the military if they have any problem. Because if you have, if you want to stick to America, fine. But, look closely and balance the situation, they are rude to us. Reuters The post Philippines Duterte rails at U.S. monkeys for halting gun sale appeared first on UNTV News. Aritz Aranburu won the Allianz Perfect Chapter 2016 tuberiding contest in thumping 8-10ft barrels at Nazares now infamous Praia da Norte. Perhaps better known for attempts at the 100ft wave shown on nightly news bulletins around the world when a monster swell unloads at the Portuguese big wave Mecca, Nazare also turns on Hossegor-style shorebreak barrels on medium sized swells, and proved an ideal location for the 5th edition of an invitational event that judges surfers on one thing only tuberiding. Taking out a heavy field including the likes of Balaram Stack, Bruno Santos, Dylan Graves, Nic von Rupp, Pedro Scooby and Tiago Pires, Aritz got the call up late to appear in the event, and required little persuading. As the tide filled in throughout the day, conditions got better and better focusing on a crazy A-frame bank just yards off the beach. With some serious lickings gong down and plenty of broken boards, Aritz used all his experience in heavy conditions to eek past a dangerous-looking Balaram Stack. [November 02, 2016] SciMedTV Launches Video Search Engine for Science, Engineering and Medical Professionals NEW YORK, Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SciMedTV announces today the official launch of the Science and Medicine Video Library at www.scimed.tv a search engine for scientific and medical video that searches the full-transcripts of more than a quarter million videos created by over 300 of the world's leading universities, medical centers, government agencies and scientific institutions. Doctors, nurses, scientists, engineers, teachers and students around the world can now effortlessly search the online video collections of; the NIH, NASA, NSF, CERN, ACM Siggraph, IEEE, Fermi Lab, Institute for Advanced Study, American Physical Society, Nature, Science Magazine, Royal Society, Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, University of California, Oxford, Cambridge, JAMA, NEJM, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine and hundreds of other universities, research centers, hospitals and publishers. The SciMedTV user interface offers a unique sharing feature. Viewers watch the video in a window while seeing the transcript scroll in synch alongside it. Users can choose any segmet of a video by selecting a portion of the transcript and posting that add-free segment of the video clip to social media or emailing it to a colleague or patient. Additionally, the search terms are highlighted in the transcript and the video can be navigated to any word in the video simply by clicking on it in the transcript. The transcripts of all the videos in this collection were created by the video owners themselves or through YouTube's voice recognition software. SciMedTV was founded by Gary Welz with partners Audrey Berger, David Pierce and Mark Anzalone. This project was developed at the New Media Lab of the City University of New York Graduate Center, CUNY. Mr. Welz teaches mathematics at John Jay College and Borough of Manhattan Community College of CUNY as well as the Fashion Institute of Technology of the State University of New York, SUNY. "SciMedTV is committed to developing video tools and portals for science and medical professionals," stated Welz. "With this new website, we enable researchers and medical practitioners to quickly and easily find the precise video segment that's most relevant to their immediate needs and share it with their colleagues, students and patients especially in an emergency." This video index and website were created for SciMedTV by Microsearch www.microsearch.net. "SciMedTV - scientific and medical video for professionals in a hurry." For more information, visit www.scimed.tv or contact: [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scimedtv-launches-video-search-engine-for-science-engineering-and-medical-professionals-300355973.html SOURCE SciMedTV [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Professional Development U Texas at Austin Taps Partner to Design Online Training for Secondary Counselors The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has chosen a private partner to design and deliver a competency-based online training course for secondary school counselors and advisors. The program is part of Texas OnCourse, a statewide initiative designed to help streamline pathways to student success in higher education and careers through online training for students, families and educators. "Through the Texas OnCourse initiative we are working with multiple state agencies, employers, colleges and universities, state and national organizations, educators and other stakeholders to develop innovative learning opportunities that will provide unprecedented support for secondary career and college advising across the state," said Harrison Keller, deputy to the president for strategy and policy at UT Austin, in a prepared statement. The company, Learning Objects, will design the course with a focus on competencies related to high school graduation plans, student options for earning course credit, higher ed admission requirements, regional workforce opportunities and strategies for planning high school, college and career opportunities. "Leveraging the Learning Objects Competency Framework will allow for tracking of learner performance and granting credentials based on competency mastery," according to a news release. "The Learning Objects Competency Framework enables the competencies to be mapped to the appropriate learning activities and assessments. This, in turn, allows each learner to demonstrate mastery at their own pace, earning credentials each step along the way." Both the micro-credentialing platform and the competency-based modules will be made available to all secondary advisers and counselors throughout the state as part of their regular training. Students and their families will also have access to online learning opportunities designed to help them understand options related to postsecondary education and career planning. "UT Austin is once again at the forefront of education innovation for students and instructors. said Jon Mott, chief learning officer for Learning Objects, in a prepared statement. "We are excited to support their efforts to bolster the college and career advising available to students in middle and high schools statewide. Our experience in designing scalable, competency-based digital learning environments and curriculum allows us to support the varied needs of counselors and advisers across the state. In addition, our platform enables individualized, mastery-based learning." "A little fill here and there may seem to be nothing to become excited about. But one fill, though comparatively inconsequential, may lead to another, and another, and before long a great body may be eaten away until it may no longer exist. Our navigable waters are a precious natural heritage, once gone, they disappear forever," wrote the Wisconsin Supreme Court in its 1960 opinion resolving Hixon v. PSC and buttressing The Public Trust Doctrine, Article IX of the Wisconsin State Constitution. - US fighter jets have launched airstrikes on al-Shabaab strongholds in southern Somalia - The airstrikes by the US forces come days after KDF jets bombed several camps used by the terror group Just days after Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) launched airstrikes on camps used by terror group al-Shabaab, US forces have also bombed several areas said to be the stronghold of the terror group. US fighter jets bombed several areas said to be under the control of al-Shabaab. READ ALSO: Al-Shabaab militants destroy KDF vehicles According to Garowe Online, US forces carried out airstrikes in al-Shabaab controlled areas in lower Shabelle region on Tuesday, November 1. The airstrikes targeted Yinbis area located about 15 km from Afgoye district. US fighter jets are reported to have killed several al-Shabaab militants in southern Somalia. The US airstrikes targeted al-Shabaab leaders and camps in the area. READ ALSO: How Congestina Achieng is suffering after end of her glory days US fighter jets launch airstrikes against terror group al-Shabaab. READ ALSO: The beautiful soldier girls fighting al-Shabaab According to residents, several al-Shabaab militants were killed in the assault. The US government is yet to comment on the raids with terror group al-Shabaab remaining silent on the losses it incurred after the airstrikes. Watch a video of US airstrikes in Somalia. Source: TUKO.co.ke [November 02, 2016] Top 4 Trends Impacting the Global Biometrics Market in BFSI Sector Through 2020: Technavio Technavio's latest report on the global biometrics market in BFSI sector provides an analysis on the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2016-2020. Technavio defines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline. Biometrics is widely being implemented in mobile devices to control accessibility. The Touch ID in Apple (News - Alert) devices, which allows end-users to unlock their devices and make payments for their purchases on Apple digital media stores, uses fingerprint biometrics. Further, an individual's fingerprint data is neither stored on Apple servers nor on iCloud, but on the chip inside the device. This avoids instances of privacy intrusion and fortifies security. Mobile companies like Motorola and Samsung (News - Alert) have also incorporated biometric fingerprint sensors in their devices to manage the accessibility of applications and data. The global biometrics market in the BFSI sector is anticipated to witness impressive growth and will post a staggering CAGR of close to 20% over the forecast period. Amrita Choudhury, a lead analyst from Technavio, specializing in research on automatic identification systems sector, says, "With increase in instances of security breaches and transaction frauds, the need for highly secure identification and verification systems has increased manifold in the BFSI sector. Biometrics authentication is considered as an ideal solution to address the security issues in the BFSI sector because it relies on the unique physiological features of the individuals." Request a sample report: http://www.technavio.com/request-a-sample?report=53285 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. The top four emerging trends driving the global biometrics market in BFSI sector according to Technavio ICT research analysts are: Adoption of vein recognition inATMs and POS terminals Multimodal biometrics in BFSI sector Proliferation of facial recognition in BFSI sector Introduction of voice biometrics in BFSI sector Adoption of vein recognition in ATMs and POS terminals Banks and financial institutions in the developing countries such as India, China, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa are ready to adopt vein recognition biometrics to verify the identity of their customers. Also, in the global BFSI sector, vein recognition is likely to find greater adoption in the next two years, specifically in m-banking as it is accurate and user-friendly. The major application areas of vein recognition biometrics in the BFSI sector includes door security, log-in management for PCs, ATMs, POS terminals, and banking transactions. Multimodal biometrics in BFSI sector Multimodal biometrics uses a combination of two or more biometric technologies to identify and verify individuals. In many situations, one form of biometric identification does not yield accurate and exact match of the identity of an individual. The combination of biometrics like fingerprint and finger vein pattern or a combination of fingerprint, iris, and voice pattern, is more reliable, accurate, secure, and capable of avoiding spoofing attacks. This is likely to lead to higher adoption of this system in the BFSI sector in countries across the world. Proliferation of facial recognition in BFSI sector Facial recognition biometric technology is gaining traction in the BFSI sector to provide clients secure access to their bank accounts eliminating the need for a username and password. 3D facial recognition technology is further influenced by its increasing demand in ATMs, mobile payment at POS, and online banking services. "The use of 3D biometric facial recognition in the global BFSI sector is gaining popularity and is likely to be adopted in other areas of the business like loan approval, personalized assistance, as well as determination of blacklist customers," says Amrita. Introduction of voice biometrics in BFSI sector The usage of various internet networks for financial transactions have increased the vulnerability of financial accounts and user data. Further, customers are expected to remember numerous passwords, PINs, and card numbers to verify themselves and proceed to make secure transactions, which is rather inconvenient. Therefore, voice biometrics is being used in the financial sector that will provide secure access to bank accounts and will help end-users to carry out financial transactions by verifying their identity with their voice. For instance, in 2014, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank deployed FreeSpeech, a voice biometric solution from Nuance (News - Alert) Communications, for secure and easy authentication for customers through their unique voice pattern. It supports banking transactions through mobile devices and languages like Arabic, English, and Hindi. Browse Related Reports: Biometrics Market in North America 2016-2020 Global Biometric Sensors Market 2016-2020 Global Vein Recognition Biometrics Market in BFSI Sector 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161102006315/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] LAS CRUCES, N.M. Dona Ana County Sheriffs officials say the body of a man found west of Las Cruces has been identified as their investigation into his death continues. The body of 61-year-old Robert Reed was discovered Oct. 10. Sheriffs officials say the severely decomposed remains were wrapped in a tarp and could have been dumped at the spot as early as mid-August. Two landscape workers who were clearing weeds in the area discovered the body and alerted authorities. The remains were sent to the University of New Mexico Office of the Medical Examiner for positive identification. Detectives have learned that Reed lived in Las Cruces, frequented Branigan Library and walked with a cane. But they have been unable to locate any of his relatives and are asking the public for any information. Dozens of high school students partnered with young military veterans and others on a beautiful recent fall day to plant cottonwood trees and hundreds of milkweed plants at the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument to help slow erosion and improve wildlife habitat. Sandia High School senior Makenzie Sanchez was among a group of students who traveled from Albuquerque and Taos to the site near Pilar for the conservation and education program. It was just incredible, said Sanchez, 18, who is a youth ambassador for Valle del Oro National Wildlife Refuge in Bernalillos South Valley. She and two other members of her crew gave a lunchtime talk about how both the refuge and the national monument help protect water quality for those who rely on the river. The Rio Grande del Norte project was part of a larger effort by the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, the Southwest Conservation Corps and the Conservation Lands Foundation to involve youth in environmental stewardship and connect them to the land around them. The experience helped the students build their love for the outdoors and for conservation, said Tisha Broska, associate director of the Wilderness Alliance. The students got dirty, she said. They were down on their hands and knees planting milkweed. The youth volunteers also had a chance to share stories, learn about the importance of the river, plants and pollinators and conservation. They also heard a traditional Navajo song sung by Arlen John, a teacher from the Native American Community Academy in Albuquerque who accompanied the students. The Wilderness Alliance organized school groups from the Native American Community Academy and Taos Vista Grande Charter School. New Mexico Wilderness Alliance is working to build future stewards of our land and water, Broska said. We are proud to be part of this project, which highlights the power of private-public partnerships and the importance of protecting and restoring our precious watersheds. Members of the Southwest Conservation Corps Veterans Fire Corps program had spent eight days clearing 5 acres of invasive tamarisk and Russian olive trees from the area before the students came to help replant the area with beneficial plants. Removing invasives will benefit the endangered Southwestern willow flycatcher, while the newly plant milkweed will provide important food sources for butterflies, for example. The program was supported by a $35,000 grant from Royal Bank of Canada Blue Water Project. The Bureau of Land Management, which oversees the monument, also participated in the effort. Im delighted to have these great partners helping the next generation get some hands-on experience, said John Bailey, Rio Grande del Norte manager for the BLM. I hope this monument and these efforts will help teach us skills so that we are not just owners, but also stewards of public lands. MURRAY, UTAH Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Partys nominee for president, could not believe what was happening. For months, hed argued that the American publics disgust with the two major parties would cut his path to the White House. Hed just watched those candidates disqualify themselves from high office. And he was polling worse than ever especially in Utah, where those candidates were toxic. James Comey would not have done what he did unless there was something underlying all of this, Johnson told a crowd of around 100 people at a college auditorium near Salt Lake City. And if Trump is elected, he could actually go into inauguration day on trial for rape! Underage rape! He could be on trial for underage rape, taking the oath of office! Both claims were full of holes, from Comeys own letter to Congress on the case of Hillary Clintons emails to the flimsiness of the Donald Trump case. At the same time, two time zones away, Johnsons running mate, Bill Weld, was telling MSNBC that he was vouching for Mrs. Clinton and far more worried about Trump winning the election. This was not a bad day in the Libertarian tickets final run. It was typical. We purposely un-coordinate, other than the belief that we believe in each other, Johnson explained. Hey, he does not want Donald Trump elected. I dont want to see Hillary Clinton elected. So I dont see an issue with him going after Trump. Im going after Clinton. In 2015 and 2016, for months at a time, the rise of libertarian-minded candidates sparked questions about whether a libertarian moment had arrived. Sen. Rand Pauls, R-Ky., high-profile run for president rattled Democrats who worried about the shifting millennial vote. Johnson, an asterisk in the 2012 campaign, found hundreds of reporters following his 2016 bid. He sought media coverage and inclusion in public polling. He got it. Pauls campaign ended days after the Iowa caucuses, and months after most media stopped covering him. Johnson, who polled as high as the low teens, is tracking to finish in the low single digits and to win no states. The Koch donor network, which seeded libertarian think tanks for decades, has scaled back its 2016 ambitions from an eight-figure buy to some rote canvassing in swing states. In an interview at Salt Lake Citys Alfa Club, Johnson acknowledged that Trump or Clinton will win the election, unless there was a collective head-jerk that got voters in western states looking his way again. Before setting out for a final string of rallies from Atlanta to Portland, Oregon, to New Mexico, the state he governed, he described 2016 as a building year for the libertarian movement. He would not run for office again. I think the Libertarian Party will grow by leaps and bounds, he said. It will be a game changer if I can hit 5 percent. Ten million bucks of public financing. No issues regarding ballot access. There are going to be a slew of new Libertarians, who are going to be former elected Democrats and Republicans. Some of that has happened. Six newspapers endorsed the Johnson-Weld ticket, making six more than had ever endorsed the party in a presidential election. One retiring member of Congress, Rep. Scott Rigell, R-Va., bolted Trump for Johnson. In Murray, Johnson was joined by Mark Madsen, a Utah state senator whod quit the Republican Party for the Libertarians and told the mostly young crowd to run for office. Dont start with president, he advised. But its less than libertarians expected, and it comes as both the Democratic and Republican parties sprint further from their views. Bernie Sanders, not Rand Paul, became 2016s breakout star with young voters; his campaign found millions of them saying they preferred socialism to capitalism. Donald Trumps takeover of the Republican Party moved it further from the Koch sweet spot on immigration, on policing and entitlements. This has been the year of the alt-right more than the year of the libertarian far more. You can complain about the candidates or the system,' said Gene Healy, a vice president at the libertarian Cato Institute. The bigger problem is theres no mass constituency for radical cuts in government among GOP primary voters or the electorate at large. Any progress toward shrinking government and expanding liberty is going to be slow and incremental, and its almost certainly not going to emerge from presidential politics. Still, the candidates gave libertarians plenty to complain about. Paul, who is now favored to win an easy reelection to the Senate from Kentucky, attempted to balance an America-first foreign policy with the demands of nervous Republican voters. He opposed the nuclear deal with Iran; his father, former Texas congressman Ron Paul, supported it. Libertarian-approved campaign promises like tearing up the tax code and balancing the budget fell flat, while prickly libertarian purists attacked him as a sell-out. He sent all these mixed messages about arming the Kurds, and people were like, I dont know who this guy is, said Nick Gillespie, the editor of Reason.com and co-author of a 2009 book about how voters bailing on the two parties could become natural libertarians. He never came back from that. What would have worked better is a full-throated articulation of a libertarian foreign policy. The libertarian gripe about Johnson was simpler he was handed a perfect electoral opportunity, and he talked his way out of it. Like Gillespie, Johnson described libertarianism as a goldilocks politics that took what was good about the left and right and junked what was unpopular. But when the media finally put a camera in front of him, Johnson stumbled. Low-key and self-effacing, with a tendency to describe any policy discussion as in the weeds, Johnsons interviews only broke through if he gaffed which he did. Johnson never quite recovered from blanking on a question about what hed do about Aleppo when Hillary Clinton later errantly referred to the city as a Syrian border town, Johnson cried bias. He jokingly bit his tongue in an MSNBC interview and blew up at a Guardian reporter who kept informing him that most economists opposed his plan to swap the income tax for a national consumption tax. Ive never had an interview like that, Johnson said in Utah. Maybe its because I was burning the candle at both ends. Yet neither Paul nor Johnson made as many gaffes as Trump; neither one, like Clinton, had to fend off regular questions about the federal agents probing her emails. Johnsons polling swoon happened as he was excluded from the presidential debates, and while Democrats and the aligned group, NextGen Climate, lit into him for saying in 2012 that climate change was not a problem in the long run because eventually the earth would be engulfed by the sun. Between Paul, Johnson and the Koch network, libertarianism had plenty of media space to make a sale. That it might end the election with 5 percent support, or less, challenges the libertarians who have spent decades in the ideological snakepit. They warned before the nomination that Johnson and Weld were poor messengers. (I appreciate you, I like you, I believe in you, but please keep Bill Weld away from the Libertarian Party, Fox Business host Lisa Kennedy Montgomery told Johnson this week.) Fred Smith, the founder of the libertarian Competitive Enterprise Institute, suggested that libertarians were still not able to reach the people who might listen. The only channels big enough to reach the American people are the media, the academy, and pop culture, and none are readily accessible to classical liberals, said Smith. Business does have channels to reach the citizenry which they use to market product not to gain societal legitimacy. So libertarian ideas got all dressed up for the last decade or so and found they had nowhere to go. One hope is that post-election this strategic weakness in the array of free market forces will be addressed. Utah, which Johnson had once invested with time and hope, was proving Smiths point. In the summer, Johnson was threatening to force a three-way race between Clinton, Trump and himself. Evan McMullin, the ex-CIA operative and House Republican staffer who jumped into the race days before the filing deadline, drained almost all of his support. McMullin, a Mormon graduate of Brigham Young University, posed a challenge to Trump but none to the Republican Party as it existed five minutes before Trump. He pitched a new conservative movement pro-life, strong on defense, but more pro-immigration. More worrying for libertarians, in the long term, is that Johnsons performance might leave former Texas congressman Ron Paul as the most successful candidate in movement history. That was not a problem on economics, or war, or the other defining issues. But in his 2008 and 2012 campaigns, Paul seemed hamstrung by his support from white nationalists. The stories sprang up at the worst moments; donations from the founder of Stormfront.org, race war fearmongering in his old newsletters. In 2016, Rand Paul and then Gary Johnson studiously rejected all of that, replacing it with talk of criminal justice reform. Black lives matter, Johnson said at every stop since the summer. In the end, the nationalist aspect of Ron Pauls message the one his son sprinted away from proved more potent than libertarianism. The same day that Johnson slogged through his Utah schedule, Peter Thiel, the Paypal founder and libertarian donor who had funded a 2012 Ron Paul super PAC, was in Washington making the case for Trump. [Its] become sadly clear, in the year of Trump, that a fair proportion of his 2.1 million voters in 2012 were attracted more toward inchoate system-overthrow than well-considered libertarianism, said Brian Doherty, author of the movement history, Radicals for Capitalism. Libertarians, who do not lack for funding, will not give up. Johnson, who was disappointed that the Kochs did not stand on principle and back him, nonetheless raised more than any third-party candidate since the 1990s. At the Murray rally, Johnson got a rousing endorsement from Overstock.com founder Patrick Byrne, praising him for bringing principle to the race. Just one-tenth as many people came to the speech as had come to the last big McMullin rally. But those who did skewed young, and had a definition of libertarian that could be bent into any shape by the movements next candidate. Its a happy middle between the parties, said June Paxton, 25. Her only caveat: after she put all of her issue stances into online survey, she learned she should have been supporting the Green Party. libertarians KABUL Abdulhalim fled the northern city of Kunduz this month after militants and security forces had been clashing for days. Now hes 200 miles away in Kabul, sleeping in a tent and living on aid. He is part of a looming humanitarian crisis aid agencies here are struggling to contain. Before the current crisis, more than a million people had been uprooted last year. This year, at least another million Afghans are on the move inside Afghanistan and across its borders, in what the United Nations warns is an alarming new wave of displaced people. Many, like Abdulhalim, fled violence or conflict; others escaped hardships such as poverty or drought. Still others were forced to return from Pakistan and Iran. Even as the numbers grew, Afghanistan agreed to accept Afghan asylum seekers deported from the European Union. The deal, signed in October, could lead the E.U. to construct a separate terminal for deportees at Kabuls international airport, and as many as 100,000 Afghans could return. This sudden increase [in the displaced] has put a lot of pressure on Afghanistan, which has had 30 years of war, said Nader Farhad, spokesman for the U.N. refugee agency in Kabul. Its not easy to put together the infrastructure, to provide the services that are required, he said, adding that the displaced need everything from food and blankets to jobs and health care. To the European countries, we say: Instead of investing in the return of Afghans to Afghanistan, tackle the root causes, Farhad said. If the United Nations and other aid agencies fail to provide emergency assistance, it will be a humanitarian crisis, he said. Massive displacement has plagued Afghanistan for years, beginning with the Soviet invasion in 1979. That conflict kindled two decades of war. When the United States invaded in 2001, some 4 million Afghans were living in Pakistan and Iran. Many of those refugees later returned, driven by hopes for stability and peace. But now, Afghanistan is witnessing some of its worst violence since the United States helped to topple the Taliban. More than 1,600 civilians were killed in the first six months of 2016, according to a U.N. report released in July. That was the highest number of civilian casualties in the first half of a year since the United Nations began keeping track in 2009. The violence has been driven by Taliban assaults on Afghan cities, putting more civilians in the crosshairs. And the clashes have pushed even more people from their homes. The fighting was intense. There was artillery, rockets, aerial bombardment, Abdulhalim, 38, said of this months days-long battle between Afghan and Taliban forces in Kunduz city. Insurgents briefly seized the city at the same time last year. My children were screaming, our neighbors houses destroyed, said Abdulhalim, who like many Afghans goes by one name. We had no option but to leave. In Helmand province, in the restive south, more than 60,000 people have been displaced this year, according to the United Nations, and militants have fought pitched battles in the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah. At least 5,000 of those displaced in Helmand were forced out only in the past two months, the United Nations says, and thousands more have fled to neighboring provinces and beyond. In some provinces, the [armed] groups have more power there, and the government, it is very difficult for us to reach the affected population, said Sayed Rohullah Hashemi, an adviser to the minister of refugees and repatriation. We dont have the capacity to do so, especially in our ministry. The government cannot reach everyone on its own. In a dusty lot east of Kabul, the U.N. refugee agency has erected a center for the hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees arriving from Pakistan. At least 5,000 refugees cross the border from Pakistan every day. The United Nations gives them a small stipend and vaccinates the children against measles and polio. The influx began after Pakistani authorities announced a deadline for Afghan refugees of which there were 1.7 million registered with the United Nations to leave. Many of the refugees had lived in Pakistan for decades, or were even born there after their parents had fled Afghanistan. Jumauddin, 27, was born in Pakistan to Afghan parents. Now he is heading to Kunduz province, to the Khanabad district, where Taliban fighters hold sway. He says he has no choice. Kabul is too expensive, and maybe in Kunduz I can plow a plot of land, Jumauddin said. I know that there was fighting there even last week, but I have no other option. The government is worried about the return of refugees to areas where insurgents are active. But right now, the Taliban controls more territory than at any time since 2001. We are facing the return of tens of thousands of Afghans each month. . . . This will add very much to the vicious cycle of insecurity and joblessness, said Bashir Bezhen, an Afghan analyst and political commentator. Reports have already surfaced of returning refugees clashing with locals over resources and land. The displaced are often rejected, or pushed into squalid camps. They also face the threat of forced eviction and rarely have access to clean water or food. They are the poorest of the poor. They often live in open air, the U.N.s Farhad said. But they should go back [to their homes] when they feel secure. It has to be voluntary and of their own accord. In the area where Abdulhalim took shelter, the displaced worried that the government would force them out. The fighting in Kunduz city had subsided, but they couldnt just pack up and go home. They want us gone from here, but we dont have anything, not even the money to get back, Abdulhalim said. He first fled Kunduz on foot, with his children and the clothes on his back. Bezhen said that the government is incapable of creating jobs for these people or of improving the economy in the remote places where they live. He said criminal and terrorist networks will seek out the jobless and displaced youths. It will push Afghanistan into deeper crisis, Bezhen said. Sayed Salahuddin contributed to this report. afghans-displaced-1stld-writethru SANTA FE Theres been a deluge of hard-hitting campaign mailers in New Mexico legislative races, and candidates in key districts claim facts in the hit pieces are few and far between. Take Senate Democratic floor leader Michael Sanchez, who says hes never been to Hawaii, despite the claim in a mailer sent by a deep-pocketed pro-Republican political committee that he went to the Aloha State on a taxpayer-funded junket. I understand that my opponent and his big-money supporters are desperate to defeat me, Sanchez, a Belen Democrat, said in a statement. But lying to voters in order to be elected is not the way to address the issues that need to be debated regarding who can best represent District 29. The mailer was sent by Advance New Mexico Now, an independent expenditure committee, or super PAC, run by Gov. Susana Martinezs political adviser, Jay McCleskey. The political committee has also targeted Sanchez in hard-hitting TV ads. In a statement Wednesday, Jessica Perez, Advance New Mexico Nows treasurer, did not directly acknowledge any error in the mailing but said the group takes accuracy issues seriously. Since Sen. Sanchez has complained about one particular flier, we have checked the records and are in the final stages of preparing a mailer that will inform the voters in his district about the totality of his trips, so that they will have a clear and accurate picture about his over 20 taxpayer-funded junkets, Perez told the Journal . Sanchezs re-election campaign also said Wednesday that the longtime lawmaker has never met with Julie Benner, the wife of late Rio Rancho police officer Gregg Nigel Benner, despite claims to the contrary in a radio ad from Advance New Mexico Now. That ad features a letter from Julie Benner, whose husband was shot and killed in the line of duty in 2015, that describes New Mexicos laws dealing with violent crime as too lax and accuses Sanchez of being cold and dismissive to her and other relatives of crime victims, apparently in interactions at the Roundhouse. Sanchezs opponent in the Nov. 8 general election, Greg Baca of Belen, says he is not affiliated with the outside attacks and has complained about attacks against him from Sanchezs campaign. In one recent mailer, Sanchezs campaign says Baca is backed by pro-fracking outside groups that want to dump their cancer-causing poison into water sources. Thats an apparent reference to Advance New Mexico Now getting hefty financial contributions from individuals mostly from out of state with ties to the oil and natural gas industries. State Democratic Party officials held a news conference Wednesday to defend Sanchez that featured, among others, Valencia County resident Pam Cordova, who described the incumbent as a valuable member of the local community. Meanwhile, other legislative candidates around the state are also saying political attacks against them are false. House Majority Leader Nate Gentry, R-Albuquerque, said Wednesday that hes never been a member of a group called the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC, though he has attended at least one of the groups meetings. Thats contrary to a mailer from Patriot Majority New Mexico, a pro-Democratic super PAC thats received big donations from national labor unions. The mailer describes Gentry as a member of ALEC and says the group has pushed to allow health insurance companies to deny coverage for mammograms and other types of cancer screenings. The claims made by the super PAC supporting my opponent are patently false, Gentry told the Journal . I have never been a member of this group. As a father of two daughters, I have consistently fought in Santa Fe to provide better health care for women. Both Advance New Mexico Now and Patriot Majority New Mexico are among a growing list of state super PACs. Such groups operate as independent expenditure committees, meaning they do not have to abide by state campaign contribution limits but are prohibited from coordinating directly with candidates. New Mexico election code does not explicitly bar false campaign advertisements or provide penalties for using them. Other states have enacted such laws, but a federal judge in 2014 struck down an Ohio law on the grounds the government should not be able to determine what is political truth. In addition, the Roswell City Council in 2015 repealed a provision in municipal law due to concerns about its constitutionally that prohibited false campaign advertising. Journal staff writer Maggie Shepard contributed to this report. PHOENIX Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine on Thursday delivered what may be the first presidential campaign speech entirely in Spanish as part of Hillary Clintons push into traditionally Republican Arizona. The senator from Virginia spoke entirely in Spanish for about half an hour to a small crowd in a largely Hispanic area of Phoenix. He touched on immigration reform, the economy and the importance of being inclusive. He also criticized Republican Donald Trumps comments about Latinos and Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaios immigration raids. With so much at stake for the Hispanic community, its important that our campaign use the language that so many families around the country use, Kaine said with a slight accent to a group of about 150. The speech comes as Democrats court Latinos in Arizona in hopes of a historic win there Tuesday. Only one Democratic candidate, Bill Clinton in 1996, has won the state since 1948. Nearly a third of the state is Hispanic, and its home to 11 electoral votes. Hearing a candidate for national office deliver an entire speech in Spanish was effective for some attendees in a year in which Trump has proposed a crackdown on immigrants who lack legal status; promised to build a border wall Mexico would pay for; and called Mexicans illegally coming over the border rapists. It means a lot because I think in the future every politician in this country who tries to reach Hispanics will have to speak Spanish, said Maria Elena Gutierrez, an elementary school teacher. Its almost like a prerequisite. Lydia Hernandez, former state lawmaker, said she loved that Kaine made the effort to communicate with the largely Hispanic community in the Phoenix neighborhood of Maryvale. He spoke a lot better than a lot of us, Hernandez said, adding that the approach was effective. I feel like its catering to me. It gives me the chills. Shirley Vigil, a retiree, said it wasnt that important to her that Kaine speak in Spanish because she speaks both languages fluently. But she was impressed with his level of skill. I think he speaks better Spanish than I do, Vigil said. Kaine learned Spanish while a young missionary in Honduras. His language skills have come in handy for Hillary Clinton, who is hoping to cement support among Hispanics, and he has conducted about 50 interviews in Spanish since joining the ticket. About two-thirds of registered Latino voters identify as Democrats, according to the Pew Research Center. Obama won 71 percent of the Latino vote in 2012. But turnout has been disappointing among Latinos in Arizona because they have been reluctant to register to vote. Only 52 percent of Latinos eligible to vote in Arizona in 2012 actually registered, according to Latino Decisions. Those who were registered showed up in large numbers, with 78 percent of registered Latinos having cast a ballot. In all, 40 percent of eligible Latino voters cast a ballot that year. Activists hope that will change after a major registration drive this year that netted 150,000 new voters from mostly Latino neighborhoods. PHOENIX A federal judge has denied a request by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio to delay his upcoming trial on a criminal contempt-of-court charge. U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton issued the order Wednesday. Arpaios attorneys had said they needed more time to prepare for the scheduled Dec. 6 trial. The six-term sheriff was charged with criminal contempt for defying another judges order to stop his immigration patrols. The judge in question later said he believed Arpaio prolonged the patrols because he believed doing so would benefit his 2012 campaign. Arpaio has acknowledged the violation, but said it wasnt intentional and vowed to fight the charge. The 84-year-old Arpaio has been charged with a misdemeanor. If convicted, he could face up to six months in jail but wouldnt be barred from office. WASHINGTON When Congress returns to Washington later this month to tackle a budget impasse and a massive defense policy bill, there will be one more contentious item on its agenda: extending sanctions on Iran. At the end of the year, the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) expires and with it, the regime of existing U.S. sanctions lawmakers say are essential to ensure Washington can snap back punitive measures against Tehran should Iranian leaders violate the terms of the nuclear deal that went into effect earlier this year. But if lawmakers go too far in their bid to renew and possibly stiffen the sanctions, the White House fears Tehran could interpret it as a U.S. violation of the deal and take that as a cue to fire up their nuclear reactors again. Few issues of foreign policy have divided Congress as bitterly as the Iran deal. Many Democrats championed it as President Barack Obamas flagship diplomatic achievement, while Republicans blasted the accord as a foolhardy mistake that would only empower Iran and make it a bigger threat in the Middle East, particularly to Israel. Lawmakers today are similarly divided over the best approach to renewing the energy, banking and defense industry restrictions on Irans nuclear and missile activities. For many, the bill to renew the sanctions for 10 years is the best opportunity to slap new penalties on Tehran for a spate of ballistic missile tests it has conducted since the nuclear deal was struck. Democrats and Republicans have called for a response to the tests, arguing they violate the spirit, if not the letter, of the nuclear deal that eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for a cessation of its nuclear program. Others see the legislation as a chance to clamp down on the presidents ability to strike future financial settlements with Tehran a cause Republicans seized upon after revelations that the White House had timed $1.7 billion in cash settlements to Iran to coincide with the release of American prisoners, which the GOP calls ransom. And a few more Republicans lawmakers dont want to see a renewal of Iran sanctions move ahead without also cutting a hefty check to Irans archenemy Israel, even if that flies in the face of an aid deal the Obama administration and Israel struck just a few weeks ago. The discord is concentrated mainly in the Senate, where there are three competing proposals jockeying for a floor vote during the lame duck. In the House, the normally pugnacious GOP majority which has passed a litany of measures aimed at limiting the Iran deal and U.S. engagement with Tehran is opting for a bipartisan approach. The House is planning to vote on a clean 10-year renewal of the existing sanctions, according to a GOP congressional aide The Iran Sanctions Act should remain in place until the regime stops exporting terror and threatening us and our allies with deadly weapons, said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Edward R. Royce, R-Calif., who is sponsoring the measure. Thats why Ill be introducing a bipartisan, long-term extension of these important sanctions. But it is unclear if the Senate will follow the Houses lead or if the White House is even ready to accept a bipartisan renewal of existing sanctions. The effectiveness of the Iran deal relies on Iran upholding its promise to suspend its nuclear program and on the other parties to the agreement including the United States not creating any new nuclear-related sanctions against Tehran while the deal is in effect. Some advocates of the deal have lobbied against renewing the sanctions out of concern that Iranian leaders might interpret the move as the U.S. violating its obligations under the nuclear pact. At the very least, they argue, a 10-year extension which would extend beyond the date when the nuclear pact requires the U.N. to formally lift sanctions in 2023 would exacerbate tensions during a sensitive time for the deal. The White House is not worried that renewing the sanctions will violate the nuclear deal, but has argued it has the authority to impose penalties on Iran for malign activities even if the current law expires. The White House has not shot down the idea it could veto an extension of sanctions. I wont prejudge at this point about whether the President would sign that bill, but I would just make the point that the kind of authority that Congress is saying the executive branch should have to confront Iran is the kind of executive authority that we already have, White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters last week. Congress isnt buying that. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed deep frustration at the pace and scope with which the Obama administration sanctioned Iranian individuals and entities over frequent ballistic missile tests conducted during the last year. Iranian leaders argue those tests are their right under the deal, but U.S. lawmakers warn they could have no purpose but to ready Irans capability to deliver a nuclear weapon in the future. Such concerns drove Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and others to push for a sanctions renewal bill that would supplement existing Iran sanctions with new mandatory punishments for those involved with Irans ballistic missile program, cyberthreats and espionage, and the countrys Revolutionary Guard Corps. The bill would also prohibit Irans financial institutions from conducting dollar-based transactions with banks in third-party countries. Corkers approach has tacit support from GOP Senate leadership, but its road to a floor vote is being challenged from both the right and left. Republican Lindsey O. Graham of South Carolina threw a wrench into the mix this fall, when he threatened a counterproposal that would tie the extension of sanctions to approving an extra $1.5 billion in aid for Israel. Grahams proposal was designed to challenge a 10-year memorandum of understanding the Obama administration struck with Israel, which guarantees unprecedented levels of military aid but stipulates that Israel cannot take more money from Congress. Still, aid for Israel is politically popular with both parties and Graham all but dared fellow lawmakers to vote against his proposal, should it be considered on the floor. Meanwhile, most influential Senate Democrats have banded around a simple, no-frills reauthorization that Corkers usual negotiating partner, Senate Foreign Relations Committee top Democrat Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland, proposed only days after the chairman introduced his bill. Their measure is most akin to the Houses forthcoming Iran sanctions bill that members are expected to vote on later this month. A successful House vote on that bill may create enough momentum to carry a simple extension of the existing sanctions all the way through Congress and onto the presidents desk. iran-sanctions Lets just come out and say it: 2016 has been a slow-burning dumpster fire, and the presidential election is largely responsible. But in the weeks leading up to Nov. 8, the doomsday aura surrounding American politics seems to have most overwhelmed one state in particular Texas. Some counties there are using paper ballots; voters have blamed electronic glitches on nefarious, and unfounded, ballot-swapping schemes; and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has made unsubstantiated conspiracy theories of voter fraud in Texas a talking point during some of his recent stump speeches. Now, theres this: somebody in the Dallas metropolitan area super-glued razor blades to the bottom of a Trump campaign sign this week and plunged it into the ground outside an early voting polling place. It was left directly in front of the official polling site sign, according to a statement obtained by ABC affiliate WFAA 8, blocking vote here directions, so a do-gooder decided to relocate it at about 6:15 a.m. Tuesday. But in the early morning darkness, he didnt see the sharp, shiny line protruding from the signs edge. He lifted and the blades sliced. Tampering a sign in this way. . . I have not seen that before, Collin County Elections Administrator Bruce Sherbet told WFAA. Im not even sure what the motivation to do something like that would be, he said. The incident was reported to the Texas Rangers, who are investigating, Collin College spokesperson Lisa Vasquez said in the statement. The sign was found on the colleges Spring Creek Campus in Plano, a Dallas suburb. All campaign signs on the colleges campuses are being inspected, and any sharps found on signage will be removed, Vasquez said. The college will be working with local election officials and both political parties to ensure safety. Officials told Fox 4 News that there are no cameras in the area and so far, no arrests have been made. The man declined to seek medical attention for the minor cuts on his hands, according to the Collin College statement, and chose to treat the wounds himself. The man was there that morning, the statement said, to drop off a friend who was volunteering as a poll worker. It wasnt a prank as far as it looked to me. It looks like something intentional to hurt somebody, Sherbet told Fox 4. These things on the surface look one way, but you cant jump to conclusions, which is why they need to be investigated thoroughly. Incidents of violence and vandalism have plagued this election cycle, and seem to have escalated in recent weeks. In mid-October, a Republican Party headquarters in North Carolina, a state bitterly divided this year, was firebombed and spray-painted with a swastika and the words: Nazi Republicans leave town or else. On Tuesday night, the same day of the razor-blade incident, authorities say a fire was purposefully set at a historically black church in Mississippi, the outside of the sanctuary tagged with the spray-painted words Vote Trump. Its being investigated as a hate crime. A large pile of animal manure was dumped in front of a Democratic Party headquarters in Ohio. North Carolina Republican Sen. Richard Burr joked at a get-out-the-vote meeting that gun-rights supporters might want to put a bulls eye on Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton then later apologized. At a rally on Monday in Florida, Trump supporters held up target practice signs of Clintons face. And now federal and state law enforcement officials are concerned this bitter election might end in violence, reported NBC News, especially if Trump loses and refuses to accept the results. I will keep you in suspense, he said at the third presidential debate when asked if hed consider the vote legitimate. Its terrible weve become so polarized in our politics, Steve Spainhouer, the Democratic chair in Collin County Precinct 122, told CBS 11 News about the razor blade incident. I think its deplorable. It just shows how far weve come in politics where people want to be so mean, so hateful to try and injure somebody whos probably got no political party persuasion one way or another and is just working at a poll. He told the TV station it is the most heinous campaign-related incident he has seen in 16 years. Local Republican leaders agreed this act was intentional and disturbing. They were placed in front of a vote sign so someone would have to move it, Collin County Republican Party executive director Neil Katz told Fox 4. Its obvious intent was for someone to get cut. texas-sign With the 58th presidential election under the U.S. Constitution now less than a week away, it is clear that the 228-year-old document is not achieving one of its central purposes. James Madison intended it to curb factious spirit what we call partisanship which he correctly identified as the bane of popular governments, both those that had existed before 1788 and the ones in the 13 newly independent American states. Yet todays Republicans and Democrats are so divided that they no longer seem like citizens of the same nation or acknowledge even the same factual reality. Among the many manifestations of out-of-control factious spirit, none is more dismaying than the obeisance Republicans have paid their partys patently unfit presidential candidate, Donald Trump, out of a combination of opportunism, blind factional loyalty and hatred of his opponent, Democrat Hillary Clinton. None is more dangerous, though, than the potential partisan politicization of federal law enforcement, especially its investigative arm, the FBI. If you really wanted to destroy a democratic republic, the surest way would be to turn its prosecutors, investigators and intelligence-gatherers into the instruments actual or perceived of a political party. Yet this specter haunts the United States in the aftermath of FBI Director James Comeys potentially election-altering letter announcing that the bureau must renew its investigation of the off-the-books email system Clinton operated while secretary of state. Is that alarmist? To be sure, the FBI and the rest of the intelligence community CIA, National Security Agency, Secret Service have faced their share of scandals over the years, from wiretapping civil rights leaders to waterboarding terrorism detainees. For all that, these institutions remained generally above the fray with respect to outright electoral politics, restrained by law, policy and an ethos of national service traceable to the global crises, World Wars I and II and the Cold War, that shaped them. Notwithstanding the hyperbole of their critics, these agencies never became U.S. versions of the Gestapo or KGB, because, unlike the latter two, they were not the creatures and creations of a political party, much less a totalitarian one. They fought for their own bureaucratic interests but remained subject to oversight and legislative reform carried out on a bipartisan basis. Nor is it clear that Comey, or his nominal superiors at the Justice Department, are acting out of conscious partisan motivation now, despite dueling partisan accusations to the contrary. Rather, they have lost their perceived impartiality despite their various attempts to preserve it, which a mistrustful, polarized society, obsessed with a high-stakes election, refuses to credit. On the issue of indicting Clinton, the buck should have stopped with Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who, despite her obvious Democratic affiliation, is the politically accountable head of federal law enforcement. However, she accepted an invitation to hobnob with Clintons husband, former president Bill Clinton, in late June, just three days before a scheduled FBI sit-down with Hillary Clinton. This blunder created a terrible appearance, inflamed Republicans and forced the attorney general to defer to Comey on Clinton even though she didnt fully recuse herself from the case, and even though that is not his institutional role. Then came Comeys news conference, an act of improvised transparency that buoyed Democrats and infuriated Republicans when he explained that Clinton was extremely careless with classified info, just not criminally so. His even more unorthodox subsequent testimony before Congress, in which he defended his finding of non-prosecutability before hostile Republicans but promised to act on any new information, set the stage for last weeks bombshell, to which Democrats have responded by vilifying the same FBI chief they lionized when he exculpated their candidate. Lynch, or her designee, had the power to order Comey not to send his letter. Media reports say unnamed Justice officials warned him that it would violate policies against prosecutorial action too close to an election, but they stopped short of an express command to stand down for fear of precipitating an even bigger election-eve crisis. The net effect of so much irregular procedure has been to convince partisans of all stripes, possibly lastingly, that these vital institutions cannot be trusted, and therefore must be fought over. If Trump wins, Democrats would consider it an FBI-engineered victory. If Clinton wins, she would face the awkward predicament of working on anti-terrorism and other vital efforts with an FBI director still pursuing a Republican-encouraged investigation of her emails. Comeys term expires in 2023. Many Democrats (and not a few Republicans) think Comey should resign, in part to head off that predicament. But that would probably lead to a new problem: a partisan impasse in the Senate over replacing the FBI director, just like the one we already have involving Justice Antonin Scalias former seat on the Supreme Court. fbi-comment One in five voters in 2012 were college-educated white women. Mitt Romney won them by 6 points, according to exit polls. Our fresh Washington Post-ABC News Tracking Poll, which has Hillary Clinton ahead by just 2 points among all likely voters nationally, finds that Donald Trump is losing college-educated white women by 27 points. If the Republican nominee was anywhere close to Romneys 52 percent support level among this traditionally Republican-leaning constituency, he would likely win the election. But drilling into the crosstabs of our polling and reviewing credible, state-level data demonstrates how highly unlikely it is that this constituency will waver in the final days. It is one of the reasons that, even though the race has tightened pretty dramatically, Clinton retains a significant structural advantage. A gender gap is nothing new. Democrats tend to perform exceptionally well with unmarried and minority women. A Pew study in July found that there was no difference in candidate support between men and women in 1972 and 1976, but since 1980 women writ large have preferred Democratic presidential candidates by an average of 8 points. Our national tracking polling shows that the race has moved back toward something close to this historic norm. Men prefer Trump by 11 points (51-40) and women prefer Clinton by 11 points (52-41). Clinton is only ahead 11 points among women overall because Trump is running up his margin among white women without college degrees. They favor him by 28 points, 61 percent to 33 percent, despite the dozen women who have now come forward publicly to accuse him of sexual assault. But the preference for Clinton among college-educated, white women matters a great deal because they habitually turn out to vote at higher rates than almost every other group of voters, including less-educated women. So, in an election with lagging enthusiasm, this constituency packs a bigger punch. The chasm among women is getting picked up in several battleground surveys.The Posts Virginia poll this week, conducted with the Schar School, found Clinton up six points overall. She led by 14 points among white women with a college degree, and Trump was ahead by 39 points among non-college white women. The Marquette Law School poll, released Wednesday afternoon, placed Clinton up six points in Wisconsin. Hillary is ahead by 21 points among college-educated white women and two points among non-college white women. Its just brutal, said Ted Kanavas, a former Wisconsin GOP state senator who co-chaired Romneys 2012 campaign in the state and reluctantly supports Trump. The gender gap is important and very real. Its been a trashy election. The race that (Trump) ran has made for a trashy election. So weve got to acknowledge that, and next time weve got to do better. The Trump campaign is trying to make a late play for college-educated white women. His wife, Melania, will give a speech Thursday in the Philadelphia suburbs, her first public address since the Republican National Convention, when she plagiarized Michelle Obamas 2008 convention speech. The campaign said she will preview the kind of First Lady she will be. Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump will make four stops starting the day in the Detroit suburbs and then flying to New Hampshire for talks in Manchester, Hollis and Nashua. These are suburbs where Donald is underperforming. Lara Trump, Erics wife, is traveling around Ohio as part of a Womens Tour, accompanied by two African American women with a following on YouTube (Diamond and Silk), her husbands executive assistant and former Apprentice star Omarosa. These might not be the best surrogates to woo the kinds of college-educated women Trump needs, but they will probably still be more effective than Jeff Sessions, the Alabama senator who was recently deployed to Iowa to headline a Women for Trump event. . . Clinton has explicitly focused on women in her closing argument. She stumped with Alicia Machado, the former Miss Universe who Trump called Miss Piggy, in Florida on Tuesday. Shes on TV with a 60-second spot that features clips of Trump saying that letting women work outside the home is dangerous, that he goes through the roof if dinner is not ready when he arrives home and bragging about being able to grab women by their genitals because he is a celebrity. Trump is also seen in the ad talking about going into dressing rooms to look at underage girls as they change. Many of the final ads in down-ballot races are aimed at female voters. Evan Bayhs wife Susan, for example, talks to camera in his closing commercial about how the former Indiana senator trying to make a comeback was her nurse after she was diagnosed with brain cancer. House Majority PAC, the main Democratic outside group focused on the House, uses the Access Hollywood video in several of its closing spots. Hitting the Republican candidate in an open seat just west of Philadelphia, a female narrator says: He supports Trump even after he was caught bragging about sexually assaulting women. Despite Trump calling women bimbos, dogs, disgusting and fat pigs, (Lloyd) Smucker supports Trump stronger than ever. Vulnerable Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who rescinded her Trump endorsement after the 2005 video emerged, told a New Hampshire radio station this week that she would not want her teenage daughter to be alone with either Trump or Bill Clinton. I wouldnt want my daughter in the room with any of them, the senator said. With The Washington Posts Breanne Deppisch https://youtu.be/hxa5Cev_Qc0 https://youtu.be/diEXUuDCtZ8 clinton-202 We will no longer surrender this country, or its people, to the false song of globalism. That was then-Republican presidential candidate now nominee Donald Trump, delivering his first full speech on foreign policy in April. The address latched on to a theme that Trump has voice repeatedly in the months and weeks since. It is the specter looming above whenever he grandstands over the dangers of globalization, the perfidy of jet-setting elites and the pitfalls of multiculturalism. The nation-state, not the international order, Trump declared in April, was the true foundation for happiness and harmony. No candidate in the election cycle had made such a direct nationalist clarion call: By denouncing the false song of globalism, Trump threw down the gauntlet. Here was the right-wing sovereigntist, championing America First. His opponent, Hillary Clinton, was the globalist a politician, he argues, in thrall to interests beyond the nations borders and eager to let the alien hordes within them. For a number of years, the term globalism or globalist has been bandied about the fringes of American political discourse as a catchall phrase for a host of perceived evils: The collusion of international finance with Washington insiders, the anti-national agendas of multinational corporations and conglomerates, the indifference of coastal elites to the concerns of ordinary folks in the hinterland. Globalism didnt always carry this valence. In most contexts, globalization has been the more loaded, charged word and the prompt for outraged left-wing protests at summits of international power-brokers for the past two decades. Harvard political scientist Joseph Nye laid out the distinction between the terms in 2002. Globalism, at its core, seeks to describe and explain nothing more than a world which is characterized by networks of connections that span multi-continental distances. It attempts to understand all the interconnections of the modern world and to highlight patterns that underlie (and explain) them. In contrast, globalization refers to the increase or decline in the degree of globalism. It focuses on the forces, the dynamism or speed of these changes. In short, consider globalism as the underlying basic network, while globalization refers to the dynamic shrinking of distance on a large scale. But in 2016, the underlying basic network the simple fact of the worlds interconnectedness seems to have come under attack. Its been fueled by American conspiracy mongers on the far-right, such as Alex Jones of the Infowars website, who has decried globalism writ large for at least half a decade. And it has been made mainstream by Trump, who, while tapping into a long-standing vein of nativism in conservative American politics, has also cloaked his campaign in the rhetoric of right-wing European populism. This whole movement has a certain global aspect to it, Trump campaign CEO Steve Bannon said on radio the week before the American election. People want more control of their country. Theyre very proud of their countries. They want borders. They want sovereignty. Its not just a thing thats happening in any one geographic space. Thats the mantra intoned earlier this year by those who called for Britains exit from the European Union. We literally have lost our sovereignty, lost our borders, lost our ability to regulate, said Nigel Farage, a leader of Britains xenophobic United Kingdom Independence Party, on the floor of the European parliament in June. The problem youve got in the U.S. is illegal immigration. Our problem is legal immigration to half a billion people. Farage got his way this year: He was one of the champions of the pro-Brexit movement in Britain, which won a shock referendum in June when Britain voted by a narrow margin to quit the European Union. Trump hailed the referendum as a great thing and has gone on to liken himself to Mr. Brexit. As other pro-Brexit figures backed away from the mess they created, Farage journeyed to America and campaigned on the trail with Trump. Anything is possible if enough decent people want to fight the establishment, Farage said at a rally in Mississippi in August. In recent months, the Republican nominees many surrogates in the media have also embraced this stance. Fox News host Sean Hannity railed against the globalism that embodied all of Trumps foes, including both the Democratic and Republican establishment. Irked by Trumps struggles in Utah, Lou Dobbs growled against the globalist, Mormon mafia. Trump ally and financier Roger Stone warned that globalists intend to start a new World War in the Middle East. Some Christian pastors even deemed globalism demonic and the anti-Christ. Whatever the dubious and rather hysterical ideas underlying these claims, they feed into the broader message conveyed by Trump that the system, as a whole, is rigged against his supporters. The problem is never the populists imperfect capacity to represent the peoples will; rather, its always the institutions that somehow produced the wrong outcomes, writes Princeton academic Jan-Werner Muller in a new book on populism. So even if they look properly democratic, there must be something going on behind the scenes that allows corrupt elites to continue to betray the people. Conspiracy theories are thus not a curious addition to populist rhetoric; they are rooted in and emerge from the very logic of populism itself. To be sure, disquiet about the forces of globalization and growing economic inequality within societies is not unique to the American right-wing. It animated Bernie Sanderss campaign on the left and will have to be reckoned with no matter who wins the election next month. I think we havent organized ourselves for the 21st century globalization, Clinton admitted in an interview with the New Yorkers George Packer. In a somewhat desperate plea, the conservative Federalist website urged Sanders voters to choose Trump and reject dynastic globalism. But the idea of globalism as it has been invoked by Trump and his backers isnt simply an economic critique. As many now have already noted, the antiglobalist messaging of Trumps supporters in social media and on right-wing talk shows echoes a very dark past. Trumps denunciation of a cabal of international bankers, his campaigns rejection of cosmopolitanism and multiculturalism, and his supporters invocation of Nazi-era vocabulary to attack the media borrow from the language of an earlier era of fascism and have drawn charges of anti-Semitism. The conspiracy theories Trump has been talking up recently play on long-standing tropes used against Jews for decades or even centuries, and the echoes are unmistakable for many of Trumps alt-right followers and for Jews who are familiar with the history of anti-Semitism, writes Cheryl Greenberg, professor of history at Trinity College. She goes on: Whether Trump is intentional about spreading anti-Semitism is, of course, largely beside the point. Like his more overt expressions of racism, sexism and Islamophobia, Trumps anti-Semitic comments have made such conversation acceptable again. And its almost certain that, no matter the victor on Nov. 8, the scaremongering over the globalist menace will continue. trump-globalism PHILADELPHIA In a scathing rebuke, a federal judge on Thursday denied the Pennsylvania Republican Partys effort to allow poll watchers from anywhere in the state monitor precincts on Election Day. Eastern District of Pennsylvania Judge Gerald J. Pappert said the state GOPs request was unreasonably delayed, is not in the public interest and does not meet the standard for a last-minute intervention from the court. Any intervention at this point risks practical concerns including disruption, confusion or other unforeseen deleterious effects, Pappert wrote. Plaintiffs waited until eighteen days before the election to bring this case. Were the Court to enter the requested injunction, poll watchers would be allowed to roam the Commonwealth on election day for the first time in the Election Codes seventy-nine year history giving the Commonwealth and county election officials all of five days notice to prepare for the change. Congressman Bob Brady, who is also chairman of the Philadelphia Democratic Party, said he was happy with the ruling. We dont need out-of-county people, Brady said. Theyre just trying to suppress the vote and cause confusion. Its totally ridiculous. The state Republican Party filed for a temporary restraining order Oct. 21, claiming that the current Pennsylvania law regarding poll watchers is unconstitutional. State law allows poll watchers to monitor locations only within the county in which they are registered to vote. The challenge came as polls showed a tight race between Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Trump has warned of rigged elections in other communities including cities like Philadelphia and has encouraged supporters to monitor the polls. State Republican Party spokeswoman Megan Sweeney called the ruling a blow to openness and transparency in our electoral system and said the party would review its legal options. In his ruling, Pappert said a decision to intervene could have disproportionately burdened Philadelphia election officials on the eve of the election. To the extent that the Party wishes to allocate newly available poll watchers on election day, it will of course send them to Philadelphia, Pappert wrote. The poll watchers will all need to be properly credentialed in Philadelphia County and they will all seek those credentials between now and election day. As county workers focus on myriad critical tasks in the final days before the election, an injunctions likely effect of increasing their workload (perhaps to the point of impossibility) weighs strongly against granting it. The lawsuit also claimed that the law violates voters free speech an argument Pappert characterized as weak, adding that poll watching is not a fundamental right under the First Amendment. The content of a poll watchers statements cannot be characterized as political speech, Pappert said. Plaintiffs assertion that statements made in ones capacity as a poll watcher constitute core political speech is meritless. PHOENIX A state task force has found that Arizona has more than 6,000 untested rape kits. KNXV-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2eDUD5H ) that the Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit Task Force says the states law enforcement agencies have 6,424 untested kits. Gov. Doug Ducey began pushing for Arizona to deal with its rape kit backlog earlier this year, calling the untested evidence an injustice. Officials say two indictments have already been made by testing new kits. The kits werent tested for a variety of reasons, such as cases where authorities deemed testing unnecessary because the victim knew the assailant and there was no question about the suspects identity. But the samples are now considered a valuable tool in identifying serial offenders. ___ Information from: KNXV-TV, http://www.abc15.com HOUSTON A man accused of killing his wife in the Houston area has been identified as a former high-ranking police commander in a Mexican border state. The Houston Chronicle reports (http://bit.ly/2fgfDmD ) 55-year-old Rogelio Homero Flores, who was arrested Monday in Victoria as he headed south toward Mexico on U.S. Highway 59, served for about five years until 2010 as head of police operations for the Mexican state of Tamaulipas (Tah-mah-ooh-LEE-paz). Flores brother called 911 saying Flores had called him, said he shot his own wife and was headed to Mexico with their 12-year-old son. Harris County deputies found the body of 35-year-old Silvia Munoz Vazquez at the couples home outside Houston. Flores was arrested within hours. Authorities say hes expected to be extradited to Harris County as early as Friday. ___ Information from: Houston Chronicle, http://www.houstonchronicle.com Jerome Zeldis remembers exactly how he felt when he heard about the $84,000 price tag on a powerful new hepatitis C treatment three years ago. I was somewhere between annoyed and outraged, recalled Zeldis, the former chief medical officer of the biotech juggernaut Celgene. The cost of a 12-week course of Gilead Sciences drug Sovaldi triggered fierce pushback from insurers, politicians and the public, and helped spark a national debate on high drug prices. As a physician, Zeldis had cared for hundreds of patients infected with hepatitis C and seen how, untreated, the virus ravaged peoples livers. That a high price could bar patients from easy access to a cure seemed unethical to him in the face of a rare public health opportunity to vanquish a disease that afflicts 150 million people globally. If we make it affordable . . . this epidemic can be cured, Zeldis said. I want to be bold I want to treat 100 million people by 2030 end of story. And there is really no reason why we cant. Zeldis had been mulling hepatitis C therapies, and he believed it was possible to develop a medicine, sell it for a fraction of the price of Sovaldi and still make money. So in 2014, Zeldis put $1 million of his own money on the table to co-found Trek Therapeutics, a startup with the mission of creating a novel, affordable hepatitis C treatment for the world. To attempt to produce an effective and safe treatment at a modest price, Zeldis and his co-founder, Ann Kwong, had to blow up the typical drug company model. The reality of the pharmaceutical industry is that executives answer to investors, not just patients. Creating new medicines is a high-risk, high-reward business in which companies invest huge amounts of money on uncertain payoffs. Shareholders demand extremely high profits in return. Trek is taking a unique approach. The company is organized as a public benefit corporation a relatively new type of corporate structure that places public welfare on equal footing with profit. Treks legal charter requires the board to weigh stockholder interests against the need to provide therapies for the treatment of infectious diseases that are accessible and affordable. The company cuts costs by piggybacking on the work other companies have already done to develop and test drugs. What they proposed and introduced at the board meeting was quite a revelation, I think, for many of us who had been used to working with major pharmaceutical companies the idea of a company with a different ethos, said Geoffrey Dusheiko, an emeritus professor of medicine at University College London Medical School who joined the companys clinical advisory board. Their profit system will be different; they are trying to put access first and are risking a great deal. Treks leaders are industry veterans with enviable track records in the failure-prone business of inventing new cures. The executive team has collectively launched seven antiviral drugs for previous employers and has deep expertise in hepatitis C. Their newest experiment is in business, not in a test tube: After years of working in established drug companies, theyre running a startup on a shoestring. Instead of hiring a small army of scientists and building an expensive laboratory, Trek is a virtual, 10-person company that operates out of a small incubator space in Cambridge, Mass. The company acquires experimental drugs that typically have been vetted through some degree of human testing. Trek capitalized on the fact that, for years, drug companies had raced to develop new hepatitis C treatments, which meant there were promising drugs stuck halfway through the pipeline.The availability of these drugs de-risks Treks job considerably, cutting down on the cost and time of developing molecules from scratch. Trek has acquired or licensed five drugs so far, of which all but one have been through some human clinical trials. The company contracts with outside labs and clinics for additional testing. Treatment of hepatitis C typically requires a combination of drugs, which meant that Trek could pluck drugs from different companies and bring them together in powerful new pairings. In fall of last year, Trek began a small clinical trial, using a drug called faldaprevir in combination with an experimental drug called TD-6450 and ribavirin. Trek hopes to get a medicine on the market in 2020. The company is still in the earliest stages and investors will have a long and risky wait for a return. So far, the startup has raised $9 million in its initial funding round and is seeking an additional $50 million to fund the large trials needed to push drugs toward approval. That might seem like a lot of money, but in drug development its pocket change. One study pegs the cost of developing and launching a drug at $2.6 billion. That work has been critiqued because of questions about the data and the analysis, which was done by a university group that receives funding from the industry. At the other extreme, the non-profit Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative has estimated the cost of developing a drug for diseases that are overlooked because they affect poor people at less than $170 million a number that cant be interpreted too broadly because critics argue the model wont work for all diseases and it underestimates some costs. To avoid the cost and uncertainty of challenging behemoth drug companies in the American market, Trek plans to focus on middle-income countries where new hepatitis C drugs have been slow to roll out, such as nations in eastern and central Europe. If they are successful at finding a new balancing point of profit and access a true if they hope their example could inspire companies working on other diseases to experiment with similar pricing models. Thats exactly why, when Trek organized, we became a benefit corporation, said Robert Hindes, Treks chief medical officer, who helped develop Sovaldi. So we would have the option of not charging as much money as we could charge, or make as much money as we could make, but to take other factors into consideration so we could set the price that was consistent with our mission of affordability. Ann Kwong, chief executive of Trek, said the team is working on health economic models to find the right price, based on need and ability to pay, for each country it could distribute to although they havent named where theyll start yet. We can go into different countries, such as Romania and say, This is how much this disease is going to cost you over the next X years; for a fraction of that, you could cure these people and avoid that future cost,' Kwong said. Treks leaders are also in a race existing drugs are already making their way into these countries, and Trek doesnt expect to have a drug on the market for at least three years. Large drugmakers also are taking steps toward providing treatments in developing countries at lower costs and the net price of existing hepatitis C treatments has fallen because insurers have been able to strike deals for deeper rebates from drugmakers. Because Sovaldis price has received so much attention and scrutiny, drugmakers have also priced their hepatitis C drugs aggressively to compete on price for example, when Merck introduced a new drug early this year, it priced it well below competition in an unusual move. Gilead has agreed to make its hepatitis C drugs available as a generic in 101 countries. A spokesman said the company is working with payers including governments and health insurers and cited a recent scale up of treatment in Poland to enable 3,500 patients to be treated per year. (A recent study estimated there are 231,000 people infected with the virus in Poland, with most unaware of the disease.) Bristol-Myers Squibb licensed its hepatitis C drug, Daklinza, to the Medicines Patent Pool, a United Nations-backed organization that makes the drug available as a generic drug to 112 low- and middle-income countries. A spokesman said the company employs tiered pricing in low- and middle-income countries that takes into account how many people have the disease and the countrys ability to pay. AbbVie said that its hepatitis C drug regimens are approved and accessible in more than 70 countries, including most in central and eastern Europe. A Merck spokeswoman, asked about access to its drug, Zepatier, in low and middle income countries said the company was working on securing market approvals. The nonprofit Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative has also partnered with an Egyptian company, Pharco Pharmaceuticals, to test a new drug combination that could sell for less than $300 in low- and middle-income countries. Treks business model is based on the idea that these approaches are incomplete. They will provide piecemeal access, Kwong argues, but will leave millions untreated. Danny Edwards, a research program manager at the Access to Medicine Foundation, which ranks and evaluates how well pharmaceutical companies provide their drugs in low and middle income countries, said it was a reasonable strategy. I think middle-income country markets present a real business opportunity. You can design access-to-medicine strategies which are commercially sustainable at the same time, Edwards said. Trek will face other challenges, too, including regulations, uncertainty about how fast other companies drug prices will drop as competition increases, and the need to show physicians and governments that their drug works as well as pricier options. Among the most common reservations outside experts expressed about their model was the worry that the medicine Trek is developing might be inferior to other hepatitis C treatments. I would hope we could develop a regimen that I would be perfectly comfortable using with my patients, to cure their hepatitis C, said Camilla Graham, Treks vice president of medical and government affairs and a physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. I dont like the idea wed create an inferior regimen for poorer people. In September, the company announced that all 16 people in a small trial had reached undetectable levels of virus after 12 weeks on their drug combination. Thats far from the kind of large randomized trial that precedes a drugs approval, but it is an encouraging sign. David Rein, a director of the public health analytics program at the University of Chicagos National Opinion Research Center, said that the effort seemed like an intriguing way to work within the current system for developing drugs. Ive heard of a lot of other approaches that I think are completely unrealistic in the context of our current health care system, Rein said. This actually seems like it would have a chance. drugs-trek MIAMI President Barack Obama broke from his usual script Thursday in a nearly hour-long closing argument on behalf of Hillary Clinton that often seemed to be improvised from the podium. By turns combative, comic and melancholy, Obama reprised the high points of his presidency and relentlessly attacked Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for his temperament and the GOP-run Congress for blocking his initiatives during his time in office. All right, I have gone on too long, Obama said several times over the course of the hour-long speech before launching back into his argument. Obama was speaking before a young and diverse crowd at Florida International University, whose turnout will be key to deciding Clintons fate in five days. In the closing days of the campaign, Obama has returned repeatedly to Florida and North Carolina in an effort to ensure that young people and African Americans two key elements of his constituency in 2008 and 2012 turn out to the polls. Early-voting numbers for both groups so far indicate that these voters are not coming out for Clinton at the same levels that supported Obama. Obama played the happy warrior for much of the speech, reprising some of his best lines from the campaign trail to the delight of the crowd. The president ridiculed Trump for complaining on Twitter about the way he has been portrayed on Saturday Night Live. Cmon man, he mused drawing big cheers. The two-word phrase, a familiar chorus for the president on the campaign trail this fall, delighted the crowd that had heard it many times before. Obama blasted Trump as a reality TV candidate who regularly says wacky stuff and wondered how his fellow Republicans could continue to support him. You cant make excuses for this fella, Obama said, This isnt Survivor. This isnt The Bachelorette.' He blamed Republicans for gridlock and dysfunction in Washington. I will sometimes propose their own stuff and they oppose it, Obama said. I mean, it surprises them. On a previous trip to Miami last month, with Clinton then surging ahead in the polls, Obama focused heavily on down-ticket races, such as the battle for the U.S. Senate seat in Florida between Rep. Patrick Murphy and the incumbent, Sen. Marco Rubio, R. But this time, Obama mentioned the Senate race only in passing. With the race for the presidency narrowing, his remarks were designed explicitly to help Clinton and motivate young and minority voters. Toward the end of the speech, marked by many one-liners and lots of lusty cheers from the crowd, Obama turned serious and quiet, calling on the young people who dominated the standing-room-only crowd of 4,500. There are times where history is movable, Obama said. Where you can make things better or worse. And it is in your hands. This incredible power. Obama cast the election as a chance to reject divisive and mean-spirited politics. And he described it in history-making terms as an opportunity to elect the first female president, someone, Obama said, who would be an example to the country. Hillary Clinton will move us forward if you give her a chance, Obama said, his voice rising again as he closed his speech. If we win Florida, we will win this election. Choose hope. Choose hope, Obama called out to the crowd in what became a call and response. Choose hope, the audience chanted along with him. campaign-obama [November 03, 2016] Riverbed Provides Technology Foundation for Kentucky's Statewide IT Modernization Effort Riverbed (News - Alert) Technology, the application performance company, today announced that the Commonwealth of Kentucky is using Riverbed SteelFusion as the foundation for a statewide IT modernization effort. Through its technology partner, Tier3 Technologies, Kentucky has installed SteelFusion in 64 locations to-date, providing a more secure and less costly IT infrastructure for the remote offices of agencies such as transportation, public advocacy, corrections, state parks, medical examiners, police, and health and family services. One agency alone is saving hundreds of thousands of dollars each year through reduced bandwidth and operational costs resulting from the use of SteelFusion. Tweet This: Riverbed Provides Technology Foundation for Kentucky's Statewide IT Modernization Effort: http://rvbd.ly/2fauht7 For the agencies that serve Kentucky's citizens, IT delivery is complicated by the state's large size, rural nature, and limited connectivity. With the exception of offices in the capital of Frankfort, most state government facilities are served by 10-mbps network connections at best. For many more remote locations, a T1 line (1.5 mbps) is all that's available. These bandwidth limitations, along with latency caused by long distances between cities, can jeopardize critical business operations that depend on the network, such as backing up data to a central repository, thus crippling the performance of centralized applications as well as employee productivity. Also, the distance between Frankfort and remote offices makes it difficult to deploy and maintain IT equipment. Replacing a failed server, for instance, has to be done in person and can take up to a week. Tier3 Technologies, which contracts with the Kentucky's Commonwealth Office of Technology (CoT) to provide IT solutions as a managed service, had previously deployed the leading WAN optimization solution, Riverbed SteelHeadTM, across the state as a way of helping agencies get more functionality out of their limited bandwidth. "Riverbed SteelHead was giving them an effective bandwidth increase of up to 4X," said William Paynter, vice president of business development at Tier3. When he learned that Riverbed would be introducing a hyper-converged, software-defined edge solution that addressed the unique challenges typically incurred by organizations with remote offices and sites, he couldn't wait to show it to the IT managers of the different state agencies. Riverbed SteelFusionTM is a unique solution for software-defining edge IT by integrating industry standard virtualization, intelligent storage caching that can be tiered across private and public clouds, and SteelHead's industry-leading WAN optimization. This hyper-converged edge solution is deployed in a dual-ended appliance, with the core in the datacenter, where edge applications and data are centralized, and the receiving end on-site in the remote office to which a working set of data is projected without any compromise of application performance. Tier3 installed SteelFusion in the transportation agency's Elizabethtown office, one of its most problematic in terms of having backups across the network fail to complete. "With SteelFusion, instead of taking several days and never completing, the backup was instantanous," says Travis Wagers, information systems manager for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Office of Information Technology. His agency now has SteelFusion Edge appliances deployed in each of its 12 offices across the state. For Wagers, they are a "life saver," eliminating the potential loss of project data posed by incomplete and failed backup attempts. And by replacing physical servers in those offices with virtual machines (VMs) running on SteelFusion, the agency no longer risks days-long server outages and the tens of thousand of dollars in lost productivity they caused. "All of a sudden," explained Wagers, "our entire environment was safe in terms of backing up data, and if we wanted to deploy something new, we could spin it up in an hour, instead of buying hardware, shipping it out there, and waiting to get a tech onsite to build it. SteelFusion really made a huge impact right off the bat." Cost savings related to the agency's use of SteelFusion is dramatic - to date, the use of SteelFusion is saving Kentucky over $900,000/year on bandwidth and server hardware alone. Of that, the transportation agency's 12 SteelFusion 3100 appliances save approximately $44,772 per month in lower bandwidth costs, and save $3,000 per month on virtualizing the servers from physical ones, totaling more than $573,000 in savings annually. And of the 95 SteelHeads originally deployed across Kentucky by Tier3, 70% have already been upgraded to SteelFusion, enabling an IT modernization effort that saves additional money and better protects critical information, adding the operational time saved and the peace of mind that the risk of data loss is no longer a concern is priceless. The Commonwealth of Kentucky plans to deploy SteelFusion to 450 sites in this calendar year, with a total of 1,200 sites in the future. SteelFusion is a critical step in the state's IT modernization effort to make the government more responsive to its citizens. Riverbed SteelFusion and the Riverbed Application Performance Platform Riverbed is delivering solutions to help companies transition from legacy hardware to a new software-defined and cloud-centric approach to networking, and improve end user experience, allowing enterprises' digital transformation initiatives to reach their full potential. The Riverbed Application Performance Platform delivers the agility, visibility, and performance businesses need to be successful in a cloud and digital world. By leveraging the Platform, organizations can deliver apps, data, and services from any public, private, or hybrid cloud across any network to any end-point. A key part of the platform, Riverbed SteelFusion delivers unprecedented simplicity, agility, data security, and business continuity to distributed enterprises. SteelFusion enables a software-defined edge by bringing together best-of-breed virtualization, intelligent storage caching, and industry-leading WAN optimization into a single hyper-converged infrastructure solution that meets both the needs of the enterprise for low operational costs, high security, and fast business agility as well as the needs of branch employees for high-performing applications that simply work so they can do their jobs. Connect with Riverbed Facebook LinkedIn Riverbed Blog Riverbed Community Twitter (@Riverbed) YouTube SlideShare Google+ About Riverbed Riverbed, at more than $1 billion in annual revenue, is the leader in Application Performance Infrastructure, delivering the most complete platform for the hybrid enterprise to ensure applications perform as expected, data is always available when needed, and performance issues can be proactively detected and resolved before impacting business performance. Riverbed enables hybrid enterprises to transform application performance into a competitive advantage by maximizing employee productivity and leveraging IT to create new forms of operational agility. Riverbed's 28,000+ customers include 97% of the Fortune 100 and 98% of the Forbes Global 100. Learn more at www.riverbed.com. Riverbed and any Riverbed product or service name or logo used herein are trademarks of Riverbed Technology, Inc. All other trademarks used herein belong to their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005054/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] EBENSBURG, Pa. (AP) Police say a Pennsylvania man who became angry when told there were no outstanding warrants for his arrest has been jailed. Cambria Township police say 40-year-old Mervin Sollenberger arrived at the Cambria County jail late Tuesday to surrender on outstanding arrest warrants. But police told him there were no warrants for his arrest. WJAC-TV (http://bit.ly/2f4nuAJ ) reports that's when the Duncansville man became enraged, threatening to assault the jail's guards and kicking a steel cage door at the lockup. Sollenberger has been charged with making terroristic threats and disorderly conduct. He remained jailed Thursday after failing to post 10 percent of his $20,000 bail. Online court records don't list an attorney for Sollenberger. He faces a preliminary hearing Nov. 8. Information from: WJAC-TV, http://www.wjactv.com 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The director of the Central Intelligence Agency, John Brennan, will be visiting the University of New Mexico next week to announce a partnership between the federal agency and the states largest university. Brennan will come to Albuquerque for an campus community event titled, Intelligence and Security Challenges in the Next Decade, from 3 to 5 p.m., Nov. 10. Hell also participate in a question and answer session with Emile Nakhleh, the director of the Global and National Security Policy Institute at UNM. Brennan is also expected to announce a partnership between the CIA and UNM that would, provide opportunities for students and faculty, said Dianne Anderson, a university spokeswoman. Details about the partnership between the university and the federal agency were not immediately announced Thursday. The event is open to those with a valid UNM ID. Those interested are also required to RSVP. More information on how to do that is coming later today. Brennan was sworn in as the director of the CIA in 2013, and previously served as a counterterrorism adviser to President Barack Obama. Reuters recently reported that Brennan announced the most sweeping reforms of the CIAs 69-year-old history 18 months ago to focus on threats from the digital realm. The New Mexico Attorney Generals Office has filed state charges against Davon Lymon, 35, who was convicted in late October of federal charges connected to the death of Albuquerque police officer Daniel Webster. Webster was fatally shot during a stolen motorcycle investigation near Eubank and Central in October 2015. Authorities arrested Lymon but only charged him in federal court with firearms violations since he had previous felony convictions and was accused of possessing a gun the same one used to shoot Webster. A federal judge last week found Lymon guilty of possessing that gun. He faces up to 10 years in prison, but the sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled. He still has three unresolved firearms charges in the same case. Attorney General Hector Balderas said in a news release Thursday that the state was waiting for the federal charges to resolve before charging Lymon in connection with Websters death. Now that the federal matter has been adjudicated, we will present the homicide case to a grand jury, Balderas said in the release. The charges filed Thursday include homicide, assault, shooting from a motor vehicle, receiving a stolen vehicle and tampering with evidence, according to the criminal complaint. In the federal gun case, Savannah Garcia, 17, testified that Lymon shot Webster as the officer attempted to handcuff him after determining the license plate on the motorcycle they were riding on had been reported stolen. She said she met Lymon earlier in the day and they had been delivering drugs to various locations when they decided to stop at Walgreens to buy cigarettes. Lymon fled the scene but was found hours later, with, police say, Websters handcuff still on his wrist. With four days to go before Election Day, more than 34 percent of those registered to cast ballots in Bernalillo County have already voted via absentee ballot or early voting, County Clerk Maggie Toulouse Oliver told a news conference Thursday. The Clerks Office has mailed out 29,672 absentee ballots and received 21,309 of them as of Thursday. According to the Secretary of States Office, the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is today at 5 p.m. Completed absentee ballots must be received by county clerks offices no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. Another 132,162 voters have cast early ballots in Bernalillo County, 35 percent more than in the 2012 presidential election, Toulouse Oliver said. Saturday will be the last day to vote at the 19 early voting sites before the Tuesday general election. We are expecting pretty high voter turnout for this election and anticipating between 65 and 70 percent turnout, with about a third of total voters casting a vote on Election Day, she said. Turnout in the county was about 70 percent in the 2012 presidential election, she added. Bernalillo County residents can vote at any of the 69 polling sites, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can log on to the Bernalillo County website at bernco.gov/myvoterinformation for locations of the polling sites and wait times. There has been nothing more popular, more gripping and more talked about than this presidential election. Its on everybodys mind, Toulouse Oliver said. While many people have said they dont like either candidate and might not vote, Toulouse Oliver reminds them that regardless of how voters feel about the presidential race, their voice is important. Further, she said, there are an incredible number of races down the ballot. In the beginning of Shakespeares tragic play Romeo and Juliet, a street brawl erupts between Montague and Capulet servants, sworn enemies who fight each other on behalf of their masters. Based on recent sectarian violence, it seems he could have been writing about Sunni and Shiite Muslims, two religious tribes currently engaged in a mutually destructive waltz stretching 1,400 years. But that simplistic analysis betrays a rich legacy of mutual understanding, cooperation, inter-marriages and relative peace that has also defined their relationship since the death of the prophet Muhammad in 632. My personal history is reflective of that statement. Im a Sunni Muslim whose best friends growing up in Fremont, Calif., were Kashif and his little brother Atif, who have described themselves as hailing from a hardcore Shia family. We are all shy sons of Pakistani immigrants, united by our utter dorkiness, lack of social skills and inherent love of lentils. We spent countless hours playing Sega Genesis, not talking to girls, and making unwatchable but highly entertaining homemade movies. I was the overweight action hero, Kashif played the villain, and Atif was always the henchman or sidekick who died by Act 2. Our respective families have celebrated numerous births, mourned a few deaths, eaten at Fentons Creamery and shared biryani leftovers countless times. To be fair, there are major disagreements between Sunni and Shiite Muslims. They mainly arise over the question of succession after the prophets death. Shiite Muslims contend that Muhammad bestowed religious and political leadership upon his cousin and son-in-law Ali. Sunnis, who make up about 85 percent of Muslims, say it first went to the prophets friend and father-in-law Abu Bakr. Ali is also recognized and praised by Sunnis as the fourth caliph, eventually acquiring leadership more than two decades after the prophets death. Despite the numerous differences between Sunni and Shiite Islam, our families never engaged in heated polemics or shouting matches. Instead, we united over our love of the Ahl al-Bayt, the family of the prophet, which includes Fatima, his daughter; Ali, her husband; and their martyred children, Hassan and Hussein. Recently we all wept on Ashura, which coincided with Yom Kippur, and commemorates both the exodus and the martyrdom of the prophets grandson Hussein at the hands of the tyrant Yazid during the tragic Battle of Karbala in what is now Iraq. Sadly, to differentiate from the Shiite branch, several Sunni religious authorities, imams and leaders have minimized or deliberately labeled the memory and mourning of Karbala as only as Shia thing. However, the story exists in my Sunni household in America. On this date, it remains an annual tradition to hear Nusrat Fateh Ali Khans ecstatic qawwali Ya Hussein and recite a poem in praise of Imam Ali written by 13th-century Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. (Both Khan and Chishti were Sunni, by the way.) The self-appointed masters of Sunni and Shiite Islam, Saudi Arabia and Iran, ignore our shared histories to sustain a manufactured, bloody sectarianism for the sake of regional dominance. Apparently alls fair in love and war when you seek to wear the crown and win the Muslim Game of Thrones. Their feud is erupting over dueling op-eds in influential American newspapers and violent brawls all over the Middle East and Central Asia, especially in Syria and Yemen, adding sectarian gasoline to a raging fire, killing thousands of innocents. Gazing upon this chessboard of death, Romeos best friend, Mercutio, with his last breath, would sum up the sentiment of many Muslims: A plague o both your houses! They have made worms meat of me. Never once has my interaction with Kashifs family unleashed a sectarian, suburban Royal Rumble that bled over onto the mean streets of the Bay Area. This is an enduring testament to the messy but vital pluralism that defines the ongoing American experiment. The Amreekan Dream, enshrined by the Constitution, allows Muslim communities on this side of the Atlantic an opportunity to live out our faith and values comfortably with humble swagger enmeshed with Western pop culture, South Asian bling, hijab haute couture and halal hamburger stains on our GAP shirts. Americas religious freedoms when they arent besieged by presidential demagogues or anti-Muslim hatemongers empower religious minorities, like Sunni and Shiite Muslims, without asking us to attack each other or jettison and camouflage the many aspects of our multi-hyphenated identity. The overwhelming majority of our communities dismiss, mock or pity the apocalyptic nightmare narratives of ISIS and tribal sectarianism haunting the Middle East and South Asia. In America, we have a different story. Sunni and Shiite leaders have come together at the ISNA Convention, one of the largest annual gatherings of American Muslims, agreeing to foster mutual respect and unity and vowing not to let sectarianism divide their communities. In 2014, the Shia-Sunni Alliance of New Jersey issued a joint statement, signed by 28 Muslim organizations, condemning ISIS, the group also known as the Islamic State. Meanwhile, Sunni and Shiite Muslims continue working side by side in Western charities like Islamic Relief and Muslim Youth Helpline, inspired by shared religious values to help victims of trauma, violence and disasters. Sunnis and Shiites continue marrying one another, producing beloved Sushis a term of endearment some Muslims use to describe half-Sunni, half-Shiite children. Its imperative that Muslims, especially in the West, dont import the sectarian politics of the Middle East into their communities. We must remain vigilant and resilient against such foolish and reactionary impulses that will weaken us and serve only to help the malicious, counterproductive agendas of certain orange-haired, short-fingered and even shorter-tempered anti-Muslim bigots. Let us remember the tragic ending of Romeo and Juliet and not end up as the Poor sacrifices of our enmity! Instead, lets strive to create a new generation of empowered Muslim communities that welcomes, respects and even celebrates the inevitable Sushis who will nurture us toward a prosperous future. Wajahat Ali is a writer and creative director of Affinis Labs, a social entrepreneurial hub based in Virginia. muslim-comment BAZWAYA, Iraq Holding white flags and traveling in convoys of dump trucks, army buses and family sedans, thousands of residents poured out of eastern neighborhoods of Mosul on Thursday, the first significant wave of people to escape the city held by the Islamic State. More than 1.2 million people are believed to be still trapped in the northern city, which Iraqi security forces are just beginning to penetrate after launching an offensive to retake it two weeks ago. Newly constructed camps in the area have capacity for just 60,000 people. The stream of humanity, which included shepherds pushing herds of sheep out of the war zone, crawled along in heavy traffic leaving Mosul and headed toward a swelling camp for displaced persons erected on the banks of the Khazir River, which has space for 1,000 families but is rapidly filling up. Even as they fled, some were almost giddy with relief. Drivers in the convoys blasted their horns and waved V for victory as Iraqi and Kurdish troops passed by on their way to the front lines. Girls and young women who were forced to wear black veils over their faces in Mosul took them off and let the wind blow though their hair. For nearly two and a half years, they have lived under Islamic States brutal rule, in the groups defacto capital in Iraq. It was in the citys central mosque that the groups leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared his caliphate two years ago, calling on the worlds Muslims to follow him. Now Iraqi commanders say its just a matter of time before the city is recaptured, though no one is sure of the cost civilians trapped inside may pay. As government troops closed in, Baghdadi rallied his followers on Thursday, releasing an audio recording that called on them to remain steadfast and fight and obey their commanders. Oh you who seek martyrdom! Start your actions! Baghdadi said in a translation provided by the SITE intelligence group. Totally decimate their territories, and make their blood flow like rivers. Analysts said it was the first time that the Islamic State leader, whose whereabouts are unknown, had personally called on his fighters to maintain discipline on the battlefield, suggesting he may be concerned about defections. Some Iraqi commanders have said that Islamic State fighters and their families have moved from the eastern side of Mosul to the west and even to Syria, although such reports are difficult to verify. The number of civilians fleeing increased significantly on Thursday as fighting crossed from villages more densely populated neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city, said Alvhild Stromme from the Norwegian Refugee Council. She said at least 1,000 families had fled, but new arrivals were still being counted. Sabah Noori, a spokesman for Iraqs special forces, said around 5,000 people had fled the eastern neighborhood of Gogjali, which his forces entered on Tuesday, and a similar number had stayed behind. The Iraqi army also said it had stormed the Mosul neighborhood of Intisar on Thursday, pressing farther into the city. We were dead to the world, but God did not want us yet, said Saad Fahad, 46, who fled from Gogjali. Asked what the last few days were like, Fahad said, It was a horror, to be honest. They hid under the stairwell and in the bathroom. Fahad came out with 40 members of his extended family in four vehicles, their rooftops piled with chairs, bicycles and mattresses and their pickup truck beds loaded with children. They were down to bread and tea before they ran. Shops in the neighborhood ran out of food two or three days ago and then shuttered during the fighting. One of his cousins was freshly shaved and said it was a relief to be free of the long beard that the Islamic State demanded of men. But Fahad said, It wasnt the beards or the forbidden mobile phones or cigarettes that was the worst. It was the psychological pressure. You refuse anything? They called you an infidel and could take you away. Ahmed Mohammad, 33, a laborer traveling with 23 family members, said that after the first Iraqi troops entered his neighborhood on Tuesday night, I ran out of the house and kissed his boots. Ahmed, who asked that his last name not be used because he still had relatives in Mosul, said that the eastern edge of the city was first shelled by Iraqi forces and later by the Islamic State. Many civilians are dying, he said. If you have a car you will leave, if you dont you will try to walk, Ahmed said, predicting that Mosul would empty itself out, at least in districts with heavy fighting. Only the shepherds will stay to protect their animals. Iraqs armed forces are trying as much as possible to keep families in their homes as they advance, hoping to divert a humanitarian crisis that the country is woefully equipped to deal with. Some 3.4 million people have already been displaced during Iraqs war against the Islamic State. But as conflict nears their doors, many people inenevitably choose to flee. Iraqi forces are searching houses for ISIS fighters trying to mingle with the civilians. The army tells residents they can leave or stay it is up to them. A young man named Dhiab, who declined to give his last name, rode out of Mosul in the back of a dump truck said it would be hard to convince residents to stay because the populace is traumatized. He said that just before the fighting began, Islamic State gunmen intensified their search for spies and members of a popular resistance groups. The ISIS fighters would demand identification and then check names against lists they kept in laptops. A mobile phone was a death sentence, Dhiab said. If you were former police, army? The same. Mustafa Akram, a political officer in the Kurdish peshmerga forces, stood at the gates of the Zharir camp, where a long line of people from Mosul had formed. First they will be searched, then vetted, then they will be given some food and blankets, Akram said. It was possible that active supporters of the Islamic State and even some Islamic State fighters would appear at the camp and slip through the fast screening process being run by peshmerga intelligence units. But eventually they would be found out, he said. Morris reported from Irbil. The Washington Posts Aaso Ameen Shwan and Mustafa Salim contributed to this report. iraq LAS VEGAS, N.M. Allan Affeldt is in the process of dressing up an architectural grand dame of the halcyon days of Southwest hospitality that now sits, seemingly forlorn, off Interstate 25 here. But hell have to bring back the Castaneda Hotel, once part of the historic Harvey House chain and which first opened for business in 1898, without financial support he sought from the New Mexico Finance Authority. The Finance Authority has rejected multiple applications by Affeldt for a federal tax credit loan program aimed at supporting commercial, industrial and retail real estate projects in low-income, economically distressed areas. Its extremely frustrating, so I am going to have to go outside New Mexico to raise the tax credits for this iconic New Mexico project, said Affeldt, a native Californian known for his impressive restoration of another classic Harvey House hotel, La Posada, located off Interstate 40, old Route 66 and the Amtrak railroad tracks in Winslow, Ariz. Las Vegas Mayor Tonita Gurule-Giron is also frustrated, saying she cant imagine the state has a project thats more worthy and, if so, she wants to know what it is. Affeldts large ambitions in Las Vegas apparently ran up against program perimeters in his applications for as much as $7.5 million in financing from the Finance Authority. He also has acquired the classic Plaza Hotel in the center of Las Vegas, another historic, but still fully functioning, gem that dates from 1882. He combined financing for both remodeling the Plaza and rebooting the Castaneda in his applications to the Finance Authority. Affeldt said the threshold for projects eligible for New Markets Tax Credits is $5 million. The Castaneda by itself is below the threshold, but thats why, from day one, when we were negotiating with them to buy the Plaza, he said. It was clear we had to combine the two projects. That was the only way to make it work. But folding in the Plaza, while meeting the threshold for project size, diluted the prospects for new economic activity from Affeldts plans, said Marquita Russel, chief of programs for the Finance Authority. His applications were joint Castaneda and Plaza Hotel, where the majority of the funds would be spent on the refinance of the Plaza Hotel and that didnt have a lot of new economic impact, she said. The Plaza part is the one that really created the complications, she said. Russel said Affeldts first application met the minimum number of points for consideration and was ranked second of three proposals. But there was no money for second place under a prioritized system in what state officials agree is a complex process in which criteria and personnel on screening committees can change. After doing all this work, they gave us less credits on the (subsequent) applications, and they have never explained how we could possibly do all this work and get all this support, and a project that was worth investing in before isnt worth investing in anymore, Affeldt said. The complex program requires a lot of legal oversight and understanding of the financing involved, said the Finance Authoritys Russel. I think what happens with some of these applications is that, the more we see them, the more we understand the intricacies of the project, she said. We assumed certain things were happening and then, as we drilled down with further applications, we found out our initial assumptions were not correct. I think the economic impacts were somewhat diluted by the project (the Plaza) that was complete, she added. Russel said Affeldts Las Vegas location for his projects did qualify as severely distressed economically. There is some subjectivity in considering applications, she acknowledged. Two committees review applications before they go to the full board. We have had instances where the project is qualified and has high readiness, but the timing of the project financing or structure needed to make it work has not been able to pass the investors criteria or federal guidelines, Russel said. Still, somebody on this committee didnt want this project, Affeldt maintains. Moving on But he is moving on after putting about $2 million of his money into the Castaneda. I dont want to rag on the finance department because this is not what this is about, said Affeldt. I am making progress in spite of them, not because of them, which is part of the problem. They are supposed to be helping these projects, not tying them up. I cant explain it. Affeldt has qualified for another state-approved tax credit, for historic preservation, that will probably amount to about $400,000. Las Vegas Mayor Gurule-Giron said, in a voicemail response to questions, that the Castaneda is not just a historical landmark for Las Vegas, N.M., but the entire Southwest being situated on the Amtrak line, it has the potential to attract visitors to our community from as far away as Los Angeles. The hotel is the potential anchor for the reinvigoration of our towns historic Railroad Avenue business district, Gurule-Giron said. Part of the story is that the Finance Authority signed off on the sale of the Plaza Hotel to Affeldt. The Finance Authority had an interest because it provided financing for a prior renovation of the Plaza, but that project didnt work out. The current unpaid balance on the earlier loan is $859,522, Russel said. The hotel was in foreclosure when Affeldt bought it. Minutes for a Finance Authority board meeting in June 2014 say the board and Valley National Bank, also a participant in the previous financing, agreed to the sale of the Plaza for $3 million. Russel, asked if the prior projects history had any effect on consideration of Affeldts project, said in an email: The reviewers evaluate the applications using the criteria contained in the Economic Impact Policies established for the program. Affeldt said the Castaneda already is boosting local business on Railroad Avenue. Moonlite Welding is now about to be restored and the Rawlins Building is actively being restored and two other buildings in this block have been purchased for restoration because of this project, he said. He also said things have been happening around the Las Vegas Plaza, for which Affeldts Plaza Hotel is the anchor. There are six new businesses around the Plaza because of the Plaza Hotel so, for them (the Finance Authority) to say it is not going to have any impact is stupid, he said. Totally out of pocket Affeldt, raised in Orange County south of Los Angeles, started in real estate and underwriting trust deeds at age 15 and has long had an altruistic streak. In 1987, at age 28, he helped organize a peace march to Moscow as president of International Peace Walk Inc. and staged the first rock concert in Russia, and later got involved in world hunger issues. Now, hes rebuilding the Mission Revival-style Castaneda to its former grandeur room by room, board by board. During a recent visit, contractors were pounding hammers in the north wing as he gave instructions to workers trimming dead trees. Inside the old 25,000-square-foot hotel, he explained that all the permitting and design planning has been approved since his 2014 purchase. Its more complicated than new construction because you have to keep this historical feel and have it all be functional, he said. All the bathrooms were down the hall when the hotel was designed in the 1800s. Modern bathrooms will now be added to the 20 to 25 reconfigured rooms from the original 40. These are going to be big, glorious bathrooms, Affeldt said, as he stepped over construction equipment and chatted with Burt and Kesha Bazan of KB Construction. It doesnt get any better than this, this is what the town needed, said Burt Bazan. Its giving us work and we like doing historical restoration. I am doing this totally out of pocket, Affeldt said. This isnt a business, its just me spending money. Every dime we spend goes into the local economy. In one of her last acts as secretary of state in early 2013, Hillary Clinton wrote a confidential memo to the White House on how to handle Vladimir Putin, Russias newly installed and increasingly aggressive fourth president. Her bluntly worded advice: Snub him. Dont appear too eager to work together, Clinton urged President Barack Obama, according to her recollection of the note in her 2014 memoir. Dont flatter Putin with high-level attention. Decline his invitation for a presidential summit. It was harsh advice coming from the administrations top diplomat, and Obama would ignore key parts of it. But the memo succinctly captured a personal view about Putin on the part of the future Democratic presidential nominee: a deep skepticism, informed by bitter experience, that would be likely to define U.S.-Russian relations if Clinton is elected. Her lasting conclusion, as she would acknowledge, was that strength and resolve were the only language Putin would understand. Putin has been thrust unexpectedly onto the center stage in the U.S. presidential race, with Republican contender Donald Trump expressing admiration for the Kremlin strongman even as intelligence officials investigate apparent Russian attempts to interfere in the campaign. Clinton, by contrast, has used tough talk about Russia to burnish her credentials as an experienced diplomat who can stand up to the United States adversaries. For Clinton, the rhetoric reflects genuine disappointment and frustration from a tumultuous term as secretary of state during which cooperation between Moscow and Washington briefly soared, only to come crashing to Earth after Putins reelection as president in 2012, following a four-year hiatus, according to current and former U.S. officials involved in Russian policymaking at the time. Clinton, who began her tenure by famously offering a reset of Russian relations, would end it by publicly blasting Putins government on issues including alleged vote-rigging in Russia and Putins support for authoritarian Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Putin would fire back with repeated attacks against her, often injecting an unusually personal tone into the growing diplomatic rift. The exchanges helped cement an adversarial view of Clinton on the Russian side that may explain, more than any other single factor, the apparent efforts by Russian operatives to influence the election by hacking email accounts of senior Clinton staff members, longtime Kremlin observers say. She has policies and a history that the Russians dont like, said Michael McFaul, who became the U.S. ambassador to Moscow during Clintons final year as secretary of state. Its frequently forgotten because theres so much noise about Trump and Putin. But this history is real, and Putin doesnt forget these things. Clintons strong views about Putin predated her arrival at Foggy Bottom in 2009 as Obamas first secretary of state. As a U.S. senator, she condemned Russias military incursion in August 2008 in the Georgian republic and suggested that Putin, a former Soviet KGB officer who was then Russias prime minister, was a throwback to the countrys hegemonic past. President George W. Bush had famously vouched for Putins character in 2001 by saying that hed looked into the Russians eyes and gotten a sense of his soul. But Clinton, during her own first presidential campaign in early 2008, insisted that Bush had seen no such thing. He was a KGB agent by definition he doesnt have a soul, Clinton said. Just over a year later, Obamas surprise choice as secretary of state was tasked with managing the administrations Russian reset policy, which sought to take advantage of the leadership change in both Washington and Moscow to inaugurate a new era of cooperation. The new White House believed Russias new president, Dmitry Medvedev a St. Petersburg politician 13 years younger than Putin and lacking his predecessors experience in the Soviet bureaucracy might be more open to a real partnership. Former State Department and White House officials who attended early strategy meetings said that Clinton ultimately agreed with the approach. But she remained broadly skeptical that the relationship with Russia would ever extend beyond specific issues where Moscow saw an advantage in cooperation. The reset was the presidents idea it was something he wanted to do, said Philip Gordon, the assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs during Clintons tenure. But there was this logic that we were in a terrible place with Russia, and we should give it a shot to see if we could get some concrete things done, in our own interest. Another senior U.S. official present during the discussions attributed Clintons reluctance to lingering suspicions about Putin. The former KGB operative who served as president in the early 2000s had accepted the prime ministers job under Medvedev, but many Kremlin watchers believed that Putin was still Russias de facto leader, and that Obamas attempts to woo Medvedev misunderstood the real power structure in the Kremlin. These observers watched Putins hardening view toward the United States with increasing concern. It was right to be skeptical that you could translate that [reset] into a durable, strategic partnership, said the official, who helped guide Russian diplomacy during Republican and Democratic administrations and who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal policy debates freely. Structurally, we still faced a lot of problems dealing with Russia, including a fundamental difference in worldview. The policys official launch was a flub: At a Geneva news conference in March 2009, Clinton presented Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov with a mounted red button emblazoned with the word reset in English, and the Russian word peregruzka a translation error by the U.S. team that left the bewildered Lavrov puzzling over a term meaning overload. Years later, Lavrov would dismiss the reset as the invention of Hillary Clinton and the Obama administration. He noted pointedly in a Bloomberg News interview that he had a very good relationship with Condoleezza Rice, Clintons immediate predecessor as secretary of state. Despite doubts, the new approach seemed initially to bear fruit. Within a little more than a year, the two governments had notched historic agreements, including a new treaty on reducing nuclear stockpiles and a pact allowing U.S. military planes to use Russian airspace in delivering supplies to troops in Afghanistan. Americans and Russians, working in unusual accord, achieved striking progress on some of the thorniest disputes before the United Nations. In 2010, Washington and Moscow cooperated on a package of unprecedented U.N. economic sanctions that ultimately drove Iran to negotiations about limiting its nuclear program. The administration worked with Moscow to overcome U.S. objections to Russias long-standing effort to join the World Trade Organization. In 2011, Russia withheld its veto on the U.S.-led effort to authorize the international military campaign to stop Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi from slaughtering thousands of his own citizens an act of diplomatic restraint that many U.S. officials regard as the reset eras high-water mark. With the reset, we were never seeking goodwill with Russia; we were seeking a new strategy, said McFaul, the former U.S. ambassador. It was most productive in terms of concrete outcomes not holding hands and singing Kumbaya, but real stuff, including some of our biggest security and economic priorities. But beneath a more placid surface, old conflicts continued both at home and abroad, and new ones would emerge. In Washington, many of the administrations Russian initiatives were drawing skepticism from Congress. In 2010, Obama had announced that he was discontinuing a Bush-era Eastern European missile defense shield that Russia viewed as a military threat, in favor of a new program designed to combat potential strikes from Iranian short- and medium-range missiles. But many Republicans criticized the change which had been recommended by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, a Bush holdover as an unwarranted and unwise favor to Russia, granted by a naive young administration. Russian officials began publicly ruing their tacit support for U.N.-approved military action in Libya, after the intervention expanded from a simple civilian-protection mission to a sustained bombing campaign that led to the overthrow and assassination of Gaddafi. The Kremlin now believed it had been tricked into allowing the U.N. resolution to move forward. Putin, according to U.S. officials who met with him at the time, concluded that the Americans were most interested in pursuing regime change for governments they disliked, first in Baghdad and Tripoli, and later in Damascus. Eventually he became convinced that it was the Kremlin that the United States most wanted to change. Logically, Clinton, a strong proponent of U.S. military action in Libya and Syria, would be on the side of those seeking new leadership in Moscow, he believed. Suddenly, the Russians were casting skeptical looks at joint programs that had received strong support in both capitals. One casualty was the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, which funded the dismantling of Soviet-era nuclear, chemical and biological weapons systems to prevent them from being stolen by terrorists or purchased by rogue states. The programs co-founder, Sen. Richard Lugar, Ind., who served as the ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during Clintons tenure, began noticing a change in tone during his many visits to meet with the initiatives Russian partners. Powerful Russian military officials, some of them close allies of Putin, were beginning to perceive such ventures as part of the American plan to weaken the country. The militarys political champion was Putin, who decided in 2011 to run for president again, replacing his protege Medvedev after a single term in office. Putin had come to the point where he felt it was no longer necessary to cooperate, Lugar said, and it might even be demeaning to Russia. In December 2011, despite a deepening economic crisis, Putins United Russia party retained control of the Duma in parliamentary elections that independent monitoring groups described as fraudulent. Thousands of Russians took to the streets in protest, and Clinton with the White Houses explicit blessing spoke publicly in their defense, condemning Russian officials for manipulating the vote and systematically harassing election observers. The Russian people, like people everywhere, deserve the right to have their voices heard and their votes counted, Clinton said during a speech that month in Lithuania. And that means they deserve fair, free, transparent elections and leaders who are accountable to them. After her speech, when demonstrations in Moscow grew still larger, Putin suggested that his political opponents were following marching orders from Clinton and her team. Opposition parties heard the signal, and with the support of the U.S. State Department began active work, Putin said. Kremlin officials repeated the charge in private meetings with U.S. diplomats, expressing a vehemence that surprised some Obama administration officials. Even before the protests and his own reelection as president in March 2012 Putin had begun signaling the return of a more authoritarian and aggressive Russia. Beginning in late 2011, the Russian government would adopt policies stifling political dissent at home and increasing pressure on the former Soviet republics, from the Baltic to the Caucasus to Ukraine. Clinton began privately warning the White House on how Putins return could affect a wide range of U.S. foreign policy priorities, such as promoting democracy in Eastern Europe and containing a Syrian civil war that was beginning to ignite sectarian violence and jihadist fervor throughout the Middle East. She argued that we were in for a rougher patch and needed to be clear-eyed about that, said the senior U.S. official who worked for Republican and Democratic administrations. It was a very honest analysis of the fact that, whatever hopes some people had early on for a more durable partnership, it just wasnt going to happen. In fact, things fell apart with surprising speed. In 2012, Putin abruptly halted Russias participation in the Nunn-Lugar program. That same year, he expelled the U.S. Agency for International Development from Russia, charging interference in domestic affairs and ending USAIDs multimillion-dollar support for Russian civil society organizations. Putin then repeatedly blocked U.S.-led efforts to resolve Syrias civil war, insisting on preserving the presidency of Assad, a close Russian ally. Two years later well after Clinton had left office Putin stunned the world by snatching the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine, something he had first threatened to do nearly a decade earlier. Yet, while each of those actions was consistent with Putins combative style, Russias disputes with the Obama administration took on a more personal tone after 2011, several current and former U.S. officials and Russian policy experts said. Today, with Clinton now aiming for the White House, its not surprising that Putin might support clandestine efforts to undermine her candidacy regardless of his views of her chief political opponent, the officials and experts said. Putin has kind of got it in for Hillary, said Clifford Kupchan, chairman of the consulting firm Eurasia Group and a Russia expert who attended private meetings with Putin during the Clinton years. The statements after the Duma riots were like kerosene on a fire, and it really made Putin angry. Putin last week denied taking sides in the U.S. presidential race, and he scoffed at allegations of Russian involvement in the hacking of Democratic officials email accounts, a crime that U.S. intelligence agencies believe was instigated at the highest levels of the Russian government. Kupchan said he thinks that Russias role in the hacking, if verified, was more about sowing some chaos in the U.S. system than about any real hope of Trump winning. But he said it also reflects a shot across Clintons bow, as her record suggests that she would be both tougher and more outspoken on Russia compared to her predecessor. It may well be useful that she has a tough image, he said. Mrs. Clinton has been through the same journey that a lot of us have gone through on Russia, which is dashed hopes. When it comes to Putins Russia, he said, she doesnt wear deeply tinted sunglasses of any kind. clinton-russia Tuesday in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, President Barack Obama implored voters to consider Donald Trump a risk to the republic: The plea that Trump is distinguishable from other Republicans because he is uniquely unqualified and routinely violates certain standards of behavior that we should expect out of our leaders is a compelling one, yet too many Republicans and Republican-leaning independents have ignored it. In the final days the dismal display of rank partisanship, that is Republicans lining up for Trump because he has an R after his name on the ballot (and because so many suffer from Hillary Clinton derangement syndrome), is sobering and depressing. There are a few takeaways from the presidents remarks and from the coming home phenomenon among Republicans. They are worth considering as the GOP considers post-2016 election options and the Democrats come to terms with their reliance on a painfully flawed candidate. First, it would have been nice if Obama and Republicans, too had occasionally acknowledged that ordinary members of the other party are not a danger to the republic. The assault on opponents motives, the straw man argument, the false choice technique and the attempt to delegitimize his opponents arguments was not new to the presidential rhetoric, but Obama certainly perfected these techniques. In retrospect, was it necessary to accuse now-House Speaker Paul Ryan of social Darwinism? Was it appropriate for the president to accuse Republicans of having suspicions about Social Security. . . [and] about whether government should make sure that kids in poverty are getting enough to eat or whether we should be spending money on medical research? Yes, Republicans have engaged in the same hyperbole, which is why we are in the most horrendous election of our lifetimes. The instinct to demonize the other side means youll accept anything on your side. The president is right to ask us to stop; he should have been a better role model for eight years. Commending the other side while acknowledging differences is the essence of presidential leadership. Second, why have so few Republicans stood foursquare against Trump? Why are so many willing to rationalize, ignore or justify entirely unacceptable conduct? There are, as the president would put it, far too few who seem to insist on certain standards of behavior. Many Republicans would jump to their feet shouting, But Hillary! What about Hillarys standards?! No, shes no angel, probably below average in terms of candor and ethical restraint, but to quote the president she is not a risk to the republic, nor is she Vladimir Putins stooge. I cannot help but think that if, say, Obama were on the ticket, many Republicans would still be arguing Hes worse than Trump or Trump at least wont raise your taxes or some other paper-thin justification. Clintons faults frankly are a convenient but unpersuasive justification for doing what Republicans wanted to do anyway, support whomever the GOP nominated. It is hard to discern what prompts some Republicans to salute and fall in line behind Trump and others to dissent. James Kirchick in a bracing analysis argues: What does drive enthusiasm for Trump? According to the American National Election Survey, the best determinant of whether someone is a Trump supporter-even more than Republican Party affiliation-is if they think President Barack Obama is a Muslim. Eighty-nine percent of those who believe this racist conspiracy theory will have a higher opinion of Trump than Clinton. A Pew poll, meanwhile, reports that Republicans who believe Americas impending non-white majority is bad for the country are overwhelmingly positive toward Trump, while a qualified sample of 10,000 Trump Twitter supporters finds that a third follow white nationalist accounts. And so we come back essentially to Hillary Clintons deplorables. Its true that some Trump supporters loathe the mans behavior and more outre positions, but nonetheless see him as something of a savior figure. They are willing to put their faith in a sociopath because they have convinced themselves that the alternative will literally destroy the country, argues Kirchick. On the other hand, many, perhaps most, Trump supporters arent voting for him in spite of his talking like a thug, demeaning women, and hurling racist insinuations at the countrys first black president, but because he does these things. Were not sure if it is most, but certainly there are too many, and some serious introspection on the right is needed. That leads us to the last issue: If at least 45 percent of the country (80 percent or more of Republicans) do support Trump, what is to be done? Thats going to absorb many on the right for months and years to come, but we offer two considerations. For starters, defeat is not attractive and defeat at the hands of a terribly flawed opponent will repulse many Republicans, leaving them looking for alternatives. But beyond that it will be up to #NeverTrumpers and repentant/grudging Trump supporters to purge the bile (or run from it) and offer something better. We do hope that offered something better, both on the merits and politically more likely to succeed, voters will grab hold of it. Thats the theory at any rate. obama-rubin-comment CHARLESTON, S.C. Prosecutors and defense attorneys on Thursday presented starkly different portraits of Walter Scott, an unarmed black man whose killing last year was captured on cellphone video, and Michael Slager, the white former police officer who fatally shot him after a traffic stop, in the opening arguments at Slagers murder trial. As arguments got underway in the high-profile and emotionally charged case, lead prosecutor Scarlett Wilson described Scott, 50, as a man behind on child support payments when Slager, then a North Charleston officer, pulled him over for a nonfunctioning taillight on April 4, 2015. Fearing that a background check would lead to his arrest and what she described as debtors prison, Scott chose to run, Wilson said. She acknowledged that Scott should have remained in his vehicle that day and been prosecuted. Instead, he paid for his decision to run with his life. According to Wilson, Slager chased Scott into a vacant lot, then used a Taser on him before Scott dropped to the ground. The officer approached, and pressed his Taser to Scotts ribs to deliver what is called a dry stun to subdue him, before the two began to struggle on the ground, the prosecutor said. Slager has stated that it was after this struggle that Scott was able to wrestle away his Taser and point it at the officer, but Wilson said that Scott did what any other person would do in that situation. As you might imagine and as well see from the evidence, when someone is being dry-stunned, the natural reaction is to go for it, to try to get that pain away, Wilson told the jury. So what do we have? We have Walter Scotts DNA on the Taser. We dont know exactly from where. But it would make sense and it would be reasonable to for you to think and the evidence will show that when he is dry stunned, his DNA is on the Taser. When he undoubtedly tried to get that Taser away from him, his DNA could be on the Taser. Even if Scott had taken possession of the Taser, Wilson argued, that action did not justify Slagers decision to open fire as Scott turned his back to the officer and ran. Stepping across the length of the courtroom, Wilson demonstrated to the jury the distance from which Scott was shot. With each additional step between her and the jury, Wilson attempted to show that the Taser was no longer a threat to Slager when he fired eight shots at Scott, hitting him five times. The prosecutor then reminded the jury of the witness cellphone video showing the moments immediately before and after Scott was killed. She said that Slagers malice in shooting Scott became clear when he placed Scott in handcuffs, retrieved his Taser and placed it beside the body. Instead of providing medical assistance to the man he had just shot, Wilson said the officer began to stage the scene. When Walter Scott ran and he resisted, he should have been prosecuted for it. He shouldnt have been killed for it, Wilson said. Defense attorney Andy Savage offered another perspective on his client. Asking the jury to consider the facts of the case outside of the national debate over officer-involved shootings, he described Slager as a family man, who woke up the morning of April 4, 2015, put on his uniform, and set out to uphold the law in one of the most dangerous areas of North Charleston. With insufficient backup that day, Slager patrolled the community thinking of his pregnant wife and two children waiting at home, Savage said. According to the defense attorney, Slager stopped Scotts car with no malice, but simply to warn Scott about his broken taillight. Savage noted that Slager had only ticketed only 2 percent of drivers stopped for equipment failures during his five years as an officer. Savage argued that neither Slager nor anyone else can know the thoughts going through Scotts mind when he chose to run, nor did Slager know if Scott was armed when the two began to struggle on the ground. Mr. Scott chose to run and act the way he did, running and fighting. I think most people when they saw the Taser coming for them would say, Hands up. Dont shoot, Savage said. If anybody thinks that Mr. Slager or any other police officer wakes up and leaves his family and goes to work looking to kill or causing someone physical harm, thats preposterous. The scene outside the Charleston County courthouse remained quiet during the arguments, which took place on the fourth day of the state trial. A heavy police presence was visible on nearby streets. The Charleston Municipal Emergency Operations Center has been opened in preparation for any potential unrest that may occur during trial in a building across the street from the courthouse where the federal trial of accused Emanuel AME Church shooter Dylann Roof is scheduled to begin next week. Slager claims that he fired his Taser twice before Scott fell to the ground. The former officer says he then approached Scott, Tasing him once again in the ribs before the two began to wrestle. According to Slager, Scott then allegedly took control of Slagers Taser and pointed it toward the officer. But a witness cellphone video shows Scott turning away from Slager and running as the officer opened fire, shooting Scott five times. If found guilty, Slager faces 30 years to life in prison without the possibility of release. Savage, the defense attorney, has questioned the practices of the North Charleston Police Department in the period leading up to Scotts shooting. Alleging a lack of necessary officer backup and the use of a possible quota system requiring officers to perform a mandatory number of traffic stops, the defense has characterized Slager as an officer left to fend for himself in a part of the city prone to violent crime. The defense also argues that the witness video is incomplete, unreliable and should be excluded from the jurys consideration because of its alleged prejudicial and inflammatory nature. In addition to a pretrial motion to have the video withdrawn from evidence, the defense also made an effort to have the trial moved from Charleston, saying that overwhelming local media coverage of the shooting has influenced the jury pool by presenting an incomplete narrative of what happened. South Carolina Circuit Judge Clifton Newman denied the defenses request for a change of venue, saying that the final jurors selected have sworn to fairly and impartially serve. The racial makeup of the jury was called into question by prosecutors during the final day of the selection process on Wednesday. Of the 12 primary jurors, six are white men, five are white women and one is a black man. Assistant Solicitor Chad Simpson alleged a possible racial motivation in the defenses decision to exclude minority jurors. Seven of the nine strikes used by the defense to dismiss potential jurors were used to reject minority candidates. Defense attorneys were then required to explain the rationale behind their decision to strike jurors, which included two potential jurors who admitted difficulty with the English language. On Thursday, Scotts 22-year-old son Walter Lamar Scott was the first witness called by the prosecution. Scott recalled being woken by his father on the morning of the shooting and asked to move his car. Wishing to sleep just a little longer, Scott gave his father his keys and remained in bed. That was the last time Scott ever spoke to his father. Walter Scotts girlfriend, Charlotte Jones, testified that the two had met in 2009 and shared a home. Jones and Scotts son faced the faced the same line of questioning from Savage. Both were asked about Scotts alleged cocaine use and his mind-set on the morning of the shooting. Jones said she was aware of Scotts difficulty paying child support, but had no prior knowledge of warrant taken out against him. Asked by Savage if she knew of any reason why Scott would struggle with an officer, Jones said, He wasnt that kind of person. Pierre Fulton, who was in the car with Scott when he was stopped by Slager, testified that he recalled Scott asking, Man, are they pulling me? as blue lights from Slagers patrol car appeared in the rearview mirror. Fulton continued looking at his phone as Scott handed over his license to the officer. According to his testimony, he saw Scott step out from the vehicle before being told to return to the drivers seat. Fulton then recalled Scott running from the car. Asked by Wilson why Scott would choose to flee the scene, Fulton said, Thats a question I would like to ask him. Unfortunately, hes not here. He was murdered. Judy Scott, the mother of slain motorist Walter Scott, was the final witness to take the stand Thursday. Scott testified that she received a panicked call from her son during his altercation with Slager. Over the phone, Scotts mother said she could hear Slager demand that he get on the ground and put his hands behind his back before he said his final words to his mother. He said, They tasing me, and I heard him groaning like he was in excruciating pain a couple of times. She said she told her son to follow the officers order. The defense chose not to cross examine Judy Scott, who broke down emotionally while exiting the witness stand. She was helped out of the courtroom by family, and she repeated Hallelujah in between sobs. scott-trial [November 03, 2016] IEEE and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Sign Cooperative Agreement on Nuclear Power Technologies IEEE (News - Alert), the world's largest professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for humanity, today announced the signing of an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) establishing Practical Arrangements to cooperate in sharing of best practices and documents and standards development in the area of nuclear safety and energy. The official signing ceremony was held at IAEA's headquarters in Vienna, Austria on 29 September 2016. Following the Fukushima accident, the IAEA Nuclear Energy Department and Nuclear Safety and Security Department have been working with IEEE to develop a nuclear energy series and safety guide on accident monitoring systems for nuclear power plants. In signing the agreement establishing Practical Arrangements for cooperation, IEEE and IAEA have established an official platform to reduce duplication and conflicts between IAEA guidelines and IEEE publications. "Safety is an overriding concern in the nuclear energy field, where standardization and document development tied to instrumentation and control systems, electrical equipment, computer processing systems, as well as human factors, all need to be addressed to protect both the public and those individuals working in the field," says Konstantinos Karachalios, managing director for IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA). "IEEE's cooperative agreement with IAEA represents a very positive step forward in sharing best practices and bringing together the best minds to work collaboratively towards advancing nuclear safety and energy." IEEE and IAEA will cooperate in the development of publications to promote harmonization on topics of mutual interest. IAEA's signing of the Practical Arangement agreement with IEEE is the first the agency has made with an international standards development organization and has initially been established for three years. To learn more about IEEE-SA, visit us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, connect with us on LinkedIn or on the Standards Insight Blog. About the IEEE Standards Association The IEEE Standards Association, a globally recognized standards-setting body within IEEE, develops consensus standards through an open process that engages industry and brings together a broad stakeholder community. IEEE standards set specifications and best practices based on current scientific and technological knowledge. The IEEE-SA has a portfolio of over 1,100 active standards and more than 500 standards under development. For more information visit http://standards.ieee.org. About IEEE IEEE is the largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice in a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers, and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power, and consumer electronics. Learn more at http://www.ieee.org. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005235/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] SACRAMENTO, Calif. A man charged with hitting Sacramento, California, Mayor Kevin Johnson in the face with a coconut cream pie has been ordered to stand trial on a charge of assaulting a public official. A Sacramento County Superior Court judge on Thursday also denied Sean Thompsons motion to have his felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of battery on school property when his trial begins Jan. 7. Attorney Claire White says shes disappointed her 32-year-old client faces a felony for what she says was very clearly an act of political speech. White says Thompson will use the trial as a forum to discuss Sacramentos lack of progress in helping homeless residents. Hes charged with pushing the pie in Johnsons face in September. Johnson then punched Thompson. Stanford Lipsey, who sold a chain of weekly newspapers to investor Warren Buffett in the 1960s, then guided the papers to a Pulitzer Prize in the 1970s before becoming the longtime publisher of the Buffalo News, died Nov. 1 at his home in Rancho Mirage, California. He was 89. His death was confirmed by his wife, Judith Lipsey, who said a specific cause was not determined. Lipsey began his career in his home town of Omaha, working for a company that published free weekly papers. He eventually became owner and publisher of the Sun Newspapers before selling the business to Buffett in 1969. It was the first of many newspaper acquisitions for the investor who founded the Omaha-based Berkshire Hathaway holding company. Lipsey stayed on as publisher and became a Berkshire Hathaway vice president. In 1972, he and his small staff at the Sun Newspapers, led by managing editor Paul Williams, began to investigate the finances of Boys Town, the well-known institution for homeless and troubled boys near Omaha. Founded in 1917 by Catholic priest Edward Flanagan, Boys Town was featured in a popular 1938 movie starring Spencer Tracy as Flanagan and Mickey Rooney as a hot-headed teen. In subsequent years, Boys Town sent out millions of solicitation letters, usually showing a boy carrying a smaller boy on his back, and the donations rolled in. At Buffetts suggestion, the Sun Newspapers requested the charitys financial records from the Internal Revenue Service. Warren, Paul Williams and I would sit down and brainstorm, Lipsey told the Omaha Reader in 2010. Then this thing came along it actually came along on a tip from Warren. It made for a great story. In March 1972, MLipseys Sun Newspapers challenged the powerful local institution by publishing an eight-page section with the provocative headline Boys Town, Americas Wealthiest City? The special report called Boys Town a money machine, with a net worth of $209 million. In 1971, Boys Town had received $18 million in contributions and had a total income of more than $25 million or four times more than its annual expenses. The Sun Newspapers story won the Pulitzer Prize for local specialized investigative reporting, the first time a weekly paper had won a Pulitzer for investigative journalism. It prompted immediate reforms: The longtime director resigned, an accounting firm examined the books, and Boys Town went on an ambitious expansion program that included new buildings and medical and humanitarian efforts across the country. Among journalists, the Sun papers investigation became renowned as one of the first in-depth examinations of how charities spend their money. In 1980, Lipsey moved to Buffalo, not long after Buffett purchased the Buffalo Evening News, a struggling afternoon paper. He often said that Buffett told him, I want you to go to Buffalo and run the paper. Ill feel better if youre there, Margaret Sullivan, the newspapers former editor, who now is a media columnist for The Washington Post, said in an interview. Lipsey launched a Sunday edition of the newly renamed Buffalo News, and by 1982 the rival morning newspaper, the Courier-Express, had folded. Lipsey was named publisher in 1983, and he made the Buffalo News into one of the leading papers of its size in the country. The paper had a peak daily circulation of 265,000 in the 1990s, with about 350,000 Sunday subscribers. It won scores of awards, including a Pulitzer Prize in 1990 for editorial cartoons by Tom Toles, now at The Washington Post. Stan Lipsey was the publisher who helped Warren Buffett fall in love with the newspaper business, because he led a newspaper so well, Donald Graham, former publisher and chairman of The Washington Post, said Thursday in an email. In 1999, when Lipsey named Sullivan editor of the News, she was one of the few women in the country leading a major newsroom. He was an activist publisher, said Sullivan, who was editor until 2012. He was a lot of fun, full of jokes. And, because he was so hard-driving, he could be challenging. He often joked though he wasnt really joking that he could do any of our jobs. After Lipsey retired in 2012, Buffett told the News, I say its no exaggeration that The News might now be extinct, save for Stan. He basically saved The News. Stanford Lipsey was born Oct. 8, 1927, in Omaha to Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. His father ran a wholesale poultry and meat market. At the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1948, Lipsey was a photographer for the campus newspaper. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War, then began working for the Sun Newspapers. His first marriage, to the former Jeanne Blacker, ended in divorce. Survivors include his wife of 14 years, the former Judith Hojnacki of Buffalo and Rancho Mirage; two children from his first marriage, Janet Lipsey and Daniel Lipsey, both of San Rafael, California; and two grandsons. Lipsey was a well-known civic booster who led efforts to build an airport terminal and to preserve historic buildings in Buffalo, including the Darwin Martin House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. He gave millions of dollars to the University of Michigan, as well as educational, medical and animal-protection groups. He helped organize a summer jazz festival in Buffalo and a program that has donated more than 2 million books to low-income children since 1995. We had unbelievable fun together, Buffett told the Buffalo News this week. We jogged together, we ate ice cream, and we ran The News together. lipsey-obit U.S. intelligence agencies do not see Russia as capable of using cyberespionage to alter the outcome of Tuesdays presidential election, but they have warned that Moscow may continue meddling after the voting has ended to sow doubts about the legitimacy of the result, U.S. officials said. The assessment reflects widespread concern among U.S. spy agencies that a months-long campaign by Russia to rattle the mechanisms of American democracy will probably continue after polls close on one of the most polarizing races in recent history, extending and amplifying the political turbulence. U.S. security officials have not ruled out Russian-sponsored disruption on Election Day. In recent weeks, officials at the Department of Homeland Security have collected evidence of apparent Russian scanning of state-run databases and computer voting systems. Whether they were really trying hard to get in, its not clear, a U.S. official said. Still, the decentralized nature of U.S. polling would make it extraordinarily difficult to subvert a nationwide race. Instead, U.S. officials said it is more likely that Russia would use hacking tools to expose or fabricate signs of vote-rigging, aiming to delegitimize an election outcome that Republican candidate Donald Trump has said he may refuse to accept if he does not win. I think its correct to say the Russians dont think they can dictate the outcome, said Rep. Adam Schiff (California), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. But even as votes are being tallied Tuesday, Schiff said, Russian intelligence services are likely to be looking through their troves of hacked documents and seeing what they can release. Whether Trump or Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton prevails, Schiff said, the United States can expect a lot more of the same in terms of cyber-malevolence and influence from Moscow. U.S. officials said there is still time for last-minute disruptions, even if the overall election appears relatively secure. Several officials said they fear that even an isolated operation that forces a voting system offline could erode confidence. Schiff and others said they remain worried that Moscow could dump doctored documents over the weekend that appear to expose illegality by the Clinton or Trump campaigns disclosures designed to create confusion among voters and that would be difficult to disprove before citizens cast their votes. No forgeries have so far been identified among the thousands of files that U.S. officials believe were stolen by Russia and essentially laundered to the U.S. public and media through the WikiLeaks website. The fact that Russia has so far refrained from altering documents or planting forgeries among the leaked emails is seen by some U.S. officials as potentially setting the stage for a more sinister plot. The media and public have come to see the WikiLeaks stockpiles as authentic, increasing the potential impact if Russia were to insert a deliberate but compelling falsehood. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly denied any Russian involvement in the election-related hacks. But those assertions have been dismissed by U.S. intelligence agencies and cybersecurity experts, with some saying that Russia engaged in sloppy tradecraft or seemed not terribly concerned about covering its tracks. Anxiety about late-election vulnerabilities has factored into President Barack Obamas administrations reluctance so far to retaliate against Russia. The White House has opted against authorizing any countermeasures despite high confidence across U.S. spy agencies that Russia alone orchestrated the digital theft of thousands of sensitive documents posted online in recent months by WikiLeaks. The releases have included hacked files of the Democratic National Committee and emails of Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta, among others. The White House has been weighing countermeasures for months but worried that retaliating before the election would give Moscow time to inflict more direct damage in the waning days of the campaign. Escalation in the cyber-realm can happen quickly, a senior U.S. official said. Those urging restraint say they believe the Russian threat would be diminished after Election Day. Officials said the White House is also reluctant to take decisions on an escalation that could have profound implications for the next president. U.S. officials said the options under consideration include kicking more suspected Russian intelligence officers out of the United States, imposing new economic sanctions against Russian entities tied to the alleged hacking and potentially launching cyberattacks on Russian computer systems. Obama used cyberweapons to hobble Irans nuclear program early in his first term but has been reluctant to go down that road again, aides say. The administrations decision could depend on what the Russians do in the coming days. An election-disrupting attack would probably trigger a more aggressive U.S. response, according to officials. U.S. officials say the stakes have been made clear to Moscow. The election-related tensions are part of a broader escalation in the level of antagonism between the United States and its former Cold War adversary. The two countries are fighting a proxy war against each other in Syria, are competing for influence elsewhere in the Middle East and are at odds over Russian intervention in Ukraine. The hack of the DNC was blamed on Russia by cybersecurity experts and U.S. officials the moment it was publicly disclosed in June. The administration formally went public with its case last month, issuing a statement from Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr. and Homeland Security Director Jeh Johnson concluding that intrusions were authorized by Russias senior most officials. Even so, there is still disagreement among some agencies and analysts over Moscows objectives. The White House has maintained that it does not believe Russias operations have been aimed at delivering an election win for Trump, who has praised Putin and argued there is no evidence of Russian involvement in the hacks a position at odds with what he has been told in classified briefings. The operations could be a more general effort to embarrass the United States and disrupt democratic institutions. Clinton has said that Russia is seeking to ensure her defeat, a contention some U.S. intelligence officials say they believe is supported by the one-sided nature of the leaks. U.S. officials have speculated that Putin harbors personal animosity toward Clinton, believing that while serving as secretary of state she helped incite mass protests in Moscow that embarrassed the former KGB operative. Even if there are no further election-related disruptions and Clinton emerges victorious, some U.S. officials believe that Russia has already accomplished many of its goals. Theyve weakened Secretary Clinton by dumping information from her campaign manager and others, Schiff said. The leaks have exposed infighting between Clinton and her former Democratic opponent, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, forced the resignation of the DNC chief and perhaps most importantly cast Russia and its capacity to inflict damage as an ominous figure looming over the 2016 campaign. They enjoy being the subject of discussion in an American election, Schiff said. It enhances their prestige in a bizarre way that theyre considered a player. This is also their way of payback, and I think they are delighting in that. campaign-russia-1stld-writethru Federal Department of Finance Bern, 03.11.2016 - On 2 November 2016 in Riga, Switzerland and Latvia signed a protocol of amendment to their double taxation agreement (DTA) in the area of taxes on income and capital. It contains an administrative assistance clause in accordance with the current international standard for the exchange of information upon request and several provisions from the OECD and G20 project to combat base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS project). Aside from the new provision on the exchange of information upon request, the agreement was also revised in a number of other respects. In particular, the agreement will introduce lower taxation of levies and distributed profits on qualified participations. The protocol of amendment also contains an abuse clause which, in line with the wording of the BEPS project, is based on the principal purpose provision of an arrangement or a transaction (PPT rule). This clause to prevent the granting of treaty benefits is consistent in its basic features with the abuse provisions to which Switzerland has agreed in recent years in many of its DTAs. Finally, legal certainty is increased for taxpayers with the inclusion of an arbitration clause. The protocol of amendment to the DTA was submitted to the cantons and business associations for their comments. They approved the signing. The new agreement still has to be approved by Parliament in both countries before it can come into force. So far, Switzerland has signed 54 DTAs that are in line with the international standard on the exchange of information; 47 of these are in force. Address for enquiries Bilateral Tax Issues and Double Taxation Treaties Section, State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF Tel. +41 58 462 71 29, dba@sif.admin.ch Publisher Federal Department of Finance https://www.efd.admin.ch/efd/en/home.html Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Bern, 03.11.2016 - "Relations with Turkey are extremely important to Switzerland, even more so today than in the past. Dialogue and listening to each other are essential if we are to rise to the challenges of our time". This is what Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter said on 3 November 2016 at a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, at the Lohn Manor near Bern. The talks focused on the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, but the two foreign ministers also discussed their countries bilateral relations as well as multilateral cooperation. In addition, Mr Burkhalter mentioned Switzerland's actions and potential in the context of Swiss policy of good offices. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter noted that the two countries were making tangible progress in several areas of their bilateral relations, particularly on migration, economic relations and the protection of cultural assets. He also stressed the importance in these uncertain times of developing a close political dialogue, especially on issues associated with this summer's coup detat and the situation in south-eastern Turkey. The talks provided an opportunity to exchange views on issues such as the possible reintroduction of the death penalty, the duration and proportionality of the state of emergency, fundamental freedoms (particularly freedom of expression and freedom of the media), an independent judiciary and cooperation with organisations like the Council of Europe. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter offered his counterpart sincere condolences for the victims of the attacks and the attempted coup. However, he also voiced concern at the numerous dismissals and arrests following the attempted coup and reminded his counterpart that Turkey's declaration of a state of emergency does not free the country from its international human rights obligations. Furthermore, the head of the FDFA underscored the validity of national legislation and freedom of expression for Turkish citizens in Switzerland. In their discussion on regional and international issues, the ministers focused on the Syria conflict, the situations in Iraq and the southern Caucasus and developments in Cyprus. Mr Burkhalter paid tribute to Turkey's tremendous humanitarian effort, having taken in 2.7 million Syrian refugees. "The conflict in Syria is a moral failure of our age and demonstrates the lack of political will for peace," he said. He reiterated Switzerland's determination to continue stepping up its humanitarian aid and defend international humanitarian law. In addition, the two ministers exchanged views on the dramatic situation in Aleppo. Address for enquiries FDFA Communication Federal Palace West Wing CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53 Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55 E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch Twitter: @SwissMFA Publisher Federal Department of Foreign Affairs https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html [November 03, 2016] CSI Honors Three Banks for Their Ingenuity and Technology Strategy at Annual Customer Conference Computer Services, Inc. (CSI (News - Alert)) (OTCQX: CSVI), a provider of end-to-end financial technology solutions, honored three banks for their outstanding approach to technology and service as part of the company's fourth annual Seeing Business Differently Awards. Illinois National Bank, Salin Bank and Truxton Trust were selected as this year's winning institutions and were recognized during CSI Customer Conference 2016. CSI's Seeing Business Differently Awards highlight the ongoing efforts of CSI customers to enhance their institution's performance by deploying innovative strategies and the latest technologies. Specifically, nominees are evaluated on a series of key metrics, including their ability to implement new products and programs to improve profitability, attract new customers and enhance operations. "The recipients of our fourth annual Seeing Business Different Awards have continued to improve their business practices and attract new customers through technology-based, service-focused initiatives," said Steve Powless, CSI's chief executive officer. "The financial industry is tremendously competitive and always evolving, and CSI is proud to honor these companies for setting themselves apart from their competitors through a strategic use of technology." Honorees were determined based on the award's established criteria; however, each institution utilized different tactics to achieve its success: In an effort to streamline internal operations while still assuring quality customer service, Illinois National Bank (Springfield, Illinois) utilized CSI CRM to implement a new centralized call center that allows the bank to provide consistent customer support across its entire branch network, while also leveraging that information to help identify and resolve issues faster than ever before. The bank also utilizes CSI IQ, a robust data analytics tool, to create reports based on the data available within the core and CSI CRM. Since these solutions are fully integrated, Illinois National Bank can now leverage its customer data to better understand its clients' needs and develop more meaningful service experiences. "We see real value in the integration among these products because it allows us to capture every interaction, from the call center to the drive-through window, and use that information to better serve our customers," said Sarah Phalen, president and CEO of Illinois National Bank. "And not only has the call center freed up time for our in-branch staff, but now when we contact customers and use the data available to us, they recognize that we are truly delivering services that are relevant to their financial needs." Salin Bank (Indianapolis, Indiana) wanted to use technology to transform its bank network to continue building and fostering meaningful customer relationships, especially as its customers' financial needs evolve. The bank set out to make this transition by adding interactive video service to its 40 ATMs throughout the state, allowing it to expand customer service hours from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Reliable technology infrastructure was required to implement the initiative, so the bank partnered with CSI for its numerous IT needs, including server hosting, IT systems management, threat mitigation and backup capabilities. "At Salin Bank, we're focused on transforming our branch network because as client needs evolve, so must the ways in which we provide service," said Jim Alender, president of Salin Bank. "The investments made in our branches and technology allows us to offer best-in-class service to our clients regardless of their delivery-channel preferences, and our partnership with CSI for managed services allows them to provide the reliable infrastructure we need, while we get to focus on client service and profitability." Finally, Truxton Trust (Nashville, Tennessee) has established a large network of clients across the U.S. by using self-service technology and giving their financial advisors the freedom to travel to different markets in order to serve customers directly. The bank's goal is to make banking so simple that clients can interact with the bank from anywhere, all while providing excellent personal support. In fact, Truxton currently has customers in roughly 20 states where it has no physical branches. And it's been the bank's strategic use of such outsourced technology strategies as managed services that has enabled its business model. "With the help of secure, reliable technology, we can take our services directly to our clients' offices, which allows us to work with clients who can live literally anywhere," said Tom Stumb, chairman and CEO of Truxton Trust. "Our approach to technology is twofold: it has to save users from hassle and effort, and it needs to save business owners time and money. And at Truxton, we are using technology that accomplishes both those objectives." CSI Customer Conference 2016 was held Nov.1 through Nov. 3 in San Antonio, Texas, at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa. About Computer Services, Inc. Computer Services, Inc. (CSI) delivers core processing, managed services, mobile and Internet solutions, payments processing, print and electronic distribution, and regulatory compliance solutions to financial institutions and corporate customers across the nation. Exceptional service, dynamic solutions and superior results are the foundation of CSI's reputation and have resulted in the company's inclusion in such top industry-wide rankings as the FinTech 100, Talkin' Cloud 100 and MSPmentor Top 501 Global Managed Service Providers List. CSI's stock is traded on OTCQX under the symbol CSVI. For more information about CSI, visit www.csiweb.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005015/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 03, 2016] Fitch Affirms Pacifico Vida's IFS at 'BBB'; Outlook Stable Fitch Ratings has affirmed the Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating of El Pacifico Vida Compania de Seguros y Reaseguros (Pacifico Vida) at 'BBB'. The Rating Outlook is Stable. KEY RATING DRIVERS The affirmation of Pacifico Vida's rating reflects sound performance ratios, which is the result of adequate pricing and claims control. In Fitch's opinion, stable net income has strengthened Pacifico Vida's equity base, as evidenced by stable and low leverage compared to its peers. As of June 2016, Pacifico Vida's leverage ratio (liabilities/equity) was stable at 6.5x, which was lower than the previous 12 months period 7.0x due to stable internal capital generation. Its leverage remains lower than the subgroup of Peruvian companies active in the annuities segment (7.5x). Fitch does not expect the company's leverage to increase above its historical averages, particularly considering the industry-wide annuities premiums contraction in 2016. During June 2015-June 2016, the company's aggregated premiums fell by 0.6%, mainly as a result of regulatory changes in pension regulation effective from the end of April 2016, which allowed people to withdraw of up to 95.5% of the retirement saved amounts, which has significantly reduced the annuity business for Pacifico Vida and also for the Peruvian life insurance industry. As of June 2016, Pacifico Vida's annuities premiums volume declined by 34% compared to the previous period; however, in Fitch's view, premiums in the annuity segment should stabilize in the short term. Pacifico Vida maintained a competitive performance, and posted net income of PEN101 million in June 2016, and ROAE and ROAA profitability ratios of 25.3% and 3.2%, respectively, comparatively higher than the Peruvian companies focused on annuities (ROAE 17.1%, ROAA 1.8%). Financial income from its investments remains the company's main revenue source, reaching a yield on its investment portfolio of 6.8%, slightly higher than its peer group (6.6%). Controlled administrative expenses, low claim losses and stable investment returns are reflected in Pacifico Vida's operating ratio of 76.8%, which remains highly competitive compared to other Peruvian companies and also to other companies in the region. The company's liquidity is adequate, with a liquid assets-to-liabilities ratio of 1.01x, in June 2016, consistent with its historical averages. Main assets remain investments in securities with manageable credit risk, primarily local and foreign bonds, while liabilities are essentially made up of long-term reserves. Like other life insurance company, Pacifico Vida's premium-retention level remains high at 97.1% in June 2016. The largest volume of ceded premiums corresponds to workers- complementary-occupational insurance with a cession rate of 13%, distributed in a group of reinsurers of adequate credit profile. RATING SENSITIVITIES Positive Rating Actions: Rating upgrades could be driven by sustained profitability, especially that driven by more stable investments results, while the company maintains its favorable market position and low leverage. Negative Rating Actions: A rating downgrade could result from a sustained net income slowdown, from either lower operational performance, increasing financial income volatility or tighter capital adequacy. Also, a progressive weakening of its market position could pressure the rating. Additional information is available on www.fitchratings.com Applicable Criteria Insurance Rating Methodology (pub. 15 Sep 2016) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/887191 Additional Disclosures Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1014262 Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1014262 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. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA, AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE, AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE CODE OF CONDUCT SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE. Copyright 2016 by Fitch Ratings, Inc., Fitch Ratings Ltd. and its subsidiaries. 33 Whitehall Street, NY, NY 10004. Telephone: 1-800-753-4824, (212) 908-0500. Fax: (212) 480-4435. Reproduction or retransmission in whole or in part is prohibited except by permission. All rights reserved. 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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/20161103006128/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The NCUA filed a brief Wednesday to dismiss the lawsuit lodged by the Independent Community Bankers of America against the agency and its member business lending rule, which goes into effect Jan. 1. CUNA and the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU) issued a joint statement supporting the agency. As our two organizations have stated, the NCUA acted well within its authority when it issued its member business lending rule. Submitting a motion to dismiss this baseless attack is the logical next step for the agency in defending that right. For our part, the CUNA/league system and NAFCU will continue to work collaboratively to defend the NCUAs authority to interpret the Federal Credit Union Act. Ensuring small businesses have access to much-needed capital remains a top priority for the credit union industry, said Jim Nussle, president/CEO of CUNA and Dan Berger, president/CEO of NAFCU. The ICBA filed its lawsuit in September, and CUNAs board responded by passing a resolution stating CUNAs commitment to protecting credit union interests. In what is quickly becoming an annual tradition, readers of The Coast, Halifaxs weekly, have named Dalhousie the citys best university. In fact, Dalhousie has won the award every year in the publications readers choice awards since the Best University category was revived in 2012. (Dalhousie also won the award the first time it was included in 2005.) More than 12,000 people voted in The Coast's annual readers roll, which includes more than 300 different categories spanning food and drink, arts and culture, and city life. Dalhousie was awarded gold in the Best University category a result that speaks to Dals broad reach and significant impact across Halifax and beyond. There were several other Dal successes in The Coasts readers choice awards this year: The Student Union Buildings popular Petes ToGoGo outlet took home the gold prize for Best Campus Eats. And levied student society the Loaded Ladle, which serves free, locally produced meals out of the SUB three times a week, won bronze. The T-Room, the Dal Student Unions Sexton Campus pub, once again placed in the Best Trivia Night category for its popular Friday night showdowns, winning bronze. For Best Effort to Improve Halifax, the gold prize went to bike lanes, with the University Avenue pilot project getting special mention. Read all of the results at The Coasts website. Dal President Richard Florizone used his keynote speech at the Halifax Chamber of Commerces fall dinner Wednesday night to share stories of Nova Scotian accomplishment, all of which emphasized whats possible when people, communities and organizations come together in new ways. So it only made sense, then, for Dr. Florizone to close his address by announcing a brand new partnership one that will help kickstart Nova Scotian entrepreneurship. Its called ideaHUB: an engineering incubator/accelerator space designed to equip students with creative and entrepreneurial skills while also providing support to local start-up companies and small businesses. Part of the larger IDEA project a $64-million revitalization of Dals downtown Sexton Campus announced in late September ideaHUB is a partnership linking universities (including Dal, Acadia and NSCAD) with the corporate sector, entrepreneurs, venture capital and government. ideaHUB will be the most advanced engineering incubator and accelerator space in Canada, said Dr. Florizone. It will add important capacity to our entrepreneurial ecosystem, adding further momentum to what is rapidly becoming one of Canadas most dynamic startup scenes. Joining Dr. Florizone for the ideaHUB announcement was Bob Hanf, executive vice-president of stakeholder relations with Emera. The local energy company is a founding partner in ideaHUB, alongside organizations like Volta Labs, Innovacorp, Clearwater, Micco Companies and Build Ventures. In Emeras case, theyre not only stepping up as a partner theyre investing $10 million to support the ideaHUB space and its programming. President Florizone and Emera's Bob Hanf. We are so thrilled to be partnering with Dal on ideaHUB, said Hanf, highlighting the importance of innovation for not only the energy industry, but Nova Scotia more broadly. Its not every day a project comes along that will make such an incredible difference in the way new ideas are fostered and developed in this province. Were very proud to be part of this collaborative effort its one I know will make an important difference for Nova Scotia students. A unique, collaborative space ideaHUB has been designed, in many respects, as a direct response to the recommendations of the oneNS Commission. Among the commissions calls to action: increasing the number of new start-ups in Nova Scotia; improving youth unemployment; doubling business enterprise and university R&D partnerships; and improving venture capital investment. In his speech, Dr. Florizone noted significant momentum on several of these fronts. Halifax quickly becoming a national hotbed for startup development, for example, recognized last year for having more promising IT startup companies than any other city in Canada. And there has been more than $1.5 billion in exits (company purchases) of Atlantic Canadian startup companies in the past five years. What ideaHUB does is build on this momentum, as well as on the success to-date of the IDEA Sandbox (an existing space thats a partnership between Dal, NSCAD and the Nova Scotia government). ideaHUB will be a unique, collaborative environment combining mentorship and support with world-class engineering research infrastructure. Inside the 10,000 sq. ft. space will be testing and fabrication facilities, early stage funding supports and links with venture capital and accelerators. ideaHUB will allow participants to create physical prototypes while also developing business strategies. The ideaHUB vision has already attracted significant support from Nova Scotias business community. Alongside Emeras $10 million donation, a trio of Nova Scotian entrepreneurs John Risley, Colin MacDonald and Mickey MacDonald were among the very first to respond to the call for further private sector support, committing a combined $2.5 million in additional funds. Dalhousie is leading an ongoing fundraising campaign to attract further support for ideaHUB from alumni, donors and industry partners. This is not just a Dalhousie story, or an Emera story, said Dr. Florizone, citing the wide variety of partners and supporters involved in ideaHUB. This is a story of what Nova Scotians can do when we come together and work differently. ideaHUB will be located in one of two new buildings on Dals Sexton Campus (currently referred to as the Innovation Building) announced in September. The building and the ideaHUB space are both set to open in 2018. Look what we can do Dr. Florizones keynote address touched on several initiatives with Dal connections including ideaHUB and the new Ocean Frontier Institute but it wasnt really a speech about the university. Instead, Dr. Florizone wished to speak more as a member of the Halifax community one whos inspired by the power of what people can do when they come together. I dont think [Nova Scotias] momentum should surprise us, even given some of the challenges we face, he said. And the reason I say that is because I believe and I have seen that the people in this province are capable of truly incredible things. To help illuminate his point, Dr. Florizone frequently shared the stage with other guest speakers throughout the evening. In addition to Emeras Bob Hanf, Dr. Florizone invited Dalhousie Professor Sara Iverson and Memorial Professor Paul Snelgrove to share insights about the Ocean Frontier Institute a $220-million research collaboration, based in Atlantic Canada, poised to propel the region to global ocean leadership. A lot of outstanding research at Dalhousie and Memorial and UPEI over many years has helped us to understand ocean ecosystems and human interaction with them, said Dr. Snelgrove. But here we have a unique opportunity to build major bridges so that instead of working piecemeal we can link those efforts across disciplines and universities and leap forward our understanding of ocean change. Dr. Iverson showcased some of the technology involved in OFI: wave gliders that help track fish and other sea vertebrates as they make their way through the ocean. Fish recognize no boundaries, she said. Sharing data across OFI enables us to manage sustainable fisheries at a global scale. We work with fishermen and councils to understand exactly what we need to do to sustain fisheries around the globe. Coming together in new ways Dr. Florizone also invited Mary Beth Doucette to the Chamber dinner to speak about Membertou. The Cape Breton Mikmaq community with a diversified portfolio that ranges from commercial fishing and convention hosting to data services and tourism has earned national attention in Indigenous business development. Its become third largest employer in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (employing more than 650 people) and has donated more than $1.8 million to local charities. Membertous strategy is essentially a model of transparent governance, a commitment to education, a commitment to health and wellness in the community and a vision for growth through partnership, said Doucette, who is the Purdy Crawford Chair in Aboriginal Business Studies at Cape Breton Universitys Unamaki College. Dr. Florizone said its that idea of success through partnership that makes Membertou such an exciting Nova Scotian success story just as is the case with the Ocean Frontier Institute and ideaHUB. It is too trite simply to say the secret to success is for us all to work together, to collaborate, said Dr. Florizone. We must find new ways of coming together. Look what we can do when we work together when we bring the best of our region together with the best of the world, when we find ways to be more inclusive, when we challenge ourselves to think bigger. Look what we can do. The impact a scientist will have in their lifetime is distributed randomly over the sequence of studies they publish, according to a new study. This phenomenon can be described by a simple model in which a scientist's impact is a function of factors including productivity and ability, the study goes on to show. Previous research on creativity has suggested that major discoveries come early in a career, after which chances of making a breakthrough drop quickly, perhaps due to waning ingenuity or increased administrative duties. In reality, though, little is known about just how scientific impact emerges and changes over time. Here, to better understand this space, Roberta Sinatra and colleagues analyzed the careers of thousands of scientists, focusing on their scientific publications. The team's evaluation confirmed that many scientists publish their most creative and defining work within two decades of starting careers, as has been thought, but it also showed that productivity exhibits this same early peak, suggesting that influential scientific thinkers break through at younger stages not because youth is intertwined with creativity but because youthful scientists produce more work early in their career. To further explore the roots of creative success without productivity, or age, as factors, the researchers arranged every paper the scientists had published in chronological order, asking if the highest impact paper was among the earliest, or otherwise. The highest impact papers were rarely the scientists' earliest ones, they found. Instead, the biggest hits were completely random. This random impact rule allowed the researchers to develop a model to predict career impact based on an element of randomness, scientist productivity, and a factor Q particular to each scientist. Their results, which will contribute to ongoing dialogues about how to gauge an individual scientist's potential, suggest that scientific success can be had at any age. ### Washington, D.C. - Gilad Evrony is the 2016 grand prize winner in the annual international competition for The Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology. Evrony developed new techniques for sequencing and analyzing the genomes of individual brain cells, which revealed that diverse mutations occur during brain development, some of which may impact the brain and cause neurologic disease. Although it was often assumed that the billions of cells in the brain have the same genome, other research suggested that the brain may harbor genetic diversity stemming from somatic mutations. Evrony was intrigued by this possibility and whether somatic mutations might drive neuropsychiatric diseases whose causes remain unknown. Together with colleagues in the laboratory of Dr. Christopher Walsh at Boston Children's Hospital, he developed a way to detect these mutations by sequencing the genomes of single brain cells. The approach provided a first-ever detailed look at somatic mutations in the brain, and an important revelation - many types of mutations occur and accumulate during normal brain development, "such that every cell in a person's brain, in fact, has a unique genome," said Evrony, who obtained his M.D. and Ph.D. from Harvard Medical School during his time in the laboratory of Dr. Walsh. "Sequencing brain cells one at a time is challenging but necessary, because somatic mutations may be present in only a very small fraction of cells or even just one cell - making them undetectable by standard DNA sequencing." New bioinformatics methods were also needed, which Evrony developed with Eunjung Alice Lee in the laboratory of Dr. Peter Park. The brain is built from progenitor cells that replicate many times, each time making a copy of their genome. "Our brains are a mix of cells with copies of copies, and copies of copies of copies, and so on, of the genome. Imagine you were building a house and every brick was made by copying the previous brick rather than making all the bricks from the same original mold. That is, in a sense, the challenge of building a brain where each cell must have a relatively faithful copy of the genome," Evrony states. "Inevitably, mistakes in DNA replication and other mutational forces accumulate and create imperfect copies." Further, Evrony and colleagues were able to use the mutations they found as markers to trace how progenitor cells migrate across the brain as it is formed. This revealed interesting patterns showing that every brain is a remarkable patchwork of mosaic mutations. These technologies can now be used to study unexplained neuropsychiatric diseases, such as epilepsy, autism and schizophrenia, to determine whether somatic mutations may be involved. "As a physician-scientist, I wanted to pursue research that could help patients with diseases whose causes are not known. I hope our findings inspire more research to bring light to unsolved neurologic diseases," Evrony said. The Eppendorf and Science Prize in Neurobiology recognizes outstanding international neurobiological research based on current methods and advances in the field of molecular and cell biology by a young, early-career scientist, as described in a 1,000-word essay based on experiments performed within the last three years. The grand prize winner receives $25,000 from Eppendorf. In his award-winning essay, "One brain, many genomes," which will be published in the 4 November issue of Science, Evrony describes how single-cell sequencing was used to study the first brain-specific somatic mutations causing a rare congenital brain malformation known as hemimegalencephaly. The discovery provided an initial glimpse into the unexplored landscape of somatic mutations and subsequent brain dysfunction, which had been overlooked as most genetic analyses only examine the sequence of blood DNA. Because neurons and their genomes must keep working for an entire person's lifetime, this same technology could also measure how many mutations might creep into our brains as they age. The patchwork patterns of somatic mutations that Evrony and colleagues uncovered could mean that rare, as-yet unrecognized brain disorders may exist. In these instances, a somatic mutation may subtly affect only one small part of the brain (that is involved with the ability to speak, for example), while sparing the rest of the brain. "We might be especially prone to such mutations because of the high number of cell divisions that it takes to build a large human brain," Evrony, the 15th winner of the prize suggests. He believes these findings will ultimately paint a clearer picture of the brain's inner workings, noting, "Our work is part of the broader effort in the neuroscience community to develop new tools to study the brain. The brain is incredibly complex, and I believe that our progress in understanding it largely depends on the development of new technologies." Evrony and the following finalists will be recognized at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience on Sunday, 13 November 2016, in San Diego, California. 2016 Grand Prize Winner Gilad Evrony, for his essay "One brain, many genomes." Evrony received his undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He served in the Intelligence Division of the Israel Defense Forces and completed an M.D. and Ph.D. at Harvard Medical School, with graduate research in Dr. Christopher Walsh's laboratory at Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Evrony is currently pursuing clinical training in pediatrics at Mount Sinai Hospital and continuing his research developing new technologies for studying the brain and neuropsychiatric diseases. Finalists Anna Beyeler, for her essay "Parsing reward from aversion." Beyeler received her undergraduate degree from the University of Bordeaux, in southern France, where she then completed her Ph.D. degree requirements. As a postdoctoral fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she has been exploring the neural circuit mechanisms underlying rewarding and aversive memories. Dr. Beyeler is currently establishing an independent research program aimed at identifying neural substrates of anxiety disorders. Arjun Krishnaswamy, for his essay "Building connections." Krishnaswamy received undergraduate and Ph.D. degrees from McGill University. As a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University, he has been using molecular, electrophysiological, and genetic approaches to learn how developing neurons in the mouse retina choose synaptic targets and establish wiring patterns important for retinal function. ### For the full text of finalist essays and for information about applying for next year's awards, see the Science Web site at http://www.sciencemag.org/prizes/eppendorf/2016. About Eppendorf AG Eppendorf is a leading life science company that develops and sells instruments, consumables, and services for liquid handling, sample handling, and cell handling in laboratories worldwide. Its product range includes pipettes and automated pipetting systems, dispensers, centrifuges, mixers, spectrometers, and DNA amplification equipment as well as ultra-low temperature freezers, fermentors, bioreactors, CO2 incubators, shakers, and cell manipulation systems. Consumables such as pipette tips, test tubes, microliter plates, and single-use bioreactor vessels complement the range of highest-quality premium products. Eppendorf products are most broadly used in academic and commercial research laboratories, e.g., in companies from the pharmaceutical and biotechnological as well as the chemical and food industries. They are also aimed at clinical and environmental analysis laboratories, forensics, and at industrial laboratories performing process analysis, production, and quality assurance. Eppendorf was founded in Hamburg, Germany in 1945 and has about 3,000 employees worldwide. The company has subsidiaries in 25 countries and is represented in all other markets by distributors. About AAAS The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the world's largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science as well as Science Translational Medicine, Science Signaling, a digital, open-access journal, Science Advances, Science Immunology, and - coming soon - Science Robotics. AAAS was founded in 1848 and includes nearly 250 affiliated societies and academies of science, serving 10 million individuals. Science has the largest paid circulation of any peer-reviewed general science journal in the world. The non-profit AAAS is open to all and fulfills its mission to "advance science and serve society" through initiatives in science policy, international programs, science education, public engagement, and more. For the latest research news, log onto EurekAlert!, the premier science-news Web site, a service of AAAS. See http://www.aaas.org. WASHINGTON - If you've found yourself singing along to Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" hours after you switched the radio off, you are not alone. Certain songs do tend to stick in our heads more than others for some very specific reasons, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. These songs, often called earworms, are usually faster, with a fairly generic and easy-to-remember melody but with some particular intervals, such as leaps or repetitions that set them apart from the average pop song, according to the first large-scale study of earworms. The article appears online in the APA journal Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts. In addition to "Bad Romance," examples of common earworms named in the study include "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey and, perhaps not surprisingly, "Can't Get You Out Of My Head" by Kylie Minogue. "These musically sticky songs seem to have quite a fast tempo along with a common melodic shape and unusual intervals or repetitions like we can hear in the opening riff of 'Smoke On The Water' by Deep Purple or in the chorus of 'Bad Romance,'" said the study's lead author, Kelly Jakubowski, PhD, of Durham University. She conducted the study while at Goldsmiths, University of London. Earworms are also more likely to get more radio time and be featured at the top of the charts, which is not surprising. However, there has previously been limited evidence about what makes such songs catchy regardless of popularity or how often people may have heard them. "Our findings show that you can, to some extent, predict which songs are going to get stuck in people's heads based on the song's melodic content. This could help aspiring song-writers or advertisers write a jingle everyone will remember for days or months afterwards," said Jakubowski. The study found that the tunes most likely to get stuck in people's heads were those with more common global melodic contours, meaning they have overall melodic shapes commonly found in Western pop music. For example, one of the most common contour patterns is heard in "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," where the first phrase rises in pitch and the second falls. Numerous other nursery tunes follow the same pattern, making them easy for young children to remember, according to the authors. The opening riff of "Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5, one of the top named earworm tunes in the study, also follows this common contour pattern of rising then falling in pitch. In addition to a common melodic shape, the other crucial ingredient in the earworm formula is an unusual interval structure in the song, such as some unexpected leaps or more repeated notes than you would expect to hear in the average pop song, according to the study. The instrumental interlude of "My Sharona" by the Knack and "In The Mood" by Glen Miller both have this unusual interval structure. The researchers asked 3,000 people to name their most frequent earworm tunes and compared these to tunes that had never been named as earworms in the database but were a match in terms of popularity and how recently they had been in the United Kingdom music charts. The melodic features of the earworm and non-earworm tunes were then analyzed and compared. Songs were limited to popular genres, such as pop, rock, rap and rhythm and blues. The data for the study were collected from 2010 to 2013. Studies of earworms can help to understand how brain networks, which are involved in perception, emotions, memory and spontaneous thoughts, behave in different people, the authors said. Jakubowski offered tips for how to get rid of an earworm: Engage with the song. Many people report that actually listening to the earworm song all the way through can help to eliminate having it stuck on a loop. Distract yourself by thinking of or listening to a different song. Try not to think about it and let it fade away naturally on its own. Most frequently named earworms in study: "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga "Can't Get You Out Of My Head" by Kylie Minogue "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey "Somebody That I Used To Know" by Gotye "Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5 "California Gurls" by Katy Perry "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen "Alejandro" by Lady Gaga "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga ### Article: "Dissecting an earworm: Melodic features and song popularity predict involuntary musical imagery," by Kelly Jakubowski, PhD, Goldsmiths, University of London; Sebastian Finkel, MS, University of Tubingen; Lauren Stewart, PhD, Goldsmiths, University of London and Aarhus University and The Royal Academy of Music Aarhus/Aalborg, Denmark; and Daniel Mullensiefen, PhD, Goldsmiths, University of London. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts, published online Nov. 3, 2016. Full text of the article is available from the APA Public Affairs Office and at http://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/aca-aca0000090.pdf. Contact: Kelly Jakubowski, at +44 (0)191 334 1546 or kelly.jakubowski@durham.ac.uk Alternatively, contact Durham University Media Relations at +44(0)191 334 6075 or communications.team@durham.ac.uk The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 117,500 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives. http://www.apa.org Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) could become a serious public health threat in West Africa unless effective surveillance and control measures are implemented, according to a study published in the open access journal BMC Medicine. Researchers from the West-African Network of Excellence for TB, AIDS and Malaria (WANETAM) found the prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) to be unexpectedly high in eight West-African countries. Professor Martin Antonio, Principal Investigator at the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia (MRCG), who led WANETAM's TB-related activities, said: "To our surprise, we found that multidrug-resistant and pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis strains are already widely circulating and that drug resistance is a much bigger problem in West Africa than previously anticipated. WHO estimates the prevalence of multidrug resistance in new and retreatment cases to be 2% and 17% respectively but we found that it is 6% and 35% respectively." Professor Antonio added: "We recommend that efforts be put in place for containment of a potential West African TB epidemic at the earliest possible stage. This is especially important as West Africa with its 245 million inhabitants is one of the poorest regions globally, whose fragile health systems can easily be overwhelmed by infectious disease epidemics, as seen in the recent Ebola outbreak." Analysis of 974 bacterial samples collected from patients with TB revealed that 39% were resistant to at least one first-line drug and 22% were multidrug-resistant. Pre-extensively drug-resistant TB isolates were found to be present at all study sites with Ghana showing the highest proportion, where 35% of MDR samples were pre-extensively drug-resistant. Multidrug-resistant bacteria are resistant to two or more of the first-line drugs used for the treatment of a disease. Pre-extensively drug-resistant bacteria are on the verge of developing into extensively drug-resistant bacteria, which are resistant to the second-line drugs that are used if first-line treatment fails. MDR-TB prevalence was highest among patients previously treated for TB in Bamako, Mali (59%) and in Ibadan (39%) and Lagos (66%), Nigeria. Bacteria isolated from these retreatment patients were four times more likely to be resistant to one or more first-line drugs when compared to bacteria isolated from new patients. Dr Florian Gehre, a postdoctoral researcher and first author of the paper said: "In Lagos, 32% of new TB patients tested positive for the MDR-TB strains. Even when considering a potential sampling bias in the study, it is uncommon for new patients to acquire MDR-TB, except if patients with MDR-TB strains transmit these strains directly to new patients or new patients infect each other." This study is the first to achieve a comprehensive overview of drug resistance in the region. Professor Antonio said: "Due to poor laboratory infrastructure and inadequate capacity, at the start of WANETAM, data on drug-resistant TB prevalence in West Africa were scarce so prevalence was assumed to be comparably low and not considered a major public health problem. Our data shows that this may not be the case." In order to take steps to remedy the lack of laboratory infrastructure and to generate comprehensive data on drug resistance prevalence in West Africa, WANETAM - which was founded in 2008 and comprises nine study sites in Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo - trained local laboratory staff to perform routine diagnostics, such as standardized smear microscopy and mycobacterial culture. Professor Souleymane Mboup, head of the Bacteriology Virology Department at the University Hospital Le Dantec, University of Dakar, Senegal and the overall principle investigator for the WANETAM project said: "This is the first time that leading scientists and research institutes in West Africa joined forces to create a research network that provides research opportunities, fosters collaborations, builds capacity and trains members in basic and advanced laboratory techniques to independently conduct TB drug resistance surveys." The infrastructure built by WANETAM will help countries in West Africa to respond effectively to emerging public health threats and to conduct trials to address local health needs and inform health policies. Although more data is needed to fully assess the risk of a drug-resistant TB epidemic in West Africa, the results from this study should prompt the implementation of continuous surveillance of all retreatment patients in participating countries, according to the researchers. Professor Umberto D'Alessandro, MRCG Unit Director, said: "Besides building infrastructures and training local research teams, WANETAM has been able to produce highly relevant and high quality information for the control of TB in West Africa. I hope WANETAM will continue to provide a major contribution to the fight against diseases of public health importance in Africa." ### Media Contact Anne Korn Press Officer BioMed Central T: +44 (0)20 3192 2744 E: anne.korn@biomedcentral.com 1. The emerging threat of pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in West Africa: preparing for large-scale tuberculosis research and drug resistance surveillance Gehre et al. BMC Medicine 2016 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-016-0704-5 For an embargoed copy of the research article, please contact Anne Korn at BioMed Central. After the embargo lifts, the article will be available at the journal website here: https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-016-0704-5 Please name the journal in any story you write. If you are writing for the web, please link to the article. All articles are available free of charge, according to BioMed Central's open access policy. 2. An infographic that illustrates the findings is available from Anne Korn at BioMed Central. 3. BMC Medicine is an open access, open peer-reviewed general medical journal publishing outstanding and influential research in all areas of clinical practice, translational medicine, public health, policy, and general topics of interest to the biomedical research community. As the flagship medical journal of the BMC series, we also publish stimulating debates and reviews as well as unique forum articles and concise tutorials. 4. BioMed Central is an STM (Science, Technology and Medicine) publisher which has pioneered the open access publishing model. All peer-reviewed research articles published by BioMed Central are made immediately and freely accessible online, and are licensed to allow redistribution and reuse. BioMed Central is part of Springer Nature, a major new force in scientific, scholarly, professional and educational publishing, created in May 2015 through the combination of Nature Publishing Group, Palgrave Macmillan, Macmillan Education and Springer Science+Business Media. http://www.biomedcentral.com 5. This study was possible thanks to the support provided by the European Developing Countries Clinical Trial Partnership (EDCTP) to WANETAM. Besides building infrastructures and training local research teams, WANETAM has been able to produce highly relevant and high quality information for the control of TB in West Africa. Chronic insufficient sleep is at epidemic levels in U.S. teens and has been associated with depression, substance use, accidents, and academic failure. Poor self-regulation or an inability to alter thinking, emotions, and behaviors to meet varying social demands is thought to be a key link between inadequate sleep in teens and poor health and school-related outcomes. However, a study led by Judith Owens, MD, MPH, at Boston Children's Hospital and Robert Whitaker, MD, MPH, at Temple University found that the number of hours teens sleep on school nights may not be the main problem. Instead, daytime sleepiness and a tendency to be a "night owl," referred to as an evening chronotype, appear to be more strongly associated with poor self-regulation. Findings were published online November 3 by Pediatrics. "The results of this study suggest it's not how long you sleep that has the biggest impact on self- regulation, but when you sleep in relation to the body's natural circadian rhythms and how impaired you are by sleepiness," says Owens, director of the Sleep Center at Boston Children's and first author on the paper. Owens, Whitaker and colleagues analyzed 2,017 online surveys completed by 7th-- to 12th-graders from 19 middle and high schools in Fairfax County, VA. Each student completed questionnaires about sleep along with questions about self-regulation, including cognitive aspects (for example, "I forget instructions easily"), behavioral aspect (e.g., "I am impulsive") and emotional aspects (e.g., "It bothers me when I have to deal with changes."). Nearly 22 percent of the students reported sleeping fewer than seven hours on school nights. (In contrast, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends eight to 10 hours for 13- to 18-year-olds for optimal health and functioning.) Sleep duration, daytime sleepiness and chronotype were clearly interconnected; night owls slept less on school nights and were sleepier in the daytime, as were those who slept fewer hours. But when the researchers examined all three aspects of sleep together and adjusted for age, sociodemographic factors and mental health conditions like ADHD, depression and anxiety, it was daytime sleepiness and "night owl" tendencies that independently predicted impaired self-regulation -- while sleep duration did not. Sleepier adolescents reported significantly worse self-regulation, as did teens who tended to be "night owls" rather than "morning larks." The findings held for all types of self-regulation but were most robust for cognitive and emotional aspects. Owens believes her data support later start times for middle school and high school, to match the natural shift in adolescents' circadian pattern toward the eveningness chronotype. The American Academy of Pediatrics issued recommendations in 2014 calling for a school start time of 8:30 a.m. or later for middle and high schools. "The 'misalignment' or mismatch between early school start times and teens' circadian rhythms -- which normally shift later with puberty -- may worsen self-regulation or so-called 'executive functioning,'" says Owens. "However, a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that fewer than 20 percent of public middle and high schools in the U.S. start at the recommended time," Owens says. "We hope the results of this study will add to the mounting scientific evidence supporting healthy school start times." The researchers note that being out of biological sync with school schedules forces adolescents to wake up when they are at their lowest level of alertness (the equivalent of 3 a.m. for adults). They also miss out on rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, which is concentrated in the early morning hours and is critical for forming memories and learning new information. On weekends, late bedtimes and late wake times become even more extreme, contributing to the phenomenon termed "social jet lag" and exacerbating sleepiness on school days. "Children and adolescents with better self-regulation have better physical health, mental health and financial security as adults," says Whitaker, a co-author on the study and a professor of public health and pediatrics at Temple. "So we need to understand how sleep and other factors optimize the development of self-regulation." ### The study was supported in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (grants 72549, 73364, 73346). Coauthors were Tracy Dearth-Wesley, PhD, MPH, of Temple University, and Daniel Lewin, PhD and Gerald Goia, PhD, of Children's National Medical Center. Boston Children's Hospital is home to the world's largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, where its discoveries have benefited both children and adults since 1869. More than 1,100 scientists, including seven members of the National Academy of Sciences, 11 members of the Institute of Medicine and 10 members of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute comprise Boston Children's research community. Founded as a 20-bed hospital for children, Boston Children's today is a 404-bed comprehensive center for pediatric and adolescent health care. Boston Children's is also the primary pediatric teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. For more, visit our Vector and Thriving blogs and follow us on our social media channels: @BostonChildrens, @BCH_Innovation, Facebook and YouTube. An international research team led by Carnegie Mellon University has found that when the brain "reads" or decodes a sentence in English or Portuguese, its neural activation patterns are the same. Published in NeuroImage, the study is the first to show that different languages have similar neural signatures for describing events and scenes. By using a machine-learning algorithm, the research team was able to understand the relationship between sentence meaning and brain activation patterns in English and then recognize sentence meaning based on activation patterns in Portuguese. The findings can be used to improve machine translation, brain decoding across languages and, potentially, second language instruction. "This tells us that, for the most part, the language we happen to learn to speak does not change the organization of the brain," said Marcel Just, the D.O. Hebb University Professor of Psychology and pioneer in using brain imaging and machine-learning techniques to identify how the brain deciphers thoughts and concepts. "Semantic information is represented in the same place in the brain and the same pattern of intensities for everyone. Knowing this means that brain to brain or brain to computer interfaces can probably be the same for speakers of all languages," Just said. For the study, 15 native Portuguese speakers -- eight were bilingual in Portuguese and English -- read 60 sentences in Portuguese while in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner. A CMU-developed computational model was able to predict which sentences the participants were reading in Portuguese, based only on activation patterns. The computational model uses a set of 42 concept-level semantic features and six markers of the concepts' roles in the sentence, such as agent or action, to identify brain activation patterns in English. With 67 percent accuracy, the model predicted which sentences were read in Portuguese. The resulting brain images showed that the activation patterns for the 60 sentences were in the same brain locations and at similar intensity levels for both English and Portuguese sentences. Additionally, the results revealed the activation patterns could be grouped into four semantic categories, depending on the sentence's focus: people, places, actions and feelings. The groupings were very similar across languages, reinforcing the organization of information in the brain is the same regardless of the language in which it is expressed. "The cross-language prediction model captured the conceptual gist of the described event or state in the sentences, rather than depending on particular language idiosyncrasies. It demonstrated a meta-language prediction capability from neural signals across people, languages and bilingual status," said Ying Yang, a postdoctoral associate in psychology at CMU and first author of the study. Discovering that the brain decodes sentences the same in different languages is one of the many brain research breakthroughs to happen at Carnegie Mellon. CMU has created some of the first cognitive tutors, helped to develop the Jeopardy-winning Watson, founded a groundbreaking doctoral program in neural computation, and is the birthplace of artificial intelligence and cognitive psychology. Building on its strengths in biology, computer science, psychology, statistics and engineering, CMU launched BrainHub, an initiative that focuses on how the structure and activity of the brain give rise to complex behaviors. ### In addition to Just and Yang, the research team included CMU's Jing Wang and Vladimir Cherkassky and Cyntia Bailer of the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), via the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), funded this research. Almost all of us get songs stuck in our heads from time to time but why do certain tunes have the 'stick factor'? The first large-scale study, led by Dr Kelly Jakubowski at Durham University, may have some answers to this musical stickiness. It has shown that songs that get stuck in your head - called earworms or involuntary musical imagery - are usually faster, with a fairly generic and easy-to-remember melody but with some unique intervals such as leaps or repetitions that set it apart from the "average pop song". Prime examples of earworms named in the study include Bad Romance by Lady Gaga, Don't Stop Believing by Journey and perhaps not surprisingly Can't Get You Out Of My Head by Kylie Minogue. It is often assumed that songs that get more radio time and have more recently featured in the charts are more likely to be reported as earworms. The current study has also confirmed this idea by testing it scientifically for the first time. However, there has previously been limited evidence about what makes the actual song catchy regardless of popularity or how often people may have heard it. Lead author Dr Kelly Jakubowski from the Department of Music at Durham University, said: "Our findings show that you can to some extent predict which songs are going to get stuck in people's heads based on the song's melodic content. This could help aspiring song-writers or advertisers write a jingle everyone will remember for days or months afterwards. "These musically sticky songs seem to have quite a fast tempo along with a common melodic shape and unusual intervals or repetitions like we can hear in the opening riff of Smoke On The Water by Deep Purple or in the chorus of Bad Romance by Lady Gaga." The study, published in the academic journal Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts, was conducted by researchers based at Durham University, Goldsmiths, University of London and the University of Tubingen in Germany with funding from the Leverhulme Trust. The current study found that the tunes most likely to get stuck in people's heads were those with more common global melodic contours, meaning they have very typical overall melodic shapes commonly found in pop music. An example of one of the most common contour patterns in Western music is that heard in Twinkle Twinkle Little Star where the first phrase rises in pitch and the second falls. Numerous other nursery rhymes follow the same pattern making it easy for young children to remember. The opening riff of Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5, one of the top-named earworm tunes in the study, also follows this common contour pattern of rising then falling in pitch. In addition to a common melodic shape, the other crucial ingredient in the earworm formula is an unusual interval structure in the song such as some unexpected leaps or more repeated notes than you would expect to hear in the "average pop song". The instrumental riff of My Sharona by the Knack and In The Mood by Glen Miller both have this unusual interval structure. Dr Jakubowski, who conducted the research whilst based at Goldsmiths, University of London but has since joined the Department of Music at Durham University, added: "We already know that recent and frequent exposure to a song makes it more likely to get stuck in your head and people who sing and listen to music a lot tend to get earworms more often than others. "We now also know that, regardless of the chart success of a song, there are certain features of the melody that make it more prone to getting stuck in people's heads like some sort of private musical screensaver." The researchers asked 3,000 people for their most frequent earworm tunes and compared these to tunes which had never been named as earworms in the database but were a match in terms of popularity and how recently they had been in the UK Music Charts. The melodic features of the earworm and non-earworm tunes were then analysed and compared. Songs were limited to popular music genres, such as pop, rock, rap, rhythm & blues. Studies of earworms can help to understand how brain networks, which are involved in perception, emotions, memory and spontaneous thoughts, behave in different people. Ninety per cent of us get a song stuck in our heads playing on an endless loop at least once a week. It normally happens at times when the brain is not doing much such as in the shower, whilst walking or doing chores. As well as recent and frequent exposure to songs, words, images or other associations can also dig up a song in our brains out of nowhere and lead it to play in our mind over and over again. The data for the study was collected from 2010 to 2013. Most frequently named earworms in study Bad Romance - Lady Gaga Can't Get You Out Of My Head - Kylie Minogue Don't Stop Believing - Journey Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 California Gurls - Katy Perry Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen Alejandro - Lady Gaga Poker Face - Lady Gaga How to get rid of an earworm Engage with the song: Many people report that actually listening to the earworm song all the way through can help to eliminate having it stuck on a loop. Distract yourself by thinking of or listening to a different song. The top-named "cure song" for displacing earworms is God Save the Queen. Let it be: Others find that the best way to get rid of an earworm is to just try not to think about it and let it fade away naturally on its own. ### Source: "Sticky tunes: How do people react to involuntary musical imagery?" GLENVIEW, IL, November 3, 2016 - Although the understanding of cough triggered by occupational and environmental causes has improved, experts say there is still a gap between current guidelines and clinical practice. A report by the CHEST Expert Cough Panel published in the journal CHEST suggests an approach to investigating occupational and environmental causes when these are suspected. The report has been endorsed by professional associations in the U.S., Canada, and Asia. Coughing is one of the most common reasons people visit a family doctor. Chronic cough can be triggered when a person is exposed to certain irritants in the air and can be of little consequence, or it can be a symptom of more significant disease. The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) first published evidence-based guidelines on the diagnosis and management of cough in 1998 and updated these guidelines in 2006. Since the previous statement, there has been an increased understanding of the mechanisms of cough related to environmental triggers. There have also been several studies that have clarified laryngeal disorders leading to chronic cough and the role of occupational and environmental triggers for laryngeal causes of cough. For the purpose of this latest report, experts reviewed occupational and environmental contributions to chronic cough with a focus on factors not covered in the 2006 Cough Guideline. They provided suggestions for investigating and managing these factors when suspected. "We recently identified ten general chronic cough guidelines and protocols, but only the three published since 2006 included advice on detailed occupational and environmental assessments. One additional cough statement focused entirely on occupational cough," explained lead investigator Susan M. Tarlo, MBBS, FCCP, of Toronto Western Hospital, and University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. "However, of the 28 cohort studies of patients with chronic cough that specifically noted that they followed guidelines or protocols, none provided details regarding occupational and environmental assessments, suggesting a gap between recommended guidelines and clinical practice." The CHEST Expert Cough Panel performed a comprehensive literature search using the MEDLINE and TOXLINE literature databases, supplemented by articles identified by the panel's occupational and environmental subgroup members, to identify occupational and environmental contributions to chronic cough. The literature review identified relevant articles regarding mechanisms, allergic environmental causes, chronic cough and the recreational and involuntary inhalation of tobacco and marijuana smoke, nonallergic environmental triggers, laryngeal syndromes and occupational diseases and exposures. The subgroup developed guideline recommendations or suggestions, which then underwent review and voting by the full cough panel. Consensus-based statements were developed for the approach to diagnosis due to a lack of strong evidence from published literature. The panel makes four main recommendations for examining adult patients with chronic cough: Occupational and environmental causes should be routinely elicited in the history, including length, severity, and timing of the exposure in relation to the onset or worsening of the patient's cough, smoking history and atopic history, reviewing Material Safety Data Sheets and/or occupational hygiene reviews of the patient's workplace, and the time period between last exposure and medical evaluation Where the history suggests an occupational or environmental cause, the panel suggests lung function testing and when appropriate rhinolaryngoscopy (a method for examining the nose and throat) Where there is a history of occupational or environmental exposure, the panel suggests a number of objective tests such as sputum cytology, before and after exposure methacholine tests to demonstrate potential causality, immunologic tests, and tests for chronic beryllium disease Where there is a high suspicion that cough is due to environmental and/or occupational exposures, the panel suggests that these patients be managed according to evidence-based guidelines for these exposures and/or be referred to specialists with expertise in environmental and occupational disease "There is a need for further documentation of occupational and environmental causes of cough and to close the gap between guidelines and clinical practice," commented Tarlo. "Identifying occupational and environmental causes of chronic cough can affect symptom management and offers opportunity for exposure control and prevention in the future." This report has been endorsed by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the American Association for Respiratory Care, the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology, the Canadian Thoracic Society, and the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association of Canada. ### Each year around a million women in the Netherlands undergo mammograms for early detection of possible breast cancer. It's an unpleasant procedure that uses X-rays. Researchers at TU Eindhoven are working on a 'breast-friendly' method, without radiation, that is more accurate and generates 3D rather than 2D images. They published their proof of concept earlier this month in the online journal Scientific Reports. In the regular screening method the breast is squeezed tight between two plates in order to produce one or more good X-ray photos. Apart from being unpleasant, it is not without risk. The X-rays used can themselves be a contributor to the onset of cancer. Moreover, it is often unclear whether the anomaly found is malignant lesion or not. More than two-thirds of the cases where something worrying can be seen on the X-ray photos is a false-positive: after biopsies, they are not found to be cancer. This is why science is seeking alternatives. Researchers at TU Eindhoven have now cleared a major scientific hurdle towards a new technology in which the patient lies on a table and the breast hangs freely in a bowl. Using special echography (inaudible sound waves) a 3D image is made of the breast. Any cancer is clearly identifiable on the generated images; the researchers therefore expect there to be many fewer false-positive results. The new technology builds on the patient-friendly prostate cancer detection method developed at TU/e whereby the doctor injects the patient with harmless microbubbles. An echoscanner allows these bubbles to be precisely monitored as they flow through the blood vessels of the prostate. Since cancer growth is associated with the formation of chaotic microvessels, the presence and location of cancer become visible. This method works well for the prostate and this is now being widely tested in hospitals in the Netherlands, China and, soon, Germany. For breast cancer the method had not yet been suitable because the breast shows excessive movement and size for accurate imaging by standard echography. Researchers Libertario Demi, Ruud van Sloun and Massimo Mischi have now developed a variant of the echography method that is suitable for breast investigation. The method is known as Dynamic Contrast Specific Ultrasound Tomography. Echography with microbubbles uses the fact that the bubbles will vibrate in the blood at the same frequency as the sound produced by the echoscanner, as well as at twice that frequency; the so-called second harmonic. By capturing the vibration, you know where the bubbles are located. But body tissue also generates harmonics, and that disturbs the observation. For the new method the researchers are using a phenomenon that Mischi happened upon by chance and later investigated its properties together with Demi. They saw that the second harmonic was a little delayed by the gas bubbles. The researchers have now developed a new visualization method. The more bubbles are encountered by the sound on its route, the bigger the delay compared to the original sound. By measuring this delay, the researchers can thus localize the air bubbles and do so without any disturbance because the harmonic generated by the body tissue is not delayed, and is therefore discernible. This difference, however, can only be seen if the sound is captured on the other side. So this method is perfectly suited to organs that can be approached from two sides, like the breast. The researchers are currently putting together an international, strong medical team to start performing preclinical studies. Application in practice is certainly ten or so years away, Mischi expects. Moreover, he forecasts that the technology that has been developed will probably not operate on a standalone basis but in combination with other methods, which will create a better visualization. One of the candidates for this elastography, a variant of echography whereby the difference in the rigidity of the tumor and healthy tissue can be used to detect cancer. The scientific article can be read on the website of Scientific Reports: http://www.nature.com/articles/srep34458 ### A team headed by scientists from the Department of Biosystems at ETH Zurich in Basel has developed a cell culture technology platform for testing interactions between chemical and pharmaceutical compounds and three-dimensional body tissue samples. While conventional cell culture experiments are performed using a two-dimensional cell layer in a petri dish, the new technology relies on a chip that accommodates small three-dimensional tissue spheroids that are barely half a millimetre in diameter. "The three-dimensional microtissues better mimic organ tissue behaviour in a living body in comparison to conventional cell cultures and thus provide more meaningful results," says Olivier Frey, who is senior assistant in ETH Professor Andreas Hierlemann's lab and was largely responsible for developing the new method. Another unique feature of the new technology is that scientists are able to combine spheroids made from different tissues in one chip so that they can easily test compound interactions and impact on various tissue types. More complex experiments now possible More specifically, the new technology will allow scientists to test the efficacy of compounds to see, for example, whether a potential cancer drug inhibits the growth of tumour cells. By combining tumour and liver tissue in a single chip, researchers are additionally able to test whether the hepatic metabolism decreases or enhances the activity of the active agent, and whether the respective agent is toxic to the liver. In addition to testing drug candidates, it may also be possible to use the newly developed technology in personalised medicine. In addition to combining cancer and liver tissues, which scientists have tested in their proof-of-concept study, other tissue combinations are conceivable. Researchers are now planning to work on a system including microtissues of organs affected by diabetes: pancreas and liver. Prize for reducing animal experiments In contrast to conventional cell culture experiments, the microtissue-based method is useful for providing more comprehensive answers to complex biomedical questions, many of which required animal experiments up to now. The technology offers the potential to reduce the number of animal experiments in biomedical research. On 2 November, an international panel of experts therefore awarded the consortium around the ETH scientists the Global 3Rs Award/Europe, an international prize for research efforts to reduce animal experiments (see box). This is the second prize of this type that goes to the research group; in 2014 the group received an award from the UK-based National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research for an alternative system. The body on a chip The new technology was developed as part of an EU research project called "Body on a Chip", which was coordinated by the ETH spinoff Insphero and which involved other European project partners. The name "Body on a Chip" alludes to the term "Lab on a Chip", which describes miniaturised laboratory analysis platforms. The main features of the cell culture chips developed by the ETH scientists include four (or six in the latest chip generation) wells in which tissue spheroids are placed and two reservoirs for the nutrient medium. A microchannel connects all wells and the reservoirs. Rocking or tilting motions of the chip or well plate slightly move the tissue spheroids and enable continuous perfusion and supply of nutrients and dosage of compounds. The new technology is currently being used in a project supported by the Swiss Federation's Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI) in collaboration with Insphero and the pharmaceutical company Roche. "If this test phase in industry is successful, it will be possible to think about marketing the device," says ETH professor Hierlemann. [Box:] The 3R principles Efforts towards a more humane, ethical handling of laboratory animals are often subsumed under the term "3R". The three Rs stand for "replacement" (replacing animal testing with experiments that do not require animals), "reduction" (reducing the number of animals that are used for testing) and "refinement" (limiting the impact on the animals during a trial along with better experimental planning). More and more organisations on the national and international level are stepping forward to support these principles, including the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC International), which confers the Global 3Rs Awards in cooperation with the International Consortium for Innovation and Quality in Pharmaceutical Development (IQ). ### Reference Kim JY, Fluri DA, Marchan R, Boonen K, Mohanty S, Singh P, Hammad S, Landuyt B, Hengstler JG, Kelm JM, Hierlemann A, Frey O: 3D spherical microtissues and microfluidic technology for multi-tissue experiments and analysis. Journal of Biotechnology 2015. 205: 24-35, doi: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.01.003 Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global public health problem. Treatment often takes many months and till this day there is no effective vaccine. Various TB bacterial strains exist globally, with different geographical spread. Only the so-called Lineage 4 occurs on all continents. It is responsible for the majority of the 10 million new infections and 2 million deaths annually. Under the lead of Sebastien Gagneux at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss (TPH), and DZIF scientist Stefan Niemann, Research Center Borstel, a team of 75 scientists at 56 institutions analyzed the genetic make-up of TB bacteria from several thousand patients. Surprisingly, it was found that Lineage 4 can be genetically further subdivided into several sublineages. Some of these sublineages occur all over the world, others are geographically highly restricted. According to the study in the journal Nature Genetics, TB bacteria can be divided into generalists with worldwide distribution and specialists that have focused on localized ecological niche. While ecologists have been differentiating between generalists and specialists, especially in plants, for a pathogen that transmits exclusively from human to human, such a subdivision is new. Generalists are immunologically more versatile than specialists TB bacteria have a unique property: they hardly vary their antigens, and are thus efficiently recognized by the human immune system. As a result, a fierce immune reaction occurs, which affects the lungs in particular, and promotes coughing. Thanks to this strategy, TB bacteria is transmitted very efficiently from human to human. The researchers show that the generalists pursue an additional strategy. They show a slightly increased diversity of their antigens compared to the specialists. "Generalists are thus able to react more specifically to the immune system of different human populations," says Stefan Niemann, who coordinates the research field "Tuberculosis" at DZIF. They have adapted their molecular strategy and are able to push through and spread much more globally. Implications for vaccine development These new findings have implications for the development of new TB vaccines. The more TB bacteria can adapt their antigens, the more difficult it will be to design a vaccine that is equally effective in all human populations across the world. Hence, the development of a broadly active TB vaccine might be delayed even further. The international cooperation has made these results possible; for the German Center for Infection Research scientists from the sites Hamburg-Lubeck-Borstel, Munich and Tubingen have contributed to it as well as scientists from the African Partner Institutions. "National and international networks are the basis for the global fight against infectious diseases as HIV and TB", says DZIF Prof Michael Hoelscher, Director of the Tropical Institute in Munich, LMU. "This has been the concept for the successful work of DZIF in the research field Tuberculosis". ### WASHINGTON -- A research team at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center has described the steps, in both written and video format, that allow cancer investigators to track, in real time, cancer cell invasion and metastasis in transparent zebrafish embryos. Using these fish models, researchers can find answers to cancer questions in one to three days instead of months for the typical mouse model. Because of this rapidity and the ability to image cancer movement in blood, investigators say the use of zebrafish embryos represent a significant advance in the understanding of cancer biology and experimental drug testing, and may, one day, lead to tumor assessment and treatment evaluation in patients. The method and its implications, published online Nov. 3 in the Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE), "will be of a lot of interest to cancer researchers because it provides a hands-on, detailed description of a unique model system to study cancer cell vascular invasion," says the study's co-senior investigator, Anton Wellstein, MD, PhD, a Georgetown professor of oncology & pharmacology, and deputy director of the Georgetown Center for Cell Reprogramming. "Invasion of the blood system is a significant step towards the metastatic spread of cancer cells, which is a significant threat to patients with cancer," he says. "This method uses human cancer cells in zebrafish and can reveal distinct invasive properties of cancer cells, help identify genes that drive vascular invasion as well as allow to test drugs that inhibit it." Zebrafish -- a tropical freshwater minnow commonly used in aquariums -- has been widely used as a model organism in scientific research, but has only recently been adapted for use in studying cancer, says co-author Eric Berens, a PhD student in Wellstein's laboratory. "It's being increasingly used in oncology research, but the technique, which has a lot of moving parts, hadn't been written up. We felt listing and filming the steps would encourage more scientists to use this wonderful tool to advance their investigations," he says. Wellstein, Berens, and co-author Ghada Sharif, PhD, also a member of the Wellstein lab, worked with Eric Glasgow, PhD, who directs Georgetown's zebrafish laboratory, to articulate the method's steps. (Glasgow is co-senior investigator on the JoVE study.) The video shows how fluorescent human cancer cells can be injected into developing embryos, and how 24-96 hours later, the ability of the cells to invade the blood and spread can be seen using fluorescence microscopy. The team tested seven different breast cancer cell lines to determine which invaded the blood system, and how aggressively. "We can use these beautiful fluorescent images to see how invasive various human cancers are and whether they respond to drug treatment," Berens says. Using the zebrafish model to uncover drivers of tumor aggression, the team has published two major studies in Oncogene. Wellstein was the corresponding author for both studies. One study, led by Sharif and published in 2015, demonstrated that the ability of cancer cells to invade is influenced by the density at which those cells are grown. Another 2016 article, led by Berens, used a screening approach to identify unstudied genes that control cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Researchers found that keratin-associated protein 5-5 (Krtap5-5) is important for cancer cell invasion out of blood vessels. "One could envision using this model system in the future to test how aggressive an individual person's cancer is, and what treatments might work best against it," Berens says. ### The Georgetown facilities used in this study, the Microscopy & Imaging Shared Resource and the Zebrafish Shared Resource are partially supported by a grant from the National Cancer Institute (P30- CA051008). This work was also supported by two additional NCI grants (CA71508 and CA177466). About Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center is designated by the National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer center -- the only cancer center of its kind in the Washington, DC area. A part of Georgetown University Medical Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Georgetown Lombardi seeks to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer through innovative basic and clinical research, patient care, community education and outreach, and the training of cancer specialists of the future. Connect with Georgetown Lombardi on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgetownLombardi) and Twitter (@LombardiCancer). About Georgetown University Medical Center Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) is an internationally recognized academic medical center with a three-part mission of research, teaching and patient care (through MedStar Health). GUMC's mission is carried out with a strong emphasis on public service and a dedication to the Catholic, Jesuit principle of cura personalis -- or "care of the whole person." The Medical Center includes the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing & Health Studies, both nationally ranked; Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, designated as a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute; and the Biomedical Graduate Research Organization, which accounts for the majority of externally funded research at GUMC including a Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Institutes of Health. Connect with GUMC on Facebook (Facebook.com/GUMCUpdate), Twitter (@gumedcenter) and Instagram (@gumedcenter). Recent advances in imaging technology have provided unprecedented views of biological events as they unfold in living organisms. Researchers routinely create movies of processes such as cells dividing and differentiating into the neurons, muscle, and skin in a Petri dish or in tiny embryos, such as the worm C. elegans. But scientists often have difficulty collecting similar data for larger specimens, such as zebrafish or fruit flies - whose embryos are about 1,000-fold larger and have challenging optical properties. A new "smart" light-sheet microscope developed at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus solves this problem by analyzing a specimen continuously and adjusting its settings to optimize image quality. "The microscope is smart in the sense that it controls the experiment itself," explains Janelia Group Leader Philipp Keller. "It's not the human who instructs the microscope exactly how to take images. The microscope figures out on its own what it needs to do to get a sharp image." Keller collaborated with scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden, Germany, and researchers at Coleman Technologies Incorporated in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania to create the new microscope, which is described in an article published online on October 31, 2016 in the journal Nature Biotechnology. The publication provides a detailed description of the instrument, as well as the source code for its software, which is also publicly available on Github. In 2012, Keller led a team that developed the simultaneous multi-view (SiMView) light sheet microscope, which allows scientists to image live organisms at high speeds, over long periods of time, without interfering with the processes they were observing. The microscope was based on methods Keller developed with colleagues at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg, Germany to address one of the concerns associated with conventional light microscopy: the damaging effects of exposing a sample to light. Keller and his colleagues reduced this damage by illuminating only a thin section of a sample at a time with a scanned sheet of laser light, while a detector recorded the part of the sample being lit up. The SiMView microscope was fast, and could capture dynamic processes in small, transparent specimens, such as individual cells in culture or at the surface of multi-cellular organisms. But it struggled to achieve high-resolution images of larger, more optically challenging specimens such as entire embryos. This problem is directly linked to a key requirement in light-sheet microscopy: that the light sheet illuminating the specimen and the focal plane of the detection system are perfectly co-planar. "They should match precisely," explains Keller. "If they deviate in any way geometrically, it's like taking an image out of focus." Because living organisms aren't physically or chemically uniform, the laser's path can become perturbed as it travels through the specimen, making it difficult to keep the light sheet and detector property aligned. The bigger the sample, the worse the effects. Keller's solution to this problem was to make the microscope smarter, so that it could adjust itself to the changing specimen. "We were working on a lot of large multicellular organisms, and we needed a way to make the microscope adapt itself to the sample and conduct the experiment itself," says Keller. "It was purely out of necessity that we began the project." It took Keller and his collaborators about three years to perfect the technology, which they call the AutoPilot framework. Janelia research scientist Raghav Chhetri focused on the hardware, adding more degrees of freedom to the microscope -- such as the ability to rotate the light sheet in space -- while Loic Royer, a postdoctoral fellow in Gene Myers's lab at Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, led the software development. The software works by analyzing images from the microscope in real time, determining how to improve the quality of images, and then adjusting the correct parameters on the microscope. "The system understands the relationship between all the different variables and when it observes that something is off, it can figure out which knob to turn to correct things," explains Royer. Because light-sheet microscopes only collect three-dimensional images of a specimen every few seconds or hundreds of milliseconds, the calculations, analysis, and adjustments are done during the microscope's brief down time. Janelia scientists Bill Lemon and Yinan Wan tested the AutoPilot framework on a variety of model systems, including Drosophila and zebrafish. These experiments demonstrated improvements in spatial resolution and signal strength by a factor of 2 to 5. Not only does the framework provide views of cellular - and even sub-cellular - structures that are otherwise unobtainable by conventional methods, is also very user-friendly. AutoPilot's high level of instrument automatization ensures that any microscope user - even those without a technical background or training in light-sheet microscopy - can consistently and effortlessly produce optimal image data. "We wanted to make the microscope as powerful as possible but also as easy to use as possible," says Keller. "The framework does this by helping the user ensure that the experiment is set up correctly, and also making sure the user can effortlessly and reproducibly produce optimal quality images in every single experiment." ### IDRI's drug discovery efforts continue to grow with a recently awarded $7.5 million in additional funding, plus an additional $7.5 million of in-kind services, for a total commitment of $15 million over the next five years from Eli Lilly and Company. The funding and in-kind services, which include Lilly scientists' time and engagement on projects as well as Lilly research and development resources and capabilities, will extend the work of the Lilly TB Drug Discovery Initiative. This marks the continuation of a long-standing partnership between IDRI and Eli Lilly, which started more than eight years ago with the founding of the Lilly Initiative, a unique public-private partnership that includes IDRI, Lilly and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with a focus on the discovery of new anti-tuberculosis drugs. One of the world's deadliest diseases, tuberculosis kills almost 1.5 million each year and is a leading killer of people who are HIV infected. About one-third of the world's population is infected with the bacterium that causes TB, creating a potential reservoir of disease. There is an increasing threat from multi-drug resistant and extensively drug resistant strains, demonstrating the need to develop more effective, cheaper and faster-acting drugs - the prime focus of IDRI's TB Discovery Program, led by Tanya Parish Ph.D., Vice President of Drug Discovery. The new funding from Lilly extends the work that has occurred over the past eight years, with a focus on moving new chemical entities into lead optimization with the intent to have at least one preclinical drug candidate. "Being part of the Lilly Initiative has helped us move through the phases of the traditional drug development 'funnel,' from hit evaluation to formal hit assessment, then hits to leads followed by lead optimization," said Parish. The Lilly Initiative's initial funding helped set up the foundation of IDRI's Discovery Program - personnel, equipment and specialized lab facilities - followed by the screening of compounds provided by Lilly, which was unique at the time. "The partnership marked one of the first times a large pharmaceutical company opened its compound library to an outside entity," said Parish. "We began screening those compounds to find out if there was potential for TB drugs; to date, we've screened more than 500,000 compounds." From there, Parish's group moved into evaluation and the TB Drug Accelerator (TBDA) was started, which led to additional screening. The TBDA is a partnership of eight pharmaceutical companies, including Lilly, and four other institutions funded in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that targets the discovery of new TB drugs by collaborating on early-stage drug discovery for tuberculosis. According to Parish, the Lilly initiative and the TBDA are important, productive and complementary programs that move TB drug discovery forward. "This partnership with Lilly has expanded over the years," said Parish. "Not only do they provide financial and scientific resources, but people as well. We work together as one team with common goals, using our individual areas of expertise; for Lilly that's proven success in the field of drug discovery and for IDRI it is in-depth knowledge of tuberculosis." Philip Hipskind, Ph.D., Distinguished Research Fellow and leader of the Lilly initiative, added, "Together with IDRI, the NIAID, and our other partners, we've made remarkable progress over the last eight years towards new therapies for tuberculosis, and we are delighted to extend our collaboration for five more years." ### About IDRI: As a non-profit global health organization, IDRI (Infectious Disease Research Institute) takes a comprehensive approach to combat infectious diseases, combining the high-quality science of a research organization with the product development capabilities of a biotech company to create new diagnostics, drugs and vaccines. IDRI combines passion for improving human health with the understanding that it is not just what our scientists know about disease, but what we do to change its course that will have the greatest impact. Founded in 1993, IDRI has 125 employees headquartered in Seattle with nearly 100 partners/collaborators around the world. For more information, visit http://www.idri.org. Citizen scientists are already providing large amounts of data for monitoring biodiversity, but they could do much more, according to a new study published in the journal Biological Conservation, which suggests that citizen science has the potential to contribute much more to regional and global assessments of biodiversity. Citizen scientists are regular people who provide data or input to science, for example by monitoring species in their community or examining satellite imagery for evidence of deforestation or land use change. "Citizen scientists are already contributing enormously to environmental science," says IIASA researcher Linda See. "For example, a huge amount of species occurrence data is provided by members of the interested public. The question we addressed was, where are citizens contributing and where are they not, and how can we draw on this phenomenon to help fill the gaps in science?" The new article looks at international conventions on biodiversity and endangered species, and the indicators that are needed to track biodiversity on a global scale, known as Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs). It examines the areas where citizen scientists already contribute, those where they do not, and what areas could benefit from expansion of citizen science efforts. "Biodiversity is essential to our well-being on planet Earth, providing core ecosystem services such as pollination, pest control, and buffering of extreme events. With many continuing pressures on land, biodiversity is constantly threatened so there is a need to better monitor this valuable resource globally. But there are many big data gaps in biodiversity, often in those places where the need is greatest. Citizen scientists can help to fill some of these gaps, both geographically and taxonomically," says Mark Chandler, Director of Research Initiatives at the Earthwatch Institute, who led the study. The study represents the most comprehensive survey to date of citizen science, including community-based monitoring. It finds that citizen scientists are one of the main sources of data on species occurrence, in particular for birds and especially in North America and Europe. The researchers argue that such programs could be strategically expanded in order to provide more data on other indicators and from countries outside North America and Europe. The researchers also found that while a lot of citizen-generated data already exists, less than 10% finds its way into global biodiversity monitoring. This bottleneck comes from a lack of resources, issues of interoperability, and a need for data repositories. Although the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) has been a great success for curating global species occurrence data, this represents only 1 out of 22 EBVs. The researchers say that it is important to establish similar repositories for other EBVs. One positive finding is that citizen science complements other forms of monitoring such as remote sensing. Efforts are now underway to look at combining efforts to get a more complete assessment of what is happening to biodiversity. ### Reference Chandler M, See L, Copas K, Bonde AMZ, Lopez BC et al (2016). Contribution of citizen science towards international biodiversity monitoring. Biological Conservation doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2016.09.004 About IIASA: The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) is an international scientific institute that conducts research into the critical issues of global environmental, economic, technological, and social change that we face in the twenty-first century. Our findings provide valuable options to policymakers to shape the future of our changing world. IIASA is independent and funded by prestigious research funding agencies in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. http://www.iiasa.ac.at About Earthwatch Institute Earthwatch Institute is an international nonprofit organization that connects citizens with scientists to improve the health and sustainability of the planet. Since its founding in 1971, Earthwatch has empowered nearly 100,000 volunteers from all walks of life to join leading scientists on field research expeditions that tackle critical environmental challenges around the globe - from climate change to ocean health, human-wildlife conflict, and more. Earthwatch works with all sectors of society, from corporations to teachers, students, community leaders, zoos and aquaria, and more. earthwatch.org The major challenge facing physicians treating Alzheimer's is the ability to detect markers of the disease as early as possible. These markers, located in the brain, are difficult to access, hampering diagnosis. Using two types of llama antibody capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, scientists from the Institut Pasteur, Inserm, the CNRS, the CEA, Pierre & Marie Curie and Paris Descartes Universities and Roche* have developed a non-invasive approach to reach brain cells in a mouse model of the disease. Once in the brain, these llama antibodies can specifically mark and show amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the two types of lesions that characterize Alzheimer's disease. These results were published in the Journal of Controlled Release on October 7, 2016. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by two types of cerebral lesion: amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Amyloid beta peptide (A), naturally present in the brain, builds up over the years as a result of genetic and environmental factors until it forms amyloid plaques. This build-up is toxic for nerve cells: it leads to a loss of neuronal structure and to what is known as "neurofibrillary" tangles (abnormal aggregation of the tau protein), which in turn results in cell death. In this study, the team led by Pierre Lafaye, Head of the Antibody Engineering Platform in the Citech at the Institut Pasteur, in collaboration with the Chemistry of Biomolecules and Integrative Neurobiology of Cholinergic Systems Units from the Institut Pasteur and the CNRS, developed two new types of antibody capable of detecting the extracellular and intracellular targets (respectively amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles) that are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. To achieve this, they turned their attention to camelids, specifically llamas, since their small antibodies are easy to use. They used the variable region of the antibody, known as VHH or nanobodiesTM, to specifically recognize the markers of Alzheimer's. These antibodies have the rare ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, which generally protects the brain from microbial attacks but also prevents potential therapeutic molecules from reaching it. This collaborative research project, jointly conducted by scientists from the Institut Pasteur, Inserm, the CNRS, the CEA, Pierre & Marie Curie and Paris Descartes Universities and the Roche Group, led to the development of anti-A and anti-tau protein antibodies that specifically detect amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. These antibodies were subsequently tested in vitro on the brain tissue of Alzheimer's patients. The antibodies were then tested in vivo in two mouse models, each with one of the two characteristic lesions associated with Alzheimer's disease. These antibodies, labeled with a green fluorochrome, were injected intravenously and crossed the blood-brain barrier, binding to the two targets the scientists were aiming to identify: amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This made the signs of the disease visible in the brain using two-photon microscopy. The scientists involved in this collaborative project are currently working on the development of an MRI imaging technique to observe the lesions. In the long term this could be applied to humans. "Being able to diagnose Alzheimer's at an early stage could enable us to test treatments before the emergence of symptoms, something we were previously unable to do," explained Pierre Lafaye. These VHH antibodies could be used in combination with therapeutic molecules so that the molecules can be delivered in a targeted way to the brain. Patents have been filed for these VHH antibodies and for their use based on their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to amyloid plaques and tau proteins. ### This research was partly funded by the Roche Institute, the France Alzheimer Foundation and the Georges Pompidou Foundation. Studying the tetraneutron, once thought unlikely to exist, may improve our understanding of interneutron forces, from unstable 2- and 3-neutron systems to neutron stars AMES, Iowa - Iowa State University researchers have helped demonstrate the existence of a subatomic structure once thought unlikely to exist. James Vary, a professor of physics and astronomy, and Andrey Shirokov, a visiting scientist, together with an international team, used sophisticated supercomputer simulations to show the quasi-stable existence of a tetraneutron, a structure comprised of four neutrons (subatomic particles with no charge). The new finding was published in Physical Review Letters, a publication of the American Physical Society, on October 28. On their own, neutrons are very unstable and will convert into protons -- positively charged subatomic particles -- after ten minutes. Groups of two or three neutrons do not form a stable structure, but the new simulations in this research demonstrate that four neutrons together can form a resonance, a structure stable for a period of time before decaying. For the tetraneutron, this lifetime is only 510^(-22) seconds (a tiny fraction of a billionth of a nanosecond). Though this time seems very short, it is long enough to study, and provides a new avenue for exploring the strong forces between neutrons. "This opens up a whole new line of research," Vary said. "Studying the tetraneutron will help us understand interneutron forces including previously unexplored features of the unstable two-neutron and three-neutron systems." The advanced simulations demonstrating the tetraneutron corroborate the first observational evidence of the tetraneutron earlier this year in an experiment performed at the RIKEN Radioactive Ion Beam Factory (RIBF), in Saitama, Japan. The tetraneutron structure has been sought for 40 years with little evidence supporting its existence, until now. The properties predicted by the calculations in the simulations were consistent with the observed properties from the experiment in Japan. The research in Japan used a beam of Helium-8, Helium with 4 extra neutrons, colliding with a regular Helium-4 atom. The collision breaks up the Helium-8 into another Helium-4 and a tetraneutron in its brief resonance state, before it, too, breaks apart, forming four lone neutrons. "We know that additional experiments with state-of-the-art facilities are in preparation with the goal to get precise characteristics of the tetraneutron," Vary said. "We are providing our state-of-the-art predictions to help guide these experiments." The existence of the tetraneutron, once confirmed and refined, will add an interesting new entry and gap to the chart of nuclides, a graph representing all known nuclei and their isotopes, or nuclei with a different number of neutrons. Similar to the periodic table, which organizes the chemical behavior of elements, the nuclide chart represents the radioactive behavior of elements and their isotopes. While most nuclei add or subtract neutrons one at a time, this research shows that a neutron itself will have a gap between a single neutron and a tetraneutron. The only other known neutron structure is a neutron star, small but dense stars thought to be made almost entirely of neutrons. These stars may be only about seven miles in radius but have a mass similar to that of our sun. Neutron stars have neutrons on the order 10^57. Further research may explore if there are other numbers of neutrons that form a stable resonance along the path to reaching the size of a neutron star. ### Other researchers involved in this project included George Papadimitriou, a postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and a former postdoctoral researcher at Iowa State; Alexander Mazur, professor, and Igor Mazur, senior lecturer, both at Pacific National University in Khabarovsk, Russia; and Robert Roth, professor at Technische Universitat Darmstadt in Darmstadt, Germany. In Miami, health care providers spent about $14,423 per Medicare patient in 2010. But in Minneapolis, average spending on Medicare enrollees that year was $7,819, just over half as much. In fact, the U.S. is filled with regional disparities in medical spending. Why is this? One explanation focuses on providers: In some regions, they may be more likely to use expensive tests or procedures. Another account focuses on patients: If the underlying health or the care preferences of regional populations varies enough, that may cause differences in spending. In recent years, public discussion of this issue has largely highlighted providers, with the implication that reducing apparently excessive treatments could trim overall health care costs. But now a unique study co-authored by MIT economists provides a new answer to the medical cost mystery: By scrutinizing millions of Medicare patients who have moved from one place to another, the researchers have found that patients and providers account for virtually equal shares of the differences in regional spending. "We find it is about 50/50, half due to patients and half due to places," says Heidi Williams, the Class of 1957 Career Development Associate Professor in MIT's Department of Economics, and a co-author of a new paper detailing the study's findings. Specifically, the study finds that nearly 50 percent of the spending differences across geographic areas stems from the characteristics of patients, meaning both their basic health and their varying preferences concerning the intensiveness of medical care. The rest of the spending differences derive from place-specific factors, potentially due to disparities in provider practices and incentives. The finding could help analysts and policymakers better understand the components of medical costs, and could add nuance to the debate about possible inefficiencies in health care spending. After all, says co-author Amy Finkelstein, the John and Jennie S. MacDonald Professor of Economics at MIT, the study provides "evidence that there are real, place-specific differences in how health care is practiced. On the other hand ... rather than just saying [that] place matters, we're quantifying how important it is, and showing that a lot of the geographic variation is due to differences across patients." The paper, "Sources of Geographic Variation in Health Care: Evidence from Patient Migration," appears in the November issue of the Quarterly Journal of Economics. The co-authors are Finkelstein, Williams, and Matthew Gentzkow, an economist at Stanford University. Millions of Medicare enrollees To conduct the study, the scholars analyzed a sample of 2.5 million Medicare patients, and examined their health care usage from 1998 through 2008. The study focused on a subgroup of enrollees who did not move during this time, as well as 500,000 Medicare enrollees who moved from one market, or "Hospital Referral Region" (HRR), to another. The HRR concept was first developed by the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care, a research project housed at Dartmouth College. Essentially, by examining the health care usage patterns of the same people as they lived in different places, Finkelstein, Williams, and Gentzkow were able to develop a natural experiment to address the providers-or-patients issue. Beyond their bottom-line result, the researchers unearthed several more specific findings. For instance, when it comes to emergency care, a relatively larger share of the regional spending discrepancy -- 71 percent -- was attributable to patients, who likely make more of the decisions about whether or not to seek care in those situations. However, patients accounted for only 9 percent of the regional discrepancy for diagnostic tests and 14 percent of the discrepancy for imaging tests; in those cases, the variation by geographic region seems due to differing provider practices, with health care institutions in some places consistently spending more money on testing than other providers do elsewhere. The researchers also found that when a Medicare enrollee moves and receives a different level of health care spending, most of that change occurs in the first year after the move. Even given these more detailed findings, the researchers note that it is still difficult to assess which of the higher-spending or lower-spending regions have more "efficient" medical practices. In Williams' view, an overly simplistic reading of the paper's results would be that variation on the provider side reflects inefficiency, in the sense of some institutions providing suboptimal levels of care. She stresses that there may also be efficient geographic variation if providers in some areas are relatively more skilled at certain intensive procedures and provide more of those procedures. "Just because there's geographic variation on the provider side doesn't mean that is necessarily inefficient," Williams observes. The scholars, who initiated the study in 2010, tried to account for potential complications concerning costs. For instance: Could more people with already-existing health problems be moving to warm, sunny, higher-spending places such as Miami, while leaving colder, lower-spending places like Minneapolis? That sort of migration could push Miami's per-capita Medicare spending to a higher level. But as the researchers discovered, such a pattern does not seem to exist. People moving to Arizona, California, and Florida accounted for 24 percent of all moves in the study; but the results are robust even when excluding those states from the tabulations. State of the debate Regional variation in health care spending has become a prominent issue over the last decade thanks in large part to the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care. "We are very much standing on the shoulders of giants," Finkelstein says. "The people at Dartmouth, our colleagues in the economics department and the medical school there, have done an enormous amount of work and a huge service documenting and establishing the facts that have rightly gotten a lot of attention, of large differences [in health care spending] across a lot of geographic areas of the country." Some of the better-known Dartmouth findings have suggested that variations in regional spending were not leading to better or worse patient outcomes -- although some studies in health care economics over the last decade have also found that more spending correlates with improved results for patients. In the view of the MIT researchers, because some of the subsequent public discussion has emphasized questions about the practices of providers, they hope the new paper's data about the role of patient characteristics can help inform the ongoing debate. "The current consensus [has been] that almost all this variation was about providers, and that patient-specific health or preferences were unlikely to be important in explaining geographic variation in spending," Williams says. "I think our paper shifts the weight of the evidence." ### For the last 70 years, it was largely believed that spatial processing disorders, including those seen in language, occurred when the temporal-parietal-occipital (TPO) junction of the brain's left hemisphere was damaged. But according to researchers from the HSE Neurolinguistics Laboratory, it is the damages to the axonal fibers connected to this area of the brain that are most important. Nearly 70 years ago, the renowned Russian neuropsychologist Alexander Luria added semantic aphasia to his classification of language disorders, demonstrating that inability to establish logical relations between words in a sentence corresponds to non-linguistic (spatial processing) disorders as well. Individuals with semantic aphasia have problems with spatial relations, which is reflected both in language and in real life. In particular, it is difficult for patients to orient themselves on a map of their own body, as well as mirror the movements of other people and rotate geometric figures. Language-related difficulties are another form of this general spatial processing disorder. For example, while it might be easy for a patient to understand simple sentences, when a grammatical construction describes spatial relations (using prepositions such as in, on, under, and above, for example) or quasi-spatial relations (higher, bigger, earlier, and later), it is extremely difficult for a patient to understand relations between the objects being described. Through his research on gunshot wounds during the Great Patriotic War, Alexander Luria showed that semantic aphasia arises when the left cerebral hemisphere is damaged (specifically, the TPO junction). Up until this year, researchers largely believed that semantic aphasia and general spatial processing disorders resulted from damage to these regions of the cortex (in Latin, cortex cerebri, a 1.3-4.5 mm layer of grey matter). In the international journal Cortex, researchers from the HSE Neurolinguistics Laboratory presented their work, Toward a Functional Neuroanatomy of Semantic Aphasia: A History and Ten New Cases, which describes 10 recent cases of semantic aphasia. 'Using modern neurovisualisation methods, we were able to expand on Alexander Luria's neuroanatomical model by adding white matter tracts to it - axon pathways that connect various regions of the cortex,' notes Laboratory Head and Associate Professor Olga Dragoy. 'Data from structural MRIs show that not all of our patients have damaged TPO regions of the brain, but the majority of them have damaged tracts that are connected to this zone (the longer superior arcuate fasciculus, occipitofrontal fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, and superior longitudinal fasciculus, as well as the corpus collosum).' This suggests that semantic aphasia stems more from damages to the tracts connected to the left hemisphere TPO junction as opposed to damages to the junction itself. This discovery adds to existing scientific knowledge about the neurological architecture of language by highlighting the interactive nature of linguistic processing. More specifically, it is not that several key 'language' zones are activated, but that many areas of the brain are constantly working together. This discovery includes more practical implications as well - if a patient requires surgery on a tumor near the TPO junction, it may be more important to maintain the nearby tracts than the junction itself in order to maintain the patient's language capabilities and postoperative quality of life. ### Plants usually produce their own nutrients by using sun energy, but not all of them! A new 'cheater' species of orchid from Japan, lives off nutrients obtained via a special kind of symbiosis with fungi. The study was published in the open access journal PhytoKeys. The new orchid species, named Lecanorchis tabugawaensis, is by far not on its own in its strange feeding habits. The so called mycoheterotrophic plants are found among all plant species groups. Mycoheterotrophy is a term derived from Greek to describe the bizarre symbiotic relationship between some plants and fungi, where the plant gets nutrients parasitizing upon fungi, rather than using photosynthesis. Considered a kind of a cheating relationship, these plants are sometimes informally referred to as "mycorrhizal cheaters". Having long attracted the curiosity of botanists and mycologists, a common feature of most mycoheterotrophic plants is their extreme scarcity and small size. In addition, most species are hiding in the dark understory of forests, only discoverable during the flowering and fruiting period when aboveground organs appear through the leaf litter. Despite it seems like these 'cheating' plants have it all easy for themselves, in reality they a are highly dependent on the activities of both the fungi and the trees that sustain them. Such a strong dependency makes this fascinating plant group particularly sensitive to environmental destruction. "Due to the sensitivity of mycoheterotrophic plants it has long been suggested that their species richness provides a useful indicator of the overall floral diversity of forest habitats. A detailed record of the distribution of these vulnerable plants therefore provides crucial data for the conservation of primary forests." explains leading author Dr Kenji Suetsugu, Kobe University. Just discovered, the new orchid species has been already assessed with an IUCN status - Critically Endangered. With a distribution restricted to only two locations along the Tabu and Onna Rivers, Yakushima Island, this fungus-eating cheater might need some conservation attention. ### Original Source: Suetsugu K, Fukunaga H (2016) Lecanorchis tabugawaensis (Orchidaceae, Vanilloideae), a new mycoheterotrophic plant from Yakushima Island, Japan. PhytoKeys 73: 125-135. doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.73.10019 PORTLAND, OR - For the second year, SWOG, the cancer clinical trials network, and its charity, The Hope Foundation, are providing $125,000 to five U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers to expand access to cancer clinical trials. Under the VA Integration Support Program, medical centers receive $25,000 in seed funding to help them enroll veterans in trials run by SWOG and other members of the National Cancer Institute's National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN). This means more veterans can enroll in research studies featuring cutting-edge medicines. The publicly funded NCTN offers well over 200 open trials at any given time, trials testing prevention and treatment strategies for a variety of cancers, including lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers - the most common forms in veterans. Winners of the VA Integration Support Program awards for 2016 are: James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY Orlando VA Medical Center, Orlando, FL Portland VA Health Care System, Portland, OR VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA Richard J. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN Last year, SWOG and The Hope Foundation awarded funds to these VA centers: Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Denver, CO VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, Manhattan Campus, New York, NY Clinical trials are an important option for any cancer patient managing their disease. Trials test new treatments, and are sometimes the only way to access immunotherapies or precision medicines. For many reasons, most stemming from a lack of time and money, veterans' ability to join trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and other groups has decreased dramatically. SWOG and The Hope Foundation are working to turn that trend around, and their efforts are paying off. Winners of the 2015 VA Integration Support Program grants have expanded the hours of current research staff or hired new staff to process paperwork, screen patients, or collect tissue or other biological samples needed to take part in trials. As a result, 13 NCTN trials are now open to veterans at these sites, including the landmark Lung-MAP precision medicine trial testing new drugs for squamous cell lung cancer. Soon, the NCI-MATCH trial will also be available at some sites. Veterans are responding to the increasing access. About 50 have been screened for trial participation, and 12 have enrolled. One is Jerry Valentino, a lung cancer patient who joined SWOG's Lung-MAP trial through the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. Valentino, a 70-year-old Vietnam War veteran, has experienced no side effects from his trial drug and is responding well to treatment. Scans show his cancer is gone - and hasn't returned. "Trials are the only way we know if drugs work or they don't," Valentino said. "It feels good to be part of the system that is moving medicine forward. This program is really helping veterans - and by all means they deserve it." Dr. Charles Blanke, SWOG group chair, agrees. Blanke created the VA Integration Support Program to help veterans and support the NCTN. Groups in the NCTN - SWOG, Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group, NRG Oncology, and Children's Oncology Group - are a major part of the nation's cancer research infrastructure and enroll tens of thousands of patients each year. All five groups are funded by the National Cancer Institute, and constitute the oldest and largest cancer research network in the nation. "I am pleased with our progress and impact one year into this new program," Blanke said. "We are doing what we'd hoped to do - make great cancer trials available to veterans. Consideration of a clinical trial is a hallmark of excellent cancer care, and our veterans deserve the very best." ### For information on the VA Integration Support Program, contact Morgan Cox at The Hope Foundation at (734) 998-6887 or morgan@thehopefoundation.org. SWOG is part of the National Cancer Institute's National Clinical Trials Network, the nation's oldest and largest cancer research network, and is a major part of the cancer research infrastructure in the U.S. and the world. SWOG has over 12,000 members in 46 states and six foreign countries who design and conduct cancer clinical trials to improve the lives of people with cancer. Founded in 1956, SWOG's 1,300 trials have led to the approval of 14 cancer drugs, changed more than 100 standards of cancer care, and saved more than 2 million years of human life. Learn more at swog.org. The Hope Foundation is a public charity that supports SWOG's work by providing funds for research grants and fellowships, physician education, clinical trial support, and patient advocacy. HUNTSVILLE, TX (11-3-16) -- Three researchers at Sam Houston State University will evaluate a new training initiative by the Houston Police Department designed to improve response to sexual assault and domestic violence victims. Cortney Franklin, Leana Bouffard, and William Wells received a nearly $400,000 grant from the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) at the U.S. Department of Justice to study the effectiveness of training, which is aimed at reducing gender bias in police responses to these crimes. The training will be provided to all 5,300 sworn police personnel between September, 2016 and August 2017, and the evaluation of police and victims will be undertaken at every step in the process, including before, during, and after the training. "The crimes of sexual assault and domestic violence have received significant attention as they happen with frequency, have been met with opposition, stigma and skepticism by criminal justice practitioners, and have long-term negative mental and physical health consequences for survivors," said Franklin, an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology and the principal investigator on the study. "The purpose of this training is to reduce gender bias that has produced adverse outcome for survivors, inhibited offender accountability, and facilitated case attrition for sexual and domestic violence. We are excited about this training because it has the potential to fundamentally change the way first responders interface with victims." In 2015, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued new guidelines for investigations of sexual assault and domestic violence cases, including clear policies and procedures for agencies, training for officers, and accountability protocols for supervisors. As part of that initiative, Houston Police will be trained to better identify existing bias toward victims and to recognize the neurobiology of trauma, which affects the way a victim may recount the experience. Gender bias in policing is a form of discrimination where officers may provide less protection to victims based on gender, fail to respond to crimes that affect specific gender groups, or offer less robust services based on gender stereotypes. In sexual assault or domestic violence cases, this may include underreporting or misclassifying these cases, neglecting to test sexual assault kits, interrogating victims and witnesses, treating domestic violence as a family matter, failing to enforce protective orders, or failing to treat same-sex violence as a crime. This could impact the investigation and prosecution of these crimes. According to the DOJ recommendations, law enforcement officers should: Recognize and address bias about victims Treat victims with respect and encourage victims to participate in investigation Investigate domestic violence complaints thoroughly and effectively Classify reports of sexual assault or domestic violence properly Refer victims to appropriate services Identify the assailant in domestic violence cases Hold officers who commit sexual assault or domestic violence accountable Maintain and review data on sexual assault and domestic violence The Sam Houston State University study will include surveys of participating officers to measure changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior toward victims and well as a review of 150 sexual assault and domestic violence cases both before and after training to assess any change in initial responses to victims. The report will be shared with law enforcement agencies as well as with key stakeholders, such as SANE nurses, rape advocacy centers, and domestic violence shelter personnel to help open dialogue on how to better serve victims. ### This works especially efficient when we are guided by explicit instructions. A team of researchers at TU Dresden has now examined the underlying neural processes in a current imaging study. The results of the study are published today in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Communications under the title Integration and segregation of large-scale brain networks during short-term task automatization". Within the collaborative research center 940 'volition and cognitive control' sponsored by the DFG (German Science Foundation), the brain scientists Holger Mohr, Uta Wolfensteller, and Hannes Ruge from the Department of Psychology at Technische Universitat Dresden (Germany) in collaboration with colleagues from the USA and Switzerland examined the neural processes responsible for the automatization of instruction-based tasks. Their research approach embraced the currently popular assumption that mental functions like memory or language do emerge from specific patterns of communication within and between subnetworks of the brain. Going beyond this basic assumption, it was examined whether a rapid reorganization of these communication patterns is possible - specifically during the rapid instruction-based automatization of novel tasks. Previous studies in this context mainly focused on long-term changes. The results of this current study suggest that rapid instruction-based task automatization is facilitated by rapidly increasing communication between subnetworks associated with the transformation of visual information into motor responses. At the same time, this is accompanied by a release of network resources initially serving the controlled and attention-demanding implementation of the instructed task - while the so-called default mode network is increasingly decoupled from task-related networks. Together, these findings suggest that rapid instruction-based task automatization is indeed reflected by a rapid system-level reorganization of network communications distributed across the entire brain. ### Please find the complete paper at: http://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms13217 https://tu-dresden.de/mn/psychologie/allgpsy/die-professur/mitarbeiter/utawolfensteller/agneuro Many miles away from the popular Mexican seaside resort towns of Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas lie the poor, rural villages of Mexico's Mixtec people, also known as "the People of the Land of the Rain." The Mixtecs originally developed communities isolated by the hilly Oaxacan terrain, with many remote villages accessible only on foot. The arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 1500s brought Catholicism to these communities, and it became a major force -- both religious and social -- that faces huge challenges in the face of globalization and religious conversion in modern-day Mixtec society. In her new book, "Mixtec Evangelicals: Globalization, Migration, and Religious Change in a Oaxacan Indigenous Group" (University Press of Colorado, 2016), UC Santa Barbara scholar Mary I. O'Connor compares four Mixtec communities, highlighting how economic migration and religious conversion have changed the social and cultural makeup of predominantly folk-Catholic communities. Globalization, she says, is at the heart of this process. O'Connor, a researcher with UCSB's Institute for Social, Behavioral and Economic Research, presents case studies and data from 10 years of ethnographic field work in Oaxaca communities in Mexico and the western United States. She describes the effects on the home communities of the Mixtecs who travel to northern Mexico and the U.S. in search of wage labor and return having converted from their rural Catholic roots to Evangelical Protestant religions. "Globalization is a very important process that is affecting everybody in the world, even people in little villages," O'Connor said. But the Mixtec people have managed to stay close to their roots. "That's very important to them," she noted. "They still identify with their villages even though they haven't been there in years. They have maintained this huge network that covers the area from Washington State to the Mixteca region. They've invented this whole response to globalization and created transnational communities. Within these is the possibility of religious conflict that they have adjusted to." O'Connor noted, for example, that converts challenge the old customs of their villages by refusing to participate in traditional village activities such as Catholic ceremonies and social gatherings. Villages cope in different ways, from partially accepting the converts to expelling them entirely. "It's basically unknown that there are significant numbers of Mixtecs that are converting and that there are significant numbers of Mixtecs in the U.S. as a result of globalization," she said. "Globalization is changing the culture and religion of these people who live in these remote villages. They only started to convert when they began migrating." O'Connor's interest in the subject was piqued 15 years ago when she discovered four congregations of Mixtec Pentecostals in Santa Maria and learned that many were converting to non-Catholic churches. She was surprised because Evangelicals reject the Catholic saints as false idols, and do not drink alcohol, which is an important part of all Mixtec Catholic festivities. She writes in the book's introduction, "It seemed apparent that once Evangelicals returned to their villages, they were on a collision course with the Catholics, as well as with the major traditions that are the basis for Mixtec transnational communities." O'Connor studied four Mixtec communities in Oaxaca, including one inhabited entirely by non-Catholics who had been expelled from their village for being non-Catholic. She also studied Mixtecs in other areas of Mexico and the western U.S. to learn how they adapted. Before visiting the Mixtec villages, O'Connor needed permission from local Mixtec community leaders and various committees of residents. "It took a while in each case to get permission to be in these villages and sit down with people and talk to them," she said. "I had to go to the meetings of the authorities in each village and talk to them and explain what I was interested in. They were very, very worried that I was a missionary. They didn't recognize me as somebody who was not going to hurt them. Outsiders have hurt them a lot." A UCSB alumna, O'Connor earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in anthropology and Spanish, and a Ph.D. in anthropology from UCSB. Her research was supported by grants from the UCSB Interdisciplinary Humanities Center, UC MEXUS and the UCSB Office of Research. Funding from the Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad Program enabled her to spend a year in Mexico studying the four communities. ### Kent provides a molecular explanation for how the bacterium behind the super bug MRSA produces a red pigment that is crucial for its rapid growth. Research co-led by bioscientists at the University of Kent provides a molecular explanation for how the bacterium behind the super bug MRSA produces a red pigment that is crucial for its rapid growth. In a paper published in Biochemical Journal, Kent's Dr Mark Shepherd and PhD student Charlie Hobbs, working with researchers at the University of Georgia, USA, provide new insights into the HemQ enzyme of haem synthesis, which is unique to bacteria causing infections including MRSA, tuberculosis and acne. Since certain infectious bacteria produce haem in a different way to humans, drugs designed to target this process are less likely to be toxic to human cells. In future, targeting this pathway with new drugs will provide alternative strategies to combat bacteria that are resistant to conventional antibiotics. ### Dr Shepherd is Lecturer in Microbial Biochemistry at Kent's School of Biosciences. The HemQ coprohaem decarboxylase generates reactive oxygen species: implications for the evolution of classical haem biosynthesis (Dr Mark Shepherd and Charlie Hobbs, PhD student, University of Kent and Harry A Dailey, University of Georgia) is published in Biochemical Journal. See: http://www.biochemj.org/content/473/21/3997/ DOI:10.1042/BCJ20160696 For further information or interview requests contact Sandy Fleming at the University of Kent Press Office. Tel: 01227 823581/01634 888879 Email: S.Fleming@kent.ac.uk News releases can also be found at http://www.kent.ac.uk/news University of Kent on Twitter: http://twitter.com/UniKent Note to editors Established in 1965, the University of Kent - the UK's European university - now has almost 20,000 students across campuses or study centres at Canterbury, Medway, Tonbridge, Brussels, Paris, Athens and Rome. It has been ranked: 23rd in the Guardian University Guide 2016; 23rd in the Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2016; and 22nd in the Complete University Guide 2015. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2015-16, Kent is in the top 10% of the world's leading universities for international outlook and 66th in its table of the most international universities in the world. The THE also ranked the University as 20th in its 'Table of Tables' 2016. Kent is ranked 17th in the UK for research intensity (REF 2014). It has world-leading research in all subjects and 97% of its research is deemed by the REF to be of international quality. In the National Student Survey 2016, Kent achieved the fourth highest score for overall student satisfaction, out of all publicly funded, multi-faculty universities. Along with the universities of East Anglia and Essex, Kent is a member of the Eastern Arc Research Consortium (http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/partnerships/eastern-arc.html). The University is worth 0.7 billion to the economy of the south east and supports more than 7,800 jobs in the region. Student off-campus spend contributes 293.3m and 2,532 full-time-equivalent jobs to those totals. In 2014, Kent received its second Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education. EUGENE, Ore. -- Nov. 3, 2016 -- Fire-scarred trees on isolated Hecate Island off British Columbia have helped researchers from two Pacific Northwest universities isolate patterns of wildfires over the past 700 years of climate data. Indigenous populations, they found, likely had a profound effect on fire activity. The human connection became clear after determining that the last fire occurred in 1893, around the time the island was abandoned as indigenous populations were moved to permanent settlements on the mainland, said Daniel G. Gavin of the University of Oregon and Kira M. Hoffman of the University of Victoria. "Fire is historically important in the West," said Gavin, a professor of geography. "There is a lot of evidence from fire scars throughout the Pacific Northwest, not just in the dry pine forests, that point to more frequent fires having occurred before 1900." The study, published Oct. 26 in the open-access journal Royal Society Open Science, was the first to use tree-ring records obtained through fire-scarred trees spanning such long time scales in a temperate coastal rainforest. The island has a short dry season, experiences more than 4,000 millimeters (157 inches) of rain annually and is located in a northern region where both human- and lightning-caused fires have been considered to be rare. The study helps to begin filling a void in the historical record about the frequency of fire activity in coastal temperate rainforests in the Pacific Northwest. The island also is in a place little affected by fire suppression or 20th century land uses, which makes attributing pre-20th century fire to human causes simpler than is possible in other places in the Pacific Northwest. Hoffman, a former forest firefighter, chose the island for the study after finding a fire-damaged tree while she was there examining soils during a project for a master's of science degree. "Finding this fire evidence was an accident and I was really surprised because there had been no evidence of fire on the central coast of British Columbia," she said. "The more I looked, the more I found. We know that the fires were smoldering ground fires because they didn't kill the trees that they scarred, and they didn't fully burn ground fuels." To help pursue her study, Hoffman spent four months in 2015 as a courtesy research associate with Gavin's UO research group to learn a statistical analysis approach that Gavin had created for correlating wildfire occurrences with respect to other fires and past climate events. The technique was based on one developed by neuroscientists studying connections between firing neurons and movements elsewhere in the body. Gavin also had identified frequent fire patterns on Vancouver Island prior to the 1870s during his doctoral research at the University of Washington in Seattle. The new study by Hoffman, Gavin and co-author Brian M. Starzomski, a professor in UVic's School of Environmental Studies, drew data from some 3,000 trees and other vegetation at 30 plots within 300 hectares (741 acres) -- an area that has three archaeological sites where indigenous populations had lived. In a 517-year period, from 1376 to 1893, 13 fire events occurring roughly every 39 years were documented. The fires tended to follow El Nino events by six to nine and 13 to 17 years. The final fire, in 1893, was the largest and occurred during one of the wettest years on record and possibly coincided with undetermined events outside the regular cycle of fires. The farther away from the living areas, evidence for fires became scarcer. The researchers reported that fire occurrences during their study period were 25 times more likely than previous estimates of greater than 1,000-year intervals, in which tree-ring records had not been used. Previous estimates were drawn mostly from air photos and charcoal buried in soils and preserved in lake sediments. They found little direct relationship between drought and fire years. "It seems that fire events don't have a pattern if you look only at weather in any given year," Hoffman said. "When we pulled back and look at longer climate patterns, we began to see that fires were linked to prolonged periods of warm and dry conditions that build up over time." The team's findings were in agreement with earlier research on the scarcity of fires in the region, but varied in that the researchers were able to tie fire events to human activity. The absence of fire after 1893, the researchers concluded, suggests that indigenous peoples had likely used fire as a tool for resource management. "It's possible they would have relied heavily on burning forests and single trees to create dry firewood for cooking and heating, clothing, canoes, food and many other resources," Hoffman said. ### The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Hakai Institute and Canada Foundation for Innovation primarily funded the research. Hoffman also was supported by a Dr. Ian and Joyce McTaggart Cowan Scholarship at UVic. Sources: Kira Hoffman, doctoral student, University of Victoria School of Environmental Studies, 805-256-4465, khoff@uvic.ca; and Dan Gavin, associate professor of geography, University of Oregon, 541-346-9380, dgavin@uoregon.edu Links: About Hoffman: http://www.kirahoffman.com Gavin faculty page: http://geography.uoregon.edu/profile/dgavin/ Gavin's research group: http://geog.uoregon.edu/envchange/ About Starzomski: https://www.uvic.ca/research/learnabout/home/researchers/experts/expert/starzomski-brian.php PHILADELPHIA - When it comes to lying, our brains are much more likely to give us away than sweaty palms or spikes in heart rate, new evidence from researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania suggests. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, found that scanning people's brains with fMRI, or functional magnetic resonance imaging, was significantly more effective at spotting lies than a traditional polygraph test. It has been demonstrated that when someone is lying, areas of the brain linked to decision-making are activated, which lights up on an fMRI scan for experts to see. While laboratory studies showed fMRI's ability to detect deception with up to 90 percent accuracy, estimates of polygraphs' accuracy ranged wildly, between chance and 100 percent, depending on the study. The Penn study was the first to compare the two modalities in the same individuals in a blinded and prospective fashion. The approach adds scientific data to the long-standing debate about this technology and builds the case for more studies investigating its potential real-life applications, such as evidence in the criminal legal proceedings. Researchers from Penn's departments of Psychiatry and Biostatistics and Epidemiology found that neuroscience experts without prior experience in lie detection, using fMRI data, were 24 percent more likely to detect deception than professional polygraph examiners reviewing polygraph recordings. In both fMRI and polygraph, participants took a standardized "concealed information" test. Polygraph, the only physiological lie detector in worldwide use since it was introduced in its present form more than 50 years ago, monitors individuals' electrical skin conductivity, heart rate, and respiration during a series of questions. Polygraph is based on the assumption that incidents of lying are marked by upward or downward spikes in these measurements. Despite having been deemed inadmissible as legal evidence in most jurisdictions in the United States or for pre-employment screening in the private sector for almost 30 years, polygraph is widely used for government background checks and security clearances. "Polygraph measures reflect complex activity of the peripheral nervous system that is reduced to only a few parameters, while fMRI is looking at thousands of brain clusters with higher resolution in both space and time. While neither type of activity is unique to lying, we expected brain activity to be a more specific marker, and this is what I believe we found," said the study's lead author, Daniel D. Langleben, MD, a professor of Psychiatry. To compare the two technologies, 28 participants were given the so-called "Concealed Information Test" (CIT). CIT is designed to determine whether a person has specific knowledge by asking carefully constructed questions, some of which have known answers, and looking for responses that are accompanied by spikes in physiological activity. Sometimes referred to as the Guilty Knowledge Test, CIT has been developed and used by polygraph examiners to demonstrate the effectiveness of their methods to subjects prior to the actual polygraph examination. In the Penn study, a polygraph examiner asked participants to secretly write down a number between three and eight. Next, each person was administered the CIT while either hooked to a polygraph or lying inside an MRI scanner. Each of the participants had both tests, in a different order, a few hours apart. During both sessions, they were instructed to answer "no" to questions about all the numbers, making one of the six answers a lie. The results were then evaluated by three polygraph and three neuroimaging experts separately and then compared to determine which technology was better at detecting the fib. In one example in the paper, fMRI clearly shows increased brain activity when a participant, who picked the number seven, is asked if that is their number. Experts who studied the polygraph counterpart incorrectly identified the number six as the lie. The polygraph associated with the number six shows high peaks after the participant is asked the same questions several times in a row, suggesting that answer was a lie. The scenario was reversed in another example, as neither fMRI nor polygraph experts were perfect, which is demonstrated in the paper. However, overall, fMRI experts were 24 percent more likely to detect the lie in any given participant. Beyond the accuracy comparison, authors made another important observation. In the 17 cases when polygraph and fMRI agreed on what the concealed number was, they were 100 percent correct. Such high precision of positive determinations could be especially important in the United States and British criminal proceedings, where avoiding false convictions takes absolute precedence over catching the guilty, the authors said. They cautioned that while this does suggest that the two modalities may be complementary if used in sequence, their study was not designed to test combined use of both modalities and their unexpected observation needs to be confirmed experimentally before any practical conclusions could be made. "While the jury remains out on whether fMRI will ever become a forensic tool, these data certainly justify further investigation of its potential," Langleben said. ### Co-authors of the paper were Ruben C. Gur, PhD, Warren B. Bilker, PhD, Jonathan G. Hakun, PhD, David Seelig, VMD, An-Li Wang, PhD, and Kosha Ruparel, MS. The study was supported by the U.S. Army Research Office, No Lie MRI, Inc, and the University of Pennsylvania Center for MRI and Spectroscopy. Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania(founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $5.3 billion enterprise. The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top five medical schools in the United States for the past 18 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $373 million awarded in the 2015 fiscal year. The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center -- which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -- Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Chestnut Hill Hospital and Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine. Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2015, Penn Medicine provided $253.3 million to benefit our community. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (November 3, 2016)-- A new computational tool called fABMACS is helping scientists see beyond static images of proteins to more efficiently understand how these molecules function, which could ultimately speed up the drug discovery process. Proteins are the molecular workhorses of biology--they carry out the instructions written in the genetic code. Their shape plays a crucial role in their function and their ability to interact with other molecules. Scientists study these interactions to develop new insights into protein function and to develop targeted therapies for diseases such as cancer. "The goal of targeted drug design is to create a molecule that interacts specifically with a protein, and this requires a description of protein-drug interactions that is precise--down to the placement of each atom," said Bradley Dickson, Ph.D., a computational biophysicist in the laboratory of Scott Rothbart, Ph.D., at Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) and first author of a paper describing the tool. "The creation of fABMACS is a significant step toward robust virtual drug discovery because it saves time and money. It allows us to better harness the power of existing software while greatly improving our ability to predict the way that a potential drug interacts with a protein." Scientists often rely on collecting snapshots of proteins to determine how they may interact with a potential drug. However, these images are static and do not depict changes in proteins' shape. "These snapshots provide valuable insight that can be enriched by fABMACS," said Rothbart, assistant professor at VARI and the study's senior author. "fABMACS allows us to simulate chemical changes to the drug and more quickly predict how those changes impact its interaction with the target protein. Ultimately, this could translate to improved drug potency and efficacy." To demonstrate the tool's capabilities, the team ran several accelerated computer simulations of the epigenetic regulatory protein BRD4 bound to a drug that is currently in phase I clinical trials for blood cancers. They demonstrated that a slight change to the compound's chemical structure could improve binding to its target protein, thereby improving its effect. The results of this work were published recently in the Journal of Chemical Physics. Fast, stable and scalable fABMACS is an add-on to existing molecular dynamics software. It is based on GROMACSv5.0.5 and optimizes network communication and load balancing--both critical aspects of software development in parallel computing environments--to achieve a low-overhead implementation of new free-energy techniques. fABMACS also comes with a built-in configuration tool that allows the code to be tailored to different applications without requiring the user to manually edit the code, which maximizes transferability. ### fABMACS is free to download under a GNU General Public License. More information may be found at http://rothbartlab.vai.org/tools/. Research reported in this publication was supported by VARI and by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R00CA181343. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. Dickson BM, de Waal P, Ramjan Z, Xu HE, Rothbart SB. 2016. A fast, open source implementation of adaptive biasing potentials uncovers a ligand design strategy for the chromatin regulator BRD4. J Chem Phys. ABOUT VAN ANDEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE Van Andel Institute (VAI) is an independent nonprofit biomedical research and science education organization committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations. Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, VAI has grown into a premier research and educational institution that supports the work of more than 360 scientists, educators and staff. Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), VAI's research division, is dedicated to determining the epigenetic, genetic, molecular and cellular origins of cancer, Parkinson's and other diseases and translating those findings into effective therapies. The Institute's scientists work in onsite laboratories and participate in collaborative partnerships that span the globe. Learn more about Van Andel Institute or donate by visiting http://www.vai.org. 100% To Research, Discovery & Hope Combination therapy utilizing two approved immunotherapy drugs for cancer treatment may cause rare and sometimes fatal cardiac side effects linked to an unexpected immune response. In a study led by Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) investigators and published in the Nov. 3 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers describe two cases of acute and unexpected fatal myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) that occurred in melanoma patients following treatment with a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab. Both drugs are FDA-approved immune checkpoint inhibitors which stimulate an anti-tumor response in cancer patients. Ipilimumab is an anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte- associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) antibody, and nivolumab, an anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody. The use of these immune checkpoint inhibitors, especially in combination using two such therapies, has enhanced the treatment of several types of malignancy. Common side effects of these agents such as inflammation of the skin, colon, liver, endocrine glands and lung, are thought to arise from off-target activation of T cells in the immune system. In the two study cases, a 65-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man, both with metastatic melanoma, were hospitalized nearly two weeks after initiation of the combination therapy. Javid Moslehi, M.D., assistant professor of Medicine, director of the Cardio-Oncology Program at VUMC and corresponding author of the study, said both patients had seemingly mild symptoms at the time of hospitalization. "The patients came with rather vague symptoms including fatigue and muscle aches. What made us take notice, however, were blood tests for cardiac damage that were extremely elevated and the electrocardiograms (EKG) that were abnormal in both cases. The problems quickly advanced such that the patients each needed a pacemaker to control the heart's electrical activity. The degree of cardiac arrhythmia was striking," Moslehi explained. "Even aggressive combinations of these immune therapies are usually well tolerated with very selective activity against the tumor instead of self," said study first author Douglas Johnson, M.D., M.S.C.I., assistant professor of Medicine and clinical director of Melanoma. "But we occasionally observe these cases of wildly dysregulated autoimmune activation." Johnson said VUMC physicians quickly treated the patients with high-dose corticosteroids (methylprednisolone). Despite aggressive treatment, both patients died from myocarditis. The two similar cases stimulated a cross-disciplinary effort at VUMC to investigate the mechanisms of toxicity and potential treatments for patients with such rare reactions. The investigators collaborated with colleagues at Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, the company that makes both drugs. Justin Balko, Pharm.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of Medicine and Cancer Biology and leader of Molecular Oncology in the Center for Cancer Targeted Therapies at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC), said on autopsy and biopsy of the cardiac tissue it was clear that there was an immune reaction to the heart. VUMC pathologists found robust T cell and macrophage infiltrates. Importantly, there were shared populations of T cells infiltrating the myocardium which were identical to those present in tumor and skeletal muscle. "One hypothesis based on the data is that essentially the body is seeing the heart and muscle tissue as foreign, just like the tumor," Balko said. "This gives us a starting point to develop a model to see how consistent this is with other cases as they appear and once we have that model, determine the right way to intervene so that we can keep other patients safe." Study authors said global data reveal that myocarditis has occurred in less than one percent of patients treated with the ipilimumab/nivolumab combination therapy to date, suggesting this is a rare, potentially fatal T cell-driven drug reaction. Johnson suggested "presumably the treatment strategy would involve high-dose steroids and possibly other intensive immune-suppressive drugs, as well. The best regimen is unclear at this point." ### Other investigators on the study include Margaret Compton, Yaomin Xu, Mellissa Hicks, Matthew Alexander, Tyler Bloomer, Jason Becker, David Slosky, Elizabeth Phillips, Mark Pilkinton, Laura Craig-Owens, Robert Hoffman, and Dan Roden, VUMC; Igor Puzanov, VUMC and Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York; Jeffrey Sosman, VUMC and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Evanston, Illinois; Spyridon Chalkias, Igor Koralnik, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Joshua Gorham, Jonathan Seidman, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Benjamin Olenchock, Christine Seidman, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston; Janis Taube, Luis Diaz, Robert Anders, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Nina Kola, Gregory Plautz, Daniel Reshef, Jonathan Deutsch, Bristol-Myers Squibb, New York City; and Raquel Deering, Neon Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts. The authors have received funding from the Bready Family Foundation, NIH/NCI (6R00CA181491), VICC ambassadors, the VICC Breast Cancer Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant (P50 CA098131),and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Young Investigator Award. DETROIT - The latest developments in prenatal technology conceived by scientists at the Wayne State University School of Medicine that make it possible to test for genetic disorders a little more than one month into pregnancy were revealed this week in Science Translational Medicine, a journal of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In the article, the WSU researchers wrote that their non-invasive testing method - Trophoblast Retrieval and Isolation from the Cervix (TRIC) - offers the accuracy of more invasive tests, such as the needle-directed amniocentesis, and can also be utilized five to 10 weeks earlier than current testing modalities. TRIC was first publicized in 2014 in studies led by principal investigator and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology D. Randall Armant, Ph.D. The method isolates several hundred fetal cells that migrate from the placenta into the uterus using a retrieval technique akin to the common Pap smear, and can be done as early as five weeks into pregnancy. Armant's co-principal investigator in the latest research is Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sascha Drewlo, Ph.D., who joined the team in 2014 to provide expertise in molecular biology and perinatal medicine. A related paper published by the two Sept. 23 in the Nature journal Scientific Reports, "Altered Biomarkers in Trophoblast Cells Obtained Noninvasively Prior to Clinical Manifestation of Perinatal Disease," describes the correlation between the levels of certain proteins in the fetal cells isolated by TRIC during the first trimester and the development of intrauterine growth restriction, which results in a small, undernourished fetus in the womb, or preeclampsia - hypertension and kidney disorder of the mother - in the last trimester. "This finding suggests that it might one day be possible to test these protein levels to identify pregnancies at risk for complications. Such a test could help physicians to better manage the health of mother and baby, and would streamline research on new interventions to prevent or limit the effects of disease," Armant said. The Science Translational Medicine paper demonstrates the researchers' ability to isolate fetal DNA from the cells obtained by TRIC. Since the placenta is derived from the embryo and its DNA is the same as that of the fetus, the researchers can use cells obtained by TRIC for prenatal genetic testing. The paper was co-first authored by Chandni Jain, Ph.D., and Leena Kadam, working in the laboratories of Armant and Drewlo. "We sequenced the fetal DNA and compared it to that of the mothers, proving that they were different, but the fetal DNA always contained one copy of the mother's DNA genes. We also had some DNA from the placenta and found that it was identical to the fetal DNA," Armant said. The sequencing was completed in 20 consecutive pregnancies collected at five to 19 weeks, with minimal maternal DNA contamination. "We used next-generation sequencing and accurately determined the nucleotide sequence down to a single base. TRIC could be used as a noninvasive test, with the accuracy of invasive tests like amniocentesis, and the ability to perform the test five to 10 weeks earlier than current testing modalities," Drewlo added. "Fetal genome profiling at five weeks of gestation after noninvasive isolation of trophoblast cells from the endocervical canal," was published Nov. 2 in Science Translational Medicine. The research was initially supported by a two-year exploratory grant given to Armant and colleagues in 2012 by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health to test capturing human fetal cells for genetic study. A paper on their investigative work from that time was published in the journal Fertility and Sterility in 2014. "Because the cells we purify by TRIC are placental cells that have a critical function early in pregnancy, their protein profile has been examined to determine if it becomes different in pregnancies that have serious complications like a miscarriage, undersized fetus or preeclampsia," Armant explained. The research area is explored in Scientific Reports, and in a paper from 2015, also published in Fertility and Sterility. "All of these projects require the contributions of many people, including Brian Kilburn, my lab manager, who finessed most of the ideas for TRIC to make the procedure work; graduate students and postdocs working with us; and the physicians who were willing to obtain the specimens," Armant said. Continuing their studies of obstetrical complications, the team's next goal is to discover novel biomarkers through global discovery screens, going beyond the proteins already tested, which were already known biomarkers of those diseases. "Since TRIC provides the cells of interest, we can probe their RNA and protein profiles using next-generation proteomics and transcriptomics approaches. For fetal genetic studies, we next plan to determine if TRIC can identify genetic disorders in the fetus. This would give parents information about the likelihood of their fetus having a genetic disorder much earlier in pregnancy than current tests. Very soon, we would like to begin clinical trials with all of these potential tests," Armant said. "Finally, the cells we obtain by TRIC have been little-studied, and we would like to learn more about their origins and relationship to their counterparts that remain in the placenta. It is very gratifying to see, and very exciting to be part of a growing team that is making new discoveries and developing ideas that hopefully will eventually improve health care for people starting new families." ### The research was supported in part by the Intramural Research Program of the NICHD, NIH grants HD071408 and HL128628, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the March of Dimes Foundation and PerkinElmer Health Sciences Inc. For more information on TRIC testing and the Center of Advanced Trophoblast Research, visit drewlolab.com. To learn about supporting their ongoing research efforts, call the WSU School of Medicine's Office of Development and Alumni Affairs at 313-577-5929. About Wayne State University School of Medicine Founded in 1868, the Wayne State University School of Medicine educates more than 1,000 medical students in all four classes. In addition to undergraduate medical education, the school offers master's degree, Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs in 14 areas of basic science to about 400 students annually. Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 380 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 27,000 students. LANSING, Mich. Bovine tuberculosis was recently confirmed in samples taken from a two year old steer from Huron County, Michigan. The animal was identified as possibly diseased and removed from the human food chain by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety Inspection Service, who inspects each animal during processing. Using the steers radio frequency identification, MDARD rapidly identified the farm in Huron County that sent the animal to slaughter. Also included in the animals record, were two prior farms in Presque Isle County where the animal was located. The identified farms will be tested to ensure the disease is not present. Cattle properly identified with RFID can be traced in minutes, said Rick Smith, assistant state veterinarian. Not only can we find the most recent owner, we can successfully track where the animal has moved, allowing us to stamp out disease before it spreads. Farms tested In addition to the Presque Isle County farms being tested, a three-mile surveillance area has been established around the affected farm in Huron County. Farms within the special surveillance area will have six months to complete bovine TB testing. These farms will be identified by MDARD and notified through individual letters. An informational meeting to discuss this finding of bovine TB and the surveillance area is scheduled for Nov. 14, 2016 at 7 p.m., at the Breakfast Room of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 55 Rapson Lane West, Bad Axe, Michigan. HARRISBURG, Pa. With more farmers thinking about how to transition their operations to the next generation including those who own farms preserved in perpetuity for agricultural production the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is making new funding available to ensure those operations have an up-to-date succession plan. According to state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, one in four of the more than 5,000 farms that have been preserved and protected from development has changed hands during the past 30 years. With the average age of the Pennsylvanian farmer at 58, it is expected that this proportion will increase significantly over the next decade. Farmers care about the future of their operation, and for many, its an open question as to how the farm will be passed on to the next owner or the next generation, said Redding. Grants As part of the 2016-17 budget package, $165,000 in existing but uncommitted funds were made available to help preserved farm owners offset professional service costs associated with succession planning. Individuals can apply for grants up to $3,000 that can be used as a one-to-one match to reimburse costs incurred by organizing and utilizing a succession planning team. In order to be eligible for a grant, applicants must own land that is subject to an agricultural conservation easement and submit an application to the Department of Agriculture. Applicants must organize a farm succession planning team that consists of professionals in this particular field. Farm owners also must hold regular meetings with their succession team and keep accurate record for reimbursement purposes. We have a vested interest in succession planning because the public has invested $1.3 billion in farmland preservation, said Redding. In exchange for those dollars, preserved farms agree to remain in agricultural production in perpetuity. That is a covenant and an agreement that we value and take seriously, so this investment in transition planning grants is about maintaining the integrity of and the return on that public investment. Pennsylvania has preserved more than 525,020 acres on 5,003 farms in 57 counties. It is the largest program of its type in the nation. Apply Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received; grant funding is limited. Application forms can be obtained from the Center for Farm Transitions, Department of Agriculture, 2301 N. Cameron St., Room 310, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Those who have received a grant from the Center for Dairy Excellence for transition team assistance are ineligible to receive grants under this program. For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, visit www.agriculture.pa.gov. Hindus have welcomed naming of Airbus Groups new project, an electric autonomous flying vehicle platform for individual passenger and cargo transport, as Vahana, Vahana, a Sanskrit word generally translated as vehicle or carrier, prominently figures in ancient Hindu texts Puranas and is associated with many deities. Claimed as future of urban mobility and aimed at relieving urban congestion, flight tests of the first Vahana vehicle prototype are slated for the end of 2017. Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, welcomed the usage of Sanskrit terminology from Hindu texts to name such an innovative project. He urged other world corporations to explore the richness of thought offered by Hinduism texts and incorporate it with future innovations. Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that that Sanskrit, which was known as the language of the gods, provided the theoretical foundation of ancient sciences. According to tradition, self-born God created Sanskrit, which was everlasting and divine, Zed added. Airbus Group, headquartered in Leiden, Netherlands, claims to be a global pioneer in aeronautics, space and defence-related services, creating cutting-edge technology. Thomas Enders is Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Group, while Denis Ranque is its Board Chairman. Airbus recently celebrated the delivery of its 10,000th aircraft. Source : From Our Correspondent CHARLESTON -- Americans are not the only ones playing close attention to the U.S. presidential election, according to Valida Azamatova, Eastern Illinois University international student. Azamatova, along with six others from Eastern hailing from various countries, spoke on their reaction to the latest election cycle, which has had immigration as one of the key focal points for each candidate. This is very important election, not just for the United States, but for the rest of the world, said Azamatova, an Uzbekistan native. From this election (moving forward), foreign relationships between countries and the U.S. could change dramatically. From her point of view, she said her mother has kept an eye on the election, getting fed information her home country's news media. Because of the close ties between Russia and Uzbekistan, Azamatova said much of news being brought into her country is largely focused on the Republican candidate for president, Donald Trump. We have Putin all day long on TV, Azamatova said. In turn, there are a lot of pro-Trump remarks coming into the country, she said. Trump has been accused of having overly familiar connections with Russian President Vladimir Putin throughout the election cycle from his opponent, Hillary Clinton, Democratic candidate for president. Owura Kuffuor, Eastern international student from Ghana, said this election will have a lot of weight from an international perspective on how people in other countries will see Americans based on the candidate they choose. The election speaks to the preference for America, and it speaks to the general thinking of the American people, he said. Kuffuor and his family are keeping a particularly close eye on the election for what it might mean for his fellow Africans. This election has a lot of consequences for Africans especially, Kuffuor said. Immigration has been a major issue for this campaign for both refugees and people living here illegally There has been this talk of deporting all people who are not supposed to be here, and back home, we are thinking how many are you going to bring back. Specifically for himself, he said the election has made him and his family nervous about the future of immigration laws and his safety and security. Kuffuor currently is attending Eastern via an education Visa. My family is focused on it especially because I am here, he said. To them, my security is at stake, not because I'm illegal, but because this whole talk about immigration in the campaign has been so hateful. Kuffuor said he hopes Americans understand the impact their top elected official might have going forward internationally. It seems many Americans take for granted their rights, he said. Azamatova said she often hears people complain about their vote not counting, which from her view could not be further from the case. Comparing to a country like mine in Uzbekistan, your vote definitely does count, she said. Catherine Polydore, one of the forum's panelists, who recently became a U.S. citizen, will be one of the many expected to cast her vote come Election Day. Polydore, Counseling and Student Development professor, said she is excited to participate in something she had not been able to do before this year during her time spent pursuing her university degrees. In an interesting way, (news out of the election cycle) really makes me want to vote, she said. Generally, I don't think I would ever be one to just not vote But I particularly want to vote this year, not necessarily because I want to vote for somebody, but because I want to pay my part to make sure somebody does not get elected. Israel : Legislators have approved a bill that would block all porn in Israel unless people ask to view it. The Israeli Ministerial Committee for Legislation unanimously approved the bill, which forces internet companies in the country censor adult websites by default. Backers of the new legislation claim that it is a way of stopping young people getting online. Under the terms of the bill, anyone wanting to access pornography online would have to tell their internet service provider, either by writing to them, ringing them or getting in touch their website. The approval of the bill means that it now moves to the legislator, the Knesset, for approval and passage into law. At the moment, Israeli law forces internet service providers to build in content-blocking systems that can recognise certain problem websites and stop people visiting them. But those are turned off by default and users can ask to have them switched on and legislators worry that not enough parents know that they exist. The new law would turn the filters on by default, and make anyone who wanted to get around them opt out rather than opt in. As well as worries about cenorship, campaigners have voiced concern that the block would pick up other websites, like those about breast cancer. And they have also pointed out that forcing people to get in touch with companies to ask for access to pornography should be seen a violation of their right to privacy. Backers of the bill said that the system would still allow people to see all the information that they wanted to but would keep children safe at the same time. Legislators behind the bill pointed to the example of places like Britain, which has already implemented a ban on some pornographic websites. Source : MSN Financial services are the "bloodstream" of the UK economy and Britain risks a "self-inflicted wound" if a hard Brexit is pursued, a senior British Labour MP has warned. Liz Kendall said firms are "deeply concerned" about losing membership and access to the single market and their passporting rights, which allow financial firms authorised in the UK to operate across the European Economic Area. The former Labour leadership contender urged the British government to maintain an integrated market for the sector and draw up transitional plans so firms do not hit a "cliff edge" when Britain leaves the EU. She told MPs: "Businesses... are deeply concerned about losing their membership of the single market and passporting rights. "And I care about those jobs, I care about the contribution those companies make to the economy, and it's right for us to raise these questions." Ms Kendall said Britain's financial services sector has an "unrivalled reach across the globe" and must be protected. She said: "They are the bloodstream of the wider economy, pumping money through the country by lending it to local businesses. They attract huge levels of inward investment - around 100 billion over the last decade, more than in any other sector - and they are crucial for our pensions and mortgages and for funding the public services on which we all rely." She said leaving the EU has serious implications for these businesses and urged the Government to commit to a transitional agreement for when the UK leaves the EU. Ms Kendall said: "Without transitional arrangements, companies could see their passporting rights being suddenly removed with nothing put in their place, creating legal doubt over huge parts of their business." She also urged the Government to do all it can to maintain an integrated market in financial services. "Putting up barriers to trade would be a self-inflicted wound that makes us all worse off - not just in the UK but in mainland Europe too," she said. Her comments, made in a backbench Commons debate on financial services and the EU, came after the High Court ruled that the Prime Minister must give Parliament a vote to trigger Article 50 and leave the EU. Labour former minister Ben Bradshaw hailed the ruling as "excellent" and said it "gives the British government the chance to reflect on the invocation of Article 50". Politicians across Ireland need to maintain focus on establishing the island's priorities in the Brexit process despite the High Court decision in London, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has insisted. Kenny said the ruling had challenged previous assumptions that his UK counterpart Theresa May was able to trigger an exit from the EU in her own right. "Now clearly the British government have to make a decision as to whether to refer now to the parliament or whether to appeal that case and that's a matter for them," he said. "Irrespective of the decision that they make there we have to concentrate on what our priorities are and work together in the interests of the common benefits of the economies of the people north and south." Mr Kenny was in Belfast to meet political leaders to discuss the on-going fall-out from Brexit. His visit to Stormont came a day after he hosted an all-island forum in Dublin that saw politicians, business leaders and other members of civic society discuss the ramifications of the UK leaving the EU. The Fine Gael leader said his focus was on identifying the priorities for the island in the Brexit negotiations. "Time is short here, we don't have any time to waste," he said. "What we are looking for is cooperation with everybody so we know exactly what it is the priorities we should be following here in order to get the very best result for the people of the north and the people of the island of Ireland as a whole." Stormont First Minister Arlene Foster, a Brexiteer, stayed away from the forum event in Dublin, claiming it would be full of "grandstanding remoaners". Today's #allislanddialogue is a chance to hear about the challenges & opportunities of Brexit from many sectors across Ireland & N.I. Enda Kenny (@EndaKennyTD) November 2, 2016 The Democratic Unionist leader also used a weekend speech to her party conference to accuse Irish government representatives of trying to play up uncertainty around Brexit to "poach" would-be investors from Northern Ireland. Mr Kenny declined to be drawn on her comments as he arrived at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. "I am not in the business of having any rows created with first minister Foster and this is much too important in the context of the island of Ireland," he said. The first minister was not among the leaders the Taoiseach met at Stormont due to her having other diary commitments Mr Kenny said the pair had a "good working relationship" and said they would be holding a meeting in Dublin on November 15. Alan, 45, and and Stephen Harris, 32, were overcome by fumes while working in a sewer at Drumnigh Woods, Portmarnock, Co Dublin, on June 10, 2015. They were recovered and rushed to hospital but died of hypoxia due to toxic levels of hydrogen sulphide. Alan Harris, of Hazelbury Pk, Clonee, died at Beaumont Hospital within hours. Stephen Harris, of Monasterboice Rd, Crumlin, died two days later. They had been conducting sewer works at a development of 145 houses built in 2004. Pumps engineer Gabriel Hoyle was a subcontractor working on the same job. He said : Stephen was frantic. He was standing on the ladder shouting for Alan and then said, Lads help me, Alans after falling down. His voice was deteriorating as if he was being overcome. He was saying Please help me, help me get Alan. He told Dublin Coroners Court that he shouted to Stephen get out now while you still can. But he carried on down. The last thing I saw was him falling under the sewage at the bottom of the ladder. Firefighter Ger Coughlan responded to the emergency call at 2.30pm. Wearing a breathing apparatus, he climbed down the chamber into waist-height sewage. He said there was water entering the chamber and the level was rising. His mask was displaced as he tried to lift one of the injured and he took a gulp of air. It was like someone pressed a switch, cutting off all my energy. My arms and legs were like lead. I was five seconds away from losing consciousness. I knew I had to get myself out or I wasnt coming out, he said. Dublin Fire Brigade updated its procedures after the incident to send specific equipment to similar calls. Extra confined space training has been introduced. American Chemical Society to Honor Mohan Ram Mohan Nov. 3, 2016 BLOOMINGTON, Ill. The American Chemical Societys Committee on Environmental Improvement (ACS-CEI) is honoring Illinois Wesleyan Universitys Ram Mohan for his efforts to incorporate green chemistry principles and sustainability into chemistry education. Mohan will receive the ACS-CEI Award for Incorporating Sustainability into Chemistry Education. The award recognizes individuals and organizations making exemplary contributions to the incorporation of sustainability into chemistry education. The Wendell and Loretta Hess Professor of Chemistry at Illinois Wesleyan, Mohans commitment to incorporating green chemistry principles has included establishment of a strong undergraduate research program aimed at developing environmentally friendly, organic synthesis using nontoxic bismuth salts. This research, which has engaged 110 undergraduates ranging from sophomore to senior status, has resulted in 56 peer-reviewed publications, according to Mohan. He has also introduced a junior-level green chemistry course that culminates in a student-centered poster session open to the public, and he has introduced several green chemistry experiments into the sophomore-level organic chemistry lab course. Mohan will give an invited talk on his work in green chemistry education at the 253rd ACS National Meeting & Exposition in April 2017, where he will formally receive the award. A graduate of Hansraj College in Delhi, India, Mohan earned a masters degree in organic chemistry from the University of Delhi and a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Following that he conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In 2011, the Illinois Heartland Section of the American Chemical Society named Mohan Chemist of the Year. He received the distinguished alumni award from his alma mater UMBC in 2002, the Henry Dreyfus Teacher Scholar award in 2001, and the Pfizer Green Chemistry Award for promoting green chemistry at an undergraduate institution. Mohan was named a Fulbright Specialist on Green Chemistry Education to Pondicherry University in India in 2015, and received a Fulbright-Nehru award to deliver lectures on the principles of green chemistry at several Indian colleges and universities during the 2012-2013 academic year. In summer 2016 Mohan delivered green chemistry workshops at Hong Kong University and at several universities in India. Locally, he has promoted green chemistry in the Bloomington-Normal community by participating in wellness expos. VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - November 03, 2016) - Sarama Resources Ltd. ("Sarama" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: SWA) is pleased to announce positive results from an aircore ("AC"), reverse-circulation ("RC") and diamond drilling campaign at the South Hounde Project (the "Project") in south-western Burkina Faso. The work was designed to test both new targets and extensions to known mineral resources and forms part of an ongoing, multi-faceted exploration program aimed at increasing the Project's 2.1Moz gold1,2 mineral resource to support mine development. Highlights High-grade strike and depth extensions to the mineral resource at a vertical depth of 370m in the central part of the MM Prospect with drilling corroborating previous high-grade intersections. with drilling corroborating previous high-grade intersections. Intersections down-dip of higher-grade shoots demonstrate continuity and extension of the mineralised system to a 400m vertical depth in the southern part of the MM Prospect . . High-grade intersections encountered in drilling designed to investigate strike and depth extensions to an oblique mineralised lode at the MC Prospect . . High-grade oblique mineralisation confirmed at the Phantom East Prospect , highlighting potential in this lightly explored area. , highlighting potential in this lightly explored area. Oxide mineralisation outside of known mineral resources intersected at the Phantom and MC Prospects in scout programs targeting anomalous geophysical zones. in scout programs targeting anomalous geophysical zones. Highlighted downhole intersections include (see Appendices A-D for full details): DDH086 13.7m @ 5.67 g/t Au from 429m MM Prospect (central area extension) DDH044 4.4m @ 4.54 g/t Au from 413m MM Prospect (central area extension) FRC879RE1 7.6m @ 2.95 g/t Au from 471.3m MM Prospect (southern area extension) included in 13.7m @ 1.62 g/t Au from 470.8m FRC1042 16m @ 3.04 g/t Au from 80m MC Prospect (oblique mineralisation extension) FRC1044A 14m @ 2.37 g/t Au from 82m MC Prospect (oblique mineralisation extension) FRC1051 9m @ 3.39 g/t Au from 16m MC Prospect (east-west trend linkage) 5m @ 5.25 g/t Au from 45m FRC1056 4m @ 7.81 g/t Au from 85m Phantom East Prospect (oblique mineralisation) 7m @ 4.54 g/t Au from 104m FRC1050 10m @ 1.95 g/t Au from 2m MC Prospect (isolated geophysical anomaly) see Appendices A-D for full details USD$3.5M (CAD$4.7M) exploration program, funded by Acacia Mining plc, is budgeted for 2017 including geochemical and geophysical surveys and drill programs. MM and Obi Prospects Extensional and Infill Drilling An 11-hole, 2,300m diamond drill program was undertaken to test for extensions to the mineral resource in several areas of the MM Prospect. In general, the program targeted areas in fresh rock that were down-dip and adjacent to high-grade modelled shoots supported by strong drill intersections. Small portions of the drilling also tested for strike extensions to the mineral resources in oxide material. The primary focus of the program was in the deepest part of the mineral resource at the central area of the MM Prospect where mineralisation grading up to 14.5g/t Au over mineable widths was previously intersected (refer Sarama news release August 12, 2012). This part of the mineralised system is open and presents an opportunity to define further high-grade material. The new drilling in this area stepped out approximately 100m along strike to the north and also investigated the potential for footwall repetitions of the high-grade lodes (refer Figures 1 & 2). In general, the drilling returned moderately broad, higher-grade intersections confirming the mineralization model and demonstrating the potential to increase the strike of drill defined mineralisation in the area. Of note is the intersection of 13.7m @ 5.67g/t Au in DDH086 at a vertical depth of approximately 370m, which is hosted in sericite-albite-altered sedimentary rock, rather than the more prevalent porphyry host, and sits in the footwall of the main mineralized porphyry lodes of the system. Full results are listed in Appendix A with highlighted downhole intersections including: 13.7m @ 5.67g/t Au from 429m in DDH086; from 429m in DDH086; 4.4m @ 4.54g/t Au from 413m in DDH044; and from 413m in DDH044; and 4.0m @ 2.75g/t Au from 445m in DDH004. The intersection in DDH086 may represent a high-grade mineralized oblique fault structure and requires further drill definition. Brecciation was also noted in the zone of higher grade mineralisation in DDH044, further illustrating the possibility of structural features influencing grade distribution. The strength of these results and their reinforcement of previous high-grade intersections further highlights this zone as a compelling exploration target. Drill testing for down-dip extensions to the mineral resource in the southern part of the MM Prospect was also successful in confirming the continuity of porphyry-hosted mineralisation over broad widths. Higher-grade zones are present within the overall broad porphyry intersections, suggesting continuation of the mineralised system past the 400m vertical depth drilled in this area. Further work on the controls of the higher-grade shoots will be used to inform future targeting strategy in this area. Highlighted intersections from this portion of the drilling include: 13.7m @ 1.62g/t Au from 470.8m, including 6.7m @ 2.95g/t Au from 471.3m; and from 471.3m; and 6.1m @ 1.61g/t Au from 487.5m, including 3.5m @ 2.51g/t Au from 490m in FRC879RE1. Ancillary Drilling A 5-hole program, comprising 300m of diamond and 400m of RC drilling was undertaken at the MM and Obi Prospects in selected areas where recent geophysical surveys indicated potential for additional mineralisation and/or alternative interpretations in areas of known geological complexity. The results of the program largely support existing interpretations and grade estimation of the mineral resource, and the new data will be incorporated in future mineral resource updates. Full results are listed in Appendix A. MC Prospect Extensional and Infill Drilling - High-Grade Oblique Lode Follow-up drilling to investigate strike and depth extensions was conducted on a high-grade, oblique mineralised lode located in the central area of the MC Prospect (refer Figures 1, 3 & 4). The lode is part of the mineral resource and was defined by previous drilling campaigns to be striking at approximately 070, which is oblique to the main north-north-east ("NNE") striking porphyry-hosted lodes that transect this lode. The limited strike length of the lode and strength of previous drill intersections indicated potential to extend the mineral resource to the south-west and north-east. Ground based geophysical surveys, including north-south oriented gradient array and sectional induced polarisation ("IP") surveys were commissioned to assist in drill targeting. The 11-hole program consisting of 800m diamond and 900m RC drilling tested for strike extensions of approximately 70m in each direction as well as extension to a vertical depth of approximately 220m. Full results of the program are included in Appendix B, with highlighted intersections of: 16m @ 3.04g/t Au from 80m in FRC1042; from 80m in FRC1042; 14m @ 2.37g/t from 82m in FRC1044A; and from 82m in FRC1044A; and 7m @ 1.70g/t Au from 82m in FRC1043. The results indicate modest potential for the oblique lode to be extended to the south-west in the upper zone, however shallow drilling to the north-east did not intersect mineralisation of significance. Deeper drilling suggests potential to extend the lode in both directions of strike as well as at depth based on the continuity demonstrated by the deeper intersections in DDH077 (refer Figure 4). Further assessment of the structural geology will be undertaken in this complex area to reinforce targeting strategies prior to additional drilling. The close proximity of the multiple NNE trending lodes and the oblique target lode presents challenges in drill planning and several results included in Appendix B represent shallow angle intersections of NNE trending mineralisation and are considered secondary to the purpose of the program. Extensional and Infill Drilling -- Other Areas A separate program of modest size targeting minor extensions to, and infill of, the mineral resource in various areas of the MC Prospect was also undertaken. The results of this 6-hole program (consisting of 600m of diamond and 400m of RC drilling) generally confirmed the existing mineral resource interpretation. Full results are included in Appendix B. Of note are the multiple intersections in DDH068, including an interval of porphyry-hosted mineralisation at a vertical depth of 340m. While of moderate tenor, this isolated intersection demonstrates continuity in the down-dip direction and indicates that the mineralised system remains open along strike and down-dip. As observed in other areas of the mineralised system, high-grade shoots situated outside of the limited drill area present an opportunity for extensional exploration. Additional Targets -- Cross Structures A 4-hole, 400m RC drill program targeted oblique mineralisation potentially located in a 300m wide zone separating tracts of NNE-trending mineralisation at the MC Prospect. The drilling was broadly spaced and designed to follow-up on previous reconnaissance drilling supported by recent geophysical surveys. Results from the program are encouraging with several high-grade oxide intersections being returned including: 9m @ 3.39g/t Au from 16m; and from 16m; and 5m @ 5.25g/t Au from 45m in FRC1051 (refer Figure 3). Full results are included in Appendix B. Further drilling is required to interpret the orientation and extent of mineralisation in the area. Phantom Group of Prospects Phantom East Prospect A 6-hole, 700m RC drill program was undertaken at the Phantom East Prospect to follow-up higher-grade intersections returned from AC programs in Q1 2016. The area accounts for a small portion of the current mineral resource and is geologically complex with mineralisation possibly being associated with structural features interpreted to strike obliquely (070) to the main NNE trend. The drilling was designed to confirm existing high-grade intersections and test for strike extensions to the south-west. The drilling confirmed the tenor of previous drilling and supports the interpretation of several closely spaced, high-grade lodes which are narrow and steeply-dipping. The strike of the mineralisation is inferred to be oblique to the main mineralised trend and largely situated between the historical east-west drill lines. Drilling to the immediate south-west did not intersect significant mineralisation however this may be due to the steep dip of the lodes and divergence of strike relative to the drill lines. The presence of oblique mineralisation in this lightly-tested area highlights the potential for additions of near-surface high-grade mineralisation to the mineral resource base. Further drilling is required to re-test for strike extensions in this direction in between existing drill lines (Refer Figures 5 & 6). Full results are listed in Appendix C with encouraging downhole intersections including: 5m @ 3.45g/t Au from 85m in FRC1038; from 85m in FRC1038; 4m @ 7.81g/t Au from 85m; and from 85m; and 7m @ 4.54g/t Au from 104m in FRC1056. Note: FRC1056 and FRC1038 were drilled at a shallow angles (<~20-50) to mineralisation -- true width expected to be approximately 25-50% of downhole length Phantom and Phantom West Prospects A small 5-hole AC program was conducted at the Phantom and Phantom West Prospects to infill and test for extensions to the mineral resource. Full results are listed in Appendix C. Isolated Geophysical Targets A 13-hole program comprising 600m of RC and 2,100m of diamond drilling was undertaken at the MC, MM and Phantom Prospects to test geophysical targets generated from a recent geophysical survey. The gradient array and pole-dipole IP surveys were undertaken using north-south oriented grid lines which were orthogonal to previous surveys conducted in these areas. The re-orientation was specifically incorporated to enhance imagery of geophysical anomalous zones that were potentially striking sub-parallel to the previous grid. Several anomalous zones were identified in the re-oriented survey and are interpreted as potential mineralised bodies containing sulphide mineralisation. Many of these anomalies are shallow in depth and are interpreted to dip steeply to the north, which is aligned with other areas of the mineralised system where oblique mineralisation has been defined by drilling. The drilling successfully intersected sulphide mineralisation at targeted depths, however gold tenors were modest. The results will be used to further develop understanding of the structural architecture of the mineralised system and to calibrate geophysical data with geological observations. Several encouraging intersections were returned, largely in oxide material and present an opportunity to delineate additional oxide mineralisation to add to the mineral resource base. Full results are included in Appendix D, with a highlighted intersection of 10m @ 1.95g/t Au from 2m in FRC1050. Sarama's President and CEO, Andrew Dinning, commented: "Historically, the principal focus had been to extend the near surface mineral resources but the recent shift to improve our understanding of the fabric and vertical extent of the system has delivered encouraging results. The deeper, high-grade intersections we are seeing at the MM Prospect further illustrate the potential of the system and flags more options for development including underground mining. Drill testing is very limited, but what has been done shows that we have continuity and economically significant grades at depth. We firmly believe that the South Hounde Project has the potential to be an open pit and underground mining complex. The Project will play a key role in the development of the southern part of the Hounde Belt where Sarama has significant interests across three projects collectively hosting sizeable gold mineral resources." Figure 1 - Drill Plan Showing Location of New Drilling Figure 2 - Oblique View of Deep Drilling at MM Prospect (central) Showing Potential for Strike and Depth Extensions to Mineral Resource Figure 3 - Detail Plan of MC Prospect Showing Oblique Mineralisation Targeted by New Drilling and Highlighted Intersections Figure 4 - Oblique View of Deep Drilling at MC Prospect Showing Limited Drill Coverage and Potential for Strike and Depth Extensions to Mineral Resource Figure 5 - Detail Plan of Phantom East Prospect Showing Oblique Mineralisation Targeted by New Drilling and Highlighted Intersections Figure 6 - Oblique Section (along Azimuth of FRC1056) at Phantom East Prospect Showing Oblique Mineralisation Targeted by New Drilling and Highlighted Intersections ABOUT SARAMA RESOURCES LTD Sarama Resources Ltd (TSX VENTURE: SWA) is a West African focused gold explorer with substantial landholdings in Burkina Faso. Sarama's flagship properties are situated within the Company's South Hounde Project area in south-west Burkina Faso. Located within the prolific Hounde greenstone belt, Sarama's exploration programs have built on significant early success to deliver an inferred mineral resource estimate of 2.1 Moz gold1,2. Acacia Mining plc is earning up to a 70% interest in the South Hounde Project by satisfying certain conditions, including funding earn-in expenditures of up to US$14 million, over a 4-year earn-in period and may acquire an additional 5% interest, for an aggregate 75% interest in the Project, upon declaration of a minimum mineral reserve of 1.6 million ounces of gold. Sarama is focused on consolidating under-explored landholdings in Burkina Faso and other established mining jurisdictions. Sarama holds a 31% participating interest in the Karankasso Project Joint Venture ("JV") which is situated adjacent to the Company's South Hounde Project in Burkina Faso and is a JV between Sarama and Savary Gold Corp. ("Savary"). Savary is the operator of the JV and in October 2015, declared a maiden inferred mineral resource estimate of 671,000 ounces of contained gold3,4 at the Karankasso Project JV. Incorporated in 2010, the Company's Board and management team have a proven track record in Africa and a strong history in the discovery and development of large-scale gold deposits. Sarama is well positioned to build on its current success with a sound exploration strategy across its property portfolio. 43.0 Mt @ 1.5 g/t Au (reported above cut-off grades ranging 0.3-2.2 g/t Au, reflecting the mining methods and processing flowsheets assumed to assess the likelihood of the inferred mineral resources having reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction) The effective date of the Company's inferred mineral resource estimate is February 4, 2016. For further information regarding the mineral resource estimate please refer to the technical report titled "NI 43-101 Independent Technical Report South Hounde Project Update, Bougouriba and Ioba Provinces, Burkina Faso", dated March 31, 2016. The technical report is available under Sarama Resources Ltd.'s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 9.2 Mt @ 2.3 g/t Au (at a 0.5 g/t Au cut-off) The effective date of the Karankasso Project JV mineral resource estimate is October 7, 2015. For further information regarding the mineral resource estimate please refer to the technical report titled "Technical Report and Resource Estimate on the Karankasso Project, Burkina Faso", dated October 7, 2015. The technical report is available under Savary Gold Corp's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Sarama has not independently verified Savary's mineral resource estimate and takes no responsibility for its accuracy. CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Information in this news release that is not a statement of historical fact constitutes forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information includes statements regarding the Company's plans for drilling and geochemical and geophysical surveys at the South Hounde Project, the Earn-In Agreement with Acacia, including the amounts that may be spent on exploration and interests in the South Hounde Project that may be earned by Acacia upon making certain expenditures and estimating a minimum reserve, the potential to expand the present oxide component of the Company's existing estimated mineral resources, and future exploration plans. Actual results, performance or achievements of the Company may vary from the results suggested by such forward-looking statements due to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such factors include, among others, that the business of exploration for gold and other precious minerals involves a high degree of risk and is highly speculative in nature; Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves, they do not have demonstrated economic viability, and there is no certainty that they can be upgraded to Mineral Reserves through continued exploration; few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; the actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. There can be no assurance that any mineralisation that is discovered will be proven to be economic, or that future required regulatory licensing or approvals will be obtained. However, the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, Acacia's continued funding of exploration activities, the Company's ability to carry on its exploration activities, the sufficiency of funding, the timely receipt of required approvals, the price of gold and other precious metals, that the Company will not be affected by adverse political events, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain further financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Sarama does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable laws. 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. NOTES -- DRILLING Drilling results are quoted as downhole intersections. True widths of mineralisation are estimated to be approximately 70% to 80% of reported downhole intersection lengths, except as otherwise noted. The orientation of some of the mineralised units is not yet well understood. The reported composites for the drilling were determined using a cut-off grade of 0.30g/t Au to select significant and anomalous intersections, with a maximum of 2m internal dilution being incorporated into the composite where appropriate. No top-cuts were applied to assay grades. Isolated mineralised intersections less than 2m in length have not been reported. Gold assays for the drilling were undertaken by the ALS Minerals, SGS SA and Bigs Global laboratories in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and SGS SA laboratory in Bamako, Mali. Assays are determined by fire assay methods using a 50 gram charge, lead collection and an AAS finish with lower detection limits of 0.01g/t Au (ALS) and 0.005g/t Au (Bigs Global). The drilling was generally designed using a range of azimuths, according to program aims and mineralization orientation, dipping at -50-55 and were of variable length. Holes were spaced at 25-50m intervals along drill lines. All AC and RC holes were sampled at regular 1m downhole intervals. All diamond holes were sampled according to geological intervals but were generally <1m. Intersection oxidation state classification is based on visual logging of the drillholes. Sarama undertakes geological sampling and assays in accordance with its quality assurance/quality control program which includes the use of certified reference materials for AC, RC and diamond drilling as well as field duplicates in the case of AC and RC drilling. For further information regarding the Company's QAQC protocols please refer to the technical report titled "NI 43-101 Independent Technical Report, South Hounde Project Update, Bougouriba and Ioba Provinces, Burkina Faso", dated March 31, 2016. The technical report is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. QUALIFIED PERSONS' STATEMENT Scientific or technical information in this news release that relates to the Company's exploration activities in Burkina Faso is based on information compiled or approved by Guy Scherrer. Guy Scherrer is an employee of Sarama Resources Ltd and is a member in good standing of the Ordre des Geologues du Quebec and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the commodity, style of mineralisation under consideration and activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Guy Scherrer consents to the inclusion in this report of the information, in the form and context in which it appears. Scientific or technical information in this news release that relates to the preparation of the Company's mineral resource estimate is based on information compiled or approved by Adrian Shepherd. Adrian Shepherd is an employee of Cube Consulting Pty Ltd and is considered to be independent of Sarama Resources Ltd. Adrian Shepherd is a Chartered Professional Member in good standing of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the commodity, style of mineralisation under consideration and activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Adrian Shepherd consents to the inclusion in this news release of the information, in the form and context in which it appears. Scientific or technical information in this news release that relates to the preparation of the Karankasso Project's mineral resource estimate is based on information compiled or approved by Eugene Puritch and Antoine Yassa. Eugene Puritch and Antoine Yassa are employees of P&E Mining Consultants Inc. and are considered to be independent of Savary Gold Corp. and Sarama Resources Ltd. Antoine Yassa is a member in good standing of the Ordre des Geologues du Quebec and Eugene Puritch is a member in good standing of Professional Engineers Ontario. Eugene Puritch and Antoine Yassa have sufficient experience which is relevant to the commodity, style of mineralisation under consideration and activity which they are undertaking to qualify as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Eugene Puritch and Antoine Yassa consent to the inclusion in this news release of the information, in the form and context in which it appears. Sarama has not independently verified Savary's mineral resource estimate and takes no responsibility for its accuracy. A South Korean worker in Botswana has been found dead and another wounded in an apparent robbery, the foreign ministry here said Monday. The worker was found dead on Sunday (local time) in his temporary house in Palapye, 270 km northeast of Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, according to the ministry. The man, whose identify has not been confirmed, died from a gunshot wound apparently sustained during a home invasion that took place around 2 a.m. Another Korean worker was also wounded, though his condition has yet to be confirmed. The ministry said that it has dispatched its local staff to the scene. A consular official based in South Africa will also be sent to look into the case, the ministry said. (Yonhap) South Korean and U.S. marines conducted their first joint drill to brace for a possible exodus of North Korean refugees in the event of an emergency situation, a military official said Thursday. The exercise, also involving the South Korean Navy, is part of the nine-day joint landing exercises which will run until Sunday in the southeastern city of Pohang, the Marine Corps said. The exercise focused on how to accommodate and provide humanitarian support to North Korean refugees in the event of conflict or the sudden collapse of the North regime that could lead to an outflow of people. The civil-military operation brought together around 130 American soldiers and special personnel who have experience in assisting refugees in Afghanistan, it said. The South Korean Navy and Marine Corps have jointly operated a unit set up to take part in operations to support possible North Korean refugees. "The exercise helped us share experiences with U.S. soldiers in accommodating and helping refugees," said a Marine Corps officer. The allies also conducted a joint drill to transport equipment needed for an amphibious landing, it said. Mobilizing about 2,600 soldiers and about 300 military assets, the drill was carried out by renting a private deck carrier on which a 17,000 ton helicopters can land. A military official said that the drill will help boost capabilities to speedily deploy forces to areas where existing port facilities have been destroyed or where the coastline makes it hard to send in troops and their equipment. (Yonhap) CHARLESTON -- A man's prison time for burglary convictions could be reduced if he's successful at a prison system discipline program. Dakota W. Gentry, 20, for whom court records list an address of 1417 Marshall Ave., Apt. 1, Mattoon, was sentenced to a total of six years in prison after he admitted burglarizing a vehicle and a Mattoon store. The agreement reached in his case included a recommendation for the Illinois Department of Corrections' impact incarceration program, often called a prison boot camp. Prison officials will have to decide whether to admit Gentry to the program but inmates who compete it successfully have their prison time reduced. Gentry was accused of burglarizing a vehicle parked on Walnut Avenue in Mattoon on April 7 and entering the Mattoon Wal-Mart with plans to steal from the store on July 31. Prison time was required for the convictions because of Gentry's criminal record. Also the two, three-year prison terms had to be added together because he was out of jail on bond at the time of the second offense. Coles County Circuit Judge Teresa Righter sentenced Gentry by accepting the terms of a plea agreement that Assistant State's Attorney Rob Scales and Public Defender Anthony Ortega recommended. In other cases in court before Righter recently: Ashley N. Moore, 23, whose address on record is 324 Illinois Ave., Mattoon, was sentenced to the maximum probation sentence possible for causing a fire that damaged the rental home where she was living on July 3 of last year. Moore was placed on probation for 2 1/2 years for her conviction for an arson charge to which she pleaded guilty in August. There was no agreement on a sentence when she pleaded guilty but the charge was reduced at that time so a prison sentence was no longer required. Terms of Moore's probation include evaluations for counseling and substance abuse treatment and the requirement that she follow the evaluations' recommendations. She was also ordered to pay about $400 in fines and court fees while jail time was stayed, meaning Moore won't have to serve it if she follows her sentence's requirements. Righter sentenced Moore based on recommendations from Assistant State's Attorney Tom Bucher and defense attorney Sean Britton. Trent M. Dailey, 31, for whom records list an address of 216 Essex Ave., Mattoon, pleaded guilty to a methamphetamine possession charge alleging he had the drug on Sept. 9. A charge of possession of a weapon by a felon that accused Dailey of having a club on July 9, 2014, was dismissed and he was placed on probation for 2 1/2 years. Terms of the sentence included substance abuse treatment, about $1,400 in fines and fees and stayed jail time. Righter accepted a plea agreement that Scales and Ortega recommended. Antonio Ghaziani, 24, whose address on record is 660 W. Elm Ave., Lot 224, Charleston, pleaded guilty to a property damage charge alleging he had a role in slashing vehicle tires on Aug. 18. The charge was a felony because of the value of the damage and the terms of Ghaziani's two-year probation sentence included payment of just more than $1,100 in restitution. Righter accepted a plea agreement that Scales and Ortega recommended. The Coles County Democratic Central Committee has announced a "clutter free" policy at Coles County Polling Sites for the November 8th, 2016, General Election. Coles County Democratic Party will not post dozens of signs near Coles County Polling locations in an attempt to influence voters. Were excited to announce that metalbulletin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com. A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving metals market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets. Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials. If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details. The Holy Bible does not make any direct or indirect reference to dating services. In actual fact, the Bible does not indicate the process Christians should use in searching for potential soul partners, or whichever method Christians should date or court. The reason being that, during the biblical times online dating or social discovery platforms for singles (such as sweeedy.com ) did not exist in the same form as it is presently. During the biblical era, families assisted young men and women meet and become engaged and sometimes chose their childrens friends for them. We can take look at the story of Isaac and Rebekah and how God brought them together ( Genesis 24 ). It was sovereignty planned and controlled by God. Today, most single Ghanaians are left on their own to locate a spouse. Several other single Christian Ghanaians do not bother to look for a spouse, but strongly believe God will bring the special person to them. Some other single Christians are feverishly engaging in all forms of activities and events which will help them find partners. According to the Holy Bible, God perfectly loves everyone ( Ephesians 3:18 ; 1 John 3:16-18 ) and perfectly controls every situation on earth ( Psalm 109:21 ; Romans 8:38-39 ). For this reason, every Christian can be sure that God will most likely bring the right man or woman to their path, eventually at a certain point in time. God at his own will use choices of singles and other people including modern technology to bring about marriages. As in all decisions, Christians are required to consult God for direction. For instance, assuming a single Christian has most of his/her friends already married, it can be difficult to meet another single Christian Ghanaian man and woman. In this case, the single Christian will be left with the option of looking for a partner in church, through friends, family, workplace or at an event. These scenarios can be very limiting, since the exposure is constrained to the number of people in a city or nature of their activities. Therefore, it may be wise for a single Christian to consider modern methods of finding a spouse by trying online social discovery platforms for single Ghanaians, like sweeedy.com (Ghanas First Premium Online Dating Website). In summary, a single Ghanaian Christian should view the use of online dating platform as another avenue (just like church, a wedding, workplace, shopping, etc) to find a partner. But before beginning online dating (on platforms like sweeedy.com ) as a single Ghanaian Christian, it is important to commit such engagement into Gods hands and believe He will direct the finding of a like-minded spouse online. The Holy Bible states that Christians should seek God and He will fulfil your desires ( Psalm 103:5 ; Romans 12:2 ) in His perfect way and His perfect time ( Romans 5:6 ; Romans 8:26-27 ). The biblical issue will forever be not how you meet, but whom you marry (1 Corinthians 7:39). The most important question a single Christian Ghanaian need to ask is, are they mature enough to discern a worthy spouse? Actress cum model, Charlotte Derban joins the cast of the hit Television drama series Table of Men. Playing the role of a secretary in her early 20s, the beautiful gem joins Adjetey Anang, Prince David, Okyeame Kwame, Ecow Smith-Asante, Martha Ankomah, Kalsum Sinari among others in Table of Men. TABLE OF MEN Tells stories of various men from all walks of life living in Ghana, sharing and celebrating their success and achievements at a pivot of the drama series, which is an assembly of MEN. The lives of five men are intertwined into a beautiful suspense driven story full of passion, love, intrigue, deception and mistaken identity. The series is directed by Abeiku a.k.a Killer of Things we do for Love fame. Below is the all new trailer of the upcoming episodes featuring Charlotte Derban. 03.11.2016 LISTEN No matter how you contort it or view it in the light, the career of Mr Eazi continues to baffle and amaze. Its a short and windy journey that has so far seen the talented Nigerian fling himself from the streets of Kumasi, to O2 Forum Kentish Town, London. The artist signed to Starboy Worldwide was a co-host on Destination Africa with BBC 1Xtras DJ Edu two days ago, where he had the opportunity to answer questions thrown in by fans concerning his music career. With rawness, but a silky, promising and well-lit range talent showcased in his career thus far, Mr Eazi took some time to give an insight on why his upcoming mix tape is named Accra to Lagos. The mix tape bears that name because my music basically started in Accra, moved to Lagos and is now all over the place. Generally Ive been embarking on a lot of road trips, so my music is inspired mainly by expressions from both Ghana and Nigeria. I needed to make a compilation. Eazi also touched on how his life has changed since the release of Bankulize which featured Pappy Kojo, as well his days spent in Kwame University of Science and Technology (Knust). Although he acquired admission in Canada, his Parents recommended Knust for Mr Eazi mainly because of their tremendous academic performance and strict and rich educational system in Ghana. Also to enable a strong connection with his extended family in Ghana. My move to Ghana was a blessing, its the reason Im here today, he affectionately said. Accra To Lagos drops in December 2016, parading the likes of Wizkid, Phyno, Olamide, Haile, Medikal and more with songs like Skin Tight (remix) , Tilapia ( Bankulize & Shitor Sequel), Life is Eazi , etc . His UK tour also kicks off next year. Hot Arctic Nights In North Pole, Alaska, Christmas spirit is everywhereexcept in Hallie Prentisss heart. At least her two-week stint managing the Dancing Elves B&B will pay the bills. Then she gets a look at long-term guest Daniel Reynolds. Whether dressed as Santa or (even better) wearing next to nothing, the man is gorgeous, charming, and sexy as hell. Workaholic Hallie is tempted to take a walk on the naughty side for once. But when she does, will she ever want to leave? By Firelight Theres nothing like nearly freezing to death on the Appalachian Trail to make a woman want to live a little. And when Madison Tierney stumbles upon Grant Monroes mountain cabin during a blizzard, shes gripped by something more than gratitude. Soon, the glow of firelight sparks hot, sweet kissesand the start of a Christmas adventure shell never forget. This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions . Lee Kilraine, Janice Maynard, Irene Onorato, and Cynthia Tennent will be awarding a digital copy of all the books to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops in the tour.The Irish setter dozing on the rag rug in front of the hearth lifted her head and whined. Grant looked up from his book. The dog sniffed the door.He stood and followed her. What is it, girl? Automatically he checked for the rifle standing to the left of the doorframe, just out of sight of any intruders. He enjoyed his self-imposed isolation, but he wasnt immune to its dangers.The dog barked, a sharp, quick sound filled with knowledge denied to the inferior hearing of humans. Grant felt the hair rise on the back of his neck as his pulse picked up. What was out there? A bear? A bobcat? Either was a possibility.Something hit the door, and the dog went wild, scratching and pawing at the sturdy oak. Grant hesitated for a split second, and then a sound, almost surely human, made the decision for him. He unlocked the door and jerked it open, jumping back in surprise when a bundle of snow-covered cloth tumbled in and literally landed on his feet.The next few minutes were chaotic. The dog jumped and barked at the lump on the floor while Grant struggled to close the door against the force of the wind.When he finally managed that and quieted the frantic dog, the resulting silence resonated with unanswered questions. He knelt cautiously and put a hand on what he now could see was a persons shoulder. Gently, he turned him/her over.He sucked in a shocked breath.USA Today bestselling author Janice Maynard knew she loved books and writing by the time she was eight years old. But it took multiple rejections and many years of trying before she sold her first three novels. After teaching kindergarten and second grade for a number of years, Janice took a leap of faith and quit her day job. Since then she has written and sold over thirty-five books and novellas.During a recent trip to Scotland, Janice enjoyed getting to know the motherland. Her grandfathers parents emigrated from the home of bagpipes, heather, and kilts. Janice lives in east Tennessee with her husband, Charles. They love hiking, traveling, and spending time with family. Hearing from readers is one of the best perks of the job!Buy the book at Amazon Kobo , or Barnes and Noble Two international artistes from Nigeria have been invited to perform at the 'Ghana + Peace Concert' slated for November 19 at the Efua Sutherland Park in Accra. The artistes Ngozi Orji, Dr Money will perform alongside some prominent Ghanaian artistes. They have promised their fans in Ghana nothing but good live musical performances. According to the organisers, Obiba Foundation, the concert will feature prominent Ghanaian highlife, hiplife and dancehall artistes who will thrill Ghanaians with their hit songs and peace messages. Ghanaian artistes billed to perform at the event include Obiba Sly Collins, Yaw Sarpong, SP Kofi Sarpong, Amandzeba, Trigmatic, Jupitar, Agbeshie Kula, Kamelyeon, among others. The organisers hinted that the peace concert will bring together people from all walks of life, politicians and the various flagbearers, adding that there will be no political party colours at the concert. Before the show kicks off, the representatives from the various political parties will be given the opportunity to address the public with their various peace messages. The spokesperson for Obiba Foundation, Edward Mackenzie, stated that the concert is a thank you present to chiefs, members of the clergy, politicians, journalists, doctors, among many others. This is another way to spread the message of peace further. The show will enable us to use that platform to spread the gospel of peace which we are all desperately crying for before during and after the election, we believe every music lover who attends will hear and also spread the message further, he added. Meanwhile, Sly Collins, CEO of Obiba Foundation and the brain behind the peace concert, has released his ninth track titled 'Psalm 91' from his forthcoming 'Reality' album of 13 tracks. By George Clifford Owusu Perhaps still basking in the joy of welcoming a new label signee, Don Jazzy has shared a quitted habit. The beat master who earlier expressed his respect for Iyanya and his decision to join the Mavin spilled this in a random chat. When asked what cigarette brand he takes, he was blunt to explain that he actually quitted two months ago. Let's learn that not all artistes must own a label. Or else one ends up suffering the business or music. Iyanya made a great decision and earns my respect he had posted about the inking of Iyanyas contract. Zuma has weathered a series of major scandals since coming to power in 2009, but rapidly declining support for the ANC has threatened his presidency. By Francois Nascimbeni (AFP/File) 03.11.2016 LISTEN Johannesburg (AFP) - South African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday faced increasing calls to resign after a damaging probe unearthed further evidence of alleged corruption at the top of the ANC government. The country's anti-graft watchdog ordered a judicial inquiry into possible criminal activity in Zuma's relationship with the Guptas, a wealthy Indian family accused of wielding undue political influence. Zuma, 74, has weathered a series of major scandals since coming to power in 2009, but rapidly declining support for the African National Congress (ANC) party has threatened his presidency. Fears have grown that South Africa has thrown away the optimistic legacy of Nelson Mandela's post-apartheid era -- with Zuma's alleged misconduct at the heart of public discontent. "The mood of the people has become more and more angry," said a statement from Save South Africa, a new umbrella group of anti-apartheid veterans, civil activists, business leaders and churches. "(The ANC) must stop putting the interests of Jacob Zuma before the interests of South Africa," it said. "The president must step down now." Criticism of Zuma has spread in recent months, with calls for him to step down emerging from influential trade unions, corporate bosses and even senior ANC figures, as well as from opposition parties. New voices speak out Protesters carry a cardboard mock up coffin reading 'Run Guptas run' as they demonstrate against South African president Jacob Zuma and in support of the release of the "State Capture" report in Pretoria on November 2, 2016 "The individuals who are now joining the chorus are not only the usual suspects, but, until very recently, staunch backers of Zuma's ANC," the Times daily said in its editorial on Thursday. "Voices expressing dissatisfaction with his leadership are getting louder as more damning evidence of his misgovernance emerges." The probe released by the Public Protector watchdog detailed allegations that Zuma ensured the Gupta family won huge preferential contracts with state companies and were able to choose cabinet ministers. Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas told the investigation he was taken by Zuma to the Guptas' home in Johannesburg where Ajay Gupta said he would be appointed finance minister. When Jonas refused, Ajay allegedly offered him 600 million rand ($44 million) and asked if Jonas had a bag to take away 600,000 rand in cash immediately. The report also unveiled phone evidence that David Van Rooyen, then a little-known Zuma loyalist, was regularly in touch with the Guptas before he was briefly appointed finance minister last year. The Guptas have denied all wrongdoing, and on Thursday welcomed an official inquiry. "Now we have opportunity to... present our facts to a judge," family lawyer Gert van der Merwe told the eNCA news channel. Election setback Zuma, who travelled to Zimbabwe on Thursday, said that he was studying the Public Protector's report and considering a court challenge. The president, who under apartheid was jailed on Robben Island with Mandela, has been dogged by scandals, including being found guilty of violating the constitution after he refused to repay taxpayers money used to refurbish his private rural house. But he retains deep loyalty in large sections of the ANC, especially in rural areas, and has built up a strong patronage network of supporters. The ANC is due to choose a new leader at the end of next year, with the selected leader then running as president in national elections in 2019, when Zuma cannot stand for a third term in office. Municipal elections in August produced the ANC's worst-ever poll performance, though it remains easily South Africa's biggest party. Public frustration has been fanned by the government's failure to tackle soaring unemployment, low growth and limited change for many of the poorest since the end of white-minority rule in 1994. Migrants wait to be rescued in the Mediterranean Sea about 12 nautical miles north of Libya on October 4, 2016. By Aris Messinis (AFP/File) 03.11.2016 LISTEN Rome (AFP) - At least 110 people are feared to have drowned off Libya when a migrant boat capsized, and more may have died in another stricken vessel, the UN's refugee agency said Thursday, citing survivor testimony. "A vessel with around 140 people on board overturned Wednesday just a few hours after setting off from Libya, throwing everyone into the water. Only 29 people survived," UNHCR spokesperson Carlotta Sami told AFP. The Norwegian vessel Siem Pilot was first on the scene, some 20 nautical miles off Libya, and rescued the survivors -- all of whom were in poor condition after spending hours in the water -- and recovered 12 bodies. Those pulled to safety were transferred to the island of Lampedusa by the Italian coast guard. In what could be a second incident, which could not be immediately confirmed by the coast guard, two women told the UN agency they believed they were the only survivors in an disaster in which some 125 people drowned. "They told us they were on a faulty dinghy which began to sank as soon as they set sail. They were the only survivors," Sami said. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) quoted the same survivors but put the total death toll at around 240 people. "Not enough has been done so far to avoid these tragedies," said Flavio di Giacomo, IOM spokesman in Italy. Fleeing across the Mediterranean The Italian coast guard said it had no information on the second reported rescue on Wednesday or the saving of two women. Over 4,000 migrants have died or are missing feared drowned after attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing this year. Migrants overboard The rescue situation is often chaotic, with people confused, sick or exhausted after periods in crisis-hit Libya unable to specify how many people were on board their dinghies at the outset or what vessel pulled them from the water. At least two rescue missions were underway off Libya on Thursday, with close to 180 people pulled to safety according to an AFP photographer aboard the Topaz Responder, run by the Malta-based MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station). "Before dawn, we saw a migrant dinghy, lit up by the Responder's search light," photographer Andreas Solaro said, adding that 31 people, 28 men and three women, one of them elderly, were rescued. The Norwegian vessel Siem Pilot was first on the scene, some 20 nautical miles off Libya, and rescued the survivors In the second rescue, 147 people from Eritrea, Ghana, Sudan, Mali and Sierra Leone were pulled to safety, including 20 women, though only after some had fallen into the sea. "The (Responder) crew was shouting at them to sit down and stay calm while the lifejackets were handed out but they were getting agitated, and around 10 of them fell overboard, some without lifejackets on," Solaro said. All were pulled to safety. October marked a record monthly high in the number of migrants arriving in Italy in recent years -- some 27,000 people -- and the departures have showed no sign of slowing, despite worsening weather in the Mediterranean. Amnesty International warned Thursday the pressure placed on Italy by Europe to cope alone with the worst migration crisis since World War II had led to "unlawful expulsions and ill-treatment which in some cases may amount to torture". By Kodjo Adams, GNA Accra, Nov. 1, GNA - The Ghana Revenue Authority in collaboration with Ecobank and West Blue Consulting has launched an electronic card for the payment of customs duty. The platform dubbed, 'The Ghana National Single Window CashXPress Card' is a reloadable pre-paid card that offers a new, convenient and secure way to make trade payments easy. Mr Seth Terkper, Minister of Finance, launching the platform, said the card helps to provide secure transactions, increases transparency and financial inclusion, eliminates the use of cloned or forged trade documents and the delays associated with bank processes. He said the Ghana National Single Window project was initiated on September 1, 2015 to enhance the country's trade and economic development and secure and increase government revenue. Mr Terkper said the project was developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in 2005 in an effort to simplify, harmonise and standardise international trade procedures and associated information flows. He said the project was a partnership between business and government to strengthen the country's trade competitiveness and enhance the participation of the business community in the global market. The Minister said the electronic card would facilitate trade transactions at the ports as well as reduce time and costs spent in doing trade businesses. Mr George Blankson, Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, said the national single window project has been beneficial since its implementation, saying it provides traders with the critical single entry point to facilitate trade transaction. He said the electronic card would offer shippers easy, flexible and convenient payment options through the use card payment. The Association of Ghana Industries and the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders welcomed the initiative saying it would reduce the human interface in trade transactions, allowing most processes to be undertaken automatically. GNA Accra, Nov 2, GNA - The Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) has inaugurated its newest state of the art branch at the campus of the University of Professional Studies, (UPSA). The branch is located a few metres away from the main entrance of the UPSA and features two banking halls and a 24-hour automatic teller machine (24/7 ATM). The UPSA branch, which expands UMB's networks to 31, has generated a lot of interest among tertiary students. The bank has invested resources to execute both financial and non-financial initiatives to grow the bank's student customer base. Dignitaries who graced the event included the Chancellor of UPSA, His Royal Majesty Drolo Bosso Adamtey 1, the Member of Parliament for the Madina Constituency, Mr Amadu Sorogho; and the Dean of Students of UPSA, Mr Mawuli Feglo. The Chief Executive Officer of UMB bank, Mr John Awuah, stated: 'It is no secret that UMB bank has a very special relationship with students. "Over the past two years, we have witnessed how the youth in Ghana, especially tertiary students, have embraced our brand and continue to sign up for our Aspire student account." Mr Awuah lauded the transformation of UPSA into a world class university and praised the management for its visionary leadership. He also said the UMB bank decided to establish the UPSA branch because the bank and the university shared a mutual passion for developing the next generation of Ghanaian leaders. Mr Awuah also encouraged the students not to allow challenges and limitations to force them to give up on their dreams. In his remarks, the Chancellor of UPSA, His Royal Majesty Drolor Bosso Adamtey, congratulated the UMB Bank for choosing to establish its presence on the campus of the UPSA. He urged the bank to work together with the UPSA for the mutual benefit of both institutions. The UMB Bank's Director of Retail Banking, Mr Lawrence Appiah-Baiden, said the launch of the branch was part of a holistic strategy to entrench UMB bank's presence in the student category. Mr Appiah-aiden also explained that while the bank was expanding its physical presence, it had also invested heavily in technology to provide cutting edge convenience to customers. 'Digital technology usage is very high among tertiary students and we recognize that, to engage them effectively, we have to be at the forefront of technology,' he stated. He added that in the coming months, UMB bank would be opening more branches on several university campuses throughout the country. The UMB Bank is a full-service financial institution specializing in customized banking products and services. It opened on March 15, 1972 and is a leading Ghanaian indigenous bank with considerable financial expertise. The UMB Bank is recognized for its entrepreneurial approach, innovative use of technology, and distinctive banking solutions. It currently has one UMB Centre for Businesses, 31 branches and a vast network of ATMs. GNA Tema, Nov 1, GNA - The National Peace Council has advised political party activists to resolve to make Ghana a better place than they met it. Mr George Amoh, Director of Programmes at the Council, who gave the advice, said politicians must endeavour to maintain and improve upon the country their forefathers left for them and not to ruin it with electoral violence. He added that Ghanaians must not allow the parties they belong to push them out normal and acceptable human behaviour since no political interest was greater than the peace and unity of Ghana. He gave the advice on Tuesday during an engagement with political party executives in the three constituencies in the Tema region. The engagement was organized in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education and the Electoral Commission. He appealed to them to choose the non-violent option to resolve any election related misunderstanding. He encouraged them to use laid down procedures to resolve problems as well as take advantage of the Peace Council's model of mediation, dialogue, negotiation and diplomacy. Nana Oduro Numapau, Tema Metropolitan Electoral Officer, asked politicians to trust in the EC as the necessary measures have been put in place to ensure free and fair elections. He said as part of reforms, his outfit would provide a photo album of recruited temporary staff to parties in order to prevent party activists from infiltrating the election system. He added that interviews and assessment exams have been done for those who applied to be election assistants to ensure that only qualified people get hired. According to him, coalition officers who have knowledge in statistics and accounting would be recruited to collate and audit the election results at the constituency as against the previous practise of using returning officers for collating, distribution of materials and supervision. 'You need not fight at any point of the election process as there are internal mechanism to address issues.' he stated. He urged leaders of the political parties to be abreast of the electoral laws and terminologies in order to give correct and accurate information to their followers. Miss Hajara Yemoah Anum, Senior Civic Education Officer at NCCE reminded politicians not to involve children in political activities as Article 55 (2) of the Constitution frowns on it. She pleaded with women especially not to jeopardize the lives of their young by attending rallies with them. Miss Anum cautioned party activists against forcing their employees, children and dependents to accept their political ideologies. GNA By Laudia Sawer, GNA 02.11.2016 LISTEN Accra Nov. 2, GNA - The People's National Convention (PNC) has finally appeared before an Accra High Court to challenge the Electoral Commission (EC) for disqualifying its flagbearer, Dr Edward Mahama, from contesting the December 7 polls. At the court on Monday, the trial judge, Mrs Justice Afua Aryene Novisi, tasked representatives of the EC and the PNC to file their statements of cases, supporting affidavits and other relevant documents by Friday, November 4. On November 4, Mr Justice Srem Sai, Counsel for the PNC, is expected to move their motion while the EC responds to arguments raised. The court will then fix a date to rule on the matter. The PNC went to court after the EC excluded its presidential candidate from taking part in the December 7 presidential poll. The party contended that its flagbearer's constitutional rights had been breached by excluding him in the December polls. The PNC is praying the court to restore its constitutional rights and quash the decision of the EC disqualifying the leader and for him to be included in the polls The EC disqualified Dr. Edward Mahama and 12 other presidential aspirants from contesting the December elections after failing to meet the necessary requirements. The Commission, in the case of Dr. Mahama, stated that two subscribers of his nominations had also subscribed for another presidential candidate, which was against the regulations set out. GNA The Ghana Revenue Authority in collaboration with Ecobank and West Blue Consulting has launched an electronic card for the payment of customs duty. The platform dubbed, The Ghana National Single Window CashXPress Card is a reloadable pre-paid card that offers a new, convenient and secure way to make trade payments easy. Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, said the card helps to provide secure transactions, increases transparency and financial inclusion, eliminates the use of cloned or forged trade documents and the delays associated with bank processes. He said the Ghana National Single Window project was initiated on September 1, 2015 to enhance the countrys trade and economic development and secure and increase government revenue. Mr Terkper said the project was developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in 2005 in an effort to simplify, harmonise and standardise international trade procedures and associated information flows. He said the project was a partnership between business and government to strengthen the countrys trade competitiveness and enhance the participation of the business community in the global market. The Minister said the electronic card would facilitate trade transactions at the ports as well as reduce time and costs spent in doing trade businesses. Mr George Blankson, Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, said the national single window project has been beneficial since its implementation, saying it provides traders with the critical single entry point to facilitate trade transaction. He said the electronic card would offer shippers easy, flexible and convenient payment options through the use card payment. The Association of Ghana Industries and the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders welcomed the initiative saying it would reduce the human interface in trade transactions, allowing most processes to be undertaken automatically. A member of pressure group, OccupyGhana, says the Attorney-General cannot be trusted to retrieve some GH51 million judgment debt paid to Alfred Woyome after her request to discontinue the case has been granted. Sydney Caseley-Hayford says although Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppongs notice to the apex court may be consistent with law, her actions in the past makes the request problematic. The credibility of the A-G is now at stake here because first of all, you didnt pursue the case. Somebody else had to come and pursue the case, he said. What we are saying is that we do not believe that you will come back to it, Sydney Caseley-Hayford said on news analysis programme, PM Express on the Joy News Channel on Multi TV, Wednesday. The A-G has asked the Supreme Court to cause the businessman to appear before her on November 10, 2016, for an oral examination on the GH51 million fraudulently paid to him by the state. OccupyGhana says the request by the timing of the request makes it sinister, suspecting that the A-Gs request has been necessitated by a threat issued by the businessman that he would reveal all the individuals who benefited from the judgment. Speaking on PM Express, Mr Casely-Hayford said the request for an oral examination by the A-G feeds into the suspicion of Ghanaians that the money fraudulently paid to Mr Woyome will be retrieved. You are filing for discontinuance of a case where we all were expecting that some kind of judgement was going to come out of it, he quizzed the Attorney Generals request to the Court. As to the actual collection of the money if you ask any Ghanaian on the street today they will tell you that they have no hope of ever getting that money. They know they are not going to see that money, he said. However, speaking on the same programme, a lawyer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kojogah Adawudu, said the criticisms against the request are unwarranted. Read: A-G committed to retrieving Woyome's GHC51m Amaliba I believe [the request] is permissible by the law. By the rules of procedure of the court, you are allowed that. When you are a plaintiff and you send your matter to court you can discontinue without leave, you can [also] continue with the leave of the court, he said. Kojogah Adawudu He explains that the fact that the A-G has filed to discontinue does not necessarily mean that the request will be granted. Mr Woyome earned public disaffection after it came to light that he received GH51 million fraudulently after he claimed that he helped Ghana to raise funds to construct stadia for purposes of hosting the CAN 2008 Nations Cup. An Auditor Generals report released in 2010, however, said the amount was paid illegally to the businessman. The Supreme Court in 2014 ordered Mr Woyome to pay back 51 million fraudulently taken from the state, after Mr Martin Amidu, a former Attorney General single-handedly initiated and won a legal campaign against him, Waterville, and Isofoton -- two other companies who fraudulently received judgement debt from the state. Following delays in retrieving the money, the Supreme Court judges unanimously granted the Attorney-General clearance to execute the courts judgment ordering Mr Woyome to refund the cash to the state. Watch the full programme in the video link below: Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | George Nyavor | [email protected] A 3 day capacity building training workshop has been held to increase the momentum of potential project backers on the instructions commonly used in the design and implementation of social safety net projects geared towards the improvement of food security and nutrition in Africa. As part of the implementation of ECOWAP, the ECOWAS regional agricultural policy, it appears that several countries in West Africa lacks significant experience in the implementation of projects and programs related to social safety nets in line with a national social protection strategy. The Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF) with technical and financial support from Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), and the AECID has organized a 3days regional training of trainers for delegates from the 15 ECOWAS countries held in Ghana. In an interview with the Chief Technical Advisor Strengthening of ECOWAS Capacity for the Implementation of the ECOWAP/CAADP, Leonidas Hitimana said, Africa has recorded some level of progress in terms of production however, the issue of food security and malnutrition in the sub-sahara Africa continuous to remain challenge. I can say that there are some progress in terms of increasing production but there are still a lot of people who are still very marginalized when there is, for instance, a small crisis, they find it very difficult to cope with in terms of food security, he stated. Leonidas Hitimana noted that the essence of the workshop is to train trainers so that they can have a clear understanding of social safety nets linked to food security and nutrition so that can be able to formulate good project proposals. ECOWAS benefited from the support of the Spanish International Cooperation Agency for Development (AECID) to finance innovative on the ground projects in the area of safety nets for food security. Through a first call for proposals launched in January 2015, 10 projects on social safety nets have been selected for an aggregate grant amount of $2,146,789. Mr. Leonidas Hitimana emphasized that they organized this workshop because ECOWAS would be launching later in the subsequent months a second call for proposal on social safety nets and food security. He indicated that the call for proposal for an aggregate grant of about US$2million to which would be launched in all the ECOWAS member countries is expected that Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other institutions would apply and send innovative projects. So the main purpose of this workshop is to provide other necessary skills in terms of instruments which are used when designing or implementing social safety net projects so that these trainers can be able to also organize national workshops with at least 30 persons including NGOs, local actors and institutions in their various countries, he intimated. The key challenge, according to him, is that, even though production has increased in the sub-region, it is clear that malnutrition remains very high. So there was the need to put in more effort in addressing this issue and access to food in terms of quality and quantity, Mr. Leonidas Hitimana. Secondly, according to him, the challenge is how to address food security to vulnerable and underprivileged communities. He posited that the decision to hold the training workshop in Ghana was to diversify the meeting of all ECOWAS countries based on equity. According to Leonidas Hitimana, Ghana was suggested because it is noted as one of the countries in the sub-region for the advancement in terms of social safety nets. The objectives of the training workshop is to allow national actors in ECOWAS member states to have a common understanding of the concept of social safety nets rain potential project backers on the instruments commonly used in the designing and implementation of social safety net projects and allow national actors of ECOWAS member states to formulate and implement projects of social safety nets. The expectation results is that the concept of social safety nets is understood by all, instruments of social safety nets are known and the condition of their use and a network of national actors is established for the capitalization of projects on social safety net programs. Participants will undertake training modules on the definition and concepts, instruments of social safety nets, targeting approaches and methods, formulation of social safety net projects, funding of projects, preparation and organization of national restitution workshops and the cross cutting aspects for exchange of experiences for the implementation of on the ground social safety nets projects. Sorry, we can't find the content you're looking for at this URL. The Writer 03.11.2016 LISTEN One of the things that should be expected to be constant in the life of a Christian; as soon as he or she makes the decision of following Christ is to go into conflict with the forces of the enemy, who will go any length to see that God's will does not come to pass in their life. But this position should not make us afraid; rather it should awaken us to the immeasurable divine arsenal at our disposal. No doubt, our God, the God of Israel is a mighty man of war. He is a God of war and has never gone to battle and lost. With the above disposition, every child of God is expected to win every battle that comes their way. Sure, battles will come, but your disposition before the battle and your actions during the crisis will determine whether it will end in your favor or not. God's will is that we emerge from every battle of life victorious, stronger and more dedicated. Our emerging victorious from the battles of life is also our best form of testimony. The world may not just want to hear about our God, but wants to see His mighty works and power before they believe. So, let's briefly see one of the instances where God displayed His ability to deliver His people from the hands of their enemies. Please, go to 2 chronicles 20:1-6, " After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, 'A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead sea. They are already at Hazazon- tamar; (This was another name for Engedi). Jehoshaphat was alarmed by this news and sought the LORD for guidance. He also gave orders that everyone throughout Judah should observe a fast. So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the LORD. Jehoshaphat stood before the people of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the LORD. He prayed, 'O LORD, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are the ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you." I believe you followed the above story very well. There's no better record of where God displayed His faithfulness towards His promise to fight for His people. First, I want us to look at the background of king Jehoshaphat; who was the king of Judah at this very trying point of their history. King Jehoshaphat was a man that had tremendous respect for God. He made sure he led Judah according to the laws of God. He was a man that believed in righteousness and never failed to consult God any time himself or his nation had crises or battles to face. He so much trusted the power of God of Israel to save and deliver His people. Just check out the testimony of the bible about him, " The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father's early years and did not worship the images of Baal. He sought his father's God and obeyed his commands instead of following the practices of the kingdom of Israel (that is idolatry). So, the LORD established Jehoshaphat's control over the kingdom of Judah. All the people of Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so he became very wealthy and highly esteemed. He was committed to the ways of the LORD." This was the background of the king of Judah at the time they got the message that three nations- Moabites, Ammonites and Meunites were marching against Judah. I started here because I want you to know that one's spiritual disposition or relationship with God before facing the battles of life go along way to determine the out come of such battles. When we follow God faithfully, we will be preparing ourselves for the days of battles. Like I said early, the battles must come. They are part of life. But we must be determined to come out of every battle victorious, we must learn how to follow divine principles to conquer our enemies, and consequently fulfill our destinies. And bring glory to the name of our God -Jehovah. So, king Jehoshaphat spiritually prepared himself and the people of Judah for battle they were going to face as a nation. They were going to face a vast and formidable army from three nations. And to make the matter worse, these enemies were determined and were already marching towards Judah. As you're reading this write up, I don't know what kind of enemy you're facing right now. They could be coming against your life, against your marriage, Job, finances, against your health or ministry. I want to assure you that your season of deliverance has come. Rev Gabriel Agbo is the author of the book Power of Midnight Prayer. Website: www.authorsden.com/pastorgabrielnagbo Tel: 08037113283 E-mail: [email protected] The activities of speculators which cause the cedi to depreciate against some major trading currencies may have minimal impact on the currency as the elections approach. This is the position of some currency analysts. The comments come on the back of concerns among some industry watchers of possible distortions to the cedi's performance ahead of the elections. It is too late to realize the impact of the elections on the performance of the cedi; it is only when the election results are uncertain that people start speculatingBut they don't even keep them in the bank some convert them into foreign currency and hold the physical foreign currency, the General Manager of Treasury at HFC Bank, Joseph Nketsia explained. Mr. Nketsia added the window to experience possible distortions on the currency market are over even though some speculations may occur with the declaration of results. This normally happens between July and September there about, not when the election is very close, by this time people who want to circulate have already done that. Meanwhile responding to the impact of the Christmas blues on the performance of the cedi, Joseph Nketsia indicated of a relatively decline in demand as the traders have largely ordered their goods by this time. He was also confident that the cedi will not cross the 4 cedis to one dollar mark even on the forex market. Impact of cocoa syndicated loan There were some concerns over a likely depreciation due to the increased corporate dollar demand prior to the coming on board of the cocoa syndicated loan in September this year. But Mr. Nketsia tells Citi Business News the move should equip banks to meet the demands of their clients as they will be allowed access to their respective requests with the bidding of the proceeds of the 1.8 billion dollars cocoa syndicated loan. By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana The Ashanti Regional Minister, John Alexander Ackon has urged residents of Kumasi to remain calm as the Police investigate the circumstances under which explosives were planted close to the residence of the Deputy Regional Minister, Andy Osei Okrah. The explosives, which were retrieved on Tuesday according to Mr. Ackon included one timer device, one remote control, two explosive boosters, two safety fuses , two detonators and two dynamites The statement further indicated that the suspicion is that the suspects who were on motorbike were planting the device around the buildings as they escaped on being questioned by the Police Guard on duty at the Deputy Ministers residence. Possible conclusions by experts is that the first could have been ignited to explode and the second one to follow to create multiple explosions or if the motive was to create higher number of injuries/casualties/damages then to ignite the detonator to explode the dynamite when people come around using remote control,the statement added. The statement also revealed that a third cylinder was taken away on the motor bike according to the Police guard. Some military officers including officials from the anti-bomb squad of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), returned to the site Tuesday morning to retrieve the explosives. The deputy Minister's official bungalow in the Ashanti Regional capital, is close to the National Security Data Centre in the region. By:Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @EfeAnsah Gomoa Obiasi (C/R), Nov. 2, GNA - Mr John Boadu, Acting General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) says, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer would never debate President John Mahama in the December 7 elections. According to Boadu, who is also the National Organiser of the NPP, said the Presidential Candidate of the Party would not use his precious time and energy to exchange ideas with the President. Mr Boadu, made these known when he addressed the teeming supporters at the launching of Gomoa Central Election Campaign at Gomoa Obuasi, near Agona Swedru. The Acting General Secretary said Nana Addo is touring the country to campaign on issues which would reverse the fragile economy caused by the NDC government. He said Nana Addo would never debate the numerous corruptions and bribery that had bedeviled the country as a result of bad governance. The NPP Organiser said President Mahama could debate any of the Presidential Candidate and not Nana Addo. Mr Boadu and introduced Naana Eyiah, NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Gomoa Central and asked the electorate to vote for her and Nana Addo on the December 7, polls. He said Nana Addo and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia were poised to wrest power from President Mahama and NDC to free Ghanaians from economic hardship. Mr Asamoah Boateng, former Information Minister under former President John Agyekum Kufuor said Ghana needed complete change in the administration of the nation to make life better for ordinary people. He said President Mahama had disappointed the people of Northern Region due to the greatest failure on the implementation of Savanna Accelerated Development Authority. He said more than GHa300 million the NDC pumped into the programme did not yield fruitful results to benefit people of the Northern Region. He called on the Ghanaians to vote massively for the NPP to assume the administration of the country to reduce vicious cycle of poverty among the masses. Naana Eyiah called on the people to vote for Nana Addo and her to implement the policies and programmes to change the lives of Gomoa Central and Ghana as a whole. GNA Accra, Nov. 02, GNA - The Prime Minister of France, Manuel Valls, has toured the factory of Cocoa Touton Processing Company (CTPC) at the Tema Free Zone Enclave. A statement from Touton said the tour of the factory was part of a visit to Ghana and the sub-region to enhance bilateral relationships in West Africa. It said the visit to CTPC's factory was a testament to the robust diplomatic ties between Ghana and France. It also consolidated Ghana's position as one of the most preferred destination for trade and investment on the African continent due to its stable democracy, respect for the rule of law and an enabling business environment. Dignitaries that graced the event included Mr Patrick De Boussac, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Touton Group, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Nii Osah Mills, the French Ambassador to Ghana, Johanna Svanikier, among others. The Touton Group is one of the world's largest traders in cocoa, coffee, vanilla, spices and a variety of natural ingredients, using a network of exporting subsidiaries. In April 2015, the company crowned its over 40-year trade relations with Ghana, by investing in a multi-million Euro cocoa processing facility in the country, joining a select number of companies producing cocoa liquor for export globally. In Ghana, the Cocoa Touton Processing Company currently processes 30,000 tonnes of cocoa beans and exports to countries in Europe, USA and the Middle East with a turnover of USD 100,000,000. The country's cocoa sector has for some time now been crippled with bottlenecks, which has led to dwindling yields of cocoa farms and the emissions from deforestation and degradation. The Touton Group has, therefore, entered a partnership agreement with the Government to devise a programme to address such discrepancies. Dubbed the 'Climate Smart Cocoa', the initiative is also to enable Ghana to maximise its cocoa production potential and increase the economic opportunities for forest fringe communities without compromising the integrity of existing forests. Welcoming the Prime Minister to the factory's premises, the Chief Executive Officer of Touton Group, Patrick de Boussac said, 'We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Forestry Commission, which complements the one signed with the CocoBod. 'It will immediately help us to increase the landscape programme and promote the network of our rural service network. 'I want to thank the Prime Minister for coming to our factory to keep himself abreast of our operations. Ghana is a very good country for investment. We therefore see this visit as a way to support our investment strategies in this country,' he said. Mr de Boussac also applauded the Ghanaian Government and the Ghana Cocoa Board for their continued support and regular supply of cocoa beans, which has helped Touton maintain operations at optimum capacity, since the facility was established. French Prime Minister responded by saying 'TOUTON is a French company that French citizens should know more about, as it is indeed at the forefront of the industry. I am delighted about the role Ghana is playing in the enhancement of the company's operations and pleased to have this opportunity to see its manufacturing process.' The Touton group took over an existing factory built in 2007 in April last year and became Cocoa Touton Processing Company. It currently has 135 employees. Touton has entered into a tolling agreement with Cocoa Processing Company CPC whereby 25,000 tons of beans are processed into cocoa butter and cake. Touton delivers semi-finished cocoa products to worldwide chocolatiers in Europe, Americas and Asia. Touton is also playing a very active role in the sustainable supply chain of cocoa through strong initiatives such as combating deforestation, training 15000 farmers, investing 10 million USD and implementing six Rural Service Centers to provide better access to raw materials, equipment and banking. GNA 03.11.2016 LISTEN By Isaac Newton Tetteh, GNA Accra, Nov. 2, GNA - The Tema Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has organised a day's Election Reporting Workshop for Journalists and media practitioners in the Tema Region, ahead of the 2016 presidential and Parliamentary polls. The workshop dubbed:" Towards peaceful elections: The role of the media," was aimed at sensitising journalists and most especially those in Tema, on ensuring that the media practitioners uphold the integrity and the credibility of the media, before, during and after the 2016 General Election. The General Manager in charge of operations at the Tema Development cooperation (TDC), Mr Samuel Asante, who chaired the event advised journalists to be circumspect with their reportage, and not to take sides in the discharge of their duties as professionals. He said journalists must avoid being influenced by money by politicians to champion their course. Mr Daniel Titus Glover, New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Tema East said the media must team up with stakeholders in the electioneering to ensure that the elections would be free and transparent to all parties involved. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Regina Obeng, Public Relations Officer of Tema Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service assured the journalists that the police were ready to collaborate with the media to ensure smooth electoral process before, during and after the polls. She said the police had identified 77 hotspots in the Ashaiman and 201 in the Tema Region, which included Ningo-Prampram and Ada constituencies. ASP Obeng advised journalists to avoid sensational reportages as it had the tendency to threaten the peace and security of the Nation as well as the electoral process. Nana Oduro Numapau, Tema Metro Electoral Officer charged the media practitioners to be more knowledgeable on the electoral processes so as to educate the electorate on what was required of them during the elections. Explaining the statutory document for the 2016 Election, (C.I 94), he said the C.I 94 had been coded into four thematic areas, which were the activities before, during and after the elections, as well as offensive and miscellaneous preventions. Mr Numapau admonished the media to observe and report and not to supervise the Elections. The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Dr Affail Monney also detailed what the roles of the media practitioners involving reporting. He gave the assurance that journalists consider peace as very paramount and therefore they would not do to do anything to destroy the peace the country enjoys. Dr Monney, said: 'Though we all have our parties we support, we should also have the ability to suppress were we stand most especially when reporting on the electoral process, he said. He appealed to the journalists to be accurate, balance and credible in their reportage. The workshop was sponsored by the Ghana Ports And Harbour Authority, Tema Metropolitan Assembly, the TDA and the GJA. GNA 03.11.2016 LISTEN Odimegwu Onwumere writes that Governor Wike of Rivers State has shown commitment to the fight against polio, following the new cases of the disease that vegetated in Borno State, but such commitment can be enhanced with proper primary healthcare and taking some lessons from the past administrations polio policies As a government, we have invested in the eradication of polio and we shall continue to support Rotary International to achieve this worthy objective, said Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on Friday, October 21, 2016. Wike reiterated his administration obligation to obviate polio and support the campaign against it. He said this when a section of Rotarians from the United States of America, under the auspices of International Director of Rotary International, led by Mr. Brad Howard, stopped over for him at the Government House, Port Harcourt. That was coming after the World Health Organisation (WHO) on August 11, 2016, confirmed three cases of polio in Nigeria. Albeit, the international health body had on 25th September 2015, announced that Nigeria was no longer on the polio endemic list. In a statement by the WHO about the feat of 2015, The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), the public-private partnership leading the effort to eradicate polio, called this a historic achievement in global health. Nigeria has not reported a case of wild poliovirus since 24 July 2014, and all laboratory data have confirmed a full 12 months have passed without any new cases. Buttressing its point, the World Health Organisation, added, As recently as 2012, Nigeria accounted for more than half of all polio cases worldwide. Since then, a concerted effort by all levels of government, civil society, religious leaders and tens of thousands of dedicated health workers have resulted in Nigeria successfully stopping polio. More than 200 000 volunteers across the country repeatedly immunised more than 45 million children under the age of five years, to ensure that no child would suffer from this paralysing disease. Innovative approaches, such as increased community involvement and the establishment of Emergency Operations Centres at the national and state level, have also been pivotal to Nigerias success. In spite of this, with the new cases coming from areas (like Monguno Local Government Area, and south in Jere and Gwoza, Borno State) that were once suffering the torment of Islamic terrorists known as and called Boko Haram in the North-east, no case of polio has however been reported in Rivers State, apart from what a former Rivers State Commissioner for Health under ex-Governor Chibuike Amaechi, Dr. Tamunoiyoriari Parker stated during the first National Immunisation Plus Days, (IPDs) campaign against polio disease in 2012. Partker said, Despite the increase in the number of people effected nation-wide in 2011, only one case of polio disease was confirmed in Rivers State in May, 2007 and in the past five years Rivers State has a clean bill of health on the polio disease, which was achieved by collaborative efforts of stakeholders and agencies in the state coupled with the deliberate effort of the state government to eradicate the disease. But experts believe that more cases can spring up if urgent measures are not put in place to scuttle the menace headlong. And the fears of this might be the restlessness that Wike has shown against the scourge, hence he has been calling on all stakeholders and medical experts to rise up to the occasion in making sure that Nigeria is brought back to the WHOs index as a free-polio country. It is evident that Wike has been working with stakeholders like the Rotary Club, whose field coordinator, Aminu Muhammad was it that confirmed the new cases of polio in the northern Borno State. The highlight of this is that Rivers State might not be free from polio if Wike has not been showing strong commitment to the fight against polio in the state, since the state had once recorded a victim, no matter the year. Wike and opinion leaders in Rivers State might learn that if over 1.5 million children were vaccinated by Rotary in Borno a week before the new find, Rivers State is not immune to polio. The find in Borno was said by the WHO that it was as a result of lackadaisical approach by the authorities in not detecting the virus which went spiral for five years due to the Boko Haram nuisance in the area. But Wike was invariably showing through his body language, suggesting that Rivers State had every privilege to prevent the budding of polio since the state is not part of the areas which the WHO said is too hazardous to approach for vaccination. There might be some upheavals in some parts of Rivers State caused by unintelligent youths, but the Rivers government has every favour to share in a plan of the WHO to reach 25 million children before the year dingdongs its bell. Wike could be assuring the residents of the state that they have nothing to fear, remembering April 27 2016, when the WHOs representative in Nigeria, Dr Riv Game Vas, visited him in Government House, Port Harcourt, and thanked him for his mettle in sending any form of Lassa Fever packing in the state, which was in the news early this year. Vas also thanked Wike and the country for the efforts in underneathing the country polio free in the past 21 months. But showing that he is open-minded to accept any policy that is people-oriented, Wike on May 2, 2016, during the swearing-in of the substantive president of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Gabriel Nwankwo in government House, said, I will support any policy of the Federal Government that will enhance the living standard of the people of Rivers State. It doesnt matter who initiated such policy as long as it favours our people. So, to win the battle of any eventuality of polio in Rivers State, Wike has to review some measures taken by the past government in Rivers State with which it fought the virus. In 2013, the then Governor Amaechi flagged-off the National Immunisation Plus Days Campaign against poliomyelitis in the state that year. Baby Faith Tom, one year and four months old; and Baby Pamela Engofa, aged three and half years, were the two kids that Amaechi dispensed with oral polio vaccine to flag off the National Immunisation plus days crusade against polio at the Degema Local Government Council Headquarters. Although, Wike had said that his government will make sure that the required attention is given to primary healthcare facilities across the state, when Vas visited him. He has to take this area seriously. And the primary healthcare might not be efficiently harnessed without the proper and thorough involvement of women. This is the reason it is palpable to take the message delivered by the wife of the governor, Justice Eberechi Nyesom Wike, seriously. On July 9, 2016, Justice Wike at the Christ Church, Port Harcourt, after she inaugurated the Mammogram Centre built in the church premises by the Christ Church Womens League, had called for public-private partnership in the health sector. Her view was that this would enhance more people having entree to reputable healthcare facilities. Justice Wike nonetheless called on women to acquiesce themselves for timely screening for breast cancer. Governor Wike might follow some tips that Parker dished out during the first National Immunization Plus Days, (IPDs) campaign against polio disease in 2012, that were used to curb polio in the state. Parker had hinted that there should be House to House polio immunization which commenced in the state on Saturday 18th February 2012 with the inclusion of churches, schools, playground, health facilities and all settlements and children less than five years of age, because the child rights law No. 10 of 2009 guarantees the right of the child to be immunized. Parker added, To fight the disease, deliberate policy must be followed to overcome and eradicate it completely. Such policy thrust include, effective mass communication, health education and awareness creation, collaboration, surveillance and evaluation of eradication strategies. It was learnt that during the Amaechi administration, the state government through the Ministry of Health betrothed in a laudable grassroots tilting polio vaccination operation. That administration made sure that there was free medical care programme. This helped patients enough in understanding and attending to their health challenges and the primary healthcare centres became a vehicle that assisted the past administration on immunisation services as well as other precautionary and therapeutic services, inter alia. Onwumerecan be contacted via: +2348057778358 A serving soldier in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has hauled the Attorney General before an Accra High Court over attempts to expel him. According to the plaintiff, 204104 AB II Adu Boafo, the move is wrong and entirely groundless since he has not committed any offence to be fired. The plaintiff believes he is being persecuted because of his links to Maxwell Kofi Jumah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart in Asokwa Constituency in the Ashanti Region, who is his maternal uncle. The other defendants are the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). In a statement of claim, Adu said he was enlisted into the Ghana Armed Forces in October 25, 2013 and passed out in April 2014 as recruit at the Naval Base, Tema. He said two weeks after passing out, he was picked up by the military police, led by Naval Lieutenant J.K. Bentil while on duty on a ship and detained from June 27 to September 25, 2014. Boafo stated that he was detained in connection with some Facebook documentation. Lawyers of the soldier claimed after thorough investigation, the plaintiff, who was cleared, returned to post, adding that the soldier was subjected to terrible inhumane conditions while in custody. The plaintiff claimed he was banned from receiving visitors, communicating with anybody on phone, and ordered to keep away from sunshine. Boafo stated that on the fiftieth day of solitary confinement, his condition worsened so he was rushed to the 37 Military Hospital. Strangely, he said while he was being kept incommunicado in the guardroom, someone started a mobile phone text message campaign for financial assistance to enable him undergo an urgent medical surgery, which was completely unknown to him. Boafo, among others, argued that he was detained in the guardroom for no offence and subjected to mental torture. The soldier has prayed the court to order the military to pay all his entitlements before his release. He also wants the court to award GH50,000 in general damages for the violation of his human rights for over 80 days in detention. [email protected] By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Volta Region have assured the party of their readiness to ensure that all polling stations are well resourced. To this end, they are putting measures and strategies in place to ensure the Adopt A Polling Station concept of the party settles well with all members and sympathizers in the region. The NPP Regional Chairman, John Peter Amewu, gave the assurance when the Chairman of the Fundraising Committee of the NPP, Ken Ofori-Atta, launched the initiative in Ho. He was excited about the entire initiative and expressed the hope that it would go a long way to consolidate Ghana's elections and secure Nana Addo's victory. Prior to the launch, Mr. Ofori-Atta observed that the fallout from the 2012 election petition had taught NPP gurus that elections are won at the polling stations. According to him, it is imperative to ensure adequate resource mobilization at all the 29,000 polling stations scattered all over the country. The Adopt A Polling Station concept is to give opportunity to the millions of Ghanaians who have welcomed the NPP's message of change to be part of the change. He said it is only when people invest in the initiative that they will feel they have a stake in the party and therefore, work towards its success. Mr. Ofori Atta explained that the fundraising under the Adopt A Polling Station initiative is in two folds: filling a form with information such as name of applicant, contact number, constituency, the polling station they want to adopt and the amount of money they wish to contribute. The applicants must then send their money through a mobile money number which is on the form and then take a snapshot of the form and send through WhatsApp via the same number. He said interested persons could also pick a coupon from all regional and constituency offices of the party and pay the amount indicated on the coupon which ranges from GH5.00 to GH500. He concluded that an average of Gh500 will be enough for every polling station and encouraged all party faithful to patronize the idea to ensure its success. From Gibril Abdul Razak, Ho Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, presidential aspirant of the Progressive People's Party (PPP), told journalists at the premises of the Supreme Court yesterday that the case involving his disqualification from taking part in the December 7 presidential race is a deliberate plan. It's a deliberate ploy. It's a deliberate ploy from different quarters. Whether it is state sponsored organizations or political parties I can't say, stated. He added, All I am saying is that the word is out there, whether someone is doing it deliberately or not matters not to me. According to the PPP flag bearer, Court or no court, we have a campaign to prosecute and indeed there are some people who believe that all of this is a deliberate attempt to slow us down and cause disaffection to get our people to be discouraged. They go out there and tell the people of Ghana that even our parliamentary candidates are not there. He said that he was least perturbed about the decision by the Electoral Commission (EC) to seek a review of the high court ruling. He stated that the decision by the EC to go back to court is a deliberate ploy by certain elements to frustrate his campaign. The EC has gone to the Supreme Court days after an Accra High Court had quashed its decision to disqualify Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom from contesting in the December presidential election. The court held that the EC must allow Dr. Nduom to correct the mistakes on his nomination papers and submit them. According to the court, presided over by Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, the commission was simply arrogating unto itself powers it did not have. The judge was emphatic that the EC has no basis to complain that nomination period had closed, when in fact, it had not set any. Dr. Nduom is among 13 presidential hopefuls disqualified from contesting in the elections. Nduom Unfazed He said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) could be in the media in Accra but the PPP is where it matters, adding that we are where the people are and it is wonderful what is going on; people want change but just not any change, they want the PPPNo matter what anybody does, we will be there; we are there. Hearing Earlier, the court had set Friday, November 4, to hear the case brought against the PPP leader by the EC. Justice Gabriel Pwamang, sitting as a sole judge of the apex court, granted the request by Thaddeus Sory, lawyer for the EC, to abridge time for the hearing of the case. Mr Sory said he was before the court for two main reliefs the first being a request for the court to fix a date for the parties to file their statement of case and for the court to give the parties a date for the hearing of the substantive case. 14 Days Waived Joseph Ayikoi Otoo, counsel for Dr Nduom, responding, said under Rule 64, he had 14 days to respond but would not insist on that in the instant case. He said his clients were served with the motion Monday evening, indicating that he has an interest in the case being disposed off on time. Mr Otoo, former Attorney General, stated that he would comply with the orders of the court. Justice Pwamang said the court was prepared to make sacrifices to hear the case on Friday. He said the interested party (PPP) must file its statement of case by 10 am today. EC's Dissent The Commission, in a statement issued on Monday said, In the interest of public policy and the credibility of the electoral process, the Commission has today [Monday, October 31, 2016] filed an application at the Supreme Court to quash the High Court decision and seek clarity on the relevant aspects of the law on candidate nominations. The statement, signed by Eric Kofi Dzakpasu, head of communications at the EC, further added that the commission believes in the overall national interest and on the grounds of public policy and that the Supreme Court provides clarity on the matter. It noted, A judgment from the Apex court would effectively bring finality to the issue once and for all. [email protected] By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has urged the electorate to vote out President John Mahama and his National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration for failing to retrieve the GH51.2 million it unlawfully paid to Alfred Agbesi Woyome. According to the NPP, it is planning a massive street protest if President Mahama and his government refuse to retrieve the full value of our monies. The pressure group OccupyGhana, is also outraged by the Attorney General's attempt to abandon the retrieval of the money paid to Woyome, said to be the NDC financier. It has been confirmed that the Attorney General (AG) has filed a notice to discontinue summoning Mr. Woyome to court to give oral evidence on why he has refused to refund the huge amount of money to the state, in spite of the Supreme Court's order. The application to withdraw the process that would have seen Mr. Woyome a leading member of the NDC back in court to testify on his assets, was said to have been filed on October 26, 2016, sparking outrage in the country. A statement issued in Accra and signed by NPP Communications Director, Nana Akomea, indicated, The NPP is horrified and saddened by the report that the Attorney General is not able to pursue anymore the retrieval of taxpayers' monies paid to Mr. Alfred Woyome, as far back as 2010. According to the NPP, The NDC government itself, as far back as 2009, had admitted that the payments to Mr. Woyome were wrong, unjustified and undeserved. But no NDC official involved in this gargantuan loss of taxpayers' monies has been punished or prosecuted. Per the solo efforts of Mr. Martin Amidu, the Supreme Court in 2014 ordered that the monies should be retrieved, describing the payment as a scheme to 'create, loot and share' taxpayers' monies. President Mahama and his government did not seek an order for payment with interest, despite the Supreme Court ruling. The NPP noted, Despite this, two years after the order for even the greatly devalued GH52.8 million, President Mahama has not managed to retrieve even a PESEWA of the taxpayers' monies from Mr Woyome. What little hope Ghanaians have that our monies will be retrieved has been dashed by the withdrawal of the Attorney General from further pursuit of the retrieval of the monies. The party said, We cannot let this corruption and wanton loss of taxpayers' monies just go by. We demand that President Mahama and his government retrieve the full value of our monies otherwise the party intends to lead Ghanaians in street protests. 'Create, loot and share' cannot be rewarded. President Mahama must account for our monies or be shown the red card. By William Yaw Owusu The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has called on residents of the Volta Region not to abandon the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the crucial December general election. The relationship between the NDC and the region can be likened to that of a husband and the in-laws and once the husband has realized his mistake, he can promise to go back and treat their daughter with special care, he said. His comment comes days after the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, had described the Volta Region as a beautiful bride waiting for the right suitor and not a loyal housewife waiting for her husband to return home only when he is hungry. Mr Debrah is currently touring the region a few days after the visit of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, to address the apathy of the residents due to the abysmal performance of the current Mahama administration. The NDC general secretary had also apologized to the region during the recent tour by President John Mahama, saying the region should not turn its back against the NDC. The residents of the region had been complaining about total neglect by the Mahama administration. The campaign tour by the Chief of Staff has been described by many political observers as a panic reaction to douse the fire of the NPP's 'change' message preached by Nana Akufo-Addo which has resonated with the people. Admission Mr. Debrah said the Volta Region is the home of the NDC and could therefore not be ignored by the government, considering the show of love and support over the years. He said, I want to assure you that we are never ever going to take your love and support for granted. He expressed gratitude to the people and conceded that although several projects have been executed in the region, truly when we look at the love that you have shown us, I believe we could have done better. According to him, some get their golden times in the morning, others get theirs in the afternoon while others get theirs in the evening, but he who laughs last laughs best. Togbe Ayim Mordey VI, Adontenhene of Peki Traditional Area, who commended the president and the NDC for some infrastructural development projects in the country and the region, noted that more work must be done to improve the living conditions of Ghanaians. At Have, Togbe Dabra VI, paramount chief of Logba in the Afadjato South Constituency, reiterated the views of his colleague and urged the government not to be complacent but work hard. Bad roads Togbe Ayim Mordey VI, who is also the chief of Peki Avetile in the South Dayi Constituency, complained about deplorable internal roads in the Peki College of Education, Peki Senior High School (SHS), Peki Government Hospital and the Peki Technical School. Others are the Peki-Kpalime, Fodome-Kpalime, the Kpalime Dzemeni and the Eastern Corridor Roads. He requested for a new modern market at Peki, Kpeve and Dzemeni. Togbe Dabra also called for the rehabilitation of deplorable roads in the Afadzato South District, particularly the ones that lead to the various tourist sites like Mount Afadzato, Limestone Cave at Logba-Tota, among others. The Chief of Staff promised to forward their grievances to President Mahama. From Gibril Abdul Razak & Fred Duodu, Peki 03.11.2016 LISTEN State prosecutors are to formally charge the two persons being held over the murder of Joseph Boakye Danquah-Adu, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa North in the Eastern Region. According to the prosecutor, Superintendent Baah, the prosecution was awaiting the Attorney General's (AG's) advice on the docket. He told the Accra Central Magistrate Court yesterday that the prosecution had also submitted further instructions after the submission of the docket to the AG's office. The accused persons are Daniel Asiedu aka Sexy Don Don, 19 and Vincent Booso aka Junior Agogo. At the court's sitting yesterday, Daniel Asiedu told the court that he was sick and that he had a boil in his ear. He said he had not informed the case investigator because he knew he would be coming to court yesterday and wanted to do so through the court. Magistrate Stephen Owusu wondered if the investigator was aware of the condition of the accused person, to which he answered in the negative. The court consequently urged him to take the accused to the hospital if possible, after proceedings. Sitting continues on November 11. Meanwhile, Augustines Obuor, lawyer for the two accused persons, was not in court. At the last hearing, the lawyer said the prosecution must release the results of the test conducted on Daniel to determine his age. He said the result was crucial to the case of the defence. Mr Obuor told the court that he was aware the prosecution was keeping the result and that the court must order the police to release it. The former state attorney believes that if the result of the test gives the age of Sexy Don Don as 11 years, then it means no crime has been committed. I know the police; it's there; they need an orderI want you to order the prosecution to give us the medical report, he said. Quoting various sections of the criminal code and the Juvenile Act, Superintendent Baah said the prosecution had not erred in not giving the defence team the said medical result because it was in consonance with the law. Daniel Asiedu has been charged for murder while Agogo faces the charge of abetment of crime contrary to his earlier charge of conspiracy to murder. In the case of Agogo, the prosecution held that he at about 1am on February 9, this year at Shaishie, East Legon in Accra, abetted Daniel to commit murder. Daniel, according to the prosecution, on the same day and time intentionally and unlawfully caused the death of the MP. Agoogo reportedly assisted Daniel Asiedu to enter the house of the deceased through the iron fence wall at the blind side of the security man who was fast asleep. [email protected] By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson The Accra Psychiatric Hospital has received a sum of GHc300,000, and GHC 120,000 worth of drugs and other consumables after nurses embarked on strike over poor working conditions and the lack of basic needs. The Minister of Health, Alex Segbefia, revealed this to Citi News on Thursday. Nurses at the facility have been on strike since Monday, over poor working conditions they are forced to work under. They complained that work at the facility poses serious risk to them. The nurses also complained that, the lack of some logistics and materials at the hospital , makes it difficult for them to discharge their duties effectively, hence their decision to lay down their tools. But the National Labour Commission on Wednesday, ordered the nurses to return to work, and asked government to provide the facility the needed logistics and funds. Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Mr. Segbefia said additional provisions would be made to the hospital by the end of the week. We have made some funding available with more to follow by the end of the week, weve also made pharmaceuticals available with more to follow and we are on top of the issue currently. We gave a cheque of GHc300, 000 yesterday [Wednesday], but we have gone out ourselves and bought drugs to the tune of about GHc120, 000. Weve also given some foodstuffs because even though people donated food, there was a lack of protein, so we were able to give a one month consignment of frozen fish which was collected first thing yesterday [Wednesday] morning, so both on the food side, the pharmaceuticals side and the consumables which we are dealing with today [Thursday], all things should be back to normal to cover them till at least the budget is read again till February, he added. By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @AlloteyGodwin The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of the adoption of the new Constitution in Cote d'Ivoire by the Commission Electorale Independante, following the constitutional referendum, held on 30 October. He notes with satisfaction that the new Constitution addresses some of the long-standing causes of tension and divisions in Cote dIvoire. The Secretary-General encourages all Ivorian parties, especially political leaders and their supporters to reject violence and refrain from the use of inflammatory and incendiary language. He urges them to resolve any differences or disputes through constitutional means and pursue a political dialogue focused on the holding of open, free and fair legislative elections in the weeks ahead. The Secretary-General reaffirms the continued commitment of the United Nations, through his Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Operation in Cote dIvoire, to support the consolidation of peace and stability in Cote dIvoire. The third Italy-South Africa summit, organised by The European House -Ambrosetti with the support of the Italian Embassy in Johannesburg, was attended by some 200 Italian, South African and other African businessmen. Four main business sectors stood out as having the greatest business potential between Italy, on the one hand, and on the other hand, South Africa and other African Countries: agrofood, automotive, energy and ICT. Regarding the agrofood sector, one of Italy's strengths is the cooperative system that seems to appeal to the South African authorities, who are interested in promoting this business model to facilitate the entry of small producers into the agroindustry supply chain. The automotive industry is one of the pillars of the South African economy and the growth of the sector attracts a lot of foreign investments. In the high technology sector, the components segment offers the greatest opportunities for Italian companies. In the energy field, besides renewables, where there are already many Italian companies operating in the Country, great potential exists due to the 3.5 billion euro programme, which includes two gas-to-power projects in the transport sector as well as hydrocarbon extraction, infrastructure, clean coal technologies, and energy distribution and storage. Another sector that is attracting interest, besides the green economy, is the 'blue economy'. South African authorities are engaged in implementing a 6.2 billion euro programme to improve the functionality of the commercial ports of the Country. Finally, in the ICT sector, the South African Government intends to facilitate the entry of private players to develop infrastructure and platforms in partnership with the public administration. On the afternoon of November 1, 2016, Premier Li Keqiang met at the Great Hall of the People with President Alpha Conde of Guinea, who was on a state visit to China. Li Keqiang said that Guinea is the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to establish diplomatic relations with China. The two countries enjoy profound traditional friendship, solid political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation in various fields. At last year's Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, President Xi Jinping and Mr. President exchanged in-depth views in a friendly manner. China is willing to work with Guinea to deepen bilateral relationship and constantly push it to new stages. Li Keqiang pointed out that China and Guinea have prominent complementary advantages in economy. The Chinese side is willing to, together with the Guinean side, make good use of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, innovate cooperation models, actively carry out production capacity cooperation, strengthen cooperation in infrastructure construction and other areas, and share experience in economic development, poverty alleviation and other aspects. China congratulates Guinea on walking out of the shadows of the Ebola epidemic, and is willing to enhance cooperation in health care, including tackling major infectious diseases with Guinea. Alpha Conde noted that Guinea thanks China for its long-term support and assistance to Guinea's economic and social development, especially in helping Guinea fight against the Ebola epidemic outbreak. Guinea appreciates that China pursues the African policy featuring sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith. Guinea is willing to learn from China's development experience and strengthen bilateral cooperation in infrastructure construction, agriculture and other aspects, so as to promote Guinea-China relationship to a higher level, and make Guinea-China cooperation a model of Africa-China friendly cooperation. The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah is optimistic the will of God shall prevail in the December 7 elections and Ghanaians will ensure the unity of the country after the polls. My boss the President has thought me to always start the day by saying father let thy will be done. When you are a child of God and you believe in him, you dont fear of who wins or loses an election because Gods own will shall prevail, he stated. The Chief of Staff reaffirmed the commitment of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and President John Mahama to maintain the peace and cohesion of the country before, during and after the December 7 general election. Mr. Julius Debrah made the call when he interacted with the members of the clergy in the Volta Region as part of his campaign tour of the region. The Chief of Staff advised the youth to avoid acts of violence. No matter what anybody will do or not do, we in the NDC believe that the will of God would be done, and when that is done, nobody will have any course to complain. The President and his governments main concern is to ensure the country progresses , doing what is right before the Lord and to avoid His wrath, he said. Mr. Debrah pointed out that the government and the church are partners in development, emphasizing on the need for the clergy to continuously pray for Gods mercy, peace and progress. The Moderator of the General Assembly of the EP Church Rev.Dr Seth Senyo Agidi led the congregation to pray for peace and unity ahead of the elections. He reminded Ghanaians that there was no substitute for peace, therefore and that the church would continue to pray for Ghana. The entourage of the Chief of Staff included a member of President Mahama's campaign team madam Faustina Nelson, a vice chairperson of the NDC Anita Desoso, a Presidential Staffer Emelia Arthur, a Deputy General Secretary of the NDC Koku Anyidoho. By: Richard Mensah/elections.com/Ghana First Tennessee Bank: A New HOPE Inside for Chattanooga, TN. Operation HOPE continues to grow and expand as the nations first and only nonprofit financial services network for the poor, the underserved, the struggling class and the teetering middle class. A combined group with too much month at the end of their money. We are targeting 130+ million Americans who are financially stressed. A third of Americans who would have to sell their automobiles to raise $3,000 cash in case of emergency. The 40M plus who are unbanked or underbanked in this country. The 70% of Americans who live from paycheck to paycheck, of all races and socio-economic groups. The same 70% who are driving the largest economy in the world, with sustained consumer spending. The 500 credit score communities be that black and brown urban, or white and rural where financial predators are preying and targeting with payday lenders, rent to own stores, title lending stores, and liquor stores. I want to target all of these groups, and all of these communities, and to use the free enterprise system to help to set them free. My goal is simple: finish what President Abraham Lincoln started with the Freedmans Bank of 1865, chartering a bank to teach freed slaves about money, and to inspire new HOPE 700 Credit Score Communities clear across America. I plan to do this with our HOPE Inside model, which is part of our larger Project 5117 vision, and to open 1,000 HOPE Inside locations clear across America by year 2020. I plan on doing precisely this in partnership with prominent and best in class financial institutions and others like First Horizon and their bank subsidiary, First Tennessee Bank. First Tennessee Bank is the largest bank in the state of Tennessee, and we have recently partnered with them to open 15 HOPE Inside locations across the state both urban and rural. I was honored to travel to Chattanooga, TN earlier this week as we announced our new HOPE Inside, Chattanooga, TN @ First Tennessee Bank. It was a great day, in a great, historic (Chattanooga sits in Hamilton County, which was named after our first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton), and deserving community and I was honored to be asked to show up. Whether it is with First Tennessee Bank, or with our new major partner SunTrust Banks, which just announced a major new commitment to our work expanding the HOPE Inside model with them just this week, or our other best in class partners, such as Whole Foods or Hyatt Hotels, Synovus Bank, PNC Bank, Regions Bank and others, I will continue to show up in this and other communities across the country. Watch out for future grand openings. Hope to see you there! This is the new Silver Rights Movement. This is our time. Lets go John Hope Bryant The Electoral Commission chairperson, Charlotte Osei has told the BBC the printing of ballot papers for the Parliamentary elections has begun. With some 33 days to the general elections, Mrs Osei said the EC, whilst awaiting the verdict of the courts on the many suits against it, had to start preparing the materials of the parliamentary elections over which there is no dispute. The presidential ballot, she explained, would be printed after the cases are settled and a determination is made as who is qualified to participate in the election, she asserted. She made these statements in an interview with the BBC and former Joy FM's news anchor, Akwasi Sarpong. The EC boss stressed that the Commission will ensure successful elections in December. On litany of court suits against the commission Speaking of the suits filed by some aggrieved presidential aspirants against the commission over their disqualification, Mrs Charlotte Osei insisted that her outfit acted in accordance with the law. "It is proper for them to go to court because...it is a rule of law, you are not happy with the decisions of the commission, you go to court, you don't go to the streets," she noted. Harassed by debts and depressed patients, the Accra Psychiatric hospital now has an eerie quietness of an abandoned historic site. The nurses have gone home beaten out by patients like an abusive husband abuses a patient wife. The professional relationship between the mentally-ill patients and the nurses has turned sour because there is no money for medications to control aggressive patients. On 21 October, an aggresive patient landed a nasty blow in the abdomen of a nurse, leaving her hospitalised at the Ridge hospital. A day after the nurses declared a strike dubbed 'Run from danger'. There is no money for diapers to clean nature's mess or detergents and gloves. This is not really a demand for more money for the nurses, they are home because they want money for the hospital. And so, nestled in noisy Accra traffic, the hospital is quiet - only as buzzy as a computer on hibernation. Joy FM's Kojo Yankson walked in to meet Dr. Pinnaman Apau, a consultant psychiatrist who has spent 10 years working here but has a resume that shows this is the last place she should be. Dr. Pinnaman who heads the now nurseless-hospital could not hide her sympathy for her staff who have taken a decision to lay down their tools even if they are non-existent. "They don't have the basic logistics they need and they feel that the environment is not safe," she said. Director of the Accra Psychiatric hospital explains a point during a visit from the Second Lady, Mrs. Amissah Arthur She explained that the signs had been on the wall for weeks now. For some weeks the nurses wrote asking for something to be done about a humiliating lack of the barest and the basic needs - detergents and gloves. Feeding the patients was no longer a simple, get-into-the-room-and-give-them-food routine. You could be beaten and bloodied. According to Dr. Pinnaman, the inmates sometimes get angry about the quality and quantity of food. They are not the only ones who are angry. The suppliers are angry, too. After supplying more than 4.1m cedis worth of goods and services since 2013, they have now deemed the hospital unworthy of credit. The size of the debt is down to GH3.5million. But what is the size of the Accra Psychiatric hospital's budget, Kojo Yankson wanted to know. "We presented a budget of about GH7m....[but] the actual amount we got was around GH400,000," Dr. Pinnaman said. And so the hospital has been running on about GH400,00 for 500 in-patients, 37,000 out-patients for 12 months, she revealed. Mental health is free and so there is no guaranteed source of funding except from government. The little monies the hospital generates is used to pay casual workers, fill the gas cylinders in the kitchen. "We were kind of floating," Dr. Pinnaman Apau balanced the truth with PR. The Director explained that the GH7million budget covered things the hospital actually needs. 'Even the GH7million is considerate', she said. According to web reports quoting Parliament's Finance Committee Reports, the Press Secretariat at the Presidency was allocated GH 400,000 for the year 2014. In that year like in previous years, the presidency overspent its budget. What government fails to provide in cash, state organs like the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Assembly (AMA) and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) steps in to provide in kind. Photo: AMA donates to Accra Psychiatric hospital NADMO is set up for disasters. And the unspoken implication of NADMO helping the Psychiatric hospital is that the level of deterioration and neglect of the mentally ill is a disaster. Dr. Pinnaman explained the hospital lives on the barest minimum of GH7,000 spent on perishables needed to prepare food for the 500 patients on admission. "When you see the food they eat there is nothing to write home about", her words appeared emotional. And so at the Accra Psychiatric hospital, angry unmedicated patients have driven out angry unmotivated nurses, and angry suppliers have cut services to a hungry hospital, the cycle of anger is complete. Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|[email protected] The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) is worried over difficulty in acquiring land for business in the Ashanti Region. Vice-President of the Association, Dr Yaw Adu Gyimah, says some of their members have been forced to relocate to Accra as a result of this. He tells Nhyira Fm the situation can change for the better if land owners exhibit flexibility in land transaction. If we are able to get availability of land, then of course we can bring our businesses back to Ashanti Region, Dr Adu Gyamfi lamented. The situation means quiet a sizeable number of the youth are denied employment opportunities. We are saying that when we are able to get land in the Ashanti Region, then we can build our factories and create jobs for the youth in the Ashanti region, says Dr Adu Gyamfi. AGI leadership who were at the Manhyia on a courtesy call on Wednesday, appealed Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, asked for land to construct an industrial park. Dr Adu Gyamfi who is the Chief Executive Officer of Danadams Pharmaceuticals Industries hopes more employment would be created once the proposed facility becomes a reality. It follows a promise by the Asantehene to help secure land for the project. Rome (AFP) - At least 110 people are feared drowned off Libya after a migrant shipwreck, the UN's refugee agency said Thursday, quoting survivor testimony. "A vessel will around 140 people on board overturned Wednesday just a few hours after setting off from Libya, throwing everyone into the water. Only 29 people survived," UNHCR spokesperson Carlotta Sami told AFP. A group of United Nations human rights experts* has called on authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to lift an unjustified ban on protests in the capital, Kinshasa, amid social discontent over delayed presidential elections. The ban was imposed in September after a series of large demonstrations that were brutally supressed by security forces, reportedly leaving dozens of people dead and injured. The rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are fundamental rights guaranteed by international law. These rights can only be restricted in very specific and narrowly defined circumstances, the experts said. It is clear that the current situation in the DRC does not justify a general ban on demonstrations in several cities, they noted. In fact, given that the country is in a hotly disputed election period, people should be given more space, not less, to express their democratic freedoms. Since the ban on protests in Kinshasa took effect on 22 September, at least four demonstrations have been cancelled. The UN experts have also raised fears over the National Dialogue agreement which took effect in October, postponing presidential elections beyond the constitutional deadline. The agreement could be used to justify new and unacceptable restrictions on the legitimate activities of civil society organizations, violating their right to freedom of association, the experts warned. The protest ban and the restrictive tone of the National Dialogue agreement are both disturbing signs that democratic space is rapidly dissipating in the DRC, with human rights organizations and opposition parties bearing the brunt of the repression, the independent experts said. In view of forthcoming demonstrations, in particular those planned for 5 November, we urge the Congolese authorities to revoke its decision to ban demonstrations, they stated. The DRC is obligated to facilitate assembly and association rights and to protect people who exercise these rights, the experts noted. It is of the utmost importance that the country allows the development of an inclusive and participatory civil society sector at this critical juncture in the development of its democracy. The ban is the fourth of its kind in the DRC since 2015. Two remain in force, affecting Kalemie in Tanganyika province and Lubumbashi in Haut Katang. The crackdown on protests in Kinshasa in September prompted an earlier statement from the experts, who condemned the authorities repeated use of excessive force, which included firing tear gas and live ammunition into crowds of protesters (check the September 2016 statement: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=20573&LangID=E ). (*) The experts: Mr Maina Kiai, Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Mr. David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and Mr. Michel Forst, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. The 3rd Annual Senior Experts Dialogue on Science, Technology and the African Transformation Agenda opened in Pretoria Wednesday with the Economic Commission for Africas New Technologies and Innovation Section Chief, Kasirim Nwuke, challenging African governments to explore the role of cities as hubs of innovation that will push the transformation of the continent. Cities, he told about 100 participants attending the SED 2016, among other things, have economic power, accounting for over 80 percent of global GDP growth, have large concentrations of educated tech-savvy youth who are politically and economically active and can be laboratories of decentralized governance and experimentation. Mr. Nwuke added the rapid pace or urbanization and relocation of populations from rural to urban areas also raises the need for the continent to interrogate the issues of cities as hubs of innovation for the continents transformation. By cities as hubs of innovation, we do not mean innovation cities, innovative cities, knowledge cities or smart cities, he said as he set the tone for the SED 2016. A city that is a hub of innovation has all the above attributes and more. It is one that births innovations, ideas, technologies and transforms them through the market and other hierarchies to enhance or drive local as well as global competitiveness. The SED 2016 is being held under the theme African Cities as Hubs of Innovation for Africas Structural Transformation and being co-hosted by the ECA and South Africas Science and Technology Department (DST). African cities, Mr. Nwuke said, will be home to more than half the continents population by 2030 hence the need for such platforms as SED to come up with policy solutions that will help African countries to become true hubs of innovation that will change the lives of the ordinary people in particular. He said African cities are underperforming as hubs of innovation for national and continental transformation, adding urgent action is required to address the situation. Giving examples of Singapore and Dubai, which are major hubs of innovation, Mr. Nwuke said African cities can learn from others that have embraced technology and innovation well and done well in that respect. Dubai and Singapore have done well, he said, because of supportive, dynamic and purposeful STI policy environment, STI institutions, global connectivity, developed infrastructure, aggressive human capital development, supportive business environment and high quality life, among others, making them magnets for foreign direct investment. Our hope is that this Dialogue, along with the report that will emerge from it, will help to improve our knowledge and understanding of how Africas emerging cities can be transformed into innovation hubs for the continents structural transformation, said Mr. Nwuke. We also hope that this dialogue will make a number of recommendations for consideration and adoption by African governments at the city and national levels. South Africas Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, gave the keynote speech, challenging African governments to invest in their people. To unlock innovation, you must invest in your own people, he said. Investing in your own people also unlocks the potential of urbanization as a force for development and structural transformation on the continent. He said the challenges were there for African cities, adding opportunities were also there for the taking but only with political will, adding political leaders should not be scared of local leaders like mayors who are working hard to ensure theres innovation in their respective areas that makes a difference in the ordinary peoples lives. DST director general Phil Mjwara said science and technology is and will play a huge role in the transformation of African cities, urging governments to put money into the field. He said South Africa is dedicating five percent of its GDP towards science, technology and innovation, adding this is impacting positively on the lives of ordinary people with universities and research institutions coming up with programmes that are beginning to bear fruit. Experts are in the next three days expected to answer some of these questions; What are the factors fettering, constraining the rapid transformation of African cities into hubs of innovation similar to Dubai, Singapore or the USs Silicon Valley; what can governments at all levels city, regional, provincial, state and national do; are national STI policies sufficiently responsive to the challenge, can regional integration be an instrument for transforming Africas cities into hubs of innovation, are lessons from Dubai and Singapore transferable; why is it important to explore the role of African cities as hubs of innovation and what are some of the challenges that hinder African cities from transforming into such hubs. 03.11.2016 LISTEN Anas Aremeyaw Anas about to receive his award from the Asantehene's Manwerehene ACE UNDERCOVER Journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, has charged upcoming journalists in the country to develop interest in investigative reporting. He stated the country would benefit immensely if more journalists developed interest in investigative reporting to help uncover the rots in the system. Anas, a household name across the globe in the investigative reporting arena, said he is prepared to help journalists that would veer into investigative reporting. I encourage my colleague journalists to go a step further, take up the challenge, go into investigative journalism to save our country, continent and our world. The award-winning investigative journalist, as known of him, wore a veil to cover his real identity. He pointed out that more investigative reporters are needed. The undercover journalist was speaking during the maiden edition of 'The Press Foundation' (TPF) National Media Festival 2016', in Kumasi on Saturday. TPF, a non-governmental and non-profit making organization, is headed by ace journalist, Listowel Yesu Bukerson to boost media work in the country. Themed 'Election 2016: The Role of the Journalist', the event was held at the plush Golden Tulip Kumasi City Hotel. It was graced by media practitioners, public relations experts, students, corporate Ghana, politicians, security personnel, among others. Anas said in the next three years, all things being equal, he hopes to take off this veil and give it to a more determined and effective journalist to take over. Joy FMs investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni won the 'Anas Aremeyaw Anas Investigative Journalist' award instituted by TPF, in reward of his hard work. Other awardees were Samson Lardy Anyenini, Shamima Muslim and Anas Aremeyaw Anas for their roles to the growth of Journalism in the country. The Public Affairs Consular of the US embassy in Ghana, Daniel Fennell and the GOC of the Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier General CB Alhassan, were among the speakers. The event was chaired by the Asantehene's Mawerenehene, Bafour Ossei Hyieman Brentuo VI. FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi Comfort Gyamfuah Snr and Comfort Gyamfuah Jnr the twins, 15, who went missing a fortnight ago in Kumasi after leaving home ostensibly for school have linked up with their mother in Accra. Their mother came with them to the newsroom of the DAILY GUIDE to tell the story of their retreat to the Atiwa Mountain near Kumasi to pray for deliverance from their predicament. The two Comforts narrated a harrowing story about how they were relocated to Kumasi to live with their paternal grandmother's junior sister because their brother Frank Agyei could no longer take care of them. They were pupils of the St. Monica's School in Kaneshie, Accra until their brother took the decision to move them to a new home, an action which has threatened their education. Our grandmother for the few days that we stayed with her gave us rice to boil and some cooking oil for our meal. There was no stew and we found life very difficult. Other children were accorded better facilities and support from our grandmother they said. Upon hearing about a prayer camp on the Atiwa Mountain, the twins, who were barely a week old in their new environment, took a bold decision to go there and pray using twenty cedis they had on them as fare. At the foot of the mountain before we ascended it we met a pastor who led us to the prayer camp. Here many people supported us with money, they said. With no mobile phone on them, their plans of calling their mother Obaa Yaa who lives in Breku in Kwahu in the Eastern Region became difficult. I got somebody's phone to use to call my mother but could not get through. I remembered that the chip of my phone was left in her care. I tried calling her through that chip and fortunately it went through and I told her about where we were and that we needed money for fare so we could come and meet her, Comfort Gymafuah Snr said. Their mother who had moved to Accra to search for them when she heard that they had gone missing sent them an amount of GH50 on somebody's mobile number at the prayer camp. A lady who traveled with them to Accra assisted them immensely. They eventually linked up with their mother on Sunday. When their mother called DAILY GUIDE following the publication about the plight of the girls, she said hallelujah they have returned. Their father who is a farmer in a village near Obuasi, their mother said, had disowned the kids saying he would not have anything to do with them any longer. He had earlier traveled to Kumasi to make good his promise of giving them some money when he heard about their predicament. Upon hearing that they had gone missing when he reached Kumasi, he told their mother I would have nothing to do with them any longer. Go and search for them, he reportedly told their pained mother. Asked what she would do with the twins now that she has found them, she said I would go with them to Breku and look for a school for them. Their mother sells rice in Breku and it is glaring that the schooling of the twins would suffer many setbacks unless they are supported to surmount the financial obstacles therein. Given their vulnerability, the single parent would have an uphill task for educating them and protecting them against temptations in a rural setting. By A.R. Gomda Yvonne Nduom (wife of Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom) being assisted by a traditional leader to officially open the mill Some 5,000 farmers and allied workers are expected to be employed by the newly-opened Worawora Rice Mill in the Volta Region. Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Groupe Nduom, who officially opened the factory on Tuesday, said about 20,000 people would be indirect beneficiaries of the project. Speaking to an audience made up of district agricultural officers, chiefs and farmers, Dr Nduom said Ghana spent $1.2 billion on rice importation, hence the establishment of the mill. Imagine the jobs and development we are giving to America, Vietnam and Thailand. Our example should encourage other investors to emulate our example and in 4 to 5 years, all the $1.2 billion will stay in Ghana for roads, hospitals, schools and in the pockets of farmers. Dr. Nduom urged the workers to take their work seriously and announced that farmers will be readily paid for their produce with life insurance packages. Dr. Nduom added that he would break ground for the construction of another mill at Assin Bereku in the Central region today, November 3, 2016. Kwame Asomaning, Managing Director at Ghana Growth Fund Company (GGFC,) Group Nduom's investing subsidiary, said the group currently owns a major stake in the factory and therefore intends to replicate it in other parts of the sub-region. Mr. Asomaning urged Ghanaians to buy the Edwumawura Rice since the rice after harvest will be available on the market in a fortnight for consumption rather than the sometimes 10-year-old imported rice. Ghana has 580,000 acres of land that can produce 1.7 million tonnes of rice to feed the entire country so why import? We borrowed $940 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) yet send $1.2 billion outside for rice importation. This is not sound economics, he declared. Owner of Afariwa Farms and former Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) President, Nana Owusu Afari, in an address, said Ghana has all the resources needed to create wealth, and called on Ghanaians to go into entrepreneurship. Seth Kwame Darko, a representative of the farmers, gave the assurance that they would feed the Mill with quality rice. He cited undeveloped lands and the lack of agric machinery as some challenges bedeviling their work. A business desk report The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei, has said she does not regret accepting to Chair Ghanas Electoral Commission, as the first woman, despite courting disquiet among Ghanaians for some of her decisions. I don't regret it, it's not an easy job and it wasn't meant to be an easy job, she told BBC's Akwasi Sarpong in a Facebook interview on Thursday. Charlotte Osei, who chairs the seven-member commission, has come under intense pressure for taking some decisions since her appointment in June 2015. Her decision to re-brand the commission, which included the introduction of a new logo, was widely criticized, but she was adamant and defended the action. In 2015, some groups including the Let My Vote Count Alliance, hit the streets to demand a new voter's register, claiming the electoral roll was not credible. But a committee set up by the Commission to deliberate on the proposals, shot down the calls. Parties in court over disqualification Currently, several political parties have dragged the commission to court for disqualifying their flagbearers from this year's presidential race on December 7. As many as 12 presidential aspirants were disqualified for committing errors in the filling of their forms, an incident many have described as unprecedented. When asked by Akwasi Sarpong why she has been singled out for the bashing, Charlotte Osei explained that, such persons mounting pressure on her fail to understand that the decisions are not only from her but her other commissioners. People don't understand that it is a commission with seven people, she said, adding that such challenges are peculiar to electoral commissions globally. She also used the opportunity to explain to the world how ready the commission is, to hold a transparent and credible election on December 7, 2016. EC on a mission to rig elections Former Attorney General, Mr. Martin Amidu, has described the ECs decision to disqualify flagbearer of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom and 12 other presidential candidates as a deliberate attempt to rig the election in favour of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). Martin Amidu in a statement argued that there can be no free, transparent and fair elections when any of the disqualified aspiring candidates and any political party sponsoring them have their names added to the ballot more than three weeks belatedly, because the Commissioner's preferred and approved candidates would have had an unequal advantage over them in the contest for the Presidency. By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @AlloteyGodwin On 3-5 October 2017 Kyiv is going to host the Space and Future Forum to network international experts and youth, many of whom will also participate at the first CosmoHack in the world. Joinfo provides media coverage of the Forum, and some of its topics were already discussed ... Geneva (AFP) - Uganda told the UN rights council on Thursday that it does not "tolerate" discrimination based on sexual orientation, a claim directly undermined by the government's widely condemned record on gay rights. Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa also blamed British colonialism for laws that remain on Uganda's books which criminalise homosexual sex. "We do not accept and we do tolerate any discrimination because of sexual orientation," Kutesa said. He was speaking at Uganda's Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a rights council forum where world nations critique a country's human rights record. Uganda was last reviewed in 2011. Since then, lawmakers have passed a bill that called for life in prison for people caught having homosexual sex. It was signed by long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, although a court later struck down the law. In a 2014 BBC interview conducted by British comedian and gay rights activist Stephen Fry, Uganda's ethics minister Simon Lokodo said heterosexual rape was more "natural" than homosexual sex and threatened to arrest Fry. In August, Lokodo said anyone beaten while attending a gay pride parade would be at fault for bringing the assault on themselves. And in September, police stormed a gay pride event in Entebbe, central Uganda, arresting most of the participants. Kutesa told the council that Uganda was "not entirely enthusiastic about promotion" of gay rights but insisted Museveni's government was not responsible for legislation criminalising homosexual conduct. "There are previous laws that we inherited that relate to sexual offences," he said. He was referring to measures imposed by former colonial master Britain which ban sexual acts deemed "against the order of nature". Uganda has amended, scrapped or made redundant countless British colonial laws, including by drafting its own constitution. Several European as well as North and Latin American countries took the floor to urge Uganda to eliminate laws criminalising homosexuality. Kutesa said that ending public harassment of sexual minorities in Uganda will "take time", noting that even in the West the fight for LGBTI rights "hasn't come overnight". Today, 3 November, EU Ambassador Veronique Lorenzo presented her credentials to H.E. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia. On her first visit to Mogadishu as Head of Delegation of the European Union to Somalia, Ambassador Veronique Lorenzo confirmed the unwavering commitment of the European Union to the people of Somalia and spoke of the long-term partnership. "I arrive at a time when Somalis are choosing the leadership to steer Somalia to a new period of peace and prosperity", said Lorenzo. "I applaud the courage and commitment of all those who have undertaken the responsibility to see this process through to a peaceful, fair and credible conclusion that all Somalis will accept", she said. "The acceptance by The President of the Republic of my credentials on the first day of my arrival in Mogadishu is a symbol of our mutual commitment and of the EU's determination to continue its uninterrupted support to the people of Somalia", said Ambassador Lorenzo. In Ghana, and Africa as a whole, our conducts are mostly guided by the hackneyed majoritarian African culture of respect. Thus, in Ghana, the acceptable norm, is one must always seek to discharge his/her emotional intelligence and show deference at all times in order not to upset the banal African concept of respect. So, it becomes extremely worrisome when an elected president chooses to chastise his subordinates for expressing their grievances over the issues that affect their lives. Verily, President Mahama comes across as a cheeky person. Let us remind ourselves that we (Ghanaians) have been taught to respect the dead. So, I, for one, was extremely dumbfounded when after the death of Professor Mills, I heard President Mahama impoliticly suggesting: God in his own wisdom has taken the old man, Professor Mills away to pave the way for youthful Mahama to take over the mantle. How bizarre? Subsequent to that infamous pronouncement, President Mahama went to the Northern region and declared that it was about time Northerners took over the mantle of Presidency, because they (Northerners) were fed up serving in the Vice Presidency post. In fact, President Mahama can be best described as a careless talker, for he more often than not, fails to anticipate the dire consequences of his unmeasured pronouncements. Take, for instance, even though President Mahama promised prior to the 2008 and 2012 general elections that he was going to put money in Ghanaians pockets, he shamefully turned his back on the electorates after winning the ultimate power. Consequently, Ghanaians rightly questioned 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). Besides, President Mahama failed abysmally to provide the jobless youth of Ghana the jobs he promised in the NDCs 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? Shockingly, however, President Mahama has decided to make known his so-called numerous infrastructural projects to Ghanaians through a discredited Green book. Nevertheless, it has been established that some of the projects that President Mahama has delineated in his Communist Green book of propaganda are often non-existing. Tell me, if this is not a sign of a president who does not respect the people who brought him to power, what is it then? Actually, President Mahama has been carving a niche of sarcasm for himself over the years. For example, last year, in one of his press conferences, President Mahama strangely went ahead frolicking by giving needless epithet to the acting chairman of the NPP, Freddie Blay. President Mahama sarcastically referred to the gentleman as OPANA, (literally means trouble maker). , But then again, it is on record that apart from the humongous corruption allegations that were bothering the late President Mills; he was also worried about the persistent shenanigans of his appointees, including then Vice President, Mahama. Apparently, sources have it that late President Mills (The Asomdwehene) did not somehow appreciate Mahamas acerbic tongue. According to the sources, late Mills was disgusted with his Vice Mahamas sheer impertinent boldness and the persistent monkeyshines. And more so it was not only the late President Mills who was appalled about Mahamas relentless shenanigans, other decent people in NDC like Mr. Martin Amidu showed concerns as well. For example, Mr. Amidu has revealed that in 2010, he told the late President Mills and the then Chief of Staff that if the late President could advise his appointees to reduce corruption, abuse of office and arrogance for the remaining two years, the NDC would win the 2012 elections hands down. Unbeknownst to many discerning Ghanaians, President Mahama is extremely disrespectful and belligerent in nature. Thus I find it really difficult to understand why he is being labelled with the appellations: Humble, respectful, peacemaker etc. I do not think President Mahama deserves those cognomens. Well, the preceding assertion may seem disputatious to many of his apologists, however President Mahamas recent condescending comments on Alhaji Dr Mahmoud Bawumia really exposed his hypocrisy. If you may recall, in one of his recent changing lives speeches, President Mahama sarcastically suggested that Bawumia has not been a president before and therefore cannot ascribe incompetence to his government. Amazingly, President Mahama went ahead and uncharacteristically opined that only our two former Presidents, Kufuor and Rawlings have the pedigree and therefore may criticise him. Apparently, according to our Presidents reasoning, the rest of Ghanaians do not have the right to criticise him and his government because we have not been president before. Obviously, such thought process is extremely unconscionable and undemocratic and therefore does not fit the lips of a supposedly respectful president. I recall not long ago, President Mahama went to Kumasi and labelled the entire people of Ashanti region as ungrateful lots. He referred to Ashantis as ungrateful lots who would never even be content with gold plated roads. How bizarre? As a matter of fact, it was extremely disrespectful on the part of a supposedly humble President to insist that all Ashantis are unappreciative. I recollect in one of the Parliamentary sittings, President Mahama had the cheek to insult Ashantis indiscriminately. He openly said: People of the Ashanti origin have problem with letters L&R. In other words, Mahama was implying that Ashantis are useless in pronouncing words that have letters L&R. That was indeed an impertinent boldness from a supposedly respectful President! Do the good people of Ghana call such an inveterate tribalist as humble and respectful? Moreover, in the wake of the public discourse on the suitability of the proposed burial place of our departed president Mills, President Mahama incoherently stated that Ghanaians who took part in the debate both on radio, television and even in their private homes and work places engaged in a USELESS discourse. That was uncharacteristic of a President who is being tagged as humble, respectful, God fearing etc. As a matter of fact, President Mahama has an inborn propensity for abusing those who show divergent views to his. I remember during a debate on the STX Housing deal, President Mahama, then Vice President, abused our Members of parliament who opposed the deal. He told them: BALONEY. In other words, President Mahama was implying that the Parliamentarians were engaging in foolish discourse. How bizarre? Humble indeed! I also recall when the Attorney Generals office charged Kennedy Agyapong with Treason, Terrorism & genocide and former President Kufuor humbly appealed for calm, and suggested that we should avoid killing a fly with a Sledge Hammer. President Mahama replied hastily and lividly: We will kill a fly with a Bulldozer. Honestly speaking, that incoherent remark can only come from the lips of a bellicose, but it should never come from the lips of a supposedly respectful, submissive and peaceful President. Again, during the Launch of the NDC governments Green Book volume 2, the then Vice President, Mahama, shamefully discriminated against visually impaired people indirectly. President Mahama impolitely said: It is only those that are blind that do not see the good work of the NDC government. Well, what can I say here; I am really struggling to find euphemistic language to condemn the preceding insolence. In fact, President Mahama was really indiscreet. With such a discriminatory statement coming from no lesser person than the President of the nation, I can dare state that President Mahama is indeed disrespectful. How on earth can a President, who is being tagged as humble, respectful and God fearing abuse disabled people in that way? With all due respect, Mahamas ceaseless sarcasm is out of this world. He is simply not respectful. Indeed, he does not have a single respect for Ghanaians. He is only a pretentious geezer, who is bent on manipulating the unsuspecting Ghanaians. K. Badu, UK. Rissani (Maroc) (AFP) - On the edge of the southwestern town of Rissani, Abdelrahman Ahmidani sighs as he reflects on the state of the Moroccan oasis, endangered by drought and climate change. "Whoever lives here," he says, "is condemned to a life of poverty." In Rissani, the sinuous mountain oasis of Tafilalet gradually disappears into the Sahara desert, after snaking green for dozens of kilometres (miles) down the Ziz valley. The town, the tourist pamphlets say, was where Morocco's ruling family established itself in the 17th century and was once a major crossroads -- famous for gold trade -- on ancient merchant routes to Senegal and Sudan. But since the 1980s, the sands have been advancing on the town. A man walks past dying palm trees in the Tafilalet oasis on October 27, 2016 On the outskirts of Rissani, hundreds of palm tree trunks rot away on cracked ochre soil shot through with parched irrigation channels. "When I was a child, the oasis was green and thriving. In one generation, it has become almost completely dry and sterile," says 37-year-old Ahmidani, who grew up in Rissani and now works as an official in town. The late 20th century brought long periods of drought, leading farmers to flee the area abandoning their earthen houses to dissolve whipped up in sandy winds. Palms against the desert A man walks through a dried out area, that used to be part of the Tafilalet oasis, on October 27, 2016 "Oases are part of Morocco's natural resources," Ahmidani says of the green sanctuaries that for centuries have formed a shield against desertification. But mismanagement of surface water and overexploitation of groundwater -- notably due to urbanisation -- has led to increasing drought. Morocco has lost a third of its oases in a century. Twenty kilometres outside Rissani, Hassan Sadok has been working on rehabilitating seven hectares (around 17 acres) of land for the past 15 years. "Date palms are a natural barrier against desertification," says the former hotel owner turned farmer for lack of tourists. A man walks on dunes on October 26, 2016 near Morocco's southeastern oasis town of Erfoud, north of Er-Rissani in the Sahara Desert "In the beginning everyone laughed at me," he said. "The land was dry and sterile, and growing anything in it was very difficult. "Look over there. Those lands are dead. "But on my farm, thanks to my date palms, the land is fertile. My farm turns a profit and is environmentally friendly." Sadok rears sheep for their dung and refuses to use industrial fertilisers. He also pumps groundwater using solar power and tries not to overconsume it. Clear water runs between his 1,800 date palms, while plaited reed barriers hold back the desert beyond. 'Sustainable oasis' "Oases withstand drought much better with these ancient methods," says Ali Oubarhou, who is in charge of oasis areas at the agriculture ministry. Rabat launched an ambitious project to revive its oases in 2008 as part of the "Green Morocco" plan, he says. After the number of date palms dropped nationwide from 15 million a century ago to just 4.8 million, it has now increased back to 6.6 million trees -- with a goal of eight million date palms in 2020. Oases are the most vulnerable ecosystems to climate change, according to the UN intergovernmental panel on climate change, and their disappearance comes at heavy environmental, economic, social and cultural cost. Rabat will be presenting an action plan to save the world's oases at an international climate conference it is hosting this month. It will unveil a proposal for a "sustainable oasis" at the COP22 climate talks to run in Marrakesh from November 7 to 18. Bringing back date cultivation means "generating wealth to create areas that are attractive to people, all the while preserving natural heritage through a rational use of resources and preserving biodiversity". "But we have to be realistic," Oubarhou says, explaining action at local level will not be enough. "We will need international cooperation to save the oases, and we're expecting a lot out of COP22." Aggrieved ex workers of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), have given management of the port, a five day ultimatum to address their concerns or face their wrath. Over two hundred of the ex-workers this morning picketed at the headquarters of GPHA in Tema. According to them, management has not treated them fairly after a decade of their compulsory retirement. Over five thousand workers of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority were affected in a restructuring exercise carried out by the Authority under a World Bank funded program. Presenting the petition on behalf of the aggrieved ex-workers, the leader, Stephen Ashitey stressed they will be compelled to resort to other legal actions if management fails to meet the November 7 deadline. We have so many plans on the drawing board; but we have decided to undertake series of actions even before the elections. We also intend to sabotage the presidential elections due to the lack of commitment of both Presidential candidates for the two main political parties; Nana Akuffo Addo and President Mahama, he stated. Mr. Ashitey added, They would have to explain to us why they prefer to consider their interests when issues of ex-gratia come into question regarding the provisions made by the constitution. Citi News' Tema Correspondent, Elvis Washington reports that the workers who stormed the premises were clad in red and black dresses with red cloth tired around their necks and wrists. According to him, they yielded placards with inscriptions some of which read; 'Pay us our money,' 'The 14 years of waiting is over', 'we are dying Mr. President', 'corruption is a high risk venture Mr. President' among others. Meanwhile the spokesperson for the ex workers, Lord Nsia Laryea said the ex workers would take another line of action if nothing is heard from them. As we present this petition today, we wish to sound it clear to the leadership of Ghapoha that we have waited for them for far too long and we can no longer wait. We have given them up to Monday to address our issues and failure to do so, we shall advice ourselves, he stressed. But receiving the petition on behalf of management, the General Manager in charge of administration at the ports; Adjei Sam urged the ex-workers to exercise restraint. According to him, management would take a decision and communicate to them appropriately, in due course. By: Pius Amihere Eduku/Elvis Washington/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana This is the concluding part of the article The case of the PPP Unlike Oyortey ,Emmannuel Maatey Tetteh needs additional 7,025votes(Fig 8) before he could cause a surprise to unseat the NDC to win the seat. In 2012, he was able to pull additional 3,190 votes (Fig 9) when he left the CPP to PPP. What can help him is the constituent lackadaisical attitude towards the NPP in giving the votes to any other party if they feel dissatisfied with the NDC which was manifested in 2000 election where NRP took the second position(Tab 2) In 2008 as a new entrant on the ticket of the CPP he had 1,879(Tab 4 ). Tetteh was previously tipped to strongly challenge the NDC but his performance on Ghone on the State of the Nations made a lot of people to rethink about his candidacy and quality. Most of the people believed that he should have performed better on national platform like this because he being a teacher should have laid out his policies very well when he had the opportunity but he rather messed up where Nana Aba has to even question their credibility and asked them whether they didnt research well before coming on set. The Case of the CPP It will take heaven for the CPP Candidate to make in-roads in the constituency judging from the figures between him and the NDC and his persona. In 2012, he had 517 votes. He would need additional 17,850 votes before he can unseat the NDCs Linda Akweley Ocloo. Data Representation and Analysis Data analysis consists of examining, categorizing, tabulating or otherwise recombining the evidence, to address the initial propositions of the study. Data obtained was processed using tables from 1992 to 2012 from the constituency. Analysis was carried out using figures difference of parliemenatry election held in a particular election year for assesment upon which findings and conclusion were drawn Table of Parliamentary Election Held in the Shai Osudoku Constituency from 1996-2012 Tab 1.Shai-Osudoku 1996 Michael Afedi Gizo NDC 14,814 65.80% Kwame Tetteh Korly Agban NPP 2,319 10.30% John Awuku Dziwornu CPP 1,108 4.90% Tab.2 2000 NDC 10,562 50.60% NRP 4,844 23.20% NPP 4,439 21.30% CPP 785 3.80% UGM 236 1.10% Tab. 3 2004 David Tetteh Assumeng NDC 13,510 63.40% Gloria Afua Akuffo NPP 7,386 34.70% Elias Nomo Tetteh CPP 293 1.40% Rex Isaac Kofi Addae PNC 106 0.50% Tab. 4 2008 David Tetteh Assumeng NDC 14,725 65.60% Daniel Christian Dugan NPP 5,565 24.79% Emmanuel Martey Tetteh CPP 1,876 8.35% Albert Nartey PNC 280 1.25% Tab.5 2012 David Tetteh Assumeng NDC 18,089 58.99% Daniel Christian Dugan NPP 6,991 22.80% Emmanuel Martey Tetteh PPP 5,069 16.53% Solomon Narh Dorh CPP 517 1.69% Findings of the Study. Linda Akweley Ocloo on the ticket of the NDC has a huge task to save the party from losing the seat come December 7, 2016. She also has a big task to transform the constituency eventaully if she wins the election as expectations are very high in the constituency. She has another big task to save the image of women in the constituency if she wins the election and her performance in government to pave way for future women consdering the position. If she wins the election she sets an unprecedented history of being the first woman on the ticket of the NDC in the constituency to contest the primary and win the major election and also the second woman in the Dangme land to win the seat for the NDC. Linda Ocloo must win the electioon with heavy numbers above the 18,089 gained by Hon. David Tetteeh Assumeng to show that she is marketable and also for her prospective parliamentary election in 2020 or anything apart from that is suicidal for her. Dr. Michael Kpessa Whyte prospective parliamnetary bid would also depend on his involvement with Linda Ocloo parliamentary ambition and support he renders to her for the world to see anything as apart from this would still be suicidal for him or any member from his team who desires to compete. They should quickely dissolve the Team Kpessa and Team Ocloo in the constituency for a uniform party otherwise in the near future the primaries would still be on this same camp and it could still be suicidal for Kpessas camp. If Dr. Michael Kpessa Whyte is still nursing a prospective parliamentary ambition then it should start from now and every support he renders he should published it in the media so people see what he is doing or has done for her during her term of office this would give him a good image for his future parliamnetary project as the Shai-Osudoku people are unpredictable and whatever they hear they act on it whether negatively or positively. The research also revealed that time is indeed running out for the NDC linda Akweley Ocloo as Nene Stephen Oyortey of the NPP is her major threat and likely to upset her if she sleeps. The NPP stephen Oyortey has a big opportunity and chance to win the parliamentary seat now as the parliamentary race now is a 50: 50 affairs in the constituency. The research has proven that interesting times is indeed ahead for the NDC and time is indeed running out for the NDC if they sleep. The research revealed a two horse race constiruency affairs which is between NDC and NPP. Conclusion: In conclusion I cannot deceive myself as a political scientist who has focused my research extensively in the Dangme people behavior in the elections that all is well within the camp of the NDC in the Shai-Osudoku constituency and other Dangme land in entirety. I cannot tell outright that the NDC Linda Akweley Ocloo can win this seat without the involvement of all the NDC faithful in the constituency. She needs each and every Tom, Dick and Harry to be able to save her political ambition in the constituency. It is a 50:50 affair now in the constituency and whoever plays the political cards well can win the seat. The NPP is capable of winning the seat at the moment if the NDC deceive themselves that they still have the dominance over the people. References. Raphael N. Obu(2016)A look at Dangme Community Parlimentary voting pattern: A comparative review of elections Held in the various constituencies and what is likely to Happen in 2016 between NDC and NPP in the Dangme Constituency. Publsihed in Dangme news September edition. Shai-Osudoku : Elections 2000 | Ghana Election Results | Ghana ...ghanaelections.peacefmonline.com/pages/2000/constituency/133/ Shai-Osudoku : Elections 2004 | Ghana Election Results | Ghana ... ghanaelections.peacefmonline.com/pages/2004/constituency/133/ Shai-Osudoku : Elections 2008 | Ghana Election Results | Ghana ... ghanaelections.peacefmonline.com/pages/2008/constituency/133/ Shai-Osudoku : Elections 2012 | Ghana Election Results | Ghana ... ghanaelections.peacefmonline.com/pages/2012/constituency/133/ What does a Political Scientist do? - Sokanu https://www.sokanu.com/careers/political-scientist/ Political science - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_science Parliamentary system - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliamentary_system Parliamentary Service | Parliament of Ghana www.parliament.gh/content/389/41 The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has complained about what they say is the poor growth rate in the agriculture sector describing it as sluggish. At a press conference held today [Thursday] to congratulate farmers and fisher folks on the occasion of farmers' day to be marked on Friday November 4, 2016, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, and Minority spokesperson on Agriculture, said the sector is not performing at all. By the measure of annual growth performance, Ghana's agriculture has been sliding or, at best, sluggish. From 7.4% in 2008, and 7.2% in 2009, agricultural growth slowed to 5.3% in 2010, hitting the bottom of 0.8% in 2011. It then stayed down at 2.3% in 2012, recovering somewhat to 5.7% in 2013 and then 4.6% in 2014. The NPP has over the years accused government of not investing in agriculture hence depriving farmers of their due. Dr. Afriyie Akoto however said that an Akufo-Addo led NPP administration, will restore budgetary cuts suffered by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, recruit more extension officers, and invest heavily in agric research. The NPP will restore the budgetary cuts suffered by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture under the NDC administration. Extension officers will be recruited from our Agricultural Colleges, for the first time in eight years, to boost extension services, thereby strengthening the link between research and the farmers and fishers. We shall replenish the financial allocations to our research institutions in order to revive active agricultural research. We shall involve District Assemblies in supporting farmers and fishers in on-farm production, and in the marketing and processing of produce. In this regard, the link between the decentralized Ministry of Food and Agriculture staff, and the District Assemblies, will be strengthened to ensure effective delivery of inputs and services to farmers, he added. Below are excerpts of what Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto said: The growth registered in the two years 2013 and 2014, was in large part, on account of unprecedented growth in forestry and logging activities. If logging activities are dramatically increasing without commensurate growth in reaforestation, the obvious implication is that, we are further degrading our forest cover and opening the country up to the invasion of savanna and sahelian conditions. The crop sub-sector, which engages most of the 4.5 million farmers in this country, recorded growth of only 3.6% in 2014. The 2015 Budget Statement expected a 5.8% growth in the agriculture sector. In the event, the recorded growth of only 2.4% in 2015, was not even half of the targeted growth. The poor annual growth (3.5% average in the last six years from 2010) in agriculture, is just above half of the Malabo Declaration minimum target of 6.0% per-annum for all African Countries. With population growth rate of 2.7% per annum, this means that, Ghanaian agriculture is growing at a net rate of only 0.8% per capita per annum. If account is taken of rapid urbanization typified by the Kayayei phenomenon, then agricultural growth per capita drops into negative value. The average annual growth of 3.5% in the past six years, compares unfavourably with an oil-driven average annual growth of 6.7% in the economy as a whole during the same period. The fact that agriculture is growing at less than half of that of the economy in general signals the onset of the Dutch Disease. By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @AlloteyGodwin The Electoral Commission (EC), has said that as part of efforts to deepen transparency and accountability, it will brief the media on hourly basis on election day, December 7. The Commissions Chairperson, Madam Charlotte Osei, who announced this, says the Commissions website and social media platforms, will also be used effectively in churning out vital information. Her comment comes days after the EC took down its website ahead of the polls, raising questions as to whether the recently launched site had been hacked. But speaking in an interview with the BBC's Akwasi Sarpong, the EC Chair clarified that, the Commission is devising measures to ensure that, Ghanaians do not encounter technical challenges in their bid to asses the website during the election. We are working on that. We are increasing the bandwith; and we need to look at the capacity again to take care of the kind of interest we are getting and also the kind of the data we will be getting. She further revealed that, the EC will also ensure a very robust communication process that will update Ghanaians on the latest developments as far as the elections are concerned. The plan is that, we are going to have a very robust communication process going on.There will be at least hourly updates to the media of what is going on, which results have come in. If there are any challenges, we will inform the public ahead of those challenges; but at least we will be having hourly briefings with the media. Election results to be announced in 42 hours Asked how long it will take for the EC to release election results, Charlotte Osei said :we are hoping within 42 hours. She was however quick to add that, it might go beyond the expected 42 hours to 72, if the results are very close. The only reason I can see us going beyond is because, our elections in Ghana tend to be very close. If it is so close , it will be more prudent to stop the counting process to inform everyone, do a total recount and be sure of what we are announcing . By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @EfeAnsah The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) says it is financially challenged to carry out its core duties ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections. NCCE Western Regional Director, Alphonso Arthur told Joy News his staffs have for months been using their salary to get the office running. I for one use my salary to buy tyres for the vehicles [and since] last year this has been happening, he registered his displeasure. Per the NCCE Act (452) 1993, the Commission is mandated to carry out the following functions; (a)To create and sustain within the society the awareness of the principles and objectives of the Constitution as the fundamental law of the people of Ghana (b)To educate and encourage the public to defend the Constitution at all times, against all forms of abuse and violation (c)To formulate, implement and oversee programmes intended to inculcate in the citizens of Ghana awareness of their civic responsibilities and an appreciation of their rights and obligations as free people (d)To conduct voter education across the country These roles are considered crucial to forestall the growing incidence of spoilt ballots recorded across the country in the previous elections. With 33 days for Ghana to head to go to the polls, the NCCE is incapacitated to carry out the voter education function. Mr Arthur said government used to give them money to run their office, but this has stopped with no clear explanation. He said anytime they submit their yearly budget to Parliament, they are told by the "big men" at the NCCE Head Office in Accra to exercise some patience. "So we are waiting as we use our salaries to run the office," he said. Despite the difficulty, Mr Arthur said they remain unfazed as the various district officers go into the various communities in the region to educate residents. As I speak now the district officers are on the field speaking to faith organizations and other identifiable groups, he explained further. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers Chief Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has rejected calls by local poultry farmers to ban imported chicken. Joseph Kwasi Boamah says a ban will be rather counter-productive to the quest to grow the sector. In Ghana the demand for poultry products as a source of protein has increased steadily over the last three decades and will continue over the next 34 years. This demand is partly due to significant factors like; increase in urban population growth rates, increasing average per capita income of urban dwellers leading to better purchasing power and increasing per capita meat consumption triggered by a shift in eating patterns from home cooking to fast foods that have chicken almost always as the meat of choice. Most eateries in Greater Accra also find chicken as the most convenient and affordable meat of choice for preparing both continental and local dishes. The United Nations (UN) population prospects (medium variant) corroborates the influence of these factors on demand for poultry meat, in that, it projects a global population growth rate of 34 percent to increase the worlds population to 9.1 billion by 2050 with a significant increase in absolute growth projected at 120 percent. This is to take place in urban arears of developing countries thereby increasing the worlds urban populations to over 70 percent of the worlds population by 2050. This is predicted to occur with income levels rising to many multiples of what currently pertains today. In the same period UN population prospects projects global per capita meat consumption to rise from 41kg to 52kg with a corresponding rise from an average of 30kg to 44kg for that of developing countries. Thus Ghana should be poised to implement favourable policies that will take advantage of these factors to improve on the local poultry industrys market share, majority of its farmers have small and medium scale farms. Other factors that influence the development of the poultry industry include technical knowledge, as science and technology evolves, availability of natural resources including water and solar energy as well as the management of trade barriers. Speaking to JOYBUSINESS at the launch of a USAID report on Ghanas Poultry Industry, Mr Kwasi Boamah indicated government would support poultry farmers and allow competition for consumers to get value for money. "When you allow competition, it makes the industry thrive but when you ban you make the people lazy," he said. Mr Kwasi Boamah said the two must be allow to co-exist although he thinks if the local poultry is given better feed. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com Will the market for physician assistants (PAs) reach saturation some day? Will there be so many PAs and NPs that adding one more will lower the value of their services? According to applied labor theory, when the ratio of physicians to PAs is high (that is, approaching 1:1), one additional full-time equivalent (FTE) PA might offset one FTE physician. After 50 years of PA presence in the United States, the demand continues to exceed supply. However, as the ratio becomes lower, with fewer physicians and many PAs, the value of each additional PA might be small. That begs the question; what MD-to-PA ratio is optimal such that the marginal cost of a PA equals the marginal value of a PA? The marginal cost of the PA is what it costs an employer to hire an extra PA (salary and benefits). The marginal value of an additional PA (in terms of substitution) is the savings from not having to pay salary and benefits for an additional physician. If, for example, a family medicine physician costs, on the average, the employer twice as much as a family medicine PA, the optimal staffing ratio is that point where two PAs can substitute for one MD. If the ratio is below that optimum in terms of hiring too few PAs, either a practice could financially benefit from hiring more PAs or the salary and benefits of PAs are below what the PA is worth. Cautionary tales about an oversupply of PAs and NPs are beginning to emerge, at least in the United States, and in this issue of JAAPA, Salsberg and Quigley offer their predictions based on the theory of healthcare organization efficiency (Are we facing a physician assistant surplus? page 40). Will the predicted annual supply of 30,000 physicians and 25,000 PAs and NPs in 2024, on top of perhaps 708,000 clinically active physicians and 235,000 clinically employed PAs and NPs in 2015 already in the population, adequately address the scarcity of medical labor in the American market, or will it exceed demand?1,2 With a national ratio of clinically active physicians to licensed PAs and NPs of about 3:1, the capacity of a clunky entrepreneurial and socialized healthcare system will likely hold more providers of all types. Conversely, will the lower employment cost of a PA edge out a physician, or will the traditional dominance of a doctor squeeze out the PA? Will supply induce demand, or will a rational market seek some optimal ratio? A model for what constitutes an ideal medical supply and demand that incorporates all who are at the top of their license has only been theorized and never observed.3 All three professions are experiencing growth (albeit differently) but concurrently the physician career arc is shortening.4 At the same time, extraordinary statistics on the demand side of the equation are also emerging. For example, one-third of all baby girls born in this century are predicted to live to be centenariansan unprecedented phenomenon that has significant demand implications.5 The global burden of disease study reveals trends in ailment and injury incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability that will affect regional and national health policies at rates never imagined.6 Larger populations of older adults and better treatments for diseases, coupled with newer technology, may tax healthcare professionals and systems in ways for which we are not prepared. Changes in age groups, sex, and lifestyle have already altered the annual and career productivity of physicians.7 Nor have the promises of medical homes and accountable care organizations delivered what they purport.8,9 In the end, little is predictable about PA and NP supply and demand because the practice patterns of these professionals are dynamic and poorly tabulated. Health services research into the activity and productivity of PAs and NPs is still in its early childhood, in part because the professions are young and in part because of tepid attention from national professional societies and their leaders. If the substitution of physician services is to be understood, then more prospective, granular, and sophisticated research needs to be undertakenotherwise, the debate about how many PAs are enough will go on endlessly. More advanced modeling of the American health workforce in general, and of PAs specifically, is required for understanding where demand, cost savings, and value lie. The issue of medical shortages has emerged as critical if society's health is to be maintained and at no time has there been a greater demand for PAs.10 Salsberg and Quigley are right in addressing the question about PA market saturation. Needed is focused research on work style, team-based roles, and career trajectories more than wishful thinking that healthcare organizations are on the brink of efficient breakthroughs. They are wrong that graduation rates of PAs can be controlled any more than physician or NP rates in a highly capitalized system. The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Akufo-Addo on Tuesday electrified Otuom, the hometown of the former President John Evans Atta Mills as part of his three-day campaign tour of the Central Region. Thousands of supporters of the party besieged the Otuom Roundabout at 2:30 pm to give a rousing welcome to Nana Addo and his entourage who had earlier toured the Gomoa East Constituency. It took Nana Addo and his entourage one hour to travel from the roundabout to the Otuom School Park where he addressed party supporters. The whole town was electrified immediately Nana Addo arrived at the place for the rally, as the people sang NPP songs amidst, drummed and danced. He earlier paid courtesy call on the chiefs of the Ekumfi Traditional Council. Nana Addo, in his address, said the next NPP administration would improve the socio-economic development of the country through the introduction of many policies. He said he would not deceive them to solicit their votes and disappoint them later. The chiefs of the traditional council reiterated their commitment to working hard for the party to win the upcoming general elections, as well as vote massively for Nana Addo. The acting President of Ekumfi Traditional Council, Nana Idan IV, appealed to Nana Addo to construct a landing beach for them to boost the fishing industry in the area if given the nod. We lack better hospital, we want a technical school, our road networks are very bad, we don't have potable water system, school feeding has collapsed in this area, and we also want you to put up the first factory under the one factory one district policy to serve as a bond between your party and the people in the district, he added. Addressing the gathering at rally at Otuom School Park, Nana Addo urged the people to work hard to bring the NPP into power to properly manage the country's economy. It baffles me when people ask where the NPP would get money to implement such policies, remember NPP under HIPC and lack of oil economy was able to introduce many social interventions such as capitation grant, MASLOC, free maternal health care, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), School Feeding Programme, among others, he added. The NPP has no reason to lose the 2016 elections, and I urge you to work hard to wrestle power from the incompetent and paralyzed NDC government, he stated. The former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, said the current Mahama administration has collapsed all businesses and imposed untold hardship on Ghanaians. The National Women's Organizer, Otiko Djaba disclosed that NPP government would give 50 percent of MASLOC loans to women to help improve their lives. From Sarah Afful, Otuom Email:[email protected] I was privileged to attend the 12th edition of the African Travel & Tourism Conference (Akwaaba): a gathering of travel and tourism experts in Africa both from private establishments and various government parastatals. The event held at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos on Sunday October 31st through Tuesday November 1st 2016. My attendance was indeed a worthwhile investment as it exposed me to a cocktail of different issues stalling the growth of the industry as well as practical recommendations that are believed to be the fertilizer African tourism needs to germinate. For me, the icing on the cake was the convergence of key stakeholders from across the continent, and lots of representatives from almost all the African countries talking to people on the many opportunities for tourists in their countries. I saw sheer enthusiasm on the faces of these representatives as they went about selling their countries as the best tourist destination. This wasnt an all-comers event. Even I only had the opportunity to attend because the managing director of Jumia Travel, Kushal Dutta was invited as a panelist to discuss The Internet and the Future of Travel in Africa. So I had to tag along! While all the speakers and panelists touched on many pertinent issues on how to advance the course of tourism in Africa, I found very intriguing a presentation by the deputy minister of tourism for Zimbabwe, Anastacia Ndlovu. She provided some insights on the growth and opportunities that tourism can facilitate in the continent. These opportunities are undoubtedly very promising, if properly harnessed; and are the impetuses urgently required to compliment trade and commerce for a better economic development of each country. It was effortlessly transparent from the data she presented that the advancement of travel and tourism for a country like Nigeria might seem improbable if the government doesnt embrace its potentials and invests enormously to reap untold economic rewards. There were six major challenges which the deputy minister harped on as the reasons for de-growth in the sector, although she mentioned that Zimbabwe isnt exempted from the burden of these challenges. Underdeveloped Tourism Infrastructure Countries like Switzerland, Germany, and Austria lead the world in terms of their travel and tourism industry competitiveness. They are closely followed by Spain, United Kingdom, USA, France, Canada, Sweden, and Singapore. There are thousands of hotel rooms per capita in these countries by international standard. The policy environments are also top ranking considering the low cost required to start a business, and a much flexible visa policy. For Africas infrastructure to develop, we need to protect our natural and cultural resources, fix our air transport system (90% of tourists travel by air), improve the quality of roads and ports, and fix electricity issues as it applies to each country. Poor Intra-African Air Connectivity There are very few flights connecting major cities in Africa. And not many of the very few are good enough, or at least meet international standards. The perception of Africa being a country and not a continent has to change. We need to overhaul the entire air transport system within Africa, and engender more airlines to fly within Africa. The number of tourists visiting Africa every year runs into millions. Imagine how many more we will record if we can bring in more airlines to convey many more tourists to various destinations. Absence of Strategically-Integrated Product Development and Marketing We need to develop tourism products that are marketable. This is indeed lacking in Africa. For instance, Uganda has been able to grow its tourism sector on one thing that a lot of tourists love to see: gorillas. The country has the largest mountain gorilla population in the world 54% (over 400 of them). In addition, there are over 5,000 chimpanzees found in Uganda. The country is also home to the worlds largest number of monkeys, baboons, apes, rare colobus, nocturnal Bush babies and Pottos found in pristine eco-environment. Commendably, Uganda has packaged its tourism around gorilla sight-seeing, and a lot of tourists visit every year just to see these apes. Such tourism product/package is what many countries in Africa need to market to the world. Religious tourism is another untapped market. There are tons of people flying into Nigeria to attend churches such as The Synagogue, Christ Embassy and many more. These people do not come into the country only for a religious programme; they interact with people, discover new places, and go sight-seeing. During these religious programmes, a lot of hotels cash in what they would make in six months in just one week, transporters increase their earnings too, so do airlines. Visa Restrictions The effort of the African Union (AU) in developing a pan-African passport which allows all Africans to travel freely within Africa without a visa is highly commendable. Of course, the objective is to achieve what the European Union passport has made possible. However, more needs to be done. If we can cut out visa requirement as we have in some countries, it will engender the growth of tourism as more people will be entitled to free movement within the continent. Although, there are worries that the security threats this poses outweighs the benefits that we as a continent will accrue from lifting all visa restrictions. It therefore becomes the responsibility of each countrys government to ensure theres adequate supply of security, and if possible putting in place strict measures to gate keep criminals from perpetrating their evil acts. Poor Treasury Support to Tourism In most African countries, it is sad that the tourism sector gets the lowest budget even in countries where tourism is their mainstay. This poses a huge threat to the survival and eventual sustainability of the sector. Government at all levels should invest adequate funds to boost its economic viability which has the potential to contribute up to 25% to each countrys GDP. Brand Africa Our image as a continent has been marred with poverty, strife, hunger, war, starvation, diseases and so many. These things shape the way people see us and our countries. We need an urgent clinical repair of these bad representations. We have challenges as a country, no doubt as do developed countries but we are not our challenges. A lot of tourists, for instance, stayed away from visiting Nigeria in the last 3 years because of the fear of the terrorist group Boko Haram. But then again, which country doesnt suffer from terrorism whether on a large or small scale? So why should this challenge determine who we are? It has become our collective responsibility to treat people who come to our country like they are part of us. Remember, we need word of mouth marketing to promote our tourist destinations more than we need advertising. A tourist who was well treated and accommodated will go back to friends and family to recommend your country as a good destination to visit. To the continent of Africa! To the great people of Africa!! From Africa to the world!!! The former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria, Professor Attahiru Jega has urged the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Mrs. Charlotte Osei to remain focused as Ghana prepares for the presidential and Parliamentary elections. The former National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) boss has come under a barrage of criticism since taking up the role a year ago. Some have alleged she exchanged sex for her position an allegation she has rubbished. She has also been described as arrogant and attempting to rig the elections in favour of incumbent President John Mahama. But Prof. Jega in an interview with Ghana Decides on Facebook said from his observation, Mrs. Osei is doing a commendable job and must encouraged to succeed. I really believe that she is doing a very commendable job in very difficult circumstances and I want to encourage her, she must remain focused, Prof. Jega said. Prof. Jega who is hailed for ensuring a free and fair election in Nigeria last year added that he has absolutely no doubt that the former NCCE boss would do her best to ensure credible polls in Ghana. He commended the West African nation for being a leader in the smooth transition of power in Africa and added that all eyes are on Ghana to deliver another credible election come December 7. The Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) has accused Electoral Commission of plotting to rig the 2016 elections through litigation with political parties. The PPP claims that EC is prolonging litigation with aggrieved political parties to ensure a rushed electoral process which will compromise the monitoring mechanisms and the credibility of the elections. It is a deliberate scheme employed by the state institution with the support of the Electoral Commission to be divert attention so that there will be an opportunity for full rigging in the 2016 elections, the Director of Policy for the PPP, Kofi Asamoah Siaw, said to Citi News. The EC recently decided to head to the Supreme Court to overturn a High Court judgment quashing the disqualification of their Flagbearer, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom. It is also fighting lawsuits from the Great Consolidated Popular Party, the National Democratic Party, the Independent People's Party, the All Peoples Congress and the People's National Congress. But Mr. Siaw insisted that the PPP was already seeing through the antics of the Commission and its Chairperson, Charlotte Osei. Her interest is very obvious. She is doing the bidding for somebody. Otherwise it doesn't make any sense for the Electoral Commission that is established by the constitution to promote political participation and enhance the democratic process to be staking steps that deny people the opportunity to take part in the process, he said. Our conclusion is very simple. It is that the PPP and the disqualification saga is just a ploy, a decoy, to divert attention from the germane things that are supposed to be discussed in this election, Mr. Siaw added. Important questions not being asked The PPP added that: when are ballots going to be printed? Which companies are printing them? What is the proportion assigned to these companies? Which companies are printing for which regions so that they have some responsibility for what goes wrong there. What are the ranges of serial numbers? What is even the contract some? Mr. Siaw bemoaned that, these questions are not being asked because somehow, the Electoral Commission (EC) through its collaborators have designed a scheme that hijacks all of us towards a particular direction. PPP Flagbearer, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom He explained that by PPPs estimation, the litigation would go on for the next two weeks because the Electoral Commission per their action and conduct in the PPP case is likely to take the APC and the PNC on all the way to the supreme court if doesn't go in the favour of the Electoral Commission. That gives you another 2 weeks of litigation. Then you will wake up one day and you realize we have only two weeks to go to the election and then they will rush things through. Mr. Siaw feared that the process would be rushed and there will be no time to time to scrutinize the electoral process and when you don't have time to scrutinize, auditing becomes impossible and you cant trace anything and you rush things through and they declare somebody. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana Johannesburg (AFP) - South African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday faced increasing calls to resign after a damaging probe unearthed further evidence of alleged corruption at the top of the ANC government. The country's anti-graft watchdog ordered a judicial inquiry into possible criminal activity in Zuma's relationship with the Guptas, a wealthy Indian family accused of wielding undue political influence. Zuma, 74, has weathered a series of major scandals since coming to power in 2009, but rapidly declining support for the African National Congress (ANC) party has threatened his presidency. Fears have grown that South Africa has thrown away the optimistic legacy of Nelson Mandela's post-apartheid era -- with Zuma's alleged misconduct at the heart of public discontent. "The mood of the people has become more and more angry," said a statement from Save South Africa, a new umbrella group of anti-apartheid veterans, civil activists, business leaders and churches. "(The ANC) must stop putting the interests of Jacob Zuma before the interests of South Africa," it said. "The president must step down now." Criticism of Zuma has spread in recent months, with calls for him to step down emerging from influential trade unions, corporate bosses and even senior ANC figures -- as well as from opposition parties. New voices speak out "The individuals who are now joining the chorus are not only the usual suspects, but, until very recently, staunch backers of Zuma's ANC," the Times daily said in its editorial on Thursday. Protesters carry a cardboard mock up coffin reading 'Run Guptas run' as they demonstrate against South African president Jacob Zuma and in support of the release of the "State Capture" report in Pretoria on November 2, 2016 "Voices expressing dissatisfaction with his leadership are getting louder as more damning evidence of his misgovernance emerges." The probe released by the Public Protector watchdog detailed allegations that Zuma ensured the Gupta family won huge preferential contracts with state companies and were able to choose cabinet ministers. Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas told the investigation he was taken by Zuma to the Guptas' home in Johannesburg where Ajay Gupta said he would be appointed finance minister. When Jonas refused, Ajay allegedly offered him 600 million rand ($44 million) and asked if Jonas had a bag to take away 600,000 rand in cash immediately. The report also unveiled phone evidence that David Van Rooyen, then a little-known Zuma loyalist, was regularly in touch with the Guptas before he was briefly appointed finance minister last year. The Guptas have denied all wrongdoing, and on Thursday welcomed an official inquiry. "Now we have opportunity to... present our facts to a judge," family lawyer Gert van der Merwe told the eNCA news channel. Election setback Zuma, who travelled to Zimbabwe on Thursday, said that he was studying the Public Protector's report and considering a court challenge. The president, who under apartheid was jailed on Robben Island with Mandela, has been dogged by scandals, including being found guilty of violating the constitution after he refused to repay taxpayers money used to refurbish his private rural house. But he retains deep loyalty in large sections of the ANC, especially in rural areas, and has built up a strong network of supporters. Supporters of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters opposition party protest in Pretoria on November 2, 2016 against President Jacob Zuma "People often underestimate how deeply patronage is built into the ANC," said analyst Peter Montalto of Nomura Bank. "The probability of (Zuma resigning) has increased significantly... but still seems logistically fraught." The ANC is due to choose a new party head at the end of next year, with the selected leader then running for president in national elections in 2019, when Zuma cannot stand for a third term in office. A succession battle appears to be looming between Zuma's ex-wife African Union chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize. Municipal elections in August saw the ANC suffer its worst-ever poll performance, though it remains easily South Africa's biggest party. Public frustration has been fanned by the government's failure to tackle soaring unemployment, low growth and limited change for many of the poorest since the end of white-minority rule in 1994. Around April 2013, the Executive Board of International Monetary Fund (IMF) approves a $918-million loan support Ghanas ailing economy over the next three years. Observers are wondering how Ghana will be able to repay the loan and meet the strict conditions imposed by creditors. One of such hidden conditions is that Ghana needs to put in place sufficient safeguards to prevent discrimination against health care workers serving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) patients in the country. The World Bank Group may be prohibited from interfering in countries internal politics, but that doesnt mean it cant build the economic case for stemming discrimination against sexual minorities, the Bretton Wood Institution has stated on its website. In 2014, the research arm of the global financial institution, took up a new project exploring a causal connection between discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals, and constraints to economic growth. Agreeing to protect LGBT is a hidden conditionality for the loan to be approved, top World Bank official who pleaded anonymity has stated, adding that, by accepting the loan, Ghana now agrees to be gay rights advocates. Consequently, the loan contracted by the ruling NDC government has attracted a number of homosexuals into the country, even though the countrys laws criminalizes unnatural canal knowledge. Ghana recorded over 30,000 homosexuals As at 2014, it was estimated that men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ghana are over 30,000 and they can be found in all 10 regions of the country. The figure is contained in a report titled integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance (IBBS) survey, which was commissioned by the Ghana AIDS Commission in 2011. According to the report, 17% of men who sleep with men (MSM) are living with HIV. In a highly religious country like Ghana, homosexuality is seen as an imported foreign lifestyle choice and a moral aberration. While churches and mosque have been at the forefront of leading a crusade against what they describe as a moral canker, some human right activist in the country including top officials in the ruling government consider the subject a human rights issue. Unlike in Western countries, where homosexuals practice their act in the open, gays and lesbians in Ghana maintain their relationship underground because of the social stigma associated with their sexual orientation. While politicians remain vocal on almost all issues, few in Ghana are willing to take the political risk of advocating tolerance for the rights of homosexuals. Ex- President Kufuor banned homosexual activities In 2006, the New Patriotic Party Government led by ex-President John Kufuor banned a conference for gay men and lesbians that were to be held in the country. In 2003, an Accra Circuit Court jailed four gay men for engaging in homosexual activities. Ex-President Mills frown on homosexuality In February 2012, the late President Atta Mills reiterated the government's stance on LGBT rights, saying: Ghanaian societies frown on homosexuality ... if the people's interest is that we do not legalize homosexuality, I don't see how any responsible leader will decide to go against the wishes of his people Nobody can say in Ghana we discriminate against homosexuality, there is no witch-hunting on homosexuality ... that is their own problem so we move on. Late President Mills during his term of office called the bluff of UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, over the latters threat to cut aid to countries with anti-gay legislation, adding that, Ghana will not accept aid with conditions which have the tendency to destroy the social fabric of the society. "Let me also say that whiles we acknowledge all the financial assistance and all the aid which has been given to us by our development partners, we will not accept any aid with strings attached if that aid will not inure to our interest," the late president talked tough. Equatorial Guinea President warned Mahama over homosexuality The President of Equatorial Guinea, three years ago, warned President John Dramani Mahama and other African leaders not to tolerate, accept or allow the issue of homosexuality to get roots in their countries as it is an abomination before God. Addressing local and international journalists at a press conference held in Malabo (the capital city of Equatorial Guinea) recently, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo said, "Homosexuality is not God's will for His people and should not even be discussed in Africa including Ghana. We strongly believe that righteousness exalts nation and not homosexuality." He added, The Book of Leviticus Chapter 18 tells us that man is not supposed to get married to another man or they are not supposed to have sexual intercourse with another man, which means that God will punish the nation which tolerates this type of abomination. World Bank suspends loan to Uganda The World Bank, sometime ago, has suspended a planned $90m loan to Uganda meant to strengthen its health care system after its president signed into law a bill prescribing harsh jail terms for homosexual offences. The decision by the global lender comes days after homosexuality supporting countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway said they would also freeze or change aid programmes for Uganda because of the law. The Uganda anti-gay law will see those convicted of aggravated homosexuality defined as sex between gay men and minors or the disabled jailed for life. We have postponed the project for further review to ensure that the development objectives would not be adversely affected by the enactment of this new law, a World Bank spokesman said. World Banks first meeting with homosexuals The World Banks spring meetings in April 2014 saw the first official meeting between the Banks president, Jim Yong Kim and 15 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) leaders. The meeting took place just two months after the Bank postponed a $90 million loan to Ugandas health care sector following the governments introduction of an anti-homosexuality act which imposes lifetime imprisonment for homosexuality. The Bank said it wanted to ensure that the development outcomes of this loan would not be adversely affected by the enactment of this new law. The Banks involvement with LGBT rights has attracted controversy. UK magazine the Economist suggested in April that the Bank has to pick its battles and that setting up gay rights as a test of its lending decisions is likely to make the Bank less effective at what Mr Kim himself has emphasised is its core job: tackling extreme poverty. A response by a number of LGBT activists who attended the meetings in Washington argued that the loan demonstrated the need for the Bank to adopt a safeguard policy on sexual orientation and gender identity that would prevent exclusion and recognise these individuals as important stakeholders in its work, as part of its safeguards review. An April report submitted to the Bank by consultants reviewing the case is alleged to suggest that, despite the anti-homosexuality act, the Bank should proceed with the loan but ensure strict conditions that health care workers should not be prosecuted for serving LGBT patients. In an early May, six US-based NGOs, including Health Global Access Project, wrote to to Kim arguing that there have not yet been sufficient safeguards put in place to prevent discrimination in health service provision for LGBT patients for the loan to be approved. A concerned citizen, Thomas Darko, is calling on the public to vote against any party, whose ideology supports activities of homosexuals in the country. By Dennis Peprah, GNA Abesim (B/A), Nov 03, GNA - The Electoral Commission (EC) has given high marks to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) for its significant contribution towards deepening and consolidation of the country's democracy. Mr. Yaw Opoku, the Sunyani Municipal Electoral Officer, said the performance of the national wire service in terms of the accuracy, objectivity and fairness of its electoral reportage had been commendable. He was addressing a two-day training workshop held for reporters and stringers of the Agency from across five regions - Brong-Ahafo, Ashanti, Northern, Upper East and Upper West in Abesim, near Sunyani. It is part of the effort to build their capacity for effective coverage of the coming presidential and parliamentary polls. The workshop comes under the 'GNA Tracks Election 2016 Project', funded by Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL), a state-owned oil company and CIMG 2015 Petroleum Company of the year. The project seeks to sensitize the electorate on the various issues raised by political parties, the elections management body and other governance institutions. It further aims at ensuring gender and social inclusion in national politics and to provide voice for the youth, vulnerable groups, opinion leaders and the broader spectrum of society, and to contribute to achieving peaceful polls. Another objective of the project is to create a platform to dissect the manifestoes of all political parties and provide in-depth analysis of each thematic area to the electorate to enable them make informed judgments and choices. Mr. Opoku, who has worked with the constitutional body charged with the conduct of elections for over two decades, said the GNA had been outstanding - upholding high journalistic standards. He took the participants through the Constitutional Instrument (CI) 94, and reminded the media that it had vital role to play to ensure free, fair and credible election on the December 07. He underlined the need for journalists to be ethical and to exercise good professional judgment. Mr. Opoku told them that 'you are sent to the polling stations to observe and not to monitor the elections', and asked that they avoided unfair and bias reporting, that had the potential to plunge the nation into turmoil. Alhaji Mohammed Nurudeen Issahaq, acting General Manager of the GNA, spoke of the need to maintain the credibility that agency had built for itself over the decades. GNA By Robert Tachie Menson Jnr, GNA Sunyani (B/A), Nov 03, GNA - Over 3,500 security officers would be deployed across polling stations in the 29 constituencies in Brong-Ahafo Region on voting day to ensure adequate security protection for everybody. Deputy Superintendent of police (DSP) Richard Boateng, the Regional Police Legal Officer, said there would also be a stand-by team to swiftly respond to any threat to the peaceful conduct of the polls. They were aware of the critical nature of the December 07 election and would not be overtaken by events - they were more than prepared to deal decisively with any explosive situation, he added. He indicated that strong measures had been put in place to stop any trouble makers from having their way. There are 525 hot spots in the region but he gave the assurance that all was going to be smooth and calm. DSP Boateng was speaking at a two-day training workshop held in Abesim, near Sunyani, for reporters and stringers of the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in five regions - Brong-Ahafo, Ashanti, Northern, Upper East and Upper West. It is part of the effort to build their capacity to effectively cover the presidential and parliamentary elections. The workshop comes under the 'GNA Tracks Election 2016 Project', funded by GOIL, the state oil company and CIMG 2015 Petroleum Company of the year. The project seeks to sensitize the electorate on the various issues raised by political parties, the elections management body and other governance institutions. It aims at ensuring gender and social inclusion in national politics and to provide voice for the youth, vulnerable groups, opinion leaders and the broader spectrum of the society, and to contribute to the achievement of peaceful polls. Another objective of the project is to create a platform to dissect the manifestoes of all political parties and provide in-depth analysis of each thematic area to the electorate to enable them to make an informed judgment. DSP Boateng said the Election Task Force was deepening its conversation with all key actors to prevent any missteps. He urged the media to be circumspect in their reportage and to make sure that they crosschecked any information with the appropriate authorities to keep the nation calm. GNA Accra, Nov. 3, GNA - The Concerned Christians of Ghana have asked the government to consider the bond between Ghana and Israel and ignore the Paris UNESCO resolution against the Jewish State over the controversy surrounding some holy sites. The resolution criticized Israeli actions around the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount Complex in Jerusalem's Old City with Israel claiming it deletes Jewish ties to holy sites. Reverend Kwabena Kodua, Senior Pastor of Gracious Seed Exploits, Accra told the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Thursday that the history of Jerusalem predates Islam and cannot be denied. 'The first mention of Jerusalem in any text was in the book of Joshua in the Bible. Long before Islam existed the Jews had a temple on the temple mount. 'The first temple was built by Jews returning from exile from Babylon about 2,500 years ago. This second temple was refurbished by King Herod and visited by Jesus as recorded in the books of Matthew, Mark and others in the New Testament,' Rev Kodua said. He noted that the temple was the area of activity of Jesus according to the New Testament and was visited by him as a holy site. The Jewish temple has been captured in the works of many historians such as Tacitus, Josephus and Cicero. When the Muslims conquered the Holy Land they decided to build on the ruins of the temple- the Al Aqsa mosque and the dome of the rock. Rev Kodua said:' That for itself cannot be a denial of the existence of the temple that Jesus made a number of pilgrimages, according to the New Testament. 'Denying the existence of the temple denies the very existence of Jesus and the very basis of Christianity. 'The fact that there is a dispute between Israel and the Palestinians does not warrant the Palestinians or any other nation the right to deny the history and the very foundation of Christianity. Moreover, this attempt at denying the rights of people of other faiths weakens the Palestinian case and portrays their arguments as based on lies and falsehood.' Rev Kodua said: It is outrageous that anyone will seek a resolution to deny the Judeo-Christian history and it is quite unfortunate that Ghana did not stand to defend the truth and the heritage of the majority of its citizens and Christians around the world but rather chose for whatever reason to abstain from this important vote. Rev Daniel Gyasi-Ankrah of the Triumph Bible Church observed that the UNESCO resolution on Israel was a denial of historical reality. He said in international relation, nations should work for the benefit of their citizens. 'About 70 per cent of Ghanaians are Christians and so the stance of the Concerned Christians of Ghana is a spiritual one. 'A number of ethnic groups in Ghana trace their origins to Israel hence the need for government to take these dynamics into consideration when taking any decision on the Jewish State,' he said. Rev Gyasi-Ankrah therefore called on the government to rectify this historical and diplomatic blunder by being sensitive to the sensibilities of its citizens. He also called on Christian leaders to wake to their responsibilities in correcting this error. GNA 03.11.2016 LISTEN By Christabel Addo, GNA Accra, Nov. 3, GNA - Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Minister of Education, has opened a three-day summit, in Accra, for stakeholders to make recommendations to inform a draft National Vision and Plan for Tertiary Education. The Summit would also propose an implementation framework, and to also provide input into the current efforts at developing a long-term national development plan for the nation. It is on the theme: 'Crafting a National Vision and Plan for the 21st Century'. The National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) is jointly organising the summit with the Ministry of Education, and the Trust Africa of Senegal, which has brought together about 150 participants from academic institutions, civil society organisations and associations, think-thanks, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the private sector, Parliament and the media. It is a follow-up on the National Policy Dialogue on Tertiary Education that was held in 2013. Addressing the Summit, Prof Opoku-Agyemang said the country had invested tremendous resources in tertiary education over the years and it was expected that the interventions would turn into new knowledge generation, innovation and skill acquisition. She said crafting a national vision and Plan would require massive effort and investment by all stakeholders, and, therefore, commended the organisers of the programme. Prof Opoku-Agyemang explained that the collective expertise and wisdom gathered at the summit would lead to the effective resolution of the challenges facing the country's higher education. He expressed the hope that he outcomes and input into the draft Plan would also bring about the required transformation to enable the Universities to remain relevant and lead in knowledge promotion for national development, comparatively to what pertained in the global arena. She pledged her support towards the adoption and full implementation of the final policy document that would ensue so far as it addresses the major objectives as outlined in the rationale for the Summit. Prof Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe, the Chairman of the National Council for Tertiary Education, said the Summit would provide an opportunity for stakeholders in education, policy-making, industry and civil society to deliberate on the sub-thematic areas of the draft document. These covered postgraduate training, research and development, funding, private sector participation, diversification and differentiation, he said. He gave the background of the Council, which was established by the NCTE Act of 1993, (ACT 454) to oversee the proper administration of institutions designated as institutions of tertiary education in Ghana and to advise the Minister of Education on the development of the institutions. He said the NCTE was committed to providing leadership in tertiary education by advising government and all relevant institutions to enhance access, quality, equity, relevance and governance, and promised to ensure that the outcome of the summit was incorporated into the 40 years Plan of the National Development Planning Commission. GNA Accra, Nov 03, GNA - The Association of African Universities (AAU) has launched the 2016 edition of its annual African Universities Day Celebration with an objective to promote critical dialogue among stakeholders on how to improve higher education in Africa. The event, which is scheduled for Monday, November 7 to Saturday, November 12, focuses on the need to stimulate job creation for the youth. It is under the theme 'Entrepreneurial Learning and Communities of Practice'. Professor Etienne Ehouan Ehile, Secretary General of AAU, at a press briefing in Accra, said the association recognized that for higher education institutions to adopt innovative strategies to improve their educational outcomes, there would be a need to work closely with stakeholders. He explained that working more closely with various stakeholders, especially from industry, would ensure the relevance of their curricula. He said, however, that this year's celebration sought to explore solutions relating to the churning out of graduates who could make a change in their communities through problem solving and entrepreneurship. Prof Ehile said the Day created awareness on the importance of higher education for Africa's development as well as celebrated the success stories of higher education across the continent. 'Universities in Ghana are specially invited to join the Secretariat of the Association in marking the day through an innovation week being hosted by the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), University of Professional Studies (UPSA), and the Wisconsin International University in Accra, Ghana,' he added. Ms Nodumo Dhlamini, Director in charge of ICT Services and Knowledge Management at AAU, said the university had partnered with the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) to host the MEST/ AAU talks on November 7 at the MEST Incubation Centre at East Legon. "The talks will discuss how we can best prepare African youth for entrepreneurship where participants will be industry players, staff and students from UPSA, Wisconsin International University, GIMPA as well as AAU Staff," she stated. She said on Wednesday, November 9, AAU would also partner with GIMPA to host an Inter- University Challenge whereby three student teams representing the three universities would be given an entrepreneurial challenge to solve and would be scored on their problem solving/ critical thinking/innovativeness, among others, by selected judges. Ms Dhlamini explained that the challenge was related to African higher education. She again told the media that UPSA would host the main African Universities Day event on Friday, November 11, featuring a high level panel discussion, which would dwell on 'Entrepreneurial Learning and Communities of Practice'. "The event will also include the award ceremony for the winners of the inter-university challenge," she said, adding that on November 12, the AAU would host a moderated one-and-a-half hour twitter discussion on the theme. The AAU is the apex organisation and forum for consultation, exchange of information and co-operation among institutions of higher education in Africa. GNA By A. B. Kafui Kanyi, GNA Ho, Nov. 03, GNA - The Asogli Education Fund has given financial support to 100 students in the Ho Municipal area towards their education in various academic institutions. The beneficiaries, made up of 30 university students, 20 polytechnic students, 15 Colleges of Education students, 25 Senior High School students and 10 Nurses Training College students, received a total amount of GH65,400.00. Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, urged the students to make good use of the opportunity and justify the investments made in their education. He asked them to do away with bad practices that could distract their studies. Mr Paul Tsekuma, the Administrator of the Fund, said the Board was tracking academic performance of all beneficiaries to ensure that they excelled in their academics. Madam Theresa Foli, a parent of one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the Asogli Education Fund for the support and pledged the preparedness of the parents to ensure that the investment was not in vain. Meanwhile, a press release signed by Mr Stephen Tetteh, the Secretary of the Asogli State Council, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, (GNA) said so far, 1,230 beneficiaries of the Fund had completed their courses, with some pursuing further studies outside the country. The release said Togbe Afede had also established Education Endowment Funds in the Mawuli, OLA, Mawuko Girls and the Kpedze Senior High Schools, to help raise academic performance. GNA Accra, Nov 03, GNA - The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, (EC) Mrs Charlotte Osei, would brief the media on the Election management body's preparations towards the general election, scheduled for December 7. The presentation, which would be hosted by the Editors Forum, Ghana (EFG), is scheduled for Thursday, November 10, at the Ghana International Press Centre, Accra, from 1000 hours to 12 hours. A statement issued in Accra, and signed by Ms Ajoa Yeboa-Afari, the EFG Chairperson, and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Thursday, said Mrs Osei would speak on the topic 'Election 2016: Innovations, Flashpoints and Other Challenges'. The statement asked Editors, News Editors, Political Desk Reporters, political features writers, Morning Show hosts, political commentators and other political programme heads to attend. This would be the third such presentation organised by the EFG in collaboration with the EC, following similar ones in 2012 and 2008. The aim is to provide the EC an opportunity for a dialogue with the media ahead of the elections, to enhance the media's appreciation of the issues and promote better reportage. In February 2012, there was a presentation by the EC, Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, on the theme:'Election 2012, the EC's preparations so far.' 'Memorably, it included with the first public demonstration of the Biometric Registration equipment in Ghana,' the statement said. Prior to that, in November, 2008, the EFG had hosted a lecture by Dr Afari-Gyan on 'The challenges of Election 2008.' The EFG is a group of editors, senior journalists and media educators and it is affiliated to the Ghana Journalists Association. GNA By Patience A. Gbeze, GNA Accra, Nov. 2, GNA - The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has signed an MOU with Aarhus Social Health Care College of Denmark to mainstream geriatrics into the health care delivery system in Ghana. The MOU would also include financial and technical support for a trainer-of-trainers programme to develop a geriatrics curriculum in Ghana's nursing colleges and medical schools beginning with the government nursing colleges. Nana Oye Lithur, Minister of MoGCSP, who announced this in Accra, said the Ministry is also deliberating on establishing Day Care Centres for the elderly where they will meet and socialize with other elderly people. She said her Ministry has also organized free NHIS registration for the elderly across the country under its social protection programme. The Ministry, she said, celebrated the National Senior Citizens Day with a health walk and health screening last year. 'The Ministry organized an end of year party in 2015 for the elderly in Cape Coast where 800 elderly persons participated and awards were presented to distinguished "senior citizens". A Get-Together was also organized for 400 elderly persons in Bukom and 350 in Osu in Greater Accra Region. Others were also organised for elderly people from Cape Coast, Keta, Ada, Shama, Ellembelle, South and North Tongu, Hohoe and Sekondi,' she added. Speaking on programmes and interventions for the aged, she announced that Cabinet has approved the Aged Persons Bill and an Aged Advisory Council has been established to steer affairs. Nana Oye Lithur said Eban Elderly Welfare Card was launched in January 2015 to enable elderly persons to benefit from 50 per cent reductions in metro mass transportation fare and grants them priority access in banks, hospitals, transportation and other public places. She said so far, 25,000 Eban Elderly Welfare Cards have been issued in all the 10 regions. The Minister announced that the nationwide rollout of the Eban Card Project and the NHIS Registration for the Elderly would continue. GNA During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal I am prepared to die (Nelson Mandela) HINTING AT POST-ELECTION WAR MAKES FOR ABJECT FAILURE IN POLITICAL AND MORAL LEADERSHIP And who says either the NDC or the NPP is going to win the upcoming general elections? Is either the NPP or the NDC in cahoots with the Electoral commission (EC) to rig the elections for one or the other party? Mac Manus rhetorical indiscretions have produced a cascade effect in the person of Godwin Ako Gunn. That was expected, as we knew his rhetorical indiscretions will trigger a fierce riposte in equal measure from the NDC camp, much like a scholium repeat of Newtons Third Law of Motion, which is that action and reaction are equal but oppositely directed. Here was Gunns response to Mac Manu: when NDC is in power, no party can move NDC out of power. When NDC is tired we leave power but 2016 we are not tired....we are not ready to leave power." The NDC equally if clearly understands this dog-whistle politics which the likes of Mac Manu preach in Ghana. This does not however mean we are endorsing the dog-whistle behaviors of the two partiesfar from it. But the NDC response is a natural one as a matter of course. Yet, we also argue that such instances of casus belli should be rejected outright by all peace-loving citizens. Now, the picture is beginning to get clearer by the day as to why the leadership of the NPP imported Serbian and South African imported into the country and secreted them away in forests, thus in the process blindsiding the nation and the security apparatus when the secret was finally unraveled for all to see. In the end the negrified ethnocentric bovarists, buffoons, demagogues, and jihadists in the NPP do not own Ghana, neither their counterparts in the NDC. We believe there is a silent majority that is closely watching both. The leadership of the NPP should not be haunted by a picture of President Mahama in full military regalia to make unguarded statements bordering on subversion, chaos, and anarchy. Wearing those uniforms was merely for ceremonial purposes. It did not signal a creeping dictatorship of sorts into our body politic, for our current constitutional democracywithout the benefits of constitutional reforms aimed at the removal of the Indemnity Clause, for instanceis already an entrenched dictatorship by virtue of its eloquent support for the concept of executive dominance. It is therefore only a radical constitutional reform that can overthrow this imprimatur. The leadership of the NPP should not allow the specter of looming electoral defeat to put it in a gridlock of jittery mode. All that the leadership of the NPP is doing is committing political suicide, to the extent of doing it in at the 2012 general elections with its All-Die-Be-Die and Asantes should slaughter Ewes and Gas war songs. This is a dangerous repeat of the partys non-Pyrrhic victory! In fact, all that the leadership of the NPP needs to do is to sell a convincing alternative political manifesto to the people and then leave the same people to make their choice of who they desire to represent them in the Flagstaff House and parliament. This is a matter purely of intellectual and electoral discretion. No one has any right to force the people to vote for a particular candidate. Popular sovereignty is not subject to political compulsion of any sort. It is rather loosely subject to moral compulsion, personal and collective convictions. That is to say, popular sovereignty should be based on the principles of rational choice and of the free will of the massesloosely derived from the basic tenet of ex aequo et bono! Rather regrettably, both parties appear to be prepping or priming their base voters to reject the outcome of the general elections in the event that it does not go their way. This is why the electorate should reject both partiesparticularly the NPP given Mac Manus warlike rhetoric. Therein lies the potential for civil unrest or anarchy. But Ghana is not Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, or Togo. Neither is President Mahama Laurent Gbagbo. Plus, the events that brought down the regime of Gbagbo were more complicated than the simplistic position which the NPP is trumpeting. As of this writing, Alassane Ouattara has introduced new constitutional reform which everyone says is going to entrench his presidency and government. In the main, according to the BBC, the Ivorian opposition and a significant portion of the voting public boycotted the referendum. The turnout was 42% and 93% of the turnout voted yes in favor of the new constitution. As Joe Bavier puts it: Some civil society groups criticized the drafting process as lacking consensus and transparencyPascal Affi N'Guessan, the head of Gbagbo's FPI party, now the main opposition, criticized the proposed creation of the post of vice-president and a senate, a third of whose members would be appointed by the president. Even Human Rights Watch did the not spare Ouattara and his government from criticism. The new constitution, a document drafted behind closed doors mostly by Ouattaras party members who constitute a parliamentary majority, was forced on Ivorians without the benefit of public debate. Ivorians therefore had less than three weeks to reject or accept the proposed 183-artcle charter. Our submission is that the dominant narrative among the anti-Nkrumah NPP would have been utterly different were Ouattara Nkrumah. Unfortunately, this is a leader the NPP looks up to! As a matter of fact Ouattara should have been in The Hague with his longtime political nemesis, Gbagbo! THE POLITICS OF LIES, VIOLENCE, AND MORAL CONTRADICTIONS Partisan politics in Ghana has become a means to numb the human mind and to bury the conscience rather than become an end in intellectual and moral refinement. Partisan politics provides a platform for our leaders to prove who is more stupid than the other, who and which political party can steal more than the other, and so on. Politicians like Mac Manu merely want to use the barrel of the gun, violent rhetoric and political communication, anarchy and war to snatch power not for the exclusive benefit of the country and its citizens but for direct access to the contents of the national coffers. We have created political space not for men and women of vision and conscience but for men and women who are morally sick beyond recovery. Nation wreckers they all are. In fact Mac Manus party, an ethnocentric party that boasts of intellectuals, is also ironically a party of sophisticated intellectual armed robbers and shifty political criminals. This party was in power for eight straight years and this dispensation which it represented was all about stealing and corruption galore. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is in power now and it too, according to the likes of Mac Manu, is all about stealing and corruption galore. A special case of the pot calling the kettle black. Now, the pang of romantic nostalgia for kleptomaniacal plunder of the national coffers is pushing these intellectual armed robbers and shifty political criminals to usurp political power by any means necessary, while, members of the NDC, their political nemeses, have perfected what has come to be infamously known as create, loot and share. Political stealing has become a convenient instantiation of game theory in our body politic. . And who says either Akufo-Addo or President Mahama is a moral leader? Neither! What will the demagogue Mac Manu and the slippery leadership of the NPP do differently for Ghana and Ghanaians, from the hackneyed planks of President Mahama and ex-President John Kufuor, beyond their vapid political manifesto, martial posture and violent rhetoric? The answer(s) is what the political effigies within the NPP will have to convincingly sell to a seemingly reluctant electorate! THE LIES MUST STOP A statement by Anthony Baah, the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), that Akufo-Addo saved Ghana from doom following the 2012 petition trial, is another convenient revisionist trumpery cooked up to bamboozle unsuspecting Ghanaians including himself. The naked truth is that Akufo-Addo does not deserve any credit for the relative peace that obtained in the country following the Supreme Courts verdict. It is rather President Mahama who deserves unqualified encomia for maintaining the relative peace the country enjoys today, on account of his tactical, strategic prudential vision as Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces. On the contrary, Akufo-Addo had no choice but to accept the outcome of the petition trial in good fate because there was no other viable option for him, save his retirement from active politics and renunciation of his Ghanaian citizenship, whichever he preferred. All these make for the fact that he has never been and will never be bigger than Ghana. It is also a given that he his forces, if he had any, could not have withstood the fire power of the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service (GPS). Akufo-Addo does not deserve any praise for accepting the verdict. It was in his own best interest, his family, and that of his party. Period! After all, the petition trial was not necessary. As a matter of fact the leadership of the NPP knew they had lost the general elections, and terribly, but instead chose to keep their supporters grossly misinformed about the true outcome of the elections just so Akufo-Addo will later be presented to the party supporters as a fait accompli, for a third time. Still, Ghana has yet to recover fully from the negative political implications of the petition trial for investor confidence and for other aspects of the countrys macroeconomics. Finally, members of our security and intelligence outfits should closely work with their colleagues in neighboring countries to forestall any funny move by the desperate opposition which is bent on snatching political power by any means necessary, including through such formulaic techniques as alarmist demagoguery, political ethnocentrism, agitational propaganda, and strategic incompetence. We shall return with Part 3. REFERENCES Jeremy Diamond. (October 20, 2016). Donald Trump: 'I Will Totally Accept' Election Results 'If I Win.' Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/20/politics/donald-trump-i-will-totally-accept-election-results-if-i-win/ Ghanaweb. NDC Not Ready To Relinquish PowerMontie Trio Member. October 30, 2016. Max Fisher. Read The Most Important Speech Nelson Mandela Gave. The Washington Post. December 5, 2013. Ghanaweb. Akufo-Addo Saved Ghana From DoomDr Anthony Baah. November 1, 2016. BBC. Ivory Coast: Yes Campaign Wins Constitutional Vote With 93%. November 1, 2016. Joe Bavier. Ivory Coast President Asks Parliament To 'Turn Page' With New Constitution. (Reporters: Joe Bavier/Loucoumane Coulibaly; editor: Robin Pomeroy). Reuters. October 5, 2016. Joe Bavier. Vote On Ivory Coast's New Constitution May Not Heal Old Wounds. Reuters. October 27, 2016. (Eds: Tim Cocks and Andrew Roche). The Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) has expressed worry over what it said is the selective injustice being meted to it in the country. At a news conference held in Accra Thursday, PPPs National Chairman, Dr Nii Allotey Brew-Hammond said they are troubled that the good people of Ghana are silent about their ordeals. Where is the Christian Council of Ghana, the Catholic Bishops Conference, the Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, where are the Peace Council and the Chief Imam? he asked. PPP is in court challenging the Electoral Commission's disqualification of its flagbearer, Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom as well as questioning the power of the Commission to set presidential and parliamentary filing fee. An Accra High Court presided over by Justice Kyei Baffuor had ruled that the PPP leader be given an opportunity by the EC to make amendments on his nomination form as enshrined in C.I.94, the law governing the 2016 election. But the EC has headed to the Supreme Court to seek review of the ruling in the "interest of public policy." The party's case questioning the EC's filing fee was dismissed on Wednesday by a High Court on the ground that it lacks jurisdiction over the matter. PPP has, however, said it would go for an appeal. Anti-graft agency, Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is also investigating the party over the sum of GHC1.7 million it gave the EC covering the filing fee of its flagbearer and some parliamentary candidates. EOCO is also investigating the All Peoples Congress (APC) for spending $6 million in procuring vehicles ahead of the elections. PPP believes these happenings are politically motivated and are spearheaded by forces that want its presidential candidate evicted from the presidential race. Dr Brew-Hammond said it was not for decorative purposes that the founding fathers of Ghana chose the words Freedom and Justice for the nations Coat of Arms. It is because freedom and justice are the backbones on which peace and growth will succeed, he noted. He said the absence of justice and fairness has been the main cause of most violent revolutions across the world. In the United States for example slaves rebelled against unjust owners [and] Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., fought against an unjust system of segregation, he said. In the African Continent, he talked about the heroic works of Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko and the Africa National Congress (ANC) leaders who violently resisted the discriminatory apartheid government in South Africa. He wants leaders of the various religious sects and Ghanaians in general to call the EC boss, Charlotte Osei to order as the nation heads to the polls. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-powers | Email: [email protected] Geneva (AFP) - Geneva prosecutors said Thursday they have opened a money laundering probe targeting the son of Equatorial Guinea's leader, accused of plundering his country to buy luxuries including a private jet and Michael Jackson memorabilia. As part of the investigation against Teodorin Obiang, authorities in the Swiss city have seized 11 cars, said Vincent Derouand, spokesman for prosecutors in Geneva's cantonal government. Among them were a Porsche 918 Spyder, valued at more than 750,000 euros ($830,000) and a Bugatti Veyron which sells for in excess two million euros, according to the L'Hebdo news site. Obiang, 47, was in June promoted by his authoritarian father Teodoro Obiang Nguema to be vice president of the oil-rich west African nation. Obiang was already set to face trial in France next year on corruption and embezzlement charges, although he is not expected to appear in court. Derouand gave few specifics on the Swiss case. Obiang's excesses also forced him to forfeit more than $30 million in assets in the United States, where he owned a mansion in Malibu, California. In announcing the 2014 asset forfeiture deal, the US justice department accused Obiang of "relentless embezzlement and extortion". Washington said Obiang earned a government salary of $100,000 but amassed a fortune of $300 million "through corruption and money laundering". Among the assets he was forced to give up was a crystal-encrusted glove from Michael Jackson's "Bad" tour, for which he reportedly paid nearly half-a-million dollars. A Bugatti Veyron, a model of which is seen at an auto show in 2013, sells for more than two million euros and was among the 11 cars seized by Swiss authorities from Teodorin Obiang, accused of embezzling government money from Equatorial Guinea Obiang's father seized power in Equatorial Guinea in 1979, making him Africa's longest serving ruler, just ahead of Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe. The country, Africa's only Spanish speaking nation, has become the continent's number three oil producer but experts say the vast majority of the population has not benefitted from the energy revenue boom. The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Charlotte Osei, has dismissed reports that the Commission has awarded a contract worth almost US$9 million to a liquidated company in the United Kingdom for the printing of electoral sheets, commonly referred to as pink sheets. An Accra-based private newspaper, The Daily Statesman alleged in a publication on Thursday, November 3, 2016, that the EC had awarded a US$8.95 million contract to the British firm, to print electoral sheets for the December polls. But Mrs. Osei in an interview with the BBC's Akwasi Sarpong in London today [Thursday], debundked the claims, adding that the contract that was awarded was also financialy prudent. She clarified that, the EC awarded the contract of the printing of some of the election forms to a company that has always printed it for us and has now relocated to Ghana which made their pricing better for us. This time, we did not have to bear the high freight charges that we would have had to bear and also the time for shipping, she added. The EC Chairperson also asured that, the company that was awarded the contract, was a company that has come to set up in Ghana, and is properly registered in Ghana, went through a rigorous procurement process, and satisfied all the requirements of Ghanaian law. Its impossible for govt to influence election results Another assurance Mrs. Osei made during the interview, was that there would be not external influence in the EC's conduct of the polls; as she discounted the possibilityof the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), or any other political party influencing the results of the upcoming elections. Mrs. Osei, who was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama in 2015, said any political party with the intention of rigging the elections, would have a difficult time doing so. She said, it is impossible for the Electoral Commission to be influenced by government because our processes are so transparent and so inclusive that it is impossible for the Electoral Commission itself to even manipulate. There are seven of us at the Commission, there is head office directors, regional directors. We are going to be working with about almost 146,000 staff on election day; and at the 29,000 polling stations and coalition centers, all candidates and parties have agents there. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana United Nations (United States) (AFP) - Kenya on Thursday accused the United Nations of bowing to pressure from certain countries by setting up an investigation that pinned the blame for peacekeeping failures in South Sudan on the Kenyan force commander. Ambassador Macharia Kamau charged that "certain current and future members of the Security Council" had pushed for a probe with a "pre-ordained outcome" that targeted the Kenyan general as the "fall guy." UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday sacked Lieutenant General Johnson Ondieki after the investigation showed that peacekeepers failed to protect civilians during heavy fighting in Juba in July. "The United Nations acquiesced to undertake the investigation with skewed terms of reference meant to target one individual," said Kamau, who slammed the report as "shameful, unfair and an exercise in scapegoating." The ambassador did not name the countries involved, but China's peacekeepers in South Sudan were criticized in the report, and Ethiopia, which also has troops in the mission, is due to join the council in January. Ondieki has been replaced as force commander by Major-General Chaoying Yang of China. After learning that the report would recommend the dismissal of Ondieki, Kenya sought to intervene with Ban to defend the general, who had been in the post for three weeks, and demanded that the decision be reversed. "The secretary-general in his lame-duck season seems to have found the courage that has eluded him throughout his tenure by choosing to ignore Kenya's plea," said Kamau. Systemic failure Kenya responded to the UN decision by announcing that it will pull its 1,050 troops out of South Sudan and dropped plans to contribute soldiers to a planned UN regional force for Juba. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric defended the sacking of the force commander, saying it was based on "leadership command decisions" taken by Ondieki during the fighting in July. "There was no pre-ordained conclusion to Mister Cammaert's work," he said. Retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert led the investigation. Kenyayn Ambassador Macharia Kamau, seen in June 2010, charged that "certain current and future members of the Security Council" had pushed for a probe with a "pre-ordained outcome" that targeted the Kenyan general as the "fall guy" The report found that a lack of leadership in the UN mission culminated in a "chaotic and ineffective response" during heavy fighting in the capital from July 8 to 11. Peacekeepers abandoned their posts and failed to respond to pleas for help from aid workers under attack in a nearby hotel compound. Russian Deputy Ambassador Petr Iliichev said the decision to sack Ondieki was "premature" and should be reconsidered, but it remained unclear if the Security Council would take up the matter. The UN mission known as UNMISS has 16,000 troops deployed in South Sudan, which has been at war since December 2013. The fierce fighting in Juba involved helicopter gunships and tanks pitting President Salva Kiir's government forces against those loyal to ex-rebel chief Riek Machar. The Kenyan ambassador said there was a "systemic failure" at the United Nations and that responsibility lay also with the department of peacekeeping in New York and the joint command of the UN mission in Juba. The UN spokesman said in response that Ban has "full confidence" in peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous, of France. Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - The United Nations will do "everything in its power" to prevent further atrocities in the Central African Republic, a top UN official said on Thursday at the end of a three-day visit. UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson was addressing lawmakers in the capital Bangui a day after Human Rights Watch called on the UN to do more to protect civilians caught up in fighting between armed groups or being targeted by them. "October was particularly violent," Eliasson said in parliament on Wednesday, referring to attacks in which over 70 people died. "We have learnt lessons from these dreadful events and will do everything in our power to prevent such atrocities," he said. On Monday, France withdrew its own military mission which it deployed in CAR in December 2013, leaving the UN's 12,500-strong MINUSCA peacekeeping mission to protect civilians from armed groups. On Tuesday, Human Rights Watch said the UN "should urgently deploy more of the mission's forces to the volatile central region, expand their patrols and, consistent with the mission's mandate, use appropriate force to protect civilians under imminent threat". According to HRW, witnesses to an October 12 attack in the town of Kaga-Bandoro said 200 UN peacekeepers "failed to stop at least 60 (rebel) Seleka forces from crossing a UN-guarded bridge and attacking civilians". Thirty-seven people died. On Wednesday, Eliasson said the CAR government, the European Union, the UN and the World Bank had drawn up a "national recovery plan" that would be presented to a donors' conference in Brussels on November 17. Visiting the scene of Sunday's clashes, in a district of the capital called PK5, he told residents, "I have come to hear your grievances so as to present them in Brussels." United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, seen in May 2016, told people in the capital of Bangui, "I have come to hear your grievances so as to present them in Brussels" at a donors' conference One of the world's poorest countries, CAR has scarcely emerged from the chaos of civil war which erupted in 2013 following the overthrow of former president Francois Bozize, a Christian, by Muslim rebels from the Seleka coalition. Armed groups have flourished over the years given the weakness of the state. Among the main culprits are factions from the mostly Muslim former Seleka rebel force, and the Christian "anti-Balaka" (anti-machete) militias, a reference to the rebels who use machetes. Shirlee Sherman's brother and son say they know how she would feel about whether her convicted killer, Anthony Garcia, should get the death penalty. Jeff Sherman, 42, was a newspaper carrier in Omaha 33 years ago when John Joubert abducted and stabbed to death Danny Joe Eberle, 13, of Bellevue and also a newspaper carrier, and Christopher Walden, 12, of Papillion. The circumstances of the murders frightened the young mother, and her son remembers that when Joubert was convicted of the murders she favored him being sentenced to die in the electric chair. Twenty-five years after those boys were murdered, Shirlee Sherman was stabbed to death, in 2008, along with an 11-year-old boy, by a serial killer in Omaha. Speaking Wednesday in Lincoln, Jeff Sherman and his uncle Brad Waite, Shirlee's brother, said they won't be satisfied unless their mother's killer is handed the same fate as Joubert -- execution. Garcia was found guilty of four murders in Omaha a week ago. On Friday, a jury found that his murders satisfied at least three aggravating factors necessary for a death sentence: that he killed more than one person at the same time, killed to conceal his identity, and the killings were especially heinous and cruel and manifested exceptional depravity. Garcia was said to have killed Shirlee Sherman, Thomas Hunter and Roger and Mary Brumback to get revenge for being fired from Creighton University Medical Center by Thomas' dad, Dr. William Hunter, and Dr. Roger Brumback. Waite said the murders were "extremely heinous." His sister and the boy suffered multiple stab wounds to their necks. The Brumbacks had multiple stab wounds and Roger Brumback was also shot multiple times. In the courtroom, Jeff Sherman sat where he could see Garcia, who showed no emotion, except to smile or smirk a few times, he said. It was not only a shock to get the news of his sister's death, Waite said, but then the family waited years for a suspect to be developed. During that time other people faced questioning by police and suspicion by family members, including accusations aimed at the boyfriend of Jeff Sherman's sister. Both men have always supported the death penalty, they said, because there are crimes so heinous and murderers who could never be rehabilitated. And the process to get to a death sentence is extensive, Waite said. "A life sentence is just not a suitable punishment," Jeff Sherman said. If the three-judge panel that must now decide Garcia's fate does not choose the death penalty, he said, he will not be satisfied that justice was done. "It'll leave a very strong knot in my stomach for a very, very long time," he said. It's not a matter of closure, Waite said. It's a matter of justice. "Somebody that's stabbed 18 times in their neck, how do you get closure to that?" he asked. "How can you forget that? This is something that will be in our minds forever. You can't take it out, no matter what happens to him." Nebraska voters will be given the chance on Tuesday to retain or repeal the decision the Nebraska Legislature made in 2015 to eliminate the death penalty. Supporters of the death penalty got enough signatures on a referendum petition to put the question on the general election ballot. "People that are against the death penalty, I would like for them to sit in court with us and view the crime scene photos and the autopsy photos, then give me an explanation why this crime does not fit the death penalty," Waite said. The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested a 43-year-old man, Charles Donkor popularly known as killer for possessing several weapons and ammunition unlawfully. He was arrested near Pokuase in the Greater Accra Region on Tuesday, November 1, at 11.30pm, following police intelligence in an operation that lasted three hours. The weapons retrieved from his hideout after a search include an AK47, an SMG rifle, two AK 47 magazines, two G3 magazines, forty-three G3 empty shells, 188 rounds of G3 ammunitions, and 77 rounds of AK 47 ammunitions. The others are thirteen cutlasses, three face masks, two hammers and two screwdrivers. Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the Regional Police Commander, ACP Timothy Yosa Bonga, said Charles Donkor is suspected to have been dealing in illegal weapons. He is a hardened armed robber, a land guard, a killer and a murderer, he said. On 31st October 2013, Charles Donkor was arrested by the police and after a thorough search, the police retrieved one revolver pistol, one pump action gun, and 29 rounds of live ammunition. He was tried at a law court and sentenced to a fine for possessing arms without authority. He did not change from his nefarious activities until he was arrested again on the 2nd of November 2016, he said. ACP Timothy Yosa Bonga added that, the Police was committed to fighting crime in the national capital, ahead of the December polls. The police wishes to assure the public that, as we prepare for the polls, the police will do anything possible to maintain the peace, before, during and after the elections. And persons who are in possession of such illicit arms, and with ill-motives shall be smoked out of the system to preserve the peace he stated. By: Franklin Badu Jnr./ citifmonline.com /Ghana 03.11.2016 LISTEN International politics analyst, Dr Etse Sikanku, hosts a book reading and discussion event for his maiden book, The Afrocentric Obama and Lessons on Political Campaigning at the forecourt of the Ghana Institute of Journalism in Accra Friday 4th November, 2016. The event starts at 2pm. The Afrocentric Obama and Lessons on Political Campaign was recently launched in Ghana after its global launch in Iowa, USA. There were also readings on the campuses of universities including the Ivy League Harvard University. The book explores of the life and legacy of US President Barrack Obama. It also touches on how African politicians and people in politics, generally, can employ certain skills to beat the competition. Hundreds of students at the nations premier communications school will be treated to a 30-minute reading after which an engaging discussion will follow. Dr Sikanku, a former lecturer in International Politics and Research Methods at the University of Ghana Department of Communication Studies said we hope to have the audience enthralled throughout this event. The reading and discussion event will be followed by a sale and signing event starting at midday on Saturday 5th November, 2016. Story by Myjoyonline.com The New Patriotic Party has chastised President John Mahama and the govening National Democratic Congress (NDC) for failing to develop Ghana. According to the Deputy National organizer of the party, Nuhu Manama, President Mahama was only good at mismanaging the countrys social intervention policies. President Mahama is competent at mismanaging the economy, free maternal health, NHIS, SADA among others. He appealed to Ghanaians to reject the NDC in the December polls, adding that, President Mahama has rather brought more hardship to Ghanaians. Mr. Nuhu said, under the leadership of the NPP flabearer, Nana Akufo-Addo as president all DKM Diamond microfinance customers will be paid in full in their first 100 days. He further added that, corruption, fuel prices, school fees, utilities among others will be reduced under the NPP. Mr. Nuhu was speaking at the regional launch of Adopt a polling station campaign in the Upper East Region. He urged supporters and sympathizers to guard and protect the various polling stations on December 7 to prevent rigging of the election by the NDC. He implored the leadership of the party in the region to work hard and increase the parliamentary seats by 7. National deputy chairman of the NPP fund raising committee Mr. Kwaku Osei Bonsu said, the adopt a polling station campaign fund raising is targeted at supporting election day Operations. He urged all members to contribute towards a worthy course, adding that, contribution can be done via mobile money or Bankdraft transfers. He added that, payments can also be made at various constituencies offices. Regional chairman of the party, Mr. Mutala Mohammed reiterated their commitment and hard work to deliver majority seats for the party and an overwhelming votes for Nana Akufo Add to become president. By:Frederick Awuni/citifmonline.com/Ghana Rome (AFP) - At least 110 migrants are feared drowned after they were forced at gunpoint to set sail from Libya, while many more may have died in a separate shipwreck, survivors said Thursday. "A vessel with around 140 people on board overturned Wednesday just a few hours after setting off from Libya, throwing everyone into the water. Only 29 people survived," UNHCR spokeswoman Carlotta Sami told AFP. The Norwegian Siem Pilot was first on the scene, around 20 nautical miles off Libya, and rescued the survivors -- all in a poor condition after hours in the water -- with the help of four other vessels. Twelve bodies were recovered. Fleeing across the Mediterranean In a possible second incident, which could not be confirmed by the coast guard, two women told the UN agency they believed they were the only survivors in an disaster in which some 125 people drowned. "They told us they were on a faulty dinghy which began to sank as soon as they set sail. They were the only survivors," Sami said. Those pulled to safety were transferred to Lampedusa by the Italian coast guard, where they told aid workers and the island's doctor how they had set off from Libya in rough seas. "Their tales are horrifying," doctor Pietro Bartolo told Italian television network Tv2000. 'Shot dead' Once the migrants had realised they were being put out to sea in bad weather, they tried to turn back, but were forced on at gunpoint. "To make them get on the dinghies they (the traffickers) shot a man, killing him dead. They made them depart and after a few miles at sea the tragedy happened," Bartolo said. The Norwegian vessel Siem Pilot was first on the scene, some 20 nautical miles off Libya, and rescued the survivors "One woman said she had to hold on to a dead body to survive. They said they spent many hours in the water in the hope someone would save them. But when the rescuers arrived there was nothing to be done for most of them," he added. The doctor said at least three children were among the dead. The latest tragedy brings the number of migrants who have died or are missing feared drowned this year to over 4,000. "Another tragedy on the high seas, with 239 feared dead in the Mediterranean, once again. So many lives could be saved through more resettlement and legal pathways to protection," said the UN's refugee chief Filippo Grandi. Sami, the spokeswoman, tweeted: "One in every 42 people are dying in the Central Mediterranean looking for safety". The rescue situation is often chaotic, with people confused, sick or exhausted after periods in crisis-hit Libya unable to specify how many people were on board their dinghies at the outset or what vessel pulled them from the water. Worsening weather Around 750 migrants were rescued across the Mediterranean Thursday by the Italian coast guard, a Frontex ship, a Save The Children vessel, German NGO Jugend Rettet's Iuventa and two boats run by the Malta-based MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station). MOAS's Topaz Responder plucked close to 180 people from the water, according to an AFP photographer on board. Migrants and refugees wrapped in survival foil blankets rest aboard the Topaz Responder ship run by Maltese NGO Moas and the Italian Red Cross after a rescue operation of migrants and refugees on November 3, 2016 "The (Responder) crew was shouting at them to sit down and stay calm while the life jackets were handed out but they were getting agitated, and around 10 of them fell overboard, some without life jackets on," photographer Andreas Solaro said. October marked a record monthly high in the number of migrants arriving in Italy in recent years -- some 27,000 people -- and the departures have showed no sign of slowing, despite worsening weather in the Mediterranean. Amnesty International warned Thursday the pressure placed on Italy by Europe to cope alone with the worst migration crisis since World War II had led to "unlawful expulsions and ill-treatment which in some cases may amount to torture". The report was bluntly rejected by Italy's chief of police, who denied the use of violent methods in the force's handling of migrants. 03.11.2016 LISTEN A former security officer who said he was brutalised and shot by police officers at Bonsu in the Eastern Region is yet to get any attention from the police administration. Peter Aguyire said he was shot thrice; in the arm, thigh and stomach by a police officer who had been sent to arrest him for an offense. Narrating the incident, Mr Aguyire said at the time of arrest, he was hungry and demanded that he ate before accompanying the officer, Addai Boamah to the police station. But the Mr Boamah who is with the Bonsu Police in the Eastern Region was angered by Mr Aguyires refusal to obey instructions and pulled the trigger. "I pleaded with them that I have not taken anything [eaten] so they should take the lead and I would come by myself, but they said no. I then told them to follow me to buy the food so we go together but they said no. "It was then that I told them that I cannot go to the station on an empty stomach because if day breaks and I don't eat it is not easy for me," he told Joy News Kwettey Nartey in an interview. According to Aguyire, the two officers "beat me very well" to the extent where his intestines gushed out after one of the officers pointed the gun to his stomach and fired. The bullets ripped through his stomach and it took the effort of an old woman passing by to save his life and he was rushed to the St. Joseph Hospital where doctors stitched up the openings. Today, Mr Aguyire lives with deep scars around his lower abdomen, thighs and arms and can hardly sit without feeling piercing pains in his ribs, chest and stomach. Theres blood in his stool, but worse of it all is that hes now saddled with a huge medical bill which reminds him of his gory experience four years ago. He says he has been abandoned by the police administration after reporting the conduct of the officers to Police Intelligence and Professional Standard (PIPS) and the police headquarters. "I have heard nothing from them. We have gone to court many times and the case is always adjourned," he said adding the officer has not even been cross-examined. When Joy News contacted the Ghana Police Service, they said they will trace the file to bring themselves up to date on what has been done about the case. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party has lunged at the president for insinuating that he, Nana Akufo-Addo will destool chiefs who criticize him. The NPP leader said any such suggestion can only be made by one who does not understand the country's laws. He was speaking to thousands of NPP supporters during his three day campaign tour of the Central Region. The president, John Mahama had taken a swipe at Nana Akufo-Addo during his campaign in Suhum, describing him as a vindictive leader. Mr Mahama, made reference to a video that had gone viral on social media in which the ex-president John Kufuor was advising NPP delegates to elect a peaceful, not a vindictive leader to lead the NPP to victory in the 2008 elections. He concluded that the ex-president was referring to Nana Akufo-Addo and cited recent misunderstanding within the NPP that led to the suspension of three national executives of the party. He said with the track record of the NPP leader, he would not be surprised chiefs will be destooled for criticising Nana Akufo-Addo. But the NPP leader has hit back. He does not understand how the president, who should have been the custodian of the country's will be the one suggesting another president will destool chiefs. Is the president ignorant of the laws of Ghana? he asked explaining that the constitution guarantees the independence of the chieftaincy institution and no president can destool a chief. He said if at all a chief has to be destooled, it will take the kingmakers within the traditional council and not the president. Nana Akufo-Addo said he will be the last person to do the things the president is suggesting because his respect for the chieftaincy institution is unrivaled. Chronicling the history of the Chieftaincy institution within the democratic dispensation, Nana Akufo-Addo said it was his father, Edward Akufo-Addo, then Chief Justice who in the 1969 Constitutional Commission institutionalised the independence of the chieftaincy within the country's constitution and that has been the case since then. He said the president has no message to the people and has rather resorted to making unfounded claims and allegations. Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah Ottawa (AFP) - As Canada considers where to send troops as part of a commitment to boost UN peacekeeping efforts, its defense minister will visit Mali and Senegal starting Saturday, the government said Thursday. Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan will spend four days in the two countries to assess local security challenges and concerns. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters a decision on where to deploy Canadian peacekeepers would be announced "in the coming weeks, probably." In August, Trudeau pledged Can$450 million (US$350 million) and 600 troops for UN peacekeeping operations around the world. At the time, only 31 Canadians were deployed in a handful of locations -- Haiti, the Jerusalem region, South Sudan, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Korea. That was down from a reported peak of 3,000 in 1993. While in Mali and Senegal, Sajjan will meet with government officials, UN representatives and nongovernmental organizations. Jihadist attacks in Mali, once concentrated in the north, expanded last year to all parts of the country. The United Nations has expressed interest in having Canadian tactical helicopters deployed in the region once Dutch aircraft leave in January. Sajjan, a former intelligence officer with the Canadian military, traveled recently to Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo. "As we look at all aspects of conflict in Africa, we will be selecting a place where Canada can play a meaningful contribution," Sajjan told Parliament on Wednesday. Trudeau said Canada had much to offer beyond "stopping people from shooting at each other." "Of course, (that) is important and one of the first things that we want to do in terms of peacekeeping engagement. But to limit it to that is to not understand all of the ways that Canada can and must be there to work in the world," he said. The youthful prime minister cited Canadian values of multiculturalism, good governance and corporate social responsibility. By Kwamina Tandoh, GNA Accra, Nov. 3, GNA - The Food and Agriculture Organisation has held a day's consultative meeting in Accra to validate a 33-page document policy on Antimicrobial use and Resistance (AMR) in Agriculture. The workshop was to discuss and consolidate upon a 'One Health National Policy on AMR' that takes into account holistic and complimentary inputs from, human health, food and agriculture sectors. The meeting brought together 70 participants including government officials, private sector, farming based organisations, academia, veterinarians, the media and other partners. AMR is a worldwide health threat at the human-animal-environment interface. Overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in different sectors could result in ineffectiveness of previously successful human and animal treatments of diseases. Antimicrobials or their active components could also play a role in resistance development if they are present in the environment such as in manure for agriculture purposes from treated animals or humans, water from fishponds or in waste water from the antimicrobial producing industry. The 33-page document developed by the Ministry of Health when approved by Cabinet would provide intervention to improve awareness and understanding of AMR, strengthen knowledge and evidence base for AMR policy related actions and reduce incidence of infection. Dr Henk Jan Ormel, Senior Policy Advisor to the Chief Veterinary Officer, FAO said the FAO was providing technical assistance to help countries develop their national action plans, and strengthen their health and surveillance systems so as to be able to prevent and manage antimicrobial resistance. Dr Ahmed Yakubu Alhassan, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture (Crops) said Antimicrobial resistance was putting the gains of the Millennium Development Goals at risk and endangering achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. He said the Ministry was collaborating with partners to carry out surveillance on the use of antimicrobial and to develop new responses to this global threat. A World Health Organisation Country Representation called on member states to develop policies and action plans to strengthen collaboration in the context of one health and commended Ghana for the great strides in moving the agenda forward. A global action plan on antimicrobial resistance was adopted by Member States at the 68 World Health Assembly held in Rome and supported by the governing bodies of FAO and World Organisation for Animal Health in May and June. GNA Accra, Nov 3, GNA - Ghana and La Cote d'Ivoire, on Thursday signed a co-operation agreement to establish a formal basis of co-operation between the two countries on the fight against Cross-Border Child Trafficking and the Worst Form of Child Labour. The agreement, also aimed at committing the two countries to Common Actions in the agreement towards the fight against Cross-Border Trafficking and the Worst Forms of Child Labour. The agreement, which was drawn of 30 Protocols, Conventions, Charters and Action Plans on Child Trafficking and Labour, would ensure the protection of the child victim from the time of rescue, sheltering and re-unification. It is also to ensure the prosecution of perpetrators to serve as deterrents to others, as well as sharing of information including the exposure of the perpetrators from the time they are arrested, prosecuted, and imprisoned. The agreement is also to ensure that Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire are on this same page so that the perpetrators of trafficking would have nowhere to hide. Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, signed for Ghana, while Mr Moussa Dosso, Minister of Employment and Social Protection in Cote d'Ivoire signed for his country. In September this year, Ghana's First Lady, Lordina Mahama and her counterpart in Cote d'Ivoire, Dominique Ouattara initiated the effort in Abidjan to end the menace in the two countries. Mr Iddrisu on behalf of the Ghana Government commended the Cote d'Ivoire counterparts for their commitment to end child trafficking and any forms of worst labour in the two countries. He said Ghana has demonstrated its willingness to fight the menace through policies and legislations and the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection is currently in Parliament seeking amendment on the Child Act. He said the government has also given approval for Domestic Workers' Bill to be laid in Parliament and stressed on the need for the two countries to improve the porousness of the borders to combat the menace. Mr Iddrisu said the signing ceremony is celebrating a shared vision of the two first ladies in fighting child trafficking and commended them for the initiative. Mr Dosso on his part, said the two countries were committed to implement the co-operation and stressed the need to establish a tight check on the perpetrators to deal with the phenomenon, which he said is dehumanising. He noted that the agreement would strengthen their partnership to deal with cross-border trafficking. Mr Dosso said he was convinced that together they could achieve the goal of eliminating child trafficking and child labour in the two countries. He, therefore, called on civil society organisations, corporate bodies to collaborate with the governments to own the agreement to achieve its goals. In a speech read for her, Nana Oye Lithur, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, said the menace is the main challenges of the two countries and expressed the hope that with the involvement of the two First Ladies the efforts would yield positive results. She said Ghana has strengthen its laws to effectively address cross-border trafficking. The Ghana Police Service is also training its anti-human trafficking unit to handled trafficking issues adequately. She trafficking is a distinct violation of the rights of children and must be dealt with to serve as deterrent to others. Nana Oye Lithur said trafficking in persons are very lucrative business and the perpetrators would do everything to stay in business and urged the security agencies to collaborate with the governments to combat their actions. She called on neighbouring countries to join the efforts to address the problem on the continent. Mr Emmanuel Bombade, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, paid tribute to the two First Ladies for their efforts of bringing the initiative to fruition. He said issues of child trafficking and worst form of labour needed to be addressed as it destroys the children's future. He said the agreement would lead to repatriation of victims in both countries and called on the two parties to be proactive and engage all levels to monitor and apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to book. He expressed the hope that the co-operation would stand the test of time to see 'our children live in conducive environment and to develop themselves'. GNA Tease (E/R), Nov. 3, GNA - Fifty communities in the Kwahu Afram Plains South District are to be connected to the national electricity grid. Some of the beneficiary communities are Somsei, Datehkrom, Kwasiadei, Mmradan, Esukese No.2, Sakabo, Tailor-kope, Gadokope, Samankwai, Aduonum among others. Mr Ibrahim Issaka, the District Chief Executive (DCE), in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said work will soon start in some communities in the district and that everything would be done to ensure the success of the project. He said government's goal is to provide every community with their fair share of development. Mr Issaka urged the people to cooperate and support the contractors to ensure the smooth implementation of the project. GNA A Lincoln firefighter was taken to a hospital early Thursday after being injured while battling a house fire just north of the Lincoln city limits. The house in the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue -- north of Fletcher Avenue between First and Seventh streets -- is in the Raymond Fire Department district, Lincoln Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Jeremy Gegg said. Raymond firefighters called LFR, the Malcolm Fire Department and the Air National Guard Fire Department for help just after midnight, he said. The home's occupants escaped unharmed, but seven exotic birds and four teacup Yorkies died, authorities said Thursday morning. Gegg couldn't say how the firefighter was hurt, other than that the injuries were non-life-threatening. The state fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire, which started in the kitchen. The owner told investigators she heard a popping noise in the kitchen and saw the stove was on fire. The fire caused about $350,000 in damage, and the family has been displaced, authorities said. 03.11.2016 LISTEN By D.I. Laary, GNA Accra, Nov. 3, GNA - The United States Customs and Border Protection Commissioner has called on African governments to build stronger relations to help tighten border security, combat human trafficking and the smuggling of hazardous materials. Addressing the media in Accra, Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske said customers and a tautem border security would enhance trade, boost investments and fuel economic growth to create jobs and mitigate poverty on the continent. He was speaking during a telephonic press briefing organised by the Africa Regional Media Hub. 'The detection of smuggled goods is important to every customs' service around the world,' he said, 'because smuggled goods hurt the economy.' 'They take away from lawful jobs, they harm workers and they undermine the trust that people must have in government,' he added, 'so detecting smuggled goods is an important issue for every customs' service. ' He said smugglers also work very to learn how custom officials operated and did everything they could as organised criminals to try and evade lawful customs' rules and regulations and duties. 'So we will share with our colleagues in the customs' services in other countries, and Ghana in particular, what methods we use to try and detect smuggling and I won't go into those on this call,' he said. Countries ought to share information about suspicious cargo or people known to have engaged in criminal activity in the past, he said, that type of trust and relationship was only built when there were visits and talks among colleagues. 'That is the type of relationship that can improve the detection of smuggled goods and it's the type of relationship that also lends to improving trust of people in government.' Customs and Border Protection in the United States has dual mission of both customs collecting revenue, inspecting cargo, dealing with travellers coming to and from the country. He said: 'So having that dual mission, having a close relationship with a continent that is thriving is the goal of Customs Border Protection.' 'We've also expanded our number of international attachAs in Africa and having one of our personnel on the ground in Kenya and another one in South Africa.' The commission has the border security initiative, Kerlikowske said, and 'we have over 60,000 employees, we have about 800 people overseas.' 'We have not really had as much of a presence or as much interaction with Africa, particularly from the level of the Commissioner's Office and the Commissioner himself well over 10 years,' he said. The commission has championed various initiatives in Africa including South Africa and Tanzania to help fight criminal activities along the borders including wildlife trafficking. Mr Kerlikowske said the move is to help put Africa at its best in intercontinental trades and relationships which could ease the flow of export and import businesses. He said the commission would continue to invest in the training of custom officers across the continent through financing education, provision of trainers with in-depth knowledge in cargo management, fraud tracking, and intellectual property rights. 'We have expanded a number of our international attachA's in Africa to help strengthen border securities', he said. He said the initiatives would pave the way for increased investments as investors would like to put in their finances and resources in countries with secure exports and imports mechanisms. 'Investment leads to economic growth and development which transform standard of living,' he said. Mr Kerlikowske noted that international tourism agencies had also drawn the attention on wildlife trafficking which the commission was initiating and implementing several actions to galvanise African governments backing to tame the act. But most governments on the continent had been dormant in contributing to the commission's concerted efforts in combating border crime. The commissioner also reacted to a question posed by the Ghana News Agency on what has become of previous memorandum of understanding signed between it and the Ghana Revenue Authority in combating border crime. 'The mere signing of the memorandum cannot yield any good results unless, the Authority buys in and participate fully' Kerlikowske said, and urged the government to revive previous deals to take part in its execution so as to make it fruitful. He said technology played a significant role in customs and border matters which had become more relevant with new mobile applications. 'Technology on cargo, travel, exports and imports would be very appropriate, should we talk about customs and border security measures' he said. He cited how the use of technology for cargo inspection in Durban, South Africa, had helped boost security and trade with the United States. Mr Kerlikowske urged governments to reinforce custom laws to regulate the movement of goods and people along borders. GNA A Nigerian man has cried out on how he has been scammed by the popular money doubling scheme called MMM. In a mail sent to Laila Ijeoma, the man shared screenshots of how it all happened, how he got introduced to the scheme by a friend and how all went smoothly until kasala burst and his account was blocked with his 189k trapped in it forever! Read the mail below: ''AUNTY LAILA : MMM DO ME STRONG THING OH! ''It started on the 19th June 2016, My Friend introduced me to this MMM of a thing... I obliged and Joined... It was paying well, there was no comma or full stop, not all. ''Till I opened an account for my cousin who shared the same surname. Fast Forward,,, MMM ADMINISTRATOR placed my account on temporary moratorium of getting help as they provide and get help in the system on 13th September 2016 and told me to verify identity of which I did. ''After that, I kept on contacting MMM Support of which they assured me they will remove their God forsaken temporary moratorium which they have used to scam thousands of participants (not only me) as i found out they do it secretly and MMM fortifies its system with this... That also account in a way how they pay 30 to their teeming community of 30% earners (Guiders,referrals and ordinary participants)... Only for my account to be blocked by the administrator earlier today that I used two accounts that the registration and referral bonuses have been deleted while my #90,000 I paid since when I started MMM which yielded 189,000 naira parted with the blocked account. READ ALSO: The shocking dark past of MMM and its founder ''Even as it hurts me being my first time to be scammed. I will like Nigerians to thread with caution with this MMM of a thing and keep on pursuing their dreams as there is dignity in Labour. MMM IS A SCAM. For the Record,,, My blocked account in MMM is et4ita01@outlook.com with #189,000 trapped in it. ''The account am accused of violating their policy is Etetimita345@gmail.com which is also on their temporary moratorium (meaning another scam as that was how they started with my account et4ita01@outlook.com) Attached are supporting documents / screenshots before MMM CONTROL AND REVISION OFFICE (CRO) played a fast one.'' Hmnn, you opened account for your cousin with same surname abi you opened a multiple account for yourself? LOL Source: Legit.ng A 25-year-old Lincoln man is charged with statutory rape after seeking paternity and winning joint custody of a child born four years ago to a 15-year-old girl. Zachary Zysset, 4110 S. 17th St., is out of jail on a $25,000 bond after being arrested Oct. 27 by an Adams County sheriff's deputy on a warrant for first-degree sexual assault of a minor. Investigators say a 20-year-old woman reported earlier this year that she and Zysset had sex several times in Kenesaw during a three-month span in 2012, according to an affidavit for his arrest. She was 15 when she got pregnant; Zysset was 20 at the time and lived in Kenesaw, the affidavit says. Under Nebraska law, children younger than 16 cannot consent to sex. In November that year, the girl gave birth to a baby girl, the affidavit says. Last year, Zysset sought a court order establishing paternity, and in February, he won joint custody of the child. Adams County began investigating in September after being contacted by an investigator with the Buffalo County Sheriff's office who had been in contact with the woman, the affidavit said. Adams County prosecutors charged him Oct. 25 and were granted a warrant for his arrest. Zysset's attorney, Sean Reagan of Lincoln, declined to comment. If convicted of the charge, Zysset would face a minimum of one year in prison. Southeast High School junior Alexus McKeithen knows exactly how she feels about this years presidential election. Im glad Im not 18. She may not have to go to the polls in this divisive, notably nasty election year, but she did cast her vote in the Lincoln Public Schools' Student Vote, where her school landed decisively on the side of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Clinton came out on top overall in the mock election, in which fourth through 12th graders participated. Overall, 47 percent of the 21,621 students who voted went for Clinton, compared to 30 percent for Trump. Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson got 12 percent of the vote; Green Party candidate Jill Stein got 9 percent. Students also weighed in on state issues. Just high school students voted on the death penalty ballot referendum, and narrowly voted to retain LB268, which eliminated the death penalty and replaced it with life in prison without parole. Students chose incumbent Jeff Fortenberry in the District 1 Congressional race, 49 percent-42 percent, over Democratic challenger Daniel Wik. Patsy Koch Johns -- a retired LPS teacher -- edged out Stephanie Bohlke-Schulte in the race for a seat on the state Board of Education, 48 percent-43 percent. For over 20 years, LPS has held a student vote every two years, an event designed to teach students about the election process and to encourage them to participate. The main message was the importance of this event, said Jaci Kellison, the districts social studies curriculum specialist. Its not who wins the election but giving kids a chance to participate in the democratic process. That said, theres been plenty of discussion about the Clinton-Trump battle in high school civics and government classes. In McKeithens sociology class Wednesday, they discussed the Student Vote after theyd cast their own electronic ballots. Most of the juniors and seniors have voted in Student Votes before, but this time -- mostly because they are older and understand the stakes better -- they take it more seriously. We understand whats going on and we know what presidential candidates should act like, and this isnt it, said Josie Edwards, a junior. Despite the rancor around the country, students said election discussions at school are mostly civil -- and theyve learned its important not to stereotype people based on who they support. Abram Turner, a senior, said he thinks the real lasting impact of this election will be on the U.S. Supreme Court. He said hed likely vote for Clinton in the real election, since hes 18, but hes no fan of either candidate. Southeast students run the gamut of the political spectrum, he said. Theres a group this year called Young Americans for Freedom, a hard-line conservative group. But theres also Young Republicans, Young Democrats and feminist clubs. Four LPS high schools -- Southeast, Lincoln High, North Star and Northeast -- favored Clinton. Trump prevailed at East High and Southwest. Lincoln Christian is the only parochial school that participated -- and soundly backed Trump 58 percent to 13 percent. More Nebraskans than usual could face challenges from fellow voters at the polls this Election Day following a tumultuous presidential campaign cycle, the state's top election official says. State law allows any registered voter to challenge the eligibility of another person seeking to vote. This year, "it's possible that we'll have more people who want to show up and be a potential challenger," said Secretary of State John Gale. But challengers risk arrest and federal prosecution if they intimidate, harass or disturb voters or target people at the polls based on race, national origin or another protected class, Gale said. "If there is behavior of a challenger that becomes combative or argumentative, then that allows the poll workers or the poll site judge to call law enforcement and have the person removed." Challenges should only be made on a "good-faith basis," Gale said for example, if a voter recognizes a neighbor at the polls and knows the person is registered in another precinct. Voters are also limited to 20 minutes inside the polling place, unless they are waiting in line, and 10 minutes inside the voting booth. The nonprofit Nebraskans for Civic Reform will field volunteer election observers at 65 precincts in 10 counties and has encouraged observers to engage with voters who experience problems at the polls. "We're putting some emphasis on south Omaha," said Bri McLarty, the organization's director of voting rights. That focus is due to the area's significant Latino population and the overall tone of this year's election, McLarty said. During the primary, she said, a man was told to leave a polling place at a south Omaha church because he was standing outside questioning people about their votes. Nebraskans for Civic Reform will have observers in Lancaster, Douglas, Sarpy, Seward, Saline, Platte, Colfax, Dodge, Hall and Scotts Bluff counties Nov. 8. The organization has also adjusted its observer training. Before the primary, that training focused on which ballots were available to voters based on their political party registration. For the general election, McLarty said, "sadly we've had to change it to talk about voter challenges." Observers typically watch for systemic issues or potential policy changes that might benefit future elections. This year, the observers are encouraged to pursue people who leave polling places after being challenged and explain their options, McLarty said. "This is one of those times where we want them to talk to voters," she said. Gale's office and Nebraskans for Civic Reform will have hotlines available for voters who experience problems. If something is amiss at the polling place, or theres a concern that some type of voter fraud is taking place, we want to hear about it, Gale said in a news release. The goal is to make sure all issues are handled in an appropriate and lawful way. * Gale's election fraud hotline can be reached at 1-888-727-0007. Nebraskans for Civic Reform and its partners have four hotlines: * English: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) * Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) * Arabic: 1-844-418-1682 * Asian-American languages: 1-888-274-8683 Lancaster County Election Commissioner Dave Shively said he received a few more questions than usual this year from poll workers on how to handle disturbances or other issues that might arise at polling places. "Every cycle, it always seems like people are worried about things like this and they never really happen," said Shively, who is handling his fifth presidential election. Voters elsewhere might experience problems, but Nebraskans are conscientious and courteous, he said. "I don't think you're going to see that happen here." By anyones standards, the financial record at Goodwill Omaha is an eye-popping case of executive greed run amok. It was startling enough to learn that CEO Frank McGree was paid $944,444 in 2014, including a one-time retention bonus of $519,000, according to an Omaha World-Herald investigative series. But the high salaries didnt stop there. In 2015, the nonprofit, charitable organization paid 14 of its executives more than $100,000 each. The cash flow to executive pockets dwarfed the amount sent to programs for the less fortunate. The Omaha Goodwill organization diverted just $350,000 from retail sales that year to programs for the needy, plus the $207,000 it paid in wages for teenagers with disabilities in a work experience program. The shocking story made headlines across the country, including the Lincoln Journal Star. Its important to emphasize that the avarice in Goodwill Omaha is not found in every local Goodwill organization. Lincoln Goodwill, which serves Southeast Nebraska, paid its CEO, Joanne Pickrel, $88,448 in 2014, and an additional $6,440 in other compensation, according to its tax disclosure statement. Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska, which serves most of the western part of the state, paid its CEO Kris Nolan Brown $158,421 in salary and $34,185 in other compensation. To be sure, Goodwill Omaha is a bigger operation, with more than $20 million in retail sales. By comparison, Lincoln had about $4.4 million in retail sales, and Goodwill of Greater Nebraska had $8.4 million. Joe Lempka, chairman of the board for Goodwill Omaha, made the argument that the organization was competing in the marketplace for top-notch executive talent. Theres something to that argument; leadership does make a difference. In this case, however, the leadership lost sight of the organizations mission. At the same time that it was bestowing lavish salaries on its executives, the organization was paying little more than minimum wage to its store clerks, and less than minimum wage to employees with disabilities. In 2013, it froze many employee salaries, cut retirement benefits and told employees that department Christmas parties would have to be potluck. However, it did pay for a Christmas party for executives, complete with a caterer, open bar and cash gifts. And all the while the organization was enjoying various tax deductions. One lesson that can be drawn from this tale is that its good to try to learn about a charitys finances before making a donation. For example, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch and Give.org from the Better Business Bureau evaluate charities on their costs and effectiveness. Unfortunately, its not always easy, especially with national organizations like Goodwill that give local units considerable local autonomy. Mere days after the executive pay disclosures, Goodwill Omaha CEO McGree announced his resignation. Now the organization faces a tough job of reclaiming the good will that it previously took for granted. Donors and board members of charitable organizations should take note. I have been privileged to know District 23 Sen. Jerry Johnson for more than four decades. I know he is an honest person of unquestionable integrity and high principles. He has a strong faith in God, which is evident in every decision he makes. He has an impressive record in managing ag-related businesses and of active involvement in civic organizations, local and state politics. Nebraska and the residents of District 23 are fortunate to have Sen. Johnson serving in our Legislature. I cannot fathom why anyone who professes to have the best interests of Nebraskans at heart would not fully support the re-election of Sen. Jerry Johnson. By now, youre probably at least peripherally aware of Nomadic Thinkers, the Brisbane startup / gym exclusively for men that is being mocked ruthlessly by just about every outlet in Australia. It generated a predictable amount of ridicule because, well, the idea of a safe space for men in the tech industry is laughable, on account of how the entire tech industry is a safe space for men. Given that the nerdosphere is currently jammed right up with blokes, what would possess people to think they needed to make a man-exclusive hub for people to lift weights and work on building their Uber but for bacon app? Well, according to their website their motivations are pretty altruistic: The primary objective of Nomadic Thinkers is to offer a holistic preventative intervention framework to address men related issues associated with physical and mental health. This will be achieved by providing a community and space for men to develop in three key areas, 1. health and fitness, 2. business and financial independence, 3. a positive worldview with increased emotional intelligence. These in turn will build resiliency and support factors that contribute to the prevention of suicide, depression, domestic violence and family abandonment. So far, so good, if a bit vague. In theory it sounds a bit like one of those mens sheds the collaborative workspaces where men can go to work on projects and potentially build up healthy relationships with the men around them except Nomadic Thinkers probably has a Nintendo 64 in the break room or something. They responded to the backlash in a statement today, essentially reiterating their position that they are trying to address mens issues with mental health: Unfortunately, it has come across that we trivialise the significance of domestic violence and depression. We would like to express our apologies as this is not the case. Our intention is and has always been to highlight the seriousness and social costs of these issues, and take an immersive and proactive approach towards action. Again, seems like a pretty good thing, but digging into their white paper about the social impact of the startup is where shit begins to get weird; while they describe mens issues with mental health, suicide and domestic violence as a result of how masculinity discourages intimate communication: Importantly a major supporting factor for the environment based nature of the social impact framework is that men are less likely to engage in help-seeking behaviours around emotional problems. Moreover, It is argued that social norms of traditional masculinity make help-seeking harder because of the inhibition of emotional expressiveness influencing symptom perception of depression. They, for some reason, blame this on society demonising masculinity: The study concludes that, unless addressed, the effects of negative discourse on the selfidentity and self-esteem of men, and especially boys growing up, are potentially devastating and that the longer-term and wider social implications will also be costly. Nomadic Thinkers aims to provide education around a positive view of masculinity. Theres a whooole bunch of pseudo-scientific nonsense in there, in addition to some weird cult-esque diagrams: This sounds eerily familiar to the MRA-y, anti-feministy bullshit about how society doesnt let anyone be a real man anymore because people hate men etc etc and it turns, thats because this is exactly those same people. While their website was pretty ambiguous, their blog was 100% not. Unsurprisingly, they switched it to private after the backlash (supposedly for copyright reasons), but luckily Google cache has been our friend and saved these beautiful posts for all the world to see. In a lovely post entitled WHY THERE IS STILL HOPE FOR MEN IN THE WEST, they dig into the dangers of finding a quality mate: That being said the risk of finding a quality mate is high. With increasing divorce rates and laws such as no-fault divorce and Disneys absolute destruction of what Love and real relationships are with an obsession with infatuation. Putting aside the fact that describing a partner as a mate makes you sound like a villainous Star Trek alien, I dont think Ariel is to blame for your relationship issues pal. They then go into how you can avoid those dangers: Another way of looking at this is taking a proactive role in leadership in your relationship setting ground rules at the beginning is vital. But how do you get to that point? If you are well versed with ROK and other manosphere blogs the best way you can do this is by increasing your sexual marketplace value SMV, do this via increasing your traits as a provider and protector and increase your desirability making it easier to find a quality woman. If youre not intimately familiar with the MRA world, ROK is Return Of Kings: the mens rights website run by fedora king Roosh V, who you might remember from his article arguing that rape should be legalised. If youve not come across the terms sexual marketplace value and manosphere before: yes, these people are that gross. But wait, theres more! Heres an incredible gem that says that feminism is a wonderful thing, before proceeding to say that everything about it is bad: Further more, not only have we lost our roles but it is becoming common place for men to be persecuted for expressing their masculinity. PRETEXT: Feminism is a wonderful thing, equality is great and necessary, men and women are absolutely equal opposites (the need to pretext is evidence of the following). Alas, as is so common in human nature, feminism has gone past its desired point and is polarizing to the extreme other end. We have become a culture that praises androgyny, glorifies gender role removal and tolerates all beliefs and choices except from traditional (conservative I guess) views. To deny that men and women are different, that they think and behave differently.. and enjoy different things, is absurd this has somehow become the social norm however. Its difficult to believe that someone would dare shit talk androgyny, in this, the year that Bowie died. They then go on to blame the destruction on the family unit on Everybody Loves Raymond (Im paraphrasing): With the media pushing images of passive men, the clumsy dad, the goofy and dim-witted boyfriend, the incompetent boss, men are being seduced into a placated and listless expression of themselves. Is this so bad? Yes, absolutely! This is the reason we have an unprecedented rate of marriage breakdowns.. show me a woman who respects a guy that gets walked all over? Ultimately their argument is that for men to be happy and healthy, women need to stay at home and look after the kids while the men go out and fuck bears and wolves to death: We believe in a practical approach to masculinity and manhood. We believe that conservative gender roles (though they have been chastised) have endless historical evidence of unarguable success, we also believe that these roles can be brought to the modern culture without removing the good work (true) feminism has done (we are not enemies guys!). Our philosophy of masculinity is this: Men are physical and practical creatures. We require camaraderie and social time with other men (without female chaperones). We need to provide for ourselves, then our families and the our communities (in that order as we mature further), this give us purpose. We need to protect, this gives us self-esteem and fulfills our biological needs. OK, maybe this blog is just old and not really that related to the startup except it turns out these were written by the two directors (Matt Paul and Samuel Monaghan) expressly to advertise Nomadic Thinkers, and both posts that Im quoting from were written less than a month ago. Stellar stuff. I guess the lesson here is that if something on the surface sounds like it is extremely some MRA bullshit, theres a very good chance it might turn out to be some MRA bullshit. The high rates of depression and suicide among men are very serious issues, and it is crucial that we address them, but this is not the way. Speaking for myself as someone living with bipolar disorder, the key to solving these sorts of things isnt getting together to wrestle in a mancave, its creating a culture where men dont feel like they have to put up a facade. Reinforcing this idea that men can only talk to other men in the context of lifting weights doesnt help fight any stigma, it just lessens the chance that men will feel comfortable expressing how they feel or what theyre going through with the people they are close to, regardless of gender. PS Nomadic Thinkers is a shit name. If youre struggling, support is never far away, you can give Beyond Blue a call on their 24/7 hotline at 1300 22 4636. Photo: Nomadic Thinkers. Global Poker Index: Holz Holds Off EPT Malta Cashers to Keep Lead; Panzica, Jedlicka Move Up November 03, 2016 Martin Harris Each week, the Global Poker Index releases a list of the top tournament poker players in the world using a formula that takes into account a player's results over six half-year periods. For a look at the entire list, visit the official GPI website. Here's a look at the rankings as of Nov. 2, 2016. 2016 GPI Player of the Year Rank Player GPI Score Change 1 Fedor Holz 3644.80 - 2 Chance Kornuth 3336.54 - 3 Paul Volpe 3192.20 - 4 David Peters 3131.44 - 5 Adrian Mateos 3109.86 - 6 Samuel Panzica 3046.64 +3 7 Nick Petrangelo 3008.21 -1 8 Ivan Luca 2992.47 -1 9 Jason Mercier 2931.51 -1 10 Connor Drinan 2926.70 - Fedor Holz wasn't among the throng of players picking up cashes and 2016 Global Poker Index Player of the Year points at the recently finished European Poker Tour Malta festival. It didn't matter, though, as he continued to maintain a healthy lead in the POY race, anyway, making it 21 weeks on top for him. Holz did play and cash in the $100,000 ARIA Super High Roller 12 that took place last weekend, taking fourth in the event out of 34 entries to earn a nearly $300K score. Sam Soverel topped that tough field for $1,024,364. Among the rest of the top 10, the only movement came from Samuel Panzica (pictured above, left) who moved up from No. 9 to No. 6. Panzica's most recent scores include a victory in the $5,000 World Poker Tour bestbet Bounty Scramble in Jacksonville where he bested a 379-entry field for a $354,335 first prize, and another fourth-place finish out of 466 entries in a $1,500 buy-in event at the 2016 Isle Open Poker Tournament at Pompano Beach in Florida. GPI 300 Top 10 Rank Player GPI Score Change 1 Fedor Holz 4998.56 - 2 Nick Petrangelo 4371.91 - 3 Jason Mercier 4286.55 - 4 Steve O'Dwyer 4148.52 - 5 Connor Drinan 4143.17 - 6 David Peters 3994.15 +2 7 Bryn Kenney 3963.69 +2 8 Anthony Zinno 3913.93 -2 9 Erik Seidel 3906.54 +4 10 Tom Marchese 3857.32 +1 Holz remains the leader in the overall rankings again that's 21 weeks atop this list, too, for the 23-year-old German. The entire top five remained the same since the last update, and among the shuffling just below Erik Seidel has nudged back up and into the top 10 after finishing third in another of the $25,000 ARIA High Rollers last weekend, won by Igor Kurganov. Seidel's cash for $127,680 in that event put him less than $35K away from the $30 million mark in lifetime tournament winnings. Welcome to the GPI Top 300 Rank Player Total Score 228 Stefan Jedlicka 2028.55 246 Steffen Sontheimer 1990.76 263 Frederik Jensen 1953.87 264 Guo Dong 1952.48 280 Eugene Katchalov 1927.42 282 Dermot Blain 1922.86 285 Alex Goulder 1919.26 292 Rumen Nanev 1907.81 296 Michael Addamo 1896.50 Nine players joined this week's top 300 list, with Stefan Jedlicka (pictured above, right) the highest-ranked of the bunch after catapulting from No. 519 to No. 228. Jedlicka's jump came thanks to a stellar EPT Malta festival highlighted by not one but two high roller victories one in the 2,200 Italian Poker Tour High Roller where he earned 88,039 for topping 284 entries, and the other in the festival-concluding 10,300 EPT Malta High Roller where he bested 144 for a 335,200 score. Several of the others on this list likewise performed well in Malta, including Frederik Jensen, Eugene Katchalov, and Rumen Nanev, all of whom cashed in the 5,300 EPT Malta Main Event. Jensen who won an EPT Main Event in Season 8 in Madrid, Spain took 17th in the Main Event, one of four cashes that also included a side event win for him. Meanwhile Guo Dong moved up from No. 516 to No. 264 after winning the 2016 Asian Poker Tour Macau Main Event for HK$530,000 (worth about $68K USD). Biggest Gains Rank Player Total GPI Score Change 228 Stefan Jedlicka 2028.55 +291 264 Guo Dong 1952.48 +252 263 Frederik Jensen 1953.87 +155 282 Dermot Blain 1922.86 +87 280 Eugene Katchalov 1927.42 +78 Jedlicka and Dong top the "Biggest Gains" list this week thanks to their big moves, with Jensen likewise earning a spot. Biggest Drops Rank Player Total GPI Score Change 270 Kiryl Radzivonau 1941.19 -111 290 Ihar Soika 1910.88 -98 185 Paul Tedeschi 2159.78 -77 203 Anton Astapau 2108.52 -62 258 Jan Bendik 1966.33 -53 Finally, among those in the current top 300 who fell the furthest from a week ago, Kiryl Radzivonau endured the most sizable tumble, dropping from No. 270 to No. 159. What to Expect Next Week The Heartland Poker Tour is in St. Charles, Michigan, the World Series of Poker Circuit is stopping in Lake Tahoe, Nevada with its international version also in Rozvadov, Czech Republic, and the PokerListings Battle of Malta is following the EPT's departure. Meanwhile the PokerStars Festival New Jersey is ongoing in Atlantic City, with PokerNews' live reporting team on hand covering several events from the Resorts Hotel Casino. To view the GPI overall rankings in their entirety, visit the official GPI website. While you're at it, follow the GPI on Twitter and its Facebook page. Serge Gouders (46) has taken up the post of Commercial Director at WMD Benelux B.V. in Maastricht, the Netherlands. By: WMD Workflow Management and Document Consulting Serge Gouders IMG_2950_13x18_kl_03 Media Contact WMD Workflow Management and Document Consulting ***@wmd.de +49 (0)4102 88 38 36 WMD Workflow Management and Document Consulting+49 (0)4102 88 38 36 End -- The experienced SAP salesman has been heading customer development and customer and partner aquisition in the Benelux countries since October, 2016, at the Maastricht subsidiary of WMD (Workflow Management and Document Consulting, based in Ahrensburg, Germany).Mr. Gouders, Dutch by birth, comes to WMD from the PNA Group in Heerlen, the Netherlands, where he successfully established and structured the sales department. With this new addition, WMD Benelux will increase emphasis on regular client care while simultaneously setting up a campaign to attract new customers. Regional customer events on WMD innovations will offer a platform to provide customers with information on current SAP-certified DMS solutions. The events will address large, international companies from sectors in which WMD solutions have already been frequently usedhealth care, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, etc. They will focus on standard WMD solutions for procurement, invoice processing and order processing, as well as on archiving."The Benelux countries make up a very mature SAP market," says Serge Gouders. "This is coupled with the high demand for automated and integrated solutions for invoice and order processingand, logically, end-to-end procure-to-pay, which companies can use to slim down and optimize their processes. The xSuite solutions have found fertile ground here in Benelux." According to Hans Willems, Managing Director of WMD Benelux B.V.: "We are pleased to have gained Serge Gouders. He is a highly experienced sales expert who, on the one hand, knows the market here very well and, on the other, has a strong background in economics. This lays the ground for us to identify the precise business-process needs of both existing and potential customers, and to transform these needs into sales."WMD Group Managing Director Andreas Karge adds: "The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg have traditionally been well-suited for direct-sales activities. Alongside direct sales activities, we will develop a select network of trained and qualified partners in order to raise our own business activities to a higher power." Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. announced today it received a contract from Singapore Refining Company Private Limited (SRC), a joint venture between Singapore Petroleum Company and Chevron, to provide services for an upgrade project at SRC's By: Jacobs Contact Jacobs ***@gmail.com Jacobs End -- PASADENA, Calif.(BUSINESS WIRE) Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. announced today it received a contract from Singapore Refining Company Private Limited (SRC), a joint venture between Singapore Petroleum Company and Chevron, to provide services for an upgrade project at SRC's refinery in Jurong Island, Singapore. this was announced by the business procurement manager, Peter GopalJacobs is providing concept definition (pre-FEED) and front-end engineering design (FEED) services for the upgrade of the refinery's naphtha splitter unit (NSU), naphtha hydrotreating unit (NHT) and catalytic reformer unit (CRU).Jacobs is applying a multi-office execution approach for the delivery of its services.In making the announcement, Jacobs Senior Vice President and General Manager Petroleum and Chemicals India/Asia, Vinayak Pai stated, "This project further strengthens our longstanding relationship with SRC, and we are excited about the opportunity to contribute value to this strategically important project at Jurong Island, the petrochemical hub of Singapore."Jacobs is one of the world's largest and most diverse providers of full-spectrum technical, professional and construction services for industrial, commercial and government organizations globally. The company employs 50,000 people and operates in more than 30 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.jacobs.com Statements made in this release that are not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements. We base these forward-looking statements on management's current estimates and expectations as well as currently available competitive, financial and economic data. Forward-looking statements, however, are inherently uncertain. There are a variety of factors that could cause business results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. For a description of some of the factors which may occur that could cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements please refer to our 2015 Form 10-K, and in particular the discussions contained under Items 1 Business, 1A Risk Factors, 3 Legal Proceedings, and 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements made herein. By: Ideal Standard Gulf End --Ideal Standard, leading provider of innovative bathroom solutions operating across Europe, Middle East and Africa, has announced the opening of its Design Bathroom Centre in Dubai, the first-of-its-kind in the Middle East and North Africa region, showcasing the latest designs, innovations and complete bathroom solutions.The new Design Bathroom Centre is a luxury designed establishment of 1000 sq. meters located on Sheikh Zayed Road, at Al Quoz 3, in Dubai. It is a virtual one-stop destination for all bathroom solutions, showcasing all design ranges and complete solutions under the flag brand Ideal Standard; DEA, Tonic II, Ventuno, Connect, Strada, and the newest launches Connect Air and Tesi complete ranges, as well as the new Ceraflex range of mixers. The full range of Ideal Standard bathroom mixers, counter tops and vessel basins is exhibited.The Centre also displays Armitage Shanks branded products in individual "rooms" with solutions for different sectors and building types anti-vandal and commercial products for hospitals, schools, public areas and residential range solutions. Selective products from the American Standard brand are also showcased, with focus on one-piece, two-piece toilets and basins.The Design Bathroom Centre is the company's first training and specification Centre in the MENA region with a mandate to host, train and inspire interior designers, consultants and contractors, by presenting and providing complete bathroom solutions for all types of projects and buildings. The Centre is strategically designed using the concept of inspiration areas, along with technical areas of real operating items, illustrating the various aspects of the bathroom products, such as ease of installation and maintenance, water saving aspects, and installation options.The base floor of the Ideal Standard Design Bathroom Centre, open to public from 10am to 7pm from Sunday through Thursday, will be an interactive zone, where end-consumers can get an insight into their bathroom needs, and an overview of the latest designs and innovations. In other words, they can work with Ideal Standard's consultants & interior designers to find the right combination of products for them to create and design their perfect bathroom space."The growth of Ideal Standard in the last five decades is a testimony of the distinguished world-class bathroom solutions we present to our customers that explains the remarkable success achieved by the Company across Europe, Middle East and Africa. We are privileged to drive our success to the next level in MENA region, by establishing our first Design Bathroom Centre in Dubai where we showcase the most contemporary designs and complete bathroom solutions. The Centre represents a part of the company's philosophy to offer the highest level of excellence to our customers in terms of innovative products and outstanding service. Through the Design Bathroom Centre, we aim to invest our long journey of experience in presenting ideal bathroom solutions that will exceed the expectations of our customers and business partners." said Mr. Ahmed Hafez Chief Executive Officer, Ideal Standard MENA.Mr. Hafez added: "The Ideal Standard Design Bathroom Centre is only the start of our plans to grow and expand in the MENA region."Ideal Standard has made a mark over the last 100 years by providing innovative bathroom solutions across the globe, with its optimal mix of design and functional excellence.Ideal Standard International, leading provider of innovative bathroom solutions, is a privately-owned company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, operating in over 30 countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Ideal Standard MENA, sister company of Ideal Standard International, is focusing on the growth and massive business opportunities of Middle East, Egypt and Africa, with Head Offices in Dubai, UAE.Ideal Standard heritage is in understanding how bathroom works in totality. With total bathroom solutions as its core business for over 100 years, the company designs, manufactures and supplies ceramic products, bathroom mixers, furniture and accessories, bathing & showering solutions for residential, commercial and institutional buildings. Ideal Standard is the company's international flagship brand for bathroom solutions across all regions. Moreover, the company owns leading European brands: Jado, Armitage Shanks, Ceramica Dolomite, Porcher and Vidima.Ideal Standard Gulf, the business entity encapsulating the Middle East region, operates from its Head Offices in Dubai, UAE. The Ideal Standard, Jado, Armitage Shanks, Ceramica Dolomite, Porcher, Vidima and American Standard branded products are supplied in the Middle East sanitary ware market by esteemed business partners across the different countries Spirit of unity prevails as Zayed University celebrates Flag Day Contact Sara Hassan Media Relations Specialist ***@zu.ac.ae Sara HassanMedia Relations Specialist End -- Coinciding with the anniversary of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's assumption of office as the leader of the country, Zayed University celebrated the UAE Flag Day today (Thursday) on both its campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance and President of Zayed University, led the flag-raising ceremony in Abu Dhabi with employees from the Ministry of Tolerance and Zayed University, as the flag was being raised simultaneously around the country.The UAE flag-raising ceremony came in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who called for launching a nationwide campaign to unite the hearts of all Emiratis and reaffirm allegiance to the nation and its leadership.With the participation of hundreds of faculty members, staff, and students and during the National Anthem, Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna raised the UAE flag up high into the sky at the central courtyard in Abu Dhabi campus, while Professor Reyadh AlMehaideb, Vice President of Zayed University, led the flag-raising ceremony in Dubai campus.Zayed University Student Council members presented a short program, where they emphasized the importance of the UAE flag and explained indication of its traditional pan-Arab colors. They pointed out that red represents hardiness, bravery, strength and courage, while green represents hope, joy, optimism and love. White color represents peace and honesty and black- contrary to popular belief- stands for the defeat of enemies, and also strength of mind.A highlight of the Student Council program was a poetry reading by Zayed University students to show patriotism and reiterate love and pride for the homeland.Additionally, students showed immediate enthusiasm, raised flags high into the sky, and released balloons to show their loyalty and sincere love for their homeland.Created in 1971 for the country's formation, the flag of the UAE is a symbol of much pride for Emiratis. Like the flag of every nation, it is respected and treated with honor by citizens and residents alike.Zayed University is today the premier national university in the United Arab Emirates and a regional leader in educational innovation and change. It has created and implemented a skills-rich, outcome-based general education program that systemically develops student skills, knowledge, and values associated with liberal learning and provided a solid foundation for pursuit of disciplinary majors and future careers. Zayed University welcomes national and international students, and provides them with a high quality education, offered by seasoned teaching scholars to prepare them to shape the future of the United Arab Emirates.Zayed University offers Undergraduate and Graduate degrees in the following Colleges: College of Arts & Creative Enterprises (recognized as substantially equivalent by NASAD), College of Business (Accredited by AACSB), College of Communication & Media Sciences (Accredited by ACEJMC), College of Education (Accredited by NCATE), College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, and College of Technological Innovation (Accredited by ABET). For more information, visit www.zu.ac.aeMedia contacts: Sara Sabry, Media Relations Specialist at the Office of the Vice President at Zayed UniversityDir-Tel: 025993630Mobile: 0566561059E-mail: Sara.Hassan@zu.ac.aeWeb: www.zu.ac.ae This election cycle, the status and treatment of women is at the forefront of the presidential race. Nebraskans must pay close attention to our local candidates positions on womens access to health care, especially in cases of sexual assault candidates like Mike Hilgers, who is running his third campaign in as many election cycles, this time for the Legislature. Hilgers dangerous policies and positions on womens health are clearly documented in past and current voter information guides. He opposes a womans right to choose, even in cases of rape, incest and threat to the life of the pregnant woman. More troubling, his father, Dr. Thomas Hilgers from Omaha, has been credited for coining the phrase legitimate rape, a theory that if a woman is "legitimately raped," her body shuts down from the stress, thereby preventing pregnancy. Not only is this scientifically false, this ludicrous assertion actually further normalizes violence against women, victim blaming and shaming survivors of sexual assault. Mike Hilgers does not distance himself from his fathers dangerous anti-woman rhetoric, and his policies regarding access to safe and legal care prove his complete disregard for womens health, even in the face of sexual assault. Nebraskans cannot afford to vote another ideologue with an extreme and dangerous agenda into the Legislature. Susan M. Ugai, Lincoln I knew to honor Zayed the mission must be completed - Victor Mooney Contact Lisa Samuels ***@victormooney.com Lisa Samuels End -- Victor Mooney, a national of Equatorial Guinea, delivered his rowing uniform, Holy Quran, Ghutra, African belt and other gear to United Arab Emirates (UAE) New York City Consulate as a final tribute to His Highness, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul in peace Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Founding President of the UAE on Wednesday. Sheikh Zayed died on November 2, 2004.On Tuesday, November 1, 2016, Victor Mooney visited the Islamic Leadership School (ILS) in the Bronx. At the ILS, the students and faculty sign a board to commemorate the late Emirati Ruler. Mr. Mooney talked about the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and to never give up. In 2007, the ISL joined a press conference at New York City Hall with Mr. Mooney to save lives in the fight against AIDS.Mr. Mooney began making his homage to Sheikh Zayed on a second attempt to row across the Atlantic Ocean from Senegal to New York in 2009. Mr. Mooney chose to honor Sheikh Zayed because of his spirit, humble nature and humanity with both his countrymen and countries across the world. His boat was called the Spirit of Zayed and he hoped his transatlantic row from would bring relief to the AIDS epidemic. Unfortunately, Mr. Mooney had to abort his row near Guinea Bissau due to equipment failure.Upon my return to New York, United Arab Emirates based newspaper, The National, dispatched a reporter who wrote an article titled Tears for Zayed. From that point on, I knew to honor Zayed the mission must be completed, said Victor Mooney.Mr. Mooney would fail again in 2011 when his boat took on water near Cape Verde. Mr. Mooney survived fourteen days drifting in a life raft before being rescued by a cargo ship. On February 19, 2014, his fourth transatlantic rowing attempt, Mr. Mooney departed Las Palmas, Canary Islands and arrived at the Brooklyn Bridge on November 28, 2015. During the five-thousand mile row, he faced many obstacles from a shark damaging his boat, loosing eighty pounds to a pirate attack in Haitian waters.Mr. Mooney's boat was sponsored by the government of Equatorial Guinea with the personal support from the Head of State, His Excellency Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.Sheikh Zayed is an inspiration for the world. He put the principles of perseverance, integrity and partnership to work. This course has been accelerated with the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of United Arab Emirates, Mr. Mooney added.Equatorial Guinea is the host country for the Fourth Africa Arab Summit, which will convene later this month. The theme for this year's gathering is Sustainable Development and Economic Cooperation.I hope the Spirit of Zayed soars in Equatorial Guinea, said Victor Mooney.On the net: http://www.spiritofmalabo.net Mad Muscle Garage teams up with the Children's Cancer research fund to help end childhood cancer. Contact Mad Muscle Garage Matt ***@madmusclegarage.com Mad Muscle GarageMatt End -- Mad Muscle Garage is proud to announce that we have decided to take our recent barn find 1952 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door and auction it off for Children's Cancer Research. We will be donating profits from the auction to the Children's Cancer Research Fund. Here at Mad Muscle Garage, we want to help give back to our community. We feel the Children's Cancer Research Fund is a great cause to get behind. There is nothing worse than a sick and in pain child and with the money donated, we all can do our part to help put an end to childhood cancer. We will be documenting and updating our website as well as our GoFundMe page with both pictures and videos on a weekly basis. We have started a GoFundMe to help cover the cost of materials during the build. The materials that we are most in need of are an engine, transmission, grille, front and rear bumpers, rear suspension, interior, paint, rims/tires, and misc nuts/bolts. We will be taking the original 235ci motor, Powerglide transmission, and rear axle and upgrading to a 350ci small block Chevy, newer style Powerglide transmission, and an upgraded rear axle. We will be giving this '52 a hot rod attitude from inside to out!Just by donating $5, you are helping out in such a huge way. Every dollar that is donated goes so far in helping with this build and helping fight childhood cancer. If you cannot donate, please share our link to help spread our message.If you are a vendor that is looking to donating parts, please email matt@madmusclegarage.com.From everyone at Mad Muscle Garage, we thank you in advance for your generosity. Children are the future of the hot rod world and together we can help make a difference in fighting childhood cancer. Frutel Products Available in 3 Sizes: 7, 32 and 64 oz End -- Diaz Foods (http://www.diazfoods.com), a leading distributor of specialty foods based in Atlanta, GA acquires Frutel brand from Origin Food Group in Statesville, NC. This is the second brand that has been acquired by Diaz Foods in less than 2 years. Diaz Foods will leverage their 25 state distribution network to grow the demand for Frutel.This is another way that Diaz Foods is looking to continue their steady growth through organic and inorganic strategies that take into consideration market trends and data. "The Frutel brand represents an opportunity for Diaz Foods to further expand its portfolio of products for our customers. This 100% yogurt drink is a high quality product with significant opportunity to expand beyond its North Carolina foot print," said Eric Newberg, CFO at Diaz Foods."Since the perceived market leaders are shifting to a world of smoothies and creating a void in the real drinkable yogurt space, we saw an opportunity in Frutel. While others continue to sell "smoothie-style yogurt mixes," we are marketing a drinkable yogurt made with real milk and fruit. Frutel is exactly that, a real drinkable yogurt that is a meal replacement, an energy booster and nutritious drink all in one" commented Antonio Casas, VP of Marketing at Diaz Foods.Diaz Foods, was founded in 1980 and is a privately-owned company. Today, Diaz Foods is a leading distributor of specialty foods with distribution in 25 states and over 6,000 customers. Diaz Foods distributes a wide variety of dry, refrigerated and frozen products from around the world and stocks an extensive selection of products from Latin America, including goods from countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Peru, Venezuela and Brazil as well as a wide variety of Cuban, Jamaican, Spanish, Indian, Thai and other Caribbean products. In addition to the distribution of high quality specialty food products, Diaz Foods manufactures, markets and distributes its own brand of products.For more information, please contact Antonio Casas, VP of Marketing, email antonio.casas@diazfoods.com or visit our Diaz Foods corporate website at http://www.diazfoods.com By: Behavioral Concepts, Inc. Lauren Bavosi Contact Steve Dubin ***@prworkzone.com Steve Dubin End -- Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently hired Lauren Bavosi as its new director of marketing and development. She will serve in a similar capacity for BCI's sister company, the Center for Applied Behavioral Instruction (CABI).In this role, Bavosi will spearhead all BCI marketing initiatives, including advancement of online, social media and traditional media programs. She will also direct recruitment efforts as it pertains to BCI's territorya one-hour radius of Worcesterand the promotion of its newest location in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.Bavosi will also lead the initiative to design and implement a formal fundraising and community engagement strategy for CABI. That will include the management of donor relations, the establishment of corporate partnerships, and the creation of community-based programs for students."In this field, we have three large challenges. One is demand. One out of every 68 births has an autism spectrum diagnosis. Another is making parents aware of the services available to their children. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is recruitment and finding certified BCBA and ABA therapists to provide the needed services," said Dr. Jeff Robinson, founder and director of Behavioral Concepts, Inc. "We are thrilled to have Lauren leading the recruitment effort and our efforts to get the word out to families and educating the general public as to how BCI and CABI can help children with autism spectrum disorders."For Bavosi, working for the Worcester, Mass.-based BCI marks somewhat of a homecoming. A Worcester native, she attended Notre Dame Academy for high school and graduated summa cum laude from Clark University. Bavosi previously worked as the director of marketing and communications for Women's Health of Central Massachusetts and ran her own marketing consulting firm. Most recently, she worked as a marketing manager at HMEA in Franklin, Mass."BCI is making the difference in the lives of hundreds of children and their families in Central Massachusetts. In taking on this opportunity, I want to help make that thousands across the entire state," said Bavosi. "Couple that challenge with working in my old hometown and this really was an offer I could not refuse."In addition to her professional pursuits, Bavosi is an active volunteer for The March of Dimes (Central Massachusetts Division) supporting their annual Signature Chefs Auction each October. She is also serves as the vice president of Women in Development of Central Massachusetts, a membership organization to support the advancement of women in the fundraising profession and to promote philanthropy through education, networking and professional development.Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. It's BCI's goal to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance our clients' quality of life within their home, school and community.BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI's main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school aged children and a weekend social skills program. In addition, BCI will open a second location in Fitchburg, Mass., in November 2016. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.For complete information, visit http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200. For more information on CABI, visit http://www.cabiautism.org or call 508-363-0201. By: GZA Carol McKnight End -- GZA, a leading environmental and geotechnical consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Carol McKnight, a Senior Project Manager in the Cincinnati office was recently a featured speaker at the September 29Kentucky Oil & Gas Association (KOGA) Western Kentucky Technical Program and Dinner, held at the Owensboro Convention Center in Owensboro, Kentucky.McKnight, who joined GZA in August of 2015, deliveedr a presentation on endangered species and proposed NWP updates.McKnight has over 19 years of experience in environmental permitting compliance, wetland delineation and stream assessment, and erosion and sediment control. She has performed environmental work in 11 states in the Eastern, Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States.Prior to joining GZA, McKnight was Senior Project Manager/Consultant for numerous natural gas projects, including well pad and pipeline (gathering, midstream, and transmission)projects, both small and large in size. Additional project experience includes project management and permitting preparation for airport expansions, solid waste landfills, and commercial/industrial projects. Permitting experience includes Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Section 7(c) Filings and Prior Notice Blanket Certification, Clean Water Act (Section 404/401/401), Rivers and Harbors Act, Endangered Species Act, and state specific environmental permitting.McKnight's diverse experience has provided the skills necessary to identify and solve the environmental/permitting issues unique to each project in order to bring the project to a successful completion.A graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History/Biology, McKnight earned her Master of Science degree in Environmental Science from Miami University.Founded in 1964, GZA is a multi-disciplinary firm providing Environmental, Geotechnical, Ecological, Water, and Construction Management services. GZA maintains corporate offices at 249 Vanderbilt Avenue, Norwood, MA 02062. The firm has over 560 employees and operates 28 offices in the New England, Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes and Appalachian Regions of the United States. For additional information, please call William Hadge, CEO at 781-278-3808 or visit the company's website at www.gza.com Contact Tammy Robinson-Smith ***@jancarolpublishing.com 423.926.9983 Tammy Robinson-Smith423.926.9983 End -- Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc., of Johnson City, Tennessee, is proud to announce the release ofthe debut release of up-and-coming Meridian, Idaho author Jake Koenekamp.Originally written as a screenplay, Koenekamp has taken his story to a new level in book form.is a western adventure that pits Heather, a beautiful drifter, against evil and corruption from the past. As Heather's peaceful journey through the majestic Northwest is interrupted by the dangerous posse who runs the small mining town of Marigold, Koenekamp takes the reader on a dark, mysterious adventure full of twists and turns."Just as soon as she finds peace of mind among the majestic blue mountains, it is stripped away," said Koenekamp. "After finding out that a shot of evil has infected her life again, she quickly begins to search for the root source of its existence before it poisons the town and the land itself forever."can be purchased on, Amazon, Barnes & Noble or through Jan-Carol Publishing, INC.Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc., includes the imprints Mountain Girl Press, Little Creek Books, Express Editions, RoseHeart Publishing, and DigiStyle. Each imprint specializes in a particular genrefrom Appalachian stories to children's books and more. At JCP, we believe "every story needs a book."For more information or to schedule a book signing, call Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc., at 423.926.9983, or visit http://www.jancarolpublishing.com . Follow JCP on Facebook. The purchase agreement for the previously announced sale of a commercial property portfolio by Conwert Immobilien Invest SE has now been signed. The portfolio was sold to a real estate property special fund of HanseMerkur Grundvermogen. The properties represent a large share of the Conwert commercial property portfolio. The ownership [] Corestate Capital Holding sells Austria's largest student housing asset to a fund vehicle launched on the fund platform of Universal-Investment on behalf of Bayerische Versorgungskammer as part of the new real estate umbrella funds platform. The institutional fund primarily focusses on micro apartments, especially in student housing properties in European [] IDI Gazeley has completed the sale of six logistics assets across Italy and Spain to real estate funds managed by Blackstone. The sale comprises of 1,400,000 sq ft in Italy and 755,000 sq ft in Spain. The transaction value has not been disclosed. The transaction completed on 31st October 2016. The si... [] EPISO 4, the opportunity fund advised by Tristan Capital Partners, has acquired the landmark former Telegraph Building in central Oslo from Telenor Group for 62.2 million (NOK 557 million). Co-investing in the office city development project are the Malling and Vedal families. European Property Investors Special Opportunities 4 (EPISO 4) [] While most votes probably are already locked down in this year's presidential race, a number of contests for seats in Nebraska's Legislature may still be in play days before the general election. Political party leaders and Capitol lobbyists describe this year's contests for legislative seats as unusually fluid and unsettled less than a week ahead of next Tuesday's election. Based on primary election results alone, at least four incumbents appear to be in some danger and another senator or two might have moved into that category since the primary election in May, close observers suggest. Meanwhile, there is uncertainty in the partisan world. Nebraska's unique Legislature is nonpartisan, but political parties attempt to help elect candidates who share their party identification even though senators in reality are independent agents once they are elected. Nevertheless, one of the markers in Nebraska legislative elections is the number of potential Republican or Democratic pickups, and that dynamic also is in motion approaching the election, with both parties staring at both potential wins and likely losses. Sens. Les Seiler of Hastings, Al Davis of Hyannis, Rick Kolowski of Omaha, Sue Crawford of Bellevue and Jerry Johnson of Wahoo ran second in the primary election. Crawford finished just 21 votes behind Michael Cook of Bellevue in what essentially was a dead heat. Seiler trailed substantially behind Steve Halloran of Hastings and is viewed as one of the most endangered incumbent senators. Seasoned observers believe Kolowski also is in considerable peril in his battle with Ian Swanson of Omaha. Some of the party leaders and lobbyists who track legislative contests have suggested that Sen. Tommy Garrett of Bellevue and Sen. David Schnoor of Scribner could be engaged in narrowing battles after running ahead in the primary. But Garrett has stepped up his efforts and appears to have reclaimed the momentum in his contest. Schnoor is a gubernatorial appointee conducting his first election campaign. Garrett faces Carol Blood of Bellevue and Schnoor is battling Lynne Walz of Fremont in contests that match a registered Republican against a registered Democratic challenger. Barry Kennedy, president of the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told a recent breakfast meeting in Lincoln that two to four incumbents appear to be locked in tight races. One lobbyist, who spoke off the record, sees as many as 11 legislative races still potentially in play. One incumbent, Sen. Nicole Fox of Omaha, ran third in her primary race and already has been eliminated from returning to the Legislature in January. Fox, appointed by Ricketts to fill the South Omaha seat vacated by Jeremy Nordquist when he resigned to become chief-of-staff to Rep. Brad Ashford, faced an uphill challenge in attempting to retain that seat as a senator with a conservative Republican voting record who was seeking election in a heavily Democratic district. The two nominees in that district, both Democrats, are conducting a high-profile battle. Tony Vargas finished first in the primary and would be the only Latino member of the Legislature if he is elected; former Sen. John Synowiecki is attempting to return to the Legislature after serving two terms from 2001 to 2009. The Legislature currently is composed of 35 Republicans, 12 Democrats, one Libertarian and one nonpartisan independent. While both parties remain aggressively engaged in legislative races, party association is no predictor of how senators will vote once they're in the Legislature. The crop of freshman senators elected two years ago provided dramatic evidence of that. New senators who were identified as conservative Republicans likely to line up behind Ricketts, the newly elected conservative Republican governor, turned out be aggressively independent lawmakers who often parted with the governor and the wishes of their own political party on high-profile issues. Despite its heavy majority of senators who are Republicans, the Legislature overrode the governor's vetoes on bills to repeal the death penalty, increase the state gas tax and allow the children of illegal immigrants who have legal presence in the United States to acquire Nebraska driver licenses and professional and occupational licenses. That experience helped prompt the governor's targeted involvement in this year's legislative races, both in terms of endorsements and campaign contributions. Ricketts called out by name more than a dozen senators who are Republicans in criticizing their votes on a number of legislative issues during a speech to the Republican state convention earlier this year. The governor said Republican voters should elect "platform Republicans" to serve in the nonpartisan Legislature. Subsequently, Ricketts endorsed the Republican opponents of Seiler and Johnson, although both senators also are Republicans. Bruce Bostelman of Brainard is matched against Johnson. Kolowski and Crawford are Democrats who are facing challenges from candidates who are Republicans. Michael Cook of Bellevue is Crawford's challenger in a contest that most observers believe will end in Crawford's favor. Davis faces a fellow Republican, Tom Brewer of Gordon, in a western Nebraska showdown that appears to be competitive and difficult to measure. Thirteen of the 21 contested legislative races match Republicans against Democrats. That's the case in three Lincoln legislative districts. Being Hybrid is one factor to it, being the new generation model has a lot to get acquainted with. Not often do we see a 25-odd page briefing material for a car that hasnt come from Germany, when we realised that that 28-page text document listing the features was printed on both sides, we were thrown! Exciting was our feeling to read through all the content which explained the plethora of features the new Honda Accord Hybrid is packed with; Puzzled was the media crowd, at least those who didnt come from engineering background, upon reading the technical information generously revealed by Honda in the paragraphs of every feature offered on the car. And then we knew Oh buoy, we would barely have the time to check out the bells and whistles during the short test drive schedule much less experience the different driving modes. Saving the features-list for later down the page; the 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid is based on the ninth generation model that was launched globally in 2012. The particular generation of Accord has sold over 1.9 million units worldwide. In India, the nameplate was introduced in 2001 and discontinued in 2013, by when around 27,000 units were delivered. Now, the Japanese brand is testing the prototype of the tenth generation Accord. Launched last week at a price of INR 37 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) and at INR 40 lakhs (ex-showroom, Mumbai), the new Accord Hybrid is available in only one variant that is imported as CBU from Thailand. It was unveiled in India at the 2016 Auto Expo in Greater Noida in February this year. The model is now available for purchase across the country, with four colour options Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, and White Orchid Pearl. The 2016 Honda Accord Hybrid is noted for its latest in onboard technology, a new design language and a host of driver/passenger conveniences. For a Japanese car the new generation Accord does look a lot American except for the super-stylish 18-inch alloy wheels that we never got tired of clicking. The all-LED headlamps, fog lamps and taillights capture whats left of the attention to grab after the striking chrome accents at both the ends. Overall, the sizeable sedan maintains a slender longitudinal profile that warrants an executive appeal. The interior is easily recognisable as a Honda, and is simply rich! Buttons here, buttons there, display here, controls there; the steering alone has a lot! There are three displays on the centre console one for general information and LaneWatch, one for multimedia player and the third for AC status; and there is a fourth in the car, the instrument console. The colour theme is also elaborate since it includes almost every possible kind of trims offered in a car including leather, chrome, faux wood and piano black. One thing is for sure, the cabin will make the owner feel that the car is worth every penny. If he/she is still not convinced, they can try counting the features! Honda Accord Hybrid Exterior features Chrome treatment on front grille, rear number plate and bumper regions. Chrome Beltline and Window line Garnish Chrome door handles Hybrid Signature Blue applique on front grill, in Headlamp and Taillamp clusters Automatic full LED Headlamp with Auto Levelling feature LED Fog Lights LED Day Time Running Lights Taillights with LED Light Bars 18-inch multi-spoke Aluminium alloy wheels Side Turn Indicator on Body Coloured Outside Rear View Mirrors LaneWatch Camera integrated into left-side outside mirror console Boot lip spoiler Body-colored Side Sills Shark Fin Antenna Hybrid badging on trunk lid One Touch Electric Sunroof with Tilt function Honda Accord Hybrid Interior features Ivory Leather seats and cabin upholstery Chrome coated inside door handles Wooden trims on dashboard & door panels Piano Black accents on centre console Leather, Piano Black & Wood-finished steering Wheel with 4-spokes Leather wrapped gear knob Driver & passenger side seat back pockets 8-Way Power Adjustment for drivers seat with power-controlled Lumbar Support Two Memory functions for driver seat 4-Way Power Adjustmentable co-driver seat with rear passenger accessibility Adjustable Front Seat-Belt Anchors Honda Accord Hybrid Infotainment system 7.7-inch (19.6 cm) colour TFT i-MID (intelligent Multi-Information Display) 7-inch (17.8 cm) High-Resolution WVGA (800480) Capacitative Touch-Screen display for multimedia Bluetooth Audio Handsfree Telephone facilities DVD/CD, AM/FM, WMA/MP3/AAC Playback Apple CarPlay Android Auto Voice Recognition Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System In-built Wifi Receiver for Internet Browsing 2-USB Audio Interface with a 1.5 A Charging Port at the front and a 1.0 A Charging Port at the center console HDMI Port on the centre console Surround Sound System with Speakers, Tweeters & a Subwoofer Customisable Settings for Display, Sound, Clock, Language and Touch Sensitivity Honda Accord Hybrid Instrument cluster Advanced Combimeter with Multi-information Display Screen Multi-Info Display showing the readings of Odometer, Dual Tripmeter, Outside Temperature, Average Fuel Consumption, Instantaneous Fuel Consumption, Distance to Empty, and Elapsed time Realtime Power and Battery Charge indication Battery level and fuel level meters Energy Flow Display on MID screen Eco Assist System Indication for ECON / Sport / EV Modes Honda Accord Hybrid Convenience features Smart Entry System Push Button Engine Start Remote Control Engine Start Steering mounted controls for Audio, Hands Free Telephone, Voice Command, i-MID information display, Multi-information Control Switch and Cruise Control Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) i-Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control System with automatic adjustment of temperature and blower based on direction and intensity of sunlight entry Plasma Cluster for cabin air freshness Rear AC Vents All power windows with Auto Up/Down & Anti-Pinch features Power Door Lock Switch Power Adjustable and Retractable Outside Mirrors with Auto Fold function Auto Tilting outside rear view mirrors during Reverse Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable Steering One Touch Turn Indicators for lane changing Rain-sensing Wipers Remote Trunk Release Remote Control Operation for Power Windows, Outside mirror & Sunroof Customizable Vehicle Settings Door Lock, Outside Mirror Auto fold, Headlamps, Meter, Keyless Access, and Interior Lighting 12-Volt Power Outlets on Front and Centre Console Center Console with Armrest and Storage Compartment Rear Centre Seat Armrest with Cup Holders Lockable and illuminated glove compartments Sunvisors with Illuminated Vanity Mirror and Ticket Holder on Driver Sunvisor Interior Illumination Package Foot Lights, Door Courtesy Lamps, Front Map Lamp and Rear Reading Lamps Cargo Area Light Front Cigar Lighter Front and Rear Ashtrays Tire Repair Kit Honda Accord Hybrid Safety features Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Chassis Structure Front Dual i-SRS Airbags i-Side Airbags Side Curtain Airbags Front Seat Belt with pre-tensioner & Load Limiter 3-Point Seat Belts for all occupants Front Driver & Passenger Seat-Belt Reminder ISOFIX and Anchor for Child Seats ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) Vehicle Stability Assist (with Off Switch) Hill Start Assist Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines Honda LaneWatch Active Cornering Lamps Hydrophilic Outside Mirror Rear Window Defogger Front & Rear Parking Sensors Auto Dimming Day Night Inside Mirror Programmable Auto Door Lock/Unlock Immobiliser & Security Alarm System Honda Accord Hybrid Engine, Transmission & Mileage The Honda Accord Hybrid powertrain comprises of a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle i-VTEC petrol engine with an inline four-cylinder configuration, and two electric motors one for propulsion and another for generation. The driving motor is powered by an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) located behind the rear seat, that has a DC-DC converter and a 1.3 kWh Li-Ion battery pack. The combustion engine offers 143 bhp of maximum power at 6,200 rpm and 175 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The combined power output of the Honda Accord Hybrids Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system is 213 bhp. A Power Control Unit (PCU) acting as the brain of the i-MMD determines and dictates the power management strategy of the entire hybrid system. It is a complex system in its switching between the two motors and the petrol engine, yet brilliantly simple in terms of its purpose and goal. The PCU has the capacity to boost up the electric voltage to 700 V when there is a pressing demand, which can spike the power output of the propulsion motor to 184 PS and peak torque to 315 Nm. The ARAI-certified mileage of Honda Accord Hybrid is 23.1 kmpl. How Power is delivered to the Wheels The power is sent to the wheels via an Electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT) system, which is not to be confused with the mechanical CVT that is widely known and used in Honda City automatic. The E-CVT is a software system that in conjunction with the IPU governs the electric motors and the fuel-engine to deliver predictable acceleration. It also takes care of the seamless switching between the drive modes namely EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive. The powertrain of the Accord Hybrid has a unique schematic which is the key contributing factor to the high fuel economy. The engine is connected to the generator motor which is coupled to the drive motor via a clutch coupling. In EV mode, the engine is shutdown and the generator is not in use; just the battery powers the drive motor directly. In Hybrid mode, the engine runs the generator motor and the same is decoupled from the drive motor; hence the drive motor alone runs the wheels with the power from the battery pack which is charged continuously by the generator motor and the engine. In Engine Drive mode the battery does not power the drive motor. The engine runs the generator motor and the clutch coupling is engaged so that it transmits the rotation through the drive motor to the wheels. So in this case both the motors act as shafts passing the engine rotation to the wheels. All these three modes are continuously switched between one another to achieve best mileage during any trip. The pure EV range of the Accord Hybrid is hardly 2 km, but because this is not a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) this parameter is not a concern. While the above are the physical drive modes, there is a Sport mode for the driver to turn ON using a button when outright performance is required anytime. The driver can also instruct the car to run on pure EV mode by the push of a button, at which time the car will run as silent as its parked to passersby. When the battery starts to reach its discharge limit the engine will be automatically started by the generator motor and the car will run in hybrid mode. Driving Dynamics From our brief experience with the car, we learnt that the shift between the modes is unbelievably seamless without any lag or jerk. The centre console has a colourful illustration that shows which mode the car is currently running in. Upon acceleration, cruising and deceleration the driver will be able to notice the switching between the EV, hybrid and engine drive modes from this visual. Upon gradual or sudden stop, the graphic also shows the propulsion motor changing its function to brake energy regeneration thereby charging the battery from a second source. Going hand in hand with the smooth flow of power from various sources, is the commendable suspension that seems to influence sharp handling characteristics and luxurious damping of road-irregularities. The electric steering that is very well weighted even at low speeds offers a sense of precise control and inspires sporty driving. Another role that the electric propulsion motor plays in the 2016 Honda Accord Hybrid is braking. When the brake is slightly pressed the actual brakes are not engaged, but the drive motor acts as a generator which induces deceleration. Upon harder pressing of the brake pedal the real brakes kick in to supplement the stopping force. This process is also very smooth without the driver having to compromise on the bite of the brakes. On such functions in the Honda Accord Hybrid we couldnt find any downside or sacrifice to be made. Verdict Simply put, its a sophisticated drivers as well as passengers car all in one; something that might suit James Bond if he ever commutes. Pros Fuel Economy of 23.1 kmpl Two screens on the centre console Plenty of features Exclusivity Cons The Active Noise Cancellation feature didnt seem to be working at all, but the sound-proofing of the cabin is impressive. Price The boot space is eaten up by the battery pack by 57 litres, so one would certainly be surprised to look in the trunk the first time. Also, the rear seat doesnt fold for extended storage space. But compared to the previous generation Accord Hybrid, the boot volume of 382 litres is a bit higher courtesy of a more compact lithium-ion battery set. Dont tell your neighbours you bought the Honda Accord for 40+ lakhs, they may judge without realising the countless features. Honda Accord Hybrid Photos Honda Accord Hybrid Launch Presentation A half billion dollars -- at least -- gets spent each year on blood tests to see which hospital patients have a genetic quirk that makes their blood more likely to form dangerous clots. And most of that spending probably isn't necessary, according to a new paper by a University of Michigan Medical School team. Writing in the Journal of Hospital Medicine, they review what's known about testing for the trait called inherited thrombophilia, and call for a drastic cut in the test's use by doctors across America. After all, they write, hospitalized people who have already had such dangerous clots, called venous thromboembolisms or VTEs, don't need a positive genetic test to justify taking medication and making other changes to prevent future ones. And there's no evidence that medication to prevent clots will help hospital patients who haven't yet had a VTE. Testing their DNA for inherited thrombophilia won't change that. In other words, the authors say, ordering inherited thromboembolism testing on inpatients is something doctors do for little or no reason. And according to the team's analysis of data pulled from medical records, they do it hundreds of thousands of times a year in Medicare patients alone. advertisement Often, it appears, the test gets ordered to satisfy curiosity about why a patient had a VTE, to see if they're among the seven percent of Americans with a genetic mutation that makes blood more prone to clot. There are several tests for several traits, so patients often get them in combination -- what's called a "hypercoagulable workup." But if doctors are following guidelines grounded in evidence, the test result should rarely change a patient's care. So, except in very specific cases where such clots are highly likely -- such as women with a family history of clots who are pregnant or getting hormone replacement therapy -- there's probably not much reason to do the test at all. Resisting temptation "More testing is not always better," says Christopher Petrilli, M.D., an assistant professor of internal medicine at U-M and co-first author of the new paper. advertisement "Testing for this disorder is almost never beneficial, and in fact can even be harmful because it can cause undue psychological distress for the patient, and unnecessary expense for the healthcare system," he adds. "Physicians and patients should resist the temptation to perform costly search for an underlying genetic cause of venous thrombosis," says co-first author Lauren Heidemann, M.D., also an assistant professor of medicine. Petrilli and Heidemann -- both hospitalists who specialize in treating patients in the U-M Health System's University Hospital -- have set out to address such "no reason" testing at UMHS and beyond. They've co-founded a local chapter of the group Providers for Responsible Ordering, which aims to help physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants reduce over-testing and use health care resources appropriately. They've also led the effort to make UMHS one of more than 40 founding members of the High Value Practice Academic Research Alliance, which is working to bring institutions together to help one another implement strategies that make better use of resources. The current climate of public attention on new genetic testing options and personalized medicine could make this difficult in some cases, they note in the paper. Ideally, genetic tests to find out whether someone carries a certain genetic trait should be used when there's clear information about the risks, benefits and costs of that test. "With national health care spending reaching an unsustainable level, we as physicians need to be vigilant about becoming stewards of health care resources," says Heidemann. For the paper, Petrilli, Heidemann and their colleagues reviewed the full scope of literature and established guidelines on inherited thrombophilia testing. They illustrated the situation by applying this information to a hypothetical case of a young patient with a VTE but no family history who suffers a pulmonary embolism -- a dangerous health emergency where clots form in the lower extremities and travel to the lungs, potentially cutting off oxygen to the body unless treatment starts quickly. They note the conclusions about VTE prevention and treatment that have been reached by several medical bodies -- including an American College of Chest Physicians guideline recommending against giving clot-prevention medication to people with the genetic trait but no VTE history. Women experience a notable decline in sexual function approximately 20 months before and one year after their last menstrual period, and that decrease continues, though at a somewhat slower rate, over the following five years, according to a study led by a researcher at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The study, published ahead of print in the online issue of Menopause: The Journal of the North American Menopause Society, also found that various factors that frequently co-occur with menopause have less direct influence on declining sexual function than menopause itself. "Sexual functioning in women declines with age, and there has been much debate about how much this is due to menopause, aging or other physical, psychological or social factors," said the study's lead author, Nancy Avis, Ph.D., professor of public health sciences at Wake Forest School of Medicine, part of Wake Forest Baptist. "Our findings support that menopause has a negative effect on sexual functioning in many women." Additionally, the study found that women who have a hysterectomy before the onset of menopause do not experience a marked decline in sexual function immediately before undergoing the procedure but do so afterward, for as long as five years. The researchers based their findings on information collected from 1,390 participants in the federally funded Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), which began in 1996. These women, who were between the ages of 42 and 52 at the time of enrollment in the study and who had a known date of final menstrual period during their participation, responded to questionnaires dealing with various aspects of sexual function -- including desire, arousal, satisfaction and pain -- between one and seven times over the course of the study. The researchers analyzed 5,798 of these self-assessments (4,932 from the 1,164 women in the natural menopause group and 866 from the 226 women in the hysterectomy group) and tracked the changes in the respondents' scores on the sexual-function questionnaires relative to either their final menstrual period among women who experienced a natural menopause or the hysterectomy. Of note, in the natural menopause group the researchers found that race/ethnicity played a major role in the decline of sexual function, with African-American women experiencing a significantly smaller decline and women of Japanese descent experiencing a much greater decline when compared with white women. "Sexual functioning is an important component of women's lives. More than 75 percent of the middle-aged women in the SWAN study reported that sex was moderately to extremely important to them when the study began," Avis said. "It is important for women and their health care providers to understand all the factors that may impact women's experience of sex in relation to both the natural menopausal transition and hysterectomy, and we hope our findings will contribute to better understanding in this area." Our nervous systems are remarkable translators, channeling information from many sources and initiating appropriate behavioral responses. But though we know how a lot about how neurons work, scientists do not fully understand how the nervous system integrates stimuli from different senses. You may smell smoke and feel heat, but how does the brain combining and interpret these different stimuli, signaling you to phone the fire department? It turns out that insects are attractive models to investigate questions about integrating information from different sensory pathways. The hawkmoth, Manduca sexta, uses a long, trunk-like proboscis to drink up sweet nectar meals from obliging flowers. A research team led by University of Washington biology professor Tom Daniel has teased out how hawkmoths integrate signals from two sensory systems: vision and touch. Their findings, published Oct. 24 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, illustrate the computational basis of this integration, which may serve as a general model for insects, other animals and humans. "Sensory integration remains one of the more interesting tasks that even simple nervous systems accomplish," said Daniel. "From tasks like reaching in humans to nectar-feeding in insects, our challenge has been developing experimental ways to reveal the mechanisms and circuitry that underlie combined visual and mechanical sensing." The hawkmoth's proboscis is longer than its body, so it can probe deep within a flower to find nectar while the hawkmoth hovers above. Even as the flower sways and blows with the wind, hawkmoths have been observed adjusting their position to track with the flower's position. Scientists can study tracking behavior in the laboratory using specially designed, artificial flowers constructed with their own small nectar pods. Hawkmoths respond to these pre-packaged dinners similarly to real flowers, and -- if researchers manipulate the artificial flower to move when a hawkmoth is feeding -- the hawkmoth adjusts its position to keep up. In addition to its drinking duties, the proboscis is also a sensory organ, relaying information about the moving flower it is touching. To see how input from different sensory systems contributed to tracking behavior, Daniel's team modified the artificial flowers to simultaneously deliver contradictory visual and tactile cues: the flower's petals, which the hawkmoth follows using its eyes, move independently from the nectar pod, which the hawkmoth proboscis touches. By studying how moths respond to discordant visual and touch signals, they hoped to decipher how the hawkmoth brain processes and combines inputs from both sensory systems. "Typically, to study how a particular sense contributes to a behavior, scientists try to design experiments in which the animal only receives that one kind of sensory cue," said UW postdoctoral researcher Eatai Roth, who is lead author on the paper. "But this doesn't reflect what's happening when an ensemble of senses contribute concurrently. Our approach -- sensory conflict -- bombards the animal with rich multisensory cues simultaneously. This allows us to model how information is processed and combined concurrently across different senses." Daniel and his team tested how well hawkmoths tracked while feeding on the discordant flower. When the nectar chamber moved but the rest of the flower was still, the moths were generally able to sway in response to their moving meal. But when they kept the nectar chamber still and moved the flower petals, moths only swayed slightly. This indicated that, for feeding, tactile information transmitted by the proboscis may be a more important sensory input than vision. "In nature, the visual and touch cues largely agree and either sense alone is enough for the job. Having both provides redundancy, a backup just in case," said Roth. "But when we present the moth with conflicting stimuli, it must decide how to balance the mismatched information -- which cue to follow. And it turns out, quite surprisingly, that touch beats out vision in this sensory tug-of-war." They measured hawkmoth positions during the tests and used these data to describe hawkmoth behavior in terms of a mathematical model. Though the sense of touch appeared to play a greater role in tracking behavior, moths do not rely on this sense alone. Their mathematical model indicated that the moth brain uses a simple additive or "linear summation" model to integrate signals from the proboscis and the eyes. And though moths rely heavily on the touch cues from the proboscis, the model suggests that both the visual and touch senses are acute enough for the moth to follow the flower. The team used this model to predict how moths would behave in a new discordant setting in which the nectar chamber and flower were both moving, but quite differently. The researchers tested these predictions on a different set of hawkmoths, and they responded to this floral discord just as the model predicted. Daniel and his team believe that the mathematical underpinnings they describe here may represent a common mode of signal integration in animals. Researcher Don Hood from LSU and colleagues from collaborating universities studied an unusual region on Mars -- an area with high elevation called Thaumasia Planum. They analyzed the geography and mineralogy of this area they termed Greater Thaumasia, which is about the size of North America. They also studied the chemistry of this area based on Gamma Ray Spectrometer data collected by the Mars Odyssey Orbiter, which was launched in 2001. What they found was the mountain ridge that outlines Greater Thaumasia was most likely created by a chain of volcanoes. The results were published recently in the Journal of Geophysical Research-Planets. "The chemical changes we see moving northwestward through the region is consistent with the mantle evolving on Mars. Our research supports that this whole area was built as a volcanic construct," said Don Hood, LSU Department of Geology and Geophysics doctoral candidate and lead author of the paper. The chemical composition changes throughout the region. Silica and H20 increase and potassium decreases from southeast to northwest. "The chemical composition shifting is the key progression that tells us that this environment was most likely shaped by a series of volcanic events that continually erupted from a changing mantle composition," Hood said. Hood and colleagues from Stony Brook University, University of Tokyo and Lehigh University ruled out another hypothesis that the abundance of H20 and potassium was caused by water interacting in rock. "We looked for evidence of aqueous alteration through other geochemical means and didn't find it," he said. The geography of the region has many shield volcanoes that are similar to the ones found in Hawaii. However from geochemical analyses, the researchers found that the sulfur that is present was most likely deposited as a volcanic ash. Volcanic ash from various areas could be evidence of explosive volcanism on Mars, which would be an important clue for piecing together the history of Mars. It is significant because explosive eruptions emit a lot of gas that can stay in the atmosphere and can cause global cooling and warming events. "Whether there was explosive volcanism on Mars and how much of it there was is an important question in terms of finding out what the past climate was like," Hood said. University of Tsukuba-led international researchers use genetic screening approach to identify mutations that affect sleep/wakefulness in mice; amount of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep shown to be regulated by NALCN and SIK3 proteins, respectively. Tsukuba, Japan -- Sleep is an essential animal behavior seen in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Mammalian sleep is made up of tightly controlled cycles of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep. Recent research has identified neural networks in different parts of the brain that switch us between wakefulness, REM sleep and non-REM sleep. However, the molecular mechanism regulating these switches was unknown. Researchers centered at the University of Tsukuba examined mice carrying random mutations to isolate those with sleep/wake abnormalities. This large-scale screening process identified sleep phenotypes and mutated genes that revealed roles for two proteins in regulating sleep need and maintaining periods of REM sleep. Previous work identified genes that control sleep in flies carrying random mutations, but equivalent experiments in mice are technically more challenging because of the requirement for measures of brain electrical activity in sleep/wakefulness and the fact that many redundant mechanisms are involved in sleep regulation. The researchers used chemical mutagenesis to introduce random mutations into mice. Observations of the mice identified a mutant pedigree, named Sleepy, with an extended sleep time. This pedigree was shown to carry a mutation in the Sik3 gene, which encodes an enzyme (SIK3) expressed in neurons of the brain that controls other proteins. "We noticed that Sleepy mutants showed an exaggerated response to sleep deprivation," first author Hiromasa Funato says. "Examining the brains of sleep-deprived mice revealed changes in the phosphorylation of amino acids within the SIK3 protein. These changes were disturbed by the Sik3 mutation in Sleepy mice, which is why they have an increased sleep need." A second sleep phenotype was identified with a shortened and unstable REM sleep period. "This mutant pedigree, named Dreamless, carries a mutation in the Nalcn gene, which encodes an ion channel thought to control neuronal excitability," coauthor Chika Miyoshi says. "The Dreamless mutation causes increased ion conductance through the channel and increased activity of REM-terminating neurons, which is compatible with REM sleep instability." Genes related to Sik3 in Drosophila and nematode worms were also shown to be involved in regulating the amount of sleep-like behaviors in these animals, while a mutation in a Nalcn-related Drosophila gene was previously found to control a circadian change in neuronal excitability. These conserved roles in invertebrate genes show the importance of controlling sleep in all animals. "We hope that the discovery of these key genes is just the beginning of our long journey into the blackbox of sleep regulation," senior author Masashi Yanagisawa says. "It is amazing that we know almost nothing about the simple question of what is 'sleepiness' physically in our brain. We will start from these genes and try to solve the great mystery." A new model developed by Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) shows how an electricity system mainly based on solar and wind works in all regions of the world. It shows the functioning of an electricity system that fulfils the targets set by the Paris agreement by using only renewable energy sources. The global Internet of Energy Model visualizes a 100 percent renewable energy system (100%RE) for the electricity sector for 2030. It can do this for the entire world which, in the model, has been structured into 145 regions, which are all visualised, and aggregated to 9 major world regions. "With the simulation, anyone can explore what a renewable electricity system would look like. This is the first time scientists have been able to do this on a global scale." says Christian Breyer, LUT Solar Economy Professor and a leading scientist behind the model. The model is designed to find the most economical solution for a renewable electricity system. The model shows how the supply of electricity can be organised to cover the electricity demand for all hours of the year. This means that best mix of renewable energy generation, storage and transmission components can be found to cover the electricity demand, leading to total electricity cost roughly between 55 and 70 euros per megawatt-hour for all 9 major regions in the world. But the story does not end here. The researchers have ambitious goals to develop the model further. Future upgrades will go from looking only at the electricity sector to showing the full energy sector, including heat and mobility sectors. The model will also describe how to transition from the current energy system towards a fully sustainable one. According to the researchers the model debunks myths about what renewables can and cannot achieve. One of the myths is that a fully renewable energy system cannot possibly run stable for all hours of the year, due to the intermittent character of solar and wind energy. Another myth is the idea that without large base load generation capacities, such as coal or nuclear plants, an electricity system cannot work. According to the researchers, both of these are incorrect and the facts can be checked from the model. "My hope is that we can finally stop debating about these myths. The visualisation shows exactly how a fully renewable electricity system operates. So let's just build it," emphasizes Pasi Vainikka, Principal Scientist from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd Transparency of the data and research is very important for the researchers. Anyone can download the result data for further inspection. The publications based on the data are available online. "We want the model to give every citizen the chance to familiarise themselves with a renewable energy system. Increased knowledge usually lowers the resistance towards new developments," says Vainikka. Researchers hope that this can facilitate fact-based discourse on global energy transition. "Every country in the world has to find pathways to achieve the Paris agreement targets and to avoid stranded assets. This model can provide the help for policy-makers, industrial decision-makers and societal stakeholders to do that," emphasizes Breyer. Professor Breyer will present the simulation for the first time on Friday the 4th at the World Clean Energy Conference (WCEC) hosted by the United Nations in Geneva. The discarded bone of a chicken leg, still etched with teeth marks from a dinner thousands of years ago, provides some of the oldest known physical evidence for the introduction of domesticated chickens to the continent of Africa, research from Washington University in St. Louis has confirmed. Based on radiocarbon dating of about 30 chicken bones unearthed at the site of an ancient farming village in present-day Ethiopia, the findings shed new light on how domesticated chickens crossed ancient roads -- and seas -- to reach farms and plates in Africa and, eventually, every other corner of the globe. "Our study provides the earliest directly dated evidence for the presence of chickens in Africa and points to the significance of Red Sea and East African trade routes in the introduction of the chicken," said Helina Woldekiros, lead author and a postdoctoral anthropology researcher in Arts & Sciences at Washington University. The main wild ancestor of today's chickens, the red junglefowl Gallus gallus is endemic to sub-Himalayan northern India, southern China and Southeast Asia, where chickens were first domesticated 6,000-8,000 years ago. Now nearly ubiquitous around the world, the offspring of these first-domesticated chickens are providing modern researchers with valuable clues to ancient agricultural and trade contacts. The arrival of chickens in Africa and the routes by which they both entered and dispersed across the continent are not well known. Previous research based on representations of chickens on ceramics and paintings, plus bones from other archaeological sites, suggested that chickens were first introduced to Africa through North Africa, Egypt and the Nile Valley about 2,500 years ago. The earliest bone-based evidence of chickens in Africa dates to the late first millennium B.C., from the Saite levels at Buto, Egypt -- approximately 685-525 B.C. advertisement This study, published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, pushes that date back by hundreds of years. Co-authored by Catherine D'Andrea, professor of archaeology at Simon Fraser University in Canada, the research also suggests that the earliest introductions may have come from trade routes on the continent's eastern coast. "Some of these bones were directly radiocarbon dated to 819-755 B.C., and with charcoal dates of 919-801 B.C. make these the earliest chickens in Africa," Woldekiros said. "They predate the earliest known Egyptian chickens by at least 300 years and highlight early exotic faunal exchanges in the Horn of Africa during the early first millennium B.C." Despite their widespread, modern-day importance, chicken remains are found in small numbers at archaeological sites. Because wild relatives of the galliform chicken species are plentiful in Africa, this study required researchers to sift through the remnants of many small bird species to identify bones with the unique sizes and shapes that are characteristic of domestic chickens. Woldekiros, the project's zooarchaeologist, studied the chicken bones at a field lab in northern Ethiopia and confirmed her identifications using a comparative bone collection at the Institute of Paleoanatomy at Ludwig Maximillian University in Munich. Excavated by a team of researchers led by D'Andrea of Simon Fraser, the bones analyzed for this study were recovered from the kitchen and living floors of an ancient farming community known as Mezber. The rural village was located in northern Ethiopia about 30 miles from the urban center of the pre-Aksumite civilization. The pre-Aksumites were the earliest people in the Horn of Africa to form complex, urban-rural trading networks. Linguistic studies of ancient root words for chickens in African languages suggest multiple introductions of chickens to Africa following different routes: from North Africa through the Sahara to West Africa; and from the East African coast to Central Africa. Scholars also have demonstrated the biodiversity of modern-day African village chickens through molecular genetic studies. "It is likely that people brought chickens to Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa repeatedly over long period of time: over 1,000 years," Woldekiros said. "Our archaeological findings help to explain the genetic diversity of modern Africans chickens resulting from the introduction of diverse chicken lineages coming from early Arabian and South Asian context and later Swahili networks." These findings contribute to broader stories of ways in which people move domestic animals around the world through migration, exchange and trade. Ancient introductions of domestic animals to new regions were not always successful. Zooarchaeological studies of the most popular domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs have demonstrated repeated introductions as well as failures of new species in different regions of the world. "Our study also supports the African Red Sea coast as one possible early route of introduction of chickens to Africa and the Horn," Woldekiros said. "It fits with ways in which maritime exchange networks were important for global distribution of chicken and other agricultural products. The early dates for chickens at Mezber, combined with their presence in all of the occupation phases at Mezber and in Aksumite contexts 40 B.C.- 600 A.D. in other parts of Ethiopia, demonstrate their long-term success in northern Ethiopia." TEKAMAH About 75 people helped harvest the corn planted by a man who died last month after driving into a cloud of anhydrous ammonia that leaked from a pipeline near his home in northeast Nebraska. Authorities said the anhydrous ammonia, a farm fertilizer with suffocating fumes, leaked from the pipeline near Tekamah on Oct. 17. Hazardous materials workers and Tekamah firefighters responded to reports of a motorist who needed help and moved Phillip Hennig, 59, to a safe area, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The leak forced evacuation of 23 rural households. Friends and neighbors came out Wednesday to harvest Hennig's 650 acres of corn. Neighbors have already harvested Hennig's bean crop. "The Hennig family has been neighbors of mine my whole life," Dan Kahlandt, one of the farmers helping out, said. About 12 combines harvested approximately 120,000 bushels of corn, and those bushels were hauled in 120 semi loads to a grain elevator in nearby Oakland. Each combine costs about $300 per hour to use, and some of the machines went as long as six hours. Friend Greg Gammel said the Hennig family could have possibly harvested the crop themselves, but it would have taken longer and the family is still grieving. "When we leave here today, they'll still have a lot to worry about," Gammel said. "It's not over for them, so you try to help them out as much as you can." Oklahoma-based Magellan Midstream Partners has been repairing the 8-inch-diameter pipeline that carries the fertilizer. Back in 2012, a sweet black labrador named Ma Kettle was left with no one to care for her after her elderly owner passed away. Like many dogs in her unfortunate position, she was forced to trade a life of love and affection for the cold kennels of an animal shelter in Sedan, Kansas. Then one day, hope arrived. A family looking to adopt a dog met Ma Kettle and offered to take her home. For a while at least, the aging dog had the chance to experience what it felt like to be cherished. But the love she received from her new companions evidently wasn't as unconditional as hers was for them. A few weeks back, Ma Kettle's life was uprooted yet again. Her adopted family, who had recently introduced puppies into the home, decided that the older dog was just too unaccustomed and played too rough with the new arrival. One of the dogs had to go, they thought, and they chose to keep the puppies. There's no way Ma Kettle could have understood what was happening as she was loaded into a car and driven to live with a lady she'd never met, far from the people she'd grown used to. And there was no way for her to know that they no longer wanted her. So, Ma Kettle did something remarkable -- she escaped to reunite with the family that had just given her away. "The senior Lab walked nearly 30 miles to come home," writes the Sedona shelter where she had first been adopted out. But despite all her effort she was rejected again. "Her family' can not take her back," they write, "because of the little dogs." Over the last few weeks Ma Kettle has been languishing once more in the shelter's kennel, older now and by most accounts less likely to be ever adopted again. Meanwhile, however, her sad story began to spread, share by share, across social media, and soon offers came pouring in from folks who wanted very much to give her a truly forever home. Today, she found one, with a family in Florida who the shelter are certain will provide her with the love she deserves -- a happy ending to a story that's been so full of heartbreak. And it's almost as if she knows what's coming. "She's a happy, happy girl!," writes the shelter. "Love you, Ma!" The everyday lives of captive tiger cubs, tethered by leashes and made to swim with tourists at a private, roadside zoo in Florida, was captured by an undercover video released in late October. Shot at Dade City's Wild Things (DCWT) in Dade City, Florida, the video showed apparent rough handling of the cubs, as well as a tiger being tugged along the surface of a pool, barely keeping her head above water. But Kathy Stearns, who runs DCWT with her son, said that the tiger in the pool was getting water therapy for a neurological condition, and that the whole video was taken out of context. "The entire video is misrepresented and cropped," Stearns told The Dodo earlier this week, adding that the aim of her zoo is to educate the public about tiger conservation. DCWT is currently awaiting the results of a legal battle with the USDA over cited violations of the Animal Welfare Act. "The USDA's allegations include forcing a baby tiger to swim despite his repeated cries and attempts to escape the pool. And the video proves that," Brittany Peet, director of captive animal law enforcement at the PETA Foundation, which released the footage, told The Dodo this week. On Wednesday, DCWT decided to set the record straight by releasing its own footage, which, it claims, is just a trailer for a longer video it plans to release. "Last week PETA released a video showcasing Dade City's Wild Things," the narration on the new video goes. "As you can see, PETA shows these little small clips to show you exactly what they want you to see. Unfortunately, what PETA doesn't know is that we have the full video." It starts by showing a handler entering a yard with a tiger on a leash. After 54 seconds of playing with a leashed tiger named Luna, the handler strikes the tiger on the face. At the 1:50 minute mark, the tiger attempts to stay out of the pool, but is struck on the face again by the handler, who says, "No." It's unclear what DCWT intended by releasing the full clip. But it doesn't seem to be working that well. "This is not a house cat," one commenter wrote below the DCWT video on YouTube. "These humans are exploiting and abusing these beautiful cats simply for the financial benefit. A tiger does not belong on a collar and a leash. A tiger does not belong in a 10 ft x 10 ft cage with a concrete floor. This place needs to be shut down." "It is heartbreaking to see this notorious roadside zoo continue to breed and exploit tiger and lion cubs year after year just to make money," Susan Bass, director of public relations for Big Cat Rescue, told The Dodo earlier this week. "PETA is calling on Dade City's Wild Things to stop investing in vengeful marketing ploys and instead focus on retiring these long-suffering animals to reputable sanctuaries," Peet said. But DCWT's video sounds confident that it is showing the truth of the zoo. "Now you tell me, does this look like abuse to you?" the narration says. "Stay tuned. Dade City's Wild Things has much more coming soon." To sign a petition urging DCWT to stop treating tigers this way, click here.

ZURI Orphanage

The baby aardvark had lost her mom. She was found near a pipeline on a farm in Namibia. When a woman picked her up, she saw that the aardvark's feet were covered in sores. The baby must have tried to follow her mom over the pipeline and gotten stuck. ZURI Orphanage The aardvark was also very weak and very dehydrated - she'd probably been alone for a couple days. ZURI Orphanage The woman searched for the aardvark's mother, but couldn't find her anywhere. The next thing she did was phone Erika de Jager, a local veterinarian, and ask if she'd take care of the aardvark baby. "I was so happy," De Jager tells The Dodo. "Aardvarks are extremely rare to see in real life and many people have never seen one. I said, 'When can you drop her off?' And she said, 'Right away.'" De Jager runs a small animal rehabilitation center called ZURI Orphanagefrom her home. She'd taken care of many animals before, including cats, doves, snakes, eagles and porcupines ... ZURI Orphanage ... but she'd only taken care of one other aardvark. Dodo Shows Cat Crazy Fluffy Cat Wants To Sit On His Dad At All Times ZURI Orphanage Aardvarks are currently listed as a species of "least concern" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which essentially means they're unlikely to go extinct in the near future. Even so, aardvark numbers are going down. The main threat to the species is the bushmeat trade, but habitat loss comes in as a close second. In some African countries, like the Congo, people use aardvark body parts like skin, claws and teeth to make jewelry and charms. ZURI Orphanage De Jager had named her other rescued aardvark E.T. after the extraterrestrial movie character. In keeping with the E.T. theme, she named the new baby Gertie, which was the name of the little girl in the movie. ZURI Orphanage Gertie the aardvark was probably about 4 to 6 weeks old, but De Jager couldn't tell for sure. What she did know with certainty was that Gertie was in bad shape. ZURI Orphanage "It took me three days to get her to drink," De Jager said. "I bought every single baby bottle and teat under the sun." Eventually Gertie did drink - voraciously. De Jager feeds Gertie kitten milk, which has the right fat content for her. She's fed every couple of hours. ZURI Orphanage Aardvarks are nocturnal creatures, so when Gertie isn't eating, she sleeps ... ZURI Orphanage ... and she sleeps a lot. ZURI Orphanage De Jager usually prepares dog beds padded with pillows for Gertie ... ZURI Orphanage ... but when it's too hot, Gertie will sleep in the bathtub. ZURI Orphanage Since De Jager works at a veterinary clinic during the day, she takes Gertie with her so she can keep an eye on her. "She mostly still sleeps and we take her out for walks when she wakes up," she says. "Aardvarks are very clean animals. They dig a hole in the sand and cover it up when they are finished when they need to urinate or defecate. She makes a sound like a baby goat." ZURI Orphanage When Gertie gets bigger and stronger, she'll be released back into the wild. ZURI Orphanage But for now, De Jager is loving every minute with Gertie. ZURI Orphanage "I love to watch her," De Jager says. "She's so beautiful. They are so rare, and I feel like a million dollars being so lucky to raise her." ZURI Orphanage Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam Wed, November 2, 2016 A speedboat carrying 93 Indonesian migrant workers returning from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, capsized off Nongsa waters in Batam on Wednesday morning. At least 38 passengers survived the accident that killed at least 21 others, while the remaining 34 passengers were missing, according to data from the health post at Tanjung Bemban in Batam. One of the survivors, Haryanto, 51, told The Jakarta Post that the boat departed from Selingi, Johor Bahru, at 3 a.m. heading to Batam. "After two hours of sailing, the boat was struck by strong waves and heavy downpour," he said. A search and rescue team has been deployed to find more survivors in the accident. Riau Islands Police chief Brig. Gen. Sambudi Gusdian said that police investigated those responsible for the accident, suspecting that the boat was reportedly overloaded and the trip was organized illegally. (dmr) A stunning photo of a teenage girl doing something remarkable half a world away sparked the biggest whim of my life for New York-based director Otto Bell, compelling him to impulsively get on a plane to Mongolias Altai mountain region. It took his life savings of $80,000, but Bell was determined to make his first feature-length documentary about 13-year-old eagle huntress Aisholpan Nurgaiv. The soft-spoken teen with the shy smile was defying centuries of male tradition among the nomadic Kazakh people of northwestern Mongolia by hunting with a powerful golden eagle she had captured and trained. Narrated by the films executive producer actress Daisy Ridley (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) the thrilling and visually stunning documentary The Eagle Huntress opens Nov. 4.The film, which screened to acclaim at TIFF in September, is already part of the Oscar conversation as a potential Best Documentary Feature nominee. Bell spotted Russian-Israeli photographer Asher Svidenskys dramatic images of Aisholpan the day they were posted on the BBC News website in April 2014. Shes seen in front of a spectacular mountain range, dressed in traditional clothing and a massive fur hat, her 10-kilogram eagle flying from her outstretched arm. Svidensky had stumbled across Aisholpan while documenting the teenage boys who were continuing the ancient Mongolian tradition of using captive eagles to hunt, often from horseback. Bell, who had previously made a number of documentary shorts, contacted Svidensky via Facebook and made his pitch. Even as they were Skyping to make arrangements, the photos really started to gain momentum. Bell was right to act quickly. Svidensky was soon inundated with requests. So were Aisholpans family, who needed no convincing to participate in the documentary. The extreme cold and remote location made it a challenging shoot, done with a small crew on a shoestring budget. But luck was often at play, too. Their first day of shooting in July 2014, Aisholpans eagle hunter father, Nurgaiv Rys, said they were going up a mountain to get his daughter her eagle, securing Aisholpan with a rope so she could work her way down to capture a bird from its nest. Would Bell like to come along? It was a massive stroke of luck to be there in the very narrow window when a bird can be taken from its nest, strong enough to survive on its own but still not yet having fledged. Unfortunately, director of photography Chris Raymond was afraid of heights so he wasnt going up the mountain. Photographer Svidensky, who had never shot video before, ended up filming the scene. A GoPro camera tucked into Aisholpans sweater provided her perspective, including the moment where she seems to hypnotize the large eaglet in order to capture it. The doc follows Aisholpan as she trains her eagle, White Wings, to compete at a local festival against more experienced and much older male eagle hunters. Elders doubt her capabilities but the smiling Aisholpan is confident and determined. While shes not the first female eagle huntress, Aisholpan is the first female in 12 generations of her own family to do so and the only one to compete in the national festival. When she triumphs, the men say shell never complete the ultimate challenge, going on a winter fox hunt. I was desperate, said Bell of his need to film the challenging hunt. On a whim, he sent the first scenes of Aisholpan to filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) who responded: Ive never seen anything like this and offered to help. Spurlock opened the doors to financing, post-production and through his representatives, Ridley saw the film and enthusiastically agreed to narrate. That was the hardest part of the hardest thing Ive ever done was the winter hunt, said Bell of the minus 50C night temperatures and limited daylight hours in which to shoot. Once again, luck was on his side. And on Aisholpans. Now 15, Aisholpan continues to hunt but is only able to go out with White Wings on her winter break from classes. Shes earned a full scholarship to a Turkish-run school in the same town where the eagle festival was held. She hopes to be a doctor. She loves to win. said Bell. There is this 13-year-old girl there, absolutely, who loves hanging out with her friends and painting her nails, but shes an incredibly strong and determined young woman as well. SHARE: WASHINGTONHillary Clintons entourage expressed annoyance that Canadas Liberal party used an event she appeared at as a fundraising opportunity, according to an exchange from a purportedly stolen email published by WikiLeaks. The back-and-forth involving a 2014 event was included in the latest cache of messages supposedly hacked from the email account of Clinton campaign chair John Podesta, and released Wednesday by WikiLeaks. Late that year, Clinton was receiving a fee to speak to an Ottawa conference hosted by the progressive think-tank Canada 2020, which has close ties to the then-opposition Liberal party. Rumours swirled at the time of a possible joint appearance featuring Clinton and Justin Trudeau. Liberals were eager to billboard that event as a glimpse at the future of North American leadership, as both were leading the polls in their respective countries at that point. Wednesdays email release offers clues into what happened next. As Trudeaus team is aware, there was some unhappiness that they used this event to raise money for their political party, said an email purportedly sent by top Clinton aide Huma Abedin. This was supposed to be a completely apolitical event. She added that Clinton would meet him anyway: Regardless, I think we are set for Monday and she will see him backstage. She specified that Clinton would not only see the Liberal leader backstage, but also then-foreign affairs minister John Baird. The exchange suggests the Liberals pushed hard for a high-profile encounter. A parliamentary aide to Trudeau reached out to a number of Liberals, asking them to work their connections to the Clinton circle. We would need to drive this in order to see it happen, says a note supposedly from Marlene Floyd. I think a multi-prong approach is the best one in this circumstance, so I am reaching out to this group to see if we can brainstorm other approaches, or connections. Trudeaus future prime ministerial principal secretary Gerald Butts was among those who received the message. He forwarded it to a friend in Washington with a simple request: Help!!! That friend from the U.S. think-tank Center for American Progress, Matt Browne, forwarded it to Podesta and Abedin while vouching for Trudeau. It looks increasingly likely that he will be prime minister in a years time, Browne wrote. A string of national polls released this week suggests that the Liberal party is pulling further away from both the Conservatives and NDP, and are thus the ever more likely the winners of the October 2015 election. His assessment about the Liberals proved accurate. The party, meanwhile, used the event to add to its campaign war chest. A fundraising message from the time, still posted on the Liberal website, invited donations in exchange for a draw to win what it called the political experience of a lifetime. (You could) win: a return flight to Ottawa, breakfast with Justin Trudeau and one of his senior advisers... and a chance to hear former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speak over lunch on October 6, 2014. Ironically, the emails are surfacing now as the Liberals fend off accusations at home of improper fundraising. While the Liberals take flak from their opponents for raising cash at events featuring cabinet ministers, the federal lobbying commissioner has also said her investigators are examining allegations that lobbyists have been involved in such events. The Clinton campaign refuses to comment on the WikiLeaks emails, neither confirming nor denying the authenticity of documents that American authorities believe were taken by Russian hackers in an attempt to meddle in the U.S. election. Emails to Canada 2020 were not immediately returned. The group is holding its annual conference this week in Ottawa, its theme being innovation policy. Read more about: SHARE: A Newfoundland man who was 4 years old when he saw his father brutally beat his mother to death says hes living in fear knowing Dale Ogden is out on day parole and believes he should have received a more punitive sentence. Daniel Benoit, 22, said he wants to start a national conversation about murder sentences and Canadas justice system in general, which he says lets convicted murderers off too easily. Ogden was sentenced to life in prison for the second-degree murder of his wife Judy Ogden in early 2000, and the judge set his parole eligibility at 14 years. He has been out on day parole since September after being released from William Head Institution in Victoria, B.C. He can go and see his family. He can walk down the street. He can live a normal life, said Benoit in a phone interview from his home in Stephenville, N.L., on Wednesday. Meanwhile, when it comes time to see my mother for her birthday or Mothers Day or Christmas, the only chance I have is to walk up and speak to a headstone thats stuck in the ground. Ill never get a chance to hug my mother again, or kiss her, or tell her I love her. He took that away. Benoit, who legally changed his last name to his mothers maiden name, said Dale Ogden was an abusive man and an addict with an extensive criminal past, having faced numerous charges including assault, theft and fraud. He and his wife were headed for divorce and he was under a court order to stay away from her. Nevertheless, Ogden would drive past their home in Port AU Port West, N.L. Benoits mother was so afraid, she had the windows and doors barred. My mom knew she was going to die, said Benoit. He was a very violent man. He was strict with women and wanted 100 per cent control. Basically he thought, If I cant have you, no one can have you. On July 23, 1997, Benoit said Ogden forced his way into the home. He said his father woke him up and Benoit cowered in the hallway, watching as Ogden beat his 25-year-old mother to death in her bedroom, shattering her nose with his fist and caving in her skull with an axe. Nothing terrifies me more than having to think back and see my mom fight for her life while this man beat her to death, said Benoit, who went into foster care with his 14-month-old sister following the murder. I couldnt even look at a picture of my mother until I was 16 because I used to throw up. You get flashbacks. Benoit said he feels revictimized with Ogden out on day parole. Ogden is currently living at a halfway house on Vancouver Island. I feel like Im living the life my mother had before she was killed, said Benoit, who still suffers from PTSD. I feel like Im always looking over my shoulder, especially having a fiancee and a 15-month-old child of my own. He said he wanted to share his story in the hopes that other people will come forward with their experiences to start a national conversation about murder sentences. He said setting a convicted murderers parole at 14 years is not a deterrent. The more people that see these instances of offenders being released after a short period of time for serious crimes like murder, theres nothing to put fear in their minds. The way theyre going to look at it is I can do what I want and basically Ill get a slap on the wrist, said Benoit, who now works offshore and gives talks about violence against women. To do something like that in front of a 4-year-old boy and make him witness that, not only did you commit a crime by committing murder, but it should be a crime to traumatize a child the way that I have been. SHARE: For Halloween Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his son stole a page from the classic French childrens book The Little Prince. They went trick-or-treating as the pilot and the little prince. On the next day, Finance Minister Bill Morneau plagiarized a chapter of the same book for his fiscal update. Draw me a sheep, asks the little prince in his very first encounter with the narrator. After a few failed attempts at coming up with a satisfactory depiction of the animal, the pilot hands the child a picture of a box and tells him the sheep is in it. Stranded in the desert of a sluggish economy, Morneau has come up with a box of his own in the shape of a federal bank to finance major infrastructure projects. It is little more than a sketch, leaving critics and supporters alike free to ascribe to it whatever features best suit their arguments. Minutes after Morneau delivered his statement, the Conservatives and the New Democrats were already depicting the infrastructure plan as either redundant in the case of the first, or as a disguised attempt to privatize Canadas public infrastructures in the second. It is a debate that will not be settled for years to the probable delight of policy wonks. The plan will not get off the ground until 2018. It will be a decade before Canadians can really assess the merits of the initiative. To rush to judgment this week is a mugs game. As it happens, Morneaus announcement is also a political diversion. For while Tuesdays fiscal update was strong on charting a self-described virtuous course for a relatively distant future, it was eerily silent on some of the more immediate features of the fiscal landscape. For instance, take the deficit. The decision to embrace deficit financing so as to spend Canada out of a period of slow economic growth was the highlight of the first federal budget of the Justin Trudeau era. In itself, a projected $29-billion budget shortfall last spring was not all that remarkable. No party elected to office last October would have balanced the books this year. With his governments political survival at stake and against the backdrop of a global economic crisis, Stephen Harpers government ran a deficit that was almost twice as high in 2009. A shift in attitude is what made budget 2016 a watershed Liberal document. The Conservatives over their recent decade in power approached deficits as necessary evils to be banished at the first opportunity. In this they were very much in the mainstream. From the early 1980s until the books were balanced in the late 90s the deficit issue was constantly on the radar of successive federal governments. Brian Mulroney struggled with deficits his entire time in office. Deficit fighting became the defining mission of Jean Chretiens first mandate. By contrast, Trudeaus government wears its deficit like a badge of honour that it is ready to wear well into a second, and possibly, a third mandate. If pressed, Morneau will hazard a ballpark figure on how much the federal government of 2028 would spend on infrastructures. For the record, the Liberals would have to secure a rare fourth consecutive majority mandate to still be in power by then. But when it comes to a timeline to return to balanced budgets or to reap significant economic benefits from the Liberal deficit financing policy, the governments crystal ball fogs up. On Tuesday, the ministers statement to the House was silent on the deficit. This may be the first time since at least the late 70s that a finance minister updates the country on the fiscal shape of a cash-short government without at least nodding in the direction of containing/reducing/eliminating the deficit. And yet, the months since the spring budget have not been kind to its forecast. The billions set aside to cushion against a further deterioration of the federal finances have been swallowed up. An event like the Brexit vote, the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, has not helped. A Donald Trump victory in the U.S. presidential election next week could similarly wreak havoc on Morneaus projections. For now, the Trudeau government is content to treat the budget deficit as a footnote. Time will tell whether that is the equivalent of whistling past the fiscal graveyard. Chantal Hebert is a national affairs writer. Her column appears Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. SHARE: OTTAWACanadas soon-to-be-announced peace mission to Africa will attempt to tackle root causes of conflict because going to fight is not justification enough for deployment, says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Canada has an awful lot to offer other than just stopping people from shooting at each other, Trudeau said Thursday, though he added that is an important and one of the first things that we want to do in any engagement. However, Trudeau said Canadians expect a layered approach to any United Nations mission that will create the conditions for longer-term stability and security. Trudeaus Liberal government is weighing where to dispatch up to 600 Canadian troops and 150 police officers on an African peace mission. Trudeau told reporters that a decision is expected in the coming weeks. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan suggested the peace operation will include the goal of countering the radicalization of youth in impoverished countries. At a news conference and at an earlier town hall session with 300 high school students to mark a year since the Liberal government took power, Trudeau and Sajjan articulated some considerations in the governments looming decision. Its not just about going out and fighting and trying to solve conflict, said Sajjan. We need to start looking at the root cause and preventing it in the first place. That means looking at a problem not just from a national defence perspective, its going to be looking at a whole-of-government perspective, of having an impact for the youth that are out there, Sajjan told the students. Sajjan referred to the strikingly youthful population of most African countries, where 50-60 per cent of people are aged 24 or younger. Instead of them being radicalized and going into other groups Canada will aim to empower them, he said. However, when later asked how Canada can resolve entrenched sources of conflict such as ethnic and tribal rivalries, corrupt mining industry practices, or the actions of government leaders with weak democratic or unconstitutional mandates, Trudeau referred only broadly to Canadas recognized strengths whether its in terms of corporate social responsibility, whether its regarding our justice system or our governance systems, whether its the understanding that diversity can be a plus for a country and not a wedge or a point of weakness. The town hall event featured for the second time this week Trudeau interacting with students drawn from high schools in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Like an earlier encounter that highlighted Canadas Olympic athletes, it had a celebratory and self-congratulatory tone. Trudeau asked 18 cabinet ministers seated behind him to list their proudest moments of the past year. Some touted policy moves like the Canada Child Benefit changes, the admission of Syrian refugees, or aid to Fort MacMurray after the devastating forest fire. Others said it was being included in a gender-balanced and diverse cabinet. However, Sajjan said his proudest moment came when Trudeau had the courage to say the mission should not be just a deployment of military muscle. Sajjan is headed to Mali and Senegal next week on a fact-finding mission, his second to Africa this year. In August, he travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, all against the backdrop of the Liberal pledge to commit troops to an African mission. Canadian Armed Forces has a role to play, said Sajjan Thursday. But he emphasized the need for broader solutions because Canadian soldiers are asked to do some tremendous work that has an impact but has also a tremendous toll on them as well. Meanwhile, at defence headquarters, military staff are crafting the options that Sajjan and Gen. Jonathan Vance, the chief of defence staff, will take to cabinet for deliberation and a decision in the weeks ahead. Unlike the haste that marked the militarys early deployment to Afghanistan, defence officials say the Liberals are taking a slow and deliberate approach to this mission. Were being given the time and space to develop some options, one official told the Star. Asked what those options might be, the official pointed to the militarys recent deployments to Iraq and Ukraine, which each had a focus on training, and suggested that would be the emphasis of the Africa deployment as well. Its likely the Canadian deployment will include equipment as well, such as helicopters, to assist local and allied forces. Even when a decision is made, the logistics of mounting the deployment means it will be months yet before troops actually hit the ground. Its complicated to put a regular-sized force in Africa, the official said. SHARE: New research is cutting through the confusion on disappearing Arctic sea ice by replacing complex computer models with simple math that links everyday activities to the health of Earths climate regulator. It might just be rather simple, said Julienne Stroeve, senior scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Colorado and professor at University College London. Her paper, published Thursday in Science magazine, outlines an easy-to-understand relationship between increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the slow vanishing of summer sea ice in the North. For every new tonne of CO2 that enters the atmosphere, says the paper, the southern edge of the sea ice loses another three square metres. Thats it. Or, in the words of the paper: The 30-year running mean of monthly mean September Arctic sea-ice area is almost linearly related to cumulative anthropogenic CO2 emissions. The direct relationship between greenhouse gases and sea-ice retreat has been pointed out before. Stroeve and her co-author Dirk Notz, of Germanys Max Planck Institute, have put hard numbers to it and explained how it works. In a stable ice pack, the warming effect of infrared radiation generated by the sun is balanced by cold temperatures in the atmosphere. But increasing levels of carbon dioxide prevent those infrared rays from escaping into space. As a result, the ice retreats northward where theres less solar radiation. The ice is migrating to re-establish equilibrium, said Stroeve. Establishing that hard link between CO2 and sea ice has important consequences. For years, climate modellers have attempted to pinpoint when summer sea ice is likely to disappear. Some scientists have estimated the end of this century; others have said it should already be gone. Stroeve and Notz say the most likely date is sometime around mid-century unless CO2 emissions slow significantly. That date is important for any number of reasons. A seasonally open Arctic would ease northern shipping and resource development. It would be catastrophic for plants and animals that live on sea ice, as well as for the people who depend on them. It would also have unknown consequences for climate around the world. Sea ice is often referred to as the Earths air-conditioning unit and it has been linked to the behaviour of the jet stream, a high-altitude river of air that influences rainfall, drought and extreme instances of both. Sea ice affects more than just polar bears, said Stroeve. We are all ice-dependent species. Stroeves work illuminates the impact of everyday living on the Arctic. She said she deliberately reported her results per tonne because thats an easily relatable amount of CO2. An individuals share of a round-trip economy class fare between Edmonton and Toronto is almost exactly one tonne of CO2. A typical Canadian house heated by natural gas emits an average of one tonne of CO2 about every 13 or 14 weeks. Roughly the same amount is generated by a back-and-forth road trip from Saskatoon to Ottawa. Each tonne that increases the atmospheres CO2 load costs the Arctic another three square metres of ice. We need to try and make our science more relevant to people and policy-makers, said Stroeve. I guess thats one attempt to do so. Read more about: SHARE: A 27-year-old North Platte woman died Monday from injuries she suffered when her pickup truck was hit by a semi-tractor trailer Oct. 20 just south of North Platte. Cassandra Lum was stopped at a red light at State Farm Road and U.S. 83 about 9 that morning when the semi hauling cattle hit her, North Platte police said. Gaire Rudnik, 27, of Brush, Colorado, was northbound on U.S. 83 and was unable to stop when the light turned yellow, according to witnesses. The truck hit Lum's pickup on the driver's side, then flipped onto its side and slid for several hundred feet, police said. Lum's truck was pushed into a ditch in the northeast corner of the intersection; she wasn't wearing a seatbelt, police said. No one was cited. Both trucks were totaled and several cows had to be put down, police said. OTTAWARevelations of police surveillance of journalists are troubling and could spark further measures to better safeguard the rights of the press, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says. Trudeau said he has verified no journalists are under surveillance at the federal level by the RCMP or CSIS, and said Canadians are following with concern reports that Quebecs two largest police forces had been tracking the phones of several reporters in that province in recent years. Not only is freedom of the press important, but its one of the foundational safeguards of a free democracy, of a free society, Trudeau told a news conference Thursday. This government understands that and understands how important it is to respect the media and the press, he said. Asked about Quebec police justifying the intrusive technique on the basis they sought to plug leaks, Trudeau said the identity of journalists sources must be given protection in order for them to do their jobs. In French, he said, it is important in a world where there are dangers that public officials exercise their powers responsibly, but its fundamental to our values and our identity as a free and democratic country that journalists be able to do their job to inform Canadians and therefore to protect their confidential sources. Trudeau said the troubling revelations of police snooping will lead to reflection on how governments can better ensure the protection of the press and the rights of journalists. The need for journalists to be able to do their job, of challenging authority, of informing the public and protecting confidential sources, is an essential part of ensuring that our democracy does it fullest job in protecting individual and Canadians rights, Trudeau said. If Trudeau is serious about protecting confidential sources, it could require legislated protection. Right now, under common law in most of Canada, as well as in Quebec, the Supreme Court of Canada has held that journalistic sources may be protected, but the protection is to be decided on a case-by-case basis. There is no constitutionally protected right to shield a source. Im open to the discussion that Im sure is going to be had in many levels of government in the coming weeks, said Trudeau. But I wont preempt any of those discussions with guesses of what might come of it. When news of the police spying first broke, Trudeaus office immediately sought assurances from the federal agencies that they had not acted in a similar fashion, he said. When the news started to come out we immediately engaged with the heads of CSIS and the RCMP that there is nothing of this sort happening at the federal level, Trudeau said. The prime minister said both the RCMP and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service have strong safeguards and protections to respect freedom of the press. They include requiring the approval of senior officials of requests by investigators to conduct surveillance of sensitive sectors journalists, academics or trade unionists judicial oversight of, and in the case of CSIS, a watchdog agency that reviews, surveillance warrants. Those safeguards are still very much in place and are consistent with the values and concerns this government has and that Canadians have, Trudeau told reporters. CSIS director Michel Coulombe later echoed Trudeaus comments but refused to directly say whether Canadas spy agency has undertaken court-warranted interception of any Canadian journalists communications, saying he would not talk about operational matters. Montreal police came under fire earlier this week after it was revealed that its investigators had spied on a newspaper columnist to uncover the source of a suspected leak from within the police. On Wednesday, Quebec provincial police said that it, too, had tracked the cellphones of six journalists in 2013 in a bid to identify a person alleged to have leaked information. The Quebec government announced on Thursday that it would hold a public inquiry into the police surveillance of journalists, The Canadian Press reported. A panel of experts will now have all the powers typically given to a commission of inquiry, including being able to compel witnesses to testify, said Justice Minister Stephanie Vallee. SHARE: Mayor John Tory will continue selling Toronto and Canada to the world by leading a mission of 50 business and technology delegates to Israel later this month. Weve got to go out, weve got to take our story to the world, to establish relationships and encourage people to invest here, Tory said Thursday at the downtown offices of a finance technology company. From Nov. 12 to 19, the mission will visit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Beersheba and Ramallah in the West Bank. Delegates will meet with business leaders and investors. Tory will also meet with the mayors of those cities. Israel has emerged as a leading global hub for technology, Tory said. My objective is to go there, one of the hot spots in the world for innovation . . . (and) find out how theyre doing it, find out how theyre nurturing it. Tory plans to meet up with Montreal Mayor Dennis Coderre, who is also leading a delegation to Israel at the same time. Tory said he believes its the first time the mayors of Canadas two biggest cities will be on a trip of this kind, where were putting our joint best foot forward to build up Canada. Since his election win two years ago, Tory has travelled on similar missions to Texas, California, China, Japan and England. Councillors James Pasternak, Josh Colle and Christin Carmichael Greb are also part of the delegation. The city will pay for the politicians, while other delegates cover their own costs. Tory said one of the things he is interested in is looking at a proposed park over a highway in Tel Aviv. A similar urban park is proposed for Toronto over the railway lines in the citys downtown core. They are in the process, as we are, of exploring that and I want to very much have a chance to learn more about that. Sara Lefton, vice-president of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Toronto, said the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Israel has produced companies that want to expand beyond the Israeli market. They have a very, very particular culture around start-ups and growing companies, said Lefton, who will be part of the community member delegation. Parents teach their children to innovate, starting at birth, and by the time they graduate from school, instead of applying for jobs, theyre thinking about the best idea they can have to start a company, she said. She thinks its exceptional that Tory is going over to sell Toronto as the best place to come. Tory will visit other sites in Israel and the West Bank during the seven-day tour, to learn/engage and pay respect, the mayors itinerary says. Read more about: SHARE: After visiting a friend at a downtown hospital last month, Toby Nicol stopped on his way out to make a call from a courtesy phone. Suddenly he was surrounded by four burly hospital security guards who demanded to know what he was doing. Before I knew it, they had handcuffed me and called police, said Nicol, 35, a peer leader at St. Stephens Community House, which works with homeless and marginally-housed people in Torontos downtown core. They checked to see if I had a warrant. I was charged with trespassing and given a ticket. It was very humiliating, he said, adding he plans to fight the $65 fine. As a former homeless person who still struggles with alcoholism, anxiety and depression, Nicol said this latest run-in with police has given him a taste of what the people he mentors face every day. We are in Canada. I just feel Toronto especially the Toronto police is failing us. I dont want us to become like the United States, said Nicol, who is black and has been horrified by recent race-based clashes with police south of the border. Its not that hard to be kind, he added. A call for more compassion and understanding from police is among the recommendations gathered in a recent survey of drop-in users Nicol helped design as part of St. Stephens member advocacy committee. Committee members, who surveyed 47 homeless and marginally housed people between June and October about their treatment by police, plan to present their findings at the final public meeting of the Toronto Police Transformational Task Force on Saturday afternoon at city hall. The Toronto police say they want to change the way they engage with people, Nicol said. They could start by treating us better. Somebody who is supposed to be protecting my city calls me a crazy person, a drunk, a drama queen, uses homophobic and racial language. It brings us down. Several survey respondents who had been arrested said police called them drunken Indian or drunk-ass native. The task force, co-chaired by Chief Mark Saunders and Toronto Police Services Board chair Andy Pringle, released an interim report last June with 24 recommendations to modernize policing in the city. The task force is expected to release its final report by the end of the year. About 90 per cent of drop-in users in the survey said they had been arrested for minor infractions, often more than once. At least 60 per cent said they had been carded by police, a practice that involves stopping, questioning and documenting people not suspected of a crime. Research shows carding disproportionately targets young, black men. Of those who were arrested, 43 per cent said their rights were not respected by police and about one-quarter said they were treated very badly. As advocacy committee member Derek George noted, If you ask police: Why are you bothering me? You are face down in the dirt. Most people who have interactions with police have mental health issues, physical health issues, they are hungry and homeless. They have nowhere to go, so they are visible all the time, noted George, 56, who moved into his own apartment six months ago after being homeless on and off for almost 10 years. When police hand out tickets to people for loitering, trespassing, panhandling, and drinking in a public place, they exploit a persons homelessness and further burden people already struggling, he added. Committee member Susan Scholfield, 55, who lives in the supportive housing building where Andrew Loku was shot by police in July 2015, said officers need more training on how to deal with people in mental distress. When they come, they come prepared to stomp on you, if not kill you, she said. Andrew was my neighbour. Yes, everybody in the building has their issues, but police should be more understanding. Toronto police Staff Sgt. James Hogan, a task force member who has seen the survey results, said some of the comments are absolutely troubling. As part of the task forces work, Hogan is scheduled to meet with the St. Stephens group next Thursday. We are looking for input, Hogan said. There are groups in society that are in more frequent contact with police than others and I suggest that this is one of them so they probably have levels of insight and expertise that most people dont have. Hogan is particularly interested in getting the groups views about the task forces proposal to expand its neighbourhood policing model across the city so that every community has dedicated officers. When officers have a close focus on the neighbourhood, they get to know people that much better, whether it is the person who owns the high-end store or the person on the street and everyone in between, he said. Its that local knowledge and feel for the local situation that can make a difference. Voices from the street: Personal stories shared in the survey from homeless and precariously-housed people who were arrested by Toronto police. Beat me and called me drunk-ass native. My face was dashed on the cement. Roughed me up, put me down but didnt charge me, happens often. When I was arrested, the police were very respectful . . . brought me to the hospital where they did not even handcuff me until I was released . . . they even brought me out for cigarettes. Strip searched TWICE. Demanded ID for just hanging out on the street. Carded every day. Recommendations on what police can do differently: Be more tolerant. Be more aware of mental health issues. Talk before arresting you and find out whats up. Treat all people fairly. Treat people like humans and not treat them like just a suspect. Learn to show compassion for people. More training to de-escalate problems. SHARE: Yuk Yuks Comedy Club management says theres nothing funny about a decision by the TTC to ban one of its ads featuring a man wearing a shiny, skimpy pouch covering his private parts because of decency standards. We wish this was a joke, Kyra Williams, vice-president of operations for Yuk Yuks, said in an interview. A woman can be shown in a bikini, but a guy cant be shown in a Speedo? Williams said. How is this any more risque than a woman in a bathing suit? Williams asked. Or any lingerie ad campaign? A double standard at its finest. The rejected ad was intended to run on subway cars. It features photos of a man wearing a shiny, gold pouch, roughly the size of a Speedo. In addition to being displayed clutching the glistening pouch for his privates, the man is shown in various poses: holding an umbrella, preparing to hit a volleyball, preparing to grapple in a Mexican wrestling mask, and shivering in an ugly Christmas sweater. Under the ad are the words: Looking for the best comedy in the city? Weve got you covered! Take the poll TTC spokesperson Brad Ross said the ad was nixed under Clause 14 of the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards, which covers (no pun intended) unacceptable depictions or portrayals. The depiction of the man in the ad is unrelated to the product or service being advertised, unlike a woman shown in lingerie for what is, in fact, a lingerie ad, Ross said. Yuk Yuks Williams counters that the TTC now runs ads of a woman in a skimpy bikini to sell trips to the Bahamas, not her bikini. The woman in this ad is just as covered, if not less, than the man in my ad, Williams said. Ross argued that the Bahamas ad is selling sunshine and the beach, which makes a bikini appropriate. Williams said that Yuk Yuks is selling comedy and the shiny skimpy pouch is part of the joke. They said we can resubmit it with a censor bar across his nether regions, Williams said. They said we can try that, but they didnt say theyd accept it. Williams asked whether its any more provocative than the current 104.5 Chum FM ad campaign featured on bus shelters that shows a more buff man holding a sign where his Speedo might be. Ross said that bus shelters are managed by the city, not the TTC. Williams said Yuk Yuks is heading back to the drawing board in hopes of drafting a humorous ad that it can put before TTC riders. At Yuk Yuks, we like to push the envelope, Williams said. We pride ourselves in the fact that our comics are not censored. And here we find ourselves being forced to gag, in the non-joking way, our creativity! SHARE: A UN working group on issues affecting black people is raising alarm over poverty, poor health, low educational attainment and overrepresentation of African Canadians in justice and childrens aid systems. The findings were made by the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent after its cross-Canada mission in October the first ever since it was established in 2002. Previous attempts to visit Canada by the group failed under the former Conservative government, but it was made possible this time with an invitation by the Trudeau Liberals. The working group is deeply concerned about the human rights situation of African Canadians, the group wrote in its preliminary report, the final version of which will be submitted to the UN Human Rights Council next September. Canadas history of enslavement, racial segregation, and marginalization, has had a deleterious impact on people of African descent which must be addressed in partnership with communities. Dena Smith of Torontos African Canadian Legal Clinic was happy the working group acknowledged some of the key issues faced by the community. While the findings and recommendations are not binding, Smith said they highlight the challenges faced by African Canadians for the international community and hopefully put more pressure on Ottawa to rectify the inequities. The situation is only going to get worse, said Smith. We have families in the community torn apart at an alarming rate. The future looks pretty bleak for our young people. The UN delegation was in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax to meet with government officials, community members and rights groups to identify good practices and gaps in protecting the rights of black people. We had been trying to secure a visit to Canada for a long time. Its a great joy that we were officially invited here, the working groups chair Ricardo Sunga told the Star in a phone interview Tuesday. We look at Canada as a model in many ways when it comes to human rights protection. We appreciate Canadas effort in addressing discrimination in various forms, but no country is exempt from racism and racial discrimination. Despite the wealth of information on socio-economic indicators in Canada, the investigators criticized the serious lack of race-based data and research that could inform prevention, intervention and treatment strategies. The working group is concerned that the category visible minorities obscures the realities and specific concerns of African Canadians, its report said. There is clear evidence that racial profiling is endemic in the strategies and practices used by law enforcement. Arbitrary use of carding or street checks disproportionately affects people of African descent. The over-representation of black people in the criminal justice system was of particular concern for the group, who found African Canadians make up only 3 per cent of the population but account for 10 per cent of the prison population. In the last decade, the number of black detainees in federal correctional facilities has grown by 71.1 per cent, it warned. Among other findings by the UN experts: Across Canada, African Canadian children are being taken into child welfare on dubious grounds. Forty-one per cent of children in Childrens Aid Society of Torontos care were black when only 8 per cent of children are of African descent. The unemployment rate for black women is 11 per cent, 4 per cent higher than the general population, and they earn 37 per cent less than white males and 15 per cent less than white women. A quarter of African Canadian women live below the poverty line compared to 6 per cent for their white counterparts. One-third of Canadian children of Caribbean heritage and almost half of continental African children live in poverty compared to 18 per cent of white Canadian children. Chris Ramsaroop, an advocate with Justicia for Migrant Workers, hopes the UN report will raise public awareness of the plight of African Canadians. We need every opportunity to hold the feet of the federal and provincial governments to the fire, said Ramsaroop. The UN experts recommend Canada create a national department of African Canadian affairs to develop policies to address issues facing black people and implement a nationwide mandatory disaggregated data collection policy based on race, colour, ethnic background and national origin. SHARE: More than a week after Ottawa announced it would bring in Yazidi refugees within four months, the community and its supporters are still waiting for details of Canadas resettlement plan. After a long period of silence, we were happy to see the Canadian government taking action. But they are keeping us in the dark, said Majed El Shafie, founder of Torontos One Free World International, which has teams on the ground in Iraq and Syria who have been helping persecuted minorities in the region. The government needs to be open and honest about how many they are bringing in, what the process is (for) choosing the refugees and how they are going to resettle them in Canada. El Shafie, who came to Canada as a refugee from Egypt in 2002, was among 11 community groups and leaders who held a news conference Wednesday calling on the government to provide concrete targets and a timeline of its plan. I hope our Canadian government does not make the same mistakes where the real victims are ignored and others benefit instead due to political interests, said Mirza Ismail, founder and chairman of Yezidi Human Rights International. Last week, Immigration Minister John McCallum made a surprise announcement on Yazidi resettlement by supporting a Conservative motion in Parliament. The Yazidis are a religious minority from northern Iraq and have been targeted by Daesh militants, with rape, torture and murder. There are tens of thousands of Yazidis displaced as a result of Daesh persecution in Iraq and Syria. On Wednesday, McCallum restated the governments commitment to offering protection to Yazidis at risk. We support the terms of the motion to bring Yazidis to Canada within 120 days. We recognize that operating in the region is complex and could pose risks. It is imperative that we consider the next steps very carefully, McCallum told the Star through his office. Officials from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada are meeting with key partners to gather as much information as possible on the significant challenges and the steps forward. One Free World International and the Office for Refugees of the Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto had submitted a proposal to McCallum for the resettlement of some 400 vulnerable Yazidi women and their families from the region. El Shafie said the coalition is happy to work with officials in screening and preparing the application referrals with help from their aid workers on the ground. We havent heard anything back, said El Shafie. This is Canadas chance to redeem our long negligence of the Yazidi genocide victims. SHARE: Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault is flatly rejecting opposition demands he step down pending the court case of a top Liberal charged with bribing him to leave federal politics. Im not the one thats been charged, Thibeault told reporters Thursday after the Progressive Conservatives and NDP repeatedly called for his resignation. The opposition parties insisted Thibeault is compromised by the Elections Act charge against Patricia Sorbara, Premier Kathleen Wynnes former deputy chief of staff. Sorbara stepped down Tuesday as head of the Liberals 2018 re-election campaign after being charged by Ontario Provincial Police with inducing Thibeault to run for the party in a Sudbury byelection last year. We have a top Liberal aide being accused of bribing a minister of the Crown and the minister still holds office, Conservative MPP Steve Clark said in the legislatures daily question period. This is incredibly inappropriate. NDP deputy leader Jagmeet Singh joined Clark in pressing the premier to force Thibeaults departure from cabinet, as other cabinet ministers have done previously when under investigation. The unique element of this case is we have clear charges laid and the charges name a minister, said Singh, who has asked chief electoral officer Greg Essensa to investigate whether Thibeault accepted a bribe. Theres an obligation on the chief electoral officer to clear that up. Wynne said theres no need for Thibeault to step down because hes not under investigation. For the second day in a row, the energy minister maintained he was not bribed to leave his post as New Democrat MP for Sudbury and defect to the Ontario Liberals. What Im seeing, in my opinion, is a character assassination in question period, said Thibeault, who was elected in February 2015 and was promoted to Wynnes cabinet last June, 17 months later. Thibeault said he was promised he would be the Liberal party candidate in the byelection and nothing more, with no guarantees of a cabinet post or a job of any kind if he didnt win the race for MPP. That was part of what I was considering, if I wasnt going to win the byelection, what I was going to do, he said after question period. I was going to be able to be home with my family and my kids a little more, obviously, but nothing like that was ever offered. Thibeault, who noted he was disenchanted as a federal New Democrat, said he took a pay cut to become a provincial politician. I made more as an MP. He earned $179,300 as New Democrat MP and caucus chair in Ottawa. Ontario cabinet ministers are paid $165,850 a year. The charges against Sorbara do not specify what bribe was offered to Thibeault. She, along with Sudbury Liberal activist Gerry Lougheed, is also charged under the Elections Act with bribing Andrew Olivier, who had sought the nomination that went to Thibeault. Olivier claimed both Sorbara and Lougheed offer him jobs to drop out of the race, clearing the way for Thibeault Wynnes preferred candidate after Olivier failed to hold the riding in the 2014 provincial election following the retirement of veteran Liberal cabinet minister Rick Bartolucci. That vote was won by New Democrat Joe Cimino, who quit five months later for family reasons and triggered the byelection. Sorbara and Lougheed have maintained they did nothing wrong in the byelection. Their first court date is Nov. 21 in Sudbury. Police stayed more serious criminal charges of bribery against Lougheed in April. Sorbara was cleared in a criminal investigation of the byelection. The Elections Act charges are in a lower, non-criminal category of violations. Penalties range from fines of up to $25,000 and maximum jail sentences of up to two years less a day. Read more about: SHARE: IRBIL, IRAQThe shadowy leader of Daesh has released a new message urging his followers to keep up the fight for Mosul as they defend the city against a major offensive aimed at routing the militants from their last urban stronghold in Iraq. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadis rallying cry came in a sermon-like recording, more than half an hour long, distributed by the militant groups al-Furqan media arm late on Wednesday. It was not clear when the recording was produced. Al-Baghdadis whereabouts is unknown. Iraqi special forces stormed into Mosuls eastern outskirts on Tuesday after two weeks of advances through surrounding Daesh-held territory. They continued to consolidate their foothold in the eastern district of Gogjali despite a pair of attempted car bomb attacks on their positions Thursday. The city of more than one million people and the surrounding territory fell to Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, fighters during the militant groups surprise attack in June 2014. Al-Baghdadi visited the city soon after the takeover, and from inside Mosul declared an Islamic caliphate that at one point covered nearly a third of Iraq and Syria. In his recording, al-Baghdadi rallies his fighters especially in Mosul and calls on them to obey orders while remaining resilient and steadfast. Oh you who seek martyrdom! Start your actions! Turn the night of the disbelievers into day, he says, according to a translation provided by the SITE Intelligence Group, a U.S. organization that monitors militant activity online, which reported the al-Baghdadi recording first. Totally decimate their territories, and make their blood flow like rivers, al-Baghdadi also says. Hours after his call, an explosives-laden vehicle sped out of a Daesh-controlled area in Mosul and attacked Iraqi special forces positioned in the citys easternmost Gogjali neighbourhood on Thursday. The special forces fired a rocket that blew up the car, killing the attacker. A second suicide attacker also emerged from the same area, the more central Samah district, Brig. Gen. Haider Fadhil said, but that vehicle managed to get away. Daesh fighters were also using explosives-laden drone aircraft, he said, adding that the militants had deployed two since the previous night but that both had been destroyed. Troops in Mosul are stationed in the far east of the city, and have yet to push deep into the densely packed urban areas less than a kilometre away. Iraqi forces continued to consolidate their gains into the evening, hunting for any Daesh fighters who may have stayed behind, checking houses and streets for booby traps, and handling an influx of hundreds of people who fled Daesh-held territory deeper in the city. The commander of the Joint Military Operation Command, Lt. Gen. Talib Shaghati, told reporters on Thursday that more than 5,000 civilians have been evacuated to nearby camps since Wednesday from Gogjali and surrounding areas. Inside Gogjali, security forces fired into the air to disperse civilians who were standing in a line to receive aid materials distributed by the Ministry of Migration and Displacement, concerned that large groups of people could be targets of militant attacks. In his recording, al-Baghdadi also urges Daesh militants elsewhere to carry out attacks in Saudi Arabia, whose leadership Daesh opposes, and Turkey, which has deployed troops and artillery north of Mosul and is training Sunni Arab and Kurdish forces there. The recording was the reclusive al-Baghdadis first released message to supporters since Iraqi forces launched the decisive battle to retake Mosul, the countrys second-largest city, from Daesh. Al-Baghdadi attempts to harness the feelings of Sunni disenfranchisement that preceded the 2014 Daesh takeover of Mosul, a largely Sunni city in Shiite-majority Iraq. Using a derogatory term for Shiites, he says followers of the Muslim sect want to drive empty Iraq of Sunnis and replace them with the worst of people. He calls on fighters to respond to all attacks, and to target all in their media and forces, and all who belong to them. The audio message could not be independently verified, though the speakers voice and style of delivery resembled previous recordings of al-Baghdadi. Daesh is fighting to hold Mosul as Iraqi forces and allied Kurdish forces advance on the city from multiple directions with U.S.-led coalition support. It is the Iraqi militarys largest offensive since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. Iraqi forces have proceeded cautiously since breaching Mosuls eastern outskirts this week. They have yet to move into more densely populated areas that could lead to weeks, if not months, of clearing booby-trapped buildings and bloody house-to-house combat. On Wednesday, residents in the easternmost district of Gogjali cautiously welcomed liberating Iraqi troops, with some raising white flags and flashing the V for victory sign. Men in the area celebrated by shaving the beards they were forced to grow under IS rule. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch warned that ethnic tensions were boiling over in Kirkuk, some 170 kilometres southeast of Mosul, where Daesh launched a surprise attack late last month that resulted in gun battles that lasted two days and killed at least 80 people. In a statement, the New York-based group said that Kurdish authorities in the city have been ejecting Arab residents and Arab internally displaced people there since the attack, without explanation and in actions it considers discriminatory. Forcing families out of their homes and into the streets or to unsafe parts of the country is a serious violation of their rights and does nothing to strengthen Iraqs political cohesion, said Lama Fakih, the groups deputy Middle East director. Read more about: SHARE: All along the muddy streets of eastern Mosul on Wednesday, men with bushy beards stepped from the gates of their driveways, looking as if they had woken from a bad dream. The men, some dressed in ankle-length Arab gowns in the jihadi-regulation style, smiled and waved at the passing soldiers, and boys flashed the two-finger victory sign and yelled, Heroes! Others held white flags. Some were smoking and others had cigarettes tucked behind their ears celebrating the Iraqi forces victory over Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, in their neighbourhood by savouring some of the small freedoms that had been banned under more than two years of militant rule. We are very, very happy, said one man, Qais Hassan, 46, surrounded by soldiers. Now we have our freedom. Daesh, he said, asked us to implement religion. But they had nothing to do with religion. The victory by Iraqi counterterrorism forces in this eastern neighbourhood of Mosul was a promising moment. But most expect that there will be long and intense fighting ahead before the entire sprawling city is reclaimed. On Wednesday, which began rainy and cloudy difficult weather for the U.S. warplanes overhead but later turned sunny, the fighting went quiet, but for sporadic shooting off in the distance. The Iraqi special forces in the area of eastern Mosul, who allowed a group of New York Times journalists to travel with them, were going door-to-door looking for weapons, booby traps and Daesh fighters. At the same time, they were trying to keep order as entire families, with backpacks and suitcases in tow, streamed in from neighbourhoods still controlled by Daesh. The men were mostly fixated on three things: the big beards they had been forced to keep, the cigarettes they had been barred from smoking, and the cellphones they had been forbidden to use. They would have killed me if they saw this, said Farras Sharif, 55, holding up a cellphone. Just one bullet. A man who still had his beard said his razor was electric, so shaving would have to wait until electricity was restored. A newly clean-shaven man, Saad Qhais, held his hands about three inches from his chin and said, My beard was to here. I was really dirty. Most of the women from the neighbourhood stayed indoors, but there were many among those displaced from other neighbourhoods, in niqabs and veils, some carrying white flags and bags of clothing. Parents said they were hopeful that their children, out of school for two years, could return to classrooms. One father, Mohammed Mahmoud, 33, said he was grateful that he no longer had to worry that his young daughter would be forced into marriage with a Daesh fighter. What worried me the most was my daughter, Mahmoud said. Because they have no religion. I consider me and my family born again today. For the first time since 2014, Iraqi soldiers were seeing firsthand what life in Mosul had been like under Daesh rule. But they were also catching a glimpse of some of the challenges ahead, simultaneously pressing the fight toward the city centre and going about the messy business of re-establishing government authority. In the newly secured neighbourhood on Wednesday, the counterterrorism troops, Iraqs most professional fighting force, seemed to be taking care not to alienate civilians. But this is not the only battle that will be fought, and fears have run high that spasms of revenge violence will tear through liberated areas. (An Amnesty International report issued on Wednesday alleged that a tribal militia taking part in the offensive had tortured detainees in liberated villages near Mosul.) But Hassan, speaking for himself and many of his neighbours, said that, more than anything, they want to feel like Iraqis again. The love of the country is greater than the love of the religion, he said. Now we understand that. Sharif, his friend, agreed. Now, yes, we are with the Iraqi army, with the law, with Iraq, he said. At least for one day, the atmosphere was a mix of jubilation, as civilians welcomed the soldiers with handshakes and hugs, and tension, as soldiers tried to determine who among the crowds of bearded men was a Daesh fighter and who was an ordinary civilian. Soldiers were trying to collect the men in groups, demanding to see their government identification cards, if they had them, so they could check them against a list of Daesh members that had been compiled from informants. Later, a colonel asked all of them to go home and shave their beards and then gather at sunset with their ID cards in hand. In some cases, civilians were helping the soldiers by pointing out neighbours they said had joined or supported the Islamic State. With the Iraqi forces now inside the city, the focus will soon turn to the question of whether the politicians, after the battle, can bring together the communities of Mosul Sunnis, Shiites, Christians, Yazidis and others and reunite the country. In Iraqs long history of wars, the political aftermath has usually led to something worse. I think the politicians have learned a lesson with Mosul, Brig. Gen. Abdul-Wahab al-Saadi, a special forces commander, said in an interview Wednesday. They have to do their job. Read more about: SHARE: WASHINGTONTime to get serious, President Barack Obama told voters Thursday, denouncing Republican Donald Trump as a con artist and a threat to democracy as the race for the White House opened its do-or-die phase. This isnt a joke. This isnt Survivor. This isnt The Bachelorette, Obama said, taunting the former reality-TV star. This counts. Obama tore into Trump as the Republican is closing on Democrat Hillary Clinton with just five days left. Speaking to students in all-important Florida, Obama tried to light a fire under complacent Democrats and frame the stakes. He zigzagged from mockery to dire warnings to boasting about his own record in office. And he repeatedly returned to his new campaign catchphrase capturing his disbelief in the unpredictable race to replace him. Cmon, man, he said, to cheers. The presidents taunts were aimed at firing up the Democratic base and baiting the Republican into veering off message. Democrats are counting on Trump, who is also campaigning in Florida on Thursday, not to have the discipline to capitalize on a late surge. Trump so far hasnt bit. The unconventional Republican candidate is trying to hew closer to convention, running some upbeat ads, bringing out his wife for a rare campaign appearance and trying, publicly, not to get distracted. Stay on point, Donald, stay on point, Trump teasingly quoted his staff as saying, as he campaigned Wednesday in Florida. No sidetracks, Donald. Nice and easy. Nice and easy. Trumps wife, Melania Trump, was to campaign in a suburb of Philadelphia on Thursday, her first turn on the trail since the Republican convention in July. The former model is trying to counter the Clinton campaigns pounding attacks on her husband as anti-woman, a strategy Democrats see as the best hope for rattling him and driving female voters away from him. Clinton stuck with her sharp-edged closing argument as polls showed her once-hefty lead noticeably trimmed in recent days. News that the FBI is reviewing her close aides emails appears to have revived questions about her trustworthiness just as many late-deciding voters were making up their minds. Clintons campaign has responded by trying to keep the spotlight on Trump, and specifically his history of vulgar and disparaging statements about women, minorities and people with disabilities. The campaign said it would bring Clinton and Obama together, along with their spouses, for a final pre-election rally in Philadelphia on Monday evening. Pennsylvania does not offer early voting, leaving Election Day turnout as key. But Florida looked to be the linchpin to Trumps chances. He cant win the election without carrying Florida, a fact that highlights how narrow his path is. He campaigned in three Florida cities Wednesday Miami, Orlando and Pensacola and will follow up with a stop in Jacksonville on Thursday. We dont want to blow this, he told rowdy supporters in Miami. We gotta win. We gotta win big. Trumps confidence aside, Clinton still has more paths to victory and was looking for even more. She made a late stop Wednesday in reliably Republican Arizona, where Trumps unpopularity among Hispanic voters has given Democrats hope. This state is in play for the first time in years, Clinton exclaimed during a nighttime rally on the campus of Arizona State University. She was greeted by a boisterous crowd of 15,000, one of her largest of the campaign. But Clintons hopes for a landslide appear to be fading. Polls show Trump closing in on her in battleground states, including some where Clinton has led for weeks. The campaign and its allies were spending additional money in Michigan and Colorado, states long considered solidly in Clintons column. Early voting numbers in some states suggest that her challenge stems, at least in part, from underwhelming support from African-American voters. Early voting in North Carolina shows a 5 percentage point drop in ballots from black voters from 2012. SHARE: SHANGHAIA few thousand dollars, a few minutes and a decent internet connection are all it takes to source carfentanil online from multiple Chinese vendors. Seizures of the deadly chemical carfentanil have exploded across the United States, with more than 400 cases documented in eight states since July alone, The Associated Press has found. The problem with carfentanil is not limited to the United States. In late June, Canadian authorities seized a kilogram of carfentanil shipped from China in a box labelled printer accessories. Alberta health officials say two recent deaths confirm an opioid deadlier than fentanyl is circulating in the province. Two AP reporters, working independently, documented multiple offers from the companies listed below to export carfentanil, a substance so toxic it has been researched as a chemical weapon and described as a terrorist threat. These are not your typical drug barons. Many come off as solicitous business owners, starting emails with Hi, dear, and writing scrupulous follow-up notes to drum up sales. They sent price lists and photos of their merchandise, and promoted their wares, in English, on major business-to-business websites. Carfentanil whose median October price from the companies below was $3,700 (U.S.) per kilogram is banned from general use in the United States, where it is suspected in hundreds of overdoses. Fentanyl, acetylfentanyl and alpha-PVP are controlled substances in both China and the U.S. The companies cheery lets-do-business attitude changed when the AP followed up with questions about the legality of the sales. The AP did not actually order any of these products, nor test to see if they were genuine. BENTON PHARMACY CO. For sale: Carfentanil, fentanyl, to France, U.K., Europe generally. The pitch: We have fentanyl, good quality, a saleswoman called Caroline said in an email, adding that shed just gotten a two kilogram order. Later, Caroline told the AP she was shocked to hear the AP had evidence of illicit substances on offer. Our company has always respected Chinas relevant business regulations, our company has never sold the products you mentioned. WILLIAMS PHARMACY For sale: Carfentanil, fentanyl. No destination specified. The pitch: Contraband will be professionally packaged and parcel will be enhanced with appropriate stealth measures, Williams promised in an email. Asked for comment by the AP, Williams Pharmacy responded with unpublishable invective, offering no further explanation. APEX SPECIAL CHEMICAL MEDICINE TRADE CO. For sale: Carfentanil, fentanyl. No destination specified. The company pulled its product listings from the Korean business-to-business platform EC21.com after being contacted by the AP, but another company called Okkijeyhhd Plc registered with EC21 on Oct. 23. It had the same contact email as Apex and an identical listing for carfentanil. Requests for comment were not returned. Carfentanil is 10000 times more potent than m.o.r.p.h.i.n.e and 5000 times more potent than pharmaceutical grade (100% pure) h.e.r.o.i.n according to the illicit drug conversion table that issued by China Food and Drug Administration, the company said in its product listings. At least five other vendors, most of which registered on EC21 in October, shared a non-functional phone number with Okkijeyhhd: Ujehhdfb Plc, Theydhhhne Plc, Okegdtsgdbfn Plc, Jhdncbvn Intl and Lkdheeed Plc, which advertised a cornucopia of misspelled drugs for sale. SHIYAN FURUIYANG BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY CO. For sale: Carfentanil, fentanyl, acetylfentanyl, alpha-PVP to U.S. The pitch: Clients say fentanyl is the most fantastic, a saleswoman called Susie said by email. Contacted later by the AP on Skype, another saleswoman, Cathy, said, You did such a great job to get evidence, you can just report it. Then she quickly changed her profile from a photo of a studious-looking Chinese woman holding a child to a dish of snow-white powder. JILIN TELY IMPORT AND EXPORT CO. For sale: Carfentanil to Canada, Australia. After being named in APs Oct. 7 article, Jilins website vanished and the company said it had never actually produced carfentanil. HEBEI YAQIANG BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY CO. For sale: Carfentanil, acetylfentanyl, fentanyl to U.S, Belgium, France. The pitch: We usually ship with hiding in other products and all reached, the company said by email. Contacted by the AP on a Skype chat, a woman named Lisa insisted Hebei Yaqiang only sells legal products: if u want to buy. we can provide but if you have other purpose. am sorry. i am busy. YUNTU CHEMICAL CO. For sale: Carfentanil, acetylfentanyl to U.S., Canada. A Yuntu representative hung up the phone when contacted by the AP and did not reply to emails seeking comment. Soon after, the companys website vanished. Reached later on Skype, a company representative who called herself Mary declined to offer carfentanil again. IAMCOR BIOTECH CO. For sale: Carfentanil, fentanyl to U.S., Canada The pitch: Dear, we use our special way to send you. We ensure you can get it, a woman who identified herself as Megan said in an email Told later by AP that it had evidence of offers for illicit sales, she replied, Really? How come I dont know about this? Then she stopped answering questions. HUNAN PROVINCE WAYNICK BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY CO. For sale: Carfentanil, acetylfentanyl, fentanyl to U.S. Contacted by the AP, Waynick said it listed these products to attract clients but doesnt actually sell them. The real products are substitutes, the company said in an email. The substitutes are all legal products in China. You can do any investigation. SHANGHAI KAIWODUN BIOCHEMICAL CO. For sale: Carfentanil, acetylfentanyl to U.S. The company did not respond to the APs requests for comment. SHANXI JINWEI TECHNOLOGY CO. For sale: Carfentanil, fentanyl, acetylfentanyl, alpha-PVP, to U.S., Belgium, Germany, Europe generally. The company did not respond to requests for comment from the AP. SHANGHAI GOLDEN TIME BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY CO. For sale: Carfentanil to U.K. The company didnt respond to AP requests for comment. HEBEI MORUI CHEMICAL CO. For sale: Carfentanil, fentanyl, acetylfentanyl, a-PVP to U.S., Canada, France, Belgium. Morui denied offering the products. SHANGHAI HONG TAI CHEMICAL CO. For sale: Carfentanil, fentanyl to U.S., France, Europe generally. The company denied making the offers. China does not produce illegal products, a representative said by email. SHANGHAI BOHUA FINE CHEMICAL CO. For sale: Carfentanil to Germany, France, U.K. Asked by the AP about offers to sell carfentanil, the company replied in an email, I do not know what youre talking about. Of the 12 companies that initially offered to export carfentanil around the world, just three have stopped since the report was released. Nine continue to offer carfentanil for sale, no questions asked, and the AP identified four additional companies willing to sell the drug, some of which claimed to have U.S. addresses. All these vendors profit from a loophole in the global regulation of a substance whose toxicity has been compared with that of a nerve agent. Carfentanil is a controlled substance in the U.S., where it can be used legally to immobilize large animals like elephants. But it is not controlled in China, the top source of fentanyl-related compounds that end up in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Its a loophole that needs to be closed because even small quantities can have a terrible lethal effect, said Andrew Weber, who served as U.S. assistant secretary of defence for nuclear, chemical and biological defence programs from 2009 to 2014. Terrorists could acquire it commercially as we have seen drug dealers doing. DEA and State Department officials have discussed carfentanils dangers with Chinese authorities, who have already controlled 19 fentanyl-related compounds, and urged them to blacklist it. But China has yet to act. With files from The Canadian Press Read more about: SHARE: WASHINGTONHillary Clinton may not be accumulating the type of early-vote advantage her campaign wanted, but she continues to maintain an apparent edge over Donald Trump, with roughly one-fourth of all expected ballots cast in the 2016 election. The Democrats campaign once hoped to bank substantial votes from Democrats in North Carolina and Florida before Election Day. Both are must-win states for Donald Trump. But data about the early vote suggest shes not doing as well as President Barack Obama in 2012. Ballot requests from likely supporters have been weak in parts of the Midwest, and African-American turnout has fallen, too. Still, the tens of millions of early votes cast also point to strength from Democratic-leaning Latino voters, potentially giving Clinton a significant advantage in Nevada and Colorado. With more than half the votes already cast in those states, Democrats are matching if not exceeding their successful 2012 pace, according to data compiled by The Associated Press. We are seeing the trajectory of the election change in some states, but Democrats are also making up ground, said Michael McDonald, a University of Florida professor and expert in voter turnout. Early voting by mail and at polling stations is underway in 37 states. More than 31 million votes have been cast, representing nearly 25 per cent of the total votes expected nationwide if turnout is similar to 2012. In all, more than 46 million people or as much as 40 per cent of the electorate are expected to vote before Tuesday, according to Associated Press data. The results of those votes wont be known until polls close next week. But early voting data party affiliation, race and other details are being carefully examined for clues about the ballots that have been cast so far. A look at the latest trends: RACE TIGHTENS IN NORTH CAROLINA, FLORIDA In North Carolina and Florida, Democrats did better with mail balloting than they had in previous elections. They expected to build on that with the start of in-person voting, where Democrats traditionally do well. But the big turnout especially among black voters hasnt yet happened. In North Carolina, with nearly half of the expected vote already cast, Democrats lead in ballots submitted, 43 per cent to 32 per cent. But thats slightly below the same period in 2012, when Mitt Romney narrowly won the state. This year, fewer polling locations were open in Democratic-leaning counties in the first week of early voting. More locations have since opened, but Democrats are still trying to catch up. Voting by African-Americans has declined to 22 per cent of the early vote, from 28 per cent in 2012. The white vote has risen to about 73 per cent from 67 per cent. In Florida, more than half of voters have already cast ballots. Democrats remain virtually tied with Republicans. At this point in 2008 and 2012, Democrats held an advantage in ballots cast. Obama won the state both years. The black share of ballots is down, while the Latino share is up. Democrats and Republican analysts say they see signs that Republican early voters are those who previously voted on Election Day, while Democrats are drawing new voters. That would be good news for Democrats. Im still bullish that Clinton will get to the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House, said Scott Tranter, co-founder of the Republican data firm Optimus. RISING LATINO VOTE MAY BOOST CLINTON Latinos may be providing Clinton with support she needs in key Western states. In swing-state Nevada, where half the total ballots have been cast, Democrats lead with 43 per cent to 37 per cent. Thats comparable to the partys share at this point in 2012, good news for Clinton since Obama ultimately won the state by 6 percentage points. Ballots from Latinos and Asian-Americans another group that tends to vote Democratic are up, while ballots from African-American and white voters are down. More than 1.2 million residents have cast ballots in Colorado, or half the expected vote. Democrats hold the advantage, 37 per cent to 35 per cent. Colorado, for the first time in a presidential election, is voting mostly by mail. At this point in 2012, Republicans held the edge. In Arizona, where more than half the votes have been cast, Democrats trail by 5 percentage points. But at this point in 2012, Republicans had opened a 10 percentage point lead. The share of independent or voters whose party affiliation is unknown is also up slightly. Turnout rose among all races, but at higher rates among Hispanics. Arizona is close, Tranter said. In Republican-leaning Texas, 3.3 million votes have been cast in the top 15 counties, up 36 per cent. The state does not present breakdowns by party. Voter modelling by Catalist, a Democratic analytical firm, found ballots increasing by all race groups, but at sharper rates among Latinos. WHITES BUOY TRUMP IN OHIO, IOWA Trump may hold an edge in Ohio and Iowa, two states hes counting on to reach 270. In Ohio, the heavily Democratic counties of Cuyahoga and Franklin are posting declines in ballot requests compared to 2012, while Republican-leaning counties such as Warren have increased. The state does not break down ballots by party. Voter modelling by Catalist found the white share of Ohio ballot requests was up to 90 per cent from 87 per cent. The black share fell to 8 per cent from 11 per cent. Obama won Iowa in 2012 due to his strength in early voting. This year, Democrats lead there in both ballots requested and returned, 43 per cent to 34 per cent. But Democrats are running behind 2012 levels based in requested ballots, while Republicans are mostly on pace. But Republicans may be having trouble flipping another state, Wisconsin, that voted for Obama in the last two elections. Overall turnout in Wisconsin is outpacing 2012, with bigger shares coming from major Democratic counties such as Dane and Milwaukee. DEFENDING REPUBLICAN TURF Trump also may be holding ground in two Republican-leaning states that Clinton targeted. In Georgia, the number of ballots submitted has increased mostly among whites, while the black share declined. In Utah, Republicans lead in returned ballots, 46 per cent to 15 per cent; no party voters made up 35 per cent. The Republican share in ballots is down from 2012 but improved from a week ago. Read more about: SHARE: The main currency of the anti-Clinton meme world is physical imperfection. Her head nods are declared signs of Parkinsons in a YouTube video with more than 4 million views; pixilated crops of the light hitting her ear are scrutinized for signs of a secret debate earpiece. And then theres the trove of unflattering sometimes manipulated images of the candidate, which are used so frequently in both the Trump and progressive anti-Hillary circles of the Internet that theyre almost their own reaction meme. But the latest anti-Hillary meme to take hold in the Trump Internet is that Clinton is a secret alcoholic. Photos and video that, two months ago, were passed around as definitive proof that Clinton was hiding a debilitating neurological condition have been suddenly repurposed for the hot new claim that actually, Clinton was drunk the whole time. Mix that up with a tantalizing WikiLeaks email and a scoop from a dubious right-wing blog, and you start to understand how this, of all things, became this weeks way to question Clintons fitness for office and bait her supporters online. I think you should call her and sober her up some, wrote Clinton campaign Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri in an email to campaign chair John Podesta on Aug. 8, 2015, at about 4:30 p.m. on a Saturday: a remark that was interpreted as being about Clinton. Sure, sober up could just as easily refer to mood based on context, the emails come days before Clinton turned over her private email server to investigators and not a literal status of inebriation. But that ambiguity of a once-private conversation hasnt stopped a growing group of people from passing around the exchange as proof that Clinton has a debilitating drinking problem she was drinking in the afternoon! The National Enquirer, a tabloid that published a big exclusive in 2014 claiming Clinton was going to secret rehab, cited the email as proof they were right all along. That, and an anonymously sourced post from True Pundit on connecting a Drunk Hillary rumour to her behaviour in a Cory Booker video from a June campaign stop effectively launched this long-simmering tabloid and conspiratorial YouTube video fodder fully into the Trump Internet world. Drudge dedicated its home page recently to a montage of photographs of Clinton drinking. And the idea has started to weave its way into the list of insults that often precede her name on Trump Twitter. Dilbert cartoonist Scott Adams went all-in on the idea on Monday, laying out his reasons for why he believes it isnt OK to have a president who drinks alcohol, period. And his post highlights one of the main reasons this meme is so appealing to Trump supporters. Trump, whom Adams supports, does not drink alcohol at all. Adamss post includes a zero-to-10-point scale to assess the risks he sees for each candidate, where he assigned the risk of Trump implementing some of the racist/sexist/homophobic policies hes floated over the course of his campaign as a zero, and the fact that Clinton drinks alcohol as a 10. I would argue that alcohol consumption is the biggest risk differential in this election, he wrote. Were just blind to that risk because alcohol is socially acceptable. Adams cited evidence of Clintons drinking habits being a problem includes the video of the candidate collapsing at the 9/11 memorial service, while Clinton was fighting pneumonia, but now described by Adams as footage of Clinton allegedly passing out drunk. This meme strikes me a last-ditch attempt on the right (especially the far-right) to build on the themes of Clintons presumed unfitness and presumed dishonesty, Jennifer Piscopo, an assistant professor of political science at Occidental College in Los Angeles, said in an email. Without any further signs of ill health from Clinton after the 9/11 incident, the conspiracy theory that she was hiding a grave illness lost its legs. So, the drunken/alcoholic meme tries to make this argument, using a different ailment. The current interest in drunk Hillary isnt really near the peak of interest in Hillarys health, according to a Google Trends comparison of the two search terms. Hillarys health spiked in the week after Sept. 11, when her bout of pneumonia and her campaigns delay in disclosing it really was a valid news story that drew attention from more than just anti-Clinton memers. Its also a meme that the Trump campaign itself has promoted in ads, capitalizing on video of Clinton coughing or stumbling to claim she doesnt have the stamina for the presidency. But drunk Hillary, even with no reputable news story to latch onto, started to rise in search interest this fall. It overtook Hillarys health in late October. Like any conspiracy theory that catches an audience, there is a small grain of truth here: Clinton drinks, and she reportedly likes it. She has told a drinking contest anecdote in her campaign videos. On the trail, particularly in 2008, Clinton drank at several campaign stops, which was largely read as an effort to seem more relatable. She likes to drink, Amy Chozick, a New York Times reporter who covers Clinton, said to ABC earlier this year. We were on the campaign trail in 2008 and the press thought she was just taking shots to pander to voters in Pennsylvania. Um, no. Another WikiLeaks email shows that Clintons 2016 campaign staff viewed images of Clinton drinking in public as a boon, not a burden. They were a good way to show a candidate with a long history of being called cold and unrelatable loosening up a bit. In a September 2015 email with the subject line Another crazy idea, Neera Tanden suggested Clinton throw a staff party. If some staff take pictures of her with a beer and letting loose to some music that end up going viral and eventually on tv so much the better, she suggested. The clubbing she did in Latin America as SoS was awesome. That email is now part of the meme too. Whats completely unproven, despite the intensity of the claim from some Trump supporters, is that Clinton has a problem with drinking. A disease, like the ones at the heart of the Hillarys health conspiracies, one that serves as a vehicle for her opponents to question her fitness to be president and specifically, whether she should have control of the U.S.s nuclear arsenal. Read more about: SHARE: KABULA joint U.S.-Afghan raid Thursday against the Taliban involving NATO airstrikes left 26 civilians and three Afghan troops dead, and two U.S. soldiers were killed in a separate incident, Western and local officials said, as investigators worked to determine what went wrong. The Americans killed and four other U.S. troops wounded were among military advisers helping Afghan troops, rare combat casualties for Western forces who handed over the task of securing Afghanistan to local troops some two years ago. Afghan officials said they were still investigating the attack and its civilian casualties, some of which may have been caused by the airstrikes called in to support Afghan and U.S. troops under fire. Residents later carried over a dozen corpses of the dead, including children, toward the local governors office in a show of rage a year after American forces attacked an area hospital. NATO declined to identify the Americans killed, pending notification of their next of kin. Our service members were doing their part to help the Afghans secure their own country while protecting our homeland from those who would do us harm, Defence Secretary Ash Carter said in a statement. The target of the raid were two senior Taliban commanders, who were killed in the fighting along with 63 other insurgents, Kunduz police chief Gen. Qasim Jangalbagh said. He said Afghan special forces carried out the raid and that he did not have any information about NATO involvement in the assault. Jangalbagh said 26 civilians, including members of the Taliban fighters families, were killed in the assault. Kunduz official Mohammad Yousf Ayoubi and parliament member Malim Chari both also told The Associated Press that civilians were killed in the fighting, though they had few details. Dr. Mohammad Naim Mangal, the director of a Kunduz hospital, said his facility received the bodies of a dead man and a child and treated 30 people, including children, wounded in the fighting. NATO only said it was aware of the allegations. U.S. Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland, briefing journalists in Brussels during a teleconference, said three Afghan troops were killed in the assault. Mohammad Radmanish, a deputy spokesman at the Afghan Defence Ministry, offered the same figure. In a later statement, Cleveland said that friendly forces received direct fire and airstrikes were conducted to defend themselves and an investigation was underway. He earlier described the assault as not a common event, without elaborating. A Taliban statement also said there were civilian casualties while claiming its fighters killed 16 U.S. troops. The insurgents often exaggerate their battlefield successes. According to defence officials, the U.S. army soldiers had gotten off a helicopter and were moving on foot with Afghan forces doing clearing operations in Kunduz province. The defence officials said the troops came under fire and returned fire, but it wasnt clear whether it was gunfire or other larger rounds. Two of the U.S. troops were killed and four others were injured. Two of the injured had more serious wounds and were taken away by medevac. The officials said the troops called for support, and the U.S. launched airstrikes. They said they believe the troops were hit by enemy fire and were not killed or injured by the airstrikes. All of the U.S. troops were evacuated from the area. Taliban fighters briefly overran the city of Kunduz, the provincial capital with the same name, in early October, a show of strength by the insurgents that also highlighted the troubles facing local Afghan forces 15 years after the U.S.-led invasion of the country. The Taliban captured and held parts of Kunduz a year earlier as well before the city was fully liberated weeks later with the help of U.S. airstrikes. Those 2015 airstrikes also saw a U.S. air force special operations AC-130 gunship attack a Kunduz hospital run by the medical charity Doctors Without Borders, killing 42 people. Sixteen U.S. military personnel, including a two-star general, later were disciplined for what American officials described as mistakes that led the strike. Doctors Without Borders has called the attack a war crime and demanded an independent investigation. Yet another airstrike killing civilians could stoke anger among Afghans, and the countrys former president Hamid Karzai repeatedly clashed with NATO over them, straining relations. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani issued a statement criticizing the Taliban for using women and children as a shield during the raid. He also announced a local investigation had been started. Read more about: SHARE: JACKSON, MISS.A police chief in the Mississippi Delta says a person of interest is talking to investigators about the torching of an African-American church that was spray-painted with the words Vote Trump. Greenville Police Chief Delando Wilson said the man voluntarily went to the police department, without an attorney, and spoke to detectives Wednesday and Thursday. Wilson stopped short of calling him a suspect and would not release his name, saying Thursday: We just want to ensure the integrity of the investigation. Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church was about 80 per cent destroyed in the fire set intentionally Tuesday night, Greenville Fire Chief Ruben Brown Sr. said. We consider it a hate crime, Mayor Errick Simmons said. Because of the political message which we believe was intended to interfere with worship and intimidate voters. FBI spokesman Brett Car said it was too early to determine whether the fire should be investigated as a possible hate crime. Investigators found evidence of arson and sent samples of an accelerant to the state crime lab for testing, Brown said. He said there were no signs that any explosive device had been used. Gov. Phil Bryant, a Republican who has been campaigning for GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, said Wednesday that anyone who burns a place of worship will answer to almighty God and should also answer to mans law. Greenville is a Mississippi River port city of about 32,100 people, and about 78 per cent of its residents are African-American. The FBI is conducting a civil rights investigation and spokesman Brett Carr has said its too early to determine whether the incident can be considered a hate crime. U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, whose district includes Greenville, is the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee. He told The Associated Press on Thursday that a member of his staff spoke to the head of the Department of Homeland Securitys intelligence and analysis division about the church fire. Thompson said the department has jurisdiction to investigate cases that might be considered domestic terrorism. If there is something like the Ku Klux Klan or the Aryan Nation ... we look at that as domestic terrorism, Thompson said. The Hopewell congregation is 111 years old and uses a building that has been expanded but still included part of its original structure, Brown said. The pulpit and pews were burned, and soot stained the beige brick around some windows. Water from hoses and heat from the fire also damaged the churchs kitchen and the pastors study. Pastor Carilyn Hudson promised that the congregation of about 200 members will rebuild. A GoFundMe page, where online donations can be made to pay for repairs to the church, raised about $188,000 by Thursday evening, organizers said. An $11,000 reward was offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever set the fire. Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons said a racial reconciliation service that had been planned long before the fire will be held in the city Sunday. He said a diverse group of people took part in an ecumenical prayer service in response to the fire Wednesday night by the Mississippi River waterfront, about four miles from the church. It ended with people hugging and singing, This Little Light of Mine. Everyone left there peacefully, Simmons said. Read more about: SHARE: To guide the much-lauded and keenly anticipated public consultation on national security billed as an unprecedented opportunity for Canadians to shape national security law and policy the government has published a National Security Green Paper entitled Our Security, Our Rights. The configuration of the title reflects the general orientation of the document: security first, rights second. While the green papers self-proclaimed purpose is to prompt discussion and debate about Canadas national security framework, it seems far more concerned with manufacturing consent for Bill C-51s dramatic and likely unconstitutional expansion of security powers, than with enabling a well-informed public consultation. The federal privacy commissioner has observed that the tone of the Governments discussion ... focuses heavily on challenges for law enforcement and national security agencies, as opposed to democratic rights and privacy. According to the BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA), the green paper reads like it was drafted by a public relations firm tasked with selling the current state of extraordinary, unaccountable powers. (And in response, the BCCLA has produced a Different Shade of Green Paper, elucidating several problematic aspects of the Canadian national security framework that the government forgot to mention.) The governments green paper and associated background document are a montage of tendentious elements. There are the Pablum reassurances (National security institutions in Canada are professional, responsible, and effective ... They work within a well-defined set of legal authorities and respect Canadian law). The vague intimations of danger (Many Canadians have travelled to Syria and Iraq to join Daesh, More people are radicalizing to violence with absolutely zero data or other supporting evidence cited regarding the existence or size of the threat). The fear-inducing hypothetical scenarios (Ms G is keen to travel overseas to join a terrorist group ... She then wants to return to Canada and train others to become terrorists, The police conduct an urgent investigation into a group of ten people based on an anonymous tip ... Some members of the group are apparently planning to bomb an unknown public gathering that week). And the leading questions (Given the nature of the threats facing Canada, what scope should CSIS have to reduce those threats?). There is much about the prospective perils of terrorism, but nothing about the actual abuses of counterterrorism: the many disturbing instances of people denied their security and their rights because Canadian agencies wrongly tarred them as terrorist threats. The pages of the green paper and background document are full of hypothesized terrorist menaces, but the real-life victims of Canadian national security are glaringly absent. For example, the paper mentions the commissions of inquiry into the Arar, El-Maati, Almalki, and Nureddin cases, as a demonstration of the mechanisms that already exist to hold national security agencies accountable. But it completely neglects to explain why these inquiries were necessary in the first place: because four innocent Canadian men were secretly detained and tortured in Syria (and El-Maati also in Egypt), after Canadian agencies irresponsibly shared calumnious information about them. And there are many other cases of Canadian involvement in serious rights violations that are entirely omitted, not even alluded to by name. Mohamedou Ould Slahi, for instance, was finally released two weeks ago after being held for 14 years without charge in Guantanamo Bay, where he was beaten, sexually assaulted, and tortured in other ways. Canada had provided information to Slahis American captors (I stayed less than two months in Canada, and yet the Americans claimed that the Canadians provided tons of information about me, Slahi wrote in his Guantanamo Diary), and CSIS agents travelled to Gitmo at least twice to interrogate him while he was imprisoned there. Given this track record, one would expect that curtailing Canadian security agencies complicity in torture and other atrocious practices would be a priority topic for any public deliberation on national security. This is particularly pressing because a 2010 directive from the public safety minister permitting CSIS to share information, even when there is a risk of torture, still remains in place despite calls it should be rescinded. And because CSIS has apparently been using Bill C-51s new information-sharing powers to collect intelligence on Canadians detained in foreign prisons intelligence that in some instances may carry the stain of torture. But the word torture does not appear even once in the 94 pages of the green paper and background document. We are presented with a skewed picture of what is at stake in national security: we see the sensationalized violence of terrorism, but not the institutionalized violence of counterterrorism. We need to hold both dangers in our minds to have any hope of a fair public consultation. Azeezah Kanji is a legal analyst and writer based in Toronto. SHARE: On June 6, 2014, a few hours after sunset, armed men opened fire on an outdoor church ceremony in Mutarule, a small village in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The assailants attacked the village with rifles and grenade launchers, shooting civilians at close range and then burning them alive. A survivor described the experience to Human Rights Watch: We heard bullets coming from all sides. We all got down on the ground. They came in by the door and were in camouflage military uniforms. There were many of them. The first one said: Exterminate them. Then they started shooting. All told, the attackers killed 38 villagers in a few hours, including at least nine children. Many more were injured, stabbed with bayonets or burned past recognition. Thats the picture Canadian peacekeepers are likely to come face-to-face with when Canada returns to peacekeeping in an era where the rules of engagement are non-existent. The tragedy in Mutarule could have been avoided. A United Nations peacekeeping base, located just an eight-minute drive away, received frantic phone calls from villagers asking for help as the massacre began. Although the peacekeeping mission in the DRC has the authority to use force to protect civilians, UN soldiers stayed in their barracks. This week the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sacked the commander of a peacekeeping force in South Sudan following a damning report that accused the blue helmets of failing to protect civilians during an outbreak of violence in July that killed dozens of people. Investigators concluded peacekeepers abandoned their posts and failed to respond to pleas for help from aid workers under attack. These reports illustrate how peacekeepers choices in particular the choice to use force matter a great deal to the protection of civilians. For the past 15 years, UN peacekeepers have had robust mandates that require them to protect civilians and authorize them to use force beyond self-defence to achieve that goal. Despite these changes, long-standing debates on the offensive use of force in peacekeeping continue. A Nanos Research survey conducted for CTV News last month found that nearly 70 per cent of Canadians support deploying Canadian Forces on UN peacekeeping missions in active fighting areas. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has committed to deploying 600 Canadian troops on UN peacekeeping missions. If Canadian peacekeepers were to use force beyond self-defence, then I believe four key factors should be taken into consideration. First, the deployment of a large number of peacekeepers will likely amplify the deterrent effect of the use of force. When they intervened, blue helmets in Congo simultaneously launched offensives and deployed in greater numbers to war-affected regions. This combination probably did more to change the calculus of rebels than the offensive use of force alone, which failed to quell rebel violence against civilians in other cases. Second, Canadian Forces should also weigh the capacity of rebel groups, compared to peacekeepers and their allies, when contemplating the use of force. UN peacekeepers and the Congolese army failed to change the behaviour of sophisticated rebel groups. These large and well-trained forces, with external financial or military support, continued to target civilians during and after the offensive use of force. Third, Canadian peacekeepers might not be able to protect civilians through the use of force when the national government allies with a rebel group that commits atrocities. In these situations, Canada might have to turn to other tools to persuade the government to reconsider the alliance or to otherwise protect civilians. These tools might include diplomatic pressure, use of media, or threatening to suspend certain forms of co-operation with the government. Lastly, rebel groups that operate out of a vast and remote forest, employ hit-and-run tactics, and disappear into the local population might not often respond to the offensive use of force. These guerrilla tactics mean offensive use of force might not bring about a decrease in rebel violence against civilians. Research shows that deploying large numbers of peacekeepers does reduce violence against civilians. I believe the offensive use of force amplifies that effect. When Canada takes the initiative, it should do so with a sufficient number of troops both civilian and military not just 600 pairs of boots on the ground. Kennedy Jawoko is a professor at Seneca College. He has conducted research on media and conflict in South Sudan. SHARE: John Tory rode to the mayors office on the alluring promise of sweet transit relief. His ambitious SmartTrack surface subway plan, which included the addition of 53 kilometres of rail line and 22 stations across Toronto all in just seven years and at no cost to local ratepayers was supposed to ease the gridlock that makes the daily commute a nightmare for so many in this city. It seemed at the time too good to be true and, of course, it was. Since the election, the vision has shrunk considerably, the implausible promise of a free ride has faded. Yet even in its current form, the proposal, while far from perfect, has the potential to improve the lives of tens of thousands of people whose daily trip to and from the city is too often a miserable slog. Next week, city council will consider the plan and an agreement struck this week with the province to share the costs. It should not take lightly this rare opportunity to make progress on one of our most intractable challenges. At the same time, the mayor cannot, in good faith, ask council and its constituents to embrace his plan until he answers a question he has long been avoiding: how in the world is the city going to pay for it? As outlined in a city report released Monday, the SmartTrack plan has been significantly downsized. The latest iteration would add just six stations to the GO network, providing riders within Toronto easier access to existing Regional Express Rail lines; and create an Eglinton West LRT line, with between 8 and 12 stops, from Mount Dennis to at least Renforth Gateway. Under the proposed funding agreement, the citys share of the bill would be about $2 billion, just over 50 per cent of the capital costs. Toronto would also commit to paying for the operation and maintenance of new LRT lines and some stations, the significant costs of which have not yet been estimated. While the worst of the financial blow would not be felt for a number of years, the city would be required to spend $71 million over the next two years on planning and design. All told, thats a lot of money, especially as the city grapples with a crippling revenue problem. Toronto already has some $29 billion in unfunded capital projects. Rainy-day reserves have been raided, departments cut to the bone. During the mayoral campaign, Tory vowed SmartTrack would not cost taxpayers a penny. He said the plan would be funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF), a highly uncertain budget tool that involves borrowing against increased land values and tax revenues that would result from the eventual arrival of SmartTrack. Few believed this would work at the time, and the new city report confirms that TIF alone wont come close to covering the full costs. The report suggests that the city could pay its way by supplementing TIF with development fees, another unnervingly contingent revenue tool, and significantly hiking property taxes, something Tory insists is not on the table. But if not a property-tax hike, then what? Tory has been conscientiously avoiding that question since taking office. When he met with the Stars editorial board in July, the mayor said he would press council to adopt some mix of new revenue tools. Yet the only new tax he has publicly backed so far is a levy on hotel rooms. This would affect mostly visitors (rather than local voters) and would bring in only between $21 million and $126 million a year, not nearly enough to cover even Torontos pre-SmartTrack needs. SmartTrack, for better or worse, is the choice before Toronto. The alternative is more stagnation. Council should embrace the mayors vision, but not until it is assured that the city has not just a hope for a better future, but also a plan to pay for it. Read more about: SHARE: Loyalty is a rare thing in politics. So Premier Kathleen Wynne can perhaps be lauded for sticking by her former deputy chief of staff, Pat Sorbara. In this case, though, the loyalty turns out to have been badly misplaced. And now the premier and her Liberal party are being badly embarrassed as Sorbara faces two counts of bribery under the provincial Elections Act over events that allegedly took place during the lead-up to the 2015 Sudbury byelection. This is a self-inflicted wound in more ways than one. It was clear back in February 2015 that Sorbara should have been asked to go. Thats when the head of Elections Ontario, Greg Essensa, reported that in his opinion the actions of Sorbara and a Liberal fundraiser constituted an apparent contravention of anti-bribery provisions in the election law. Thats the moment when Wynne should have put the reputation of her party ahead of personal loyalty and asked Sorbara to step down until the matter was cleared up. Instead, she stuck with her aide and made matters worse last month by entrusting the entire 2018 Liberal re-election campaign to her, naming her CEO and director of it. Rather than distancing herself from potential scandal, she moved even closer. The timing could hardly be worse as the Liberals now head into two byelections scheduled for Nov. 17 in the ridings of Niagara West-Glanbrook and Ottawa-Vanier. Sorbara now stands accused by the Ontario Provincial Police of allegedly trying to bribe Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault to jump from the federal NDP to the provincial Liberals to run in Sudbury, and of offering former Liberal candidate Andrew Olivier a job in exchange for dropping out to clear the path for Thibeault. Wynne has always argued she would not ask Sorbara to step aside based on allegations I do not believe to be true. She maintains that the conversations with Olivier were only aimed at exploring his future with the Liberals, while Thibeault denies he was offered any inducements That may well be; Sorbara has not been found guilty of anything. But in politics respect can be squandered through optics alone. And now there are real charges involved, not just suspicions. Wynne ran on a promise of winning back respect and credibility for the Ontario Liberals. She should have done more to distance her party from threats to its reputation, especially when the warning signs were so clear. SHARE: Air travel shouldnt be the exclusive domain of the rich. Yet in Canada, many ordinary people cant afford to fly. Travelling from Canada to an international destination is often twice as expensive, not to mention half as pleasant, as taking the same trip from a U.S. airport, which is why millions of Canadians hop over the border every year in search of cheaper, better options. Domestic flights, while not quite as exorbitant, are still prohibitively expensive for many. The unfortunate result is that we travel less. Ambarish Chandra, an economist at the University of Toronto, has shown that air travel within Canada, measured by miles flown per capita, is only about 40 per cent of the level in the U.S., due largely to our higher ticket prices. Thats bad for quality of life, for social cohesion, for the efficiency of businesses and for the economy more generally, particularly for certain industries tied to travel and manufacturing. The problem of expensive, unreliable air travel is one Ottawa is looking to tackle with a sensible new set of measures announced by Transport Minister Marc Garneau on Thursday. Garneaus approach, which is based on a report released earlier this year by former Liberal transport minister David Emerson, seems to understand that fostering competition is essential to protecting consumers, but so, too, is government. Canadian skies have long been dominated by the cozy duopoly of Air Canada and West Jet, which together account for the vast majority of domestic passenger flights. For international routes, there is even less competition; its nearly impossible to avoid using Air Canada. This has had a predictable effect: high fares and, too often, poor service. Yet nearly every upstart discount airline looking to shake up the status quo has failed, in large part because of its inability to attract sufficient capital. The government is rightly proposing a simple, effective way to increase competition and drive down prices: opening the door to foreign investors to help upstart airlines get off the ground. Current rules allow international companies to own a maximum of 25 per cent of a Canadian airline. Garneau proposes to raise the cap to 49 per cent, with no single investor permitted to own more than a quarter. Thats a good balance. The influx of foreign money should help discount carriers gain the foothold that has eluded them and provide fliers with real alternatives to the current duopoly. At the same time, Canadian airlines will remain Canadian-owned. Though the report on which the policy is based suggests Canada may eventually want to remove foreign-ownership limits entirely, doing so would raise a host of economic and security concerns and make Canada an international outlier. Only Chile has gone that route. Increased foreign investment does present some risks. International investors are often less sympathetic to labour concerns than are domestic owners, and while increased competition usually means lower prices, it can also start a race to the bottom. Garneaus balanced approach is therefore wise. Furthermore, the government seems to understand that competition alone is not sufficient to protect consumers. Garneau promised to introduce an Air Travellers Passenger Rights Regime, which will establish clear minimum requirements so that Canadians will know what their rights are and when they are eligible for compensation. Travellers, for instance, who are denied boarding for factors within an airlines control will now be entitled to some form of justice. In addition, the government heeded the calls of airport authorities across the country by promising to invest in new technologies to reduce increasingly brutal airport security wait times, another area where Canada badly lags. Inevitably, there will be some who worry the governments approach risks losing the Canadianness of our airlines. Others will say it doesnt go nearly far enough. In this case, the government seems to have found a way to ease the burden on long-suffering fliers without exposing them to unnecessary risk. SHARE: RACINE COUNTY Donald Trump made what may have seemed like an odd request of Wisconsin voters Tuesday, urging those who have already voted for Hillary Clinton to rescind their ballot and vote for him. That is indeed allowable under Wisconsin law. In part because absentee ballots aren't immediately processed, residents can return to their municipal hall with photo identification and cast a new ballot before early voting ends Friday if they so choose, officials said. However, state and local election officials say it rarely happens. Tara McMenamin, Racine assistant city clerk, said she was aware of at least one voter who thought she made a mistake on her ballot and came back to cast another one later that day. "We haven't had that many people come in and either change their mind or think that they did it wrong," McMenamin said. "By all means if they did, they can come back in." In Burlington, City Clerk Diahnn Halbach said she was not aware of any voters who rescinded ballots there. 'Few voters actually do' The comment that spurred questions came at an Eau Claire rally Tuesday. Trump said he had "a message for any Democratic voters who have already cast their ballots for Hillary Clinton and are having a bad case of buyer's remorse: Wisconsin is one of several states where you can change your early ballot if you think you've made a mistake." In a news release Tuesday, the state's chief election official said that "despite media interest in this angle, it is something that very few voters actually do." Any resident who has already cast an absentee ballot has until their municipal hall closes on Friday when early voting ends to rescind their ballot and cast another one if they want. Once that deadline passes, absentee ballots cannot be changed and the voter cannot be issued another ballot on Election Day, according to the commission. At polling places, residents can get up to three ballots if they made a mistake or change their mind before casting it, noted Michael Haas, Wisconsin Elections Commission administrator. Re: Missions must go beyond military might, Dallaire says, Oct. 28 Missions must go beyond military might, Dallaire says, Oct. 28 I very seldom agreed with the Harper governments decisions on foreign policy. I did, however, emphatically agree with his decision not to send troops to Africa. Look at what has come home from Afghanistan the dead, the maimed, the mentally distressed. All this in favour of a tiny outpost that has had no effect on the history of the country. Now the Trudeau government wants to send our brightest and best to Africa, to places where the rule of law is unknown and unwanted. He will be intervening in conflicts that date back centuries, where mass slaughter and rape are daily tactics of war. There is no desire for peace in many of these lands. Continued war allows the accumulation of vast profit and unlimited power to warlords who consider human life worthless. They propagate increased cruelty and escalate conflict for their own benefit and status. Why should our troops risk their bodies, minds and lives in such a hopeless cause? General Romeo Dallaire is a good man. He was driven to mental breakdown by what he experienced in Africa. Why should others follow? There is nothing a small contingent of Canadian troops Is going to do except suffer and die in vain. Robert Kent, Mississauga Who other than retired lieutenant-general Romeo Dallaire (former commander of UN Forces in Rwanda) would be better suited to advise our nation and its government on African conflicts? In 1994, Rwanda was a nation gone mad with anarchy involving a staggering assortment of lesser actions each with its own enemies, weapons, methods, boundaries, objectives and victims and Dallaire has explained the need to, bring in a security sector, a development sector, a humanitarian sector, a nation building sector, and have them all coordinated. In other words, thats how to fight a war on anarchy. Now were not a world power and we probably should spend more on our armed forces but theyve always had a reputation as an effective fighting force and later developed a second reputation as specialists in establishing and maintaining peace and order in conflicted areas while helping people. Canadian soldiers have died in foreign lands doing just that and Im especially proud of them. They died working to end conflicts that were killing strangers in foreign lands. Weve never needed that here. Ask Holland how it feels. But if there must be body bags, lets make damn sure we can take pride in their sacrifice. Leave the defense of oil wells and mining companies to the superpowers. Randy Gostlin, Oshawa How many Third World countries have actually been stabilized and remained so as a result of our efforts? What purpose do we actually serve by sending our soldiers to fix other peoples messes? What makes us think that, like the missionaries of an earlier time, we have the right to interfere in other peoples lives? How would we react to other countries sending their troops to Canada to teach us a better way to live? There are many countries in our world where terrible things are happening all the time. The corruption is great, life is precarious, violence and ill-will reign. Does that give us the right to enter any of these countries to fix military and political issues for them? Do we actually succeed in improving anything over the long term? It is one thing to help countries in need with the basics of life, to teach them better ways to manage such as improved farming, better uses of resources, of water, etc. but to send our troops to clean up a mess that will simply recur as soon as we leave? I dont believe its useful or practical or worth the lives of many of our soldiers to try to fix the policies of any corrupt, unstable country. Frances Weingarten, Toronto SHARE: NEW YORK (TheStreet) --The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is proposed legislation that aims to promote international trade by significantly reducing tariffs to foster economic growth. The TPP, which has yet to be ratified, brings together 12 countries and is designed to put America in the driver's seat regarding international trade. American businesses will be able to export more goods and thus support further job growth, according to President Obama. The countries included are the U.S., Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Chile, and Peru. Critics of the partnership say that its primary purpose is to keep China from making further strides in writing the rules of international trade. Others have said that the TPP invites extensive changes without voters' consent. "TPP is a modern and comprehensive trade agreement and it's really for a modern era and economy like the U.S. It would definitely be good for Cummins (CMI) and for the U.S. business, workers, and farmers," Cummins CEO Thomas Linebarger said during this morning's "Squawk Box" on CNBC. Linebarger, an advocate for the TPP, noted that it is an agreement which addresses several concerns. "It's got new chapters that deal with e-commerce for modern technology businesses. It's got sectors for small business, sectors for labor and environmental standards. It's even got stronger investor settlement dispute language. It's really good for all sectors of the economy and addresses all the concerns of political parties have raised," he explained. Additionally, Linebarger noted that globalization will take place whether the U.S. trades or not. However, when the country does not trade globally, it falls behind. "The view of businesses I talked to, large and small, is trade agreements like this can help U.S. businesses, make sure we have a level playing field so as globalization occurs we can win," he said. Shares of Cummins were higher in mid-morning trading on Monday. 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. TheStreet Ratings rated this stock as a "buy" with a ratings score of B. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, attractive valuation levels, good cash flow from operations, increase in stock price during the past year and notable return on equity. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income. You can view the full analysis from the report here: CMI Wells Fargo (WFC) boosted its estimate of possible litigation losses by 70%, to $1.7 billion, as the Securities and Exchange Commission joined regulators probing the bank's handling of a scandal involving as many as 2 million bogus customer accounts. That amount, which isn't reflected in Wells Fargo's profit-and-loss statements, is in addition to so-called probable losses that the bank does include, though the amount isn't specified. The estimate, listed in the bank's third-quarter regulatory filing on Thursday, compares with an assessment of $1 billion at the end of June. Wells Fargo didn't say which legal matters spurred the $700 million increase, though the San Francisco-based bank provided ligation updates on mortgage-lending probes and debit-card purchase lawsuits in addition to the retail division's sales-practices cases. Peter Gilchrist, a company spokesman, said in an e-mail that the figure reflected "a number of matters." The company, which once had a market valuation larger than JPMorgan Chase's (JPM) , has lost 8.9% of that since the bogus accounts were disclosed in a $185 million settlement with federal and local regulators in September. The revelation prompted an immediate backlash of lawsuits as well as probes by the Department of Justice and state attorneys general, and has cost Wells Fargo lucrative business deals with states from California to Illinois and Ohio. Chairman and CEO John Stumpf abruptly retired in mid-October after testifying in two Congressional hearings and giving up $41 million in unvested stock awards. The company's independent directors, led by Stephen Sanger, who was named chairman after Stumpf's departure, have launched an internal probe, which is still ongoing, according to a person familiar with the matter. "There are things that need to be fixed within our culture, and these weaknesses must be addressed," Tim Sloan, who succeeded Stumpf as CEO, told analysts at a Thursday conference. "My primary objective and the objective of our senior leadership team is to restore trust in Wells Fargo. That includes rebuilding pride in our company and our vision of meeting customers' financial needs." Well's Fargo's scandal has already had ramifications well beyond the San Francisco-based bank, with executives at JPMorgan, Citigroup (C) andBank of America (BAC) fielding questions about their own consumer sales practices during third-quarter earnings calls in October. EXCLUSIVE LOOK INSIDE: Wells Fargo and Citigroup are holdings in Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS charitable trust portfolio. Want to be alerted before he buys or sells the stocks? Learn more now. While all of them said they had found nothing comparable to Wells, where unauthorized accounts were set up by employees trying to meet sales goals of as many as eight different products per customer, the scandal nonetheless heightens scrutiny of an industry already the object of public ire since the 2008 financial crisis wiped out trillions of dollars in market value. "The evidence is pervasive that deep-seated cultural and ethical problems have plagued the financial services industry in recent years," New York Federal Reserve President William Dudley said at a conference on reforming behavior in the industry in late October. Unethical behavior in businesses from investment banking to securities markets and consumer branches has eroded trust in the industry and hindered its ability to do its job, said Dudley, whose organization is responsible for regulating the major Wall Street firms. Indeed, Wells Fargo's Mary Mack, who was named head of the retail bank after predecessor Carrie Tolstedt left amid the accounts probe, said at Thursday's conference with Sloan that the number of new checking accounts opened in September fell about 30% from August and were down 25% from a year earlier. Those numbers don't include a full month's worth of impact, since the fake-account settlement wasn't announced until Sept. 8, added Sloan, who attempted to clarify an October statement that the retail bank's situation might "get worse" before it improved. "My expectation is that when we report detailed October metrics, they're going to be softer than what we saw in September," he said. 11/03/2016 Media contacts: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944 or Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu and Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu * M E D I A A D V I S O R Y * Friday, Nov. 4 11 a.m. WHAT: A flag ceremony in honor of Veterans Day will pay tribute to the service and sacrifices of UMass Lowells approximately 1,200 student-veterans the most at any college or university in Massachusetts and veterans throughout the region. The event will include the unfurling of an American flag measuring 36 feet by 20 feet and remarks by U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jack Weinstein, deputy chief of staff for strategic deterrence and nuclear integration, and Col. Francis Magurn of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. Speakers are also scheduled to include Marc Fountain, president of the universitys Student Veterans Organization, who is a psychology major from Andover; U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas; state Sen. Eileen Donoghue; and UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney. Presenting the colors will be the UMass Lowell Air Force ROTC Detachment No. 345. The UMass Lowell Marching Band will perform. UMass Lowell is ranked as one of the best schools in the nation for veterans by the Military Times and Victory Media. The UMass Lowell Office of Veterans Services provides a variety of programs for student-veterans to assist them in making a successful transition from military to civilian life, including academic support, advising and peer mentoring. To help jumpstart student-veterans entry into the working world after graduation, the university offers a host of specialized career-development programs in collaboration with federal, state, private-industry and nonprofit partners. WHERE: University Crossing, 220 Pawtucket St., Lowell. For directions and parking information, contact UMass Lowell media relations. 11/03/2016 By Katharine Webster The 2016 presidential election has challenged pollsters, political scientists, the two main political partiesand most of all, voters. That was the theme of a politics panel that featured an expert on polling, especially polls that measure voter attitudes, and a political scientist who studies conservative talk radio. The panel, which drew about 100 students, faculty and staff to OLeary Library on Tuesday, was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Joshua Dyck, co-director of the universitys Center for Public Opinion. Marjorie Connelly, former director of polling research at The New York Times and a senior fellow at The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, talked about the challenges of determining, through exit polls, what issues animate voters to support particular candidates. Traditional exit polling, in which pollsters interview voters leaving polling places, is no longer a viable model in many states, she said. Three statesOregon, Washington and Coloradovote exclusively by mail-in ballot. In Arizona, 80 percent of voters vote before Election Day, and more than half of all states offer either early voting or no-excuse absentee ballots. Pollsters have adapted by combining telephone and internet polling with traditional surveys, she said. That makes exit polling more expensive, so pollsters can no longer do detailed surveys in all 50 states; they focus on battleground states instead. This year, that includes Utahusually the most Republican of states, she said. But now, independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin, a Mormon who launched a shoestring campaign in August, is running close to both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in several Utah pollsand ahead in a couple. Mormons are not falling into line with the Republican Party, she said. Its going to be fascinating. Everyones going to be watching Utah. Exit pollsters will be analyzing McMullins supporters. They will also test the findings of pre-election polls that suggest significant gender and education gaps between Trump and Clinton supporters, she said. Photo by Katharine Webster Photo by Katharine Webster Joshua Dyck, co-director of the university's Center for Public Opinion, spoke with Provost Michael Vayda and Berry after the event. Jeffrey Berry, professor of political science at Tufts University and co-author of The Outrage Industry: Political Opinion Media and the New Incivility, said some of the demographics of Trumps core supporters are already well-defined. This year, Republican primary voters were 90 percent non-Hispanic whites, he said. In an overcrowded primary field, Trump held strong appeal for a major subsetthe 35 million people who listen to conservative talk radio. I was struck by how masterfully Trump used language, using the talk radio playbook, Berry said. Berry disagreed with the oft-voiced idea that Trumps success is an aberration. Trump is not a one-off, Berry said. He actually represents an evolution of the Republican Party. Berry said the Republican Party made great gains among white voters, especially in the South, after the Democratic Party unified in support of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. That helped elect Presidents Nixon, Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. However, U.S. demographics have shifted in the Democratic Partys favor in the past 50 years. African Americans, Hispanics, Asians and other minorities now comprise 39 percent of the population and an estimated 30 percent of voters. Unless the Republican Party fields candidates who are not racially divisive, it will commit existential suicide, he said. America is becoming much more diverse and minorities vote in much greater numbers, he said. That trend is inexorable. Provost Michael Vayda said he sympathizes with people who are weary of the campaign, but he warned against disengagement. Please vote, because this will set the course of our country for at least the next four years and probably beyond. A fighter pilot sits in the cockpit while a crew member checks the exterior of a Lockheed Martin Corp. F-35A jet before a training flight in Hill Air Force Base, Utah, U.S., on Oct. 21. (George Frey/Bloomberg) For the past several years, it had appeared that the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin had mended their once-strained relationship as they worked to fix the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program, which had gone wildly off course, marred by schedule delays and massive cost overruns. But now the worlds largest military and its largest contractor are at a significant standoff over the most expensive weapons program in the history of the Defense Department. Unable to reach an agreement on the price of the latest batch of fighter jets, the Pentagon used a rarely used provision Wednesday that allowed it to unilaterally execute the contract and set the price at its last offer. In a statement, the Pentagons F-35 program office announced Wednesday that it had finalized its contract with Bethesda-based Lockheed for 57 of the next- generation, stealthy fighter jets for $6.1 billion. That deal represented a 3.7 percent price decrease from the last batch of F-35s the Pentagon purchased, and Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher Bogdan, the programs executive officer, hailed it as a fair and reasonable deal. But 12 minutes later, Lockheed issued a statement, saying the contract was not mutually agreed upon, and that the company was obligated to produce the aircraft under previously agreed-to items. It said it was disappointed in the governments action and that while it would continue to execute on the program it would also evaluate our options and path forward. That means that it is deciding whether to appeal the contract, said an industry official with knowledge of the negotiations who was not authorized to speak publicly about them. The differences arent that far apart, but both sides felt they couldnt move, the official said. Joe DellaVedova, a spokesman for the F-35 program office, said that after 14 months of negotiating, the Pentagon believed further negotiations would not result in the government and Lockheed coming to an agreement on total price. He said the unilateral action was in the governments best interest and the price is fair and reasonable. The F-35 program has, in years past, been one of the Pentagons most troubled procurements. The $400 billion program went billions over budget and fell years behind schedule. The aircraft was derided as the plane that ate the Pentagon, and critics such as Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) lambasted company and Pentagon officials for its failings. Pentagon and industry officials said the inability to come to an agreement was not indicative of a problem in the relationship. We work together daily to deliver and support the F-35, and this will not change that, DellaVedova said. Fifty years ago, on Friday, Nov. 4, 1966, Italys Arno River breached its retaining walls and flooded the city of Florence. That day, hundreds of works of art were damaged by a mixture of water, sewage, fuel oil and silt. Cimabues panel painting The Crucifixion one of the seminal works of the early Renaissance was submerged in 13 feet of water inside the church of Santa Croce. "Waters Rising: Letters from Florence," by Sheila Waters (The Legacy Press) As we learn from Waters Rising, approximately one-third of the collection of the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze 1.3 million items was also submerged that day, including the exceedingly important Magliabechi and Palatine rare-book collections. Three weeks afterward, Peter Waters, then only 36 but arguably the most gifted bookbinder of his generation, received a phone call from Howard Nixon of the British Museum. The next day, Nov. 25, Waters along with fellow binders Anthony Cains and Dorothy Cumpstey was on a plane to Italy. [Review: Everything Explained That Is Explainable] Quickly emerging as the recovery efforts major strategist and team leader, Waters would doggedly overcome myriad obstacles to set up a systematic program to treat thousands of the librarys most important treasures and, in so doing, establish many of the ground rules of modern book conservation. In 1971, Waters would go on to head the book conservation department of the Library of Congress. He retired in 1995 and in 2003 died of lung cancer at age 73. Up until he received that fateful telephone call, Waters had been chiefly known as one half of the Slade Bindery, established by his former mentor Roger Powell, the man who had rebound Irelands greatest bibliophilic treasure, the Book of Kells. At the Slade, the two expert craftsmen usually worked on one rare volume at a time. But now, in a foreign country, the young Englishman was faced with mountains of sodden, dirt-encrusted books. What should be done to save them? In Waters Rising a marvelous punning title Sheila Waters relates this critical period in her husbands life from several perspectives. First, Randy Silverman, who heads the preservation department at the University of Utah, summarizes Peters contributions to book and paper conservation. More briefly, Valerii P. Leonov, of the Russian Academy of Sciences Library, contributes a warm, personal tribute, which is followed by a photographic suite of Peters early design bindings. Most usefully, Sheila next provides a year-long narrative diary and timeline that lays out the day-to-day problems addressed by the ever-changing Florence team, a largely collegial group that came to include some of the most revered figures in book conservation Christopher Clarkson, Bernard Middleton, Margaret Hey, Sydney Cockerell, Carolyn Horton, Stella Patri, Joe Nkrumah, Philip Smith, Paul Banks and a dozen others. Peter and Sheila Waters in 1967 (Courtesy of Sheila Waters) After this valuable introductory material, one reaches the main event: Peters long, detailed letters home from Florence, which reveal how he approached myriad technical and bureaucratic difficulties and dealt with loneliness, an inability to delegate and occasional self-doubt. Wisely, Sheila also includes her own side of the correspondence, in part because she worked as Peters representative in England, but also because her letters show us the affectionate and bustling family the young binder had been forced to leave behind. Waters Rising concludes with another suite of pictures of ruined books with accordioned pages, of the library repair stations in action and, not least, of the many young people, fondly called Mud Angels, who arrived from all over the world to help in the recovery effort. Each copy of Waters Rising also comes with a DVD of Roger Hills film, The Restoration of Books, Florence, 1968. From the beginning, Peter Waters stressed the necessity of before-and-after photographs of all the volumes to be treated and the value of a system of symbols to quickly describe any book to workers who spoke different languages. Early on, he shut down one well-meaning salvage operation that was causing more harm than good, was soon battling corporations and bureaucrats to acquire the proper sinks and drying racks and, when tempers flared, was regularly reminding himself and others that the books themselves must always come first before personal feelings. [Review: Dark Water: Flood and Redemption in the City of Masterpieces] While her husband obsesses over how to wash, dry and press 200,000 rare books, Sheilas loving letters talk about their three young sons, household chores and a dying pet dog. They also allude to her own ongoing map and lettering projects. Elected to Englands Society of Scribes and Illuminators when she was just 22, Sheila Waters became one of the worlds greatest calligraphers. My favorite picture in Waters Rising shows Peter watching an intensely focused Sheila, who holds her pen with infinite delicacy as she finishes the camera-ready artwork for the printed record and treatment cards. The image strikingly captures the intimate connection of head, heart and hand that is the ideal of the arts-and-crafts movement. Not surprisingly, the Legacy Press has produced an exceptionally well-made and handsome book, designed by Peter and Sheilas son Julian Waters, himself a renowned calligrapher and type designer, in conjunction with publisher (and former paper conservator) Cathleen A. Baker. At this point I probably dont need to add that I knew Peter Waters during his years in Washington. As in Florence, he continued to foster an expectation of excellence and camaraderie in those around him, so that as he once wrote to Sheila people simply got on with the job, each one doing his or her allotted task and not questioning the others competence to do the job. Peter was, in short, that rare thing, a practical visionary. Whether you care about books or their conservation, or would simply like to read about a remarkable couple and their enviable marriage, Waters Rising shouldnt be missed. Michael Dirda reviews books on Thursdays in Style. Former au pair Andrea Villa lost her job, her residence and, potentially, her legal immigration status when a dispute developed between her and her host family. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post) It was the stuffed sheeps fault. Fuzzy, faded, beloved by Andrea Villas 4-year-old charge, remarkable to others only for its talent for disappearing. The toy known as Sheepy would go missing at least once a week, inspiring fits of crying from the little girl and a frantic search by her parents and Villa, their Colombian au pair. Desperate to break the cycle, Villa turned to a tactic shed learned from watching Supernanny: The little girl would put Sheepy in a special spot by the window each time she was done playing with it. The strategy worked, until one day it didnt, exacerbating simmering tensions that resulted in Villas expulsion from the house in Northern Virginia where the 28-year-old had worked for three months. Villa, now 32, chuckles ruefully at the memory. Petite, with bright green eyes and a penchant for equally bright clothing, shes sitting in her tidy Alexandria, Va., apartment. Its sparely furnished but for a few mementos: a framed certificate from Georgetown University, a purple vase of fabric flowers. Since that incident in 2012, Villa has graduated from business school and, under her student visa, is learning about payroll, invoices and estimates at a painting company. By all measures, shes come a long way from the time she lost her job, her residence and, potentially, her visa status in one swoop. But the memory still stings. I felt awful, she recalls. Scared. I was thinking, Where will I stay? Maybe I have to go back to Colombia. Thousands of 18- to 26-year-old foreigners become au pairs annually under a 12-month State Department cultural-exchange program. In 2015, 17,588 au pairs worked in the United States, according to State Department data, with 3,062 of them in the District, Maryland and Virginia. (The top five participating states are New York, California, New Jersey, Virginia and Massachusetts.) Drawn by promises of American adventure, educational opportunity and the warm embrace of a host family, the au pairs provide up to 45 hours of child care a week in exchange for room, board and a weekly stipend of $195.75, about $10,000 a year. At 45 hours, that would work out to $4.35 an hour. The federal minimum wage is $7.25; many state minimum wages are higher. That stipend amounts to systematic wage theft, according to a 2014 lawsuit filed in Colorado on behalf of five au pairs against 15 sponsor agencies that then administered the program. The origin of the weekly compensation is a major element of the suit: The plaintiffs allege that the agencies set the stipend based on incorrectly interpreted federal regulations; the agencies respond that they set the stipend based on State Department guidelines. Twelve of the now 16 sponsor agencies failed to return calls or declined to answer questions for this article; of the four that responded, none commented on pending litigation or the setting of stipends. The State Department also declined to comment directly on pay issues, citing the pending legal action. The plaintiffs plan to seek class-action status for the suit, which had nine named plaintiffs as of press time and which they believe could cover as many as 50,000 current or former au pairs. In March, U.S. District Judge Christine Arguello affirmed the magistrate judges ruling that the case can go forward. Many au pairs have wonderful, formative experiences, seeing much of the States and building lifelong relationships. But others say they have been subjected to mistreatment by host families or agencies. One Arlington, Va., au pair who worked up to 75 hours a week, plus nights, caring for a colicky baby became the subject of American University law professor Janie Chuangs critique of the au pair program, published in the Harvard Journal of Law and Gender in 2013. Another local au pair, Edna Valenzuela, was featured in news accounts after her agency initially refused to extend her visa so she could receive free, potentially life-saving treatment following a cancer diagnosis despite the support of her host family, the fact that she could not receive the care at home and the assurances of the American doctor who was treating her that shed be able to continue working. (She is now cancer-free as a result of the treatment she was able to receive in the States.) Critics of the au pair program including current and former participants, advocates for migrant and domestic workers, private attorneys and legal scholars say au pairs are vulnerable to sexual harassment and assault, though few are willing to press charges and only a handful have gone to court. Two au pairs have wound up as victims of human trafficking, according to a 2012 decision on a federal human-trafficking case in Chicago. These are the people who care for our children, says Chuang. How much do they have to suffer for us to care about them? This story, however, focuses on experiences such as Andrea Villas, which illustrate the more common disputes involving wages, hours and clashing assumptions and the tenuous positions of au pairs who speak up about them. (Illustrations by Matt Rota) It is important to note that not all au pairs are responsible, loving caregivers. And there have been at least four court cases filed since the mid-1990s that allege that au pairs have physically or sexually abused the children in their care, in addition to the widely reported 1997 case against English au pair Louise Woodward, who was convicted of shaking her small charge to death. Yet the very nature of the au pair program, critics argue, makes it most susceptible to misuse by agencies and host parents. The agency, they are making money with our work, says Villa. But the families are their customers, so the agencies arent on our side if we have a problem. As the reporting for this story demonstrates, dozens of au pairs claim they have been mistreated. Its not clear how common their experiences are; language barriers and au pairs concerns about being sent home can make it difficult to quantify the problem. But what is clear is that the way the program is structured makes it tough for au pairs who believe they are being mistreated to find recourse. Part of the problem is categorization. The program, launched with a pilot in 1986 under the U.S. Information Agency, is officially classified as an exchange visitor program and is housed at the Department of State. Yet in practice, critics say, it functions more like a guest-worker program. Government agencies have questioned the setup almost since its inception. In 1987, an interagency panel of representatives from the State Department, Labor Department, Immigration and Naturalization Service and USIA determined that full-time child-care work programs did not qualify as cultural-exchange programs. The au pair agencies fought efforts to reclassify the program, however, and Congress declined to move it out of USIA or reduce its participants hours. The same debates have continued: As recently as 2012, the State Departments own Office of Inspector General questioned the appropriateness of allowing what are essentially work programs to masquerade as cultural exchange activities. Parents who think they are obtaining one of the most affordable childcare options available, especially if you have a gaggle of kids, in the words of one agency, GreatAuPair, are hiring au pairs being told by the same agency that they will have the opportunity to visit great cities, improve your English, and learn more about American culture. This can lead to clashing expectations and disputes. I wasnt a citizen ambassador. Andrea Villa The State Department declares the Exchange Visitor Program, under which the au pair program falls, first and foremost an educational and cultural exchange. The primary goal is to allow participants the opportunity to engage broadly with Americans and, if there is a work component, learn new skills or build skills that will help them in future careers. The 16 designated U.S. au pair agencies, most of them for-profit businesses, recruit, select and train au pairs, connect them with host families and oversee their visa status. Although the departments au pair program brochure concludes with a disclaimer Please Note: No guarantee of performance or competency is made by the designation of sponsor organizations it instructs au pairs who have concerns to turn first to their sponsoring agency. Critics such as Chuang say oversight of the program is inadequate. The approximately 100-employee Office of Private Sector Exchange is tasked with monitoring all 15 of the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Programs, which include more than 300,000 participants coming to the United States annually to work, study or teach. The State Department initiated a routine internal review of the au pair program in January 2014 and completed it a year later but has not released any results. Officials said they were unable to comment on the content or timing of any new rules. In the interim, the department has made changes to its oversight of the au pair program. The offices that monitor and sanction non-compliant agencies no longer rely on sponsor fees for their funding, which had presented a potential conflict of interest noted by the departments inspector general. The department also implemented a system of meet and greets, wherein au pairs meet with department staffers, without the presence of agency representatives, to discuss their experiences. It has conducted more than 90 such meetings so far this year. Andrea Villa laughs when she is read a State Department letter sent to new au pairs. [Y]ou are among many young adult exchange visitors serving as your countrys citizen ambassador in the United States. I wasnt a citizen ambassador, she says. What was she? I was a Cinderella. Villas first au pair experience involved a family she had stayed with in 2009 as an exchange student taking English at the International Center for Language Studies in Washington. The Clarks lived in Arlington, had twin girls she adored and were warm and genuinely interested in her life. When they asked her in 2011 to return as their au pair, she leaped at the chance. The Clarks turned to Au Pair International, based in Boulder, Colo., to handle the process; in Bogota, Villa says, she completed the process through Cultural Travel Colombia. Villa went through a barrage of tests and certifications: English-language interview, CPR- and first-aid certification, a psychological-assessment test, swimming test, even a pregnancy test. But the most startling requirement was the $1,600 fee that Villa says she was asked to pay to begin the application process more than twice the average monthly salary in Colombia. Villa emailed the Clarks, who were just as surprised. It didnt make sense to them that she should have to pay to get a job when they were already paying a U.S. agency thousands of dollars. Nevertheless, the Clarks told Villa they would cover the expense. I was so lucky, says Villa. All the other au pairs have to pay because they dont have someone to fight for them. The high cost of participating in the program can be a significant hurdle for prospective au pairs, who are required by agencies to pay for a range of incidentals, which may include processing fees, embassy-interview fees, visa-application fees and even airfare supplements. Some, such as Villa, also report paying overseas recruitment fees. Three of the top five sending countries are Brazil, Colombia and Mexico; recruitment fees there can place a large financial burden on economically vulnerable participants. Legislative efforts to do away with recruitment fees have run into opposition from the agencies, which have encouraged host families to join them in lobbying against bills that the agencies argue would increase costs. Using an au pair for child care is a good deal, especially in high-cost areas such as Washington. Factoring in agency fees of up to $8,500, the fixed au pair stipend and $500 toward the au pairs required course work at a post-secondary institution, families pay roughly $19,000 a year. Even considering the expense of supplying room and board, thats a considerable savings over the average cost for a full-time nanny in Washington, which, according to the New America think tank, is $33,366 the highest in the nation. In addition to unexpected recruitment fees, au pairs are often startled by the predominance work takes after they arrive. They do say you have to work 45 hours a week, help the family, says Caroline Nascimento da Silva, a Brazilian who worked as an au pair in Arlington. But they dont emphasize it. Au pairs also can experience difficulties obtaining the cultural and educational experiences theyve been promised. Families who live in the suburbs do not always make transportation available, for example, and the $500 host parents pay toward educational expenses doesnt stretch far beyond basic English-as-a-second-language classes in the Washington region. Villa says she felt awful when her dispute with a host family led to her losing her job and potentially having to leave the country. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post) When their year-long experience comes to a close, au pairs have the option to extend for up to 12 more months. Villa was eager to stay in the States to continue her course work, she says, but the Clarks no longer had enough hours for her. So, at the suggestion of Au Pair International, she put up a profile on Care.com, a website that connects caregivers and families, to find another match. When a new family got in touch, Villa was relieved. The husband, wife and two daughters, 4 and 6, also lived in Northern Virginia and seemed kind. Eager to nail down her visa, she did not wait to see if anyone else would contact her. The new family, who declined through an intermediary to be interviewed for this story, timed Villas arrival to coincide with the last week of their exiting au pair, Yuka Yamada, who is from Japan. Villa got her first inkling of trouble on Yamadas last day, when the childrens computer broke and, Yamada says, the host mother accused Yamada of allowing the children to do the damage, or doing it herself. They didnt ask me to pay, but I felt terrible to be accused of doing that, Yamada says via Skype from China, where shes now studying Chinese. I didnt touch the computer. Although she remains in touch with the family and characterizes her relationship with them as good, she regrets that fraught exit. It was my last day of my year there, and I cried that it was ending that way. Yamada says that she occasionally worked over the mandated maximum number of hours, for which she was paid, and that she willingly agreed to sometimes walk and feed the familys dog. Having been bitten by a dog as a child, Villa did not want to care for the large Saint Bernard, however, and the family acquiesced. She also balked at the extra hours. Her first hosts, the Clarks, suggested she ask for an additional $12 to $21 an hour for the overtime. Villa says the second host father agreed to $6, which disappointed her. The days with the second family could stretch to 12 hours, and those days into 60-hour weeks, Villa alleges. She says she would wake up at 6:30, feed the girls breakfast, drop the older girl off at school, bathe, care for and feed lunch to the younger one, pick up the older one at school, feed the girls snacks, and manage their activities and homework until their parents came home around 7 and made dinner. In between, she says, she would clean the kitchen and vacuum the whole house chores she believed went beyond the au pair responsibilities to do light housework related to the children. After her long workdays, Villa would collapse in her basement room. She had little energy to study, she says, and had the gnawing sense that the parents saw her less as a member of their family and more as someone who could be squeezed for more work. Villas state concerned her first host mother, Eva Clark. It just seemed they were really taking advantage of her, says Clark. I could see her getting very down, and Andreas a very upbeat, positive, super-helpful, super-friendly person. Interviews with au pairs suggest that working over the maximum is commonplace, even though agencies can in theory be sanctioned under State Department rules if they fail to ensure host families compliance with the 45-hour ceiling. It is also a potential violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which applies to au pairs and requires that employers keep time records of employees hours. Au pairs have an opportunity during monthly check-ins with local agency representatives to report any problems regarding hours or cultural or educational opportunities. But it can be difficult for the au pairs to speak up. According to interviews and the class-action lawsuit, they often feel isolated, reliant on host families for food and transportation (even to those monthly check-in meetings), and uncertain how and when to draw the line. Others have taken out loans for recruitment fees, making them even more reluctant to risk being sent home in debt if they anger their host families or agencies. Some worry that they will face long-term consequences if they come forward. When an agency marks an au pairs status as terminated (indicating a program violation instead of the routine completed designation), it could affect her ability to return to the States in the future, a fear that has kept au pairs from speaking out, according to Julia Beebe of domestic-workers rights group MataHari. The immigration lawyers and other advocates weve spoken with dont feel confident that a protesting au pair wont be deported, she says. We dont feel like we can offer them a guarantee that they can speak out publicly without fear of retaliation. Villa is learning bookkeeping at a painting company in Alexandria. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post) Three months into Villas stay with the second family, Sheepy went missing. The little girl, wailing, went upstairs to her mother. Her big sister followed. Not wanting to intrude, Villa says, she went to her room, where she began to receive texts from the girls mother, questioning her tactic with the stuffed toy and telling her it wasnt her job to help raise the girls. The next morning, Villa alleges, the girls father reprimanded her for going to her room rather than remaining upstairs to fold laundry or do other housework. Villa felt overworked, underappreciated and undermined in her authority to care for the girls. She called her agency, which contacted the host family, then called her back and told her shed have to leave by the end of the week. But when she got home, her host father told her to leave the next day. Although her local agency representative offered Villa a place to stay at her house, Villa declined. She stayed with friends while she scrambled to find a new family through the rematch process, a high-stakes undertaking in which she had to find a new job within a reasonable period (as stated in her contract) or fly home at her own expense. Permission to rematch is a matter of agency discretion, her contract says, as is agency assistance in finding a new family or temporary housing. Villa says that in her case, the local agency representative told her to put her profile back up on Care.com and did not offer any further assistance in finding a new family. Au Pair International, Villas agency, did not respond to multiple calls and requests for comment. I felt awful, she says now. Awful. Her former host mother was alarmed as well. Clark says she called Villas agency twice but received no response. She says she looked for a way to contact the State Department but couldnt find the proper channel. I thought, Who can I possibly call to get help? Theres got to be some sort of monitoring of this program that we can report them to or at least get them to look into the situation. And I couldnt find any help. Since that time, the State Department website for the program has added a hotline and an email address for reporting abuse. Au pair advocates would also like to see a central list of host families who have been accused of violating program rules and a system for collecting confidential feedback from all au pairs. In 2011, the Office of Private Sector Exchange, which oversees the au pair program, began to keep a record of complaints logging 237 so far, though spokesman Nathan Arnold says, Not every incident will be reported to the department. The complaints were mostly centered on expectation management, involving issues such as hours and pay, according to Deputy Assistant Secretary Keri Lowry, who declined to speak on specifics. Records from the class-action lawsuit and incidents that resulted in official complaints to the State Department reveal a wide range of allegations. One au pair said she was told to cook for the family while not being allowed to eat with them. Another said she was barred from eating the familys food and left behind to care for the children while the parents went away for days. Another said she was exposed to racist jokes, and another said she was forced to start work at 4 a.m. MataHaris Beebe says her organization has received 35 complaints since August 2015 for issues that include working far over the maximum 45 hours a week and sexual harassment. Villa did find a rematch, via an au pair friend who was heading home and recommended Villa to take her place. Her next family was gracious and inviting, and Villa felt so blessed to be moving into that house. It was like coming back to life. She took care of one 7-year-old boy and had time to study in between her work hours. But even today, visiting the old neighborhood can leave her shaken. In November 2014, Colorado nonprofit Towards Justice filed suit against the au pair agencies after Colombian au pair Johana Paola Beltran told them she had paid $2,500 in recruitment fees and had been asked to cook her host familys dinner every night and feed their eight chickens, but had not been allowed to eat with the family. Her lawyers, unfamiliar with the au pair program, were shocked at her paltry stipend. How and why is that happening in a functional capitalist society? asked Nina DiSalvo, Towards Justice executive director. In 2015, Boies, Schiller & Flexner came on as co-counsel for the suit. The plaintiffs allege that the agencies violated anti-trust laws by colluding to set au pair wages; misled families and au pairs into thinking that the stipend was set by the State Department rather than the agencies themselves; and fixed the wage to a sum that violates federal, state and local minimum wage laws. It seeks damages including back pay for its potential class of 50,000 current and former au pairs. Sometimes I think America has a double face. ... Andrea Villa Meanwhile, MataHari has been actively working to organize nannies and au pairs since 2015. Once [au pairs] start understanding the program, they start wondering why theyre getting paid so minimally, says Beebe. Theyre meeting other ladies nannies in the park getting paid four times as much with fewer kids, and then they become very interested in learning their rights. Advocates have called for moving oversight of the au pair program to the Department of Labor, or for reducing the number of required work hours to 30. When asked about moving the program under Labor, State Department spokesman Arnold responds that State believes it belongs under cultural exchange. Our discussions with au pairs indicate that they are motivated to come to the United States mainly in order to practice their English, learn about the country through living with a host family for a year, and through travel, he says. Sometimes I think America has a double face, especially the immigration system, Villa says, reflecting on her experience. They say this program is for you to come and learn English and travel while you take care of kids. But ... no one will make sure you have a good family and a good schedule. The au pair doesnt have protections. Villa, who is considering joining the class-action lawsuit, is thinking through her own solutions. Maybe this is crazy, but I think about opening an au pair agency, she says. Instead of paying the agency $6,000, the family pays $3,000. And then pays $3,000 for the au pairs education. The au pairs work 30 hours a week and are paid more. I dont know if it is possible, but it would be good. Noy Thrupkaew is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles. Editors note: For this story, reported in cooperation with the Investigative Fund at the Nation Institute, writer Noy Thrupkaew drew on thousands of pages of legal documents and court transcripts, news articles, academic studies, a survey of 150 former and current au pairs, and interviews with au pairs, host families, workers rights advocates, government officials and au pair agency staff. To learn more about the experience of au pairs, tune in to Reveal, an investigative public radio program and podcast from the Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX. You can find this episode at revealnews.org/podcast starting Nov. 5. E-mail us at wpmagazine@washpost.com. For more articles, as well as features such as Date Lab, Gene Weingarten and more, visit The Washington Post Magazine. Follow the Magazine on Twitter. Like us on Facebook. RACINE A Racine man has been charged after reportedly shooting a female who was found outside in the 1200 block of Marquette Street last week. Keeon X. Trice, 21, of the 1800 block of Chatham Street, was playing with a gun in a bedroom in the 1200 block of Marquette Street when it discharged and hit the female, according to the criminal complaint. The victim was found initially outside of the residence on the sidewalk, where Trice and two others told police that the victim was shot by someone in a car that fled the area at a high speed at about 5:18 p.m. on Oct. 27. First responders reportedly took the victim to Ascension All Saints Hospital, then she was transferred to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa via Flight for Life helicopter due to injuries from a gunshot wound. The bullet traveled through the victims right bicep, went into her side and became lodged near her spine, the complaint said. Investigators reportedly found inconsistencies in the reports Trice and others provided. Review of surveillance video from the area did not reveal the car the witnesses had reported and the direction the bullet traveled in the victims body did not match the angle of a bullet fired from the direction a car would have traveled, according to the complaint. When investigators searched the home of one of the witnesses that knew the victim in the 1200 block of Marquette Street, blood was allegedly found on the carpet in a bedroom along with carpet cleaner. A casing also was reportedly found in the room. According to the complaint, when investigators interviewed witnesses again, they told police they had fabricated the original story. Witnesses then reportedly told police that Trice and the female were hanging out in the bedroom when the gun went off and they decided to make up a story. Following the shooting, the victim reportedly was able to talk to police and said it was an accident. Trice is charged with a felony count of first-degree reckless endangerment with use of a dangerous weapon. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 9 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave. Trice remained in custody as of Wednesday at the Racine County Jail, online records showed. He has previously been convicted of bail jumping, disorderly conduct and receiving stolen property. Ben Graves, 31, an economist, and Grace Richardson, 31, a sustainability coordinator at a wastewater treatment plant. (Photo courtesy of daters) Interviews by Timothy R. Smith Ben Graves, 31, is an economist who loves to travel to unknown spots on the map. He described his dream date as someone who bikes everywhere, composts, enjoys wine, beer and books, is ready to move to South America or Europe. Grace Richardson, 31, a sustainability coordinator at a wastewater treatment plant, also loves to travel. Her dream date is someone who loves to cook for me, to go on long bike rides, tells great pun jokes, and shares his feelings with me. We sent them to Convivial in the District to see if they might make travel plans together. Ben: I went straight to the restaurant from work. She was wearing a dress, and the first thing I remember thinking was she had cool glasses. Grace: My first impression was: Oh yeah, hes cute. I dont know if hed just come from the office, but he was dressed smartly. Ben: We ordered a leek Dijonnaise, veal tartare and a quail dish. We had three glasses of wine each. We talked about traveling. She had this really exciting-sounding trip to East Africa, and she spent a week in Djibouti, which I found fascinating. Grace: I went to visit a friend whos doing Peace Corps work in Ethiopia. I looked at a Lonely Planet guide and Djibouti sounded great. Ben: It sounds like its a bizarre place. We talked about the food there and peoples confusion as to why she and her friends were even there. Grace: We both like to visit obscure places. Ben: I sometimes make capricious travel choices. One time I drove about five hours out of my way in New England to visit a bakery on the Canadian-New Hampshire border because I heard the owner was about to be deported. Grace: He had worked on a couple of farms before in Vermont, and also a coffee farm in Colombia. Ive never farmed before, but its another thing Im drawn to. Its got a romantic feel for me. A self-sufficient sort of feel. Ben: I lived in Colombia in 2010 for half a year, backpacked around and worked on coffee farms. She asked me if we could go anywhere tomorrow, where would we go? I cant remember our responses. But I have a tremendous desire to go to Paraguay. She had actually been there. Grace: I spent a day there, across the border from Brazil. My Brazilian friends wanted to go to buy Nikes and electronics. Ben: My favorite part of the conversation was the long period discussing books. We had a lot of common interest in literature. Grace: We both like [Kurt] Vonnegut and Tom Robbins and Barbara Kingsolver. Ben: I once took a Greyhound from Vermont to Indiana. Its about a 36-hour trip. Thankfully I had a really good book with me, which is the only book Ive ever read cover to cover in one sitting, and that book was The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver. It turns out that is Graces favorite book. Grace: I love that book. And hed read it. I dont know many people whove read it. Another check in the pro-side for Ben. Ben: When we left the restaurant it seemed like we were closing it down. Grace: We decided to go to construction sites. There were no obvious barriers to entry. It was probably not somewhere for people to visit late at night. We snapped some pictures in secret. Ben: It was a really nice evening. We swapped phone numbers and weve texted some since. Rate the date Grace: 4 [out of 5]: I thought it went really well. Id definitely love to see him again. Ben: 4. Anyone who had been to Djibouti is at least a 4 in my book. I liked that she was very adventurous and very intelligent. Update Grace and Ben met again for dinner and have plans to go to Woolly Mammoth Theatre. Grace: Hes just so easy to talk to, and we have a lot in common. Weve been texting and sharing music and book recommendations. Im quite smitten. Ben: I think its entirely possible well elope to Central Asia. This week, we revisit the enthusiastically debated Oct. 2 column about food allergies in the workplace. To recap: After a peanut-allergic letter writer (LW) asked a colleague to stop bringing peanut butter sandwiches to work, someone deliberately smeared peanut butter on the LWs desk, causing an allergic reaction. The boss dismissed the LWs complaint and said the LW shouldnt be able to dictate what co-workers eat. Many commenters argued that employees with severe food allergies are exclusively responsible for protecting themselves at work. The Americans With Disabilities Act, however, says otherwise. Since 2008, the ADA says any mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as an allergy severe enough to cut off ones oxygen supply qualifies as a disability requiring reasonable accommodation. Any employee with such an impairment must be granted accommodations that dont create an excessive burden on the business or co-workers. Reasonable minds can differ on what that accommodation looks like peanut-free eating spaces, flexible scheduling for the at-risk worker, memos about minimizing others exposure to allergens and management should consider all affected parties needs. But one would hope that most measures would seem a small inconvenience compared with risking another persons health or life. PRO TIP: For more information about food allergies, visit the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Also, the Job Accommodation Network offers helpful suggestions for making the workplace safe for employees with food allergies. Other commenters said the LW should call the cops and press charges. That was my first impulse, too. But Justin Dillon of criminal defense and civil litigation firm Kaiser Dillon whose own child had a severe peanut allergy convinced me that that approach would be unlikely to be effective. He agreed that deliberately exposing someone to a potentially deadly allergen probably qualifies for assault charges, but he added that most police departments or prosecutors would lack the resources to get involved in a case involving anything short of serious injury. Also, bringing law enforcement and lawyers into a workplace dispute should be your last resort if youre not ready to quit. Thats why my legal sources generally recommend starting by educating management with a doctors note and requesting specific accommodations all while laying a thick paper/email trail, in case legal action becomes necessary. Still other commenters said the LW should have informed management of the allergy from Day One. I cant fault anyone who wants to keep a medical condition discreet, but I agree that getting support from higher-ups could have smoothed the way with skeptical co-workers. Then again, Im not sure anyone could have predicted this level of malicious sabotage. Speaking of which, this tale has a conclusion: The LW has informed me that the peanut butter-smearing perpetrator was revealed to be not the sandwich eater, but another colleague with a grudge against the LW. After hearing the LW mention contacting the police, the assailant confessed and was fired on the spot. Thanks to Declan Leonard, Berenzweig Leonard. Judge Charles Burton, chairman of the Palm Beach County canvassing board, center, holds up the last ballot the board was able to consider in the manual recount of ballots as Democratic lawyer Mark White, left, and Republican lawyer John Bolton watch at the Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center on Nov. 26, 2000, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press) (The Washington Post front page the day after the 2000 presidential election.) Nov. 8, 2000The extraordinary battle for the White House continued today, with a full recount coming in Florida to determine whether Texas Gov. George W. Bush or Vice President Gore becomes the next president. So began The Washington Posts front-page account of what became a 35-day-longsaga that delivered what this years Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, promised at his final debate against Democrat Hillary Clinton: suspense. The following day, The Posts David Von Drehle described Gore and Bushs bizarre conversation in the hours after the election was initially called for Bush, and Gore conceded. Circumstances have changed dramatically since I first called you, Gore told Bush. ... The state of Florida is too close to call.... Are you saying what I think youre saying? Bush asked. ... Youre calling back to retract that concession? Dont get snippy about it! Gore spat back. On Dec. 12, a 5-4 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court secured victory for Bush, marking the first time in 112 years that a candidate won the presidency without winning the popular vote. Airlines charge more than ever for unsupervised minors to fly but passengers dont necessarily get more for their money. (romrodinka/Getty Images/iStockphoto) Its a story that Carrie Calzarettas 14-year-old son, Tyler, will probably tell his kids someday. This summer, the Calzarettas paid American Airlines an extra $300 for their son to fly round-trip as an unaccompanied minor in order to join a 10-day educational tour of Belize. When thunderstorms delayed his flight from Miami to Newark, the airline offered to re-book him for the next morning but not to provide a hotel room for the night. According to Calzaretta, the airline had subcontracted its escort duties to another company and the two parties couldnt agree on what to do about Tyler. Each blamed the other, says Calzaretta, a writer who lives in Brielle, N.J. Ultimately, they threw him on a last-minute, late-night flight to avoid him having to sleep on the floor of the airport. We had to pick him up in the wee hours and in a total panic. American says that Tyler Calzarettas flight was delayed three hours, but he flew to Newark on the same flight hed been booked on. American cares deeply about our young passengers and is committed to providing a safe and pleasant travel experience for them, says Ross Feinstein, an airline spokesman. [New DOT initiatives target airlines baggage fees and price transparency. Are they enough?] Calzaretta remembers it differently. It was horrific, she says. The same word could be used to describe several recent high-profile incidents involving unaccompanied minors. An Oregon man was charged with sexual assault in June after a flight attendant said she saw him abusing a 13-year-old girl flying alone from Dallas to Portland, Ore., on American Airlines. In September, JetBlue Airways reportedly confused two 5-year-olds traveling from the Dominican Republic. As a result, a boy who was supposed to go to New York City ended up in Boston, and a boy traveling to Boston was sent to New York City. The airline industry says it is taking incidents like these seriously. The safety and well-being of all our passengers especially children is and will remain our highest priority, says Jean Medina, a spokeswoman for Airlines for America, an industry group. Airline employees rely on their extensive customer service training to ensure that children traveling alone are well cared for and have the best possible flight experience. Airlines charge more than ever for unsupervised minors to fly but passengers dont necessarily get more for their money. As a result, parents are taking matters into their own hands, says Rachel Charlupski, founder of the Miami-based Babysitting Company. Instead of paying a high unaccompanied minor fee, parents simply pay for a companion. The math often makes sense. A companion can be hired for between $25 and $35 an hour, plus expenses. Most airlines charge $150 each way for the service, but without the same level of supervision. Charlupski, whose company provides babysitters, pet sitters and travel companions, says that demand for these personalized escort services has more than quadrupled in the past year, due to recent security issues. Some airlines are trying to allay parents fears. Last fall, Air New Zealand began issuing airbands to unaccompanied minors. The wristbands are embedded with microchips and scanned, according to its literature, at key stages of the journey, triggering text notifications to up to five people. They cost $12 per child on domestic flights and $35 per child for each one-way international flight. [10 tips for travel bliss with kids from a dad who spent 300 days on the road with his] On U.S. carriers, however, the most noticeable change has been the increase in unaccompanied minor fees and restrictions. In 2014, American Airlines increased the minimum age for kids to fly unescorted from 11 to 14. Late last year, United Airlines began requiring all unaccompanied minors between the ages of 5 and 15 to use the airlines $150-per-flight escort program. United previously required kids 11 and younger to use the program. Its a sharp contrast to the way unaccompanied minors used to fly. And I should know. I was an unaccompanied minor flying from Los Angeles to Vienna via New York City in 1982 with my 12-year-old brother, Jeff. Eastern Airlines didnt charge us extra for being unaccompanied minors (my parents would have complained loudly if they had) and neither of us were tagged with wristbands. Our stopover in New York became a layover when we missed the connection to our transatlantic flight. A kind airline agent arranged for an overnight hotel stay and made sure we boarded the flight for Vienna the next day. Like Tyler, Ill never forget that experience. Unlike Tyler, the experience made me a fan of the airline until it stopped flying. (And yes, my kids have heard the story a time or two.) Traveling as an unaccompanied minor is different, and in some ways perhaps more difficult, today. As the father of three children young enough to travel as unaccompanied minors, I refuse to put them on a plane alone. Why pay an extra $900, only to risk having them get lost or harassed by another passenger? If they had to fly alone, I would consider hiring a paid companion for them. So what to do? Guide your children through the process, particularly if they never have been on an airplane. Laura Einsetler, a commercial airline pilot, says parents should absolutely insist on walking their child to the gate and waiting until the flight departs. Airlines issue gate passes for people accompanying minors to their gates. Always stay until you know the flight has departed, she adds. Situations arise with weather or mechanical problems, and you do not want your child involved in any lengthy delay without you. [Tips for flying with young kids] Get to the gate at least an hour before the flight is scheduled to leave, advises Steffanie Rivers, a flight attendant for American Airlines. This will allow time for the unaccompanied minor to board first, meet the flight crew and feel comfortable about the process. Last-minute running through security and the airport and boarding last causes unnecessary stress for children who already are intimidated. Of course, selecting the right airline can also help if you have a choice. David Forgues, a university administrator from Brea, Calif., recently sent his 10-year-old daughter, Anwei, from Reno, Nev., to Orange County, Calif., says she had a very smooth experience and Alaska Airlines employees were friendly, attentive and explained the process clearly. The flight attendants always made sure I was okay and comfortable, she told me in an email. Best of all, Alaska charged only $25 for the service $125 less than the going rate. Elliott is a consumer advocate, journalist and co-founder of the advocacy group Travelers United. Email him at chris@elliott.org. A guide at the Vermont Teddy Bear Company in Shelburne takes guests on a tour of the factory, where 100,000 stuffed animals are constructed each year. (Courtesy of Vermont Teddy Bear Company) My sister carried a dark secret into the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. A few months before our weekend excursion to the Burlington area, my brother-in-law had thrown out my 8-year-old nieces Vermont bear, a baby gift from a friend. The back seam had split, cause for expulsion from the Republic of Stuffed Animals. But the teddy bear factory is no place for regret. Kate felt no remorse for her former friend as she raced into the Bear Shop and into the arms of a six-foot-tall teddy as squishy as a bean bag. Her eyes bugged out as she surveyed the land teddy bears everywhere. They hung from the ceiling and covered multitiered tables. They sat on shelves and sprawled on the floor like guests after a Thanksgiving feast. Kate was speechless, but still could move her limbs, so we set off to replace the bear that no longer had a standing reservation at her tea party. Vermont prides itself on its homegrown industry: Ben and Jerrys, Cabot Creamery, Magic Hat Brewing Company, Bernie Sanders. Vermont Teddy Bear Company fits the profile of local businesses that, despite national success, continue to radiate a down-to-earth charm. The countrys largest teddy-bear manufacturer, which produces 100,000 bears a year, operates out of a facility in Shelburne, not far from its original site, a pushcart on Church Street in Burlington. Driving south from the college town, we spotted our first bear from the road, an oversized teddy built out of hay bales. (The state banned billboards in the late 1960s, but mammoth-sized mammals are still permitted.) From the parking lot, we followed paw prints to the main building, a long structure with barn-red accents and a silo as colorful as a lollipop tree. Furless faces appeared in wooden cutouts of bride and groom bears. The company leads tours from four to 11 times a day, depending on the season. Little visitors can hold the bears, or buy their very own in the gift shop. The boy in the striped shirt wears a button bear, a free gift to tour-goers. (Courtesy of Vermont Teddy Bear Company) During the week, guests can watch the bear-building process from a few feet away. On weekends, the excursion is similar but quieter: The sewing machines are silent. We arrived early for our 1 p.m. slot and decided to reverse the customary flow of tour to gift shop to car. Our clan of six dispersed. Kate and I started in the main retail space, a career counselors office come to life. We looked at bears dressed in scrubs, train engineer overalls, painters smocks and superhero capes. We studied bispecies bears bear-moose, bear-frog, bear-Holstein cow and wished namaste to yogi bears (the enlightened kind, not Boo Boos pal). The 2016 presidential candidates were also represented pantsuit and pearls for her, comb-over and wad of cash for him. Bernie had sold out. We ended up choosing three Little Hero bears that were not part of the classic line. And though they did not have the signature movable parts, they did have heart: With each purchase, the company donates a bear to a first responder. For kids who demand more creative control, VTBC offers Make a Friend for Life (stuff and sew, with help from a Bear Crew member) and Make a BFF (choose individual parts and snap into place). At a worktable, an employee was helping a young girl close up her pink-legged bear. She cut the umbearical cord and called out the time of birth, which the new momma bear noted on a birth certificate. The document also has space for the cubs name, and I asked the staffer which ones are most popular. She told me Teddy, Moose and Monty; Robin Metzger, the store manager, later shared one of her favorites, Vermontica. After a quick consultation, Kate decided on Maple, and my nephew chose Cheddar. There were no bites for Ben and Jerry or Bernie and Sanders. A few minutes before tour time, Barb, our guide, began to herd our pack into the factory. She hopped onto a podium and started from the beginning. In 1980, Vermont resident John Sortino was dismayed to discover that all of his childrens stuffed animals were made abroad, including the most American of toys. (See Teddy Roosevelt, 1902 hunting trip.) He stitched together a bear called Bearcho, an ursine ode to Groucho Marx. Barb held up the silly bear show-and-tell-style. He later added movable body parts and named the bear Buddy. Barb demonstrated the 360-degree head turn and swinging-arm move. During his first year, Sortino sold 200 bears from the outdoor market. He opened a factory in 1985, followed a decade later by the facility we were standing inside. (The founder no longer owns the company.) The bears are assembled in Vermont and most of the materials come from America. (Some of the fur originates overseas, but the company plans to shift to a U.S. manufacturer for all fur.) To verify the provenance, each eye contains the phrase Born in Vermont. The tush tags also proclaim the birthplace, month and year. To show off the different fur colors, Barb tossed some bears to the younger members of the crowd. But dont get attached, kiddies. She collected the animals despite the wishful thinking of Kates mom before leading us to the Cutting Station. Holding what looked like a faux animal pelt, she explained how the bear is made up of 20 parts and 14 layers of fur. She told us that, to minimize waste, they make small button bears for visitors with the scraps. She circulated a few baskets and told us to your wish is coming true, Sister Bear pick out a bear. As instructed, I pushed the tour button fastened to my jacket through the slot in the mini-bears face, creating a cyclops bear. Once the crowd settled down, we took a few steps to the left and entered the Sewing Station, where the parts are stitched inside-out to hide the seams. A few inches over, we crossed into the Stuffing Station. Here, a machine shoots the recycled bottle filling into the bear at 100 mph. At the Outfit Station, we learned that the company can customize outfits. Barb pointed to one example, a bride bear wearing a replica of the actual wedding gown worn by a customer. The company, south of Burlington, offers year-round tours of its facility. (Courtesy of Vermont Teddy Bear Company) My sisters dark secret started to wiggle free at our final stop, the Bear Hospital. Surrounded by ailing and injured bears, Barb shared the companys lifetime guarantee policy. They will repair or replace any bear, at any time, as long as the tush tag is identifiable. Barb trotted out a selection of tragic cases. Burned when used as pot holder. Chewed up by a dog. Melted in the dryer. Run over by a lawn mower. While my sister mumbled, If I had only known to herself, I approached Barb and described the sad tale of Kates bear. She advised us to call the company on Monday. They can look up the ordering information, she said, and ship off a new bear. My sisters mood lightened as the weight of her guilt lifted. But Kate couldnt wait. On the way out, she repeated the story to an employee at the front counter, who appeared equally distressed by the bears unnecessary demise. She leaned into Kate and told her to go pick out a new friend. Kate knew exactly where to go to find a bear with a happier ending. More from Travel: Around the world in 20 days: How to visit seven countries in one 21,623-mile adventure This isnt Darwins Galapagos: The wildlife-rich islands are more tourist-friendly than you think Still finding kicks on Route 66 If the District and Arlington were to decide to build a gondola to connect Georgetown to Rosslyn, it would be both a feasible and legal endeavor, according to a study released Thursday. Leaders in both jurisdictions have floated the idea of building a cable-propelled transit system over the Potomac River to ease traffic on the Key Bridge and allow people to travel more quickly between Washington and Virginia. The proposed transit system still faces questions and hurdles, but the two local governments, Georgetown University and other entities pooled about $200,000 to conduct a feasibility study exploring how a gondola would operate, who would use it and whether it would comply with federal aviation laws. The Georgetown Business Improvement District, which has spearheaded the efforts, contributed $75,000 to the study. ZGF Architects conducted the study. A committee of representatives from the District Department of Transportation, Arlington County and other agencies oversaw it. This image from the report shows what the proposed gondola system might look like across the Potomac River. (Gondola study report) The study determined that a gondola would have no fatal flaws. It also projected that the gondola would serve at least 6,500 passengers a day and could improve transit options for at least some commuters. When youre not immersed in this technology, a gondola can sound sort of fanciful and not like a real technological possibility, said Mary-Claire Burick, president of the Rosslyn Business Improvement District. But it really does bear consideration. Its not just a fanciful idea. It has the potential to be a model. The gondola was formally pitched in the Georgetown 2028 plan, a 15-year strategic plan released in 2014. Georgetown, while a dense and popular neighborhood, isnt served by a Metro station. It was once the citys go-to place for high-end food and entertainment, but now faces competition from neighborhoods like Shaw and the 14th Street NW corridor. The Georgetown BID sees more transit options as a way for the neighborhood to compete. Any Metro station in Georgetown probably wouldnt happen until about 2040, according to Metro officials. [Metro planners consider building inner loop of new stations to alleviate congestion.] Proponents of the gondola argue that it is far cheaper and quicker to build than a Metro station. According to the study, a gondola system would cost between $80 million to $90 million to construct, with annual operating costs of about $3.25 million. These calculations were based on the costs of other urban gondola systems, like those in Portland, Ore., and New Yorks Roosevelt Island. The Francis Scott Key Bridge is shown in this view from the Holiday Inn Hotel in Rosslyn. (Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post) By comparison, it cost $103.7 million to build the NoMa infill Metro station, which opened in 2004. We face a lot of competition, and we think transit can help, said Joe Sternlieb, president of the Georgetown BID. On the D.C. side, the study proposes a gondola station around the 3600 block of Prospect Street NW, between M and N streets. It would likely be no higher than 150 feet above the Potomac River, allowing clearance for helicopter and airplane traffic. In Virginia, it would take passengers to the Rosslyn Metro station. The line would have about 24 cabins that each would hold about 12 people. The gondola cabins would travel in an oval and would pick up passengers every 20 seconds to a minute, Sternlieb said. [D.C. has taken a step to link Georgetown and Rosslyn via overhead gondola] The feasibility study estimates that it would take passengers about four minutes to cross the Potomac River on the gondola. The pricing hasnt been determined, but fares would likely align with other regional transit options. Burick and Sternlieb said they want it to serve residents and workers, but also think it would draw tourists to the neighborhoods hotels and restaurants. Just think of it as a Georgetown Metro station, Sternlieb said. Were planning this for the people who live and work here, so if we plan this well, tourists will want to use it as well. The study is one of the first steps in determining whether the project will move forward. If city and Arlington County leaders decide to proceed, they would need to decide which government agencies would oversee it. The project would also need approval from several government agencies. Libby Garvey, chair of the Arlington County Board, said county staff would review the results of the study. We wouldnt have funded the study if we werent willing to consider it, she said. Its just preliminary, but are we willing to consider it? Absolutely. But have we made a decision? Absolutely not. The gondola project would also require an environmental impact study. The entire approval process will probably take three or four years, and construction could take another two years. Whether or not we do this, I think you are going to see a proliferation of urban gondola transit in America over the next 20 years out of necessity, Sternlieb said. Correction: A previous version of this story indicated that the Georgetown Business Improvement District contributed $90,000 to fund the feasibility study. It contributed $75,000 to the study. Robert E. Lee High School Principal Mark Rowicki dresses as Donald Trump and school secretary Stephanie Corbett as Hillary Clinton in an orange jumpsuit. The photo was briefly on the school's website with other Halloween photos. (David Fritz/The (Staunton, Va.) News Leader via USA Today) Principal Mark Rowicki greeted his students at Robert E. Lee High School in Staunton, Va., on Monday dressed as Donald Trump, a get-up that included a Trump campaign button pinned to his lapel and a Make America Great Again hat. The school secretary also got in the spirit that day, donning a short blond wig, a chain belt and an orange jumpsuit not unlike one worn by prisoners with a Hillary R. Clinton name tag. Their Halloween costumes have spurred criticism from some parents and school leaders. Some have accused the pair of pushing a political agenda on impressionable teenagers and bringing the ugliness generated by the presidential campaign into the school building. Neither Rowicki nor the secretary, Stephanie Corbett, could be reached to comment Wednesday. Pictures of the pair in their costumes had appeared in a photo gallery on the schools home page but were later taken down at the superintendents direction. The News Leader newspaper in Staunton first reported the story. It is the latest example of the deeply polarizing presidential campaign cycle pushing its way into schools. Some teachers have avoided talking about the election altogether because it rouses too much anxiety and conflict among their students. Across the country, some students have repurposed campaign rhetoric to bully their classmates, targeting minority and immigrant students in particular. [The Trump Effect: Report says 2016 campaign is causing an alarming level of fear and anxiety for children of color] Superintendent Linda G. Reviea said the school system is handling the situation as a personnel matter. It is a long-standing tradition of Staunton City Schools and of many school divisions across the United States to allow students and staff to engage in festive activities and dress in costume for Halloween, Reviea said in a statement. That said, the particular costumes worn by two employees at R.E. Lee High School were in poor judgment, especially so given the current political climate and the extraordinarily strong sentiments for the 2016 presidential candidates. Many parents were angry with the pair for injecting politics into the school building, worried that the principals Trump costume could make some students deeply uncomfortable. What about the students whose parents arent voting for Trump? What about Hispanic, Middle Eastern, LGBT and, you know, FEMALE students? What message are you sending to any of them when their high school principal dresses up like a man who wants to deport them, says things like shes a nasty woman, wrote one Facebook user whose children attend nearby schools. Makeba Robinson, whose son attends A.R. Ware Elementary School in Staunton, is part of a group campaigning to change the name of the high school, one of several named for Confederate generals in the state. She learned the principal had dressed as Trump from a Snapchat photo and was furious. Robinson, who is African American, said the principals decision to dress as Trump, a candidate whose rhetoric has been criticized as racist and Islamophobic, might contribute to the impression that certain groups of students are unwelcome at the high school. This is a school where everyone should feel welcome, Robinson said. Anything that promotes or encourages divisiveness is not what we need. According to the school divisions policy, school employees are barred from supporting or opposing a candidate or political party while on the job. If they do engage in political activities, they are required to make clear that they are not representing the school system. The rules are intended to minimize distractions from instruction, to assure that no public funds are used to support any candidate for public office, and to assure that the public is not given the false impression that the school division supports or opposes any political candidate or party. School board member Laura Kleiner said she learned about the incident when a local newspaper reporter called her for comment. After viewing the photograph on Lees website, she said she called the school system and asked for the photo to be taken down. I appreciate all of the traditions that we have at our high school. Students and staff dress up for Halloween, and I love that they can be lighthearted and enjoy holidays. But I think that better judgment could have been used, Kleiner said. It was supposed to be taken as a joke . . . but it also could offend others, Kleiner said. I think its just important to remember in this political climate to stay more neutral and make decisions that wouldnt be taken in a way that would offend someone. Shyanne Shifflett, 18, a senior at the high school, said she laughed off the costumes as a joke. Her principal is known for being a bit self-deprecating, a quality that endears him to students, and she did not take offense at his costume. Shifflett, who is voting for Clinton, said she even laughed at the secretarys costume an apparent nod to calls to jail the Democratic presidential nominee though she acknowledged it went a little too far. There are people who are saying that they are using the school to push their political agendas, but I just think it was supposed to be funny, Shifflett said. She said many of her classmates share her view that the costumes were just a joke. I just dont think it was really harmful to anyone at all. In this photo from December 2015, students put together a puzzle of the solar system during science class at Nysmith School for the Gifted in Herndon, Va. (Lexey Swall/For The Washington Post) Students in Virginia recorded some of the highest scores on a national science exam this year, part of an upward trend that some experts say is an indication that science instruction is improving. The tests administered by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the Nations Report Card are the only measure that offers a snapshot of how students in all states perform in math, reading and other academic subjects. In every state, a representative sample of students take the exam, allowing states to gauge how well their students are performing against peers nationally. [U.S. fourth- and eighth-graders show gains on national science test] Virginias fourth graders posted the second-highest average scores in the country, bested only by New Hampshire by an insignificant margin, maintaining a high ranking as the commonwealth adopts a new science curriculum. Virginias average score for fourth graders rose three points between 2009 and 2015, from 162 to 165, according to scores released last week; eighth graders earned an average score of 160 in 2015, four points higher than eighth graders earned in 2009. Officials in Virginia said the results signal that they are moving in the right direction with a new curriculum that emphasizes teaching science through investigation. Rather than teaching the scientific method as a separate unit, for example, students learn science content by applying it. Many other states are adopting a similar approach with a set of curriculums developed in 2013, known as Next Generation Science Standards. Many states are moving in the direction that Virginia has been going in the past several years, and that is a real strong focus on scientific investigations, skills and practices in concert with the content thats being taught, said Eric Rhoades, director of Virginias Office of Science and Health Education. The results for states that adopted the Next Generation Science Standards were mixed on the exams, but David L. Evans, the executive director of the National Science Teachers Association, said its far too soon to tell whether the curriculum is working. It would kind of be early to see results on a test like that, Evans said. Carol Williamson, the chief academic officer in neighboring Maryland, said the states adoption of the standards might have actually hurt students test performance, since the NAEP exam is not aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. Though Marylands scores improved, the state remains roughly in line with the national average. Education officials in Maryland said the states results show an improvement from 2009 to 2015, ticking up from 150 to 153 in grade 4 and from 149 to 155 in grade 8. They are at the national average in grade 4 and better than national average in grade 8. State officials have said they are pleased the scores are up. Maryland is focused entirely on preparing our students for their next step college or career, said Maryland State Department of Education spokesman Bill Reinhard. NAEP is a worthwhile data point, but one of many. Evans said the overall national rise in test scores is heartening. Many worried that No Child Left Behind and its emphasis on math and reading crowded out science instruction, particularly in younger grades. Evans said the rising test scores might be a sign that science instruction is making a resurgence. In the last couple of decades, theres been a decline in support for teaching science, especially in the lower grades, Evans said. I think thats going to change now. Though NAEP aims to allow comparisons across states, experts say it is difficult to draw conclusions about what propels a state to the front of the pack when so many factors can influence performance. Matthew Chingos, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute, said that people need to take into account a states demographic mix when judging its performance. Maryland, for example, has a higher percentage of students in poverty than Virginia. While its performance lags behind Virginia for overall scores, the gap narrows when comparing poor black and Hispanic fourth graders. The scores say something about the package of stuff in Virginia that seems to be producing better outcomes than the package of stuff in Maryland, Chingos said. The problem is we cant disentangle that package of stuff. THE DISTRICT Man is shot andkilled in Anacostia A man was found fatally shot in an alley behind a row of houses in Anacostia, according to D.C. police. The shooting occurred about 11:20 p.m. Wednesday in the 1600 block of T Street SE, near Good Hope Road and Minnesota Avenue. Police said the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity was not made public pending notification of relatives. The shooting occurred near the corner of 16th and T streets, not far from where a teenager was shot and killed on the afternoon of Sept. 1 in the 1900 block of 16th Street SE. That victim was identified as Kevin Anthony Jackson II, 17. Authorities investigating Wednesdays killing said it is too early to know if there was any link to the shooting of Jackson in September. Dana Hedgpeth and Peter Hermann Ofcer shoots himself fending off raccoon A U.S. Park Police officer accidentally shot himself in the foot Thursday while fending off a raccoon attack in Rock Creek Park, authorities said. At about noon, the officer was attacked by the raccoon on Horse Stable Lane in Northwest Washington, the Park Police said, and shot himself while fighting the animal. The officer was taken to a hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening. The raccoon was killed by another officer. Justin Wm. Moyer MARYLAND Hogan lls vacancy on state school board A Montgomery County business owner and social scientist who ran unsuccessfully for the House of Delegates will fill the state Board of Education seat vacated by S. James Gates Jr., a physicist and professor who resigned to protest Gov. Larry Hogans order to start schools after Labor Day. Rose M. Li, a Republican who lives in Bethesda, became an acting member of the board Nov. 1. The state Senate will vote on the appointment during the 2017 legislative session. Li is president of Rose Li and Associates, which provides project management support. She ran for the state House in the 16th District, which includes Glen Echo and parts of Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac and Rockville. Ovetta Wiggins Man, 23, is fatally shot in Pr. Georges A Capitol Heights man was fatally shot Wednesday night in Prince Georges County, police said. Authorities identified the man as Antjuan Dantignac, 23. The shooting occurred about 9:30 p.m. in the 4100 block of Byers Street in Capitol Heights, police said. When officers arrived, they found Dantignac suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Detectives do not think the shooting was random and are working to identify a suspect and a motive, police said. Dana Hedgpeth VIRGINIA Possible road rage on the Beltway Fairfax County police are investigating a possible road rage incident that occurred on the Beltway on Thursday afternoon. A driver was headed north on Interstate 495 near National Harbor shortly before 1:45 p.m. when some type of dispute started with another driver, police said. The incident continued around the Beltway until the Braddock Road exit, where something caused one of the drivers windows to shatter, police said. The driver, a 39-year-old man, was slightly injured by glass, police said. The mans 4-month-old daughter was in the car at the time but was not injured. Police said a suspect has been identified. Justin Juvenal RACINE An apparent staffing shortage at the Wisconsin State Crime Lab is reportedly causing a delay in the testing of firearm evidence in the homicide case of Keller McQuay, the now 15-year-old accused of shooting and killing 14-year-old Vista Jackson last fall. That was the news Assistant Racine County District Attorney Jennifer Tanck-Adams delivered during a status conference in a Racine County courtroom on Wednesday. Tanck-Adams and McQuays defense attorneys, Katie Lynn Gutowski and Mindy Nolan, had gathered to update Racine County Circuit Judge Eugene Gasiorkiewicz on the progress of the 2015 homicide case. A Sept. 6 status conference had already been postponed because the parties were still awaiting results from the State Crime Lab, and on Wednesday, Tanck-Adams informed the court that the parties still did not have those results. The firearm investigator says the gun that was used in the alleged homicide a .22-caliber sawed-off rifle and two projectiles recovered by police were still in a vault at the Lab, Tanck-Adams said. Tanck-Adams said that when she spoke with a supervisor, she learned the Lab was short on analysts and that was cause of the delay. There is one person that is analyzing firearms evidence at this time. (The supervisor) communicated that they have hired three more people, but they are not up to training standards yet, Tanck-Adams said. So that single analyst is reportedly analyzing firearms evidence for the entire state, prioritizing officer -involved shooting first and then cases with trial dates. I believe at this point, there is a joint request to set a trial date for the purposes of landing us on a list in order for the Crime Lab to actually test the gun, Tanck-Adams said. Gasiorkiewicz said he was shocked to hear the news and said he hoped to reach out to the Crime Lab in an effort to expedite things. In the end, the court set the trial date for Monday, Jan. 30, noting that the date would mostly serve as a place-holder. Asked about the situation, Racine County District Attorney Rich Chiapete said he wasnt aware of the Crime Labs reported staffing shortage causing issues in any other cases. Attempts to confirm the staffing shortage with the Wisconsin Department of Justice were unsuccessful on Wednesday. The incident McQuay, was 14 when he was accused in the Sept. 10, 2015, shooting death of Jackson, a Horlick High School student. McQuay is charged as an adult in the shooting, which occurred in McQuays mothers home in the 1000 block of Albert Street. McQuays defense attorneys sought to have his case waived to juvenile court, where he would face substantially less punishment if convicted of a lesser homicide charge. Gasiorkiewicz denied the defense request to transfer the case during a roughly 3-hour hearing on May 16. Despite the delay, Will Crockett, Jacksons grandfather, said Wednesday that the family has been satisfied with how the case has proceeded thus far. Hopefully things will be a little more tangible on Jan. 30, Crockett said McQuay remains in the Racine county Juvenile Detention Center on a $250,200 bond, according to online jail records. Montgomery County Council member George Leventhal (D-At Large) has made no secret of his desire to be the next county executive. So it is no surprise that his first fundraiser for the 2018 campaign will be less than two weeks after the end of the 2016 season. The flier calls the Nov. 19 affair in Silver Spring his Triple Chai Birthday Party, chai in this case being the Hebrew word for long life and a combination of Hebrew letters whose corresponding numerical value add up to 18. Leventhal turns 54 that day, and according to Jewish tradition, any multiple of 18 is considered good luck. Im not making any announcement yet, Leventhal said, when asked about why he is raising campaign funds. An announcement will come later. Leventhal is one of several county lawmakers who would be barred from seeking another term on the council if a term-limits measure passes on Tuesday. Incumbent County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) has said he will not seek reelection, clearing the way for a new elected county leader. Perhaps the most noteworthy thing about Leventhals birthday fundraiser is that it suggests he will use the new publicly funded campaign finance system, set up by the council in 2014 legislation, in his next election campaign. The flier says: Contributions may not exceed $150 per individual and to qualify for public matching funds, may not be accepted from corporations, PACs or labor unions. Under the new setup, candidates can leverage small individual donations (between $5 and $150) into matching funds, at a ratio of as much as 6-to-1. To qualify, a candidate for county executive must collect at least 500 donations totaling $40,000. Leventhal could collect up to $750,000 in public money for his campaign. Candidates who qualify can start receiving matching funds as early as this June, a year before the 2018 Democratic primary. [Are publicly-funded elections really a game-changer?] I think public campaign finance is a great experiment, Leventhal said. We all want it to succeed. The public match system in combination with open seats that might be created if the term-limit ballot proposition is approved by county voters next week is expected to generate a crowded field of candidates for county executive and council in 2018. It will be a lot of people, Council member Nancy Navarro (D-Midcounty) said at a government operations committee meeting Thursday. Just know that. A man assaulted in Prince Georges County in May died of his injuries on Friday, police said, and his death has been ruled a homicide. On May 24 at around 3:45 p.m., officers responded to the 4300 block of Quinn Street in Capitol Heights, where they found 57-year-old James Walls of Capitol Heights suffering from trauma, Prince Georges County Police said in a statement. Walls was taken to a hospital in critical condition and died on Oct. 28, the statement said. An autopsy said the cause of death was head trauma, according to the statement, and the death was ruled a homicide. Police asked anyone with information about Wallss death to call them at 301-772-4925 or submit a tip to pgcrimesolvers.com. A man was found fatally shot in an alley behind a row of houses in Anacostia, according to D.C. police. The shooting occurred about 11:20 p.m. Wednesday in the 1600 block of T Street SE, near Good Hope Road and Minnesota Avenue. Police said the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified as Joshua Wayne Munson, 22, of District Heights, Md. [Fatal shooting Wednesday night is second homicide on block since September] The shooting occurred near the corner of 16th and T streets, steps away from where a teenager was shot and killed on the afternoon of Sept. 1 in the 1900 block of 16th Street SE. That victim was identified as Kevin Anthony Jackson II, 17, who had in previous years attended Anacostia High School but was not enrolled at the time of his death. Police arrested a 15-year-old in the killing and charged him as a juvenile with first-degree murder. A D.C. police detective testified at a court hearing in September that the suspect had argued with the victim prior to the shooting and that both were associated with rival street crews. A witness told police that the victim had attacked the suspect in April. The teens attorney argued in court that his client may have acted in self -defense. The suspects name is not released because he has been charged as a juvenile. Authorities investigating Wednesdays killing said it is too early in the investigation to know if there is any link to the shooting of Jackson in September. A Maryland man who was struck by a car while crossing a downtown Washington street in May has died from his injuries, according to D.C. police. The accident occurred shortly before 10 p.m. on May 7 in the 1600 block of K Street NW. Police said the victim died Wednesday at a hospital. He was identified as Dwayne Lee Flythe, 57, of Accokeek, in Prince Georges County. [Number of pedestrian fatalities remains steady in region] Police said Flythe was walking southbound across K Street and was near the double-yellow line when he was truck by a Honda that was being driven west in the left travel lane. Police said the driver of the Honda was not injured and remained on the scene. Flythe was taken to George Washington University Hospital in critical condition. It was not clear if he was still at that hospital when he died. Police said the case remains under investigation and no charges have been filed against the driver of the Honda. Police are urging any witnesses to call 202-727-9099. Fire and rescue officials at the scene of the Nov. 1 crash in Baltimore. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Baltimore Sun via Associated Press) The school bus driver in the Baltimore crash that killed him and five other people Tuesday was no longer authorized to be driving a commercial motor vehicle because he had failed to provide required medical information to state regulators, state officials said Thursday. The driver, Glenn R. Chappell, 67, was behind the wheel of a school bus that collided with a Maryland Transit Administration commuter bus during rush hour. There were no children on either bus. The driver of the commuter bus and four passengers died, and 10 people were injured in the collision. Six killed after school bus and commuter bus collide The school bus was operated by AA Affordable Transportation, a firm that has a contract with Baltimore City Public Schools to transport students who are homeless, have special needs or require other assistance from the system, school officials have said. Company officials at AA Affordable could not be reached for comment Thursday through phone messages left with the Baltimore firm. Six victims in deadly bus crash identified In a statement Thursday, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration said that, effective Sept. 1, Glenn R. Chappell was no longer authorized to drive a commercial motor vehicle because he failed to provide an updated Medical Examiners Certificate, which expired on Aug. 31. The Motor Vehicle Administration said in the statement that the agency had sent Chappell a warning letter in July and again in September about the consequences to his commercial licensing if he did not provide the medical certificate. The state said in the statement, released through spokesman Charles Brown, that based on federal regulations, employers are required to maintain medical examiners certificates, which include expiration dates, for their CDL drivers. Brown said in the statement that the agency is actively assisting law enforcements bus crash investigation. Authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board, are working to determine the cause of the crash and may have recovered video from the MTA bus that could help the investigation. The deadly collision occurred after the school bus crashed into a gray Mustang and a stone pillar before slamming into the commuter bus with 13 on board, according to Baltimore police. Police have said that investigators were trying to determine whether Chappell had a medical condition that would explain why it appears that the school bus did not stop during the crashes. A United States Park Police officer accidentally shot himself in the foot on Thursday while fending off a raccoon attack in Rock Creek Park, authorities said. At around 12 p.m., the officer was attacked by the raccoon on Horse Stable Lane in Northwest Washington, the U.S. Park Police said in a statement, and shot himself while fighting the animal. The officer was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the raccoon was killed by another officer at the scene. David Stout, a resident of the area, said he heard the shots and came out of his house to see what happened. He saw the injured officer on a stretcher flown away in a helicopter. I saw a dead raccoon, and heard a cop warn a guy walking his dog nearby, Dont go near, that raccoons rabid, Stout said. Animal Control will remove the raccoon, the Park Police said. William Moreno, 32, poses for a portrait with his parents, Sharon and Richard Moreno, at their home in Sterling, Va., last year. (Photo by Brittany Greeson/The Washington Post) William Moreno said the campaign of Internet trolling he and his family endured was as vicious as it was unrelenting. A SWAT team was sent to their Virginia home, false charges were filed against him and he was accused online of molesting a girl. The reign of terror, as he described it, was so bad that Moreno said he eventually tried to take his own life. Now, he and his family have finally turned the tables on one of the men they accused of tormenting them, winning a $1.4 million civil judgment in court. The ruling by a Loudoun County jury late last month is one of the largest in an Internet trolling case in the nations history. The family doubts it will ever collect the full sum but hopes the verdict is a warning to cyberbullies everywhere. Its important to realize that cyberbullying can lead to this horrible stuff that spills into the real world, said Sharon Moreno, Williams mother. Its especially difficult for vulnerable people. In a six-day trial, the jury found Michael Josef Basl, of Henrico County, Va., liable for stalking, defamation and intentionally inflicting emotional distress on the family during a period covering 2013 and 2014. William Moreno at the home of his parents in Sterling, Va. (Photo by Brittany Greeson/The Washington Post) Basl denied the allegations in the lawsuit and said he will ask a judge to set aside the verdict. Im very disappointed, Basl said. The case wasnt decided on the merits. They inflamed the jury. [An online troll destroys a familys offline life] William Moreno, 33, of Sterling, Va., met Basl in the local Web forum Fairfax Underground about six years ago. Moreno, who has a mild form of autism and suffers from major depression, said the forum provided a social outlet for him. As Mr. Misery, Moreno posted controversial remarks about 9/11 and child molestation. His comments drew the ire of other users, including Basl, known on the forum as eesh. Moreno said the posts were jokes. The Morenos lawsuit asserted that someone broke into their home in December 2013 while they were away and flooded the basement. The suit also said the Fairfax Underground user known as eesh posted a message the same day saying he was going to visit Moreno at his home. Basl said the Loudoun jury found him not liable for trespassing on the Morenos property. The lawsuit also claimed that Sharon Moreno, who had been going through security clearance as an intelligence contractor, was questioned about a Fairfax Underground post claiming that William had raped a 13-year-old girl. William Moreno said the post was a hoax. In May 2014, the lawsuit asserted, Loudoun County sheriffs deputies showed up at the Moreno home with guns drawn after someone posted a chilling but false message on Fairfax Underground under Williams name that read in part: I JUST SHOT MY PARENTS NOW I WILL KILL MY SISTER. Monique Wells, another Fairfax Underground user, testified at a previous court hearing unrelated to the lawsuit that Basl told her he was behind the swatting, a claim Basl told a judge was false. He said, I did it so that Moreno could make a wrong move and get shot and killed by the police, Wells said in court. William Moreno said that late last year he tried to slit his wrists. After the lawsuit was filed in January, Basl swore out charges against Moreno, alleging that Moreno had made death threats against him. Moreno was acquitted. The Morenos hope the lawsuit brings an end to the harassment. I hope hes learned something, William Moreno said of Basl. A former employee of the American Association for Justice pleaded guilty Wednesday to a federal felony for embezzling nearly $250,000 from the Washington-based nonprofit group, prosecutors said. Tamara Kukla, 47, now of Plano, Texas, served as director of membership for the group formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. In her plea, she agreed to pay back $248,755 in personal expenses that she admitted claiming were work-related on a corporate credit card from late 2009 through 2011, authorities said. Prosecutors said Kukla faces a likely sentencing range of 12- to 18-months at a sentencing hearing set for Feb. 24 before U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg of Washington on one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. The charge carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips of the District and Brian J. Ebert, special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Services Washington Field Office announced the plea. The association declined to comment, a spokeswoman said. The assistant federal defender for Kukla declined to comment Thursday. A double crossover, a juncture where trains change tracks, near the Rhode Island Avenue station. Metro will replace the crossover during its 10th SafeTrack surge, a rail service shutdown from NoMa to Fort Totten. (WMATA photo by Larry Levine) Metro board members appear resigned to accepting the agencys proposal to cancel late-night service to provide crews more nighttime track access despite ongoing concerns about whether the time will be used efficiently. During a meeting of the panels finance committee Thursday, senior staff made their best case to convince the board that adding nighttime work hours would help reshape the agencys maintenance program and allow crews to perform more preventive work instead of constantly addressing critical breakdowns. At some point, we need to get away from just fixing stuff thats already broken, said Andrew Off, assistant general manager for transit infrastructure and engineering services. Off said that Metro needs nighttime repair windows to avoid a potential SafeTrack 2.0, referring to the agencys year-long maintenance blitz aimed at cramming three years of work into one. The program is an attempt to make a dent in 40 years of neglect and help bring the system to a state of good repair. When late-night service was implemented in 1999 and expanded in 2007, Metro stopped performing non-emergency track work on Friday and Saturday nights because the maintenance window left after midnight-to-3 a.m. service was too small. In the process, managers abandoned a preventive maintenance schedule and instead focused on repairing things that were already near a breaking point. By restoring the Friday and Saturday night hours, Off said, Metro would be able to jump-start a new preventive maintenance plan. [Metro late-night service hearing features scathing criticism, pleas and protests from riders, advocates] But the proposal was met with skepticism from board members, who asked whether alternatives were considered, why Metro needed more work time than peer systems and whether there was data to back up claims that more time is needed. Why couldnt crews work on one side of the tracks at one time? Our system electrically, Track 1 and Track 2 are connected, Off responded. Why couldnt they perform work in one region of the system at a time? If you go to a preventive maintenance cycle, single-tracking is moving every day, said Chief Operating Officer Joseph Leader. It would be confusing for workers and riders, he said. How about adding more crews to the tracks each night? There are already 60 crews out every night, Off said. It would be difficult to transport even more to work sites during limited maintenance windows. But, again, why cant crews work while trains are single-tracking? Theres a practical limit to the number of areas where you can single-track at the same time after 8 p.m., in terms of the number of work crews, SafeTrack director Laura Mason said. To be able to keep up 20-minute headways, she said, only about 15 crews can be spread out on the tracks. The math just doesnt work, she added. [In scathing report, FTA blasts Metro track maintenance program] Tensions escalated as Off, Leader and Mason outlined all the work that had not been performed in recent years and allowed the system to deteriorate over the past decade. Board member Tom Bulger said he was outraged and disappointed at the idea that vital preventive practices were dropped from the maintenance schedule, among them testing for stray electrical current on cables, a means of preventing tunnel fires. You just startled me by saying that we used to do X, Y with power and we used to do something else, we dont do it anymore, Bulger said. How does that happen? That we used to do stuff that was necessary and now we dont and the board . . . just finds out about it this morning? Time, Leader responded, referring to the diminished number of nighttime maintenance hours crews can use. But board member Catherine Hudgins jumped in, saying some of the blame lies with the board for approving late-night service years ago while knowing it would cut into maintenance time. When you say you want longer hours and you got longer hours, you also got less maintenance, Hudgins said. That is the answer to the question. [Metro unveils options for cutting late-night service. You probably wont like them.] Board member Malcolm Augustine, who had expressed opposition to eliminating late-night service because of the impact on late-shift and low-income workers, said he was heartened by Thursdays presentation and somewhat persuaded. The cuts would result in a 1 percent decrease in ridership, he noted, but double the productive work time on the tracks and likely result in a significant reduction in service interruptions. Its just so stark to me . . . that wed be able to gain that much in productivity, Augustine said. This will help us get the program turned around, get more reliable . . . so we can start seeing people come back. The discussion about late-night service and work hours came during a meeting at which board members faced an array of unpleasant prospects for the future of Metro, many related to General Manager Paul J. Wiedefelds proposed budget. [Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefelds budget raises fares, reduces service, cuts 1,000 jobs] Board members will soon have to decide on potential fare increase, service cuts and layoffs among a backdrop of plummeting ridership. On Thursday, board members except for Chairman Jack Evans didnt give much indication of what they thought about Wiedefelds proposals. Evans said the District would be willing to double its subsidy to the agency to prevent fare increases and service cuts, as long as the other jurisdictions did the same. After the meeting, he acknowledged that neither D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) nor other members of the D.C. Council had explicitly said they supported the idea. RACINE An engaged Racine couple was charged Wednesday with physical abuse of a child and child neglect after their 33-day-old son ended up with four head fractures and bleeding on the brain on Halloween. Gest G. Wangsness, 30, and Krystal L. Hall, 25, both of 5300 block of Charles Street, took their son to the hospital just after midnight Monday, according to the criminal complaints. Hall had allegedly noticed that the boys head was misshapen and decided to take the boy to Ascension All Saints Hospital. Medical staff then reportedly told the family the boy needed to be treated at Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa and the family was transported via ambulance. When police arrived at the hospital, they were informed by a doctor that the baby had four fractures to his skull, a broken rib, three broken bones in his legs, the complaint said. The doctor also told police that these injuries could only occur from abuse. Hall and Wangsness were interviewed separately. Hall reportedly told police that she was on maternity leave and was with the boy 90 percent of the day since he was born. When informed of the injuries, Hall allegedly did not know how the injuries could have occurred. Game playing According to the complaint, Wangsness told police he was a war veteran who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and a traumatic brain injury. Wangsness reportedly had seen the baby fall twice since being born, once off of an ottoman and once off of his knee. Wangsness added that he would play with the boy by swinging him around playing airplane and other games, the complaint said. Police reportedly asked Wangsness if he had taken parenting classes, to which Wangsness responded that he had only taken a breast feeding class with his fiancee and had watched YouTube videos. Police allegedly told Wangsness that at this age the baby cant hold its own neck up and that YouTube was not the preferred method to learn how to raise a child. Wangsness also told police that the boy had been taken to the emergency room Oct. 13 when the boys mouth began bleeding after the father had made a hole under the boys tongue with a syringe while attempting to administer prescribed medicine, according to the complaint. Both reportedly denied injuring the child. Hall and Wangsness face two felony charges for physical abuse of a child as a party to a crime and child neglect resulting in great bodily harm as party to a crime. Hall is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 10 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave. Wangsness is scheduled for an adjourned initial appearance at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Law Enforcement Center. Both remained in custody as of Thursday at the Racine County Jail, online records showed. After an evening of door-knocking, Richmond mayoral candidate Joe Morrissey heads back to his car in Richmond. (Julia Rendleman/The Washington Post) Richmond mayoral candidate Joe Morrisseys campaign promised that two new witnesses would appear Wednesday to contradict the latest allegations engulfing the front-runner in the citys rollicking mayoral race. Yet reporters saw no sign of the witnesses nor, for that matter, Morrissey, whose history of scandal has made him Richmonds most infamous political curiosity, one who has inspired headlines as far away as Europe. Instead they found Morrisseys attorney, Arnold Henderson, alone at a microphone. His appearance was streamed by a local television station on FacebookLive. Henderson was trying to tamp down allegations made last week by Kanika Morris, 35, who says that Morrissey sexually harassed her and pressured her to accept a plea deal while acting as her attorney and representing her in a felony case earlier this year. Morris was sentenced to jail, where she told two unidentified jail inmates, I will do anything I can to get out of jail, Henderson said, suggesting that she concocted her claims against Morrissey gain her freedom. Morriss allegation that she was pressured to accept a plea deal prompted a judge last week to allow her to withdraw her guilty plea to charges that she failed to return a rental car. The fallout has upended Richmonds mayoral race, now hurtling toward Tuesdays election, in which polls have shown Morrissey leading a field of six candidates. A seventh candidate, Jon Baliles, a Richmond City Council member and son of Gerald Baliles, a former Virginia governor, dropped out of the race Wednesday, saying in a statement on his Facebook page that he could no longer risk splitting votes and electing someone who so plainly cares only about himself, an apparent reference to Morrissey. [In Virginias capital, a bad boy upends the mayoral race] While denying Morriss harassment claim, Morrissey acknowledged that he did send her sexually suggestive texts last February in which he asked her to wear fresh panties, among other things, when she visited his office. Morrissey described his texts as flirtatious. At the time, Morrissey, 59, was engaged to his wife, Myrna, 20, who was pregnant with his child and whom he married last summer. Myrna Morrissey stood alongside her husband last Friday in their home as he fielded questions from reporters at a news conference that was recorded and posted on Facebook. She abruptly ended the event when reporters started asking Morrissey about the text messages he sent Morris. Morrisseys campaign manager, Debbie Repp, said Wednesday that the latest drama may cost him votes. Were going door-to-door and we hear from people, Im having second thoughts about whether Im going to support him, Repp said. Its causing a problem. Its sucking all the oxygen out of the room. When Henderson appeared before reporters Wednesday, he would not take questions and left without explaining why the purported witnesses did not appear as promised. Henderson did bring along Sgt. Ray Goetschius of the Henrico County sheriffs department, who said he could confirm that the unidentified witnesses were in the same jail cell with Morris when she allegedly made the statements about Morrissey. Before he departed, Henderson repeated his demand that the Richmond Times-Dispatch, which first reported Morriss allegation, retract its story. The newspaper has declined. Repp said Morrissey did not appear at the news conference because we all felt his presence was distracting. Steve Benjamin, Morriss attorney, said that the issues arising from the way Morrissey represented Morris will be determined by the proper authorities and the Virginia state bar, not by press conference. For months, Morrissey has been the main focus of a race in which he has led scrum of candidates that includes Jack Berry, the former executive director of Venture Richmond, an organization that promotes economic development, and Levar Stoney, a protege of Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D). [Why is Jimmy Buffetts business partner donating to a Richmond mayoral candidate?] The winner of the mayoral race must capture majorities in five of the citys nine council districts or face a runoff against the candidate who finishes second. Polls have shown Morrissey controlling four districts while holding slimmer leads in two others. Morrissey has demonstrated in the past that voters will embrace him despite a scandal. In 2015, he won an election for the Virginia House of Delegates while serving a six-month prison term. As a result of his relationship with Myrna Morrissey, which began when she was 17, Morrissey had pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Whether his supporters will remain loyal Tuesday is an open question. Bob Holsworth, a former political science professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, said the charges against Morrissey may be too little, too late to benefit his opponents. For the first time in Virginia, two women are locked in battle for Congress. The competitive race for the 10th Congressional District pits Republican Rep. Barbara Comstock against Democrat LuAnn Bennett. And each is trying to woo educated female voters, a pivotal bloc in the suburbs of Northern Virginia. In an election where Donald Trump sits atop the GOP ticket, it would appear the Democrat has an advantage with female voters; in Virginia, they prefer Democrat Hillary Clinton to Trump by a 16-point margin, according to a Washington Post-Schar School poll released Tuesday. Men prefer Trump by six points, the poll found. But there are signs that Northern Virginia voters will split their tickets and vote for candidates from different political parties, the poll found. Analysts have rated the 10th District race as a toss-up tilting toward Comstock. The district includes all of Frederick, Clarke and Loudoun counties as well as the cities of Manassas, Manassas Park and Winchester and sections of Prince William and Fairfax counties. As she courts female voters, Comstock has steered clear of sticky social issues and played down her background as a Hill staffer and GOP operative. Instead, she considers herself a bipartisan lawmaker focused on local concerns, national security and the economy. After selectively criticizing Trump, Comstock issued an all-out repudiation following the release last month of a 2005 video in which he bragged about groping women while on the set of Access Hollywood. The pivot undercut Bennetts strategy to portray the Republicans as allies and may have helped Comstock with independent female voters. Meanwhile, Bennett, a first-time candidate and longtime political donor, has followed the playbook of Democrats such as Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who have won statewide in Virginia by emphasizing gun control, abortion rights and equal pay all issues that resonate with female voters. She recently appeared on a panel devoted to gun control with several high-profile Democratic women: Gabrielle Giffords, the former congresswoman turned gun-control advocate after she was injured in a 2011 shooting in Tucson; Wendy Davis, the Texas lawmaker who won national attention by filibustering against an antiabortion law; and Jessica OConnell, the executive director of Emilys List. Emilys List, which backs Democratic women who support abortion rights, spent $230,000 on pro-Bennett ads in the district, and the groups president has rallied Bennett volunteers. At the gun-control panel at a Loudoun County library, the women shared their stories with a mostly female audience that included a crying toddler. Giffords, whose stilted speech and limp reveal the extent of her injuries, sat next to Bennett, who said there was no issue more important than reducing gun violence. Im a mother. Im a grandmother, Bennett said. This is about our children. This is about our grandchildren. This is about the future. We want to keep our children safe. In fact, veterans of Democratic campaigns in Virginia say few issues resonate with voters in Loudoun County like gun control, which plays well not only with base and moderate Democrats but also Republican voters. Giffordss group, Americans for Responsible Solutions, spent $100,000 on direct mail criticizing Comstock, who received an A rating from the National Rifle Association; Bennett got an F. [Comstock, Bennett make their case to Muslim community at mosque forum] It is clear that gun-violence prevention has become a top voting issue for women across the board, said Lori Haas, a gun-control advocate whose daughter was injured in the 2007 mass shooting at Virginia Tech. When then-candidate McAuliffe ran in 2013, his campaign team was astounded at how much gun-violence prevention moved the needle among women. That year, McAuliffe broke with convention in Virginia and became an unabashed supporter of stricter guns laws a move that helped him defeat former attorney general and conservative Republican Ken Cuccinelli. Gun control also figured prominently in Democrats failed bid in 2015 to take control of the state Senate. A gun-control group backed by former New York mayor Michael R. Bloomberg pumped $2.3 million into the most competitive races, including against state Sen. Richard H. Black (R-Loudoun). At the event with Giffords and Davis, Bennett slammed Comstocks record on gun issues. In Congress, Comstock voted to block consideration of bills that would ban people on terrorist watch lists from buying firearms a vote that formed the basis for a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ad that went up Wednesday. In the state House of Delegates, she voted to repeal the one-a-month limit on handgun purchases, which was signed into law by then-Gov. Robert McDonnell and remains in place today. Jo Thoburn, chairwoman of the Republican Party committee in the 10th Congressional District, said guns are not a womens issue and the right to defend oneself is an issue for everyone. She said she was offended by the pigeonholing of women as a subset of the electorate. I believe most women do not want Gabby Giffords-style control, she said. Pretending like the government can somehow protect us if you want protection, carry a gun. I know a lot of women who have concealed carry permits, and theyre all voting for Barbara. In a statement, Comstocks campaign manager, Susan Falconer, said the congresswoman has been a leader on womens issues, pointing to her support for over-the-counter birth control, family leave for federal employees and increasing the child tax credit. She started a young womens leadership program based on Lean In, the campaign started by Sheryl Sandberg, Facebooks chief operating officer. The program has featured BET co-founder Sheila Johnson, who lives in the 10th District. Some of Comstocks television ads close with a soft-focus image of Comstock surrounded by her mother, daughter and granddaughter; no men are visible. Bennett claims Comstock has tried to style herself as a moderate but has a conservative voting record on womens issues, noting she blocked consideration of votes on bills that would require women receive the same pay that men receive in the same jobs. In two debates, Comstock pushed back, saying she pays her female campaign staff more than Bennett pays women who work for her in politics and at her D.C. real estate firm. Our opponent has not practiced what she preaches on equal pay by paying men more than women on her campaign. At her developer business, she employs four men and one woman as the website describes in key positions, Falconer said. Bennett spokesman Robert Howard said her real estate firm and campaign both pay women and men equal pay for equal work, and LuAnn believes that all women should have that right under the law. Barbara Comstock does not. Unlike the congresswoman, LuAnn does not believe men or women should be discriminated against when performing equal work. Emily Guskin contributed to this report. A member of the clergy prays Thursday during a protest over the Dakota Access oil pipeline on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near Cannon Ball, North Dakota. (Stephanie Keith/Reuters) NEW JERSEY Defense in lane-closing case files for mistrial Defense attorneys in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing trial filed for a mistrial Thursday in the middle of jury deliberations. Judge Susan Wigenton hasnt yet ruled on that request from attorneys for two former allies of Gov. Chris Christie (R), but she did deny their request to give new instructions to jurors on the top conspiracy count in the indictment. A brief filed by defense attorneys with Thursdays mistrial motion was almost completely redacted. Federal prosecutors also submitted a motion to seal a letter they sent to the judge, saying it was based on matters addressed in a closed courtroom Wednesday. Jurors have deliberated for parts of three days without reaching a verdict. Prosecutors say Bridget Kelly and Bill Baroni used the September 2013 traffic jams to punish a Democratic mayor who didnt support Christies reelection. Kelly was Christies deputy chief of staff and Baroni was Christies top appointee to the authority that runs the bridge. Associated Press OREGON Professor put on leave for blackface costume A University of Oregon law professor was placed on administrative leave Thursday after wearing a costume that included blackface to a Halloween party attended by faculty and students. We condemn this action unequivocally as anathema to the University of Oregons cherished values of racial diversity and inclusion, the universitys president, Michael Schill, said in a statement. The professor has apologized, Schill wrote. The university declined to confirm the name of the professor, saying it is a personnel matter. In a similar incident last year, the president of the University of Louisville apologized for wearing a stereotypical Mexican costume at a Halloween party. Susan Svrluga San Francisco sues developer over tilting high-rise: San Francisco has sued the developer of a sinking and tilting luxury high-rise, saying the developers knew about the problems but did not disclose the information to potential home buyers as required by law. Millennium Tower was completed eight years ago and so far has sunk 16 inches into the soft soil of San Franciscos crowded Financial District, causing a two-inch tilt at the base and a six-inch lean at the top. City Attorney Dennis Herrera filed the lawsuit against Mission Street Developers LLC, saying the developers knew about the problems with the mirrored, 58-story building but did not tell potential home buyers about them. Associated Press Stanford Lipsey, who sold a chain of weekly newspapers to investor Warren E. Buffett in the 1960s, then guided the papers to a Pulitzer Prize in the 1970s before becoming the longtime publisher of the Buffalo News, died Nov. 1 at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif. He was 89. His death was confirmed by his wife, Judith Lipsey, who said a specific cause was not determined. Mr. Lipsey began his career in his home town of Omaha, working for a company that published free weekly papers. He eventually became owner and publisher of the Sun Newspapers before selling the business to Buffett in 1969. It was the first of many newspaper acquisitions for the investor who founded the Omaha-based Berkshire Hathaway holding company. Mr. Lipsey stayed on as publisher and became a Berkshire Hathaway vice president. In 1972, he and his small staff at the Sun Newspapers, led by managing editor Paul Williams, began to investigate the finances of Boys Town, the well-known institution for homeless and troubled boys near Omaha. Founded in 1917 by Catholic priest Edward J. Flanagan, Boys Town was featured in a popular 1938 movie starring Spencer Tracy as Flanagan and Mickey Rooney as a hotheaded teen. Stanford Lipsey, Buffalo News publisher, in 2004. (Bill Wippert/ Buffalo News) In subsequent years, Boys Town sent out millions of solicitation letters, usually showing a boy carrying a smaller boy on his back, and the donations rolled in. At Buffetts suggestion, the Sun Newspapers requested the charitys financial records from the Internal Revenue Service. Warren, Paul Williams and I would sit down and brainstorm, Mr. Lipsey told the Omaha Reader in 2010. Then this thing came along it actually came along on a tip from Warren. It made for a great story. In March 1972, Mr. Lipseys Sun Newspapers challenged the powerful local institution by publishing an eight-page section with the provocative headline Boys Town, Americas Wealthiest City? The special report called Boys Town a money machine, with a net worth of $209 million. In 1971, Boys Town had received $18 million in contributions and had a total income of more than $25 million or four times more than its annual expenses. The Sun Newspapers story won the Pulitzer Prize for local specialized investigative reporting, the first time a weekly paper had won a Pulitzer for investigative journalism. It prompted immediate reforms: The longtime director resigned, an accounting firm examined the books, and Boys Town went on an ambitious expansion program that included new buildings and medical and humanitarian efforts across the country. Among journalists, the Sun papers investigation became renowned as one of the first in-depth examinations of how charities spend their money. In 1980, Mr. Lipsey moved to Buffalo, not long after Buffett purchased the Buffalo Evening News, a struggling afternoon paper. He often said that Buffett told him, I want you to go to Buffalo and run the paper. Ill feel better if youre there, Margaret Sullivan, the newspapers former editor, who now is a media columnist for The Washington Post, said in an interview. Mr. Lipsey launched a Sunday edition of the newly renamed Buffalo News, and by 1982 the rival morning newspaper, the Courier-Express, had folded. Mr. Lipsey was named publisher in 1983, and he made the Buffalo News into one of the leading papers of its size in the country. The paper had a peak daily circulation of 265,000 in the 1990s, with about 350,000 Sunday subscribers. It won scores of awards, including a Pulitzer Prize in 1990 for editorial cartoons by Tom Toles, now at The Post. Stan Lipsey was the publisher who helped Warren Buffett fall in love with the newspaper business, because he led a newspaper so well, Donald E. Graham, former publisher and chairman of The Post, said Thursday in an email. In 1999, when Mr. Lipsey named Sullivan editor of the News, she was one of the few women in the country leading a major newsroom. He was an activist publisher, said Sullivan, who was editor until 2012. He was a lot of fun, full of jokes. And, because he was so hard-driving, he could be challenging. He often joked though he wasnt really joking that he could do any of our jobs. After Mr. Lipsey retired in 2012, Buffett told the News, I say its no exaggeration that The News might now be extinct, save for Stan. . . . He basically saved The News. Stanford Lipsey was born Oct. 8, 1927, in Omaha to Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. His father ran a wholesale poultry and meat market. At the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1948, Mr. Lipsey was a photographer for the campus newspaper. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War, then began working for the Sun Newspapers. His first marriage, to the former Jeanne Blacker, ended in divorce. Survivors include his wife of 14 years, the former Judith Hojnacki of Buffalo and Rancho Mirage; two children from his first marriage, Janet Lipsey and Daniel Lipsey, both of San Rafael, Calif.; and two grandsons. Mr. Lipsey was a well-known civic booster who led efforts to build an airport terminal and to preserve historic buildings in Buffalo, including the Darwin Martin House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. He gave millions of dollars to the University of Michigan, as well as educational, medical and animal-protection groups. He helped organize a summer jazz festival in Buffalo and a program that has donated more than 2 million books to low-income children since 1995. We had unbelievable fun together, Buffett told the Buffalo News this week. We jogged together, we ate ice cream, and we ran The News together. RACINE A 41-year-old sex offender is slated to be released to a temporary residence in the 4600 block of Durand Avenue later this month, Racine Police announced Wednesday. Eric Pletz was arrested in 1989 and 1993 for first-degree sexual assault and second-degree sexual assault of a child, according to a Police Department press release. In 2004, he was charged with child enticement. He will be released Nov. 15, the release states, after which he will be taken to the Racine Police Department for face-to-face registration. Pletz has served the prison sentence imposed on him by the courts. He is not wanted by the police at this time. The release states that the notification is not intended to increase fear; but is rather part of the departments belief that an informed public is a safer public. Upon his release Pletz will be a lifetime sex offender registrant, with lifetime GPS monitoring in Wisconsin. He will be supervised until 2026. If he violates the terms of his lifetime registry or GPS conditions, he will be taken back into custody. He does not have a permanent address at this time. Criminal history Pletz was last charged with sexual assault in November 2004, when, just 12 days after being released from the Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center in Mauston, the convicted sex offender tried using video games to entice an 11-year-old boy to a Burlington hotel room. A year later, in November 2005, a jury found him guilty of child enticement-sexual contact. He was later sentenced to 10 years in prison and 12 years of extended supervision. It was his third sexual offense against a child, but his first as an adult. Under the terms of his release, Pletz is to have no unsupervised contact with minors unless approved by the Department of Corrections, no contact with taverns, bars, and liquor stores, no contact with his victims, and he cannot consume alcohol or illegal drugs. We want to make sure that the community remains vigilant and ensure that they fully understand the seriousness of this offender, especially since he will not have permanent housing upon release, the release states. He will be required to have regular contact with his assigned agent, advising them of his whereabouts. This will also be verified through the use of GPS. Citizens are encouraged to go to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections website for more information. SOUTH KOREA Presidents friend arrested in scandal A longtime friend of South Korean President Park Geun-hye was arrested and jailed Thursday over allegations of influence-peddling that have touched off a political scandal threatening Parks hold on power. The arrest of Choi Soon-sil came as opposition lawmakers demanded that prosecutors also investigate Park. A recent opinion survey showed Parks approval rating plunging to about 9 percent. Her prime minister nominee said investigators could look into Parks dealings with Choi despite her presidential immunity. South Korean media speculate that Choi, whose late father was a cult leader and longtime mentor to Park, manipulated government affairs and pushed businesses to donate millions of dollars to two foundations that she controlled. Seoul Central District Court on Thursday issued a warrant to arrest Choi for alleged abuse of authority and fraud, court spokesman Shin Jae-hwan said. Associated Press ITALY Amnesty: Police are abusing migrants Tougher new European Union rules on processing asylum seekers have led Italian police to abuse some migrants, including beating them and giving them electric shocks, according to a report published Thursday by Amnesty International. The human rights watchdog cited 24 claims of abuse this year as police tried to force migrants to get fingerprinted in Italy. It also reported the deportations of some asylum seekers to war-torn countries like Sudan without proper checks on their safety. In response, Mario Morcone, head of immigration at Italys Interior Ministry said, It is totally false that the police are violent with the migrants, according to news agency ANSA. The allegations come as Italian authorities try to implement new E.U. rules adopted last year on how to handle migrants and asylum seekers. This includes fingerprinting them in the first E.U. country they arrive in. Associated Press LEBANON Hariri asked to form a new government Lebanons president asked Sunni Muslim leader Saad Hariri to form a new government on Thursday after he won the support of a majority of parliament and the endorsement of the parliament speaker. Hariris nomination as prime minister was part of a political deal that resulted in the election of Christian leader Michel Aoun, a close ally of the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, as head of state on Monday, ending a 2-year presidential vacuum. The deal underscores Shiite Muslim Hezbollahs dominant position in Lebanon and the diminished role of Hariris main regional backer, Saudi Arabia. The quick formation of a new administration with cross-party support will help revive government in a country where political conflict has paralyzed decision-making, economic development and basic services, and raised fears for its stability. Reuters Last migrants leave Jungle camp in Calais: The final 291 residents of a sprawling migrant camp in Calais known as the Jungle were evacuated and transferred to family centers around France. The departure of the women and their children, who had been housed in a center at the edge of the camp, completed a mass, state-run relocation of nearly 7,000 people in 11 days and ended a drama that the English Channel citys mayor called hell on Earth. Spain names new cabinet: Conservative Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy named Luis de Guindos as economy minister as he unveiled his 13-member cabinet. Alfonso Dastis was named foreign minister, while Soraya Saenz de Santamaria remains deputy premier. Rajoy won parliaments approval last week to begin a second term in office, this time with a minority government. The vote ended a 10-month political impasse after two inconclusive elections. Palestinian attacker killed by troops, Israel says: The Israeli military said forces fatally shot a Palestinian who tried to stab a soldier near the West Bank Jewish settlement of Ofra. The military said the man had a knife and tried to stab the soldier as he was guarding a bus stop. No troops were injured. Ex-Romanian leader becomes Moldovan citizen: The former president of Romania and his wife are now Moldovan citizens. Traian and Maria Basescu took a citizenship oath at the Moldovan Embassy in Bucharest. President from 2004 to 2014, Basescu urged closer ties with Moldova, which was part of Romania until 1940. He is running for Senate in Romanias Dec. 11 elections and said he may get politically involved in Moldova. From news services Michael V. Hayden, a principal at the Chertoff Group and visiting professor at George Mason Universitys Schar School of Policy and Government, was director of the National Security Agency from 1999 to 2005 and the Central Intelligence Agency from 2006 to 2009. I know Im not the first to notice this, but Donald Trump really does sound a lot like Vladimir Putin. There has always been a sympathetic authoritarian chord between the Republican presidential nominee and the Russian president. Both are on record as admiring The Strong Leader. Theyve even complimented one another on the trait. Putin could have been humming along when Trump was claiming I alone can fix it during his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention. Maybe he was. Each seems to have a pretty conspiratorial view of the world, too. Putin comes by his naturally. Hes a product of a KGB Marxist philosophy where the other any other is reflexively identified as hostile and created by immutable forces of history, something to be feared and ultimately crushed. At a rally in Springfield, Ohio, Oct. 27, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said he wished the U.S. actually got along with Russia so they could defeat the Islamic State together. (The Washington Post) Trump seems to view business a bit that way. At least I dont recall a lot of win-win vocabulary when he touts his dealmaking skills. [The only way Trump can win] At the political level, Trump sees quite a few powerful others in the American electoral process: a corrupt media, international banks, unrestricted immigrants, a variety of globalists, free-traders and (at least some) Muslims. Its a list Putin could second or, in some cases, jail or worse. Sounding simultaneously populist and a little bit the conspiratorial Marxist, Trump has claimed that these unseen forces could rig the U.S. election. Its a theme that Putin is happy to echo. Indeed, its a theme that his intelligence services are happy to actively propagate. And in that case, the American presidential candidate routinely comes to the defense of his Russian soul mate. In the face of a high-confidence judgment of the U.S. intelligence community that Russia hacked the Democratic National Committee and then weaponized embarrassing emails to sow confusion here, the man who would be president has declared: Our country has no idea, I dont think anybody knows it was Russia that broke into the DNC. . . . It could also be lots of other people and They always blame Russia. Rejecting a fact-based intelligence assessment not because of compelling contrarian data, but because it is inconsistent with a preexisting worldview thats the stuff of ideological authoritarianism, not pragmatic democracy. And it is frightening. Trump also echoes Putin when it comes to Syria and the Islamic State, or ISIS. Here he follows the Moscow line that we and the Russians have common purpose and that Russia and Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad (and Iran) are killing ISIS. Actually, they are not. They are bucking up the Assad regime that, if anyone is keeping score, has killed more innocents than the Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra, the al-Qaeda affiliate, have combined. And the attractiveness of the Islamic State and al-Qaeda to Sunni Muslims is a direct byproduct of the depredations of the Assad regime the regime that Russia saved from collapse a year ago. [Heres how you destroy a democratic republic] Its a little complicated, I suppose, but not so hard that it explains or justifies the willful ignorance that Trump seems to display. His second debate formulation I dont like Assad at all, but Assad is killing ISIS is precisely the formulation that the Syrian president has been attempting to craft. Its me or the terrorists has been his false dilemma. Its hard to explain how the candidate of a major American political party could have gotten there, especially after receiving classified intelligence briefings. Perhaps some of this is explained by the murky ties of some on team Trump to things Russian. There is certainly a history there, and perhaps a comfort level as well. Former campaign manager Paul Manafort did consulting work for the now-discredited but decidedly pro-Russian regime of Viktor Yanokovych in Ukraine, and recent revelations in Kiev have stoked questions about whether Manafort should have registered here as working on behalf of a foreign power. Manafort denies any role in Julys successful effort to suppress a Republican platform pledge to provide lethal defensive weapons to the Ukrainians in their continuing battle against separatists and the Russian army. Although its clear that the suppression was initiated by Trump staffers, Trump has denied any personal responsibility for it. The whole episode was too quickly forgotten; it begs explanation. Then theres Carter Page, an adviser with intermittent contacts with the campaign, but with deep ties to Russian money, oil and gas, who has blamed aggressive Western policies for the mess in the Ukraine and what he describes as the so-called annexation of Crimea. So-called? [Dear Donald Trump: I want my $49 back] And what about the money? Although Trump has said, I have zero investments in Russia, his son Donald Jr. conceded in 2008 that Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets . . . we see a lot of money pouring in from Russia. Absent more detailed data (such as tax returns), who knows? We have really never seen anything like this. Former acting CIA director Michael Morell says that Putin has cleverly recruited Trump as an unwitting agent of the Russian Federation. Id prefer another term drawn from the arcana of the Soviet era: polezni durak. Thats the useful fool, some naif, manipulated by Moscow, secretly held in contempt, but whose blind support is happily accepted and exploited. Thats a pretty harsh term, and Trump supporters will no doubt be offended. But, frankly, its the most benign interpretation of all this that I can come up with right now. Dakota Access pipeline protesters inspect charred vehicles and signs in front of a law enforcement barricade near the pipeline construction site north of Cannon Ball, N.D., on Oct. 29. (Stringer/Reuters) Regarding the Oct. 29 Economy & Business article When oil and goodwill dont mix: I am deeply troubled by the militarization of local law enforcement threatening the sanctity of the peaceful protests taking place at the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. Claims of trespassing do not justify the use of pepper spray, rubber bullets and sound cannons against protesters exercising their constitutional rights. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe is engaged in a nonviolent struggle to prevent the desecration of sacred lands. The nation is watching. For too long, the rights of the United States indigenous peoples have been violated and their lands taken or ruined. Their cause is just and their struggle moving. The Dakota Access oil pipeline threatens our environment by contamination from breaches and greenhouse-gas emissions. The inability of lawmakers and corporations to acknowledge their complicity in environmental degradation and reverse their role remains one of the greatest moral struggles of our time. We can expect further protests. And if we do not respect the rights of Native Americans and others, we will continue down this destructive path. Safety should remain our utmost concern. Local and national leaders must address the concerns of the thousands of people at Standing Rock, and law enforcement must respect the protesters First Amendment rights. This is a test for our future; we must get it right. Thomas Stukes, Washington Demonstrators march down Fifth Avenue in New York in 2012 to protest stop-and-frisk tactics used by the New York Police Department. A court later ruled the practice discriminatory and unconstitutional. (Seth Wenig/AP) David Cole is the Hon. George J. Mitchell professor in law and public policy at Georgetown Law. Way back in their first debate, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump actually had a substantive disagreement over policy. It was about stop-and-frisk policing, in which officers stop citizens on the street for questioning and frisk them for weapons. Trump insisted that the tactic was constitutional and had saved thousands of lives in New York City. Clinton replied that a federal court had declared the practice unconstitutional, that it was ineffective and that we need to pursue other strategies to reduce urban crime. The election is not likely to turn on the point, but the future of policing may. Michael D. White and Henry F. Fradellas timely book, Stop and Frisk, a critical but balanced examination of the practice, offers a basis for judging whether Trump or Clinton has the better arguments, and charts a way forward. White and Fradella are critical of the tactics susceptibility to discriminatory application and skeptical of its effectiveness when applied in sweeping fashion. But they also insist, rightly, that when properly regulated, stop-and-frisk is an important tool in the police officers arsenal. They want to mend it, not end it. When the Supreme Court in 1968 first took up the question of whether police officers should be able to stop and frisk citizens without probable cause to believe that they had engaged in a specific crime, it was well aware of the stakes. It noted that the year before, in the wake of urban riots sparked by racially charged police-citizen encounters, the Presidents Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice found that in many communities, field interrogations are a major source of friction between the police and minority groups. The case, Terry v. Ohio, involved a police officers stop of a man who appeared to be casing a jewelry store for a potential robbery. The state of Ohio argued that because short-term stops were not formal arrests, and because frisks, or pat-downs of outer clothing, were not full-scale searches, they should not be limited by the Fourth Amendment. Civil rights lawyers argued that such encounters should require the same probable cause that formal arrests and searches do. The court took a middle ground. It recognized that stop-and-frisk was a form of seizure and search, but it permitted such encounters on reasonable suspicion, a less-demanding standard than probable cause, the showing required for a full arrest or search. The court mandated that stops had to be temporary, solely for the purpose of confirming or dispelling suspicion, and that frisks had to be limited to external pat-downs to search for weapons when there was reason to believe the citizen might be armed. In theory, this regime allows police to intervene to prevent impending crimes, rather than waiting until they develop probable cause, which requires evidence of a completed crime. It empowers officers to respond to suspicious situations but insists that the tactic be carefully delimited. In practice, however, things have not worked out quite so well. In New York and other cities, the police have used the tactic not as a way to investigate specific instances of potential crime but as a general deterrent to stem gun violence, applied to whole communities. The police reason that if people know they are likely to be stopped and frisked, they wont carry guns. When critics pointed out that the New York Police Department recovered guns in only 0.15 percent of its stops, the police responded that this showed that deterrence was working. The tactic has been overwhelmingly targeted at black and Hispanic men. The NYPD, for example, conducted more than 685,000 stops in 2011. Blacks and Hispanics, who made up 53 percent of the citys population, were 87 percent of those stopped and frisked. That year, the NYPD stopped more black and Hispanic men between the ages of 14 and 24 than actually lived in the city, as many young men of color were stopped repeatedly. The NYPD strategy, replicated to varying degrees in many other cities, was both unconstitutional and politically toxic. A federal court ruled that the NYPD had violated the Fourth Amendment by conducting thousands of stops without reasonable suspicion and had violated equal protection by discriminating on the basis of race. After Bill de Blasio won the mayoral election on a platform that prominently condemned the practice, he dismissed the citys appeal. The number of stops in the city has since dropped dramatically, to less than 23,000 in 2015. And significantly, homicide has remained at historic lows, belying Trumps claim that stop-and-frisk saved thousands of lives. Apart from the New York lawsuit, an aberration, the courts have failed to bring stop-and-frisk in check. The problem is not so much that the rules are too lenient but that they are radically under-enforced. The vast majority of stops never result in an arrest, much less a prosecution, so their legality is not reviewed by a court. In theory, those wrongfully stopped could sue for damages, but such cases are rarely worth a lawyers time; even if one prevails, the damages are likely to be minimal. The successful lawsuit against the NYPD was possible only because it was a class action, aggregating the claims of thousands of young black and Hispanic residents, but class actions are extremely costly and face many procedural obstacles. So for most stops, the rules exist in theory only. White and Fradella, both criminal justice professors, do not look to the courts. They call instead for internal police reform, recommending better hiring, improved training and more extensive monitoring by auditors with some degree of independence, such as inspectors general. Body cameras, they suggest, may provide a better basis for assessing police officers conduct during stops. Such reforms would be welcome, and police chiefs looking to restore trust between their officers and the communities they serve would be well advised to adopt them. Whether they will, in the absence of meaningful judicial accountability, remains to be seen. But the authors fail to mention the most important reform of all: outright rejection of the kind of mass stop-and-frisk strategy that the NYPD pioneered. The Supreme Court authorized stop-and-frisk only where warranted by the facts of a specific situation, not as a show of force for general deterrence. Its when the police depart from individualized suspicion and target whole neighborhoods for what are effectively blanket stops that the most serious problems arise. Thats where Trump was wrong and Clinton right. Hillary Clinton gave a final argument against rival Donald Trump to voters in Tempe, Ariz., on Nov. 2. Imagine having a president who demeans women, mocks the disabled, insults Latinos, African Americans, the disabled, POWs, who pits people against each other," she told supporters. (Video: The Washington Post/Photo: Melina Mara/The Washington Post) Hillary Clinton gave a final argument against rival Donald Trump to voters in Tempe, Ariz., on Nov. 2. Imagine having a president who demeans women, mocks the disabled, insults Latinos, African Americans, the disabled, POWs, who pits people against each other," she told supporters. (Video: The Washington Post/Photo: Melina Mara/The Washington Post) With fewer than five days left before the election, the bitter fight for the presidency descended Thursday on North Carolina, a crucial battleground where Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump attacked one another at competing campaign events. Clinton urged African American voters here to turn out, warning them that Trumps vision for his presidency would leave them behind. About 200 miles to the west, in Concord, Trump cast Clinton as a candidate of yesterday and complained that he is held to a different standard than his Democratic rival. Hours later, the Democratic and Republican nominees held dueling events in Raleigh and Selma, respectively, throwing more jabs at one another. It all came on a whirlwind day on the campaign trail as a full slate of surrogates, including President Obama and Melania Trump, were dispatched to key swing states to make closing arguments for their candidates. Polls show a tightening contest, adding a sense of urgency to each campaign stop. Clinton told a crowd of about 1,800 on the grounds of Pitt Community College that Trump has spent this entire campaign offering a dog whistle to his most hateful supporters. She said he retweets white supremacists and spreads racially tinged conspiracy theories, and noted that Trump had been endorsed by the Ku Klux Klan. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's wife, Melania, gave a speech in Berwyn, Pa., Nov. 3, in which she said as first lady, she would fight online bullying and press for the advancement of U.S. women. (The Washington Post) Trumps campaign has rejected the endorsement. Trumps son Eric said in a Thursday radio interview with KHOW in Denver that former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard David Duke does deserve a bullet, agreeing with an assertion his interviewer made. Clinton noted that Trump had been repeatedly accused of housing discrimination at his real estate properties and that he had continued to proclaim the guilt of five black and Hispanic men, the Central Park Five, on assault and rape accusations, even after DNA evidence exonerated them. Do any of us have a place in Trumps America? Clinton asked. At his Concord rally, Trump drew attention to the FBIs renewed inquiry into Clintons email practices while she was secretary of state, when she used a private server. Now shes got bigger problems. If she were to win, it would create an unprecedented constitutional crisis that would cripple the operations of our government, Trump said. He did not present evidence for his claim. The GOP nominee also criticized now-interim Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile, after an email released by the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks indicated that she had provided debate questions in advance to the Clinton campaign. Trump said that if he had done something similar, he would have faced a bigger backlash. Headlines: Trump to leave race, he said, opining about what the media reaction would have been had that happened. North Carolinas 15 electoral votes will be among the biggest prizes Tuesday night, and Thursdays schedule reflected that. At one point in the afternoon, both Trumps and Clintons airplanes were at the Raleigh-Durham airport. After the state voted Republican for seven straight presidential elections, Obama turned the state blue in 2008. But it flipped back to Republican Mitt Romney in 2012, and the GOP further reasserted itself in the 2014 midterms. Clintons appeal to black voters in North Carolina has become increasingly urgent as early voting results show turnout among African American voters in the state has fallen from 2008 levels. A combination of fewer early voting sites, lower enthusiasm for Clinton and legal disputes about voter registration records are to blame. But the Clinton campaign has pointed to higher black turnout in recent days, after the number of polling places in the state were dramatically increased, as a sign that the situation is improving. Trump continued his attack on Clinton at an outdoor rally in Selma, N.C., on Thursday night that attracted more than 15,000 people. Trump was joined on stage by decorated military veterans who support him. You know, when I look at these brave admirals and these great generals and these great medal of honor recipients behind me, to think of her being their boss? I dont think so, Trump said. Trump reiterated his military-related campaign promises, telling the crowd that he would fully fund all branches of the military, push allies to pay more for U.S. protection and only resort to military force when its vital to the safety of the country, among other things. Trump again criticized Clinton for using a private email server while secretary of state. As he spoke of Clinton, one man screamed: Communist! And the crowd repeatedly chanted: Lock her up! Lock her up! Clinton, meanwhile, held a joint rally Thursday night in Raleigh, N.C., with her former primary rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and musician Pharrell. The mostly younger crowed of 5,200 at an outdoor concert venue screamed energetically as Sanders took the stage and delivered remarks that didnt stray very much from the stump speech that had become his staple in the Democratic primary. Sanders urged the crowd to vote for Clinton based on the issues particularly economic fairness and access to health care. This campaign is not a personality contest, Sanders said. Were not voting for high school president, were voting for the most powerful leader in the entire world. Clinton promised that she and Sanders would work together to push shared priorities in January, including a plan they jointly drafted to make tuition free at public colleges and universities for families making less than $125,000 a year. This election has been a lot more fun now that were on the same side, Clinton said. She also argued that the best way to reject what she characterized as Trumps divisive rhetoric would be to vote in record numbers. The best way to repudiate the bigotry and the bluster and the bullying and the hateful rhetoric and discrimination is to show up with the biggest turnout in American history, she said. Earlier in the day, Trump and Obama held dueling rallies in all-important Florida, with the president seeking to rally young voters for Clinton, and Trump trying to stoke concerns about Clintons practices as secretary of state. Speaking at Florida International University in Miami, Obama called Trump uniquely unqualified and temperamentally unfit to be president. Later, in Jacksonville, Trump claimed that Clinton is under criminal investigation for pay-for-play corruption by the FBI, though no such investigation has been announced. Trumps wife, Melania, made her highest-profile appearance on the campaign trail since her speech at the Republican National Convention. She delivered a speech in a Philadelphia suburb, vowing to be an advocate for women and children if she becomes first lady. In Berwyn, Pa., she talked about her journey from Slovenia to becoming a U.S. citizen. She praised her husband for being beholden to no one, and told the crowd: He certainly knows how to shake things up, doesnt he? Melania Trump also voiced concerns about online bullying directed at children, saying that technology has changed our universe, but that like anything that is powerful, it can have a bad side. As a candidate for president, Trump has routinely used his Twitter account to attack and belittle critics, rivals and others with whom he takes issue. Clintons running mate, Sen. Tim Kaine (Va.), delivered an entire campaign speech in Spanish on Thursday afternoon in Phoenix, where he stressed his belief in an inclusive politics that celebrates diversity. He criticized Trumps controversial rhetoric about immigrants, calling the GOP nominee a payaso, or clown. Kaine later appeared at a rally in Tucson that also featured former Arizona representative Gabby Giffords. Giffords and her husband have become leading gun control advocates in the aftermath of an assassination attempt against her in 2011 that left her with a brain injury. The Clinton campaign announced Thursday that her final rally before Election Day will be Monday evening in Philadelphia. She will be joined by Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and Bill and Chelsea Clinton, the campaign said. Trumps campaign released a new TV ad that seeks to highlight the renewed scrutiny of Clintons emails and tie her to disgraced former representative Anthony Weiner, whom the narrator of the commercial calls a pervert. Emails were found on a computer belonging to Weiner, who is under investigation for allegedly exchanging lewd messages with a 15-year-old girl, triggered the FBI to revisit Clintons email practices. Weiner is separated from Huma Abedin, Clintons long-time aide. The Trump campaign continued to argue it has its sights set on Democratic-leaning states in the final days of the race. In an interview on MSNBC, Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway said the campaign is trying to make a push into Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. But polls show Clinton leading in those states. I mean, look, if you try to apply conventional political wisdom to Donald Trump, you lose every time, Conway said. The idea that, well, Michigan or Wisconsin have been elusive to Republican candidates. Hes just different. His message on illegal immigration, trade and jobs and patriotism. . . . Its just a different messenger. Johnson reported from Concord, N.C., and Selma, N.C. Sullivan reported from Washington. Jose A. DelReal, Sari Horwitz and John Wagner in Washington contributed to this report. No employee may use his official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of an election. Thats from the U.S. Justice Departments Government Ethics Outline. We presume that Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey, one of the highest-ranking officials in the Justice Department, was aware of that explicit prohibition on Friday when he sent a letter to ranking members of Congress regarding the investigation into the use of a private email server by Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee for president, when she was secretary of state. In July, Comey announced, while criticizing Clintons actions, that there was nothing in Clintons email activities that was prosecutable. The FBI has learned of the existence of emails that may be pertinent to this investigation, Comey wrote in the Friday letter. I am writing to inform you that the investigative team briefed me on this yesterday, and I agreed that the FBI should take appropriate investigative steps designed to allow investigators to retrieve those emails to determine whether they contain classified information, as well as to assess their importance to our investigation. Although the FBI cannot yet assess whether or not this material may be significant, and I cannot predict how long it will take to complete this additional work, I believe it is important to update your Committees about our efforts in light of my previous testimony. So its emails that may be pertinent to the Clinton emails investigation, and as of Friday it was emails that the FBI had yet to retrieve to determine whether they contain classified information. Its a lot of smoke, with the suggestion of fire. Comeys action, 11 days before a presidential election, is highly unusual, especially since it would appear to be in clear violation of the Justice Department ethics policy, and unofficial directives from Justice to its employees to avoid even the appearance of interfering with elections. It would have been no less so had Comeys letter pertained to Republican nominee Donald Trump. Comeys letter has drawn criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike. Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, a former prosecutor and New York county court judge and a supporter of Trump said Comeys letter disgraces and politicizes the bureau. Alberto Gonzales, attorney general under President George W. Bush, said Monday morning on CNN that I really worry that (Comey) has made an error in judgment. Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, called on FBI Director James Comey to provide more details about the agencys review of emails that could be pertinent to the Clinton emails investigation. Without additional context, your disclosure is not fair to Congress, the American people, or Secretary Clinton, Grassley, whose panel has jurisdiction over the FBI, wrote in a Monday letter to Comey. CNN reported Monday that Justice and the FBI were in discussions with lawyers for Huma Abedin, a high-ranking aide to Clinton, to secure approval that would allow the FBI to conduct a full search of her newly discovered emails, sources familiar with the discussions told CNN. Government lawyers obtained a search warrant to permit investigators to review thousands of emails on a computer Abedin shared with her estranged husband, Anthony Weiner, officials told CNN. Weiner, a former congressman from New York and New York City mayoral candidate, is under investigation for allegedly sexting with an underage female. It had better turn out that, when Comey sent the letter on Friday, Comey had found something substantial on Hillary Clinton herself. Not something about Weiners sexting scandal or Abedins knowledge of her estranged husbands alleged illegal activities. If Comey does not have something new on Hillary Clinton herself, he has engaged in unprecedented interference in a presidential election 11 days before it takes place. He will have put this thumb on his scale. If Comey does not have something new on Hillary Clinton, he should resign. Hillary Clinton maintains a nearly 50-percentage-point lead among Hispanic voters in a new Washington Post-Univision News poll, with Donald Trumps deep unpopularity raising questions about how much his candidacy has hampered Republicans long-term chances to win back support from the nations largest minority-group voting bloc. Clinton is seen unfavorably by 28 percent of Hispanics, but 76 percent of them have unfavorable views of Trump including 64 percent whose views are very unfavorable, which is 20 points higher than those who have very unfavorable views toward the Republican Party overall. The poll finds opportunity for Republicans to expand support, with 51 percent of Latinos who support Trump now or say they would be willing to vote for a Republican presidential candidate in the future. But simply nominating candidates other than Trump probably will not be enough. Republicans may need to revamp the partys stances on several issues to overcome Hispanics strong Democratic tilt, the poll shows. In one sign of those broader difficulties, other Republicans up for election this year also trail Democrats by a wide margin: 66 percent of Latinos say they support a Democratic congressional candidate in their district, compared with 24 percent who support GOP candidates. In the presidential race, over two-thirds of Hispanics who are likely voters (67 percent) support or lean toward Clinton, with just under 2 in 10 (19 percent) supporting Trump, according to the poll, conducted Oct. 26 to 30. Four percent support Libertarian Party nominee Gary Johnson and 2 percent are for the Green Partys Jill Stein, the poll finds. Trumps 48-point deficit against Clinton is just a few points behind 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romneys 44-point losing margin among Hispanics, according to exit polling that year. That years losses prompted calls by party leadership to redouble efforts toward courting Latino voters, in order to stay competitive in presidential races with a racially diversifying electorate. A similar Post-Univision poll in February found Clinton with 73 percent support among Hispanic registered voters and 16 percent for Trump. In July 2015, 70 percent said they would vote for Clinton and 16 percent for Trump signaling little movement over the presidential campaign cycle. [Among Democrats, deep concern about Clintons Hispanic strategy] This years election is viewed as more important than previous contests by 78 percent of Hispanic likely voters, and overall enthusiasm remains high. Almost 8 in 10 (78 percent) say theyre enthusiastic about voting, with 58 percent very enthusiastic about voting. Knowing that she had strong support among Hispanics starting in the primary season, Clintons general-election campaign adopted an aggressive bilingual, digital-first general outreach strategy that targets younger Hispanics on Facebook, Snapchat and other digital platforms with predominantly English advertising. In more recent months, the campaign has started airing Spanish-language television and radio ads in parts of Florida and Nevada. That bilingual focus prompted a flurry of criticism of Clintons and the partys Hispanic strategies. Despite a uniquely favorable environment with Trumps repeated attacks on undocumented immigrants, Democrats openly fretted this fall that Clinton was neglecting a long-standing party goal of marshaling the nations growing Hispanic population into a permanent electoral force. Those concerns struck at the heart of a debate among Hispanic operatives about how much emphasis should be placed on newer ways of reaching younger Hispanics, who like millennials overall are more resistant to backing Clinton than older Latinos. But the new Post-Univision poll suggests the Clinton teams strategy may be working. A 66 percent majority of Latinos younger than 35 support Clinton, compared with 71 percent of seniors a nearly even margin. A national poll of Hispanic voters conducted this fall by the Pew Research Center found a sizable age gap among the broader population of registered voters, with younger Hispanic voters less supportive of Clinton than their elders. [From Sept.: Clintons lead among Hispanics not as big as you might think ] Theres also evidence that the Clinton campaigns focus on shoring up support among English-dominant Hispanics was prudent. The poll found a big gap between respondents who chose to be interviewed in Spanish rather than English. Clinton garners 60 percent support among Latinos who prefer English, compared with 79 percent of those who prefer Spanish. Trump receives 23 percent support among those interviewed in English but only 11 percent among Spanish-speaking respondents. Hispanic likely voters, like American voters overall, are most likely to say that jobs and the economy are the most important issues in deciding their vote for president (28 percent). Among Hispanics in this poll, that is followed by immigration at 15 percent. Education, health care and terrorism all tie for third place at 8 percent each. Among the four presidential candidates, Clinton fared far better than Trump on all questions of who is best equipped to handle various issues, including the economy (60 percent), immigration (66 percent), health care (64 percent) and terrorism (62 percent). Asked which candidate is closer to their opinion on the issues in general, 65 percent said Clinton, compared with 17 percent for Trump. While Clinton has fallen behind Trump among Americans overall on questions of trust, among Hispanics in this poll she scores 37 points higher than Trump on honesty: 53 percent to 16 percent. The Democratic Party comes out far more favorably than the Republican Party among Hispanic likely voters 71 percent have a favorable opinion of the Democratic Party, with 42 percent very favorable, while just 27 percent have a favorable opinion of the GOP, with only 11 percent very favorable. Hispanics also give high marks to President Obama, who earns a 76 percent favorability rating, with 50 percent very favorable. Clinton is seen as favorable by 69 percent of Hispanics, with 43 percent rating her very favorably. Just 20 percent have a favorable opinion of Trump; 76 percent see the GOP nominee in a negative light. Independent Latinos favor Clinton over Trump by a wide margin, 54 percent to 22 percent, while 8 percent choose Johnson and 3 percent pick Stein. That is a big factor hurting Republicans: 57 percent of Latinos identify as Democrats in this poll, making independents represent the biggest pool of potentially persuadable voters. Trump also lacks unity among Latino Republicans, with 70 percent supporting Trump compared with 88 percent of Latino Democrats who back Clinton. By contrast, in congressional races, 86 percent of Republican Latinos support the partys candidate in their district; 90 percent of Latino Democrats support their partys congressional candidate. The Post-Univision News poll was conducted by landline and cellular phone from Oct. 26 to 30 among 1,008 Hispanic likely voters in the United States, in both English and Spanish. Results have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. Sampling, data collection and tabulation were done by Bendixen & Amandi International with the Tarrance Group. Scott Clement contributed to this report. An Iraqi child holds a white flag as he flees with his family from Mosul on Nov. 3. (Ahmed Jadallah/Reuters) Holding white flags and traveling in convoys of dump trucks, army buses and family sedans, thousands of residents poured out of eastern neighborhoods of Mosul on Thursday, the first significant wave of people to escape the city held by the Islamic State. More than 1.2 million people are believed to still be trapped in the northern city, which Iraqi security forces are just beginning to penetrate after launching an offensive to retake it two weeks ago. Newly constructed camps in the area have the capacity for just 60,000 people. The stream of humanity, which included shepherds pushing herds of sheep out of the war zone, crawled along in heavy traffic leaving Mosul and headed toward a swelling camp for displaced people erected on the banks of the Khazir River. The camp has space for 1,000 families but was rapidly filling up. Even as they fled, some were almost giddy with relief. Drivers in the convoys blasted their horns and waved V for victory as Iraqi and Kurdish troops passed by on their way to the front lines. Girls and young women who were forced to wear black veils over their faces in Mosul took them off and let the wind blow though their hair. Displaced people gather as they for food distribution at a camp in Qayyarah, south of Mosul, on Nov. 3. (Felipe Dana/AP) [Trapped in a house with Islamic State fighters] For nearly 21/2 years, they have lived under Islamic State rule in the groups de facto capital in Iraq. It was in the citys central mosque that the groups leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared his caliphate two years ago, calling on the worlds Muslims to follow him. Now Iraqi commanders say its just a matter of time before the city is recaptured, though no one is sure of the cost that civilians trapped inside may pay. As government troops closed in, Baghdadi rallied his followers on Thursday, releasing an audio recording that called on them to remain steadfast and fight and to obey their commanders. Oh you who seek martyrdom! Start your actions! Baghdadi said in a translation provided by the SITE Intelligence Group. Totally decimate their territories, and make their blood flow like rivers. Analysts said it was the first time that the Islamic State leader, whose whereabouts are unknown, had personally called on his fighters to maintain discipline on the battlefield, suggesting he may be concerned about defections. Some Iraqi commanders have said that Islamic State fighters and their families have moved from the eastern side of Mosul to the west or even to Syria, although such reports are difficult to verify. The number of civilians fleeing increased significantly Thursday as fighting crossed from villages to more densely populated neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city, said Alvhild Stromme of the Norwegian Refugee Council. She said that at least 1,000 families had fled, but new arrivals were still being counted. 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. [Iraqi Christians, scarred by Islamic State, doubt theyll return to Mosul] Sabah Noori, a spokesman for Iraqs special forces, said that about 5,000 people had fled the eastern neighborhood of Gogjali, which the forces entered on Tuesday, and that a similar number had stayed behind. The Iraqi army also said it had stormed the Mosul neighborhood of Intisar on Thursday, pressing farther into the city. We were dead to the world, but God did not want us yet, said Saad Fahad, 46, who fled from Gogjali. Asked what the past few days had been like, Fahad said, It was a horror, to be honest. He and relatives hid under a stairwell and in a bathroom, he said. Fahad came out with 40 members of his extended family in four vehicles, their rooftops piled with chairs, bicycles and mattresses and their pickup truck beds loaded with children. They were down to bread and tea before they ran. Shops in the neighborhood ran out of food two or three days ago and then shuttered during the fighting, he said. One of his cousins was freshly shaved and said it was a relief to be free of the long beard that the Islamic State demanded of men. But Fahad said: It wasnt the beards or the forbidden mobile phones or cigarettes that was the worst. It was the psychological pressure. You refuse anything? They called you an infidel and could take you away. Ahmed Mohammad, 33, a laborer traveling with 23 family members, said that after one of the first Iraqi troops entered his neighborhood on Tuesday night, I ran out of the house and kissed his boots. Ahmed, who asked that his last name not be used because he still had relatives in Mosul, said that the eastern edge of the city was first shelled by Iraqi forces and later by the Islamic State. Many civilians are dying, he said. If you have a car, you will leave. If you dont, you will try to walk, Ahmed said, predicting that Mosul would empty itself out, at least in districts with heavy fighting. Only the shepherds will stay, to protect their animals. Iraqs armed forces are trying as much as possible to keep families in their homes as they advance, hoping to divert a humanitarian crisis that the country is woefully ill-equipped to deal with. Some 3.4 million people have already been displaced during Iraqs war against the Islamic State. But as conflict nears their doors, many people inevitably choose to flee. Iraqi forces are searching houses for Islamic State fighters trying to mingle with the civilians. A young man named Dhiab, who declined to give his last name, rode out of Mosul in the back of a dump truck said it would be hard to persuade residents to stay, because the populace is traumatized. Just before the fighting began, he said, Islamic State gunmen intensified their search for spies and members of a popular resistance groups. The Islamic State fighters would demand identification and then check names against lists they kept on laptops. A mobile phone was a death sentence, Dhiab said. If you were former police, army? The same. Mustafa Akram, a political officer in the Kurdish peshmerga forces, stood at the gates of the Zharir camp, where a long line of people from Mosul had formed. First they will be searched, then vetted. Then they will be given some food and blankets, Akram said. It was possible that active supporters of the Islamic State and even some Islamic State fighters could appear at the camp and slip through the fast screening process being run by peshmerga intelligence units. But eventually they would be found out, Akram said. Morris reported from Irbil, Iraq. Aaso Ameen Shwan and Mustafa Salim contributed to this report. Read more: Militants are kidnapping thousands of people to use as human shields A look inside Q-West, where U.S. troops are supporting Iraqs fight for Mosul Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news An Afghan National Army commando takes part in the battle against Taliban militants in Kunduz last month. (Bashir Khan Safi/AFP/Getty Images) At least 26 Afghan civilians were killed and many others injured in airstrikes early Thursday while NATO and Afghan forces were battling Taliban fighters in northern Kunduz province, Afghan officials and witnesses said. Two American service members also died in ground clashes there, U.S. military officials confirmed. Details of the incidents were murky, with conflicting reports on the number of casualties and no official account of the airstrikes. Some local officials claimed that up to 100 civilians were killed or wounded in a series of airstrikes around Kunduz city. [NATO and government forces are increasingly responsible for Afghan civilian deaths] A portion of the strategic provincial capital was briefly overrun by insurgents last month, and Afghan troops assisted by U.S. forces have been trying to clear them from the area. The confusing and deadly drama recalled the tragic events in Kunduz just over a year ago, when the Taliban overran the city and Afghan and NATO forces were trying to beat them back. In the chaos, a U.S. airstrike mistakenly targeted an emergency hospital operated by Doctors Without Borders, killing 42 patients and staff members. As of late Thursday, NATO officials had not confirmed or commented on the reported deaths of the civilians, who were said to be members of several families living in a neighborhood near the city. Photographs published on the Internet showed the bodies of small children crumpled on a blanket and being carried in a cart by weeping adults. Angry relatives of the victims attempted to parade their bodies through the city to the provincial governors residence in a protest caravan, but they were stopped by security forces, Amruddin Wali, a member of the provincial council, said in a telephone interview. A security official in Kunduz said an operation against the opponents resulted in the deaths of more than 20 civilians from various families. Ghulam Rabbani, another provincial council member, said 36 people were killed. Other officials said homes in various locations were destroyed by the strikes. [Kabul not spared Taliban strikes] U.S. military officials in Kabul confirmed that two U.S. service members were killed and two others wounded when they came under insurgent fire. Despite todays tragic event, we are steadfast in our commitment to help our Afghan partners defend their nation, said Gen. John W. Nicholson, the senior U.S. military commander here, referring to the deaths of the U.S. troops. Late Thursday afternoon, Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland, the chief spokesman for Resolute Support, the U.S.-led NATO mission in Afghanistan, issued a statement that referred to airstrikes by friendly forces but did not confirm any civilian casualties. It said all information on that matter should come from Afghan officials. The NATO missions mandate is to assist, advise and train Afghan defense forces in their war against insurgents. Almost all foreign combat troops withdrew at the end of 2014, leaving Afghan troops facing an aggressive Taliban militia. As part of an Afghan operation, friendly forces received direct fire and airstrikes were conducted to defend themselves, Clevelands statement said. We take all allegations of civilian casualties very seriously. As this was an Afghan operation, well work with our partners to investigate but refer you to them for additional details in the near term. Well provide updates as we have them. The senior Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman, Brig. Gen. Dawlat Waziri, said three Afghan special forces members were killed in fighting with the Taliban. He said he had no information on civilian deaths. A spokesman for the Taliban, Zabiullah Mujahid, said three Taliban fighters were targeted by the Afghan and foreign forces and were then killed in a firefight in which Afghan and American troops also died. He said a large number of civilians also were killed. Pajhwok Afghan News quoted a farmer in Kunduz named Taza Gul as saying: I was working on my farm when the bombardment started. On coming home, I saw seven members of my family, including women and children, killed in the raids. After the deadly 2015 airstrike in Kunduz, a U.S. military investigation led to the disciplining of 16 military members who were said to have made mistakes leading to the strike. Doctors Without Borders called the attack a war crime. Read more: A humanitarian crisis looms in Afghanistan as the number of displaced climbs The U.S. spent billions building roads in Afghanistan. Now many of them are beyond repair. From a Nat Geo cover to a mug shot: The sad story of the green-eyed Afghan Girl Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Pro-Beijing demonstrators rally against legislators-elect Sixtus Leung and Yau Wai-ching outside the High Court in Hong Kong. The court is considering whether the two have a right to be sworn in to the Legislative Council. (Jerome Favre/European Pressphoto Agency) The election of two young, pro-independence activists to Hong Kongs legislature was supposed to help the citys struggle for greater autonomy. But two months after Sixtus Baggio Leung, 30, and Yau Wai-ching, 25, were elected, they have yet to take their seats in the legislative chamber, shape any policy or pass any laws. After altering their oaths of office as a protest, Leung and Yau find themselves caught in a legal standoff that may bring exactly what they campaigned against: interference from Beijing. Hong Kongs government, which is loyal to Beijing, has asked a local court to consider whether Leung and Yau have the right to be sworn in but that may not be the last word. A Hong Kong official on Friday confirmed that Chinas National Peoples Congress will step in to issue an interpretation on the matter, news that will intensify fears that the citys judicial independence is under threat. Beijing, spooked by the rise of a small but vocal pro-independence camp, wants to show Hong Kong whos boss, said Ho-fung Hung, an associate professor at Johns Hopkins University. But if they can override decisions, that amounts to rule by edict. Hong Kong is a former British colony that was returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 with a promise that the territory would enjoy certain civil and political rights for 50 years. Part of the population thinks Beijing is reneging on that promise and is tightening its grip on the territorys political, legal and cultural affairs well ahead of the 2047 deadline. During the 2014 umbrella revolution , tens of thousands of Hong Kongers took to the streets to call for universal suffrage and the protection of their way of life. But that ended without a significant concession from the state a source of anger that has fueled some calls for independence. The latest crisis began when Leung and Yau were taking the oath of office. Lawmakers are asked to declare loyalty to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China and the Basic Law. Leung pledged fealty instead to the Hong Kong nation and pronounced China as Chee-na a pejorative Japanese slang term for China that dates to the Japanese occupation during World War II. He also wrapped himself in a banner bearing the words Hong Kong is not China. Lau called the Peoples Republic of China the Peoples re-f---ing of China. Beijing was not amused. In recent weeks, Chinas party-controlled news media have stepped up criticism of Leung and Yau, implying that their swearing and carrying on constituted a threat to national security. If the matter cannot be properly handled, Mo Jihong, of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Peoples Daily, a Communist Party newspaper, the central government should take decisive action and leave no potential threat. The tendency of Hong Kong independence must be nipped in the bud, he said. A group of Chinese business leaders took out a newspaper ad criticizing the two Hong Kong politicians. Yau Wai-ching and Leung Chung-hang have publicly trodden the dignity of the country, insulted the Chinese people and hurt the feelings of the whole nation, it read. To Leung and Yaus independence-minded supporters, their actions are not about hurting feelings but advancing free speech and political resistance. Yet others, including many in the democratic camp, wonder whether their tactics arent counterproductive. Some think Hong Kongs best hope lies in greater autonomy, not independence, and are wary of giving hardliners in Hong Kong and Beijing an excuse to crack down. And thats exactly what might happen, said Ding Xueliang, a professor of social science at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The more you mention of Hong Kong independence, the less likely the high-degree-of-autonomy promise will be protected, he said. That is the long-term consequence. Luna Lin contributed to this report. Read more: Beijing took a hard line on Hong Kong; it may have backfired. The saga of Hong Kongs abducted booksellers takes a darker turn Hong Kong booksellers confession was absurd and thats the point Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Many Chinese make the trip for a chance to reminisce about the "good old days" of iron-fisted central planning. (The Washington Post) Many Chinese make the trip for a chance to reminisce about the "good old days" of iron-fisted central planning. (The Washington Post) The Chinese tourists were hesitant for a second, perhaps startled by their North Korean guides perfect use of Chinese curse words, perhaps surprised by the sentiment. F--- the Japanese devils! F--- their mothers! Mr. Lee, the guide, shouted out to a busload of visitors making a day trip across the Yalu River into Sinuiju, North Korea. Recovering from their initial surprise, most of the middle-aged Chinese visitors joined in. F--- the Japanese devils! F--- their mothers! they cheered back, with whistles and clapping, in an expletive-filled echo. It was a bonding moment between the neighbors. The excursion into North Korea, from this border town in northeastern China, took a group of 51 Chinese tourists, by turns curious and nostalgic, into the land of the Kims. Their small green bus, which carried them over the river and back in time, was for Chinese visitors only. The people on the bus did not want to be fully identified, because it could go badly for them, but here is their account: Socialist realist billboards at the Sinuiju Womens Park. The park was built completely by women, said Mr. Lee, a North Korean tour guide. (The Washington Post) Its like going back to elementary school, said Lin, a professor from Fujian. And that was not criticism. First stop: a central square in Sinuiju, with its new bronze statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, the first two generations of the worlds only communist dynasty. The tourists were told to get gaudy bunches of flowers at $3 a pop, that was $150 for North Korea to place at the feet of the two Kims. They had not even left the square before the flower vendors began clearing away the flowers and placing them back in their plastic baskets for the next wave of tourists. They should at least wait until we leave, said Gu, a middle-aged businesswoman from Shenzhen. They need to work on their skills. Relations between Beijing and Pyongyang have become strained in recent years, as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has repeatedly defied and snubbed Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, who is three decades his senior and many multiples his power. But even as economic and political ties wobble, tourism has become an important source of foreign revenue for North Korea, and it is more easily extracted from Chinese tourists, who tend to be obedient and sympathetic, than, say, Americans, who have proved less so. [North Korea tries to lure tourists to earn currency, but two now on trial] Many Chinese come for what might be described as communostalgia a chance to reminisce about the good old days of iron-fisted central planning. With Sinuiju not having a lot of what would be called, in any other country, tourist attractions, the next stop was a museum at which the guide talked, crying, about the time Kim Il Sung visited. The unfazed Chinese tourists quietly waited for it to end. Luckily, they soon found themselves in the museum gift shop, where cases displayed creams and lotions made in the local cosmetics factory another of Sinuijus attractions. This stuff is so cheap! And its natural and pure. North Korea isnt polluted like China, Gu said. She bought a dozen gift sets. That was $550 more for North Korea. Back on the bus, Mr. Lee, a slickly dressed 27-year-old, started his anti-Japanese tirade, simultaneously shocking and uniting his audience. But he did allow that not all Japanese people are bad. [North Korea sentences U-Va. student to 15 years of hard labor in prison] Then Mr. Lee led the group into a restaurant designed for tourists. After a lunch of fried fish, kimchi, glass noodles and pork with potato, North Korean women in bright traditional dress began singing old Red Army songs, transporting the older Chinese tourists back to their youths. Gu and her friends had tears in their eyes. These are songs we sang when we were growing up, one said. Pretty young North Korean women took middle-aged Chinese men with beer bellies by the hand and dragged them onstage to sing together, while the guides snapped photos. The North Korean tour guides were perhaps better proponents of Chinese nationalism than the officials Xi has dispatched to try to whip up domestic fervor. After another gift shop, the final stop on the tour was a kindergarten, where 5-year-olds welcomed the tourists in Korean and Chinese. The most popular performance featured five boys dressed as North Korean soldiers going through field exercises. Then out came two dressed as Japanese soldiers, with rats tails, and then one as a senior American officer, with a wolfs tail. The Chinese tourists lapped it up. Young kids in China these days are too spoiled, too materialistic, said Qi, a man from Liaoning province. We should have more nationalist education in our schools. Look at North Korea. They know how to educate kids! At the end of the performance, one of the guides announced that the teachers would happily accept any gifts for the children. Some tourists offered pencils, cookies and sausages they had brought from China. On the bus, others felt bad they had nothing to give. Not to worry. Mr. Lee had a plan. The children had trained for a whole year for this performance, he said. They have eaten bitterness, he said, using a Chinese phrase for enduring hardship. Passengers began handing over Chinese notes worth $7.50 or $15. When they arrived at the tourist center on the border, it was time to hand over something else. This time, it was their cameras, which had to be checked for photos deemed undesirable. [How did North Korea get a New Zealand plane made with American parts?] As the North Koreans were censoring the photos, the guides came out with flashy individualized folders featuring pictures of each tourist at the sites they had visited. There were photos of them singing with North Korean women at lunch, pictures from the museum and snapshots of a chance encounter in a park with a couple on their wedding day. The tourists were surprised at all of the trouble the North Koreans had gone to, and so quickly. Many did not have photos of themselves. And it was good to help the poor, starving North Koreans, wasnt it? More than half of the tourists handed over $30 for their folder exorbitant at local prices. Theyre very smart, Lin said. While our photos were being deleted, they were selling us pictures. From the first step we took in this land, they had planned out exactly how to get our money. Congcong Zhang in Sinuiju, North Korea, contributed to this report. Read more She fled North Korea and turned to online sex work. Then she escaped again. North Korea claims it has made warheads with higher strike power Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news A woman is wrapped in a foil blanket aboard a ship during a rescue operation for migrants and refugees in the Mediterranean Sea. (Andreas Solaro/AFP/Getty Images) At least 239 migrants are believed to have drowned this week in two shipwrecks off the coast of Libya, the United Nations refugee agency said Thursday, adding to the toll in what was already the deadliest year on record in the Mediterranean Sea. Survivor accounts suggest that two crowded boats broke up just off the Libyan coast Wednesday, said Carlotta Sami, spokeswoman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. The 31 survivors were taken Thursday to the Italian island of Lampedusa, which has become a rescue hub amid an ever-deadlier crisis as migrants depart Africas northern shores trying to reach Europe. The reports from the survivors could not be independently confirmed, but it is common for migrant ships to be filled far beyond capacity, and hundreds have perished in past sinkings. If true, the latest shipwrecks bring the toll of dead and missing in the Mediterranean to 4,220 this year, the highest on record, Sami said. This is an absolutely appalling figure, she said. According to Sami, the 29 survivors of the first wreck said they capsized after wooden planks at the bottom of the rubber dinghy broke apart several hours after departing Libya around 3 a.m. Wednesday. Pregnant women and at least six children were on board, survivors told the UNHCR, but no children were saved in the rescue, which took place about 25 miles off Libyas coast. One woman lost her 2-month-old baby, Sami said, and 12 bodies were recovered. The survivors said they were in the cold waters for hours before being rescued about 3 p.m. Wednesday. They said more than 140 people were aboard the boat. Two survivors of a second shipwreck were rescued in a separate operation, Sami said. They said at least 120 had been on board their boat, which had problems immediately upon setting out and broke apart off the Libyan coast around 5 a.m. Wednesday. The remaining passengers are believed to have drowned, Sami said. No further rescue operations are being performed at the location of those shipwrecks. I am deeply saddened by another tragedy on the high seas. . . . So many lives could be saved through more resettlement and legal pathways to protection, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said in a statement Thursday. The Mediterranean is a deadly stretch of sea for refugees and migrants, yet they still see no other option but to risk their lives to cross it. Most of the migrants appear to have come from sub-Saharan Africa, Sami said, but she said details were still being checked. She did not immediately know which agency carried out the rescue. The European Union is conducting a search-and-rescue operation in the western Mediterranean that is temporarily being offered logistical help from the NATO military alliance. In this, the deadliest year for boat migration to Europe, the E.U. remains focused on deterrence over protection, Judith Sunderland, associate Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement Thursday. The E.U. should be pressing Libyan authorities for permission to operate in Libyan waters, so they can help those in distress and bring them safely to Europe. Rescued migrants have told the UNHCR that smugglers along the route were telling migrants that responsibility for rescues would soon shift to Libya, and that any rescued refugees would be returned to Libya rather than carried onward to Italy, the agency said. That could be a cause of the current spike. Migrant traffic across the Mediterranean has changed significantly in the past year, after more than 1 million people made the passage in 2015. Most of them came via Turkey to Greece and then pressed onward into Europe. The sea portion of that journey was shorter and safer than the perilous passage from Libya to Italy. But the Turkish government largely shut down the migrant flow in the spring, closing off the main pathway for people fleeing the conflicts in Syria and Iraq into Europe. This week, the Gambian soccer federation announced that one of its stars had died at sea while trying to reach Europe. Fatim Jawara, 19, the goalkeeper on the countrys womens national team, drowned when her boat went down off the coast of Libya several weeks ago. Traffic from Libya and northern Africa has increased and grown deadlier, according to U.N. figures. Last year, 153,846 people arrived in Italy via the central Mediterranean route a figure that has just been surpassed in 2016. The arrivals in Italy last month were more than triple those of a year earlier. The shifting migration patterns have been a boon to smugglers, as demand has increased across the trickier North African route. Smugglers are sending out large groups in several ships at once, complicating rescue efforts if multiple boats capsize, UNHCR spokesman William Spindler said in October. It was not immediately clear whether Wednesdays sinkings were connected to a single smuggling operation. Kevin Sieff in Kigali, Rwanda, contributed to this report. Read more: Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news A British court has dealt a blow to Prime Minister Theresa Mays E.U. exit plan. The three-judge panel sided with plaintiffs who contended that Parliament must first weigh in. This could lead to a significant delay to Brexit. (Griff Witte,Jason Aldag/The Washington Post) A British court has dealt a blow to Prime Minister Theresa Mays E.U. exit plan. The three-judge panel sided with plaintiffs who contended that Parliament must first weigh in. This could lead to a significant delay to Brexit. (Griff Witte,Jason Aldag/The Washington Post) Britains plan for getting out of the European Union was thrown into doubt Thursday as a senior court ruled that Prime Minister Theresa May will need to get Parliaments approval before she acts. The surprise decision introduced new uncertainty to a process already fraught with complication and threatened to derail Mays timetable of triggering Article 50, the never-before-used mechanism for exiting the E.U., by the end of March. It also boosted the odds that the prime minister, in office only since July, will have to call a fresh election next year to win the mandate she needs to launch E.U. divorce talks. The decision drew immediate condemnation from pro-Brexit politicians, who warned of an angry backlash from voters who favor leaving the 28-member bloc and had thought the matter was settled when they opted in a June referendum to get out. Pro-E.U. leaders, meanwhile, showered the ruling with praise, and the pound jumped on hopes that Brexit might be postponed or somehow avoided altogether. A statement from Mays office at 10 Downing Street said it was disappointed by the ruling and would appeal to the Supreme Court. Justices are expected to take the case next month. At the heart of the legal dispute is a clash between direct and representative democracy. Although the British opted for Brexit by a margin of 52 percent to 48 percent, a large majority of members in Parliament wanted Britain to stay in the E.U. By giving Parliament a voice, the London-based High Court handed power back to a group that is skeptical or even hostile toward the very idea of Brexit. Mujtaba Rahman, Europe director for the Eurasia Group political consultancy, said Thursday that lawmakers will be reluctant to incur voters wrath by going directly against their will and blocking exit plans. Nonetheless, he described the courts decision as a severe setback for Theresa Mays government. If the Supreme Court upholds the judgment on appeal, Rahman wrote in a Thursday analysis, then pro-E.U. lawmakers could use the process to seek to tie Mays negotiating hand. One option for May, in turn, could be to call a general election next year to ask the public to endorse her negotiating goals in effect, to use an election to override Parliament, he added. [These are the people who threw a giant wrench into the Brexit plan] 1 of 56 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Britons react to cutting ties with the European Union View Photos In late June, many celebrated the referendum results, and British Prime Minister David Cameron announced that he would resign. Caption In late June, many celebrated the referendum results, and British Prime Minister David Cameron announced that he will resign after Britons went to the polls. June 26, 2016 People walk over Westminster Bridge wrapped in Union Jacks, toward the Queen Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and the Houses of Parliament in central London. Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images Wait 1 second to continue. That would be a sharp break from the plan May has repeatedly outlined. She intends to trigger Brexit on her own, without Parliaments input, and has ruled out an early election. Thursdays decision instantly threw that plan into disarray. A three-judge panel representing England and Wales dismissed government lawyers arguments that May has the executive power necessary to launch Brexit talks on her own and sided with a group of plaintiffs who contended that Parliament must weigh in first. The most fundamental rule of the U.K.s constitution is that Parliament is sovereign and can make and unmake any law it chooses, the judges wrote. As an aspect of the sovereignty of Parliament it has been established for hundreds of years that the Crown i.e. the Government of the day cannot by exercise of prerogative powers override legislation enacted by Parliament. [What is Article 50?] The court's decision stunned British political and legal observers just as the referendum outcome also defied predictions that voters would favor staying in the E.U. Until Thursday, most analysts had predicted the court would side with the government. The High Court in Northern Ireland had ruled as recently as last week that May's government could bypass Parliament. Thursdays ruling sparked an immediate rally in Britains beleaguered currency. The pound has been battered since the referendum and has been one of the worst-performing currencies in the world this year. Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, warned again Thursday of likely inflation next year and said the ruling is an example of the uncertainty that will characterize this process. [Britain still struggles to define post-E.U. identity] Brexit advocates quickly denounced the decision, saying it amounted to a betrayal of the publics will. I now fear every attempt will be made to block or delay triggering Article 50, tweeted Nigel Farage, a longtime Brexit champion. They have no idea the level of public anger they will provoke. Suzanne Evans, a candidate to succeed Farage as leader of the U.K. Independence Party, added a condemnation of activist judges who attempt to overturn our will. Time we had the right to sack them, she wrote. Pro-E.U. politicians, meanwhile, pressured May to share with Parliament her negotiating strategy something she has steadfastly refused to do, insisting she will not give a running commentary on the talks. So far Mays team have been all over the place when it comes to prioritizing what is best for Britain, and its time they pull their socks up and start taking this seriously, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said in a statement. Pro-E.U. leaders also pointed to what they described as hypocrisy on the Brexit side. One prominent argument for getting out of the E.U. was to restore the sovereignty of Parliament. But in this case, anti-E.U. leaders want Parliament nowhere near a decision that carries huge ramifications for the countrys future. The court ruling assuming it is not overturned on appeal sets up a crucial decision for the 650 representatives in Britains House of Commons. Members of the ruling Conservative Party were almost evenly split when the country voted June 23 on whether Britain should stay in the E.U. or leave. But solid majorities of the other major parties in Parliament including Labour, the Scottish National Party and the Liberal Democrats all opposed an exit. [How globalism became a political boogeyman on both sides of the Atlantic] May, who took office in July following the resignation of David Cameron, has only a narrow majority in Parliament and could struggle to pass legislation authorizing the start of Britains departure. An early election could be a way for May to regain the initiative. Dominic Raab, a pro-Brexit Tory member of Parliament, alluded to that possibility in an interview with the BBC, effectively daring pro-E.U. parties to force a new vote. I dont think those trying to break the verdict of the referendum would be rewarded, he said in reference to polls that show Conservatives well ahead of their rivals. Some analysts played down the rulings impact, noting that Parliament is unlikely to risk the ire of voters by undermining Brexit. Were moving towards the sovereignty of the people, said Kings College London historian Vernon Bogdanor, which is quite a different concept. Since taking power, May has often promised that Brexit means Brexit. But her government has struggled to put together a coherent strategy for the tough negotiations to come with Europe. The talks set to last two years once Article 50 has been triggered are likely to focus on the trade-off between Britains desire to control E.U. immigration into the country and its wish to retain access to the E.U.s common market. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, a leading Brexit proponent, has said the governments objective should be having our cake and eating it. But European leaders have said that will not be possible and that Britain will have to allow immigrants if it wants to maintain the market access that is at the core of its trading relationships with Europe. Johnson on Wednesday appeared to make unwitting reference to the governments struggles, saying in a speech at an awards ceremony sponsored by the conservative Spectator magazine that Britain would make a titanic success of Brexit. George Osborne, Britains pro-E.U. former treasury chief, quickly interjected, It sank. Brian Murphy in Washington and Karla Adam in London contributed to this report. Read more: Meet the European leaders hoping to cause the next Brexit 7 reasons some Europeans hate the E.U. The rise and fall of Europe, in maps Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Russ, we fired you because you spent 17.1 do-nothing years in the Senate. Then, in a last gasp of concern, you and 58 other democratic senators voted to bless us with Obamas unaffordable, no-care insurance. Because it was such a great idea, the same 59 democratic Senators voted to exempt themselves from the plan. You left the Senate with salary and medical benefits for live (as in forever), enough perks to make a CEO blush and consultant fees. Consulting for what is still to be determined. And, Russ, take off the red sweatshirt. You loved Wisconsin so much you high-tailed it to California, from which you have yet to return. Oh, one other thing stop telling lies. Small businesses are being bogged down by democratic-inspired laws and regulations. What jobs have you ever created? Vote you back in, no thanks. We do not need another do nothing senator. Nancy Welch Burlington This file image made from video posted on a militant website Saturday, July 5, 2014, purports to show the leader of the Islamic State group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, delivering a sermon at a mosque in Iraq during his first public appearance. (Uncredited/AP) Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi expressed confidence in victory in his first message after U.S.-backed Iraqi forces started an offensive to take back Mosul, the last major city under control of his group in Iraq. He also called on Islamic State fighters to invade Turkey. This raging battle and total war, and the great jihad that the state of Islam is fighting today only increases our firm belief, God willing, and our conviction that all this is a prelude to victory, he said in an audio recording released online by supporters on Thursday. The authenticity of the 31-minute-long recording could not be verified. The last message purportedly coming from Baghdadi was from December 2015, an audio recording that reassured followers and supporters that airstrikes by Russia and the U.S.-led coalition had failed to weaken the group in Syria. 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. Baghdadi, an Iraqi whose real name is Ibrahim al-Samarrai, called on the population of Mosuls Nineveh province not to weaken in the jihad against the enemies of God. He also called on the groups suicide fighters to turn the nights of the unbelievers into days, to wreak havoc in their land and make their blood flow as rivers. The battle that started Oct. 17 with air and ground support from a U.S.-led coalition is shaping up as the largest in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion of 2003. Mosul has a population of 1.5 million, much more than any of the other cities captured by Islamic State two years ago in Iraq and neighboring Syria. Baghdadi told the Islamic States fighters to unleash the fire of their anger on Turkish troops fighting them in Syria, and to take the battle into Turkey. Turkey today entered your range of action and the aim of your jihad . . . invade it and turn its safety into fear. The Islamic State has been retreating since last year in both Iraq and Syria, in the face of a myriad different forces. In Iraq, it is fighting U.S.-backed Iraqi government and Kurdish forces, and Iranian-backed Iraqi Shiite militias. In Syria, it is fighting Turkish-backed Syrian rebels opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters, and Russian- and Iranian-backed Syrian army units loyal to Assad and foreign Shiite militias. Baghdadi told his followers to launch attack after attack in Saudi Arabia, targeting security forces, government officials, members of the ruling Al Saud family and media outlets for siding with the infidel nations in the war on Islam and the Sunna (Sunni Muslims) in Iraq and Syria. The Islamic States leader also said the caliphate was not affected by the death of some of its senior commanders, mentioning Abu Muhammad al-Adnani and Abu Muhammad al-Furqan, both killed earlier this year in U.S. airstrikes. Read more: Iraqi elite forces enter Mosul more than 2 years after Islamic State seized the city Trapped in a house with Islamic State fighters Iraqi Christians, scarred by Islamic States cruelty, doubt they will return to Mosul Today's coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attends a bilateral meeting with President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a 2012 Group of 20 summit in Los Cabos, Mexico. (Carolyn Kaster/AP) In one of her last acts as secretary of state in early 2013, Hillary Clinton wrote a confidential memo to the White House on how to handle Vladimir Putin, the aggressive and newly reinstalled Russian president. Her bluntly worded advice: Snub him. Dont appear too eager to work together, Clinton urged President Obama, according to her recollection of the note in her 2014 memoir. Dont flatter Putin with high-level attention. Decline his invitation for a presidential summit. It was harsh advice coming from the administrations top diplomat, and Obama would ignore key parts of it. But the memo succinctly captured a personal view about Putin on the part of the future Democratic presidential nominee: a deep skepticism, informed by bitter experience, that will be likely to define U.S.-Russian relations if Clinton is elected. Her lasting conclusion, as she would acknowledge, was that strength and resolve were the only language Putin would understand. Putin has been thrust unexpectedly onto center stage in the U.S. presidential race, with Republican nominee Donald Trump expressing admiration for the Kremlin strongman even as intelligence officials investigate apparent Russian attempts to interfere in the election. Clinton, by contrast, has used tough talk about Russia to burnish her credentials as an experienced diplomat who can stand up to the United States adversaries. [U.S. officially accuses Russia of hacking campaign to interfere with elections] For Clinton, the rhetoric reflects genuine disappointment and frustration from a tumultuous term as secretary of state during which cooperation between Moscow and Washington briefly soared, only to come crashing to Earth after Putins reelection as president in 2012 following a four-year hiatus, according to current and former U.S. officials involved in Russian policymaking at the time. Clinton, who began her tenure by famously offering a reset of Russian relations, would end it by publicly blasting Putins government on issues including alleged vote-rigging in Russia and Putins support for Syrias authoritarian president, Bashar al-Assad. At a rally in Springfield, Ohio, on Oct. 27, Donald Trump said he wished the United States actually got along with Russia so they could defeat the Islamic State together. (The Washington Post) Putin would fire back with repeated attacks against her, often injecting an unusually personal tone into the growing diplomatic rift. The exchanges helped cement an adversarial view of Clinton on the Russian side that may explain, more than any other single factor, the apparent efforts by Russian operatives to influence the election by hacking email accounts of senior Clinton staff members, longtime Kremlin observers say. She has policies and a history that the Russians dont like, said Michael McFaul, who became the U.S. ambassador to Moscow during Clintons final year as secretary of state. Its frequently forgotten because theres so much noise about Trump and Putin. But this history is real, and Putin doesnt forget these things. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton press a red button marked reset in English that Clinton handed to Lavrov during a meeting on March 6, 2009, in Geneva. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images) The reset button Clintons strong views about Putin predated her arrival at Foggy Bottom in 2009 as Obamas first secretary of state. As a U.S. senator, she condemned Russias military incursion in August 2008 in the Georgian republic and suggested that Putin, a former Soviet KGB officer who was then Russias prime minister, was a throwback to the countrys hegemonic past. President George W. Bush had famously vouched for Putins character in 2001 by saying that hed looked into the Russians eyes and gotten a sense of his soul. But Clinton, during her own first presidential campaign in early 2008, insisted that Bush had seen no such thing. He was a KGB agent by definition he doesnt have a soul, Clinton said. Just over a year later, Obamas surprise choice as secretary of state was tasked with managing the administrations Russian reset policy, which sought to take advantage of the leadership changes in Washington and Moscow to inaugurate a new era of cooperation. The new White House believed Russias new president, Dmitry Medvedev, a St. Petersburg politician 13 years younger than Putin and lacking his predecessors experience in the Soviet bureaucracy might be more open to a real partnership. Former State Department and White House officials who attended early strategy meetings said that Clinton ultimately agreed with the approach. But she remained broadly skeptical that the relationship with Russia would ever extend beyond specific issues where Moscow saw an advantage in cooperation. The reset was the presidents idea it was something he wanted to do, said Philip Gordon, the assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs during Clintons tenure. But there was this logic that we were in a terrible place with Russia and we should give it a shot to see if we could get some concrete things done, in our own interest. Another senior U.S. official present during the discussions attributed Clintons reluctance to lingering suspicions about Putin. The former KGB operative who served as president in the early 2000s had accepted the prime ministers job under Medvedev, but many Kremlin watchers believed that Putin was still Russias de facto leader and that Obamas attempts to woo Medvedev misunderstood the real power structure in the Kremlin. These observers watched Putins hardening view toward the United States with increasing concern. It was right to be skeptical that you could translate that [reset] into a durable, strategic partnership, said the official, who helped guide Russian diplomacy during Republican and Democratic administrations and who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal policy debates freely. Structurally, we still faced a lot of problems dealing with Russia, including a fundamental difference in worldview. The policys official launch was a flub: At a Geneva news conference in March 2009, Clinton presented Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov with a mounted red button emblazoned with the word reset in English and the Russian word peregruzka a translation error by the U.S. team that left the bewildered Lavrov puzzling over a term meaning overload. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on June 29, 2012, in St. Petersburg. (Haraz N. Ghanbari/AP) Years later, Lavrov would dismiss the reset as the invention of Hillary Clinton and the Obama administration. He noted pointedly in a Bloomberg News interview that he had a very good relationship with Condoleezza Rice, Clintons immediate predecessor as secretary of state. Despite doubts, the new approach seemed initially to bear fruit. Within a little more than a year, the two governments had notched historic agreements, including a new treaty on reducing nuclear stockpiles and a pact allowing U.S. military planes to use Russian airspace in delivering supplies to troops in Afghanistan. Americans and Russians, working in unusual accord, achieved striking progress on some of the thorniest disputes before the United Nations. In 2010, Washington and Moscow cooperated on a package of unprecedented U.N. economic penalties that ultimately drove Iran to negotiations about limiting its nuclear program. The administration worked with Moscow to overcome U.S. objections to Russias long-standing effort to join the World Trade Organization. In 2011, Russia withheld its veto on the U.S.-led effort to authorize the international military campaign to stop Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi from slaughtering thousands of his own citizens an act of diplomatic restraint that many U.S. officials regard as the reset eras high-water mark. With the reset, we were never seeking goodwill with Russia; we were seeking a new strategy, said McFaul, the former U.S. ambassador. It was most productive in terms of concrete outcomes not holding hands and singing Kumbaya, but real stuff, including some of our biggest security and economic priorities. But beneath a more placid surface, old conflicts continued at home and abroad, and new ones would emerge. In Washington, many of the administrations Russian initiatives were drawing skepticism from Congress. In 2010, Obama had announced that he was discontinuing a Bush-era Eastern European missile defense shield that Russia viewed as a military threat, in favor of a new program designed to combat potential strikes from Iranian short- and medium-range missiles. Many Republicans criticized the change which had been recommended by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, a Bush holdover as an unwarranted and unwise favor to Russia, granted by a naive young administration. Russian officials began publicly ruing their tacit support for U.N.-approved military action in Libya after the intervention expanded from a simple civilian-protection mission to a sustained bombing campaign that led to the overthrow and assassination of Gaddafi. The Kremlin now believed it had been tricked into allowing the U.N. resolution to move forward. Putin, according to U.S. officials who met with him at the time, concluded that the Americans were most interested in pursuing regime change for governments they disliked, first in Baghdad and Tripoli and later in Damascus. Eventually he became convinced that it was the Kremlin that the United States most wanted to change. Logically, Clinton, a strong proponent of U.S. military action in Libya and Syria, would be on the side of those seeking new leadership in Moscow, he believed. Suddenly, the Russians were casting skeptical looks at joint programs that had received strong support in both capitals. One casualty was the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, which funded the dismantling of Soviet-era nuclear, chemical and biological weapons systems to prevent them from being stolen by terrorists or purchased by rogue states. The programs co-founder, then-Sen. Richard G. Lugar (Ind.), who served as the ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during Clintons tenure, began noticing a change in tone during his many visits to meet with the initiatives Russian partners. Powerful Russian military officials, some of them close allies of Putin, were beginning to perceive such ventures as part of the American plan to weaken the country. The militarys political champion was Putin, who decided in 2011 to run for president again, replacing his protege Medvedev after a single term in office. Putin had come to the point where he felt it was no longer necessary to cooperate, Lugar said, and it might even be demeaning to Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2012 at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vladivostok, Russia. (Mikhail Metzel/AP) Regression In December 2011, despite a deepening economic crisis, Putins United Russia party retained control of the Duma in parliamentary elections that independent monitoring groups described as fraudulent. Thousands of Russians took to the streets in protest, and Clinton with the White Houses explicit blessing spoke publicly in their defense, condemning Russian officials for manipulating the vote and systematically harassing election observers. The Russian people, like people everywhere, deserve the right to have their voices heard and their votes counted, Clinton said during a speech that month in Lithuania. And that means they deserve fair, free, transparent elections and leaders who are accountable to them. After her speech, when demonstrations in Moscow grew still larger, Putin suggested that his political opponents were following marching orders from Clinton and her team. Opposition parties heard the signal, and with the support of the U.S. State Department began active work, Putin said. Kremlin officials repeated the charge in private meetings with U.S. diplomats, expressing a vehemence that surprised some Obama administration officials. Even before the protests and his reelection as president in March 2012 Putin had begun signaling the return of a more authoritarian and aggressive Russia. Beginning in late 2011, the Russian government would adopt policies stifling political dissent at home and increasing pressure on the former Soviet republics, from the Baltic to Ukraine to the Caucasus. Clinton began privately warning the White House on how Putins return could affect a wide range of U.S. foreign policy priorities, such as promoting democracy in Eastern Europe and containing a Syrian war that was beginning to ignite sectarian violence and jihadist fervor throughout the Middle East. She argued that we were in for a rougher patch and needed to be clear-eyed about that, said the senior U.S. official who worked for Republican and Democratic administrations. It was a very honest analysis of the fact that, whatever hopes some people had early on for a more durable partnership, it just wasnt going to happen. In fact, things fell apart with surprising speed. In 2012, Putin abruptly halted Russias participation in the Nunn-Lugar program. That same year, he expelled the U.S. Agency for International Development from Russia, charging interference in domestic affairs and ending USAIDs multimillion-dollar support for Russian civil-society organizations. Putin then repeatedly blocked U.S.-led efforts to resolve Syrias civil war, insisting on preserving the presidency of Assad, a close Russian ally. Two years later well after Clinton had left office Putin stunned the world by snatching the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine, something he had first threatened to do nearly a decade earlier. [Kremlin says Crimea is now officially part of Russia after treaty signing] Yet, while each of those actions was consistent with Putins combative style, Russias disputes with the Obama administration took on a more personal tone after 2011, several current and former U.S. officials and Russian policy experts said. Today, with Clinton now aiming for the White House, its not surprising that Putin might support clandestine efforts to undermine her candidacy regardless of his views of her chief political opponent, the officials and experts said. Putin has kind of got it in for Hillary, said Clifford Kupchan, chairman of the consulting firm Eurasia Group and a Russia expert who attended private meetings with Putin during the Clinton years. The statements after the Duma riots were like kerosene on a fire, and it really made Putin angry. Putin last week denied taking sides in the U.S. presidential race, and he scoffed at allegations of Russian involvement in the hacking of Democratic officials email accounts, a crime that U.S. intelligence agencies believe was instigated at the highest levels of the Russian government. Kupchan said he thinks that Russias role in the hacking, if verified, was more about sowing some chaos in the U.S. system than about any real hope of Trump winning. But he said it also reflects a shot across Clintons bow, as her record suggests that she would be tougher and more outspoken on Russia compared with her predecessor. It may well be useful that she has a tough image, he said. Mrs. Clinton has been through the same journey that a lot of us have gone through on Russia, which is dashed hopes. When it comes to Putins Russia, he said, she doesnt wear deeply tinted sunglasses of any kind. Read more: Putin wants revenge and respect, and hacking the U.S. is his way of getting it As Russia reasserts itself, U.S. intelligence agencies focus anew on the Kremlin How a State Department plan to stabilize Iraq broke apart Dane County Sheriff's deputies want to gather more information about a man who has been approaching women at a Madison off-leash dog park. The sheriff's office is aware of concerns about the man, who, according to media reports, made several women uncomfortable when he approached them recently at Capitol Springs dog park on Lake Farm Road in Madison, sheriff's office spokeswoman Elise Schaffer said Thursday. But deputies were only called to the park once, on Sunday, Oct. 30, Schaffer added, noting the man had already left when a nearby deputy responded to that call. "To our knowledge, no crime has been committed and there is no cause to arrest this individual," Schaffer said. Deputies have identified the man, she said, describing him as 54 years old and having no permanent address. But they would like to know more about the incidents and are interested in hearing directly from anyone who's been affected by his behavior at the park, Schaffer said. Contact information can be left on the Dane County tip line at 608-284-6900 or by calling the non-emergency dispatch number at 608-266-4948. U.S. intelligence agencies do not see Russia as capable of using cyberespionage to alter the outcome of Tuesdays presidential election, but they have warned that Moscow may continue meddling after the voting has ended to sow doubts about the legitimacy of the result, U.S. officials said. The assessment reflects widespread concern among U.S. spy agencies that a months-long campaign by Russia to rattle the mechanisms of American democracy will probably continue after polls close on one of the most polarizing races in recent history, extending and amplifying the political turbulence. U.S. security officials have not ruled out Russian-sponsored disruption on Election Day. In recent weeks, officials at the Department of Homeland Security have collected evidence of apparent Russian scanning of state-run databases and computer voting systems. Whether they were really trying hard to get in, its not clear, a U.S. official said. Still, the decentralized nature of U.S. polling would make it extraordinarily difficult to subvert a nationwide race. Instead, U.S. officials said it is more likely that Russia would use hacking tools to expose or fabricate signs of vote-rigging, aiming to delegitimize an election outcome that Republican candidate Donald Trump has said he may refuse to accept if he does not win. I think its correct to say the Russians dont think they can dictate the outcome, said Rep. Adam B. Schiff (Calif.), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. But even as votes are being tallied Tuesday, Schiff said, Russian intelligence services are likely to be looking through their troves of hacked documents and seeing what they can release. At the third and final presidential debate, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton said Russian President Vladimir Putin would "rather have a puppet as president." (The Washington Post) Whether Trump or Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton prevails, Schiff said, the United States can expect a lot more of the same in terms of cyber-malevolence and influence from Moscow. [From reset to pause: The real story behind Hillary Clintons feud with Vladimir Putin] U.S. officials said there is still time for last-minute disruptions, even if the overall election appears relatively secure. Several officials said they fear that even an isolated operation that forces a voting system offline could erode confidence. Schiff and others said they remain worried that Moscow could dump doctored documents over the weekend that appear to expose illegality by the Clinton or Trump campaigns disclosures designed to create confusion among voters that would be difficult to disprove before citizens cast their votes. No forgeries have so far been identified among the thousands of files that U.S. officials believe were stolen by Russia and essentially laundered to the U.S. public and media through the WikiLeaks website. The fact that Russia has so far refrained from altering documents or planting forgeries among the leaked emails is seen by some U.S. officials as potentially setting the stage for a more sinister plot. The media and public have come to see the WikiLeaks stockpiles as authentic, increasing the potential impact if Russia were to insert a deliberate but compelling falsehood. 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. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly denied any Russian involvement in the election-related hacks. But those assertions have been dismissed by U.S. intelligence agencies and cybersecurity experts, with some saying that Russia engaged in sloppy tradecraft or seemed not terribly concerned about covering its tracks. Anxiety about late-election vulnerabilities has factored into the Obama administrations reluctance so far to retaliate against Russia. The White House has opted against authorizing any countermeasures despite high confidence across U.S. spy agencies that Russia alone orchestrated the digital theft of thousands of sensitive documents posted online in recent months by WikiLeaks. The releases have included hacked files of the Democratic National Committee and emails of Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta, among others. The White House has been weighing countermeasures for months but worried that retaliating before the election would give Moscow time to inflict more direct damage in the waning days of the campaign. Escalation in the cyber-realm can happen quickly, a senior U.S. official said. Those urging restraint say they believe the Russian threat would be diminished after Election Day. Officials said the White House is also reluctant to take decisions on an escalation that could have profound implications for the next president. U.S. officials said the options under consideration include kicking more suspected Russian intelligence officers out of the United States, imposing new economic sanctions against Russian entities tied to the alleged hacking and potentially launching cyberattacks on Russian computer systems. Obama used cyberweapons to hobble Irans nuclear program early in his first term but has been reluctant to go down that road again, aides say. The administrations decision could depend on what the Russians do in the coming days. An election-disrupting attack would probably trigger a more aggressive U.S. response, according to officials. U.S. officials say the stakes have been made clear to Moscow. The election-related tensions are part of a broader escalation in the level of antagonism between the United States and its former Cold War adversary. The two countries are fighting a proxy war against each other in Syria, are competing for influence elsewhere in the Middle East and are at odds over Russian intervention in Ukraine. The hack of the DNC was blamed on Russia by cybersecurity experts and U.S. officials the moment it was publicly disclosed in June. The administration formally went public with its case last month, issuing a statement from Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr. and Homeland Security Director Jeh Johnson concluding that intrusions were authorized by Russias senior most officials. Even so, there is still disagreement among some agencies and analysts over Moscows objectives. The White House has maintained that it does not believe Russias operations have been aimed at delivering an election win for Trump, who has praised Putin and argued there is no evidence of Russian involvement in the hacks a position at odds with what he has been told in classified briefings. The operations could be a more general effort to embarrass the United States and disrupt democratic institutions. Clinton has said that Russia is seeking to ensure her defeat, a contention some U.S. intelligence officials say they believe is supported by the one-sided nature of the leaks. U.S. officials have speculated that Putin harbors personal animosity toward Clinton, believing that while serving as secretary of state she helped incite mass protests in Moscow that embarrassed the former KGB operative. Even if there are no further election-related disruptions and Clinton emerges victorious, some U.S. officials believe that Russia has already accomplished many of its goals. Theyve weakened Secretary Clinton by dumping information from her campaign manager and others, Schiff said. The leaks have exposed infighting between Clinton and her former Democratic opponent, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, forced the resignation of the DNC chief and perhaps most importantly cast Russia and its capacity to inflict damage as an ominous figure looming over the 2016 campaign. They enjoy being the subject of discussion in an American election, Schiff said. It enhances their prestige in a bizarre way that theyre considered a player. This is also their way of payback, and I think they are delighting in that. Read more: Key lawmakers accuse Russia of campaign to disrupt U.S. election As Russia reasserts itself, U.S. intelligence agencies focus anew on the Kremlin Russian hackers targeted Arizona election system The Posts Rosalind Helderman breaks down the latest developments of the controversies involving the FBI less than a week from Election Day. (Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post) The Posts Rosalind Helderman breaks down the latest developments of the controversies involving the FBI less than a week from Election Day. (Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post) Senior FBI officials were informed about the discovery of new emails potentially relevant to the investigation of Hillary Clintons private email server at least two weeks before Director James B. Comey notified Congress, according to federal officials familiar with the investigation. The officials said that Comey was told that there were new emails before he received a formal briefing last Thursday, although the precise timing is unclear. The information goes beyond the details provided in the letter that Comey sent to lawmakers last week declaring that he was restarting the inquiry into whether Clinton mishandled classified material during her tenure as secretary of state. He wrote in the Friday letter that the investigative team briefed me yesterday about the additional emails. The people familiar with the investigation said that senior officials had been informed weeks earlier that a computer belonging to former congressman Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) contained emails potentially pertinent to the Clinton investigation. Clintons top aide, Huma Abedin, was married to Weiner; the two are now separated. Comey did not notify Congress as soon as he learned about the emails because officials wanted additional information before proceeding, the officials said. 1 of 22 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Who is FBI Director James B. Comey? View Photos Scenes from the career of the bureaus head. Caption James B. Comey, the head of the bureau since 2013, was dismissed by President Trump on May 9, 2017. March 15, 2017 FBI Director James B. Comey leaves a closed-door meeting with senators about President Trumps allegations of wiretapping at Trump Tower during the 2016 election at the Capitol in Washington. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Wait 1 second to continue. Even after Comey received the desired information, major questions still remain for instance, how many emails are related to Clinton or contain classified information. Since notifying Congress, Comey has drawn intense criticism from lawmakers in both parties as well as prominent former law enforcement officials for publicizing the investigation so close to the election when so little was known. [Comey faces a firestorm of criticism over renewed Clinton email probe] It is unclear what FBI agents have learned since discovering the emails in early October. But officials say they gained enough information from the email metadata to take the next step, seeking a warrant to review the actual emails. That legal step prompted Comeys letter to Congress, which has made him a central figure during the stretch run of the presidential campaign. He needed to make an informed decision, knowing that once he made that decision, he was taking it to another level, an official with knowledge of the decision-making process said. Law enforcement officials on Oct. 3 seized the computer belonging to Weiner, who was under investigation for allegedly sending suggestive online messages to a teenage girl. As they examined his computer, investigators quickly stumbled on emails tied to Abedin. She and Weiner separated in August. Abedin, like Clinton, used an email address that was routed through Clintons private server. At a rally in at Kent State University, Oct. 31, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spoke about the FBI investigation into emails that might be connected to her private email server. She said "by all means, they should look at" emails on a computer owned by Anthony Weiner, the husband of her top aide, Huma Abedin. (The Washington Post) Soon after the investigators found the new trove of thousands of emails, they notified the separate team of FBI agents in Washington that worked on the probe into Clintons private email server, officials said. Comey said in July that the investigation was complete and that he would recommend to prosecutors that no charges be brought. After the agents on the Clinton case were notified in early October about the newly discovered emails, they in turn told FBI leaders about them. At that point, the leaders did not believe they had enough information to make a decision about what to do next, officials said. The senior FBI officials instructed the agents to do everything they could within legal limits to determine the relevance of the new emails, one official said. That review, including a closer examination of the email metadata, was an attempt to figure out the scope and volume of what the agents had found. An FBI spokesman declined to comment. In notifying lawmakers on Friday about the new investigative steps, Comey said he had been briefed about the newly discovered emails a day earlier but did not mention that he had first heard about them before that. The news media has widely reported that Comey was first told about the emails last week. A formal briefing for Comey with the investigative team was held Oct. 27 at FBI headquarters. At that point, Comey was given a complete presentation of everything the team knew about the trove. It was a combination of assessments by the investigative team as to what it might be, the official said. Much was unknown about the contents and relevance of the thousands of emails. How many were to or from Clinton? Did any contain classified information? How many were duplicates of material the FBI had already reviewed? Was any of this significant to the Clinton email investigation that had been completed? At that point, there was no way for Comey to know if the [Clinton investigators] had already seen the emails before or if they were new, old or different, an official said. All of that was just unknown. But Comey and others felt there was enough information at that point to pursue a warrant, which would permit the investigators on the Clinton case to read the emails, officials said. They could not read them without legal permission because the emails had been discovered in the separate criminal probe involving Weiner. [The Clinton email probe: Questions and answers] When Comey and the officials decided to seek a warrant, they knew that would involve more people, both at the FBI and the Justice Department. Comey was concerned that the explosive information that they had to renew the Clinton investigation would leak out. It could not be done in secret, an official with knowledge of the investigation said. Its a volatile subject and a major topic in the presidential campaign. But the overriding factor in Comeys decision was that he felt he had to tell Congress what he was doing because he had testified under oath this past summer and told Congress and the world that the Clinton email investigation was complete, and now that was no longer true, an official said. Then, Comey had to figure out what to say to lawmakers, when he knew so little. He wanted the letter to be accurate and circumspect, the official said. He wanted it to be carefully, thoughtfully done and say no more than his investigators knew, the official said. After the formal briefing, staffers in Comeys office contacted senior officials at the Justice Department to notify them about the directors decision. The next day, Comey sent his letter. Two officials familiar with the case said it is unclear whether investigators will be able to conclude their review of the new emails before the election. President Obama addressed the controversy in an interview posted Wednesday by NowThis, saying, I do think that there is a norm that when there are investigations we dont operate on innuendo, and we dont operate on incomplete information, and we dont operate on leaks. When this was investigated thoroughly last time, the conclusion of the FBI, the conclusion of the Justice Department, the conclusion of repeated congressional investigations was she had made some mistakes but that there wasnt anything there that was prosecutable, Obama said. This story has been updated. Read more: After another release of documents, FBI finds itself caught in a partisan fray Obama on FBI: We dont operate on innuendo Justice officials warned FBI that Comeys decision to update Congress was not consistent with department policy With less than a week left until Election Day, President Barack Obama is calling on male voters to search their minds and hearts for any signs of sexism that may be holding them back from voting for a woman president. Speaking at an early voting rally for Hillary Clinton in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday, the president told supporters of the Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton is consistently treated differently than just about any other candidate I see out there. You know, theres a reason why we havent had a woman president before, Obama continued. We have to ask ourselves, as men because I hope my daughters are going to be able to achieve anything they want to achieve, and I know that my wife is not just my equal but my superior. I want every man out there whos voting to kind of look inside yourself and ask yourself, if youre having problems with this stuff, how much of it is that were just not used to it? So that, like, when a guy is ambitious and out in the public arena and working hard, well, thats okay, but when a woman suddenly does it suddenly youre all like, Well, why is she doing that? RELATED VIDEO: Hillary Wants Michelle Obama to Work with a Clinton White House The president made similar remarks about sexism and its impact on Clintons campaign and possible presidency in a recent interview with comedian Samantha Bee. When Hillary is president, what do you think will be the female equivalent of you werent born in this country? Bee asked, referencing the birther campaign against Obama. I think the equivalent will be: Shes tired. Shes moody. Shes being emotional, Obama said. When men are ambitious, its just taken for granted. Well, of course, they should be ambitious, he added. When women are ambitious, Why? That theme, I think, will continue throughout her presidency, and its contributed to this notion that somehow she is hiding something. Vice President Joe Biden has also pointed to the disproportionate scrutiny the former secretary of state has faced over the years, saying on Sundays Face the Nation that hes benefited from the same double standard that hurts Clinton. I get all of this credit for being authentic, and you know, and now even Biden gaffes are now, you know, Biden tells the truth kind of thing, he said. But Im a guy. Story continues At Tuesdays rally, Obama urged voters to look beyond the systematic attacks critics on the right have made against Clinton. Has she made mistakes? Of course. So have I, the president said. Theres nobody in the public arena over the course of 30 years that doesnt make some. But she is a fundamentally good and decent person who knows what shes doing and will be an outstanding president, Obama concluded to cheers. 1. When Donald Trump announced his presidential bid in June 2015, he promised to build a great wall to control Mexican immigration. He was criticized for saying that Mexico sent the U.S. criminals and rapists." 2. Trump made a reference to menstruation while criticizing Republican primary debate questions in August from Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly. There was blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her wherever. 3. A teenager filed his candidacy with the Federal Election Commission as Deez Nuts in August 2015. 4. Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton had a Kumbaya moment during the first Democratic primary debate in October 2015, when he said the American people are sick and tired of hearing about [Clintons] damn emails. 5. Rubio rebuked Trumps small hands at a March rally, prompting Trump to tell a debate audience there was no problem in that area. 6. Then-Breitbart News reporter Michelle Fields accused Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski of pulling her by the arm after a press conference in March. He was charged with battery but the charges were later dropped. 7. Clinton unveiled a coordinated attack on Trump during the first general election debate of 2016 when she referenced his treatment of Alicia Machado, a former Miss Universe, who gained weight after she won the crown. 8. The release of 2005 Trump footage from a hot Access Hollywood microphone stirred up the race in October, as it captured Trump talking about groping women without consent and chasing married women. 9. Soon after the Trump tapes, WikiLeaks started releasing a steady trickle of private emails from top Clinton aide John Podesta. 10. America fell in love with debate questioner Ken Bone, his red sweater and his thin mustache. Pick the Right Credential When it comes to online learning, students should choose a credential that fulfills their goals while providing flexibility -- whether it's a single course certificate or a full degree. "There's such a wide range of offerings to them at economical prices that allow them to target their education specifically to their career plan," says Ray Schroeder, associate vice chancellor for online learning at the University of Illinois--Springfield. Here are 10 different credentials students can earn online. 1. MOOC Verified Certificates Providers of massive open online courses, or MOOCs -- online courses generally available at no charge to anybody worldwide with internet -- have options for users to pay to earn certificates of completion that highlight specific skills. Usually costing between $30 and $150, verified certificates involve ID validation via webcam and require students to pass a class by meeting exam and assignment requirements. 2. MOOC Series Certificates Students considering paying for MOOCs can sign up for what main MOOC providers edX and Coursera, which partner with colleges and universities to launch online courses, refer to as multi-course "XSeries" and "specializations," respectively. After completing multiple MOOCs and earning certificates for each, students build up to a final certificate highlighting mastery of job-related skills. Examples include edX's four-course Marketing Analytics XSeries and Coursera's 10-course Data Science specialization. 3. Postsecondary Degrees Whether students want to pursue their associate degree or Ph.D., there are plenty of options online. Many reputable universities now offer online and blended, or partially online, programs across disciplines -- from the liberal arts to nursing to engineering. Still, some fields, such as medicine and law, have been slow to embrace online education. The quality of different online degree programs varies widely, so students should research thoroughly beforehand, experts say, considering factors such as accreditation, flexibility, convenience and cost. Story continues 4. Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates Online certificates allow students to gain a specific skill or further knowledge in an area, experts say. That contrasts with online degrees, which are often broader in scope and take longer. ASU Online at Arizona State University, for example, has online graduate certificates in everything from health care innovation to sustainable tourism. "In general, they are interested in a quick promotion or getting another job," Robert Hansen, CEO of the University Professional and Continuing Education Association, told U.S. News in 2014. 5. Postbaccalaureate Certificates Graduates pursuing a career path who don't hold a related bachelor's degree might pursue a postbaccalaureate certificate online to obtain certification or fulfill grad school prerequisites. That's the case for disciplines such as teaching, and even some surprising fields: George Washington University has an online postbac certificate in medical laboratory science, though it has a clinical component, and LSU Online at Louisiana State University--Baton Rouge offers one in construction management. 6. "Stackable" Credentials In some online programs, students can earn several smaller credentials, like graduate certificates, for quick career boosts, and then build their way up to a degree -- or stop there. The University of Kansas, for instance, has an online MBA program split into three certificate programs. "Those smaller or more stackable credentials allow them to advance inside the organization they're already in and start going on a longer path," Traci Lepicki, associate director of Ohio State University--Columbus' Center on Education and Training for Employment, recently told U.S. News. 7. MOOC-Based Degrees Students in certain programs can complete portions of graduate degrees through MOOCs and then apply to pursue the full degree at a lower cost. Students may first audit MOOCs for free and decide whether to continue. The University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign, for instance, offers a Master of Computer Science in Data Science where students can first earn a MOOC specialization certificate and then apply to earn a degree for less than $20,000. EdX also recently announced 19 MOOC-based MicroMasters programs exploring in-demand fields. 8. Digital Badges Some faculty incorporate digital badges into courses -- whether MOOCs or for credit. These credentials, experts say, allow students to showcase certain milestones or skills they developed in online courses and post them on social media or online portfolios. When clicked on, badges often redirect to information on how and when they were earned. Still, the concept of badges is relatively new, and many professors are still figuring out the best ways to use them, experts say. 9. Nanodegrees Online education company Udacity, in partnership with companies such as AT&T, offers "nanodegree" programs in information technology. Students select a subject area such as web development, pay about $200 a month and complete several projects to illustrate skills and earn their credential. "It's basically saying to an employer, here's a core set of courses that you know this person has that makes them very viable for your job," Stuart Butler, a senior fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution, a nonprofit public policy research organization in the District of Columbia, told U.S. News in 2016. 10. Coding Boot Camp Certifications Coding boot camps focus on developing job-specific skills over at least a few months -- unlike degrees, which generally take a few years and explore disciplines in their entirety. Many online coding boot camps offer both full-time and flexible options -- the former more closely mimicking the face-to-face classroom experience, and the latter allowing students to work at their own pace. A Thinkful boot camp certificate, for example, costs $9,000 for those who finish in six months compared with $14,000 for full-time students who have a set daily schedule. More About Online Education Find more tips on choosing a best-fit online program on the Online Learning Lessons blog, and get our complete rankings of the Best Online Programs. For additional advice and information on how to navigate online program admissions, connect with U.S. News Education on Twitter and Facebook. Jordan Friedman is an online education editor at U.S. News. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at jfriedman@usnews.com. You might just recognize Jerry Emmett. She's the exuberant, well-coiffed, 102-year-old woman who proudly pledged Arizona's 51 delegates to Hillary Clinton on national television during July's Democratic National Convention. Read: Alicia Machado Campaigns for Hillary Clinton: 'Trump's Not Going to Get Away With It' And on Monday, she got to do something that she's waited on for decades. She voted for the first woman who has ever won a major party's nomination for president of the United States. "It was the greatest thrill of my life," she crowed Monday after casting an early ballot in Arizona. "I just wish my mother and dad could see all of this," she told KPHO-TV. In 1920, her mother got her own thrill when she was finally allowed to cast a ballot in an election. "They all came down to watch the women get to vote," she said, resplendent in a spotless white pantsuit and blue patriotic socks. "Even the men were happy and they were all cheering and we kids were running around there. We knew something good was happening." Emmett was 6. Now, 96 years later, she's pinned her hopes on another historical milestone a woman in the White House who's not the first lady. Read: Trump Defends Calling Hillary Clinton an 'Enabler' of Her Husband's Affairs The longtime public school teacher, who has seen hundreds of students pass through her classes, doesn't much care for the GOP nominee. "If I'd had one of them that talked like Donald Trump, I would have washed their mouth out with soap," she declared. Watch: 102-Year-Old Woman Born Before Women Could Vote Cast Delegates for Hillary Clinton Related Articles: Just about the only thing that Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump agree on is that the nation's infrastructure is crumbling and that something must be done to fix it. Clinton's proposal calls for spending $275 billion on U.S. infrastructure, and Trump has said he wants to spend "at least double" that amount. Congress passed and President Obama signed a five-year, $305 billion highway bill in 2015 that's missing just one detail: nearly $75 billion in funding that will be coming out of the federal government's general fund, including sales of crude oil from the country's Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The rest will come from transportation user fees, including the federal gasoline tax of $0.184 per gallon, an amount that was last increased in 1993. ALSO READ: Pharma Stocks Crushed Under Election Rhetoric, but Top Analysts Say Buy These 4 Now So how bad is U.S. infrastructure, and, especially, how bad are U.S. highways, roads and streets? The short answer is "pretty bad." According to a 2015 report from a group called the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the backlog of work on the nation's roads and bridges totaled $750 billion, comprised of $392 billion just to fix existing roads, $237 billion to expand U.S. highway capacity and $112 billion for work on bridges. In a report issued earlier this week, a transportation research group called TRIP released a report on the annual costs to motorists from driving on the country's bumpy roads. The report includes data on 25 of the country's large cities (population greater than 500,000) and 25 medium-sized cities (population 200, 000 to 500,000). ALSO READ: Largest Industry in Each State The report notes the percentage of roads in poor condition in each city and the out-of-pocket vehicle operating costs that drivers incur as a result of the poor road conditions. Here are the 12 large cities with the highest percentage of roads in poor conditions and the added costs. Story continues San Francisco-Oakland: 71% of roads in poor condition; annual added costs of $978 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana: 60%; $892 San Jose, California: 59%; $863 Detroit: 56%; $865 Milwaukee: 56%; $861 Bridgeport-Stamford, Connecticut: 55%; $797 Omaha: 54%; $852 Oklahoma City: 53%; $1,025 Grand Rapids, Michigan: 52%; $742 Tulsa, Oklahoma: 49%; $998 Honolulu: 49%; $745 Cleveland: 49%; $748 TRIP is a non-profit organization supported by insurance companies; equipment manufacturers, distributors and suppliers; businesses involved in highway and transit engineering, construction and finance; labor unions; and organizations concerned with an efficient and safe surface transportation network. The report, "Bumpy Roads Ahead: America's Roughest Rides and Strategies to Make Our Roads Smoother," is available at the group's website. Related Articles Dallas Based Personal Injury Law Firm Recent Donation to be Used for Teaching Purposes and to Further Career Advancement Opportunities for Individuals in the Dallas & Fort Worth Communities FORT WORTH, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 3, 2016 / Dallas Personal Injury Lawyer Amy Witherite, partner of leading Dallas Personal Injury Law Firm Eberstein Witherite, LLP, recently presented 40 PCs with hard drives to Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Dallas Independent School District (DISD), Women Called Moses , Lisa's Little Angels and Children On the Mend. The donations further demonstrate the law firm's commitment to bettering the local community through sponsorship opportunities and other outreach programs. Event Video here. The donation is especially timely for Dunbar High School's Adult Center, a brand new facility where parents of students can learn new computer skills, apply for jobs online, have access to Rosetta Stone language training, GED courses and training to help their children with their homework. "Eberstein Witherite's generosity to the Dunbar High School community has been phenomenal," said Regina R. Williams, Intervention Specialist at Dunbar High School in Fort Worth. "From donated school supplies and computers for our college and career classrooms, to scholarships for deserving students who exhibit leadership, tenacity and determination, they help fill needs that would otherwise go unmet." In addition to the computers, Eberstein Witherite also donated supplies and binders to Dunbar High School's Collegiate Academy, a program that gives incoming freshmen the opportunity to earn as many as 60 college credit hours through online classes. "The binders will be used to standardize student portfolios," Witherite stated. "The remainder of the school supplies will be donated to teachers and students." DISD plans to use the PCs for its high school computer repair program so that students can learn how to repair and install hard drives, a valuable skill with an evergreen shelf life. Story continues Lisa's Little Angels Learning Center in Fort Worth will use the PCs to support their youth curriculum program to educate students and boost their self-confidence. For charitable organizations like Women Called Moses - which helps victims of domestic violence, and Children On the Mend which offers programs to improve the lives of at-risk youth, the PCs will provide much-needed assistance for tutoring, mentoring, counseling and job training programs to help abused women, as well as disadvantaged youth, gain control of their lives - and their futures. "We love the Fort Worth community," Witherite added. "And there's nothing we love more than being able to give back, particularly to those who need it the most." ABOUT Dallas-based law firm of Eberstein Witherite, LLP, is specialized in helping injured Texans and their families obtain compensation for damages sustained as a result of negligent individuals and large corporations. Our partners, attorneys, and legal team are committed to providing the highest quality of legal representation in the area to ensure we deliver one thing: results. At Eberstein Witherite, LLP we excel in providing personalized service to our clients in business litigation suits, personal injury cases, and bad faith insurance claims. Media Contact Lucy Tiseo Dallas Personal Injury Lawyers of Eberstein Witherite, LLP Phone: 800-779-6665 Email: lucy.tiseo@ewlawyers.com Connect with Eberstein & Witherite on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+ Source: http://www.dallastexaspersonalinjurylawyers.com/news/1800carwreck-eberstein-witherite-dallas-injury-lawyers-donates-pcs-supplies-local-high-school-charitable-organiz SOURCE: Eberstein & Witherite, LLP via Submit Press Release 123 A former paper mill executive has been appointed as Wisconsin's chief state forester, the Department of Natural Resources said. Fred Souba Jr., who has 40 years of experience in the forest products industry, replaces Paul DeLong, who held the position for 13 years before announcing in August that he was resigning to become senior vice president for conservation of the American Forest Foundation. "The citizens of Wisconsin can rest assured that our 16 million acres of forest land will be in good hands," DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp said in a statement. "Fred's experience will help guide the management of these acres to keep them sustainable and economically viable." Souba currently owns a Wisconsin Rapids consulting firm called ProVision Forestry LLC. When he starts working for the state on Nov. 14 he will be paid the same $108,618 annual salary DeLong earned, DNR spokesman Jim Dick said. Wisconsin Wildlife Federation executive director George Meyer said Souba has a good record for promoting sustainable forestry, and he is respected by conservationists and industry. From 2007 to 2013, Souba served as vice president of wood supply and sustainability for NewPage Corp., which has operated mills in Wisconsin and other states. Before that he worked for seven years as an executive in charge of supplying wood to mills for Stora Enso North America. Souba takes over the DNR forestry operation as the department nears completion of a reorganization prompted by demands from Gov. Scott Walker and the Legislature to streamline operations. Souba has been the chairman of the Wisconsin Council on Forestry, an advisory group appointed by the governor. Souba is a Minnesota native who earned a bachelor's in forest management and administration from the University of Minnesota. "I am looking forward to working with DNR staff to listen and learn about the forestry programs and engaging stakeholders on their perspectives about forestry in Wisconsin," Souba said in a statement. The forestry division provides technical and financial assistance, research and education to protect and sustain the state's roughly 17 million of acres of woodland. From ELLE More and more states are making it illegal to get an abortion after 20 weeks. But this is precisely the moment when many women discover that their pregnancies are unviable. Lynae feels a wave of nausea at the scent of baking bread drifting from a Subway she passes on her way to the hospital clinic. Still, it's no match for the excitement she feels from the stirring in her belly. When she arrives at the clinic, she's met by her husband, Paul. (Lynae and Paul asked that we use only their first names.) They lock hands and sit amid the hum of the waiting room, making bets on their baby's gender. Lynae, then 34, wants a boy; Paul, then 32, suspects it's another girl-a sister for their daughter Avery, then 2. Lynae is here for her 20-week ultrasound, the moment when many expectant parents learn the gender of their child. Finally, she's called. Lynae lies on the examining table, feeling giddy as the ultrasound technician squeezes jelly onto her swollen belly. Her ears perk up at the thump of a heartbeat. She and Paul have their eyes fixed on the monitor: head, arms, legs, stomach-their first glimpse of their future child. The sonographer moves down for the reveal. It's a girl. They look at each other and laugh. Fifteen minutes into the ultrasound, the technician lingers around the baby's head.* She's having trouble getting a measurement and calls for help. The couple exchange reassuring smiles. The second tech enters; she has a stern demeanor and quickly takes over. She asks if they had any preliminary genetic testing. "Of course," Lynae replies. "Everything was normal." Panic crawls into Lynae's chest. The first tech attempts to calm her, saying the hospital does longer ultrasounds these days. The first tech attempts to calm her. "We're doing longer ultrasounds now," she says. When the exam is over, Lynae, who works as an epidemiologist in the same Indianapolis hospital, retreats to her office upstairs. She greets a coworker, but she's unable to concentrate. Her phone rings. It's her ob-gyn; the clinic has phoned her. Lynae bursts into tears. Her fetus has an increased nuchal fold, an excess of fluid on the back of her neck-an abnormality associated with congenital heart disease and a range of serious chromosomal defects. Story continues Lynae's legs feel like jelly as she tries to stand, so her boss and a coworker escort her to her ob-gyn and set her down on the doctor's brown leather couch. "Hopefully this is just a shadow," her doctor offers. Once Lynae calms down, she calls Paul at work. "We don't know yet," he will often say to Lynae in the days ahead. "Nothing is wrong, everything is fine." With each movement she feels in her belly, Lynae wonders if it's true. Prenatal screenings are among the most agonizing and anticipated moments of a pregnancy. A clear result means you can rest easy until the next round. A problem sets off a cascade of procedures-some providing clarity and peace, others only perpetuating uncertainty. A pregnant woman typically has routine bloodwork done during her first prenatal visit, which can identify such risks as anemia or diabetes. Many women, due to maternal age or family history, go on to do additional bloodwork between 8 and 13 weeks to screen for genetic disorders. When one of those screens flags an elevated risk, doctors will conduct additional screenings (amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, more commonly known as CVS) for Down syndrome, spina bifida, and other serious anomalies. Still, certain abnormalities can't be detected until the mid-pregnancy ultrasound, usually performed at 18 to 20 weeks, which reveals details of the fetus's growth and anatomy. As with genetic screenings, if a problem is found on this ultrasound-as it was for Lynae-a woman is often offered amniocentesis. Results can take up to two weeks. Any positive result from the amnio means a referral to a specialist for further testing, which can take several more weeks to complete. In a growing number of states, pregnant women who find themselves in Lynae's position simply cannot wait. Almost from the moment they learn of potentially fatal abnormalities, they're up against a clock, with an ever-narrowing window of time to consider all their options. In 1973, Roe v. Wade established the constitutional right to an abortion prior to a fetus's viability outside the womb, typically 24 to 26 weeks. But in 2010, Nebraska became the first state to pass a law banning abortions after 20 weeks. Since then, according to the Guttmacher Institute, 15 more states have enacted similar laws. Generally, these laws permit an abortion after 20 weeks only in very specific cases: if the woman's life is endangered, for example, or if the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest. Eleven of these states do not provide an exemption for women whose fetus is diagnosed with a fatal medical condition. These laws effectively mean that many women who learn of potentially lethal abnormalities at or after their 20-week ultrasound face extremely limited options. They can travel hundreds of miles across state lines to seek abortions-often not a practical or financially feasible option. The Indiana ban, says Dr. Katherine McHugh, an ob-gyn who works in Indianapolis, "doesn't give [a mother] very much time to prepare." McHugh often has to send women to Chicago-Illinois allows abortions up to 24 weeks-which means her patients have to scramble to cover the costs of child care, travel, and lodging. Or a woman can carry her non-viable fetus to term only to face a stillbirth or watch her infant die soon after being born. "The emotional impact of knowing that your baby will die is different for every woman," says McHugh. For those who choose to carry their fetuses to term, McHugh offers perinatal hospice care: Once born, the babies at such hospices are fed and cared for, but invasive procedures that might prolong suffering are not performed. In the last presidential debate, when Donald Trump was asked about so-called partial-birth abortions, he claimed that a doctor can "rip the baby out of the womb in the ninth month, on the final day." This does not happen. But the small number of women who seek late-term abortions each year expose a little-explored corner of the debate over reproductive rights: laws that take a profound toll on women, like Lynae, who want to be mothers but who have been dealt a cruel hand denying them that possibility. These are women who did not envision themselves considering an abortion, until a complicated pregnancy made them confront its financial, emotional, and political impact. Days after the ultrasound, Lynae finds herself at the mercy of time. A perinatologist-an obstetrician who specializes in high-risk pregnancies-does an emergency follow-up ultrasound, but reports inconclusive results. It could be a cystic hygroma, an abnormality that occasionally resolves on its own, or it could signal a serious problem and a poor chance of survival. The perinatologist performs an amniocentesis, and Lynae has to wait for those results. "It's hard to do anything" when you're waiting, Lynae tells me when I meet her at her home in July. "It's hard to eat, it's hard to sleep." Lynae's face is smooth and bare, her brown hair pulled back into a loose ponytail. She wears jean shorts and a T-shirt that's the same color as her green eyes. Photo credit: Courtesy of the subjects Doctors inform Lynae and Paul of Indiana's 20-week cutoff. If she wants to terminate the pregnancy within the state, she has days to decide. She and Paul discuss it briefly, but they feel unable to make a decision until they know exactly how grave the problem is. "We weren't ready to give up," she says. Lynae reaches out to a cadre of specialists and learns that a fetus with an increased nuchal fold has only a small chance of survival. One doctor also warns Lynae that if she wants a termination, she'll now have to travel to Illinois, where abortions are legal up to 24 weeks. "If, you know, our amnio came back positive with a fatal genetic condition or a condition that would severely limit the child, then we would have terminated," Lynae says. "But not knowing kind of threw us." "You can't hide as a pregnant woman. Everyone thinks that you're going to be thrilled." At 23 and a half weeks, Lynae recalls, the amniocentesis results come back normal, though this indicates only that her fetus doesn't have any of the genetic disorders the amnio tested for-which may or may not be connected to the abnormal growth on the back of the neck. She's relieved, yet terrified. Despite the normal amnio, subsequent ultrasounds show that nothing has changed. The scans continue to show the same abnormality on the neck. Over the next few weeks, new issues emerge: an enlarged heart, decreased lung size-problems that rule out the idea that this could resolve on its own. Lynae's home becomes a hideout, a place she can escape the gleeful attention that pregnant women inevitably attract. On a quick shopping trip to Kohl's, an older woman notices her belly and cheerfully asks what she's having. Lynae is tall and curvy, yet she's no longer proud of the way she fills out her maternity clothes. She can barely hold back tears. "I just wanted to crawl into a hole," Lynae says. "You can't hide as a pregnant womanEveryone thinks that you're going to be thrilled." Experiencing a pregnancy when you're worried the baby is suffering is harrowing, she says. "Every dream you have is about the baby. Nightmares about the baby. And there is nothing you can do to help her." At 31 weeks, a doctor new to Lynae's team discovers that her fetus is severely anemic. A blood transfusion, an attempt to correct the anemia, is a success, and everyone is briefly hopeful. Then the anemia returns, and one doctor notices that in every ultrasound, the fetus's tiny hands are clenched in a fist, a sign of severe brain damage resulting from a lack of oxygen (a consequence of the anemia). At that point, the doctors know that the baby won't survive. "We were just waiting for her to die," Lynae says. Desperate for resolution, Lynae asks her ob-gyn to induce her labor. She's firmly denied. That, she recalls being told, would be against the law-it would constitute an abortion. Paul and Lynae name their daughter Annesly. They wait. I spoke with many women who found themselves in a situation similar to Lynae's. In March of this year, 15 weeks pregnant with her first child, Amber Kepperling learned there was a clot on her placenta. Her unborn daughter, already named Taylor, had an accumulation of fluid around her brain, indicative of a serious defect. A few days later, after seeing a perinatologist, Taylor was diagnosed with skeletal dysplasia and given, Amber recalls, no chance of survival. A week later, while Amber, 30, was still waiting on results from a follow-up amniocentesis, Governor Mike Pence, the current Republican nominee for vice president, signed into law a bill-HEA 1337-that prohibits abortions at any stage if they're based on the fetus's sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, or disability. (The bill has since been temporarily blocked by a judge.) "[W]e may soon not even have the choice to carry this nightmare out on our own terms." One night, while Amber was anxiously awaiting the results of more tests, she poured out her soul in a Facebook post. Would Taylor die in her womb? Worse, would she have to face the "nauseating decision" of termination? What really shook Amber was the thought that politicians wanted to take "ownership" over her "overwhelmingly personal grief." Amber was receiving her care at Catholic hospitals, and throughout the testing, she recalled, none of her doctors informed her about Indiana's 20-week abortion ban. (Neither hospital responded to queries.) "[W]e may soon not even have the choice to carry this nightmare out on our own terms in the state of Indiana," she wrote in the Facebook post, referring to HEA 1337. The passage of HEA 1337, she told me in August, felt like a "dismissal of our daughter's suffering." Photo credit: Courtesy Amber Kepperling "Everything has to happen so fast. ... I really would have liked four more weeks to explore options." Finally, at 26 weeks, her doctor confirmed that her amniotic sac had ruptured, which, she learned, could potentially provide legal grounds for a termination in Indiana because of the risk it would pose to her physical health. But within days, Amber started to hemorrhage and was given an emergency C-section. While her ob-gyn finished and stitched her abdomen closed, a nurse placed Taylor on Amber's chest. Amber lay in silence, rubbing her daughter's forehead. Her husband, Dave, picked up Taylor to show her the White Sox game on TV and profess his love. Then he returned her to Amber's chest, where, a few hours later, Taylor died. Cyndi, a 36-year-old data analyst from Indianapolis who asked that we use only her first name, can recall her 22-week ultrasound in 2013 as if it were last week. She was told that something was wrong with her fetus' heart. From a specialist, she and her husband learned their unborn boy had hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare defect in which the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped. They were given a 50 percent chance that the child could survive to age 5-if they put him through three high-risk surgeries. They were told that medical care for the condition would run close to a million dollars, an amount they couldn't imagine affording. Cyndi wanted to fly to Philadelphia and Boston to speak with doctors who have more experience treating this condition. But she felt cornered by the 20-week ban. "There is no time to process and make an informed decision; you're forced to act," she said to me when I met her in Indianapolis last summer, pushing the locks of her dark blond bob behind her ears. "By the time they started talking to us about how many surgeries he would need, and what his chance of survival was, we had kind of decided already." Cyndi and her husband booked a hotel room in Chicago and arranged for someone to watch their daughter for a few days. Cyndi spent the majority of her time in Chicago crying. "You don't know whether your child is going to do well," she said, or "if you're going to put him through all this medical stuff, and then they do pass away anyway, and you've put them through all that pain." Cyndi clutched a copy of her son's footprints and headed home. Just one week passed between the initial diagnosis and the termination. Cyndi said she made the best decision for her family that she could, given the circumstances. Yet she was still reeling from the experience when I met her. "I was just in a fog for a month," she said, shaking her head. "Everything has to happen so fast. ... I really would have liked four more weeks to explore options. But once you get past that 24-week mark, if you choose to end the pregnancy you're looking at flying to Colorado." Combined with the rapid erosion of reproductive rights at the state level, the rise of the 20-week abortion ban has meant that a handful of clinics in states that do allow later procedures receive a constant stream of women from out of state. The Women's Med Center in Dayton, Ohio, where Dr. Roslyn Kade practices, is one of them; Boulder Abortion Clinic, headed by Dr. Warren Hern in Colorado, is another. Kade's clinic offers abortions up to approximately 22 weeks in the case of fetal anomalies. The women she sees have often traveled for hours to reach her, yet before they can start the two-day procedure, they have to contend with Ohio's own regulations: state-scripted counseling and a waiting period of 24 hours. "I can assure you, that does not change people's mind," Kade told me. "By the time they walk in our door, they havethought long and hard about the decisions that sit in front of them." "The state makes such an effort to condemn them. And they feel that." Learning of an anomaly is already life altering, Kade says; abortion restrictions just serve to make the experience more daunting. "It feels like an emergency to them," she said, but the restrictions make time crawl. A patient who arrives at her clinic on a Friday, for instance, often has to wait until the clinic is open again on Tuesday of the following week to start the procedure. "The time from when they find out until they seek resources and seek care, it's really a horrible, horrible experience for them. The state makes such an effort to condemn them. And they feel that." Women who wait a few extra weeks-whether to complete additional tests or to make travel arrangements-often find themselves at the Boulder Abortion Clinic. Hern's clinic is one of only three in the country that perform abortions after 26 weeks. (The others are in Maryland and New Mexico.) There used to be another, in Wichita, Kansas, until that provider, Dr. George Tiller, was assassinated in 2009. Hern said he wakes up every day expecting to be shot. Photo credit: Gaylon Wampler/Getty Hern is tall, with a head of silver hair. He's been performing abortions for 45 years and says he sees a great many women from the states that have imposed 20-week bans. He estimated that of the several hundred patients he sees a year, more than half come from out of state and because of severe fetal anomalies. Most women fly into Denver and make the one-hour drive to Boulder, a route that offers sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. The clinic is a nondescript, beige brick building with a bulletproof entryway-an unsuspecting refuge for women denied care in their home states. A sign warns that cell phones, cameras, and computers are not allowed in order to protect patient privacy. "No reasonable person would do this," Hern said to me. "What does that tell you about me?" He's committed to a simple idea: "that women can be complete human beings, that they're more than objects for pleasure and having babies." The women who come to him, he said, have often "spent many days and weeks trying to find someone who will help them." Some health care providers actively withhold information, he says; others are unaware that services like his are available "and tell patients they have no option." A third-trimester abortion-any abortion after the end of the 27th week-is a four-day outpatient procedure, beginning with the administration of medication that brings the fetus' heart to a slow stop. The first day, women are taken to a warm room where East Asian art adorns the walls, cushions rest on wicker chairs, and tissues are readily available. There, counselors make sure each woman is ready to take the first step. "How does it feel now that you're in the clinic-now that it's real?" a counselor will ask. Some of the women say they feel relieved, others are mainly scared or anxious. The day I visited the clinic, a 32-year-old woman named Michelle had just received an injection of digoxin, the first step in terminating her 29-week pregnancy. She and her husband Josh, 32 (not their real names), traveled from Ohio, where they both work as therapists. The young couple never envisioned themselves in Boulder under these conditions. But like most of the people who visit Hern's clinic, they felt they lacked any other options. The couple found out at their 18-week ultrasound that their fetus had enlarged brain ventricles, which put him at increased risk for numerous medical complications. At 20 weeks, a specialist diagnosed other brain abnormalities: The fetus didn't appear to have anatomical features critical to proper brain function. At first, they thought their baby would have a disability, and they prepared themselves for that reality. At 23 and then at 27 weeks, Michelle and Josh sought additional screenings, which confirmed what they feared: If he survived, their child would have seizures and require a feeding tube. He would also be taken away immediately after being born for brain surgery. "We knew the baby wouldn't have likelihood to feel emotion or have any higher thinking," Michelle said. "Living in spite of a disability and having zero quality of life are very different," Josh added. It was "hard carrying a child that I knew was going to die." They talked about what their son's soul would experience. "It facilitated the conversation about what life is," Michelle said. They asked themselves, "Is it more than just breathing and eating?" The couple said their parents helped them think about their lives as well as their unborn son's. In the end, they decided to terminate. By the time they made the decision, Hern's clinic was the only plausible option. They had to take two weeks off work and rely on family to make the trip a reality. Their siblings chipped in for the costs of a rental car, gas, food, and a hotel; their parents paid for the procedure. It was "hard carrying a child that I knew was going to die," Michelle said. "It made it hard for me to get up in the morning, to go to work." In a private office at Hern's clinic, the couple came to terms with this stage of the process. "It was hard going into it," Michelle said. Josh handed her a tissue and squeezed her hand. "I've been attached to him since the beginning." She has learned, she said, to honor contradictory emotions-grief-filled sadness and, hopefully, eventually, peace. In a situation like this, they know now, there are no easy choices. After learning of Annesly's fatal diagnosis, Lynae took a few days to process the news. She began to think of ways to induce labor on her own-throwing herself down the stairs, or getting into a car accident. "A lot of terrible things go through your head," she said, her eyes welling. "I just wanted it to be over. I didn't want to have to wait for her to die. I didn't want her to die inside of me." A week later, an excess of amniotic fluid forced Lynae into labor at 32 weeks. Her doctor performed an emergency C-section to give Annesly the best chance of survival. Annesly was born with a heartbeat, but despite intense efforts by the delivery team, Lynae said, "she never stirred, she never took a breath." The couple chose "comfort care"-no ventilator. Lynae held Annesly and said good-bye. Afterward, Avery climbed up on the hospital bed, where her mom explained why the sister who had been growing inside Mommy's tummy wasn't coming home. "We wanted her to do more than just survive," said Lynae. "I wanted her to live." Photo credit: Courtesy Paul and Lynae In debates between "pro-choice" and "pro-life," Lynae said, people often talk about a baby's heartbeat as a sign of life. But Lynae has come to think of things differently. "A baby's heartbeat doesn't mean there's life. It is a sign of life, but to live, you need to be able to breathe. You need to be able to have a neurological function." Lynae's first foray out of the house after Annesly's death was to get a pedicure-a futile attempt to relax. It was the middle of the day, and Lynae explained to the technician that she was home from work because of a surgery. When the technician asked what kind, Lynae felt trapped, and said that she had gotten a C-section. Immediately, the tech congratulated her. Lynae wanted to bolt, but she was captive in the chair for the next half hour, lying- "Oh, thank you, she's doing well"-to avoid spilling out her grief. This would become a recurring theme. At work, her boss tried to tell people for her so she wouldn't have to repeat the story. Still, other coworkers rushed up to her and asked for photos. "You don't know how to handle those questions," she said. "No one has taught you." Some women who experience a miscarriage, a stillbirth, or the loss of a newborn call a subsequent healthy infant a "rainbow baby." Lynae got pregnant with hers, a boy, nine months after Annesly died. "The first time I got a positive on a pregnancy test, I sobbed," she said. "Not out of happiness, but out of fear." She and Paul are both working parents; they worried about the implications of caring for a severely disabled child. "I wouldn't want to go through that again," Lynae said. "To not have an option, but to live day-to-day waiting for your child to die." The 20-week abortion ban may not stand up to legal scrutiny in coming years. With Roe, the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional to ban abortions before viability, typically 24 to 26 weeks. Similar bans-in Arizona and Idaho-were struck down by federal courts in 2013 and 2015, respectively. And in Georgia, the American Civil Liberties Union is currently appealing a ruling upholding the law. But new states are pushing the bans: Bills are under consideration in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. If passed, this would extend 20-week abortion bans to a total of 19 states. When I visited Lynae, now 38, a swing set with swings for two stood in the backyard. A toy lawn mower, race car, dinosaur, and truck were scattered across the grass-signs of their two-year-old son Rowan, their rainbow baby. Paul lay sprawled on the cream-colored rug; Rowan was jumping from the couch into his arms. Lynae watched, smiling. In some ways, Lynae was one of the slightly more fortunate ones: She never had to travel to get an abortion or carry an unviable pregnancy to term. But no woman in this position is lucky; none are protected from the emotional assault that these 20-week bans inflict. "Our grief will change as we get older," Lynae said to me when we first spoke, "but it will never go away." This article was reported in partnership with The Investigative Fund at The Nation Institute, where Sylvia A. Harvey is a reporting fellow. *A note about terminology: The vocabulary we use to describe the unborn is inevitably charged. Wherever possible, we have attempted to follow the lead of the subjects and have used the terms that they themselves used to describe their fetuses or unborn children. You Might Also Like In the 2016 presidential election, one candidate is advocating a forceful U.S. foreign policy, strengthening international alliances, confronting Russia, and stopping the spread of nuclear weapons. And the other candidate is the Republican. This years contest has upended the politics of U.S. foreign policy more dramatically than any in recent memory. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the nominee of the typically diplomacy first, force as last resort Democratic Party, sounds more hawkish than the usually strong on defense GOP. And businessman Donald Trump, the Republican Party standard-bearer, is the one questioning military interventions overseas and offering olive branches to adversaries. In the final presidential debate last month, Trump noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin said nice things about him, adding, If we got along well, that would be good. But Clintons plans for the conflict in Syria, he said, would lead to World War III with Russia. Even if Trump loses as polls less than a week before Election Day indicate he has scrambled the politics and the traditional alignments of U.S. foreign policy. He has declared war on his own party, prompting hundreds of its national security elite to form a Never Trump movement or even endorse Clinton. After the Nov. 8 vote, the Republican Party that for years successfully billed itself as the more trusted on security, and in turn helped shape U.S. national security interests, will be left to stitch itself back together or start over. The party is clearly in deep trouble, said John Bellinger, a legal advisor to the State Department and National Security Council under former President George W. Bush, and is going to have to be remade. Left: A woman wears a shirt reading "Trump-Putin '16" before a rally on Feb. 7 in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Photo credit: DOMINICK REUTER/AFP/Getty Images Right: Campaign buttons for Trump on sale prior to the Republican nominee's Oct. 29 rally in Golden, Colorado. Photo credit: JASON CONNOLLY/AFP/Getty Images Story continues Role reversal Although Trumps stance is ever evolving on a host of foreign-policy issues and lacking a coherent political philosophy, the Republican nominee loosely calls for a nativist neoisolationism he has dubbed America First, harking back to the origins of the phrase in the 1940s. Trumps rhetoric is openly hostile to the vision pursued by Republican presidents dating back to Dwight Eisenhower. That vision saw the United States as a global superpower, promoting and protecting free markets and free trade while wielding diplomacy and military might to defend its interests and allies. Trumps America First appeals put him roughly in a category that some academics call conservative nationalism, according to Colin Dueck, a professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. Its a mindset that supports unilateral military action while harboring skepticism about multilateral diplomacy, free trade deals, immigration, and democracy promotion abroad. Attracted to such an anti-establishment message, Trump supporters have flocked to his campaigns raucous rallies across the country. To voters such as Mike Taylor, wearing a leather motorcycle vest as he stood in line a month ago for a Ferris wheel ride at the North Georgia State Fair, the outside threat is just as real. Trump is going to focus a lot on keeping out the illegal aliens, Taylor told Foreign Policy, though he believes Islamic State sleeper cells are already in Georgia and elsewhere. The threat is imminent, but I think hell focus more on getting rid of the threat than Hillary would, he said. Shes a real liberal people pleaser. Shes not going to want to step on toes in the way that Trump is. Trump has vowed to bring back a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding in interrogations, expressed a willingness to support murdering the families of terrorist suspects, and promised to bomb the hell out of ISIS, using another name for the Islamic State. But he also abandoned traditional GOP policy and a long-established bipartisan consensus by repeatedly questioning the value of Americas alliances, from South Korea to the Baltics. Trump said he would not necessarily favor the United States coming to the aid of NATO members if they were attacked by Russia, unless those allies had fulfilled their obligations. Following the same line of argument that America is overcommitted overseas, Trump also rejected a decades-long bipartisan consensus on nuclear weapons, openly calling for allies such as South Korea, Japan, and even Saudi Arabia to acquire their own nuclear arsenals. He even reportedly questioned why the United States didnt use its own. Taking a page out of the playbooks of both President Barack Obama and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, he has tried to undermine Clintons far deeper experience by pointing to the spate of foreign-policy crises during the Obama administration, from Iraq to Libya (both interventions he once supported), as evidence of her trigger happy bad judgment. He has left Clinton, in contrast, sounding even more like a member of the Republican foreign-policy establishment. She has struck a hawkish yet prudent tone and scolded Trump at the debates for being ill-informed and ill-prepared. Clinton and Trump attend the town hall debate on Oct. 9 in St. Louis, Missouri. Photo credit: RICK WILKING/Getty Images Clinton has consistently hit Trump for being dangerously incoherent on foreign policy and peddling bigotry and xenophobia. She has continued to advocate a more muscular version of the smart power multilateralism of the Obama administration, in praising the historic deal over Irans nuclear program, defending the New START treaty with Russia, and promoting a further opening to Cuba. Still, the former secretary of state has been forced to thread the needle of both touting her record and distancing herself from Obamas foreign-policy foibles and does so by arguing that military power is a potential means to diplomatic ends. In one of her clearest breaks from Obama, she called for a no-fly zone in Syria in order to push Russia to the table. She earned praise from Republican hawks, and her position was followed by much of the Republican primary field. On no single issue has Clinton and Trumps role reversal on foreign policy played out more starkly than over Russias resurgence. Clinton has taken a hard line on Moscow. She has criticized Russias annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, its intervention in Syria, and its cybermeddling in the U.S. election. But Trump has heaped praise on the Kremlin which the GOP old guard views as dangerous blasphemy. Despite receiving intelligence briefings on the subject, Trump continues to deny growing evidence of Russian-directed hacking of the Democratic National Committee and other targets. He has called Putin a stronger leader than Obama. Trumps advisors worked to remove language from the GOP platform calling for lethal aid to Ukraine, and the nominee suggested he may recognize Crimea as part of Russia. The United States should either leave the Syrian conflict to Moscow, he argued, or form a military alliance with Russia. But Trumps first jarring role reversal was breaking with decades of Republican orthodoxy on trade and he dragged both parties with him. Trump has slammed free trade deals negotiated since the 1990s and in particular the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) championed by Obama, vowing that hed negotiate better deals with foreign leaders. We dont win at trade, China, everybody, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, India, name the country. Anybody we do business with beats us. We dont win at trade, Trump said in March. Not since the 1930s and 1940s has protectionism found such a welcoming home in the Republican Party; Ross Perot, who pushed an anti-trade campaign in the 1992 presidential election, ran as an independent. Sen. Reed Smoot and Rep. Willis Hawley whose eponymous tariffs in 1930 unleashed the Great Depression globally were both Republican lawmakers. Trade has always been one of the cornerstones of Republican foreign policy, more so than the Democrats, whove been concerned about free trade, and now the Republican standard-bearer is leading the charge against free trade, Bellinger said. Clinton, while leading the State Department, initially championed the TPP agreement. Under pressure from within her own party over trade in the form of an unexpected primary challenge from Sanders, she later came out against it. But she spoke in more measured tones and avoided denouncing all trade accords, including the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement brokered while her husband was in the White House. This year, the Democratic nominee often sounded more like a Republican on trade than Trump, whose appeals to blue-collar workers echoed liberal lions from the Democratic Partys past. Trump holds a campaign rally on Oct. 31 in Warren, Michigan. Photo credit: CHIP SOMODEVILLA/Getty Images Not your grandfathers GOP Although Trump may sound like a heretic on foreign policy to the Republican elite, he tapped into swelling populist anger among GOP voters that had emerged far earlier. Hes a product of the modern Republican Party, not someone who created it, said Julian Zelizer, a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University. Amid rising anxiety over the economic downturns and growing income inequality of recent decades, a large bloc of Republican voters strained to see the benefits of free trade deals and started to view unfettered trade as what left them behind. And after nearly a decade of sluggish economic growth and an uneven recovery on the homefront, an increasing number of grassroot Republicans have become skeptical of the benefits of broader international engagement and cooperation, alliances, foreign aid, and even legal immigration. The consensus that prevailed in the GOP from the 1950s through the early 2000s gave way to a gamut of ideas from Sen. Rand Pauls isolationism to a bellicose nationalism advocating unilateral military action against U.S. adversaries, draconian limits on immigration, and less diplomatic cooperation. Despite the 9/11 attacks, the disastrous outcome of the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq emboldened elements within the GOP that had grown wary of open-ended military adventures and were more interested in scaling back the size of the federal government. Their impatience with the political establishment including Republican leaders manifested itself in a series of elections since 2010, helping midwife the Tea Party, whose tone and tenor foreshadowed some of Trumps rhetoric. The rise of a new terrorist threat, the Islamic State, with its grisly propaganda videos of beheadings and other atrocities in Paris and Brussels, also formed the backdrop for Trumps emotional appeal. Voters were afraid not just about losing their jobs but of Islamic State militants setting off bombs in U.S. cities. In a bloated primary field, no single candidate spoke to the insecurities of the American electorate as skillfully as Trump. He won a record 13.3 million votes during the primary knocking off the establishment presidential hopefuls. Trumps rejection of intervention, coupled with his tough talk on security, tracks to some extent with changing public views about Americas global role. Voter support for increased defense spending is the highest it has been since just after 9/11. But most Americans want the United States to focus on its own problems rather than expanding the militarys role abroad, according to recent polls from the Pew Research Center and the conservative-sponsored Survey Sampling International. Fear whether of immigration, trade, or terrorism has served as the common thread for Trumps candidacy. In his speeches, immigrants are a threat; some are rapists, others possibly radical Islamic terrorists. If Clinton is elected, Trump has warned, the Islamic State will triumph. If free trade deals are allowed to stay in place, he argues, more jobs will be lost and factories will close. And Trumps appeal is not solely an American phenomenon. In Europe, right-wing, populist rhetoric railing against the dangers of free trade and immigrants particularly Muslim immigrants is gaining ground as well, including in France and Germany. Hungary has already fully embraced illiberal democracy. The surprise result of the Brexit referendum in June, in which a majority of Britons voted to pull their country out of the European Union, captured the populist mood on both sides of the Atlantic. A Trump supporter wears a colorful shirt outside Trump's Oct. 29 campaign rally in Golden, Colorado. Photo credit: JASON CONNOLLY/AFP/Getty Images The GOPs civil war is just beginning But among an increasingly diverse American electorate, Trumps emotional power also limited his own presidential prospects. Insulting broad swaths of the voting population women, Latinos, African-Americans, Muslims mobilized his base but also prevented him from expanding it. Yet even if the businessman-turned-reality TV star loses the race, the anxieties and fears that helped give rise to his candidacy will not disappear. Once the ballots are counted especially if Clinton prevails Republicans will plunge into a struggle over the soul of their party, and foreign-policy issues will be front and center. Republicans are divided over foreign policy like they have not been for years, said Stuart Rothenberg, the founding editor and publisher of the Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report, a nonpartisan political newsletter. Once defined by their desire to flex the nations military muscle and exercise diplomatic influence abroad, the GOP now has a vocal isolationist, America First wing. Nobody knows what the future holds for the party. For decades, the Republican Party enjoyed a virtual political monopoly on foreign-policy issues. Since at least the Vietnam War, voters consistently had more confidence in Republican leaders handling foreign crises than their Democratic counterparts. The GOP could cite the diplomatic competence and strength of Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush, while defensive Democrats found themselves saddled with Lyndon Johnsons escalation of the Vietnam War and Jimmy Carters legacy of bungling and bad luck in Iran. Bill Clinton also had his share of trouble on foreign policy, retreating from a disastrous U.S. military mission in Somalia, dithering initially over intervention in the Balkans, failing to take action to stop the genocide in Rwanda, and dropping the ball on the threat posed by al Qaeda. The tables, however, have turned. The U.S. invasion of Iraq, with its catastrophic consequences and its flawed rationale, badly damaged the Republican Partys credibility on foreign policy. Public war weariness helped Obama win the presidency. And now the Republican brand has suffered yet another hit, this time from Trump. Zelizer of Princeton calls the effect a double punch Iraq and then Trump. Thanks to Trumps often ill-informed and reckless talk, polls have shown Clinton holds a consistent advantage among voters on foreign policy and a wide range of issues what Bellinger calls safe hands versus a man tweeting at 3 a.m. about a former beauty pageant contestant. But even without Trump at the helm, large numbers of Republican voters are not ready to return to the partys traditional foreign-policy doctrine, especially on trade. Elliott Abrams, who served on George W. Bushs National Security Council and before that under Reagan, said he was surprised by the degree to which people have been persuaded mostly by Trump, a little bit by Sanders that international trade is the culprit for their ills. That shift could result in an effort to cushion the damage international trade may do to certain portions of the American population rather than simply getting into trade wars, Abrams told FP. But its unclear whether advocates of the GOPs conventional line on national security, many of whom refused to endorse Trump, can forge common ground with more isolationist and populist voices in the party. I dont think Trumpism is the inevitable future for the Republican Party, said Dueck of George Mason University. But I do think some form of conservative nationalism is probably here to stay. He identified it, he revealed it, he tapped into it, he expressed it. I dont think thats just going to disappear if he loses. Bellinger said he was optimistic some Republican lawmakers and foreign-policy experts will work with Clinton in the name of national security. He was far less hopeful for the fate of the GOP itself. The Republican Party is going to have to find its way forward and either rebuild the party or the party is going to split, Bellinger said. And there will be a moderate, Free Democratic-type party like in Germany, and then some sort of much more conservative, populist, nationalist party. Eliot Cohen, who served in the Defense and State departments for George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, respectively, and who organized early Republican opposition to Trump, described it more as a choice between a purge and a secession. If the party cannot rid itself of the nativist, white nationalist, neoisolationist elements he said, I think we cant survive together. Clinton and her fellow Democrats will have to work hard to solidify their hold on foreign policy and craft a positive message that clearly articulates the partys vision, experts said. Its not enough in the long term just to say that your opponents arent doing very well or that they are not that credible, Zelizer said. Still, Democrats have the edge on foreign policy for the moment and may for some time largely thanks to Trump. Republicans this year got into bed with a monster, Cohen said, and its going to take some time for them to get out. Top photo credit: Getty Images/Foreign Policy illustration After a yearlong hiatus, the Epiphone Revolver Music Awards - co-hosted by Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine and SiriusXM personality Jose Mangin - is returning with a new name and a new location. Formerly known as the Revolver Golden God Awards, the awards show will be held Dec. 13 at New York's Webster Hall. Since their inception in 2009, the awards have been held in Los Angeles. They grew into a Black Carpet (metal's version of the red carpet) event attended by metal's biggest stars, from Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Metallica and Slayer to Slipknot, Guns N' Roses, Ronnie James Dio and Motley Crue. After going on hiatus in 2015, the event will be held on the East Coast for the first time. The show's move to New York was described in a press release as "a logical relocation" since Manhattan, a hard-rock mecca, is also where metal magazine Revolver is headquartered. Revolver manager of sales and business development Chris Enriquez exclusively tells Billboard, "2015 was a transitional time for Revolver with a new team in place, so we needed to really take a step back from the awards show to make sure that when we did decide to bring it back, it was done the right way. That time really enabled us to plan properly and make sure that we could bring it back in the best way possible. We couldn't be more proud of what we are delivering on Dec. 13 at Webster Hall in New York City and honestly couldn't have pulled it off without really taking our time. We know our audience will not be disappointed." So far, Megadeth has been announced as the headliner, with Zakk Wylde, Lacuna Coil and Stitched Up Heart also scheduled to perform. There will be a Fallen Heroes All-Star Jam that will include such stars as Ace Frehley, Bumblefoot, Pop Evil and Butcher Babies. More performances will be announced in the run-up to the event, which will be live-streamed by Twitch TV, as well as through the Guitar World and Revolver websites, Facebook Live and YouTube channels, and SiriusXM's Liquid Metal. "It's an honor to be chosen to host the Revolver Music Awards this year. My co-host, Jose Mangin, and I are stoked and hope to live up to our predecessors," Mustaine tells Billboard. "2016 has been tremendous for me, and this is a fitting climax, being able to hand down awards to my peers and our genre's new blood. Let the festivities begin!" The Epiphone Revolver Music Awards honor musicians in the hard-rock/metal genre. Its fan-voted categories include Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Vocalist and Dimebag Darrell Best Guitarist, which is named in memory of former Pantera guitarist Darrell "Dimebag" Abbott. Nominees for album of the year are Deftones' Gore, Megadeth's Dystopia, Meshuggah's The Violent Sleep of Reason, Metallica's Hardwired to Self-Destruct and Volbeat's Seal the Deal & Let's Boogie. Fans can vote at RevolverMag.com. Tickets are available here. The Root Tennessee sports reporter Kasey Funderburg has been fired from all her reporting positions after her old racist tweets were exposed, per Knox News. Some Twitter users called her a hypocrite given moments before she was exposed, she had called out a Knoxville reporter for a racist joke. Though, a looming question remains: Did she deserve it? Texas: No Incidents at UTEP with two months of Campus Carry By Dean Weingarten on October 27th, 2016 2016 One of the problems with excessive hyperbole in propaganda is when people experience the reality of what was hyped. They realize someone lied to them. A level of credibility has been lost. This has happened over and over again, with a repetition that has become boring, as the right to bear arms in self defense is being restored and ... nothing happens. It happened at the University of Texas in El Paso. From kfoxtv.com: Claster contacted the University to find out if anything has happened regarding Campus Carry, or if there have even been any calls to campus police since August 1. UTEP officials sent her a statement reading, "There have not been any reported gun-related incidents, or calls since SB11 went into effect." "I guess I feel safer," Gallegos said. "Because we have heard about other colleges having incidents. You never know what the case might be, so it would be nice if people on campus that are carrying guns also know how to use them." "I feel less safe because I'm not 21 yet, so I can't have a gun yet. So I feel less safe," Salado said. Both Gallegos and Salado are young women. ...... So - no raging gun fights? Amazing. The detractors of campus carry will usually be in a faint to learn that such a thing has been sanctioned, having usually predicted "blood in the streets". It is beyond time that 'gun-free-zones', whether college campus, schools or businesses, are seen as potential zones of vulnerability - easily mitigated by having lawful armed people on hand against the (admittedly rare) criminal shooting. Congratulations to the University of Texas in El Paso. "You don't have to be Jewish to fight by our side." 2016 JPFO All rights reserved. jpfo@jpfo.org 1-800-869-1884 Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership 12500 NE 10th Pl. Bellevue, WA 98005 USA Americas most aggressive civil rights organization We make the NRA look like moderates Join JPFO Back to Top by Summer Delaney and Kelli Hill With Election Day just five days away, Donald Trump is closing the gap on Hillary Clintons lead in the latest national polls. Regardless of which candidate wins, the 2016 election cycle has been one for the history books, and has provided plenty of material for comedians. Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric sat down with comedian Colin Quinn to discuss the Clinton-Trump finale and the Netflix special of his off-Broadway show Colin Quinn: The New York Story. This election, Quinn believes, has been unlike anything he has seen. Heres the problem with this country, in my opinion, Quinn said. Now, everybody is a [critic] and social media made it worse. Its just everybody saying, Heres what should happen. I know everybodys opinion in this whole country on every subject. As for the candidates, Quinn thinks Trump has gained so much support because people are dissatisfied and feel that a vote for Trump is a way of rebelling. The reason he got popular is because he was saying what everybody had in the back of their mind, he said. Even if people are like, But thats ruining your self-interest, theyre like, I dont care, because Im so mad now, I dont care. In the case of Hillary Clinton, the comedian also understands how some voters have negative feelings towards the candidate: I think theyre legitimate just because there is something about her, theres something about her personality, he said. Its that smile. I used to say that smile has the sincerity of a lap dance. Theres something off about her. Quinn also commented that anyone else in a head-to-head against Trump would be running away with the election. Bernie Sanders is probably fuming at whoever told him to drop out of the race by now. He could have won this whole thing probably. Quinns upcoming Netflix special focuses on the melting pot of New York City being shaped by the experiences of immigrants since the nations founding. When addressing our contemporary immigration debate, Quinn believes peoples opinions are due to a combination of factors. Story continues For some people, its xenophobia for sure, but for other people, its like, Wait a minute, [immigration] drives my wages down, he said. There are two sides to it. It couldnt be figured out worse than we do it now. It couldnt be articulated worse. It couldnt be done worse. Quinns show, Colin Quinn: The New York Story, debuts on Netflix on November 18. Yahoo News Now Special Edition: 2016 The Choice Every weekday until the election, well be coming to you live from the Yahoo Studios in New York City, bringing the latest information and analysis of the days most compelling storylines in the race for the White House. By Richard Maher This piece is part of The Conversation Global's 'The View From ...' series, explaining how governments and citizens in key countries worldwide view the U.S. election. Today, Richard Maher explains why Europe is so afraid of Donald Trump, and how it all comes down to Russia, NATO and trade. As the U.S. presidential election enters its final week, most poll-based models show Democratic nominee and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in front of Republican challenger, Donald Trump. There are questions about how Clinton's ratings will bounce back from the announcement that the FBI is reviewing a newly discovered trove of emails that relate to her use of a personal server for government business when she was secretary of state. But her significant lead in the polls will be hard to beat. While Clinton has not garnered the same level of enthusiasm across Europe as current U.S. President Barack Obama received in 2008 or 2012, European leaders are no doubt breathing easier now that a Clinton victory seems more likely. In mid-summer, polls showed a real possibility that Trump could win the election and become the 45th President of the United States, an outcome that was seen as catastrophic across Europe. European leaders watched Trump's ascent first with dismay and then with growing alarm. Some offered uncharacteristically blunt assessments of his fitness to be a party nominee, and their preferred electoral outcome. French President Francois Hollande said that Trump "makes you want to retch". Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi criticized what he called Trump's "policy of fear," and made clear his "very strong" support for Hillary Clinton. German foreign secretary Frank-Walter Steinmeier called Trump's portrait of the United States as being beset by internal and external enemies "grotesque," and warned that a Trump presidency would lead to "many uncertainties for the trans-Atlantic relationship." Story continues For European leaders thinking about the election, three major issues occupy attention: the future of the NATO alliance; the West's relations with Russia; and whether the moribund Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) can or should be revived. NATO The candidates' views of NATO mark one of their most striking foreign policy differences. While Clinton has called the alliance "one of the best investments America has ever made", Trump has said the alliance is "obsolete". Trump has also been coy over whether he would respond automatically to a hypothetical Russian incursion into one of the Baltic republics, which have been NATO members for more than a decade. Every U.S. president since Truman has interpreted Article 5 of the NATO Treaty -- the mutual defense clause -- as establishing a legal and moral obligation on the United States to aid another alliance member facing external attack. Instead of automatically upholding this commitment, Trump has said that he would condition a U.S. response on whether the NATO ally had previously "fulfilled their obligations to us". Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former Danish prime minister and former NATO secretary general, condemned this statement, saying it undermined U.S. credibility and risked allowing Russia to increase its influence in Europe. Russia No Democratic or Republican presidential nominee in history has spoken with such admiration of Russia as Donald Trump. Russia is, at the very least, a country most U.S. and European security experts continue to view as a rival if not an actual adversary. Trump has praised Putin's intelligence and leadership style, invited Russia to commit cyberespionage against Clinton, and suggested that, as president, he might formally recognize Crimea as part of Russia. This is despite the fact that, in the most blatant and serious challenge to post-Cold War Europe's political and security order, Russian military forces forcibly seized the peninsula from Ukraine in a show of force reminiscent of Europe's darker periods. If elected, Clinton would enter office with the most strained and contentious relationship with Russia of any president since the end of the Cold War. As David Sanger of the New York Times has reported, some of Clinton's longtime advisers are already thinking of ways to put pressure on the Russian government and on Putin himself. These include the imposition of additional sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and international condemnation. While European leaders would hardly welcome an escalation of U.S.-Russia tensions -- especially since the question of how to respond to Russian actions in Ukraine, Syria, and elsewhere is already dividing European governments -- Trump's apparent infatuation with the Kremlin creates even more unease. Trade deals A key battleground for the U.S. election has been the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), which aims to widen market access, enhance regulatory cooperation, and set common rules to promote transatlantic trade and investment. The 15th and latest round of talks took place in New York in October 2016. For the United States, TTIP is a corollary to the 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which was signed in February 2016 but has not yet been ratified. Regardless of who wins the election, the odds of concluding the TTIP agreement seem unlikely. Trump (along with Democratic Senator and former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders) has stoked opposition in the United States to free trade agreements generally. Trump has made opposition to the North American Free Trade Agreement and the TPP a core element of his candidacy. While bemoaning the loss of domestic manufacturing jobs to globalization and free trade, he has proposed a range of tariffs and other protectionist measures unseen in the United States since the 1930s. The incompetence of our current administration is beyond comprehension. TPP is a terrible deal. -- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 5, 2015 Clinton supports the expansion of free trade agreements less enthusiastically than Obama, who pushed hard during his presidency for both the TPP and TTIP. As president, Clinton is unlikely to make TTIP a priority. Despite once supporting the TPP, she has now come out in opposition to it (and has even criticized NAFTA). Even if Clinton decides to push for the conclusion of TTIP negotiations, however, diminishing popular appeal in both parties for new free trade agreements will make it hard for her to get it ratified by Congress, even though many economists on both sides of the Atlantic have said that the agreement would create jobs and give an important boost to sluggish economic growth in the EU. If the talks fail, Europe may lose more than just greater access to transatlantic trade and investment. Its ability to promote its values and set global standards -- in areas such as workers' rights, environmental protection, and sustainable development -- through trade would take a hit. Cheering for Clinton A Trump victory on November 8 would be viewed across European capitals as calamitous. While Clinton is well known to European leaders, they view Trump as erratic, unpredictable, and even unstable. Trump's views regarding NATO, his overtures to a revanchist and increasingly authoritarian Russia, and his opposition to the expansion of free trade deviate in profound ways from America's approach to Europe since the end of the second world war -- an era that has spanned twelve presidential administrations, six Democratic and six Republican. European leaders are also worried that a Trump victory might embolden their own national populist movements. Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right National Front, has said that she would vote for Trump. Nigel Farage, a major figure in the successful campaign for the UK to leave the EU, has appeared on the campaign trail with Trump. Anti-Islam Dutch politician Geert Wilders appeared at a fringe event of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in July, praising Trump's proposed ban on Muslim immigration into the United States. For all these reasons and more, leaders across Europe are rooting for a Clinton victory on November 8, some quietly and some more openly. This article was written by Richard Maher, research fellow at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, for The Conversation. It is republished with permission. US air strikes early Thursday killed at least 30 Afghan civilians, including women and children, in the volatile northern province of Kunduz, officials said, after a Taliban assault left two American soldiers dead. The strike triggered emotionally charged protests in the provincial capital, with the victims' relatives parading mutilated bodies of dead children piled into open trucks through the streets of Kunduz city. The carnage underscores worsening insecurity after the Taliban last month overran the city for the second time in a year, as NATO-backed Afghan forces struggle to rein in the insurgents. US-backed Afghan special operations forces were conducting an operation against the Taliban on the outskirts of the city when they came under insurgent fire, prompting calls for air support. "In the bombardment, 30 Afghan civilians were martyred and 25 others were wounded," provincial spokesman Mahmood Danish told AFP. Police spokesman Mahmoodullah Akbari gave the same toll, adding that the dead included infants aged as young as three months and other children. Taza Gul, a 55-year-old laborer, was among dozens of angry protesters outside the Kunduz governor's office, bringing with him the bodies of seven dead family members in a motorized tricycle. "I am devastated. I want to know why these innocent children were killed. Were they Taliban?" said Gul, breaking down in tears. "No, they were innocent children." NATO said on Twitter that the air strikes were conducted by US aircraft. "As part of an Afghan operation, friendly forces received direct fire and air strikes were conducted to defend themselves," Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, a senior spokesman for the NATO mission, said in a statement. "We take all allegations of civilian casualties very seriously," he added, noting that NATO would help the Afghans investigate the incident, but he stressed it was an Afghan operation overall. Story continues A US defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said "multiple" manned US planes were involved in the strikes, and they were targeted by small-arms fire from the ground. Civilian casualties caused by NATO forces have been one of the most contentious issues in the 15-year campaign against the insurgents, prompting strong public and government criticism. Errant air strikes contributed to a 42 percent jump this year in casualties caused by pro-government forces compared to last year, according to the UN. "Previous violations of international humanitarian law by US/NATO troops still remain uninvestigated and unpunished," Amnesty International said, condemning the Kunduz strikes. "This cannot be another example of inaction in the face of such loss of life." US State Department spokesman Mark Toner described the incident as a "terrible event." - America's longest war - Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was "deeply saddened" by the Kunduz killings, adding that insurgents were using civilians as human shields. The strikes occurred after a firefight with insurgents killed two US soldiers and wounded four more. Three Afghan special forces were also killed during the anti-Taliban operation in Kunduz. "On behalf of all of US Forces -- Afghanistan, today's loss is heartbreaking and we offer our deepest condolences," General John Nicholson, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, said of the military losses. "Despite today's tragic event, we are steadfast in our commitment to help our Afghan partners defend their nation," he added, without disclosing the names of the dead soldiers. The killings come just days before the US presidential election. During three lengthy debates between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Afghanistan got scarcely a passing mention -- even though the situation there will be an urgent matter for the new president. Either one will inherit America's longest war with no end in sight. The US military, which leads a NATO mission to train and assist local forces after their combat mission ended in 2014, often gives upbeat assessments about Afghan military performance. But as Afghan military forces near the end of a second year leading security operations without full NATO assistance, they are sustaining record casualties. The Taliban's apparent strategic goal in 2016 is to seize another provincial capital like they briefly did in Kunduz last year, in a stinging blow to Afghan forces. They have launched multiple assaults in recent months including in Kunduz, Lashkar Gar in poppy-growing Helmand province and Tarinkot, the capital of Uruzgan province. The worsening conflict has prompted US forces to step up airstrikes to support their struggling Afghan counterparts, fueling the perception that they are increasingly being drawn back into the conflict. Melania Trump will speak on her husbands behalf Thursday, hitting the campaign trail solo for the first time since her disastrous RNC speech where she lifted words directly from Michelle Obama. Read: Pros and Conway: Donald Trump Campaign Manager Called 'Delusional' on 'The View' Melania, who has been married to Donald Trump since 2005, will address a campaign event in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, at 2 p.m., where she is slated to speak for about 20 minutes on her husband's policies for families, women and children, CBS News reported. Her husband, meanwhile, is scheduled to attend campaign events in North Carolina, embracing recent polls that show the race between him and Hillary Clinton tightening. Stay on point, Donald, he repeated at a campaign rally in Florida Wednesday, apparently giving himself advice in front of his audience. At another Florida rally, he returned to a favorite practice of rallying against the media, when he suddenly singled out NBC News reporter Katy Tur in a bizarre tirade. "Theres something happening. They're not reporting it. Katy you're not reporting it, Katy. But there's something happening, Katy. There's something happening, Katy, he said. It's not the first time Trump has knocked Tur in public before. In December, he called her a third-rate journalist and in July told her to be quiet during a press conference. Several journalists and supporters of Tur rallied around the journalist and started the trending topic #ImWithTur on social media. Tur spoke about the incident to Brian Williams on MSNBC Wednesday night. It is a unique experience to have an entire crowd of people... booing you. And its especially unique when theyre actually saying your name and looking directly at you, Tur said. And thats what happened today. Read: Hillary Fires Back at Heckler Who Shouted 'Bill Clinton Is a Rapist' at Rally: 'I'm Sick and Tired' She added: "Often times when hes playing to the camera and saying we dont move our cameras to show these crowds, the cameras are all looking in opposite directions showing the crowds, she explained. Story continues On Thursday, Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway said the Republican candidate didn't mean any harm in his rant against Tur, telling a Morning Joe panel, he obviously didn't mean it in any malicious way." Watch: Meeting Between Former Beauty Queens Descend Into Madness Over 2016 Election Related Articles: Anello the big & roomy bag which originated from Japan, is a familiar brand to the Airfrov community. These NEW unisex designs from Anello have the same minimalistic design, roomy and functional compartments. I can foresee them to be a family bag, where its shared among your partner, parents & siblings! If you cant find them in Singapore, ask an Airfrov Traveller to help you buy directly from Japan! Logo Print Messenger Bag Comes in Size S (AT-B1622, 3,132 yen), M (AT-B1621, 3,780 yen) and L (AT-B1624, 4,212 yen) Anello Bag Singapore Left to right: Size S to L Prefer to be hands-free during travel or during the laid-back weekend? This simple cross-over messenger bag comes in 3 different sizes and 5 colors: Grey, Khaki, Navy, Black & Red. Made of nylon-polyester material, each bag comes with 2 buckles at the front and a zipper at the back for your secrets. If youre not into the contrasting leather patch, the all black variants looks uber cool. Anello Bag Singapore Price: 3132 Yen (S) 3780 Yen (M), 4212 Yen (L) (All tax inclusive) Messenger Bag AT-C1402 (4536 Yen) Anello Bag Singapore Looks similar to the above messenger bag? The difference here lies in the velcro opening, rounder shape and roomier storage. Theres also a small strap in the middle for an alternative hand-held style when youre not crossing it over your shoulders. Available in Khaki, Grey, Navy & Black. Anello Bag Singapore High-density nylon tote shoulder bag AH-B1363 (5,292 yen) Anello Bag Singapore Finally, we found something for the tote-lovers! This shoulder bag has the same high-density nylon material, plenty of zippers and compartments that mummies will love! Check out that additional strap that can be hooked on the sides, you can carry this more than 1 way! Anello Bag Singapore Not going to Japan? Ask a traveller to help you buy! Square Tote Luc AT-B1228 (4,212 yen) Anello Bag Singapore A popular backpack amongst Airfrov-ers, the mouth of this squarish polyester-canvas bag can be unzipped to reveal a really huge compartment for your barang-barangs. Perfect for documents, laptops and books. Available in 9 colours including the most popular camouflage! Story continues Anello Bag Singapore Retro Backpack AT-B1501 (6,696 yen) Anello Bag Singapore One should always have a bag ready, for that day where you decide on going for a last minute backpacking or road-trip. This retro backpack checks all the right boxes for the adventurous. Made of fabric clothes and fake suede leather, the 50cm tall warrior could fit all your necessities for a 3-5 days trip. Anello Bag Singapore Anello polyester 3WAY bag AR-N0341 (6,048 yen) Anello Bag Singapore I love it when a bag can be carried more than one way. In this case, make it three. This sleek and versatile bag can be used as a backpack, shoulder bag or be held horizontally. Navy or Black? Its hard to make a choice. Ask a traveller for help, by posting a request here. This list could go on forever, or you could check out their full collection on their official online store here. When youve picked out a bag or two, post a request on Airfrov, and get Travellers to bring them back from Japan! Click to check out what others are buying via Airfrov Travellers! Anello Bag Singapore The post 6 Unisex, Roomy Anello Bags Were Adding to Our Xmas List appeared first on Airfrov Blog. On Thursday, Kendall Jenner turns 21, and the only way we can imagine celebrating the supermodels birthday is by watching as many videos of goofy animals as possible. (To be fair, this is how we celebrate all occasions.) Kendall, you better watch the throne. These seven sexy beasts have walks so distinctive, so high-fashion that they would win Americas Next Top Model were the show to allow non-human contestants. 1. This cat who trots like a dressage horse and brings new meaning to the phrase cat walk. 2. This dog who is 100% convinced he is a human fashion model. 3. This cat who already has a signature stride. 4. This hip-hop dressage horse. 5. This mini French bulldog who is well aware shes fashions latest It Girl. 6. This English bulldog who has already developed an iconic runway waddle. 7. This duckling, whose fast-paced walk has an irresistible je ne sais quack quality to it. Happy birthday, Kendall. Clearly this compilation of footage was the greatest gift we could possibly give you/ourselves. From Town & Country Is Meghan Markle a name you're suddenly hearing everywhere? There's a good reason for that. The Suits actress has been romantically linked to Britain's most royally eligible bachelor, Prince Harry. According toPeople Magazine, the couple have been together for months now. So, if this American-born beauty is bound for Kensington Palace, here are a few reasons why the actress would make a great Princess. [contentlinks align="left" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="Related%20Story" customtitles="Prince%20Harry%20May%20Have%20a%20New%20American%20Girlfriend" customimages="" content="article.8437"] She's already had an all-American brush with royalty. Markle attended an all-girl Catholic school in Los Angeles where she was called charismatic and hard-working by her fellow students. She was also nominated by her classmates for prom queen. Sadly, she didn't win, but a former classmate told People that the now actress was truly kind-hearted. Another insider stated that even today, Markle "doesn't buy into Hollywood fakeness. She's a genuinely good person who cares about others." Like Duchess Kate, she's well educated, smart, and practical. After high school, Markle attended Northwestern University where she majored in communications and took to the stage. Markle started acting professionally right out of college and supported herself between gigs by working as a freelance calligrapher. She's a humanitarian. Markle is a United Nations advocate for women and does work for the Clean Water Campaign. Very Princess Diana. In her spare time she also manages her lifestyle website, The TIG, where she also shares recipes as well as her tips for travel and fitness. She's refreshingly different from the Windsors. Markle comes from a mixed race family and is a champion for women who've struggled with their identity. In a column she wrote for Elle UK last year, she wrote candidly about her experience as a biracial woman, including roles she lost out on due to her ethnicity. "I wasn't black enough for the black roles and I wasn't white enough for the white ones." Story continues Her star is on the rise. The actress is best-known for role as Rachel Zane in the hit series Suits, but Markle has also been featured in other big name shows such as CSI: Miami and 90210. She has also been in a few comedies such as Get Him to The Greek and Horrible Bosses. Given the pressures of being romantically involved with a Prince, perhaps it makes sense for Prince Harry to choose someone who's already familiar with the pressures of the spotlight? She's modest In a recent interview with the Vancouver Sun, Markle shared with the publication her schedule for her next five months, which is packed with shoots, charity work, family visits, and travel. When asked how she felt about the recap of her next few months she said: "So, my cup runneth over and I'm the luckiest girl in the world!" Though she did not mention Harry in the interview, she could very well be alluding to her relationship. She's close to her parents. Family is nothing if not important to the British royal family. Markle is rumored to have met Prince Charles, and if that is the case and the two are still together, then it may be safe to assume that the family meeting went pretty well. She's got a sense of humor. Markle recently sent Instagram into a tizzy when she posted what is being called a "cryptic" photo of two bananas spooning. A day later, she posted an ode to tea time that feels decidedly English. Making us work for it, 'eh Markle? That's ok. We're game. You Might Also Like Professional songwriting can be rough on the ego. You put all your heart and soul into a song, and someone else makes it a hit, with probably a large chunk of the general population completely unaware it was yours in the first place. So that might be why the songwriters occasionally feel the need to, well, take their song back, as it were. Below, catch nine performances by songwriters performing the songs they made famous for other people. Taylor Swift, This Is What You Came For Swift wasnt super up-front about the fact that she wrote her ex Calvin Harris song, but since she was outed as the co-writer, shes been less shy about it. Above, she performs the song with considerably less EDM bombast at a concert in October. Sia, Diamonds Despite her best attempts to make sure no one sees her face, Sias achieved a considerable amount of fame on her own and as a behind-the-scenes songwriter. Theres a story that when she heard Rihannas version of Diamonds, the latter hewed to Sias demo version so closely that the Australian songwriting phenom thought they were her own vocals. Bruno Mars, All I Ask The best story about this song (that Mars co-wrote with Adele) is that he wanted to cut the lovers line, thinking it was a bit cheesy. Adele apparently shot him down: She was like, Nope. Thats what it has to be.' Lee Brice, More Than a Memory Brice helped bring country superstar Garth Brooks back out of retirement in 2007 with this song, and hes joined Brooks onstage for performances of it since then. But hell still bust it out solo-style, just because. Katy Perry, I Do Not Hook Up Perry wrote this song with a set of sliiiightly more risque lyrics keep your thing in your pants before Kelly Clarkson (or her management) changed it to keep your hand in my hand for the latters version. Pink, Whataya Want from Me Pink actually recorded this before Adam Lambert made it a hit, but her version was left off her album Funhouse. That hasnt stopped her from performing it, though, and shes one of the few stars whose outsize personality is a match for Lamberts. Story continues Chris Stapleton, Your Man Before breaking big with Traveler, Stapleton was already a Nashville must-call for his songwriting chops. Check out his version of Your Man, which was one of his first big hits in 2005, for Josh Turner. Linda Perry, Beautiful Perry will forever be linked to her hit with 4 Non Blondes, Whats Up, but she also penned Christina Aguileras self-confidence anthem, Beautiful. She talks about her inspiration for the song in the clip above. Lori McKenna, Humble & Kind McKennas ode to her children became a big hit for Tim McGraw and took home song of the year at Wednesdays CMA Awards. So, shes entitled to perform it whenever she wants, okay? When it comes to British cultural icons, perhaps only a martini-loving spy and a musical foursome from the '60s can claim to be more adored than those made by Aardman Animations. For 40 years - it celebrated its anniversary this year - the studio has been crafting, often by hand and out of clay, some of the world's most widely loved stop-motion characters ever, starting with Morph, who first landed on TV in 1977, moving to Wallace & Gromit, the cheese-loving duo who earned creator Nick Park several Oscars, and then to the big-eyed farmyard favorite Shaun the Sheep. After a short absence from the big screen, Aardman has returned with a welcome bang; a sequel recently confirmed for last year's Shaun the Sheep the Movie and Park now back in the director's chair after more than a decade for the animated prehistoric adventure Early Man (both on offer at AFM via StudioCanal) which boasts the voice talents of Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hiddleston. In a breezy, colorful building in the British city of Bristol bursting at the seams with mementos big and small (a gigantic Shaun greets visitors at the entrance), is Aardman's central base; a creative hub where its advertising team work on 10 commercials at a time, and a licensing department approves everything from Wallace & Gromit toast racks to Shaun the Sheep slippers (although don't even try getting any smoking or alcohol-related merchandise through). The features are shot in a studio across town. Read more: AFM: Oscars Offerings Replace Genre Movies as Indie Industry Struggles From their top floor office, brimming with an entire museum's worth of toys, collectibles, posters and more, Aardman co-founders David Sproxton and Peter Lord (playing with a Morph model as he speaks) discuss their early, humble ambitions, almost making a blockbuster and being the respected misfits in the animation world. Forty years ago, when you first started dabbling in animation, did you ever foresee where you'd get to? Story continues DAVID SPROXTON There wasn't really an industry, and we didn't know much about it to be honest. Animation as we knew it was kids' stuff, mostly American imports. But there was this small slot on TV, a buffer between BBC kids TV and the news. We thought that's the height of our ambitions. In the 70s, it was a very tiny world. So you never envisaged making a film? PETER LORD You wouldn't have dreamed of making a film. Aside from British films like Animal Farm and Yellow Submarine, only Disney made feature films, as far as we were aware. And it was all drawn animation. That's the way the world seemed to be. We didn't dream of making a feature film for a long time. We actually had a meeting with Disney when they were the only game in town, as they were at pains to point out to us. SPROXTON We pitched a pirate film to them and they were all, "No, no, no there's nothing in pirates." Five years later, out came Pirates of the Caribbean. LORD: And then, with CG, in rapid order, everybody got in on the act. Pixar driving it, and then Blue Sky and Fox. Everyone started doing animated features, and we were in the middle of it plowing our own furrow. How have attitudes to stop-motion animation, which you're most famous for, changed along the way? LORD We've always been different from the mainstream. It's funny to think that before CG came along, ours was the only way to put 3D-animated images on the screen. And there wasn't much demand for it. We were slightly apart for that reason and now we're apart for a different reason, because we continue to do it when the rest of the world has all gone to CG. SPROXTON Although it's coming back. This film [Swiss Oscar submission by Claude Barras] My Life as a Courgette, which is really lovely. It's quite a naive-looking film but quite a sophisticated story. And that is kind of a delight to see. LORD: We have no doubts about what we do because we do it really well and we love it. I'm realistic to know that in the corridors of Hollywood we're obviously regarded as small scale - good, classy, but small-scale because no stop-motion film has ever made as much money as any of the big CG films. Read more: 'Shaun the Sheep Movie' Sequel in the Works at Aardman But you almost had a major franchise with 2012's The Pirates! Band of Misfits. It made $123 million. Was that not enough for Sony to work from the other books in the Pirates series? LORD It's maddening because it was quite close actually. Sony had a magic figure in their mind as what it needed to do internationally. It got close, but not quite close enough. I was all fired up for doing more. It was such fun to do! We actually have a poster for Pirates in an Adventure with Cowboys. That would have been just great. SPROXTON With Pirates, which is incredibly British, they thought it was going to be a Shrek and set these incredibly high expectations. And then, my god, it's a failure, you've only done $120 million! That's the Hollywood machine. If it hasn't done half a billion dollars by the end of its run worldwide, you've failed. You're now working with StudioCanal on both Early Man and Shaun the Sheep. Are they a better, more local, fit for you? SPROXTON Yeah, absolutely. We also did Chicken Run with Pathe, so it started with them in a sense all those years ago. We always knew there was a more European interest in what we were doing. If you can find someone with the clout and the risk taking and the money, it's going to be a happier marriage for us than trying to understand Middle America. We do know our European audience. And with Shaun the Sheep you now do have a successful franchise, and one that travels amazingly well without dubbing. Was this a conscious decision from the start? SPROXTON: There's a little bit of that. Shaun was a silent player in A Close Shave. We always thought: can you do it without dialog? It's a damn site easier to do it with. But it's great, because it makes it entirely visual LORD: It amazes me, because people don't realize there isn't any dialog until afterwards. It's amazing how well it plays. Was Early Man Nick Park's idea or did you entice him back to the director's chair? LORD It was his. He's been working on it for yonks. As is often the case, I think it started with a little drawing of cavemen. There's something about caveman, they're famously stupid brutes. Ours, of course, are lovely kind genial brutes, but they are kind of foolish, which greatly appeals to Nick. He has such a fabulous instinct for comedy - visual comedy that when people appear on the screen you start laughing. This new tribe of cavemen is exactly the same thing. Read more: Tom Hiddleston Joins Aardman's 'Early Man' (Exclusive) How are Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hiddleston's caveman impressions? LORD We did play around with them, going "ugg" and "grunt" and not using any adverbs or pronouns. But it proved quite difficult to write comedy like that! StudioCanal seems to think it has legs to become another franchise. SPROXTON. It's a great cast of characters. It's a family, fundamentally. So it's about what other stories can you tell around that setup. It's a bit like Shaun the Sheep. Despite the fact it's set on a farm in rural England, it translates very well. You've done two films in CG. Now you're very much back with stop-motion, have you parked this for the time being? LORD It's in our vision. There area a couple of scripts. But what we don't want to do is build an entire CG studio here. One is enough to worry about. So we'd be looking for a partnership with someone else. SPROXTON It's a little like staying in someone else's house for more than four months. You've got to learn where the towels are. There's a learning curve to understand the pipeline. I never really understood the Dreamworks pipeline and I certainly didn't understand the Sony one. They're just configured in a different way. There will be a pipeline available at some point, I'm sure. It's just finding the right one and something that's not too distant. We'd prefer to do it in Europe or the UK. How many films could you feasibly do at the same time? SPROXTON We did Pirates and Arthur Christmas at the same time. One's stop-frame, one's CG. That worked. But anything more than that, just in terms of our capability, is pretty hard work. It's interesting when you look at the bigger studios, I think both Pixar and Dreamworks both scaled back their output over the past few years. They realized the amount of clout you've got to give it creatively - everything gets diluted so you really need to focus. A feature film for us is a big deal. LORD The ambition is to finish Early Man and gently feather in the Shaun the Sheep sequel. Read more: Aardman Unveils First Image From Nick Park's 'Early Man' How might Brexit affect you? There's been lots of talk about the movement of skilled workers around Europe. SPROXTON I've had a bee in my bonnet about this for a long time, because the U.K.'s skill set, particularly in the VX industry, was clocked about a decade ago. With the tax break, it was clear that there was going to be a lot of big shows coming in, but the training in the U.K. wasn't there. And that's still the case. When we did the VX for Pirates, we went to Germany, France and Spain and recruited from there. And in animation, particularly France and Germany produce excellent artists. Hopefully those doors will stay open. In the U.K. you're also renowned for your commercials. How big is that side of the business? SPROXTON It's one of the mainstays of the company. And looking back, the reason we managed to get the first Wallace & Gromit shorts up is that we could fund Nick Park and the development process from the profits we made from commercials. It's also a fantastic training ground. LORD With feature film, it's a bloody great pyramid with just a director at the top - it doesn't give people very many opportunities. But in commercials, many, many different directors get to express themselves and hopefully make short films as well, and practice their art. Last year, you took a majority stake in New York-based agency Nathan Love. Was this to give yourselves a toe in the U.S. market? SPROXTON About half our advertising work used to be in the States. And post 9/11 it all got quite introverted, and especially when it went to CG. Less big campaigns, and agencies didn't want to travel. You know, do more for less. So we thought the only thing to do was get a toehold and have a little production outfit out there. LORD It started with just a desire to win a portion of the market that we were losing, but as it turns out, it's a very significant creative force so we see lots of potential for the future. Over the years, you've made some of the U.K.'s most iconic commercials, mostly the stop-motion ones. Are there any out there that people might not realize are Aardman? LORD Probably quite a lot of the CG stuff. We're doing an online thing at the moment about premature ejaculation. It's a very lovely look, but quite a difficult message to put across! Please tell me that's not stop-motion LORD Ha! No! BRUSSELS, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Medical device maker Abbott Laboratories has offered concessions in an attempt to secure EU antitrust approval for its $25 billion bid for St Jude Medical Inc, according to the European Commision. The move pushed back the European Commission's decision on the deal to Nov. 21 from Nov. 9, according to a filing on the EU competition enforcer's website on Thursday. It did not provide details. The Commission can either accept the offer, demand more or open an investigation which can take up to five months. Abbott and St Jude last month announced the sale of some of their medical devices worth about $1.12 billion to Japanese company Terumo Corp as part of their deal. ID:nL4N1CO3VC] The deal comes as medical equipment makers come under pressure to offer a wider range of products to hospital customers. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Medical device maker Abbott Laboratories (ABT.N) has offered concessions in an attempt to secure EU antitrust approval for its $25 billion (21 billion) bid for St Jude Medical Inc (STJ.N), according to the European Commision. The move pushed back the European Commission's decision on the deal to Nov. 21 from Nov. 9, according to a filing on the EU competition enforcer's website on Thursday. It did not provide details. The Commission can either accept the offer, demand more or open an investigation which can take up to five months. Abbott and St Jude last month announced the sale of some of their medical devices worth about $1.12 billion to Japanese company Terumo Corp (4543.T) as part of their deal. The deal comes as medical equipment makers come under pressure to offer a wider range of products to hospital customers. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Medical device maker Abbott Laboratories has offered concessions in an attempt to secure EU antitrust approval for its $25 billion bid for St Jude Medical Inc , according to the European Commision. The move pushed back the European Commission's decision on the deal to Nov. 21 from Nov. 9, according to a filing on the EU competition enforcer's website on Thursday. It did not provide details. The Commission can either accept the offer, demand more or open an investigation which can take up to five months. Abbott and St Jude last month announced the sale of some of their medical devices worth about $1.12 billion to Japanese company Terumo Corp <4543.T> as part of their deal. The deal comes as medical equipment makers come under pressure to offer a wider range of products to hospital customers. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) NEW YORK (Reuters) - After more than five-decades in Hollywood, Oscar-winning director Warren Beatty was honored by The Museum of the Moving Image in New York on Wednesday ahead of his first film in 15 years. Beatty, 79, began his acting career on television in the 1950s before graduating to feature films, making his breakthrough in 1967 as lead actor and producer of gangster film "Bonnie and Clyde", widely seen as a milestone in the history of American movies. His new film, a romantic drama called "Rules Don't Apply" which he also wrote and produced, Beatty portrays billionaire Howard Hughes in his first acting role in 15 years and first direction since comedy drama "Bulworth" in 1998. "I had some time - you know this little thing called life," Beatty said, when asked about his break from the industry. Walking down the red carpet for the 30th annual Black Tie Salute with actress Annette Bening, his wife of 25 years, Beatty said his family mattered more than his Hollywood achievements, including multiple Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. "This is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to me," he said, pointing to Bening. "Then we had four kids, so that's better than any 50 movies, each kid is better than 100 movies." (Reporting by Reuters TV, Writing by Natasha Howitt. Editing by Patrick Johnston and Michael Perry) With several actors in the past giving a piece of their mind on the most heated debate of all times, which is about the star kids getting an undue advantage over those from a non-film background, here we have Parineeti talking about those certain advantages kids from the industry have over the outsiders. Talking about the advantages, the chirpy actress said, They understand the business more because they have either parents, brothers or sisters who are film-makers, actors, etc. They have been around scripts all their lives. Plus, they know how a movie set functions and, in fact, they get to visit many of them. However, Parineeti also believes these benefits only come for a limited period and asserted, Thats the only advantage (they have) but the beauty of the industry is that talent and to some extent luck, are the only things that work. So, wherein its easy to get the first break, its the audiences liking that decides the rest. Its a catch-22 situation. Recommended Read: Alia, Shraddha and I are very different when it comes to our personalities and work - Parineeti Chopra When asked if she feels there is nepotism in the industry, the actress replied, Honestly, I am not sure. I have a 50:50 opinion about it. Sometimes, you see it happening around you. Other times, when youre a non-film person and dont have contacts and still get work, you are like, No, decisions are taken based on who you are and what you are. Speaking on her peers who have grown up within families from a filmy background, she added, But you also have Varun (Dhawan), Arjun (Kapoor), Shraddha (Kapoor) and Alia (Bhatt), who have grown up in film families, so they understand movies very well. But actors like me, who are from outside, have reached a position due to our hard workand because audiences have accepted us. So, ultimately somewhere the equation ends up getting equalized. Point taken, Pari! On the work front, she will be next seen in Meri Pyaari Bindu alongside Ayushmann Khurrana. A former House of Cards extra is speaking out about what she calls her crucial role in the dropped charges against Chandra Levys convicted murderer. I think it was absolutely my tapes that blew it out of the water, actress Babs Proller says in an exclusive clip from her upcoming interview on 20/20, which airs Friday. Proller is referring to recorded conversations between her and Armando Morales, who said he once shared a prison cell with Ingmar Guandique. Morales was a star witness at Guandiques 2010 murder trial the center of a largely circumstantial case where he testified that Guandique had confessed to him. But the murder conviction was later overturned, and Guandique was awaiting retrial when the case against him was dropped completely earlier this year. At the time, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia said in a statement to PEOPLE that prosecutors can no longer prove the murder case against Mr. Guandique beyond a reasonable doubt. According to investigators, new audio had surfaced that drastically undercut Morales testimony, Levys mother, Susan, previously told PEOPLE. It has unraveled the whole case, Susan said of the audio. I am overwhelmed. I only wish we could get the person who killed her. Someone knows something, and they need to come forward. Those recordings, Proller tells 20/20, were from her. She previously claimed to have caught Morales revealing he falsely implicated Guandique. (The Washington Post has also obtained and reviewed several hours of Prollers tapes and reported they do not capture Morales admitting that his 2010 testimony was a lie though he is heard making a number of other claims that would have been damaging to his credibility as a witness. Morales could not immediately be reached for comment.) After the head-spinning turn in a case most of us thought was closed and in the history books, we were anxious to meet the woman who turned the Chandra Levy story on its head, ABC News Correspondent Deborah Roberts tells PEOPLE in an exclusive statement. Story continues Babs Proller described how she secretly taped conversations with the hardened and possibly dangerous gang member who testified for the prosecution. Roberts says, Babs would only meet us in an undisclosed place and said she was going into hiding after we wrapped our shoot. RELATED VIDEO: Chandra Levy: Five Things to Know About the Murdered D.C. Intern Roberts says she also met with Guandique, who had been serving 60 years for Levys murder, and Chad Condit, the son of Gary Condit the married former politician identified as a possible suspect and then cleared of involvement in Levys death. Says Roberts, This notorious story, which riveted us 15 years ago, is again an unsolved mystery. Chandra Levy: Mystery in the Park airs on 20/20 Friday (10 p.m. ET) on ABC. By Kate Kelland LONDON (Reuters) - Patients going for surgery should bathe or shower beforehand but their surgical site should not be shaved, and antibiotics should be used to prevent infections before and during surgery, but not afterwards, the World Health Organization said on Thursday. In new guidelines aimed at halting the spread of potentially deadly superbug infections in hospitals and clinics worldwide, the WHO said obsessive dedication to cleanliness and hygiene was crucial, as was the careful use of anti-infectives. Surgical site infections are caused by bacteria getting in to the body through incisions made during surgery. They put millions of patients worldwide at risk each year and exacerbate the spread of antibiotic resistant superbugs such as MRSA. "No one should get sick while seeking or receiving care," Marie-Paule Kieny, the WHO's assistant director-general for health systems and innovation, said in a statement as the new recommendations were published. The guidelines range from simple precautions such as ensuring patients take a bath or shower before surgery and ensuring surgical teams use the best possible methods in cleaning their hands, to advice on when to give antibiotics to prevent infections, what disinfectants are best before incision, and which sutures doctors should use. Importantly, the guidelines recommend patients are given antibiotics to prevent infections before and during surgery only - a measure the WHO described as crucial to slowing the spread of antibiotic resistance. In a change to current common practice, the guidelines said antibiotics should not be used after surgery unless the patient has contracted an infection. "Preventing surgical infections ... requires a range of preventive measures. These guidelines are an invaluable tool for protecting patients," Kieny said. According to WHO figures, some 11 percent of patients in poor and middle-income countries who have surgery pick up an infection during their operation. In Africa, up to a fifth of women who have a caesarean section get wound infections. But surgical site infections are not just a problem for poorer countries. In the United States, according to the WHO, they contribute to patients spending some 400,000 extra days in hospital at an additional annual cost of an $900 million. Ed Kelly, a WHO service delivery and safety expert, noted that some of the recommendations would mean reversing previous practice, such as the shaving of body hair before surgery. The new advice not to shave is based on extensive evidence that shaving greatly increases the risk of micro-abrasions and small cuts in the skin, he said, which in turn raise the risk of bacteria entering the body. Kelly said the list of 29 recommendations, drawn up by 20 international experts, were valid for any country and suitable to local adaptations, and take into account costs, resources and the strength of available scientific evidence. (Editing by Alison Williams) Christian Slater, a Golden Globe best actor winner this year for Mr. Robot, joined the cast last week of Santiago Mitres Ricardo Darin-starrer The Summit, a title which is shaping up as one of the biggest and most-anticipated Latin American productions of the year. In early dealings on the film, Warner Bros. Pictures acquired rights to Latin America and Spain. Prestigious French indie Memento Films also boarded as a co-producer and French distributor. Arriving on the set of The Summit in Buenos Aires last week during the last days of its shoot, Slater has a small but incisive role in The Summit where he plays a U.S. government official. Lead-produced by Buenos Aires-based K & S, and sold at the American Film Market by Film Factory, The Summit wrapped production this Monday. K & S, Film Factory and Argentine TV network Telefe also on board The Summit previously teamed on Damian Szifrons Wild Tales and Pablo Traperos The Clan, two of the highest profile Latin American movies of 2014 and 2015, Wild Talesgrossing $42.7 million worldwide. Directed by Cannes 2015 Critics Week winner Santiago Mitre, (Paulina), like these titles, The Summit marks a big step-up in budget, ambition, cast and producer-backing for its director. Described as a political thriller about a man confronting his inner demons, The Summit stars Darin as the president of Argentina who finds himself trapped between politics and his personal life at an international summit high up in the Andes, set to discuss regional strategies and geopolitical alliances. At the summit, he lives a political and family drama that leads him to confront his darkest side, and must make two decisions that could change the course of his life: a difficult emotional situation involving his daughter; the most important political decision of his entire career, according to the films synopsis. The Summit tells the story of a president who must make a tremendous decision: protect his power or stand by his family and his principles. Can he manage to do both? commented producer Hugo Sigman at K & S. Story continues La cordillera also stars Dolores Fonzi (Truman, Paulina), Erica Rivas (the bride of Wild Tales), Elena Anaya (The Skin I Live In) and Argentinas Gerardo Romano (La fuga). From Chile, Berlin best actress winner Paulina Garcia (Gloria) and frequent Pablo Larrain male lead Alfredo Castro, Daniel Gimenez Cacho, a five-time Mexican Academy Ariel Award winner and Brazils Leonardo Franco also have prominent roles. Three-times Oscar-nominated Alberto Iglesias is composing the score. Beyond K & S, The Summit is produced by La Union de los Rios, the lead-producer on Paulina and Mitres debut The Student, Spains MOD Producciones, producer of Alejandro Amenabars movies and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritus Biutiful, and Frances Maneki Films (White Elephant, Paulina). Telefe, Arte France Cinema and Memento Film Productions co-produce. Movies eight-week shoot, which saw Mitre working with a crew of over 100 specialist technicians, took in locations in Buenos Aires and Argentinas Bariloche, Santiago de Chile and Chilean ski-resort Valle Nevado. Few Latin American directors reach such heights. Related stories AFM: Festival Hits 'Shadows,' 'Wailing,' 'Yourself' Sell Well for Finecut Huayi Boss Denies Communist Influence in China's Hollywood Dealings AFM: IM Global Boards Ali Mostafa's Thriller 'The Worthy' Mundial Films, IM Globals Latino film sales company, has struck a four-feature rights deal with MGMs Orion Pictures for a Brazilian movie quartet led by A Movie Life, starring Vincent Cassel. Deal represents Mundials first U.S. partnership, but an ever-more common combination between Hollywood studios and independent companies as majors drive into local production, but pact with specialist distribution platforms to sell rights outside a studios core territory and expertise. Orion will handle U.S. theatrical distribution on the titles. Mundial spearheads other U.S. rights distribution and international sales outside Brazil. MGM takes Latin American rights. The SVOD space in the U.S. is growing so quickly and has an appetite for more alternative, foreign-language content, said Mundial managing director Cristina Garza, who negotiated the deal with Orion. A sales company on individual titles and, increasingly, more volume-driven library deals in the U.S., Mundial has inked with Kino Lorber to exploit a catalogue of Latin American films on Kino Lorbers Spanish-language label Sol y Sombre. Mundial also deals with HBO and Somos TV in the U.S. In A Movie Life, Brazilian director-actor Selton Mello (The Clown) directs Cassel in a family drama set in the mountains of Rio Grande do Sul. Pic is produced by Vania Catanias Bananeira Filmes. It is based onA Distant Father by novelist Antonio Skarmeta whose Ardiente Paciencia inspired Michael Radfords Academy Award-winning The Postman. A Movie Life is a love story to cinema, made with a French New Wave touch by one of Brazils most talented director-actors, said Garza. Wowing Sundance with his performance in Heitor Dhalias Drained, Mello also stars in Soundtrack, directed by 300mls Manitou Felipe and Bernardo Dutra, an eco-themed Arctic research station-set drama. Brazilian musician-actor Seu Jorge (The Life Aquatic), Ralph Ineson (The Witch) and Thomas Channing (Marco Polo) co-star. Story continues Driving into Brazils burgeoning genre scene, Mundial has also acquired from Orion Joao Caetanos The Trace, a Brazilian hospital-set chiller starring Leandra Leal (A Wolf at the Door) and produced by Manu Miranda, an AD/action co-ordinator on Jose Padilhas Elite Squad; and The Caretaker, from Julio Santi (The Night Circus), a paranormal thriller. It is strategically important for Mundial to forge relationships with studios and exciting to explore this relationship with Orion and to sell Brazilian titles, said Garza, adding that all the films have festival potential. The Orion alliance adds to Mundials output deals with Canana, headed by Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna and Pablo Cruz; Alex Garcias AG Studios; and Monica Lozanos Alebrije Cine y TV, producer of Mexican hit Instructions Not Included. Related stories Bac Films Expands English-Language Slate With Babak Jalali's 'Land' (EXCLUSIVE) Ye Liu Joins Rebecca Ferguson in Historical Drama 'Lady and the Panda' Russian Oscar entry 'Paradise' Sells to Multiple Territories (EXCLUSIVE) (Adds analyst comment on new company's leverage) By Nia Williams and Rod Nickel CALGARY, Alberta/WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Nov 3 (Reuters) - S hareholders of Agrium Inc and Potash Corp of Saskatchewan Inc overwhelmingly approved an all-stock merger of the fertilizer producers on Thursday, shifting the focus to U.S. and Canadian regulators. More than 99 percent of Potash investors and 98 percent of Agrium shareholders voted in favor of the deal, the companies said at separate meetings in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Calgary, Alberta, respectively. Reuters reported last month that shareholders were likely to give overwhelming backing for the deal. The deal required two-thirds' support of votes cast by each company's investors to proceed. Crop nutrient producers are struggling with falling prices and profits, as supplies are ample and farm incomes are strained by weaker crop values. Potash sought to diversify with Agrium's farm retail network, while Agrium management worked to address investor concerns that the deal exposed them further to low potash prices. "The expectation (is) the combined entity will have greater leverage and upside participation in a potash price recovery," said Brad Allen, director of Branav Shareholder Advisory Services, which advises companies on corporate governance issues. "It will take time to validate that optimism, and cost synergy rationales extolled in press releases are often not fully achieved." The companies agreed in September to merge into a new company, of which Potash investors would own 52 percent. In North America, the merged company would control two-thirds of potash capacity and nearly one-third of phosphate and nitrogen capacity. The tie-up is expected to close in mid-2017, if it clears regulatory scrutiny. The Canadian Competition Bureau is likely to rule that the companies' operations do not meaningfully overlap, or will allow the merger based on an argument that efficiencies are greater than anti-competitive harm, said Mark Warner, principal at MAAW Law, which advises clients on antitrust issues. Story continues U.S. regulators may be more rigorous, reflecting the next president's likely tougher approach to competition concerns and with several other agricultural mergers proposed among seed and chemical companies, Warner said. The combination of Agrium's farm retail business, North America's largest, with Potash's fertilizer capacity, may draw particular attention, he added. "I think in the U.S. this will get a rougher ride." The deal carries a $485 million termination fee for either company, but it does not apply if a regulator requires a remedy, such as selling a potash mine. Agrium shares dropped 1.2 percent and Potash stock eased 0.4 percent in New York. (Reporting by Nia Williams in Calgary and Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, Manitoba; additional reporting by John Tilak in Toronto; Editing by Andrew Hay and Dan Grebler) By Huw Jones LONDON (Reuters) - Britain should focus on convincing the European Union that it will abide by rules that are robust enough for its financial sector to continue serving customers across the bloc after Brexit, a think tank said on Wednesday. In its "Blueprint for Brexit" paper, think tank Politeia said Britain should not seek to preserve "passporting" rights for financial services at all costs. Under current EU rules, a bank authorised in London can serve customers across the bloc in return for Britain respecting unfettered free movement of EU citizens. British Prime Minister Theresa May has said there must be some controls on immigration once the UK has left the EU, a step EU leaders have said would mean ending full access to the European market. The blueprint written by Barnabas Reynolds, a partner at international law firm Shearman & Sterling, proposes two models for "re-booting" the UK financial sector after Brexit without cutting off access to Europe. Reynolds was the first after the Brexit vote to propose an equivalence model, which caught the attention of the government. The paper fleshes out his ideas and is likely to be closely read by ministers who need to come up with a negotiating position. The first "expanded equivalence" model builds on an existing EU framework that gives firms from a non-EU country access to the bloc if their home rules are equivalent or similarly strict. This would allow for the removal of some EU rules and a reworking of others, although there would still be some constraints on British regulation after Brexit, Reynolds said. If this model is not possible, an alternative "financial centre" model is proposed in the 105-page paper to be launched on Thursday. Under this model Britain would reconsider its entire regulatory framework to develop an "attractive, market friendly" set of rules. This would, however, still take into account the need to protect consumers and financial stability, meaning no return to the light-touch regime of the 1990s. Story continues "Whichever model is adopted, the UK must ensure it continues to be a key centre for the trading and clearing of instruments denominated in any globally important currency, including the euro," the paper says. The government is in the process of planning for formal divorce talks with the EU by the end of March. Mark Garnier, a government minister, said last month that Britain must find a mechanism that offers access to the EU market with safeguards to the equivalence regime. Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said last week that equivalence could be a way forward if there is an independent dispute resolution body, coupled with safeguards against Brussels withdrawing equivalence at short notice. (Reporting by Huw Jones; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle) From Cosmopolitan According to police documents obtained by CBS 12, Austin Harrouff, the 19-year-old Florida frat boy accused off murdering a couple and then eating one of their faces, asked police to help [him], and that he ate something bad after he was arrested at the crime scene. On Aug. 15, police found John Stevens and Michelle Mischcon dead of multiple stab wounds in their Jupiter, Florida, garage with Harrouff standing over them. Harrouff also allegedly stabbed the couples neighbor Jeff Fisher multiple times when he tried to intervene (Fisher was able to escape and call for help). It took officials an unusual amount of force, tasering, and, finally, a police dog, to remove Harrouff, who was allegedly biting chunks of Stevenss face off, from the victims. Police are still awaiting results from Harrouffs drug test that night, but believe the teen took flakka before he allegedly murdered the pair, though the new documents show Harrouff told police, "Test me. You won't find any drugs in me, upon arrest. When one of the Martin County Sheriff's deputies on scene asked him what hed eaten, Harrouff replied humans, the new documents reveal. The Sun-Sentinel now reports Harrouff yelled "(Expletive) kill me, (expletive) kill me, shoot me now, I deserve to die!" at the deputies once the police dog was able to remove him from the victim. The documents also reveal one officer saw Harrouff spit chunks of flesh from his mouth and the hospital removed human hair from his mouth too once he was admitted in critical condition. When Harrouff was finally discharged from the hospital, he was immediately taken into custody at the Martin County Jail and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, resisting an officer, and armed burglary. He will remain there without bond until his grand jury trial begins this month. Harrouff has refused to speak with the case's detectives but did speak with Dr. Phil for an interview that has yet to be aired. Story continues Follow Tess on Twitter. You Might Also Like From Esquire Over two-thirds of Donald Trump voters believe voter fraud occurs often compared to less than a third of Hillary supporters, even though the numbers say that voting fraud is rare. That's not stopping the constant cries of voter fraud from the right, despite the fact that the first person to be arrested for voting twice is a Trump supporter. Now, Trump supporters are trying to rig the election (hmmmmmm) in a new way: By tricking Hillary Clinton supporters so that their vote doesn't count. Twitter just informed me that attempting to disenfranchise voters is not a violation of their Terms of Service. @jack @Support pic.twitter.com/YXVdt8sHwA - Robert McNees (@mcnees) November 2, 2016 Theoretical physicist Robert McNees found several examples of promoted tweets-many of which appear to target minority voters, with one entirely in Spanish-that, at first glance, look like ads from the Hillary campaign. "Avoid the line. Vote from home. Text 'Hillary' to 59925," reads one. Photo credit: Twitter Let's be perfectly, 100% clear here: You can't vote via text. You can't vote online. But it's 2016, and considering you can do practically anything via phone or computer now, it's possible for a Hillary supporter to see these ads and think they're legit. In other words, it's an entirely fucked-up thing to do. @mcnees @Support not sure how this got past us. Fixed (and thanks for reporting) - jack (@jack) November 2, 2016 Initially, when McNees reported the ads, Twitter told him that they did not violate their terms of service, which isn't surprising considering Twitter's blatant inability to handle misconduct on their platform. Good ol' Jack himself did end up responding to McNees, telling him that he's "not sure how this got past us" and assuring him it would be taken care of. Luckily, Hillary's campaign is already on top of it, because when you text 59925, you get this reply: "The ad you saw was not approved by iVisionMobile OR Hillary For America in any way. To opt-in to the real HFA list, text HFA to 47246. Reply STOP to cancel." However, just in case more nefarious Trumpeters try to pull this stunt with another set of digits, let's shout it from the rooftops, scream it to the world, sing it in our sleep: YOU CANNOT VOTE VIA TEXT OR ONLINE. Cool? Cool. You Might Also Like Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fstory%2fthumbnail%2f26710%2f7dbefc0928f246ceb72167479a3a6069 The crowd of Kanye West's Saint Pablo Tour is typically packed with celebrities, but one guest at Tuesday night's show was more important than most. Cameron Sterling, the oldest son of Alton Sterling, spent his 16th birthday at Yeezy's show at the Forum in Los Angeles and went backstage to meet the rapper and his wife, Kim Kardashian West. SEE ALSO: How Black Lives Matter made the leap from social media to social action Alton Sterling was fatally shot by police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on July 5, 2016. West and Kardashian West both memorialized his life on social media at the time. The couple has been vocal in their support for Black Lives Matter and gun control in America. Just after Sterling's death, Kardashian West penned an essay about raising a black son in America. "I want my children to grow up knowing that their lives matter," she wrote. "I do not ever want to have to teach my son to be scared of the police, or tell him that he has to watch his back because the people we are told to trustthe people who 'protect and serve' may not be protecting and serving him because of the color of his skin." No Bad Blood here! Taylor Swift appears to have recruited another squad member Wednesday night. In Nashville to present Garth Brooks with the Entertainer of the Year trophy at the 50th Annual CMAs in Nashville, the crossover star ran into Exs and Ohs rocker Elle King backstage and it was nothing but mad love! When you wish your squad was like this, King, 27, captioned an Instagram shot after the show in which shes sandwiched between Swift, 26, and her pal Kelsea Ballerini, 23. It was an exciting night for King and Ballerini. Earlier in the day, King and Dierks Bentley took home the Musical Event of the Year title for their duet Different for Girls, which they performed during the awards. Meanwhile, Ballerini who earned nods for Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year performed her hit Peter Pan. King who enjoyed the CMAs with fiance Andrew Fergie Ferguson seemed to have the night of her life at the show, afterward taking to Instagram to document her encounters with country royalty, posting snaps with Reba McEntire, Billy Ray Cyrus and Chris Stapleton. As for Swift who took home the CMAs Entertainer of the Year in 2009 and 2011 before embracing pop on her 2014 smash 1989 the This Is What You Came For writer hung out with her pals Little Big Town. After all, she wrote their new breakup ballad Better Man, which went No. 1 on iTunes. SPOILER ALERT: Do not read on unless youve seen episode 8, Season 6 of American Horror Story, titled Chapter 8. When we last left the Roanoke gang, things were not looking good, to say the least. Those who werent being held captive by the cannibal Polk family where at the mercy of the spirits on the house. By the end of Chapter 8, weve lost some lives, but theres a flicker of hope: the captives have escaped. We pick back up with Shelby and Dominic, who just watched the real Butcher slaughter Agnes. Luckily, Shelby hatches an idea: find the basement tunnel that Edward Mott led them through last time to escape. Their plans are dashed, however, when the Chens show up, forcing them back into the nightmare mansion. (Its worth wondering if Edward had some way to ward off the evil spirits in the tunnel. After all, Matt, Shelby, and Flora ran into little trouble in their first go through the passage.) In their return to the house, Dominic badly mangles his hand, and Shelby has a moment of weakness. But Dominic, being a good actor, as Shelby points out, gives her a pep talk, and they start moving again only to be greeted by the Piggy Man, the evil nurses, and, well, just about every other angry spirit in the house. As if that werent enough, the chandelier falls from above them, and Shelby again injures her ankle. They find some brief respite in a bathroom, but Shelby, thoroughly injured, is shattered. Theres no hope for them left, as she sees it. Having killed the only man she ever loved, Shelby slits her own throat and kills herself, leaving Dominic alone. Lee, meanwhile, is still being tortured by the Polks, as they slice into her body for meat. Mama Polk shows no mercy, but alone, Lee manages to forge a connection with one of the Polk boys. After he cuts off her ear, and describes quite a disturbing Polk family Christmas, Lee brings up her daughter. The Polk boy asks her if she loves her child, and of course she does all mothers love their children. Story continues But Mama hasnt been giving enough attention to this Polk boy, as he feels a little left out. His brothers got to be on TV, so why didnt he? Lee offers him a chance at stardom a promise that she could, conceivably, follow through on but he rejects the notion, and reveals the origin of the Piggy Man. Surprise: Hes a Polk! A man who slaughtered hogs and brought them to the Worlds Fair in the 1800s, he traded killing hogs for killing humans. Lee, though, knows when shes on to something. The Polk family certainly isnt the brightest bunch, and definitely at their weakest when theyre not under Mamas supervision. In a moment of mercy, it seems like, the Polk boy offers Lee some cocaine, to ease the pain of Mamas next slice. A former addict, Lee at first rejects the drugs, but, realizing that she is going to die anyway, goes ahead and gets high. The Polk boy then agrees to film a goodbye video for Flora in case Lee dies, and Lee makes some interesting revelations. She says that she did, indeed, kill Mason, a fact that doesnt totally add up. She insists that she worked alone, but even if she had the intention to kill her ex-husband, how did she strap him up in the tree by herself? She could be lying to simply end her daughters doubt, and give her some closure. Or she could be lying to get closer to the Polk boy. He admits that he likes her, and in a cringe-worthy scene, Lee seduces him and it works wonders. After he frees her hand, Lee kills him and escapes. Well, she limps away, anyway. Her leg is still a mess. In all this, did you forget about Monet and Audrey? They are also in Polk captivity, and the family is about to harvest their teeth. As one of the Polk brothers zeros in on Monet, her chair breaks under them, giving her a chance to escape. Escape she does but she leaves a poor Audrey still strapped to a chair. And Mama Polk needs teeth. In another hard-to-watch scene, Mama Polk taunts her, and makes it clear, if it wasnt before, that the Polks werent responsible for Rorys death (it wasnt their style, anyway). Audrey still has plenty of fight left in her, but Mama Polk yanks a tooth right out of her mouth. Before she can continue, though, Lee shows up in the nick of time, hitting Mama and freeing Audrey. If you didnt get enough head-bashing in the last episode, Audrey finishes her off, slamming her head in with a hammer. They head back to the house, and make a grisly discovery: Lee finds her brother, Matt, and his bashed-in head in the basement. Audrey manages to help her carry on, and they head upstairs, where they find (what else?) another grisly discovery: Shelbys dead body in the bathroom, and Audrey provides some brief comedic relief in the form of a self-centered reaction, crying out, I feel like a part of me is dying with her! Dominic is quite literally holding the knife, and Lee cant believe that Shelby couldve killed Matt and herself. Even Audrey interjects, She was too self-centered to commit suicide. I played her for six months, I know her! Dominics innocent, but hes done too good of a job pretending to be the villain; they cast him out, and hes killed by the Piggy Man. In daylight, Audrey and Lee try to escape, but Lee wants those tapes of them killing the Polks, in fear of the tapes falling into the wrong hands and making them look like the savages. Audrey tries to help her out of the house, but they run into what appears to be the Piggy Man but its not. Its Gillian wearing a costume. Can Gillian help them, and maybe bring in some back up? If only one person leaves the house alive, will it be Audrey or Lee? And how do their phones still have battery? Weigh in with your thoughts below. Related stories 'American Horror Story' Crossover: 'Asylum's' Lana Winters to Appear on 'Roanoke' 'American Horror Story': 'Murder House' to Meet 'Coven' in Crossover Season, Says Ryan Murphy TV's Terrifying Trend: 'The Walking Dead,' 'American Horror Story' and Head-Bashings By Ginger Gibson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's promise to restore American jobs by renegotiating international trade deals appears to be failing him in states most affected by outsourcing, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. Voters in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania - three competitive states in the Nov. 8 election that form the bulk of a region dubbed the Rust Belt for its swaths of shuttered factories - favor Trump's Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, on the issue of trade, according to the polling, with some respondents citing how international trade can bring down prices. The results underscore the uphill battle the New York businessman faces on Election Day, when he needs to sweep a broad array of battleground states to win the White House. "Trump has made a strong effort to portray Clinton as favorable to trade policies that he has labeled 'a disaster' for the United States," said Thomas Nelson, a political science professor at Ohio State University. In the automaking state of Michigan, which has voted reliably for Democratic candidates in recent presidential elections but which Trump has fought hard to win, some 40 percent of likely voters believed Clinton would be better equipped to address trade, compared with 36 percent for Trump. In Ohio, known for its aerospace, steel and rubber industries, 45 percent said Clinton would be better on trade, compared with 38 percent for Trump. In Pennsylvania, long a steel and heavy manufacturing center, 45 percent favored Clinton on trade, compared with 38 percent for Trump, according to the polling, conducted in mid-October. Clinton is leading Trump in all three states among likely voters, with advantages of 4 points in Michigan, 3 points in Ohio and 6 points in Pennsylvania, according to the Reuters/Ipsos polling. But other polls show the race tightening in those states. RealClearPolitics, which averages data from most major polls, shows Clinton leading Trump by 6.6 points in Michigan and 5.1 points in Pennsylvania, and Trump leading Clinton by 2.7 points in Ohio. Officials for Trump's campaign did not respond to a request for comment. 'WHAT JOBS ARE YOU BRINGING BACK?' Poll respondents reached by Reuters who favored Clinton on trade mainly gave two reasons - first, that international trade deals can help people by lowering prices for goods; and second, they doubt Trump can deliver on his promise to restore the U.S. manufacturing sector. We all like to have inexpensive items," Ronald Lane, 56, of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, who plans to vote for a third-party candidate next week as a protest against both Trump and Clinton. "I think its important to save American jobs which have already gone overseas, but I dont believe there is much that can be done to bring them back," he said. Christina Ledesma, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, a Clinton supporter, said she also disagreed with Trump that the economy would suffer a lasting negative effect from trade deals. "Our unemployment rate is lower than its been since 2008. What jobs are you bringing back?" she said. Michigan's unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in September, below the national average of 5 percent. Ohio's was at 4.8 percent and Pennsylvania's at 5.7 percent. Trump has called the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico one of the worst deals ever struck and blames it for manufacturing jobs being moved to Mexico. He also opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which would open markets in East Asia. Trump argues that the deal, which must be ratified by Congress, would motivate more U.S. companies to move their production overseas. Last week while campaigning, he called outsourcing the greatest job theft in the history of the world". "The jobs theft will end the day I start the presidency. Its going to be America first again," he said. Clinton has offered a more tempered approach, saying she would seek to re-evaluate NAFTA if elected and that there were problems with some aspects of the TPP. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English from Oct. 6 to Oct. 17 in Michigan and Pennsylvania, and from Oct. 6 to Oct. 12 in Ohio. It included 1,370 likely voters in Michigan, 1,467 in Pennsylvania, and 1,200 in Ohio. All three state polls had a credibility interval, a measure of accuracy, of 3 percentage points. (Reporting by Ginger Gibson; Additional reporting by Alana Wise and Chris Kahn; Editing by Richard Valdmanis and Peter Cooney) Rome (AFP) - Italian police have used beatings and electric shocks, potentially constituting "torture", to coerce migrants into being fingerprinted as the country cracks under pressure from the EU, Amnesty International said Thursday. But the report was bluntly rejected by Italy's chief of police, who completely denied the use of violent methods in the force's handling of migrants. "The European Union's pressure on Italy to 'get tough' on refugees and migrants has led to unlawful expulsions and ill-treatment which in some cases may amount to torture," the London-based rights watchdog said in a report. The EU-sponsored "hotspot approach" for processing people -- which requires Italy to fingerprint new arrivals so they can be prevented from claiming asylum elsewhere -- has even seen minors abused, according to testimony from over 170 migrants. Some migrants do not want to be finger-printed as they hope to continue on to an EU-nation of their choosing and apply for asylum. The allegations of violence were swiftly denied by chief of police Franco Gabrielli. "I categorically deny that violent methods were used against migrants, either during their identification process or repatriation," he said in a statement. Last year, Europe saw an influx of more than one million migrants and asylum seekers fleeing war and poverty in its worst such crisis since World War II. - Beatings, electric shocks - "In their determination to reduce the onward movement of refugees and migrants to other member states, EU leaders have driven the Italian authorities to the limits -- and beyond -- of what is legal," said Matteo de Bellis, Amnesty International's Italy Researcher. "The result is that traumatised people, arriving in Italy after harrowing journeys, are being subjected to flawed assessments and in some instances appalling abuse at the hands of the police, as well as unlawful expulsions," he was quoted as saying. Story continues Of the 24 reports of ill-treatment Amnesty gathered, 16 involved beatings. In several cases, people also said they had been given electric shocks with stun batons, including a 16-year-old boy from Sudan. "They gave me electricity with a stick, many times on the left leg, then on right leg, chest and belly. I was too weak, I couldn't resist and at that point they took both my hands and put them on the machine," he was quoted as saying. Another 16-year-old said police had inflicted pain on his genitals. A 27-year-old told Amnesty that officers had beaten and electric-shocked him before making him strip and using a pair of three-pronged pliers on him. - 'Testicles held with pliers' - "I was on a chair made of aluminium, with an opening on the seat. They held [my] shoulders and legs, took my testicles with the pliers, and pulled twice," he said. The NGO said that while the vast majority of fingerprinting takes place without incident, the findings of this report raise "serious concerns" and it called for an independent review of the situation. De Bellis told AFP the testimonies were consistent with each other and therefore, while Amnesty cannot verify every single detail of each account, "we are certainly in a position to say there is a problem of use of excessive force by the police". Under pressure to root out genuine asylum seekers from economic migrants as soon as possible, police quiz new arrivals without providing them with psychological support for traumas suffered during the journey or advice on asylum procedures. And as Europe races to close its borders, Italy has been seeking to up the number of migrants it sends back to their home countries and has negotiated readmission agreements "with countries that have committed appalling atrocities," it said. - Superficial identification - One such Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Sudan in August, allowing for a summary identification process that, in certain circumstances, may even take place in Sudan, after the expulsion has been carried out. "Even if the identification takes place in Italy, it is so superficial, and so heavily delegated to Sudanese authorities, that it does not allow for an individualised determination that a person will not be at real risk of serious human rights violations upon return," it said. Amnesty cited the case of 40 Sudanese put on a plane to Khartoum on August 24, saying it had spoken to a 23-year-old man from Darfur who was on this flight and was beaten by security forces on his arrival. By Svetlana Reiter and Vladimir Soldatkin MOSCOW (Reuters) - Human rights group Amnesty International can return to the Moscow office it was evicted from this week, a Kremlin human rights adviser said on Thursday after discussing the matter with President Vladimir Putin. Amnesty has been a vocal critic of Russia over its bombing campaign in Syria and had said it believed the eviction might be part of an official crackdown on civil society groups. Amnesty staff had turned up at their office in central Moscow on Wednesday morning to find the locks had been changed and the power cut off. The Moscow city government, from which Amnesty leases the premises, said it was owed rent, but the group said payments were up to date. Mikhail Fedotov, head of the Russian Human Rights Council which formally reports to the Kremlin, told Reuters he had met Putin and discussed the matter. "The lease has been restored completely. They (Amnesty) will be able to return to the office in the nearest future. Putin was informed of this," Fedotov said. Soon after that meeting took place, John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International's Europe director, told Reuters that the group had been contacted by Vladimir Yefimov, head of the Moscow city property department, who said there may have been a mix-up. According to Dalhuisen, Yefimov invited Amnesty for a meeting on Monday. Friday is a public holiday in Russia. "I would say this was promising and we look forward to the meeting and resolving this issue," Dalhuisen said. Amnesty said the city authorities had been ignoring its requests for talks. Moscow's city property department could not immediately be reached for comment. Amnesty, which was founded in London, frequently criticizes the Russian authorities over what it says are human rights violations. It alleges in particular that Russia and its allies have killed large numbers of civilians with air strikes on the Syrian city of Aleppo. Moscow denies this. After news of the eviction emerged on Wednesday, the U.S. State Department expressed its concern. Rights groups that criticize the Kremlin and receive foreign funding have come under growing pressure in Putin's Russia. Kremlin officials have accused some foreign-backed civil society groups of working on behalf of Western governments to foment unrest and replicate the revolutions that forced out pro-Russian leaders in several former Soviet states. As part of the official crackdown, some non-governmental organisations have been designated as "foreign agents", which makes them subject to intense scrutiny. (Writing by Vladimir Soldatkin and Christian Lowe; Editing by Louise Ireland) By Isla Binnie ROME (Reuters) - Italy has committed human rights abuses that may amount to torture as it tries to process tens of thousands of boat migrants, Amnesty International said on Thursday, prompting a sharp denial from the national police chief. The report included allegations of beatings, electric shocks and sexual humiliation in a handful of cases involving mainly African migrants who resisted having their fingerprints taken. Italian police chief Franco Gabrielli dismissed the accusations, saying his officers, who work alongside EU officials and human rights groups in the migration centers, had shown enormous responsibility in dealing with the crisis. "I categorically deny that violent methods are used on migrants both during identification and during repatriation," Gabrielli said in a statement. Italy has become the main arrival point in Europe for people fleeing persecution and poverty in Africa, most of them crossing the Mediterranean from lawless Libya in search of a better life. Unnerved by migrants surging through Italy into northern Europe, the European Union called in September 2015 for Italy and fellow frontier state Greece to set up "hotspots" to identify and fingerprint the migrants. European law says migrants must stay in the country where they first enter the bloc, and that is determined by where they give their fingerprints. Until last year, most migrants refused to be identified and headed straight for the richer north. "In their determination to reduce the onward movement of refugees and migrants to other member states, EU leaders have driven the Italian authorities to the limits, and beyond, of what is legal," Amnesty researcher Matteo de Bellis said in a statement. The European Commission said the hotspots were legal and respected fundamental rights, adding that EU agencies and aid groups on the ground in Italy had not reported any wrongdoing. "Any form of violence or abuse of rights of refugees is unacceptable and we take any allegation seriously. We will be liaising with the Italian authorities to ensure that none of these claims are founded," a Commission spokeswoman said. ALLEGATIONS OF ILL-TREATMENT Amnesty said it had interviewed more than 170 refugees and migrants in Italy since July 2015. Most had not refused to give their fingerprints and reported no problems, but 24 people alleged having been subjected to ill-treatment by police. Several others said unnecessary or excessive force had been used to make them give their fingerprints, Amnesty added. Amnesty quoted a man named only as Adam, a 27-year-old from Darfur, Sudan, saying police beat and subjected him to electric shocks with a stun baton before making him take off his clothes and pulling on his testicles with pliers. The report said such treatment amounted to torture within the United Nations Convention Against Torture. It also said some people were detained arbitrarily. It also condemned the assessment process for arrivals in the hotspots, which is aimed at selecting asylum seekers from those considered irregular migrants. "People, often exhausted and traumatized from their journeys and without access to adequate information or advice on asylum procedures, have to answer questions with potentially profound implications for their futures," it said. Over the past three years more than 470,000 migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, have reached Italy by boat. At least 3,750 have died this year alone while making the crossing. (Reporting by Isla Binnie, additional reporting by Robert-Jan Bartunek in Brussels; Editing by Crispian Balmer and Gareth Jones) Amy Sherman-Palladino just said some HARSH things about Team Dean and Team Jess on Gilmore Girls When Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life kicks off on Netflix, it appears as if ~someone~ out there wont be rooting for Team Dean. Or Team Jess. Or any team, actually (so yeah, that includes Logan, too). In a brand new-interview with Time, Gilmore Girls showrunner Amy Sherman-Palladino just dropped some harsh truth bombs about Rorys first boyfriends, and we are NOT okay about them whatsoever. [whispers] Team Jess forever! But hear ASP out: She just wishes we would stop spending so much time focused on who Rory should end up with, when we should really be focused on figuring out if Rory has been awarded a Pulitzer Prize yet. [Her boyfriends are] small part of who Rory is, ASP explained. Rory didnt spend her days thinking, Who am I going to end up with? Rory was much more concerned about How do I get that interview at the New York Times? ASP then continued that, in her mind, neither Dean nor Jess was ever going to be Rorys love-life endgame, if only because thats not what they were there for. They were there to help Rory grow and evolve, not settle down and start a family of little ones. Sometimes I wish that the Dean and Jess thing werent so prominent because in the grand scheme of Rorys life, who her boyfriend was when she was 16 years old is such a small event. She picked certain boys for her depending on who she was at that moment. It was part of her character. It was part of her development that Dean was her first boyfriend, that Jess was the boy that diverted her attention. This actually makes sense, and ASP speaks the truth. Gilmore Girls was never about who Rory was going to choose whether Dean, Jess, or Logan but somehow, that always winds up being the focal point of Gilmore Girls conversations. ASP would rather us discuss, What newspaper is Rorys working for? Did she win a Pulitzer yet? Its all about Dean and Jess. Dean was 16-years-old when they dated. Everybody should go back and think about their boyfriend at 16 and then reevaluate whether that should be the focus of the conversation. GOOD POINT, ASP. Think back to your significant other at age 16, and then think about a Netflix revival about your life. Honestly, do you want your 16-year old squeeze showing up for four episodes? Didnt think so. The post Amy Sherman-Palladino just said some HARSH things about Team Dean and Team Jess on Gilmore Girls appeared first on HelloGiggles. Andrew Garfield is radiant. This may be particularly noticeable because were having breakfast at the upscale vegan restaurant Cafe Gratitude in Venice, Calif., which is the epicenter of wellness culture in Los Angeles, crowded with surfers and yogis smiling beatifically on a sunlit patio. But its not just the environmentout of Garfield pours the easy charm of someone whos done powerful soul-searching and found enlightenment. Its an infectious energy. Its also probably not a surprise, given that the actor, 33, stars in two back-to-back films this winter, in each of which he plays men spurred by faith to do the unimaginable. First, theres Mel Gibsons Hacksaw Ridge (out Nov. 4), in which Garfield gives an awards-worthy performance as conscientious objector Desmond Doss, a Seventh-Day Adventist who served as a medic during World War II in the gruesome Battle of Okinawa, though he refused to carry a weapon. The film makes Doss heroism feel intimate and deeply personal; the films violence is harrowing, but its anchored by Garfields sensitive, humane performance. Then, on Dec. 23, he stars in Martin Scorseses Silence, in which he plays a 17th-century Jesuit priest who travels to Japan to minister to outlawed Christians. These projects have led Garfield on a journey of spiritual discovery and self-interrogation; reflecting on his recent work, he is philosophical but not at all self-serious. We talked about God, Mel Gibson and the presidential election. TIME: What drew you to the character of Desmond Doss? Andrew Garfield: First, it was beautifully written. The character was so compellingit was one of those stories that rang a bell inside me. Im pretty good at saying no to things, at discerning between what Im supposed to do and what Im not supposed to do. With this one I felt compelled enough that I knew my drive to do it would supersede any doubt I had about myself being able to do it. If the longing to do it goes beyond my self-doubt, then Im in. The film puts spirituality front and centerits so explicitly about faith. Were you surprised to see how that theme crystallized in the finished film? It was definitely in the script. I sat with Mel and talked at length about it, and my only concern was: I dont want to do this film if the message is, Christianity is the only way. And he agreed. It was vital to me that we communicated that Desmonds faith was deeper than any dogma, deeper than any set of man-made rules, but that he was in touch with a deep knowing in his bones, as opposed to any ideology. He was in line with that, and I felt totally reassured that we could make the same movie together. One of the main reasons I was drawn to doing it and to playing him was his awareness of his own ego and humanity, but his faith was the strongest part of him. He was empty enough to be in touch with spirit, to be in touch with his own deep inner-self, to be in touch with Godinsert whatever word you, personally, feel closest to here. For me, every day its a different word. God, true self, deep self, spirit, soul, cosmos, community, whatever. What was it like during production, working with Mel? Hes incredibly instinctive and emotionalall blood and guts, nerve endings, viscera and muscle. Simultaneously, hes got a tremendous intellect. Hes very integrated. Even if we had a plan for the day, it would become null and void, because he was so awake and open to what the moment needed. There was one morning where Vince Vaughn, Mel and myself went into my trailer and wrote an entire scene. That kind of confidence in his own visionits all feeling. But hes an incredible leader on set in the sense that he makes everyone know their worth. I never felt judged. I never felt like we were on opposing teams. I never felt like I was disappointing him, even if I wasnt finding the scene. I always felt like he loved me. It was this weird, good fathering energy. Was it a transformative experience to disappear into this roleto wear the skin of a character like this? Its more attempting to wear the organsthe stomach, the gut, the heart, the history and the psychological makeupthe skin is the easier part, in a way. The beauty of an artistas you know, being a writeris that were all the same. Were all one thing and were all just enacting different aspects of ourselves all the time. I am Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton and you and Desmond and myself. We are all made up of the same shit and the same gold. It was tricky playing Desmond because he was so in touch with his gold and his shit. I would long to be back into his skin every day because he was so much clearer about what he was being called to do than I was. I was learning so much about myself through attempting to inhabit the him in myself. I love the idea that every part you play is a part of you. I think thats beautiful. Is there something that feels particularly timely about this story, about someone who crosses boundaries at a moment when the world was very divided, as it is now? I dont know whether I was consciously aware then, when I felt immediately drawn to the project, but I think when that happenswhen you get pulled toward somethingit means theres something urgent happening. As you say, were in an incredibly divided time for political reasons, for economic reasons, for power-mongering reasons. Its much easier to gain control over a mass population when you pit them against each other. Theres a tremendous healing that needs to happen in our culture. Were an incredibly egocentric cultureIm fallible within it, and comfortable within it as well. But I was so soothed spending time with Desmond because he managed to transcend or get underneath the pervading cultural attitudes through his faith and become a symbol of, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you; of, I will sacrifice myself for my brother. The fact that he was able to say, in the face of men with guns, with the innocence of a child: I cant do that. Theres a part of me that wants to do that just to shut you up, to be accepted and loved by you, and to make you like me. But to suffer you not liking me, you not understanding meto listen to this deeper thing, Im pretty sure thats God speaking to me, whatever I understand God to be. Sorry, I keep repeating that. Its an important distinction because I think God is a dirty word to some people. I want to be clear for me, personally, its a word Im using only to express some higher power. Your next film, Silence, is also about faithyou play a priest. What sort of work did you do to research the role? I was prepping for a year. I underwent this spiritually transformative process that St. Ignatius createda retreat where you meditate and imaginatively walk with Jesus through his life, from birth to resurrection. My experience was very personal. Hopefully were dying on the cross every day and being resurrected in a truer way every day. Thats the idea, for methe old self being shed in order for the truer self to emerge. I did a silent meditation retreat with Adam [Driver] in Wales. We were there for a week and we didnt know each other. Wed had a beer in the West Village. Then next when we met each other I was sipping tepid soup in the middle of Wales in a retreat house in total silence. How do you feel about the film? I really want you to experience it. Its still reverberating. Ive seen it twice now, and every time I see it Im transported. Its very mysterious what the film does, I think. The election is right around the corner. As someone who didnt grow up entrenched in the American party system, what do you make of whats happening in the states now? Both England and America are going through a similar thingtheres a tremendous chasm between all of us. As we were saying earlier, whether youre Republican or Democrat, whether youre a Trump supporter or a Clinton supporter, whether youre black or white, old or young, whats clear is that there is great healing that needs to happen. Its not going to be done by pointing fingers and ostracizing and judging the opposing viewpoint. Its only going to happen through compassion and empathy. Im looking for leaders who walk that walk, as opposed to calling the opposition crazy or imprisonable. I love that idea that if you know someones story, its impossible not to love them. This is potentially hokey but incredibly true, as far as Im concerned. I dont see a lot of healthy, mature discussion happening on the debate stage right now. But my longing is for Hillary to win. Thats for sure. Hillary Clinton A recent flurry of leaks by FBI sources to the media about ongoing investigations related to Hillary Clinton has raised questions about whether bureau personnel are trying to meddle in the presidential race less than one week before the election. A current FBI agent, speaking to The Guardian in a story published Thursday, perhaps put it most bluntly. Clinton is "the Antichrist personified to a large swath of FBI personnel," they said. "The reason why they're leaking is they're pro-Trump." Over the past week, unnamed FBI sources have leaked details about the battles both within the agency and between the FBI and the Justice Department over whether FBI Director James Comey should have recommended that Clinton be indicted for using a private email server amid the investigation into whether she mishandled classified information. The leaks have come as Comey is being intensely scrutinized by both liberals and conservatives over his decision to inform Congress, one week before the election, about an FBI review of new Clinton emails found on disgraced former congressman Anthony Weiner's laptop. The Justice Department asked the FBI not to disclose the discovery of the emails to Congress so close to the November 8 election, according to The New York Times. But Comey wrote to his employees on Friday that he felt "an obligation to do so given that I testified repeatedly in recent months that our investigation was completed." Loretta Lynch James Comey Many agents were apparently upset with Comey's decision in July to not recommend charges against Clinton over her use of a private email server for work correspondences while she was secretary of state. "I don't think the FBI should ever make a prosecution recommendation. I believe Comey was honestly motivated, but I just don't think process- and procedure-wise it was the right thing to do," Steven Pomerantz, a retired assistant director for the FBI, told Bloomberg. Story continues A former FBI official, meanwhile, told The Guardian that some agents even believe Comey "threw the FBI under the bus by taking the heat away from" the Justice Department, which came under scrutiny after Attorney General Loretta Lynch had a private meeting with former President Bill Clinton on his plane shortly before the case was closed. A Daily Beast report further examined the links between the FBI and some of Donald Trump's staunchest supporters, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Jim Kallstrom, the former head of the FBI's New York office. 'The FBI is Trumpland' The strife apparently extended to agency matters involving the Clinton Foundation, as well. Unnamed FBI sources told both The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times that they were told to "stand down" by corruption prosecutors within the public-integrity section of the Justice Department when they presented what they thought was enough evidence to move forward with a probe into potential corruption within the foundation. FBI sources speaking to The Associated Press on Thursday largely corroborated that account. More sources, meanwhile, told Fox News on Wednesday that the Clinton Foundation probe had recently become a "very high priority" for the agency. The investigation was inspired by claims in the 2015 book "Clinton Cash" that the foundation traded favors and access for money while Clinton served in the State Department between 2009 and 2013, according to law enforcement officials who spoke to The New York Times. clinton cash No evidence of criminal wrongdoing by the foundation has been uncovered, according to the reports, which has apparently led prosecutors to worry that they would be perceived as trying to influence the outcome of the election if they moved forward with the probe. The Clinton Foundation has accepted millions of dollars from foreign actors including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. But the money was donated either before or after Clinton's tenure as secretary of state, according to PolitiFact. But much like they blamed Comey for fumbling the Clinton server case, personnel within the FBI have reportedly accused the agency's No. 2, Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, of caving to Justice Department demands by not taking on the foundation case more forcefully. Ultimately, however, much of the agents' frustration and why they're now venting that frustration to the press may boil down to partisanship. "The FBI is Trumpland," a current agent told The Guardian, noting that some have openly discussed voting for Trump next week. Accordingly, FBI leakers now appear to be sending a message to their superiors and to the Justice Department that they're unsatisfied with their leadership by publicizing the investigations and forcing them into the court of public opinion. 'Open warfare' Further evidence of the strife, according to former Justice Department spokesman and Trump supporter Mark Corallo, came on Tuesday. A mostly dormant Twitter account operated by the agency publicized records on Tuesday related to Bill Clinton's 2001 presidential pardon of hedge fund manager Marc Rich on his last day in office. Hillary Clinton's campaign and other observers jumped on the tweet, questioning whether it was appropriate for the FBI to begin releasing documents related to Bill Clinton one week before the presidential election. fbi twitter "The Marc Rich tweet is evidence of open warfare between the Justice Department and the FBI," Corallo told Bloomberg, saying that it may have some FBI field agents' way of further undermining confidence in the way the agency's leaders have handled the Clinton investigations. Two days earlier, the account shared documents related to Fred Trump, Donald Trump's father, calling him "a real estate developer and philanthropist." That release was also condemned by some political observers who felt it unfairly omitted information about allegations of racial bias that plagued Trump's real-estate company in the 1970s. The FBI said it was standard procedure for the FBI website to publish documents that had been requested under the Freedom of Information Act more than three times. But that doesn't explain why the documents were then broadcast on Twitter after more than a year of inactivity from the account. The documents relating to Fred Trump, moreover, were published on the bureau's website on October 7 but tweeted on October 30. At least one former FBI official has pushed back on the notion that political partisanship is fueling the agency leaks. "There are lots of people who don't think Trump is qualified but also believe Clinton is corrupt," the official told The Guardian. "What you hear a lot is that it's a bad choice, between an incompetent and a corrupt politician." NOW WATCH: Watch Trump repeatedly photobomb Clinton during the debate More From Business Insider The show floors of SEMA may be awash with tuned and customized Japanese cars from independent builders and designers but this year it's the in-house teams from the likes of Toyota that are stealing the limelight. Toyota With 30 cars both new and old on display, Toyota has one of the most imposing and impressive stands at this year's show but even alongside a pristine example of every generation of Toyota Corolla ever built plus a 1964 Toyota 2000GT, its six fully functioning in-house custom builds for this year's show still managed to make an impact. None more so than the Toyota Land Speed Cruiser, an SUV slammed to the floor to improve aerodynamics. Its 5.7-liter V8 has two Garrett turbochargers so that the engine puts out 2000hp and that translates into a top speed of 220mph, making this by far the world's fastest off-roader. "With the Land Speed Cruiser, we are breaking all of the normal conventions of what an SUV should be," said Steve Appelbaum, Toyota Motor Sales national engagement marketing manager. "This vehicle is truly a feat of engineering." If that's not out there enough, Toyota also showed off something called the Extreme Sienna which doesn't refer to a very burned shade of brown paint. Rather it's a minivan built from the outside for the track -- flared wheel arches, diffuser and splitter plus massive rims -- and converted on the inside for the lap of luxury. Wooden floor, home theater system, iPad control and a fully stocked fridge. "People are showing a lot of vision and adapting vans to serve for almost any purpose. We wanted to take this idea all the way to the next level," said Real Time Automotive's hot rod builder, Rick Leos who led the project with Toyota. Lexus Toyota's luxury brand revealed the first ever officially customized Lexus LC 500 coupe. A build inspired by track racing, it has safety harnesses and a roll cage on the inside, a new aero body kit on the outside and the engine has been boosted to 5.6 liters and 525hp. Honda Honda declared this year's show a "Civicpalooza" and brought 10 tuned, accessorized or custom-built hatchbacks, sedans and coupes with it including a sedan inspired by Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog and a MAD Industries coupe decked out in a hand-formed carbon fiber exterior and with a genuinely luxurious suede and leather interior. However, the car that drew the biggest crowds was the real-life 10th generation Type R, the hottest production Civic hatchback and the first ever Type R that will be going on sale in the US. Mazda Mazda continued its tradition of building two contrasting customized MX-5 Miatas. The first, the MX-5 Speeder Evolution, loses its windshield plus almost 200kg in weight so that it is even faster and slippery. The Kuro is based on the new RF retractable hardtop MX-5 and goes for stealth over performance. It has matte black paint, adjustable suspension and and 17-inch forged wheels. Have you been eager to see how U.S. energy firm Apache Corp. APA performed in Q3 in comparison with the market expectations? Lets quickly scan through the key facts from this Houston, TX-based companys earnings release this morning: About Apache: Apache is one of the world's leading independent energy companies engaged in the exploration, development and production of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids. Approximately 72% of the companys proved reserves and 60% of its production comes from North America, where its operations are focused in the Permian Basin, the Anadarko basin in western Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle, Gulf Coast and the offshore Gulf of Mexico areas of the U.S., and in Western Canada. Internationally, Apache has core operations in Egypt and offshore U.K. Zacks Rank & Surprise History: Currently, Apache has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) but that could change following its third quarter 2016 earnings report which has just released. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Coming to earnings surprise history, the company has a good record: its beaten estimates in three of the last four quarters resulting in an average positive surprise of 55.75%. APACHE CORP Price and EPS Surprise APACHE CORP Price and EPS Surprise | APACHE CORP Quote Estimate Revision Trend: Investors should note that the earnings estimate revisions for Apache depicted pessimism prior to the earnings release. The Zacks Consensus Estimate deteriorated 10% over the last 30 days. We have highlighted some of the key details from the just-released announcement below: A Narrower-than-Expected Loss: Loss per share excluding one-time items came in at 3 cents, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate for a loss of 11 cents. Revenue Came in Higher than Expected: Revenues of $1,438 million were above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,376 million. Key Stats: The production of oil and natural gas (excluding divested assets and non-controlling interests) averaged 438,020 oil-equivalent barrels per day (BOE/d) (64% liquids), down 10% from last year. Apaches production for oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs) was 282,215 barrels per day (Bbl/d), while natural gas output came in at 934.8 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d). Story continues The average realized crude oil price during the third quarter was $44.35 per barrel, representing a decrease of 4% from the year-ago realization of $46.30. Moreover, the average realized natural gas price during the Sep quarter of 2016 was $2.59 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf), down 10% from the year-ago period. Apaches third quarter lease operating expenses totaled $$382 million, down 15% from the year-ago quarter. Check back later for our full write up on this Apache earnings report later! Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Tale of the Tape, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report APACHE CORP (APA): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research By Alister Doyle MARRAKESH, Morocco (Reuters) - Drive your car 4,000 km (2,500 miles) and its greenhouse gas emissions will melt three square meters (32 square feet) of ice on the Arctic Ocean, according to a study on Thursday that found a direct link between carbon dioxide and the shrinking ice. Examining long-term trends for ice floating on the ocean since the 1950s, scientists in Germany and the United States projected the ocean around the North Pole would be ice-free in summers by the mid-2040s at current levels of emissions. In the historical records, they found that every tonne of carbon dioxide emitted to the atmosphere meant on average the loss of three square meters of ice in September, when the ice reaches a minimum extent before expanding in winter. That made it possible to "grasp the contribution of personal carbon dioxide emissions to the loss of Arctic sea ice," scientists at Germany's Max Planck Institute for Meteorology and the U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center wrote in the journal Science. Each passenger taking a return flight from New York to Europe, or driving a gasoline car 4,000 kms, would emit about a tonne of carbon dioxide, they estimated. A long-term retreat of Arctic sea ice is already causing profound changes, disrupting the lives of indigenous peoples while opening the region to more oil and gas exploration and shipping. Scientists usually deal in more abstract terms such as billions of tonnes of greenhouse gases. "Here it's more personal," lead author Dirk Notz of the Max Planck Institute told Reuters. Some other scientists said the study was simplistic. "This sounds like a rather crude equation," Peter Wadhams, a professor of ocean physics at Cambridge University, told Reuters. He said ice could disappear from the Arctic Ocean as early as 2017 or 2018 because of other factors triggered by man-made climate change, such as shifts in winds and rising sea temperatures. In September 2016, sea ice shrank to an annual minimum extent of 4.14 million square kilometers (1.60 million square miles), matching 2007 as the second smallest in the satellite record behind 2012. Thursday's study said goals set under the 2015 Paris Agreement for curbing emissions were insufficient to avert the loss of ice. Governments meet in Marrakesh, Morocco, from Nov. 7-18 to work out how to implement the agreement. (Reporting By Alister Doyle) By Nate Raymond NEW YORK (Reuters) - An Arizona man was arrested on Wednesday on charges that he hacked into over 1,000 email accounts for students and others at two universities, including Pace University in New York, and tried to do the same at 75 other higher-education institutions. Jonathan Powell, a 29-year-old Phoenix resident, was arrested based on a criminal complaint filed in federal court in Manhattan charging him with fraud in connection with computers, according to prosecutors. According to the complaint, Powell used password reset tools to try to access thousands of email accounts at two universities in New York and Pennsylvania, successfully changing the passwords for 1,050 accounts. Prosecutors said he went on to compromise social media and other accounts at online services such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Google that were linked to the university email accounts, and mined those accounts for users' confidential information. Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said Powell also searched their photos for "potentially embarrassing content". In one instance, he searched a students' Gmail account using the key words "naked" and "horny", the complaint said. "This case should serve as a wakeup call for universities and educational institutions around the country," Bharara said in a statement. A lawyer for Powell did not respond to a request for comment. He was arrested in Arizona on Wednesday morning and released following a hearing in federal court in Phoenix later in the day, according to court records. While authorities did not name the universities at issue, Pace University confirmed in a statement it was the New York university mentioned in the complaint. In the statement Pace University said it contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bharara's office after discovering the security breach. The biggest victim in the case appeared to be Pace University, where according to prosecutors, Powell since at least October 2015 attempted to change the password for 2,054 accounts, succeeding with 1,035 of them. In September, he tried to change email passwords for 220 of the Pennsylvania university's accounts, succeeding with 15, prosecutors said. He also accessed student directories and login portals for more than 75 other colleges, they said. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in NEW YORK; Editing by Chris Reese and Alan Crosby) London (AFP) - Andy Carroll fled armed robbers on motorbikes who pursued the "brave" West Ham striker for up to 20 minutes in a high-speed chase, manager Slaven Bilic said on Thursday. The burly England international was targeted as he drove towards his home in Essex, east of London, on Wednesday, but sped off with his two assailants in pursuit and hastily returned to West Ham's Rush Green training ground before reporting the incident to police, who are investigating. "He was brave because they asked for his watch with a gun and he put the pedal down and he didn't want to give him the watch," Bilic told his weekly press conference. "He got chased for 15 or 20 minutes. It wasn't like 10 seconds so it was probably planned," Bilic said. "I know that he was very brave to do what he did. He came back to the training ground and it stopped. But he's good, he's OK. He's not in shock and he acted as a really brave man. "We're all asking him questions about it and he's smiling. Of course he's in a good environment now, he knows it's not going to happen now. "When we heard it yesterday of course we were all shocked. Sometimes you hear about that happening in a foreign country, but it's happening far away, not in England. "So we were all like, 'Here, in London, how is that possible?' Unfortunately it is a problem." Carroll, 27, has not played since August due to a knee injury, but Bilic said he expected him to return to action after the international break. "He will continue to do his rehab," Bilic said. "He is progressing well. He's back on the pitch -- not with us, but he's running and had no negative reaction since he started his running. "So in two weeks we are expecting him to be back on the pitch with us." Carroll joined West Ham from Liverpool in May 2013, having spent the previous season at the club on loan. The former Newcastle United striker has been capped nine times by England, scoring two goals. (Reuters) - Kansas law enforcement authorities are searching for two suspects wanted for a triple murder in the rural central part of the state earlier this week, officials said on Thursday. Arrest warrants were issued for Jereme Nelson, 35, and Myrta Rangel, 31, the Harvey County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. The two were last seen in Oklahoma, although further details, including whether they were armed, were not provided. The sheriff's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The warrants were issued on multiple murder charges in the deaths of Travis Street, 33, Angela Graevs, 37, and Richard Prouty, 52, on Sunday. Bond for each was set at $1 million, the sheriff's office said. Police discovered the bodies of the three Sunday night after receiving a call from a motorist who reported a shooting. The three victims were discovered in front of a house in Harvey County, about 25 miles north of Wichita. A unharmed 18-month-old child was inside the home. The killings were a "targeted shooting," Harvey County Sheriff T. Walton said on Monday. Street and Graevs lived at the home. Prouty lived in Newton, Kansas, a town of about 19,000 in Harvey County. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, local police and the Kansas Highway Patrol are assisting the Harvey County Sheriff in the investigation. (Reporting by Timothy Mclaughlin in Chicago; Editing by Dan Grebler) As Arrows Oliver Queen said this week, just as ex-fiancee Felicity owes it to herself to find out if what she has with Detective Malone is real, he owes it to himself to embrace whatever is next for him when not wearing a vigilantes hood. Meaning, new romance soon may be in Olivers sights as well. PHOTOSArrows Dolph Lundgren Looks Ready to Break Oliver Plus, a New Team Photo I dont know if hes ready to move on, but its time for Oliver to have another relationship, Stephen Amell said on Wednesday during TVLines visit to the CW series Vancouver set. In addition to mirroring Felicitys own path, Amell says that if Oliver starts dating around again, itd help restore the playboy mantle he technically lost years ago, along with his billionaire billing. Earlier this year I was speaking with [showrunner] Wendy Mericle, and I was like, Look, theres two things that were no longer allowed to write about Oliver: Were no longer allowed to call him a billionaire, because he lost his family fortune. And were currently not allowed to say playboy hes dated one woman since Season 2, and he had a fling with Isabel Rochev (played by Summer Glau). Thats it. If youd like him to be a playboy, then by all means, start writing him like one, Amell recalled saying, and then we can do it. RELATEDArrow Casts Talia al Ghul With Andromedas Lexa Doig Perhaps to such an end, viewers may have already met the next woman to strike a spark with Mayor Handsome and Human Target Christopher Chance deserves some props for playing wingman, while wearing Olivers face. Ive had a couple of scenes with Carly [Pope], whos doing a great job as [reporter] Susan Williams, Amell said. I do think that there will be some exploration of a certain element of romance between the two of them, and I hope that people enjoy it, because Ive found it to be really dynamic so far. (Reporting by Vlada Gelman) Story continues What do you think of Oliver, like Felicity, seeking out a new relationship and should it be with Susan? Launch Gallery: Arrow Season 5 Photos Related stories Quotes of the Week: Vampire Diaries, Lucifer, Big Bang, Arrow and More The Vampire Diaries Recap: Sybil War Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Sheet Music Now Available for Free Download Asian American Media Group Blasts Tilda Swinton Casting in Doctor Strange The Media Action Network for Asian Americans (MANAA) has blasted the casting choice of Tilda Swinton in Doctor Strange on the eve of the Marvel Studio movies opening weekend. In a lengthy statement released Thursday, the organization said the film was tarnished by the whitewashing of The Ancient One the title characters mentor. In the film, the British actress plays The Ancient One, who in the original comic book is portrayed as a Tibetan male. Given the dearth of Asian roles, there was no reason a monk in Nepal could not be Asian, says MANAA President Rob Chan. Had [writer/director Scott] Derrickson cast an Asian as the revered leader who guides the main character to become a better human being and to develop his sorcery powers, it wouldve given a big boost to that actors career. While actresses deserve the kinds of bold roles usually reserved for men, white actresses are seen onscreen more than Asians of any gender. And Tilda Swinton can afford to turn down roles. Referring to 1984s classic film The Karate Kid, which landed Pat Morita an Oscar nomination, Chan points out, Asians cant even be the Mr. Miyagi to Daniel-San anymore! When Variety asked Derrickson about the films whitewashing controversy at the Doctor Strange premiere two weeks ago, he explained how selecting Swinton was a diversity choice in itself. In this case, the stereotype of [the Ancient One] had to be undone. I wanted it to be a woman, a middle-aged woman. Every iteration of that script played by an Asian woman felt like a Dragon Lady,' Derrickson explained, referencing another negative on-screen stereotype of an exotic and domineering Asian woman. Im very sensitive to the history of Dragon Lady representation and Anna May Wong films. I moved away from that. Whos the magical, mystical, woman with secrets that could work in this role? I thought Tilda Swinton. Writer Jon Spaihts also praised the casting choice. Tilda is an instance of us taking a male role and putting a woman in it, which I think the film badly needed. The comic world of Doctor Strange is very male. So we were looking for opportunities to have not only ethnic diversity, but to have gender diversity in the film. Story continues Founding MANAA President Guy Aoki doesnt accept their rationalizations: Youre a writer. You could modify ANY problematic, outdated character and maintain its ethnicity, especially when its a minority to begin with. So the Ancient One was racist and stereotyped. but letting a white woman play the part erases all that? No, it just erases an Asian character from the screen when there werent many prominent Asian characters in Marvel films to begin with. Aoki noted while that diversity choices have been made in comic book films, Asians do not benefit. 90% of Marvel and DC characters were originally white. So in order to be more inclusive in their movies, both companies have tried to change these characters to minorities. But theyre almost always black: Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor in Doctor Strange), Heimdall (Idris Elba in Thor), Gamora (Zoe Saldana in Guardians of the Galaxy), and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson in The Avengers), Aoki explained. Of the few Asian characters that originated in the comic books, they were changed from Asian to white: the Mandarin (Guy Pearce in Iron Man 3), Talia Al Ghul (Marion Cotillard in Batman Rises), and now, The Ancient One. Chan also said he doesnt buy the excuse that Marvel Studios didnt want to offend China the worlds second biggest movie market by having The Ancient One be Tibetan or reside in Tibet, as written. That makes no sense, says the MANAA president. Marvel couldve created a fictitious Asian country then cast any kind of Asian they wanted without any political fallout. In fact, they changed the setting from Tibet to Nepal. So the rest of Cargills argument falls apart. Its just a continuation of the whitewashing legacy illustrated recently by movies like Aloha, The Martian, and the upcoming Ghost in the Shell.' Challenged Aoki, Name one memorable Asian character in any of the movies theyve produced. Just one! Related stories 'Doctor Strange' Outselling 'Ant-Man,' 'Thor' in Weekend Pre-Sales All Marvel Cinematic Universe Films Ranked Box Office: 'Doctor Strange' Eyes Magical $70 Million Debut This is quite possibly the best relationship we almost never knew about. During the latest episode of RuPaul's podcast, What's the Tee?, Aubrey Plaza casually dropped a major bombshell about her Scott Pilgrim vs. the World co-star, Michael Cera. READ: Aubrey Plaza Says She's Into Girls Too: 'I Fall in Love With Girls and Guys' "I dated [Cera] for a long time," Plaza told RuPaul when the host admitted he found the actor to be "sexy." "What's a long time for someone your age?" RuPaul followed up. "A year and a half," Plaza answered. "We drove across the country after we shot that movie and almost got married in Vegas." Plaza, 32, explained that she met Cera, 28, while shooting 2010's Scott Pilgrim in Toronto, and their relationship blossomed from there. WATCH: Aubrey Plaza Gifted 'Parks & Rec' Co-star Aziz Ansari with Blood and Hair (Sorta) Knowing that co-stars can sometimes get cabin fever on set, RuPaul threw out a possible theory for their romance, saying, "Do you think it was that thing where people are enclosed in a small situation where" "Oh, like animals in captivity?" Plaza interrupted. "Everyone just wants to f**k each other?" RELATED: 7 Celebrity Couples Who Split Up and Actually Did Break Our Hearts Plaza denied that was the case and insisted that Cera is still "very special" to her. "We love each other," she said. "We're still really good friends. He's just a weird little freak and we speak the same language. He's one of the funniest people I know." Related Articles SYDNEY, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Australia's corporate watchdog said on Thursday it had competition concerns about the planned $130 billion merger between DuPont and Dow Chemical Co and was in touch with overseas regulators on the deal. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission invited submissions from interested parties and said a final decision would be made on Feb. 2. "The ACCC is concerned about the effect that the proposed merger may have on competition for a diverse range of products, including insecticides, seeds, and materials science products," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said. The merger of Dow Chemical and DuPont is being scrutinized by regulators world over, with EU antitrust officials expected to decide the deal by Feb. 6. (Reporting by Wayne Cole) Perth (Australia) (AFP) - A failed review capped a miserable day for South Africa on the opening day of their first Test against Australia at the WACA Ground on Thursday. After fast bowler Mitchell Starc returned in style with four wickets to help Australia dismiss South Africa for 242, the visitors were denied the crucial wicket of David Warner in bizarre circumstances late in the day. Seamer Vernon Philander believed he had trapped Warner LBW for 17 with the Australian total on just 19, but umpire Aleem Dar dismissed the appeal. The South Africans called for a review, only for replays to show it was a front foot no-ball by Philander. Their frustration was exacerbated when further replays revealed it would have been out had Philander not overstepped. At stumps on the first day it was shaping as a costly error by Philander as the reprieve helped the free-hitting Warner get through to the close to cap a tremendous day for the home side. Australia were in a commanding position at 105 without loss, with Warner on 73 and Shaun Marsh on 29, the latter having battled to survive an opening salvo from paceman Dale Steyn. Despite the extreme disappointment of the first day of the series, South African batsman Temba Bavuma said the tourists were still in the match. "It's only one day of cricket where we played badly," he said. "It's quite obvious Australia have the upper hand but the game is far from over." Warner made the most of his good fortune with some dashing strokeplay, including a six over third man off Steyn where he ended up on his backside as the ball sailed over the fence. The left-hander reached his half-century in just 39 balls and now has 744 runs at 106.28 in Tests in Perth. The opening partnership was also a record for Australia against South Africa at the WACA Ground as the home team capitalised on the earlier good work of their pace bowlers. Starc said it was an almost perfect day for the Australians. Story continues "It's only early days but we couldn't have asked for much more on day one of the summer," he said. "There were a few nerves in the dressing room at the start of the day. "To bowl South Africa out, with their pretty experienced line-up, and then be none for 100 at the end of the day, we are pretty happy with that." - Starc return - Returning from a gruesome leg injury suffered in training, Starc struck with the fourth ball of the match and bowled with sustained pace as the tourists struggled after winning the toss and electing to bat. The Australian pace attack, led by Starc (4-71) and Josh Hazlewood (3-70), struck early as the Proteas slumped to 32-4. Middle order batsmen Temba Bavuma (51) and Quinton de Kock, who top-scored with an aggressive 84, rallied with a 71-run stand for the sixth wicket. But the visitors again stumbled when Bavuma and Philander (10) fell just before tea as Australia regained control. De Kock survived two decision reviews and should have been run out on 61, only to be the ninth wicket to fall when he chased quick runs with the tail. Bavuma made a composed 51 but he fell to a brilliant catch by Shaun Marsh -- whose brother Mitchell had also taken a screamer to dismiss opener Stephen Cook (0). Philander fell to the last ball before tea, dragging an attempted pull shot back onto his stumps to give Starc his third wicket. The day also started with an outstanding Marsh catch, with Shaun's younger brother Mitchell leaping high at gully to remove Cook for a duck in the first over. The South Africans were soon in worse trouble, with Hashim Amla also falling without score when he pushed at a Hazlewood delivery and edged to Australian skipper Steve Smith at second slip. A tough chance from Dean Elgar was grassed on 10, but he made just two more before being caught behind by Peter Nevill from the bowling of Hazlewood with the score on just 20. JP Duminy never looked comfortable and also benefited from a life when he was on 8, but like Elgar he could not capitalise and was caught behind for 11 off Peter Siddle. Vienna (AFP) - Austria on Thursday sent 60 troops to Hungary's border with non-EU Serbia as Vienna's defence minister warned that the EU's migrants deal with Turkey was "showing cracks". Austria's defence ministry said that the soldiers will not be armed or be involved in intercepting people making it past Hungary's border fence with Serbia. Hungary has been criticised by rights groups and others for its alleged mistreatment of refugees and its refusal to take in some of the huge numbers of refugees who arrived in Europe in 2015. Based at Hodmezovasarhely near Szeged in south-east Hungary initially for six months, the Austrian soldiers are sappers who will help build roads and erect containers. Defence Minister Hans Peter Doskozil said that EU countries needed to do more to protect their borders because the bloc's accord with Turkey risked unravelling. "In my opinion the cracks in this accord are starting to show," Doskozil told Oe1 public radio. "We have a time window in Europe in which to organise ourselves" before the deal collapses, he said. "Therefore it is right, and high time, that... EU member states recognise this and confront this challenge, deal with the problem themselves and be ready to act themselves." Under the EU-Turkey deal in force since March, Ankara agreed to take back migrants who made it to Greece in return for being allowed to send Syrians to the bloc in an orderly redistribution programme. However Greece has been slow to send migrants back to Turkey. Athens says this is because many have applied for asylum which means that they cannot be moved until the claims are processed. In addition Greece complains that the EU has failed to provide additional assistance as promised and to share enough of the thousands of migrants around the bloc. Athens wants to transfer some of the nearly 16,000 migrants on its islands to the mainland but faces opposition from EU partners who fear a mass resurgence of migrants heading north, Greek migration minister Yannis Mouzalas said Monday. (Reuters) - A lockdown triggered by a bomb threat at a Roanoke, Virginia, high school on Thursday was lifted after authorities had told students and staff to take shelter, the school district said. The threat against Northside High School was not credible, a spokesman for the Roanoke County Public Schools said in a statement. The incident is under investigation, he said. (Reporting by Ian Simpson; Editing by Bernadette Baum) U.S. auto sales declined for the third consecutive month in October. Meanwhile, Ford Motor Co. F and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. HMC posted earnings beat for the quarter ended Sep 30. Tesla Motors, Inc. TSLA unveiled a new solar roof product while General Motors Company GM announced a partnership with Uber. (Read the previous roundup here: Auto Stock Roundup for Oct 27, 2016) Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories 1. U.S. light-vehicle sales dropped 5.9% year over year to 1.37 million units in Oct 2016, as per Autodata. This is the fifth of the 10 reported months this year in which sales declined. Moreover, sales on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) basis fell to 17.98 million units in the month from 18.2 million units in Oct 2015. Nevertheless, SAAR for the month was higher than 17.74 million units in Sep 2016. 2. Ford posted adjusted earnings per share of 26 cents in the third quarter of 2016 that was 26 cents lower than the figure recorded in third-quarter 2015 (excluding special items). However, earnings per share comfortably surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 21 cents. Ford Automotive logged revenues of $33.3 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $32.02 billion. The company reaffirmed its 2016 pre-tax profit guidance of around $10.2 billion. Ford reaffirmed its 2016 automotive revenue to be equal to or higher than the 2015 levels. The company also anticipates recording strong Automotive segment operating cash flow, albeit below the 2015 levels. However, adjusted earnings per share and automotive operating margin are now expected to be lower than 2015 (read more: Ford's Q3 Earnings Surpass Expectations, Decline Y/Y). Ford currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). 3. Honda reported consolidated income of 177 billion ($1.75 billion) or 98.26 per share (97 cents per ADR) in the second quarter (ended Sep 30, 2016) of fiscal 2017, up 38.6% from the year-ago quarter. Earnings per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 59 cents. Story continues Consolidated net sales and other operating revenues decreased 9.9% year over year to 3.26 trillion ($32.27 billion). The figure also missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $33.88 billion. For fiscal 2017, Honda expects revenues to decline 8.2% to 13.4 trillion ($132.52 billion), lower than the previous guidance of 13.75 trillion ($130.95 billion). Net income is projected to improve 20.5% to 415 billion ($4.1 billion) or 230.26 ($2.28) per share, up from the previous expectation of 390 billion ($3.71 billion) or 216.39 ($2.06) per share (read more: Honda Beats on Q2 Earnings, Misses Revenues). Currently, Honda has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). 4. Tesla showcased new solar roof shingles for homes at an event in Los Angeles. These solar shingles are made of a kind of textured glass and embedded with devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They will be more durable than conventional roofing options, and are expected to last, on average, two to three times longer. The company plans to make four different roof designs: Tuscan Glass tile, Smooth Glass tile, Textured Glass tile, and Slate Glass tile. The solar tiles are designed to collect sunlight and store energy inside Powerwall 2 (read more: Tesla's New Solar Roof Shingles Remind Us of Its Future in Energy). Tesla currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. 5. General Motors personal mobility brand Maven is collaborating with ridesharing service Uber to allow people to lease qualified vehicles at discounted rates and no mileage limits. Chevrolet Cruze, Malibu and Trax vehicles are being offered in the pilot program. General Motors carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Performance The companies in the auto sector recorded weak performance last week. Tesla lost the most among the stocks listed below. The electric carmaker was also the biggest loser over the last six months. Meanwhile, Harley-Davidson, Inc. HOG gained the most over the longer term. Company Last 1-Week Period Last 6 Months GM -0.4% +0.6% F -4.0% -15.1% TSLA -7.0% -19.1% TM -1.8% +11.8% HMC -5.2% +6.1% HOG -1.0% +16.4% AAP -4.0% -11.5% AZO -1.8% -5.9% Auto-Tires-Trucks Sector Price Index Auto-Tires-Trucks Sector Price Index Whats Next in the Auto Space? A few auto companies, including Toyota Motor Corporation TM and Tata Motors Limited TTM, will release their financial results in the coming week. Further, some automakers will report their China and Europe sales for October in the coming days. Where Do Zacks' Investment Ideas Come From? You are welcome to download the full, up-to-the-minute list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buy" stocks free of charge. There is no better place to start your own stock search. Plus you can access the full list of must-avoid Zacks Rank #5 "Strong Sells" and other private research.See the stocks free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report FORD MOTOR CO (F): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA MOTORS (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report HONDA MOTOR (HMC): Free Stock Analysis Report TOYOTA MOTOR CP (TM): Free Stock Analysis Report TATA MOTORS-ADR (TTM): Free Stock Analysis Report HARLEY-DAVIDSON (HOG): Free Stock Analysis Report GENERAL MOTORS (GM): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research By Joseph White (Reuters) - Automakers have "ultimate responsibility" for the costs of replacing potentially deadly Takata Corp (7312.T) airbags, no matter what happens to the Japanese supplier, the top U.S. vehicle safety regulator said on Wednesday. Mark Rosekind, the head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, told reporters in Detroit he is concerned that not enough is being done to find and fix more than 300,000 older vehicles, mostly made by Honda Motor Co , that have Takata airbags with a 50 percent chance of exploding in a crash. Honda said it continues to explore and evaluate new methods of convincing owners of vehicles affected by Takata airbag inflator recalls to complete the necessary repairs. Honda associates have started conducting targeted home visits to owners of the older-model 2001-2003 vehicles that the NHTSA has determined are at the highest risk of experiencing a Takata inflator rupture, Honda said in a statement to Reuters. Takata is seeking a buyer, amid speculation the company could seek bankruptcy protection as part of a deal. Rosekind said his agency believes it has "several layers of protection" to assure that recalls of up to 70 million potentially defective Takata airbag inflators are completed as agreed with the company. Automakers worldwide are ramping up the industry's biggest-ever recall after Takata, under pressure from U.S. authorities, agreed earlier this year to declare more of its air bags as defective in the United States and other countries. U.S. safety regulators have linked 11 deaths in the United States to Takata airbags that ruptured, sending metal shrapnel flying inside vehicles. The most-recent reported U.S. fatality was of a 50-year-old woman who died in a 2001 Honda Civic after a Sept. 30 crash in Riverside County, Calif. Her death is one of 16 worldwide now linked to defective Takata airbag inflators and the NHTSA said the Honda Civic involved in the crash belonged to the high-risk population of vehicles the agency is targeting. Story continues "We have had a significant number of meetings with Honda," Rosekind said after appearing at a conference in Detroit. The urgency of replacing the faulty airbag inflators could require knocking on doors or sending mobile repair teams to neighbourhoods to fix vehicles, Rosekind said. Honda has said it is cooperating with regulators and said in connection with the Riverside death that it had mailed 20 recall notices to owners of the vehicle since 2008, but the car was never fixed. Separately, Rosekind said the NHTSA's decision to demand that San Francisco self-driving car startup Comma.ai demonstrate the safety of a proposed aftermarket system to enable vehicles to pilot themselves on the highway represented the agency's effort to be more proactive in addressing emerging technology. "Our expectation is you're going to come and let us know what you are doing," Rosekind said. The Transportation Department's proposed guidelines for autonomous vehicles are meant to encourage innovation, Rosekind said. "That is not a free-for-all." (Reporting by Joseph White; Editing by Steve Orlofsky, Alan Crosby and Gopakumar Warrier) If you feel like youre wasting your life trying to find something on TV, a new study says youre probably right. The average person will spend 1.3 years just flipping between broadcast channels and checking TV guides for something to watch, according to the latest Ericsson ConsumerLab TV and Media Report. Its the same in the U.S. and more than half of the 24 countries in this years study. The study found that the average American broadcast TV viewer will spend 23 minutes a day flipping channels, which adds up quickly. Also Read: 'Longmire' Gets Sixth and Final Season From Netflix An earlier survey revealed that viewers of streaming platforms like Netflix take an average of 18 minutes per viewing session trying to find something to watch, compared to 9 minutes for traditional TV. While consumers have to spend more time looking for something to watch on Video on Demand services, 63 percent of them are satisfied with their experience, compared to 51 percent of traditional TV consumers, perhaps due to the fact that on-demand viewing options dont have the time constraints of live TV schedules. The Ericsson report was collected from surveying more than 30,000 people aged 16-29 across markets, including Australia, China, Brazil, South Africa and the UK. The study found that since 2012, consumers are watching more TV than ever, with viewing time on mobile devices increasing 4 hours a week and fixed device-watching decreasing 2.5 hours a week a surplus of 1.5 hours a week. Also Read: Netflix CEO's Vision for Future of Entertainment Is Basically a 'Black Mirror' Episode Consumers are also paying more than ever for VOD an average of $20 per month, up from $13 four years ago. Related stories from TheWrap: Roger Ailes Miniseries in Development at Blumhouse Television Critics and Viewers Love 'Atlanta' on FX: 'One of the Best New Shows on Television' Paul Franklin Named President of CBS Television Distribution Recovering from the back-to-back earnings misses in the last two quarters, Avis Budget Group Inc. CAR came out with record third-quarter 2016 results, wherein both earnings and sales grew year over year, alongside topping estimates. Results were mainly backed by strong pricing in the Americas region coupled with the companys profit-boosting efforts. These also helped Avis to generate its highest quarterly adjusted EBITDA margin to date. The robust results were enough to drive investor sentiment, as reflected by a 1.2% rise in the stock price in the after-market trading session. Q3 Highlights The car rental companys adjusted earnings came in at $2.47 per share, which surged 25% year over year and came in significantly ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.34. On a GAAP basis, the companys earnings rose 29% to $2.28 per share. AVIS BUDGET GRP Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise AVIS BUDGET GRP Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | AVIS BUDGET GRP Quote Further, the company reported record net revenue of $2,656 million in the quarter, which advanced 3.1% year over year and also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,622 million. The solid top line was mainly driven by a 4% rise in rental days at the International region and a 2% improvement in pricing in the Americas region. Adjusted EBITDA rose nearly 9% to $469 million, fuelled by enhanced overall rental volumes and better pricing in Americas, somewhat offset by higher per-unit fleet expenses. The adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 100 basis points to 17.7%. Segment Performance Americas reported 3% year-over-year revenue growth to $1,821 million, backed by a 2% increase in pricing and rental days each, somewhat offset by a 2% hike in per unit fleet costs. Consequently, adjusted EBITDA jumped 10% to $306 million in the quarter. The International segments revenues advanced 4% year over year to $835 million, thanks to a 4% rise in volumes, partly negated by a 2% drop in pricing and a 2% rise in per-unit fleet costs. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment rose 7% to $179 million on the back of greater rental volumes, reduced marketing costs and favorable currency movements, partly offset by unfavorable pricing. Financials Avis ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $985 million, and total corporate debt of $3,866 million. As of Sep 30, 2016, the companys shareholders equity was $474 million. During the first three quarters, the company generated $2,101 million as cash flow from operating activities. During the quarter, Avis repurchased nearly 3.1 million shares worth $110 million, including which it bought roughly 9.5 million shares for $290 million as of Sep 30, 2016. Management continues to expect to generate free cash flow worth $450$500 million in 2016, while it now anticipates making share buybacks of $370$400 million, compared with the previous plan of $300$400 million. Other Developments Avis inked a deal to acquire France Cars, in Sep 2016. A privately-held car-rental company, France Cars makes nearly 60 million in vehicle rental revenues on an annual basis. Notably, the buyout of this France-based company will add roughly 8,000 cars, vans and light trucks to Avis existing fleet, thus helping it expand in the French region. The company anticipates this buyout to conclude by the end of this year. Guidance Management remains impressed with the companys third-quarter results and expects the positive pricing in the Americas to continue. However, owing to weaker-than-anticipated demand in the Americas and Europe, the company is on track to right-size its existing fleet. Consequently, management adjusted its 2016 outlook, where it tweaked its overall revenue, adjusted earnings and adjusted EBITDA forecast. Avis now anticipates 2016 sales to grow 3% to $8.75 billion, including adverse currency impact of around $40 million. Earlier, the company projected revenues for 2016 to grow in a range of 3%5% to $8.75$8.9 billion, with a negative currency impact of nearly $50 million. The companys Americas segment rental days are now estimated to grow 2% (compared with 2%3% projected earlier), while pricing is expected to remain flat with no currency impact. Further, the company now expects international revenue to increase 6%, compared with 5%8% growth guided earlier. The updated International revenue outlook includes a 1% adverse impact from foreign currency, versus 2% projected earlier. Per-unit fleet costs for the total company are now anticipated to be around $285 million per month, compared to a range of $285$290 million expected earlier. Per-unit fleet costs in the Americas for 2016 are now estimated to jump 5% to $312 million per month, compared with the previous guidance of a 5%6% increase to $313$316 million. For the International segment, per-unit fleet costs are now envisioned to drop 0.9% to $227 million per month, compared with the previous projection of a 1%3% decline to roughly $223$227 million. The updated International fleet cost guidance also includes unfavorable currency impact of 1%. Adjusted EBITDA is now projected to come on the lower end of its previously guided band of $850$900 million. This still includes a $20 million negative impact from foreign exchange movements. Interest expense pertaining to corporate debt is expected to be nearly $205 million. The companys non-vehicle depreciation and amortization costs guidance (excluding the amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions) is pegged at about $195 million. The companys effective tax rate in 2016 is estimated to be 39%, while diluted shares outstanding are projected to lie in a band of 9394 million. Based on the abovementioned expectations, the company expects its adjusted earnings per share to be $2.93, which is close to the lower end of its previously announced range of $2.90$3.30 expected earlier. Further, earnings are expected to bear the brunt of currency headwinds to an extent of 11 cents a share. Zacks Rank Avis currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks in the same industry include Acacia Research Corporation ACTG, SPS Commerce, Inc. SPSC, with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each and Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. CORE, with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Acacia Research has to its credit an impressive earnings trend as the company delivered back-to-back positive earnings surprises in the last two quarters. Moreover, its long-term EPS growth rate of 20% and positive estimate revisions over the past seven days help it stand strong against the industry. SPS Commerce, with a long-term EPS growth rate of 22.5%, has seen positive estimate revisions for 2016, over the past seven days. The company also flaunts a spectacular earnings surprise history, with a beat delivered in each of the trailing four quarters. Core-Mark Holding delivered positive earnings surprises in the last three quarters and has witnessed positive estimate revisions for 2016 over the past 60 days. Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AVIS BUDGET GRP (CAR): Free Stock Analysis Report SPS COMMERCE (SPSC): Free Stock Analysis Report ACACIA RESEARCH (ACTG): Free Stock Analysis Report CORE-MARK HLDG (CORE): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research avocados lentils food Avocados are delicious, fatty little fruits. And Americans love them. The country consumed 6.1 pounds of avocados per person in 2014, more than triple the figure from 2000. To put that in perspective, our growing avocado hunger means the fruits already blow pears out of the water and are fast approaching apple territory. But even as more and more people fall in love with avocados, they're getting harder to come by. dear. god. most alarming chart i've seen in a while. AVOCADOS ARE THE MOST EXPENSIVE ON RECORD pic.twitter.com/78e1fMvFJe Dani Burger (@daniburgr) November 2, 2016 Avocados are, as of November 3, the most expensive they've ever been. The trend has been building throughout 2016. Earlier this year, spiking prices drove a crime wave in New Zealand, with almost 40 major orchard thefts reported by June. You read that right: orchard thefts. Thieves were invading avocado orchard to pluck heaps of avocados off trees. That's how out of control this situation has gotten. As Quartz reported in September, there isn't a single, simple explanation for the spike. Hot weather, droughts, and beetles are driving up the cost of avocados Most avocados grown in the US come from California. The state had a miserably hot, dry summer in 2016. Highs in avocado-growing regions reaching 117 degrees, and the Los Angeles Times reports that left avocado trees wilted and battered. On top of that, growers in the state have been battling an invasive species since 2012 that attacks avocado trees. The polyphagous shot hole borer, a tiny beetle, drills holes in the trees and leaves behind a deadly fungus. And on top of that the state has weathered a severe, unprecedented drought for more than five years. California drought Story continues But even that isn't the whole story of the avocado price spike. Mexico dominates global avocado sales, accounting for about 80% of sales in the US alone. In the state of Michoacan, where there are few opportunities to strike it rich, growers have torn up forests and wrecked local environments in a rush to meet the global demand. But imports have dropped dramatically this year. Why? The same heat that struck California accounts for part of it. More immediately though, a dispute between growers and distributors has seen farmers blocking roads to prevent shipments from getting out. As Adam Chandler pointed out over at The Atlantic, hot weather and droughts have also caused problems for alternative suppliers in markets as far-flung as Australia. Chile, in the midst of a drought, has seen drinking water diverted from human beings to thirsty avocados. The point is, our world is less hospitable to the weather-sensitive, slow-to-grow fruit than it once was. And no matter how much more we demand, there are increasingly hard limits on the supply. A farmer in Victoria, Australia told ABC Rural that climate change was forcing him to reconsider his whole approach to growing avocados, calling this a "whole other chapter" in the story of the crop. In the meantime, as the price of a crate of avocados climbs, restaurateurs are looking to more sustainable alternatives like sweet potatoes. Chipotle insists it will keep stocking guac, however. NOW WATCH: How to pick out ripe fruit More From Business Insider After pre-selling Paolo Virzis The Leisure Seeker to major territories at Toronto, Bac Films is expanding its slate of auteur-driven English-language movies with Babak Jalalis contemporary Western Land. Penned and directed by Jalali, Land portrays the downfall of a Native American family living on a reservation and plagued by the death of the youngest son during military service in Afghanistan. Repped by Bac Films head of sales Gilles Sousa, Land will start shooting on Nov. 7 in Mexico. Italys Asmara Films, Frances The Cup of Tea, Mexicos Piano Prods. and Dutch outfit Topkapi Films are producing. Land marks Jalalis third feature, following Frontier Blues, which premiered at Locarno in 2009 and Radio Dreams, which won this years Tiger Award at Rotterdam. The movies strong key crew includes art director Dimitri Capuani, whose credits include Gangs of New York, and cinematographer Agnes Godard (The Dreamlife of Angels). Bac Films will distribute Land in France on top of handling international sales. Since being taken over by David Grumbach, Bac Films has been ramping up the acquisition of English-language projects. The companys current sales roster includes the The Third Wave starring Ellen Page. Sousa, who is starting pre-sales on Land at AFM, said Bac Films was now looking to handle three to four English-language films per year. Related stories Ye Liu Joins Rebecca Ferguson in Historical Drama 'Lady and the Panda' Russian Oscar entry 'Paradise' Sells to Multiple Territories (EXCLUSIVE) AFM: Hanway Boards Oliver Parker Comedy 'Swimming With Men' Baghdad (AFP) - Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi rose from obscurity to lead the world's most infamous and feared jihadist group, but shuns the spotlight and cultivates an aura of mystery. A recording purportedly of the Islamic State leader's voice was released on Thursday, the first such message in 2016. It came as thousands of Iraqi forces started to mass around the city of Mosul, where Baghdadi publicly announced the creation of his "caliphate", the most ambitious and brutal experiment in modern jihad. The recording released by the IS-affiliated Al-Furqan media group was a rare sign of life from Baghdadi, who is known as Caliph Ibrahim by his followers and has a $10 million US bounty on his head. Air strikes by the US-led coalition supporting the anti-IS war in Iraq and Syria have depleted the leadership of the jihadist organisation in recent months. Rumours have abounded about Baghdadi's own health and movements but his whereabouts remain unclear. Shortly after jihadist fighters swept across swathes of Iraq in June 2014, Baghdadi appeared at the Great mosque of Al-Nuri to proclaim a "state" straddling Syria and Iraq in front of thousands of Muslim faithful. The video of the appearance in Mosul -- which showed a man with a black and grey beard wearing a black robe and matching turban -- is the only one IS has released of Baghdadi to date. - Low key - "It is rather remarkable that the leader of the most image-conscious terrorist group is so low-key in terms of his own publicity," said Patrick Skinner, an analyst with the Soufan Group intelligence consultancy. Baghdadi has been reported wounded in air strikes multiple times, but the claims have never been verified, and his apparent survival has added to his mystique. "He has an element of mystery about him and seems to have achieved a lot more in real terms" than "old guard" jihadists such as Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri, said Aymenn al-Tamimi, a fellow at the Middle East Forum. Story continues Baghdadi revived the fortunes of Iraq's struggling Al-Qaeda affiliate, the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), turning it into the independent IS group. ISI was on the ropes when Baghdadi took over in 2010, but the group has bounced back, expanding into Syria in 2013 and then launching its sweeping offensive in Iraq last year. Baghdadi "and his circle made a very, very strategic plan and then they went out and executed that plan; that inspires loyalty and confidence," said Skinner. Until the first half of 2015, Baghdadi was the undisputed leader of the jihadist world but the steady decline of the "caliphate" will offer his rivals a chance to challenge his supremacy again. - 'Family man' - According to an official Iraqi government document, Baghdadi was born in Samarra in 1971 and has four children with his first wife -- two boys and two girls born between 2000 and 2008. Another ex-wife, Saja al-Dulaimi, who was detained in Lebanon in 2014, described Baghdadi in a March interview to Swedish daily Expressen as "a normal family man" and university professor adored by his offspring. Their seven-year-old daughter, Hagar, said she wanted to go to Europe to study. An Iraqi intelligence report indicates that Baghdadi has a PhD in Islamic studies and was a professor at Tikrit University. Baghdadi apparently joined the insurgency that erupted after the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, at one point spending time in an American military prison in the country's south. Baghdadi's path to jihadist leader differed sharply from that of Osama bin Laden, who had huge wealth to rely on to help build Al-Qaeda, appeared in far more videos and was internationally known long before the September 11 attacks. "His rise to fame really doesn't compare to other more publicised terror leaders. (Bin Laden) was famous by his name, and he made a show of his piety and low-key demeanour," Skinner said. "Baghdadi seriously worked behind the scenes and then exploded into publicity when he was announced as the leader, but even then he didn't do publicity stunts," he said. "He avoids the spotlight, and when he releases a speech, it is about the caliphate and its enemies, not himself." (Reuters) - A Baltimore man was sentenced on Thursday to pay $1 million in restitution for puncturing a fire hose at a burning drugstore during rioting last year, federal authorities said. Gregory Butler Jr, 22, was also sentenced by a federal judge to 250 hours of community service and three years of supervised release for obstructing firefighters at a CVS Health Corp pharmacy, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Baltimore said in a statement. The drugstore was set afire in April 2015 during unrest after the funeral of Freddie Gray, a black man who died from an injury suffered while in police custody. His death heightened a U.S. debate on police treatment of minorities. Butler had admitted to twice puncturing the hose with a knife. The incident was caught on video and the burning pharmacy became a symbol of unrest in the largely African-American city. U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz ordered Butler to pay $100 a month during his supervised release. Failure to pay could be a violation of his release, a spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein said in an email. After the supervisory release ends, Butler's payment will be set based on his ability to pay. Motz set the restitution figure based on lost rent from the building, lost income from the store, legal fees, and destruction of the hose, she said. (Reporting by Ian Simpson in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler and James Dalgleish) Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain. Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred. For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here. FLORENCE, Italy (Reuters) - An Italian judge has accepted a request from prosecutors in a money laundering case to bring Bank of China (BOC) and four of its employees into preliminary hearings ahead of a possible trial, a legal source said on Thursday. Magistrates had to re-file their request for China's fourth-biggest bank to be put on trial after a procedural error interrupted hearings in April. Under Italian law the bank could settle the case without formally admitting it had committed any crime. The case concerns allegations by Florence prosecutors that more than 4.5 billion euros ($5 billion) was smuggled to China from Italy between 2006 and 2010 by Chinese people living mainly in Florence and nearby Prati. Prosecutors allege half of the money was sent via BOC's Milan branch, according to a court document seen by Reuters. BOC denies wrongdoing in the case. With Thursday's decision, both the bank and the four senior employees affected by April's ruling rejoin 293 other defendants. The judge has continued hearing the case against the others in the meantime. BOC said in a statement sent to Reuters that it had always worked in full respect of Italian and international anti-money laundering laws and the decision to bring the bank and the four employees back into the hearings was a technical matter. The judge will now have to decide whether to send the defendants to trial. The next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 23. ($1 = 0.9010 euros) (Reporting by Silvia Ognibene, writing by Isla Binnie; Editing by Ruth Pitchford) ROME (Reuters) - Italy's central bank said it hopes that reforms passed earlier this year to force small cooperative banks to join forces, would lead to a swift and drastic reduction in their numbers. Italy is pushing its lenders, which have been weakened by an economic slump, to merge to boost profits and cut costs and strengthen their ability to raise capital. Stronger capital would make it easier for banks to offload bad debts piled up during the recession, as these are usually sold at a loss. The government moved to reform large cooperative lenders in early 2015, leading to the merger last month of Banco Popolare (BAPO.MI) and Banca Popolare di Milano (PMII.MI) to create Italy's third-biggest banking group. In February 2016, Rome introduced measures to force 355 small cooperative banks (BCC) to merge under a holding company with at least 1 billion euros in capital. This is set to lead to the creation of just one or two BCC groups. Bank of Italy Chief Supervisor Carmelo Barbagallo told a seminar on Thursday the central bank expected BCC lenders to move quickly despite a timeline that gives them until May 3, 2018 to present a request to create a banking group. "We hope that they will submit their requests already at the start of next year, so that the reform can take effect in 6-12 months," he said. BCC banks account for 7.6 percent of all banking assets in Italy and 15 percent of branches, slides prepared for the seminar showed. Their core capital stands on average at 16.7 percent of assets, above an industry average of 12.4 percent. Barbagallo said the reform would speed up any capital raising. "The reform stems from the need to overcome difficulties BCC had in boosting capital quickly when necessary," he said. He said the new groups to be created were expected to have an adequate capital position. "At the beginning there will be no need to raise capital, but over time additional capital needs may arise. It will depend on credit risk meaning, ultimately, on how the economy does," he said. (Reporting by Stefano Bernabei, writing by Valentina Za; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle) - By Alberto Abaterusso Barrick Gold Corp. (ABX) announced the tender offer to purchase a certain amount of its outstanding notes on Wednesday. In particular, the Canadian miner and its subsidiary, Barrick North America Finance LLC, offered to purchase 4.40% Notes with maturity in 2021, 4.10% Notes with maturity in 2023 and 3.85% Notes with maturity in 2022. For the extinguishment of the corporate loan, Barrick and its subsidiary are offering a purchase price (including principal and premium) of up to $350 million, starting to attack that part of the debt. The tender offer to extinguish part of its corporate loan is part of Barrick's strategy to strengthen its balance sheet through debt reduction. This strategy has been the driving factor behind analysts' estimates on Barrick's target price and buying recommendations. The biggest gold producer in the world has been successful with this strategy, as the miner reduced the debt by $3 billion in the past year. In 2016, the company plans to further reduce deby by another $2 billion. Approximately 69% of this target has already been reached by Barrick, as reported in the third quarter results. "Total debt has been reduced by $1.4 billion year to date and we remain on track to achieve our $2 billion debt reduction target for the year." According to analysts at TD Securities, Barrick could use a portion of the proceeds from the sale of noncore assets and incoming free cash flow to cut its overall debt to $5 billion in 2017. The Canadian miner has a total of $2.6 billion in cash and equivalents, plus $4 billion undrawn credit as of the third quarter. The total amount of cash and equivalents include $674 million in cash primarily held at Acacia and Pueblo Viejo, which may not be readily deployed outside of either mine. These noncore assets include the company's stake in the Kalgoorlie mine, the 64% stake in Acacia, the 50% stake in Zaldivar, the copper mine in Chile and the Lumwana copper mine in Zambia. Story continues The company closed the third quarter of 2016 with total long-term debt of $8.4 billion. Of that, less than $200 million must be repaid before 2019 and $5 billion of its outstanding debt is not due before 2033. Since Barrick began to pursue its debt reduction strategy, the debt-equity ratio has significantly improved from 1.05 on Dec. 31, 2015 to 0.87 on Sept. 30. On Nov. 3, Barrick closed at $18.14, down 27 cents or -1.47% from the previous trading day. The gold stock has been uptrending since the beginning of October and gained 134% year to date. Ten out of 26 analysts recommend to hold Barrick, while eight analysts recommend to buy the gold stock. The recommendation rating is 2.4 and ranges between 1.0 (Strong Buy) and 5.0 (Sell). The analysts' average price target is $21.93, compared to a current share price of $18.14. The average price target ranges between a high of $28.03 per share and a low of $13 per share. The enterprise value/EBITDA is 6.70 and the price-book (mrq) is 2.81. Disclosure: I have no positions in Barrick Gold Corp. Start a free 7-day trial of Premium Membership to GuruFocus. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. In the legacy of presidential history, Harry Truman may be best remembered by one photograph. So how did the 33rd president wind up holding a newspaper that showed him losing an election he had already won? On Wednesday, November 3, 1948, the Chicago Tribune published the most famous political headline in U.S. history, proclaiming Thomas Dewey as the next President after Tuesdays election. In fact, Truman was the winner, not Dewey. Earlier in 1948, Truman was running for his first elected term in the White House. A vice president, the little-known Truman replaced Franklin Roosevelt after FDR passed away in April 1945 just after the start of his fourth presidential term. His presidency was anything but ordinary, and the Democrats had been in the White House for almost 16 years as Truman approached Election Day on November 2, 1948 and a formidable Republican candidate, Thomas Dewey. Truman was also running against a Democrat faction called the Dixiecrats, who opposed Trumans efforts to integrate the military. The Dixiecrats, led by Strom Thurmond, took 39 electoral votes in the 1948 election to weaken the former Solid South controlled by Roosevelts Democratic Party. And another former Roosevelt vice president, Henry Wallace, ran on the Progressive Party ticket. And then there was the polling data. Deweys victory was so expected that the Roper poll had stopped doing surveys in September about the race. The Gallup poll had the race at 45 percent for Dewey and 41 percent for Truman in October. So the night of November 2, the editors of the Chicago Tribune, based on the advice of their Washington editor and a need for an early first edition, approved a gigantic headline that read, Dewey Beats Truman. The Tribune also apparently based its decision on a recent Life magazine cover that called the election for Dewey and a general low regard for Truman, whom it had called a nincompoop on its editorial pages. (Only an estimated 15 percent of newspapers nationally supported Truman in the election.) Story continues But when the dust settled, Truman easily defeated Dewey in the Electoral College, by a 303 to 189 margin. Truman also won by a 50-45 percent popular vote. What the newspapers and pollsters didnt understand was Trumans background as a fighter, and the tendency for voters to wait until closer to Election Day to pick a candidate. Earlier in his political career, Truman had been written off in the 1940 U.S. Senate election. When Trumans political ally, Tom Pendergrast, was convicted of tax evasion in 1939, few people thought Truman stood a chance of getting re-elected in Missouri. Truman hit the campaign trail hard, spoke about his war record and experience as a common man, and pulled off an upset. At a raucous 1948 Democratic convention in Philadelphia, Truman made it clear that he would add a campaign against Congress to his set of tactics. Congress has still done nothing, Truman pleaded at the deeply divided convention. With the help of God and the wholehearted push which you can put behind this campaign, we can save this country from a continuation of the 80th Congress, and from misrule from now on. Truman survived a walkout by the Dixiecrat faction of the Democrats at the convention and successfully used the do-nothing Congress as a weapon against the favored Republican candidate, Dewey. Truman also hit the campaign trail hard after Labor Day, using a presidential train to cross the country making more than 200 campaign speeches. Dewey was known as a dull speaker and campaigned far less. The pollsters also stopped polling before the effect of Trumans whistle-stop campaigning took hold. Late on November 2, Truman went to sleep in Independence, Missouri, knowing he led by one million votes in early results but was expected to lose. Four hours later, he received a call from the Secret Service Truman was leading in the election and expected to win. Dewey conceded the next day, but the famous Tribune photograph was taken two days later, as the Truman family was in Saint Louis and returning to Washington. Life photographer W. Eugene Smith caught Truman in the moment after a staffer handed the President a copy of the Tribune early edition that had been found on a train earlier. The rest was history, and perhaps the most famous photograph in American politics. Historical Stories on Constitution Daily A recent voting history of the 15 Battleground states 50 interesting facts about Abraham Lincolns life Two Presidents share the same birthday, but little else * Says now sees significant rise in 2016 EBIT margin * Previously saw slight improvement * Sticks with sales guidance * Shares up 6.2 percent in flat market (Adds details on new guidance, CEO comment on M&A, share price) FRANKFURT, Nov 3 (Reuters) - German Beiersdorf, the maker of Nivea cream and Tesa adhesives, raised its guidance for 2016 earnings, citing a strong consumer business, sending its shares more than 6 percent higher. Beiersdorf said it now expected its margin on earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) in 2016 to significantly exceed the year-earlier figure of 14.4 percent. That is better than a previous forecast for a slight improvement. The new guidance meant an increase by more than 0.5 percentage points, finance chief Jesper Andersen told analysts, without being more specific. Margins were boosted by more efficient procurement and logisitcs as well as lower marketing expenses, he said. Beiersdorf stuck with its forecast for 3 to 4 percent sales growth this year with its consumer business, which includes cosmetics brands Nivea, Eucerin and La Prairie, bouncing back after a slow first half of the year. But its margins continue to be lower than those of consumer goods competitors, such as Unilever, Procter & Gamble and L'Oreal, which in recent months have been snatching up smaller companies and niche brands to build scale and enter new consumer markets. Pressed by analysts on whether Beiersdorf intended to follow a similar path, Chief Executive Stefan Heidenreich said the company's main priority remained organic growth. "It's true that we have cash and that we are looking at things," Heidenreich said. "But we will follow our strategy which is organic, organic and then, if something comes, we will look at it." Organic sales across all business segments rose by 2.9 percent to 5.03 billion euros ($5.60 billion) in the first nine months of 2016. The group did not publish earnings figures for the period. Shares in Beiersdorf were up 4 percent at 81.52 euros by 1040 GMT, outperforming a flat German blue-chip index. They earlier rose more than 6 percent. ($1 = 0.8994 euros) (Reporting by Tina Bellon; Editing by Maria Sheahan/Keith Weir) Bellator's first bout in Israel, next week in Tel Aviv in front of what figures to be a sold-out crowd in excess of 13,000, couldn't have come at a better time for Noad Lahat. Lahat is an Israeli who the day after a win over Steven Siler in San Jose in 2014, had to hop on a plane, fly home and rejoin the military to take part in a conflict with the Palestinians. Lahat, now 32, was 2-2 in the UFC, though he was never fully healthy. Hollywood royalty meets actual royalty! Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's son Samuel got the ultimate celebrity treatment while his famous dad was in London filming Justice League. The 44-year-old A-list actor visited The Graham Norton Show in an episode that airs on Friday, where he opened up about a very unique experience he and his family happened upon by accident across the pond. WATCH: EXCLUSIVE: Jennifer Garner on Teaching Her Kids to Be 'Citizens of the World': It's the 'Best Thing You Can Do' "Despite going to Windsor Castle, Tower of London and Buckingham Palace," Affleck noted in quotes released as a promo for the show, "we didn't see one royal. Then when it was raining I took my youngest [Samuel] to one of those kid's indoor play parks. It was pretty empty and then I noticed this weird vibe from the other grownups." Affleck quickly realized he was not at just any playground. Getty Images "I thought, 'For a kids' place this is tight security!' I was the very last person to realize that Prince George and Princess Charlotte were in there playing with my kid," the father of three revealed. "I can now tell him that he got a cold from the King of England!" Affleck didn't note if Prince George or Princess Charlotte's parents, Kate Middleton and Prince William, were also at the park, but he did say that he took his kiddos to see some of the historic London landmarks. MORE: Ben Affleck Implores New Hampshire Citizens to Vote by Doing His Best New England Accent "We did all the sights and I wanted them to be cultured. Now if it was in America and I hate to admit this you'd get a VIP pass, you'd get backstage and they would accommodate you," Affleck told the British crowd. "So I got a tour guide thinking this guy will accommodate me but that wasn't the case! He took us to the middle of the street but we were so far away not only couldn't we see the guard, we couldn't see the fence! We were surrounded by 50,000 tourists looking for selfie opportunities and we never saw the guards change. It was a disaster!" Story continues The Graham Norton Show teased Affleck's appearance via Twitter Wednesday. "This Friday! We have @BenAffleck, Sir David Attenborough, #MattSmith, #ClaireFoy and music from @OfficialSting 10.35pm on @BBCOne #TheGNShow." Garner, Affleck's estranged wife, recently opened up to ET about teaching their kids to become "citizens of the world." Watch the exclusive interview below! Related Articles When Batman actor Ben Affleck was filming Justice League in London, he got to spend some time sightseeing with his children, and it turned into a rather memorable royal experience, with an unexpected twist. Despite going to Windsor Castle, Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, we didnt see one royal, Affleck told BBC1 host Graham Norton in an interview about his tourist activity with his three children and their mother Jennifer Garner. Then when it was raining I took my youngest [Samuel] to one of those kids indoor play parks. It was pretty empty and then I noticed this weird vibe from the other grownups, he continued. I thought, For a kids place this is tight security! I was the very last person to realize that Prince George and Princess Charlotte were in there playing with my kid. Clearly, Affleck must not possess quite the royalty radar that most other members of the public possess. Despite the impressive pedigree of his impromptu playtime company, however, four-year-old Samuel ended the adventure a little worse for wear and came down with a cold. I can now tell him that he got a cold from the King of England! Affleck joked to Norton. We should note that Prince George is not, presently, the King. But either way, those are some valuable germs. Berlin (AFP) - Germany is looking to intensify its crackdown on tax evaders who are stashing their assets in offshore companies, according to a draft law seen by AFP on Thursday. "The main purpose of this draft law is to make it more difficult for domestic taxpayers to evade taxes through companies domiciled offshore, and to use the heightened risk of being discovered as a deterrent," according to the draft by the finance ministry. Documents leaked in April from Mossack Fonseca, the Panama City law firm which specialised in the creation of so-called letterbox companies, highlighted the extent of tax evasion by the world's wealthiest individuals and companies through such offshore fronts. According to the draft law, Berlin will require taxpayers and banks to provide more transparency on their links with such shell companies domiciled outside the European Union. The requirement to declare assets would be reinforced, and failure to comply could lead to fines of up to 25,000 euros ($28,000) for individuals. The ministry also plans to extend the statute of limitations timeframe during which tax evasion cases can be pursued. The cabinet is expected to vote on the draft law in December, business daily Handelsblatt reported. Germany, which chairs the G20 group of emerging and developed economies next year, has made combating tax evasion a key priority. The killing of two Iowa police officers in an ambush style attack mere days before the presidential election brought violence against police to the forefront of the political debate. Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik weighed in on the political fallout from the string of attacks on police officers. If you watch the Donald Trump statement about the two Iowa cops and you read the presidents statement, its completely different. You know, Donald Trump made it very clear, an attack on those two cops, the executions of those two cops is an attack on society, Kerik told the FOX Business Networks Stuart Varney. On the other hand, Kerik viewed President Obama as having a very different take on what is an attack on society. The only time I hear the president say anything about an attack on society is when theres a questionable police incident. According to Kerik, law enforcement in America needs a stronger ally in the White House. We need somebody in the White House that supports the cops, gives them the benefit of the doubt when theres a question, and makes sure they have resources and the manpower they need to do the job and secure this country. Kerik viewed a lack of leadership in America from the president down to city mayors as partly to blame for the low morale among police across the country. The cops in this country feel like theyre not being supported by the leadership. And thats from the president on down: you know, you have governors, you have the president, you have mayors that have gone against the police, they support hate groups like Black Lives Matter and all these other groups. You know, its not good for the cops, they need to be supported. Related Articles Last month, President Obama lifted the import restrictions on Cuban rum and cigars that have been in place for the past 50 years. Instead of hauling home a mere $100 worth of spirits and smokes, American visitors can now stuff their suitcases with as many bottles of rum and hand-rolled cigars as they want. The previous lack of access has meant Cuban rums arent on the radar of most Americanswe mostly associate the stuff with major exporters like Barbados, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. But Cuban rums have particular nuances, says Ed Hamilton, author of The Complete Guide to Rum and Rums of the Eastern Caribbean. Theyre typically lighter than either Bajan or Jamaican rums, he said. Even if your budget for sippable souvenirs is unlimited, your luggage space certainly isnt. So which bottles are worthy of a place in your suitcase? Havana Club Aejo 3 Aos Best For: The perfect mojito Havana Club is the hallmark of Cuban rum, Hamilton said. And the Havana 3 Year white is the iconic Cuban rum that hasn't been duplicated by another distillery yet. The brand became famous during prohibition for their white rum, but whats consumed today is slightly lighter. Noted for its hint of vanilla, caramelized pear, and smoked oak, the Havana Club 3 Year Olds flavor is most experts favorite base for the perfect Mojito. Legendario Elixir de Cuba Best For: A sweet drink Nurture your sweet tooth with a sip of this. After maturing for two to four years in American oak, Legendario distillers blend this rum with raisin extract. The result: A rich, honeyed finishfar sweeter than any Havana Club, which are all conservative on sweeteners, Hamilton says. If you have a next-level love of sugar, he suggests stepping up the liqueur ladder one rung higher to Legendario's Ron Aejo. Havana Club Aejo 7 Aos Best For: A classic rum, straight up If Havana Club is royalty, its Aejo 7 Aos that wears the crown. In terms of sales and quality for price, this bottle is still the kingand an all time favorite, said Miami-based cantinero Julio Cabrera, a Cuban-cocktail aficionado. The story goes that while the Cuban Maestros often sipped on aged rums at the distillery, it wasn't until one famous maestro, Ronero Don Jose Navarro, bottled the style that the world learned you could sip rum straight. Likened to a fine wine, with flavor notes from Cuban tobacco to sweet fruits and vanilla spices, this bottle should be kept far away from the cocktail shaker. Story continues Legendario Ron Dorado Best For: A basic, cheap rum If you want to bring back something a little different, this golden rum is a nice medium-bodied alternative to Havana Club, says Jane Danger, co-author of Cuban Cocktails and beverage director at New York City cocktail bar Cienfuegos. And the light sugarcane, tropical fruit notes, and neutral base make it a great mixing rum, says Danger. Santero Aguardiente de Cuba Best For: An adventurous cocktail Aguardiente is the precursor to rum, and the name literally means fire water. Its distilled from a sugary base and often mixed with vegetables or fruits, but on its own, the liquor definitely lives up to the intimidating name. Still, Danger recommends it for rum aficionados because, as she puts it, This is a weird molasses-driven fire water, and a unique glimpse into the history of rum. In small doses, it can add a great kick to your cocktailtry splitting it with another rum as a base in cocktails like the classic Cuban canchanchara. Havana Club Aejo 15 Aos Best For: A jewel in your rum collection You'll likely have to hunt for this limited edition bottle, and it'll cost you nearly $200. For some people, that status symbol is reason enough, but Danger says it also happens to be a delicious blend. The liquor is actually both rum and aguardientesthat fiery rum precursor. Both are repeatedly blended and aged in old oak casks, delivering a smooth finish. Its a nice woody aged rum, with notes of raisin and tobacco, said Danger. Ron Santiago de Cuba 11 Aos Aejo Superior Rum Best For: A cigar pairing Aged for more than a decade, people who sip this rum regularly say it embodies the essence of Cuba. But really, it embodies one aspect in particular. This is the favorite rum for smokersits flavor profile is specially designed to pair with Cuban cigars, Cabrera said. If you want a bottle to reminisce over once back in the States, this is the one to pack. Related Articles Investing in stocks with big profits and solid earnings surprises might appear a popular strategy in the ongoing reporting cycle. However, betting on stocks with a healthy cash level might be far more rewarding. This is because even though profit is a companys goal, cash is the lifeblood for its existence. In fact, even a profit-making company can face a dearth of cash flow if its profits are not channelized in the right direction and finally end up filing for bankruptcy. But a company with a healthy cash level not only enjoys the flexibility to make decisions, chase potential investments and run its growth engine but also weathers any market mayhem. Obviously, in any business, cash moves in and out, but it is net cash flow that explains how much money that company is actually generating. If a company is experiencing a positive cash flow then it denotes an increase in its liquid assets, which gives it the means to meet debt obligations, shell out for expenses, reinvest in business, endure downturns and finally return wealth to shareholders. On the other hand, a negative cash flow indicates a decline in the companys liquidity, which in turn lowers its flexibility to support these moves. However, having a positive cash flow alone is not sufficient to predict a companys growth. In fact, consistent growth can only be achieved by a company when this positive cash flow is increasing because this improvement indicates managements efficiency in regulating its cash movements and lesser dependency on external financing sources for running its business. Ultimately, it reflects a companys true financial health. Therefore, in the thick of the current earnings season, brace yourself with the following screen to bet on stocks with increasing cash flows. Screening Parameters: To find out stocks that have seen increasing cash flow over time, we ran the screen for those whose cash flow in the latest reported quarter was at least equal to or greater than the 5-year average cash flow per common share. This implies a positive trend and increasing cash over a period of time. In addition to this, we chose: Zacks Rank 1: No matter whether market conditions are good or bad, stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) have a proven history of outperformance. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Average Broker Rating 1: This indicates that brokers are also highly hopeful about the companys future performance. Current Price greater than or equal to $5: This sieves out low-priced stocks. VGM Score of B or better: This score is also of great assistance in selecting stocks. Importantly, this scoring system helps in picking the winning stocks in their individual industry categories. Here are four stocks that made it through the screen: Argan, Inc. AGX, headquartered in Rockville, MD, through its subsidiaries, offers a full range of services to the power industry including engineering, procurement and construction, commissioning, operations management, maintenance, project development and consulting services. Also, the company provides telecommunications infrastructure services, integrated fabrication, construction and plant services through its subsidiaries. Argan has a VGM score of A. It came up with an earnings surprise of 84.29% in the fiscal second quarter ended Jul 31, 2016, and its estimates for the current fiscal year moved north in the past two months. BayerischeMotorenWerke AG BAMXF is a multi-brand automobile manufacturer that focuses on the premium segments of the worldwide automobile and motorcycle markets. It has three brands: BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce. The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany and has a VGM score of B. It experienced a rise in estimates over the past 30 days. Gibraltar Industries, Inc. ROCK , with a VGM score of A, is a leading manufacturer, processor and distributor of metals and other engineered materials for building products, vehicular and other industrial markets. The company is headquartered in Buffalo, NY. With a decent earnings surprise history, the company remains a solid pick. It exceeded estimates in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 67.30%. Hallador Energy Company HNRG is engaged in the production of steam coal. The company is headquartered in Denver, CO and has a VGM score of A. It experienced a rise in estimates over the past 30 days. 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. Zacks Restaurant Recommendations: In addition to dining at these special places, you can feast on their stock shares. A Zacks Special Report spotlights 5 recent IPOs to watch plus 2 stocks that offer immediate promise in a booming sector. Download it free Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report ARGAN INC (AGX): Free Stock Analysis Report HALLADOR ENERGY (HNRG): Free Stock Analysis Report GIBRALTAR INDUS (ROCK): Free Stock Analysis Report BMW AG (BAMXF): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research From Esquire Since Donald Trump's rise in the polls, a panicky nation has turned to the media for a rational analysis of the numbers. Instead, they respond to our questions of "What will happen?" with a series of "This! No, that! Sorry, this! ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!" stories that seem scientifically engineered to keep both parties in a constant state of panic. Such measured alarmism is good for business: On Tuesday, celebrity prognosticator Nate Silver had a nation of Democrats anxiously retweeting his post headlined, "On a Scale of 1 to 10, How Much Should Democrats Panic?" He cryptically and subjectively concluded that the answer was "6," based less on a surging Trump and, more, self-fulfillingly, on Dems' own default level of fear. Our most respected news sources consistently reach wildly different conclusions with the same set of numbers and facts, often within the same day. This is unnerving: We know this is a post-fact election, but that's supposed to be the fault of InfoWars and Rush Limbaugh, not reliable sources like The New York Times, FiveThirtyEight or the always accurate SPY. To showcase the problem, SPY collected a few recent stories from major news organizations and paired them with other stories claiming the near-to-exact opposite, sometimes appearing on the same exact day. We've given each pair a whiplash score to express how violently they jerked readers from one extreme to the other. Whiplash Scale 1: Sleep it off 2: Two Advil and a glass of wine 3: Oversized neck brace for a week 4: 1-800-LAWYERS Hillary Clinton is losing a key minority voting bloc/Hillary Clinton is soaring, thanks to a key minority voting bloc "Black Turnout Falls in Early Voting, Boding Ill for Hillary Clinton" (The New York Times, Nov. 1) "African-Americans are failing to vote at the robust levels they did four years ago in several states that could help decide the presidential election, creating a vexing problem for Hillary Clinton as she clings to a deteriorating lead over Donald J. Trump with Election Day just a week away." Story continues "Trump, Waking a 'Sleeping Giant,' Helps Clinton Build an Unlikely Firewall" (The Times, Nov. 2) "By driving women, educated white voters and, most significantly, growing blocs of minorities away from the Republican Party, Mr. Trump has hastened social and political changes already well underway in two key regions, the interior West and the upper South, that not long ago tilted to the right." Whiplash score: 2 The Trump/Russia connection is more nefarious than we thought/The Russians don't deal with Trump at all "A Veteran Spy Has Given the FBI Information Alleging a Russian Operation to Cultivate Donald Trump" (Mother Jones, Oct. 31) "Mother Jones has reviewed that report and other memos this former spy wrote. The first memo, based on the former intelligence officer's conversations with Russian sources, noted, 'Russian regime has been cultivating, supporting and assisting TRUMP for at least 5 years. Aim, endorsed by PUTIN, has been to encourage splits and divisions in western alliance.' It maintained that Trump 'and his inner circle have accepted a regular flow of intelligence from the Kremlin, including on his Democratic and other political rivals.' It claimed that Russian intelligence had 'compromised' Trump during his visits to Moscow and could 'blackmail him.' It also reported that Russian intelligence had compiled a dossier on Hillary Clinton based on 'bugged conversations she had on various visits to Russia and intercepted phone calls.'" "Investigating Donald Trump, F.B.I. Sees No Clear Link to Russia" (Times, Oct. 31) "Law enforcement officials say that none of the investigations so far have found any conclusive or direct link between Mr. Trump and the Russian government. And even the hacking into Democratic emails, F.B.I. and intelligence officials now believe, was aimed at disrupting the presidential election rather than electing Mr. Trump." Whiplash score: 4 The early vote numbers are a great predictor of the winner/Pay no attention to the early votes! "Early voting predict who wins. This is good news for Democrats." (The Washington Post, Nov. 1) "Political scientist Seth Masket at FiveThirtyEight, who analyzed 2012 early vote data, argues that it isn't a good predictor of the eventual outcome in a state. But using a different set of data, we find that early vote numbers tell us a lot about which candidate will win." "Early Voting a Poor Predictor of Final Results" (Real Clear Politics, Nov. 2) "As we wind down this election, we begin to hear the familiar chime: The election is over and/or can be predicted because of what we see in the early vote. Don't buy it." Whiplash score: 2 Trump can never win/Trump has a chance "No Matter How You Cut It, Trump Is 3 Electoral Votes Short of a Path to Victory" (New York, Nov. 1) "And there, as has been the case for much of the general-election campaign, Clinton has the strategic advantage of many routes to 270 electoral votes, while Trump's path is, well, problematic." "Election Update: Yes, Donald Trump Has A Path To Victory" (FiveThirtyEight, Nov. 1) "Trump remains an underdog, but no longer really a longshot: His Electoral College chances are 29 percent in our polls-only model - his highest probability since Oct. 2 - and 30 percent in polls-plus." Whiplash score: 3 Comey's Weiner probe is going to flip this election/The Weiner probe didn't change anyone's mind "Computer seized in Weiner probe prompts FBI to take new steps in Clinton email inquiry" (The Post, Oct. 28) "The announcement could reshape a presidential race that Clinton, the Democratic nominee, has been leading in most public polls." "Poll: Comey's bombshell changes few votes" (Politico, Oct. 31) "The race for the White House is tight, but it has not been radically changed by the FBI director's bombshell announcement last week." Whiplash score: 4 You Might Also Like The 50th annual Country Music Association Awards certainly did not pull any punches in terms of wowing its audience the show, from its very first minutes, delivered a stunning range of hits and artists that built the powerhouse genre over a full half century. A special surprise was promised around the midpoint of the show. How to beat the shows already huge wash of performances from standouts spanning 50 years of country music? Turns out, it took a queen to do the job Queen Beyonce, to be exact. However, the markedly non-country pop star had a bit of help she was accompanied by probably the only act in country music that could hold their own against her star power: Namely, the famous/infamous/beloved/reviled Dixie Chicks. In what was arguably the performance of the night, the Chicks and Bey took the stage together without any staggered fanfare, introducing their collaboration by each woman announcing Texas the state where all four of them claim roots. From there, it was all an over-the-top party, with the Chicks all gleefully accompanying Beyonce on her bluegrass/rootsy-tinged Lemonade track Daddy Lessons, a song that translates to the country genre with extraordinary ease. While doubtless some of the audience was hoping for famously controversial Chicks frontwoman Natalie Maines to insert some acerbic commentary about the looming election (the Chicks have already slammed GOP candidate Donald Trump with a defaced picture of him backdropping their 2016 world tour), Maines eschewed any political statements, choosing instead to simply have fun rocking out on guitar and singing several stanzas of Beyonces tune. In the middle of the song, gears shifted to a stanza of the Chicks Grammy-winning 2002 anthem Long Time Gone, which meshed seamlessly with both Beyonces own single and her equally enthusiastic, booty-shaking contribution to the country hit. While the combination in theory could easily have gone over the top in terms of pop-culture power with some country purists likely questioning Beyonces inclusion at all the four women created a playful synergy that kept the collaboration light and in the spirit of the nights celebratory vibe. The 50th annual CMA Awards were held Nov. 2 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. When Bill Gates first met long-time friend Warren Buffett in 1991, he asked for a business book recommendation. Without hesitation, the Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A) CEO offered up his favorite: "Business Adventures," by John Brooks. "More than two decades after Warren lent it to me and more than four decades after it was first published 'Business Adventures' remains the best business book I've ever read," Gates wrote on his blog in 2014. "John Brooks is still my favorite business writer." It's not your typical business book. A former staff writer for The New Yorker, Brooks compiled his 1969 classic using 12 stories from the world of Wall Street that originally appeared in the magazine. Gates writes that, "Unlike a lot of today's business writers, Brooks didn't boil his work down into pat how-to lessons or simplistic explanations for success. (How many times have you read that some company is taking off because they give their employees free lunch?)" "You won't find any listicles in his work. Brooks wrote long articles that frame an issue, explore it in depth, introduce a few compelling characters, and show how things went for them." While a lot has changed in the business world since the 1960s, the fundamentals of building a strong business have not, Gates writes, adding, "Brooks's deeper insights about business are just as relevant today as they were back then." As for the key takeaway? "There's an essential human factor in every business endeavor," writes Gates. "It doesn't matter if you have a perfect product, production plan, and marketing pitch; you'll still need the right people to lead and implement those plans." More From CNBC Black Space Matters is an exhibit created to represent underrepresented artists and communities and inspired by the diversity of artists LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 3, 2016 / Andre 'Natty Rebel' Jones is proud and overwhelmed to announce the unveiling of an art exhibit created by Alena Museum and Art and Sol Studios, titled Black Space Matters. The artists behind this exhibit plan to display it at Art Basel Miami Beach 2016. To learn more about Black Space Matters, please visit: https://goo.gl/uKn5Ir Two black-owned companies have collaborated on an exhibit which showcases emerging and more importantly, underrepresented artists, with a focus on keeping the black community relevant in the global art scene. The goal of the exhibit is to represent the diversity of artists at one of the biggest art events on the globe, Art Basel Miami Beach 2016. The exhibit will feature the mural United States of Melanin. The basis of this piece is that every human being on the planet has some level of melanin in their skin. The exhibit shows people from different communities and races interacting with each other. The exhibit simultaneously captures the importance of cultural interaction and establishing identities. The mural has been created by Natty Rebel and features interactive content directed by Sephora Woldu. The mural will be displayed on the front wall at Art and Sol Studios. Three of the walls will feature the mural designed by Natty Rebel in different forms while the fourth wall will be a mirror, where each person who sees the mural will get to see his/her own face, which builds on the concept of inclusivity. Alena Museum has launched a campaign on Indiegogo to raise the funds necessary for making the trip to Art Basel Miami Beach 2016 and the costs associated with displaying the exhibit. "Alena Museum is creating a 35ft mural and video installation for the show, and supporting this campaign means you are with us and West Oakland making a splash in the global art scene!", says Andre Jones. Story continues About Black Space Matters Black Space Matters is more than an art exhibit. It is a genuine attempt by two black-owned companies to foster a culture of inclusivity while at the same time providing a voice to underrepresented artists and communities on the global art scene. Alena Museum and Art and Sol Studios are the companies that have collaborated on this exhibit with the aim to showcase it at Art Basel Miami Beach 2016. To learn more about Black Space Matters, please visit: https://goo.gl/uKn5Ir. Contact: Tom Perry admin@rocketfactor.com (949) 555-2861 SOURCE: Black Space Matters By Andy Sullivan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In a blow to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, a U.S. judge on Thursday upheld a Pennsylvania state law that could make it difficult for his supporters to monitor Election Day activity in Democratic-leaning areas. Trump has repeatedly said Tuesday's presidential election may be rigged, without providing scant evidence, and has urged supporters to keep an eye out for signs of voting fraud in Philadelphia and other heavily Democratic areas. Democrats worry that could encourage Trump supporters to harass minority voters in a state that could determine whether Trump or his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, wins the presidency. Voting-rights advocates said they are already receiving reports of harassment. Democrats have launched a legal blitz of their own in an attempt to shut down Trump's poll-watching efforts in Pennsylvania and three other battleground states, arguing in lawsuits that Republican monitoring efforts amount to "vigilante voter intimidation" that violates federal law. They filed a fourth lawsuit in North Carolina on Thursday. Democrats are also trying to stop the Republican National Committee from supporting the poll-watching efforts of the Trump campaign or state parties. Those cases have not yet been resolved. The RNC has said in legal motions that it is not involved in poll watching, which would violate a long-standing court order. State parties have argued that they are engaged in legitimate efforts to make sure the election is conducted accurately, while Trump's vice presidential running mate, Mike Pence, and his campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, said they misspoke when they told media outlets that the campaign was working with the RNC on poll-watching efforts. In Pennsylvania, Trump's poll-monitoring plan faces a significant hurdle because state law requires partisan poll watchers to perform their duties in the county in which they are registered to vote. That could make it difficult to recruit monitors in places like Philadelphia, where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a ratio of eight to one. The city has 120,000 registered Republicans and 1,685 voting locations. The Pennsylvania Republican Party sought to suspend that requirement so that poll monitors could come from anywhere in the state, which would enable them to bring in supporters from suburban and rural areas where Trump has stronger support. But U.S. District Judge Gerald Pappert said that would be too disruptive to change the law less than a week before Tuesday's vote. The Republican Party of Pennsylvania did not respond to a request for comment. Republican training materials submitted as evidence in several cases show the party is instructing poll monitors not to interact directly with voters, but to contact officials if they see a problem. That appeared to be the message in southern Ohio as well, where Trump supporter Becky Covey said the observers she had recruited were told not to interfere with voting activity. "People think they're going to be a watchdog, but that's not their job," Covey said. Those guidelines could have little influence on Trump supporters who decide to engage in anti-fraud efforts of their own on Election Day. The Oath Keepers, a paramilitary group, plans an undercover effort to monitor voting locations, while Trump ally Roger Stone is mobilizing supporters to conduct an exit poll to double-check election results. One right-wing group told the news website Politico that it has already installed hidden cameras in Philadelphia polling stations. With early voting underway, civil rights advocates said they were already receiving reports of intimidation and harassment. Palm Beach County, Florida, plans to station law enforcement officers at an early-voting site through Election Day after fielding complaints about bullhorn-wielding Trump supporters getting too close, according to ProPublica. Democrats in Nevada alleged that Trump supporters have yelled at voters and tried to block them from entering early-voting sites, while civil-rights groups in North Carolina and Texas said they have received reports of intimidating behavior at early voting sites. "We are seeing an uptick in the number of complaints compared to 2012," said Kristen Clarke, president of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a watchdog group. (Additional reporting by Emily Flitter in Portsmouth, Ohio; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Tom Brown) * New details suggest Oct. 25 incident probably not piracy * Heightened concerns for shipping in vital oil channel By Jonathan Saul LONDON, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Unknown assailants who opened fire on a gas tanker last week off the coast of Yemen were also carrying a "substantial amount of explosives", the vessel's owner said on Thursday, and a maritime source said it may have been an attempted suicide attack. Security experts said the new details of the Oct. 25 incident would heighten concerns for shipping in the narrow Bab al-Mandab waterway at the entrance to the Red Sea, a major choke point in the world oil trade. In an initial statement last week, shipping group Teekay said its LNG (liquefied natural gas) tanker Galicia Spirit had "experienced a suspected piracy attack" but no one had managed to board it. In an update on Thursday, Teekay said it had now conducted an investigation with security experts. This indicated that "the skiff (small boat) that engaged in an attack on the Galicia Spirit using small arms was also carrying a substantial amount of explosives". It added: "While the intentions of the attackers and the use of the explosives is unknown, the investigation findings indicate that the explosives would have been sufficient to have caused significant damage to the vessel. "It appears, however, that when the skiff was approximately 20m (metres) from the vessel, the explosives detonated, destroying the skiff and ending the attack." No details have emerged of how many attackers there were, or what happened to them, but maritime sources said the information to date indicated this was probably not piracy. "If the circumstances are as described, it was an ambitious attempt carried out by people who didn't expect to survive," said one source with detailed knowledge of the area. "An LNG vessel also has a double skin (hull), but if the explosives were enough to penetrate the main hull, then it is certainly possible that damage would have been done to the inner skin and gas could have escaped and ignited." Story continues Teekay said the vessel suffered minor damage with no injuries to the crew. PREVIOUS ATTACKS The incident, the first attack on a commercial ship since July, followed the launching of missiles from Yemen in recent weeks against military craft, including U.S. navy vessels. Militants have launched successful maritime attacks in the area before. A suicide bombing carried out by al Qaeda, which has a powerful regional arm in Yemen, killed 17 sailors on the U.S. warship Cole in Aden's port in 2000. Two years later, al Qaeda hit a French tanker in the Gulf of Aden, south of the Bab al-Mandab. Maritime security sources said the attack on the Galicia Spirit occurred near Perim Island, just a few kilometers from the southern Yemeni coast and the site of a lighthouse for ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab. "Attacks like these are not common and take a certain amount of training and resources to achieve," said Michael Edey of British security firm Dryad Maritime. "It will obviously raise concerns for shipping in the area." While shipping companies have yet to divert ships, the stakes are high. Nearly 4 million barrels of oil are shipped daily to Europe, the United States and Asia via the Bab al-Mandab, as well as other commercial goods. "Recent incidents off Somalia, the Bab al-Mandab and wider Indian Ocean indicate an increased threat level to shipping from piracy and maritime terrorism," British maritime security firm MAST said in a report this week. A civil war is raging in Yemen between the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, backed by troops loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, and the internationally recognised government of Abd Rabbu Mansour al-Hadi, backed by Saudi Arabia. The United States carried out cruise missile strikes on Oct. 15 against radar sites in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen after two confirmed attempts to hit a U.S. Navy destroyer with coastal cruise missiles close to the Bab al-Mandab. The Houthi movement has denied firing on the USS Mason. The Houthis have confirmed a separate earlier attack on a United Arab Emirates vessel in the area. (Editing by Mark Trevelyan) London (AFP) - The man in charge of West Ham United's London Stadium stepped down on Thursday, in the latest episode of upheaval to affect the controversy-plagued venue. David Edmonds has left his post as chairman of the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), which has been responsible for the running of London's Olympic Park since the 2012 Olympics. It comes after London mayor Sadiq Khan announced an investigation into the rising cost of converting the arena, formerly known as the Olympic Stadium, for use by Premier League club West Ham. "David has made an enormous contribution to the legacy of the London 2012 Games and he has helped to steer the organisation through some extremely challenging issues," said LLDC chief executive David Goldstone. "We thank him for all his hard work and wish him well in the future." The LLDC did not directly cite Khan's inquiry as the reason for Edmonds's resignation. He had been the organisation's chairman since September 2015. The cost of modifying the stadium has risen from 272 million pounds ($336.8 million, 303.5 million euros) to 323 million pounds. West Ham pay 2.5 million pounds per year in rent to play there, having also made a 15 million pounds contribution to the conversion project. The east London club won the right to play at the stadium in March 2013 and played their first game there last August, after 112 years at Upton Park. But early fixtures at the ground have been marred by violence between fans, most recently during last week's League Cup victory over London rivals Chelsea. Back in my early days rooted in the Boston hip-hop scenesometime between fall 2011 and spring 2012I stumbled across a local rapper named Avenue. It was in a cypher on YouTube featuring five Boston artists, and in my eyes, he was the definitive standout. Avenue's rhymes were raw and confident, delivered with the self-assurance of a veteran but the hunger of a new kid on the block, and it was clear through just the brief set of bars that there were entire stories to be told behind each of them, and that his intrinsic understanding of street life could serve as the backbone of a fruitful career. After a bit of digging, I uncovered some of Avenue's early music and found it to be just as compelling as his cypher performance. I reached out to him for a project I was working on at the time, and from just one conversation, the music came all the way to life, and my first impressions of the rapperwise, eloquent and slick-tonguedwere confirmed. Within a year of that meeting, he released his debut mixtape Words Speak Life, which established a solid foundation locally, and following a short hiatus that came with the birth of his son in 2014, Avenue returned with his second full-length project, The Chandelier View. His presence in Boston has been unwavering for years, but with a new album set to release next month, all signs are pointing to a newly poised, refocused Avenue making a splash well beyond the city. The first single off Mass Ave & Lenox entitled "Party's Over (Ringing Off)," dropped in October with accompanying visuals, and both the song and video find Ave right back where he started, "in the hood like I ain't never leaving," offering an unfiltered view of the South End streets where he grew up and the not always pretty life that comes along with it. Today, we are premiering the album's second single "Nobody" featuring Smoke DZA and Boston's Deon Chase, a frequent collaborator of Avenue's. Get familiar with Avenue below, and look out for Mass Ave & Lenox in December. Story continues What's been the biggest change from your approach in the past? You've been at it for a few years, but there seems to be a whole new energy now, what's the difference? This time around I'm just being more patient. I feel like before I rushed the rollouts and piecing things together, and I wasn't paying as much attention to details as I should have been. I was still fairly new and learning. I think I'm at a point now where after doing it for a little while, I've found a sound that I'm very, very comfortable with, that I feel like I've perfected. My wordplayI feel like I've just gotten stronger. I've gotten better and I've worked for that. Long studio sessions, writingI wanted to be real descriptive this time around. I wanted to create something that makes you feel like you're walking around this city, like you can smell it and feel it. Why did you decide to start with "Party's Over," and what's special to you about it? The content, the beat, everything. The way that the tape is laid out, there's a point where there's more of a party vibe, and then it ends, and there's regular everyday shit when you live in the hood. No matter what you do you try to enjoy yourself, but at any given time something could go bad. But once I heard the beat, it struck a specific emotion with me. I had been gone for a while and I felt like I had to answer people's questions, and this was the perfect reintroduction. Compared to The Chandelier View, this is way more aggressive and direct, the beats are harder, they knock. I wanted to create something that makes you feel like you're walking around this city, like you can smell it and feel it. Talk about Mass Ave & Lenox a bit. How would you explain the meaning of that title to someone that doesn't know anything about Boston? Mass Ave and Lenox are two streets, where I grew up at located in the South End Lower Roxbury section of Boston. You know, growing up in the south end it's the best of both worlds. There's million dollar brownstones, but within the mix is poverty, low income housing, Section 8. With Mass Ave and Lenox specifically, we wanted to create something that represented home, I wanted to make it something that was also personal to me. So a lot of these stories are very personal, very direct, they're all real, it's all based on true events. I'm speaking about situations with my friends, things that I've been throughjust this past March my neighborhood was raided, so a lot of this came from emotions from that. And I was at a point where I'm like, how much longer can I get lucky? I put everything into this. And most importantly, I haven't been able to move around as much because of the baby, so I've been almost forced to do things from home. So that's another thing behind the title, I'm doing it from home, from the backyard. You talked about finding your sound, a bit about harder beats, but overall from the whole project what can people expect to get from it? Storytelling. Storytelling, man. Front to back, you'll feel this a lot. I feel like a lot of the songs are very vivid and direct. If you close your eyes, you can see it. There are so many different stories of Boston emerging now. To sum it up, what is your Boston story and what are people going to learn from you? I think people are automatically gonna get somebody that's been through a lot, and regardless of it just kept pushing through. I think a lot of people are going to identify with the content and recognize and appreciate that I went through it, and that I went back and studied the lifestyle and the genre from way before my time to get here. Continue Reading On PigeonsandPlanes More from PigeonsandPlanes (Adds details of plan, company and industry background) By Tatiana Bautzer and Guillermo Parra-Bernal SAO PAULO, Nov 3 (Reuters) - PDG Realty Empreendimentos e Participacoes SA is considering filing for bankruptcy protection should banks refuse to pump fresh cash into the debt-laden Brazilian homebuilder or refinance maturing obligations, a person directly involved in the process said on Thursday. The potential move comes after PDG Realty announced in a securities filing on Thursday that Chief Executive Officer Marcio Trigueiro and Chairman Gilberto Sayao relinquished their posts. PDG Realty has hired RK Partners Assessoria Financeira e Gestao de Recursos Ltda to work on a new restructuring plan. PDG Realty could not immediately be reached for comment. Trigueiro will be replaced by Vladimir Ranevsky, who will also assume the position of chief financial officer. The person said the sudden board and management shuffle came as financial creditors assessed that Rio de Janeiro-based PDG Realty had lost the ability of negotiating a restructuring deal with them. The person requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. Once the country's largest homebuilder by revenue, PDG Realty would be the second Brazil homebuilder to file for court protection in the past two months. The situation reflects the problems facing homebuilders, many of whom have been forced to consider painful reorganizations in the wake of soaring cancellations, record defaults and high borrowing costs. At the end of June, the company had gross debt totaling about 5.5 billion reais ($1.7 billion) and about 270 million reais in cash and equivalents. In August, PDG Realty - itself the byproduct of a series of mergers - announced a plan to restructure 4 billion reais with local lenders including state-controlled Banco do Brasil SA and Banco Bradesco SA. PDG Realty had previously hired investment bank Rothschild & Co and law firms E Munhoz Advogados and Machado Meyer as restructuring advisers. Story continues HEADWINDS Shares, which have plunged 25 percent over the past three months, shed 2.2 percent to 2.68 reais on Thursday. PDG Realty struggled with integration and cost overruns almost since Sayao spearheaded the purchase of smaller rival Agre Participacoes SA in May 2010. PDG Realty, which is majority-owned by Sayao-led investment firm Vinci Partners, has posted 15 quarterly losses over the past five years. Headwinds stemming from the harshest recession in Latin America's No. 1 economy in eight decades led to rapid cash burn at PDG Realty, which had to postpone 15 of 35 projects under construction. Viver Incorporadora & Construtora SA filed for bankruptcy protection on Sept. 16, becoming the first homebuilder in Latin America's largest economy to seek an in-court reorganization. ($1 = 3.2563 reais) (Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Matthew Lewis) London (AFP) - A High Court ruling Thursday that the British government cannot begin divorce proceedings from the European Union without parliamentary approval has added further confusion to the bewildering implications of Brexit. Here are key things known about the Brexit process, and the issues that remain shrouded in doubt. - KNOWNS - - Britain will leave the EU - Prime Minister Theresa May's office reacted to the court's decision by stressing the "government is determined to respect the result of the referendum" while opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he "respects the decision of the British people", despite nearly all his lawmakers being against Brexit. The ruling allows lawmakers, technically, to delay indefinitely the triggering of Article 50, which starts the break-up process, but such a move would be highly unlikely given the weight of public opinion. - UK plans immigration curbs - May last month insisted that Britain would no longer accept the free movement of people to and from the EU on Brussels' terms, and also pledged to repatriate legal powers. "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," she told her Conservative Party's conference. - Economy defies expectations - Confounding economists, Britain's economy has grown solidly since the June referendum, household spending has grown faster than expected, while the housing market has remained resilient. "For households, the signs of an economic slowdown are notable by their absence," Bank of England chief Mark Carney said Thursday while announcing an upward revision of growth predictions for next year. - UNKNOWNS - - Parliament not sure to vote - The government immediately announced it would challenge the High Court ruling, taking the case to the Supreme Court early next month. If successful, the government will be able to trigger Article 50 as planned, without a parliamentary vote. Story continues - Timing of Article 50 - May has said she wants to trigger Article 50 between the New Year and the end of March, but the High Court ruling opens the possibility of lengthy parliamentary debates and complications in enacting legislation. However, May insisted that the government remained committed to its deadline, despite the ruling. - 'Soft' or 'hard' Brexit - May has revealed little about what Britain will ask for during Brexit negotiations, but her vow to curb immigration and repatriate legal powers suggested she favoured a "hard Brexit", which would mean Britain leaving the EU's single market. Japanese carmaker Nissan's recent announcement that it would continue to invest in its British plant due to government assurances led to speculation that the government was seeking an industrial sector-by-sector trade deal. Pro-EU politicians have demanded that they get a say on the negotiating terms, and could use the High Court ruling as a basis for demanding more information on the government's strategy and a softer stance in return for approving Article 50. - Result of a parliamentary vote - Ahead of the referendum, pro-EU lawmakers outnumbered pro-Brexit counterparts by more than three to one, and they could easily frustrate the government's plans to trigger Article 50. But it remains to be seen whether enough MPs will be prepared to defy the will of their constituents and vote against the government. - An early election? - May could decide to call an early general election and expose pro-EU MPs -- many of whom lead constituencies that voted for Brexit -- to public opinion. Bookmakers slashed the odds of a 2017 general election to 2/1. - Long-term economic prospects - While the short-term economic data are encouraging, Carney announced that growth forecasts had been downgraded for 2018, when business investment and uncertainty are expected to bite. The court case is "an example of the uncertainty that will characterise this process", he warned. Critics point out that Britain is at least two and a half years away from actually leaving the EU, when any new trade, immigration and other arrangements would come into force. Topping a list of ten that includes "mic drop," "hygge" and "sharenting," the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union has produced a word which is "arguably politics' most important contribution to the English language in over 40 years." Dictionary publisher Collins has noted an "unprecedented upsurge" in usage of the word "Brexit" in 2016, prompting it to pronounce it Word of the Year for 2016. "'Brexit' is arguably politics' most important contribution to the English language in over 40 years, since the Watergate scandal gave commentators and comedians the suffix -gate' to make any incident or scandal infinitely more compelling," said Helen Newstead, Collins' head of language content. "'Brexit' is proving even more useful and adaptable." Also included in Collins's ten-word roundup are "Mic drop" -- a theatrical gesture in which a person drops (or imitates the action of dropping) a hand-held microphone to the ground -- as well as "hygge," a concept of Danish origination relating to a form of cosiness rooted in community and tradition. "Sharenting" refers to the habitual use of social media to share news, images and media of one's children, Collins said. Meanwhile "FOMO" -- fear of missing out -- has now led to 2016's "JOMO" or "joy of missing out." For a full list and definitions, see collinsdictionary.com/word-lovers-blog The follow-up to Bridgit Mendler's excellent Kaiydo-assisted single "Atlantis" has finally arrived. Mendler's new song, a simmering breakup track called "Do You Miss Me At All," is the second single from her forthcoming Nemesis EP, which is set to be released on November 18. The two singles mark a massive departure from Mendler's previous, pop-oriented sound. Over a sultry bass line, sharp percussion, and a swirling synth pad, Mendler sings wistfully about lost love. Her vocal prowess is on full display throughout the song, showing itself in the form of soaring harmonies, impressive runs, and a unique tone quality. "I wrote 'Do You Miss Me At All' while I was driving around Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, missing a boy," Mendler says of the emotionally charged lyrics. "Missing someone can be a solitary feeling. You don't always know that the person on the other end feels the same way. This song was my way of coping with the radio silence!" Stream Mendler's cathartic new track below, and check out her upcoming tour dates below the song. Revisit our interview with her here. North American Tour Dates: 11/15 - Echoplex - Los Angeles, CA 11/18 - Rickshaw Stop - San Francisco, CA 11/29 - Babys All Right - New York, NY Continue Reading On PigeonsandPlanes More from PigeonsandPlanes LONDON (Reuters) - Britain could still change its mind about Brexit after triggering its formal divorce talks with the European Union, the man who drafted Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty told the BBC. Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will invoke Article 50 by the end of March, kicking off two years of divorce negotiations. "You can change your mind while the process is going on," John Kerr, a former British ambassador to the EU who drafted Article 50, told BBC TV. "During that period, if a country were to decide actually we don't want to leave after all, everybody would be very cross about it being a waste of time," he said. "They might try to extract a political price but legally they couldn't insist that you leave." The High Court will rule on Thursday whether May has to get parliament's approval before triggering Article 50, which both the claimants and the government have said is irreversible once invoked. Attorney General Jeremy Wright, the government's top lawyer, told the High Court last month that a notification invoking Article 50 - probably with a letter from May - was irrevocable. Kerr, who the BBC said was advising the Scottish government, said that Article 50 was "not irrevocable". If Article 50 could be revoked, Britain's Brexit negotiations could be follow a significantly different path. Kerr wants either parliament or the public - through an election or a second referendum - to revisit the decision to leave the EU in a year to 18 months time, the BBC said. He added that if Scotland were to vote for independence, they would probably get membership of the EU pretty quickly. "I think that when independent the Scots could apply and probably get in pretty quickly through the door marked accession," he said. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Sarah Young) LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's gaffe-prone foreign minister Boris Johnson seemed to compare Britain's exit from the European Union to the 1912 sinking of the ill-fated Titanic cruise liner, saying Brexit would be a "titanic success". Johnson, who is known in Britain and beyond for his often-outlandish persona and disheveled mop of platinum hair, made the remark while presenting an award to former finance minister George Osborne at the Spectator Parliamentarian of the Year Awards. "Brexit means Brexit, and we're going to make a titanic, er titanic success of it," Boris, who campaigned for Brexit, said, according to a recording of the speech posted by the Spectator's editor. After being informed that he had used the word "titanic", Boris told the audience that a Titanic exhibition in Northern Ireland was the most popular tourist attractions of the province. It was unclear why the exhibition was important. Boris then clarified the remark by saying: "We are going to make a colossal, a colossal success of Brexit." Prime Minister Theresa May's appointment of a man who in the run-up to the referendum compared the goals of the EU to those of Adolf Hitler and Napoleon caused consternation in European capitals. Johnson originally made his name as an EU-bashing journalist in Brussels, then entered politics in the Conservative Party while also raising his profile through a series of appearances on a television comedy. Johnson drew accusations of racism during the Brexit campaign by suggesting in a newspaper article that U.S. President Barack Obama, whom he described as "part-Kenyan", was biased against Britain because of an "ancestral dislike of the British empire". He also drew the ire of Russia last month when he said he would like to see demonstrations outside its embassy in London. Russia said the comments were shameful, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault questioned the wisdom of Johnson's remark about a demonstration. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge, editing by Larry King) By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) - A British court ruled on Thursday that the government needs parliamentary approval to start the process of leaving the European Union, potentially delaying Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plans. The government said it would appeal against the High Court ruling and Britain's Supreme Court is expected to consider the case early next month. A spokeswoman for May said the prime minister still planned to launch talks on the terms of Brexit by the end of March and added: "We have no intention of letting this derail our timetable." The pound, which fell sharply after Britons voted to leave the EU by 52 to 48 percent on June 23, rose after the ruling. Many investors took the view that lawmakers would now be able to temper the government's policies, making it less likely that the government would opt for a "hard Brexit" -- a scenario in which it prioritises tight controls on immigration over remaining in the European single market. The High Court ruled that the government needs parliament's backing to trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, the formal step needed to start the process of exiting the bloc. "The most fundamental rule of the UK's constitution is that parliament is sovereign," said Lord Chief Justice John Thomas, England's most senior judge. Thomas and two other senior judges did not spell out in their ruling whether the government would need to pass a new law to begin the divorce proceedings, but Britain's Brexit minister David Davis said this was likely if the Supreme Court upheld the decision. "The judges have laid out what we can't do and not exactly what we can do, but we're presuming it requires an act of parliament," Davis told BBC TV. UNCERTAINTY Parliament could in theory block Brexit as most lawmakers (MPs) supported staying in the EU in a referendum in June. But few observers expect that outcome, and a Reuters survey last month suggested MPs would back Brexit now. Even so, the court ruling makes the already daunting task of taking Britain out of a political and trading club it joined 43 years ago even more complex. "The negotiations haven't even yet begun. There will be uncertainty, there will be volatility around those negotiations as they proceed, and I would view this as one example of that uncertainty," Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said. Economists at Deutsche Bank told clients May had been weakened by the ruling and was likely to have to call a general election next year. But May's spokeswoman dismissed the suggestion. "Our position has been clear that there shouldn't be an election before 2020 - that remains the prime minister's view," she told reporters. Trade minister Liam Fox told parliament the government was disappointed by the ruling but the government remained "determined to respect the result of the referendum". May had said she did not need parliament's approval for triggering Article 50 under a historical power of "royal prerogative" where ministers act on behalf of the monarch. The High Court rejected that argument and the judges granted the government permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, Britain's highest judicial body, which has set aside Dec. 5-8 to deal with the case. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition Labour Party, said his party respected the outcome of the referendum but that the government's negotiating strategy needed parliamentary scrutiny. Dominic Grieve, lawmaker from May's ruling Conservatives and a former British attorney general, said passing legislation to trigger Article 50 need not delay the process. "It doesn't necessarily mean that it would hold it up for a very long time," he told BBC TV. "PROCESS NOT POLITICS" Investment manager Gina Miller, the lead claimant in the legal challenge, said the case was about "process, not politics" and rejected accusations from opponents, including May herself, that they were subverting democracy. "One of the big arguments (in the referendum) was parliamentary sovereignty," she told reporters. "So you can't on the day you get back sovereignty decide you're going to sidestep or throw it away." Some Brexit supporters said the ruling was "disgraceful". "Our democracy is being damaged by an elite band of people in the legal system," Richard Tice, co-chairman of the Leave Means Leave campaign. "A vote in Parliament is wholly unnecessary, time consuming and betrays the democratic will of the people." Nigel Farage, head of the anti-EU party UKIP, said on Twitter that he feared the ruling could turn into an attempt to scupper Brexit altogether. "I worry that a betrayal may be near at hand," he said, warning that attempts to block or delay triggering Article 50 would anger the British public. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker declined to comment on Thursday's ruling but said he would be speaking to May by telephone on Friday. EU leaders have been frustrated by the mixed messages they say they have received from London since the June referendum, and senior parliamentarians in Germany warned Britain against further delays in spelling out its Brexit strategy. "What cannot happen is that the government uses this new situation as an excuse to delay Article 50 further," said Axel Schaefer, deputy parliamentary leader for the Social Democrats, who are part of Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing coalition. "We need clarity by the end of March. If we don't have that, the other 27 EU governments must have the courage to decide things on their own." (Additional reporting by Andy Bruce, Kylie Maclellan, Sarah Young and Costas Pitas, writing by Estelle Shirbon, editing by Guy Faulconbridge, Timothy Heritage, Anna Willard) ADB confirms $120m support for SSDP A week after the Ministry of Education endorsed multi-billion School Sector Development Plan (SSDP), the Asian Development Bank has approved Rs 12.81 billion ($120 million) loan and Rs 534 million ($500,000) in grant for the implementation of the project aimed at enhancing the quality of education. Bruker Corporation BRKR reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 32 cents in the third quarter of 2016, which exceeded the year-ago figure by 63.2%. Adjusted EPS was also way ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 20 cents. Excluding one-time adjustments, Bruker reported net income of $46.5 million or 29 cents per share in the third quarter, exhibiting year-over-year growth of 294% or 314.3%, respectively. Revenues in Detail Bruker reported revenues of $393.9 million in the third quarter, down 0.6% year over year. The top line, however, edged past the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $393 million. While the Jordan Valley acquisition boosted Bruker's third-quarter revenues by 1.6%, foreign exchange rates had a 0.2% positive impact. Excluding these, Bruker's organic revenues declined 2.4% on a year-over-year basis. BRUKER CORP Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise BRUKER CORP Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | BRUKER CORP Quote Geographically and currency adjusted European revenue declined in the high teens during the third quarter primarily on poor performance in Germany due to academic and government funding weakness. Sales from North America sales were up in the high single-digits while Japan was up in the low single-digits. China revenue increased in low teens during the quarter. Margin Trends Adjusted gross margin in the reported quarter expanded 280 basis points (bps) to 48.9%, owing to the companys improvements in its BIOSPIN Group, Optics, Nano Surfaces and semiconductor metrology businesses within CALID and NANO Groups. However, these positives were marginally neutralized by the lower Nano and CALID volume observed in the third quarter. Selling, general & administrative expenses increased 0.7% to $96.8 million, while research and development expenses rose 10.5% to $37.9 million. Adjusted operating income surged 36.1% year over year to $50.5 million. The adjusted operating margin expanded 345 bps to 12.8% in the quarter. Story continues Financial Position Bruker exited the reported quarter with cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $441.5 million compared with $420.4 million at the end of second-quarter 2016. Year-to-date net cash flow from operating activities was $40 million, compared with $79.6 million of net cash flow recorded in the year-ago period. Free cash flow was $14 million at the end of the last nine months, compared with free cash outflow worth $56.8 in the prior-year quarter. This decline was primarily due to increased working capital. During the reported quarter, Bruker repurchased 1.2 million shares for $25.9 million. At the end of the third quarter, the company was left with approximately $60.5 million of the remaining authorization to buy back shares. Guidance Bruker updated its guidance for full-year 2016. Management currently expects its reported revenue in 2016 to decline approximately 1% from 2015 (a reduction from the earlier expectation of flat performance compared to the prior year). The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2016 revenues stands at $1.63 billion. The company also expects its adjusted operating margin to increase by approximately 100 bps or more year over year (75100 bps projected earlier). However, on the bottom-line front, Bruker raised its adjusted EPS projection for 2016 to the range of $1.07$1.11 from the earlier band of 97 cents to $1.02. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2016 EPS stands at $1.00, much below the companys guidance. Our Take Bruker ended the third quarter of 2016 on a mixed note. The companys quarterly earnings were much ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Revenues edged past the mark but declined on a year-over-year basis. Further, organic revenues suffered a formidable decline, adding to our woes. The reduced revenue guidance also indicates a gloomy operating scenario down the line. On a brighter note, the company exhibited a solid cash balance position on the back of improved free cash flow compared to the prior-year period. Further, a comparatively better performance delivered by Brukers BioSpin group, optics and semiconductor metrology businesses as well as margin recovery observed in the Bruker Nano-surfaces business, encourage us. Evidently the cost-reduction action previously adopted by the company in its Nano-surfaces business played its role suitably. Zacks Rank & Other Key Picks Bruker currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked medical stocks are GW Pharmaceuticals plc GWPH, Baxter International Inc. BAX and Bovie Medical Corporation BVX. All these stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. GW Pharmaceuticals surged 63.2% year to date compared to the S&P 500s 2.6% over the same period. The companys four-quarter average earnings surprise is 41.6%. Baxter international rallied 24.4% in the past one year, as against the S&P 500s 0.2% decline. It has a trailing four-quarter average positive earnings surprise of 27%. Bovie Medical recorded a 162.6% gain in the past one year, above the S&P 500s 2.4%. The company has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 6.3%. Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report BRUKER CORP (BRKR): Free Stock Analysis Report BAXTER INTL (BAX): Free Stock Analysis Report GW PHARMA-ADR (GWPH): Free Stock Analysis Report BOVIE MEDICAL (BVX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research There are two death penalty initiatives on the ballot: Prop 62, which would end the practice, and Prop 66, which essentially would fast-track it, shortening the time inmates have to appeal. If both propositions pass, the one that receives the most "Yes" votes will become law. Actor Bryan Cranston has been a vocal proponent of Prop 62, so The Hollywood Reporter asked him to explain his stance on the two competing bills. Why do you support Proposition 62? Since the discovery and acceptance of DNA technology in criminal prosecution, several prisoners - each and every year - on death row have been scientifically proven to be innocent and given their freedom. Proposition 62 would eliminate the horror of mistakenly putting an innocent person to death. Prop 62 would make the severest penalty for those found guilty to be life in prison without the possibility of parole. Furthermore, Prop 62 has a provision that makes prisoners pay restitution to their victims. And finally, Prop 62 would save the state of California millions of dollars each year! That's right. Voting Yes on 62 would save taxpayers millions! Read more: Ron Jeremy Urges "No" Vote on California's Condoms-in-Porn Law Why is this an issue people in Hollywood should care about? It's not just an issue that should concern the Hollywood community, but that should concern all Californians. There are no take-backs when it comes to human life. What's your stance on Proposition 66? Proposition 66 was drafted to limit the appeals process in death penalty cases to a maximum of five years. What this provision would do if passed by the voters is hasten the culling of prisoners on death row. It would literally be a grave mistake in my opinion. It not only limits due process under the law for appeals, it does nothing to protect against the worst injustice imaginable: the very real possibility of sending a wrongly convicted person to his or her death. Is there anything else concerning California's death penalty that you feel is important for voters to think about? Yes. It's critical for voters to avoid confusion on the two propositions that deal with the death penalty. Vote NO on 66 - 62 is the one for YOU! A version of this story first appeared in the Nov. 11 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. Police in Burma said they will soon begin arming and training civilians as part of ongoing counterterrorism operations in the countrys conflict-torn western Arakan state, after a deadly attack on border patrol officers last month. The government attributed the attacks to suspected militants belonging to the Muslim Rohingya community. Senior state police officials told Reuters that non-Muslim residents in the states north will be given weapons and other equipment, like police. Training will reportedly begin on Nov. 7 for some 100 initial recruits in the state capital Sittwe, Police Captain Lin Lin Oo told the news agency. Most of the population in northern Arakan is Rohingya, a stateless Muslim minority that is considered one of the worlds most persecuted peoples. The area is also home to ethnic Arakanese, also known as Rakhine, who are predominantly Buddhist. Human rights monitors and members of the Rohingya community said that the move to arm Buddhist civilians could escalate tensions in the region, which has seen its deadliest month since a rash of riots in 2012 that overwhelmingly affected Muslims. Read More: The Military Continues to Search for Suspected Jihadists in Western Burma On Oct. 9, armed militants reportedly ambushed three border patrol posts in Maungdaw township near Burmas border with Bangladesh. Nine policemen and eight of the assailants died in the coordinated attack, according the government. Much of the states north was immediately put on lock down as authorities searched for some 400 suspected militants; humanitarian aid was suspended and independent media was not allowed. According to government figures, 33 suspects have been killed in the counterterrorism operations since Oct. 9. U.N. officials and U.S. diplomats have called for an investigation into allegations that the military has abused civilians in the operating zone. Eight Rohingya women reportedly said they were raped by soldiers, as allegations also emerged of villages being razed and Muslims being extra-judicially killed. Story continues Read More: Rohingya Women Raped at Gunpoint in Burma Army Sweep for Suspected Jihadists, Report Says The plan to create a peoples militia was floated in state-controlled media last month. A government delegation said residents had asked to be armed and trained because they were afraid of the suspected jihadists. Videos circulated online in recent weeks appear to show a group of Muslim men and boys armed with sticks, swords and guns, though the videos cannot be verified. Reuters said police referred to the new scheme as an auxiliary police force, distinguishing them from army-backed militias that have often clashed with ethnic insurgents throughout the countrys decades-long civil war. Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmas de facto leader, is currently in Japan and has made few public remarks about the operations in Arakan, which are being carried out by the military. Rights advocates have criticized her silence, though some political analysts say the events there have exposed the limits of her authority. Suu Kyis party took office in April, ending decades of military rule, though the army still controls the security, defense and border ministries and wields significant political and economic power. [Reuters] * Conservative PM brings in six new ministers * New, younger team includes five women * Economy minister gets broader role * EU ambassador made foreign minister (Updates with new cabinet named) By Adrian Croft and Jesus Aguado MADRID, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy brought six new ministers into his cabinet on Thursday but opposition leaders said his new team showed no sign of being open to the dialogue his minority government will need to survive. The conservative Rajoy named a new, younger 13-member cabinet, including five women, for his second term after he won a parliamentary confidence vote on Saturday, ending 10 months of political paralysis that included two inconclusive elections. But Rajoy's lineup was strongly criticised by opposition parties, which said it would pursue the same austerity policies as before and seemed disinclined to negotiations Rajoy has promised to win support for his legislation. "It is a government that is not qualified for dialogue," Socialist spokesman Mario Jimenez told reporters. Rajoy retained trusted confidants like Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria, who will take charge of relations with Spain's autonomous regions at a time when the wealthy northeastern Catalonia region plans an independence referendum. He gave an expanded role to Economy Minister Luis de Guindos, handing him the industry portfolio as well, but kept Cristobal Montoro as budget minister, dashing expectations that he might create one powerful economy and finance ministry. The cabinet is drawn mainly from Rajoy's Popular Party (PP), with no gesture to rivals such as appointing a true independent. Unless it can get parties such as the Socialists on board, Rajoy's government will have problems passing its budget and other laws, and analysts say it might not survive a full term. Anti-austerity Podemos, the third biggest party in parliament, also condemned the cabinet, predicting it would push through more public spending cuts. "With this government, the cuts, insecurity and social suffering are going to continue," said Rafa Mayoral, a Podemos legislator. Story continues QUESTIONS ABOUT POLICY COORDINATION Political risk consultants Teneo Intelligence said the continued split between the budget and economy portfolios "bodes badly for the coordination of economic policy and fiscal consolidation." Rajoy, 61, governed with an absolute majority between 2011 and 2015, a period when unemployment peaked at 27 percent and Spain's banks needed a 41 billion euro ($45 billion) European bailout, but he must now adapt to a new political reality. The PP won two elections in December 2015 and June but without a majority. De Guindos is generally respected by his counterparts abroad after steering Spain out of recession and into a strong recovery during Rajoy's first term. The 2017 budget will be one of the new government's top priorities. Spain, the euro zone's fourth biggest economy, needs to shrink its budget deficit to 3.1 percent of output in 2017 from an expected 4.6 percent this year to meet targets agreed with Brussels. That may require 5 billion euros of spending cuts or higher taxes. PP Secretary-General Maria Dolores de Cospedal was given a cabinet post for the first time, as defence minister. Rajoy replaced 72-year-old Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo with Alfonso Dastis, Spain's ambassador to the EU, reflecting Madrid's wish to play a more prominent role on the European stage at a time when there will be negotiations on Britain's exit from the bloc. Rajoy will be able to count on backing from the liberal Ciudadanos (Citizens) party, the fourth-largest group in parliament, on 150 previously agreed measures to tackle political corruption and reform the electoral system. But even with Ciudadanos' backing, Rajoy's PP lacks a majority. (Additional reporting by Sarah White, Inmaculada Sanz, Carlos Ruano and Rodrigo de Miguel; Editing by Mark Heinrich) By Cyril Camu and Pascal Rossignol PARIS/CALAIS, France (Reuters) - French authorities prepared on Thursday to dismantle a makeshift migrant camp in central Paris, its numbers swelled by refugees from a larger settlement in Calais that was meanwhile shut down for good. In twin actions that epitomized Europe's failure to adequately cater for the waves of refugees that have reached its shores since early 2015, the last migrants left the Calais camp while some 3,000 prepared for what might be their last night under canvas near the capital's Stalingrad metro station. In a final operation in Calais after the camp was razed over the past two weeks, demolition teams knocked down a makeshift mosque and church that migrants who dreamed of reaching Britain would worship in. The camp's last inhabitants, some three hundred women and children, were transferred to temporary housing centers across France. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve has said the Stalingrad camp would be torn down by the end of the week. As France gears up for a wide-open presidential election with immigration a hot-button theme on the campaign trail, a ministry insider said that process could begin on Friday morning. The socialist mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, is building two temporary sites to house 1,000 migrants, but wants those at Stalingrad to be sheltered elsewhere first. "There aren't enough places for all of us," said one Afghan migrant who identified himself as Naviid, echoing the concern of others over where they will be sent. A source familiar with the operation to clear the Stalingrad camp said the authorities were having to find 4,000 places. Many of the migrants camped out along Stalingrad's boulevards are Africans fleeing war and poverty. Some arrived in Paris from Calais, other spent time in other European countries and deciding their best chances of a better future lay in France. On one afternoon this week, scores repeated aloud French phrases in an open-air class run by volunteers. "People help us here. They bring us food and clothing," said one Somali migrant who previously spent two years in Denmark. "In Denmark, people didn't much like refugees." (Additional reporting by Pierre Savary in Lille and Mattthias Blamont in Paris; Writing by Richard Lough; editing by John Stonestreet) If you spend your time daydreaming about attending Hogwarts or wishing you could join Harry Potter's squad, Google may have something that will brighten your day literally. You can now cast a "spell" the same way wizards and witches in Potter's world wield their wands to turn your smartphone's flashlight on and off. The good news? It's so easy even muggles can do it. The bad news? You have to have an Android phone. To cast a spell, users can say "Ok Google," and then "Lumos" to turn the phone's flashlight on, or "Nox" to turn the flashlight off. Wannabe wizards can also use the command "Silencio" to silence the phone's ringer and notifications, David Blanar, who christened himself Google's "apprentice magizoologist," wrote in a blog post on the company's website. This magical update is part of a promotion with Warner Bros. Pictures for the upcoming film "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," which debuts Nov. 18 in theaters in the United States. [Now You See It: 6 Tales of Invisibility in Pop Culture] The film is set in the same world created by author J.K. Rowling for the "Harry Potter" books and films, but the storyline occurs decades before Potter begins his wizarding adventures. The plot revolves around the character Newt Scamander, a so-called magizoologist in New York in the 1920s. You can cast a "spell" to turn your Android phone's flashlight on and off. Google Android owners can explore Scamander's world with Google Street View, which features scenes from New York in 1926 as they appear in the film, with comparisons to how these spots look today. Fans of "Fantastic Beasts" can even visit specific locations from the film, according to Google. And using the company's new virtual-reality headset, dubbed Daydream View, users will be able to wave a wand to further explore Scamander's world in virtual reality and help the intrepid magizoologist locate his escaped beasts, Blanar wrote. DayDream View is currently available for pre-order and is slated to be available on Nov. 10. Story continues More information about these fun features is available on Google's "Fantastic Beasts" site. Explore locations from the film "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" using Google Street View. Google Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations By Chris Arsenault KOH SRALAU, Cambodia (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Cambodian officials have promised to investigate problems in the sand mining business following complaints from fishermen that dredgers have been stealing the shore beneath their boats on an industrial scale. "Serious actions" will be taken against anyone inappropriately exporting sand, Cambodia's Ministry of Mines and Energy said in a statement late on Wednesday. The ministry's move came after the release of U.N. trade data compiled by campaigners this week, showing Singapore has imported more than 72 million tonnes of Cambodian sand since 2007. The Cambodian government reported less than 3 million tonnes of sand exports during that period. The discrepancy, worth more than $740 million, led a coalition of campaign groups to call on Monday for an investigation into what has happened to around 69 million tonnes of missing sand. "The amount of illegal mining is massive," said Som Chandara, an activist with Mother Earth, one group questioning the government's accounting of sand exports. "It's making a bad situation for the communities by polluting the water," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation, standing on top of a pile of sand. The Ministry of Mines and Energy pledged to investigate the cause of the difference between the U.N. data and its own. The government maintains it has "completely eradicated lawless sand dredging" but said in a statement posted on Facebook that the industry still "faces some challenges". As cities across Asia expand, and demand for construction materials rises, campaigners say large-scale sand mining has seriously impacted coastal ecosystems and the land itself. MISSING BEACHES "Seven beaches have already disappeared because of the mining," said Louk Pou, a fisherman on Koh Sralau, an island that is a hotspot for sand extraction 300 km (186 miles) west of Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh. "They're just gone and the people can't enjoy them anymore," Pou told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Residents in the village of stilted wooden homes, narrow concrete footpaths and colorful small boats say sand dredging has plunged their once reasonably prosperous fishing community into poverty. Large cranes and barges began appearing in the coastal region of bright green mangrove forests in 2000, Pou said. Before dredgers - licensed to politically connected Cambodian businessmen and often operated by Vietnamese firms - began plunging into the waters to extract sand from the bottom, Pou said he earned more than $50 a day fishing for crab from his small motorboat. Now his daily income is less than $10, and he can no longer afford to send his children to school - complaints echoed by other villagers. "There have been big changes in fish stocks here," said fisherman's wife Neak Sopheap. Dredging machines and sand barges dump their waste directly into the river, fishermen say. They blame "sticky oil", which now covers their nets, for decimating the crab population. "The land has been disappearing and some of the mangrove forests have collapsed," Sopheap said during an interview on the patio of her wooden home jutting into brackish water where a river flows into the sea. Her neighbor, Ek Sophal, nodded in agreement as she mended a plastic fishing net. "Families are borrowing a lot of money and going into debt because there isn't enough fish," Sophal said. "The government needs to stop this dredging." Local media reported on Thursday the government had temporarily halted sand exports by companies that hold valid permits while officials investigate campaigners' allegations. The Ministry of Mines and Energy did not respond to requests for further comment from the Thomson Reuters Foundation. It provided no details of how its investigation into sand mining would be carried out, nor when it would be concluded. Government officials have previously said sand dredging is sustainable and can actually help local ecosystems by preventing landslips. Travel support for this reporting was provided by OpenLandContracts.org, an initiative of the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment. (Reporting By Chris Arsenault; editing by Megan Rowling; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking and climate change. Visit news.trust.org) PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Thursday he wanted U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump to win next week's election because Trump would reduce tension with Russia and be good for world peace. Hun Sen is a self-styled strongman whose has ruled for three decades. He has at times reacted angrily to U.S. concerns about the state of human rights and corruption in Cambodia. Most recently, the United States, European Union and United Nations have expressed concern about rising tension between Hun Sen's government and the opposition ahead of a general election in 2018. "I really want Trump to win," Hun Sen said in a speech to thousands of police officers at police academy ceremony. "If Trump wins, the world will change and may be in a good situation because Trump is a businessman so he doesn't want war ... there can be friendship between Trump and Putin," he said, referring to Russia's President Vladimir Putin. Putin has praised Trump as "very talented", while the Republican candidate has said the Kremlin boss is a better leader than U.S. President Barack Obama. Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton has accused Trump of being too cozy with Putin and questioned his business interests in Russia. Hun Sen, who has met Clinton on several occasions including twice when she visited Cambodia as Secretary of State, criticized the Democrat candidate saying she had advised Obama to launch attacks in Syria. He said the relationship between the United States and Russia may worsen if Hillary won next Tuesday. The then Soviet Union supported Cambodia for a decade after the Chinese-backed Khmer Rouge were driven from power by Vietnamese forces in early 1979. The two countries have recently improved their relationship as Russia has taken steps to re-build ties in Southeast Asia. (Reporting by Prak Chan Thul; Editing by Amy Sawitta Lefevre, Robert Birsel) Ottawa (AFP) - Canada will raise the maximum share groups of foreign investors may hold in its airlines from 25 percent to 49 percent in order to stimulate the industry, the transportation minister said Thursday. The move would "set the conditions for lower fares and increased competition," Marc Garneau said in a speech. "This will lead to more options for Canadians and allow the creation of new, ultra-low cost airlines." The old cap would still apply to individual investors, however. The consumer cost of travel within Canada is among the highest anywhere because of the country's size. The world's second-largest nation by territory, it spans 9,306 kilometers (5,780 miles) from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. The government plans to introduce legislation to bring about the change soon, Garneau said. In the meantime, the former astronaut said he would grant exceptions to allow two upstarts -- Canada Jetlines, which has secured a European partner, and US-backed Enerjet -- to immediately seek out foreign investment. Both ultra-low cost airlines applauded the measures. Canada currently has two national airlines -- Air Canada and Westjet, both profitable -- and a handful of regional carriers. Garneau also promised measures aimed at boosting the quality of airline services, shortening airport security lines, reducing travel fees and clearly delineating minimum compensation for passengers' missed flights and lost luggage. Beyond the rhetoric High-level political visits hopefully set the tone for tangible economic gains (Adds comments from low-cost startups, rewrites top) By Allison Lampert MONTREAL, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Canada will lift foreign investment limits for Canadian airlines to 49 percent from 25 percent, a change that should spur competition and lower fares by encouraging the launch of low-cost airlines, its transport minister said on Thursday. Air Canada shares fell 3.2 percent while WestJet Airlines Ltd slipped 1.4 percent following the news, though analysts said a flood of new low-cost competitors is unlikely given the country's high aviation taxes and charges. Consumer advocates have long complained that limited competition, high fares and airport fees make Canada a comparatively expensive country for air travel. "I expect fares to go down because of competition, and I expect more destination choices for Canadians," Transport Minister Marc Garneau said in Montreal. The rules still prohibit a foreign individual or single group of international investors from owning more than 25 percent of a Canadian carrier. WestJet Chief Executive Gregg Saretsky said the airline was disappointed the Canadian government had not done more to review aviation taxation and aviation infrastructure costs. Air Canada also called on the government to address high Canadian ticket taxes and other fees. Garneau told reporters he would look at airport rents and security fees but made no commitments. STARTUPS WELCOME CHANGE Although the new rules had not yet taken effect, Garneau will allow startups Canada Jetlines and Enerjet to seek additional foreign investment immediately. Enerjet Chief Commercial Officer Darcy Morgan said this will help in its talks with Arizona-based Indigo Partners LLC, whose managing partner Bill Franke is considered one of the most influential investors in low-cost airlines. Indigo was not immediately available for comment. "Enerjet has just found the lift it needs to fly," said aviation industry consultant Robert Mann. Jim Scott, Chief Executive of B.C.-based Canada Jetlines, said the change will help his talks with Asian and European investors to attract an estimated C$50 million ($37.35 million)to start and expand airline service in 2017. Story continues "Now we're able to go back and engage with them seriously," he said. The startups, however, must still contend with the challenges of a higher-cost market in which many carriers have failed. "The difficulty start-ups have had in getting off the ground is not for lack of capital but rather, concerns about the risks of a new ultra low-cost carrier business model," wrote RBC Dominion analyst Walter Spracklin in a note to clients. Delta Air Lines declined to comment on the changes. The U.S. airline has previously expressed interest in Canada, fueling speculation that it could take a stake in WestJet. ($1 = 1.3388 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Allison Lampert in Montreal; Additional reporting by Jeffrey Dastin in New York; Additional writing by David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe, Lisa Von Ahn and Chris Reese) By Allison Lampert MONTREAL (Reuters) - Canada will lift foreign investment limits for Canadian airlines to 49 percent from 25 percent, a change that should spur competition and lower fares by encouraging the launch of low-cost airlines, its transport minister said on Thursday. Air Canada shares fell 3.2 percent while WestJet Airlines Ltd slipped 1.4 percent following the news, though analysts said a flood of new low-cost competitors is unlikely given the country's high aviation taxes and charges. Consumer advocates have long complained that limited competition, high fares and airport fees make Canada a comparatively expensive country for air travel. "I expect fares to go down because of competition, and I expect more destination choices for Canadians," Transport Minister Marc Garneau said in Montreal. The rules still prohibit a foreign individual or single group of international investors from owning more than 25 percent of a Canadian carrier. WestJet Chief Executive Gregg Saretsky said the airline was disappointed the Canadian government had not done more to review aviation taxation and aviation infrastructure costs. Air Canada also called on the government to address high Canadian ticket taxes and other fees. Garneau told reporters he would look at airport rents and security fees but made no commitments. STARTUPS WELCOME CHANGE Although the new rules had not yet taken effect, Garneau will allow startups Canada Jetlines and Enerjet to seek additional foreign investment immediately. Enerjet Chief Commercial Officer Darcy Morgan said this will help in its talks with Arizona-based Indigo Partners LLC, whose managing partner Bill Franke is considered one of the most influential investors in low-cost airlines. Indigo was not immediately available for comment. "Enerjet has just found the lift it needs to fly," said aviation industry consultant Robert Mann. Jim Scott, Chief Executive of B.C.-based Canada Jetlines, said the change will help his talks with Asian and European investors to attract an estimated C$50 million ($37.35 million)to start and expand airline service in 2017. "Now we're able to go back and engage with them seriously," he said. The startups, however, must still contend with the challenges of a higher-cost market in which many carriers have failed. "The difficulty start-ups have had in getting off the ground is not for lack of capital but rather, concerns about the risks of a new ultra low-cost carrier business model," wrote RBC Dominion analyst Walter Spracklin in a note to clients. Delta Air Lines declined to comment on the changes. The U.S. airline has previously expressed interest in Canada, fueling speculation that it could take a stake in WestJet. ($1 = 1.3388 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Allison Lampert in Montreal; Additional reporting by Jeffrey Dastin in New York; Additional writing by David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe, Lisa Von Ahn and Chris Reese) Ottawa (AFP) - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday he is ready to work with whoever becomes the next US president, and predicted "adjustments" in Canada's relationship with its southern neighbor after the election. "Every time the Americans elect a new president there are a certain number of adjustments to be made," said Trudeau, who declined to share with reporters his preference for who should lead the United States, Canada's closest ally and biggest trading partner. "There are going to be changes and there's going to be a need for Canada to reaffirm the issues that are important to Canadians, to our businesses, to travelers and to our place in the world and that's exactly what I'm going to do," he said. Trudeau declined to share his "personal opinions" on the contest. "I'm going to have faith in the American political process," he said. But he added his Liberal government is examining several possible consequences for Canada of either a Clinton or Trump win. Arguably a Trump win would be viewed less favorably by most Canadians. Trump's pledge to scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which binds Canada, Mexico and the United States, has raised concerns. The 1994 accord unites 530 million consumers and represents more than one-quarter of the world's gross domestic product (GDP). In recent months, Trudeau has railed against "isolationism" and "building walls." Although he has not explicitly referenced Donald Trump's populist campaign for the US presidency, he criticized intolerance and politics of fear and division. Days before Tuesday's vote, a new CBS/New York Times poll showed Democrat Hillary Clinton's lead ebbing and Donald Trump winning over some wary Republican voters. Clinton with 45 percent support was only three percentage points ahead of Trump. Ottawa (AFP) - Foreign Minister Stephane Dion said Thursday he would formally ask Saudi Arabia to release jailed blogger Raif Badawi and allow him to rejoin his wife and children living in Canada. Dion made the remarks prior to a meeting with Saudi Arabia's chief human rights official, Bandar Bin Mohammed Al-Aiban. "We will continue to seek clemency from the (Saudi) king for someone who has just expressed his opinion and we will ask that this person, Mr. Badawi, be allowed to reunite with his family," Dion told reporters. Badawi's wife Ensaf Haidar has lived in Canada as a refugee with their three children since her husband's arrest in 2012 and conviction for insulting Islam. He is serving 10 years in jail and has received 50 lashes of a 1,000-lash sentence that caused international outrage. Dion and visiting Saudi Human Rights Commission president Al-Aiban were scheduled to meet to talk about "a full range of human rights issues, including the case of Saudi blogger Raif Badawi," according to the foreign ministry. The pair were scheduled to also participate in a round table on human rights. Ottawa (AFP) - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday vigorously defended Canada's free press, and said he would consider stricter safeguards after it was revealed that police spied on at least eight journalists. Trudeau said Canadians are rightly concerned after Montreal and Quebec provincial police were found to have monitored the communications and movements of reporters at several news organizations. It is "troubling for all Canadians," he said, "because not only is freedom of the press important, it's one of the foundational safeguards of a free democracy, of a free society," Trudeau declared. On Monday, La Presse journalist Patrick Lagace said he learned the police had been tracking his texts and movements through his smartphone's GPS. Police wanted to know the reporter's contacts and whether they may have information about open cases, as well as who within the force might be leaking information to the media. And they did so with judicial authorization, obtaining no less than 24 warrants to snoop on Lagace. Others came forward throughout the week with similar accusations. The revelations prompted strong protests from officials, press freedom advocates and the media, with a group of editors issuing an open letter on Tuesday urging the government to safeguard journalists' right to protect their sources' identities. Trudeau said he spoke with the heads of Canada's federal police and spy service and was assured "there is nothing of this sort happening at the federal level." "We have strict rules in place (against spying on journalists) and I've been reassured that these are being followed," he said. (Reuters) - Saputo Inc , one of Canada's largest dairy producers, reported a 29 percent jump in quarterly earnings on Thursday, more than expected. For its fiscal second quarter, net income rose to C$191.8 million, or 48 Canadian cents a share, from C$148.6 million, or 37 Canadian cents, a year earlier. Revenue during the quarter, which ended Sept. 30, rose 1.9 percent to C$2.8 billion, in line with expectations. Analysts were expecting Saputo to earn 45 Canadian cents per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Saputo's shares eased 0.2 percent to C$47.65 in Toronto. The Montreal-based company, whose brands include Dairyland milk and Armstrong cheese, is among the top cheese producers in the United States and also has significant operations in Argentina and Australia. (By Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Editing by James Dalgleish) Montreal (AFP) - The number of Canadian journalists known to have had their phone records monitored by the police grew to seven on Wednesday following the latest confirmation that authorities tracked reporters' calls. La Presse journalist Patrick Lagace said on Monday that he had learned the police in Quebec province were collecting data from his telephone calls during the first months of this year, adding his name to five other known journalists and a seventh whose identity remains unknown. Police monitored Lagace's location using his iPhone's GPS chip and obtained the identities of those with whom he spoke or exchanged text messages during that time, CBC reported. The public broadcaster also said the police had confirmed the monitoring of three of its own journalists' phones, including that of star morning-show host Alain Gravel. The list also includes a Journal de Montreal reporter and a parliamentary correspondent for La Presse. The revelations have prompted strong protests from officials, press freedom advocates and the media, with a group of editors issuing an open letter on Tuesday urging the government to safeguard journalists' right to protect their sources' identities. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday said his government "defends the freedom of the press" and that he would do whatever necessary to ensure it. However, he added that he would wait for the results of ongoing discussions between the Montreal city government and police over the issue before drawing conclusions about the eavesdropping. Lagace said police told him they had obtained warrants to monitor his phone because they believed he was receiving information from the target of an investigation, CBC reported. However, the story in question was actually first reported by another media outlet, prompting him to believe the investigation was actually a thinly veiled attempt to ferret out his sources inside the police department, the broadcaster said. Story continues The Quebec government on Tuesday announced an internal review of three main police departments, condemning the court-authorized monitoring of journalists' phone data. Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre said he maintains confidence in the city's police chief Philippe Pichet, even though he has justified the collection of journalists' phone data by hiding behind the need to "enforce the law." "He has my confidence and we're not going to have a public lynching," the mayor said. Anybody who is upset about a Saturday Night Live skit, you dont want in charge of nuclear weapons, President Barack Obama advised today while campaigning for Hillary Clinton in Miami. This is a guy who, like, tweets, They should cancel Saturday Night Live. I dont like how Alec Baldwins imitating me, Obama joked of a recent Donald Trump Twitter rant. Really? I mean, thats the thing that bothers you and you want to be president of the United States?! Last month, after an SNL episode, in which Baldwin played the GOP candidate, Trump tweeted angrily: Watched Saturday Night Live hit job on me. Time to retire the boring and unfunny show. Alec Baldwin portrayal stinks. Media rigging election! Thats in marked contrast to one year ago, when Trump staunchly defended SNL as the show took heat for booking him to host. It marked the first time in the shows history a presidential candidate had hosted. Back then, Trump described the show as fantastic. And, when Fox News Channels Fox & Friends asked him, in advance of his guest gig, if he thought NBC would dump him in reaction to a MoveOn.org petition seeking to have him yanked, Trump shot back happily, If they want to do the show with one-third the ratings, they might do that. Related stories Dave Chappelle To Host 'Saturday Night Live' On November 12 Stephen Colbert Endorses All Election Conspiracy Theories Donald Trump Destroys Political Norms In Last Days Of Race, Seth Meyers Says London (AFP) - The head of the Roman Catholic Church in England has apologised to young unmarried mothers who were pressured into giving up their children for adoption following World War II. In comments released Thursday, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, said sorry for the "hurt" caused by adoption agencies acting in the church's name. He was reacting to allegations made in an ITV television programme, "Britain's Adoption Scandal: Breaking The Silence", which is due to air on November 9. Nichols apologises in the documentary, in which women speak of their experiences having their babies adopted via the Catholic Church, the Church of England and the Salvation Army charity. "The Catholic Church understands and acknowledges the grief and pain caused by the giving up of a child through adoption," Nichols said. "The practices of all adoption agencies reflected the social values at that time and were sometimes lacking in care and sensitivity. We apologise for the hurt caused by agencies acting in the name of the Catholic Church." Lawyers investigating the issue are calling on Amber Rudd, the interior minister, to launch a public inquiry. "These women were told not to speak about what had happened to them," said lawyer Carolynn Gallwey. "But now they're entitled to have their experiences recognised and the only way to do that is through a public inquiry." The law changed in 1976, giving local authorities responsibility for handling adoptions in Britain. In the three decades before, half a million adoptions took place, mostly of babies born to young unmarried mothers. The majority were overseen by voluntary organisations, which were mostly religious. In 2014, neighbouring Ireland launched a full-scale investigation into controversial Catholic homes for unmarried mothers, following revelations that up to 800 infants died in one such institution over a 35-year period. Thousands of pregnant women were sent to many such homes in 20th century Ireland as the conservative Catholic society at the time ostracised women who became pregnant outside marriage. Bishnuchowk community mourns death of fallen rifleman The community of Bishnuchowk, Dharan, mourned the death of Bimal Tamang, a rifleman in the Indian Army who was killed on Monday in a ceasefire violation from the Pakistani side along the Line of Control in the Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The New York woman who won nearly $43 million at a casino slot machine only to be denied the fortune says she felt "insulted" and "robbed." Read: Man Who Flushed $2.7 Million in Fake Poker Chips Down Casino Toilet Gets 5 Years in Prison Katrina Bookman, a mother of four, might sue Resorts World Casino in Queens after an August incident in which a slot machine she was playing indicated she had won a jackpot of $42,949,642.76. But the casino informed that the machine had malfunctioned and her actual winnings were merely $2.25 and they invited her back to Resorts World for a steak dinner. She declined. "I felt robbed," she told Inside Edition. "I felt insulted." She added that hearing the news was "very hard." The state gaming commission examined the machine and says: The log proved that no prize had been won. The display of $42.9 million was clearly a display malfunction." Read: Woman Met Man at Casino, Then Drugged Him and Stole His Rolex: Cops The commission cited this sign on the machine reading: "Malfunction voids all pays and plays." A casino spokesman said: "Machine malfunctions are rare and we would like to extend our apologies to Ms. Bookman for any inconvenience this may have caused." Her lawyer Alan Ripka told Inside Edition: "If the machine malfunctioned in any way, shape or form, it is not the fault of the patron. They have to make good on what they displayed was the winnings." Watch: Woman Wins $8 Million Jackpot... Before Casino Staff Tells Her the Machine Malfunctioned Related Articles: CBS said Thursday that it earned $1.15 per share in the most recent quarter, up from 88 cents a year ago and 17 cents more per share than Wall Street had anticipated, and some of the credit goes to political advertising. Revenue came in at $3.4 billion while analysts expected $3.34 billion. Last year in the same quarter CBS reported $3.26 billion in revenue. "CBS is clearly knocking the cover off the ball, including revenue and profit growth across every one of our operating segments," said CEO Leslie Moonves. Shares of CBS were rising in after-hours trading. The TV conglomerate's third-quarter results come as the company is analyzing whether it should merge with Viacom. Viacom and CBS, of course, share the same chairman emeritus in Sumner Redstone, who controls both companies via his National Amusements holding company. A bitter power struggle at Viacom resulted in the ousting of Philippe Dauman as CEO, replaced by Tom Dooley, who steps down Nov. 15, to be replaced by Bob Bakish in an acting-CEO capacity. Moonves is probably in line to run a combined CBS-Viacom and, in fact, Bakish's contract stipulates that he'll serve as CEO at Viacom until he is replaced by the board or until "the closing of any business transaction between Viacom and CBS." On a conference call with analysts on Thursday, Moonves said negotiations with Viacom are in the "very early stages" and added: "We will only do a deal if it is in the best interest of CBS and its shareholders." As for political advertising, Moonves said he has seen "spending like we've never seen before," though mostly for down-ballot issues and candidates rather than ads for presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. That said, spending for the presidential election is still up a whopping 74 percent compared to four years ago when Barack Obama beat Mitt Romney. Moonves, though, highlighted spending on propositions in California as being particularly strong, as well as advertising for the Senate race in Pennsylvania, which he said will mark the biggest ad-spend in the history of Senate races. Story continues Moonves said that Stephen Colbert has hit his stride as a late-night TV host during this election cycle, noting he got millions of people to live-stream his video of kittens watching the vice presidential debate. He called James Corden's Carpool Karaoke "brilliant" and said the online videos have been viewed 2 billion times. He promised that next year's Twin Peaks will be "just as provocative and entertaining as the first one," which aired on ABC from 1990-1991. CF Industries CF posted a loss of $30 million or 13 cents per share in the third quarter of 2016, as against a profit of $90 million or 39 cents per share recorded a year ago. Barring one-time items, earnings were 13 cents per share for the quarter, down from 54 cents per share recorded a year ago. However, the figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 5 cents. Sales declined roughly 26.7% year over year to $680 million in the quarter, and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $780 million. Sales declined in the quarter due to reduced average selling prices across all segments. FindTheCompany | Graphiq Segment Review Sales for the Ammonia segment plunged roughly 44.4% year over year to $145 million in the reported quarter. Ammonia sales volumes slumped 13.7% to 505,000 tons year over year due to higher production of urea and UAN at Donaldsonville, LA. Average selling prices declined 35.7% to $287 per ton owing to an increase in global nitrogen supply due to global capacity additions and reduced feedstock costs. Sales for the Granular Urea segment dipped 2.3% year over year to $167 million. Average selling prices per ton for granular urea declined 36% to $203 per ton owing to higher global nitrogen supply, driven by global capacity additions along with reduced feedstock costs. Granular urea gross margin per ton decreased 38.4% to $15 million due to lower average selling prices and higher depreciation along with amortization related to the new Donaldsonville urea plant. Sales in the UAN (urea ammonium nitrate solution) segment dropped 39.3% year over year to $212 million. UAN sales volume slipped 6.6% to 1,350,000 in the quarter due to delays in customer purchasing. UAN gross margin per ton fell due to lower average selling prices and higher depreciation along with amortization related to the new Donaldsonville UAN plant. Sales in the AN (ammonium nitrate) segment surged 28.8% year over year to $103 million. Sales volumes soared 72.6% due to the addition of CF Fertilizers UK sales. AN gross margin per ton rose mainly due to lower production and purchased natural gas costs, as well as lower unrealized net mark-to-market losses. Story continues The Other segments sales fell 20.1% year over year to $53 million. Sales volumes were 31% higher in the reported quarter. Other segment average selling price per ton decreased 39.8% due to $136 per ton due to higher global nitrogen supply driven by capacity additions. Financials CF Industries cash and cash equivalents were $1,554 million, climbing roughly 64.8% year over year. Long-term debt was $5,540 million, inching down 0.9% year over year. Outlook For 2016, the company expects total capital expenditures of about $2.3 billion, of which roughly $1.8 billion will be for the capacity expansion projects and $450 million to $475 million will be for sustaining, improvement and other projects. The company noted that the agricultural outlook for North America suggests sustained profitability at the farm level for corn and soybeans notwithstanding less profitable acreage in the Western Cornbelt and Southeast. Consequently, planted acres for corn are expected to fall to about 88 million acres in 2017 vis-a-vis about 94 million acres planted in 2016. CF INDUS HLDGS Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise CF INDUS HLDGS Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | CF INDUS HLDGS Quote Zacks Rank CF Industries currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). Some better-ranked companies in the basic materials space include Newmont Mining Corporation NEM, New Gold Inc. NGD and Pershing Gold Corporation PGLC all carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here. Newmont has an expected earnings growth rate of 82.8% for the current year. New Gold has an expected earnings growth rate of 483.3% for the current year. Pershing Gold has an expected earnings growth rate of 26.3% for the current year. Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report CF INDUS HLDGS (CF): Free Stock Analysis Report NEWMONT MINING (NEM): Free Stock Analysis Report NEW GOLD INC (NGD): Free Stock Analysis Report PERSHING GLD CP (PGLC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Chelsea Clinton opened up about her parents, the election and Donald Trump during a candid sit-down with Chelsea Handler on Chelsea. During the pre-taped segment (now streaming in full on Netflix), the talk show host asked the former and perhaps future first daughter if she can pinpoint why some voters believe that her mother Hillary Clinton isn't "humanized enough" or is untrustworthy. "It's something that I have wondered about for as long as I've been aware of this disconnect," said Clinton. "I remember even as a little kid in Arkansas, she'd be criticized for being too serious or not feminine enough, or how dare she be tackling education reform instead of just being a traditional first lady of Arkansas. I don't remember a time in my life when she wasn't being criticized full stop and criticized for not being warm enough or empathetic enough." Speaking to the disconnect between her own experience and the perceived opinion, she continued, "What greater sense of empathy and warmth is there then to give your whole life to fighting for women and children and families? And the person that I know is funny and carefree and hilarious." As the only child to Hillary and Bill Clinton - and potentially the only American to have both parents running the White House - Handler wanted to know how she survives the criticism lobbed at her family and mother, namely the rhetoric from Donald Trump. Clinton, however, brushed Trump's impact aside by recounting a lesson she says she learned early on from her mother: "It's important to take serious criticism from serious people seriously, and important to take unserious criticism from unserious people unseriously. For me, her opponent falls quite firmly in the second camp." The response elicited cheers from the watching studio audience. Read more: Glenn Beck: "Trump TV Will Be the Urinal" of a New "Dadaist Movement" Story continues "One thing that's different about this election is the effort to normalize hate speech," Clinton added. "That seems to be one of Donald Trump's main strategies and that I do find really upsetting and offensive. I never want it to feel unexceptional, because I think we should always take exception to what he says about women, minorities, Americans with disabilities, the LGBTQ community." She also relayed how she's never known life to be any different. "In some ways, I'm really lucky - and this is going to sound bonkers, but I mean this with every fiber - I don't remember a time in my life where my mom wasn't being attacked," she said. "I don't remember a time where she wasn't being hammered for what she believes, who she's fighting for and what she is, and also, her gender. This campaign is just the most recent episode in my life and I'm just so proud that my mom keeps going." Her father Bill Clinton, however, does feel the sting. "He is sometimes offended on her behalf, that's probably even a mild way of characterizing it," Clinton admitted. "I always see my parents being more upset when the other is being attacked, even more so than when they are." Read more: Critic's Notebook: Melania Trump's Campaign Speech Goes From Vapid to Unintentionally Hilarious Clinton, now a mother to two (Charlotte, 2, and Aidan, 4 months, with husband Marc Mezvinsky), expressed that she hopes the current contentious election cycle doesn't turn young people off from getting involved and called Nov. 8 "such a clear choice." "I'm just so hyperactively inspired by Mom right now and I think my heart is just going to burst every day," she said "But she's still first and foremost my mom and that's kind of what I feel most." Watch a clip of the interview below and stream the full episode of Chelsea now on Netflix. Nov 3 (Reuters) - Chesapeake Energy Corp said on Thursday it received a request from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, seeking information on its accounting methodology for the acquisition and classification of oil and natural gas properties. The No. 2 U.S. natural gas producer has also received a subpoena from the Department of Justice related to the same issue, the company said in September. A class action lawsuit was filed in a U.S. District Court on Oct. 4 against Chesapeake, alleging violations of securities laws for "purported misstatements" in its public filings, the company said in a regulatory filing on Thursday. Chesapeake said it had engaged in discussions with the DoJ and the SEC. The company said in May it received subpoenas and demands for documents from the DoJ and some state government agencies in connection with investigations into possible violations of antitrust laws relating to the purchase and lease of oil and natural gas rights. Chesapeake had come under scrutiny when former Chief Executive Aubrey McClendon, who helped transform the U.S. energy industry with shale gas, was charged in March with conspiring to rig bids to buy oil and natural gas leases in Oklahoma. McClendon died a day later, when his car slammed into an overpass. Reuters reported in 2012 that McClendon had taken out more than $1 billion in loans using his personal stakes in thousands of company wells as collateral. The U.S. natural gas producer reported a surprise adjusted profit on Thursday, helped by lower expenses, and said it expects to exit the next two years at higher production rates. Exxon Mobil is also being probed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on how the company has valued its oil reserves in the wake of low prices and potential curbs on carbon emissions. (Reporting by Nikhil Subba and Arathy S Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty) SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Support is growing for an independent, left-leaning senator to run for president in Chile's 2017 election, a poll released on Thursday showed, in a race with two ex-presidents. The GfK Adimark poll showed rapidly increasing support for Alejandro Guillier, a journalist turned anti-establishment senator who was little known just a few months ago. When asked who they would choose as president if elections were held this week, 15 percent of 1,056 Chileans surveyed from Oct. 7-27 named Guillier, up from 5 percent in August. Guillier, 63, is gaining on Sebastian Pinera, the top choice with 20 percent of support. Center-right Pinera led the country from 2010 to 2014 and is the favorite to secure the opposition right-wing coalition ticket in the November 2017 election. Support for Ricardo Lagos, a moderate leftist who led Chile from 2000 to 2006, remains low at 5 percent, although his campaign received a boost over the weekend when Isabel Allende, seen as a key rival to represent the governing coalition, said she would not run. Allende, the daughter of deposed socialist leader Salvador Allende, had expressed an interest in running, but her popularity has recently declined. Voters have turned sour on President Michelle Bachelet's government after a series of corruption scandals, an ambitious reform drive that has fallen flat with many Chileans, and weak economic growth. Bachelet's coalition was punished in recent local elections, and abstention was high. But as Chileans have become disillusioned with mainstream politics, Guillier scores highly on trust factors, polls show. Leaving journalism for politics in 2013, Guillier has painted himself as a change from the status quo and a "transition" toward the next generation, a cluster of popular ex-student leaders who are too young to run for the highest office. On his website, operational since Wednesday, Guillier emphasizes rebuilding trust and flags a meeting with former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, a leftist who championed progressive, sometimes unconventional policies. Lagos, a 78-year-old political veteran known for the stand he took against ex-dictator Augusto Pinochet in the 1980s, is conscious of his political legacy and will likely withdraw if he sees a high chance of losing, political scientist Kenneth Bunker tweeted on Thursday. The GfK Adimark poll has a margin of error of 3 percentage points. (Reporting by Rosalba O'Brien; Editing by Richard Chang) Domestic passengers face delays after radar fault Hundreds of domestic passengers experienced severe delays and cancellations at the Kathmandu airport after a radar fault grounded dozens of flights on Thursday morning. No international flights were affected though. Shanghai (AFP) - China and Russia will invest up to $20 billion to develop a long-haul wide-bodied jet, reports Thursday and a company statement said, as Beijing seeks to challenge leading Western manufacturers Boeing and Airbus. The hugely ambitious plan was first agreed between the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and Russias United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), whose products include the Sukhoi Superjet 100, in June when Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing. COMAC said in a statement that the joint venture, to be set up in Shanghai this year, will develop a 280-seat wide-body plane with a range of 12,000 kilometres. That would put it in direct competition with Boeings 787 and the Airbus A350. The project is worth between $13 billion and $20 billion, with each side contributing half, China's state-run Global Times newspaper on Thursday quoted UAC president Yury Slyusar as saying. COMAC has outstanding technology and designs and we will not only cooperate in technology but also in intellectual property, Slyusar told the newspaper at the China Airshow in the southern city of Zhuhai, adding the plane will be 10 percent cheaper than its competitors. According to the companies' websites, the list price of a 280-seat Airbus A350 is $272.4 million, while a 290-seat Boeing 787 costs $264.6 million. Their putative China-Russian rival will make its first flight in seven years' time, COMAC said, with deliveries beginning three years later. But developing commercial aircraft is an advanced technological challenge and previous Chinese aerospace projects have suffered lengthy delays. COMAC said it will keep the project open and select global suppliers that are willing to jointly shoulder risks. Beijing is looking to build up its domestic aerospace industry, with the sector among those highlighted in its Made in China 2025 plan. The country is expected to become the world's largest aviation market, with its travellers taking to the skies in ever-growing numbers. Story continues Airbus estimates China will need nearly 6,000 new planes worth $945 billion in the next two decades, with Boeing's forecast even more optimistic at more than $1 trillion. COMAC is also developing its own single-aisle jet, the C919. It rolled it out last year and even though it has yet to make its first flight COMAC says it has so far received 570 orders from 23 customers. The firm's regional jet, the 90-seat ARJ21, flew its first commercial flight in June after years of delays. China and Russia will invest up to $20 billion to develop a long-haul wide-bodied jet, reports Thursday and a company statement said, as Beijing seeks to challenge leading Western manufacturers Boeing and Airbus. The hugely ambitious plan was first agreed between the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), whose products include the Sukhoi Superjet 100, in June when Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing. COMAC said in a statement that the joint venture, to be set up in Shanghai this year, will develop a 280-seat wide-body plane with a range of 12,000 kilometres. That would put it in direct competition with Boeing's 787 and the Airbus A350. The project is worth between $13 billion and $20 billion, with each side contributing half, China's state-run Global Times newspaper on Thursday quoted UAC president Yury Slyusar as saying. COMAC has outstanding technology and designs and we will not only cooperate in technology but also in intellectual property, Slyusar told the newspaper at the China Airshow in the southern city of Zhuhai, adding the plane will be 10 percent cheaper than its competitors. According to the companies' websites, the list price of a 280-seat Airbus A350 is $272.4 million, while a 290-seat Boeing 787 costs $264.6 million. Their putative China-Russian rival will make its first flight in seven years' time, COMAC said, with deliveries beginning three years later. But developing commercial aircraft is an advanced technological challenge and previous Chinese aerospace projects have suffered lengthy delays. COMAC said it will keep the project open and select global suppliers that are willing to jointly shoulder risks. Beijing is looking to build up its domestic aerospace industry, with the sector among those highlighted in its Made in China 2025 plan. The country is expected to become the world's largest aviation market, with its travellers taking to the skies in ever-growing numbers. Story continues Airbus estimates China will need nearly 6,000 new planes worth $945 billion in the next two decades, with Boeing's forecast even more optimistic at more than $1 trillion. COMAC is also developing its own single-aisle jet, the C919. It rolled it out last year and even though it has yet to make its first flight COMAC says it has so far received 570 orders from 23 customers. The firm's regional jet, the 90-seat ARJ21, flew its first commercial flight in June after years of delays. By Sijia Jiang HONG KONG (Reuters) - China's Lenovo Group Ltd <0992.HK>, the world's largest personal computer (PC) manufacturer by shipments, on Thursday said it returned to profit in its second fiscal quarter, beating analyst estimates, due primarily to gains from an asset sale. Growth in the consumer PC market in particular has been sluggish in recent years as tablet computers and increasingly capable smartphones become widespread. Lenovo is the world's largest PC vendor with a 21.3 percent market share, but its lead over second-ranked HP Inc has shrunk to the narrowest margin since the Chinese firm took the top position in 2013, showed data from researcher IDC. "In the short term, market conditions will remain challenging," Chairman and Chief Executive Yang Yuanqing said in a filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Lenovo aims to maintain leadership in PCs through industry consolidation while building on its mobile and data center businesses, he said. Profit reached $157 million for the three months ended Sept. 30, from its worst-ever quarterly loss of $714 million in the same period a year earlier when Lenovo booked one-off costs to restructure and integrate the mobile business of Motorola. The result, helped by a property disposal gain of $206 million, compared with a Thomson Reuters SmartEstimate of $131 million drawn from the estimates of 14 analysts. Revenue fell 8 percent to $11.2 billion, versus the $11.02 billion analyst estimate. For the first half, net profit was $330 million versus a loss of $609 million a year earlier, while revenue fell 7 percent to $21.3 billion. It said revenue fell 8 percent in its PC and smart device business, 10 percent in its mobile business and 4 percent in its data center. "The Group will develop new smart devices, powered by cloud and enriched with services," Yang said in the filing. "The Group is exploring smart home, smart office, smart healthcare and other areas and leveraging artificial intelligence ... and other new technologies." Lenovo said its global PC shipments declined 3 percent in the first half against a market decline of 4 percent. Lenovo is in talks with Japan's Fujitsu Ltd <6702.T> to explore strategic cooperation regarding the latter's PC business. A potential acquisition of Fujitsu's PC business could help Lenovo consolidate its footing in the global PC market and counter slower growth at home in China, its biggest market, analysts said. (Reporting by Sijia Jiang; Editing by Christopher Cushing) Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for one out of every four deaths each year. Some estimate the costs of heart-related health problems will rise to as high as $3.6 trillion annually within a decade. Cardiovascular problems can lead to heart attacks, which range from undetectable, minor incidents to heart failure and death. The prevalence of heart disease varies considerably across the United States. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed reviewed the incidence of heart attack in 190 U.S. metropolitan areas. We examined the percentage of adults in each area who have been told by a medical practitioner that they have had a heart attack. These data came from 2015 Community Rankings for Incidence of Heart Attack, a report from Gallup-Healthways. Boulder leads the nation as the city where the smallest percentage of adults have had heart attacks. ALSO READ: America's 50 Best Cities to Live Five of the 16 cities with the lowest prevalence of heart attack are in California, while most of the remaining areas are located across the midwest and southwestern United States. In a study tracing heart disease mortality from 1973 to 2010 that was published in March, CDC researchers found that the geographic patterns of heart-related deaths have shifted dramatically. While 40 years ago the highest heart disease mortality was concentrated in the Northeast, death rates have fallen dramatically in the region. Today, the highest concentration has shifted to the South. Dr. Matthew Ritchey, an epidemiologist with the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an email to 24/7 Wall St., The consistent progression southward over the past few decades suggests that the pattern is not random and could be attributed to geographic differences in community-level prevention and treatment opportunities. Gallups report highlighted the heavy toll heart disease takes on individuals, families, and caregivers. Individuals with a history of heart attack are considerably more likely than those who have never been diagnosed to miss work and be admitted to a hospital, for example. The average American reports seven physically or mentally unhealthy days in a given month. Most of the 15 metros with the lowest prevalence of heart attacks report fewer unhealthy days in a month compared to the national average. Story continues Certain behaviors and health conditions are known to increase the risk of heart attack. In the metros with the lowest incidence of heart attacks, these behaviors and conditions tend to be less common. Ritchey noted the prevalence of heart attacks largely depends on the degree of heart attack risk factors a community has, which include poor blood pressure control, high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity. Only three of the 15 metro areas on this list have a smoking rate that exceeds the national adult smoking rate of 17%. Similarly, the obesity rate in just five of the 15 areas exceeds 30%, higher than in most metropolitan areas. A range of socioeconomic factors appear related to a low prevalence of heart attack. High educational attainment in a population often accompanies positive health outcomes. A college degree helps ensure a decent wage -- income needed for medical expenses, accessing exercise venues, alleviating stress from finances, etc. -- and is often directly related to healthy choices that lower the risk of heart disease. To identify the cities where the lowest percentage of adults have had heart attacks, 24/7 Wall St. examined 2015 Community Rankings for Incidence of Heart Attack, a Gallup-Healthways report that reviewed 190 U.S. metropolitan areas. Gallups survey was based on 353,983 telephone interviews with U.S. adults across all 50 states and the District of Columbia and was conducted from January 2, 2014 to December 30, 2015. Participants were asked, Have you ever been told by a physician or nurse that you have had a heart attack? The percentage of adults with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a history of diabetes or depression, as well as the obesity rate also came from Gallup. Median household income, poverty rate, and educational attainment came from the U.S. Census Bureaus 2015 American Community Survey. The smoking rate came from County Health Rankings and Roadmaps. These are the cities with the lowest risk of heart attack. 16. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 2.3% (tied) > Obesity rate: 40.2% > Smoking rate: 14.9% > Median household income: $35,730 The incidence of heart attack in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission is one of the lowest in the nation, with 2.3% of adults reporting they have experienced a heart attack in their lifetime. McAllen area residents also report a relatively low level of excessive drinking, at 14.4% of adults, and a relatively low adult smoking rate of 14.9%. Compared with other cities where relatively few people have heart attacks, however, the McAllen area is otherwise somewhat unique. Being obese can raise blood cholesterol and increase the risk of heart attack, and therefore most cities with low heart attack rates have low obesity rates. Yet, in McAllen, more than 40% of people are obese, nearly the highest obesity rate in the nation. Also, while financial prosperity is usually closely tied to cardiovascular health and good health in general, McAllen residents are not especially wealthy. Nearly one in three people live in poverty, double the national poverty rate. 15. Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 2.3% (tied) > Obesity rate: 23.9% > Smoking rate: 11.2% > Median household income: $80,032 Just 2.3% of adults living in the Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura metropolitan area have experienced a heart attack in their lifetimes. The California areas residents are healthy by other measures as well. They have lower than typical rates of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, and obesity. ALSO READ: The Most Democratic County in Every State Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and the extremely low rate of heart attacks likely helps explain the metropolitan areas extremely low rate of premature death. Just 233 of every 100,000 residents die before the age of 75 from preventable causes, less than half the rate of most major metropolitan areas. 14. Jackson, MS > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 2.3% (tied) > Obesity rate: 30.4% > Smoking rate: 19.5% > Median household income: $46,757 Jackson has one of the lowest shares of adults who have experienced a heart attack in their lifetimes. However, the Mississippi capital does not fit the usual profile of a metropolitan area with an extremely low incidence of heart attacks. For example, 35% of adults report high blood pressure -- a risk factor for heart disease -- higher than most metropolitan areas. Also, slightly more than 30% of Jacksons adults are obese, worse than the majority of major metropolitan areas. Social and economic conditions such as poverty are tied to health conditions such as diabetes and obesity, as well as heart disease. Jackson is also unusual among metropolitan areas with a relatively small share of adults who have had heart attacks in that it is a relatively poor place. The city's 19.4% poverty rate is well above the national rate of 14.7%. 13. San Diego-Carlsbad, CA > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 2.2% > Obesity rate: 22.3% > Smoking rate: 11.8% > Median household income: $67,320 Predisposition for heart disease can be genetic, but a number of healthy behaviors can help reduce the risk of a heart attack. The population of San Diego, which has one of the lowest heart attack rates in the country, is less likely to engage in unhealthy behavior. The area's population reports among the lowest shares of smoking, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles, which are all risk factors heart disease. Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death in the United States, and with a low heart attack rate pointing to generally better heart health among residents, San Diego residents unsurprisingly are more likely to live full lives than those in most metropolitan areas. Just 255 out of every 100,000 area residents die due to preventable causes before the age of 75, much lower than the national rate of 474 premature deaths per 100,000 people. 12. Salt Lake City, UT > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 2.2% > Obesity rate: 24.9% > Smoking rate: 10.1% > Median household income: $65,792 Salt Lake City residents, who report one of the lowest incidence of heart attack among U.S. metro areas, do not engage in many of the healthy behaviors known to increase the risk of heart attack. Just 10% of area adults report a smoking habit, for example, among the lowest rates of any U.S. metro area. While excessive drinking is relatively common even in some of the nations healthier communities, such behavior can certainly still increase the risk of heart problems. In Salt Lake City, just 14.1% of adults report excessive drinking, one of the lowest shares in the country. Economic prosperity can also go a long way toward better health outcomes. Like many other cities with low incidence of heart attack, the median household income in Salt Lake City of $65,792 a year is well above the national median income of $55,772 a year. The citys poverty rate of just 10.2% is also one of the lowest in the country. 11. Kalamazoo-Portage, MI > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 2.2% > Obesity rate: 28.9% > Smoking rate: 16.5% > Median household income: $51,167 Kalamazoo has one of the lowest heart attack rates in the country, although the area lacks some of the characteristics typical of other metro areas on this list. For example, the region has a poverty rate higher than the U.S. figure, and the typical household earns below the U.S. median household income. ALSO READ: The Most Republican County in Each State For several reasons, areas with a high share of college-educated residents also tend to have lower rates of heart disease. A college degree can lead to higher-paying jobs, which in turn allow residents to be able to afford better medical care healthier lifestyle choices. College-educated residents may also be more likely to make informed health decisions. Kalamazoo has one of the higher shares among metropolitan areas of both high school- and college-educated adults. 10. Green Bay, WI > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 2.2% > Obesity rate: 31.0% > Smoking rate: 16.0% > Median household income: $54,847 Several major metropolitan areas in Wisconsin have a relatively low incidence of heart attack, but none as low as Green Bay, where just 2.2% of adults reported experiencing such an event. Green Bay area residents are much less likely to have some risk factors typically associated with heart disease, but much more likely to have others. Compared to other major metropolitan areas, Green Bay adults have among the highest shares of high cholesterol and obesity, but among the lowest shares of high blood pressure and diabetes. Such a low rate of heart attack points to generally good heart among Green Bays population. Possibly for this reason, residents are more likely than those in most metropolitan areas to live a full life. Just 290 residents out of every 100,000 people die each year before reaching the age of 75 due to preventable causes, much lower than the national rate of 474 premature deaths per 100,000 people. 9. Gainesville, FL > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 2.1% > Obesity rate: 25.2% > Smoking rate: 18.3% > Median household income: $46,949 Some metropolitan areas in Florida report very high incidence of heart attack, while others report very low incidence. In North Port and Deltona metro areas, at least 7% of adults report having had a heart attack, one of the higher rates of all the nation's metro areas. Meanwhile, just 2.1% of Gainesville residents report the same, lower than in all but a handful of U.S. metropolitan areas. People living in poverty are at greater risk of heart disease and other potentially preventable conditions as they are less likely to have access to nutritious food, exercise opportunities, and quality health care. Despite this, Gainesville has one of the higher poverty rates in the country, at 21.9%, significantly higher than the national rate of 14.7%. 8. San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 2.1% > Obesity rate: 23.9% > Smoking rate: 12.4% > Median household income: $62,648 Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of heart disease. Less than 25% of adults living in the San Luis Obispo area are obese, one of the lowest proportions in the United States. The percentage of adults with no leisure time to exercise is greater than 20% in the majority of metro areas surveyed by Gallup. In the San Luis area, however, 15% of residents report no leisure time for exercise -- also one of the lower shares nationwide. Financial well-being is closely tied with favorable health outcomes. When it comes to costly medical bills, the two can even be directly related. So, as is generally the case, San Luis Obispo area residents, who are some of the least likely to suffer from a heart attack, are also relatively wealthy. The typical household earns $62,648 a year, higher than the national median income of $55,772 a year. 7. Visalia-Porterville, CA > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 2.0% > Obesity rate: 33.2% > Smoking rate: 15.4% > Median household income: $42,413 Being obese and smoking can increase the risk of heart problems. The Visalia area has nearly the lowest incidence of heart attack of U.S. metro areas. But while the metros smoking rate of 15.4% is below average, its obesity rate of 33.2% is high compared with most major metropolitan areas, and particularly high compared to most cities with low heart attack rates. ALSO READ: States With the Worst Roads Apart from its low heart attack incidence, several social and economic factors in the Visalia-Porterville metro area are uncharacteristically poor compared with healthy communities. For instance, just 14.2% of adults have a college degree, half the national percentage, and 27.6% of people live in poverty, one of the highest poverty rates nationally. 6. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 1.9% > Obesity rate: 19.9% > Smoking rate: 9.1% > Median household income: $101,980 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara is one of only a handful of metro areas with less than 2% of adults reporting having had a heart attack. Heart disease places a heavy toll on individuals. For people with recent heart problems, adopting healthy behaviors associated with cardiovascular health is especially challenging. On the whole, San Jose area residents seem to have healthy habits. Fewer than one in 10 adults are smokers, fewer than one in five individuals are obese, and approximately 15% report no physical exercise -- each among the lowest such proportions of U.S. metro areas. Financial stability can make it considerably easier to stay healthy and meet health goals. Wealthier individuals who do not have healthy habits are still more likely than poorer individuals to survive a heart attack. The typical San Jose area household earns more than $100,000 a year, by far the highest median income of U.S. metros. 5. Austin-Round Rock, TX > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 1.8% > Obesity rate: 24.6% > Smoking rate: 12.3% > Median household income: $67,195 In Austin, just 1.8% of adults have experienced a heart attack in their lifetimes. Obesity and associated medical conditions such as diabetes are among the leading causes of heart disease. In Austin, less than 25% of adults are obese, while in several other Texas metropolitan areas between 30% and 40% of adults are obese. Similarly, only 9.3% of area residents are diabetic, while in several state metro areas more than 15% of adults are diabetic. For a number of reasons, higher educational attainment is tied to lower incidence of heart disease. This may be in part because people with a college degree are more likely to make informed healthy choices. A college degree also tends to lead to higher-paying jobs, which in turn allow residents to be able to afford healthier lifestyle choices and better medical care. In Austin, 42.6% of adults have a college degree, among the highest share of any major metropolitan area. 4. Provo-Orem, UT > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 1.6% > Obesity rate: 22.5% > Smoking rate: 7.0% > Median household income: $65,092 While no one is immune to the possibility of heart disease, certain behavior has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease. Provo-Orems population in many ways reflects the ideals of healthy behavior, which likely explains its extremely low rate of heart disease. The metro area has among the lowest shares of adults reporting sedentary behavior, as well as the lowest rates of both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption of any metropolitan area in the country. Likely at least in part because of the residents healthy behavior, Provo also has among the lowest rates of other health conditions associated with heart disease. Among the 190 metropolitan areas surveyed by Gallup, Provo had among the three lowest rates of high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as the lowest share of adults with high cholesterol. 3. Tallahassee, FL > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 1.5% > Obesity rate: 31.2% > Smoking rate: 18.4% > Median household income: $44,295 Because high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity all increase the risk of heart disease, communities where these conditions and behaviors are common tend to also have a higher incidence of heart attack. In Tallahassee, however, 30.8% of adults report high blood pressure, 18.4% of adults smoke, and 31.2% are obese -- each on the higher end among U.S. metros in general and exceptionally high compared with metros on this list. ALSO READ: 80 Most Infuential Americans Over 80 Yet Tallahassee residents are some of the least likely to have suffered from a heart attack. The low incidence of high cholesterol in the city, at less than 20% of adults, could partially explain the low heart attack incidence. Like other communities with low heart attack incidence, Tallahassee residents are also relatively well educated. More than 35% of adults have at least a college degree, higher than the corresponding national educational attainment rate of just over 30%. 2. Ann Arbor, MI > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 1.3% (tied) > Obesity rate: 28.9% > Smoking rate: 14.3% > Median household income: $61,977 With just 1.3% of adults reporting a history of heart attack, Ann Arbor is tied with Boulder, Colorado for having the lowest incidence of heart attack in the nation. The population of communities with low incidence of heart attack typically also report low rates of conditions and behaviors that lead to heart problems. Ann Arbor is no exception. Of adults in the area, 22% have high blood pressure, 18% have high cholesterol, and just 7.4% have diabetes, each among the lowest levels in the country. Because diabetes causes sugar to build up in the blood, diabetics are considerably more vulnerable to heart attacks compared to people without diabetes. 1. Boulder, CO > Pct. who have had a heart attack: 1.3% (tied) > Obesity rate: 16.4% > Smoking rate: 10.9% > Median household income: $72,009 With healthy eating and exercise habits, the risk of heart attack can be lowered substantially. Such healthy behaviors among Boulder residents likely explain the citys 1.3% incidence of heart attack among adults, tied with Ann Arbor, Michigan for the lowest in the nation. Just 9.4% of adults in Boulder report having no leisure time for physical activity, the lowest percentage of any U.S. metro area and the only city in the country where fewer than one in every 10 adults exercise so little. Avoiding tobacco and staying within the range of a healthy body size decreases the risk of heart disease, and this appears to be especially the case in Boulder. The citys smoking and obesity rates of 10.9% and 16.4% respectively are among the lowest of any U.S. metro. A college degree helps ensure a decent wage -- income for medical expenses, healthier lifestyles, alleviating stress caused by financial hardship, and more. Education is also often directly related to healthy choices that lower the incidence of heart disease. More than 60% of Boulder adults have at least a college degree, the highest share in the nation. Related Articles At a Thursday rally, Hillary Clinton touted Donald Trumps endorsement by a Ku Klux Klan newspaper and condemned the recent arson of a black church in Mississippi. He has spent the entire campaign offering a dog whistle to his most hateful supporters, Clinton said at the rally in Winterville, N.C. You better believe hes being heard loudly and clearly. Donald Trump was endorsed by the official newspaper of the Ku Klux Klan. The Democratic nominee added that the KKK said they place their faith and hope in him. Trump earned that endorsement in the fall issue of the Crusader, a small newspaper that bills itself as the official outlet of the KKK. Trumps campaign disavowed the publications support, which was widely picked up by news articles earlier this week. Clintons attack highlighted her fierce fight to turn out black voters in North Carolina, a state that elected Barack Obama in 2008 but swung back to red in 2012. Obama stumped for her there Wednesday and will return Saturday. The share of black voters casting their ballots early in the state has dropped 5 percentage points from 2008, a sign that they may not come out in the same numbers for Clinton as they did for Obama. At the rally, Clinton was introduced by Mae Brown Wiggins, who choked back tears as she talked of the pain she experienced when she was denied an apartment in a Trump-owned building in the 1970s. Trump and his father, Fred C. Trump, who started the the family real estate business, were sued by the Justice Department for discriminating against potential black tenants. Clinton also brought up a recent arson at a black church in Mississippi and vowed to tackle systemic racism if shes elected. Police are still investigating who painted a pro-Trump slogan on the church before setting it alight. Clinton stopped short of saying Trump inspired the attack, saying only that such an event should not be acceptable in America. What happened to that church in Mississippi yesterday should not be normal, Clinton said. People painted Vote Trump on the side and then they set it on fire. Who would do that to a house of worship? By Emily Stephenson and Amanda Becker CONCORD, N.C./WINTERVILLE, N.C. (Reuters) - Hillary Clinton's supporters nervously eyed opinion polls showing the Democrat with a tenuous lead over Republican rival Donald Trump on Thursday as the White House candidates raced through vital battleground states in a late search for votes. Clinton was leading Trump by 6 percentage points, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found on Wednesday. That was the same advantage she held before FBI Director James Comey sent a letter to Congress last week saying the agency had found a new cache of emails potentially related to its probe of Clinton emails. Other polls have shown a far closer race, fueling Democratic worries about the state of the race just five days before Tuesday's election. Clinton's national lead over Trump eroded to 3 percentage points among likely voters in a New York Times/CBS News poll on Thursday, down from 9 points just two weeks ago. An average of polls compiled by the RealClearPolitics website also showed her lead at 1.7 percentage points on Thursday, well down from the solid advantage she had until late last month. "Im worried that Trump may win," said Nancy Dubs, 83, a retiree in Pittsburgh, who said she was voting for Clinton. "I think its maybe time to have a female president." For Clinton supporters, it has been a quick shift from confidence to anxiety. "I think all of us are a little bit nervous, said Rajnandini Pillai, a professor at California State University at San Marcos, who plans to back Clinton. "It seemed pretty much in the bag a couple weeks ago." Nevertheless, some polls showed Clinton recovering slightly from her slide in the past week. She has maintained her comfortable edge in the Reuters/Ipsos poll and inched back into a 2-point lead over Trump in the latest Washington Post-ABC News tracking poll, which had shown Clinton falling slightly behind Trump earlier this week. President Barack Obama, on the third day of a multi-state campaign trek for Clinton, adopted a sense of urgency before a raucous crowd at Florida International University. "You have the chance to shape history," Obama said. "There are times where history is ... moveable. Where you can make things better or worse. This is one of those moments." The tightening White House race has rattled financial markets as investors weigh a possible Trump victory. Investors have generally seen Clinton as the candidate who would maintain the status quo, while there is more market uncertainty over what a Trump presidency might mean in terms of economic policy, free trade and geopolitics. Global equity prices drifted lower on Thursday as worries about the election weighed on investor sentiment. (GRAPHIC: Race to the White House http://tmsnrt.rs/298mTyD) FOCUS ON BATTLEGROUND STATES With the White House race decided on the Electoral College system of tallying wins on a state-by-state basis, Clinton and Trump are focused on a handful of battleground states. Trump began the day in Florida before heading to North Carolina for two rallies. Clinton was in North Carolina for two rallies. Florida and North Carolina are both must-win states for Trump as he tries to piece together the 270 electoral votes needed to capture the White House. Clinton, who has comfortable leads in big states such as California and New York, could more easily reach 270 votes without winning either state. In Florida, Trump pressed his argument that the controversy over Clinton's use of a private server for her email rather than a government system when she was U.S. secretary of state from 2009 to 2013 was part of a pattern of corruption that made her unfit for the White House. Comey concluded at the end of a year-long FBI probe in July that there were no grounds to bring any charges. His brief letter advising Congress last Friday about the agency reviewing newly discovered emails said they might or might not be significant, but the news was seized on by Trump and other Republicans. Republicans in Congress have already vowed to lead investigations of Clinton's email practices and her family charitable foundation. "She is likely to be under investigation for many, many years. Also likely to conclude in a criminal trial," Trump said in Jacksonville. "This is not what we need in this country folks. We need somebody thats going to go to work." At a later rally in Concord, North Carolina, he said that "the political leadership" at the Justice Department was trying to protect Clinton. Trump's wife, Melania, tried to bolster his standing with women during her first campaign-trail appearance, in a Philadelphia suburb. "We must win on Nov. 8 and we must come together as Americans. We must treat each other with respect and kindness even when we disagree, she said in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. Trump, a New York businessman who has never previously run for political office, has called for a ban on Muslims entering the country, launched his campaign by calling illegal immigrants from Mexico rapists and was captured in a 2005 video that surfaced last month boasting of groping women and making other unwanted advances. At a campaign rally in Winterville, North Carolina, a community where more than a third of the population is African-American, Clinton asked the crowd to imagine life under a Trump presidency. "He has spent this campaign offering a dog whistle to his most hateful supporters," she said. "I just dont believe were at our best when we stoke fear about each other." Not all Clinton supporters were worried about her recent slip in the polls. "Theres nothing I can do about it. With age comes a certain perspective," said Jim Friederichs, 64, a gardener in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. "I know people that are not sleeping well because theyre worried about the election but jeez, whats the point in that?" (Additional reporting by Jonathan Allen, Grant Smith and Luciana Lopez in New York, and Steve Holland and Susan Heavey in Washington; Writing by John Whitesides; Editing by Frances Kerry and Peter Cooney) By Emily Stephenson and Amanda Becker CONCORD, N.C./WINTERVILLE, N.C. (Reuters) - Hillary Clinton's supporters nervously eyed opinion polls showing the Democrat with a tenuous lead over Republican rival Donald Trump on Thursday as the White House candidates raced through vital battleground states in a late search for votes. Clinton was leading Trump by 6 percentage points, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found on Wednesday. That was the same advantage she held before FBI Director James Comey sent a letter to Congress last week saying the agency had found a new cache of emails potentially related to its probe of Clinton emails. Other polls have shown a far closer race, fuelling Democratic worries about the state of the race just five days before Tuesday's election. Clinton's national lead over Trump eroded to 3 percentage points among likely voters in a New York Times/CBS News poll on Thursday, down from 9 points just two weeks ago. An average of polls compiled by the RealClearPolitics website also showed her lead at 1.7 percentage points on Thursday, well down from the solid advantage she had until late last month. "Im worried that Trump may win," said Nancy Dubs, 83, a retiree in Pittsburgh, who said she was voting for Clinton. "I think its maybe time to have a female president." For Clinton supporters, it has been a quick shift from confidence to anxiety. "I think all of us are a little bit nervous, said Rajnandini Pillai, a professor at California State University at San Marcos, who plans to back Clinton. "It seemed pretty much in the bag a couple weeks ago." Nevertheless, some polls showed Clinton recovering slightly from her slide in the past week. She has maintained her comfortable edge in the Reuters/Ipsos poll and inched back into a 2-point lead over Trump in the latest Washington Post-ABC News tracking poll, which had shown Clinton falling slightly behind Trump earlier this week. President Barack Obama, on the third day of a multi-state campaign trek for Clinton, adopted a sense of urgency before a raucous crowd at Florida International University. "You have the chance to shape history," Obama said. "There are times where history is ... moveable. Where you can make things better or worse. This is one of those moments." The tightening White House race has rattled financial markets as investors weigh a possible Trump victory. Investors have generally seen Clinton as the candidate who would maintain the status quo, while there is more market uncertainty over what a Trump presidency might mean in terms of economic policy, free trade and geopolitics. Global equity prices drifted lower on Thursday as worries about the election weighed on investor sentiment. FOCUS ON BATTLEGROUND STATES With the White House race decided on the Electoral College system of tallying wins on a state-by-state basis, Clinton and Trump are focused on a handful of battleground states. Trump began the day in Florida before heading to North Carolina for two rallies. Clinton was in North Carolina for two rallies. Florida and North Carolina are both must-win states for Trump as he tries to piece together the 270 electoral votes needed to capture the White House. Clinton, who has comfortable leads in big states such as California and New York, could more easily reach 270 votes without winning either state. In Florida, Trump pressed his argument that the controversy over Clinton's use of a private server for her email rather than a government system when she was U.S. secretary of state from 2009 to 2013 was part of a pattern of corruption that made her unfit for the White House. Comey concluded at the end of a year-long FBI probe in July that there were no grounds to bring any charges. His brief letter advising Congress last Friday about the agency reviewing newly discovered emails said they might or might not be significant, but the news was seized on by Trump and other Republicans. Republicans in Congress have already vowed to lead investigations of Clinton's email practices and her family charitable foundation. "She is likely to be under investigation for many, many years. Also likely to conclude in a criminal trial," Trump said in Jacksonville. "This is not what we need in this country folks. We need somebody thats going to go to work." At a later rally in Concord, North Carolina, he said that "the political leadership" at the Justice Department was trying to protect Clinton. Trump's wife, Melania, tried to bolster his standing with women during her first campaign-trail appearance, in a Philadelphia suburb. "We must win on Nov. 8 and we must come together as Americans. We must treat each other with respect and kindness even when we disagree, she said in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. Trump, a New York businessman who has never previously run for political office, has called for a ban on Muslims entering the country, launched his campaign by calling illegal immigrants from Mexico rapists and was captured in a 2005 video that surfaced last month boasting of groping women and making other unwanted advances. At a campaign rally in Winterville, North Carolina, a community where more than a third of the population is African-American, Clinton asked the crowd to imagine life under a Trump presidency. "He has spent this campaign offering a dog whistle to his most hateful supporters," she said. "I just dont believe were at our best when we stoke fear about each other." Not all Clinton supporters were worried about her recent slip in the polls. "Theres nothing I can do about it. With age comes a certain perspective," said Jim Friederichs, 64, a gardener in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. "I know people that are not sleeping well because theyre worried about the election but jeez, whats the point in that?" (Additional reporting by Jonathan Allen, Grant Smith and Luciana Lopez in New York, and Steve Holland and Susan Heavey in Washington; Writing by John Whitesides; Editing by Frances Kerry and Peter Cooney) Jeffrey Lord was a little known conservative writer, erstwhile Reagan Administration bureaucrat and one-time movie extra when in 2013 he penned a column in The American Spectator that would put him on his current path to 2016 pundit stardom. Titled "Never Ignore Donald Trump," the article laid out aspects of the Trump brand ("he's colorful and blunt," Lord wrote) that would eventually allow the one-time reality TV star to ride a wave of populist disenfranchisement all the way to the GOP nomination. "I thought he could be a serious candidate and my friends thought I was utterly insane," says Lord. Of course, Trump (who is known to obsessively track his press) noticed. And Lord received a letter from Trump. Subsequent articles would come in the male with Trump's signature Sharpie scrawl of approval, "He would see something that I wrote and then he would scribble on it with a Sharpie," says Lord. This was followed by phone calls and eventually in-person meetings at Trump Tower. And in 2015, before Trump declared his candidacy, Lord was appearing with some frequency on TV news as the resident Trump interpreter. The two men have remained in intermittent contact. During CNN's coverage of the Republican National Convention, Trump called Lord while he was on the air to express displeasure with the network's coverage. "He is not pleased," Lord told Anderson Cooper after hanging up with Trump. And Trump has said he will take Lord with him to the White House if he wins on Nov. 8. Age: 65 Current residence: Camp Hill, PA Education: Franklin and Marshall College Political persuasion: Reagan conservative Political experience: PA State Senate, press aide for Senate Minority Leader Richard C. Frame and successor Henry G. Hager 1973-1978; Congressman Bud Shuster, press secretary 1978-1979; Legislative Director and House Budget Committee staff 1980-1982; Senator John Heinz, executive assistant 1982-1983; Reagan/Bush Co-Chair and Warner/Amex (the latter now Time Warner) Andrew (Drew) Lewis, chief of staff 1983-1985; White House, associate director for political affairs 1985-1988; Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Jack Kemp, congressional liaison 1990-1993 Story continues Network: Political commentator, CNN; contributing editor, The American Spectator Viral moment: Lord got into a kerfuffle with Van Jones while discussing Trump's early refusal to disavow an endorsement from one-time Ku Klux Klan grand wizard David Duke. Lord claimed the KKK began as a "terrorist arm of the Democratic party." This of course sent Jones into paroxysms of exasperation. No matter, says Lord, who evinces a gentle and respectful manner on air - and in person. (For the last 12 years he's been caring for his 97-year-old mother Kathleen, with whom he shares a home in Camp Hill.) "In truth," he laughs, "I've hit it off with just about everybody there. I understand why they see you badly on television and all this but the dirty little secret is that off the air we're all friends and we hang out together when we're on these out-of-town trips. Do you have a favorite sparring partner on the air? Oh gosh. Well Van and I had this discussion about race, which wound up being on the front page of the New York Times to our vast amazement. CNN does try to balance the scales between right and left. They do and they're rewarded for it. Obviously in the world of television, this works. They have quite deliberately gone out of their way to have Trump people there and Clinton people there and in the earlier stages Ted Cruz people and Bernie Sanders people. It's been a very good mix. I've had a great time. They have been eminently fair to me. (CNN Worldwide president) Zucker has just gone out of his way. I really appreciate it. It's been terrific. How do you prep for appearances? I've spent a professional lifetime with a lot of these issues. I worked on five Supreme Court nominations in the White House and wrote a book about a friend's judicial confirmation experience. So I know a lot of these subjects already. You've worked in politics for decades. But now you're on TV. How has that changed things for you? (Laughs) I have to say it's amazing. I mean I've been around (politics) my entire life. My parents were very much into politics. He was the Republican City Committee Chairman and he held Calvin Coolidge's old seat on the Northampton (Massachusetts) City Council and she was the Chairman of the Republican Women. I was associate political director at the White House from 1985 to 1988. And later, I would work for Jack Kemp at HUD. And then when the Clintons came in, you know, American government has that wonderful thing where you get a notice that says, "Thanks for your service, get out by noon, January 20th." I thought once I left Washington it was the end of the world professionally and it turned out in fact to be just the opposite. You did movie and TV work as an extra for a little while? My first gig was playing a murderous neighbor on America's Most Wanted. And then I got called to be an extra in The Pelican Brief. They hired ten of us and we just sat there for two weeks. I'm sitting there literally watching Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington all day long, getting fed like a king and paid $57 a day. And I'm thinking to myself, well this is pretty cool. They never used me. But I got called again to do True Lies. And then I did Shadow Conspiracy with Charlie Sheen, Sam Waterston and Donald Sutherland, which went straight to video. I thought this was amusing; Charlie Sheen played a George Stephanopoulos style White House aide. And I was a White House aide but I was playing a waiter. And you believe that living in small-town Pennsylvania has helped you remain connected to the concerns of voters... When you live in Washington you really are in a bubble. Your neighbors and friends are members of Congress or the Senate or they're bureaucrats or lobbyists or journalists. When you come home here, you know, the guy across the street works at the local hardware store. It's a totally different atmosphere. And so you have the opportunity to talk to regular folks all the time. Being on TV almost every night confers a whole different kind of visibility for you, doesn't it? Yes, there is no question about it. Yesterday, when I got in from the airport at CNN. Just walking from CNN around the corner to the Time Warner Center there, to a restaurant I get stopped several times on the street from people who wanted selfies or wanted to talk to me. And this happens all the time. It happens here at home. I get stopped in the Giant. New Yorkers are generally pretty liberal. What do they say to you in Manhattan? In New York City I get plaudits for standing up for [Trump]. They like feistiness and the willingness to take on everybody. They like the man in the lion's den aspect of the whole thing. What will you do after the election? I may stay, but that's up to CNN. [Trump] has said that if he wins he was going to bring me with him to the White House. (Laughs) I thought to myself, oh my God, not again! What if he doesn't win? Well I'll keep writing and do whatever I'm asked to do, if I'm asked to do it, on television. How do you deal with the haters on social media? You get all these people who are just dumping on you relentlessly and it's not particularly productive. I mean I don't care. It's the old Harry Truman business; if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. If you're going be on television talking about anything and taking a stand you're going to be criticized. CNN just announced it parted ways with Donna Brazile after it was revealed that she shared the network's debate questions with the Clinton campaign. This has led to some reexamination in the media of the value of partisan contributors. What's your view on this? Donna Brazile is a friend and I feel badly for her. But certainly I have complete confidence in the integrity of CNN. As to the general question of "partisan contributors" - and this has nothing to do with CNN per se but rather the media writ large - it is no secret that millions of Americans view "the media" as in fact "the liberal media". Which is to say it is very safe to say that many Americans view journalists themselves as "partisans" who use their stories to push a liberal agenda. Many Americans on the conservative side see ...journalists as reporters pretending to objectivity when in fact they are liberal activists disguised as journalists. What "partisan contributors" bring to the table is experience on the inside at the highest levels of American politics and government. And we are quite upfront about our views and are so-identified by CNN or other networks. In my case I do not work for any candidate. In the current election, I have never worked for or been paid by Donald Trump. I am a political columnist, author and commentator who writes or talks about all manner of subjects that have nothing whatsoever to do with Donald Trump. The notion that getting rid of well-identified "partisan contributors" would somehow lead viewers to believe that the remaining journalists are not "partisan" is something that in fact has long since been proven to be untrue. Read more: CNN's Ana Navarro on Trump, the "Jerk Host of 'The Apprentice'" The South Korean coast guard said it fired at two Chinese boats illegally fishing in the countrys waters in the Yellow Sea on Tuesday, November 1. The Coast Guard said shots were fired to protect officers aboard the fishing vessels. No injuries or damage was reported, according to South Koreas Yonhap News Agency, quoting authorities. The trawlers were brought to Incheon and the two captains and some 20 crew members were questioned. Loud bangs can be heard in this video Credit: Facebook/Korea National Security Agency Earthquake-hit Gorkha Durbar falls into disrepair The government has made no effort to restore the historic Gorkha Durbar, which was damaged by the April 2015 earthquake. Belfast (AFP) - Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said during a visit to Belfast on Thursday he was trying to follow Northern Ireland's path to peace and prosperity. Santos met Northern Irish First Minister Arlene Foster and her deputy Martin McGuinness at the end of a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom, the first by a Colombian president. Santos won this year's Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to implement a peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, but voters rejected the hard-fought agreement in a referendum on October 2. "The peace process (in Northern Ireland) has been an inspiration to us, to me," he said. "I tell the Colombian people, 'look what happened in Belfast, look how investment is coming in, pouring in, look at the transformation Belfast has been going through -- we can do the same if we are able to reach peace'. "I have followed the perseverance and the tenacity with which you solved this very long and terrible conflict here in Northern Ireland and it has been truly an example that I've been trying to follow." Several politicians from Northern Ireland who were involved in negotiating the 1998 Good Friday peace accords that largely ended three decades of inter-community violence have contributed towards initiatives aimed at reaching a settlement in Colombia. Foster told Santos that it was a "challenging path but one worth travelling". Santos was briefly caught up in the Northern Irish "Troubles" when, as a young man working in London, he was thrown to the ground by a bomb left in a rubbish bin by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) paramilitary group. McGuinness, a former IRA commander, said many people had seen no end to the conflict in Northern Ireland but "political courage" eventually brought about the transformation. "The Colombian peace process is in a very strong position and there's a real prospect that it will succeed," he said. Story continues - 'Talk to your enemies' - Quintin Oliver, a conflict resolution specialist from Stratagem International, said the circumstances in Northern Ireland were very different from those of Colombia, but added there were lessons Santos could learn. "The main one is inclusivity. You have to talk to your enemies, not only with your friends," Oliver told AFP. Earlier, Santos said farewell to Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip after staying with them at Buckingham Palace in London. At a lavish state banquet on Wednesday, the 90-year-old monarch told the president that finding the balance between opposing factions required "patience, resourcefulness and grit". "The waging of peace is the hardest form of leadership of all, but also the most rewarding," the sovereign said in her speech. Santos also held talks with British Prime Minister Theresa May during his visit, which began with a ceremonial welcome and a horse-drawn carriage procession. Britain is reaching out to emerging markets before its exit from the European Union. "I am determined that Britain should become the global champion of free trade, and that means boosting trade with fast-growing economies like Colombia," May said after the talks. Employees work at a production line inside a factory of Saic GM Wuling, in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, June 19, 2016. REUTERS/Norihiko Shirouzu/File Photo Factory orders rose by 0.3% in September month-over-month, according to a report from the Commerce Department on Thursday. That was more than economists' expectations of an uptick by 0.2%, according to the Bloomberg survey. August's increase was revised up to 0.4% from 0.2%. Factory orders excluding transportation hiked by 0.6%. Meanwhile, new orders for manufactured durable goods decreased by 0.3%. The report also noted that shipments increased by 0.8%, while unfilled orders fell by 0.4%. NOW WATCH: LIZ ANN SONDERS: The most unsettling outcome for the markets would be a surprise Trump win More From Business Insider By Andrea Hopkins and Allison Martell OTTAWA/TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian work permits for highly skilled workers from the United States jumped in the first half as companies lured applicants with the country's calm political climate in the face of a raucous U.S. election. Canadian immigration data showed new work permits issued to U.S. residents jumped 53.8 percent in the first eight months of 2016 from the same period last year, though renewals were down. Some companies see the heated U.S. presidential race between Democratic party candidate Hillary Clinton and her Republican rival Donald Trump as an opportunity to lure Americans to Canada, which has a stereotypical reputation for politeness. Trump has called the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico one of the worst deals ever struck and blames it for manufacturing jobs being moved to Mexico. He has also pledged to build a wall on the border with Mexico to deter illegal immigration. Clinton has offered a more tempered approach, saying she would seek to re-evaluate NAFTA if elected. "We ran a huge ad campaign in the States, targeting expats, Americans - and it generated a lot of interest," said Christopher Reid, founder of Ontario-based software developer Sortable. "We used Trump as an anchoring point." The ads, which ran in March and June, include one that featured a photo of Trump along with the message: "Are you thinking of moving to Canada?" Reid said he found two candidates he wants to hire. Heather Galt, vice president of talent initiatives at Canadian business incubator Communitech, said politics usually comes up when she talks to U.S. job candidates. "There is extra momentum right now ... that new appreciation for the values that Canada has around diversity and inclusion," Galt added. Separate government data also showed permits for international students looking to attend Canadian schools jumped in the first quarter to 42,737, up 42 percent from a year earlier. In the second quarter, student permits jumped 63 percent, to 56,329. While the government doesn't ask why students choose Canada, consulting firm Intead, which advises postsecondary institutions looking to recruit international students, warned in June that a Trump win could hit U.S. enrollment numbers. In a survey conducted last winter, 60 percent of potential international students said they would be less likely to study in the United States if Trump was elected. Latin American students were especially concerned, and nearly 80 percent of Mexican students surveyed said they would be less likely to study in the country if Trump was president. "Canada is a very attractive destination, it's tolerant, it's very diverse which is appealing to international students, it's stable, it's safe," said Richard Levin, executive director of enrolment services at the University of Toronto. (Additional reporting by Susan Taylor in Toronto; Editing by Alan Crosby) GettyImages 617940274 A conservative-leaning law group on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice, alleging the federal agency violated the law by ignoring Freedom of Information Act requests for records related to Attorney General Loretta Lynchs tarmac meeting with former President Bill Clinton. Were forcing their hand, Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice, wrote in a blog post announcing the lawsuit. Sekulow added: Were taking the Obama Administration to federal court. Again. Were filing a lawsuit against the Department of Justice, to ensure true justice. The ACLJ initially sent FOIA requests to the DOJ requesting information on Lynchs meeting with Clinton. The records requested included documents containing any discussion of or in any way regarding the meeting between the two at the Phoenix airport and electronic communications containing any discussion of or in any way naming, regarding, involving or referring Clinton. The DOJ wholly failed to respond to the FOIA requests, the ACLJ said in its complaint. The law firm accused the DOJ of violating two statues requiring federal agencies to respond to public records requests. The bottom line of our lawsuit is this: the Defendant is unlawfully withholding records requested by Plaintiff pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552, Sekulow wrote. The Justice Departments answer to our suit will be due in about 30 days. Critics of Hillary Clinton, including Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, have suggested that Bill Clintons meeting on the Arizona tarmac with Lynch was somehow related to getting Hillary Clinton off the hook from the FBIs email investigation into her private server. The lawsuit came days after FBI Director James Comey announced that it had reopened the investigation into Hillary Clinton's private email server, a move that was reportedly at odds with Lynch's wishes. Story continues NOW WATCH: Animated map shows how drastically split different demographics are this election More From Business Insider Wall Street's long-running view that Hillary Clinton would easily become the next president has been replaced by a new fear that Donald Trump could win, and it probably won't be a pretty picture for stocks if he does. Bond yields have moved lower and so have stocks, as the markets have begun to react to the possibility of a Trump victory in the last several days. On Thursday, the S&P 500 (^GSPC) was up slightly, after falling 13 points Wednesday, to close at the key support level of 2,097. The work of two economics professors may provide a glimpse of how the stock market might react if Donald Trump were elected. They studied the predictions market, including PredictIt.org and the reaction in the financial markets to events around the election. One of the economists says their findings point to a sharp immediate sell-off if Trump wins and a slight rally if Clinton wins. The amount of the rally or sell-off depends on the predicted outcome. "If we were to go in 70/30 [for Clinton], and we think the market is 10 percent higher under Clinton than Trump, if Clinton wins it should be up about 3 percent and if Trump wins, it should go down 7 percent," said Eric Zitzewitz, economics professor at Dartmouth College. He and Justin Wolfers of the University of Michigan studied the market effect of the first debate in a Brookings paper. Clinton's odds in the prediction markets had been closer to 80 percent, and at that level, a Trump victory would have triggered an 8 to 10 percent sell-off, he said. The market's nervousness picked up after the FBI last Friday revealed a new investigation into Clinton's email server , this time involving her longtime aide Huma Abedin and her husband Anthony Weiner, who is under federal investigation in a different matter . "There's no question in my mind that the markets have not priced in a Trump win, only in the most cursory way. They are starting to price in the potential for a Trump win. That process started last Friday," said Tony Roth, CIO of Wilmington Trust. "We haven't seen an up day in the markets since then. We haven't seen any calamitous days either." Story continues Strategists agree there would be a sell-off with a Trump win, but then the views diverge on how the market would trade after that. Ethan Harris, head of global economics at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said he would expect a sell-off if Trump wins, then an L-shaped move in the equity market, because of the period of policy uncertainty. "From the action in the stock market, the equity market is worried about a Trump victory, about the uncertainty of policy under Trump. Normally the equity market responds positively to a Republican doing well in the election," he said. "In this election, I think the dominant story is about uncertainty after the election, and a status quo election means no shock, everything is the same, no big news and presumably the equity market sails through the election if it's a split government." Markets had been looking for a win by Clinton but also Republicans holding the House and possibly Senate. The idea is that that would create gridlock and many of her policies could not be enacted. "Under a Trump victory, you probably get some kind of reaction in the equity market, and if it's a strong reaction, it could affect the Fed," he said. Harris said he would expect to modestly lower his GDP forecast if Trump wins. "To a large degree, we're going to look at the market's response as a gauge of the underlying uncertainty shock," Harris said. Bruce Bittles, chief investment strategist at Baird, has a different view and he believes a Trump victory could result in a V-shaped move in the market, as Wall Street reflects later on positive tax changes and the looser regulatory environment Trump supports. "What I think happens is we get a repeat of what happened after Brexit. The market initially goes down and then goes up," he said. He said with a Clinton win, the market would rally but not as much as it historically has when an incumbent party wins. "It depends now on how a Democratic win is already built into the market. If that's the case, then I would say a Republican win would mean a sharper down, but then a sharper up to follow," Bittles said. Roth said if the odds of a Clinton victory continue to move lower, so will the stock market. "If Clinton wins, you get a big relief rally. If Trump wins, then you get a big sell-off. I think that from where we are today, until the bottom of that sell-off, you are looking at a good 10 percent easily. I think whether it goes deeper than that depends on the temperament that Trump displays after the election," Roth said. "I think Clinton will have the upper hand from an electoral position, but it's not going to be like a 75/25, it could be 60/40 [chance], and the more it converges, the more the sell-off the closer this gets, the more steep the sell-off is going to be." PredictIt.org put the odds for a Clinton win at 66 percent Thursday, down from a high of 85 percent Oct. 25. The odds had been as low as 60 percent in September. Zitzewitz said he studied the reaction of markets when a tape was revealed in which Trump made lewd comments about women , and also the reaction Friday when the FBI news broke. The market moves confirmed the study he did after the first debate of the prediction market and financial markets. He said if the odds shifted in the prediction market to 60 percent for Clinton, a Trump victory could mean a 6 percent sell-off in the S&P futures the night the results are released. He said his study did not go into what would happen after the initial reaction, and it would react to other events like the concession speech and other developments. Roth said he expects the market to remain choppy and possibly sell off through Election Day, Tuesday. "The Trump chances of winning is not one out of 100. It's probably three out of 10 and likely to move higher that could cause a real panic in markets," he said. Roth said markets could remain under pressure if Trump wins, especially if does not surround himself with credible advisors. Trump could also take action against U.S. trade partners, declaring them in violation of trade agreements, and that would upset markets, especially since there could be retaliatory action, Roth said. He said that could cause a downward spiral in trade , which could hurt weaker economies. "If we have a Clinton outcome, we're pretty constructive on the outlook for the global economy. We think we're in the final chapter of monetary insanity," he said. He said easing by global central banks was necessary but now it's no longer effective and a move away from it would be positive. Also from CNBC: For more episodes and highlights of The Profit visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS. After more than three weeks of confusion and controversy at Hong Kongs legislature over the oaths of two rebel lawmakers, on Thursday a court heard a judicial review brought by the government on the powers of the Legislative Council president, and whether Yau Wai-ching and Sixtus Baggio Leung could still hold on to their seats. The case has garnered widespread public attention, with many concerned that the legal action is a sign that the territorys executive branch is unduly interfering in the legislature. Crowds packed out Hong Kongs High Court on Thursday. Two months ago, Yau and Leung were elected to the Legislative Council on platforms that condemned Beijings growing influence in Hong Kong and flirted with the idea of the semiautonomous territorys outright independence. When delivering their oaths of office on Oct. 12, the lawmakers shirked protocol, pledging loyalty to the Hong Kong Nation. They also referred to China as Shina, a Japanese affectation regarded as highly derogatory following the wartime occupation. The gesture deeply offended both establishment politicians and members of the public. Read More: Chaos Again at Hong Kongs Legislature as Chinese Intervention Said to Loom Large In its submission, the government argued that the Basic Law, Hong Kongs miniconstitution, stipulates that lawmakers must swear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China. Representing the government, barrister Benjamin Yu told the court that because the duo refused to take their oaths properly, they have effectively declined the oath and therefore their seats should be vacated. The government also argued that the Basic Laws Article 77, which states that lawmakers shall be immune from legal action in respect of their statements at meetings, does not apply to the oath of office. Story continues But Yaus lawyer, Philip Dykes, argued on the grounds of separation of powers, saying that the pairs fate should be decided by the legislature, where a two-thirds majority is required to strip a lawmaker of their seat. Leungs lawyer Hectar Pun also argued that the business of legislators is entirely within the four walls of the legislature, and that it is not suitable for the courts to be involved. The different branches of the government are generally mindful not to intrude on the others area, Michael Davis, a retired law professor of the University of Hong Kong, tells TIME. The more controversial problem in this case is that the government is asking the courts to interfere in the internal process of the legislature. Alvin Cheung, an affiliate researcher at New York Universitys U.S.-Asia Law Institute, in an email to TIME says: The governments application sets a disastrous precedent, regardless of how the court rules, adding that Hong Kongs Court of Final Appeal had ruled unanimously in a separate case in 2014 that the courts would not intervene in the legislatures internal processes. Similar sentiments were echoed in court by Jat Sew-tong, who represented Legislative Council president Andrew Leung a third respondent to the case, despite his pro-Beijing affiliation arguing that how the president exercises his power is an internal matter and that he should not become part of this litigation. Read More: Loyalist Walkout Prevents Swearing-In of Pro-Independence Hong Kong Lawmakers The case has exacerbated concerns over Beijings intervention in Hong Kongs internal affairs, and experts say it is a crucial litmus test of the territorys judiciary perceived as a bulwark of Hong Kongs autonomy from China, which was established under a one country, two systems dynamic. Earlier this week, Hong Kongs head of government, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, said he cannot rule out the possibility of asking Beijing to step in and interpret the matter. (The deeply unpopular Leung Chun-ying is often characterized as Beijings stooge.) The government has said that the matter can and should be resolved within Hong Kongs judicial system, though past incidents have led some to worry that Beijing might overstep its boundaries. The government knows full well that the political consequences of requesting an interpretation, or being seen to request an interpretation, to pre-empt Hong Kongs judicial proceedings would be catastrophic, Cheung tells TIME. Adds Davis: When Beijing issues interpretations, they often have some element of amendment. Beijing is anxious over mounting calls in Hong Kong for the territorys independence however infeasible experts agree that call to be. Read More: New Lawmakers Pledge Loyalty to the Hong Kong Nation China would never tolerate it its not Canada, where the Quebec people can have a vote on independence, says David Zweig, longtime China observer and professor of social science at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, adding that with similar concerns about Taiwan and other peripheral regions of China like Xinjiang and Tibet, separatism is something also on their mind. [Yau and Leung] were lucky enough to get elected, and they shouldve known that forces in the city and Beijing would be looking for ways to kick them out, says Zweig. Theyre doing a fantastic job of giving the hard-liners both in Beijing and Hong Kong a reason to kick them out. The court is expected to deliver an opinion imminently. A mere five days before the election, Melania Trump emerged from hiding to deliver her first campaign speech since the Republican National Convention. Considering how well that one went, it's not surprising she waited this long. This speech, at least, seemed to be wholly original, although you wouldn't have been surprised if she had begun by saying, "Four score and seven years ago." On the other hand, it was so vapidly platitudinous and basic that if her speechwriters were cribbing from anyone, it was Dr. Seuss. The aspiring first lady spoke in Berwyn, Pa., a Philadelphia suburb, and to say that she seemed out of place is an understatement. This is not exactly a woman who shops at Wal-Mart and enjoys breakfast at IHOP. But the town is in Pennsylvania, a state her husband desperately needs to win. The only other states whose names she managed to drop were Ohio and North Carolina. Any guesses why? Melania took the stage to the strains of "Aquarius," an appropriate choice since the event felt more like a love-in than a political speech. Indeed, she spoke so often of "love" that it made you think she had taken a hit of Ecstasy before going on. She began by saying it had been 500 days since her husband announced his candidacy (hasn't the time just flown by?) after descending on the magical escalator in Trump Tower. Read more: Critic's Notebook: 'Trump Tower Live' Is Not Ready for Primetime "This is not an ordinary campaign. It is a movement!" she declared, and there are plenty of voters who would be happy to inform her exactly what kind of movement it most closely resembles. "He will make a fantastic president!" She blissfully referred to her "partnership" with her husband, although disappointingly failed to provide the details of their prenup. Talking about her childhood in Slovenia surrounded by "beautiful rivers and forests" - you could imagine woodland animals serenading her with Disney tunes - she said that as a young girl she dreamed of going to America. Story continues "America meant that if you could dream it, you could become it," she told the cheering crowd, which is certainly true if your dream is marrying a billionaire and living in a golden palace. Discussing the blood, sweat and tears of being a highly paid fashion model in Paris, Melania described herself as a "young entrepreneur." She proudly referred to becoming an American citizen in 2006, a year after she married Trump. So at least now we know the best path to citizenship. She said about her husband, "He certainly knows how to shake things up," which is appropriate if the definition of "shaking things up" includes destroying the fabric of American society. She finally got around to disclosing her plans should she become first lady, which have something to do with being "an advocate for women and children." She promised to provide them with a "beautiful life" so they can "drink freely of love," which, considering her Eastern European accent, had a distinctly vampirish vibe. Read more: Critic's Notebook: Melania Trump Plays Blame Game as Anderson Cooper Tries to Keep a Straight Face The proceedings became truly surreal when she informed the crowd that social media "can have a bad side" (really, Melania, you think?) and that "our culture has gotten too mean and too rough." It made you wonder if she actually knows who she's married to. She added that she would "work hard to improve everyday life for women." (Just a suggestion, Melania, but the best way to start would be by keeping them far away from your husband.) Delivering the absurdly ironic sound bite that will have comedy writers working overtime the next few days - you can be sure that Laura Benanti will be reprising her impression for Stephen Colbert - Melania declared, "We must treat each other with respect and kindness, even when we disagree." That is, she forgot to add, unless Donald gets elected. Former Prez Yadav and Indian Prez Mukherjee meet A meeting has been held between the former President Dr Ram Baran Yadav and Indian President Pranab Mukherjee at Hyatt Regency Hotel in the Capital on Sunday. DailyFX.com - Talking Points: Crude oil prices sink as inventories rise by most in nearly 30 years Gold prices rise despite firming Fed hike bets on US election jitters UK High Court ruling on Brexit trigger may amplify risk aversion Crude oil prices fell for a fourth consecutive day after the EIA inventory data showed 14.4 million barrels were added to stockpiles last week, marking the largest increase in nearly three decades. Gold prices traded higher for most of the day as narrowing US election polls stoked uncertainty and weighed on the US Dollar, stoking anti-fiat demand. The metal trimmed gains following the Fed monetary policy announcement, which traders seemed to interpret as boosting the likelihood of a rate hike in December. Indeed, the priced-in probability of an increase at next months sit-down is now 78 percent. Volatility is likely to remain elevated in the hours ahead as the UK High Court will rule on whether Prime Minister Theresa May has to consult Parliament or not before triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, initiating Brexit proceedings. Injecting the mostly pro-EU legislature into the mix could scuttle the administrations efforts to begin formal negotiations by the end of March 2017 and may even lead to an early election. This could further spook already jittery financial markets, boosting gold and sending the WTI benchmark lower alongside share prices. On the data front, a packed calendar including the US service-sector ISM reading as well as factory and durable goods orders figures might have been expected to stoke speculation about Fed policy but pre-election repositioning may overshadow other considerations. RealClearPolitics a widely tracked poll aggregator reports that candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are within less than 2 percentage points of each other as the vote looms ahead. S&P 500 futures are pointing lower ahead of the opening bell on Wall Street, hinting the risk-off mood is poised to continue. Story continues Get help recognizing short-term gold and crude oil price patterns with the GSI indicator! GOLD TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Gold prices are on pace to issue the longest rally in four months having launched a recovery from four-month lows (as expected). Near-term resistance is in the 1303.62-08.30 area (May 2 high, 38.2% Fibonacci expansion), with a daily close above that targeting the 50% level at 1329.01. Alternatively, a reversal below the 23.6% Fib at 1282.68 exposes trend line support at 1267.10 Crude Oil Prices May Fall Further, Gold Aims to Extend Rebound CRUDE OIL TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Crude oil prices aim to challenge the $44/bbl figure having reversed downward after carving out a double top (as expected). A daily close below the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement at 44.04 paves the way for a drop into the 42.18-43.02 area (76.4% level, support shelf).Alternatively, a turn above the 50% Fib at 45.54 sees the next upside barrier at 47.04, the 38.2% retracement. Crude Oil Prices May Fall Further, Gold Aims to Extend Rebound --- Written by Ilya Spivak, Currency Strategist for DailyFX.com To receive Ilya's analysis directly via email, please SIGN UP HERE Contact and follow Ilya on Twitter: @IlyaSpivak original source DailyFX provides forex news and technical analysis on the trends that influence the global currency markets. Learn forex trading with a free practice account and trading charts from FXCM. In a competitive situation, the CW has nabbed Straight Outta Heaven, an hourlong drama written and executive produced by John Singleton and Dallas Jackson. The project is being referred to as Touched by an Angel-meets-Ghost with an urban twist and described as a faith-based, hip-hop-infused guardian angel drama. Warner Bros. TV is the studio. Straight Outta Heaven stems from a blind script deal Jackson had at the studio last season. John and I have similar genre taste and recognized a need on network television for the underserved urban youth audience and faith-based audience, Jackson said. The CW is the perfect home for this new kind of hero weve created whos superpower is faith. This marks the second collaboration between Singleton and Jackson following BET drama Rebel, which shot a pilot this past summer. Singleton also has FX drama Snowfall, which was just ordered to series. He is repped by ICM Partners and Underground. Jackson has several TV projects in development at Alcon TV, Universal Cable Productions and Blumhouses Crypt TV. Hes also writing and producing the remake of The Last Dragon at Columbia Pictures. Related stories 'Marlowe' PI Drama In Works at the CW 'Arrow': Lexa Doig To Recur As Talia al Ghul The CW Buys Action Drama 'Searchers' From 'The 100' Creator & Greg Berlanti UPDATE with more release date changes: Sony Pictures has made several changes to its release schedule, moving some films and dating others for the first time. First up, The Dark Tower, the long-in-the-works adaptation of the Stephen King fantasy series, has been moved off its current February 2017 release date. It will now be released on July 28, 2017. The reason were hearing is two-fold: to score a summer blockbuster date for the Columbia Pictures/MRC/Imagine pic, and to give it more time to finish work on visual effects. The July 28 slot had been held by Sony/Columbias Jumanji, but the distrib has now moved that to December 22, 2017, where it likely believes it will excel in a family-dominated frame. The pic starring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan will now face off on that date against the likes of Universals Pitch Perfect 3, TWC-Dimensions The Six Million Dollar Man and Foxs The Story Of Ferdinand. Dark Tower, the first pic in a planned series, is set in a world woven with magic and revolving around the gunslinger Roland Deschain, played by Idris Elba. He squares off against the Man In Black, played by Matthew McConaughey. Nikolaj Arcel is directing. Sony today also shifted the Edgar Wright pic Baby Driver from March 17, 2017 to August 11, 2017 the same corridor where Sonys animated Sausage Party and Screen Gems Dont Breathe found success this year. The comedic crime actioner stars John Bernthal, Lily James and Jon Hamm. Other pics on that date so far: Warner Bros CHiPs and Focus The Coldest City. Newly announced released dates for Sony include Stefan Ruzowitzkys Patient Zero, the drama/horror pic that was originally scheduled for release in 2016, will now bow in theaters February 17. Keep Watching, the game thriller starring Bella Thorne, will open March 24. Meanwhile, Sony has pushed back Flatliners more than a month from August 18 to September 29 and will compete against Sonys other new release, the Denzel Washington-starrer Equalizer 2, which moved up from September 29 to September 14. Also, animated pic Emojimovie: Express Yourself, shifted from August 11 to August 4 and will serve as counterprogramming to Foxs Alien: Covenant starring Michael Fassbender and Noomi Rapace. Story continues Amanda NDuka and Anita Busch contributed to this report. Related stories Fede Alvarez In Talks To Helm Sony's 'Girl In The Spider's Web'; 'Dragon Tattoo' Sequel Planned For Next Year Sony Pictures Chief Tom Rothman Sets China Screenwriter Initiative Sony's Fiscal Q2 Results Down But Offset By Sony Pictures' $32M Profit On November 3, 1884, the United States Supreme Court issued one of its most controversial decisions, when it said that American Indians who paid taxes didnt have the right to vote in elections. coolidgeIndianAct President Coolidge signs the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act It would take 40 years for a series of legal changes to make full citizenship a reality for all American Indians living in the United States, despite the 14th Amendments promise of equal protection and due process under the law for all Americans. As late as 1948, two states (Arizona and New Mexico) had laws that barred many American Indians from voting, and American Indians faced some of the same barriers as blacks, until passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1965. The case of Elk v. Wilkins in 1884 dealt with a birthright citizenship claim. John Elk was an American Indian who gave up his tribal affiliation, moved to Omaha, spoke English, paid taxes, and then tried to vote. Writing for the majority, Justice Horace Gray said Elk had no claim to citizenship because he had never been naturalized as an American citizen through a treaty or statute. Even though he was born within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States, the 14th Amendment didnt apply to Elk, Gray said, because Elk was born as a subject of an Indian nation that was an alien power. The argument over Indian nations went back to the era of Chief Justice John Marshall. In what were later known as the Marshall Trilogy rulings, the Chief Justice established the precedents for how the United States legal system would deal with political and social rights for American Indians who lived in the territorial boundaries of the United States. Marshall wrote in Cherokee Nation v. Georgia in 1831 that the Cherokees didnt have legal standing to prevent the state of Georgia from seizing its lands because Indians were in a state of pupilage. Their relation to the United States resembles that of a ward to his guardian. American Indians were also part of the Dred Scott decision in 1857, but in a much different way. Chief Justice Roger Taney argued that American Indians, unlike enslaved blacks, could become citizens, under congressional and legal supervision. Story continues The citizenship of Indian tribes or nations came up a decade later as Congress considered the Civil Rights Act and the 14thAmendment. In January 1866, when the Senate started debating the Civil Rights Act there were concerns that the bills broad language would confer citizenship on all American Indians. The final bill just granted citizenship to American Indians who are domesticated and pay taxes and live in civilized society and were therefore incorporated into the United States. When Justice John Marshall Harlan looked at these debates as he wrote his dissent in Elk v. Wilkins in 1884, the intent seemed obvious. It would seem manifest, from this brief review of the history of the act of 1866, that one purpose of that legislation was to confer national citizenship upon a part of the Indian race in this countrysuch of them, at least, as resided in one of the states or territories, and were subject to taxation and other public burdens, Harlan said. Harlan also said the 14th Amendments intention was equally clear in this area, as an extension of the Civil Rights Act of 1866. There is still in this country a despised and rejected class of persons with no nationality whatever, who, born in our territory, owing no allegiance to any foreign power, and subject, as residents of the states, to all the burdens of government, are yet not members of any political community, nor entitled to any of the rights, privileges, or immunities of citizens of the United States, he concluded. After the Elk v. Wilkins decision, the Dawes Act in 1887 gave American citizenship to all Native Americans who accepted individual land grants under the provisions of statutes and treaties. But the issue of American Indian birthright citizenship wouldnt fully be settled until 1924, when Congress conferred citizenship on all American Indians under the Indian Citizenship Act. The act said that all non-citizen Indians born within the territorial limits of the United States be, and they are hereby, declared to be citizens of the United States. At the time, 125,000 of an estimated population of 300,000 American Indians werent citizens. Scott Bomboy is the editor in chief of the National Constitution Center. Historical Stories on Constitution Daily A recent voting history of the 15 Battleground states 50 interesting facts about Abraham Lincolns life Two Presidents share the same birthday, but little else Daybreak Oil and Gas, Inc. Announces Restructuring of its Balance Sheet SPOKANE, WA / ACCESSWIRE / November 3, 2016 / Daybreak Oil and Gas, Inc. (OTC PINK: DBRM) ("Daybreak" or the "Company"), a Washington corporation, is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement to restructure its credit facility debt with Maximilian Resources, LLC ("Maximilian"), the Company's current lender. The restructuring process has begun to take place through a series of transactions which include (i) the sale of its working interest in the Twin Bottoms Field in Lawrence County, Kentucky, (ii) the complete removal of all the Company's current debt relating to its Kentucky interests, (iii) forgiveness of a certain portion of our credit facility debt, (iv) the removal of App Energy, LLC's debt and note receivable balance from the Company's Balance Sheet, (vi) converting a portion of the Company's debt owed on the Maximilian credit facility to preferred stock subject to future shareholder approval, and (vii) a commitment by Maximilian to provide financing for a new property acquisition in Michigan to replace the Kentucky property. Sale of Kentucky Working Interest The Company and its partner App Energy, LLC ("App Energy") have sold their respective working interests in the Twin Bottoms Field in Lawrence County, Kentucky to a third party for a total amount of $4.5 million. Of the purchase price, $4.25 million dollars in cash has been paid to Maximilian as a pay-down of the Daybreak and App Energy debt, and $250,000 has been set aside to initially fund the new Michigan Project. Also Maximilian has set aside and committed another $250,000 to support cash flow shortfalls that may be experienced by Daybreak in the upcoming months from the absence of Kentucky revenue, while preparing the Michigan project for startup. New Debt Structure Below is a table showing the restructured debt balance after the Kentucky property sale and assuming the conversion of a portion of our Maximilian credit facility debt to equity and no other draws on the facility: Story continues October 31, 2016 loan balance to Maximilian $17.0 million Removal of App Energy debt (5.4) Removal of all Kentucky debt and forgiveness of debt (2.9) Maximilian conversion to preferred equity (3.2) New debt balance $ 5.5 million The maturity date of the Maximilian credit facility has been extended from August 28, 2017 to February 28, 2020. Monthly interest and principal payments have been suspended for a period of six months until May 1, 2017 with no penalty or interest, or until the first payment date occurring after the first date that the Company receives production revenue from the Michigan project, whichever event occurs first. Upcoming Michigan Acquisition Daybreak, App Energy and Maximilian have agreed in principle to enter into a Joint Venture Agreement to develop two shallow oil prospects in Michigan. The Joint Venture Agreement is expected to be completed before the end of November 2016. A lease option has been secured by App Energy. Multiple targets have already been identified through 2-D seismic interpretation. A partial 3-D seismic will be shot in the near future to confirm the 2-D seismic data. Wells in the immediate area of the prospects are typically expected to have 150,000 barrels of recoverable oil. We have identified 16 drilling locations on the acreage. A typical well in the area is estimated to have an initial production rate of 75 - 100 barrels of oil per day with very low decline rates. The target reservoir will be encountered at a depth of 2,500 feet to 3,000 feet. These vertical wells will require no hydraulic fracturing. The first well is expected to be drilled in the first calendar quarter of 2017. The escrowed funds discussed above will be used to acquire the 3-D seismic and to drill the first well. James F. Westmoreland, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We have had to make some hard choices within our Company however, I believe that this series of restructuring transactions, when they are all completed, will position Daybreak to be able to bring its debt in line with current market conditions, operate, compete and expand our oil reserve base in this current oil price environment. While we believed in the Kentucky project, the economics of continuing to develop the reserves in this price environment were not very attractive considering the well costs and the cost of servicing our debt. We are however, pleased that we have this new opportunity in Michigan where the well costs should be less expensive and our debt service will be more manageable. While expected initial production rates for the Michigan will be less than the Kentucky initial production rates, the decline rate in Michigan is expected to be substantially less than in Kentucky, so recouping our drilling and completion costs will take less time thus giving us a much better rate of return for our shareholders in the current price environment. We continue to operate our East Slopes Field in Kern County, California where our stable production base from our 20 producing wells provides us with a steady dependable cash flow each month. The economics of new drilling in California are not attractive until the oil prices remain steadily above $60 per barrel so we don't expect any new drilling there in the foreseeable future." Daybreak Oil and Gas, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas company currently engaged in the exploration, development and production of onshore oil and natural gas in the United States. The Company is headquartered in Spokane, Washington with an operations office in Friendswood, Texas. Daybreak owns a 3-D seismic survey that encompasses 20,000 acres over 32 square miles with approximately 6,500 acres under lease in the San Joaquin Valley of California. The Company operates production from 20 oil wells in our East Slopes project area in Kern County, California. More information about Daybreak Oil and Gas, Inc. can be found at www.daybreakoilandgas.com. Contact: Ed Capko Telephone: 815-942-2581 Investor Relations Email: edc@daybreakoilandgas.com Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believe", "expect", "may", "should", "up to", "approximately", "likely", or "anticipates" or the negative thereof. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections for the future of our business and our industry and are not statements of historical fact. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our expectations regarding our financing, our future operating results, our future capital expenditures, our expansion and growth of operations and our future investments in and acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties. We have based these forward-looking statements on assumptions and analyses made in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments. However, you should be aware that these forward-looking statements are only our predictions and we cannot guarantee any such outcomes. Future events and actual results may differ materially from the results set forth in or implied in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: general economic and business conditions; exposure to market risks in our financial instruments; fluctuations in worldwide prices and demand for oil and natural gas; fluctuations in the levels of our oil and natural gas exploration and development activities; our ability to find, acquire and develop oil and natural gas properties, including the ability to develop the East Slopes Project and Michigan prospects; risks associated with oil and natural gas exploration and development activities; competition for raw materials and customers in the oil and natural gas industry; technological changes and developments in the oil and natural gas industry; legislative and regulatory uncertainties, including proposed changes to federal tax law and climate change legislation, and potential environmental liabilities; our ability to continue as a going concern; and our ability to secure additional capital to fund operations. Additional factors that may affect future results are contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and are available at the SEC's web site http://www.sec.gov. Daybreak Oil and Gas, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this press release based on new information or otherwise. SOURCE: Daybreak Oil and Gas, Inc. Sydney (AFP) - Saltwater crocodile numbers have exploded in northern Australia since being declared a protected species, and a spate of recent attacks has reignited debate about controlling them. The giant predators, which can grow up to seven metres (23 feet) long and weigh more than a tonne, haunt waterways in the country's north with government estimates putting the national population at approximately 100,000. They only kill an average of two people each year, but several high-profile attacks, including a woman snatched in May while having a late-night swim off a beach in Queensland state, have seen calls for culls. Earlier this year outspoken Australian politician Bob Katter urged crocodile-hunting safaris to help manage their numbers in the wild. "Nature has a balance and the balance is completely out of whack. We can put nature back in balance if we have shooting safaris," he said. Since becoming a protected species in the 1970s after the populations were devastated by harvesting, croc numbers have grown and with it their popularity as a tourist must-see. Some businesses have come under fire for dangling meat to entice them to jump in front of sightseers on boat trips, but the operators deny any proven link between baiting crocs with meat and human attacks. "There's some percentage of them that have learnt the sound of our boat and they're the ones who come swimming out for the food," said Shalee O'Brien, manager of Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River in the Northern Territory. As the country debates the best way forward, one thing is certain: To stay safe in crocodile country always take note of the warning signs. "No saltwater croc is friendly," warned indigenous tour guide Reuben Jones. "They're basically all going to kill you." Hetauda to get new industrial estate The government has initiated the process of setting up a new industrial area in Hetauda to facilitate factories to set up bases, which will help in job creation in the country. By Piya Sinha-Roy LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - It has been ten years since Mel Gibson went on a drunken anti-Semitic rant that made him a Hollywood outcast, but the actor and director is finally climbing back into the industry's good graces. Gibson has kept a low profile with just a handful of small acting roles since his 2006 arrest in Malibu for drunk driving, after which he apologized for launching a diatribe against Jews and sought treatment for alcoholism. Now, his new war drama "Hacksaw Ridge," out in theaters on Friday, is winning the warmest reviews since his 1995 Oscar-winning movie "Braveheart." The film was screened at the Academy of Motion Pictures in Beverly Hills, and on Sunday, Gibson will be named best director at the Hollywood Film Awards - the start of the road to February's Oscars. "Hacksaw Ridge," is based on the true story of Desmond Doss, a pacifist army medic who served on the frontlines in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 without ever touching a gun, and was awarded a Medal of Honor for his service. Its portrayal of unshakeable faith, men under pressure and graphically violent battle scenes has all Gibson's hallmarks, and has a 96 percent approval rate on review aggregator RottenTomatoes.com. The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney called it "a forceful comeback" by Gibson that "succeeds in combining horror with grace." "I don't really think it's a war film. I keep saying it's a love story because it's about a man who goes in abhorring the warring," Gibson, a staunch Catholic, told Reuters. The film stars Andrew Garfield as Doss falling in love with a nurse and signing up for the army to be a medic despite being a conscientious objector due to his devout Christian beliefs. Asked if he faced any challenges in getting "Hacksaw Ridge" made, given his ups and downs in the film industry, Gibson said he came across none. "I was able to make it quite well," he said. But Gibson told trade magazine Variety last week that he was annoyed when people brought up the 2006 incident. "For one episode in the back of a police car on eight double tequilas to sort of dictate all the work, life's work and beliefs and everything else that I have and maintain for my life is really unfair," he said. (Reporting by Piya Sinha-Roy; Editing by Andrew Hay) Kendall Jenner rang in her 21st birthday with a bang and lots of champagne! To kick things off on Wednesday night, Jenner and an intimate group of friends and family dined at hot spot Catch L.A. restaurant for dinner and drinks. For her celebratory night out on the town, she wore a low-cut, lace-up, semi-sheer jumpsuit with a black bodysuit and green fur stole. It was a really fun party atmosphere, a source told PEOPLE of the festivities. Everyone was happy to celebrate Kendall. The dinner was rustic chic and there were flower crowns on the table. Guests enjoyed multiple appetizers (sashimi, salmon belly carpaccio, crispy cauliflower, truffle sashimi and crispy shrimp) and sides (parmesan truffle fries, charred broccolini and lobster mac & cheese) before dining on main courses of 50-day dry-aged ribeye, crispy whole snapper and herb roasted branzino while they sipped on cocktails by Absolut Elyx, Avion 44, and Perrier Jouet Champagne. Kendall was also presented with Catch L.A.s classic Hit Me chocolate cake that had Happy Birthday Kendall written on top. During the dinner, Jenner was surprised by Catch L.A. owners Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum and Scott Disick with a huge print by Mr. Brainwash. The art piece featured Polaroids of Marilyn Monroe with a black diamond overlay. Older sister Kim Kardashian West who made an appearance nearly a month after her terrifying Paris robbery gifted Jenner with a special little something as well. Kim was in good spirits, said the source. She was casual in a nude outfit, but very excited to celebrate Kendall. Nothing took away from the happy vibe despite Kims recent trauma. She gave Kendall a sweet card and some jewelry. Kendall was visibly touched by the card. After dinner, Jenner switched up her look by slipping into a silver sequined dress as she celebrated her 21st year at the new Los Angeles 1920s retro-themed restaurant Delilah. In attendance were sisters Kourtney Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian and Kylie Jenner. Kylies boyfriend Tyga also attended as well, as did Disick, who arrived at the restaurant around 11 p.m.; Kim and Kanye West were spotted walking in together a little later. Story continues According to a second source, the birthday girl and her squad popped 21 bottles of the prestigious Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Champagne, which typically sells for $500-plus per bottle. At midnight, Kris and Kim sang happy birthday to Kendall, and surprised her with a cake featuring a throwback photo of the birthday girl in a purple tutu and a massive jewel-studded bottle of Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Methusaleh with her name on it. As if that wasnt icing on the cake (literally)! Jenner was also presented with a brand new Rolls-Royce from an unknown guest. Though her three rumored love interests were in attendance Harry Styles, Jordan Clarkson and Travis Scott the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star danced the night away and wasnt tied to any particular guy. She worked the room and spent a lot of time with Travis in the beginning, then went to Harry for a while, an insider said, who also confirmed that rapper Scott, 24, performed at one point in the night. Jordan showed up late in the evening and she was super excited to see him, the insider added. She ran over to greet him and kept looking for him. Other notable guests included Cara Delevingne, Hailey Baldwin, Jaden Smith, Chris Brown, Cindy Crawford, Kaia Gerber, Melanie Griffith, Kate Mara, Gabrielle Union, and Fetty Wap. FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank's (DBKGn.DE) sale of a 20 percent stake in Chinese peer Hua Xia to PICC Property and Casualty (2328.HK) has received regulatory approval, Germany's flagship lender said on Thursday. Hopes to expand into the Chinese banking market never materialized for Deutsche Bank as for several other Western lenders. Bank of America (BAC.N) reacted in 2013 by divesting a shareholding in China Construction Bank , while Citigroup (C.N) sold its stake in Chinese lender Guangfa [GDDVB.UL] earlier this year. Deutsche Bank, which faces large legal costs for cleaning up past missteps as well as for reinventing itself in a changed market and regulatory environment decided the sale of the Hua Xia stake, in which Deutsche Bank invested in 2006, in December 2015. But it took Hua Xia longer than expected to obtain clearance for the deal from the China Banking Regulatory Commission, weighing on the price of the sale. While Deutsche Bank had said last year that it was selling the stake for 23 to 25.7 billion yuan or 3.2 to 3.7 billion euros ($3.6-4.1 billion), a move in exchange rates means that the price has come down to 3 to 3.5 billion euros. At the beginning of 2015, the stake's market value stood at 4 billion euros, but it plunged in a global selloff of Chinese equities Deutsche Bank wrote down the value of the stake to 2.8 billion euros in its books as of Sept. 30, among other due to dividend payments receives from Hua Xia. New bank rules make it disadvantageous for banks to hold minority stakes in other lenders. The Hua Xia divestment frees up capital and boosts Deutsche Bank's capital ratio by 50 basis points to 11.6 percent. The effect of the sale had already been taken into account in the European Central Bank's stress test of Europe's banks in summer. ($1 = 0.9010 euros) (Reporting by Arno Schuetze; Editing by Maria Sheahan) (Repeats NOV 2 story, no change to text) * Basel reform set to tighten capital rules * Regime will hit big global lenders * Deutsche Bank among those most affected - sources By Francesco Canepa and John O'Donnell FRANKFURT, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Germany's Deutsche Bank is among roughly a dozen large European lenders that face higher capital requirements when new banking rules come into force in the coming years, several sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The assessment has been made by the Basel committee of supervisors, which is in the process of negotiating stricter bank capital rules - due to be finalised in January and come into force in 2019 - to avoid a repeat financial crisis. This could pose a further challenge to Deutsche, as it also braces for a fine of up to $14 billion from U.S. authorities over its part in the mortgage debt crash. Three people familiar with the matter have told Reuters the new regime will be stricter with big banks, demanding new standards for how they assess risks of, say, property loans - effectively raising the capital hurdle. International supervisors believe the tougher regime will affect Deutsche Bank and others with complex balance sheets more harshly, the sources added, without naming other lenders in the roughly dozen-strong group. "For a small number of big banks there could be a significant increase," one of those people said, on condition of anonymity. Deutsche Bank and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision declined to comment. The rising demands set the stage for a confrontation between U.S. and European regulators. Many in Europe are demanding a compromise, threatening to otherwise scupper the launch of the rules dubbed by banks as Basel IV. "From a German perspective, what we have on the table so far is not acceptable," the head of Germany's financial watchdog Bafin, Felix Hufeld, said this week. Bank of England governor Mark Carney said last week that one significant element of the new rules - covering so-called operation risk - is expected to be cut. Story continues MODELS Among the worries at the forefront of Basel regulators' minds are the 'models' banks use to calculate how much capital to put aside against the loans and investments they make. Internal models, which vary significantly between firms, have served Deutsche and other large banks well in the boom years, allowing them to take on significant risks and record big profits, including via property loans. The regulators are now looking to establish stricter and more homogenous rules for setting these so-called 'risk weights'. Although this does not necessarily mean banks would immediately need more funds, it would compress their capital cushions. Ratings agency Moody's has said European banks would be particularly affected by this change. Deutsche Bank has a Core Tier 1 ratio, a key gauge used by supervisors that measures funds against risky assets, of roughly 11 percent - above current requirements. But Germany's largest lender is already under pressure due to an imminent multi-billion-dollar fine that analysts believe could open a capital shortfall of 5-10 billion euros. Still, rule makers will be wary of squeezing banks too hard. Further bargaining is expected to take place before central bank governors and heads of supervision meet again in January. "It is not our objective to set capital requirements that cannot be met," a European supervisor said. European banks complain the new rules are a poor fit. Many argue against steeper capital demands for mortgage debt, saying German mortgages, for instance, are less risky than those made in the United States. They point to U.S. banks being helped by state-sponsored bodies, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which package and resell mortgages, allowing lenders to hive off part of the risk. Such disagreements could ultimately result in a dilution or delay of the new rules. (Reporting by John O'Donnell and Francesco Canepa; Additional reporting by Ilona Wissenbach, Frank Siebelt and Andreas Kroener; Editing by Rachel Armstrong and Mark Potter) Guests including Academy members and those from the animation community mingled at Walt Disney Animation Studios' newly renovated animation building on Wednesday evening. The reception celebrated 10 years since Disney's acquisition of Pixar, bringing Pixar's John Lasseter and Ed Catmull on board as its leaders - and also became an unplanned viewing party for the nail-biting seventh game of the World Series. With space lined with pictures and rare concept art from Disney animated films from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to its soon-to-be-released Moana, the studio decor puts emphasis on its history. "This studio is so proud to be the same studio that Walt Disney started in 1923," Lasseter told the guests. "It's a filmmaker-led studio. We are the caretakers of that heritage. We are determined to build that legacy." Saying that "animation is the very soul of the Walt Disney Company," Disney chairman Alan Horn, who also welcomed the crowd along with Disney Animation president Andrew Millstein, emphasized Lasseter's belief that "quality is the best business model." Lasseter and Catmull recalled joining Disney, with Catmull saying, "The most important thing is there was an incredible group of people who want to make films that impact the world." Those on hand included Byron Howard, who directed Zootopia with Rich Moore; Zootopia producer Clark Spencer; Ron Clements, who directed Moana with John Musker; Don Hall and Chris Williams, directors of Big Hero 6; Peter Del Vecho, producer of Frozen; Disney's legendary animator Eric Goldeberg; and iconic Disney songwriter Richard Sherman. (Musker watched the emotional World Series Game 7 at home with his family; the Chicago native is a huge Cubs fan, and his father worked as an usher at Chicago's Wrigley Field after his retirement.) Guests also included AMPAS president Dawn Hudson, Oscar-nominated directors Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, International Animated Film Society president Frank Gladstone and Bill Taylor, Academy governor of the VFX branch. In most animated Disney movies, there is a song that introduces viewers to the world the characters inhabit. In Beauty and the Beast, Belle tells of a poor provincial town with smelly fish and stale baguettes. In The Little Mermaid, Under the Sea describes an aquatic haven where crustaceans and carp are devotin full time to floatin. True to form, Moana, Disneys new animated tale, in theaters Nov. 23, features a scene-setting tune, but somehow the stakes feel higher. Know Who You Are takes the audience on a tour of Motunui, a fictional South Pacific island drawn from several ancient Polynesian cultures. The villagers sing of their facility in basket weaving and fishing, offer warnings not to trip on taro roots and count their abundant uses for a coconut. But beyond mere details about the local flora, the lyrics bespeak a Disney movie that may be more rooted in its sense of place than any that have preceded it. Moana is Disneys first Polynesian heroine. Dreamed up by veteran directors Ron Clements and John Musker, the duo behind The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, the story follows its teenage protagonist on a journey to save the world, with the help of a tattooed demigod. The idea began with a fascination with Herman Melvilles and Paul Gauguins visions of the South Pacific, which inspired a deep dive into the regions mythology. It was not lost on Clements and Musker that they were two white men crafting a tale about a Polynesian girl, and a 19th century colonial lens wasnt going to get them very far. So five years ago, they set out for Tahiti, Samoa and Fiji to convene with linguists, choreographers and village chiefs. They hired half-Maori New Zealander Taika Waititi as the first screenwriter and the Tokelauan-Tuvaluan musician Opetaia Foai to work on the soundtrack. They cast actors of Polynesian descentAulii Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel Housein nearly every part. Story continues The directors focused on the theme of voyaging because, as Musker recalls of the Fijian sailors they met, It was very much a source of pride to them that they were the worlds greatest navigators. They cast Johnson as the shape-shifting demigod Maui, a prominent figure in pan-Pacific mythology. Cravalho, who is Hawaiian, recalls feeling trepidation at the projects outset: I was a little wary, which I think anyone would be if they heard that a movie would be even inspired by their culture. We want it to be done right. There are those who, even before its release, feel it hasnt been. Some say Mauis corpulence plays on offensive stereotypes of Polynesians. Recently, Disney apologized for and pulled a Maui costumewhich featured a brown tattooed bodysuitin response to criticism that it constituted full-body brownface and disrespected the sacred tradition of Maori tattoos. Such scrutiny is familiar to a studio that introduced its first nonwhite princesses in the 1990s and has since strived to correct course on matters of cultural representation. But when it comes to Moana, the loudest cry by far is one of relief. Can Disney release Moana faster so I can finally have a princess that looks like me? tweeted one high schooler in July. The waters been a little choppy, but shes almost here. This appears in the November 14, 2016 issue of TIME. In 1978's Dr. Strange TV movie, Clyde Kusatsu got to do something rare for an Asian-American actor at the time - portraying a character who wasn't steeped in stereotypes. "I didn't have to run around with exotic robes anything representing the mysterious East or whatever," says Kusatsu. "At that time in '78, it was trying to overturn stereotypes people had about being Asian. Because everybody thought it was so exotic. You're going to do Kung fu or something like that." What makes this even more remarkable is his character, Wong, has its comic book roots in such stereotypes. His politically incorrect origin is a famous blemish in Marvel history, with 1963's Strange Tales No. 110 introducing Wong as a manservant to Stephen Strange. His early tales are problematic, to say the least. (At one point, martial arts expert Wong declares that it's his duty to see to Strange's care and comfort, just as his father and forefathers have done for the Sorcerer Supreme throughout history.) But Kusatsu's Wong was none of that. He spoke with an American accent and dressed like James Bond, favoring three-piece suits as he assisted an ancient magician (played by Oscar winner John Mills). Wong was a talented magician in his own right, standing up to the villainous Morgan le Fay (Jessica Walter) in battle. For Kusatsu, being No. 2 on the call sheet for a CBS project in 1978 was a major sign of progress. Less than a decade earlier, one of his professors at Northwestern not-so-subtly suggested he should quit acting. "He cornered me and said, 'Why do you want to be an actor? There's only August Moon and the King and I. How could you possibly think of making a living?'" Kusatsu recalls. "It crushed me. Until after I realized, 'I've got to work 10 times harder than a white actor.' " Kusatsu with John Mills in 'Dr. Strange'. Nearly 40 years later, Doctor Strange is preparing to hit the big screen - and for Marvel Studios, adapting source material written in a very different time was a challenge. Story continues "Wong - as rendered in the original comics - is so problematic that we weren't sure he was going to make the cut," says Doctor Strange screenwriter Jon Spaihts. "He needed to be more than a Man Friday to our hero. He needed to be a complex human being with power and agency and a presence of his own." In the new film, Wong (played by Benedict Wong) is the librarian in Kamar-Taj, where Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is learning the mystic arts. He's no sidekick to Strange, and he's certainly not a manservant, with Benedict Wong's performance giving him some truly breakout moments in the film. The film has taken heat for the casting of Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One, who is traditionally Asian in the comics. Those involved with the film have said The Ancient One can be anyone throughout time and is no one person. Kusatsu, who has enjoyed a career spanning 43 years of continuous work as an actor, has been observing Benedict Wong's performances from afar, taking particular note of his work on British television. He would like to turn the conversation away from the whitewashing controversy surrounding Swinton's casting and focus it on the actor who succeeded him in the role of Wong. "We all know why the Ancient One was cast in that way. It's just part of the age-old thing of how to get people and the money and the distributors and open up the marketplace and not offending China or anything like that," he says. "To me, what the biggest point that was missed was Benedict is Asian and he was cast as an Asian character. It would have been worse if Tilda Swinton wound up playing Wong. Then you really have a problem." He also points to Benedict Wong's TV work as being a force for good when it comes to breaking down stereotypes. "You don't usually except to see an Asian face with a British accent of any kind [on TV]. That's another way of breaking down people's stereotypes of how Asians should sound like," Kusatsu says. "We all know what they look like, but everyone has this ingrained thing promoted by television and stereotypes of how a person should sound. It's always been something to push forward at." For more from Kusatsu, read our in-depth look back at 1978's Dr. Strange. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images Read more: 'Dr. Strange': The Untold Story of the 1978 TV Movie Everyone "Had Great Hopes For" Santo Domingo (AFP) - A court in the Dominican Republic upheld a 20-year prison sentence Thursday for a Frenchman convicted of brokering a 2013 plot to smuggle a planeload of cocaine into France. The judges threw out the appeal lodged by Alain Castany, one of four Frenchmen convicted in the so-called "Air Cocaine" case, ruling his sentence was "logical" and "consistent with the established evidence." Castany, 70, and his co-accused were arrested at the airport in the resort city of Punta Cana as their small Dassault Falcon 50 jet prepared to take off with what authorities say was a cargo of suitcases stuffed with some 700 kilos (1,500 pounds) of cocaine. Castany claims he did not know what was in the suitcases. Sentenced to 20 years each in 2015, Castany, the two pilots and a passenger on the aircraft were released on bail. The pilots, Pascal Fauret and Bruno Odos, managed to flee back to France. But they were re-arrested and are now under investigation by French authorities. Castany, who can still lodge one final appeal, is currently in hospital in the Dominican Republic, being treated for injuries sustained when a motorcycle knocked him over last year while he was out on bail. Indian President shows willingness to help rebuild Pashupatinath Ghat President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, has expressed India's willingness to assist in the reconstruction of the Ghats in the Pashupatinath Temple premises. A conservative street artist known for lambasting Hollywood liberals and using movie and TV parody to bash Democrats is at it again, this time defacing billboards that advertise Twitter and encourage its users to vote in the presidential election on Tuesday. The Twitter billboards contain a hashtag, the company logo and a closeup photo of either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. In the dead of night, Sabo, the prolific street artist, etched the letters "MAGA" across the face of Trump, the Republican nominee, and the words, "Lolita Express" across the face of Clinton, the Democratic nominee. Courtesy of SABO "MAGA" is an acronym for "Make America Great Again," Trump's well-known campaign slogan, while "Lolita Express" was the nickname given to disgraced financier and major Democratic donor Jeffrey Epstein's private jet, upon which Bill Clinton is alleged to have flown many times. "We know the accusations against Bill Clinton, we know what kinds of pictures Anthony Weiner sends to young girls, and it all just came together," Sabo told The Hollywood Reporter. "There's a whole pedophile ring within the Clinton circle." Read more: Hillary Clinton "Mentor" Saul Alinsky Explored in Two New Films Sabo says he hit up only a few of the Twitter billboards before his escapades were cut short by an intruder and an accident with a pocket knife he keeps for protection. "It's not uncommon for gang-bangers and other graffiti artists to come by. I don't carry a gun, but do have a knife," he said. "A car parked near me and trained its headlights on me for like an hour. I took out my knife and when I closed it, I sliced the hell out of my finger. The whole paranoia thing kicked in so I left." Courtesy of SABO Twitter launched its campaign a few weeks ago in New Jersey, then widened it on Tuesday, one week before the election. Beyond the hashtags over images of the two candidates, other Twitter billboards also feature hashtags over images related to this year's election, including a bunch of handguns, a polluting factory, a wall, a rainbow flag and polar bears floating near windmills. There's also one featuring a picture of Alec Baldwin playing Trump on Saturday Night Live. Story continues Twitter had no comment but said it will replace the "vandalized signs." Courtesy of SABO It has been long rumored that Donald Trump will attempt to start some type of media organization if he loses on Election Day, and it might already be hiring. An organization billed as an up-and-coming conservative media network currently in development is looking for employees, according to Fox News. A casting notice says the network is looking for hosts, reporters and right-leaning, well-spoken panelists exactly what a potential Trump TV would need. Also Read: Trump Campaign CEO Steve Bannon to Return to Breitbart Post-Election The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to TheWraps request for comment. Auditions are being held at an undisclosed New York City studio on Monday. The casting call suggests that initial programming will be streamed on the internet, according to Fox News. This makes sense, as Trump already has an evening newscast that streams daily on Facebook Live. Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, recently contacted media banker Aryeh Bourkoff about the possibility of setting up a Trump television network after the election, the Financial Times reported last month. Also Read: Hillary Clinton Email Scandals: A Guide From Wikileaks to Anthony Weiner's PC Trump has also worked closely with former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes and Breitbart guru Stephen Bannon, leading to speculation that his backup plan to becoming POTUS is launching a right-leaning news organization. I want to win the presidency and I want to make America great again. Its very simple. I have no interest in a media company, Trump recently told the Washington Post, but it doesnt appear that anyone believes him. Maybe this is a casting call for Trump TV. Or Trump News. Maybe it isnt. But it might be your only chance to work for The Donald. Related stories from TheWrap: Donald Trump Quadruple Calls Out NBC's Katy Tur at Rally, Spawns #ImWithTur Donald Trump Supporter Sues NBC, Claims He Was 'Roughed Up' by 'Today' Show 'Goon Squad' Trump Campaign CEO Steve Bannon to Return to Breitbart Post-Election As it goes about relaunching its The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo franchise, Sony Pictures is looking at Uruguay-born Fede Alverez to direct a new installment, The Girl in the Spider Web, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. Alverez, repped by WME and Anonymous Content, enjoyed a hit this summer when his horror pic Don't Breathe, from Sony's Screen Gems unit, scared up $151.4 million worldwide. Sony 's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, released in 2011, was based on the first of the three detective novels about journalist Mikael Blomkvist and computer hacker Lisbeth Salander written by Stieg Larsson, who died in 2004. The new project would be based on the fourth book in the series, which was written by David Lagercrantz and released in 2015 and quickly acquired by Sony. Stephen Knight is adapting the novel for the screen, with Scott Rudin, Amy Pascal, Elizabeth Cantillon and Eli Bush along with Ole Sondberg and Soren Staermose of the production company Yellow Bird, which earlier produced a trilogy of Swedish films out of the original novels. David Beaubaire will oversee production for the studio. London (AFP) - Campaigners in London sent a rallying cry to Americans on Thursday to get out and vote in the forthcoming presidential election and avoid getting "Brexited". Dressed in hard hats and high-visibility vests to symbolise danger, activists gathered outside the British parliament to issue a warning to US citizens: "vote or regret it", drawing parallels with Britain's referendum on leaving the European Union. "We really want to make sure that Americans don't wake up on November 9 with election regrets having not turned out to vote," said Bert Wander, a campaign director for the Avaaz activist group. Campaigners insisted they were not telling Americans how to vote, though many were vocal in their opposition to Republican candidate Donald Trump. Saskia McCulloch, a New Zealand citizen living in London, said she could not register in time to vote in the EU referendum -- residents from Commonwealth countries had the right to vote -- and "felt distraught" at the result. "Brexit came down to a million votes. If I had known it would be that tight I would have done everything I possibly could to be registered and voting," she said. Meredith Alexander, a joint US-British citizen living in London, and a campaign director for Avaaz, said: "If you look at the fear and hatred that Donald Trump trades on, a lot of those same messages were used here in the UK" during the Brexit campaign. Future planning of DreamLeague is not going to change, the organization says. Following the announcements that several teams would no longer be taking part in DreamLeague, the organization has confirmed that it will not be changing how it plans future events. This will not affect the planning of future events and we have nothing bad to say towards Valve, EG, OG, Secret or Navi, DreamLeague project manager Michael Milton Fuxborg said in a statement to Yahoo Esports. This is simply a chain of unfortunate events and we will continue to do the best of what we got for now and in the future. NaVi recently announced that it would be dropping out of DreamLeague, with European team Ad Finem taking their spot in the tournament. Previously, Team Secret and OG announced their withdrawals from the event due to clashes with the timing of the Boston Major. Evil Geniuses also declined an invitation to the tournament for similar reasons. NaVi also stated in its announcement that it would reveal the reason why the team withdrew from the event as well as the future of its Dota 2 roster within a week. Some have speculated that the decision to pull out from the tournament was a result of the teams lackluster performance as of late. Earlier this week Danil Dendi Ishutin tweeted it was weird that Alexander DkPhobos Kucheria was without a team, perhaps hinting that NaVi would be picking him up as part of the new roster. DkPhobos had tweeted on the same day that he was looking for a team or other players. DreamLeague is scheduled to run November 25-26 during DreamHack Winter in Jonkoping, Sweden. For those who wish to attend, tickets can be purchased on this website. The bulk of the Q3 earnings season is over, with 364 S&P 500 members (as of Nov 2) accounting for 72.6% of the indexs total market capitalization having already reported results, according to the latest Earnings Outlook. While total earnings for these index members were up 1.6% from the year-ago quarter, revenues were also up 1.6% year over year. The beat ratio was 72.3% for earnings and 54.7% for revenues. Notably, the ongoing reporting cycle is on track to be the first quarter of positive earnings growth after five consecutive quarters of earnings decline for the S&P 500 index. However, though the third-quarter reporting cycle saw numerous positive surprises and stability in current-quarter (Q4 2016) estimates in the beginning, these two attributes have started losing ground this week. Positive surprises, particularly on the revenue side, have become harder to come by and Q4 estimates are moving down. This change was reflected in the results of pharmaceutical companies as well. Though quite a few of the large-cap pharma companies posted better-than-expected third-quarter results last week, three large pharma companies that have reported so far this week Allergan plcs AGN, Gilead Sciences Inc. GILD and Pfizer Inc. PFE announced softer-than-expected Q3 results. While Allergan and Pfizer missed estimates for both earnings and sales, Gilead managed to beat sales expectations marginally but missed earnings estimates. Two more companies from the healthcare sector are set to report their third-quarter results on Nov 4. Let's see how things are shaping up for their respective announcements. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. REGN Regeneron posted a positive surprise of 21.97% last reported. The companys performance has been mixed so far. In the last four quarters, it surpassed earnings estimates on two occasions and missed the same twice. Overall, the company has recorded an average negative earnings surprise of 2.04%. Story continues REGENERON PHARM Price and EPS Surprise REGENERON PHARM Price and EPS Surprise | REGENERON PHARM Quote Regenerons key growth driver, Eylea, should continue to perform well in the third quarter of 2016 and contribute meaningfully to the top line. Apart from Eylea, investor focus will remain on the performance of the PCSK9 inhibitor, Praluent. (Read More: Regeneron Q3 Earnings: Will the Stock Surprise?). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is pegged at $2.27 per share. The company has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and an Earnings ESP of 0.00%. Please check our Earnings ESP Filter that enables you find stocks that are expected to come out with earnings surprises. Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. LBIO Last quarter, the company delivered a negative earnings surprise of 21.05%. Lion Biotechnologies had a mixed track record over the last four quarters. The company surpassed expectations twice, missed once and delivered in-line results in the other quarter, with the average positive earnings surprise being 9.52%. LION BIOTECH Price and EPS Surprise LION BIOTECH Price and EPS Surprise | LION BIOTECH Quote The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is pegged at a loss of 18 cents per share. The company has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Confidential from Zacks This week, Zacks researchers have named 7 other stocks that look to break out even sooner than today's Bull of the Day. You can see these time-sensitive tickers free, and access additional trades that are not available to the public. Simply click here>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report PFIZER INC (PFE): Free Stock Analysis Report ALLERGAN PLC (AGN): Free Stock Analysis Report REGENERON PHARM (REGN): Free Stock Analysis Report GILEAD SCIENCES (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report LION BIOTECH (LBIO): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research New York (AFP) - Shares of leading generic drugmakers plummeted Thursday following a report that US antitrust investigators could unveil criminal charges of price-fixing by the industry before year-end. The Department of Justice is probing whether executives from different companies colluded on drug prices, said a Bloomberg News report, citing unnamed people familiar with the probe. The probe covers more than a dozen companies and about two dozen drugs, Bloomberg said. Shares of several of the companies named in the article fell sharply including Mylan, down 7.0 percent, Teva, down 10.9 percent, Endo International, down 17.3 percent and Impax Laboratories, down 13.4 percent. The investigation represents another cloud hanging over the pharmaceutical industry, which has been battered by criticism over runaway drug prices. Mylan, in particular, has been under fire for hiking the price of its EpiPen allergy medication from $100 in 2007 to more than $600 for a two-pack. Bloomberg said the probe may resemble a Department of Justice crackdown on the auto parts industry dating back more than a decade, which resulted in $2.8 billion in fines and charges against 46 companies. Charges in the generics price-fixing case could come in December, although the timing could lapse, the article said. Indian prez arrives in Nepal in sign of warming relations Indian President Pranab Mukherjee arrived in Kathmandu on a three-day state visit to Nepal on Wednesday, in a first by an Indian head of state in 18 years. Indian Prez to meet top leaders of various political parties Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, who is on a three-day state visit of Nepal, will hold talks with leaders of various political parties throughout the second day of his visit on Thursday. By Julia Harte ASHEBORO, N.C. (Reuters) - When Bill McAnulty, an elections board chairman in a mostly white North Carolina county, agreed in July to open a Sunday voting site where black church members could cast ballots after services, the reaction was swift: he was labeled a traitor by his fellow Republicans. "I became a villain, quite frankly," recalled McAnulty at a state board of elections meeting in September that had been called to resolve disputes over early voting plans. "I got accused of being a traitor and everything else by the Republican Party," McAnulty said. Following the blowback from Republicans, McAnulty later withdrew his support for the Sunday site. In an interview with Reuters, he said he ultimately ruled against opening the Sunday voting site in Randolph County because he had "made a mistake in reading the wishes of the voters." He declined to discuss the episode further. This year's highly charged presidential contest between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump has stoked accusations by both parties of political meddling in the scheduling of early voting hours in North Carolina, a coveted battleground state with a history of tight elections. In emails, state and county Republican officials lobbied members of at least 17 county election boards to keep early-voting sites open for shorter hours on weekends and in evenings times that usually see disproportionately high turnout by Democratic voters. Reuters obtained the emails through a public records request. The officials also urged county election boards to open fewer sites for residents to cast ballots during early voting that began on Oct. 20 and ends on Saturday. Civil rights advocates and Democrats launched their own campaigns for expanded early voting hours. The tug-of-war yielded mixed results. The state did ultimately add nearly 5,900 more hours and 78 more sites to vote early than in 2012. But several counties opened only one polling site during the first week of early voting, slightly denting turnout across the state. Voter turnout dropped by 20 percent in the counties that had multiple polling sites during the first week of early voting in 2012 but just one site during the first week in 2016. We currently have more early voting locations and hours open than ever were open under Democrat control, said North Carolina Republican Party executive director Dallas Woodhouse, denying his party was trying to suppress the Democratic vote. President Barack Obama praised the expanded early voting opportunities during an election stop in North Carolina on Wednesday. "Those who wanted to suppress the vote, they're going to fail," he said at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in Raleigh. "Right now, there are more one-stop early vote sites in North Carolina than ever before." Counties that Obama, a Democrat, won in 2012 increased their Sunday hours this year by 16 percent, while counties that voted for his Republican rival, Mitt Romney, decreased them by nearly a quarter, the records show. State Republican officials say keeping polls open during evenings and weekends, or "off-hour" times, drains county resources. 'FOLKS ARE ANGRY' In two emails, on Aug. 11 and Aug. 14, Woodhouse urged Republicans serving on county election boards to follow the "party line" on curtailing the early voting period. "Many of our folks are angry and opposed to Sunday voting," he wrote. Six days of voting in one week is enough. Period. Keeping polling sites open for the full 17-day early voting period "may be wasteful and unnecessary," he added. Woodhouse's emails were subsequently published by local media, but he was not alone in lobbying to limit voting hours, the Reuters review of public records shows. The review counted similar emails from at least four other Republican Party officials to election boards, each of which is composed of two Republicans and one Democrat. The same day that Woodhouse sent his Aug. 11 email, Elaine Hewitt, a member of the Rowan County Republican Executive Committee, sent the county elections board two proposed schedules for early voting, both of which included just one site for the first four days and no sites on Sundays. "With all of the opportunities to vote by mail, early in person Monday - Saturday, and on Election Day, there is no justification for requiring election workers to work on Sundays," she wrote. Garry Terry, the chairman of the Republican Party for North Carolinas First Congressional District, sent an email on Aug. 13 to elections board members in his region, reminding them to act "in the best interest of the Republican Party" by opposing Sunday voting and restricting early voting to one location. Hewitt and Terry did not respond to requests for comment. Woodhouse defended the actions of the Republican officials, telling Reuters that Republican opposition to Sunday voting was not discriminatory but was rather based on the belief that people should not be required to work on Sundays. The Sunday polling site that McAnulty first supported and then opposed would have been located at the Randolph County Board of Elections office and would have cost around $1,000 to operate, according to the office director. "If it's not wasteful and it allows more people to vote... the board has historically been for that," Margaret Megerian, the Democratic member of board, told Reuters. 'A SIGNIFICANT TRIUMPH' In contrast with the Republicans' email campaign, the Democratic push to expand early voting hours has largely taken shape in public forums. In Democratic-leaning Guilford County, the state's third largest, a county board of elections meeting on Aug. 8 attracted about 75 people after word spread that the board was planning to halve the number of early voting sites, from 24 in 2012. The Rev. Nelson Johnson said in an interview that the proposal by the board's Republican chairwoman would "prevent voting especially by people who can't easily take time off" and said it "absolutely" had a racial intent. Johnson, who is African American, leads a community center in Greensboro, North Carolina. Board Chairwoman Kathryn Lindley told Reuters she believed "a lesser number of sites would cause less confusion about which places were going to be open," and that it was "ludicrous" to think her suggested plan had been discriminatory. The board ultimately agreed to 25 early voting sites and one day of Sunday voting before the November election. Johnson said the decision was "a significant triumph." Lindley said Johnson's group had no influence on the final outcome. Guilford's plan also included one restriction that particularly angered Democrats. In the first week of early voting in 2012, residents could vote at 16 sites. This year, that has been reduced to one. Mary Cranford, 52, a registered Republican, was fourth in line on the first day of early voting in Guilford. She was able to vote but said she was upset that only one site was open for the first week. She said she voted for Clinton this year. "I can't believe what's been done to keep some people from voting in this state," she said. Just 7,916 people voted in the first week of early voting in Guilford this year, compared to 60,732 in 2012, according to state elections board records. The general counsel for Clinton's campaign and other plaintiffs filed a court motion on Oct. 1 demanding Guilford and four other North Carolina counties expand their early voting opportunities. The court denied it, saying that changing the early voting plans would create logistical difficulties. (Reporting by Julia Harte, additional reporting by Andy Sullivan, editing by Jason Szep and Ross Colvin) (Adds background, estimated value, Indonesian utility's withdrawal) PARIS, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Italy's biggest utility Enel has decided not to bid for Indonesian geothermal assets being sold by U.S. energy giant Chevron Corp, Enel's CEO said on Thursday. "We withdrew because we were not able to secure in the time frame a partner that would be good for us," Chief Executive Francesco Starace said on the sidelines of the New York Times Energy for Tomorrow conference in Paris. Chevron is selling its geothermal energy blocks in Indonesia and the Philippines as part of cost-cutting efforts in the face of weak oil prices. The blocks have an estimated value of about $3 billion, sources told Reuters in June. Earlier on Thursday Indonesia's state electricity utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) also opted out of the tender, citing governance concerns. (Reporting by Geert De Clercq; Editing by David Goodman) Moussa Sow's sensational overhead effort and a brilliant free-kick from Jeremain Lens helped Fenerbahce to a fine 2-1 Europa League win over an out-of-sorts Manchester United, who lost Paul Pogba to injury. Fener were swept aside in a 4-1 loss at Old Trafford a fortnight ago in a match that saw Pogba score twice. But Jose Mourinho has faced increased scrutiny over United's indifferent Premier League form with a 0-0 draw at home to Burnley in which they registered 37 shots on goal at the weekend the latest disappointment. And the Portuguese's mood would hardly have been helped by Sow's stunning acrobatic opener in just the second minute of the Group A contest in Istanbul that left left United with an uphill task. The loss of world-record signing Pogba to injury shortly before half-time compounded United's misery, before Lens - on a season-long loan from Sunderland - rubbed salt in the wounds with a brilliant 59th-minute free-kick. Captain Wayne Rooney reduced the deficit with a magnificent long-range goal of his own that drew him level with Ruud van Nistelrooy on the list of United's all-time leading goalscorers in Europe on 38. But it did little to mask a limp, disjointed performance from United and they are now one point adrift of new pool leaders Fener and Feyenoord, who drew 1-1 at Zorya, with two group games remaining. There was nothing United could do about Fener's spectacular opener, though. [MOURINHO FUMES AT UNITED'S LACK OF FOCUS AND CONCENTRATION] [FENERBAHCE V MANCHESTER UNITED - HOW THE MATCH UNFOLDED] [IN PICTURES: FENERBAHCE V MANCHESTER UNITED] Hasan Ali Kaldirim crossed from the left and Sow connected with a stunning overhead kick just inside the area that looped over David De Gea. Jeremain Lens makes it 2-0 United struggled to create openings in their search for an equaliser and Morgan Schneiderlin was fortunate his crude challenge on Jeremain Lens occurred just outside the box. Anthony Martial did carve open Fener's defence with a fine ball into the path of Rooney, but his touch was poor and Martin Skrtel cleared the danger. Story continues [WATCH: MOUSSA SOW'S WONDER GOAL FOR FENERBAHCE] [POGBA LIMPS OFF TO GIVE UNITED INJURY HEADACHE] [IMPOTENT, PITIFUL UNITED ATTACK IS WORRYING FOR JOSE] United were then forced into a premature change when Pogba, who had earlier taken a strong challenge from Souza, hobbled off to be replaced by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The visitors continued to toil and emotions almost boiled over towards the end of the half with Ibrahimovic involved in a coming together with Simon Kjaer, while Fener goalkeeper Volkan Demirel took exception to a Rooney challenge on Souza. Fener were happy to sit back in the second half and allow United to dictate possession and the visitors appeared devoid of ideas, with a glancing Rooney header all they had to show for their efforts. And the hosts' approach paid dividends shortly before the hour when Lens curled an excellent 25-yard free-kick into the bottom right-hand corner past a helpless De Gea. [WONDER GOAL MIGHT JUST REIGNITE ROONEY'S SPARK] United were fortunate the game was not beyond all doubt when substitute Emmanuel Emenike sprung the offside trap to collect Lens' throughball, his heavy touch allowing De Gea to make the save. Rooney forced a nervy ending by picking out the top-left corner from almost 30 yards, but Fener held out for the points. Key Opta stats: - Manchester United have lost eight of their last nine away games in Europe, drawing the other (excluding qualifiers). - Indeed, their run of five successive away European losses is their worst ever run. - Fenerbahce have won their first game against an English side since beating Chelsea in April 2008, drawing one and losing five in between. - Man Utd have conceded in seven consecutive European away games for the first time since February 1965 when they went on a run of nine successive games without a clean sheet. - Wayne Rooney has had a hand in six of Man Utds last 11 goals against Fenerbahce (four goals, two assists). - Wayne Rooney is just two goals away from equalling Bobby Charlton's record of 249 goals in all competitions for Man Utd. - Moussa Sow's goal after one minute and nine seconds was the earliest scored in Europe against Man Utd since Christian Gimenez scored for Basel in November 2002. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker will speak by telephone to Theresa May on Friday morning at the British prime minister's request, a spokesman for the Commission said. He declined during a news conference to comment on Thursday's London court ruling that the government must consult the British parliament before launching formal talks on Britain leaving the European Union. The court ruling could affect May's pledge to Brussels to start Brexit negotiations by March. Asked about that timetable, the spokesman declined comment but noted that the 27 other EU member states have urged London to start the talks soon. (Reporting by Robert-Jan Bartunek; Editing by Alastair Macdonald) EU Commissioner Guenther Oettinger on Thursday apologised for derogatory remarks about Chinese people, whom he dubbed "slitty eyes" in a speech last month. "I can now see that the words I used have created bad feelings and may even have hurt people. This was not my intention and I would like to apologise for any remark that was not as respectful as it should have been," Oettinger said in a statement. China voiced its disdain on Wednesday over his remarks, saying they revealed "a baffling sense of superiority entrenched in some Western politicians". A video that emerged on YouTube showed Oettinger addressing a German business audience using the words "slitty eyes" and "chiselers" to refer to Chinese people. Germany's Oettinger, commissioner for the EU digital economy who was last week named to take on the budget portfolio as well, went on to make disparaging remarks about women, gay marriage and Belgian politicians. In Thursday's statement, he did not refer to any specific remarks and said his intention had been to give Germany a "wake-up call" over China's increasing power and a debilitating political correctness at home which stymied an effective response. "I have great respect for the dynamics of the Chinese economy - China is a partner and a tough competitor," he said. Oettinger also said that remarks about the Belgian region of Wallonia, which held up the signing of a landmark EU-Canada trade deal for several weeks, had been misquoted. "Let me add here that I regret that some of my remarks were misquoted regarding Wallonia, which is not only historically an important European region, but actively contributes to the cultural and political diversity of Europe," he said in the statement. A spokesman for European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said the president had talked to Oettinger by phone on Wednesday and would be talking to him again on Friday. "The president would like to have the Commissioner's explanation about what he said... (and how he got to this position) where the statement had to be issued," spokesman Margaritis Schinas said. Schinas refused to be drawn when asked about Oettinger's future on the Commission, the EU's executive arm which has 28 seats, one for each member state. By Ginny McCabe CINCINNATI (Reuters) - A former University of Cincinnati police officer charged with murdering a black Ohio man during a traffic stop was not dragged or in danger of being run over, a prosecution witness testified on Thursday, contradicting the officer's statement that he felt in danger of being pulled under the vehicle. The car that Ray Tensing, 26, stopped in July 2015 was moving forward about a second before the former officer shot Samuel DuBose, 43, in the head, Grant Fredericks, a forensic video analyst, said at the trial in Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas in Cincinnati. Tensing had pulled DuBose over near the university campus for a missing front license plate on his vehicle. DuBose attempted to prevent the officer from opening the door before the car started slowly rolling forward. Tensing, who is white, pulled his gun and fired once. The killing fueled demonstrations against use of lethal force by white officers against unarmed black men and other minorities. Another white police officer is also on trial this week in the April 2015 shooting of an unarmed black man in South Carolina. Fredericks, who studied video of the incident captured by Tensing's body camera, concluded DuBose's car moved forward one to two feet before the shot was fired, but Tensing was not dragged. Tensing previously said he was being dragged by DuBose's car and believed he would be pulled under the vehicle. His attorney, Stew Mathews, said Tuesday that DuBose was using his car to harm Tensing and the officer shot DuBose to protect himself. Fredericks, when asked by Mathews, acknowledged the car was moving before the shot was fired. Mathews said after Thursday's testimony that Fredericks' opinion was no better than that of the jury. He added that Tensing planned to testify in his defense. Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters previously said the officer's version of events was false. Tensing pleaded not guilty to murder and was released on $1 million bond. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life imprisonment. (Reporting by Ginny McCabe, Writing by Ben Klayman; editing by Grant McCool) By Steve Stecklow LONDON (Reuters) - Students in Asia have been notified that their scores on the writing section of last month's ACT college-entrance exam are being canceled, in the latest example of how standardized test makers are struggling to contain an international epidemic of cheating. The incident comes just months after ACT Inc, the Iowa-based nonprofit that operates the test, was forced to cancel its exam for all takers in South Korea and Hong Kong. That incident, in June, marked the first time the high-stakes exam was canceled for an entire country. ACT spokesman Ed Colby declined to say how many students were affected by the October score cancellations, which he said involved test centers in Asia and Oceania. He described the incident as the result of a compromise in the testing process and said the affected students amounted to only a small portion of examinees in the region." Affected students for the October score cancellation received a message from ACT that stated: Unfortunately, events occurred which compromised the testing process for the writing portion of your test event. As a result, you will not receive a score for your writing test response/essay. Your multiple choice ACT testsEnglish, mathematics, reading, and science testsWILL be scored. The message added that ACT will issue each student a $16 refund. The ACT writing section is nominally voluntary, but many colleges require students to take it to gauge an applicants writing and reasoning abilities. The latest security incident is a frustrating and complicated situation for our students, said Kristin J. Dreazen, president of the international affiliate of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. The day before the ACT was administered on Oct. 22, Reuters obtained a copy of an ACT writing test on the subject Fame that an Asian source said had leaked and was to be given the next day. Test administrators in Asia were instructed shortly before the test to substitute a different essay topic than the one that originally had shipped. Colby declined to comment on the test Reuters obtained. Reuters reported in July that ACTs test security unit repeatedly had recommended tightening security overseas before the June breach, but that ACT executives had rejected the recommendations. The organization later laid off the head of the unit. ACTs chief executive, Marten Roorda, has declined to be interviewed. ACT recently began shipping some of its test booklets and answer sheets in lock boxes to guard against leaks. But the use of lock boxes still is not universal, according to test administrators. In July, Reuters also detailed widespread cheating in the ACT-owned Global Assessment Certificate program. The program, which offers college preparatory courses, has about 5,000 students and operates in about 200 centers, mostly in Asia. http://reut.rs/2akY3uf Seven students who attended three different GAC centers in China described how school officials and proctors ignored and were sometimes complicit in cheating on the ACT. Eight teachers or administrators who have worked at seven different Chinese GAC centers also described cheating in program courses. ACTs chief rival, the New York-based College Board, which administers the SAT, has been struggling with its own security problems. The College Board recently notified an undisclosed number of test-takers in Egypt that their scores were being canceled for the October test. College Board spokesman Zach Goldberg said the cancellations were based on evidence that a test preparation organization illegally obtained and shared the test content before the administration. He declined to elaborate. Reuters also reported in August that a major breach exposed hundreds of unpublished questions for upcoming SAT exams. A College Board spokeswoman said the organization was investigating what she termed a serious criminal matter. The SAT and ACT are used by thousands of U.S. colleges to help choose from among millions of student applicants. Read the entire Reuters Cheat Sheet series http://www.reuters.com/investigates/section/cheat-sheet/ (Edited by Michael Williams) Marigold prices plunge 33pc on glut in supply Prices of marigold were down 33 percent during the Tihar festival due to a glut in supply. These flowers are sold extensively during the five-day festival when they are strung into garlands to decorate houses. Now that Disney has greenlit a Splash remake starring Channing Tatum and Jillian Bell, the Magic Mike XXL star says he's going to do whatever it takes to get Tom Hanks to come back for the upcoming reboot. "I will be washing Tom's car [and] doing everything that I can to get him in that movie!" Tatum told ET's Angelique Jackson at the Fulfillment Fund gala at Universal Studios in Los Angeles on Wednesday. In the gender-swapped reimagining of Hanks' 1984 romantic comedy classic, Tatum is set to star as the mermaid love interest originally played by Daryl Hannah, while Bell will star in the role Hanks originated. WATCH: Tom Hanks Talks Channing Tatum's Gender-Swapping Role in 'Splash' Remake: 'Why Not?' Tatum admitted that he and Bell have thus far been "too afraid" to talk with Hanks about the remake, because for years their idea for the film was just a joke that they threw out to Disney as a "shot in the dark." Tatum said he and Bell threw "a hail Mary" just to see how it would be received, and spoke with filmmaker Ron Howard, who directed the original, who ended up supporting the project. "We were sure he was going to say no," Tatum shared. "[But] Ron loved it and supported us going in to Disney." "We were sure they were gonna say no," he added. "Disney somehow thought that it was not a horrible idea so we're gonna give it a shot." MORE: Jenna Dewan Jokes About Channing Tatum's 'Splash' Costume: A Purple Mermaid Tail! While there's a lot of pressure when it comes to remaking an iconic comedy classic, it's not nearly as much pressure as choosing an educational path for your child, which is another challenge Tatum is currently facing with his 3-year-old daughter, Everly. "Now days especially in Los Angeles there's all this pressure. She's not even in elementary school yet and there's the, 'What school is she in? What's the plan? What's the path?' and I'm like, 'I have no idea,'" said Tatum, who shares his little girl with wife Jenna Dewan. "Like, I just want her to enjoy going to school. I just want her to want to go to school." Story continues For more on Tatum's upcoming foray into playing a magical, love-struck merman in the upcoming Splash reboot, check out the video below. Related Articles For more Entertainment Tonight videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS. Kim Kardashian West and husband Kanye West recently let go of their main bodyguard, Pascal Duvier, following Kim's robbery in Paris, France, two sources tell ET. Duvier, 43, had been working with Kim since 2013, and with Kanye since 2012. While Duvier was with Kim in France during Paris Fashion Week, he was with her older sister, Kourtney Kardashian -- who was enjoying a night out with their younger sister, Kendall Jenner -- at the time of the robbery. "Pascal, along with a couple other security members of their team, were recently let go by Kim and Kanye," one source tells ET. "It's a pretty tough situation overall and they love Pascal, but they couldn't take any more chances." WATCH: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Meet Alton Sterling's Son in First Photo Since Robbery -- See the Heartwarming Pic! ET has reached out to Duvier for comment. Last month, a source close to Kim told ET that she and Kanye were definitely rethinking their security measures after the terrifying incident in Paris. "Kim and Kanye are reassessing their security detail now. Kanye is freaking out -- this really threw him for a loop," the source said. "There will be a lot of things that change now in terms of security, especially with the children [3-year-old North and 11-month-old Saint]." However, Duvier was still with both Kim and Kanye after the robbery last month, when they stepped out of the New York City apartment they had been staying in, en route to Los Angeles. Duvier was spotted putting luggage into a black vehicle, dressed in all black and sporting his usual fanny pack. Star Traks Photo ET exclusively spoke to the hotel concierge who was held at gunpoint alongside Kim, Abdulrahman, last month, who said he didn't blame Duvier for the incident. "They have guns, you can't move," he said about the robbers, adding that Duvier would have been easily outnumbered by the five men. "He can't do anything. He can't." Story continues He also told ET that a phone call from Duvier at the time of the robbery was what may have ended the robbery abruptly. "When [Kim's] phone rang, I take it and saw Pascal -- the name of the bodyguard -- and I told the guy, 'You know who is calling now? He is her bodyguard, and if she didn't answer him now, he will come with police.'" Abdulrahman says the robbers fled shortly after, and Duvier returned to the hotel. Duvier is the CEO and Chairman for Protect Security, and has plenty of experience working with celebrities. According to his LinkedIn account, his client list includes The Black Eyed Peas, Ciara, David Guetta and Frank Ocean. He has been to Iceland, Cuba and Armenia with Kim and her family, and at times can be spotted on Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Just days before Kim's robbery, the mother of two publicly praised Duvier for taking down notorious prankster Vitalii Sediuk, when Sediuk lunged at her while she was walking into L'Avenue restaurant in Paris. "My security @PascalDuvier is a G," she tweeted. My security @PascalDuvier is a G Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) September 28, 2016 WATCH: EXCLUSIVE: Kim Kardashian 'Ready to Start Getting Back to Normal Life,' Robbery Put 'Things Into Perspective' for Her Meanwhile, Kim is slowly returning to public life after taking a big step back from social media. Kim attended Kendall's 21st birthday party at celeb hot spot Delilah restaurant on Wednesday night, and recently set the date for her first official appearance since the robbery. Kim is scheduled to join makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic in Dubai on Jan. 13, for a makeup tutorial advertised as The Masterclass DUBAI. Watch below: Related Articles Nicolas Cage is certainly keeping it interesting with his latest roles. The Oscar winner has been in full work mode with the release of two movies this week. ET recently caught up with the 52-year-old ahead of the release of his latest films: Dog Eat Dog, playing an ex-con with a job gone wrong, and Army of One starring as an American civilian humorously hunting for Osama bin Laden -- both hitting theaters this Friday. Without any downtime, the actor recalls jumping from one project right after the other, sharing how he ended up with the role of Troy in Dog Eat Dog. "[Director] Paul Schrader was actually calling me about Dog Eat Dog while I was filming Army of One and he wanted me to play Mad Dog," says Cage. "And I was like, 'Paul, listen, I am already playing a pretty wild character. It's exhausting. Can I please play Troy?" The actor says the change in characters allowed him to present a "polarity" between the two films. WATCH: Nicolas Cage Jumps From Sinking Ship to Shark Infested Waters in 'USS Indianapolis' While the Ghost Rider star has been staying busy, he managed to include his 25-year-old musician son Weston Cage's talents in Dog Eat Dog. Weston's song, "Black Sun Damascus," can be heard during the "party scene with the three convicts" in the film. "He loved the movie and also one of his songs was in the movie" Cage shares. "That was great." In September 2014, ET caught up with Weston, who dished on what kind of grandfather the actor is to his son, 1-year-old Lucian Augustus. "I believe that a lot of the morals and philosophies that I will teach to my son definitely comes from my father," Weston told ET. "He was an amazing father to me." NEWS: Nicolas Cage and Wife Alice Kim Are Separated And how is the star as a grandpa? "Brilliant," Weston gushed. As for a future collaboration on-screen, both father and son are looking for the right fit. "We are always looking for things that make sense," Cage says. "It's just a matter of finding the right role at the right time." Story continues Army of One will be in select theaters and on Digital HD on Nov. 4. Dog Eat Dog will be released in select theaters on the same day and on Digital HD and video on demand on Nov. 11. --Additional reporting by Darla Murray Related Articles Phaedra Parks is ready to step out on her own -- again. "I'm actually divorced," Phaedra reveals exclusively to ET. "I am done it was very anticlimactic, shall I say? No one gets married to end in divorce, so it's bittersweet." Phaedra had been pursuing that divorce from now ex-husband Apollo Nida since 2014, when he began serving an eight-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to bank fraud. Now, the 43-year-old tells ET the split is official and she's looking forward to her future. WATCH: Phaedra Parks Is Ready to 'Conquer the World' After 'Going Through Hell' "It's been a very long, hectic process, but at the end of the day, I'm excited to start a new chapter in my life," she shares. "We were a family. This is pretty much the death of that family unit, so it's sad but at the same time, it's giving me a new beginning." The Real Housewives of Atlanta star's focus right now is on her and Apollo's sons, 6-year-old Ayden and 3-year-old Dylan, whom she says are doing "really good." "Apollo and I, obviously, are going to be connected through our wonderful children through the rest of our lives," Phaedra adds. "I try to keep him in the loop as much as possible, because he obviously is in prison. I'm very cognizant that he wants to be a father ... and when he reaches out and calls, we try to make sure there's an open line of communication with the boys." The lawyer says she's not even thinking about dating at the moment, but she also hasn't given up on love. "I'm anxious for nothing," Phaedra jokes. "I will probably date at some point, but right now I'm just letting it all soak in, the newness of it. You know, if you date me, you date the boys. We come as a big threesome!" WATCH: Phaedra Parks Talks Co-Parenting With Imprisoned Ex "The perfect guy would be a god-fearing guy, a guy who loves children -- a guy who loves my sons as much as I do -- someone who's generous, smart, witty," she adds. "You know, me with a penis." Story continues "I'll definitely get married again," Phaedra confesses. "To know love is better than to not know love. I mean, love is awesome and I'm very optimistic that there is Prince Charming, Mr. Perfect, Mr. Right." The reality star-turned-mortician is also focused on the all-new season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, which she promises will be "explosive, figuratively and literally." Phaedra was the target of a bomb threat over the summer, and the aftermath of that incident will play out on upcoming episodes. "It was a very traumatic experience," she reflects. "You know, it was a very scary situation. I wasn't in town at the time, I was actually at the [Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia]. I won't give too many details away, but you'll have to tune in because it is very... interesting, in a scary way." EXCLUSIVE: The Real Housewives of Atlanta Taglines Are Here! There will, of course, be friendship troubles and some fun this year, as well as a look into Phaedra's work as an activist. Along with speaking at the DNC as a Hillary Clinton surrogate, Phaedra and co-star Kenya Moore traveled to Flint, Michigan, to help with the water crisis. "I think to be well-balanced you gotta show more than drama sometimes," Phaedra says. "We have plenty of drama, as you well know. There's no shortage of that on this show!" The Real Housewives of Atlanta returns to Bravo for season nine on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 8 p.m. ET. Phaedra's co-star, Cynthia Bailey, recently opened up ET about what we can expect from her this season. Hear what she had to say in the video below. Related Articles Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f270196%2fadb7b0da7dba49eabc188aad5aa0c2ce A new tool developed by the military could eventually help sniff out life on Mars or other places in the solar system. The prototype instrument called the Bio-Indicator Lidar Instrument (BILI for short) probably won't fly to space anytime soon, but if it does, it could be used to detect biosignatures like methane or even oxygen in the atmosphere of an alien world from the planet's surface. Basically, BILI might be able to hunt out signs of life on an alien world. SEE ALSO: Europe's Mars lander is lost on the red planet "If the agency develops it [the instrument], it will be the first of a kind, Branimir Blagojevic, a NASA technologist who worked at the company that created the experiment, said in a statement. Originally developed by the military to sniff out toxins and pathogens in the air, BILI, which would be attached to a Mars rover, relies on sniffing out elements in dust plumes coming from the planet. The detector uses "two ultraviolet lasers to pulse light at the dust," NASA said, causing the particles to become excited. Scientists can analyze the molecules in that state to see what the plumes are made of and possibly find chemical signs that would point to organics and life. A diagram of how the instrument might work. Image: NASA The instrument's methods would allow it to detect these possible organic molecules from hundreds of feet away, which could be a benefit in a tough Martian environment where it might be difficult to get to the exact spot needed to sample something from up-close. BILIs measurements ... can be conducted quickly over a broad area," Blagojevic said. "This is a survey instrument, with a nose for certain molecules." The instrument could also be used on an orbiting spacecraft, which would detect biomarkers from above whatever interesting planet or moon it happens to find itself around. While BILI isn't slated for a Mars mission anytime soon, other spacecraft already in orbit around the Red Planet or slated to launch in the future are trying to hunt for biosignatures on Mars. Story continues The European Space Agency and Russia's ExoMars orbiter, called the Trace Gas Orbiter, just made it to Mars, where it should hunt for possible signs of past or present life in the planet's atmosphere. The two space agencies are also planning to send an ExoMars mission to the Red Planet's surface as early as 2020 in order to burrow beneath the surface and look for life. India's Mars orbiter is also searching for signs of methane from its place in orbit. NASA is planning to send a rover to Mars in 2020, but it isn't specifically designed to look for life on the red planet. Instead, that mission will look for signs of extinct microbial life on the planet and even cache rock samples for scientists to investigate if they can be returned to Earth on a future mission. By Michael Holden and Kylie MacLellan LONDON (Reuters) - The High Court in London has ruled that the British government requires parliamentary approval to trigger the process of exiting the European Union. The government, which had planned to start the EU divorce without going through parliament, said it would appeal against the ruling and the Supreme Court has set aside Dec. 5-8 to hear the case. The stage is now set for a period of political uncertainty while ministers digest the ruling and how to respond to it. For a weekly round-up of Brexit news: http://share.thomsonreuters.com/assets/newsletters/Specialpackages/BREXIT_Weekly.pdf HOW DID THE GOVERNMENT REACT? "The government is disappointed by the court's judgment," trade minister Liam Fox said on Thursday. "The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by acts of parliament. The government is determined to respect the result of the referendum," he told parliament. WHAT ARE THE GOVERNMENT'S OPTIONS? Legal commentators say ministers now have two basic options: a simple vote in parliament on whether to trigger Article 50 or a new bill granting the right to leave the EU, which will have to be debated by lawmakers. WHAT WOULD A NEW BILL ENTAIL? David Pannick, the lawyer for the lead claimant, said parliament could approve such a bill, reject it or pass it with amendments on details such as the date of notification. The best case for the government would be to avoid legislation and involve parliament through a so-called substantive motion -- a proposal put forward for debate and a vote. This would be a quicker process and could be done early next year. Legislation would take longer as it involves various stages of debate and approval. It can also be held up by so-called "ping pong", whereby a bill goes back and forth between the lower and upper house of parliament, being amended and voted on. HOW LONG WILL ALL THIS TAKE? While it is possible legislation could be introduced and passed between the time of a final judgment late this year, and May's end-of-March 2017 deadline, it is likely to be tight and may result in the triggering being pushed back. The 1972 European Communities bill, which set the terms of Britain's entry into the European club, involved a total of about 40 days of debate during its passage through parliament, according to the Institute for Government. COULD PARLIAMENT BLOCK BREXIT? Lawmakers in the lower house, the House of Commons, are thought to be unlikely to try to stop Brexit, and a Reuters survey suggested many who voted to "remain" would now vote to trigger Article 50 in a parliamentary vote. However, a cross-party group of lawmakers, who support a "soft Brexit", whereby Britain stays in or remains close to the EU single market, have demanded a greater say for parliament in negotiations and say they might try to pass amendments that guarantee this. The government may also face trouble in the House of Lords, where the ruling Conservatives do not have a majority. If the Lords were to block the bill the government could decide to overrule it using the Parliament Act, although it cannot re-table the bill until the next parliamentary session. The new parliamentary session usually starts in May or June, so that would delay the Brexit process significantly. (Reporting by Michael Holden and Kylie MacLellan; editing by Guy Faulconbridge, Larry Kings) Girls night out! Demi Moore took two of her daughters to the opening of a musical in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The trio were all smiles as they walked the red carpet together. Moore looked every bit the doting mother as she posed for photos with Tallulah and Scout Willis before heading inside the Pantages Theater to watch Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The women all showed off their unique styles for the night, with Moore, 53, donning a pair of maroon-colored overalls, a yellow top and denim jacket. Scout, 25, matched her mothers colorful looks in a patterned kimono, silk shirt, jeans and silver boots. Tallulah, 22, opted for a long black jacket, a sheer matching top and checkered pants. The only thing missing? Moores third daughter, Rumer. The 28-year-old musician was absent from the outing, as she is currently on tour. Moores three children are from her marriage with Bruce Willis, whom she divorced in 1998. U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks at a campaign rally in Sanford, Florida, U.S. November 1, 2016. REUTERS/Brian Snyder The FBI launched its investigation into the Clinton Foundation based on news stories and information in the book "Clinton Cash," The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing law enforcement officials. The detail was included in a larger story about the FBI's decision to announce it was looking into new documents related to the Hillary Clinton email investigation which was closed in July and how it broke with its policy over the summer to refrain from publicizing cases about either candidate so close to the election. Those cases centered on former Donald Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort's ties to Russian interests in Ukraine and the Clinton Foundation. Both cases are still open, according to The Times. The probe into Manafort's foreign dealings are based largely on his work advising the former president of Ukraine and his pro-Russian political party, which earmarked $12.7 million in undisclosed cash payments for the former Trump campaign manager between 2007 and 2012, according to ledgers obtained by The Times. The investigation into the Clinton Foundation, meanwhile, was first inspired by the book "Clinton Cash," published in 2015 and written by a Clinton critic, according to law enforcement officials. The book claimed the foundation traded favors and access for money while Clinton served in the State Department between 2009 and 2013. The Clinton Foundation has accepted millions of dollars from foreign actors including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. But the money was donated either before or after Clinton's tenure as secretary of state, according to PolitiFact. clinton cash Peter Schweizer, the author of "Clinton Cash" and an editor at large at the alt-right media outlet Breitbart whose executive chairman, Stephen Bannon, took a leave of absence to be CEO of the Trump campaign told NBC in April 2015 that he didn't have direct evidence proving that Hillary Clinton traded favors for money while she was at the State Department. Story continues Developments since last week have laid bare strife both within the FBI and between the FBI and the Justice Department in multiple inquiries involving Clinton. Some agents had obtained secret recordings of a suspect in a public-corruption case talking about deals the Clintons allegedly made using their private charity, The Wall Street Jounral reported on Thursday. The agents therefore thought they had strong enough evidence, beyond what was outlined in "Clinton Cash", to move forward with a case. But corruption prosecutors within the public-integrity section of the Justice Department, who are not politically appointed, reportedly pressured the bureau to drop the investigation, however. Investigators were told to stand down, and some within the FBI have blamed the agency's deputy director Andrew McCabe for caving to pressure from the Justice Department. The prosecutors were apparently worried that they would be perceived as trying to influence the outcome of the election if they pursued the Clinton Foundation investigation with no hard evidence of criminal wrongdoing, both The Journal and The Times reported this week. Adding to that perception last weekend was the revelation that the FBI had not obtained a separate warrant to sift through the roughly 650,000 Clinton emails found on disgraced former Rep. Anthony Weiner's laptop before announcing on Friday that the emails existed. The FBI eventually obtained a warrant over the weekend. The FBI, investigating whether Weiner sent inappropriate messages to underage girls, subpoenaed his laptop in late September. He shared the laptop with his now estranged wife and top Clinton aide Huma Abedin, whose emails to and from Clinton are now being reviewed by the agency. The Justice Department asked the FBI not to disclose the discovery of the emails to Congress so close to the November 8 election, according to The Times, but Comey wrote to his employees on Friday that he felt "an obligation to do so given that I testified repeatedly in recent months that our investigation was completed." The FBI came under renewed fire on Tuesday after a mostly dormant Twitter account operated by the agency, "FBI Records Vault," released records from a 15-year-old investigation into the Clinton Foundation that was closed in 2005. NOW WATCH: How late-breaking bombshells affected past presidential elections More From Business Insider Gogjali (Iraq) (AFP) - Iraqi forces deployed around the eastern entrance to Mosul Thursday, preparing for a push into the city which Islamic State group chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi urged his fighters to defend. In the village of Gogjali, which was recently retaken from IS, trucks carrying artillery and troop reinforcements to the front line drove past a stream of sheep and cows led in the other direction by fleeing civilians. "Thank God we are finally escaping from these Daesh (IS) pigs," said a man who gave his name as Mohammed. He was perched on a van crammed with families and their belongings, heading towards a Kurdish-controlled area where aid groups were building camps for the displaced. Iraqi forces led by the elite Counter-Terrorism Service have been clearing neighbouring villages, even moving into areas inside the city's administrative boundaries, but the big push into the streets of Mosul had yet to begin. "Do not retreat," Baghdadi said in a purported message released by an IS-affiliated outlet early Thursday. "Holding your ground with honour is a thousand times easier than retreating in shame." In June 2014, days after jihadist fighters swept across swathes of Iraq, he made a rare public appearance in Mosul and announced the creation of a "caliphate" straddling Iraq and Syria. It has been shrinking steadily since last year and Iraqi forces earlier this week reached the outskirts of Mosul, the jihadists' last major stronghold in Iraq. - 'Concern about defections' - If authentic, the recording entitled "This is what God and his messenger have promised us", would be the reclusive Baghdadi's first since December 2015 and a rare sign of life. Rumours have swirled about the Iraqi jihadist leader's health and movements but his whereabouts are unclear. IS has fallen back when massively outnumbered in recent battles, giving up some of its emblematic bastions -- such as Fallujah in Iraq and Dabiq in Syria -- without following its own apocalyptic ideology of fighting to the bitter end. Story continues The recapture of Mosul by Iraqi forces could spell the end of the group's days as a land-holding force in Iraq and deal a death blow to the "caliphate". Baghdadi's message suggests the group's leadership "is increasingly concerned about defections and militants fleeing the battlefield," Ludovico Carlino, an analyst with IHS Jane's, wrote in his assessment of the speech. Daily reports from some of the million-plus civilians still trapped in Mosul also suggest some anti-IS groups working from inside the city are carrying out attacks against the jihadists, albeit on a small scale. The US-led coalition supporting the Iraqi offensive estimates the number of IS fighters holed up in Mosul at 3,000 to 5,000 and has warned the battle for the city could be long and difficult. Iraqi forces advancing on Mosul from three main fronts have retaken dozens of villages and towns scattered over hundreds of square miles. - 'Back from the dead' - An AFP reporter in Gogjali saw larger than usual numbers of civilians walking to safer areas with little or no belongings. "Some of the kids that arrive are barefoot, and they don't have sufficient water and food," said Alvhild Stromme, a media adviser for the Norwegian Refugee Council, one of the most active aid groups in Iraq. "People who come out, as they have for the last two weeks, are still telling stories of very dangerous escapes," Stromme said. They also recounted tales of jihadist brutality. "We're coming from the world of the dead back to the world of the living," said Raed Ali, 40, who fled his home in the nearby village of Bazwaya. "It was raining bombs. One landed on our house. Fortunately my children are safe now," he said. "I lost two years of my life," said another man, aged 45, who gave his name as Fares. "I sent my family to safety in (the Iraqi Kurdish capital) Arbil two years ago but I stayed behind in our house in Bazwaya... I'm finally out today. I will see my family again." With an assault on Mosul looking imminent, aid groups said they were "bracing for the worst" and warned the fate of a million-plus civilians still believed trapped inside the city was in the balance. More than 21,000 people have fled to government-held areas since October 17, while thousands more may have been seized by IS for use as human shields, according to the United Nations. Migrant crisis: 'Hundreds dead' in shipwrecks off Libya More than 239 migrants are believed drowned in two shipwrecks off the coast of Libya, migration officials say. Washington (AFP) - The Iraqi security forces' seemingly inexorable push toward Mosul saw fighting begin in the city itself this week, but it is the work taking place in the skies above that has enabled the dramatic advance. A relentless air operation using planes and drones from a dozen or so members of a US-led coalition against the Islamic State group over more than two years has conducted some 16,000 air strikes against the jihadists in Iraq and Syria -- two-thirds of them in Iraq. Coalition planes have mostly conducted "deliberate" strikes in which they destroyed targets identified through intelligence or surveillance. However, "now it's almost entirely dynamic strikes," a US military official told reporters during a recent visit to the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC), where flights over Mosul and elsewhere are coordinated. Dynamic strikes occur when ground units need air support against unexpected targets, such as an enemy fighting position or a car bomb being driven across the desert. "The operation in Mosul is the number one priority right now," another US military official said. Consider air activities in and around Mosul for just one day. On Wednesday, coalition planes destroyed an IS headquarters building, five storage containers, two mortar systems, two fighting positions, a bomb-making factory, a supply cache, a sniper position, an observation post and a culvert. The strikes also engaged two tactical units and damaged two tunnels, a bridge and a supply route, according to the coalition. Air support is given to Iraqi security forces and Kurdish fighters, but not Shiite militiamen, and the Iraqi military has its own planes. - Three bullet holes - The coalition has enjoyed total air superiority in its anti-IS campaign. Although planes have come under sporadic small-arms fire, the most significant damage occurred when a C-130 cargo plane took three bullets to its tail. Officials worry jihadists might seize "prestige" weapons such as surface-to-air missiles in the chaos of neighboring Syria, but so far that threat has not materialized. Story continues Lacking military means, IS fighters are using civilians trapped in Mosul as human shields to prevent strikes. The IS group has also experimented with rudimentary air attacks, using hobby planes and toy drones to carry explosives, and have tested a drone carrying a bottle containing some sort of chemical, a military official said. Thanks to their air domination, coalition planes are constantly scouting Iraqi and Syrian skies in an operation that has cost almost $10 billion to date. At any given time, 15-20 coalition aircraft -- mostly drones -- are circling Mosul, creating a green "donut" on radar screens that pinpoint each plane's location with a small icon. Russian planes, which operate in the same air space over Syria, are yellow. The coalition has dropped more than 3,000 bombs on IS targets in the Mosul campaign, according to US Air Force Colonel John Dorrian. "We're talking about hundreds of fighters (killed). We're talking about scores of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices," he said Thursday. "It's very impactful and it makes a big difference. We're very proud of that work." AFP was among a small group of journalists allowed into the CAOC, whose location can be described only as a "military base in Southwest Asia." The center is the primary hub for anti-IS air operations and coalition intel, where a never-ending stream of video from drones appears across eight huge monitors in the cavernous operations room. One feed shows a small white pickup truck somewhere in Iraq. The drone's eye follows the vehicle into a compound, where a man loads something into the back. The drone is 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) above but the footage is so clear he is seen tucking his loose white shirt into his pants. The man's fate is unclear; a military official said he probably was an IS fighter. Even as the Mosul fight rages, officials are looking to Raqa in Syria as the next step in the campaign. Like it did in Mosul, the coalition has started hitting targets to "soften" areas in and around the city ahead of an assault. The United States carries out most Iraq air operations, but Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and Britain have also between them launched more than 3,000 sorties there. Iraqi security forces approaching Mosul grew accustomed to continual coalition air cover. But as the advance split along multiple axes, some units complained they were not getting enough. "Because they didn't have folks right over the top of them, they didn't think we were going to be able to respond to them, when in fact we were able to," Air Force Lieutenant General Jeffrey Harrigian said, noting that a jet traveling at 400 miles (645 kilometers) per hour can quickly cover the entire Mosul area. "Each time our partners on the ground required an air asset, we were able to support them, and we will continue to do that." No one would ever mistake Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick for a couple of trolls, but since they voice the lead characters in DreamWorks Animation's Trolls, which Fox will release Nov. 4, the filmmakers had to consider their offscreen personalities. The film is based on the well-known doll franchise introduced in 1959 by Danish woodcutter Thomas Dam - and that provided the film's creative team with a relatively blank slate. "All we had was these little characters with colorful hair; there were no defined characters," says director Mike Mitchell, who worked on DWA's Shrek Forever After. Read more: Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick Take the Spotlight at the 'Trolls' Premiere Production designer Kendal Cronkhite-Shaindlin says a decision was made to maintain the handmade "ugly-cute" look of the dolls with the "stubby, rounded shape and asymmetrical teeth and mouth." Poppy, the protagonist who is voiced by Kendrick, emerged as a wildly optimistic princess who becomes the Trolls Village leader. But, says co-director Walt Dohrn, "we wanted to go against the traditional idea of beauty or what a princess was, and Anna didn't want to play her as a traditional princess, either." Jason Bush/Dreamworks Animation Adds producer Gina Shay, "When I started working on this movie, my daughter was 7, and I knew girls would be watching and influenced. We needed a female protagonist that didn't have a tiny, cinched waist, so we maintained the round features of the Trolls and kept her shoeless. We needed to give girls a character that doesn't make them feel inadequate about their body image and gives them the strength and confidence that they need in order to stand up and really express themselves." Shay acknowledges that a peppily positive character can be difficult to sustain through an entire movie, but Kendrick "brought her own special dose of vinegar to the character that really grounded her." Story continues Poppy's opposite number, the pessimistic Branch, presented a different sort of problem. The filmmakers had to persuade Timberlake - who also worked on four songs for the movie, including the chart-topping "Can't Stop the Feeling!" - to suppress some of his natural ebullience. Says Mitchell: "Justin had to change because he's not a negative person. He's a tremendous actor, but he had to find this negative person." Jason Bush/Dreamworks Animation This story first appeared in the Nov. 11 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. This is the first peek at the new colorway for Dita Von Teeses cardigan collaboration Fall weather is finally here, and for so many of us that means its time to update our sweater and cardigan collection. The cooler weather means we get to cuddle up with oversized sweaters, but there are some elegant ways to update your wardrobe, too and weve found the perfect one to add to your closet. Just in time, Dita Von Teeses cardigan collaboration with Wheels & Dollbaby has released another color to their popular line and were already obsessed. The long-running collaboration started 12 years ago when Wheels & Dollbaby designer and founder Melanie Greensmith first met Teese. "G'Day L.A." Australian Week 2006 - Australian Designer Showcase Dita and I met in London about 12 years ago, and we got to talking and just had similar sensibility, Greensmith told Daily Mail Australia earlier this year. I said to her, lets design something, lets do a cardigan, it will be fun. A photo posted by Wheels & Dollbaby (@wheelsanddollbaby) on Apr 6, 2016 at 7:25pm PDT Since then, the pair have teamed up on many cardigan designs, all in different colors and all limited editions. A photo posted by Wheels & Dollbaby (@wheelsanddollbaby) on Mar 9, 2016 at 6:02pm PST Theyve become quite the collectors item for fans of the clothing company and Teeses and they just announced the latest colorway for the line SILVER! Sneak peek of the new soiree edition @ditavonteese Cardigan colour-way available soon! Want to know more? Link in bio to sign up for updates. #wheelsanddollbaby #ditavonteese #ditacardigan #comingsoon #ohhlala A photo posted by Wheels & Dollbaby (@wheelsanddollbaby) on Oct 28, 2016 at 9:10pm PDT Debuting the sparkly NEW silver lurex Dita Von Teese Cardigan available soon for the soiree season, the company shared on Instagram. A photo posted by Wheels & Dollbaby (@wheelsanddollbaby) on Oct 30, 2016 at 3:30pm PDT The new cardigan is in line with the rest of the collection featuring the same gorgeous flower pattern running down each side and a little bow at the collar. The company hasnt announced when we can make this cardigan ours, but were told to stay tuned and we are! The post This is the first peek at the new colorway for Dita Von Teeses cardigan collaboration appeared first on HelloGiggles. By Conor Humphries DUBLIN (Reuters) - The former chairman of the failed Anglo Irish Bank went on trial on Thursday on charges of misleading auditors about personal loans worth tens of millions of euros, in one of the most high profile prosecutions related to Ireland's 2008 banking crisis. Sean FitzPatrick was accused of "artificially reducing" loans worth tens of millions of euros for a few weeks around the end of the company's financial year to avoid their full value being shown on the bank's annual accounts. Prosecutor Dominic McGinn told the court that the loans ballooned to about 100 million euros ($111 million) in 2007 from about 10 million in 2002 and were used for commercial property development, which was highly profitable at the time. FitzPatrick pleaded not guilty to all 27 charges, including providing misleading, false or deceptive statement to auditors Ernst & Young (EY) and for furnishing false information. Two Anglo Irish executives were among three Irish bankers jailed in July for between 24 and 42 months conspiring to defraud investors. They were the first senior bank executives to be jailed in relation to the crisis. FitzPatrick was found not guilty in 2014 on charges of illegal lending and providing unlawful assistance to investors. Anglo Irish, which was nationalized in 2009 and wound down in 2011 was synonymous with the casino-style lending practices that drove the "Celtic Tiger" boom and subsequent bust, pushing the state to the brink of meltdown in 2010. Ireland's taxpayers stumped up 64 billion euros - almost 40 percent of annual economic output - to bail out the banks, and the country was forced into a three-year bailout in 2010. On Thursday, McGinn told the jury that FitzPatrick signed off on accounts that were "inaccurate as to the true position" of loans extended to himself and his family. "The prosecution contention is that Mr FitzPatrick authorized all that and did it for the reason of making sure ... the official loans that were on the books at year end at Anglo were artificially reduced," he told the court. Story continues He said the bank used "temporary refinancing" at the Irish Nationwide Building Society to mask the true size of the loans. The trial was due to continue on Friday and is expected to last for three months. (Editing by Louise Ireland) yale students College admissions season is upon us, reinvigorating conversations about what it takes to get accepted into top schools around the nation. The impressive strength of the applicant pool has been apparent over the past few years. Business Insider, for example, profiled impressive students for the class of 2020, some of whom gained acceptance to all eight Ivy League schools. The New York Times, too, puts out an annual call for college-admissions essays to the newest class of applicants, and then prints the most poignant essays, displaying the wit an eloquence of the teenage applicants. The strength of these credentials and impressive essays elicits the question of whether it's more difficult to get into elite schools today than ever before. Former Ivy League admissions directors have some potentially unsettling news for college applicants: yes, it is. "Admissions have gotten more and more competitive in the past decade," Angela Dunnham, a college admissions counselor at InGenius Prep, told Business Insider via email. "In addition to the sheer number of applicants applying, the expectations for candidates have increased," Dunnham, a former assistant director of admissions at Dartmouth College, said. The steady uptick of college applicants, especially at elite schools, is stark, driven in part by the emergence of Common App, which allows students to apply to many schools at once. Take, for example, an article in the Harvard Crimson about the acceptance rate for the class of 2000. "The class was chosen among a pool of 18,190 applicants, making Harvard's admission rate a paltry 10.9 percent the lowest in College history," The Crimson wrote. Twenty years later, the authors of that story are likely to be aghast that the acceptance rate has spiraled ever lower. With more than double the applicants, about 95% of students who applied to Harvard were rejected. Story continues BI_Graphics_Ivy league admissions 2016 In addition to the sheer number of applicants which make the field appear more competitive, the academic credentials of students are also becoming more impressive, in part due to the increase in international students who have begun to flood US colleges and universities. "I met a Korean freshman who scored a 2400/2400 on the SAT, after taking in once," Dunnham said. "She also was conducting impressive research and loved debate." yale harvard football However, there may be reason to view this lowering acceptance rate with some skepticism, Cat McManus, a counselor InGenius Prep and a former a ssistant dean and regional director at The University of Pennsylvania, told Business Insider via email. Selective colleges may have ballpark figures they hope to achieve (and not surpass) when it comes to the percentage of an incoming class that can be comprised of international students, McManus explained. The increase in international applicants, therefore, while it may drive down the overall acceptance rate, likely has less impact on US applicants than is sometimes believed. "The rise in the number of international applicants to the most selective institutions in the US has inflated the number of overall applicants, as well as, in some cases, the GPA and testing profiles, which makes schools appear more selective from a purely statistical standpoint," McManus, who was also an admissions officer at Princeton, said. And while in many cases it looks like GPA and standardized test score averages are increasing, some of this should be attributed to the test prep era, which is ubiquitous in the college admissions process. "Whether applicants are actually 'stronger' is tough to say," McManus said. "There is also a lot of essay 'help' that goes on, both domestically and internationally." Still, while the increase in students utilizing test prep to boost scores doesn't necessarily mean these applicants are inherently stronger students than they were a decade ago, it does mean that average test scores are inching up, potentially harming students who don't have the means to pay for extra help. NOW WATCH: How to know if you have what it takes to be a CEO More From Business Insider By George Thande VICTORIA (Reuters) - A former World Bank director became the new finance minister for Seychelles on Wednesday, at a time when the Indian Ocean island nation is seeking to bolster its status as a financial services hub. Peter Larose's appointment was part of a cabinet reshuffle following former president James Michel's resignation last month, after the opposition won a majority in parliament for the first time in the country's history. The former vice president, Danny Faure, took over the remainder of Michel's five-year term. Larose is a former general manager at the Central Bank of Seychelles, and has previously advised the Ministry of Finance, according to his profile on the World Bank website. He has a doctorate in commercial banking and an MBA in international banking and finance from the University of Birmingham. The reshuffle was announced by State House this weekend. Seychelles, a string of white-sand islands, has traditionally relied on fishing and tourism as its main industries but is trying to reinvent itself as a financial services hub, offering stability, low taxation and clear regulation. (Writing by Katharine Houreld; Editing by Alison Williams) By Julie Zhu and Polina Devitt HONG KONG/MOSCOW (Reuters) - Fosun International Ltd, is in exclusive talks to buy a large minority stake in Russia's biggest gold miner Polyus, three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters, in what would be the Chinese group's maiden Russian deal. Fosun, an aggressive buyer known internationally for its purchase of French resort operator Club Med, is keen to invest in Russia and other emerging markets such as India, as it moves away from Europe and developed markets. Reuters reported in August that Fosun is also in talks to buy a minority stake in Russian investment bank Renaissance Capital.. Fosun's interest in Polyus comes as other Chinese companies have also been targeting gold mine acquisitions to meet domestic demand amid a recovery in prices. State-controlled Zijin Mining Group Co Ltd and state-backed Shandong Gold Mining Co Ltd held separate talks with Canada's Barrick Gold Corp to buy a 50 percent stake in an Argentinian gold mine, Reuters reported last month. China, the world's top consumer, producer and importer of gold, has ambitions to be a global price setter. The talks between Fosun and Polyus have been underway for a couple of weeks, said the sources, who declined to be named as the talks are confidential. The two companies are still negotiating the final terms, including the size of the stake, and any deal value could be subject to last minute changes, one of the people said. Fosun is conducting due diligence on Polyus but no deal is imminent, the person added. One of the sources said Fosun is looking to invest around $2 billion in Polyus, owned by the family of Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov. The source added that Fosun is looking to form a consortium of private equity investors to help finance the deal. Both Fosun and Polyus declined to comment. Both Zijin and Shandong Gold had previously expressed interest in buying a Polyus stake, one of the sources said. Zijing declined to comment while Shandong Gold did not offer an immediate comment. Story continues GOOD TIME TO INVEST IN COMMODITIES Based on Polyus' outstanding shares, the Russian gold miner has a market value of about $9 billion, according to Reuters calculations. Polyus is planning a public placement with either existing or new shareholders to increase its free float, or the amount of shares available to the public for trading, to at least 10 percent to meet Moscow Exchange requirements, Reuters reported last month. Polyus is on the state list of so called strategic companies for Russia, which means that a large stake sale in the company would require government approval. Analysts at ATON, a Russian research firm, said that a government approval "would not help Polyus' plans to increase its free float." Fosun shares ended down 1.4 percent, while the benchmark Hang Seng share index fell 0.6 percent. Polyus shares were up 2.6 percent in morning trade. Fosun's interest in Polyus comes as the Shanghai-based conglomerate, controlled by billionaire co-founder Guo Guangchang, is shifting its investment focus to emerging markets where asset valuations are lower and growth prospects are higher. Guo, 49, one of China's most powerful business leaders, told Reuters in June that he considered 2016 a "good time" to invest in oil and commodities, adding that Fosun would increase investment in this segment. Fosun this year acquired India's Gland Pharma from KKR & Co for about $1.3 billion, marking its first Indian acquisition.. Fosun first diversified into natural resources in 2014 when it bought Australia's Roc Oil Co for A$474 million ($364 million), although Guo said the investment was not a success due to plunging oil prices. Fosun has already set up two subsidiaries - Fosun Management (Russia) and Fosun Eurasia Capital - to seek investment opportunities and build its asset management business in Russia and neighboring regions, its website shows. Moscow-based Polyus has steadily raised gold output over the last few years and expects to produce up to 1.90 million ounces of gold this year. It also has the world's fourth-largest gold reserves, according to the company, with over 64 million ounces of proven and probable gold reserves. A weakened rouble has lowered the costs of gold mining in Russia in dollar terms, helping Polyus to post a record first-half core profit margin. Net debt, however, jumped during 2016 due to a share buyback and stood at $2.9 billion at the end of September. ($1 = 1.3040 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Julie Zhu in HONG KONG and; Polina Devitt in MOSCOW; Additional reporting by Oksana Kobzeva, Olga Popova, and Andrey Kuzmin; Writing by Denny Thomas; Editing by Lisa Jucca, Richard Pullin and Christian Schmollinger) Morcha leaders set to meet Mukherjee today Top leaders of the agitating Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha are scheduled to meet visiting Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday. By Emmanuel Jarry PARIS (Reuters) - The French government has told South Korea it will oppose any solution for shipbuilder STX France that is against national industrial interests, Industry Minister Christophe Sirugue told Reuters on Thursday on the eve of a deadline for bids. STX France is 66.7 percent owned by failed South Korean shipbuilding group STX <011810.KS>. An insolvency court in South Korea ruled last month that the French arm could be sold either separately from the parent, or as part of a bigger sale. Bids are due by Nov. 4. The French government, which owns the remaining 33.3 percent of STX France, hopes to strike a deal that separates the French arm from its South Korean parent and leaves the French state with a blocking minority stake. Aside from the stake ownership, France also has special bid-blocking powers related to strategic industries such as defense. "We have two intervention tools and should there be offers that do not fit our industrial aspirations we will not hesitate to use them," Sirugue told Reuters. Sirugue said he spoke by phone with Korea's Industry Minister and met with the country's ambassador to France to tell them that Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and a consortium led by Dutch group Damen were likely to be among the bidders. He said French state-controlled naval shipbuilder DCNS would be involved as well in the rescue of STX France, regardless of the solution found. DCNS, said in October it was interested in investing in STX France, a naval shipbuilder which now specializes in building cruise ships. (Reporting by Emmanuel Jarry and Dominique Vidalon; Writing by Andrew Callus; Editing by Greg Mahlich) Paris (AFP) - A French prosecutor has called for British banking giant HSBC to stand trial for enabling French clients to hide at least 1.67 billion euros ($1.84 billion) from the taxman, a source close to the probe said Thursday. The recommendation also names the former chief executive of the bank's Swiss private banking arm, Peter Braunwalder, and another executive, Judah Elmaleh. If the case goes to trial, HSBC would face charges that its private banking division offered its customers several ways of hiding assets from the French taxman, notably via the use of offshore tax havens. The banking giant was accused of failing in its supervisory role over its private banking division, but further investigation led to suspicions that HSBC "participated actively in the fraudulent practices", the source close to the investigation said. An HSBC spokesman told AFP: "The conclusions of the national financial prosecutor are duly noted, and we will continue our strong defence of our interests." The case began when French authorities in late 2008 received files stolen by Herve Falciani, a former HSBC employee, whose disclosures sparked the so-called "Swissleaks" scandal on bank-supported tax evasion. The French-Italian national -- dubbed by some media as "The Edward Snowden of banking" -- leaked a cache of documents allegedly indicating that HSBC helped more than 120,000 clients of a number of nationalities to hide 180.6 billion euros from tax authorities between November 2006 and March 2007. He was sentenced in absentia in November in Switzerland to five years in prison. The leaked files led to investigations by tax authorities in several European countries, including Spain and Belgium besides France. HSBC was charged in April 2015 for "tax-related offences" and a bail of one billion euros was imposed, but an appeal court later reduced the sum to 100 million euros. PARIS (Reuters) - France's financial prosecutor has requested a trial for HSBC Holdings and its Swiss private banking unit on suspicions it helped customers dodge taxes in 2006-2007, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. "We take note of the recommendation... and will continue to defend ourselves vigorously," HSBC said in an emailed comment to Reuters. The bank was put under formal investigation last year. It will be up to investigating magistrates to decide on whether it should stand trial. Magistrates had previously estimated the Swiss arm's alleged fraud at around 2.2 billion euros (1.66 billion pound). HSBC has admitted failings in controls at the Swiss private bank, but denied knowledge of wrongdoing. (Reporting by Chine Labbe; Additional reporting by Matthias Blamont in Paris and Lawrence White in London; Writing by Maya Nikolaeva; Editing by Andrew Callus) PARIS (Reuters) - State tax experts will decide "within days" whether a 2.2 billion euros (2 billion pound) tax deduction granted to Societe Generale (SOGN.PA) after losses caused by its rogue trader Jerome Kerviel should be reclaimed, France's finance minister said on Thursday. Michel Sapin told France Info radio he had ask his tax administration officials to act swiftly. "I think it is a matter of days," he said. A French court said in September the former trader was liable for only 1 million euros of the 4.9 billion in losses he racked up at the bank in 2008, the latest in a series of judgements on the case. At the time, Societe Generale had been allowed to set off about 2.2 billion euros in tax against the loss. Industry analysts have said a possible reclaim by the government would put the bank's dividend at risk and affect its capital adequacy ratios. (Reporting by Matthias Blamont; Editing by Andrew Callus) Victoria Beckham and Melanie Chisholm may not be joining the rest of their Spice Girls groupmates on their 20th anniversary GEM reunion tour next year (sob), but that doesnt mean the twosome isnt still supporting each other. On Wednesday evening, Chisholm better known as Mel C., aka Sporty Spice, aka the one who could sing attended The Stubhub Q Awards show in London wearing a stripy cropped sweater and matching knit midi skirt by none other than pop star-turned-womenswear designer Beckham. Though the exact look worn by Chisholm wasnt shown during Beckhams fall 2016 runway show in New York this past February, the striped pattern did pop up in a mismatched dress (retail: $2,480). Chisholms VB sweater, made of a virgin wool-blend, retails for $1,535, and a skirt similar to hers (albeit in a different stripe) is available for $1,455 which is, coincidentally, almost my exact monthly rent! So, with all evidence considered, it seems safe to say that Posh configured this ensemble exclusively for her old pal Mel. Its kinda nice seeing that, even two decades later, some friendships really do never end. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Starbucks green cup Earlier this week, Starbucks began serving its seasonal holiday drinks in new green cups that were meant to promote a message of unity. But the cups are having the opposite effect, causing an uproar among some customers who are accusing the coffee chain of "political brainwashing." On Tuesday, a week before Election Day, Starbucks rolled out the green cups that feature an illustration by Shogo Ota showing the faces of more than a hundred people, drawn with a single continuous line. "During a divisive time in our country, Starbucks wanted to create a symbol of unity as a reminder of our shared values, and the need to be good to each other," Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said in a statement. On social media, responses were mixed. @Starbucks These cups are truly beautiful and thought-provoking. Sometimes we all need a little sanity. Jon Scheiber (@Scheiber) November 2, 2016 Some people saw the green cup as a distinctly political act. @Starbucks Screw you. My coffee should NOT (and does NOT) come with political brainwashing. I dropped @Starbucks like a hot rock. #GoCubsGo (@RadioAnna) November 1, 2016 Starbucks gets rid of Christmas colour, replaces with Islamic colour, all in the name of "unity". Get used to this. https://t.co/Of3FhK8ZBg Anne Marie Waters (@AMDWaters) November 2, 2016 Some Twitter users were connecting the green cups to Hillary Clinton, who Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has endorsed for president. Story continues @Starbucks whatever! I am never giving y'all any of my hard earned money ever again. Y'all are Killary supporters and against America htdpz (@htdpz) November 2, 2016 #BoycottStarbucks I think their product is vile, and now I think their politics are vile, so again #BoycottStarbucks https://t.co/mI87dX3IkK Brexit_Briton (@ABrexitBriton) November 2, 2016 On Wednesday, the conservative web aggregator Drudge Report linked to a news article about the backlash, using the headline "Calls To Boycott STARBUCKS Over Holiday 'Unity Cup' Showing Liberal Bias." Drudge's headline, which went out on Twitter, elicited more negative responses. @DRUDGE_REPORT @cbslocal bye bye @Starbucks all my employees will be drinking @DunkinDonuts from NOW on! Take your fascism somewhere else! PrepperAgenda (@PrepperAgenda) November 3, 2016 I never did and never will spend a nickle at this liberal corporations stores. #BoycottStarbucks https://t.co/kCJwcrIqto Karen Doe (@KarenDoe50) November 3, 2016 A barista at a Manhattan Starbucks told Business Insider that people wouldn't stop complaining to him about the new cups. "We have new cups coming next week," he said, referring to Starbucks' famous red holiday cups. The green Starbucks cups launched on the same day that Starbucks reintroduced its lineup of holiday beverages, which includes a Caramel Brulee Latte and a Chestnut Praline Latte. In years' past, Starbucks has launched its red holiday cups on the day holiday drinks returned to the menu. Last year, Starbucks faced backlash when the company debuted minimalist red cups that weren't as "Christmas-y" as usual. After evangelist and internet personality Joshua Feuerstein posted a video on Facebook protesting the cups, the outrage and outrage at the outrage quickly grew, with hundreds sharing their views on social media. The supposed outrage did little to impact the chain. Starbucks had "by far" the strongest holiday in its history, Schultz said in a company earnings call in January. I may be the #princessofhalloween But everyone knows I'm the #queenofchristmas A photo posted by Nikki Cannon (@thatwonderfuldorothy) on Oct 28, 2016 at 4:59am PDT on Oct 28, 2016 at 4:59am PDT Whether you love the green cup or hate it, it isn't going to be around for long. A different, red design has already been shipped to locations across the US, and will begin being utilized some time around November 10 after the election is over. NOW WATCH: Watch millennials try a McDonald's Big Mac for the first time More From Business Insider Gawker Media has reached a multimillion-dollar settlement with Hulk Hogan, according to multiple reports, ending a years-long legal battle waged against it with the partial support of tech billionaire Peter Thiel. As Gawker founder Nick Denton wrote in a blog post this week announcing the settlement: The saga is over. The deal requires Gawker to pay Hogan (ne Terry Bollea) $31 million, and he will further receive some portion of the proceeds from Gawkers $135 million sale to Univision, according to CNBC, NPR and The New York Times. Hogan, a former professional wrestler and reality TV star, sued the media company in Florida in 2013 over its publication of commentary about and excerpts of a sex tape that featured Hogan and a friends former wife. Hogan said the article and accompanying video clips violated his privacy, while Gawker argued that Hogans public statements and conduct made his sex life newsworthy. As part of the agreement, the article about Hogans sex tape will be removed from the Internet. (Gawker.com, the flagship website of Gawker Media, was shut down in August following the companys sale of its remaining sites.) In a statement to PEOPLE, Hogans attorney said, As with any negotiation for resolution, all parties have agreed it is time to move on. This summer, a jury awarded Hogan $140 million in damages in his lawsuit; and, until the settlements announcement, Denton had publicly vowed to appeal the decision. Gawker also settled two other suits brought by Shiva Ayyadurai and Ashley Terrill, contesting Gawker articles about them and their plaintiffs will also receive portions of the sale proceeds, according to CNBC and the Times. The articles they contested will also be taken down, if they have not been removed already, per the settlement. In his Wednesday blog post, Denton wrote that he remains confident an appeal would have been successful, but all-out legal war with Thiel would have cost too much, and hurt too many people, and there was no end in sight. Story continues Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. Earlier this year it was revealed that Thiel, the founder of PayPal, had financed Hogans suit and, reportedly, other suits against Gawker as retaliation for its journalism, including a December 2007 article that Thiel said outed him as gay. Thiel has accused Gawker of peoples lives for no reason, according to the Times. It remains unclear if Thiel also financed the suits of Ayyaudrai and Terrill, though the same lawyer represented them and Hogan. Thiel previously acknowledged he had subsidized other lawsuits against Gawker and would do so indefinitely, according to NPR; and in a May interview with the Times, he confirmed hed supported multiple lawsuits, saying, Its safe to say is not the only one. Speaking earlier this week, however, Thiel said he had only been involved in one lawsuit against a news organization: Hogans against Gawker. (Neither he nor Denton could immediately be reached for comment.) Its less about revenge and more about specific deterrence, Thiel earlier told the Times. I saw Gawker pioneer a unique and incredibly damaging way of getting attention by bullying people even when there was no connection with the public interest. In a statement following the settlement this week, Thiel told the Times, It is a great day for Terry Bollea and a great day for everyones right to privacy. But critics of the suit, including Gawker employees past and present, felt otherwise. This entire sorry spectacle spells doom for anybody who aspired to do what we aspired to do, former Gawker Media Executive Editor John Cook told the Times. From Woman's Day While automobiles are a surefire way to get kids to doze off, even the drowsiest of children can have trouble sleeping on a plane. What's a parent on a long-haul flight to do? Christina and Halvor Holmgren of Norway spent six years inventing and developing the JetKids BedBox as a solution to their own young daughter's difficulty sleeping on airplanes. (Halvor is an aircraft engineer and airline vet, and the couple loves to travel.) The carry-on-sized luggage fits neatly underneath the seat and, once the fasten seatbelt sign is off, unfolds into an extension that allows kids up to age 7 to stretch out and rest. Once the bed is back in its box form, it makes a comfortable rolling seat that kids can be wheeled around on, through the airport. Check out the video above to see a demo of the nifty invention. (h/t INSIDER) You Might Also Like Mosul battle: 'IS leader Baghdadi' urges no retreat The so-called Islamic State group has released an audiotape which it says is from its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. By Gernot Heller CHENGDU, China (Reuters) - German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel urged the Chinese government on Thursday to reduce barriers for German firms wanting to do business there and establish a level playing field. Accompanied by 60 business executives, Gabriel is on a five-day mission to China to help German firms operating there. He has also pushed for EU-wide rules to block Chinese takeovers of key technologies. "We don't expect there to be a market that is as open as Germany's overnight," he told reporters, adding that the general trend should be towards establishing equal market conditions for domestic and foreign companies. It is unclear to what extent Chinese officials are heeding Gabriel's repeated calls though he has said he has received assurances that its car makers would not be discriminated against in China amid fears about quotas for electric cars. Gabriel struck a conciliatory tone in Chengdu, which is hosting a trade fair at which Germany is featured, after his trip was initially overshadowed by strains over corporate takeovers. Just days before he left, his ministry withdrew approval for Fujian Grand Chip Investment Fund (FGC) to buy chip equipment maker Aixtron, citing new security concerns. Gabriel said he hoped trade ties could be extended and welcomed the benefits of Chinese investment in German firms, saying it invigorated the corporate sector. "It shows that Chinese investments are increasing with us and that is a good thing," he said. Germany was open to Chinese investment, apart from a few strategic areas, such as security and energy, he said. So far this year, Chinese investors have agreed 47 deals to buy German targets, worth a total of 10.3 billion euros, according to Thomson Reuters data, up from 29 deals worth 263 million euros in 2015. A planned meeting with Vice Premier Ma Kai was canceled. German officials said the cancellation from the Chinese side was due to a diary problem and Gabriel met a different representative instead. Story continues During his visit, Gabriel, leader of Germany's Social Democrats and also Angela Merkel's Vice Chancellor, also met critics of the government and human rights activists. Later on Thursday, Gabriel travels to Hong Kong. (Writing by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Richard Balmforth) By Maria Tsvetkova and Anton Zverev TOGLIATTI, Russia (Reuters) - The start of this year proved deadly for one unit of about 100 Russian fighters supporting President Bashar al-Assad's troops in northern Syria. On Feb. 3, 38-year-old Maxim Kolganov was killed in a firefight with rebels near Aleppo when a bullet pierced his body armor and heart. Then, on March 9, the same unit came under shell-fire near Palmyra, and Sergei Morozov, also 38, was hit and died on the way to hospital. Back in southern Russia, medals were delivered to their families: the order of bravery, with certificates signed by President Vladimir Putin. The medals, seen by Reuters, were intended to honor the sacrifice they had made for their country. Except Kolganov and Morozov were not employed by the Russian state. They were in Syria as private contractors, a small part of an army of such people who are being deployed secretly by the Kremlin in Syria. The deaths of Kolganov and Morozov, and others like them, have not been made public. Families say they were given little information and told not discuss the cases. In at least one case that Reuters uncovered, the family of a fighter killed in Syria received a payout of around $100,000 in compensation. Officially, Russia is participating only in an air war over Syria with a small number of special forces on the ground. Moscow denies that its troops are involved in regular ground combat operations. However, in interviews with more than a dozen people with direct knowledge of these deployments, Reuters has established that Russian fighters are playing a more substantial role in ground combat than that the role the Kremlin says is being played by the regular Russian military. The sources described the Russian fighters as contractors or mercenaries, hired by a private company, rather than regular troops. But despite their unofficial status, according to these accounts, they operate in coordination with the Russian military and are given privileges back home normally available only to serving soldiers. They fly to Syria on board Russian military aircraft which land at Russian bases. When they are injured, they are treated in hospitals reserved for the Russian military and get state medals, people interviewed by Reuters said. Reuters was not able to determine the precise number of such Russian mercenaries fighting in Syria, nor the total number of casualties they have sustained, but three people familiar with the deployments said there were many units of a similar size to the one that included Kolganov and Morozov. Neither the Kremlin nor the defense ministry responded to questions from Reuters. Reuters was unable to obtain comment from Syrian officials on the question of Russian mercenaries. Reuters was not able to identify the company or companies that hired the fighters, or the source of any payments to the fighters or their families. THE KREMLIN'S BIDDING Under Russian law, it is illegal to work as a private military contractor in another country. However, Russian citizens have participated in wars across the former Soviet Union throughout the 25 years since it broke up in 1991. In 2014, large numbers of Russians fought openly on behalf of pro-Moscow separatists in Ukraine. Western countries say those rebel units were organized, paid and armed by Moscow; the Kremlin says any Russians there were independent volunteers. Last year, Russia joined the war in Syria, its first conflict outside the borders of the former Soviet Union since the Cold War. Word got out among veterans of the Ukraine conflict that mercenaries were needed. According to three people who knew Morozov and Kolganov, both had fought in Ukraine as part of the same unit that would eventually take them to Syria. It was led by a man who goes by the nomme de guerre "Vagner", who has become a leader of Russian mercenary forces in Syria, one of the sources said. Little is known of his real identity. Two of Vagner's comrades say he had already traveled to Syria as a mercenary in 2013, before commanding his group of Russian fighters in eastern Ukraine. He then headed back to Syria, where Russia began its intervention in Sept. 2015. A Russian-language website, Fontanka, has published what it says is the only known photo of him, a picture of a bald man in military fatigues striding near a helicopter. The website said his name was Dmitry Utkin. Reuters could not verify the image or the name. One Ukrainian rebel commander who was close to the Vagner group in eastern Ukraine said many of the fighters there were tempted to fight in Syria because they had found it difficult to return to civilian life. "I meet them now and see how much they have changed. I simply have nothing to discuss with them. They can't imagine any other life but war. That's why they go fight in Syria." Morozov, the fighter who was killed near Palmyra, had returned from Ukraine to his home in southern Russia and dabbled in local politics. He served as an aide to a member of parliament originally from his native city of Samara, Mikhail Degtyaryov. Degtyaryov told Reuters Morozov was a friend and confirmed that he had died in combat during the battle for Palmyra. "Kapa", a former Russian officer and volunteer in the Ukraine conflict who asked to be identified only by a nomme de guerre, was friends with Morozov and also knew Kolganov and several other Russians who fought in Ukraine and went on to fight in Syria with the Vagner group. He is still in contact with some of them. He said Morozov became frustrated when he attended a meeting of the far-right LDPR party, and no one listened to him. Morozov gave up lucrative business ventures to rejoin his Vagner comrades in Syria, Kapa said. According to Kapa, Russian veterans of the Ukraine fighting were recruited for ground combat in Syria when it became clear that Syrians would not be able to hold ground without help, despite Russian air support. "The Arabs are not warriors by nature, but are thrown together and told to storm high ground. They don't know how to storm it let alone conquer their instincts and move towards the bullets. How can you make them do it? Only by setting yourself as an example," Kapa said. "That's why our guys reinforced their units." Asked if fighters in the group coordinated with the Russian defense ministry, Kapa said: "Of course". According to two people who knew different fighters, they arrive in Syria via ships that land in the port of Tartous, leased by the Russian navy, or in military aircraft that land at Russia's Hmeymim air base in western Syria. A doctor at a Russian military hospital told Reuters the wounded are evacuated to Russia on board military cargo planes and then treated in military hospitals. The doctor, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he feared losing his job, said he had personally treated contractors injured in Syria, whose role there was clear from their conversations. His hospital is officially meant to admit only serving military personnel, their family members or veterans who have served long careers in the military, a category his patients were too young to fit, the doctor said. When Morozov and Kolganov were killed, their bodies were flown to Russia aboard military aircraft and delivered to a morgue used by the military in the southern city of Rostov, according to relatives and Morozov's friend Kapa. A Reuters reporter saw the Order of Courage which was given posthumously to Kolganov. It was delivered to his family home in Togliatti, a city on the Volga river, by someone in civilian clothes who did not identify himself, according to relatives. Reuters has also seen a photograph of Morozov's Order of Courage, dated Sept. 7, 2016. SECRECY Kolganov never told his relatives where he was deployed, but pictures he sent contained clues. One of them, in which he posed under an orange tree, is now on the wall of his parents' house. The family got proof he was in Syria only after his death, when they saw his passport with a Syrian stamp in it. The people who informed the family by phone of his death, and the people who turned over the body in the Rostov morgue, did not explain where he was killed or who he had been working for, the relatives said. The people they interacted with did not identify themselves and told the family not to talk to reporters, the relatives said. In another case, a 55-year-old Russian woman said her husband was killed this year while working as a military contractor in Syria. She did not want her name, or her husband's, to be published because she feared reprisals. "They only told me about it after his death. A young man ... phoned and told me. And he also threatened me, so I would never tell anyone about it," she said. "They are scary people." By contrast, Russian authorities do acknowledge some combat deaths among serving military personnel, though often with a delay and without keeping an official tally. Reuters was unable to determine how many Russians have died in Syria. According to Kapa, the small unit that included Kolganov and Morozov has lost four fighters since the start of the Russian campaign in Syria, including its commander, killed in the same firefight as Morozov. Dozens have been wounded. Reuters earlier reported that Russian major Sergei Chupov was killed in Syria on Feb. 8 He also belonged to the Vagner group, a person who knew him told Reuters. The doctor at the military hospital who spoke to Reuters said that the surgical department where he works had treated six or seven Russian fighters back from Syria with combat injuries who were not serving Russian servicemen. The overall number of wounded contractors treated at his hospital could be a few times higher, the doctor said. He also says he knows of at least two more hospitals in Moscow and Saint-Petersburg where contractors are treated. (Writing by Christian Lowe and Maria Tsvetkova; editing by Andrew Osborn and Peter Graff) Fresh off the success of Sonys Dont Breathe, Sony Pictures is eyeing director Fede Alvarez for one of the studios major franchises. Sources tell Variety Alvarez is the choice to direct The Girl in the Spiders Web, the sequel to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Steven Knight penned the script with Scott Rudin, Amy Pascal, Elizabeth Cantillon, Eli Bush and Yellow Birds Ole Sndberg and Sren Strmose on board to produce. David Beaubaire is overseeing for the studio. The pic is based on the new novel by David Lagercrantz, who took over for the series after the original novels author Stieg Larsson died in 2004. In the novel, Salander teamed up with journalist Mikael Blomkvist to enter a world of a ruthless underworld of spies, cybercriminals, and government operatives some willing to kill to protect their secrets. The project has been high-priority for Sony since it acquired the rights to the book in 2015, and it immediately put Knight on the job to adapt the novel. The film is now fast-tracked to be made next year. The choice came as Alvarez and Sony Pictures discussed the directors potential next project for the studio, following his triumph on Sonys Dont Breathe. Alvarez is repped by WME and Anonymous Content. Related stories Horror Movies Make Tough Times Less Scary for Studios Hollywood's New Leaders 2016: The Creatives Box Office: 'Don't Breathe' Wins Again as Summer Ends on Strong Note When the wild and nasty campaign of 2016 finally comes to a close Nov. 8, an unshackled Donald Trump (assuming he loses) will be unencumbered to pursue his next act. Notwithstanding the candidate's recent denial of "any interest" in launching a TV network, observers expect Trump to capitalize on his fervent following either with a splinter political movement or a media destination. Or both. What might that look like? New clues dropped by the campaign and the financial realities of the news business offer a potential road map. The candidate took to Facebook Live with a lineup tagged "Trump TV" on Oct. 19 and on Oct. 24 debuted Trump Tower Live, which streams on Facebook nightly at 6:30. Both have been interpreted as trial balloons for a post-election media venture. It's a narrative Trump Tower Live hosts - Boris Epshteyn, a campaign adviser, and Cliff Sims, of Alabama-based news site Yellowhammer - have taken pains to discount. But the Trump campaign already has a sophisticated digital operation based in San Antonio. It is the brainchild of Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who is said to have solicited advice from Silicon Valley contacts about scaling and direct marketing once Trump locked down the nomination. The campaign expects to have amassed information on 12 million to 14 million small-dollar donors, including email addresses and credit card numbers, according to Bloomberg. That database could well power Trump's next act. Read more: A Legendary Hollywood Scheduler Imagines Trump TV's Lineup Unlike a cable network - which would require millions of dollars in startup costs to secure distribution and advertisers and create a lot of content - a subscription-based OTT channel has a low cost of entry. "A digital network can be up and running immediately, which we saw on debate night," says former CNN president Jon Klein. "It can generate significant amounts of revenue on day one and be profitable by lunchtime." Klein runs Tapp TV, which creates digital channels with clients including Joan Lunden, self-help author Steve Arterburn and, at one time, Sarah Palin. Story continues "A good, solid tribe is essential," notes Glenn Beck, who launched The Blaze in 2010, when he still was hosting a daily Fox News Channel show, and Glenn Beck TV in 2011, after leaving the network. "You have to have a loyal fan base that is looking for what you are uniquely putting out. But more importantly, you need to be able to branch out horizontally." That means a personality must appear regularly on the network and persuade viewers to watch content that doesn't feature the star attraction. Beck was a pioneer in the digital channel ecosystem. In its first year, analysts estimated, GBTV took in close to $30 million in subscriber revenue. But while one source says The Blaze peaked with around 300,000 customers paying $8 a month, Beck wasn't able to sustain interest, and the site has downsized since its height of popularity, shuttering its New York newsroom this summer and laying off staff. Read more: Ex-Obama Speechwriter Jon Favreau Wants to Put Anxious Hillary "Bedwetters" at Ease Does Trump, 70, have the drive to build a digital network, and will his followers watch people other than Trump? Certainly his campaign CEO Steve Bannon's background at Breitbart could be useful. But according to the campaign, the first edition of Trump Tower Live on Oct. 24 peaked at only 60,000 live viewers. (Trump did not appear on the show.) Indeed, if Trump Tower Live is a prototype, many agree it's not a very compelling one. "Brutal" is how one industry source describes it. And it's unclear what other pundits - from Breitbart or elsewhere - Trump might be willing to share airtime with. Mark Levin's conservative-leaning CRTV recently hired Michelle Malkin and Mark Steyn, for instance. But Klein notes success in the social media-enabled landscape is less about fueling an insatiable maw with hours of content and more about fostering a community. "Breitbart and Fox News are one-way conversations," he says. "They talk at you. They've created communities inadvertently. Donald Trump is very adept at making provocative statements that generate conversations." It's something that already is happening in conservative online media, where the rise of the alt-right is splintering Republicans. "We are in the beginning of a Dadaist movement. And Trump TV can be the urinal of that movement," says Beck, referring to the Marcel Duchamp sculpture that launched an artistic revolution. "And I mean that as an art historian." This story first appeared in the Nov. 11 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. By Duff Wilson and Aditya Kalra NEW YORK/NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The leadership of a World Health Organization (WHO) treaty on tobacco control has proposed barring delegates with ties to state-owned tobacco firms from its conference next week, tightening its application of rules to shut out the industry from policy making. That would include delegates employed by state-owned tobacco companies or those otherwise "working to advance the interests of the tobacco industry," according to an internal communication document seen by Reuters. The proposal, if adopted at the conference of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in India, could restrict delegations sent by countries like China and Vietnam, where governments own cigarette companies and have in the past sent representatives linked to the industry. Any such members of the 180 delegations at the Nov. 7-12 conference near New Delhi "would be requested to leave the premises", according to the Oct. 17 "note verbale", an official diplomatic communication, from the WHO FCTC secretariat on behalf of the treaty's leadership group to its parties. The FCTC, the world's first international public health treaty, states explicitly that health policies need to be made independent of tobacco industry influence. Its governing conferences have in the past ejected members of the public and the press after they were believed to have tobacco industry connections. Yet up until now, the treaty's leaders had not moved to bar employees of state-owned tobacco companies. At the last WHO FCTC conference, in Moscow in 2014, China's 18-person delegation had four members from the "State Tobacco Monopoly Administration". At the 2012 conference, in Seoul, two of eight Vietnamese delegates were from the "Vietnam Tobacco Association". When asked about the letter, a Vietnamese government official who declined to be identified told Reuters there would be no industry representatives in their delegation. Story continues Reuters was unable to immediately contact China's State Tobacco Monopoly Administration for comment out of office hours. FINAL DECISION YET TO BE MADE FCTC secretariat official Guangyuan Liu on Thursday confirmed the "note verbale" was sent to parties recently. When asked about the composition of China's delegation, Liu, team leader for governance and international cooperation at the secretariat, said: "We are still in contact with China and a final decision has not (been) made yet." "The COP (conference of parties) eventually will make the final decision," Liu told reporters in New Delhi. The proposed restriction highlights a growing battle between the industry and backers of the treaty, which went into effect in 2005 to guide national laws and policies in an effort to curb tobacco use, which kills an estimated 6 million people a year worldwide. The global tobacco industry is estimated to be worth nearly $800 billion this year. The International Tobacco Growers Association, a non-profit group partly funded by big international cigarette companies, said the proposal was "beyond the wildest imagination". Antonio Abrunhosa, chief executive of the group and a Portuguese tobacco grower, said in an email to Reuters that such a step was "unthinkable for a United Nations agency". John Stewart, deputy campaigns director at Corporate Accountability International, a Boston-based advocacy group that has supported tobacco-control efforts, praised the proposed restrictions. "The tobacco industry has really forced parties and the secretariat into a corner," he said in an interview. "This is a bold good-government action to ensure that the treaty space, the place where public health policies will save millions of lives, is free of tobacco industry intimidation." Issues for debate at the conference include alternative livelihoods for tobacco farmers, e-cigarette regulation and trade and investment issues. The secretariat earlier wrote to the treaty's party nations asking them to exclude people with tobacco interests from their delegations. In the latest note, the secretariat said it then turned to a FCTC leadership group for guidance after receiving a number of nominations from countries that ignored the suggestion. (Additional reporting by Sue-Lin Wong in Beijing; Editing by Tom Lasseter, Robert Birsel and Mike Collett-White) Talks on possible takeover came after its shares jumped. Global Logistic Properties announced that it is not in talks regarding the possible takeover by an investor group, as Bloomberg reported. "The Company wishes to advise that it is not in discussions with the above referenced investor group at this time. The company remains committed to enhancing shareholder value and continues to review and assess potential opportunities," GLP noted. It made the announcement after its shares jumped and it was queried by the Singapore Exchange. "The Company is not aware of any information which might explain the unusual price movements in the shares of the Company today, other than the abovementioned Bloomberg report," the group said. Quoting people with knowledge of the matter, Bloomberg reported that China Investment Corp., Hopu Investment Management and Hillhouse Capital Management have held talks about making a joint offer for Singapore-based GLP. "The suitors have reached out to potential partners to weigh their interest in joining the consortium, one of the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private," the report noted. More From Singapore Business Review By Karen Freifeld NEW YORK (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS.N) has settled a 2011 lawsuit claiming the investment bank fraudulently induced a bond insurer to guarantee payments on the doomed Abacus collateralized debt obligation ahead of the financial crisis. ACA Financial Guaranty Corp claimed Goldman and the hedge fund headed by John Paulson tricked it into insuring the CDO, which was tied to subprime mortgage securities. A filing in New York state court on Wednesday discontinued the case with prejudice against Goldman and Paulson & Co. The terms of the settlement were not made public. In the $120 million lawsuit, ACA claimed it was deceived into believing Paulson & Co would hold Abacus long-term. Instead, the fund helped select the assets and took a short position, betting the underlying mortgages would fail, the lawsuit said. The insurer claimed Abacus was designed so that Paulson could reap "huge profits" and Goldman "huge fees." Michael DuVally, a spokesman for Goldman, declined to comment. A spokesman for Paulson & Co had no immediate comment. ACA Financial did not return a call seeking comment Goldman Sachs settled with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2010 over claims it misled investors in Abacus, without admitting wrongdoing. Abacus was featured in a 2011 report by the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. The report noted that three major investors together lost about $1 billion from their investments, while Paulson's hedge fund profited by about the same amount. The case is ACA Financial Guaranty Corp v Goldman Sachs & Co, 650027/2011, New York state Supreme Court (New York County). (Reporting By Karen Freifeld; Editing by Andrew Hay) By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Google (GOOGL.O) on Thursday formally rejected European Union antitrust charges of unfairly promoting its shopping service and blocking rivals in online search advertising, paving the way for EU regulators to rule next year on these issues and potentially impose hefty fines. The U.S. technology giant's rebuttal in the shopping case came six years after the European Commission opened an investigation prompted by complaints from rivals such as Microsoft (MSFT.O) and a host of European and U.S. rivals. The EU regulator followed up with an anti-competitive charge against the company in April last year and added more evidence in July this year. It also issued a separate charge sheet against its online search advertising product AdSense for Search at the same time. Google's general counsel Kent Walker said on a blog that the accusations had no factual, legal or economic basis, and that the company's actions were driven by its users rather than any plan to squash rivals. "We never compromised the quality or relevance of the information we displayed. On the contrary, we improved it. That isn't 'favoring' - that's listening to our customers," Walker said. He said the Commission had failed to take into account competition from Amazon (AMZN.O), merchant platforms, social media sites, mobile web and online advertising by companies such as Facebook (FB.O) and Pinterest. The EU executive said it had received Google's response. "In each case, we will carefully consider Google's response before taking any decision on how to proceed and cannot at this stage prejudge the final outcome of the investigation," Commission spokesman Ricardo Cardoso said in an email. Google may find it difficult convincing the EU regulator with its latest arguments, said Michael Carrier, professor at New Jersey-based Rutgers Law School. "Google has a point that its search results help consumers by allowing them to directly buy the item. But the Commission worries about the effect on rivals. This likely will outweigh the consumer point," he said. Story continues Google also rejected a Commission proposal which would let the company charge rivals for displaying their services prominently, with the amount corresponding to its operating cost or a nominal amount based on the lowest reserve price for AdWords which is currently 0.01 euro per click. In the advertising case, the company said it had already scrapped the exclusivity clauses and other provisions identified by the regulator as anti-competitive. The Commission plans to hand down hefty fines to Google if found guilty of breaching EU rules, the charge sheet seen by Reuters showed. The penalty could reach $7.4 billion or 10 percent of the company's global turnover for each case. Walker said Google would respond in the coming days to a third EU charge of using its Android mobile operating system to hinder competitors. The Commission has given it until Nov. 11 to do so. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by Robert-Jan Bartunek and Jane Merriman) MoU signed to boost Nepal-China trade Nepal-China Executives Council, a non-profit organisation based in Nepal, and the Chinese government on Wednesday signed an agreement to work in collaboration to promote bilateral trade and investment. From Seventeen With less than two weeks to go until Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them hits theaters on November 18, Google is here to help you brush up on your wizarding skills. The company just announced that if you have an Android phone, your phone is basically now a magical wand crafted by Garrick Ollivander himself. Starting now, you can say "OK Google" to your Android phone to activate your wand (AKA, Google Search) and cast a spell. The spells your phone can do are "Lumos" or "Lumos Maxima,"which will turn on your flashlight. The "Nox" charm will turn it off. You can also use "Silencio" in order to, obviously, silence your phone's notification. I tried those spells and it works so well, I felt like Hermione on the first day of Charms class. Sadly, Wingardium Leviosa doesn't work yet. But I'm sure Google is working on a way to make objects magically hover in midair. On top of your smartphone's ability to perform basic charms, Google's also gave Maps a Potterific makeover. You can go back in time to 1926 New York (when Fantastic Beasts takes place) to visit important locations in the movie, like the Magical Congress of the USA or the underground speakeasy The Blind Pig. You can even explore the city in street view. It's amazing. Photo credit: Google Maps Basically, you're a bona fide wizard now. Call Malfoy, because I owe him a duel. You Might Also Like In a flurry of legal filings this week, the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee battled in federal court over the Democrats claim that the GOP is violating a decades-old consent decree by coordinating the placement of poll watchers at voting stations for the presidential election. On Wednesday, Federal Judge John Michael Vasquez, of the US District Court for the District of New Jersey ordered the Republican National Committee to produce additional evidence in the form of sworn statements from senior executives that it is not coordinating with Donald Trumps presidential campaign to organize poll watchers. Related: The Growing Republican Chorus: If Clinton Wins, She Should Be Impeached The Trump campaign is allowed to organize poll watchers, but the RNC is barred from doing so through 2017, the result of a lawsuit brought by the Democratic Party alleging that the RNC was using aggressive techniques to intimidate minority voters. The RNC denied wrongdoing, but accepted a decades-long ban. RNC officials have called the Democrats lawsuit completely meritless, but the issue of poll watching has taken on increased importance in this election because of Trumps insistence -- absent any evidence -- that the process is being rigged against him. He has encouraged supporters to travel to the polls to watch for specific activity. Some have expressed plans to take actions that are plainly illegal. (It is important to note that representatives of organized political parties are allowed to act as poll watchers in federal elections, but they must be registered beforehand and face many restrictions on what they are allowed to do. Trumps call for people to simply show up at precincts to observe has been widely criticized by election law experts who point out that they would not be allowed into the polling station, and that they could be arrested if they harass voters outside the polling station.) The impression that the RNC was coordinating with the Trump campaign was strengthened by both Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence and Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway, both of whom made public statements saying that the campaign was coordinating with the RNC on unspecified ballot security measures. Story continues Related: Why Puerto Ricans in Florida Could Decide the Election In a filing on Wednesday, the RNC testified that in interviews with RNC General Counsel John R. Phillippe Jr., both Pence and Conway conceded that they had been mistaken. Governor Pence confirmed that he made the statement based on his incorrect assumptions, and that he has had no contact with the RNC about any ballot integrity program and has no basis to believe that the RNC is working with the Trump campaign on such efforts, it read. Mr. Phillippe also spoke by telephone with the Trump campaigns campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway. She confirmed that she retracted the statement cited by the DNC in its motion and that she has no knowledge of, and knows of no facts indicating, the RNCs involvement in any poll monitoring activities in any state. The order from Judge Vasquez came as the Democrats produced sworn affidavits from some of their own poll watchers testifying that they had encountered Republican poll watchers providing misinformation to voters and claiming to be working on orders from the RNC. Related: 9 Reasons Trump Needs Remedial Courses in the Constitution One woman, Irasema Garza, said that at a polling station in Nevada, she encountered a Republican poll watcher who informed her that although she was with the Trump campaign its the RNC thats really running this program. The RNC denies this is the case, and the stakes are high. If it is found in violation of the consent decree, the RNC could be barred from organizing poll watchers for an additional eight years. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: From ELLE Hillary Clinton will not be the first world leader to recognize that women face unique battles at work and at home. But if she is elected, she will be the first American president who's able to speak to those issues from personal experience. And as the women interviewed for this story can attest, that matters. As we enter the final election countdown, we asked 12 women in politics, policy, and media to reflect on the policies that American women need most, the women who've inspired them to succeed, and what it means to govern like a feminist. Madeleine Albright, Former Secretary of State A feminist leader has no room for mediocrity. She's going to constantly have to prove that she is the right person for the job, which means not only doing what she was hired or elected to do, but staying true to her ideals. And while I've always felt that feminist issues are the same as human issues and that what is good for women and girls is good for men and boys, women have had to work harder to put policies in place that let them be empowered to be who they are, to make their own decisions over their own bodies, to get equal pay for equal work. That has fallen to us. Some people may have believed that women were already empowered, that we had achieved what we set out to achieve. But if you've listened to what's been said in this election and in this country, you realize how easily progress can be reversed. During the war in Bosnia [in the '90s], most of the victims were women. They were either raped or separated from their families or killed. I collaborated with the female permanent representatives to the U.N.-there were only seven of us and we called ourselves the G7-to lobby to have women judges on the war crimes tribunal. And we succeeded. It was very deliberate, collaborating with women in order to benefit women and to have women's voices be heard. It's still necessary. Until recently, some people may have believed that women were already empowered, that we had achieved what we set out to achieve. But if you've listened to what's been said in this election and in this country, you realize how easily progress can be reversed by people who are not only completely incoherent, but unaware of what women's rights are in a society. We're not done yet. Story continues Melinda Gates, Co-founder, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation In the 16 years since we started our foundation, a big part of my job has been sitting down with leaders from all over the world to advocate on behalf of women and girls. I've learned the hard way that this is not a topic that everyone is interested in. Especially at the beginning, I encountered plenty of leaders who let me know that they considered issues facing women and girls "soft issues"-and definitely not a national priority. But that's starting to change. Increasingly, leaders are beginning to understand that no society can reach its full potential until the women who live there are empowered to reach their own potential, too. With that in mind, I think my definition of a feminist leader is someone who understands that working toward gender equality is both the smart thing and, even more importantly, the right thing to do. And the good news is that, from what I can see, feminist leaders are on the rise. I encountered plenty of leaders who let me know that they considered issues facing women and girls "soft issues"-and definitely not a national priority. I hope that our next president will start by championing paid family and medical leave, not only because it benefits women but because it benefits everyone: women, men, families, companies, and economies. I'd especially like to see our next president help expand access to contraceptives to the 225 million women in developing countries who still don't have any options for preventing unwanted pregnancies. As I've traveled for the foundation, I've met so many women who tell me that having the ability to plan their pregnancies is absolutely essential if they ever hope to break their family out of the cycle of poverty. It's yet another policy that's good for women, but also good for everyone. German Chancellor Angela Merkel leads like a feminist by using her voice to insist that women and girls have a place on the global agenda. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leads like a feminist by demonstrating to his country and the world that men have an absolutely crucial role to play in this conversation, too. But you definitely don't have to be a government leader to be a feminist leader. One of the first examples of feminist leadership I encountered was from my own father, who worked for many years as an aerospace engineer. There weren't many women programmers back then-and frankly, there still aren't. But when Dad put together a team, he always made a point of including female colleagues. He recognized, as great feminist leaders do-that teams are stronger when they include people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. And the work they did together was better for it. Neera Tanden, President, Center for American Progress A feminist leader is someone who both believes in and works toward a world where women and girls have equal rights, equal opportunity, and equal dignity. It's really that simple. Feminism is about more than just platitudes. You have to actually practice what you preach. If you want to be a feminist leader in business, you need to create a workplace where women have the same opportunities as men to succeed. That means providing fair wages and decent benefits; it means ensuring equal pay and paid family and sick leave; it means building a safe and healthy culture that has zero tolerance for sexual harassment or discrimination; and it means respecting and rewarding the contributions of female employees and committing to gender parity in senior positions. If you want to be a feminist leader in government, you need to support policies that empower all women to succeed. That means supporting a higher minimum wage; it means making quality, affordable child care a reality for every family; it means protecting a woman's right to make her own healthcare decisions. And if you want to be a feminist leader in your community, that means pushing back against the harmful double standards for women and girls in the classroom, the bedroom, and yes, Donald Trump's "locker room." No matter how busy things got, Hillary would always check in and make sure I was able to fulfill my responsibilities to family. [W]hen I was working on Hillary's first presidential campaign, I was in charge of Hillary's debate preparation on the campaign, but one of the sessions overlapped with my daughter's pre-K graduation. I put my deputy in charge, but I was so worried that I was letting Hillary and my team down. As soon as she heard about it, Hillary flipped around her entire travel schedule to make sure I could go to both. I worked in Hillary's Senate office right after my first child was born. I was hesitant about taking such an intense job, but Hillary promised me we could make it work. And we did. I was able to leave every night at 6 p.m. to make it home for dinner and put my daughter to bed, and I kept working after she fell asleep. And no matter how busy things got, Hillary would always check in and make sure I was able to fulfill my responsibilities to family. I have countless stories like [that one]-as does everyone who's ever worked for her. She showed me what true feminist leadership looks like, and I've tried to follow her example at my own organization. Teresa Younger, President and CEO, Ms. Foundation Feminism is the social, economic and political equality of all genders, so a true feminist leader holds this definition as [his or her] core belief and leads with feminist values in mind. Knowing that our society's idea of leadership is linked to structures that are designed to marginalize and oppress, feminist leaders works to dismantle this fundamental idea of what power looks like. Diversity, inclusivity, intersectionality, and equity are the cornerstones of their leadership. When constructing any policy, it is critical that we center the voices of women, especially women of color. Far too often, policy that is associated with women is viewed as a "women's issue" when in reality, issues such as immigration, mass incarceration, and gun control disproportionately impact us and our communities. We are not a monolith, and when we have a seat at the table, we bring our whole selves-meaning we bring not only our experiences, but also our family's and community's. Feminist leaders works to dismantle this fundamental idea of what power looks like. Feminist leadership is a mindset and it's applicable far and wide. That said, I'd like to see an accessible and affordable childcare system and the repeal of the Hyde Amendment, in particular, be a made priority in this administration. Liz Plank, host, '2016ish' on Vox.com [E]very issue is a woman's issue, but I'd especially love to see "women's issues" become mainstream and lose that classification. I'm sick of talking about domestic violence, sexual assault, or abortion as issues that only impact women. The reason why we haven't been successful at tackling those issues is precisely because we've labeled them that way, obfuscating men's responsibility. If men are responsible for the vast majority of violence against women, then it's a men's issue more than it is a women's issue in my opinion. If men are responsible for the vast majority of violence against women, then it's a men's issue more than it is a women's issue in my opinion. Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator (D-NY) In 1995, Hillary Clinton went to Beijing and gave her famous speech and said that "women's rights are human rights, once and for all." That moment was life-changing for me. I asked myself, why wasn't I there at that conference in Beijing? I had been an Asian studies major in college, I had learned to speak Mandarin, and I knew what it meant for her to give that speech at that time in that place to that audience. I hope Hillary makes paid family and medical leave one of her top priorities. There is always a lot of talk about infrastructure bills, and I support rebuilding American infrastructure as essential to a growing economy, but we also need to focus on human infrastructure. The laws of this country were written in the Mad Men era and have not kept pace with the modern American family. When major life events like illness and childbirth occur, who can afford to quit their job or go without pay to take care of that family member? Right now, more American women than ever before are their family's sole or primary breadwinner. Whether we like it or not, our economy is changing, and women's roles in it are changing. We shouldn't be the only industrialized country on earth that doesn't guarantee its workers some form of paid leave. When major life events like illness and childbirth occur, who can afford to quit their job or go without pay to take care of that family member? No one should have to choose between having a child or taking care of a sick loved one, and keeping a paycheck. Cecile Richards, President, Planned Parenthood Action Fund Feminism is the simple notion that we are all equal, regardless of gender. Feminist leaders work to build a government, culture, and society that ensures everyone can prosper and thriveby acknowledging and working to correct the many ways that people are held back, discriminated against and marginalized because of their identities. Feminist leaders also fight for equity that takes into account gender, race, immigration status, ethnicity and national origin, recognizing that a truly just society demands an equitable society for all. Feminist leaders shake things up and always go against every bit of conventional wisdomthey challenge authority! When Fannie Lou Hamer organized the Freedom Democrats and demanded voting rights and civil rights for African Americans in the South, she was demonstrating intersectional feminism that elevated Black women's voices. By famously proclaiming "When I liberate myself, I liberate others," she challenged the Democratic party to live into their values and lead to greater equity in representation for all people. When Sylvia Rivera actively resisted homophobia and transphobia at the Stonewall Inn and fought for the inclusion of transgender women of color in mainstream feminism, she challenged us to expand our beliefs around gender and rethink our notions of who feminism was fighting for. And when Annie Clark and Andrea Pino went public about sexual assault on campus, and thousands of women came forward to tell their stories, they were leading like feministsrefusing to back down or stand back. Because they and so many more forced this issue, rape culture and how it is perpetuated is part of mainstream dialogue-and changing the way some leaders, at least, understand its toxicity and prevalence. Kate Brown, Governor (D-OR) Policies that expand access to the ballot are not only feminist policies, but critical to our democracy. Here in Oregon, we passed the nation's first automatic voter registration system. In just its first 10 months, the program has added well over 200,000 voters to our rolls. When women of all communities, incomes, and sexual orientations have the tools to make their voice heard, we have the power to lift up women everywhere. Policies that expand access to the ballot are not only feminist policies, but critical to our democracy. I got my start at Oregon's capitol as an advocate for women's issues. One of my first accomplishments was passing Oregon's Family and Medical Leave Act, which allows parents to take time off to care for their children without losing their jobs. The bill was signed into law by Oregon's first woman governor, Barbara Roberts. We've seen that when women have a voice at the leadership table, we can make our world a better place for all women and their families. A feminist leader is someone who fights for human rights. She works to make sure every person has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. I am grateful to the women who blazed a trail before me so that I can be where I am today. My hope is that my work today will help young girls reach even higher heights in the years to come. Angela Glover Blackwell, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, PolicyLink As a black woman who grew up in the 1950s, I must say I think of myself as black first and woman second. So often when we think about "women's issues," we don't think about women of color. We don't think about the fact that women of color have a different set of issues. And because people of color now make up most of the United States, it's become even more critical to look at feminist policies that work for everyone. In the twenty-first century more than one in seven American women live in poverty. Photo credit: PolicyLink To start, the biggest issue that women of color face is the same issue that many white women face and that is poverty. It is terrible that in the twenty-first century more than one in seven American women live in poverty. And the numbers are even greater for minorities: 25 percent of black women, 23 percent of Latinas, 27 percent of Native American women live in poverty. Eleven percent of white and Asian American women live in poverty, and that is no small number. Poverty hurts women across the board, and it hurts hundreds of millions of children. But women who are black or Latina face a special burden; 46 percent black and Latina female-headed households with children live in poverty. Poverty is the number one issue, and the solution needs to address the way poverty presents for women. It needs to go beyond making sure that people are not treated with indignity by creating pathways to the middle class. That needs to be on the docket for the next president, and it's critical to a feminist policy agenda. People who live in poverty in this country are often made to feel ashamed of the fact that they live in poverty. The way that services are delivered to them is often lacking in compassion. Poor people are often viewed as having different aspirations than people who don't live in poverty. I think all people have the same aspirations-to live in dignity, to be able to support their families in ways that allow their children to reach their full potential, to live in communities that are rich in opportunities. Melanne Verveer, Executive Director, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security at Georgetown University; Co-founder, Seneca Women A feminist leader works for the full realization of women's rights as human rights. In no country has the equality between women and men been fully achieved, whether in education, health, economic empowerment or political participation. Violence against women and girls is a global scourge, and legal and cultural barriers still impede women's progress. A feminist leader works in a visionary way to close the gender gap, works to set an example of women's leadership, and inspires others to use their own power for purpose. When I served as Ambassador for Global Women's Issues, my charge was to mainstream or integrate women's perspectives and participation into all aspects of our foreign policy. After all, there is no way that we can grow economies, prevent conflict and advance sustainable peace, address climate change, promote good governance without the full participation of women. Kim Azzarelli, Chair and Co-founder, Avon Global Center for Women and Justice at Cornell Law School; Co-founder, Seneca Women I want a feminist president to bring a fresh perspective to the realities of American life today, a broader outlook that can help fix historical issues that negatively impact both women and men. As a nation, we're still living with systems that were designed in and inherited from the era of Mad Men or Leave It to Beaver, when "family" was defined as a working dad, a stay-at-home mom, and 2.5 kids. That is just not the reality of American life today. So we're saddled with what I like to call "design flaws." We've forced women to ask themselves, "Why am I late for work, and why am I cold when I get there?" And the answer lies in the design flaws that have given us a 9-to-6 workday and a 9-to-3 school day and office thermostats programmed for the higher metabolic rates of men. Do our pension and retirement plans assume a 1950s lifespan and lifestyle? Should housing and tax policies take into account the need for child care and elder care? Does health insurance adequately cover the basic needs of women? A feminist leader would look at these systemic flaws and ask, "Do our pension and retirement plans assume a 1950s lifespan and lifestyle? Should housing and tax policies take into account the need for child care and elder care? Does health insurance adequately cover the basic needs of women?" To me, feminist leadership is an inclusive style of leadership-it's about improving things not just for women but for everyone. Linda Coleman, candidate for lieutenant governor, North Carolina Photo credit: http://lindafornc.com/ A feminist leader looks at the policies that shape our society through a lens that considers how those policies impact women and their families. And so as a feminist, I'm committed to making pre-K universally accessible and affordable. Quality pre-K education builds the foundation for a successful academic career in K-12 and beyond. I spent three years as a teacher, and I saw how education can be the great equalizer. But you have to start at the beginning by building the academic and social confidence of children regardless of their parents' income level or zip code. Better prepared kids mean better universities, a stronger workforce, and a stronger society. 40 percent of households have a woman as the primary breadwinner, which means that when a woman can't work due to illness it affects not just her, but her entire family as well as our economy. Forty percent of households have a woman as the primary breadwinner, which means that when a woman can't work due to illness it affects not just her, but her entire family as well as our economy. The common thread here is that policies that keep women safe and healthy keep families and communities safe and healthy as well. Because men aren't traditionally family caregivers they don't tend to think about these kinds of policies and just think about the bottom line. But the reality is that these policies are good for families and the bottom line. These interviews have been edited and condensed. You Might Also Like Shirine Othman, a 20-year-old refugee from Syria now living in Athens, cant say enough good things about where she has ended up living. She bustles around her small room, pointing out the wall-mounted hairdryer, then bounces briefly on the bed before smoothing out the polyester coverlet. She enthuses about the spacious closet and the anodyne wall art on her one-minute tour, then says she has saved the best for last. When Othman, her husband and their two children arrived in Greece in March, after a terrifying night crossing from Turkey in a rubber boat, they were shunted into one of the countrys vast outdoor refugee camps. There they spent several weeks battling the cold, mud and rain in a tiny camping tent. Othman, seven months pregnant at the time, found herself sprinting for the distant portable toilets several times a night. Because of her pregnancy, Othman was able to apply for special permission to relocate to Athens, where she found something much better. What I love about this place is that I have my own room. I can close the door, and be alone with my family, she says, ducking into the tiny en suite. She beams in front of the mirror: And we have our own bathroom. Few visitors to the downmarket City Plaza business hotel in downtown Athens would give the basic amenities such rave reviews. But for the refugees that have made it their home over the past six months, it is a virtual paradise compared to the grim conditions of the government run camps that house most migrants. It is also technically illegal. Like many other Greek businesses, the City Plaza Hotel shuttered its doors in 2010 in the wake of the European financial crisis. But on April 22, 2016, a ragged consortium of Greek anarchists, leftists and international volunteers calling themselves the Solidarity Initiative for Political and Economic Refugees broke the locks, reconnected the utilities, cleaned up the rooms and occupied the building. Then they opened it up to 400 refugees fleeing wars in the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan. Story continues Some 60,000 Middle Eastern and African refugees are currently stuck in Greece, the second act of a crisis that riveted the world when more than a million migrants crossed the Mediterranean by boat last year seeking a better life in Europe. In March Turkey signed a deal with the European Union, agreeing to stop the traffic to Europe in exchange for more than $6 billion in financial incentives. At the same time, Macedonia shut its border with Greece, trapping those who had made it out of Turkey, but not yet into the destination countries of Western Europe, in place while they wait for resettlement. Read More: The Left Behind Refugees of the Jungle in Calais The Greek governmentstill grappling with its own economic woeshas responded by establishing tented camps to house them. The facilities are basic, built on unused tracts of land far from the city center or in abandoned agricultural warehouses. They are not supplied with hot water, there are no schools or playgrounds for the children, and they rarely have adequate shower facilities or even flush toilets. Solidarity activists back in Athens say that they have a solution. The international system of housing refugees isnt working, says Nasim Nomani, a 35-year-old Afghan member of Solidarity who came to Greece 16 years ago as a refugee. As a result of the financial crisis, he says, there are at least 11 million empty buildings and houses in Europe, and 4,000 in Athens alone. They could be used for housing refugees in much better conditions; treating them like humans, and not caged animals. City Plaza is run like a cooperative, with residents taking up weekly responsibilities based on their individual capacities, from cooking meals to cleaning, group child care, and basic maintenance. (Which can be limitedthe elevators in the eight-story building are turned off, because none of the refugees currently living there knows how to maintain them.) Volunteers help out with medical clinics, administration and ad hoc activity classes. One recent weeks line up promised sushi making, English conversation, yoga, kids movies and a nightly womens dance party up on the rooftop terrace. We dont want to be good guys helping the poor refugees. We want to organize this place so the refugees can do things for themselves, says Nomani. That self-reliance is an essential part of giving refugees the dignity and purpose they crave as they attempt to forge a new life in Europe, he says. Among the refugees you can find engineers, doctors, teachers, cooks, and translators. Is it fair to put several thousand of them together in a horrible group camp, inside tents, with no jobs and nothing to do, and then ask why they are complaining and fighting? Read More: These 5 Different Camps Tell the Story of the Global Refugee Crisis Reema, a 25-year-old mother of three from Homs who asked not to use her full name for fear of endangering family still in Syria, works several hours a week in the hotels industrial kitchen preparing meals for the residents. She cooks alongside Kurds, Afghans and Iraqis in the kitchen, and they all say that its one of the best things about living at City Plaza. In the camps the military and catering companies provide meals for the refugees, but they are often poor quality, or made from unfamiliar ingredients. At City Plaza, says Reema, We can cook our favorite foods. A taste of home helps with missing it so much. So far, the Solidarity movement has occupied nine empty buildings in Athens, housing around 1,500 refugees. Nomani expects the numbers to rise as winter weather forces even more refugees out of the camps, which often turn into muddy swamps in the rain. City Plaza is not the solution for the refugee crisis, he says. But it is a good example of how to do it better. City Plazas owner, Aliki Papahela, thinks differently. The former Greek stage actress has appealed to the courts to force an evacuation. So far, she has seen little progressGreek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras Syriza Party is reluctant to alienate its supporters on the far Left, especially when it comes to the fraught issue of refugees. Aliki doesnt blame the refugeesin fact, she muses, they probably dont even know that they are living in a contested building. If the government or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees wanted to rent City Plaza from her to house refugees, she says, she would be more than happy to oblige. Read More: Why More Jobs in Ethiopia Could Mean Fewer Refugees in Europe She was in the process of selling the hotel when it was taken over, she says, but now that its been turned into a squat, thats impossible. Meanwhile she can no longer afford to pay the property taxes and fears that the hotel, an inheritance from her late father, will soon be taken from her. I do believe that refugees have the right to a decent life, and until they find it, we must support them, she says. But not at the cost of ruin. Aliki likens her situation to that of Greece as a whole, forced to support an unfairly large share of Europes refugee burden. This is not just about me. Its about the whole of us Greeks. If someone can come into someones house and take it over because he thinks its better to give it to refugees, and because of that you have to stay poor and become a refugee yourself, well, dont you understand that in one or two years there will be nothing of us left? with reporting by Lamprini Thoma/Athens By Kathryn Doyle (Reuters Health) - A Chinese medicine technique using a smooth-edged instrument to scrape or rub certain areas of the body may relieve troublesome symptoms women experience in the years leading up to menopause, according to a new study. Perimenopause can begin eight to 10 years before menopause, as estrogen levels fluctuate and start declining but menstrual cycles continue. During this time, and for another year or more after menstruation stops, women may experience hot flashes, insomnia, tiredness, mood swings, forgetfulness, aches and pains, vaginal dryness and pain during sex. Its estimated that 75 percent to 92 percent of women going through perimenopause have at least some of these symptoms, and about 40 percent find them problematic enough to seek help, the study authors write in the journal Menopause. Gua sha therapy is one of the most commonly used techniques in Traditional Chinese Medicine, they add, and its thought to work by enhancing surface circulation and producing an antinflammatory effect. Gua sha therapy has been widely applied in clinical practice in China, said coauthor Pei-bei Duan of Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Nanjing. Past studies have found it may prevent or treat many common and frequently-occurring conditions, such as acute or chronic pain, colds, flu, fever, heatstroke, asthma and emphysema, Duan told Reuters Health by email. For the study, researchers recruited 80 women with perimenopausal symptoms from a clinic at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine and divided them randomly into two groups. One group received only conventional treatment, in this case drinking a liquid derived from traditional Chinese herbs called Qingxin Zishen Tang twice daily. The other group received the same conventional treatment plus weekly 15-minute Gua sha sessions, in which a therapist used a buffalo horn scraper and a skin lubricant to stimulate acupoints similar to those targeted by acupuncture focusing on the back, lower limbs and upper limbs for eight weeks. Gua sha scraping causes red or purple marks on the skin which typically fade within seven days, the authors note. After eight weeks, scores on a menopause-specific quality of life questionnaire had improved for both groups of women, but significantly more for the women in the Gua sha group. They also experienced greater reductions in hot flashes and sweating, insomnia, nervousness, melancholia, fatigue and headache than the comparison group receiving only conventional treatment. The available studies on this topic are few and weak, said Dr. Francesco Cardini of the Health and Social Regional Agency in Emilia Romagna in Italy, who was not part of the new study. "As with other traditional practices, Gua sha treatment, which creates superficial transitory skin lesions, may not be accepted by women with non Chinese culture," Cardini told Reuters Health by email. Gua sha therapy for perimenopausal symptoms was well tolerated by participants in our study, Duan said. Only two transient and mild adverse events were reported and no serious adverse events occurred. Both were deemed unrelated to Gua sha. The two cases both had mild dizziness; one was caused by hypoglycemia because the patient did not eat breakfast, and another one was too nervous at the first treatment. The long-term benefits of Gua sha therapy are not known, Duan said. Theoretically, women in China have access to this therapy, but only at large Traditional Chinese Medicine hospitals. Women who live in rural areas have to travel a long way to the cities to get the therapy, which is inconvenient, Duan said. If women have the access to Gua sha therapy, they should try it. In the U.S., some licensed massage therapists offer Gua sha therapy and it has been endorsed by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2eVSvZU Menopause, online October 10, 2016. James Beard Foundations Taste America, Nov. 4: The James Beard Foundation will make a stop in Charleston for its Taste America tour this Friday. Dan Barber, of Blue Hill at Stone Barns, is the nationally featured all-star chef who will be cooking along with local star chefs including Sean Brock, Katy Keefe, Ken Vedrinski, Jill Mathias, Michelle Weaver, Kevin Mitchell, and host chef Jeremiah Bacon. Together, theyll be serving a special menu for the evening. Tickets are $300. Maison Premiere Pop-Up, Nov. 5: Edmunds Oast will host bartender Stephen Palahach from Brooklyn hot spot Maison Premiere on Saturday starting at 5:30 p.m. Palahach will offer a special a la carte drink menu inspired by tiki classics. Lowcountry Field Feast, Nov. 6: This years Field Feast is a Festa di Campo with chef Michael Toscano of Le Farfalle cooking up the family-style dinner. The event will take place at The Barn at Walnut Hill Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $125 and benefit Lowcountry Local First, which helps local farmers and other food purveyors. Big Bad Breakfast Book Stop, Nov. 11: James Beard Award-winning chef John Currence stops in Charleston as part of his book tour for his latest cookbook Big Bad Breakfast. Starting at 6 p.m. next Friday, he will be cooking dishes and selling/signing his new book at The Daily. There is a VIP pass for $50 that includes a copy of the book and a fast-pass line to purchase food. Roasted and Smoked, Nov. 12: Famed barbecue pitmaster Elliott Moss from Ashevilles Buxton Hall BBQ joins The Darling Oyster Bars chef Joe DiMaio for a special pig and oyster roast at Geechie Boy Farm in Edisto. From 4 to 8 p.m., guests can enjoy food, live music, and beer from Revelry Brewing Company for $75. Curate Cookbook Brunch, Nov. 13: Chef Katie Button will also stop in Charleston as part of the book tour for her first book, Curate. For the event, she will work with chef Mike Lata at The Ordinary to prepare a family-style feast with some of her favorite dishes from the book. The brunch is Sunday at 11:30 a.m., and tickets are $94. Chef Jeremiah Langhorne Demo and Tasting, Nov. 17: Washington, D.C.-based chef Jeremiah Langhorne comes home to Charleston for a special demonstration and tasting at Le Creuset on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. Langhorne is chef and owner of The Dabney, one of D.C.s most popular restaurants. He also served as chef de cuisine at McCradys for several years under chef Sean Brock. Tickets are $40. For more information on Charleston's eating and drinking scenes, click here. Or, if you have an event, product, opening, or something cool to share, please send it to angel@hometeampr.com for consideration. From Esquire Back in the comparatively halcyon days of 2008, racists would say or post violent, racist things about the Democratic presidential nominee and his supporters, and then the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, and the vast majority of the media would notice and say "That's racist!" and it ended there. But then came the year of the ascendency of Donald Trump, who has promised to end the tyranny of "political correctness" and emboldened the sort of people who think the Holocaust didn't kill quite enough Jews and that not enough African Americans were lynched after the Civil War to warrant taking down their Confederate flags ... and that there's something suspicious about how many minorities are voting. In preparation for the vote, six short days away, the alt-right and white supremacists have vowed to join Trump supporters (and even Trump advisors, like Nixon's grand duke of rat-fucking, Roger Stone) in "protecting" our great republic by intimidating the people trying to vote in it, according to Politico. (The Trump campaign, meanwhile, is taking a more quaint, passive-aggressive approach by trying to convince minorities to self-suppress their votes via targeted advertising pushing the idea that voting isn't really worth it.) "Donald Trump has told his supporters for weeks that they are at risk of being robbed by the elites," explained Mark Potok, who has the unenviable job of tracking hate groups for the Southern Poverty Law Center. "Trump has taken the lid off Pandora's box and some of those demons of racism and bigotry will be hard to get back in" he added. With so many groups emerging from the woodwork with not-so-secret missions to stop minorities from voting, it's hard to tell your Oath Keepers from your National Socialists. To help you keep track, here's a guide to each group and their chances of pulling off their half-baked operations. Story continues Who: The Daily Stormer Which is: One of the nation's most prominent white supremacist/neo-Nazi websites, run by Andrew Anglin, a shaved-headed Ohio millennial who once had to defend his own racial heritage to Neo-Nazis more conservative than he is. The plan: Roaming gangs of neo-Nazis handing out weed and 40s in heavily minority communities as distractions from voting. No, really, that's their plan. Plus poll watchers, possibly in coordination with an anonymous website that swears it has secretly installed hidden cameras in school cafeterias (which is totally illegal) to capture fraudulent voters in the act. Possible pitfalls: It's not clear how handing out weed and 40s like it's grown-up Halloween will actually suppress votes-but it is illegal: even if it's less than 30 grams and there's no exchange of money, in Pennsylvania it's still a misdemeanor that comes with a fine. Fear factor: "The Daily Stormer is mostly Andrew Angelin, his dog, and his computer," says Potok. While Angelin's readership is relatively high for the white supremacist internet, his ability to convince his readers to show their faces in public has been unimpressive. Who: The Oath Keepers Which is: A militia-type organization comprised of current and former law enforcement and military members affiliated with the anti-government patriot movement. The plan: Election Day poll patrols, though Potok notes they've instructed their members to "Bring video cameras, bring still cameras, but don't cause a scene and don't go armed." Possible pitfalls: Their membership claims are likely exaggerated, so it's not clear how many people will show up. Fear factor: If some members don't heed the "don't go armed" instructions, it doesn't take many people with guns to do something scary. Handfuls of Oath Keepers have showed up armed in various places over the last few years, most notably in Ferguson, Missouri during the 2014 protests after Michael Brown's death. Who: National Socialists Which is: Yup, as in Nazis. The plan: Get-out-the-vote efforts and informal poll watchers. Possible pitfalls: Even in the age of Trump, there aren't too many American Nazis. They are expecting 75 people to show up for a rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Fear factor: "I very much doubt it's going to be anything large," said Potok. Who: American Freedom Party Which is: A white supremacist political party founded by a L.A. attorney who, among other things, would like to amend the Constitution so that only white people can vote. The plan: To monitor the polls with the Trump campaign. Possible pitfalls: The party's vice presidential candidate resigned earlier this year when he felt the group was too focused on working for Trump rather pushing its own ticket. Fear factor: They're mainly inspiring paroxysms of laughter after paying (and apologizing) for a robocall about anti-Trump conservative Evan McMullin's supposed sexuality and his parentage. You Might Also Like A cat in Indonesia was so devastated about her owner's death that the feline has spent a year staying by the grave of the woman she loved most. Read: Adopted Boy, 11, Mows Lawns All Summer to Buy Tombstone for Father He Never Knew The cat, whose name is not known, lives in Central Java, Indonesia, and was first thought to be homeless. Local man Keli Keningau Prayitno even tried to adopt the feline, but the cat returned to the grave. He saw the cat hugging the headstone, playing in the dirt and sleeping on top of the grave. He told SWNS.com: Since the cat's mother died she has stayed here at the grave. She does not want to go home. She has been here for almost a year. I thought she was homeless and tried to help but every time she would keep returning to the same place. I saw her every day and noticed that she was always there, but sometimes would leave for a couple of hours then come back. The cat even ventures to its old home, where the deceased owners family stays, and gets fed. After eating, the cat walks back to the grave each day. Read: Pup Abandoned in Heartbreaking Photo Now Has a Real Bed: 'He's Living the Dream!' I followed her and she was going to the home where she used to live and the lady's children would feed her, Prayitno told SWNS. Then the cat would go back again to the same place. She sleeps there and meows. It's very sad to see. It shows just how close animals are to their owners." Watch: Cat Found With Acid Burns on Face Finds Home: 'Half of His Face was Melted' Related Articles: Mukherjee glad to see political process moving in the right direction Visiting Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has expressed confidence that Nepals political process will reach a logical conclusion soon. Shares of Facebook FB are down nearly 5.7% on Thursday after the release of the companys latest earnings report Wednesday afternoon. Despite posting quarterly earnings and revenue beats, Facebook is slumping after it warned investors about the potential for ad revenues to start slowing down soon. For the third quarter of fiscal 2016, Facebook posted earnings of 88 cents per share on revenues of $7.011 billion. These figures beat the Zacks Consensus Estimates of $0.77 per share and $6.923 billion, respectively (also read: Facebook Posts Q3 Earnings Beat, Mobiles MAUs Up 22%). Nevertheless, Facebook fell in after-hours trading because the company noted that, although ad revenues will continue to grow, they will face tougher year-over-year comparisons in the coming quarters. Facebook also noted that ad load, which has been a leading factor driving ad revenues, wont be a big factor after mid-2017. The company said ad revenue rates will come down meaningfully as a result. Facebook also has bold plans to become much more than a social media company, and its report detailed plans to increase investments significantly in 2017. The company plans to go on a hiring spree in the spring, and it also wants to start building more data centers, which could cut into near-term earnings. Fundamentally, Facebook remains relatively sound. However, the company sees somewhat of a plateau in the near future, and thats enough to have investors worrying a bit. Not even Zuckerberg and friends can continue to grow at shocking rates forever. Stocks that Aren't in the News. Yet. You are invited to download the full, up-to-the-minute list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" free of charge. Many of these companies are almost unheard of by the general public and just starting to get noticed by Wall Street. They have been pinpointed by the Zacks system that nearly tripled the market from 1988 through 2015 with a stellar average gain of +26% per year. See these high-potential stocks free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report FACEBOOK INC-A (FB): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research PARIS (Reuters) - French luxury goods group Hermes (HRMS.PA) on Thursday saw a slight acceleration in sales growth in the third-quarter to 8.8 percent at constant exchange rates, up from 8.1 percent in the previous three months. Hermes said the improvement was driven by resilient growth in the United States and stronger demand in Europe and in China where tighter controls on luxury goods imports helped lift local consumption. "We have seen a step-up in sales in continental China," Chief Executive Axel Dumas told journalists in a conference call. "There, local consumption has improved against last year." The group confirmed its full-year sales targets, including sales growth below 8 percent at constant exchange rates. Hermes, which employs 12,500 people worldwide, of which 7,000 are in France, said it continued to hire in its workshops and had taken on more than 300 people this year. The French company's sales figures confirmed improved trends in the luxury goods sector, highlighted last month by forecast-beating numbers from LVMH (LVMH.PA) and Kering (PRTP.PA). (Reporting by Astrid Wendlandt; editing by Dominique Vidalon and Jason Neely) From Esquire Launching right about now with its own direct-to-customer online store is Grey New York Grey New England, the start-up men's bag line helmed by veteran British fashion designer Simon Kneen (until recently EVP and Creative Director of Banana Republic). Before that Kneen spent many years at the head of luxury brands in Europe, during which time he got to know the world of Italian leather craft intimately. Photo credit: Grey New York Grey New England It was to one particular factory in Milan that Kneen turned when setting up the new venture. The brand name reflects the dual nature of many New Yorkers, who, like Simonhe has homes in New York and Connecticut-are divided between the urban experience and a more relaxed out-of-town feeling. The New York part of the collection is more slick, with smooth German calf and palladium metalwork. The New England part, on the other hand, is softer, offered in natural tones and supple pebble-grain leather. Prices start at $550 for bags, and $250 for smaller leather goods. Quality, thanks to the veteran Milan factory where the whole collection is made, is supreme, earning the new line the instant thumbs up from, well, me. You Might Also Like From Seventeen For students at Brodhead High School in Brodhead, Wisconsin, last Wednesday's morning announcements brought tragic news: Four of their classmates were dead. The cause? A car wreck involving texting and driving. Devastated students began to cry - then stopped several minutes later when a second announcement rang out: False alarm. Their classmates were, in fact, alive and well. The original announcement was merely a drill, part of a yearlong student-council campaign aimed at promoting driving safety. Now the school is under fire from those who say the simulation went too far. The first announcement "went into detail about how one of them was rushed to the hospital," Sam Bolen, a junior at Brodhead High, recounted to The Washington Post. "I was pretty upset. It is a really small school - like, most of the people really knew who they were." "There's better ways to go about teaching our children, and that's not through fear," added Sarah Bolen, Sam's mom. The four "deceased" students agreed ahead of time to participate in the drill, NBC15 reports. The group was sworn to secrecy and instructed not to respond to phone calls or texts while the simulation was under way. Student council member Miranda Ryser defended the exercise on Facebook. "To the people who are upset about what happened at school today, good," she wrote in a comment on NBC15's report of the incident. "I hope you're upset about it because I would rather have you upset and pissed off at the student council and the principal for a day, instead of being depressed because one of your classmates ACTUALLY died." The question is, did the message hit home, or did school administrators merely teach students a lesson in betrayal and emotional manipulation? District Superintendent Leonard Lueck said administrators would reassess. "While we stand by the worthiness of the activity, we recognize the flaws with how it was communicated," he told The Post. "We will evaluate the value of this activity and either make changes to how it is communicated or not do the activity again." You Might Also Like Hillary Clinton maintains a narrow three-point national lead over rival Donald Trump heading into the final days of the presidential campaign, according to a New York Times/CBS poll released Thursday. Clintons lead in the pollwhich falls within the margin of erroris the latest sign that the race has tightened in recent weeks after a brief period when she led by double digits in some surveys. Clinton received the support of 45% of likely voters compared to 42% who say they support Trump. Libertarian Gary Johnson and Green Party candidate Jill Stein received support from 5% and 4% of likely voters respectively. The Times/CBS poll is roughly consistent with other polling on the race. The Real Clear Politics average gives Clinton a lead of less than two percentage points. The new poll was conducted entirely after the revelation from FBI Director James Comey last week that his agency was investigating a newly discovered trove of emails. That revelation shocked the race, but polling suggests that it did not change voters minds. ATF agents gather outside ATF agents gather outside the fire damaged Hopewell M.B. Baptist Church in Greenville, Miss., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. Vote Trump was spray-painted on an outside wall of the black member church. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) "This is a hate crime," said the mayor of a Mississippi town where a historic black church was a target of arson and vandalism Tuesday night. Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons said that local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, were investigating the burning of 111-year-old Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church. "Vote Trump" was spray-painted on the outside of the church. See FULL STORY by Christopher Wilson/Yahoo News See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Tumblr. Los Angeles (AFP) - Jessica Chastain followed her idol Elizabeth Taylor in sinking her hands and feet into cement Thursday at Hollywood's TCL Chinese Theatre, marking a career that has brought two Oscar nominations. Eyes concealed by black sunglasses, she struggled to control her emotions as she described how her family had kindled her passion for acting -- but she also acknowledged her debt to the actresses of Hollywood's golden age. "Having my hand prints next to those of women like Elizabeth Taylor and Bette Davis, really it's unimaginable. I still can't believe it," said Chastain, 39. "These are women who are among a group of actresses (whose) talent and their passion inspired me to pursue a career in film." Born Jessica Howard into a middle-class family in northern California, Chastain began dancing at age nine, and in her teenage years began performing in Shakespeare around the San Francisco area. Taking her mother's maiden name, she was spotted in a production of "Romeo and Juliet" and urged to audition for New York's Juilliard school of dance, music and drama. One of five children of a fireman father and a vegan chef mother, Chastain was singled out for her stage work by Al Pacino, who later recommended her to Terrence Malick for "The Tree of Life." She spent her early career in television roles, before her film debut in 2008 as the title character in "Jolene." Chastain's breakout year came in 2011, when she had six films released, including "The Help," which brought her a best supporting actress Oscar nomination for her performance as ditzy, ostracized blonde Celia. She received a best actress nod in 2013 for her portrayal of a CIA analyst in "Zero Dark Thirty," directed by Kathryn Bigelow. The filmmaker told the crowd on Hollywood Boulevard how she had wanted to work with Chastain since seeing her "hold her own" opposite Ralph Fiennes in 2011's film adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Coriolanus." Story continues "The reason why is not mysterious. Jessica is possessed of keen intelligence and enormous range, a sublime grace coupled with an almost feral intensity," Bigelow said. Chastain's other film credits include "Interstellar," "The Martian," "The Huntsman: Winter's War," "Crimson Peak" and "A Most Violent Year." John Madden, who directed her near the start of her career in 2010's "The Debt," and in her upcoming movie "Miss Sloane," said her acting had been characterized by the extremes of "ferocity and fragility." "Jessica is an actress whose career is as astonishing in its range and versatility as it is in what you might call its brevity," the British filmmaker said. Liberal message movies about race tend to offer two things to the audience: a challenge and a reassurance. The challenge arrives as a question, one thats been posed by movies from Sounder to Selma: Can we, as a society, do better? Can we transcend the hatred and bigotry of our past to forge an America in which equal really does mean equal? The reassurance is dicier. It often comes down to a movie like Mississippi Burning telling its viewers, in effect: You can now shed a tear and feel good about yourself because you are one of the enlightened. Loving, the new drama written and directed by Jeff Nichols (it opens Nov. 4), is liberal-message moviemaking at its most artful and transporting. The film dramatizes the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving (played with stunning authenticity by Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga), the interracial couple in 1950s Virginia whose relationship caused a local uproar and then a crackdown in the form of harassment, imprisonment, and violence. The two got married, but because Richard was white and Mildred was black, their relationship touched the third rail of prejudice in the South, and in America. The two fought for years to live their lives out in the open, and when their case reached the Supreme Court, in 1967, the resulting decision struck down the nations miscegenation laws. Loving is a beautiful and stirring film, because its never preachy. It presents the Lovings not as crusaders (because they werent), but as two quiet, modest, ordinary people who wanted nothing more than to carry on with their lives. Even when the case grows intensely political, and theyre featured (in what became an iconic photograph) in Life magazine, Edgertons taciturn, slightly gruff Richard is never fighting for a social cause; hes simply fighting for the right to love. Yet given that message, theres a large and disquieting irony at work in the way that Loving fits into contemporary movie culture. In America today, interracial couples need not live with the terror they once did, and the notion that a relationship between people of different racial backgrounds is exotic is fast becoming a relic of the past. We can all legitimately feel good about that. Still, theres one place where a romantic relationship between someone whos white and someone whos African-American remains highly exotic. And that place is our movie screens. Sure, you can say that such a depiction isnt technically forbidden, but how often do you see it? And in what context? How often, if ever, does it occur freely, casually, without a second thought? Does one seriously think there would be a chance, tomorrow, of mainstream Hollywood announcing that it was going to make a romantic comedy starring, say, Emma Stone and Chadwick Boseman? Lets be honest: We virtually never see that kind of color-blind casting in romantic roles, and the only reason we never see it is that in the eyes of the film industry (much more so than in society at large), it is still, in effect, taboo. Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the release of Guess Whos Coming to Dinner, a film that everyone loves to chide as a quintessential example of Hollywood racial piety. Its famous flaw is that the Sidney Poitier character had to be flawless a more-perfect-than-thou paragon to make everyone watching the movie (and everyone in Hollywood) feel good about themselves. The films whole design was, indeed, so painfully sanctimonious that it became an advertisement for the crippling caution of Hollywood. Yet here we are, half a century later, and when it comes to depicting interracial relationships, the caution hasnt gone away. Part of the power of a movie like Loving is that it creates an image of what we want America to be. Yet we should all be careful about viewing the prejudice the film depicts as a relic of the past. America itself has undergone profound change, but at the movies were still waiting to see whos coming to dinner. Related stories Sidney Poitier to be Honored at African American Film Critics Awards 'La La Land' Scores Three Hollywood Music in Media Nominations 'Loving' Director Jeff Nichols on Key Production Team Members By Venus Wu HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong can handle an unprecedented city government legal attempt to bar two newly elected legislators promoting independence from China, a government lawyer said on Thursday, amid growing speculation Beijing would intervene in the case. The case of the pro-independence politicians who won seats in the city legislature in a September election has highlighted worries about Beijing's intervention in the former British colony despite promises of autonomy. The two politicians - Yau Wai-ching, 25, and Baggio Leung, 30 - displayed a "Hong Kong is not China" banner and used a derogatory word for China during a swearing in ceremony as Legislative Council members last month. They were not sworn in and the city's chief executive filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction against them getting another chance. Hong Kong's High Court struck down that request but approved a judicial review hearing over the pairs membership of the legislature, which began on Thursday. Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying signaled on Tuesday that Beijing might use a rarely invoked power to interpret the city's mini-constitution, known as the Basic Law, in the case. But government lawyer Benjamin Yu told the court Hong Kong could handle it. "It is the stance of the government that the issue in question can and should be resolved within the Hong Kong SAR judicial system," Yu said, referring to Hong Kong by its official designation as a special administrative region of China. Media has reported the standing committee of China's National Peoples Congress, or parliament, would take up the issue when it meets in Beijing over coming days. The Standing Committee has interpreted the Basic Law four times since the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997, including once when neither the city government nor its courts requested it. Yu said authorities had sought confirmation from Beijing on whether an interpretation might happen, but they had not got a reply. "The Hong Kong SAR government has not requested the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress to exercise its power of interpretation." Any intervention by Beijing in the case would increase concern about the financial hub's autonomy and vaunted legal system, legal officials say privately. The long-taboo issue of Hong Kong's independence began gaining momentum after Beijing refused to give any concessions during street protests in 2014 for full democracy. Yu said the two politicians used the swearing in ceremony "to advocate for Hong Kong independence" and did not comply with certain articles in the mini constitution. "If you do not believe Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China, you have no business in the Legislative Council," Yu said. The Basic law says Hong Kong is an "inalienable part" of China. (Reporting By Venus Wu; editing by Greg Torode, Robert Birsel) Our support will always be there as Nepal embarks on federal democratic republic Indian President Pranab Mukherjees visit to Nepal marks an important event in Nepal-India relations. Two Hong Kong lawmakers who advocate a split from China should be banned from taking up their seats, government lawyers argued in court Thursday, as concerns grow Beijing will wade into the escalating row. Widespread fears that China is tightening its grip on the semi-autonomous city are fuelling an independence movement in Hong Kong. At a judicial review seeking to disqualify Yau Wai-ching and Baggio Leung from the legislature at Hong Kong's High Court Thursday, the government's counsel insisted authorities had not asked Beijing to step in. "The issues... should be solved in the judicial system," said lawyer Benjamin Yu. The city's leader Leung Chun-ying, who brought the case against the pair, said earlier this week he could not rule out the possibility that Beijing might get involved. Local media reports say China's top legislative body, the National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC), could issue an "interpretation" of Hong Kong's constitution on Monday relating to the case. But Yu said the Hong Kong government had not received any confirmation of that happening. He argued Baggio and Yau should not be allowed to take up their seats in the Legislative Council (Legco) -- the city's lawmaking body -- because they failed to swear allegiance to Hong Kong as an "inalienable part of China" at an oath-taking ceremony three weeks ago. Instead, they draped themselves in "Hong Kong is not China" flags and altered the wording of their oaths, including derogatory terms and expletives. "Our case is that Leung and Yau have been duly requested to take the Legco oath on October 12 this year and they have declined," Yu told the court. "If you do not believe Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China then you have no business in Legco," he added. - 'Severe blow' - Yau and Baggio won seats in citywide polls last month, in which a number of new lawmakers advocating self-determination or independence swept to victory. Story continues Legco president Andrew Leung initially agreed to give them a second chance at taking their oath. But that decision is being challenged in court by city leader Leung and the justice secretary Rimsky Yuen, a move which critics say shows the executive branch riding roughshod over the legislature. The Legco president, a pro-Beijing lawmaker, is a defendant in the case, alongside Baggio and Yau. His lawyer argued Thursday that he had been "unnecessarily and wrongly" brought into the proceedings. Lawyers for Yau and Baggio said the Legco should be able to make an independent decision about their oath. "(It is) not a matter for the court, it is a matter entirely within the walls of Legco," said Hectar Pun, representing Baggio. The hearing finished Thursday afternoon and judge Thomas Au said he would hand down his judgement as soon as possible. Hong Kong's Bar Association has warned against any interference in the court process by Beijing, saying it would "deal a severe blow to the independence of the judiciary". But China's state-run newspaper Global Times on Thursday cited legal experts expressing support for the move. An interpretation by Beijing would "end the constitutional crisis and paralysis within the Legco, giving clear and stable guidance on (the implementation of) the Basic Law (Hong Kong's constitution)," it quoted Tian Feilong, a legal expert at Beihang University, as saying. The Legco descended into chaos for the third consecutive week Wednesday after Yau and Baggio tried to force their way into the chamber to take their oaths, having been temporarily barred pending the judicial review. Six security staff were injured during the clashes. At a Pennsylvania hospital, it is not only the nurses and the new moms who get to snuggle with a newborn. Meet the team of women who spend their days providing comfort and a loving touch to babies suffering from drug withdrawal. Read: TV Reporter Couple in Court on Child Abuse Charges After Cops Say Baby Tests Positive for Cocaine According to the Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, nearly 600 babies are born in Pennsylvania with neonatal abstinence syndrome as a result of their mother's drug use during pregnancy. "When babies are born after having been exposed to opioids [in the womb], their systems are withdrawing from not having that in their system any longer," said Maribeth McLaughlin, who oversees the cuddling program at the hospital. McLaughlin explained these babies are often very irritable, have digestive problems, and are more sensitive to bright lights and loud noises. While researchers are still unsure of the long term side effects, McLaughlin said infants with NAS have a higher chance of returning to the emergency room if they're not watched carefully, since they often have problems breastfeeding, eating or drinking water. At the hospital, McLaughlin said nurses are trained to watch the babies in a special neonatal intensive care unit, where they are placed in individual cribs. Depending on the severity of each case, babies are either monitored and observed, or given doses or morphine to wean them off drugs. In an attempt to cut down on giving medications to the infants, and allowing the babies a shorter hospital stay, McLaughlin said the facility began recruiting volunteers to cuddle with the babies during their withdrawal at the hospital's Pittsburgh location, and expanded the program to its Altoona location. Hundreds flocked to the hospital in an attempt to become one of the few chosen volunteers to cuddle with the delicate babies. "We were looking for someone with an interest in wanting to help and support these families," McLaughlin said. Each volunteer is screened in the same manner of any staff at the hospital, and they are trained in the proper techniques to handle and hold the infants. Story continues Despite the strenuous process, McLaughlin said the program has been an immense success: "Cuddlers provide them with additional comfort, as opposed to having to start an IV or give a baby morphine. It's allowing us to have less medications, reduce the length of stay the babies have to be in here, and supplement the nursing staff." In addition, she said the volunteers are able to be an example to new mothers, and teach them how to deal with a fussy baby. Read: Little Dog Named Bubba, Found 'Lethargic' From Meth and Heroin Use, Finishes Detox "These moms see there is someone that's not a staff member helping to cuddle and they're able to model from the behavior," McLaughlin said. "It helps them see there are support structures, not just hospital staff, but our communities as well, to help as they continue to deal with addiction. There's not a stigma. We understand they're trying to get better." With more than 250 applicants on the waiting list to become a volunteer at the Pittsburgh location, and more than 150 at the Altoona location, the hospital said they are no longer recruiting for the position. Watch: Baby Dies After Mom Allegedly Poisons Her With Salt in Attempt to Win Back Child's Father Related Articles: MUNICH (Reuters) - China's Huawei Technologies wants to be the world's second-largest maker of smartphones in two years, Richard Yu, chief executive of Huawei's consumer business group, told Reuters on Thursday. Having made its name as a builder of telecommunications networks, Huawei has been active in the consumer devices market for only a few years and is now the third-biggest smartphone maker after Apple Inc (AAPL.O) and the world leader in the $400 billion market, Samsung Electronics . "When we announced four years ago that we wanted to sell phones, people told us we were crazy. When we said we wanted to sell 100 million phones, they told us we were crazy," Yu said at a launch event in Munich. Huawei on Thursday launched a new premium phone, which will sell for 699 euros apiece. A version developed with Porsche Design will cost 1,395 euros. The phone has a new artificial intelligence feature: It can learn about its user's habits and automatically put the most frequently used apps in easy reach. Huawei was the world's third-largest smartphone maker in the third quarter with 33.6 million shipped devices, giving it a 9 percent market share, according to research firm Strategy Analytics. Apple was still well ahead with 45.5 million devices, or a 12 percent market share. Samsung was the world leader with 75.3 million shipped devices and a market share of 20.1 percent. "We are going to take them (Apple) step-by-step, innovation-by-innovation," Yu said, adding that he expected to improve Huawei's position along with technology shifts. "There will be more opportunities. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality," he said. "It is like driving a car. At every curve or turn, there is an opportunity to overtake the competition." With the new phone, dubbed Mate 9, Yu expects to make a break in European markets such as Germany, France and Great Britain. "In Finland, we are already number one," he said. With Apple struggling to come up with surprise designs and Samsung reeling from having to scrap its flagship phone, Yu said Huawei was at a tipping point. "Step-by-step we are winning the trust and loyalty of the customers. It is about trust and loyalty." (Reporting by Harro ten Wolde; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) Washington (AFP) - The number of unauthorized immigrants in the US workforce has held fairly steady at about eight million since the economic crisis, according to a study released Thursday. Contradicting Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's claim the number of illegal immigrant workers is soaring, the Pew Research Center study said between 2009 and 2014 the number stayed at around eight million. And the total number of unauthorized immigrants, working and not working, also held steady at about 11.1 million, the study said. Illegal immigrants made up 5 percent of the civilian US workforce, compared to 12 percent of legal immigrants. "There is no sector or occupation where unauthorized immigrant workers were a majority; in all industries or occupations, they were outnumbered by US-born workers," Pew said in a statement. The largest populations of illegal workers were in large states -- California, Texas and New York -- but made up the largest share of the workforce in relatively sparsely-populated Nevada at 10.4 percent of all workers. Unauthorized immigrants concentrate in a few industries, including farming, construction and hotel and restaurants. Campaigning for the White House, Trump has argued repeatedly that the country needs to build a wall along the entire US-Mexico border to halt the flow of immigrants, and meanwhile deport those already in the country. Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton has offered a more moderate proposal to allow illegal immigrants to regularize their status in the United States with eventually an opportunity to gain citizenship. CHICAGO, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Illinois sold $480 million of bonds on Thursday at high yield levels that underscore the U.S. municipal market's unease with the state's fiscal woes. Bank of America Merrill Lynch won the general obligation bonds in competitive bidding with yields topping out at 4.48 percent for bonds due in 2041 with a 5 percent coupon. That put Illinois' so-called credit spread at 200 basis points over Municipal Market Data's (MMD) benchmark triple-A yield scale, matching the spread for some longer bonds in the state's previous bond sale, according to MMD. By contrast, California's spread for 25-year bonds stood at just 20 basis points over the scale on Thursday, while New Jersey's was 68 basis points, MMD data showed. Illinois, the lowest-rated U.S. state, is limping through its second straight year without a complete budget. A political impasse, along with a $111 billion unfunded pension liability and a growing pile of unpaid bills, have pounded Illinois' credit ratings into the low investment-grade level of triple-B. In last month's $1.3 billion Illinois GO refunding bond issue, the spread for 10-year bonds widened to 200 basis points over the scale from 162 basis points prior to the sale. (Reporting by Karen Pierog; Editing by Bernadette Baum) Matt Willingham of Preemptive Love Coalition stands at the Qayyarah checkpoint, where burning oil still consumes the area. (Photo: Ash Gallagher for Yahoo News) Northern Qayyara, Iraq The smoke rose at the edge of northern Qayyara, just over 40 miles south of Mosul in Iraq. The oil refineries the Islamic State set on fire in late August are still burning. The smoke, combined with fumes from the sulfur plant set on fire by ISIS just over a week ago, along with a dust storm, has created a cloud of toxic particles human lungs were never meant to inhale. The dust and smoke obscured the blue skies and changed the light, obscuring everything with black dust. But as the fighting in Mosul intensifies, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding, and nongovernmental organizations like Preemptive Love Coalition (PLC) are scrambling to locate fleeing civilians and provide them with emergency food, shelter and water. The International Organization of Migration (IOM) told Yahoo News in an email that more than 20,000 people have been displaced since the start of the operation in October. And according to a report sponsored by the United Nations, at least two-thirds of them have fled south toward Qayyarah. Earlier this week, Jeremy Courtney, founder of PLC, surveyed the groups efforts in the Qayyarah area, where he hopes to set up an aid station to provide emergency assistance to civilians before they are transported to camps or other resettlement areas. He expects the organization will have nearly 20,000 people come through per month. Yahoo News traveled with Courtney and Matt Willingham, senior field media director for PLC, as far north as newly liberated town of Shura, retaken from ISIS just a few days ago. Yahoo News was the first Western media outlet to be allowed into the village. Jeremy Courtney, founder of PLC, shoots a fundraising video in the Qayyara warehouse. (Photo: Ash Gallagher for Yahoo News) Before arriving at the northern Qayyarah checkpoint, Courtney wanted to stop at PLCs warehouse to check on supplies. Bags of rice and other food items were stacked against the walls on either side of the room. The organization has managed to provide supplies for a few villages south of Mosul since the operation began, but they are working to restock for the aid-station project. Story continues The small warehouse had been used to build and store bombs under ISIS occupation. Bullet holes pierced the doors and walls from an exchange of fire between ISIS and Iraqi forces. This warehouse space, just weeks ago was being used by ISIS, Courtney reported to some of his supporters by iPhone video. [They] worked inside this exact building making bombs. So as theyve been driven out, weve actually come in and redeemed this place and now using it to prepare food. After reviewing the warehouse inventory, Courtney was ready to move on to the aid station site at a checkpoint in northern Qayyarah. At the checkpoint, the Iraqi forces could be seen spread out along the road. Dozens of internally displaced persons, or IDPs, were pulled aside for screening and told to wait. Some were waved on. Workers on one side the road were measuring out an area for the aid tent. Dirt lay in piles where the tent was planned, and metal grids to support it were lying on the ground. By Thursday, the tent had been erected. On the horizon, the smoke grew worse. Almost no one had his mouth or nose covered. During the battle for Shirquat in September, PLC had been invited by the Iraqi military who had an interest in humanitarian efforts to set up tents where civilians were vetted before leaving hostile areas to make sure they did not have links to ISIS. At the aid station, people could receive a hot meal and a basic medical examination. A warehouse once used by ISIS to build bombs is now being filled with food for IDPs. (Photo: Ash Gallagher for Yahoo News) That seemed to work really well, Willingham told Yahoo News, They [Iraqi forces] named it the peace center in Arabic, and the idea was, This is a place where youre a person, period. We worked it out with the military and Hashd [Shia militias] that no sectarian flags of any kind would be flown, only the Iraqi flag. Human rights groups have raised concerns over the tribal militias treatment of civilians who dont share the same ethnic or religious background. Driving further north toward Shura , the roads were eerily quiet. There were potholes from mortars. Burned-out cars, which appeared to have been used for suicide bombings, sat on either side of the road. And military vehicles drove by but there were no civilians. At the entrance of Shura, Iraqi federal police were guarding the village on high alert. Willingham and Courtney both stepped out of the car to take photos and to talk to the guards about the safety of the village. An Iraq military convoy heads north toward the crossing at the Qayyarah North checkpoint. (Photo: Ash Gallagher for Yahoo News) When asked where the had civilians fled, one of the guards said, They all fled with ISIS, they were sympathizers. He wasnt willing to let anyone in due to security concerns, but then a caravan of commanders arrived. After a few minutes of introductions and explanation, the commanders invited PLC staff into the village safe house. Celebratory gunfire was heard in the distance, and the streets were strewn with dead bodies ISIS fighters, according to the commanders. When Courtney asked if the bodies would be removed, one of the commanders said flatly, Thats not our job, thats what the dogs are for. He led us into a safe house inside the village, offered us water and Iraqi sweets. The federal police chief Raed Shaker Jawdat was sitting in the front of the room and welcomed PLC. In return, Courtney thanked him and his officers for pushing back ISIS. The lights in the house flickered while PLC explained their mission. Jawdat said that his men had sent civilians south. They had given civilians 24 hours to leave during operations and then put those remaining on trucks to relocate them. Courtney later said, That is in direct conflict with rumors that everyone in the city was an ISIS sympathizer and therefore fled with ISIS. Its those unhelpful generalizations of an entire population that make humanitarian work and reconciliation extremely difficult. PLC anticipates the newly erected tent will hold at least 200 people at a time. PLCs humanitarian missions have faced steep financial challenges, Courtney said. He explained that the cost of concrete [is] going up, the cost of transportation is going up, [and] as checkpoints cause delays, drivers decide they dont want to sit a checkpoint an entire day without getting compensated for it, so now all the prices rise together. As IDPs move out of Mosul and head south, those who are not transported by military caravans will be looking for a safe community until they can return to their homes. Camps for IDPs are only beginning to be set up in the area. A spokesperson for IOM told Yahoo News; Were currently building two emergency sites in Qayyarah, one at Qayyarah airstrip and the other at Hajj Ali, with initial accommodation for over 100,000 people. (Haj Ali is a village situated just south of Qayyara.) A group of civilians prepare to be transported across the checkpoint by the Iraqi Security Forces in Qayyara. (Photo: Ash Gallagher for Yahoo News) While some aid is starting to move in, Courtney said he still believes in getting aid to IDPs right where they are, We continue to work to go out past the gates of safety to reach those people who are fleeing violence. We dont think its appropriate to sit inside the safety of city gates and make the most vulnerable people reach you. Were the ones who should be going through hurdles. For those escaping Mosul, their life is on the line and surviving ISIS isnt their only concern. There are still the environmental toxins, the threat of dehydration and the impending winter. _____ Ash Gallagher is a multimedia journalist covering the Mideast for Yahoo News. (NEW ORLEANS) White supremacist David Dukes appearance in Louisianas final U.S. Senate debate ahead of next weeks election derailed much of the event Wednesday, with opponents trashing him, the debate moderator struggling to keep him within time limits and angry protesters chanting outside the building. The debate took place at historically black Dillard University. Dukes presence there sparked protests by students and others angry at his presence, their inability to get into the debate or both. The 60 to 70 protesters were raucous at times, with campus police twice resorting to pepper spray to disperse demonstrators trying to force their way into the building as the debate got underway. Police also forcibly separated a group that linked arms at a gate to the campus so a police unit believed to be carrying Duke could exit. At least one person was detained during the debate and police were seen escorting several away from one of the campus gates but it was unclear if anyone was charged. Inside, six candidates were on the debate stage, but much of the focus was squarely on the former Ku Klux Klan leader even though hes lagged in the polls and hasnt made much of a splash in state politics since making a gubernatorial runoff 25 years ago. Democratic lawyer Caroline Fayard called Duke a snake. Republican state Treasurer John Kennedy called Duke a liar. Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell said Fayard has been lying about him as she tried to connect him to Duke. Campbell said he has nothing in common with Duke except both men were breathing. Republican U.S. Reps. Charles Boustany and John Fleming largely tried to ignore Duke as they sought to distinguish themselves from the major competitors, but the debate turned time and again to Duke, who narrowly reached the 5 percent polling benchmark set by Raycom Media for participation in the debate broadcast across most of Louisiana. Story continues Duke suggested Kennedy, the races front-runner, tried to raise taxes on homeowners and that all five of his competitors on the stage were beholden to big money. In response, Kennedy cited Dukes prison number. Duke spent a year in federal prison after pleading guilty in 2002 to bilking his supporters and cheating on his taxes. Duke claimed he was targeted by the government. When moderator John Snell of WVUE-TV interrupted Duke to explain he pleaded guilty to the crime, Duke yelled: Youre a typical media hack! Two dozen people are vying Republican David Vitters seat. He isnt seeking re-election. Reporters were not allowed inside the auditorium while the debate was being recorded and instead had to watch it on television in a separate room. PM Dahal describes Mukherjee as one of supreme leaders of Asia Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has described President of India, Pranab Mukharjee, as the supreme leader of Asia. By Kanupriya Kapoor JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his vice president called for peace as tensions rose on Thursday ahead of a protest planned by hardline Muslim groups against the Jakarta governor, a Christian and the first ethnic Chinese in the job. The groups claim that Governor Basuki Tjahja Purnama, popularly known as "Ahok", had insulted the Koran and was guilty of blasphemy. They plan a protest rally on Friday. Security has been tightened in Jakarta, a sprawling city of 10 million, and police have deployed armored vehicles and armed personnel as the plan stoked religious and ethnic tensions in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation. "Everything and everyone should continue to work as normal, schools should run as normal," Widodo said in a joint statement with Vice President Jusuf Kalla. Kalla added: "The government will listen to all opinions...but I believe because the protest will be carried out on Friday, a holy day, protesters will be respectful. That is our hope." But some businesses have told employees to stay home on Friday, citing fears that violence could erupt during the rally. Police said dozens of social media accounts had been found "publishing provocative statements and images" and urging people to take violent action in the name of Islam against Purnama, including calls to kill him. "We have seen racially and ethnically divisive statements being spread online and there are indications many of them are anti-Chinese," said Jakarta police spokesman Awi Setiyono. Ethnic Chinese make up just over one percent of Indonesia's 250 million people, who are overwhelmingly Muslim. Typically, Indonesian Chinese do not enter politics, but Purnama has been a close ally of Widodo for decades. He was the deputy governor of Jakarta when Widodo was governor and took over when Widodo stepped down in 2014 to contest the presidency. Critics say Widodo's government is doing little to contain the increasingly hostile rhetoric against Purnama from hardline Muslim groups. The mounting religious and ethnic tensions come ahead of next year's election for Jakarta governor in which Purnama has said he will be a candidate. "This theater of hatred will continue if (Widodo) doesn't tackle it and Indonesia will be a different country with less tolerance and more persecution of minorities," said Andreas Harsono of Human Rights Watch. Muslim groups have accused Purnama of blasphemy after he said his opponents had deceived voters by attacking him using a verse from the Koran. Police are investigating the case against Purnama, who has apologized for the remarks. Widodo has vowed not to interfere in the legal proceedings against Purnama, according to the Indonesian Clerical Council, a Muslim group. "The president has said he has instructed (police) to process the investigation and that he will not intervene in this matter," council member Ma'aruf Amin told reporters after meeting Widodo earlier this week. BLASPHEMY LAWS Police are stepping up patrols and online monitoring in a "show of force" ahead of Friday's rally. About 18,000 police and military personnel will be deployed on the day of the protest. Armored police trucks and armed troopers stood outside the governor's office at City Hall and outside the presidential palace, where thousands of protesters are expected to march on Friday. A spiritual leader for the protest organizer, the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), insisted its actions on Friday would be peaceful. "This is not anti-Christian or anti-Chinese action," Habib Riziek said. The group has had a history of vigilante attacks and raising complaints of blasphemy against religious minorities since it was formed in 1999. It has also frequently protested against Purnama. Blasphemy cases were rare during former strongman president Suharto's 32-year reign, when there was little tolerance for hardline religious groups. But cases have spiked in the country's democratic era after Suharto's fall in 1998, raising fears of increased persecution of minorities. "If Ahok is taken to court, it will be the most high-profile blasphemy case in Indonesia's history because of his status as a government official," rights activist Harsono said. "It will create a precedent of more hatred against Christians, against Chinese and other targets." Indonesia recognizes six religions and a vast majority of the population practice a moderate form of Islam. But Indonesian Chinese have faced persecution and violence in the past, especially during the political and social turmoil that gripped the capital when Suharto was toppled. Hundreds of people were killed during the 1998 violence and thousands of ethnic Chinese fled the country as mobs rampaged through Jakarta, looting and burning Chinese-owned shops and houses. Communications Minister Rudiantara said the government is working to counter the online "hate speech". "Indeed, social media is contributing to the current situation," he said. "The president has made it clear Indonesia's unity is non-negotiable." The race to lead Jakarta, a sprawling city of 10 million, is often hotly contested, with top political parties jostling to get their candidates elected to a job that is seen as a stepping stone to higher political office. One of Purnama's rivals in the governor's race is the son of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Purnama, who has gained a reputation as a tough reformer, remains a frontrunner in opinion polls. (Additional reporting by Angie Teo and Agustinus Beo da Costa; Editing by Bill Tarrant and Raju Gopalakrishnan) By Wilda Asmarini JAKARTA, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Indonesia's PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) has opted out of a tender for geothermal assets on offer from U.S. energy giant Chevron Corp, citing governance concerns, an official at the state electricity utility said on Thursday. "We are not going to bid. We are backing down because of governance," PLN corporate planning director Nicke Widyawati told reporters. "We see that data on governance is not complete, and hasn't been fulfilled so we cannot provide a price proposal," she added, noting that PLN had only been interested in the assets for sale in Indonesia. "We bought the electricity from them this whole time so actually we know their performance and we were very eager, but as a state-owned enterprise we must follow good corporate governance." Widyawati said she was unable to immediately comment further. A spokeswoman for Chevron Geothermal in Jakarta did not answer calls or respond to a written request for comment on the matter. Earlier this week, Widyawati was quoted in local newspaper The Jakarta Post saying Chevron had not provided PLN with audited financial reports from the Indonesian geothermal units despite repeated requests. Chevron has two subsidiaries that operate two geothermal plants on the Indonesian island of Java, providing steam for nearly 600 megawatts of electricity in total, or enough for about 3 million homes. Meanwhile, Fazil E. Alfitri, the chief executive of Medco Power, a unit of Indonesia's PT Medco Energi Internasional , said on Tuesday his company was still in the running for the Chevron assets, including sites in Indonesia and in the Philippines, estimated to be worth $3 billion. Italian utility Enel, French utility Engie , Japan's Marubeni, Thailand's Banpu Power and the Philippines' Aboitiz Power Corp, have all expressed plans to bid for the assets. (Writing by Fergus Jensen; Editing by Christian Schmollinger) BANGKOK (Reuters) - Insurgents in mostly-Muslim areas of southern Thailand killed three people in a spate of bomb and gun attacks overnight targeting military personnel and commercial property, the military said on Thursday. The insurgent attacks were the first since the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej last month, and defied a request by the military junta to desist while the nation mourns a much-loved monarch who had reigned for seven decades. Three people were killed, including two security guards and a soldier, according to Pramote Prom-in, a spokesman for the military's Internal Security Operations Command. The latest attacks took place in Narathiwat and Pattani province, two of three Muslim-majority provinces in predominantly Buddhist Thailand where a separatist insurgency has been raging since 2004, and in neighboring Songkhla province. "It was the work of insurgents who want to create unrest and destroy trust in the government," Pramote told Reuters. No group has so far claimed responsibility. The overnight attacks were the biggest since a series of bomb blasts across Thailand's south in August which killed four people and injured dozens, including foreigners. Talks aimed at bringing peace to the troubled south between the military government and an umbrella insurgent group in September failed to reach any breakthrough. Over 6,500 people have been killed in Thailand's southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat over the past 12 years as part of the insurgency. "This attack shows that the insurgency situation in the south is isolated from what goes on in the rest of Thailand," Srisompop Jitpiromsri, director of Deep South Watch, a group which monitors the conflict, told Reuters. "Any request by the junta for a halt in the violence is unlikely to have any effect." (Reporting by Surapan Boonthanom and Cod Satrusayang; Editing by Amy Sawitta Lefevre and Simon Cameron-Moore) IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 2, 2016 / Khang & Khang LLP (the "Firm") announces a class action lawsuit against Adeptus Health Inc. ("Adeptus" or the "Company") (ADPT). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's secondary public offering (the "SPO") on or about July 31, 2015, or purchasers of common shares between April 23, 2015 and November 16, 2015, inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the Firm before the December 27, 2016 lead plaintiff motion deadline. If you purchased shares of Adeptus during the SPO or 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 yet. Until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. You may choose to take no action and remain a passive class member. According to the Complaint, Adeptus Health made material false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose: that the Company engaged in widespread predatory billing practices, particularly with respect to lower acuity level patients; that Adeptus Health's predatory billing practices subjected the Company to numerous known but undisclosed risks, such as financial risks, reputational risks, risks associated with improper financial reporting, civil or criminal sanctions, and even exclusion from federal and state healthcare programs; that the Company's financial statements were not prepared in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; that contrary to the Company's representations about its practice of referring lower acuity patients to urgent care facilities, Adeptus Health routinely treated lower acuity patients and excessively billed them for services; and that as a result of the above, Adeptus Health lacked a reasonable basis for its statements about its business and future financial prospects at all relevant times. On November 17, 2015, an NBC-affiliated television station located in Denver, Colorado aired an investigative report about the predatory billing practices at Adeptus Health's Colorado First Choice emergency rooms. If you wish to learn more about this lawsuit free of charge, or if you have any 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 via e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com. This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. Contacts Joon M. Khang, Esq. Telephone: 949-419-3834 Facsimile: 949-225-4474 joon@khanglaw.com SOURCE: Khang & Khang LLP When State Rep. Ken Rizer announced over the summer that he would introduce so-called Blue Lives Matter legislation that would enhance penalties for targeting police, he didnt think hed see ambush-style shootings of officers in his home state of Iowa so soon. But then came the deaths of two officers in suburban Des Moines Wednesday morning, both of whom were gunned down a couple miles apart while sitting in their patrol cars. When I heard about it, I thought, it really happened, he says. The Republican from Cedar Rapids initially announced his proposed bill following the shootings of police in Dallas and Baton Rougewhich left eight officers dead and 10 wounded and were committed by people who had expressed anti-police sentiments. But Rizer, who is up for re-election this month, says he got pushback from residents who thought those kinds of incidents wouldnt happen in the heartland. Some people said, This is Iowa. We dont have problems like that. This is a big city thing,' he says. But with the death of two Urbandale officers on Wednesday, Rizer believes his proposed bill, which would potentially designate acts of violence against police officers as hate crimes, will have renewed momentum when the legislature reconvenes in January. Read more: What to Know About the Ambush Killings of Iowa Police Officers Blue Lives Matter legislation has garnered interest this year among lawmakers who believe police are under siege around the country. Its in part a response to the growing prominence of the Black Lives Matter movement, which has focused attention on a series of police shootings of African-Americans. Lawmakers in several states say they want to step up penalties for those who commit crimes against officers in an effort to deter threats and acts of violence against them while also showing their support for those in uniform. In March, Louisiana became the first state to pass Blue Lives Matter legislation, which for the first time made it a hate crime in the U.S. to target police officers. Elected officials in at least five other statesincluding Florida, Kentucky, New York, Texas and Wisconsinhave proposed similar bills, while Thin Blue Line legislation has been introduced in both houses of Congress. Story continues But theyve run up against opponents who say that hate crime laws should only be used to protect people based on identity characteristics. Historically, those laws have protected crimes that target people for their race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity and sexual orientation. Blue Lives Matter proponents say police are being victimized in a similar manner. Read more: How Americas Police Are Responding to Baton Rouge and Dallas Theyve become a target as a hate group simply for being someone of authority, says State Rep. Dennis Baxley, a Republican in Florida, who plans to introduce Blue Lives Matter legislation next year. Its hatred towards a group of people for who they are as first responders. Its an identity that has made them a target of hatred. The bills have found support from police unions and organizations around the U.S., including the National Fraternal Order of Police, the largest police union in the country, which has been pushing hate crime legislation for officers for years. And it comes at a time of increased concern over officer safety. Last year, 42 officers were fatally shot in the line of duty, one of the lowest figures on record, according to the National Officers Law Memorial Fund, but through Nov. 3, 52 officers have been fatally shot this year, up from 33 this time last year. The numbers, however, are still well below 1970s figures, when 127 officers were killed on average due to firearms. The Anti-Defamation League, which was instrumental in writing the first hate crime laws in the 1980s, has opposed Blue Lives Matter legislation in part because all 50 states, as well as the federal government, already have enhanced penalties for killing a police officer, says Michael Lieberman, an ADL director. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 37 states include increased penalties for assaulting an officer. Lieberman adds that hate crimes protection would only further burden prosecutors because they would have to explicitly prove that a police officer was targeted for his occupation. Read more: President Obamas Remarks About the Dallas Shooting It confuses the purpose of hate crimes, Lieberman says. Its not that we dont want them protected. We want enhanced penalties, but this is not the best way to accomplish that goal. Lieberman adds that the ADL would support legislators who believe that current penalties for crimes against officers arent enough of a deterrent and want to stiffen them while leaving aside hate crime protections. In Louisiana, the Blue Lives Matter law allows for an additional penalty of a five-year prison sentence or a $5,000 fine for felony convictions against officers and an additional $500 fine or six months in prison for misdemeanors. Thats in addition to laws on the books that allow for added punishments of $1,000 and five years in prison for battery of an officer, for example, which is considered a felony. But the states new law has run into problems in practice. Police have attempted to use the legislation in two different cases, one involving a person who allegedly threatened to shoot responding officers while talking to a 911 operator, and another involving a man who allegedly yelled racist slurs at police. A judge threw out the hate crimes charge in the first case and police dropped the charge in the second, saying later that the law didnt apply. Still, momentum for Blue Lives Matter legislation is growing. This summer, Texas Governor Greg Abbott proposed legislation that would extend protections to law enforcement while increasing criminal penalties for crimes committed against officers. And Congress will likely soon debate a similar bill proposed in March by U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, a Republican from Colorado, which has 16 co-sponsors, all of whom are Republican. Rep. Buck says the bill would allow the federal government to prosecute hate crime cases against police while sending a message to law enforcement that Congress supports them. In Iowa, Rizer says hes gotten great support for his bill from other legislators and added that hes not hung up on classifying acts of violence against police as hate crimes. Im not trying to pick a fight with civil rights advocates, he says. I want to increase penalties. I want to deter these kinds of attacks. Morale is down, and they feel government doesnt have their backs. This would be a way to show that we as a society stand with law enforcement. Tehran (AFP) - A senior Iranian military official welcomed Thursday what he said was the "strong decline" of the United States, during celebrations marking the start of the 1979 US embassy siege. "America is no longer number one and the first power of the world," deputy Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami told thousands gathered outside the former US mission in Tehran. "America's political will can no longer manage political and military development in... the world of Islam. America's political power has strongly declined." Every year on November 3-4, Iran celebrates the 444-day siege of the embassy when more than 50 diplomats, staff and spies were taken hostage by Islamist students demanding the extradition of the shah, who had fled to America after being deposed a few months earlier in the Islamic revolution. The crisis severed US-Iranian diplomatic ties for decades, but Tehran last year clinched a deal with world powers to curb its controversial nuclear programme in exchange for an easing of economic sanctions. Protesters on Thursday chanted the traditional rallying cries of "Death to America" and "Death to the House of Saud", in reference to Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia. But the US remains Iran's main enemy, and Tehran and Washington back opposing sides in several regional conflicts, including Syria and Yemen. "Our fight with the Americans will continue" Salami said. "Pursuing our ideals in the world of Islam and in Iran, we will recognise no stopping point or red line. He also warned the US not to criticise Iran's ballistic missiles, calling its system "the real centre of our power (that) must be strengthened." By Luke Baker JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Iran now commands a force of around 25,000 Shi'ite Muslim militants in Syria, mostly made up of recruits from Afghanistan and Pakistan, the former head of Israel's domestic intelligence agency has told a visiting Swiss delegation. Avi Dichter, chair of Israel's foreign affairs and defense committee, told members of the Swiss parliament the Iranian-backed force was focused on fighting Sunni rebels opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, not Islamic State. "This is a foreign legion of some 25,000 militants, most of whom have come from Afghanistan and Pakistan," Dichter told the delegation during the briefing on Wednesday, according to details provided by his office. "They are fighting in Syria only against the rebels and not against ISIS." It was not clear what the source of Dichter's information was, but he receives intelligence briefings in his role. In Syria, Iran also has the support of the Lebanese militia Hezbollah, which has long experience in the region, particularly against Israel. It is not clear how many Hezbollah fighters are in Syria, but Dichter said 1,600 had been killed. "The Iranians enlisted Hezbollah ... to fight in Syria because the Iranian army is better suited to fight as an army against another army, while the Hezbollah militants are adept at fighting against terror groups," he said. "The fighting has made (Hezbollah) a better fighting force and more adept in conventional military warfare." The briefing covered the fallout from the conflict, including the flow of migrants and refugees to Europe. Dichter cautioned that European states should not be naive about who was attempting to enter their borders. Israel has long seen Iran as its greatest threat and campaigned hard against U.S.-led efforts to strike a nuclear deal with Tehran. At the same time, Israel frequently plays up the improving relations it has with some Sunni Arab states in the region, including Egypt and, to an extent, Saudi Arabia. Dichter told the delegation that Iran's "dream" was to rule the Islamic holy sites of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. "Everybody should ask themselves why the Iranians are building missiles with a range of 2,000 km, twice the distance (from their territory) to Israel," he said. "Egypt is also within their range, as is Saudi Arabia. Two thousands years ago, Iran was an empire and now it wants to recreate that." Echoing a common refrain from center- and right-wing Israeli lawmakers, Dichter said that was why Israel was convinced Iran had not abandoned its nuclear aspirations but only put them on hold, playing a long game against the West. (Writing by Luke Baker; Additional reporting by Ori Lewis in Jerusalem) By Luke Baker JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Iran now commands a force of around 25,000 Shi'ite Muslim militants in Syria, mostly made up of recruits from Afghanistan and Pakistan, the former head of Israel's domestic intelligence agency has told a visiting Swiss delegation. Avi Dichter, chair of Israel's foreign affairs and defence committee, told members of the Swiss parliament the Iranian-backed force was focused on fighting Sunni rebels opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, not Islamic State. "This is a foreign legion of some 25,000 militants, most of whom have come from Afghanistan and Pakistan," Dichter told the delegation during the briefing on Wednesday, according to details provided by his office. "They are fighting in Syria only against the rebels and not against ISIS." It was not clear what the source of Dichter's information was, but he receives intelligence briefings in his role. In Syria, Iran also has the support of the Lebanese militia Hezbollah, which has long experience in the region, particularly against Israel. It is not clear how many Hezbollah fighters are in Syria, but Dichter said 1,600 had been killed. "The Iranians enlisted Hezbollah ... to fight in Syria because the Iranian army is better suited to fight as an army against another army, while the Hezbollah militants are adept at fighting against terror groups," he said. "The fighting has made (Hezbollah) a better fighting force and more adept in conventional military warfare." The briefing covered the fallout from the conflict, including the flow of migrants and refugees to Europe. Dichter cautioned that European states should not be naive about who was attempting to enter their borders. Israel has long seen Iran as its greatest threat and campaigned hard against U.S.-led efforts to strike a nuclear deal with Tehran. At the same time, Israel frequently plays up the improving relations it has with some Sunni Arab states in the region, including Egypt and, to an extent, Saudi Arabia. Dichter told the delegation that Iran's "dream" was to rule the Islamic holy sites of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. "Everybody should ask themselves why the Iranians are building missiles with a range of 2,000 km, twice the distance (from their territory) to Israel," he said. "Egypt is also within their range, as is Saudi Arabia. Two thousands years ago, Iran was an empire and now it wants to recreate that." Echoing a common refrain from centre- and right-wing Israeli lawmakers, Dichter said that was why Israel was convinced Iran had not abandoned its nuclear aspirations but only put them on hold, playing a long game against the West. (Writing by Luke Baker; Additional reporting by Ori Lewis in Jerusalem) Politics of caprice Having witnessed what a one-man machine of demagoguery can achieve, we are better off with our own system By Stephen Kalin BARTELLA, Iraq (Reuters) - The commander of the Iraqi special forces who are spearheading the offensive to recapture the Islamic State stronghold of Mosul said on Thursday that they had gained a foothold in the city quicker than expected. Lieutenant-General Abdul Ghani al-Assadi also raised the possibility that if his elite troops made further progress they might try to sweep through the eastern half of Mosul all the way to the River Tigris, bypassing some districts. "If I want to speed up the operation, we may not take some areas and instead isolate them to prevent movement. That would reduce the time needed to reach the right bank," he told Reuters at a command post east of Mosul. He predicted that Islamic State fighters would withdraw to the group's stronghold on the western bank of the River Tigris. Assadi said the jihadists' defenses in eastern Mosul so far appeared to be weaker than they had been in Ramadi, the western city retaken by Iraqi forces late last year. "Instead of the days we had set aside for these battles, they ended in just a few hours," he said, referring to towns and villages retaken in the past two weeks. Three Counter Terrorism Services (CTS) divisions are targeting 38 neighborhoods across the eastern half of Mosul, Assadi said. Iraqi and Kurdish forces are also advancing on the city from multiple directions, but the eastern front has seen the quickest gains in an offensive launched less than three weeks ago with the backing of a U.S.-led coalition providing heavy air support and guidance on the ground. CTS forces breached the eastern boundary of Mosul, the last major Iraqi city under Islamic State control, earlier this week but since then they have not made significant headway deeper into the city. The western side of the city remains largely open to a vast desert leading to Syria, which Islamic State fighters are still able to access in small numbers. Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi told his followers earlier on Thursday there could be no retreat in a "total war" against the forces arrayed against them. The group reportedly blew up a bridge linking the city's two sides to prevent fighters abandoning eastern districts. (Reporting By Stephen Kalin; Editing by Angus MacSwan) BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi Shi'ite forces fighting to cut off an Islamic State supply route west of Mosul made progress on Thursday but several cars were still able to leave the city, a spokesman said. The leader of the Badr Organisation, the largest of the Shi'ite militias that make up the Hashid Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) forces, had said earlier he hoped to seal off Mosul's western flank on Thursday. "We are advancing slowly," Karim Nuri, a spokesman for the Hashid Shaabi told Reuters. "We witnessed some vehicles from a distance, withdrawing (from Mosul)". It was not clear whether the cars were escaping the fighting in Mosul, where Iraqi troops have breached Islamic State defenses on the eastern side of the city, or seeking to reinforce the Islamic State-held town of Tal Afar to the west. The Iraq army, security forces and Kurdish peshmerga forces have been advancing from the south, east and north of Mosul since launching an offensive on Oct 17 to recapture the city, the biggest city controlled by Islamic State in Iraq or Syria. They were joined five days ago by the Popular Mobilisation forces, which launched their offensive towards Tal Afar on Mosul's western flank. Tal Afar lies about 55 km (35 miles) west of Mosul, on the way to Islamic State-controlled regions of neighboring Syria. Cutting off the western side of the city and the routes to Tal Afar will leave Islamic State enclosed on four axes. Badr leader Hadi al-Amiri said earlier that he hoped to cut off Islamic State's main western supply route out of Mosul. "Today, God willing, is the completion of the first stage of the Hashid operations - that is cutting the supply route of the enemy between Tal Afar and the Muhalabiya district, reaching to Mosul," Amiri told Iraqi television. Amiri said the militias also intended ultimately to cut off the main highway between Mosul and Tal Afar, but said that the Muhalabiya route was the priority because it was the one used by the militants since they took over Mosul two years ago. "This is the area Daesh (Islamic State) entered Mosul from," he said. "Severing this road means to completely cut off the enemy's supply lines and surround them." Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi told his fighters in an audio tape on Thursday there would be no retreat from the Mosul assault, and that victory would be theirs in the "total war" with their enemies. (Reporting by Saif Hameed; Editing by Pravin Char and Anna Willard) By Stephen Kalin and Dominic Evans KOKJALI/BAGHDAD, Iraq (Reuters) - Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi told his followers on Thursday there could be no retreat in a "total war" against the forces arrayed against them, as advancing soldiers battled into their northern Iraqi stronghold of Mosul. Expressing confidence that his Islamic State fighters would prevail against Shi'ite Muslims, Western "crusaders" and Sunni "apostate" countries Turkey and Saudi Arabia, Baghdadi called on the jihadists fighting in Mosul to "wreak havoc". "This raging battle and total war, and the great jihad that the state of Islam is fighting today only increases our firm belief, God willing, and our conviction that all this is a prelude to victory," Baghdadi said in an audio recording released online by supporters. Iraqi regular troops and special forces, Shi'ite militias, Kurdish peshmerga fighters and other groups backed by U.S.-led air strikes launched a campaign two weeks ago to retake Mosul. Winning back the city would signal the defeat of the Iraqi half of a crossborder caliphate which Baghdadi declared from the pulpit of a Mosul mosque two years ago. Islamic State also holds large parts of neighbouring Syria. In his first audio message released in nearly a year, Baghdadi called on the population of Mosul's Nineveh province "not to weaken in the jihad" against the "enemies of God". He also called on the group's suicide fighters to "turn the nights of the unbelievers into days, to wreak havoc in their land and make their blood flow as rivers". Those tempted to flee should "know that the value of staying on your land with honour is a thousand times better than the price of retreating with shame". ROCKET FIRE Shortly after Baghdadi's speech was released at around 2 a.m., residents said heavy explosions shook eastern Mosul. One said the militants fired dozens of rockets towards the Intisar, Quds and Samah districts where soldiers have been closing in. "We heard the sounds of rockets firing one after the other and saw them flashing through the air. The house was shaking and we were terrified, not knowing what was taking place." Fighters were on the street, unusually showing their faces, he said. "They were saying 'We will fight till death. The caliph gave us a morale boost to fight the infidels'," he said. nL8N1D42Y1] Another witness from the Hadba neighbourhood of north Mosul said that Islamic State vehicles patrolled the area and blasted out Baghdadi's speech, urging fighters to hold their positions. Outside the city's eastern limits, hundreds of civilians streamed out, packed into cars, pickups and trucks, waving white flags and hooting horns. Cows and sheep also filled the road from Kokjali, on the eastern edge of Mosul. Fleeing residents said there had been heavy mortar fire launched by retreating Islamic State fighters. By mid-morning, a Reuters correspondent in Kokjali saw smoke rising from inside Mosul but there were no sounds of fighting. After special forces broke through Islamic State defensive lines in the east this week, troops from the army's Ninth Armoured Division breached the southeastern perimeter of the city on Thursday, advancing towards the Mithaq and Intisar neighbourhoods, a colonel in the division said. Four soldiers were killed when two armoured personnel carriers were hit by rocket and mortar fire, he said. Despite the heavy resistance, the soldiers made advances during the day, according to a military statement later on Thursday. A senior special forces commander said troops were fighting in four neighbourhoods in the east, and if they made further progress they might try to sweep through the eastern half of the city all the way to the River Tigris, bypassing some districts. "If I want to speed up the operation, we may not take some areas and instead isolate them to prevent movement. That would reduce the time needed to reach the right bank," Lieutenant-General Abdul Ghani al-Assadi, commander of Iraq's elite Counter Terrorism Service (CTS), told Reuters. The exact location of Baghdadi, an Iraqi whose real name is Ibrahim al-Samarrai, is not clear. Reports have said he may be in Mosul itself, or in Islamic State-held land to the west of the city, close to the border with Syria. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said intelligence suggested that Baghdadi had "vacated the scene", but he did not say where the Islamic State leader had gone to. Mosul still has a population of 1.5 million people, much more than any of the other cities captured by Islamic State two years ago in Iraq and Syria. Iraqi troops and Kurdish peshmerga fighters have closed in on it for two weeks from the north, from the eastern Nineveh plains and up the River Tigris from the south. The Hashid Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) forces of mainly Shi'ite militias joined the campaign on Saturday, launching an offensive to cut off any supply or escape to the west. The leader of the Badr Organisation, the largest of the Popular Mobilisation militias, said his forces would cut off the main western supply route on Thursday, leaving Islamic State surrounded. A spokesman for the militias later said they had made progress but had not closed off the western flank, and had seen from a distance some cars leaving Mosul. Senior Kurdish politician Hoshiyar Zebari said that Islamic State blew up parts of a bridge over the Tigris linking the two sides of Mosul, to try to prevent fighters abandoning the eastern districts. "It's the most important bridge for them because it leads to their headquarters and residential areas (on the western side)," he told Reuters. Residents said there had been two explosion at the bridge, stopping traffic in both directions. TARGETING TURKEY AND SAUDI In his speech, Baghdadi called for attacks on Turkey and Saudi Arabia, saying the Sunni countries had both sided with the enemy in a war targeting Sunni Islam. Islamic State fighters should "unleash the fire of their anger" on Turkish troops fighting them in Syria, and take the battle into Turkey. "Turkey entered the zone of your operations, so attack it, destroy its security, and sow horror within it. Put it on your list of battlefields. Turkey entered the war with the Islamic State with cover and protection from Crusader jets," he said referring to the U.S.-led air coalition. Baghdadi also told his followers to launch "attack after attack" in Saudi Arabia, targeting security forces, government officials, members of the ruling Al Saud family and media outlets, for "siding with the infidel nations in the war on Islam and the Sunna (Sunni Muslims) in Iraq and Syria". Islamic State has been on the retreat since last year in both Iraq and Syria, in the face of a myriad of different forces seeking to crush the hardline group. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said the conflict with Islamic State had caused colossal damage to the country, already struggling to cope with low oil prices. He said infrastructure losses alone amounted to $35 billion. (Additional reporting by Ahmed Tolba and Mostafa Hashem in Cairo, and Maher Chmaytell, Ahmed Rasheed and Saif Hameed in Baghdad, editing by Giles Elgood and Angus MacSwan) Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel's state comptroller said Wednesday he will examine audiovisual reform as the premier and his finance minister face off over replacing the state broadcasting authority with a new organisation. Yossef Shapira, who is in charge of assessing state policies and the use of public funds, would start to review the reform on public radio and television, his office said in a statement. The comptroller would examine the "financial volumes concerned, the fate of hundreds of employees and the importance of the issue for the public", it said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opposed a plan to replace the Israel Broadcasting Authority with a new organisation after initially supporting it. But Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon supports the project, into which an estimated 400 million shekels ($104 million/94 million euros) have so far been invested. Former communications minister Gilad Erdan in 2014 suggested replacing the IBA with a new body, officially to reboot a frail public authority to compete with private broadcasters. IBA employees have been fired or sent into early retirement and the new broadcasting organisation has been set up prior to taking over. Netanyahu's critics accuse him of backtracking after realising that the journalists he wanted to stifle had in fact been re-hired in large numbers in the new organisation, many in leading positions. The cabinet could vote on Sunday on a draft law put forward by Netanyahu supporters to stop the project from going ahead. Some observers have said the dispute could lead to early parliamentary elections less than two years after the previous vote. But others have said Netanyahu may be able to gain support on the issue thanks to bargaining and parties of the coalition being opposed to early elections. Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli troops on Thursday shot dead a Palestinian who tried to stab a soldier near the West Bank settlement of Ofra, the army said. "Palestinian assailant armed with a knife attempted to stab an Israel Defence Forces soldier guarding a bus stop near the community of Ofra," a statement in English said. "Responding to threat, forces at the scene shot the assailant, resulting in his death," it said. The Palestinian health ministry named him as Maen Abu Qaraa, 23, from an area northwest of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. On Thursday night "a Palestinian gunman opened fire" at soldiers near the northern West Bank town of Tulkarem, lightly wounding one of them, an army statement said. "Forces are searching the area for the perpetrator, who fled the scene," the military said. A wave of Palestinian knife, gun and car-ramming attacks began a year ago, but the violence has significantly declined in recent months. Since October last year, the violence has claimed the lives of 238 Palestinians, 36 Israelis, two Americans, a Jordanian, an Eritrean and a Sudanese, according to an AFP count. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out attacks, according to Israeli authorities. Others were shot dead during protests and clashes, while some were killed in air strikes in the Gaza Strip. Most of the attacks were by lone-wolf assailants, many of them young people including teenagers. Rome (AFP) - Italy's stock exchange watchdog has fined Antonio Belloni, managing director of French luxury group LVMH, 350,000 euros ($389,000) for divulging confidential information about an upcoming acquisition, it announced Wednesday. The fine relates to the 2011 announcement by Italian jewellery firm Bulgari that it had been taken over by LVMH, offering 60 percent more than the company's share value at the time. Before the announcement was made, Belloni told Alessandro Sonvico of Swiss fund management firm Pentagram "privileged information" about the forthcoming Bulgari deal, said the Consob watchdog. He has been barred from holding office in a listed company for eight months, although LVMH said that after checking with their French and Italian lawyers, his position as managing director would not be affected. Consob imposed the same penalties on Sonvico, although a part of his 350,000 euro fine will be paid by Pentagram. LVMH said that Belloni, who denies the charges, had immediately appealed the ruling. The company said it was "calm" about what the final outcome of the case would be, and reaffirmed its confidence in a "managing director who has shown constant loyalty and honesty in his work since joining the group in 2001". "Mr Belloni is disappointed by this decision, which he thinks is unjust," his lawyers said in a statement, adding that their client was approaching the case "with the calm of someone who has done nothing wrong". We have the itinerary for the perfect Gilmore Girls road trip Were officially less than 25 days away from the Gilmore Girls revival on Netflix (OMG! GET THE POP TARTS!) so we think now is the perfect time to take a little spontaneous Gilmore Girls-inspired road trip, dont you? While Stars Hollow, Connecticut isnt actually on the map its inspired by the small Connecticut town of Washington Depot the shows creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, drew plenty of inspiration from real-life communities, inns, and landmarks when she imagined the show. So, in the spirit of the new Gilmore Girls, we present to you a guide (thanks to some help from Priceline.com) to experiencing Rory and Lorelais reality complete with tons of caffeine and junk food on a tour through some of Connecticuts most picturesque small towns: Guildford; Litchfield; Washington Depot; New Milford; and Kent. Dont forget to snap (and send!) photos! First stop: Guilford Stock up on chocolate on the first stop of your Gilmore Girls road trip. Guilford boasts a shop called The Village Chocolatier that looks so much like Taylors Old Fashioned Soda Shoppe, we kind of cant get over it. A photo posted by LA (@laurenanndepino) on Dec 16, 2015 at 4:01pm PST Once youre satiated, pop into Breakwater Books and browse the aisles for hours, just like Rory would. At night, lay your head at the Tower Inn and Suites of Guilford/Madison youll need to be well-rested for your glorious adventure tomorrow. Next up: Litchfield Channel your inner Mrs. Kim or Emily Gilmore at Bradford House Antiques & Lawrence Jeffrey Jewelers in Litchfield, where youll find all the jewelry, art, and antiques your heart desires. A photo posted by Mustafa Hamadah (@new_england_resident) on Aug 11, 2015 at 12:45pm PDT After youve worked up an appetite shopping, stop in at West Street Grill for a fancy schmancy dinner ideal for a date like the one where Christopher proposed to Lorelai in Paris (except you wont have to go all the way to France!) Story continues Finally, spend the night at The Litchfield Inn (and we promise, this Litchfield has nothing to do with the prison on Orange Is the New Black). The perfect ride for a #gilmoregirlsroadtrip. A photo posted by Vanessa Charmed, I'm sure. (@hissandtell) on May 11, 2016 at 10:25am PDT Onward to: Washington Depot Youve finally arrived at the #1 site of Gilmore Girls inspiration. In this town, youll definitely want to stop by Washington Food Market and imagine yourself browsing the aisles at Dooses. When I'm on my death bed, I will name not eating the apple cider donuts from #washingtonfoodmarket as my biggest regret in life. Sometimes it seriously sucks being gluten free! #donuts #applecider #gilmoregirlsfanfest #doosesmarket A photo posted by Cindy (@ckintx) on Oct 24, 2016 at 7:06pm PDT Your most important stop in Stars Hollow oops we mean Washington Depot will be The Mayflower Grace. While Sherman-Palladino was on vacation in Connecticut, it was during her stay at this hotel that the inspiration for Gilmore Girls came to her. If this gorgeous establishment feels familiar, its because she modeled the Independence Inn after it. mayflowergracewinter Next up: New Milford Get ready to be charmed by this gorgeous little hamlet when you stop by the town gazebo, youll really feel like youve entered Stars Hollow. Once youve had enough people watching in the center of town, hit up Theos Downtown Diner for tons of coffee and a breakfast of pancakes and donuts. Dont be surprised if you think youre at Lukes! New Milford has a "Luke's Diner". It was quaint, delicious, full of charm with its adorable coat rack full of coats from the locals, hilarious conversations and it was even cherry danish day! #gilmoregirlstrip2016 A photo posted by What Would Anne Shirley Do? (@vanessa_cheyne) on Oct 14, 2016 at 7:41am PDT At night, rest your head at the Homestead Inn, which bears an uncanny resemblance to the Dragonfly. A photo posted by Just In Antiques (@justinantiques) on Jan 12, 2016 at 10:31am PST Last stop: Kent Youve had an amazing time so far, right? Well, the funs not over. Stop by Black Sheep Yarns in Kent to pick up the supplies youll need to host a knit-a-thon when you get home (because duh). A photo posted by Western Connecticut (@unwindwithtravel) on Jul 16, 2015 at 12:34pm PDT And on the final night of your tour, stay at the Cornwall Inn another charming abode where youll feel just like a guest at the Dragonfly. The cutest little Inn ...and Haydn waking up and staring at the leaves on the mountain A photo posted by Ally Sorensen (@allyinphilly) on Oct 21, 2015 at 5:32am PDT We hope this trip made you feel like a Gilmore girl, and we cant wait to talk all about Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life with you after Thanksgiving! The post We have the itinerary for the perfect Gilmore Girls road trip appeared first on HelloGiggles. Moscow (AFP) - Jailed opposition Russian activist Ildar Dadin suffered a suspected seizure, his wife told AFP on Thursday, after his claims of being tortured in prison caused a scandal. Dadin's wife Anastasia Zotova said activists who visited Dadin in his prison in northwestern Russia on Wednesday told her they had seen him suffer a "strange" episode "like an epileptic fit". The deputy head of Russia's prison service Valery Maksimenko, quoted by TASS state news agency, said that Dadin fell off a chair "in a fit" while being examined by doctors Wednesday. "A discussion has begun about whether this was an epileptic seizure or they beat him into this state," Maksimenko said. Dadin, 34, came to prominence when he was handed a two-and-a-half year sentence under a controversial law that punishes repeated participation in unsanctioned rallies, after he demonstrated against President Vladimir Putin's rule. In a letter to his wife this week, Dadin said that when he arrived at the prison in the Karelia region in September, staff beat and kicked him and put his head down a toilet bowl. The torture claims prompted an unusually high-level reaction, with the Kremlin saying Wednesday that Putin had been informed. The prison service said in a statement that Dadin was examined in a public hospital on Thursday and medics "did not find traumatic injuries and their consequences or other underlying conditions requiring medical assistance." The hospital's chief doctor Alexei Kheifets told TV Rain independent channel that an epileptic fit would not necessarily show up on scans, however. Zotova told AFP her husband had never suffered from fits in the past. "The medics and experts I told about this told me the reason for the epilepsy could be that he was kicked in the head," she said. "I'm very nervous about my husband. I think they've done something awful to him." Story continues - 'Use of special equipment' - Russian human rights ombudswoman Tatyana Moskalkova visited Dadin in prison on Thursday afternoon and posted an Instagram picture where he is looking away from the camera and a dark patch is visible on his shaven head. She told Rossiya 24 television that Dadin told her of the "use of special equipment" against him, meaning torture devices, in three incidents in September. She recommended he be moved to another prison colony due to the "high-profile conflict." The Investigative Committee, which probes major cases, said in a statement on Thursday it was continuing to look into the torture claims and was studying security camera footage after questioning Dadin, prisoners and staff. Rights group Amnesty International has declared Dadin a prisoner of conscience and on Thursday urged supporters to appeal to the chief prosecutor in Karelia to release him immediately and investigate his torture claims. Putin foe Mikhail Khodorkovsky, founder of oil company Yukos who spent a decade in prison on tax evasion charges and now lives in London, wrote on Twitter that he had sent a lawyer to try to help Dadin. "The main thing is he's alive and isn't retracting his words, they're not torturing him any more. Comparable incidents have been exposed," he wrote, adding that the prison authorities "have gone too far." james franco Democrats hoping to woo millennial voters lukewarm on Hillary Clinton have deployed a towel-clad, yoga-posing James Franco to make a final pitch. In a digital video released on Thursday by the Women Vote Project, the Academy Award-nominated actor touted several real and fiction Clinton accomplishments, including the Grammy award she won for her audiobook "It Takes a Village: And Other Lessons Children Can Teach US." "She once won a Grammy just for speaking. Hillary Swank is named after one of her pantsuits," Franco said, parodying Dos Equis "Most Interesting Man in the World." "I don't always endorse candidates. But when I do, they're extraordinary. Vote wisely, my friends." Thursday's ad is the latest release of a major $20 million partnership between Emily's List, a group that backs pro-choice female Democratic candidates, and Priorities USA, a major super PAC backing Clinton. The groups particularly hope to boost turnout among millennial voters, who overwhelmingly support the former secretary of state and widely loath Donald Trump, but haven't yet turned out in large numbers to support Clinton. Preliminary early voter totals have been significantly lower than turnout rates in early November 2012. The ad is the final video of the campaign produced together by the two groups, and the third featuring Franco, who previously appeared shirtless wearing a Hillary Clinton-branded towel to urge young voters to back the former secretary of state. Emily's List and Priorities will be promoting the digital ad in key battleground states, including Florida, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. Watch the ad below, via Women Vote: NOW WATCH: Animated map shows how drastically split different demographics are this election More From Business Insider The following material contains mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised. With 14 states voting on the legalization of marijuana in the upcoming election, The Doctors and Jesse Ventura weigh in on this smoking hot topic. I urge you people do the right thing, the former wrestler and Minnesota Governor, who penned a new book Jesse Venturas Marijuana Manifesto, tells The Doctors audience. For the star-turned-politician, the fight for legalization hits home. He shares that his wife was experiencing epileptic seizures up to three times a day and he felt as though both of their lives were gone. After unsuccessfully trying numerous medications over the years, they tried treating her seizures with medical marijuana and it stopped her seizures for over two years and shes completely off all pharmaceutical medications. Watch: Medical Marijuana for Kids? My life was given back to me, he continues. I dont want anyone else out there suffering, that doesnt have to suffer. Jesse is advocating for complete legalization of the drug, not just for medical use, saying those using the drug for its euphoric effects are doing it for mental health. As for critics who worry about kids and teens gaining access to the substance, he feels it should be treated the same way we treat young people who caught smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol at a young age. Its called parenting, he states. Nobody wants kids using anything bad. Dr. Kevin Sabet also joins The Doctors to share his opinion on this divisive issue. He is against the legalization of the drug and feels the fight to make it legal is more about the people who want to profit. He feels if it becomes legal it will become another big tobacco and worries about its effects on adolescents. He feels the drug should go through testing from the FDA and not be decided on by the voters. Watch: Watch More Of Jesse Ventura & Dr. Sabets Heated Marijuana Debate! Where do you stand on this issue of marijuana legalization? Should it be legalized outright or have limitations? Expect modesty from Jessica Chastain, as the petite screen powerhouse prepares to follow in the footprints of Marilyn Monroe and Rosalind Russell, two of her big-screen idols. The pair knelt down by wet cement following their hit 1953 musical, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Id seen the pictures of Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe together, says Chastain, a Sonoma, Calif., native who first visited Hollywood when she was 19. That was meaningful to me. That was the big one I remember. Its a special one. I put my hands in the handprints and dreamed of someday being an actress. On Nov. 3, Chastains hands and feet will also be imprinted at the TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt, an event coinciding with her latest, Miss Sloane, which follows a Washington lobbyist shooting down the gun lobby. EuropaCorp opens the John Madden-directed film Nov. 25. [Im] blown away, says Chastain. When I was invited [for the imprint ceremony], I didnt feel like Ive been acting that long in the industry. I, thought, No! Are you serious? The two-time Oscar nominee, for her performances in The Help and Zero Dark Thirty, credits two turning points for her career success. The first was playing Salome opposite Al Pacino at L.A.s Wadsworth Theatre in 2006. That production opened professional doors, says Chastain. Al Pacino was my acting teacher for a year. Hes one of the worlds greatest living film actors. Next, Terrence Malick cast her in 2011s The Tree of Life. I was a complete unknown opposite Brad Pitt at height of his career, she says. Of the films Ive been in, its probably my favorite emotionally and personally. Like CIA agent Maya in 2012s Zero Dark Thirty, in her latest role, she is Elizabeth Sloane, an unconventional female lead, a type that Chastain relishes to play. What I love about Elizabeth Sloane is how messy she is, says Chastain. We see men play messy characters like this from their sex lives to their personal lives and its not a big deal. I really like that shes a female character behaving the way leading men do. Story continues But playing Elizabeth Sloane differs from Maya because that character has this one quest: finding Osama bin Laden. When she achieves that, she doesnt know what shes doing in her life. In contrast, Sloane is an addict whose addiction is winning. Everything is for the win and for that high. Shell sacrifice anything and everyone to win. Off-screen, Chastain commits herself wholeheartedly to gender equality in Hollywood. She launched Freckle Films to develop female-driven material. The production company optioned Greer Macallisters novel The Magicians Lie about a female illusionist accused of her husbands murder. The actress will also appear in Niki Caros The Zookeepers Wife on March 31, and just wrapped Susannah Whites Woman Walks Ahead. A few years ago I took stock, says Chastain. I spend a majority of my life on film sets. What am I contributing to the world? How am I helping: am I asking questions about how our society runs and who we value and who we listen to and who we ignore? Ive always worked with female directors. Im looking to work with a female filmmaker every year. Thats my goal. Theyre not given the same opportunities so if I have any influence in choosing a film or a script or finding a director Im absolutely going to make a difference. That doesnt mean Im excluding men it means I need some balance in my life. Related stories 'Miss Sloane' to World Premiere at AFI Fest (EXCLUSIVE) Kevin Costner Eyes Aaron Sorkin's 'Molly's Game' With Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba Another Crowded Race for Lead Actress Oscar This Year UPDATED with full video: Bonnie Raitt looks like the aunt who would have a few too many at your moms birthday party and try to fight your dad, Raitt read last night during the Mean Tweets segment of Jimmy Kimmel Live that immediately followed ABCs broadcast of the 50th Annual CMA Awards. JKL broadcast live from Hollywood and via hologram from the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. This years crop of country mean tweets ranked high on the potty-mouth-meter. Among the printable tweets: In case of a national emergency, all air traffic will be redirected to Miranda Lamberts forehead. Its not a hooker convention, its a Dolly Parton concert. (Which isnt even original, Parton having for years said she was going for that look, as she pointed out after reading that mean tweet). [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn19s5XOMSY&w=620&h=340] Related stories Cubs-Winning World Series Game 7 Viewership Tops 40M, Most Watched Since 1991 - Update Cubs' Historic World Series Victory Hits 15-Year Ratings High For Fox Obama Tops Jimmy Kimmel's Mean Tweets Tally Again John Singleton is developing hour-long drama Straight Outta Heaven, which has landed at The CW, TheWrap has learned. The storyline is being kept under wraps, but is being described as a faith-based, hip hop-infused guardian angel project. Singleton is writing and executive producing with Dallas Jackson. Also Read: 'Dynasty' Reboot in Works at The CW With 'The OC' Creators The duo recently shot drama pilot Rebel for BET. Also in development at The CW are a Dynasty reboot, Casa, a family drama revolving around immigration, from Greg Berlanti, as well as Mata Hari, based on the life of Margaretha Geertruida Margreet MacLeod, the Dutch exotic dancer who was convicted of being a spy in World War I, and Tim Krings Stick Man, a crime drama described as being in the vein of Making a Murderer. Singleton is also working on drama series Snowfall for FX. Related stories from TheWrap: FX Orders John Singleton's '80s LA Crack Cocaine Drama 'Snowfall' to Series John Singleton's 'Rebel' Adds Angel Parker to Cast (Exclusive) John Singleton Drama 'Rebel,' Gary Owen Reality Series Set at BET By Nate Raymond NEW YORK (Reuters) - An architect, a truck driver and a school administrator were among the 12 jurors selected on Thursday for the U.S. trial of two nephews of Venezuela's first lady accused of trying to carry out a multimillion-dollar drug deal. Seven women and five men were picked in Manhattan federal court in the trial of Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas and Efrain Antonio Campo Flores, nephews of Cilia Flores, the wife of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Flores de Freitas, 31, and Campo Flores, 30, were arrested in Haiti in November 2015 following a sting operation overseen by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and brought to the United States. Prosecutors have accused the two men of trying to exploit their political connections and use one of Venezuela's airports to send hundreds of kilograms of cocaine to Honduras for trans-shipment to the United States. Both men have pleaded not guilty. The case comes amid several U.S. probes linking drug trafficking to individuals tied to the government in Venezuela. The U.S. State Department says the country is a preferred route for moving drugs from South America to other areas. The 12-member jury and four alternates, all from the New York area, were selected over two days. The trial is scheduled to begin with opening statements on Monday, and last about 10 days. After six rounds of challenges by prosecutors and defense lawyers, several potential jurors who professed knowledge of Venezuela were excluded, including a woman who said the country seems to be facing "hard economic times now." When the vast majority of the 12 jurors were asked what they knew about the country, they gave such answers as the one from a school administrator, who said, "I have no knowledge about Venezuela other than where it is located on a map." (Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe) Premium technology, engineering, procurement and construction company, KBR, Inc. KBR, missed earnings expectations after six quarters, as it reported earnings of 30 cents for third-quarter 2016. The figure lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 34 cents by 11.8%. Investors were disheartened with the earnings miss and shares of the company fell almost 4.0% at the close of market on Wednesday. On a reported basis (including one-time charges and legal fees), the companys loss came in at 44 cents per share, compared an earnings per share of 38 cents in the prior-year tally. Results in third-quarter 2016 include $126 million in previously announced charges related to forecast cost increases on two projects, the majority of which is for an electric power-generating facility within our Non-strategic Business segment. The loss during the reported quarter stemmed from inflated charges related on two projects, the majority of which is for an electric power-generating facility within Non-strategic Business segment. Further, poor revenue performance added to KBRs woes. Inside the Headlines Revenues were down 10.5% year over year to $1,073 million. Deconsolidation of Industrial Services business and absence of revenues from the Infrastructure business divesture resulted in the top-line decline. Also, low oil prices have been restricting capital spending by clients, which, in turn, hurt revenues. Also, the top line lagged the consensus mark of $1,194 million. Segment-wise, Technology & Consulting revenues fell 15.2% year over year to $67 million. A greater presence of lower margin proprietary equipment revenues instead of the higher engineering services and license fees resulted in the overall revenue decline. Also, Engineering & Construction revenues continued their weak trajectory, and deteriorated 28.1% year over year to $595 million.Reduced activity on several projects including one of the major LNG projects in Australia played a spoilsport. Also, deconsolidation of KBR's Americas Industrial Services business proved to be a major headwind. Story continues However, Government Services revenues charted phenomenal growth as it soared nearly 127.8% to $401 million on a year-over-year basis. Revenues benefited from the solid expansion of existing U.S. government contracts and task orders in support of the U.S. Military. In addition, strategic acquisitions contributed $200 million to the segments revenues. Moreover, Non-strategic Business revenues plummeted 91.4% year over year to $10 million owing to the completion of two power projects in 2015 and elimination of $9 million of revenues related to the sale of the Infrastructure Americas business in fourth-quarter 2015. As of Sep 30, 2016, the companys total backlog stood at $11.4 billion, down 14.3% on a year-over-year (y-o-y) basis. Of the total backlog, about $7.4 billion is booked under the Government Services segment (down 10.4% on a y-o-y basis) and around $3.6 billion under the Engineering & Construction segment (down 36.8% on a y-o-y basis). While Technology and Consulting accounted for $340 million of the backlog (down 19.6% on a y-o-y basis), non-strategic Business had $75 million in backlog (down 78.8%). Major Contract Wins During the quarter, KBR managed to clinch some prestigious awards in its Government Services and Hydrocarbons segments. These include the Kuwait Base Operations and Security Support Services for the U.S. Army, award of one of five seats on the U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command and Pacific's Global Contingency Services Multiple Award Contract (GCSMAC) II. Major awards in the LNG market include a confidential FEED services contract for a LNG project in North America, a high-level feasibility study for SLNG's Jurong Island LNG Terminal and a pre-FEED study for AALNG's new proposed LNG Hub terminal in Indonesia. Further, KBR won multiple contracts for major Australian civil infrastructure projects. Going forward, the company remains positive about winning the contract for extension of the existing Allenby/Connaught project of Army 2020 and a 25-year facilities maintenance contract for the major military garrisons in the UK. Currently, most of the companys backlog comprise low risk and reimbursable contracts, which signals robust margins and greater free cash flow for the upcoming quarters. Acquisitions to Boost Government Unit During the quarter, the Engineering and construction giant announced that it has completed the buyout of Honeywell International Inc.s HON technology development and engineering unit, Honeywell Technology Solutions, Inc. (HTSI). Completion of the acquisition comes a little ahead of its October-end deadline. KBR had inked an agreement to buy HTSI for $266 million (subject to some adjustments) and projects the transaction to result in earnings accretion right from the next year. Post the buyout, HTSI will be integrated into KBRs wholly owned subsidiary KBRwyle augmenting its $2.5-billion government business. This takeover expands KBRs lifecycle service capabilities, such as cyber security and IT expertise, enabling it to take care of all the steps involved in the life cycle of aerospace and defense programs. This strategic buyout fortifies KBRs position as a government services organization. Further, it unlocks opportunities to foray into new services in the aerospace logistics and intelligence domain. Also, during the quarter, the company concluded the $570-million acquisition of Wyle Inc., a provider of specialized engineering and technical services. Wyle is set to unlock synergistic opportunities in markets where KBR can combine its large-scale logistics and project management capabilities. KBR INC Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise KBR INC Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | KBR INC Quote Liquidity & Cash Flow As of Sep 30, 2016, KBRs cash and equivalents were $569 million, down from $883 million as of Dec 31, 2015. For the quarter, cash flow generated from operating activities totaled $20 million, down from the cash generation of $54 million in the year-ago quarter. Guidance Cut Concurrent with the earnings release, KBR has revised its guidance for full-year 2016 downward. The company now projects earnings per share within 3050 cents, excluding legal costs associated with the legacy U.S. government contracts, compared to the earlier guided range of $1.20$1.45. Expected cost increases on the EPC power project in the Non-Strategic Business segment and on the ammonia project in the E&C segment is attributable to the guidance cut. The company has reiterated its Legal costs expectations, which are projected at around $15 million or 11 cents per share for 2016. This estimated legacy legal fees exclude any future cost reimbursement from the U.S. Government. To Conclude Of late, KBRs Government Services business has been acting as the major profit churner, helping the company brave past most of the formidable macro headwinds. Though the Technology & Consulting segment had a dismal performance during the third quarter, KBR remains positive about its long-term prospects. The company believes that the Government Services and Technology businesses will provide it some balance between hydrocarbons and government projects. This will allow it to mitigate cyclicality and maximize growth. Also, we believe that KBRs strategic acquisitions are helping the company bolster its inorganic growth and expanding market share. The two recent acquisitions of Wyle and Honeywell Technology Solutions highlight the companys attempt to fortify the foothold of its already thriving Government Services business. Furthermore, we perceive that investments undertaken around the world in refining and petrochemicals market represent lucrative prospects for this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company. Despite these positives, two back-to-back quarters of earnings miss and precipitous revenue decline are unlikely to go well with the investors. The overall macroeconomic sluggishness remains a major concern for the company. Moreover, the restructuring actions, though profitable for the long run are restricting near-term profitability. Stocks to Consider Better-ranked stocks in the industry include Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. AIT and Chart Industries Inc. GTLS, both of which carry a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Applied Industrial Technologies is one of North America's leading distributors of bearings, linear technologies, power transmission components, rubber products and specialty maintenance items to the MRO and OEM markets. The company managed to beat estimates thrice over the trailing four quarters and has a positive earnings surprise of 4.9%. Chart Industries is a leading independent global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment used in the production, storage and end use of hydrocarbon and industrial gases. The company had posted a whopping earnings beat of 341.7% in the last reported quarter. Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report HONEYWELL INTL (HON): Free Stock Analysis Report KBR INC (KBR): Free Stock Analysis Report APPLD INDL TECH (AIT): Free Stock Analysis Report CHART INDUSTRIE (GTLS): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Six held over police post raid Police have arrested six men in connection to the Tuesday evenings attack at Deuli Police Post in Agrigaun, Surkhet. Deputy Inspector General Madhav Prasad Nepal said police also recovered the weapons Kendall Jenner rang in her 21st birthday on Wednesday night with two star-studded bashes! The birthday girl started off the evening's festivities at Catch LA. Stepping out of a car with pal Hailey Baldwin, Kendall showed off her killer legs in a skin-tight, lace-up black bodysuit. She paired the look with strappy heels and an olive green Charlotte Simone fur scarf. AKM-GSI WATCH: Kardashian-Jenner Family Wishes Kendall a Happy 21st Birthday With Adorable Throwback Pics Kendall then slipped into a slinky, silver sequin backless mini dress with a plunging neckline to hit up West Hollywood hot spot Delilah. At that second soiree, she was presented with a giant birthday cake by Kris and Kim that had a throwback childhood shot of Kendall on it. AKM-GSI The model was joined by her famous family at both locations. Her parents, Kris and Caitlyn Jenner, both came out, as did her sisters, Kylie Jenner, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian. Kourtney's ex Scott Disick, Kylie's boyfriend Tyga, and Kris' beau Corey Gamble, were all there as well, as were celebrity pals Baldwin, Cindy Crawford, Kaia Gerber, Jonathan Cheban, Melanie Griffith, Kate Mara, and Gabrielle Union. Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West were also in attendance, ET can confirm. Kim, who has been keeping a low-profile since her traumatic Paris robbery, did not appear to be seen in any social media postings. Noticeably missing from the soiree, however, was Kendall's older brother, Rob Kardashian, and his fiancee, Blac Chyna, who are expecting their daughter any day now. PICS: See How Much Kendall Has Changed Since 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' Started Kylie nearly stole some of the attention away from her big sis, showing off her bod and ample cleavage in a mesh turtleneck, exposed floral bra, and black lace-up leather pants. Splash News Naturally, she showed off her racy ensemble from many different angles via Snapchat. A video posted by Kylie Jenner Snapchats (@kylizzlesnapchats) on Nov 3, 2016 at 10:44am PDT A video posted by Kylie Jenner Snapchats (@kylizzlesnapchats) on Nov 2, 2016 at 11:58pm PDT PHOTOS: Kendall Jenner Through the Years Story continues Kourtney, who stepped out in a binding silver dress, posted several selfies of her outfit and more pics with her sisters in honor of Kendall's big day. Snapchat Snapchat Baldwin also took to Instagram to share a shot with the birthday girl in a leopard-printed photo booth, writing, "Happy 21st birthday to my babe. I love you lots, happy to be here with you tonight @kendalljenner" Happy 21st birthday to my babe. I love you lots, happy to be here with you tonight @kendalljenner A photo posted by Hailey Baldwin (@haileybaldwin) on Nov 3, 2016 at 12:50am PDT WATCH: Watch Kendall Jenner Twerk on Hillary Clinton (aka Katy Perry) at Epic A-List Halloween Party The biggest surprise of the night came when Kendall was escorted outside with her many guests only to find a brand new Rolls Royce, a gift from her mom, waiting for her with a large peach-colored bow on top. The excited supermodel gasped and giggled as she saw her new ride for the first time. Snapchat Kendall has been all about celebrations this week. Check out her fun Halloween festivities in the video below. Related Articles Looks like Kendall Jenner has an unexpected fashion icon -- 35-year-old Paris Hilton. Kendall celebrated her 21st birthday at Delilah restaurant in West Hollywood, California, on Wednesday night, where she turned heads in a sparkly, sequin mini dress that flaunted her supermodel physique. But if the dress looks familiar to you, there's a good reason -- Paris wore almost the same look for her own 21st birthday back in May 2002. WATCH: Kendall Jenner Celebrates 21st Birthday in Two Sexy Ensembles With Family Including Kim Kardashian and Famous Pals Kendall even accessorized in a similar blingy fashion with a wraparound necklace, while Paris rocked a choker with her own backless frock 14 years ago. AKM-GSI Getty Images The brunette beauty had no issue admitting to her style inspiration, Instagramming pictures of her show-stopping party outfit on Thursday with the caption, "Vintage Paris Hilton vibes. 21 21." PHOTOS: All the Fabulous Arrivals to Kendall Jenner's 21st Birthday Party Kendall's dress was custom made for her by designer Antoine Salameh, under his brand LaBourjoisie. Salameh tells WWD that the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star's dress took two weeks to create, and that the model herself sent over reference images for what she wanted it to look like. "We went off of Kendall's Twenties reference and we wanted to give her a modern take on it; like Kendall, the dress is timeless and chic," Salameh tells the magazine. "She sent over reference images and I took it from there. It's young, sexy and fun." Clearly, now we know exactly who Kendall was channeling! Interestingly enough, Kendall's older sister, 36-year-old Kim Kardashian West, famously started off as Paris' personal assistant before becoming arguably the most famous reality star ever. RELATED: Kendall Jenner Turns 21! See How Much She's Changed Since 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' "We've known each other since we were little girls, we've always been friends," Paris told Yahoo Style about Kim last April. "It's nice to inspire people, so yeah, I'm really proud of her and what she's done though." Story continues Watch below: Related Articles United Nations (United States) (AFP) - Kenya on Thursday accused the United Nations of bowing to pressure from other countries by setting up an investigation that pinned the blame for peacekeeping failures in South Sudan on the Kenyan force commander. Ambassador Macharia Kamau charged that "certain current and future members of the Security Council" had pushed for a probe with a "pre-ordained outcome" that targeted the Kenyan general as the "fall guy." UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday sacked Lieutenant General Johnson Ondieki after the investigation showed that peacekeepers failed to protect civilians during heavy fighting in Juba in July. "The United Nations acquiesced to undertake the investigation with skewed terms of reference meant to target one individual," said Kamau, who slammed the report as "shameful, unfair and an exercise in scapegoating." The ambassador did not name the countries involved, but China's peacekeepers in South Sudan were criticized in the report, and Ethiopia, which has troops in the mission, is due to join the council in January. Ondieki has been replaced as force commander by Major-General Chaoying Yang of China. After learning that the report would recommend the dismissal of Ondieki, Kenya sought to intervene with Ban to defend the general, who had been in the post for three weeks. "The secretary-general in his lame-duck season seems to have found the courage that has eluded him throughout his tenure by choosing to ignore Kenya's plea," said Kamau in pointed criticism of the UN chief. - Systemic failure - Kenya responded to the UN decision by announcing that it will pull its 1,050 troops out of South Sudan and dropped plans to contribute soldiers to a planned UN regional force for Juba. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric defended the sacking of the force commander, saying it was based on "leadership command decisions" taken by Ondieki during the fighting in July. Story continues "There was no pre-ordained conclusion to Mister Cammaert's work," he said. Retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert led the investigation. The report found that a lack of leadership in the UN mission culminated in a "chaotic and ineffective response" during heavy fighting in the capital from July 8 to 11. Peacekeepers abandoned their posts and failed to respond to pleas for help from aid workers under attack in a nearby hotel compound. The fierce fighting in Juba involved helicopter gunships and tanks pitting President Salva Kiir's government forces against those loyal to ex-rebel chief Riek Machar. Russian Deputy Ambassador Petr Iliichev criticized the decision to sack Ondieki as "premature" and said it should be reconsidered. But UN peackeeping chief Herve Ladsous told reporters after a council meeting that the report's "conclusions were irrefutable" in detailing the force commander's failings. The Kenyan ambassador insisted there was a "systemic failure" at the United Nations and that responsibility lay also with the department of peacekeeping in New York and the joint command of the UN mission in Juba. The UN spokesman however said in response that Ban has "full confidence" in Ladsous, of France. The 16,000-strong UN mission known as UNMISS has been deployed in South Sudan since its independence in 2011 and it has been sheltering civilians at designated sites since the war broke out December 2013. The historic alliance between the United States and the Philippines remains "ironclad" despite recent differences, Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday, alluding to the anti-American rhetoric of populist President Rodrigo Duterte. "The United States continues to place high value on the close ties that exist between our countries," Kerry said during a swearing-in ceremony for the new US ambassador to Manila, the Korean-born diplomat Sung Kim. "We continue to recognize our ironclad commitment to the sovereignty, independence and security of the Philippines." In August, Duterte said in a speech that Kim's predecessor in Manila, Philip Goldberg, was a "son of a bitch" -- a comment that prompted the State Department to demand an official explanation. Duterte, who accused Goldberg of meddling in Philippine elections, then issued a stream of insults toward the former colonial power, going so far as to refer to President Barack Obama as a "son of a whore." The fiery Filipino leader later said his comment was "nothing personal" and that he regretted that it had caused such controversy. But Kerry, who met with Duterte in Manila in late July and said he hopes to return there before the Obama presidency ends in January, struck a diplomatic tone in his remarks Thursday. "I am confident about the future of our bilateral relationship, notwithstanding the difference here or there about one thing or another," he said. "I am absolutely confident about the ties between our peoples." Facing the extraordinary insults of the Philippine president, American diplomats have been wary of adding fuel to the fire. "Democratic elections bring change and we must all have the wisdom to recognize and to adjust to that change," Kerry said. He added that "the logic of our alliance" -- built around a military partnership forged after World War II and cemented by a mutual defense treaty in 1951 -- remained "as compelling today" as it had ever been. Story continues Until Duterte came to power in June, Manila was one of the closest US allies in Asia, and it was viewed as a vital link in the political "pivot" or "rebalancing" of US policy toward the Asia-Pacific region under Obama. But late last month Duterte announced his country's "separation" from the United States and called for an end within two years to the presence of "foreign military troops" -- a clear reference to American forces. Duterte later struck a more conciliatory tone, saying there would be no "severance of ties" with Washington; Manila, he added, would simply pursue a more independent line in foreign affairs while improving its ties to Beijing. Until the early 1990s, when the Manila government ordered them out, the United States kept thousands of troops at major bases in the Philippines. But months before Duterte took office, Washington and Manila had announced plans for stepped-up security cooperation, with a "periodic presence" of American troops rotating through the area near the contested South China Sea. By David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Thursday he remained confident about the future of the U.S.-Philippines relationship despite "a difference here or there" and that he hoped to visit Manila again before leaving office. New Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has thrown Manila's long-standing alliance with Washington into question since taking office in June with a series of insults and threats to cut ties with the former colonial power. Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony for the new U.S. ambassador to the Philippines, Sung Kim, Kerry called the alliance between the two peoples "indelible." Kerry recalled shared resistance to Japan in World War Two and noted that nearly 4 million people of Philippine descent live in the United States while almost a quarter of a million Americans live in the Philippines. "I am confident about the future of our bilateral relations, notwithstanding a difference here or there about one thing or another," he said. Kerry did not mention Duterte by name but said all needed to have the wisdom to adjust to change brought about by democratic elections. He noted that Sung Kim had tackled "some really tough, complex challenges" in the past, given his previous assignments dealing with North Korea. Kerry said the United States and the Philippines would "continue to consult openly and honestly" and added: "I very much hope to visit there before leaving my term of office as secretary of state." Kerry's term officially ends on Jan. 20 after Tuesday's U.S. presidential election, although he could be asked to stay on temporarily under the future administration. He said he told Duterte on a visit to the Philippines in July of Washington's "ironclad commitment to the sovereignty and independence and security of the Philippines." "We will continue to cooperate in efforts to maintain peace and stability and to promote shared prosperity in the Asia Pacific," Kerry said, adding that Washington would continue to help the Philippines in the event of national emergencies. Daniel Russel, the senior U.S. diplomat for East Asia, who visited the Philippines last month, conceded that the relationship was "going through a bit of a rough patch - some growing pains. "There been some name-calling coming out of Manila; some questions raised about what the future holds," he told a news briefing. "But ... the deep, deep roots between the United States and the Philippines ... will over the long term ensure stability in the relationship." Russel, an assistant secretary of state, said all the senior officials he met in Manila told him they saw value in continued defense cooperation and he was not aware of any action that had "significantly affected our ability to cooperate." "I am not saying that can't happen, but I hope it doesn't," he said. In his latest outburst, Duterte chided the United States on Wednesday for the halt of a planned sale of 26,000 rifles to his country, calling those behind the decision "fools" and "monkeys" and indicating he might turn to Russia and China instead. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Additional reporting by Lesley Wroughton; Editing by James Dalgleish and Tom Brown) "Have you ever played the trumpet?" chef Curtis Stone asks of Kim Gordon. Standing before an open hearth in the kitchen of his new restaurant and butcher shop, Gwen, he hands the iconic artist an iron blow poke. "The idea is to get it close to the flames," explains the Australian native, 40, of the didgeridoo-shaped tool they will exhale into. Because before the two can sear the Fred Flintstone-size rib-eye steak Stone has selected, they must build a fire together. "What a cool setup," says Gordon, after sparks confetti up from the embers. Though the restaurant they stand in certainly stuns with its chinchilla-brown leather bar stools and Art Deco-inspired chandeliers, it also captures the primal way in which fire can feed and, as is the case today, unite complete strangers. Named for Stone's maternal grandmother, a farmer from rural Victoria who didn't have electricity until she was in her 40s, the 7,000-square-foot space on Sunset Boulevard and its $95-per-person tasting menu honor the chef's deep appreciation of meat. "If we know we're cooking for 100 people, we prepare 100 portions," he tells Gordon, whose great grandparents were also farmers. "When you have respect for where meat comes from, you don't let it go to waste." The in-house butcher shop, which supplies the kitchen and is open to the public seven days a week, offers everything from rabbit to $140 per pound Australian Wagyu beef. While the butchery environment historically has been a masculine one, it is unsurprising that Gordon is at ease stepping into a meat lockers where nearly 40 carcasses hang to dry age. From 1981 until her 2011 split with husband and guitarist Thurston Moore, she challenged gender binaries while changing the indie rock landscape through her devil-may-care vocals and bass playing with Sonic Youth. Yet despite the band's identity being intertwined with New York's downtown scene, Gordon was profoundly shaped as an artist by her childhood in Los Angeles. "Even when I went out East, I carried this place with me," says Gordon, who relocated to the city earlier in 2016 and will release a live LP titled No Waves (Matador) on Nov. 11 with her Body/Head collaborator Bill Nace. "I guess in a way," she says, biting into the steak, "this place is home." You've both lived in many places, from Hong Kong to London. How have those places affected your palates? Gordon: Hong Kong was really an earthy place, it was dirty and loud and smelly -- there were pigs on trains with their snouts sticking out it, ducks hanging; it was a real cacophony of smells and flavors. It made me really open to Asian cooking. Stone: You pick a little something up from everywhere you are. For me, Los Angeles has the most beautiful ingredients that I've come across. There are so many micro-climates, I can buy root vegetables from the high desert where there'll be a frost in two weeks, but at the same time of year buy tomatoes at their peak in San Diego. Gordon: My dad, who always experimented with food, had a giant jungle of tomato plants in our backyard in West L.A. I used to have to water the tomatoes when they went South fishing every summer in the Klamath River with their other gourmet liberal friends. They rented a trailer, very blue collar, but they would spend a month fishing and cooking and eating. It was some of the best food I ever had in my life, salmon right out of the river. What was the secret to cooking today's lunch? Gordon: Curtis was saying that you have to cook it over the coals for flavor and keep the bone facing the flame to absorb some of the heat. Stone: Yes, and you have to take it off the heat and let it rest over and over again. It took about 40 minutes to cook the steak, but it was only on the [asador] for like 10 of those minutes. Ever considered going vegetarian? Gordon: Mostly when I was poor. When Sonic Youth was starting out we had no money; we ate a lot of pasta, potatoes, grits, hot dogs. I remember making onions with ginger on them, which is actually pretty good. (Laughs) We would go visit Thurston's mom in Connecticut sometimes and she would give us a pork roast. Because we would never really have meat, it was kind of a decadent thing for us. Stone: No, I love meat. My first job was in a butcher shop. When you have a good understanding of the whole process -- the farming, ranching, slaughtering, butchering, aging and cooking of meat -- you're closer to it. You think differently about throwing those chicken breasts in the trash that you didn't get to cook that week. We think of meat as something that comes from the store wrapped in plastic. People refer to it as gross and use towels to pick it up out of the package. To me, that's disrespectful. Have you spent any time with the Aborigines, chef? Stone: I have. It's quite an unbelievable experience. Imagine what you can learn from people who have existed for thousands of years without clothes, without wheels? The big thing I learned from an elder was they always have seen themselves as a part of the land, part of the wild. [Westerners] see ourselves as the owners of it. Gordon: (To Stone) What is the food like? Stone: They're hunters and gatherers, so they'll hunt things like kangaroos or goannas in unbelievable ways, using spears and boomerangs. They lived for so long without any problems: They never created garbage, never had to think about water conservation at first, because they never f - ed it up. What is the strangest thing you've ever eaten? Gordon: When Sonic Youth went to Barcelona, we drove from France and had no Spanish money. It was so late there was hardly anything open, and we were starving. So we stopped at this place and they didn't really speak English but said, "We'll bring out some stuff." They came out with a platter of periwinkles. There were so many of them, it was like salty snot. (Laughs.) Stone: I was in Tanzania last year with the last hunter and gatherer tribe in Africa, the Hedza. They invited me to go on a baboon hunt. We see it as strange that you would eat a monkey; they hunt because they need to eat. So they shot a monkey, lit a fire and cooked it, and handed me a piece. Gordon: (To Stone) Wow. Was it tough? They're so muscular. Stone Tough, and brutal because the last thing you want to do is eat it, right? But you don't want to offend these guys. Has food shaped your journey as an artist, and music your journey as a chef? Gordon: I don't know, but my approach to cooking is like my approach to art: It involves some knowledge of structure but it's going to have an intuitive core. Stone: I always say there's food for every emotion, and there's certainly music for every mood from classical to EDM. What is music, really? A bunch of sounds that a human creates to express something, and you can choose to express certain things through a plate of food for someone you might not even know. But what about the music playing in the restaurant today? It has been an eclectic mix of '70s, '80s and top 40. Stone: Well, we've got some Stevie Wonder going on right now. I mean, what do you even play for someone like Kim? It's too cheesy to play her own stuff, right? This article originally appeared in the Nov. 12 issue of Billboard.Body/Head will tour November 10 - 17. Happy Birthday Kendall Jenner! The supermodel turned 21 on Thursday and celebrated her milestone birthday in Los Angeles on Wednesday night, at an intimate dinner surrounded by family and friends before heading out to star-studded, 1920s-themed late night bash. The festivities even brought out sister Kim Kardashian West and brother-in-law Kanye West who made a low-key appearance at the event nearly a month after Kims frightful robbery in Paris. The birthday girl looked radiant as she arrived at Catch seafood restaurant for dinner, wearing a low-cut, lace-up, semi-sheer jumpsuit with a black bodysuit and green fur stole. Jenner changed her outfit later in the evening, slipping into a silver sequin dress as she danced the night away at the new Los Angeles 1920s retro themed restaurant Delilah. The party was totally her style, a source told PEOPLE of the affair, adding that Kendall didnt want a massive party in Las Vegas because thats just not who she is. She arrived to the party around 11 p.m and was super happy all night. In attendance were sisters Kourtney Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian and Kylie Jenner. Kylies boyfriend Tyga attended as well, as did Kourtneys ex-Scott Disick. Both of Kendalls parents mom Kris Jenner and dad Caitlyn Jenner were by Kendalls side too. Kriss beau Corey Gamble joined in the fun too. A guest at the event tells PEOPLE that Kim and Kanye walked in together just before midnight. They were very chill all night, the source said. Kim got on the mic at one point and said something funny and that was about it. She seemed pretty upbeat. The group gathered around Kylies table, added the source, which was in front of the DJ booth. At midnight, Kris and Kim sang happy birthday to Kendall presenting her with a birthday cake decorated with a snap of Kendall as a kid, the insider said. Story continues Other notable guests? Cara Delevingne, Hailey Baldwin, Jaden Smith, Chris Brown, Cindy Crawford, Kaia Gerber, Melanie Griffith, Kate Mara, Gabrielle Union, and Fetty Wap. Notably missing for the festivities? Jenners brother Rob and his fiancee Blac Chyna. Many guests documented the fun inside on Snapchat, including Kylie, Khloe, Kourtney and of course Kendall herself. As for any notable presents, the biggest one was a Rolls Royce which put Kendalls jaw on the floor. Happy Birthday, indeed! An attorney helping an anonymous California woman accusing Donald Trump in a federal lawsuit of raping her in the 90s when she was 13 announced that the woman would go public for the first time Wednesday. But as the press conference was about to begin in the California offices of attorney Lisa Bloom, Bloom called it off, citing threats to the plaintiff, known in court papers as Jane Doe. Jane Doe has received numerous threats today She has decided she is too afraid to show her face, Bloom said, according to the tweets of MSNBC/NBC reporter Irin Carmon. Were going to have to reschedule. I apologize to all of you who came. I have nothing further. Two hours later, Bloom, the daughter of renowned womens rights lawyer Gloria Allred, tweeted: Our firms website was reportedly hacked today, as well as emails. Anonymous claims responsibility. As this story continues to develop, heres everything you should know about Trumps accuser and the rape lawsuit shes filed against him: Jane Doe accuses Trump of raping her during the summer of 1994 when she was 13, allegedly in the home of Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted pedophile also named in the lawsuit. She also claims that: Immediately following this rape, Defendant Trump threatened me that, were I ever to reveal any of the details of Defendant Trumps sexual and physical abuse of me, my family and I would be physically harmed if not killed. Alan Garten, vice president and general counsel for the Trump Organization, did not return a call for comment to PEOPLE. But Garten has repeatedly and vehemently denied the allegations, telling the New York Daily News they were categorically untrue, completely fabricated and politically motivated. Jane Does legal team has been beefed up in the last few weeks, with the additions of high-profile Florida defense attorney Cheney Mason (Casey Anthonys co-counsel), and veteran New Jersey civil litigation attorney Evan Goldman, according to court filings. Bloom is handling the media aspects of the case since both she and the plaintiff are on the West Coast, Goldman tells PEOPLE. Story continues RELATED VIDEO: A Look at the Accusations of Sexual Misconduct Against Donald Trump United States District Judge Ronnie Abrams has ordered both sides to appear for an initial status conference on Dec. 16 at U.S. District Court in Manhattan. The lawsuit seeks $75,000 in damages. These moves come after the plaintiff filed an amended complaint on Sept. 30 that includes a witness, Joan Doe, who states that during the 1994-95 school year, the plaintiff told her she was subject to sexual contact by Trump and Epstein. The complaint also contains a declaration from a Tiffany Doe, who claims she was a party planner for Epstein and charged with finding attractive adolescent women to attend his parties. Tiffany allegedly met the plaintiff at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and persuaded her to attend the parties as a way to make connections that would launch her modeling career. Tiffany allegedly witnessed Trump have four sexual encounters with the plaintiff, including one where Mr. Trump forcibly raped her despite her pleas to stop. This is the third time the plaintiff has alleged in court filings that Trump raped her when she was 13. Her case has been riddled with skepticism because shes been connected to questionable supporters, and she wont speak to or meet with reporters, according to numerous accounts. The first time she filed was in California and without an attorney; the case was dismissed. Her public backers surrounding that filing reportedly include Steve Baer, a Republican donor, according to the Huffington Post. Another reported early backer was Norm Lubow, a former producer for The Jerry Springer Show who allegedly went by the name Al Taylor, according to The Guardian. Acting as a representative for the plaintiff, Taylor had been shopping a video of a woman who wears a disguise while recounting the allegations against Trump, the paper states. PEOPLE was unable to reach Lubow for comment. Baer, according to the Huffington Post is a leading organizer of the website Justice For Katie, which is raising funds for her defense and contains a video of her (in disguise) describing her encounters with Trump. The videographer who taped Katie writes on the site that an Al Taylor was there with Katie during the filming. When asked about how Lubow aka Taylor may have hurt the plaintiffs credibility, Goldman said: I can tell you he is no way involved currently with the case, the client or any of the attorneys. Whatever was done with him, I know he is not involved at all in our case currently. In June, going by the name Jane Doe, the plaintiff filed for a second time, this time in New York, with New Jersey attorney Thomas Meagher. That suit was withdrawn and the amended complaint of Sept. 30 was filed. The actual existence of the plaintiff as well as her claims have been questioned in various media reports. I can tell you she exists, her newest attorney, Goldman, who came on board Nov. 1, tells PEOPLE. A June story in Jezebel states that Meagher met Jane Doe. I reached Meagher by phone on the afternoon of June 23, the story states. He said hed flown out to meet with Johnson in California and had spoken with her after that by phone and FaceTime. Ive gotten to know her quite well, he told me. Calls and emails to Meagher, Bloom and Mason have not been returned. The buck stops here The time has come to deal with all the outstanding issues between Nepal and India at the top political level Moscow (AFP) - Descending into the basement of the 1930s-era Kremlin administration building is an eerie experience: the corridors are still lined with brown Soviet tiles and walls bear remnants of secret communication wires. But turning off to the left or right, concrete foundations have been removed from the humid underground storage rooms, giving a glimpse at some of the best-preserved remains of early Moscow's bustling mediaeval quarters. Human bones jut out from the earthy sides of the dig, leftovers from an old necropolis for the gentry who once lived here. Beneath the drab flooring, archaeologists have marked the layered strata: 12th century, 13th century, 14th century. Since 2014, when President Vladimir Putin ordered the dismantling of a massive Stalin-era building known as "The 14th Wing" inside the Kremlin walls, archaeologists have enjoyed unprecedented access to the premises, says Nikolai Makarov, director of Moscow's Institute of Archaeology. "There are many mysteries in the Kremlin," he told AFP during a recent visit. As the "territory of power," it has been largely inaccessible for serious archaeological research. "There have been full-scale archaeological works here only twice," including currently, he says. - 'Ideological' destruction - Most of the Kremlin was closed off soon after the Bolsheviks moved their government there in 1918 from the tsarist capital of Petrograd, now Saint Petersburg. Today, visitors have to be scanned by the presidential security service before entering the 16th-century cathedrals inside the former fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site that houses Putin's office. The 14th Wing became one of the first Communist footprints on the premises. It was built in 1932 after the Bolsheviks destroyed two of Russia's most revered religious sites, the Chudov monastery and the Ascension convent. Children of the royal family were baptised in Chudov monastery and the 17th-century reformist Patriarch Nikon was put on trial there. Royals, meanwhile, were buried in the necropolis of Ascension Convent while coronations took place in the square outside. Story continues "This demolition was not just functional but ideological," said architecture historian Yulia Ratomskaya who specialises in medieval Russian architecture. The move was part of a campaign by the militantly atheist Soviet government to raze and repurpose churches. - 'Frescoes buried in rubble' - The new Soviet government initially fixed up the buildings after they were damaged by artillery during the 1917 Revolution. But it then decided to replace them with a Red Army cadet school. In a tragedy for Moscow's architecture, the 14th-century cathedral in the Chudov monastery was blown up in 1929 without honouring an agreement that restorers could sketch it first and save its 16th-century frescoes. "Restorers showed up for work and saw that their measurements and most of the frescoes were buried in the rubble," said historian Ratomskaya. Putin's initial idea was to demolish the 14th Wing and rebuild the convent and monastery, but experts are advising against this. "Those stones had seen history. The (convent and monastery) are an enormous loss, but it's wrong to think they can be replaced by life-size models," Ratomskaya said. "Once a mistake is made, you cannot undo it," she said. Asked whether a decision has been made to reconstruct the monastery and convent, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "The issue is not currently on the agenda" with no construction planned there for the time being. - 2,000 treasures - Archaeologists have rejoiced at the opportunity to dig in the area where the first Muscovites settled in the mid-12th century, though Makarov admits he had reservations. "At first I wasn't sure it would be a good thing (to demolish the Stalin-era building) but now I like the view," he said, looking over the empty space, which for the moment is a grassy park open to visitors. "That feeling of a cramped stony dungeon is gone, the Kremlin has become more open." Among more than 2,000 treasures unearthed so far from underneath the former Chudov monastery is a stone casting mould with Moscow's first-known Cyrillic writing. There is also a sooty layer that is likely to be evidence of fire in the city set alight by Mongol ruler Batu Khan in the 13th century as his Mongol state, known as the Golden Horde, invaded Europe. A few centuries later, Chudov cathedral's altar served as chambers for Napoleon's "Iron Marshal" Louis-Nicolas Davout during the 1812 occupation of Moscow. After the French army retreated, it had to be reconsecrated. - Reused cathedral stones - Putin in August ordered the creation of an archaeological museum at the site of the underground dig. Makarov envisages a place that evokes the tragedies of Kremlin's past by keeping the 14th Wing's basement intact. "Here there are Constructivist-style columns from 1932 and their base is made of monastery stones -- stones from the old cathedrals that were reused, even tombstones," he said. "I think we should show that juxtaposition," he said. "We should show the paradoxes and fractures of history." By Babak Dehghanpisheh and Michael Georgy SAMAQA, Iraq (Reuters) - When Islamic State insurgents fired mortar bombs at Iranian Kurdish women fighters holding a desert position in northern Iraq, the women first hit back by singing through loudspeakers. Then the women opened fire with machineguns. "We wanted to make them angry. To tell Daesh that we are not afraid," said Mani Nasrallahpour, 21, one of about 200 female peshmerga fighters who left behind their life in Iran to take on the hardline Sunni militants. A commander said Islamic State -- known to its enemies by the Arabic acronym Daesh -- deliberately targeted the female unit with 20 mortars when the singing began. Islamic State prohibits singing and music. It has also imposed tight restrictions on women and took hundreds of them as sex slaves since sweeping through northern Iraq in 2014 and declaring a caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria. The Kurdish women are part of a larger armed unit of some 600 fighters aligned with the Kurdistan Freedom Party, known by its Kurdish acronym PAK. This group has joined an array of Iraqi and Kurdish forces who are backed by a U.S.-led coalition in an offensive designed to push Islamic State out of their stronghold of Mosul. It also has a far more ambitious goal of creating an independent Kurdish nation that would stretch across Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria -- a concept those nations reject. "We fight to protect our soil, whether it is the Kurdistan of Iran or Iraq. It does not matter whether it is Daesh or another group that has occupied our soil," said Nasrallahpour, clutching an AK-47 assault rifle. "THEY ARE AFRAID OF WOMEN" Their presence is a reminder of the complexities of the battlefield in northern Iraq, where the women recently joined Iraqi male Kurdish fighters in driving Islamic State out of the village of Fadiliya. Avin Vaysi ran into that fight toting a heavy machinegun and battling Islamic State street by street. "They are afraid of women," she said. "It is true that Daesh is dangerous but we are not afraid of them." So far in the offensive, one woman fighter from the group has been killed. Like the other peshmerga, Vaysi was enraged by news reports of the militants abusing women. She decided to take matters into her own hands. "I saw on television that Daesh is torturing women and it made my blood boil," said Vaysi, 32, who has a Kurdish flag painted on her cheek. "I decided to go and fight them." The presence of the PAK in northern Iraq is controversial. Iran has pressured the Kurdistan Regional Government to expel the group. Since the start of 2016, the PAK has clashed with Iran's Revolutionary Guards in Iran at least six times, said Hussein Yazdanpanah, military commander of the group. Attempts to reach a Revolutionary Guard media office for comment were unsuccessful. On Thursday afternoon, women fighters were lined up on a dirt berm, their weapons pointed at the frontline with Islamic State about 700 meters away. A woman walked by with a sniper rifled strapped to her shoulder. Nearby were a row of captured homemade Islamic State rockets fitted with propane tanks. Knowing the atrocities Islamic State has carried out against women, Nasrallahpour said the female fighters had made a pact never to allow themselves to be taken captive. "We always have a bullet ready to use on ourselves in case we are about to be taken prisoner," she said, rolling a Kalashnikov round between her thumb and forefinger. She and others hope they can get their hands on Islamic State militants. "We will tear them apart. When they have killed our babies in the womb why should we show them mercy," said Nasrallapour. Fighters say they are treated equally by male comrades. "We are 100 percent equals. We are proud of the women fighters," said Hajir Bahmani, 27, a male commander. Female fighters go through six weeks of training that includes target practice and learning how to be a sniper. "Along with defending our Kurdish land we are also fighting for women's rights. Like a man, I can fight in the mountains and the desert," said Nasrallahpour. Breaking stereotypes like keeping women in the kitchen is something the fighters take pride in. "Here the men cook for us," said Nasrallahpour. (Editing by Angus MacSwan) The most significant international agreement to combat climate change took effect Thursday eveningmidnight in Europejust days before international climate negotiators were set to meet in Morocco to chart a path forward on the issue. The Paris Agreements entry into force comes a month after countries representing 55% of the worlds emissions committed to joining the dealthe level required to put the agreement into actionand less than a year after negotiators from nearly 200 countries agreed to the specifics of the text at the 2015 U.N. climate summit. Next weeks meeting in Marrakech will provide the first opportunity since that summit in Paris for all parties to the agreement to iron out implementation details. Countries of the world shut the door on inevitable climate disaster and set off with determination towards a sustainable future, said U.N. climate chief Patricia Espinosa and Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Salaheddine Mezouar in a statement. This is a moment to celebrate. It is also a moment to look ahead with sober assessment and renewed will over the task ahead. The Paris Agreement provides a valuable framework for countries to address climate change in an international context, but negotiators kicked many of the implementation details down the road, to be determined at later climate meetings, known as COPs. The rapid entry into force put pressure on negotiators to hash out those details sooner rather than later. The details of transparency measures and financing issueswhich clarify how countries will meet their commitments and how rich countries will help poorer ones adapt to global warming, respectivelyrank chief among the issues that have yet to be resolved completely. Read More: Why Climate Negotiators Have Turned Their Attention to Your Air Conditioner Just as importantif not more sowill be the results of the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 8. A Donald Trump victory over Hillary Clinton threatens to significantly set back international action on climate changeif not unravel the deal entirelygiven the GOP presidential candidates promise to cancel the accord. Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement requires a lengthy process that would last at least three years into a Trump administration, but even U.S. refusal to participate fullywhich Trump could do on his ownwould weaken the deal. Story continues U.S. officials headed to Marrakech praised the agreements early entry into force and expressed optimism about the future of international climate change efforts regardless of who is elected president. There is a great deal of interest not just domestically, but internationally in terms of what the election outcome will be, said John Morton, director for energy and climate change for the National Security Council, on a conference call for journalists. But the international communitythe international business community, the international policy communityis moving forward and will continue to move forward. Read More: Donald Trump Promises to Cut Regulation on Phony Environmental Issues But climate officials around the world are less sanguine about what a Trump victory could mean. Chinas top climate negotiator criticized Trumps climate remarks this week and Brazils environment minister told journalists he hopes Trump does not win. We certainly have a strong climate partnership with China that we expect and hope will continue into the future, Morton said. As to the comments that were made, we certainly dont have any comment on them. No matter what happens on election day in the U.S., there is far more the world needs to do to avert dangerous climate change. According to the U.N. Environment Programmes annual emissions gap assessment, published today, the emission reductions countries pledged to make under the Paris Agreement still leaves the world on a trajectory to warm by 3.4 C (6.1 F) by 2100, well above the 2 C (3.6 F) level that many scientists believe is a rough red line. That degree of climate change would almost certainly be catastrophic for the planet. Calais (France) (AFP) - The last buses out of the Calais "Jungle" left the French camp Thursday, carrying 291 migrants, mostly couples and women with children, to shelters around the country. The transfers end a 10-day operation to clear the camp on France's north coast, where more than 6,000 migrants -- mostly Afghans, Sudanese and Eritreans -- had been living in miserable conditions. "This morning we completed the task of providing the migrants with shelter," senior Calais official Vincent Berton announced. The families and children driven away Thursday had been living in an NGO-run centre near the sea of shacks and tents that were razed last week after the bulk of the migrants had left. Most of the asylum-seekers had travelled thousands of miles to Calais in the hope of illegally crossing the Channel into nearby Britain. Under pressure from French authorities, they eventually agreed to accept a bed and a chance at asylum in France rather than be deported. On Wednesday, more than 1,600 unaccompanied minors who were put up in a container park for a week were dispatched to centres around France, while waiting to hear whether they will be allowed into Britain. Since mid-October, Britain has taken in more than 300 children from the Jungle and has promised to take hundreds more. Prime Minister Manuel Valls said he was "very proud" that the operation to clear one of the biggest shantytowns in western Europe had gone off peacefully. The last of the shelters were demolished on Monday. Valls said the Jungle, one of the most visible symbols of Europe's failure to tackle the biggest influx of migrants since World War II, had been a blight on France's reputation. "It gave an image of France that I don't want to see -- men, women and children living in disgraceful conditions," he said. Yet less than 300 kilometres (180 miles) from Calais, around 2,000 migrants are living in similar conditions on the streets of Paris. Authorities are expected to soon clear the camp under a railway bridge in the French capital's northeastern Stalingrad district. Lattice Semiconductor Corp. (LSCC) shares made a strong gain in Thursdays session after the company announced that it has agreed to be acquired. Canyon Bridge Acquisition signed a definitive agreement with Lattice to acquire all outstanding shares for $1.3 billion, including Lattices net debt. Ultimately this shakes down to about $8.30 per share. The transaction has been unanimously approved by both companies boards of directors and is expected to close in early 2017 subject to customary closing conditions, regulatory approvals and approval by Lattices shareholders. Upon the completion of the transaction, Lattice will be a standalone subsidiary of Canyon Bridge and Lattices senior management team will continue to lead the business from its current headquarters. ALSO READ: Pharma Stocks Crushed Under Election Rhetoric, but Top Analysts Say Buy These 4 Now Excluding Thursdays move, Lattice has underperformed the broad markets, with the stock up about 1% year to date. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock is up nearly 36%. Darin G. Billerbeck, president and CEO of Lattice, commented: We are pleased to announce the transaction today with Canyon Bridge, which will unlock tremendous value for shareholders. This transaction is the culmination of an extensive review process with our Board, financial and legal advisers, and it delivers certain and immediate cash value to shareholders while reducing our execution risk. We are excited to leverage Canyon Bridges resources and market connections as we enhance our focus on executing our long-term strategic plan of continued innovation. Importantly, we will operate as a standalone subsidiary after the acquisition and do not expect any changes in our operations or our unwavering commitment to continued innovation for our customers. ALSO READ: Largest Industry in Each State Shares of Lattice were last seen up nearly 19% at $7.57, with a consensus analyst price target of $7.26 and a 52-week trading range of $4.02 to $7.74. Related Articles Three held in connection with Sunsari hotel shooting Police on Thursday arrested and made public three persons in connection with a shooting incident at a local hotel in Tarhara, Sunsari district. Washington (AFP) - A group of US senators called on the government to block the Chinese metals giant Zhongwang's takeover of a US aluminum processor for the auto and aerospace industries. Writing in a letter to Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, the 12 senators said the China Zhongwang Holdings group, already reportedly under investigation over alleged import tariff avoidance, should be blocked from the $1.1 billion purchase of Cleveland-based Aleris Corp on national security grounds. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), chaired by Lew to review foreign investments in sensitive US businesses, should review and reject the deal, they said. "Zhongwang's purchase of Aleris would directly undermine our national security, including by jeopardizing the US manufacturing base for sensitive technologies in an industry already devastated by the effects of China's market distorting policies," they wrote. The deal would create "serious risk that sensitive technologies and knowhow will be transferred to China, further imperiling US defense interests." Zhongwang, China's largest aluminum processor, announced the deal to buy Aleris in August. Aleris processes aluminum for numerous industries, particularly the auto and aerospace sectors. It has an auto industry plant in Duffel, Belgium and is building a new one in the southern US state of Kentucky. Aleris also makes aluminum parts for aircraft bodies and wings in plants in Koblenz, Germany and Zhenjiang, China. The company also makes aluminum protective plating for military vehicles in Germany, a point on which the senators focused in their letter to Lew. "Aleris's defense production demonstrates the type of specialized expertise and capabilities that provide the foundation for our defense industrial base," they said. "Aleris' R&D and technology are critical to current and long-term US economic and national security interests." Story continues The company denied the deal would threaten national security, saying it represents "continued investment in the future of American jobs." "Less than one percent of our sales go into defense applications, and none of those goods are produced in the United States," spokesman Jason Saragian said in a statement sent to AFP. "The technology to produce aluminum plate, which is used in some military applications, is standard production technology widely used in the aluminum industry." The senators also argued that China's huge overcapacity in the aluminum industry has led to the decimation of the US industry and "contributed to the hollowing of our nation's industrial base." Zhongwang has already courted controversy in the United States. The company is under federal probes over alleged smuggling of aluminum into the country disguised as pallets in order to avoid steep punitive tariffs on the company, the Wall Street Journal reported. The US government determined in 2010 that China Zhongwang benefited from illegal subsidies and was dumping its products on the US market. Rome (AFP) - At least 110 migrants are feared drowned after they were forced at gunpoint to set sail from Libya, while many more may have died in a separate shipwreck, survivors said Thursday. "A vessel with around 140 people on board overturned Wednesday just a few hours after setting off from Libya, throwing everyone into the water. Only 29 people survived," UNHCR spokeswoman Carlotta Sami told AFP. The Norwegian Siem Pilot was first on the scene, around 20 nautical miles off Libya, and rescued the survivors -- all in a poor condition after hours in the water -- with the help of four other vessels. Twelve bodies were recovered. In a possible second incident, which could not be confirmed by the coast guard, two women told the UN agency they believed they were the only survivors in an disaster in which some 125 people drowned. "They told us they were on a faulty dinghy which began to sank as soon as they set sail. They were the only survivors," Sami said. Those pulled to safety were transferred to Lampedusa by the Italian coast guard, where they told aid workers and the island's doctor how they had set off from Libya in rough seas. "Their tales are horrifying," doctor Pietro Bartolo told Italian television network Tv2000. - 'Shot dead' - Once the migrants had realised they were being put out to sea in bad weather, they tried to turn back, but were forced on at gunpoint. "To make them get on the dinghies they (the traffickers) shot a man, killing him dead. They made them depart and after a few miles at sea the tragedy happened," Bartolo said. "One woman said she had to hold on to a dead body to survive. They said they spent many hours in the water in the hope someone would save them. But when the rescuers arrived there was nothing to be done for most of them," he added. The doctor said at least three children were among the dead. The latest tragedy brings the number of migrants who have died or are missing feared drowned this year to over 4,000. Story continues "Another tragedy on the high seas, with 239 feared dead in the Mediterranean, once again. So many lives could be saved through more resettlement and legal pathways to protection," said the UN's refugee chief Filippo Grandi. Sami, the spokeswoman, tweeted: "One in every 42 people are dying in the Central Mediterranean looking for safety". The rescue situation is often chaotic, with people confused, sick or exhausted after periods in crisis-hit Libya unable to specify how many people were on board their dinghies at the outset or what vessel pulled them from the water. - Worsening weather - Around 750 migrants were rescued across the Mediterranean Thursday by the Italian coast guard, a Frontex ship, a Save The Children vessel, German NGO Jugend Rettet's Iuventa and two boats run by the Malta-based MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station). MOAS's Topaz Responder plucked close to 180 people from the water, according to an AFP photographer on board. "The (Responder) crew was shouting at them to sit down and stay calm while the life jackets were handed out but they were getting agitated, and around 10 of them fell overboard, some without life jackets on," photographer Andreas Solaro said. October marked a record monthly high in the number of migrants arriving in Italy in recent years -- some 27,000 people -- and the departures have showed no sign of slowing, despite worsening weather in the Mediterranean. Amnesty International warned Thursday the pressure placed on Italy by Europe to cope alone with the worst migration crisis since World War II had led to "unlawful expulsions and ill-treatment which in some cases may amount to torture". The report was bluntly rejected by Italy's chief of police, who denied the use of violent methods in the force's handling of migrants. The Crown is nearly here and with it, an intimate look at the future queen and her prince. The highly anticipated 10-episode Netflix series, set to premiere on Friday, will follow a 21-year-old Princess Elizabeth (Claire Foy) from her marriage to Prince Philip (Matt Smith) in 1947 to the sudden death of her father George VI (Jared Harris). Speaking with PEOPLE, Foy and Smith opened up about stepping into the shoes and private chambers of two iconic public figures. Once she joined the project, the 32-year-old English actress quickly found that research on Queen Elizabeth II was hard to come by: Whereas with Philip, theres a wealth of information because his life wasnt lived from the age of birth in the public eye impossible to get firsthand accounts of Elizabeth because shes so protected. And if you do get them, its someone who isnt coming into it straight. Smith, 34, admits he learned that the fascinating future Duke of Edinburghs had a very traumatic early life in many ways. So when you learn about all that, it really informs you who he is now. He has a real sense of trying to keep the family together, and he wants to have a sense of family and when you understand his previous life it really gives you a context of who he is now. Adds Foy, What surprised me most was seeing how much hes a family man, and maybe she is not the conventional mother that we imagined. Noting that their inspirations are so real and complicated, Foy and Smith tease some moments in the series about which viewers could have only speculated up to this point. Of tense, private scenes, Smith promises, Theyre the most revealing and normal, but the most dramatic and charged with so much stuff. Foy adds that show is a real portrayal of marriage, its not sugarcoated. Its not a prince and a princess having a relationship, its tough. Theyve got two kids when she comes to throne, its a real 1950s conventional marriage and its a shock to the core by her having to become the queen. Story continues She continues, Just seeing them living together in that space and the dynamic of their relationship is very interesting. Theyre very, very different characters, but somehow their love for each other is stronger than all of that. The Crown begins streaming Friday on Netflix. Trend-setting hipster chain Urban Outfitters has announced their newest collaboration, and it will be with millennial rapper Lil Yachty and legacy clothing brand Nautica. As WWD reports, the seven-piece collection, consisting of a long- and short-sleeve tee, track pants and jacket, sweatpants, pullover hoodie and hat, is "based on the brand's signature sailing aesthetic" and will hit Urban stores worldwide in mid-November, just in time for the holiday season. Yachty, who's been a longtime vintage Nautica fan thanks to his seafaring name, will be promoting the collection, hosting an event at Urban Outfitters' Space Ninety 8 in Brooklyn on Nov. 17 and sporting pieces with prominent Nautica logos in UO ads. Read more: Marc Ecko Talks ComplexCon Ahead of Two-Day Festival A photo posted by KING BOAT (@lilyachty) on Aug 1, 2016 at 10:01am PDT Karen Murray, president of Nautica, told WWD that the collection "is a great way for us to showcase our heritage in a way that is relevant and current, while tapping into a very prominent vintage trend." Nautica + Urban Outfitters Capsule Collection prices range from $35 to $99 and will be available at all Urban Outfitters stores on Nov. 14. This article first appeared on Billboard.com Lisbon is betting that hosting the Web Summit, Europe's largest tech event, will spur the growth of startups and draw foreign investors, helping it compete with the continent's main innovation hubs. Portugal, struggling with a high debt and low growth, requested a three-year 78-billion-euro ($85 billion) international bailout in 2011 that imposed higher taxes and steep spending cuts. While the crisis hammered the economy, depriving it of state funding and easy bank loans, it also drove change, pushing people to come up with new ideas for businesses -- many of them tech startups. During the first half of the year the number of new companies that were created was 3.3 times higher than the number of firms that went under, according to government figures. To fuel the expansion of the startup sector the government lobbied hard to bring the annual Web Summit to Lisbon. The tech expo has been held every year in Dublin since its launch in 2010. Some 50,000 participants and 15,000 companies from around the world are expected to attend the November 8-10 event, nearly double the 27,500 people who attended last year. Lisbon will host the annual event until at least 2018. Portugal's secretary of state for industry, Joao Vasconcelos, said he hoped hosting the event will give rise to a new generation of entrepreneurs. "A Web Summit generation, with a global mentality," he told AFP. "We are a peripheral market, the digital economy is a unique opportunity for Portugal," added Vasconcelos, the former head of a Lisbon startup incubator. - 'Good environment' - Web Summit chief executive Paddy Cosgrave said the strong government support given startups in Portugal was one of the reasons why he moved the event to Lisbon. "They recognise the value of technology and want to put Portugal on the map as a tech hub," he said. The Portuguese capital is well placed to become a tech hub because it has strong infrastructure, a "vibrant tech community", cheap rents and an educated workforce that is fluent in English, Cosgrave said. Story continues "These are all key factors for making a good environment for startups," he added. The city has already given rise to a number of "brilliant" new firms with strong growth potential such as Codacy, which has developed a software tool that automatically reviews computer code, said Cosgrave. The company, which employs 16 people, won the Web Summit Pitch competition in 2014. "The Web Summit will place Lisbon amid the European startup capitals, alongside London and Berlin," said Codacy co-founder Jaime Jorge, who often travels to Silicon Valley in California, the heart of the tech universe, to drum up business. Codacy is one of 40 Portuguese startups that have raised at least $1 million each from investors. Since 2010 they have raised a combined total of more than $166 million, according to a European Commission report on Portuguese startups published last year. While the figures trail those of Britain, Germany and France, the report said "the data tells you how recent and strong is the growth of the Portuguese startup ecosystem". - 'Springboard for startups' - Ricardo Marvao, co-founder of Beta-i, a non-profit that helps startups develop by providing office space and free legal consultancy, said "2015 was a turning point" for Lisbon's notoriety as a startup centre. "When a dozen Portuguese startups raised five to ten million euros each in just a few months, investors started to show interest in what is happening here. With the Web Summit, the hype around Lisbon will rise," he added. Foreigners are behind many of Portugal's new startups. Of the 220 firms that took part in the Lisbon Challenge, a three-month startup acceleration programme organised by Beta-i in 2013, roughly two-thirds were founded by foreigners who were drawn by the city's low costs and mild weather. Among them is Moneytis, an online comparator of money transfer services founded in 2015 by two Frenchmen. After eight months in Amsterdam they moved to Lisbon because they were looking for a "flourishing environment that is cheaper than Paris or London", said Moneytis co-founder Christophe Lassuyt. "Lisbon has great chances in Europe. The city has already proven itself to be a good springboard for startups and the Web Summit will be a great opportunity to meet major investors and partners," he added. When Carly Heitlinger arrived at Georgetown University in 2008, she needed a distraction to spice up her routine of classes, study sessions and exams. She started blogging for creative release. "It was basically like online journaling back then," says Heitlinger, whose first post was about Christmas, including the Kate Spade shoes she unwrapped and the decorations her mom placed around the house. Heitlinger kept up with her fashion blog, The College Prepster, throughout college and while working in New York City after graduation, eventually opting to focus entirely on her blog. "I wasn't happy with my job -- and was making twice as much blogging as my salary," Heitlinger says. Today, Heitlinger makes a full-time living as a fashion blogger. [See: The Best Side Business Ideas for Busy People.] At age 27, Heitlinger is part of a growing group of online content creators who work and earn money -- sometimes lots of money -- from their online output. "Years ago, it was not a full-time industry. Now it is," says Darren Lachtman, co-founder and director of brand strategy at Niche, a platform that helps match social media stars with advertisers and marketers. For those who dream of joining the ranks of the wildly popular, money-making social media elite, here's what to know. Overnight success isn't guaranteed. Most internet superstars don't sign six-figure contracts -- or any contracts -- on their first day out. Instead, they've logged hundreds of hours gaining followers and honing their craft. "It took me years to get where I am, as far as building an audience and having them trust me and engage with me," says Cody Johns, 27, who is best known for his popular short-form online videos. Heitlinger recommends that aspiring internet stars spend three months or so just creating content, not even publicizing it, to develop their skills and find their voice. "Make sure it's something you really want to do," she says. Story continues The work can be difficult. Sure, working as an online celebrity can include fawning fans, exciting travel and the latest fashions. But there is hard work, too. Heitlinger references the less-than-glamorous parts of the job: managers, lawyers, talent agreements and networking. Behind the scenes of those thrilling-looking travel experiences, Heitlinger says, she spends hours primping and preparing, snapping photos, editing and posting them. She's glued to her email -- responding quickly to inquiries can be the key to earning a lucrative deal, she says -- and rarely takes a social-media-free vacation. [See: 10 Foolproof Ways to Reach Your Money Goals.] Brand yourself. You don't need supermodel good looks or an over-the-top personality to succeed as an online content creator -- although those don't hurt -- but you need to be able to successfully communicate your online brand. "You have to create a shtick for yourself and your content that works," says Johns, who stars in videos with his wife Alexys. The College Prepster's Heitlinger highlights her girl-next-door looks, which she says works because followers can picture themselves wearing the clothes she models. "Look at yourself objectively because, at the end of the day, you're going to be turning yourself into a character," she says. Find sponsors. Landing partnerships with companies, products and brands is how many online content creators earn an income. These deals can run the gamut, from sponsored posts to giveaways, trips and product reviews. A blogger may wear a sponsor's clothes, film a video at one of their stores or tag them in a blog post. "A few years ago, people were paying for a blog post, there would be a flat rate for the post (or a percentage of sales)," writes Rebecca Stice, who runs the personal style blog, A Clothes Horse, in an email. "But now people also want Instagram posts, tweets, Pins, even Snapchat videos. Recently someone requested to purchase an Instagram story from me and said I needed to do a screenshot of the views, which is something I haven't even thought of or had to do before." The more followers a social media star has, the more they typically can negotiate from contracts with brands, writes Vanitha Swaminathan, Thomas Marshall Chair in Marketing at the University of Pittsburgh's Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, in an email. "The largest stars on social media can earn more than $2.5 million in pretax earnings," Swaminathan says. [See: 10 Ways to Improve Your Finances with Social Media.] Plan for the worst. Online platforms are especially susceptible to sudden transformations or closures. Just look at Vine, the tool for making short online videos, which parent company Twitter recently announced would be discontinued. This unpredictability online makes it so important to engage and interact with followers on a variety of platforms, from Instagram and Snapchat to Twitter and Facebook, experts say. "Don't put all your career eggs in one technological basket," says Kerric Harvey, associate professor in the School of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University in the District of Columbia, "because someone else is holding that basket." Savvy online content creators should continue to build traditional career skills, such as writing and marketing, in case they find themselves returning to the traditional job market, Harvey says. "Always be thinking two or three steps ahead to your skill set," she says. "Don't just learn how to be effective in something that gives you [several] seconds of video or 140 characters of text." Think ahead. For those who can keep up with change and grow fruitful relationships with brands, working in social media could be a lucrative career track. But, like any job, it's not without its downsides. "I've actually been trying to tell people not to get into blogging as a job," says A Clothes Horse's Stice. "It actually robs you a lot of the joy and kills creativity, and why do our creative passions have to make money to be valid?" 10 Ways Social Media Can Help You Land a Job Susannah Snider is the Personal Finance editor at U.S. News. She previously covered paying for college and graduate school. You can follow her on Twitter or email her at ssnider@usnews.com. UML top brass absent from Indian embassy reception Three top CPN-UML leaders were conspicuous by their absence at a programme organised by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu on Wednesday. By Astrid Wendlandt PARIS (Reuters) - Cosmetics giant L'Oreal (OREP.PA) said on Thursday the make-up market was booming as it posted stronger-than-expected sales growth in the third quarter, driven by a "substantial acceleration" in North America and market share gains. Chief Executive Jean-Paul Agon said many of the group's make-up brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Urban Decay and Armani, were enjoying a surge in sales. "The make-up market, whether mass or luxury, is really booming," Agon told investors in a conference call, adding brands such as Yves Saint Laurent saw sales growth of 40 percent during the period. "There is a momentum effect on all make-up brands." Agon has said in the past the need to look good on social networks such as Facebook and Instagram has helped drive make-up demand. He said the group's luxury unit was also winning market share in China and the United States. "In North America, L'Oreal is accelerating substantially and is outperforming its market more strongly," he said in a statement. While its sales in Europe outpaced the market, L'Oreal said France remained a dark spot, hit by lower spending and tourist traffic. "France has been a hard and disappointing market this year," Agon said, adding that trends had been "seriously negative" in both mass and luxury segments. L'Oreal posted a 5.6 percent rise in like-for-like sales to 6.15 billion euros ($6.82 billion) in the three months to Sept. 30, beating forecasts for 4.5 percent growth. "Q3 was the best quarter for L'Oreal for over 4 years, since Q2 2012," said Andrew Wood at Bernstein. "Standout performances were in North America (+7.5%) and Luxe (+9.3%) ... in sharp contrast to the recent disappointing performance of Estee Lauder." Rival Estee Lauder (EL.N) reported lower-than-expected quarterly sales on Wednesday as fewer shoppers visited department stores in the United States, sending its shares to their lowest in nine months. L'Oreal's luxury division, which sells Lancome creams and Viktor & Rolf fragrances, enjoyed the strongest growth during the period, with sales up 9.3 percent on a comparable basis, above market expectations of around 6.5 percent growth. Story continues The group's active cosmetics unit that manages La Roche-Posay and Roger&Gallet brands, and its consumer products division, which includes Garnier shampoo and Maybelline make-up, also beat forecasts. Active cosmetics' growth came at 6.5 percent, above forecasts of 6 percent, and its consumer products unit posted sales growth of 4.7 percent, while the market expected around 4 percent. ($1 = 0.9011 euros) (Reporting by Astrid Wendlandt; Editing by Mark Potter) US ambassador calls on leader Poudel US ambassador to Nepal Alaina B Teplitz called on the Nepali Congress senior leader Ram Chandra Poudel at latter's residence, Boharatar in the Capital on Sunday. By Julia Symmes Cobb BOGOTA (Reuters) - A majority of Colombians support peace talks with Marxist rebels but they also doubt that the government will be able to reach a new accord with the country's largest guerrilla group this year, a poll showed on Thursday. The Gallup poll was published a month after a landmark peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, was unexpectedly rejected in a referendum. The Gallup poll showed that 77 percent of Colombians want a negotiated solution to the 52-year conflict with the FARC, while only 19 percent support a military solution. But voters rejected a signed peace deal with the FARC by less than half a percentage point in the shock result of an Oct. 2 referendum, meaning it could not be implemented. Opponents of the accord, reached after four years of intense negotiations, said it was too lenient on rebels who had committed crimes. Many voters also opposed provisions that gave the guerrillas seats in Congress. The government and rebels alike had said the accord was the best that could be achieved. But the government is now fighting to salvage the peace deal and extended meetings this week with the right-wing opposition, led by former President Alvaro Uribe, which backed the 'no' vote in the plebiscite. Government peace negotiators were also due to travel on Friday to Havana, Cuba, where the talks took place, to continue meetings with the FARC leadership. Sixty-one percent of those polled by Gallup said the government would not reach a final accord with the FARC this year, while 37 percent said it would. The poll also showed that 80 percent of Colombians support peace negotiations the National Liberation Army (ELN), the country's second-largest rebel group. The government has postponed planned talks with the group pending the release of a politician held hostage. The Gallup survey, based on responses from 1,200 participants, had a 5 percent margin of error. (Reporting by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Tom Brown) VVIP flight creates delays Travellers flying into and out of Kathmandus Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) were delayed several hours on Wednesday as the airport was closed for the VVIP flight of Indian President Pranab Mukherjee who was arriving on a state visit to Nepal. DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 3, 2016 / Marcus Hiles, founder and CEO of Western Rim Property Services, was pleased to hear the city of Fort Worth's announcement to create additional green space in the historic neighborhood of Fairmount. The renowned real estate developer has been providing Texans with ecologically sustainable luxury living for over three decades, and is proud to see his company's values being replicated on the government level. In September, Fort Worth city council member Ann Zadeh described plans to expand an already existing park on lands adjacent to the Fire Station Community Center in the Fairmount area. The highly desired and necessary renovations will add 1.35 acres of walking paths, manicured flora and fauna, congregational areas, and play spaces as part of an initiative to maintain, improve and enlarge open outdoor zones in Texas' urban cores. Marcus Hiles, a longtime proponent of increasing the state's tree canopy and a leading supplier of energy efficient housing, believes his communities helped establish the current environmentally conscious trend that is sweeping the nation. Each of Western Rim Property Services' developments create large swaths of public and private parks in cooperation with local governments and charity initiatives, and one of the company's main mission statements is to plant 100,000 caliper inches of trees every ten years. Beautiful, natural landscapes are featured at every possible opportunity, as properties border impressive lakes, expansive trails, and even massive protected state forests. Internally and externally, buildings are thoughtfully constructed with the highest quality materials in order to be ecologically proactive, yet visually stunning. Roofs and attics are equipped with reflective, radiant TechShield barriers that reduce heat transfer by up to 97 percent, and can lower indoor temperatures by over thirty degrees during harsh summer months. High-density weather stripping and dual pane windows with a layer of argon gas and a solar heat gain coefficient of at least 0.22 further assist in climate control and protection from the elements. Only air conditioners with a seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) of 16 or more are used, and inside, programmable thermostats allow residents to use up to 30 percent less energy, reducing their utility bills and carbon footprint. By maintaining standards well above industry averages, Hiles and Western Rim provide comfort in the most extreme weather conditions, ensure a respectful, mutually beneficial relationship with the environment, and have lowered carbon emissions by 32,000 tons across over 10,000 properties. Marcus Hiles, Fort Worth real estate investor and developer, is the CEO & Founding Chairman of Western Rim Property Services, which has been creating affordable luxury rental options and impactful communities across the Lone Star State since 1990, and currently manages over 15,000 properties. As the son of an inner city minister, Hiles is also an avid philanthropist and enjoys giving back to his community. The entrepreneur has completely funded the construction of two large churches in Texas and Massachusetts, and is an instrumental supporter of public and private K-12 initiatives, after school programs, university career services, and job placement programs. Marcus Hiles - Chairman & CEO of Western Rim Property Services: http://www.MarcusHiles-News.com Marcus Hiles - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcushiles Marcus Hiles (@marcus_hiles) - Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcus_hiles Marcus Hiles - Western Rim Properties - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-0OBq1LCu8 Contact Information ICMediaDirect.com TEL: 1.800.595.0821 www.ICMediaDirect.com pr@icmediadirect.com SOURCE: Marcus Hiles Big Mac McDonald's is making some big changes to its core menu item: the Big Mac. The chain is launching a "Mac Jr" and a "Grand Mac" nationwide for a limited time in early 2017, the company said Thursday. The Mac Jr. is a miniature version of the Big Mac with a single 1/6-pound burger patty. The Grand Mac features 66% more beef than the regular Big Mac, an extra slice of cheese, and a larger bun. The regular Big Mac has two 1/10-pound burger patties, three pieces of bread, and two slices of cheese, special sauce, lettuce, pickles, and onions. "The Big Mac is a legend and a great-tasting burger with hints of pickle relish, mustard, garlic and onions," McDonalds Chef Mike Haracz said in a statement. "We listened to our customers who told us they wanted different ways to enjoy the one-of-a-kind Big Mac taste. The classic combination of ingredients remains timeless and customers around the world continue to enjoy its signature taste." grandmac Some customers will be able to try to burgers in advance of the national rollout. They will be available in Florida and the Pittsburgh area beginning in mid-November. The chain tested the new burgers earlier this year at hundreds of restaurants in central Ohio and Dallas/Ft. Worth. At the time of the test, Nomura analysts Mark Kalinowski said McDonald's willingness to tweak its core menu was a good sign for the burger chain. "We view the new tests... as a sign of the company's evolving willingness to have no 'untouchables' on the menu," Kalinowski wrote in a note to clients. Related: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS. He said he's hoping McDonald's also tweaks its french fries. "We look forward to some of the french fry line extensions we've seen overseas (such as McDonald's Australia's Loaded Fries) perhaps being tested stateside one day, if we're fortunate," he wrote. Story continues NOW WATCH: Animated map shows where your bottled water actually comes from More From Business Insider mel gibson red carpet There may not be a literal "movie jail" in Hollywood, but it's still real just ask Mel Gibson. Ten years ago, the once-superstar actor and Oscar-winning director was arrested on a DUI charge on the Pacific Coast Highway in California. It was neither the first or last time a movie star will meet that fate, but it's the infamous, hate-filled rant he went on while being placed into a police car that caused his media implosion. "F---ing Jews ... the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world," the drunk Gibson slurred that evening in the leaked recording. Gibson took his hits for the comments, made his public apologies, and met with Jewish leaders to ask for forgiveness. All wasn't forgiven, but he was on the right track. In 2010, however, the mega-talent agency William Morris Endeavor dropped Gibson after tapes surfaced of him going into a racist rant and making a death threat against his ex-girlfriend. mel gibson For many in Hollywood, it was the last straw. They turned their backs on him. Since 2006, he's only starred in one studio-backed movie ("Edge of Darkness"). "I think he's essentially been blacklisted in the industry," "Lethal Weapon" screenwriter turned director Shane Black ("The Nice Guys") told Business Insider back in May. "I think people don't want to work with him." There have been exceptions. Close friend Jodie Foster cast Gibson in her 2011 directing effort, "The Beaver," and Robert Downey Jr., who found support in Gibson when he had his own substance-abuse problems in the late 1990s, tried to convince Marvel Studios to hire Gibson to direct "Iron Man 3." But mostly Gibson has been an outcast in Hollywood, and that was most evident in his directing efforts, which had dried up following 2006's "Apocalypto." mel gibson Story continues -- As much as we love to see our stars knocked down a peg (whether we acknowledge it or not), we're even more excited when they stage a comeback. And that's where we are in Gibson's career trajectory right now. On Friday, the Gibson-directed World War II drama "Hacksaw Ridge" opens in theaters. Along with being his first directing effort since 2006, it's also fueling the best press Gibson has gotten in a decade. Gibson will receive a directing honor at the Hollywood Film Awards later this week, and at a recent screening for "Hacksaw Ridge" in Beverly Hills, he received a standing ovation. (The movie currently has a 89% ranking on Rotten Tomatoes.) On Variety's "Playback" podcast, Gibson recently spoke about his 2006 arrest, and he was candid, though also much too defensive. Ten years have gone by, Gibson said. Im feeling good. Im sober, all of that kind of stuff, and for me its a dim thing in the past. But others bring it up, which kind of I find annoying, because I dont understand why after 10 years its any kind of issue. Surely if I was really what they say I was, some kind of hater, thered be evidence of actions somewhere. There never has been. Ive never discriminated against anyone or done anything that sort of supports that reputation, Gibson continued. And for one episode in the back of a police car on eight double tequilas to sort of dictate all the work, lifes work, and beliefs, and everything else that I have and maintain for my life is really unfair. Obviously Gibson has some scars. But hopefully he's aware that in addition to "eight double tequilas" behind the wheel leading nowhere good, the drinks don't excuse the speech or ideas behind them. It's likely Gibson will never again be the leading man of a studio movie, and perhaps he finds that doing gonzo movies like his most recent "Blood Father" works best for him. But it's his directing work that might define him for the next decade, and if so, "Hacksaw Ridge," which is being released by Lionsgate, is the foundation for that. Hacksaw Ridge Mike Rogers Lionsgate final Oscar buzz is building for "Ridge" star Andrew Garfield, who plays Desmond T. Doss, an Army medic who served during the Battle of Okinawa and refused to carry a gun. He would go on to become the first conscientious objector in American history to be awarded the Medal of Honor. And it seems from the reaction that Gibson's work behind the camera (which earned him best director and best picture Oscar wins for "Braveheart" in 1996) is as moving and bloody as ever. Even Lionsgate seems to be getting more comfortable touting Gibson. The first poster for "Ridge" didn't even have his name on it, reading instead "from the acclaimed director of 'Braveheart' and 'The Passion of the Christ.'" But TV spots this week call "Ridge" "a film by Mel Gibson." This is all leading to the best possible moment for Gibson to be thrust back into the global spotlight. He's working on a sequel to his mega-hit "The Passion of the Christ." Titled "The Resurrection," it will be "a huge undertaking" according to Gibson (a script is currently being developed). "Passion of the Christ" had its own controversies surrounding it, of course, but no one could deny its devoted fans and box-office might. Given Gibson's slow climb back to relevance, a movie about the resurrection of Jesus seems like an oddly fitting comeback. NOW WATCH: 'Media rigging the election!': Trump slams SNL for mocking his debate performance More From Business Insider Berwyn (United States) (AFP) - Melania Trump, the Slovenian-born former model who could become America's first foreign-born first lady in two centuries, appealed to her husband's soft side in the battleground state of Pennsylvania Thursday. Dressed in a filmy pink blouse and white skirt, it was the 46-year-old's first solo campaign appearance -- the third wife of Donald Trump she is a full-time mother to the mogul's youngest child, Barron. "He will make a fantastic president," Melania told voters in Berwyn, an area outside Philadelphia where Trump dipped in the polls over vulgar remarks about groping women and after women accused him of sexual impropriety. Her husband, with whom she lives in opulence beyond most people's wildest dreams, was running to improve the lives of suffering workers and struggling parents, she said. "Every time my husband learned of a factory closing in Ohio or North Carolina or here in Pennsylvania I saw him get very upset," she said, reeling off three vital swing states in the November 8 ballot. "He certainly knows how to shake things up, doesn't he?" she said in a remark that opponents might think an understatement after his inflammatory campaign insulting women, Mexicans, Muslims and the handicapped. "Our culture has gotten too mean and too rough," she added in what could have been another shot across the bow for her husband's insult-heavy campaign. The model and entrepreneur, who formerly worked in Milan and Paris, said it would be an "honor and privilege" to serve as first lady, saying she would like advocate against Internet bullying and help women in poverty. She spoke of her "beautiful" childhood in small-town Slovenia, then under communist rule, and evoked the might that America once projected overseas. - Plagiarism row - "We always knew about the incredible place called America," she said, calling the presidency of Republican hero Ronald Reagan "morning around the world." Story continues As befits the wife of a man campaigning against illegal immigration, she said becoming a citizen had been "the greatest privilege in the world." Pennsylvania is a crucial state for her Republican husband, where Hillary Clinton holds an average 3.4 percent lead according to RealClearPolitics. Although rarely in the spotlight, it has been a turbulent campaign for Melania who ignited a plagiarism row with her speech at the Republican National Convention in July that cribbed passages from Michelle Obama. A Trump staffer apologized and to Melania's embarrassment her husband cracked a joke about the incident at a white-tie dinner in New York last month. She was also forced to deny working illegally, had racy photographs from her modeling days published in a tabloid and deleted her professional website over wording about her education. Her speech came after Trump appeared to surprise his wife in a television interview by saying that she would give two or three speeches. "We'll see about that," campaign manager Kellyanne Conway told CNN on Wednesday when asked if she would do more. Melania would be America's first foreign-born first lady in nearly two centuries since Louisa Adams, wife of John Quincy Adams, who was president from 1825-1829. Adams was born in England. In what could possibly be described as the height of irony, Melania Trump announced she will fight cyberbullying if she becomes First Lady. Our culture has gotten too mean and too rough especially to children and teenagers, she told a crowd Thursday in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, outside Philadelphia, in her first public speech since the Republican Convention in July. I do worry about all of our children. As we know, now social media is the centerpiece of our lives. Melania did not mention her own husbands well-documented Twitter attacks on individuals over the years. It can be a useful tool for connection and communication, Mrs. Trump continued. But like anything that is powerful, it can have a bad side. We have seen this already. Also Read: Trevor Noah Mocks Melania Trump for Giving Identical Interviews (Video) Melania Trump went on to say that, As adults, many of use are able to handle mean words, even lies. Children and teenagers can be fragile. Donald Trump engaged in an endless barrage of Twitter battles with opponents and celebrities, including Rosie ODonnell, Megyn Kelly, Ted Cruz, Hillary Clinton, Marco Rubio and former Miss Universe Alicia Machado to name a few. The irony wasnt lost on many in the media who were listening to the speech. CNNs chief political correspondent Dana Bash said: I kept thinking, Have you met Donald Trump?' Daily Mail reporter Khaled Rahman tweeted: Trump wants to make social media safe. All she has to do is delete her husbands Twitter and the job is 99% done. Activist and former Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe tweeted: Melania Trump could solve quite a lot of cyber bullying by stabbing her husband in the face with a power drill. While Sam Stein, a senior politics editor at the Huffington Post vowed he was gonna spend some time now re-tweeting some of Donald J Trumps twitter bullying, just so @MELANIATRUMP is aware. Also Read: Laura Benanti's Melania Trump Accidentally Endorses Hillary Clinton in 'Late Show' Sketch (Video) Story continues Melania Trump could solve quite a lot of cyber bullying by stabbing her husband in the face with a power drill. Chris Kluwe (@ChrisWarcraft) November 3, 2016 Melania Trump wants to make social media safe. All she has to do is delete her husband's Twitter and the job is 99% done. Khaleda Rahman (@khaleda) November 3, 2016 gonna spend some time now re-tweeting some of Donald J Trump's twitter bullying, just so @MELANIATRUMP is aware Sam Stein (@samsteinhp) November 3, 2016 Watch Melania Trumps full speech above. Related stories from TheWrap: Randy Rainbow: Melania Trump's Initials 'Describe Her Body and Soul' (Video) Melania Trump Says Donald Was 'Egged On' By Billy Bush During 'Boy Talk' Check Out Latest 'SNL' Melania Moment, with Melania Trump Pondering Switching Places With the Maid (Video) Ciudad Juarez Chihuahua Mexico crime violence homicide drug cartel killings Ciudad Juarez, a major drug transshipment point just across the border from El Paso, Texas, is headed for another clash between cartels, a cartel enforcer told El Universal in a late-October interview. Violence in Ciudad Juarez, and around the state of Chihuahua, has been rising steadily over the past few months, a trend that has been attributed in part to rival groups capitalizing on the perceived weakness of the Sinaloa cartel. While cartel-related violence in Ciudad Juarez has eased falling from nearly 1,500 homicides in 2011 to 269 in 2015, according to government statistics it has never disappeared. "What happened was they killed each other," Gustavo de la Rosa Hickerson, a representative of the Chihuahua State Human Rights Commission during the peak of the cartel fighting, told El Universal. "So many people died ... that part of the reduced violence was because of the extinction of [the cartels'] members, and who survived fled," he went on. Homicides in Ciudad Juarez 2013-2016 According to Jorge, a mid-level boss within La Linea, the enforcement wing of the Juarez cartel (from which the Sinaloa cartel wrenched control of Ciudad Juarez between 2008 and 2012), drug-related violence has never left Ciudad Juarez. "It is a lie that Juarez changed," Jorge told El Universal. "Absolutely nothing has changed, just the order was that we be more discreet, that we don't shoot at people in the street, [because of that] there is a s---load of clandestine cemeteries," he said. "Now one must burn them, bury them or throw them in the sewers." Jorge leads a cell of La Linea. He acts as a connection between the Juarez cartel and Barrio Azteca, a gang that started in Texas prisons in the late '80s but has since spread to Chihuahua and has operated closely with the Juarez cartel since about 2000. Story continues Jorge is in charge of recruitment of people to carry drugs across the border, to sell drugs in the US, to buy cars to carry the drugs, and to supervise the arrival and distribution of drugs in the US. He's also in charge of recruiting US Customs and Border Patrol agents and arranging the killings of adversaries and insubordinate members. In Jorge's telling, the rising violence and fighting to come is over who will dictate what kind of narcotics flow through Ciudad Juarez. "The war is because [the Sinaloa cartel] wants [to sell] the crystal and we aren't going to leave, there are orders to do whatever in order to not permit any of that," he told El Universal. The Sinaloa cartel is believed to be one of two major players in the crystal-meth and synthetic-drug market, shifting toward those products in response to changing habits among US drug consumers. Mexico Sinaloa state meth drug lab Sinaloa state, where the Sinaloa cartel is based, has seen a marked increase in the number of synthetic-drug labs shut down by authorities. Jorge's organization's resistance to the growth of the crystal-meth trade appears to be a business issue more than anything else. "The people that use the crystal only last three years and they die, we are killing people and that money is going to us, because that which they spend on crystal they can use on heroin," he told El Universal. Local officials have confirmed the link between meth and recent bloodshed in Chihuahua. "Now the traffic and sale of [crystal meth] is what provokes the executions," Jorge Gonzalez Nicolas, Chihuahua state attorney general Jorge Gonzalez Nicolas told a press conference in September, according to El Universal. "But [the killings] are between people who distribute this drug ... this clash is not yet over." The fighting in and around Ciudad Juarez has also been attributed to the changing dynamics of Mexico's narco underworld, specifically the apparent decline of the Sinaloa cartel in the wake of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's recapture this January and looming extradition. Coupled with that, as noted by Mexican security analyst Alejandro Hope, has been the resurgence of the Juarez cartel, which has reorganized and sought to expand its territory in recent months. Moreover, law enforcement in the area remains challenged and has not followed through with all of the reforms that were begun during the height of the earlier cartel violence. Ciudad Juarez Mexico killing violence drug war cartels According to Jorge, the fight over drug trafficking in Ciudad Juarez will not slack. The killing up to now "is nothing," he told El Universal. "We have to finish them off from the root, have to kill them and let them know, send them a message," he added, "because we don't intend to leave any" Sinaloans operating in Ciudad Juarez. NOW WATCH: 1 YEAR LATER: Heres what may come next for 'El Chapo' Guzman More From Business Insider Michael Apted, known for a spectrum of credits ranging from the Up documentaries, to Bond film The World Is Not Enough, to Showtimes Masters of Sex series, will receive a lifetime achievement award for directing at the Camerimage cinematography film festival in Bydgoszcz, Poland. The event runs from Nov. 12 to Nov. 19. Apted, who has also served as president of the Directors Guild of America, came into the spotlight with his Seven Up! documentary in 1964. The film focused on the lives of a group of seven-year-olds in Great Britain, and became a series as it revisited them every seven years. The most recent installment, 56 Up, was released in 2012, with 13 out of the original 14 kids talking on camera. The directors other credits include The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Coal Miners Daughter, and Gorillas in the Mist: The Story of Dian Fossey. Among his earlier credits: British TV documentary series World in Action and the long-running series Coronation Street, for which he directed episodes in 1967. In a statement, the festival praised Apted as someone who is interested primarily in the people in his films; their joys, sorrows and struggles, in how they deal with different kinds of situations, both fictional and based on facts. Helmer Atom Egoyan and DP Paul Sarossy will receive Camerimages duo award, recognizing director-cinematographer collaboration. The two Canadians, who have shot a dozen features together, began working as a team in 1989 on Speaking Parts. Their most recent collaboration is last years Remember, in which Christopher Plummer plays an Auschwitz survivor searching for the person responsible for destroying his family. Egoyan and Sarossy understand each other without any words, just like the best cinematographer-director duets in the history of cinema, said the festival. Related stories 'Arrival,' 'Hacksaw Ridge' Are Among Films in Camerimage Main Competition Story continues Directors Guild of America Sets Negotiations With Producers Jessica Lange to Receive Camerimage's Krzysztof Kieslowski Award Satya Nadella One of Google's most successful products beyond search is obviously its browser, Chrome. And 2016 was an epic year for Chrome at the expense of Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Even Microsoft's new browser, Edge, baked into the nearly 400 million computers using Windows 10, hasn't stopped people from fleeing Microsoft's browsers. So far in 2016, IE and Edge have lost about 331 million users, reports Computerworld's Gregg Keizer, based on data from Net Applications, a website that tracks the market share of operating systems and browsers on the internet. Internet Explorer began the year at about 44% of market share and ended October at about 23% (Edge started the year at about 3% and ended at 5%). Chrome started 2016 at 35% market share and ended the October at 55%. Microsoft lost 40 million browser users in October alone, Keizer calculates. There's a certain irony to this. Way back in 2001, the US Department of Justice successfully sued Microsoft for embedding Internet Explorer into Windows and snuffing out other browser makers, namely Netscape. Netscape was the company and product that initially turned Marc Andreessen into a tech tycoon. The DOJ argued that Microsoft had abused its basic monopoly status with Windows to drive out competition in other software areas. Microsoft was subject to a decade of of DOJ oversight and the case was one of the big reasons why founder Bill Gates left the CEO role. It's 2016 and Microsoft has not lost its leading position in the PC world. It still accounts for 91% of the desktops, and for much of that time, the fact that IE was included with Windows made it the most popular browser in the world. For most of 2015, IE had over 50% of the share and Chrome about 27% share. But, if Microsoft's decline in browser continues the way it has been this year, by the end of 2016, IE will drop below the 25% mark. Browser market share 2016 Story continues NOW WATCH: Uber is redesigning their app for the first time since 2012 here's what is changing More From Business Insider Editor's Note: On March 14, Microsoft released Teams to general audiences. Read our full review of Microsoft Teams to see if it's right for your company. Microsoft's Skype has long been the gold standard for video conferencing, but when it comes to group chat and collaboration for businesses, Slack and HipChat lead the way, offering persistent chat rooms rather than transitory online conversations. Today, Microsoft is taking the fight straight to its competitors with the introduction of Microsoft Teams, a group communication tool that will be part of its Office 365 suite. image via microsoft "Microsoft teams will bring together chat, meetings, notes, Office, Planner, Power Bi and a host of other ecosystem developed applications to help teams get work done," said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. MORE: How to Use Microsoft Word Like a Pro Launching today in preview and ready for general availability as part of Office 365 Business and Office 365 Enterprise in Q1 of 2017, Teams allows you to create threaded chats with every member of your organization while tightly integrating other Microsoft applications such as Excel, OneNote and Planner. Groups and Channels During a brief demo at its New York launch event, Microsoft reps showed how the interface allows you to hold persistent group discussions with your colleagues and create dashboards that display important documents and data. The platform is organized into groups, with channels underneath them. The sales department in your company might be a group and then the administrator of that group can create topical channels that all members of the group have access to. A sales group might have channels for quarterly goals, new pitches and client retention, for example. The left side pane shows the list of groups and channels you have access to. Groups and channels You select each channel to view threaded messages within it or click tabs at the top of the channel screen to find persistent resources such as a list of shared files from Sharepoint or a large OneNote note with important information from the channel. Group administrators can also add tabs for a wide variety of services, both from Microsoft and third parties. Some examples include Excel and Power BI from Office 365 and Zendesk, a popular third-party client management system. Microsoft says that it will have 150 partners creating their own tabs by the time Teams comes out of preview in 2017. Story continues tabs Within the message stream, you'll find several different threads. Messages can be marked as important, which puts a red exclamation point symbol next to them. Unfortunately, there's no way to see all the messages from all the channels in the group on one screen and no way to see all your messages from across multiple groups. If you want to have a simple, but less specific set of discussions, it might be best to stick with the "general" channel which appears by default under every group. An Important message You can also create video meetings within a channel and the video window will appear in the middle of that channel's feed. The meetings use the same functions and engine as Skype, including integrated screen-sharing, but they appear within Teams rather than in the Skype client. A meeting The Fun Box When you're posting in a thread, you can attach files and photos or pick something from the "Fun Box." The Fun Box is a feature which lets you choose from hundreds of ready-made emoticons, animated GIFs from Giphy and Memes. You can even pick from a series of different illustrations of people with dialog bubbles and then create your own memes by typing on top of them. Fun Box Meme Chats If you want to have a private conversation with one or more members of group, you need to use the Chat function to send them direct messages or to initiate a Skype for Business call. The Chat mode is just a click away, located in the left pane of the application. Integrated Bots Teams also supports bots and embedded widgets. During the demo, a rep asked a third-party bot named "Polly" what restaurant to take people to and the bot pulled up a list of 5 choices which appeared as a poll so all the members of the group could vote. Polly Bot The software also comes with two Microsoft bots, T-Bot and Who-Bot. T-Bot is help function for Teams, answering questions such as "How do I create a new group" or "How do I schedule a meeting? Who-Bot queries the Office 365 knowledge graph to tell you information about other people in your organization and what they're doing. You can ask it questions about people on your org chart and view threads, profiles or documents that you have access to. Limitations: Employees Only Unlike Slack and HipChat, which allow you to give accounts to anyone you want, Microsoft Teams only works within an organization. So, if you work with a freelancer or a partner from another company, you can forget about collaborating with them on teams. A Microsoft rep said that adding a "guest" mode is something the company wants to add in the future. There are no plans to build a version of Team that works for home users. Unfortunately, you also cannot designate a meeting (or any other data) within a group as "private." So, if you want to hold a meeting without letting everyone in the group attend, you'll need to use another method such as Skype, which is one click away when you're in the Chat mode. Cross-Platform Like its competitors, Slack and HipChat, Microsoft Teams will run on both the desktop and on your mobile devices. A Microsoft rep told us that there will be dedicated clients for Mac, Windows 10, Windows 10 for Phones, Android and iOS, as well as a web interface. However, the mobile versions don't have as much functionality as their desktop brethren, leaving out the administrative functions -- adding a channel or tab for example -- and the fun box which allows you to send GIFs or Memes. Teams on Android How to Try It If your company is running Office 365 Business Essentials, Business Premium or Enterprise E1, E3 or E5, your IT administrator can make Teams available today by going to Settings > Services & Add Ins > Microsoft Teams in the Office 365 admin center. Teams will automatically be turned on when the preview period ends in Q1 of 2017. Teams will be a standard part of all of all the Office 365 commercial plans so companies won't have to pay extra to use it. Italian police allegedly beat, used stun batons and sexually abused asylum seekers in an attempt to obtain their fingerprints, according to a new report released on Wednesday by Amnesty International. Amnesty collected testimonials from two dozen asylum seekers alleging they were subjected to excessive force. The human rights group says these instances of abuse could amount to torture and that the E.U.s Hotspot approachto swiftly identify, register and fingerprint migrants landing on Europes external borders (like Italy)fueled this appalling abuse. Around 16 testimonialswhich include childreninvolve beatings. A 25-year-old Eritrean, Helen, recalled being slapped on the face, I dont remember how many times, she said, in early May for refusing to provide fingerprints. Adam, 27, from Sudan, told Amnesty of an incident this summer at a police station near the port of Catania after he refused to give his fingerprints. There were six policemen in uniform, he said. With a baton they hit me on the shoulders, on the hip, and on the little finger on the left hand, which since then is twisted. I fell down and they started kicking me, I dont know how many times, it lasted 10 minutes or so. He also alleged that police officers sexually abused him because he continued to resist fingerprinting. While he sat on an aluminum chair with an opening on the seat, Adam said he was allegedly told to undress and, [they] took my testicles with the plier, and pulled twice. The second case of alleged sexual abuse recorded by Amnesty was done to a 16-year-old boy, Ishaq, from Sudan. He claims that police officers in a Turin train station took his group into a room and started laughing as they made them undress, all naked. When he resisted fingerprinting, a police officer pulled his genitals while another took a photo of him. They held me by my four limbs, one person for each. The fifth pulled my penis down until she got me seated. At that point one took a photo of me, while another one was turning my head towards the camera he said. For two days I bled every time I peed. Story continues A number of other beatings in the report involved stun batons, which disrupts muscle function and causes pain through electric shocks. A 16-year-old, also from Sudan, who spoke to Amnesty said he was detained in a police station in Sicily after landing in the southern Italian island. After three days they took me to the electricity room,' he told Amnesty. The police then asked me to give fingerprints. I refused. Then they gave me electricity with a stick, many times on the left leg, then on the right leg, chest and belly. I was too weak, I couldnt resist and at that point they took both my hands and put them on the machine. I couldnt resist. Italys Refugee Council, Consiglio Italiano per i Rifugiati, told TIME that they saw four migrants from Sudan who reported abuse in the coastal city of Taranto. They stated that they were closed in a bus for 3 days and they were released only after being fingerprinted. One of them reported also beating on a leg, the council said. According to Amnesty, while the vast majority of migrants are happy to provide thumbprints, certain people refuse as they want to seek asylum in another European country. Countries like Italy and Greece have dealt with the bulk of migrants arriving to the continent. Last year, the hotspot approach and an emergency-relocation scheme, where the processing of asylum seekers would be transferred to other European countries, were efforts by Brussels to ease the pressure on such frontline European states. Through Italys hotspots, migrants are now screened and fingerprinted as soon as they step-off boats from the Mediterranean. Italian authorities then assess their legal status and separate people deemed asylum-seekers from the rest. Those considered irregular migrants are usually repatriated. Amnesty says this screening process is flawed because police officers lack appropriate training, and make decisions based based on answers by migrants who are ill-informed of their rights. In their determination to reduce the onward movement of refugees and migrants to other member states, E.U. leaders have driven the Italian authorities to the limitsand beyondof what is legal, Matteo de Bellis, Amnesty Internationals Researcher on Italy, said in a statement. The result is that traumatized people, arriving in Italy after harrowing journeys, are being subjected to flawed assessments and in some instances appalling abuse at the hands of the police, as well as unlawful expulsions. Amnesty conducted interviews with 174 migrants for this report in 2016, Italys Interior Ministry has yet to respond to these allegations of abuse to either Amnesty or TIME. Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f269895%2f68c7668d9f27489e997cf9fa3525cd81 Not even international superstars can escape gender bias. Mila Kunis penned an extremely powerful and personal essay discussing her experience with the issue in an op-ed on the website A Plus. In the piece, Kunis furiously recalls a producer telling her she would "never work in this town again" after refusing to pose semi-nude in a men's magazine for a movie's promotion. SEE ALSO: 'No girls allowed' co-working space gets slammed on the internet "I was livid," she said of the producer's comment. "I felt objectified, and for the first time in my career I said 'no.'" "It's these very comments that women deal with day in and day out in offices, on calls, and in emails," she continued. The 33-year-old reveals that in her career there "have been moments when I have been insulted, sidelined, paid less, creatively ignored, and otherwise diminished based on my gender." Tired of playing by the rules of the industry's "boy's club," the actress vowed to not be complicit any longer, and co-founded her own production company with three other "amazing" women which has already pulled out of a project over sexist remarks. After she pitched a television show to a major network, one producer said in an email: "And Mila is a mega star. One of biggest actors in Hollywood and soon to be Ashton's wife and baby momma!!!" Kathryn Hahn and Mila Kunis seen at STX Entertainment "Bad Moms" Press Junket on Friday, July 08, 2016, in Los Angeles, CA. Image: Eric Charbonneau/Invision/AP "This is the entirety of his email," Kunis wrote. "Factual inaccuracies aside, he reduced my value to nothing more than my relationship to a successful man and my ability to bear children. It ignored my (and my team's) significant creative and logistical contributions." "I'm done compromising; even more so, I'm done with being compromised," she said. "From this point forward, when I am confronted with one of these comments, subtle or overt, I will address them head on." Story continues Read the powerful piece in its entirety here. BONUS: Barb from Stranger Things as a waffle. By Tife Owolabi and Alexis Akwagyiram YENAGOA, Nigeria (Reuters) - Militants in Nigeria's southern Niger Delta oil hub attacked a pipeline operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the state oil company said on Wednesday, a day after regional leaders put a series of demands to the president. Community leaders from the Niger Delta, which is the source of most of the OPEC member's oil, met President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday and asked him to pull the army out of the oil hub, order oil firms to move headquarters there and spend more on development to end militancy in the region. It was the first time that Buhari had met leaders from the since militants started a wave of attacks on oil pipelines in January to push for the impoverished region to receive a greater share of oil revenues. The military said on Wednesday that troops taking part in a routine patrol in Delta State heard an explosive sound, believed to have been caused by attackers, at Batan Flow Station around Ekweregbene. Sheriff Mulade, a witness, said the attack happened at around 1200 GMT. NNPC spokesman Garba Deen Muhammad later confirmed that the attack took place. "Production is affected but I cannot tell you by what magnitude," he said. The flow station is located in a creek between the southern city of Warri and the Forcados oil terminal, which last week resumed crude exports following repairs after an attack. Although attacks had cut oil production by around a third in recent months, the oil minister said on Tuesday production was back up to 2.1 million barrels a day. The production rise follows a ceasefire observed by many militant groups in the region over the last few months. Niger Delta Avengers, the most active group in the region, said in August it would halt hostilities. Since then it has carried out two attacks - one in September and another last week. Nigeria has held months of talks to end the violence but no lasting ceasefire has been agreed in the oil hub, where many complain about poverty, even though the region provides much of Nigeria's oil exports. Any ceasefire would be difficult to enforce as the militants are splintered into small groups of angry, young unemployed men whom even their leaders struggle to control. (Editing by Alison Williams) By Therese Apel JACKSON, Miss. (Reuters) - A historic black church in Mississippi was burned and spray-painted with "Vote Trump" and authorities said on Wednesday it was arson and being probed as a hate crime committed one week before the U.S. presidential election. Greenville Fire Chief Ruben Brown Sr. told a news conference on Wednesday afternoon that investigators had determined the fire at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church was "intentionally set." "Samples and evidence have been collected from inside the church and are being analyzed to determine the accelerant or ignition source," Brown said. Earlier in the day he said no one was injured in the Tuesday evening blaze, but the church was extensively damaged. "We're investigating this as a hate crime," Greenville Police Chief Delando Wilson told a news conference early on Wednesday. "We feel that the quote on the church is intimidating. "It tries to push your beliefs on someone else, and this is a predominantly black church and no one has a right to try to influence the way someone votes in this election. Wilson told the Wall Street Journal that police on Wednesday evening were interviewing a "person of interest" in connection with the fire but the individual had not been charged. Wilson did not immediately return a call or email. Black churches in the U.S. South have long been a base of support for the Democratic Party. During the U.S. civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, southern black churches were often targets for arson and bombings by white supremacists. "The FBI Jackson Division is aware of the situation in Greenville, and we are working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to determine if any civil rights crimes were committed," the agency said in a statement. "This act is a direct assault of people's right to freely worship," Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons said in a statement. The town of some 33,000 people is about 100 miles (160 kms) northwest of Jackson. "The act that happened left our hearts broken," Pastor Carolyn Hudson told the news conference, noting that the church has a 111-year history. The Mississippi Republican Party declined to comment. In October, the Orange County Republican Party's office in Hillsborough, North Carolina, was set on fire and a graffiti message left nearby said "leave town or else." No arrests have been made in that incident, which Indiana Governor Mike Pence, the Republican vice presidential candidate, called "political terrorism." (Additional reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles, Writing by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Alistair Bell and Toni Reinhold) What It Is KauaiEclectic is a collection of observations, images and writings about Kauai Kamawaelualanimoku and the world as seen, felt, experienced and interpreted by me. Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f271660%2f4c300cabe1214e45bc188cc638b8081b Attention lovers of spooky creatures: "vampire" cats exist, and we have a lot of photos of one very cute one. Monk, a 6-year-old black rescue cat, has straight up vampire fangs growing out of his mouth. SEE ALSO: Big cat needs help washing own butt Luckily for us, Monk's human Nicole Rienzie documents the cat's life on Instagram and she confirmed the very real choppers on her cat. "The fangs are 100 percent real," Rienzie wrote in an email to Mashable. "The fangs are 3/4 inch long from the gum line...in other words...HUGE." A photo posted by Vampire Cat-Monk & Bean (@monkandbean) on Oct 30, 2016 at 8:56pm PDT Rienzie also explained that even though cats having fangs is not normal, it's perfectly healthy. "The vet says that although [the fangs are] rare, they pose no health threats, and he is happy and healthy," she told Mashable. "Monk is a very unique cat and so it's only fitting that he ended up with a unique characteristic. He's special." A photo posted by Vampire Cat-Monk & Bean (@monkandbean) on Nov 18, 2015 at 11:31am PST A photo posted by Vampire Cat-Monk & Bean (@monkandbean) on Sep 3, 2016 at 6:27am PDT "[Monk] helps me manage my depression and grief. As does his younger brother, Bean," Rienzie told Mashable. However, her other cat Bean's incisors are more standard-sized. A photo posted by Vampire Cat-Monk & Bean (@monkandbean) on May 19, 2016 at 7:36am PDT The cat mama runs the Instagram account from the perspectives of Monk & Bean, which makes for some pretty fun captions. "Their account use to be mine but I deleted all my material and changed the username and began using it to satisfy my crazy cat lady needs," Rienzie explained. "Monk & Bean are my 'children' so I want to show them off to the world...like any parent would. Haha." A video posted by Vampire Cat-Monk & Bean (@monkandbean) on Aug 17, 2016 at 6:52am PDT A photo posted by Vampire Cat-Monk & Bean (@monkandbean) on Aug 25, 2016 at 3:52pm PDT BONUS: 100 Years of Kitten Beauty in 60 Seconds More than 200 additional migrants have died trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea. The United Nations said Thursday that at least 239 migrants died in two separate shipwrecks off the coast of Libya, according to the Associated Press. Survivors said their boats capsized in rough waters, leaving them stranded in the Mediterranean for hours. The 31 survivors arrived early Thursday on the Italian island of Lampedusa, which has become a frequent rescue spot for the scores of migrants leaving Africa for Europe, the Washington Post reports. A U.N. refugee agency spokeswoman Carlotta Sami said survivors of the first shipwreck reported that pregnant women and children were on board, but no children were saved in the rescue, according to the Post. Sami said 12 bodies were recovered from the first boat, and the remaining people on the boats are believed to have drowned. If correct, these latest shipwrecks bring the count of people dead or missing in the Mediterranean to 4,220 this year, the highest toll on record, according to the AP. [AP] Rabat (AFP) - Authorities in Morocco have pressed charges of homosexuality against two teenaged girls allegedly caught kissing and will put them on trial this week, a human rights group said Wednesday. Police detained the pair, only identified as 16-year-old Sanaa and 17-year-old Hajar, in Marrakesh last Thursday, said Omar Arbib, an activist at the Moroccan Association of Human Rights. "They were caught kissing and hugging on the roof of a house in Hay Mohammadi district," said Arbib. "Someone photographed them, sent the picture to the family who informed the police" and the two girls were arrested on the same day, he told AFP. They appeared before prosecutors and were due in court on Friday facing charges of "licentious or unnatural acts with an individual of the same sex" under article 489 of the penal code. The Moroccan Association of Human Rights has appointed a lawyer to defend the girls who if convicted could be imprisoned for between six months and three years. But Arbib called for the release of the pair and for the law they are accused of breaking to be abolished. Morocco, a country of 35 million people torn between religious conservatism and openness to the West, has had several controversial cases concerning homosexuality in recent years. On the outskirts of Rissani, in the Moroccan desert, hundreds of palm tree trunks rot away on cracked ocre soil shot through with parched irrigation channels. But Morocco is trying to save its oases through special programmes, and will unveil a proposal for a "sustainable oasis" at the COP22 climate talks to run in Marrakesh from November 7 to 18. Ali Rash (Iraq) (AFP) - Ammunition strapped across his chest and armed with a Dragunov sniper rifle, Ahmed Thair Jassem of Iraq's 9th Armoured Division boasts of the jihadists he has killed in the battle for Mosul. "I aim for the head, because the jihadists often wear bullet-proof vests, but they never put on a helmet," the smiling soldier says, recounting fighting in the Christian town of Qaraqosh just east of Mosul. As Iraqi forces have advanced on Mosul, the last bastion of the Islamic State group in Iraq, elite forces like the Counter-Terrorism Service and the Rapid Response Division, or Kurdish peshmerga fighters, have garnered much of the attention. But for the grunts of the 9th Division, the role being played by traditional army units is no less important. Jassem recalls being in position on a roof about 400 metres (yards) from the entrance to an IS tunnel during the battle for Qaraqosh, which Iraqi forces were able to seize early in the offensive they launched on October 17. "I saw six Daesh men come out. I let them advance a short way and opened fire," he says, using an Arabic acronym for IS. "They ran, but I picked them off one by one, except the last one, who was wounded in the arm and was able to run back into his hole like a rat." After advancing towards the outskirts of Mosul along with other Iraqi forces, the 9th Division were in the village of Ali Rash, about eight kilometres (five miles) from the city. Their advance stopped due to bad weather, soldiers took photographs with the bodies of three jihadists, one almost completely burned. "We are an armoured division, and the power of our tanks and artillery forced the jihadists to flee, or crushed them," Staff Lieutenant General Qassem al-Maliki, the division commander, told AFP. "We are present on all axes of advance, north, east and south," Maliki says, joking that: "We are not as good at public relations as our comrades." Story continues The division is armed with Abrams and T-72 tanks in addition to artillery and one of the guns roared as it fired a round toward Mosul. "We had information that a group of Daesh (IS) were meeting in a house. We destroyed it," said Haider Saleh, a soldier who proudly displayed the scar on his throat that he received from a bullet during the battle for Tikrit last year. Firas Daham, another 9th Division soldier, is also proud. "Our finest feat of arms so far was to have liberated Qaraqosh for our Christian brothers," he says, referring to its large Christian population before IS forced them to convert or flee. "But it is only in Mosul that we will be able to celebrate our victory." (Adds financing deals) By Lauren Hirsch Nov 3 (Reuters) - Maria Hackley has been appointed global co-head of the industrials group at Citigroup Inc, according to an internal memo viewed by Reuters. The memo was confirmed by a spokesman. Hackley, who will focus on corporate banking activities, will work closely with global industrials co-head Wes Walraven and report to the bank's global head of corporate banking, Michael Roberts. She has been with Citi since 1983, first covering Latin America and later financial institutions, and became a managing director in 2002. While at Citi, Hackley has helped lead the $16.2 billion bridge financing for Aetna's acquisition of Humana and subsequent $13 billion seven-tranche debt offering in June. Hackley has also covered Generel Electric Co and GE Capital for 10 years, helping to lead many financings, including GE Capital's $36 billion debt exchange last year. (Reporting by Lauren Hirsch; Editing by Steve Orlofsky and and Jonathan Oatis) By Helen Bartholomew LONDON, Nov 3 (IFR) - Goldman Sachs has hired Tom Leake to run EMEA equity structuring, based in London. Leake joins from Deutsche Bank where he was global head of the equity structuring group. Leake will start his new role in January and report to Guy Saidenberg, global head of structuring, a spokesperson at the US bank said. During his seven years at Deutsche Bank, Leake helped to cement the German dealer's position in risk premia investing, which sees investors extract alternative sources of beta in a systematic and liquid format. Many competitors have tried to replicate Deutsche's success in that area as investors look to generate yield against a backdrop of low and negative rates. Leake worked on more than 30 risk premia transactions, including a range of bespoke and off-the-shelf solutions. Those deals included the landmark portfolio overhauls for PKA, the US$35bn Danish pension fund, and the US$33bn Second Swedish National Pension Fund. Since then, the bank's strategy has expanded from its alternative equity roots to a full multi-asset service. The business has proven to be a bright spot for the German dealer, which manages 11bn of assets across nine risk premia portfolios, according to a recent presentation. That has come at a time when equity trading businesses taken a hit across Wall Street, with Deutsche Bank posting a 20% decline in its equity trading revenues compared with the same period a year earlier. The equities business remains a priority for Deutsche Bank as part of "Strategy 2020" and it continues to invest in the unit. Following Leake's departure Sean Flanagan, European head of the equity structuring group, is understood to have taken on his risk premia responsibilities. Deutsche Bank declined to comment. (Reporting by Helen Bartholomew) This is the latest in an ongoing series of one-on-ones with the political pundits who have been at the forefront of the cable-news conversations this election season. So here's the thing: If you don't like Nicolle Wallace, it's highly likely you're the one with something wrong. The woman that Americans probably first really learned about after she was played by Sarah Paulson in HBO's Game Change, is one of the most delightfully Republican, cheerful and friendly people in political discourse today. Wallace is a seasoned politico, having started in the California legislature, eventually becoming a trusted voice to the Bush family working for both Gov. Jeb Bush and Pres. Bush 43. Most famously, the film depiction of her role in the McCain-Palin 2008 Campaign showed Wallace's fierce, opinionated side, showing her at serious odds with then-Governor of Alaska and Vice Presidential nominee, Sarah Palin. Read more: CNN's Van Jones on Bill Maher, Prince and That On-Air KKK Debate Today, Wallace is a little bit of everywhere with her perspective, which is decidedly not a fan of Donald Trump, though she won't say who she's voting for after the movie showed her telling her little secret - she didn't vote for the McCain-Palin campaign of which she was a part. Her days start at Morning Joe on MSNBC and the Today Show in the mornings, guesting with appearances on Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O'Donnell, big debate and election night coverage, and closing with Brian Williams' new show, The 11th Hour, in the evenings. I talked to Wallace Monday afternoon, between returning from walking her dogs in Central Park and being mom to a four-year-old son, Liam. And before heading back for seemingly more television in the evening. Nicolle Wallace is the latest from our series of Q&As, Know Your Cable News Pundit. To listen to the full audio, and some of the funny moments and candid stories that didn't make of the pr/interview with Wallace, click here. Below is the edited version of the discussion. Enjoy. Story continues Age: 44 Current City of Residence: New York City Education: University of California, Berkeley (Journalism and Communications); Medill, School of Journalism (Broadcast Journalism) Political experience: CA State Legislature; Press Secretary, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush; Communications Director, The White House, President George W. Bush; Senior Adviser, McCain-Palin 2008 Campaign; Political Analyst, MSNBC. Political persuasion: Center right - Bush Republican. I became a Republican because of the Bushes. Which networks do you appear on primarily, and why? I'm a NBC News/MSNBC political analyst. I appear regularly on The Today Show, Morning Joe, election/debate night programming and The 11th Hour with Brian Williams How do you prep for appearances? I read three newspapers every day and check them a few times a day. Before Morning Joe, the night before between 10 and 11, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal and fortunately for me most of their stories are up the night before. The Today Show segments are a little different; they're produced the day before. For the 11 o'clock, I sort of update those papers and try to check in with both sides, with the Trump campaign and the Clinton campaign every day. Are there any shows you can't or won't go on? No, but in the middle of the morning and the late night I try to raise a four-year-old and then walk two dogs, so my life is sort of what transpires in between. But that has nothing to do with who or what I go on. I also when I'm not working, I'm doing other things, I also travel for speeches, and do other things, but the shows I don't appear on are just because I'm not available. What is a common misconception about being a pundit? I just think punditry is kind of a misconception [itself]. What it is is people who've worked on campaigns before who are able to reach out to people who have the same types of jobs they had, and pass along information and speak in a common language, sort of translating what's happening in a campaign. Today is an example, we had a poll a week ago that had Hillary Clinton up by 12 points, and we had a poll that came out [Monday] morning that said she was up 1. It's the job of a person who's worked on a campaign before to say "here's the deal, she was never up 12 and she's not up 1, the truth is she's somewhere in the middle." It's sort of to be a translator through all of the over-abundance of information that comes around in an election year. Your job is to cut through the malarky, and the spin, and speak from experience. Read more: CNN's S.E. Cupp on Her Offscreen Relationship With Trump: "We Liked Each Other" What are the most valuable appearances for you / which are the spots you really want to do? I'd say reporting out this mom vote has been really interesting and really gets you out of yourself and your own notion that what you say matters. When you go out and talk to voters and you see them struggling to make a decision; struggling with being personally offended by Trump's language and personally offended by the sense that Hillary Clinton doesn't follow the rules, that's been the most grounding experience. What was your most memorable appearance so far? Any notable / memorable moments that got especially heated, went viral? (Link if available) There was the thing that Republican women were talking about for a long time, about a gender war; after last week when I was watching Megyn Kelly and Newt Gingrich, I was on my way to do [The 11th Hour with Brian Williams] and I just sent out a quick tweet, I said there was a gender war going on and that it would end badly for Republicans. I was surprised to see that it got picked up the following few days by The New York Times, and The Washington Post, and read on PBS. It wasn't a well thought out thought, but it was something that a lot of Republican women were talking about amongst themselves - that was something I didn't even say on television I just sort of wrote it on Twitter, in the back of a taxi, on my way to Rock Center for my third appearance of the day. Oh! And Brian Williams had me read the letter that George H.W. Bush left for Bill Clinton. I couldn't see it, because I'm blind so someone had to get me glasses and I read it, but I barely got through it without choking up. But that was the most special thing I've been asked to do this election season. Whose show is your favorite show to appear on? I love all of it! I used to get to fill in sometimes for Mark Halperin and John Heilemann, two guys I've known and admired for a very long time and they anchor one of my favorite shows on television, With All Due Respect they're real fun and exciting and quirky, and wonderful and brilliantly written show. I love all the things I get to do. I wish I didn't need any sleep and then I'd do all of it all the time. I love being on Morning Joe, I love walking over to The Today Show, I love being on Brian and Rachel, and Eugene for these [long] nights. And then I've been able to do a lot of the network shows at the conventions and debate night and you sit there across from Tom Brokaw and it's a little intimidating, but those have been amazing too. I love them all, I really do! I love them all because Joe and Mika and Willie, what they've built is incredible, and The Today Show is The Today Show. It's this iconic program, and to be on most mornings at 7 o'clock is total pinch me, and the surprise thrill for me is for the extended election and debate nights with Brian [Williams], Rachel [Maddow], and Eugene [Robinson] and I. There is not one that I love more than the other, I really love being on all of them, and to be asked to sort of stretch beyond "as a Republican, what do you think?" are always the segments I enjoy the most, but I'd say all of the shows use me in that way, so I've had a great time on all of them. Read more: CNN's Ana Navarro on Trump, the "Jerk Host of 'The Apprentice'" After the election, where would you like to see yourself next? I mean this in all honesty, because I have two dogs and a four-year-old, I deal with my life about 48 hours ahead, making sure there's someone to watch the kid and walk the dogs early in the morning and late at night. I'm literally living in about a 48- to 72-hour window and I don't think beyond it. So if someone used me less, that would be very good news. But I worry and think that this political intensity will not drop off suddenly, no matter what happens, we'll be inaugurating a new president at the end of January, so I think we'll have at least a few more months of a lot of attention being paid, and even if the rancor of the contest ends, I don't know that the divides of politics end, but that's something that I'm really interested in finding out from people living their lives. Prediction? (As of Monday afternoon, Oct 31) I think it's really close, she's probably ahead 1 or 2 points. I think it'll be really close, I think Hillary Clinton will win, mostly because of Donald Trump's self-inflicted wounds, but with the new revelations from the FBI, I think absolutely anything can happen, and wouldn't bet more than a box of Milk Duds on that! By Simon Lewis and Wa Lone SITTWE, Myanmar (Reuters) - Myanmar has agreed to allow aid to resume to the troubled north of Rakhine state and permit international observers to monitor whether help is reaching people displaced by violence, diplomats on a mission to the area told reporters on Thursday. The diplomats, including the ambassadors of the United States and Britain and the top United Nations representative to the country, also called for an "independent and credible investigation" into attacks on security forces on Oct. 9 and the army operation launched in their aftermath. The mission spent two days in northern Rakhine, closed to aid workers and observers for more than three weeks, and visited several villages, but were not taken to the scene of some of the most serious allegations of abuses by troops against civilians. "There are four villages where people had apparently fled," U.S. Ambassador Scot Marciel told reporters. "We talked to two groups of villagers who haven't had any food for a while. So the government has agreed to restoring humanitarian assistance to them, which is a good step." Troops have flooded northern Rakhine since Oct. 9, when militants believed to be Rohingya Muslims attacked police border posts, killing nine officers. The government says five soldiers and at least 33 alleged insurgents have been killed in the military operation since then. Residents and human rights advocates have accused security forces of summary executions, rapes and setting fire to homes. The government of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi has denied any abuses have taken place. During a visit to Japan, Suu Kyi was quoted as saying that Myanmar was responding to the "delicate" conflict based on the rule of law. Renata Lok-Dessallien, the U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, said the government assured the visiting diplomats that humanitarian support would be provided to up to 15,000 people believed to have been displaced since Oct. 9. "We asked that international observation of the provision of the assistance be agreed to and the government agreed to this. The government also agreed to allow the programs that were halted on the 9th of October to resume," she said, adding that the details of that resumption of aid were being worked out. The violence in recent weeks is the most serious to hit Rakhine since hundreds were killed in communal clashes in 2012. Myanmar's 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims are denied citizenship, with many majority Buddhists regarding them as illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh, and face severe travel restrictions. They form the majority in northern Rakhine. CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION Marciel said the group was able to visit many villages it wanted to see, talk to the residents, and see how people lived. They had seen some burned-down homes, he said. But the diplomats said the purpose of the mission - which was not accompanied by humanitarian staff, technical experts or independent journalists - was to stress the importance of access and transparency, not investigate reported abuses. "There's no way we have that capability," said Marciel. "That's why we said how important it is for Myanmar to have an independent, credible investigation that can look into these things more deeply." That contrasted with the portrayal of the mission by the state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar daily, which on Thursday ran a front-page story on the trip story headlined: "False accusations on violating human rights exposed to the world." A separate opinion piece in the newspaper criticized local and foreign media reporting of the allegations of abuses by the military for "working hand-in-glove with the perpetrators" of attacks on security forces and publishing "fabricated news". Some villagers on Wednesday crowded around the delegation and were able to independently talk to the members, handing over letters and electronic memory cards with testimonies, residents, monitors and delegation members told Reuters. Following the meeting the crowd was detained temporarily by security forces, the residents said. A local authority official said the diplomats had not been taken to U Shey Kya, a village where eight women have told Reuters they and dozens of others were raped or sexually assaulted by soldiers. A resident of U Shey Kya contacted by telephone said the villagers had waited for the delegation on Wednesday, but it did not arrive. The account was corroborated by Chris Lewa from Arakan Project, a monitoring group with a network of Rohingya sources in the villages. Underscoring the tense atmosphere of the trip, at least two Rohingya Muslims were briefly detained during one meeting on Wednesday in the village of Kyee Kan Pyin, which was attacked on Oct. 9, after authorities identified them as suspects, three witnesses said. The people were freed after U.S. ambassador Marciel intervened, the witnesses said. (Reporting by Wa Lone and Simon Lewis; Additional reporting by Minami Funakoshi in Kyoto, Japan; Writing by Antoni Slodkowski in Yangon; Editing by Alex Richardson) By Minami Funakoshi KYOTO, Japan (Reuters) - The Myanmar government is responding to conflict in the troubled north of Rakhine state, which has suffered its worst violence since 2012, based on rule of law, leader Aung San Suu Kyi was quoted as saying on Thursday. Nobel Peace Prize winner Suu Kyi has faced mounting criticism abroad for her government's handling of a crisis in the Muslim-majority region, where soldiers have blocked access for aid workers and are accused of raping and killing civilians. She has also not directly commented on calls from human rights experts urging the government to investigate the allegations of abuse, or on statements from human rights monitors, although she has urged the military to act with restraint. Troops have poured into the area since militants believed to be Rohingya Muslims launched coordinated attacks on border posts on Oct. 9, killing nine police. The government says five soldiers and at least 33 alleged attackers have been killed in the military operation. In Japan on a five-day visit that included a meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Suu Kyi met Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, who said violence could not be permitted in dealing with the crisis, a Foreign Ministry statement said. "The problem in Rakhine state is extremely delicate and care is needed in responding," Suu Kyi was quoted as saying. "The Myanmar government is responding to the issue of Rakhine state based on the principles of the rule of law." Kishida said Japan was giving two used vessels to the people of Rakhine, as well as a new vessel. On Wednesday, Abe pledged $7.73 billion to Myanmar over five years to support its peace-building and development efforts. The military operation has sharpened the tension between Suu Kyi's six-month-old civilian administration and the army, which ruled the country for decades and retains key powers, including control of ministries responsible for security. While Myanmar's army-drafted constitution puts the military firmly in control of security matters, diplomats and aid workers say privately they are dismayed at Suu Kyi's lack of deeper involvement in the handling of the crisis. Suu Kyi received an honorary doctorate from Kyoto University for "advancement of democracy in Myanmar and in the world as a whole", telling Japanese students and Myanmar citizens that difficulties in negotiating peace between armed ethnic groups stemmed from a lack of belief. "Unity and diversity is not something that can be implemented just because you want to implement it," Suu Kyi said in response to a question at a discussion at the university, where in the mid-1980s she researched her father, independence hero Aung San. She was not asked directly about the Rohingya. "It is a long process. It takes a lot of patience," she added, without referring to Rakhine. "We believe this is possible." The Rohingya are seen by many Myanmar Buddhists as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Some 125,000 remain displaced and face severe travel restrictions in squalid camps since fighting erupted in Rakhine between Buddhists and Muslims in 2012. (This story has been refiled to change quote in 12th paragraph to "Unity and diversity is not" from "Unity in diversity is not") (Additional reporting and writing by Elaine Lies; Editing by Nick Macfie) Nadiya Nisaa believes Dain Said's latest work will repeat the success of "Bunohan". 3 Nov "Perfect" is the word used by Malaysian actress Nadiya Nisaa to describe the upcoming Dain Said movie, "Interchange". Nadiya, also known as Nadiyatul Nisaa Kamaruddin, who stars in the movie, guaranteed that the thriller will surprise audiences when it opens in cinemas this 1 December. "I have yet to watch a local movie which has the magical touch that Dain Said injects into "Interchange","said the actress to Utusan Online. "It is so unique and interesting until it is like the most perfect movie." "I've previously starred in "Dukun" too, which was also a great piece but unfortunately it wasn't released to the public," the actress added, referring to Dain Said's 2007 horror thriller. Apart from Nadiya, "Interchange" also stars Malaysian actors Shaheizy Sam and Iedil Putra, as well as Indonesian stars Nicholas Saputra and Prisia Nasution. Nadiya believes that "Interchange" will repeat the success of "Bunohan", another Dain Said movie released in 2012, which went on to win Best Film at the Malaysia Film Festival and Best Screenplay at the 2014 ASEAN Film Festival. "Interchange" is already proving to be a success on its own as it has been screened at various film festivals even before opening in its home country of Malaysia. It will be seen next as one of the six movies representing Malaysia at the 27th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), taking place from this 23 November until 4 December. (Photo source: Nadiya Nisaa's Instagram) james webb space telescope golden mirror person nasa gsfc NASA on Wednesday announced a huge milestone in its $8.7 billion James Webb Space Telescope mission: the completion of the observatory's gigantic golden mirror. To commemorate the moment, the space agency's Goddard Space Flight Center released a dramatic video about the telescope on YouTube. "The efforts of thousands of people across the United States, Canada, and Europe, for almost two decades achieved this milestone," the narrator said. "Getting to this point wasn't easy. ... Before astrophysicists' dreams of building Webb could be realized, 10 technologies that did not exist needed to be created and perfected. They were." The video shows off many of those revolutionary technologies, including lightweight support structures, sensors, and more. But we noticed that a crucial part of the telescope about a minute and 30 seconds into the video is blurred out beyond recognition: In case that's hard to see, here's a labeled screenshot: jwst blurred mirror segment labeled And let's zoom in on that a bit: jwst blurred mirror segment labeled We provided the first image to Lynn Chandler, a NASA representative for JWST, and asked why the part circled in red was blurred out. "This technology is proprietary. The government must respect the intellectual property of its industry partners," Chandler told Business Insider in an email. We then asked which company made the blurred-out part, and requested more details about it and its role in JWST's mission which, by the way, is to study objects at the edge of the universe and quite possibly the air around Earth-like exoplanets. "That is the secondary mirror support structure with the secondary mirror on it, which includes details of mirror mounts," Chandler said. "The secondary mirror relays light from the primary mirror and does optical correction." For reference, below is JWST's secondary mirror with its convex, gold-plated surface. It's a critical part. It takes all of the giant primary mirror's light and focuses it onto a third mirror inside the telescope's housing, which then bounces it into a suite of detectors. Presto, images of the universe. Story continues The blurred-out part on the backside, which you can't see, is noted by the arrow: jwst secondary mirror nasa labeled NASA declined to tell us which company made the blurred-out part, saying that information is an International Traffic in Arms Regulations issue. (More on this jargon in a moment.) However, we know Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor that designed the spacecraft, and Ball Aerospace built the secondary mirror. Lon Rains, a Northrop Grumman representative, declined to comment further and asked us to direct our questions to NASA. Ball Aerospace did not immediately respond. Wait: Why is a mirror considered a weapon? james webb space telescope mirror reflection nasa Why is the back of a mirror on a taxpayer-funded scientific observatory considered an "arm" that must be regulated? Probably because of spy satellites. After all, if your telescope can see as sharply as Hubble, yet resolve objects 10 to 100 times dimmer as JWST should be able to do that could be useful for peering down at human activity on Earth. And the US government wants to maintain any edge it can over the militaries of countries like China and Russia. In fact, if you're working in the US or for the country on anything that could be even remotely considered a weapon, including a do-it-yourself spacesuit, you have to make sure it's not on the Department of State's ITAR munitions list. Otherwise you might have to pay up to $1,094,010 and possibly face jail time for each violation. ITAR experts are common inside companies and agencies that work with space technologies, so one of them at NASA probably reviewed their video and said "this part has to be blurred out" to avoid a violation. "It's basically caution about space hardware details being released by the US government," Anand Sivaramakrishnan, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland (which works closely with the JWST mission), told Business Insider. "If I had a piece of space hardware in my room, I may not be allowed to have a foreigner come into my room" per ITAR regulations, Sivaramakrishnan said. "I couldn't let him or her touch it." What isn't being shown? james webb space telescope golden mirror complete nasa gsfc Though we're not in the aerospace business, we don't want to violate ITAR and possibly pay a million dollars. But we can describe what's back there, generally speaking. (Note: There is a moment in the NASA video that does appear to show the back of the secondary mirror.) So what is it? Sivaramakrishnan said it's probably the support structure for the mirror, plus a cluster of motorized actuators that can move it. You're already familiar with mirror actuators if you've driven a modern car. They're what whir when you fiddle with a side-mirror adjustment knob. But where automobile actuators typically have only two actuators and degrees of freedom side to side, and up and down each of JWST's mirrors has six degrees of freedom. Sivaramakrishnan said the cluster of six actuators is called a hexapod. "If you take a computer keyboard and hold it in space, it needs six numbers to describe where it is in space," he said. That's up and down, forward and backward, side to side, and a rotational aspect to each one. "So if you want to put a mirror in the exact right location, you have to specify that. And that's a hexapod." The precision you need in a space telescope in mind-bogglingly precise, though. And JWST has 19 gold-plated mirrors with a hexapod a piece. Sivaramakrishnan said the tolerance or error in distance that the primary mirror of JWST can only be off by 140 nanometers, or just larger than the width of an HIV virus. Any more, and there could be huge problems with the focus and exposure. The hardware required to do this on JWST is "fancy," he said, and "the details are under restriction." So if you'd like to find out more, now is as good a time as any to work toward your aerospace engineering degree and get a job at NASA or one of its contractors. Good luck! NOW WATCH: The US military has an ultra-powerful telescope it uses to monitor junk in space More From Business Insider (Adds quote, details from Fitch) NEW YORK, Nov 3 (Reuters) - The global amount of negative-yielding government bonds fell to $10.4 trillion as of Nov. 1, its lowest level since the end of May, as a result of higher euro zone bond yields and a stronger dollar, Fitch Ratings said on Thursday. This compared with the $10.9 trillion of negative-yielding sovereign debt on Sept. 12 and its recent peak of about $11.7 trillion in late June, according to the rating agency. The level of government debt that carries negative yields, however, remained high, hurting pensions, insurance companies and other long-term investors which traditionally hold large amounts of bonds, Fitch said. "While the outstanding amount of negative yielding sovereign debt declined in recent months, the persistence of low and negative yielding debt globally will continue to take its toll on investors, particularly buy-and-hold investors such as insurance companies," it said in a statement. European government debt yields, led by Italy, have risen in recent weeks, reducing the sum of that region's negative-yielding debt by about $450 billion, according to Fitch. Amid political concerns about Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi's Dec. 4 referendum, Italian debt trading with sub-zero yields fell to $340 billion outstanding from $480 billion since Sept. 12, the rating agency said. In October, 10-year Italian government bond yields rose to 1.678 percent, which was nearly a half percentage point increase from September and its biggest monthly rise since May 2012, according to Reuters data. (Reporting by Richard Leong; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Meredith Mazzilli) Surely Netflixs The Crown is a TV milestone heres a bingeworthy show about Elizabeth II, the purposefully unexciting British monarch whose existence has been guided, almost unyieldingly and for more than half a century, by a conservative belief that her chief duty is to not upset the apple cart. Theres a reason no one has ever pitched a series called Breaking Badly with Tradition. Yet Crown is wonderful history, bustling, gripping and gossipy (and consider: season 1 stops in 1955, years before Dianas rogue adventures). But the show is also highly respectful of the principled Elizabeth as she learns to suss out her wily prime minister Winston Churchill (John Lithgow), copes with her ambitious but cloddish husband, Philip (Matt Smith) and drifts apart from her fun-loving, romantically feckless sister Margaret (Vanessa Kirby). Crown was created by Peter Morgan, the author of two acclaimed Elizabethan vehicles for Helen Mirren: The 2006 movie The Queen, which won Mirren the best actress Oscar (and arguably played a role in restoring Buckingham Palaces reputation after Princess Dianas death), and the play The Audience, which won her the Tony in 2015. He clearly has great empathy for this particular monarch, and he and his team have managed to shape the show around and breathe sharp life into a potentially vexing dramatic irony: His heroine, time and again, is forced by law and tradition to uphold the status quo, to stay rooted in place, to do nothing but fold one hand over the other and tell other people, in effect, Fugetaboutit. This applies to matters both of great public import (Margarets desire to marry the divorced Peter Townsend, a match Elizabeth is depicted as initially supporting) and small (her preference again, initially to select a junior staff member over a senior one for her secretary). Elizabeth doesnt necessarily choose to be the killjoy of the realm, but she feels she has no choice: Shes ever mindful of that 1936 calamity, the Duke of Windsors abdication, and shes constantly being kept in line by the row of pecking ducks who are her elders. Never let them see the real Elizabeth Windsor, Churchill instructs her before she goes off on a world tour. Let them look at you and see only the eternal. Story continues You know its only a matter of time in the course of these 10 episodes before the Corgis come on the scene. After a while you do want the poor woman to have some nice, uncomplaining company. Foy, as Elizabeth, is crucial to making Crown work: The actress showed a similar observational alertness as the doomed (and ruthlessly clever) Anne Boleyn in Wolf Hall, but here she displays a quick, quiet, enduring, encompassing poise. Its like watching a grain of sand, stuck inside an oyster, grow into an enormous pearl. The entire cast is terrific, but Jared Harris deserves special praise as Elizabeths forlorn papa, George VI, who more or less excuses himself from the palace in order to take up residence in a grave in Westminster Abbey. Its a performance of tremendous reserve and sadness and, for that matter, much more moving than Colin Firths George in The Kings Speech. Uneasy lies the head and all that. The Crown begins streaming Friday on Netflix. Currently, More than 700 Students Attend Science60's Classes in Kolkata and Ghatsila LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 3, 2016 / Dr. Sandra Vonderlind, who has more than a decade's worth of instruction experience, is pleased to announce a new project that is putting Science60's Classes on the internet. Science60 was launched in late 2014 and is currently being taught in Kolkata and Ghatsila. To learn more about Science60 and watch a short video about the project, please visit https://goo.gl/ZCWMml. As a spokesperson for Science60 noted, utilizing 21st century technology gives people the ability to span distances and overcome scheduling conflicts to create an interactive and immersive learning experience. "While many adults already enjoy the convenience of distance learning in an online classroom, younger students were not getting the same flexibility, until now," the spokesperson said. Science60 is updating the classroom to give all students an opportunity to discover science with a web-based model and classroom assistance to guide students through material. Previously, Science60 was sending teachers from classroom to classroom, which meant that visits had to be scheduled precisely, and conflicting schedules could present a problem. "Now, this web-based model will be putting Science60's lessons in classrooms all over India. The primary instruction will be online, but each classroom will still benefit from an assistant to facilitate student learning, manage troubleshooting, and ensure safety of students engaging in experiments," the spokesperson said, adding that scheduling conflicts will be overcome and an even larger amount of students will be enjoying the hands-on learning approach that makes Science60 such an engaging program. In order to help pay for the costs associated with making Science60 into a web-based model, Dr. Vonderlind recently launched a fundraiser on Kickstarter. She hopes to raise $49,081 through crowdfunding to help unlock scientific curiosity in as many young children as possible. Story continues "We have come to the Kickstarter community to explain our practice and hopefully encourage the members to support us in taking Science60 to the next level," noted the spokesperson for the project. About Science60: Science60 was launched almost two years ago, and is currently being taught to more than 700 students. Science60 uses a student-centered learning model and helps keep them engaged and practicing active learning. Science60 is now being expanded to include a web-based model, so more students will have access to the innovative program. For more information, please visit https://goo.gl/ZCWMml. Contact: Lois Beck admin@rocketfactor.com (949) 555-2861 SOURCE: Science60 Nicole Kidmans latest film role is one thats deeply personal for the actress because it involves a family that looks a lot like hers. In a new interview with Town & Country magazine, Kidman explains why she felt drawn to her character Sue in the upcoming drama Lion. I can see now, for Lion, that it was important to me because Im a mother with adopted children, she says. This movie is a love letter to my children. Lion tells the story of Sues adoptive son Saroo (played by Dev Patel), who as a young boy became accidentally separated from his birth family in India. As a young man, he tries to find them, using Google Earth to search for his home village. The movie, which premiered earlier this year at the Toronto International Film Festival, is based on Saroo Brierleys personal story, documented in his non-fiction book A Long Way Home. Kidman adopted her two older children, Isabella, 23, and Connor, 21 with ex-husband Tom Cruise. She is also mom to Sunday Rose, 8, and Faith Margaret, 5, with husband Keith Urban. Sue is deeply maternal and full of unconditional love, which is beautiful, Kidman, 49, tells Town & Country. Thats why I wanted to do it. I relate to that. I feel that for my own children who are adopted. Its not about anything else other than I wanted you. Its that deep and personal, and whatever your journey is, Im here to love and support you. Thats what I connected to. RELATED VIDEO: Nicole Kidman Is OK With Missing Her Daughters Wedding Kidman, who posed for the magazine in Dior Haute Couture, also opens up about how she typically picks her roles, calling herself the wild card. Im so spontaneous sometimes to my detriment and sometimes my benefit but its how Ive always been, she explains. My husband never knows what Im going to choose. And then hell ask me to explain why and I cant! The December/January issue of Town & Country will be available on newsstands Nov. 15. Lion hits theaters on Nov. 25. Lagos (AFP) - Nigerian police on Thursday said an investigation had been launched into allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation of women and young girls in camps for those made homeless by Boko Haram violence. Federal police chief Ibrahim K. Idris said the reports had caused him "deep concern" and directed a special panel to conduct a "discreet and unbiased investigation". Human Rights Watch said this week it had documented 43 cases of abuse that took place in July in seven camps for internally displaced people (IDP) in the northeastern city of Maiduguri. The abuse, including rape and sexual coercion, is alleged to have been carried out by camp leaders, police officers and soldiers. President Muhammadu Buhari said he was "worried and shocked" by the claims. Idris said police commanders had been ordered to increase security at the camps to "ensure adequate safety of all IDPs and... that all perpetrators of any criminal act are decisively dealt with in accordance with the law". "Any act that violates the human dignity of the IDPs" will not be condoned anywhere, he added. The governor of Borno state, of which Maiduguri is the capital, this week called for undercover police to patrol the camps. The Boko Haram conflict has left at least 20,000 people dead in northeast Nigeria since 2009 and forced more than 2.6 million from their homes. IDPs are also facing severe food shortages, which aid agencies say has led to high levels of severe acute malnutrition, particularly among children, and famine in some hard-to-reach areas. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iraq is not planning for U.S. military advisors to accompany Iraqi forces inside the city of Mosul, at least for now, a U.S. military spokesman said on Thursday, potentially limiting America's role in the offensive against Islamic State. U.S. troops have been accompanying and advising Iraqi forces in fighting on the outskirts of Mosul since Baghdad launched its assault toward the city two weeks ago, keeping some distance behind the fast-shifting front lines of contact. In a sign of the risks, one of those U.S. advisors was killed on Oct. 20 by a roadside bomb. The campaign is expected to become even more complicated as the fighting moves squarely into Mosul, particularly given the risk to the estimated 1.5 million civilians still in the city. Air strikes by the U.S.-led coalition are going to need to be carefully waged to avoid civilian deaths. Still, Air Force Colonel John Dorrian, a Baghdad-based spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition, told Pentagon reporters that Iraq's plan did not call for U.S. advisors or those from the coalition inside the city itself. "There is no plan for coalition forces to go in there. And the Iraqis have said, it's just gonna be their forces," Dorrian said, when asked if U.S. advisors would accompany Iraqi troops. U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the definition of Mosul itself might not, for example, include some of the suburbs of the city. Dorrian also acknowledged that Iraq's plans could change. "I have been doing public affairs for a very long time. And I don't like to use the word never," he said. The fall of Mosul would signal a pivotal defeat for the ultra-hardline Sunni jihadists in Iraq but could also lead to land grabs and sectarian bloodletting. Islamic State is also expected to morph into a more classic insurgency once it loses its final pockets of territory in Iraq. Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi told his followers on Thursday there could be no retreat in a "total war" against the forces arrayed against them, as advancing soldiers battled into their northern Iraqi stronghold. (Reporting by Phil Stewart; Additional reporting by Stephen Kalin in Kokjali, Iraq and Dominic Evans in Baghdad; Editing by James Dalgleish) When Rodericka Moore was just 20 weeks pregnant, doctors told her that she had high blood pressure and an alarmingly high protein count. Everyone was freaking out, Moore, 25, tells PEOPLE. I had to be transferred to another hospital and was told Id be having my baby very soon. She was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a rapidly progressive pregnancy condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Just five weeks earlier, when she was 15 weeks pregnant, Moore had her gender reveal party. I paid to have the 4D ultrasound, says Moore of High Point, North Carolina. I had the urge to do it early and I never knew why. She happily told her friends and family that shed be having a baby boy named Amari. It was so exciting, says Moore, who also has a 1-year-old son. So it was really scary when they started talking about the NICU. I was crying because I didnt know what to expect and no clue what the outcome would be. At 22 weeks pregnant, doctors told Moore and her husband Andre, 27, that if the baby had to be delivered at that moment, he wouldnt survive. They said theyd do everything they could, but it isnt until the baby is 25 weeks that they can get guarantee he has a chance of surviving, she says. Doctors tried to prolong delivery as long as possible, but at 24 weeks, Moore developed HELLP syndrome, a life-threatening pregnancy condition that was a complication from the preeclampsia. The baby had to be delivered, she says. I was put to sleep for an emergency C-section. Amari was born in February at just 15 ounces. Doctors told her that he had a 10 percent chance of surviving. They didnt see him making it through the night, she says. But I had faith. Every day was a miracle. The first time she saw her newborn son, Moore says she couldnt fight back the tears. I looked at him as a mother and I was excited. I still had the new mom feeling. Its only now that I realize how small and fragile he was at the time, she says. Story continues Baby Amari was in the neonatal intensive care unit for 120 days and has survived four hernia surgeries and phenomena. Now at 8 months old, Amari is 11 pounds, 11 ounces, and continues to grow and thrive. The proud parents celebrate every milestone, including the first time he rolled over. Hes a healthy and playful baby, Moore says. He wants to play with his brother. Hes underweight, of course, and isnt doing what babies his age are doing. Hes still on milk and cant eat baby food, but hes doing great. She adds, He stands up straight on his feet and then he falls. He doesnt see himself as a baby who was born at 24 weeks. The couple says they are blessed for every day theyve had with him. When he was born they told me they didnt know if hed make it two weeks, she says. Were very lucky. SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea on Thursday said it had appointed a new ambassador to the United Kingdom, more than two months after the embassy's number-two diplomat defected to South Korea, in an embarrassing blow for the regime of leader Kim Jong Un. The North's official KCNA news agency said the new ambassador is Choe Il, whom South Korean media have previously reported was a senior official in the country's foreign ministry. KCNA's one-line statement did not mention a new role for Pyongyang's incumbent ambassador in London, Hyon Hak Bong. In August, South Korea announced that Thae Yong Ho, the number-two official in the North's London embassy, had defected with his family to the South, making him the highest ranking diplomat to flee the isolated regime for the democratic South. Thae has yet to appear in public since his arrival in South Korea. (This story has been refiled to fix Hyon's name in paragraph 3) (Reporting by Tony Munroe; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) north korea The Center for Strategic and International Studies's Beyond Parallel released new polls that shed light on one of the most obscure areas in global studies the opinions of ordinary North Korean citizens. North Korea's 25 million citizens live under an oppressive, totalitarian government that freely detains or even puts to death citizens that stray from official messaging in any way. Simply listening to outside media not sanctioned by the state can result in death. But the small survey, which gives a voice to those living under unimaginable scrutiny, reveals what many in the international community believe to be true North Koreans are unhappy with their state and risk severe punishments to cope with it in their personal lives. This is the first time were hearing directly from people inside the country, Dr. Victor Cha, head of Korea studies at CSIS, told The Washington Post. Beyond Parallel carried out the survey so that it would present minimal risk to those involved. Ultimately, they wound up with a small sample size that nonetheless conveyed a sentiment with near unanimity: North Koreans know that their government does not work, and they criticize it privately at extreme personal peril. Kim Jong Un Out of the 36 people polled, zero said that the country's public distribution system of goods provides what they want for a good life. Out of the 36, only one said they do not joke in private about the government. While it may not seem like a big deal to those in the West who enjoy free speech and can readily make jokes about their government, consider this 2014 finding from the United Nations on the state of free speech in North Korea: Story continues State surveillance permeates the private lives of all citizens to ensure that virtually no expression critical of the political system or of its leadership goes undetected. Citizens are punished for any anti-State activities or expressions of dissent. They are rewarded for reporting on fellow citizens suspected of committing such crimes. Beyond Parallel reports that formal state-organized neighborhood watches "regularly monitor their members" and report any behavior that deviates from what the state deems appropriate. The picture painted by Beyond Parallel's research paints a picture starkly in contrast with the images we see flowing out of North Korea's state media, which usually feature Kim Jong Un smiling broadly while touring military or commercial facilities. The US and international community have long tried to lobby North Korea's greatest ally, China, to exert some influence on the isolated dictatorship to ease the suffering of the North Korean people, and protect the region from Pyongyang's nuclear belligerence. NOW WATCH: A photographer captured the dismal reality of life in North Korea on his phone More From Business Insider OSLO (Reuters) - Norwegian police will release the chief executive of Swedish measurement technology firm Hexagon (HEXAb.ST) from custody no later than Saturday, Senior Public Prosecutor Marianne Bender said on Thursday. CEO Ola Rollen was detained in Sweden on Oct. 26 on suspicion of insider trading and was transferred to Norway at the request of authorities. He denies wrongdoing and has not been charged. Bender told Reuters: "The investigation will go on at full strength after the release ... it's too early to say how long the investigation will continue." Rollen said in a statement he plans to resume his position as head of Hexagon. "I feel confident that I am not guilty of any illegal insider trading. Going forward, I will fully cooperate with the Norwegian authorities in their investigations, and I hope for a swift conclusion. I am looking forward to resuming my duties as CEO of Hexagon AB," he said. Hexagon's shares fell by 10 percent on the day the news was announced, and had fallen further since. By 1329 GMT on Thursday the share traded 2 percent higher for the day. Rollen, one of Sweden's most successful chief executives, is accused of insider trading in connection with an investment in Norwegian company Next Biometrics ASA (NEXT.OL) in October last year, a transaction that did not involve Hexagon. Rollen's Norwegian lawyer Erik Keiserud said he saw no grounds for suspicion against his client. Earlier on Thursday, an appeals court rejected a request by Rollen for an immediate release, saying the police evidence gave cause for suspecting that a crime had been committed. Hexagon Chairman Melker Schorling reiterated his support for Rollen in a separate statement. The company also said Rollen would resume his duties as CEO as soon as possible and that Hexagon in the coming days would announce a date and time when Rollen would "address stakeholders". (Reporting by Terje Solsvik and Stine Jacobsen; Editing by Susan Fenton/Ruth Pitchford) The New York Times has launched Watching, its long-planned TV and film recommendation website. The site offers consumers a curated list of films and programs based on qualifiers such as binge-worthy, joke heavy, brainteasing, family-friendly and strong female lead to name a few. The idea is to help readers tailor programming to their specific choices. It will also help the NYT target specific consumer demographics for advertisers based on those choices. The service is supported by Google Chromecast and is an extension of the NYT editorial department, with television editor Gilbert Cruz and his team cobbling together the content. Watchings film recommendations there are several hundred on the site and more are being added every week are assigned by Cruz, who uses reviews from NYT movie critics A.O. Scott, Manohla Dargis and Stephen Holden as well as the Times Critics Picks as guidance as to whether a movie should be considered for the site. Monica Castillo is the sites movie writer, but the newspaper also regularly uses work from freelance contributing critics including Scott Tobias, Noel Murray and Alissa Wilkinson. Consumers can choose a show or film and then click through to an individual recommendation page to read more about it, find information on where to stream it, and link to essays, interviews, recaps and reviews from across the web (not only from the NYT). The service covers studio and independent films as well as all the major networks, cable and streaming services, including the less mainstream platforms including Google Play, Snag Films and Fandor, to name a few. Related stories Gustavo Dudamel Sings, Critics Swoon Over Propulsive 'Cosi' At Disney Hall NYT's Sulzberger: No Print Edition In Future Reports: Newsweek Sale To Sidney Harman Miami (AFP) - President Barack Obama cut loose with a barn-burner campaign appearance Thursday, energizing tepid Florida Democrats to get out, vote and give Hillary Clinton the chance to take up his mantle. Leveraging every ounce of his high approval ratings, Obama deployed the same oratorical flair that brought him into the White House in support of a would-be successor he once described as "likable enough." In turns coaxing and berating -- leaning on the podium and banging his fists -- Obama tried to inject energy and optimism into the nasty, bruising race between Donald Trump and his Democratic rival. Two years of shrill campaigning have only added to America's disdain for politics and politicians. Obama tried to turn that alienation on its head, saying his achievements in office were actually theirs. "It's because of you that 20 million people have health insurance that didn't have it," he said. "It's because of you that we made this progress." "I'm not just asking you to believe in Hillary's ability to change things. I'm asking you to believe in your ability to change things." "Hillary Clinton will move us forward if you give her a chance." Obama was caustic and dismissive of Trump, who the president is shadowing across Florida Thursday. "Anybody who is upset about a 'Saturday Night Live' skit, you don't want in charge of nuclear weapons. I'm serious," Obama said. "This is a guy who tweets they should cancel 'Saturday Night Live,' 'I don't like how Alec Baldwin's imitating me.' Really? "This isn't a joke. This isn't 'Survivor.' This isn't 'The Bachelorette.' This counts." Speaking at a rival rally moments later, Trump hit back, questioning why Obama was wasting time outside the Oval Office when he won't be there for long. "Why isn't he back in the White House bringing our jobs back? And helping our veterans? Why?" he told supporters. Barack Obama President Barack Obama continued his tour of eviscerating Donald Trump and down-ballot Republicans on Thursday in Miami as he hops among swing states in hopes of electing Hillary Clinton next week. Obama spoke for more than an hour at the rally, which took place at Florida International University. He relentlessly mocked Trump and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who has become a favorite target in recent weeks as he hopes to help elect Rep. Patrick Murphy to Rubio's seat. "Listen, you even have a Republican senator saying you cannot afford to give the nuclear codes to somebody so erratic," he said. "And as Hillary points out, anybody that you can bait with a tweet is not someone you can trust with nuclear weapons," he added. "Anybody who is upset about a 'Saturday Night Live' skit you don't want in charge of nuclear weapons. "No, I'm serious. This is a guy who, like, tweets they should cancel 'Saturday Night Live' I don't like how Alec Baldwin is imitating me. Really? I mean, that's the thing that bothers you, and you want to be president of the United States? Come on, man. Come on." Making note of a litany of past Trump controversies, including his treatment of workers and boasts about groping and kissing women, Obama said Republicans "can't make excuses for this stuff" and that it was not "a joke." "This isn't 'Survivor,'" he said. "This isn't 'The Bachelorette.' This counts. This has to do with what's going to happen in your family, in your community, to soldiers and veterans, the safety of our kids." Obama, hitting the podium with his hand: "This isn't a joke! This isn't Survivor! This isn't the Bachelorette! This counts!" pic.twitter.com/W3VLT0LHvd Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) November 3, 2016 The president soon turned his attention on to Rubio, saying his opponent, Murphy, "actually shows up to work," a line of attack aimed at Rubio's Senate attendance record. He also made note of where the two differ on the Republican presidential nominee. Story continues "And there's one other big difference between Patrick and Marco: Marco supports Donald Trump," he continued. "Now, keep in mind, earlier this year [Rubio] called Donald a 'dangerous con artist.' He said that Donald Trump has 'spent a career sticking it to working people.' And then he tweeted this is Marco Rubio he tweeted, 'Friends don't let friends vote for con artists.'" "So guess who just voted for Donald Trump a few days ago? Marco Rubio," Obama said. "Obviously, he did not have good enough friends." After laughter from the crowd, Obama said that vote "tells you something." "Now, if you knew better when you were running against Trump you knew he was a con artist, spent a lot of time sticking it to working people this is what you said I mean, I'm not making this up, right? I just want to be clear," he said. "He said this. It's quoted, taped, right? If you knew better, and then you went ahead and voted for this guy anyway and supported this guy anyway, that means you are somebody who will say anything or be anything, be anybody just so you can get elected or cling to power." He continued: "And you know what, if that's the kind of person you want representing you, I guess you should vote for Marco Rubio. But if you want a senator who will show up and work for you, and have some integrity, and has some consistency, and will actually say what he thinks and what he means and then act on that, somebody you have confidence in then you should vote for Patrick Murphy." Obama moved his criticism on to all Republicans in Congress a move Clinton, the Democratic nominee, has often avoided on the stump. The president said Republicans spent "eight years being against me," and they would be against Clinton if she were in office. He criticized them for not confirming Judge Merrick Garland, his choice for the vacant Supreme Court seat whom he nominated in March. "Some of the same folks who just a while back said, well, we can't have hearings and vote for the guy Obama nominated because we're so close to the election, we should let the next president make the nomination. Right? That's what they said," Obama said. "So now they think Hillary might win they say, well, we might block hers too," he continued. "Wait, but I thought you said that the people were going to decide. Can I talk to the press for a second? What happened? Do we ever run back the tape? Do we ever kind of go, well, what happened? That's what they said, and now they're saying something entirely different. Come on, man. This has got to be on the level." He said it's "just not true" that Democrats and Republicans are "equally obstructionist" in Washington, DC. "You've got some Republicans right now who are suggesting they will impeach Hillary," he said. "They don't necessarily know why, but they're just going to impeach her. Imagine if you had sitting Democratic senators saying that about Donald Trump before he was even elected, saying, he will be impeached." Obama's Florida address came one day after he gave a similar speech in North Carolina, during which he said the "fate of the republic rests on" the shoulders of those voters. "The fate of the world is teetering," he warned on Wednesday. Noting Obama's increasing number of speeches on behalf of Clinton, Trump has ripped Obama both on the trail and on his Twitter account for spending time campaigning. "Looking at Air Force One @ MIA," Trump tweeted Thursday. "Why is he campaigning instead of creating jobs & fixing Obamacare? Get back to work for the American people!" NOW WATCH: Obama: Trump couldnt get a job at 7-Eleven More From Business Insider (This version of the Nov. 2 story corrects the destination of the pipeline in paragraph 10 to Illinois from Gulf Coast refineries) By Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said the U.S. government is examining ways to reroute an oil pipeline in North Dakota as it addresses concerns raised by Native American tribes protesting against its construction. Obama's comments late on Tuesday to online news site Now This were his first to directly address the escalating clashes between local authorities and protesters over Energy Transfer Partners' $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline project. "My view is that there is a way for us to accommodate sacred lands of Native Americans. And I think that right now the Army Corps is examining whether there are ways to reroute this pipeline," Obama said in the video interview. The U.S. Department of Justice did not comment on Obama's statement regarding rerouting the line, citing pending litigation involving the tribes and an ongoing review of permitting by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "Ultimately, this is a determination the Army must make based on its own review, and we dont yet know what that decision will be," a Justice Department spokesman said. On Wednesday, protesters on the banks of the Cantapeta Creek confronted law enforcement, as they attempted to build a wooden pedestrian bridge across the creek to gain access to the Cannon Ball Ranch, private land owned by ETP, according to a statement from Morton County officials. The U.S. Justice and Interior Departments along with the Army Corps of Engineers halted construction on part of the pipeline in September due to protests by Native American tribes who contend the pipeline would disturb sacred land and pollute waterways supplying nearby homes. The affected area includes land under Lake Oahe, a large and culturally important reservoir on the Missouri River where the line was supposed to cross. The Army Corps of Engineers confirmed Wednesday that it let law enforcement go into this land to prevent further campsites from being set up. Story continues Construction is continuing on sections of the pipeline away from the Missouri River, according to one of the owners of the pipeline and also to U.S. refiner Phillips 66. The 1,172-mile (1,885-km) pipeline, being built by a group of companies led by Energy Transfer Partners, would offer the fastest and most direct route to bring Bakken shale oil from North Dakota to Illinois. North Dakota officials are girding for a long fight. The state's emergency commission on Tuesday approved another $4 million loan to support law enforcement during the protests. David Archambault II, chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux, in a Wednesday statement lauded Obama's comments and called on the administration and the Army Corps of Engineers to issue a stop-work order on the pipeline on federal land. He also called for a full environmental impact study. "The injustices done to Native people in North Dakota and throughout the country must be addressed. We believe President Obama and his Administration will do the right thing," he said. LETTING THE SITUATION PLAY OUT Obama said government agencies will let the situation "play out for several more weeks and determine whether or not this can be resolved in a way that I think is properly attentive to the traditions of First Americans." Morton County Commission Chairman Cody Schulz, in response to Obamas statement, said that letting the situation play out "affords the opportunity to the out-of-state militant faction of this protest to keep escalating their violent activities." The Now This video, however, suggests that Obama was talking about the review process, not the protests. The president later in the interview says he wants to make sure that both protesters and law enforcement are "refraining from situations that might result in people being hurt." The fight against the pipeline has drawn international attention and growing celebrity support amid confrontations between riot police and protesters. More than 140 people were arrested when a protest was broken up by law enforcement nearly a week ago. Some have said an alternative pipeline route could be a way to get over the impasse. North Dakota gubernatorial candidate Marvin Nelson, a Democratic state representative, said in an interview with Reuters last week that moving the route 10 miles (16 km) north could make a difference. "It would take some time to do that, but it seems to me to be a much safer route and it wouldn't need to cross culturally sensitive land," he said. Environmental group 350.org urged Obama to reject the federal permit for the entire project due to the risk to water supplies and the climate. "President Obama breaking the silence on Dakota Access is a testament to the powerful resistance of Indigenous leaders, but he shouldn't sit back while people are facing violent repression from militarized law enforcement on the ground," said Sara Shor, a campaign manager for 350.org. (Additional reporting by Ernest Scheyder in Houston, Julia Harte in Washington and Timothy Mclaughlin in Chicago; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Matthew Lewis) Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte Japan Asia trip visit interpreter Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has maintained a significant level of public support since taking office this summer, despite the bloodshed caused by his drug war and his often erratic behavior on the world stage. But there is at least one high-profile Filipino who's exasperated by the brusque pronouncements of President DU30, as Duterte is known. "In his consistently frequent insulting diatribes against the US, EU, and the UN, in which President Du30 also keeps complaining against the December, 2015, Paris Agreement on Climate Change (crafted by 195 nations, the Philippines included), he is unwittingly shooting himself in the mouth, and also all of us, 101.5 million Filipinos," Fidel Ramos, Philippine president from 1992 to 1998, wrote last week in the newspaper Manila Bulletin. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS. "He may claim that to be more 'insulting than friendly' to our long-established allies is part of his God-given 'destiny,'" Ramos continued. "But, this is obviously wrong, and full of S. T !!!." Ramos was inveighing against Duterte's attitude toward the international agreement to address climate change made in Paris late last year, which the current Philippine president has called "stupid" and "absurd." Fidel Ramos Philippines president army Duterte said his government would not honor the deal, as it would hinder the country's industrial growth, according to the Inquirer. Ramos had served at Duterte's special envoy to China before stepping down this week in the wake of Duterte's trip to Beijing, which appears to have yielded some progress on Manila's access to Scarborough Shoal, a longstanding point of contention between the two countries. Story continues Despite his role of envoy, Ramos has lashed out at Duterte before. In early October, the former president wrote, "we find our team Philippines losing in the first 100 days of DU30's administration and losing badly." "This is a huge disappointment and let-down to many of us," Ramos went on. Duterte, in Ramos' estimation, had failed to get results on issues like alleviating poverty, improving quality of life, and enhancing public security in his first 100 days in office which he could've addressed "if he had hit the ground running instead of being stuck in unending controversies about extra-judicial killings of drug suspects and in his ability at using cuss-words and insults instead of civilized language." Ramos, who also headed the Philippine armed forces, bashed Duterte for the latter's hostility toward US-Philippine military cooperation. Rodrigo Duterte Philippines military "Are we throwing away decades of military partnership, tactical proficiency, compatible weaponry, predictable logistics, and soldier-to-soldier camaraderie just like that?? On P. Du30's say-so???" Ramos wrote in early October. Other Philippine politicians, particularly those in the legislature, have criticized Duterte for his policies, especially his ongoing violent crackdown on drugs and drug use. But Ramos' stature may make his continued denunciations of the current president more salient and more costly for Duterte. "The primary risk is that Duterte will open up power struggles on too many fronts and find himself at odds with too many powerful enemies," regional-analysis firm Stratfor wrote in late August, roughly two months into Duterte's term. A member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) stands guard while residents look on near the scene where two suspected drug pushers were killed during a police operation, in metro Manila, Philippines October 8, 2016. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco This, Stratfor argued, could lead "to political instability such as that which plagued the Philippines from the late 1980s through the early 2000s." A survey in September put Duterte at a +64 net approval rating, meaning he had widespread public support. And, more recently, Duterte's apparently successful engagement with China over Scarborough Shoal seems to have won Philippine fishermen renewed access to the waters there. But Scarborough may yet prove to be a lightening rod: Should the nascent Manila-Beijing detente in the South China Sea fall apart, and Manila's position on matter worsen, Duterte may find himself facing backlash from both Ramos and many of their countrymen. NOW WATCH: The US struck radar sites in Yemen after rebels tried to attack a Navy ship with missiles More From Business Insider * Merkel and Bavarian allies at odds on migrants cap * Issue is holding up her bid for fourth term in power * Bavarians worried by threat of anti-immigrant AfD By Paul Carrel BERLIN, Nov 2 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative 'Union' is anything but unified, with her Bavarian allies preparing to hold their annual party conference without her as the alliance struggles to repair divisions over her open-door migrant policy. A year ago, the Bavarians' leader, Horst Seehofer, embarrassed Merkel by criticising her in front of his Christian Social Union (CSU) party faithful for failing to put a cap, or "Obergrenze", on the number of refugees entering Germany. This year, Seehofer and Merkel have agreed to each stay away from the other's party conference - a split that is holding up a widely expected announcement from her that she will seek a fourth term as chancellor next year. "We know what an internationally recognised chancellor she is - that is obvious," Bavarian state Finance Minister Markus Soeder told German broadcaster ARD. "Nevertheless, the issues will be discussed first and then the personnel." The CSU is sister party to Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU), and together they form 'The Union'. But angst in the fiercely proud and traditional CSU about last year's influx of almost a million migrants has sown discord between the allies. Merkel has repeatedly rejected a migrants cap on the grounds it would be impossible to enforce. Soeder, a potential successor to Seehofer, refused to say he would support Merkel as the chancellor candidate backed by the CSU, which is sister party to Merkel's CDU. The CSU, which holds its conference on Nov. 4-5, faces a regional election in 2018 and is worried about losing votes to the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has punished the CDU in other state votes this year. Leading resolutions for debate at the CSU conference are "political Islam is the greatest challenge of our time" and "prevent a slide to the left - so that Germany remains Germany". Story continues The hard-line tone reflects concerns about the party losing its absolute majority in Bavaria. A poll for SAT.1 Bayern on Thursday put support for the party at 44 percent, with other parties that would get into the regional assembly on 49 percent. CDU and CSU officials say that by not attending each other's conferences, Merkel and Seehofer recognise it is in their mutual interests to avoid clashes while they resolve their differences, and before campaigning together for next year's election. The CDU holds its party conference in early December. Keeping some tension over the migrants issue with Merkel, a Protestant pastor's daughter who grew up in communist East Germany, is in the interests of Seehofer as he tries to stem any further erosion of support to the AfD and parties on the left. Catholic Bavaria was the point of arrival for most of the nearly 1 million migrants who arrived in Germany last year. In a television programme broadcast earlier this year, Seehofer showed off an elaborate train-set at his home which features a figurine of Merkel standing at the main station. "In relaxed times between me and the chancellor, she is the boss of the complex," he said standing proudly over the train set, before revealing that he moves her figurine to the window sill when they argue. "In difficult times: window sill." (Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke; Editing by Richard Balmforth) From Town & Country Last month, Niche, an educational institution data company, released its ranking of the best colleges across the country. Given that we are less than a week away from the presidential election, it makes sense to look at a breakdown of higher education institutions by political leanings. Niche based its ranking of the most conservative colleges on student reviews at 747 schools. While numbers one and two-Liberty University and Brigham Young University-are no surprise, Texas A&M, the Lone Star state's largest and oldest public university and the fourth largest in the country, was named number eight. Its engineering college was also ranked number one on a list of the Best College Values earlier this year. Here are the top ten most conservative colleges in the United States: 1. Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia 2. Brigham Young University - Idaho, Rexburg, Idaho 3. Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, Ohio 4. Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 5. Bob Jones University, Greenville, South Carolina 6. Maranatha Baptist University, Watertown, Wisconsin 7. Biola University, La Mirada, California 8. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (above) 9. University of Northwestern - St. Paul, Saint Paul, Minnesota 10. Colorado Christian University, Lakewood, Colorado You Might Also Like The warnings about election fraud came in fast and loud in North Carolina. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump spent the summer and fall claiming that Democrats would rig the presidential election. You wont vote 15 times, but people will, Trump told a crowd in Wilmington in August. Theyll vote many times. Then in early October, the vice chair of the local GOP in the home of the state capital of Raleigh, sent a letter to local party activists, warning that fraud could be rampant at county precincts. It is not an exaggeration to say the left is targeting Wake County, Wake County Republican Party vice chair Charles Hellwig said in his letter. They will stop at nothing and registering dead people or falsifying voter information is simply a means to an end for them. Meantime, there was concern on the other side about voter ID laws and voter purges suppressing Democratic turnout. With little more than a week to go before the election, the NAACP filed a suit against the North Carolina Board of Elections alleging that thousands of voters in nearby counties, primarily African-Americans, had been purged from the voter rolls. This is our Selma, and we will not back down and allow this suppression to continue, said the Rev. William Barber, president of the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP. From all sides, the message was clear: the fairness of the election was up for grabs. Wake County, a large Democratic-leaning district in a 2016 battleground state, is like hundreds of counties across the country where faith in the election has been shaken by unusual laws and incendiary election-year rhetoric. Officials are trying to conduct a normal election in extraordinary circumstances, relying on tried and tested rules to monitor the poll and shore up public trust. In Wake, concerns may matter more than elsewhere: it is North Carolinas second-biggest county, and if Clinton wins the state, it will be in part thanks to high turnout there. Story continues Local election officials in Wake County are seeing a large uptick in phone calls from voters worried about fraud. No matter what we do, every election there are going to be people that question the process, said Gary Sims, the director of the countys board of elections. But this is a different environment. Its getting more of a spotlight than it has in the past. Local officials and local party leaders are working overtime across the country to ensure the sanctity of the vote. In Wake County each polling site has three special county officials, as well as between five and fifteen assistants helping to oversee the voting in each precinct. The officials cannot all be of the same party. The local Democratic and Republican parties play a role, too. In North Carolina, each party is permitted to have two poll observers inside each of the countys 202 precincts and 20 early voting sites to monitor the proceedings. The observers are usually Democratic or Republican unpaid volunteers who are drafted by their party, given training by their partys county officials and sent to do a shift at a voting site. Each party is allowed an additional 10 at-large monitors who are not assigned a particular voting site. At the polling sites, the partisan volunteers are allowed to observe registration and balloting and obtain lists of voters. If they have concerns they can report to nonpartisan county elections offficials. They are not, however, allowed to speak to voters, distribute campaign material or enter voting booths. Outside polling places, the parties are allowed to send greeters to talk to voters and hand them a list of candidates they recommend voting for from president to county, but those volunteers are not permitted within 50 feet of the polling place. The rule is meant to protect against voter intimidation. In addition, the ballot counting machines in Wake are repeatedly tested, Gary Sims of the countys board of elections explained. Officials try as many as dozens of voting combinations on different ballots on each machine before they are rolled out for early voting. Fears have been stoked about busing in voters from outside the county, especially when voters can be seen getting out of vehicles to cast ballots at the side of the curb. But it turns out they are handicapped curbside voters, a fact that election officials had to explain to suspicious residents who called to complain.. So far, elections officials in the county say, so good. But around the edges, other fears of misconduct are mounting. North Carolina is one of more than 40 states that allows private citizens to challenge voters eligibility. That flared up in recent claims that officials in nearby were canceling voter registrations of thousands of black North Carolinians, residents who election officials said had appeared to have moved addresses. The NAACP filed suit on Oct. 31 and is asking a federal court for an injunction before Election Day. Democrats have teams of volunteer lawyers and law students who ensure registered voters are able to vote, that ballots are available and polls stay open, and watch for voter intimidation. Were in situation now where theres so much focus being put on the validity of the election that that hyper vigilance can lead to issues, said Brian Fitzsimmons, chair of the Wake County Democratic Party. I cant say were expecting problems but were preparing in case they happen. Even in a tense environment, there have been no credible reports in Wake of wrongdoing. In fact, the countys Democrats and Republicans enjoyed a moment of harmony last month during early voting when they found their poll greeterswho carry all-important slate cards with lists of each partys candidateswere unable to get close to the polling center. The states 50-foot rule, prohibiting party volunteers from getting close to the precincts, was being applied to curbside voting as well. Fitzsimmons, the Democratic chair, phoned the Republican Party office to sort out a solution. Both parties worked with local officials to fix the rule. The fact of the matter is that this vitriol were seeing publicly in this campaign is not necessarily occurring between people on the ground, Fitzsimmons said. The Republican Party vice chair, Charles Hellwig, who wrote the strongly worded letter warning about voter fraud, said that in retrospect voting has been going just fine. Hopefully it turns out my rhetoric was extra strong and not needed, Hellwig said. By Jamie Freed and Brenda Goh SYDNEY/ZHUHAI, China (Reuters) - Riding an overseas tourism boom, China's airlines are sprucing up services on gleaming new jets to fresh destinations with the bold aim of cracking a lucrative passenger market dominated by established rivals - Western business travellers. At Airshow China this week, the country's largest air expo, flag carrier Air China showed off virtual reality goggles for long-haul business class customers. Fast-growing Hainan Airlines has unveiled menus by Michelin-star chefs, joining bigger players like China Eastern and China Southern in touting new offerings. China already accounts for a quarter of all business travel spending, according to a Global Business Travel Association report this week, up from 5 percent in 2000. But much of that is domestic: as they expand economy service abroad - and rates of growth ease at home - mainland carriers are preparing to do battle for the highest-margin travellers. Standing in their way are established Asia business travel heavyweights like Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Qantas. To succeed, Chinese airlines will need to shrug off historical doubts about safety records, and in some cases lure customers away from prized air miles schemes. "The work required to create growth is exhausting, that has not left much bandwidth to focus on strategic growth, like improving corporate and premium," said Will Horton, a Hong Kong-based senior analyst for aviation consultancy CAPA. But the push is definitely there. Why leave money behind?" The logic for pursuing business travel growth is clear. On flights between the South Pacific and Asia, according to data from the International Air Transport Association, premium passengers account for 8 percent of travellers but generate close to a third of revenue. As the volume of Chinese air travellers grow, weekly non-stop flights between Australia and mainland China alone have grown by 18 percent to 114 over the last 12 months, according to data from CAPA. Each business class seat filled on those routes would give a handsome boost to revenue. Story continues SAFETY, SERVICE HURDLES As Chinese carriers move to market their premium services in advertising in places like Australia, they face having to persuade Western customers that their customer service and amenities match standards elsewhere. Overcoming safety concerns - despite a strong recent record - and loyalty schemes remains the tallest hurdle, frequent fliers say. "I don't know the Chinese safety record, but anecdotally you feel safer on Cathay," said Mike Young, managing director of Perth-based mining firm Vimy Resources, who regularly travels to mainland China in business class. But after a spate of crashes in the 1990s, airlines have revamped and invested heavily, spending billions of dollars in recent years on buying new planes, led by China Southern which took delivery of its 700th aircraft in September. The carrier is currently the fourth largest in the world by fleet size, according to China Aviation Daily. There has not been a fatal crash involving a Chinese airline since a China Eastern domestic flight crashed shortly after take-off in 2004. "(Wary flyers) have a perception that is based on the past 30 years," said Louis Lu, Managing Director Australia and New Zealand at Guangzhou-based China Southern. "But just like China's economy, a lot has changed in the past 30 years. We have a brand new and young fleet and it is all Boeing and Airbus models...Safety is definitely not a problem." Assuming the Chinese carriers convince on safety, they will still need to meet service requirements. "You can spend money on brand new aircraft with decent business class seats, such as China Southern's (Airbus) A380," said David Flynn, editor of independent travel website Australian Business Traveller. "But when your flagship business lounge is little better than a domestic Qantas lounge, or your crew serve soft drinks warm and red wine chilled, you are going to struggle to win over any Western business travellers." (Reporting by Jamie Freed in SYDNEY and Brenda Goh in ZHUHAI, China; Editing by Clara Ferreira Marques and Kenneth Maxwell) Pakistan on Thursday accused eight Indian embassy employees of involvement in spying and terrorism but stopped short of expelling them, in the latest apparent tit-for-tat move as relations between the two countries nosedive. The declaration came days after a similar move by New Delhi, which accused six Pakistani diplomats of being part of a spy network, forcing Islamabad to withdraw them from their posts. "A number of Indian diplomats and staff... have been found involved in coordinating terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan under the garb of diplomatic assignments," foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakariya told a press briefing in Islamabad. He went on to name the eight men including one accused of using a false identity to pose as an employee of a Pakistani mobile network. "All these eight officials were involved in espionage, subversion and supporting of terrorist activities," he said. New Delhi rejected the allegations, calling them "baseless and unsubstantiated". "We completely reject the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations made by Pakistan against certain officials of Indian High Commission in Islamabad," Vikas Swarup, foreign ministry spokesman told reporters in New Delhi. "The allegations against the Indian officials represent an afterthought and a crude attempt to target these officials for no fault of theirs," he said. Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours have soared since a raid last month killed 19 soldiers on an Indian army base near the de-facto border dividing the disputed Kashmir region, the worst such attack in more than a decade. India blamed militants in Pakistan and said it had responded by carrying out strikes across the heavily-militarised border, although Islamabad denies these took place. Cross-border shelling between the two countries has led to at least 14 civilian deaths in November alone. Tensions were already high before the army base attack, with nearly 90 people killed in clashes with security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir over the death of a popular separatist leader in July. Story continues Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from Britain in 1947. Both claim the territory in full and have fought two wars over the mountainous region. The latest round of diplomatic expulsions began on October 27 when India detained a Pakistani visa official accused of spying, later declaring him persona non grata and sending him home. Pakistan responded with a similar move the same day. By Syed Raza Hassan ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A long-distance train collided into stationary coaches in the Pakistani port city of Karachi on Thursday, killing at least 20 people, hospital officials said, in the country's second major rail collision in less than two months. Television footage showed mangled and overturned carriages, and media reported rescuers were working to free people trapped in the wreckage. Train traffic between Karachi, Pakistan's biggest city, and the rest of the country was suspended after the collision near the city's Landhi station, television news channels reported. Sixty-five people were injured in the collision, said Seemin Jamali, head of the emergency department at Karachi's main Jinnah hospital. The collision occurred between the moving Zakaria Express and the stationary Fareed Express, the railways ministry said. Minister Khwaja Saad Rafique pointed at negligence as a possible cause, with a stop signal being ignored. The whereabouts of the driver and assistant driver of the Zakaria Express were unknown, he said. He ordered an investigation which would be completely within 72 hours. "Facts will be brought forward, and whoever is responsible will not escape legal action and punishment," he said. In September, at least four people were killed and 93 injured when an express train collided with a freight train near the city of Multan in Punjab province. Pakistan's colonial-era railway network has fallen into disrepair in recent decades due to chronic under-investment and poor maintenance. (Reporting by Syed Raza Hassan; Writing by Drazen Jorgic; Editing by Nick Macfie) Karachi (AFP) - At least 21 people have been killed and dozens more injured after two trains carrying hundreds of passengers collided in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi during morning rush hour Thursday, officials said. Witnesses described watching in horror as one train sped into the city's Quaidabad Railway Station and rammed into the second, which was stationary, with the roar of the crash swiftly followed by the screams of people trapped inside. Rescuers armed with metal-cutting equipment and heavy cranes managed to pull all the passengers from the twisted wreckage, officials said. Many were rushed to Karachi's Jinnah Hospital, where an AFP reporter described horrifying scenes as the injured lay screaming and crying while medics rushed to help them. "I am dying, I am dying, please, please, I am dying," cried Abdul Ghaffar, 55, as doctors tried to move his legs and hands. He appeared to have multiple injuries, while his children and wife were also wounded and lay on beds nearby. Other victims appeared too stunned to talk. Many had head and foot injuries, and at least one man had his leg amputated below the knee. Dr Kaleem Shaikh, the senior medical officer at Jinnah Hospital, put the death toll at 21 with 65 wounded. Among the dead, he said, were a couple and their twin daughters. Casualties were still being counted but there could have been a total of up to 1,000 passengers on board the trains when the accident occurred, said Nasir Nazeer, an administrative official in Karachi. Pakistan's railways minister claimed the driver had been asleep, but local officials said only that an inquiry has been opened into the cause of the accident. - 'We heard screams' - The accident occurred when the incoming "Zakria Express" from the central city of Multan rammed into the "Fareed Express" from Lahore, as it waited at Quaidabad Station, also known as Jumma Goth, in Karachi's Landi neighbourhood. Story continues Ajab Gul told AFP he was on his way to his factory job when he witnessed the accident. "Suddenly another train came speeding in and smashed into the parked train," he said, describing the sound of the crash as "huge". "There were clouds of dust and smog. After that we heard screams. People inside the collided trains were screaming and crying." Onlookers rushed to their aid, he said, adding that he had helped pull 17 people, including women and children, from the wreckage. But, he added, "there were many other people trapped inside... we could not get them out." Train services from Karachi to the rest of the country have been suspended. Rail accidents are common in Pakistan, which inherited thousands of kilometres (miles) of track and trains from former colonial power Britain. The railways have seen decades of decline due to corruption, mismanagement and lack of investment. Thursday's crash was the second this year involving the Fareed Express. In February the northbound train hit a van at a crossing in southern Pakistan, killing eight people from the same family. Railway accidents in Pakistan often take place at the unmanned crossings, which frequently lack barriers and sometimes signals. Separately, at least 13 people were killed and nearly 100 wounded in two pile-ups involving 16 vehicles on the Lahore-Islamabad motorway due to dense smog, local police official Aslam Gondal told AFP. The first collision was between two trucks and a bus, accounting for most of the casualties, while the second pile-up involved multiple cars. (ISLAMABAD) Pakistan on Wednesday withdrew six diplomats from its embassy in New Delhi, officials said, amid rising tension between the two countries over the disputed region of Kashmir. In another mark of the increasing animosity and suspicion between the nuclear-armed neighbors, two Pakistani officials said that they had uncovered an alleged network of Indian spy agencies working at the Indian embassy in Islamabad. They said authorities have sought Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs approval to expel a number of Indian diplomats. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the issue. In New Delhi, Vikas Swarup, the Indian External Affairs Ministrys spokesman, confirmed that six Pakistani diplomats flew back to Islamabad after being withdrawn by their government. He told The Associated Press that Pakistan had not yet expelled any Indian diplomats from the country. Swarup said earlier Wednesday that India had summoned senior Pakistani diplomat Syed Haider Shah to protest cease-fire violations in Kashmir. Last week, India expelled Pakistani diplomat Mahmood Akhtar from the embassy in New Delhi after detaining him on espionage charges. Within hours, Islamabad retaliated by expelling Indian diplomat Sujeel Singh. Akhtar told The Associated Press that he was arrested by Indian police while visiting the zoo in New Delhi. He said that while in detention he was tortured and forced to confess on camera to working for Pakistans spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence. He said that police kicked him with batons and beat him. My whole body is still in pain, he said. No Indian official was immediately available to comment. The diplomatic spat has grown out of rising violence in Kashmir, a mountainous region claimed by both countries and divided into Pakistani and Indian-controlled regions. Several troops from both sides have died in recent skirmishes along the Line of Control, which demarcates the two parts of Kashmir. Story continues A number of militant attacks in Indian-controlled Kashmir have added to the tension. Two of the three wars between India and Pakistan since 1947 have been fought over their competing claims to Kashmir. ___ Sharma report from New Delhi, India JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli troops shot dead a Palestinian who tried to stab a soldier near a settlement in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, the military said. The soldier was attacked as he guarded a bus stop near Ofra, the force said. "Responding to threat, forces at the scene shot the assailant, resulting in his death," it added. Over the past year, Palestinians, many acting alone and often using rudimentary weapons and cars, have killed at least 35 Israelis and two visiting Americans in similar attacks. During the same period, at least 226 Palestinians have died in violent incidents in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. Of those, Israel has identified 154 as assailants, while others were killed during clashes and protests. Palestinians have accused Israeli police and soldiers of using excessive force in many such cases. Israel has opened investigations of several incidents. Palestinian leaders say the assailants are acting out of desperation over the collapse in 2014 of peace talks and the expansion of Israeli settlements on occupied land that Palestinians seek for an independent state. (Additinal reporting by Ali Sawafta in Ramallah; Writing by Ori Lewis; Editing by Andrew Heavens) From Redbook Two parents in Washington state have been accused of injecting their three children, ages, 6, 4, and 2, with heroin to get them to sleep, KIRO-TV reports. When police arrived at their home, they found Ashlee Hutt and Mac Leroy McIver living with those kids in a house covered with rat droppings and strewn with needles and heroin. Someone had called Child Protective Services to report that they saw Hutt inject her kids with heroin, and authorities heard similar stories when they interviewed the kids. "Some of the statements they [the children] made were very disturbing about how they would get sleeping juice to go to sleep and it was injected into them by needle," Detective Ed Troyer of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department told the TV station. In November 2015, the kids were taken away from the parents while the investigation took place and were brought to foster homes. Charges: Ashlee Hutt, 24, injected heroin into her children ages 2, 4, & 6. They reportedly called it "feel good medicine" pic.twitter.com/00zyAqeVOm - Kevin McCarty (@KevinKIRO7) October 31, 2016 The oldest child told police that "his mom and dad give him and his sisters the 'feel good medicine,' [which] he described as a white powder which was mixed with water," and that medicine would be injected through a needle; the kids would then go to sleep, according to an affidavit. Investigators found puncture marks and bruises consistent with injections on the children's bodies. According to the Huffington Post, the youngest child tested positive for heroin, the middle child tested positive but at levels too low to confirm it, and the oldest child tested negative. "The kids lived in deplorable conditions," Troyer told the Washington Post. "It wasn't a good living situation even without the issue of heroin. We unfortunately find kids living in deplorable conditions all too often, but we don't see parents intentionally putting drugs into kids." Story continues Hutt and McIver admitted to police that they use heroin, and that one other adult in their home did as well. McIver told police that a babysitter might have injected the children. Both parents have pleaded not guilty to three counts of second-degree child assault, delivery of a controlled substance to a minor, and child endangerment; they are being held on $100,000 bail each. You Might Also Like Paris (AFP) - France's only erotic museum is closing its doors, its owners said Thursday, after passions flagged in the "city of love" for its titillating though surprisingly tasteful collection of artefacts. Just down the street from the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret in Pigalle, the closure hastens the slide of Paris' naughtiest neighbourhood towards respectability. Owners Jo Khalifa and Alain Plumey, a former porn star, who founded the museum nearly 18 years ago, said the double whammy of falling tourist numbers and rising rents caused by creeping gentrification had done for the Paris Erotic Museum. "We never got any support from either the state nor the city of Paris," Khalifa told AFP. "Although it has to be said, I could never imagine politicians supporting us." He said its whole collection, including its love chairs and a notorious 18th-century French musical automaton of a couple in flagrante, will be sold off when the doors close on Sunday. Auctioneer Bertrand Cornette described the sale as "exceptional" saying the museum's collection was a "world tour of erotic art, a unique panorama of customs and cultures" through their sexual proclivities and fetishes. - 'Capital of pleasure' - Everything from a forest of phalluses to South American objects based on female genitalia, to a Thai pipe shaped liked a reclining male member will go under the hammer. Much of the 2,000-item collection, including its oldest object, an 18th-century marble plaque of the Hindu god Vishnu from an Indian tantric temple, comes from Asia. "Erotic representations in art are very rare," Cornette insisted, "and it would be very hard to put together this collection" which has been amassed over three decades. The auction also includes many drawings and photographs from late 19th-century "Belle Epoque" Paris, when the city was seen as the world capital of pleasure. Story continues There are also objects taken from France's legal brothels or "maisons closes" which were shut down after World War II. But the most expensive object is expected to be a modern bronze sculpture of a woman making love to a robot, which is estimated to fetch 8,000 euros ($8,800). Khalifa said like almost all tourist attractions in France, visitor numbers had fallen sharply because of the wave of terrorist attacks over the past 18 months. "There is no reason we should be spared that... leaving us no choice but to sell our collection," he said. In a touching footnote, several drawings by Georges Wolinski, one of the cartoonists killed during the gun attack on the offices of the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine in January 2015, will also be sold. The artist, known for his saucy sense of humour, had been a supporter of the museum. The "Bridget Jones Diary" and "Grey's Anatomy" star is to headline a crime thriller based on a James Patterson and Liza Marklund novel. For "The Postcard Killings," Patrick Dempsey will become a NYPD detective making connections between the death of his own, recently married daughter, and a spate of murders across Europe. Production will start in Feburary, according to Deadline Hollywood. Directing is Janusz Kaminski, Steven Spielberg's go-to cinematographer on a host of films including "Saving Private Ryan," "Schindler's List," "Catch Me If You Can" and "Bridge of Spies." Should "The Postcard Killings" reach cinemas before "American Dream," also in production, then it will mark Kaminski's feature-length debut as a director. Hes earned millions of Instagram followers but can he earn millions of dollars? Dr. Mikhail Varshavski, a.k.a. Dr. Mike, a.k.a. PEOPLEs Sexiest Doctor Alive of 2015, is competing on Fridays episode of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. This week, the series has honored Hometown Heroes including the three American men who stopped the terrorist attack on a train to Paris last year and Dr. Mike is being singled out for his charity work and healthspiration. Making him even more lovable: He plans to donate his winnings to the Susan G. Komen foundation for breast cancer. Dr. Mike caught PEOPLEs eye last year with his Instagram account, which he uses to promote healthy living. By showing myself being out with my dog or playing sports, it motivates people to get active, the Russian-born, New Jersey-based medical resident said. I was always into helping people, but now I can do it on such a larger scale. To date, he has 2.1 million followers. Varshavskis episode of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire airs Friday; check MillionaireTV.com for time and network. From Cosmopolitan During the third and final presidential debate, Republican candidate Donald Trump made his views on abortion - and Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized the procedure in 1973 - clear. "Im putting pro-life justices on the court," Trump said about overturning Roe v. Wade. "I will say this. It will go back to the states and the states will then make a determination." What Trump described was once a reality in the United States. Forty-three years ago, before Roe v. Wade made abortion legal in all 50 states, abortion rights were left to state legislatures. In 1970, just three years before Roe, only four states had legalized abortions. And even where abortion was legal, the lack of a national law allowed states to create severe restrictions that forced women to get permission from a panel of doctors in order to get an abortion, or prove that they were likely to die if they went on with the pregnancy. (Today, states can still make laws restricting the procedure, but many have been challenged, including Texas's House Bill 2, which reached the Supreme Court. Parts of the bill were struck down as unconstitutional.) The reality was that millions of women were terrified of unwanted pregnancies, because unwanted pregnancies relegated them to seeking out illegal, unsafe abortions from people without any medical practice. The years before Roe were often described as "the bad old days." But because 1973 was so long ago, the number of people who were alive to see how horrible an America without legal abortion nationwide can be is shrinking. Cosmopolitan.com spoke with two physicians who were practicing before Roe v. Wade about what the days before Roe were really like, and why its crucial that we never go back there again. Dr. Curtis Boyd is a 79-year-old ob-gyn and abortion provider who still practices in New Mexico and Texas. As a young physician before Roe, he provided thousands of safe, illegal abortions in East Texas from 1967 to 1973. He is one of the last living physicians who performed abortions before they were legal. Story continues Photo credit: Courtesy of Carolyn Lobeck "I started giving abortions in 1967. Some feminist groups began to do menstrual extractions when abortion was still illegal. [Editors note: A menstrual extraction is a process in which a tube attached to a jar is inserted into a womans uterus, and then the contents of her uterus are hand-pumped through the tube and into the jar. These extractions were originally used to evacuate a womans period and were therefore legal, as long as she was not pregnant.] Since the women were not doctors, they werent held to any rule that you had to do a pregnancy test before you could do an extraction. It was dont ask, dont tell. There were also some places [to get illegal abortions] that began to develop outside the country in Japan, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. But it turned out that many of these sources were not doctors, they were technicians. We saw a lot of the complications in the hospitals. I was a doctor in training. Women came in bleeding, with fever, with incomplete evacuations, with perforations. Some of them were quite ill and occasionally someone died. We thought a lot of these were spontaneous abortions - we didnt realize all of them were induced. The only reason we know that now is that when abortion was legalized, these cases disappeared. There were probably over a million illegal abortions being provided each year in this country, so when it was legalized, it did not increase the number of abortions. It just had a much higher complication rate [before Roe v. Wade], and today, weve made it one of the safest medical procedures that there is. One thing thats always misrepresented is that all the people providing illegal abortions were back-alley - this is not true. They were midwives and nurses who did what they could with their limited training equipment, but the complication rate was high. They were people of good intention, and I was actually among them. Howard Moody, who was a Baptist minister from New York, started the Clergy Consultation Service and is probably the reason I ended up in this field of work. Im an ordained minister. Claude Evans, who was then the university chaplain at Southern Methodist University, started one of those clergy consultation groups in Dallas. When I was in medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern, I joined the Unitarian Universalist congregation in Dallas, and thats how I came to know Evans. In the 60s, there were a lot of young women on campuses like SMU who were asking for help, so I think these clergymen began to see it as their Christian duty to hear their stories. Many university chaplains, like Evans, became sympathetic to the plight of young women who became pregnant when they did not want to be. Evans eventually asked if I would consider providing abortion services. The referral process in those days was like an underground railroad. Everything went through the ministers - the clergymen in the consultation group. They set up the appointment, the woman came, and then she was not to come back to me. If she had a problem, the ministers took care of it. People dont realize - these ministers were so fabulous. They did everything they could to make this service available, to work toward getting it legalized, and to take care of me as best they could. They knew that I could go to prison; we broke the law. They didnt teach it medical school, so I had to teach myself how to perform abortions. Women would come into emergency rooms and hospitals with complications from the illegal abortions that were being done, and since I took care of these women, I had experience doing D&Cs and completing the evacuation of the uterus to take care of the complications. [Editors note: A D&C, ordilation and curettage, is a gynecological surgical procedure in which the cervix is opened and an instrument is inserted into the uterus for the purpose of removing tissue. They are typically used to treat conditions like abnormal bleeding, or in the cases Boyd is describing, after a woman has miscarried. After Roe v. Wade, they are now also used for some first-trimester abortions.] That gave me enough confidence to believe I knew how to do an abortion, so I started but had to teach myself additional things. I wasnt in a hospital where I had general anesthesia. But Im a good student and a good observer, and I was very critical, and I found ways to keep improving and making the procedure better and safer. I also developed techniques to be able to terminate the pregnancy further along in the second trimester. Women came to me mostly from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, but also from all parts of the country. It very quickly became apparent that there were too many women - I could not possibly see all of them. My primary care practice disappeared, and I ended up providing abortions full-time. And there was no way there were enough hours in the day. If you didnt show up for your appointment, you probably werent going to get another. It was hard to me to say no, but you have to eat and sleep, so it was necessary. I thought, If its ever legalized, and I open a legal clinic, I dont ever want to have to say no again. The reason I was moved to provide abortions was to achieve women their rightful place in society - one of respect and equality. When you have a legislature taking over your body when you become pregnant, suddenly youre relegated to a second-class citizenship. Whether you think abortion is wrong is irrelevant. Whether you think the woman may not be making the best decisions is irrelevant. Its her life, her body, and she gets to make the decision, not you. Thats the reason I do this work. Ill retire when I die. When my brain and hands are gone, or when I die - thats when Ill retire. The frightening thing about what Donald Trump said is, yes, reversing Roe v. Wade is a possibility. I hope its no more a possibility than Donald Trump being elected president, but there is that possibility. Its frightening to think, What if that happened? After all weve fought for, were only one Supreme Court justice away from reversing Roe v. Wade completely. Weve already lost a lot of it. All these restrictions the states are passing now would hold up if the anti-abortion forces control the Supreme Court appointments. The Supreme Court has already overturned parts of the law here in Texas, and these other state laws will be overturned too. But if we lost the Supreme Court, it would be devastating." Dr. David Grimes is a retired ob-gyn who provided abortions for 42 years. Though hes recently retired from his practice, he still dedicates his life to teaching future generations about the necessity of giving women the right to choose. He was finishing medical school in North Carolina in the early '70s, before Roe v. Wade but after North Carolina legalized abortion within the state. In the early days of his medical training and practice, he treated women who came into the hospital with life-threatening complications of illegal abortions. Photo credit: Courtesy of David Grimes "The decades before Roe v. Wade were the bad ol days. It was horrible carnage - and every one of those deaths was preventable. These women werent dying of exotic diseases. They were dying of simple things like hemorrhage and infection, and any third-year medical student with adequate equipment couldve easily handled it. But the reason those women were dying is because the country had not yet made the decision that these womens lives are worth saving. Its just one of the ugly manifestations of misogyny, and it needs to be understood as such. It was a profound disdain of women and their autonomy. Back in the '50s and '60s, every major metropolitan hospital in the U.S. had a septic abortion ward. The most common reason for admission to gynecological services in America was complication of abortion. When I was a doctor at L.A. County hospital in 1986, my predecessors whod trained there told me the septic abortion ward at that hospital was a 20-bed, U-shaped ward, and they had two private rooms. These private rooms were there so women could be alone with their families as they died from complications of illegal abortions, and those rooms were always full. When the California laws changed in 1967 and abortion became legal in the state, those wards emptied, closed, and were converted to other uses. I started doing abortions as a fourth-year medical student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the early '70s. The laws in North Carolina changed in 1970, before Roe v. Wade, and made abortion legal in the state. But there were restrictions in the state law - you had to have two physicians who sign off their approval for the procedure. It was degrading for a woman to have to go before a panel of physicians to justify what she wants to do. When Roe v. Wade was decided, all the restrictive state laws like North Carolinas were struck down as unconstitutional. What Roe v. Wade said, essentially, is in the first trimester, you cant intervene between the doctor and patient. Things didnt get better immediately after Roe v. Wade. When I was a young doctor in the early years after Roe v. Wade, I can recall seeing two patients in particular. One patient was called to the emergency room when I was on call, and she reportedly had a fever of 106 or 107 degrees. I thought that was an error, because I had never seen folks with fever that high, except folks with heat stroke. I discovered it wasnt an error - the patient was desperately ill, and when I did the pelvic exam, I found a red, rubber catheter protruding from the womans cervix. It had been put in place by a technician the next town over. She was a well-known illegal abortion provider who was still practicing in the early days after Roe v. Wade. That was a very effective means of inducing abortion - putting foreign bodies in the uterus. A soft, rubber catheter - like the kind we use to catheterize the bladder - was commonly used in back-alley abortions. They were inserted into the uterus and taped in place, and they would cause infection, which would then induce an abortion. The more invasive the illegal abortion technique of putting things in the uterus, the more successful and the more dangerous it was. But we removed the catheter and saved that womans life. The second case I remember very well. Again, when I was on call one night, I was asked to come to the emergency department to see a young student from the University of North Carolina. She came in near death; she was in septic shock. She had virtually no blood pressure, and when I examined her, I found a dead fetal foot at about 17 weeks gestation protruding through her cervix. The circumstances were suspicious. But I didnt press the issue, it wasnt my job to be the inquisitor. We quickly emptied her uterus, gave her antibiotics, and saved her life as well, and sent her home. Those are just two examples, but they were routine back in prior decades. If abortion became illegal, it would get bad - but it would not be as bad as in the pre-Roe days. We have safer techniques today by which women could self-induce, specifically misoprostol. Women are using them already in places like Texas. But the point is, why should women be driven to those measures when we have competent health-care providers standing by? Anyone who is opposed to abortion and contraception is, by definition, a misogynist. It shows profound disrespect and disdain for women as autonomous, constitutionally protected citizens. Its also foolish - it would hurt everyone. No one benefits from restrictions on abortion. Safe, legal abortion has always been a win-win-win. Its good for the woman, its good for her children, its good for the family, and its good for society. Youve got to respect women. If women cant make such a profound, fundamental decision about whether or not to have a child, that is unconstitutional. To respect women as equal members of society, you have to support their reproductive rights." Interviews have been lightly edited for length and clarity. Follow Hannah on Twitter. You Might Also Like By Joseph Ax NEW YORK (Reuters) - Philadelphia public transit officials may ask a federal judge as soon as Friday to force striking workers to return to their jobs on Election Day if a deal is not in place by then, an agency spokesman said on Thursday. The work stoppage has raised fears that some voters in and around Philadelphia, which is heavily Democratic, might face difficulties getting to the polls for Tuesday's U.S. presidential election. The agency was considering a request for an injunction to ensure voters can cast ballots in the country's fifth largest city by population, said Andrew Busch, a spokesman for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). About 4,700 members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 went on strike on Monday night after failing to reach a deal with SEPTA on issues including healthcare and pension benefits, shuttering bus, trolley and rail services that provide 900,000 rides a day. Pennsylvania is a key swing state in the presidential campaign between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump. In addition, the U.S. Senate race pitting incumbent Republican Pat Toomey against Democrat Katie McGinty is considered one of half a dozen close contests that will determine which party controls the Senate, which is currently dominated by the Republicans. Polls show McGinty with a slight lead. The union has endorsed Clinton, but members voted last month not to suspend the strike for any reason unless an agreement is reached, said union spokesman Jamie Horwitz. Philadelphia officials said previous strikes during elections had no effect on turnout. Every city resident lives within five blocks of his or her polling place, said Kevin Kelly, the acting supervisor of elections in Philadelphia. But suburban voters could also be affected. While the regional rail system is running, commuters have experienced delays, and those who work in Philadelphia may have to leave early and return late, making it harder to vote. Story continues The four counties served by SEPTA's regional rail are either Democratic-leaning or split evenly between the parties. Political analysts say the suburban vote could determine whether McGinty can eke out a victory. "It's a pretty serious issue, and it's one that no one was counting on here," said Diane Ellis-Marseglia, a commissioner in Bucks County, a suburban area just northeast of Philadelphia that is a prime target for both Democrats and Republicans. Stephanie Formas, a spokeswoman for Clinton's Pennsylvania operation, said in an email, "We are hopeful that both sides can come to an agreement in short order." In an Oct. 31 strategy memo, the Clinton campaign said it would open more than 300 get-out-the-vote offices for Election Day and knock on millions of doors to ensure voters go to the polls. Pat Poprik, chairwoman of the Bucks County Republicans, said it was possible some residents might have trouble getting to the polls between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. due to transit delays. "We're hoping they're able to make arrangements," she said, adding that the party would provide rides if needed. (Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) (Adds talks continued on Wednesday night) Nov 2 (Reuters) - Talks to resolve a strike by Philadelphia's transit workers that has stranded thousands of commuters have made some progress, the U.S. union and the transport company said during the stoppage's second day. About 4,700 workers represented by the Transport Workers Union Local 234 went on strike early on Tuesday after they were unable to reach a contract agreement with Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). The system provides almost 1 million rides a day. The strike has raised fears that it could hamper residents as they try to vote in the Nov. 8 presidential election. Democrats heavily outnumber Republicans in Philadelphia, the fifth-biggest U.S. city, while Pennsylvania is a key presidential swing state. SEPTA and union representatives "are still at the bargaining table. There was some progress made late last night and they went back to the table this morning," SEPTA spokeswoman Heather Redfern said by phone. She declined to give details about progress in the talks, which center on health-care benefits, pensions and working conditions. The strike does not affect commuter rail lines outside Philadelphia. The two sides were still in talks on Wednesday night, union spokesman Jamie Horwitz said in a phone interview. "We started seeing some positive efforts last night, but we moved an inch," Horwitz, of the Transport Workers Union, said earlier on Wednesday. He said formal talks were held at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown hotel, though informal contacts occurred at various venues. With mass transit shut down, Indego, Philadelphia's bike-share system, has seen a sharp increase in use, with about 3,500 trips on Monday, up from a normal 2,400, a spokesman said. (Reporting by Ian Simpson in Washington and Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Alan Crosby) By Jon Herskovitz AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - The estranged wife of Ukrainian pianist Vadym Kholodenko has been declared unfit to stand trial on charges of murdering her two daughters at her Texas home and ordered to undergo psychiatric treatment, her lawyer said on Thursday. Sofya Tsygankova, 32, was charged in March with two counts of capital murder in the deaths of daughters, Nika, 5, and Michela, 1. The charges can bring the death penalty. "The court (on Wednesday) found that Sofya was incompetent to proceed to a trial or any court proceedings," lawyer Joetta Keene said in an email, adding Tsygankova was examined by several doctors who gave their opinions to the court. "The judge ordered her to a state-run psychiatric hospital where she will be treated and reevaluated by them," Keene said. If Tsygankova regains competency, she can stand trial. Police said they believe Tsygankova smothered her two daughters with a pillow and then attempted suicide. Kholodenko discovered the killings when he went to pick up his children at his wife's home in the Fort Worth area, police records said. The pianist found Sofya inside a bedroom closet, wearing a blood-soaked nightgown with cuts to her wrists and a puncture wound on her chest, according to the records. Kholodenko and Tsygankova married in 2010 but filed for divorce about a year ago, according to court records. In 2013, Kholodenko won the gold medal in the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. He has been an artist in residence with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. (Reporting by Jon Herskovitz) Mike Lindell, CEO of My Pillow, once said that people are tired of phony advertising. But the company found itself being accused of misleading advertising in a civil lawsuit brought earlier this year by several California consumer-protection groups. My Pillow agreed to settle the case this week and pay almost $1 million in civil penalties. Late-night infomercials and other ads claimed that the company's pillows could cure not only insomnia but also such ailments as sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, and even multiple sclerosis. Earlier this year, the consumer watchdog Truth in Advertising (TINA.org) warned My Pillow that it would file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission if the unsubstantiated claims continued. My Pillow scrubbed its website of any health claims, but others continued cropping up on its social media sites, TINA.org reports. TINA.org shared its information with the California consumer groups, and last month the district attorneys of 10 counties filed a lawsuit alleging that My Pillow knew or reasonably should have known that the marketing claims were likely to mislead consumers. The result was a stipulated judgment, meaning the company admitted no wrongdoing, that included $995,000 in civil penalties and a pledge to give $100,000 to homeless and domestic violence shelters in California. We decided to pay out rather than pay millions to prove our innocence, Lindell told the Star Tribune in Minnesota, where the company is based. In addition, My Pillow must stop promoting itself as the official pillow of the National Sleep Foundation because it failed to disclose its financial connection with the foundation to consumers. Companies making millions from unsupported health claims that are warned by TINA.org to halt their deceptive marketing practices are going to pay a price if they dont comply, said TINA.org Executive Director Bonnie Patton. The troubles My Pillow has seen this year are enough to keep anyone up nights. In August, New York's attorney general, Eric Schneiderman, announced a $1.1 million settlement that resolved a whistleblower case against My Pillow that alleged that My Pillow knowingly failed to collect and remit sales tax on purchases made by New Yorkers over the phone or internet. Story continues Based on the investigation, the attorney general contended that My Pillow failed to collect and remit $537,000 in New York sales taxes from 2011 to 2015. Again, My Pillow denied any wrongdoing. Earlier this year, Consumer Reports bought three My Pillows to test and examined them inside and out. Although we did not issue any ratings, one tester described the pillow as kind of lumpy, but comfortable. We also polled staffers who bought My Pillow on their own in hopes of getting a better nights sleep. Half said the pillow helped them sleep, and one-third said it didnt help at all. To find the right pillow for you, read "The Best Pillow for a Good Night's Sleep." More from Consumer Reports: Top pick tires for 2016 Best used cars for $25,000 and less 7 best mattresses for couples Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S. Arkyd 6 Planetary Resources says it has finalized a $28 million (25 million) agreement with Luxembourg to ramp up its asteroid mining campaign. The deal calls for the tiny European nations government and one of its top banking institutions, the Societe Nationale de Credit et dInvestissement, to provide 12 million ($13.5 million) in direct capital investment and 13 million ($14.5 million) in grants, Planetary Resources announced today. George Schmit, an advisory board member of Luxembourgs SpaceResources.lu initiative, is joining the companys board of directors. Planetary Resources, which is based in Redmond, Wash., will also establish a European headquarters in Luxembourg. The agreement follows through on a memorandum of understanding that was announced in June. Lewicki and Schneider We are excited in welcoming the Grand Duchy as a partner and an investor, Planetary Resources President and CEO Chris Lewicki said in a news release. Just as the countrys vision and initiative propelled the satellite communications industry through its public-private partnerships, this funding and support will fast-track our business advancing and building upon our substantial accomplishments. Etienne Schneider, Luxembourgs deputy prime minister, said the deal demonstrates his countrys strong commitment to support the national space sector by attracting innovative activities in space resource utilization and other related areas. This isnt Luxembourgs first foray into the space industry: In 1985, the government became one of the founding shareholders in the SES satellite telecom company, which is headquartered in Luxembourg. The government is also partnering with another asteroid mining venture, California-based Deep Space Industries. Planetary Resources is developing spacecraft that are designed to survey near-Earth asteroids for potentially valuable resources, Even the water ice on asteroids can be converted into fuel and for interplanetary trips. Story continues The company had its first experimental mini-satellite launched last year, and its getting an infrared-imaging satellite called Arkyd 6 ready to go into Earth orbit next year. Arkyd 6 is designed to blaze the trail for a constellation of Earth-observing satellites known as Ceres, as well as more sophisticated spacecraft that can analyze and eventually extract materials from asteroids. We plan to launch the first commercial asteroid prospecting mission by 2020, Lewicki said, and look forward to collaborating with our European partner in this pivotal new industry. More from GeekWire: By Katharine Houreld NAIROBI (Reuters) - Police beat anti-corruption protesters with batons and fired volleys of tear gas to disperse them in Kenya's capital on Thursday, Reuters witnesses said. Hundreds of people rallied in the center of Nairobi in response to reports in the local media and accusations by the opposition about graft and abuse of funds in public healthcare. The Health Ministry dismissed the charges. The government of President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is expected to seek a second term in office in next year's election, made a campaign pledge to clamp down on corruption. Opponents say he has been slow to act and failed to stop high-level graft. "We supported the government before, but they let us down. Children are dying in hospitals because of corruption," said Beatrice Shiko, mother of two, who wore a red T-shirt with the slogan "Act on corruption or resign". She joined others who sang as they marched towards parliament, before police fired volleys of tear gas and officers in riot gear charged the crowd, beating some with batons. Many fled, some of them taking off their T-shirts that bore anti-corruption slogans as they ran away. Corruption is seen as a major deterrent to investors in the East African nation and a daily frustration to ordinary citizens. It is expected to be a focus for debate in next year's elections for the presidency, parliament and regional posts. Western donors have previously called for restraint by Kenyan police, who beat protesters attending other political demonstrations earlier this year. (Writing by Edmund Blair; Editing by Andrew Heavens) By Katharine Houreld NAIROBI (Reuters) - Police beat anti-corruption protesters with batons and fired volleys of tear gas to disperse them in Kenya's capital on Thursday, Reuters witnesses said. Hundreds of people rallied in the centre of Nairobi in response to reports in the local media and accusations by the opposition about graft and abuse of funds in public healthcare. The Health Ministry dismissed the charges. The government of President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is expected to seek a second term in office in next year's election, made a campaign pledge to clamp down on corruption. Opponents say he has been slow to act and failed to stop high-level graft. "We supported the government before, but they let us down. Children are dying in hospitals because of corruption," said Beatrice Shiko, mother of two, who wore a red T-shirt with the slogan "Act on corruption or resign". She joined others who sang as they marched towards parliament, before police fired volleys of tear gas and officers in riot gear charged the crowd, beating some with batons. Many fled, some of them taking off their T-shirts that bore anti-corruption slogans as they ran away. Corruption is seen as a major deterrent to investors in the East African nation and a daily frustration to ordinary citizens. It is expected to be a focus for debate in next year's elections for the presidency, parliament and regional posts. Western donors have previously called for restraint by Kenyan police, who beat protesters attending other political demonstrations earlier this year. (Writing by Edmund Blair; Editing by Andrew Heavens) With the election just days away, it's "critical" that the FBI release anything it has found in its investigation into newly discovered emails related to Hillary Clinton , former Executive Assistant FBI Director Shawn Henry told CNBC on Thursday. The FBI announced last Friday that it was looking into emails reportedly discovered during a probe in which the devices of former Rep. Anthony Weiner and Clinton aide Huma Abedin were seized. "Just merely that there's an ongoing investigation implies that there's something improper and that's completely against FBI protocol to talk about an ongoing criminal investigation. So to resolve that I think they need to come forward," Henry said in an interview with " Power Lunch ." That means even if the investigation is incomplete, because otherwise there is a big void heading into the election Nov. 8, he added. "The vast majority of the American public, I think, sees something like that and they don't understand the totality of it. And I think it's important to fill the gap with the facts rather than leaving people to their own device to determine what that actually means," said Henry, who is now president of the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike Services. His company was hired by the Democratic National Committee to investigate and stop the hacking attacks on its computer network last June. Henry's comments come at a time when political pressure is mounting on the FBI about the Clinton emails and other possible investigations. Eric O'Neill, a former FBI operative, told CNBC, "There can always be squabbles inside the family, but the dirty laundry is rarely laundered outside the FBI. And that's why this is so unusual." As for how the Clinton email investigation will proceed, Henry said agents and analysts familiar with the case will use sophisticated technology and will do things like keyword searches and look for specific emails. "They'll be looking for particular cases that they may have seen previously, top secret classification codes. They may be looking for certain numbers relating to certain documents," Henry noted. Story continues CNBC's Eamon Javers contributed to this report. More From CNBC By Helen Reid LONDON (Reuters) - Post-communist countries in Europe have made significant headway since transition, but inequality poses a growing threat to long-term development, a report from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development said on Thursday. Since the late 1990s, average incomes in the mainly central and eastern European region covered by the bank have grown significantly and poverty has diminished, but lack of recognition of the gains has created problems. Despite official data indicating no clear trend in recent years and inequality being low by international standards, most people believed it had actually increased. "Excessive concentration of wealth (among the very rich) ... may negatively affect equality of opportunity and cause a backlash against key economic and political institutions underlying market economies," the bank warned, adding it could lead to weaker growth in the long run. The shock of transition and the unequal distribution of its benefits give politicians an anti-reform narrative, ultimately resulting in threats to democracy, the bank said. "Potential losers in such reform processes should be given not only one-off compensation, but also the skills necessary to ensure their future employability," the bank recommended. Inequality of opportunity also remained higher in the EBRD region than in western European countries. Gender and communist party membership among older residents still contributed to determining life chances. The EBRD was set up in 1991 to invest in the former Soviet economies of central and eastern Europe. It has grown considerably over the last decade and now spends around 9 billion euros ($9.98 billion) a year in 36 countries from Morocco to Mongolia. The new 'Transition' report highlighted how its core region has achieved an impressive amount of income convergence with advanced economies since the late 1990s. A so-called "happiness gap" had finally closed with western European citizens in the EBRD's latest survey, although this convergence partly reflected a decline in happiness in advanced economies. The gap was measured in a survey of 51,000 households in 34 countries conducted in 2006, 2010 and 2016, asking respondents to rank from 1 to 5 their agreement with the statement "All things considered, I am satisfied with my life now". The report also found the transition had various effects. Political turmoil and price liberalization entailed significant deprivation, while generations that grew up during the peak of the changes were found to be over 1 cm shorter on average. "When income is controlled for, satisfaction levels among residents of post-communist countries are now similar to those of their western European peers - and even higher than those of people in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey," the report said. But individuals' experiences of growth differed markedly depending on their position on the income ladder. Only those in the top 27 percent of income distribution experienced average or above-average income growth. Some 23 percent were actually worse off now than in 1989, while 33 percent experienced income growth below the G7 average. (Reporting by Helen Reid, editing by Larry King) Nov 3 (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. - U.S. President Barack Obama implied that the decision by James Comey, the FBI chief, to announce the discovery of new emails possibly related to the Hillary Clinton case had violated investigative norms. http://nyti.ms/2efySYU - On Wednesday, Gawker Media capitulated, settling with former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, for $31 million, according to court documents, and bringing to a close a multi-year dispute that stripped the company of much that once defined it. http://nyti.ms/2fjKNG9 - U.S. President Barack Obama, in his first remarks on the violent standoff over an oil pipeline near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota, called on both sides to show restraint and revealed that the Army Corps of Engineers was considering an alternative route for the project. http://nyti.ms/2epQbtB - A former fund manager at BlackRock Inc pleaded guilty to insider trading charges in a London court on Wednesday, the British authorities said. http://nyti.ms/2fgIdm2 - Chip maker Broadcom Ltd said on Wednesday that it had agreed to acquire Brocade Communications Systems Inc , a maker of routers, switches and other computer networking equipment, for $5.5 billion in cash. http://nyti.ms/2epMbJG (Compiled by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru) Prince Harry's romance with Suits actress Meghan Markle is heating up. A source tells ET that the 32-year-old royal visited Meghan in Toronto, Canada -- where Suits is filmed -- just this past weekend, before flying back to the U.K. Meghan, 35, is also apparently already a big hit with Harry's tight circle of friends. "Meghan has met Harry's close inner circle of friends," the source says. "They really like her, and like that he is happy." WATCH: Prince Harry Reportedly Dating Meghan Markle -- 13 Things to Know About the 'Suits' Actress "Harry has been smart in how he's handled this, only telling certain people," the source adds about the rumored couple's low-key relationship. Reports broke over the weekend that Harry has been quietly dating Meghan -- whom he reportedly met through a mutual friend this past May -- when he was in Toronto to promote the Invictus Games. "He is very into Meghan, it's a bit of a whirlwind romance," royal expert Katie Nicholl tells ET. "They've been dating very secretly for the past three months." The two also appear to have plenty in common. Meghan is a UN Women Advocate, and clearly shares Harry's love for humanitarian work. WATCH: Prince Harry Reportedly Dating 'Suits' Star Meghan Markle Watch the video below to learn more about the American actress who's reportedly stolen Prince Harry's heart. -- Additional reporting by Jennifer Peros Related Articles Michael Jackson dazzled the world with his unparalleled singing and dancing skills. His son, Prince, can do neither of those things. And hes totally fine with that. The 19-year-old sat down with the Los Angeles Times for an extensive new interview in which he remembered his famous father, and discussed how hes establishing his own place in the world. Instead of performing, Prince has turned his attention behind the scenes. In the beginning of the year he produced a music video for Omer O-Bee Bhaktis Automatic. Soon after, he founded his own company, Kings Son Productions the name clearly referencing his fathers King of Pop moniker. Music is a big part of my life, he says. It shaped who I am because of my family, but Ive always wanted to go into production. My dad would ask me what I wanted to do and my answer was always producing and directing. Though he makes an effort to out there more now with the company, his mannerisms are not very different from your average college-bound teenager and miles away from the flamboyant personalities found in the extended Jackson family. Echoes of his heritage are predictably difficult to escape. He lives in Hayvenhurst, a two-acre estate in Encino, California, that once belonged to his father. It contains luxuries like a 32-seat movie theater and a Japanese koi pond, as well as a home studio used to record smashes like Off the Wall and Thriller. Walls are papered with images of Michael with a galaxy of stars. I think people appreciate it a lot more than I do, he admits. To me, these are family photos. He describes the home as a sanctuary, which was especially true in the wake of his fathers death in 2009. His grandmother, family matriarch Katherine Jackson, moved in to care for Prince and his two siblings, Paris and Prince Michael II. She was joined by a host of extended relations. It was beneficial. There was 16 people here, he explains. It took you away from the grief. Wed wake up in the middle of the night, make quesadillas and talk. Story continues While the bond with his paternal side of his family is strong, relations with his mother, Debbie Rowe, is essentially non-existent. She reportedly forfeited parental rights over her three children in 2001. Im very lucky to have two mother figures in my life, my grandmother and my cousin Frances. As for my birth mother, shes always been more of a friend, and that works for us, he says. You could say my whole life has been unconventional. I really love that though, and its all Ive ever known. Prince still feels the loss of his father acutely, though he tries to mitigate the pain by throwing himself into studying the martial art of jujitsu. A recent grief class helped to a point, but he acknowledges that a quick remedy is impossible. I dont think its anything you ever get over, he says. Its always going to be a part of your life thats missing. The way I cope with it is incorporating him into my life in every way from my company logo having little bits of him using his metaphors and trying to follow everything he taught us. As if by cosmic coincidence, he began his sophomore year studies at Loyola Marymount University on Aug. 29 what would have been his fathers 58th birthday. There hes majoring in business, which he hopes will come in handy with his fledgling company, as well as a service organization he founded with a classmate based on Michaels Heal the World Foundation. Honestly, Im just going with the flow. Im still young, my ideas can change, he maintains. I can never be separated from my father he set that big of an example. And I dont really have a problem with that. Im proud to have his name and to be his son. By Aziz El Yaakoubi RABAT (Reuters) - Grainy video images and the screams of a young fishmonger who was crushed to death in a garbage truck while trying to stop police destroying his stock have shocked Moroccans and brought thousands on to the streets to protest. Five years after pro-democracy protests shook Morocco, this week's unrest is a reminder of pent-up frustrations the monarchy has managed to tame in the past with limited constitutional reforms, heavy welfare spending and tough security. With a rallying cry against the Makhzen - a term used to describe the royal establishment - protesters have vowed to stage more demonstrations over Mouhcine Fikri's death in the northern city of Al-Hoceima, which was captured on video by witnesses and widely shared on social media. They say he is a symbol of abuses against Moroccans and has revived the spirit of the February 20 movement which led the pro-democracy demonstrations that swept the country. The political and social stability of Morocco is closely watched by Western governments as it is the only country in North Africa where jihadist groups have failed to gain a foothold, and is an important partner against Islamist militancy in terms of intelligence-sharing. The public anger over the death has echoes of how Tunisia's own 2011 uprising began, when a young street vendor set himself on fire after police confiscated his fruit and vegetables. That uprising swept Tunisian President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali from power and triggered "Arab Spring" revolts across the region. But there are fundamental differences with Morocco, where now and even five years ago calls for greater freedoms and reform have not been directed at toppling the king. Morocco has a deeply rooted monarchy - the Muslim world's longest-serving dynasty - while Tunisia's autocracy was based around Ben Ali, who came to power in 1987, and his family. The political protests - rare in Morocco - will nevertheless test the nerves of a kingdom that presents itself as a model for economic stability and gradual change and a haven for foreign investment in a region torn by violence and political upheaval. The monarchy wants to prevent the unrest escalating to the level of the 2011 protests, which lasted about a year and forced King Mohamed to cede some of his absolute powers to the elected government. Protest organizers say the anger at Fikri's death, which shocked even staunch royalists, has rekindled the broader resentment at the establishment over joblessness and the big gap between rich and poor that drove those pro-democracy protests. "People learned from February 20 movement to not let themselves to be fooled, so we will fight with all our strength for the dignity that Fikri died for," said Nasser Zafzafi, one of the organizers. "We do not want scapegoats, but for the truly responsible to be punished, including high officials." Most of the kingdom's 34 million people follow a moderate form of Islam and the country has long acted as a bridge for Westerners to Islamic and African culture. The king holds executive powers but also claims religious legitimacy as the commander of the faithful. ROYAL CONDOLENCES In an attempt to calm tensions, King Mohamed, currently touring Africa, ordered the interior minister to visit the victim's family and present royal condolences - a rare gesture of conciliation by the monarchy at a time of public protests. The minister said Fikri did not deserve what happened to him and promised the investigation would punish those responsible. Just like other governments in North Africa, Moroccan authorities often heavily police protests, nervous over popular unrest since 2011. Tunisia has seen rioting twice this year in its south over jobs and unions are warning over austerity plans. But the security forces appear to have taken a more low-key, hands-off approach this week, waiting in side streets and staying away from where demonstrations rallied. The authorities' more conciliatory approach this week, compared with in 2011 and during other more minor unrest since, could be partly down to the timing, according to political analysts. The protests erupted at a sensitive moment as the kingdom prepares to host the 2016 United Nations climate change conference in November (COP22) and the prime minister begins to form a coalition government after elections last month. "The Moroccan regime knows how to buy peace, especially now that the country is hosting COP22," said Mohammed Larbi Ben Othmane, a political scientist in Rabat university. "They know how to adapt, you would even see members of the royal cabinet protesting with people if they need to do so, but they will never show weakness." ULTIMATE AUTHORITY Fikri's death last week prompted thousands of people to take to the streets for four days of protests in Al-Hoceima and major cities across the country including the capital Rabat and Marrakesh, among the biggest rallies Morocco has seen since 2011. Moroccan authorities have charged 11 people, jailing eight of them, over the death of Fikri who was crushed in a trash truck while trying to stop police from destroying 500 kilograms of swordfish they say he purchased illegally. The general prosecutor said on Tuesday those charged on involuntary manslaughter were two interior ministry officials, two local fisheries officials and a veterinary chief. Activists accused police officers at the scene of ordering garbage men to "grind" Fikri but the police denied those accusations. The involvement of local officials has fueled anger at the establishment and a frenzy of postings on social media blaming the Makhzen, reminding many of the February 20 movement calls to curb the monarchy's absolute powers. When protests erupted in 2011, the king called a referendum which backed constitutional reforms that saw him cede some of his powers to the government and guarantee more rights, including freedom of speech. He remains the ultimate authority in Morocco, however. Many February 20 activists were disappointed by the reforms, which they believe did not go far enough to bring democracy, and any suggestion of a resurgence of the movement is sensitive for a monarchic political system that critics describe as a medieval and archaic. "What happened shows that all the people who thought the February 20 movement was dead were wrong," said Ben Othmane. "Moroccans did not lose that capacity to resist." (Editing by Patrick Markey and Pravin Char) DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 3, 2016 / Puration, Inc. (PURA) today announced ramping up operations to deliver on current and anticipated cannabis extract orders. Puration recently announced two collaboration agreements in which Puration will deliver the cannabis extract to be infused into two separate beverage brands anticipated to have product on shelves next quarter. Puration Introduces EVERx CBD Infused Bottled Water Entering the Global Bottled Water Market That Is Expected to Reach US $280 Billion by 2020 Puration and Spanish Peaks ScrumpDelicacies Announce One Million Dollar Cannabis Beverage Collaboration Agreement In addition to the existing orders, Puration confirms a previous announcement of a third collaboration agreement is anticipated soon: Puration Indicates Third Cannabis Collaboration Agreement Pending Following Recently Announced Spanish Peaks and Alkame Deals To learn more about Puration: purationinc.com Follow Puration on Twitter: Puration710 Visit Puration on Facebook: facebook.com/puration/ Safe Harbor Act: This release includes forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involves risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products, the ability to meet customer demand, the ability to manage growth, acquisitions of technology, equipment, or human resources, the effect of economic business conditions and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel. The Company is not obligated to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release. Puration Contact: Brian Shibley, CEO info@purationinc.com +1-214-937-9097 SOURCE: Puration Moscow (AFP) - President Vladimir Putin signed off Thursday on a decree granting Russian citizenship to US action hero actor Steven Seagal, the latest high-profile passport handout to a Western celebrity. Hollywood star Seagal and judo-loving Kremlin tough guy Putin have struck up a bromance in recent years, with Seagal visiting Russia repeatedly and defending Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. "He was asking quite insistently and over a lengthy period to be granted citizenship," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. "He is well known for his warm feelings towards our country and has never hidden them." Seagal is the latest in a string of high-profile Westerners to be granted Russian citizenship after buddying up with Putin. Veteran French actor Gerard Depardieu was given a Russian passport in 2013 after the star became a tax exile in ire over rate hikes in his native country. Putin has also handed out citizenship to US boxer Roy Jones Jr after sipping tea with him in Crimea and to American mixed martial artist Jeff Monson. Seagal's fame peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s with films such as "Under Siege" and "Above the Law", but he remains hugely popular in eastern Europe and was granted Serbian citizenship in January. Like Depardieu, he has previously hung out with Putin, a fellow martial arts fan, and other strongmen leaders from the former Soviet Union. After Russia's annexation of Crimea, Seagal called Putin "one of the great living world leaders" and even performed with his blues band in the annexed Black Sea peninsula. In August, veteran Belarussian leader Alexander Lukashenko made Seagal eat one of his homegrown carrots in an awkward encounter that drew mockery online. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS. (MOSCOW) The Russian president on Wednesday offered a new unilateral humanitarian pause for Syrias war-ravaged Aleppo, urging rebels to use it to leave the citys eastern, besieged districts. The Syrian rebels quickly dismissed Vladimir Putins initiative. Later in the day, at least eight civilians were killed in presumed government or Russian air strikes on the rebel-held town of Saraqib in Idlib province, a local search-and-rescue outfit reported. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his forces to open humanitarian corridors to eastern Aleppo this Friday, along with two routes for rebels to leave the city in order to prevent a senseless loss of life, the Defense Ministry announced Wednesday. One exit leads to the Turkish border, the other to the city of Idlib, according to the ministry. The U.N. and other relief organizations declined to use the corridors two weeks ago, when Russia first opened them, saying rebels and pro-government forces would not guarantee their safety. Few rebels or civilians were seen leaving the city, either. Chief of the Russian General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov said he was calling on all leaders of armed groups directly to cease hostilities and leave Aleppo with their weapons. Gerasimov also said the rebel offensive on the Syrian government-held districts in western Aleppo, which was launched last week, has failed to break through the siege. They have no chance to break out of the city, he added. Rebel groups in Aleppo dismissed Russias latest offer, with one of the groups describing it as a media stunt for public consumption. Yasser al-Youssef, a spokesman for the Nour el-Din el-Zinki rebel group, said Russia is not serious and its latest initiatives dont concern us. He added that the Russian leaders comments do not reflect the reality on the ground. We need an international commission to check the Russian lies, al-Youssef said. Story continues Molhem Ekaidi, deputy commander of Fastaqim group, one of the major rebel factions fighting inside Aleppo, also accused the Russians of lying. The (Russian) shelling and crimes continue and their planes have not left the skies of Aleppo, he said. The two factions, Nour el-Din el-Zinki and Fastaqim, were later reported clashing among themselves inside the besieged city over detentions, according to activists briefed on the situation. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory said at least one rebel was killed and 24 others wounded in the infighting that followed the arrest of several Nour el-Din el-Zinki fighters by Fastaqim fighters. The Syrian media activist Ahmad Primo, who maintains contacts with rebels, described the fighting as a simple dust-up. Meanwhile, the Idlib branch of the Syrian Civil Defense said warplanes launched a dozen strikes on the town in the afternoon. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the Syrian war through local contacts, said the death toll included four children. The Idlib province has borne the brunt of Russian and government airstrikes since the two air forces relaxed their bombardment of Aleppo two weeks ago. The U.N. says 22 children and six teachers were killed in an air raid on a school in the village of Hass one week ago. Also on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said other countries involved in Syrian peace negotiations have sabotaged the process by backing militant groups intent on toppling Syrian President Bashar Assad. Lavrov spoke Wednesday at the start of a visit to Greece, a NATO and European Union member that has maintained close ties with Russia. He did not name any countries. Peace talks on Syria have involved U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran. ___ El Deeb reported from Beirut. Associated Press Writer Derek Gatopoulos in Athens and Philip Issa in Beirut contributed to this report. Qiagen NV QGEN reported third-quarter 2016 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 29 cents, beating both the Zacks Consensus Estimate and the year-ago adjusted number by 7.7%. At constant exchange rate or CER too, the company reported adjusted EPS of 29 cents. Adjusted EPS at CER exceeded the companys guidance of 28 cents. Considering one-time items, Qiagens reported EPS for the quarter remained flat year over year at 14 cents. Revenues in Detail Net sales at actual rates in the third quarter grew 8% on a year-over-year basis to $338.7 million (up 9% at CER). Meanwhile, the top line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $337 million. Adverse currency translation adversely impacted the top line by 1%. QIAGEN NV Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise QIAGEN NV Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | QIAGEN NV Quote Meanwhile, top-line growth at CER was driven by strong growth in sales of consumables and related revenues (88% of net sales; up 9% at CER) as well as instruments (12% of net sales; up 3% at CER). Excluding the projected impact of lower U.S. HPV test sales, net sales grew 10% at CER in the third quarter. Region-wise, sales from the Americas (49% of revenues) grew 11% at CER, while revenues from Europe-Middle East-Africa (30%) and Asia-Pacific/Japan (21%) increased 1% and 21%, respectively, at CER. Sales in the top seven emerging markets (15%) exhibited growth of 20% year over year at CER in the quarter. Segments in Detail Qiagen primarily generates revenues from Molecular Diagnostics, Applied Testing, Pharma and Academia, which represented 50%, 9%, 20% and 21% of net sales, respectively, during the reported quarter. Molecular diagnostics sales were up 9% at CER. Excluding a 28% decline in the U.S. HPV test solutions sales, Molecular diagnostics sales increased 12% at CER. Sales derived from Applied Testing improved 12% at CER, due to double-digit CER growth in both consumables and instruments and volume growth in applications for human ID and forensics. Story continues Pharma sales rose 8% at CER in the third quarter; on account of high single-digit CER consumable growth from marketing initiatives and new product launches. Academia sales improved 7% at CER, on the back of higher consumable sales, marginally offset by slightly weaker trends for instruments. Operational Update Gross profit increased 7.9% to $220.8 million in the third quarter. Gross margin expanded 14 basis points (bps) to 65.2%. Adjusted operating income in the quarter was up 1.9% year over year at $56.8 million. However, adjusted operating margin declined 95 bps to 16.8%, as a result of a rise in overall operating expenses by more than 10%. Financial Update Qiagen exited the third quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $464.3 million, compared with $328.2 million in second-quarter 2016. Year-to-date net cash provided by operating activities was $241.6 million, up from $230.7 million a year ago. This resulted in a 14.5% improvement in free cash flow to $186.7 million. Qiagen is moving ahead with its commitment to return $300 million of capital to shareholders by the end of 2017. The first tranche of about $250 million will be completed through a synthetic share repurchase proposal (combining a direct capital repayment with a reverse stock split) that the company announced earlier in August. According to Qiagen, this is on track for completion in Jan 2017. Outlook Qiagen has reiterated its full-year 2016 guidance. The company still expects net sales growth of approximately 67% at CER, which includes an additional $10 million of sales that it anticipates to achieve in second-half 2016 on account of its Exiqon acquisition. Earlier Qiagen expected to deliver sales growth of 6% at CER, during 2016. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues stands at $1.35 billion. On the bottom-line front, the company maintained its 2016 adjusted EPS projection of approximately $1.10$1.11 at CER. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the same is pegged at $1.09. For fourth-quarter 2016, the company expects sales growth of about 8% at CER and adjusted EPS of 38 cents at CER. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $377.5 million, while that for EPS is 38 cents. Initial 2017 View Qiagen has provided its initial guidance for full-year 2017. Net sales growth is expected to be in the band of 67% CER, with expectations of accelerating organic growth. Adjusted EPS at CER for 2017 is projected in the range of $1.25$1.27. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $1.43 billion, while that for EPS is $1.23. Our Take Qiagen ended third-quarter 2016 on a promising note, with both the top and bottom lines squarely beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. All regions and customer classes contributed to growth in the third quarter. Meanwhile, the companys overall cash balance seems strong, with escalating free cash flow reserve. Moreover, its commitment to return more to its shareholders through increased share repurchases reflects its solid cash position. The companys expanded commercialization to the Asia-Pacific region, beyond its initial focus on Europe, further buoys optimism. However, declining HPV sales in the U.S. continue to be a drag on the overall sales performance. Furthermore, on the profitability front, Qiagen delivered a sluggish performance on the back of rising costs and operating expenses. Zacks Rank & Other Key Picks Qiagen currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked medical stocks are GW Pharmaceuticals plc GWPH, Baxter International Inc. BAX and Bovie Medical Corporation BVX. All these stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. GW Pharmaceuticals surged 63.2% year to date compared to the S&P 500s 2.6% over the same period. The companys four-quarter average earnings surprise is 41.6%. Baxter international rallied 24.4% in the past one year, as against the S&P 500s 0.2% decline. It has a trailing four-quarter average positive earnings surprise of 27%. Bovie Medical recorded a 162.6% gain in the past one year, above the S&P 500s 2.4%. The company has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 6.3%. Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report BAXTER INTL (BAX): Free Stock Analysis Report QIAGEN NV (QGEN): Free Stock Analysis Report GW PHARMA-ADR (GWPH): Free Stock Analysis Report BOVIE MEDICAL (BVX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Quanta Services Inc. PWR reported third-quarter 2016 adjusted earnings (including stock based compensation expense) of 51 cents per share, which came in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The companys non-GAAP adjusted earnings from continuing operations came in at 55 cents, up 83.3% from the prior-year quarter tally of 30 cents. The bottom-line growth is attributable to modest top-line performance and sound execution of projects at the base electric power business. Inside the Headlines Total revenue in the quarter came in at $2,042.2 million, up 5.3% on a year-over-year basis. However, the figure missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,075 million. The top-line growth came on the back of large pipeline projects that moved into construction during the reported quarter. Record growth of revenues at Oil and Gas Infrastructure segment acted as the primary catalyst. Of the total quarterly revenue, the Electric Power Infrastructure segment accounted for 59.9% and the Oil and Gas Infrastructure segment represented 40.1%. Segment wise, revenues from Electric Power Infrastructure rose about 3.3% year over year to $1,222.4 million. Additionally, Oil and Gas Infrastructure segmental revenues were up 8.4% to $819.8 million. In third-quarter 2016, operating income came in at $130.2 million, up from $80.9 million recorded in the prior-year quarter. At quarter end, Quanta Services consolidated total backlog was $9,842.9 million, up from $9,647.7 million at the end of Sep 30, 2015. Liquidity Quanta Services exited the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $117.4 million, down from $128.8 million as of Dec 31, 2015. On Sep 30, 2016, the companys long-term debt and notes payable was $482.4 million, down from $475.4 million as of Dec 31, 2015. Notable Developments During the quarter Spring Ridge Constructors, LLC a joint venture that includes Quanta Services subsidiary Price Gregory International, was selected to construct the 600-mile natural gas pipeline Atlantic Coast Pipeline. This pipeline is expected to connect Harris County, W. VA to Robeson County, N.C. Construction of the project is likely to commence in late 2017 and end by the second half of 2019. This project is not reflected in the backlog as construction will begin only after meeting regulatory approvals. Story continues QUANTA SERVICES Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise QUANTA SERVICES Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | QUANTA SERVICES Quote Guidance Cut Concurrent with the earnings release, Quanta Services revised its full-year 2016 earnings and revenues guidance downward. The company now projects adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations in the range of $1.51$1.56 (down from the previously guided range of $1.52--$1.67). The company expects revenues for the year in the band of $7.65$7.75 billion, down from the earlier guided range of $7.75$8 billion. Factors including endowment contribution, incremental costs associated with an Alaskan power plant project and higher tax rate are largely attributable to the downcast outlook. Also, unfavorable timing of revenues and corresponding income contributions of certain projects have been adding to the companys woes, resulting in the lackluster guidance. Our Take Though Quanta Services third-quarter earnings and revenues failed to beat estimates, the companys sturdy top-line performance signals a meaningful rebound. The Oil & Gas Infrastructure Services revenues have bounced back to growth, after quite a few quarters of dismal performances. A gradual shift from coal to gas for power generation from commercial and residential customers has been fortifying natural gas pipeline projects, thus boosting growth. The company focuses on the timely delivery of projects, leveraging on its core business areas to expand in complementary service lines and venturing into new service lines. Its decentralized and entrepreneurial business model has aided it in combating some of the most pressing macroeconomic challenges, driving growth in recent times. In addition, solid rebound in its end markets, on the back of key growth drivers, like an aging grid, shifting generation mix and implementation of clean energy initiatives, bode well for long-term growth. Quanta Services currently holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Other favorably placed stocks in the industry include Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. AIT, KBR, Inc. KBR and Chart Industries Inc. GTLS, all of which carry the same Zacks Rank as Quanta Services. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Applied Industrial Technologies is one of North America's leading distributors of bearings, linear technologies, power transmission components, rubber products and specialty maintenance items to the MRO and OEM markets. The company managed to beat estimates thrice over the trailing four quarters and has a positive earnings surprise of 4.9%. KBR is a global engineering, construction and services firm, supporting market segments of global hydrocarbons and international government services. The company has beat earnings twice over the trailing four quarters and has a positive average beat of 3.9%. Chart Industries is a leading independent global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment used in the production, storage and end use of hydrocarbon and industrial gases. The company had posted a whopping earnings beat of 453.9% in the last reported quarter. Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report QUANTA SERVICES (PWR): Free Stock Analysis Report KBR INC (KBR): Free Stock Analysis Report APPLD INDL TECH (AIT): Free Stock Analysis Report CHART INDUSTRIE (GTLS): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- The Texas Rangers have exercised their $5.25 million club option for next season on catcher Jonathan Lucroy and will extend a $17.2 million qualifying offer to All-Star outfielder Ian Desmond. General manager Jon Daniels also said Thursday that the AL West champion Rangers won't make qualifying offers to first baseman Mitch Moreland or right-hander Colby Lewis, but are open to bringing back those free agents. The Rangers aren't expected to exercise an $11 million team option for left-hander Derek Holland, but trading him could be an option before Monday's deadline. There is a $1.5 million buyout on the contract for the pitcher who has missed much of the last three seasons with injuries. Designated hitter Carlos Beltran, acquired in an Aug. 1 trade with the New York Yankees, and left fielder Carlos Gomez, signed in August after being released by Houston, also became free agents. Texas signed Desmond during spring training, and got Lucroy in a trade from Milwaukee on Aug. 1. Lucroy hit .276 with 11 homers and 31 RBIs in 47 games for the Rangers after being acquired. The two-time All-Star catcher hit .299 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs in 95 games for the Brewers before that. Desmond got an $8 million, one-year deal from Texas at the end of February and converted to the outfield during spring training. He had turned down a qualifying offer from Washington after spending seven seasons as a shortstop with the Nationals, including the 2012 season when he was an All-Star. If Desmond signs with another club before the amateur draft next June, the Rangers would receive a draft pick as compensation at the end of the first round. The Rangers also purchased the contract of infielder/outfielder Drew Robinson from Triple-A Round Rock and added him to the 40-man roster. (Adds details on fundraising, company comments) By John Tilak and Alastair Sharp TORONTO, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Real Matters, a provider of real estate industry data, has raised C$41 million ($30.62 million) in an equity funding round and pushed its plan to go public to the first quarter of 2017, according to two sources familiar with the situation. The latest fundraising, which was a secondary offering led by investment bank BMO Capital Markets, will help drive growth at the quickly expanding company and values Real Matters at more than C$1 billion, the sources said. This is a sharp jump from its C$653 million valuation earlier in the year. Real Matters spokeswoman Lyne Fisher confirmed the fundraising but declined to comment on the timing of the IPO. "We expect to come to public markets in due course," Fisher said in an email. The fundraising comes about seven months after Real Matters raised C$100 million through a private placement. The Canadian startup was planning to raise another C$100 million to C$200 million through an initial public offering this fall, Reuters reported in June. Investors in the recent funding round included venture capital firms and asset managers, the sources said. Investors in the company include Whitecap Venture Partners, Wellington Financial and Urbana Corp, according to CrunchBase Inc and public documents. Founded in 2004, Real Matters uses proprietary software to provide data on real estate services such as appraisals, mortgage closings and title searches. It counts more than 60 of the top 100 U.S. banks as its customers, including Wells Fargo, Citigroup Inc and Bank of America. ($1 = 1.3389 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by John Tilak and Alastair Sharp; Editing by Grant McCool and Alan Crosby) Rebels battled with Syrian government forces in the western Aleppo suburb of al-Assad on November 2 as opposition fighters continued its counter-offensive on Syrias second city. The ongoing siege, which is expected to escalate after rebels rejected a demand from Russia and the Syrian government to leave Aleppo by November 4, has resulted in a large number of civilian casualties, and has been strongly condemned by the United Nations. Credit: YouTube/Thiqa News Agency BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian insurgents stepped up a week-long offensive on government-held areas in the city of Aleppo on Thursday, detonating three car bombs and firing shells which killed at least a dozen civilians, state media and a monitor said. Rebel groups detonated three large car bombs near pro-government forces on the western edge of Aleppo, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and rebels said, as they tried to revitalize an offensive which has made little progress since taking most of Dahiyet al-Assad suburb on Friday. A senior medic in government-held Aleppo told Reuters eight people had been brought into hospitals suffering from breathing difficulties thought to be from a poisonous gas attack. This could not be independently confirmed. Insurgent groups, including both Free Syrian Army factions and jihadists, are seeking to break a government siege on rebel-held east Aleppo which has been almost continuously in place since July. They want to seize government-held areas of Aleppo in order to link the city's east with rebel-held rural areas west of Aleppo. The city has been divided for years between the government-held western sector and rebel-held east, where the army launched a major Russian-backed offensive in September that medics say has killed hundreds. REBEL SHELLING United Nations aid has been unable to reach the besieged area since that time and the local medical infrastructure has been brought to its knees by a lack of supplies, a shortage of staff and air strikes on medical facilities. Syrian state media said on Thursday 12 people were killed and around 200 injured by the rebel shelling on government-held western Aleppo. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 15 civilians, including four children, had been killed in west Aleppo and around 120 injured. Zaher Hajo, the head of forensic medicine in government-held Aleppo who reported the eight patients suffering respiratory difficulties, said the medical authorities could not determine the nature of the gas believed to have been used. All parties in the multifaceted Syrian conflict have accused each other of using chemical weapons during more than six years of conflict. On Sunday Syrian state media said militants fired poison gas at a government-held area of Aleppo, causing 35 people to choke, a report that a rebel official denied. An international inquiry by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has found Syrian government forces responsible for three toxic gas attacks and has said Islamic State militants have used sulfur mustard gas. Russia, which has been supporting the Syrian air force in a heavy bombing campaign on Syria for more than a year, says it has not carried out air strikes on eastern Aleppo for more than two weeks. Russia and the Syrian army on Wednesday told rebels to leave Aleppo by Friday evening through safe corridors, signaling an extended moratorium on air strikes. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington; Editing by Gareth Jones) Reese Witherspoon just opened her second Draper James location in Dallas, Texas and announced shes writing a Southern lifestyle book, but nothing solidifies her title of queen of Southern style quite like getting the cover of InStyles December issue with an accompanying interview by the Dolly Parton. The actress poses on the cover in an outfit fit for a fancy holiday party (an Armani Prive black gown with stacks of sparkly bracelets) and poses throughout the spread in cozy winter gear: cashmere sweaters, tweed dresses and ladylike capes (of her own design!). While her business is rapidly growing by the minute, she talks about the huge risk she took to start it. Its a new chapter for me starting a business, going around passing the hat, and promoting it all over the place, she tells Parton. Its a different experience, but Im enjoying learning something new. Ive been acting for about 25 years, and I still love it, but I like the challenge of trying something else too. I find there are a lot of people talking about New York and Los Angeles, but theres a whole world out there in between, and thats who I like to tell stories about and make products for people who love the life they have and have a sense of style thats uniquely their own. RELATED PHOTOS: Star Designers You Must Know Parton explained her sense of drive that pushed her to do a lot of big things in her career. I have always said my desire to do something has always been greater than my fear of it, the country star said. And Witherspoon channeled that same mindset when she got into the design business. I think thats a good lesson for young women: No one knows what theyre doing. You walk into boardrooms with these executives they dont really know anything more than anybody else. You have to put yourself out there and just give it a try because who you are and where youre from offers a unique perspective that everybody needs. While any fan of Witherspoon knows she admires Parton (she made a tote bag that reads What Would Dolly Do?), she actually explained that at five years old she knew she wanted to grow up to be Parton. You were such a big inspiration to me. I loved country music, and I thought you stood for so many things. You were a beautiful story teller. And you made me feel proud about being from a place that other people made fun of. I wanted to be you and I still do. Story continues So does Parton carry around the tote bag inspired by her? I cant carry that myself, of course, but my friends are buying them up. It was sweet of you to do that! What do you think of Witherspoons cover? KABUL (Reuters) - Eight Afghans detained in Guantanamo Bay have been imprisoned for years on the basis of tenuous evidence, "fantastical allegations" and hearsay, a report issued on Thursday said. The report by the Afghanistan Analysts Network (AAN), an independent, non-profit research group, examined the cases of eight of the longest-serving Afghan detainees, all either still in Guantanamo Bay or recently moved to the United Arab Emirates. It said the U.S. military had been unable to substantiate accusations against any of them. Their cases underlined the danger that arbitrary detention could lead to "gross miscarriages of justice", a major factor in driving some Afghans toward insurgency, the report, entitled "Kafka in Cuba", said. "Viewing the U.S. detention regime through the lens of the Afghan experience in Guantanamo raises broader questions about the effectiveness of U.S. intelligence and justice," it said. The eight detainees, including a former plastic flower seller, named Bostan Karim, a "chokidar" or doorman named Abdul Zahir and a grocer named Obaidullah, were held over a variety of accusations ranging from being an al Qaeda and Taliban financier to being a member of al Qaeda bomb making cell. One man, Muhammad Rahim, classified as a "high value detainee" was accused of being a personal translator and aide to Osama bin Laden, although the precise allegations against him remain secret. However the report said none of the men was captured on the battlefield, with six handed over by Pakistani or Afghan forces and two detained after tipoffs from unknown sources. It said the military and court documents outlining the evidence against them were "rife with hearsay, secret evidence, bad translations, gross errors of fact and testimony obtained under duress and torture". As well as making "multiple, basic" errors of geography, the U.S. military mixed up groups that had long ago laid down their weapons or never fought with jihadists, it said. Military boards had failed to clear obvious factual mistakes from detainee files, while courts had "utterly failed to hold the executive to account". President Barack Obama, who had pledged to close the prison before he leaves office in January, is scaling the facility down by transferring detainees not considered a threat to foreign countries. However he has been unable to close it in the face of opposition from Congress. Supporters of keeping the facility open say it has held some of the most dangerous militants and is a valuable tool in fighting international terrorism. Critics say it contravenes U.S. values and feeds propaganda for militant groups. (Reporting by James Mackenzie; Editing by Alison Williams) (Adds details on costs target, production) MADRID, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Repsol on Thursday reported a higher-than-expected third-quarter profit and raised its 2016 cost-savings target by 300 million euros to 1.4 billion euros ($1.56 billion). Europe's fifth biggest oil company, like many of its rivals, has had to cut spending to adapt to the slump in oil prices, which are down by half since June 2014. Royal Dutch Shell and BP, for example, had to rely on cost cuts to beat earnings expectations this week. The Spanish company said lower spending on exploration helped to cushion a fall in production revenues. It reported a 28 million euro loss in its upstream operations versus a 395 million euro loss a year earlier. Repsol said it had almost reached its previous costs savings target of 1.1 billion for 2016 by the third quarter. The group said it had ramped up production at its Latin American fields Cardin IV in Venezuela and Sapinhoa in Brazil, offsetting maintenance stoppages at sites in Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam and Malaysia. In its downstream operations, which includes refining, earnings fell 42 percent in the July to September period from a year earlier. Repsol's net current-cost-of-supplies profit - which oil and gas companies use to adjust for fluctuations in expenses - was 307 million euros in the period, up 93 percent from a year earlier and above the 296 million euros expected by analysts in a Reuters poll. The company had reported its first annual loss for 2015 and cut its dividend, partly to protect its credit rating. It has also been shedding assets as well as cutting costs to help to shrink its large debt pile, which has been under scrutiny from credit ratings agencies. Net debt fell to just under 10 billion euros at the end of September from 11.7 billion euros three months earlier after it sold a 10 percent stake in Gas Natural. At 0832 GMT, Repsol shares were down 1.2 percent, leading losses on the Ibex, off 0.1 percent, and after JP Morgan downgraded its stance on the stock to "underweight" from "neutral." ($1 = 0.8997 euros) (Reporting by Jose Elias Rodriguez and Sarah White, Editing by Paul Day and Jane Merriman) Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f271611%2farcticmeltpersonalcontrib The next roundtrip flight you take from New York to Europe means you will personally contribute to the melting of 32 square feet of Arctic sea ice by September in a given year, according to a groundbreaking new study published Thursday. Or to put it another way, in a given year, the average American melts about 538 square feet of Arctic sea ice at the end of the summer melt season. The study, published in the journal Science this week, for the first time makes the link between individual actions in lower latitudes with the rapid, expansive changes taking place in the Arctic. SEE ALSO: 'Not enough ice for a gin and tonic:' two weeks in the Northwest Passage The new study is particularly resonant given that sea ice extent declined to its second-lowest level on record this year, and a sailing vessel managed to traverse the Northwest Passage without spotting any large chunks of sea ice at all. The U.S.-German team of researchers responsible for the study found that about 3 square meters of summer sea ice disappear in the Arctic for every metric ton of carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere. They then used that relationship to translate the ice loss into the carbon footprint of our everyday activities, be it flying or taking a long, 2,500-mile road trip via car. The study also explores the linear relationship between the amount of carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere over time and long-term changes in the average monthly sea ice area in September, which is when the ice typically reaches its annual minimum. The researchers found that this type of relationship holds up best when studying the observational record of sea ice area from 1953 through 2015, and show it is likely to continue to hold in the future. "We hope that this study will allow people to more intuitively grasp the mere fact that Arctic sea ice does not disappear because of some large-scale, anonymous action, but simply because of our little day-to-day activities," said study co-author Dirk Notz, a senior researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology in Hamburg, Germany, in an email to Mashable. Story continues "Hence, the loss of Arctic sea ice really is our shared responsibility, which then also implies that we have the means to slow down and eventually stop that ice loss, for example by following the Paris agreement," he said. A history of melting ice The Arctics summer ice cover has shrunk by more than half during the past four decades, with a recent acceleration of this trend. The Arctic is warming at about twice the average rate of the rest of the world. Arctic sea ice loss is also suspected to be altering the jet stream and leading to extreme weather events in the U.S. and Europe in recent years. Climate models show that Arctic sea ice may be completely lost by mid-century unless stringent emissions cuts are enacted. More specifically, the study found that additional cumulative greenhouse gas emissions have to remain under 1,000 billion tons (or 1,000 gigatons) of carbon dioxide in order to keep some Arctic summer sea ice cover. In other words, our carbon bank account has 1,000 billion tons in it, and if we go over that, one of the many penalties we'll pay is in the form of a seasonally ice-free Arctic Ocean. Map showing countries whose citizens are destroying the most Arctic sea ice. Image: Notz and Stroeve/Science Magazine Losing it completely would alter the way of life for the people who call the Arctic home, as well as pose existential threats to iconic species such as the polar bear and walrus. Currently, the world is on course to put far more carbon dioxide into the air than 1,000 billion tons, considering we are emitting between 30 and 40 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year. This means an ice-free Arctic Ocean during the summer months is possible as early as 2045, according to the study. Some countries better than others The researchers produced a map showing which countries' citizens are destroying the most sea ice, based on carbon emissions per capita. Residents of the U.S. and the European Union, not surprisingly, were found to bear most of the responsibility when compared to growing developing nations like China and India, where emissions per capita are still lower. For example, based on 2013 emissions data, the average American was responsible for destroying about 10 times the amount of sea ice compared to the average citizen of India. "We also wanted to provide a more tangible way for policy makers to understand our contributions to sea ice loss, which is where the map idea came from," said co-author Julienne Stroeve, a senior researcher at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) in Boulder, Colorado, and a professor at the University College London. Need to stay below 2-degree limit The study found that global warming would need to be held below 2 degrees Celsius, or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to preindustrial levels by 2100 in order to have a good chance of maintaining some ice cover during the summer in the Far North. Ice seen in the Northwest Passage in 2016. Image: Polar ocean challenge Walt Meier, who studies sea ice at NASA's Goddard Space Center and was not involved in the new study, said it is interesting work that contradicts the hypothesis that reinforcing or runaway feedback loops in the Arctic would cause a sudden acceleration of ice loss over time. "This paper is further evidence against a tipping point and towards a more linear response. Of course, this is over the long-term the paper looks at 30-year running means. Over the shorter term (several years), there is a lot of variability," Meier said in an email. He added that the linkage of specific carbon dioxide emissions to ice loss amounts is a new, albeit "highly simplified" visualization of how human-caused climate change is reshaping the Arctic. "Where this tying of [greenhouse gas emissions] to ice loss is probably most impactful is on policymakers and the general public," he said. The study comes at a fortuitous time, since the next round of U.N. climate negotiations, during which the possibility of making more stringent emissions cuts will be on the agenda, begin in Marrakech, Morocco on Nov. 7. Its time for Robbie E to double down! The pro wrestler and his wife Tara welcomed twin boys on Thursday, Nov. 3, in Long Branch, New Jersey, they confirm to PEOPLE exclusively. Carter Stone Strauss was born at 1:31 p.m. weighing in at 5 lbs., 15 oz. and measuring 18 inches long, while his brother Cash Steven Strauss came along one minutes later, at 1:32 p.m., weighing in at 5 lbs., 9 oz. and also measuring 18 inches long. Mom is feeling tired but in great spirits, Robbie, 33, tells PEOPLE of his new sons. Carter came out screaming and sucking on his thumb! Cash was perfectly calm and totally chill both are resting up for their rockstar life! Want all the latest pregnancy and birth announcements, plus celebrity mom blogs? Click here to get those and more in the PEOPLE Babies newsletter. The couple made their baby news public in July, posting a photo to Instagram depicting both Robbie and Tara miming throwing up into a toilet and holding up signs announcing their news. OMG!!!!! Were having TWINS!!!! #theyaregonnabesofamous #twinbabies #fitpregnancy Robbie captioned the hilarious shot. The couple originally thought they were having a boy and a girl, even hosting a gender-reveal event to break the news. But a week later, Robbie took to Instagram to clear up the confusion. So Remember last week when we said we were having a boy and a girl?? he wrote next to a photo of the pair covered in blue powder. Well The doctor was 85 percent sure of it Then today he told us he was 100 percent sure we are having TWO BOYS!!! The twosome have been open on social media since, sharing gorgeous maternity shots throughout Taras pregnancy. They enjoyed a blue-themed baby shower in August, and a beach babymoon in July. #babymoon #prancerlovesthebeach #twinsarekicking #twentyoneweekspregnant, Robbie wrote next to a photo of the twosome and their chihuahua Prancer who has her own Instagram account posing on the sand, the ocean waves and a blue sky serving as their serene backdrop. Impact Wrestling airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on Pop TV. Jerusalem (AFP) - The future of Israel's public broadcaster is at the heart of a fierce political battle over control of the media, pitting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against his own cabinet. Netanyahu and his finance minister, Moshe Kahlon, have been locking horns for weeks in a dispute analysts said could even bring down the government. The conflict focuses on one of the most bitter quarrels in the government since it was formed in March 2015: the fate of the Israel Broadcasting Authority, an offshoot of the historic Kol Yisrael radio which broadcast the first hours of the State of Israel in 1948. Millions of Israelis have grown up with the IBA, viewing their first colour images on its television channel, and it remains the home of some of Israel's best known media figures. Nearly 70 years later, it has emerged as a major media power -- with a leading TV channel and eight radio stations in multiple languages. But two years ago a plan was launched to replace it with a new body, officially with the aim of revitalising public broadcasting so it can compete with private channels. Critics argued the licence fee model for television was outdated and suggested replacing IBA with a new Public Broadcasting Corporation (PBC). Kahlon supports the plan as did Netanyahu initially. Yet the minister has since made an about-face, despite the fact hundreds of IBA employees have already left, with many joining the PBC, which has offices ready to open on January 1. Speaking in parliament Monday, he said the government would "rehabilitate" the public broadcaster in a "fiscally responsible" way. Netanyahu was allegedly planning to approve cancelling the creation of the PBC on Sunday but Kahlon refused, causing, at least temporarily, a rare setback for Netanyahu. In a compromise agreement, a committee was formed to find a way forward in the next three weeks. - Media war - Ilan Greilsammer, professor of political science at Bar Ilan University, said many felt public broadcasting was in need of reform. Story continues "For some time, its critics felt the public broadcaster, in addition to being a financial black hole, suffered from nepotism, even corruption, and a lack of inspiration," said Greilsammer. But, he added, right wingers and particularly Netanyahu saw it as a convenient way to get rid of critical journalists working in the public sphere. The media is one of the few areas where the Israeli left is still powerful. Critics say Netanyahu, often seen as hung-up on the media and its perceived hostility, has realised the journalists the reform was supposed to sideline have been rehired in the new company and that potential opponents have taken key positions. "Netanyahu has been convinced since his first term (in 1996) that the media is against him," a senior Israeli official said on condition of anonymity. Netanyahu himself has not explained his reversal. But he has not denied or condemned the controversial statement Israeli media reported his Culture Minister Miri Regev as saying in July. "It's inconceivable that we'll establish a corporation that we won't control. What's the point?" Regev was quoted as saying. Kahlon, a former member of Netanyahu's Likud party who formed his own centrist party, has stressed the substantial amounts of taxpayers' money already invested in the reform, estimated at least 400 million Israel shekels ($104 million, 94 million euro). Though there were no official forced redundancies, about 500 employees of the IBA's employees have left or been pushed out the door, leaving around 1,050, Ahiya Genossar, president of the National Union of Israeli Journalists, told AFP. The PBC has hired about 400 employees, almost half of them previously from the IBA. Netanyahu heads a coalition government with a thin majority of 67 seats in the 120-member parliament, including 10 from Kahlon's Kulanu. But the dissolution of the government and early elections -- which Kahlon has threatened if Netanyahu overrules him -- are unlikely, analysts say. But Ben Caspit, a commentor at Maariv newspaper and prominent Netanyahu critic, said Thursday that for the first time since the 2015 elections, "the brakes have been put on the prime minister... a substantial, significant adversary was suddenly discovered." From Cosmopolitan It started, of course, on Facebook. It was June 2016, and I had spent the morning on the social media site, locked in a comment battle with a fellow Hillary supporter. We were both members of a secret, pro-Hillary Facebook group, where hed posted about female Bernie supporters being self-hating, crazy cat ladies. I called him out for being sexist, and in a group created to support a woman candidate, no less! He, of course, thought it was hilarious, and - as more guys joined in to mock female Bernie supporters - told me I was overreacting and should lighten up. We went back and forth for a while, until I quit the group in a huff. This interaction was particularly irritating, but it was not unusual during the primary season. Months of getting trolled, dragged, lectured, and chastised by men of all political affiliations had finally worn me to my breaking point. All I wanted was place to shout my love for Hillary Clinton without having to defend it or have it mansplained back to me. I needed the online equivalent of an all-woman book club, where the only books we read were Stronger Together and It Takes a Village. In a fit of rage, I posted this on my wall: Please invite me to your secret all-women/women identified Hillary Facebook groups, I can't deal with the dudes I'm experiencing today. Within 15 minutes my friend Tara, an Arkansas native, replied, I'll start one right now. And just like that, our secret, all-women, #WithHer Facebook group was born. It turned out Tara and I knew a lot of women who needed a similar space, because within an hour, we had 100 members. By the end of day two, we were at 500. And today, with less than a week to go until the election, our little group is now bursting at 5,899 members from every state in America, as well as expats living abroad. What started on a whim has now become something bigger than we ever expected: a place women (cis, trans, genderqueer, and non-binary) can discuss Hillary Clinton and champion the issues that are important to them. And in doing so, members are free to do one very simple thing that can be surprisingly hard and even dangerous in todays political climate: express themselves. Weve put together a list of guidelines for the group, but the most basic one is this: Dont be a jerk. Story continues Youd think, that with an enormous group of women ranging in age from 18 to 76, things would get tense or fights would break out. But the group has stayed incredibly civil, thoughtful, and respectful. Sure, discussions get lively and heated, but people still remain cordial and rarely devolve into name-calling or trolling. I have yet to have an interaction like I did in the group with the man who mocked Bernie supporters. It turns out, our ever-growing group is pretty awesome at going high. As we get closer to Election Day (gulp), the group has moved way beyond simply being a place to congregate with fellow Hillary supporters, and share links about the Trump Foundation and GIFS of Hillary and Michelle Obama dancing. Weve posted pics of ballot (but only from states where it's legal, per the many lawyers in our group) and pics of our homemade Hillary yard signs, shared photos of ourselves watching (or in my case, cry-watching) the convention, and have even raised $10,000 for Hillarys campaign as a team via our own fundraising link to her website. We phone-bank together, meet up on get-out-the-vote trips to swing states, and encourage each other to do more than just panic about the latest polls. (Though, we do a lot of that too.) Just this week, a member started an Action Thread where others can share what the actionable things theyre doing to elect Hillary during this final week of campaigning. (Ill be phone-banking here in Los Angeles!) And while co-moderating a Facebook group can be tedious at times (my co-moderator Tammy must spend half her days asking people not to post duplicate links and still that pantsuit flashmob video gets shared on the regular), it has also been the life vest thats kept me afloat during this election, which at its worst, has been flooded with misogyny, racism, and violence. Members are responsible for adding others to the group, and we doubled in size in the days following the story of Trumps sexually violent comments on Access Hollywood. At times, there were so many women being added that the other moderators and I couldnt keep up. The conversations that sprang up during that time - about our own experiences with sexual assault, harassment, and misogyny - reflected why this election is personal to so many of us. We believe in our candidate, but we also believe in each other and that our experiences and existence as women matter. Last week, I told the group I was writing this piece and asked them for their (anonymous) thoughts on what this online space has meant in their own lives. I was stunned to receive 215 impassioned replies that echoed my own sentiments. Every time I scroll through them, I get choked up. I am a life long Republican who lives in Texas. I have a 7yr old transgender son. I am now a single issue voter that will be voting for Hillary Clinton, the first Democratic candidate I have ever voted for in my life. I want my child to have the right to get married, have children and pee in peace. The impact this president may have on the make up of the Supreme Court, that will be in place for much of my child's life, has moved me to make this fundamental shift. This group has made it safe for me to discuss this and express my support...I'm With Her. This group has given me confidence in speaking up about doing the right thing. I feel like a nasty woman all of a sudden. I knew she was inside of me, she just needed good company. I feel the strength of 5000 women when I'm speaking up now. I will never feel alone again. I have been so depressed and angry this election year. This group has been a beacon of hope for me. As a woman in a male-dominated field (programming) in a red state (Indiana), the misogyny I see everyday is extremely troublesome. It is so great to have a place where I can be reminded that I am not any less of a person due to my gender and I can find support from other like-minded women. This place has been my solace, refuge, and happy place this election season - I really don't know how I would have coped without it. Knowing that I was safe to express my joy, learning from the brilliant women in this group, seeing the gracious support strangers have offered up to each other... it has felt nothing short of a sisterhood. I'm so unbelievably grateful and honored to be here. Secret Hillary groups like ours have been around for a while now. The New York Times even wrote about them earlier this summer. And as thrilled as I am that these pro-Hillary safe spaces exist, I cant shake the sadness I feel knowing how necessary they are. Were on the verge of electing the first woman president, and yet many women - including those of us in blue states and cities - still feel safest sharing our support and excitement in private. Still, I know that secret does not equal silent. Even if members cant be vocal in their families or communities, they can still find power and a voice in our group. And no matter what happens Nov. 8, the group will be there to continue supporting each other and Hillary, and fighting for change. That is no secret. Follow Kate on Twitter. You Might Also Like Rush can add the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award to its collection of industry honors. The alt-rock outfit's Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart will receive the accolade April 20 during the 2017 Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Awards at Toronto's Sheraton Centre. The Hall of Famers said they were "so incredibly honored" for the decoration, which recognizes outstanding Canadian artists who've contributed to social activism and supported humanitarian causes. "The depth of Allan and Gary Slaight's generosity, consideration and benevolence has no measure," say Lee, Lifeson and Peart in a joint statement. "We will strive to carry forward their spirit of charity and goodwill." Previous recipients include Bruce Cockburn, Bryan Adams, Simple Plan, and this year's winner, Nelly Furtado. Neill Dixon, president & CEO, Canadian Music Week, welcomed the announcement. "We praise their spirit and determination in philanthropic and humanitarian causes, as their dedication to multiple charities and organizations is very inspirational," he said of Rush. "They have shown extraordinary support in social involvement and charitable causes, and we are excited to celebrate them at this year's awards." Gary Slaight, president and CEO Slaight Communications Inc., paid homage to the band's tireless campaigning for people in need. In recent years, the group has "raised money for food banks, Casey House, the Kidney Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, AIDS research; the list goes on," he explained. "Alex, Geddy and Neil have been in my family's rock'n'roll life since the early days when we started Q107 in the late 1970s, and it gives me real pleasure today to thank these three exemplary musicians, on behalf of the Slaight Family, in awarding them with the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award. Good deeds deserve acknowledgement and this is one group that exemplifies the spirit of giving." Story continues Rush has sold more than 40 million albums -- and raised millions more for good causes -- over a celebrated, 40-year-plus career. The musos were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994, made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1996 and inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010. The veteran act was entered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Thursday's announcement coincides with the premiere of the documentary R40 Tour, Rush Time Stand Still (Anthem/Ole/Universal) at Cineplex/Landmark theaters across Canada and Fathom in the U.S. The film will be distributed on Blu-ray and DVD from Nov. 18. Click here for more information on Canadian Music Week. By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Russia on Thursday criticized U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon's decision to fire a Kenyan peacekeeping commander in South Sudan as premature, saying the mission there was now "in ruins" after Kenya vowed to withdraw all its troops in response to the move. Ban dismissed Lieutenant General Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki after a U.N. inquiry into the response by peacekeepers to several days of violence in the capital Juba in July found a lack of leadership and that U.N. troops failed to protect civilians. Kenya said it would withdraw some 1,000 troops deployed with the 13,000-strong peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, where U.N. peacekeepers have been deployed since 2011 when it gained independence from Sudan. In an unusual move, Russia, a U.N. Security Council veto power, and Kenya publicly criticized Ban's response to the report. "For us the decision was premature," Russia's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Petr Illichev said. "We don't have a special representative, she's leaving, we don't have a force commander. ... The whole structure is in ruins." Ondieki became the force commander in June, just three weeks before the outbreak of heavy fighting between South Sudan President Salva Kiir's troops and soldiers loyal to his rival, Riek Machar. U.N. South Sudan envoy Ellen Loj is due to step down at the end of November. The U.N. inquiry, released on Tuesday, found peacekeepers did not operate under a unified command and received multiple and sometimes conflicting orders. It said there was a "chaotic and ineffective" U.N. response. Kenya U.N. Ambassador Macharia Kamau said his country had appealed to Ban not to single out any one individual for "what we will continually insist is a systemic failure in the United Nations system." "The secretary-general, in his lame-duck season, seems to have found the courage that has alluded him throughout his tenure by choosing to ignore Kenya's plea," Kamau told a news conference at the United Nations. Ban steps down at the end of 2016 after serving two five-year terms. The United States proposed on Thursday that the Security Council welcome the inquiry's report, but diplomats said that China, backed by Russia, blocked the move. Such statements have to be agreed by consensus. The U.N. inquiry had found that on two occasions Chinese peacekeepers abandoned their positions during the violence. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric defended the U.N. inquiry on Thursday, which he said was focused on U.N. decisions made during the several days of violence. Dozens of civilians and two Chinese peacekeepers were killed during the fighting. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, acknowledged the difficult and dangerous circumstances faced by peacekeepers in South Sudan, but said the failure to act by U.N. troops "revealed systemic shortcomings in UNMISS." "It is clear from the U.N.'s investigation that when civilians were in desperate need of help, their pleas were ignored, and the human costs were horrific," Power said in a statement. Political rivalry in South Sudan between Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and his former deputy Machar, a Nuer, led to civil war in 2013 that has often followed ethnic lines. The pair signed a shaky peace deal a year ago, but fighting has continued. Machar fled South Sudan following the fighting in July. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Alistair Bell and Jonathan Oatis) BEIRUT (Reuters) - A Russian helicopter made an emergency landing near Syria's Palmyra city on Thursday, and was shot at after it touched down, but the crew returned safely to the Hmeimim air base, Russian news agencies quoted Russia's defense ministry as saying. Other reports included one from Amaq, a news agency affiliated with Islamic State, saying a Russian military helicopter had been destroyed by rocket fire in Huwaysis, a rural area east of Homs province in central Syria. Huwaysis is more than 200 km (120 miles) from Hmeimim, a Russian air base southeast of the city of Latakia, on the northeastern coast of Syria. Syrian state news agency SANA cited the Russian defense ministry as saying one of its helicopters and its crew had come under fire near the ancient city of Palmyra. Interfax news agency quoted a Russian defense ministry official in Syria saying: "The helicopter sustained damage which prevented it from returning to the home air base. The crew was not hurt and was swiftly returned to Hmeimin air base by a search-and-rescue helicopter." The official said the helicopter was delivering humanitarian aid some 40 km northwest of Palmyra, also known as Tadmur. Huwaysis is near Palmyra, from where Islamic State was expelled by Syrian government and its allies' forces in March. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a group monitoring the five-year-old civil war in Syria, said a helicopter had come under fire while landing in the Huwaysis area. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington; Editing by Louise Ireland) Russias entry for the foreign-language Oscar race, Paradise, for which Andrei Konchalovsky won the Silver Lion for best director at the Venice Film Festival, has been sold to multiple territories by sales agent Arri Media. The Holocaust drama is being screened at AFM. The pic centers on a Russian aristocrat sent to a Nazi concentration camp, where she crosses paths with an SS officer with whom she shares a romantic past. The affair is re-kindled, and the couple embarks on a twisted and destructive relationship. Distribution deals have been signed with Artfest (Bulgaria), Time in Portrait (China), MCF Megacom (Ex-Yugoslavia), SevenGroup (Greece), Viggo (Italy), Contact Film (Belgium/Netherlands), Legendmain (Portugal), and Film Buro (Spain). Arri Media is in final negotiations for a sale to the U.S./Canada, and also is in talks with licensees from Latin America. CIS and France are being handled by Antipode Sales, and U.K. rights are held by TAKT Film Company. The films market premiere at AFM is on Nov. 6 at 3 p.m. at Broadway Cineplex 1. Related stories Eligible Films in Oscars Animated Feature Race Bac Films Expands English-Language Slate With Babak Jalali's 'Land' (EXCLUSIVE) Ye Liu Joins Rebecca Ferguson in Historical Drama 'Lady and the Panda' Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams have some competition when it comes to most sizzling kissing in the rain scene. Canadas other famous Ryan, Ryan Reynolds, stopped by Conan OBriens late night show on Wednesday and played a game with the audience to find out what he was there to promote. After a few ridiculous suggestions, including a line of ham underwear and Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil, he revealed a new project: The Notebook 2 costarring Conan McAdams. Remember that vacation we took in Tijuana a few years ago? the 40-year-old actor asked OBrien. We split that bottle of absinthe? Well, we fell in love, and I filmed it. They then cut to a clip showing the duo re-enacting the iconic scene from the 2004 film where the lovebirds realize they still have feelings for each other, complete with OBrien in a blue dress, pouring rain and a passionate kiss. Although Reynolds did caption an Instagram photo promoting the late night appearance with Find out why the hell hes wearing this dress and why I can never go home again, wife Blake Lively seemed more than happy to forgive with the help of a sweet treat. The ways I know that @vancityreynolds got himself into huge trouble on @teamcoco tonight: Not only did he come home with my true love, @levain_bakery cookies, but he personally toasted them for me and brought me a cup of milk WITH ICE. Literal brownie points, the 29-year-old actress wrote on Instagram, adding a sweet quote from The Notebook. #IfYoureABirdImABird. Lively and Reynolds recently welcomed their second child in September. Their four-week-old baby, which the actor confirmed was a girl during his appearance on Conan after slipping up in a tweet, joins big sister James, 23 months. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Ryan Reynolds got his Ryan Gosling on with Conan O'Brien on Wednesday. Reynolds made an appearance on Conan and tried to get the audience to guess what he was promoting, listing options such as his new line of ham underwear and his anti-dolphin documentary before moving on to The Notebook 2. "Remember that vacation we took in Tijuana - we split that bottle of absinthe?" he said to O'Brien. "Well, we fell in love, and I filmed it." The show went to a clip of O'Brien and Reynolds reenacting the famous "I wrote you every day for a year" rain scene from The Notebook. O'Brien read Rachel McAdams' part, wearing a blue dress with pearls. The two ended the scene in a passionate, long kiss. If you're a bird, I'm a bird. #ConanNYC A photo posted by Ryan Reynolds (@vancityreynolds) on Nov 2, 2016 at 7:11pm PDT During his visit, Reynolds also confirmed that his second child with Blake Lively is a girl. He nodded when O'Brien mentioned the actor had two daughters, saying it's a "lot of estrogen" in his house. Read more: How Ryan Reynolds Became 'Deadpool's' Marketing Rebel "It feels like an American Girl doll just took a shit on my life," said Reynolds, discussing having two daughters under 2. "I'll pour some cereal in the morning, and there's like a tiny shoe in there. That's a choking hazard for me." When he got home at the end of the day, his wife, Blake Lively, joked that she knew her Conan-kissing husband had gotten into trouble earlier because he treated her to cookies and milk. She hashtagged The Notebook quote "If you're a bird, I'm a bird." The ways I know that @vancityreynolds got himself into huge trouble on @teamcoco tonight: Not only did he come home with my true love, @levain_bakery cookies, but he personally toasted them for me and brought me a cup of milk WITH ICE. Literal brownie points. #IfYoureABirdImABird A photo posted by Blake Lively (@blakelively) on Nov 2, 2016 at 8:36pm PDT LONDON (Reuters) - A Saudi activist has begun a hunger strike after being kept in jail past his release date for an eight-year sentence, a human rights group said on Thursday. Khaled al-Omair had been due to be freed on Oct. 5, after completing a prison term for crimes related to a planned protest against Israeli bombing of Gaza, New York-based Human Rights Watch said in a statement. He began his hunger strike at al-Hair prison in Riyadh the following day, the statement added, citing Saudi activists. Another rights group, Amnesty International, reported that he had been tortured and placed in solitary confinement for extended periods while in detention. Saudi authorities could not be reached for comment on the case. Riyadh denies torture and says its judiciary is independent. Omair was arrested in 2009 along with 14 other Palestinians and Saudis as they gathered on a street in Riyadh to begin a protest march against the Gaza war. Most were later released, but Omair and one other man were convicted of "breaking obedience with the ruler" and "embarking on a protest", Human Rights Watch said. Omair was also convicted of a cybercrime because he called for the protest online. Before his arrest, Omair had petitioned for democratic reforms in Saudi Arabia, including making a call in 2007 for free elections. Saudi Arabia prohibits all forms of public protest, saying demonstrations contradict the principles of Islamic law and traditions of Saudi society. While the kingdom is making gradual moves toward tightly-controlled elections for municipal councils with no lawmaking powers. But the ruling Al Saud dynasty shows no intention of sharing power with elected politicians. (Reporting by Katie Paul; editing by Andrew Roche) Riyadh (AFP) - Twelve people have been arrested in southern Saudi Arabia on suspicion of belonging to a Yemeni rebel group fighting the kingdom, a newspaper reported on Thursday. They were detained during a wide-ranging crackdown in the border region of Najran, Al-Riyadh newspaper said. "The campaign also resulted in the arrest of 12 Yemenis suspected of belonging to the Huthis," it said. Yemenis have traditionally been by far the largest contingent of illegal immigrants in Saudi Arabia. Since March last year the kingdom has led an Arab military coalition supporting Yemen's government against Shiite Huthi rebels and their allies, who seized the capital Sanaa and other parts of the country. The rebels have retaliated against Saudi Arabia, which has sent troops and heavy weapons to its frontier. At least 110 Saudi soldiers and civilians have been killed in the southern border region, either in rebel rocket fire or armed clashes. South Korean President Park Geun-Hye is set to address the nation Friday over a snowballing political scandal that saw her close friend arrested for corruption and sparked calls for her resignation. Park will deliver the public address -- her second since the scandal broke last month -- on Friday morning, her spokesman said. The announcement came shortly after a Seoul court formally approved an arrest warrant for Choi Soon-Sil, Park's close friend facing charges of fraud and abuse of power. Choi, who has been held in emergency detention since Monday, is accused of coercing local firms to donate large sums to dubious non-profit foundations that she then used for personal gain. Prosecutors had deemed her a flight risk and "unstable". Choi, daughter of a late religious figure who was a longtime mentor for Park, also faces allegations that she meddled with state affairs including nomination of senior officials. The shock scandal sparked nationwide protests urging Park's resignation, with prosecutors mulling launching a formal probe. If realised it would be the country's first investigation of an incumbent president. Under South Korea's constitution, the incumbent president may not be charged with a criminal offence except insurrection or treason. But many argue the sitting president can be probed by prosecutors and then charged after leaving office. Justice Minister Kim Hyun-Woong also told parliament Thursday that prosecutors could question Park, if the ongoing investigation required it. The ongoing probe also targets firms -- including Samsung and SK -- that offered donations to foundations favoured by Choi, and a Samsung executive was questioned by prosecutors Thursday, Yonhap added. Samsung -- by far the South's largest business conglomerate -- faces allegations that it separately offered millions of euros to Choi to bankroll her daughter's equestrian training in Germany. The scandal has shaken the presidency, exposing Park to public outrage and ridicule and, with just over a year left in office, seen her approval ratings plunge into single digits. Story continues In an effort to deflect rising public criticism, Park had been urged to create a neutral cabinet by bringing in members from outside her ruling conservative Saenuri Party. - Rasputin-like figure - She has reached across the traditional political divide with a host of new appointments, including tapping the liberal Kim Byong-Joon as her new prime minister, a largely symbolic post. She announced Thursday her pick for chief of staff, Han Gwang-Ok, a former aide to late President Kim Dae-Jung in an appointment the presidential Blue House said would help get the rattled administration back on track. But the opposition has dismissed the reshuffle as a smokescreen. They have called for a full investigation of Park's relationship with Choi, vowing to block the new prime minister's nomination by wielding their combined parliamentary majority. The media has portrayed the 60-year-old Choi as a Rasputin-like figure, who wielded an unhealthy influence over Park that continued after her presidential election victory in December 2012. Choi is the daughter of late religious leader Choi Tae-Min, who was married six times, had multiple pseudonyms and set up his own cult-like group known as the Church of Eternal Life. He befriended a traumatised Park after the 1974 assassination of her mother -- who he said had appeared to him in a dream. Park treated him as a mentor and subsequently formed a close bond with his daughter. Choi flew back to Seoul from Germany on Sunday to submit to herself for questioning, saying after she fought her way through a scrum of press and protesters that she had "committed a deadly sin", Yonhap reported. The scandal comes as South Korea, Asia's fourth largest economy, faces slumping exports and high unemployment amid rising nuclear and missile threats from North Korea. Scientists say Amelia Earhart didnt actually die in a plane crash While there will always be some mystery surrounding how Amelia Earhart died, a group of scientists think they have discovered one major detail. The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) believes that the aviation pioneer did not die in a plane crash, CNN reports. Instead, they theorize that Earhart died as a castaway on an island. Beyond being integral in early days of flight, Earhart was the first woman to fly over the Atlantic. When she attempted to circumnavigate the earth in 1937, she went missing and it was assumed her plane had crashed into the ocean and that she had died. But the TIGHAR research may prove that Earharts plane didnt crash and that she actually lived on the island of Nikumaroro, Kiribati as a castaway. A skeleton was found on the island in 1940 and it was originally thought to belong to a male. But TIGHAR recovered the skeletons measurements in 1998 and, working with anthropologists, report that they believe it to be Earharts remains. (No remains of her navigator Frederick J. Noonan, who had been traveling with her, have ever been found.) Another factor that TIGHAR says supports their claims is that she made more than 100 calls for help between July 2 the day she disappeared and July 6. They assert the radio would not have worked if her planes engine had not been running. Amelia Earhart Waving While Earhart surviving for longer than previously thought is an exciting notion, its also depressing to think of this feminist icon slowly dying on an island. As TIGHARs executive director Ric Gillespie, who has organized multiple archeological expeditions to Kiribati, said: We believe she survived heroically, and alone, for a period of time, in terrible circumstances. History needs to tell her story right. Yet, its also important to note that TIGHARs claims have been met with skepticism over the years, as the Smithsonian magazine reported in 2015. The senior curator of aeronautics at the National Air and Space Museum, Tom Crouch, has begged to differ with TIGHARs and Gillespies claims. Story continues I think if Ric proved anything, its that [Earhart and Noonan] never were close to that island, Crouch said. Otherwise he would have found something definitive. No matter how Earhart died, theres no denying the fact the mystery surrounding what happened to her will continue to fascinate the public. And in some ways, that will help the legacy of this tremendous woman live on. The post Scientists say Amelia Earhart didnt actually die in a plane crash appeared first on HelloGiggles. BEATRICE, NE / ACCESSWIRE / November 3, 2016 / Scooter's Coffee, the Midwest-based coffee franchise that has experienced tremendous growth over the past year, will increase their Nebraska presence with the company's first-ever location in Beatrice (2305 N 6th Street). On Friday, November 11, the new drive-thru coffee shop will celebrate its grand opening with $2 medium drinks all day and will donate 50% of the proceeds to Gage County United Way. "We have experienced remarkable success in the state of Nebraska, especially in smaller to mid-sized towns that are familiar with our brand," stated Rob Streett, President and Chief Operating Officer of Scooter's Coffee. "Beatrice is already welcoming Scooter's Coffee with open arms, and we are extremely humbled by the enthusiasm this community has expressed for their first Scooter's location." On November 11, Grand Opening Day, customers can also expect to receive several fun giveaways; beginning at 9 a.m., the first 100 customers will receive a free t-shirt or coffee mug. For the afternoon crowd, starting at 2 p.m., the first 100 customers will receive a $5 gift card. To continue the celebration, the location will be holding a week-long promotion (November 14 - November 18) with half off any drink from 4 p.m. to close (excluding Vertigo Smoothies). Katie Noell owns this location and is her first location as a franchise owner. Prior to owning, Katie worked doing offsite training for a Lincoln Scooter's location and eventually moved into management. "Working in management led to a conversation about my future goals. After researching and getting information about opening my own franchise, I anxiously took the idea straight to my family, and over a year later here I am," said Katie. "I feel blessed to be able to share my dream with the Beatrice community and have them enjoy it for years to come. It's amazing what a great cup of coffee and a smile can do!" The Beatrice grand opening marks the latest move in the company's extraordinary growth. With more than 150 stores open in 13 states, Scooter's Coffee has signed agreements in two additional states and will open more than 40 locations from coast to coast in 2016. The company is in the midst of a robust grand opening pipeline. It recently opened its first location in Phoenix, AZ, added a second location to the Atlanta, GA, metro area and also opened its second of many locations in the state of Florida. It will also add several locations this year to expanding markets, such as Nebraska, Kansas and Texas. Story continues Scooter's, which is based out of Omaha, Nebraska, handcrafts its pastries and roasts its own shade-grown coffee, sourced through Arbor Day Foundation. In 2016, the company also added depth to its product profile, releasing a new line of Organic Hot and Iced Teas during the summer. In addition to its nearly-100% gluten-free beverage menu, Scooter's recently added gluten-free brownies to its extensive menu. About Scooter's Coffee Founded in 1998 by Don and Linda Eckles in Bellevue, Nebraska, Scooter's Coffee roasts only the finest coffee beans in the world at its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Scooter's success over 18 years of history is simple: stay committed to the original business principles and company core values. The Scooter's mantra, often recited to franchisees, customers and employees is: "Amazing People, Amazing Drinks...Amazingly Fast! "TM It represents the company's business origins from 1998 and reflects a steady commitment to providing an unforgettable experience to loyal customers. For more information, visit: scooterscoffee.com, facebook.com/scooterscoffee, or ownascooters.com SOURCE: Scooter's Coffee Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. SNI is scheduled to release third-quarter 2016 financial numbers, before the opening bell, on Nov 7. In the second quarter of 2016, Scripps Networks posted a positive earnings surprise of 6.76%. In fact, the company boasts an impressive history with respect to earnings. Scripps Networks outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters with an average earnings beat of 21.34%. However, things do not look rosy for this Cincinnati, OH-based company in the third quarter. The negative sentiment surrounding the stock ahead of its third-quarter earnings release can be gauged by the 9.7% decrease in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the last three months. Our quantitative model too does not hint at an earnings beat in the third quarter as it lacks the perfect combination of two key ingredients. Zacks ESP: The Earnings ESP for Scripps Networks is +1.08%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate is pegged at 94 cents while the Zacks Consensus Estimate stands at 93 cents per share . Zacks Rank: Scripps Networks carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Please note that we advise investors against considering Sell-rated stocks going into an earnings announcement. Conversely, stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) have a significantly higher chance of beating earnings estimates. SCRIPPS NETWRKS Price and EPS Surprise SCRIPPS NETWRKS Price and EPS Surprise | SCRIPPS NETWRKS Quote Please check our Earnings ESP Filter that enables you to find stocks that are expected to come out with earnings surprises. Factors Likely at Play We expect the companys third-quarter results to be hurt by headwinds like foreign exchange woes and escalating costs. We note that Scripps Networks reported lower-than-expected revenues in the second quarter. The unfavorable trend is expected to continue in the third quarter as well with the companys top line declining in spite of strong advertising revenues. Story continues Also, the companys high debt levels raise concerns. The debt-to-capitalization ratio at the end of the second quarter stood at a high 0.57. However, the companys expansion efforts are impressive. In keeping with this, Scripps Networks inked a deal with AT&T T in the third quarter. The recent deal with Tribune Media Company TRCO is also encouraging. Even though positive with Scripps Networks growth-by-acquisition strategy, we note that that the strategy has integration risks attached to it. A Stock to Consider While an earnings beat looks uncertain for Scripps Networks, here is a stock in the broader Consumer Discretionary sector you may want to consider on the basis of our model, which shows that it has the right combination of elements to post earnings beat this quarter. Nexstar Broadcasting Group NXST is scheduled to report third-quarter earnings on Nov 8. It has an earnings ESP of +3.49% and a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AT&T INC (T): Free Stock Analysis Report NEXSTAR BRDCSTG (NXST): Free Stock Analysis Report TRIBUNE MEDIA (TRCO): Free Stock Analysis Report SCRIPPS NETWRKS (SNI): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research By Sandhya Sampath Nov 3 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets ended lower on Thursday, as investors remained cautious ahead of the U.S. presidential election, with the Philippine index falling more than 1 percent to its lowest close in nearly six months. Narrowing polls have led markets to price in more risk that Donald Trump might defeat his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Investors generally view Clinton as a known quantity, but there is deep uncertainty about what a Trump win might mean for U.S. economic policy, free trade and geopolitics. "Most fund managers are in a risk-off mood because of the uncertainty. They are trying to get out of equity," said Mikey Macainag, an analyst with Manila-based Sunsecurities Inc. The Philippine index ended 1.3 percent lower, its ninth straight session of losses, dragged down by financials and consumer staples. Conglomerate JG Summit Holdings Inc lost 2.7 percent. Shares in Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp, the Philippine unit of Royal Dutch Shell PLC, edged up 0.3 percent at the close of trade after opening flat on debut Thursday. Indonesia shares ended 1.4 percent lower, their biggest single-day percentage decline in nearly two months, dragged down by energy stocks and consumer staples, with Adaro Energy Tbk PT ending 4.7 percent lower. Singapore Index fell for a fifth straight session as telecom stocks declined. Telecom service provider Starhub Ltd, the biggest loser on the Singapore index, reported a 27.6 percent fall in net profit for the third quarter. For Asian Companies click; SOUTHEAST ASIAN STOCK MARKETS Change on the day Market Current Previous Close Pct Move Singapore 2802.08 2807.14 -0.18 Bangkok 1493.08 1498.65 -0.37 Manila 7160.91 7252.4 -1.26 Jakarta 5329.502 5405.455 -1.41 Kuala Lumpur 1648.08 1659.6 -0.69 Ho Chi Minh 667.63 671.4 -0.56 Change on year Market Current End 2015 Pct Move Singapore 2802.08 2882.73 -2.80 Bangkok 1493.08 1288.02 15.92 Manila 7160.91 6952.08 3.00 Jakarta 5329.502 4593.008 16.04 Story continues Kuala Lumpur 1648.08 1692.51 -2.63 Ho Chi Minh 667.63 579.03 15.30 (Reporting by Sandhya Sampath; Editing by Vyas Mohan) (Corrects "Previous Close" and "Pct Move" figures for Manila in table) By Sandhya Sampath Nov 3 (Reuters) - Philippine shares extended declines for a ninth straight session on Thursday as investors remained cautious ahead of the U.S. presidential election, and as excitement around the market debut of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp fizzled out. Investor sentiment weakened as narrowing polls have led markets to price in more risk that Donald Trump might defeat his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, perhaps remembering the turmoil that followed the surprise Brexit vote. "Asian markets are down because of the U.S. election and most fund managers are just on a risk-off mood because of the uncertainty. They are trying to get out of equity," said Mikey Macainag, an analyst with Manila-based Sunsecurities Inc. Shares in Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp, the Philippine unit of Royal Dutch Shell PLC, opened flat on their trading debut on the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday following a $404 million initial public offering. "The market has been trending downwards recently as a lot of speculative money is stuck in Pilipinas Shell, especially the local money. The effect will be such that if there is enough volume at the end of the day in Shell, the short-term investors would have gotten out," said Joseph Roxas, president of Manila-based Eagle Equities. Continuing his tirade, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte chided the United States for halting the planned sale of 26,000 rifles to his country, calling those behind the decision "fools" and "monkeys" and indicating he might turn to Russia and China instead. The Philippine index fell 1.3 percent, dragged down by financials and consumer staples, with conglomerate Ayala Land Inc dropping 2 percent. Most Southeast Asian stock markets traded lower with Singapore Index hitting a three-week low, paced by declines in telecommunications sector. Telecom service provider Starhub Ltd, the biggest loser on the Singapore index, reported third-quarter results Story continues after market hours on Wednesday, with a 27.6 percent fall in net profit and a 3 percent drop in revenue to S$585.3 million. Indonesia shares slipped, after a decline in oil prices weighed down on the energy sector. Mining contractor United Tractors Tbk PT lost as much as 1.9 percent. Bucking the trend, Thai shares gained 0.2 percent. For Asian Companies click; SOUTHEAST ASIAN STOCK MARKETS: Change at 0538 GMT Market Current Previous Close Pct Move Singapore 2794.13 2807.14 -0.46 Bangkok 1501.32 1498.65 0.18 Manila 7156.44 7252.40 -1.30 Jakarta 5384.682 5405.455 -0.38 Kuala Lumpur 1654.93 1659.6 -0.28 Ho Chi Minh 663.32 671.4 -1.20 Change on year Market Current End prev yr Pct Move Singapore 2794.13 2882.73 -3.07 Bangkok 1501.32 1288.02 16.56 Manila 7156.44 6952.08 2.94 Jakarta 5384.682 4593.008 17.24 Kuala Lumpur 1654.93 1692.51 -2.22 Ho Chi Minh 663.32 579.03 14.56 (Reporting by Sandhya Sampath; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips) By Aleksandar Vasovic BELGRADE (Reuters) - Serbia and Russia began joint military exercises on Serbian territory on Thursday in a move likely to reinforce increased east-west tensions just as a five-day NATO drill in neighboring Montenegro draws to a close. Serbia is trying to balance its traditionally warm ties with Russia, a fellow Slavic, Orthodox Christian nation, with its push for membership of the European Union and closer relations with NATO, though it has no plans to join the Atlantic alliance. In the exercise dubbed "Slavic Brotherhood", which runs until Nov. 9, more than 700 troops from Serbia, Russia and Belarus will stage helicopter assaults, a mock attack on an insurgent base, evacuate casualties and practice artillery bombardment. "It will all be very attractive," defense ministry spokesman Jovan Krivokapic told Tanjug news agency. The launch of the exercise coincides with the end of the NATO drill in Montenegro, which focused on handling emergency situations such as floods or chemical attacks that included 680 unarmed personnel from seven NATO members and also 10 partner countries including Serbia. The exercise also coincides with a deep chill in relations between Russia and the U.S.-led Atlantic alliance. NATO has announced plans to send troops, tanks and planes to the Baltic states and Poland to counter what it perceives as a more assertive Russia following Moscow's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and other actions. Serbia, which relies on Russia for energy, is not actively seeking membership of NATO, which remains unpopular among Serbs because of its 1999 bombing campaign to drive Serbian forces out of Kosovo. But as part of its integration with the West, Serbia last year signed the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), the highest level of cooperation between NATO and a country not aspiring to join. Since 2006, Serbia has held 1,400 various activities with NATO, including 197 last year. In 2016, out of 26 training exercises only two are with Russia. Out of 21 multinational training drills in 2015, the Serbian military participated in only two with Russia. Montenegro, which split from Serbia a decade ago, accepted an invitation last year to join NATO, angering Moscow. Last month Montenegro's outgoing Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic accused Moscow of meddling in his country's parliamentary election campaign and of financing the opposition. (Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Gareth Jones) Its election crunch time, and Dems are panicking over FBI Director James Comeys election-impacting announcement about Anthony Weiners computer, Seth Meyers said in his latest Closer Look at the election cycle. Meanwhile, House Speaker Paul Ryan cant bring himself to say Donald Trumps name when asked if he had voted for his partys candidate on Fox & Friends. Voters similarly are unhappy with both candidates, with less than a week before Election Day. Some still are finding it hard to choose between Trump and Hillary Clinton, NBCs Late Night host acknowledged, understandingly. Speaking to those voters, Meyers wondered, on the one hand, do you pick someone who is under federal investigation for using a private email server. Or, Meyers said, do you pick someone who: Called Mexicans rapists Claimed the president was born in Kenya Proposed banning an entire religion from entering the U.S. Mocked a disabled reporter Said John McCain wasnt a war hero because he was captured Attacked the parents of a fallen war hero Bragged about committing sexual assault Was accused by 12 women of committing sexual assault Said some of those women werent attractive enough for him to sexually assault Said more countries should get nukes Said he would force the military to commit war crimes Said a judge was biased because his parents were Mexican Said women should be punished for having abortions Incited violence at his rallies Called global warming a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese Called for his opponent to be jailed Declared bankruptcy six times Bragged about not paying income taxes Stiffed his contractors and employees Lost a billion dollars in one year Scammed customers with his fake university Bought a 6-foot painting of himself with money from his fake foundation Has a trial for fraud coming up in November Insulted an opponents looks Insulted an opponents wifes looks And, bragged about grabbing women by the pu**y. Story continues How do you choose? Meyers despaired. Its so even. [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9v97xH6Bof0&w=620&h=340] Related stories Obama: Candidate Upset By 'SNL' Skit Should Not Have Nuclear Weapon Access Chelsea Handler Lists Donald Trump & Hillary Clinton's "Lost" Things On Netflix Show Donald Trump Campaign Manager Declines To Decry Candidate's Taunts Of NBC Reporter On 'Morning Joe' NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 3, 2016 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC reminds investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Mylan N.V. ("Mylan" or the "Company") (MYL) and certain of its officers, on behalf of shareholders who purchased Mylan securities between February 21, 2012 and October 5, 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"). Mylan N.V. is an American global generic and specialty pharmaceuticals company registered in the Netherlands, principal executive offices in Hatfield and global headquarters Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Together with its subsidiaries, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic, branded generic, and specialty pharmaceuticals products in tablet, capsule, injectable, transdermal patch, gel, cream, or ointment forms. Among other products, Mylan manufactures and sells the EpiPen Auto-Injector (the "EpiPen"), a branded injection of a measured dose of epinephrine to treat severe allergic reactions. Medicaid is a U.S. government insurance social healthcare program for persons whose income are limited. From 2011 through 2015, Medicaid spent about $797 million on purchases of EpiPens from Mylan. 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 Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Mylan paid Medicaid significantly lower EpiPen rebates than legally required; (2) Medicaid had previously advised Mylan of the Company's obligation to pay higher rebates; (3) Mylan therefore knowingly and systemically overcharged Medicaid for EpiPens in violation of federal law; (4) millions of dollars of Mylan's revenue from EpiPen sales were the result of the foregoing illegal conduct by the Company; and (5) consequently, Mylan's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. Story continues On September 2, 2016, Inside Health Policy reported that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ("CMS"), a federal agency whose responsibilities include working in partnership with state governments to administer Medicaid, had "informed Mylan that [the Company] incorrectly classified EpiPen as a generic under the Medicaid rebate program, which caused financial consequences for federal and state governments by reducing the amount of quarterly rebates Mylan owed for its product." Following this news, Mylan's stock dropped $1.95 per share, or 4.65%, to close at $39.97 on September 2, 2016. On October 5, 2016, CMS published a report stating that for years Mylan had overcharged the U.S. Medicaid health program for its EpiPen shot, despite being to provide greater discounts under the law. The CMS letter stated that from 2011 to 2015, the U.S. Medicaid health program spent close to $797 million on EpiPens, including rebates of about 13%, instead of the 23.1% discount that the U.S. should have received. The letter also said that the government has "expressly told Mylan that the [EpiPen] product is incorrectly classified." Following this news, Mylan stock dropped $1.19 per share, or 3.13%, to close at $36.84 on October 6, 2016. On October 7, 2016, Mylan said that it had reached a $465 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and other agencies in regards to the issues raised about the classification of EpiPen for Medicaid rebate purposes. On that same day, Mylan also announced that the Company had "received a document request from the Division of Enforcement at the [SEC] seeking communications with the CMS and documents concerning Mylan products sold and related to the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, and any related complaints." A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint you can visit the firm's site: http://www.bgandg.com/myl or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Investor Relations Analyst, Yael Hurwitz of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 212-697-6484 or via email info@bgandg.com. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address and telephone number. If you suffered a loss in Mylan you have until December 12, 2016 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a corporate litigation boutique. Our primary expertise is the aggressive pursuit of litigation claims on behalf of our clients. In addition to representing institutions and other investor plaintiffs in class action security litigation, the firm's expertise includes general corporate and commercial litigation, as well as securities arbitration. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contact: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Peretz Bronstein or Yael Hurwitz 212-697-6484 | info@bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 3, 2016 / The following statement is being issued by Levi & Korsinsky, LLP: To: All Persons or Entities who purchased Metaldyne Performance Group Inc. ("Metaldyne") (MPG) stock prior to November 3, 2016 . You are hereby notified that Levi & Korsinsky, LLP has commenced an investigation into the fairness of the sale of Metaldyne to American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. Under the terms of the transaction, Metaldyne shareholders will receive $13.50 per share in cash and 0.5 of a share of AAM common stock. To learn more about the action and your rights, go to: http://zlk.9nl.com/metaldyne-performance-mpg or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@zlk.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972. There is no cost or obligation to you. Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise in prosecuting securities litigation involving financial fraud, representing investors throughout the nation in securities lawsuits and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders. For more information, please feel free to contact any of the attorneys listed below. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Joseph E. Levi, Esq. Eduard Korsinsky, Esq. 30 Broad Street - 24th Floor New York, NY 10004 Tel: (212) 363-7500 Toll Free: (877) 363-5972 Fax: (212) 363-7171 www.zlk.com SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 3, 2016 / Lundin Law PC , a shareholder rights firm, announces a class action lawsuit against Adeptus Health Inc. ("Adeptus Health" or the "Company") (ADPT) on behalf of purchasers of Adeptus Health securities pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's secondary public offering (the "SPO") on or about July 31, 2015, or purchasers of common shares between April 23, 2015 and November 16, 2015, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investors, who purchased or otherwise acquired shares during the SPO or the Class Period, are encouraged to contact the firm prior to the December 27, 2016 lead plaintiff motion deadline. To participate in this class action lawsuit, click here. You can also call Brian Lundin, Esquire, of Lundin Law PC, at 888-713-1033, or e-mail him at brian@lundinlawpc.com. No class has been certified in the above action. Until a class is certified, you are not considered represented by an attorney. You may also choose to do nothing and be an absent class member. The complaint alleges that during the Class Period, Adeptus Health made material false and/or misleading information and/or failed to disclose: that the Company engaged in widespread predatory billing practices, particularly with respect to lower acuity level patients; that Adeptus Health's predatory billing practices subjected the Company to numerous known but undisclosed risks, such as financial risks, reputational risks, risks associated with improper financial reporting, civil or criminal sanctions, and even exclusion from federal and state healthcare programs; that the Company's financial statements were not prepared in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; that contrary to the Company's representations about its practice of referring lower acuity patients to urgent care facilities, Adeptus Health routinely treated lower acuity patients and excessively billed them for services; and that as a result of the above, Adeptus Health lacked a reasonable basis for its statements about its business and future financial prospects at all relevant times. On November 17, 2015, KUSA, an NBC-affiliated television station located in Denver, Colorado, aired an investigative report about the predatory billing practices at Adeptus Health's Colorado First Choice emergency rooms. When this news was announced, shares of Adeptus Health fell in value, causing investors harm. Lundin Law PC was founded by Brian Lundin, a securities litigator based in Los Angeles dedicated to upholding shareholders' rights. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. Contact: Lundin Law PC Brian Lundin, Esq. Telephone: 888-713-1033 Facsimile: 888-713-1125 brian@lundinlawpc.com http://lundinlawpc.com/ SOURCE: Lundin Law PC The "shotgun marriage" may be on the decline: It's only very rarely now, statistics from one state suggest, that couples hastily marry to avoid the social stigma of an out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Nevertheless, new research finds that even as overall marriage rates have declined, the "midpregnancy marriage," as it's more scientifically known, has become an important subset of marriages in some demographic groups. And surprisingly, in some groups whose members are generally at a higher risk of divorce, getting married during the woman's pregnancy may not make a couple more likely to split. "These were fairly resilient marriages, much to our surprise," said study author Christina Gibson-Davis, a researcher in public policy at Duke University. [6 Scientific Tips for a Successful Marriage] Marrying midpregnancy In the study, Gibson-Davis and her colleagues analyzed all records of new marriages and births in North Carolina between 1992 and 2012 and found that overall, midpregnancy marriages are down. Only 5.2 percent of all births in 2012 were to parents who married during a woman's pregnancy, according to the findings that were published today (Nov. 1) in the journal Demography. When considered as a percentage of all births, births after midpregnancy marriage dropped between 1992 and 2012 among both blacks and whites. In 1992, 8.8 percent of all births to white mothers were in the context of a midpregnancy marriage, compared with 6.3 percent in 2012. For black mothers, the decline was smaller, from 2.7 percent of all births to 2.6 percent of all births. These findings echo what earlier national studies have suggested that the stereotypical "shotgun marriage" is getting pretty uncommon: Only about 4 percent to 8 percent of births in the U.S. were to women who got married during the pregnancy, according to a 2012 study that analyzed data from 1997 and which was co-authored by Gibson-Davis. (For comparison, 10 percent of births were to women who started living with their partner but who didn't marry during the pregnancy, the same study found.) Story continues "Nobody thinks there's a man out there with a shotgun pointing at some quivering guy, saying, 'You must marry my daughter'" because she's pregnant, Gibson-Davis told Live Science. Nevertheless, she and her colleagues were interested in the role of midpregnancy marriages and what they might reveal about how people's childbearing choices and their marriage choices influence each other. Disadvantage and divorce Gibson-Davis and her colleagues narrowed their data to 244,753 "married births" meaning births that occurred among couples who had both married in North Carolina and had their first child there sometime after they got married. Among these marriages, there were 46,772 divorces over the study period. While the first numbers in the study examined midpregnancy marriages in the context of all births, this matched data allowed the researchers to study midpregnancy marriages in the context of only married births. Marriage rates in general are on the decline, especially in more disadvantaged groups like black Americans and those with lower education thus, midpregnancy marriages could represent a decline overall (because fewer people feel the stigma of an unwed pregnancy and can just dispense of marriage entirely), while still making up a growing percentage of the shrinking slice of births to married couples. "What we were really surprised to find is that the prevalence of these midpregnancy married births among more disadvantaged groups is actually pretty high," Gibson-Davis said. "It was about 20 percent [of all married births], roughly." For example, among white women under 25, midpregnancy marriages made up 24 percent of births to married couples, the researchers reported. For black women under 25, the percentage was 26 percent of all married births. For white women with a high school diploma or less, 23 percent of births were to married couples, up from 16 percent in 1990. For black women with a high school diploma or less, 19 percent of births were to couples who married during midpregnancy, up from 12 percent in 1990. In comparison, midpregnancy marriages among white women older than 25 with at least a bachelor's degree was a steady 5 percent of all married births between 1990 and 2012, highlighting the fact that for more-educated and white couples, marriage is still likely to precede pregnancy. [I Don't: 5 Myths About Marriage] Another surprise was the finding that "shotgun marriages" don't always herald relationships that are headed for divorce. Among white women, these marriages did increase the divorce rate: A midpregnancy marriage raised the risk of divorce to 30 percent over the first 10 years of marriage, compared to 19 percent among couples who married before the woman became pregnant. But for black women, midpregnancy marriages had a 23 percent chance of ending in divorce by 10 years, while couples who married before the woman became pregnant had a 20 percent chance of breaking up a "striking" similarity in rates, the researchers reported. The data doesn't speak directly to why the risk of divorce for white women who marry during midpregnancy might be bigger than it is for black women. Women in higher-educated demographics may experience more pressure and stigma to marry before they have a child, Gibson-Davis said, meaning that they might be more likely to choose to marry more for the baby than for any real desire to cement the relationship. Women in demographic groups where marriage is comparatively less common may not feel as much pressure to just get married, and might marry only if they really want to. "Maybe these are more relationship-based decisions," Gibson-Davis said. The researchers did not look at racial or ethnic groups beyond whites and blacks, and focused only on North Carolina though that state's numbers are relatively representative of the rest of the nation, Gibson-Davis said. There are many questions left to answer, she said. The study couldn't discern whether the couples who had midpregnancy marriages were happy, or how children of these relationships fare. Government programs to encourage marriage, especially for low-income families, are predicated on the idea that children of married parents are better off than children of unmarried parents. It's important, Gibson-Davis said, to find out more about how the timing of those marriages might influence the children. Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) will celebrate the 50th Anniversary release of the Stanley Kramers groundbreaking 1967 film Guess Whos Coming to Dinner, starring Sidney Poitier, Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. The celebration will also honor the life, career and legacy of Poitier with the inaugural Icon Award. It is beyond a privilege for AAFCA to receive this opportunity to honor a man who epitomizes timeless excellence, said AAFCA President Gil Robertson. Throughout his career, Mr. Poitier has embodied values that the AAFCA community admires and strives to duplicate. He set a standard of merit through his craft and commitment to humanity that has been a great blueprint for all artists. The event will be the centerpiece of the 8th AAFCA Awards ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017 at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood. We feel that his impact is immeasurable. There is, perhaps, no artist more fitting to receive the inaugural AAFCA Icon Award than Mr. Poitier, Robertson went on to say. The AAFCA annually awards Best of the Year honors in 15 categories. This years honorees will be announced Monday, Dec. 12. Related stories Hollywood Struggles to Embrace Ideals of Its Liberal-Message Movies African-American Film Critics Association to Honor Lee Daniels, Anthony Hemingway and More Carousel of Hope Ball Honors Sidney Poitier, Jane Fonda and More, Raises Funds to Battle Childhood Diabetes Bad loans jumped to new highs in September. Moody's Investors Service says that the profitability of the three largest banks in Singapore by assets is under pressure, as seen by their Q3 2016 financial results. The three banks are: DBS Bank, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, and United Overseas Bank Limited. "The Q3 results for DBS, OCBC and UOB show a further weakening in the banks' asset quality and profitability, because of the persistent challenges that they face in relation to their oil and gas exposures," says Eugene Tarzimanov, a Moody's Vice President and Senior Credit Officer. The deterioration was in line with Moody's expectations, as reflected in the negative outlook assigned to the banks' ratings at end-March 2016. "The NPL ratios of all three banks climbed to new highs at end-September 2016," says Simon Chen, a Moody's Vice President and Senior Analyst. "The NPL increases were driven mainly by the banks' loans to oil and gas service companies; a segment within the oil and gas industry that has been the most severely impacted by low oil prices." Moody's expects that asset quality challenges posed by the troubled oil and gas service companies will persist over the next few quarters, contributing to a further weakening in the banks' asset quality. Returns on assets continued to decline for OCBC and UOB for the first nine months of 2016, owing to higher credit costs and weaker revenue growth, with the latter pressured by margin compression. On the other hand, DBS' profitability has shown more resilience relative to the other two banks. For the first nine months between January and September 2016, DBS recorded stronger operating income growth and lower operating expense growth than OCBC and UOB; thereby positioning it better to withstand the increase in credit costs. Moody's report notes that despite the headwinds that the banks face, all three show robust loss absorption buffers. In particular, during Q3 2016, the banks recorded higher fully-loaded common equity Tier 1 ratios, driven mainly by retained earnings and slow balance sheet growth. More From Singapore Business Review LONDON (Reuters) - Sirius Minerals (SXX.L) the UK company behind plans to mine the world biggest underground deposit of polyhalite, a fertiliser, has completed the first $1.2 billion (0.97 billion pound) phase of its fund-raising, it said on Thursday. The fundraising for the project in northeast England was already on the way to hitting its target after Austrialia's richest woman Gina Rinehart, last week poured $300 million into the firm, a step analysts read as a major endorsement of the potential for polyhalite. On Thursday Sirus said a placing of convertible bonds and shares announced on Wednesday had successfully raised the rest of the funds, provided they were approved by shareholders at a meeting on Nov. 24. The initial funding will cover the first three years of construction at the site in Yorkshire. It will be followed by another round of funding in between 18 months and two years' time to meet requirements to reach first production, expected at the end of 2021, Chief Executive Chris Fraser told Reuters. Polyhalite is a naturally occurring mineral containing four of the six nutrients that ensure plant growth potassium, sulphur, magnesium and calcium. Fraser says it is superior to potash, which is far more widely used, because it contains four vital nutrients, not just one - potassium - and does not leave a damaging residue of chloride, which can result from using potash. He said he already has offtake sales agreements with China and expects to sell to Europe, meaning his firm can benefit from the weaker pound resulting from Britain's vote to leave the European Union. "Europe will be an important market," he said, adding that for a firm focused on export, Brexit should not have negative implications, apart from general uncertainty. "The project is so robust economically, it does not have much of an impact except no-one likes uncertainty," he said. (Reporting by Barbara Lewis; Editing by Greg Mahlich) Baghdadi emerges. For the first time in almost a year, weve heard from Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. He dropped a new 30-minute audio statement Wednesday, calling on his followers to launch a fresh wave of attacks in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and elsewhere, while trying to boost the morale of this fighters who have been rapidly losing territory and taking heavy casualties for much of the past year across Iraq and Syria. The terrorist leader also tried to rally the surrounded ISIS fighters in and around Mosul, telling the estimated 5,000 ISIS holdouts in the city that holding your ground in honor is a thousand times better than retreating in disgrace. The message, titled This Is What Allah and His Messenger Had Promised Us, also directly threatened Turkey, with Baghdadi imploring his fighters to unleash the fire of their anger on Turkish troops fighting them in northern Syria, and to take the fight into Turkey. Turkey today entered your range of action and the aim of your jihadinvade it and turn its safety into fear, he said. Grinding on in the longest war. Two U.S. service members were killed and two others wounded in combat in Kunduz, Afghanistan on Thursday, the latest casualties in Americas longest war. The deaths come as American forces are increasingly engaged in ground combat in an effort to beat back a country-wide offensive by the Taliban, and as U.S. Special Operations Forces pressure Islamic State positions in the countrys east. Overall, six Americans have died fighting the Taliban and the Islamic State this year. Multiple others have been wounded in firefights and IED attacks across the country. In a brief statement, the U.S. military command in Kabul said that the troops came under fire during a train, advise and assist mission with our Afghan partners to clear a Taliban position in Kunduz. The Taliban took parts of the city last month, leading to the deployment of American commandos to shore up Afghan forces fighting for control of the key city. Taliban fighters also stormed the city in September 2015, and during that fight, an American AC-130 gunship mistakenly fired on a Doctors Without Borders charity hospital, killing 42 doctors, staffers, and patients. Story continues The terms of war. The Pentagon has used the train, advise and assist explanation for all U.S. combat casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as to describe what American troops are doing on the ground when coming under fire in places like Somalia. While American Special Operations Forces are advising local forces, theyre also often involved in direct combat, something the clunky term doesnt fully capture. In two months, President Barack Obama will hand the war off to his successor, making either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump the third American president to wrestle with what to do in the increasingly violent conflict. More airstrikes? Afghanistan-based Photojournalist Andrew Quilty, a frequent FP contributor and the first photographer to have shot pictures of the Doctors Without Borders hospital last year after the American attack, tweeted Thursday morning there were reports that twenty-one civilians, incl. women & children killed in #Kunduz air strike this morning according to local reporter. The New York Times filed a similar report on Thursday, saying one of their reporters counted 22 bodies brought into the city on the way to the Kunduz hospital, 14 of them children, four women, two older men and two men of fighting age. They were accompanied by a large group of protesters from the area that was hit, the village of Boze Qandahari. U.S. aircraft had been active in the area. The world turned upside down. Five more days to go, friends, and well hopefully know who the next president of the United States is. But, as FPs Molly OToole and Dan De Luce write in a smart new piece, this years contest has upended the politics of U.S. foreign policy more dramatically than any in recent memory. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the nominee of the typically diplomacy first, force as last resort Democratic Party, sounds more hawkish than the usually strong on defense GOP. And businessman Donald Trump, the Republican Party standard-bearer, is the one questioning military interventions overseas and offering olive branches to adversaries. 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 Russia A Russian MP is issuing nuclear threats against Norway over its plans to host a deployment of 150 U.S. Marines. Norways The Local reports that Frants Klintsevitsj, a deputy chairman of Russias defence and security committee, said the decision by Norway would compel Russia to add the NATO country to the list of targets for our strategic weapons and that Norways population will suffer. Russia has been ratcheting up its nuclear saber rattling since its invasion and annexation of Crimea, including carrying out a simulated nuclear strike of neighboring Sweden as part of a 2013 exercise. Reuters has an important read about the use of Russian mercenaries in Syria, suggesting that the Russian footprint in the country is much larger than had been assumed, and the fighters-for-hire are taking casualties. Syria The Pentagon says a drone strike it carried out on October 17 killed a long-serving and experienced facilitator and courier for al Qaeda in Syria. The strike targeted Haydar Kirkan, whom the Defense Department says was tight with al-Qaedas leadership and in charge of planning terrorist attacks outside of Syria. Separately, the Pentagon also said it killed Abu Hadi al Bayhani, a senior member of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, in an airstrike in Yemen. Russias defense ministry has given Syrian rebels an ultimatum to leave the city of Aleppo by Friday, Al Jazeera reports. It said fighters will be allowed to leave the city through two corridors, as long as they walk out unarmed. Rebel groups currently trying to break a siege of eastern Aleppo laid by regime-allied troops shrugged off the offer, claiming that the corridors dont exist and that both civilians and fighters in rebel-held areas dont trust Russia enough to use them in any case. The end of Russias ultimatum on Friday is expected the mark the beginning of an increased bombing campaign by Russian forces. Iraq The fight against the Islamic State has led the Iraqi government in Baghdad and the Kurds in northern Iraq to form an alliance that few could have anticipated just two years ago. But when fighting for survival, stage bedfellows sometimes emerge, the Wall Street Journals Yaroslav Trofimov reports from Kurdistan. The iceberg of mistrust between both sides has already melted down, said Hemin Hawrami, the head of foreign relations at Mr. Barzanis Kurdistan Democratic Party. The level of coordination is beyond the imagination of both sides, which is excellent. Thats today. It remains to be seen what happens once the ISIS threat recedes. Ukraine The United States is shelling out $30 million to help Ukraine upgrade its navy, Reuters reports. The balance of forces between Russia and Ukraines navies became especially lopsided following Russias invasion and annexation of the Crimean peninsula. Ukraine lost two thirds of its vessels once Russian forces seized Sevastopol where much of its fleet was docked and Russia has been steadily reinforcing its Black Sea Fleet ever since. Ukrainian Navy commander Vice Admiral Ihor Voronchenko says the aid money from Washington will be used to help refurbish the services flagship, the Hetman Sahaydachnyy. Army A top Army general is sounding the alarm over Army ground combat vehicle development or the lack thereof. Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, commander of Army Training and Doctrine Command, spoke at a conference put on by the Association of the United States Army and made the case for more investment in Army vehicles, if only obliquely. The Army published parts of McMasters speech in listicle format, breaking it down into a series of myths. McMaster argued that Army ground combat vehicles were more affordable, useful, and relevant than detractors argue and that U.S. technologies arent keeping pace with investments from allies or adversaries. Business of defense The F-35 has encountered yet another problem in the long-troubled F-35 program, and the Pentagon is now demanding over half a billion dollars extra for the already massively over budget and delayed fighter jet. Bloomberg got the scoop that F-35 program officials made the big request during a recent meeting of the Defense Acquisition Board. The money will go to pay for unforeseen delays, according to the Pentagon, as well as flight tests. Pentagon Comptroller Mike McCord played down the $530 million price spike, saying it amounted to a drop in the bucket for the $379 billion F-35 program. Photo Credit: BASHIR KHAN SAFI/AFP/Getty Images Johannesburg (AFP) - South African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday faced increasing calls to resign after a damaging probe unearthed further evidence of alleged corruption at the top of the ANC government. The country's anti-graft watchdog ordered a judicial inquiry into possible criminal activity in Zuma's relationship with the Guptas, a wealthy Indian family accused of wielding undue political influence. Zuma, 74, has weathered a series of major scandals since coming to power in 2009, but rapidly declining support for the African National Congress (ANC) party has threatened his presidency. Fears have grown that South Africa has thrown away the optimistic legacy of Nelson Mandela's post-apartheid era -- with Zuma's alleged misconduct at the heart of public discontent. "The mood of the people has become more and more angry," said a statement from Save South Africa, a new umbrella group of anti-apartheid veterans, civil activists, business leaders and churches. "(The ANC) must stop putting the interests of Jacob Zuma before the interests of South Africa," it said. "The president must step down now." Criticism of Zuma has spread in recent months, with calls for him to step down emerging from influential trade unions, corporate bosses and even senior ANC figures -- as well as from opposition parties. - New voices speak out - "The individuals who are now joining the chorus are not only the usual suspects, but, until very recently, staunch backers of Zuma's ANC," the Times daily said in its editorial on Thursday. "Voices expressing dissatisfaction with his leadership are getting louder as more damning evidence of his misgovernance emerges." The probe released by the Public Protector watchdog detailed allegations that Zuma ensured the Gupta family won huge preferential contracts with state companies and were able to choose cabinet ministers. Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas told the investigation he was taken by Zuma to the Guptas' home in Johannesburg where Ajay Gupta said he would be appointed finance minister. Story continues When Jonas refused, Ajay allegedly offered him 600 million rand ($44 million) and asked if Jonas had a bag to take away 600,000 rand in cash immediately. The report also unveiled phone evidence that David Van Rooyen, then a little-known Zuma loyalist, was regularly in touch with the Guptas before he was briefly appointed finance minister last year. The Guptas have denied all wrongdoing, and on Thursday welcomed an official inquiry. "Now we have opportunity to... present our facts to a judge," family lawyer Gert van der Merwe told the eNCA news channel. - Election setback - Zuma, who travelled to Zimbabwe on Thursday, said that he was studying the Public Protector's report and considering a court challenge. The president, who under apartheid was jailed on Robben Island with Mandela, has been dogged by scandals, including being found guilty of violating the constitution after he refused to repay taxpayers money used to refurbish his private rural house. But he retains deep loyalty in large sections of the ANC, especially in rural areas, and has built up a strong network of supporters. "People often underestimate how deeply patronage is built into the ANC," said analyst Peter Montalto of Nomura Bank. "The probability of (Zuma resigning) has increased significantly... but still seems logistically fraught." The ANC is due to choose a new party head at the end of next year, with the selected leader then running for president in national elections in 2019, when Zuma cannot stand for a third term in office. A succession battle appears to be looming between Zuma's ex-wife African Union chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize. Municipal elections in August saw the ANC suffer its worst-ever poll performance, though it remains easily South Africa's biggest party. Public frustration has been fanned by the government's failure to tackle soaring unemployment, low growth and limited change for many of the poorest since the end of white-minority rule in 1994. By Harriet McLeod CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) - A South Carolina prosecutor accused a white former police officer on Thursday of staging a crime scene where he had just shot dead an unarmed black motorist, by moving a Taser closer to the handcuffed dead body so he could claim the victim had taken the stun gun.Former North Charleston police officer Michael Slager, 34, is on trial for murder over the shooting death of Walter Scott, 50. Slager shot Scott five times in the back as Scott fled from the 2015 traffic stop for a broken tail light. The shooting, captured on a bystander's cellphone video, intensified a national debate over police use of deadly force against black men.Prosecutor Scarlett Wilson told the jury in opening statements that Scott may have grabbed Slager's Taser as it was pressed against his body during a struggle, but Slager had attempted to make the scene look as if Scott had possession of the weapon as he fled. "He said Walter Scott came after him with the Taser and he shot him when he turned. He said, 'He ran away with my Taser,'" Wilson said, jabbing her finger at Slager. In reality, the Taser had fallen to the ground further away, she said. Slager's "first instinct after he cuffed the dead Walter Scott was to stage the scene," Wilson said. "He runs back and gets that Taser ... He walked over to a dead Walter Scott and threw it down right beside him." Prosecutors contend Scott fled because he was behind on child support payments and feared a routine check would result in his arrest. Slager's lead defense attorney, Andrew Savage, countered by shifting blame to Scott for failing to follow the officer's instructions. He did not address the claim about moving the Taser. "Why did he choose not to respect the request to stay where he was?" Savage said. "That's something I hope you consider when you evaluate the evidence in this case. He didn't just run. He physically and forcefully resisted to the extent that they were both fighting on the ground." Nothing in dash-camera video footage from the stop showed Slager had any animus, or racial animus, toward Scott, said Savage, adding his client had no way of knowing Scott was unarmed. "How would he know he was unarmed?" Savage said. "He never had a chance to pat him down." (Reporting by Harriet McLeod; Writing by; Daniel Trotta; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn) Charleston (United States) (AFP) - A former South Carolina police officer went on trial for murder Thursday for shooting to death an unarmed black man, Walter Scott, as he fled from a traffic stop. Hit by five bullets, the 50-year-old Scott fell to the ground and quickly died in the April 4, 2015 encounter -- one of a series of police shootings of unarmed black males that stoked a national outcry over police tactics. In opening arguments before a largely white jury, prosecutor Scarlett Wilson said Michael Slager had shirked his duty when he opened fire on Scott as he ran away. Defense lawyer Andy Savage countered that Scott provoked Slager, now 34, first by fleeing from the traffic stop, initiating a chase, and then by resisting the policeman "to the extent they were both fighting on the ground." Savage said the presence of Scott's DNA on Slager's Taser indicated he was trying to wrest the weapon away from the police officer, while the prosecution said Scott was instinctively trying to push away the weapon that Slager was painfully discharging into his body. Slager came upon Scott while on routine patrol in North Charleston, South Carolina, a city with a history of strained race relations between the citys police department and large black community. Slager, who is white, pulled over Scott, who is black, that Saturday morning because one of the taillights on Scotts 1991 Mercedes automobile was not functioning. Scott soon fled from the car, leading Slager to pursue the suspect. A bystander recorded a portion of their interaction, showing Scott and Slager scuffling briefly before Scott turns again to flee as Slager shoots him numerous times. Within days of the shooting and the emergence of the video Slager was charged with murder and fired from the North Charleston Police Department. The incident became national news, viewed by some as part of a pattern of unjustified fatal police shootings of unarmed black men in the United States. Story continues North Charleston Police Chief Eddie Driggers said he was "sickened" by what he saw in the video. To emphasize the prosecution's contention that the shooting was unlawful, Wilson on Thursday walked across the small courtroom, away from the jurors, approximating the distance at which Scott was shot by Slager. Later she mentioned these shots came as Scott was first 17 feet away from Slager, then 35 feet, and finally 50 feet, where he fell and died. She then cast suspicion on Slager's actions following the shooting, when he allegedly moved the Taser in an effort to support his version of the fatal encounter, which Wilson claimed was untruthful. "Michael Slager's first instinct wasn't to give CPR, it wasn't to give first aid, it was to stage (the scene)," said Wilson, Charleston Countys solicitor, or lead prosecutor. "What Michael Slager did to Walter Scott was wrong" said Wilson. "It was flat out wrong." Savage claimed Slager acted responsibly as a police officer in pursuing the suspect and did not know Scott had no weapon. "How would he know that he was unarmed? He never had a chance to pat him down," said Savage. The defense lawyer then ridiculed the prosecutions assertion that Scott fled the traffic stop because he was wary of being arrested for failing to make child support payments. "They claim to know what was in Walter Scott's mind," said Savage. "How do they know that?" After opening arguments the prosecution called their first witnesses, all family members or acquaintances of Scott. The case is being heard by a jury of six white men, five white women and one black man. By Harriet McLeod CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) - A South Carolina prosecutor accused a white former police officer on Thursday of staging a crime scene where he had just shot dead an unarmed black motorist, by moving a Taser closer to the handcuffed dead body so he could claim the victim had taken the stun gun.Former North Charleston police officer Michael Slager, 34, is on trial for murder over the shooting death of Walter Scott, 50. Slager shot Scott five times in the back as Scott fled from the 2015 traffic stop for a broken tail light. The shooting, captured on a bystander's cellphone video, intensified a national debate over police use of deadly force against black men.Prosecutor Scarlett Wilson told the jury in opening statements that Scott may have grabbed Slager's Taser as it was pressed against his body during a struggle, but Slager had attempted to make the scene look as if Scott had possession of the weapon as he fled. "He said Walter Scott came after him with the Taser and he shot him when he turned. He said, 'He ran away with my Taser,'" Wilson said, jabbing her finger at Slager. In reality, the Taser had fallen to the ground further away, she said. Slager's "first instinct after he cuffed the dead Walter Scott was to stage the scene," Wilson said. "He runs back and gets that Taser ... He walked over to a dead Walter Scott and threw it down right beside him." Prosecutors contend Scott fled because he was behind on child support payments and feared a routine check would result in his arrest. Slager's lead defense attorney, Andrew Savage, countered by shifting blame to Scott for failing to follow the officer's instructions. He did not address the claim about moving the Taser. "Why did he choose not to respect the request to stay where he was?" Savage said. "That's something I hope you consider when you evaluate the evidence in this case. He didn't just run. He physically and forcefully resisted to the extent that they were both fighting on the ground." Story continues Nothing in dash-camera video footage from the stop showed Slager had any animus, or racial animus, toward Scott, said Savage, adding his client had no way of knowing Scott was unarmed. "How would he know he was unarmed?" Savage said. "He never had a chance to pat him down." (Reporting by Harriet McLeod; Writing by; Daniel Trotta; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn) By Ju-min Park SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean prosecutors have detained a former aide to President Park Geun-hye, a prosecution official said on Thursday, the second person to be held in an influence peddling scandal that has rocked the country's presidency. Prosecutors have said they are looking into allegations that the former senior adviser, An Chong-bum, and Choi Soon-sil, a long-time friend of the president, forced South Korean conglomerates to donate funds to non-profit foundations using their connections with the president. An, who was a senior presidential adviser in policy coordination until he stepped down late last month amid the growing political crisis, was detained late on Wednesday. He earlier told reporters outside prosecution offices that he would take responsibility for his actions but declined to elaborate. An's lawyers were not immediately available for comment on Thursday. Prosecutors placed him under emergency detention, worried that he could destroy evidence, the prosecution official told Reuters. Under South Korean law, prosecutors have 48 hours to seek an arrest warrant from a court. On Wednesday, Park replaced her prime minister and finance minister, a reshuffle denounced by political opponents as a bid to divert attention from a crisis that has pushed her approval rating to an all-time low. CALLS FOR PRESIDENTIAL INVESTIGATION Members of opposition parties have called for prosecutors to investigate Park, which would be a first for a sitting South Korean president. Her nominee to be prime minister, Kim Byong-joon, said on Thursday he believes the president could theoretically be subject to a probe. "My position is an investigation is possible. But since (she) is the head of state, its process and method requires circumspection," Kim told a press conference. Park is due to give an address on Friday morning, Yonhap News Agency said, adding that she may allow prosecutors to investigate herself. The presidential office was not immediately available for comment. Park, 64, has also faced calls from political opponents and a growing number of South Koreans to step down, although the main opposition parties have not raised the idea of launching impeachment proceedings. Despite numerous scandals over the years, no South Korean president has ever resigned or been successfully impeached. If Park resigned, an election would be held in 60 days, with the winner serving five years, making for a high-stakes race for which neither of the main parties has prepared. Last weekend, Park accepted the resignations of eight of her top presidential aides, and on Thursday her office announced nominees for a new chief of staff and senior secretary for political affairs. Prosecutors on Wednesday asked a court for a warrant to arrest Choi, Park's friend at the center of the scandal, and are seeking to charge her with abuse of power and attempted fraud, court and prosecution officials said. Choi was placed under temporary emergency detention late on Monday. OLD FRIEND The Seoul Central Court granted the warrant to arrest Choi late on Thursday, a court official said. A formal arrest warrant allows her to be held for up to 20 days. Choi, who has been a friend of Park's for decades but held no formal government role, is alleged to have used her proximity to the president to meddle in state affairs, and her lawyer has said he expects prosecutors to look into whether she inappropriately received classified documents. Choi, 60, told South Korea's Segye Ilbo newspaper last week that she received drafts of Park's speeches after Park's election victory but denied she had access to other official material, influenced state affairs or benefited financially. Choi's late father Choi Tae-min headed a now-defunct religious sect and was close to Park during and after the presidency of her father, Park Chung-hee, who was assassinated in 1979. A 2007 U.S. diplomatic cable described the senior Choi as the "Korean Rasputin", an allusion to his perceived influence over Park Geun-hye. Choi Soon-sil has been portrayed in Korean media as having inherited her father's influence over Park. (Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Tony Munroe, Raju Gopalakrishnan and Mike Collett-White) Madrid (AFP) - Spain's leader Mariano Rajoy, who kicks off a second term after months of political paralysis, formed a new cabinet Thursday that looks set to maintain controversial economic reforms and cement EU ties. At the helm of a minority conservative government with little parliamentary support, Rajoy faces a daunting task as Spain grapples with separatism in Catalonia, seeks to consolidate its economic recovery and reduce its deficit under EU scrutiny. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, a stalwart of Rajoy's Popular Party (PP), left government and was replaced by Alfonso Dastis, 61, until now Spain's permanent representative to the European Union. An experienced diplomat, Dastis was already in Brussels in 2012 when the EU decided to rescue Spain's financial sector at the height of the crisis, thus avoiding a full sovereign debt bailout. - Economic 'continuity' - In a move likely to reassure the markets, Economy Minister Luis de Guindos remained in his post, according to a government statement. The 56-year-old helped lift the country out of the economic crisis with sweeping spending cuts that met with criticism and mass protests. He has stressed that more efforts will be required to reduce Spain's deficit as required by Brussels. Labour Minister Fatima Banez, who oversaw the implementation of much-criticised labour reforms, also remains in her post. The PP credits the reforms for helping reduce unemployment, which came close to 27 percent in 2013 and now stands at 18.9 percent -- still the second highest rate in the European Union after Greece. The reforms reduced the amount of compensation companies must pay workers they fire and created a new open-ended contract with a one-year trial period. But the opposition says most of the jobs created are temporary and unstable. "We have opted for continuity on the economic team... a team that was crucial in reversing the economic situation that Spain was going through five years ago," Rafael Hernando, parliamentary spokesman for the PP, told reporters. Story continues Opposition parties, though, were quick to criticise the new government, which they said was more of the same and would prove incapable of negotiation. "Those who keep portfolios dealing with some of the most important issues have more than demonstrated that they have zero capacity for dialogue," said Socialist party spokesman Mario Jimenez. - Gibraltar, Catalonia - Rajoy kicks off his second term after 10 months of political limbo marked by two elections that produced no clear winner as two upstart centrist and far-left groupings upset the traditional two-party system. During that time, Rajoy -- whose PP won both elections but without an absolute majority -- remained at the helm of a caretaker government with very limited powers. His comeback was only made possible after the Socialist party decided to abstain in a crunch parliamentary confidence vote last Saturday, instead of voting against him. But unlike in 2011 when he came to power with an absolute majority, the PP only has 137 out of 350 MPs, meaning Rajoy will have to negotiate every bill with the opposition. Altogether, six new ministers make their appearance in Rajoy's government, with the foreign, interior and defence portfolios all changing hands. As foreign minister, Garcia-Margallo had sparked regular spats with Gibraltar due to his vocal desire to see the British overseas territory returned to Spain, and it is unclear how much his successor will focus on the ongoing sovereignty row. Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz, who had been criticised over a new public security law that slaps hefty fines on unauthorised protests, is replaced by Juan Ignacio Zoido, former mayor of the southern city of Seville. Meanwhile Maria Dolores de Cospedal, until now secretary General of the PP, takes up the defence portfolio. Rajoy's Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria remains in her post, and also becomes minister for the regions. The 45-year-old will have the delicate task of managing Madrid's relations with Spain's 17 semi-autonomous regions, including Catalonia, where an independence drive is in full swing. mitt romney Anti-Trump conservatives have had the clarity to see that Donald Trump would make a very bad president, and to break with their team, often at some personal cost. I admire this. But they have also spent an inordinate amount of time finding ways to assign blame for Trump's rise to Democrats, rather than to the nominally conservative Republicans who voted for, endorsed, gave money to, and campaigned for him. One of the main arguments goes that Democrats cried wolf, attacking normal Republicans like 2008 nominee John McCain and 2012 nominee Mitt Romney in such vitriolic terms that voters do not believe them when they say Trump is different. Charles Cooke of National Review argues: "Donald Trump is a bad, bad man. But when a fine man such as Mitt Romney is given the Hitler treatment too, it becomes difficult for that message to resonate. As has been observed by men smarter than I, crying wolf has its drawbacks." First of all, this is a distortion of how Democrats talked about Romney in 2012. No, Democrats weren't painting Romney as the reasonable, sober, moderate statesman they paint him as now. They were campaigning against him for president. But who gave Romney "the Hitler treatment"? Cooke points to an Atlantic article from spring 2012 discussing whether Obama could succeed in painting Romney as a radical on policy. Obama made very sharp attacks on eventual vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan's budget blueprint and said Romney would try to implement it. "They have proposed a budget so far to the right it makes the Contract with America look like the New Deal," Obama was quoted as saying. "Disguised as deficit-reduction plans, it is really an attempt to impose a radical vision on our country." romney obama You can debate whether "radical vision" is a fair description of the Ryan budget which would have over time significantly restructured and reduced the generosity of programs including Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, while sharply reducing taxes on high earners but this description certainly does not constitute "the Hitler treatment." Story continues Cooke also complains that Democrats accused Marco Rubio of "racism" just as they have accused Donald Trump of racism. Who, exactly, called Marco Rubio a racist? In fact, the Democratic attacks being leveled against Trump that he is a self-confessed sexual abuser, that he degrades people on the basis of ethnicity and physical appearance and disability, that he is too erratic to command the world's largest military are categorically different from even the most vitriolic attacks against past Republican nominees. There were no ads in 2012 warning that Romney might start a nuclear war, or suggesting that he was an inappropriate role model for children. Not only is this time different, but Democrats are also saying quite different things about their opponent than they said last time. How does this represent crying wolf? To be clear, I do not think all of the attacks on Republicans in past elections were fair, even though they were considerably less vitriolic than the ones that have been leveled against Trump. "Binders full of women," for example, was Romney's awkward way of discussing his focus on gender diversity in hiring, not a way of reducing women to objects. The pile-on over this was silly. The 2012 ad that most seemed to outrage Republicans was not from Obama himself, but from the super PAC Priorities USA, attacking Romney over the death of a woman who lost health insurance after her husband was laid off from a steel plant owned by Bain Capital. I agree this attack was unfair. There is an unfortunately rich tradition of independent expenditure ads accusing candidates of endangering the lives of others, from Willie Horton to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. These attacks haven't been good for our discourse, but I also don't think this one ad amounted to the Hitlerization of Romney. On the other hand, some of past years' attacks on Republicans look more fair in retrospect than they seemed at the time. Donald Trump Marco Rubio Isn't nominating Trump the sort of thing one might do if they were fighting a "war on women"? In 2012, Romney went to Trump's hotel in Las Vegas to accept Trump's endorsement saying it was a "delight" to do so and had Trump make robocalls on his behalf in Michigan. This was when Trump had turned himself into a conservative celebrity by running around the country alleging that Obama was born in Africa. Romney isn't a racist, and I don't recall any prominent Democrats calling him one. But he was certainly way more comfortable using Trump to market himself to racists than he should have been. If Democrats previously talked about Republicans' agenda as being driven by an underlying hostility to women and minorities, well, doesn't the nomination of Trump and near-universal support for Trump among Republican voters provide some evidence in favor of that thesis? In any case, I doubt voters who usually back Republicans would be more likely to listen to Obama's warnings today if Obama had been nicer to Romney or other past Republican leaders. As Cooke himself notes, overheated rhetoric is a problem on the Republican side, too. One of Rubio's main talking points the one he got in trouble for by repeating five times in a New Hampshire debate was that Obama was intentionally setting about to harm the country. Rubio, you will recall, was supposed to be the normal, reasonable one. Republicans were never going to listen to Obama, the man their party set about delegitimizing for eight years, on the subject of whether Trump is too dangerous to be president. They needed to hear that message from Republicans and conservatives. Cooke, admirably, has done his part on that front. But most Republican officeholders, party leaders, and mass conservative media figures have not. Even Rubio, who says Trump is an erratic individual who cannot be trusted with nuclear weapons, says Trump should be made president. Along with the voters, these nominally conservative leaders are the ones who deserve the lion's share of the blame for enabling Trump by downplaying his differences from past Republican nominees. NOW WATCH: Obama: Trump couldnt get a job at 7-Eleven More From Business Insider By Adam Jourdan SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Yum China Holdings Inc , newly hived off from its U.S. fast food giant parent, faces a tricky battle to revive sales growth in the country, Chief Executive Micky Pant told Reuters, given the strength of its local rivals and a volatile market. The firm, which debuted on the New York stock exchange on Tuesday, has seen China revenues at its KFC, Pizza Hut and other outlets flatline since 2012 even as it has opened over 1,500 new stores. It is aiming for stronger growth in 2017, though Pant said China was hard to read. "We've guided to high single-digit revenue growth as our business model, but we can't really predict year-on-year, that's the whole point in China. You'll go up, but the path is not always straight," Pant said at the firm's Shanghai offices. Pant added that long-term opportunities in China "far outweighed" the risks of doing business in the market. China's overall fast food sector is set to grow to 1.15 trillion yuan ($170 billion) in 2020 from 902 billion yuan this year, Euromonitor data show, though growth in the sector is slowing. As part of Yum Brands Inc , the China unit saw stellar sales growth of over 20 percent each year until 2012. Since then, it has struggled with food safety scares, slower economic growth, changing consumer tastes and stronger rivals. Yum Brands has also pointed towards food delivery apps luring diners with cut-price deals and recent U.S.-China tensions over the South China Sea triggering boycotts of its stores. Pant said that the spin-off of the China unit would not, however, mark a shift away from Yum's American roots any further than it has done already - its brands offer Durian pizzas and popular Asian breakfast porridge congee. "Being an American brand has upside and it has some risks... People in general love America, but they might have differences with American foreign policy," said Pant. Story continues A recent investment, though, by Primavera Capital and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd affiliate Ant Financial Services Group would bring extra local nous with foreign exchange, local taxes and understanding the real estate market, he added. SLOW AND STEADY Pant said Yum China will focus on building its own stores rather than via franchise partners in order to maximize returns and keep a strong grip on food safety. In the United States the vast majority of Yum stores are franchised. "I think the franchise system in China is very nascent, it's very new. In the U.S. you can go to people with franchise experience of 25 years... They know the whole deal," said Pant, adding that letting go of control could be a "huge risk". "In the vast, vast majority (of cases), for the next several years, we will be building our own stores." Yum China aims to build 600 new stores each year with long-term potential for 20,000 outlets in the market. However, Pant said the focus for now would be squeezing more out of its existing 7,300 stores - even if this meant slower expansion. "We took about $150 million of capital this year and transferred it, instead of building new units, to refurbishing our existing stores," he said. This has included installing cashless payment systems, efficient LED lighting and digital menus. Pant added Yum China was likely to attract more investors from Asia, while the traditional U.S. investor base for Yum Brands might be more cautious about the higher risks. One positive, though, was China's stable political environment compared with other parts of the world. "Look at the United States. They've got an election coming up in a week and no-one knows what going to happen - that's the biggest risk of all. At least we have stability here," he said. ($1 = 6.7622 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Adam Jourdan; Editing by Christopher Cushing) The workforce embraces making a difference and raising awareness about homelessness during the Company's 'Lending Hands - HomeAid for the Holidays' Campaign SANTA ANA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 3, 2016 / Stearns Lending, LLC, a leading provider of mortgage lending services in Wholesale, Retail, Consumer Direct, Correspondent and Strategic Alliances sectors, today announced it is partnering with the national nonprofit organization HomeAid America to provide personal Care Kits to individuals who seek assistance at homeless shelters across the nation. "The 'I Can Help You' culture at Stearns is about assisting others, including giving back and making a difference in the communities where we live and work. Our Care Kit drive this holiday season will not only provide much needed personal care items, but also build awareness about homelessness - a condition faced by an estimated 2 million adults and 1.5 million children in America," said James Hecht, COO at Stearns Lending, who also serves on the HomeAid America Board of Directors. "We are thrilled to add Stearns Lending as a national partner for HomeAid," said Peter Simons, CEO of HomeAid America. "Stearns is an industry leader in mortgage lending, and also has shown great philanthropic interest in helping the communities in which they operate. HomeAid is very lucky to have them on our side as we continue our effort to provide housing and other assistance for today's homeless." During the month of November, Stearns employees will be going all out - donating basic personal hygiene items and asking those in their social networks to help out, too. All Company locations will have collection boxes where business partners and community members can also drop off donated Care Kit items, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, granola bars, socks, bar soap and travel-size shampoo/conditioner. Once donations are received, teams of Stearns employees at regional hubs will assemble toiletries into the company goal of 2,300 Care Kits; one Care Kit per employee. The teams will partner with local HomeAid chapters to distribute Care Kits to homeless shelters in their communities in mid-December. Stearns is currently a Bronze level sponsor of HomeAid America, proudly championing the organization's mission of: Building new lives for America's homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach. For more than 27 years, Stearns has been helping families achieve the American Dream of homeownership. To learn more about Lending Hands - HomeAid for the Holidays, visit stearns.com/lendinghands or follow along on social media with #StearnsLendingHands. About HomeAid America HomeAid is a leading national non-profit provider of housing for homeless families and individuals. Through its networking of 17 Chapters in 12 States, HomeAid has completed over 450 housing projects nationwide at a value of more than $210 Million, of which close to 50% has been donated. Over 250,000 people have been provided shelter by HomeAid Chapters over the past 27 years. HomeAid currently has over 50 additional projects in development across the country. For more information about HomeAid, call 1 888 3HOMEAID or visit www.homeaid.org. About Stearns Lending, LLC Stearns Lending, LLC is a leading provider of mortgage lending services in Wholesale, Retail, Consumer Direct, Correspondent and Strategic Alliances sectors throughout the United States. Currently ranked as #3 Wholesale Lender nationwide*, Stearns Lending continues to expand as a company overall, making the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Private Companies in America in 2013, 2014 and 2015**, based on revenue growth of 250% over a three-year period. Stearns Lending is an equal housing lender and is licensed to conduct business in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, Stearns Lending is an approved HUD (United States Department of Housing and Urban Development) lender; a Single Family Issuer for Ginnie Mae (Government National Mortgage Association); an approved Seller/Servicer for Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association); and an approved Seller/Servicer for Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation). Stearns Lending is also approved as a VA (United States Department of Veterans Affairs) lender, a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) lender, and is an approved lending institution with FHA (Federal Housing Administration). Stearns Lending, LLC is located at 4 Hutton Centre Drive, 10th Floor, Santa Ana, CA 92707. Company NMLS# 1854. For more information, visit https://stearns.com/lending-hands/. Media Contact Brad Hoke bhoke@stearns.com Executive Vice President 972-521-1057 References *http://www.insidemortgagefinance.com/ **http://www.inc.com/profile/stearns-lending SOURCE: Stearns Lending, LLC Top Broker Channels. Rep. no. 6M2016. Inside Mortgage Finance, June. 2016. Web. 15 Sept. 2016. The Dark Tower, Sonys upcoming adaptation of Stephen Kings fantasy series, is moving its release to give the film more time to finish its visual effects work, Variety has confirmed. The picture, which stars Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey, was originally scheduled to debut on Feb. 17, 2017, when it would have faced off against the horror film A Cure for Wellness, the Ice Cube comedy Fist Fight, and action epic The Great Wall, as well as the second weekend of Fifty Shades Darker. A new date hasnt been determined, but sources say it will likely bow in July, putting it in the middle of summer blockbuster season. Sony is said to be pleased with the early footage, and believes that the picture could spawn a new film franchise. The Dark Tower has an intricate mythology. The film is set in an apocalyptic world and follows a wandering warrior (Elba) as he journeys to a tower that stands at the nexus between space and time. Hollywood has tried for years to adapt the books. At one point, Ron Howard was slated to direct Javier Bardem for Universal, but the project collapsed over budget concerns. Shooting wrapped on The Dark Tower last summer and the new release date will enable the film to have more time to complete its post-production work. Entertainment Weekly first reported the date shift. Related stories Idris Elba Drama '100 Streets' Bought by Samuel Goldwyn Films Kevin Costner Eyes Aaron Sorkin's 'Molly's Game' With Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba Idris Elba's Green Door Teams With Tandem, Save Ferris on 'Brazza' * On track for best weekly gains since March * Trade-weighted sterling hits four-week high * BoE says rate rise chances have risen * Graphic: sterling and gilt yields http://bit.ly/2dgAXn1 * Graphic: sterling year-to-date http://tmsnrt.rs/2egbfVh By Jemima Kelly and Patrick Graham LONDON, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Sterling surged to a four-week high on Thursday after England's High Court ruled that the government needed parliamentary approval to trigger Brexit and the Bank of England scrapped plans to cut interest rates. The court ruling offered hope to markets worried that Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet is set on an economically disruptive "hard Brexit", with investors reckoning lawmakers - a majority of whom supported staying in the EU in June's referendum - will push for Britain to keep access to Europe's single market. The government said it would appeal the judgment at a Supreme Court hearing set for early December. But Deutsche Bank told clients that even if it wins its appeal, lawmakers had been emboldened, and that its base case scenario was therefore now for Britain to hold a parliamentary election next year. Sterling climbed as much as 1.5 percent to hit $1.2494 , its strongest since Oct. 7 - the day a "flash crash" briefly sent it plunging 10 percent in a matter of minutes. By 1630 GMT it had eased back to $1.2440, but that still left it over 1 percent up on the day and on track for its best week in eight months after a more than 2 percent climb. Shares in European banks - another big source of concern in the Brexit process - gained 1.1 percent, while UK midcaps , more geared to the domestic economy than their bluechip peers, jumped 0.7 percent, significantly outperforming the more globally-focused FTSE 100. The daily spread between the two indexes briefly hit its highest since 2009. "While the ruling may be reversed when appealed at the start of December, the decision does offer hope to 'remainers'," said Oanda market analyst Craig Erlam. Story continues "In the best-case scenario, it won't pass through parliament and the Brexit referendum will have been for nothing. (That) is still unlikely at this stage as the political backlash could be extreme but still, this ruling does offer hope and this is why we've seen sterling spike." Other analysts said the impact of the court decision would be more limited, and many said lawmakers were unlikely to block the formal invocation of Article 50 of the EU constitution, which triggers exit negotiations. Japanese bank Nomura last week laid out research that showed that while 74 percent of members of parliament known to have a view supported remaining in the EU before the referendum, 61 percent of their constituencies voted in favour of leaving. "It's hard to ignore that 51.9 percent of the country voted to leave the EU," they said. "It's even harder when you are an MP who at some point will stand for re-election, especially knowing that 61 percent of the parliamentary constituencies ...voted to leave." Several traders also said the pound's bounce looked like a short-term correction to the falls of the past 4-1/2 months, which have knocked almost a fifth off its value. BOE REPORT Against the euro, sterling rose much as 1.9 percent to hit a four-week high of 88.595 pence. On a trade-weighted basis too, the pound hit a four-week high. Having already surged on the High Court ruling as well as data showing a growth spurt in Britain's dominant services sector, sterling was further boosted by the BoE's latest inflation report, in which it said chances of a rate hike had risen since its last quarterly report. The BoE cut rates to a record low of 0.25 percent in August and said it would cut again in order to deal with the economic fallout of the Brexit vote, but sterling's plunge since then has sent inflation expectations soaring. "It certainly looks like they (BoE policymakers) are becoming more concerned about the impact of sterling's weakness on the outlook for inflation," said Lee Hardman, an analyst with Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi in London. "They have even signalled that they could raise rates even if that is not the core scenario. Relative to the previous meetings, the change is really noticeable. I was expecting them to place more emphasis on the weaker medium-term outlook." (Additional reporting by Yumna Mohamed, Vikram Subheder and Atul Prakash; editing by John Stonestreet) * European luxury goods stocks graphic: http://reut.rs/2eXXDwM (Adds graphic and valuation details) By Astrid Wendlandt PARIS, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Hermes confirmed stronger-than-expected global demand for luxury goods on Thursday, joining industry leader LVMH and Gucci owner Kering in outshining third quarter results forecasts. A sales rebound in mainland China, improvements in Hong Kong, a British surge thanks to a weaker pound and relative U.S. resilience despite the stronger dollar have all lifted luxury stocks including LVMH, Kering, Hermes, Richemont, Burberry and Hugo Boss in the past month. The luxury goods sector is trading on an average price to earnings ratio of 19.6 times against 18.9 times at the end of September and 17.7 times at the beginning of the year, according to Bernstein. Chinese customers, the biggest buyers of luxury goods who make up more than a third of global demand, have been re-opening their wallets, luxury groups said, spurred in part by government policies encouraging local consumption. "The driving trend is that the Chinese customer is slowly coming back," Makiko Zuercher, who manages the 22-million euro Dynapartners Luxury Brands Fund, said. These positives now outweigh concerns about lower tourist traffic in Europe, due to the attacks in Paris, Brussels and Nice, and a drop in purchasing power among Russian, Middle East and Brazilian consumers after the depreciation of their currencies. "Many of the psychological catalysts which dampened luxury demand - starting with the (Chinese) renminbi deterioration in August 2015 and including attacks in Paris in November 2015 - have now been shrugged off," HSBC said in a note. "Every market, with the possible exception of Japan, is doing better or in line with previous trends." The broker said luxury stocks had been sold "short" by hedge funds, a trade showing they expect the price to fall, and largely ignored by "long-only" institutions for many months. The one luxury stock for which there is still shorting interest is Cartier owner Richemont, which makes half of its sales from watches, the luxury sector's most depressed segment. Story continues Data from Astec Analytics shows Richemont has the highest "short" interest. It is also one of the few luxury stocks still down for the year to date and analysts are not expecting any upbeat comments when it publishes its trading update on Friday. Kering is easily the best performer this year, and short-sellers have very low positions in the stock. Fund managers and buy-side analysts said investors needed to be remain selective as some brands such as Prada and Tod's could continue to suffer in the near term from competition from more innovative rivals. Recent trading updates showed sales growth in the sector could only be achieved through market share gains as the past levers to boost revenues such as opening new shops and lifting prices were no longer available. Hermes beat market expectations with a 8.8 percent rise in third-quarter sales at constant currencies, above analysts' 7 percent forecast, helped partly by China's rebound. Last month, industry leader LVMH, regarded as a proxy for the sector, and later Kering, saw their shares soar after their respective Louis Vuitton and Gucci brands published much stronger than expected sales. "Who would have expected two years ago Gucci's recovery would be so strong," said Scilla Huang, manager of the Julius Baer Luxury Brands Fund, with 200 million euros under management. "They made courageous efforts and people were hungry for that kind of newness." (Additional reporting by Vikram Subhedar; Editing by Alexander Smith and Mark Potter) Suki Waterhouse and Poppy Jamie celebrated their new accessories line, Pop & Suki, at classic Hollywood haunt Mel's Drive-In on Wednesday night, amongst pretty-in-pink girls and guys. Created by best friends Suki Waterhouse and Poppy Elizabeth, the line plays off fashion's current personalization trend, except that on Pop & Suki styles, monograms are placed discretely on the bottom of bags so only those in-the-know, know. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images At the event, the color pink covered every possible surface inside the diner, transporting party goers to a girly paradise. The young designers were joined by a starry young crowd that included Cara Delevingne, Georgia May Jagger, Chiara Ferragni, Ansel Elgort, Paris Hilton, Ryan Phillipe, Seth MacFarlne, Ellen von Unwerth and Julianne Hough. Guests dined on French fries, hamburgers, and sipped champagne or Pop & Suki branded milkshakes served in monogrammed milk jars. Donato Sardella/WireImage In between '80s hits on the soundtrack, we asked the designers: why personalize the bottom of the bag? Jamie explained: "Our branding isn't very obvious. We love the idea that this could be your bag and if you want everyone to know that it's your bag, it just takes a little flip. If you also want to stay mysterious, you can do that too." "It's not too much in your face," added Waterhouse. Getty Images The Camera Bag's wallet-friendly price point ($195) is also intentional. "I hate it when I find something that I love, and you're like 'oh, I can't buy that,'" explained Jamie. "Maybe you can save up and have it for a Christmas present!" chimed in Suki, who was wearing Houghton's SS16 Danny top and tulle skirt. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images The camera bag is the ideal starter style, the designers suggested. "Get the camera bag with the shoulder strap because you can do the crossbody, you could have it over one shoulder, and then maybe get the short strap because then you can dangle it on the side, or on your wrist." Story continues Getty Images The collection also includes a 'best friends' keychain, which encapsulates the spirit of the new brand, and would be the perfect holiday gift for your BFF. Courtesy of Pop and Suki Shop the 2016 Pop & Suki collection here. Courtesy of Pop and Suki Chicago (AFP) - The suspect in the ambush-style shootings of two police officers has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, officials in the US state of Iowa said on Thursday. Scott Michael Greene was arrested and taken to jail wearing the handcuffs carried by the two slain officers, the Des Moines Police Department said in a statement. "The investigation has produced probable cause to support these charges," the department said, declining to offer additional information. Anthony Beminio, 39, an 11-year veteran of the Des Moines police department, and Justin Martin, 24, who had served one year on the police force in nearby Urbandale, Iowa were ambushed Wednesday while patrolling in their cars, authorities said. Martin was found dead just after 1:00 am (0600 GMT) near an Urbandale local high school. Twenty minutes later, Beminio was discovered gunned down at a nearby intersection. Greene turned himself in several hours later to authorities. Officials have declined to comment on a possible motive, but said Greene has a history of run-ins with the law. The Iowa shootings follow a tense summer in which five police officers were fatally shot in Dallas, Texas and three killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The killings were apparent retribution for a string of high-profile police shootings of black citizens which inflamed racial tensions in the United States. FRANKFURT, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Buyout group SVPGlobal has put UK food packaging group Linpac up for sale in a potential 500 million euro ($556 million) deal led by investment bank Rothschild, several people close to the matter said. Bidders have until the middle of next week to submit first-round offers for the maker of plastic boxes, trays and films for vegetables, meat, cake and frozen food, they said. Private equity investors with a penchant for packaging assets such as PAI, Blackstone, CVC or Lindsay Goldberg are expected to hand in bids. Linpac expects to post earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of just below 60 million euros this year, and some of the bids are expected to value the company at 8 times that, around 480 million euros. SVPGlobal is hoping for a higher valuation. Linpac peers like RPC, Sonoco, Berry , Bemis, Sealed Air, and Huhtamaki trade at an average multiple of more than 11 times their expected core earnings. SVP, Rothschild and the potential bidders declined to comment or were not immediately available for comment. SVP took control of the company in late 2014 after buying up large chunks of debt related to a 2003 takeover of Linpac by private equity group Montagu for 860 million pounds ($1.1 billion), which had been backed by a 600 million pounds loan. Linpac supplies over 70 countries worldwide and has 2,500 employees. ($1 = 0.8993 euros) ($1 = 0.8066 pounds) (Reporting by Arno Schuetze; Editing by Maria Sheahan) BERLIN (Reuters) - A Syrian man arrested in Berlin is suspected of belonging to Islamic State and having received IS instructions from Syria to carry out an attack in Germany, the Federal Prosecutor's Office said on Thursday. Police said on Wednesday that the man, identified by the prosecutor's office only as 27-year-old Ashraf Al-T, had been living in Germany since last year. He was arrested in an apartment in Berlin's Schoeneberg district. German security services are on high alert after two Islamist militant attacks this summer. In October, a Syrian refugee was arrested on suspicion of planning a major attack in Berlin after police discovered explosives in his flat. (Reporting by Joseph Nasr; editing by Mark Heinrich) Hasakeh (Syria) (AFP) - A US-backed alliance of Syrian Kurds and Arabs will lead the assault on the Islamic State group's stronghold of Raqa, but rejects any Turkish role, its spokesman said Thursday. "We will see a campaign led by the Syrian Democratic Forces to liberate Raqa city," SDF spokesman Talal Sello said. Raqa will be the last major city under the jihadists' control if forces in neighbouring Iraq win the battle now under way for Mosul. Backed by US-led coalition air strikes, the SDF has flushed IS out of swathes of territory in northern Syria, most recently the flashpoint town of Manbij. It is dominated by the powerful Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG). The United States and Britain said in late October they expected an assault on Raqa -- IS's de facto capital in Syria -- within weeks. "We are ready. We have the sufficient numbers for this campaign and we will start it soon," Sello told AFP, without specifying a timetable. But he insisted that the fight would not include Turkey, which views the YPG as linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), considered by Ankara as a "terrorist" group. "The topic of Turkey's participation was settled with the (US-led anti-IS) coalition definitively. No Turkish participation," he said. HASAKA, Syria (Reuters) - The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance of Kurdish and Arab armed groups said on Thursday it would reject Turkish involvement in the operation to drive Islamic State from its Syrian capital Raqqa. U.S. officials have said they hope to start an offensive against Islamic State in Raqqa within weeks, and have said that the SDF will play a big role, but Washington's ally Turkey has also insisted that it take part in the operation. "The Syrian Democratic Forces are the only force that will take part in the operation to liberate Raqqa and we informed the (international U.S.-led) coalition forces that we reject any Turkish role in the Raqqa liberation operation," SDF spokesman Talal Silo told Reuters. Turkey's military and allied Syrian rebel groups last week fought against Kurdish forces allied to the SDF in northwest Syria, where both sides are seeking to take territory from their mutual enemy Islamic State. Ankara is dismayed at the prominent role in the SDF played by the Kurdish YPG militia, which it sees as a front for the Kurdistan Workers Party that has waged a three-decade insurgency inside Turkey. Since it was formed in early 2015, the SDF has seized large swathes of territory along the Syria-Turkey border from Islamic State and pushed the jihadist group back to within 30km (18 miles) of Raqqa. An offensive by the Iraqi army and Kurdish forces, backed by the U.S., started last month to reclaim Mosul, the largest city under the control of the jihadist group, and one whose capture would leave Raqqa as Islamic State's most important possession. (Reporting by Rodi Said and Tom Perry; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Tom Heneghan) Tata has long swelled the pride of India's small Parsi community but recent infighting and fears the conglomerate's next chief will be an outsider is unnerving the rapidly dwindling group. Mumbai's famous but notoriously private Parsis are unhappy at the daily mudslinging between company patriarch Ratan Tata and his Parsi counterpart, former chairman Cyrus Mistry, following the latter's unceremonious sacking last month. "Parsis are upset because the battle between Mistry and Tata went public instead of staying as boardroom negotiations. We hope it is over soon," said Jehangir Patel, editor of community magazine Parsiana. Parsis are followers of Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest religions. Zoroastrians believe in one god and worship in fire temples, believing fire to be a symbol of their god's purity. They first arrived in India more than 1,000 years ago after fleeing persecution in Persia. They became one of India's wealthiest communities, boasting a number of famed industrialists, including the internationally-renowned Tata family synonymous with the financial rise of India's commercial capital Mumbai. The community has also produced acclaimed Indian scientists and musicians and its influence far exceeds its size. However, late marriages and falling birth rates have sparked a demographic crisis that is threatening the group's survival with the number of Zoroastrians in India more than halving since 1940. There are now fewer than 60,000 in India, where most Zoroastrians live, and infighting between reformists and traditionalists about how to preserve the traditionally closed group is commonplace. Tata and Mistry are pillars of Mumbai's Parsi set and their spat appears to be adding to the angst that many Parsi-Zoroastrians feel about the community's uncertain future. "The feud is a letdown for the Parsi community as its number of role models and people in position of power reduces," Patel told AFP. Story continues Tata Group is a sprawling $103 billion steel-to-salt conglomerate founded under British colonial rule in 1868. It operates in more than 100 countries and owns high-profile companies such as Britain's Jaguar Land Rover and Anglo-Dutch steel firm Corus. Mistry, 48, was sacked as chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of Tata Group, on October 24, just four years after succeeding Ratan Tata to become its first chief who was not a member of the immediate Tata family. Tata is said to have become increasingly frustrated by Mistry's focus on divestments as he sought to reduce the sprawling group's $30 billion debt level. - Non-Parsi for Tata? - Tata, 78, took interim charge and for over a week the two camps have been trading bitter accusations that are threatening the conglomerate's global reputation but are also out of tune with the Parsi ethos of quiet respect and loyalty. The feud risks being compounded by the fact that Mistry is heir to the multi-billion-dollar construction giant the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, which is the largest single shareholder in Tata Sons, owning 18.4 percent. Dinshaw Mehta, a former chairman of Mumbai's leading Parsi organisation the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, described Mistry's removal as "ungraceful" and worries the subsequent conflict will be "self-destructive" for the company. He has a bigger concern though -- a non-Parsi leading India's most famous family conglomerate. "Tata is a Parsi legacy business and we are hopeful that a Parsi takes over the chairman's post. We don't want candidates from any other communities taking over," he said. While Ratan Tata's half-brother Noel Tata -- who incidentally is married to Mistry's sister -- is believed to be in the running, Mehta's fears are real with the other favourites coming from outside the community. Tata Consultancy Services chief N. Chandrasekaran, from the southern state of Tamil Nadu, has been tipped by many commentators while Jaguar Land Rover head Ralf Speth, a German, has also been mentioned. The pair were promoted to the Tata Sons board following Mistry's dismissal and many analysts took it as a sign that they were being prepared for the top job. Some Parsis say the community's shrinking talent pool means Tata will have to look elsewhere. "Outside or within the Tata group, there are no Parsis with the accomplishments and profile fit enough to take on the chairman's role," said magazine editor Patel. Others are more worried about the community's battle for survival than the fight to lead Tata. "There are bigger issues for the community to bother about than egos and worthless legacies of Parsi billionaires," wrote a reader on Parsi newspaper Jam-e-Jamshed's Facebook page. The teenage girl from North Carolina caught in the middle of Anthony Weiners sexting scandal, wrote an essay directed to FBI Director James Comey on Wednesday. The teenager, now 16-years-old, told BuzzFeed News she was upset with Comeys mishandling of the situation, saying he gave her no warning that her case would enter the national spotlight in the last week before the general election. I am the 15-year-old (now 16) who was the victim of Anthony Weiner, her letter begins. I now add you to the list of people who have victimized me. I told my story originally to protect other young girls that might be a victim of online predators. Your letter to Congress has now brought this whole matter back into the media spotlight. Not even 10 minutes after being forensically interviewed with the FBI for seven hours, I received a phone call from a REPORTER asking for a statement, she continued. Why didnt you communicate with the local FBI agents that I had just spoken to? They could have scheduled our interview sooner or scheduled a time to interview me later, or change locations of the interview. My neighborhood has been canvassed by reporters asking for details about me. The teenager accuses Comey of being vague in his approach to the sexting scandal involving her and Weiner, writing the media had to keep searching to try and find out what evidence you had uncovered and how. Every media outlet from local to national has contacted me and my family to get my story.' She further blamed Comey for assisting Weiner in further victimizing her, writing that the he was seeking an opportunity for political propaganda. I thought your job as FBI Director was to protect me. I thought if I cooperated with your investigation, my identity as a minor would be kept secret. That is no longer the case. My family and I are barraged by reporters phone calls and emails, she writes. I have been even been blamed in a newspaper for causing Donald Trump to now be leading in some polls and costing Hillary the election. Story continues She concludes her letter by writing that while she may have been Weiners victim, calling him the abuser, the real outcome of the story is that she is a survivor. I am strong, intelligent, and certain that I will come out from under this nightmare, but it will not be as a result of your doing your job to protect me, she writes, adding The election is important, yes, but what happened to me and how it makes me feel and how others see me, is much more important. Its time that the FBI Director puts his victims rights above political views. The letter was signed by Girl that lost her faith in America. PEOPLE confirmed in early October that police in both New York and North Carolina were looking into allegations that the former Democratic congressman had exchanged sexually explicit texts and pictures with a 15-year-old girl. That was Weiners fourth public sexting scandal, in which news broke that he had carried on a months-long relationship with a minor from North Carolina, asking her to undress and touch herself. In September, he allegedly sent a selfie of his crotch to a woman, with his son sleeping in the background. That picture prompted an investigation by New Yorks Administration for Childrens Services. When that scandal became public, Weiners wife, Huma Abedin, discontinued her public support of her husband. Abedin announced the couples separation. She has since quietly stepped away from the campaign trail in the wake of news that the emails now being scrutinized by the FBI in conjunction with the closed investigation into Clintons use of a private server were retrieved from her estranged husbands computer. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS. Its common for denizens of Silicon Valley to talk about digital disruption and how its turning businesses like media, healthcare and banking upside down. Usually there isnt much alarm expressed because even though there are winners and losers, those doing the describing assume theyre on the winning end of things. They are the Smug Disrupters, rather than the Downtrodden Disrupted. But what if we were all somehow losers in this disruption process? Im thinking that could that be the case with this presidential election. Let me explain. My point is that one of the reasons whyor maybe even the main reason whythis election is so ugly and uncomfortable is because for the first time, the digital economy has completely disrupted our political process. At some point its likely that politics will make peace with technology, but for now I would argue that we are far from any sort of equilibrium, and in fact, all the worse for it. Heres the evidence: Hillary Clintons Problems. So many of the issues vexing Hillary have been manifested in the digital realm. Her private servers with emails some of which have gone missing. The investigation of Anthony Weiners sexting, tied to her aide Huma Abedin, which has now reopened an investigation into Clintons emails. And WikiLeaks is releasing all manner of personal and private emails. Now you can argue that underlying this problems are issues of character, procedure or competence, but again, bombshell after bombshell have been all digital all the time. Donald Trump on Twitter. And Facebook. Sure Barack Obama has used social media to good effect, but Trump has taken it up (or down depending on your take) to a whole other level. His relentless use of social media has created a non-stop drumbeat of news and items, some true some notits difficult to sort it out because it comes so fast and furious and thats part of the point. His media strategy is tied to others of his political ilk, which magnifies the message greatly. Link that into his Facebook live strategy and possible Trump TV plan (if he loses of course), and you have a roadmap that a hyper-ambitious 20-year-old YouTube star would be proud of. Except that were talking about a 70-year-old billionaire Republican nominee for president. Story continues In your face (book) video. This idea comes from my colleague Matt Bai, ace Yahoo News political columnist. It goes like this: In the old days, PMW (pre mobile web), a police shooting in Missouri or Ohio or South Carolina might garner local TV coverage and local outrage. In certain escalated cases a shooting might make national network news, an FBI investigation or even a New York Times Pulitzer-winning story. Now, because of mobile video, millions of us see these gone-viral scenes within hours, or increasinglyas in recent horrifying instances in Minnesota and North Carolinawe actually see it live. I can state unequivocally there is nothing about this in the US justice system, public policy or media playbooks. The footage in these videos is raw, unfiltered and often highly damning. Theres also no context. Meaning we are left asking if these shootings are suddenly spiking in the United States? Or are we just suddenly seeing them for the first time. (We both know that its most likely the latter.) But no one really knows, and it sows fear, uncertainty and divisiveness. And to my point, it is another fanning of the political flames by the ever-evolving digital world this election season. Clueless one and Clueless two. Despite Trumps mastery of social media and despite Clintons problems with it, neither candidate has a single iota of understanding when it comes to the digital economy. Its actually scary how out of touch they are. In the debates and on the campaign trail there hasnt been any discussion of whats really driving the economy these days and how to leverage it. When they talk about building infrastructure for instance the candidates refer to train stations and airports. Nothing against trains, planes and automobiles, and lord knows we need investment there, but railroads are from FDRs era, and airports from JFKs (they named one for him, you know). What about the goal of making America the No. 1 digital country on the planet, ahead of the likes of South Korea, the Scandinavian countries and Singapore that have leapfrogged ahead of us in terms of networks, wi-fi coverage etc. And finally, mind the income and wealth gaps. I firmly believe that these gapswider than they have been in decadesare the root cause of much of the anxiety and discomfort in our society and American politics. But if the gaps cause the problems, what causes the gaps? You know where Im going here, but its true! Again, the digital revolution has turned our society and economy upside down. Yes the middle class has been hollowed out by jobs going to factories overseas, but part of what has enabled that shift is new technologies to manage supply chain for instance, as well as the technological rise of Asian economies. And of course factories that are still here are massively more productive with massively fewer workers because of technology. Never mind the millions of white-collar workers whove been relieved of their jobs, replaced by technology. Many of the people affected by all this (i.e., laid off, jobless or underemployed) are angry of course. And Donald Trump is appealing to them. So too is Hillary Clinton but less effectively. The point is that the digital revolution has disrupted millions of jobs and that is a front and center issue this election and will be a critical issue for the next president to address. Bottom line, we desperately need our leaders to wake up and recognize we are in the midst of a revolution that has not only roiled our economy but is now transforming our society and more importantly our political process. We cant run from it. We need to embrace it, harness it and use it to lift our nation up. Andy Serwer is Editor-in-Chief of Yahoo Finance. Back in 2015, Yahoo Movies asked Stan Lee which of his lesser-known heroes he wished had a higher profile. The Marvel maestro didnt hesitate: Doctor Strange. I like him as much as all the others, but for some reason he isnt as popular now, Lee said. In the beginning, [Marvel Cinematic Universe producers] didnt include him on the list of characters they wanted to make a movie of. But I campaigned for him. Then Lee reminded us that the new version of Doctor Strange opening this weekend wasnt even the first movie about the Sorcerer Supreme. That honor would go to a 1978 TV movie that was supposed to launch a new super-show. It was pretty good for its time, but they decided not to do a series, he said. Yes, before Benedict Cumberbatch donned the cloak for what is shaping up to be another MCU blockbuster, an actor named Peter Hooten, best know for his role in the original Inglorious Bastards, originated the role of Doctor Strange. Back in 1978, thanks to the public fascination with superheroes and the supernatural, Strange was deemed ready for prime time. CBS already had the live-action The Amazing Spider-Man and the Bill Bixby-Lou Ferrigno hit The Hulk on its schedule, and Captain America would arrive the following year in the first of two made-for-TV movies. With creative input from Lee, writer-director Philip DeGuere and CBS conceived their Doctor Strange feature (styled Dr. Strange) as a backdoor pilot, with the hopes that it could be translated into an hourly program to be paired with The Hulk. The two-hour film aired on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 1978, and while praised by Lee and cherished by fans, Dr. Strange seemingly vanished into another dimension after that initial airing. Various VHS versions came and went, before going out of print in the 1990s. Occasional blurry transfers wound up on YouTube, only to be quickly snuffed out by the copyright cops. But with Doctor Strange opening in theaters on Friday, the original Dr. Strange is, as of this week, available for the first time on DVD. We went back through the mists of time to that alternate dimension of 1978 to watch the original movie about the Master of the Mystic Arts and to see how the psychedelic 1960s comic created by Lee and Steve Ditko was translated into the disco-fied 70s. This is what we learned. Story continues The Set-Up After the title cards establish the stakes, the movie opens in the Dark Dimension, which is surprisingly faithful to Ditkos comic conception. This is where the Nameless One (essentially a stand-in for Strange archnemesis Dormammu) charges the nigh-immortal sorceress Morgan Le Fey with destroying Earths Sorcerer Supreme. Morgan is played by Jessica Walter, better recognized these days as Lucille Bluth, the matriarch of the Arrested Development clan. The Not-Really-Ancient One Dr. Strange takes several liberties with the source material, including revamping the traditional origin story. Right off the bat, we discover that in lieu of the Ancient One ensconced in his Himalayan hideaway, Stranges teacher has been replaced with an aged Englishman named Thomas Lindmer (Oscar winner John Mills), whose last name is a riff on Merlin. (DeGuere apparently decided to reconfigure the Eastern spiritual trappings of the comics into an Arthurian framework, perhaps because he felt it more accessible to viewers of the time.) Lindmer, along with his apprentice/assistant Wong, has set up shop in the Sanctum Sanctorum in Greenwich Village otherwise known as the Universal Studios backlot. While the art directors do a credible job with the buildings look, they inexplicably mess up the address. Instead of the standard 177A Bleecker Street location, this Sanctum is at 22 Bleecker Place. One change for the better: Wong (Clyde Kusatsu), often depicted in the early comics as a glorified gofer, has been upgraded. At one point Lindmer declares, Youre a pupil and a friend, not a servant. Meet Dr. Strange As portrayed by Hooten, this Strange is pure 70s, a permed swinger who looks like hes ready to hit Studio 54 after a round of nurse-flirting at the hospital. Speaking of, the movie spends a lot of time in the hospital, where some questionable medical practices are taking place (when it doubt, drugs for everyone!) If it werent for the trippy opening, youd think Dr. Strange was going to be a medical drama, not a dimension-spanning superhero yarn. Another curious creative decision that deviates from the Marvel source material: For some reason, the movie has changed the doctors specialty, from neurosurgeon to psychiatric resident. The Damsel in Distress Once arriving in our dimension, Morgan possesses a young woman named Clea (Eddie Benton, later known by her stage name, Anne-Marie Martin, and one of Michael Crichtons ex-wives) to help attack Lindmer. The affected Clea winds up in the hospital under the care of Strange after they share a psychic bond while watching Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. In the comics, the character of Clea is Stranges sorcery student and eventual paramour, who also happens to be related to Dormammu. New Origin Story Dr. Strange dispenses with the usual Strange origin story: theres no horrific injury or pilgrimage to Tibet, as there is in the comics and the new movie. Instead, Hootens doctor turns out to have been marked by magic from an early age. Lindmer and Stranges father were acquaintances, and the old wizard had been keeping tabs on the young man, especially after his parents were killed in a suspicious accident. Star Wars Influence With George Lucass space opera exploding into pop culture the year before, Dr. Strange borrows several tropes from the film. The Lindmer-Strange relationship is very Obi-Wan-Luke, right down to the Oscar-pedigreed British actor in the mentor role. Meanwhile, Lindmers go-to spell is basically the Jedi mind trick. Astral Projection Finally, after lots of dithering around the hospital, the action kicks in. Strange has to teleport into the Dark Dimension to save Clea and Lindmer from Morgan and her hench-demons. That leads to these kind of groovy effects shots. While not as spiffy as the visuals of the new Doctor Strange, the idea is pretty similar. The Doctor Is In At the end, after rescuing his friends, Lindmer transfers his powers to Strange, making him the new disco-ready Sorcerer Supreme. Although the pace could use a jolt and many of the campy story choices werent ideal, Dr. Strange had potential as a series. Watching the movie now, its not hard to imagine Dr. Strange becoming a superhero version of The X-Files, where Strange and pals encounter different supernatural threats each week. CBS decided not to take Dr. Strange to series due to low ratings and high costs (although its hard to tell now, the movie ran well over budget due to its complex-for-the-time effects.) While the Sorcerer Supreme was able to thwart a demonic plot, he was unable to topple the formidable combination of Eight Is Enough and Roots on ABC. Perhaps, in an alternate universe, Dr. Strange became a hit and ran for years. Here on Earth, however, it remains an artifact of another age, worth an exploration for the curious or those in need of Strange fix before this weekends main event. From Esquire So, as we get closer still to the election, what's the butcher's bill on Wednesday as far as economic anxiety and uncertainty go? Well, as we saw, there was this guy out in Iowa whose concern for the balance-of-trade deficit led him to murder two cops. And, down in Mississippi Goddamn, some folks may have found a unique way to cope with the prolonged and lingering after-effects of deindustrialization. Per the The Jackson Clarion-Ledger: Mayor Errick D. Simmons called the attack on the century-old Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church "a heinous, hateful and cowardly act," which is being investigated as a possible hate crime. "This act is a direct assault on people's right to freely worship," he said. "We will not rest until the culprit is found and fully prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." And, while they certainly are sensitive to the feelings of dislocation abroad in the land, as The Washington Post reports, Democratic Party officials are trying to make sure these feelings of dislocation don't manifest themselves generally in destructive ways. In the Ohio lawsuit, the state Democratic Party asked a federal judge to stop the Trump campaign, state party officials and a group associated with Trump supporter Roger Stone from sending people not officially appointed as poll watchers to voting locations. Roger Stone: Channeling economic anxiety in politically useful ways since 1964. [contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="Related%20Story" customtitles="A%20Single%20Theme%20Now%20Unites%20the%20Republican%20Party" customimages="" content="article.50243"] But, on Monday, a federal judge named John Michael Vasquez, working under a consent decree that dates back to 1982, ordered the Republican National Committee to turn over to the Democratic National Committee any and all material relating to how the RNC planned to use economic insecurity as a metric in its decision-making regarding which rats should be fcked and how hard. From Bloomberg: Story continues That includes any written or verbal agreements relating to voter fraud, ballot security, poll watching and poll monitoring, U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez in Newark, New Jersey, said in a ruling on Monday. The Republican leadership has until Wednesday to comply with the order. Vazquez also ordered the Trump campaign to submit affidavits explaining the basis for remarks made in recent months about ballot integrity and poll-watching by Trump's campaign manager Kellyanne Conway and his running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence. The filings should include details about which precincts were being targeted and why, the judge ruled. This election is going to be incomprehensibly bloody. For now, that's still a metaphor. For now. Update (5:33 PM): The Washington Post interviewed a writer who seems very concerned with my lack of empathy for the economically anxious. They were openhearted, they were communal. They were very eager to be known. They'd say, 'Thanks for coming. We're the flyover state, people don't care about us, they don't know who we are. They think we're racist and homophobic and sexist and fat.' There was a gratitude toward me, and I would tell them exactly who I was: 'I think I live in a political bubble, and I'm trying to get out of mine and into yours. Will you talk to me? In some of them you sensed loss and a sense of being invisible and unappreciated and insulted. That liberals just think they're rednecks. Here were people, some who had worked very hard, half were college-educated, and they just felt put down, and they felt a drifting downward in their economic circumstance, but didn't hear anyone listening to them about their distress. They felt like a minority group. I am very concerned that the people who really are invisible, unappreciated, and insulted in this country will become more so by all three criteria if the guy these people want to be president actually wins. Click here to respond to this post on the official Esquire Politics Facebook page. You Might Also Like Samsung no longer has to fear a patent infringement suit from TiVo: The DVR pioneer recently bought by Rovi, which changed its name announced today a broad intellectual property license with Samsung that includes a stay of their litigation upon satisfaction of certain conditions. The terms give Samsung the right to use TiVo patents in mobile, consumer electronics and set-top box products. TiVo sued Samsung in Texas a little more than a year ago, saying that the electronics giants DVRs violated four of its patents. The new agreement demonstrates the ongoing relevance of our intellectual property well into the future, as well as in key markets such as mobile. TiVo CEO Tom Carson says, The arrangement also exemplifies the synergistic opportunities created by Rovis acquisition of TiVo to deliver significant value to our customers. He added, in a statement to investors, that the agreement highlights our preference for commercially reasonable deals over on-going litigation. Along with the Samsung agreement, TiVo says it renewed its license deal with Dish Network which the company says shows the long-term value and relevance of our intellectual property portfolios for both traditional and next-generation pay-TV service providers. TiVo shares are up nearly 5% in post market trading after it released the announcements as well as its Q3 earnings. Helped by an $83.4 million tax benefit, the company saw $49.9 million in net income, up from an $18.5 million loss in the period last year, on revenues of $153.1 million, up 33.3%. That beat the $105.9 million in revenues that analysts expected. Related stories Rovi Changes Its Name To TiVo As It Closes Acquisition Of DVR Pioneer Rovi Corp. Set To Acquire TiVo In $1.1B Cash & Stock Deal Rovi Shares Hit After It Sues Comcast For Patent Infringement Donald Trump Since he famously descended down the escalator 17 months ago, a Donald Trump presidency has always felt more conceptual than real. It felt even more like that when, in the final month of the race, Hillary Clinton started to build double-digit leads with regularity in polls both nationally and in key battleground states. Wednesday, six days before Election Day, is the day a Trump presidency started to feel a bit more realistic. Perhaps more so than ever. The uptick in polls. The momentum. Most importantly, a suddenly plausible path. "He has definitely the momentum going for him. His intensity of support is high. FBI decision to open is helping him. Even before that the Obamacare premium increase story is also helping. The populist sentiment is strengthening," said Raghavan Mayur, the president of TechnoMetrica Market Intelligence, which conducts a daily national tracking poll in partnership with Investor's Business Daily/TIPP. First thing's first: The fundamentals of the race largely favor Clinton. The Democratic nominee has or in fact, has always had a more plausible path to victory. Trump can win Ohio, Florida, and North Carolina, for instance, and still lose. And right now, the map still has him losing. "The torrent of swing state polls still showing Hillary in pretty decent shape which reflects what we're seeing privately as well has me a lot less worried about a Trump presidency than I was over the weekend," said Tom Jensen, the director of the Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling. "The race has gotten closer, but it's mostly just because of Trump-resistant Republicans coming home to Trump in the end, not because of people jumping off Hillary's ship." Screen Shot 2016 11 02 at 7.17.23 PM For Clinton, that's the glass-half-full side of the story. The glass-half-empty side is what you get when you look at the context of the race over the past few weeks. A week ago, for instance, FiveThirtyEight's now-cast projected Clinton would attain about 334 electoral votes and had an 83% chance of winning. On Wednesday, her Electoral College margin was down to a state and her chances of winning down to 65%. Story continues A week ago, the political world was talking about which reliably red state Clinton might win. Georgia? Arizona? Texas? On Wednesday, the political world wondered why in the world Clinton was still campaigning in Arizona while her poll leads were slipping in states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, once considered blowouts. A slew of new polling data released Wednesday also told a story of general tightening, even as Clinton's blue "firewall" is holding up for now: Three national daily tracking polls found the race in a tie. A CNN poll suggested Trump pulling away in Ohio. Another CNN poll found Trump up 6 points in Nevada, though other polls have trended toward Clinton lately. Polls showed North Carolina a tie. Florida was trending Trump. And the trend lines are facing downward for Clinton in Pennsylvania (where five recent polls showed her with an average lead of 3.4 points) and Michigan (where a poll Wednesday found her with a 3-point advantage). Perhaps the most significant evidence that the glass is half empty, however, has come from Clinton herself. Over the past several days, amid the fallout from a reactivated FBI investigation into her private email server, she has warned in increasingly dire terms about the threat of a Trump presidency. On Wednesday, she even played out the dark fantasy out loud in front of voters in Las Vegas. She revisited Trump's outlandish comments on different groups Mexicans, immigrants, Muslims, African-Americans and asked them all to imagine: "Here is something I hope you will try with the people you are talking to. Just take some time and think imagine that on January 20, 2017, it is Donald Trump standing in front of our capital and taking the oath of office. Now remember, because on January 20 we are going to have a new president and things are going to change. That is for sure. The question is, what kind of change are we going to have? Are we going to build a fairer, stronger, better America? Or are we going to fear the future and each other?" On Friday, two days after campaigning in a deep-red state she thought she had a chance to swing, Clinton will find herself in Michigan, desperately trying to shore up a state that has gone blue in every election since 1992. NOW WATCH: How late-breaking bombshells affected past presidential elections More From Business Insider Designer and filmmaker Tom Ford at WSJ Magazines 2016 Innovator Awards. (Photo: Getty Images) Colin Firths nickname for Tom Ford is the King of Sex, and now everyone knows it. The Oscar winner put Mr. Ford on blast at Wednesdays WSJ Magazine dinner, held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Firth was presenting Mr. Ford with their prestigious Innovator Award, and letting some secrets slip along the way. In scandal-making order, they are: The King of Sex is nicer than youd think. The King of Sex comprehensively renovated Firth with a Hollywood makeover, diet and exercise included. The King of Sex once threw his back out while imitating Diane von Furstenberg at a London nightclub. Thats true, Ford confirmed. But have you ever seen Diane when shes [reclining]? Its amazing. When discussing his latest film, Nocturnal Animals, the director reflected on a quote from the screenplay No one really writes about anyone but themselves. Thats something that really struck me, because its so real, he said. All our creative impulses, even if theyre about something or someone else, even someone very different than ourselves, they ultimately still reflect who we are, what we see, what we want. The thing with art, though, no matter what form it takes, is that hopefully through [the artists] unique experiences, you can create something universal that people connect with in their own way. In many ways, I hope. Ford wasnt keen to talk fashion but did confirm a long-simmering rumor: Before he became a style emperor, the Texas native was indeed an actor though youll never find his films. Im not giving up that information! he laughed before joining Karlie Kloss, Melinda Gates, and Julie Taymor at the gala dinner. I used a different name in the Screen Actors Guild so nobody could find me. Fashion junkies might consider this a challenge, but for Ford its just another step on his creative journey. I love the word innovation, he concluded, because it means youre constantly moving forward. Model Karlie Kloss wore a floor-length Miu Miu gown to the gala dinner. (Photo: Getty Images) Or at least saving face. Ive had to innovate a few outfits right before a red carpet or a runway, for sure, laughed Karlie Kloss, whos studying computer science at NYU while prepping for the Victorias Secret runway in Paris. Lets just say, never underestimate the power of a few safety pins which should be kept in your bag at all times! Story continues Martha Hunt wearing Brock Collection. I changed in the car here, Hunt said. The first thing you learn as a model is how to switch your outfit in a moving vehicle. (Photo: Getty Images) Fellow Bad Blood vixen Martha Hunt agreed. Having to make things work in crazy situations is part of our job, right? Thats what makes it fun usually. I remember once, at my first-ever Versace show, I had a nip slip and I didnt even know until I came off the runway. I thought I was rocking my look until I saw photos backstage. Then I was embarrassed. Now I laugh about it. Sometimes the only thing you need to innovate is your attitude. Or according to designer Phillip Lim your hair. Three years ago, my runway models were supposed to have these really high updos. Fifteen minutes before the show, I realized it was all wrong. Im running around backstage saying, Take down your hair! Take it down now! I think I freaked out the hair team, but it was worth it the collection looked so much cooler with everyones hair being so free. And I guess sometimes innovation means a little bit of panic. Eva Chen wearing Ganni. Ive learned two things in the past year how to hide a baby bump really well and how Rachel from Friends is still a style icon. Ive been wearing mock turtlenecks under all my dresses because my [Instagram] office is freezing! (Photo: Getty Images) Other honored WSJ Innovators included artist Ai Wei Wei, set designer Es Devlin, and the Weeknd, aka Abel Tesfaye, who swapped GF Bella Hadid for BFF Naomi Campbell. (He reminds me of Bob Marley, Campbell said, citing his lyricism and humanitarian efforts.) Then there were food dudes Will Guidara and Daniel Humm, who pulled musician Jon Batiste onstage for a special jazz rendition of the nursery school hit If Youre Happy and You Know It. Sensing innovation at work, the King of Sex and his room of admirers gleefully clapped their hands. TORONTO (Reuters) - Toronto home sales rose 11.5 percent in October from a year earlier, the industry group for the city's real estate agents said Thursday, contrasting with a sharp decline in Vancouver where a tax on foreign buyers has weighed on the market. Activity in Canada's two most expensive housing markets has been closely watched by policymakers, who have taken steps to try to cool the sector in the hopes of avoiding a crash in prices later on. The Toronto Real Estate Board said a record 9,768 sales were reported in October 2016. It said its benchmark home price index was up 19.7 per cent from a year earlier. The average selling price for all home types was C$762,975 ($570,000), a 21.1 percent rise over the same time period. By contrast, data out Wednesday showed Vancouver home sales slid 38.8 percent from the same period in October, while prices remained up from a year earlier. British Columbia introduced a foreign property transfer tax effective Aug. 2 in Vancouver in an effort to improve affordability in Canada's most expensive property market. Some industry experts have said the tax could steer foreign buyers towards Toronto instead. Separately, the Canadian government said in early October it will tighten mortgage rules and close a tax loophole on home sales, seeking to rein in both foreign investors and indebted consumers in its latest move to cool a market that some have called a housing bubble. "As we move through November and December, we will be watching the sales and listings trends closely, in light of the recent policy changes announced by the Federal Minister of Finance." Toronto Real Estate Board President Larry Cerqua said in a statement. (Reporting by Fergal Smith; Editing by David Gregorio) The first full trailer for offbeat musical "La La Land" brings with it an opportunity to sample the film that has had the festival circuit buzzing. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling star as an actress struggling to get into the movies and a jazz pianist with employment troubles. The pair meet thanks to a succession of chance encounters and their romance and career trajectories both appear set to take off. J.K. Simmons returns from director Damien Chazelle's previous film, the award-winning "Whiplash," and is joined among the supporting cast by Sonoya Mizuno, Finn Wittrock, Rosemarie DeWitt and musician John Legend. Debuting at the Venice film festival in August 2016, "La La Land" is an early favorite for awards season success, having scored a host of positive reviews from its festival circuit tour and won accolades from Venice, Toronto, the Hamptons, and the Hollywood Film Awards. A North American general release is set for December 16 with select territories receiving it before then -- Singapore, the Philippines and Belgium among them -- and a gradual international rollout following throughout January. A teaser trailer had been released in August. La La Land trailer - 'Dreamers': youtu.be/0pdqf4P9MB8 By Isla Binnie ROME (Reuters) - Training Libya's coastguard to stop people smugglers and rescue boat migrants could help save many lives and avoid incidents in which Libyan officials have behaved too aggressively, the head of the European Union's Mediterranean mission said on Wednesday. The Sophia mission, which aims to combat the criminal gangs that pack the migrants into boats making the perilous crossing from Libya to Europe, started training 78 Libyan coastguard officials on Oct. 26. The training will run for 14 weeks. A breakdown of law and order in Libya has allowed the smuggler gangs to operate with near-impunity, launching hundreds of thousands of mainly sub-Saharan Africans towards Europe over the past few years. More than 3,740 have died trying to make the crossing this year alone. The Libyan coastguard currently lacks the personnel and equipment to patrol more than 1,000 miles of coastline and the EU's Sophia mission can only operate in international waters, 12 nautical miles from land. "A trained Libyan coastguard, already in that zone, could prevent many deaths," Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino, commander of the Sophia operation, told reporters in Rome. "When a rubber boat overturns, it sinks quickly. Hardly any of the migrants can swim and they don't have life jackets so they drown fast," Credendino said. Reports of incidents in which vessels apparently belonging to the Libyan coastguard have attacked migrant or rescue boats makes the training all the more urgent and necessary, he said. "On some occasions, the coastguard that we are training has responded too violently because they are not trained." Last month German humanitarian group Sea-Watch recovered the bodies of four migrants after an attack its members said had been carried out by a vessel with the markings of the Libyan coastguard. The coastguard denied any involvement in the incident. Credendino said it was sometimes hard to tell whether such people were actually coastguard officials as some smugglers wear camouflage or uniforms and fly Libya's flag on their boats. There had been some scepticism around the training plan, Credendino said, but the 78 officials "arrived with great enthusiasm ... a real desire to do this with us". Sophia, which became operational in July 2015, has so far arrested and handed over to Italian authorities 99 suspected traffickers and seized 337 boats. The mission is also aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks in the Mediterranean and enforcing a United Nations arms embargo against Libya. (Editing by Gareth Jones) Its been 20 years since Danny Boyle rounded up Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle to spawn a global phenomenon with the film adaptation of Irvine Welshs Trainspotting. Now weve got the full official trailer for the sequel, T2 Trainspotting, which reunites Boyle with the principal cast and screenwriter John Hodge. Check it out above as McGregors Renton again runs through a choose life monologue that echoes the 1996 films opening scenes with an updated litany. The original movie brought together a misfit group of Edinburgh-based junkies Renton, Spud (Bremner), Sick Boy (Miller) and Begbie (Carlyle). Although much has changed since then, some things remain the same as Renton returns to the only place he can ever call home. The boys are there waiting, but other old friends are also waiting, lined up to welcome him and join the dance. Those would be: sorrow, loss, joy, vengeance, hatred, friendship, love, longing, fear, regret, diamorphine, self-destruction and mortal danger. The first film grossed about $72M worldwide and launched the careers of many involved. Hodges script received an Oscar nomination. McGregor reunited with Boyle for T2 immediately after helming his first feature, American Pastoral. I did my last day in the sound mix for American Pastoral on a Friday and I flew to Scotland on a Monday to start on Trainspotting 2, he recently told Deadlines Joe Utichi. It was an extraordinary situation, because we were revisiting Trainspotting and I was playing Renton again, which was great and a joy. Film4 developed and co-financed T2 Trainspotting with regular Boyle collaborator Christian Colson producing alongside Bernard Bellow and Andrew Macdonald. Sonys TriStar Pictures acquired world rights in late 2015 and rollout begins in the UK on January 27 followed by the North American debut on February 3. [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsozpEE543w&w=605&h=340] Story continues Related stories Hannah Minghella Re-ups As TriStar President At Sony Sony's Fiscal Q2 Results Down But Offset By Sony Pictures' $32M Profit As 'Inferno' Crosses $100M Overseas, Ron Howard Movie Hopes To Light Fire Stateside - Box Office Preview By Nia Williams CALGARY, Alberta (Reuters) - Pipeline company TransCanada Corp and shippers on the Canadian gas mainline system are closer to reaching an agreement on a new toll structure, the chief executives of Canada's two biggest natural gas producers said on Thursday. TransCanada has launched an open season to gauge interest in new proposed tolls on the system, which transports western Canadian gas to the Dawn hub in Ontario, offering shippers rates as low as 75 Canadian cents a gigajoule if they sign up for a 10-year commitment. That is lower than a toll of 82 Canadian cents per gigajoule originally proposed by TransCanada, which both Canadian Natural Resources Ltd and Encana Corp said was too high given the length of the contract. In an interview with Reuters, Canadian Natural Resources president Steve Laut said of the negotiations: "I think we are getting closer to something that works for everybody, that is in the best interests of TransCanada and the natural gas industry here in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan." While Laut said he was confident a deal would be reached, it was "not the end of the world if we don't get something." Western Canadian natural gas struggles to compete with production from northeastern U.S. shale plays such as the Marcellus because the greater distance to market makes transportation costs higher. Encana chief executive Doug Suttles said he was pleased with the progress of discussions and 75 Canadian cents per gigajoule was in the right zone. "Even lower would almost certainly generate success. It would be great to continue to capture those eastern markets with western Canadian gas," Suttles told Reuters. The current toll on the mainline is roughly C$1.41 a gigajoule to ship natural gas from western Canada to the Dawn hub in Ontario. TransCanada spokesman Mark Cooper said the company would continue to work through the open season and would have more to say once it closes on Nov. 10. (Reporting by Nia Williams; editing by Grant McCool) (Adds details) Nov 3 (Reuters) - Private-label food and beverage company TreeHouse Foods Inc lowered its full-year profit forecast and said it would close a plant in Delta, British Columbia and cut jobs at its facility in Battle Creek, Michigan. The company, which completed its $2.7 billion acquisition of ConAgra Foods Inc's private-label unit in February, also appointed Matthew Foulston as its chief financial officer. Foulston joins from Compass Minerals International Inc and he will replace Dennis Riordan, who announced his retirement in August. TreeHouse said Riordan would remain with the company as a president. Both the Battle Creek and Delta facilities were part of the company's acquisition of ConAgra's private brands business. Production at the frozen griddle facility in Delta, which primarily caters to TreeHouse's North American retail grocery business, is expected to cease in early 2018, the company said on Thursday. The company will reduce about 100 out of the 160 jobs at the Battle Creek facility over 15 months beginning in January. TreeHouse cut its full-year adjusted earnings forecast range to $2.80-$2.85 per share, from $3.00-$3.10. The Oak Brook, Illinois-based company's net sales rose to $1.59 billion in the third quarter ended Sept. 30, from $798.64 million a year earlier. Analysts on average had expected $1.64 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Net income attributable to the company rose 30.7 percent to $37.17 million, or 65 cents per share. Excluding certain items, the company earned 70 cents per share, missing analysts' average estimate of 78 cents per share. (Reporting by Gayathree Ganesan in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel) Nov 3 (Reuters) - Private-label food and beverage company TreeHouse Foods Inc lowered its full-year profit forecast and said it would close a plant in Delta, British Columbia and cut jobs at its facility in Battle Creek, Michigan. The company, which bought ConAgra Foods Inc's private-label unit for $2.7 billion, also appointed Matthew Foulston as its chief financial officer. Both the Battle Creek and Delta griddle facilities were part of the company's acquisition of the ConAgra private brands business in February. TreeHouse cut its full-year adjusted earnings forecast range to $2.80-$2.85 per share, from $3.00-$3.10. Net income attributable to the company rose 30.7 percent to $37.17 million, or 65 cents per share, in the third quarter ended Sept. 30, from a year earlier. (Reporting by Gayathree Ganesan in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel) Michael Slager The murder trial of a South Carolina police officer who shot an unarmed black man last year is underway, with attorneys from both sides delivering opening statements on Thursday. Michael Slager, a former North Charleston police officer, is facing life in prison for the fatal shooting of Walter Scott. The shooting sparked outrage and nationwide debate over police violence against minorities. Here's what you need to know about the trial: Who was Walter Scott? Walter Scott was a 50-year-old black man from South Carolina who worked as a forklift operator. He served in the US Coast Guard for two years in the 1980s before being granted a discharge under honorable conditions for a drug-related offense. Scott had a lengthy arrest record His record listed "about 10 arrests," mostly for failing to pay child support, according to Charleston's Post and Courier. What happened the day of his death? On the morning of April 4, 2015, Slager a North Charleston officer with five years of experience pulled over Scott for having a broken brake light. Dashcam footage shows that Slager spoke to Scott, and when he returned to his police vehicle, Scott left his car and fled, with Slager chasing him on foot. The chase led Slager and Scott to a grassy lot behind a pawn shop. Bystander video recorded on a cell phone begins with Slager firing his Taser at Scott as Scott flees. Wires appear to be extending from Scott's body. The video shows Scott slowly running away as something possibly the Taser falls to the ground behind the two men. Slager shoots at Scott eight times as he is running away, hitting him five times, according to a coroner's report. Slager claimed in his report that Scott had taken his Taser, and that he shot Scott because he felt "threatened" and feared for his life. walter scott Story continues What are the charges? Three days after the shooting, Slager was arrested and charged with murder. A South Carolina grand jury later indicted him on the charge. Slager faces 30 years to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Slager was also indicted on federal charges: violating Scott's civil rights, unlawfully using his weapon in the commission of a crime, and obstruction of justice. No date has been set for that trial. What does the case hinge on? The key to the case will likely be whether the jury determines Slager was in life-threatening danger when he fired at Scott. In her opening statement, prosecutor Scarlett Wilson argued that Slager's actions were extreme and unwarranted, according to ABC News. She said Slager lied about the incident by claiming Scott took his Taser and was approaching him with it. She also said Slager staged the crime scene by dropping the Taser near Scott's body. The defense argued in its opening statement that Scott provoked the shooting. Slager's attorney Andy Savage said Scott had in fact taken away Slager's Taser, and that the officer did not know whether Scott was armed, ABC News reported. He will likely argue that the cell-phone video does not give the full picture of what happened. Who are the jurors? The jury consists of 12 people six white men, five white women, and one black man. How will Charleston react? Some locals fear the trial's verdict could polarize the community. The Slager trial will coincide with next week's trial of Dylann Roof, a white supremacist accused of killing nine black people in a Charleston church in 2015. City leaders have urged residents to refrain from violence during the two trials, WCBD News reported. NOW WATCH: Animated map shows where your bottled water actually comes from More From Business Insider London (AFP) - Men and boys from Iraqi villages recaptured from the Islamic State group in the operation to retake Mosul have been unlawfully detained, tortured and ill-treated by tribal militia, Amnesty International said Thursday. The Hashed al-Ashaeri (Tribal Mobilisation), made up of Sunni tribal militiamen, have been carrying out revenge attacks in villages south-east of Mosul against those residents suspected of having ties to IS, the London-based rights group said. Some were beaten with metal rods and given electric shocks, and some were tied to the bonnets of vehicles and paraded through the streets or placed in cages, it said, citing interviews with local officials and village witnesses. "There is strong evidence that Sabawi tribal militia members have committed crimes under international law by torturing and otherwise ill-treating residents in Qata al-Sabaween (Sabaween sector) in revenge for crimes committed by IS," said Lynn Maalouf, Amnesty's deputy director for research in Beirut. "There is no doubt that IS fighters who are suspected of committing crimes must be held accountable in fair trials. "But rounding up villagers and forcing them to endure public humiliation or other violations, including torture, is no way of securing justice, truth and reparation for victims of IS crimes." Amnesty warned in a report on October 18 about the possibility of revenge attacks directed at Sunnis suspected of being complicit with IS, urging Iraqi authorities to act to prevent a repeat of past abuses. As national polls tighten, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is growing confident enough that he can win the race for the White House that he has begun the process of assembling a Cabinet, including who he wants as his Treasury Secretary, the Fox Business Network has learned. Trump is telling senior officials inside his campaign that he wants his campaign finance chair, Steve Mnuchin, as his Treasury Secretary, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter. The Trump campaign is also weighing the possibility of appointing New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a former federal prosecutor, as his Attorney General, and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, as his Homeland Security Secretary, these sources say. Despite the improving poll numbers for Trump, he still faces an uphill battle to defeat Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton in Tuesdays presidential contest. According to national polls, Clinton maintains a slim lead over Trump, but a more decisive lead in the all-important Electoral College. Trump faces a difficultthough not impossibletask of obtaining the 270 electoral votes necessary to win the Oval Office given Clintons strength in so-called battleground states like Virginia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. Still Trumps chances have improved markedly after last Fridays bombshell announcement that the FBI has reopened its investigation into Clintons use of a private email server during her days as President Obamas Secretary of State, as well as disclosures about a government probe into her involvement in the controversial Clinton Foundation private charity. As Trumps favorability increases, people inside the Trump campaign have been scrambling to cobble together a list of people to serve in a possible Trump Cabinet. Much of the list, these people say, is in flux. While Christie is at the top of the list for a possible Trump Attorney General, he might not make the cut depending on the outcome of the current Bridgegate trial, where two former underlings of his are facing federal criminal charges for closing lanes on the George Washington Bridge. The alleged retaliatory move against one of Christies political opponents, the mayor of Fort Lee, NJ, which suffered massive traffic jams, could result in long prison sentences for both of the accused. Christie has said he had no knowledge of the activities and hasnt been charged. Story continues Still the resulting controversy might make Christies involvement in a Trump Administration, particularly in such a sensitive position, difficult, Trump campaign officials concede. With that, Giuliani, himself a former federal prosecutor, might emerge as the top choice for Attorney General, these people say. Hope Hicks, Trump campaign spokeswoman said, Mr. Trump is totally focused on the remainder of the campaign and all of the amazing people supporting him around the country. Spokesmen for Christie and Giuliani didnt return calls for comment. Trump is known for changing his mind at the last minute when it comes to prepared speeches and even key appointments. When deciding on a vice presidential running mate, he wavered until the last minute before selecting Indiana Governor Mike Pence. But one appointment Trump appears settled on is his choice of Mnuchin as Treasury Secretary. Trump has told people in recent days that the campaign manager is his top choice for the job. A veteran in the world of finance, Mnunchin spent 17 years at the Wall Street firm, Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), where he earned the coveted and lucrative title of partner at the big investment bank while running the firms mortgage department and serving as Goldmans chief information officer in 1999. In 2004, with two other ex-Goldman Sachs partners, he formed Dune Capital Management, a hedge fund that acquired a piece of the failed lender Indy Mac from the Federal Insurance Deposit Corp., for $1.55 billion. Mnuchins name has been mentioned as Treasury Secretary for months, along with other financial executives, such as former Bear Stearns economist David Malpass, television commentator and former Reagan administration budget official Larry Kudlow and Steve Moore of the Heritage Foundation. In July, Anthony Scaramucci, a hedge fund executive working closely with the Trump campaign (and Fox Business contributor) told Fortune that Mnuchin was the odds-on favorite given his largely successful effort raising money for the Trump campaign, which began taking donations relatively late into the election season, after Trump had already attacked many GOP establishment players who are part of the donor class. But choosing Mnuchin could also be controversial precisely because of his Wall Street connections, which runs counter to Trumps anti-establishment campaign themes. That said, Trump and Mnuchin have grown close during the hard fought election. Since Mnuchin joined the Trump campaign in April, hes been one of his most loyal deputies; aside from his fundraising efforts, he has also played a key role in developing Trumps economic policies, which would both reduce regulations and cut taxes. Related Articles WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican Donald Trump wants his campaign finance chairman, Steven Mnuchin, to be his Treasury secretary if he wins next week's U.S. presidential election, Fox Business Network reported on Thursday, citing sources. Mnuchin, a former partner at Goldman Sachs Group Inc who also founded and runs the hedge fund company Dune Capital Management LP, joined Trump's campaign in May as his chief fundraiser. Fox Business Network, citing unnamed sources from inside the Trump campaign, said the New York businessman has told his team he wants Mnuchin to lead the U.S. Treasury Department if he wins the Nov. 8 election. Representatives for the Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump largely funded his own campaign during the primary contest for Republican presidential nomination but moved to join with the Republican National Committee to jointly fundraise his general election campaign against Democrat Hillary Clinton. He has still contributed millions of his own funds. Trump has faced a significant fundraising deficit compared with his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Trump raised a total of $255 million, including about $56 million of his own money, compared to Clintons $513 million for the entire election cycle through Oct. 19. Last week, Trump pledge to donate an additional $10 million of his own personal funds. Mnuchin previously spent 17 years at Goldman Sachs and has helped finance numerous Hollywood movies, according to Bloomberg. He also previously worked for Soros Fund Management LLC, a hedge fund firm led by George Soros, a Clinton backer. Over the years, Mnuchin has donated thousands to Republicans as well as Democrats, according to federal campaign finance records, including to Clintons 2008 presidential campaign and her earlier Senate races. Mnuchin, a graduate of Yale University who serves on several boards, resigned last year from the board of CIT Group Inc. (Reporting by Ginger Gibson, Grant Smith and Susan Heavey; Editing by Tim Ahmann, Jonathan Oatis and Frances Kerry) In a presidential campaign dominated by discussion of the candidates behavior, temperaments, and professional connections, there has been shockingly little mention, by the campaigns and the media, of policy. In particular, hardly anyone has paid attention to foreign policy, beyond the allegations of foreign interference in the electoral process. Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have not been forced to answer clarifying questions about their foreign policy positions, beyond the narrow scope of U.S.-led counterterrorism operations within Iraq and Syria. This should be a critical part of any national campaign because, unlike their role in domestic legislation and appropriations, American presidents have tremendous power and authority over the scope and conduct of foreign policy. This has been especially true since 9/11, when the chiefs constitutional authorities started being used to justify a range of covert and clandestine actions, as well as expanded military commitments, with very little restraint or oversight from Congress or the courts. I took it upon myself this year to write several pieces assessing the sorts of Commander-in-Chief Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton would likely be. Of those, I have received the most feedback from the one titled Hillary the Hawk: A History. And given Clintons willingness to use force and belief in the power of coercive diplomacy, I do believe that she is slightly more hawkish than Trump. To be perfectly clear, however, I have little doubt that Donald Trump would be a vastly more dangerous and destabilizing foreign-policy president than Hillary Clinton. The business mogul has not demonstrated a grasp of even the most basic principles, laws, and behaviors that govern the conduct of foreign policy, or the manner in which nation-states interact. Worse, he refuses to learn, proudly stating when asked who he listens to on foreign policy, Im speaking with myself, number one, because I have a very good brain and Ive said a lot of things. I have a good instinct for this stuff. He simply does not. The basis for this judgment are Trumps own statements on foreign policy issues. Trump has no ability to articulate or prioritize foreign threats. He has repeatedly stated that the top threat to U.S. national security is nuclear global warming. Unless he is somehow incorrectly referring to the diametrically opposite concept the nuclear winter scenario first articulated in the journal Science in 1983 then absolutely nobody has any idea what this means. If Trump said the biggest threat is cyberattacks (as Director of National Intelligence James Clapper does), or Russia (as the Joint Chiefs do) it would offer some insight into how he views the world. But his embarrassing and unprecedented belief that nuclear global warming is a threat is a disqualifying proclamation. Relatedly, Trump has no understanding of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. When asked which leg of the nuclear triad he thought was most important, he replied: I think, for me, nuclear is just the power, the devastation is very important to me. It has become an overused scare tactic to envision an irrational Trump with his finger on the button, launching a preemptive nuclear attack. However, considering the consequential decisions the next president may have to make on nuclear warhead modernization, delivery vehicle replacements, and deterrence scenarios, an incoming president should have some idea about Americas 1,930 deployed nuclear weapons. Trump either has no understanding of U.S. conventional military power, or is being intentionally misleading about the capabilities of the armed forces. He inaccurately defames the most globally committed and powerful military in world history as being very weak and seriously depleted, and led by generals who have been reduced to rubble to a point where its embarrassing to our country. Other than repeating the Reagan peace through strength mantra with zero context, Trump has given little indication what sorts of military missions he would support. He opposes using U.S. ground troops for nation-building, but has repeatedly endorsed using them in Iraq (and in Libya in 2011) to coercively extract the countrys oil and natural gas. This is an illegal act of aggression fit for King Leopold II of Belgium, not a U.S. president. Trump also has all but pledged to start trade and currency wars with U.S. allies and partners, ending what he labels an era of economic surrender. Withdrawing from multilateral treaties that govern and regulate the flows of people, goods, and services, or imposing onerous tariffs and sanctions would immediately crater U.S. exports which comprise 13.5 percent of GDP and increase unemployment. Increased trade correlates with a reduced likelihood of war between states, and even of coups within conflict-prone countries. More cruelly, he has threatened to prevent remittances from being sent to Mexico (approximately $25 billion per year), which is the single most effective poverty alleviation activity imaginable, unless Mexico City pays for that wall he plans to build along the U.S. southern border. (Ironically, Trumps candidacy is causing remittances to Mexico to surge.) Finally, and most dangerously over the long-term, Trump does not believe in human-induced global warming. He has promised that he would cancel the historic climate agreement negotiated last year among nearly 200 countries in Paris. In 2012, he claimed it was a hoax created by China to undermine U.S. industry, and nearly every time there is a cold snap in the country, he cites the chilly temperatures as evidence that global warming is not happening. For the third consecutive year, 2016 is shaping up to be the hottest year on record, according to NASA. It is simply too great a risk for the United States to be led by a president who cannot accept the overwhelming consensus of scientists, and recognize the urgency to confront this complex and truly global challenge. Of course, Trump has numerous other foreign-policy positions that should invalidate him as a reasonable president, from misrepresenting the informal pledge of NATO member states to spend 2 percent of their GDP on defense as money owed to the United States, to promising to reintroduce torture to as a U.S. counterterrorism tactic. When it comes to foreign policy, Trumps own positions make him the most immoral, poorly informed, and dangerous presidential candidate in recent American history. If Clinton is elected, there will undoubtedly be troubling foreign-policy positions and actions which must be thoroughly questioned and scrutinized. I just deeply hope that citizens have the opportunity to hold a President Hillary Clinton to account. Photo credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Seeking to keep the pressure on Hillary Clinton, Donald Trumps campaign unveiled a new campaign ad that argues the emails found on the laptop of her top aides estranged husband, Anthony Weiner, make her unfit to serve as president. Decades of lies, coverups and scandal have finally caught up with Hillary Clinton, intones a voiceover at the beginning of the 30-second spot released Thursday. Hillary Clinton is under FBI investigation again after her emails were found on pervert Anthony Weiners laptop. Last week, FBI Director James Comey sent a letter to Congress announcing a review of new emails discovered on a laptop belonging to Weiner the estranged husband of longtime Clinton aide Huma Abedin during the bureaus investigation into his alleged sexting with a 15-year-old girl. In his letter, Comey said the emails appear to be pertinent to the bureaus now closed investigation into Clintons use of a private email server as secretary of state. But its unclear whether any of those emails were sent by Clinton or if they were new or duplicates of the tens of thousands already reviewed by the FBI. Yahoo News reported on Saturday that FBI agents had not been able to review any of the newly discovered material because the bureau had not yet gotten a search warrant to read them. (The FBI obtained the warrant on Sunday.) And, as the Clinton campaign has noted, Comeys letter does not constitute a reopening of the case. With just 10 days to go, Republicans are pulling out all the stops to try to bring Hillary down. RT this to help get out the facts: pic.twitter.com/xiY0nSy7C6 Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 30, 2016 Think about that, the ad continues. Americas most sensitive secrets, unlawfully sent, received and exposed by her staff and Anthony Weiner. In July, Comey concluded that while Clinton and her State Department colleagues were extremely careless in the handling of classified information, he could not find evidence they had broken any laws. Story continues Hillary cannot lead a nation while crippled by a criminal investigation, the ad concludes. Hillary Clinton: Unfit to Serve. Related: Comey letter receives surprise criticism from GOP Comeys letter has been criticized by a broad spectrum of politicians on Capitol Hill including several top Republicans. President Obama hinted at his own displeasure with Comey, saying, We dont operate on innuendo, and we dont operate on incomplete information. And the Clinton campaign blasted the directors decision as strange and unprecedented. As far as we know now, Director Comey knows nothing about the content of these emails, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, Clintons running mate, said on ABCs This Week With George Stephanopoulos. Why would you release information that is so incomplete when you havent even seen the material yourself? Eleven days before an election why would you talk about an ongoing investigation? I just have no way of understanding these actions. Theyre completely unprecedented. Earlier this week, Trump thanked Weiner for inadvertently exposing the undiscovered emails and putting Clinton on the defensive. We never thought we were going to say thank you to Anthony Weiner, Trump said at a rally in Las Vegas on Monday. The Republican nominee also accused Clinton of covering up a crime. Her criminal action was willful, deliberate, intentional and purposeful, he said. By Thursday, Trump had upped the rhetorical ante, citing a report by Fox News Brett Baier claiming the FBIs year-long investigation investigation into the Clinton Foundation would likely lead to an indictment. There is an avalanche of new information coming in every day, Trump said at a rally in Jacksonville, Fla., quoting an unnamed source from Baiers report. FBI agents say their investigation is likely to yield an indictment. But Baier had already walked back his statement about the likelihood of an indictment, saying he had been inartful in his characterization. Tunis (AFP) - Income from Tunisia's tourism sector, hard-hit by jihadist attacks, fell eight percent in the first nine months of 2016 compared with the same period last year, according to official figures. From January 1 to September 31, tourism firms took 1.8 billion dinars ($811 million, 730 million euros), against 1.97 billion the previous year, a fall of 8.4 percent, according to data published on the tourism ministry's website. That is a drop of 34 percent on the first nine months of 2014, before two jihadist attacks that spelled disaster for the sector. In March 2015, jihadist gunmen killed 21 tourists and a policeman at the National Bardo Museum in Tunis. The following month, 30 Britons were among 38 foreign holidaymakers killed in a gun and grenade attack on a beach resort near the Tunisian city of Sousse. Britain continues to advise its citizens against all but essential travel to most of Tunisia. While the North African country has not faced a major attack for over a year, a recovery seems a long way off. In early October, Tunisia celebrated the arrival of the first cruise ship since the Bardo attack. The authorities say they expect a "gradual return" of tourists from January. Before the 2011 revolution, tourism accounted for nearly 10 percent of Tunisia's gross domestic product. Today it accounts for less than seven percent. The sector's current woes weigh heavily an economy that has struggled since the revolution that toppled former dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey suspended 1,218 gendarmerie personnel on Thursday, an official from the interior ministry overseeing the force said, as part of investigations into a failed coup in July. Turkey has already sacked or suspended more than 110,000 civil servants, judges, prosecutors, soldiers and others over suspected links with the network of Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based cleric blamed by Ankara for orchestrating the failed coup. (Reporting by Gulsen Solaker; Writing by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Nick Tattersall) ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday Germany had become a haven for terrorists and would be "judged by history", accusing it of failing to root out supporters of a U.S.-based cleric Ankara blames for July's failed military coup. Erdogan said Germany had long harbored militants from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged a three-decade insurgency for Kurdish autonomy, and far-leftists from the DHKP-C, which has carried out armed attacks in Turkey. "We are concerned that Germany, which has protected the PKK and DHKP-C for years, has become the backyard of the Gulenist terror organization," Erdogan said, referring to the network of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. "We don't have any expectations from Germany but you will be judged in history for abetting terrorism ... Germany has become an important haven for terrorists," he told a ceremony at his palace in the capital Ankara. Ankara blames Gulen for the coup attempt and has suspended or dismissed more than 110,000 of his suspected followers from the civil service, security forces and other institutions in a crackdown. Gulen has denied involvement in the putsch. German Justice Minister Heiko Maas told reporters on Tuesday that he did not want to judge whether the Gulenist movement was political in nature or not. He also said Berlin would not extradite suspects if they faced political charges. "That would certainly not happen," he said. For any extradition to take place, there had to be firm indications of "classic criminal activity". Erdogan said he was concerned by Germany's reluctance, and warned that "the menace of terrorism would come back and strike it like a boomerang." (Reporting by Ece Toksabay and Tuvan Gumrukcu; Madeline Chambers in Berlin; Editing by Nick Tattersall) Jeff Probst will ignite a family feud when the Survivor host guest-stars as himself on the sophomore CBS comedy Life in Pieces. RELATED2017 Renewal Scorecard: Whats Coming Back? Whats Getting Cancelled? Whats on the Bubble? The setup is theres one [family member] who wants to be on [Survivor] and maybe somebody else vying for my attention, Probst told CBS.com. And as the producer of Survivor, Im looking at their audition tape, trying to decide if theyre right for the adventure of their lifetime. Probsts meta visit will air later this season. Read for more of todays news nuggets? Well. * Deadline reports that Liv and Maddies older brother, Joey Bragg, will recur on Netflixs Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later, playing Seth, a fast-talking Camp Firewood counselor. RELATEDAlyssa Milano Joins Wet Hot American Summer Season 2 * Amazons recently released Goliath has set a record as the top-binged first season of a U.S.-produced Amazon Original Series ever over its first 10 days, the streamer announced on Thursday. * Eight-time Golden Globe winner Meryl Streep will be honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards, airing on NBC Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, and hosted by Jimmy Fallon. RELATEDBig Hero 6 Animated Series Coming to Disney XD in 2017 * Disney XDs Big Hero 6 animated series will feature these returning voice cast member from the feature film: Maya Rudolph as Aunt Cass; Jamie Chung as Go Go; Scott Adsit as Baymax; Alan Tudyk as tech guru Alistair Krei; Ryan Potter as tech genius Hiro; Genesis Rodriguez as scientist Honey Lemon; David Shaughnessy as Heathcliff the butler; and Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee as Freds dad. * ABCs holiday special slate for this winter includes The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration, hosted by Julianne Hough and Derek Hough and airing Thanksgiving Night (Thursday, Nov. 24), and The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration, airing Christmas morning. Disney Channel, meanwhile, will air Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration, in which Descendants 2 stars host and perform holiday songs, on Friday, Nov. 25. Story continues * This weeks fourth teaser for Marvels The Defenders has Iron Fists Jessica Henwick joining the team-up as Colleen Wing: Related stories Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan Casts Limitless Actress Opposite John Krasinski TVLine Items: Arrow's New Detective, The Defenders Adds 3 Allies and More Bosch Casts Enterprise's Linda Park in Recurring Season 3 Role By David Lawder WASHINGTON, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Twelve U.S. senators on Wednesday urged that a national security review panel reject Chinese aluminum giant Zhongwang International Group Ltd's proposed $2.3 billion purchase of U.S. aluminum products maker Aleris Corp. The senators asked Treasury Secretary Jack Lew in a letter to launch a review of the deal by the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States and "ultimately reject it" on grounds that it would damage the U.S. defense industrial base. "Zhongwang's purchase of Aleris would directly undermine our national security, including by jeopardizing the U.S. manufacturing base for sensitive technologies in an industry already devastated by the effects of China's market distorting policies, and creating serious risk that sensitive technologies and knowhow will be transferred to China, further imperiling U.S. defense interests," the senators wrote. The deal, announced just over two months ago, would give one of the world's largest makers of extruded aluminum products access to U.S. technology and customers that include Boeing Co and other U.S. defense contractors and automakers that are increasingly turning to aluminum. It comes as another Zhongwang subsidiary is embroiled in a dispute over U.S. import duties amid broader trade tensions between the U.S. aluminum industry and China. The U.S. Commerce Department is currently investigating China Zhongwang Holdings Ltd over allegations that it has been evading U.S. import duties on extruded products by shipping them through third countries. The letter to Lew was signed by Republican Rob Portman of Ohio, where Aleris is based, and Democrats Ron Wyden, Charles Schumer, Bob Casey, Joe Manchin, Kirsten Gillibrand, Joe Donnelly, Debbie Stabenow, Jeff Merkley, Amy Klobuchar, Tammy Baldwin and Al Franken. They said the review committee needed to be cautious about the potential for sensitive research data to be transferred to China, including data with military applications such as advanced modeling techniques, high-strength alloys and the design of light armor material. Story continues "Despite the national security importance of our nation's aluminum sector, the industry continues to be decimated by China's market distorting policies that contribute to vast overcapacity," the senators wrote. "China's overcapacity in aluminum has directly contributed to severe reductions in U.S. domestic production as smelters unable to compete have been forced to close. Each such closure further imperils our nation's ability to ensure a reliable supply of strategic materials in times of crisis," they wrote. A spokesman for the U.S. Treasury could not immediately be reached for comment on the letter. (Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Leslie Adler) President Obama swept the Sunshine State on Thursday, delivering two speeches to young voters in Northern and Southern corners of the state. The speeches were four hours and about 400 miles apart, but the message was the samethe outcome of the election could depend on the decision of Floridians. Five days, Florida, Obama said from a podium at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Five days before we decide the future of America. Obama delivered his usual lines, hitting Trump on his business practices, his temperament. A man you can bait with a tweet, he said, isnt fit to be president. How could Trump, a man who he says has spent his life hobnobbing with rich and famous, be a champion for working people? Obama asked, again. We teach our daughters that women are full and equal citizens, Obama said, not grade them on scales of one to ten. Who you are, what you are, it doesnt change after you occupy the Oval Office. It magnifies who you are, he said. Because you have more authority, you can act on who you are. The president has spent the week vilifying Trump and championing Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, bouncing from swing state to swing state to paint the GOP candidate as a threat to the United States. Hell continue stumping for Clinton up until Monday, when he makes an appearance in Philadelphia with the First Lady, former President Bill Clinton, and Secretary Clinton. Obamas messages have been delivered in swing states, but theyve also targeted the so-called coalition of voters that helped carry him to victory in 2008 and 2012. Its a bold statement from the president and one thats drawn the attention of Donald Trump, who asked Thursday why the president wasnt back in the office working. The White House said Thursday the president is on the trail because he has strong feelings about the stakes in the campaign and the fact that Republicans have said they would nix his policies if elected. Story continues This is a moment when, after eight years, the American people can judge his record, White House spokesman Eric Schultz told reporters on the way to Jacksonville. In Miami on Thursday, the President told a crowd of students at Florida International University that although his name is not on the ballot, his policies are, in his pleas for millennials to vote early for Clinton. He called on students who may have marched for criminal justice reform, fought for immigration reform or pushed lawmakers to care more about the environment to make their voices heard. You know, there are times where history is movable. Where you can make things better or worse. This is one of those moments, Obama said in Miami. And its in your hands. This incredible power that each of you have. At both stops, President Obama also pushed voters to elect Democratic lawmakers to Congress so that Clinton could potentially avoid the gridlock of parts of his two terms in office. Just five days out from Election Day, polls show that the race is gearing up to be an extremely tight one in the Sunshine State. Early voting reports have shown more Republicans than Democrats in the state have already voted. The Tampa Bay Times reported that as of Wednesday Republicans had cast 17,000 more votes than Democrats so far in the early voting period. In Jacksonville, President Obama urged the audience to encourage their family membersincluding the infamous cousin Pookieto head to the polls. The only thing left to do is vote, Obama said. Kabul (AFP) - Two American soldiers were killed and two others wounded Thursday during a firefight in the Taliban hotbed of Kunduz in northern Afghanistan, officials said, in the latest US casualties as the conflict escalates. Three Afghan special forces were also killed in the clash, the defence ministry said, highlighting growing insecurity after the Taliban last month overran Kunduz city for the second time in a year. The firefight occurred as American soldiers were assisting Afghan troops to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the group's operations in Kunduz, US forces said in a brief statement. "On behalf of all of US Forces - Afghanistan, today's loss is heartbreaking and we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of our service members who lost their lives today," said John Nicholson, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan. "Despite today's tragic event, we are steadfast in our commitment to help our Afghan partners defend their nation," he added, without disclosing the names of the dead soldiers. The killings come just days before the US presidential election. During three lengthy debates between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Afghanistan got scarcely a passing mention -- even though the situation there will be an urgent matter for the new president. Either one of them will inherit America's longest war with no end in sight. The US military, which leads a NATO mission to train and assist the Afghans after their combat mission ended in 2014, often gives upbeat assessments about Afghan military performance. But as Afghan military forces near the end of a second year leading security operations without full NATO assistance, they are being killed in horrific numbers. Afghan police and army units in 2015 succeeded NATO in providing security for Afghanistan. That year an estimated 5,000 were killed and another 15,000 wounded. The death toll this year is much worse already, with 5,523 Afghan police and troops killed in the period from January 1 to August 19, according to the US watchdog SIGAR -- and the "fighting season" is far from over. Story continues Since the US-led invasion in October 2001, fewer than 2,000 American troops have been killed in combat in Afghanistan. The Taliban's 2016 strategic goal is to seize another provincial capital like they briefly did in Kunduz last year, in a stinging blow to Afghan forces. They have launched multiple assaults in recent months including in Kunduz, Lashkar Gar in poppy-growing Helmand province and Tarinkot, the capital of Uruzgan province. The worsening conflict has prompted US forces to step up air strikes to support their struggling Afghan counterparts, fuelling the perception they are increasingly being drawn back into the conflict. Thursday's killings mark the latest in a series of attacks on foreign troops in Afghanistan this year. Two Americans including a civilian were killed when a gunman opened fire near a NATO base in Kabul last month, the military coalition said, with Afghan officials calling it an "insider attack". By Idrees Ali FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Reuters) - The United States is continuing to talk with ally Turkey on the role it will play in the operation to seize the city of Raqqa, Islamic State's main stronghold in Syria, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said on Wednesday. Carter's comments, made during a news conference, come days after Turkey said it wants the Raqqa operation to start after Mosul and Euphrates Shield operations have been completed. "We'll continue to talk with Turkey about its role in the eventual seizure of Raqqa, but we're proceeding now with the operation according to our plan," Carter said. Carter said last week that Washington expected the Raqqa operation to overlap with the battle to retake Mosul from Islamic State. "We intend to go there soon with the force that is capable of doing that and enveloping the city of Raqqa... the final seizure of Raqqa, we continue to talk to Turkey about that and a possible role for Turkey in that further down the road," Carter said. Kurdish YPG militia fighters will be included as a part of the force to isolate the Islamic State-held Syrian city, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq has said. Arab forces are expected to be the ones to take the city itself, U.S. officials have previously said. The United States regards the YPG as an ally in its fight against Islamic State, but Turkey regards it as a terrorist organization because of its links with Kurdish militants fighting a three-decade insurgency in Turkey. Turkey has said that the Raqqa operation should be carried out by local forces and the Kurdish YPG militia should not be included. Iraqi forces battled Islamic State fighters on the eastern edge of Mosul on Tuesday as the two-week campaign to recapture the jihadists' last main bastion in Iraq entered a new phase of urban warfare. (Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Massive government investment in China's semiconductor industry risks distorting the global market for integrated circuits, leading to damaging overcapacity and stifling innovation, U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker has warned. The comments come at a time of growing trade tension between the Asian giant and the United States over accusations of dumping, industrial overcapacity and a souring business climate for foreign firms doing business in China. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has threatened to levy punitive tariffs of 45 percent on imports of Chinese goods if he is elected. In a speech on Wednesday, Pritzker sharply criticized a $150-billion plan by the Chinese government to expand the share of Chinese-made integrated circuits in the domestic market to 70 percent by 2025, from 9 percent now. "Let me state the obvious: this unprecedented state-driven interference would distort the market and undermine the innovation ecosystem," Pritzker said at the Center for Strategic Studies think-tank in Washington. That level of investment would be equivalent to half of worldwide semiconductor sales last year and result in market distortions similar to those plaguing the steel, aluminum and green technology industries, Pritzker added. "The world has seen the effects of this type of targeted, government-led interference before," she said. "The result has been overcapacity in the global marketplace that has artificially reduced prices, cost jobs in both the United States and around the world, and caused significant damage to those industries globally," Pritzker said. It was "imperative we take steps to prevent a similar situation from developing in the semiconductor industry," she added. Such steps include a Commerce Department study of the global semiconductor supply chain now underway, besides engaging with China, and other governments, to persuade them to avoid policies that distort markets or spur technology transfers. Story continues "The U.S. government will make clear to China's leaders at every opportunity that we will not accept a $150-billion industrial policy designed to appropriate this industry," Pritzker added. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that China advocates for all countries to provide a fair and transparent investment environment. "We hope everyone can rationally view relevant trade and investment cooperation and work together to create a positive atmosphere," she told reporters at a regular briefing when asked about Pritzker's remarks. China's Ministry of Commerce did respond immediately to a request for comment. Earlier on Thursday, 12 U.S. senators urged that Zhongweng International's $2.3-billion purchase of Cleveland, Ohio-based Aleris Corp. be rejected by a national security review panel. "In addition, we are seeing new attempts by China to acquire companies and technology based on their governments interests not commercial objectives. And we have witnessed attempts to restrict access to Chinas domestic market," Pritzker said. The technology industry depends on a global supply chain, open and fair trade and innovation, she said, warning against government behavior that disrupts the system and distorts markets. "China's effort to move up the value chain should be the result of healthy competition and free and fair trade, not state-directed investments aimed at distorting global markets," Pritzker said. "In addition, no government should require technology transfer, joint-venture, or localization as a quid pro quo for market access." (Reporting by David Lawder; Additional reporting by Michael Martina in Beijing; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Simon Cameron-Moore) By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations David Pressman is set to become executive director of the new Clooney Foundation for Justice, set up by George and Amal Clooney, as well as a partner at the Boies, Schiller & Flexner law firm. After some two years as deputy to U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power, Pressman said he would leave on Friday and start his new roles on Monday. Before his role at the world body, he served as assistant secretary of homeland security, on the National Security Council and on U.S. President Barack Obama's Atrocity Prevention Board. Pressman said he looked forward to help building a foundation "focused on serving individuals who are being persecuted and individuals who are, by virtue of their circumstance, being denied the opportunity to access basic things like an education." "One of the things that both the Clooneys bring to the table is an ability to attract a lot of interested people and attention and resources to issues, individuals and causes the might not otherwise have it," Pressman told Reuters. The first project of the foundation is to help educate Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Pressman said the foundation would also look to "find a way of monitoring trials around the world in situations where individuals are being persecuted." Amal Clooney is an international human rights lawyer, who is currently representing Nadia Murad, a young Yazidi woman held captive and raped by Islamic State militants. Pressman previously worked with actor and activist George Clooney as co-founders of human rights advocacy group Not On Our Watch. During his time at the United Nations, Pressman said achievements included securing robust sanctions against North Korea in March after Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test and getting the issue of human rights in North Korea on the U.N. Security Council agenda. [nL1N13Z25V] He also cited being able to convince the 15-member Security Council to denounce the mass shooting at a Florida gay nightclub as "targeting persons as a result of their sexual orientation," overcoming standard resistance to such language by African and Muslim states, as well as Russia. [nL1N1951KI] Story continues Boies, Schiller & Flexner said Pressman's work at the firm would focus on complex international disputes, litigation and arbitration, white-collar defense and crisis management. Boies, Schiller & Flexner Chairman David Boies has represented such high-profile clients as former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, the late New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and hedge fund billionaire Steven Cohen. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Peter Cooney) By David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia chided Malaysia's prime minister on Thursday for reported comments critical of the West that "sounded a little bit more like" his predecessor Mahathir Mohamad, but said he did not see evidence of a tilt towards China. In an editorial published in the state-run China Daily newspaper on Wednesday, Malaysian premier Najib Razak said former colonial powers should not lecture nations they once exploited. The comments were seen as a veiled attack on the West as Najib looked to strengthen ties with China after the U.S. Justice Department filed lawsuits in July implicating him in a money laundering scandal. Asked about signs of Malaysia seeking a closer military relationship with China after Najib agreed in Beijing on Tuesday to buy four Chinese naval vessels, Daniel Russel, U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asia, told a news briefing: "I read something attributed to the prime minister in the Peoples Daily that sounded a little bit more like former prime minister Mahathir than current Prime Minister Najib, but OK, there may be some special circumstances. "As far as Malaysian purchases from China thats not tilting to China, that making a commercial deal. Everybody does it. The very idea that third-country cooperation with China is somehow a bad thing, is adverse to our interests, it's ridiculous." Mahathir, known for his outspoken, anti-Western rhetoric, was once Najib's patron but turned against him in 2013 by criticizing the government's economic policies and friendliness with the West. Russel said U.S. ties with Malaysia had improved under President Barack Obama and noted that Obama's visit there in 2014 was the first by a U.S. president in 50 years. Russel said Washington welcomed improved relations between Southeast Asian countries and China, and this went too for the Philippines, which has been going through a period of strained ties with Washington under its new president, Rodrigo Duterte. "We dont want countries to have to chose between us ... Strong, constructive, productive bilateral relations with China are an important part of our strategy. Why wouldn't it be an important part of the strategy of China's own neighbors?" Russel said. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; editing by Grant McCool) By Justin Mitchell and Andy Sullivan JACKSON, Ga. (Reuters) - Down a Georgia country road, camouflaged members of the Three Percent Security Force have mobilized for rifle practice, hand-to-hand combat training -- and an impromptu campaign rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. "How many people are voting for Trump? Ooh-rah!" asks Chris Hill, a paralegal who goes by the code name "Bloodagent." "Ooh-rah!" shout a dozen militia members in response, as morning sunlight sifted through the trees last weekend. As the most divisive presidential election in recent memory nears its conclusion, some armed militia groups are preparing for the possibility of a stolen election on Nov. 8 and civil unrest in the days following a victory by Democrat Hillary Clinton. They say they won't fire the first shot, but they're not planning to leave their guns at home, either. Trump's populist campaign has energized militia members like Hill, who admire the Republican mogul's promise to deport illegal immigrants, stop Muslims from entering the country and build a wall along the Mexico border. Trump has repeatedly warned that the election may be "rigged," and has said he may not respect the results if he does not win. At least one paramilitary group, the Oath Keepers, has called on members to monitor voting sites for signs of fraud Armed paramilitary groups first gained prominence in the early 1990s, fueled by confrontations in Ruby Ridge, Idaho and Waco, Texas, culminating in a militia sympathizer's 1995 bombing of a federal office building in Oklahoma City that killed 168 people. Their numbers dwindled following that attack but have spiked in recent years, driven by fears that President Barack Obama will threaten gun ownership and erode the power of local government. The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks extremist groups, estimates there were 276 active militias last year, up from 42 in 2008. Story continues In recent years, armed groups have confronted federal authorities in a series of land-use disputes in the western United States. Federal officials fear more clashes could come after seven militants were acquitted on conspiracy charges for occupying a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon. Many fear Clinton would push the county further to the left. "This is the last chance to save America from ruin," Hill said. "I'm surprised I was able to survive or suffer through eight years of Obama without literally going insane, but Hillary is going to be more of the same." EXTREMIST GROUPS EMBOLDENED The Oath Keepers, a prominent anti-government force that sent gun-toting members to the 2014 race riots in Ferguson, Missouri, called on members last week to monitor voting sites on election day for any signs of fraud. An hour south of Atlanta, the Three Percent Security Force started the day around the campfire, taking turns shooting semi-automatic pistols and rifles at a makeshift target range. They whooped with approval when blasts from one member's high-powered rifle knocked down a tree. The group operates independently, but is affiliated with a national armed movement that calls for members to defend individual rights in the face of what they see as an overreaching federal government. The movement draws its name from the notion that no more than 3 percent of the American population fought in the Revolutionary War against Britain. Amid the war games, Hill weighed plans for a possible armed march on Washington if Clinton wins. He said he doesn't want his members leading the way, but they will defend the protesters if need be. His group will not hesitate to act if a President Clinton tries to disarm gun owners, he said. "I will be there to render assistance to my fellow countrymen, and prevent them from being disarmed, and I will fight and I will kill and I may die in the process," said Hill, who founded the militia several years ago. Trump's candidacy has emboldened extremist groups to speak more openly about challenging the rule of law, said Ryan Lenz, a researcher at the Southern Poverty Law Center. "Prior to this campaign season, these ideas were relegated to sort of the political fringe of the American political landscape," he said. "Now these ideas are legitimized." Over the past week, some prominent Trump supporters have hinted at violence. "If Trump loses, I'm grabbing my musket," former Illinois Representative Joe Walsh wrote on Twitter last week. Conservative commentator Wayne Root fantasized about Clinton's death while speaking at a Trump rally in Las Vegas on Sunday. Back in Georgia, the Three Percent Security Force wrapped up rifle practice in the midday sun. They then headed further into the trees to tackle an obstacle course with loaded pistols at their sides, ready for whatever may come. "We've building up for this, just like the Marines," he said. "We are going to really train harder and try to increase our operational capabilities in the event that this is the day that we hoped would never come." (This story corrects 13th paragraph to show pistols and rifles were semi-automatic not automatic.) (Editing by Stuart Grudgings) Ugh: This Christian haunted house was going to poke fun at the Pulse nightclub shooting, and were so disgusted Sometimes it feels like the planet just keeps getting more and more evil, and this time were seriously shaking our heads. So heres what happened: a Chicago school canceled a haunted house depicting the Pulse shooting. Naturally, the first thought in our heads is like, WHY was this ever going to happen? Yep, thats right. The Christian haunted house depicting the Pulse shooting was supposed to be scary, but nothing about that is just, like, normal level scary. Its straight up messed up. According to the description, the purpose of the event was to portray a dark reality. It reads, Guests will experience IN YOUR FACE scenes of dark reality. You will walk in 10 Rooms and encounter individuals who will make choices. The choice is life or death; sin or salvation; heaven or hell. The scenes will be action-packed, real and jaw dropping. Which, like, fine. Scary houses are all scary. Its the point. But pulling from tragedies that happened in real life, especially ones that specifically impacted marginalized groups, just feels so wrong. According to LGBTQ Nation, people became aware of the events intention to portray the Pulse shooting upon seeing a casting call on Facebook. The post read, Club Pulse, Dancers, Victims CAGED PEOPLE/SCREAMERS, Extras needed trying to escape a cage! SOUNDS INTERESTING? COME OUT THIS SATURDAY!!! Interesting? Thats one way to put it. Ugh, you guys. This just totally icks us out in the *worst* way. Luckily, the school system has since backed away from the event. The Chicago Public School System told the Windy City Times, The event organizers mischaracterized the true content of the event, and we did not approve any association with the activities the organizers have now advertised. The event will not be held on CPS property. We just cant believe this almost happened to begin with. H/T LGBTQ Nation The post Ugh: This Christian haunted house was going to poke fun at the Pulse nightclub shooting, and were so disgusted appeared first on HelloGiggles. LONDON (Reuters) - The British government is disappointed with a decision by England's High Court that it requires parliamentary approval to trigger the process of leaving the European Union, trade minister Liam Fox said on Thursday. "The government is disappointed by the court's judgment. The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by acts of parliament. The government is determined to respect the result of the referendum," Fox told parliament. "This judgment raises important and complex matter of law and it is right that we consider it carefully before deciding how to proceed." (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan, writing by Elizabeth Piper, editing by William James) London (AFP) - The High Court struck a blow Thursday to the British government's plans for leaving the EU, ruling it must seek parliament's approval before starting exit talks in a landmark judgement that could delay Brexit. Three senior judges said Prime Minister Theresa May's government does not have the power on its own to trigger Article 50 of the European Union's Lisbon Treaty, the formal notification of Britain's intention to leave the bloc. May has promised to begin the process by the end of March but the ruling raises the prospect of a protracted parliamentary debate before then, in a chamber which overwhelmingly opposed Brexit and may seek to soften the break with the EU. The pound -- which has tumbled to multi-year lows against its main rivals in recent weeks as markets weigh the economic risks of Britain potentially leaving the European single market -- soared against the dollar and euro Thursday, jumping above $1.24. Bank of England governor Mark Carney told a press conference the ruling was "an example of the uncertainty that will characterise this process". EU leaders have been pressing for a swift divorce, and May has arranged a phone call with European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker on Friday, a commission spokesman said. The case challenged the government's right to use "historic prerogative powers" -- a type of executive privilege -- to trigger Article 50, which begins a two-year countdown to exiting the EU. "We hold that the secretary of state does not have power under the crown's prerogative to give notice pursuant to Article 50... for the United Kingdom to withdraw from the European Union," the judgement said. May's Downing Street office said it was "disappointed" at the decision and would appeal, with the case now expected to be heard in the Supreme Court in early December. "The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by act of parliament. And the government is determined to respect the result of the referendum," it said in a statement. Story continues A spokeswoman added: "Our plans remain to invoke Article 50 by the end of March." - 'Betrayal may be near' - British expatriate Robert Pigney, one of the claimants in the case, told AFP outside the High Court in London that the ruling was "an immense victory for the British people". "It's very important that our elected representatives in parliament remain in control of our future," said the 22-year-old translator, who grew up in France. May previously accused those behind the legal challenge of seeking to frustrate the Brexit process, saying: "They're trying to kill it by delaying it." But Nigel Farage, the interim leader of the UK Independence Party who led the campaign for Brexit, warned there would be public outrage if parliament used its power to block the referendum result. "I worry that a betrayal may be near at hand," he said. "I now fear that every attempt will be made to block or delay the triggering of Article 50. If this is so, they have no idea of the level of public anger they will provoke." Fellow Brexit campaigner and former Conservative minister Iain Duncan Smith accused the judges of triggering "a constitutional crisis". "It's literally pitting parliament against the will of the British people," he told Sky News. Trevor Tayleur of The University of Law added it was "hard to think of a judgement that has had such a dramatic impact on government policy concerning such a crucial constitutional and political issue." - 'Transparency and accountability' - Most members of the House of Commons wanted to stay in the EU, but commentators believe there is no majority support for reversing the referendum result, which was backed by 52 percent of British voters. Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, whose party opposed Brexit, said he respected the decision of the British people. "But there must be transparency and accountability to parliament on the terms of Brexit," he said. "Labour will be pressing the case for a Brexit that works for Britain, putting jobs, living standards and the economy first." May has so far declined to outline her negotiating strategy, insisting that showing her hand would damage her chances of achieving the best outcome. But she has indicated she will prioritise cutting immigration, a move that EU leaders have warned is incompatible with staying part of the European single market. Former Attorney General Pater Nyombi has been pinned by parliaments committee of State Enterprises and Statutory Authority for allegedly causing financial loss of over 1.5 billion shillings. The loss is said to have been incurred when Nyombi failed to secure legal representation for the Uganda National Roads Authority as reflected in the 2014-2015 Auditor Generals Report. The committee steered by its Vice Chairperson Anita Among the Bukedea district Woman MP has faulted Nyombi for authorizing the payment of Dot Services 1.5 billion in damages, which money could have been saved through a court process. In his defense, Nyombi says that he advised UNRA to pay the money upon realising that any further delays would attract heavy interests. LONDON (Reuters) - The British electorate would now vote narrowly to stay in the European Union, according to a BMG poll published on Thursday. The United Kingdom voted 51.9 percent to leave the bloc in a June 23 referendum while 48.1 percent voted to remain. A poll by BMG Research, showed that when asked if the United Kingdom should stay or go, 45 percent opted to remain, 43 opted to leave and 12 percent did not know. "Rather than people switching to Remain, it looks as if people are now less decisive about whether it was the right decision to leave," Michael Turner, head of research at BMG, told Reuters. Excluding "don't knows" puts Remain on 51 percent and Leave on 49 percent, according to the poll. The fieldwork was conducted Oct. 19-24 among 1,546 adult UK residents. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Stephen Addison) Kiev (AFP) - Ukrainian president spoke to what he thought was his Kyrgyz counterpart by phone this week -- only to discover that the person on the other end was someone else entirely. Details of the exchange between Petro Poroshenko and a man thought at the time to be Kyrgyzstan's Almazbek Atambayev appeared on the Ukrainian president's official website on Wednesday. But any mention of the encounter had vanished by Thursday as it became clear that the person to whom Poroshenko spoke was not Atambayev at all. The Central Asian republic was the first to break the bad news to Kiev. "It is possible somebody duped the Ukrainian leader," a representative of Atambayev's press service told AFP on Thursday. Atambayev's office declined to speculate about who might have imitated the president. But Russian media suggested that the confusion could have been the work of a Moscow prankster named Alexei "Lexus" Stolyarov who has staged similar stunts in the past. It was unclear who placed the call. Red-faced Ukraine blamed the confusion on a conspiracy aimed at sinking its efforts to push a measure through the United Nations condemning Russia's 2014 annexation of its Crimea peninsula. Ukrainian foreign ministry spokeswoman Mariana Betsa said her office was now investigating the "planned provocation". "We are looking into all the details of what happened," Betsa told AFP. "But it is already clear that these actions were aimed at undermining an initiative being forwarded by Ukraine at the United Nations concerning Crimea." Russian officials have yet to comment on the embarrassment of their arch rival. Paris (AFP) - Just days after the landmark Paris climate pact comes into force Friday, diplomats from 196 nations gathering in Marrakesh will face intense pressure to translate its planet-saving promise into action. The agreement "will now be the instrument on which our future depends," said World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim. That's a daunting responsibility, even if the UN talks are still riding the political momentum that carried the deal -- decades in the making -- across the ratification finish line in record time. Greenhouse gas emissions -- which are pushing the planet into the red zone of dangerous warming -- continue to climb, putting newly ambitious goals for capping rising temperatures potentially out of reach. Even if all national carbon-cutting pledges joined to the Paris pact are kept, Earth will heat up some 3.0 degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit) by century's end, a recipe for climate devastation, according to a UN Environment Programme report released Thursday. Discussions on how to disburse $100 billion (90 billion euros) a year to poor, climate-vulnerable nations remain contentious, even as a major report estimates that the level of annual investment needed over the next 15 years in developing nations is 20 to 30 times that amount. And hanging over the whole proceedings is the shadow of climate change denier Donald Trump, whose improbable run at the White House is gathering momentum in the campaign's final days. "The US presidential election will loom large over the COP," said Liz Gallagher, senior advisor at climate thinktank E3G, using the acronym for the annual Conference of the Parties climate meet. A Trump victory, most analysts agree, could cripple the Paris deal, which the Republican candidate has said he would "cancel". A victory by his opponent Hillary Clinton -- a vocal proponent of action on climate change -- would surely trigger a huge, collective sigh of relief on Day Two of the 12-day conference, allowing the 15,000 attendees to get on with business. Story continues - 'The battle is not won' - After the dramatic breakthrough in Paris last December, diplomats and experts are lowering expectations a year later. "This is a catalytic COP, not a huge leap forward," said Alden Meyer, a veteran climate analyst with the Washington-based Union of Concerned Scientists. For Laurence Tubiana, France's top climate negotiator for the Paris talks, "what is mainly at stake is setting a date for finishing the rulebook," she told AFP. Sweeping in scope, the Paris Agreement left more than 100 thorny issues to be worked out in nitty-gritty negotiations, from accounting methods for tracking cuts in CO2 emissions, to transparency in financing, to how to assess compensation for "loss and damages" from climate impacts. By informal consensus, 2018 is the target for working out those rules. More broadly, 2018 is the next critical rendezvous in the ongoing talks. National carbon-cutting pledges that go into effect in 2020 fall seriously short of what is needed to cap global warming under 2.0C (3.6F) compared to pre-industrial era levels, the target set in Paris. Average global temperatures have risen so far by 1.0C (1.8F) -- enough to lift sea levels, trigger deadly storm surges, and unleash life-disrupting havoc on weather patterns. "We have to plug that gap," said Tubiana. "The big battle of the next two years is how to get countries to increase their ambition." "The battle is not won," she added. - Hottest year on record - Recent news from climate scientists is not comforting. After two successive record-breaking years, 2016 is shaping up to be the hottest ever recorded. And concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere are still climbing, having passed a critical -- if symbolic -- threshold of 400 parts per million in 2015. In two years' time -- armed with a special report from the UN's climate science panel due in August 2018 -- nations will take again take stock of the problem, and their capacity to react. By then, most big greenhouse gas emitters will have likely presented mid-century strategies for scrubbing carbon from their national economies -- a critical exercise that may avert bad decisions in future. "We could be investing hundreds of billions of dollars in very expensive gas infrastructure that will get us to our goals for 2025 or 2030, but then will make the more important goals of 2050 impossible," said Andrew Steer, president and CEO of the World Resources Institute. The good news is that renewable energy has surged faster and become cheaper than almost anyone imagined possible only a decade ago, accounting for 23 percent of energy production and attracting nearly $300 billion (260 billion euros) in investment in 2015. Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - The United Nations will do "everything in its power" to prevent further atrocities in the Central African Republic, a top UN official said on Thursday at the end of a three-day visit. UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson was addressing lawmakers in the capital Bangui a day after Human Rights Watch called on the UN to do more to protect civilians caught up in fighting between armed groups or being targeted by them. "October was particularly violent," Eliasson said in parliament on Wednesday, referring to attacks in which over 70 people died. "We have learnt lessons from these dreadful events and will do everything in our power to prevent such atrocities," he said. On Monday, France withdrew its own military mission which it deployed in CAR in December 2013, leaving the UN's 12,500-strong MINUSCA peacekeeping mission to protect civilians from armed groups. On Tuesday, Human Rights Watch said the UN "should urgently deploy more of the mission's forces to the volatile central region, expand their patrols and, consistent with the mission's mandate, use appropriate force to protect civilians under imminent threat". According to HRW, witnesses to an October 12 attack in the town of Kaga-Bandoro said 200 UN peacekeepers "failed to stop at least 60 (rebel) Seleka forces from crossing a UN-guarded bridge and attacking civilians". Thirty-seven people died. On Wednesday, Eliasson said the CAR government, the European Union, the UN and the World Bank had drawn up a "national recovery plan" that would be presented to a donors' conference in Brussels on November 17. Visiting the scene of Sunday's clashes, in a district of the capital called PK5, he told residents, "I have come to hear your grievances so as to present them in Brussels." One of the world's poorest countries, CAR has scarcely emerged from the chaos of civil war which erupted in 2013 following the overthrow of former president Francois Bozize, a Christian, by Muslim rebels from the Seleka coalition. Armed groups have flourished over the years given the weakness of the state. Among the main culprits are factions from the mostly Muslim former Seleka rebel force, and the Christian "anti-Balaka" (anti-machete) militias, a reference to the rebels who use machetes. Members of the Bazta Arpaio campaign protest outside Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaios criminal contempt proceedings in Phoenix on Oct. 11, 2016. (Photo courtesy of Bazta Arpaio) Berta Rita, born in Mexico, was 19 years old when she entered the United States without papers and settled in Phoenix. That was in 1992 one year before Joe Arpaio was elected to his first term as sheriff of Maricopa County. Twenty-four years later, Rita has lived in the U.S. longer than she did in Mexico, and for most of her time in the country, she has lived in fear of Arpaio, who built his reputation as the countrys most anti-immigrant sheriff with controversial policing tactics that included workplace immigration raids and traffic stops targeted at Latino drivers. Because of this we are always living in fear, Rita, who does not speak English, told Yahoo News in Spanish. Fear of walking down the street, of going to the school for our children. Her biggest fear is that one day she or her husband will be caught in a raid or a sweep and deported. Im not going to return to the house, and the kids are waiting, she said, imagining that day. Four of her five children were born in the U.S., and the fifth, gracias a Dios, married an American woman. Now, as Arpaio runs for a seventh term, Rita is one of several undocumented immigrants working with the Bazta Arpaio campaign to put an end to the long-running reign of Arpaio, who bills himself as Americas Toughest Sheriff. Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is running for his seventh term. (Photo: Time Magazine Videos) Whereas other community-based groups, such as One Arizona, have been focused on registering Latino voters, Bazta Arpaios mission is to get registered voters to the polls. We canvass neighborhoods and talk to [people] about Arpaio and all the ways he has impacted our community negatively, Ernesto Lopez, a field director for Bazta (a play on Enough in Spanish) Arpaio, told Yahoo News. For the past few weeks, Bazta has been focused on assisting early voters with every step of the process, from answering questions about how to fill out ballots and making sure they get dropped into the mailbox to sending reminders to those who pledge to send their ballots themselves. Story continues We try to reduce all barriers to voting, Lopez said, adding that next week Bazta will shift its focus to getting voters to the polls on Election Day. At the doors we remind people that Arpaio is on his way out and their vote will make a difference, Lopez said. The goal is not necessarily to change anyones opinion but to rally those who might already be inclined to oppose Arpaio but either chose not to vote in 2012 or have only become eligible to do so in the four years since then. Lopez said that 90 percent of the people we talk to dislike Arpaio, so Baztas job is to motivate those people to translate that sentiment into votes. Though 18-to-22-year-olds make up a majority of the first-time voters on Bazta Arpaios radar, Lopez noted that the group also includes people over the age of 45 whove recently become U.S. citizens. Of the 100,000-plus voters the campaign seeks to mobilize in Arizonas most populous county with more than 4 million people more than 90 percent are Latino. Between 2012 and 2016, the number of eligible Latino voters in the U.S. has grown by 4 million to an estimated 27.3 million nationwide, according to the Pew Research Center, which also found that 80 percent of that growth was driven by American-born millennials whove turned 18 since the last election. According to Census figures, as of 2014 close to 22 percent of all eligible voters in Arizona were Hispanic, 43.3 percent of them ages 18 to 33. Pew notes that, based on U.S. Census data, Latino voters have largely supported Democratic candidates for president. Yet, despite their growing numbers, the potential for Hispanic voters to wield major political influence on both the national and local level has been hampered by low voter turnout among this population. In 2012, for example, only 48 percent of eligible Latino voters showed up to the polls on Election Day, far below turnout rates for whites and African-Americans. But recent surveys by the political opinion research firm Latino Decisions found that 71 percent of Latinos believe it will be more important to vote in the 2016 election than it was in 2012. Arpaio faces a host of problems in his reelection campaign. Last month, the U.S. Justice Department announced that it would charge Arpaio with criminal contempt of court for defying a federal judges order to stop racially profiling Latinos for traffic stops and other discriminatory policing tactics. The same day, The Arizona Republics traditionally conservative editorial board declared its support for Arpaios Democratic challenger, Paul Penzone. Arpaios cactus-kicking version of a good old boy lawman included institutionalizing a system of racial profiling against Latinos, who make up nearly one-third of Maricopa County, read the Republics endorsement. Maricopa County is home to about 4 million people. Sheriff Joe Arpaio does a good job of serving one of them: himself. About Penzone, a 21-year veteran of the Phoenix police department, the paper wrote that he wants to refocus the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office on modern law enforcement and community partnerships to make neighborhoods safer. In other words, it continued, he wants to do the job. That would be a refreshing change. An Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite News poll conducted following news of the Justice Departments plan to file charges showed Penzone leading by almost 15 points. The Republic noted that Arpaios campaign disputed the poll, citing its own survey that found the incumbent Republican ahead by nearly eight points. Penzone also challenged Arpaio in 2012, calling the sheriffs workplace raids ridiculous and accusing Arpaio of exploiting the issue of undocumented immigration to gain media attention for himself instead of promoting public safety. Arpaio won that race by just six points his narrowest victory ever. Next week, Penzone hopes to close that gap for good. Paul Penzone campaigns in July 2016. (Photo: Paul Penzone via Facebook) Unlike most [movies] where the sequel is not as good as the first one, I think this sequel is an extension of the first, Penzone told Yahoo News this week, arguing that his second campaign has built on the momentum of 2012, while the sheriff, conversely, has continued to deteriorate in terms of how he does his job. A spokesperson for Arpaios reelection campaign did not return requests from Yahoo News for comment. There are, of course, some other factors at play. In 2014, a team of political scientists from various universities around the country studied the potential political implications of Arizonas Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act, the controversial immigration legislation better known as SB 1070. The researchers predicted that fallout over the nations toughest immigration statute, combined with increased Latino voter mobilization in Arizona, would be beneficial for Democrats in 2016. The increase in Latino voter mobilization appears to be having the expected result, said Joshua Zingher, an assistant professor of Political Science and Geography at Old Dominion University and one of the authors of the 2014 study. However, what we didnt anticipate, Zingher continued, was the impact Republican presidential candidate Donald Trumps intensely anti-immigrant campaign would have on Latino voters nationwide. Trump has essentially reinforced the effect of SB 1070, especially with Arpaio being one of Trumps supporters early on, Zingher said. In fact, where an endorsement from Arpaio was once considered a valuable asset for any Republican presidential hopeful seeking to appear tough on immigration, Zingher suggested that Arpaios alliance with Trump may actually be hurting the sheriffs chance of reelection. Tania Unzueta, another field coordinator for Bazta Arpaio and an undocumented immigrant, agrees. Anti-immigrant policies like those promoted by Arpaio have long been painted very much as an issue of safety and protecting the homeland, she said. But with his brash and unencoded promises to build a wall to keep Mexico from sending rapists and criminals over the border, Unzueta suggested that Trump has, in fact, helped [reframe] the rhetoric against immigrants as very clearly racist, rather than an issue of national security. Seeing those same messages but in a much more outwardly racist way, thats been part of the Trump effect, she said. Zingher is hesitant to make any predictions about the Maricopa County sheriffs race, noting that, I thought the [2012] election might be his last, but Ive been wrong every time. Still, he said, If you look at the demographics of Maricopa County, it becomes clear that if Latinos could mobilize theyll have the ability to get rid of him. Though Penzone said he respects the position of groups like Bazta Arpaio and appreciate[s] what theyre working to accomplish, his campaign doesnt have any kind of coordinated relationship with them. What we have is an alignment, a common objective, he said. Everyone wants to see responsible and principled law enforcement in this community My path is to be the person who provides it. Even if he wins, Penzone said, my concern is their justified distrust and disappointment in Sheriff Arpaio should not be transferred to me. Instead, he said, we should start fresh going forward. He argued that the relationship between the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office and the community it serves should be not adversarial but a partnership. Bazta organizers like Unzueta are just as quick to clarify that the the campaign is very much about getting Arpaio out of office and less about endorsing and being supportive of Penzone. Rather than throw their support behind a particular candidate, Unzueta explained, the idea is to build up the power of the community so whoever wins that seat will have to be accountable to them. She pointed to the #ByeAnita campaign, a successful grassroots effort to unseat Cook County States Attorney Anita Alvarez in Illinois over her handling of the fatal police shooting of African-American teenager Laquan McDonald. A longtime Chicago resident and activist, Unzueta was involved in the #ByeAnita campaign before she temporarily relocated to Phoenix to help with Bazta Arpaio a much more personal endeavor. Since moving to the U.S. from Mexico at age 10, Unzueta has spent most of her life burdened by the fear of deportation and other potential consequences that she, as well as both her parents, face by being undocumented. It only felt right, then, to be a part of this fight to defeat Arpaio, this very anti-immigrant man who has made a career or criminalizing immigrants. Last month, Unzuetas mother put aside her own fears and joined her daughter in Maricopa County for a day of door knocking and campaigning against Arpaio. There is this fear that exists, Unzueta said. But the most inspiring thing is that those people who are supposed to be scared are organizing to get Arpaio out of office, like my mom. Or, like Berta Rita. With less than a week left until the election, Rita said shes feeling anxious yet positive. If we are not to win, we will continue with the fight against Arpaio, she said, declaring that ultimately the point of the Bazta Arpaio campaign is to show politicians that we will not accept racism anymore, here or anywhere else. And that, Rita said, is worth the risk of deportation. Were not going to give up, she said. And were not going to live in fear. Companies Will Work Together to Establish ACT NOW Clinics and a Production Facility, and Distribute The Prana Product Line Throughout Puerto Rico DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / November 3, 2016 / United Cannabis Corporation (CNAB) (the "Company" or "United Cannabis") today announced that it has signed a Memo Of Understanding "MOU" with A Puerto Rican Health Management Company, whereby United Cannabis will make available its proprietary Prana formulation, delivery methods, software and professional network, sufficient to launch a complete cannabis based product and support facility for the country of Puerto Rico. United Cannabis' Chief Technology Officer, Tony Verzura, commented on the announcement, "We meet with a lot of different groups that show an interest in our products and services world-wide. We have been in this space for over four years, and we have learned from experience that it is imperative we choose the right partner. We chose this group of doctors because they are driven to help patients, positioned for licensing, funded, and already integrated in the hospitals throughout the Island. I personally met with the group in California and I was immediately impressed with their vision for Prana." Mentor Capital estimates that the Puerto Rico cannabis market will account for $300 million by the end of 2019, and represent approximately 15,000 related jobs, which is important as the Island's unemployment rate ranges at about 15%. Earnest Blackmon, Chief Executive Officer of United Cannabis, added, "The Puerto Rican market represents a real opportunity for expansion of our business model, and I believe that our ACT Now Program and Prana products provide us with a significant competitive advantage." About United Cannabis Corporation The Company's Prana Bio Medicinal products provide patients a way to mix/match cannabinoids for therapeutic purpose. These products, licensed to regulated marijuana dispensaries, are broken into 5 categories that are available in capsules, sublingual's, and topical delivery methods. The Company uses a patent-pending infusion process utilizing select fatty acids, lipids, and specific combination of cannabis derived terpenes to increase bioavailability. Story continues For further information, please visit www.unitedcannabis.us. Contact: Staff@UnitedCannabis.us Phone: 303-386-7321 Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933, and are subject to Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbors, created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and other results and further events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. SOURCE: United Cannabis Corporation Kendra Heuer was 18 years old and and just beginning a huge new chapter of her life during her freshman year at the University of Colorado-Boulder. It was my dream school, she says. I got in and my mom went here so that was a huge deal. But everything changed on March 16, 2014, when Heuer was sexually assaulted by a fellow student. In PEOPLEs 25 Women Changing the World in this weeks issue, the now 21-year-old is publicly revealing her identity for the first time. If speaking out helps one woman who has been sexually assaulted then its worth it, says the undergrad, whose case made national headlines when her assailant was given no jail time in August. Maybe someone will realize that what they experienced is assault. Her Nightmare The assault occurred after what should have been a fun night out celebrating both her best friends birthday and St. Patricks Day. On an empty stomach, Heuer had numerous shots of alcohol and didnt make it home. A fellow student, Austin Wilkerson, told her friends hed take care of her. Instead, he sexually assaulted her after she drifted out of consciousness. At Wilkersons arraignment on July, 13, 2015 , he plead not guilty to five charges, including sexual assault of a helpless victim and unlawful sexual contact.In May, he was found guilty of sexually assaulting a helpless victim and unlawful sexual conduct. The sexual assault count, a Class 3 felony, carried a presumptive prison sentence of four to 12 years, but in August, Wilkerson was spared prison time and sentenced to jail work-release and probation. At his sentencing hearing, Heuer read a statement that she spent the entire summer working on. The rapist chose to ruin his life, it read in part. But like the sexual assault itself, my life has been ruined without my consent. She remembers the moment she read it aloud being very scary. I broke down and cried, but after I was finished it was really empowering. His whole family heard, the judge heard, everyone heard. I got everything out that I wanted to say, which was awesome, she says. Story continues Moments later, Wilkerson was sentenced to 20 years to life on probation and two years in in the Boulder County Jail on a program that allows him to leave jail during the day to work or go to school. Ive struggled, to be quite frank, with the idea of, Do I put him in prison? District Judge Patrick Butler said at the sentencing, the Daily Camera reports. I dont know that there is any great result for anybody. Mr. Wilkerson deserves to be punished, but I think we all need to find out whether he truly can or cannot be rehabilitated. At the hearing, Wilkerson spoke. I sexually assaulted (the victim), he said, the outlet reports. No words I can say could ever take away the pain and fear that I have caused. Nothing I say can make it better, but I am so sorry. Heuer says she was very disappointed when she heard he wasnt going to serve any time. I wanted him to physically not be able to hurt anyone so when he only got work release I thought he could be free to rape again in this community, she says. I felt like I jumped through all of these hoops reporting it to my school, the police and getting a guilty conviction. It wasnt a good feeling. The Night Everything Changed Heuer met Wilkerson at a White Elephant party in December, 2013, so when she saw him again the night of the assault he wasnt a stranger. They talked and he invited her and her friends to another party. He said, Hey, why dont you guys join? We said okay because we didnt know of any other parties, she says. They went to two parties with him and when he suggested they go to a third, they agreed because it was close to their dorm so it would be an easy five to ten minute walk home. We did shots of fireball, she recalls. I was sick and I went into the bathroom and was throwing up. It was probably around 2 in the morning now. After getting separated from her friend, she was left alone with Wilkerson. He was like, Let me give you a piggy back ride home, she says. But she soon realized he didnt take her home but instead took her to his place. At that point she says she would have slept anywhere as long as she could rest her head. She remembers him telling her hed sleep on the couch and she could have the bed. I was just about to fall asleep and he said, Kendra, Im going to take care of you. He pulled my face towards his and kept on saying that, she recalls. The next thing she knew he was sexually assaulting her. I had my eyes closed, she says. Actions speak louder than words. If you see someone basically passed out and trying to sleep, you would think they wouldnt have to say anything. He pulled up my dress and my Spandex shorts. While parts of the night are still a blur for Heuer, she remembers the assault because it was such a an emotional and traumatic thing. She adds: Its engraved into my brain. Pushing Forward When she was able to leave his house she was in a state of shock. Her grades began to drop, she couldnt bare going to parties and on her 21st birthday she told her friends she had to stay in because she had too much homework. When Im not having nightmares of rape, retaliation, or retrial that goes awry, Im having panic attacks, part of her statement read. Prior to the assault, I never had a panic attack I my life. A month after the assault, she tried to kill herself and some days she wasnt able to get out of bed. But as time goes on, Heuer is able find more courage and strength to fight her fears. Shes studying computer science and dreams of working at Google in Boulder. Ive dealt with a lot but Ive gotten through it, she says. I was depressed and I didnt think I could get through it but Ive learned a lot. I speak up, my voice is heard. I have a lot to say. She adds: I wont let him win. I have a lot to live for. I want people to know my story. I didnt want my name attached to this before but now its time. Im a survivor. Washington (AFP) - When the US releases monthly job report Friday, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will be on his way to New Hampshire, where the unemployment rate is tied for lowest in the nation. By the time Trump takes the stage, his campaign will have pored over the Labor Department statistics on hiring, wages and unemployment in October. While the report is expected to show continued job growth and lower unemployment, a disappointing result could bolster his claims of American decline. The consensus among analysts is for an additional 170,000 jobs created in October and for the unemployment rate to drop a tenth of a point to 4.9 percent -- a result that would be the envy of many developed nations. The US economy this year has produced new jobs at an average of about 180,000 a month, with the unemployment rate holding firm at around 5 percent, as well as modest wage growth and productivity gains. But throughout the campaign, Trump has portrayed the US economy as hollowed-out ruin, whatever the official numbers. In most of the states where next Tuesday's election outcome will be decided -- such as Ohio, Florida, North Carolina and Virginia -- the labor picture is even better than the national average. That could complicate Trump's efforts to use the jobs report in an effort to broaden his support in the final days of a tightening race. Barclays Research said it expects a 2.6 percent increase in wage growth compared to October 2015 as well as 175,000 net new jobs created. That would "confirm ongoing strength in the labor market. The increase in payrolls, combined with the ongoing improvement in wages, should boost household income and keep consumption on track." But Dean Baker, co-founder of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, told AFP he expects the report will be comparatively somber, with only about 130,000 jobs created. "The logic I see is that we've had a lot of people who were willing to take very low-paying jobs because they had no alternative," he said. "That period is largely over." Story continues Timothy Malloy of the Quinnipiac University Poll, said a downcast jobs report can only help the Republican candidate. "Anything that tells us this recovery is not what the administration tells us it is, helps him," Malloy told AFP. "Is this a good strategy with five days to go? Seems like it," he said. "How much more time can you spend on the emails and the FBI thing at this point? That horse has run." - 'Phony numbers' - Trump's claims on the economy have been debunked repeatedly by media fact-checkers. And when the numbers do not favor his argument, he and his campaign have impugned the government agencies that produce them. In February, after winning the New Hampshire primary, Trump told supporters, "Don't believe those phony numbers when you hear 4.9 and 5 percent unemployment." "The number's probably 28, 29, as high as 35. In fact, I even heard recently 42 percent," he added. PolitiFact said Trump's numbers were "not even close to accurate." Among so-called swing states, only Nevada (5.8 percent), Pennsylvania (5.7 percent) and Arizona (5.5 percent) have unemployment rates above the national average. Elsewhere, jobless rates are below 5 percent. In Colorado, unemployment is as low as 3.6 percent. But, paradoxically, those most receptive to Trump's message on the economy are not necessarily among the unemployed, according to a recent analysis by Gallup, which found only "mixed" evidence that economic distress has driven support to Trump. Malloy said Trump's claims about the economy have not been tethered to federal statistics. "He's been beating that drum of an extreme depiction of a country in crisis since the beginning and a lot of people believe it," Malloy said. Rome (AFP) - US Marines are using Super Cobra attack helicopters to mount close-range airstrikes against Islamic State militants in the Libyan city of Sirte, the US navy said Thursday. The gunship attacks, the first of their kind to be confirmed in over two months, were launched overnight from the USS San Antonio, an amphibious transport dock ship deployed off the North African state. A statement from the US navy's base at Naples in southern Italy said the Cobras were carrying out "precision airstrikes" during combat operations in Sirte, a coastal city where IS loyalists established a base in 2015. The US Naval Forces in Europe base did not immediately provide further details of the scope, objectives or impact of the attacks. They were part of a sea-borne air operation launched by President Barack Obama in August in support of Libya's fledgling national unity government's attempt to drive IS out of Sirte. Hundreds of airstrikes have been unleashed but the only previously confirmed deployment of the Cobra gunships came at the end of August. At the time, the Pentagon was predicting that US involvement in the battle for Sirte would last "weeks not months". Forces loyal to Libya's Government of National Accord launched their offensive on Sirte in May. They claimed last month to be closing in on the complete liberation of the city from the jihadists. The Pentagon said in August that it estimated that there were around 1,000 hardened fighters in Libya who were loyal to IS. The US attacks involved forces from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), a 2,500-strong task force comprised of elements from both the elite Marine Corps and the US Navy. The Pentagon insists operations to support the GNA will be conducted only from the air but officials acknowledge that small teams of US special forces are in Libya gathering intelligence and liasing with forces on the ground. Vatican City (AFP) - One thousand prisoners -- including some lifers -- will take part in a special event at the Vatican this weekend, along with 3,000 family members, prison staff and volunteers. The prisoners from 12 countries will have the opportunity on Saturday to confess and walk through the "Holy Door" at Saint Peter's Basilica, a Jubilee tradition by which Catholics can ask forgiveness for their sins. On Sunday, they will attend a mass lead by Pope Francis. The Argentine pontiff regularly meets prisoners -- both in Italy and on his trips abroad -- but this is the first time so many inmates will be received at the Vatican. The convicts are expected to come from Britain, Italy, Latvia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain, the US, South Africa, Sweden and Portugal. While some are on probation, others are currently under house arrest or are serving life sentences and will be escorted by security details, the Vatican said. At the mass, they will hear the stories of four people -- including one inmate who converted and will speak alongside their victim, the brother of someone who was murdered and had to learn forgiveness, and a prison guard. The service will be accompanied by the dulcet tones of a choir of prisoners from Bologna, while the communion wafers will be special ones made by detainees in a lockup in Milan. Next weekend the pope will hold a similar event for the "socially marginalised" and homeless. It will be the last before the Jubilee winds up. "Holy Doors" around the world close on November 13 and the pontiff will officially declare the year over on November 20. By Jessica Toonkel (Reuters) - Viacom Inc , the owner of Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and MTV, is in talks to acquire Argentine broadcaster Television Federal SA from phone carrier Telefonica SA for up to $385 million, according to people familiar with the deal. The deal could be announced as soon as this week, said one of the people, all of whom wished to remain anonymous because the talks are still confidential. The deal will require regulatory approval, another of the people said. A Viacom spokesman declined to comment. A request for comment to Telefonica SA was not immediately returned. The deal comes as the controlling shareholders of Viacom and CBS Corp , Sumner and Shari Redstone, have asked the two companies to consider merging. Both companies have created special committees of their directors to explore the matter. Viacom's international business has been a bright spot for the company that has been struggling to turn around declining ad revenue and ratings. On Monday, Viacom named Bob Bakish, the head of its international business, as interim chief executive, effective Nov. 15. Bloomberg first reported news of the deal. (Reporting By Jessica Toonkel in New York, Additional reporting by Nicolas Misculin in Buenos Aires; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli) By Alexis Akwagyiram KADUNA, Nigeria (Reuters) - Blackened walls and piles of rubble are all that is left of the house of a leader of Nigeria's Shi'ite minority after it was burned down by machete-wielding youths in the tense northern city of Kaduna. A wave of attacks on members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) Shi'ite sect combined with a security crackdown by the authorities is worsening sectarian rivalries in northern Nigeria, where the army is already fighting Boko Haram, a Sunni militant group that has killed thousands. The violence risks radicalizing the sect, creating another problem for President Muhammadu Buhari as he struggles with an insurgency in the Niger Delta oil region, secession calls in the southeast and Nigeria's first recession in more than 20 years. The clashes erupted after the Kaduna state government declared the Shi'ite sect unlawful on security grounds, angering its adherents as anyone convicted of being a member could now be imprisoned for up to seven years. Shi'ites say the ban effectively invited local Sunni youths, who have complained about the sect staging processions in public, to take on the IMN while it marked the holy day of Ashoura mourning last month. "Young men armed with machetes came looking for IMN people that day, burning houses and chasing away those who hadn't already run away. They came to kill," said Musa Abubakar, a driver who witnessed the clashes in Kaduna's Tudunwada district. "Those they caught were badly beaten," he said, adding that dozens of men chased away outnumbered police officers. Two Shi'ites were killed elsewhere in Kaduna state in the clashes. Anger has been rising in the sect's strongholds in the north since the army killed 347 IMN members in the city of Zaria. They were buried in mass graves after clashes in December 2015, according to a judicial inquiry. Since then Shi'ite leader Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky has been imprisoned at an unknown location without being charged. His followers have daubed "Free Zakzaky" on walls in Kaduna. "We feel repressed," said Abdul Giwa, an IMN spokesman. "We have the freedom of religion. What the government should do is tolerate and understand us." Security analysts draw parallels with Boko Haram, whose insurgency began in 2009 after security forces killed hundreds of its members and its leader Mohammed Yusuf died in custody. Zakzaky was badly wounded in the December clashes. BUHARI'S CHALLENGES Posters calling for Zakzaky's release were quickly torn down, said Giwa who was speaking to the press because the group's spokesman had gone into hiding. Africa's most populous nation of 180 million combines a predominantly Christian south and mainly Sunni Muslim north. Shi'ites are estimated at less than 4 million, according to a 2009 report by the U.S.-based Pew Research Center, although there are no official figures. Human Rights Watch estimates that IMN has around 3 million members. The IMN was founded in the 1980s after the revolution in mainly Shi'ite Iran in 1979, which inspired the sect's founders. Kaduna officials, made up like Buhari and other northern elites of Sunnis, see the sect as security threat. "The IMN is more of a political organization than a religious organization," said Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, adding that the IMN was declared an "unlawful society" because it constitutes "a threat to the security and good governance of the state". "Over the last 30 years they have been engaged in all kind of violations of Nigerian law, from murder to abduction of young children to blocking of highways to forceful acquisition of property of their neighbors," El-Rufai said. "And they also operate a military wing." He rejected the comparison with Boko Haram as a "simplistic analogy" because the Sunni group's leader was subjected to an extra-judicial execution. In contrast, Kaduna state would bring charges against Zakzaky in court, if he was suspected of wrongdoing after he was released, he added. Buhari's two spokesmen refused to comment on Zakzaky's detention, saying it was a matter for the justice minister. He did not answer repeated phone calls. Buhari, a former military ruler, said in August he would study a judicial inquiry report recommending that soldiers who killed hundreds of Shi'ites in December should be put on trial, but no decision has been announced. SECTARIAN TENSIONS A Western diplomat said that Islamic State, the militant group which has seized territory in Syria and Iraq, could use Boko Haram to stir up sectarian strife between Shi'ites and Sunnis in Nigeria. "Their standard approach is to find religious fault lines and play on them," he said. Signs of sectarian tension are already emerging in Kaduna, a major city in the north where poverty, corruption and unemployment have helped Boko Haram and hardline Islamists recruit angry youths. Many IMN members say the police and army, institutions that in the north are dominated by Sunnis, were behind the bloodshed that marred the Ashoura processions. "The police escorted the thugs," said Giwa, adding that he believed authorities were being influenced by Wahhabism, Saudi Arabia's official ultra-conservative Sunni Muslim school that often labels Shi'ites as heretical. "We feel they are the ones who might have influenced the government into this action," he said, leaning forward. Kaduna's police denied any involvement in attacks on IMN or any other Shi'ites in the state. Kaduna state police spokesman Aliyu Usman said "hoodlums taking advantage of the situation" were responsible for the attacks last month. "We're protecting them. We know what members of the public want to do to them," he said, adding that 11 people had been charged with offences in the wake of the violence. In the rundown district of Tudunwada, just a few meters from the graffiti calling on Zakzaky's release, local Sunnis had little sympathy for members of the Shi'ite sect. "Everybody has the right to practice their own religion, but not if you impede other people's rights," said Muhammad Salis, a 32-year-old carpenter. Abdullahi Ahmed, a 43-year-old civil servant, went further. "They take the law into their own hands," he said, accusing the sect's members of blocking roads during religious gatherings. (Additional reporting by Garba Muhammad and Felix Onuha, in Abuja; Editing by Ulf Laessing and Giles Elgood) The Vladimir Putin-Steven Seagal bromance that captured the worlds hearts just became official. On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin granted the B-list American actor and ponytail aficionado Russian citizenship in a decree published on the Kremlins website. Seagal, known for his acting, martial arts, and musical prowess (warning: graphic audio content), has gained notoriety in recent years thanks to his cultivation of a high-profile friendship with the Russian president, even as U.S.-Russia relations went south. As if vying to outdo Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, Seagal has called Putin one of the greatest world leaders. Seagal and Putin became close through their mutual love of martial arts Putin has a grandmaster rank in taekwondo and an eighth-degree black belt in karate and the actors occasional visits to Russia. This [was his] desire, he had really applied. He had been really persistent for a long time and been asking to grant him citizenship, he is actually renown for his quite warm feelings toward our country, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told press when the news was announced. Seagal first said that he was interested in Russian citizenship in September. This isnt Seagals first foray into the world of international diplomacy. In 2013, Putin tried to make Seagal an honorary diplomatic envoy for Russia to California and Arizona. Russias Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin thought that Seagal could leverage his authority and connections in the American establishment to help broker US-Russia small arms sales agreements. Sadly, the White House politely declined. In 2014, Seagal held a concert in Crimea for pro-Russian separatists shortly after Russia annexed the Ukrainian peninsula; legal scholars are split on whether subjecting the audience to his guitar playing violated the Geneva Conventions. Seagal is not the first celebrity Russia has courted for citizenship. American MMA fighter Jeff Monson applied for Russian citizenship and was the first American to receive citizenship from a separatist Russian entity in Ukraine, as FP reported in September. In 2013, Putin extended citizenship to Gerard Depardieu after the French actors fight with the French government over taxes. Photo Credit: ALEXEI NIKOLSKY/AFP/Getty Images Russia has hung like a bad omen over this entire, ill-begotten election. Heres Donald Trump praising Vladimir Putin, and theres Mike Pence echoing that praise. Theres Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid asking the FBI to look into Trumps campaign advisors for nefarious Russia ties. Here are Democrats, howling that the Kremlin is hacking this election in order to throw it to Trump. Heres Hillary Clinton accusing Trump of being Putins puppet and Trump saying, No puppet, no puppet. There are the hacks of the Democratic National Committee, the voter roll hacks, the polling machine hacks, Cozy Bear, Fancy Bear, Paul Manafort, Carter Page, Roger Stone, Julian Assange, John Podesta, and a whole host of characters that exist only because of one of the weirdest, long-running plot twists of this election is someone called Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. But thats just the American side. What does this election look like from Moscows vantage point? Kremlin television, from English-language RT to the actually watched domestic channels, has had a clear, orange favorite for about a year now. But does that mean Putin himself really wants Trump to win? People in [the] West dont understand, says Sergei Markov, who runs a pro-Kremlin think tank in Moscow and is the deputy head of the international cooperation committee in the Civic Chamber. They see that Russian television praises Trump and trashes Clinton. They do this because Trump says nice things about Russia. But the government position is very different from the TVs because it understands that its just words now. And that when the election is over, we will have to deal not with whoever is president but with the American system. This is the unanimous view out of Moscow, regardless of analysts political proclivities, whether they hate Putin or love him. The desired result in this election has not necessarily been the presidency of Donald Trump. In fact, he seems to them to be rather disposable. The mission is sowing disruption, chaos. And in doing that, Putin will have accomplished something for himself, regardless of who wins next week: a deeply fractured American system, once held up as a shining alternative to Moscows style of power, now tarnished beyond recognition. Even more importantly, Putin will have shown himself to be able to project power far beyond where anyone would have suspected. Its no longer just in his backyard, like in Georgia and Ukraine not even in the Middle East. Putin is now able to bring his tactics of asymmetric warfare deep into the belly of his greatest foe, the worlds last superpower. Putin wants to show himself as a player who cant be forced to do what America wants and that he can do what he needs, whether the others like it or not, says independent political analyst Masha Lipman. Today, everyone understands that you might not like Russia, you might hate it, you might be scared of it, you might want to punish it, but you cant do anything about it. It can do what it wants. For Putin, Russias place in the world is extremely important, both symbolically and practically. If Trump wins, there are no illusions that he would be a pliant vassal. Of course we like what Trump says, Markov affirms. We have a sense here that there are realists standing behind his back and that this coterie of internationalists and neocons that were so sick of, we hope that hell shake them up. That said, Markov says neither he nor any of the loyalist hawks around him have any illusions about what a Trump presidency would look like. Hes not very experienced, so he will be unpredictable, Markov went on. He has a strong super ego, and he might become a hostage to his promise to be a cool guy, even cooler than Putin. Because thats why he praises Putin, not because of his policies, but because hes a cool guy, and I worry that Trump is going to be constantly trying to prove that hes a cool guy. If Trump wins, of course theyll drink champagne in the Kremlin, but not for long, says former Putin advisor and political analyst Gleb Pavlovsky. Then theyll realize that nothing is resolved and that the election of Trump will lead to more chaos. But thats what were selling chaos. If Clinton wins, Putin wont mind that hell be dealing with a president who had to climb over a mountain of Kremlin propaganda and interference to get to the White House. Bitter? Fine. But at least youll know that were stronger than you thought. How can it be a regional power if it was the central topic of the third debate? Markov asks. They never believed Trump would win, says Ekaterina Schulmann, a political scientist and associate professor at RANEPA. Every indicator was always clear that Clinton would win. So they need to show her that were always nearby, in your phone and your email, breathing down your neck. Even the fact that Kremlin propaganda has painted in her in such lurid colors could redound to Putins benefit. The relationship to Clinton is so bad, that its hard to imagine it getting any worse. Its a very characteristic Russian tactic: lowering expectations by escalating ahead of negotiations, Schulmann adds. Clintons hawkishness toward Moscow, and her bad blood with Putin, is not necessarily a bad thing for Russia. She will continue proving a convenient foil, the image of a warmongering United States bent on humiliating Russia. On a political, practical level, shes a known quantity. Shes just a continuation of a trend, Markov says. When she was secretary of state, you couldnt call her an extremist. Her presidency would just mean more of the same stagnant standoff between Moscow and Washington. There wont be any constructive discussions about anything for about eight years, Lipman says. And it wont just be because of what happened in this campaign. There is stagnant thinking on both sides. Its all too far gone; no one is making any compromises. The American establishment only talks about punishing Russia, and Putin just says youre provoking us and were the only ones with the right policy. Its hard to imagine that Putin and the administration of Hillary Clinton will overcome this. We have a long confrontation ahead, and things will continue to rot until a new generation of politicians come[s] to the fore. Which, of course, is fine for Putin, a notorious standpatter. Stagnation and confrontation with the West are not just things he can live with; theyre things at which he excels. All of this is like the meeting of a sadist and a masochist, and everyone is happy, Pavlovsky says. I think Putin is looking at the covers of Western magazines that show him as a vampire and greatly enjoys it. And its good for Clinton. But its what happens inside the U.S. political system that will really please Putin. Moscow understands that the level of unpredictability in American politics is going up in any case, Markov says. Trump is anti-establishment and unpredictable, and Clinton will be under constant threat of impeachment, and she will be forced to overcome this challenge. Plus, shes very hysterical. Both will be in conflict with Congress, which is good, Markov says. Let them focus on domestic politics. The less they focus on foreign policy, the better for the rest of the world. And here is where the importance of chaos comes in. It doesnt matter whos president, Lipman says. Any kind of turmoil or internal split thats hard to overcome, that is good for Russia. If your powerful opponent is disabled from within, it works to your advantage. It also greatly undermines a central tenet of U.S. foreign policy, one that has driven Putin to distraction: democracy promotion and the idea that striving toward American values is a force for positive change in the world. They said our elections are no good, but look at their elections, look at this much-touted democracy, Lipman says of the Russian view. That is much more important than a single person. Everything thats happening around the elections in the U.S. belief in the system isnt as strong as everyone thought, got two candidates no one likes, the system doesnt work! Its not a shining city on a hill. Thats very useful for Russia. This is useful on the homefront, too. This is that trick of postmodernism, Schulmann says, where the idea isnt to show that there is one truth and its yours, but to water down the idea of truth, paint a picture of a world where there are no moral standards. In this case, its only important which side youre on. And if everyones the same, then you play for your own team. Photo credit: MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/AFP/Getty Images HAMBURG/BERLIN (Reuters) - Volkswagen's (VOWG_p.DE) leaders will meet on Friday to discuss prospects for cost cuts and investments, the carmaker's second-largest shareholder said, although a final deal between management and labor leaders may still be weeks away. Volkswagen (VW) is under pressure to make cuts at high-cost operations in Germany to help to pay for a shift to electric cars and self-driving vehicles while still dealing with billions of euros in costs from its diesel emissions scandal. VW has earmarked a meeting of its supervisory board on Nov. 18 to approve spending on plants, equipment and models across the multi-brand group until 2021, but needs prior agreement with the works council on restructuring and jobs. The sheer number of issues facing the 20-member panel including budget goals, job cuts, model strategy and the high cost base of German factories make Friday's additional meeting necessary, two sources close to the supervisory board said. But if there is no deal on cost cuts and strategy by Nov. 18, VW will be forced to postpone ratification of its group budget, one source said. "As is known, there are currently talks between management and the works council about a future pact," Stephan Weil, premier of the state of Lower Saxony, VW's second largest shareholder told reporters in Hamburg late on Wednesday, adding "not too much" should be expected from Friday's board meeting. The shares paid little attention and were trading up 0.3 percent at 119.9 euros at 1042 ET. COST CUTS REQUIRED Analysts and investors say key to a further recovery of Europe's largest automotive group will be the company's ability to bring down costs which have crippled the competitiveness of the core VW brand which lags far behind rivals such as Toyota and PSE Peugeot Citroen (PEUP.PA). "What is currently debated amongst investors is whether management is sufficiently committed and has the freedom to address the necessary changes," said Evercore ISI analyst Arndt Ellinghorst who has a "buy" recommendation on the stock. Story continues The two sides are seeking to strike a deal that will form part of the German carmaker's efforts to revive its fortunes more than a year after the emissions scandal broke. Herbert Diess, a former BMW (BMWG.DE) executive who has led the VW brand since July 2015 wants to cut costs by 3.7 billion euros ($4.10 billion) by 2021, three times the division's 1.2 billion nine-month profit. But VW's powerful works council, whose members occupy almost half the seats on the supervisory board, have said they will not back cuts without a commitment from management to fixed targets and quotas for products, output and investment. VW is embracing zero-emission technology and wants to launch more than 30 electric cars by 2025, but it has yet to assign production of electric models to factories as well as spell out plans for battery assembly, one person familiar with the talks said. "We have made good progress but there are still major issues to be discussed," the person said. Attempts by management to deliver cost cuts have long been thwarted by labor representatives keen to protect investment and jobs. VW labor boss Bernd Osterloh opposes any layoffs and has only agreed to cut jobs by waiting for staff to retire, a move that he said could shrink the workforce by up to 25,000 people over the next decade. ($1 = 0.9024 euros) (Reporting by Jan Schwartz and Andreas Cremer; Writing by Andreas Cremer; Editing by Victoria Bryan/Keith Weir) HAMBURG/BERLIN (Reuters) - Volkswagen's leaders will meet on Friday to discuss prospects for cost cuts and investments, the carmaker's second-largest shareholder said, although a final deal between management and labor leaders may still be weeks away. Volkswagen (VW) is under pressure to make cuts at high-cost operations in Germany to help to pay for a shift to electric cars and self-driving vehicles while still dealing with billions of euros in costs from its diesel emissions scandal. VW has earmarked a meeting of its supervisory board on Nov. 18 to approve spending on plants, equipment and models across the multi-brand group until 2021, but needs prior agreement with the works council on restructuring and jobs. The sheer number of issues facing the 20-member panel including budget goals, job cuts, model strategy and the high cost base of German factories make Friday's additional meeting necessary, two sources close to the supervisory board said. But if there is no deal on cost cuts and strategy by Nov. 18, VW will be forced to postpone ratification of its group budget, one source said. "As is known, there are currently talks between management and the works council about a future pact," Stephan Weil, premier of the state of Lower Saxony, VW's second largest shareholder told reporters in Hamburg late on Wednesday, adding "not too much" should be expected from Friday's board meeting. The shares paid little attention and were trading up 0.3 percent at 119.9 euros at 1042 ET. COST CUTS REQUIRED Analysts and investors say key to a further recovery of Europe's largest automotive group will be the company's ability to bring down costs which have crippled the competitiveness of the core VW brand which lags far behind rivals such as Toyota <7203.T> and PSE Peugeot Citroen . "What is currently debated amongst investors is whether management is sufficiently committed and has the freedom to address the necessary changes," said Evercore ISI analyst Arndt Ellinghorst who has a "buy" recommendation on the stock. Story continues The two sides are seeking to strike a deal that will form part of the German carmaker's efforts to revive its fortunes more than a year after the emissions scandal broke. Herbert Diess, a former BMW executive who has led the VW brand since July 2015 wants to cut costs by 3.7 billion euros ($4.10 billion) by 2021, three times the division's 1.2 billion nine-month profit. But VW's powerful works council, whose members occupy almost half the seats on the supervisory board, have said they will not back cuts without a commitment from management to fixed targets and quotas for products, output and investment. VW is embracing zero-emission technology and wants to launch more than 30 electric cars by 2025, but it has yet to assign production of electric models to factories as well as spell out plans for battery assembly, one person familiar with the talks said. "We have made good progress but there are still major issues to be discussed," the person said. Attempts by management to deliver cost cuts have long been thwarted by labor representatives keen to protect investment and jobs. VW labor boss Bernd Osterloh opposes any layoffs and has only agreed to cut jobs by waiting for staff to retire, a move that he said could shrink the workforce by up to 25,000 people over the next decade. ($1 = 0.9024 euros) (Reporting by Jan Schwartz and Andreas Cremer; Writing by Andreas Cremer; Editing by Victoria Bryan/Keith Weir) Election day is drawing near, but for some the voting moment has passed. Absentee ballots across the country are in the mail and waiting to be counted, and these Americans arent shy about showing off their early voting pride, posting photos on social media of their I Voted Early stickers. Some of these absentee voters are also willing to admit they had a little help with their ballot, turning to their pet for a second opinion. While animals still dont have the right to vote, it doesnt stop them from lending a paw. Whether Youre With Purr or want to Make America Fluffy Again, remember to follow the example of these cats and dogs, and cast your vote! By David Shepardson (Reuters) - U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said on Thursday that Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) has made substantial progress in talks with the U.S. Justice Department and other government agencies toward resolving the fate of about 80,000 polluting diesel 3.0 liter vehicles. At a San Francisco court hearing, Breyer set a Dec. 1 deadline for a report on the status of the talks and said he is "very optimistic" an agreement will be reached. VW previously agreed to spend up to $16.5 billion, including as much as $10.3 billion to buy back up to 475,000 polluting 2.0 diesel vehicles. Volkswagen submitted proposed fixes for larger Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen diesel vehicles earlier this year and has been in intensive discussions with U.S. and California regulators. People briefed on the talks say VW may agree to buy back at least 21,000 older Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7 diesel vehicles and might only offer to repair the 60,000 newest ones if regulators agree, but no final agreements have been reached. If VW were required to repurchase all of the larger, more expensive 3.0-liter vehicles, its costs could increase by billions. They include the diesel Porsche Cayenne, Audi A6 Quattro, A7 Quattro, Audi A8 and Audi Q5. Among the undecided issues is how much Volkswagen may be willing to compensate owners of the 3.0 liter vehicles. VW agreed to offer owners of the 2.0 liter vehicles between $5,100 and $10,000 in compensation, in addition to the estimated value of the vehicle. The 2.0 liter diesel vehicles have software that allowed them to evade emissions rules in testing and emit up to 40 times legally allowable emissions in onroad driving. The 3.0 liter vehicles have an undeclared auxiliary emissions system that allowed the vehicles to emit up to nine times allowable limits. VW has been barred from selling diesel vehicles in the United States since 2015 and has said it has not decided whether it will resume U.S. diesel sales. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Steve Orlofsky) (Adds details of talks) By David Shepardson Nov 3 (Reuters) - U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said on Thursday that Volkswagen AG has made substantial progress in talks with the U.S. Justice Department and other government agencies toward resolving the fate of about 80,000 polluting diesel 3.0 liter vehicles. At a San Francisco court hearing, Breyer set a Dec. 1 deadline for a report on the status of the talks and said he is "very optimistic" an agreement will be reached. VW previously agreed to spend up to $16.5 billion, including as much as $10.3 billion to buy back up to 475,000 polluting 2.0 diesel vehicles. Volkswagen submitted proposed fixes for larger Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen diesel vehicles earlier this year and has been in intensive discussions with U.S. and California regulators. People briefed on the talks say VW may agree to buy back at least 21,000 older Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7 diesel vehicles and might only offer to repair the 60,000 newest ones if regulators agree, but no final agreements have been reached. If VW were required to repurchase all of the larger, more expensive 3.0-liter vehicles, its costs could increase by billions. They include the diesel Porsche Cayenne, Audi A6 Quattro, A7 Quattro, Audi A8 and Audi Q5. Among the undecided issues is how much Volkswagen may be willing to compensate owners of the 3.0 liter vehicles. VW agreed to offer owners of the 2.0 liter vehicles between $5,100 and $10,000 in compensation, in addition to the estimated value of the vehicle. The 2.0 liter diesel vehicles have software that allowed them to evade emissions rules in testing and emit up to 40 times legally allowable emissions in onroad driving. The 3.0 liter vehicles have an undeclared auxiliary emissions system that allowed the vehicles to emit up to nine times allowable limits. VW has been barred from selling diesel vehicles in the United States since 2015 and has said it has not decided whether it will resume U.S. diesel sales. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Steve Orlofsky) By David Shepardson (Reuters) - U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said on Thursday that Volkswagen AG has made substantial progress in talks with the U.S. Justice Department and other government agencies toward resolving the fate of about 80,000 polluting diesel 3.0 liter vehicles. At a San Francisco court hearing, Breyer set a Dec. 1 deadline for a report on the status of the talks and said he is "very optimistic" an agreement will be reached. VW previously agreed to spend up to $16.5 billion, including as much as $10.3 billion to buy back up to 475,000 polluting 2.0 diesel vehicles. Volkswagen submitted proposed fixes for larger Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen diesel vehicles earlier this year and has been in intensive discussions with U.S. and California regulators. People briefed on the talks say VW may agree to buy back at least 21,000 older Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7 diesel vehicles and might only offer to repair the 60,000 newest ones if regulators agree, but no final agreements have been reached. If VW were required to repurchase all of the larger, more expensive 3.0-liter vehicles, its costs could increase by billions. They include the diesel Porsche Cayenne, Audi A6 Quattro, A7 Quattro, Audi A8 and Audi Q5. Among the undecided issues is how much Volkswagen may be willing to compensate owners of the 3.0 liter vehicles. VW agreed to offer owners of the 2.0 liter vehicles between $5,100 and $10,000 in compensation, in addition to the estimated value of the vehicle. The 2.0 liter diesel vehicles have software that allowed them to evade emissions rules in testing and emit up to 40 times legally allowable emissions in onroad driving. The 3.0 liter vehicles have an undeclared auxiliary emissions system that allowed the vehicles to emit up to nine times allowable limits. VW has been barred from selling diesel vehicles in the United States since 2015 and has said it has not decided whether it will resume U.S. diesel sales. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Steve Orlofsky) We recently wrote about the Sam's Club pre-Black Friday sale on Nov. 12. The company has also revealed the deals it will offer on Black Friday itself. So the question for Sam's Club customers is, Which of the two events will yield the best TV deals? The Black Friday sale looks like the one to beat for very large-screen sets, but check our analysis of the deals below. The Sam's Club Black Friday sales begin at 7 a.m. on Nov. 25. While the stores will be closed on Nov. 24 for Thanksgiving, the company's circular says you can shop early that day at SamsClub.com. Prices will be good through Nov. 27 or as long as supplies last; most of the items will be available in limited quantities. Everything in the ad comes with free shipping if it's available online. (Thanks to BFAds.net for sharing its Sam's Club Black Friday ad scans.) We haven't seen the Black Friday ads from most major chains, so we'll have to wait a bit longer to determine how the deals at Sam's Club compare with those at other retailers. Big-Screen Models The Black Friday sales include a number of larger models, ranging from 60 inches up to 78 inches. The Black Friday Deals Samsung UN78JS9100 78-inch 4K UHD smart TV, $3,498. This curved screen model from 2015 is selling from $5,000 to $6,000 elsewhere right now, so it's a good deal for anyone looking for a giant-sized set. It's the biggest screen size we've seen promoted so far. Samsung UN75JU641DFXZA 75-inch 4K UHD smart TV, $1,998. This TV is a warehouse-club model from 20152016 sets start with a "K" rather than a "J"and right now it's selling at Costco for $2,200, so you'll save about $200. If you're willing to give up the extra 3 inches in screen size you get with the 78-inch set above, you can save a lot of money. Vizio E70-E3 A 70-inch 4K UHD smart TV, $928. This is one of Vizio's "seasonal" TVs, meaning we haven't seen it or tested it yet. But Vizio models usually do well in our TV ratings. Like other E-series models, it's a Google Cast-based SmartCast TV. Story continues Hisense 65CU6200 65-inch 4K UHD smart TV, $598. It's an online exclusive with free shipping. This is another Hisense model we didn't see earlier in the year, so it's difficult to compare pricing. A 60-inch Vizio E60-E3 4K UHD smart TV for $548. It's the smaller version of the 70-inch Vizio above. Sam's Club says there will be a minimum of 10 of these sets per store, but I imagine they'll sell out almost immediately. The Nov. 12 Sale The biggest model in that one-day sale is the LG 70UH63504K70-inch smart TV, so Black Friday is the day to shop if you're really looking for a jumbo screen. This LG is priced under $1,000, down from $1,400 to $1,500 usually. LG TVs sets do well in our TV ratings, typically with very good or excellent picture quality. So we'd give the LG the edge over the 70-inch Vizio being offered on Black Friday, even though that set is a bit less pricey. In the 60- to 65-inch category, the pre-Black Friday sale has the Samsung UN60KU6270FXZA 60-inch 4K TV for $698, bundled with a Samsung sound-bar speaker that usually sells for about $170. Samsung is a top brand in our ratings, so I'd give it the edge over the 60-inch Vizio you can buy on Black Friday. However, if you don't need the sound bar, it's hard to beat the Vizio's sub-$550 price. The Nov. 12 sale also includes the Vizio E65-E1 65-inch 4K smart TV for $598, which is priced the same as the 65-inch Hisense 4K model on the Black Friday sale roster. Although we haven't tested either set, we'd put our money on the Vizio being the better deal. Midsized Sets Though most of the Black Friday action will be on larger TVs, there are two medium-sized sets being advertised. The Black Friday Deals The first is the JVC LT55UE76 55-inch 4K UHD TV priced at $299. It's another online exclusive with free shipping. We don't see this set available elsewhere, at least not yet. JVC-brand TVs are made by Amtran, a Taiwanese manufacturer that has been licensing the brand for several years. A Vizio E50X-E1 50-inch 4K UHD smart TV is listed for $348. This is another of the newer, seasonal E-series models that we haven't previously seen or tested. It's available in very limited quantities; Sam's Club says there will be at least a dozen of these sets in each store. The Nov. 12 Sale Comparing these Black Friday TVs against the models in the earlier sale, JVC faces off against the $398 Vizio E55-E1 55-inch 4K TV, and the 50-inch Vizio goes up against a $298 Hitachi Roku TV promoted in the Nov. 12 event. The Vizio's look like they differ mainly by screen size, so you'll pay a $50 premium to go from 50 inches to 55 inches. The JVC is very low-priced for the screen size, but we don't know much about it. The Hitachi Roku TV has a very low price, but it's a 1080p set, not a 4K model. So you'll pay less than $50 to move up to the Vizio 4K UHD TV. In both instances we give the edge to the Vizios, especially if they'll be used as a main TV at home. Sound Bar Speakers The Black Friday Deals On Black Friday, Sam's Club will have deals on several sound bars, which can remedy a TV's poor sound. Sam's Club will have the Vizio SB3821-D6 2.1-channel sound-bar system for $120. We tested the Vizio SB3821-C6 model, which had good overall sound, so we expect this model to be fairly similar. Sam's will also offer the Sharp HT-SB603 2.1-channel model, designed for larger TVs 60 inches and bigger, for $199. We didn't test that model but we did test the Sharp HT-SB602. It was among our top recommendations in 2015 and a Best Buy. If the sale model performs similarly, then it's a good deal at $200 and a great match for larger TVs with mediocre sound. The Nov. 12 Sale During the pre-Black Friday event, Sam's Club is featuring the Vizio SB3851-D0, a step-up 5.1 model, for $178. More from Consumer Reports: Top pick tires for 2016 Best used cars for $25,000 and less 7 best mattresses for couples Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S. Denzel Curry's song "Ultimate" became something of a cult-hit when it was released last year, with its haunting beat and a rapid-fire flow from the Florida rapper. The track is still clearly a fan favorite, as can be seen in the clip above, which shows fans going wild as Denzel performed in New York City recently. The video shows a high-energy performance at an event to celebrate the release of Curry's new video, for the track "Zenith," featuring Joey Bada$$. Curry is due to begin his worldwide "Black Metal Terrorist" tour on November 4, beginning in North America before moving on to Europe and Australia. If this clip is anything to go by, fans are in for a full cardio workout. Denzel's last project Imperial was recently re-released in October, months after its original release back in March. The first release was exclusively on SoundCloud, however, the newer version included two new songs and was released on iTunes and other digital outlets. Tour dates for the "Black Metal Terrorist" tour can be seen here. Continue Reading On PigeonsandPlanes More from PigeonsandPlanes To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Country Music Association Awards, the 2016 CMA Awards brought out a seemingly endless parade of country legends and contemporary chart-topping stars to sing a massive medley of country classics. Vince Gill was the first to take the stage, and he was joined by Ben Haggard, son of late country icon Merle Haggard, to sing the immortal "Mama Tried." After that, Roy Clark and Brad Paisley paid homage to Buck Owens, who died in 2006, by singing "I've Got a Tiger By the Tail." Over the next few minutes, Carrie Underwood sang "Stand By Your Man," Charlie Daniels delivered "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," Dwight Yoakam sang "Guitars, Cadillacs," Charley Pride crooned "Kiss An Angel Good Morning'," and Reba McEntire sang "Fancy" (originally performed by inaugural CMAs host Bobbie Gentry). But that wasn't all. There were song segments from Alabama ("Mountain Music"), Ricky Skaggs ("Country Boy"), Alan Jackson ("Don't Rock the Jukebox") and Clint Black ("Killin' Time"). At the end, they all took the stage together to sing Randy Travis' "Forever and Ever, Amen." Travis himself -- who suffered a stroke in 2013 -- took the stage to massive applause and sang a line of his 1987 classic. Watch some of it above. f22 raptor tho The F-22 Raptor combines extreme stealth with supermaneuverability, and the pilots of the US Air Force, through excellent training, make it the most lethal combat plane in the world. In the clip below, an F-22 performs several mind-bending moves in the air. More than once, the Raptor goes completely vertical, nose up to the sky, while draining off nearly all of its speed, and for a brief, shining moment, pauses at the crest of it's ascent. Then the pilot twists the F-22 into flips and rolls. At one point, the Raptor goes into a "falling leaf" maneuver, where it spins and drifts in a way that makes you almost forget that two massive jet engines power it. Seconds later, the engines roar back to life, and the plane is on its way again. In a dogfight, figures like maximum speed don't mean a whole lot. Sure, the F-22 can supercruise, but the ability to slow down and bear down on a target matters more in an air-to-air confrontation at close range. In the clip below, see how a US Air Force pilot in an F-22 owns the sky with incredible maneuvers: NOW WATCH: The F-35 has hit another snag this time because its too stealthy More From Business Insider Personal shoppers and stylists agree when heading to China for business, the most important dressing strategy is to hit the tailor before you leave. Hollywood decision-makers have a penchant for wearing things "a little big," says stylist Jeanne Yang, who has dressed Vin Diesel and Robert Downey Jr. While the Chinese will undoubtedly be looking for familiar labels, "they are very body conscious without being revealing," adds Yang. For women, focus on a more natural palette when it comes to hair and makeup, longer skirts and one or two key pieces of jewelry. Skip the open-toed shoes and low cut necklines."Even if your blouse is slightly low cut, wrap a Hermes or Chanel scarf to cover up your neck," says personal shopper Jordan Lane. "It's about understanding the nuances and cultural respect that can be paid." Read more: Meet China's Most Sought After Couturier For men, "you have to make sure your jacket sleeves are tapered to the width of your arm and the length of your jacket isn't too long. The hem should sit at the top of your shoe," says stylist Andrew Weitz who also notes that when in Beijing, execs should be more conservative. That means wearing a tie. Whereas in Shanghai, a tie is optional, he notes. Weitz and Yang both agree that black or navy Tom Ford suits and Berluti or John Lobb lace up shoes or loafers are a good starting point. "Everyone needs to up their game at all times," says Catherine Bloom, a style advisor at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills, who recommends her clients pack according to color. Whether it's a Chloe print blouse with a navy Celine pant, or a Gianvito Rossi suede boot with a Proenza Schouler skirt, "you can change out your blouses and tops and still have all your pieces work together." This season Bloom has paired burgundy and brownish terra cotta pieces with black mainstays for women and always advises her clients to pick up a fresh blazer. Right now it's Brunello Cucinelli or Lanvin. "It's nice to be current, it says you know what you are doing," she adds. Story continues "For Chinese travel it should be conservative but doesn't mean it can't be stylish, for them it's about respect," says personal stylist Meg Gallagher. "Suiting right now is so chic. Amal Clooney wears a Dolce and Gabbana pantsuit like no other woman could, she's incredibly conservatively polished in a chic way." Read more: See China's Answer to the Hollywood Sign For both men and women, she advises packing one or two suits in a neutral color like navy or black. Although that may seem banal, Gallagher says the drama comes in the tailoring and silhouettes. She favors British based fashion label Joseph as well as Alexander McQueen, both of which can be mixed and matched for women, and Ermenegildo Zegna for men. Not a fan of color? "You want to lift and lower the eye. A jacket in boucle with a black silk blouse, plus a trouser all in black fabrics are different and cause the eye to move around," Gallagher adds, explaining how to vary a look using texture. In addition to the suits, personal shopper Dana Asher Levine, whose clientele includes Fox Searchlight president Nancy Utley, Fox production president Emma Watts and DreamWorks Animation co-president Bonnie Arnold, recommends sheath dresses. Alaia or Prada are a couple of her favorites for one of her more petite clients, The Good Wife co-creator Michelle King. Stylist Jason Campbell, who dresses Li Bingbing and Wendi Deng, echoes Levine. "I like to play with the colors to tell a chic but not too adventurous story," he says. A navy blue Prada cashmere cardigan with Akris sheath dress, and a Roger Vivier or Salvatore Ferragamo flat are current favorites. "China is not afraid of color and prints for men or women," Campbell says, "but don't come in with all this bravado. Clothing and styling continues is an important currency, so let your clothes introduce you." By Dan Freed (Reuters) - Wells Fargo & Co's CEO Tim Sloan said on Thursday a comprehensive review of the bank's sales practices would be done 'relatively quickly' and unveiled a series of immediate changes at the bank's retail unit under new division boss Mary Mack. Management is reaching out to employees who were wrongly fired, while continuing to review sales practices across the bank, and changing compensation plans to avoid incentivizing bad behavior. It is also ramping up marketing efforts after having slowed them in the wake of the problems, Mack told an industry conference in Boston, her first with analysts since taking over the retail business. The bank, which earlier said in a regulatory filing that legal costs could exceed reserves by $1.7 billion, has also hired an outside consultant to guide changes to the retail business. The retail unit's new risk chief now reports into the broader company's risk chief, rather than to Mack. The bank also said it created a new 'Change Leader' position in the unit to focus on 'what great customer experience looks like,' according to Mack and Sloan's presentation. "We're going to leave no stone unturned," said Sloan. "I don't want there to be a question about how we interact with customers at Wells Fargo," he added. "We're going to put that to rest. That's going to be done in a very comprehensive way and it's going to be done relatively quickly, but it's going to be done right." An independent consultant is now reviewing sales practices across the whole bank, Sloan said, without identifying the company. Because most of Wells Fargo's senior leadership has been at the bank for a long time, they may have inadvertently contributed to some of its problems, he said. Wells Fargo's period of atonement follows a $185 million settlement on Sept. 8 with federal regulators and a Los Angeles prosecutor regarding its opening as many as 2 million accounts in retail customers' names without their permission. Story continues At the time, the bank said it fired 5,300 employees for improper sales practices over a period of five years, but since then reports have surfaced of employees also being fired for raising red flags or not meeting aggressive sales quotas imposed by their managers. Wells Fargo welcomes back employees fired 'inappropriately' if they would like to return, Sloan said. He took the reins on Oct. 12 from former CEO John Stumpf, who abruptly left the bank under harsh scrutiny for its practices. Mack became head of the retail unit in July, before the scandal came to light. She replaced Carrie Tolstedt, who forfeited $19 million in stock in September following a public uproar over the sales issues. Stumpf gave up $41 million. Even with the settlement, the management shakeup and the steps is taking to improve, Wells Fargo's problems are not over. The bank faces probes from several other regulators and authorities, including the U.S. Department of Justice and congressional committees. The Securities and Exchange Commission is also examining the bank, Wells said in its filing on Thursday. Wells' $1.7 billion estimate of its potential legal expense shortfall is up from a $1 billion estimate in August. (Reporting by Dan Freed in New York; Additional reporting by Sruthi Shankar in Bengaluru and David Henry in New York; Writing by Lauren Tara LaCapra; Editing by Nick Zieminski) (Reuters) - Wells Fargo & Co, under fire for its sales tactics, said on Thursday its litigation costs could rise as much as $1.7 billion more than the amount it had already earmarked in provisions. The San Francisco bank had said in August that litigation costs could exceed provisions by as much as $1 billion. Wells Fargo also said on Thursday that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is investigating the bank's sales practices. (http://bit.ly/2eXIj3s) The bank has faced intense regulatory scrutiny since September over the opening of as many as 2 million unauthorized accounts, a scandal that led to the departure of former chief executive John Stumpf last month. Wells Fargo in September agreed to pay regulators $185 million in a settlement over the case. The Wall Street Journal had reported on Wednesday that the SEC is probing whether Wells Fargo violated rules around investor disclosures and other matters relating to the sales tactics scandal. The company said it could not determine if a resolution of its sales practices could have a "material adverse effect" on its financial condition. Goldman Sachs Group Inc separately said on Thursday that it had scaled back its estimate of the legal costs it may face beyond what it has set aside, to $1.7 billion from $2 billion. (http://bit.ly/2fy8sHX) (Reporting by Sruthi Shankar in Bengaluru; Editing by Sai Sachin Ravikumar) GettyImages 610995374 The chairman of Hillary Clintons campaign agreed with a Democratic strategist in February that the former secretary of state needed to make sure Bernie Sanders was ground to a pulp, hacked emails published by WikiLeaks on Thursday revealed. Joel Johnson, the managing director at the Glover Park Group and a former adviser to President Bill Clinton, wrote John Podesta, the chairman of the Clinton campaign, with some advice on how to handle the Vermont senator during the primary season. Bernie needs to be ground to a pulp, Johnson wrote. We cant start believing our own primary bulls---. Johnson added: Crush him as hard as you can. Podesta replied to the email, writing that he did agree with that in principle. Where would you stick the knife in? the Clinton campaign chairman asked. Johnson suggested Clinton characterize Sanders as an Obama betrayer, hapless legislator, false promiser, and someone who cant win. After a hard-fought primary, Sanders ultimately endorsed Clinton for president. The Vermont senator was set to campaign for Clinton in Iowa, Nebraska, and Colorado in the final days of the campaign. The Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee have alleged WikiLeaks is working hand-in-hand with the Russian government in an attempt to throw the US presidential election to Republican nominee Donald Trump. While it hasn't confirmed the validity of past emails released by WikiLeaks, the Clinton camp has not denied their accuracy. NOW WATCH: 'He never said that': New Clinton ad shows Trump contradicting Pence's VP debate denials More From Business Insider Washington (AFP) - The White House announced plans Thursday to create a 25,000 mile (40,000 km) recharging network for electric cars that it hopes will encourage drivers to switch from gasoline-powered vehicles. The Department of Transportation will designate 48 official electric vehicle routes on highways that cover 35 of the 50 states, with the aim of eventually building out further as demand grows. With the new power network, electric car drivers will be able to find a recharging station every 50 miles (80 kilometers), with regular signage indicating the locations. The government will work with the states, private businesses, and public groups to establish the recharging stations "to enable coast-to-coast zero emission mobility on our nation's highways," the White House said in a statement. Electric car makers Nissan, BMW, General Motors and a number of major power companies are among the companies participating in the initiative. The move also will better support companies, states and cities building their own fleets of electric cars, trucks and buses, the White House said. "The Obama Administration is committed to taking responsible steps to combat climate change, increase access to clean energy technologies, and reduce our dependence on oil." Currently there are more than 16,000 charging stations around the country, up from 500 in 2008, but still dwarfed by the number of gasoline stations, around 150,000 according to industry figures, the statement said. Despite significant tax incentives Americans have been slow to purchase plug-in electric cars, in part because of high costs and the low range of the batteries of most models, which limits trips to short distances. By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration issued a fresh warning on Thursday about the dangers of Congress failing to pass its Asian trade deal, saying that millions of U.S. jobs could be at risk if a rival China-led trade pact is enacted. As they gear up for one last push to persuade Congress to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)in the two months following Tuesday's elections, senior administration officials said 35 U.S. industrial sectors would lose substantial ground to Chinese competitors in the Japanese market alone. In a new study, the White House Council of Economic Advisers estimated that China's Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RECAP) trade deal would likely lower Japanese tariffs on Chinese goods by five to 10 percentage points. If TPP is shelved, U.S. companies would be stuck with Japanese tariffs averaging twice as high as their Chinese competitors. Obama administration officials have long argued that China would seize economic leadership in Asia and write lower-standard trading rules for the region if TPP fails. The White House study seeks to quantify the argument by examining the effect of likely RCEP tariff cuts by Japan. China is negotiating RCEP with 16 Asian countries, seven of which are also signatories to the TPP agreement: Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. "If TPP is not passed and RCEP is enacted, which is what all these countries say they are planning to do, then U.S. businesses would face a direct loss of competitive position," said Jason Furman, the chair of the Council of Economic Advisers. This would displace U.S. goods and be worse than simply maintaining the trade status quo, Furman said. The study identifies 35 industrial sectors employing 4.7 million people with $5.3 billion in sales to Japan that would face such a disadvantage. A broad manufacturing sector stretching from sporting goods to office supplies could see $720 million in annual sales to Japan at risk, the study said. Story continues The administration faces an uphill battle to get a vote for TPP in Congress' post-election "lame duck" session, due to strong anti-trade rhetoric in the presidential campaign and House Speaker Paul Ryan's recent comments that the trade deal lacks the votes for passage. But U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said he is continuing to press the TPP case with individual members and working with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch to ease his concerns about patent protections for biologic drugs. Froman said these efforts have been met with "a lot of receptivity". (Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) Washington (AFP) - The White House warned Thursday that failure to approve the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact will put billions of dollars in US exports at risk to competition from China. Without TPP, which has been a hot-button issue in the US presidential campaign, China and other countries could move ahead with a rival regional trade pact, leaving US goods at a disadvantage. This could put at risk 35 US export sectors that send $5.3 billion in goods to Japan's market alone, and employ 4.6 million workers, a White House official said. The United States negotiated the TPP with 11 Pacific Rim countries, but the agreement's implementation has been stalled by the US Congress, which has not ratified it. US Trade Representative Michael Froman told reporters the administration is committed to trying to get the deal approved in the last session of Congress after Tuesday's elections and before the next president takes office. "We certainly have not given up on the lame duck. That is our focus right now. President Obama has made it abundantly clear that we are very much committed to getting this done," Froman said in a conference call. He warned that the US trade picture will not stay as it is now if opponents get their way and defeat TPP. "The world is not going to sit on sidelines but is going to move on without us." Jason Furman, chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisors, said a new study measures the impact of the potential for lost US exports to Japan, once a new regional trade deal lowers tariffs for Chinese goods. The report looks at the Beijing-promoted Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership currently being negotiated in the Asia-Pacific region, which has 16 members, including seven that also are in the TPP. More than $225 billion in US exports -- roughly 10 percent of total US exports to the world -- go to the seven countries that are in TPP and also in RCEP. So Furman said the CEA study's estimates of harm to US industry are very conservative. Whoopi Goldberg is in the ugly Christmas sweater biz. (Photo: Noam Galai/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week) Nowadays, celebrities from reality stars to Oscar-winning actors have their own product lines, and its getting tough to keep them straight. Allow Yahoo Celebrity to occasionally present you with some of the stranger ones. If you know Whoopi Goldberg, chances are you know the multi-hyphenate star loves shoes. Like really, really loves shoes. But did you know she loves ugly, er, holiday sweaters? The View co-host has a new line of quirky cashmere sweaters available at Lord & Taylor and Hudsons Bay. Goldberg has said they dont really fall into the category of ugly. Theyre just fun. Theyre different. And they all cost $139. Related: Rob Kardashian Wants to Sell You a Pair of DILF Socks Ive always liked them, the comedian-actor-producer-host-designer told the New York Times, speaking of holiday sweaters. They make me happy. Ive worn them for many years. I thought about all the things Id love to see on a sweater. Maybe a brown Santa. I have friends who are Jewish and Catholic and married to each other, so I had a big green tree, and I thought, Well, what would you put on a big green tree if youre a Jewish kid? Well, youd put little menorahs on, youd put dreidels on. We have a What makes the family? sweater, which is this whole family and this one guy is green, but you realize hes their brother. You never know what kind of family is going to come into your door. That would be this one the Family Elf Ugly Christmas Sweater: The Family Elf Ugly Christmas Sweater is quite colorful! (Lord & Taylor) And heres a funky menorah design for Hanukkah. The Octopus Printed Long Sleeve Knit Top is perfect for Hanukkah. (Lord & Taylor) Goldberg, 60, shared her new sweater line with Jimmy Fallon when she stopped by The Tonight Show and expounded on why she wanted to create her own version of the sartorial holiday staple. I just wanted something that would make people smile, she said. Its been a couple of hard years. While Fallon may have found his second career as a sweater model, dont you worry about Whoopi. She isnt forgetting about her other passion. Id love to design holiday footwear, the Oscar winner revealed when asked whats next. But thats not all. Id love to design housewares. If youre going to have things in the house, you might as well not be bored by them. Story continues Boring is definitely not a word used to describe Whoopi. The U.S. is backing about 30,000 militia fighters in northern Syria who are coiled and ready to strike at the Islamic State. But as they prepare to move on Raqqa, the de facto ISIS capital, the Pentagon is heatedly debating which militias should actually enter the Syrian city once the fight reaches its final, and likely most bloody, stages. On Oct. 25, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the long-anticipated battle for Raqqa would begin in the next few weeks. Defense officials have since walked back that timeline, suggesting that while the militias might begin to move toward the city, the forces that will clear and hold Raqqa have yet to be identified, much less trained and equipped. Speaking to reporters Thursday at the Pentagon, the U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad, Col. John Dorrian, noted there is a degree of isolation and pressure thats been put on Raqqa in recent months. But, he said, right now, I dont think that all the forces that will be involved in that liberation force for Raqqa have been trained. The problem vexing U.S. policymakers and military planners is that ethnic Kurds make up about two-thirds of the 30,000-strong Syrian Democratic Forces. Thats a problem not only for Raqqas predominantly population of Arabs, who have sparred with Kurds for generations, but also for Turkey, a critical ally who flatly rejects Kurdish participation in the battle. Dorrian said the U.S. and its Syrian allies are looking for local Arab fighters from the Raqqa area to be the citys primary holding force. Those fighters havent been identified yet, and theyll have to be trained and equipped before theyre ready for action all of which pushes the timeline for the taking of Raqqa back months. According to some, however, time isnt something the anti-ISIS forces have to spare. Last month, Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, urged for a quick start to the move on Raqqa to disrupt terror plots against the U.S. and Europe. Our intelligence feeds tell us that there is significant external operations attacks planning going on, emanating, centralized in Raqqa, Townsend told reporters. Story continues While veteran Kurdish forces have emerged as the most capable fighting force in northern Syria, and have already ejected ISIS from the towns of Kobani, Manbij, and elsewhere, the fighters who punch their way into Raqqa will be something of an unknown quantity. In a sign of concern over the growing Kurdish military might on its southern flank, Ankara in August sent a Turkish-backed Syrian Arab militia into northern Syria. Its aim: Both to push ISIS away from Turkeys border, and place a wedge between two Kurdish-held cantons in the eastern and western parts of northern Syria. The move sought to dent the long-held Kurdish dream of a continuous homeland stretching from Iraq all the way through the entirety of northern Syria. Turkish military and government officials have warned repeatedly that the plan for their special forces and allied militias in Syria is to first evict Kurds from the ground they had seized, before the Turks and their allies turn their attention to Raqqa. Turkey has been fighting a Kurdish insurgency for decades, a fight that has killed thousands on both sides. Late last month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told President Barack Obama that while Turkeys military was ready to move against Raqqa, we dont need terror organizations like the Kurds to be involved. Both the U.S. and Turkey consider the separatist Kurdish PKK a terror organization. But in Syria, Washington is backing YPG militiamen who are loosely connected to the PKK. Turkey sees no difference between the two groups. Lets together oust Daesh from Raqqa, Erdogan said in televised comments, referring to the Arabic name for ISIS. We have this power. What are they? Theyre a simple terror organization. Photo credit: DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP/Getty Images Photo credit: AP Photo/Diane Bonadreff From Town & Country Robert Trump, Donald Trump's youngest brother, died on Saturday August 15 in New York City. The White House had recently confirmed that Robert has been hospitalized in Manhattan, and the President visited his brother the day before he died. He was not just my brother, he was my best friend, the president said in a statement. While he had not been in the media spotlight as much as his older sibling, Robert was back in the news this summer, as his niece Mary Trump published a tell-all about her family called Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man. Her publisher, Simon & Schuster, describes the text as a revelatory, authoritative portrait of Donald J. Trump and the toxic family that made him. Robert requested a temporary restraining order in an attempt to stop the book from being published. In a statement to the New York Times, he said he was "deeply disappointed" in his niece's decision to publish the book. Her attempt to sensationalize and mischaracterize our family relationship after all of these years for her own financial gain is both a travesty and injustice to the memory of my late brother, Fred, and our beloved parents, he said. I and the rest of my entire family are so proud of my wonderful brother, the president, and feel that Marys actions are truly a disgrace. Here, a look back at Robert's history, and how he handled Trump's 2016 campaign. This story was originally published on November 2, 2016: Judging by his media footprint, Robert Trump cuts a markedly lower profile than his brother Donald. In the Trump family, that may not be saying much. Anyone who paid attention to New York society in the '80s and '90s will recognize Robert's name. He is the youngest Trump sibling, born two years after his brother Donald. (There are five member of that generation: the oldest is Maryanne Trump Barry, a federal judge; next comes Frederick Trump Jr., who died in 1981 at the age of 43; Donald is in the middle, then Elizabeth Trump Grau, a retired bank executive; and finally Robert.) Story continues Photo credit: AP Photo/Diane Bonadreff Like Donald, Robert joined the family business and was a top executive with the company. Unlike his brother, he doesn't court publicity; ostentation, by most accounts, doesn't excite him. He may have learned to hold back the hard way in the mid-aughts, when his high-profile divorce from socialite Blaine Trump, his wife of about 25 years, was tabloid fodder. There was a mistress, a house Robert bought her on Long Island, and no prenupa perfect recipe for the gossip pages. Since then, Robert has pretty much vanished from public view. He is "gainfully retired," as he described himself to Page Six, and lives in Millbrook, New York, in the Hudson Valley, where he leads a relatively parochial but presumably lavish life with his now-not-so-secret partner and former secretary, Ann Marie Pallan, whose family owned and operated Gurney's, the famed Montauk resort and spa, for decades. (Robert did not respond to voicemail requests asking for an interview.) Photo credit: Getty Images According to town residents, Robert maintains a reserved but affable presence in Millbrook and its environs, using his financial largesse to support a number of local causes and small businesses. Now in his late 60s, Robert is a trustee of Angels of Light, a holiday giving nonprofit, and he's donated quite heavily to a horse rescue operation in the area, among other things. "He's not flamboyant," says one local who has met Robert a few times and asked to remain anonymous, describing him as a classy and dignified guy. "He couldn't be more different than his brother, quite frankly," the local adds. "I don't even know how they're in the same family." There is little doubt, however, that Robert is rooting for his brother's presidential bidin a rare interview earlier this year, he told Page Six, "I support Donald one thousand percent." He also favors Donald's supporters, like Republican Andrew Heaney, who hitched his congressional primary campaign to the Trump wagon and failed miserably in New York's 19th district, where Robert resides. From his perch in Millbrook, it appears that Robert does what he can for his brother and other Republican affiliates, hosting events and fundraisers out of Monte's Local Kitchen & Tap Room, Pallan's farm-to-table restaurant in nearby Amenia helmed by Chopped star Dafna Mizrahi (and where it is apparently uncouth to mention Donald's name unbidden, according to the local). The restaurant catered a Trump rally in Poughkeepsie in April. Robert has a meal named after him on Monte's menu, the "RST All American Burger," an eight-ouncer with cheese, lettuce, aioli, homemade pickles, and truffle fries that goes for $17.50. "The Trump boys love their burgers," Pallan told The Hudson Valley News last year. Photo credit: Rita Barros - Getty Images You Might Also Like Investors are always looking for stocks that are poised to beat at earnings season and Enbridge Energy Management LLC EEQ 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 Enbridge Energy 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 EEQ in this report. In fact, the Most Accurate Estimate for the current quarter is currently at 17 cents per share for EEQ, compared to a broader Zacks Consensus Estimate of 16 cents per share. This suggests that analysts have very recently bumped up their estimates for EEQ, giving the stock a Zacks Earnings ESP of 6.25% heading into earnings season. ENBRIDGE ENERGY Price and EPS Surprise ENBRIDGE ENERGY Price and EPS Surprise | ENBRIDGE ENERGY 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 EEQ 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 Enbridge Energy, and that a beat might be in the cards for the upcoming report. Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Tale of the Tape, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report ENBRIDGE ENERGY (EEQ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Investors are always looking for stocks that are poised to beat at earnings season and Tesco Corporation TESO 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 Tescois 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 TESO in this report. In fact, the Most Accurate Estimate for the current quarter is currently at a loss of 35 cents per share for TESO, compared to a broader Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 37 cents per share. This suggests that analysts have very recently bumped up their estimates for TESO, giving the stock a Zacks Earnings ESP of 5.41% heading into earnings season. TESCO CORP Price and EPS Surprise TESCO CORP Price and EPS Surprise | TESCO CORP 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 TESO has a Zacks Rank #2 (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 Tesco, and that a beat might be in the cards for the upcoming report. Confidential from Zacks Beyond this Tale of the Tape, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report TESCO CORP (TESO): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. From Cosmopolitan As part of a safe driving drill, a Wisconsin high school student council told its student body four of their peers had died in a car accident last Thursday via the school's announcement system, NBC 15 reports. Brodhead High Schools administration says despite the panic the drill caused, they stand by the announcement. Minutes after the whole school was told students were dead because they were texting and driving, a second announcement was made saying the news was just a drill and part of the councils yearlong safe driving initiative. The students who were supposed to be dead knew they were part of the drill and were not allowed to use their cell phones to respond to alarmed messages between the announcements. They went into detail about how one of them was rushed to the hospital, Brodhead junior Sam Bolen told the Washington Post. I was pretty upset. It is a really small school, like, most of the people really knew who they were. You kind of know who everybody is in a smaller school. "A lot of our fellow friends and students actually started crying because they thought these people were actually dead and so I think a lot of them actually called their parents in school too," Madison Trombley, another student, told NBC 15. More death announcements were made throughout the day, making some even more wary of the exercise: They were trying to teach using scare tactics which doesn't teach, it just makes you not trust the teachers and any of the announcements you're going to get," Bolen said. Both the student council and the school stand behind the announcements. Miranda Ryser, a woman who identified herself as a Brodhead student council member on Facebook, commented on NBC 15s link saying To the people who are upset about what happened at school today, good. I hope you're upset about it because I would rather have you upset and pissed off at the student council and the principal for a day, instead of being depressed because one of your classmates ACTUALLY died. Story continues The school district superintendent Leonard Luck told the Post, "While we stand by the worthiness of the activity, we recognize the flaws with how it was communicated, and that the administration is reviewing whether they will conduct the exercise again next year. Follow Tess on Twitter. You Might Also Like (Photo: Getty Images) From Cosmopolitan About one week after Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed the strictest anti-abortion legislation in the country, HEA 1337, into law in March, his office got a call from Sue Magina. Thats M-A-G-I-N-A, the caller told the operator. It rhymes with, she said, before the operator said, Ive got it," and hung up. Magina began calling Pence's office daily and published several transcripts of her phone calls on a Facebook page she had started, called Periods for Pence. Soon women from all over the state were joining Magina in calling Pences office with updates about their menstruation cycle. The page launched a social movement with people tweeting Pence about their periods and posting transcripts of their calls on the Facebook page. The Facebook page, which also shares news and commentary about reproductive rights and feminism, now has over 77,000 likes. A federal judge blocked the controversial law in June. But when Pence went on to become Donald Trumps running mate in July, the group doubled down rebranded itself as Periods for Politicians with the goal of calling other anti-choice legislators around the country. On Nov. 2, less than a week before Election Day, the group organized a pre-election rally at the Indiana Statehouse to "highlight damaging laws aimed at women across Indiana legislated during the last four years of Mike Pences term as Governor," according to a press release. At the rally, Magina also revealed her true identity as 39-year-old Carmel, Indiana, resident Laura Shanley. Ahead of her identity reveal, Shanley spoke to Cosmopolitan.com about her activism, why she is no longer anonymous, and where the Periods for Politicians movement is headed. Photo credit: Jennifer Weiss-Wolf Why did you start Periods for Pence? Initially, it began because Gov. Pence had passed a really, really restrictive abortion law. One of the things that it said was that pregnancy began when an egg was fertilized. But anyone with basic biology knowledge knows that you can expel fertilized eggs during a period without knowing. [Editor's note: According to the Guttmacher Institute, federal policy and scientific communities consider a woman pregnant "only when a fertilized egg has implanted in the wall of her uterus."] So I thought if youre going to want to know this much about my body and why Im making the choices Im making, then you might as well know all of it. Lets just cover our bases and make sure nobodys doing something illegal when we have a period. Story continues Contact @GovPenceIN to report your periods in response to HEA1337! Because it IS his business, now! - PeriodsforPols (@periodsforpols) March 30, 2016 I threw up the [Periods for Pence] Facebook page - took me about 20 minutes. I typed out a rant, and it just took off from there. The very next day, I started calling [Pence's office] and started transcribing my calls. Then people just started calling as well. When it caught the media attention about two weeks later, [the Facebook page had] about 55,000 people. How did "Sue Magina" come about? The first time [I called] I actually used my real name. I said that I wanted to call and report that I wasn't pregnant. They said, "Can I get your name?" and I said, "Sure, it's Not Pregnant Laura." That, unfortunately, was the call that started showing up in stories in the media about Periods for Pence. So I started giving them a fake name when I would call, for about a week, and then I thought, This is no fun at all. I started thinking about What are they going to do? Sue my vagina? That's where Sue Magina came from. How many times have you called Pence's office? Oh, I called every day for the first probably two to three months. Then we started calling the author of the bill, Casey Cox, and we started calling some of the co-sponsors of the bill - Liz Brown was one that was running for Congress. The switchboard would answer, and I would say I wanted to speak with someone in the governor's office please, and they would transfer you. Of course, usually I would say, "Hi, can I speak with Gov. Pence?" and they would say, "No, he's not available, I can take a message," and then I would just speak with whoever happens to be on the line. I never actually heard of anyone getting the representative on the phone. @periodsforpence @GovPenceIN do I get bereavement leave at work every 28 days for the potential missed births? - Elle Woods (@AttyWoods) April 3, 2016 What response did you receive? Someone that worked in the governors office would let me know that [Gov. Pence] was getting very perturbed by the whole thing. He would just walk in in the morning and beeline to his office and shut the door and lock it [laughs]. One day, reports came in that we had shut down the phone lines altogether, and so after that happened, they had started farming it out so that the main switchboard was answering instead of his office. Did anyone ever hang up on you? Very often. My favorite was when we called Trump's office once, and I just said, "Hi, I wanted to give this message to Mike Pence that I'm having really terrible cramps today." And the lady on the phone said, "Oh, you're sick people. You're sick." And I said, "No I'm not sick, I just have cramps. I'm OK," and she hung up. Is there anyone you are calling regularly? Right now we're not [calling any politician regularly]. We wait to see who's in session, what law is pressing at the time. Next week, we're going to start calling Gov. Greg Abbott from Texas regarding their anti-choice law that's being passed. When I saw "we," I mean the [Facebook] page as a collective. How has this impacted the abortion rights movement? I have a lot of women that said, "Gosh, I never knew that I could call my representative." Theres nothing wrong with going to protests and we need those things to call attention. But we also need our voices to be heard on an individual level. Photo credit: Jennifer Weiss-Wolf What was your reaction when Mike Pence was chosen as Donald Trumps running mate? Mike Pence has had a pretty abysmal record in Indiana of pushing a very theocratic agenda. He had the whole Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which was allowing discrimination against gay people. [Editor's note: The RRFA allows businesses to cite religious beliefs as a legal defense if sued. After outcry over fears of anti-LGBT discrimination, the law was amended to state it would not allow discrimination against sexual orientation or gender identity]. He tried to run a state-run media service. As extreme as Donald Trump is, Mike Pence is far more so. I dont think Donald Trump really knows exactly what hes doing all the time. Mike Pence knows exactly what hes doing all the time. Good morning it's your hoo-ha! Keep calling @GovPenceIN but add the author Casey Cox as well! 317-232-9863. Tell him hey from your hoo ha! - PeriodsforPols (@periodsforpols) April 4, 2016 Why have you chosen to remain anonymous until now? At first, there were a lot of reasons. I really liked my boss. I taught pre-K in a church, and the church was a very conservative church. She wouldve had to fire me and I just didnt want to put her in that position. So I stayed anonymous as long as I could, and then at the end of the school year, I lost my job [for reasons unrelated to Periods for Pence]. My safety is another. I have received more than one threat on the [Facebook] page. And we have some family members that are very pro-life and I tried to be respectful of that while still taking a stand. @GovPenceIN @periodsforpence I really like that you are so into my uterus, would hate to think it was only me & my OBGYN - Elle Woods (@AttyWoods) April 3, 2016 But the more Ive heard Donald Trump and Mike Pence speak and reiterate their beliefs that women are second-class citizens, its just more important to me to speak out and to give women some encouragement to use their voices. And I cant really ask them to do that if Im sitting behind the veil of anonymity. Thats not good leadership. Follow Prachi on Twitter. You Might Also Like Lead Plaintiff Deadline is January 3, 2017 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 3, 2016 / Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP has filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on behalf of all shareholders of Linkwell Corporation ("Linkwell") whose shares were unilaterally sold in an undisclosed going private transaction (the "Acquisition"). The Acquisition was approved by the controlling shareholders of Linkwell Corporation and their affiliates on September 19, 2014. Shareholders whose shares of Linkwell Corporation ("Linkwell") were unilaterally sold without notice of the Acquisition are urged to contact the firm immediately at classmember@whafh.com or (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774. You may also review the complaint and obtain additional information concerning the action on our website, www.whafh.com. The complaint charges Xuelian Bian, Wei Guan, Sidley Austin LLP, Shanghai Yinling Asset Management Co., Ltd., Lead First Capital Limited and Leading World Corporation ("Defendants") for their misconduct in connection with the design, implementation, and consummation of the Acquisition. The Acquisition was undertaken on behalf of Xuelian Bian and Wei Guan to extinguish valuable claims asserted against them (and others) in a previously filed derivative action, as well as to directly acquire for themselves the assets and operations of Linkwell at a grossly inadequate price. Defendants did not provide Plaintiff and other similarly situated public shareholders of Linkwell with any notice with respect to the Acquisition. As a result of the failure to provide the requisite statutory notice, Plaintiff and other similarly situated public shareholders were unlawfully and unfairly deprived of the opportunity to: evaluate whether the $0.88 per share merger consideration was fair; vote to approve the Merger Agreement; exercise appraisal rights; or move to enjoin the Acquisition. Story continues 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 Charles J. Hecht, Esq. Malcolm T. Brown, Esq. Gregory Stone, Director of Case and Financial Analysis Email: hecht@whafh.com, brown@whafh.com, gstone@whafh.com, or classmember@whafh.com Tel: (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774 SOURCE: Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP A South Carolina woman who vanished months ago along with her boyfriend was found chained like a dog in a metal storage container, where authorities said she was kept by a sex offender who they fear is a serial killer. Kala Brown and Charlie Carver had last been seen leaving a friend's home August 30 in Anderson and were reported missing a day later after their concerned families had been unable to reach either of them by phone, according to the Find Kala and Charlie Facebook page. Authorities found Browns car in the parking lot of their apartment complex, where their apartments door was unlocked and Browns Pomeranian, Romeo, was left with no food or water, the page said. Carvers car was missing. There had been no activity on Browns Facebook account, which was very usual for the 30-year-old woman, but several postings on Carvers page after they disappeared left loved ones convinced something sinister had happened to the couple. His profile picture was changed on September 6th and according to his family and friends, recent comments on the page are uncharacteristic of ones typically made by Charlie, the Facebook page dedicated to finding them wrote. Read: Mom of Kids Found Chained Outside Woman's Home Located Thousands of Miles Away After more than two months missing, Brown was found restrained with a chain around her neck in a metal container when deputies heard her banging on the 30x15 structure, Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright told reporters on Thursday. It was pretty emotional, to say the least, when she was found, especially when she was chained like a dog, Wright said. She had a chain around her neck. Brown told investigators that she had been kept in the container for two months, but had been fed regularly, Wright said. She was taken to a local medical facility to be treated. It was only by Gods grace that we found [her] alive, he continued. Story continues Brown reportedly told officials that there may be four bodies on the property, where Wright said plenty of weapons and ammo were found and noted there is nearly 100 acres to search. Investigators are looking into the possibility of a serial killer being connected to the case, Wright said. Todd Kohlhepp, 45, was arrested on the property, will likely be charged with kidnapping and may face additional charges, Wright said. He was taken into custody when authorities served the search warrant, Wright continued. Kohlepp is a registered sex offender who was convicted of an October 16, 1987 kidnapping in Arizona, according to South Carolinas sex offender registry. He is listed as a Juvenile Tier III offender; tier III classificatiosn are considered the most serious, according to federal law. Read: Cops: Man Charged With Running Sex Slave Ring in His House, Kept Woman Chained To Stripper Pole Wright pointed to Kohlepps prior conviction, saying more must be done when dealing with sex offenders. I think some of them need to be on the chain gang... instead of being out here about to do that kind of stuff, he said. Youve got somebody whose still doing those things, how much is enough? How much is enough before we decide that were gonna get really stringent with our laws and go, Youre not going to hurt anybody anymore? When is enough? He is also a licensed real estate agent, who heads up TK&A Real Estate, online records show. On his businesss website, Kohlepp notes he has multiple college degrees, is a former professional graphic designer and a licensed pilot. Authorities believe Brown and Kohlepp were acquainted, but a possible connection is still being investigated, Wright said. I dont think its random at all, he said. He said that he believes Kohlepp may have been posting on Carvers Facebook, but that has not been officially confirmed. Its super possible that he was doing that to try to get people off his trail, but thats just a thought, Wright said. Carver has not yet been found. Watch: See What Happened When Parole Officers Visited Sex Offenders on Halloween Related Articles: An Indiana woman, who was savagely beaten, allegedly at the hands of her live-in boyfriend, has received an outpouring of support and donations, including a brand new car. Carleigh Hager, 25, was beaten nearly to death, she told police, by Ryan Cameron, who tried to rip out her tongue, she said. Read: Air Conditioning Repairman Nearly Beats to Death Woman During House Call: Cops He got the right side halfway, she told CBS affiliate WTTV. He got it halfway ripped out. Cameron has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery and one count of strangulation. He remains in custody at the Marion County Jail. His trial is scheduled to begin Dec. 19. Hager has been released from the hospital and is staying in an undisclosed location. She wept tears of joy this week as friends showed her a 2016 Chevy Cruze, donated by Crawfordsville auto dealer Christi Huber, and handed her the keys. The woman, still pretty banged up, walked gingerly to the maroon coupe and stopped several times, overcome with emotion, dropping her face into her hands. Oh my God, she sobbed. Oh my God. A GoFundMe page established to help cover Hagers medical costs has raised more than $26,000. The vehicle carries a three-year lease, which the dealer will pay every month for 36 months to boost Hagers credit rating and help her toward financial independence, said Huber. Hager said that she and her boyfriend had returned from a wedding nearly two weeks ago and had been arguing, she said. Some friends came to the couples house and Hager said she went to bed after Cameron became verbally abusive. But she later woke up as Cameron began choking her, she told police. The friends beat down the couples locked bedroom door and dragged Cameron outside, Hager said. Read: Son Throws Mom Out Window Then Jumps Down and Beats Her to Death: Cops But he eventually made his way back inside and locked out his friends, who then called 911. Story continues Meanwhile, Cameron had dragged Hager into the bathroom, where he beat her head against the tub, chewed off a piece of her ear and bit her all over her body, she told investigators. She suffered a concussion, bleeding in her brain, and multiple bruises and bites, authorities said. She has spoken out since the attack, saying she wont back down and will continue to encourage women to leave abusive partners. You have to tell somebody. You cant be embarrassed. You cant be ashamed. You have to tell somebody because I almost died and it can happen, she said. Watch: 'I'm Not Going to Shut Up About It': Man Beats Girlfriend, Tries to Rip Out Her Tongue: Cops Related Articles: Hillary Clinton may become the first female president of the United States, but she is not the first woman who has run for the job. This year alone there are five women who have earned their partys nominationincluding the Green Partys Jill Stein and the Party for Socialism and Liberations Gloria La Riva, who has been on various Socialist tickets for more than 30 years. Although Clinton, in July, became the first woman ever to be nominated by a major political party, dozens of women have attempted the feat in the past century and a half. Victoria Woodhull, an early suffrage leader, ran for president in 1872 on the Equal Rights Partys ticketdecades before women had even secured the right to vote and despite the fact that, at 34, she was too young to be eligible. Shes remembered today as part-hustler, part-trailblazer, and her roster of experience included stints as a clairvoyant and a Wall Street broker. (If anyone actually voted for her, those votes were never counted.) In this Harpers Weekly cartoon, published in 1872, a woman is seen carrying her children and drunk husband. She says to a demonic portrayal of Victoria Woodhull, "I'd rather travel the hardest path of matrimony than follow your footsteps." Woodhull was an advocate for womens right to divorce their husbands, a controversial position at the time. (Library of Congress) Belva Ann Lockwood followed suit in 1884 and 1888, arguing that just because she couldnt vote didnt mean that men couldnt vote for her. A portrait of Belva Lockwood, who ran for president in 1884 and 1888. (C.M. Bell / Library of Congress) In 1920, Laura Clay and Cora Wilson Stewart both sought the Democratic Party nomination. (James Cox beat them, then lost to Warren Harding.) In 1964, Fay Carpenter Swain attempted to get the Democratic nomination while Margaret Chase Smith went after the Republican nomination. (Smith lost to Barry Goldwater, who himself lost to Lyndon Johnson that year.) In 1972, a trio of Democratic women tried to land the ticket: Shirley Chisholm, Patsy Mink, and Bella Abzug. Mink, who died in 2002, is best known today as the author of Title IX. She also held the distinction of being the first Asian American to seek her partys nomination for the presidency. George McGovern wound up winning the Democratic nomination in 1972, then suffered a stunning defeat to Richard Nixon in the general election. Story continues Margaret Chase Smith, who was later a Republican candidate for U.S. president, photographed in 1943. (Library of Congress) Its tempting to read something into the fact that so many women attempted to secure nominations from parties that rejected themonly for those parties to ultimately lose the election with their preferred, male nominee. But what might such a pattern suggest? It seems possible that women saw a more plausible opening for their own candidacy in elections where their parties were weaker. That, in turn, might have made an already politically risky moveto run for president as a womanseem slightly less treacherous. Less treacherous to the public that might vote for them, that is. Recommended: Why Is Hillary Clinton So Widely Loved? To run for president at all, and especially as a woman, requires a level of boldness that all but ignores the ultimate improbability of victory. A few years ago, I spent a rainy Saturday afternoon picking through Minks vast archives at the Library of Congress, and was bowled over by the sexism in the news clippings about her. One newspaper story, from her time as a Hawaii state legislator, began by describing her as the cutest senator you ever saw. (Things have changed for women in politics, but not as much as it sometimes seems.) Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress, faced similar treatment. When she was first electedand immediately relegated to an undesirable subcommittee assignment having to do with forestryshe pushed back. Heres the Associated Presss 1971 account of what happened: She surprised colleagues by striding to the microphone during a Democratic caucus and refusing to budge until she was reluctantly recognized by the leadership. Then, she successfully pushed through a measure changing her assignment to veterans affairs. There are a lot more veterans in my district than there are trees, she said. A male colleague told her shed committed political suicide. She ignored him, ran for president anyway, then continued to serve as a member of Congress until 1983. The year Chisholm ran for president, 1972, was something of a turning point for women and the presidencywhich makes sense, given the momentum of the womens movement and rise of second-wave feminism. Ever since, there have been women vying for at least one of the major partys nominations (more often Democrats than Republicans) with each presidential election, a trend that seems certain to continue. Patsy Mink, photographed in 1992. (Library of Congress) Today, the idea that a woman might be elected president of the United States seems inevitable. It may, in fact, be mere days away. Recommended: The Conservative Case for Voting for Clinton And yet, even without having been elected, some women have played a far more prominent role in the American presidency than has often been acknowledged. Edith Wilson, the first lady to President Woodrow Wilson, was in a very real sense the first woman president of the United States, the writer and historian Thomas Bailey argued in 1945. After President Wilson suffered a stroke in 1919, the first lady informally assumed the role of acting presidentshe described it in her memoir as serving as a steward for her husband. (Though there was a succession plan in place for when a president died in office, dealing with a chief executives prolonged disability was thornier.) All dispatches intended for the president were to go through his wife first. Edith Wilson insisted that, although she strictly controlled access to the president, he was still the one making the decisions. I myself never made a single decision regarding the disposition of public affairs, she later wrote. The only decision that was mine was what was important and what was not, and the very important decision of when to present matters to my husband. Historians have since come to see Wilsons stewardship slightly differently: According to her White House Historical Association biography, Edith Wilson was functionally running the Executive branch of government for the remainder of Wilson's second term. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f270940%2fgisstemp_sept Although historic international progress has been made in the fight to slow global warming during the past two years, it may not be enough. The world is still headed for a temperature rise that is well above the target the international community is aiming for. This is the sobering conclusion of a new U.N. report released on Thursday morning, which found that warming of between 2.9 to 3.4 degrees Celsius, or 5.2 to 6.1 degrees Fahrenheit, is likely by the end of the century if countries meet their pledges under the Paris Climate Agreement but don't commit to cutting another quarter off predicted 2030 greenhouse gas emissions. SEE ALSO: The disturbing climate implications of this sailboat's Arctic voyage The target set under the Paris Agreement, which goes into effect on Friday, is a maximum warming of 2 degrees Celsius, or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, above preindustrial levels by 2100. Anything more than that, scientists and political leaders say, would carry too high a risk of irreversible impacts on global ice sheets, resulting in the drowning of small island states. The likelihood of other dangerous outcomes such as longer droughts, more intense and lasting heat waves would also increase. The assessment comes a few days before U.N. officials begin the next round of climate talks in Marrakesh, Morocco. Greenhouse gas emissions and temperature scenarios using Paris pledges, negative emissions later this century, and other assumptions. Image: UNEP Emissions gap report 2016 A key topic at the climate summit will be whether countries, particularly the biggest polluters like China and the U.S., will step up and offer more stringent emissions cuts on near-term timetables. So far, most emissions cuts under the Paris Agreement are pegged to 2030. The U.S., for example, is expected to present a plan in Marrakech to largely decarbonize its economy by 2050, though it may not formally commit to taking that step in part due to uncertainty surrounding next week's election. The UN report, known as the "Emissions Gap Report," is an important report card for the world's government and business leaders who are seeking to curtail the speed and severity of global warming. Story continues Although it does not give the world a letter grade, a close reading of the document reveals such an evaluation would likely be a C, or the minimum passing grade, at best. A wheel loader unloads coal on a quay at the bank of the Yangtze River in Yichang city, central China's Hubei province, 17 May 2016. Image: Zhou jianping - Imaginechina The report found that under current emissions reduction commitments, the world will have burned nearly all of the carbon that can be combusted while still remaining under Paris' 2-degree Celsius target. This would leave little room for rapidly developing countries like India to grow their economies while wrestling with rising emissions. To put that another way, this means that the so-called "carbon budget," which is the amount of carbon dioxide-equivalent pollutants that can be released into the atmosphere without exceeding a particular temperature target, will be "close to depleted" by 2030 even under a scenario in which all of the world's Paris pledges are met, the report found. After 2030, then, the world's carbon account will be overdrawn, and incurring increasingly painful penalties. Carbon dioxide concentrations in the air hit all-time highs in 2016. Image: Scripps institution of oceanography "This year's Emissions Gap Report brings a greater awareness of the challenge ahead of us," the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) chief scientist Jacqueline McGlade told Mashable via email. Even including the Paris Agreement as well as other recent steps, McGlade says that countries will still need to cut an additional 12 to 14 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents per year in order to reach the 2-degree target by 2100. "Given that 1 gigatonne is the equivalent of taking all cars [off] European roads for one year, it is clear that we have much to do. And the earlier we act the better," she said. Interestingly, the UNEP report notes that most scenarios limiting warming to 2 degrees Celsius or less by 2100 foresee a reliance on as-yet unproven technologies that would yield actually remove carbon from the atmosphere. Some climate scientists have dismissed such an assumption as overly optimistic at best. "If we dont start taking additional action now, beginning with the upcoming climate meeting in Marrakesh, we will grieve over the avoidable human tragedy," said U.N. Environment director Erik Solheim in a press release. "The growing numbers of climate refugees hit by hunger, poverty, illness and conflict will be a constant reminder of our failure to deliver. The science shows that we need to move much faster. book college For high-school seniors across the nation, college admissions deadlines are beginning to loom large. One of the biggest areas of stress is often the admissions essay. The vice president and dean of admission at Reed College a liberal arts school in Oregon went on Reddit to answer questions about the college admissions process. In his AMA, or Ask Me Anything, Milyon Trulove provided two important tips for students to remember when writing their college admissions essays: A. Tell me a good story I've long said storytellers own the world. Take a second to think about someone that always has a wild tale for you. Think about someone who always make you laugh. It's likely that when that person shares, you feel a personal connection. That's the way we humans work, that's the way we connect. If you can imagine someone in front of a room who is captivating, interesting and compelling - chances are that it's an individual that has a special skill of conveying their experiences in a chronological, engaging and compelling fashion. Storytellers know why they're telling a story. They know how to build the other involved characters in the minds of the audience. They know the punchline, or the takeaway message; they know when to stop telling the story, when to pause for you to catch up... they take you somewhere or someplace and, when it's time to deliver the big bang, they deliver a communal experience that leaves you feeling an affinity for them as a storyteller. Imagine doing that for an admission committee. B. Essays with a "so what?" But, for your college essay, don't just tell your admission committee a clever story you've shared with any given "grown-up" that has appreciated your maturity. You HAVE to (have to) tell us why we should care. After you write your original, well constructed essay ask yourself "Why should they care?" If your answer isn't captured in your essay, you've more work to do. Story continues NOW WATCH: How to know if you have what it takes to be a CEO More From Business Insider In late October, wearing a dark suit and a maroon tie, Chinese President Xi Jinping stood before an audience of thousands of veterans, soldiers, and officials inside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The most powerful man in China issued a declaration that might seem more at home in a history textbook: Chinas future turns on bringing the sacred memory of the Long March, a foundational event in Communist Chinese history, into the 21st Century. Xi was not yet alive when the trek took place, but his rhetoric sought to make it his own and to double down on an implicit promise to citizens offering prosperity in the future in exchange for complete loyalty right now. The gathering in Beijing had been called to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the great trek across China, which began in 1934 in the countrys southeast at a perilous moment in Chinese Communist Party history when Chiang Kai-sheks Nationalists seemed on the brink of annihilating rebel red army forces and ended two years later with the establishment of new guerilla bases in the countrys north. Every Party leader since the triumph of the revolution in 1949, beginning with Communist strongman Mao Zedong himself, has treated the event with veneration. Like the American Continental Armys winter at Valley Forge, the Long March is a seminal foundation myth an epochal struggle against long odds, in which someone who would become the first leader of a new country played a central, sometimes seemingly superhuman role. It was no surprise, then, to find that Xi, whose father participated in the events final stage, continued this tradition, extolling the Long March as a stately monument and calling on those assembled to join him in embarking on a new Long March to realize the complete national rejuvenation that he has made his signal goal. In China, it seems, everything old is new again. Xis Long March speech extends the leaderships pattern of rhetorical moves to reclaim and repurpose elements of the Partys past, and tie the current leader to Mao, Xis best-known precursor. State-of-the-art fast trains take travelers not just to skyscraper-filled and smog-shrouded business districts, but also to sites associated with the lives of both Confucius and Mao that have become peculiar historical theme parks, a mixture of Epcot Center and Colonial Williamsburg. (Some of these locales have received Xi himself.) It is a country where Xi calls for a New Silk Road to connect Beijing to other Eurasian capitals; extends the existing global network of government-affiliated Confucius Institutes to promote Chinese language and culture around the world; and seeks to elevate what previously would have been modestly marked commemorative moments, like 2014s 77th anniversary of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident that triggered the start of the Sino-Japanese War, to major state events. It was only a matter of time before the Long March would come in for a reboot. Story continues Xis vision of a new Long March centers on the heroism, military strength, ideological unity, loyalty to the leadership, and determination associated with the original journey, but applied to a set of problems that would have been unimaginable to Communist soldiers in the 1930s. These include slowing economic growth, official corruption, environmental degradation, and a major demographic transition whittling down the ranks of the work force. Xi promises to overcome these challenges in a way that also leaves his countrymen more prosperous and powerful than ever before. Small wonder that Xi made clear China urgently needs another human miracle on the order of the Long March. The Long March is ideally suited to what has become a favorite strategic move of Xis: setting big goals for national rejuvenation, then increasing his own authority in order to achieve them. Xi has set sweeping objectives for economic reforms, then in December 2013 established the Central Leading Group for Comprehensively Deepening Reforms, which he chairs, as a way of implementing them. He has identified a need to reorganize the military and reshape its relationship to the Party, then in March 2014 inaugurated the Central Leading Group for Military Reform, which he also leads. By announcing a new Long March, Xi is also staking his claim to the heroic tradition in the Partys history. Shortly after his speech, a closely watched four-day meeting of the Partys Central Committee culminated in a statement elevating Xi to core leader, a term some had thought retired in the Hu Jintao era, which reflected a more collective leadership style. Now, Xi joins Mao, Deng Xiaoping, and Jiang Zemin as Chinese leaders whove born the designation. Its no coincidence Xis new status and his Long March goals were announced in swift succession. Both are initiatives of the central leadership emphasizing the dramatic challenges facing China, including entrenched domestic interests and thus, the need for total loyalty to the Party, and to Xi. This is not the first time that China has heard the idea of a new Long March from a core leader. Deng, the most important post-Mao leader until Xi, used the same phrase in a strikingly different context nearly 30 years ago. In the 1980s, Deng pushed forward with reform and opening in the face of staunch opposition from conservatives, not to mention the myriad risks and difficulties that arose in transforming a poverty-stricken planned economy into a modern, market-driven powerhouse. To help sell this risky, bold program, Deng, who had participated in the actual Long March a half-century earlier, had to tap into the Partys lore and repurpose it to emphasize that promoting economic development and opening up domestically and internationally was another epic struggle deserving of heroic effort. With a characteristic flourish, he called it our new Long March towards modernization. To some extent, this re-appropriation happens everywhere it isnt vastly different from uses of the Tea Party in U.S. politics in recent years. The focus of such reinterpretation isnt on factual accuracy; its on how the spirit of a historical episode can be deployed to meet current needs and explain or legitimate a direction for the future. For their part, Chinas rulers continually reinterpret the narrative of the Partys rule to present different visions of Chinas future. But Xis re-appropriation of the phrase is intended to serve objectives more inward-looking and suspicious of the outside world than was Dengs: tremendous pushback against hostile foreign forces allegedly wreaking havoc in the economy, the media, academia, and beyond, as well as an intense focus on domestic political challenges like Party corruption. Repurposing of the past can be particularly risky in an authoritarian society like China. It means that alternative interpretations become heretical, or what the Party calls historical nihilism, defined as an interpretation of the past that undermines the legitimacy of New China. For example, middle-aged Chinese listening to Xis use of the phrase new Long March may hear an echo the leadership didnt intend. One of the biggest albums in Chinas history is the rock star Cui Jians Rock n Roll on the New Long March. Cui was a voice of the students who protested in Tiananmen Square in the spring of 1989, the same year that he released the album. Cui performed a song from the album, Nothing to My Name, for protesters at Tiananmen Square in Beijing two weeks before troops massacred protesters near the square, and elsewhere. As recently as 2014, shortly after Xi came to power, state-run Chinese Central Television refused to give Cui permission to perform that same song. These overlapping, sometimes dissonant echoes of the past resound through Chinese politics today. Historical episodes that dont get revisited become themselves telling, providing a sort of photo negative of Xis vision, one predicated on centralized power and absolute unity. Recent years have brought anniversaries that some in China wish to see acknowledged, but which the Party lets pass unmarked. In 2014, efforts to prevent acknowledgement of the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre appeared more intense than ever to many analysts, with journalist Louisa Lim telling the Los Angeles Times that for the first time, even closed-door commemorations were banned. In 2015, Xi declined to mark the 10-year anniversary of the death of Zhao Ziyang, the reformist leader who developed the major economic reforms of the 1980s but was purged during the Tiananmen crackdown for sympathizing with protestors. As Xi launches his new Long March, it is worth remembering what the original trek actually was: a retreat to safety in isolation, a gambit to break out of the grip of an encircling enemy, and the beginning of a turn inward to restore Party unity under a new strongman ruler. This history, too, recalls Xis rule today, with its turn away from the openness and interconnection with the outside world that has powered Chinas record-breaking growth, all amid cries of encirclement by the United States and other hostile foreign forces. In this sense, Xis new Long March may be a more apt use of the metaphor than Dengs (characteristically inventive) repurposing. Even if contrasts obtain between Xis vision of the Long March, Dengs variant, and the actual event, the overarching project of both men remains the same: to find in the history of the Communist Party stories that help legitimate its continuing rule of a society that has gone far from the path Mao envisioned. Yet if Xis new Long March is fundamentally a march inward, it will pose a great risk to Chinas long-term success. For China truly to thrive, a path must be found for it to reconnect with the spirit of openness to new ideas, both domestic and foreign, and to partners from around the world that has periodically flourished in the land, as it did in the years leading up 1989 and other moments since. This opening up to the world after decades of insecurity and isolation was also a human miracle. It is time that Xi recognize it as such. Jason Lee/Getty Images Alex Wallace, a former high-ranking NBC News executive who spent more than a decade at the news division, has joined Yahoo as acting head of video. A Yahoo rep said Wallace started at the company this week, and that shell be working on continuing our momentum in video across news, sports, finance, and lifestyle. Most recently, Wallace was senior VP at NBC News as the executive in charge of Nightly News 360, Meet the Press 360, and the orgs Washington Bureau before exiting in July 2015. Previously she was the executive in charge of Today and Nightly News with Brian Williams and served as chief deputy to Steve Capus, formerly president of NBC News. Prior to joining NBC News in 2006, she worked as a producer at CBS News for nearly 10 years. Wallace joins Yahoo as the internet company is in a state of flux. Following mass layoffs earlier this year, Yahoo is in the midst of being acquired by Verizon although the telco is still sorting out the implications for the deal of the gigantic breach of user data that Yahoo disclosed in August. Based in New York City, Wallace is on the media team headed by Martha Nelson, Yahoos senior VP and global editor-in-chief and former top Time Inc. editorial exec, who joined the company last year. Yahoos hiring of Wallace was first reported by Politico. Related stories Media Mergers Fall 23% in Third Quarter (Study) Verizon EVP: Give Us 60 Days to Figure Out How the Yahoo Hack Impacts Acquisition Verizon CFO: Telco Has Made 'No Final Conclusions' About Yahoo in Wake of Massive Security Breach Aden (AFP) - Thousands of Yemenis protested Thursday against a new UN plan to end the devastating conflict between rebels and the Saudi-backed government, saying it would legitimise the insurgents' power grab. The demonstrations in the southern city of Aden and other locations took place shortly before UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed arrived in Sanaa for peace talks with the Iran-backed Huthi rebels. "We reject the plan of Ould Cheikh (Ahmed)," read one of the banners carried by protesters in Aden -- the government's temporary base -- who responded to a call by authorities in the city to rally. "No to an initiative that legitimises the coup," said another. President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi on Saturday rejected the envoy's peace plan, saying it would reward the Huthis for seizing the capital and "opens a door towards more suffering and war". Hadi enjoys the backing of a Saudi-led Arab coalition that launched a military campaign in March 2015 after the rebels closed in on his refuge in Aden, forcing him to flee to Riyadh. The contents of the roadmap, which the envoy presented to the rebels last week, have not been made public. But informed sources say it calls for agreement on naming a new vice president after the rebels withdraw from the capital Sanaa and other cities and hand over heavy weapons to a third party. Hadi would then transfer power to the vice president who would appoint a new prime minister to form a government in which the north and south of Yemen would have equal representation. - Attack on military camp - Hundreds of people also rallied against the plan Thursday in Marib, east of Sanaa, and in the southeastern province of Hadramawt, witnesses said. Hadi has described the new proposal as an "explicit departure" from the UN Security Council's resolution 2216, which calls on rebels to withdraw from territory they have captured since 2014. The Huthis have called the plan a "basis for discussion" despite containing "fundamental flaws". Story continues The conflict has killed nearly 7,000 people since the coalition launched its campaign, according to the United Nations. On Thursday, a military official said eight rebels and five pro-Hadi soldiers had been killed in clashes in central Taez province over the past 24 hours. Eleven rebels were wounded in the fighting in Salo, which has forced most of the district's 5,000 residents to flee, the official said. In Mukalla, the provincial capital of Hadramawt, a suicide attacker crashed his bomb-laden truck into the fence of a military camp for naval forces, a security source said. The refrigerated truck, used to transport fresh fish, exploded at the fence, wounding three soldiers and two civilians, the source said. Hadi's troops, backed by the coalition, recaptured Mukalla in April from Al-Qaeda militants who had ruled the city for one year. Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group have exploited the conflict in Yemen to expand their presence across the south and southeast, carrying out frequent attacks against pro-Hadi forces and government officials. If you or a Loved One has been Injured Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in a New York City Apartment Building, Commercial Building, or other Dwelling or Building, you May be Entitled to Compensation for your Injuries NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 3, 2016 / As the weather cools, and people begin turning up the heat indoors, it's important to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide, especially if you live in an apartment building. In places like New York City, it's no surprise that the majority of people rent. According to the Wall Street Journal, 64 percent of the NYC population rented as of 2013. According to the National Conference of State Legislators, over 10,000 people suffer carbon monoxide poisoning every year, and carbon monoxide poisoning kills more than 500 people annually. Like most states, New York has strict rules regarding ventilation and carbon monoxide detectors. The New York City code requires carbon monoxide detectors in all new and existing one- and two-family homes, hotels, apartment buildings, nursing home, schools, and dormitories. Furthermore, there must be a carbon monoxide detector within 15 feet of the main entrance to every sleeping room. In 2014, New York State lawmakers passed a bill that also requires all restaurants and commercial buildings in the state to install carbon monoxide detectors. Known as Steve Nelson's law, the bill was proposed in memory of a Long Island restaurant worker who died when he was exposed to toxic levels of carbon monoxide due to a defective water heater flue pipe in the restaurant's basement. The carbon monoxide levels were so high, even some of the emergency personnel who responded to the scene became ill. Under the new law, every commercial building and restaurant in New York must install carbon monoxide detectors by June 2015. Why Carbon Monoxide Is So Dangerous Because carbon monoxide is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, it is often called the "silent killer." The gas is produced any time you burn fuel in small appliances, such as generators, gas grills, fireplaces, gas stoves, and furnaces. Carbon monoxide is also produced in the exhaust of vehicles. Too much of the gas can lead to serious health problems and even death. Story continues The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, and vomiting. Carbon monoxide can also cause a person to feel drowsy and eventually fall asleep, which is why it is so dangerous to leave a vehicle running in a garage or other enclosed space. Many new homes and apartment buildings have a carbon monoxide detection system integrated into the smoke alarm system. If your home or apartment does not have a carbon monoxide detector, you can purchase one (or several, depending on the size of your home) at a variety of stores for under $20. It's a small investment for something that could very well save your life. New York Personal Injury Law Firm If you or a loved one has been injured due to carbon monoxide poisoning in a New York City apartment building, commercial building, or other dwelling or building, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Don't hesitate to contact a New York City personal injury lawyer. Call New York City personal injury lawyer, Jonathan C. Reiter, to receive a complimentary case evaluation. You can reach us through our online contact form, or by calling 866-324-9211. Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC The Empire State Building 350 5th Avenue #6400 New York, NY 10118 T: (212) 736-0979 Facebook Source: http://injuryaccidentnews.jcreiterlaw.com/2016/11/01/new-york-carbon-monoxide-detector-laws/ SOURCE: Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, via Submit Press Release 123 For Immediate Release Chicago, IL November 03, 2016 Zacks Value Investor is a podcast hosted weekly by Zacks Stock Strategist Tracey Ryniec. Every week, Tracey will be joined by guests to discuss the hottest investing topics in stocks, bonds and ETFs and how it impacts your life. To listen to the podcast, click here:(https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/237576/the-simple-way-to-buy-value-stocks). The Simple Way to Buy Value Stocks Welcome to Episode #16 of the Value Investor Podcast Every week, Zacks value stock strategist and the Editor of Zacks Value Investor portfolio service, Tracey Ryniec, talks about all things happening in the value stock universe, including her top stock picks. After recently having a regional bank stock blow-up in her Value Investor portfolio, Tracey was too aware of the risks of buying individual stocks. But if even a value investor can get burned buying stocks, how do you lessen the risk? One way to do that, and still be in the value stock game, is by buying value stock ETFs. Historically, the value stock indexes have outperformed the regular stock indexes. Value has even done better than growth. In the last 2 years, however, value has underperformed. That means there is a buying opportunity now. Tracey believes you should have more than one ETF in a portfolio. While she likes small cap value, and invests herself in that sector, investors shouldnt forget about the mid-caps. The large caps can also be a good way to lessen your portfolio volatility. Here are Traceys favorite value ETFs: 1. Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF (NYSEARCA:VBR-Free Report) : Tracey owns this ETF. She likes its low expense ratio and that its largest sector holdings is in financials. 2. Guggenheim S&P Small Cap 600 Pure Value ETF (NYSEARCA:RZV-Free Report) : This ETF only owns 150 pure value stocks. 3. Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF (NYSEARCA:VOE-Free Report) : It holds 210 companies and tracks the CRSP US midcap value index. 4. iShares S&P Mid Cap 400 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IJJ-Free Report) : Industrials are the largest sector and real estate is in the top five. 5. Vanguard Large Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:VV-Free Report) : Holds 610 mostly domestic US companies. It yields 2%. ETFs may seem like a boring way to invest, but for value investors, it can be a great way to get value exposure while lowering the risk of owning individual stocks. Find out what else Tracey likes about value ETFs in this weeks podcast. About Zacks Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978. 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No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report VIPERS-SC VALUE (VBR): ETF Research Reports GUGG-SP 600 PV (RZV): ETF Research Reports VANGD-MC VALUE (VOE): ETF Research Reports ISHARS-SP MC VL (IJJ): ETF Research Reports VIPERS-LRG CAP (VV): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Credit: courtesy Home: New York City Age: 37 Profession: Fashion designer How you know him: Gurung's label, established in 2009, reimagines traditional textiles with a sportswear attitude. January Jones, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Oprah Winfrey have taken memorable turns in his fiery red gowns. What's new: Gurung has teamed up with Toms to launch exclusive designs to raise funds for Nepal's recovery from the 2015 earthquake. For each pair of shoes from the collection sold, $5 will go to Gurung's Shikshya Foundation to support education and relief efforts. What does heritage mean to you? When I left Nepal and told people I wanted to be a fashion designer, they thought I was crazy. I didn't know anyone here. But I still remember coming up to the Midtown Tunnel and seeing all the skyscrapers for the first time, and I finally felt that I was home. I became myself in America, but Nepal gave me my core. The reason I am grounded and pragmatic is simply that I was brought up this way. What was your childhood like there? I was born in Singapore and grew up in Nepal, where I went to an all-boys Catholic school. I was different and made aware of it. It was a challenging time, but I had an incredible relationship with my family that helped me. Trekking became a kind of escape, and I was always inspired by the Patan Museum, near my house. I still go back for the memories attached. RELATED: Ashley Graham & Olivia Palermo Wow at Prabal Gurung's NYFW Show How is Nepal reflected in your designs for Toms and also your foundation work? The ikat pattern is called dhaka, a hand-loomed weave that I wanted to modernize as a digital print. Black, white, and red are very typical of Newari women and my favorite colors, which I used in my first collection. Five years ago, when I started getting all this attention, I started Shikshya with a focus on education as a way to give back. Since the 2015 earthquake, we have raised more than $1 million to help rebuild, but the process is slower than people think, and the world's attention turns to someplace else. So it's my job with everything I do to keep awareness alive. Wow! This museum in Poland is covered in the most gorgeous fall leaves you will ever see Well, its November, which means its officially fall and almost the holiday season! To commemorate, (because celebrations are everything), theres a totally rad museum in Poland thats covered in leaves or rather, covered in the the most gorgeous fall leaves you will ever see in your life! Were not exaggerating! The red, orange, yellows, and greens trickle across and down the old bricks of the National Museum in Wroclaw Poland. What comes of it appears to be a rainbow-like pattern and its giving us all the fall feels for sure! It is the season for all those spectacular colors, but this museum is on a whole other level! Take a look for yourself in the photos belowhave you ever seen anything like this?! BRB! Well be dreaming of it for the rest of the year! That red, though! So vibrant and crisp, it just screams fall! This cool place, established in 1947, is all the #goals indeed! Inside, the contents are said to be one of the largest collections of contemporary art in Poland. Even the birds cant help but fly overhead to get just one more look (and we dont blame them)! There are a few unique shots of the brick building. This one has a more subdued color effect but its still just as amazing. Story continues After looking at those pictures, no building will be quite as magnificent unless covered by equally beautiful leaves. Fall gives us so many wonderful things to look forward to: hot drinks, pumpkin picking, holiday baking, and now, pictures like this. The post Wow! This museum in Poland is covered in the most gorgeous fall leaves you will ever see appeared first on HelloGiggles. Want exclusive, localized flight deals pushed right to your phone? Download DealRay's new app. Travelers who plan trips based on getting the very best flight deals may already be familiar with DealRay. On Wednesday, the desktop-only platform revealed its first mobile appand it could be a game-changer. The members-only site can send real-time alerts and push notifications whenever it detects massive price drops, error fares, or flash sales. DealRay spotlights localized, and often-exclusive deals (no more scouring pages of deals to find one at your airport) discovered with a mix of proprietary algorithms and good old-fashioned research. At Travel + Leisure, weve found $342 round-trip flights from our New York City office to Hong Kong, and a $264 round-trip flight from Boston to Iceland. DealRay alerts come with step-by-step instructions for booking the deals. And according to their site, members can expect to save an average of $428 per deal. The app, currently only available on iOS (Android is on the way), is free but you'll need a membership to get alerts on deals. Travelers can sign up for a one month free trial, after which its $9.99 per month. Related Articles Measures to take down extremist websites and social media accounts did not quash extremism but emboldened them, experts say (AFP Photo/) Quebec City (AFP) - Challenging online jihadist propaganda with counterarguments or shutting down extremist websites and social media accounts have little impact, and distract from the real threat, according to experts. As the Islamic State group (IS) spread across parts of Iraq and Syria, it ramped up its outreach to youths. Videos shared online depicting executions and others touting the creation of a caliphate became powerful recruiting tools, drawing hundreds of Western youths to the Middle East to join IS. Experts who met this week in Quebec City to find ways to combat this threat agreed that IS has used online propaganda to extend the conflict zone like no other. Western governments over the past two years have launched various initiatives to try to counter IS messaging. "We're doing counterpropaganda. The political fight begins with words. Our counterarguments count on youth being critical thinkers," Juliette Meadel, French Secretary of State for victims, told AFP. Days after the Charlie Hebdo attacks in 2015, the French government launched a website (stop-djihadisme.gouv.fr) and a few months later accounts on Facebook and Twitter. The initiative aimed "to present arguments against extremism for youth who may be drawn to jihadist sites," said Meadel. The American, British and Canadian governments have taken similar measures, and with the help of major Internet firms such as Twitter took down some 235,000 extremist accounts in the first six months. - Legitimation - But instead of quashing extremism, this only emboldened them. "Censorship doesnt work," said Google's global head of international relations, Ross LaJeunesse. "You don't really change someone's heart and mind by just taking down what they said (in an online post). What you do is that you drive that underground." "Instead we want to engage... and change their mind," he said. In fact, "suspending Twitter accounts was seen as a legitimation, even as Shahada (the profession of Islamic faith), or martyrdom in Islam," said Amarnath Amarasingam, a fellow at George Washington University's Program on Extremism. Story continues The researcher spends his days dissecting IS communications on the Telegram secure messaging network favored by jihadists. He follows 80 discussion groups and sees between 50 to 150 messages posted by extremists each day, and the flow is incessant. "You can't just focus on the way media are being used and forget about the Iraq invasion in 2003, about Shia-Sunni conflicts and others complex issues," he said. It's useless to try to gain ground on the ideological front by countering jihadist propaganda, which is run "by kids who grew up in the West and have perfectly mastered these online communication tools," he said. Heading up a UNESCO initiative to compile any and all research on the subject, Toulouse University professor Seraphin Alava adds: "There is no evidence of a direct link between radicalization of youth and online propaganda." We must accept that "some young people see a role for themselves in the world that IS offers," said Oslo University researcher Cristina Archetti. "It's unrealistic to think that you can de-radicalize (youth) with messages on the Internet. You have to address the real issues those youths face," said Amarasingam. "If we want to rid the Internet of jihadist propaganda, we must act in real life," agreed Meadel. It is therefore necessary to focus on "education, supporting early childhood, promoting integration and inclusion, and provide job opportunities," she said. North Korea is seeking ways to export its workers to Mongolia as the central Asian country is recruiting foreign laborers to work at its mines, a U.S. broadcaster, monitored here, said Wednesday. "(As far as I know), the North Korean authorities recently set up ways to make use of its workforce, and keeps trying to make contacts with the Mongolian side," the Radio Free Asia (RFA) cited a Mongolian construction official as saying over the phone. As Mongolia is currently recruiting foreign laborers as miners, North Korea workers are likely to aggressively apply, the official said. The mining work will go on full scale in March next year, he added. Mongolia began to hire North Korean workers en masse in 2008, and such employment peaked with 5,000 in 2013. At present, however, the number of North Korean workers working in Mongolia has decreased to some 1,000 due to an economic slump that hit the central Asian nation in 2014. More than 50,000 North Koreans are believed to be forced to work overseas, mainly in China and Russia, sending substantial amounts of their salaries to the Pyongyang regime. The North reportedly earns more than $200 million per year through labor exports. (Yonhap) At this point, Samsung has no choice but to look forward. 2016 started strong for the smartphone maker, with the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge receiving rave reviews for their impressive power and bold, attractive designs. Months later, the Galaxy Note 7 should have kept that ball rolling, but instead, batteries started exploding and the company was forced to issue a recall. So with the controversy (mostly) behind it, Samsung is doing everything in its power to bring back customers and restore confidence in its brand in 2017. READ MORE: iPhone 7 vs. Google Pixel: The ultimate comparison "We are 80 percent (of the way through the recall)," Samsung Electronics North America CEO Gregory Lee told AT&T Mobility CEO Glenn Lurie at the GSMA Mobility Live conference in Atlanta. "Our employees have been working 24/7 for the last 50 days to try to make this happen." After the initial recall, Samsung began issuing replacement Note 7 devices to customers. But even the replacements were afflicted with the battery issue. "We are looking at every aspect of the product, the process, to make sure that we can say with total confidence we know exactly what the problems are, and how to prevent the problems going forward," Lee said. "We are going to work very hard to regain consumer, customer, carrier and government trust to rebuild our brand." There's no question that Samsung still makes quality products. Its TVs are often the highest rated, its Gear VR headset is one of the best on the market and its phone (aside from the explosions) are arguably the best Android phones on the market. Samsung's road to recovery has begun. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com Thanks to a tip from the bestblackfriday.com website, we got to see the whole 34-page Black Friday ad scan from BJ's Wholesale Club, which is loaded with TVs from both Samsung and Vizio. But how good are the BJ's Black Friday TV deals? We've listed all TVs we could find below, with pricing, some information about the sets, and our assessment of how much you'll really save. But in general, BJ's Black Friday TV sales aren't any more enticing than what we've already seen at places like Sam's Club. According to the ad scan, BJ's Black Friday sale will run from Friday, Nov. 18, through Monday, Nov. 28, for as long as supplies last. The stores are closed on Thanksgiving but open at 7 a.m. on Black Friday, Nov. 25. There are also some online-only sales. Here's our roundup of the BJ's Black Friday TV deals. Update: We received a note from BJ's noting that My BJs Perks Members can get up to 10 percent back on certain purchases, including TVs, so factor that into the purchase price of the deals. The promotion runs through Nov. 28, 2016. Samsung TV Sets During the BJ's Black Friday 2016 event, the chain will be offering two jumbo-sized Samsung 4K sets: a 75-inch 4K UHD smart TV for $2,000 and a 70-inch 4K UHD smart TV for $1,300. These two TVs are online-only specials. No models were given, but we believe they're both 2015 J-series models. The 75-inch set may be the Samsung UN75JU641DFXZA that we saw in a Sam's Club Black Friday ad for $1,998, about the same price. Here are more Samsung sets from the ad scan, with the bigger TVs listed first. 65-inch Models Samsung UN65KS850D SUHD 4K smart TV, $1,580. This curved-screen setthe warehouse-club version of the company's KS8500 SUHD modelsis in our TV ratings. It's a top performer, with excellent picture quality. It's selling for $1,678 at Sam's Club right now. Samsung's SUHD TVs are its top-tier 4K models. Story continues Samsung UN65KS800D SUHD 4K smart TV, $1,480. This model, the warehouse-club version of the company's UN65KS8000 SUHD model, is in our TV ratings. It's also a great set, with excellent high-definition picture quality and excellent UHD performance. It's about $200 more expensive right now than it will be on Black Friday. Samsung UN65KU650D SUHD 4K smart TV, $1,100. This curved-screen model, in Samsung's mainstream 4K line for 2016, is selling for $1,150 right now at Costco. So it won't be such a great bargain on Black Friday. Samsung UN65KU6290 4K UHD, $900. This model is selling for about $200 more right now at a few retailers, including Walmart. 40- to 60-inch Models Samsung UN60KU630D 4K smart TV, $700. We didn't test this 60-inch set but did test the similar Samsung UN60KU6300, which had great picture quality. It's selling for about $300 more right now, including at Sam's Club. Samsung UN55KS800D SUHD 4K smart TV, $980. This 55-inch set, also in our TV ratings, is selling for about $1,160 to $1,200 right now. Sam's Club has it at the lower price. Samsung UN55KU650D 4K smart TV, $700. This is a curved-screen model in Samsung's mainstream 4K series. This 55-inch set, similar to the UN55KU6500 series model, is sold in warehouse clubs. It's selling for $750 right now at Costco. Samsung UN55KU6290 4K smart TV, $550. This 55-inch is among the better deals at BJ's and is selling for about $800 elsewhere right now. Samsung UN50KU630D 4K smart TV, $480. This 50-inch set will be about $120 less on Black Friday than it is right now. Samsung UN50J520D 1080p smart TV, $350. This 50-inch model is in our TV ratings and did well in our tests. We don't see it elsewhere, but the similar J5200 is selling for about $480. Samsung UN40KU6290 4K smart TV, $300. This 40-inch model will be only about $30 cheaper than it is right now. Smaller Samsungs Samsung UN40J520D 1080p smart TV, $250. This 40-inch set is the smaller sibling to the 50-inch set above and likewise did well in our ratings. At Costco, the similar UN40J520DAFXZA is about $319. Samsung UN32J525D 1080p smart TV, $190. This fairly basic 32-inch set is selling for about $10 to $25 more right now, depending on the retailer. Samsung UN32J400D 720p HDTV, $150. Right now this 32-inch set is $168 at Costco, where it's called the Samsung UN32J400DAFXZA. Samsung LT24E310ND 720p TV/monitor, $100. This 24-inch set is $120 at Costco. Vizio Sets All of the Vizio models are new E-series sets that have the company's new SmartCast smart TV system, which is powered by Google Cast. With these TVs, you use a mobile device as the remote control and to access the Internet features. Given their newness, we haven't tested any of these models yet. Vizio E70-E3 70-inch 4K UHD smart TV, $990. It's $1,300 at Best Buy right now. Vizio E65-E0 65-inch 4K UHD smart TV, $690. We haven't seen this model elsewhere yet. Vizio E60-E3 60-inch 4K UHD smart TV, $590. This set is currently selling for $678 at Walmart. Vizio E55-E2 55-inch 4K UHD smart TV, $460. The E55-E1 model is selling for $528 at Walmart. Vizio E50-E3 50-inch 4K UHD smart TV, $390. Walmart has an E-series SmartCast TV for $418, but the model name isn't shown, so we're not sure whether it's exactly the same set. Vizio D32HNX-E1 32-inch 720p TV, $125. These E-series sets are starting to pop up at several locations, and we expect to see more of them as we get closer to Black Friday. For example, Sam's Club has a 65-inch E-series set for $598 and a 55-inch model for $398. The models have different suffixesE65-E1 and E55-E1. Because we haven't tested any of these sets, we don't know whether there are any important differences in features or performances, but we think it's unlikely given the pricing. There are a few models we can directly compare. For example, Sam's will have the same 70-inch E70-E3 for $928, or about $60 cheaper than at BJ's. The 32-inch Vizio is selling for about the same price everywhere we've seen it; Dell will have it for $5 more. More from Consumer Reports: Top pick tires for 2016 Best used cars for $25,000 and less 7 best mattresses for couples Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S. The EU commission accuses Google of giving its own online shopping services top priority in search results to the detriment of other price comparison services (AFP Photo/Justin Sullivan) (Getty/AFP/File) Brussels (AFP) - US Internet giant Google on Thursday rejected new EU accusations that it illegally abuses its market dominance, in its formal reaction to anti-trust allegations by Brussels earlier this year. Google filed objections against beefed up charges made by hard-charging European Commission competition chief Margrethe Vestager over online shopping, and fresh charges over its advertising services. Kent Walker, senior vice president and general counsel of Google, said in a blog that the shopping case "still rests on a theory that just doesn't fit the reality of how most people shop online." "We believe these claims are wrong as a matter of fact, law, and economics," Walker said. The EU now has three cases on the go against Google, one of a series of US companies targeted by Vestager in a campaign that has raised hackles on the other side of the Atlantic. The biggest and most recent case involves Google's Android mobile phone operating system, a serious challenge to one of the company's most strategic businesses with smartphones fast taking from over traditional PCs. Google is expected to respond to the Android case next week. The second and oldest case involves Google's alleged abuse of the dominance of its search engine for online shopping. It was officially lodged in 2015, and then this July Vestager strengthened the case, to which Google is now responding. Brussels accuses Google of giving its own online shopping services top priority in search results to the detriment of other price comparison services. Thirdly the EU accuses Google of abusing its market power in the placement of search advertising on third-party websites. That case concerns Google's AdSense service where websites can install a customised search engine on their site which generates revenue from having relevant ads appear on the search results page. - 'Interests of consumers' - The European Commission, confirming it had received the response to the shopping and Adsense cases, said it "will carefully consider Google's response before taking any decision on how to proceed and cannot at this stage prejudge the final outcome of the investigation." Story continues The legal onslaught against Google came after a long period in which the two sides tried unsuccessfully to settle the case amicably. Instead, the cases have raised tensions between the Brussels and Washington, which has accused the EU of unfairly targeting US giants. Other EU investigations include cases against Starbucks, Amazon and McDonald's. The European Commission, which polices EU competition policy, launched an initial investigation into Google in 2010 following complaints from rivals such as Microsoft and Trip Advisor that it favoured its own services when customers ran searches. "We believe it is the European Commission that has the interests of consumers in mind, not a private company that makes money by using its market power to charge high prices to advertisers," said Thomas Vinje, legal counsel to FairSearch, a group that represents many of the complainants in the case. Vestager's predecessor, Joaquin Almunia, made three attempts to resolve the dispute but in each case intense pressure by national governments, rivals and privacy advocates scuppered the effort. Since that time, attitudes in Europe towards Google have deteriorated after revelations by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden that Silicon Valley giants had provided troves of personal data to US intelligence. MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) - Huawei Technologies [HWT.UL] took the wraps of a new premium phone on Thursday, adding a new artificial intelligence feature it hopes will help it close the gap with Apple and market leader Samsung, which is reeling from scrapping its flagship phone. The Mate 9 is aimed squarely at the top end of the $400 billion global smartphone market, where professional users are looking for fast phones with long battery life. It includes a feature that enables the device to learn about the habits of its user and automatically put the most frequently used apps in easy reach - unlike, for example, Apple's iPhone, where icons that may occupy many screens apart from the start screen have to be manually ordered. "It learns how you use your phone," said Arne Herkelmann, Huawei's European head of handset portfolio and planning. The launch comes just three weeks after Samsung scrapped its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, dealing a huge blow to its reputation and outlook. With smartphone sales growth expected to slow in the coming years, device manufacturers are focusing on new ways to stand out from the crowd. "Just the device is no longer enough," said Roberta Cozza, an analyst at research firm Gartner. "AI and voice control will be main features on smartphones in the coming years." Alphabet's Google last month launched the Pixel smartphone which has Google Assistant, the company's voice-activated artificial intelligence (AI) system and its answer to Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa. In another AI push, Samsung said last month it would buy Viv, which is run by the co-creator of Apple's Siri and said it wanted to integrate the platform in its Galaxy smartphones and expand its voice-assistant services to home appliances and wearable technology devices. The Mate 9, introduced in Munich, is a 5.9-inch (15 cm)large-screen handset that boasts cameras with autofocus, directional microphones with noise cancellation and an improved user interface. The algorithm puts the user's favorite apps first, which makes the phones easier to use and also more energy-efficient. The phone's battery lasts for almost two days of heavy usage and can fully recharge in 90 minutes, Huawei said. Gartner expects smartphone sales to grow 4.5 percent to 1.5billion devices this year. (Reporting by Harro Ten Wolde; Editing by Georgina Prodhan and Mark Potter) Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer Business Group, presents the new Huawei Mate 9 in Munich, southern Germany, on November 3, 2016 (AFP Photo/Christof Stache) Munich (Germany) (AFP) - Chinese electronics firm Huawei on Thursday unveiled its latest Mate 9 smartphone in Munich, designed to challenge global market leaders Apple and Samsung with features including a high-quality camera and higher-capacity battery. As Korea's Samsung struggles with negative publicity following the high-profile recall of its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphone in response to reports of it catching fire and exploding, Huawei has scented an opportunity. Standing in front of a graphic comparing how hot the new phone gets while charging compared with a Samsung handset, Huawei consumer electronics chief Richard Yu jokingly promised "no explosions!" when charging the Mate 9 -- to a burst of laughter from the crowd gathered at a hotel in the German city. Huawei has set itself the ambitious target of becoming the largest smartphone maker by market share within three to four years. According to market research firm IDC, Huawei held 9.3 percent of the global market in the second quarter of 2016, placing it third behind Samsung with 22.8 percent and Apple with 11.7 percent. But Huawei holds the number one spot in its home market China and says it is making inroads into European markets such as Spain and Italy, where consumers often buy phones and SIM cards separately rather than bundled from their network operator. Partnerships with high-end German firms, including Leica for camera lenses and a luxury Porsche Design version of the Mate 9, are aimed at moving perceptions of the Chinese firm beyond its lower-end origins. But Yu highlighted a slew of hardware and software features developed in-house by Huawei, which he said allowed for improved processing and gaming performance, longer battery life and faster charging. "The most important part of this phone is speed," he told the blue-lit conference hall. He claimed that the phone would launch popular apps like WhatsApp and Twitter around 50 percent faster than competing models from Apple and Samsung. Software built into the phone also aims to prevent performance slowing down over time as users install more apps and fill the phone with data. MUNICH (Reuters) - China's Huawei Technologies [HWT.UL] wants to be the world's second-largest maker of smartphones in two years, Richard Yu, chief executive of Huawei's consumer business group, told Reuters on Thursday. Having made its name as a builder of telecommunications networks, Huawei has been active in the consumer devices market for only a few years and is now the third-biggest smartphone maker after Apple Inc and the world leader in the $400 billion market, Samsung Electronics <005930.KS>. "When we announced four years ago that we wanted to sell phones, people told us we were crazy. When we said we wanted to sell 100 million phones, they told us we were crazy," Yu said at a launch event in Munich. Huawei on Thursday launched a new premium phone, which will sell for 699 euros apiece. A version developed with Porsche Design will cost 1,395 euros. The phone has a new artificial intelligence feature: It can learn about its user's habits and automatically put the most frequently used apps in easy reach. Huawei was the world's third-largest smartphone maker in the third quarter with 33.6 million shipped devices, giving it a 9 percent market share, according to research firm Strategy Analytics. Apple was still well ahead with 45.5 million devices, or a 12 percent market share. Samsung was the world leader with 75.3 million shipped devices and a market share of 20.1 percent. "We are going to take them (Apple) step-by-step, innovation-by-innovation," Yu said, adding that he expected to improve Huawei's position along with technology shifts. "There will be more opportunities. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality," he said. "It is like driving a car. At every curve or turn, there is an opportunity to overtake the competition." With the new phone, dubbed Mate 9, Yu expects to make a break in European markets such as Germany, France and Great Britain. "In Finland, we are already number one," he said. With Apple struggling to come up with surprise designs and Samsung reeling from having to scrap its flagship phone, Yu said Huawei was at a tipping point. "Step-by-step we are winning the trust and loyalty of the customers. It is about trust and loyalty." (Reporting by Harro ten Wolde; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) At this point, we completely understand if you're sick of politics. In less than a week, the election will (hopefully) be over, and we won't have to worry about any of this again for another four years. But if you're still looking for funny, insightful takes on the 2016 US Presidential Election, Louis C.K. offered his own on Conan last night. SEE ALSO: MacBook Pro review roundup: A solid upgrade with forgivable issues If you're a fan of Louis C.K., you probably already know that he's not a Trump supporter. In fact, earlier this year, he sent out an email referring to Trump as "an insane bigot" and went as far as to compare him to Hitler. On Tuesday night, C.K. joined Conan for his New York show and spent some time discussing the election. But rather than focus on Donald Trump's perceived flaws, C.K. instead explained why he would be voting for Hillary in November: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFOkBnYGfIM The comedian tells Trump supporters that he has no problem with them supporting the Republican candidate if that's their ideology, but he makes an interesting point: How are we supposed to complain about President Trump if he takes every attack so personally? The American people have the right and the privilege to blame everything on the president, but, as C.K. notes, "this guy, every time he's criticized, everything stops and he makes everybody pay." No matter your choice, don't forget to vote on November 8th. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com I know every Word document, PDF, email and text message that's sitting on my assorted computers and mobile devices. The trouble is tracking down exactly where they are. I'll eventually find them, but not before several fruitless searches trying to remember the exact file name of what I'm looking for. Atlas Informatics feels my pain and the agony of anyone who's ever wasted more than a few minutes trying to find an illusive document. The company has developed a product called Atlas Recall that promises to remember every document, message and file that ever appears on any of your devices' screens and retrieve them along with any related material whenever you ask for it. atlas recall header 675403 "If you've ever seen it, you can search for it and share it with anyone," is how Atlas CEO Jordan Ritter describes Atlas Recall's feature set. MORE: Meet macOS Sierra: 8 Best Features Users will now get to see for themselves how effective Atlas Recall is at tracking down those hard-to-find files. Atlas today is kicking off an open beta for its search product, with the Mac version now available to test out. A companion mobile app will let owners of iOS devices use Atlas Recall on their iPhones and iPads. A Windows 10 beta for Atlas Recall will be available soon. Atlas Recall runs in the background of your devices, registering the files, photos and other information you interact with. That information gets stashed in a secure cloud more on that in a moment allowing you to retrieve items by searching for keywords, content types or specific time periods (say all the emails you received about a work project in the last week). "It works the way your memory does," Ritter says, only in this case, Atlas Recall's memory is photographic. In addition to files, photos and documents, Recall can also take note of your social networking activity, messaging clients like Slack and notes that you save in programs such as Evernote. Story continues atlas recall 675403 Ritter showed me Recall in action by trying to find information about an upcoming interview with a job candidate whose name he couldn't quite remember. He launched Recall and typed in the name of the position ("security engineer") into the search field. Several related files popped up resumes, emails and calendar appointments appearing in a spiral view. Ritter could select the file he wanted or even multiple related files in a fraction of the time it would take most of us to meticulously hunt through assorted folders on our machines. Atlas doesn't tout Recall as a replacement for built-in search tools like macOS's Spotlight or Windows's Cortana. Instead, the company sees Recall complementing those tools by extending your ability to search across multiple devices and platforms. The ability to find anything that's ever crossed the screen of your computer or phone sounds impressive and also a little bit foreboding if you fret about privacy. Atlas notes that the information stored in its cloud is encrypted and outlines its privacy policy on its website. (That said, Atlas does note that document metadata may be used to improve its search tools, which may raise a red flag for some users.) atlas recall block 675403 You are able to control what information Atlas Recall does and doesn't see. Should a file turn up in an Atlas search that you'd prefer to keep completely out of view, you can remove it from searches on a permanent basis. A block feature lets you exclude URLs and applications if you'd prefer Recall didn't log activities such as your online banking or bill paying, for example. And the search tool also has a pause feature that temporarily stops Atlas Recall from taking noting of your files and activities until you allow the search tool to resume. From the demo, Atlas Recall looks like a pretty powerful tool for speeding up searches of your files, images and messages, but the true test is going to come during this beta. I'm particularly interested in seeing exactly how good Recall can be at finding something when I only have a vague recollection of a few keywords or a general time frame of when the message or file I'm looking for was created. I'd also like to see just how robust Recall's privacy features are in practice and how seamlessly the block and pause tools fit into my daily workflow. The promise of near-instant access to precisely what I need to find, though, makes me eager to give the beta a try. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Areas of fog early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High around 65F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A clear sky. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low near 40F. Winds light and variable. Even the most powerful man in the world has to answer to someone. And on next weeks Designated Survivor, newly minted President Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland) finds himself answering to quite a few someones the governors of the 50 states. After the tragic bombing of the Capitol that wiped out almost all of the government, President Kirkman is trying to rebuild. That starts with electing or appointing new congressmen and senators. The power to fill these positions falls to the governors, and they are demanding some answers from Kirkman. We dont know what you stand for, one governor declares. Another stands up to defend Kirkman, calling him a fine man. But, he adds, most of these governors dont know you like I do, sir. Looks like Kirkman is going to have to play politics again! Can he win over the governors and restart the government? Or will the country continue to fall apart? Designated Survivor returns with a new episode on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 10 p.m. on ABC. Watch clips and full episodes for free on Yahoo View. AUBURN Mayor Norm Yoder explained and defended the City of Auburns participation in the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership at a meeting of the Auburn Common Council Tuesday. Councilman Mike Walter questioned and voted against a $4,569 payment to the organization, which promotes economic development and quality of life in an 11-county area. What do we get from this? Walter asked. Walter pointed out John Sampson, president and CEO of the Regional Partnership, has taken positions on partisan issues such as as the states right-to-work law, the reorganization of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne and early learning education. However reasonable Sampsons positions might be, why are we paying him to take those positions? Walter said. What do they have to do with economic development in the city of Auburn? He maintained the Regional Partnership is a lobbying organization and should not take sides in certain matters. Its like any other organization. You dont agree with every single item, Yoder said. Yoder said the city picked up a lead out of a recent trip to New York through the partnership, and also pointed out the partnership was the force behind the Regional Cities Initiative, which brought $42 million to improve quality of life in the area in hopes of attracting talented workers and businesses. Part of that money was approved for the YMCA of DeKalb Countys expansion project. Yoder said much of the funding for the partnership comes from private sources, with governments contribution about 10 percent. My contention is for $4,569, its a good idea. I dont expect to agree with everything they do, no more than I agree with everything other organizations do, Yoder said. Theyve promoted economic development, expansion, growth and business opportunities in northeast Indiana. Part of their success is the $42 million. We get more return on this investment than many others. Councilman Jim Finchum said the partnership provides services Auburn cant afford on its own. Until we could have our own economic development department, I think this is the best option for us, Finchum said. Several other communities have economic development departments within the city government, but seeing that we cant afford that, this is a less expensive option to get something out of it. Thats why I continue to vote for it. Local election administrators were unimpressed Thursday with Republican candidate Donald Trumps allegations that the Nov. 8 election will be rigged in favor of his opponent. For weeks Trump has repeatedly said the contest between him and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton is rigged against him and warned of widespread voter fraud. He repeated the assertions during Wednesdays debate. Its almost an insult to the county clerks, municipal clerks and poll workers who put in all the time and effort and training to make sure the processes are followed behind the scenes to protect the integrity of the election, La Crosse County Clerk Ginny Dankmeyer said. West Salem Village Administrator Teresa Schnitzler agreed, saying it was insulting to hear vague accusations of voter fraud coming from Trump and his supporters, calling it offensive. Yeah, thats offensive. Where is it happening? Who are they accusing? Schnitzler asked. If were doing our job, its not going to happen, and we are doing our job. If were not, we dont last very long. La Crosse City Clerk Teri Lehrke was a bit more reserved in her response, stating, I dont like it. The county and municipal clerks who run La Crosses elections on behalf of the state defended the security of the election, explaining the myriad ways they protect against fraud and ensure the integrity of ballots. Dankmeyer said Trumps comments and those of his supporters show he doesnt understand how elections are administered and secured. Its not possible to rig the election in the way theyre saying its happening, Dankmeyer said. There are a lot of things in place that people dont realize behind the scenes. Fraud prevention starts before any ballots are cast, with the Wisconsin Election Commission putting laws and policies on the books to ensure both the voting equipment and the voting process are secure. The state has the most decentralized voting system in the U.S., according to Government Accountability Board spokesman Reid Magney. While most states have county clerks directly administer elections, Wisconsin puts that on each municipal clerk. Those 1,854 municipal clerks work with 72 county clerks to hire thousands of poll workers to ensure the election is fair and nonpartisan. What that means is that there would need to be a conspiracy among not only the clerks, but also the thousands of poll workers, Magney said. The system is also transparent, with public testing of voting equipment in which people can see whether ballots are counted accurately and then watch the seals placed on the machines, ensuring they wont be opened again until ballots are counted. If they wanted to, they could verify that those same seals are on the equipment on the morning of the election as well as after the polls close, Magney said. La Crosses public inspection is at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at City Hall. Trump said at the debate that millions of people that are registered to vote shouldnt be registered to vote, implying that those people will be casting illegal ballots on Election Day. However, there are several layers of checks to prevent nonregistered voters and ineligible people from voting, including a statewide database of registered voters called WisVote. Regardless of what municipality you are working in, youre registering voters in that particular system, Lehrke said. The system, which is protected by state-of-the-art technology and undergoes extensive security testing by the Wisconsin Division of Enterprise Technology and Department of Homeland Security, crosschecks with other state departments to make sure the person attempting to vote isnt a felon, hasnt been declared dead and is identified correctly. It also updates in real-time, ensuring that no one can vote in two municipalities on Election Day or vote both absentee and in person on Election Day. If there are situations where we would suspect fraud, we would turn them over to the district attorney for investigation, Lehrke said. Both absentee, including early-voting absentee ballots, and Election Day ballots are counted by the machines, which save the results on memory sticks that are tested prior to use and held in secure vaults. Thats our highest priority is to make sure those memory sticks cannot be tampered with, Dankmeyer said. Dankmeyer and other clerks spend about a month after the election double-checking their voter numbers and looking for any errors. If something doesnt match up, were looking into what happened and why. Rarely do those numbers not match up, she said. Magney defended Wisconsins election officials, praising the amount of work they do to uphold the safeguards in the system. Wisconsins municipal clerks are extremely hardworking and diligent. They, along with the poll workers, are really our friends and neighbors. Any suggestion that these people would be doing something illegal really rubs them the wrong way, Magney said. Former Wisconsin Sen. Dan Kapanke plans to keep an open mind about transportation and education funding and reach across the aisle for joint solutions if elected to his former seat in the 32nd Senate District. The town of Campbell Republican is attempting to re-take the seat he lost in a 2011 recall election to Sen. Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse. Starting under the leadership of Gov. Jim Doyle, transportation hasnt been a priority, Kapanke said; however, Gov. Scott Walkers transportation plan is a step in the right direction. In September, Walker unveiled a plan to cut funding for state highway programs, provide more money for local roads and existing highways and delay major projects, as well as authorize $500 million in new bonding. The plan does not increase taxes or fees. There are more dollars allocated for rural roads and for bridges in Wisconsin than in previous budgets, and the bonding hes suggesting is the least its been in 10 or 12 years, Kapanke said. In that respect, I think its a positive step forward, because we cant be bonding and we need to take care of our rural roads. However, Kapanke plans to wait for Joint Legislative Audit Bureaus evaluation of the state highway program before coming up with a proposal for Wisconsins roads. When thats done, I think we ought to come together and this shouldnt be a partisan issue with a plan to address the needs and deficiencies that we have, Kapanke said. Do we need more money? I dont know. If there is a deficiency and the audit calls for more money, Kapanke said he wont take anything off the table as far as a higher gas tax or fees go. We need to have everybody at the table. We need to take a look at everything, and we need to put in a long-range sustainable plan for our roads, Kapanke said. I dont know what that looks like at this point. When it comes to a north-south corridor in La Crosse, Kapanke voted against the plan as chairman of the La Crosse Area Planning Commission and says its obvious that the people of La Crosse dont want it. I think until the community demands (a transportation solution), Im really against spending $140 million (on the corridor), Kapanke said. Lets enhance Hwy. 16 if we have to. Weve done work on Lang Drive and Exit 3 is coming up. While Kapanke is a strong supporter of the University of Wisconsin System saying education is where (his) heart is and is concerned by the job loss associated with recent funding cuts, hes not sure whether it would be wise to increase funding by the amount requested by the UW Board of Regents. I cant say were going to spend $42 million until I see what the revenues are, Kapanke said. When it comes to K-12 education, Kapanke is also undecided on whether schools are getting adequate state funding or whether cuts in funding were harming schools. Despite these cuts, in 2015 we had great ACT scores. We were in the top five in graduation rates nationwide, Kapanke said. I commend our teachers for that. I commend our administrators and certainly our students, because theyre learning. However, Kapanke didnt commit to either increasing funding or further cuts. Can we cut, cut, cut every year? That certainly has to be looked at, Kapanke said. Kapanke is also a strong advocate of vouchers and school choice. He strongly opposes legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Seeking his third full term in the Assembly, Steve Doyles campaign slogan is bringing bipartisanship to Madison. Though knocked by his opponent for voting 98 percent of the time with his own party, the Democrats campaign fliers feature a photo of him with Republican Gov. Scott Walker and a boast that he has co-sponsored an equal number of Democratic and Republican bills. And despite relatively low ratings from groups like the American Conservative Union, Doyle notes that he has twice been re-elected in a suburban and rural district that Walker has easily won in his last three elections. Bipartisanship is a key talking point in his race against Republican challenger Julian Bradley, who also has vowed to go against his party if needed. Both candidates agree on their top priorities: increased funding for schools, roads and bridges. Doyle, 58, was first elected to the La Crosse County board of supervisors in 1986. He served as chairman from 2002-11, remaking the conservative-dominated board by recruiting progressive candidates. He twice ran for the 94th Assembly District seat in the 1980s before winning a 2011 special election to fill the seat that was vacated when 9-term Republican incumbent Mike Huebsch was tapped to serve in Walkers first administration. When it comes to transportation funding, Doyle said he agrees with Republican Speaker Robin Voss: every source of funding must be on the table, including increases to the gasoline tax and registration fees. He notes La Crosse County has $61 million in needs but is spending only about $2.4 million each year. Obviously were nowhere near being able to keep up, he said. Nobody likes to raise taxes, but if youve got an unmet need youre going to have to do something. Doyle said while Republican cuts to K-12 spending in 2011 were warranted, its time for the state to restore some of that funding. I think that the initial tightening of the belt made sense, he said. When I talk to my school superintendents theyre telling me theyve gone beyond cutting the fat and now theyre down to the bone and they dont know what theyre going to do. Though Doyle, his parents and his children attended Catholic schools, he is adamantly opposed to private school vouchers. I never would have expected to have the taxpayers pay for my childrens education, he said. In fact I wouldnt have wanted that because I dont want the government telling private schools how they should operate. Doyle, who taught courses on state and local government at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for 22 years, said the state also needs to restore some of the funding cut from the UW system and lift the tuition freeze, even though it has been popular with students and parents. In the long run its counter-productive, he said. It did less to help students than it did to hurt the university. While he thinks Wisconsin is perceived as a more welcoming place for businesses under the Walker administration, Doyle cautions that quality education is just as important as taxes and regulation. The people I talk to have a more global view of what a healthy business climate is like, he said. They are saying, overall things are pretty good, but we want to be careful that we dont lose some of those quality of life things that have also made Wisconsin a good place to do business. Doyle also favors restoring some funding and power to the Department of Natural Resources. We need to go back, maybe not all the way to where we were, but we need to go back in that general direction in terms of giving the DNR more autonomy away from the politicians to do the things that an environmental agency needs to do. We also need to make sure they have adequate funding They need to have the ability to not just find an issue but do something about it. Opponents have long decried Doyles hold on local power, balking when his wife, Gloria Doyle, was appointed family court commissioner in 2006 and elected to the circuit court bench in 2015, and at his dual role as a county supervisor and state representative. Doyle said holding both jobs gives him a unique perspective that makes him better at each. Almost every county board meeting I find another reason why being in both positions is helpful, he said. The information that I can bring from the state to the county or the county to the state. It just comes up all the time. Its here at last. Keith Lee, from the La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility, appeared before the La Crescent City Council at its Oct. 24 meeting with MTUs annual agreement for bus service within the city. This coming year, eight hours of Saturday service will finally be added. The possibility has been discussed for years. The actual hours the bus will run is yet-to-be-determined. Were still working on that, Lee said. Our normal bus service doesnt begin until 7:40 (a.m.), so itll tie into that. The budget Lee presented was, he said, the same as in other years, but with the Saturday service added in. The local share may increase a little bit, he said, because there are some other, grayer Minnesota transit funds, which you should be very thankful you have on this side of the river because we dont have anything like that. Another official from the Minnesota Department of Transportation is expected to answer questions, but just when that individual will appear before the council is, also, yet-to-be-determined. The Saturday service will begin in January 2017. One MnDOT representative, Jean Meyer, was on hand. MnDot will continue to have our Greater Minnesota Transit Fund, Meyer said, and we are committed to providing the funding to our Section 5307, which is our urban systems. Approximately $155,000 will come to the La Crescent and La Crosse area, she said, for the La Crescent service, with the city expected to participate at 20 percent of whatever the total cost amounts to. Were excited about having Saturday service here in La Crescent, Meyer said. Lee said the state of Minnesota has identified Sunday service as an unmet need. So if Saturday really goes well, thats a possibility in the future, as well, Lee said. The proposed annual hours for La Crescent total 3,484, with an anticipated annual cost of $304,935. While $58,748 is expected in revenue, $80,000 is also expected from the federal share, $70,116 from the state, and $60,884 from the Greater Minnesota Transit Fund. The La Crescent local share is anticipated to total $30,701. The council unanimously approved the MTU agreement. Springbrook Village Representatives from the Springbrook Village retirement community, whose construction is underway, came before the council once again, this time asking for permission to allow trucks to access the site via Rosewood Drive. The footings and the foundation, as well as some plumbing, are already in place at the development, but the developers need better access for concrete trucks to the site. Temporary access on Rosewood Drive has been requested, which is currently not allowed in the developments conditional-use permit, with the developers and construction officials estimating 24 to 30 trucks which will traverse Rosewood Drive the week of Nov. 14. Only a couple of those days would actually be used. The team stressed the move is only temporary, and access will be restricted to expressly whats needed, with nothing more. To mitigate any cost to the city, the developers will be required to reimburse the city for any damages to the street. A temporary letter of credit will be issued, covering any potential costs to repair the road, from the citys engineering firm, WHKS. The council approved the request unanimously. Apple Blossom Point Development Pete Peterson of Edina Realty, who was secured a year ago by a developer to work on the sale of the lots in the Apple Blossom Point Development, came before the council asking for roads in the development be made public, not private, as they currently are. The council must consider the conversion of the roads and potential access to Horse Thief Ridge, which is in La Crescent Township. The council must decide if the property owners and developers should be required to construct any streets to city standards, and provide an improved access to Horse Thief Ridge, as conditions for the citys assuming responsibility for the roads and streets in the development. Peterson, who went point-by-point through a lengthy document from city officials, as well as a detailed response, will meet with city administrator Bill Waller and city engineer Tim Hruska, as well as two members of the council, and come before the council for a formal vote on access and potential street requirements, as well as all the detailed items on the citys list. In other news Police chief Doug Stavenau addressed getting control over parade set-up by onlookers during the citys Applefest and the King Apple Parade. The policy limits placing items for space reservation on the public-right-of-way and boulevards to no sooner than 5 p.m. on the Friday before the annual parade. It would a be kind of soft-handed approach, Stavenau said. The conditions would be published in the Houston County News, he said, as well as attendant signage letting folks know. The council unanimously approved the policy. Tim Moore, from the La Crescent Fire Department Relief Association, came before the council asking for a proposed increase in the associations annual benefit from $1,750 to $2,000 for each members year of service to the department. The council approved the request, with councilors Bernie Buehler, Ryan Hutchinson and Mayor Mike Poellinger abstaining. The council unanimously approved entering into an agreement with the state of Minnesota for a $400,000 grant for a portion of the costs associated with the second phase of the Wagon Wheel improvement project. Fourth-grade students at La Crescent-Hokah Elementary School received a special visit from a local chef. Liz Lesser is the head chef at Hackberrys Bistro in La Crosse and a La Crescent resident. She came to the elementary school on Oct. 24 to talk to students about the importance of eating good meals. I was super excited to share with the kids about local, organic and healthy food, Lesser said. Lesser has four children of her own and she knows first-hand how important it is for students to be educated. She shared with kids the importance of eating wholesome meals and also asked them what they knew about organic foods. The answers were all over the board, but most children didnt realize that eating organic doesnt have to mean eating bland, distasteful foods. Lesser prepared a Waldorf salad for the children that included apples, grapes, celery, raisins and a vanilla yogurt dressing that received rave reviews from most of the children. The kids were surprised to hear that all of the ingredients in the salad were organic and grown locally. We have to educate these kids on healthy food practices. Thats where the future of food is going, Lesser said. School District of La Crosse Nutrition Director Lynn Halverson, who oversees La Crescent-Hokahs food service program, was looking for someone to come in and talk to the children about the harvest of the month, which was the great apple crunch for this month. Each month, students get to sample a dish with the harvest of the month and then it gets placed on the menu at least twice throughout the month to educate the kids and keep the food in the cafeteria local. Halverson said Lesser was the perfect speaker for the occasion. Shes a local chef who knows what the community is about and they use local food, she said. They use foods from all over the local area. She also reiterated that local children need to learn about their foods. Weve actually seen kids who didnt know that chickens had bones or where chickens come from. So much of it is so that they feel better and theyre ready to learn, Halverson said. Thats our mission in school nutrition is to make sure kids are well nourished and ready to go in the classroom and thats why were apart of the education team. The chef visit is an annual occurrence, but Halverson said that the harvest of the month is something that will continue to happen every month and every student in the school will be exposed to it along with a salad bar. Im really proud of what we do here for our kids, she said. The Lancer Leos are overachievers. Members of the La Crescent community since 2011, the current president, Emma Booth, 17, is involved in sports, student council, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian athletes, peer ministry, jazz band, the knowledge bowl and womens studies, among other things. Like Booth, the Leos treasurer, Lindsey Nelson, 16, the Leos adviser, Summer Niemeier, 37, and most members of the organization, are just as involved. The kids who get involved, thats their time that they are working on, but it affects the greater community, La Crescent secondary principal Steve Smith said. Even though they are not school-based, the Leos have a lot of compassion and school spirit. The Leos are a youth chapter of the Lions Club and hold the same values of service and commitment that their founders do. They are also in the same district, 5M1. This is the fifth year the Leos have worked for the betterment of the school and community. Niemeier, who is involved with both the Leos and the La Crescent Lions Club, has been the adviser to the group for three years. It is getting better each year. I realize they are busy, they are in sports, volunteering in every other club, it is what you want it to be, Niemeier said. We work during the school year. This year, we had meetings in the summer. We worked with The Lunch Wagon (a meals on wheels type of service project) to give out meals to kids who cant afford lunch. The Leos started off the school year with a car wash to raise money for Relay for Life, and are currently hosting the Soles4Souls campaignonly in its second year in Houston County. The idea was pitched by the members of the Leos, and is not related to the Lions Club. Soles4Souls is an international shoe drive that provides donated shoes to people living in extreme poverty. It is hosted through a global non-profit also called Soles4Souls. Soles4Souls encourages entrepreneurship for those receiving the shoes by opening consignment stores in the community run by community members with the shoes and clothes the nonprofit provides. According to their website, if shoes are donated but are worn out, they are used to create playgrounds. Booth and Nelson, who are co- chairs for the Soles4Souls drive, want to double the amount of shoes raised last year. We had 576 pairs of shoes last year, so this year, we are trying to double it, Nelson said. We created a flyer that we sent out to businesses. This year, we extended the drive and we have a lot of businesses helping us collect shoes. Soles4Souls is just one event that the Leos host throughout the year, although it is one of the largest. We try to do at least six different volunteering projects in the community, or further out in the country, like Soles4Souls, Niemeier said. Booth added that the group tries to do something at least once a month. The members may pitch ideas or they may tag along with the Lion's Clubs events. Along with Soles4Souls growth, the Leos themselves are growing. Last year, the club decided to include members from ages 12 to 18; the previous four years, we had only been open to high schoolers, Niemeier said. According to Booth, the group has grown to about 25 students; last year, it was only around 10 to 15 members. The younger members are definitely a lot more creative than we are and more fun, Booth said. Its nice to create new relationships with people and to really get to know them. A regular meeting for the group could be anything from brainstorming to volunteering and reconvening afterward. The group meets at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church every second and fourth Sunday of the month. We are open to everyone; we meet in the churchs community room, Niemeier said. We found it was easier to meet outside of school because we are community-based and that way, students from La Crescent who might be going to school in La Crosse are able to come to our meetings. The group has traveled to Rochester, where they dropped off homemade tie blankets, and theyve gone to a leadership camp hosted for Leos in Annandale, Minn.. Theyve attended the Lions Club mid-winter convention in Rochester, as well. Anybody can join the club; they can still join, any time of the year. It is a lot of fun and you learn leadership and communication skills, Nelson said. A long-time representative and first-time candidate are facing off in a House race that has drawn statewide attention and cash. Thomas Trehus, DFL-Spring Grove, is working to unseat Greg Davids, R-Preston, who has served for 12 terms. Davids has held the seat with little competition for decades, outside of losing it in 2006 to Ken Tschumper, and then winning it back two years later. The race has attracted both money and attention from state political committees, with reports at the end of September showing Trehus has pulled in just over $113,000 in support from the DFL-aligned group Alliance For a Better Minnesota. Republican fundraisers have responded in kind, with over $50,000 in anti-Trehus ads, including the Pro-Jobs Majority, an affiliate of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, which has contributed over $36,000, according to the reports. The candidates, for their part, say theyre continuing to try and convince undecided voters and talk to people about the issues in person. Trehus said his core campaign issues have remained focused on strengthening rural towns, schools and small farms through investments in education and infrastructure, including both traditional road and bridge funding and newer strategies, like expanded broadband. There are a lot of issues that need fixing, Trehus said. People know what were doing in St. Paul isnt working. Trehus said that the campaign has been an uphill battle against an entrenched, long-time incumbent, but since he declared he was running over a year-and-a-half ago, he has created a closer race than Davids has seen in some time, something he said is evidenced by the money and support. Trehus, 26, has previously worked for the office of U.S. Sen. Al Franken and is a member of the Spring Grove Public School Board. Davids said he has enough face recognition to weather ads aimed against him. Davids has held a number of leadership positions in the House over the years, including serving as the Tax Committee chair during the 2015-16 biennium. He said hes continued to work for lower taxes and believes MNsure costs are one of the most immediate problems facing Minnesotans, and they have to admit that it didnt work and move away from it. He conflated the Minnesotan system with the federal Affordable Care Act it was launched under, and said both are failed ideas. Before you fix a problem you have to admit there is one, Davids said. Its so unfortunate ... Obamacare is crushing Minnesotans. Davids is continuing to advocate for an immediate special session to address that and other issues, including the tax and bonding bills, which were stymied at the end of this years legislative session, as well as rural economic development. Driving through Houston County, it's hard to ignore the number of campaign yard signs stuck along the roadside. Some homes have one, some have multiple signs supporting candidates running against each other; it is a mishmash of steady campaigning. The state of Minnesota has a statute that states that during state election years, any municipal campaign signage laws are overruled and signs are allowed 46 days before the election. They then have to be taken down within 10 days following the vote. According to Thomas Trehus, a candidate for state representative in District 28B, the signs are not actually indicative of who is voting for whom. I talk to a lot of people who allow signs for both candidates in the yard, or allow signs for one candidate in their yard. That is not always who they are voting for, Trehus said. George Horihan of La Crescent, 76, reaffirmed Trehus belief by adding that none of the signs on his lawn reflect his political values. When driving through La Crescent, it would be hard to miss Horihans lawn at 215 S. Oak St. I live at a busy corner; if the candidate asks to put it up, I say yes, he said. Trehus does not have any campaign signs on his own yard because he said he lives far in the country. I know my neighbors, and I know how theyre going to vote, he said. Houston County Commissioner Judy Storlie believes that signs are somewhat effective. I try to have them where most people drive through town, but I also want them in the regular neighborhoods," she said. "I want people to know that Im in the neighborhoods, too." Storlie did not buy any new signs this year; instead, she has focused on stickers. She has two of her own signs on her front lawn. City councilor Brian Krenz who only has a "Lancer Nation" sign on his yard believes depending on location, signs can be very effective. They are effective in getting people to recognize your name, and if certain people put your sign up, it could mean something," Krenz said. "For example, if the mayor puts them out, people may vote based off of that visibility." Jack Miller, who is running against Storlie to regain the county commissioner seat he lost to her four years ago, has signs known for being bigger than most of his fellow candidates. Quite frankly, I have no idea how effective they are. I think its appropriate to say that I hope they are, Miller said. Shirley Duerwachter, 79, has signs supporting both Storlie and Miller sitting on her front lawn at 110 S. Elm St. I dont mind having the signs up," she said. "One of the candidates rode his bike through and just asked me if I would put it up." Krenz, Storlie, Miller and Trehus all agreed that the most effective way to campaign is through door-to-door interaction. This is not always the case, though. Steve Thesing, 54, made his own Donald Trump sign for his house at 521 Main St. after deciding the smaller and standard-issue candidate signs were not doing enough. I wanted to make something that stood out. Once I put it up, I had a lot of honking and thumbs up. Yes, they can be effective," he said. "I travel through the interstates for work and all those signs you see, on those farms, make a difference." During this time of rancorous political debate on all levels, there still exist some issues that we can reasonably discuss, including the La Crescent-Hokah School District operating levy. The executive board of the La Crescent teacher's union would like to express its strong support for passing the levy on Nov. 8. It will come as no surprise that teachers would support additional funding for schools; we do. We see the crowded classrooms and lost opportunities for instruction every day. However, our greatest support is behind Superintendent Kevin Cardille, who we have seen tirelessly represent the best interests of the students, families and employees of this district. Beginning in 2015, Kevin adopted a district that was in deficit spending, cutting programs, increasing class sizes, and reducing faculty. Kevin examined every reasonable solution and found creative ways to reduce spending while making improvements to the facilities. He balanced the budget. In addition, he reached out to the people of La Crescent through many meetings to discuss the future of our schools and our community. Kevin's philosophy includes adding relevant curriculum options for students. He wants education to be meaningful for all students. The operating levy will greatly help toward realizing this goal. We support Superintendent Cardille and the efforts he has made to make the people of La Crescent aware of the need for this operating levy to pass. We encourage you to vote "yes" on Nov. 8. Wisconsin has had six years of one-party rule, and it hasnt been good for the state, said Julie Lassa. Lassa, a Stevens Point Democrat running for re-election in the 24th state Senate District, criticized majority Republicans on a number of issues, ranging from education to the economy. She said Republicans have been very successful in locking in their power through gerrymandering, changes in election law and campaign finance rules that allow unlimited and undisclosed donations to political campaigns. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, she said. The Republicans have all three branches of state government, and theyve taken that to an extreme to use the laws of the state to stay in power. She said Wisconsins economy has fared poorly compared to the rest of the country since 2011, when Gov. Scott Walker swept into office with significant Republican majorities in the state Legislature. She said a recent Pew Research report says Wisconsin leads the nation in the percentage of middle-class families falling into poverty and that the report confirms what she is hearing from voters. We know middle-class families in Wisconsin are struggling, she said. Lassa has been a vocal critic of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, which was formed shortly after Walker took office. She said WEDC, which has faced scrutiny for questionable loan practices, needs to focus more on small businesses. She said Wisconsin ranks near the bottom for business start-ups. So much of the resources for that agency are focused on helping large companies, Lassa said. We have lost sight of who the real job creators are in Wisconsin. She said cuts to K-12 education and the University of Wisconsin System are hindering economic development. School districts, particularly in rural Wisconsin, are forced to propose band-aid referendums to maintain programs in the wake of state budget cuts, she said. One of her children attends a kindergarten class in Stevens Point with 25 students. Lassa expressed concern about the direction of the UW System and its ability to retain faculty and staff. The governor has talked about turning our universities more into technical colleges, she said. That is the wrong direction to head, especially when you hear from business people that they value a liberal arts education because ... it helps people think outside the box and become creative problem solvers. Lassas has been touting her work for military veterans and opposed efforts to consolidate county veterans service offices. She also has called for an expanded probe of conditions at the State Veterans Home in King. The veterans who have given so much for us deserve the best possible care, she said. This is not a partisan political issue, its an issue of mismanagement and neglect. Elaine Marie Monsoor, 88, of La Crosse passed away peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2016, at Onalaska Care Center. Elaine was born to John and Nellie (Huzzar) Monsoor Oct. 13, 1928. She graduated from Logan High School in 1946. While growing up, she worked in her fathers grocery store on Copeland Ave. The family moved to George Street and opened a family-owned grocery where she worked for many years. Earlier in life, Elaine loved to travel and visit friends and family across the country. She traveled to Brazil, and also to Lebanon, to visit her parents homeland. She enjoyed baking Syrian dishes for family Christmas parties and Sunday dinners. When you visited her, the coffee was always on and donuts were served. No one ever left her home without a bag of something baked. Elaine loved cars and had the uncanny ability to name the year and model of every one coming down the road. Her car James took her and her friends on many trips to Lindas Bakery and to the casino. For many years she hosted mission groups, sewing bandages for overseas charities. Elaine was the matriarch of her family, the giver of advice, and the shoulder to cry on. Her strength and dedication to her family was immeasurable. She will be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to her parents, Elaine was preceded in death by her six brothers, Sam, Emil, George, Mike, Tom and Frank; a nephew, John; and a niece, Rita. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4, at the Marian Chapel at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral, 530 Main St., La Crosse. Friends may visit with the family from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Friday. Dickinson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.dickinsonfuneralhomes.com. Psalm 62: My safety and glory with God, my rock and refuge. Henry Hank Gamroth wasnt much for war movies. The only war movie daughter Patty Bagniewski can remember her late father going to was Platoon, and he only lasted about 10 minutes before he had to leave because it was too intense and this would have been more than 41 years after he had been in his last battle during World War II. Gamroth wasnt interested in reliving the horrors of war, and he probably wouldnt want to see Mel Gibsons new movie, Hacksaw Ridge, which tells the true story of a World War II medic categorized as a conscientious objector who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for saving the lives of 75 men wounded in battle near the end of the war on the Japanese-held island of Okinawa. It would hit Gamroth very close to home. He was one of the soldiers saved by the heroic medic. He didnt talk about the war hardly at all, Bagniewski said of her father, a longtime Independence police chief who died in 1994. But he did talk about Desmond Doss. Doss is the hero in Hacksaw Ridge, but Doss didnt really consider himself a conscientious objector; he liked to say he was a conscientious cooperator. He saw the war as a just cause, one he actually wanted to help with. He enlisted in the Army in 1942, but he was a faithful adherent of the Seventh-day Adventist faith and he refused to kill (or work on Saturday, the Sabbath). In fact, he refused to even carry a gun, insisting that he wanted to serve his country as a medic. Gamroth was a member of Company B of the 77th Infantry Divisions 307th Infantry Regiment, and they had a big job: wrest control of Okinawa from the entrenched Japanese Imperial Army so Allied forces could use the island as an air base to mount attacks on Japan, roughly 340 miles north. The Battle of Okinawa, the bloodiest in the Pacific Theater, ran from April 1 to June 22, 1945, with more than 14,000 Allied soldiers and 77,000 Japanese soldiers killed. Tens of thousands of civilians also were killed, used by Japanese soldiers as human shields. The 307th Infantrys fighting on Okinawa started on April 29, 1945, and their task was a tall order. They had to take control of the Maeda Escarpment, a jagged 400-foot cliff that ran the length of the island and came to be called Hacksaw Ridge because of the fierce fighting. To reach the top of the ridge, Gamroth and his comrades climbed cargo netting, and once to the top they faced stiff resistance from Japanese fighters. An early assault on Hacksaw Ridge left an estimated 75 wounded American soldiers on top after withering enemy fire drove the Allied forces back. Doss alone remained atop the ridge, bringing the wounded to the cliffs edge and lowering them down one by one. Back in 1987, just after Memorial Day, Gamroth shared his memories of Hacksaw Ridge with La Crosse Tribune reporter Grant Blum. Gamroth had seen an Associated Press story about Doss rescuing a soldier who had been hit by mortar fire and fell from a cliff, severely injuring his leg. That was me, Gamroth told Blum, adding that he was still amazed at what Doss did, dodging enemy fire to drag him to safety. I cant figure that guy out. The lead was flying. He was bending over and treating the wounded. Gamroth told Blum that when he fell he landed near a cave in which enemy soldiers were dug in. I heard Japanese jabbering, Gamroth said, adding that he got a grenade ready, just in case, and let it fly just as Doss got to his side because he thought the enemy soldiers were coming toward them. Gamroth was wounded and rescued by Doss on May 5, and it seems likely that his rescue is mentioned in the citation that went along with Dosss Medal of Honor: When an American was severely wounded by fire from a cave, Pfc. Doss crawled to him where he had fallen 25 feet from the enemy position, rendered aid, and carried him 100 yards to safety while continually exposed to enemy fire. The day before Gamroth was wounded, he was in a foxhole with two other soldiers, who were sleeping while he kept watch. Gamroth tried to rouse the other two when he heard the tell-tale tapping sound of a Japanese grenade after one was lobbed into their foxhole, but they didnt get out in time. After he was wounded on May 5, that was the end of the war for Gamroth. Only one of the other 11 members of his squad left Okinawa alive. For Doss, the war came to an end on May 21, when he was twice wounded as he was caring for other wounded soldiers, first by shrapnel from an enemy grenade and then by a snipers bullet that shattered his left arm. On top of his wounds, Doss also contracted tuberculosis during his recovery and lost his hearing after he was given an overdose of antibiotics. The day Gamroth talked to Blum, Gamroth had called Dosss home in Rising Fawn, Ga., not knowing that Doss had lost his hearing. Gamroth did talk to Dosss wife, who mentioned that her husband planned to attend a reunion of his Army unit in South Carolina. Bagniewski, a longtime Holmen resident, said her father wanted to go to that reunion so he could personally thank the man who saved his life, but he couldnt make it. That was no indication of a lack of gratitude, though. He did have the sense that he was fortunate to be here, Bagniewski said of her father. I cant imagine that it didnt change the way that he looked at life and how fortunate he was. Back home in Independence, Gamroth recovered completely from his battle wounds and came to be known for his hard work, generosity, upbeat outlook, humility, kindness and humor. He tried not to dwell on what he and his fellow soldiers went through on Okinawa, but he never forgot the friends he lost or what Doss did for him, Bagniewski said. Historyvshollywood.com, a website that compares films with the real people and events that inspired them, gave Hacksaw Ridge high marks for accuracy in the depiction of Dosss life. And judging by the early reviews of the movie, the battle scenes give an unflinching view of the carnage Doss and Gamroth saw on that island. Still, Bagniewski and her siblings Bonnie Klimek of Arcadia and Tom Gamroth of Texas will go see Hacksaw Ridge, maybe even more than once, she said. BARABOO As a taxpayer, Im glad my citys leaders dont target one another for crimes. But as a journalist, I wouldnt mind a little more excitement. I cover Baraboo city government for the newspaper, and have found City Hall to be a well-run operation with employees who are dedicated and helpful. This is good news for citizens, but sometimes I selfishly wish city officials here were a little more like their counterparts in Watson, Minnesota. Last week, that communitys former mayor pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary. Joseph Rongstad wasnt after valuables: He was after his neighbor and political rival, current Mayor Kyle Jones. This is the kind of incident that sells newspapers and wins reporters awards. And that, not sound and stable leadership, should be the goal of city government. Rongstad was elected mayor in 2012 and was succeeded by Jones two years later. Court documents indicate Rongstad believes the city of Watson has a conspiracy going against him. Hey, you arent paranoid if everyone truly is out to get you. Police were called to Jones home one March morning after he reported a break-in. Believing he was targeted for being the current mayor uneasy lies the head that wears a crown Jones named Rongstad as a suspect. Jones reported that his family had returned home at 1 a.m. that morning and around 3:30 a.m., an intruder had pushed his daughters bedroom door open and said, Oops, sorry. Just because a man commits burglary doesnt mean he forgets his manners. Jones wife reported hearing an intruder in the house around 7:30 that morning, and noticed desk drawers, electrical cords and other items strewn in the hallway. A computer case containing city documents and Jones computer had been moved from the home office. Meanwhile, a lanyard with keys and a black shirt were found upstairs, neither of which belonged to the family. To whom did these foreign objects belong? To the perpetrator, of course, the man who in an apparent effort to save money for the local taxpayer parked across the street from the crime scene. He may be a burglar, but Rongstad isnt about to waste the time of officers working on the taxpayers dime. Officers found him sleeping in a pickup across the street. After they woke Rongstad up, he told them he had been fixing his trucks to sell them and move to Brainerd, Minn. Oh sure, the old Leave me alone, Im moving to Brainerd defense. When officers produced the lanyard and keys, Rongstad admitted they were his. A deputy started Rongstads red Ford with one of the keys and arrested him immediately. Apparently, the cop was a Chevy man. During booking, authorities found on Rongstads person a Swiss Army knife with Kyle Jones written on it and a set of keys belonging to the mayor. If you thought breaking into the mayors house, taking stuff, having a middle-of-the-night talk with his daughter and falling asleep near the crime scene was weird, hold on tight. Rongstad also faces charges stemming from a February incident when he allegedly fired a rifle through the sunroof of his truck, claiming he was trying to get away from the corpses that were after him. Rongstad would hardly have been the first mayor who felt himself besieged by corpses. As anyone who has covered local government can tell you, public hearings most often are attended only by geezers who love nothing more than shaking their fists at elected officials. As for the latest charges, Rongstad pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary in exchange for having more serious charges dropped. Hell be sentenced next month. Thats what a guy gets for engineering a political caper so hopeless it made the Watergate Hotel burglary look well-organized. Oh, to be the city government reporter right now in Watson, Minnesota. Writing about mayor-on-mayor crime isnt something I get to do in Baraboo, where the leaders are frustratingly well-adjusted. As a taxpayer, Im relieved. But as a journalist, I wouldnt mind the occasional botched burglary and sunroof shooting. Because remember, city government is all about me. Oh, deer, what does Arbys think we are, chopped liver, not worthy of being guinea pigs? Amid all the hoopla about the fast-food chains rolling out its venison sandwich for the 20 million U.S. hunters, its limited availability leaves most shooting blanks. The brand-spankin new Arbys in Onalaska wont have the Bambi burgers, and the only place in Wisconsin to get one will be in Superior, 236 miles north of La Crosse. And yet, the breathless news release from the Atlanta-based chain proclaimed that the arrival of fall means Meats Season (Arbys capitalizes meats season) is finally here. And no restaurant understands Meats Season better than Arbys, which is why the Fast Crafted sandwich brand will release a venison sandwich in popular hunting markets ... Oops, my bad, I forgot that the chain eschews the term fast food, opting for its registered trademark of Fast Crafted. I apologize. Truth be told, the venison sandwich will be scarcer than a deer at an NRA convention. It will be nestled up against roast beef sandwiches in just 17 Arbys in six states: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Georgia. The measly list belies the hyperbolic promises in a news release, in which Rob Lynch, chief marketing officer and brand president of Arbys Restaurant Group Inc., said, Hunters hunt the meats, and we have the meats, so it makes sense for us to connect with them and offer a sandwich that they cant get at any other restaurant chain. Lynch continues to talk with his mouth full of the company line, saying, Were a brand thats not afraid to take risks, and while the venison sandwich is probably the biggest stretch for us yet, its incredibly delicious, and we cant wait to get it in the hands of our guests. You wont leave a hunt empty-handed after stopping by Arbys. Well, Arbys is leaving us empty-handed around these here parts, so well never know. I probably shouldnt whine, because everybody knows that the fast-food and even Fast Crafted sandwich chains commercials depict sandwiches much larger than life. So Im skeptical of Arbys description of a thick-cut venison steak and crispy onions topped with a juniper berry sauce on a toasted specialty roll. The venison is marinated in garlic, salt and pepper and then cooked for three hours to juicy, tender perfection. The juniper berry sauce is a Cabernet (that might get Kates attention) steak sauce infused with juniper berries, giving the already unique sandwich another signature twist. But we wont know, will we? Even those who get to know wont do so for long. In Nashville, customers at a single Arbys could start buying the sandwiches on Monday, but the deal ends today. Deer hunters can buy slices of Rudolphs cousins today through Sunday in Superior and four Minnesota stores, as well as one in Atlanta. Anybody fawning over the idea can luck out between Nov. 12 and 15, provided that they find one of the four Michigan spots hawking venison sandwiches. Pennsylvanians, though, won the lottery, racking up six stores selling the sandwiches from Nov. 25 through the 28, when most of us will be eating leftover turkey. I dont know why Im bellyachin, because I dont hunt I dont even own a gun (for the record, its not because Kates the boss of me, because she isnt). Im just taking umbrage for all the hunters around here who deserve a sandwich that lets somebody else do the work for a change, in my humble opinion. Having left two messages at Arbys headquarters asking to chew the fat about the selection process but not receiving a call-back, I was left to my own devices to second-guess the sites. Judging by the numbers, Id say Superior was picked because Douglas Countys 2015 harvest of 2,507 deer in its northern forest deer management zone was far less than the 4,149 bagged in the central farmland zone of La Crosse County, according to the state Department of Natural Resources count. So there: The formula rewards bad hunters (and/or lean forests) and punishes good ones (and/or bountiful farmlands). That certainly might be the case in Pennsylvania, which the wideopenspaces website www.wideopenspaces.com/top-10-worst-deer-hunting-states shows as the fifth-worst state in the country to bag a whitetail deer, largely because of its No. 1 ranking in density of 20.3 hunters a square mile and the fact that half of the deer harvested in The Keystone State are yearling bucks. Surprisingly, Wisconsin ranks ninth-worst, even though the website acknowledges it as one of the best states for blasting big bucks. But we get docked for shooting so many yearlings, plus, the namby-pambies who compile the ratings hand out demerits for our low temps and high piles of snow. Earning the best deer hunting mantle is Kentucky, largely by virtue of its hunter-friendly regulations, long seasons, no doe limits in some areas and wide expanses of public land harboring trophy racks. Wouldnt you know it, after my extensive research, an Arbys rep called and explained that this is just a test, so the company had to offer a limited selection of stores, which are in convenient spots in deer-hunting areas. Like I said, I dont even have a gun, but I do cotton to a chunk of venison sausage once in awhile. Ill do my hunting at the Beef Jerky Outlet in the Crossing Meadows strip mall in Onalaska, where a forager can find not only venison jerky, meat sticks and sausage but also products from other game animals, such as buffalo, alligator, ostrich, etc. Kind of convenient for somebody who doesnt have a hunting license and doesnt want to travel far. U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson reiterated his claims Wednesday that Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has committed crimes that would qualify her for impeachment if elected Tuesday while vowing to work with the next president if he himself is re-elected. The first-term Wisconsin Republican said Clinton broke two federal laws regarding concealment or destruction of records related to national defense when she was Secretary of State and said the FBI investigation into her use of a private email server was completely bungled. FBI director James Comey said in July that Clinton and her colleagues did not intentionally violate federal law, though they were extremely careless in their handling of sensitive information. Comey roiled the campaign when he told members of Congress Friday that the agency was looking into new email messages discovered in an unrelated investigation to determine whether they are relevant to Clintons handling of classified information. I think Secretary Clinton has disqualified herself from being president of the United States, Johnson said during a meeting with the Tribune editorial board. Its very clear. Johnson would not say whether allegations of sexual assault would qualify Donald Trump for impeachment but said he would hold whichever candidate is elected accountable if theres a proven crime. Trump, the Republican nominee, was caught on tape in 2005 bragging that he grabbed women by the genitals, and several women have since accused him of groping them. Johnson appeared with Trump on Tuesday at a rally in Eau Claire, marking the first time the candidates have appeared together in public during the campaign. He said neither major party candidate is ideal, but the election is a binary choice. I would like to be voting for Ronald Reagan, Johnson said, adding that Democrats would probably prefer Harry Truman. Johnson is locked in a tight race with former Sen. Russ Feingold, whom he unseated in 2010. Polls conducted in the past four weeks have shown Feingold ahead by an average of 6.8 points, though in a Marquette Law School poll released Wednesday Feingolds lead had narrowed to one point within the polls margin of error. Johnson says if re-elected he will not seek a third term, which he considers the selling point of his campaign. We need more people in Washington, D.C., that arent motivated by re-election, he said. EASTMAN David W. Nagel, 72, of Eastman died Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, at his home. Memorial service will be 5 p.m. Friday with military honors, at Garrity Funeral Home Chapel in Prairie du Chien. A private family interment will be later in the National Cemetery in Eastman. Visitation from 2 p.m. to time of services. The three candidates for the 32nd Senate District clashed Tuesday on Planned Parenthood, Wisconsins controversial voter ID law and the economy during a debate at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Sen. Jennifer Shilling and her challengers Dan Kapanke and Chip DeNure grew heated as they discussed Gov. Scott Walkers move to defund Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin and shift the work they do onto community clinics and public health departments. Kapanke, R-Town of Campbell, and DeNure, I-La Crosse, both spoke out against state funding for the womens health organization, with DeNure calling the group nasty and Kapanke saying theyre horrible, citing the Center for Medical Progresss sting videos released last year, which accused the national Planned Parenthood organization of illegally selling fetal tissue to researchers. Officials in 12 states and a U.S. House of Representatives oversight community found no evidence the group broke the law; however, the donation of fetal tissue and the performance of abortion procedures continue to draw scrutiny. All of us are given that great gift of life, but some people arent having that choice 50 million. What happens at Planned Parenthood is unconscionable when you think about it and when you look at those videos, Kapanke said. Shilling criticized her opponents for immediately bringing up abortion. There we go again. When a man is asked about womens health, they immediately go to abortion, instead of thinking about what those clinics are providing, Shilling said. Shilling cited mammograms, cancer screenings and other services provided by Planned Parenthood, adding that public health departments are unable to handle the burden if people are forced to look elsewhere for care. DeNure called for a single-payer health system, which he said would eliminate the need for the reduced-cost services Planned Parenthood provides. There was also a sharp contrast between the candidates when it came to Wisconsins statutory requirement to show a photo ID at the polls, which went into effect this year. It is a fundamental right and we must make it as easy as possible to vote, Kapanke said; however, he added, there were real concerns of students voting in more than one state, citing several students telling him they might vote in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. We make this voter ID law as seamless as possible for everybody and weve tried to do that, and, you know, where do you go where you dont have to show an ID? You need one to change your cell phone program for petes sake, Kapanke said. Those photo IDs are accessible, he added. Shilling disagreed, saying the laws unnecessarily impact students, people with disabilities and people who dont own a car. Its a constitutional right and dont confuse renting a movie using your drivers license or opening a banking account or flying on an airplane with your constitutional right to vote, Shilling said. DeNure is undecided on the law, but thinks voter fraud is a concern nationwide, if not in Wisconsin. He also called for eliminating early voting. I think we should do away with it. We vote on Election Day, DeNure said. He said people should be fully informed before voting, citing the recent letter by FBI director James Comey explaining that the bureau is continuing its investigation into Hillary Clintons personal email server after additional emails came to light during an unrelated investigation. The candidates were in agreement that La Crosses economy was strong, but differed when it came to the state and national levels. Shilling called for additional public-private partnerships citing their success in the growth of downtown La Crosse urged a focus on tax breaks for small-business entrepreneurs over billionaires, and renewed her appeal for expanded broadband, particularly in rural areas. Broadband is the great equalizer for economic development in large and small communities, she said. Kapanke said while La Crosse is in a good place, the Coulee Region, as well as the state of Wisconsin, needs more workers. We need to market the good things about Wisconsin and not run it down. We have so many things going on here with this great state. Lets market that to the outside. Lets bring businesses in here and lets bring a larger workforce in here, Kapanke said. DeNure believes the 32nd District is doing well, but that the country as a whole could use a boost. If you want to make the economy better, you elect Donald Trump president, he said. The candidates also differed on educational vouchers, with DeNure and Shilling criticizing the program for funding private schools with public funds and for a lack of accountability, respectively, and Kapanke speaking in support, saying it addresses students needs. The 32nd District includes the towns of Angelo, Adrian, Tomah, Leon, Wells, Ridgeville, Wilton, Portland, Jefferson, Sheldon and Wellington and villages of Norwalk, Wilton, Melvina and Cashton in Monroe County. Gov. Scott Walker announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved his request for federal low-interest disaster loans for individuals and businesses affected by flash flooding in September. The SBA declared Vernon County, along with the contiguous counties of Crawford, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland and Sauk. In addition, Allamakee County in Iowa and Houston County in Minnesota were also listed. Were pleased the U.S. Small Business Administration will be able to assist homeowners and businesses that incurred damage from floods in September, Walker said. The low-interest loans will help them get back on their feet as they continue to recover from this natural disaster. Assistance in the form of low-interest loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed homes. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Low-interest loans of up to $2 million are available to businesses for physical damage and economic loss from the flooding. Heavy rains caused widespread flooding and mudslides in western Wisconsin Sept. 21-22. Last week, the SBA completed initial damage assessments and reported more than 30 homes and businesses sustained significant damage and uninsured losses of over $3 million. To help assist disaster victims, the SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Viroqua, where individuals and businesses will be able to obtain information and loan applications. The center will open Friday, Nov. 4, at the Banta Building, 402 Courthouse Square, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Westby-Christiana Fire Department won a grain bin rescue tube and hands-on rescue training as part of Nationwides 2016 Nominate Your Fire Department Contest held in conjunction with Grain Bin Safety Week held annually in February. Grain Bin Safety Week is an annual observance that occurs the third full week of February to promote grain bin safety on farms and commercial grain handling facilities. A highlight of Grain Bin Safety Week is the contest, which runs from Jan. 1 to May 31, and awards grain rescue tubes and training to first responders across the country. Westby fireman Eric Nottestad applied for the grain rescue tube grant on behalf of the Westby-Christiana Fire Department. The annual contest encourages nominations of first responders whose communities would benefit from winning a tube and training. It asks departments to describe how they would share the tube and training information with nearby fire departments. This years contest generated a record 641 nominations and will provide tubes and training to 19 fire departments across 14 states another record. For the third straight year, Nationwide is bringing awareness to preventable grain bin entrapments and deaths through Grain Bin Safety Week, said Nationwide Agribusiness President Brad Liggett. Grain bin accidents can tragically impact individuals, families and entire communities. Accident prevention means everyone working together and Grain Bin Safety Week provides a forum for the agricultural community to help keep people safe. Westby-Christiana Fire Department Chief Gilbert Turben said winning the grain rescue tube was a win-win for the department which is located in the heart of rural America and an area blessed with many varieties of grain holding and production facilities. He said the training they received on Oct. 5 was very informative and provided his department with information completely new to them. Having equipment like this might make the difference between a rescue or a recovery in the event of a grain related accident, Turben said. From train wrecks to saving lives, it was all in a days work for Peter Hensgen. Railroading was in Petes blood. He was born in La Crosse on Jan. 21, 1891. He spent his childhood only a stones throw from the railroad tracks. He worked at various railroad jobs and in 1911 began work as a brakeman, fireman, conductor and engineer on the La Crosse to Viroqua run of the La Crosse and Southeastern Railroad. Having read through many early editions of the Westby Times, it seems almost every other issue had an article or a notice of some kind of railroad mishap. The early days of railroading were very interesting to say the least, and negotiating the hills in Vernon County posed a number of problems. Railroad employees had to be especially vigilant. The year 1916 would prove to be one of those years for Hensgen. A notice in the Vernon County Censor, Sept. 13, 1916, notes the following: It is reported from Coon Valley that a Southeastern train killed a calf belonging to Melvin Solberg. It was buried with due ceremony by the local section crew. While most reports say the following event occurred in August 1916, the Vernon County Censor, Sept. 27, 1916, indicates it would have been on Sept. 24, 1916. That was the day that Pete Hensgen, then a fireman on the La Crosse and Southeastern, noticed something red lying on the tracks in the distance. The train had just pulled out of the Westby station and had built up to a speed of 45 mph. Nearing the spot the men were horrified to see that it was a child lying on the track, head resting on the rail. The Engineer applied the air brakes and Hensgen dashed out of the cab like a flash of lightning, ran over the locomotive to reach out and seize the child and throw it from the track. Hensgen shouted, Theres a kid on the track! While Hensgen was trying to scramble to save the child, the engineer said, Youll never make it. Hensgen said all he kept saying was, God save the child. He said, Before the moment of impact I kicked the child in the small of the back, and we both went rolling down the embankment. Another article by Margaret Gulsvig from Nov. 24, 1993, tells more of this story. The little 3--year-old child, Thelma Haakenson, daughter of Christian and Randine Haakenson, had wandered from her home located just about where Coon Prairie Road joins Bekkedal Avenue in the southeast end of Westby. Having wandered about a mile and a half, she became tired and rested her head on the track and went to sleep. When Hensgen tossed Thelma from the track, he jumped off after her as she rolled down an embankment. He was worried she had been killed but she started to cry and he was very relieved. Eventually the people out looking for the child met up with the railroad crew trying to find who the girl belonged to and everyone was relieved that Thelma was OK. Thus, began a lifelong friendship with Thelma and her family and Pete Hensgen and his family. Margaret Gulsvig also related that the railroad company gave Hensgen a two-month vacation after his heroic act and he spent the time in Montana. He admitted that many nights thereafter he had trouble sleeping. When Westby residents learned what day he would return to his firemans post, they gathered at the depot area to thank him for his act of bravery. Thelma was on hand with her father, and gave Hensgen a bouquet of flowers. There have been several articles about Pete Hensgen over the years in the Westby Times and the La Crosse Tribune. Each one touches on this particular incident that could have been a tragedy but turned into an act of heroism. When Pete retired from the railroad the Westby Times ran an article on Dec. 12, 1956, that covered his 50-year career with the railroad. When the La Crosse and Southeastern had its last run from La Crosse to Viroqua, Hensgen and his longtime fellow railroad worker, Robert Schultz of La Crosse, made the final run on Aug. 9, 1933. The La Crosse and Southeastern had been bought out by the Milwaukee Road. The title of this two-page article is, Retiring Railroad Man Saved Westby Girls Life. When Pete Hensgen died May 17, 1988, at the age of 97 in Sparta, a whole paragraph in his obituary was devoted to the story of saving the little girls life. After 1933, he spent the rest of his railroading career as a conductor for the Chicago-Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. The photo above is from the Westby Times, Feb. 20, 1929, and shows the La Crosse and Southeastern bound for La Crosse, pushing heavy snow from the track, when it derailed about a mile west of Westby. The fact that the train had only been going only 25 mph at the time prevented a more serious wreck. As it was, the conductor, Pete Hensgen, received bruises on one leg after the engine and snowplow telescoped on the track. It is believed that the man depicted in the photo is Pete Hensgen. Anyone with more information or who has a photo of Pete Hensgen or little Thelma Haakenson, please call Westby Area Historical Society at 608-634-4478 to leave a message or email westbywihistory@gmail.com The next meeting of WAHS will be Monday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m. at Norseland Nursing Home. Authors note: The late Eric Leum encouraged me to find information on Pete Hensgen and write an article about him. He told me that not all people important to Westby history were born in Westby. A growing number of people are using computer software and other technology to support the needs of immigrants worldwide. Many of these people already work in the technology industry. Some observers are calling this new movement digital humanitarianism. Over the past two years, VOA and other media have been reporting on the immigration crisis in Europe. Many of these immigrants are coming from the Middle East and Africa. They are looking for safety and a better quality of life. Some of the immigrants are migrants, but many others are refugees. Migrants go from one place to another for economic reasons. Refugees flee violence or political unrest in their home country and seek asylum. The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) reports that about 65 million people were displaced at the end of 2015. Since last year, many software developers have been creating digital solutions to help countries deal with the growing number of immigrants. Technology is changing every part of the journey of refugees and migrants. Before going overseas, for example, they need to plan their trip. During their travels, they might need to send signals for help. After finally arriving in their new country, there are a long list of needs, such as housing, health care, jobs, and legal help. Last month, the Migration Policy Institute released a report on these digital tools and how governments can better support their development and use. The report is called Digital Humanitarianism: How Tech Entrepreneurs Are Supporting Refugee Integration. It says the 2015-16 period was impressive for the expansion of these digital tools. The report says that, although the movement has shown promise, it needs more financing, better organization, and inclusion in policy talks with governments. Too Much Too Soon? Since 2015, computer programmers have launched a number of digital tools designed to help refugees. For example, an app called InfoAid is for individuals and families traveling through southeast Europe. It provides information about national borders and transportation, and advice on security, among other things. Another tool, Trace the Face, can help immigrants reunite with loved ones by posting images and searching for photographs online. The website is a service of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Yet the report also found that a number of good ideas from this flood of high-tech development have resulted in wasted energy. It said that too many teams were working separately and creating tools that perform similar tasks. Meghan Benton, the lead writer of the report, is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Migration Policy Institute. She talked about the mistakes tech humanitarians were making. One of the challenges I point to in my report is the fact that there have been hundreds of apps developed that try and be the default the one app to help people access services when they get to a new city. And I think that were finding with some emerging evidence that refugees would prefer often to use existing platforms like Facebook or WhatsApp or just to have government websites that are easier to understand." A number of these apps are no longer operational. The report adds that the technology industry is learning from its mistakes. It is moving away from the lets create an app model, Benton notes, and finding better ways to serve refugee communities. Many programmers are now attempting to organize themselves through a non-profit group called Techfugees, the report says. The group coordinates conferences and projects among its 15,000 members in 14 countries, including the United States. Techfugees supports user-centered design, which Benton believes is important. User-centered design is about listening directly to what refugees say their needs are and then designing high-tech tools based on these needs. Techfugees also plans to use its expertise to help non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as the UNHCR, with their tech needs. Hurry Up and Wait The report says government officials and lawmakers only recently have learned about some of these inventions. So, while the tech community might be going in the right direction, governments are not yet sure how to make use of their efforts. The report calls on governments to identify the needs of refugees, invite the tech community to join policy talks, and help finance the best inventions. For example, when governments need solutions, such as ways to make housing available to refugees, they sometimes offer prizes for good ideas. The European Commission and the Swedish government already offer challenge prizes. Benton says government agencies need to do more of this. But, is technology a realistic solution for every refugee need? Jobs and the wages they provide are a continuing issue. The report says governments and many NGOs have mostly overlooked new refugees need for credit. Refugees usually have problems opening bank accounts. The report suggests crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending as another way to help the new arrivals. While jobs are the best way to earn money, most refugees cannot work legally in their new home until they are offered asylum. Meghan Benton notes that when the asylum offer finally arrives, the refugees are often housed in rural areas, far from the best positions. For now, technology can help reduce costs for job training and education. More importantly, the training can take place on a computer and sometimes a telephone - anywhere. Some software tools connect highly skilled refugees with employers, such as Workeer in Germany. Other programs offer education at no cost. There is also is a serious effort to offer free coding classes to refugees so they can start careers in computer programming. Two examples are RebootKamp, in Jordans Zataari refugee camp, and Refugees on Rails in Germany. Benton admits that more attention must be paid to refugees with lower-level skills. She says they could get help from a website like Amazon Mechanical Turk, which advertises many kinds of small jobs. The site is a division of the American online business Amazon.com. Im Alice Bryant. And Im Jill Robbins. Alice Bryant wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Have you or someone you know used an app, website, or other digital tool similar to the ones discussed in this story? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the comments section. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story digital - adj. using or characterized by computer technology journey - n. an act of traveling from one place to another impressive - adj. deserving attention, admiration, or respect : making a good impression app - n. a computer program that performs a special function online - adv. connected to a computer, a computer network, or the Internet task - n. a piece of work that has been given to someone : a job for someone to do analyst - n. a person who studies or analyzes something default - adj. to automatically use a particular setting or option, unless you choose a different one coordinate - v. to make arrangements so that two or more people or groups of people can work together properly and well peer - n. a person who belongs to the same age group or social group as someone else crowdfunding - n. the practice of funding a project or venture by raising many small amounts of money from a large number of people, usually on the Internet "There are no surprises," said Gov.John Bel Edwards when asked about the task force report in an interview Wednesday morning (Nov. 2). The task force has returned to several concepts and ideas floated previously with little success in the Louisiana Legislature. It suggests eliminating the state federal tax deduction for income taxes or restricting federal itemized deductions on income tax payments. The task force said the Legislature should also look at phasing out an expensive state business inventory tax and tax credit which benefits local governments. It recommends an automatic sunset on all business incentive programs, and the elimination of those tax credits programs which don't work. It also suggests changes to the state's industrial tax exemption that are similar to those already being implemented by Edwards. Furthermore, the task force said Louisiana shouldn't retain a sales tax hike it passed last spring, which gives the state the highest sales tax in the nation right now. Instead, it should lower the sales tax rate, but continue to tax a larger range of services that it is currently taxing temporarily -- such as business utilities and custom software. New services -- such as internet transactions and purchases -- should also be subjected to sales tax, according to the group. Louisiana raised over a billion dollars in taxes just last spring in order to prop up the state's shoddy finances, but House Republicans blocked the governor from ginning up even more revenue. At the time, the House Republican leadership said staff had evaluated the new taxes too conservatively -- that more tax revenue would come in than estimates showed. In the end, the tax estimates didn't end up being conservative enough. Louisiana has less money coming into its coffers than either the Republicans or the governor expected. "It is sort of an 'I told you so' moment," the governor said, adding: "They could have gotten a jump on the things that the task force is recommending because they are many things that we had before the Legislature at the time." The governor's budget task force released its long awaited recommendations yesterday and they are underwhelming The sales tax ideas seem ok depending on what specific pennies actually stay clean when the legislature gets a hold of this. The income tax stuff depends too much on bank shot proposals that limit federal deductions but also flatten the tax brackets. There's a suggestion that the overall effect is progressive but I'm skeptical.A better idea would have been to reinstate something like the Stelly plan which lowered sales taxes on essentials like food and raised upper income tax rates. But the governor (who voted to repeal Stelly when he was in the legislature) was never on board with that.It also looks like a wasted opportunity to gain an advantage on obstructionist Republican lawmakers whose ideas have just been thoroughly discredited.See when that happens, when you get a new "I told you so moment" where your lying opponents have been proved fucking wrong you're supposed to play that hand. This would mean, at least, that you don't come back to the table with the same conciliatory package they obnoxiously rejected last time.But that's exactly what the task force is offering now. We were asked to believe during this year's sessions that this was the best we could expect from them in the "emergency" budget gap situation. This task force was supposed to come up with bolder, more long term solutions to the state's fiscal problems. This is a lame attempt at that if it's even an attempt at all. Next year's legislative session is going to be a fight. The Governor looks like he is already trying to lose it. Particularly during my sojourns in South Africa, it may not be possible for me to perform the moderation function speedily. I regret the necessity of moderation but it has been rendered inevitable by the behaviour of a particular commentator whose contributions will always and without exception be rejected. No correspondence will be entered into regarding moderation decisions. Readers are invited to comment on blog posts. All comments require to be pre-moderated by me, and I shall reject all (a) that are not related to the Lockerbie disaster or (b) that fail to meet my -- perhaps idiosyncratic -- standards of courtesy towards other contributors. Comments will not be rejected simply because I disagree with them or because I, or other contributors, find them irritating. But comments will be rejected if they distort or misrepresent the evidence; are defamatory; or if they risk embroiling me, as publisher, in defamation proceedings. I am perfectly relaxed about being sued in respect of material which I personally have posted -- but not in respect of material that others wish to post as comments and which, in any case, I often strongly disagree with. Stop us if youve heard this one: If you dont vote in each election, you lose your ability to vote. Or: If you leave a race blank on your ballot, your whole ballot wont count. Or the election office will mark it for you. Every election, myths and half-truths about voting pop up like an improperly popped chad. This election, its only gotten worse, especially with a major party candidate telling millions of supporters that the election is rigged. Florida Decides Voting Guide: Candidates, races, ballot measures that affect you Join us for exclusive coverage of the general election throughout October and through the Nov. 8 election. Here's your guide to our special coverage: Special editions of Political Connections Florida Decides 2016 election preview | 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7 Jim, our election helper, can assist you with any of your election questions. Access this Bay News 9/News 13 bot here. Election day coverage on-air, online and on mobile starting at 7 a.m. Election officials across Florida have taken to debunking voting myths on official county pages. Leon County Elections Supervisor Ion Sancho has a video series on YouTube. Seminole County Elections Supervisor Mike Ertel does a daily debunk on his Facebook page. And every day, the Florida Division of Elections takes hundreds of calls at its Voter Fraud (1-877-868-3737) and Voter Assistance Hotlines (1-866-308-6739). Some myths stem from the fact that election rules are different across the country. What is legal in one state may not be in another. But some are downright malicious, meant to stop people from voting. So here are some of the top Florida voting myths, gathered from elections supervisors and questions weve gotten from viewers over the past year. Ballot myths MYTH No. 1: Mail-in ballots dont get counted until the race is close. THE TRUTH: Not only are mail-in ballots always counted, on Election Night, they and early voting ballots are usually the first results we see from the counties. MYTH No. 2: Provisional ballots dont get counted unless there is a tie, or at all. THE TRUTH: Provisional ballots have to be approved by a canvassing board. But they are counted after they are approved. MYTH No. 3: The position of the candidates on the ballot shows favoritism. THE TRUTH: Donald Trump will be the name at the top of the ballot for the presidential race. The reason? Florida Gov. Rick Scott is a Republican. Florida law says the political party that wins the last gubernatorial election determines the order of candidates on the ballot. The next major party candidate, Hillary Clinton, will follow, then minor-party candidates, then "no party affiliation" candidates. MYTH No. 4: Write in whoever you want for president, that vote will count. THE TRUTH: Every election, someone jokingly writes in Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck or Darth Vader for president. Although canvassing boards will count up those results, they wont count them legit. Thats because write-in candidates must register in Florida in order to be considered an official write-in candidate. BONUS: What about Evan McMullin? McMullin, an independent anti-Trump candidate, is on the ballot in many states, either physically or as a write-in. However, in Florida, his candidacy was denied. As of right now, any ballot write-ins wont count in official results. MYTH No. 5: If you voted early or by mail (previously called absentee) and want to change your vote, you can. THE TRUTH: Some states will allow you to change your ballot. Florida will not. If you make a mistake on your ballot BEFORE you have turned it in, Florida will give you up to two more ballots so you can vote the way you want to. But after you have cast a vote, you can't change it. Polling place myths MYTH No. 6: If you dont receive your ballot by 7 p.m. on Election Day, you wont be allowed to vote. THE TRUTH: As long as you are standing in line at a polling place by 7 p.m. on Election Day, you will be allowed to vote. So if you get in line at 6:55 p.m., as long as you are in line, you will be allowed to vote. MYTH No. 7: If you wear partisan or campaign attire to your polling place, you wont be allowed to vote. THE TRUTH: The law requires that people do not actively campaign within 100 feet of a polling place. As long as you are not actively campaigning, feel free to wear your Make America Great Again hat or A Womans Place is in the White House shirt when you vote, as allowed by Florida law. MYTH No. 8: Pictures are allowed at the polling place. THE TRUTH: In Florida, it is illegal to take a picture inside a polling place. The state says it can affect the integrity of the election. Some states do allow pictures, but Florida does not. So no selfies with your ballot! MYTH No. 9: Children are not allowed in the voting room when you vote. THE TRUTH: Children are not eligible to vote, but government officials strongly encourage citizens to take their children to the polls. It helps to show the importance of voting. MYTH No. 10: You cant use anything to help you vote at the voting booth. THE TRUTH: Each county sends voters a sample ballot showing them all the races they will vote on. This way, you can choose your candidates before you get to the polls. But you can also bring voting guides, cell phones and other items to help you vote. Voter ID myths MYTH No. 11: You cant vote if the address on your driver's license doesnt match the address on your voter registration record. THE TRUTH: First, your driver's license is not the only form of ID you can bring with you to the polls to prove where you live. But the reason to have an ID is to confirm your identity, not your address. The poll workers at the polling place will be able to verify if you are at the polling place associated with your current address, once your identity is confirmed. MYTH No. 12: You must have your voter ID card to vote. THE TRUTH: Your voter information card is NOT an ID card. And it is not required to vote at your polling place. It also cannot be used as sole identification. MYTH No. 13: You can vote with an out-of-state driver's license. THE TRUTH: If you are voting in Florida, you must be registered to vote in Florida. Even though the license is only used to confirm your identity, Florida law requires voters to use a Florida license. If you dont have one, you can still vote with a provisional ballot. The canvassing board will count the vote once your identity as a Florida resident is verified. 'How to vote' myths MYTH No. 14: You can cast a vote via the telephone or online. THE TRUTH: In Florida, the only ways to cast a ballot are via mail-in ballot, which you must request from your county elections office; in person via early voting; or in person on Election Day at your assigned polling place. If anyone tells you something different, its fraud. You cannot call in a vote, text a vote, email a vote or go to a website to cast a vote. MYTH No. 15: If you are registered to a party, you can only vote for candidates in that party. THE TRUTH: Your party affiliation does not affect who you vote for in a general election. Vote for anyone on the ballot. MYTH No. 16: You must speak English in order to vote in elections. THE TRUTH: The county Supervisor of Elections offices provide ballots in several languages. Check with your county to see what languages they provide ballots for. MYTH No. 17: If you dont vote in a race, your ballot wont count. THE TRUTH: If you get a ballot and leave a race blank, that is called an undervote. It will not count toward the result, but it wont void your entire ballot. Your votes in every other race will count. 'Who can vote?' myths HALF-TRUTH No. 18: If you dont vote every 2 years, you lose your eligibility to vote. THE TRUTH: You don't lose your voter eligibility after two years. However, election officials need to make sure their voting rolls are up to date. If you do not vote, and have not had contact with the county elections office for a two-year period, election officials will send you a notice to confirm your address. If you do not contact the elections office, or the notice is returned as undeliverable, your registration is put down as inactive. But all a voter has to do is go to their polling place on Election Day and confirm their address and they will be able to vote, or contact their county elections office. If you are marked as an inactive voter and then dont vote in the next two general elections (a four-year period), your registration is canceled. Then you have to reregister. MYTH No. 19: You need to be a member of a political party to vote. THE TRUTH: In a general election, you do not need to be a member of a political party. Any eligible Florida voter can vote in a general election. MYTH No. 20: If you voted in the primary, you cant vote in the general election. THE TRUTH: Primary elections are primary elections. You are deciding whether a candidate should be the partys nominee for that position. General elections are different elections, and you are deciding whether the nominee is qualified to win that position. If you voted in the primary, you can vote in November. ANY eligible Florida voter can vote in November. HALF-TRUTH No. 21: Convicted felons can vote. THE TRUTH: Some states automatically restore voting rights after a felon has completed their prison sentence. Florida does not. Felons must seek to have their rights restored. They can only vote if that happens. MYTH No. 22: Students who vote in the presidential election could see their college financial aid affected. THE TRUTH: Voting will not affect any federal financial aid. Some private scholarships based on location may be affected if you change your voter registration. Check with the scholarship administrator ahead of time. The Brennan Center for Justice has a complete Student Voting Guide. MYTH No. 23: If you are from Puerto Rico, you cant vote. THE TRUTH: People living in Puerto Rico do not vote in the general election because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. However, Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, which means if a Puerto Rican moves to the mainland and establishes permanent residency, they are allowed to vote in the general wlection. This is true for other U.S. territories as well. MYTH No. 24: Foreigners with legal U.S. residence can vote in elections. THE TRUTH: Only U.S. citizens (by birth or naturalized) can vote in American elections. HALF-TRUTH No. 25: More than a million dead people registered to vote. THE TRUTH: This has been a major complaint among those who claim the election is rigged. A 2012 Pew Center study found more than 1.8 million dead people were listed as voters. But this has little to do with people registering and voting as dead people and everything to do with the fact that people die. In 2014 alone, 2.6 million people in the U.S. were registered as dead. Those names are not automatically purged from voter rolls. The Pew study found that states had to do a better job of updating information and sharing it. Since then, many states have worked on tightening voter rolls and coordinating on information between governments. But that doesnt mean that all those dead people will go out and vote. Lots of living people are registered to vote and dont. Now, there is one caveat: if you vote by mail or early, and THEN you die, your vote will most likely count, unless a gung-ho elections supervisor is willing to go diving into the ballots to find yours. MYTH No. 26: The Electoral College will vote for who they want anyway. THE TRUTH: In the words of the GEICO lady, "Thats not how this works. Thats not how any of this works." Firstly, each party submits its slate of electors long before results are decided. Those electors have to be approved. Then the winning partys electors vote for the candidate (so if Donald Trump wins Florida, the Republican electors vote). Generally, the electors will follow the will of the public. There have been very few cases of faithless electors in the history of the country, and many states have laws against that, including Florida. Its that time of the week again! Friday is what every cine buff looks forward to. However, there is a sad news for the Bollywood brigade as there is no Hindi release this week. But they do have the choice to resort to the two big Diwali releases from last week Shivaay and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. This Friday, 4 November, has two Hollywood releases and a couple of regional movies in store. Lets see which ones those are: Film: Doctor Strange Whats It About: For the uninitiated, no it is not a film on medical miracles. In fact, it is anything but that. A Marvel Studios offering, the film is all about superheroes and sorcery. A surgeon meets with an accident and loses the use of his hands consequently. Despite repeated attempts, science can not bring his hands back but a sorcerer does. Doctor Strange goes on to protect the world against evil forces. Whos In It: Benedict Cumberbatch. Period. What May Work For It: Marvel fans have not experienced even a glimpse of Doctor Strange in the past 13 movies of the Marvel Comic Universe (MCU). This will serve as a curtain raiser to the sorcerer supreme of Earth. Add to that, Benedict Cumberbatchs hangover as Sherlock. Cant wait! Film: Trolls Whats It About: An animated buddy film which sees two trolls, perennially joyous creatures, trying to save their troll village from getting destroyed by the Bergens, who are jealous of trolls and can find happiness only when they eat the them. Whos In It: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake and Russell Brand. Only their voices. Troll! What May Work For It: Established stars lending voices to adorable characters. Also, after the record-breaking success of The Jungle Bookin India, animated movies have transcended the limitations of their traditional target group, the children, and found an audience in the adults. Film: Ventilator (Marathi) Whats It About: The Kamerkar family finds its doyen, Gujju Kaka admitted to the hospital and put on life support just days before Ganesh Chaturthi. Sounds like a sad story? Well, going by the trailers, it is not. Its a funny take on the chaos that ensues in the family and the comedy of errors that follows. Whos In It: Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker makes his return to acting after 18 years and to make matters more interesting, the film is the maiden Marathi production of Priyanka Chopra. It is a role reversal of Whats Your Rashee, with Chopra helming the behind-the-scenes management and Gowariker adorning the silver screen. What May Work For It: The trailers suggest that the film is a laugh riot with an emotional undertone. It is directed by Rajesh Mapuskar who made Ferrari Ki Sawaari. The film features some of the bigshots of the Marathi film industry and also boasts of an extended cameo by Boman Irani. Irani plays a doctor in the film, transporting the audience back to his hilarious portrayal of Dr. Asthana in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. Film: Naruda DONORuda (Telugu) Whats It About: Okay, it is the Telugu version of Vicky Donor. Not officially, but the story revolves around an infertility doctors quest to find a potential donor. Whos In It: Tanikella Bharani, who has worked in more than 750 films, and Suman Setty. What May Work For It: This one might be a laugh riot, given its similarities to Soorjit Sarcars hilarious Vicky Donor. For several years now, Shah Rukh Khans birthday celebrations on 2 November have followed a routine: SRK spends the day at home (his gorgeous sea-facing bungalow Mannat), meets with the hordes of fans who throng its vicinity and hosts a small get-together for mediapersons where cake and conversation take centrestage. On his 51st birthday on Wednesday, however, the superstar made quite the break with tradition. This year, Shah Rukh chose to celebrate his birthday at a private bash in the beach town of Alibaug. Close friends and family were in attendance, including Karan Johar, Ranbir Kapoor, Imtiaz Ali, Zoya Akhtar, Ayan Mukerji, Sanjay Kapoor and Chunky Pandey. An interaction planned with his fans the world over (via Facebook) was cancelled. Also not held was his usual birthday meet-and-greet with the media which often took on the proportions of a press conference, with the chatty star holding forth on subjects as diverse as his upcoming films, the industry, controversies, his family and personal life. So the absence of Shah Rukhs birthday ritual this year has got people talking. Was it the chaos? In 2014, SRKs 49th birthday celebrations had taken a chaotic turn at Mannat, thanks to the crush of fans and mediapersons jostling and pressing in on all sides. Shah Rukh had then said that he would no longer host these press meets at Mannat, but have a proper events team organise them in a more professional manner. True to his word, the 2015 customary birthday meet (his 50th) took place at a five-star hotel instead of Mannats lawns. The change in venue didnt mean a change in vibe SRK was at his entertaining best, fielding questions on Salman Khan, his dream of setting up an acting institute for daughter Suhana, commercial surrogacy (his son AbRam was born via surrogacy), the intolerance debate. And of course, mixed in with all this were plenty of quotable quotes, delivered in his trademark witty style. So its intriguing that the media-savvy superstar broke with tradition and stayed away from the press this time. What makes his radio silence strange is that Shah Rukh has an important release coming up Gauri Shindes Dear Zindagi at the end of this month. A song from the film Love You Zindagi, was released on Wednesday, 2 November, to coincide with the superstars birthday. Many-a-times, SRK has had a Diwali release coinciding with his birthday (last year, it was Happy New Year) which makes his press meets even more interesting. However, he has had these interactions even when he didnt have a film lined up around his birthday, in the past. Is it the Raees factor thats at play? While there was no official statement issued by Shah Rukhs team, speculation in film journalism circles is that the actor apparently decided to keep the media at bay to steer clear of Raees-related controversies. While filmmaker Karan Johar bore the major brunt of the anti-Pakistani artistes sentiment brewing here in the wake of the Uri attacks, SRK too was targeted for actress Mahira Khans presence in his film Raees. Last year, SRKs comments on intolerance, on his 50th birthday, had got the superstar major backlash. His statements, which the superstar said were misconstrued and blown out of proportion, inadvertently affected the business of his December film Dilwale. Once bitten Perhaps as a result of that incident, when Shah Rukh met with mediapersons on the occasion of Eid in July this year at Mannat (side note: Raees was supposed to have released then, but was postponed to January 2017 to avoid a clash with Sultan), he chose to refrain from commenting on sensitive ssues, such as the militants attack in Bangladesh that left four people dead. Last year, the media asked me something simple on my birthday and it became an issue. I didnt enjoy my birthday and I hold that against everyone. Maine kuch acchi, sharif baat ki thi, koi galat baat nahi ki thi (I had said something good and not anything wrong). I was telling things to the young people. Dont ask me anything now as I dont want to spoil my Eid as one doesnt know how it will be taken, SRK said, politely refusing to answer the question on terrorism. Was it to avoid more uncomfortable questions that SRK dodged the birthday celebrations at Mannat? While he did make it back home to Mannat late on Wednesday and greeted fans from his balcony, he didnt address any members of the press. Its too much to assume that solely the spectre of Raees kept SRK away from the media. For the king of one-liners, to charmingly divert attention from what he doesnt wish to talk about isnt all that difficult. As of now, the reason for why Shah Rukh chose to do away with a time-honoured tradition can only remain the realm of conjecture. When Maya tells Anbuchelvan I want to make love to you... the so-called moral police in the Tamil-speaking world didnt quite know whether they heard those words right. (Must be just another way of saying I love you? No machaan ...she really said what we think she did!) And with that was born the heroine who would profess her love first, who would propose to a guy first and who would travel all the way to his army camp to spend time with him before marriage! The hero, on the other hand, would take a plane to the US of A with a guitar strapped to his back, suffering the loss of love deeply. He would also choose an MBA over his girlfriend, repent later and he would pine for Jessy, and marry a single mom all in the name of love. Different films, different couples, but the idea of love in the time of Gautham Vasudev Menon has never been the same since Minnale (2001). Even Menons cop stories had strong women who, despite their confusion and impulsive actions, stood out from their male counterparts. Aaradhana was an essential part of the story in Kamal Haasan-starrer Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006). In Vettaiyaadu, Haasans character Raghavan loses his wife (played by Kamalini Mukherjee and her character is no pushover either!) to gang violence. *** Men and women are real in Gautham Menons films. We seem almost to know them, from our own lives. Hey...thats me there! is a constant refrain among viewers when the interactions between his protagonists play out on screen, like conversations over cups of coffee (lets make that green tea the directors favourite). Rajesh (R Madhavan) and Reena (Reema Sen) of Minnale were a bit awkward when they conversed, mainly because the former is a silent, macho type fighting a rival for Reenas affection. But Maya (Jyothika) and Anbuchelvan (Suriya) of Kaakha Kaakha nailed these conversations to perfection! Amid acid-throwing local goons to a villain who kidnaps Maya lies a touching love story. Upfront and in touch with their feelings, love turned another page in Vettaiyaadu... where the police officer Raghavan knows early on that hes falling hard for Aaradhana, whose failed marriage has left her with a baby girl our hero promises to embrace in his life. Aaradhana makes Raghavan wait as she needs to be sure that his feelings are not fleeting or motivated by pity. The film has a heady climax as Kamal Haasan searches for his love amid the rubble. Gautham Menons films promised instant box-office gratification, new stories, and characters that were larger-than-life (and yet, contained within life). By the time Jyothika took on a negative role in Pachaikili Muthucharam (2007), the trademark monosyllable dialogues shifted from Mani Ratnams domain to Gautham Menons. So did the urban hero and heroine, whose mannerisms and attire were drawn from everyday life. Vaaranam Aayiram (2008) was a milestone in Suriyas career. It had him convincingly play both father and son in a double role. Then theres the music from Menons films be it by Harris Jayaraj, Ilaiyaraaja or AR Rahman, the albums are as big a hit as the movies, with each song looked forward to on screen. The songs, styling and ambience go hand-in-hand with the emotions. The dialogues convey a lot of thought. Neethaane En Ponvasantham (2012) followed a cult classic like Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya (2010) and was not met with the same euphoria. VTV, on the other hand, re-launched Simbu and Trishas careers as the two of them played out an on-off love saga, where the hero deals with unrequited love and the heroine sets the terms of their relationship! VTVs dialogues have now attained iconic status, such as this line: Inga enna solludhu? Jessy, Jessy solludha! [Pointing to the heart: What does it say here? Jessy, Jessy!] And the Casablanca take-off: Of all the women in the world, why did I have to fall in love with Jessy? A day before VTV released, the single point of contention was will people sit through this long conversational film? Love in most Tamil films consisted of a song at first sight, duet at second and happy family number at third! And here was Gautham Menon rewriting those rules! If Kaakha Kaakha set a precedent, with a woman proposing to a man, VTV set one for a woman to reject her paramour. *** This year marks Gautham Menons 15th, as a filmmaker, and his Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada (Tamil) and its Telugu language version, Sahasam Swasaga Sagipo, release on 11 November. Simbu and Naga Chaitanya (who reprised the formers role in the Telugu version of VTV as well) are paired with Majima Mohan in this romance-action tale, and the music by AR Rahman is already a chartbuster in both languages. Menons films have certain typical motifs bikes, families, friends, guitars and a humour that blends with the narrative. Then there are the good-looking leading men (Madhavan, Suriya, Kamal Haasan, Simbu and Ajith) and gorgeous, natural heroines (Jyothika, Asin, Trisha, Samantha, Anushka, Manjima) also the USP of a Gautham Menon film. And then of course, theres the emotion of love, which in a Gautham Menon film, is for keeps. Director N Padmakumar and producer Satish Kaushik spoke to Naman Ramachandran, the writer of the runway hit Brahman Naman, recently about their critically acclaimed film A Billion Colour Story. In this video interview, Padmakumar and Kaushik talk about how the film which had its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival, its European premiere at BFI London Film Festival and Indian premiere at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival came into being. Padmakumar tells Naman Ramachandran he was inspired to make the film because, "I am a idealist, I believe in the goodness of people. (So I thought) what if we created something to make people get in touch with their better sides?" Satish Kaushik tells Naman that Padmakumar (whom the former has known for a long time) first approached him for a small role in the project: "But I was so blown away by the script, that I wanted to be a part of the film. I asked him if I could come on board as the producer." This interview by Naman Ramachandran with Kaushik and Padmakumar took place against the backdrop of the 60th edition of the BFI London Film Festival. The festival had a spectacular selection of Indian films, including Buddhadeb Dasgupta's The Bait, Milind Dhaimade's You Are My Sunday and of course, A Billion Colour Story. The BFI lists the synopsis for Kaushik and Padmakumar's film as: Mumbai schoolboy Hari is a smart kid. His liberal-minded parents are from different religions and firmly believe that India will always overcome its differences. But as they face increased religious prejudice, they struggle with whether to leave the country they love. Hari hatches a plan to save the day. A Billion Colour Story got a 4-minute standing ovation at the BFI London film festival. Vadodara: Four workers were killed and 13 sustained injuries in a gas leakage at the TDI unit of Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd (GNFC) in Dahej in neighbouring Bharuch district, police said on Thursday. Gujarat: 4 dead & 9 other affected after a toxic gas leak in TDI plant of GNFC company in Bharuch pic.twitter.com/vOitHRJpmX ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 Four workers were killed and as many as 13 others were injured due to leakage of phosgene gas at the TDI unit on Wednesday night, Bharuch Superintendent of Police, Sandeep Singh told PTI. TDI is toluene diisocyanate, a hazardous organic chemical. Products based on TDI are used in make of automobile seating, furniture foam, mattresses etc. Prima facie, it looks the mishap took place due to mechanical failure, he said. The 13 injured were admitted to a hospital in the district, out of which two have been referred to the government hospital in Baroda. Three workers were discharged, Singh said. A team of Forensic Science Laboratory will visit the site later in the day, he added. Meanwhile, district Collector Sandeep Kumar Sagale said, "We have asked Director of Industrial Safety and Health to investigate the mishap. The management of GNFC has also appointed a technical committee to probe the matter." The Bombay Stock Exchange has sought clarification from the company but it is yet to reply. According to a report in The Indian Express, this is the second such incident at the plant. This is the second such incident in the same plant as earlier in January 2014, a phosgene gas leakage incident had affected 21 labourers. But no casualties were reported, Dahej police inspector Vipul Patel has been quoted as saying in the report. The shares of the were down 17.43 percent on the BSE after the news of gas leak. With PTI By Andreina Aponte and Anggy Polanco | CARACAS/SAN CRISTOBAL, Venezuela CARACAS/SAN CRISTOBAL, Venezuela Venezuela's opposition exhorted President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday to set an election and start releasing jailed activists within days, while students opposed to Vatican-led talks protested in the streets. The opposition coalition escalated protests and drew hundreds of thousands into the streets when authorities quashed its drive for a referendum against Maduro last month.But it suspended street actions out of respect for talks with the government that began at the weekend mediated by a Papal envoy.However, with one major party dissenting and many supporters fearful Maduro is playing for time, opposition leaders say they will wait until Nov. 11 before possibly quitting talks and returning to street tactics if demands are ignored.Carlos Ocariz, an opposition mayor speaking at a news conference on behalf of the coalition, reiterated their first demand was the revival of the referendum or a moving forward of presidential elections to the first quarter of 2017. The next presidential vote is currently set for late 2018."Our second goal is the freedom of all political prisoners in Venezuela," Ocariz said, referring to what the opposition estimate are around 100 Maduro critics unfairly imprisoned.The coalition also wants to overturn Supreme Court rulings that have annulled the opposition-led National Assembly and to name a new board to the national election council, which it accuses of favouring Maduro. The 53-year-old socialist leader won election to replace his late mentor Hugo Chavez in 2013, but has seen his popularity plummet to just over 20 percent amid an unprecedented economic crisis in the OPEC nation of 30 million people.There is no indication Maduro will agree to any of the coalition's big demands, and indeed some officials have mocked the deadline. Arguing that talks will not work with a government they consider a dictatorship, hundreds of students marched in Caracas and elsewhere on Thursday. "There can't be dialogue when you have political prisoners, when they deny us an election and there is hunger," said Fernando Marquez, 23, among about 150 students who faced off with police in the restive western city of San Cristobal.Security forces fired tear gas to stop them advancing past barriers. During 17 years of socialist rule in Venezuela, the government and opposition have repeatedly held dialogues when tensions on the street have boiled over. But all of them have quickly degenerated back into the acrimonious insults that characterize modern-day Venezuelan politics. (Additional reporting by Fabian Cambero; Writing by Andrew Cawthorne; Editing by Bernadette Baum) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Jammu: BSF troops on Thursday foiled an infiltration bid by suspected terrorists along the international border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. This is the sixth infiltration bid by armed terrorists in the last fortnight. "BSF troops noticed movement of two suspected terrorists along IB in Hiranagar Sector, Kathua (Jammu region) in the wee hours today," a senior BSF officer said. "They hid themselves after reaching the vicinity of IB," he said. Alert BSF troops fired in a calibrated manner and averted a possible infiltration attempt, the officer said. "Later, the infiltrators were seen retreating by taking advantage of dead ground and thick foliage," he said. The Border Security Force (BSF) has foiled three infiltration bids in the past 36 hours between 29 and 30 October by heavy armed terrorists along the International Border in Hiranagar sector. DK Upadhyaya, Inspector General of BSF, Jammu Frontier had on Wednesday told reporters that Pakistan was making continuous efforts to help the infiltrators and terrorists to enter into the Indian side. "Since the forced infiltration was foiled on the intervening night of 20 and 21 October, five infiltration bids have been foiled and a total of 14 infiltration bids have been foiled this year..out of them, three bids were made in the 24 hours close to the night of Diwali," he had said. In an escalation of the tension along border, eight people, including two children, were killed and 22 injured on 1 November as Pakistani troops targeted civilian areas in Jammu region, inviting strong retaliation by Indian forces who killed two Pakistani soldiers and destroyed their 14 posts. New Delhi: As a crucial meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group next week in Vienna is set to deliberate on admitting non-NPT members, India on Thursday hoped China will see the "logic" in its entry into the 48-nation grouping. When asked about the upcoming NSG meeting, external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said it was for members of the grouping to take a call on India's application. NSG special envoy Rafael Grossi is likely to place a proposal for admitting non-NPT members into the bloc during the grouping's meeting in Vienna on 11 to 12 November. "It is not really for us to comment as we are not inside the room. However, after the NSG Plenary in Seoul we have had continued conversations with NSG members and remain engaged in the process. We have lodged our application. Now it is for the NSG members to consider it and take a decision," Swarup said. Asked about China's position on India's membership bid, he said both sides had "fruitful talks" recently and hoped that China will eventually support India's bid. Joint Secretary (Disarmament and International Security) Amandeep Singh Gill and his Chinese counterpart Wang Qun had held talks on the NSG issue in Beijing last week. After the talks, China had said it will first find a solution that applies to all non-NPT countries seeking entry into NSG and will then discuss India's application. "As fas as Chinese position is concerned, as you know we had second round of fruitful talks between the head of our disarmament and international security affairs division and Chinese lead negotiator on the NSG issue. "Both sides have very freely and frankly discussed their positions and had agreed to continue the engagement. So we remain hopeful that eventually China will see the logic of India being inside the NSG which ultimately benefit the global non-proliferation regime," Swarup said. Asked about tomorrow's meeting between India's NSA and China's State Counsellor in Hyderabad, he said a range of bilateral, regional and global issues are likely to be discussed. Chennai: Ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu on Thursday said party supremo and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, hospitalised for more than a month, has "progressed well" and "started living a normal life" as it exuded confidence that she will soon resume her public service. Party spokesperson Panrutty S Ramachandran said 68-year old Jayalalithaa, undergoing treatment at the Apollo Hospital since 22 September, has "progressed well" and expressed confidence that she will return to work for the poor people. "The people are confident (of her return) and their prayers are yielding results," he told reporters. Another party spokesperson, CR Saraswathy said the doctors said that Jayalalithaa was "very well" but wanted her to be under their watch for some time. "She is very well and is consuming normal food. She has started living a normal life. she will return soon and resume public service," Saraswathy said. The divine blessings were on Jayalalithaa as scores of party workers were holding prayers for her speedy recovery, she added. Jayalalithaa was admitted to the Apollo Hospital on 22 September after she complained of fever and dehydration. Later the hospital said she was being treated for infection with respiratory support among others. Specialists from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and from London among others have treated Jayalalithaa. In its last medical bulletin on 21 October, the hospital had said the Chief Minister was interacting and progressing gradually. Akshaya Mukul, a journalist from The Times of India, refused to accept the celebrated Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award for 2016 on the grounds that it was being given away by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, says a report by The New Indian Express. According to an India Samvad report, Mukul boycotted the ceremony and Krishan Chopra, the publisher and chief editor at Harper Collins India, received the award on his behalf. Mukul was conferred the prize in the category of Books (non-fiction) for his work Gita Press and the Making of Hindu India, which gives an account of the nationalist and militant history of the Hindutva ideologue in India, and ironically the background of the Prime Minister's politics. The book has also won the Book of the Year Award, and the Atta Galatta-Bangalore Literature Festival Book Prize. In a Caravan report, Mukul stated that it is an honour to have won the RNG award, but could not "live with the idea of Modi (and him) in the same frame, smiling at the camera even as he hands over the award." He referred to the Patiala House Court incident in February where journalists and students were attacked by alleged lawyers and BJP's OP Sharma, strongly indicating the government's frequent clampdown on the media. The Indian Express management's decision to invite "someone as polarising as" Modi left many journalists unhappy, he wrote. Modi, on the other hand, congratulated all awardees on Wednesday. Paying tribute to former media baron Goenka, Modi said in a tweet: "There were few in the media who challenged the Emergency and this was led by Ramnathji and the Indian Express". Also noting that, "Ramnathji was always committed to his ideals." There were few in the media who challenged the Emergency and this was led by Ramnath Ji and the @IndianExpress: PM @narendramodi PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 2, 2016 Ramnath ji was always committed to his ideals: PM @narendramodi #PMatRNGAwards PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 2, 2016 At the ceremony, he spoke on the freedom struggle, and how newspapers became a very strong medium of expression. Further saying that technology poses a challenge to the media and news that could earlier be disseminated in 24 hours now happens in 24 seconds. Here are some Twitter reactions on the issue: And so proud of @Akshayamukul for boycotting the #ramnathgoenka award. Journalism is worth living with such brave co-travellers. Respect Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) November 2, 2016 1 I Cannot Live With The Idea Of @narendramodi And Me In The Same Frame: @Akshayamukul Boycotts The Ramnath Goenka Awards The TRUTH pic.twitter.com/vZKJsFeWUU #GauravPradhan (@DrGPradhan) November 2, 2016 Thanks GOD! Sandeep Bhushan is a Hindu! If a Muslim will do it then BHAKTS will call him #Deshdrohi https://t.co/NRE6rnrDpt KRK (@kamaalrkhan) November 3, 2016 Congratulations @Akshayamukul for the RNG Awards and for boycotting it. Good to see an occasional Intact Spine among spineless lot in Media Joy (@Joydas) November 2, 2016 Editors note: Kannur, the northern district of Kerala, hit the headlines for a spate of political violence that saw two murders in just 48 hours last month. The murders have given rise to fears that the cycle of violence, which had ebbed to an extent in the last few years, may be returning to haunt the regions. The new political context the state ruled by the CPM-led LDF and the Centre ruled by BJP-led NDA makes the situation in Kannur all the more complex, since the key parties that are involved in the violence are the CPM and BJP. Firstpost travelled to Kannur, probing the historical, sociological and communal dynamics of the political violence in the region. This is the third in a five-part series from ground zero. Read Part I here: Political killings in Kannur: With corrupt cops and netas, settling scores is easy in this Kerala district Read Part II here: History of political violence in Kerala's Kannur: Killings became endemic after RSS entered the fray What strikes one during a drive from Kannur to Koothuparampu in Kerala is the martyr squares dotting villages after villages along the route. These are not memorials of freedom fighters or members of the armed forces who sacrificed their lives for the country as in other parts of the country but monuments of political workers killed in clashes. With over 250 workers of different parties falling prey to the clashes in the last five decades, almost every village in the northern district has at least one martyr square. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) combine, which are engaged in a relentless battle for supremacy in Kannur, have the maximum martyr squares. While the CPI(M) honour the victims as martyrs, the RSS and the BJP fete them as balidanis. They acknowledge the sacrifice made by the victims by taking care of their families and pay tribute to them at least once in a year by observing their death anniversaries. The presence of a martyr square in a particular village also indicates domination of the concerned party over the area. If they are marked further by the symbols of the parties and their luminaries, it is clear that they are the party villages where outsiders cannot enter easily. The parties also reinforce their dominance over the village by painting public places like bus waiting sheds and utility structures like telephone and electric posts in party colour. While these structures in the CPI(M) villages are painted in red, the colour is saffron in the BJP villages. Party villages came into existence in Kannur in the 1960s when killings and counter killings became the order of the day. The CPI(M) and the BJP started adopting the villages when the series of clashes forced the people to move to safer places. The party villages are closed to the outsiders. It is not easy for non-party members to enter these villages. The party men keep a close vigil of all those who visit the village. They are allowed inside the village only after they establish that they are not from the rival camp, says A Sajeevan, a Congress worker at Thillankary near Mattannur. He said there were several villages around Thillankary under the iron grip of the CPI(M) and RSS. The two do not allow other parties to undertake any political activity in these villages. If somebody force their way into the village, they will be manhandled, says Sajreevan. Taxi drivers refuse to take trips to party villages. Manoj Kumar, a taxi driver at Thalaserry, said he had faced intimation from party men several times when he took guests to the party villages even he was not affiliated to any party. The media has absolutely no entry in these villages. Even if media persons try to enter the village by hiding their identity, they will not be able to gather any information as the people in the village will not talk or allow anything to be photographed. Anyone who is not a member of the party in the village is isolated. Either he has to live as per the party diktats or leave the village. The party does not allow the villager to cooperate with them. Those who attend any events like marriages and funerals in the houses of such non-members are marked out. BJP Mattannur block president Rajan said that the CPI(M) workers had killed an old woman for attending the funeral of Uthaman, who was murdered by the CPI(M) men in 2002. The woman who hailed from the party village at Kalathodu was a relative of Uthaman. His son Remith was stabbed to death at Pinarayi recently. The parties do not admit they control any village. They call such villages as their strongholds. However, the police have identified at least 50 such villages in the district controlled either by the CPI(M) or the BJP-RSS combine. The BJP disputes the number. Party former state president PS Sreedharan Pillai says that at least 100 villages were under the control of CPI(M) in the district according to his partys findings. He said that his party men were not allowed to undertake any political activity in these villages. The CPI(M) workers confront our workers physically whenever they try to exercise their democratic right in the villages. The clashes in Kannur are mostly the result of such denial of democratic rights, he says. The CPI(M) also levels the same charge against the BJP and the RSS. Manoharan, a branch secretary of the party at Pinarayi, said that the Sangh Parivar was holding several villages in the area as their fiefdoms. The party dominance over the villages has also been leading to several electoral malpractices. Congress leader K Sudhakaran, who has fought several electoral battles in the district, says that the parties controlling the village were rigging elections by not allowing rival parties to deploy their booth agents in the party villages. He said that the polling in most of the party villages were unusually high. In some cases, the votes polled were more than the actual number of votes available in the village. Though the election officials are aware of the bogus voting, they keep a blind eye to the practice. The Congress had dared to deploy polling agents in such villages in the last Assembly election after providing insurance coverage to them. The party took group insurance for 570 booth agents, covering medical treatment and damage to property up to Rs 1 lakh each. The Election Commission had identified 615 booths in Kannur critical and deployed central forces besides employing micro-observers and web cameras in such booths to prevent bogus voting. Once a party takes over a village, it enforces an extra judicial power over all the people who live in that village. The party demands unwavering loyalty to the party from each member in the village. In return the parties ensure the benefit of various government schemes to the residents. A solidarity mission commissioned by Feminists Kerala Network, an NGO, to probe an attack on a Dalit woman auto rickshaw driver in one of the CPI(M) strongholds in the districts, said that the party was maintaining the grip of the villages by creating a fascist atmosphere. The CPI(M) exists and thrives in the region through use of such power over entire villages. Anyone who questions the party or goes against its wishes are harassed, alienated, ostracised and sometimes even killed," says the missions report. The report found that the CPI(M) had also adopted similar tactics in the workplace too. The party trade unions such as the CITU wield the same power and use it over the village and people, to control and dictate terms to its members. Police usually have no access to the party villages. The cops keep a blind eye to all activities in the village, including arms training and bomb making. However, district superintendent of police Kori Sanjaykumar Gurudin denies the allegation. He claimed that the police have been keeping a close vigil of all the party villages. He said they were routinely conducting raids in the party strongholds and apprehending criminals if any harboured there and recovering arms. The police turned their focus towards party villages after three main accused in the brutal murder of CPI(M) rebel leader TP Chandrashekharan in May 2012 was harboured in a party village near Iritty. It took nearly 45 days for the special investigation team to nab them. Though the then UDF government had then vowed to liberate the villages from the control of the parties, it did not carry forward the plan. Political observers believe that the violence in the district could be checked to a certain extent if these villages are liberated from the clutches of the political parties. New Delhi: Outlining a 10-point agenda for renewing efforts for disaster risk reduction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday stressed on encouraging involvement of women volunteers and sought greater cohesion in international response to deal with all kinds of calamities. Inaugurating the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) in New Delhi, he emphasised on working towards risk coverage for all, starting from poor households to small and medium enterprises and multi-national corporations to nation states. He said all development sectors must imbibe the principles of disaster risk management and encourage involvement and leadership of women as they are the biggest sufferers of any disaster. "Women are disproportionately affected by disasters. They also have unique strengths and insights. We must train a large number of women volunteers to support special needs of women affected by disasters." "We need women engineers, masons and building artisans supporting reconstruction, and women self help groups assisting livelihood recovery," he said. The Prime Minister said there should be investment in risk mapping globally, leveraging of technology to enhance the efficiency of the disaster risk management efforts and utilising the opportunities provided by social media and mobile technologies. He also spoke of building on local capacity and initiative, ensuring that the opportunity to learn from a disaster is not wasted and bringing about greater cohesion in international response to disasters. Modi said a fully functional Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System has become operational and along with its Australian and Indonesian counterparts, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services is mandated to issue regional tsunami bulletins. "The same goes for improvements in cyclone early warning. In India, if we compare the impact of cyclone events in 1999 and 2013, we can see the progress we have made.... It led to a significant reduction in loss of lives from cyclones. It is now recognised as a global best practice," he said. The Prime Minister said disaster risk reduction has a pivotal role in supporting adaptation to climate change as well as sustainable development and it is in this context that this conference becomes timely and relevant. As many as 61 countries from Asia and Pacific region with 1,100 delegates, besides around 2,900 domestic representatives are participating the three-day conference. The meeting will pave the way for implementation of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Asian region and will also devise a mechanism for monitoring its progress. Modi said over the last two decades, the world, and especially Asia-Pacific region, has undergone many changes most of them positive. "Many countries in our region have transformed their economies and become engines of global economic growth. Hundreds of millions of our people have been lifted out of poverty. The Asia-Pacific region has been a global leader in more ways than one." "But we must not take this progress for granted. There are challenges as well. Over the last twenty years, more than eight hundred and fifty thousand people died from disasters in the Asia-Pacific. Seven of the top ten countries in the world in terms of number of deaths due to disasters are in the Asia-Pacific," he said. Modi also shared his personal experience during the 2001 Gujarat quake and said as Chief Minister of the state, he had worked with the people to support post-earthquake recovery. The Prime Minister said there are daunting challenges ahead as the Asia-Pacific region is rapidly urbanising and perhaps within a decade more people in the region will live in cities than in villages. "Urbanisation will pose greater challenges for disaster risk management by concentrating people, property and economic activity in smaller areas, many of them in disaster prone locations." "If we do not manage this growth, in terms of both planning and execution, the risk of economic and human losses from disasters will be higher than ever before," he said. Modi said India is ready to make its space capabilities available to any country for purposes of disaster risk management. In November 2015, India organised the first-ever South Asian Annual Disaster Management Exercise and in the spirit of regional cooperation, India will soon launch the South Asia Satellite, he said. "The capabilities of this satellite and other space-based technologies can support the full disaster risk management cycle risk assessment, risk mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. India is ready to make its space capabilities available to any country for purposes of disaster risk management," the PM said. Modi said armed forces protect nation states against external security threats, but to deal with disasters, there is a need to equip society with the right education. "We have to wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of Sendai, which calls for an all-of-society approach to disaster risk management," he said. In India, the Prime Minister said, government is committed to walk the talk on the implementation of Sendai Framework. In June this year, India's National Disaster Management Plan was released which is aligned with the priorities set out in the Sendai Framework. "In our effort to build disaster resilience, we stand shoulder to shoulder with all the nations of the region. Regional and International Cooperation has an important role in providing an added push to our efforts," he said. "As we implement the Sendai Framework, we would welcome new opportunities for regional and international collaboration. I am sure, this conference will energise our efforts and the outcomes of the conference will provide a solid blueprint for collective action," he said. Though Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis prevented the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena from protesting against Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, incidentally, not all seem happy with the settlement or with calling off the agitation. On Thursday afternoon, members of the Sambhaji Brigade vandalised a theatre in Kalyan in protest against the film, Hindustan Times reported on Thursday. According to the report, members of the organisation "pelted stones" and "broke the booking counter" at a multiplex theatre at Sarvoday Mall in Kalyan (west). "The incident occurred around 3 in afternoon and the members fled from the site after vandalising the property. The mall authorities have shut down the multiplex," the report said. The film, which featured Pakistani actor Fawad Khan had been at the receiving end ever since terrorists attacked an army base in Uri on 18 September. Various political organisations and theatre associations have called a complete ban on all films featuring Pakistani actors. The agitation, led by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, however, was called off after a settlement between the MNS' Raj Thackeray, Karan Johar and Producers' Guild after Johar agreed to add a slide in the film paying tribute to the soldiers who died in the Uri Attack, and donate Rs 5 crore towards Army welfare. The Producers Guild, it was reported, had also given a written statement that they won't hire any Pakistani actors or technicians in the future. According to reports, the film has joined the Rs 100 crore club with a worldwide business of Rs 121.21 crorein just four days since its release. According to the report, an official from Mahatma Phule Police told the newspaper that they have registered complaints against the accused. "Security was beefed up at the mall till Tuesday for peaceful screening of the film, however, it was lifted only today and the incident took place. We will book the accused in due course of time, the official said. Sambhaji Brigade describes itself as a community of the "Bahujan people" and idolises Chhatarapati Sambhaji Raje, Jagadguru Tukobaaray and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar among others. The tendency on the part of security forces and the political classes to justify (directly or indirectly) the killing of terror suspects is not rare in this country. The latest controversy over the killing of eight Students' Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) activists, and the governments subsequent defence of the police action, therefore just furnishes more evidence of this same disturbing mindset. The SIMI activists, accused of committing acts of terror, were killed within hours of breaking out of the Bhopal Central Jail this Monday. A series of videos which surfaced later, however, showed the police gunning down at close range men, who were apparently unarmed. In the wake of the controversy over the encounter, the responses of the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, as well as heads of security agencies, have once again raised serious questions about our commitment to the principles underlying the criminal justice system. First of all, even if these men were terrorists and we must not forget that they were undertrials there is simply no law mandating the cold-blooded killing of suspects or even of convicted criminals. We should be clear that the killing of escaped detainees who had not retaliated, and by several accounts appear to have been unarmed, should not be an action which is legally open to the police force and cannot be justified, writes Kunal Ambasta in a column in The Indian Express (November 3). Not complying with these basic tenets of the criminal justice system in itself is a punishable offence. The violators must face judicial action if they transgress the law. Unfortunately, the authorities in charge whether in state or central government, or heading crucial security agencies seem to propagate a different system of justice: one that is of their own making. For instance, heres how Sanjeev Shami, Madhya Pradesh's anti-terror squad chief, views the killings: It is well settled in law when police can use force and take life. These men were dreaded criminals. If the police sees the possibility that such men can escape, they can use maximum force. In a similar vein, Chief Minister Chouhan criticised those raising questions about the incident following the video revelations. Not just that, Chouhan also announced cash rewards for the policemen involved in the killing. While more than one inquiry has been ordered to look at the circumstances making possible the jailbreak, the issue of probing the killings has been left solely to the National Human Rights Commission. The central government on Chouhans request has ordered a National Investigating Agency (NIA) investigation into the jailbreak. The state government is conducting a separate inquiry into the prisons security lapses. No doubt, security mechanisms at the prison must be examined and the gaps therein must be bridged. But equally, the killings themselves must be probed, especially in view of the disturbing videos as well as the dubious track-record of security forces in such encounters. How else will the state ensure the principles of natural justice? The proclivity to brand all such disquieting questions as antinational or antisecurity force is nothing but counter-productive. The stated or unstated assumption that terrorists, when they can be arrested alive, can be killed without attracting judicial flak, does not sit well with Indias claims of being a modern and civilised nation. Lets consider, for instance, the remarks made by Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju in this context. We should stop this habit of raising doubts and questioning the authorities and the police. This is not a good culture. What we are observing in India is that people have developed this habit of raising unnecessary doubts and questions, the Minister said. The habit referred to by the Minister has developed because of the background framing it, spanning the many human rights violations by security forces. Recall in this context earlier this years Supreme Courts verdict on fake encounters in Manipur under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Following a petition by the Extra Judicial Execution Victim Families Association (EEVFAM), to look into 1,528 fake encounters in Manipur, the court said that over 1,500 cases of alleged fake encounters in Manipur, spanning two decades, must be investigated. Clearly, there is always more than meets the eye in such cases. When civil society and human rights organisations raise questions over these encounters, they must be heeded. Rather than blindly endorse actions of security forces, the state must fulfill one of its primary duties, ie ensuring that no one is free to disregard the law in such matters. Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a distribution of cash reward of Rs 40 lakh among many residents of Acharpura, the hamlet near the site of SIMI operatives encounter a statement that has drawn criticism. This statement has been questioned by local leaders who termed it an attempt to shut eyewitnesses mouth and affect the probe into the encounter. The chief minister has announced this reward to those residents who helped police during the encounter. The money would be equally distributed among the citizens, said an MP government official press release. Local leaders said that when probe into the jailbreak hasnt even taken off, such an announcement is wrong and would affect the inquiry. All India Milli Council state president Arif Masood has also condemned the announcement of cash reward. This is clearly planned with the motive to save themselves from uncomfortable situation, said Masood, who is also a senior Congress leader. There are major contradictions in the statements of villagers about whether the SIMI operatives were armed or not, and other circumstances surrounding this encounter, Mohammad Mahir, a Bhopal-based leader who leads MP Muslim Vikas Parishad, a social organisation. This is a clear signal to the villagers that they should keep their mouth shut and the dole is for the purpose, said Mahir. Some villagers had earlier told media persons that SIMI operatives didnt carry weapons. MP government officials including Home Minister, IG Bhopal and ATS chief also have a difference of opinion on it. They had also contradicted each other on whether the absconders were armed or not. The sarpanch of Acharpura and some other villagers were felicitated at a programme in Bhopal on Tuesday where Chouhan made the statement, which was later released to media too. The government is trying to save its face as there is evidence including videos that puncture official claims about the encounter," said a senior lawyer. "The announcement of cash reward so promptly, even before any magisterial inquiry has begun is wrong. Naturally, offering money is nothing but asking people to parrot the official line and save them from impending trouble, added the lawyer who is planning to approach High Court. Meanwhile, Arif Masood has also said that preparations have been made and a petition is being filed in High Court. He has handed over a memorandum to Governor, alleging that the encounter was fake and judicial inquiry is needed. The escape of some hardened criminals belonging to a banned terrorist outfit from the central jail in Bhopal and their subsequent killing by the police under controversial circumstances has rightly been in news. This may be the latest manifestation of a phenomenon called extrajudicial killings (critics use the term fake encounters) in the country today. It is a phenomenon that needs dispassionate analysis. While there can be no two opinions on the matter that strongest possible punishment must be awarded to policemen if they are found guilty, two questions come automatically to the mind. First, how rooted is this phenomenon? And secondly, what explains this phenomenon? While encounters are suspicious, as no criminal, except the Naxalites, would come in open to attack the police in a planned manner, encounters are unavoidable sometimes. While we need checks and balances to ensure that fake encounters dont take place, it is also a fact that the law and order problem is increasing. Criminals are taking law into their own hands, attacking even the police. Police have to take control of the situation. When police are unable to control law and order problems, they resort to steps such as encounters, said KG Balakrishnan, chairperson of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and a retired Chief Justice. He had said this sometime in 2010 when he was the NHRC chief. In fact, one cannot agree with him more even though every effort in a democratic country must be made to eradicate this phenomenon. However, the problem arises when these extrajudicial killings get politicised and predictably, the media lends this politicisation an increased attention. This is not the first time when this has happened. However, earlier the media's focus (mainstream media coverage) was on Gujarat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the then chief minister of the state. Now, all of a sudden the attention is on Madhya Pradesh, a state run by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but the most important is the fact that all the criminals who were gunned down in both Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh happened to be Muslims (In the Gujarat case, Tulisram Prajapati was an exception). The spontaneous reactions of anti-Modi elements has been that it is a calculated strategy of the Hindutva forces to communalise the law and order situation by targeting the minorities (particularly Muslims) and liberal or secular forces in the country. In established democracies, the involvement in crimes by the minorities is always a sensitive issue. In the United States, debates in this regard invariably have been on the surveys that show that US police kill Black people at disproportionate rates. One such survey in 2012 said that though Black people accounted for 31 percent of police killing victims, they made up just 13 percent of the US population. Black teens were 21 times as likely as white teens to be shot and killed by police between 2010 and 2012. Black people are much more likely to be arrested for drugs, even though they're not more likely to use or sell them. Also, black inmates make up a disproportionate amount of the prison population. These disparities in police use of force reflect more widespread racial inequities across the entire American criminal justice system. The same is said to be the case in countries like France, United Kingdom and Germany where the immigrants from Asia and Africa are more likely to be Police-victims than the White-majority. It is legitimate to ask here whether racial prejudice (in our case, Hindu-bias against Muslims) is enough to explain the rising crimes, or there are other factors such as lack of education and employment opportunities that are equally important. But, because of increased media coverage and the subsequent politicisation, we miss the objectivity. We tend to argue that police is always wrong and that the crimes are essentially ethnicity-oriented and limited to certain states. Therefore, now is the time to accept some hard facts. In 2007, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) displayed a list of 440 fake encounters from 2002 to 2007, and in this the share of Gujarat was just 5, almost the lowest. Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 231, followed by Rajasthan 33, Maharashtra 31, Delhi 26, Andhra Pradesh 22, Uttaranchal 19, Assam 12, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka 10 each, Tamil Nadu 9, West Bengal 8, Bihar and Haryana 6 each. According to a report in India Today, statistics in between 1993 to 2009 revealed that Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh were the top four states with the maximum number of fake encounter complaints, with 716 cases in Uttar Pradesh, 79 in Bihar and Congress-ruled Maharashtra and Andhra with 73 and 61 cases respectively. Similarly, when the NHRC recorded 369 cases of alleged fake encounters, from 2008-09 to June 2011, it was seen that the states with high number of cases were Uttar Pradesh (111), Manipur (60), West Bengal (23), Tamil Nadu (15) and Madhya Pradesh (15). It may also be noted that the then Union Minister of State for Home RPN Singh had provided the Lok Sabha in March 2013 state-wise details of the total 555 cases registered by the NHRC of alleged fake encounters by police, defence and paramilitary forces during the period 2009-10 to 2012-13 (as on 15 February, 2013) in an Annexure. The Annexure provided statistics for alleged fake encounter deaths during three periods, 2009-2010, 2010-2011 and 2011-2012. According to it, Manipur and Uttar Pradesh saw the highest number of fake encounters in 2009-2010 while Gujarat had absolutely none. During 2010-2011, Uttar Pradesh had a whopping 40 cases while Congress-ruled states Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Haryana combined had 30 cases. In the 2011-2012 period, Uttar Pradesh once again topped the list. It is also important to note that Delhi had, across the three-year period and the first three months of 2013, a total of 10 fake encounter cases. The latest figure on Police-encounters that I have is a report in the Times of India. Based on figures available with the NHRC, the report said that Uttar Pradesh is miles ahead of the rest of country when it comes to fake encounter cases. With 782 complaints to the commission between 2000 and 2015 alone, such incidents were ten times that of the state next on the list, Andhra Pradesh, which had only 87, the report added. There have been many encounters, however that are usually not reported. This may particularly be true in Jammu and Kashmir and some North Eastern states. It is against this background that I have serious reservations when one is led to believe that a certain politician or a certain political party are synonymous with fake encounters; and secondly, just because those killed in these encounters happen to be Muslims, it is presumed that they were innocent and therefore given the virtual status of "a martyr". In more senses than one, police encounters are reflections of a complex phenomenon. While one must be aghast at every extrajudicial death, it is equally important not to overlook the fact that a number of times, the police deal with hardened criminals and become their victims as well. Besides, our legal and judicial architecture remains rooted in mid-nineteenth century concepts and enactments: it is frequently found wanting in delivering quick and effectual justice to cope with the current upsurge in militant and extremist violence. And then there are the typical and professional human rights activists in the country who do not find anything wrong with any terrorist and will go to every extent to exonerate them in courts of law. It is in this context that the frustrated police find it convenient to exterminate the hardened criminals rather than arresting and prosecuting them. No wonder why we see so many Bollywood movies on this theme. In fact, as national security Adviser Ajit Doval had once written, the theme that that the rule of law is a means to an end and not an end in itself often finds support in the principles of salus populi est suprema lex (the peoples welfare is the supreme law) and salus res publica est suprema lex (the safety of the nation is supreme law). According to him, the Supreme Court of India, in the case of DK Basu vs State of West Bengal [1997 (1) SCC 416] accepted the validity of these two principles and characterised them as not only important and relevant, but lying at the heart of the doctrine that welfare of an individual must yield to that of the community. Of course, while applying these principles there must be stringent checks and balances and there must be a healthy national discourse on what these checks and balances should be. But it is sheer insincerity and dishonesty to brand every police encounter as fake. All told, on an average, over 1,500 policemen get killed every year grappling with terrorists, insurgents, underworld mafia and other anti-social elements. There are, of course, aberrations. There are incidents of fake encounters. But to blow them out of proportion and then politicise and communalise them is playing with fire and against national interest. The killing of the eight undertrials by the Madhya Pradesh police, alleged to be activists of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), has taken a Rashomon-like turn with different versions of the sequences of events being put out on an almost hourly basis. There are, at present, three versions of the story out there depending on who is telling it: 1. The eight undertrials escaped from Bhopal Central Jail, killed a constable on duty, stayed together, found weapons, were cornered by the MP Police, engaged in a firefight with the police and were all killed. 2. The eight undertrials were taken from Bhopal Central Jail by the police themselves, shot in cold blood, and the scene was "dressed up" to look like an "encounter". 3. The eight undertrials escaped from Bhopal Central Jail (having killed the constable on duty) were caught, but executed all in cold blood by the MP Police. For the moment, the MP government is convinced of the correctness of its version, and has only ordered an inquiry into the jailbreak. The National Human Rights Commission is less convinced, and has called for a detailed report from the Madhya Pradesh government on the events leading up to the killings. Whichever version is put forth, the way this has played out, with contradictory stories being put out by the MP government and police themselves, it only shows that a deep and thorough investigation is necessary. Whether this is through a court overseen Special Investigation Team or some other mechanism, given the questions that have gone unanswered so far, it is important that this is carried out in an impartial unbiased manner. It is a sign of the times and mentality of those in government that the response, far from trying to answer these questions prefers to either denounce those asking questions, as Kiren Rijiju did, or respond with barely concealed bigotry, as MP CM Shivraj Chouhan did. Such "encounter" killings are nothing new in India. Along with the use of custodial torture to extract confessions, they are often used as a convenient "shortcut" to avoid doing the tough work of investigation and prosecution of a case. It is not even a new problem. James Fitzjames Stephen, who helped draft the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1872, quotes an English officer on the tendency of native police officers to use torture, "There is a great deal of laziness in it. It is far pleasanter to sit comfortably in the shade rubbing red pepper into a poor devils eyes than to go about in the sun hunting up evidence." That is why there are elaborate protections worked into the Evidence Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure that the police are required to investigate a crime properly and thoroughly, keeping in mind basic civil rights. The Supreme Court is also hearing an appeal against a judgment of the Andhra Pradesh High Court making the registration of an FIR compulsory in all cases of encounter killings. Though the Andhra Pradesh judgment in the PIL filed by Andhra Pradesh Civil Liberties Committee has been stayed by the Supreme Court, recent events such as the suspicious death of murder-accused Ramkumar, the killings of alleged red sanders smugglers and of course, those of the SIMI undertrials should hopefully influence the Supreme Court in evolving a proper mechanism to address this issue. Still, the question remains: Why then have our police sustained a reputation for lawlessness and brutality? Part of the answer lies with the fact that the State Government controls the police and uses it to meet its ends. The police in India, while notionally tasked with maintaining with law and order, functions more like an occupying force on behalf of a government, which treats its citizens with suspicion. Law and order improves only because a chief minister or a home minister makes a conscious effort to get the police to act better. However, the system which allows the next government to fritter these gains away in favour of their family, friends, and party workers, is retained. When pressure over a deteriorating law and order situation pushes the government, encounter killings and round-ups of the poor and dispossessed are used to assuage "public opinion". Or if public opinion needs to be whipped up against specific communities, the police can be used to stage a few "encounters" as needed. Addressing this requires large-scale police reforms. One which will ensure that the police maintain law and order, firmly but justly, and look to address the needs of citizens, and not just their political masters. This is of course easier said then. Even the Supreme Courts very limited directions to state governments in the Prakash Singh case to reform the police has been met with stonewalling and outright disobedience by most state governments. The stark and depressing fact is that there is no real constituency for police reform in India. In a society, as deeply unequal and divided as Indias, its hard to see police reform benefitting all communities as a realisable goal soon. The author is an advocate and Visiting Fellow at the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy. Views expressed herein are purely personal New Delhi: An Inter-ministerial committee of the I and B ministry has recommended that a leading Hindi news channel be taken off air for a day after it concluded that the broadcaster had revealed "strategically-sensitive" details while covering the Pathankot terrorist attack. The ministry has asked the channel NDTV India to be taken off air for a day on 9 November, sources said on Thursday, in what would be the first order against a broadcaster over its coverage of terrorist attacks. Efforts to reach the channel for its comments could not fructify. The matter pertains to the coverage of the Pathankot terror attack by the channel where the committee felt that "such crucial information" could have been readily picked by terrorist handlers and had the potential to "cause massive harm not only to the national security, but also to lives of civilians and defence personnel." When the operation was on in January this year, it allegedly revealed information on the ammunition stockpiled in the airbase, MIGs, fighter-planes, rocket-launchers, mortars, helicopters, fuel-tanks etc. "which was likely to be used by the terrorists or their handlers to cause massive harm, the sources said. Official sources said that as the content appeared to be violative of the programming norms, a show cause notice was issued to the channel. In its reply, the channel replied that it was a case of "subjective interpretation" and the most of the information they had put out was already in public domain in print, electronic and social media. The committee, in its order, however observed that the channel "appeared to give out the exact location of the remaining terrorists with regard to the sensitive assets in their vicinity" when they telecast in real time. The panel expressed "grave concern" that this was a matter of national security and that the channel had revealed sensitive details like location of ammunition depot viz-a-viz the space where the terrorists were holed up, location of school and residential areas. "Such crucial information could have been readily picked by their handlers, which had the potential to cause massive harm not only to the national security, but also to lives of civilians and defence personnel," the committee said disagreeing with the channel's contention that similar content was carried by newspapers. The television as an audio visual medium has a far wider and instantaneous impact, the order said. "The IMC recommends that at least a token penalty of one day's off-air needed to be awarded to the TV channel so that they do not get away completely for this huge indiscretion and violation of specific rule or guideline relating to national security concerns," the I and B ministry order in this regard says. The committee has observed that the violation stood proven beyond doubt, the order said and added that it could even attract a penalty of taking the channel off-air for 30 days. However, it was factored that a rule in this regard had been introduced in June 2015 and this was the first such case where it was being applied to and not make the penalty harsh, it is learnt. "The ministry has issued advisories and sensitised channels regarding coverage of anti-terror operations. There have been oral warnings also. It is hoped that strategically sensitive details will not be revealed when such an operation is underway," a senior official said. Kolkata: Four engineers, involved in the construction of the Vivekananda flyover which partially collapsed on 31 March claiming 26 lives, were arrested on Thursday taking the total number of arrests in the case to 16. According to a senior Kolkata Police official, Partha Pratim Bhakta, Prateep Kumar Nath, Mansaram Mondal and Tapan Kumar all senior engineers of private firms engaged in the construction of the Vivekananda flyover in different ways were arrested after being grilled at the Kolkata Police headquarters at Lalbazar this afternoon. "These four had different roles. While one was in-charge of the quality control, others were looking after drawing and design, cutting, welding and also as the technical advisor for the construction of the flyover," the officer said. The four were today summoned for questioning as a process of the investigation into the flyover collapse in which 26 persons were killed. "Their versions did not match with each other. Failing which we had no other option than arresting them," he said. Earlier, ten officials of the Hyderabad-based construction company IVRCL, responsible for construction of the Vivekananda flyover, and two Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) officials were arrested by the Kolkata Police in connection with their probe into the mishap. Kolkata Police had registered a case against IVRCL under sections 304, 308 and 407 of the IPC and sealed its local office here. In August, a high-powered committee headed by state Chief Secretary Basudeb Banerjee had submitted its report on the collapse. However, the contents of the report were not immediately known. The state government had suspended two engineers of the KMDA who were involved in the construction of the flyover. Thiruvananthapuram: Most of the sleaze cases involving politicians have ended in police stations in Kerala. A Facebook post by renowned dubbing artiste Bhagya Lakshmi has given fresh life to such a case buried in a police station in Thrissur district two years ago. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reopened the case involving the alleged gangrape of a 32-year-old woman by a local leader of his ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) and three of his friends after the victim narrated the humiliation and harassment meted out to her by the police. The victim and her husband met the Chief Minister at his office in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday after he promised action against the culprits on the basis of the revelations made by the artiste in her Facebook page and explained the circumstances in which they withdrew the case. Director General of Police Loknath Behra said that he had received a complaint about the incident and had initiated action on it. He said that he had also ordered police protection to the victim and her family. The victim had told reporters earlier that she had withdrawn the complaint lodged against PM Jayanthan, a CPM member of Wadakkancherry Municipal Council, his brother Janeesh and their friends Bineesh and Shibhu some four months after the incident under duress from the accused and the police. She alleged that the accused and the police led by Permangalam Circle Inspector forced her to compromise the case by giving a statement under Section 164 of the Cr PC before a magistrate. Accordingly, she gave a statement before the Judicial First Class Magistrate at Wadakancherry in Thrissur district in August this year absolving her tormentors The victim said that the statement to be given to the magistrate was dictated to her at the police station in front of senior officials. She alleged that the Permangalam CI had talked to her even in threatening tones. The woman said that the accused had detained her husband in their car when she was sent to the magistrates court or giving the statement. She said that she had feared they may harm him if she did not stick to the dictated statement. The statement that later surfaced in the television channels said that the woman had filed the complaint against Jayanthan and his friends due to a dispute over a financial deal they had with her husband and she was withdrawing it after a compromise was reached on the deal. The victim alleged that the police had harassed her four days continuously after she lodged the complaint in December 2014. She said that she was made to sit in the police from morning till evening on all these days and ridiculed in the public. "The police paraded the four accused in front of me and asked lewd questions. One of the officers wanted to know which one of the accused had given me maximum pleasure. I felt this more painful than the rape. It was sort of a mental rape for me, she said. The incident leading to the case occurred in August 2014 when her husband, an alcoholic, was admitted to a de-addiction centre for treatment. Noted women activist Parvathy, who produced the victim before the media on Thursday, said that Jayanthan and his friends, who were regular visitors of her house, went to her house and told that her husband had developed some complications. They volunteered to take her to the de-addiction centre. "They took her in their car. However, when the car took a different direction, she raised an alarm. They shut her mouth and took her to a house in a remote corner outside the city and gang raped. They threatened to kill her children if she revealed the incident to anybody, Parvathy told Firstpost. She confided the incident to her husband four months later when he probed her about an abnormality he noticed in her behaviour. Soon he took her to the police station and lodged the complaint. Instead of trying to find out the truth, the police tried to find fault with her, Parvathy said. Parvathy said that the woman had shown the courage to reveal her story after she saw a television programme in which the dubbing artist talked about suppressing of sexual cases in the state. She called Bhagya Lakshmi and sought an appointment. The woman and her husband went to the artistes house the next day and narrated her better experiences with not only her rapists but also the police. Bhagya Lakshmi shared the story on her Facebook page with the consent of the victim. Meanwhile, Jayanthan has termed the allegations against him baseless. He told reporters that he and his friends were framed by the woman and her husband after he sought Rs 3 lakh he had lent to him for his business. He has threatened to sue the couple for damaging his reputation. However, Bhagya Lakshmi has stood by her statement. She has asked the government to find out the truth. Tourism Minister AC Moideen, who hails from Thrissur district, said that the government will investigate the case and take stern action against the accused if they are found guilty. He said that neither the party nor the government will support the party leader involved in the incident. CPM Wadakkancherry area secretary CN Surendran also said that the party will investigate the allegation at its level and take action against Jayanthan if he is found guilty. Women activists take these proclamations with a pinch of salt since barring one no politician involved in sexual cases was punished in the state so far. The track record of the police in cracking sex scandals involving top politicians has been very dismal. The women activists had waged a long battle for implicating former Industries Minister PK Kunhalikutty in the sensational Kozhikode ice cream parlour sex scandal and former Union minister PJ Kurien in the Suryanelli case. Rejina (22), a victim as well as a witness in the ice cream parlour case, alleged that a senior police officer, who investigated the case, had forced her and her colleagues involved in the case to change the statement she gave against Kunhalikutty. Kurien was similarly given a clean chit in the case involving the sexual exploitation of a minor girl from Suryanelli in Idukki district following an investigation by an Inspector General of Police. However, the victim insisted that he had sex with her at a guest house in Idukki district and filed a private complaint against Kurian, who is now deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha. Names of several former ministers and senior politicians had figured in a series of sex scandals that rocked Kerala in the last two decades. Most of them have come out unscathed apparently with the help of police. The only exception was Neelalohitadasan Nadar, a minister in the Naynar ministry. He was convicted by the court on the charge of molesting IAS officer Nalini Netto and IFS officer Prakruti Srivastava. However, he is yet to go to jail as his appeal against the verdict is still pending in the court. Public intellectual, politician, psephologist, social worker Yogendra Yadav wears many hats with ease. An interpreter of ideas, he represents a rare breed of thinkers in the country who can deconstruct complex developments around with logical precision and deliver them to the less knowledgeable with the practised efficiency of a veteran teacher. In this interview, we approach him not as a politician, the role that keeps him extremely busy these days, but as an intellectual who makes our understanding of the world easier. From the Trump Syndrome to elitism to Indian secularism he explains it all for us. Excerpts from the interview: How would you explain the Trump Syndrome? By Trump Syndrome, we mean the expression of popular anger and outrage that is visible across continents through Arab Spring, Brexit and now the support for Donald Trump in the US. Is it simply the rebellion of the underclass, the disprivileged or is there more to it? You had Brexit, in Sri Lanka, you had Rajapaksha and I think, to be honest, we should also add our own Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the list. I call it the underside of modernity. Our presupposition is modern developments bring in liberality, openness, but there has always been a dark underside to modernity, it has always fuelled anxieties nativist anxiety, anxieties of loss of identity in a metropolis and anxieties of me, my community, my religion. Negative reaction to modernity is built into modernity itself. Unless we take the benefit of modernity to the last person we will have the problem of anxieties. Trump is backed by the white unemployed and the poor; Brexit was supported by senior citizens on pension not having a great life, and Narendra Modi drew the support of the unemployed youth. There is a potential pool waiting to be exploited, like in Eastern Europe. Unless we convert the message of modern development for that last person we will continue to have a situation like this. Its rebellion of the underclass and the disprivileged but in a distorted form. It works to their disadvantage. What is a Donald Trump going to do for them? He is not pro-labour, pro-poor. He is out and out a capitalist. He represents the ugly face of American capitalism. He will channelise their anger and energy into negative issues, like immigrants, Hispanics, blacks etc. This is a negative outlet for anxiety. How do you see it in Indias case? The mainstream narrative of secularism and liberalism is under threat from regressive forces of all kind. I hold the liberal seculars of the country responsible for the situation. They have made no attempt to translate the message of the Indian Constitution for the last person out there. They somehow remained smug in the belief that since theres a Constitution and theres a Supreme Court that liberalism will take care of itself. How can it be that ideas like secularism and liberalism cannot be defended in our country? The Indian National Congress not being able to defend nationalism is like the African National Congress not being able to defend anti-apartheid. It is people who did not shed a drop of blood in the Indian freedom struggle have started taking control over the most cherished ideas of the country. I wont blame the BJP for it. They are selling a product. If it is rotten then it is for others to resist and reject. The latter have handed them the advantage on a platter. Why, for instance, Hindutva would be the sole preserve of the BJP? I challenge these BJP wallahs dont understand Hinduism at all. It is our common civilisational heritage, rich in its content, diversity and depth. Our seculars have ensured that it goes to the hands of the most narrow-minded and ill-informed of people. How stupid can it get? The Uniform Civil Code controversy is a case in point... Yes, the secular establishment is walking into every trap that Narendra Modi is setting for them. He wanted parties like the Congress and the Samajwadi Party to be in a photo-op together on the issue, arraigned against the BJPs position. He knew these parties would rush to the support of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board on the triple talaq issue. That is exactly what they did. Now the BJP has taken over the Uniform Civil Code debate. The common code is good for the country and it is there in the Constitution, why would you allow the BJP to run away with it? Coming back to the Trump Syndrome do you think it is a revolt against entrenched, self-serving elitism? Like I mentioned earlier, modernity, democracy and globalisation have unleashed many anxieties and reactions. Some of them are somewhat healthy, like the anti-globalisation movement, the peoples movements in South America. But many of the forces that have been unleashed are unhealthy. They easily take the form of cultural chauvinism. We see it in the strong anti-migrant sentiment in Eastern Europe. Germany is turning anti-migrant. Brexit had a strong element of it. The establishments have failed to address these anxieties. Elitism is true of India as much as it is of the US. Values of modernity, secularism etc have become the preserve of a tiny set of people. This set is exclusivist. The vast population out there dont have any control over the narrative of these ideas. Take the case of secularism in India. The secular establishment did not care for the feelings and language literally the language since secularism has become the preserve of a set of English-speaking people in the country of the vast masses. They ignored the religious metaphors the common people associate themselves with. Secularists in the post-independence years distanced themselves from peoples sentiments. The original proponents of the idea of secularism stayed true to it. Mahatma Gandhi, till the end, called himself Sanatani Hindu. Now theres a huge gap between the elite and the masses. In fact, there was a strong subaltern content to the Ram Janmabhumi movement. There was a constituency waiting to be taken. Narendra Modi is feeding on the vacuum created by secular elitism. There may be many negatives in the churn that is going on, but is it not how new social equilibrium evolves? Does not pressure from below ushers in more agreeable adjustments and corrections? It is one possible consequence. But it may not be the only possibility. A new social equilibrium can be dangerous. You can see the change around yourself. In the last 20 years, the middle point in the country has shifted towards chauvinism. In the last five years the drawing room conversations revolve around matters; minorities, for instance, that would never be discussed earlier. The discussion in many middle-class homes is ill-informed, prejudiced and chauvinistic. If this indicates a shift then shift in social equilibrium can be dysfunctional. Societies get into phases like this, which sometimes last 10, even 20 years. Mumbai: The AAP Mumbai unit on Thursday held a sit-in agitation at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai to protest against the detention of party leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in Delhi. AAP spokesperson Preeti Sharma Menon, who led the agitation, said, "Delhi Chief Minister (Kejriwal) and Deputy Chief Minister (Sisodia) were detained at the behest of the Modi government. It shows the breakdown of democracy. What happened in the national capital yesterday was undemocratic, tyrannical and disturbing." "Not only our leaders, but scores of other volunteers were detained, which we strongly condemn as this act was nothing less than an insult of our jawans and their families by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," she said. During Thursday's protest, the AAP members held placards and raised slogans against the Modi government. The AAP leader said the BJP government was "backtracking on its promise of implementation of OROP (One Rank One Pension). The 70-year-old ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal from Haryana's Bhiwani district allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison over the issue of Orop in Delhi on Wednesday. Kejriwal, Sisodia and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi were detained by police when they tried to meet Grewal's family. Sharma-Menon alleged that family members of Grewal were mercilessly beaten by the "shameless, barbaric and uncouth" Delhi police, "whose actions are reflection of the commands set in motion by their masters at the Centre". "It is also very shocking that the Chief Minister of Delhi is not allowed to meet the grieving family members in a hospital of his own state and was forcibly detained," she said. Replying to a query on BJP asking the opposition parties not to politicise the death of Grewal, Sharma said, "This is a political issue...and why was the BJP playing politics over the surgical strikes by pasting posters everywhere? Why did their leaders say that surgical strikes was an outcome of RSS training." Lucknow: The hi-tech customised rath of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday broke down after barely covering a kilometre, forcing him to switch to his official vehicle to continue his state-wide tour. After leaving the La-Martinere College grounds and hitting Lohia Path at a stone's throw distance from the venue, the blazing red 10-wheel Mercedes rath developed some technical snag following which Akhilesh shifted to his official SUV. The CM waited anxiously for the repair work to be over, but as it took time, he decided to go ahead in his official SUV. The yatra was earlier in the day flagged off by SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav. Re-designed keeping in mind security and other requirements of the CM, the Mercedes bus has world class interiors and is equipped with top-of-the-line gadgets and amenities. It has bullet proof glasses and is divided into two sectors office and beyond. The office area is like a mini-chief minister's office wherein the CM can hold a meeting with around 5-6 persons. The other area comprises a kitchen, reclining area and plush washroom. It has modern acoustic system and an elevator which would take the CM to the roof to interact with a larger audience. It has a network-enabled Internet facility with 4G speed to keep the twitter-savvy CM always connected. He can also make video calls from the rath, which was customised at a cost of Rs 5 crore. The party has not disclosed the cost officially. The royal vehicle is fitted with LED screens to play creatives (videos, photos, photo videos) showcasing the achievements of the Akhilesh Yadav government. Seeking to send a message of unity in the ruling Samajwadi Party which has been battling a bitter power struggle, Mulayam Singh Yadav on Thursday flagged off Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's rath yatra in the presence of state SP chief Shivpal Yadav. Ending days of suspense on whether he will be present or not, the SP patriarch arrived at La Martinere grounds the flag off venue soon after Akhilesh reached there. Shivpal also joined them moments later. Mulayam took a seat on the stage and was flanked by Shivpal on one side and Akhilesh on the other to send a message that the party was united ahead of the upcoming UP Assembly elections, barely a few months away. "Akhilesh ko hum shubhkamna detey hain (I wish him well)," Shivpal said, adding that "vikas sey vijay ki aur yatra (from development to victory)" will send a message of unity across the state and halt BJP in its tracks. "Our target is to prevent BJP from coming to power in the state in the crucial 2017 elections," he said. The enthusiasm among the youth leaders was palpable right since early morning with hordes of young party workers donning red caps and making a beeline to the venue, the very place where Akhilesh took oath as chief minister in 2012. Akhilesh's wife Dimple Yadav joined him and said that it will be a historic beginning. This will be a historic beginning, we can see so much youth force. We are very positive about the elections: Dimple Yadav #VikasRathYatra pic.twitter.com/J6efNwhmL6 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2016 As some youngsters jostled to reach the venue, Shivpal advised them to calm down. "Josh mein hosh na kho dein (don't lose your cool in enthusiasm)," he said. Ahead of the flag off event, Ramgopal Yadav's son and MP Akshay Yadav said, "People will vote for Akhilesh. We will contest in his name and win." The presence of Mulayam, Shivpal and Akhilesh on one platform came days after bitter acrimony in the Yadav clan saw no-holds-barred tit-for-tat sackings and expulsions of followers of warring camps. Akhilesh Yadav also said on Thursday that as the yatra will continue, all differences within the party will eventually fade away. "I am not angry with anyone and I think no one is angry with me too," Akhilesh said when asked about his strained relations with Shivpal. However, he refused to comment on speculations of a possible alliance with other parties for the polls. "National president will decide what is to be done. He will take decision after giving due thoughts. I am not aware if coalition has started or not. I also don't know what is being discussed. If a coalition is formed, political parties have to decide themselves who will lose or gain," he told reporters after starting his rally. Assembly Speaker Mata Prasad Pandey, SP Vice-President Kironmoy Nanda, Naresh Agarwal, MP Dharmendra Yadav and ministers Rajendra Chowdhury, Manoj Kumar Pandey, Narendra Verma, Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, Balram Yadav, Parasnath Yadav, Vinod Kumar alias Pandit Singh, Rammurti Verma, Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya and Arvind Singh Gope besides a number of sacked youth leaders were present. Before embarking on the highly-publicised rath yatra to highlight the development work undertaken by him during the last four years, the 43-year-old chief minister said the "tradition" of yatras was started in the state by 'netaji' and he was taking it out for the third time. "I want to thank the youth for this historic event. Netaji had taken out the yatra for the first time and now I am taking it out for the third time. From this yatra, we appeal to people to vote in favour of our party," he said. Mentioning the delay in the yatra by about a month, Akhilesh said, "We had to take out the yatra on 3 October, but due to certain circumstances, we could not do it. Now, we will try to reach maximum people through the yatra." "Elections are round the corner and there will be comparison of works done by government. SP government has continuously focused on development without discrimination on basis of caste. This election is decisive in changing politics of the country and SP will form government again in 2017. In future (after 2017) also, only SP and its socialist ideology can bring a change in the country," the CM said. Highlighting his government's works, Akhilesh said his government tried to strike a "balance" in development. "While we constructed metro, we also thought of cycle. We made expressway but also connected district headquarters by roads...Our schemes of Samajwadi pension, laptop distribution and Lohia Awas Yojana have benefited people," he said. On recent controversy within the party and family, Akhilesh said, "Due to some conspiracies we were bit rattled up, but in the days to come we will be able to form government again." Flagging off the bright red Mercedes Benz 'rath', Mulayam advised Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit families of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. "As the defence minister, I used to visit families of martyr soldiers. I want our PM to visit their families. I salute their families and want to say that they might be having grief but they should be proud that their son died while securing our borders," he said. On the situation on borders, Mulayam said, "We don't want any Indo-Pak war or soldiers sacrificing lives on border, there should be a via media solution." "Ram Manohar Lohia had given a message of humanity at international level and SP believes in it," he said. Mentioning difference of opinion over naming the yatra, Mulayam said, "I had suggested Akhilesh to put 'Vijay' (victory) first and 'Vikas' after it. But he did not do that. Addressing slogan-shouting youths, Mulayam said, "Slogans like Bhaiya jeevan tere naam" (life is for you brother) will not work and you have to "struggle". "The path of samajwad is difficult...I have faced lathis in agitations. This samajwadi movement is made after sacrifices. SP is party of sacrifice and struggle. I know when there is lathicharge, every one runs away and only 4-5 persons stay back," he said advising youths. "I congratulate Akhilesh for the yatra and wish him all success," he said. Earlier, SP state president Shivpal, who arrived with brother Mulayam in the event, said he wanted to "congratulate" Akhilesh for the yatra "wishing it success". "The yatra is being taken out under the leadership of Akhilesh. It will give a message to the entire UP and popularise works being done by our government and ideologies of SP," he said. The "target" of the party is to form government again in 2017, Shivpal said, adding, "We want to ensure that BJP should not form government and SP gets absolute majority once again." "I want to appeal and request all of you to join silver jubilee celebrations of the party on 5 November," Shivpal said, asking youths to participate with full enthusiasm. Sending a strong message to the BJP, he also said that all secular people will come together to remove BJP from the country. Sab secular log ikhatte hokar desh se BJP ko hatayenge: Shivpal Yadav pic.twitter.com/qf5u9OuDxk ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2016 The red Mercedes bus developed a snag and broke down after covering barely a kilometre. Akhilesh had to shift to his official SUV to continue the yatra. CM waited anxiously for the repair work to be over, but as it took time, he decided to go ahead in his official SUVhttps://t.co/wvpLbz1kiN News18 (@CNNnews18) November 3, 2016 Although everyone reiterated that everything was fine within the Yadav clan and the party stood united, the absence of Shivpal Yadav in major posters and the Mercedes bus narrated a different story. The bus featured images of Mulayam Singh, Akhilesh himself and some of Samajwadi Party's flagship schemes, the face of Shivpal Yadav was nowhere to be seen. With inputs from PTI In the era of post-truth politics, states are often run like criminal enterprises. And in due course, they create a false equivalence to cover up its culpability to pull the wool over peoples eyes. Take for instance the justification offered for the killing of eight suspected Students' Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) activists, who had escaped from Bhopal Central Jail on Monday, after killing a police constable. Who would take responsibility if these terrorists had got away and killed thousands of people by engineering bomb blasts? asked some. Fair enough! But why should they be subjected to an arbitrary trial without following the due process of law? All these suspects, pronounced by a section of media as dreaded terrorists, were incarcerated on various charges ranging from dacoity to bomb blasts. They were under the protective custody of the state, that was responsible to guarantee their safety and security. Is it not mandated by our criminal jurisprudence that you are deemed innocent till proven otherwise? Now let us turn this false equivalence on its head by asking another hypothetical question: What would happen if some of those killed in the encounters were declared not guilty at the end of their trial? Is it not a fair question to ask? For there have been many such instances when those arrested for terrorist acts were let off by the court. Even by the wildest stretch of the imagination, nobody in their right frame of mind would condone the act of the gruesome killing of head constable Ramashankar. But it would be equally loathsome to condone the killings of suspects in a staged encounter that clearly erodes the legitimacy of the state. To create false equivalence to justify a criminal act is quite akin to imbibing the Sicilian values in the statecraft. By all reckoning, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was an honourable man. He came from a humble background and belonged to one of the backward classes, that always found itself at the receiving end of an oppressive social order. His rise in politics is a story that is simply outstanding and reflective of the genius and resilience of the Indian society. As a politician, he is better equipped than his mentors in the ideological family to understand the dynamics of the statecraft. Recall his position just before the State Assembly election in 2013, when Chouhan took a strong stand against the projection of Narendra Modi as BJPs prime ministerial candidate on the pretext that it would consolidate Muslim voters against BJP. He rushed to the partys patriarch, LK Advani, and tried to dissuade the BJP leadership from projecting Modi, given his alleged involvement in the 2002 Gujarat riots. Back then, Chouhan considered himself to be no less important than Modi, as he was contesting to become the chief minister for a third consecutive term. Advani strongly recommended Chouhans name, for inclusion in the BJPs central parliamentary board (CPB), along with Modi and other chief ministers. The then BJP president Rajnath Singh, however, shot down the proposal and ignored Chouhans objections altogether. The Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections in 2013 and the subsequent Lok Sabha elections were swept by the Modi wave, and Chouhan soon realised his mistake. Chouhan's brief political background assumes significance in order to explain his metamorphosis in the recent past. Since then, the concern for governance has become expedient to his self-serving pursuits. For instance, the mysterious deaths of the accused and the witnesses in the massive Vyapam scam, spread across Madhya Pradesh, tells the story of the deep-seated criminalisation of governance in the state. There have been many unsavoury reports pointing to the involvement of people close to Chouhan in dubious deals. Unlike Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh does not have a history of virulent communal conflicts. The BJP had weaved a powerful political narrative that overpowered the then Congress Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, who failed to deliver on promises of bijli (electricity), pani (water) and sadak (road). After a brief stint of eccentric governance, provided by Uma Bharti, the BJP seemed to finally have its house in order by replacing her with Chouhan, a down-to-earth politician known for keeping his ears to the ground. Of late though, Chouhan seems to have lost the script. He has mistaken style for substance and bent over backwards to please his ideological mentors in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He seems to be stubbornly insistent on pursuing an agenda that conforms to RSSs world-view. In his latest stint as chief minister, he has suborned governance to his self-interests and subverted the principles of fair-play and justice. He seems to have discovered valour in an 'encounter' which prima facie appears to be a criminal act. He has been pedalling falsehood as gospel-truth in the fond belief that chicanery and deception are intrinsic to the statecraft. Ironically though, in the post-truth political era, Chouhan represents a phenomenon that pervades in the Indian polity. With both Mulayam Singh Yadav and Shivpal Singh Yadav sharing the stage with Akhilesh Yadav on the occasion of the latters Rath Yatra launch in Lucknow on Thursday, Uttar Pradesh politics took yet another dramatic turn bringing into focus three things: first, "the rising son of the Samajwadi paivar" will continue to be the face of the SP all through the election campaign and, without any doubt, thereafter as well. Thats settled. No confusion on this score any more. Second, it's Mulayam and not Akhilesh who would take a final call on his partys politics of alliances. There were ample indications that the son would listen to his father on all inter-party matters. And third, Samajwadi Party's main target of attack from now on would be the BJP and not the BSP. In their speeches and statements, all the three leaders chose BJP as their main target of attack. Perhaps, they are already thinking beyond the 2017 state Assembly elections. Indeed, anointment of Akhilesh as the face and future of the party and winning the all-too-crucial elections are two different things and Mulayam knows this better than anyone else. In Mulayams calculations, the SP may not get more than 150 of the total 404 assembly seats on its own strength this time. He would need allies. And he certainly seems to know the current political reality much better than what the numerous psephologists put together do. Nobody in the sprawling La Martinere gounds, where Akhileshs election campaign was flagged off, could miss the point when Mulayam dedicated his sons rath yatra to the jawans of the Indian Army. And, on his part, Akhilesh too displayed the same sentiment in favour of the Army. Both father and son knew that they have got to look ultra-nationalistic to beat the BJP, which had made the Armys recent surgical strikes across the border an election issue indirectly. The father-son-uncle trio was also aware of the fact that Rahul Gandhi and many other top opposition leaders had gathered at Bhiwani in Haryana to attend the cremation of Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal, a former soldier who had committed suicide over an insufficient pension. In their own characteristic style they lent their support to the Opposition cause. Both jawans and kissans are committing suicides in the country, Akhilesh said. Mulayam said that India was blessed with the bravest soldiers on earth. And I know the pains of the jawans, he added reminding the audience that he had been Defence Minister of India in 1990s. The party is united and we shall ensure that the BJP is kept out of Uttar Pradesh, the trio declared and tried its best to hammer home the point that its UP that decides Indias political direction. True, with 80 Lok Sabha seats in the Parliament, UP does matter most in national politics. Needless to say it again that the coming elections are too crucial to be taken lightly by any of the four major players in the fray: For the BJP, 2017 would more or less make it clear if it can return to power in 2019. For the SP and the BSP, its likely to decide whether they would remain politically relevant in national politics. And for Rahul Gandhi, its do or die. Little wonder then that both the SP and the Congress are busy giving feelers to each other for a tie-up. Congress strategist Prashant Kishore, who had earlier helped Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar fashion their spectacular victories in 2014 and 2015 respectively, met Mulayam in New Delhi the other day. What they discussed precisely during their two-hour-long meeting is not known. But one thing was clear: Both saw BJP as their enemy number 1. And enemy of enemy is a friend. Dont be surprised if the two parties join hands in an alliance sooner than later. There is another reason why the two might forge a front: Of late, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav have developed friendlier relations. Both admire each other. And young as they are, both look beyond 2017. Thats all fine. But can you just wish the BSP away? No, you cant, more so when Mayawati is seen to be making huge progress in spearheading a Dalit-Muslim axis. Wait for some more days. And dont be shocked if Maulana Mulayam comes up with an ace up his sleeve. He is counting on Karl Marxs thesis-anti thesis theory. And thats why he has chosen BJP as his favourite target of attack. With barely a fortnight left for Parliament's Winter Session, the GST Council will begin its crucial two-day meeting on Thursday to decide on tax rate, including the levy of cess and sort out the vexed issue of jurisdiction over assessees. The meeting also assumes significance as it comes at a time when an industry report has pointed out sharp anomalies in the taxation rates and structure across different industries such as telecom, tobacco, textiles, food processing and tourism. "As we are in a transition period, several industry sectors are faced with challenges of adapting to new tax regime. While the GST is a path-breaking reform, its implementation should be calibrated in a manner to cause least disturbance to the existing taxation structure," said DS Rawat, Secretary General of Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) said. The GST Council will have to address these anomalies in the forthcoming meeting, if not now. Thursday's meeting is to be chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Here are the key facts you need to know about the meeting: The agenda: At the meeting, the Central government is likely to press its proposal for 4-tier tax structure of 8, 12, 18 and 26 percent. Under the proposed 4-slab structure, the items which are currently taxed between 3-9 per cent will fall in the 6 percent bracket; those in 9-15 percent range will come under 12 percent rate. Those products which are currently taxed between 15-21 percent will attract 18 percent levy while those above 21 percent will be taxed at the peak rate of 26 percent. The Centre has also proposed to levy additional cess on demerit goods like tobacco, aerated drinks and polluting items to create a Rs 50,000 crore fund to compensate the states for revenue loss. The proposal, which was discussed at the last meeting, could not be adopted by the Council because of opposition by some states. The cess is also likely to be taken up in the meeting. Another important issue to be discussed at the meeting is the dual control of service tax assessees. Centre-states mistrust: On almost all the issues to be taken up at the meeting the central government and the states are headed for a collision course. The Centre is expected to have a tough task of building consensus with states. On tax rate, some of the state governments, such as Kerala, are opposed to the cap at 26 percent, according to a media reports. The logic of reducing the tax incidence on consumer durables and demerit goods to 26% makes the GST severely regressive The upper rate has been pegged at a lower rate so that the central government has the option to impose the cess as and when necessary, Kerala finance minister Thomas Isaac has been quoted as saying in a report in The Financial Express. The second contentious issue is the cess. Many state finance ministers have questioned the very rational of imposing a cess under the GST regime. Issac had earlier said such a move will defeat the purpose of bringing in the tax reform as such. States are opposed to cess as it is an item that is not shared with them. As far as service tax is concerned, the Centre-state differences are wider. At the last meeting, differences arose between the Centre and states on dual control, with states demanding control over 11 lakh service tax assessees and the Centre proposing to do away states having exclusive control over all dealers up to an annual revenue threshold of Rs 1.5 crore. West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra has said that the Centre has withheld information relating to the number of service tax assessees. He said while the Centre has disclosed 11 lakh tax payer, the actual number of service tax assessees is estimated at 30.5 lakh. There is difference on even the priority of the issues to be taken up. Media reports say while the Centre wants to take up the rate structure first, the state governments want the service tax issue to be resolved first. Most importantly, trust deficit seems to be widening between the states and the Centre. The centre has been trying to dictate its own terms. There is a feeling among states that the centre is not sharing information promptly with the states and neither is it trying to see the states viewpoint, a report in the Mint quoted a source as saying. What to expect: The Centre, nonetheless, exudes confidence that there will be a consensus and the deadline of 1 April 2017 is workable. Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal has termed differences over cess as "minor". "Our effort is to decide on all matters through consensus. We want everyone to come around on all issues... There may be times when Tamil Nadu or Kerala or West Bengal or Uttar Pradesh have said something different but we will get them around. We are confident that the GST will be rollout from April 1, 2017...all issues would be sorted out before that," he has been quoted as saying in the report. The meeting beginning today is crucial as it will have to sort out the issues concerning tax rate to enable Parliament to approve the Central GST (CGST) and Integrated GST (IGST) legislations in the winter session beginning November 16. This is important to meet the 1 April 2017 roll-out deadline. But given the major trust deficit between the states and the Centre, the meeting the deadline is likely to be a tough call. Chandigarh: Senior AAP leader HS Phoolka on Wednesday alleged that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and SAD of trying to save those accused, including Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, in the 1984 anti-Sikh riot case. "There are clear indications that on the pattern of Congress the Modi-led government is also trying hard to save the accused Congress leader Jagdish Tytler and others," he alleged. It is evident from the last two-years of the NDA government that it is "deliberately delaying" investigations in the case against the accused involved in the "massacre of Sikhs", he said. "In December 2015, the Supreme Court had instructed the CBI to complete the investigations within two-months. However, instead of acting on the instructions of the apex court, the Modi government not only delayed investigations but has recently demanded an extra four months time," he alleged. "Eyeing the Punjab elections the BJP and SAD do not want to take-up cases against the accused and take it to its logical conclusion," he said. Training his gun on Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh, he alleged, "To get himself declared as the Congress' chief ministerial candidate in Punjab and to continue as Punjab Congress chief, he is busy distributing clean chits to the key accused of the 1984 anti-Sikhs riots, Jagdish Tytler and Kamal Nath." "Had the accused of the 1984 riots been given exemplary punishment at an appropriate time, nobody could have dared to engineer such riots in any part of the country, which takes place so often now," Phoolka claimed. Meanwhile, AAP leader Kanwar Sandhu demanded all the closed cases pertaining to the 1984 anti-Sikhs riots to be "re-opened and re-investigated". "Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal should be given all rights to open and get all the cases investigated," he said. "AAP assures the nation that all cases will be taken to its logical conclusion within six months, if the Delhi government is allowed to re-open and re-investigate them," Sandhu claimed. Although the Modi government had constituted a Special Investigating Team (SIT) in 2015 to probe the 1984 riot cases, not take a single step has been taken to deliver justice to the victims, he claimed. The AAP has decided to sit on a one-day hunger strike in front of Gurudwara Shri Amb Sahib in Mohali tomorrow on the issue, he added. On the Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal issue, the AAP leaders alleged that both Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Amarinder have "committed fraud" with the people of Punjab. The AAP leaders alleged, "In the presence of union minister Arun Jaitley and BJP National President Amit Shah, Badal declared Punjab would not accept any order of the Supreme Court against it on SYL." "While, Amarinder has declared that he and all Congress MLAs would resign in case of an adverse order by the Supreme Court on the issue," they added. "Whom are they trying to fool. If Amarinder would have been serious on the SYL issue, he should have resigned as CM, when Congress-led UPA government referred the issue to Supreme Court for presidential reference," the AAP leaders said. He added even Badal was shedding "crocodile tears" on the SYL issue, as he should have opted out of NDA, when Solicitor General of India took an anti-Punjab stand in Supreme Court on SYL. Let's be clear about something. There is absolutely no doubt about the fact that Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are playing politics over the suicide of veteran Ram Kishan Grewal. Grewal committed suicide at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Tuesday over the One Rank One Pension (Orop) scheme after pointing out that his pension was still low in a letter written to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. But is the punishment for politicising an issue getting detained by the police? For the moment, let's accept the absurd assumption that politicising an issue is a strong enough reason for the Delhi police which comes under the control of the central government to detain political leaders and claim that they were causing "disturbance" and "obstruction" at the hospital where Grewal's body had been brought. Now, let's reiterate some solid facts. Fact 1: Grewal's body was brought to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi on Wednesday. Fact 2: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Rahul Gandhi made a beeline for the hospital and tried meeting some of Grewal's family members, who were at the hospital. (Kejriwal had rushed to the Lady Hardinge Hospital after the police shifted Grewal's body from the RML Hospital.) Fact 3: Delhi police eventually detained Kejriwal, Gandhi and Sisodia, claiming that their presence at the hospital would cause disturbance. Now, let's go back a year. Let's go back to 22 April, 2015, when farmer Gajendra Singh allegedly committed suicide by hanging from a tree at a rally organised by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). By the way, a Delhi police probe into the alleged suicide later hinted that the farmer's suicide could have been an accident. Let's reiterate some solid facts again. Fact 1: After the alleged suicide, Gajendra Singh's body was brought to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, where he was declared dead. Fact 2: Opposition leaders like Arvind Kejriwal, Rahul Gandhi, Manish Sisodia, Ajay Maken, Somnath Bharti, Sitaram Yechury and even leaders from the ruling party like Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay visited the hospital. Fact 3: None of these politicians who visited the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital that day were detained. After Gajendra Singh's alleged suicide, the BJP and Congress had played politics over the issue and lashed out at AAP and Chief Minister Kejriwal for continuing the rally despite knowing about Gajendra Singh's tragedy. After Grewal's suicide, AAP and Congress played politics over the issue and lashed out at the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly lying about the implementation of Orop. Can detaining politicians based on reasons like "causing disturbance" be justified only when the ruling party at the Centre is facing criticism over an issue? Going by the logic of the Delhi police, weren't the politicians at the RML Hospital causing "disturbance" when they visited the hospital after Gajendra Singh's suicide? At this point, one cannot stress enough on how important the fact is that the Delhi police is under the control of the Centre. Somehow, when the Modi government is on the back foot and Opposition leaders are taking advantage of that fact, the Delhi police finds some reason or the other to detain them. But when the tables are turned and Opposition leaders are on the back foot and BJP is taking advantage of that fact, nothing of this sort happens. It is very obvious what is going on here. To deny the fact that the detentions of the AAP and Congress leaders by the Delhi police was purely based on petty politics is laughable. It is a horrible irony that BJP and leaders from the Modi government have accused the Opposition leaders of politicising Grewal's suicide when they themselves seem to be playing a much darker and more sinister version of politics over the issue. Dissenting voices in a democracy are being stifled. The biggest evidence of this kind of politics is that even Grewal's family members were detained. One of the most ridiculous aspects of this issue was when BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao told Times Now on Wednesday night that the government empathised with Grewal's family members. So the government apparently empathises with the family members. But the Delhi police, under the government's control, detains them, definitely not out of 'empathy'. Grewal's son has also alleged that he and his family members were abused and beaten up while in detention. Moreover, Kejriwal and Sisodia are ministers from the Delhi government who were visiting a hospital after they heard of a tragedy which had taken place in Delhi, irrespective of whether they were playing politics or not. After the SIMI jailbreak, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also visited the residence of the guard who had been killed and met his family members. Politicians from state governments have been meeting people affected from a tragedy in their own state for a very long time. Detaining them on flimsy grounds makes no sense. By the way, merely hours after Gajendra Singh's suicide, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tweeted about how he was "deeply shattered". Gajendras death has saddened the Nation. We are all deeply shattered & disappointed. Condolences to his family. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2015 Till now, PM Modi has not posted a single tweet about Ram Kishan Grewal's suicide. He might still make a statement about the suicide. In fact, he should, because he had recently said that he kept his promise on Orop when he spent his Diwali with soldiers in Himachal Pradesh. And this issue is all about Orop. But the difference in the reaction time of the prime minister between the two incidents is something we should all think about. Gangadhar Dolui's father Onkarnath had to borrow Rs 10,000 from neighbours to perform the last rites of his son, an army jawan who was killed during the Uri terror attacks. A proud father, Onkarnath rejected the Rs 2 lakh recompense promised by the Mamata Banerjee government, the same amount which is paid as ex-gratia for hooch tragedy victims in West Bengal. Gangadhar died defending the border but not a single neta drove in or flew down to attend his funeral. As the media and political parties go into a tizzy over the suicide of one Ram (Kishan Grewal), there were no OB vans to live telecast the funeral of another Ram (Shankar Yadav), the head constable of Bhopal Central Jail whose throat was slit by SIMI operatives while they were attempting a jailbreak. The 58-year-old Yadav was scrambling money for his daughter's wedding. Ex-serviceman Grewal would never know that a battery of OB vans and an army of reporters have descended on Bhiwani, his hometown, to 'live' broadcast the proceedings and a clutch of netas from Derek O'Brien, Arvind Kejriwal to Rahul Gandhi have rushed to the Haryana hamlet to perform the last rites of Indian democracy. It may raise disgust but shouldn't invoke surprise because the compulsion that forces netas to differentiate between the deaths of jawans is politics. And politics is a game of perception. When subedar Grewal consumed poison on Tuesday leaving behind a suicide note that disgruntlement over OROP has forced him to take the extreme step, he may have unwittingly also sounded the death knell for BJP's nationalist politics. If BJP is perceptive enough it would have already realised that its positioning as a party running a 'nationalist government', riding a wave of popular patriotism fuelled by the exploits of Indian Army, is over. It may kiss the plank goodbye. One of the biggest problems BJP has had while seeking to present itself as a pan-Indian alternative to the Indian National Congress is its ideological confusion. It never possessed an ideological knife to cut through the heterogeneity and regional complexities of this vast nation. Unlike the Congress, which had a legacy to bank upon and later came to position itself as one big tent and had something for everyone, the BJP repeatedly found its national ambitions stonewalled beyond the Hindi belt by the limitations of its platform, a curious amalgam of cultural unity and socialism. The limitations of the Hindutva platform and the fate of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was voted out despite implementing reforms and ensuring robust economic growth would have taught Narendra Modi a valuable lesson economic growth and development is a chimera in India. Selling dreams of acche din may catapult one to power but it is hardly enough to ensure an encore. Modi successfully tapped into the anger of a young populace frustrated by the corruption and dole-based politics of the UPA regime but he was smart enough to understand the transient nature of electoral success. He quickly figured out that BJP's 2014 electoral mandate needed an ideological foundation to be translated into a substantive, tangible benefit that may enable BJP to break through the regional and cultural barriers. Or else the party will be buried under the very expectations that it raised during the 2014 campaign. But when it came to an ideological foundation, what were the options? The BJP and the RSS tried their hands at appropriating some of the Congress icons such as Sardar Patel or Subhas Chandra Bose, men thrown into the dustbins of history by the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. But BJP still needed a stronger base to connect with the masses. Enter nationalism. The exploits of the Indian Army, the outpouring of vociferous, popular anger over never-ending state-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan and China's backing of the rogue nation presented BJP the perfect opportunity of presenting a nationalistic platform. It had none of the trappings of majoritarian agenda that accompanies Hindutva yet stresses on unity across diversity. In short, nationalism presented BJP the ideological foundation that it had long sought for a pan-Indian appeal. Led by the prime minister, the BJP wasted no time in pitching for nationalism as an ideological plank. It built upon the notion that patriotism isn't still a dirty word among the masses as the entrenched Lutyens' elites would have us believe. This platform had the double benefit of nullifying the attacks of its political rivals who didn't know how to respond. The predicament of Arvind Kejriwal, who questioned the surgical strikes and got badly burnt and Rahul Gandhi, who was hauled over coals for his 'khoon ki dalali' comment and had to issue almost-apologies, best described the high BJP found itself in post surgical strikes and the rising tide of nationalism. But as they say, nothing is permanent in politics. It took one suicide from an ex-armyman for the entire nationalism plank to come crashing down. Modi, who had recently celebrated Diwali with jawans while proclaiming that he has kept his promise over Orop, would now firmly be in the defensive. Having done more than any other prime minister in implementing Orop, he would be hard-pressed to explain satisfactorily the death of a subedar whose suicide note makes it clear that disgruntlement over the pension led him to take the extreme step. And having lionised the army and raising questions against making any criticism of their actions, the BJP has robbed itself of any maneuvering space. Little wonder that the Derek O'Briens, Arvind Kejriwals and Rahul Gandhis made a beeline for Bhiwani. The ferocity and desperation of AAP and Congress's protests on Wednesday point to the frustration they have been suffering so far, having been unable to come up with an answer for BJP's nationalist plank based on praise of soldiers and war heroes. The parties now believe they have been able to bust BJP's gameplan. Grandmother Indira Gandhi had repealed Orop and his own government did precious little to implement it but try telling that to Rahul Gandhi whose righteous indignation over Orop was matched only by the duplicity of Kejriwal. New Orop champion Kejriwal is the same man who recently questioned the veracity of Army's statement that it had conducted surgical strikes across Line of Control. The positions might be blatantly hypocritical but in the perception game of politics, there would be very few takers for the very plausible government explanation that faulty calculation at the bank's end may have led to the ex-armyman taking his life. New Delhi: No-frills airline SpiceJet today said passengers are prohibited from carrying Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in hand, check-in baggages and cargo. Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), last month, had issued a fresh advisory on Galaxy Note 7 asking passengers not to carry them onboard flights. "Passengers are not permitted to carry the Galaxy Note 7 onboard, in hand baggage, check-in baggage or even as cargo in any of the SpiceJet flights," the carrier said in a release. This announcement follows the recent DGCA advisory issued to all airlines, it added. "In light of recent incidents involving Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices, travelling public and airlines are advised to ensure there is no carriage of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone devices onboard including as checked in luggage/cargo on any aircraft on flight to, from or within India," DGCA said in a circular on 17 October. There have been incidents of the smartphone's battery exploding in various countries. On 9 September, the watchdog had completely banned the use of Galaxy Note 7 onboard flights as also carrying them in checked-in baggage. Many overseas airlines have also imposed similar ban on carrying and use of Galaxy Note 7 onboard flights. By Jonathan Saul | LONDON LONDON Unknown assailants who opened fire on a gas tanker last week off the coast of Yemen were also carrying a "substantial amount of explosives", the vessel's owner said on Thursday, and a maritime source said it may have been an attempted suicide attack.Security experts said the new details of the Oct. 25 incident would heighten concerns for shipping in the narrow Bab al-Mandab waterway at the entrance to the Red Sea, a major choke point in the world oil trade.In an initial statement last week, shipping group Teekay (TK.N) said its LNG (liquefied natural gas) tanker Galicia Spirit had "experienced a suspected piracy attack" but no one had managed to board it.In an update on Thursday, Teekay said it had now conducted an investigation with security experts. This indicated that "the skiff (small boat) that engaged in an attack on the Galicia Spirit using small arms was also carrying a substantial amount of explosives".It added: "While the intentions of the attackers and the use of the explosives is unknown, the investigation findings indicate that the explosives would have been sufficient to have caused significant damage to the vessel."It appears, however, that when the skiff was approximately 20m (metres) from the vessel, the explosives detonated, destroying the skiff and ending the attack."No details have emerged of how many attackers there were, or what happened to them, but maritime sources said the information to date indicated this was probably not piracy."If the circumstances are as described, it was an ambitious attempt carried out by people who didnt expect to survive," said one source with detailed knowledge of the area. "An LNG vessel also has a double skin (hull), but if the explosives were enough to penetrate the main hull, then it is certainly possible that damage would have been done to the inner skin and gas could have escaped and ignited." Teekay said the vessel suffered minor damage with no injuries to the crew. PREVIOUS ATTACKS The incident, the first attack on a commercial ship since July, followed the launching of missiles from Yemen in recent weeks against military craft, including U.S. navy vessels.Militants have launched successful maritime attacks in the area before. A suicide bombing carried out by al Qaeda, which has a powerful regional arm in Yemen, killed 17 sailors on the U.S. warship Cole in Aden's port in 2000. Two years later, al Qaeda hit a French tanker in the Gulf of Aden, south of the Bab al-Mandab.Maritime security sources said the attack on the Galicia Spirit occurred near Perim Island, just a few kilometres from the southern Yemeni coast and the site of a lighthouse for ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab."Attacks like these are not common and take a certain amount of training and resources to achieve," said Michael Edey of British security firm Dryad Maritime. "It will obviously raise concerns for shipping in the area." While shipping companies have yet to divert ships, the stakes are high. Nearly 4 million barrels of oil are shipped daily to Europe, the United States and Asia via the Bab al-Mandab, as well as other commercial goods."Recent incidents off Somalia, the Bab al-Mandab and wider Indian Ocean indicate an increased threat level to shipping from piracy and maritime terrorism," British maritime security firm MAST said in a report this week.A civil war is raging in Yemen between the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, backed by troops loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, and the internationally recognised government of Abd Rabbu Mansour al-Hadi, backed by Saudi Arabia. The United States carried out cruise missile strikes on Oct. 15 against radar sites in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen after two confirmed attempts to hit a U.S. Navy destroyer with coastal cruise missiles close to the Bab al-Mandab. The Houthi movement has denied firing on the USS Mason.The Houthis have confirmed a separate earlier attack on a United Arab Emirates vessel in the area. (Editing by Mark Trevelyan) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Havana: A new agreement that will open a new phase in the European Union's (EU) relations with Cuba is tentatively scheduled to be signed on 12 December, a senior diplomatic official has announced. The head of the 28-member bloc's delegation in Cuba, Herman Portocarero, announced on Wednesday that date at a press conference during the 35th Havana International Fair, saying the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement would substitute monologue for dialogue and establish a solid legal basis for the overall relationship between the EU and Cuba, Efe news reported. From 1996 to the present, those relations have been governed by the so-called "Common Position", adopted at the urging of then-Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar. That policy makes improved ties between the bloc and Havana contingent on democratisation and respect for human rights on the Communist-ruled island while also encouraging direct contact between EU officials and Cuban dissidents. The agreement to be signed on 12 December in Brussels contains many more subjects to be covered through dialogue, including in the areas of politics and human rights, while also promoting society-to-society dialogue, Portocarero said. The EU and Cuba wrapped up negotiations on the new accord in March, concluding a nearly two-year effort that coincided with the historic normalisation of bilateral relations between the US and the Caribbean island. In September, the European Commission formally proposed that member-states back the new political dialogue and cooperation agreement, saying that once it is signed it will "become the instrument that defines the EU's external relations with Cuba, superseding the 1996 Common Position." The presidential election doesn't end when the polls close on 8 November. Rather, it's just getting started. Once the votes are counted, the state-by-state process kicks in. The Electoral College meets in mid-December to vote, and Congress makes the results official in January. A look at how the President is elected: Election day The vote, by universal suffrage, is conducted in a single round in all 50 states and the District of Columbia (the city of Washington, which is not part of any state). Most people who voted early or are heading to the polls on 8 November think they will be voting for Democrat Hillary Clinton, Republican Donald Trump or their chosen third-party candidate. But they won't be. They'll be voting for their state's electors, who will in turn cast votes for the presidential candidate who wins the most votes in their state. Each state has as many electoral votes as it has members of Congress. The District of Columbia has an additional three electors. There are a total of 538 electors in the Electoral College, with the number from each state based on its population size. A state has one elector for each of its members of the House of Representatives, and one for each of the state's two senators. California the most populous state therefore has 55 electors, Texas has 38, and New York and Florida have 29 each. At the other end of the spectrum, lightly populated Alaska, Delaware, Vermont and Wyoming have only three electors each, as does the District of Columbia. The overall winner must take half of that plus one or 270 electoral votes. Power to the states Electors are chosen by each party, and typically are party insiders who can be trusted to vote for their candidate. Members of Congress can't be electors, by law. An elector has only one duty to elect a president. While it may seem like a complicated system, the Electoral College was created by the 12th Amendment of the Constitution to empower the role of individual states. "It's the states that decide who the President is and not the general population as a whole," says Miriam Vincent, a staff attorney at the National Archives, which acts as a liaison between the states and Congress during the electoral college process. 19 December The real election day By law, the electors must meet on the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December. This year, that's 19 December. On that day, they gather in their respective states to cast votes for President and Vice-President of the United States. In almost every state, the winner of the state's popular vote gets all of the state's electors. Maine and Nebraska are exceptions, where two electors are chosen by popular state-wide vote and the remainder are chosen according to the popular vote in each congressional district. The winner-takes-all system in the states makes it extremely hard for a third-party candidate to prevail, although they can still have critical impacts on certain states and therefore on the national result. There's nothing in the Constitution that says the electors are required to vote for a particular candidate, and state laws vary. But according to the National Archives, 99 percent of electors through US history have voted for their party's candidate, and none of the dissenters known as "faithless electors" has ever changed the result of an election. Once the votes have taken place, each state sends its results to Washington, where they are received by the Senate and the National Archives. Swing states Some states historically support the Democratic candidate election after election, while others are just as resolutely Republican. Candidates thus concentrate their efforts on about a dozen states prone to shift back and forth between the parties, often determining the final result. The most important of these are the "battleground" or "swing" states with the largest number of electors, like Florida (29), Pennsylvania (20) and Ohio (18). Elsewhere on the ballot From 3 November onwards, Americans have started voting for every one of the 435 members of the House of Representatives (who serve two-year terms) and for 34 of the 100 senators (who serve for six years). They also will be choosing governors in 12 states, and will be casting votes in a multitude of referenda and local elections. Congress does a final count Once the electoral ballot votes are received, they are counted in a joint session of Congress. By law, this takes place on 6 January. On that day, senators assemble at 12:30 pm and walk together to the House chamber. They are led by two Senate pages carrying mahogany boxes that contain the electoral vote certificates sent by the states. The House session is presided over by the current Vice-President. Occasionally it's an awkward situation, as when Vice-President Al Gore presided over the counting in the 2000 presidential election he lost to Republican George W Bush. At the session, the votes are examined, tallied and handed to the Vice-President who announces the results. What if it's a tie? If no presidential candidate receives 270 or more electoral votes in the count, the 12th Amendment directs the House to decide the presidential election. Each state's House delegation has one vote, and must pick from the top three candidates who received the most electoral votes. The Senate would use a similar process to pick the vice-president. Is the system outdated? Over the years, there have been calls to do away with or reform the complex Electoral College, especially after the 2000 election when Gore won the popular vote but lost to Bush, who had more electoral votes. John Hudak, a fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution, says most people want the person who wins the popular vote to become the president. But reform wouldn't be easy because it would require an amendment to the Constitution that would have to be ratified by three-fourths of states. Before 2000, the most recent time a candidate lost despite winning the popular vote was in 1888. "2000 was a really incredible exception," Hudak says. "Generally the Electoral College reflects the popular will." With inputs from AP and AFP Islamabad: Accusing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of corruption and financial wrong doings, Pakistan's opposition leader Imran Khan on Wednesday said he was "eagerly" waiting to see the premier and his younger brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif behind bars. Addressing thousands of his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supporters at Parade Ground in Islamabad, Khan accused Sharif of transferring corruption money out of the country to let his children buy properties abroad which they manage through offshore companies as mentioned in the Panama leaks. Three of Sharif's four children are said to be owners of offshore companies, according to the Panama Papers. Khan had yesterday turned his proposed million men protest march in capital to force Sharif to step-down to a thank-giving gathering after Supreme Court agreed to hear petitions against Sharif in the corruption cases. "I am eagerly waiting for the day when Nawaz (Sharif) and his brother (Shahbaz) are put behind bars (for corruption)," he said to the applause of his workers. He said the Supreme Court has started the accountability of Sharif and hopefully his fate will be sealed soon. Sharif and his family have dismissed the allegations of money laundering and denied any wrongdoing but the opposition is demanding an independent probe. Khan also blasted Sharif's government for using police to stop workers from coming to his protest and alleged that even women supporters were beaten by the police. He said that it was the people's right under a democracy to stage a protest against corruption. Islamabad: Pakistani media on Thursday named at least eight staffers at the Indian High Commission here and accused them of carrying out 'anti-Pakistan activities', in the latest tit-for-tit action amid raging Indo-Pak tensions. After Pakistan pulled out six of its officials in the wake of a spy scandal involving staffers of its High Commission in New Delhi, sources in the External Affairs Ministry on Wednsday said India was mulling withdrawal of eight of its diplomats as their security has been "completely compromised". However, Pakistani media on Thursday identified at least eight Indian staffers and accused them of "anti-Pakistan activities". The latest tit-for-tit naming of officials coincided with raging tension between India and Pakistan following the Uri terror attack and India's retaliatory surgical strikes across the LoC that pushed the bilateral ties to a new low. First two Indian officials were named on Wednesday afternoon but by late night, the number soared to eight. The Dawn reported that the alleged Indian intelligence personnel, whose cover was blown off in the media leak include commercial counsellor Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri, first secretary, press and culture Balbir Singh, first secretary, commercial Anurag Singh, visa attache Amardeep Singh Bhatti, visa assistants Dharmedra, Vijay Kumar Verma and Madhavan Nanda Kumar, and assistant, personnel welfare office Jayabalan Senthil. The media leak claimed that the officials were working for either RAW or for the Indian Intelligence Bureau. The names have, however, not been officially confirmed by the Foreign Office. According to the information leaked to the media, the Indian 'agents' were found to be involved in "subversive activities', including attempts to disrupt the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and "create fear and chaos in the country". They are also alleged to have been building a network of informants within Pakistan and fabricating evidence for tarnishing the country. The Dawn said these Indian officials could be declared persona non-grata by Pakistani authorities in the coming days or India might withdraw them. Meanwhile, the withdrawn Pakistani officers and staffers reached Lahore on Wednesday. BAGHDAD Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi expressed confidence in victory, in his first message after U.S.-backed Iraqi forces started an offensive to take back Mosul, the last major city under control of his group in Iraq."This (..) total war and the great jihad that the state of Islamic is fighting today only increases our firm belief, God willing, and our conviction that all this is a prelude to victory," he said in an audio recording released online on Thursday by supporters. He called on the population of Mosul's Nineveh province to fight the "enemies of God" and for the suicide fighters to "turn the nights of the unbelievers into days, to wreck havoc in their land and make their blood flow as rivers." (Reporting by Mostafa Hashem and Maher Chmaytelli) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Babak Dehghanpisheh and Michael Georgy | SAMAQA, Iraq SAMAQA, Iraq When Islamic State insurgents fired mortar bombs at Iranian Kurdish women fighters holding a desert position in northern Iraq, the women first hit back by singing through loudspeakers.Then the women opened fire with machineguns."We wanted to make them angry. To tell Daesh that we are not afraid," said Mani Nasrallahpour, 21, one of about 200 female peshmerga fighters who left behind their life in Iran to take on the hardline Sunni militants.A commander said Islamic State -- known to its enemies by the Arabic acronym Daesh -- deliberately targeted the female unit with 20 mortars when the singing began. Islamic State prohibits singing and music. It has also imposed tight restrictions on women and took hundreds of them as sex slaves since sweeping through northern Iraq in 2014 and declaring a caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria.The Kurdish women are part of a larger armed unit of some 600 fighters aligned with the Kurdistan Freedom Party, known by its Kurdish acronym PAK. This group has joined an array of Iraqi and Kurdish forces who are backed by a U.S.-led coalition in an offensive designed to push Islamic State out of their stronghold of Mosul.It also has a far more ambitious goal of creating an independent Kurdish nation that would stretch across Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria -- a concept those nations reject."We fight to protect our soil, whether it is the Kurdistan of Iran or Iraq. It does not matter whether it is Daesh or another group that has occupied our soil," said Nasrallahpour, clutching an AK-47 assault rifle."THEY ARE AFRAID OF WOMEN" Their presence is a reminder of the complexities of the battlefield in northern Iraq, where the women recently joined Iraqi male Kurdish fighters in driving Islamic State out of the village of Fadiliya. Avin Vaysi ran into that fight toting a heavy machinegun and battling Islamic State street by street."They are afraid of women," she said. "It is true that Daesh is dangerous but we are not afraid of them."So far in the offensive, one woman fighter from the group has been killed.Like the other peshmerga, Vaysi was enraged by news reports of the militants abusing women. She decided to take matters into her own hands."I saw on television that Daesh is torturing women and it made my blood boil," said Vaysi, 32, who has a Kurdish flag painted on her cheek. "I decided to go and fight them."The presence of the PAK in northern Iraq is controversial. Iran has pressured the Kurdistan Regional Government to expel the group. Since the start of 2016, the PAK has clashed with Iran's Revolutionary Guards in Iran at least six times, said Hussein Yazdanpanah, military commander of the group. Attempts to reach a Revolutionary Guard media office for comment were unsuccessful.On Thursday afternoon, women fighters were lined up on a dirt berm, their weapons pointed at the frontline with Islamic State about 700 metres away. A woman walked by with a sniper rifled strapped to her shoulder. Nearby were a row of captured homemade Islamic State rockets fitted with propane tanks.Knowing the atrocities Islamic State has carried out against women, Nasrallahpour said the female fighters had made a pact never to allow themselves to be taken captive."We always have a bullet ready to use on ourselves in case we are about to be taken prisoner," she said, rolling a Kalashnikov round between her thumb and forefinger. She and others hope they can get their hands on Islamic State militants."We will tear them apart. When they have killed our babies in the womb why should we show them mercy," said Nasrallapour.Fighters say they are treated equally by male comrades."We are 100 percent equals. We are proud of the women fighters," said Hajir Bahmani, 27, a male commander.Female fighters go through six weeks of training that includes target practice and learning how to be a sniper."Along with defending our Kurdish land we are also fighting for women's rights. Like a man, I can fight in the mountains and the desert," said Nasrallahpour.Breaking stereotypes like keeping women in the kitchen is something the fighters take pride in."Here the men cook for us," said Nasrallahpour. (Editing by Angus MacSwan) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Tom Perry and Laila Bassam | BEIRUT BEIRUT Lebanon's president asked Sunni leader Saad al-Hariri to form a new government on Thursday, after he won the support of a majority of MPs including the influential parliament speaker who said he would cooperate with efforts to set up the new cabinet.Hariri's nomination is part of a political deal that resulted in the election of Christian leader Michel Aoun, a close ally of the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, as head of state on Monday, ending a 2-1/2 year long presidential vacuum.A big concession on the part of Hariri, the deal has underscored Hezbollah's dominant position in Lebanon and the diminished role of Hariri's main regional backer, Saudi Arabia, which appears more focused on confronting Iranian influence elsewhere in the region.The quick formation of a new administration with cross-party support will help revive government in a country where political conflict has paralysed decision-making, economic development and basic services, and raised fears for its stability. The central bank governor said Aoun's election and the formation of a government would boost confidence in the economy and attract foreign aid: Lebanon is hosting some 1.5 million refugees from the war in neighbouring Syria.Hariri, 46, said he aimed for the quick formation of a government of "national accord".Speaking at the presidency, he said "we owe it to the Lebanese to start working as soon as possible to protect our country from the flames burning around it, to reinforce its immunity in the face of terrorism". Lebanon has been buffeted by instability from the war in neighbouring Syria, where Hezbollah is fighting in support of President Bashar al-Assad. Jihadists have mounted attacks in Lebanon targeting Shi'ite areas and the army.Underscoring Hezbollah's continued mistrust of Hariri, who remains critical of its role in Syria, the group did not name him as prime minister, though it is expected to take part in his cabinet.SUPPORT FROM BERRI Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, head of the Shi'ite Amal movement and close Hezbollah ally, had come out in opposition to the deal struck by Hariri and Aoun, voicing objections that had threatened to obstruct the formation of the new government.But announcing his decision to endorse Hariri for prime minister on Thursday, Berri indicated he would cooperate in efforts to set up the new administration. "If there was no intention to cooperate, we would not have named him", he said. Hariri took on the political mantle of his father, Rafik al-Hariri, after his assassination in 2005. A U.N.-backed tribunal has charged five members of Hezbollah over the killing. The group denies any role. After his father's assassination, Hariri led a coalition of Lebanese parties through years of political conflict with Hezbollah and its allies, including Aoun. He was prime minister of a unity government from 2009 to 2011.Hezbollah and its allies brought down that government by resigning while he was in Washington meeting the U.S. president.Hariri's concession has also been seen as a result of financial troubles at his Saudi-based construction firm Saudi Oger, which hit his political standing in Lebanon by causing a sharp decline in funding for his political network. In Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system, the post of prime minister is reserved for a Sunni Muslim, the president must be a Maronite Christian, and the parliament speaker must be a Shi'ite Muslim.The Lebanese must now agree on how to parcel out government portfolios. The post of energy minister is seen as one of the hardest to agree on. Lebanon has offshore oil and gas resources that have been left unexploited due to political conflict. (Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Richard Balmforth) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. New York: There's a new silent majority and they are passionate about Democrat Hillary Clinton. They have fanned out across America wearing Hillary Clinton buttons the size of saucers to get the vote out and "their girl" into the White House. The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) which draws its membership mainly from Indian Americans has a special kinship with the Clintons. Forty years after the first Indian American motel keepers arrived in the America almost all with roots in Gujarat and the surname Patel Gujaratis now own 60 percent of budget hotels in the US. "Bill Clinton read an article in The New York Times titled A Patel Motel Cartel? and phoned me as I was part of the AAHOA. He felt we were an efficient, organised "cartel." During the call, I asked: "Are you tapping me for fund-raising?" He laughed and said "No, this is my last term as President. I want you to come with me to India." After 22 years, a US president finally decided it was important to visit India," said Mahesh (Mike) Patel, the urbane regional director of the AAHOA. "Hillary has a long history with Indian Americans and India. Our members in battleground states like Ohio and Florida are going to get out the vote for Hillary," said Patel at an event in New York organised by Indian Americans for Democrats and Friends of Hillary for President. The AAHOA has 16,000 members who together own over 22,000 hotels and motels in the US worth $50 billion. "When Modi met Hillary in September 2014 her eyes lit up when they talked about India. She has such love for the country," said Sant Singh Chatwal, who owns the Chatwal and the Dream hotels and the Bombay Palace restaurant chain. "Hillary has stood with us on immigration, supported the US-India nuclear deal and understood our Indian culture," said Chatwal who is one of Clinton's "Hillblazers," shorthand for one of her big donors. Hillblazers have typically raised at least $100,000 for Clinton's campaign. The Republican Hindu Coalition tried belatedly to drum up support for Republican Donald Trump by hosting a Bollywood-style extravaganza in Edison in October, but most Indian Americans say it was too little too late. Trump's campaign has provoked nothing but backlash from minority voters because of his anti-immigrant and xenophobic stance. "The Indian American community overwhelmingly leans Democratic, with 70 percent planning to vote for Hillary Clinton compared with 7 percent for Trump, according to the most recent polls," reported The Washington Post. Clinton not only has the Asian vote, but the Hispanics firmly in her corner. Trump has antagonised Hispanic voters with his infamous "bad hombres" comment, racial insults, as well aggressive deportation measures. Trump's get-tough stance on immigration has fired up working-class whites, many of whom think immigration has damaged them, but it has made him a "dark" candidate for the more diverse American electorate. Stung by Trump's rants against immigrants, Latino grandmothers are leading the charge for "their girl" Hillary. "Abuelas, as they are known in Spanish are at the front lines of the Democratic Partys effort... Armies of abuelas are out by the hundreds in states like Arizona, Nevada and Colorado, an initiative rooted in experience and research showing that the best mobilises are often not popular politicians or celebrities, but the people a target audience knows very well," reported The New York Times. "Abuelas may not quite be a new kind of political boss, but with expansive and interconnected social and family networks, the ones working on Mrs Clintons behalf are persuasive messengers. They are matriarchs of families that often have multiple generations living under one roof. Outside, many are leaders of church groups or organisers of social and civic gatherings of women," added the newspaper. President Barack Obama campaigned energetically for Clinton in North Carolina on Wednesday. The Democratic strategy has revolved largely around getting Obama to inspire African Americans to vote. Early voting shows that even though the black community supports Clinton, they are staying home in large numbers. Black voter enthusiasm which was at historic levels in 2008 and 2012 has fallen off during this election cycle since Obama is not on the ticket. The onerous task of rallying black voters has now fallen on both the president and Michelle Obama. In an emotional appeal to black voters, President Obama has warned that if Trump wins, he will destroy his legacy. "I know that there are a lot of people in barbershops and beauty salons, you know, in the neighborhoods who are saying to themselves, 'We love Barack, we love we especially love Michelle, and so, you know, it was exciting and now we're not as excited as much.' You know what? I need everybody to understand that everything we've done is dependent on me being able to pass the baton to somebody who believes in the same things I believe in," said Obama. The US media reported that a slack in black voter enthusiasm would be picked up by more Latino votes for Clinton. "Democrats are seeing substantial gains in turnout for other key constituencies like Hispanics and college-educated women, which have the potential to more than make up for any drop-off in black voting," reported The New York Times." A week before Election Day, Trump may have sounded warnings of a rigged vote, but the boot is now on the other foot. Democratic officials in five states including Ohio, Arizona, North Carolina, Nevada and Pennsylvania have filed federal lawsuits complaining that thousands of African American voters have been struck off voter registration lists, and that Trump is encouraging his poll monitoring army to scare away non-white voters at polling booths. Gogjali: Jihadist leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi called on his fighters to resist as Iraqi forces were poised on Thursday to enter the city of Mosul where he declared a "caliphate" two years ago. The appeal was made in an audio recording released on the Internet and purported to be by the elusive leader of the Islamic State group, his first message this year. "Do not retreat," he said. "Holding your ground with honour is a thousand times easier than retreating in shame." "To all the people of Nineveh, especially the fighters, beware of any weakness in facing your enemy," Baghdadi said, referring to the northern Iraqi province of which Mosul is the capital. In June 2014, days after jihadist fighters swept across swathes of Iraq, he made a rare public appearance in Mosul and announced the creation of an Islamic "state" straddling Iraq and Syria. The "caliphate" has been shrinking steadily since last year and Iraqi forces earlier this week reached Mosul, the jihadists' last major stronghold in Iraq. Tens of thousands of Iraqi forces, backed by the US-led coalition and its warplanes, launched a massive offensive on Mosul on 17 October. It was not immediately possible for AFP to authenticate the recording, entitled "This is what God and his messenger have promised us", but leading experts of the jihadist organisation did not appear to doubt it. Rumours have abounded about the Iraqi jihadist leader's health and movements but his whereabouts are unclear. IS has had a tendency to fall back when massively outnumbered lately, giving up some of its emblematic bastions such as Fallujah in Iraq and Dabiq in Syria without following its own apocalyptic ideology of fighting to the bitter end. In his latest message, which is undated but makes references to events that are at most a few weeks old, Baghdadi calls for attacks against Saudi Arabia a favourite target of his and Turkey. Ankara has troops stationed at a base just outside Mosul and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's escalating rhetoric has raised fears of a unilateral Turkish intervention in Iraq. Baghdadi also said that his followers who could not travel to Syria or Iraq should aim for Libya and urged all IS fighters to remain united in adversity. He attempted to stir up sectarian resentment by referring to religious flags and slogans of Shiite fighters among the Iraqi forces and by accusing the country's Sunni politicians of treason. The recapture of Mosul by Iraqi forces could spell the end of the group's days as a land-holding force in Iraq and deal a death blow to the "caliphate". The US-led coalition estimates the number of IS fighters holed up in Mosul at 3,000 to 5,000 and has warned the battle of Mosul could be long and difficult. Kyoto: The Myanmar government is responding to conflict in the troubled north of Rakhine state, which has suffered its worst violence since 2012, based on rule of law, leader Aung San Suu Kyi was quoted as saying on Thursday. Nobel Peace Prize winner Suu Kyi has faced mounting criticism abroad for her government's handling of a crisis in the Muslim-majority region, where soldiers have blocked access for aid workers and are accused of raping and killing civilians. She has also not directly commented on calls from human rights experts urging the government to investigate the allegations of abuse, or on statements from human rights monitors, although she has urged the military to act with restraint. Troops have poured into the area since militants believed to be Rohingya Muslims launched coordinated attacks on border posts on 9 October, killing nine police. The government says five soldiers and at least 33 alleged attackers have been killed in the military operation. In Japan on a five-day visit that included a meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Suu Kyi met Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, who said violence could not be permitted in dealing with the crisis, a Foreign Ministry statement said. "The problem in Rakhine state is extremely delicate and care is needed in responding," Suu Kyi was quoted as saying. "The Myanmar government is responding to the issue of Rakhine state based on the principles of the rule of law." Kishida said Japan was giving two used vessels to the people of Rakhine, as well as a new vessel. On Wednesday, Abe pledged $7.73 billion to Myanmar over five years to support its peace-building and development efforts. The military operation has sharpened the tension between Suu Kyi's six-month-old civilian administration and the army, which ruled the country for decades and retains key powers, including control of ministries responsible for security. While Myanmar's army-drafted constitution puts the military firmly in control of security matters, diplomats and aid workers say privately they are dismayed at Suu Kyi's lack of deeper involvement in the handling of the crisis. Suu Kyi received an honorary doctorate from Kyoto University for "advancement of democracy in Myanmar and in the world as a whole", telling Japanese students and Myanmar citizens that difficulties in negotiating peace between armed ethnic groups stemmed from a lack of belief. "Unity and diversity is not something that can be implemented just because you want to implement it," Suu Kyi said in response to a question at a discussion at the university, where in the mid-1980s she researched her father, independence hero Aung San. She was not asked directly about the Rohingya. "It is a long process. It takes a lot of patience," she added, without referring to Rakhine. "We believe this is possible." The Rohingya are seen by many Myanmar Buddhists as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Some 125,000 remain displaced and face severe travel restrictions in squalid camps since fighting erupted in Rakhine between Buddhists and Muslims in 2012. JOHANNESBURG South African right-wing politician Clive Derby-Lewis, who tried to trigger a race-war in the dying days of apartheid with the assassination of communist party leader Chris Hani, died on Thursday, his lawyer said.Sentenced to life behind bars for masterminding the 1993 shooting of Hani, Derby-Lewis was freed on medical parole last year after being diagnosed with cancer.His lawyer, Julian Knight, said he died of "surgical complications" in a Pretoria hospital. He was 80 years old.The murder of Hani, the charismatic leader of the South African Communist Party (SAPC), triggered nationwide riots and almost derailed the 1994 transition to multi-racial democracy after decades of white-minority apartheid rule. Polish immigrant Janusz Walus was convicted of actually pulling the trigger but Derby-Lewis was found guilty alongside him for providing the gun.The pair were initially sentenced to death, but that was commuted to life in prison when South Africa abolished the death penalty in 1995. Walus was freed on parole last year after spending more than 20 years behind bars. Apartheid death-squad leader Eugene de Kock, dubbed 'Prime Evil' for his role in the torture and murder of scores of black activists in the 1980s and early 1990s, was freed on parole last year after serving more than 20 years in prison. His current whereabouts are unknown. (Reporting by Ed Cropley; Editing by Andrew Heavens) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. United Nations: A proposed UN resolution would demand that all parties in Yemen immediately honor an April ceasefire and resume peace negotiations. The draft Security Council resolution, obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, also calls for transparent and timely investigations of alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and accountability for those responsible for violations and abuses. Britain's UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said Tuesday he expects to circulate the draft to the council "in the coming days." It was first published by Inner City Press. The UN special envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, has drafted a roadmap covering political and security issues. It was immediately rejected by President Abed-Rabbo Mansour Hadi of Yemen's internationally recognised government who would lose power under its provisions. "We hope he will now receive it, and engage on it in good faith," Rycroft told the council during a meeting on Yemen on Monday, adding that all parties should "return to negotiations on the basis of the roadmap and in a spirit of compromise." Yemen, on the southern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, has been in the midst of a civil war since September 2014 when Shiite Houthi rebels swept into the capital of Sanaa and overthrew Hadi's government. In March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition of Arab countries began a military campaign against Houthi forces, saying its mission served in part as a counterbalance to Iran's influence with the Houthis following its nuclear deal with world powers. The Saudi-led campaign initially had the logistical and intelligence support of the US, but mounting civilian casualties from its airstrikes led to America pulling back, especially after a Saudi strike last month on a funeral in Sanaa killed some 140 people and wounded over 600. UN diplomats have stressed that to end the war, both sides need to agree to power-sharing and a new government. US Ambassador Samantha Power told the council Monday that "the roadmap addresses the concerns of the Yemeni government about sequenced withdrawals from the key cities of Sanaa, Taiz and Hodeidah." She said it also addresses concerns of Houthis and their allies about the transition of executive authority. "The roadmap is a basis for a negotiation it is not a take-it-or-leave-it proposition," Power said. "Now is not the time for any of the parties to hedge, stall, or add new conditions. The parties should engage with the special envoy immediately to hammer out the details of a final agreement." Whether that happens remains to be seen. UN diplomats said Britain worked with the United States, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in drafting the resolution. The Saudis support the roadmap and are trying to get Hadi to accept it, the diplomats said, speaking on condition of anonymity because consultations have been private. The draft resolution reiterates that "resuming Yemen's peaceful political transition to a democratically governed state ... should be guided by a new constitution and holding of parliamentary and presidential elections." It also calls on all parties to take measures to protect civilians and civilian buildings and allow unhindered humanitarian access to those in need. UN humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien told the council Monday that 80 percent of Yemenis, some 21.2 million people, need some form of humanitarian assistance and over 2 million people, including 370,000 children, are suffering from malnutrition. KABUL Eight Afghans detained in Guantanamo Bay have been imprisoned for years on the basis of tenuous evidence, "fantastical allegations" and hearsay, a report issued on Thursday said.The report by the Afghanistan Analysts Network (AAN), an independent, non-profit research group, examined the cases of eight of the longest-serving Afghan detainees, all either still in Guantanamo Bay or recently moved to the United Arab Emirates.It said the U.S. military had been unable to substantiate accusations against any of them.Their cases underlined the danger that arbitrary detention could lead to "gross miscarriages of justice", a major factor in driving some Afghans towards insurgency, the report, entitled "Kafka in Cuba", said."Viewing the U.S. detention regime through the lens of the Afghan experience in Guantanamo raises broader questions about the effectiveness of U.S. intelligence and justice," it said.The eight detainees, including a former plastic flower seller, named Bostan Karim, a "chokidar" or doorman named Abdul Zahir and a grocer named Obaidullah, were held over a variety of accusations ranging from being an al Qaeda and Taliban financier to being a member of al Qaeda bombmaking cell. One man, Muhammad Rahim, classified as a "high value detainee" was accused of being a personal translator and aide to Osama bin Laden, although the precise allegations against him remain secret.However the report said none of the men was captured on the battlefield, with six handed over by Pakistani or Afghan forces and two detained after tipoffs from unknown sources. It said the military and court documents outlining the evidence against them were "rife with hearsay, secret evidence, bad translations, gross errors of fact and testimony obtained under duress and torture". As well as making "multiple, basic" errors of geography, the U.S. military mixed up groups that had long ago laid down their weapons or never fought with jihadists, it said.Military boards had failed to clear obvious factual mistakes from detainee files, while courts had "utterly failed to hold the executive to account".President Barack Obama, who had pledged to close the prison before he leaves office in January, is scaling the facility down by transferring detainees not considered a threat to foreign countries. However he has been unable to close it in the face of opposition from Congress.Supporters of keeping the facility open say it has held some of the most dangerous militants and is a valuable tool in fighting international terrorism. Critics say it contravenes U.S. values and feeds propaganda for militant groups. (Reporting by James Mackenzie; Editing by Alison Williams) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Svetlana Reiter and Vladimir Soldatkin | MOSCOW MOSCOW Human rights group Amnesty International can return to the Moscow office it was evicted from this week, a Kremlin human rights adviser said on Thursday after discussing the matter with President Vladimir Putin.Amnesty has been a vocal critic of Russia over its bombing campaign in Syria and had said it believed the eviction might be part of an official crackdown on civil society groups.Amnesty staff had turned up at their office in central Moscow on Wednesday morning to find the locks had been changed and the power cut off. The Moscow city government, from which Amnesty leases the premises, said it was owed rent, but the group said payments were up to date.Mikhail Fedotov, head of the Russian Human Rights Council which formally reports to the Kremlin, told Reuters he had met Putin and discussed the matter."The lease has been restored completely. They (Amnesty) will be able to return to the office in the nearest future. Putin was informed of this," Fedotov said.Soon after that meeting took place, John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International's Europe director, told Reuters that the group had been contacted by Vladimir Yefimov, head of the Moscow city property department, who said there may have been a mix-up. According to Dalhuisen, Yefimov invited Amnesty for a meeting on Monday. Friday is a public holiday in Russia."I would say this was promising and we look forward to the meeting and resolving this issue," Dalhuisen said.Amnesty said the city authorities had been ignoring its requests for talks. Moscow's city property department could not immediately be reached for comment.Amnesty, which was founded in London, frequently criticises the Russian authorities over what it says are human rights violations. It alleges in particular that Russia and its allies have killed large numbers of civilians with air strikes on the Syrian city of Aleppo. Moscow denies this.After news of the eviction emerged on Wednesday, the U.S. State Department expressed its concern. Rights groups that criticise the Kremlin and receive foreign funding have come under growing pressure in Putin's Russia. Kremlin officials have accused some foreign-backed civil society groups of working on behalf of Western governments to foment unrest and replicate the revolutions that forced out pro-Russian leaders in several former Soviet states.As part of the official crackdown, some non-governmental organisations have been designated as "foreign agents", which makes them subject to intense scrutiny. (Writing by Vladimir Soldatkin and Christian Lowe; Editing by Louise Ireland) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Wendell Roelf | CAPE TOWN CAPE TOWN South Africa's Jacob Zuma faces a no-confidence vote in parliament next week with his presidency mired in crisis, after investigators documented allegations of government corruption and thousands of people took to the streets to demand he resign.The vote was called by the main opposition on Thursday following a report by the country's anti-corruption watchdog calling for a judicial inquiry into allegations of influence-peddling in the ANC government. The report was finally released after the president withdrew a court bid to delay its publication in the face of mass public protests. Police used stun grenades and water cannon to disperse protesters in Pretoria carrying "Zuma must go" placards.Mmusi Maimane, leader of the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), told a news briefing in Cape Town that the no-confidence debate and vote was scheduled for Nov. 10. "This motion should not be viewed as a partisan motion - we do not see it as a DA motion," he said. "I know there are ANC MPs and cabinet ministers who have had enough. They have an opportunity to actually do something about their anger next week Thursday."Zuma has survived his two previous no-confidence votes this year, largely backed by the support of his ANC (African National Congress) which controls about two-thirds of the assembly.A senior party official told Reuters that ANC lawmakers were unlikely to break ranks and support the motion this time round. But there have been widening fissures in the ruling party this year and growing discontent with the scandals that have plagued Zuma's presidency and played a role in the ANC suffering its worst electoral losses since the end of apartheid in municipal polls in August. The ANC's chief whip in parliament, Jackson Mthembu, last month urged Zuma to lead senior party officials in quitting their posts, saying fraud charges levelled against Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan were an abuse of power. The charges against Gordhan have since been dropped.Since taking office in 2009, Zuma has survived several corruption scandals. But the watchdog's report, public protests and no-confidence vote pile more pressure on the 74-year-old to resign than at any other time - and if he stays in power, they could embolden his rivals within the ANC to challenge him.The ANC said in a statement the report was a basis for the country to discuss the allegations and deal with its outcomes. GUPTA FAMILY The 355-page report by the constitutionally mandated watchdog - the Public Protector - is titled "State of Capture. It focused on allegations that the Gupta family of business tycoons influenced the appointment of ministers, and called for an investigation into whether Zuma, some of his cabinet members and some state companies acted improperly.It stopped short of saying crimes had been committed, saying it lacked the resources to reach such conclusions. But it said a judge must investigate a scandal that has rattled markets in Africa's most industrialised economy and increased the risk of ratings downgrades.Zuma denies granting undue influence to the brothers, who run a business empire from media to mining, or anyone else.His office has said he is considering the report and reserves the right to challenge its findings in court. The Guptas have denied seeking influence. They are studying the report and will defend themselves at the planned judicial inquiry, said their lawyer Gert van de Merwe."We will participate and we will participate comprehensively," he told eNCA television, adding that the family had not been given the chance to give evidence to the Public Protector.The report raised questions over coal deals between South Africa's sole power utility Eskom and a Gupta-owned firm. The chief executive of Eskom, who was adversely mentioned in the report, said he was not given an opportunity by the watchdog to give his version of events."I was never given an opportunity to explain myself by the Public Protector," said an emotional CEO Brian Molefe, adding that the anti-graft watchdog had painted him "with a corruption brush" without any basis for the allegations against him. Zuma met Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in Harare on Thursday to sign bilateral agreements, and Africa's oldest leader told him with a chuckle: "I am happy you are in one piece in spite of what the papers are writing every day." (Additional reporting by Tiisetso Motsoeneng in Johannesburg and MacDonald Dzirutwe in Harare; Writing by James Macharia; Editing by Pravin Char) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Istanbul: The first trials of the thousands of suspects arrested in the wake of Turkey's failed 15 July coup aimed at ousting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will begin in early 2017, the chief Ankara prosecutor said on Thursday. Thousands of ex-soldiers, legal workers and civilians are currently in jail pending trial on suspicion of involvement in the coup, which Ankara says was masterminded by the US-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen. "Without giving an exact date, we are expecting to begin the first trials at the start of 2017," Ankara's chief prosecutor Harun Kodalak said in comments published by Turkish media. He added: "There could be a trial or trials opened in the last month of this year but it is in 2017 that we are planning to open a series of trials," he said. The trials are expected to be the most substantial legal process in Turkey in its modern history, with purpose-built facilities needed to be set up in some areas. The scale of the crackdown and the duration of the suspects' stay in pre-trial detention has caused international concern and strained Turkey's ties with the European Union. Gulen, who has been based in the United States since the late 1990s, has vehemently denied the claims of his involvement in the coup. Turkish officials have in recent days said two civilians a theology lecturer named Adil Oksuz and businessman Kemal Batmaz were in charge of organising the coup bid from the Akinci airbase in Ankara. According to prosecutors, the two were in the United States and only returned to Turkey two days before the coup bid. Batmaz is in custody in Sincan prison outside Ankara. Embarrassingly for the Turkish authorities, Oksuz was detained in the aftermath of the coup but then released and is now on the run. According to Kodalak, video footage has confirmed that Batmaz was at the base on the night of the coup. Batmaz has denied involvement in the coup. Turkish officials have said that Oksuz was the so-called "imam" of the plot and in charge of coordinating between Gulen and the army. But Kodalak said Batmaz "could be as important as Adil Oksuz and even his superior". According to a report Wednesday by Turkey's NTV television, the authorities had thwarted a mass escape plan by 5,544 coup suspects. The US presidential election doesn't end when the polls close on 8 November. Thats when things get started. The battle for the White House will be the subject of discussion across the world. And Firstpost will be right there, with minute by minute real-time live video updates, extensive on-ground coverage with reporters in the US, expert panel discussions and political pundits weighing in. Tune into Indias only real-time online video coverage of the US election. Watch End Game on Firstpost. Broadcasting live on 9 November. Nearly 25 years ago, Hillary Clinton, the current Presidential candidate, advised her husband on his 1992 presidential campaign strategy it is the economy, stupid just focus on the economy. Clinton won the race that time. Hillarys current opponent in the Presidential race, Donald Trump, is also following the same advice. His theme, addressed primarily to the white Anglo-Saxon American based in American suburbia, focuses on issues like factories being transplanted across the border to Mexico, American jobs fleeing to China and elsewhere in Asia, the escalating costs of Obamacare (health insurance), the stagnant economy, the burgeoning trade deficit and national debt. His promise is to "make America great again". Going beyond the economy formula, the direct pitch also prescribes elimination of Islamic State, throttle illegal immigration, and make America safe again. No doubt the formula is somewhat short on specifics and a credible action plan hopefully he will improvise one, once he becomes president. All previous elections included allegations and charges against presidential opponents. For example, the ad paid by John F Kennedy featured a stubbly Nixon, with the legend would you trust this guy to sell you a used car. Gone are the days of such niceties in personal attacks. The present candidates' vicious debates were liberal with accusations of "you are a liar", "you are unfit for any office in the country" and so forth. Trump went as far as to venture a loud stage whisper to describe his opponent: What an unpleasant woman! Trump was openly charged as being contemptuous of women, with allegations of "groping". His response were: "I am being misquoted for 'boys' talk; the charges are untrue, I will sue my detractors; indeed the shoe is on the other foot, her husband has a proven record of talking to presidents, prime Ministers and senators from the blue room of the White House while in a compromising position with an intern." How much lower can public debate descend to? As for Hillary, there are allegations about Hillarys "illegal" and cavalier approach to state secrets by using a private server for classified information. Hillary is again on the defensive on this issue. A fresh FBI inquiry is looking into the matter. Is this going to have an important bearing on the final result? Peeping into the future, assuming the unlikely possibility that the investigation proceeds further, can she be indicted, before or after polling day if the indictment takes place after she assumes office, will she have Presidential immunity these are intriguing potential questions. Oddly enough, Bill Clinton had immunity from prosecution during his presidential days for his peccadillos. Then again, there is a history of litigation regarding the poll process in the past (recall Bush vs Gore "hanging chad" Florida controversy in 2000). Astonishingly, hundreds of related cases were all taken up nearly simultaneously, and with impressive judicial and legal acumen and sagacity. The legal issues were resolved in the month between polling day and inauguration. Can there be a greater tribute to a judicial system than this? Now imagine a similar scenario in India the issues will drag on for decades in various stages in a variety of courts from the district to the apex level, and with hundreds of interlocutory orders. No final verdict would be available till all concerned have finally left the scene, and every two-bit politician had had his petty say on every aspect, relevant or otherwise. In passing, let us also note that Trump has expressed reservations on the probity of the electoral voting process, and has kept his options open to challenge them in the future. While so much has been written and spoken in the media on the present campaign, there is hardly any focus or attention on one unique aspect of this election campaign. Trump has openly challenged Hillarys credentials for the Presidential post. His implicit, and in many situations explicit argument is that she is just a "politician", a full-time political hack with no expertise in any field of human endeavour. Trump also called her a purveyor of promises who lies to the common man come election time, with no intention of fulfilling them thereafter. Seen differently, Trump attacked the political class, and its competence to be entrusted with governance and welfare of a nation. The Westminster model of democracy, followed with wide variation in much of the western world, and increasingly in developing countries, entrusts the task of governance and management of public affairs to the political class. This has been questioned by Trump this is the new remarkable take from the present campaign. Indeed his implicit thesis is that the politician is not best suited to govern a country, whereas, as a businessman and an entrepreneur he has hands on experience in delivering results and is best suited to serve the people. He has debunked totally the much vaunted "experience" of Hillary. In the American context, one can recall the tenure of General Eisenhower who was president following the Second World War, otherwise, right from the days of Benjamin Disraeli or William Pitt, one hasn't seen any European or American President or Prime Minister from outside the political class. Is there a lesson for India here? The average state chief minister or minister is a "politician" with all the pejorative connotation that the term can command. With hardly any exception, a politician in India sees his main occupation as one of "winning elections", and amassing wealth to last a few generations public service is never a relevant issue, to distract him from his main objectives. Even in the Government of India, where possibly the situation is different, most ministers have no qualification to perform any meaningful task. If Trump wins the 2016 US Presidential Election, will it trigger a discussion in India about the need for professionalising our political class? One would surmise that whatever happens in US, this issue needs a sensible new approach in India. We will know in the next week or so as to who the next US President will be. But considering how the Brexit results surprised everyone the elderly suburban British resented the presence of the upwardly mobile young East European in his neighbourhood, and tilted the results in the favour of an exit the white Anglo-Saxon suburban American, who possibly resents the alarming influx of Chinese, Indians and Mexicans in his neighbourhood, his schools and universities, may tilt the balance, and produce a surprise on 8 November. There are many bills floating around Congress that deserve our attention this election cycle. We must hold elected representatives accountable to their voting records when considering who to cast a ballot for. Bills must be approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and then signed by the president, to become federal law. Not only is the legislative branch responsible for passing laws, it is also responsible for setting the agenda. Women must continue to speak out about issues like reproductive rights, paid family leave, violence against women, and the wage gap to demand and affect change. How will women be affected by legislative decisions after the elections? Some bills that stand to benefit women have been blocked, and others that provide important benefits to women are on the chopping block. Lets take a look: Defunding Planned Parenthood Republican lawmakers have been gunning for Planned Parenthood since 2015. Last September, Republican Representative from Texas Diane Black introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to defund Planned Parenthood, a non-profit that affords millions of women reproductive health care and education. The bill passed the House but was killed in the Senate. Black also spearheaded and chaired a politically motivated hearing, called the Selective Investigation Panel on Infant Lives, after an anti-abortion group launched a campaign claiming that Planned Parenthood sold fetal tissue for a profit. The nearly 30 states that participated in investigating this claim found no evidence to support it. During the hearing, lawmakers focused on the ethics of abortion, asking leading questions in a clear attempt to cast the organisation in a negative light. These politically charged hearings were a transparent attempt to curb access to abortion by cutting off millions of women from affordable options. If the federal government cuts funding to Planned Parenthood, it wont just be women seeking abortions who are affected. Planned Parenthood provides affordable STI and HIV screenings, which are crucial for public health. It is also the source of affordable contraception for many women, which is also a crucial preventative measure against unnecessary abortions. Repealing Affordable Care Act In keeping with the Republican party platform, Donald Trump has campaigned on repealing the Affordable Care Act. The provisions of Affordable Care Act ensure that all Americans have access to affordable health insurance and subsidies if they cannot foot the whole bill. The act set up online marketplaces for people to shop around for a competitive rate. In addition to the exchanges, the law mandates that private insurance companies do not deny patients coverage due to pre-existing conditions, extend coverage to dependents until they turn 26, and include annual physicals and womens health exams at no additional cost. The effort to repeal so-called Obamacare has been a significant feature of the conservative platform since the act passed in 2010. The counter-proposal to the amendment calls for the end of these mandates and penalties, which might mean higher premiums. More insurance companies might offer insurance plans, but the people who were previously uninsured because they could not afford health care will be left out in the cold once again. In addition, the mandates, which are written to protect patients from insurance companies, will be axed. Rolling back the Affordable Care Act affects millions of women. First off, the act mandates that health insurance companies cover birth control, mammograms, and pap smears without a copay and without contributing to the deductible. Additionally, prior to passage of the law, eight states neglected to bar health insurance companies from considering domestic abuse a pre-existing condition, leaving women vulnerable at the hands of insurance companies who were well within their rights to deny coverage. The Affordable Care Act also lessens the enormous financial strain placed on pregnant women. The act mandates that all plans offer some form of maternity coverage, which costs upward of $10,000 out of pocket. Paid Family Leave There has been a lot of talk about paid family leave in this election cycle. New York Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand proposed a paid family leave bill. This bill would provide for paid family leave for up to 12 weeks after birth or adoption. The bill provides for a fund to be set up, much like Social Security, for low-income families. Under this law, working women would receive two-thirds of their earned income for 12 weeks. Interestingly enough, there are some stirrings in the Republican party in support of a paid family leave bill as well. Instead of a government check, however, some conservatives are proposing a sliding scale tax credit, based on the Earned Income Tax Credit. Its possible that we will see some cross-aisle collaboration on this front. Women, of course, are the largest voting bloc. Additionally, it is becoming less and less feasible to survive with a single income, factoring in wage stagnation and a higher cost of living. More people are clamoring for a policy that acknowledges these economic shifts. GET OUR APP Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here. Idaho congressman Raul Labrador was in Florida Wednesday, stumping for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. This is the third out-of-state trip in the past week that the Idaho congressman, who was against Trump during the primaries but has backed him since he became the nominee, has made on behalf of the Trump campaign. "Consistent with his promise to help all Republicans at every level of government, Raul Labrador will take every opportunity to build the Republican Party, both at home in Idaho and across the country," Labrador's campaign said in an email. "Idahoans must do everything they can to stop the political elite from conducting business as usual in Washington and Boise." Labrador was in Utah a week ago, where he appeared at a campaign rally with GOP vice presidential nominee Mike Pence and Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes. And the day after that, Labrador appeared at a Trump rally with Donald Trump Jr., the nominee's son, at Arizona State University's Tempe campus. I couldnt support Donald Trump in the primary, but hes the only one thats going to change America thats left in this race, Labrador told the crowd at ASU, according to the Mesa Independent newspaper. Hes the only one thats going to give us a Supreme Court that will save the next generation. Wednesday, Labrador was an introductory speaker at a Trump rally in Orlando, onstage before Trump himself. Here's the Washington Post's account of what Labrador said: "Rep. Raul R. Labrador (R-Idaho) was an introductory speaker at Trumps rally a rare GOP lawmaker who traveled from out of state to campaign with the nominee. Sen. Marco Rubio, locked in a tight reelection battle, did not appear with Trump. "'Im here because what we need to do in this election is we need to elect somebody that can believe and does believe in the American Dream,' Labrador said, then telling the crowd about how he grew up in Puerto Rico and ended up being a Republican. Later he added, 'I need you to do everything you can for the next seven days to make America great again.'" All of Idaho's congressmen and senators support Trump except for U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, who had planned to vote for Trump after he became the nominee but said three weeks ago, after a 2005 recording came out of Trump bragging about forcing himself on women sexually, that he could no longer support Trump. Simpson reaffirmed his position in an interview last week, saying he was undecided but not voting for either Trump or Democrat Hillary Clinton. U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo called on Trump to drop out of the race after the tapes came out but has since said he would vote for Trump. Labrador and U.S. Sen. Jim Risch issued statements saying that while they condemned Trump's comments they would still support him for the presidency. Read Labrador's statement here and here. (Two parts; click both links.) With a week to go before Election Day, Deborah Silver has knocked on her 5,000th door of her state Senate race. At 11 a.m. Tuesday, Silver knocked on the door of Tom and Carol Robertson, according to a news release from the Twin Falls County Democratic Party. Silver is running against incumbent Sen. Lee Heider, R-Twin Falls, to represent District 24. She and Catherine Talkington, the Democrat running against incumbent House Rep. Stephen Hartgen, have put a heavy emphasis on knocking on as many doors as possible and talking to voters as part of their campaigns. The news release calls it "part of an unprecedented effort statewide by the Idaho Democratic Party to have direct connection with voters. Democrats are listening directly to their concerns, unfiltered by pundits, pollsters, or the media." "It's hard work," Silver said in a statement. "It's not easy, but I feel our citizens deserve the chance to meet me personally and share their concerns." Silver said low teacher pay and hiring more teachers, expanding health coverage to the people in the "Medicaid gap" and keeping public lands under federal rather than state control have been the issues she hears about from voters the most. For the district's other House seat, Democrat Dale Varney is challenging incumbent Republican Lance Clow. LEWISTON The director of the Wild Sheep Foundation said the chairman of the hunting and conservation groups board was not speaking for the organization when he lobbied Idaho Gov. C.L. Butch Otter to shake up membership of the state Fish and Game Commission over its opposition to auction tags. But the foundations executive director said board Chairman Doug Sayer of Pocatello was within his rights to do so. We as an organization do not get involved in allocation (of hunting tags), be that resident or nonresident, be that whether a state, province, territory or tribal entity does or does not offer auction tags or raffle tags and, if they do, how many, said Gray Thornton of Bozeman, Mont. We just feel that is inappropriate for us as an organization to get into. But that said, we certainly encourage our members in each jurisdiction to be actively involved in that. Last month, the Idaho Wildlife Federation released a cache of email exchanges it acquired between key state legislators, the governors office and Sayer showing how they pressed for more auction tags permits for coveted species such as bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goats, elk, deer and antelope that are sold to the highest bidder and how they responded when the commission declined. Each year, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission allocates one bighorn sheep hunting tag to the Wild Sheep Foundation. The group then auctions the tag for the state, sometimes fetching a six-figure price. The money is used by the state for wild sheep management and research. The commission does not offer any other tags for auction, but some, like Sayer, have advocated for an expansion of the program. Doing so would raise more money for wildlife management, according to proponents. But opponents say it favors wealthy hunters who can purchase tags instead of winning them via a lottery. Acquired through the states Public Records Law, the email cache included a message Sayer sent to Otters chief of staff, David Hensley, in March saying a change of chemistry was needed on the commission and recommending that commissioners Mark Doerr and Will Naillon not be reappointed. Sayer, who serves as CEO of Premier Technologies in Blackfoot, was a proponent of the 2011 legislation that gave the commission authority to expand the auction tag program. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the email, in which he also suggested that Idaho Department of Fish and Game Director Virgil Moore and an unnamed deputy director may need to be replaced. When their terms expired in June, Otter declined to reappoint Doerr and Naillon. He later appointed Jerry Meyers of North Fork, near Salmon, and Greg Cameron of Rupert to replace them. Thornton said the foundation has heard from several individuals concerned about Sayers tactics. In late October, Fred Trevey, Keith Carlson, Keith Stonebraker and Alex Irby all former Fish and Game commissioners representing the Clearwater Region sent a letter to Thornton expressing their displeasure at Sayers action and saying it appeared to violate the foundations values. According to the foundations website, those values include honesty, integrity and respect for others. We sincerely hope your chairmans actions to politically influence the selection of Idaho Fish and Game commissioners, staffing of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and dictate the allocation of hunting tags is not indicative of the direction of the Wild Sheep Foundation, they wrote. Carlson, of Lewiston, said he spoke with Thornton and was satisfied with the foundations response. We were happy with the fact that the sheep foundation can be found harmless in this and that Sayer was off on his own. Carlson said he and the three other former commissioners all oppose expansion of the auction tag program. Josh Kuntz, a Boise hunter, wrote to Thornton asking that the foundation publicly condemn Sayer. He said later he was disappointed in the response he described as vanilla and hoped the foundation would do the right thing. That right thing should be publicly condemning Doug Sayer for circumventing existing wildlife management procedures and trying to unduly influence the Fish and Game Commission and basically trying to cram something down the throats of Idaho sportsmen without the sportsmen having their chance for input, Kuntz said. Volunteers The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program needs volunteers to provide tax assistance and preparation services for seniors and low-income taxpayers from Feb. 1 through April 15. Volunteers with good computer skills are needed to assist with electronic filing tax returns in Glenns Ferry, Gooding, Hagerman, Hailey, Jerome, Shoshone, and Twin Falls, which has a need for at least 12 volunteers. Free tax law and computer training, followed by completion of an IRS Certification Test for volunteers, is scheduled for two weeks from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning Jan. 3 to Jan. 13, at the CSI Evergreen Building, Room C93. Preregister so sufficient training materials can be provided. Register at www.aarp.org/taxaide or www.aarp.org/giving-back. Information: Jim Simpson, 208-733-1808 or simpsonjim@cableone.net. Volunteers Interlink Volunteer Caregivers (IVC) provides volunteers to help elderly, disabled and chronically ill people to live safely and independently at home. Volunteers are needed in the Mini Cassia area and Magic Valley to help build wheelchair ramps and install grab bars. Volunteers are also needed to help with light housekeeping. Volunteers are reimbursed for mileage and covered with excess auto liability insurance. Commitment is flexible with no minimum hours required. Information: Edie, 208-733-6333 or ivcofmv@gmail.com. Volunteers Idaho Home Health and Hospice needs volunteers who will bring compassion, support and dignity to those facing a serious, life-limiting illness and their families. Volunteers can choose between offering respite to family caregivers or provide support with administrative tasks. Information: Heidi Walker, 208-734-4064 or Heidi.Walker@LHCgroup.com. Volunteers Encompass Hospice is looking for volunteers in Burley, Rupert, Eden, Twin Falls, Kimberly and Jerome. Encompass needs your kind heart and willingness to help members of our communities. Information: Cindy Keithley, 208-733-8600 or ckeithley@ehhi.com Volunteers The Twin Falls County Historical Society is seeking volunteers for various programs and general support. Volunteers are needed to paint, weed, clean or work on docent projects and fundraising. No minimum amount of hours, commitment is flexible. Fill out an application at the Twin Falls County Historical Museum (Union School at Curry), open noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Information: 208-736-4675. Volunteers St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center is in need of volunteers for a variety of positions from shuttle drivers to care volunteers to gift shop volunteers and more. The medical center is looking for pleasant, and friendly individuals with a sincere interest in voluntary services offered to patients, visitors, employees and guests. Meet new people and learn new experiences and challenges. Information: Kim Patterson at 814-0861 or kimpa@slhs.org, or visit the Volunteer Services Office, lower level at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center; 801 Pole Line Road W., Twin Falls. Applications are available at the Front Information Desk. BURLEY Several charges were dropped against a Bellevue man accused of beating a teen and stealing his rifle while he was hunting. Felony charges of aggravated battery and injury to a child were dismissed against Grant Edward Horne after a preliminary hearing in Cassia County magistrate court. Horne, 42, still faces felony charges of grand theft and burglary after he was charged Sept. 1 along with two other men. Rodger V. Powell, 48, of Sandy, Utah, and Jeff Owen Smith 48, of Eagle are both charged with felony counts of aggravated battery, injury to a child, burglary and grand theft. District Judge Jonathan Brody was disqualified in each case, and District Judge Michael Crabtree has been assigned to hear the cases. Powell and Smith each posted $100,000 bond and Horne posted a $250,000 bond before being released from jail. The three men were arrested after a 16-year-old boy said he was hunting at 3175 E. 500 S. in the Sublett area and the three men approached in an all-terrain vehicle. The teen said Powell approached and grabbed him by the throat and began punching him. The boy said he stayed down on the ground and pretended to be unconscious. He said the men beat him and searched his pickup and called him a stupid poacher, saying the deer belonged to them. Cassia County Sheriff deputies said the men took the boys .308 caliber Remington rifle, and Powell told the boy they were going to shoot him with his own gun, kill him and bury him. The deputies found the three men at a home and they told police a different version of the story. The men said they saw the boys pickup where they were hunting and the teen was in a field shooting at three bucks. They said the boy was stumbling and mumbling and asking what he did wrong. Powell told police he called the poachers hotline and took a picture of the boy and the truck. The deputies found the boys rifle leaning against a tree at the home where the men were. All three cases were bound over to Cassia County District Court and arraignment is set for Nov. 15. The maximum penalty for aggravated battery is 15 years in prison, injury to a child and grand theft carry 10 year penalties and burglary, 1 year in jail. TWIN FALLS Controversy over oil and gas pipelines including at Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota will be the foundation for a lecture at the College of Southern Idaho, the college announced Wednesday. David Christensen, an adjunct history and international business instructor for nine years at Boise State University, will give a talk about Climate Change and Fossil Fuels: A New Dynamic Emerges at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at CSIs Herrett Center in Twin Falls. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the event is free. Christensen will talk about different stances on pipelines and the Paris Accords on Climate Change. In addition to instructing at BSU, he has taught classes at Northwest Nazarene University. Christensen spent 25 years assigned to American embassies in Europe, west and central Africa, Iceland, Australia and Indonesia. He was then administrator for international business for the Idaho Department of Commerce. TWIN FALLS Kimberly High School senior Isabel Ahlm is meeting peers from across south-central Idaho who share her passion for music. The 17-year-old is among 300 students from about 20 high schools participating in the Idaho Music Educators Associations district IV high school honor clinic in Twin Falls. It kicked off Wednesday and culminates with a community concert Thursday night. Three ensembles are made up of the regions top band, orchestra and choir students. Its the time for music education to shine, said Robbie Hanchey, one of the clinic organizers and music teacher for the Valley School District in Hazelton. Isabel, who plays flute and piccolo, said its wonderful to see so many schools come together. And shes excited about learning from her peers and a top-level band director. I find it amazing. Isabel has been a musician for eight years, and its her second year participating in the honor clinic. This year, one of the most difficult pieces of music the band is playing is Mystery on Mena Mountain, she said. Its a lot of fun. Earlier this fall, high school music directors submitted lists of the top 25 percent of their students and ranked them according to ability. Then, a District IV music educators group picked students from each school according to instrumentation needs whod participate in the honor clinic. Essentially, this is supposed to be the cream of the crop, Hanchey said. And especially for students from small schools, this may be the largest band theyve ever played in, he said. On Wednesday morning, students were spread across the Twin Falls High School campus: band in Roper Auditorium, orchestra in the band room and choir in the gymnasium. While working with about 10 trombone players, Jerome music director Hiroshi Fukuoka told them to make a passage feel majestic. As students played, Fukuoka gave instructions about dynamics: Now forte, he said. After 45 minutes of sectionals, the entire band reconvened to rehearse together. To coincide with the clinic, area band directors attended a workshop Wednesday night led by band clinician John Miller. Even the band directors are learning from the conductor, Hanchey said. Miller is a retired band director of 30 years from American Fork High School and founding director of the Wasatch Winds Symphonic Band, a community band. In the school gym, boys in the choir ensemble rehearsed Be Thou My Vision on Wednesday morning. An accompanist played a piano in the center of the gym floor. After they sang the lyric, May I reach heavens joy, the director asked them to hold out the word joy so he could check the pitch. Choir clinician Quinn Van Paepeghem is director of Boise State Universitys Vocal Jazz Ensemble and the Norwesterners at Northwest Nazarene University. In the band room, clinician Becky Roesler led orchestra students. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of music, said Roesler, a violin and music education professor at Brigham Young University-Idaho. She also directs the universitys orchestra. Were trying to stretch them through different time periods and styles, she said. And with only two days to learn the music, it gives them a chance to see what they can do in a short period of time. Some honor orchestra students including 15-year-old Grace Solomon and 16-year-old Seth Beus are from schools without an orchestra program. Grace, who goes to Kimberly High School, said its wonderful to be in a music classroom and gain a greater understanding of different styles of music. And its been nice getting to know musicians from other schools, she said. Seth, from Xavier Charter School in Twin Falls, said he appreciates the opportunity to work with a talented director. Hanchey wants students to bring that enthusiasm back to their own schools. And he hopes schools without music programs will be motivated to launch new offerings. During the honor clinic, local band teachers are wearing t-shirts from their university alma maters to coincide with the Idaho Board of Educations College Application Week. For students planning to pursue music in college, Hanchey said, there are lots of scholarship opportunities. It pays to play. TWIN FALLS Chris Talkington hopes the rust-colored horse sculpture at the Five Points intersection raises as many questions as it answers. This is a teaching monument, City Councilman Talkington, who was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the park at the intersection that new provides a home to the sculpture, told the crowd of a few dozen people gathered in the triangular traffic island bordered by Shoshone Street North, Addison Avenue and 11th Avenue. They were there for a dedication ceremony for the new sculpture, which has been named The Diligent Usher. I will bring people for a long time to come for just a quick example of the magic in the Magic Valley, said Councilman Greg Lanting, who was on the public arts subcommittee that put the project together along with Talkington and Councilman Don Hall. The sculpture, which was built by local artist Greg Barlett, is of a horse, pulling a piece of equipment that was donated by the Twin Falls County Historical Museum. Talkington asked the crowd what the piece of equipment was; a few people raised their hands. Usually theres about one in a crowd who knows what a Fresno is, Talkington commented, apparently impressed. A Fresno grader is a tool that is pulled by a horse to dig a canal or ditch, and this display, at one of the main intersections residents and visitors alike take when heading downtown, is meant to commemorate the work that carved Twin Falls and the Magic Valley out of the desert in the early 20th century. Talkington called the statue testimony to what might be the most successful partnership between government and business in world history: The reclamation project that brought us the Magic Valley has not been equaled. A project that was done, he said, by a lot of hard work by hardworking men and women our forebears, who dug the canals and tore out the sage brush to build Twin Falls. The City Council voted in August to approve the project, allocating $25,000 for the horse statue and another $20,000 for the landscaping. Carolyn White, executive director of the Magic Valley Arts Council, said one of the goals of the project was to memorialize the role of water in the regions history without using any water. That did present a bit of a challenge for all of us, she said. The final product, she said, truly was a collaboration, one that involved not only the city, the museum and the Arts Council, but the Twin Falls Canal Company and the citys Historic Preservation Commission as well. Historic preservation is good for business, said Historic Preservation Commission Chairwoman Nancy Taylor. It brings people to our city. 1. What are three issues that are most important to you, and what would you like to see done about them? In the second presidential debate, both candidates were asked to say something nice about each other. They seem surprised, and unprepared for the question. After a pause, Hillary Clinton said she admires Donald Trumps energetic children; Trump said he liked Clintons persistence and dedication to what she believes. Taking a turn from that exchange, let me compliment my Democrat opponent, Catherine Talkington, on her longtime experience and dedication as a classroom teacher in the Twin Falls School District. She is retired from that, but people have told me how committed she was to her students, her profession and her district for many years. But while acknowledging her career, I dont accept her repeated attacks on me these past few months as she tries to find some wedge openings with which to advance her campaign. I too know for personal experience that teaching is hard work. I was a college journalism professor myself before moving into media management in my own career. Both my parents were teachers, one in college and the other in junior high, and I have a granddaughter who is just into her fourth year as a public school teacher, and a daughter-in law who is a school counselor. So I know firsthand the long hours and dedication required. My opponents union and supporters have tried to paint me as anti-education apparently because I raise questions about education appropriations and teacher accountability. Its a bum rap. As a legislator, I have voted for every single education appropriations bill which has come to the Legislature. Every single budget proposal for k-12, community colleges and four-year schools. Every one of these has had my Yes vote from 2009 on. These past two years, the Legislature has approved increases of over 15 percent for k-12 education funding, and is likely to add another 6 percent or so to that in the next session. This has meant approximately $350 million in more spending for k-12 in just three years. A 20 percent budget increase over three years is not shorting education; its doing the best we can for education. The record of support for education in the Idaho Legislature is clear to anyone who will look. Weve done much to protect, defend and then expand educational funding. Thats the reality. People can argue that our appropriations arent enough, but the monies are nonetheless a significant commitment, coming out of a deep recession. I am proud to have supported these budgets when theyve come to the floor, and will do so again and again and again as I can. You educators, district patrons and parents can depend on my continued support in that regard. I also know that education funding is not the only area of state government which needs support. Ive been a voice for less government regulation and more fiscal responsibility all through my legislative terms. I know from both business and personal experience that one cannot live beyond ones means and fiscal responsibility in state appropriations is one of the highest obligations of legislators. Candidates like my opponent who say they want to spend more than we have should be asked where the new monies would come from. The true answer is, from your pockets in the form of higher taxes. This is an area where I I am opposite from my opponent. Look at her website. Read her Facebook posts. Read her quotes in the Times-News for Saturday, Oct. 15, where she says she favors tax hikes. She wants to raise your taxes in several ways. She opposes any reduction in income tax rates, which I support. She favors higher sales taxes, which I oppose. She wants to go back to the property tax rates in place before 2006, which would have Twin Falls District patrons paying more than 50 percent higher school taxes today, according to the IdahoEdNews. I serve on the Revenue & Taxation Committee in the House and I am known there as solid conservative when it comes to these issues. My opponent can try to justify these tax increases as needed for education support. But they are tax increases nonetheless, no matter how they are spun. I am a frequent and outspoken opponent of tax increases. You can depend on me to continue to remain so. As a common-sense conservative who has served in many civic roles over the years, I support traditional conservative positions on matters of governance. I favor multiple use of public lands, which my opponent is against. I support strong Second Amendment rights for gun owners, which her Idaho Democratic platform opposes. Her platform also supports expanded abortion rights, which I oppose; I believe life begins at conception. I am an originalist in how I see the Constitution, as was the late Justice Antonin Scalia. On virtually every front, I stand for traditional, southern Idaho conservative values. My opponent stands with a party that would tear those values down and dismiss them as unneeded and archaic rules of life to be discarded on historys trash heap. On privacy, my opponent aligns herself with eco-terrorists and environmental extremists who want to trespass on your private property without your permission. Her position would allow these invasions onto every farm in the Magic Valley; no wonder she doesnt have the support of a single agricultural group in Idaho. I am proud to stand with our agricultural community on this issue and defend the right of people not to allow trespass and invasion on their private lands. On public lands, I stand for multiple use, including ranching, farming, economic development and recreation. That is the policy of the state (SCR 126, 2015 session). Multiple use benefits the state through lease monies to help fund our public schools. This past year, those returned monies to the schools amounted to more than $50 million, which went directly to the teaching profession to help the thousands of teachers throughout Idaho who are my opponents former colleagues. She wants to limit public lands use to recreation only, but in all of Idaho, recreation is less than 5 percent of the states gross annual product. She seems to know little about the agricultural and manufacturing economies which drive Southern Idahos broad and health economy. It is not my intent to be mean to my opponent by pointing out her positions for the Democrat, liberal, tax-raising stances they really are. So be it. If you want your taxes increased, your public lands set aside for only federal management and to burn up in annual wildfires; if you want your private property subject to trespass and invasion; if you want to see more gun restrictions; and if you want more liberal social policies, then I may not be your candidate. But if you value your Southern Idaho freedoms and values, if you appreciate the Legislatures hold the line approach to taxes, if you recognize the enduring principles of fiscal responsibility, limited government and individual responsibility and freedom, Id welcome your vote on Nov. 8. Thank you. As a hunter\sportsman who enjoys our federal lands I urge all Idahoans who use our public lands to vote for the party that protects our public lands. I have been following our Legislature's tactics on this issue for more than a year. During the summer of 2015 the Legislature sent a committee around the state to listen to public response on the subject of taking ownership of our federal lands. This meeting held on a weekday at CSI had 30 people speak on the issue, and only one person spoke in favor of the takeover. Last spring the Legislature (overwhelmingly Republican) invited a couple of Utah politicians and a lawyer from a Louisiana law firm to speak to key legislative committees selling the idea. This hearing had a roomful of recreationists who were not allowed to testify to the legislators. One would think these legislators would have gotten the message that the public loves their public lands in Idaho. Even Rep. Mike Simpson also told them! Voters need to be aware this is not a dead issue; Raul Labrador has written legislation in the Congress pursuing this state takeover of public land in Idaho. It is readily apparent that there is some basic misunderstanding of HJR 5. Some are claiming that the proposed amendment would expand the authority of the Legislature at the expense of the other branches of government. This is not true. HJR 5 protects the separation of powers by making absolutely clear that the Legislatures review of government regulations made by bureaucrats is within the power of the Legislature. It protects what the Legislature has been doing for over 30 years to protect Idahoans from government regulations. It does not change any process. Right now the Legislature spends the first three or four weeks of each session reviewing the government regulations. This process was challenged in 1990 and the Idaho Supreme Court held that what we do is constitutional. The reason for HJR 5 is that with changes in the Idaho Supreme Court the day may come when the court may be less willing to defend the authority of the Legislature and the rights of Idaho citizens from bureaucrats. The real fact is that HJR 5 protects the separation of powers. It does not expand the power of the Legislature. It merely protects what we do now to defend Idahoans from overreach by the bureaucracy. If you read the opposing opinions you will see that their complaint is that they believe that the Legislature should be stripped of its authority to review government regulations. You will see that they desire to have a time when a future court will allow bureaucrats to impose their will on you. Vote to defend the separation of powers. Vote yes on HJR 5. Sen. Jim Rice Caldwell Debit card machines are proliferating in Zimbabwes cities not only in churches but also in supermarkets, betting parlors, nightclubs, parking areas and every other business happy to accept paper cash but unable to dispense it. If there are no card-reading machines around, many shoppers now text payments on their cellphones. A kind of Greshams Law is operating: But Zimbabwe is hurtling toward a plastic future for a simple reason: It is running out of cash, specifically the American dollars it adopted in 2009 before abandoning its own troubled currency. Anxious about their nations political and economic troubles, many Zimbabweans have been hoarding dollars or taking them out of the country. Banks have slashed daily withdrawal limits. A.T.M.s now sit empty. Here is more from Jeffrey Moyo and Norimitsu Onishi at the NYT. In the countryside, barter is returning and the article is interesting throughout. Federica Mogherini, Chief of the EU foreign policy called on European investors to channel investments to Tunisia. In the same vein, she urged the 28-member state bloc to consider Tunisia as a strategic priority. Investing in Tunisia, in its present and its future and especially in its young people, is a strategic priority said the EUs foreign policy chief. Tunisia has been struggling with an economic downturn since 2011 following the Arab Spring which deposed autocratic President Ben Ali. Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, who took office last August, warned that the country will be forced to declare bankruptcy if nothing is done. The Countrys unemployment rate hits a 16% record, with the number of unemployed graduates standing at around 600,000, a figure deemed superior to Egypts. The EU in September announced it would double its financial assistance to 300 million euros for Tunisia. This increase, according to the bloc, will help address youth unemployment, social development and provide assistance to companies. The country is preparing to host Tunisia 2020 international conference to attract foreign investors. The event, scheduled for the end of December, is expected to attract several billion euros of investments needed to create 400,000 jobs. Tanzanian president John Pombe Joseph Magufuli commends the serious and credible efforts made by Morocco for a lasting solution to the Sahara issue, says the joint statement released following the official visit paid by King Mohammed VI to Tanzania Oct.23-25. Tanzania supports Moroccos position and stands ready to contribute to the implementation of UN relevant resolutions on this issue, adds the joint statement. President Magufuli also backs the efforts of the United Nations seeking a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the Sahara issue, stresses the document. On the African scene, the Tanzanian Head of State hailed the leadership shown by King Mohammed VI in promoting peace, stability and development in Africa. He also paid tribute to the Moroccan sovereign for his South-South cooperation, based on pragmatism, efficiency and public-private partnership. President Magufuli voiced his countrys full support to Moroccos bid to rejoin the African Union and to retake its legitimate seat, saying that he would defend Moroccos return to the African institutional family during the next AU summit. During the latest African Summit held in Kigali (Rwanda), 28 African member countries out of 54 submitted a motion welcoming Moroccos application to rejoin the African Union, noting that the North African country is one of the founding members of the AUs predecessor, the Organization of African Unity (OAU.) They also called for the immediate suspension of the membership of the self-proclaimed RASD, which was illegally admitted in 1984 at Algerias pressures and petrodollars. Chairman of the National Oil Corporation (NOC) Mustafa Sanalla outlined that Libya needs to assure that ports and pipelines remain open and the blockade on the Riyayna pipeline by the Zintani tribal militia be lifted as well as satisfy the budgetary requirements of the NOC if the authorities aspire for an increase in production from around 590,000 barrels per day to a daily output of 800,000 barrels of oil and 2,750 million cu. ft. of gas. Sanalla was speaking at a conference in London focused on discussing the economic crisis in the war torn North African country but the event was criticized by Ali Gatrani, a member of the Presidency Council in Tripoli, as a conspiracy designed to impose the will of outside governments on Libya. The NOC Chairman claimed that despite the oil prices being very low, receiving a funding of $2.5 billion for investment on facilities to increase production will generate around $15.847 billion in revenue that would be derived from petrochemicals and oil products despite a barrel of oil being sold for $45. The corporation sells Libyas hydrocarbons but the funds are channeled to the Central Bank and the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) manages it. Sanalla hinted that the bureaucracy involved hampers the activities of the NOC and its budget is determined by the GNA. Libya has been exempted from the Algiers agreement between oil producers to cut output but the failure to agree on the mechanism could further lead to a drop in prices. OPEC Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo gave assurances that the discussions are still on course ahead of the next meeting at the end of the month. Analysts fear that increasing output of producers exempted from the deal would be another back-step in efforts to increase oil prices. Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi warned Turkey that if they enter Iraqi territory with their convoy of 30 tanks and other heavy artillery recently deployed to the Turkish border town of Silopi, Iraq would be ready to face them and defiantly stated that any invasion of Iraq would lead to the dismantling of Turkey. However, Ankara has downplayed Baghdads concerns saying that its military move is a precautionary measure, deploring Abadis words as overstepping the mark. Turkeys Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said the Iraqi Prime Minister must make statements lowering the tension. He claimed that the deployment is more of a precaution than a threat because Ankara has to take measures to guard against threats from across Turkeys border. Turkey shares a 350 kilometer long border with Iraq. Some Turkish forces are already stationed in Iraq around the Basiqa military base for the past several months and Baghdads request for their departure had led to a war of words between the two governments. Abadi, during his latest warning to Turkey on Tuesday, pointed out that the door of diplomacy remains open despite being ready for any eventual circumstances that may arise with their neighbors. Turkeys Defense Minister Fikri Isrik claimed that important developments in the region have led to the deployment because they are preparing in advance for whatever happens and the latest move is one element of that. Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu made fun of Abadis warnings questioning his strength when he cannot even fight against a terror organization asking why he surrendered Mosul to terror organizations and allowed the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to continue occupying its lands. He described the Iraqi prime minister as weak. Such remarks will in no way defuse tension between the two neighboring countries. 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. Eleven suspects in connection with the death of Mouhcine Fikri, a fish seller, awfully killed at Al Hoceima, north-east of the country, on Friday by a trash collecting truck as he tried to save his confiscated merchandise were summoned by the general prosecutor. Following this tragic event, King Mohammed VI gave directives to the interior minister to launch an investigation into the death of the 31 year-old fish seller and to travel to Al Hoceima to offer condolences to the victims family. Fikris death stirred waves of demonstrations in several cities of the North African country with protesters calling for truth to be established and justice upheld. Out of the 11 individuals summoned, eight have been kept in custody under instructions of al Hoceimas general prosecutor, Moroccan media said. The individuals in provisional detention include two local authority agents, head of the maritime fishing department in the city and a veterinarian. They will be prosecuted on charges of forgery and involuntary manslaughter. Fikri was crashed in the truck as he tried to save his 500 kg stock of swordfish, a species of fish banned at this period of year for biological reasons. In related reports, Interior minister Mohamed Hassad urged his colleague in charge of justice and freedoms, Mustapha Ramid, to tackle illegal fishing which according to the home minister caused the death of the fishmonger. The interior ministry believes that failure to respect fishing regulations and maladministration in the sector ignited the drama which nearly shook the North African country. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday approved a $25.2 million disbursement for Guinea to help the West African nation revive an economy that was ravaged by a slump in its key export commodities. The West African country is a major producer of bauxite, an aluminium ore, but growth has slowed due to a slump in metals prices and a two-year epidemic that killed more than 2,500 people and has driven away some investors. With this new disbursement, Guinea has now received about $241.9 million from the Washington-based lender since the Extended Credit Facility arrangement was started some three years ago. The IMF expects roughly five percent economic growth this year, up from zero in 2015, driven by gains in the mining, agriculture and energy sectors. Also as part of reforms and public investments, the country signed a $770 million contract with China last Monday to upgrade the port in the capital Conakry, expanding Chinese economic influence in the West African iron and bauxite producer. Under the contact, china will construct three docks, roads and other infrastructure in the eastern zone of the port, providing parking for up to 600 trucks. The port in Conakry handles nearly all goods shipped into Guinea, and to some landlocked neighbors like Mali. Kenya on Wednesday said it is shocked at the decision of the UN secretary-general to sack the Kenyan commander of the UN peacekeeping force in South Sudan, UNMISS. The Kenyan presidency condemned the decision to dismiss Lt. Gen. Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki as unfair and said it would withdraw its troops from the UN mission in South Sudan. Ban Ki-moon dismissed the head of the UNMISS after a report said it had failed to protect civilians in July. The report said peacekeepers did not act when soldiers attacked an aid compound in the capital, Juba. Thousands of UN peacekeepers have been deployed to South Sudan since the country gained independence from Sudan in 2011. Tens of thousands have been killed and more than 2 million displaced since the fighting began. Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan are the three countries that brokered a peace agreement last August to end the South Sudanese crisis. The security situation in South Sudan has been of concern to countries in the Horn of Africa region and the withdrawal of Kenyas over 1000 strong contingent will affect the already volatile security situation. South Africas opposition parties and civil society organizations on Wednesday resuscitated mass actions against President Jacob Zuma and his cabinet. A Save South Africa movement, formed by disgruntled business and civil service workers, as well as disaffected officials of Zumas ruling African National Congress Party, protested government corruption across the rainbow nation. They accuse Zuma of expanding cronyism and graft in the government. EFF leader Julius Malema led his party supporters to the offices of the president- Union Buildings to force Zuma to resign. The main opposition party, Democratic Alliance, also held a separate march nearby leading to the citys magistrates court. Corruption allegations against Zuma have been increasing and protesters cheered an announcement that he would end a court attempt to block release of a government report by anti-corruption chief Thuli Madonsela. The report is believed to contain damaging information about Zuma regarding allegations the wealthy Gupta family of South Africa has wielded undue influence in the government. The president is also at the center of another case and is trying to overturn a unanimous ruling of a High Court that he should stand trial on 783 counts of corruption in relation to an arms deal negotiated in 1999. Some agents of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have arrived in Morocco to ensure the safety of the US delegation to take part in the UN conference on climate change (COP22) in the city of Marrakesh, local media Al Ahdath Al Maghribia reports. In less than a week, the North Africa country will be the global gathering stage for world leaders. According to the Moroccan paper, the FBI has already dispatched a team of officers to prepare the arrival and the stay of the US delegation. It is not yet clear who will lead the US delegation as the US presidential polls take place on November 8; one day after the global environmental conference kicks off. It has not been confirmed if President Obama or his Vice-President Joe Biden would attend the Summit kick-off. Aside from the FBI, other countries such as France, Germany and UK have also sent protection teams to prepare arrival of their respective delegations, Al Ahdath further reports. Moroccan authorities on their part enhanced security measures and trained hundreds of security forces to provide protection to the delegates during the nearly two-week event. Security level will be beefed up at the city of Marrakesh, including in the airport, along roads, in key sites, and buildings. At first sight, compassion appears to loom large in mainstream politics and media. When the American and British governments target countries like Serbia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, compassion is always at or near the top of the agenda. Time and again, the cry from the political system is: We Must Do Something! We must save Afghan women from the Medieval Taliban. We must save Kuwaiti new-borns flung from their incubators by Iraqi stormtroopers. We must save Iraqi civilians from Saddams shredding machines. We must save civilians in Kosovo from Milosevics final solution. As for the suffering civilians of Aleppo in Syria, hard-right MPs like Andrew Mitchell demand, not merely that we save them, not merely that we engage in war to save them, but that we must confront Russia, shoot down their planes if necessary, and risk actual thermonuclear war complete self-destruction to save them: If that means confronting Russian air power defensively, on behalf of the innocent people on the ground who we are trying to protect, then we should do that. State-corporate propaganda is full of shoulds, all rooted in our alleged responsibility to protect. Why us? Why not Sweden or Iceland? Because we care. We just care more. A key task of the corporate media is to pretend this is something more than a charade. The truth is hinted at in BBC political programmes that open with jovial, bombastic, comical music, as if introducing some kind of music hall farce. The cast is currently led by foreign secretary Boris Johnson, a P.G. Wodehouse character reimagined by Stephen King. After chuckling about how There is no other country that comes close to [Britains] record of beligerence in invading or conquering 178 out of 200 countries existing today, Johnson opined: As our American friends instinctively understand, it is the existence of strong and well-resourced British Armed Forces that gives this country the ability to express and affirm our values overseas: of freedom, democracy, tolerance, pluralism. As Johnson doubtless understands, this was a near-exact reversal of the truth. He noted in 2014 of the 2003 Iraq invasion: It looks to me as though the Americans were motivated by a general strategic desire to control one of the biggest oil exporters in the world If politicians are clearly bluffers, corporate journalists are selected because they powerfully echo and enhance the alleged need for compassionate intervention. The likes of David Aaronovitch, Nick Cohen, John Rentoul, Jonathan Freedland and Oliver Kamm earn their salaries by appearing to tear their hair out in outrage at the crimes of official enemies and at the useful idiocy of the perennial, naysaying leftists. Aaronovitch of The Times has supported just about every opportunity to wage war, whether under Labour or the Tories, for decades. In March 1999, in an article titled, Its because were rich that we must impose peace for others, Aaronovitch commented: Given a choice, do we really think that the suffering civilians of Sierra Leone would object to a military presence by the British? (Aaronovitch, The Independent, March 25, 1999) In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States, he wrote of Afghanistan: For a fair-minded progressive the call should not be Stop the War. That slogan is now irrelevant and harmful. The requirement is surely to win the peace So on Sunday, instead of listening to the same old tired stuff about cowboys with rockets and selective horror stories from Mazar; instead of marching along with mouth open and ears closed (however comforting that can be); instead of indulging yourself in a cosmic whinge, why not do something that might help the people of Afghanistan? (Aaronovitch, Stop trying to stop the war, Start trying to win the peace, The Independent, November 16, 2001) The message is always the same: we understand youre sincere, but sometimes you have to drop your reflexive anti-Americanism, drop your blinkered adherence to principled opposition and live in the real world. You cant just sit on your hands, you cant just righteously preach you have to act! This is the shtick of the corporate warmonger and it is repeated over and over again. It appears to be the key function that determines whether a commentator is granted job-for-life privileges at newspapers like the Guardian, The Times and Telegraph. But the point is that compassion the kind rooted in an understanding that all suffering is equal, the kind that feels even more responsibility for suffering caused by our own government is not partial, it does not defer to power. It doesnt fall silent when we are committing crimes. Quite the reverse. The Yemen Motion On October 26, Emily Thornberry, Labour shadow foreign secretary, placed the following motion before the House of Commons: That this House supports efforts to bring about a cessation of hostilities and provide humanitarian relief in Yemen, and notes that the country is now on the brink of famine; condemns the reported bombings of civilian areas that have exacerbated this crisis; believes that a full independent UN-led investigation must be established into alleged violations of international humanitarian law in the conflict in Yemen; and calls on the Government to suspend its support for the Saudi Arabia-led coalition forces in Yemen until it has been determined whether they have been responsible for any such violations. Yemen truly is facing disaster. The Guardian reports: There are 370,000 children enduring severe malnutrition that weakens their immune system, according to Unicef, and 1.5 million are going hungry. Food shortages are a long-term problem, but they have got worse in recent months. Half of children under five are stunted because of chronic malnutrition. Oxfams humanitarian policy adviser, Richard Stanforth, said: Everything is stacked against the people on the brink of starvation in Yemen. Martha Mundy, a professor emeritus at the London School of Economics, comments: The [Saudi-led] coalition was and is targeting intentionally food production, not simply agriculture in the fields. Mundy adds: According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, 2.8 per cent of Yemens land is cultivated. To hit that small amount of agricultural land, you have to target it. Saudi Arabias blockade has worsened the crisis. A World Food Program official warned: An entire generation could be crippled by hunger. At least 14 million Yemenis, more than half of the countrys population, are going hungry. More than one-third of all Saudi-led air raids on Yemen have hit civilian sites, such as schools, hospitals, markets, mosques and economic infrastructure. A minimum of 10,000 civilians have been killed or wounded in the US-backed war, according to the U.N. humanitarian coordinator, an average of 13 civilian casualties a day. At least 2.8 million Yemenis, including more than 400,000 families, have been forced to flee their homes because of the violence. In October, a Saudi bombing raid killed 140 people and wounded 525 at a funeral. At least four medical facilities operated by the humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders have also been bombed by the coalition in the past year. British-manufactured cluster bombs have been found in Yemeni villages, all but confirming the banned weapons are being used. The United Nations has repeatedly reported that the Saudi-led coalition is responsible for nearly two-thirds of civilian deaths. The Obama regime has done more than $110 billion in arms deals with the Saudi tyranny. As we noted in a recent media alert, the British regime agreed to 3.3bn of arms exports to Saudi Arabia in the first year of the countrys war on Yemen, including 2.2bn-worth of equipment such as drones, helicopters, and other aircraft. The Saudis have been sold 1.1bn-worth of bombs, missiles, grenades, and countermeasures, and armoured vehicles and tanks worth 430,000. In a leaked draft report the Committee on Arms Exports Control, which comprises 16 MPs from four parties, said it was likely British weapons had been used to violate international law: The weight of evidence of violations of international humanitarian law by the Saudi-led coalition is now so great, that it is very difficult to continue to support Saudi Arabia. The Independent reports: Since 2010 Britain has also sold arms to 39 of the 51 countries ranked not free on the Freedom House Freedom in the world report, and 22 of the 30 countries on the UK Governments own human rights watch list. As for Thornberrys motion, more than 100 Labour MPs almost half the Labour Party failed to support it. As a result, it was defeated by 283 votes to just 193, a majority of 90. Labour MP John Woodcock had dismissed the motion in advance as mere gesture politics. In justifying his stance, he even welcomed the involvement of UK personnel in the Saudi bombing campaign: the support we are giving is largely to help train pilots in targeting practices that reduce civilian casualties. As revealed by Campaign Against Arms Trade, Woodcock attended a dinner in February 2015 in support of the arms trade as a guest of BAE. As the chairman of Labours backbench defence committee, he is an ardent supporter of Trident, describing the announcement that Labour would support it as a very thoughtful birthday present. Investigative journalist Peter Oborne writes: To sum up the British parliament sent the green light to Saudi Arabia and its allies to carry on bombing, maiming and killing. I have reported politics from Westminster for almost 25 years and can recall few more shocking parliamentary events. Shocking but not surprising. The Yemen vote demonstrates something that has been apparent ever since the vote on 18 March 2003 to support the invasion of Iraq: the party of war holds a majority in the Commons. It comprises virtually all of the Conservative Party and the Blairite wing of Labour. Since the rejection of the motion, Do something! crusaders like Aaronovitch, Freedland and Cohen have printed not a word about our responsibility to protect civilian life in Yemen. In the entire UK mainstream press, we found a single opinion piece, in the Guardian, condemning the vote under the title, The Labour rebels who didnt back the Yemen vote have blood on their hands. A curiously vague Guardian leader commented merely of the Yemen motion: Though admirable, it could change government policy only indirectly, by contributing to moral pressure. Apart from that, the only other mention was in passing in a comment piece on the Yemen disaster in the Telegraph. No corporate journalist raised the question that cried out to be asked: if Britain cares enough about civilian suffering in Kosovo, Libya and Syria to actually go to war, then how can it not merely suspend support for Saudi Arabia while potential war crimes are investigated? Literally no journalist made the point that the vote makes a complete nonsense of the UKs famed enthusiasm for responsibility to protect. The warmongers silence tells us their compassion is a tool of realpolitik, nothing more. DE and DC Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is usually diagnosed in early childhood, but genetic detection of this brain disorder could mean more timely interventions that improve life for the patient and their carers. Research published in the International Journal of Data Mining and Bioinformatics, suggests that machine learning might be used to analyze genetic data that points to an ASD diagnosis before symptoms become obvious. Fuad Alkoot of PAAET in Kuwait, and Abdullah Alqallaf of Kuwait University, Kuwait, explain that unlike other conditions, such as cancer, little heed has been taken to the possibility of early genetic detection of autism. This is despite the fact that an early diagnosis could be very useful to parents and carers. The team has now developed a four-stage computerized neural network system for testing simplified genetic data. The system traces between 150 and 500 features present on different chromosomes and known to be associated with ASD when certain genetic patterns are present. The team points out that symptoms in ASD increase as the child gets older and so earlier diagnosis can offer the opportunity of treatment that might ameliorate some problems associated with the condition. At present, diagnosis relies only on expert assessment by a medical specialist. However, ambiguous symptoms in the early stages may well preclude a definitive diagnosis. In contrast, the inclusion of genetic characteristics strongly correlated with ASD in the diagnostic process might offer a stronger diagnosis or putatively rule out autism in a given case. This approach could also have implications for a better understanding of how ASD arises, particularly as current theory suggests a mixture of genetic and environmental factors are involved. "The implementation of such a system will lead to early intervention and enable us to detect if a subject has the potential to develop autism using the subjects' gene data, even before any behavioural symptoms start to appear," the team reports. More information: Fuad M. Alkoot et al. Investigating machine learning techniques for the detection of autism, International Journal of Data Mining and Bioinformatics (2016). Fuad M. Alkoot et al. Investigating machine learning techniques for the detection of autism,(2016). DOI: 10.1504/IJDMB.2016.10000981 An artist's interpretation of zinc being transported in the bloodstream. Credit: Wladek Minor Zinc is essential for wound healing, for vision, for DNA creation, for our senses of taste and smell, even for sexual health. But despite its importance, scientists have never fully understood the mechanism that moves the mineral through the body - until now. Researchers have, for the first time, created detailed blueprints of the molecular moving vans that ferry this important mineral everywhere it's needed through the blood. The finding gives scientists new insights into this important process - and a deeper understanding of the critical role it plays in maintaining good health. The work represents an international collaboration among researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and colleagues at the Universities of South Carolina (Maksymilian Chruszcz), Warwick (Claudia A. Blindauer) and St. Andrews (Alan J. Stewart). Surprising Findings Zinc is carried through the body by a protein known as serum albumin. Scientists had expected there would be a primary binding site where serum albumin binds with zinc, and the UVA researchers proved the location of that site. But the team, led by UVA's Wladek Minor, PhD, also found several more secondary binding sites, revealing a more complex interaction than anticipated. "It's different than it was predicted before," said researcher Katarzyna B. Handing, PhD. While computer models previously had been used to predict how serum albumin picks up zinc, Minor's team used a scientific technique called X-ray crystallography to create colorful images of zinc actually bound to serum albumin. The technique allows them to pinpoint the location of each particular zinc atom. It was a challenging task, but the resulting schematics allow scientists to see, for the first time, exactly how serum albumin and zinc come together. A Healthy Balance With the finding, scientists have a better grasp of how the body maintains the delicate balances necessary for good health, a state known as homeostasis. It's a complex dance made all the more complicated by the fact that serum albumin also transports many other things, such as hormones and fatty acids. "Homeostasis is extremely important, and it can be affected by the level of zinc you are taking into your body. But it can be also affected by other elements," Handing said. "If you have an elevated level of fatty acids, for example as a result of diabetes or obesity, the zinc homeostasis can be disturbed." This is important because the body needs zinc, but too much zinc is toxic. So the body must make it available where it is needed, but, at the same time, it must prevent excessive buildup. If something goes wrong with the zinc regulation process, that can have a ripple effect, throwing the body's delicate balances out of whack and potentially having serious effects on health. Implications of the Discovery Ivan G. Shabalin, PhD, a research scientist in Minor's lab, noted that the research could help shed light on why certain drugs affect some patients differently than others. "We are going towards an understanding of all these complex relationships," he said. "You have this one molecule [serum albumin], and you have hundreds - possibly thousands - of different molecules which bind to it. We need to understand all this interplay. By studying zinc binding to albumin, we are understanding this relationship deeper." Findings Published The findings have been published in the scientific journal Chemical Science. The paper was authored by Handing, Shabalin, Kassaar, Khazaipoul, Blindauer, Stewart, Chruszcz and Minor. Minor is a faculty member in UVA's Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics. More information: Katarzyna B. Handing et al, Circulatory zinc transport is controlled by distinct interdomain sites on mammalian albumins, Chem. Sci. (2016). Journal information: Chemical Science Katarzyna B. Handing et al, Circulatory zinc transport is controlled by distinct interdomain sites on mammalian albumins,(2016). DOI: 10.1039/C6SC02267G Increasing communication between the cingulo-opercular network and the dorsal attention network (left side), and decoupling of the default mode network from the cingulo-opercular network (right side) during short practice phases. Credit: Holger Mohr et al. 'Practice makes perfect' is a common saying. We all have experienced that the initially effortful implementation of novel tasks is becoming rapidly easier and more fluent after only a few repetitions. This works especially efficient when we are guided by explicit instructions. A team of researchers at TU Dresden has now examined the underlying neural processes in a current imaging study. The results of the study are published today in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Communications under the title "Integration and segregation of large-scale brain networks during short-term task automatization". Within the collaborative research center 940 'volition and cognitive control' sponsored by the DFG (German Science Foundation), the brain scientists Holger Mohr, Uta Wolfensteller, and Hannes Ruge from the Department of Psychology at Technische Universitat Dresden (Germany) in collaboration with colleagues from the USA and Switzerland examined the neural processes responsible for the automatization of instruction-based tasks. Their research approach embraced the currently popular assumption that mental functions like memory or language do emerge from specific patterns of communication within and between subnetworks of the brain. Going beyond this basic assumption, it was examined whether a rapid reorganization of these communication patterns is possible - specifically during the rapid instruction-based automatization of novel tasks. Previous studies in this context mainly focused on long-term changes. The results of this current study suggest that rapid instruction-based task automatization is facilitated by rapidly increasing communication between subnetworks associated with the transformation of visual information into motor responses. At the same time, this is accompanied by a release of network resources initially serving the controlled and attention-demanding implementation of the instructed task - while the so-called default mode network is increasingly decoupled from task-related networks. Together, these findings suggest that rapid instruction-based task automatization is indeed reflected by a rapid system-level reorganization of network communications distributed across the entire brain. Medical usage of specific surface antigen GFRA2: Using GFRA2 as a cell surface marker, cardiac precursor cells can be sorted for basic research of cardiomyocyte, pharmacological test, or regeneration/cell replacement therapy for the heart failure. Credit: Osaka University Researchers centered at Osaka University identify molecule specifically expressed on one of the first cell populations to emerge as a precursor of the heart in embryos, which enables the cells to be isolated and studied, and potentially transplanted as a treatment for heart failure. Researchers centered at Osaka University identify a molecule specifically expressed in progenitors of the heart. This molecule, called Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor Family Receptor Alpha-2 (GFRA2), significantly benefits us to isolate and study pure human heart progenitors, a potentially promising source of transplant to treat heart failure in the hospitals, from pluripotent stem cells. Therefore, this discovery must push the edge of the envelope in developing a regeneration/cell replacement therapy for heart failure. Osaka, Japan The heart is one of the first organs to emerge as cardiac progenitors in the embryo. Thus far, various studies have increased our knowledge of how cardiac progenitors develop and then differentiate into functionally different cell types in the heart. Such knowledge is extremely critical to understand the pathological cause of congenital heart diseases as well as to produce the heart muscle cells, called cardiomyocytes, from embryonic or induced pluripotent stem (ES or iPS) cells in laboratories. Cardiomyocytes produced in laboratories are unequivocally useful for pharmacological tests without experimental animals and for the production of transplants to treat heart failure. However, our knowledge is still insufficient to apply such a treatment in the clinical arena. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the production and the differentiation of cardiac progenitors in detail, each of cell lineages relevant to the heart development needs to be discerned from another. If a specific "surface antigen", a molecule localized on the surface of only one lineage of interest and exposed to the outside of a cell, is available, it is extremely useful. We can easily and effectively identify, isolate, examine and/or use the cells of interest using an antibody or other agent against it. Now an international research team centered at Osaka University performed the screening to find such a useful surface antigen, and eventually found that GFRA2 specifically marks cardiac progenitors during early heart development. The team found this protein is vital to successful heart development. Abnormal function of GFRA2 resulted in pathologically thin and less compact heart ventricle's wall. This condition, "noncompaction cardiomyopathy" causes severe heart failure with poor prognosis. Unfortunately, little is known about the pathology of this disease. Thus, elucidation of GFRA2 is expected to bring better understanding of noncompaction cardiomyopathy. More importantly, this molecule enables us to purify cardiac progenitors derived from ES and iPS cells more easily and effectively than ever, not only in mice but also in humans. Theoretically, these cardiac progenitors are promising for pharmacological test instead of experimental animals as well as for transplantation grafts of regeneration/cell replacement therapy to treat heart failure. "We first noticed that Gfra2 was expressed specifically in cardiac progenitors but not in embryonic stem cells in both mouse and humans, and we were very excited when we knew it" corresponding author Kenta Yashiro says. "We have validated this novel finding in both mice and humans, confirmed whether an antibody for GFRA2 lets us purify cardiac progenitors of humans, and found that mice genetically engineered to lack this protein's function exhibited heart defects." "Now we see the great potential of GFRA2. We know GFRA2 brings purer human cardiac progenitors than ever. This evidence indicates that isolated cardiac progenitors are potentially safer in terms of tumor formation because its specificity brings less chance of contamination of tumor-causing undifferentiated cells. In addition, we can purposefully harvest multipotent progenitors to produce every component of the heart or unipotent progenitors to produce only the heart muscle", Yashiro says. "Next, we will aim to completely validate the safety of cardiac progenitors isolated with GFRA2, and develop a method to use them most effectively to treat heart failure. We think our study is now about to enter an exciting stage." More information: Hidekazu Ishida et al. GFRA2 Identifies Cardiac Progenitors and Mediates Cardiomyocyte Differentiation in a RET-Independent Signaling Pathway, Cell Reports (2016). Journal information: Cell Reports Hidekazu Ishida et al. GFRA2 Identifies Cardiac Progenitors and Mediates Cardiomyocyte Differentiation in a RET-Independent Signaling Pathway,(2016). DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.06.050 Dr. Anton Wellstein is pictured. Credit: Georgetown University A research team at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center has described the steps, in both written and video format, that allow cancer investigators to track, in real time, cancer cell invasion and metastasis in transparent zebrafish embryos. Using these fish models, researchers can find answers to cancer questions in one to three days instead of months for the typical mouse model. Because of this rapidity and the ability to image cancer movement in blood, investigators say the use of zebrafish embryos represent a significant advance in the understanding of cancer biology and experimental drug testing, and may, one day, lead to tumor assessment and treatment evaluation in patients. The method and its implications, published online Nov. 3 in the Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE), "will be of a lot of interest to cancer researchers because it provides a hands-on, detailed description of a unique model system to study cancer cell vascular invasion," says the study's co-senior investigator, Anton Wellstein, MD, PhD, a Georgetown professor of oncology & pharmacology, and deputy director of the Georgetown Center for Cell Reprogramming. "Invasion of the blood system is a significant step towards the metastatic spread of cancer cells, which is a significant threat to patients with cancer," he says. "This method uses human cancer cells in zebrafish and can reveal distinct invasive properties of cancer cells, help identify genes that drive vascular invasion as well as allow to test drugs that inhibit it." Zebrafisha tropical freshwater minnow commonly used in aquariumshas been widely used as a model organism in scientific research, but has only recently been adapted for use in studying cancer, says co-author Eric Berens, a PhD student in Wellstein's laboratory. "It's being increasingly used in oncology research, but the technique, which has a lot of moving parts, hadn't been written up. We felt listing and filming the steps would encourage more scientists to use this wonderful tool to advance their investigations," he says. Testing the vascular invasive ability of cancer cells in zebrafish is published in JoVE. Credit: Georgetown University, Courtesy JoVE Wellstein, Berens, and co-author Ghada Sharif, PhD, also a member of the Wellstein lab, worked with Eric Glasgow, PhD, who directs Georgetown's zebrafish laboratory, to articulate the method's steps. (Glasgow is co-senior investigator on the JoVE study.) The video shows how fluorescent human cancer cells can be injected into developing embryos, and how 24-96 hours later, the ability of the cells to invade the blood and spread can be seen using fluorescence microscopy. The team tested seven different breast cancer cell lines to determine which invaded the blood system, and how aggressively. "We can use these beautiful fluorescent images to see how invasive various human cancers are and whether they respond to drug treatment," Berens says. Using the zebrafish model to uncover drivers of tumor aggression, the team has published two major studies in Oncogene. Wellstein was the corresponding author for both studies. One study, led by Sharif and published in 2015, demonstrated that the ability of cancer cells to invade is influenced by the density at which those cells are grown. Another 2016 article, led by Berens, used a screening approach to identify unstudied genes that control cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Researchers found that keratin-associated protein 5-5 (Krtap5-5) is important for cancer cell invasion out of blood vessels. "One could envision using this model system in the future to test how aggressive an individual person's cancer is, and what treatments might work best against it," Berens says. More information: Berens, E. B., Sharif, G. M., Wellstein, A., Glasgow, E. Testing the Vascular Invasive Ability of Cancer Cells in Zebrafish (Danio Rerio). J. Vis. Exp. (117), e55007, Journal information: Journal of Visualized Experiments Berens, E. B., Sharif, G. M., Wellstein, A., Glasgow, E. Testing the Vascular Invasive Ability of Cancer Cells in Zebrafish (Danio Rerio).. (117), e55007, DOI: 10.3791/55007 (2016). Image is a Z-statistic map threshold at voxel-height probability of P When it comes to lying, our brains are much more likely to give us away than sweaty palms or spikes in heart rate, new evidence from researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania suggests. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, found that scanning people's brains with fMRI, or functional magnetic resonance imaging, was significantly more effective at spotting lies than a traditional polygraph test. It has been demonstrated that when someone is lying, areas of the brain linked to decision-making are activated, which lights up on an fMRI scan for experts to see. While laboratory studies showed fMRI's ability to detect deception with up to 90 percent accuracy, estimates of polygraphs' accuracy ranged wildly, between chance and 100 percent, depending on the study. The Penn study was the first to compare the two modalities in the same individuals in a blinded and prospective fashion. The approach adds scientific data to the long-standing debate about this technology and builds the case for more studies investigating its potential real-life applications, such as evidence in the criminal legal proceedings. Researchers from Penn's departments of Psychiatry and Biostatistics and Epidemiology found that neuroscience experts without prior experience in lie detection, using fMRI data, were 24 percent more likely to detect deception than professional polygraph examiners reviewing polygraph recordings. In both fMRI and polygraph, participants took a standardized "concealed information" test. Polygraph, the only physiological lie detector in worldwide use since it was introduced in its present form more than 50 years ago, monitors individuals' electrical skin conductivity, heart rate, and respiration during a series of questions. Polygraph is based on the assumption that incidents of lying are marked by upward or downward spikes in these measurements. Despite having been deemed inadmissible as legal evidence in most jurisdictions in the United States or for pre-employment screening in the private sector for almost 30 years, polygraph is widely used for government background checks and security clearances. "Polygraph measures reflect complex activity of the peripheral nervous system that is reduced to only a few parameters, while fMRI is looking at thousands of brain clusters with higher resolution in both space and time. While neither type of activity is unique to lying, we expected brain activity to be a more specific marker, and this is what I believe we found," said the study's lead author, Daniel D. Langleben, MD, a professor of Psychiatry. To compare the two technologies, 28 participants were given the so-called "Concealed Information Test" (CIT). CIT is designed to determine whether a person has specific knowledge by asking carefully constructed questions, some of which have known answers, and looking for responses that are accompanied by spikes in physiological activity. Sometimes referred to as the Guilty Knowledge Test, CIT has been developed and used by polygraph examiners to demonstrate the effectiveness of their methods to subjects prior to the actual polygraph examination. In the Penn study, a polygraph examiner asked participants to secretly write down a number between three and eight. Next, each person was administered the CIT while either hooked to a polygraph or lying inside an MRI scanner. Each of the participants had both tests, in a different order, a few hours apart. During both sessions, they were instructed to answer "no" to questions about all the numbers, making one of the six answers a lie. The results were then evaluated by three polygraph and three neuroimaging experts separately and then compared to determine which technology was better at detecting the fib. In one example in the paper, fMRI clearly shows increased brain activity when a participant, who picked the number seven, is asked if that is their number. Experts who studied the polygraph counterpart incorrectly identified the number six as the lie. The polygraph associated with the number six shows high peaks after the participant is asked the same questions several times in a row, suggesting that answer was a lie. The scenario was reversed in another example, as neither fMRI nor polygraph experts were perfect, which is demonstrated in the paper. However, overall, fMRI experts were 24 percent more likely to detect the lie in any given participant. Beyond the accuracy comparison, authors made another important observation. In the 17 cases when polygraph and fMRI agreed on what the concealed number was, they were 100 percent correct. Such high precision of positive determinations could be especially important in the United States and British criminal proceedings, where avoiding false convictions takes absolute precedence over catching the guilty, the authors said. They cautioned that while this does suggest that the two modalities may be complementary if used in sequence, their study was not designed to test combined use of both modalities and their unexpected observation needs to be confirmed experimentally before any practical conclusions could be made. "While the jury remains out on whether fMRI will ever become a forensic tool, these data certainly justify further investigation of its potential," Langleben said. Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan enhance transport cooperation Georgia will play an important transit role in connecting China, Turkey and Europe via the Trans-Caspian international transport route which runs through China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and then through Turkey and Ukraine to Europe.The railway administrations of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan signed a memorandum to establish the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) Association, Kazakhstan Railways reported on October 10.The Association aimed to attract transit and foreign trade cargo to the route and to develop an effective tariff policy. Furthermore, the Association would facilitate the reduction of administrative barriers linked with border and customs procedures and processing of cargo and containers in the ports.The railway authorities of the three countries signed the agreement to create the Trans-Caspian International Transportation Consortium this April in Azerbaijan.Approximately 300,000-400,000 containers were expected to be transported via TITR by 2020, bringing financial profits to the countries on the route.The route was also believed to be the cheapest and most profitable corridors for freight traffic thanks to the new competitive tariffs that were introduced for TITR in June 2016. Oil, gas account for 43% of Russian budget revenue Russia produced an estimated 11.03 million barrels of petroleum and other liquids per day in 2015, according to the Country Analysis Brief of the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).The country exported more than 7 million barrels per day in 2015, including roughly 5 million barrels per day of crude oil and the remainder in products and other liquids, according to the report.EIA analysts said that Russia had roughly 7.6 million b/d of petroleum and other liquids available for exports, including almost 5 million b/d of crude and condensate exports.The majority of Russian crude oil exports (70 percent) went to European countries, particularly Germany, the Netherlands, Belarus, and Poland, according to the report.The revenues from crude oil and products exports in 2015 accounted for 46 percent of Russias total export revenues, said the EIA. Additionally, 43 percent of Russia's federal budget revenue in 2015 came from oil and natural gas activities.Asia and Oceania accounted for 28 percent of Russian crude exports in 2015, with China and Japan accounting for a growing share of total Russian exports, according to the report.However, Russias crude oil exports to North America and South America have been largely displaced by increases in crude oil production in the US, Canada, and, to a lesser extent, in Brazil, Colombia, and other countries in the Americas, said the EIA.Russia is a major producer and exporter of oil and natural gas. Its economic growth is driven by energy exports, given its high oil and natural gas production. Third force in Parliament triggers controversy By Messenger Staff The third party in Georgias 150-seat legislative body, the Alliance of Patriots which has only six seats in Parliament has already triggered controversy.Georgias Embassy to Azerbaijan told Azerbaijani local media that one of the leaders of the party, David Tarkhan-Mouravi - who is prominent for his ultra-nationalist and sometimes anti-Western statements - said the mildness of the current Government of Georgia could trigger a split of the county.The Azerbaijani Trend.az media outlet quoted Georgias Embassy as saying that Tarkhan-Mouravi said Azerbaijan could claim that Georgias ethnic-Azerbaijani populated Marneuli region to be under Azerbaijani rule.Georgia and Azerbaijan are friendly nations, and this has been proved through centuries of cooperation and partnership, Georgias Embassy to Azerbaijani told local Trend.az online media.Our people have friendly relations; they follow the principles of religious and ethnic tolerance. Consequently such statements have no public support in Georgia; they are nothing but populist statements, the Embassy added, Trend.az reported.Meanwhile, Tarkhan-Mouravi says he did not make the statement and demanded that Georgias Embassy to Azerbaijan should provide video or audio evidence proving their allegations .Tarkhan-Mouravi also criticized the Embassy for never lobbying Georgian interests when it was required.The Alliance of Patriots could hardly overcome the minimum 5% threshold to appear in Parliament.If they provide proof that Tarkhan-Mouravi really made such a statement, it would be a signal that the party is not aware of what such statements may cause, especially when the party is in Parliament.Statements that refer to religious or ethnic minorities living in the territory of any country must be always very cautiously treated.Georgia has always been proud for its tolerance and friendship to religious and ethnic minority groups, and this should not be put at risk by the remarks of an insignificant minority politicians. The News in Brief Georgia ranks 120th among world's most generous countries Georgia was ranked 120th among 140 countries in the rating of the world's most generous countries, BusinesspressNews reports. The most generous countries ranked by Charities Aid Foundation are led by Myanmar, which is followed by Australia, New Zeland and Shri Lanka, while the last on the list is the Czech Republic. The CAF World Giving Index measures the average percentage of people in each country who donate money, volunteer or help a stranger. Georgia was ranked 111th as a country that helps strangers, and 128th as a country that donates money, and 76th as a volunteer. (IPN) Georgian Railways considering Tbilisi-Kutaisi airport express Georgian Railways is considering creating a new train line connecting the airports in Tbilisi and Kutaisi, with regular departures. Spokesperson Dachi Tsaguria told Kutaisi Post that Georgian Railways is currently researching whether the new airport-to-airport link will be effective and profitable. We think this will be very comfortable and effective, not only for people who want to get to the airport, but for anyone who wants to go to Kutaisi, Tsaguia said. After the study is completed by the end of this year, the company will announce a tender and later select of a company to carry out the project, which is likely to involve constructing new rail tracks and a terminal. Travellers through Kutaisi airport usually either take a direct shuttle minibus to Tbilisi, or a local minibus to Kutaisi, and then train or bus from there. The railway station that is closest to the airport is Kopitnari, about one kilometer away. The new rail link would therefore seem to require some construction work to lay a new track and expand or modify the terminal building in Kutaisi to accommodate trains. In the Tbilisi end, a rail line was completed a few years ago, but is hardly noticed by travellers due to its rare, only twice daily departures. the 20km away from the airport. Passengers currently have to go to Kutaisi and then take another transport to the airport in which is from the city. Both airports have experienced strong growth in traffic load in recent years as Georgias tourism boomcontinues. Tbilisi is building a second terminal building, while Kutaisi recently marked the opening of manynew direct flights to European cities, including Berlin. (DFwatch) Georgias Road Department: Time to put winter tires on cars Drivers from all over Georgia are advised to put snow tires on their vehicles if they are going to travel along the roads in the countrys north and east. Georgias Road Department has announced that restrictions were imposed on several roads due to heavy snow and ice. The Mleta-Kobi section of the Mtskheta-Kazbegi-Larsi road that connects Georgia with Russia is closed for trucks and trailers, semi-trailers and vehicles that can carry more than 30 passengers. Other vehicles are allowed to move along this section only with anti-skid chains. However, there are no restrictions for off-road vehicles. Meanwhile, the Department warned citizens that snow had started falling at the Gombori Road Pass, connecting the eastern Kakheti region with the rest of Georgia. Movement is not restricted there but citizens were advised to use snow tires. Intense snowfall caused minor problems near Bulachauri too, a small settlement in the eastern Dusheti district. (Agenda.ge) @ByKristenMClark U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson is holding on to his grudge against U.S. Senate candidate Patrick Murphy and the Democratic Party establishment that helped Murphy beat Grayson in the Aug. 30 primary. Since that loss, the sometimes polarizing and notably bombastic Orlando congressman had largely kept a low profile. Grayson has maintained his campaign email list but has used it mostly just to send out fundraising pitches in support of like-minded progressive candidates across the country. But on Tuesday night, Grayson unloaded to his supporters. In a scorched-earth rant entitled "What $10 million buys from the Democratic Party," he vented his bitter frustration about Murphy and Democratic Party leaders. The piece is riddled with attacks and accusations against Murphy, his wealthy father and Democratic leaders and fundraising groups -- none of whom have responded to requests for comment from the Herald/Times. MORE: Read Grayson's email here. So given his clear disdain, whom is Grayson voting for this fall? The soon-to-be outgoing congressman reiterated in an email to the Herald/Times: "I will be voting for Hillary Clinton for president. I havent decided who will get my Senate vote, but it will not be Patrick Murphy." In his email blast, Grayson claims a "Murphy political operative" told someone within his own campaign earlier this summer that Murphy's father, Tom Murphy Jr., had made a promise wherein "the Democratic Party could expect to see $10 million if it delivered the nomination to [Patrick] Murphy." @PatriciaMazzei For one night in Miami Beach, President Barack Obama wasn't campaigning for Hillary Clinton or raising money for the Democratic Party. He was an outgoing president thanking friends and planning for life outside the White House. Obama assembled some 35 people Wednesday evening at the Star Island home of former U.S. Amb. Paul Cejas, two sources told the Miami Herald. According to the White House, the president was "seeing some friends and supporters to continue his conversations regarding future plans for his Foundation." Air Force One landed at Miami International Airport shortly before 7:30 p.m. A tieless Obama was met by Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine. Levine hopped on the presidential motorcade and attended the private gathering hosted by Cejas. Another attendee: music producer Emilio Estefan, one of Cejas' Star Island neighbors. Obama will campaign for Clinton Thursday at Florida International University and in Jacksonville. Photo credit: Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Associated Press @PatriciaMazzei Jeb Bush has already voted for president. But he's not saying for whom. Miami-Dade County election records show his mail ballot was received Oct. 17. But a Bush spokeswoman contacted by the Miami Herald this week wouldn't say which candidate Bush picked in the presidential race. The former Florida governor has said he won't vote for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. One of Bush's sons, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, speculated Tuesday night that both his grandfather and uncle -- the two former Presidents George Bush -- might vote for Clinton. "Potentially. But hard to speculate," the younger Bush said, according to the Associated Press. "I don't know how they voted. I'm speculating, to be honest." George P. Bush, who's said to be eyeing the Texas governorship, is the only current or former elected member of the clan who's said he's backing Trump. @ByKristenMClark The latest poll from Quinnipiac University has Republican incumbent Marco Rubio up 6 points over Democratic challenger Patrick Murphy in Florida's U.S. Senate race. The new poll, released Thursday, had Rubio with 50 percent support, compared to 44 percent for Murphy heading into the final week before Election Day. About 1 percent of the 626 likely voters surveyed said they support someone else and 4 percent were still undecided. Results of the poll, done Oct. 27 - Nov. 1, had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points. The previous Quinnipiac poll, done Oct. 10-16, had Rubio with a 2-percentage-point lead, 49 percent to 47 percent over Murphy. Perhaps most significantly for Rubio, the university said, is that the latest poll indicates he has a strong advantage among independents, leading Murphy 54 percent to 38 percent. "Candidates with a 16-point lead among independent voters rarely lose, and Sen. Rubio, who has that edge over U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, appears to be pulling away from the challenger. But anything is possible," said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll. Also in the new results, Quinnipiac said Rubio leads by 8 points among women, while Rubio and Murphy are within the margin in getting men's support (49 percent for Rubio, 46 percent for Murphy). Both Rubio and Murphy have actively tailored their campaign messages to court the female vote. Rubio also leads among white voters, while Murphy leads among minorities, the university found. Recent polls -- conducted by various outlets, using different methodologies -- have shown widely different spreads for Florida's hotly contested race in the past couple weeks. A couple polls in the latter half of October showed Rubio and Murphy evenly tied, while three others -- including two released Sunday -- showed him with a lead of at least 8 percentage points. A Herald/Times analysis using direct comparisons of pollsters' findings found Rubio still ahead as of late October, although Murphy had narrowed the gap. Before today's new Q poll, Real Clear Politics had Rubio with a 4.4 percentage-point advantage in its polling average. Out of more than 30 polls since late June -- when Rubio declared he would seek re-election again -- none has shown Murphy ahead. Photo credit: Sen. Marco Rubio, right, gestures as he and Rep. Patrick Murphy, left, answer questions from a panel during a debate, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, at Broward College in Davie, Fla. Rubio and Murphy held their second and final debate, 13 days before the election. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) via @jayhweaver U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio endorsed Donald Trump for president after bitterly losing to him in the Republican primary season. But he says has no intention of standing alongside him on the campaign trail in the potentially decisive battleground state of Florida. Not even when Trump is blocks away from him, as was the case on Wednesday. Rubio, the Miami Republican running for a second term in the Senate, joined black preachers, businessmen and others for a breakfast meeting at Jackson Soul Food in the historic Overtown neighborhood that lasted almost until noon. Meanwhile, Trump was holding a midday rally in Bayfront Park off Biscayne Boulevard. We're not doing presidential events, Rubio declared after the meeting, when asked about appearing with Trump at Bayfront Park or at any time before Tuesdays presidential election. At this point, we're focused on our race. We have to be. It's no disrespect toward anyone. We really have to focus on our Senate race. We have a tough fight.... We're just not doing presidential events. And on that note, Rubios campaign aides whisked him out of the restaurant. After the Republican primaries, including a drubbing to Trump in Florida, Rubio said he would still vote for Trump even though he called him a con artist, a serious threat to the future of . . . our country, and an erratic individual who can't be trusted with the countrys nuclear codes. But Rubio has not appeared with Trump during the general election campaign. More here. Photo credit: Roberto Koltun, el Nuevo Herald A new analysis by the Center for Public Integrity shows that television ad spending through Oct. 31 has mounted to $15.2 million with a run count of just over 27,000. The biggest spender is the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee with $5.4 million, compared to the Florida Democratic Party which is next in line with $2.8 million, according to the CPI analysis using ads tracked by media monitoring firm Kantar Media/CMAG. No surprise: the greatest frequency is in Miami-Dade where the tight election campaigns between Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla versus Rep. Jose Javier Rodriquez and Sen. Dwight Bullard versus Rep. Frank Artilles have burned up some ad space. The analysis also shows that Democrat Irv Slosberg dropped more than $817,000 in his losing bid to win the Senate primary against incumbent Jeff Clemens in the newly-drawn Senate District 31 race. Meanwhile, television ad spending for House races is at about $926,000 with an ad count of 2,600. Behind the RPOF in spending is the campaign of Democrat Loranne Ausley, who gets a whopping bang for her buck in Tallahassee's low-rate media market: 902 ads run at a cost of $106,000. (No wonder she seems to be on TV constantly.) For picture posts from 2010 and earlier, see the Earlier Picture Posts Page A Community Newsblog written by Community Members Middletown's a big place, with a lot going on. We need your help to keep your neighbors informed. Come write or just give us a tip on your news, sports, arts, politics or events at - middletowneye@gmail.com Help us to make the Middletown Eye the third eye people open every morning! The Shining Mountains Chapter of Montana Wilderness Association and the Back Country Horsemen present Horse Packing In Mongolia at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at Opportunity Resources Inc., 2821 S. Russell St. Join Deborah and Greg Schatz, longtime and experienced packers from the Flathead Valley, as they travel through the wild open land of Darhad Valley. Explore Mongolia through their stories and photos to learn how the local herders are more like folks in Montana than you may think. Deborah and Greg have enjoyed riding and packing most of their lives. With the knowledge gained from Back Country Horsemen they have packed thousands of miles in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Glacier National Park. After meeting Cliff Montagne of BioRegions International at the MWA Wildfest in 2014, they were invited to join him on a trip to Mongolia to exchange packing techniques with local herders. For more information, contact daphne.herling@mso.umt.edu. Missoulian Staff A course titled Gun Safety Class for Personal Protection and Concealed Weapon Permits with NRA-certified instructors Nate Martin and Scott Giesick is scheduled 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Deer Creek Shooting Range near Missoula. This one-day course will concentrate on the safe handling, storage and use of handguns suitable for personal protection. The class will also cover selecting a personal firearm, concealed weapon permits, gun safety and shooting skills. The class will include both classroom and shooting range sessions. Ammunition requirement is 150 rounds. Graduates will receive a certification qualifying them to apply for concealed weapon permits under Montana law. Class size is limited to the first 14 registrants. Pre-registration is required. Tuition is $100 per student. Students should be 16 years or older, although concealed weapons permits are not issued to people under age 18. For more information or to register, call Martin at 406-207-4160 or Giesick at 406-493-2302; register at practicalshootinginstruction.com or email at shootingMT@yahoo.com. Missoulian Staff HELENA Does he or doesnt he? Republican candidate for governor Greg Gianforte says he does not support a state sales tax and points to his 406 tax plan in which the zero stands for no sales tax. But his Democratic opponent, Gov. Steve Bullock, says that hasn't always been the case and the Democratic Party is running ads citing Gianforte's testimony before an income tax advisory council meeting in 2002 that appears to support a sales tax for the state. The idea of a sales tax is unpopular in Montana. A 2011 poll by Lee Newspapers showed that residents did not support one, with 64 percent opposing the idea only 25 percent supporting it. Voters in 1971 and 1993 decisively killed proposed sales taxes in the past and the Legislature has never passed an overall sales tax, though bills to do so have been introduced. Bullock has said he would veto any sales tax that reached his desk. And in early October, he said that if re-elected, he would ask the Legislature to send voters a referendum to ban a statewide sales tax. On Sept. 29, the Democratic Party released audio from a meeting 14 years ago in which Gianforte, then the CEO of RightNow Technologies, called a sales tax an ideal solution from a high-tech perspective. Gianforte was testifying before then-Gov. Judy Martz's Income Tax Advisory Council, tasked with coming up with a proposal to reduce the state's income tax by 10 percent and reduce the effective capital gains rate. Since the release of the audio, Democrats and the Bullock campaign have hammered Gianforte over his testimony, saying hes lying when he tells voters hes never supported a sales tax. At the 2002 meeting with the Republican governor, Gianforte acknowledged political roadblocks to implementing a sales tax, one of three ideas he presented. He said it may be politically impossible to do the wholesale change from an income tax to a sales tax." Gianforte spokesman Aaron Flint this week said that Gianfortes testimony before the committee was not advocating for a sales tax. He was lobbying the Legislature to lower the tax rates, which they eventually did, Flint said. Gianfortes campaign has called the discussion of a sales tax during the meeting hypothetical and said Gianforte acknowledged at the time the political unlikelihood of Montana enacting a sales tax. There are huge political issues and constitutional issues to a sales tax, Gianforte said in 2002. He also called it politically untenable and suggested the possibility of exemptions for farm equipment, before adding: But I didnt think I would be fair in coming here and not saying I believe that this is the ideal solution to move to a consumptive tax that would focus more on maybe the tourism industry we have in the state. But if you want high-tech, our competition has zero income, zero capital gains. Thats an ideal solution. Gianforte then said: Lets assume for a second thats an ideal solution, before presenting two other ideas. Montanas tax code in 2002 made it hard, Gianforte said, to attract and keep qualified workers in the state. At the time, the state had an income tax rate of 11 percent, the highest in the nation then, and a 9 percent effective capital gains rate, the highest in the region. Gianforte said a sales tax would make Montana competitive with other states that did not have as high of an income tax as Montana and create high-wage jobs that allowed the next generation to stay in Montana or return for work. Flint this week said Gianfortes tax plan presented to voters this year calls for no sales tax. "If Greg got a bill on his desk banning a sales tax, as governor he would sign it, he said. Democrats have countered that while Gianforte may not support a sales tax now, he is lying about his past support. In audio provided by Montana Democrats, Gianforte told a voter in Belgrade on Monday "I've never advocated for a sales tax." The person at the tour said "That's not true," to which Gianforte said "Well, you're wrong." Gianforte told the voter he said it was politically impossible and that he was not in favor of a sales tax. Audio from the 2002 meeting does not show Gianforte saying he was not in favor of a sales tax. Montana Democratic Party spokesman Jason Pitt said Montana voters don't believe Gianforte. "Gianforte can continue to lie to Montana voters ... but folks here see right through it," he said. "It is clear Montanans are genuinely concerned about Mr. Gianforte's record of advocating for (a) sales tax, and pretending it never happened won't cut it." Kurt Alme, former Director of the Department of Revenue under Martz and a participant in the meeting, said this week that Gianfortes testimony was helpful. At the senate hearing on Gov. Martz's proposal, Greg Gianforte's testimony was very helpful as we encouraged the Legislature to lower Montana's high income and capital gains tax rates. His efforts helped secure the lower tax rates all Montanans now enjoy." The advisory council ended up recommending a limited sales tax on goods and services such as eating out, alcoholic beverages, rental cars and guided trips, which it said nonresidents bought more than Montanans. In 2003 the Legislature passed and Martz signed the Montana Economic Development Tax Act, which reduced the number of tax brackets, lowered the top bracket from 11 percent to 6.9 percent and gave a credit on capital gains of 2 percent by 2007, among other things. The act created a limited sales tax on accommodations, campgrounds and rental cars and increased taxes on cigarettes and other types of tobacco. A report by the Montana Budget and Policy Center in 2009 said the act did not expand the states economy. A 2013 report by Dan Dodds, a senior economist with the Department of Revenue, in part says any effect SB 407 had on the state economy appears to be smaller than the effects due to other influences. The departments report also says the law didnt increase the supply of labor and its unclear if it increased entrepreneurship. The evidence is consistent with increased employment due to SB 407 making Montana more attractive for unincorporated businesses, but lack of payroll data from before 2005 limits what can be said. Health care is an important issue to Montana voters but you wouldn't necessarily know it from the current campaign. Among registered voters surveyed earlier this month, 13 percent named health care as the most important issue in this years election, ranking behind only the economy and national security, according to a Mason-Dixon poll commissioned by Lee Newspapers that has a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points. Yet the issue has not been a prominent subject of discussion in most statewide campaigns this fall. The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, passed in 2010. It requires insurance coverage, and bans companies from denying coverage because of preexisting conditions, among other things. Many Republicans have called the law a disaster and propose to scrap it and start over. Democrats have touted a significant decline in the number of uninsured Americans and generally support targeted revisions to improve the law. U.S. House race The contest for Montanas sole U.S. House seat has the clearest potential to reshape the federal law and other aspects of the nations health care system. Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke, who is running for a second term, argues the country should repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. He said he has seen pieces of a replacement plan that he could support, which should generally provide patients more options and ones that are actually affordable. Among promising ideas for improving the quality of care while reducing costs, he listed individual health care accounts, expanded telemedicine, increased medicare reimbursement rates for frontier communities, more rural medical residencies, and expanded authority for some frontline providers like nurse practitioners and physician's assistants. Its going to take both sides. On the extremes, which we hear a lot, people argue the government has no part in medicine. I think we do. We deal with Medicaid and Medicare, he said. Obamacare will evolve and change no matter what. His Democrat challenger for the states sole U.S. House seat, Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau, argued that repealing the law is a waste of taxpayers' time and taxpayers' money. She said targeted reforms are needed to drive down costs, primarily a tightening of regulations. Its a mixed bag. The Affordable Care Act did some great things, she said. The problem is we left insurance companies in the drivers seat. We need to fix that. She said the long term should probably include a candid discussion about a single-payer system, but thats a long ways off. Especially in this Congress, its not going to happen. Governors race Gov. Steve Bullock has touted his success building a bipartisan coalition to approve Medicaid expansion in the 2015 Legislature, noting that more than 50,000 people have newly enrolled and some hospitals have reported to him that the reduced level of charity care has helped save their finances. Most Republican legislators, including state auditor candidate Matt Rosendale, opposed the expansion, saying it would obligate higher state spending in the future and broadly seeing it as an endorsement of Obamacare. That was a very important step that we took, Bullock said. He has made two health-related pitches while on the campaign trail this fall. First, he has joined with state Sen. Diane Sands of Missoula, a Democrat, to propose a $1.6 million funding increase to state assistance programs for the elderly and the family members who care for them so they can continue to live at home. Republicans have widely criticized Bullock for making any new spending proposals. Second, Bullock has joined Jesse Laslovich, a Democrat running for state auditor, in proposing a price transparency measure that would make it easier for consumers to compare prices of procedures at major hospitals with a state-run website. Republican candidate for governor Greg Gianforte agreed that price transparency is a step in the right direction. Gianforte has toured several of the states hospitals and visited with industry leaders, but has said he does not have any details of health-related proposals in mind. Asked about some Republican legislators who want to reverse at least part of the states Medicaid expansion during the 2017 session, Gianforte said he does not support changing the program between now and 2019, when the final, lowest level of federal support takes effect. Generally, he said he thinks the state should look for ways to expand the use of telemedicine without incurring additional costs and review licensure requirements for tweaks that would make it easier for physicians to move to Montana. He also would look to states like Texas for ideas about how best to drive down the cost of malpractice insurance by reforming tort law, a proposal that has drawn opposition from some who fear reducing physician liability could hurt consumers. There is no silver bullet in health care, he said. Anything that will bring costs down for the hospitals or doctors while maintaining the quality of care and preserving rural access, we ought to look at. Anytime you can take, just from a business perspective, take costs out of the delivery of a product youre going to ultimately lower the end cost to the consumer. Auditors race In the auditors race, Republican Senate Majority Leader Rosendale has widely criticized Laslovich for not fighting the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Montana. There is a big difference between making sure everybody is covered with insurance and making sure people have access to good health care, he said. The legislation I worked on has not had any support from the auditors office or the governors office. He referenced bills to establish health care sharing ministries as an alternative to insurance in the state, and a bill that would have allowed and outlined rules for primary care provider contracts. Rosendale supported these alternatives as good fee-for-service options for some Montanans. Opponents of the measures, including some health care industry groups and his campaign opponent, argued the options do not offer the same level of patient care or protection under the law as insurance coverage. Rosendale has argued the choice should be left to Montanans. He also has proposed changing the way some allegations of wrongdoing in regulated industries, including insurance, are investigated and sanctioned. He suggested forming panels to review lesser violations in a move to reduce the power concentrated within the insurance commissioner. He said Laslovich "is a litigator and Im not. And while that may be necessary at times, it shouldnt be the first course of action. Laslovich questioned Rosendales understanding of the office for which he is running and defended his record in the auditors office. If Matt wants to get rid of Obamacare, he should run for Congress. The state auditor cant do anything about Obamacare. It is the law. The Supreme Court has upheld it, Laslovich said, noting that recent state legislation, opposed for years by Republicans, did grant the auditor power to review insurance rate change proposals at a state level rather than relying on federal officials to do so. My biggest criticism of Obamacare is the regulation of insurance is a state-based activity, always has been and for good reason. Laslovich has said it might make sense for the state to consider implementing a state-based health insurance exchange to replace the federally managed one so we can control our own destiny. He also has suggested the nation might want to consider a single-payer system to control skyrocketing costs for patients, but said that is a federal, not state issue. Rosendale nonetheless has seized on the remark to cast Laslovich as a puppet of national Democrats seeking to expand the Affordable Care Act. Laslovich has called the debate about the federal health care law a distraction from practical proposals a state auditor can make to actually protect Montana consumers and their pocketbooks. He cites his seven years in the office as having helped him prepare a list of specific health-related proposals for the 2017 Legislature. One proposal stems out of a working group led by Laslovich last year. It reviewed high-balance bills frequently $20,000 or more that some Montanans must pay for air ambulance rides provided by out-of-network providers. Laslovich has suggested that air ambulance companies and other health providers should not send balance bills to families, instead going to direct arbitration or to court with insurance companies for additional payments. The working group could not reach a consensus on draft legislation in large part because insurance companies opposed the proposal. Laslovich said the reforms wont get done the way it needs to be done unless hes elected because he is the only person that has put so much time into working on the issue. In addition to leading the working group, he noted he has helped dozens of families negotiate their bills through his role as legal counsel and consumer advocate in the auditors office. Among Laslovich's priorities are reform bills previously advocated by the current state auditor, Monica Lindeen, who is running for secretary of state. One such proposal would grant firefighters and other emergency responders presumptive disease status under workers compensation law so they would not have to prove certain illnesses were caused by their job. It shifts the burden to the insurance company to prove it did not. The legislation passed in many other states is designed to recognize that firefighters are routinely exposed to hazardous chemicals. Continuing their effort to be transparent around elections procedures, the Missoula County Elections Office opened its counting machine testing to the public this week, while it ran hundreds of sample ballots. Wednesday, volunteer elections judges tested all 70 of the countys M100 counting machines, 66 of which will be sent out to polling places Tuesday, according to elections supervisor Bradley Seaman. I love being able to show people how we test our system, Seaman said. The more that people know, the more confident they are. In a back room of the countys records center, around 25 elections judges sat in pairs, feeding test ballots into the fax-like machines. Jack and Kathy Walton were one such team, sliding packets of 15 ballots for each precinct into the scanner, before the results printed out on receipt paper. Kathy then read down the list, which had the position followed by candidates names and the number of votes they received, while Jack looked at the pre-made spreadsheet showing what the results should be, nodding and marking next to each spot that matched. Seaman said there was only one discrepancy in their testing Wednesday, which turned out to be human error. Where there should have been five votes for a write-in candidate, the machine said six, and where there should have been four ballots that had more than one candidate filled in, it was only three. Our human being, who was filling out the ballot for the test, should have filled out a vote for (another) candidate as well, Seaman said. We may make a mistake like this, but we catch (it) every time. It can cause problems for the machine if the ballots, which are fed through in a flat sheet, are creased or ripped along the black coded squares lining the left edge of the paper, Seaman said. If that happens at the polling place, the elections judge will throw away the ballot and ask the voter to fill out another. If that happens with an absentee ballot, which isnt counted until Election Day, Seaman said it goes to two special boards, made up of elections judges representing various political affiliations. Judges who volunteer for the boards have to attend special training, he said, in addition to the basic training every elections volunteer goes through. The resolution board determines why the ballot was unreadable, making an official note of what was wrong with the papers. The ballot is then passed on to the duplication board, which fills out a new ballot with the same selections. Thursday the office is testing the automark machines, which offer a variety of options for disabled voters to cast their ballots electronically, and Friday it tests the absentee machines. Missoula County will have around 600 people working on election day, Seaman said. Right around 530 of those are citizen volunteers whove gone through training mandated by the Montana Secretary of States office. The others are county staff, some of whom are on shift and others who volunteer. Katie Klietz, county communications coordinator, said Commissioner Jean Curtiss is the polling place manager at Hellgate High School, one of many administrative staff who volunteer on election day. We would have it [the day] off anyway, she said. A lot of people are invested. Any interested members of the public can stop by the elections testing center in the county records center, at 2147 Ernest Ave. Testing is from 9 a.m. until theyre finished; Wednesday that was around 3 p.m. After the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked a pair of logging projects near Bozeman on Tuesday, Sen. Steve Daines has increased his effort to make Congress overturn the legal decision. Daines, R-Montana, sent a memorandum on Wednesday asking the Senate and House of Representatives to promptly reverse the Cottonwood Environmental Law Center vs. U.S. Forest Service ruling. Known as a Dear Colleague letter, Daines message asked for a statutory amendment codifying a different courts decision. Todays disastrous ruling against a commonsense project to reduce wildfire risk and protect Bozemans watershed makes it even more urgent that we enact meaningful forest reform that will remove this sort of absurd regulatory burden, Daines wrote in a Tuesday email. The projects he referred to would have sent logging crews into the Bozeman and Hyalite creek drainages forming Bozemans water supply and along the East Boulder River southeast of Big Timber. The Cottonwood decision looked at the way the U.S. Forest Service worked with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect Canada lynx populations on its federal acreage. FWS created lynx critical habitat guidelines in 2006 that did not include Forest Service lands. The Forest Service adopted those guidelines in 2007. But a subsequent investigation found Bush administration officials had improperly limited the lynx territory. A new analysis expanded the critical habitat from 1,841 square miles to about 39,000 square miles. The Forest Service did not revisit its lynx guidelines after FWS issued its new analysis. Cottonwood Law and its clients sued, claiming the Forest Services forest plans should reflect the new material. The Forest Service countered that it could consider the new critical habitat guidelines on a project-by-project basis. Both a U.S. District Court judge and the 9th Circuit Court panel of judges ruled that was insufficient. The Forest Service appealed to the Supreme Court. A federal district court had blocked the Custer-Gallatin forest projects and the 9th Circuit delayed its ruling until it learned what the high court would do with its Cottonwood decision. The Supreme Court declined to hear the Forest Services appeal on Oct. 11, making the Ninth Circuit decision the final ruling. In an Oct. 15 interview, Cottonwood general counsel John Meyer called the legislative effort to change the ruling misguided, because it was a failure to protect Canada lynx in Forest Service forest plans that got the wild cat listed in the first place. Its ironic that the whole reason we won the case was because of political interference, Meyer said. If (the Bush Administration) had allowed the Fish and Wildlife Service to designate critical habitat properly, the Forest Service wouldnt have this problem on their hands. Does Daines plan on political interference again? He should stop playing biologist and let the biologists do their job. However, a separate case before the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals with similar circumstances reached a different decision in 2007. In Forest Guardians v. Forsgren, the appeals court judges agreed with the Forest Service that only project-level analysis is needed for new Endangered Species Act consultation. In his letter, Daines asked for an amendment declaring the 10th Circuit decision was the correct one, and that the Forest Service shouldnt have to reconsider its forest plans every time a new Endangered Species Act consultation might be needed. Unless Congress acts, this ruling will further increase the regulatory burden on federal agencies, drain limited budgets and consume much time and energy of agency personnel, Daines wrote on Wednesday. That would happen without improving analyses related to endangered species, which are already protected by project-level consultation processes. Missoulas annual Festival of the Dead Procession on Wednesday night was as lively as its ever been an eccentric and entertaining amalgam of traditional Mexican culture and modern American influences. Skulls and flowers painted on their faces, hundreds of marchers took to Higgins Avenue for a parade of drums, costumes, dancing, lights and music while a crowd of thousands took advantage of a clear, mild evening to soak it all in. The event has apparently become somewhat famous across the state. Greg Overman, a teacher at Three Forks high school, brought more than 40 students on the 174-mile trip for the celebration. They have been studying the history of the holiday and how its developed over the years and how its been integrated in different countries and cultures, Overman explained. The kids study each Mexican holiday, including Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16, as they occur during the calendar year. They spent the past two weeks studying Dia de los Muertos, which is a national holiday in Mexico. Basically, we learn how they celebrate each holiday in Mexico, said Three Forks freshman Cody Hope. Its fun. Neither the procession-goers nor the audience seemed to be concerned by the minor social media-fueled dust-up over the amount of cultural appropriation adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of another culture - that takes place during the event. Some people, in the weeks leading up to the holiday, didnt think it was right for white Americans to celebrate a holiday to which they had no historical cultural connection. The Zootown Arts Community Center, the nonprofit that took over the organization of the festival five years ago, even decided not to host the usual free face-painting this year. Despite that, almost everyone in the parade and many more in the crowd wore facepaint on Wednesday. "Our world is a melting pot and there are fewer hard lines between cultures and ethnicities, wrote Missoula artist Bev Beck Glueckert, who co-founded the festival. We wanted to invite people to participate in their own unique way, according to their own cultural background, and expressing their own beliefs and experiences regarding issues of mortality. Its tricky with an event like this because of the wide range of ideas and expressions. We've always asked that people participate in a respectful and considerate way. The event this year was true to what its always been a celebration of free expression rather than a strict adherence to the holiday that inspired it. As usual, the Stevensville High School Spanish class and band had a choreographed dance routine they performed at every corner this years song was the 2008 smash hit Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) by Beyonce. Birch Banks, an eighth-grader at the Spanish-language immersive Missoula International School, said he and his classmates celebrate Dia de los Muertos rather than Halloween. Missoula is not really a very diverse place, but this is a beautiful event because everybody comes downtown and takes part, he said. Everybody dresses in their finest, and its really quite nice. FRENCHTOWN In Frenchtown, 5-year-olds are getting back to basics. This fall, a new class was added to Frenchtown Elementary. It's called Transitional Kindergarten, a concept that's taken hold in several schools across Montana. On Thursday morning, Becky Lande's class of 14 built Lego creatures, learned bingo with her volunteer classroom helper and showed off their Play-Doh creations. They're all 5, old enough to be in kindergarten, but as elementary vice principal Ashley Parks put it, "they're barely 5." The cut-off for kindergarten is a child must be 5 years old by Sept. 10 of that year. For those with summer birthdays, they're much younger developmentally than their peers. "Summer birthdays struggle, and they struggle for years," Lande said. "A couple of months in a 5-year-old's life is a pretty big chunk of growth." This spring, the Frenchtown school board batted around the idea of transitional kindergarten for 2016-2017, giving unanimous approval in March. Elementary principal Aaron Griffin brought it to the board as a "bridge between preschool and kindergarten." *** Lande is taking the kindergarten curriculum and stretching it over two years with the transitional class. "They know the routine and then they're ready for academic learning," she said. "They learn social interactions and the school routine, which is really big. When they start their second year, they'll be leaders." Socialization and learning how to be in school are a large part of kindergarten. If kids don't have those parts down, the academic side can be difficult and often leads to interventions, retention or special education referrals down the line. "Actually, this is like what we used to do in kindergarten," said Lande, who's taught kindergarten at Frenchtown for 22 years. "For years it was play, socialization and introduction to skills. Now it's mastery of those skills, and no time for play." Frenchtown Intermediate Principal Riley Devins said these programs started popping up as Common Core took hold across the nation. The Common Core standards increase rigor at every level, including kindergarten. For example, Lande said, a kindergartner is expected to be able to write a paragraph by the end of the year. Transitional kindergarten is an experiment, Lande said, so they'll see after this year whether it moves forward. Anecdotally, she said she's already seeing growth in her students. "We'll be watching the program closely to measure its success," Parks said. They'll collect data on language development and other skills, and send home parent surveys this fall and in the spring to gauge if it's meeting families' needs. *** Transitional kindergarten programs also exist in Hamilton, Dillon and Havre. "It seems to be a national movement," Lande said. "So many kids are very, very young, with different levels of experience. They need a year of growth before they can get into the really academic stuff. "This is a need we've seen as kindergarten teachers for a long time." Frenchtown has five kindergarten classrooms in addition to the transitional class. That's about 100 students. Next year, the transitional kindergarten kids will be dispersed among the kindergarten classes, a few in each. Kindergartners' readiness runs the gamut, from kids who know their alphabet and numbers to those who don't know the first letter of their name. "When they can't keep up, they don't love school, and we want them to love school," Lande said. It's an opt-in program for parents, Devins said. It gives another option for families whose kids are old enough for kindergarten, but they know they're not ready. Griffin said he's seen the program's success firsthand. His nephews in Dillon went through transitional kindergarten. They're now in third grade, and he's "seen huge growth." Teachers and administration are all interested to see whether a statewide preschool effort goes through in the upcoming legislative session, though Griffin said "it depends who wins Tuesday." Gov. Steve Bullock has pushed Early Edge, a $37 million proposal to fund public preschool. It was shot down in 2015. Montana is one of eight states that doesn't fund preschool. Early Edge is proposed as a voluntary program for school districts, who would apply for a grant to fund or expand a preschool program. Transitional kindergarten is different from preschool or prekindergarten, Lande said, because it still follows a set curriculum. The curriculum is instead stretched over more time, and given at a slower pace. "I love that I get time now to actually sit and play with them," Lande said. "That's when learning happens." Three people have been charged in a counterfeit check-cashing scheme after allegedly stealing mail from more than 100 Missoula-area residents, and the Missoula County Sheriffs Office said more arrests are likely. Cassandra Eleen Megaard and Nathan Alan Swenson are each charged with felonies for identity theft, forgery and theft. According to a court affidavit, following an investigation into stolen and counterfeit checks being cashed in the Missoula area, sheriff's office detectives received a search warrant for the home of Swenson, Megaard and John Giblin. They allegedly found altered checks, as well as mail belonging to at least 114 other people, according to a court affidavit. During the search, Swenson, 29, allegedly admitted to being involved to a limited capacity in the scheme. He was arrested on another warrant, and when he was taken to the jail allegedly attempted to remove three checks and a pair of prepaid credit cards from his pants and hide them in the padding of the patrol car seat. Giblin, who was in jail after being arrested in September, has not been charged in the check-cashing scheme at this point, although the affidavit said he was involved in the crime. A search of his truck after his arrest found six checks belonging to other people, as well as methamphetamine, according to the affidavit. Swenson and Megaard, 34, broke into a truck at a trailhead in Ravalli County in late July, stealing a backpack that contained a mans ID and debit card, according to court documents. In August, a woman reported someone broke into her car at Big Sky Brewing Company and stole a book of checks. Swenson allegedly admitted to using one of those checks altered to make it appear to be from the man whose license was stolen to buy a pair of Beats headphones at Target. He allegedly gave the headphones and receipt to Megaard, who returned them to the store for cash. He allegedly used other checks to buy alcohol and gas from area stores. In mid-August, Megaard allegedly used stolen checks and identification from another woman to cash a $900 check at a bar in Lolo, as well as another at a bank in Missoula. The woman whose ID was used initially told a deputy it had been stolen, but authorities now believe she is involved in the criminal activity, according to the affidavit. Megaard allegedly returned to the Lolo bar later in August and cashed a stolen check using a different stolen ID. When she allegedly tried the same tactic two days later with yet another altered check, the bartender refused to honor it. Swenson, Megaard and Giblin also are accused of using stolen and altered checks at several other businesses in Missoula and Frenchtown, according to court documents. Brenda Bassett, spokeswoman for the Missoula County Sheriffs Office, said more arrests and charges are likely in the case. Megaard has an open felony case from August for meth possession. She is in Missoula County jail on a $25,000 bail from her new charges after appearing in Missoula County Justice Court in mid-October. Swenson is also charged with felony burglary and forgery in another case for allegedly altering checks stolen from his father in May and having a friend cash them. He is also in jail on $25,000 bail. *** Gregory Wayne Herron, 44, is also charged with felony forgery in relation to the scheme. According to his affidavit, investigators with the sheriffs office spoke to him in early October to discuss criminal activity at his house, where Swenson was staying. Herron allegedly said Swenson had been printing counterfeit checks, and he had seen ID cards and mail for other people, as well as a passport that was being made, at the house. Swenson also showed him some checks, including ones that were made to appear to be from a bank account for the Missoula County Detention Facility, according to court documents. An employee at the jail told the detective those counterfeit checks were cashed from the jail's account. The detective reviewed surveillance footage at the stores where they were used and recognized Herron as the one cashing them. Herron has another open case for issuing a bad check, and past convictions for issuing a bad check and for felony forgery. He is in the Missoula County jail on $50,000 bail. In 2004 Montana voters, by wide margin, passed an initiative to allow marijuana use for medical purposes. Persons with specified debilitating conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and chronic pain, could receive a medical marijuana card, if certified by a medical doctor. This provided blessed relief for some sick people. For example, one witness suffering severe cancer said that he would be dead by now if not for medical marijuana because his chemotherapy made him vomit 24 hours a day. He said: I am sorry. I am passionate about this, its the only thing that helped. Another patient, now dead, suffering from emphysema and other debilitating conditions, down to 69 pounds, pleaded not to have to go back on opioids because they put her in a zombie-like state and she wanted to enjoy her last days with her grandchildren. Unfortunately, there were abusesparticularly over-certification by a few rogue doctors who barely examined their patients. This was effectively addressed by the Montana Board of Medical Examiners, which clamped down on doctors who did not follow the required standard of care. Although this was the sensible approach, the 2011 Legislature, in a severe overreaction, took separate action, gutting the medical marijuana law. In particular, the amendment limited medical marijuana providers to only three patients. A Helena district judge recognized the irrationality of such a severe limitation, and immediately enjoined it. From 2011 to 2016, with this and other onerous provisions enjoined, the law worked effectively. Patients in need had access, but the abuses were eliminated. A representative of the Board of Medical Examiners later testified: Q. Has the board received any complaints or is there any evidence of abuses related with marijuana caravans? A. Sir, there just have been no complaints about licenses and medical marijuana at all, either in, if you will, fiscal 2012 or fiscal 2013. And: Q. Things have gone pretty well since July 1, 2011 vis-a-vis medical marijuana from the boards standpoint? A. I would say the boards workload on that particular subject has been very, very light if non-existent. In other words, the 2011 law, without the three-patient limit, worked very smoothly to ensure patient access while, at the same time, curbing abuses. Despite this, the Montana Supreme Court earlier this year overturned the injunction deferring to the legislative judgment made in 2011. The three-patient limit was reinstated. The reinstatement of the three-patient limit is the death knell for medical marijuana. Imagine if your pharmacist could only dispense opioid pain-killers and its other pharmaceuticals to three patients. Pharmacists would soon be out of business. Initiative I-182 has qualified for the November ballot. It has been carefully crafted to reinstate the law that worked effectively from 2011 to 2016. Specifically, it eliminates the three-patient limit, which everybody agrees is arbitrary and was designed essentially to kill medical marijuana. Marijuana, while not totally harmless, is relatively benign. In 1999, the Institute of Medicine found that tobacco was used by 76 percent of the population and 32 percent became dependent. Ninety-two percent of the population had used alcohol; 15 percent had become dependent. Marijuana, including hashish, had been used by 46 percent of the population but had only a 9 percent dependency rate. Yet alcohol and tobacco use are perfectly legal for adults. Neither drug has the compelling medicinal qualities of marijuana. It is time for a little common sense. The evidence is now overwhelming that marijuana helps some people with certain medical conditions. I-182 should be supported. The people promoting this collectivity say that such an initiative is a form of ballot biology, but I think carrying trapping any further into this century is more like buckskin biology. Much of what has preserved Montanas environment and the critters that live in it was born of grass-roots legislation like thisa lot of it supported and even initiated by hunters and anglers. To say that making a decision in the field to shoot something that will be eaten is akin to baiting a trap and walking away from itwhether the trapper admires mountain sunrises or notis a false equivalency. I-177 is not prelude to taking our guns. As usual, the lame stream media is howling about Donald Trump's rejection of accepting the election outcome. Personally, I don't blame Trump one single bit for having those thoughts. Where were his fellow competitors when it came to agreeing to support the Republican nominee? The news media is so blatantly slanted towards Hillary Clinton it is sickening. The confidential data revealed in her sloppy, disrespectful handling of confidential e-mails should be considered treasonous, but our federal government refuses to prosecute her. The way she absolutely abandoned our boys in Benghazi, then lied to their families, as well as to the American people why shouldn't this be grounds for manslaughter? Once again, no indictment. Her lame excuses that she didn't mean to commit any crimes? Not a valid defense. She did the crimes, she should do the time. When she and Bill Clinton left the White House she openly claimed they were broke. How quickly they have gone from broke to worth millions. This enhancement of their personal wealth should have the IRS drooling to convict her of possible tax evasion, but they don't dare touch them. If Trump wins, I feel relatively certain that she will go to prison. However, with the unabashed support of the lame stream media, she might very well win the upcoming election. Never in the history of this great country of ours have we had a presidential candidate as corrupt as the likes of Al Capone, Chicago's Mayor Daley or the Mafia families. Trump might be a jerk at times but it is time that this country be turned back in to a prosperous place do do business for all concerned. I believe Trump can accomplish that in spite of all the previous lies of the past eight years. If Hillary Clinton is elected, it may well be Armageddon for our country. M.A. Wilkinson, Alberton Starting in 1938 and continuing throughout the Second World War, propaganda machines of the Axis powers sought to divide and demoralize Americans by issuing criticisms of American government, press and culture. The themes are surprisingly consistent with todays. You dont have to look any further than a Joseph Goebbels op-ed published in pre-conflict newspapers worldwide titled "What Does America Really Want?" Goebbels, then Hitlers Minister of Propaganda, accused democratic politicians and journalists of conspiring in a public campaign against Germany as a conscious and intentional provocation aimed at the German Reich and the German people. Goebbels article goes on to identify Jews, or people who are in their service as the core of conspirators behind the filthy and dispicable campaign of hatred. Of course we know how things turned out. Miles of black-and-white images and rows of grave markers give witness to facts, though voices may deny. The Third Reich was not the first to weaponize words. Demoralizing and distracting your adversary is a tactic older than the history of human conflict and employed in causes both just and treacherous. Its relevance today lies in the present and perpetual political campaigns since the end of the Cold War. And in this election season the volume has been turned up to 11. Lets hope whomever prevails Nov. 8, and more importantly the party of the defeated, hits the mute button for a while. After all, this isnt the final election. Jerry McDonald, Thompson Falls The Montana Supreme Court decides everything from access to our lands and waters to the safety of our families and communities. We must elect the right candidate. Most judges recommend Judge Dirk Sandefur. They tell us he has established a superb record over the past quarter century as a police officer, a prosecutor and a judge. Most Montana attorneys, too, recommend Sandefur. They say he has been fair and reasonable to all. The other candidate is Kristen Juras. Her supporters are spreading slanderous information about Sandefur. As 24 judges recently stated: Many Montana District Court Judges and Justices of the Supreme Court are deeply concerned by the dark money attacks on a present candidate for the Montana Supreme Court, and its potential impact on the integrity and independence of the Montana Judiciary. The judges discuss vicious, false attacks Jurass supporters are making against Sandefur. (www.bozemandailychronicle.com/letter-attack-ads-and-judicial-candidates/pdf_b81d09a3-5f62-5894-abe9-d7553a03c592.html.) Prominent Montana lawyers have published a similar warning: ABOTA defends district court judge against unfair attacks by dark money group. (mtcowgirl.com/2016/10/10/guest-post-montana-abota-defends-district-court-judge-against-unfair-attacks-by-dark-money-group/.) Jurass background is mostly unknown, but there are red flags. Mostly, her career has been in academia. She has authored articles critical of our right to access our trout streams. Gov. Brian Schweitzer has admonished her for representing a large out-of-state corporation, which wanted to shift its multi-million dollar tax burden to Montanans. (missoulian.com/news/local/schweitzer-says-university-of-montana-law-professor-s-tax-study/article_bb42e300-fed7-11e1-a71b-001a4bcf887a.html.) You have to ask yourself why so much secret, outside money is being spent to slander Judge Sandefur so we might vote for an unknown, Kristen Juras. Erik B. Thueson, Helena other contributors: Jim Nelson, retired Montana Supreme Court justice, Syd McKenna, Missoula, Jory Ruggiero, Bozeman, Ward Taleff, Great Falls, Michael Sherwood, Missoula, Mark Kovacich, Great Falls, Tim McKittrick, Great Falls, Jim Hunt, Helena, Dennis Conner, Great Falls, Keith Marr, Great Falls, Pat Fox, Helena, Monte Beck, Bozeman, Gary Zadick, Great Falls, John Heenan, Billings, Zander Blewett, Great Falls, Drew Blewett, Great Falls, Anders Blewett, Great Falls, Hoyt and Blewett, Great Falls Public lands are down to roughly 1/3 of Montana. For $20, a trapper can buy a license and set an unlimited, unmarked trapline on public land, endangering anyone in their path including endangered species and companion animals. Fish, Wildlife and Parks has admitted they do not have the staff to regulate trapping, including setbacks from roads and trails. The victims of the trap could linger for days until they die of dehydration, exhaustion, predators, strangulation, or the trapper whenever they discover their victim. Unlike hunting, the victim, Montana's wildlife, then gets sold to market. For $20, trappers are selling our wildlife to the highest bidder, often out of the country. Initiative 177 would restrict commercial and recreational trapping. FWP would still be able to trap when necessary on public land, and would mark where those traps are for our safety. Private land would remain unaffected. Montana Trap-Free Public Lands initiative is a grassroots effort which is funded primarily by Montanans. The Montana Trappers Association and their political action committee have received large amounts of money from out-of-state lobbying organizations, more than one-third of their reported income. Only 5 percent of donations to I-177 come from other states. Do not fall victim to trappers' false claims against I-177, e.g., we'll be forced to use poison within cities, or we will be overrun by wolves and other wild animals. See www.yeson177.org for the facts. Trapping for predators and non-game wildlife happens year-round, furbearer season starts Nov. 1; let's make it end on the 8th! Jennifer Nitz, West Yellowstone Things are changing rapidly and negatively with both candidates for the next "leader of the free world," AKA president of the United States of America. Are we, America, really the "leader of the free world" anymore? As I talk with my son David, who lives in Barcleona, Spain, and has had a commodity consulting business there for over 20 years, I get a clear sense that Europeans are incredulous about America right now. Allowing Donald Trump to rise to the level of the head of the Republican party has really confused them. But it goes much deeper than that, really. The world looks at the present state of affairs in the Middle East and the rise of international terrorism with grave concerns. They wonder about our military response to 9/11. They wonder about our Republicans trying to shut down the Obama administration. And now they observe the level of our political campaign. There is a real concern among our foreign friends and those not so friendly about how our national regressive mood and behavior will affect them. As I read and listen to analysts and commentators with whom I have high regard, here are just a few of the questions that concern other nations: 1. What will be the U.S. stance on military matters? 2. How about U.S. negotiating skills on international threats and concerns? 3. Whose finger is on the nuclear button in America? 4. Will the world see another number of years of U.S. legislative stagnation because of deep political divides? The world does depend upon a strong and thoughtful U.S. international presence. The world both fears and depends upon our military might, depending upon the nation. Is our internal political rancor and dangerous party-punishing style of executive, legislative and judicial functions going to continue? For our own good and the good of the world in stabilizing America's leadership role in the global community, we had better get our act together pretty soon. Bob McClellan, Polson WEST GLACIER Two women have joined the Glacier National Park leadership team, including one who will serve as the parks spokeswoman. Lauren Alley is Glaciers new management assistant and public affairs specialist. The latter title makes her one of the parks most visible employees, as she will be the liaison between the national park and the news media. Glacier Superintendent Jeff Mow this week also announced the hiring of Rita Causby, Glaciers new safety officer. Alley replaces Denise Germann, who left in February for a new position at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. In the months since, during the busiest year in Glacier Park history, two people filled the job temporarily: first Margie Steigerwald, an outdoor recreation planner at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and then Tim Rains, a seasonal employee at Glacier. Alley has spent the past year as a writer in the parks planning department. Prior to that, she was director of communications for the Glacier National Park Conservancy. She has also been a concessions management specialist at Death Valley National Park and public affairs specialist at the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, and taught school on the Navajo Indian Reservation. Alley has a bachelors degree in psychology from Wellesley College and a masters in public affairs from the University of Texas. Moving to Glacier was a dream come true, she said. The park has been an important place for my family for generations, and the opportunity to call it home is a tremendous privilege. Alley will also manage Glaciers lands program portfolio. *** Causby returns to Glacier after a six-year absence. Since 2010, she has been the safety manager for 10 national park units in northern New Mexico Pecos National Historical Park, Fort Union National Monument, Bandelier National Monument, Valles Caldera National Preserve, Manhattan Project National Historical Park, Petroglyph National Monument, El Morro and El Malpais national monuments, Salinas Pueblo Missions and the Old Santa Fe Trail Building. Causby worked in Glacier from 2004-10, first as an administrative assistant and then as a safety specialist. She began her National Park Service career in 2002 at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. My ultimate goal was always to return to Glacier and dedicate myself to making the parks safety program the best across the National Park Service, Causby said. She replaces A.J. Johnson, who left to become safety manager at four Colorado and Utah NPS units: Dinosaur National Monument, Golden Spike National Historical Site, Timpanogos Cave National Monument and Colorado National Monument. LAKESIDE There is no way to quickly summarize the unexpected string of events that led Iris Butler to win $50,000 in a Powerball lottery last month, which she never plays to begin with, because nobody from Montana ever wins anything in Powerball. But here are a few things well be covering as we relate her unusual tale: A presidential debate, a heart attack, a sale on ribeye steaks, the deadline for purchasing lottery tickets (which she missed) and granted, this last ones a stretch the 1988 hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean. Oh, and heres one more thing to chew on in this strange story: the Powerball ticket for Oct. 22 that Butler wound up with after someone else first declined it, had the following numbers on it: 1, 28, 33, 55, 57 and a Powerball of 22. The winning numbers drawn the same night she bought the ticket: 1, 28, 33, 55, 56 and a Powerball of 22. Thats how close Iris Butler came a few days ago to winning $151 million instead of $50,000. *** Butler has not lost one second of sleep over the fact that the big jackpot escaped her by a single digit. If I had won $100 Id have been just as happy, she says. I dont even know what Id do with $150 million, except give away most of it to worthy causes. The $50,000, she adds, is such a godsend, and nothing I did or didnt do has anything to do with how much I won. The series of fortunate events actually begins with an unfortunate one, on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Iris and her husband Bill were just settling in at their Lakeside home to watch the final presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Thats when Bill suffered a heart attack. Iris was able to help him to their vehicle, and rushed him to Kalispell Regional Medical Center. The next day their two daughters, Genevieve and Chelsea, flew in from Los Angeles, where they live. Bill underwent angioplasty to unblock a blood vessel, and the surgery went well. In fact, he was released from the hospital a day earlier than doctors had initially predicted. But theres no way around the fact that, if he hadnt had the heart attack, Iris would not have been in Kalispell three days later to pick up prescriptions for her husband. There was an unanticipated delay in getting the medication at the pharmacy, which threw off everything else she had planned to take care of on Oct. 22. That included buying groceries for dinner. It was almost 8 p.m. when Iris pulled into the Rosauers Supermarket parking lot in Kalispell that night. *** Iris Butler is a regular lottery player, but rarely if ever buys Powerball tickets. She figures you have a much better chance at the considerably smaller Montana Cash jackpots, and shes right. A $2 Powerball ticket buys you approximately a 1-in-292 million chance at winning the jackpot. A $1 Montana Cash ticket delivers two sets of numbers, each with a 1 in 1.2 million chance at its far tinier jackpot payouts. So Butler usually spends $5 for 10 sets of Montana Cash numbers. And she matches two (worth $1) or three (worth $5) of the five numbers often enough to keep her happy. When she tried to buy $5 worth of Montana Cash tickets as she went through the Rosauers checkout line that night, however, the clerk told her she had missed the 8 p.m. cutoff by five minutes. They had a $2 Powerball reject they said I could buy, Butler says. I guess whoever ordered it didnt like the numbers, or maybe they had punched in the wrong numbers. Butler initially passed remember, she doesnt play Powerball but after her groceries had been rung up, had a change of heart. I had told them to forget it, but by the time they were done I decided, Oh, its only $2. I can lose $2. So I told them to throw it in. *** Butler placed the single ticket in her change purse, and promptly forgot about it. Little did she know her change purse now contained $50,000. She never checked the numbers. In fact, it wasnt until the following Monday that she happened to stop back in at Rosaeurs only because the store was having a sale on ribeyes and learned she had not only won, but had come tantalizingly close to $151 million. At the checkout, the clerk said, Im so glad you came in. Did you check the ticket you bought Saturday night? Butler says. I said, Of course not. Its a Powerball. Nobody in Montana ever wins Powerball, Well, we sold a $50,000 ticket, the clerk told her. Im sure its not mine, Butler said as she dug in her change purse for the forgotten ticket. The clerk inserted it into the lottery machine to check it, and handed it back to Butler with these words: Sign the back. Right now. *** I was laughing. I was just in disbelief, Butler says. There are no odds for everything that had to happen for me to have ended up with that ticket. You dont even have to include the circumstances from 28 years ago that led the Butlers to move to Montana in the first place, although its a fun aside. Bill and Iris lived in California at the time, but Bill was in New York, working. Their oldest daughter was just 5 months old. Bill never took vacations. He was always working, Iris says. I had talked him into a little September vacation, and we were all going to go to the Caribbean for a family getaway. Trouble was, when it came time for the planned trip, There were like 15 hurricanes in the Atlantic. It didnt seem like a good idea to go be in the middle of all that. She asked him if he had any other ideas, and his answer caught her off guard. Lets go to Kalispell, Montana, he said. For one thing, Iris had never heard of Kalispell. In fact, she thought he said Cowspell, and it took the travel agent she contacted a while to figure out exactly where the vacationers wanted to vacation. They came for a long weekend. Stayed at Marina Cay in Bigfork. Fell in love with the area. Picked up a real estate magazine at the old IGA Food Store. It was back in 1988, and everything was so cheap compared to California, she says. They called a Realtor, and looked at just four places before deciding to buy one just outside Lakeside. Now I know where America the Beautiful must have been written, Iris says. *** No one won the $151 million jackpot on Oct. 22, but one ticket matched all five numbers and missed the Powerball. That ticket was worth $1 million. A dozen other people across the United States did what Butlers ticket did match four of the five numbers and match the Powerball. Its not the first time Iris Butler has won something in Kalispell. About 10 years ago, she bought $20 worth of raffle tickets at the Northwest Montana Fair, and won a horse. Ive probably spent $50,000 on my so-called free horse in the last 10 years, she says, laughing. Isabella, a buckskin filly, has long been a part of the Butler family. Bill loves her, Iris says. I think shes his girlfriend. Iris, an attorney, has a soft spot for animals as well, and is also a longtime CASA volunteer thats a court-appointed special advocate for abused or neglected children. Ive spent my life rescuing kids, dogs and animals, she says. And now, I guess Ive rescued a rejected Powerball ticket. I dont mean to sound like a clueless idiot, but I never gave it a thought that I might win something with it. Its just insane. Law enforcement pulled the walkway apart Wednesday morning, saying it violated federal and state laws. Protesters responded by swimming across and forming a line in the water. They took turns standing off against police who were staged across the creek, returning to the camp side by canoe when they got too cold or were sprayed with chemicals. ST. IGNATIUS The largest contract ever awarded to the tribally owned S&K Technologies was announced late Wednesday afternoon, when one of the companys subsidiaries, S&K Aerospace, won a $4.2 billion contract from the U.S. Air Force. S&K Aerospace will assist more than 90 approved foreign nations to procure and maintain aging U.S. weapons systems and other military equipment. Its a job S&K Aerospace has already been hard at for four years, but under a five-year, $975 million contract. To keep going, the company had to outdo four other companies in a new, full-blown round of competitive bidding. Thats what were really excited about, said Thomas Acevedo, CEO of S&K Technologies. Its a brand new award, and we were one of five bidders competing for it. In 2012, the $975 million contract was three times larger than any previous contract S&K had been awarded. It was later increased to $1.63 billion to reflect higher-than anticipated demand from Foreign Military Sales customers. *** Officially, its called the Parts and Repair Ordering System (PROS) V Program. Its "obsolete military equipment components the U.S. sells to other nations, Acevedo explained. It could be from weapon systems, it could be ships, it could be aircraft, it could be armored vehicles. Our job is to find new vendors and suppliers that can help those countries repair and maintain what theyve purchased from the U.S. The new contracts $4.2 billion estimated worth is spread out over a five-year base, plus five one-year options and a five-year closeout. The PROS program involves components used in Army, Navy and Air Force equipment, and is called the Air Forces solution to providing Foreign Military Sales procurement and repair support long after the support of certain weapons systems is eliminated from the U.S. inventory. The success of the program relies on our ability to process a significant volume of customer requirements in a relatively short period of time to meet the requirements of the contract, said Tim Horne, director of PROS Programs, as well as managing a well-qualified and diverse vendor base to satisfy the wide range of needs. *** S&K Aerospace, which has offices in Warner-Robbins, Georgia, and Saudi Arabia, uses a Georgia firm called Parts and Repair Technical Services to help meet the contract requirements. Most of the work is done outside Montana, but S&K Aerospaces parent company is located in St. Ignatius. Since it was begun with $150,000 in seed money from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and incorporated in 1999, Acevedo said S&K Technologies has returned more than $25 million to the CSKT government including $11 million since S&K Aerospace won its first PROS contract four years ago. Prior to that, S&K Aerospaces previous record contract, worth $325 million, was with the Royal Saudi Air Force in 2001. According to Acevedo, the full range of technical support S&K will supply to countries around the globe includes supply and procurement, warehousing, fleet management, maintenance planning, maintenance service, technical and engineering services, obsolescence management, air vehicle integrity, training, and financial and program management support. IN SOUTHWEST MONTANA This was our fourth day at almost 9,000 feet and we had been into elk since sunup. We were bow hunting and every day we had seen elk, some at a distance. This morning for perhaps an hour we had called to three bulls, maybe four. The animals were a few hundred yards away in dark timber and had bugled back aggressively. Also a harem of cows of unknown number responded when we mimicked their calls. Hours earlier, long before daylight, we had crawled from our tents, lighting a Jetboil for hot water, from which we made coffee, and the coffee along with an energy bar apiece was our breakfast. The temperature was in the mid-20s. We were about 6 miles into the mountains traveling by foot and backpack and we wanted to minimize the weight we carried. So for breakfast and lunch we had energy bars and for supper we poured hot water over dehydrated rice, noodles, beef and chicken; meals in foil pouches. My son Trevor, 23, was along and also his friend, Alec Underwood, also 23. Both live in Missoula, although Alec grew up in upstate New York. After finishing breakfast each morning, we extinguished our headlamps and also switched off a three-strand portable electric fence that surrounded our tents. I had rented the fence from an outfit in Alaska. This was elk country, which in this part of Montana made it grizzly country, and we hoped the fence would repel nighttime marauders while also allowing us some sound sleep. Additionally we each carried bear spray, and we had a handgun, a 454 Casull. "Let's push down toward those elk," Alec said. "I agree," Trevor said. Perched about an hour west of Yellowstone Park atop a rocky precipice, almost a cliff, we had been pressing binoculars to our faces searching for elk in distant meadows, seeing none. This was in the half-light of very early morning. Below us somewhat and in the direction of the rising sun first one bull had bugled, then another and another. The elk weren't far away. Using a call the size of a cheerleader's megaphone Trevor bugled back. Quickly one bull responded and now we were moving in its direction, cross-slope down the cliff, our boots clawing loose rocks for traction, our heads low. Two hundred yards distant, we stopped and called again. Also Alec broke off a tree branch about the length and circumference of a man's arm and portraying himself as an angry bull itching to fight he swung the branch against a thick, tall tree and also raked it up and down the tree's trunk. Meanwhile I nocked an arrow and stepped ahead 50 yards, while Trevor bugled evermore loudly and gutturally, a roar followed by a scream and, finally, a series of grunts. We wanted a bull to come to Trevor and Alec's calling and en route clear itself in the thick timber so I could stick it with an arrow. Whether that happened, this would be a one-bull hunt, we knew that, because if we killed a bull we would have to pack it downslope on our backs the 6 miles from our camp in a single trip along with our tents, sleeping bags and other gear. The meat from a deboned 700-pound bull weighs about 200 pounds. Toss in 20 pounds worth of antlers and if we killed a bull we would have work to do. "I think Alec and I can carry the meat and our personal gear if you can carry the tents and food and camp gear and your personal gear," Trevor had said. "We'll see," I said. This was in mid-September during the height of the elk breeding and bugling season, and we were traveling entirely on public land far from anyone and by our own efforts alone we would kill a bull or not. This was important to us. Hunting with a guide is OK. But sometimes while riding in the mountains on a horse behind a guide you feel less like a hunter than a tourist. Anyway, our belief is that public land should be utilized, and should remain just that, public, notwithstanding the backroom deal-making in Washington that at times threatens otherwise. "Use it or lose it," Trevor says. To stay cool we dressed as lightly as possible while hiking the vertiginous ascents and descents of the mountainous countryside. Then in evening as the sun set we pulled on heavier clothes and ate our foil-pouch dinners while sitting cross-legged alongside our tents, talking quietly behind the bear fence. Nearby, a mountain spring trickled, flowed and pooled endlessly, providing water. Wanting to maintain a low profile we lit no campfires, and just before nightfall, following a flashlight's beam, we toted our food pack a few hundred yards from our camp and swung it in a tree. The pack held all of our food, and we couldn't afford to lose it to a bear. By 8:30 we were in our tents, sometimes asleep but other times lying awake listening to the mountain wind or coyotes near and far, yipping. TAKING HUNT TO THE ELK Killing an elk with a bow isn't easy and our generalized belief is that chance favors those who travel light and who are aggressive, meaning those who take the hunt to the elk. That said, the bull I had hoped to kill while positioning myself 50 yards ahead of Trevor and Alec showed himself only briefly and distantly in the timber before disappearing. Reconnoitering, then, and studying our handheld GPS, we believed the bulls that had bugled to us along with a harem of cows were holed up in a basin not far away, just beyond a nearby ridge. While considering our options we stood for long minutes unmoving and listening intently amid the timber and surrounding mountains and beneath an endless blue sky. Immersed in this beauty we were consumed by concentrated thought and physical challenge not otherwise easily achieved, and we couldn't have been happier. Again Trevor bugled and again Alec smashed trees and branches. This time two bulls bugled back, maybe three. Elk stink, and these animals were so close we could smell them. Trevor said, "Let's climb into the basin." Alec nodded and pointed to an upslope route to our left. Trevor preferred a path to the right. Both have killed elk with their bows and both revel in opportunities to figure out these beasts, whose North American population was about 10 million before white settlement. Now elk number about 1 million in the U.S., mostly in the mountain West, a population that is stable and even increasing, thanks to hunters' conservation efforts. "Let's go left," I said, pointing upslope. The higher country was perhaps 100 yards above, and we ascended more or less in single file, with short footsteps separating us. As we climbed, a bull revealed himself at the ridge top, startling us and bugling mightily, as if seeking a fight to the death. Brandishing tall, widespread antlers, the massive animal sidled businesslike downslope, toward us, on a track parallel to ours. Trevor drew back his bowstring. Whether this movement froze the bull behind a clump of brush and trees was unclear. But the animal locked up about 20 yards upslope from me and to my left, and the same distance directly left of Trevor. Obscured from our view, the elk didn't move. A minute passed, and more. Struggling to hold his bowstring at full draw, Trevor braced his bow's lower cam on his knee to relieve pressure on his arms. If the elk turned to its right or back upslope, neither Trevor nor I could shoot. If however the bull continued downslope I could shoot, and if he turned to his left, Trevor could shoot. The bull chose Door No. 4, and in the split second the animal passed in front of Trevor he aligned his bow and loosed an arrow, its broadhead piercing the elk behind the shoulder at 300 feet per second. As if into the ether, the animal disappeared. Meanwhile, two other bulls bugled nearby, wanting also to fight. We could have called one of them in and arrowed him, too. Or so we thought. But enough work lay ahead. Piled up against the base of a lodgepole pine, Trevor's elk was quartered, skinned and deboned in two hours. A grizzly or other scavengers would tear at the carcass soon enough. For lunch we munched on energy bars. Then we closed the distance between the kill site and our camp, some 2 miles, one step at a time, with Alec and Trevor bending to their heavy loads. HEAVY HIKE OUT In camp we boiled water and ate an early supper while hurriedly packing up. This was in midafternoon and already the sun angled toward the western horizon. Alec and Trevor's packs weighed more than 120 pounds when loaded with their personal gear and also the meat, and in their first attempts to stand up, they needed help. "OK?" I said. Alec was game, as was Trevor. My pack was lighter by more than a third, but I also needed help getting up. We planned to hike a couple of miles, set up camp and finish the trip to lower ground the next day. Afternoon temperatures were in the 40s, and the meat needed to be in cold storage as quickly as possible. Descending through dark timber, open meadows and across a small stream while balancing our steps with walking sticks, we intermittently collapsed to rest. "What do you think, Dad?" Trevor asked as we lay splayed in the cool mountain air, taking a break. "I see a cowboy with a string of empty pack horses riding toward us, looking for work," I said. "Maybe also the Red Cross." "You keep those thoughts," Trevor said. Amid evening's lengthening shadows we dropped the packs a last time atop a broad open plain of short grasses. Alec and Trevor toted the meat bags about 800 yards further along the trail and hung them in a tree while I set up camp. When they returned, as we strung the bear fence around our tents, a full moon rose between distant peaks, bathing the open plain in golden hues and also midnight blue. Immersed in such beauty, and consumed by physical challenge and concentrated thought, we couldn't have been happier. WASHINGTON Filmmaker Joel Gilbert, the conspiracy theorist who believes President Obama has a secret Muslim prayer inscribed on his wedding ring, made a splash in 2012 when he said Obama had plastic surgery to conceal that his real father was labor activist Frank Marshall Davis, who raised his son to lead a communist revolution. Four years later, and just in time for Election Day, Gilbert is back with a new film alleging that Bill Clinton has a 30-year-old son he sired with a black prostitute. And on Tuesday, Gilbert hauled the young man to Washington and gave him a speech to read to the TV cameras at the National Press Club. "As you can see I'm the black son of former president Bill Clinton and the stepson of Hillary Clinton," the young man, Danney Williams, read as Gilbert, off to the side, mouthed many of the words. Actually, you could only see him as Clinton's son if you imagined Clinton six inches shorter, with a different build and different facial features. But no matter. "At this time I am reaching out to Miss Lewinsky, Monica Lewinsky," Williams went on, looking to Gilbert for instruction and holding up a letter. "I'm asking that Miss Lewinsky allow me to borrow her blue dress in order to obtain a DNA sample of my father's, former president Bill Clinton, in order to finally prove that he is my father." In fact, Williams' DNA was tested, 17 years ago, when his mother sold it and her story to a tabloid, which compared the boy's genetic material to Clinton's DNA markers and concluded that Clinton wasn't his father. That essentially ended the intrigue until late last year, when longtime Donald Trump adviser Roger Stone declared: "I will get justice for Danney Williams stay tuned." The Trump confidant had decided the original DNA work was wrong, and he teamed up to make that case with conspiracy-minded radio host Alex Jones, an avid Trump backer who lent his InfoWars news outlet to the cause. Gilbert, who was hired by Stone's pro-Trump super PAC to design a "Super Trump" billboard for Times Square in September, made a film about Williams. The pro-Trump outlet Breitbart News, whose former chief Stephen Bannon now runs Trump's campaign, and the Drudge Report began to trumpet the long-debunked love-child story. Gilbert is a fixture on InfoWars, which live-streamed Tuesday's event. If past is prologue, Trump will, in this final week of the campaign, find a way to mention the story of Bill Clinton's love child. Stone to Jones to Bannon to Trump: This is how Trump legitimizes the fringe. As the website Right Wing Watch has documented, Jones has boasted that he gives Trump off-air advice, and he took credit for Trump voicing the theory that Ted Cruz's father was involved in John F. Kennedy's assassination. He has been pleased to see Trump repeating him "word-for-word" on the campaign trail. Trump, who has hailed Jones' "amazing" reputation, has parroted claims made by Jones (and often by Stone) that American Muslims celebrated the 9/11 attacks, that the election is "rigged" against Trump, that Antonin Scalia was murdered, that Hillary Clinton used drugs before a debate and, of course, that Obama's birth certificate was fake. Most ominously, Trump has echoed the "globalist" conspiracy theories embraced by Stone, Jones and Bannon, full of anti-Semitic tropes. In October, Trump blamed a "global power structure" for wrecking the economy and said Clinton "meets in secret with international banks to plot the destruction of U.S. sovereignty." Now comes the Bill Clinton love-child conspiracy, even if it collides with another popular conspiracy theory: that Chelsea Clinton wasn't fathered by Bill Clinton because he's sterile. Williams seems unclear on his motives. He said Tuesday that he was seeking the former president's DNA because "I want to know my dad." But moments later he was calling Clinton a "deadbeat" and a "big felon." Williams wants to raise $100,000 for his campaign but said he had only $2,800; Gilbert booked the room and said he funded the film. Gilbert quickly lost control of the event. One woman declared she was going to baptize Williams and then, failing to find oil in her handbag, performed the ritual with bottled water. There were prayers and laying on of hands and shouts from the participants that the press is "racist" and "bought off." Conservative activist Cliff Kincaid told the gathering I was there "to write a story making fun of" Williams. But I wouldn't make fun of Williams. The ones worthy of ridicule are the powerful and unscrupulous men exploiting him. HELENA A daily newspaper in Montana is crying foul after the campaign of Republican Greg Gianforte, who is trying to unseat incumbent Democrat Gov. Steve Bullock in next weeks election, used its logo in a television ad the paper says misrepresents their reporting. Last week the Bozeman Daily Chronicle responded to the spot, called Hush Money, with a blog post outlining the differences between the story and Gianfortes ad. The commercial uses eight headlines, none of which are the headlines that appeared on the print or online version of the story, which ran Oct. 13. The post, by Michael Becker, says the ad used the phrases hush money and thats corruption, which were not in the story. While Montana has laws that require campaigns and political groups to include certain information in political materials, such as who paid for the advertisement, it does not regulate the rest of the content. It's free speech and it doesnt sound right to say that you basically can say whatever the heck you want, but to a certain degree thats true. You can share your take on anything and thats free speech and thats protected, said Chris Gallus, a Helena attorney who focuses on election law. Gianforte's campaign on Monday issued this response to questions about the ad: "Folks can disagree over the ad's design, but the facts remain: nearly a million dollars in settlements have been paid out to state employees and career politician Steve Bullock refuses to answer questions about the settlements," said campaign spokesman Aaron Flint. In the statement, Flint said the reports portrayed the payouts were to "cover up misdeeds, silence whistle blowers, and to sweep alleged discrimination under the rug." The Chronicle referenced an anonymous source who said the payments were to "cover up misdeeds," according to the story by Troy Carter. According to the Chronicle, the same source said he or she was fired in retaliation for whistle-blower activities and offered a settlement of more than $50,000. The Chronicle verified the settlement through official documents. That employee filed a complaint with the Human Rights Bureau over alleged discrimination. Through campaigns using and misconstruing publicly available documents such as newspaper articles and court documents is nothing new, voters can be confused by these advertisements, said Lee Banville, a political researcher and journalism professor at the University of Montana. Usually what happened is an attack ad would take what a politician said out of context and use it to attack that politician, he said. Now theyre taking what a reporter finds out about an issue and turning it into some kind of uncontextualized attack that paints it in a very different light. Its unfortunate because what it does create is the impression the media has come to this conclusion through reporting. Thats what Chronicle managing editor Nick Ehli said in a letter to the Gianforte campaign last week. Ehli declined to comment for this story, but pointed to his comments in Beckers post: I realize that political ads are, by nature, political. I did, however, want to express my concern about the campaigns ads that started this weekend. I have no problem with the content; its certainly fair game. But it does seem the charges in the spot are being made not by the campaign, but by the Chronicle. I cant imagine a viewer having any other reaction. Ehli did say he was told his concerns were passed on to Gianforte. The state at one point had a law that would require candidates making claims about an incumbent's voting record to include in election materials a "statement of accuracy" and information about years of past votes. Earlier this year a federal judge struck down a part of the Disclose Act, a broad new set of campaign finance laws, that reinstated those previously ruled-unconstitutional provisions. The May ruling upheld a lawsuit filed by Republican J.C. Kantorowicz, who said his First Amendment rights were limited by laws that would have required him to send along with his campaign mailer a 42-page letter documenting all of the votes his incumbent opponent made in the last Legislative session, said Bozeman attorney Matthew Monforton, who represented Kantorowicz. Kantorowicz lost in the June primary for Senate District 10, south of Great Falls, to Republican Steve Fitzpatrick. Montana Newspaper Association executive director Jim Rickman said he hasnt heard in this election cycle or in years past of papers complaining about their stories being used or how they are portrayed by campaigns. He also said the issue hasnt come up at association gatherings, though he added the practice is common. More and more ... we start seeing these clips and brands of newspapers showing up in commercials and direct mails." Complaints over the validity of claims made in advertisements have come up before in this election cycle. In July Gianforte sent a cease-and-desist letter to "all Montana Broadcast Station Managers" demanding them to stop airing a television spot that called the candidate a "millionaire from New Jersey" and that he sued to close a fishing access site near his Bozeman home. Gianforte moved to Montana in 1995 and has said that the lawsuit was filed as a placeholder but never served on FWP. On Monday Good Jobs Montana released its final ad, hammering Gianforte on his past statements on a sales tax, among other things. That ad uses images of newspapers as they appeared in print and highlights lines of text, growing them to fill the screen. HELENA On Wednesday Montana's attorney general and the Public Service Commission joined several other states in submitting comments to the Environmental Protection Agency, criticizing the agency for ignoring the U.S. Supreme Courts stay of the agencys proposed carbon emissions regulations. Attorney General Tim Fox and the five-member, all-Republican PSC joined with 25 other state attorneys general, two other state public utility commissions and four state environmental quality departments. Earlier this year Fox joined with other states in challenging the EPAs carbon regulations, which would require Montana to reduce carbon emissions by more than 40 percent. Gov. Steve Bullock, a Democrat, supported Fox's decision, saying the EPA had "moved the goal posts" when issuing its final Clean Power Plan, which requires Montana to reduce its emissions by more than any other state and more than first proposed. That lawsuit resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court issuing an injunction until legal challenges have concluded. A press release from Fox's office Wednesday said that the EPA is moving forward with a rulemaking process for the Clean Energy Incentive Program, a component of the larger plan, in direct violation of the Supreme Courts stay. By moving forward with this rulemaking, EPA has ignored explicit instruction from the court, throwing years of well-established case law out the window, Fox said. It is unacceptable for the EPA to flout the rule of law and treat our nations highest court in this manner, and for the sake of preserving the integrity of the institution, I encourage the agency officials to rethink their actions. The Clean Energy Incentive Program is a regulatory mechanism used to create an incentive for renewable energy development across the country by providing emission reduction credits that count toward states carbon reduction goals. Fox's press release said the program's existence is dependent on the full regulation being upheld in court and the EPA cannot adopt a regulation to implement another regulation that has been stayed by the federal court. In representing EPA before the court, the U.S. Solicitor General argued that the Supreme Courts stay would require EPA to halt any further rulemaking action, stating implementation of each sequential step mandated by the Rule would be substantially delayed if the carbon regulations were stayed but ultimately upheld. Montana PSC Chairman Brad Johnson in a press release criticized proceeding with the rulemaking process. The EPAs decision to proceed with rulemaking for the Clean Energy Incentive Plan in light of the Supreme Courts stay of the carbon regulations is another stark example of the administrations high-handed disregard for the rule of law. A study released by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana in 2015 said that to meet requirements laid out in the plan, Montana's largest coal-fired power plant in Colstrip would have to operate just one and a half of its four units. Economist Patrick Barkey told the Missoulian at the time that wouldn't make economic sense. Since then, Colstrip operator Talen Energy has said it will close two of the plant's four units by 2022 as part of a settlement over emissions filed by the Sierra Club and Montana Environmental Information Center. Also Wednesday, State Sen. Doug Kary, R-Billings, sent a letter to Bullock requesting copies of public records about the impending closure of the two older units, specifically rumors that Talen or its parent company, Riverstone Holdings, plans to shutter the units earlier than previously announced. U.S. Sen. Steve Daines sent a letter to Talen CEO Paul Farr last week asking Farr to disclose any plans to shut down Units 1 and 2 in 2017 and asking if the state was aware of Talen's plans. "I would like to know if you or your staff had any knowledge or discussions about this matter," Kary wrote in his letter. "No one should find themselves caught off guard about Colstrips potentially earlier than expected closure because political decisions were made to withhold this information." Kary asked for emails or any other records from July, August and September between Talen and Bullock, as well as many of Bullock's staff. HELENA Does he or doesnt he? Republican candidate for governor Greg Gianforte, who is running to unseat incumbent Democrat Gov. Steve Bullock, has been accused by Bullock of wanting a sales tax, even though in the so-called 406 tax plan Gianforte released the zero stands for, in part, no sales tax. The idea of a sales tax is unpopular in Montana. A 2011 poll by Lee Newspapers showed that residents did not support one, with 64 percent opposing the idea only 25 percent supporting it. Voters in 1971 and 1993 decisively killed proposed sales taxes, and the Legislature has never passed an overall sales tax, though bills to do so have been introduced. So how does Bullock and the Montana Democratic Party make that claim, even though it doesn't match with what Gianforte is proposing now? By using Gianfortes own words from an income tax advisory council meeting in 2002. On Sept. 29 the party released audio from a meeting 14 years ago in which Gianforte, then the CEO of RightNow Technologies, called a sales tax an ideal solution from a high-tech perspective. Gianforte was testifying before then-Republican Gov. Judy Martz's Income Tax Advisory Council tasked with coming up with a proposal to reduce the state's income tax by 10 percent, reduce the effective capital gains rate and explore eliminating federal deductibility. Since the release of the audio, Democrats and the Bullock campaign have hammered Gianforte over his testimony, saying hes lying when he tells voters hes never supported a sales tax. The state party has released more than 30 emails citing Gianfortes sales tax with images showing how much things like groceries or shoes would cost with a statewide sales tax, encouraging people to share the image using the hashtag #salestaxgreg. At the 2002 meeting, Gianforte acknowledged political roadblocks to implementing a sales tax, one of three ideas he presented. He said in 2002 it may be politically impossible to do the wholesale change from an income tax to a sales tax." Gianforte spokesman Aaron Flint this week said that Gianfortes testimony before the committee was not advocating for a sales tax. He was lobbying the Legislature to lower the tax rates, which they eventually did, Flint said. Gianfortes campaign has called the discussion of a sales tax during the meeting hypothetical and said Gianforte acknowledged at the time the political unlikelihood of Montana enacting a sales tax. There are huge political issues and constitutional issues to a sales tax, Gianforte said in 2002. He also called it politically untenable and suggested the possibility of exemptions for farm equipment, before adding: But I didnt think I would be fair in coming here and not saying I believe that this is the ideal solution to move to a consumptive tax that would focus more on maybe the tourism industry we have in the state. But if you want high-tech, our competition has zero income, zero capital gains. Thats an ideal solution. Gianforte then said: Lets assume for a second thats an ideal solution, before presenting two other ideas. Montanas tax code in 2002 made it hard, Gianforte said, to attract and keep qualified workers in the state. At the time, the state had a income tax rate of 11 percent, the highest in the nation then, and a 9 percent effective capital gains rate, the highest in the region. Gianforte said a sales tax would make Montana competitive with other states that did not have as high of an income tax as Montana and create high-wage jobs that allowed the next generation to stay in Montana or return for work. Gianforte, whose wife and daughter were at the 2002 meeting, said his move to Montana wasn't the smartest business choice but an emotional decision" and that he intended to stay. Now I view myself as a Montanan and I want to be on the team to create an environment that might attract more people and create the kind of jobs we want, he said. Flint this week said Gianfortes tax plan presented to voters this year calls for no sales tax. "If Greg got a bill on his desk banning a sales tax, as governor he would sign it, he said. Democrats have countered that while Gianforte may not support a sales tax now, he is lying about his past support. In audio provided by Montana Democrats, Gianforte told a voter in Belgrade on Monday "I've never advocated for a sales tax." The person at the tour said "That's not true," to which Gianforte said "Well, you're wrong." Gianforte told the voter he said it was politically impossible and that he was not in favor of a sales tax. Audio from the 2002 meeting does not show Gianforte saying he was not in favor of a sales tax. Montana Democratic Party spokesman Jason Pitt said Montana voters don't believe Gianforte. "Gianforte can continue to lie to Montana voters ... but folks here see right through it," he said. "It is clear Montanans are genuinely concerned about Mr. Gianforte's record of advocating for sales tax, and pretending it never happened won't cut it." Earlier this moth Bullock said if re-elected he would ask the Legislature to send voters a referendum to ban a statewide sales tax. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., who was a state senator representing Big Sandy in 2002 and attended the meeting, said its distressing to see Gianfortes claims now. He solidly advocated for a sales tax, Tester said. Theres no ifs, ands or buts about it. Its there, it was 14 years ago but thats how I remember it and I think the record confirms that. Tester said he remembers the committee, which included Democrats, Republicans and Independents, heard the idea but didnt pursue it. Im sure we bounced that around but didnt give it a lot of credence, Tester said. Montana voters opposed many times a statewide sales tax. Former Director of the Department of Revenue under Martz, Kurt Alme, who was at the meeting, said this week that Gianfortes testimony was helpful. At the Senate hearing on Gov. Martz's proposal, Greg Gianforte's testimony was very helpful as we encouraged the Legislature to lower Montana's high income and capital gains tax rates. His efforts helped secure the lower tax rates all Montanans now enjoy." At the meeting, Gianforte talked about what would happen if the company went public and employees, who owned 30 percent of RightNow in stock, wanted to sell it. Were going to have a difficult decision in a couple years when this business morphs into something else and theres going to be a $7 to $10 million personal incentive to leave the state. The advisory council ended up recommending a limited sales tax on goods and services which it said nonresidents bought more than Montanans, things like eating out, alcoholic beverages, rental cars and guided trips. In 2003 the Legislature passed and Martz signed the Montana Economic Development Tax Act, which reduced the number of tax brackets, lowered the top bracket from 11 percent to 6.9 percent and gave a credit on capital gains of 2 percent by 2007, among other things. The act created a limited sales tax on accommodations and campgrounds and rental cars and increased taxes on cigarettes and other types of tobacco. A report by the Montana Budget and Policy Center in 2009 said the act did not expand the states economy. A 2013 report by Dan Dodds, a senior economist with the Department of Revenue, in part says any effect SB 407 had on the state economy appears to be smaller than the effects due to other influences. The departments report also says the law didnt increase the supply of labor and its unclear if it increased entrepreneurship. The evidence is consistent with increased employment due to SB 407 making Montana more attractive for unincorporated businesses, but lack of payroll data from before 2005 limits what can be said. An outbreak of pneumonia has killed at least 37 bighorn sheep on the National Bison Range north of Missoula. The disease has appeared in several other wild bighorn herds throughout western Montana, often killing at least half or more of the populations in the Bonner, Rock Creek and southern Bitterroot Valley in recent years. While it is typically transferred from domestic to wild sheep species, the pneumonia strain appears to only be fatal to the wild animals. We havent ever had a confirmed pneumonia die-off, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wildlife biologist Amy Lisk said on Tuesday. We had a report of several years of poor lamb recruitment [into adulthood], but that was 60 or 70 years ago. The types of tests we have now werent available then. In addition to killing all ages of bighorn sheep, western Montana pneumonia outbreaks have also tended to suppress populations by either lowered pregnancy rates or poor lamb survival for several years. The disease does not appear to affect other species of wildlife and is not related to the pneumonia strains that humans catch. Lisk said there are no known contacts with domestic sheep inside the Bison Range, which has extensive fencing around its 18,800-acre territory. However, Bison Range personnel are working with experts from Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and other institutions to develop a fuller picture of the outbreak. Before the outbreak started killing bighorns this August, the range estimated it had about 175 wild sheep. November is the species breeding time. Male bighorns carry distinctive curled horns and may weigh more than 300 pounds. Females have shorter curved horns and average 125 to 150 pounds. The Bison Ranges mountaintop-crossing Red Sleep Road closed to the public on Oct. 16. Visitors may still travel the lower Winter Drive, weather permitting. The range visitor center is open Monday through Thursdays in winter from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the road gates are open from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. While state FWP biologists killed many sick bighorns in previous outbreaks, that tactic was intended to prevent the spread of infection to other herds that were still disease-free. Lisk said because the Bison Range herd is essentially a single breeding population, theres no need or benefit to culling bighorns inside the range. That isolation might have a silver lining, however. The National Bison Range bighorns have been extensively studied for at least 30 years, and detailed records exist of its breeding and behavior patterns. All these animals are individually identifiable, Lisk said. Thats what makes it unique. There are so many things we dont know about this kind of pneumonia die-off. This may lead to learning more about this kind of disease. Smart Rating: 78.95 Release Year: 1945 Coming to Netflix: 11/18/2016 Description: This documentary movie is about the battle of San Pietro, a small village in Italy. Over 1,100 US soldiers were killed while trying to take this location, which blocked the way for the Allied forces from the Germans. Pastor Robert Rada, 911 1/2 E Sixth Street, stated that his church next to the Sheriff's Office and Secondary Roads is supplied water from the well owned by the County. Rada stated that when the County connects to City of Muscatine water, they will be closing the well which means his church will be without water. Bonebrake stated the County is paying for new water service to run to the County Sheriff and Secondary Roads, so it would be a good time for the church to tie in to the City. Rada stated his church is very small and cannot afford the $25,000 necessary to connect to City water. Kelly asked why the well has to be closed. County Engineer Keith White stated Muscatine Power and Water requires that the well be closed when connecting to City water. Sauer wondered how it came to be that the County well was supplying water to the church. White stated the water main is ending at the northeastern corner of the County property and Muscatine Power and Water would not allow the County to include the church, nor would they allow them to have a meter. White stated he had received a temporary allowance for them to use the well, but not the pressure system. Howard asked if they could continue to use the well and the equipment if the County sells the rights to it to the church. White stated he does not think Muscatine Power and Water would allow that. Kelly stated she feels it is the County's responsibility because the County requested the water hookup to city water. Sorensen stated the County is in a difficult situation because it would not be right to use taxpayer dollars to get the church hooked up to City water. White stated Muscatine Power and Water refused to let the church run a line in the right of way, refused to let them run a line across County property and would only grant a grace period for staying hooked to the well, but without the pressure system. White stated the only ones with the power to make the decision are Muscatine Power and Water. Sorensen stated maybe the County should have more conversations with Muscatine Power and Water. Bonebrake stated he would be willing to do a lease with the church on the well and pump system if Muscatine Power and Water would agree to it. Rada stated for them to put in their own well would cost at least $10,000. White stated Phelps has a well on the other side of the church property that will not be closed and suggested that may be an option for the church. The Board advised Rada to research his options. MUSCATINE, Iowa An Atalissa man was sentenced on Tuesday to a total of 30 years suspended prison after pleading guilty to neglect or abandonment of a dependent person. Joshua Bartenhagen, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of neglect or abandonment of a dependent person, a class C felony, and one count of controlled substance violation, a class C felony, according to the plea agreement. A child in the care of Bartenhagen was exposed to methamphetamine in November of 2015, causing the child to test positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine, according to the criminal complaint. He was sentenced to 15 years suspended prison and three years probation on both counts, according to court documents. Amy Pace, 34, of Atalissa, was also sentenced in relation to the case, to a total of 30 years suspended prison, for two counts of neglect or abandonment of a dependent person, a class C felony, and controlled substance violation, also a class C felony, according to online court records. Pace was sentenced to six years probation, with four suspended, according to court documents. Emily Wenger of the Muscatine Journal MUSCATINE, Iowa The 7th Annual Chili Cook Off hosted by the VFW Post 1565 Auxiliary will be held starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, at the VFW, 1415 Grandview Ave., Muscatine. Come join the fun and have some chili. The event is free to the public and you can vote for your favorite chili with a penny per vote. Contact Paula at 563-299-6767 for more information. WEST LIBERTY, Iowa - An early draft of West Liberty's Comprehensive Plan update is being hailed as a useful tool for guiding future development. Vanessa Fixmer-Oraiz, a planner from the Iowa City office of HBK Engineering, presented the draft update to the city council during a work session preceding Tuesday night's regular council meeting. The update, prepared with input from city officials and the public, includes a number of utility and road infrastructure improvements as well as utility upgrades and park and trail development. "My overall take is you've got really good support from the community to do what needs to be done," Fixmer-Oraiz told the council. But Fixmer-Oraiz noted the update doesn't include a payment plan. City Manager Lawrence McNaul said the city should pay down some existing debt before taking on more. "It's hard to put a source together if we don't have a method to pay for it," he said. Council members were pleased with the draft plan. "I think this will be very helpful," commented Council Member Melody Russell. Fixmer-Oraiz said she'll use additional input to prepare a final plan to present during the Nov. 15 council meeting for official approval. "It should be a living document," she said. "It should be something we continually review." On a related note, the council approved a $1.6 million bond purchase agreement to refinance 2009 bonds at a savings of $67,000 and to help finance the Short and Spencer Street Projects and the upcoming Maxson Avenue Project. SQUIRREL CASE TO GO TO COURT West Liberty will have its day in court to seek nearly a quarter of a million dollars for damage the city claims was caused by a wayward squirrel. After discussing the matter in closed session, the council voted unanimously to proceed with a lawsuit against Employers Mutual Casualty Company. The city is seeking $213,524 from the insurance firm following a Nov. 7, 2014 fire at a substation caused by an electrical arc that occurred when the squirrel wandered into the substation. The insurer has denied making payment, claiming damage caused by arcing or electrical currents other than lightning is not covered. CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING The large evergreen tree in City Hall's yard will be lighted for West Liberty's Holiday Open House on Sunday, Nov. 20, but City Hall will not be open to the public for the annual tradition. The council unanimously approved Council Member Diane Beranek's motion to decorate the tree but not open City Hall and to use "reasonable discretion" in purchasing new lights. McNaul had suggested purchasing high quality lights, but City Clerk Missy Carter reported the minimal cost would be $2,000 to $3,000. It was also noted that members of the public don't attend the tree lighting or visit City Hall but instead attend activities downtown. IN OTHER BUSINESS The council approved payment of claims totaling $481,006. The council approved the second reading and waived the third reading of an ordinance changing the zoning of 1105 North Columbus Street from C-1 Highway Commercial to R-3 Mixed Residential to facilitate developing the motel at that site to apartments. Given the nationwide emphasis on education in general, the lack of sexual education in schools in many states can seem quite ironic. 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 [] Nuclear procurement will save South Africa from a possible 2026 electricity capacity crunch, said Eskom CEO Brian Molefe in a briefing on Thursday. Molefe, who was delivering Eskoms six-month results for the period to end-September 2016, warned South Africa could experience load shedding again if it doesnt go this route. South Africa has experienced 15 months without load shedding, said Molefe. We expect that by 2026 we will have problems again. Between 2022 and 2026 there will be a declining surplus, he said. That is why we need to start with nuclear procurement now, Molefe added that the first five years of nuclear procurement will be planning, just planning. South Africas bid to procure nuclear has come under scrutiny as experts have questioned whether the country can afford the programme. Nevertheless, Molefe further said that excess capacity currently exists and is projected to grow steadily over the next few years. Eskom calls on customers to increase consumption, he said. Fin24 Now read: Koeberg Unit 1 up and running Oops... This is embarrassing... We're Sorry, the page you're looking for may have been moved. Let's help you find the page you were looking for... First, try using the search form below. Type what you're looking for and search; If the search forms above won't help you find exactly what you're looking for, perhaps one of the links from our sitemap below will help you; If you prefer to visit a particular school's information page on this website, please select the school from the form presented on the Myschool Homepage by clicking here. 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Chiarello, 54, a St. Helena resident and owner of Bottega in Yountville, had stopped along Silverado Trail south of Yountville Cross Road in his 2015 Porsche Boxster when he was approached at 3:27 a.m. by a CHP officer, said Marc Renspurger, CHP spokesman. Chiarello was arrested for misdemeanor driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance. He was booked into the Napa County jail at 4:46 a.m. on $5,000 bail and was released by 7:28 a.m. Chiarello disputes the misdemeanor charges, his spokesman said in an email the following day. He also owns Chiarello Family Vineyards in St. Helena, where he was the founding chef of Tra Vigne restaurant in the 1980s. This story has been modified from the original to reflect that Chiarello was already pulled over when law enforcement encountered him. Parole was denied for Josiah Barra, now 39, who was convicted of attempted murder after stabbing several tourists in Yountville on Dec. 30, 1995. Barra was denied parole for a period of seven years following a Lifer Hearing at Pleasant Valley Prison in Coalinga last Thursday. Napa County District Attorney Gary Lieberstein attended the hearing and supported the parole boards decision. Josiah Barra, then 18, and his brother, Johnny, then 20, had been drinking with their father at a relatives home in St. Helena when they decided to move their partying to another home on Washington Street in Yountville. Johnny was intoxicated. Not just intoxicated in a polite sense, but drunk, Johnny Barras defense attorney said during the trial. When they ran out of alcohol, the brothers decided to find some tourists to rob, according to the Napa County District Attorneys Office. Southern California residents Richard Lafferty Sr., his son, Richard Lafferty Jr., and his son-in-law, Darryl Ross, were walking in downtown Yountville after enjoying a nice holiday outing with their families when the brothers approached them demanding money. When they refused, the brothers attacked them, stabbing them multiple times near the 6600 block of Washington Street. Richard Lafferty Sr. was the most seriously injured he was stabbed six or seven times in the back and lost half the blood in his body. While lying on the sidewalk, the 50-year-old Laguna Beach man told his wife and his family that he was dying and that he had a good life and loved them very much. Lafferty Sr. survived the knife attack after spending three weeks in the hospital, according to Register reports. The day after the attack, the Barra brothers laughed about how they had stabbed some tourists and got $40, the DA said. They were arrested weeks later at a friends house in Fresno. Both men were tried and convicted of willful deliberate attempted murder and robbery. The Barra brothers were subsequently sentenced to prison terms: Josiah to 28 years to life and Johnny to 32 years to life, Lieberstein said. During Barras six-hour parole hearing, Richard Lafferty Sr., his wife and son all gave impact statements. The Parole Board determined that Josiah Barra still could be a danger to society and that he would not likely be suitable for parole for a minimum of seven years. Before Mr. Barra can be seriously considered for release, Lieberstein said, he has a lot of work to do to understand the gravity and severity of his actions as well as to prove that he no longer represents a danger to society by complying with the rules in prison and taking advantage of the many self-help programs offered there to deal with anger management, alcohol abuse and victim awareness. Editor's note: This story has been modified from its original form to correct the charges for the defendants and to clarify their respective sentences. Napa Valley College welcomes this opportunity to respond to requests for information about the college budget process. Here are the facts: 1. Napa Valley College has never approved a deficit- spending budget. Deficit budgets are not allowed under state laws that govern community colleges. 2. It is effective practice for community colleges to use reserves to balance their budgets. That is why reserves exist, in much the same way a household might dip into a rainy-day fund. 3. Colleges are required to have a 5 percent reserve by state law. At no time has the college dipped below this 5 percent in budgeting. 4. This year, 2016-17, the college has once again met its budget expenses with revenues, and is projecting the highest reserve balance in recent history. Further details about the college budget can be found at http://www.napavalley.edu. In addition, a podcast about the college budget, featuring a discussion by NVC President Ron Kraft and Vice President Robert Parker, can be found at goo.gl/cle6sK. Michael J. Baldini, president Napa Valley College Board of Trustees I just read your online edition with your editorial pick for this upcoming election ("Our View: Time again to cast your vote," Oct. 30). I am not surprised that you selected the Democratid candidate. You say in 2014 Charlie Schaupp had a sunny disposition and now he has a disposition that is a dark and angry mood. In the various debates I have attended, I have never seen a dark, angry attitude. This is definitely a subjective rather than objective position on your part and, to me, reflects your attempt to justify a biased conclusion. And when it comes to an appropriate fit for Napa County, would you be more specific in what qualifications or criteria are required to be an appropriate fit for Napa County? I have had the pleasure of interacting with Charlie during his previous and his current campaign. Maintaining straight-forward and firm positions in his desire to help improve California should never be interpreted as a dark and angry mood. Truly passionate in representing Napa County and the total 4th district would be a better description of his mood. If anyone should have a dark, angry mood, it should be the voter. As Charlies financial disclosure states, he has not been supported with large amounts of money from Special Interest groups as has his opponent and your candidate choice. She, if elected, will enter office obligated to the big money she has received. I hope that the readers look at Charlie through a clear, unbiased lens when they cast their ballots and do not cast their vote for Bought and Paid For Cecilia. Marvin Smith Napa Finding the rare, unique and authentic is what many visitors to the Napa Valley long for, and they are sure to find it along Highway 128 in the eastern hills of the Napa Valley at Nichelini Winery. According to the president of the winery and fourth-generation descendant of the winerys founder, Doug Patterson, Nichelini Winery is the oldest family-owned and-operated winery in Napa County, this year celebrating their 126th harvest. In 1884, traveling on horseback, my great-great-grandparents, Anton and Caterina Nichelini, became the first Swiss settlers in Napa Countys Chiles Valley, said Patterson. Once they arrived they planted vines, and four years later theyd had their first harvest. Since then the family have harvested grapes every year, with one of the family members making the wine. By 1895, the Nichelinis had constructed a hand-hewn stone winery with a seven-bedroom house above it that provided a home for the 12 children they would eventually have. The winery, original Roman wine press and house still stand today. The Nichelini property is located in the Napa Valleys Vaca Mountains, 11 miles east of Rutherford in the Chiles Valley appellation. If you have ever driven from St. Helena to Sacramento or gone to Lake Berryessa you probably passed the old winery as you twisted along an especially narrow section of Highway 128. And, if you are like me, every time you passed the old buildings you felt both intrigued and charmed by the yellow clapboard house, rough-stone winery and small wooden Nichelini Winery sign, each so modest and unassuming that I hesitated to stop, imagining that I might be interrupting a family gathered to eat lunch and drink wine at long wooden tables covered with red-and-white checkerboard tablecloths. Those adventurous enough to stop will be rewarded with a wine experience that is unheard of in modern-day Napa Valley: a fifth-generation winemaker, Aimee Sunseri, who is a direct descendant of the founders and is also the seventh consecutive family winemaker, starting with her great-great-grandfather, Anton Nichelini in 1890. Our family has a great American story, said Sunseri. Growing up, I was always proud that there was a winery built by my great-great-grandparents that was still being operated by family. Not everyone has that connection to a place. Especially around here. Beyond learning winemaking from her family, Sunseri received her formal education at UC Davis in viticulture and enology. She became head winemaker in 2009 and personifies the winerys motto, Generation to Generation, with her wines showcasing a wonderful authentic flair that is in welcome contrast to many of the slicker wines made from only a few miles away. Our old-fashioned attention to detail is complemented by our investment in the latest winemaking and processing equipment and the technical rigor and artistry of Aimee, said Patterson. Beyond owning one of the last remaining Roman wine presses in the country, Nichelini also has the distinction of having a special winery bond number. Our winery bond 843 is pre-Prohibition, Patterson said. Winery bonds stopped being issued during Prohibition. Post-Prohibition, when the winery bonds started up again, the government decided to start at the number 5,000, as I understand it. If you travel around Napa Valley long enough, you will run across these old bonded winery numbers. Heitz Cellars still has their Bonded Winery 967 emblazoned on their old stone winery and the Pestoni family, who own Rutherford Grove Winery, proudly remind people of their long heritage by referring to Bonded Winery 935 that was associated with their familys Bell Canyon winery. They (the Nichelini family) are from the same Ticino region of Switzerland and are old family friends, said Gregory Pestoni, who now helps run Rutherford Grove Winery and the familys Calistogas hotel DAmici and ristorante. They can rightly claim to be the oldest continuously operated family winery in the Napa Valley. They were founded in 1890, two years before Albino Pestoni founded his winery. You can see they had bond number 843 to our 935. One of the reasons for having so few long-term winery families in the United States may be due in part to Prohibition, which was a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages that remained in place from 1920 to 1933. It forced many such families out of the wine trade, some converting their lands to other crops or moving away. But the Nicholinis were not so easily dissuaded from processing grapes and making wine. To get through Prohibition we sold grapes to the vinegar industry, said Patterson. We also sold grapes that were shipped back to Chicago for the immigrant families that made homemade wine. The grapes were Alicante Bouche. Finally, the eldest son, Bill, was a wine distributor for Beaulieu Vineyards, who had a permit to sell altar wine to the Catholic Church. Independently, we had a wine-delivery system to individual households in Oakland and San Francisco. When pulled over by the authorities, Bill would say he was delivering wine to the churches and then showed his permit. It worked! Today all the wines made come from the familys nearby vineyard, where common varietals such as merlot, zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon are grown alongside vines that were planted in the 1940s. The oldest vines we have today were planted in 1946. They are muscadelle or sometimes called sauvignon vert, said Patterson. It is one of the three Bordeaux white grapes, and they grow extremely well here. The other two are sauvignon blanc and semillon. We grow those two as well. Our muscadelle vines are on St. George root stock and dry farmed. Two wines stood out during our tasting, the 2015 old vine muscadelle and the 2013 Zinfandel. The muscadelle ($26 a bottle, and only 232 cases made) was straw-colored with intense aromas of peach and musty earth. The flavors were candied burnt orange and dried pear mixing with truffle and fresh parsley. This is a wine that takes a moment to get to understand, but those who do take the time will be rewarded with a wholly unique and wonderful experience. The 2013 zinfandel ($35 a bottle and only 125 cases made) comes from vines planted in the year 2000 from cuttings from the 1929 Nichelini clone vines. This is not a heavy-handed, high-alcohol wine that you might find from many other Zinfandel producers. It represents what this often overly done varietal can aspire to when grown in the appropriate location and treated with delicate care. This is a wonderful wine. It shimmers brick-red and from even several inches away one can smell aromas of red raspberry and clove, followed by vanilla-cherry cola and cardamom spice. In the mouth this wine develops to reveal layers of brambly red and blue fruit, finishing with floral and maple syrup. Nichelini is one winery that will reward those who are willing to take the time to slow down a bit and enjoy a depth and history that is refreshing. If you go, Id recommend spending the afternoon, bringing a picnic lunch and touring the grounds, including the refurbished homestead cabin. You might not hear the whisper of Antons influence in the breeze, but youre sure to taste it in the wines. We strive to produce truly world-class, American wines that exhibit finesse, simplicity and individuality, Sunseri said. I will continue to work so that I can live up to our familys heritage and make my family proud. This course Read more [...] Visiting Montenegro on Thursday (3 November 2016), Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller congratulated the nations and teams that participated at the CRNA GORA 2016 civil emergency exercise organised by the Alliances Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response and Coordination Centre (EADRCC). Speaking at the closing ceremony alongside President Filip Vujanovic, the Deputy Secretary General thanked Montenegro for hosting the exercise. Exercises like the one just concluded help to ensure that lives will be saved through prompt and effective multinational coordination, she said. Many nations working together to meet a common challenge this is what NATO has been about for nearly 70 years. Working together in areas related to defence and civil emergencies we are greater than the sum of our individual countries acting alone. Ms. Gottemoeller congratulated Montenegro on celebrating its tenth year of independence in 2016 and on its progress toward NATO membership. She underlined that the Alliance looks forward to welcoming Montenegro as NATOs 29th member in the near future. During her visit, the Deputy Secretary General also met with President Filip Vujanovic, Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, Deputy Prime Minister, Dusko Markovic, and Defence Minister, Dr. Milica Pejanovic Durisic. (As delivered) Thank you. I came this morning to see the final day of this important exercise that is looking mostly at issues to do with water rescue. And I was indeed able to see how the 17 teams from all across the region and from as far away as the United States have been working together to, you know, simulate rescuing victims of floods. Rescuing people who are trapped in houses. Even rescuing farm animals. And I think it is so important to show that NATO is not just about cooperative defence; it is also involved in dealing with natural disasters, helping countries to address terrible situations that arise. I know even here in Montenegro youve had terrible floods from time to time. Terrible snowfalls. And NATO working together with countries such as Montenegro is able to help with these natural disasters. So it was a great opportunity for me. Its my very first trip as the new Deputy Secretary General of NATO. And its my very first opportunity to be in Montenegro as well. And so its really been a working visit. I have learned a lot, and I thank Montenegro for the terrific work that your people did, your teams did, to organize this important exercise. Except for maybe the rain. Otherwise a perfect, perfect exercise I would say. National Television: We have seen on the eve of the elections here on the 16th of October that a possible terrorist attack was thwarted. We heard the Prosecutor General of Montenegro speaking about it. It was possibly linked to the Russian activity and we see Russians are quite active in the region. Will this speed up Montenegros accession to NATO? How do you evaluate events of this kind and the readiness of Montenegro to join NATO in this context? Rose Gottemoeller: First, of course the events around your election are a very serious matter. I know the comment was made about the investigations being open, the Prosecutor General being involved in the matter. I would not want to comment on an open investigation of this kind, but it is a very serious matter indeed, and I am glad that there is now an open investigation, both here in Montenegro and also an ongoing investigation in Serbia. So I think it is very important that these investigatory processes proceed forward. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on them. But I will say that I believe the work you have done to strengthen your national institutions is very important to address a situation of this kind. So I do think that the process of preparing for NATO membership has strengthened Montenegro to address a serious crisis such as this kind. So that is already a positive effect of NATO membership. As far as your accession to NATO, it is, as I remarked a few moments ago, proceeding smoothly. It is already clear that Montenegro has been invited to become a NATO member and one by one the countries who are currently NATO Allies the 28 countries are voting in their national parliaments on accession. That process is smooth. I dont see any reason why NATO membership for Montenegro should not be ready in 2017. Of course, Montenegro itself will have to complete your accession processes in your parliament and then that will complete the overall process of your NATO membership. I think its not a matter of anything needed to speeded up. I think actually your membership in NATO, the accession process is moving forward smoothly. I expect that, pending all of these parliamentary processes being completed, you will become a member in the spring of 2017. So I dont see any problems with that. Telegraf: Your comment about the military exercise in Serbia, in which Russia and Belarus participated. Is it only a coincidence that the NATO exercise in Montenegro happened at the same time? Rose Gottemoeller: I already mentioned what careful planning went into this exercise for these emergency response scenarios here in Montenegro. This exercise has been under planning for already a year. So it wasnt thought up at the last minute. One thing I do want to stress I think its a very, very important point is that NATO puts a lot of importance on countries having the opportunity to choose their security relationships. Its a countrys sovereign right to choose its own security arrangements. So its up to Serbia to decide if it would like to take part in a military exercise with the Russian Federation. As far as NATO is concerned, thats fine, thats ok. This is not a zero-sum game. Serbia can choose its security and defence relationships as it sees fit, as a national sovereign nation. But were also very glad that Serbia is here, participating in this important emergency response exercise. So, again, its important that a country be able to participate in what exercises it finds useful for its defence and security relationships, but also for its national requirements in areas like emergency response. I think all the countries that participated here learned a lot about how to deal with natural disasters that would require water rescue, like big floods. By PTI NEW DELHI: Two days after Twitter India head Rishi Jaitly announced his exit, the microblogging network's Managing Director for India, Southeast Asia and Middle East and North Africa region (MENA), Parminder Singh, has put in his papers. Singh, like many of his former colleagues, announced his exit on Twitter. An update. After leading Twitter in Asia's most exciting markets (India/SEA/MENA) for 3 years, time to move on to new passions, he tweeted. Singh added that this was the right time for him tostep back as the India and Southeast Asia (SEA) operations are aligned to Asia Pacific region, while MENA is aligned to Europe and Middle East. Following this, Twitter has appointed Maya Hari as its new Managing Director of India and SEA, reporting to Aliza Knox, VP of Asia Pacific. Hari previously managed Twitter's Ads Product Strategy and Adoption for Asia Pacific, MENA and Latin America. When contacted, a Twitter spokesperson said over the next month, Singh will be closely involved in transitioning the business to the new leadership for continuity and momentum. Taranjeet Singh continues to be Twitter's Business Head for India and remains the key client contact for Indian brand marketers and advertisers, the spokesperson added. Parminder Singh had joined Twitter from Google in 2013. At Google, he led the company's display advertising business for the Asia Pacific region. On Monday, Twitter India head Jaitly announced his exit after a four-year stint. The San Francisco-based microblogging company has been struggling with a stagnant user base and slowing revenue growth for a few quarters. It discontinued global engineering work at its Bengaluru development centre in September and laid off employees. Last week, Twitter said it would cut 9 per cent of its global workforce or about 350 employees, in order to cut down its costs. NEW DELHI: Two days after Twitter India head Rishi Jaitly announced his exit, the microblogging network's Managing Director for India, Southeast Asia and Middle East and North Africa region (MENA), Parminder Singh, has put in his papers. Singh, like many of his former colleagues, announced his exit on Twitter. An update. After leading Twitter in Asia's most exciting markets (India/SEA/MENA) for 3 years, time to move on to new passions, he tweeted. Singh added that this was the right time for him tostep back as the India and Southeast Asia (SEA) operations are aligned to Asia Pacific region, while MENA is aligned to Europe and Middle East. Following this, Twitter has appointed Maya Hari as its new Managing Director of India and SEA, reporting to Aliza Knox, VP of Asia Pacific. Hari previously managed Twitter's Ads Product Strategy and Adoption for Asia Pacific, MENA and Latin America. When contacted, a Twitter spokesperson said over the next month, Singh will be closely involved in transitioning the business to the new leadership for continuity and momentum. Taranjeet Singh continues to be Twitter's Business Head for India and remains the key client contact for Indian brand marketers and advertisers, the spokesperson added. Parminder Singh had joined Twitter from Google in 2013. At Google, he led the company's display advertising business for the Asia Pacific region. On Monday, Twitter India head Jaitly announced his exit after a four-year stint. The San Francisco-based microblogging company has been struggling with a stagnant user base and slowing revenue growth for a few quarters. It discontinued global engineering work at its Bengaluru development centre in September and laid off employees. Last week, Twitter said it would cut 9 per cent of its global workforce or about 350 employees, in order to cut down its costs. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: The ten-day long suspense surrounding the whereabouts of Maoist Central Committee member Akkiraju Haragopal alias Ramakrishna, popularly known as RK, ended on Thursday night, after the news broke that the Maoist leader is safe. Revolutionary writer Varavara Rao confirmed that RK, who had gone missing after the major encounter between security forces and Maoists in Malkangiri, is alive, contrary to rumours. "RK is safe. We have clear information in this regard," Rao told Express. Rao then went on to add that Andhra Pradesh police had been harassing the local tribal people in the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) region, asking them to provide details about RK's movements. The revolutionary writer accused the Andhra Pradesh police of having killed nine Adivasis who were not associated with Maoist activities, during the encounter. "It was a brutal act on the part of police to kill innocent Adivasis by branding them Maoist informers. A combing operation is still going on in Malkangiri and other parts of AOB. This must be stopped by the police," Varavara Rao demanded. AP DGP N Sambasiva Rao hit back at Maoist sympathisers, saying, "We have been telling them that RK was not in our custody. But, they tried to blame us for his disappearance after the encounter. Now, they are saying he is safe. They should provide us his details as there are several cases against RK." HYDERABAD: The ten-day long suspense surrounding the whereabouts of Maoist Central Committee member Akkiraju Haragopal alias Ramakrishna, popularly known as RK, ended on Thursday night, after the news broke that the Maoist leader is safe. Revolutionary writer Varavara Rao confirmed that RK, who had gone missing after the major encounter between security forces and Maoists in Malkangiri, is alive, contrary to rumours. "RK is safe. We have clear information in this regard," Rao told Express. Rao then went on to add that Andhra Pradesh police had been harassing the local tribal people in the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) region, asking them to provide details about RK's movements. The revolutionary writer accused the Andhra Pradesh police of having killed nine Adivasis who were not associated with Maoist activities, during the encounter. "It was a brutal act on the part of police to kill innocent Adivasis by branding them Maoist informers. A combing operation is still going on in Malkangiri and other parts of AOB. This must be stopped by the police," Varavara Rao demanded. AP DGP N Sambasiva Rao hit back at Maoist sympathisers, saying, "We have been telling them that RK was not in our custody. But, they tried to blame us for his disappearance after the encounter. Now, they are saying he is safe. They should provide us his details as there are several cases against RK." First Folio! The Book That Gave Us Shakespeare What: Traveling exhibition of the First Folio from the Folger Shakespeare Library, features the first collected edition of Shakespeares plays, now on national tour for the first time. Where: Emorys Michael M. Carlos Museum When: Nov. 5-Dec. 11 About: Entry to the First Folio gallery is free and open to the public; access to all other galleries requires paid admission. Carlos Museum members and Emory students, staff and faculty have free access to all galleries. For museum hours and more information, visit here. The First Folio of William Shakespeare, published in 1623, is widely considered one of the most famous books in the world and for good reason. Published seven years after Shakespeares death, the volume represents the first collected edition of the acclaimed authors plays, which were compiled by his fellow actors and contemporaries, John Heminge and Henry Condell Four hundred years after his death, Emory joins an international remembrance of the legendary playwright with a campus-wide celebration that includes a rare public exhibition of the First Folio the only display of the literary treasure in Georgia. The First Folio: The Book That Gave Us Shakespeare opens Saturday, Nov. 5, and runs through Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Michael C. Carlos Museum. The Emory display is part of a national traveling exhibition sponsored by the Folger Shakespeare Library, the American Library Association and the Cincinnati Museum Center that will bring the playwrights first published collection to all 50 states, along with Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. When Shakespeare died in 1616, only about half of his plays, which were written to be performed, had been published during his lifetime, notes Emory English professor Sheila Cavanagh, director of the World Shakespeare Project. "The First Folio includes the first printing of many of Shakespeare's plays," she says. "If his colleagues had not gathered Shakespeare's works and published them in this volume, we would not have many of the plays we associate most closely with Shakespeare." Fellow actors would eventually compile 36 of his plays, hoping to preserve them for future generations; 18 appear for the first time in print in the First Folio, including "Macbeth," "Julius Caesar," "Twelfth Night," "The Tempest," "Antony and Cleopatra," "The Comedy of Errors" and "As You Like It." The First Folio is the book that gave us Shakespeare, says Michael Witmore, director of the Folger Shakespeare Library. Between its covers we discover his most famous characters Hamlet, Desdemona, Cordelia, Macbeth, Romeo, Juliet, and hundreds of others speaking words that continue to move and inspire us Shakespeare tells the human story like no one else. He connects us to each other, to our history, and to themes and ideas that touch us every day. Shakespeare in context Folios are large books, created by folding printed sheets in half to create two double-sided leaves, and were typically reserved for some of the most significant texts of the day, including history, science and the Bible. Shakespeares First Folio was the first folio produced containing only plays. And its publication had far-reaching effects, inspiring, among other literary trends, the creation of todays fine press and artists books, notes Cavanagh. While on display at Emory, the pages of the First Folio will be opened to the most quoted line from Shakespeare and one of the most quoted lines in literature: To be or not to be from "Hamlet." The First Folio also includes a title-page portrait of Shakespeare by English engraver Martin Droeshout one of only two likenesses of Shakespeare that are considered authentic, because it was approved by those who knew him. Accompanying the rare book will be a multi-panel exhibition exploring the significance of Shakespeare, then and now, with additional digital content and interactive activities. Leading up to the arrival of the First Folio, the Second (1632), Third (1663) and Fourth Folios (1685) have been on display in Emory's Rose Library, and they will be incorporated into the First Folio exhibit. The opportunity to view these folios within a broad context is made possible by a loan of the Second and Third Folios from Rose Library benefactor Stuart A. Rose. The much-anticipated arrival of the First Folio provides the opportunity for Emory to share with the entire campus and community a more complete understanding of the literary and publishing worldview and to showcase some of our own rare holdings," says Rosemary Magee, director of the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library, which is assisting with the exhibit. "Each of the folios has a story to tell. Celebrating the First Folio Shakespeare at Emory events began last spring and will continue through this academic year, with a variety of activities, presentations and exhibits hosted by the Carlos Museum, Emory Libraries and Theater Emory. Once the First Folio arrives on campus, Emory will host several key events celebrating and exploring its place among the world's most famous books. Will of the People: Shakespeares Folios and Their Meaning in Our World," Shakespeare at Emory's official opening event, is set for Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Emerson Concert Hall in the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. Jazz musician Dwight Andrews presents Duke Ellington's "Such Sweet Thunder" as internationally recognized scholars Nicholas Grene, Tom Magill and Ayanna Thompson explore Shakespeare's place in the African American arts tradition and in modern Ireland. On Dec. 5, the official closing celebration, "The Bard and Poetry," features former U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey, Robert W. Woodruff Professor of English and Creative Writing, and award-winning poets and Emory professors Kevin Young and Jericho Brown. Emory will also host a wide range of lectures, workshops and family-friendly activities while the First Folio is on campus. Among the highlights: Theater Emory presents "Romeo and Juliet" from Nov. 3-13. The Emory Cinematheque series "Shakespeare on Film: Outstanding Adaptations" concludes Nov. 4 with "Titus." A series of staged readings will examine interpretations of the Bard's work, including "Castelvines y Monteses," Spanish Golden Age playwright Lope De Vega's 1603 version of the Romeo and Juliet story, on Nov. 7; "Fortunes of the Moor," a new vision of Shakespeare's "Othello," on Nov. 9; and "The Book of Will," Emory alumna Lauren Gunderson's play about the co-editors of the First Folio, on Nov. 13. The Carlos Museum continues "The Bard in Bollywood," screening Indian filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj's Shakespeare trilogy with introductions by Deepika Bahri of Emorys English Department. Remaining shows include "Omkara" on Nov. 8 and "Haider" on Nov. 15. On Nov. 11, Margaret Edson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Wit" presents The Soul of Wit: An Evening For Educators an exploration of the free-wheeling, slapdash world of Elizabethan theater. The Carlos Museum hosts family-friendly events including "All the World's a Stage," a storytelling event on Nov. 12, and a bookmaking event on Nov. 20 where children will experiment with bookmaking techniques. On Nov. 14, Magee hosts "Shakespeare's Words and Works," a Creativity Conversation with two Emory alumni, playwright Gunderson and antiquarian bookseller Daniel Wechsler, on their journeys into the world of Shakespeare. The Shakespeare and Accessibility Symposium, set for Nov. 16, features a number of American and international actors, directors, singers and professors who will discuss ways that casts, audiences and designers have become more diverse in the world of Shakespeare. On Dec. 5, prior to the closing celebration, Michael Witmore, director of the Folger Shakespeare Library, discusses "The Wonder of Will," the legacy of Shakespeare and the Folger Librarys extensive collection of the Bard in print. First Folio! The Book That Gave Us Shakespeare is made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and by the support of Google.org, The Lord Browne of Madingley, Vinton and Sigrid Cerf, British Council, Stuart and Mimi Rose, Albert and Shirley Small, and other generous donors. For more details about these and other events, including which events require registration, visit Shakespeare at Emory. Chris Carlos, son of the late Michael C. Carlos, for whom the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University is named, has committed $3 million to name the museums education center. It will be named the Thalia N. Carlos Education Center, in memory of Carlos mother, who also was a longtime supporter of the museum. The pledged funds, a portion of which have already been received with the remainder provided over the next five years, will contribute to the Thalia N. Carlos Memorial Fund, an endowment that provides annual support for educational programs, museum exhibitions and other critical needs. In naming the education center, Chris is honoring his mothers belief in the power of art to inspire and engage and to make connections between cultures, says Bonnie Speed, museum director. He recognizes the important role the Carlos Museum plays for Atlanta area school children, university faculty and students as well as visitors to the region, and is continuing his familys lasting legacy of generosity and giving back to the community. Each year, the Association of Fundraising Professionals brings together fundraisers, individual philanthropists, and corporate and foundation grantmakers at a National Philanthropy Day luncheon to celebrate the role of philanthropy and recognize key individuals who have made an impact on their communities. On Nov. 1, Chris Carlos was honored as Atlantas Philanthropist of the Year, and the Carlos Museum contributed to his nomination for this award. Carlos, who serves on the museums Advisory Board, has been a dedicated patron for many years, says Speed. Through his guidance and generosity, he has helped the museum reach new audiences, supported and inspired others to support the building of the collections, and has introduced the museum and its work to friends and colleagues. About the Michael C. Carlos Museum The Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University brings priceless treasures mapping an extraordinary breadth of ancient cultures, customs, and legacies to the Atlanta community. Some 20,000 artifacts from ancient Egypt, the Near East, Nubia, Greece, Rome, the Americas, Asia and Africa, as well as works on paper from the Renaissance to the present day, provide visitors with a glimpse into the art and history of world cultures. Located at the heart of Emory Universitys Atlanta campus and exhibited in the landmark building designed by noted architect Michael Graves, these works of art and artifacts reveal the Carlos Museums meticulous care for the legacy of ancient civilizations and the learning opportunities innate in each artifact. Lebanon's election of a new president and the coming formation of a government will increase confidence in the economy and attract foreign aid, the country's central bank chief said today.The Lebanese parliament elected former army commander Michel Aoun as president on Monday, ending a 29-month presidential vacuum. He is due to meet MPs later this week on their preferences for prime minister."The election of President Aoun should lead to a normal activity of the constitutional institutions ... thus increasing confidence in the economy," Riad Salameh said at a conference organised by the central bank."The formation of a new government would help by attracting foreign aid and mitigating the cost of the Syrian presence in Lebanon that we estimate at 5 percent of the GDP," he added, referring to the large Syrian refugee population.REUTERS SW AS1434 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0059-1006285.Xml Visiting Indian President Pranab Mukherjee was feted by the people of Kathmandu at a civic reception on Thursday. Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office Chief and Executive Officer Rudra Singh Tamang handed over a 'Key of the Kathmandu City' to Mukherjee for his contribution for enhancing Nepal-India ties while working in various capacities in the India government and always keeping Nepal at priority. The president was also gifted with a replica of the wooden door and idol of Manjushree, a legendary deity, who is believed to have cut the gorge at Chobar to allow human settlement in the valley. Kathmandu is not only the city of politics and but it is also the capital of spiritualism, said Mukherjee after the civic reception, noting that for religious and cultural aspects, it holds significant space. This is the second time the metropolis has offered such a high-level honour. In 1998, the city had organised such a reception programme for then Indian President K.R. Narayanan during his official visit. Addressing the programme, Mukherjee expressed his gratitude towards KMC for organising the civic reception. "It is a great privilege for me to visit historic and holy city of Kathmandu, I am overwhelmed by the warmth given by Kathmandu," said Mukherjee. During his 10 minute speech, he praised the abundant beauty of Nepal, its rich culture and religion. "This visit has become more of a pilgrimage for me," he said, adding that Nepal and India "also share common cultures and we are committed for strengthening our close ties further". Wishing success for the implementation of the new Constitution promulgated last year, Mukherjee said that India's support will always be there as Nepal embarks on its journey as a federal, democratic republic --IANS giri/vd ( 297 Words) 2016-11-03-22:18:02 (IANS) New Delhi [India], Nov 3 (ANI-NewsVoir): Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) today announced an exciting new collaboration with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The project comprising a series of short films will see the actor unravel the secrets of Dubai, offering his fans a chance to see the exquisite city through the megastar's eyes. Already well acquainted with Dubai, Shah Rukh Khan is the perfect advocate for the city, which he often refers to as his second home. By showcasing Dubai through his eyes, the project aims to appeal to 'King Khan' fans across the globe giving them the opportunity to explore the city and its many offerings. "Dubai is a second home to me... Whether I am here on vacation with my family and friends or my many business trips here for shoots, it's a city that I truly relate to on so many levels - driven, passionate and spirited. And I can't wait to take my fans and fellow travelers from around the world on an unexpected discovery of a city that I love. This new collaboration with Dubai Tourism is exciting and one that I am personally very passionate about. Watch this space," said Shah Rukh Khan. Slated to be released across various Dubai Tourism channels in December, the series of short films will kick start a year-long campaign of multiple Dubai Tourism projects in collaboration with Bollywood. Conceptualized with the aim to strengthen and celebrate the bond and cultural links between Dubai and the subcontinent, the campaign underlines the importance of India as a key source market for inbound tourism to the emirate. "We are delighted to partner with Shah Rukh Khan for this special project, which highlights Dubai's diverse offerings that cater to every type of traveler. We look forward to exploring Shah Rukh's strong connection with Dubai and sharing his unique experience with a global audience. These upcoming collaborations with the Bollywood industry will reinforce the strong role India has played in our city's evolution and further fortify our bond," said CEO Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Issam Kazim. (ANI-NewsVoir) A new study says that increase in overweight and obesity rates among young children occur during summer vacations, not during the school year. According to new research from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, Paul von Hippel examined body mass index (BMI) and obesity prevalence in a nationally representative sample of 18,170 children from the start of kindergarten in 2010 through the end of second grade in 2013. The results provide insight into whether the causes of childhood obesity lie primarily inside or outside of schools. Between the start of kindergarten and the end of second grade, all of the increases in overweight and obesity prevalence occurred during the two summer vacations, not during the three school years. This study is the second nationally representative analysis of seasonal BMI gain. The first, which was co-authored by von Hippel and published in 2007 in the American Journal of Public Health, found that children gained weight faster during summer vacation than during the kindergarten and first-grade school years. However, that earlier study only followed children through first grade, and the results of the earlier study are outdated since the children who participated are now in their early 20s. "I wish I could say that changes schools have made over the last decade are helping to reduce obesity, but they're not," von Hippel said. "Schools have never been a big part of the obesity problem. What we're seeing in elementary schools today is the same thing that we saw in 1998-2000; kids are gaining BMI at healthy rates during the school year, and then becoming overweight when school lets out. We can't make a dent in this problem if we continue to focus on school food and physical education programs that affect children only when they're at school." Von Hippel said that school-based programs should try to change children's behaviors not only when they are in school, but also when school is out. In addition, we need to work outside schools to limit child-directed food marketing, promote out-of-school activities such as summer schools and summer camps, reduce screen time and educate parents about nutrition. The study has been published in Obesity.(ANI) Almost 40 years into the film industry, the Lakhan of Bollywood still looks 'Jhakaas' and gives tough competition to the new-age actors and all one wants to know from him is his fitness regime. Anupam Kher, who shares a healthy bond with the actor for the last 25 years, recently gave us a sneak peak of the fitness world of Mr. India. "Man on a mission. My friend and an inspiration to millions. Presenting a glimpse of the fitness world of @AnilKapoor . Jai Ho.:)", wrote Mr. Kher as he posted Anil's snap on his Twitter account. The 'A Wednesday' star had earlier thanked Anil Kapoor for being his fitness inspiration. (ANI) The remote village of Longwa, with Myanmar's dense forests on one side and India's rich agricultural lands on the other, is home to the fierce Konyak Naga tribe, one of the largest of 16 tribes living in the remote northeastern Indian state of Nagaland. As such, Konyak villages are situated on ridge tops, so they can easily monitor and pre-empt an enemy attack. But with time, things have changed. A newly constructed Longwa Angh's house was recently inaugurated by Nagaland Governor P B Acharya. Former Nagaland chief minister and parliamentarian from Nagaland Neiphiu Rio who adopted Longwa village on the lines of MP model as per the guidelines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present on the occasion. Longwa village is also one of the International Trade Centres set up by the Indian Government. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a guideline. And he says India belongs to the villages. Every MP must visit at least one village in a year and make it a MP model. I congratulate Rio for implementing the guidelines and shown it to the rest of the nation," said Acharya. The Chief Angh house signifies a tri-junction of Arunachal, Nagaland and Myanmar. "I feel proud more because the Naga masons, carpenters, they did the work day and night. And you have seen the people how happy they are in the inauguration today. Representative from Myanmar, MLA and the Anghs' and the cultural troupes from Arunachal and host of Angh and leaders have come here to celebrate," added Neiphiu Rio, Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland. Representatives from Arunachal, Myanmar and other Naga inhabited regions witnessed the inaugural of Longwa Angh house and the guest house. Dance troupes from Arunachal, Longwa and Myanmar enthralled the audiences. Their presence signifies the unity amongst the Naga though they are separated by boundaries. "It is a symbol of unity and the significance of this Angh house is the tri-junction of Arunachal, Nagaland and Myanmar. So I hope this will send a positive message that Nagas known as tribals living in villages are now recognized as the people," Rio added. Various skulls of the ancient battles are beautifully intact in each of the wooden pillar highlighting the rich heritage of ancient Konyak tribe. Bones of buffaloes, deer, boars, hornbills and mithun-a bovine species found in northeast India and kongs and elephant tusk decorate the walls of Angh house showcasing the prizes from generations of hunting. The Angh house consists of a huge kitchen with a firewood place in the centre signifying that the family used to gather around the fire place during council and administrative meetings. The pillars of Angh house also showcase the characteristic of strength and unity of the people. However, the most stand alone piece is a wooden log with a lion head shape on it that signifies the region's bravery. Visitors are awestruck by the nature made look alike wild boar at the main entrance. "Fifty percent of my village is in Burma and another fifty percent is in India so also, half of my house is in India and another half in Burma. However, both sides are under my control. Earlier, my people from both sides used to build my house bringing every material that is needed and cultivate my fields. I am happy that MP Saab has built an RCC house. Now my people don't have to build my house every year and therefore everybody is happy too," said Tonyei Phawang, Chief Angh of Longwa Village. Such projects will not only help promote the rich culture and heritage of the region but will also boost development. (ANI) Son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Robert Vadra on Thursday urged for a sincere probe in the suicide case of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal. Vadra took to Facebook and expressed his grief over the demise of the ex-serviceman, who allegedly committed suicide over the delay of One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme. "Saddened to learn of the suicide of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal. Being so desperate to end his life, and further the family being detained by authorities, and not being able to complete the last rights, really needs to be probed," said Vadra on Facebook. He further lambasted the government and asked the Centre to take care of soldiers who bestow their lives for the nation. "We really need to care for our soldiers, who unconditionally keep us safe, at all times. Let's not only talk jargons. Let government do the real thing for our soldiers. My heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased serviceman," he said. Chiming in the political storm that has erupted over the suicide of the ex-serviceman, who took his own life over the delay in implementation of the OROP scheme, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee yesterday expressed shock at the detention of her Delhi counterpart, saying it was "unprecedented and unacceptable". The Congress vice-president was detained for a second time yesterday by the Delhi Police after he tried to meet the family members of the ex-serviceman. Gandhi, along with other Congress leaders, including Jyotiraditya Scindia and Ajay Maken were carted into a police van and taken away. Yesterday, Gandhi was first detained at the RML Hospital when he tried to meet the family members of Grewal and was taken to Mandir Marg Police Station. He was detained for around 70 minutes before being released. Grewal consumed poison on Tuesday. However, the cause behind his suicide is yet to be ascertained. Grewal's cremation will take place at his hometown Bhiwani in Haryana today. (ANI) Responding to the move to prevent Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia from visiting the hospital to see the body of the ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal who allegedly committed suicide, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday said if they wanted to meet the family, they should have been allowed to offer the condolence. TMC spokesperson Derek O' Brien, who reached the residence of Grewal in Bhiwani in Haryana, told media that there was double grieving happening as the family was manhandled. "I came and spent one hour, so on an occasion like this just to be with family....it's a bubble graving here because they are devastated because they lost their father. They had a terrible evening yesterday. Yesterday's event has really left them distressed. It is a. Double grieving happening here - one for their loss, other for what happened yesterday. Family shouldn't have been manhandled," he said. "Whether it was Arvind Kejriwal, Rahul Gandhi or Mr. Sisodia if you want and be with the family as a public representative then you can go but I think the bigger issue is what the family did wrong to have them arrested. If Rahul Gandhi or Mr. Kejriwal wanted to meet the family they should have been allowed," he added. Chiming in the political storm that has erupted over the suicide of the ex-serviceman, who took his own life over the delay in implementation of the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee yesterday expressed shock at the detention of her Delhi counterpart, saying it was "unprecedented and unacceptable". The Congress vice-president was detained for a second time yesterday by the Delhi Police after he tried to meet the family members of the ex-serviceman. Gandhi, along with other Congress leaders, including Jyotiraditya Scindia and Ajay Maken were carted into a police van and taken away. Yesterday, Gandhi was first detained at the RML Hospital when he tried to meet the family members of Grewal and was taken to Mandir Marg Police Station. He was detained for around 70 minutes before being released. Grewal consumed poison on Tuesday. However, the cause behind his suicide is yet to be ascertained. Grewal's cremation will take place at his hometown Bhiwani in Haryana today. (ANI) The Court on Monday last had directed thepolice to inform it by Thursday (today) whether RK was in their custody or not, while hearing a habeas corpus plea by RK's wife Shreesha who had said that the state had detained her husband and expressed apprehension that the state might kill him and later dub it as a "encounter". The Court sought to know from the petitioner whether any evidence about RK's police custody was available. The petitioner sought 10 days time to gather evidence about RK's police custody. It may be mentioned that several left parties including the CPI and the CPI(M) had also demanded that RK be produced in the court immediately.UNI SMS CS 1232 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1006110.Xml It will enable Indians living abroad to conveniently remit funds to their families in India, with easy and flexible transfer options. Ravi Menon, Head Foreign Exchange, Cox & Kings Ltd. said in a statement that the strategic partnership will help us enter the money transfer business in India which is the largest recipient of remittance in the world. People who are expecting money from their relatives or friends abroad can now use our wide network of branches across India. Cox & Kings has identified select locations within India, from where the customers can avail this service. There are no charges applicable to the recipient in India. Besides foreign inward money, domestic money transfer services will also be available at the designated Cox & Kings' outlets through this process. Anybody can transfer equivalent of US $ 2,500 to India as per the present Money Transfer guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India. An Indian national can receive 30 such remittances in a financial year, it added. UNI NV JS SM1249 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-1006143.Xml They said on a tip-off a police party intercepted a vehicle, carrying fruits at Awantipora in Pulwama. However, during the search of the fruit boxes, banned fukki was found in more than 40 boxes. Sources said about 3.5 qunitals of fukki had been recovered from the boxes. All the five accused identified as Junaid Ahmad, Tabik Ahmad, Ishfaq Ahmad Bhat, Rayees Ahmad and Ajaz Ahmad were arrested. UNI ABS SHS ADG 1250 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-1006111.Xml Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju today sought to distance the ministry from yesterday's detention of Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia, during their bid to meet the relatives of a veteran, who had allegedly committed suicide over OROP, but attacked the 'politicisation' of issues of armed forces. ''The Minister does not know about every detention. How would I know, but I would say that it is not proper to play politics over the issues relating to Jawans. The Army should not be politicised,'' Mr Rijiju said, when asked about his reaction to the yesterday's episode in the national capital. However, ruling BJP MP Satpal Singh said the police should have handled the matter deftly. Ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal had died in the local RML Hospital here after allegedly consuming poison at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday night. He was reported to be frustrated as he had still not received the increased pension promised to him by the government under the OROP scheme, implemented last year. He, along with other colleagues, had been staging 'dharna' at Jantar Mantar here, for last many days. Mr Gandhi and Mr Sisodia were detained by the police, when they went to meet his relatives in the hospital, while Mr Kejriwal was detained at Lady Hardinge Hospital, where the body had been sent for post-mortem. The Congress and AAP had slammed the detention, accusing the Modi Government of acting in an undemocratic manner and betraying the soldiers.UNI NAZ RJ SNU 1430 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-1006220.Xml Slamming both Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for doing politics over alleged suicide of a veteran over One Rank One Pension, the BJP today said both the Opposition leaders are ''Photo-op politicians'' who are not concerned about the family members of the ex serviceman. ''Photo-op politicians field day 2day @ Bhiwani, who will outsmart? RG or AK. Their commitment 4 camera & not 4 family members of ex serviceman,'' BJP National Secretary Sidharth Nath Singh tweeted. Mr Gandhi, Mr Kejriwal, Congress senior leader Kamal Nath and Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien were among the politicians who reached this morning at Bhiwani in Haryana to attend funeral of Ram Kishen Grewal, the ex-serviceman who had committed suicide. The alleged suicide of a veteran over One Rank One Pension yesterday stirred major political storm and led to high drama with police detaining Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia during their bid to meet the kin of the deceased, triggering a backlash from their parties who accused the Modi government of being undemocratic and betraying the soldiers.UNI NY SNU 1443 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0099-1006244.Xml Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today announced Rs one-crore assistance to the family of an ex-serviceman, who had allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison over One Rank One Pension and said the government will give him martyr status. Mr Kejriwal, who had gone to Bhiwani in the neighbouring Haryana this afternoon to attend the cremation ceremony of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal made this announcement in the presence of the deceased veteran's son Jaswant while addressing the reporters. "We will offer all our help to the family members of the deceased ex-serviceman as he has died for the country. We won't let his death go in vain and snatch OROP from the Centre," the Chief Minister said. The ex-serviceman who allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday night by consuming poison at Jantar Mantar, had still not received the increased pension promised to him by the government under the OROP scheme it implemented last year. Meanwhile, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi also arrived in Bhiwani to attend the funeral ceremony of the former Jawan. While senior TMC leader Derek O'Brien reached early this morning. The ex-serviceman suicide stirred major political storm in the national capital yesterday and led to high drama with police detaining Congress vice-president, Delhi Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia during their bid to meet the kin of the deceased, triggering a backlash from their parties who accused the Modi government of being undemocratic and betraying the soldiers. UNI DS SNU 1456 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0177-1006241.Xml In shocking incidents, two aged womenwere found murdered in their residences in the city since lastnight. While one woman Dhanalakshmi (50) was found murderedat her house in Thousand Lights area in the city this morning,a 53-year-old woman advocate Lakshmi Sudha (53), who wasliving alone after getting separated from her husband, was found murdered at her residence in West Mambalam area last night. With the murder of an elderly lonely lady at upmarket T.Nagar area in the city in October 31, Chennai has witnessed killingsof three women in four days, sending shock waves among thepeople of this teeming megapolis. Police said Dhanalakshmi and her husband Pazhani worked in a printing press. The childless couple indulged in frequent tiffs owing to his drinking habit. This morning as foul smell emanated from her house,neighbours alerted the Thousand Lights police, who rushed to the spot and found Dhanalakshmi's decomposed body. Police suspect that the murder could have occurred a couple of days back. The body was sent to a government hospital for post mortem. Investigations also revealed that Pazhani had filed a complaint with the Thousand Lights Police on November one that his wifewas missing. Pazhani was being questioned by the police as also an auto driver, who was regularly hired by Dhanalakshmi. Only last night woman advocate Lakshmi Sudha was found murdered at her residence in West Mambalam. Police said the lawyer, who handled insurance-related cases, was living alone after separating from her husband, Baskaran. They have a son who was working with a firm in Bengaluru. Her body bore stab wounds in about 10 places. The Kumaran Nagar Police have registered a case and areinvestigating to ascertain the motive behind the murder. Special times were formed to crack the case and whetherproperty dispute was behind the murder was also being looked into, police said. The string of killings began on Monday, when a 65-year-oldwoman, Shanthi, was found murdered at her residence in T Nagar area. The consecutive murders in a span of four days have shaken the city, raising serious questions on the safety of women who were staying alone in their houses. Police have intensified patrolling in the city in view of the murders.UNI GV 1439 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1006286.Xml Union Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naiduwill inaugurate the platinum jubilee celebrations of BIAI at a function to be held at the Chennai Trade Centre on that day, All India past President of BAI and Chairman of Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Committee R Radhakrishnan toldreporters here today. A book tracing the journey of the BAI would be releasedon the occasion. BAI All India President Avinash M Patil will preside over the function and around 2,000 members from all over thecountry were expected to participate in the platinum jubileeevent. A postal stamp and a special postal cover marking the platinum jubilee celebrations would also be released by Post Master General B Radhika Chakaravarthy. Mr Radhakrishnan said the association was started before Independence with 13 members. ''Now it has more than one lakh members and we have around 160 centres all over the country'', he added. All India Vice-President - Southern centre, Mu Mohan, past State Chairman and Organising Committee ChairmanK Ramanujam, chairman of host southern centre, K Venkatesan and centre secretary S Ramaprabhuwere also present at the event.UNI GV CS 1453 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1006305.Xml ) Targeting Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh for his comment on the neutralisation of eight terrorists of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) by police here on Monday, All India Anti-Terrorist Front (AIATF) president Maninderjit Singh Bitta today alleged that Mr Singh was spreading 'political terrorism' and he himself was once became victim of it. "Everyone knows that those killed in the encounter were SIMI terrorists and besides Mr Singh, Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia also aired comments after the incident but their comments varied. Can Mr Singh give guarantee that if the terrorists would have fled, had not committed any crime? In fact, Mr Singh is indulging in political terrorism," Mr Bitta told media here. Admitting himself a Congressman and termed the party his mother, Mr Bitta said Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her deputy Rahul Gandhi are not bad but Mr Singh always extended support to subversive force. The AIATF Chief also raised question over the comments of other Congress leaders such as P Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal and Anand Sharma for their doubts over the action of the police. He also pointed out that no Congress leader had attended the funeral of head constable Ramshakar Yadav, who was martyred by the terrorists. He sarcastically saud that Yadav was not associated with the RSS or the BJP. Lauding the Madhya Pradesh police for gunning down the SIMI terrorists, Mr Bitta said the investigation should be directed to jailbreaking incident alone.More UNI GV-BDG SW 1502 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0044-1006283.Xml There was entire chaos in this Uttar Pradesh capital today, due to the gathering of over one lakh supporters of the ruling Samajwadi Party, the top brass of which were here since last evening to attend the launching of the Samajwadi Vikas Rath Yatra, to be taken out by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. The entire roads leading to La Martiniere College were jam-packed with SUVs and buses of SP supporters from all over the state. The ambulances and people going to their offices had a hard time reaching their destination, while several people had to miss their trains. There was some respite for the parents as most of the schools and colleges were closed due to the function. However, at the venue, there was anarchy, when the SP supporters occupied the media enclosure and the reporters had a hard time covering the function. The police officials on duty were seen putting up their hands as they refused to take any harsh step against the erring SP workers. Even senior leaders of SP were seen fighting with the party workers to reach the dais.UNI MB RJ SNU 1458 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-1006179.Xml Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, the CM face of the Samajwadi Party in 2017 assembly polls, today admitted that the decision on the pre-poll alliances would be taken by the party national president Mulayam Singh Yadav. "I don't know about the talks underway with the parties and have nothing to say on this," he told mediapersons on board his Samajwadi Vikas Rath, before it developed snag after moving just around 30 metres. The CM made it clear that his yatra has been delayed for one month, but now he would reach out to the people to remove all the confusion. "Jab hum janata ke beech jayenge to ye sab vivaad khatam ho jayenge," the CM added. Expressing his confidence that people will again support the SP in the coming assembly polls, Mr Yadav said people always support who had worked for them and fulfilled all the promises. He further said that Muslims would vote for SP en-mass as they will always support a secular party and Mulayam Singh Yadav have never ditched the community in the past. "Janata ussi ke paksh mei jaati hai jisne kaam kiya hai. Pichhli baar jo humne vaade kare wo poore kiye humane (We aim to meet people at the grassroots level. I think that everyone will support us as we have always worked in public domain)," he said. Mr Yadav also denied that he was annoyed with anyone even his uncle Shivpal and there was any feud in the party or family. He announced that though his uncle Ram Gopal Yadav, sacked leader from the party and minority welfare minister Mohammad Azam Khan were not present in today's function but their blessing was with him. The CM said," In coming times I am sure that farmers, youth, everyone will support us for all the development that SP brings". Meanwhile, Ms Dimple Yadav, wife of the CM and SP MP from Kannauj, who is also traveling on the rath beside her husband claimed that," This is a historic beginning, we can see so much youth force. We are very positive about the elections." Ms Yadav made it clear that youths of the state are just looking towards Akhilesh as he was their future. She claimed that Akhilesh has gained eminence experience and if given second term he would be the most successful CM of the country. Besides, she also denied that there was any rift in the family or the party and everyone was united so that the party can retain the power. Earlier, SP national president Mulayam Singh Yadav flagged off the Rath yatra in the presence of his brother and state party president Shivpal Singh Yadav and other leaders.UNI MB SHS 1422 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-1006225.Xml In ongoing drive against smuggling of foreign liquor into 'dry Bihar', police seized huge consignments of foreign liquor in Patna, Vaishali and Kaimur districts today. Police seized 295 cartons of foreign liquor from an abandoned truck near block office under Dulhin Bazar police station area in Patna district. The driver and cleaner of the truck were injured when their vehicle hit a tree near the block office after the driver lost control. The incident happened two days ago. Both escaped from the spot on the plea that they were going to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police stumbled upon the huge consignment when the truck was thoroughly frisked today. The consignment was concealed between packets of fruits. While foreign liquor was being smuggled from Haryana, fruits were being transported from Himachal Pradesh. On being quizzed, truck owner as well as fruit sellers claimed that they had no information about the consignment. Further investigation is on, police added. A Hajipur report said that police seized 285 cartons of liquor from a truck in Katara locality under Town police station area in Vaishali district following a tip off. Seized liquor bottles bore "Made in Haryana" labels on them. While, the truck driver was arrested from the spot, his other associates managed to escape, police added. Police are interrogating the truck driver, a native of Haryana. A Bhabhua report said that police seized 135 bottles of foreign liquor from a house at Kudra Bazar under Kudra police station area in Kaimur district. The seized liquor bottles were smuggled from Uttar Pradesh. All bootleggers made good their escape after they got inkling of police raid. UNI XC IS DH PL SHS 1414 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0211-1006162.Xml Though there is no shutdown of the petrol pumps, they would sellthe current stock till it lasts. Karnataka Federation of Petroleum Traders President B RRavindranath told UNI that the protest was total and it was likelythat the state may face shortage of fuel by tomorrow evening as thecurrent stock with the petrol bunk owners could deplete by that time. He said the three oil companies had called a meeting of nationallevel office bearers of petroleum product dealers in Mumbai tomorrowto discuss the demands put forth by dealers. Petroleum dealers are seeking implementation of the ApoorvaChandra Committee recommendations, which had suggested an increasein the commission given to them. The protest is in support of theagitation call given by the All India Petroleum Dealers Association(AIPDA) in connection with the poor revision in dealer margin prices. The dealer margin was announced earlier this month by oilmarketing companies. Mr Ravindranath said the dealers are also demanding, among otherthings, to enhance ethanol blending, transport tenders and toilet maintenance. On October 19 and 26, the dealers held the first phase of theirprotest by switching off lights and suspending sale of fuel for 15 minutes in the evening from 7 pm to 7.15 pm. The dealers have threatened to go on a no purchase, no salestrike from November 15, if their demands are not met. There are 54,000 Petrol bunks in the country which have joinedthe agitation.UNI RS MSP ADB1400 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-1006230.Xml A group of Karnataka farmers will soon be on astudy tour to Sikkim which has been declared as the country's firstorganic State. Farmers representing almost every district will be touring thehill State from November 5 to 10 to understand how its model can bereplicated in Karnataka, which is also going organic in a moderate manner. State Sugarcane Growers Association and Raitha Mitra FarmersProducers Company (a company set up and managed by farmers inMysuru) have jointly organised the tour. Association President Kurubur Shanthkumar, told UNI over phonefrom Kolkata that the farmers actively involved with the associationand the company had been inquisitive to see the best practices thatgave the geologically small State a prominent distinction of beingthe first to go organic entirely. Sikkim had successfully implemented the ways that are a key forexpanding organic cultivation. "Some of our farmers are already intoorganic farming. It's cost effective and free from chemicals andpesticides. We wanted to go further and incorporate best practicesto take organic farming to a different level," Mr Shanthkumar said. As per the National Programme for Organic Production, over 75,000hectares of farm land had gradually turned organic, giving the hillState the coveted distinction. Mr Shanthkumar said organic farming can be adopted forcultivating sugarcane, paddy, cotton, and other commercial crops."As the regular pattern of doing farming had turned expensive forfarmers and the returns had also been not very attractive, manyfarmers wanted to take up organic farming on a large scale. Hence,we have set out on the tour of Sikkim." he said. He said that Cotton, jowar, ragi, pulses, cereals and tobaccowere cultivated on rain-fed land, whereas paddy and sugarcane onirrigated land in Mysuru district, which had been making moderateprogress to go organic. There has been a decline in the use offertilizers in the last few years. The Agriculture Department has been educating farmers to cut downfertilizer use, highlighting their harmful impacts. 'SavayavaBhagya', a scheme promoting organic farming, is under way in thedistrict where large tracts of land in one village of each Hobli wasidentified for promoting organic farming. Farmers' groups are formedand educated on producing vermicompost and green manure.UNI BSP MSP CS 1508 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0285-1006317.Xml West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today reiterated that her government would not allow anyone to do any wrong thing against the interest of common people. "I would live only to do good things for the people and oppose those who harm the common interest of the masses," Ms Banerjee said in this tribal dominated district before launching a slew of government sponsored projects and welfare schemes. "I do politics only during election time and rest of the year I do work for the government," Ms Banjerjee said adding "if any one tries to undo the welfare schemes, meant for people has no place in my party." "I have founded the All India Trinamool Congress to do good work for the people and my whole life would be dedicated for them," the AITC supremo said. She said that much harm had been done to the state during the erstwhile rule of CPI(M) led Left Front but now the state has returned to track in last five years. "Now our aim is to make Bengal number-one model state in the country." she added. Ms Banerjee said the debt ridden Bengal was progressing well. "We increased our revenue from Rs 20000-crore to Rs 40000-crore in five years. But we inherited a debt crisis from the Left. Centre takes away our revenues to pay off debts incurred by the previous government. Still, we are working for people. Despite all financial problems, we will continue to work for people," Ms Banerjee elaborated. She also announced that her government was awaiting a consent from the Calcutta High Court regarding creation of three more districts -- Kalimpong, Asansol and Jhargram -- early next year. She said her government's one of the biggest achievements was to create conducive atmosphere in this erstwhile Maoists dominated district, where crime was a routine five years ago. "Five years ago people in Jangalmahal were living in terror. Tides have turned. Smiles have replaced tears. Jangalmahal is smiling today.This is my biggest achievement. I can give my life but will never forget Jangalmahal," she announced. "It is our duty to work for people. Healthcare at government hospitals in Bengal is free. I do not support people who try to extort money by causing inconveniencing people. I do not believe in playing petty politics in the matters of governance. I created Trinamool Congress to serve people. It is my pledge and commitment to continue to work for people." "There is an atmosphere of religious and political intolerance in the country. In Bengal we never discriminate between people. Bengal does not allow politics of Communalism and riots. It will not be tolerated," she added. Ms Banerjee today launched the distribution of 43,000 bicycles under Sabuj Sathi to the students of Class IX of state-run, aided and sponsored schools. The Chief Minister also inaugurated a nursing training college in Lalgarh, a number of Karma Tirthas, government buildings, road projects, flood shelters, marketing hubs and a host of other projects. She laid the foundation stones for many projects including the Medinipur Homeopathic College and Hospital and its women's hostel,road projects, water projects, projects for forestry. Besides cycles of Sabuj Sathi, the Chief Minister distributed benefits including Kanyashree, Yuvashree, Geetanjali, land pattas,agricultural equipment, loans, computers and books.UNI XC-PC SJC SNU 1557 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0212-1006371.Xml In a case of administrative goof-up, two Chinese nationals visited some of the "strategically important" locations in Arunachal Pradesh on Protected Area Permit (PAP) issued instead of the Restricted Area Permit (RAP). The incident came to light about three weeks after expiration of the PAP, which was recovered only recently from Bomdila in the frontier state that shares international border with China, Bhutan and Myanmar. "On August 30, PAP was issued to two Chinese nationals from Hongkong -- Young James John and Wu Chong Shong. They wanted the PAP to enter Tawang, West Kameng and Lower Subansiri districts for 30 days from September 12 to October 11," said an official at the Deputy Resident Commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh in Guwahati on Thursday. "The problem is that the citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan require RAP to be issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The application for the PAP was recommended to our office by the Resident Tourism Officer of the government of Arunachal Pradesh. The concerned officer here must have overlooked the issue of Chinese citizenship of the two tourists and issued the PAP instead of RAP," he said. "The two PAPs to the Chinese nationals were issued against tourist visa," he added. "I have come to know about the incident and I shall submit a report to the government soon," he said, adding that the government was yet to order a probe into the incident. Although there was no record whether the two Chinese nationals from Hongkong visited the frontier state or not, recovery of a copy of the PAP from Bomdila indicates that they must have visited the places. Tawang and West Kameng are heavily militarised zones and are of strategic importance to India, considering the security concern of the country and China's claim over Tawang as their territory. The Ministry of Home Affairs, in order to facilitate tourist inflow to the frontier state, in 2015 delegated powers to Secretary Tourism, the government of Arunachal Pradesh, Resident Commissioner Delhi, and to the Deputy Resident Commissioners at Kolkata and Guwahati to issue PAP to normal foreign tourists to enter Arunachal Pradesh. However, the MHA in its guideline for PAP order 1958 Section 3(ii), clearly said, "Citizen of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan and foreign national of Pakistani origin shall not be issued a special permit without the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs". It instructed that issuing authority should exercise utmost caution and thoroughly check the records, negative lists and other restrictive circular etc. before granting a special permit to a foreigner. --IANS ah/ksk/vt ( 439 Words) 2016-11-03-16:28:03 (IANS) The Prime Minister recalled his interaction with the Japan-India Parliamentarians' Friendship League in September, and welcomed increased interaction between the legislatures of both countries. The Prime Minister also called for strengthening exchanges between State-level legislatures. The Prime Minister welcomed the initiative of Mr. Toshihiro Nikai to raise awareness about the threat posed by Tsunamis, and sought strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the field of disaster risk reduction and disaster management. The Prime Minister also said that he is looking forward to his visit to Japan next week.UNI MK SHK 1623 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0100-1006511.Xml The InnoVision Healthcare limited, a research based organisation, has proposed to set up an Ayurveda University and a world class global manufacturing facility in Odisha. According to InnoVision Health care Managing Director Baidyanath Mishra, the organisation in response to the Prime Minister's 'Make in India' and Odisha Chief Minister's 'Make in Odisha', will set up the manufacturing facility in the state to cater to the Indian as well as Global market. He said with the FDI from US and Europe, the InnoVision Health care will also set up Global University of Health Sciences with the innovative concept of health and Ayurveda tourism which would create both direct and indirect employment of hundreds of youths in the state. Dr Mishra who was here to launch two unique products of the InnoVision said the organisation has come up with 100 per cent authentic drink free from synthetic, colour and harmful chemicals with pure and safe herbal standardised actives which will provide complete satisfaction to all. He said the products will be available in three flavours- tulsi, ginger mint and hibiscus, all packed in 300 ml size. The InnoVision Health care, Dr Mishra said has also introduced a 100 per cent whey based nutritional supplementation enriched with unique proprietary formulations combined with coleus, tribulus, piper longum branded as InnoVitaSportz Nutri Mix. The new food products, he claimed will address the imbalanced metabolic syndrome and increased the stress slevel.This will also minimize the food uptake and balancing the metabolic disorders as seen in normal. This apart, it had also launched another weight and cognition balanced formulation branded as InnoVita Kids Nutri Drink which will address the nutrition supplement of kids above 2 years of age.The InnoVision, Dr. Mishra said will soon launch cancer solution and many more products in the market after successful launching of personal care products, skin care, joint and muscle pain and stress management. The new products launched by the company will create another milestone in the natural herbal based food and beverage, he claimed.UNI DP KK AE 1616 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0212-1006480.Xml An undertaking to this effect was submitted to the court todayby BDA. The proposal to construct Steel Flyover from Chalukya Circle toHebbal at a cost of about Rs 1700 crore had attracted widespreadcriticism from BJP, environmentalists and other sections. However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had expressed his intention to goaheadwith the project as only a section of people are protesting forpolitical gain. Mr Siddaramaiah had stated that more than 60,000 saplings will beplanted for 800 trees to be cut for the project meant for easing thetrafFic congestion in the heart of the city. Lok Sabha member Rajeev Chandrasekhar, in a statement here,claimed that putting Steel Flyover project on hold is a victoryfor the Citizens of Bengaluru. He said that "BDA gives an undertaking to High Court they willnot proceed with Steel Flyover. High Court will now examine thelegal and constitutional issues of due process, public consultationand Bangalore Metropolitan Planning Committee relating to steelflyover." The National Green Court has stayed the project for four weeksseeking complete detail of the project from the BDA. UNI MSP CNR CS 1557 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0285-1006391.Xml Accusing Punjab BJP Chief Vijay Sampla for adopting 'double standards' on the issue of Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today dared Sampla to clarify his party's stand on the issue. In a statement here, AAP State Convener Gurpreet Singh Waraich said, "Sampla must explain whether his party will also not abide by the Supreme Court's verdict on SYL issue, if it goes against the interests of Punjab." "If Sampla is really serious about the interests of Punjab, will he appeal to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw case seeking presidential reference from Supreme Court?" he quipped. Waraich sought Sampla's take on the filing of affidavit by Solicitor General of India Ranjit Sinha against the interests of Punjab on SYL issue and asked will Sampla ensure withdrawal of Sinha's affidavit from the Apex Court. Sampla should also explain, what steps he took to save water of Punjab and did he take up the issue with his concerned minister colleague?, he asked. It is pertinent to mention here that BJP chief Vijay Sampla yesterday defended Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's remarks on the SYL canal issue, saying Punjab should get its rightful share of the river waters. Sampla reportedly stated Punjab was the grain basket of the country and had contributed immensely to the economy as well so it was justified that the state was given its rightful share of waters which was an essential condition for sustaining and strengthening its agricultural economy. The BJP leader said just like industries were given subsidies for their growth, similarly adequate water was required for boosting agriculture. He said Punjab's demand for water was not for itself but for the nation. Badal had yesterday said Punjab and its people would not accept any verdict against the state's interest on river waters.UNI DB SNU 1601 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-1006461.Xml British Prime Minister Theresa May will be visiting India during November 6-7. This is her first bilateral visit outside the EU. She will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She along with PM Modi will inaugurate the India-UK Tech Summit on 7 November in New Delhi, MEA spokesman Vikas Swarup told media persons briefing today. The decision to hold the India-UK Tech Summit was agreed to during Mr Modi's visit to UK in November last year. The Summit is being organised by the Department of Science and Technology and CII and it demonstrates the importance and expanse of science and technology cooperation between India and UK. At the Summit, government officials, business leaders and scientists will engage together to see how best S&T collaboration could be leveraged to open up new opportunities for bilateral business, trade and investment. New initiatives on deepening science and technology collaboration between India and UK will be announced at the Summit. Under the umbrella of India-UK Technology Summit, four other Summits are being organized, includingIndia-UK Higher Education Summit and India-UK Innovation & Entrepreneurship Summit. A meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) chaired by MOS for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman and UK Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox will be held during the visit. A meeting of India-UK CEOs Forum will also be held along side JETCO. India and UK have robust trade and investment partnership. India is the third largest investor in UK. UK also happens to the third largest investor in India and the leading investor among the G-20 countries. The JETCO meeting will discuss how to further strengthen trade and investments relations between the two countries. Regarding Indian students in the UK, Mr Swarup admitted that in last 5 years, the number of Indian students enrolling in UK Universities have gone down by almost 50%; from around 40,000 to about 20,000 now. "We have raised our concerns on the difficulties being faced by Indian students with the UK side. We expect mobility issues to be raised during the visit," he said. UNI MK SHK 1745 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0100-1006718.Xml Presenting a soft corner for the expelled leaders on the day when the party showed a united face during Akhilesh Yadav's Vikas Rath Yatra, Uttar Pradesh Samajwadi Party president Shivpal Singh Yadav today announced that if the leaders seek unconditional apology from the national president, then they could be forgiven. "The expelled leaders have to give an application to Netaji to seek apology for their misdeeds then only the party can consider withdrawing their expulsion," he said, adding that the decision has to be taken by the party national president only after they give the application. However, he maintained that the expelled leaders should not have joined today's rath yatra programme. Mr Yadav, addressing a press conference here said the party would celebrate the silver jubilee foundation day function in a big way here on November 5 where almost all the leaders, including MPs, legislators along with small and big leaders of the districts have been invited. Though disclosing that Congress leaders have not been invited to the function, he said socialist leaders like former PM HD Devegowda, JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav and KC Tyagi, RLD president Ajit Singh, RJD president Lalu Prasad, Leader of the Opposition in Haryana Assembly Abhay Chautala, senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani along with SP's other state presidents, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav have confirmed their participation. All the guests would reach Lucknow by tomorrow evening. When asked about the mahagathabandhan, the SP state president, made it clear that November 5 function has nothing to do with the show of strength for the mahagathabandhan. "It is a party function and the socialists and the secular leaders have been invited for it. The party leadership would decide on the mahagathabandhan later on," he said. When asked if Amar Singh or expelled leader Ram Gopal Yadav would attend the function, Mr Shivpal Singh Yadav said everyone has been invited but they have not reverted. The former UP minister said yatra started by the Chief Minister today was a party function.UNI MB AE SNU 1721 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-1006524.Xml The Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party unit today showcased the 'Parivartan raths' and modified SUVs which will accompany the raths during the four yatras scheduled for assembly poll campaign. UP BJP president Keshav Prasad Maurya unveiled the chariots in front of the media and announced the details of the four Parivartan yatras. While the first yatra would start from Saharanpur on November 5, the second one will be in Jhansi on November 6, the next will be in Sonebhadra on November 8 and the fourth yatra will be taken out from Ballia on November 9. All the four yatras would culminate on December 24 in Lucknow with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a public rally on the birthday eve of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Mr Maurya said each of the rath yatras will carry common slogans written on buses equipped with hydraulic system that allows the roof to open as and when needed and provides a podium. The bus is painted saffron in colour with slogans like 'Poorna bahumat, Sampoorna Vikas, Bhajapa par hai vishwas' and 'Roz hatya aur balatakar, mahila suraksha poori bekar.' A separate VVIP chair, which has a microphone fitted on it has been designed specially for the prominent leader who leads the yatra at a constituency. The rath carries two big pictures of Mr Modi and BJP national chief Amit Shah and four pictures of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti, Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Kalraj Mishra and UP BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya. The yatras would be flagged off by national BJP chief Amit Shah from each of the four places and UP BJP chief Mr Maurya would accompany him at all the four places. The fully air-conditioned bus has a toilet and a meeting space for five to six people on board. The bus also has facility of global positioning system and laptop and mobile charging facility on board. Today UP chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav launched his Samajwadi Vikas Rath Yatra from Lucknow but unfortunately, his rath, a Rs 5-crore modified Mercedes Benz bus, was stranded after moving around 30 metRES due to a major technical snag. He then had to complete his first day yatra till Unnao in his SUV.UNI MB AE SNU 1737 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-1006585.Xml The Punjab Congress today went into a war mode over ex-serviceman's suicide on the OROP issue, with state unit president Capt Amarinder Singh announcing state-wide protests by party workers to be held in all districts on Friday against the shabby and inhumane treatment meted out to deceased Subedar Ram Kishen's family. Lashing out at the Modi Government in general, and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in particular, Capt Singh said they were both responsible for Subedar Ram Kishan's suicide. "Party workers have been directed to hold dharnas in all the districts of Punjab while I will personally lead a delegation of Punjab Congress leaders to submit a memorandum of protest to Governor VP Badnore on the issue of the police misbehavior with the ex-serviceman's family," the PPCC chief said. Announcing this at a press conference here, he unequivocally condemned the shocking high-handedness of the Delhi Police against Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi as well as the family of Subedar Ram Kishan, who committed suicide in New Delhi. Ram Kishan, in his suicide note, had blamed the prolonged delay over the OROP settlement for his decision to take the extreme step. Capt Singh pointed out that despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi having repeatedly promised one rank one pension for ex-servicemen during his election campaign, he backed out from his promise after taking the coveted post. He said the suicide by Subedar Ram Kishan incident reflected complete apathy of the NDA Government to the plight of soldiers. "It has led to total demoralisation of the forces, which are feeling gravely let down after the incident," the PPCC president added. "On the one hand you are trying to glorify the achievements of our defence forces and even trying to make political capital out of these, and on the other you are demoralising them by not giving them OROP and even downgrading their status in comparison to their civilian counterparts," he told Modi, warning him that this can have dangerous and disastrous repercussions for the country. He said no country could afford a demoralised defence force.MORE UNI DB SWSNU 1718 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-1006558.Xml The Bombay High Court today heavily came down on the Maharashtra Government and said for early disposal of cases and pending matters in courts, the state government should support its own judiciary by giving infrastructure and staff. The observation was made by a bench of Justices SC Dharmadhikari and BP Colabawalla, who were hearing a petition, filed by Sales Tax Tribunal Bar Association urging for infrastructure and staff for the judiciary. "Just as a police station and other government authorities require support and care from the state in this regard, equally, the judiciary must be on the map and we hope there will be a change in the mindset and our intervention will be minimal hereafter," said the bench. The judges also noted that they were glad to know that a proposal for redevelopment of the sprawling Bandra Government Colony at suburban Bandra east in Mumbai is under the active consideration of the state authorities. The High Court also advised the state government to consider whether it should moot a proposal for construction of flats and tenements for housing government employees in service, particularly on such land which are declared as excess vacant land and are vesting in the state.UNI AAA NP SW SNU 1809 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-1006695.Xml Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal supremo Naveen Patnaik today ruled out any alliance with the Congress party. The Congress has always neglected the people of the state and there is no question of any alliance with the Congress party in Odisha, Mr Patnaik said on the sideline of a public meeting at Simulia in Balasore. The Chief Minister was at Balasore to inaugurate and lay foundation stone of a number of developmental projects. Mr Patnaik's statement assumed importance after party Parliamentary Leader in Lok Sabha Bhartuhari Mahatab at New Delhi yesterday indicated that BJD might join the grand alliance initiated by the Samajwadi Party to keep BJP out of power. Mr Mahatab said Congress at present is not in a position what it was a few years back and is now confined only to a few states and hinted that if any anti-BJP alliance was made taking the Congress at the national level BJD could join the alliance. The BJD MP further said the Congress is no more untouchable as it had supported the BJD on its demand for according Special Category status to Odisha and extended its support in some other issues related to the interest of the state. Mr Mahatab had reportedly said the possibility of BJD joining the grand alliance can not be ruled out and hoped that Party Chief Naveen Patnaik would take a decision in this regard at an appropriate time. Stating that the coming Uttar Pradesh election would determine the next political scenario of the country, he said, ''there is a need for the BJD to reconsider its stand of maintaining equi distance from both the Congress and the BJP.'' Party spokesperson Pratap Deb described Mr Mahatab's statement as his individual opinion and the party has nothing to do with it. The BJD, he said will maintain equi distance from the BJP and the Congress and will not make any alliance with the Congress either at the state or at the national level. The Chief Minister had already made it clear at Balasore today, he said, adding that any decision regarding the alliance would be taken only by the party president and not by anybody including Mr Mahatab. Mr Deb also clarified that BJD has not yet received any invitation from the SP to attend the silver jubilee celebration scheduled to be held on November 5 next in which the issue of grand alliance is likely to be discussed. There is no question of BJD joining the meeting, he clarified.UNI BD DP KK AE SNU 1807 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0212-1006571.Xml Police said that the arrested included a 34 year-old RatnaprasadPawar, who had created terror by riding a horse carrying gun during theprotest march. Some miscreants shouted anti-Kannada slogans andpelted a stones on business establishments while taking outprocession organised by MES and Shiv Sena. Two separate cases were registered at Market police station andShahapur police station under Arms Act and against indulging in violence. Many pro-Kannada organizations condemned MES activists carryingthe gun in procession and had demanded immediate arrest and strictaction against them. Five other arrested by Shahapur police were identified as DattuYallurkar, Ramachandra, Manoj, Mahesh and Prakash. Police added. City Police Commissioner T G Krishna Bhat told UNI today that theRatnaprasad Pawar was arrested along with Gun. "We will not disclose whether the gun was original or Duplicate,Experts will examine it'', he said. UNI HVN MSP CS 1800 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0285-1006754.Xml Opposition BJP in Himachal Pradesh today alleged that the Virbhadra Singh government was neck deep in the corruption, indulged in scams and govern by various outfits of mafia. Presiding a eight-member party charge sheet panel at party headquarters on the outskirts of this town, Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar Dhumal said the committee would collect the facts of various corruption charges as incumbent the Virbhadra Singh rule was rampant and neck deep in the it. Stressing the importance of charge sheet panel, Prof Dhumal said the party would expose the government among the people after collecting all information regarding various scams and nepotism taking place in the state. Party charge sheet panel, presided over by MLA Suresh Bhardwaj, formed various subcommittee which would visit respective districts to gather information from people and party cadres. Mr Bhardwaj would preside over the subcommittee of Kinnuar, Solan and Sirmaur districts, Rajiv Bindal Mahsu districts, Mahinder Singh Thakur Mandi, Kullu and Lahaul Spiti; Ravinder Singh Ravi Chamba, Nurpoor and Palampur; Jai Ram Thakur Bilaspur and Sunderngar, Randhir Sharma Hamirpur and Una and Vipin Parmar Kangra and Dehra. During meeting, the members discussed various decisions taken by various government state departments violating the rules and procedure, government purchase of various item and corrupt practices being adopted therein, increasing activities of Liquor Mafia, Mining Mafia, Forest Mafia & Builder Mafia. The panel felt that corruption in the state government at its top alleging that investors have stopped to invest in any project in state. UNI ML SW -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-1006770.Xml Lashing out at the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for always raking up the 1984 anti-Sikh riots issue at the time of elections, Punjab Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh today accused the Akalis as well as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of trying to get cheap political mileage by trying to link him with the riots. Addressing a press conference here, Capt Singh declared, in response to questions, that he owed no explanation to anyone much less the Akalis, who had never raised the issue even once despite being in power, till it was election time in the state. AAP had also chosen election time to raise the issue, with the clear intent of making political capital, he said, dismissing as a complete fallacy all charges of him having protected the guilty in the case. Pointing out that he had resigned as MP in 1984 in protest against Operation Bluestar, Capt Singh said even during the riots, he personally visited several Gurudwaras and other places to meet the victims for four days. To a question about the alleged role of Jagdish Tytler in the anti-Sikh riots, the PCC chief said the matter was sub-judice and it was for the court to establish whether he was guilty or not. However, he added, when he met the victims immediately after the riots nobody named Ttyler and his name cropped up only six months later during the Delhi elections. Capt Singh demanded an explanation from SAD on why the NDA Government, of which it is a constituent partner, had failed to do anything in the matter despite being in power. Answering a question on the SYL issue, he reiterated that he would resign his Lok Sabha membership while all party MLAs would quit the state Assembly if the pending Supreme Court judgement went against Punjab's interests. Blaming Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal squarely for putting the state on the back foot due to his inability to have the case properly defended in court, Capt Singh said the Badal-led SAD had been indulging in double standards over the case. He accused Badal of shedding crocodile tears now, when the case was close to its culmination in the apex court, after having earlier brought the state to its knees by selling off its interests to Haryana. There was enough documentary evidence to show Badal's complicity against the interest of Punjab, said the Punjab Congress chief. Replying to a question about his opposition to the Punjabi Suba movement, Capt Singh said he had opposed it right from the day one. He reiterated that the Akalis had a single point agenda to make Punjab a 'Sikh majority' state and in the process, had compromised on precious resources like land, water and hydro-electric power.UNI DB SW SNU 1959 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-1006809.Xml Senior BJP leader and Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh today dismissed grand alliance government in Bihar as a mere conglomerate of three parties suffering from various types of sickness. Addressing a function to mark the death anniversary of senior BJP leader Kailashpati Mishra, Mr Singh without naming constituents of grand alliance, said while the JD (U) was a victim of sick mentality, RJD a sick family and Congress a sick company. He said governance was the biggest casualty of such a situation and claimed that in such a situation people would install the BJP Government after 2020 state assembly election giving full majority to his party. He said people could be served only if a 'healthy' government was installed in the state. In an oblique reference to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Mr Singh said some leaders cherished the dream of rooting out BJP itself but they should be aware of the fact that his party acquired the present status due to hard labour of lakhs of its workers and it was impossible to check the growth of the party across the country. The Union Minister said BJP along with its allies was ruling 15 states of the country and claimed that grand alliance was able to form the government last time only after making lofty promises and taking people of the state for a ride. He said everybody was aware how the grand alliance government did not take any decision for the welfare of the common people in its first 11 months of rule. Mr Singh said only 15.95-lakh out of total 72.36-lakh farmers in the state had been given soil health cards due to the state government`s lackadaisical approach. He said the state government had also not submitted a report to the Centre on the funds spent on promotion of organic farming in the state. Union Minister of State for Rural Development Ramkripal Yadav, former state BJP president and Rajya Sabha member Gopal Narayan Singh, MPs Dr CP Thakur and Ashwani Kumar Choubey, state BJP president Mangal Pandey, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Prem Kumar, MLAs Nand Kishore Yadav and Arun Kumar Sinha, MLC Krishna Kumar Singh and a host of other leaders also spoke on the occasion.UNI DH RN SW SNU 1938 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0311-1007063.Xml Jammu and Kashmir police claimed to have arrested five youths who were found allegedly involved in setting a government school on fire in the north Kashmir district of Baramulla. A senior police officer said during the intervening night of October 26 and 27, 2016, Government Middle School Tapper Pattan was set ablaze by some miscreants. An FIR was registered under section 436 of the RPC in Pattan Police Station and investigation taken up.During the investigation it surfaced that the conspiracy to set the school on fire was hatched at the medical shop of one Ajaz Ahmad Parra alias Ajaz Medicate with Omar Parra alias Omar Kasaie, Shabir Pandit aliaas Bulbul and Bashir Ahmad Hajam all residents of Hamray Pattan. These people have arranged petrol from a petrol pump and stored in plastic bottles and gave the same to Naveed Ahmad son of Ghulam Nabi aliaas Naba Tension , Adil Ahmad Parra alias Adil Doda and Usman alias Babloo all resident of residents of Tapper Pattan who at around 0130 hrs executed their plan and set the school building on fire. These individuals who are known stone-pelters and are wanted in many stone pelting cases, had kept some of the petrol bottles in an apple orchard for creating the panic in future by burning the vehicles and other government buildings, he said. The motive behind this act of the miscreants was to create an atmosphere of fear and to ensure that Schools continue to remain closed. He said Omer Kasaie had also threatened the school staff, who thereafter had shifted the school record to some safe location without informing the police. All the accused except Naveed and Usman have been arrested and at the instance of Omar Kasaie and Adil Doda, some petrol bottles were recovered from the apple orchard near Tapper. Further investigation in the case is going on. The other accused involved in this incident have also been identified and manhunt has been launched to nab them, he said.UNI ABS AE SNU 2001 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-1007127.Xml Police solved a burglary case here with the arrest of one person today. Senior superintendent of police Rajiv Ranjan in a statement here today said that Grand Bazaar police on September 12, had registered a burglary case at Jeevanandam street here on a complaint from one Sekhar. The miscreant had taken away gold ornaments and other items worth Rs.6 lakhs. A special police team was formed which studied cases with similar modus-operandi and mounted survillance on known burglars of Puducherry and neighboring districts of Tamilnadu and singled out a suspect, resident of Chennai and laid a trap for him. The police team yesterday nabbed one Raja of Kannagi nagar Chennai. On interrogation,he confessed of committing the crime and police seized 12 soveregins of gold, 200 grams of silver, 3 mobile phones and 7 costly watches worth Rs.6 lakhs. UNI PAB VS 2057 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1007239.Xml Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who was detained and prevented from marching to India Gate to protest against the suicide of an ex-serviceman over the issue of One Rank One Pension, was released after two hours. Talking to reporters after his release from Tughlak Road Police Station, Mr Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying "it is a reflection of Modi's India." "Who was giving orders to cop ?," the Congress leader questioned. As soon as the Congress vice-president arrived at Jantar Mantar where party workers assembled this evening, he was whisked away by the police into a waiting PCR van. ''I don't know where they are taking me. I have been sitting inside the PCR van since half-an-hour," Mr Gandhi told reporters here. The Congress termed the obstruction of its leader 'detention' which the police denied saying he was just secured in the police vehicle. Earlier in the day, Mr Gandhi had gone to village Bamla in the Bhiwani district of Haryana to attend the funeral ceremony of the deceased ex-serviceman Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal. Grewal's suicide had stirred major political storm in the national capital yesterday leading to high drama with police detaining the Congress vice-president, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia during their bid to meet the kin of the deceased. It triggered a backlash from their parties who accused the Modi government of being undemocratic and betraying the soldiers. The ex-serviceman had on Tuesday night allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison at Jantar Mantar, alleging that he had not received the increased pension under the OROP scheme implemented last year.UNI DS SB 2228 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0177-1007313.Xml Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today targeted Bahujan Samaj Party and BJP saying that the parties do not have any development plan for the state. Addressing a gathering here after reaching Unnao, Mr Yadav said, "BSP and BJP are wasting their time by criticizing SP and UP government. Actually they are uncomfortable with growing popularity of Samajwadi government. Both parties do not have any plan for the development of the state but they are diverting public with attractive speeches." Criticizing policies of central government, Mr Yadav said the BJP gave slogan of 'Digital India' then they came with Smart City Projects but both the policies are dying rather than any development. BSP has same status. The BSP supremo who always comments on law and order situation of state should recall how many positive steps has been taken to it. Highlighting his government's achievement Mr Yadav said that his government has done conspicuous work in health sector. Samajwadi Ambulance Service is facilitating public here. More than 55 lakh women are getting benefit of Samajwadi Pension plan. Mr Yadav claimed that his government has modernised police service in the state. Government has made police recruitment process easy. His government has completed express way project in very short time with the help of farmers. Earlier Mr Yadav was welcomed at Azadnagar Chauraha here. UNI JDM MB VS SB 2248 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1007305.Xml The day-long bandh called by the Maoists today passed off peacefully and evoked a partial response in Vizag Agency and along Andhra Odisha Border (AOB) of the region. The strike was called in five states (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra) in protest against the alleged fake encounter by the security forces in Malkangiri's forest of Odisha on October 24 in which 24 Maoists, including few top guns of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) were gunned down. Shops and other commercial establishments remained closed in Maoists 'strong zone areas such as Darakonda, Galikonda, Rudakota and Balapam and few others areas in Vizag Agency and also along AOB. Buses and private vehicle operators also suspended services to the remote areas of Chintapalle, Munchingiput, Pedabayalu, G Madugula and few others areas. The weekly shandies (markets) in the agency areas of Vizag and Vizianagaam districts and also along AOB had thin turnout owning to the bandh call. In the mandal headquarters of Araku Valley, Paderu, Pedabayalu, Chintapalle, Munchingiput and few other areas of Vizag Agency, around 70 per cent of businessmen and traders opened their shops following the instructions from the men-in-khaki.Though the bandh was partial and police and paramilitary forces were deployed in huge number, people had a tense day.Superintendent of Police (Visakha Rural) Rahul Dev Sharma said that that Maoist bandh had no impact in most of Maoist-infested areas and everything remained normal. There were no untoward incidents in the district .UNI BSR VS 2250 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1007314.Xml As many as 42 brands based out of Kolkata featured in the 1000 most attractive brand list in the country's much anticipated brand evaluation report on attractiveness, India's Most Attractive Brands 2016. Leading brands like ITC and Emami are nationally ranked at 123 and 301 respectively along with a number of individual brands like Aashirvaad Atta (All India rank 81), Sunfeast (All India rank 248), Yippie Noodles (All India rank 492) and Fair and Handsome (All India rank 558) which feature in Super-Categories F&B and FMCG respectively. TRA Research, a Comniscient Group company, has listed the brands that have elicited the deep desire-based attraction in their audience. LG has taken the national crown of India's Most Attractive Brand in this 2016 study. The South Korea-based Consumer Electronics giant has taken the 1st rank, moving up from 2nd place last year. Sony ranks 2nd, followed by the two-time reigning champion from the two previous reports, Samsung Mobiles ranking 3rd. Honda makes an entrance at the 4thposition. Samsung, in the Durables category leaped from rank 87 in 2015 to rank 5 this time round. The highest placed wholly-Indian conglomerate in this year's listings, Bajaj, is India's 6th Most Attractive brand. The second Indian brand in the list, Tata, ranked 7th which has slipped three places since last year. Maruti Suzuki comes in at rank 8. Airtel shoots up 9 ranks from ranking 18th last year, followed by Nokia, which stands at the 10th position. Godrej (All India rank 13), Dell (All India rank 15) and Hewlett Packard (All India rank 17) made an exit from the top 10 Most Attractive Brands listings this year. On the occasion of the report's launch CEO of TRA Research N Chandramouli said, "Companies based out of West Bengal have created their niche place in the field of 'Attractiveness', a factor that depends on the socio-psycho-cultural influences of deep-rooted desires. A few home-grown products like Ajanta Footwear, a regular name in Bengali households, have made surprise entries and it is nationally ranked 204th alongside Khadim ranked at 237th and Sreeleathers at 383th in the footwear segment. "The most significant direct entry we can say for 'Joy Cosmetics (All-India rank 567), Soumi's Can Grow (All-India rank 922) and Bapi Chanachur (All-India rank 703) in this year's list," he said. Another remarkable trend was noticed for last 3 years that the brand recognition of Hosiery Innerwear Industry is dominant from the East with Rupa (All-India rank 232) Lux Cozi (All-India rank 363) Dollar (All-India rank 460), Mr Chandramouli added.UNI BM RN SB 2210 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-1007296.Xml Criminals looted Rs 2.40 lakh from employees of a petrol pump near Chanaur village under Bena police station area in Nalanda district today.Police said here that two motorcycle borne criminals intercepted as many employees of the petrol pump located on National Highway near Haraut village when they were going to deposit the amount in a local bank.The miscreants snatched the money bag from them on gun point and made good their escape. An FIR had been lodged at the police station concerned.Raids are being conducted to nab culprits, police added.UNI XC DH RN SB 2202 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0311-1007284.Xml A 911 call reporting the fire at Hopewell Baptist Church in Greenville came in at about 9.15 p.m. on Tuesday. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, CNN reported. Most of the damage to the 111-year-old church was to the sanctuary, pastor Carilyn Hudson said at a news conference. "We do believe that God will allow us to build another sanctuary in that same place," she said, though the extent of the damage was unclear. There were no reports of injuries; no one had been in the building since about 1 p.m. earlier on Tuesday, Hudson said. Greenville Police Chief Delando Wilson told CNN that police brought in a person of interest Wednesday afternoon and "are interviewing this person to determine if they had any participation in this event or if we can clear them." Fire Chief Ruben Brown said an investigation led to the conclusion that the fire was intentional. "Accidental was ruled out," he said. An $11,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and prosecution. Greenville city, about 33,000 near the Arkansas border, comprises 78 per cent African-Americans, according to a recent census. Surrounding Washington county is 71 per cent. A GoFundMe account set up to help the church rebuild had garnered more than 2,300 donations totalling $87,000 by Wednesday evening, far surpassing a $10,000 goal. --IANS ksk ( 263 Words) 2016-11-03-09:06:03 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee today received the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (D Litt) from the Kathmandu University. Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also the ex-officio Chancellor of the University, conferred the title on the President at a special convocation ceremony held here. Earlier, Mr Mukherjee, who is in Nepal on a three-day state visit, performed 'special puja' at Pashupatinath temple on the second day of his state visit to Nepal. Amid tight security, the President offered prayers at the 5th century Hindu shrine on the bank of Bagmati River, which has been bedecked in colourful flowers in his honour. He will attend a civic reception organised by Kathmandu Metropolitan City and address a seminar on India-Nepal relations jointly organised by the Indian foundation Neeti Prathisthan Nepal and Nepal Centre for Contemporary Studies. He will visit Janakpur and Pokhara tomorrow. This is the first visit by an Indian president to Nepal in 18 years since KR Narayanan's visit to the Himalayan neighbour in 1998.UNI SD AE SNU 1447 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0005-1006265.Xml Two US service members were killed while assisting Afghan security forces in operations against the Taliban around the northern city of Kunduz, a US military statement said today."The service members came under fire during a train, advise and assist mission with our Afghan partners to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the group's operations in Kunduz district," the statement said.It gave no details on the identity of the personnel or what units they served with.The deaths underline the precarious security situation around Kunduz, which Taliban fighters managed to enter last month, a year after they briefly captured the city in their biggest success in the 15-year long war.Although US combat operations against the Taliban largely ended in 2014, special forces units have been repeatedly engaged in combat, providing assistance to Afghan army and police.Thousands of US soldiers remain in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led Resolute Support training and assistance mission and a separate counterterrorism mission.The deaths come a month after another US service member was killed on an operation against Islamic State fighters in the eastern province of Nangarhar.Afghan forces, fighting largely alone since the end of the international combat mission, have suffered thousands of casualties, with more than 5,500 killed in the first eight months of 2016. REUTERS SW VP1440 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0101-1006280.Xml Hong Kong can handle an unprecedented city government legal attempt to bar two newly elected legislators promoting independence from China, a government lawyer said today, amid growing speculation Beijing would intervene in the case.The case of the pro-independence politicians who won seats in the city legislature in a September election has highlighted worries about Beijing's intervention in the former British colony despite promises of autonomy.The two politicians - Yau Wai-ching, 25, and Baggio Leung, 30 - displayed a "Hong Kong is not China" banner and used a derogatory word for China during a swearing in ceremony as Legislative Council members last month.They were not sworn in and the city's chief executive filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction against them getting another chance.Hong Kong's High Court struck down that request but approved a judicial review hearing over the pair's membership of the legislature, which began on Thursday.Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying signalled on Tuesday that Beijing might use a rarely invoked power to interpret the city's mini-constitution, known as the Basic Law, in the case.But government lawyer Benjamin Yu told the court Hong Kong could handle it."It is the stance of the government that the issue in question can and should be resolved within the Hong Kong SAR judicial system," Yu said, referring to Hong Kong by its official designation as a special administrative region of China.Media has reported the standing committee of China's National People's Congress, or parliament, would take up the issue when it meets in Beijing over coming days.The Standing Committee has interpreted the Basic Law four times since the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997, including once when neither the city government nor its courts requested it.Yu said authorities had sought confirmation from Beijing on whether an interpretation might happen, but they had not got a reply."The Hong Kong SAR government has not requested the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to exercise its power of interpretation."Any intervention by Beijing in the case would increase concern about the financial hub's autonomy and vaunted legal system, legal officials say privately.The long-taboo issue of Hong Kong's independence began gaining momentum after Beijing refused to give any concessions during street protests in 2014 for full democracy.Yu said the two politicians used the swearing in ceremony "to advocate for Hong Kong independence" and did not comply with certain articles in the mini constitution."If you do not believe Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China, you have no business in the Legislative Council," Yu said.The Basic law says Hong Kong is an "inalienable part" of China. REUTERS CJ RK1410 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1006233.Xml Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri indicated today he was ready to cooperate in efforts to set up a new government expected to be led by Sunni politician Saad al-Hariri, softening earlier objections that threatened to hold up its formation.Berri, head of the Amal Movement, is one of the most influential figures in Lebanon and his previous opposition to the deal that saw Michel Aoun elected head of state this week was seen as an obstacle to forming the new government.Berri formally announces his support for Hariri's candidacy in a meeting with Aoun at the presidential palace. Asked by a journalist if he intended to cooperate in the formation of the new government, he said: "If there was no intention to cooperate, we would not have named him". REUTERS SW VP1554 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0101-1006433.Xml Several hundred academics, students and union members under the watch of Turkish riot police protested in front of Istanbul University today against a purge of thousands of education staff since an attempted coup in July.Ankara, which says US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen orchestrated the July 15 putsch, has launched a crackdown in which 110,000 civil servants, judges, prosecutors and police have been suspended or dismissed over suspected links to the preacher."Shoulder-to-shoulder against fascism", "we will win by resisting", the crowd chanted as dozens of police wearing gas masks looked on.Among those suspended or removed in the purges since July are nearly 50,000 academics, teachers and other education staff. Under the coup investigation, some 37,000 people have also been jailed pending trial.The crackdown has worried rights groups and Western allies.Officials say the measures are justified by the threat posed by the putsch, in which more than 240 people were killed when rogue soldiers commandeered tanks and fighter jets, opening fire on parliament and other key buildings."We won't surrender", said one banner held up by protesters, echoing a headline in the secularist opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper, whose editor and top staff were detained this week on accusations of coverage precipitating the coup."We are facing a period worse than the coup," said Tahsin Yesildere, head of a university teaching staff association."In our country, which is being turned into a one-man regime through the emergency, all opposition resisting to this have become targets," he told Reuters.Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999, has denied involvement in the coup. REUTERS SW AS1621 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0101-1006510.Xml Greek pensioners took to the streets of the capital today to protest against a new wave of pension cuts the leftist-led government imposed as part of an austerity drive prescribed by international lenders.About 3,000 pensioners chanting "Liars!" rallied outside the Labour ministry in central Athens where they burnt government letters outlining the reasons behind the new reductions in their supplementary pensions."They (the government) burnt our lives. We are burning their disgraceful letters," a pensioner said over a loudspeaker.Protesters later marched to parliament chanting "Bring back the stolen money!"Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was first elected 23 months ago promising to end years of austerity imposed by the European Union and International Monetary Fund lenders in exchange for vital bailout loans.But he was forced to reverse course to keep Greece in the euro zone, signing up to a third bailout in July last year and pursuing deeper cuts and reforms. His coalition government's popularity ratings have been dropping for months.Participation in street demonstrations has so far been low but tensions often flare in protests. Pensioners have been particularly hit since Greece signed it first bailout in 2010."Our living standard is below zero," said 74-year old pensioner Yannis Souliotis, one of the protesters.Private sector workers will stage a 24-hour strike on Dec. 8, the largest labour union said on Wednesday. Public sector unions were to decide later on Thursday if they would join them.The walkout is aimed at coinciding with a crucial bailout review on unpopular labour reforms. Tsipras wants to conclude the review swiftly to qualify for more debt relief hoping to convince voters that their sacrifices are bearing fruit. REUTERS SW AS1626 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0101-1006533.Xml Motorists in China who drive with their headlights stuck on full beam are getting a taste of their own medicine.In a unique penalty trialled by police in the southern city of Shenzhen, offenders are fined 300 yuan (44 dollars) and then encouraged to sit in a chair or crouch down and stare into a full beam headlight for one minute.Nearly 1,000 offenders were caught at 100 checkpoints across the city between 1800 to 2200 hrs on Tuesday, the first day of the crackdown, state broadcaster CCTV reported."Now you can experience for yourself just how harmful the full beam headlights are and how much light pollution they cause," a police officer told one offender.The driver later told reporters: "My eyes were dazzled. I will never come to Shenzhen again."It's the latest in a series of unorthodox initiatives by the city's traffic police, who last year made jaywalkers don green hats and supervise traffic.REUTERS SW AS1634 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0101-1006556.Xml US Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations David Pressman is set to become executive director of the new Clooney Foundation for Justice, set up by George and Amal Clooney, as well as a partner at the Boies, Schiller & Flexner law firm.After some two years as deputy to US Ambassador Samantha Power, Pressman said he would leave tomorrow and start his new roles on Monday. Before his role at the world body, he served as assistant secretary of homeland security, on the National Security Council and on US President Barack Obama's Atrocity Prevention Board.Pressman said he looked forward to help building a foundation "focused on serving individuals who are being persecuted and individuals who are, by virtue of their circumstance, being denied the opportunity to access basic things like an education.""One of the things that both the Clooneys bring to the table is an ability to attract a lot of interested people and attention and resources to issues, individuals and causes the might not otherwise have it," Pressman told Reuters.The first project of the foundation is to help educate Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Pressman said the foundation would also look to "find a way of monitoring trials around the world in situations where individuals are being persecuted."Amal Clooney is an international human rights lawyer, who is currently representing Nadia Murad, a young Yazidi woman held captive and raped by Islamic State militants. Pressman previously worked with actor and activist George Clooney as co-founders of human rights advocacy group Not On Our Watch.During his time at the United Nations, Pressman said achievements included securing robust sanctions against North Korea in March after Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test and getting the issue of human rights in North Korea on the UN Security Council agenda.He also cited being able to convince the 15-member Security Council to denounce the mass shooting at a Florida gay nightclub as "targeting persons as a result of their sexual orientation," overcoming standard resistance to such language by African and Muslim states, as well as Russia.Boies, Schiller & Flexner said Pressman's work at the firm would focus on complex international disputes, litigation and arbitration, white-collar defense and crisis management.Boies, Schiller & Flexner Chairman David Boies has represented such high-profile clients as former US Vice President Al Gore, the late New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and hedge fund billionaire Steven Cohen.REUTERS VS AS1904 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1006966.Xml India today welcomed Nepal to be a part of its growth story and take advantage of the opportunities inherent in the rapid transformation of its economy. Speaking at a civic reception hosted in his honour at the Kathmandu Municipal City, President Pranab Mukherjee noted that as two developing economies, India and Nepal have a shared vision of economic prosperity and sustained development for their respective nations and also the region. ''India believes that to keep pace with the growing aspirations of our people and in order to give them the quality of life that they seek, our focus should remain on creating an enabling environment for their economic progress and promoting peace and political stability,'' the President said as he asked Nepal to take advantage of the opportunities inherent in the rapid transformation of the Indian economy. India, he said, fondly remembered the support that its freedom fighters received from the leaders and people of Nepal during the freedom struggle. At the same time,India wished the people and the Government of Nepal every success in the important task of implementing its constitution, taking on board all the sections of its society. He described his visit to Nepal as ''a kind of pilgrimage'' and a mission of friendship to foster ever greater understanding and cooperation between the two South Asianneighbours and assured that the Government and the people were committed to further strengthening and deepening this relationship, an official release here said.UNI SD SHK 1942 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0005-1007077.Xml ''I am confident that in coming days it will be a model for other cities in Nepal,''he said writing in the Visitor's Book after attending a civic reception hosted in his honour at Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office. The Indian Government, he said, was ready to partner with the people and Government of Nepal in their endeavours towards growth and development. The President expressed happiness at visiting this holy city once again. ''Needless to say, Kathmandu has expanded greatly since my last visit. I congratulate the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office for their unfailing dedication in managing and maintaining this rapidly growing city - despite the inevitable challenges.'' He recorded his thanks to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office and its Chief Executive Officer Rudra Singh Tamang and conveyed his best wishes for the progress and prosperity of the people of Kathmandu.UNI SD SHK 2000 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0005-1007116.Xml Myanmar has agreed to allow aid to resume to the troubled north of Rakhine state and permit international observers to monitor whether help is reaching people displaced by violence, diplomats on a mission to the area told reporters today.The diplomats, including the ambassadors of the United States and Britain and the top United Nations representative to the country, also called for an "independent and credible investigation" into attacks on security forces on Oct. 9 and the army operation launched in their aftermath.The mission spent two days in northern Rakhine, closed to aid workers and observers for more than three weeks, and visited several villages, but were not taken to the scene of some of the most serious allegations of abuses by troops against civilians."There are four villages where people had apparently fled," US Ambassador Scot Marciel told reporters."We talked to two groups of villagers who haven't had any food for a while. So the government has agreed to restoring humanitarian assistance to them, which is a good step."Troops have flooded northern Rakhine since Oct. 9, when militants believed to be Rohingya Muslims attacked police border posts, killing nine officers. The government says five soldiers and at least 33 alleged insurgents have been killed in the military operation since then.Residents and human rights advocates have accused security forces of summary executions, rapes and setting fire to homes.The government of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi has denied any abuses have taken place. During a visit to Japan, Suu Kyi was quoted as saying that Myanmar was responding to the "delicate" conflict based on the rule of law.Renata Lok-Dessallien, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, said the government assured the visiting diplomats that humanitarian support would be provided to up to 15,000 people believed to have been displaced since Oct. 9."We asked that international observation of the provision of the assistance be agreed to and the government agreed to this. The government also agreed to allow the programmes that were halted on the 9th of October to resume," she said, adding that the details of that resumption of aid were being worked out.The violence in recent weeks is the most serious to hit Rakhine since hundreds were killed in communal clashes in 2012.Myanmar's 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims are denied citizenship, with many majority Buddhists regarding them as illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh, and face severe travel restrictions. They form the majority in northern Rakhine.CALLS FOR INVESTIGATIONMarciel said the group was able to visit many villages it wanted to see, talk to the residents, and see how people lived. They had seen some burned-down homes, he said.But the diplomats said the purpose of the mission - which was not accompanied by humanitarian staff, technical experts or independent journalists - was to stress the importance of access and transparency, not investigate reported abuses."There's no way we have that capability," said Marciel. "That's why we said how important it is for Myanmar to have an independent, credible investigation that can look into these things more deeply."That contrasted with the portrayal of the mission by the state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar daily, which on Thursday ran a front-page story on the trip story headlined: "False accusations on violating human rights exposed to the world."A separate opinion piece in the newspaper criticised local and foreign media reporting of the allegations of abuses by the military for "working hand-in-glove with the perpetrators" of attacks on security forces and publishing "fabricated news".Some villagers yesterday crowded around the delegation and were able to independently talk to the members, handing over letters and electronic memory cards with testimonies, residents, monitors and delegation members told Reuters.Following the meeting the crowd was detained temporarily by security forces, the residents said.A local authority official said the diplomats had not been taken to U Shey Kya, a village where eight women have told Reuters they and dozens of others were raped or sexually assaulted by soldiers.A resident of U Shey Kya contacted by telephone said the villagers had waited for the delegation on Wednesday, but it did not arrive. The account was corroborated by Chris Lewa from Arakan Project, a monitoring group with a network of Rohingya sources in the villages.Underscoring the tense atmosphere of the trip, at least two Rohingya Muslims were briefly detained during one meeting on Wednesday in the village of Kyee Kan Pyin, which was attacked on Oct. 9, after authorities identified them as suspects, three witnesses said. The people were freed after US ambassador Marciel intervened, the witnesses said. REUTERS VS NS2030 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1007201.Xml Blackened walls and piles of rubble are all that is left of the house of a leader of Nigeria's Shi'ite minority after it was burned down by machete-wielding youths in the tense northern city of Kaduna.A wave of attacks on members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) Shi'ite sect combined with a security crackdown by the authorities is worsening sectarian rivalries in northern Nigeria, where the army is already fighting Boko Haram, a Sunni militant group that has killed thousands.The violence risks radicalising the sect, creating another problem for President Muhammadu Buhari as he struggles with an insurgency in the Niger Delta oil region, secession calls in the southeast and Nigeria's first recession in more than 20 years.The clashes erupted after the Kaduna state government declared the Shi'ite sect unlawful on security grounds, angering its adherents as anyone convicted of being a member could now be imprisoned for up to seven years.Shi'ites say the ban effectively invited local Sunni youths, who have complained about the sect staging processions in public, to take on the IMN while it marked the holy day of Ashoura mourning last month."Young men armed with machetes came looking for IMN people that day, burning houses and chasing away those who hadn't already run away. They came to kill," said Musa Abubakar, a driver who witnessed the clashes in Kaduna's Tudunwada district."Those they caught were badly beaten," he said, adding that dozens of men chased away outnumbered police officers. Two Shi'ites were killed elsewhere in Kaduna state in the clashes.Anger has been rising in the sect's strongholds in the north since the army killed 347 IMN members in the city of Zaria. They were buried in mass graves after clashes in December 2015, according to a judicial inquiry.Since then Shi'ite leader Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky has been imprisoned at an unknown location without being charged. His followers have daubed "Free Zakzaky" on walls in Kaduna."We feel repressed," said Abdul Giwa, an IMN spokesman. "We have the freedom of religion. What the government should do is tolerate and understand us."Security analysts draw parallels with Boko Haram, whose insurgency began in 2009 after security forces killed hundreds of its members and its leader Mohammed Yusuf died in custody. Zakzaky was badly wounded in the December clashes.BUHARI'S CHALLENGESPosters calling for Zakzaky's release were quickly torn down, said Giwa who was speaking to the press because the group's spokesman had gone into hiding.Africa's most populous nation of 180 million combines a predominantly Christian south and mainly Sunni Muslim north.Shi'ites are estimated at less than 4 million, according to a 2009 report by the US-based Pew Research Center, although there are no official figures. Human Rights Watch estimates that IMN has around 3 million members.The IMN was founded in the 1980s after the revolution in mainly Shi'ite Iran in 1979, which inspired the sect's founders.Kaduna officials, made up like Buhari and other northern elites of Sunnis, see the sect as security threat."The IMN is more of a political organisation than a religious organisation," said Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, adding that the IMN was declared an "unlawful society" because it constitutes "a threat to the security and good governance of the state"."Over the last 30 years they have been engaged in all kind of violations of Nigerian law, from murder to abduction of young children to blocking of highways to forceful acquisition of property of their neighbours," El-Rufai said. "And they also operate a military wing."He rejected the comparison with Boko Haram as a "simplistic analogy" because the Sunni group's leader was subjected to an extra-judicial execution. In contrast, Kaduna state would bring charges against Zakzaky in court, if he was suspected of wrongdoing after he was released, he added.Buhari's two spokesmen refused to comment on Zakzaky's detention, saying it was a matter for the justice minister. He did not answer repeated phone calls.Buhari, a former military ruler, said in August he would study a judicial inquiry report recommending that soldiers who killed hundreds of Shi'ites in December should be put on trial, but no decision has been announced.SECTARIAN TENSIONSA Western diplomat said that Islamic State, the militant group which has seized territory in Syria and Iraq, could use Boko Haram to stir up sectarian strife between Shi'ites and Sunnis in Nigeria."Their standard approach is to find religious fault lines and play on them," he said.Signs of sectarian tension are already emerging in Kaduna, a major city in the north where poverty, corruption and unemployment have helped Boko Haram and hardline Islamists recruit angry youths.Many IMN members say the police and army, institutions that in the north are dominated by Sunnis, were behind the bloodshed that marred the Ashoura processions."The police escorted the thugs," said Giwa, adding that he believed authorities were being influenced by Wahhabism, Saudi Arabia's official ultra-conservative Sunni Muslim school that often labels Shi'ites as heretical."We feel they are the ones who might have influenced the government into this action," he said, leaning forward.Kaduna's police denied any involvement in attacks on IMN or any other Shi'ites in the state. Kaduna state police spokesman Aliyu Usman said "hoodlums taking advantage of the situation" were responsible for the attacks last month."We're protecting them. We know what members of the public want to do to them," he said, adding that 11 people had been charged with offences in the wake of the violence.In the rundown district of Tudunwada, just a few metres from the graffiti calling on Zakzaky's release, local Sunnis had little sympathy for members of the Shi'ite sect."Everybody has the right to practice their own religion, but not if you impede other people's rights," said Muhammad Salis, a 32-year-old carpenter.Abdullahi Ahmed, a 43-year-old civil servant, went further. "They take the law into their own hands," he said, accusing the sect's members of blocking roads during religious gatherings.REUTERS VS NS2134 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1007281.Xml BEIJING, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- The support team of Chinese sailor Guo Chuan on Friday announced the continuous need of support for the search and rescue of the missing Chinese sailor. Guo started his challenge on Oct. 19 from San Francisco with his Super Trimaran "China Qingdao" heading for Shanghai, hoping to set a new cross-pacific sailing record. The communication between the trimaran and his onshore support team ceased on Oct. 25. U.S. Naval ships were sent after request to approach the drifting trimaran and found no one on board. According to GuoChuan's team, it is still possible that Guo fell in the water with his life jacket on and the water temperature is over 25 degree Celsius, rescue work is still going on. Guo's team told Xinhua that a company in Hawaii is willing to offer helicopters, however the distance between assumed location and the islands are far. The team is urgently need ships with helicopter platforms near the area for refueling and announced an email hot-line: jessie.zhou@chinasportbusiness.com. Guo is the first Chinese offshore sailor who completed the VOLVO Ocean Race, and the first who participated in the Mini Transat sailing event. Guo is also the first to complete solo non-stop circumnavigation in a 40ft yacht and created a new record, recognized by WSSRC and Guinness. He also created a record of crossing Arctic Ocean's Northeast passage in 2015. GENEVA, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) condemned on Tuesday the firing of a ballistic missile into Saudi Arabia by Yemen-based Houthis and their allies last week. "The launching of any weapon indiscriminately into an area filled with civilians is forbidden under international humanitarian law," OHCHR said in a written statement. "We urge all parties to the conflict to exercise restraint and to ensure full respect for international human rights and international humanitarian law," it added. The Yemeni Houthi army's spokesman denied last Friday Saudi allegations that the missile was targeting the holy city of Mecca, noting that it was aiming a Saudi airport in the Red Sea city of Jeddah. Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Oct. 27 that a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis from the Yemeni northern province of Saada was intercepted 65 km from Mecca. No damage or casualties were reported in the incident, SPA said, adding that Saudi warplanes struck the missile launch pad in Saada and completely destroyed it. Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen conflict in March last year to restore its ally President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and his government to power, after Houthis and forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh fought a revolution against "Hadi government corruption" and drove Hadi with his cabinet to flee into exile. The Saudi-led coalition has ever since failed to restore Hadi or recapture northern provinces from the allied Houthi and Saleh forces which has also controlled the capital Sanaa. Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan attends a Republic Day ceremony at Anitkabir, the mausoleum of modern Turkey's founder Ataturk, to mark the republic's anniversary in Ankara, Turkey, October 29, 2016. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) ISTANBUL, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged on Wednesday to boost cooperation with African countries. "We are developing long-term cooperation with African countries based on a win-win concept," the president said during the first Turkey-Africa Economy and Business Forum in Istanbul. He appealed to Turkish companies to increase investments which would contribute to the continent's economic, cultural, touristic and agricultural development. Turkey's direct investment in sub-Saharan countries reached 3.9 billion U.S. dollars, while its trade volume with the entire continent jumped to 17.5 billion dollars in 2015, according to Erdogan. The president noted that Turkey aims to increase the number of its diplomatic missions in Africa, currently at 39, to improve cooperation. In his speech, the Turkish leader also criticized what he called the West's colonial policies toward the Middle East and Africa. "Turkey and Africa both refused to become colonies or being second-class citizens," said Erdogan. Drawing attention to terrorism's negative impact on economic development, the president asked African leaders to support Turkey in its fight against Fethullah Gulen's group, a U.S.-based cleric accused of masterminding the failed July coup in Turkey which left 246 people dead. Gulen's group, which operates a network of schools in Africa and other parts of the world, has been designated as a terrorist organization by Ankara. COLOMBO, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- China will continue to support Sri Lanka's economic and social development, to further help Sri Lanka become a financial center in South Asia and the world, China's Ambassador to Sri Lanka Yi Xianliang told journalists in Colombo on Tuesday. Ambassador Yi said that further cooperation between China and Sri Lanka under the framework of "One Belt One Road" was expected as this would bring huge progress to the island nation. Yi pointed out that within the past two years, China-Sri Lanka relations once suffered a 'low period' but relations were back on track and China looked forward to investing more in the island country if the country maintains a clear and consistent policy. The ambassador further said that a mega 1.4 billion dollar Port City project, now known as the Colombo International Financial City had resumed construction after a suspension of 1.5 years and this was Sri Lanka's largest direct foreign investment to date. He added that China and Sri Lanka would also enter into the third round of talks for a Free Trade Agreement this month and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was also working on promoting an Industrial Zone in the southern coast of Hambantota, dedicated for Chinese investments. All these facts, he said, had proved that the strong friendship shared between China and Sri Lanka could stand the test of time. Regarding the Port City, Yi said that the Chinese investors had resumed the project after the government's nod despite suffering a loss of 1 million dollars per day due to the suspension. Yi further noted that the Norocholai coal power plant, the only Coal Power Plant in the country, was another major project of China-Sri Lanka cooperation, which provides 50 percent of electricity consumption to the island. The plant also creates a net profit of 1 million dollars per day for the Sri Lankan government. He said the recent power failures in the island was not caused by the internal failure of the power plant, but was instead a break down of the national power grid. China has become one of Sri Lanka's largest development partners with infrastructure construction projects worth 15.5 billion dollars completed in Sri Lanka by the end of 2015. China is also one of the major FDI sources of Sri Lanka, with direct investments of 409 million dollars, which is increasing rapidly, the ambassador said. China has also contributed towards the island's tourism sector which suffered severely due to a 30 year civil conflict, with nearly 200,000 Chinese tourists visiting Sri Lanka from January to August this year. VIENTIANE, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Laos and China's northeastern Jilin province on Wednesday agreed to expand production capacity cooperation. During a meeting on promotion of production capacity cooperation held in Lao capital Vientiane, Lao Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Khamlien Pholsena said Jilin is the first Chinese region coming to Laos to promote production capacity cooperation. The meeting is expected to drive the exchanges and mutual understanding between Laos and the Chinese region, as well as to create favorable conditions for further cooperation and to deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, Khamlien said. Sui Zhongcheng, Deputy Governor of Jilin province, for his part, said that the promotion of production capacity cooperation is among major activities to implement the "Belt and Road" initiative proposed by China. Laos has rich natural resources including land, mineral and hydro-power resources, as well as good conditions for agricultural development, which have strong complementarity with China's economy, Sui said, adding that there are huge potentials for bilateral cooperation. Jilin authorities are willing to communicate with Lao government for sound cooperation in production capacity between the two sides, Sui said. According to an official of Chinese Embassy in Laos, China has many competitive industries, including high-speed railway, construction materials, nonferrous metals, among others, while Laos is in the progress of industrialization. Cooperation in production capacity will help promote sustainable and stable development of the Lao economy. China has invested in over 764 projects in Laos, ranging from mining to agriculture, electricity, handicrafts and tourism with a combined value of more than seven billion Lao kip (nearly 862,000 U.S. dollars), making China the biggest foreign investor in Laos. Some 552 projects had 100 percent Chinese investment, while 212 projects were joint venture investments with local partners, according to Lao statistics. OSLO, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Norwegian research results suggest that cannabis abuse triggers psychosis and not the other way round, Norwegian media reported on Wednesday. Cannabis abuse can triple the risk of psychosis, according to a report by researchers from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) who, together with U.S. colleagues, studied the abuse of cannabis and symptoms of psychosis among nearly 1,400 pairs of twins. They have found a significant connection between the abuse of cannabis and symptoms of psychosis in general, something that had been proved before. The question was: what was causing what. "The new discovery is that, among a pair of twins where only one smokes cannabis, that twin has a 3.5 times higher risk of developing psychosis," Eivind Ystrom, senior researcher from FHI, told Norwegian news agency NTB. "We have also tested the hypothesis that symptoms of psychosis cause cannabis abuse, but that hypothesis was less suited to the data. It appears, therefore, that cannabis abuse is a cause of psychosis," he said. According to Ystrom, the survey was done by direct interviews and diagnosing, not by filling in a questionnaire, which made it altogether "far more than a suggestion." Both psychosis and cannabis use and abuse have high heritability. Therefore, it can happen that people who have developed psychosis would have done so anyway, only at a somewhat later stage of life. Previous research has shown that cannabis abuse can accelerate a hereditary psychosis for almost three years. Ystrom thinks that these factors should be taken into consideration when evaluating the consequences of decriminalization or legalization of personal use of cannabis products. "A basic question is about determining in what grade psychotic symptoms should be regarded as triggers of addiction," said Cecilie Hillestad Hoff, a specialist in clinical psychology who has worked with psychotic patients for nine years. "An important question then becomes whether the individual patient has ingested cannabis to reduce internal, psychological pain, or whether cannabis smoking precedes the development of psychosis. Research that helps to point out the direction of causality is very helpful," she said. Hillestad Hoff also emphasized the complexity of determining causality. "We still know very little about the reason some people develop a psychotic disorder," she said. Enditem KATHMANDU, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- A strategic cooperation framework agreement was signed between China's Yunnan province and the Nepal-China Executives Council here on Wednesday to strengthen the trade and investment relations between the two sides. The agreement was signed by Yang Hui, Deputy Director at Department of Commerce of Yunnan Province and Rajesh Upadhyay, President of Nepal-China Executives Council. The agreement has been hailed by both Nepali and Chinese businessmen as creating a win-win situation for promoting business ventures. "Kunming is the gateway from China to South and South East Asia under the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative. Since Nepal is also one of the countries en route the OBOR, we foresee more areas of cooperation and opportunities in the days ahead", Upadhyay said while addressing the gathering. This agreement, in addition to events like China-South Asia Expo and China-South Asia Business Forum organized by Yunnan government annually, will pave the way towards deepening the business relations, he said. Most of the Nepali businessmen maintained that it is the right time to invest and undertake mega projects in Nepal by the foreign investors, citing the stable politics situation and conducive business environment. Addressing the ceremony, Yang Hui, Deputy Director at Department of Commerce of Yunnan Province, said, "The agreement will promote economic cooperation in the areas like commerce, industry, energy, agriculture, tourism and socio-cultural exchanges among others." The two sides have also agreed to encourage enterprises and make recommendations for investment in their respective areas. VIENTIANE, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Sixth Session of the Asean Community Statistical System (ACSS) Committee opened in Vientiane to discuss ways to improve the statistical systems used by the committee, Lao news agency KPL reported Wednesday. The meeting, kicked off on Tuesday, was attended by Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Souphanh Keomixay, Head of the Lao Statistics Bureau Samaychanh Boupha, and delegates from other ASEAN countries. Speaking at the meeting, Minister Souphanh said, "Since the establishment of the ACSS in 2011, this is the first time Laos has hosted a meeting of the ASEAN heads of national statistics offices. The purpose of this important meeting is to discuss cooperation in improving the statistical systems used by this committee. " "We need to produce better official statistics as evidence for monitoring socio-economic development plans, and to measure the progress made in working towards the ASEAN Blueprint and Vision 2025 and also towards the Sustainable Development Goals," he said. "To successfully carry out all these development plans, we need sound statistics for the production and dissemination of all related indicators within the Lao statistics system," said the Lao minister. Over the first five years since its establishment, the ACSS has seen stronger mandates in ASEAN statistical cooperation. This has resulted in remarkable progress and achievements, said KPL report on Wednesday. However, challenges remain in developing statistics systems further. It is especially challenging for ASEAN to produce the right indicators that truly reflect the pace of sustainable development among ASEAN Member States, said KPL. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (L) meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Athens, Greece on Nov. 2, 2016. Greek leaders and visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said here on Wednesday the prospect was good for deepening bilateral ties, while calling for "fair" international cooperation when facing common challenges. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) by Maria Spiliopoulou ATHENS, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Greek leaders and visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said here on Wednesday the prospect was good for deepening bilateral ties, while calling for "fair" international cooperation when facing common challenges. The agenda of discussions in Athens included a wide range of issues, such as the enhancement of bilateral collaboration with a focus on investments, the energy sector, tourism, and culture. The two sides also discussed the relations between Russia and the European Union, as well as regional developments regarding the Middle East, Syria, Ukraine and Cyprus, according to a press announcement issued from the office of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. "We are in the midst of a period in which we face parallel challenges, regarding the refugee crisis, as well as terrorism and the security crisis. We must jointly seek constructive solutions to these crises and these solutions will be reached through dialogue," said Tsipras. Both Tsipras and Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos pointed to differences regarding the resolution of several thorny issues, particularly with regards to the Syrian crisis, but said all parties concerned should set them aside and work together fairly on viable solutions to restore peace and safeguard stability. "There should be collaboration, and we support it, between Russia, the United States and the EU, to end this war," said Pavlopoulos. The Russian official expressed Moscow's commitment to the United Nations Security Council resolutions to address both the Syrian and the Cyprus issues. "In the cases of Syria and Cyprus, we believe that the main thing to do is to implement what has been agreed in the framework of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council," he said. Referring to Syria, Lavrov said: "We are convinced that should the UN Security Council's resolutions be fairly implemented, the situation could change, it could improve significantly." Regarding bilateral ties, Lavrov and his Greek counterpart Nikos Kotzias underscored the two countries' mutual willingness to advance cooperation in many fields in the future. COTONOU, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Republic of Benin has welcomed, in the economic capital Cotonou, the 21st Chinese medical mission which arrived for new assignment in the West African country. The medical team, comprised of 27 specialized physicians, arrived on Tuesday. They will spend twelve months working in three hospital centers in cities including Lokossa and Natitingou. Sources close to health ministry said Benin had been eager to receive another Chinese medical mission for primarily cataract surgery so as to alleviate the plight of visually impaired people. Benin also looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China in health field, especially in the traditional medicine domains. As part of the health cooperation between China and Benin, over 400 Chinese physicians have served in the West African country where they contributed to the provision of better health care. JUBA, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in South Sudan on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of 17 people, including soldiers, over the rape of aid workers during clashes between rival forces in July. Deputy Justice Minister Martinson Oturomoi, who headed a committee to investigate the incident, said both the victims and eye witnesses interviewed by the committee identified the gang that raped aid workers while ransacking a compound manned by a relief agency in the capital Juba on July 11. "We managed to arrest 17 suspects whose involvement in the rape of aid workers and theft of commodities meant for displaced persons is beyond doubt," Oturomoi told reporters. His committee recommended a special court to be formed urgently to try the suspects. President Salva Kiir ordered the formation of the six-member committee in August following an outcry from the international community. Renewed fighting between government troops led by President Kiir and forces loyal to sacked First Vice President, Kiir's long-time rival, broke out in early July, raising fears the country could slide back into civil war. Enditem NAIROBI, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Only 16 percent of construction workers in Kenya have undergone formal training, hence the glaring skills gap in the critical sector, a senior official said on Wednesday. Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, James Macharia, told a construction forum in Nairobi that the government is addressing the skills deficit in the construction sector by training more contractors and artisans. "Our target is to ensure that construction workers are skilled in order to enhance safety of buildings in Kenya," Macharia said during the opening of the annual Construction Research Conference and Exhibition 2016. The event has attracted over 200 local and international exhibitors. Macharia said the construction sector played a pivotal role in the creation of youth employment as well as the absorption of locally manufactured construction products such as cement. Kenya has in the last decade increased investment in infrastructure in a bid to catalyze socio-economic development. The minister said that in the 2016/2017 fiscal year, the government disbursed over five billion U.S. dollars in the information communication technology, energy and infrastructure related sectors in order to foster economic growth. He said that a robust and well-coordinated construction industry will stimulate investment and job creation in Kenya. According to Kenya's Economic Survey Report of 2016, the construction industry in the country posted a 13.6 percent growth in 2015. Enditem MADRID, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Britain's decision to leave the European Union (EU) could have a negative effect of Spain's food and drink industry, warns a report commissioned by the consultancy group KPMG. According to the Spanish El Pais newspaper on Wednesday, the study, entitled "Food and Beverages: Trends for 2016" warns that the effects of Brexit are already being felt, with the value of pound against euro falling by over 15 percent, making imports increasingly expensive for British companies. KPMG, one of the big four auditors in the world, conclude the higher cost of imports will see British companies look more at "locally produced goods," something that will have an especially negative effect on the Spanish agricultural sector. The Brexit, which would presumably take Britain out of the single market, means new tariff rules will have to be negotiated, while Spanish producers could also be forced to seek new licenses to export to Britain. The study warns that British consumers have already begun to reduce spending levels as the result of "a rise in uncertainty, an expected rise in unemployment and a loss of purchasing power," meaning that demand is already starting to fall. According to government figures, the export of Spanish food and drink to Britain was worth over 3.5 billion euros (around 3.89 billion U.S. dollars) in 2015, making it Spain's most important export sector after the car industry. If Britain significantly reduced its number of food imports, Spanish producers will be forced to lower prices to attempt to maintain their share of the market, while they could also face increased competition in their own domestic market as producers from other countries seek new markets as they too find doors closing on them in Britain. Although nobody knows the exact effect of the Brexit, KPMG has warned Spanish companies of the need to start calculating the "the direct impact" of the decision and to start making plans accordingly. Enditem LUSAKA, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Zambia on Wednesday signed a deal for the construction of a new railway project with China's state-run firm that will enhance transportation in the southern African nation. The 388-kilometer railway, to run from the eastern town of Chipata to the central town of Serenje via another eastern town of Petauke, will be constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), at a cost of 2.3 billion U.S. dollars within a four-year period. "This project aims at enhancing regional trade and transport competitiveness by providing an alternative trade route to the East Coast of Africa via the Port of Nacala in Mozambique." Minister of Transport and Communications Brian Mushimba said at a signing ceremony in Lusaka, the country's capital. The project will provide the much-needed link between the Zambian main railway line network with the Malawian railway line network through the existing Chipata-Mchinji railway line which forms part of the Nacala Corridor, Mushimba said. The project will enable the government to save funds used on rehabilitation of damaged roads due to haulage of bulk and heavy cargo. The project, he added, is meant to enhance regional and international trade through the Nacala Development Corridor which involves Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. According to him, the project is one of the strategic infrastructure projects the government intends to implement through the China-Africa Cooperation framework announced by the Chinese government during the 2015 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in South Africa where 60 billion dollars fund was pledged. He further expressed confidence in the Chinese firm's ability to construct the railway within the stipulated period because it has wealth of experience in undertaking railway construction projects. On his part, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming said the signing and implementation of the project will further promote bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The railway line, Yang said, will promote Zambia's trade, investment, employment and sustainable development and open another route to the sea for the landlocked southern African nation. "I believe it will be an important part of the integrated southern African transportation system which connects Zambia with Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi and Mozambique," he added. by Zou Huitong, Chen Yanbei LOS ANGELES, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Almost all materials expand as temperature increases. A new lightweight metamaterial may provide a new way to construct sustained infrastructures and improve our lives, a materials scientist told Xinhua on Monday. Common materials have the property of "positive thermal expansion," meaning when heated, they expand. In the past, railway tracks are built with separate parts. There are "thermal gaps" between neighboring components. The gap serves as a buffer zone, so that the components would not squeeze into each other and make the whole construction deformed. Although the welded tracks we see now have been stretched in advance before being installed, they are still under the risk of buckling. A new 3D-printed lightweight material may provide a solution: engineers from USC, MIT, UCLA and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) successfully made it shrink when heated. The result was recently published in the journal Physical Review Letters. This new material is what scientists call a "metamaterial," a composite material with custom-designed structure not normally found in nature. It is made from a lattice with star-shaped structures, and incorporates two separate materials with different, but positive, thermal expansion coefficients and elastic properties. One is a stiff, slow-to-expand copper-containing material, the other a more elastic, fast-expanding polymer substance. Although proposed theoretically in the mid-1990s, these structures have only been produced now using 3D printing technology, in particular a new technique, named "microstereolithography," by the Fang Lab at MIT. Researchers plan to explore new 3D printing technologies so that they can create structures with more than two materials. Ultimately, the limitations of the current 3D printing technology would be the biggest challenge facing scientists to further exploration. As the printer requires the material to be in certain forms (e.g. liquefied, powdered, etc.), how to synthesize new materials that can be used in 3D printing technology is the first problem to tackle. "This is the part where we need the help from chemists." Wang said. For application that requires materials to resist thermal expansion rather than shrink with increasing temperature, scientist have two approaches. "One is to combine this material with negative thermal expansion with those with positive thermal expansion, while the other is to improve the design of the currently shrinking structure," Qiming Wang, an assistant professor at the University of Southern California, told Xinhua. Zero expansion materials can improve our lives. Traveling by railways will be safer, bridges and other infrastructures will be more sustained, computers will perform better with more stable microchips as those are in use today whose performance are currently hampered by rising temperatures during long-time use. "In terms of dental filling," Dr. Wang said, "optimally put, if we manage to find biocompatible material, which means that it would not cause conflicts with human bodies, consumers can expect to witness those materials being put in practical use in the near future and the new material will be affordable to ordinary people." OTTAWA, Nov.2 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of students from 54 Canadian universities and supporters Wednesday rallied to demonstrate in 36 cities across the country for free education, according to a news release by the Canadian Federation of Students Wednesday . "Today students are taking action because we know that education is a right," said Bilan Arte, national chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students in Ottawa. "We have a vision of post-secondary education where our colleges and universities are fully funded, where all campus workers are paid fairly, and where students can focus on learning without the burden of student debt. Our vision of post-secondary education is one without tuition fees, " he added. Today's actions are part of a broader campaign launched in June 2016 for free post-secondary education for all students, including graduate students and international students and marks the first time since 2012 students have organized a national Day of Action. Students are calling on both federal and provincial governments to immediately take steps to eliminate tuition fees, address mounting student debt and increase funding for Indigenous students through the Post-Secondary Student Support Program. Decades of underfunding have resulted in significant tuition fee increases, with few exceptions, across the country. At present, undergraduate students pay an average of 6,373 Canadian dollars (one Canadian about 0.75 U.S. dollars) while graduate students pay an average of 6,703 Canadian dollars. International students pay much higher fees, often up to 3.7 times that of domestic students. International undergraduate students pay an average of 23,589 Canadian dollars while international graduate students pay an average of 15,009 Canadian dollars. Underfunding has also led to larger class sizes, a reliance on contract instructors, and a shift to corporate funding. The Canadian Federation of Students is Canada's oldest and largest students' union, uniting more than 650,000 college and university students. From 2001-2014, revenues from tuition fees at colleges more than doubled, up 214 percent,; and from 2000-2015, revenues from tuition fees at universities nearly tripled,a 268 percent increase, according to Statistics Canada. The Postsecondary Student Support Program was created to help Indigenous Nations fund post-secondary students, but due to a 2 percent funding cap that has been in place for 20 years the number of students funded through the program has steadily declined by 18.3 percent since 1997 despite First Nations Population growth of 29 percent. In 2016-17 the federal government expects to write off 187 million dollars in student loans that have defaulted, according to Canada Student Loans Program. UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The UN World Food Programme (WFP), together with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the UN Children's fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday appealed for continued donor support for refugees from Western Sahara living in Algeria, saying that insufficient funding makes a cut in basic food rations imminent. For more than 40 years, the Sahrawi refugees have been living under extremely harsh conditions in the Sahara desert in southwestern Algeria. Hosted in five camps close to the town of Tindouf, they remain heavily dependent on external humanitarian assistance. WFP represents the most important source of food in the camps; any reduction or halt of WFP food assistance will have a severe impact on the food security and nutritional status of the refugees, especially young children, pregnant and nursing women, the elderly and the sick. "At the recently adopted New York Declaration this month, states committed to providing additional and predictable humanitarian funding and development support for refugees," said UNHCR Representative in Algeria Hamdi Bukhari. "We badly need this for our humanitarian activities in support of the Sahrawis," Bukhari said. "Chronic underfunding has affected the provision of health, shelter, food and water." "In June last year, our three agencies warned about the lack of funding for food, and we are doing so again as food assistance is critical," the representative said. At present, WFP faces a funding shortfall of 10 million U.S. dollars for the next six months. In October, WFP was forced to suspend part of its food assistance; from November, rations are likely to be reduced by half. Stocks have already been depleted to cover the last few months, and at least three staple products -- wheat flour, vegetable oil, and rice -- are running out. WFP has informed donors, stakeholders and local partners, including the Algerian and Sahrawi Red Crescent, of possible cuts. "Cost-cutting measures, such as the replacement of some commodities by cheaper ones, have so far allowed WFP to extend resources to cover requirements. However, if new funding is not available soon, WFP will be forced to reduce food rations," said WFP Representative Romain Sirois. "This is bound to hurt the nutritional status of refugees," Sirois said. Last month, WFP, UNHCR, UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) providing humanitarian assistance to Sahrawi refugees, appealed for funds to provide food, shelter, health and education in the camps. The appeal was issued to donors in Algiers on Sept. 19, and will be re-issued soon at a donor meeting in Geneva. "Sahrawi refugee children living in camps in Tindouf are highly dependent on food distributions, and anxiety among families about further reduction is high," said UNICEF Representative in Algeria Marc Lucet. "Children's nutritional and health status could be at risk," Lucet said. 'Together with UN agencies working in the camps, we call upon donors to maintain their support to refugees so their basic humanitarian needs continue to be covered." WFP has been supporting refugees from Western Sahara in Algeria since 1986. All WFP assistance in Algeria is carried out and monitored in collaboration with national and international organizations to make sure the assistance reaches the people for whom it is intended. The Sahrawi crisis is the UN's oldest protracted operation and the second longest-running refugee situation worldwide. Western Sahara is a former Spanish colony under dispute since 1975 between Morocco and the Polisario Front which proclaimed the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) with a government-in-exile in Tindouf. The Western Sahara has been on the UN list of non-self-governing territories since 1963. A UN-led process of negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario is lagging behind. Morocco says it is ready to grant autonomy rule to Sahrawi people, while the Algeria-backed Polisario demands to hold a self-determination referendum. The lasting diplomatic coldness between Algiers and Rabat is mostly provoked by the disagreement between the two nations over this issue. U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during a joint press conference with visiting Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (not seen in picture) at White House in Washington D.C., capital of the United States, Oct. 18, 2016. (Xinhua/Bao Dandan) WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday appeared to criticize Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey's decision to disclose new development of FBI's probe into Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's email practices 11 days before the election. In his first comments on the FBI's announcement that rocked the presidential campaign, Obama did not criticize Comey directly in his interview with NowThis News. However, Obama did not shy away from venting his frustration. "I do think that there is a norm that when there are investigations, we don't operate on innuendo," said Obama in the interview released on Wednesday. "We don't operate on incomplete information. We don't operate on leaks. We operate based on concrete decisions that are made." Comey informed the Congress last Friday that the FBI was reviewing new emails which may be relevant to Clinton's email probe. However, Comey said the FBI "cannot yet assess whether or not this material may be significant," adding that he could not predict how long it would take investigators to complete the "additional work." Local media reports later cited anonymous sources as saying that the emails were found on a laptop used by Anthony Weiner, the estranged husband of Clinton's top aide Huma Abedin. Weiner is currently under federal investigation for allegedly sending sexually explicit messages to an underage girl. BEIRUT, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's general security directorate announced on Wednesday that it had busted a Lebanese-Syrian prostitution ring in the Maameltein coastal area of Mount Lebanon. "After obtaining information about an organized prostitution ring that was bringing Syrian women to Lebanon under the excuse of tourism and with the real aim of practicing prostitution, the general security arrested a Lebanese man, five Syrian men and 11 Syrian women at a hotel in Maameltein," the general security said in a statement. "During interrogation, they confessed to the charges, saying they constituted a prostitution ring led by a Lebanese national," the statement said. A number of cell-phones and money were seized in the possession of the arrested, the National News Agency reported. In late March, the internal security forces announced busting what it called the "most dangerous" human trafficking and prostitution ring in Lebanon. As many as 75 women, mostly Syrian nationals, were rescued and around 20 Lebanese and Syrian suspects were arrested in connection with the case. UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Said Djinnit, the special envoy of the UN secretary-general for the Great Lakes, on Wednesday called for more international support to the "fragile" region in the world, saying that outstanding challenges remained in the region, including the continued presence and activities of negative forces in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Support to the region, from Burundi to the Central African Republic, will be crucial as developments, including challenges related to elections and negative forces, continue to highlight its fragility, he said while briefing the UN Security Council on the current situation in the Great Lakes. Meanwhile, Djinnit also noted some progress in the cooperation between the Congolese Army and the UN Mission in the country (MONUSCO), as well as in strengthening judicial cooperation in the region and investigating and prosecuting cases of violations of human rights. However, the UN envoy also underlined the potential of the presence in eastern DRC of elements of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in Opposition (SPLM-IO) to further exacerbate existing tensions. More than 1 million people, including some 25,000 internally displaced persons, are in need of assistance in Burundi, the UN said early this year, adding that some 250,000 Burundian refugees are being hosted in the DRC, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. The Great Lakes Region, encompassing Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, northeastern DRC, and northwestern Kenya and Tanzania, has witnessed some of the direct conflicts on the African continent, rooted in longstanding tensions over ethnicity and citizenship, grievances over access to resources, including land and minerals, the UN said. UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 21,000 people were currently internally displaced due to military operations to retake the Iraqi city of Mosul, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said here Wednesday. "Half of them have found shelter in camps and the other half in host communities," Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here, citing the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "The UN and partners are working around the clock to provide effective and immediate life-saving assistance and shelter within a maximum of 48 hours to people crossing the frontlines," Dujarric said. "We are also assisting host communities and vulnerable residents of newly retaken villages," he added. Iraqi security forces recaptured more villages in mid-October from the Islamic State (IS) militants, as part of a major offensive aimed at liberating the city of Mosul, the last major IS stronghold 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. Editor's note: The 2016 presidential election is seen by many as the most divisive and scandalous in the U.S. history. A team of Xinhua reporters recently toured two battleground states to get the firsthand accounts of what American voters really think less than two weeks before the Nov. 8 election. Here is the first of four in-depth reports they have produced. By Xinhua writers Zhu Lei, Qi Zijian, Li Changxiang BETHLEHEM, the United States, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- At 52, Jewel Mathewson is optimistic about her life. She found a "good job" and moved from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a month ago to work as a senior portfolio manager with a big financial company. Yet, Mathewson, who is white with two children and five grandchildren, is not that upbeat about the future of the country, fearing for the animosity in the wake of the Nov. 8 presidential election, and the money in politics. "The division of this society is terrible," she told Xinhua in downtown Bethlehem less than two weeks before the election. "I've been through a lot of elections. I've voted since I was 18 years old. Never have I seen the country so polarized." An independent, Mathewson called it "a heartbreaking decision" to choose from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, both of whom she is "sorrowfully disappointed with." "I don't see how they will bring changes to this country." "I think the American people are not happy with either person for president. You're gonna have a large demographic of people who're gonna be very disappointed and angry, regardless who is going to win," she said. "I think I speak for the majority of the American population," whether they're in the mid-west or the west, or northeast, she said. "Usually the American people will settle for whatever the choice is, but I don't see people are settling for this election," she said. "There's gonna be a lot of animosity towards whoever wins that the other side didn't want to win." "What's gonna take for us to be united again, a tragedy, disaster, or bankruptcy? Something terrible, for sure. That's unfortunate. We don't have to go down that road. But history repeats itself, always." POLARIZING CANDIDATES This year's presidential election has, indeed, exposed and underscored the deep polarization haunting the American society in recent decades. There seems to be an endless list that Americans find themselves on the opposite sides of the spectrum -- abortion, gun control, immigration, healthcare, climate change, the role of government, homosexuality, and even who can use which bathroom. A political polarization update released by Pew Research Center in April found that Republicans and Democrats were more divided along ideological lines than at any point in the previous two decades. Today, an overwhelming share of Republicans (93 percent) is more conservative than the median Democrat, while a nearly identical share of Democrats (94 percent) is more liberal than the median Republican, the research showed. Two decades ago, a much smaller majority of Republicans (64 percent) were to the right of the median Democrat, while 70 percent of Democrats were to the left of the median Republican, it revealed. With liberals and conservatives combining significantly surpassing moderates, the electorate is moving further apart. The 2016 race to the White House pits two of the most polarizing figures in public life today -- one a former first lady, senator and secretary of state; the other a New York businessman tycoon who has never been elected to public office before. A byproduct of the political polarization, Clinton and Trump, both more strongly disliked than any nominee in the past presidential cycles, have driven an even larger wedge into the divided electorate. A considerable portion of voters in the battleground states of Ohio and Pennsylvania Xinhua reporters toured lately have made it clear that their endorsement of Trump is rejection of Clinton, and vice versa. ANXIETY ABOUT FUTURE Though the voters embrace different candidates, and though they are of different races, ages, genders and backgrounds, they spoke almost in unison that they were worried about the direction of the country and the economy. In Tallmadge, a suburb of Akron, Ohio, Chris Houston, a retired white male who identified himself as a life-long Democrat but would vote for Trump this year, said the economy was his biggest concern, citing the country's huge national debt and outdated infrastructure. Olivia Mansfield, a Walmart cashier, and her husband Steve Dotson, a warehouse worker, rented a house and moved three months ago to a middle-class community in the city of Springfield, the state of Ohio. A registered Democrat who is still on the fence but leaning toward Clinton, Olivia, in her 20s, said it was hard to make a living with four kids. She hoped the government could offer more help and that her kids could get better education. But Jack Baker, a 72-year-old white male who lives a few blocks away in the same community, said he was dissatisfied with "government control in everything and that started with (incumbent President) Barack Obama." "Food stamps are not helping the poor, and it is only pacifying," said Baker who worked in a factory making transmission for helicopters before his retirement. "Politics has taken what should be non-racial to racial." The United States is witnessing manufacturing jobs loss, wages stagnation, a "bad drug problem" and rampant shootings, said Baker who called himself a conservative. For those anxious about an uncertain future, the most unconventional general election is a disappointment, offering no clear policy positions of the next president. Political arguments degraded into name-calling over each other's character and past, while scandals after scandals surrounding the two major-party candidates added to their anxiety and anger. In the final stretch of the race to clinch the 270 electoral votes to the White House, Trump is entangled in the disclosure of a 2005 lewd video in which the once TV celebrity bragged in obscene language about forcing himself on women sexually. Though he insisted it was just "locker room talk," 11 women have since come forward to publicly accuse him of sexual misconduct. Clinton is racking her brains to deal with the fallout of WikiLeaks' nearly daily dump of hacked emails showing machination of her campaign. Moreover, the newest FBI investigation into her reckless handling of confidential emails, announced 11 days before the election, once again rocked the unbelievable race. GAME OF MONEY, POWER AND INFLUENCE To William Tucker, a dancer who also works part-time in a pizzeria on the outskirts of Allentown, Pennsylvania, 2016 marks the first time that he is eligible to vote. But he is so disappointed that he will not go out to cast the ballot. "I don't think either candidate has our best interest in heart. Voting for anyone is not going to change anything," said the African-American man who has registered as a Democrat. "Actually I am an independent. I don't believe in the two-party system. I believe the two-party system is apparently separating us unnecessarily," he said. He did not plan to vote for any third-party candidate either, "because I don't feel that's going to make a difference." "The voting system is so corrupt. Something is definitely wrong with the system. The country is controlled by the wealthy. We don't have much a say in the system," he said. Mathewson, the senior portfolio manager in Bethlehem, also blamed the system for the problems facing the country. "It's because of the system. The good candidates, people who are eligible, qualified, people with integrity and character, cannot afford to run the race. They don't have billions of dollars behind them. It's all about money. It's 100 percent about money," she said. "As long as you have people buying their way into the White House, I don't see it's making much a progress as a country," he said. "This is a game of money, power, and influence. That makes me sad." (Editing by Zhou Xiaozheng, Zheng Jie; Xinhua reporters Shang Yang and Zhang Zhihuan also contributed to the story) by Maria Elena Spagnolo ROME, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Italian authorities have expressed determination to rebuild the central Italian towns hit by strong earthquakes from August to October. Italian President Sergio Mattarella said on Wednesday that the state will rebuild the earthquake-hit towns. The reconstruction "will take time, but everything will be as before", the president told displaced citizens while visiting Camerino and Norcia, two towns badly damaged by the earthquakes that rocked central Italy last week. On Sunday, a strong earthquake struck the center of Italy, leaving thousands of people homeless and jobless. The epicenter was near Norcia in Umbria region. "Everything will be rebuilt" is also the message given by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on many occasions during these days, following the strong earthquake (6.5 magnitude) on Sunday. "Our fellow citizens must know that the state is with them," he told journalists during a press conference. "This earthquake is an extraordinary event, and we need extraordinary measures. Places affected by the earthquake have a soul, and they can't loose it," he said. Renzi met the ministers on Monday, in an urgent meeting. One of the first measures adopted was to extend the emergency powers to the head of Italy's civil protection agency, Fabrizio Curcio. By Friday, Renzi told journalists that an urgent decree will be approved. The new law will design four stages. In the first, people will be requested to leave the affected areas, if possible. In the second phase, citizens will be relocated in containers. In spring or summer, the Italian prime minister said, people will be hosted by small houses in wood. The fourth stage will be the reconstruction. According to Italian media, the government designed this plan after the refusal by many people to leave the affected areas. Citizens that are not willing to leave will be hosted by tents. Others, in this first stage, will sleep in special trains or hostels. More personnel will be sent to the regions struck by the earthquake, Renzi said. He also promised interventions to sustain especially farmers. "We will rebuild everything, not only houses and churches, but also tourist and commercial activities. I want that especially farmers feel the government closer", he told journalists. He assured that the government is respecting European laws. "We will give everything necessary for your towns," he told those affected. "Our armed forces are working tirelessly together with the civil protection agency in the places struck by the earthquake. In addition to the 1,237 military and 334 military vehicles already on the ground, we are ready to send another 500 men, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, to oversee the earthquake zone and prevent acts of looting," Italian Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti said in an interview with the daily Il Messaggero. LA PAZ, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Bolivia said Wednesday that it has registered three cases of babies born with microcephaly, due to the Zika virus. Three cases had been confirmed in the Santa Cruz Department, the head of epidemiology of the health department of Santa Cruz, Roberto Torres, said at a press conference. Bolivia joins a number of countries across the Americas, despite having far lower numbers for the moment. Brazil has registered over 1,600 cases of microcephaly while Colombia has seen around 600. Microcephaly is a malformation which sees babies being born with very small skulls, leading to incomplete brain development, and problems with motor functions and speech, according to the WHO. According to Torres, there have been 127 cases of Zika in Santa Cruz, the worst-hit Bolivian region. Fifty-seven pregnant women have been confirmed as infected, with 41 giving birth and three babies being born with microcephaly. The first baby with microcephaly was born on Sept. 20 in the town of Portachuelo, the second on the same day in the town of El Torno, and the third in the city of Santa Cruz on Oct. 14. After confirming these cases, Torres encouraged the population to double efforts to fight the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the carrier of Zika, dengue and chikungunya. "The fight against the mosquito is not the exclusive responsibility of health authorities. The population must collaborate in cleaning their homes to avoid the mosquito's proliferation," he warned. BERLIN, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- A Syrian man suspected of being a member of a foreign terrorist organization was arrested, the State Criminal Police Office in Berlin announced on their twitter account on Wednesday night. The man, according to his own statement, was 27 years old, and has been in Germany since 2015. He was arrested in an apartment in the district of Schoeneberg in Berlin. The German federal public prosecutor has begun the investigation. "An investigation has been initiated and we are now waiting to see what can be found in the apartment," said a spokeswoman to the German local media Focus Online. According to information from Focus Online, the hint that led to the arrest of the Syrian came from a foreign intelligence service. DAMASCUS, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army announced on Wednesday a 10-hour-long "humanitarian pause" that is scheduled to go into force on Friday, according to state news agency SANA. The general-command of the Syrian army said it had decided to observe a "humanitarian pause" on Friday from 9.00 a.m. until 7.00 p.m. local time, to give civilians and rebels also a chance to leave rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo city. The statement said the rebels can leave Aleppo through the Castello road in northern Aleppo, and the Souk al-Khair crossing toward rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. The civilians can also leave through six passages the army had previously identified to government-controlled areas in western Aleppo. The new, brief truce is not the first to be announced by the Syrian army. Last month, a three-day truce, unilaterally announced by Russia and the Syrian government, failed to achieve its intended goal of giving the civilians a pause to leave rebel-held areas and also failed to push the rebels to leave Aleppo city. The Syrian government then accused the rebels of forcefully preventing the departure of civilians from eastern Aleppo. On Wednesday, SANA said the rebels in eastern Aleppo killed tens of people who wanted to evacuate rebel-held areas. It charged that the Jaish al-Fateh rebels, or the Army of Conquest, are practicing extortion against the civilians who want to leave Aleppo, asking them for money in exchange of allowing them to leave. High sums of money are requested from civilians who want to leave, said SANA, adding that the rebels permit civilians under 14 and over 55 years old to leave for 300 U.S. dollars per person. SANA said its claim was based on a leaked statement by the Jaish al-Fateh, explaining the "extortion" process. It said the group admitted that the money they will be collecting from people will be used to buy weapons and munitions. Last Friday, at least 12 rebel groups launched a broad offensive on government positions in western Aleppo, engaging in violent battles with the Syrian army and allied fighters. The battles kept raging as the rebels succeeded to infiltrate some areas, without achieving a breakthrough. But on Monday, the Syrian army responded with a counter-offensive, managing to strip the rebels of some of the areas they had taken in western Aleppo. The rebels' aim behind the major offensive was to break the government force's siege on eastern Aleppo. The rebel attempt failed to achieve its goal so far. The Syrian army has laid siege on rebel-held areas in Aleppo in recent months, urging the rebels to surrender themselves or leave eastern Aleppo to other rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. Observers believe that Aleppo is going to be the decisive battle ground among the fighting groups, and the winner will be the one dictating its conditions to resolve the crisis, as the province contains all the groups that are supported by regional and international powers, with the civilians paying the price for this proxy war. File Photo. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (R) and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton participate in the third and final presidential debate at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States, Oct. 19, 2016.(Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Editor's note: The 2016 presidential election is seen by many as the most divisive and scandalous in the U.S. history. A team of Xinhua reporters recently toured two battleground states to get the firsthand accounts of what American voters really think less than two weeks before the Nov. 8 election. Here is the first of four in-depth reports they have produced. By Xinhua writers Zhu Lei, Qi Zijian, Li Changxiang BETHLEHEM, the United States, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- At 52, Jewel Mathewson is optimistic about her life. She found a "good job" and moved from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a month ago to work as a senior portfolio manager with a big financial company. Yet, Mathewson, who is white with two children and five grandchildren, is not that upbeat about the future of the country, fearing for the animosity in the wake of the Nov. 8 presidential election, and the money in politics. "The division of this society is terrible," she told Xinhua in downtown Bethlehem less than two weeks before the election. "I've been through a lot of elections. I've voted since I was 18 years old. Never have I seen the country so polarized." An independent, Mathewson called it "a heartbreaking decision" to choose from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, both of whom she is "sorrowfully disappointed with." "I don't see how they will bring changes to this country." "I think the American people are not happy with either person for president. You're gonna have a large demographic of people who're gonna be very disappointed and angry, regardless who is going to win," she said. "I think I speak for the majority of the American population," whether they're in the mid-west or the west, or northeast, she said. "Usually the American people will settle for whatever the choice is, but I don't see people are settling for this election," she said. "There's gonna be a lot of animosity towards whoever wins that the other side didn't want to win." "What's gonna take for us to be united again, a tragedy, disaster, or bankruptcy? Something terrible, for sure. That's unfortunate. We don't have to go down that road. But history repeats itself, always." POLARIZING CANDIDATES This year's presidential election has, indeed, exposed and underscored the deep polarization haunting the American society in recent decades. There seems to be an endless list that Americans find themselves on the opposite sides of the spectrum -- abortion, gun control, immigration, healthcare, climate change, the role of government, homosexuality, and even who can use which bathroom. A political polarization update released by Pew Research Center in April found that Republicans and Democrats were more divided along ideological lines than at any point in the previous two decades. Today, an overwhelming share of Republicans (93 percent) is more conservative than the median Democrat, while a nearly identical share of Democrats (94 percent) is more liberal than the median Republican, the research showed. Two decades ago, a much smaller majority of Republicans (64 percent) were to the right of the median Democrat, while 70 percent of Democrats were to the left of the median Republican, it revealed. With liberals and conservatives combining significantly surpassing moderates, the electorate is moving further apart. The 2016 race to the White House pits two of the most polarizing figures in public life today -- one a former first lady, senator and secretary of state; the other a New York businessman tycoon who has never been elected to public office before. A byproduct of the political polarization, Clinton and Trump, both more strongly disliked than any nominee in the past presidential cycles, have driven an even larger wedge into the divided electorate. A considerable portion of voters in the battleground states of Ohio and Pennsylvania Xinhua reporters toured lately have made it clear that their endorsement of Trump is rejection of Clinton, and vice versa. ANXIETY ABOUT FUTURE Though the voters embrace different candidates, and though they are of different races, ages, genders and backgrounds, they spoke almost in unison that they were worried about the direction of the country and the economy. In Tallmadge, a suburb of Akron, Ohio, Chris Houston, a retired white male who identified himself as a life-long Democrat but would vote for Trump this year, said the economy was his biggest concern, citing the country's huge national debt and outdated infrastructure. Olivia Mansfield, a Walmart cashier, and her husband Steve Dotson, a warehouse worker, rented a house and moved three months ago to a middle-class community in the city of Springfield, the state of Ohio. A registered Democrat who is still on the fence but leaning toward Clinton, Olivia, in her 20s, said it was hard to make a living with four kids. She hoped the government could offer more help and that her kids could get better education. But Jack Baker, a 72-year-old white male who lives a few blocks away in the same community, said he was dissatisfied with "government control in everything and that started with (incumbent President) Barack Obama." "Food stamps are not helping the poor, and it is only pacifying," said Baker who worked in a factory making transmission for helicopters before his retirement. "Politics has taken what should be non-racial to racial." The United States is witnessing manufacturing jobs loss, wages stagnation, a "bad drug problem" and rampant shootings, said Baker who called himself a conservative. For those anxious about an uncertain future, the most unconventional general election is a disappointment, offering no clear policy positions of the next president. Political arguments degraded into name-calling over each other's character and past, while scandals after scandals surrounding the two major-party candidates added to their anxiety and anger. In the final stretch of the race to clinch the 270 electoral votes to the White House, Trump is entangled in the disclosure of a 2005 lewd video in which the once TV celebrity bragged in obscene language about forcing himself on women sexually. Though he insisted it was just "locker room talk," 11 women have since come forward to publicly accuse him of sexual misconduct. Clinton is racking her brains to deal with the fallout of WikiLeaks' nearly daily dump of hacked emails showing machination of her campaign. Moreover, the newest FBI investigation into her reckless handling of confidential emails, announced 11 days before the election, once again rocked the unbelievable race. GAME OF MONEY, POWER AND INFLUENCE To William Tucker, a dancer who also works part-time in a pizzeria on the outskirts of Allentown, Pennsylvania, 2016 marks the first time that he is eligible to vote. But he is so disappointed that he will not go out to cast the ballot. "I don't think either candidate has our best interest in heart. Voting for anyone is not going to change anything," said the African-American man who has registered as a Democrat. "Actually I am an independent. I don't believe in the two-party system. I believe the two-party system is apparently separating us unnecessarily," he said. He did not plan to vote for any third-party candidate either, "because I don't feel that's going to make a difference." "The voting system is so corrupt. Something is definitely wrong with the system. The country is controlled by the wealthy. We don't have much a say in the system," he said. Mathewson, the senior portfolio manager in Bethlehem, also blamed the system for the problems facing the country. "It's because of the system. The good candidates, people who are eligible, qualified, people with integrity and character, cannot afford to run the race. They don't have billions of dollars behind them. It's all about money. It's 100 percent about money," she said. "As long as you have people buying their way into the White House, I don't see it's making much a progress as a country," he said. "This is a game of money, power, and influence. That makes me sad." LISBON, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Jose Cotter, president of Portugal's society of gastroenterology, has denounced "immoral pressure" faced by doctors to cut down on medical exams like colonoscopy procedures, local media reported on Wednesday. Cotter said not requesting colonoscopy procedures could have serious consequences for citizens, and could backfire on doctors for medical-legal reasons,Portuguese Lusa News Agency reported on Wednesday, His comments came after Portugal's minister of health recently said at parliament that the government's financial constraints had resulted in less diagnostic tests being carried out, highlighting that the prices for colonscopy procedures were "excessive." However, Cotter said the price of these tests have been significantly reduced in the past years and pointed out that there is a lack of clinics which carry out the procedures due to cuts in the health service. Cotter also pointed out that bowel cancer was easier to prevent than other types of cancer. "The prevention of bowel cancer has a great advantage over other cancers, as pre-malignant lesions can be detected though the colonoscopy and removed at the same time," Cotter said. He added that the tests "prevent the development of these lesions until the cancer phase." Colon cancer and bowel cancer are the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Portugal, with 7,000 cases of the disease being detected in 2014. Cotter said these diseases were caused by not leading a healthy lifestyle. SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Thursday named her new chief of staff and her secretary on political affairs in a follow-up reshuffle amid rising public anger at a scandal surrounding Choi Soon-sil, Park's longtime confidante suspected of having meddled in state affairs. Han Gwang-ok, 74, former four-term lawmaker who served as presidential chief of staff under the 1998-2002 Kim Dae-jung administration, was appointed as new presidential chief of staff, Park's office said. Han joined Park's presidential election camp in 2012, helping her get elected as the country's first female president. Under the Parks government, he has served as the chairman of the Presidential Committee for National Cohesion. Hur Won-je, a former journalist-turned-politician, was appointed as new senior presidential secretary on political affairs. He worked as vice chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, the nation's telecom watchdog, under the Park administration. MELBOURNE, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Scientists have solved the 40-year old mystery of how one of Australia's best-known reptiles, the Thorny Devil, stays hydrated in the country's driest deserts. Researchers from the University of Western Australia found that the lizards ingest most of their water by burying themselves in damp sand and using the channels in their scales to draw the moisture towards their mouths. Philip Withers, the lead author of the study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology on Thursday, said the reptile's unique skin formation was critical to its survival. "Clearly, it's important for them -- this special system has evolved and it's really quite bizarre," Withers told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday. "I think it might be more important for the extreme circumstances. You get a little bit of rain and the sand gets wet, and then it's really important to be able to suck the water out of the sand." The Thorny Devil, which earned its name because of the conical spines that covers its body, has a mouth designed specifically to feed on small ants that share their habitat and are thus unable to suck water from the sand without the help of their skin. Withers' team analyzed the lizard's drinking habits by placing the reptile on wet sand but when standing on the surface of the sand the capillaries in the skin filled only 59 percent and the lizard was unable to drink. "They can certainly stand in a puddle of water and suck it up and drink it," Withers said. "But they can't just stand on moist sand and suck it up and drink it. They can absorb some water that way, but it's not enough to fill the capillary channels. "So if they want to get the water out of moist sand they have to do something extra. "And it seems that what they do extra is to shovel it on top of themselves, and get gravity to help. And then it works." CANBERRA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Australia could double its migrant intake by 2054 and still reap significant economic benefits, according to a new report released on Thursday. The report, Migration: the Economic Debate, released by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA), made 17 recommendations to improve Australia's migration program. It urged policymakers to encourage migrant settlement in regional areas, particularly in Northern Australia, given the need to drive investment and growth in the region. CEDA said that the recommendations, most of which focus on managing population growth, infrastructure provision, urban congestion and environmental degradation, could pave the way for Australia to more than double its net overseas migration. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures revealed that net overseas migration, the total loss or gain of population through immigration to, and emigration from, Australia, recorded an annual increase of 168,200 people in 2014/2015 but CEDA said that figure should be more than 400,000 by 2054. Economists generally agree that immigration has widespread economic benefits for the country receiving the immigrants as they arrive with skills and ready to contribute to technological development. Stephen Martin, the CEO of CEDA, said that support for Australia's migration program could be undermined by fears in the community about security and job protection. "Concern over migration both domestically and internationally has been increasing, driven by fearmongering coupled with genuine community concern about security," Martin told the Guardian Australia on Thursday. "Public policy improvements are needed to ensure previous strong community support for migration is reestablished, fair treatment for both temporary and permanent migrants, and that the country continues to reap the economic benefits from the skills that a balanced migration program brings." CEDA said that the 457 visa program, a visa for skilled workers to work in Australia for up to four years, should be overhauled, saying it left migrant workers open to exploitation and that the penalties for exploiting migrants should be increased. ACCRA, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has nominated Ghana's Mole National Park as a World Heritage site, an official told local media late Tuesday. Oscar Mthimkhulu, an expert with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), said the nomination was done after Ghana' submission on the Mole National Park was found favorable and impressive. The expert was sent to Ghana as head of a fact-finding mission after Ghana presented a proposal to UNESCO and IUCN for the adoption of Mole as a world monument. "Yes, Ghana's presentation on Mole has been impressive hence the nomination," Mthimkhulu later told Xinhua. Mole, 687 km north of Ghana's capital Accra, occupies the largest wildlife corridor between Ghana and Burkina Faso and has the territory's largest concentration of elephants and other forms of wild life. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana's Forestry Commission Samuel Afari-Dartey said a lot had been done to safeguard the ecological integrity of the Mole park located on a 4,575 square km of land. "It has remained a major tourism destination in Ghana since it is the only place in the country where wildlife can easily be viewed in large numbers and at close range. As such, it attracts about 17,000 tourists annually," said Afari-Dartey. Mole was made a a Game Reserve in 1958 by Ghana's first president Kwame Nkrumah and subsequently became a National Park in 1971. ZHUHAI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The world's major aircraft manufacturers have high hopes for China's aviation industry, with predictions that the country will be the world's biggest civil aviation market in 20 years. New deliveries of passenger and freight aircraft for China will be close to 6,000 over the next 20 years, including 4,230 single aisle aircraft, and 1,740 wide-body aircraft, according to Airbus' 2016-2035 Global Market Forecast, released at the ongoing 11th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province. Airbus rival Boeing is also optimistic about the Chinese market, with president of Boeing China John Bruns saying that China will become the world's first air market with a market value exceeding one trillion U.S. dollars. Airbus forecasts that China will need nearly 6,000 new passenger aircraft and freighters from 2016 to 2035, with a total market value of 945 billion U.S. dollars. It represents 18 percent of the world total demand in the next 20 years. "In the next 20 years, China will need more than 1,000 aircraft with 70 to 130 seats," said Guo Qing, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Commercial Aviation, Embraer China. Brazil's Embraer has big shares in regional air transportation market. "People's travelling needs are rising, which has brought huge opportunities for regional air transportation," he said. China will become the lead country for passenger air traffic, for both domestic and international markets, as passenger traffic in China will grow well above the world average rate, and will be the focal point for five of the top twenty traffic flows worldwide, according to Airbus. With aviation continuing to prove an extremely efficient way to move people and goods around the country, domestic air traffic in China will become the world's number one traffic flow growing at over three times from today level. Flows between China and the United States, Europe and Asia are expected to be amongst the fastest growing globally, with average annual growth rates 6.8 percent, 5.3 percent and 6.7 percent respectively. Between 2015 and 2035, the average annual growth rate for all international traffic from/to the Chinese mainland is forecast to be 6.7 percent. Domestic passenger traffic on the Chinese Mainland has quadrupled over the last 10 years, and China is set to become the world's number one aviation market, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. "In the next 20 years, the greatest demand for passenger aircraft will come from China," he said. China's rising middle-class, combined with agreements to ease travel between China and other major markets, are contributing to an outbound tourism boom. According to the China National Tourism Administration, the number of China's outbound tourists exceeded 100 million last year. By 2035, the propensity for the Chinese population to fly will grow from 0.3 trips per capita today, to 1.3, a higher level than the whole of Europe's propensity to fly today, Airbus predicted. Amid intense competition, China's Commercial Aircraft Corporation (COMAC) of China is ready to grab a share of the market. On Wednesday, the company and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation unveiled a jointly-developed wide-body aircraft model. The 280-seat aircraft is expected to make its maiden flight in 2023. "We will focus on the growing global aviation industry with our aircraft," said Guo Bozhi, assistant to COMAC's General Manager. "Of course, China will always be one of the most important markets for us." More Photos>> Red Arrows perform at China Int'l Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition Aerobatic teams from Russia perform at China Int'l Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition Domestic-built Y-20 heavy transport aircraft seen at Zhuhai airshow 11th China Int'l Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition opens in Zhuhai China's J-20 fighter jet makes debut at air show PARIS, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Stan Wawrinka was shown the door at the Paris Masters during his opening match on Wednesday, as Novak Djokovic claimed an easy win and Andy Murray struggled through. The third-ranked Swiss and U.S. Open champion was knocked out by German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff 3-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (1). Wawrinka started out strong, but ran out of gas after being forced into a second-set tiebreak. Struff broke in the seventh game of the third set but Wawrinka broke back to send the match into a decisive tiebreak, which the German easily won. Earlier on Wednesday evening, world No. 2 Murray struggled in his Paris Masters opener but managed to rally past Fernando Verdasco 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-5 to keep his No. 1 hopes alive. The 29-year-old Briton needed two and a half hours to see off his opponent. He faced two break points at 5-5 in the deciding set, and received a time violation warning from umpire Damien Dumusois as he composed himself, before breaking to love in the 12th game to win the match. It was a 16th victory in a row for Murray, who is bidding for a fourth straight title after winning trophies in Beijing, Shanghai and Vienna. Murray will play 13th seeded Frenchman Lucas Pouille in the last 16 on Thursday. The pair have met twice in 2016 with Murray winning the clashes on clay at the Italian Open in Rome in May and on hard court at the Shanghai Masters in October. "Lucas is one of the best of the young players coming through at the moment," said Murray. "He's just outside the top 10 but he'll be inside it very soon. I had to play well to beat him in Shanghai and my level will have to be good if I want to win." The Scot needs to at least reach the final here to stand a chance of overhauling Novak Djokovic on Monday as the Serbian began his defending campaign with a stright sets defeat of Gilles Muller. Top seed Djokovic, 29, claimed the encounter 6-3, 6-4 in 80 minutes to advance to the last 16 where he will play the 14th seed Grigor Dimitrov. "I try to focus on playing match after match and putting quality and value into my game," he said. "And I know that if I do that, I can challenge anybody in the world on any surface and in any conditions. So I focus on my own quality and what I bring to the court." Also on Wednesday, 5th seed Kei Nishikori of Japan beat Serbian Viktor Troicki 6-2, 7-5 to make through into the last 16, while Frenchman Gilles Simons and American John Isner upset seeded opponents to claim spots in the last 16 as well. by Naim-Ul-Karim DHAKA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's anti-corruption drives look set to yield high results for the world's largest economy's efforts to maintain good governance and economic growth, aimed at ensuring a sustainable flow of benefits for its people and countries and regions around the world, political analysts here told Xinhua. They said over the past decades a powerful and consolidated Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership with Xi Jinping at its core has immensely contributed to steering China to the center stage of global economics and politics by instituting a number of reform campaigns. According to the experts, economic policies that China has been pursuing since 1978 have already yielded optimum results for its people as well as the region and beyond. The recently concluded sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee has also once again sent a strong political signal to the Chinese people, as well as the world, that the CPC is fully capable of governing itself, while also effectively commanding the second-largest economy in the world. "For maintaining robust and stable growth, China must continue its efforts to eliminate corruption," Chairman of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), Munshi Faiz Ahmad, told Xinhua in a recent interview. Not just China's own citizens but China watchers in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world are also applauding the Xi government's good governance which is underpinned by the strengthening of the ongoing anti-corruption drive, said the chairman of the BIISS, a statutory institution established in 1978 by the Bangladeshi government with the aim of undertaking and promoting research and deliberation on international affairs, security and developmental issues. "We are glad to see strong stance taken by President Xi Jinping to stem corruption," he said. Xi and his state machinery really deserve a big round of applause for their efforts to constantly make progresses in the anti-corruption drive to build a clean party and government, said Ahmed, who also served as ambassador of Bangladesh to China. He further said the plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee sent a strong political signal against corruption by adding more stringent anti-corruption measures. After initially catching corrupt bigwigs, Ahmed said the Chinese government has now further broadened its anti-corruption drive and it seems to be yielding huge results for Chinese people and its economy. This is something the Chinese people needed for a long time, he added. "This is something Xi Jinping is doing for the welfare of his people. We must appreciate him and his anti-corruption efforts," Ahmed said. China's ongoing drive to eliminate corruption is both encouraging and inspiring for other countries in the region and beyond which have also been suffering from such social and political maladies, Ashfaqur Rahman, former Bangladesh ambassador to China, told Xinhua Monday. He said a corruption free China will surely benefit not only its own people but also the countries in the region and beyond, which are receiving huge Chinese support for their economic developments. "Measures which have so far been taken by China have already produced impeccable results for its economy and people," he said, adding that China has also managed to further slash poverty over the last few years, to a large extent because of its efforts to rein in corruption. "Anti-corruption drives will immensely contribute to the Chinese government's efforts to further reduce poverty and develop the country as a whole," he said in an interview. Referring to a communique released after the sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee which was held from Monday to Thursday in Beijing, he said, "We should all take lessons from China." Stringent measures which have been adopted during the sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee will really work well to boost the Chinese government's efforts in largely stemming corruption, Rahman said. "Last week I was in China and I noticed the remarkable progress that China has made in recent times," Rahman said. He said, "We (China watchers) highly appreciate the Xi government's ongoing anti-corruption drive which only aims at ensuring people's welfare." Rahman said that China could hasten its development if the stringent anti-corruption measures can be applied properly. "Hopefully China can implement its reform agendas into a well disciplined system at every stage of society." He also expressed hope that the "China Dream" put forth by Xi Jinping as his vision for China's development will be achieved if the drive to root out the corrupt from every level of society is successful. BIISS chairman Ahmed further said Xi Jinping's wide-ranging anti-corruption drive has been admired in Bangladesh as well. "His fighting corruption is something that the world outside China is also closely monitoring." The more China can do to reduce or eliminate its corruption, the better it will be for the emerging world power which is now a role model for many countries around the world, Ahmed said. The government of Bangladeshi's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also been fighting corruption, he said, and added the Chinese anti-corruption efforts come as lessons for countries around the world also fighting corruption. Both Bangladesh and China have been working closely for further economic development, Ahmed said. "Corruption hinders our success and casts shadows over our achievements." Referring to a communique released after the sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee recently, Ahmed said, "We do believe that the stringent measures will help China better fight corruption. The anti-corruption drive also upholds and bolsters China's international image." BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is scheduled to arrive in Kazakhstan later Thursday for an official visit and the third regular meeting between the two countries' premiers. The trip, also marking the second time that Li visits the central Asian country as Chinese premier, is widely expected to further boost bilateral ties and strengthen cooperation in trade, connectivity, industry and many other areas. "Premier Li's visit will certainly infuse strong momentum into the bilateral relations and cooperation in all areas," Zhang Hanhui, Chinese ambassador to Kazakhstan, wrote in an article prior to the visit. In the past three years since Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Belt and Road Initiative during a state visit to Kazakhstan, the two countries have been actively promoting the realignment of their development strategies and achieved substantial results. Several key connectivity projects are already contributing to the growth of bilateral and regional trade, making daily life more convenient for many local residents. The China-Kazakhstan logistics base in China's coastal city of Lianyungang and the Khorgos-East Gate Special Economic Zone now play a pivotal role in connecting East Asia with Central Asia and Europe, offering an attractive alternative for the flow of trade between the three regions. Moreover, progress is well underway for the Kazak section of the "Western Europe-Western China" trans-regional highway, an artery road project that links dozens of cities in China, Kazakhstan and Russia. "The effective cooperation between China and Kazakhstan is not only accelerating the modernization of the Silk Road, but also playing an increasingly important role in cross-border cooperation in Eurasia," the Chinese ambassador said in his article. Meanwhile, industry capacity cooperation between the two countries has been making steady progress and shows enormous potential. According to the Chinese Embassy in Kazakhstan, the two countries have reached preliminary agreements on 51 cooperation projects, with a total investment of 26 billion U.S. dollars. Cooperation in the e-commerce area is thriving as well. According to website statistics analyzer Alexa, AliExpress affiliated to China-based e-commerce giant Alibaba has become the biggest online trading platform in Kazakhstan, selling everything from clothing, home furnishings to digital products. Cultural ties between the two countries are also getting stronger. There's growing enthusiasm to learn the Chinese language in Kazakhstan as many companies seek employees who can speak Chinese. Currently there are four Confucius Institutes and several Chinese language teaching centers sponsored by the institute across the country. Kazakh official statistics show that China has become the second most popular destination for overseas education, with some 12,000 students from Kazakhstan currently studying in China. Tourism cooperation has also boomed. Starting in July, Kazakhstan began issuing group visas to Chinese tourists, and the country will host a series of activities throughout 2017 to mark a "Tourism Year of China," the first such event hosted by a Central Asian country. "In the past 25 years, China-Kazakhstan relations have taken big leaps in both quality and quantity, and the impact of the relationship has now exceeded bilateral scope, with far-reaching influence on the development of the Silk Road Economic Belt, promoting cooperation across Eurasia as well as maintaining strategic security and stability in central Asia and even the world," Zhang said. "In this context, Premier Li's second visit to Kazakhstan is widely anticipated and will accelerate the development of China-Kazakhstan relations on the fast track." by Yang Ting, Yan Lei TOKYO, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Japanese film director Shunji Iwai, enjoying fame across Asia for his hit films depicting youth and love, told Xinhua recently that he thinks Chinese market poses great opportunities and he is currently working on two films that involve cooperation with Chinese film industry. He made the remarks at the 29th Tokyo International Film Festival, during which he was presented as a representative of contemporary Japanese directors and five of his works were screened, including Fireworks, Love Letter, Swallowtail Butterfly, Vampire, and Rip Van Winkle's Bride. Iwai considered Fireworks, the 1993 TV drama, as his best work for a period of time, which brought him critical praise and the Directors Guild of Japan New Directors Award for his portrayal of a group of children. However, Iwai was surprised that another film Love Letter in 1995, made a great impact in Asian countries, especially in China and South Korea, though the script was written and the film shot within a rather short period of time. "I realized that it was probably my mission to be a bridge between different cultures with my films," Iwai told Xinhua. From Swallowtail Butterfly on, Chinese characters and factors began to make repeated appearances in Iwai's works. The film, both a commercial and critical success in 1996, told the story of a group of immigrants in search of hope and a better life in a fictitious city. "I think the film tells the story of immigrants in Japan in a positive way...I have always been paying attention to the immigrant community, their sufferings and struggle," he said. Iwai started to learn the Chinese language when Swallowtail Butterfly was being shot, and it later paid off. "It was my idea that the main character in the film Hana and Alice should say 'I love you' in Mandarin," he said, referring to his popular 2004 film. Iwai said that he had always been feeling close to the Chinese culture, as his mother was born in China and he often heard stories about China from his mother when he was a little boy. The friendly feeling to China also came from the fact that famous Chinese writer Lu Xun had been a student in Iwai's hometown Sendai in the 1900s and was very famous there, according to Iwai. When talking about Vampire, a rather recent work that marked his English-language film debut, he said that it was also his first "overseas work" in the true sense and he hoped to create more works overseas, including in China. "China has a huge film market, which poses a lot of opportunities," he said, adding that he is currently working on two films that involve cooperation with Chinese film industry. "The storylines of the new films are still a secret, but yes, they involve cooperation with Chinese film industry," he said. The 29th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), kicking off on Oct. 25, is to close on Thursday. The 10-day event, with some 200 films shown at theaters in the Japanese capital, was expected to attract tens of thousands of movie fans and viewers. MEXICO CITY, Nov. 2 (Xinhua)-- Mexicans of all ages flocked to cemeteries across the country on Wednesday to visit their deceased families and friends for the Day of the Dead. In Mexico, this age-old celebration maintains its solemn roots as a genuine outpouring of respect and veneration for those who have gone. Thousands of people visited over 100 cemeteries in Mexico City, decorating graves with flowers, candles and food. Some even brought mariachis to play the favorite songs of their dearly departed. Mario Hernandez, a 45-year-old shopkeeper, told Xinhua that he spent the entire night in the Dolores cemetery, with nothing but a blanket and a bouquet of flowers. He has kept this ritual practice for 10 years to spend time with his parents. "Sometimes, my two brothers and their families come with me. This time, it was difficult as one of them is outside the city and the other had to work." The Dolores cemetery has around 350,000 graves, including some containing three or four generations of the same family. Since it opened in 1874, the cemetery has gradually become a tourist attraction, with a number of monuments highlighting the souls who rest there. It is the resting place for numerous Mexican luminaries, including writer Mariano Azuela, painters David Siqueiros and Diego Rivera, Octavio Paz, winner of the 1990 Nobel Prize in Literature, and actress Dolores del Rio. "Coming to the cemetery on this day is an opportunity to be with the family, between the living and the deseased. This is a tradition we do not want to lose. We want our children to share it with us," said Marisela Espinoza, 65, who was accompanied by her two daughters, four grandchildren and her sister. Espinoza suffers from arthritis. Despite the pains from the disease that hampers her walk, but the tradition "gives me the strength to come and show my husband we do not forget him." Mexicans have celebrated the Day of the Dead since pre-Hispanic times, building offerings on altars and carrying out mystical rituals. This year, Mexico City revamped its Day of the Dead celebrations, declared by UNESCO to be part of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003. On Saturday afternoon, the biggest Day of the Dead parade in the history of the city danced, thrilled and spooked its way through the streets, from the iconic Angel of Independence to the central Zocalo square. This was inspired by the opening scene of the James Bond movie, "Spectre," where the British superspy chases a villain through a massive parade complete with giant skulls and costumed dancers. It became so iconic that the city decided to recreate it for real. Floats topped by giant, grinning skulls, worrisome Aztec warriors painted in black, corpse brides, skeletons on roller blades, Christian crosses covered in marigolds, the various visions of the dead delighted the thousands of people lining the way. However, Mexicans do not stand alone in celebrating the Day of the Dead. The festival is held across the region, perhaps nowhere more vividly than in Bolivia, where ancestral ceremonies spring back to life every year. From midday on Tuesday, thousands of altars popped up in cemeteries, public offices, schools and private homes. Foods flourished with bread, cakes, dumplings, fruits, juice and more ringing in the celebration.0 Bolivian protocol and ceremonial expert Fernando Huanacuni told Xinhua that the Day of the Dead dates back to Andean customs, "of family unity and reconciliation with our ancestors and beloved ones." "Those of us from ancestral peoples, in the Andean world, hope to take this day to reconcile ourselves, to share, to dance, to harmonize, and to pray. This is why we prepare an altar," he added. The researcher said that the concept of death in traditional Latin American cultures is very different from the Christian vision, seeing it as a "sacred journey." Bolivians have lined graves with long tables filled with flowers and an abundance of bread and sweets, as well as scenes that depict the relationship between the family and Pachamama (Mother Earth). Across Bolivia, this festival is also known as "the feast of the souls," for its familial, religious and cultural meanings. UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday welcomed the announcement of the adoption of the new constitution in Cote d'Ivoire, and called for open, free and fair legislative elections in the weeks ahead. The secretary-general, in a statement issued here by his spokesman, welcomed the adoption of the constitution by the country's Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) following the constitutional referendum held on Oct. 30. "He notes with satisfaction that the new Constitution addresses some of the long-standing causes of tension and divisions in Cote d'Ivoire," said the statement. "The secretary-general encourages all Ivorian parties, especially political leaders and their supporters to reject violence and refrain from the use of inflammatory and incendiary language," the statement said. "He urges them to resolve any differences or disputes through constitutional means and pursue a political dialogue focused on the holding of open, free and fair legislative elections in the weeks ahead," it said. Ban also reaffirmed the UN's continued commitment to support the consolidation of peace and stability in the West African country through his special representative and head of the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire, the statement added. The draft constitution was adopted in October by the National Assembly, but opposition parties have called for a boycott as they say the country already has one of the best constitutions in Africa, reports said. They also accuse President Alassane Ouattara of using it as a way of trying to nominate his successor, said the reports. Cote d'Ivoire will hold its legislative elections by Nov. 20, 2016 at the latest, the CEI announced in May. CARACAS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- As Venezuela's government and opposition are beginning talks to defuse the country's political crisis, the dialogue's success depends on both sides having a unified agenda, observers say. "Dialogue is always going to be positive as long as it is a process pertinent to maintaining political and social peace," political observer Luis Delgado told Xinhua. "However, in Venezuela we have a previous record of failed dialogues due to dual agendas," said Delgado. The conservative parties comprising the right-wing Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), which is negotiating with the government, "have historically combined different forms of struggle and agendas," said Delgado, referring to traditional political activism, as well as insurgencies and covert operations. The MUD was forced to the negotiating table after failing to oust the government by other means, including anti-government demonstrations and a failed signature drive to hold a recall referendum against President Nicolas Maduro, said Delgado, who teaches social studies at the state University of Carabobo in northern Venezuela. "If they felt they were in a position of greater strength, they would not have sat at the negotiating table. They sat because they didn't have enough force behind the street protests and insurgencies, and not even from within the state apparatus", Delgado said, referring to the MUD's controlling majority in the National Assembly (or parliament). One of the MUD's main demands is the release of at least 130 jailed right-wing activists, who they claimed to be political prisoners, while average Venezuelans, more concerned about the country's acute economic crisis, want to see the two sides work together to improve the economy. A recent survey by Venezuelan polling firm Hinterlaces shows that some 83 percent of the population is in favor of the national dialogue. But according to political analyst and blogger Basem Tajeldine, the two sides have reached a "standoff", not just in the area of politics but also in legal and judicial sectors, which is leading to a growing concern of uncertainty among the general population. For instance, Delgado believes the MUD has no genuine interest in the dialogue, and has been forced by both national and international public opinion to negotiate. "Since they couldn't achieve foreign intervention, nor ouster by means proposed by the opposition, the MUD sat down to dialogue," said Tajeldine. "The Vatican took the lead in seeking the dialogue, and that also obliged the right wing to sit down for talks and not oppose a call by the international community," added Tajeldine. While the proposed recall referendum is not on the agenda for this latest round of the national dialogue, observers say the MUD has not given up on the campaign. They cited U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon's recent trip to Venezuela's capital city Caracas as a proof, saying the envoy was sent to "pressure" the Venezuelan government into organizing a referendum by the end of the year. "I think they are looking to closing a chapter in the democratic administration of President Barack Obama," Delgado said, as Shannon's visit was just a week before the U.S. presidential elections. However, he said, the trip also shows they are playing a "double game:" on the one hand, they support democratic processes on the surface, but on the other hand, they are egging on activities to destabilize the country. In Tajeldine's view, Shannon's visit is Washington's way of welcoming the talks and admitting its "failure" to put in place a "conservative government" that, together with Argentina and Brazil, would have consolidated the political shift to the right in South America. "Obama is on his way out and what he wants, which explains Shannon's arrival, is to leave in good standing, after failing to get his hands on the Venezuelan government," said Tajeldine. SYDNEY, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Zookeepers at Australia's Taronga Western Plains zoo in Dubbo of New South Wales (NSW) have welcomed a healthy 95 kg male Asian elephant calf. The calf was born at 15:50 local time (AEDT) on Wednesday to mother Thong Dee and father Gung in a behind-the-scenes paddock where keepers and vets were on hand throughout the labor. "This is tremendous news for the Australasian conservation breeding program for Asian Elephants," NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman said in a statement on Thursday. "I'm delighted to report that mother and calf are doing well and veterinarians are happy with the calf's progress at this early stage," he said. Taronga's zoo keepers said the calf was standing on its own within 30 minutes of being born and began suckling within hours. The calf is the second for Thong Dee, who gave birth to Australia's first baby elephant, Luk Chai, in 2009. "Thong Dee and the calf are in good health and are spending time together in the elephant barn," Taronga zoo's elephant supervisor Glenn Sullivan said. The birth of the calf follows a successful breeding program it started 10 years ago to turn around the decline of Asian Elephants numbers. The zoo said both mother and calf will be given time to bond further before making their public debut, adding that a competition will be announced soon to find a suitable name for the baby elephant. LONDON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Tired of miserable long-haul flights? Probably it's time for you to try the world's shortest passenger flight whose time span can be less than one minute. As a tiny hop between two remote British islands, the 2.7-km flight officially takes two minutes and can be done in 47 seconds "under ideal wind conditions," according to its operator Scottish regional airline Loganair. On Monday, the flight between Westray and Papa Westray welcomed its millionth passenger on board. Anne Rendall, a mobile banker of the Royal Bank of Scotland, was gifted a bunch of flowers by the route captain. She said it was fantastic to become the flight's "Millionaire." The route has been in operation since 1967 as part of the air service among the small isles in Orkney in northeastern Scotland. It holds the Guinness World Record as the world's shortest scheduled service. "The route is a jewel in our network and known across the world," said Loganair's managing director Jonathan Hinkles in a press release on its website. The flights also function as a "lifeline" for local people. "It's used by teachers, doctors, policemen and school pupils, helping them to go about their routines with ease and simplicity," said Hinkles A return ticket for the trip is worth 21 pounds (33.6 U.S. dollars). SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- South Korean Justice Minister Kim Hyun-woong said Thursday that he would propose an investigation into President Park Geun-hye if necessary for the ongoing probe into a scandal surrounding Choi Soon-sil, the president's longtime confidante suspected of intervening in state affairs. Kim told lawmakers that he would recommend an investigation into President Park after reviewing its necessity and possibility if it is necessary for getting down to bedrock in accordance with the development of the ongoing prosecutors' probe into the Choi Soon-sil scandal. The justice minister said that if President Park volunteers for it, there would be no limitation to the investigation though he noted that a majority of law experts claim no legal ground for search and seizure toward the president theoretically. Under the country's constitution, a president cannot be criminally indicted during his or her presidency except for treason charges. Some of law experts claim the president can be investigated on condition that the criminal prosecution is suspended by the end of presidency. Reversing his Oct. 27 remarks that President Park cannot become a subject of criminal investigation, the justice minister opened the door for a probe into the president amid escalating public furor over the behind-the-curtain big shot. Calls mounted that President Park should be investigated over a scandal of Choi who is accused of peddling undue influence and pulling strings behind the scenes as the 60-year-old private citizen's interference with government affairs could not happen without the president's protection and connivance. Park's approval rating fell to 9.2 percent, according to a Naeil Shinmun newspaper survey conducted on Oct. 31. It was down 25 percentage points from a month earlier, hitting a record low since Park came to power in February 2013. Related: S. Korean president appoints new staff amid rising opposition to cabinet reshuffle SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Thursday appointed her new secretarial staff, including presidential chief of staff and secretary on political affairs, amid rising opposition to her cabinet reshuffle to form a politically-neutral government. Full story S.Korean president's confidante grilled, advisor summoned amid rising allegations BANGKOK, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Insurgents launched a wave of shooting, bombing and arson in Thailand's deep south Wednesday night, killing three and injured a few, local media reported Thursday. The Muslim insurgents launched more than 10 coordinated attacks in Thailand's three southernmost provinces almost simultaneously late Wednesday night, said Nation TV. Four attacks happened in Songkla Province. The Chana district was hit by a bomb explosion, causing fire at a Isuzu car showroom. Two security guards were killed. Meanwhile, an ATM machine in front of a petrol station was bombed. Three were injured from the blast. Six attacks were reported in Pattani Province at about 9:35 p.m. local time on Wednesday. Four gunmen on two motorcycles opened fire on a military facility, killing a soldier. A 7-elven shop and several power poles were blasted, injuring a dozen of people and causing electricity blackout in large areas. Insurgents burnt car tires and attacked a ranger base on highway. Narathiwat Province saw two attacks. Car tires were set on fire in downtown, causing traffic paralyzing. The attacks occurred on the same day when members of the cabinet, led by junta member Udomdej Sitabutr, visited Pattani and met with local religious leaders to seek peace dialogues. The conflicts in Thailand's deep south dated back to 1960s. The three southernmost provinces most populated with Muslims have struggled for independence in the predominately Buddhist country. The insurgency has killed more than 6,500 in the past 12 years. Udomdej's delegation was part of the "Forward Cabinet," a special government task force set up to handle the southern insurgency. BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Internet giant Baidu inked a strategic partnership with leading telecom company China Unicom on Wednesday with the aim of applying artificial intelligence (AI) and other leading technologies to future products and services. The two companies will leverage their expertise and advantages in online and offline services to cooperate on projects in mobile Internet, AI, big data and telecom services. Baidu will help China Unicom put the services of more than 10,000 brick-and-mortar outlets and 300,000 franchised stores online. China Unicom will offer Baidu stronger telecom infrastructure support such as Internet data centers and information and communication technology. Robin Li, Baidu board chairman and CEO, said his company already cooperates closely in linking mobile search, mapping and group buying services with China Unicom's services, and Baidu is looking forward to impressive results from AI technology. Wang Xiaochu, board chairman of China Unicom, called the move an important step for cross-sector cooperation between Internet companies and telecom firms in line with the government's "Internet Plus" proposal to upgrade traditional sectors with IT technology. The latest quarterly financial statements showed that Baidu had steady profit growth in the third quarter while China Unicom suffered a heavy drop in profit growth year on year in the first three quarters, which put more pressure on the company to upgrade its products and services. CHENGDU, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- At least 10,000 passengers were stranded on Thursday due to heavy fog at an international airport in southwest China's Sichuan Province, airport authorities said. The fog reduced visibility on the runway to 50 meters at 7 a.m., forcing Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu to close down for two hours, according to airport authorities. During the suspension, 130 flights were delayed and 12 were canceled, with a further 12 incoming flights forced to land at airports in neighboring Chongqing Municipality and Guizhou Province. Flights resumed around 9:30 a.m., but airport authorities said it would take several hours for normal service to resume. The airport said it expects to remain open until after midnight to ensure all stranded passengers are flown to their destinations and to avoid disturbing Friday's flight plans. Shuangliu International Airport handles 904 incoming and outgoing flights every Thursday. HANGZHOU, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A plant in eastern China's Zhejiang Province will be used for producing Volvo's new car model and Geely's new SUV brand, the first such manufacturing project since the Swedish car maker merged with China's Geely in 2010. Zhejiang-based Geely on Wednesday confirmed that its plant in Luqiao, some 350 km south of Shanghai, will manufacture Volvo's 40-series compact car, as well as the Lynk & Co, a compact SUV model that Geely unveiled in October. Part of Volvo's new development strategy is to make China its manufacturing and export hub to serve the growing demand for its new range of cars, in the United States, Europe and Asia, said Hakan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars. He said that all Volvo car plants adhere to Volvo Cars' global manufacturing system, following its global quality standards. Volvo produces its top-of-the-range S90-series in Daqing, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The company has announced that production of its new S90 premium sedan will be moved from Europe to China. In 2015, the first batch of Volvo's S60 Inscription model, manufactured in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, were exported to the United States. It was the first Western car manufacturer to export a premium China-made car to the United States. Volvo's annual revenue doubled in the past three years, and China has become the manufacturer's biggest market. In the first ten months, Volvo sold 71,345 vehicles in China, up from 63,522 the same period last year. BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A delegation led by Hung Hsiu-chu, leader of the Kuomintang (KMT) party, left for Taiwan on Thursday afternoon after a five-day visit to the Chinese mainland. BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) will head a delegation to pay a friendly official visit to Vietnam next week. Zhang Dejiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, will visit Vietnam from Nov. 8 to 11, said a statement from the International Department of the CPC Central Committee. Zhang is also chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature. Zhang was invited by his Vietnam counterpart Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, chairwoman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Cross-Strait experts have given high appraisals of remarks made by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on relations between mainland and Taiwan. Xi made a speech on Tuesday underscoring the importance of the 1992 Consensus and the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations during his meeting with a delegation led by Hung Hsiu-chu, leader of the Kuomintang (KMT) party in Taiwan. "Safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity is the core national interest, and it is a line that cannot be crossed," Xi said in the speech. His words have shown steadfast resolve, full confidence and competence in containing "Taiwan independence," said Ni Yongjie, deputy director of the Shanghai Institute of Taiwan Studies. According to Tang Yonghong, head of the economic research center of Xiamen University's Taiwan Research Institute, the general secretary's speech addressed common concerns across the Taiwan Strait and will play a leading role in boosting cross-Strait ties. Xi's remarks on jointly carrying forward the fine traditions of Chinese culture and boosting benefits for compatriots on both sides show the mainland's sincerity and goodwill in advancing cross-Strait relations, Tang said. Wu Jung-yuan, organizer of the "Cross-Strait Peace and Development Forum" and chairman of Taiwan's Labor Party, said the six-point proposal by Xi indicated the fact that the mainland and Taiwan belong to an inseparable community of common destiny. Xi advocated social and economic integrative development across the Strait, paying special attention to the grassroots and young people in Taiwan. His words are full of good will, embodying the idea that "we are one family," Wu added. Yu Muming, chairman of Taiwan's New Party, spoke highly of Xi's remarks about upholding the 1992 Consensus and one-China principle. Yu said national reunification and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation have long been the pursuit of all Chinese people. People on both sides of the Strait should make concerted efforts to achieve the goal, he said. TEHRAN, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of Iranians held nationwide demonstrations on Thursday to mark the 37th anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran. Since the 1979 takeover of the U.S. mission by Iranian students, Iranians have been celebrating the occasion every year by holding rallies on the anniversary and marking it as the "National Day against the Global Arrogance." The occasion this year attracted the attention of foreign media as it followed the implementation of a deal clinched between Iran and world powers to solve the decade-long Iranian nuclear issue. On Thursday, demonstrators gathered outside the former U.S. embassy in central Tehran, now called "den of espionage," carrying placards denouncing the "arrogant powers" and shouting anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans. In 2013, the election of Hassan Rouhani as the Iranian president signalled the thaw of relations with the United States, but observers say hardliners in Iran are pushing to heighten anti-U.S. sentiments by insisting on the slogan of "Death to America" at different gatherings, criticizing Rouhani for reaching out to Washington and the West in general to solve the country's nuclear issue and economic problems. On Wednesday, Iran's top leader ruled out the possibility of restoring ties with the United states, saying that compromise and negotiations with Washington will not solve regional and domestic problems of Iran. The U.S. embassy was stormed by Iranian students on Nov. 4, 1979, and its personnel were held hostage for 444 days. The U.S. broke off diplomatic relations with Iran in 1980 and their ties have remained severed ever since. SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Calls are mounting for a criminal investigation into South Korean President Park Geun-hye over a scandal surrounding Choi Soon-sil, the president's longtime confidante suspected of peddling undue influence and pulling strings behind the scenes. Park's approval rating dropped to 10.9 percent, according to a local pollster Realmeter survey announced on Thursday. It is based on a poll of 1,518 adults conducted from Monday to Wednesday. Daily support for Park kept falling from 13.4 percent on Monday to 11.1 percent on Tuesday and 10.2 percent on Wednesday each as public views spread that the 60-year-old private citizen's intervention in state affairs could not happen without the president's protection and connivance. Most shocking was Park's approval rating among those in their 20s that posted 1.6 percent. Support among those in their 30s and 40s tumbled to 3.1 percent and 7.7 percent respectively. Park's political home turf of South Gyeongsang province recorded 8.6 percent in support for Park, lower than the nationwide average. The number in another support base of North Gyeongsang province stood merely at 14.2 percent. Amidst the sagging support, demand is increasingly stronger that President Park be investigated by prosecutors over her involvement in the Choi Soon-sil scandal that put the first South Korean female leader in the biggest political crisis. South Korean Justice Minister Kim Hyun-woong told lawmakers that he would recommend an investigation into President Park after reviewing its necessity and possibility if it is necessary for getting down to bedrock in accordance with the development of the ongoing prosecutors' probe into the scandal. Kim said that if President Park volunteers for it, there would be no limitation to the investigation though he noted that a majority of law experts claim no legal ground for search and seizure toward the president theoretically. Under the country's constitution, a president cannot be criminally indicted during his or her presidency except for treason charges. Some of law experts say the president can be investigated on condition that the criminal prosecution is suspended by the end of presidency. Reversing his Oct. 27 remarks that President Park cannot become a subject of criminal investigation, the justice minister opened the door for a probe into the president amid escalating public furor over the behind-the-curtain big shot. Kim Byong-joon, the prime minister nominee, told reporters on Thursday that it would be possible for the president to be investigated though there are different interpretations of the constitution, saying all the people are equal under the law. Kim, who worked as senior presidential policy secretary under the 2003-2007 Roh Moo-hyun administration, was appointed as new prime minister on Wednesday. Opposition parties have opposed to the appointment as President Park tapped him as the country's No.2 executive post without any prior notice to or consultations with the parliament. Scores of ruling Saenuri Party lawmakers, members of non-President Park faction within the party, have called on all of the party leadership to voluntarily resign to take responsibility for the political crisis. Public support for the main opposition Minjoo Party increased to 33.5 percent this week from 29.6 percent tallied on Oct. 24. The rating for Saenuri Party tumbled from 29.2 percent to 20.7 percent in the same period. COLOMBO, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- British Minister for the UN and Commonwealth Baroness Anelay is to visit Sri Lanka next week, the British High Commission in Colombo said Thursday. During her visit the Minister will reiterate the UK's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in strengthening democracy and human rights including tackling gender based and sexual violence, delivering reconciliation and combating corruption. The Minister will discuss these issues with Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, Foreign Minister Samaraweera and Opposition Leader and Leader of minority Tamil National Alliance R. Sampanthan. As the British Prime Minister's Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Minister will also raise awareness of the need to tackle the stigmatisation of sexual violence and will meet with civil society organisations working on preventing sexual violence. Baroness Anelay will highlight the importance of female participation in the reconciliation process and the need for comprehensive strategies for tackling sexual and gender-based violence. "I look forward to discussing the progress made on these issues and hearing of the steps taken to tackle sexual and gender-based violence to create an environment where women are able to exercise their free choice over all aspects of their lives, without the threat of violence," Baroness Anelay said ahead of the visit. Baroness Anelay is to visit the northern Jaffna town and meet the Governor of the Northern Province Reginald Cooray. COLOMBO, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's President, Maithripala Sirisena, on Thursday said that an independent probe must be held over a controversial bond scam at the Central Bank. Speaking at a public rally, in the capital, Sirisena said that he will obtain legal advise on a report on the Central Bank bond controversy, released last week by a parliamentary group. He further said that politicians should not interfere in the probe. "I have never spoken on the bond scam before but now I am saying it must be investigated independently," he said. A Sri Lankan parliamentary committee, last week, recommended legal action to be taken against former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran and other officials for being involved in the controversial bond deals amounting to millions of dollars. Sunil Handunetti, Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), presenting the COPE report to Parliament said that evidence brought before the committee had raised reasonable doubt that Mahendran should be held directly responsible over the bond transaction amounting to millions of dollars and that legal action should be taken against him and responsible individuals. He said Perpetual Treasuries, a firm connected to Mahendran's son-in-law had made enormous profits from the deals. The committee recommended that action should be taken to examine and recover any losses to the state and central bank. The Central Bank should also conduct its own probe and come up with procedures to make auctions transparent, the Committee recommended. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the government will respect the report and proposed that it be sent to the Attorney General for further action. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (R) and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton participate in the third and final presidential debate at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States, Oct. 19, 2016.(Xinhua/Yin Bogu) BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry admitted this week that the U.S. presidential campaign has been "downright embarrassing." "I must tell you bluntly. This election has been difficult for our country's perception abroad," he told an event with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan during a visit to Britain earlier this week. "There are moments when it is downright embarrassing. There are times when it steps out of any norm that I've known -- and I ran for president in 2004," Kerry said. "I could never imagine debates that were not focused on real issues, so it's been a real change." Smeared with sex, corruption, scandals and personal attacks, the race for the White House this year has turned increasingly disordered and bottomless. Appearing before supporters at a Wednesday rally in Pensacola, Florida, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump told a crowd about his "plan to end government corruption." "We're only left with one person, crooked Hillary Clinton. We're going to win. We're going to win," the New York real estate billionaire claimed. After the release of a 2005 audio tape about his propensity for "groping women" and the emergence of groping allegations by several women, Trump has been reeling for weeks in his campaign for the White House. However, a renewed FBI review of Democratic presidential candidate Clinton's use of a private email server as secretary of state has helped Trump narrow the race and drew public doubts about Clinton's trustworthiness. Despite Clinton's front runner position in most forecasts, a Tuesday ABC News/Washington Post tracking poll gave Trump a narrow lead. Last month, WikiLeaks started to release thousands of hacked emails of Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta. The emails exposed campaign infighting and raised ethical questions about her family's charitable foundation. Anthony Weiner, a former New York congressman and husband of Clinton aide Huma Abedin, had already been shamed in a cluster of sexting scandals. However, when the FBI opened an investigation into his suspected sending of indecent videos to a 15-year-old girl, the bureau found out emails that FBI Director James Comey said seem related to an already closed email probe on Clinton. Jewel Mathewson from Pennsylvania told Xinhua that it is "a heartbreaking decision" to choose from Trump and Clinton, both of whom she is "sorrowfully disappointed with." She said, "I think the American people are not happy with either person for president." "And the way it's made it difficult for me is that, you know, when you sit down with some foreign minister in another country, or a prime minister of another country, and you say 'hey, you know we really want you to move more authoritatively towards democracy', they look at you," Kerry said. "They're polite but you can see the question in their head and in their eyes and in their expression. It's hard." Take a look at the following responses by two countries to the U.S. presidential election. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that the "catastrophic reality" of the two candidates "goes beyond what even we were saying." In Britain, a giant effigy of Trump wielding the head of his rival Clinton was expected to be burned during traditional Nov. 5 bonfire night celebrations. The 36-foot (11-meter) high model of Trump dressed in shorts decorated with images of Mexicans will be packed with fireworks and set alight in Edenbridge, southeast England, on Saturday as part of the annual Bonfire Night celebrations, AFP reported. "We are literally helping Trump to live out his own catchphrase 'burn it down' by exploding the 11-meter effigy as the opening act for our fireworks display," said Edenbridge Bonfire Society spokesman Jeni Fox. "It only seemed fair that Hillary Clinton took some of the limelight, and we are sure the presidential candidates will be pleased to see they are both featured," she added. LIMA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Preparing to host the upcoming 2016 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima on Nov. 19-20, Peru has confirmed the presence of important global economic players, the country's vice-president Mercedes Araoz confirmed Wednesday. In a press conference, Araoz confirmed that senior leaders of the 21 members of APEC would all attend the summit, making Peru a focal point of global attention. She added that APEC 2016 would also seek to facilitate Peru raising its status in international trade as the Summit holds forums for business leaders and investors. The forums will be attended by a number of leading business figures, including Jack Ma, founder of China's e-commerce giant Alibaba, and Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook. Ma is scheduled to deliver a speech about his entrepreneurial experiences to a selected audience of Peruvian and foreign entrepreneurs. According to Peru's representative to APEC, Raul Salazar, Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski will meet with Ma during one of the forums. ANKARA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish Interior Ministry has suspended 1,218 gendarmerie personnel from their posts over suspected links to alleged plotters of the July 15 coup attempt, local media reported on Thursday. The suspended personnel included 419 officers and 604 sergeants, local NTV reported. The Turkish government accuses Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based preacher, of masterminding the failed coup, which left at least 241 people dead and over 2,000 others injured. HANOI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's catfish exports to Chinese mainland and China's Hong Kong in the first nine months of 2016 hit 201.9 million U.S. dollars, up 75.6 percent year-on-year. With such figure, Chinese mainland and China's Hong Kong have surpassed the European Union (EU) to become Vietnam's second largest catfish market for the first time, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) confirmed on Thursday. The strong exports to China was recorded in the context that Vietnamese catfish exporters are facing multiple difficulties in other major markets like the United States, the EU, ASEAN and Mexico. In the January-September period, Vietnam's catfish exports to the EU and Mexico went down by 6.9 percent and 14.3 percent year-on-year. BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The latest quarterly reports of Chinese banks pointed to milder growth in bad loans, adding to evidence that the country's credit risk is under control albeit increasing. China Construction Bank (CCB), one of China's "big four" state-owned lenders, posted a 1.56-percent non-performing loan (NPL) ratio at the end of September, down from 1.58 percent at the end of 2015. China Minsheng Bank and China Everbright Bank, two smaller lenders, saw their bad loan ratios drop 0.03 percentage points and 0.1 percentage point, respectively, in the past three quarters. Agricultural Bank of China, another of the "big four," kept a stable NPL ratio, while that of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the country's largest lender, rose to 1.62 percent from 1.5 percent at the end of 2015. Though some banks' NPL ratios continued to increase, overall growth was subdued compared with late 2015, when almost all banks reported higher NPL ratios, said Guo Tianyong, a researcher at the Central University of Finance and Economics. He attributed the improvement to a stabilizing economy and counter measures introduced by lenders. Concerns about the quality of China's banking assets have been on the rise amid fast credit expansion, as the country seeks to prop up the economy against a backdrop of lackluster global growth. Chinese banks as a whole saw an NPL ratio of 1.75 percent at the end of June, stable from a quarter earlier but up from 1.67 percent at the end of 2015, with bad loans reaching 1.44 trillion yuan (213 billion U.S. dollars), according to official data. In a sign of abating pressure, the country's economy stabilized in recent months, holding steady at 6.7-percent growth in the third quarter of 2016. Its manufacturing sector expanded at the fastest pace in more than two years in October, well above market expectations. Banks have used their profits and loss provisions to write off bad loans, while adjusting their lending structure to avoid potential losses. Lenders in eastern China's Jiangsu Province rejected combined applications of 16.5 billion yuan of loans in five poorly performing industries in the first nine months of this year, said Ding Can, deputy head of the provincial banking watchdog. In contrast, loans to strategic emerging industries such as new materials, high-end equipment and biotechnology reached 311.7 billion yuan at the end of September, up 41.6 billion yuan since the start of the year, Ding told Xinhua. Moreover, banks are exploring new ways to tackle bad loans. China has allowed lenders to issue asset-backed securities using NPLs as collateral on a trial basis. Last month, the government detailed a plan for the long-discussed debt-for-equity swaps, where companies can exchange bad debt for stocks. Overall, China's banking sector has a relatively high provision coverage ratio, capital adequacy and profitability; and the country's credit risk is controllable, said Wang Zhaoxing, deputy chair of China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC), the national banking regulator. It is normal for banks' NPL ratio to go up when the economy slows, he said, noting that the Chinese banking industry's bad loan level is not very high compared with foreign counterparts. ICBC and CCB saw their provision coverage ratios, a measure of funds set aside to cover loan losses, fall to 136 percent and 149 percent respectively, below the safety threshold of 150 percent set by the CBRC. However, Guo said a provision coverage ratio of above 100 percent is enough to offset bad loan losses in theory, adding that the risk is under control. Analysts have called on authorities to stay cautious as uncertainties in the Chinese economy remain. Zhao Qingming, an economist with China Financial Futures Exchange, predicted that Chinese banks' bad loans will continue to rise but at a slower rate in future as the country cuts industrial capacity and goes through structural transition. The banks should watch out for an increase in "special mention" loans, loans that are performing currently but could potentially turn sour, said Wen Bin, a researcher at China Minsheng Bank. The "special-mention" loans of Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, a medium-sized lender, surged 68 percent in the past three quarters to 109 billion yuan, while that of Industrial Bank rose 43.7 percent to 60 billion yuan, according to the banks' quarterly reports. ISLAMABAD, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- At least 13 people were killed and 72 others injured when 12 vehicles piled up in Pakistan's east Punjab province on Thursday, local media reported. Dawn News said that 11 cars and a bus hit into each other at Islamabad-Lahore motorway near Hafizabad district. Police said that the accident happened due to low visibility as dense fog was engulfing some parts of the motorway when the accident happened. Some sections of the motorway were closed. The injured people have been shifted to a nearby hospital. BISHKEK, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday pledged to offer more scholarships for Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members to enhance the foundation of people-to-people exchanges. Li made the remarks at the 15th SCO prime ministers' meeting in Bishkek. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying(Photo source: fmprc.gov.cn) BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday responded to a question about Japan's economic aid to Myanmar by calling for sincere help for the Southeast Asian country from the international community. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Wednesday that Japan will provide 800 billion yen (7.73 billion U.S. dollars) for Myanmar over the next five years to assist the country's peace process and national development. According to Japanese media reports, this assistance also reflects Japan's rivalry with China for economic and political influence in Southeast Asia. "China has never targeted a third party while developing diplomatic relations with countries around the world," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying at a routine press briefing. "We hope relevant countries could also adopt such an open, inclusive and frank attitude in developing ties with other countries," Hua said. As a friendly neighbor to Myanmar, China supports the country in carrying out exchanges and cooperation with all countries, she said, calling for the international community to provide more practical and sincere help for Myanmar's development and stability. KABUL, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Two service members of U.S. military lost their lives in the war against militants in Afghanistan's northern Kunduz province on Thursday, a statement of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan released here said. "Two U.S. service members died as a result of wounds sustained during operations in Kunduz district, Kunduz Province today," said the statement. "The service members came under fire during a train, advise and assist mission with our Afghan partners to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the groups operations in Kunduz District," the statement added without providing more details. "Despite todays tragic event, we are steadfast in our commitment to help our Afghan partners defend their nation," said General John W.Nicholson, commander of US FOR-A in the statement. BISHKEK, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The 15th prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) opened in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, on Thursday to promote further integration of the six-nation group. Delivering a keynote speech, Kyrgyz acting Prime Minister Sooronbay Zheenbekov spoke highly of the cooperation within the SCO over the past 15 years and vowed to promote more concrete cooperative measures across a number of areas. "The SCO members have achieved remarkable results in all fields and will further develop their cooperative ties regarding the economy, trade, security and culture in the future," said the prime minister. He said that the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China is of great importance and the organization will seek a bigger role in it. According to the organizing committee, the prime ministers will discuss implementing the agreements reached at the SCO Tashkent summit and exchange views on promoting regional economic cooperation and investment. During the one-day meeting, they would pay special attention to the establishment of a SCO free trade zone and a SCO development bank. The leaders are expected to release a joint declaration outlining the achievements of the past year and chart a way forward for the bloc's future development. Regular meetings mechanism among the SCO prime ministers was set up in September 2001. Established in 2001, the SCO is a regional political, economic and security organization that groups China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as full members. India and Pakistan signed the SCO's Memorandum of Obligations in June, kick-starting the process of their accession into the bloc, which also has a number of observers and dialogue partners. JINAN, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Liao Yongyuan, former general manager of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), stood on public trial Thursday for accepting bribes. The Dezhou Intermediate People's Court in east China's Shandong Province handled the case, and the Dezhou People's Procuratorate charged Liao with helping others in business operation, promotions, and directly or indirectly accepting assets worth over 13.39 million yuan (1.98 million U.S. dollars) from 1997 to 2014. Liao is also accused of holding property worth 21.03 million yuan with unidentified sources. He held multiple positions in the CNPC before serving as assistant general manager, vice general manager and general manager of the company. Liao and his lawyer questioned the evidence submitted by prosecutors. In his final statement, Liao pleaded guilty and expressed his remorse. Over 60 people, including Liao's relatives, lawmakers, journalists and others, attended the trial. The court ruling will be announced at a later date. CAIRO, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- An Egyptian diplomat met here Thursday with a United States envoy on advancing a political solution to the crises gripping Libya, the Egyptian foreign ministry said. Tariq Al-Qony, an assistant to the Egyptian foreign minister on Arab affairs, discussed latest developments in Libya with U.S. special envoy for Libya, Jonathan Winer, said a foreign ministry statement. Winer is also scheduled to meet other Egyptian officials and Libyan figures, the statement added. The U.S. diplomat expressed the interest to meet regularly with Egyptian officials to coordinate efforts on Libya. Al-Qony said Egypt looks forward to achieving security and stability in Libya, considering the historical ties between both neighbors. Libya has been suffering from conflicts since the downfall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi five years ago. The country is now run by two parliaments and two governments in its east and west, despite United Nations-sponsored efforts to bring about a united government in the face of rising threats from Islamic State militants. BISHKEK, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has played a vital role in Kyrgyzstan's development, Kyrgyz experts told Xinhua on Thursday. Kyrgyzstan's membership in the SCO allows it to use all the benefits the country has to offer in the era of the Great Silk Road, said Zhymakadyr Akeneyev, who is a member of the Council for Statistics under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic. "Using the SCO platform, we can discuss with China and other SCO member states absolutely all the issues that concern our country. The SCO allows us to use all our available capacity in the economy, geopolitics, culture and education," he said. Akeneyev also praised the SCO's role in promoting bilateral relations between Kyrgyzstan and China, stressing that Kyrgyzstan has become better known in the world thanks to the bloc. The expert believed that membership of new countries in the organization benefits Kyrgyzstan because it presents new opportunities for the country's economy to develop. India and Pakistan signed the SCO's Memorandum of Obligations in June, kick-starting the process of their accession into the group, which also has a number of observers and dialogue partners. Igor Shestakov, co-chairman of the "Pikir" regional club of experts in Kyrgyzstan, said that India and Pakistan are interested in entering the Central Asian market. "The SCO can become a tool to establish more effective trade and economic relations with the Central Asian region and other members of the organization," he said. Shestakov added that the SCO might become an interstate platform to help resolve political problems between countries like India and Pakistan. "In any case, the accession of these countries to the organization can enhance the image of the SCO on the international arena," he said. "The latest developments in the world, including sanctions against Russia and creation of the Eurasian Union, brought SCO countries closer, and it became not only a platform to discuss some problems, but also an organization that can really offer projects that are mutually beneficial to the participating countries," he added. Speaking about the SCO's role in fighting terrorism and extremism, Shestakov said it is a key responsibility of the organization. "Today, we see that challenges that face the SCO countries are the same," he said. "Today, the SCO has the same enemy: terrorism and extremism." BEIRUT, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Thursday asked former prime minister Saad Hariri to form a new government, Aoun's office said in a statement. The move by Aoun, who was elected president on Monday, had been expected, because his election was made possible following Hariri's endorsement of his candidacy. Aoun, 83, a Christian former army chief, was elected president on Monday in the Lebanese parliament, ending a vacancy that lasted almost two and a half years. Lebanon had been without a president since May 2014, when former president Michel Suleiman's six-year term ended. Hariri, who heads al-Mustaqbal Movement, said he hopes a government of "national accord" would be formed soon. TOKYO, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida agreed on Thursday to cooperate on solving ethnic conflicts in the southeastern Asian country. Suu Kyi, when talking about recent violence in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state, said that the situation there is extremely delicate and needs to be addressed with caution. Kishida, for his part, said that Japan will offer a new passenger boat to Myanmar to support its efforts to ease tensions in Rakhine. Tension has continued in Myanmar's Rakhine since conflicts broke out in 2012 between the majority Buddhist and minority Muslim populations there. Aung San Suu Kyi is in Japan on a five-day visit from Tuesday. It was her first trip to Japan since her National League for Democracy assumed power this year. Later in the day, she received an honorary doctorate in Japan's Kyoto University, where she had spent some time as a researcher between 1985 and 1986. Aung San Suu Kyi is also expected to meet with Japan's Emperor and Empress and attend a press conference in Tokyo on Friday, according to Japan's foreign ministry. DHAKA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A three-day international exhibition on machinery, components, chemicals and accessories for leather, footwear and leather goods kicked off in Bangladesh capital Dhaka aimed at bringing the latest technologies under one roof for the sector insiders. Some 250 exhibitors from different countries or regions have been participating the fair to showcase machinery for tanning leather, manufacturing footwear and leather goods along with components, dyes and chemicals, accessories and allied products. A local event management company --ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd -- organized the 4th edition of the exposition styled "LEATHERTECH Bangladesh- 2016" in collaboration with Bangladesh leather industry insiders. "The leather industry is eyeing US$5 billion export in next few years. Bangladesh leather industry is set to be the next of RMG sector," said Nanda Gopal K, director of ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd. Though there are companies from many countries or regions in the fair but actually a large majority of the participants come from China. China has a large pavilion at the event. Sabbir Hossain Khan, managing director of Green Bay, said "We used to do to this business for last three years. Gradually this (Bangladesh) shoe market is improving. In Bangladesh, there are huge possibility in shoe industry." "We used to sell shoe machinery from beginning to end, everything," said Khan, who has been representing a Chinese company -- Handa Gloabl-- in the fair. Zeng Jing, executive director Fun Footwear & Machineries Corportation, said she has already established business relations with customers in old part of Dhaka and seaport city Chittagong, some 242 southeast of capital Dhaka. MOSCOW, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Terrorist groups in Syria have taken advantage of the pause in Russian and Syrian air strikes in the 10-km zone around the city of Aleppo to intensify their attacks, the Russian military said Thursday. Over the past week, terrorists opened artillery fire in the western regions of Aleppo 64 times, killing 127 and wounding 254 civilians, Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi, chief of the Russian General Staff's Main Operational Directorate, said in a statement. The terrorists have also made several attempts to break into parts of the city under control of the government forces, he added. Russia has not delivered any air strikes against rebels in Aleppo for 18 days. Last week, the Russian military asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to resume air strikes against militants in eastern Aleppo due to terrorist attacks, but the Russian leader refused, saying it is "inappropriate at the current time." On Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry announced a new humanitarian pause against militants in Aleppo for 10 hours on Friday, opening corridors for the exit of rebels and evacuation of civilians and the wounded. BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Gone are the days when people throng out of office blocks for a quick bite at lunch. In Chinese cities today, busy office workers have their meals delivered after a few simple touches on a smartphone. The process takes a few minutes, and who can resist a good online discount? The marriage of a fledgling mobile Internet industry with the Chinese love for food has created an explosion in online catering businesses over the past two years. Hundreds of thousands of dishes are now a swipe away on the three dominant delivery platforms - waimai.meituan, waimai.baidu, and ele.me, or the "Big Three." But do the mouth-watering pictures on the phone match the sanitary conditions we expect? Recent investigations by Xinhua and other media outlets reveal worrisome findings. UNLICENSED KITCHENS In theory, online catering platforms require restaurants to post pictures of their business license and health certificates online where customers place their order. While most comply, some flounder and post blurred or fake images. A store that franchises American fast-food chain Subway on ele.me was found to have an expired license; in another case the localization photo of a nondescript restaurant registered as Mr. Bread led Xinhua reporters to well-known spicy food chain Wushan Roasted Fish. Li Jiang, an official with the Beijing food and drug safety watchdog, said an expired license is as good as not having one, and those who give fraudulent information will be severely punished. There are around 58,000 eateries in Beijing offering food delivery services on the three dominant platforms, plus a minor one named Daojia, Li said. District food safety watchdogs conduct regular raids to ensure everyone plays by the rules. While the authorities have not yet received any reports of major food safety cases, there are unverified comments left on these platforms complaining about diarrhea and worse. Other media outlets have exposed appalling scenes. A City Times reporter found that flowing sewage, thick oil stains, leftovers, and scattered chop sticks were a common scene at a popular hotpot restaurant in the southwestern city of Kunming. The restaurant had been open for only five months and had positive online ratings, listing ahead of 77 percent of its competitors. Few customers bother to check restaurant licenses before ordering. "To be honest, I only pay attention to ratings and other customers' comments," said Ma Juan, a Beijing office worker. "If a restaurant has a poor sanitary record then its rating will not be high, right?" HIDE-AND-SEEK China had 688 million Internet users by the end of 2015, with more than 90 percent using smartphones. A recent report by think tanks FutureX and the Data Center of China Internet (DCCI) showed that around 150 million Chinese used online catering services as of June 2016. The figure rose by 32 percent in six months and keeps growing. The country has strict food safety regulations, but the proliferation of kitchens and restaurants riding the e-commerce boom makes supervision more difficult. Last year, the national legislature amended its seven-year-old Food Safety Law, adding provisions to govern online vendors. A report by the Ministry of Commerce in September said around 8,000 unlicensed online eateries were ordered to close in just two weeks in late August to early September, after an unannounced city-wide food safety inspection. An anonymous worker at one of the "Big Three" said many vendors simply reopen on rival platforms, a phenomenon that discourages platforms from closing down "problem" vendors, especially the popular ones. "The three platforms are fighting for market share. If one strengthens supervision while the others do not, vendors jump ship taking their customers with them. The one who abides by the law loses," he said. "Technologically speaking, it is not a big deal for a platform to kick out unruly vendors. But does it really want to?" The DCCI report says the "Big Three" account for nearly 90 percent of market share among young office workers, catering services's main users. Confronted with Xinhua's findings, both meituan and ele.me declined to comment. Baidu repeated that it requires all registered vendors to post authentic licenses on their web wage and runs regular checks to ensure compliance. Fu Weigang, a researcher with the Shanghai Institute of Finance and Law, says the proliferation of "problem kitchens" has everything to do with lax supervision of online platforms, which sacrifice food safety to cut staffing costs and reach more customers. Fu suggested that the authorities mobilize the public to become informants on vendors and platforms who do not play by the rules. "Informants should be rewarded so they are encouraged to help law enforcers spot violations," he said. JAKARTA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian police have prepared for the possibility of terrorist attacks during a massive protest planned by hardline Muslim groups against humiliation of Islamic teaching in Jakarta on Friday, police said on Thursday. Over 18,000 policemen and soldiers would be deployed to secure the demonstration, said Awi Setiyono, spokesman of Jakarta police. "The police chief has ordered the (anti-terror squad of) Densus 88 to monitor it," he said at the Jakarta police headquarters. Indonesia's Islamic Front Defender of FPI has claimed over 200,000 people will take to the street on Friday and march outside the State Palace and city hall. A report indicated that Islamic State-inspired terrorist cells may take advantage of the rally. Recently, Indonesia has been targeted by IS militants, who aim to convey their terror message to the world. by Hummam Sheikh Ali DAMASCUS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Intense battles raged on in Syria's northern city of Aleppo, as rebels launched their "second stage" of attacks against government posts on Thursday, a military source told Xinhua. Government troops and allied forces confronted the rebel attacks in the suburbs of Menyan and Dahyeit al-Assad in western Aleppo, the source said on condition of anonymity. The battles were "very violent" and the attackers suffered substantial losses, the source said. Syrian forces destroyed two explosive-laden vehicles belonging to the rebels near Menyan in western Aleppo, the source said, adding that the rebels "randomly fired rocket and mortar shells on residential areas in western Aleppo." State news agency SANA said at least two people were killed on Thursday by the shelling. The source said rebels attempted but failed to break through into Dahyeit al-Assad toward a military academy in that area. One reporter with the Iranian al-Alam TV was injured when shrapnel from rebel shelling hit him in the leg in the Menyan area, according to the source. Also on Thursday, the rebel Jaish al-Fateh group, or the "Army of Conquest," announced the start of the "second stage" of its offensive to break government siege on the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo. "The second stage of the battle for breaking the siege of Aleppo has started with intense shelling by all kinds of weapons on the positions of Assad militias in western Aleppo," the group said in a statement, referring to troops under Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The rebel offensive to break the siege started last Friday. The Syrian army said the first wave of rebel attacks killed at least 84 civilians and wounded 280 others. The high number of causalities was caused by the rebels who fired over a hundred mortar shells, 50 Grad missiles, and 20 explosive-laden cylinders in government-controlled areas in western Aleppo, the army said in a statement. The statement also accused the rebels of using chemical agents in the first stage of attack on Aleppo earlier this week, saying 48 people suffered from suffocation and breathing difficulties in Dahyeit al-Assad. The rebels managed to infiltrate some areas in the first wave of attacks but failed to achieve any breakthrough. Government troops responded with a major counter-offensive, managing to strip the rebels of some of the areas they had taken in western Aleppo. On Wednesday, sources said the intensity of battles in Aleppo decreased, before flaring up again on Thursday with the declaration of the second stage of the battles by Jaish al-Fateh, one of 12 rebel groups involved in the Aleppo offensive, dubbed by the rebels as "Aleppo's Greater Epic." The new wave of attacks comes a day after the Syrian army and Russia announced a unilateral "humanitarian pause" which would go into effect for 10 hours on Friday, to give civilians and rebels a chance to leave rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo. The statement said rebels can leave Aleppo through the Castello road in the north, in addition to the Souk al-Khair crossing, toward rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. Civilians can also leave through six passages the Syrian army previously designated, into government-controlled areas in western Aleppo.However, the fresh offensive casts doubt on prospects for achieving a brief truce on Friday. The latest offer of cessation of hostilities is not the first to be announced by the Syrian army. Last month, a three-day truce, unilaterally announced by Russia and the Syrian government, failed to achieve its intended goal of giving civilians a pause to leave rebel-held areas and also failed to push rebels to leave Aleppo. The government accused the rebels of forcefully preventing the departure of civilians from eastern Aleppo. On Wednesday, SANA said rebels in eastern Aleppo killed dozens of people who wanted to leave rebel-held areas. It added that Jaish al-Fateh rebels are extorting civilians who want to leave Aleppo, asking them for money in exchange for permission to leave. Huge sums of money are being requested from civilians who wish to leave, SANA said, noting that rebels demanded 300 U.S. dollars each for civilians under 14 and over 55 to leave. SANA said its report was based on a leaked Jaish al-Fateh statement detailing the "extortion" process. It added that the group admitted they would use the money collected from people to purchase weapons and munitions. The Syrian army has laid siege on rebel-held areas in Aleppo in recent months, urging the rebels to surrender or leave eastern Aleppo to other rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. Observers believe Aleppo will be the decisive battleground among the fighting groups, and the winner will dictate the conditions for a resolution to the crisis. Aleppo contains all the groups supported by regional and international powers, with civilians paying the price for this proxy war. NEW DELHI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- India Thursday said that it has recalled eight of its diplomats from Pakistan after they were accused of running an espionage ring by Islamabad and their names and photos were also leaked to the media. "Government strongly protests the manner in which the names and photos of eight Indian officials, four of them holders of diplomatic passports, have been published," Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup told the media. "The officials were falsely implicated. Pakistan's false allegations against them have the potential to adversely affect the corresponding activities of the high commission," he said. The recalling of Indian diplomats came a day after Pakistan said that it was withdrawing six of its officials from its High Commission in Delhi after they were ousted as suspected spies by India, days after one of its visa section officials was expelled for running a spy network in this country. The tit-for-tat action by India and Pakistan came amid growing tensions between the two countries in the aftermath of the terror attack on an Indian Army post in Indian-controlled Kashmir's Uri sector in September, in which 19 soldiers lost their lives. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, a claim denied by the latter. Both the nations stake claim to Kashmir and have fought at least three major wars over the disputed region in the past 65 years. Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev greets Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) at the airport in Astana, Kazakhstan, Nov. 3, 2016. Li arrived here Thursday for an official visit to Kazakhstan. During his stay, Li and Bakytzhan Sagintayev will hold the third regular meeting between the two countries' prime ministers. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo) ASTANA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived here Thursday for an official visit to Kazakhstan. During his stay in the Central Asian state, Li and his Kazakh counterpart, Bakytzhan Sagintayev, will hold the third regular meeting between the two countries' prime ministers. Upon arrival, Li said at the airport that as friendly neighbors, China and Kazakhstan have carried out fruitful reciprocal cooperation, especially in production capacity, which has played a leading and exemplary role. China expects to further consolidate the friendship and mutual trust with Kazakhstan and explore for new growth areas in bilateral cooperation, so as to lift their comprehensive strategic partnership to higher levels, Li said. Sagintayev greeted Li at the airport with a welcoming ceremony. The Chinese premier is also slated to meet with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev and attend the launching ceremony of a production capacity cooperation project with Sagintayev. This is the Chinese premier's second visit to Kazakhstan in about two years, which demonstrates the high degree of relations and strategic mutual trust between the two neighbors, said Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Li Huilai at a press briefing in Beijing earlier this week. Kazakhstan is the second leg of Li's eight-day Eurasia tour, which started with Kyrgyzstan and will also take him to Latvia and Russia. RABAT, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Morocco's interior ministry said Thursday a terror suspect recently arrested was preparing a suicide attack in the country, local media reported. The suspect, an engineering student with suspected ties to the Islamic State (IS), was arrested in the city of Tiflet, 30 km east of the capital Rabat. Investigators found that the suspect was preparing a chemical mixture to make an explosive belt for a suicide attack against a sensitive area in Morocco, daily Le Matin said, quoting an interior ministry statement. Flammable material used to trigger bombs and an electric device required in making bombs were recovered during the suspect's arrest, the statement said. Morocco is facing a growing IS threat. Authorities said over 160 terrorist cells have been busted since 2002, including over 40 in the past three years, who had ties to extremists groups in both Iraq and Syria. BEIRUT, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Saad Hariri, a former prime minister, was named Thursday as Lebanon's new prime minister, the office of President Michel Aoun announced in a statement. "After the necessary parliamentary consultations..., the president has entrusted Saad Hariri with the formation of a government," said the statement. The nomination comes days after Aoun was elected, with Hariri's surprise support, ending a vacancy that lasted almost two and a half years. Hariri's nomination won 112 votes in the 127-seat parliament. Five years ago, Hariri' last cabinet collapsed when his longtime rival Hezbollah and its allies pulled their ministers from a unity government. Hariri, who heads al-Mustaqbal Movement, said he hopes a government of "national accord" would be formed soon. MOSCOW, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Defense Ministry on Thursday criticized the U.S.-led coalition for launching strikes against civilian objects in Iraq. On Oct. 24, U.S. Air Force aircraft carried out a bomb and missile attack on the locality of Tel Kaif, 14 km north of Mosul, damaging a school and residential buildings, Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi, chief of the Russian General Staff's Main Operational Directorate, said in a statement. The U.S.-led coalition continued to strike residential areas in Mosul and other towns of the Iraqi province of Nineveh, and the satellite images showed heavy damage to residential buildings and a mosque, Rudskoi added. Iraqi forces, supported by the U.S. coalition, have launched a major offensive to retake Mosul, the country's second-largest city, from Islamic State (IS) terrorist group militants. The Russian military said it is monitoring the developments via satellites. by Xinhua writer Liu Xinyong BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- With latest signs pointing to improvement in China's economy, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has once again showed that it can steer the economy on the right track against uncertainties at home and abroad. Facing slowing growth in recent years, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core made timely judgments and decisions to ensure a steady transition of the economy from previous high growth to medium-high growth. Constant upgrades to the CPC economic governance ideology brought positive change to the economy, including steady growth of 6.7 percent for the first three quarters this year, rising consumption and a growing service sector. EVOLUTION OF ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE After the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, the central leadership judged that the economy confronted three problems at the same time: gearing down of economic growth, pains from restructuring, as well as digesting the effects of previous stimulus policies. This laid the foundation for correct and targeted macroeconomic policies. Amid protracted economic slowdown, Xi said in an inspection tour to central China's Henan Province in May 2014 that the country should adapt to a "new normal" and remain cool-headed. China is still in a significant period of strategic opportunity. We must boost our confidence, adapt to the new normal conditions based on the characteristics of China's economic growth in the current phase and stay cool-minded, Xi said. The new normal is characterized by medium-high growth instead of high growth, constant upgrading of economic structure and seeking impetus from innovation, Xi later added. The central leadership ordered local governments to actively adapt to the new normal and respond to difficulties and challenges in economic and social development as they arose. One challenge came from previous over-reliance on stimulation of the demand side, including investment, consumption and exports, to support growth, but the effectiveness of the strategy has weakened in recent years. Realizing that fact, the central leadership started to stress "supply-side structural reform" in 2015, a turning point in macro-policy. Supply side reform includes tax cuts, lowering corporate borrowing costs, incentives for specific industries, tackling overcapacity, reducing property inventories and easing administrative restrictions. ENCOURAGING SIGNS The evolving economic wisdom has resulted in concrete improvement in multiple indicators in recent months. The manufacturing sector posted its best performance in more than two years, adding to signs of stabilizing, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Tuesday. The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 51.2 in October from 50.4 in September, above market expectations and the highest level since July 2014. Macroeconomic figures released in October also pointed to a trend of stabilization in the first three quarters. GDP growth in Q3 remained at 6.7 percent, flat from the previous two quarters and in line with this year's annual GDP target of 6.5 percent to 7 percent. Consumption contributed to 71 percent of growth in the first three quarters, much higher than that for the same period of 2015, showing a more sustained demand structure. Industrial structure continued to optimize in the same period, with a 52.8 percent share of the service sector in the January-September period, up 1.6 percentage points from a year ago, said NBS spokesperson Sheng Laiyun. Supply-side reform has progressed, marked by the declines in overcapacity in some sectors, falling inventories of industrial products and commercial housing and reduced costs for companies, Sheng said. NO PLAIN SAILING China's economy has the potential to continue medium-high growth, but the potential will not be realized without help, said Zhang Junkuo, deputy chief of the Development Research Center of the State Council. "Medium-high growth does not naturally follow rapid growth, but must be attained through constant reform and structural change," Zhang said. China will implement proactive fiscal policies and maintain prudent monetary policies, according to a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee last week, chaired by Xi. The government will continue to moderately expand domestic demand and press ahead with supply-side structural reform with more concrete and detailed policies to ensure annual growth targets are hit, said a statement released after the meeting. If China can sustain medium-high growth while improving growth quality and efficiency, the economy has sound prospects, laying a solid foundation for China's development goals, said Liu Shijin, an economist with China Development Research Foundation, an official think tank. A key meeting of the CPC late last month also helped reinforce the positive prospects. At the sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, the CPC called on all its members to "closely unite around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core" and vowed to push forward the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party. A strong CPC leadership will give the country new impetus for realizing its two centenary goals and the continuous improvement of its economic governance. BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua)-- China and Malaysia said bilateral relations are currently at its highest level and will continue to be strengthened, according to a joint press statement released on Thursday. The two sides reiterated their commitment to enhance cooperation in various areas including seaports, air transport, railway, trade, law enforcement and defence, according to the press statement. The two sides agreed to promote cooperation between seaports in Malaysia and China and support the development of China-Malaysia Port Alliance to realize the vision of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Stressing the importance of the ongoing cooperation on Malaysia's South Double Track Railway, China and Malaysia welcomed the proposed East Coast Rail Line project in Malaysia, the press statement said. Based on China's statistics, the total volume of bilateral trade was registered at USD54.28 billion for the first eight months of this year. China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner since 2009 while Malaysia has been China's largest trading partner among ASEAN countries since 2008. China and Malaysia discussed the prospect of strengthening imports of Chinese commodities. Malaysia is ready to increase palm oil export to China and increase its market share there, the press statement said. Speaking positively of the two countries' cooperation in combating telecommunication crime, chasing fugitives overseas and counter-terrorism,China and Malaysia agreed to further strengthen law enforcement and counter-terrorism cooperation, it said. The two sides also attached importance to expanding defense ties and welcomed the signing of the agreement on joint development and construction of the littoral mission ship for the Malaysian navy, it said. Both sides emphasized the need for all sovereign states concerned to resolve their differences by peaceful means, through friendly consultations and negotiations, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, it said. It said both sides further emphasized the need for all parties to exercise self-restraint in the South China Sea. Both sides recognized that the involvement of parties not directly concerned could be counter-productive. Both sides, together with the ASEAN Member States, would work hard to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety, as well as pushing forward consultations to ensure the early establishment of a "Code of Conduct" in the South China Sea on the basis of consensus, it said. Iran ian students take part in a rally marking the 37th anniversary of taking over the U.S. embassy by a group of Iranian students in Tehran, capital of Iran, on Nov. 3, 2016. Tens of thousands of Iranians held nationwide demonstrations on Thursday to mark the 37th anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran. Since the 1979 takeover of the U.S. mission by Iranian students, Iranians have been celebrating the occasion every year by holding rallies on the anniversary and marking it as the "National Day against the Global Arrogance." (Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz) TEHRAN, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of Iranians held nationwide demonstrations on Thursday to mark the 37th anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran, a continuation of their decades-long protests against the United States. Since the 1979 takeover of the U.S. mission by Iranian students, which followed the overthrow of the U.S.-backed Shah dynasty in Iran, Iranians have been marking the occasion every year by holding rallies on the anniversary dubbed as "National Day against the Global Arrogance." The occasion this year attracted the attention of foreign media as it followed the implementation of a deal clinched between Iran and world powers to solve the decade-long Iranian nuclear issue. On Thursday, demonstrators gathered outside the former U.S. embassy in central Tehran, now called "den of espionage," carrying placards denouncing the "arrogant powers" and shouting anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans. In 2013, the election of Hassan Rouhani as the Iranian president signalled the thaw of relations with the United States, but observers say hardliners in Iran are pushing to heighten anti-U.S. sentiments by insisting on the slogan of "Death to America" at different gatherings, criticizing Rouhani for reaching out to Washington and the West in general to solve the country's nuclear issue and economic problems. Also on Thursday, a senior commander from Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said that if the United States fails to adhere to last year's nuclear deal, Iran will reconsider its obligations. "The Iranian nation is bound to its nuclear commitments, but this commitment is not a one way road," said the lieutenant commander of the IRGC, Brig. Gen. Hossein Salami, on the anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. embassy. "If the United States does not meet its obligations, we will return to the point prior to the nuclear agreement," he said. "We will reactivate our centrifuges with even further force." The nuclear deal was reached between Iran and world powers in July 2015 and was implemented in January 2016. The deal saw Iran scrap major parts of its nuclear program in return for easing Western and international sanctions. The United Sates still maintains sanctions on Iran over alleged violations of human rights and support of terrorism, all of which Iran denies. As for the Islamic republic's development of a missile program and the West's concerns regarding it, Salami said Thursday that Iran will continue to develop its deterrent power and will improve it. He hailed the seizure of the U.S. embassy, saying it was an outcome of the Islamic revolution. Salami decried as "unreal" what he called U.S. claims of combating terrorism, disarmament of weapons of mass destruction, and seeking world peace. He praised "resistance" movements in Yemen, Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Bahrain as signs of the expansion of Iran's Islamic revolution regionally and also as an indicator of the "decadent" U.S. influence over the Middle East. A day earlier, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ruled out the possibility of restoring ties with the United states, saying that compromise and negotiations with Washington will not solve regional and domestic problems of Iran. He said that there is a discourse which endorses the relations with the United States based on the logic that "if we compromise with America, all the problems of our country will be solved." "This belief is very dangerous... since there are accurate reasonings to prove that this is a lie, deceptive and wrong," Khamenei said. "An example to prove the falsehood of this belief is the attitude of the United States vis-a-vis Iran's nuclear deal," Khamenei said. He again repeated his comments on the "un-trustability" of the United States. "It is not only me who says they are insincere," Khamenei said. "Even other Iranian officials and nuclear negotiators themselves are talking of insincerity of the United States" in the fulfilment of its obligations pertaining to the nuclear deal. "Is it possible for the U.S. government which uses every opportunity to antagonize the Iranian nation to solve our problems?" he asked. "The main objective of the United States is to hinder Iran's progress, and the negotiations with the U.S. will not settle our economic problems," he said. "The Iranians will never compromise with the U.S.," Khamenei said. "Iranians will never forget U.S. crimes." The U.S. embassy was stormed by Iranian students on Nov. 4, 1979, and its personnel were held hostage for 444 days. The U.S. broke off diplomatic relations with Iran in 1980 and the ties between the two countries have remained severed ever since. MAIMANA, Afghanistan, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- At least seven civilians were killed and a dozen others wounded after an explosion hit a wedding bus in Afghanistan's northern province of Faryab on Thursday, a local official said. "The initial information found a bus carrying wedding party guests was struck by a motor round and the blast caused seven civilians killed and 12 others injured," Jawid Bedar, spokesman of provincial government, told Xinhua. Running along a road in Khawaja Sabz Poash district, the ill-fated bus caught in cross fire during a clash between security forces and Taliban militants at around midday, he said. It remained unknown which side fired the mortar shell. All the victims were women and children, the source said, adding the injured were shifted to nearby hospital in the remote district. An investigation was launched into the incident, the source noted. The Afghan civilians continue to bear the brunt of conflicts and war as more than 2,560 civilians were killed and over 5,830 injured in the first nine months of the year, according to the latest figures released by UN mission in the country. Ground engagements have remained the largest cause of civilian casualties, followed by suicide attacks and roadside bombings and IED explosions. MOSUL, Iraq, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces pushed to extend their grip in Mosul, as fierce battles continued on Thursday inside the eastern outskirts of the city, while the government-backed paramilitary units made a progress in west of Mosul, security sources said. The latest developments came after more than two weeks of a massive offensive to dislodge Islamic State (IS) militants from their last major stronghold in Iraq. The Iraqi forces, backed by international coalition and Iraqi aircraft, made a new push and took new positions at the edges of the districts of Intisar, Karama and Samah in eastern Mosul, after the troops recaptured the district of Gogjali two days ago, said Abdul-Wahab al-Saadi, commander of the Iraqi counter-terrorism forces. "The Iraqi army artillery and mortar are shelling the IS positions in the three districts, and the troops could start storming the three districts in the coming hours," Saadi said. "The presence of civilians in the district is hampering an all-out attack to sweep the IS positions," Saadi added. Also in the day, the security forces and allied paramilitary Hashd Shaabi units recaptured a total of six villages as they advanced in southwest of Mosul toward the town of Tal Afar, some 70 km west of Mosul, Lieutenant General Abul-Amir Yarallah from the Joint Operations Command told reporters. The paramilitary units fought fierce clashes with the IS militants during their advance, killing a large number of IS militants, including five suicide bombers wearing explosive vests, Yarallah said. The operation of the pre-dominantly Shiite Hashd Shaabi units was designed to recapture Tal Afar in order to cut off the supply lines between Mosul and neighboring Syria. On Oct. 17, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of a major offensive to retake Mosul, the country's second largest city. Since then, the Iraqi security forces have inched to the eastern fringes of Mosul and made progress on other routes around the city, preparing for a major battle to storm the city and drive out IS militants. 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. Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in Beijing on Thursday, pledging to boost cooperation with the country in diverse areas and cement their all-round strategic partnership. Xi hailed the progress of relations since diplomatic ties were established 42 years ago, citing mutual respect, trust, win-win cooperation and close communications. He urged both countries to maintain frequent high-level exchanges, deepen political trust, keep to the right direction of bilateral relations and continue to support each other on issues related to each other's major concerns. Xi called on the two sides to combine their development strategies, and to lay a solid foundation for stronger trade cooperation. China welcomes Malaysia's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, and is ready to work with the country to increase cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, energy, technology, agriculture and finance, he said. Xi also urged stronger bilateral cooperation in education, culture, health, media, and in fighting terrorism and cross-border crime. Najib congratulated the successful convening of the sixth plenary session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee last week, and praised China's economic and social development. It is proven in practice that socialism with Chinese characteristics is a correct choice for China, he said. Calling the two countries friendly neighbors and trustworthy friends, he said Malaysia-China ties are currently at their highest level. Malaysia is glad to see China's Belt and Road Initiative get a warm response, he said, vowing to facilitate the cooperation in trade, transportation, and port construction, with China under the Belt and Road framework. Malaysia is committed to boosting ASEAN-China relations, he added. Najib is on an official visit to China from Oct. 31 to Nov. 5. TOKYO, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The 29th Tokyo International Film Festival closed Thursday with the top prize going to a Holocaust-themed film, while a Chinese film won an award for artistic contribution. A total of 16 films competed in the main section of the festival, and The Bloom of Yesterday, a German-Austrian film tackling the Holocaust theme, won the 50,000-U.S. dollar Tokyo Grand Prix. The film, directed by Chris Kraus, depicts the life crisis and struggle of a renowned German Holocaust researcher who is grandson of a Nazi war criminal yet falls in love with a French Jewish woman. The film "put things into perspective" about how people in current times would "pay the price" for crimes of the past, Jean-Jacques Beineix, French director and producer and head of the international jury for the award, was quoted as saying. Chinese film Mr. No Problem by director Mei Feng won the award for best artistic contribution. The film, based on a 1943 short story by famous Chinese writer Lao She, was shot in stylish black-and-white and tells the story of a high productive farm in wartime Chongqing failing to turn a profit under the facade of having no problem. The special jury prize went to Swedish film Sami Blood, which depicts prejudice against the Sami indigenous people of the Swedish mountains. The film also won best actress for Lene Cecilia Sparrok, while best actor award went to Paolo Ballesteros for his performance in Die Beautiful as a Filipino transgender woman. In the Asian Future section, Philippine film Birdshot won the Best Asian Future Film Award which aims to recognize aspiring new directors from the Asian region, while the Spirit of Asia Award by the Japan Foundation Asia Center went to Indian film Lipstick Under My Burkha. The Tokyo International Film Festival started in 1985 as Japan's first major film festival. During the 10-day event this year, a total of 206 films were screened at theaters in the Roppongi Hills and other areas in Tokyo. ADEN, Yemen, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of Yemenis staged on Thursday large demonstrations in the country's temporary capital of Aden and across the government-controlled provinces to show support for the president, residents told Xinhua. High-ranking government and military officials attended the protests that aimed to show support for Yemen's President Abdu-Rabbu Mansour Hadi against the Shiite Houthi group. Aden's governor Maj. Gen. Aidarous Zubaidi along with other governors arrived at the Public Square in Aden's neighborhood of Khormaksar and declared their full support for Hadi's decisions. The protesters raised slogans that denounced a UN roadmap prepared to end the 19-month of military conflict in the impoverished Arab country. "No for legitimizing the Houthi coup" and "the United Nations reward Houthi putschists," read the banners carried by the demonstrators in Aden province. One of the protest organizers told Xinhua that "thousands of people went out to the streets in Aden and elsewhere in southern Yemen to illustrate their disapproval of the UN envoy plan." On Saturday, President Hadi announced his rejection of the UN envoy's peace plan, saying its contents "bare seeds of war in the country." The UN roadmap called for naming a new vice president after the withdrawal of the Shiite Houthi rebels from the capital Sanaa and other northern provinces and handing over all heavy weapons to a third party. The UN plan also suggested forming a new government that will be formed from the two-warring sides and would not be led by President Hadi who would transfer his power to the new vice president. The situation in Yemen has deteriorated 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. Houthis and Saleh's forces hold most of Yemen's northern regions while government forces backed by Saudi-led military coalition share control of the rest of the country including seven southern provinces. The civil war, ground battles and airstrikes have already killed more than 10,000 people, half of them civilians, injured more than 35,000 others and displaced over two millions, according to humanitarian agencies. KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The alleged murdering of 15 civilians including women and children by Afghan and U.S.-led Resolute Support (RS) forces in the northern Kunduz province on Thursday has triggered strong protest as the victims' families took the dead bodies to provincial capital Kunduz city. In the airstrikes which conducted early Thursday in Buzi Kandahari village, outside provincial capital the Kundiz city, 250 km north of Kabul, according to locals, at least 15 civilians including women and children were killed. "Afghan and foreign forces war planes targeted Buzi Kandahari village Thursday and resultantly at least 15 innocent civilians including women and children were killed," a village elder Hajji Ahmad Jan told Xinhua. He also added that the villagers took the dead bodies to the provincial governor office as a sign of protest but police blocked their way. Meantime, another villager who declined to be identified claimed that 20 civilians including women and children had been killed and some 20 others are missing. However, Kunduz police in a statement released hours after the bloody incident rejected the loss of civilians in the raid and insisted all the victims were Taliban insurgents. Harming civilians in the war against militants on Thursday triggered strong protest among the people as more than 200 of people have attempted to take the dead bodies to Provincial Governor House, but police blocked the way and dispersed the protesters. Meanwhile, the protesters chanting slogans, "Death to America," "Death to president Ghani and death to chief executive Abdullah," "We want the government to probe the case and bring to justice all those involved in the incident." The NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission in a statement put on its twitter account said, "Air Strikes were conducted in Kunduz to defend friendly forces under fire. All civilians casualty claims will be investigated. Yu Zhengsheng (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Vazgen Manukyan, chairman of Armenia's Public Council, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Tao) BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng met with Vazgen Manukyan, chairman of Armenia's Public Council on Thursday, calling for joint efforts on the Belt and Road Initiative. Describing Armenia as China's good friend and important partner in the south Caucasus, Yu said both countries have a healthy and stable relationship based on equality, mutual benefit and respect. "China and Armenia have understood and coordinated with each other on issues related to their core interests and major concerns," said Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). "China is willing to work with Armenia to consolidate the political and public opinion foundations for bilateral relations, and jointly push forward the Belt and Road Initiative and practical cooperation," he said. Yu said the CPPCC National Committee is ready to strengthen exchanges with Armenia's Public Council in state governance. Manukyan said Armenia is along the ancient Silk Road and has great interest in China's Belt and Road Initiative, welcoming more cooperation with China in all fields. Du Qinglin, vice chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, held talks with Manukyan later Thursday. RAMALLAH, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian man on Thursday after he attempted to stab Israeli settlers close to the city of Ramallah, reported Israeli media. Israeli public radio, quoting Israeli security officials, reported that Israeli soldiers opened fire and killed a Palestinian man after he attempted to stab a group of Israeli settlers at the crossroad leading to the settlement of Ofra, east of Ramallah. The radio added that no injuries were reported among the settlers, and that the identity of the Palestinian remains unknown with no one claiming responsibility yet for the attack. Meanwhile, Ramallah's Palestinian health ministry said in a statement that the Israeli side informed the Palestinian liaison officers about the Palestinian man who was killed. Earlier this week, two Palestinians were killed in two separate shooting and car run-over attacks in the West Bank, injuring four Israelis, one critically. Since Oct. 2015, a wave of violent tension has been ongoing between Israelis and Palestinians in Palestinian territories and east Jerusalem. During this tension, 340 Palestinians and 42 Israelis were killed. HANOI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Vu Huy Hoang, former Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade in 2011-2016 tenure got disciplined by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee's Secretariat. The Secretariat offered warning to the Party Delegation to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) in 2011-2016, while dismissing Hoang from the position as Secretary of the Party Delegation during the time, reported Vietnam's state-run news agency VNA on Thursday. The Secretariat also requested the Party Delegations to the Government and the National Assembly to direct the execution of administrative punishment to Hoang. Earlier in late October, the Central Inspection Committee proposed warning against Hoang over his violations as well as similar punishments for other state-run bodies and individuals involved, and that wrongful appointments made by these officials be revoked. Hoang, born in 1953, holds doctoral degree in economics. He was members of the 10th, 11th CPVCC, and deputy to the 13th National Assembly. Hoang became the MoIT Minister and secretary of the MoIT's Party Committee in 2007. He was relieved from duty of MoIT Minister in April 2016. TIANJIN, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Work will begin on China's first zero-waste seawater desalination plant in 2017 and it will come into use in 2019, according to the project operator on Thursday. Malaysia's Xianda (Tianjin) Seawater Resources Development Co., Ltd. reached agreement on construction and operation of the plant with Tianjin Municipality where the plant will be located. The agreement is one of the cooperation programs that China and Malaysia agreed during Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak's current visit to China. China and its largest trade partner in ASEAN on Tuesday signed agreements on railway, energy, defense, and joint development of Malaysia's navy. The zero-liquid discharge seawater desalination project was a highlight of the Malaysia-China Economic Summit in 2013 when the two countries upgraded their bilateral relations to comprehensive strategic partnership. Located in Tianjin's Nangang Industrial Zone, the plant will provide treated seawater for industrial consumption, while producing salts and other chemicals and keeping the nearby environment clean. The project will cost 15 billion yuan (2.2 billion U.S. dollars) with the first phase requiring 5.5 billion yuan. It will be built by Xianda, and owned and operated by the company for fifty years with government support. Chinese government has put environmental protection high on the agenda, offering plenty of opportunities for foreign companies like Xianda to participate, said Mah Sau Cheong, chairman and CEO of Xianda Group. "We will expand the engagement in China by enhancing investment and more technology transfer while strengthening environmental protection," he added. MANAMA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Bahrain authorities on Thursday announced a deadline for citizens to declare if they hold another nationality or they will face fines and even be stripped off their Bahraini citizenship. Shaikh Ahmed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Interior Ministry Under-Secretary for nationality, passports and residence affairs, said Bahrainis have until Feb. 4 to disclose their second citizenship. Violators could face a maximum fine of up to $27,000, or their Bahraini citizenship could be revoked. "It is the decision of the Interior Minister to decide whether Bahrainis can be allowed to have dual citizenship," said Shaikh Ahmed during a press conference held on Thursday. He said they do not have details of Bahrainis with dual citizenship and respected citizens who have nationalities either through birth or work. He said in case a Bahraini opts for other nationalities, his Bahraini citizenship will be revoked. He said a hotline and an email have been set up for citizens to report about dual citizenship. Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov (L) holds a welcoming ceremony for Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Nov. 2, 2016. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) BISHKEK, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived here Wednesday for an official visit to Kyrgyzstan and the 15th prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). While hailing the healthy and stable development of China-Kyrgyzstan ties, Li said on his arrival that he expects to exchange views with Kyrgyz leaders on deepening bilateral relations and cooperation in a variety of areas. Regarding the SCO meeting, the premier expressed his willingness to reach new consensus with his colleagues from other SCO member countries on enhancing the converging of interests and unleashing cooperation potential. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov exchange documents after their talks in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Nov. 2, 2016. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) At Li's meeting with his Kyrgyz counterpart Sooronbay Jeenbekov, the two sides agreed to further boost bilateral cooperation in a variety of fields and deepen security cooperation. China is willing to translate the high-level mutual political trust with Kyrgyzstan into more substantial cooperation results, so as to promote sustained, sound and comprehensive development of bilateral ties and cooperation, Li said. For his part, Jeenbekov expressed his country's willingness to further increase political dialogues with China and boost the building of the Belt and Road through bilateral economic cooperation. Noting the complicated and severe regional security situations, both sides also stressed the importance of security cooperation to fight the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism, and to safeguard regional security and stability. A joint communique between the two countries was released after the meeting, with a number of cooperation documents signed in such fields as economy, technology, production capacity, transport, agriculture and intellectual property rights. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) meets with Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Nov. 2, 2016. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) During his meeting with Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev, Li called for beefing up production capacity cooperation as well as collaboration in major infrastructure projects. The two sides should promote the development of two-way trade and investment, while boosting regional inter-connectivity and safety as well as stability, so as to build a favorable environment for the realization of common development, said the premier. Meanwhile, Atambayev said Kyrgyzstan is willing to make joint efforts with China to implement bilateral cooperative consensus, strengthen cooperation in such fields as traffic, information, communication and finance. Speaking at the 15th SCO prime ministers' meeting, Li suggested that SCO members enhance cooperation in the fields of customs, inspection and quarantine, as well as certification and accreditation. He called for more efforts to promote the coordination and alignment of economic development strategies of SCO members, citing the growing synergy between the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union as an example. Screenshot of users' comments on the Facebook page of China Xinhua News on Nov. 2, 2016. Li's visit was warmly welcomed by local Kyrgyz people and also garnered attention on social media. Several social media users commented positively on China's foreign policy, saying that "China prefers making friends than enemies." Welcoming the Chinese premier's visit to the Central Asian country, many netizens said they hoped the friendship between the two states will grow stronger. Some social media users praised the SCO, saying that it contributes to win-win situation. Kyrgyzstan is the first leg of Li's ongoing eight-day four-nation tour, which will also take him to Kazakhstan, Latvia and Russia. Enditem DHAKA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The first phase of the second largest annual Muslim congregation after holy Hajj will begin on Jan. 13 next year in Tongi on the outskirts of Bangladesh capital Dhaka, Bangladeshi Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal unveiled on Thursday. The grand prayer at the congregation called Biswa Ijtema on the bank of the Turag river at Tongi, some 25 km north of capital Dhaka, will be held on Jan. 15, seeking divine blessings and welfare of all mankind. The second phase of the Bishwa Ijtema, which is being held in two phases since 2011 to avoid mad rush of pilgrims, will begin on the same venue on Jan. 20 and it will conclude with the offering of Akheri Munajat (concluding prayer) on Jan. 22. Kamal said like previous years hundreds of thousands of devotees from home and abroad are also expected to join the Ijtema this time. "We've asked the Ijtema authorities to provide a list of pilgrims coming from war torn countries to the home ministry," he said. To ensure safety and security of the devotees and maintain the law and order, Kamal said thousands of members of different law-enforcing agencies will be deployed in and around 60-hectare Ijtema ground, the main venue of the congregation. He said the organizers will put up loud speakers several kilometers away from the venue so that devotees could join the grand prayer. DAMASCUS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 people were killed and 200 others wounded on Thursday by rebel shelling on government-controlled areas in Syria's northern city of Aleppo, state news agency SANA reported. The shelling targeted several areas in the government-controlled western part of Aleppo. Meanwhile, at least eight people suffered breathing difficulties, as a result of the rebel attack with poisonous gas on the suburb of Menyan in western Aleppo, SANA said. Earlier in the day, the rebels of Jaish al-Fateh, or the Army of Conquest, launched the "second stage" of a battle to break the siege imposed by the government forces on the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo. In a statement, the group said the attack on Thursday was unleashed by shelling on government positions with all kinds of weapons. Last Friday, the rebels launched the first offensive to break Aleppo siege, firing hundreds of mortar shells and grad rockets, and killing over 82 civilians, according to SANA. The rebels also fired rockets with chemical gas on Menyan earlier this week, causing many people with suffocation, before repeating the attack on Thursday. The Syrian army has laid siege on rebel-held areas in Aleppo in recent months, urging the rebels to surrender themselves or leave eastern Aleppo to other rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. But the rebels didn't comply and went on several attacks to wobble the government siege. Observers believe that Aleppo is going to be the decisive battle ground among the fighting groups, and the winner will be the one dictating its conditions to resolve the crisis, as the province contains all the groups that are supported by regional and international powers, with the civilians paying the price for this proxy war. BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Legislators discussed a draft amendment to the law on promoting small and medium-sized enterprises on Thursday. The draft was submitted to the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee for its first reading on Monday. The draft aims for equal rights, rules and opportunities for all firms, and suggests favorable tax policies and easier financing procedures for small and micro-businesses. Legislators widely solicited opinion while drafting the amendment, and learned about the problems troubling small and medium-sized firms such as difficulties in financing, said legislator Li Shenglin at Thursday's panel discussion. The draft has clarified how to support small and medium-sized enterprises with government funds and bank capital, Li said. The amendment is expected to solve the problems "at the source," said legislator Long Chaoyun, adding that if passed, its implementation must be ensured by strengthened supervision. Long suggested authorities regulate the development of agencies offering financing services, improve their credit rating system and ensure better service for small and medium-sized enterprises. By the end of 2015, the majority of the country's 21.9 million registered enterprises were small or medium-sized businesses, according to government data. In industry, for example, small and medium-sized businesses accounted for about 99.6 percent of all firms. A current problem is "blind development." Many small enterprises engage in redundant, outdated business and seek quick success but end up "dying rapidly," according to legislator Li Andong. He suggested the government better guide their development and encourage innovation to sustain their long-term growth. NANCHANG, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A man in east China has been put under investigation for owning a large number of properties, authorities said Thursday. Xu Linbao, a worker at the People's Procuratorate of High-tech District in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, is alleged to own 149 housing units in the city together with family members, the Nanchang City People's Procuratorate said in a statement Thursday. Rumors arose recently that Xu owned more than 300 properties in Nanchang. According to the statement, Xu and his family purchased the houses from 1995 to 2015 at a cost of more than 110 million yuan (16 million U.S. dollars). Xu still owes loans of more than 96 million yuan to local banks. Xu was suspended from his post in October. According to an initial investigation, Xu is suspected of fraudulent fund-raising with his son-in-law Long Yuewu, who was arrested for suspected credit card fraud in October. Procurators have passed information about the case over to local police. A couple enjoy their ride in a boat under the Mihajlo Pupin bridge in Belgrade, Serbia, on May 21, 2016. The Bridge, constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), was China's first big infrastructure investment on the European continent. (Xinhua/Predrag Milosavljevic) by Nemanja Cabric, Wang Huijuan BELGRADE, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Improved bilateral relations between Serbia and China as well as successful projects in the past raise Serbian hopes that more investments and projects will be agreed at an upcoming summit in Riga, Latvia, Dragana Mitrovic, professor of political science at the University of Belgrade, told Xinhua here Wednesday. Mitrovic, executive director and founder of the Centre for Asian and Far East studies at the university's faculty of political science, said Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Serbia in June 2016 "opened the door for much wider and deepened cooperation in all areas of economic and social interactions between the two countries and confirmed commitments of the two countries concerning the Belt and Road initiative," she said. She estimated that the upcoming summit and the meeting of the 16+1 mechanism of China and Central and East European (CEE) countries would result in "more specific policies and measures as well as advancement of ongoing or planned projects and initiatives." SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS BRING HOPE FOR MORE CHINESE INVESTMENTS Mitrovic said the upgrade in relations came after several successful projects were achieved or are underway -- Kostolac thermal power plant revitalization, Pupin Bridge on the Danube, which was the first of such kind built predominantly by a Chinese company in Europe, and the purchase of Smederevo Steel Plant by HeSteel. Photo taken on April 18, 2016 shows the plant area of Smederevo steel mill in Smederevo, Serbia. (Xinhua/Wang Huijuan) "Those examples of cooperation were mutually beneficial, especially as we look at them as the first ones supposed to open the door for more intense and coordinated cooperation," Mitrovic pointed out. She estimated that Serbian public and business communities, and especially local communities, were now expecting to see more direct Chinese investments in the real economy of Serbia as "China has become the second biggest global investor, and as it has strongly increased its investment in Europe, but primarily in Western Europe." "Strategically positioned along the Belt and Road initiative network pathway, with preferential access to the EU market and to the market of CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries, as well as the Turkish one, with a qualified work force, Serbia is waiting to see more direct investments coming from state and private Chinese corporations that would push its sustainable growth and create jobs," said the professor. Mitrovic reminded that Serbia had its own traditional advantages in agricultural production, especially wheat, corn, sunflower, soybean, sugar beet, milk and dairy products and in fields like food processing, cattle breeding, as well as desalination processes and traditionally developed seeds for sunflower and wheat. "All these sectors welcome strategic partners from China. Foreign direct investments from Chinese companies would be mutually beneficial if oriented towards the state-owned companies that our government listed for sale," Mitrovic said. MANY PROJECTS TO BE DISCUSSED IN RIGA She stressed the hope that Hebei Iron and Steel Group would invest its modern technology of light steel in Smederevo Steel Plant so it could compete in the global automobile industry. Mitrovic added that the expected restoration of the direct flights between China and Serbia, together with a visa-free regime for short stays of Chinese and Serbian tourists, and opening a branch of Bank of China in Serbia would help foster people to people exchange, tourist industries and cooperation. According to Mitrovic, these and other topics would be the focus of Serbia at the upcoming summit and leaders' meeting in Riga, Latvia. "At the Riga Summit, we could expect the continuation of deepening and expending framework of cooperation within the new agenda of 'One goal and six priorities' adopted in Suzhou last year that put all the elements of mid-term cooperation into a time frame of five years as it could go along with the China's 13th Five-Year Plan and the Belt and Road initiative, as well as the European Commission's Investment Plan for Europe," she said. She added that at the summit held last November in Suzhou, Latvia was given the responsibility of establishing a secretariat on logistics cooperation within 16+1 framework and organizing its first ministerial level meeting. "Pushing for more infrastructure and logistic cooperation in the area of Baltic Sea is going to be seen as one of the areas the most important for the host and China. Other Latvia's priorities are direct flights between Latvia and China and hosting of the 16+1 Business Support Organizations Conference in Riga," Mitrovic concluded. SHANGHAI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- According to findings from the PwC bi-annual global survey of family businesses, there is an upward trend in proportion of family businesses in China, whose aim is to grow steadily rather than aggressively, compared to the results two years ago. PwC interviewed over 2,800 family businesses in 50 countries from May to August in 2016. The annual turnover of these businesses ranges from 5 million U.S. dollars to 1 billion dollars. It showed that 64 percent of family businesses in the survey have seen sales growth during the past year. During the same period, 73 percent of the surveyed family businesses in China saw sales growth compared with 84 percent in the 2014 survey. In terms of internationalization, 80 percent of family businesses in China currently export goods or services (up from 66 percent in 2014). It indicates that the proportion in international sales will increase to 88 percent in five years. The key considerations when they choose new export markets are economic and political stability of the country followed by the size and growth potential of the market. Compared with results two years ago, there is growth in proportion of Chinese family businesses whose aim is to grow steadily rather than aggressively. Previously, many Chinese family businesses adopted an aggressive strategy in running their businesses, and sometimes even turned to a total new industry. Now, they have realized the importance of focusing on their core business. So we see a steady trend of family business management, said Rebecca Wang, PwC China Tax Partner. The main challenges facing Chinese family businesses over the next 12 months are market conditions, exchange rates, innovation, staff recruitment and retention, as well as competition. Rebecca Wang suggests that in view of the current complex business environment, family enterprises in China should focus on business transformation and innovation, proactively monitor the general economic situation and may even engage professional advisors to improve profitability and ensure long term development. According to the survey, only 10 percent of family businesses in China have a robust, documented and communicated succession plan in place. The situation is improving gradually but the percentage is still lower than the global average of 15 percent. Actually, many issues now facing family business come back to a lack of strategic planning, especially in the areas of succession planning, professionalizing the business, managing growth, innovation and digital disruption. "The next generation plays an important role in creating the family business' future. Many family businesses underestimate the impact of digitization. It shows that it is very fruitful to involve the next generation in strategic planning of the family businesses, and have them become the change agents for business transformation and digitalization," Rebecca Wang comments. ABUJA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Pipeline vandalism in Nigeria has decreased by 28.94 percent following recent intervention by government to halt attacks on oil facilities in the Niger Delta region, the state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation said on Thursday. In a statement posted on its website, the oil corporation said the number of pipelines vandalized points had, since August, reduced relative to July in which it had up to 311 vandalized points. The Nigerian government is currently holding talks with stakeholders from the Niger Delta region to further negotiate a peace deal with militants sabotaging oil production in that part of the country. The latest meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, opened on Monday, with leaders of the Niger Delta region stating their demands for lasting peace. The activities of oil vandals in the region had caused a reduction in the production of oil, mainstay of the Nigerian economy. The oil militants had also vowed to halt production amid stiff economic challenges faced by Nigeria, if the government did not accede to their demands. Enditem Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda on the sidelines of the 15th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) prime ministers' meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Nov. 3, 2016.(Xinhua/Rao Aimin) BISHKEK, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to further strengthen cooperation with Tajikistan, especially in production capacity and within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said here Thursday. Li made the remarks in a meeting with Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda on the sidelines of the 15th SCO prime ministers' meeting. Noting that China and Tajikistan are friendly neighbors and cooperation partners, Li said Beijing is satisfied with the development of bilateral relations and cooperation. China stands ready to strengthen mutual trust, expand cooperation and achieve common development with Tajikistan, Li added. He spoke highly of bilateral production capacity cooperation in such areas as electricity, textile and machinery, and called on the two sides to expand cooperation to larger scales and more areas. China, Li added, is also willing to further enhance cooperation with Tajikistan within the framework of the SCO, so as to maintain peace and stability and promote common development. For his part, Rasulzoda said cooperation with China has promoted the construction and development of major projects in Tajikistan in such areas as transportation, energy, electricity, chemical engineering and textile, and helped Tajikistan realize development and improve people's livelihood. Tajikistan is willing to work with China to realize continuous development of bilateral relations, he added. Established in 2001, the SCO is a regional political, economic and security organization that groups China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as full members. India and Pakistan signed the SCO's Memorandum of Obligations in June, kick-starting the process of their accession into the group, which also has a number of observers and dialogue partners. The graphics shows China successfully launched its newly-developed heavy-lift carrier rocket Long March-5 from the coastal Wenchang Space Launch Center in southern Hainan Province at 8:43 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2016. (Xinhua/Meng Lijing) WENCHANG, Hainan, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday launched its new heavy-lift carrier rocket Long March-5. The rocket, which looked much "fatter" than other rockets of Long March series, blasted off at 8:43 p.m. Beijing Time from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in south China's Hainan Province. The payload was sent into the preset orbit about 30 minutes later. The State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND) later announced the complete success of the launch. The launch was delayed for less than two hours from the previously scheduled time. Tian Yulong, chief engineer of the SASTIND, told Xinhua that as it was the first launch of Long March-5 in a new launch site, many parameters needed to be debugged and various systems needed to be matched with each other. "It was normal preparation work to ensure a successful first launch," Tian said, adding that it caught up with the launch window. The major targets of the mission are to verify the design and performance of the new rocket and test the rocket's flight program, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the developer of Long March-5. A congratulatory letter sent late Thursday night by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission hailed the new rocket as the pinnacle of innovation in carrier rocket science and technology. Its successful launch has propelled China to the forefront of the world in terms of rocket carrying capacity, and marks a milestone in China's transition from a major player in space to a major power in space, the letter said. The Long March-5 is a large, two-stage rocket with a payload capacity of 25 tonnes to low-Earth orbit and 14 tonnes to geostationary transfer orbit, the largest of China's carrier rockets. Its carrying capacity is about 2.5 times that of the current main model Long March carrier rockets. According to the CASC, the rocket uses two kinds of fuel, kerosene/liquid oxygen as well as liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen, rather than highly toxic propellant, making it more environmental friendly and less expensive. The rocket is about 57 meters long, with a takeoff weight of 870 tonnes and a thrust of 1,060 tonnes. It is equipped with eight liquid oxygen/kerosene rocket engines in four strap-on boosters, two liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engines in the first stage and two relatively small liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engines in the second stage. Li Dong, designer-in-chief, said the rocket was the most complicated of the Long March series with over 100,000 components instead of tens of thousands of components in other Long March rockets. Scientists conducted over 7,000 tests during its 10 years of development. With a 5-meter diameter core stage, Long March-5 is much thicker than China's previous carrier rockets with 3.35-meter diameter core stages. Other launch sites in China are located in inland areas. Accordingly, transportation of rockets rely on railways, so that rockets cannot be too wide. The heavy-lift rocket launched Thursday was taken to coastal Wenchang from the northern port city of Tianjin by ship in early September. "It is not just a simple enlargement of the diameter, it raised new requirements of materials, manufacturing and equipment," said Lou Luliang, deputy designer-in-chief. Lou said the new technology in Long March-5 would be used in other Long March series rockets in a bid to upgrade all rockets. The heavy-lift rocket is a milestone for China to become a real space power in the world, said Li Dong. Experts said the Long March-5 will also lay the foundation for future rockets with heavier payload capabilities. The new rocket is of great significance as China's space program relies on the carrying capabilities of launch vehicle systems. With the heavy-lift carrier rocket, China can build a permanent manned space station and explore the moon and Mars. In 2017, China will launch the Chang'e-5 probe to the moon, which will bring lunar samples back to Earth aborad the Long March-5. The 20-tonne core module of its first space station will also be delivered by the rocket in 2018. The rocket will launch the Mars probe around 2021. It is the second launch from the coastal Wenchang center. On June 25, China's new generation medium-sized Long March-7 made its debut at the site. On Sept. 15 China sent Tiangong-2 space lab into orbit, making a step closer to the dream of building the country's permanent space station. On Oct. 17, the Shenzhou-11 spacecraft carried two Chinese astronauts to space. Two days later it docked with Tiangong-2. The two astronauts will spend a month in the space lab and return to Earth, making it the longest-ever manned space mission of China. Tian Yulong said at a press conference after the launch on Thursday that China is now developing a mega rocket with the capacity of sending up to 100 tonnes of payload to low-Earth orbit. The mega rocket will probably make its maiden flight before 2030, Tian added. VIENTIANE, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith Thursday called for legislators to support the efforts to improve liquidity and rebalance the budget. "Over the past years, although national economic development saw strong growth, in reality a number of difficulties have been faced because the foundation for production in our country is not yet strong and budget spending exceeds accumulated income," Lao News Agency KPL reported Prime Minister Thongloun as telling legislators during the ongoing second ordinary session of the legislature in the capital Vientiane. On the revenue side, the prime minister said continued efforts were necessary to diversify away from a revenue base with overdependence on receipts from natural resource commodity production prone to price volatility in global export markets. On the spending side, the allocation and management of resources for development purposes as being too often "ineffective, done in a rushed manner, or without deep consideration, good planning, and monitoring," the Lao prime minister said. The prime minister also highlighted violations of laws and financial rules resulting in budget leaks, with some officials have been found guilty of being irresponsible or for the more serious charge of committing corruption. Reports of the State Audit Office to the National Assembly last Friday revealed 2.4 trillion kip (295 million U.S. dollars) was found to have been lost due to tax exemptions, tax discounts, and exemptions and discounts on special levies on the import and export of fuel, vehicles and timber. The prime minister responded to the revelations with commitments to increase efforts to monitor and inspect the performance and probity of government authorities in exercise of their duties, especially those involved with customs and tax affairs. Meanwhile, Thongloun said the nation was in the midst of efforts to deal with liquidity challenges in the short and middle terms, focusing on improving mechanisms for revenue collection and putting in place stimulant measures to ensure relevant targets are met. He also pledged the administration's commitment to address the country's debt and bond problems, reform state commercial banks, and improve budget implementation and expenditure mechanisms in an effective manner combat extravagance while renewing efforts to reduce unnecessary restraints impacting upon the business environment in the developing country. Thongloun called for renewed efforts toward catalyzing an economic growth rate for the coming year of at least 7 percent to improve the economic situation and "win the trust" of the country's multi-ethnic people as well as investors and entrepreneurs. Enditem KIGALI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank on Thursday announced credit facility worth 95 million U.S. dollars towards Rwanda's social protection initiatives. Rwanda's Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Claver Gatete and the World Bank Country Manager Yasser El Gammal, signed the deal for the International Development Assistance (IDA) credit in Kigali. The funding is meant to support the country's social protection policy by strengthening the foundations of Rwanda's social protection system. It emphasizes second-generation reforms needed to boost efficiency, while keeping direct alignment with core national principles and goals. Officials said the support will focus on strengthening tools to improve the management and service delivery of social protection programs, notably the social protection Management Information System (MIS) and the Ubudehe household registry classification system. It is also expected to improve the harmonization and efficiency of the Vision Umurenge Program (VUP) which provides cash for work, income support and financial services to poor households. The support, according to officials, will also harmonize social protection initiatives, notably income-generation programs and child-sensitive policies, with an eye toward longer-term graduation from poverty and social assistance. Minister Gatete explained that the National Social Protection Strategy display evidence of the Government of Rwanda's sustained prioritization of the social protection sector. "This program will support Rwanda's four main social protection programs, with the flagship Vision 2020 Umurenge Program (VUP) as the cornerstone," he told journalists. This program supports Rwanda in achieving its goal of establishing a well-structured social safety net with national coverage. The reforms supported by the program will improve the efficiency, accountability and transparency of the system, and will expand coverage among poor and vulnerable populations. In addition to VUP Umurenge, other social protection interventions under this program include direct support and nutrition support schemes, social care and support services and certain livelihood development services. El Gammal commended the Rwandan government for its partnership and allowing the bank the opportunity to contribute to establishing a social protection system that tackles poverty, inequality and vulnerability and improves access to essential services. World Bank has been supporting social protection in various forms, including financial support and technical assistance. In recent years, the bank has supported the sector through sector development policy operations. Under the current International Development Assistance (IDA 17), this support takes the World Bank total financing 260 million U.S. dollars in three consecutive years since 2014. Enditem Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) and his Kazakh counterpart Bakytzhan Sagintayev hold the third regular meeting between the two countries' prime ministers in Astana, Kazakhstan, Nov. 3, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo) ASTANA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday pledged to better align its Silk Road Economic Belt initiative with Kazakhstan's new economic policy of the Bright Road to usher in a new phase of bilateral cooperation. The pledge came as Li and his Kazakh counterpart Bakytzhan Sagintayev held the third regular meeting between the two countries' prime ministers in Astana, capital of the central Asian country. The cooperation in production capacity suits the needs of both countries, said the Chinese premier. Having scored first batch of achievements since it was launched two years ago, cooperation in production capacity has become the new highlights of bilateral pragmatic cooperation, Li said. The Chinese premier encouraged both countries to explore new potentials through production capacity cooperation so as to further promote the all-round mutually beneficial cooperation and yield more fruitful results through the construction of major projects on connectivity. Hailing Kazakhstan a good neighbor country and comprehensive strategic partner of China, Li said the the bilateral ties have marched forward by leaps and bounds in the spirit of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and cooperation. China is willing to cement mutual trust and expand cooperation with Kazakhstan so as to continue to set a good example of good neighborly relations and win-win cooperation, the premier said. China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to deepen cooperation under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to safeguard regional peace and stability, Li said. For his part, Sagintayev said Kazakhstan would like to integrate its new economic policy of the Bright Road with China's Silk Road Economic Belt initiative, and further deepen the bilateral cooperation in areas including production capacity, transportation, energy, agriculture, and innovation. Kazakhstan will increase people-to-people and cultural exchanges with China and expand the cooperation between the two countries' local governments and companies, said Sagintayev, adding that his country will make the "Tourism Year of China," to be held in the central Asian country in 2017, a success. After the meeting, both Li and Sagintayev attended a launching ceremony for a JAC automobile factory in the northern city of Kostanay, a major project of China-Kazakhstan production capacity cooperation. Li arrived in Astana on Thursday for an official visit after his trip to Kyrgyzstan where he attended the 15th prime ministers' meeting of the SCO. Kazakhstan is the second leg of Li's eight-day Eurasia tour, which will also take him to Latvia and Russia. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (R) and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton participate in the third and final presidential debate at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States, Oct. 19, 2016.(Xinhua/Yin Bogu) WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Over 32 million voters have already cast their ballots to choose the next U.S. president by Thursday, but mixed trends still leave much in uncertainty. Statistics gathered by the University of Florida show though overall early voter number remained steady, reaching 71 percent of that in 2012, state turnout rates and early voter demographic have changed considerably. In the key swing states of Florida and North Carolina, which are believed to hold the biggest sway in the outcome, early voter turnout has reached 101 and 84 percent of that in 2012. Other states with particularly enthusiastic voters include Massachusettes, which traditionally supports the Democratic Party and Louisiana, a red state. In addition, numbers showed that black early voter turnout dropped 18 percent compared with the 2008, which does not bode well for Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton, who lacks the popularity the sitting president Barack Obama enjoys among blacks. Despite changing trends, experts say it is too early to make predictions for the big question. Seth Masket, a political scientist from University of Denver, warned against reading too much into early voting results, as past records have showed that it "very weakly" predict the final result. According to state voting laws, 37 states and the District of Columbia allow voters to cast their ballots in person or through mail prior to the election day, while six states allow absentee voting with an excuse and seven do not allow any form of early voting. Related: News Analysis: FBI fiasco may dampen enthusiasm among Clinton supporters WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The move by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to reopen a criminal investigation into U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's emails may sap her supporters' enthusiasm so close to Election Day, experts said. FBI Director James Comey dropped a bombshell last Friday when he announced he would re-open the investigation into Clinton's use of a private email server to conduct business while she was secretary of state. Full story Spotlight: Scandal-riven U.S. presidential election shames Uncle Sam abroad BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry admitted this week that the U.S. presidential campaign has been "downright embarrassing." BRUSSELS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- NATO defense officials on Thursday took stock of efforts in the armaments field at a meeting, the security organization said in a press release. Opening the Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) at NATO headquarters, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the CNAD plays a critical role in ensuring that the alliance is equipped with the required capabilities. Stoltenberg stated that for half a century, the CNAD has been bringing allies together to facilitate multinational cooperation in capability development and delivery to ensure that the alliance has state-of-the-art capabilities readily. During the meeting, NATO defense officials were briefed on the status of the major programs governed by the CNAD, including ballistic missile defense, surveillance and control, and joint intelligence. The CNAD is the senior NATO committee responsible for promoting the cooperation between countries in the armaments field. It reports directly to NATO's political decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council. Guests attend a launch ceremony of Molinari Rail Systems GmbH in Dessau, Germany, on Nov. 1, 2016. Molinari Rail Systems GmbH, a Sino-Swiss joint venture in railway system, acquired the insolvent German enterprise Fahrzeugtechinik Dessau (FTD) based in the German city of Dessau near Berlin. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi) by Xinhua writers Yan Feng, Zhu Sheng BERLIN, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The essence of some German politicians' argument to limit China's investment in Germany is some kind of investment protectionism, which will damage Germany's opening up image and investment environment, according to a top Chinese diplomat. Wang Weidong, commercial counselor of the Chinese embassy in Germany, made the statement in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua. Wang expressed his concern about the recent reassessment of Chinese company's takeover bid of German chip equipment maker Aixtron by the German Ministry of Economy, saying the government interference will add unpredictable changes to the mutually beneficial cooperation between companies from China and Germany. According to some German media reports, the German Ministry of Economy is working to revise the law and to strengthen the review of foreign investment, so that the governments of European Union members can prevent non-EU capitals from acquiring domestic enterprises in certain circumstances. Meanwhile, some German politicians said recently that China limits foreign investment and warned that core interest of European industry should be protected from threats of unfair competition. Wang said that all these statements take no consideration that China is still a developing country and China has made great progress in opening up its market. These statements, also not the fair and objective reflection of the Sino-German economic and trade relations and the real situation of Chinese investment in Germany, will finally damage Germany's opening up image and investment environment, Wang stressed. China has been in the WTO for 15 years, who seriously fulfills its WTO commitments, expands its market access and gradually eliminates foreign investment restrictions. More than 8,200 German enterprises have their investment in China. However, only 2,000 Chinese enterprises have so far invested in Germany. By August 2016, China's direct investment in Germany totaled 7.85 billion dollars, less than 30 percent of Germany's total investment in China, Wang added. According to a report of German Federal Bank in May 2016, China's direct investment stock only accounted for 0.3 percent of the total foreign investment in Germany. "Opening up Chinese market is a gradual process, Germany should not, on the one hand, call for more opening up, but, on the other hand, set up barriers to China's investment. Such kind of protectionism tendency will bring no success to Germany and Europe," Wang reminded. Wang pointed out that German enterprises have made big profits in the last over 30 years since China's reform and opening up. The German side should treat the cooperation with China from a strategic and long-term perspective to achieve mutual benefits and a win-win situation. Wang reiterated at the end that China and Germany should join hands in boycotting all forms of protectionism and create a relaxed political atmosphere for mutually beneficial cooperation between enterprises. Greek retirees protest during a rally in central Athens, Greece, on Nov. 3, 2016. Thousands of Greek retirees returned to the streets of central Athens on Thursday to rally against the fresh round of pension cuts implemented by the government under bailout agreements. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) by Maria Spiliopoulou ATHENS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Greek retirees returned to the streets of central Athens on Thursday to rally against the fresh round of pension cuts implemented by the government under bailout agreements. According to a letter they received by Labor Minister Yorgos Katrougalos a few days ago, the new reductions on supplementary pensions introduced this summer were necessary to safeguard the sustainability of pension funds. Once the national economy recovers, pensioners will receive raises, the letter read. The disgruntled protesters who marched to the Labor Ministry and the parliament are not convinced. After six years of harsh austerity measures they cannot stand any more cuts, representatives of retirees' associations and protesters said, rejecting the "tips" their pensions have turned into. "We got 50 euros (about 55.5 U.S. dollars) for supplementary pension. They should be ashamed," Rodoula Gennimata told Xinhua as protesters were chanting slogans such as "We are starving and they are selling us off" or "We are not retreating until we see justice". "In 2010 I was receiving 637 euros and today 209.3 euros. I am disabled and they slashed my pension because the state can no longer pay," Mr. Yannis said, showing his bank account book. "Here are the documents. 422 euros gross salary and now it dropped to 228 euros," Panagiotis Badourakakis added, also showing the latest receipts of his pension payments. "It is a fraud. They are deceiving us. What else can we say?" protestor Yorgos Petsas said, after reading the headlines on the front pages of dailies at kiosks. "New haircut on pensions through recalculations" read the front page of "Eleftheros Typos" (Free Press). According to Dimos Koubouris, President of the Federation of Pensioners of IKA, the largest social insurance fund in Greece, the average reduction in supplementary pensions since 2010 have reached 82 percent, and in main pensions 45 percent. The reductions are added to cuts in welfare spending and the extra burden pensioners have shouldered in recent years by supporting their jobless children and grandchildren. According to a recent survey of the Greek National Statistics Authority (ELSTAT), 52 percent of households in Greece today live on the pensions of their older members. According to Labor Ministry data, the average pension in Greece today stands at 664 euros per month and supplementary pension at 168 euros before tax. "I have grandchildren and a sick child. What can I do?" Ms Katerina asked, speaking to Xinhua on Thursday shortly before the protest ends with the burning of copies of minister Katrougalos' letter. "In a symbolic action we will return their letters, Mr Katrougalos' letter, back in the same way he burned our life," Koubouris addressed the crowd through a loudspeaker outside the Labor Ministry. "All pensioners will burn these letters, sending the message that our struggle will continue, sending the message that our struggle will grow stronger until we reverse these policies, until we get back the pensions we have paid for. They are ours. We have paid for these pensions with our blood," he said. Despite the rounds of cuts since 2010 data show that pension funds are collapsing due to deficits. Due to high unemployment rates and a rise in undeclared labor contributions to the funds have dropped significantly and after seven years of recession overdue contributions have exceeded 30 billion euros. (1 euro= 1.11 U.S. dollars) NAIROBI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Kenya Airways pilots on Thursday withdrew their strike notice issued last month, citing progress in talks on issues which they had raised to the airline management. The Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) expressed confidence that the issues the pilots had raised over mismanagement of the airline would be resolved amicable. "Based on the progress on specific issues raised by KALPA, we are confident that these developments will positively impact on the airline's recovery efforts," the union's secretary-general Paul Gichinga said in the capital Nairobi. The pilots had been seeking the removal of the Kenya Airways' chairman and chief executive. The airline has appointed a new chairman. The airline has been implementing a recovery plan which mainly focuses on cutting costs and improving operational efficiency. Enditem RHENEN, The Netherlands, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The house for two giant pandas at Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen, a town in central Netherlands is almost ready for inspection by Chinese experts. The Dutch people are eager to welcome Xing Ya and Wu Wen, two of the world's most protected animals, owner of the zoo told visitors on Thursday. Marcel Boekhoorn, owner of Ouwehands Zoo, signed in October last year after 15 years of seeking an agreement with the China Wildlife Association about the arrival of Xing Ya and Wu Wen, two giant pandas now living at Wolong National Nature Reserve in China's Sichuan Province. With Chinese workers, Ouwehands is building an indoor and an outdoor area for the protected animals. The building, or "Pandasia", consists of two parts connected to each other with a bridge. The tiles are made by hand as tradition prescribes it in the Asian country. Xing Ya and Wu Wen will have large indoor accommodation. A cold store for bamboo, a breeding room and work place for research team are also taken into account. There are even space for family expansion -- a nursery is prepared for the future offspring. Surrounding the building is their outdoor playground. The construction is expected to be finished in late November. The enclosure will then be inspected by Chinese experts before a transportation plan could be made. "All people in the Netherlands went a little crazy" when they knew that they could have two of the world's most beautiful animals in this zoo, said Willibrord van Beek, Kings Commissioner and Governor for the Province of Utrecht, where the small town of Rhenen is located. "When Xing Ya and Wu Wen arrive at their new home here, China will have three 'ambassadors' in The Netherlands. Xing Ya and Wu Wen cannot go to The Hague to visit me, so I will come to see them quite often at their home," said Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands Wu Ken when visiting the panda enclosure at the zoo. "The panda enclosure here is a magnificent and beautiful building with a strong touch of Chinese culture. I am sure that Xing Ya and Wu Wen will love it and feel like home here," said Chen Ribiao, Counsellor of the Chinese embassy. There are only about 2,000 giant pandas in the world. A conservation reliant vulnerable species, most of them live in captivity in China. China has agreed to carry out joint research on pandas with 12 countries, among them six in Europe: Britain, France, Germany, Austria, Spain and Belgium. The Netherlands will be the 7th European country to welcome one of the world's most endangered animals. "The Chinese people believe that human and nature should coexist in harmony while the Dutch nation has set a good example in respecting the nature. Our joint research on panda shows our sense of responsibility to conserve the rare and endangered animals and to protect the environment," noted Chen Ribiao. Ouwehands Zoo will launch education program on endangered species and research projects on the breeding of panda in collaboration with Wageningen, the Dutch leading university and research institute on agricultural and nature. Giant pandas reach sexual maturity between the ages of four and eight, and may be reproductive until age 20. A female panda is fertile only during two to three days a year. Scientists working on captive breeding of pandas have made many advances in breeding programs and in knowledge of panda mating cycles and behaviours, pregnancies, and the rearing of captive born cubs. Jose Kok, head of research projects of Ouwehands Zoo, will take care of the two giant pandas when they arrive. She just came back from Wolong National Nature Reserve where she has visited three times last year to get familiar with Xing Ya and Wu Wen. "They are in very good shape. We hope they will live a happy life in our zoo. And we are creating all conditions with the hope that they will mate naturally here," she told Xinhua. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) meets with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Astana, Kazakhstan, Nov. 3, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo) ASTANA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev on Thursday in Astana, during his official visit to Kazakhstan. Li extended greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Nazarbayev, saying the two countries should continue to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state on bilateral cooperation. He said China and Kazakhstan are highly complementary in economy and facing broad cooperation prospect. China was willing to deepen the production capacity cooperation with Kazakhstan, expand cooperation in energy, connectivity and deep processing of agricultural products, and increase people-to-people exchanges. Li also called on the two countries to strengthen coordination under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and increase communication and cooperation on international and regional affairs, so as to achieve common development of the two countries and maintain the regional peace and stability. Nazarbayev said Kazakhstan and China, as good neighborly countries, are a model of countries' friendly cooperation. Kazakhstan stands ready to deepen the cooperation in production capacity with China and push forward the implementation of more projects in the Central Asian country. Kazakhstan is willing to expand cooperation with China in energy, agriculture and technology innovation, and strengthen the bilateral trade, Nazarbayev said. He also vowed to conduct better cooperation with China within the SCO framework. The land-locked Central Asian state is the second leg of Li's tour to four Eurasian countries. Li also attended the third regular meeting between the two countries' prime ministers with his Kazakh counterpart Bakytzhan Sagintayev. GENEVA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- An estimated 239 migrants are missing after two separate boats capsized in the Mediterranean Sea off the Libyan coast on Wednesday, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) confirmed Thursday. "Survivors from one boat said about 140 people, including six children and approximately 20 women, some of them pregnant, left Libya at around 3:00 a.m.," UNHCR spokesman Leo Dobbs told Xinhua in a written statement. "After a few hours, the wooden planks at the bottom of the dinghy they were travelling on broke, causing it to capsize approximately 25 miles off the Libyan coast," he added. According to initial reports, rescuers saved 29 people and recovered 12 bodies. In the second incident, reports from survivors who disembarked at the Italian port of Lampedusa were that around 128 people had lost their lives after "an already unsafe dinghy" sank at around 5 a.m. local time (0400) on Wednesday. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), this brings this year's total number of Mediterranean migrant deaths to a record-breaking 4,220. LONDON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May's plans to bring Britain out of the European Union (EU) were thrown into chaos Thursday. The High Court in London ruled that parliament, and not May's government, should trigger the Article 50 mechanism to start the Brexit process. The decision by three of the leading judges in Britain sent shock waves through Westminster, with government officials now studying the full judgement. Within an hour of the decision, the government confirmed it would appeal by taking the case to the highest court in England, the Supreme Court. Government lawyers have been given permission to "fast track" an appeal by by-passing the Court of Appeal and going instead to the Supreme Court. A time slot in early December has already been set aside for an appeal hearing, with all 11 law lords sitting to decide the case. An official government spokesman expressed disappointment in the High Court's judgment. "The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by an Act of Parliament," he said. "And the government is determined to respect the result of the referendum," said the spokesman. It is not yet known whether May's stated aim to trigger Article 50 by the end of next March can now be met. A group of individuals who took the case to law to challenge May's Brexit plans were jubilant at the decision, describing it as a victory for parliamentary democracy. They urged the government not to appeal the decision in the Supreme Court. Lawyer David Greene, one of the individuals who took the case to court, said that although he voted Brexit, his view was that parliament should be the body to trigger Article 50. In the ruling Thursday, Lord Chief Justice Thomas said: "The government does not have power under the Crown's prerogative to give notice pursuant to Article 50 for the UK to withdraw from the European Union." Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party said: "This ruling underlines the need for the government to bring its negotiating terms to parliament without delay." Nigel Farage, the former leader of the anti-EU party UKIP, said after the judgement: "I now fear every attempt will be made to block or delay triggering Article 50. They have no idea the level of public anger they will provoke. I think we could be at the beginning, with this ruling, of a process where there is a deliberate, wilful attempt by our political class to betray 17.4 million voters." One legal expert has warned that the decision could mean Brexit would not even happen. Professor Jon Tonge, professor of politics at the University of Liverpool, said: "The government may well appeal against the decision, but regardless, what it shows is that the battle for Brexit is far from over. Parliament will determine the terms on which we leave the EU. The lack of consensus over what any Brexit deal will look like may mean that ultimately it may never happen." The issue has centered on who is responsible for implementing the will of the people, the government or parliament? From the moment she became Prime Minister in July of this year, Theresa May's mantra became Brexit means Brexit and she would lead the people out of the EU. Political commentators are already speculating whether May will call an early general election to put her authority to the test. BELGRADE, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A total of 718 Russian, Belarus and Serbian army members began preparing Thursday at airports and military training grounds across Serbia for a joint multinational exercise from Nov. 7 to 9. The exercise of 212 members of Russian airborne forces, 56 members of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus and 450 members of the Army of Serbia under the name "Slavic Brotherhood" will take place until Nov. 9, the Serbian defense ministry stated in a press release. "The goal of the exercise is to advance operative capabilities for solving tactical and armed missions for conducting anti-terrorist operations in a multinational environment," the ministry stated. Until Nov. 6, participants from Russia, Belarus and Serbia will prepare and practice for the actual exercise from Nov. 7 to 9. "During exercises they will perform parachuting and helicopter assault, assault operations on armored vehicles, secure landing spot, march, attacking line of blockade, attack on terrorist base, scouting rebel positions using drones, artillery preparations for the attack, aviation fire support to the attack, medical evacuation, attack against abducted vehicle and destruction of explosive devices," the Serbian defense ministry said. The exercise was first announced in August 2016 when delegations of three sides met in Belgrade, which is a regular continuation of military cooperation between Serbia and Russia. Russia and Serbia held an exercise in 2014 in Serbia and an exercise in 2015 in Russia. Belarus joined for the first time. ANKARA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Erdogan lashed out at German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday over her criticism of the detention of journalists, saying "Germany harbors terrorism," Turkish Hurriyet Daily reported. "You (Germany) are aiding terror. That terror will hit you like a boomerang. We have no expectations from you, but you will be remembered by history for harboring terror," Erdogan said in a speech in the Turkish capital Ankara on Thursday. "We are concerned that Germany, which has been taking members of terrorist organizations such as the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) under its protection, will become a backyard of the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETO)," he added. "If Germany doubts whether FETO is a terrorist group, I invite them to come and visit the Turkish Parliament and Special Forces buildings, which were bombed on July 15," he added. Merkel said on Wednesday that Turkish authorities' actions against freedom of opinion and the press are "highly alarming," referring to the detention of senior staff of daily Cumhuriyet. Murat Sabuncu, the editor in chief of Cumhuriyet, Turkey's oldest secularist newspaper, and at least 12 other executives and journalists from the daily were detained on the morning of Oct. 31. CAIRO, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held talks with deputy-chief of Libyan Presidential Council (PC) Fathi al-Majburi here on Thursday, highlighting dialogue and agreement among Libyan parties as key to unity of the conflict-stricken country, the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement. Ahmed Abu Zeid, the ministry's spokesman, said that the ministry attaches great interest to supporting accord between the Libyan parties, and the implementation of Skhirat agreement while maintaining the ongoing constitutional Libyan institutions. Majburi appreciated Egypt's support in enhancing peace and stability in Libya and working with Libyan officials "for the best interest of the Libyan people." After the ouster and killing of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libyan factions engaged in a state of civil war that escalated in 2014 and resulted in splitting power between two rival governments in Tripoli and Tubruk, with the latter having been recognized by the international community before the PC established in late 2015. The PC was formed as a unity government following a UN-brokered peace deal between warring Libyan factions reached in Skhirat, Morocco. The state of civil war in Libya was sparked after Gaddafi's fall by the western intervention via a no-fly zone, bombings and their military support to the anti-Gaddafi rebel forces. In late July, Egypt hosted high-profile talks between head of Libya's UN-brokered unity government Fayez Serraj and head of the Libyan parliament Aqila Saleh in an attempt to resolve the political deadlock in Libya. It is viewed that Egypt is seeking stability of the bordering country for the strategic significance of Libya for the Egyptian national security. Enditem UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday issued its "Global Guidelines for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection," including a list of concrete recommendations, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters here. "They are designed to address the increasing burden of health care-associated infections on both patients and health care systems globally," Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here. Surgical site infections threaten the lives of millions of patients each year and contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance, he said. In low- and middle-income countries, 11 percent of patients who undergo surgery are infected in the process, he noted. But this is not just a problem for poor countries: in the United States, surgical site infections contribute to patients spending more than 400,000 extra days in hospital at a cost of an additional 900 million U.S. dollars per year, he said. The Global Guidelines included a list of 29 concrete recommendations designed and 13 recommendations for the period before surgery, and 16 for preventing infections during and after surgery. They range from simple precautions such as ensuring that patients bathe or shower before surgery and the best way for surgical teams to clean their hands, to guidance on when to use antibiotics to prevent infections, what disinfectants to use before incision, and which sutures to use. "Sooner or later, many of us will need surgery, but none of us wants to pick up an infection on the operating table," said Ed Kelley, director of WHO's Department of Service Delivery and Safety. "By applying these new guidelines surgical teams can reduce harm, improve quality of life, and do their bit to stop the spread of antibiotic resistance," Kelley said. "We also recommend that patients preparing for surgery ask their surgeon whether they are following WHO's advice." According to the UN health agency, no international evidence-based guidelines had previously been available and there are inconsistencies in the interpretation of evidence and recommendations in existing national guidelines. The new guidelines are valid for any country and suitable to local adaptations, and take account of the strength of available scientific evidence, the cost and resource implications, and patient values and preferences. Many studies show that implementing a range of preventive measures significantly reduces harm from surgical site infections. A pilot study in four African countries showed that implementing a selection of the new recommendations could result in a 39 percent reduction in surgical site infections. Building upon these successful examples, WHO is developing a guide and toolkit that will help national and local authorities to put the recommendations into action. China's brand-new heavy-lift carrier rocket Long March-5 blasts off from Wenchang Space Launch center in south China's Hainan province, at 8:43 p.m. Beijing time, Nov. 3, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Gang) WASHINGN, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's launch of its first heavy-lift rocket, the Long March-5, on Thursday reflects the country's "greatest advancement" in developing a new launcher family for both its un-crewed and crewed space programs, a U.S. space expert told Xinhua. The rocket launched from the coastal Wenchang Space Launch Center in southern Hainan Province matches the performance of a medium U.S. heavy-lift launch vehicle such as the Delta-4 Heavy, capable of delivering a payload of 25 tons to low Earth orbit, said Charles Vick, senior technical & space policy analyst with U.S. think tank globalsecurity.org. Vick believed the Long March-5 will be used in China's missions to build its Earth-orbiting space station and will also allow the country to conduct lunar and planetary un-crewed explorations expected to follow in the next five years or so. "Eventually once the Long March-5 has gained high reliability, it will serve several mission for the crewed lunar program efforts and may become the crew launch vehicle for the eventual crewed lunar landing programs in planning," he said. "Additionally the Long March-5 is planned for the use of China's national and commercial COMSAT programs." The Long March-5 is part of a new generation of China launch vehicles that aims to replace the older series of the Long March family, known as Long March 2, 3 and 4. Instead of highly toxic propellants, the new series, also consisting of Long March 6 and 7, uses kerosene and liquid oxygen, making it more environmental friendly and less expensive. Vick said he was also impressed that this new Long March series was developed without the Russian rocket engine technology know-how and the U.S. cryogenic technology involved. Currently, the U.S. has several heavy-lift launch vehicles that are utilized for several payload capacity categories, including Atlas-5 and Delta-4. Meanwhile, there are four others in development: Vulcan, Falcon Heavy and New Glenn from the U.S. commercial space sector as well as the U.S. space agency NASA's Space Launch System. Vick said many factors are driving the space access launch vehicle industries in the U.S. and China, but each nation has its own goals. "I would not call this a space race except for the best technological option for space access to serve each country's purposes," he said. UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) on Thursday welcomed the unilateral six-month cessation of hostilities jointly declared by the Sudan Liberation Army-Minni Minnawi (SLA-MM) and the Justice and Equality Movement-Gibril (JEM-Gibril), among others, which entered into effect on Oct. 31, a UN spokesman told reporters here. "UNAMID also welcomes the earlier announcement by (Sudanese) President Omar Al Bashir on 10 October of a unilateral cessation of hostilities until the end of this year," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here. "UNAMID notes the positive opportunity such a cessation of hostilities offers and hopes that it will encourage all parties to the conflict to commit to a negotiated solution," he said. The joint African Union-UN mission also called upon Abdul Wahid El Nur, the leader of the Sudan Liberation Army-Abdul Wahid to also make a similar declaration. "Each other party to the conflict has made gestures to indicate willingness to engage in peace; now is the time for Mr. El Nur to make such a gesture," said Martin Uhomoibhi, the Joint special representative for Darfur and the head of UNAMID, said in a news release issued by the joint mission. While noting existing challenges, UNAMID expressed hope that gestures, such as the cessation of hostilities, would encourage all parties to the conflict to commit to a negotiated solution, including through the signing of the cessation of hostilities document presented to the parties by the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) and in line with the Roadmap Agreement. Further in the statement, Uhomoibhi underscored that the mission would continue to work to protect civilians in Darfur and creating a conducive environment for sustainable peace in the region. UNAMID was set up by the UN Security Council in July 2007 and it took over from the African Union Mission in Sudan in December that year. The mission's mandate was extended until June 30, 2017 by the Security Council through its Resolution 2296. by Jamal Hashim BAGHDAD, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Heavy clashes are underway as the Iraqi forces are fighting inside the city of Mosul on Thursday after more than two weeks of a major offensive to flush out the extremist Islamic State (IS) militants from their last stronghold in Iraq. Iraqi forces, including elite counter-terrorism forces, Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, Sunni tribesmen and pre-dominantly Shiite Hashd Shaabi units, are currently engaged in the offensive to retake Mosul that started on Oct. 17. The operation is estimated to take weeks, if not months. On Oct. 31, the Iraqi-led forces have made a significant progress on the fringes of the city and managed later to enter Mosul's eastern Gogjali district and took first foothold in the city, sparking first street battles inside the city after it was seized by IS more than two years ago. The troops are in heavy clashes with IS militants as they are trying to extend foothold inside the eastern part of the city. On Thursday, the Iraqi forces, backed by international coalition and Iraqi aircraft, made a new push and took new positions at the edges of the districts of Intisar, Karama and Samah in eastern Mosul, said Abdul-Wahab al-Saadi, commander of the Iraqi counter-terrorism forces. "The Iraqi army artillery and mortars are shelling the IS positions in three districts, and the troops could start storming the three districts in the coming hours," Saadi said. "The presence of civilians in the districts is hampering an all-out attack to sweep the IS positions," he added. Progress has also been made on front lines in other directions around Mosul. In north of the city, Iraqi army and allied Sunni fighters of Hashd Watani advanced closer to the northern fringes of Mosul two days after they freed two villages and nearby Shalalat area, some 7 km northeast of Mosul. Kurdish Peshmerga also made advance in northeast of Mosul and recaptured several villages and surrounded Bashiqa town, 30 km away from Mosul. Other troops are coming closer to the southeastern edge of Mosul after clearing the villages of Twila and Sharezad, and prepared to push into Jadidat al-Mufti district, but the troops were encountered by stiff resistance from the IS militants. In south of Mosul, the Iraqi army, federal police and allied Hashd Shaabi units met fierce resistance from IS militants. They retook several villages and are now 15 km away from the city. Also on Thursday, the Hashd Shaabi units recaptured a total of six villages as they advanced in southwest of Mosul toward the town of Tal Afar, Lieutenant General Abul-Amir Yarallah from the Joint Operations Command told reporters. The paramilitary units fought fierce clashes with the IS group during their advance, killing a large number of IS militants, including five suicide bombers wearing explosive vests, Yarallah said. The operation of the pre-dominantly Shiite Hashd Shaabi units was designed to recapture Tal Afar in order to cut off the supply lines between Mosul and neighboring Syria. Tal Afar, which is inhabited mostly by both Sunni and Shiite Turkoman, as well as other minorities of Kurds and Arabs, fell to IS control in 2014. Early in the month, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, at the Qayyara military airbase south of Mosul, said the Iraqi forces were trying to close off all escape routes for the several thousand IS militants inside Mosul. "They have no escape, they either die or surrender," he told state television. IS militants have been fighting off the offensive with mortar fire, rockets, bombs, snipers, suicide attacks and booby traps. Heavier battles are anticipated as some 3,000 to 5,000 IS militants are expected to show stiffer resistance in the populated neighborhoods. However, the Iraqi army is confident that victory will come soon. Maj. Gen. Abdul-Karim Khalaf said in an interview with Iraqi national television of Iraqya that he predicts that collapse of IS militants in Mosul will be fast. "I believe the counter-terrorism forces will manage soon to seize the districts of Karama and nearby district, and that will enable them to go deeper into the center of the city left bank (eastern side of Mosul)," Khalaf said. He said that the fall of the western side of Mosul will be fast, as the fall of the eastern side, which forms two-third of the city, will be the main part of the battle. "There is a well-known principle in the military action: those who were defeated and changed their position will not be able to fight in the new position, because their will to fight will be weak," Khalaf said. However, some experts showed their concerns that the street battles will be difficult. Laith al-Ani, a military expert, told Xinhua that IS group has evacuated most of its fighters from its headquarters in the eastern side to the western side. "Most of the neighborhoods in the eastern side were built in recent decades with separated houses and wide streets, which would be difficult for IS militants to defend, unlike the neighborhoods of the western side where the old city located with its heavy populated old buildings and narrow alleys," Ani said. The battles in the eastern side of Mosul would mainly depend on suicide car bombs, roadside bombs and snipers attacks, which aim at hindering the progress of the troops, while the fierce battles are expected to be on the western side, he said. He added that Mosul is the IS last major stronghold in Iraq, so the group is unwilling to surrender without a fight. In the past two and a half years, the militants dug an extensive network of tunnels to transport equipment and fighters, and rigged roads and bridges with bombs. In an audio recording posted online by IS websites late on Wednesday, the IS top leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi urged his fighters not to retreat from Mosul. He called on the militants "to confront the enemy (security forces) and transform their blood into rivers, their days into dark nights," according to the recording which could not be authentically verified. Mosul, with a population of about 1.5 million and some 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014. The United Nations has warned of a displacement of up to one million people, requiring the world's largest humanitarian operation. WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-six Afghan civilians, three local troops and two U.S. soldiers were killed Thursday in Kunduz province, Afghanistan, U.S. military officials said on Thursday. The two Americans came under fire when working to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the group' s operations in a Kunduz district, said Pentagon. Another four U.S. troops were also reported wounded in the fighting. "The two service members killed and the four who suffered injuries were with Afghan forces as part of our train, advise and assist mission," U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said in a statement. "Some of our Afghan partners also died." said Carter. Local media also reported more than two dozen civilian casualties, including potentially from U.S. airstrikes. The NATO-led Resolute Support mission said on Twitter that U.S. forces conducted airstrikes "to defend friendly forces under fire." Afghan officials said following the airstrikes, residents carried more than a dozen corpses of the dead, including children, toward the local governor's office in a show of rage a year after American forces attacked an area hospital, according to a report from the military news website Armytime. Two senior Taliban commanders targeted in the raid were also killed, along with 63 other insurgents, the report quoted Kunduz police chief Gen. Qasim Jangalbagh as saying. He said Afghan special forces carried out the raid and he had no information about NATO involvement. DUBAI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- With the number of big family fun parks rising in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), operators are hoping for a growing influx of visitors from China. The beginning of November saw three major leisure parks, the Global Village, IMG World of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts open, jumping on the bandwagon of rising tourist numbers from China to the Gulf Arab Emirate. Siegfried Boerst, the general manager of Dubai's newest leisure park Legoland, a part of Dubai Parks and Resorts, said that they are working with local partners in China to promote Legoland through different media outlets. Global Village, featuring 70 countries worldwide with dozens of country pavilions, attracted 5.3 million visitors last season, 75 percent UAE residents, the village's manager said, hoping for a rise in number of visits in the coming season. IMG Worlds of Adventure, the biggest indoor leisure theme park in the world, features fun indoor attractions based on global comic brands with a total area of 140,000 square meters. The park is extensively promoting their new family hotspot in China through online channels and Dubai's tourism offices in major Chinese cities like Beijing and Shanghai, said its CEO Lennard Otto. Global Village CEO Ahmed Hussein Bin Essa said that they regard other leisure parks in Dubai as partners rather than rivals "to create the sheikhdom as a unique destination for family pleasure." Figure shows that in 2015, over 450,000 Chinese tourists flocked to "fly-buy-Dubai," an increase of 29 percent year on year, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said. The UAE government has granted visa-free travel to Chinese passport holders since Nov. 1, which DTCM said will boost Chinese tourism to the Gulf state. In 2015, Dubai welcomed 14.2 million tourists, representing a 7.5 percent increase year on year, according to DTCM. Dubai aims to welcome up to 25 million visitors in 2020 when the sheikhdom hosts the six-month World Expo. HARARE, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese contractor Sino-Hydro has signed an agreement with the Zimbabwean government for the construction of a new dam north-east of the capital Harare that will augment supplies from four other reservoirs which are failing to cope with demand, water minister has said. Minister of Environment, Water and Climate Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri told news agency New Ziana Wednesday that an environmental impact assessment will be done before the construction of Kunzvi Dam begins 67 km outside the city. The estimated cost of building the dam is 400 million U.S. dollars, but all major works including laying a pipeline and building a new waterworks will push the bill up to between 850 and 900 million dollars. "Government policy is that wherever there are such major developments many people will be displaced so we are going to carry out that exercise to make sure that component is addressed," Muchinguri-Kashiri said. The government had intended to build the dam as far back as the early 1990s, with interested contractors in the private sector being invited for on-site tours on a number of occasions, but financial challenges had stalled the project. Muchinguri-Kashiri said Sino-Hydro had agreed to do the project under a build, operate and transfer arrangement. Kunzvi Dam, which is situated on the Nyagui River in Goromonzi district, Mashonaland East province, is seen as the solution to the city's water woes which have persisted for decades, forcing authorities to impose water rationing during the dry months. Currently, some residential areas are going for five days a week without municipal water supplies. The new dam is expected to produce 250,000 cubic meters for the city daily. Harare has 2.5 million residents and also caters for another 2 million consumers in the satellite towns of Chitungwiza, Norton, Ruwa, Epworth and other settlements on its boundaries, putting the combined need of water at 1,200 megaliters a day. On its own, the city requires 800 megaliters a day but is only pumping 450 megaliters. All its four reservoirs -- Harava Dam, Seke Dam, Lake Chivero and Lake Manyame -- are on the Manyame River and suffer heavy pollution from the surrounding urban settlements and farming areas. WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday expressed confidence about the future of the U.S.-Philippines relationship, which has soured following Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's tirades against the U.S. "I am confident about the future of our bilateral relationship, notwithstanding a difference here or there about one thing or another," Kerry said at the State Department as he swore in Sung Kim as the new U.S. ambassador to the Philippines. "The United States continues to place a high value on the close ties that exist between our countries," Kerry said. "We continue to recognize our ironclad commitment to the sovereignty, independence, and security of the Philippines." Kerry also expressed the hope to visit the Southeast Asian country before the end of his term as Secretary of State. In recent months, Duterte repeated lashed out at the U.S., throwing the alliance between the two countries into disarray, after Washington raised concern on the reported extrajudicial killings of drug suspects amid Manila's war on illegal drugs. The Philippine president also threatened to "break up" with Washington. He hit out at the United States, the European Union and the United Nations for using human rights to criticize his campaign to curb the illicit drug menace in the Philippines. "I will be re-configuring my foreign policy", Duterte said in a speech before the Jewish Asssociation of the Philippines in Makati City on Oct. 4. "Eventually I might in my time break up with America. I would rather go to Russia and to China", said Duterte. VIENNA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The twin panda cubs born at the Schoenbrunn Zoo in Vienna, Austria have now been given their names, the zoo announced on Thursday. The zoo had put the naming of the male cub up for online vote on its homepage. It said about 12,000 people voted from three possible options over the past two weeks, with the largest proportion of voters, 48.3 percent, choosing "Fu Ban." The name means "lucky half," playing on his nature as a twin. The zoo chose the name for the female cub itself, revealing it as "Fu Feng", with "feng" referring to "phoenix." Zoo Director Dagmar Schratter explained that as the first cub born at the zoo was named "Fu Long" ("lucky dragon"), the name phoenix was chosen in keeping with the Chinese mythological pairing of dragon and phoenix as a celestial couple. Photo taken on Oct. 25 shows the "Jail House" at the front of Mike Turnbull's house in Tallmadge, Ohio.(Xinhua/Li Changxiang) Editor's note: The 2016 presidential election is seen by many as the most divisive and scandalous in the U.S. history. A team of Xinhua reporters recently toured two battleground states to get the firsthand accounts of what American voters really think less than two weeks before the Nov. 8 election. Here is the third of four in-depth reports they have produced. By Xinhua writers Li Changxiang, Zhu Lei, Qi Zijian TALLMADGE, the United States, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- An hour's drive south of Cleveland, the city of Tallmadge, Ohio, felt like at the heart of Donald Trump country. Yard signs, banners and posters of "make America great again" could be seen everywhere. There was one house that stood out. In the front yard of the house erected a handmade "jail house." It was built with black wooden panels, decorated with Hillary Clinton's headshot and words of "Bengazi," "Hillary" and "Busted." A big banner of Trump 2016 was hanging on the garage. The owner of the house, electrician Mike Turnbull, just got off work. Among the first things he said was "99 percent of the news is for Hillary." "I'm sorry but that's how I feel. The media outlets are very biased," Turnbull said in dismay. MEDIA BIAS IN FOCUS U.S. Republican presidential nominee Trump himself had been feeding on the notion that the U.S. media is biased against him in this election. "This election is being rigged by the media pushing false and unsubstantiated charges, and outright lies, in order to elect Crooked Hillary," Trump wrote in a recent tweet. Many had questioned whether Trump's argument was fact-based, but none will doubt his words resonated with large swaths of his supporters. "All the WikiLeaks stuff coming out on Hillary day after day, and who's covering it?" "Nobody but Fox," Turnbull answered himself, hailing Fox News as the only media outlet that is not biased against Trump. Another Trump supporter, Jack Baker of Springfield, Ohio, expressed the same feeling. "The media is definitely in the Democratic corner," he said. Turnbull and Baker both are the typical Trump supporters. They both feel the country is going downhill, and the self-sufficient, comfortable middle-class lifestyle are slipping away from them. Baker, who worked manufacturing at the International Harvester Company in the 1970s and 80s, "I left there making 16 dollars and 43 cents an hour, and that was in 1983. The same company just hired people this year to work at the factory for 14 dollars and 50 cents per hour." "How can somebody 30 years later getting less than what they were paying back then," he complained. It were not just Turnbull and Baker who felt that way. In the latest poll released by Suffolk University/USA Today, 75.9 percent of the 1,000 adults surveyed believed that the media wants the Democratic presidential nominee to win, and only 7.9 percent said Trump was the one the media supports. Mitch Verheyen, a 35-year-old cook from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania said the biases of the media have big influences on regular voters, which can sway political races into unwanted results. "How does it feel that people sit at home and they know the candidate they like ain't gonna make it," Verheyen asked. Feelings of a "rigged" media appeared prevalent among Republican voters in the battleground states. The reasons may not be baseless, but experts said the feelings of imbalanced reporting actually originated from Trump himself. "It has been a long held criticism towards the American media that they tend to present liberal biases," said Jingsi Wu, assistant professor of journalism, media studies and public relations at Hofstra University. Wu said people tend to form such an impression even more easily in this particular election, because of the very controversial and politically incorrect opinions that Trump constantly voices. "Journalists seem to not be able to help themselves but convey some criticisms of Trump," Wu added. Journalists' dislike for Trump was most pronounced in this election cycle. Various notable publications in the U.S. endorse candidates of their choice as a tradition, and this year a total of 414 daily and weekly newspapers, magazines, college and university newspapers endorsed Clinton, while only 11 endorsed Trump. For the Trump camp, such a small number of endorsements for a major-party candidate is unprecedented in American history, which in turn reinforced the negative opinions against the mainstream media among Trump voters. UNWELCOMED CHASE FOR RATINGS The feeling of media biases may echo more often within the Trump camp, but the groan of discontent with the media's negative reporting throughout this election cycle had reverberated far and loud among voters from both sides. "This country has been falling apart," said Steve Dotson of Springfield, Ohio, warehouse worker and father of four boys. Dotson and his wife Olivia Mansfield, a Walmart cashier, said they were definitely reluctant to vote, but they would vote for Clinton. They hoped a Clinton presidency could bring a better future for their kids. "Everything's always negative, that's all you see in the media," Dotson said. Mansfield felt the same. "They know that it would be a circus between the two of them and they'll get more ratings." A recent Gallup poll found that American public' s trust in the media in 2016 has fallen to its lowest point since 1972, with only 32 percent of people saying they have a great deal or fair amount of trust in the media. It was a sharp 8 percentage-point drop compared to 2015. The drop of trust in media was more evident among Republicans, which plummeted to 14 percent from 32 percent a year ago. It was Trump's sharp criticisms of the media that disheartened them, the pollsters deduced. "The election campaign may be the reason that it has fallen so sharply this year," writes Art Swift of Gallup. Experts acknowledged that the media's innate drive for ratings are the reason for the negative coverage of the election, but they were merely appeasing their established audience like they always did. "It is a failure of the American media to continue their focus on the dramatic and the spectacular, at the cost of pressing candidates on their policy stances," said Wu. "At the same time, there is some great quality journalism that upholds the gold standard of long-form, investigative reporting, but they do not get nearly as much attention," she added. "The media are trying to attract audiences for their organizations like a business in the marketplace," said Robert Shapiro, professor and former chair of the Department of Political Science at Columbia University. Despite his constant complaining, Trump had greatly benefitted from the very behavior of the mainstream media. Analysts estimated that Trump has got the equivalent of about 2 billion U.S. dollars in free media publicity, by the massive news coverage of his multiple controversial remarks and scandals. "He has saved a lot of money on advertising because of it and this is why overall presidential election spending may be less this year than in 2012," Shapiro said. But the average voters, especially those who lost interest in both candidates because of the non-stop negative coverage of the 2016 presidential race, just want to get over the election. "I'm excited that it would be over," said Paul Shaia, who works in commercial real estate in Cleveland, Ohio. Shaia told Xinhua that because he didn't like either Clinton or Trump, he'll be voting for third-party candidate Gary Johnson. "And then the news will focus on something else other than dividing people and negativity, and quick headlines and sound bite," he said. (Editing by Zhou Xiaozheng, Zheng Jie; Xinhua reporters Shang Yang and Zhang Zhihuan also contributed to the story) DAMASCUS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The second wave of rebel attack on government-controlled areas in the northern city of Aleppo on Thursday has largely failed to achieve its goals, a military source told Xinhua. The attack on the Dahyeit al-Assad and Menyan suburbs in western Aleppo failed, as the Syrian army and allied fighters foiled the attack, after destroying booby-trapped vehicles and a tank the rebels were using in Dahyeit al-Assad, the source said on condition of anonymity. Several rebel leaders were also killed during the battles that raged on Thursday, after the Jaish a-Fateh rebel group, or the Army of Conquest, declared the commencement of the second stage of a wide-scale offensive they started last Friday. Meanwhile, state news agency SANA said the Syrian air forces struck the rebel positions near Menyan and Dahyeit al-Assad, killing tens of militants. SANA also said that the Syrian forces thwarted the attack on Menyan. The rebels' second attack killed 12 people as a result of the intense shelling on government-controlled areas in western Aleppo. Last Friday, the rebels launched the first offensive to break Aleppo siege, firing hundreds of mortar shells and grad rockets, and killing over 82 civilians, according to SANA. The rebels also fired rockets with chemical gas on Menyan earlier this week, causing many people with suffocation, before repeating the attack on Thursday. The Syrian army has laid siege on rebel-held areas in Aleppo in recent months, urging the rebels to surrender themselves or leave eastern Aleppo to other rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. But the rebels didn't comply and went on several attacks to wobble the government siege. Observers believe that Aleppo is going to be the decisive battle ground among the fighting groups, and the winner will be the one dictating its conditions to resolve the crisis, as the province contains all the groups that are supported by regional and international powers, with the civilians paying the price for this proxy war. UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday called on the international community to enhance cooperation and develop comprehensive solutions to address the issue of refugees. Wu Haitao, China's deputy representative to the UN, made the appeal at a General Assembly debate on the issue of refugees. Wu said the international community needs to accelerate the implementation of the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, fully leverage the coordinating role of such organizations as the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and develop and implement comprehensive solutions. "The UNHCR and other humanitarian agencies need to strengthen coordination, rationalize resource allocation and utilization, enhance emergency response to the current refugee crisis, and lift the burden of the developing countries who host refugees for years," he added. Wu noted that as a permanent member of the Security Council and the largest developing country, China has always been committed to maintaining world peace and promoting common development. "We have actively advocated political settlement of hot-spot issues and contributed to addressing the refugee problem," said Wu. "China has provided large amounts of humanitarian assistance to Syria and other countries in the Middle East." "We stand ready to work with other countries to promote the international protection of refugees and strive for an early, comprehensive and durable solution to the global refugee problem," he said. BOGOTA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Colombian senator, Roy Barreras, who is a member of the government's negotiation team with the FARC, said Thursday that a new peace agreement with the FARC would be ready by Nov. 20. In an interview with Radio Caracol, Barreras said that "we will have a new agreement, which resolves most of the doubts Colombians have and will make them confident ... that the main proposal is to end the war, disarm the FARC, and let them rejoin society," he said. "I see this as possible before November 20," he said. The negotiating teams from the government and the FARC have restarted talks in Havana after the original peace agreement, hammered over four years of talks, was narrowly rejected in a national vote on Oct. 2. The leaders of the "No" camp have been included in this latest round of talks and Barreras said important advances had been made to bring all sides closer together. According to the senator, the government presented the opposition's proposals to the FARC on Thursday. Since the vote, the negotiators appointed by President Juan Manuel Santos have held regular meetings with the No camp, led by the Democratic Center party. The three most difficult areas concern the political participation of FARC members, reparations to victims and whether FARC guerrillas should be jailed. While Barreras sounded confident, he warned that the new agreement must be negotiated quickly as there were risks of violence stirring up again in FARC-controlled areas. WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Capital outflows from China will not pose a significant long-term risk to the world's second-largest economy, as it's largely a natural process of portfolio diversification, U.S. experts said Thursday. "A very important part of capital outflows from China are healthy developments, in the sense that Chinese households are diversifying international portfolios of assets and Chinese corporates are investing overseas and developing global businesses," Charles Collyns, managing director and chief economist at the Institute of International Finance (IIF), told Xinhua during a conference call on its latest Capital Flows to Emerging Markets Report released Thursday. Hung Tran, executive managing director of the IIF, also said in the conference call that "now more and more acquisitions of international assets have been done by the private sector" in China, particularly the households and the corporate sector. He believed China will continue to increase its net international investment position as it accumulates large current account surplus for years. Collyns noted that capital outflows from China have diminished in the past several months, compared with the second half of last year and earlier this year, as China's policy makers continue focusing on supporting economic growth and avoiding exchange rate volatility. "They provided support for the economy to maintain growth in line with the target. They managed the RMB (renminbi) against the currency basket with greater transparency and consistency. Such regime reduced fears of a disorderly RMB depreciation. These policies have been successful for now," he said. But he also warned that if there were more capital flight in the short term, it could generate a loss of confidence in China's exchange rate policy and raise concerns of financial stress as a result of the buildup of the debt in China. The IIF in the report estimated that total net outflows from China will decline from more than 670 billion U.S. dollars in 2015 to around 460 billion dollars in 2016 and to 350 billion dollars in 2017. Given the moderation of capital outflows, the IIF expected the Chinese government to continue advancing capital account liberalization, but through cautious measured steps. "The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, to be launched in late November, should attract more portfolio inflows. The QDII2 program, which allows qualified individuals to directly invest overseas, will also be approved in the near future," the report said. "This is a clear signal that authorities do not see massive retail outflows as a significant long-term risk." By Matthew Rusling WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The move by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to reopen a criminal investigation into U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's emails may sap her supporters' enthusiasm so close to Election Day, experts said. FBI Director James Comey dropped a bombshell last Friday when he announced he would re-open the investigation into Clinton's use of a private email server to conduct business while she was secretary of state. Critics say Clinton's use of a private email account, instead of a secure, government-issued one, could jeopardize U.S. national security, as it could be easier to hack by foreign powers. Experts said the FBI announcement will hurt Clinton, who just weeks ago held a significant 7-point lead over her Republican rival Donald Trump. Indeed, it has already diminished that lead significantly in the past days, putting the candidates in a tight race. Clinton's lead has now narrowed to around 1.7 points in the RealClearPolitics average. The FBI investigation may not spur non-Trump supporters to suddenly change their minds and cast their ballots in favor of the brash New York billionaire. But it may solidify Trump's base and dampen enthusiasm among Clinton supporters, causing some of them to stay home on the Nov. 8 Election Day, experts said. "It's a positive sign for Trump and one that he would like to have had a little bit earlier than it's occurred," Republican strategist Ford O'Connell told Xinhua. "To some extent, it's depressing enthusiasm on the Democratic side. But if nothing else, it should help Trump consolidate the Republican base," he said. According to a Washington Post-ABC News poll, last week saw 53 percent of Trump supporters saying they were "very enthusiastic" about Trump, and 51 percent saying the same about Clinton -- essentially a tie. But that changed drastically by Tuesday, a few days after Comey's announcement, with enthusiasm among Clinton supporters plunging to 43 percent, while Trump's numbers remaining the same, the poll found. "If Trump can get 90 percent of registered Republicans supporting him, he could conceivably become the next president of the United States," O'Connell said. "But we really won't know until Election Day," he added. O'Connell still thought that a Trump win has probably "only about a 25 or 30 percent chance." There are a number of opinions over whether Comey should have re-opened the investigation. Supporters say no one is above the law, including a political insider like Clinton, but opponents say the FBI's move is essentially a government agency stepping in and influencing the election, in a system in which law enforcement is supposed to butt out of the electoral process. Darrell West, vice president and director of governance studies of the Brookings Institution, told Xinhua it is "unprecedented" for the FBI to make such an announcement so close to Election Day. He called the FBI move "an explosion" that will impact what happens on Election Day, adding that normally the FBI does not make such announcements so close to elections. Comey has not been specific about the new allegations against Clinton. All that is known so far is that a trove of allegedly unseen Clinton emails were discovered on the computer of Anthony Weiner, a former Congressman and ex-husband of top Clinton's top aide Huma Abedin. The emails were discovered during the FBI probe of Weiner's alleged texting of sexual content to an underage 15-year-old girl. The results of the FBI investigation into the latest emails will not be released until after the Nov. 8 presidential election. ROME, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The strongest earthquake that hit central Italy last Sunday caused a "step" stretching at least 15 km between Arquata and Ussita, two towns in the quake area, the National Institute for Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) said Thursday. The step "carved" into Mt.Vettore had an average height ranging between 20 and 70 cm and in some points was higher than one meter, INGV said. Such a phenomenon, also called "faultline shoeprint", is quite common for quakes of a magnitude close to 6.0 and "represents the continuation towards the surface of the rupture and the slide that happened in the faultline at a great depth", according to INGV. The Oct. 30 quake of 6.5-magnitude was the latest of four major tremors that struck central Italy. On Aug. 24, a quake of 6.0-magnitude in the same area left 298 dead, hundreds injured and thousands homeless. On Oct. 26, two earthquakes jolt the central areas without causing deaths, but leaving many buildings damaged or even destroyed. So far, Italy's civil protection department has been "assisting" over 28,000 displaced people after the earthquakes in central Italy since Aug. 24. "More than 19,000 were being helped in their home towns and villages, and some 8,400 had been accommodated in hotels on the Adriatic coast," said the civil protection department. About 500 people are still in tents in Lazio, Marche and Umbria, the regions experienced the damages from the waves of earthquake. In another development, a report presented Thursday by Italian environmental association Legambiente said some 90 percent of Italian schools have not been built with modern anti-seismic criteria. According to Legambiente, 65.1 percent of school buildings were built before anti-seismic building legislation came into effect in 1974 and 90.4 percent before a law on energy efficiency in 1991. Only one in two schools in Italy has been certified to be up to anti-seismic code, according to the report titled "school ecosystem", which was presented in Rome during a forum on the school construction industry. Earlier on Thursday, Italian Premier Matteo Renzi said his government would not let European Union budget rules stop its efforts to make sure Italian buildings are seismic proof. "It's unthinkable that schools should collapse for European stability," Renzi was quoted as saying by ANSA. IICA consult with stakeholders on animal health legislation This as the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) held the national consultation on Animal Health Legislation. Siew outlined that there is need to validate the draft updated legislation. The draft Bill seeks to promote and facilitate the development of a strengthened and more integrated agricultural health and food safety system which facilitates national food security and increased market access. It is also aimed at enhancing the capacity of public sector officials and stakeholders in the agrifood sector in technical areas relating to agricultural health and food safety. The legislative framework is designed to protect and promote animal health and to prevent introduction and spread of animal diseases within Trinidad and Tobago, facilitate and regulate trade in animals, animal products and animal- related items, establish standards for animal welfare, and for other connected purposes. Siew said that in the coming weeks, this Bill will be debated among stakeholders as the ministry facilitates greater inter-agency and multi-stakeholder dialogue and interaction on the related issues. The Bill outlines the provision of technical assistance aimed at facilitating the adoption of agricultural practices and food safety standards for increased market access and trade. The theme of the programme was, Retooling agricultural health and food safety system for improved food and nutrition security, investment and trade. Among those who spoke at the meeting were Gregg Rawlins of IICA and Livestock Officer, Manager Juman Ali and the Deputy Director of Centeno Dr Michelle Mellowes. Also present at this event was Dr David Kangaloo, Chief Veterinary Office in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Dr Saed Rahaman, Director, Veterinary Public Health, Ministry of Health Dr Desmond Ali, Caribbean Poultry Association. Robin Phillips, Trinidad and Tobago Poultry Association, Arend Biesebroek, Ambassador/Head of Delegation, Delegation of the European Union to TT. IICA is the agency, of the Inter-American System, specialising in agriculture and rural welfare. This agency focuses its efforts towards achieving a competitive and sustainable agriculture in the Americas. Through the years IICA has accumulated vast experience in technical cooperation in technology and innovation for agriculture, agricultural health and food safety, agribusiness, agricultural trade, rural development and training. The IICA operates with a modern view on the challenges of agriculture, ranging from the effects of climate change on agricultural production to the urgent need to feed a growing world population. Amazone shipment in murky waters AR Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Auke Piek, speaking at the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) conference at the Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain last week, told a media briefing his company is reading itself to ship surface water to Barbados somewhere around November 24-25 and that shipment would get there within four or five days. Mr Piek said the trial run was reportedly in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the Barbados government in April of 2015. Piek said, We would like to have the launch of the flexbag (the mode of transportation) on November 21-22 and after that it will be sent to Barbados with drinkable surface water from the rivers The journey should take four to five days, Piek added using a tugboat to pull the floating flexbag/flextank. We will test (the water) throughout our trial to see how the water behaves during transportation. He said the water, drawn from the Coppename and Suriname rivers, had been tested by an independent firm at various points inland, starting about 30 kilometres inside. Piek told reporters the bags (containing the water) would be monitored all the time throughout the five-day journey for water quality during the transportation process, and would be equipped with satellite navigation systems for tracking purposes. Piek said although Barbados had agreed to accept this first shipment, he could not say how the water would be used since this is a test run. He did say that that because of the sustained drought on the island, there is an urgent need for fresh water, both for agricultural and industry, but also for human beings. However, according to a report in the Barbados newspaper The Nation, the Minister of Water Resource Management, Dr David Estwick and the acting general manager of the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) Dr John Mwansa distanced themselves from Pieks announcement. As a matter fact Estwick told the Weekend Nation he was not aware of any water being shipped to the island. He denied that a decision had been made to import barged water from Suriname. The minister conceded that this was common practice worldwide, but insisted, No such decision had been taken. According to Estwick, this is not an unusual event. Water is barged island to island in the Bahamas and water was barged to Antigua during their drought period. (It) has happened all around the world. And Dr Mwansa said that while the BWA was not in the process of importing any water to Barbados, it was looking at the possibility of using barged water to help with the islands current water woes. The Minister of Natural Resources in Suriname Regilio Dodson, who was also at the CWWA conference, told reporters the role of his government was simply to facilitate government-to-government arrangements, following which AR could go ahead with the supply arrangements with either state or private entities. While we await to see the results on both sides barging fresh water from the rivers in Suriname to the Caribbean islands might just be what is needed and the start of a viable old trade becoming a new trade in this part of the world. Calls for agents to be licensed Hence the renewed call for a mandate for the acquisition of a real estate license before one can begin buying/selling property in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). The call comes from CEO of Massy Realty and winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at TrinidadRealtor.coms 2016 Real Estate Awards, Sharon Inglefield, who spoke to Business Day shortly after receiving her award at Queens Hall, St Anns on October 20. Agents have been pushing for licensing for some time now. We need that, particularly in these times of AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism) legislation. We need to continue pushing for (mandatory) real estate licenses because its for the greater good of our industry and of the country. Inglefield replied Yes when asked if anyone can open an agency in TT without first at least completing one of the real estate courses offered by either the Association of Real Estate Agents of TT (AREA) or by the UWI School of Business and Applied Studies (trading as ROYTEC). Its self-regulated but we do have very serious AML/CFT laws, so that we do complete Know Your Client forms; client due diligence checks, to ensure that clients money is good, that their business is good. Business Day asked if the industry can implement regulation by itself or if Government needs to play a role. Inglefield replied, Licensing would be Government licensing. I think the Ministry of the Attorney General would be the best ministry to oversee it... because of the recent threat with more money laundering, with more tax evasion and certainly the terrorism that exists, I think they (Government) should have licensing and enforcement of our laws. Thats very important - enforcement of our laws. Inglefields stance on regulation was echoed by co-founder of TrinidadRealtor.com, Shane Correia. AREA is a pioneer of trying to get regulations passed, which we support. Right now, its really whoever wants to be a real estate agent can do so but you can really trust the agents/agencies listed on our site because they are the tried and tested agents who have been in the business for many years and who have proven track records. Correia told Business Day the Government needs to really take a strong look at the sector due to the very important role real estate plays in society and in the economic base of the society. He said if Government were to come on board by establishing a regulatory body that would be responsible for real estate licenses to persons wishing to operate in TT. I think thats the right way forward. We cant continue to have a wild west of real estate, where anybody who thinks they can sell property can enter the market. We need people to be regulated, taught the right things, pass exams and be licensed to sell real estate. Correia added that people often ask why hes in support of regulation. To which he replies, I want regulation badly because my product would be better. I would have a listing of licensed, qualified agents operating in TT. Weve actually declined requests by some people to become a member of TrinidadRealtor.com because they didnt fit the bill of what we consider to be a proper real estate agent. What are these requirements? Applicants must have some sort of experience/established agents who can vouch for them, or they must have done an AREA or ROYTEC course in real estate. Then we ask our members if they have ever worked with this person. If yes, we ask if the person was good or bad. So we use our members as the barometer, Correia explained, to help determine if new persons could come on board. He said if these checks reveal somebody is in bobol (corruption) or not doing things the right way, we dont allow them to be listed on our site because if someone comes on TrinidadRealtor.com and has a bad experience, theyre most likely going to (associate) our website with that. So we always do our best to make sure the agents listed there are the best of the best. Correia said the site currently has just over 75 real estate companies and more than 260 real estate agents who belong to those companies. They (account for) well over 50 percent of the market; 60 percent, 70 percent of the market belongs to TrinidadRealtor.com, Correia said. TrinidadRealtor.coms 2016 Real Estate Award Winners STATISTICAL AWARDS: Most Residential Sale Properties: Massy Realty Most Residential Rental Properties: Terra Caribbean Most Land for Sale Properties: TT Property Search Most Commercial Sale Properties: Terra Caribbean Most Commercial Rental Properties: Terra Caribbean Most Properties on Mapping Guide: Terra Caribbean Most Views on TrinidadRealtor.com: Tucker Real Estate Most Photos on TrinidadRealtor.com: Tucker Real Estate Most Videos on TrinidadRealtor.com: Stuart Spiers Real Estate Services VOTED AWARDS: Best Print Media Company: Trinidad Guardian Newspapers Valuer of the Year: GA Farrell & Associates Law Firm of the Year: J.D. Sellier & Co Architect of the Year: Fullerton Diaz Architects Interior Designer of the Year: Brian Mac Farlane, MacFarlanes Design Studios Up and Coming Contractor of the Year: Building Beauty Construction Bank Branch of the Year: Republic Bank, Port-of-Spain Mortgage Agent of the Year: Carlene Joseph-Seerattan, RBC Royal Bank Insurance Firm of the Year: Sagicor Most Professionally Attired Male Agent: Colin Skerritt, CK Skerritt Real Estate Services Ltd Most Professionally Attired Female Agent: Marjorie Lousaing, Trinidad Properties Management Co Most Professional & Punctual Agent: Steve Plimmer, Plimmer Real Estate Male Agent of the Year Small Company: Edward Goolsair, Sair Real Estate Male Agent of the Year Medium Company: Sajeev Maharaj, Green Acres Estates Ltd Male Agent of the Year Large Company: Ian Parkinson, Massy Realty Female Agent of the Year Small Company: Debra Teelucksingh, DT Real Estate Services Female Agent of the Year Medium Company: Alex Boon, Guillen Realty Female Agent of the Year Large Company: Tracy Sheppard, Stuart Spiers Real Estate Services Personality of the Year: Lorraine Fitzwilliam, Lorraine Fitzwilliam Real Estate Best Showing Agent: Tracy Sheppard, Stuart Spiers Real Estate Services Most Likes on Facebook: Massy Realty Best Quality Photos: Jennifer Alcazar- Dolsingh, Alcazar Realtors Newest Real Estate Agency: South Homes Broker of the Year: John Knaggs, Trinidad Properties Management Co Overall Agent of the Year: Ian Parkinson, Massy Realty Lifetime Achievement Award: Sharon Inglefield, Massy Realty Small Agency of the Year: Sair Real Estate Medium Agency of the Year: Decadent Properties Limited Large Agency of the Year: Tucker Real Estate Security guard shot dead Security guard Joel Punnette, 58, died after being shot multiple times by gunmen who attacked like a pack of wolves as he stood inside a snackette in Maturita, Arima. The bandits later drove off with the delivery van which contained close to $200,000 worth in cigarettes. Punnette lived at Almond Drive in Enterprise, Chaguanas. It was reported that at about 8.15 am yesterday, Punnette was inside a shop on Kingdom Drive in Maturita when a car pulled up near the shop and a gunman alighted. Without warning he opened fire on Punnette who drew his pistol and returned fire. Another gunman entered the fray and shot Punnette numerous times before he and the other bandits retreated and waited nearby. As Punnette slumped to the ground, he still managed to get off some more shots before collapsing and bleeding to death. The bandits went into the shop, snatched Punnettes firearm and ordered the delivery van salesman to hand over the keys to the van. As one bandit drove off in the delivery van, two others got into the getaway car - a black, heavily tinted Honda Civic - and sped off. A report was made to police and a team of officers later visited the scene. Officers are now reviewing CCTV footage which showed the shootout as they continue investigations. The panel van was later found at the Heights of Guanapo minus the packets of cigarettes. No arrest has been made. In the other incident, a culinary instructor at the TT Hospitality and Tourism Institute was shot dead at 7 pm on Tuesday. Like the Punnette murder, the shooting of Marvin Bridgeman, 41, was also recorded on CCTV. Police said that Bridgeman was liming with another man in the garage of his Winston Mulligan Drive, Phase Four, La Horquetta home when a man entered the premises, walked up to Mulligan and shot him in the head. As Mulligan slumped to the ground and his friend also fell backwards, the gunman stood over the former and pumped bullets into him before running off. Mulligans friend was unhurt. A report was made to police. The killer was at the time clad in a grey hooded sweater. An autopsy revealed Bridgeman was shot six times including once in the head and five to the back. CEPEP withdraws Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh was expected to give his decision yesterday on an application filed by CEPEP for an injunction against Moonilal, who sued the State agency for defamation. Moonilals claim for defamation was filed after the CEPEP company issued a full-page statement in the press on August 24, 2016, in which it alleged misappropriation of $39.6 million in funds for construction projects in his Oropouche East constituency. When the matter was called at the Port-of- Spain High Court, Boodoosingh said he received notice on Monday that CEPEP was withdrawing its injunction application, three days after the judge heard arguments from both sides on the issue. No reason was given for the about-turn by the CEPEP which in its own defamation counterclaim, had sought the injunction to restrain Moonilal from making further statements relating to its operations. Boodoosingh ordered that CEPEP pay Moonilals costs in a sum to be agreed to by both sides, failing which he will quantify the amount to be paid. Speaking to the media following the hearing, Moonilal described the action by the CEPEP Company to withdraw its injunction application as bizarre. Speaking on the failed action, Moonilal called it a travesty of justice and waste of money as taxpayers must now pay his lawyers fees. Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi, contacted for comment, said it was on his advice that CEPEP withdrew its injunction application. Al-Rawi told Newsday he only found out about the proceedings via media reports, adding that it was not commonplace for State entities to seek the advice of the AG. Al-Rawi said the advice to file the application would have come from CEPEPs legal counsel. Having received the pleadings, I gave intructions in this matter to discontinue the injunction, he said, adding that CEPEP can stand on the strength of its defence and counter-claim against Moonilals lawsuit. Mayors drunk driving trial set for November 17 Paul reappeared before Magistrate Alicia Chankar, in the Point Fortin Second Magistrates Court, yesterday charged with drunk driving. Sgt Gosine laid the charge. When the accused mayor made his first court appearance on October 20, he had entered a not guilty plea. The charge against Paul alleges that on October 18 at Grants Trace, Rousillac, he drove a motor vehicle after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it on his breath exceeded the legal prescribed limit of 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. Paul was represented by attorney James Philbert, a former Commissioner of Police. The Mayor was granted $5,000 station bail. Yesterday, when Paul made his second court appearance on the charge, the magistrate adjourned the matter to November 17. Man shot at Cocaine Alley Newsday understands, at about 9.15 pm on Tuesday, Jason Campbell, a 27-year-old man of Upper Union Road, Diego Martin, was sitting along Jeffers Lane gambling with a group of men. Suddenly, an unknown assailant, said to be of African descent, with dark skin and a green bandanna over his face, approached the group and fired. While the men scampered to find cover, Campbell was shot several times about the upper body. Police and emergency services were called and Campbell was rushed to the St James Medical Facility, where he was treated for his injuries. Newsday understands that up to press time he was warded in a serious but stable condition. Police are now trying to ascertain a motive for the shooting, as Campbell was not known to them. Investigations are ongoing. Hours after burn victim buried, relative held Yesterday morning, the wanted relative went to the Freeport Police Station and gave up herself. However, due to the absence of a magistrate, the female relative and two other women were taken before a Justice of the Peace in the Couva Magistrates Court on wounding charges, an incident which reportedly occurred one year ago. They are expected to re-appear before a magistrate in the Couva Magistrates Court today. One weeping relative said they were hurt by the timing of the police officers as the family was still dealing with the tragedy and had not even yet buried their dead as yet. The relative asked: How you could do something like that. She added: Imagine police come to execute (warrant) while the dead on the ground. Yesterday (Tuesday) when we putting on clothes, when the dead (body) now reach, police come at the same time to execute a warrant to arrest she (sic). I tell them she getting ready to go funeral, so the police say when they come back from funeral tell them to come to the station. Last night they went to the station and police tell them the officer not there and to come back this morning (yesterday). When they went this morning, police lock them up. Mohipath was spending the Divali weekend at the home of her big sister Giselle Lochan when fire broke out. Calls for Natl Award for Roy Greaves was the other half of Roy and Gloria a couple whose names became household names through their television skits for the Coalition Against Domestic Violence and later moving into communities and working with troubled youths. Greaves began working closely with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) through the Hearts and Minds Programme as well as the Citizens Security Programme of the Ministry of National Security among other groups in areas such as Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Marabella and Enterprise. On Tuesday, members of those communities became the centre of the event __ a decision David Jerry Greaves said was taken by the family since his brother was never about himself. Over 100 people from communities in East Port of Spain journeyed to San Fernando to pay their last respects to Uncle Roy. Jerry told mourners, It was the decision of the family that the community must be the center in this event. Hals casket must be off at the side and the power of God must be at the center. Hal was never about himself. Paying tribute was Marlon Thomas, a member of Project Reason, who described Greaves as his friend, comrade and a mentor. He said, Uncle Roy was a visionary. Project Reason is now going into its second year. When we started we didnt have a clue what we were doing. What we knew is that he understood what was going on in the community. He took the time to listen to me and people like me in many communities, not only east Port-of-Spain. A hero is one who does right regardless of consequences. I dont know, but I am nominating my boy for a national hero award. It drew loud applause. His sentiments were echoed by Pastor Agard who also paid tribute.Greaves son Dane, said his father dared to go where others feared and took his drama to the hills of Laventille and other communities that needed him. Kamla: Govt declares war on citizens On Monday, Rowley announced changes to his Cabinet. Calling on the PM to, lead with compassion and fairness to working class citizens, Persad-Bissessar said the alleged 0/0/0 wage policy aka wage freeze in the public sector, is another symptom of the Governments absence of vision and creative solutions and the inequitable distribution of the burden of the adjustment. She claimed the mistreatment of hard-working citizens could have a negative impact on the economy, by affecting productivity and employee morale.She said, An oppressed workforce could cost the country billions of dollars through eroded performance. Under Persad- Bissessar, the former Peoples Partnership (PP) government started its negotiations with trade unions at zero percent. The PP was also widely criticised by several trade unions over a controverisal five percent wage cap on salaries. She reiterated the Oppositions claim that Governments economic priorities are wrong and the alleged policy announcede by Imbert will have,a knock down effect in private sector employment. Minister: Accusations against Pan Trinbago unsettling She said, In this regard. I have been in discussion with NCC (National Carnival Commission) Chairman (Kenny de Silva) on this issue and we are actively examining the situation and our options with respect to the way forward for Panorama 2017. We are committed to ensuring that the Panorama experience, which highlights and celebrates our national instrument globally is neither compromised nor tarnished. She added, The taxpayers fund Carnival and protecting their interest will be a large factor in our discussions and decisions on this issue. With respect to former Pan Trinbago Vice-president Bryon Serrettes recent resignation, she said, Pan Trinbago is a private entity, therefore the interest of the Ministry and the NCC lie less in their internal politics and more in their receipt of large amounts of State funding for the running of Panorama. On the question of the players remittances not being paid to date she said; The NCC has indicated that $5 million, which represents the balance of the 2015/16 allocation to Pan Trinbago, was paid within the last week of October specifically to facilitate the payment of players remittances. If in fact these remain unpaid to date, Pan Trinbago would have to account for this delay, as the NCC has reported that they supplied Pan Trinbago with their entire 2015/16 subvention including monies for the players. Serrette said yesterday that on Friday he tendered his letter of resignation to the Secretary (Richard Forteau) to take effect on November 1, with all intention to attend the AGM on Sunday to address his concerns about financial impropriety within Pan Trinbago. However, at the AGM he was not allowed to speak. He related: The President said it was his meeting and he shall decide who speaks and who doesnt speak, in spite of the shouts from members there that they want to hear the Vice President, because some of them only knew of my resignation while they were at the meeting on Sunday, so they wanted to hear from me. He continued: I stood for more than an hour and the president who was the chair, refused to recognise me, until it came near the end of the meeting and people started to call on the president to recognise me. He spoke to people in a certain kind of way saying that it is his meeting and he will decide who shall speak in his meeting. So after a while, there was a microphone that was close by and when one of the members attempted to take the mic and give it to me, other members of the executive grabbed it away and some of them even vented: He will stand up there for the whole day and even the next day. So then I strolled across to the podium where there was another mic and he (Diaz) started to shout that he did not give permission to anybody to go and speak in any mic. When I got to the mic, I put down my papers and I prepared to speak, he said this meeting is closed. He said as a matter of fact I hereby close this meeting, please switch off those microphones. But Serrette had prepared for what happened at the AGM. He said: I had a presentation that I made at a retreat of the Central Executive back in June, (re financial improprieties). I had made 100 copies of that and I said I would distribute it to the membership because I suspected that they would not have allowed me to speak, in spite of the fact I was still the VP until Tuesday. That is when I distributed the copies to the membership present. Moonilal interviewed by police Moonilal said yesterday he has been interviewed by investigators and said he was assisting the police in the matter. He said it was likely Attorney General Faris Al Rawi will also be interviewed soon. Moonilal presented the photographs on October 11, during his budget contribution in the Lower House. Immediately after, Al Rawi refused to confirm or deny if the children in the photos were his, but admitted that members of his family received a threat-assessment and training from members of the TT military at Camp Cumuto, as he was deemed a high risk person. Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley __ also speaking in the Budget debate __ confirmed this when in a stinging attack on the army, he said the leak of the photos had put the Attorney Generals children at risk. Sometime later, then acting Commissioner of Police Harold Phillip appointed a senior police officer to lead a team to investigate and report on whether or not any offences against the Firearms Act were committed by persons during a visit to Camp Cumuto in October 2015. The investigation was ordered after Moonilal wrote to the acting commissioner, outlining what he termed breaches of the Firearms Act, allegedly committed by persons named in the letter. Moonilal contended that the Firearms Act was breached as the photos showed persons under the age of 25, brandishing and in one case, using firearms. The law states that no license or other authority can be given to a person under the age of 25 to possess and/or use any firearm. He also said the military was not empowered to train any civilian in military tactics as AG Al Rawi said members of his family underwent (the AG used the term threat assessment training) at Camp Cumuto. The Defence Force also launched its own investigation on the issue. Obama campaigns for Hillary Clinton United States,Politics, Wed, 02 Nov 2016 IANS Washington, Nov 3 (IANS) US President Barack Obama travelled to North Carolina to urge African Americans and college students to cast their ballots for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. "So I hate to put a little pressure on you, but the fate of the republic rests on your shoulders. The fate of the world is teetering and you, North Carolina, are going to have to make sure that we push it in the right direction," he said on Wednesday in front of over16,000 people on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Efe news reported. The Clinton campaign has come to regard North Carolina as a potential counterweight in case of losses in traditionally Democratic states. Polls show North Carolina voters are almost evenly divided between Clinton and her Republican rival Donald Trump with just days to go before the November 8 election. Obama narrowly won the Tar Heel state in 2008, but lost there in 2012, a defeat attributed to a decline in turnout among black voters. The president acknowledged on Wednesday that he was concerned about the levels of African American participation this year as reflected in figures on early voting. The number of blacks in North Carolina taking advantage of early voting is down 16 per cent from 2012, according to an analysis by The New York Times. Besides making an appeal to African Americans, Obama addressed the many students in the crowd at UNC. "It's not often that you can move the arc of history. Don't let that chance slip away. Young people here, it's not often that you know your voice will have an impact. Don't give away your power. Don't fall for the easy cynicism that says my vote doesn't matter. That's what Hillary's opponent wants you to think because they don't want you to vote," the president said. Invoking the struggle for voting rights, Obama accused the Republicans of seeking to keep young people and minorities from casting ballots. "There are groups that are not even making secret plans. They are just saying that they will try to suppress the African-American vote on Election Day. Or the youth vote on Election Day," he said. --IANS pgh/ Rubber bullets fired at pipeline project protesters United States,Environment/Wildlife,Human Interest/Society, Wed, 02 Nov 2016 IANS Washington, Nov 3 (IANS) Police in the US shot rubber bullets and used pepper spray on a gathering of people who were demonstrating against a controversial oil pipeline project. The demonstrators -- who call themselves water protectors -- faced the police action on the shoreline of the Cantapeta Creek, north of the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation in North Dakota on Wednesday, NBC news reported. After a few relatively peaceful days at the campground where thousands have gathered to demonstrate against a controversial North Dakota oil pipeline, demonstrators put out calls on social media to "make your way to the river" for a "river action," but to do so "in prayer." In a Facebook Live stream, Cempoalli Twenny, who says he is at Standing Rock to protect the water, said, "The pipeline is getting really close to the river now, so it's crunch time." Demonstrators on the shoreline prayed, played drums, sang, and waded into the river towards the base of the hill where armed police stood. A confrontation erupted after law enforcement dismantled a wooden bridge that demonstrators constructed to access the sacred site. It was a "100 percent peaceful protest," according to activist Erin Schrode, who was shot in the lower back with a rubber bullet while standing on the shoreline opposite police. Schrode had joined others from the camp in solidarity as they prayed on the shoreline. Law enforcement vehicles and personnel have been stationed on a hill overlooking the shoreline in question for a number of days, and the hill is recognized as a burial ground and sacred site by the Standing Rock Sioux. On Monday, people who identified themselves as water protectors waded across the creek to the hill to request that law enforcement move off the sacred area. --IANS pgh/ 'Vote Trump' painted on black church set ablaze in US United States,Religion,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Wed, 02 Nov 2016 IANS Washington, Nov 3 (IANS) A predominantly African-American church was badly burned is the US state of Mississippi, with the words "Vote Trump" spray-painted on the side of the building, police said. A 911 call reporting the fire at Hopewell Baptist Church in Greenville came in at about 9.15 p.m. on Tuesday. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, CNN reported. Most of the damage to the 111-year-old church was to the sanctuary, pastor Carilyn Hudson said at a news conference. "We do believe that God will allow us to build another sanctuary in that same place," she said, though the extent of the damage was unclear. There were no reports of injuries; no one had been in the building since about 1 p.m. earlier on Tuesday, Hudson said. Greenville Police Chief Delando Wilson told CNN that police brought in a person of interest Wednesday afternoon and "are interviewing this person to determine if they had any participation in this event or if we can clear them." Fire Chief Ruben Brown said an investigation led to the conclusion that the fire was intentional. "Accidental was ruled out," he said. An $11,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and prosecution. Greenville city, about 33,000 near the Arkansas border, comprises 78 per cent African-Americans, according to a recent census. Surrounding Washington county is 71 per cent. A GoFundMe account set up to help the church rebuild had garnered more than 2,300 donations totalling $87,000 by Wednesday evening, far surpassing a $10,000 goal. --IANS ksk 'US more backward than India in leadership roles for women' United States,Media,Diaspora,Human Interest/Society, Wed, 02 Nov 2016 IANS New York, Nov 3 (IANS) The US is "more backward" than India when it comes to leadership role for women, according to H R Shah, the CEO of TV Asia, the largest South Asian TV network in America. Endorsing Hillary Clinton for president, he said on Wednesday that US voters now had a chance to remedy this failing of the US by electing a woman and Indian Americans should back her. Speaking at a news conference held by 'Indian Americans for Democrats and Friends of Hillary for President', he said that the US was so "backward" that in its 240-year history it had not had a woman president while India, in its short history of about 70 years, has had a woman Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in office for 15 years. The US has the opportunity to elect Hillary Clinton as its first woman president and Indian Americans should be a part of the historic effort, he said. Mike Patel, who served under Bill Clinton as a member of the President's Advisory Commission on Asians and Pacific Islanders and is a former chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, said that contributing to election funds of politicians alone did not matter and Indian Americans should also vote and get involved in community affairs. He said that hotel owner were provide free rooms to volunteers who were working to mobilise voters in several key states as part of their involvement in the civic life of the US. --IANS al/tb/ksk British MPs can derail Brexit, rules high court United Kingdom,Immigration/Law/Rights,Politics, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS London, Nov 3 (IANS) Parliament alone has the power to trigger Brexit by notifying Brussels of Downing Street's intention to leave the European Union, the high court here ruled on Thursday. The judgment, delivered by Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, is likely to slow the pace of Britain's departure from the EU and is a huge setback for Theresa May, who had insisted the government alone would decide when to trigger the process, the Guardian reported. The Lord Chief Justice said that "the most fundamental rule of the UK Constitution is that parliament is sovereign". The decision is, however, likely to be appealed to the Supreme Court, where space has been cleared in the justices' schedules for a hearing early next month. By handing responsibility for initiating Brexit over to members of parliament, the three senior judges -- Lord Thomas; the Master of the Rolls, Sir Terence Etherton, and Lord Justice Sales -- have ventured on to constitutionally untested ground. The decision may undermine the Prime Minister's authority in conducting negotiations with other EU states in the run-up to Britain's withdrawal. --IANS ahm/vt Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan Israel,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS Kabul, Nov 3 (IANS) Two American soldiers were killed on Thursday in a Taliban offensive in Afghanistan's Kunduz province. The Taliban attacked the soldiers while they were taking part in a "train, advise and assist mission" in Kunduz district, according to a statement by the press office of the US army in Afghanistan. "Two injured soldiers are receiving medical care," said General John W. Nicholson, commander of the US troops in Afghanistan. According to Nicholson, the two soldiers died from their injuries but insisted that despite the loss, the US forces remain firm in their commitment to help the Afghans defend their nation. Kunduz police spokesperson Mahfuzullah Akbari confirmed to Efe news that 14 Taliban members died on Wednesday night in a joint US-Afghan operation on land and air on the outskirts of Kunduz city. Akbari added that those killed include prominent Taliban commander Qari Mutaqi and his three sons. However, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that three insurgents killed 15 Americans before they were gunned down. --IANS ksk/bg I'm secure as an actor: Rajniesh Duggall Delhi,Cinema/Showbiz,Bollywood, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) Actor Rajniesh Duggall, who is gearing up for the release of his two forthcoming multi-starrer films "Saansein" and "Wajah Tum Ho", says he is very secure as an actor. Asked if he initially feared being overshadowed by his co-actors in the films, Rajniesh told IANS over phone from Mumbai: "No, not at all." "When I listen to a script, the first thing that comes to me is, 'Would I like to see such a film?' And after I see what my role is, I see if I like the strength in that role or if I can add some meat to it. As an actor, I'm very secure." The actor, who started out in showbiz as a model, feels he has his "own presence and style on screen". "Saansein", directed by Rajiv S. Ruia, also stars Sonarika Bhadoria, Hiten Tejwani and Neetha Shetty. It is releasing on November 11. "Wajah Tum Ho" is directed by Vishal Pandya and stars Gurmeet Choudhary, Sharman Joshi and Sana Khan . The film is slated to hit the screens on December 2. --IANS dc/rb/bg Saad Hariri becomes Prime Minister of Lebanon again Lebanon,Politics, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS Beirut, Nov 3 (IANS) Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri was on Thursday reappointed Prime Minister for a third time following a vote in parliament, an official said. The news comes after two days of parliamentary consultations with newly elected President Michel Aoun, Efe news reported. "Lebanon's President Michel Aoun has issued a decree on November 3, on appointing Saad Hariri for the post of the Prime Minister of the country," Sputnik news quoted a presidential administrative representative as saying. Aoun, 83, a former army chief, was elected President on Monday in the Lebanese parliament, filling a vacancy almost two and a half years old. Hariri, who heads al-Mustaqbal Movement, said he hopes a government of "national accord" would be formed soon, Xinhua news agency reported. He is the son of Rafic Hariri, the former Lebanese Prime Minister who was assassinated in 2005 in Beirut. --IANS ask/bg Saudi Arabia not given enough credit for fighting extremism, terrorism: Envoy Delhi,National,Terrorism,Diplomacy, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) Terrorists have hijacked Islam and Saudi Arabia will therefore spare no effort or expense to "combat terrorism, uproot extremism and drain terrorist and extremist groups of resources", Saudi Ambassador to India, Saud Mohammed Al-Sati, said here on Thursday. In an address on 'Saudi-India Relation: Continuity and Change' at the Centre for West Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, the envoy regretted that "Saudi Arabia is not given enough and proper credit for its leading role in fighting extremism and terrorism at the local, regional and international levels", a role that has been praised by major international intelligence agencies. On the contrary, he said, a section of Western media and analysts "and some of their counterparts in India" do gross injustice to the Kingdom by accusing it of exporting extremist ideology or supporting violent extremism. He said it is illogical and irrational for Saudi Arabia to remain anywhere but at the forefront of nations combating this scourge, and said the Kingdom has been a target of diverse terrorist groups for a long time. He said these go as far back as 1996, when Osama bin Laden issued his first fatwa against the Kingdom, this taking place after "we revoked his citizenship and closed his access to his bank accounts two years prior". He said terrorists do not practise or preach any religion, they simply hijack it, "as they have hijacked Islam, and in the name of Islam they kill Muslims and non-Muslims. Last week the Houthi terrorist militias based in Yemen tried to attack the most sacred place in Islam by directing their missile towards Makkah. And yet they claim to be Muslims." In May 2003, the Saudi capital was targeted by Al-Qaeda with simultaneous suicide bombings at three residential compounds, he stated, and said the Kingdom "has also been a target of terrorism perpetrated by proxies of Iran, which has used terrorism as an instrument of its foreign policy since the 1979 revolution". He said terrorism was a common concern for both Saudi Arabia and India and the two countries were closely cooperating in fighting it, including through exchange of information and intelligence. He said both countries had signed several agreements in the field of security, including an extradition treaty, and during the April visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the kingdom, the two sides decided to further enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing and law enforcement. The envoy highlighted the "strong bonds of friendship" between the two countries and its people that was deeply rooted in history, and said a "vital aspect of our specific relations is the presence of over three million Indian citizens in Saudi Arabia", who were not only contributing to the progress and development of both countries but also serving as an important cultural bridge between the peoples. He said the two countries were now strategic partners and among the top trading partners with each other. "Saudi Arabia remains a major pillar for India's energy security, and our partnership in the fields of investment, joint ventures, and transfer of technology projects is steadily growing." The envoy said Saudi Arabia is a country with abundant sovereign wealth and a keenness to diversify its economy and would be happy to invest and develop India's "vast infrastructure". He said India is a primary focus of the Kingdom's campaign to court foreign investors and 426 licences have been issued to Indian companies to invest in the Kingdom, and long-established Indian companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Larsen & Toubro have made very significant investments in the Gulf country. The seminal "Saudi Vision 2030", which aims at attracting huge investments and building of massive manufacturing facilities and infrastructure, offers a range of opportunities for Indian businesses, he said. --IANS tb/rn Russian Film Days second edition begins November 15 Maharashtra,Cinema/Showbiz, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) In an attempt to nurture the cultural relations between Russia and India, the second edition of Russian Film Days is set to take place here from November 15 to 18. Cinemarus production company, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Russian Filmmakers Union, will be held at the Royal Opera House and Cinepolis. Film lovers will get to see the best of Russian cinema with movies of all genres spread over four days. Some of the movies to be screened are "Versus", "Good boy", "Icebreaker", "Friday", "Queen of Spades" and "The Crew". "The location of the festival is of prime importance here. Mumbai is the recognised capital of the film industry of India and one of the most important economic and cultural centres of the country. Russian Film Days will contribute to the development of new relationships with the creative and economic elite of the country," Alexey Govorukhin, Executive Producer, Russian Film Days, said in a statement. "It will help strengthen cooperation in the field of filmmaking and also promote cultural exchange and create a positive image of Russia as a strategic partner of India with the help of the language of cinema," Govorukhin added. Russian Film Days will be attended by actors like Catherine Shpitsa, Elena Zakharova, Ieva Andrejevaite, Olga Filimonova, Alexander Pal, Sergey Chirkov, producers Vasily Solovyov, Igor Tolstunov and other filmmakers as well. In addition to screenings, actors and directors will meet with the audience, visit a Bollywood Studio, hold a press conference, a round table, and also host social and business events. With free entry for all, the opening film of the festival, is "Very Best Day", directed by Zhora Kryzhovnikov. --IANS ks/rb/vt 'Trolls': Bright and cheerfully appealing (IANS Review, Rating: ***) Delhi,Cinema/Showbiz,Hollywood, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS Film: "Trolls"; Directors: Mike Mitchell, Walt Dohrn; Cast: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Christine Baranski, Russell Brand, Gwen Stefani, John Cleese, James Corden and Jeffrey Tambor; Rating: *** Directed by Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn, "Trolls" is a colourfully vibrant, adventure, fairytale, based on the long-haired cherub dolls of the same name, which were created in 1959 by a Danish woodcutter and fisherman, Thomas Dam. These dolls are known as "Good Luck" dolls and have been a fad ever since. The narrative begins in a staid format with the opening of a storybook, giving us an insight into the Troll universe. It tells us how the Trolls, who lived in a perpetual state of happiness in the middle of the woods, were now living in fear of their sworn enemy, the gloomy and miserably unhappy creatures called The Bergens. It was after The Bergens discovered that they could feel happiness by eating a Troll, they caged the Trolls in a tree and conducted an annual Troll-eating ritual called the "Trollstice". During one such Trollstice festivities, Troll King Peppy (Jeffrey Tambor) leads the Trolls to escape and go into hiding, thereby depriving the Bergen crown prince Gristle Jr (Christopher Mintz- Plasse) of the taste of his first troll. Furious with the chief Chef (Christine Baranski) under whose charge the Trolls were kept, the Bergen King Gristle Sr (John Cleese) banishes her. Twenty years pass. The Trolls are still in hiding, till the Troll Princess, Poppy (Anna Kendrick), decides to throw the biggest, loudest rave party in celebration of their independence, thereby attracting the attention of the Bergens. With a bunch of Trolls kidnapped, what follows is pure adventure with Princess Poppy along with Branch (Justin Timberlake) the understated neurotic Troll, rescuing everyone and returning home safely. With pop music that includes recognisable pop tunes like "Move Your Feet" to Lionel Ritchie's "Hello" to Justin Timberlake's "Can't stop the feeling" and Cyndi Lauper's "True Colours", the film is truly a pulsating, musical fare. Also with fast moving pranks and lessons about happiness, the film is enchanting and real. The direction is crisp and taut. Visually, the animation design seems inspired by the old 1970s cartoons. Nevertheless, the film is a riot of colours. The frames sparkle like a rainbow. With their colourful, fluorescent, candy floss like hair, the Trolls are a delight to watch and they are aptly contrasted with the ugly teeth jutting monsters - The Bergens. The characters are aptly voiced by the ace star cast, but it is Timberlake as Branch, Deschanel as the scullery maid Bridget -- the love interest of Price Gristle -- along with Kunal Nayyar as Guy Diamond and the character Cloud Guy, who stand out among the few. Overall, "Trolls" is infectious, as it is not too preachy while balancing the universal truth about happiness. It will appeal to children and adults alike. --IANS troy/rb/bg Airtel provides 7,000 more interconnection points to Jio Delhi,National,Technology,Business/Economy, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) Bharti Airtel on Thursday said it has provided over 7,000 additional points of interconnect (PoIs) to Reliance Jio, taking the total number of PoIs provided till date to over 17,000. "This capacity is sufficient to serve over 75 million customers, based on the forecast provided by Jio to Airtel. This will also ensure that the quality of service (QoS) is maintained and the customers are not inconvenienced," an Airtel statement said here. "Airtel has been providing PoIs to Jio, even before the commencement of Jio's commercial operations. Following the commercial launch of services by Jio on September 5, 2016, Airtel has released PoIs at a staggering pace, well ahead of its bilateral and regulatory obligations. "As a matter of fact the number of PoIs provided by Airtel to Jio is more than 2.5 times the number provided to an existing operator with a comparable subscriber base," it added. The Indian telecom regulator on October 21 slapped heavy penalties on three telecom players -- Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India and Idea Cellular -- for not providing sufficient PoIs to Reliance Jio. It also said the action of the three operators showed "ulterior motive to stifle competition". In three similar letters to the three players, the watchdog -- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) -- said it has recommended a penal action of Rs 50 crore per licence service area (LSA) except Jammu and Kashmir, where PoI congestion exceeded the allowable limit of 0.5 per cent as reported by Airtel/Vodafone/Idea Cellular through emails in September. In the case of Airtel and Vodafone, the fines imposed were for 21 LSAs, amounting to Rs 1,050 crore each, while in the case of Idea, the fine was Rs 950 crore for 19 LSA. "In June 2016, Jio had provided its forecast of projected points of interconnect to Airtel. At a meeting on November 1, 2016 in the presence of the TRAI, Jio reiterated its requirement and requested Airtel to provide sufficient PoIs in line with its forecast of June 2016. "With the latest augmentation, Airtel has now provided Jio the capacity to cater to 75 million customers. This is well ahead of the timeframe, since there are currently only 25 million customers making calls to the Airtel network fro" Jio," the Airtel statement said. "Our regulatory obligations permit us to provide interconnect in a period of 90 days," it added. With this augmentation Airtel said it has provided Jio capacity that is comparable to operators with six to eight times the customer base of Jio, in nine weeks of their lauch. "We now request Jio to ensure that the additional POIs, that we have made available at a staggering pace, be operationalised with the same alacrity. This will help identify any network related issues, which Jio may have in their network should any problems persist, given the massive over capacities provided by us," Airtel said. Jio has already provided Airtel their future requirements for capacities at 100 million customers. "As and when they ramp up their current subscriber base, we will further augment capacities ahead of time, as we have always done," the statement said. Airtel maintained that it was committed to comply with all TRAI regulations and Interconnect Agreements in lette. "At the same time we request TRAI to examine the incredible asymmetry of calls terminating on the Airtel network from Jio due to free services being offered by Jio. This continued asymmetry will degrade the customer experience for Airtel customers over time and melt down networks," it added. --IANS ag/ss/mr Assocham seeks regulatory authority to fix road freight for steel sector Delhi,National,Business/Economy, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) In a bid to boost the country's steel sector, industry body Assocham on Thursday urged the government to set up a regulatory authority to fix road freight rates. The proposal will help break up local monopolies and facilitate movement of iron ore and other raw materials from mines and ports. "Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) has mooted a proposal to the Union government to constitute an appropriate authority either at the central or state level to fix the ceiling on road freight rates and breaking local monopolies," the industry body said in a statement here. Transporters charge exorbitant rates for movement of iron ore and other raw materials from mines and ports to steel plants. Besides, they also prevent free competition through their dominating presence in local areas, Assocham said. Considering that higher transport costs result in higher costs of production of steel in India, there is an urgent need to bring down freight tariff rates by up to 25 per cent across all raw material and steel products to gain competitive edge, it added. The industry body also submitted various suggestions to the Steel Ministry to bring back the country's steel sector on a growth trajectory. "There is an urgent need to withdraw import duty of five per cent imposed upon metallurgical coke and coking coal to restore competitiveness of the domestic steel industry," Assocham said in a paper submitted to the Steel Ministry. It also urged bringing down the rate of royalty on iron ore to reduce the cost of raw materials for steel plants. "About 15 per cent royalty rate on iron ore together with District Mineral Foundation (DMF) at 30 per cent translates into royalty burden on end user of 19.5 per cent of iron ore cost," it noted. Banks should extend working capital loans to steel companies on a priority basis, especially those which have not defaulted on interest payment, while structural problems relating to high debts of various steel companies would take time to resolve, it added. "There is also a need to create a special funding mechanism for providing capital for brown-field expansion of capacities at the existing steel mills, more so as commercial viability of brown field expansion of steel plants is significantly higher than greenfield plants," the statement said. Assocham has also made a budget proposal to accord strategic industry status to steel sector. "A comprehensive package for steel sector should be unveiled encompassing special financing arm for providing capital for expansion of capacities, easy extension of working capital loans, long-term policy on freight tariffs and augmenting transportation infrastructure capacity to meet needs of steel production," it said. --IANS mm/ask/dg India accuses Pakistan of resorting to 'tit for tat' move Delhi,National,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Politics,Diplomacy, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) India on Thursday denied as "baseless and unsubstantiated" Pakistan's allegations of spying against eight Indian officials at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and accused the neighbour of resorting to "tit for tat" after a Pakistani official was caught "red-handed" here for spying. "We completely reject the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations made by Pakistan against certain officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The government categorically denies those allegations," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said at a briefing here. He also said that India "protests strongly" against the manner in which names and photos of the eight Indian officials - four of them holders of diplomatic passport- have been published in the Pakistani media. "This is against basic norms of diplomatic practice and courtesy." The spokesperson also said it was "regrettable" that Pakistani authorities chose to level these allegations after deciding to recall, "on their own", six officials of the Pakistan High Commission. He said some of them "may have been named" by Mehmood Akhtar - the Pakistan High Commission official caught "red handed last week while indulging in anti-India activities". "The allegations against the Indian officials represent an after-thought and a crude attempt to target these officials for no fault of theirs," he said. "We regard this as an unfortunate incident. Pakistan is resorting to tit for tat without any real case against these officials, and we hope that such incidents do not recur in the future". The spokesperson said the allegations were "false" and had the potential to affect the activities of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. "We expelled only one person from India for anti-India activities. After that Pakistan decided to withdraw on its own six of their staffers. And then they decided to put in the public domain details of eight of our diplomats and officials whose safety and security has been completely compromised," he said. Asked if the eight officials will be brought back, Swarup said the Indian government will take a decision soon "keeping their safety in mind". "A decision will be taken by government keeping their safety in mind. It is a procedural issue, and a decision will be taken soon," he said. The spokesperson added that the officials there were working on promoting peace between India and Pakistan. "We expect the Pakistan government to take all steps to ensure the safety of these officials," Swarup said. Pakistan on Thursday named eight officials of the Indian High Commission who it alleged were involved in "subversive activities", a day after six Pakistani officials of the high commission in New Delhi were called back. Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria, in his weekly press briefing, said the eight officials belonged to Indian intelligence agencies RAW and IB and were "found involved in coordinating terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan". He named the alleged Indian intelligence personnel as Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri, Commerical Counsellor "and RAW station chief", Anurag Singh, First Commercial Secretary, Amardeep Singh Bhatti, Attache Visa, Dharmendra Sodhi, staff member, Vijay Kumar Verma, staff, Madhavan Nanda Kumar, staff, and "suspected IB operatives", Balbir Singh, First Secretary - Press and Information and "IB station chief", Jayabalan Senthil, Assistant Personnel Welfare Officer. Zakariya claimed that Indian High Commission official Surjeet Singh who was declared persona non-grata a few days ago was also an IB operative working under Balbir Singh. --IANS ao/rn India to help renovate Ghats along Pashupatinath temple: Mukherjee Nepal,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Religion,Diplomacy, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS Kathmandu, Nov 3 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said India will help Nepal in renovation and upgradation of the Ghats adjoining Pashupatinath temple. "The Government of India is happy to assist in the establishment of the Nepal-Bharat Maitri Pashupatinath Dharamshala project, presently under implementation," Mukherjee wrote in the visitor's book after visiting the temple. "I am happy to have announced, during my State Visit, that Government of India will also assist in renovation and upgradation of the ghats adjoining the temple area," he said. Mukherjee, who is on a three-day state visit to Nepal, the first presidential visit from India in 18 years, further said: "I am very happy to be here again -- at the holy Pashupatinath Mandir, a site of unique cultural, religious and historical significance." He also said that he enjoyed participating in the special pooja and thanked the temple trust for the arrangements made for his visit. "I offer the Pashupatinath Area Development Trust my best wishes for the success of its endeavours in conserving and maintaining this unique temple complex which is equally revered by devotees in India and Nepal," he said. --IANS aks/ao/vd/dg SriLankan Airlines launches Seychelles service to attract Indian, Chinese tourists United Kingdom,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Business/Economy, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS Victoria (Seychelles), Nov 3 (IANS) In a bid to attract more tourists from India as also China, to Seychelles, SriLankan Airlines on Thursday launched its inaugural service to the Indian Ocean archipelago nation. SriLankan Flight UL 0707 touched down at Seychelles International Airport shortly after noon on Thursday and was greeted with a water cannon salute amid torrential rains. "It is very important for us to reach out to major (tourism) source markets like India and China," Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Alain St Ange said soon after the SriLankan flight from Colombo touched down. "SriLankan can play a very important role in this," he said. Tourism contributes to 80 percent of the Seychelles' revenue, exports of tuna fish being the other major source. The country comprises 115 islands of which Mahe, on which capital Victoria is situated, Praslin and La-Digue are the three biggest ones According to the minister, this year, till date, over 7,000 Indian tourists have visited this exotic tropical tourist destination. "SriLankan's operations will help us reach out to a much larger market as they have operations to much more Indian destinations than Air Seychelles," Ange told IANS. He said Seychelles wanted Indians not only as tourists and for holding weddings but also for film shooting as "we provide readymade outdoor shooting sets". According to Siva Ramachandran, Chief Commercial Officer of SriLankan, his airline operates 107 flights to different destinations in India per week, and is planning to increase this number further next year. "The idea is to develop Sri Lanka and Seychelles as top tourist destinations and tap the key markets of India and China," he said. "We are also looking to increase trade between Sri Lanka and Seychelles as that will increase the business traffic well." Ramachandran said that direct connectivity to a large country like India would help develop the economies of the small island nations of the region as well. "We see India as an extended home market for us. "We want to work with Air India and Jet Airways in other domestic routes in India as well," he added. (Aroonim Bhuyan visited Seychelles at the invitation of SriLankan Airlines. He can be contacted at aroonim.b@ians.in) --IANS ab/vd Bangladesh police arrest militants who supplied arms for cafe attack Bangladesh,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS Dhaka, Nov 3 (IANS) Bangladesh police on Thursday claimed to have arrested four persons belonging to banned militant outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), who allegedly supplied arms for the Gulshan terror attack, media reports said. Police spokesperson Masudur Rahman said the arrests were made from the capital's Darus Salam area late on Wednesday and identified them as Abu Taher, 37, Mizanur Rahman, 34, Selim Mia, 45 and Toufiqul Islam, 32. All of them belong to Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Rahman told bdnews24.com. "Almost 800 detonators and a 9mm pistol have been found during the raid," he said. During initial investigation, the suspects confessed to smuggling weapons and explosives across the border near Chapainawabganj, the senior police official said. The suspects also confessed that JMB's Chapainawabganj unit chief Mizanur Rahman supplied weapons and explosives to Gulshan cafe attack mastermind Tamim Chowdhury and Nurul Islam. On July 1, 2016, five militants took hostages and opened fire on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan, killing 29 persons, mostly foreigners including 19-year-old Indian Tarishi Jain. --IANS vgu/rn May speaks to Modi ahead of India visit Delhi,National,Diplomacy, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) Ahead of her visit, British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday made a telephone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during which the two leaders discussed the scope for strengthening the bilateral relationship, an official statement said. The statement said the two Prime Ministers exchanged greetings on the occasion of the festival of Diwali, which was celebrated on Sunday. "Both leaders agreed that there is substantial scope for further strengthening bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, including Science & Technology, Finance, Trade & Investment, and Defence & Security," the statement said. Prime Minister Modi said he is looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister May in India next week, which will be her first substantive bilateral visit outside Europe. May will undertake a three-day visit to India from November 6-8, in her first bilateral visit outside Europe. --IANS ao/rn Rahul 'detained' by police from Congress protest march Delhi,National,Politics,Defence/Security, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said he was "detained" by Delhi Police on Thursday as his party took out a protest march from Jantar Mantar against "disrespect" to the family of an ex-Indian Army subedar who committed suicide. Police however denied any such action. Gandhi said he was restrained soon after he reached the venue of protest march which is to culminate at India Gate. "They are not taking me to the police station so we are sitting here," he said pointing to the car he was in with party MP Jyotiraditya Scindia. "I was told that I am being taken away as Section 144 (of the Criminal Procedure Code) was imposed here," he told reporters. He slammed the Narendra Modi government, saying it "should show respect to the family" of the ex-soldier Ram Kishan Grewal who committed suicide on Tuesday over the issue of One Rank One Pension (OROP). The Congress leader said that family of the deceased soldier had been "disrespected" and its members were detained by the police on Wednesday. "I am demanding apology from the government as they have manhandled, abused, threatened and beaten up the family of ex-soldier in front of me in the hospital and police station. They were humilated," he said. The 70-year-old former Rajputana Rifles subedar had committed suicide here on Tuesday evening. He was demanding immediate implementation of OROP scheme. Congress leader Manish Tewari told IANS that police detaining Gandhi was "highly undemocratic." "If there was violation for Section 144 why Rahul Gandhi detained alone?" he asked. He also said that the government is trying to subvert all such peaceful protests. Meanwhile, police refuted the Congress party's claims, saying that they have not detained Gandhi. --IANS aks-ao/ps/vd/vm Air quality alarming, Delhi faces worst smog in 17 years Delhi,National,Environment/Wildlife, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) As the air quality in Delhi remained severe for the seventh consecutive day on Thursday, experts said the the smog that enveloped the national capital a day before was worse in the last 17 years. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), visibility at Safdarjung and Palam on Thursday between 11.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. was 400 and 500 metres respectively due to smog. At around 5.30 a.m., the visibility at Safdarjung was 50 metres, but due to fog. Based on the IMD data, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) experts pitched for emergency steps to save people from respiratory and heart diseases. The emergency steps, they suggested, includes staying indoors. "The government should aggressively advise people to stay indoors and avoid outdoor exercises. At the same time, it should roll out stringent winter pollution control from all sources along with emergency action," says Anumita Roychowdhury, head of CSE's air pollution division. As per the experts, unending burning of paddy stubble in Punjab, Harayana and Uttar Pradesh, low winds and pollution during Diwali and other sources of pollution along with weather-related factors led to such abnormal levels of smog. As per meteorological scientists, there was virtually no wind in the vertical column, which is expected to persist for a few more days. "Satellite images from National Aeronautics and Space Administration's fire mapper have showed that paddy burning in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have increased after Diwali. "The images clearly revealed that after October 30, crop residue burning in these states became more aggressive, which contributed to the severe smog in the national capital," the CSE said. On Wednesday, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport recorded the worst smog in 17 years with visibility as low as 300-400 metres. Data from Delhi Pollution Control Committee shows that the levels of PM2.5 (particulate matters with diameter less than 2.5 mm) have increased by 62.7 per cent on November 2 as compared with that on Diwali. On November 2, the levels were 9.4 times the standard norms. Urging the central government to intervene as it would take several state governments to work together, experts suggest the ailing persons to stay indoors and cautioned people to avoid outdoor execises for a few days. "Delhi needs an effective winter pollution mitigation plan that can make a difference. Without strong action, smog is only expected to get worse this winter at serious public health costs," Roychowdhury added. --IANS kd/tsb/vm Mukherjee feted at civic reception in Kathmandu Nepal,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Diplomacy, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS Kathmandu, Nov 3 (IANS) Visiting Indian President Pranab Mukherjee was feted by the people of Kathmandu at a civic reception on Thursday. Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office Chief and Executive Officer Rudra Singh Tamang handed over a 'Key of the Kathmandu City' to Mukherjee for his contribution for enhancing Nepal-India ties while working in various capacities in the India government and always keeping Nepal at priority. The president was also gifted with a replica of the wooden door and idol of Manjushree, a legendary deity, who is believed to have cut the gorge at Chobar to allow human settlement in the valley. Kathmandu is not only the city of politics and but it is also the capital of spiritualism, said Mukherjee after the civic reception, noting that for religious and cultural aspects, it holds significant space. This is the second time the metropolis has offered such a high-level honour. In 1998, the city had organised such a reception programme for then Indian President K.R. Narayanan during his official visit. Addressing the programme, Mukherjee expressed his gratitude towards KMC for organising the civic reception. "It is a great privilege for me to visit historic and holy city of Kathmandu, I am overwhelmed by the warmth given by Kathmandu," said Mukherjee. During his 10 minute speech, he praised the abundant beauty of Nepal, its rich culture and religion. "This visit has become more of a pilgrimage for me," he said, adding that Nepal and India "also share common cultures and we are committed for strengthening our close ties further". Wishing success for the implementation of the new Constitution promulgated last year, Mukherjee said that India's support will always be there as Nepal embarks on its journey as a federal, democratic republic --IANS giri/vd Rahul Gandhi 'detained', taken around city for 2 hours, let off Delhi,National,Politics,Defence/Security, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi was allegedly "detained" by Delhi Police on Thursday again and taken around the city for a few hours, before being let off. Upset at this, a close Gandhi aide filed a kidnapping complaint with police, which was however not entertained. "Rahul Gandhi was let off at the Tughlaq Road police station. He was not detained but stopped from moving towards the India Gate from Jantar Mantar," a senior police official told IANS. Party sources said Gandhi's aide Kanishka Singh submitted a complaint to police that they had detained the Congress leader from Jantar Mantar but did not take him to the police station and instead kept on moving him around Delhi in a police vehicle for about two hours. The police did not entertain the complaint on the pretext that there were no orders to this effect from senior officers, the sources said. "If this is the situation faced by a Member of Parliament, imagine what will be happening with the common man," Gandhi remarked after he was let off. Gandhi said he was detained as his party took out a protest march from Jantar Mantar against the "disrespect" shown to the family of ex-Indian Army subedar Ram Kishan Grewal who committed suicide on Tuesday. Police denied that they had detained him. Gandhi said he was restrained soon after he reached the venue of the protest march which was to culminate at India Gate. "They are not taking me to the police station, so we are sitting here," Gandhi said pointing to the car he was in along with party MP Jyotiraditya Scindia. "I am told I am being taken away as Section 144 (of the Criminal Procedure Code) was imposed here," he told reporters. He slammed the Narendra Modi government, saying it "should show respect to the family" of Grewal who committed suicide over the issue of One Rank One Pension (OROP). The Congress leader said the bereaved family had been "disrespected" and its members detained by the police on Wednesday. "I am demanding the government's apology as they have manhandled, abused, threatened and beaten up the family in front of me in the hospital and police station. They were humiliated," he said. Congress leader Manish Tewari told IANS that detention of Gandhi was "highly undemocratic". "If there was violation of Section 144, why was Rahul Gandhi alone detained?" he asked. He said the government is trying to subvert all peaceful protests. On Wednesday, Delhi Police had detained Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi was detained twice during the day. --IANS aks-am/tsb/rn India-Pakistan ties hit new low over 'spying' allegations, 'tit for tat' moves (Roundup) Delhi,National,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Terrorism,Diplomacy, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi/Islamabad, Nov 3 (IANS) India-Pakistan relations tumbled to a new low as Islamabad on Thursday named eight Indian High Commission officials for alleged spying, which India rejected as "baseless and unsubstantiated" and as part of the neighbours's "tit for tat" move after a Pakistani official was caught "red-handed" for spying. As the Pakistani media flashed the names and photographs of the eight Indian officials in Islamabad, which the Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria confirmed later, in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said India "protests strongly" against Islamabad's move to publicly name and put up photographs of the officials, four of who are diplomatic passport holders. "This is against basic norms of diplomatic practice and courtesy," he said. Rejecting Pakistan's allegations of the men as belonging to Indian intelligence agencies RAW and IB, Swarup said: "We completely reject the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations made by Pakistan against certain officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The government categorically denies those allegations." He also said that Mehmood Akhtar, the Pakistan High Commission official who was detained last week for allegedly running a spy network as part of the Inter Services Intelligence, has revealed "sensitive information" about "anti-India activities" being carried out with connivance of Pakistan High Commission officials. Swarup said it was "regrettable" that Pakistani authorities chose to level these allegations against the Indians after deciding to recall, "on their own", six officials of the Pakistan High Commission. He said some of them "may have been named" by Akhtar, who was caught "red handed last week while indulging in anti-India activities". Asked about revelations made by Akhtar, Swarup said he has "revealed to us rather sensitive information about the kind of anti-India activities that were going on in this country with the connivance of officials of the Pakistan High Commission and our security agencies are currently seized of the matter and we will get to the bottom of it". The spokesperson totally rejected the allegations against the Indian officials by Islamabad. "The allegations against the Indian officials represent an after-thought and a crude attempt to target these officials for no fault of theirs," he said. "We regard this as an unfortunate incident. Pakistan is resorting to tit for tat without any real case against these officials, and we hope that such incidents do not recur in the future." Asked if the eight officials will be brought back, Swarup said the Indian government will take a decision soon "keeping their safety in mind". "A decision will be taken by government keeping their safety in mind. It is a procedural issue, and a decision will be taken soon," he said. The spokesperson added that the officials there were working on promoting peace between India and Pakistan. "We expect the Pakistan government to take all steps to ensure the safety of these officials," Swarup said. Pakistan said the eight Indian High Commission officials were involved in "coordinating terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan", a day after six Pakistani officials of the high commission in New Delhi were called back. Zakaria, in his weekly press briefing, named the Indian officials as Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri, Commerical Counsellor "and RAW station chief", Anurag Singh, First Commercial Secretary, Amardeep Singh Bhatti, Attache Visa, Dharmendra Sodhi, staff member, Vijay Kumar Verma, staff, Madhavan Nanda Kumar, staff, and "suspected IB operatives", Balbir Singh, First Secretary - Press and Information and "IB station chief", Jayabalan Senthil, Assistant Personnel Welfare Officer. "All these eight officials were involved in espionage, subversion and supporting of terrorist activities," he said. The FO spokesman also said that the Indian diplomatic staff "also handled Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) factions". Last week, Pakistan had declared Indian High Commission official Surjeet Singh persona non grata and given him 48 hours to leave the country. Singh's expulsion followed within hours of Mehboob Akhtar's expulsion. In March, Pakistan said it had arrested a "serving Indian naval intelligence officer" Kulbhushan Jadhav in Balochistan for allegedly working for RAW. India however said that he was no longer in service. Swarup termed the support to terror by Pakistan as the root cause of problems between the two nations. "Root cause of problem between India and Pakistan is Pakistan's support to cross border terrorism and its promotion as an element of state policy. "It is important for Pakistan to desist from those policies which are failed policies which have led to its diplomatic isolation... Unless that happens relationship between two countries will continue to remain like this," he said. --IANS ao/rn/vd IAF successfully lands C-17 aircraft at high altitude near China border Delhi,National,Defence/Security, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) The IAF has succeeded in short-field landing of the mighty C-17 Globemaster aircraft at high-altitude Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunchal Pradesh near the border with China, an official statement said. This underlined yet again the Indian Air Force's capability to reach out to the remote ALG located at Mechuka in the Yargyap river valley of West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, just 29 km from the India-China border, it said. The ALG, situated at an altitude of 6,200 feet with a landing surface of only 4,200 feet, was recently upgraded. The road connectivity to the nearest air/rail head at Dibrugarh, about 500 km away, is generally involves two days of travel, if the roads are not damaged due to frequent landslides. "This is a quantum jump from the existing capability of AN-32 and C-130J aircraft. Such airlift capability facilitates speedy transfer of men and material in this rugged terrain, interspersed with valleys and high mountain ranges that inhibit road connectivity. "In the event of a disaster in the region, C-17 operations to the remote ALG can enhance the speed and quantum of national relief effort," said the IAF statement. The IAF said it has plans to validate airlift operations to and from various ALGs in the region that would usher in a new dimension in enhanced disaster response. "This trial landing is expected to pave the way for operation of civil flights operating to and from the newly upgraded ALGs, which hold enormous potential to boost tourism by improving connectivity to remote locations in the north-east," the statement said. --IANS spk/tsb/vd 3 killed in Thai attacks Thailand,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS Bangkok, Nov 3 (IANS) At least three people were killed in a string of attacks in three southern Thai provinces after the arrival of a government negotiation delegation, the military said on Thursday. A dozen attacks, including bombings, shootings and arson on Wednesday night, struck the provinces of Songkhla, Narathiwat and Pattani, deputy spokesperson of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Yutthana Petchmuang told Efe news. Two victims were security guards at a car showroom in Songkhla, who were shot by members of an Islamic insurgency group that previously detonated a bomb on the premises. The third victim was a soldier who was killed when four gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on a military facility in Pattani. The deputy spokesperson added that three other people were slightly injured in an attack in Songkhla's Thepa district, while local media reported that two more were wounded in a bomb blast at an ATM in Pattani. One of the attacks was reported in Pattani's Nong Chik district, a military base where members of the cabinet, led by former army chief and junta member Udomdej Sitabutr, were staying. This delegation met hours before with local religious leaders to discuss the peace dialogue in the region. In August, four people were killed and about thirty were wounded in a wave of bombings at major tourist destinations in the south of the country. The Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), the largest armed rebel group, later claimed responsibility for the August attacks. --IANS ksk/vt Share Today is the big day, and Im not talking about the aftermath of the Cubs World Series win. No, what Im referring to here is the fact that, at long last, it appears that today is that day that Nokia will own 100 percent of Alcatel-Lucent (News - Alert). That is set to happen today following a so-called squeeze-out, Nokia has announced. The company has acquired 56,675,006 shares, 6,739,391 bonds that can be converted following Jan. 30, 2019, and 4,907,451 bonds that can be converted starting on Jan. 30, 2020 as part of its public buy-out offer for Alcatel-Lucents remaining shares and OCEANEs. Nokia (News - Alert) said, The squeeze-out of all remaining Alcatel-Lucent Shares and OCEANEs not tendered into the Public Buy-Out Offer occurs today (the Squeeze-Out, and together with the Public Buy-Out Offer, the "Offer"). In the Squeeze-Out, the Shares and OCEANEs not tendered into the Public Buy-Out Offer will be transferred to Nokia for the same consideration as the consideration of the Public Buy-Out Offer, i.e., EUR 3.50 per Alcatel-Lucent Share, EUR 4.51 per 2019 OCEANE and EUR 4.50 per 2020 OCEANE, net of all costs. The company announced its plans to buy Alcatel-Lucent last April. The deal closed Jan. 14 of this year. Together, Alcatel-Lucent and Nokia intend to lead in next-generation network technology and services, with the scope to create seamless connectivity for people and things wherever they are, Nokia President and CEO Rajeev Suri (News - Alert) said at the time. Our innovation capability will be extraordinary, bringing together the R&D engine of Nokia with that of Alcatel-Lucent and its iconic Bell Labs (News - Alert). We will continue to combine this strength with the highly efficient, lean operations needed to compete on a global scale. The combination of these two network infrastructure giants is just one of the many changes data and telecom equipment manufacturers are undergoing in light of the movement toward more open and software-centric networking. Edited by Alicia Young Share Things are heating up in India as more cellular service providers move to introduce voice over LTE (News - Alert) services. Reliance Jio is already in the market with Nokia-powered VoLTE running over its all-IP network. And just recently Airtel extended its relationship with Nokia, awarding the supplier with a $60 million contract to support VoLTE. (The previous contract between Airtel (News - Alert) and Nokia was smaller and related to VoLTE testing.) ET Telecom earlier this year noted that Vodafone was also working to address the Reliance Jio challenge by forging its own relationship with Nokia (News - Alert). Nokia has become the only vendor to have provided IP multimedia system solution for VoLTE services to all the big 4G LTE telecom service providers in India, according to ET Telecom. Nokia's NFV-based IMS solution will not only allow these telcos to launch VoLTE, but would also enable them to launch RCS and other multimedia communications services going forward. With VoLTE, cellular service providers can deliver voice on the same network as data. VoLTE also means voice calls are in HD, which means better clarity. And once VoLTE is in place, a wide variety of value-added services are possible of cellular networks, Jim Machi, senior vice president of product management and marketing at Dialogic (News - Alert) Inc., notes. Enterprises still need to host conferences, so conferences that can be on-demand would provide value, Machi says. Adding video to a voice conference, and enabling collaboration to that conference, would be even better. Expanding out a traditional service like this is a good example of a [value-added service] that a service provider could offer and get paid for. .... Call recording is becoming the norm for just about everything now, so cloud-based call recording is clearly a value-add. Adding video to the IVR in the form of visual IVR is also an example of a service that would need to be added. Edited by Alicia Young We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Princess Lalla Salma, Spouse of King Mohammed VI, took part in Paris in the world counter-cancer conference, which is held by The International Union against Cancer (UICC) in collaboration with the French league against cancer. More than 3,500 experts and activists engaged in the fight against cancer gathered in the French capital to shed light on the organizations, institutions and foundations around the world championing the cause. The opening session of the conference, to wind up on Thursday, was attended by Frances Francois Hollande as well as other royal dignitaries among whom Jordanian Princess Dina Mired and Spanish Keen Letizia. Pior to the conference, Princess Lalla Salma, Chairwoman of the Lalla Salma Foundation for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, attended the World Summit of Cancer Leaders in the French capital. Princess Lalla Salma received recently the Portuguese Tribute Award of the third Bal de la Riviera in recognition of her initiatives to fight and prevent cancer at home and abroad. Enhanced security measures were taken by Moroccan security services under the direct supervision of Abdellatif Hammouchi, head of Moroccos domestic intelligence agency (DGST), in Marrakech in prevision of the Climate Summit COP22, said Moroccos daily, Al Ahdath. The Moroccan police (DGSN) prepared 10,000 of its members to ensure the security of the climate summit, according to a proactive and anticipatory approach. The 10,000 policemen from different police districts underwent a training designed to reinforce their professionalism and responsiveness ahead of the global climate event, Al Ahdath and other local papers said. During the training, special attention was given to the use of sophisticated metal detection material as well as boosting alertness and rapid response to risks. In tandem with strengthening police capabilities, authorities installed surveillance cameras to bolster security measures. Al Ahdath also reported that Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will be present in Marrakech during the COP22 summit. The FBI will boost security measures aiming at ensuring protection for the large American delegation taking part in the Climate summit, with the possible attendance of President Barack Obama or his Vice President Joe Biden. Security agents from other countries including France, Germany and Great Britain are also present in Marrakech to bolster the security of their respective delegations, the same paper added. Moroccan Security authorities Wednesday announced they thwarted terror plans after investigations, following the recent arrest of a terrorist, revealed that the man had planned to attack sensitive targets with a suicide belt. A statement from the interior ministry pointed out that a suspected Islamic State group (IS) sympathizer arrested on October 24 in the city of Tiflet was planning to use a suicide belt in order to kill several people. The suspect was preparing a chemical mixture to be used for the production of a suicide belt in view of perpetrating a suicide attack against a sensitive target in Morocco, the statement said. The statement added that scientific investigations revealed that the ingredient seized was a flammable chemical substance used in detonating explosive charges. Morocco has appeared on IS short list of targets after it enabled the arrest of several members of the terrorist group in Europe. Scores of IS militants have been arrested in the North African country. The interior ministry said its counter-terrorism squad had also seized other elements such as electrical material used to manufacture bombs capable of causing significant damage during the blast. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images The most frustrating aspect of the last 12 months has been the notion that we have been in a normal, if truly ugly, election cycle, with one extremely colorful and unpredictable figure leading the Republican Party in an otherwise conventional political struggle over policy. It has been clear for months now, it seems to me, that this is a delusion. A far more accurate account of the past year is that an openly proto-fascist cult leader has emerged to forge a popular movement that has taken over one of the major political parties, eroded central norms of democratic life, undermined American democratic institutions, and now stands on the brink of seizing power in Washington. I made this argument at length in April, when Donald Trump was on the brink of securing the nomination. Everything that has happened since has only made my fears more pressing. I find myself wondering if I have lost my marbles. It seems far too melodramatic. I am an emotional character I feared that Obama might have thrown the election away in the first debate in 2012 and there are times in discussions with friends when the catastrophic scenarios weve been airing seem like something out of a dystopian mini-series designed for paranoids. Please, therefore, discount the following as the product of an excitable outlier if you see fit. I sure hope youre right. But as it seems more evident by the day that Donald Trump could very well become the next president of the United States, it is worth simply reiterating the evidence in front of our nose that this republic is in serious danger. This is what we now know. Donald Trump is the first candidate for president who seems to have little understanding of or reverence for constitutional democracy and presents himself as a future strongman. This begins with his character if that word could possibly be ascribed to his disturbed, unstable, and uncontrollable psyche. He has revealed himself incapable of treating other people as anything but instruments to his will. He seems to have no close friends, because he can tolerate no equals. He never appears to laugh, because that would cede a recognition to anothers fleeting power over him. He treats his wives and his children as mere extensions of his power, and those who have resisted the patriarch have been exiled, humiliated, or bought off. His relationship to men from his school days to the primary campaign is rooted entirely in dominance and mastery, through bullying, intimidation, and, if necessary, humiliation. His relationship to women is entirely a function of his relationship to men: Women are solely a means to demonstrate his superiority in the alpha-male struggle. Women are to be pursued, captured, used, assaulted, or merely displayed to other men as an indication of his superiority. His response to any difficult relationship is to end it, usually by firing or humiliating or ruining someone. His core, motivating idea is the punishment or mockery of the weak and reverence for the strong. He cannot apologize or accept responsibility for failure. He has long treated the truth as entirely instrumental to his momentary personal interests. Setbacks of any kind can only be assuaged by vindictive, manic revenge. He has no concept of a non-zero-sum engagement, in which a deal can be beneficial for both sides. A win-win scenario is intolerable to him, because mastery of others is the only moment when he is psychically at peace. (This is one reason why he cannot understand the entire idea of free trade or, indeed, NATO, or the separation of powers.) In any conflict, he cannot ever back down; he must continue to up the ante until the danger to everyone around him is so great as to demand their surrender. From his feckless business deals and billion-dollar debts to his utter indifference to the damage he has done to those institutions unfortunate enough to engage him, he has shown no concern for the interests of other human beings. Just ask the countless people he has casually fired, or the political party he has effectively destroyed. He has violated and eroded the core norms that make liberal democracy possible because such norms were designed precisely to guard against the kind of tyrannical impulses and pathological narcissism he personifies. Anyone paying attention knew this before he conquered the Republican Party. Look at what has happened since then. He sees the judicial system as entirely subordinate to his political and personal interests, and impugned a federal judge for his ethnicity. He has accused the Justice Department and FBI of a criminal conspiracy to protect Hillary Clinton. He has refused to accept in advance the results of any election in which he loses. He has openly argued for government persecution of newspapers that oppose him pledging to open up antitrust prosecution against the Washington Post, for example. He is the first candidate in American history to subject the press pool to mob hatred disgusting, disgusting people and anti-Semitic poison from his foulest supporters. He is the first candidate in American history to pledge to imprison his election opponent if he wins power. He has mused about using nuclear weapons in regional wars. He has celebrated police powers that openly deploy racial profiling. His favorite foreign leader is a man who murders journalists, commits war crimes, uses xenophobia and warfare to cement his political standing, and believes in the dismemberment of both NATO and the European Union. Nor has he rejected any of his most odious promises during the primary from torturing prisoners even if it doesnt work to murdering the innocent family members of terror suspects to rounding up several million noncitizens to declaring war on an entire religion, proposing to create a database to monitor its adherents and bar most from entering the country. We are told we cannot use the term fascist to describe this. Im at a loss to find a more accurate alternative. The Establishments of both right and left have had many opportunities to stop him and have failed by spectacular displays of cowardice, narrow self-interest, and bewilderment. The right has been spectacularly craven. Trump has no loyalty to the party apparatus that has elevated him to a possible victory next Tuesday declaring war on the Speaker of the House, attacking the RNC whenever it fails to toady to him, denigrating every single rival Republican candidate, even treating his own vice-presidential nominee as someone he can openly and contemptuously contradict with impunity. And yet that party, like the conservative parties in Weimar Germany, has never seen fit to anathematize him, only seeking to exploit his followers in the vain and foolish delusion that they can control him in the future in ways they have not been able to in the past. The Republican media complex have enabled and promoted his lies and conspiracy theories and, above all, his hysteria. From the poisonous propaganda of most of Fox News to the internet madness of the alt-right, they have all made a fortune this past decade by describing the world as a hellhole of chaos and disorder and crime for which the only possible solution is a third-world strongman. The Republicans in Washington complemented this picture of crisis by a policy of calculated obstruction to every single measure a Democratic president has attempted, rendering the Congress so gridlocked that it has been incapable of even passing a budget without constitutional crisis, filling a vacant Supreme Court seat, or reforming a health-care policy in pragmatic fashion. They have risked the nations very credit rating to vent their rage. They have helped reduce the public support of the central democratic institution in American government, the Congress, to a consistently basement level never seen before another disturbing analogy to the discredited democratic parliaments of the 1930s. The Republicans have thereby become a force bent less on governing than on destroying the very institutions that make democracy and the rule of law possible. They have not been conservative in any sane meaning of that term for many, many years. They are nihilist revolutionaries of the far right in search of a galvanizing revolutionary leader. And they have now found their man. For their part, the feckless Democrats decided to nominate one of the most mediocre, compromised, and Establishment figures one can imagine in a deeply restless moment of anxiety and discontent. They knew full well that Hillary Clinton is incapable of inspiring, of providing reassurance, or of persuading anyone who isnt already in her corner, and that her self-regard and privilege and money-grubbing have led her into the petty scandals that have been exploited by the tyrants massive lies. The staggering decision by FBI director James Comey to violate established protocol and throw the election into chaos to preserve his credibility with the far right has ripped open her greatest vulnerability her caginess and deviousness while also epitomizing the endgame of the chaos that the GOP has sought to exploit. Comey made the final days of the election about her. And if this election is a referendum on Clinton, she loses. Yes, she has shrewdly deployed fear against fear but she is running against the master of fear. The Democrats, with the exception of Obama, have long been unable to marshal emotion as a political weapon, advancing a bloodless rationalism that has never been a match for the tribal national passions of the right. Clintons rallies have been pale copies of the bloodthirsty mobs Trump has marshaled and whipped into ever-higher states of frenzy. In every debate, she won on points, but I fear she failed to offer a compelling, simple, and positive reason for her candidacy. Only a party utterly divorced from half the country it seeks to represent could have made such a drastic error of hubris and complacency. Some including many who will be voting for Trump will argue that even if the unstable, sleepless, vindictive tyrant wins on Tuesday, he will be restrained by the system when he seizes power. Lets game this out for a moment. Over the last year, which forces in the GOP have been able to stand up to him? Even his closest aides have been unable to get him to concentrate before a debate. He set up a policy advisory apparatus and then completely ignored it until it was disbanded. His foreign-policy advisers can scarcely be found. He says he knows more than any general, any diplomat, and anyone with actual experience in government. He has declared his chief adviser to be himself. Even the criminal Richard Nixon was eventually restrained and dispatched by a Republican Establishment that still knew how to run the country and had a loyalty to broader American institutions. Such an Establishment no longer exists. More to the point, if Trump wins, he will almost certainly bring with him the House, the Senate, and the Supreme Court. A President Clinton will be checked and balanced. A President Trump will be pushing through wide-open doors. Who can temper or stop him then? A Speaker who reveals the slightest inclination to resist him will be swiftly dispatched or subjected to a very credible threat of being primaried. If the military top brass resist his belief in unpredictable or unethical or unlawful warfare, they will surely be fired. As for the administration of justice, he has openly declared his intent to use the power of the government to put his political opponent in jail. As for a free society, he has threatened to do what he can to put his media opponents into receivership. What is so striking is that this requires no interpretation, no reading of the tea leaves. Trump has told Americans all of this again and again in plain English. His own temperamental instability has been displayed daily and in gory detail. From time to time, you can see his poll ratings plummet as revelations that would permanently sink any other candidate have dented his appeal. And then he resiliently and unstoppably moves back up. His bond with his supporters is absolute, total, and personal. It was months ago that he boasted that he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and his supporters would still be with him. And he was right. This is not a mark of a democratic leader; it is a mark of an authoritarian cult. It is also, critically, a function of his platform. Fascism has never been on the ballot in America before. No candidate this close to power has signaled more clearly than Trump that he is a white-nationalist candidate determined to fight back against the browning of America. As mass immigration has changed the demographic identity of the soon-to-be majority-minority country with remarkable speed, and as those made uncomfortable by such drastic change have been dismissed as mere bigots and racists, Trump offers an electrifying hope of revenge and revanchism. The fire he has lit will not be easily doused. If his policies lead to an economic downswing, he will find others to blame and conspiracies to flush out. If there is Republican resistance to his pledges to roll back free trade, he will call on his base to pressure the leadership to surrender. And if one of his first moves is to abandon the Iran nuclear deal, we will be hurtling rather quickly to a military confrontation, as Iran rushes to build a nuke before Trump can launch military attacks to thwart them. That rush to war would empower him still further. Yes, he is an incompetent, a dilettante, a man who doesnt know what he doesnt know. Many of his moves will probably lead to a nose-dive in support. But Trump cannot admit error and will need to deny it or scapegoat others or divert public attention. Those diversions could well be deeply destabilizing and galvanized by events. There will doubtless be another incident between police and an unarmed black man under a Trump presidency. Rather than calm the nation, Trump will inflame it. There will be an Islamist terror attack of some kind and possibly a wave of such attacks in response to his very election. Trump will exploit it with the subtlety of a Giuliani and the brutality of a Putin. I have long had faith that some version of fascism cannot come to power in America. The events of the past year suggest deep reflection on that conviction. A political hurricane has arrived, as globalization has eroded the economic power of the white working classes, as the cultural left has overplayed its hand on social and racial issues, and as a catastrophic war and a financial crisis has robbed the elites of their credibility. As always in history, you still needed the spark, the unique actor who could deploy demagogic talent to drag an advanced country into violence and barbarism. In Trump, America found one for the ages. Maybe the worst wont happen on Tuesday. Maybe this catastrophist possible reading of our times is massively overblown. Maybe this short essay will be ridiculed in the future, as either Clinton wins and prevails in power, or if Trump turns out to be a far different president than he has been as a candidate. I sure hope so. But the fact that we may barely avoid a very deep crisis does not mitigate my anxiety. To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, we live in a republic, if we can keep it. And yet, more than two centuries later, we are openly contemplating throwing it up in the air and seeing where it might land. Do what you can. Photo: Jin Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images Update: NYU has released emails that support its side of the dispute see the note at the end of this article. Over the last few days, anti-political-correctness conservatives have been clanging the alarm bells over what they say is an egregious act of liberal totalitarianism perpetrated by administrators at New York University. Anti-SJW Professor Forced Out at New York University, went the Breitbart headline. NYU professor who blasted PC culture is booted from classroom, said Fox News. There were similar contributions from Heat Street and a number of the other usual suspects. The story centers on Michael Rectenwald, a 57-year-old untenured professor of liberal studies at NYU, who was, in fact, recently placed on paid leave for the rest of the semester. That much we know. Beyond that, though, things are fuzzy lurking below the angry headlines and takes and tweets is a fair bit of ambiguity. What is clear, though, is that this is a rather zany example of the increasingly loud and insufferable campus culture wars playing out around the country. Lets start at the beginning. Since early September, Rectenwald has been tweeting from the account @antipcnyuprof, or Deplorable NYU Prof. Initially tweeting pseudonymously, Rectenwald used the account to rail against what he sees as over-the-top illiberal p.c. norms on campus, and he has done so in a rather, well, over-the-top way: The identity politics left: they need a safe space that is at once a hall of mirrors and a rubber room. Michael Rectenwald (@antipcnyuprof) October 11, 2016 Nailed them. He also engaged in what appeared to be some sort of simulated court proceeding with a possibly imaginary SJW interlocutor: My closing statement to Social Justice Warrior at some "elite" university: Why don't go to a safe space and tend to your obv psychic wounds? Michael Rectenwald (@antipcnyuprof) September 15, 2016 In addition, Rectenwald promised that those who helped him build up an online following would be rewarded when he cracked open NYUs seemingly innocuous artsy, druggy shell to reveal the foul viscous yolk of SJW corruption within: I'm a real full-time NYU prof who has inside stories that will blow yr mind. When I reach 500 followers the flood gates open. Pls help. Thx. Michael Rectenwald (@antipcnyuprof) September 15, 2016 Coming: EXPLOSIVE proof of uni admins' malfeasance hiring, promoting & protecting #frauds solely bc of identity & that's 1/2 of it! #idpol. Michael Rectenwald (@antipcnyuprof) September 17, 2016 In a moment of less-than-stellar judgment given the widespread perception that NYU has a worse-than-average suicide problem, Rechtenwald even suggested, jokingly, that it would be funny if a Trump victory led to some students killing themselves: What if Trump triggers a few hundred thousand liberal totalitarians to jump out of their dorm windows? one can only hope. #TriggerWarning Deplorable NYU Prof (@antipcnyuprof) September 27, 2016 Overall, Rectenwald used his account, in proud social-media fashion, less to make substantive or reasonable, falsifiable arguments about campus activist and p.c. culture and more to do his best impression of a Breitbart commenter. He adopted a worldview in which the modern college campus has descended into a liberal-totalitarian state of nature, in which free speech is under such intense attack that these campuses might as well be controlled by ISIS, in which students dont learn anything but how to report microaggression incidents to bias response teams composed of androgynous-looking critical-theory scholars. Not surprisingly, by doing so, Rectenwald was able to pick up some Twitter followers and likes and retweets from the alt-right and others invested in fighting against p.c. culture online (though his profile never got all that huge hes at about 2,800 now). He was their man on the inside. Rectenwald wasnt deep undercover or anything. As Inside Higher Ed points out in its helpful write-up, it wouldnt have been too difficult for a sleuth to make the connection between Deplorable NYU Prof and Rectenwald given that there were overlap tweets between the former and Rectenwalds primary Twitter account. But Rectenwald, after having kicked up a bit of a fuss with his account and his promises of bombshell disclosures, outed himself anyway, granting an October 24 interview to Diamond Naga Siu of the student paper Washington Square News. In that interview, Rectenwald echoed many of his claims about the insanity of campus politics and the totalitarianism of the campus left, though here and there he struck a more nuanced chord he said he understood the need for certain types of safe spaces, for example. He also served up plenty of new material for his growing ranks of critics. A cis, white, straight male like myself is guilty of something, he told Siu. I dont know what. But Im fucking sure Im guilty of it. And I am very low on the ethical totem pole, you know? Again with the imaginary trials! Overall, Rectenwald said, Identity politics on campus have made an infirmary of the whole, damn campus. Lets face it: every room is like a hospital ward. What are we supposed to do? Theres also a telling point in the interview that suggests that Rectenwald, who described himself to Siu as a left communist, doesnt entirely know how the internet works or what he has gotten himself into by inserting himself into the hyperkinetic social-media war where much of this discussion if you can call it that plays out. Asked why he adopted the label deplorable, which is what many Trump supporters call themselves online, Rectenwald responded, I got roped into all this when some Trump supporter retweeted something. I think Twitter is dangerous. Thats why Im hiding this character in the alt-right, because otherwise, the social justice warriors are going to come onto me like flies, and they can be so extreme. Makes sense? A seemingly ironclad law of the current campus culture wars is that for every dumb act of played-out conservative provocation in which an anti-p.c. warrior claims that oversensitive liberals get triggered too easily, there is a response from progressives that well, basically fits that stereotype. So it was here. Two days after that interview went up, Washington Square News published a letter to the editor written by a dozen Members of the Liberal Studies Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group at NYU, ranging from NYU undergraduates to administrators to faculty members situated in Rectenwalds department. Jumping off of Rectenwalds claim that he feels he is guilty of something by virtue of his majority white-dude status, the authors proceeded to say that, no, he isnt guilty of that, but he is guilty of a series of logical fallacies ranging from ad hominem claims to straw-man logic. Rectenwald, the authors argued, presumes on the basis of his flawed logic to be right. Its a common affliction of wrong people everywhere. Of course, in the campus culture wars, you cant just disagree with someone spouting tired anti-p.c. applause lines you have to also explain that by expressing their wrong opinion, they are hurting vulnerable people. Its an unfortunately common progressive tic, and it manifested itself in the letter (emphasis mine): Professor Rectenwalds rhetoric repeatedly suggests that mental illness invalidates the ideas and feelings of those who live with it. We categorically reject such rhetoric and its stigmatizing effects. We reject, too, Professor Rectenwalds efforts to gaslight those who would disagree with him and to silence responses to his incendiary rhetoric by dismissing claims before they are reasonably made. Gaslighting is a term used to describe when the perpetrator in an abusive relationship tries to convince his or her victim that their complaints are invalid and stem from psychological problems or full-blown insanity rather than legitimate grievances. The authors appear to have been referencing the fact that Rectenwald has called (what he see as) p.c. excess insane and so on a common English usage and that he has claimed campus oversensitivity is making students psychologically fragile, which is an argument that was presented in essay-length form in The Atlantic (and is one I happen to disagree with, for what its worth). By making these arguments publicly, the letters logic goes, Rechtenwald could be causing students who disagree with him to question their own sanity in a potentially psychologically devastating way. (If that is true, then maybe theres something to Rechtenwalds otherwise hysterical-sounding arguments about student fragility after all.) As for the charge that Rechtenwald is silenc[ing] responses to his incendiary rhetoric by dismissing claims before they are reasonably made, it is unclear how acting in a dismissive manner causes anyone to be silenced, and the authors of the letter, who by dint of their identity as anti-Rechtenwald letter signatories certainly werent silenced, didnt explain their reasoning. Or maybe their explanation was cut to make room so they could list more of the logical fallacies that Rechtenwald committed. Speaking of silencing and dismissal and gaslighting: According to Inside Higher Ed, the same day the letter appeared, Rectenwald was called into a meeting with his dean and a staff member from human relations. There, Rectenwald told the New York Post, They claimed they were worried about me and a couple people had expressed concern about my mental health. They suggested my voicing these opinions was a cry for help. Then they said I should leave and get help. NYU steadfastly denied this to Inside Higher Ed: We are puzzled by Rectenwalds statements, John Beckman, a university spokesperson, said. [His] leave is voluntary; it was not demanded by the university and is unconnected to his social media postings. He requested the leave, and we look forward to having him back when he is ready. Whatever caused Rectenwalds departure, Beckmans statement will certainly make it hard for NYU not to allow him to return to campus, if he wishes to do so. But in the meantime, there are so many questions: Will Rectenwald continue to promote his Deplorable NYU Prof online persona? Will far-right Breitbart fans continue to hoist him up as a courageous free-speech crusader despite his communist sympathies? Just how many NYU students will he gaslight, and how many logical fallacies will he commit, between now and when he next steps foot in a classroom and/or imaginary courtroom? Only time will tell. Daily Intelligencer has reached out to him for comment and will update this post if he responds. Update, 11/3: NYU has released a three-email correspondence between Rectenwald and Fred Schwarzbach, dean of his department. In the emails, Schwarzbach expresses dismay and confusion at how Rectenwald has portrayed the circumstances of his leave to various media outlets. His first email begins, I must tell you that I was surprised by public accounts you have given for your leave, in which you have either claimed you were forced to take leave or have left the implication that that was the case. Schwarzbach indicates to Rectenwald that Rectenwald was the one who requested leave. If he doesnt, in fact, want leave, Schwarzbach writes to him, please indicate so in writing to me immediately and we will make all the necessary arrangements to allow you to resume your classes and other duties immediately. Rectenwalds response contains a sentence that would appear to support the universitys account: I do intend to remain on leave and need it for the reasons discussed. He also accuses what appears to be a colleague the name is redacted by NYU of having been busy representing my putative mental health to various forums on Facebook and this is absolutely none of her business and in fact actionable legally. I would advise her to stop. At the very least, setting aside the other ambiguities here, it appears to be the case that Rectenwald was offered a chance to return to the classroom and turned it down. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images Back in February, Donald Trump refused to denounce former Klu Klux Klan leader David Duke or, just white supremacists in general until he had a chance to learn more about them. I know nothing about David Duke, Trump told CNN. I know nothing about white supremacists. And so youre asking me a question that Im supposed to be talking about people that I know nothing about. The Trump campaign later disavowed Dukes support. But the white supremacist has continued championing the Republican nominees campaign, nonetheless, while pursuing his own quixotic bid for a Senate seat. This week, Trump earned the endorsement of a KKK-affiliated newspaper, while CNN reported that the Klan plans to suppress African-American voting next week, to facilitate Trumps election. And so, when Eric Trump got his cue to repudiate Duke in a radio interview Wednesday, he made sure to issue his condemnation in the strongest possible terms. The guy does deserve a bullet, Trumps son told 630 KHOW Denver, as first reported by CNNs KFile. I mean, these arent good people. These are horrible people. In fact, I commend my father. My fathers the first Republican whos gone out and said, Listen, whats happened to the African-American community is horrible and Im going to take care of it. So the Trumps seem to be moving in the right direction here. But, generally speaking, when you want to communicate the sincerity of your opposition to political extremism, its best to avoid calling for the assassination of a Senate candidate. Weve seen this movie before, but it will be hard for Republicans to deny themselves a sequel. Photo: Joyce Naltchayan/AFP/Getty Images In a presidential contest where the most popular chant at rallies for one candidate is Lock her up!, it is impossible to ignore the question of what Republicans will do if Hillary Clinton is elected president while they maintain control of one or both chambers of Congress. The re-emergence of the subject of Clinton emails in the final stages of the campaign has led Republicans even those who strongly dislike their own presidential candidate to talk more and more confidently about the Democratic nominees alleged criminality. And that is starting to morph into talk of a second Clinton impeachment. For a while the I-word was thrown around with respect to HRC mostly by the same kind of conservative gabbers who thought Obama should be impeached as well. Here was Rush Limbaugh on October 5: Hillary Clinton is the most prepared to be impeached in advance of any presidential candidate this country has ever had! Hillary Clinton will be elected to be impeached By the way, Im not being glib. If elected, Hillary Clinton could be impeached based on what we already know, and theres plenty more yet to be discovered. Emails and other documents that could be used in impeachment proceedings are waiting to be found like Easter eggs laid out for 3-year-olds. That was well before Hillary-haters leaped to the conclusion that Anthony Weiners laptop contained conclusive proof of lawbreaking and lies about lawbreaking. Republicans in Congress are already promising a new wave of investigations of Clinton if they are in a position to launch them after November 8 in practice, that will simply mean maintaining control of the House, an outcome that looks nearly certain. And now open discussion of impeachment is oozing onto the campaign trail: Embattled Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) told a local Wisconsin paper on Monday that, if Hillary Clinton is elected, she should be impeached. I would say yes, high crime or misdemeanor, I believe she is in violation of both laws, Johnson told the Beloit Daily News in an interview published Tuesday. Johnson was referring to two laws related to gathering, transmission, or destruction of defense information or official government record. She purposefully circumvented it, Johnson said. This was willful concealment and destruction. Like most Republicans, Johnson is not inclined to defer to the FBIs judgment about the non-criminality of Clintons behavior in the email case. That was a corrupt conclusion, Johnson said of the FBI decision to recommend not bringing forth charges. If a senator fighting for his political life in a Democratic-leaning state is willing to speak blithely of a future impeachment based not on any future conduct but of deeds already committed, is there any chance House Republicans in safe seats will not eventually go there? Republicans may well tear each other apart in a struggle for the soul of their party if Trump loses. But they will remain united on one if only one topic: Hillary Clinton. It is significant that the politician already preparing to be Grand Inquisitor if Clinton is elected, House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), is a Republican who has said he cannot endorse or defend Trump but will vote for him anyway because the alternative is so unthinkable. As we learned during the first Clinton impeachment, the high crimes and misdemeanors standard for seeking to remove a president from office is vague enough to accommodate all sorts of real and perceived misdeeds, most definitely including lies about and coverups of behavior not necessarily criminal in itself. Id say it is clear most if not all Republicans think or pretend to think Hillary Clinton crossed that threshold long ago. Right now, the only thing other than a Clinton defeat or a Democratic-controlled Congress that could probably prevent a move towards impeachment next year would be a party-wide acknowledgment by Republicans that 2018 and 2020 will be big victory years for the GOP if only they do not overplay their hands. But even if it seems rational to hold back on the impeachment talk and instead just keep Hillary Clinton from accomplishing anything, it is unclear if congressional Republicans will be able to restrain themselves if an angry and vengeful conservative base perhaps led by former-nominee Trump is calling out for removal of the crooked beneficiary of a rigged election. After all, the GOP was rebuked in 1998 for plotting Bill Clintons impeachment by voters who gave Democrats the extremely rare gift of second-term midterm gains in that election. House Republicans went right ahead and impeached him anyway. Perhaps they will exercise more self-control this time around, but it would be foolish to bet the farm on it. Meanwhile, it should be noted that Clinton is not the candidate facing an actual court trial shortly after Election Day. That would be Donald Trump, whose trial for allegedly defrauding students at Trump University is scheduled to begin on November 28, with Judge Gonazalo Curiel you know, the judge Trump denounced as biased because hes a Mexican presiding. Maybe Trump should take a crash course in impeachment procedures and precedents; Hillary Clinton surely does not need one. Everybody can cherry-pick a poll or two in the latest batch to keep their spirits up. Photo: George Frey, Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images Were now in the no-kidding final phase of this long presidential race, and were at a juncture where there is some disagreement about trends in public opinion after last Fridays FBI email brouhaha. Yet as Nate Cohn points out today, there has been a recent dearth of the kind of high-quality live-interview polls most observers trust most, at both the national and state levels. Matt Yglesias even thinks this is a dangerous long-term trend attributable to people refusing to take pollsters phone calls and the increasing reliance of political analysts on polling aggregators that devalue individual polls. In any event, national polls this week have been dominated by tracking, online, and robo-polls that leave the discerning political junkie unsatisfied. But there are some quality state polls coming out that provide evidence about which candidate is on the path to 270 electoral votes. Wisconsin is a state without a lot of recent reliable polling, and one that has suddenly become a battleground where Donald Trump is challenging the perception that it is part of a Clinton firewall. So a lot of eyes were focused today on the slow striptease release via a webcast press conference of a new survey of the state from the highly reputed Marquette Law School polling outlet. It showed Clinton maintaining a 6-point (46-40) lead over Trump among likely voters, just 1 point less than she enjoyed immediately after Trumps embarrassment over the Access Hollywood video. It was the kind of good news for Clinton that might have immediate strategic implications. One such implication could be a shift in Trump campaign focus from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania, where several news polls show him cutting into Clintons longtime lead. Two surveys released today (from CNN/ORC and Monmouth) show an identical 48-44 Clinton lead among likely voters thats significantly down from the double-digit and high-single-digit leads she was regularly registering earlier (a month ago, Monmouth had her up 10). Another, from Quinnipiac, gives Clinton a 5-point lead (48-43); their last poll two weeks ago had her up by 6. There is some tentatively good news for Clinton in Florida, where Trump has recently appeared to be surging. A new survey from CNN/ORC shows her leading by 2 among likely voters (the same outlet had Trump up by 3 in their last poll of the Sunshine State, in September), and Quinnipiac has her up by 1. And though it is hard to credit now because the full results have not yet been released, a new poll of both early and all voters of Florida from TargetSmart and William & Mary not only shows Clinton ahead by 8 (48-40), but also indicates she is benefiting from a sizable Republican crossover vote (an estimated 28 percent of Republican early voters). This could either be bad polling, or it could be a sign that Latino Republicans in South Florida are spurning Trump even as they turn out to save Marco Rubio. Since Florida is a must-win state for Trump, that could be deadly if it is actually happening. But in another state where there is significant anecdotal evidence of a large Latino turnout, Nevada, a new CNN/ORC survey throws some cold water on the assumption that those voters might save Clinton it shows Trump ahead 49-43 among likely voters. The same pollster had Clinton up by 2 in mid-October. But as Peter Hamby points out on Twitter, a poll of Nevada with a Latino sample too small to support any subgroup findings is questionable. Two other states polled by Quinnipiac reinforce recent impressions of who is ahead. In North Carolina, Clinton is up by 3 percent (47-44) on the strength of a huge (22-point) lead among early voters. But in Ohio, Trump is ahead by 5 (46-41) thanks to an 18-point lead among independents in that white-working-class-heavy state. All in all, the new polling is less of a meal for hungry analysts than an appetizer. Unless some powerful polling trends appear in the next few days, it might be a better bet to study the behavior of the campaigns themselves, whose internal polling is being readjusted constantly. Photo: Getty Images For about two weeks now, Donald Trump has been making a slow, steady climb back into competition. In that time, whenever a national poll showed the race getting a little too close for comfort, liberals would seek solace in the same way as all weary travelers who suddenly feel lost in a land they thought they knew by looking at a map. One gaze at that blue-and-red battlefield, and the moguls chances would once again feel safely remote: There were just so many different things that needed to happen for Trump to become president! After all, the authoritarian insult comic could hold on to his slim advantage in Ohio and Iowa, win a toss-up in Florida, mount an improbable comeback in North Carolina, fend off outraged Latino voters in Nevada, and still lose to Clinton as long as she held on to Colorado and New Hampshire, where shed led in damn near every poll since July. .@FiveThirtyEight's electoral snake is looking a lot scarier than it did a week ago. Volunteer and vote, people.https://t.co/n0ac2Ztvdc pic.twitter.com/YXlJcxIx1F Mike Miesen (@MikeMiesen) November 3, 2016 This comforting reasoning was true enough, on its face. But it always contained a hint of fallacy that each state election was its own independent event, and that what shifted the winds in Florida would never be felt up in New Hampshire. Which is to say, there was an assumption that Clinton had a structural advantage in the Electoral College, which shed retain even in a tied national race. But according to FiveThirtyEights model, the opposite is true: The abundance of white voters without college degrees in several key swing states provides Trump with the best chance of losing the popular vote, while winning the presidency. On Thursday morning, a CBS News/New York Times national poll showed Clinton leading Trump by just 3 points, down from 9 in mid-October and new surveys showed the Democratic nominee and Donald Trump deadlocked in New Hampshire and Colorado. A WBUR/MassINC poll of the Granite State shows Trump leading by a skinny digit, 40 to 39 percent. Two weeks ago, that survey had Clinton up 41 to 38. Both of those findings were well within the polls 4.4 percent margin of error. A new Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll shows a similar result, with Clinton and Trump tied at 42 percent. In October, Clinton enjoyed a two-point lead in the survey. Other recent surveys of New Hampshire have shown a significant tightening of the race, albeit while keeping Clinton solidly ahead. WMUR/UNH had Clinton up 7 earlier this week, after finding her leading by 15 in mid-October; Emerson had Clinton up by 8 two weeks ago, and now by just 3. And the campaigns internal polling seems to show a close race in New Englands only swing state. Trump is scheduled to campaign in New Hampshire on both Friday and Monday, when President Obama will also be in the area, trying to seal the deal for Clinton. With only four electoral votes on the line, it seems doubtful that the Democratic nominee would send her most valuable surrogate to the Granite State on the eve of Election Day if her campaign wasnt worried that it might slip out of her column. Meanwhile, a University of Denver poll shows Trump and Clinton tied at 39 in Colorado, where the third-party candidates are enjoying aberrant strength, drawing 15 percent of likely voters. The last four polls of the Rocky Mountain State have all had Clinton ahead but by the slim margins of 1, 2, and 3 percent. That said, the University of Denver poll comes with a big caveat. But caution on that CO poll, which has the Latino electorate at just 9% (when it was 14% in '12). CO/NV are two hard states to poll... https://t.co/hYHhkU1sVf Mark Murray (@mmurraypolitics) November 3, 2016 Pollsters have a famously hard time assembling accurate samples in states with heavy Latino populations. And so there is some reason to think Clintons Election Day performance will outpace her polling. At present, Democrats have cast roughly 23,000 more early ballots than Republicans have in Colorado. Regardless, Clinton remains the overwhelming favorite. Individual polls are chock-full of noise. But the race is getting closer. And if it continues in this direction, progressives will find little comfort in consulting their maps. Photo: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images Most weeks, New York Magazine writer-at-large Frank Rich speaks with contributor Alex Carp about the biggest stories in politics and culture. Today: a suddenly very close presidential race, Comeys decision, and CNNs firing of Donna Brazile. Less than a week before Election Day, polls are tightening, leaving some Clinton supporters to fear that what once looked like a landslide is still an open race. Could this be a late turning point, or is it just turbulence from a campaign season that always feels like the next scandal is always around the corner? Polls were tightening even before the James Comey intervention. That was inevitable. Even as some GOP apologists pretend otherwise, Trump is not some outlier but does represent the views of most Republicans in the Obama era. So now they are reverting to form and casting ballots for him, following the august example of such leaders as Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz, and Marco Rubio. That said, polls have consistently shown Clinton ahead, nationally and in most battleground states, and most of them still do, even if by smaller margins. Yet thats scant solace for Clinton supporters. Almost every prediction about the 2016 election cycle has been wrong. Even the data-crunching nerds at FiveThirtyEight and its progeny chalked up an epic failure in missing Trumps primary triumph, a fact forgotten by no one. Do you know a Clinton supporter who takes any real comfort in the Upshots finding that Clinton has an 86 percent chance of winning? I dont. And yes, we dont know what scandal or other shocking development may yet lie around the corner. For all we know, Melania Trump, scheduled to deliver a major speech in Pennsylvania today, may yet come through with her long-promised public explanation of her immigration history or perhaps will launch another broadside against Billy Bush. In any case, I remain convinced that Trump supporters would not desert him even if he carried out his jest about shooting someone on Fifth Avenue. Nor do I expect that Clinton supporters would desert her even if emails reveal that she once had plans to install Anthony Weiner in a top government job, like, say, FBI director. But voters who are still undecided at this point (a.k.a., in Trump parlance, the poorly educated) are another story. Anyone who claims to know where they, or the election, will wind up is delusional. What can be said with little fear of contradiction is that the entire populace cant wait for it to be over. With no end to the turmoil over Comeys decision to publicize the discovery of what might (or might not) be new Hillary Clinton emails just days before the election, President Obama decided to weigh in, telling an interviewer that we dont operate on innuendo. Did Comey overstep his authority? Overstepped his authority as in, has he done anything illegal? Probably not. But Obama has it right: In a single statement loaded with innuendo but nearly bereft of hard facts, Comey blew up his reputation as a nonpartisan (if nominally Republican) public servant, upended the authority of the FBI, and tampered with one of the most important presidential elections in the history of the Republic. His letter to Congress offered nothing more than the vague intimation that maybe, just maybe, there was significant new evidence in what he had previously said was a closed case. Incredibly, Comey sounded off before the emails had been examined for any relevance to the saga of Clintons arrogant, boneheaded, and careless but not criminal use of a private server while Secretary of State. For him to open this Pandoras box 11 days before an election, overriding Justice Department rules and the advice of Justice officials, is at least as reckless as anything Clinton did. If Donald Trump wins the election in a squeaker, Comey will prove to have been one of the most consequential fools in American history. If Donald Trump wins the election in a squeaker, Comey will prove to have been one of the most consequential fools in American history. What was he thinking? Some see an anti-Clinton animus dating back to his role in the 1990s as a deputy special counsel to the ill-fated Senate investigation of the now-all-but-forgotten Whitewater scandal. But I suspect the real answer is the one thats been widely reported: He wanted to cover his ass. Fearing that news of a new Clinton email cache would leak out (if indeed it is new), and that the rights vigilantes would again attack him as a closet Clinton flunky, he undertook his gratuitous gambit to serve himself, not law enforcement. He used the flimsy pretext of transparency to put his own political interests, the last thing a FBI director should be thinking about, above the interests of his agency and his country. That he did so without anticipating the bipartisan revulsion over his blunder suggests that he is isolated in a cocoon of vanity and arrogance redolent of J. Edgar Hoover. Whatever the motive, the damage is done. No matter what Comey does (if anything) between now and Election Day, it will not undo his undermining of the Clinton campaign in the final stretch; even if he were to announce that all the emails had been examined and judged to be spam, he would raise only more questions that would damage Clinton, with Trump leading the charge in declaring that a fix was in. Yes, polls now show that few, if any, committed Clinton voters have defected because of this fracas. But thats not the question. Whats worrying the Clinton campaign are the less-than-committed voters in the Democratic base: millennials, African-Americans, and hard-core Bernie supporters. Comey has given them another reason not to turn up on Election Day. He could not have more effectively abetted the last, desperate Trump strategy of suppressing the Clinton vote if he had set out to do so. After CNN announced it had cut ties with on-air analyst Donna Brazile who also serves as interim chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee and, leaked emails reveal, shared possible questions slated for CNN events with the Clinton campaign some observers have noted that network president Jeff Zucker distanced himself from Brazile for the same reason he brought her in: partisanship and campaign access. Was Zucker right to draw the line where he did? I dont think Zucker drew any line, and I agree with all of the other media critics who wish he would. Its way past time to end the practice of hiring political operatives to serve as commentators on network news, whether cable or broadcast. Distinctions should be made here. Theres nothing wrong if those who have completely left the political profession choose to become television personalities or embrace television journalism and commentary as a whole new career (see George Stephanopoulos, Lawrence ODonnell, Chris Matthews). But to hire operatives who are still actively involved in partisan political campaigns indeed are on the payroll of a candidate or a party or a PAC in an election year is to blur every ethical line. Sure, have them on as unpaid guests to be interviewed or cross-examined like any other political players in an election season. But it pollutes the whole idea of news, debased enough as it is these days, to put them on salary as network-branded experts purporting to advance the reporting and synthesizing of a presidential campaigns daily developments. They are publicists, talking-point-spouting puppets, and apparatchiks, not founts of information or wisdom. Braziles alleged infractions conveying CNN debate and town-hall questions to the Clinton forces crystallized the problem. But her transgression hardly amounted to world-class espionage, given that the main secret she divulged was a predictable softball question about the ongoing crisis in Flint, Michigan, where CNN was staging the event. If Braziles breach was disgusting, as Zucker called it, what adjective fits his networks continuing employment of Corey Lewandowski even as he remained on the Trump payroll? This bastardized simulation of journalism may well pass muster at Fox News which was until recently run by one informal Trump adviser (Roger Ailes) and still is a showcase for another (Sean Hannity) but is that really the standard to which CNN aspires? Photo: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images The Trump campaign has had an excellent two weeks. Over the past 14 days, the Republican nominee has avoided picking fights with the parents of fallen soldiers or former beauty-pageant winners, while news organizations have failed to produce a single new video of him touting his love of sexual assault. Thus, the American electorate was free to focus its undivided attention on the fact that a lot of people in the FBI hate Hillary Clinton. Republican voters started coming home. Democrats were rudely awoken from their dreams of a landslide. Still, national polling averages and most forecasters models show Clinton retaining a comfortable advantage of 3 to 6 points. And there are fewer undecided voters now than there were a few short weeks ago. To win on November 8, then, Donald Trump will very likely need to outperform his polls. And there are several reasons to doubt that hes capable of doing so. To name just a few: Clinton has a superior get-out-the-vote operation, pollsters have habitually underestimated the Latino vote, and Democrats early-voting figures in several key states are strong. But throughout the race, the Trump campaign has taken solace in two theories for how American voters could surprise the number-crunchers. The first holds that a significant number of Trump voters are unwilling to admit their preference to pollsters, because the GOP nominee has been so vilified in the mainstream press. The second contends that Trumps right-wing populist message will activate the large number of missing white voters whites who were registered in 2012 but failed to turn out for the more patrician Mitt Romney. Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images A pair of new studies suggest both of these theories are about as credible as a degree from Trump University. The concept of the shy Trump voter has some empirical basis: In public polling, Trump consistently does better in online and automated polls than he does in phone surveys (where a respondent has to speak his or her preference to another human being). And there is historical precedent for a social desirability bias skewing poll results, the most famous being the 1982 gubernatorial race in California, where many white voters seem to have told pollsters that they intended to vote for the African-American mayors reelection, only to pull the lever for his caucasian challenger on Election Day. And during the GOP primary, a Morning Consult study seemed to show Trump inspiring an analogous effect, with GOP voters giving him 6 percent more support in online polls than in live-interview ones. But on Thursday, a new analysis from Politico and Morning Consult failed to replicate that finding among general-election voters. Per Politico: Overall, the POLITICO/Morning Consult study released Thursday showed Clinton with a 5-point lead among voters interviewed over the phone, 52 percent to 47 percent. The race was modestly closer in online interviews: Clintons share of the vote ticked down a single point, to 51 percent. Trumps support inched up a point, to 48 percent. While there is a marginal shy Trump voter effect there, its within the margin of error and thus statistically insignificant. Photo: Mark Makela/Getty Images The news on the missing voter front is even worse for Trump. As most close observers of American politics are aware, the GOP has a demographic problem. The coalition thats kept the party competitive in national elections for the past four decades was built on a foundation of white-identity politics. As the white share of the electorate has steadily declined, the GOP has found itself with an ever-shrinking slice of the pie. But efforts to adapt to this reality by, for example, embracing immigration reform in a bid to win a larger share of the Latino vote have proven impossible to execute without incurring the wrath of the partys white base. The missing white voter theory offered the party a way out of this bind. After all, African-Americans had turned out in higher numbers than whites in 2012. If a Republican nominee could bring those white voters in off the sidelines by, for example, embracing a more populist form of white grievance politics maybe the GOP could eke out a few more elections without forcing its members to take any hard votes. (Especially if they threw a few dashes of black-voter suppression into the mix.) But on Thursday, the Upshots Nate Cohn doused this theory in buckets of cold water: Rather than providing Trumps margin of victory, a surge of unlikely voters would assure a Hillary Clinton presidency. That conclusion is based off of an analysis of voter-registration data nationwide, in combination with Upshot/Siena College polls of North Carolina, Florida, and Pennsylvania. The Upshot separates the newly activated voters into two groups, the freshly registered and the missing the latter being voters who were registered in 2012 but declined to turn out. Trumps right-wing populism failed to spur a surge in registration among white voters and the white voters who did newly register are younger and likelier to back Clinton than the preexisting white electorate. Among new white voters, Trump leads Clinton 40 to 34 percent, far smaller than his overall lead with light-skinned Americans. Photo: John Moore/Getty Images Among newly registered voters of all races and ethnicities, Trump trails Clinton in the critical swing states of Pennsylvania, Florida, and North Carolina by a combined 31 to 47 percent. The extent of Clintons advantage among new voters has been obscured by her partys more modest lead among the newly registered, with 34 percent of those entering the voting rolls since 2012 signing onto Team Blue compared to 28 percent casting their lot with red America. As those figures suggest, a huge swath of new voters avoid affiliating with either party, and the Upshots polls show Clinton leading Trump with this group 42 to 21 percent. Whats more, those missing white voters were never as ripe a target for Trump as they might have seemed in the abstract. The white voters who sat out the 2012 election were disproportionately young and Democratic. And the ones who werent dont appear to be natural Trumpists. Per the Upshot: Our polling data suggests that the missing whites arent exactly conservative populists who support Mr. Trump. Theyre just dissatisfied: They dont like their candidate, and they dont like the other partys candidate much eitherOver all, Mr. Trump led among missing white voters, 43 to 31, a far smaller margin than his lead among the white voters who turned out in 2012. High turnout hurts Trump. Newly registered and "missing" voters back Clinton by a wide margin in Upshot/Siena polls. https://t.co/L2WZ7kR1wL pic.twitter.com/JjLdCAKwBJ Nate Cohn (@Nate_Cohn) November 3, 2016 That said, Trump has had more success in mobilizing missing white Republicans than Clinton has had in energizing missing Democrats: Among missing white voters who say theyve already voted or are almost certain to have done so by November 9, Trump leads 52 to 32. But that advantage is dwarfed by Clintons 61-to-20 lead among missing nonwhite voters who say theyre almost certain to turn out this year. That outsize margin gives the Democratic nominee a 43-to-38 percent lead among all voters who say theyre turning out in November, after taking a cycle off in 2012. All of which is to say: If missing voters find themselves on November 8, Hillary Clinton will almost certainly find herself in the White House next year. Photo: Marccophoto/Getty Images Public-health issues can be really, really complicated. A lot of the time they involve all sorts of cost-benefit trade-offs and complicated webs of interrelation: How does a regulation or tax or recommendation implemented now affect peoples choices and options not only today, but a year or a decade from now? Which sorts of health information do people respond to, changing their behavior appropriately, and which sorts of information do they ignore? For one of the most fascinating recent examples of this complexity, check out todays front-page New York Times story by Sabrina Tavernise about e-cigarettes and their struggle to catch on in the United States. As Tavernise writes, while society is lacking in long-term data about the health effects of e-cigs since theyre so new, there is solid reason to believe they are much, much safer than traditional ones, since they deliver a nicotine fix via a vapor that does not bring with it the deadly tar found in regular cigarettes. In fact, the U.K.s Royal College of Physicians issued a report earlier this year stating that e-cigs are 95 percent safer than their tarry counterparts. In the U.S., though, Tavernise writes that a decade after e-cigs were introduced, use has flattened, sales have slowed and, this fall, NJoy, once one of the countrys biggest e-cigarette manufacturers, filed for bankruptcy. Thats partly because American public-health authorities have been much more reluctant to tout the benefits of e-cigs relative to normal ones. Rather, their messages to the public have often focused more on the as-yet-unknown risks of e-cigs, and on the possibility of kids who havent smoked before taking up e-cigs and ending up with a standard cigarette addiction via the gateway. As Tavernise puts it, the countrys top public health authorities have sent an unwavering message: Vaping is dangerous. In addition, Tavernise writes, companies are banned by regulations from making the claim that e-cigs are safer than cigarettes a claim that is empirically well-supported at this point, even in the absence of long-term data unless they go through a long process to prove it, and so far, no e-cigarette maker has done so. More states are also passing laws that lump e-cigarettes in with traditional cigarettes, levying taxes on them and banning their use as part of local smoke-free rules. To the average American trying to weigh a flurry of conflicting health claims, information, and, of course, advertising from companies trying to make money, e-cigs may well seem just as dangerous as cigarettes, in part because of the perception that the government is treating them as part of the same category. When they are regulated just like tobacco, people draw the conclusion that they are just as dangerous, Daniel I. Wikler, a Harvard School of Public Health ethicist, told Tavernise. You didnt say it, but you didnt have to. People make that assumption and you dont try to disabuse them of it. Part of what makes this such a fascinating issue is that the most informed experts are trying to effect two opposite behaviors in two different populations. That is, every time a current smoker begins vaping and switches to it entirely, thats very good the evidence we have suggests it will likely significantly reduce their risk of smoking-related illness and death. But every time a current non-smoker begins vaping, thats at least a little bit bad vaping likely carries some risk, and theres a chance that it could lead to cigarette smoking. (To make things yet more complex, its surely the case that some of the smokers who switched to vaping might have otherwise quit nicotine entirely, and that some of the kids who took up vaping and never graduated to cigarettes would have gone straight to regular cigarettes if vaping hadnt been an option.) Overall, though, many reasonable experts think the substitution from cigarette smoking to vaping could be a huge boon for public health. While smoking has been on the decline in the U.S. for a while, there are still 40 million smokers, reports Tavernise. Thats a lot of people who could potentially switch, which could translate to a lot of lives and health-care money saved, especially in light of the fact that the experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe smoking kills 480,000 Americans annually. David Sweanor, a lawyer at the Center for Health Law, Policy and Ethics at the University of Ottawa, likened the difference between cigarette smoking and vaping to the relative risks of jumping out a fourth-story window versus taking the stairs[.] At the moment, he told Tavernise, American health authorities are saying: Look, these stairs, people could slip, they could get mugged. We just dont know yet. His implication is clear: Because theyre scared of a relatively safe trip down the stairs, a lot of people are jumping out of windows needlessly. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images On Monday evening, Slate published what was potentially a bombshell report indicating that a Trump-affiliated server was communicating with a server at Russias largest bank, Alfa Bank, at suspicious, irregular intervals. The exact nature of the communications was unclear, but the Slate article seemed to imply that Trumps relationship with Russia, and its president, Vladimir Putin, went further than simple admiration that Trump was, possibly, colluding with Russian bankers or government agents in some vague and undetermined way. Unfortunately for proponents of the Trump-is-a-Russian-asset theory, the report was scoffed at by cybersecurity experts, who took a look at the data and determined that the server was almost definitely sending out marketing material for Trumps hotel operation, and the responses from the bank were likely just its mail servers attempting to ascertain the origin of the junk mail. But lost in the battle over the veracity of the claims in the report itself is the troubling question of where the data itself came from. Ultimately the real, though less juicy, effect of the story may be to raise serious concerns over the privileged access that some researchers have to the systems that administer internet traffic around the globe. Ill try to explain. The original discovery that the two servers had been communicating was made by malware researchers combing through records in the domain-name system, which routes internet traffic. Malware research often informal collaborations between tech companies, experts, and academics relies on giving people access to online traffic information that isnt publicly accessible. In this case, the supposedly damning Trump evidence relies on logs from the domain-name system, the universal directory that, among other functions, translates text-string domains to numerical IP addresses. By looking at this hidden information in the DNS system, researchers can identify the source and targets of cyberattacks and other vulnerabilities. The most alarming part of this story is that a techie with access to DNS logs is leaking them to the press & FBI. https://t.co/TnvRrjPPqP Christopher Soghoian (@csoghoian) November 1, 2016 As Robert Graham explains, this community has, at the very least, an informal agreement that their research remain confidential. That someone in the group was leaking information about Trump-related servers to both the F.B.I. and the press raises daunting questions about the aims and neutrality of the community. Malware research consists of a lot of informal relationships. Researchers get DNS information from ISPs, from root servers, from services like Googles 8.8.8.8 public DNS. Its a huge privacy violation justified on the principle that its for the general good. Sometimes the fact that DNS information is shared is explicit, like with Googles service. Sometimes people dont realize how their ISP shares information, or how many of the root DNS servers are monitored. People should be angrily calling their ISPs and ask them if they share DNS information with untrustworthy researchers. People should be angrily asking ICANN, which is no longer controlled by the US government (sic), whether its their policy to share DNS lookup information with those who would attempt to change US elections. Access to such (potentially) revealing information, often without the knowledge of parties that route their traffic through DNS providers, requires discretion that was not exercised in the case of Trump. That the Foer report was so anemic only makes this violation more embarrassing. No one should blame Foer for accepting potentially newsworthy data, even if was originally obtained through ethically dubious measures thats how journalism works. But it should be troubling to anyone who cares about privacy on the web that malware researchers have unfettered access to DNS information, but few formal rules or official regulations about what they can do with it. And, worse, that theyre prepared to share that information based on such dubious conclusions as those that were reached in this case. President Obama in Columbus on Tuesday. Photo: Ty Wright/Getty Images President Barack Obama called out a sexist double standard that may be preventing men from voting for Hillary Clinton this election, while speaking at an early voting rally in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday. Obama told voters in the crowd that Clinton is consistently treated differently than any other candidate, according to People. He added that theres a reason why the U.S. hasnt had a female president before. The president then encouraged men to ask themselves about some sexist feelings they may have about women in power. He said: I want every man out there whos voting to kind of look inside yourself and ask yourself, if youre having problems with this stuff, how much of it is that were just not used to it? So that, like, when a guy is ambitious and out in the public arena and working hard, well, thats okay, but when a woman suddenly does it suddenly youre all like, Well, why is she doing that? Sigh. Were going to miss him. Donald Trump at the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Pageants Press Conference in 1999. Photo: Ron Galella/WireImage/Getty Images Even before the release of the 2005 Access Hollywood tape, Donald Trumps candidacy was giving women anxiety. But after it came out and after at least ten women came forward to accuse the Republican nominee of sexual assault therapists across the country say the election began dredging up memories of sexual assault and harassment for their female clients. More than one client of mine has talked of physical nausea that they relate directly to current political happenings, Melissa Lester Olson, a psychotherapist based in Atlanta, Georgia, told Time. She went on: Women whom I have seen for years are only now bringing up physical and sexual trauma from their past. I think this election is re-traumatizing them. Verbal and emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, rape, discrimination at home or at work women experience these things often. There have been many reminders of experiences that so many of us have had. Joanna Ford, a counselor in Denver, Colorado, said the election comes up in sessions with clients every single day. Once the videotape of Donald Trump and Billy Bush came out, it had great impact, she told the magazine. For women who are not feeling safe to begin with, this can trigger serious feelings of insecurity and fear. In addition to being traumatized by his comments, women are also worried about what a Trump victory would mean for them from a policy standpoint, said Tanya Bannister, the director of Cognitive Therapy for Women in New York City. Bannister estimated that about a quarter of her female clients have brought up the election in sessions. The focus tends to be their anxiety about a possible Donald Trump win, and the sense that that would be catastrophic for them [and] for their children, she said. In response, some therapists have recommended their clients stay off social media: Turn off the news feed. Stop reading everything if it just gets you more stressed, one told Reuters. Also: vote! Stephanie George is reunited with her family. Photo: ACLU Last Thursday, President Obama commuted the sentences of 98 prisoners, 42 of whom had been in for life. It was not just a late-in-the-presidency gesture, but rather the latest in whats been a remarkable focus on criminal-justice reparations: The announcement brings the number of commutations granted under Obama to 872, more than those of the last 11 presidents combined. After the Department of Justice announced a clemency initiative in 2014, more than 35,000 inmates in federal penitentiaries across the country requested assistance. Sentencing activists called the initiative more symbolic than practical; by granting so many commutations, the president was acknowledging a systemic problem, not fixing it. Still, for the people who have benefited, the project is anything but abstract: It gave them their lives back. Below, four of them tell their stories. Evans Ray Jr. and his mother. Evans Ray Jr. President Obama commuted Rays sentence on August 3, 2016. Ray was 12 years into a life sentence for distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine while in possession of a firearm. The Crime December 16, 2004, the FBI, DEA, and county police, at about 5:45 a.m., attempted to knock my door in. Before they could knock the door down, I opened it for them. They didnt say anything. They ran in with their infrareds and lay everybody down. It was one of the coldest days of the year that day. My son and daughter, one was an infant and my son who was 3, they were asleep. They lay me down on the floor in the living room. They lay my wife down in the basement because she was getting her clothes ready for work, and they started just ransacking the house. They were looking for drugs, guns, whatever they could find that would tie me into a drug conspiracy. I complied. You dont want to get shot. They told me I was charged with conspiracy to sell cocaine, with the guys whose clothing store was next door to my barber shop. In 1990, I had been locked up for cocaine. I received a 12-year sentence. I did 88 months. In 93, my sister was coming to see me. She was driving down to see me, and her truck turned over. She was killed instantly. I took that so hard. I met a guy then who was the barber on the compound. The barber was with me just about every day after my sister died. We became close. He was one of the main informants on the case in 2004. I walked to my cell and I put up my sign so no one could see in, and I got on my knees and prayed, and I thanked God. He called me saying his family was in trouble, asking if I could help him out. Eventually, I did. I made two transactions. Im not denying it. I made those transactions because he was there for me when my sister died. He was working with the agents the whole time. My defense for my trial was entrapment. Even before I was found guilty, the prosecutor slid an envelope to me and my lawyer that said 851 with the enhancement papers. That meant that if I was found guilty of a certain count that I would receive life in prison because of the three strikes from my previous crimes. The judge fought that so hard. He told the prosecutor, Thats a cruel and unusual punishment. So he sentenced me to 324 months and told them if they didnt like it to appeal it. They sent me to the supermax up near Baltimore. Five days later, they called me back and Judge Williams said his hands was tied and that he had to give me life under the law. I felt like the world had crashed down on me. Going in and Getting Out I ended up in the worst penitentiary in the BOP. Big Sandy; we called it Killer Mountain when I got there. So many stabbings, so many murders. Its in Inez, Kentucky. Ive never had any violence in my jacket. Im a nonviolent person sent in with a bunch of lions and wolves. My first day, we get off the bus, we get seen, we get screened, we go to our block. Me and an older guy are walking the track. Another guy from out of Washington comes over and says, Are you the guy from Washington? I say yes. He said, Come over here cause somebodys about to get stabbed. As soon as we got on the other side, the guy got stabbed in the throat. That was my first day there. I tried so hard to get out of there, and I couldnt. We got sentenced there in 07, and I might have almost given them a year there. Because I had high blood pressure and cholesterol, they moved me to another penitentiary. I learned to mind my business. Stay out the way. Keep moving. It could happen to anybody at that place. They transferred me to a place called McCreary, thats in Pine Knot, Kentucky. In May of 2014 there was a stabbing, and so they put us on lockdown for about a month. When we came out of it, we got on the computer, and they had the Clemency Project 2014 on there. They wanted us to fill out the questionnaire. I filled it out and submitted it. About two months later, someone got in touch with me from the federal defenders office in Upper Marlboro. They said they were giving me an attorney. The lawyer out of the federal defenders office, when she went through everything, she said, Mr. Ray, you have a poster-child case. I didnt know what that meant. I remember seeing the little kids on the milk cartons and all that, right? She said, Look, you fit all the criteria that Obamas asking for. You have a good shot. For me, a commutation wasnt like hitting the lottery. Its more like: I put my income-tax papers in and Im waiting on my check. You know your check is coming, you just dont know when. I was confident because 60 grams of crack cocaine does not warrant a life sentence. In May of 2016, I wrote Obama and his wife a letter. Just a personal, short letter, telling Mr. Obama and Mrs. Obama that, Im writing you because yall only got seven months left and I want to thank you for all of the positive things that youve done for the community for all races, white, black, and Hispanic. I told him that, You gave guys like me a sign of faith. The middle part of July, he wrote me back, and nobody could believe it. He said to keep the hope, have faith. He never said I was going home. But the staff was like, Obama receives thousands of letters, howd he just pick yours? The judge in my case wrote a letter saying he felt that my sentence was cruel and unusual and that he never wanted to give me life. The judge really got the ball rolling. A lot of judges are hesitant about doing something like that for guys. He knew I was sentenced unfairly. He didnt have to do it. The day I found out was August the 3rd, 2016. My unit manager came and knocked on my door and said, I need you in my office at one oclock today. My grandmothers 96, shes very old, and bed-stricken. So I said, Whats wrong? Something going on with my grandmother? She said, No, theres nothing going on with your grandmother. I get back there and sit there with her. At 1:10 she makes a phone call and says, Whats going on? We havent gotten the call yet. Im kind of thinking something about clemency, but Im not sure. At 1:16 the phone rings, she answers it, shes grinning ear-to-ear, so Im thinking something now. I get on the phone and the guy says, Are you Evans Ray? I said, Yes, sir. And he says, Mr. Ray, the life plus ten years, Obama has taken it away from you. I said, Going home? He said, Yeah. Im sitting back in the chair like, I cant believe it. Its unbelievable. Its crazy. He said, Are you still there? I said, Yes, sir. When she let me out of the office there were guys standing on the chairs like, You got it! You got it! And I said, Nah, nah. What yall talking about?, and I walked to my cell and I put up my sign so no one could see in, and I got on my knees and prayed and I thanked God. When I got off my knees and came out, everybody Im well liked in there was all over the place saying, You got it! We know you got it!, and I threw my two hands up in the air and said, Yeah, I got it! They started clapping and hugging me. Freedom When I got out, we went straight to my grandmother. Shes on her deathbed, and all she ever wanted was for me to come home. I didnt tell her or anybody I was coming. I remember going up the steps its the house that I was raised in and she was lying in the bed in the den. She could move her neck and her head, but no other parts of her body move. Shes very sharp. She says, Is that my baby? I said, Mama, its me. And that was the first time that I shed a tear. I cried like a little baby in her arms. I stayed with her for about an hour, but Im on the clock, Ive got four hours to get to the halfway house. We leave there and ride out to my moms house. My three daughters, my son, my nieces everybody was there. It was just a lot of crying, a lot of hugging. You know how the kids can take your phone and draw funny faces of you? One of my daughters, shes sitting across from me shes my heart and I dont know anything about these phones, and shes doing something, but she keeps looking at me. So when I get the phone, what she shows me is me looking like a clown with some ears and all this. It was her way of saying, Dad, youre home, and I love you, man. The hardest thing for me is just adjusting to this social-media thing. Everybody is speeding, like a bunch of zombies with their heads down and their thumbs moving. Its new to me. When I left, everybody was using flip phones, Nextel. Now everybody is Googling and texting, and Im used to calling people. I call people and they wont answer, but if I text they answer. The other day when I was home for 13 hours, my 16-year-old son stayed there with me at my moms house. We were watching a movie and he paused it and he wants to order a pizza. I said, Go ahead and order, man, Im eating what you eating. He ordered cheese, chicken, and pineapples. I said, Pineapples? He said, Dad, you going to like it. Im going to be honest with you it was the nastiest pizza Ive ever tasted! But I ate three pieces and told him I loved it. Jason Hernandez. Jason Hernandez Served 17 years of a life sentence for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. The Crime I was indicted for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. I went to trial. I got life without parole. Of course I didnt believe it. I was a first-time drug offender no guns, or gangs, or links to cartels. Nothing like you would picture like Scarface or New Jack City. Not that that made it right or anything, but I was thinking, Not even real drug dealers get life sentences, theres no way Im going to get that much time. But I did. Going in and Getting Out I went to a United States penitentiary. It wasnt like nothing you would figure as far as people talking about Club Fit or Club Cupcake. The place I went to was one of the worst penitentiaries in the United States. People there got murdered and stabbed and assaulted. I was just a young kid, just going with the flow of things and doing stupid stuff. I was drinking, smoking weed, stupid stuff like that with the other inmates. Really wasnt trying to do too much as far as trying to get out. I just accepted it. In 2002, one night in March, all the guards were looking for me. I thought I was going back to court. It was just kind of unusual the way they were looking for me. So I called my dad, he was crying. It was the first time Id ever heard my dad cry. He was like, They killed him. I had another brother. He was doing 30 years in the Texas Department of Corrections for five grams of crack cocaine. He got stabbed. I just couldnt believe it. Even though I was at the lowest as I could be serving life without parole that kind of drove me insane for a little while. My brother wasnt born to die in prison. I thought, Im going to do everything possible to try to get out of here and change my life. I started taking paralegal classes and working on my own case. I did everything possible, filed all my appeals. Everything got denied. Over the process, I got pretty good at it. I would do other appeals for other inmates. I made a little money as a jailhouse attorney. I did child-support cases and child-custody cases and divorces. Divorce is pretty high in there. That was my little side hustle. Then I read a book called The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, and that inspired me, too. You know the war on drugs was basically aimed toward minorities through the Nixon administration? I started doing a survey of the prison. There were 17 people there doing life without parole; 15 were minorities. We were all drug offenders. There were two white people there that were doing life and they had committed murder. We reached out to a lot of organizations, and nobody would talk to us, even sentencing organizations. Life without parole for drugs? Theres something youre not telling us about your case. Nobody wanted to help out. I took a picture of ten of us that were serving life without parole for crack cocaine, nonviolent offenders. (There were others, but we could only fit ten in a picture.) I wanted to get that picture and send it to Michelle Alexander. She inspired me to start a grassroots organization, Crack Open the Door. We ended up creating crackopenthedoor.com. We put the website up, put profiles up of all the inmates that were in prison, to try to humanize us, to show people that were just normal people. Were mothers, were fathers, were sons, were daughters. I sent that picture to Michelle Alexander. She responded, Look, I cant help yall, but I believe in what yall fighting for. What I can do is connect you to the ACLU. I ended up doing my petition for clemency to the president. When I tell you that I put it together like my life depended on it, I did. It probably took six to nine months to do that petition. I knew there were tens of thousands of petitions filed, so when I did this petition, I said, How can I make mine stand out? I put a hardback cover on it. I put it in binders, I put tabs. I put a personal letter to the president, pictures of me, all the certificates and awards I got while I was in prison. Support letters from preachers, schoolteachers; I put a release plan, my goals of what I wanted to do when I got out. I had a message from the officer that put me in prison attached to it. There was no guide on how to do one. There was no class or something you could Google to find an above-average clemency petition. Everybody would laugh at me. I was always in the library doing legal work. They all laughed, saying, Come on, man, you know we dont get that. They were basically saying that minorities you know, Mexicans and blacks dont get clemency. Its more for white-collar criminals. My son was 6 months old when I went in. He was 18 when I got out. He wouldnt call me Dad, and when I would tell him I love him, he wouldnt respond. But about three months ago, for the first time since I got out, I said, I love you, son, and he goes, I love you, too, Dad. I sent that out, and probably about two years later Im in the prison and theyre calling for me same thing as when they called for me when my brother died. I got real nervous. Probably my mother or father passed or my son. I got cold chills. I go to the guards, and they take me to the front of the prison and put me in the wardens office. Next thing you know, the warden comes in and hes like, Your name Jason Hernandez? I said, Yes, sir. And he goes, Well, Ive got an executive order from the president of the United States, Barack Obama, commuting your sentence of life without parole plus to 20 years. I just started crying. Its over. Its over. Freedom They put me into a halfway house for about a year. Getting a job was hard. Nobody wanted to hire me. I had two trades: welding and paralegal work. Some people didnt really care that I had a conviction, but I had no work history. Id never worked. I was in prison my whole working life. Some people would say, I dont care that you have a conviction; everybodys got a conviction these days. As long as you didnt assault anybody or a crime against a child or anything. Id say, No, it was just a drug charge, and they would ask how long I was in prison. Nearly 18 years. Their eyes would get real big, and theyd step back from the table. You were in there for drugs? No, you must have done something else, youre not being straight with us. Id say, No, sir, it was a nonviolent drug charge. They wouldnt hire me. I went to Whole Foods and was like, Can I speak to a manager for a job? They said, Oh, you apply for a job over there. It was a computer. I walked to the computer and was like, Oh my god. I just got an anxiety attack. I dont know what to do. After that, I was like, What can I do different? I was in a Time magazine article, so I brought that and the certificate from the president. So when it says check the box for criminal history and explain, I checked the box and just wrote, I will explain. The lady asked, What does this mean?, so I showed her the certificate from the president and my article. Next thing you know, she called her co-worker, then called another co-worker, then everybodys in there looking at me and smiling and congratulating me. She said, Im going to call the manager and put in a word for you. Just come tomorrow so you can start working. In prison, guards are always watching you, or cameras, and I would just always get this feeling that everybodys looking at me. Theyre not. But you just feel like that. Its hard to go out on a date and tell a girl and try to keep your conviction away from her. I work at a drug and alcohol recovery center; I still have crackopenthedoor.com; I was working at a restaurant called Cafe Momentum, where I was a mentor for formerly incarcerated youth. So when they ask, Why do you do that? I cant escape the fact that I have to tell them that I was in prison. Once you tell a girl that, theyll tell you, Hey, Im happy for you, but I just dont want that in my life right now. When someone asks, Where do you live? I have to say, Well, I live with my mom and dad. And Im 40 years old. Just barely got my car. Hey, where were you at when 9/11 happened? Well, I was in prison. Its just something that I cant avoid. My son was 6 months old when I went in. He was 18 when I got out. Its not like the father-and-son experience like I had with my father. I wasnt there for his entire life, basically. Initially, he wouldnt call me Dad, and when I would tell him I love him, he wouldnt respond. He wouldnt spend time with me. But about three months ago, for the first time since I got out, I said, I love you, son it was on the phone and he goes, I love you, too, Dad. Man, I was like, Oh my god! I didnt say nothing. I kept all my enjoyment inside. I was trying to play it cool. I just said, Ill talk to you later. But later on that night I called him again and said, Hey, what are you doing? Really, I just wanted to hear him say it again. So I said, Hey, I love you, and he did. Now he calls me Dad. He didnt get involved in the stuff I did. He graduated. And a few months ago I did, too. Stephanie George ( photo at top of article ) When she was 26, Stephanie George was sentenced to life without parole for her role in a small drug operation. At sentencing, the judge described Georges roll as a girlfriend and bag holder. She served 17 years. The Crime My daughters father is the one that I ended up getting in trouble with. Ive run across so many females that have gotten a life sentence either because theyre married to men that dealt drugs or men have abused them and made them stay in relationships. Its crazy. I was sentenced on May 5, 1997. They took me to Tallahassee. Thats where I was going to do my life sentence. I was just numb. I didnt know what to think. He did 12 years. He got out in 2008. Going in and Getting Out I did my first week in the SHU the special housing unit where youre just locked in a room. Turns out, they didnt have any bed available out on the compound for me at that time. They come, feed you, bring you whatever you need. I thought that was where I was going to do my time. I didnt know nothing about being out in the population on the compound. I didnt know all of that. I probably cried the first three days. I put in my own commutation letter at first. Probably like two months later I got a letter from Families Against Mandatory Minimums. I would always update my profile on their page. A lot of people would contact me. They asked if they could put in a commutation for me. This was in 2012. They could pull my commutation and represent me. I was so happy about it. Were trying to get you home by Christmas, theyd say. Im like, Christmas? Thats three months from now. He said, Mr. Obama signed your clemency. Youre going home for Christmas. I got so silent. Tears were just running down my face. I always tried to keep it realistic. I filed so many motions that were denied. Id say, Stephanie, you have to think rational. If it happens, it happens. I found out I was getting my commutation December 19, 2013. I was at the commissary shopping. I kept hearing them calling my name to come to the office. Im like, The office? My nerves got bad because just a few months earlier my youngest son got killed. He was 20. He got shot. So when they called me, I was shook because I have another son, and the only thing I could think was that something had happened to him as well. My case manager handed me the phone. I was shaking so bad that I knocked everything off her desk. It was my attorney. He said, Well, I called to tell you that just this morning at 8:45 and it was 9:30 Mr. Obama signed your clemency. Youre going home for Christmas. I got so silent. Tears were just running down my face. He said, Stephanie, you there? I said, Yes, sir. Freedom They wanted me to go either to a camp or they wanted to send me home with a leg monitor. But I chose to stay in prison for my four months because I didnt want to deal with the press. I didnt want to go to the halfway house. I didnt know how I would react to just being thrown out. My family was upset. We went through it for six or seven months. I wanted to make preparations. I had to decide where I was going, who I was staying with. I wanted to prepare my kids. I had a daughter and a son. They were still upset. I was still upset about my baby son, me coming home and him not being there. That played a really big part about why I didnt want to come. I hadnt grieved about it. I didnt want to think it was true. My family came Wednesday night and spent the night. I told them if they wasnt out there at eight, Id be walking. But they were sitting out there when I came out the gate, and of course there were a lot of reporters, all across the street. I had one guy follow me all the way back home. He spent the weekend with us. I had, like, four interviews that weekend from Thursday through Sunday. It was just crazy for me. I didnt sleep my first week home. It was too quiet. I stayed locked up in my room. I had a TV in there. I had a radio in there. I only came out to eat, and I had no conversation. I didnt know what to talk about. I didnt want to go out. I stayed home for probably, like, four months. I am very standoffish now. I used to be very friendly; Im not anymore. Im very cautious about who I arrive with, who I hang around, and I can count them on one hand. If theyre not my family and thats the immediate family I wont ride with them. My boyfriends the only person that I would go out to have a drink with. I know that I am blessed to be home. If it wasnt for Obama, I wouldnt be home. I know that. I just take one day at a time. One thing is for sure: I wont disappoint him. Keldren Joshua and his mother. Keldren Joshua In 2006, Keldren Joshua pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 15 years to life. He served ten before President Obama commuted his sentence last August. The Crime I was involved in DJ-ing at a young age. As time just went on, eventually I started working at Bank of America. From DJ-ing and living in Hollywood, I knew where everything was. I knew where every type of drug was. You wanted prostitutes? Okay. From being in the scene, I knew. I had a friend who asked me if I could help someone with a methamphetamine deal. I was like, No, this is not my cup of tea. I did smoke ganja. But he just kept asking me. So I said, You know what? Let me contact some friends. I might know somebody. I contact a friend of a friend, and I eventually found some methamphetamine for him. I was like a middleman between the two people. But what we didnt realize was that the guy who gave it to me was a confidential informant. One day they close the whole yard and call me. I went upstairs, and my case manager is sitting there and shes crying. Im like, Whats wrong? Did something happen to my mother? She said, No, you better have a seat. Driving with a suspended license was my only arrest record, and I was still on probation for that. They gave me a plea bargain. When you watch TV, you think you can say no, but the plea bargain that they gave me was a onetime offer. I either had to take this plea bargain or go to trial. And they can give you any damn number they want to give you. I looked at my lawyer and hes like, Theyre 98.9 percent going to convict you on trial. Going in and Getting Out Heres the funny thing about the clemency: I did not apply for it. When Obama did this Clemency Project in 2014, they wanted people who were at least ten years in so they wouldnt get flooded with every inmate in America. I saw it and knew I was only an eight-year, so I didnt even apply for it. The following year, I get this letter that says, Youre a perfect candidate for clemency, would you like to be involved? Then this wonderful man, who I still talk to today, Andre Townsend, gets a hold of my stuff and he was an esquire for the federal public defenders office. He calls me up and asks me some questions like, Tell me about yourself. He just put this hella-tight package together, stuff that I didnt even remember that I did. Im reading this thing like, Who is this guy hes talking about? Then he sent it. That was it. I didnt hear nothing back. All of a sudden you start seeing the first wave of people go, the second wave of people go, third wave. Im counting. Its 2016, and Im counting as these people are leaving. Im getting eager. Im like, Damn, Obamas going to be leaving soon. Hes probably got about two or three more times he can even do this. At no point in time did I actually think I was going to get it. But why shouldnt I? Then one day they close the whole yard and call me. I went upstairs, and my case manager is sitting there and shes crying. Im like, Whats wrong? Did something happen to my mother? Did something happen to my grandmother? She said, No, you better have a seat. Mr. Joshua, youre going home. The president has just released you. Youre getting your ass home. The craziest thing was, it was on my mothers birthday. So it was just like it was supposed to happen. That was the moment that the waterworks came down. The first thing in my mind is that I needed to call my mother. My case manager goes, No, you have to call the United States office-of-something. Act like you dont know. So she called, and I said hello. Hey, Mr. Joshua. You know that the president has just released you and youve made our list for the commutation. What can we do for you? Do you need a ride? Do you need help? Do you need anything? Because this is from the president, so whatever you want, its on us. So I say, Can you bring me Air Force One? She just starts cracking up. Shes rolling. Then she says, No, we cant bring you Air Force One. I say, Oh, wait a minute, can you do me one favor? Well, since me and the president are on a first-name basis now, can you tell Barry I said, Thank you very much? Freedom When I first got out, I came to my house and had a whole bunch of friends here. We cooked a big breakfast, and everyone just came, and I did a toast, and thats when I did the real cry again. I got out on a Wednesday; that Sunday, I got free time to go to church, and I called all my friends who were available and we all went to the beach to get baptized in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. To have the sand running through my feet, the California sunshine that was the highlight. Just seeing people on the bus and the train. I went to Santa Monica, and when I first got there, all these people, all these beautiful women. Now all these women wear these aerobic pants? I work in the most beautiful place in Los Angeles, in Santa Monica. Its just beautiful people. I work at a shoe store that my friend owns. As soon as I was out, he was like, Look, you got a position. You got a job. Dont worry about it, I got you. I got blessed with a car. All my friends have supported me. Theyve done nothing but make sure that everythings okay. With my story, and with the support I got, I know what everybody elses hardest part is going to be getting that job. How do you explain on a resume where youve been the last ten years? You might be able to get away with it, but if you dont, and they do a background check, which everybody in America does now, then youre hit. My mom is so happy right now. Shes coming out here for Thanksgiving, my first Thanksgiving out. During Christmas, Ill have the ankle bracelet off, so were going to throw a shindig. My first Christmas and my first New Years Eve. It will be the biggest party I can conjure up. I want to buy a turducken. I still send my friends in prison pictures of girls. Send them magazines. Growing up, I was a big comic-book fiend. When I was in there, my uncle would send me comics. I would get them and read them and pass them to everybody else. So Ive been sending comic books to my friends. I keep telling them, Im not going to forget you guys. Id be a jackass. I know what youre going through. hey bindly crumpsnoot why do you hate autistic people? Reply Thread Link this is so boring. i'm forever unable to watch pumpernickel pussysnatch in any role, not even as himself. Reply Thread Link ugh tilda benadryl didn't seem that enthused about super mario. always knew he wasn't shit! Reply Thread Link - Bumblebee Pringlecock is asked to choose #TeamCap or #TeamIronman Which one did he choose? Which one did he choose? Reply Thread Link no we don't want you Reply Parent Thread Link Cap Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Tilda: "I'm not very good at guilt." I never would've guessed, Tilda. Reply Thread Link We can read, Tilda. We know. Reply Parent Thread Link Probably harshes her esoterica. Reply Parent Thread Link thanks for the summary, now i know nothing of substance is being talked about and i don't have to watch it. Not that i would have watched the interview anyway. Reply Thread Link lmaooo "Bendystraws Pumpkinsnatch" A+ OP, I love how ridiculous ONTD's names for him can get and I always know immediately who it is. Reply Thread Link Both Tilda & Bumblesnatch Tosspot are dead to me. Just dead. Reply Thread Link Amen Reply Parent Thread Link when will someone have the balls to ask benny c about being in two controversially white-washed films Reply Thread Link he don't care Reply Parent Thread Link oh i know he don't but i want him being a fuck up recorded on camera forever Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lol I wish ONTD got to interview celebs. Reply Parent Thread Link HDU. Botswana Coted'Ivoir is the extraterrestrial representation we need, earthly racial dynamics do not apply to him. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link what's the other one? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link the nicknames are so great! good job, op! Reply Thread Link Tilda Swinton, "I'm not really good at guilt." Explains a lot. Go fuck yourself Benedict Cumberbatch Reply Thread Link it's honest to god BAFFLING to me because basically all the films he's been the lead for have flopped. the only reason this film will do well is because of the marvel name, not because of him. so what are they doing? are there no other mediocre white dudes out there for hollywood to throw their weight behind that might actually land a successful film solely driven by their name??? Reply Parent Thread Link yep Reply Parent Thread Link Bumblebee Pringlecock nailed it Reply Thread Link I just come into these posts to see the different variations of his name tbh. (and I'm saying this as a huge Marvel fan) Reply Thread Link Me too. I was dumb enough to come in here and read while eating. It was nearly a fatality. The laughs and tears were worth it. Reply Parent Thread Link legit choked. Haha. That happened to me the first time I saw this:legit choked. Reply Parent Thread Link growing up isn't easyyyyyy Reply Thread Link why would you air this in January??? Reply Thread Link I'm so excited :D Reply Thread Link That girl looks like Lyanna Mormont lmao Reply Thread Link It is Lyanna! Reply Parent Thread Link It's the same actress! Reply Parent Thread Link omg the worst witch <3 Reply Thread Link hmm. this could replace my current fave teen uk supernatural show, Wolfblood. here for witchy nonsense. Reply Thread Link So I thought this was different than the Netflix one but it's the same? Now I'm not sure if I really want to watch it cause the titling on the Netflix one looked more "dark" so I thought they were going in a different direction than this Edited at 2016-11-03 02:02 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link Yep, this is the one coming to Netflix! What titling did you see? Reply Parent Thread Link https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/80130521 Like I mean it was probably just a font placeholder but I took it as the actual "titling" and to me, that gives more of a "darker" feel?? I was probably just reading more into it than I should've lol Like I mean it was probably just a font placeholder but I took it as the actual "titling" and to me, that gives more of a "darker" feel??I was probably just reading more into it than I should've lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link January 2017, OP. But yassss! Now that's a remake I'm happy about. Reply Thread Link Oop, that makes more sense. Reply Parent Thread Link Ooh! i loved the original and the Weird Sisters college Reply Thread Link I loved the one with Fairuza Balk as a kid. And god I went to google her and "fairuza balk dead" was the first thing that popped up in the search bar. Reply Thread Link Cute! I can't wait. I love the Worst Witch series in all its forms--well except for "The New Worst Witch" because of the new Hardbroom. Reply Thread Link ur icon, op. i love hot topic manager nathan. Reply Thread Link Beautiful man. He's the epitome of grace in yours. Reply Parent Thread Link January though? Reply Thread Link looking forward to this, but i don't know if it's because i've got my Harry Potter goggles on but that castle/school in the background looks like Hogwarts to me? Reply Thread Link The autumn of 1908 was a landmark moment in Americas car industry. In September of that year, William C. Durant founded the company that would later become General Motors. Not even a month later, Henry Ford launched the Model Tthe very car that heralded the era of the U.S. mass automobile market. The United States pumped 488,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil that year, and the oil was mostly used in refining to produce kerosene for lamps, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Tuesday in an overview of the domestic energy supply and demand of the past century. The year 1908 was 49 years after Edwin Drake had struck oil in Pennsylvania with the first commercial well in the country. The mass market cars and the industrial revolution of the early 20th century not only increased demand for refined petroleum products, it also permanently steered demand toward gasoline for cars, and away from oil used in lamps. When Ford was launching his first mass-market automobile in 1908, U.S. energy consumption came in at 15 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu). Coal fulfilled 75 percent of that need. By 1997, almost a century of constant technology advances and economic growth (save for a few recessions and the Great Depression) later, U.S. consumption had grown to 94 quadrillion Btu. By 2015, the U.S. primary energy consumption had reached new heights of 97.7 quadrillion Btu. U.S. energy production has seen similar growth since 1908, with fossil fuels accounting for the majority of U.S. energy production as of 2015. But unlike a century ago, renewable energy now accounts for around 10 percent of that energy output. This means that somewhere along the way, fossil fuels lost market share. EIA data shows that natural gas, petroleum and coal combined accounted for around 81 percent of U.S. energy production last year, with renewables at some 11 percent, and nuclear at 9 percent. Crude oil production, having peaked at 9.6 million bpd in 1970, steadily declined (except for rare exceptions) until 2008, hitting a bottom at the 5 million bpd marka level that was at the time, unseen since 1949. Related: Is This The Beginning Of The End For U.S. Nuclear Power? Meanwhile, the shale revolution began to take hold, and crude output returned to its growth cycle, reaching 9.4 million bpd in 2015. The previous year, production had grown by 1.2 million barrels a day, the largest volume increase since recordkeeping began, which was in 1900. Fracking at tight oil plays in North Dakota, Texas, and New Mexico contributed the most to the annual volume increase. And while low crude oil prices over the past two years have managed to drive some drillers and players out of the more cost-intensive shale plays in the U.S., U.S. crude inventories continue to be higher than the markets would like, with the EIA reporting a massive build this Wednesday of over 14 million barrelsa single-week build not seen in 34 years. The shale boom also led to U.S. natural gas production reaching a record-high in 2015. EIAs projections in its latest Short-Term Energy And Winter Fuels Outlook are that natural gas marketed production will drop this year by 1.6 percent compared to the 2015 volumes, which would mark the first yearly decline since 2005. As far as crude oil production is concerned, it is expected to average 8.7 million bpd in 2016 and 8.6 million bpd in 2017, compared to 9.4 million bpd in 2015. Fossil fuels have dominated U.S. energy consumption for more than 100 years. According to EIAs reference case scenario for 2040, the fossil fuel share will drop to 76.6 percent of energy consumption within 25 years. By 2040, technology and innovation breakthroughs, along with the Henry Fords (or Elon Musks, if you will) of their time, may drive U.S. and global energy into a new era. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oil prices plunged on Wednesday following data showing a massive buildup of crude oil inventories in the U.S., pushing WTI down to $45 per barrel, the lowest level since September. Oil stocks grew by 14.4 million barrels in the last week of October, the EIA said on Wednesday, the highest weekly increase on record. That was enough to push oil down by more than 3 percent, erasing just about all of the gains made since OPEC stoked the fire back in September with tentative plans to cut their production levels. The 14 million barrel increase was exceptional by any standard, and it vastly exceeded the consensus estimate by an array of analysts, which, according to Reuters, called for an increase of just 1 million barrels. "This is very, very, very bearish. Nothing else in the report matters," James L. Williams, energy economist at WTRG Economics, said in a Reuters interview. Bob Yawger, director of the futures division at Mizuho Securities USA, agreed. You could easily make the argument its the most bearish report of all time. Theres nothing to support the market, he told The Wall Street Journal. All the barrels you were wondering what ever happened to them came roaring back in one report. Oil prices were already falling because of doubts over OPECs willingness and ability to cut a deal. After the latest flop in Vienna, the deep discord within OPEC makes a deal of any significance hard to imagine. "There were already worries about the OPEC agreement. It could take longer to rebalance the market, even if they succeed in finalizing the accord, Joe Bozoyan, an equity portfolio manager at John Hancock, told Bloomberg. Related: Will Oil Majors Ever Recover? With pessimism creeping into the market because of OPEC, oil was already down into the $40s before the EIA data was released on Wednesday. The inventory build, pushed WTI down to $45 per barrel. "I wouldn't be surprised if by the end of the week or beginning of next week, we'll get to $42 or $41 a barrel, as very few believe OPEC will make cuts that matter, Tariq Zahir, an oil trader with Tyche Capital Advisors, told Reuters. That echoes an estimate from Goldman Sachs, which saidWill Oil Majors Ever Recover? this week in a note to clients that a failure at OPECs upcoming meeting would send oil prices down to the low $40s per barrel. Leaving OPEC aside, there are a few reasons that the EIAs most bearish report of all time may not be quite as bearish as it first seems. Gasoline inventories continued to decline, falling by another 2.2 million barrels at the end of October, so demand is holding up. Meanwhile, production levels are more or less flat, so the stock build is not because of some dramatic increase in upstream oil production. Related: Saudi Arabias Oil War Gained It 1% Market Share Which It Is About To Lose But the biggest reason that the EIA report might be an anomaly is the steep increase in oil imports, which helps explain the sharp jump in inventories. U.S. oil imports shot up to 9 million barrels per day in the last week of October, 2 mb/d higher than the week before and at the highest level since 2012. Imports had been lower in recent weeks, so the sudden surge at the end of October inflated the stock build figures. Because higher imports were essentially dumped into storage, there is little reason to believe that the U.S. will continue to import at such an elevated rate. As imports return to more normal levels in the weeks ahead, weekly changes in inventories will fall back to more normal levels. The effect then, could be that oil regains a bit of ground as the markets start to digest the fact that the inventory build does not indicate some renewed glut in the market. To be sure, the fundamentals are still weak, but little has changed from previous weeks other than the fact that the U.S. imported more oil than average in the last week of October. But beyond that potential short-term snap back effect, OPECs squabbles still loom large over the market. Their proposed cuts were never that deep to begin with, but the psychological effect has been huge. As such, the risk to oil prices over the next few weeks is more on the downside than it is on the upside. By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The opinions expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the opinions of OnMilwaukee.com, its advertisers or editorial staff. I am both stoked and stocked for next Tuesday night and beyond. I am just about over the edge with thrill that the 2016 election will actually come to an end, and this column is my last crack at the whole thing. I am also prepping for what happens that night and beyond. I have a fresh supply of Tylenol PM to help with all the sleepless nights. I have a dozen bottles of Pepto-Bismol. I have a copy of the Constitution. I also have permanently blocked Fox News and MSNBC on my cable channel system. And finally, I have begun the debate about whether I ever want to vote again. In terms of predictions, though, heres what I think is going to happen. I think that Russ Feingold is going to beat Ron Johnson and return to the United States Senate, where he belongs and Johnson doesnt. And in the big one, I think that Donald Trump and I cant believe Im going to say this is going to beat Hillary Clinton and become the next president of the United States. Can you say and remember "hanging chad?" It may not be as close as the George W. Bush-Al Gore election, but I do think this race is going to come down to Florida. With its 29 electoral votes, its going to be the ultimate battleground state, and I think its going to come down to where those votes go. Also, I agree with the remarkable Nate Silver and his statistical-based FiveThirtyEi ght when he predicts that there is notable potential for a split popular/electoral vote. While Silver's predictions at last reading say Clinton has 77 percent chance of winning the popular vote, they also give her just a 65 percent chance of winning the electoral vote. There you have it. Thats what I think is going to happen. Im sure everybody else has an opinion, and, either way, I think we are in for a turbulent four years that will make the "birther" discussion seem like a Sunday walk in the park. If Trump wins, the overwhelming popular reaction of the public (thats me and everyone else) is going to be remarkable uncertainty. Each day, I expect to wake up and wonder what hes done overnight and what hes going to do that day. Who will he insult? Who will he abandon? What wacky scheme will he unveil? Nobody has a clue what this guy will do once hes president including himself. He has no plans. He has no plans for plans. He may have a plan for a plan for a plan, but whatever he has is based on some skewed notion of America. When Donald Trump is the president, we are going to be buried by his "fantastic" family, some of whom are going to be cabinet secretaries. Barron Trump may be only 10, but he goes to school, so he can be Secretary of Education, right? But a Trump presidency may seem like a soft mattress when compared to the rocky road of a Clinton presidency. There is only one thing you need to know if she is elected president. Republicans. Hate. Her. Its not that they disagree with her policies or that they dont like her or that they dont trust her or that they dont like pantsuits. They absolutely HATE her. I have a number of friends who are Republicans. The way they talk about Clinton is the way Idi Amin used to talk about his political enemies. If Clinton wins, the first task of a Republican-controlled House of Representatives will be to file articles of impeachment. Please understand that the House doesnt really need any grounds to impeach a president. If a majority of the members vote for impeachment, then impeachment it is. Its kind of like an indictment in our court system. Then the Senate conducts the trial. The over/under on number of days after inauguration before the official impeachment debate begins is 42. The over/under on number of days after the election that some crazed congressman announces he or she is going to work to impeach Clinton is three hours and 45 minutes. So once we all heave a sigh of relief that the election is over whichever way it goes our fatigue with a broken system may just be starting. A $60 county vehicle registration fee, known as the "wheel tax," may be unpopular, but it is necessary to maintain public transportation services for people who rely on the bus, experts say. A decision not to implement such a fee could have profound consequences for low-income Milwaukee residents, according to University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Associate Professor of Urban Planning Robert Schneider. Citing census data, Schneider stated that more than 54,000 households in the county, approximately 14 percent, do not own a motor vehicle. "Those people rely on the transit system to get to jobs and shopping and other activities throughout their week," Schneider said. "The transit system for Milwaukee County is an essential public service." In a 2015 report on barriers to employment in Milwaukee, the nonpartisan Public Policy Forum found that transportation challenges are already common among unemployed jobseekers. The proposal to implement the vehicle registration fee is included in Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abeles 2017 budget. The fee would generate $27.1 million in 2017, providing revenue for public transportation as well as county road improvements. It would take effect March 1, 2017. The Public Policy Forum devoted four pages of its executive budget brief on the proposed 2017 Milwaukee County budget to the vehicle registration fee proposal, noting that the county has been deferring needed infrastructure projects for more than a decade. "That approach has caught up to it at the same time that expensive new needs have emerged," according to the budget brief. "Ultimately, support for the proposed vehicle registration fee should be determined by the value that residents place on the countys existing levels of service," it concluded. A memo released by county Comptroller Scott Manske echoed the forums observations. "I have found that within the next five years, without major changes in passenger rates or route reductions, the fixed route transit operating system will need $28 million of additional local support on an annual basis," he wrote. Manske also noted that the restoration of county highways and parkways would require $82 million, in addition to the costs associated with 100 buses that need to be replaced. Schneider pointed out that a high-quality transit system allows Milwaukee to remain competitive with other regions in terms of attracting residents and employers. It also improves the quality of life for city residents who do not own a vehicle or choose to only drive occasionally. He stressed the importance of taking action now. Waiting, he stated, would cause the deficit hole to grow and become even more difficult to fill. "In the long term, it would be great to see some sort of regional sales tax that would support public transit to provide a solid foundation for operations and future capital improvements," said Schneider. "I think there are many people who will be impacted negatively if funding and service cuts continue with the Milwaukee County Transit System." County residents expressed their displeasure with the proposed fee at a recent listening session held by the Milwaukee County Boards Finance and Audit Committee at the MPS Administration Building. Though only 10 individuals spoke at the 9 a.m. meeting, those who addressed the committee on the subject said they were opposed to the vehicle registration fee. "Sixty dollars is very high. People are already riding around [without] insurance because they cant pay," said James Macon, president of the Local 998 Amalgamated Transit Union. "I am a Bucks fan, but I wish (Abele) would fight for the county the way he did for the Bucks arena and we wouldnt be in a hole here," he added. The County Board scheduled a public hearing for 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, on Abeles recommended budget. The finance committee is expected to review budget amendments on Nov. 2, and the full board will vote on the budget on Nov. 7. On Saturday, Nov. 5, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee swings open the doors to four parishes around Milwaukee to welcome the community in for behind-the-scenes tours and more. We're writing about all four parishes before the event. Today, in this final installment, we visit All Saints, 4051 N. 25th St. The building is an interesting one with an exterior that doesnt really capture the beauty of the church inside. The fortress-like contemporary box was built in 1960 and designed by architect Robert Herbst who included five diamond-shaped window openings on the north and south sides of the buildings and three on the east facade above the entrance, but all the way up at the top, creating a zigzag pattern along the roofline. On the 26th Street side, theres an apse and on the opposite end, above the main entrance is a towering stained glass representation of St. Agnes, that during the day feels almost invisible. However, at night, when lit from behind, I bet it makes for a stunning image. Inside, the church is a revelation. What seems like it would be a dark box from the outside is actually flooded with light during the day and, seen from the other side backlit by the sun, that towering saint window is, indeed, stunning. At least some of the credit for the lovely interior goes to architects Paul Barribeau, of Cedarburg's Groth Design Group and parishioner Marty Kleiber, of Kahler Slater Architects, who, in 2007, led a $2.8 million renovation of the interior of the church, painting it in vibrant colors and adding new details, including some that recall African masks. The renovation was meant to make the new All Saints parish feel more at home in the building. This was a much-needed step, because All Saints was along with St. Martin de Porres one of two parishes created on the North Side after the archdiocese shuttered a number of neighborhood churches. "On Nov. 1, 1994 two parishes, All Saints and St. Martin de Porres, were created in the inner city. For a time All Saints was known simply as parish west and St. Martin de Porres was known as parish east while logistics and names were still under discussion," said Amy Nelson, associate director of archives for the Milwaukee Archdiocese, in an email. "Although it was not a merged parish, All Saints was mainly made up of parishioners from the former St. Agnes, St. Anne, Holy Angels, St. John de Nepomuc, St. Leo and St. Thomas Aquinas parishes. All Saints was dedicated in June 1995 and is located at the former St. Agnes site." The parishioners at All Saints have had to work hard to come together as one. "We twinned [parishes] for a while," says Cecilia Smith-Robertson, the churchs faith formation director. "That was the beginning. [Parishes] were collaborating. Then, they decided to close [the parishes]. We were the first and it was all at the same time. We lost a lot of people. "We tried everything we could to talk about the best way to keep the churches open. They said it had to do with lack of evangelization. They said membership was dying. There wasn't a lot of new members. The other thing was money." But now, two decades later, says Smith-Robertson, All Saints is a unique congregation with a style all its own. She estimates about 10 percent of the congregation were members during the St. Agnes era. "No matter where you go in the world the liturgy is the same but things are different culturally," she says. "It's a little different here, and other parishes in the community have different ways of music or the way they respond the charismatic movement in the Catholic church, that type of thing. I see us more like a charismatic movement here with a spiritual aspect. I wouldn't go anyplace else." Nowadays, the old, traditional baldacchino that once graced the altar (pictured above in a 1961 photo) was replaced in the 2007 renovation, and a couple nooks hold a colorful African tapestry and beautiful sculptures of African saints, carved by sculptor Wiktor Szostalo, who has studios in St. Louis and in Poland. The altar has been brought forward into the congregation and the pews are arranged in a welcoming communal style. Theres plenty of room on the altar now for All Saints respected and renowned gospel choir, and its weekly performance during services makes Mass at All Saints unlike devotions youll hear in most other Archdiocese churches. Also unique is the baptismal font thats right inside the entrance to the sanctuary (pictured below). This is not a marble stand with a bit of holy water in a carved bowl at the top. This is the size of a small wading pool because at All Saints baptisms are done by immersion. "This is not foreign," says Smith-Robertson. "It's just a way of worshiping God, just in a different way. This is who we are. That's why we wanted to do more things in the hall and talk about diversity (at the VIP event). We are very diverse. "(At VIP), we're going to have a world map in the hall and show where our different parishioners come from throughout the world. Right now we have about 16 countries represented from Africa. We're very blessed." In addition to a tour of the church including an explanation of the baptismal font and the immersion baptism at All Saints at the VIP event, the churchs well-known gospel choir will perform at 11:30 a.m., and there will be a multicultural fair all day during the event in the hall below the sanctuary. When you visit, you might notice some other buildings in the complex. The rectory, connected to the church, remains part of All Saints. But the schoolhouse, a little further north, was sold to another religious community when St. Agnes closed. It will not, therefore, be part of the tour. Two area restaurants, Uppa Yard Jamaican Restaurant, 4925 W. Fond du Lac Ave., and Mr. Perkins Family Restaurant, 2001 W. Atkinson Ave., will offer $2 off lunch items when you mention the VIP event on Nov. 5. Complete details of all four churches taking part in the VIP event are here. Read my story about Saint Bernard Parish in Wauwatosa here, about Our Lady of Guadalupe here and about Bay View's Immaculate Conception here. Jenny and James Marino, owners of Cudahy-based Angelic Bakehouse, have announced plans today to sell their company to Lancaster Colony Corporation, a maker of specialty foods based in Ohio. The long-time company has been in business in Wisconsin since 1969. Once known as Cybros, Angelic Bakehouse was purchased by the Marinos in 2009. Since that time, growth has been steady; in 2013, the company broke ground on a $2.3 million production facility in Cudahy. Their products are available at a variety of retailers including Whole Foods Market, Costco, Sprouts Farmers Market, Meijer, Safeway, Hy-Vee, Woodmans Markets, Heinens, Sendiks Food Market, Lunds, Marianos Fresh Market and Richards Foodporium. The owners plan to remain in their current roles, continuing to manage day to day operations. However, hope is that the acquisition agreement will lead to further growth for the company, which specializes in non-GMO sprouted grain baked goods. "This agreement gives us a chance to 'sprout our wings' and continue on our journey to provide our customers with delicious and better nutrition options without compromise," notes Jenny Marino, president and CEO of Angelic, in a statement. "Lancaster Colony shares our unwavering commitment to consumers who are looking for a healthy option, but are unwilling to sacrifice the taste and texture of real bread. With Angelic, they dont have to." The company will continue to produce their line of sprouted grain products. However, Marino notes that the partnership will allow Angelic to accelerate their commitment to new and innovative products. What will change, she notes, is Angelic's ability to vastly increase its national product distribution, making the Wisconsin-made goods available to a much larger audience. "We are thrilled to add Angelic Bakehouse and its terrific lineup of on-trend bakery products to our growing specialty foods business," says Dave Ciesinski, Lancaster Colony's president and Chief Operating Officer. "Angelic is a highly relevant, on-trend business that produces a variety of great tasting, nutritious, non-GMO bakery items featuring its proprietary sprouted mash ingredient crafted with an assortment of unique sprouted grains. We are very excited to welcome Angelic's employees to the family of Lancaster Colony companies and look forward to a successful future together." Jenny Marino said that there would be no job reductions as a result of the acquisition and added that there is the potential for employment growth in the future. "This opportunity presented a chance to keep doing what we have been doing without compromises. The leadership at Lancaster Colony can help take our bakery to the next level and provide the resources and expertise that we simply did not have," Jenny Marino said. "The seven-year journey we have made with our fans and supporters has been incredible, and we look forward to continued growth, making the same pure bread perfection and holding firm to our belief that using sprouted mash whole grains is the road to continued consumer satisfaction and success at meal time for millions of families throughout the nation." In the world of restaurants, change is inevitable. And such is the case at Wolf Peach, where a changing of the guard is imminent. Beginning this December, Chef Cole Ersel will turn over executive chef reins to longtime colleague Chef Kyle Toner. The shift, notes Ersel, is motivated by a personal desire for change. "I love working here. I have great relationships with everyone in the kitchen and with Gina (Gruenewald)," he says. "But Im really looking to get ahead of the curve. It's always been a given that I wouldn't be at Wolf Peach forever. And this seemed like a really good time to make the move." Ersel, who says he doesnt have another chef position on the docket, says his plan is to take things as they come. "Am I on a hunt for the next executive chef job? No. Am I running away from it? No. For me, being an executive chef is a young-man, city-slickers game. Im not retiring. I wont quit cooking. But I am throttling back to work on the big picture for myself." As for the restaurant, Ersel says diners can expect a very similar experience to what they've had in the past. "The kitchen here has always been a collaboration," he says. "Whether people realize it or not, this restaurant is the product of an extremely strong team. So the transition really shouldnt be shocking. People have been eating Toners food for years. And in the end, hes a better chef than I am, and he totally wouldve had this position instead of me had the timing been right." Toner, a New Jersey native, cut his teeth on the East Coast, working in restaurants including Spotted Pig, Tocqueville and Rosewater before shifting gears away from fine dining and moving on to work at Queen Margherita, a Neapolitan-style pizza restaurant in Nutley, New Jersey. It was there he began his mastery of wood-fired oven cooking. He worked briefly as line cook under Chef Daniel Jacobs at Roots in 2012, but quickly took on responsibility for the pizzas and other wood-fired dishes as the restaurant transitioned into its new identity as Wolf Peach. Toner says he plans to launch a new menu beginning in January. And although it will reflect a bit more of his personal style, it will also adhere to the tenets that have made Wolf Peach what it is. "Food-wise, I think in terms of classic dishes and classic flavor combinations," he says. "Its not about putting crazy twists on things. Its not the way I eat. I want it to be accessible." Wolf Peach will continue focusing its cuisine on European flavors, though diners may see a shift Toner to dishes that take inspiration from regions in Western and Southern Europe. Toner says he plans to add more stand-alone vegetable dishes along with salads and shareable entrees. "I think of Wolf Peach, even the way the room looks, as a bistro or brasserie or trattoria. Its come as you are, when you want, and eat the way you want. Thats the basis for what Im going for in terms of food. I want people to be comfortable, have fun and eat well." (Image by White House) Details DMCA As the dam breaks on the latest Hillary Clinton scandals (emails & The Clinton Foundation), four U.S. presidents could get caught up in the deluge: Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and George H.W. Bush. It appears that Obama lied when he said that he only learned about Hillary Clinton's secret server when the news broke to the general public. Apparently, Obama also sent and received Clinton unsecured emails himself, which was against the law. Perhaps that is why he is working so hard to get Hillary elected -- as protection from prosecution. Or perhaps after he leaves office, Obama wants to get in on the easy money that has so enriched previous presidents and prime ministers around the world, as they peddle their influence at the public's expense through organizations, such as the Bush family's Carlyle Group and the Clinton Foundation. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/oct/31/september11.usa4 And that is why the Clinton-Bush connection (or cartel) screams out for attention now. In the wake of the ongoing FBI investigation, what has not been widely discussed in the corporate media is the decades-long relationship between the Clinton and the Bush families. It has a long and sordid history. Reports dating back to the Iran-Contra days in the 1980's, describe the corrupt relationship between the Clintons and then Vice-President George H.W. Bush (and former CIA Director), as drugs were being trafficked into the U.S. by the CIA through Mena, Arkansas. https://ajmacdonaldjr.wordpress.com/2010/03/08/george-h-w-bush-and-bill-clinton-corruption-cocaine-and-murder In recent decades, former Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, have partnered with the Clinton Foundation and its Global Initiative on many natural disasters, including: The Tsunami in India (2004), Hurricane Katrina (2005), the Haiti earthquake disaster (2010), Hurricane Sandy (2012), and Typhoon Haiyan in the Phillipines (2013) are some, but perhaps not all of their shared enterprises. And now, it appears that these Clinton-Bush charitable projects did much more to enrich themselves, than to serve the public. http://www.wnd.com/2015/10/clinton-foundation-fraud-began-with-exploiting-earthquake Add to that, the Bush family's indications that they will be voting for Hillary Clinton for President, and that pretty much cements their uncomfortably close relationship. Although the Clintons and the Bushes often share the same stage and speaking engagements, it appears that in preparation for Hillary's run for the White House, the Clintons took some pains to hide their connection. Bill Clinton's speaking fees to the Bushes Carlyle Group appear to be missing from his 2012 federal financial disclosure filing http://peureport.blogspot.com/2014/06/bill-clintons-undecleared-carlyle-group.html. Maybe that was an accidental omission. What was no accident is that Billy Bush (nephew of President George H.W. Bush and first cousin of President George W. Bush), provided the tape that almost torpedoed Donald Trump's election hopes. For anyone who thinks that it was just a coincidence, the Bush family is full of strange coincidences at tragic moments in our nation's history. Such as Marvin P. Bush, George W. Bush's younger brother, who was a principal in a company called Securacom that provided security for the World Trade Center on 9/11 in 2001. Or the son of then Vice President George H. W. Bush, Neil Bush, who invited Scott Hinckley to have dinner on the same day in 1981 that Scott's brother, John W. Hinckley Jr., shot President Ronald Reagan. Or George H.W. Bush, for whom there is compelling evidence, was a CIA agent and involved in JFK's assassination in 1963. http://www.wnd.com/2013/09/did-george-h-w-bush-witness-jfk-assassination/. Both the Bushes and the Clintons have been implicated in a decades-long trail of scandals. They are considered by many to be crime families whose tentacles reach far and wide. However, they could not have gotten away with so much without a lot of help from powerful insiders and an army of complicit agents. One high profile example is James Comey, who has been in charge of two controversial investigations (if not cover-ups) of Bill and Hillary Clinton. Besides Hillary's 2015 email investigation, that Comey badly mishandled, he also led the DOJ's 2002 flawed investigation into Bill Clinton's last minute pardon of Marc Rich. Another coincidence? As much as the FBI should be applauded for their efforts to uncover this most recent Clinton scandal, they should also be aware of those within their own ranks who have protected the Bushes and the Clintons for many decades. And take care. The Bush-Clinton Cartel appears to be capable of anything. Lynn Landes www.LynnLandes.com One of expandd Israeli Goals (Image by Ahavat Israel) Details DMCA The movements of gathering Jews back to Israel can be found in the Old Testament examples of the return from Babylon and Moses leading the Jews out of Egypt. The current era of such movements date from at least the 12th century. The modern movement was motivated by the Zionist movement started in 1897. Contemporaneously with the start of that movement was the publication of the Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897, compiled by M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., that described Theocracy as "the belief in government by divine guidance." It went on to state that Theocracy was: "... a word first used by Josephus to denote that the Jews were under the direct government of God himself. The nation was in all things subject to the will of their invisible King. All the people were the servants of Jehovah, who ruled over their public and private affairs, communicating to them his will through the medium of the prophets. They were the subjects of a heavenly, not of an earthly, king. They were Jehovah's own subjects, ruled directly by him (Compare 1 Samuel 8:6-9 )." This is not quite what the British had in mind when the British Foreign Secretary, Arthur Balfour, made his landmark Balfour Declaration of November 2, 1917, publicly expressing the government's view in favor of "the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people", and specifically noting that its establishment must not "prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country." Why do we, the Jews celebrating Pesach (Passover) in Jerusalem, still say: "Next year in Jerusalem!" Aren't we already here? The rebuilt Jerusalem we pray for is not this modern city, and the redeemed Eretz Israel is not the political state of the Jews we see today. As the influence of the Torah extends, so will the boundaries of Eretz Israel expand accordingly. Can it get more religious? On 30 June 2014, according to the Yesha Council, 382,031 Jewish settlers lived in the 121 officially recognized settlements in the West Bank, over 300,000 Israelis lived in settlements in East Jerusalem, and over 20,000 lived in settlements in the Golan Heights. In January 2015 the Israeli Interior Ministry gave figures of 389,250 Israelis living in the West Bank and a further 375,000 Israelis living in East Jerusalem. These settlers are protected by their guns, private security and by the IDF, the Israel Defense Force. The international community considers the settlements in occupied territory to be illegal, and the United Nations has repeatedly upheld the view that Israel's construction of settlements constitutes a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Israeli neighborhoods in East Jerusalem and communities in the Golan Heights, the latter of which has been annexed by Israel, are also considered settlements by the international community, which does not recognize Israel's annexations of these territories. The International Court of Justice also says these settlements are illegal in a 2004 advisory opinion. In April 2012, UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon, in response to moves by Israel to legalize Israeli outposts, reiterated that all settlement activity is illegal, and "runs contrary to Israel's obligations under the Road Map and repeated Quartet calls for the parties to refrain from provocations." The numbers of these settlers are constantly augmented by benefiting from the law of the Right to Return, available worldwide to all Jews, but not to any displaced Arabs, whatever their religion if not Sephardi Jews. To be continued. From Consortium News If Ukraine becomes a flashpoint for World War III with Russia, the American people might rue the day that their government pressed for the 2014 overthrow of Ukraine's allegedly corrupt (though elected) president in favor of a coup regime led by Ukrainian lawmakers who now report amassing, on average, more than $1 million each, much of it as cash. The New York Times, which served as virtually a press agent for the coup in February 2014, took note of this apparent corruption among the U.S.-favored post-coup officials, albeit deep inside a story that itself was deep inside the newspaper (page A8). The lead angle was a bemused observation that Ukraine's officialdom lacked faith in the country's own banks (thus explaining why so much cash). Yet, Ukraine is a country beset by widespread poverty, made worse by the post-coup neoliberal "reforms" slashing pensions, making old people work longer and reducing heating subsidies for common citizens. The average Ukrainian salary is only $214 a month. So, an inquiring mind might wonder how -- in the face of all that hardship -- the post-coup officials did so well for themselves, but Times' correspondent Andrew E. Kramer treads lightly on the possibility that these officials were at least as corrupt, if not more so, than the elected government that the U.S. helped overthrow. Elected President Viktor Yanukovych had been excoriated for a lavish lifestyle because he had a sauna in his residence. Kramer's article on Wednesday tried to explain the bundles of cash as a sign that "many of the lawmakers and officials responsible for inspiring public trust in Ukraine's economic and banking institutions have little faith that their own wealth would be safe in the country's banks, according to recently mandated financial disclosures. ... "Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, for example, declared over one million dollars in savings in cash -- $870,000 and 460,000 euros -- apparently shunning Ukraine's ever-wobbly banking system. The top official in charge of the country's banks, Valeriya Gontareva, who is responsible for stabilizing the national currency, the hryvnia, maintains most of her money in American dollars -- $1.8 million. "A tally of the declarations filed by most of Parliament's 450 members compiled by one analyst, Andriy Gerus, found that the lawmakers collectively held $482 million in 'monetary assets,' of which $36 million was kept as cold, hard cash. ... "Some politicians seem to have approached the declaration as a sort of amnesty, revealing everything they have earned from decades of crooked dealings, in an effort to come clean. " One minister reported a wine collection with bottles worth thousands of dollars each. Another official declared ownership of a church. Yet another claimed a ticket to outer space with Virgin Galactic. ... "Another theory making the rounds in Kiev -- where people generally acknowledge the inventive, venal genius of their politicians -- suggests that the public servants are padding their declarations," so they can hide future bribes within their reported cash holdings and thus offer plausible excuses for luxury cars and expensive jewelry. Accessing More Money Ironically, passage of the law requiring the disclosures of what appears to be widespread corruption among Kiev's officials unlocked millions of euros in new aid money from the European Union that then flowed to the same apparently corrupt officials. However, because the Ukraine "regime change" in 2014 was partly orchestrated by U.S. and E.U. officials around the propaganda theme that elected President Yanukovych was corrupt -- he had that sauna, after all -- the continued corruption in the post-coup regime has been a rarely acknowledged, inconvenient truth. Indeed, some business people operating in Ukraine have complained that the corruption has grown worse since Yanukovych was overthrown. Yet, only occasionally has that reality been allowed to peek through in the mainstream U.S. media, which prefers to deny that any "coup" occurred, to blame Russia for all of Ukraine's problems, and to praise the post-coup "reforms" which targeted pensions, heating subsidies and other social programs for average citizens. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Here's the thing: Every morning right after I wake up I take my dog Duff for a long walk. This is always my time to think, to clear my head, to reconnect not only to myself, but to the Earth. It's cloudy and raining today, but unseasonably warm. Because of the overcast there was no striking sunrise today, but even through the clouds and the rain I could feel the Earth warming as the sun came up. A breeze was blowing gently from the northwest so today I could hardly smell the odor of the water-treatment facility just a few blocks from where I live. It's an aggressive sort of smell, a combination of unknowable chemicals that hangs in the air, somehow sweet, like artificial fruit. It's now owned by American Water--PA. Council borough sold our water to them about three years ago. We don't own our water; it was bought and now it's sold back to us. Again this week the water from my tap smells funky, like mildew on oily rags. Sometimes when I drink it, there is a moment when I have to tell myself to swallow because my mouth tells me to spit it out. But the scent and odor are usually very faint and you get used to it. This morning when I boil the water for my coffee I can smell the odor in the kitchen, but boiling seems to get rid of the taste. I live in northeastern Pennsylvania, just a few miles from Dimock, PA, ground zero for Josh Fox's documentary "Gasland." I know people whose farmland has been destroyed by fracking, whose water is flammable. I know neighbors who don't talk to each other anymore, and families that have been pulled apart due to resentment that one or the other made a much better deal with the oil companies. Some people only got a couple of thousand dollars and others made hundreds of thousands. There are no fracking pads that I pass on my morning walks, but a short drive in almost any direction will take you past at least one. I think about what I've learned recently, too late to be of much help, that as of 2015 there were an estimated 1.5 million fracking wells in place in the continental United States, and that each well used an average of 2.8 million gallons of water that was mixed with sand and up to 1,000 different chemicals, about 240 of which are known to be poisonous or toxic. It was then pumped under high pressure into the bedrock, into the aquifer. I walk past a big puddle that forms in the alley behind my house whenever it rains. I stand there this morning, as I have many times before, and watch the puddles percolate from the gas seeping up through the Earth. If you listen closely, they pop with a happy sort of sound. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). From The National A Palestinian man carries on his shoulders a child holding a fake gun outside the Dome of Rock at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. (Image by Jordi Bernabeu) Details DMCA Israel has just emerged from its three-week high holidays, a period that in recent years has been marked by extremist religious Jews making provocative visits to Al Aqsa mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem. Many go to pray, in violation of Israel's international obligations. Most of them belong to groups that seek a Jewish temple to replace the mosque. They now enjoy increasing parliamentary support, some of it from within prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's party. A rash of such visits last autumn outraged Palestinians and triggered a wave of so-called lone-wolf attacks on Israelis. The attacks have recently abated. Taking advantage of the renewed quiet, Israel allowed a record number of ultra-nationalists to visit the mosque. Parties of Israeli soldiers are also entering the site. The police, whose recently appointed commander is himself from the extremist settler community, have recommended that restrictions be ended on visits by Jewish legislators who demand Israel's sovereignty over the mosque. For Palestinians, Israel's treatment of this supremely important Islamic holy site symbolizes their powerlessness, oppression and routine humiliation. The gaping power imbalance was movingly detailed last month at a special hearing of the UN security council. Hagai El Ad, head of B'tselem, which monitors the occupation, termed Israel's abuses as "invisible, bureaucratic, daily violence" against Palestinians exercised from "cradle to grave." He appealed to the international community to end its five-decade inaction. "We need your help. ... The occupation must end. The UN Security Council must act. And the time is now," he said. Israeli politicians were incensed. Mr El Ad had broken one of Israel's cardinal rules: you do not wash the country's dirty linen abroad. Most Israelis consider the occupation and Palestinian suffering as an internal matter, to be decided by them alone. David Bitan, chair of his party, demanded that Mr El Ad be stripped of his citizenship and proposed legislation to ban calls in global forums for sanctions against Israel. Unsurprisingly, Mr El Ad has faced a flood of death threats. Meanwhile, another UN forum has been considering Israel's occupation. Its educational, scientific and cultural body, UNESCO, passed a resolution last month condemning Israel's systematic violations of Palestinian holy sites, especially Al Aqsa. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). From Robert Reich Blog The parallels are striking. In the last decades of the 19th century -- the so-called "Gilded Age" -- America experienced inequality on a scale it had never before seen, combining wild opulence and searing poverty. American industry consolidated into a few giant monopolies, or trusts, headed by "robber barons" who wielded enough power to drive out competitors. A few Wall Street titans like J.P. Morgan controlled the nation's finances. These men used their huge wealth to rig the system. Their lackeys literally deposited stacks of money on the desks of pliant legislators, prompting the great jurist Louis Brandeis to tell America it a choice: "We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we cannot have both." We face a similar choice today. Then, America chose democracy. President Theodore Roosevelt, railing against the "malefactors of great wealth," broke up the trusts. And he pushed Congress to end the most blatant forms of corruption. His fifth cousin, FDR, went further -- enacting social insurance for the elderly, the unemployed, and the disabled; a minimum wage and 40-hour workweek; the right to unionize; compensation for workers injured on the job; and strict limits on Wall Street. In other words, between 1870 and 1900, American capitalism got off track. Between 1901 and 1937 (the effective end of the New Deal), America put capitalism back on track. We're now in the Second Gilded Age, and American capitalism is again off track. It takes about three generations for Americans to forget how our system, unattended, goes wrong. And then to right it. Inequality is now nearly at the same level it was in the late nineteenth century. Half of all families are poorer today than they were a decade-and-a-half ago, the pay of CEOs and Wall Street bankers is in the stratosphere, and child poverty is on the rise. Meanwhile, American industry is once again consolidating -- this time into oligopolies dominated by three or four major players. You can see it in pharmaceuticals, high tech, airlines, food, Internet service, communications, health insurance, and finance. The biggest Wall Street banks, having brought the nation to the brink of destruction a few years ago, are once again exercising vast economic power. And big money has taken over American politics. Will we put capitalism back on track, as we did before? The vile election of 2016 doesn't seem to offer much hope. But future historians looking back on the tumult might see the start of another era of fundamental reform. Today's uprising against the established order echoes the outrage average Americans felt in the late 19th century when they pushed Congress to enact the Sherman Antitrust Act, and when Democratic presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan fulminated against big business and finance. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Siege of Islamabad 02 November, 2016 By Asif Haroon Raja Imran Khan (IK) and his partner Sheikh Rashid pursuing politics of agitation since mid-2014 are once again on a rampage and are determined to lock down Islamabad (Isbd) and seize power by force. Their tantrums have shot up the political temperature to a boiling point and has intensified uncertainty and insecurity. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Pervez Khattak along with PTI workers is exultantly moving in a convoy from Peshawar to reach Bani Gala and participate in the already declared November 2, D-Day for the final showdown with the government (govt) at D-chowk. He has puerilely given an ethnic color to his march by playing the Pashtun card. He and his convey has been greeted by the Punjab Police with tear gas shells at Attock Bridge and Hazro interchange. The PML-Q, PAT and PSP have pledged support to IK but from a distance. The PPP is gearing up to add fuel to fire. Maulana Fazlur Rahman led JUI-F has stood up in support of the beleaguered PML-N and has warned PTI that its march to Isbd will be contested. ANP, NP, QWP and MQM (P) sympathies are also with the ruling party. The fires of agitation lit by the PTI has spread to other cities as well. Containerization has taken the life of one army officer and one child and is causing great inconvenience to the dwellers of twin cities. Media is playing its usual negative role to keep the pot sizzling. One-seater Sheikh Rashid is being glorified and so is the bellicosity of IK, while govts defensive acts are demeaned. Anchors and analysts are busy upping the ante and none seem to be interested in defusing the volatile situation. Hate campaign against NS and his family by the social media has touched new heights of slander. Political wrangling and filibustering is further damaging the image of Pakistan in the world and the cause of Kashmir. The master planners sitting in London, Washington, Tel Aviv and New Delhi are keeping their fingers crossed and are excitedly watching the gathering storm and hoping that the govt machinery in Isbd will be paralyzed and will force Nawaz Sharif (NS) to resign, or the Army to intervene and take over. India is incessantly throwing logs into the fire by heating up the LoC, while RAW-NDS are continuing with their covert operations in selected zones. Their major interest is to disrupt work on CPEC. Followers of IK are bubbling with enthusiasm and have gone hyper. Some were caught carrying weapons, ammunition, tear gas shells and bullet proof jackets. Most are carrying batons and young girls are equally aggressive. PTIs armed Tiger Force has been tasked to battle with the Police/FC if stopped. They are already seeing their charismatic leader wearing the crown and with Aladdin lamp in his hand removing all the chronic ailments of Pakistan in a flash. They are convinced that once he seizes power, milk and honey will start flowing in the rivers of Pakistan and miseries of the downtrodden will be alleviated. One reason of their euphoria is the apparent estrangement of the Army leadership over the security leak scandal. Their joys knew no bounds when Information Minister Pervez Rashid was sacked. It was seen as the beginning of the demise of NS Empire. It has further energized the PTI workers and they seem fully charged up to execute the orders of their Captain to lock down the capital city on November 2. IK has taken it as a last ditch battle. For him it is a do or die battle. He is once again expectantly looking towards Gen Raheel Sharif to raise his finger. Undoubtedly the security leak has suddenly become a bigger challenge for the govt than the IK threat. A high powered committee comprising of members from ISI, MI and IB will carry out in-depth investigation to trace out the culprits responsible for feeding the story and that too in twisted form to the Dawn newspaper, who were behind it, what was the motive, apportion blame and prescribe punishment. It is to be seen where the trail ends. Absence of the author of the controversial story Cyril Almeida will make things difficult for the investigators. Unlike its defensive stance to the 2014 sit-in, which had lingered on for 126 days without any outcome, this time the govt is in a defiant mood and is flexing its muscles to go to any length to defeat the sinister plans of the invaders. Containers have been placed on all entry points of Isbd and along Peshawar-Isbd road and along Bani Gala road. Large contingents of the police and paramilitary troops have been deployed while the army has been alerted to be prepared to defend Isbd under Article 245. At the moment, the entire leadership of PTI have got stranded in IK residence at Bani Gala. NS has addressed two public meetings in KP and his tone and tenor gave no sign of nervousness. Rather he was quite confident to win next elections in 2018 on the strength of his achievements and dismal performance of PTI in KP and PPP in Sindh. The govt side is of the view that there is no reason for IK to agitate when the Supreme Court has accepted his petition and NS has been summoned on account of Panama scandal. They say, PTI youth wing violated the curfew imposed under Section 144 CrPC and also defied Isbd High Court restraining order not to create mayhem. Pervez Rashid was in bad books of IK and his colleagues due to his counter jibes whenever IK lambasted NS. But he was not the most sought target. His unceremonious exit or an in-house change doesnt fulfil the ambition of IK to become the PM. He desires that NS should be booted out or he quits voluntarily irrespective of the fact that his name does not appear in the list of account holders in Off Shore Company. He has no idea what is in store for him if NS is forced to throw in his towel. In all likelihood, the ruckus in the aftermath of NS departure will drown IKs ambitions. It cannot be denied that NS is still the most popular leader and he has many feathers in his cap. His 3rd time premature boot out will make him a political martyr and will not be taken lightly by his fans in Punjab. Baluchistan govt and JUI-F would also not welcome his ouster particularly when he had presented him and his family for accountability and the matter was with the courts. The situation will become ripe for chaos which outside powers have all along been trying to foment. The Army may have to grudgingly step in to restore semblance of order. In the wake of tense geo-political environment, terrorism, acute polarization, feudal mindset, partisanship, parochialism and secular-Islamic divide, it will not be possible for the Army to restore order and hold elections within three months as prescribed in the constitution. Supposedly, if elections do take place within 3 months, PML-N will surely win the race and perhaps PTI may lose KP as well. Elections without reforms will otherwise be an exercise in futility. The Army will perforce have to stretch its rule to 3-5 years if not more to be able to take Operation Zarb-e-Azb, Rangers operation in Karachi, FC operation in Baluchistan and ongoing combing operation to their logical ends; to implement the National Action Plan in letter and spirit, and to complete the vital project of CPEC. Additionally it will have to carry out following reforms for a better morrow and for enabling environment for true democracy to flourish: 1. Electoral, political, police, bureaucracy, judicial, education, media reforms. 2. Breaking the nexus between crime, politics, terrorism and corruption. 3. Effective accountability system. 4. Cleansing the Aegean Stables. All this will be possible only when there is strict martial law and politicians of all hues are kept at bay. Will this arrangement be acceptable to IK? If he is prepared to wait for 5 years, why not hold on for 1 years and contest the 2018 elections and win the coveted crown!! Moreover, what is the guarantee that the Army will be able to put everything right since it was not able to do so in the past? Things may become messier. Memory of our people is very short lived. Soon they will forget the ills of NS and his good deeds will be recalled with fondness and the Army will be put on the mat with a vengeance as had happened during the four military rules. True to their tradition, anti-Pakistan foreign powers will be behind the anti-Army campaign. Political destabilization suit the conspirators since it makes it easier for them to exert pressure and dictate terms. It is indeed most unfortunate that our politicians are fighting for power among each other, while the media and so-called educated lot are supporting their favorite political leaders and feel no qualm in passing lecherous and insulting remarks against their opponents. Preferably, all our guns should be collectively firing at our enemies who are bent upon breaking up Pakistan. The writer is a retired Brig, war veteran, defence analyst, columnist, author of 5 books, Vice Chairman Thinkers Forum Pakistan, DG Measac Research Centre, Member Executive Council PESS. asifharoonraja@gmail.com Imran hailed Pervaiz Khattak as hero of Pakistan Thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supporters, led by Imran Khan and accompanied by other party leaders, gathered at Parade Ground in the federal capital to 'celebrate victory', following the Supreme Court hearing of Panamagate petitions. The PTI chief thanked party lawmakers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for their bravery during the run-up to November 2 'lockdown', with Imran hailing Pervez Khattak as a hero of Pakistan. Imran started his speech by saying that he waits for the day when "Nawaz Shairf and his brother are put behind bars". He also questioned the prime minister if he was not ashamed when the women workers of PTI were manhandled. "Nawaz has been inaugurating one road after another since the Panama leaks came to the forefront. Imran also targetted his political opponents and hurled allegations at them. "Fazl-ur-Rehman, in the past you were making money from diesel permits, now you are taking money from Nawaz Sharif," said Imran while addressing the massive gathering of party supporters. "Asif Zardari and Khursheed Shah are afraid of accountability as they are predicting its PPP term in the next elections." "This is not a solo flight and I am not going solo in the fight against corruption. I have millions of Pakistanis with me," said Imran while replying to the earlier criticism he had received from the ruling party. Referring to allegations of 'armed supporters', Imran claimed there were no weapons with the PTI workers and the "only weapon present was Shiekh Rasheed's cigar". "I warn you Sharif brothers, do not use the police like you did in the past few days," said Imran while referring to police actions taken in the run-up to the planned Nov 2 'lockdown'. Imran reiterated it was the people's right under a democracy to stage protest against corruption. The PTI chief also hailed the supreme court's verdict. He also questioned the effectiveness of national institutions including the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), and said, "Supreme Court asked NAB officials why they did not work on accountability of Nawaz Sharif." Imran also referred to the "Charter of Democracy" as an instrument of compromise and corruption. He alleged that the charter has been used by both Nawaz and Zardari to indulge in 'wholesale corruption'. As a final message to the participants of the rally, Imran said "Pakistan has changed, a new era has begun. From tomorrow the accountability will start in the Supreme Court of Pakistan". Earlier in the evening, PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the party only wanted to shutdown the practice of corruption. "They said we were coming to close Islamabad, but we dont want to do so since it is not our manner of doing politics," said Qureshi. "If Imran Khan orders, we can close the federal capital tonight, but we will not do so." Qureshi also paid tribute to the arrested workers of PTI. "We also salute our brothers and sisters who set off from Khyber Pakhtunkwa," he said. "I wish we had more days, they would have understood what we are made of," said KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak. PTI had teams ready to continue their struggle. "They tried to use our Pashtun brothers against us, by having FC troops deployed to stop us," added Khattak. I wish for the day when you [Shahbaz Sharif] will be fired upon, then I will ask you how it feels. Khattak said he does not care about his 'chair', as he has been a political prisoner and he would have thrown out his 'chair' if Imran asked. "I will resign from my post whenever Imran Khan asks me to do so". Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed also addressed the gathering and expressed hope that "this Supreme Court of Pakistan will save the country from disaster". The AML chief referred to the prime minister as a friend of Modi. "Nawaz Sharif wants to transform Pakistan Army into Punjab police," alleged the veteran politician. Rasheed was of the view that "China saved Pakistan from being labelled as a rogue state". KP lawmaker Farman Shah, while addressing the PTI workers earlier in the eveing, said: "We are not against Punjab, we are against the PML-N." Pivoting from protest to peaceful celebration, the PTI chief on Tuesday had changed its plan from November 2 'lockdown' to a day of thanksgiving in Islamabad. Party supporters chanted Go Nawaz Go slogans upon the arrival of Imran Khan at the rally. PTI's party anthems were played from the stage and workers waved party flags. From Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As... The mathematical (and other) thoughts of a (now retired) math teacher, Of course. You would have to be be barking mad to want to bring this rabble to NZ. But then socialists are mad by definition. It's not as if we don't have... The overlord of the Manprugu Traditional Area in the Northern Region, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, has blessed the campaign of the ruling NDC and hoped that their efforts to retain power would not be in vain. He also acknowledged the difficulties several politicians go through during campaigns and remarked that he was pleased to see the Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur when he called on him at his palace to seek his blessings. The Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional area used the occasion to laud Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur for his humility. He also commended him for his advice to the youth of Ghana to stay peaceful before and after the December 7th election. He described his campaign message especially his message of peace, as something worth emulating from a leader. On his part, the Vice President thanked the overlord of the Manprugu Traditional Area for welcoming him and his team to his palace. He said as they can witness, Present Mahama is a very peaceful man who represents a role model. The Vice president Kwesi Amissah-Arthur said his mission in the area is to encourage people to vote for the NDC in the December 7th elections. He further hinted that they were there to ask for his prayers to stay in his traditional area and to also introduce the NDCs parliamentary candidate for the Nalerigu Gambaga Constituency to them. He indicated that the main political opponent the New Patriotic Party (NPP), were telling several lies that must be corrected. Source: Maxwell Okamafo Addo/ email: [email protected] 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. Featured Video We are a professional Chinese manufacturer and exporter who are specializing in the roll shells, which are used on pellet mill or feed industry to produce animal feeds, wood pellets, and other granules. For over 10 years our roll shells have been exported to the Europe. Its material is normally C50, 20MnCr5, Gcr15 (52100), etc. The standard is German Standard DIN. 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Domesticated chickens, first introduced to Africa thousands of years ago, continue to be an important staple item in the diets of rural villages across the continent, including this Konso village in Ethiopia. Credit: Rod Waddington via Creative Commons The discarded bone of a chicken leg, still etched with teeth marks from a dinner thousands of years ago, provides some of the oldest known physical evidence for the introduction of domesticated chickens to the continent of Africa, research from Washington University in St. Louis has confirmed. Based on radiocarbon dating of about 30 chicken bones unearthed at the site of an ancient farming village in present-day Ethiopia, the findings shed new light on how domesticated chickens crossed ancient roadsand seasto reach farms and plates in Africa and, eventually, every other corner of the globe. "Our study provides the earliest directly dated evidence for the presence of chickens in Africa and points to the significance of Red Sea and East African trade routes in the introduction of the chicken," said Helina Woldekiros, lead author and a postdoctoral anthropology researcher in Arts & Sciences at Washington University. The main wild ancestor of today's chickens, the red junglefowl Gallus gallus is endemic to sub-Himalayan northern India, southern China and Southeast Asia, where chickens were first domesticated 6,000-8,000 years ago. Now nearly ubiquitous around the world, the offspring of these first-domesticated chickens are providing modern researchers with valuable clues to ancient agricultural and trade contacts. Location of the Mezber archaeological site, northern Ethiopia. Credit: Courtesy of International Journal of Osteoarchaeology The arrival of chickens in Africa and the routes by which they both entered and dispersed across the continent are not well known. Previous research based on representations of chickens on ceramics and paintings, plus bones from other archaeological sites, suggested that chickens were first introduced to Africa through North Africa, Egypt and the Nile Valley about 2,500 years ago. The earliest bone-based evidence of chickens in Africa dates to the late first millennium B.C., from the Saite levels at Buto, Egyptapproximately 685-525 B.C. This study, published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, pushes that date back by hundreds of years. Co-authored by Catherine D'Andrea, professor of archaeology at Simon Fraser University in Canada, the research also suggests that the earliest introductions may have come from trade routes on the continent's eastern coast. A biker in Burkina Faso demonstrates the ease by which live chickens can be transported, a factor that contributed to their rapid spread across Africa and other continents. Credit: Ferdinand Reus via Creative Commons "Some of these bones were directly radiocarbon dated to 819755 B.C., and with charcoal dates of 919801 B.C. make these the earliest chickens in Africa," Woldekiros said. "They predate the earliest known Egyptian chickens by at least 300 years and highlight early exotic faunal exchanges in the Horn of Africa during the early first millennium B.C." Despite their widespread, modern-day importance, chicken remains are found in small numbers at archaeological sites. Because wild relatives of the galliform chicken species are plentiful in Africa, this study required researchers to sift through the remnants of many small bird species to identify bones with the unique sizes and shapes that are characteristic of domestic chickens. Woldekiros, the project's zooarchaeologist, studied the chicken bones at a field lab in northern Ethiopia and confirmed her identifications using a comparative bone collection at the Institute of Paleoanatomy at Ludwig Maximillian University in Munich. Domestic chicken bones recovered from Mezber include a distal tibiotarsus bone with a cut mark (left) and the shaft of a humerus bone with a human tooth mark (right). Credit: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology Excavated by a team of researchers led by D'Andrea of Simon Fraser, the bones analyzed for this study were recovered from the kitchen and living floors of an ancient farming community known as Mezber. The rural village was located in northern Ethiopia about 30 miles from the urban center of the pre-Aksumite civilization. The pre-Aksumites were the earliest people in the Horn of Africa to form complex, urban-rural trading networks. Linguistic studies of ancient root words for chickens in African languages suggest multiple introductions of chickens to Africa following different routes: from North Africa through the Sahara to West Africa; and from the East African coast to Central Africa. Scholars also have demonstrated the biodiversity of modern-day African village chickens through molecular genetic studies. "It is likely that people brought chickens to Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa repeatedly over long period of time: over 1,000 years," Woldekiros said. "Our archaeological findings help to explain the genetic diversity of modern Africans chickens resulting from the introduction of diverse chicken lineages coming from early Arabian and South Asian context and later Swahili networks." African women, such as this young egg seller in Hafra, Ethiopia, have been the traditional keepers of chicken flocks in many rural communities. Domesticated chickens and their eggs continue to provide a high-protein food option for households across Africa. Credit: Rod Waddington via Creative Commons These findings contribute to broader stories of ways in which people move domestic animals around the world through migration, exchange and trade. Ancient introductions of domestic animals to new regions were not always successful. Zooarchaeological studies of the most popular domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs have demonstrated repeated introductions as well as failures of new species in different regions of the world. "Our study also supports the African Red Sea coast as one possible early route of introduction of chickens to Africa and the Horn," Woldekiros said. "It fits with ways in which maritime exchange networks were important for global distribution of chicken and other agricultural products. The early dates for chickens at Mezber, combined with their presence in all of the occupation phases at Mezber and in Aksumite contexts 40 B.C.- 600 A.D. in other parts of Ethiopia, demonstrate their long-term success in northern Ethiopia." More information: H. S. Woldekiros et al. Early Evidence for Domestic Chickens () in the Horn of Africa, International Journal of Osteoarchaeology (2016). DOI: 10.1002/oa.2540 The survey by Strategy Analytics found Android's share increase to 87.5 percent from 84.1 percent in the same period a year ago Google's Android operating system captured a record-high 87.5 percent of the global smartphone market in the third quarter, a research firm said. The survey released Wednesday by Strategy Analytics found Android's share increase from 84.1 percent in the same period a year ago, while Apple's iOS saw its share slip to 12.1 percent from 13.6 percent. "Android's leadership of the global smartphone market looks unassailable at the moment," said Strategy Analytics' Woody Oh. "Its low-cost services and user-friendly software remain attractive to hardware makers, operators and consumers worldwide." Oh added that the dominance of Android poses challenges for Google, which offers the system for free to manufacturers. "The Android platform is getting overcrowded with hundreds of manufacturers, few Android device vendors make profits, and Google's new Pixel range is attacking its own hardware partners that made Android popular in the first place," he said. The report said global smartphone shipments grew six percent from a year ago to 375.4 million in the quarter, the fastest growth rate for a year. According to the survey, the market share for other operating systems including Windows and BlackBerry fell to a minuscule 0.3 percent from 2.3 percent last year. "BlackBerry and Microsoft Windows Phone have all but disappeared due to strategic shifts, while (Samsung's) Tizen and other emerging platforms softened as a result of limited product portfolios and modest developer support," said Neil Mawston, executive director of the research firm. 2016 AFP A wedge is about to be removed from a fire-scarred western red cedar tree on Hecate Island off the coast of British Columbia. Tree rings are used to reconstruct drought years and fire events. Credit: Kira Hoffman Fire-scarred trees on isolated Hecate Island off British Columbia have helped researchers from two Pacific Northwest universities isolate patterns of wildfires over the past 700 years of climate data. Indigenous populations, they found, likely had a profound effect on fire activity. The human connection became clear after determining that the last fire occurred in 1893, around the time the island was abandoned as indigenous populations were moved to permanent settlements on the mainland, said Daniel G. Gavin of the University of Oregon and Kira M. Hoffman of the University of Victoria. "Fire is historically important in the West," said Gavin, a professor of geography. "There is a lot of evidence from fire scars throughout the Pacific Northwest, not just in the dry pine forests, that point to more frequent fires having occurred before 1900." The study, published Oct. 26 in the open-access journal Royal Society Open Science, was the first to use tree-ring records obtained through fire-scarred trees spanning such long time scales in a temperate coastal rainforest. The island has a short dry season, experiences more than 4,000 millimeters (157 inches) of rain annually and is located in a northern region where both human- and lightning-caused fires have been considered to be rare. The study helps to begin filling a void in the historical record about the frequency of fire activity in coastal temperate rainforests in the Pacific Northwest. The island also is in a place little affected by fire suppression or 20th century land uses, which makes attributing pre-20th century fire to human causes simpler than is possible in other places in the Pacific Northwest. Trees are like big thermometers, says Kira Hoffman, a doctoral student at the University of Victoria. Here she extracts a core sample from a western red cedar tree as part of her effort to understand historic climate variability in the northern reaches of the Pacific Northwest. Credit: Malcolm Johnson Hoffman, a former forest firefighter, chose the island for the study after finding a fire-damaged tree while she was there examining soils during a project for a master's of science degree. "Finding this fire evidence was an accident and I was really surprised because there had been no evidence of fire on the central coast of British Columbia," she said. "The more I looked, the more I found. We know that the fires were smoldering ground fires because they didn't kill the trees that they scarred, and they didn't fully burn ground fuels." To help pursue her study, Hoffman spent four months in 2015 as a courtesy research associate with Gavin's UO research group to learn a statistical analysis approach that Gavin had created for correlating wildfire occurrences with respect to other fires and past climate events. The technique was based on one developed by neuroscientists studying connections between firing neurons and movements elsewhere in the body. Gavin also had identified frequent fire patterns on Vancouver Island prior to the 1870s during his doctoral research at the University of Washington in Seattle. The new study by Hoffman, Gavin and co-author Brian M. Starzomski, a professor in UVic's School of Environmental Studies, drew data from some 3,000 trees and other vegetation at 30 plots within 300 hectares (741 acres)an area that has three archaeological sites where indigenous populations had lived. In a 517-year period, from 1376 to 1893, 13 fire events occurring roughly every 39 years were documented. The fires tended to follow El Nino events by six to nine and 13 to 17 years. The final fire, in 1893, was the largest and occurred during one of the wettest years on record and possibly coincided with undetermined events outside the regular cycle of fires. The farther away from the living areas, evidence for fires became scarcer. An aerial view of Hecate Island along the central coast of British Columbia on a rare day with no rain. Researchers studied a portion of the island after the discovery of fire-scarred trees suggested the location might provide information about historical fire events in the region. Credit: Kira Hoffman The researchers reported that fire occurrences during their study period were 25 times more likely than previous estimates of greater than 1,000-year intervals, in which tree-ring records had not been used. Previous estimates were drawn mostly from air photos and charcoal buried in soils and preserved in lake sediments. They found little direct relationship between drought and fire years. "It seems that fire events don't have a pattern if you look only at weather in any given year," Hoffman said. "When we pulled back and look at longer climate patterns, we began to see that fires were linked to prolonged periods of warm and dry conditions that build up over time." The team's findings were in agreement with earlier research on the scarcity of fires in the region, but varied in that the researchers were able to tie fire events to human activity. The absence of fire after 1893, the researchers concluded, suggests that indigenous peoples had likely used fire as a tool for resource management. "It's possible they would have relied heavily on burning forests and single trees to create dry firewood for cooking and heating, clothing, canoes, food and many other resources," Hoffman said. More information: Kira M. Hoffman et al, Seven hundred years of human-driven and climate-influenced fire activity in a British Columbia coastal temperate rainforest, Royal Society Open Science (2016). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160608 Journal information: Royal Society Open Science European governments have contributed to the European 'migration crisis' by blaming people smugglers, rather than conflict, for increased migration to Europe. The failure to open up safe and legal routes to protection and the focus on border security has actually driven demand for the smugglers, a major new academic research project concludes today. The Unravelling the Mediterranean Migration Crisis (MEDMIG) project, which launches its final report at a meeting of European policy makers, international organisations and NGOs in Brussels, is a collaboration between academics at the Universities of Coventry, Birmingham and Oxford with partners in Greece, Italy, Turkey and Malta. Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), as part of the wider Mediterranean Migration Research Programme, the project is one of the largest of its kind. The researchers undertook interviews with more than 500 refugees and migrants who travelled to the EU across the Mediterranean in 2015. They found that: Conflict in the countries neighbouring Europe was the major factor contributing to the significant increase in the number of refugees and migrants arriving in 2015 both as a cause of primary and secondary movement More than three quarters (77%) of respondents explicitly mentioned conflict, violence, human rights abuse and threats to themselves and their family as the reason why they decided to leave their home country Every single person who was interviewed had used a smuggler for at least one leg of their journey to Greece, Malta or Italy. This was primarily because they were unable leave their countries and/or safety or protection without a smuggler One in ten of those entering Europe via Turkey had tried but failed to identify an alternative way to migrate legally, for example by applying for a visa for work or study, a UN resettlement programme or family reunification Smugglers are not always embedded in vast criminal networks but can easily be found in migrant social networks and local communities. State officials, the military, law enforcement, and border guards are also involved in smuggling More than three quarters (76%) of people interviewed in Italy and Malta had directly experienced physical violence and nearly a third (29%) had witnessed people die. Some of this violence was at the hands of smugglers but it also came from State officials, militias, military and the police Although the arrival of refugees and migrants across the Mediterranean during 2015 was often presented as a single, uninterrupted movement of people to Europe, the research found that these stories and images of 'mass movement' into Europe conceal a much more complex picture. The causes of the 'migration crisis' were: conflict in countries of origin; the lack of safety, rights and economic opportunities in the countries to which people move, including Turkey and Libya; and the failure of EU governments to address the root causes of migration flows focusing instead on policies to contain refugees and migrants outside the EU. Professor Heaven Crawley, from the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations (CTPSR) at Coventry University, which led the MEDMIG project said, "Politicians and policy makers have treated the movement of refugees and migrants as a linear uninterrupted flow of people. This is grossly misleading. The focus on the points of departure and the sea crossings is equally misleading. These simplifications distract from what are often multiple separate movements which converge in Libya and Turkey and help to explain the arrival of refugees and migrants Italy and Greece respectively". "Europe's response to the so-called migration 'crisis' has been driven almost exclusively by a border control agenda. This has significantly reduced the number of refugees and migrants arriving in Greece, for the moment at least, but has done nothing to address the drivers of causes of migration to Europe. Several years into the 'crisis', there is still no sign of a coherent long term response." Dr Franck Duvell, from the Centre on Migration Policy and Society (COMPAS) at the university of Oxford, said, "EU politicians and policy makers have repeatedly declared they are 'at war' with the smugglers and that they intend to 'break the smugglers business model'. The evidence from our research suggests that smuggling is driven, rather than broken, by EU policy. The closure of borders seems likely to have significantly increased the demand for, and use of, smugglers - who have become the only option for those unable to leave their countries or enter countries in which protection might potentially be available to them." In 2015 an estimated 1,011,712 refugees and migrants crossed the Mediterranean to Europe in search of safety and a better life. Nearly 4,000 people are estimated to have died trying to make this journey. The total number of people recorded as dead or missing in 2016 is higher than the total for 2015. Since the beginning of 2016 the rates of death have increased from 1 in 54 to 1 in 46 people among those crossing via the Central Mediterranean route and from 1 death in every 1,049 arrivals to 1 death in every 409 arrivals via the Eastern Mediterranean route. Dr Nando Sigona, from the University of Birmingham's Institute for Research into Superdiversity, said, "Given the ongoing loss of life in the Mediterranean, with the death rate in the Aegean more than doubling from last year, there remains an urgent need to open up safe and legal routes for protection. This includes significantly expanding current resettlement programmes, increasing humanitarian visas or establishing temporary international protection for those with a prima facie case for refugee status and increasing the scale of family reunification." More information: Unravelling the Mediterranean Migration Crisis: www.medmig.info/ James Vary, right, and coauthor Andrey Shirokov with an illustration of a tetraneutron. Credit: Christopher Gannon/Iowa State University Iowa State University researchers have helped demonstrate the existence of a subatomic structure once thought unlikely to exist. James Vary, a professor of physics and astronomy, and Andrey Shirokov, a visiting scientist, together with an international team, used sophisticated supercomputer simulations to show the quasi-stable existence of a tetraneutron, a structure comprised of four neutrons (subatomic particles with no charge). The new finding was published in Physical Review Letters, a publication of the American Physical Society, on October 28. On their own, neutrons are very unstable and will convert into protonspositively charged subatomic particlesafter ten minutes. Groups of two or three neutrons do not form a stable structure, but the new simulations in this research demonstrate that four neutrons together can form a resonance, a structure stable for a period of time before decaying. For the tetraneutron, this lifetime is only 510^(-22) seconds (a tiny fraction of a billionth of a nanosecond). Though this time seems very short, it is long enough to study, and provides a new avenue for exploring the strong forces between neutrons. "This opens up a whole new line of research," Vary said. "Studying the tetraneutron will help us understand interneutron forces including previously unexplored features of the unstable two-neutron and three-neutron systems." The advanced simulations demonstrating the tetraneutron corroborate the first observational evidence of the tetraneutron earlier this year in an experiment performed at the RIKEN Radioactive Ion Beam Factory (RIBF), in Saitama, Japan. The tetraneutron structure has been sought for 40 years with little evidence supporting its existence, until now. The properties predicted by the calculations in the simulations were consistent with the observed properties from the experiment in Japan. The research in Japan used a beam of Helium-8, Helium with 4 extra neutrons, colliding with a regular Helium-4 atom. The collision breaks up the Helium-8 into another Helium-4 and a tetraneutron in its brief resonance state, before it, too, breaks apart, forming four lone neutrons. "We know that additional experiments with state-of-the-art facilities are in preparation with the goal to get precise characteristics of the tetraneutron," Vary said. "We are providing our state-of-the-art predictions to help guide these experiments." The existence of the tetraneutron, once confirmed and refined, will add an interesting new entry and gap to the chart of nuclides, a graph representing all known nuclei and their isotopes, or nuclei with a different number of neutrons. Similar to the periodic table, which organizes the chemical behavior of elements, the nuclide chart represents the radioactive behavior of elements and their isotopes. While most nuclei add or subtract neutrons one at a time, this research shows that a neutron itself will have a gap between a single neutron and a tetraneutron. The only other known neutron structure is a neutron star, small but dense stars thought to be made almost entirely of neutrons. These stars may be only about seven miles in radius but have a mass similar to that of our sun. Neutron stars have neutrons on the order 10^57. Further research may explore if there are other numbers of neutrons that form a stable resonance along the path to reaching the size of a neutron star. More information: A. M. Shirokov et al, Prediction for a Four-Neutron Resonance, Physical Review Letters (2016). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.117.182502 Journal information: Physical Review Letters Photoreceptors in the roots are activated by light which is transmitted from the shoot to the underground roots through the stem. Credit: Rakesh Santhanam, Angela Overmeyer / Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena, Germany, and Seoul National University, South Korea, were able to show for the first time that roots react directly to light which is transmitted from the shoot to the underground parts of Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Roots can thus effectively adapt plant growth to the light conditions in the environment. Light is not only a source of energy, but also an important signal which regulates many light-dependent growth processes in a plant in order to adapt it to its environment in the best possible way. Light is first detected by photoreceptors in the shoot of a plant. Physiological processes in the plant are mediated by light signaling molecules. For more than three decades, scientists have been speculating whether roots are also able to perceive light. However, this hypothesis could never be proved until this new study was published. "Physicists from Korea and biologists from Jena teamed and combined knowledge from both disciplines in order to find out, whether plant vascular bundles could act as light optical fibers and transmit light from the shoot to the roots," Sang-Gyu Kim, one of the first authors of the study and co-initiator of the project, describes the successful cooperation. Previous studies had shown that a special photoreceptor in plants which detects light of the wavelength red/far-red is surprisingly also expressed in the roots. However, it remained unclear how this root photoreceptor was activated. In an interdisciplinary effort, molecular biologists and optical physicists developed a highly sensitive optical detector along with the idea to compare plants with "blind" and "sighted" roots. They used plants of the thale cress Arabidopsis thaliana, a model organism in plant research, which were genetically modified in a way that the photoreceptor was only silenced in their roots, but not in their shoots. Hence, these plants had "blind" roots. The scientists grew these modified plants along with control plants; their roots were in the dark soil and their shoots exposed to light, just like in nature. The optical detector system was used to measure light which was transmitted in the stem down to the roots. "With this approach, we could show clearly and without ambiguity that light is transmitted into the roots via vascular bundles. Even if the intensity of the transmitted light was low, it was sufficient to activate the photoreceptors, trigger downstream light signaling, and influence growth in the control plants," Chung-Mo Park, the leader of the project at Seoul National University, explains. "These results are crucial for further research projects. Our work proves that roots are able to perceive light, even though they are usually found belowground. Photoreception in the roots triggers a signaling chain which influences plant growth, especially the root architecture," says Ian Baldwin, leader of the study at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena. He already looks into the future: "There are more photoreceptors in the roots. Until now, it has remained largely unknown what their responsibilities in the roots are and how they interact with light signals which are transmitted from the shoots." It is of major importance for ecological research to show the relevance of this study for plants growing in their natural habitat. To find out, the scientists want to perform experiments with another plant species, the coyote tobacco Nicotiana attenuata, a model plant in ecology, which is adapted to an extremely strong exposition to light. The researchers propose that the newly found sensory modality of roots is enhancing the ecological performance of plants in nature, by allowing for a better timing of resource allocations for growth, reproduction and defense. More information: H.-J. Lee et al, Stem-piped light activates phytochrome B to trigger light responses in Arabidopsis thaliana roots, Science Signaling (2016). DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aaf6530 Journal information: Science Signaling Andrew Macpherson; Courtesy of Smokey RobinsonEagles guitarist Joe Walsh is among the many respected music artists set to gather on November 16 in Washington, D.C., to help salute Smokey Robinson, who will be presented with the 2016 edition of the Library of Congress' prestigious Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The ceremony, which will be held at DAR Constitution Hall, also will feature appearances or performances by Motown founder Berry Gordy, CeeLo Green, Esperanza Spalding, Aloe Blacc, Corinne Bailey Rae, The Tenors and others. Robinson himself also will give a special performance at the event, which will be hosted by Samuel L. Jackson. The tribute concert will air as a PBS special that's scheduled to premiere on Friday, February 10, 2017, at 9 p.m. ET. The program also will air at a later date on American Forces Network, which is broadcast to U.S. Department of Defense locations across the globe. The Gershwin Prize is awarded to a living musician "whose lifetime contributions in the field of popular song exemplify the standard of excellence associated with George and Ira Gershwin," the pianist/composer and lyricist brothers who together wrote some of pop music's most enduring standards. "The Gershwin brothers were two of the greatest songwriters ever, and for me to be in the same breath with George and Ira Gershwin, that's unbelievable to me," says Smokey about being chosen to receive the prize. "My wildest, most impossible songwriter dream would not have said that that's gonna happenI'm totally honored." Previous honorees include Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Carole King, the songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David, and Willie Nelson, who received last year's Gershwin Prize. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. FORT EDWARD An Argyle woman who police said burglarized a home to steal a dog is headed to prison for up to 3 years. Roseanna R. Deyo, 24, pleaded guilty to attempted burglary, a felony, for an August burglary in Argyle in which she kicked in a door and a purebred English bulldog was stolen. The dog was recovered, which led to the arrest of Deyo in early August. The former mixed martial arts fighter did not go easy though, fighting with State Police in a swamp near Cossayuna Lake and injuring an investigator during the scuffle. Deyo, who has a prior felony conviction, likely faces 1 1/2 to 3 years in state prison and will be required to make $349 restitution when sentenced by Washington County Judge Kelly McKeighan. Criminal arrests listed on the State Police public information website between Oct. 26 and Nov. 2. All charges are misdemeanors unless otherwise noted. * Dennis J. Leombruno, 48, of Clermont, Florida, charged with assault, criminal obstruction of breathing and non-criminal harassment Nov. 1 in Queensbury. * Seth L. Joy, 27, of Fort Ann, charged with criminal mischief and criminal contempt Nov. 1 in Hartford. * Matthew R. Allen, 26, of Easton, charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, criminal mischief and non-criminal harassment Oct. 30 in Easton. * Hayden M. Jacobs, 26, of Corinth, charged with the felony driving while intoxicated Nov. 1 on the Northway in Halfmoon. * Donald J. Freeman, 27, of Lake Luzerne, charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance Oct. 29 Old Corinth Road in Hadley. * Randy J. Barrett, 41, of Queensbury, charged with petit larceny Oct. 29 in Queensbury. * Brandon I. Reisner, 32, of South Glens Falls, charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and non-criminal unlawful possession of marijuana Oct. 27in Queensbury. The meeting place will be in the Breimann Building on the Cambridge United Presbyterian Campus located at 81 E. Main St. in Cambridge. Dinner is slated for 5:30 p.m. following a business meeting. Only members can participate in the election of new advisory board members, but everyone is welcome to join for updates, fellowship, and a meal. Those attending should bring their own place setting and a dish to share. The co-op will provide beverages. With Veterans Day a week away, several organizations are already in the process of finding ways to honor and help veterans. In Hartford, several sites are giving away green lightbulbs for people to put outside their homes as part of the annual Green Light a Vet event. In Salem a church is collecting items to send to soldiers overseas and a dinner is planned in Hudson Falls. Supervisor Dana Haff said the Green Light project started in Hartford last year, when a local veteran gave him the funds to buy 24 of the green bulbs sold at Wal-Mart to honor veterans. The idea is to keep them lit outside the home or business for the months of November. This year the veteran, who does not want to be identified, donated 48 bulbs, which are available at the Hartford Town Clerks office, Curts Auto Body, and the Hartford Town Tavern while supplies last. Gibsons Hardware has a discount sale on green bulbs too. Members of the Congregation of the First United Presbyterian Church of Salem will be doing a major collection in town for items for for Operation Adopt A Soldier, which sends items and letters to soldiers overseas. Following worship Sunday, members of the churchs mission team and other members will be leaving plastic bags, donated by Hannaford, on front door knobs of neighbors in the surrounding area. A flyer describing the project will be inside the bag. This flyer will also give some suggestions of items that can be included such as nuts, candy, snacks, small canned goods, magazines, playing cards, personal items, and homemade cards and other words of encouragement. Pictures and letters from children are also greatly appreciated. Bags will be picked up Nov. 12. If the time is not convenient, items can be left in a covered bin set up next to the chapel steps at the church. Operation Adopt A Soldier, Inc is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization. For more information, contact Dolores Phaneuf 854-7275. In Hudson Falls, American Legion Post No. 574 will host a free dinner Saturday for all veterans and active military members and will show off its new museum. The meal will be at 6 p.m. and will celebrate the opening of the posts new museum on the second floor. Under the direction of Commander Mike Cameron and others, including Bill McKinney and Don Keech, the post has put together its own museum. The ceremony will include the dedication of a war mural painted by artist Gabi Moore and students from the Amorak Youth program, including Gavin Bennett, who was one of the main workers on the project. Dinner will include ham, roast potatoes and vegetables. Those who are not veterans or in the military are asked to make donations. QUEENSBURY Aging in Place of Glens Falls, an organization that focuses on end-of-life issues will present the third in its four-part program at 1 p.m. Monday in community room at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation. The topic will be "Planning a Funeral or Burial: Conventional Choices and Other Options" with Todd Kilmer of Kilmer Funeral Home, Judith Lerei of Green Burial. A small donation is requested and refreshments will be served. The final event will be Dec. 5 when Harry Noordsey and other members of Aging in Place talk about "Creating Caring Circles: Building Your Advocacy Team." For more information, contact Ruth Lamb at 761-6125. The congregation building is at 21 Weeks Road. GLENS FALLS A sex offender registration notice sent to people who live near Glens Falls Hospital has sparked concern about the fact that a convicted child molester is listing his address as the third floor of the hospital. The notice went to homes this week showing that David Roberts, a 66-year-old Level 2 sex offender who was convicted of sodomizing a 10-year-old boy in 1992, was living on the third floor of 100 Park Street in Glens Falls. That is the hospitals address. The Post-Star was informed about Roberts situation by a local medical professional who spotted a sex offender registry notice that was sent out to residents near the hospital in recent days. Roberts does not appear to be the only sex offender who is calling the hospital home as of Thursday, however. Level 2 sex offender Howard Warneys address was also listed as 100 Park Street, room T517 in the Offender Watch program offered through the Warren County Sheriffs Office and Glens Falls Police. Warney, 44, was convicted of raping a 14-year-old girl in 1994. The state registry on the Division of Criminal Justice Services website lists Warneys address as Warren County Jail. The tipster, who spoke on condition her name not be used, said she was concerned because her efforts to find out how a sex offender was living at the hospital were stymied when she asked. DCJS cited medical privacy laws in an email response to her inquiry about the matter. You would hope that the hospital would notify at the very least staff, especially the staff on the pediatric floors, she said. Glens Falls Police Detective Lt. Peter Casertino said the department has seen a few sex offenders who had to change their address to reflect they were living in the hospital if they were out of their home for 10 days or longer. State law requires that they notify local police or DCJS within 10 days of leaving their home. Obviously they are doing the right thing by registering, he said. We want them to register so we know where they are. In a 2008 Post-Star article about a Level 3 sex offender who was in the hospital for 5 months but did not have register the hospital as his address, police said sex offender patients only have to register their permanent addresses. It was unclear how the law changed, or was interpreted, in the eight years since. Casertino said he did not know what, if anything, that hospital staff does to let staff, patients and visitors know about the presence of sex offenders. Hospital spokeswoman Heather Rivenburg said she could not discuss the situation because of medical privacy rules. Asked if she could say whether hospital staff advises employees or patients of visitors of the presence of registered sex offenders, she declined comment. We do everything we can to manage the situation, she said. Patient safety is our number one priority. U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, on June 16, cast a deciding vote against an amendment that sought to stop the military from enlisting undocumented youth. The vote was among dozens of votes this year in which Stefanik split from the House Republican Conference. Of 237 roll call votes in which four or more Republican House members voted against the majority of Republican members, Stefanik joined in splitting with the party 63 times, according to a Post-Star analysis of her 2016 voting record. Stefanik is running for re-election on Tuesday against Democrat Mike Derrick, a retired Army colonel from Peru, in Clinton County, and Green Party candidate Matt Funiciello, a bread company owner and political activist from Hudson Falls. Stefanik has portrayed herself in the campaign as being independent from the Republican Party. The Post-Star analyzed how frequently she split from the party and on what topics. The June vote, in which the House defeated the amendment by a vote of 210-211, with no Democrats voting in support, was the closest vote in which her split from the party was a factor. The amendment, which failed, sought to prohibit federal funding for enlisting in the military certain undocumented immigrants who entered the country before their 16th birthday and before June 2007. Climate change was the most common topic Stefanik split from her party on. She voted against the party nine times in support of preserving funding for programs or regulations intended to address climate change. Spending was the second most common topic. Stefanik voted five times against across the board cuts for federal agencies or programs. Stefanik split from her party on three main bills. She voted against the federal spending bill for the Department of Interior, Environmental Protection Agency and related agencies, and split with the party on 22 related amendments. She voted against legislation to delay implementation of federal ozone standards, and she voted in support of a spending bill for energy and water programs. Other votes in which she split from party include the following: Voted against prohibiting funds to implement an executive order requiring federal agencies to provide foreign language services; Voted against using federal funds to block enforcement of a section of federal communications law that some interpret to require Super PACs to disclose contributors that paid for television commercials; Voted against prohibiting federal funds to be used for listing the Mexican wolf as an endangered species; Voted in support of preventing federal Environmental Protection Agency from implementing methane regulations; Voted against using federal funds for the display of Confederate flags at national cemeteries. Live vote counts sometimes go up or down on election night. But elections officials, research firms and media outlets have safeguards in place NATO Pushing for Military Buildup in the Black Sea The October 26-27 NATO defense ministers meeting confirmed the decisions to beef up the military posture against Russia along its borders The plans to boost presence in the Baltic States and Poland were approved at the blocs Warsaw summit in July but the issue of strengthening Black Sea presence was hung in the air. This time the defense chiefs agreed to significantly boost allied forces specifically in that region. The US, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Turkey indicated their willingness to contribute. Other countries are also expected to join. Romania and Bulgaria will host an increased air force presence, designed to undertake surveillance missions over the Black Sea. Starting next year, Romania also hopes to head a multinational force there. The UK, Canada and Poland will send aircraft to be based in the Romanian southeastern Mihail Kogalniceanu air base. Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey are also expected to come forward with a plan to increase naval and air patrols in the area by the beginning of 2017. The US supports the Romanias initiative to establish a multinational naval brigade in the region. The plans on enhancing Black Sea presence will be finalized during another meeting of NATOs defense ministers in February. The proposals on two basic elements for the maritime component a strengthened training framework and a coordination body for the Black Sea that reports to the specialized NATO command are expected to be submitted for consideration by that time. NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg said Georgia and Ukraine will be fully involved in the plans. According to him, It is important to have close contact with partner countries like Ukraine and Georgiabeing non-NATO members but NATO partnersand to dialogue with them regarding our increased presence in the Black Sea. The NATO plans are doomed to be counterproductive bringing more escalatory than deterrent value. They will inevitably provoke Russia into taking measures in response. The Black Sea will become a region of uncontrollable arms race. For instance, with the NATO Aegis Ashore BMD system deployed, Romania has become a target for Russias military as it had been warned. The Russian territory is protected by Russia's Bastion-P (K-300P) anti-ship coastal defense missile systems equipped with Onyx missiles. These Mach 2.6 supersonic missiles are highly maneuverable, difficult to detect and have a range of nearly 300 kilometers. With the help of the Monolith-B radar station, the system is capable of obtaining over-the-horizon target designation many miles beyond the horizon. The long range cruise missile capable Su-24 supersonic attack aircraft are already deployed in Crimea. By deploying a naval group to the Black Sea, NATO puts it at risk. The militarization of the region against the background of high tensions is a very negative trend. An accident may spark a big fire. The just announced NATO plans testify to the intention of NATOs leadership to turn the Black Sea into a NATO lake permanently patrolled by a naval task flotilla with air cover in the proximity of Russian border. The October 26-27 NATO defense ministers meeting illustrated the fact that the alliance is shifting to a Cold War-era security framework. The decision to militarize the Black Sea will make Russia and NATO balance on the brink of conflict instead of joining together in the fight against terrorists - the common enemy. The costly effort will require a lot of time and effort to make the world less safe. Migrant crisis: Club-wielding refugees fight running battles near Stalingrad Metro, Paris A MIGRANT turf war erupted into violence on the streets of one of Paris' trendiest neighbourhoods early this morning as asylum seekers beat each other to a pulp with wooden clubs. The area around Stalingrad Metro station was turned into a refugee battleground as rival gangs of migrants set upon each other in shocking scenes of violence. Asylum seekers wearing hooded tops wielded makeshift clubs fashioned from lengths of wood which they used to bludgeon each other as horrified pedestrians looked on. The blood-curdling brawl erupted just yards from the Stalingrad Metro station, where a squalid migrant camp has popped up following the demolition of the Jungle. It was not immediately clear what sparked the early morning fight, but rival gangs of people smugglers have previously been involved in violent brawls in Calais. And despite the horrific brawl, a pro-migrant rally is apparently being organised to take place at the camp at 6pm tonight. The once peaceful neighbourhood, in Paris' 10th Arrondissement, used to be a popular area with tourists, boasting a lively nightlife scene bustling with restaurants and bars. But worried residents have revealed how it has become a no go zone in recent weeks following the establishment of the refugee camp, which has brought squalor and violence. Thousands of migrants mostly from Sudan, Libya, Afghanistan, and Eritrea have pitched tents under the Metro station after the demolition of the Jungle hampered their attempts to reach Britain. French police have tried and failed on many occasions to clear the squalid squat, but asylum seekers simply keep on returning and reestablishing it. There are now nore than 2,500 migrants pitching up in the makeshift camp, with locals saying the eyesore is ruining their businesses and making life a "living hell". Residents in the once popular district say that the squatters are now becoming increasingly violent and dangerous, with increased reports of muggings. Faisal, a shopkeeper, told the French daily Le Figaro that Stalingrad locals are living in fear, threatening the future of his business. He said: The stench of urine, faeces, and rubbish has made Stalingrad an insalubrious place to live. The place is dead no-one wants to come here anymore. People are afraid to go out and lock themselves in. Im making less than 60 (53) a day. A few more weeks like this and Ill go bust! French people have been kind to them. I know theyre desperate, but the least they can do is respect the law and try and integrate into French society. Jeanne, another Stalingrad resident, told Le Figaro the migrants had become increasingly violent towards locals. She said: Brazen migrants are snatching jewellery and handbags off passers-by theyre even stealing bread. Ive seen them beat people up too. Police have raided the camp some 30 times in the past year, and on Monday French president Francois Hollande vowed to close the camp for good. But within 24 hours of a police operation to move migrants on tents had sprung up again, showing the uphill battle authorities in the French capital face to shut down such illegal encampments. Israeli planning authorities issued building permits for 181 new homes in East Jerusalem Wednesday, drawing a harsh rebuke from the United States. Jerusalem spokeswoman Brachie Sprung said plans in the Gilo area were first given the go-ahead in 2012 and that Wednesdays approvals were for technical details of plot distribution. Gilo is territory regarded by Israel as part of its capital city, but widely seen internationally as disputed land. Sprung said that more detailed building permits will be required before the units are built. But the approval nonetheless raised hackles in the US State Department. We strongly oppose settlement activity, spokesman John Kirby told reporters, accusing Israel of actions that risk entrenching a one-state reality and raise serious questions about the Jewish states commitment to a negotiated settlement with the Palestinians. In October, the State Department lashed out at Israel for approving a new settlement in the West Bank soon after the US agreed to a $38 billion military aid package for Israel. The Obama administration routinely and bitterly criticizes the Netanyahu government for building in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, since it considers such construction to undermine efforts for a negotiated Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement. Mandatory vaccinations are about to open up a new frontier for government control. Through the war on drugs, bureaucrats arbitrarily dictate what people can and cant put into their bodies, but that violation pales in comparison to forcibly medicating millions against their will. Voluntary and informed consent are essential in securing individual rights, and without it, self-ownership will never be respected. The longstanding religious and philosophical exemptions that protect freedom of choice have been systematically crushed by the state. The liberal stronghold of California is trailblazing the encroaching new practice and recently passed laws mandating that children and adults must have certain immunizations before being able to attend schools or work in certain professions. Californias Senate Bill 277 went into effect on July 1st, 2016, and marked the most rigid requirements ever instituted for vaccinations. The law forces students to endure a total of 40 doses to complete the 10 federally recommended vaccines while allowing more to be added at any time. Any family that doesnt go along will have their child barred from attending licensed day care facilities, in-home daycares, public or private schools, and even after school programs. Over the years, California has developed a reputation for pushing vaccines on their youth. Assembly Bill 499 was passed in 2011 and lowered the age of consent for STD prevention vaccines to just 12 years old. Included in the assortment of shots being administered was the infamous Gardasil , which just a few years later was at the center of a lawsuit that yielded the victims a $6 million settlement from the U.S. government, which paid out funds from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program . The Vaccinate All Children Act of 2015 is an attempt to implement this new standard nationwide, and although it has stalled in the House, it will likely be reintroduced the next time the country is gripped by the fear of a pandemic. The debate surrounding vaccinations is commonly framed as a moral struggle between the benefits to the collective and the selfish preferences of the individual. But since the outbreak scares of Zika measles , and ebola , the rhetoric has taken a turn toward authoritarianism. The classic exchange of freedom for perceived safety is a no brainer for the millions of Americans who are willing to use government to strap their neighbors down and forcibly inject them for the greater good. Anyone who expresses concern about possible side effects is immediately branded as conspiratorial or anti-science. Yet controversial claims that certain vaccine variants cause neurological disorders like autism have led some people to swear off inoculations altogether. This all-or-nothing dynamic has completely polarized the issue and prevents any reasonable discussion from taking place. Either you accept all of the CDCs recommended 69 doses of 16 vaccines between birth and age 18, or you want to bring back measles, polio, and probably the black plague. Maintaining control over what we put into our own bodies is a fundamental right, but for now, standing up to these government decrees only means ostracism from the education system and criticism from peers. In the future, however, the punishments for disobedience will likely only grow stricter. A Suffolk University/USA Today poll released Friday found that 75.9% of Americans believe the mainstream media would like to see [Hillary Clinton] elected president. The poll also found that only 10% of Americans believe that foreign interests such as Russian hackers are the primary threat that might try to change the election results. In contrast, 45.53% believe the news media is the primary threat to the election: 75% of Americans Believe the Media Is Biased For Hillary Indeed, the New York Times , Boston Globe , Los Angeles Times , CNN and other mainstream media admitted to us they were going to try to throw the election for Hillary. (And leaked emails show widespread collusion between the media and the Clinton campaign.) admitted According to her, the school was able to achieve that feat based on hardworking and discipline of students, staff, and management. Accra Girls Senior High School made it to the semi-finals of the 2016 Capital Market Week Competition for the Senior High Schools in the Region in October 2016. The National Investment Quiz organised by the Securities and Exchange Commission awarded certificates to our two contestants, she said. The headmistress was speaking at the Accra Girls SHS 29th Speech and Prize-giving Day, at the schools premises in Accra on the theme: Promoting High Academic Standards and Entrepreneurship Among the Youth. She indicated that this year, 500 students have been posted to the school and we are appealing to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to come to our aid in providing boarding accommodation, expand the Assembly Hall, the Dining Hall and provide furniture to create a conducive teaching environment for the newly S.H.S 1 students. Mrs Acolatse further urged the old students of Accra Girls (AGOSA) to support the School to enable it to improve the standards of education at the school. On her part, Ms Lankai Quarcoopome, who is an alumnus of the school (AGOSA 76) and also the Guest Speaker, said she believes that through quality education, we could make our lives better and also transform our nation and for this reason, we must insist on achieving very high academic and performance standards at all levels in the country. The likes of King Ayisoba, Wiyaala, Sherifa Gunu, Kofi Kinaata, Okyeame Kwame, Kwadee, among others relocated to Accra before seeing success. We can't conclude that it has always been the case but the majority of musicians who are non-residence of Accra can attest to this. This norm affects the rising stars too and rapper Strongman is no exception. Strongman, one of Ghana's fastest lyricists born and raised in Kumasi rose to fame when he emerged the winner at the maiden edition of 'Next Big Thing in GH Hip-hop' TV contest. He enrolled into Cape Coast University to acquire more knowledge and after graduating this year, he has relocated to Accra to pursue music business. In an exclusive one-on-one interview with the fast-rising star, he divulged what influenced his decision to relocate to Accra. According to the "Tonight" hitmaker, his decision was influenced by the fact that Accra is the centre of music and attraction. "I am an artiste born and raised in Kumasi," he said adding that "but you know, I have to be here to get whatever I want." Since rising to fame, Strongman has worked with almost all the mainstream secular musicians and actors. He has worked with Sarkodie, Kwaw Kese, Flowking Stone, Yaa Pono, Medikal, Okyeame Kwame, Cabum, Nana Ama McBrown, among others. He told Pulse.com.gh in a separate interview that he will release a cover song of Sarkodie's hit single titled "Rich N*gga Sh*t" tomorrow (Nov. 4). The direction comes on the back of a meeting the Commission had on Wednesday with the Minister of Health, representatives of the nurses and authorities of the hospital. According to the nurses, attempts to get a lasting solution to their problems have proved futile. In a statement released on Sunday, October 30, 2016, Chairperson of the Nurses, Jamila Hussein said: Effective Monday 31st October, 2016, no nurse will subject him/herself to the danger posed by the workplace until such a time where we have reasonable cause to believe that the place is made safe. But the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Charles Adongo Bawaduah, said the nurses have breached the labour laws following their failure to notify the NLC before embarking on the strike. The NLC has subsequently asked the Ministry of Health to come out with immediate solutions to the challenges at the hospital. Meanwhile, management of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital is being forced to discharge more than 200 patients on admission at the facility following the strike action by the nurses. Chairman of the Mental Health Authority Dr. Akwesi Osei believes the move to discharge some of the patients will ease pressure on the few workers available at the facility. This is not the first time nurses at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital have embarked on a strike. In 2015, nurses at the facility embarked on an indefinite strike over unpaid salaries, but later called it off following government's intervention. The Ministry also donated some tuna fishes to the hospital. The Ministry explained that the items presented are to help solve some major challenges facing the hospital. In a press statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ministry, he said they realised the hospital had some stocks of non-consumable items including treatment gloves which can last until May 2017. Nurses at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital declared an indefinite strike effective Monday, October 31 following what they call governments failure to provide the facility with the basic logistics needed to carry out their work effectively. According to the nurses, attempts to get a lasting solution to their problems have proved futile. Chairperson of the Nurses, Jamila Hussein had earlier told Pulse.com.gh that the nurses have resolved to stay away from the patients at the wards until their needs are addressed. The EC Chair disqualified 13 candidates including Edward Mahama of the Peoples National Convention and Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings of the National Democratic Party (NDP) over errors in the nomination forms they filed. But an Accra High Court on Friday ordered the EC to allow Dr Nduom of the PPP to amend the errors on his forms and resubmit them for consideration by the EC. The EC has since challenged the ruling at the Supreme court. In spite of the many law suits, the EC has said that it is on course to organise a successful poll. But Martin Amidu in a statement argued that there can be no free, transparent and fair elections when any of the disqualified aspiring candidates and any political party sponsoring them have their names added to the ballot more than three weeks belatedly, because the Commissioners preferred and approved candidates would have had an unequal advantage over them in the contest for the Presidency. Nobody can convince such candidates, their political parties, and supporters and the objective observer that they had a level playing field for the 7th December 2016 elections within the letter and spirit of the constitution. The Commissioner has effectively rigged the election from day one against them.I have already said elsewhere that this Commissioner was appointed with a rigging agenda. Let us as citizens defend the Constitution by watching her every step during this election,Martin Amidu added in his statement. Below is Mr Martin Amidus full statement: THE INEXPERIENCE, INCOMPETENCE AND ARROGANCE OF THE ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER IS BECOMING DANGEROUS MARTIN A. B. K. AMIDU The Electoral Commissioner does not appear to understand that the letter and spirit of the 1992 Constitution on the representation of the people enjoins her to ensure that every political party and its aspiring presidential candidate or an individual aspirant has equal time and opportunity to canvass for the votes of the electorate. This is why the statement made on behalf of the Commissioner and published on myjoyonline of 2nd November 2016 stating that the Commissioner will be able to pull off successful parliamentary on (sic) presidential elections on December 7 notwithstanding law suits threatening the process demonstrates once more the incompetence, inexperience and utter lack of understanding of the letter and the spirit of the 1992 Constitution mandating the Commissioner to supervise the organization of a free, transparent and fair multiparty Presidential Elections. More here: Woyome threatens to sue Nana Akomea The election date of 7th December 2016 is just about a month away and the Commissioner has the impudence to tell citizen voters that she is capable of conducting the elections within two weeks forgetting that her pride, intransigence and arrogance are already depriving the aspiring candidates of political parties and others who may eventually qualify to be on the ballot of their constitutional right to equal opportunity and time to canvass the electorate for their votes before the elections. Printing ballot papers for the presidential election means nothing to the rights of a political party and its candidate or individual aspiring candidates and their supporters who might have been deprived of an equal, fair and transparent right to participate in the electioneering campaign intended to influence the composition and policies of the Government to be elected. Every citizen has a fundamental guaranteed right to join a political party and to participate freely with that political party in shaping the political will of the people, to disseminate information on political ideas and other programmes and to sponsor candidates to the office of the President of Ghana. Such a guaranteed right is rendered nugatory and pointless when candidates have only two weeks to canvass the electorate for support for the elections on 7th December 2016. There can be no free, transparent and fair elections when any of the disqualified aspiring candidates and any political party sponsoring them have their names added to the ballot more than three weeks belatedly, because the Commissioners preferred and approved candidates would have had an unequal advantage over them in the contest for the Presidency. Nobody can convince such candidates, their political parties, and supporters and the objective observer that they had a level playing field for the 7th December 2016 elections within the letter and spirit of the constitution. The Commissioner has effectively rigged the election from day one against them. I have already said elsewhere that this Commissioner was appointed with a rigging agenda. Let us as citizens defend the Constitution by watching her every step during this election. Martin A. B. K. Amidu The image of a sample of the rice making the rounds show the face of the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Groupe Nduom on the bag that contains the product. READ ALSO: Nduom rice to start selling in November Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom commissioned the Edwumawura branded rice at Worawora in the Volta Region. He is also expected to commission a similar project in Assin Bereku in the Central Region today (November 3). The refurbished Worawora Rice Mill Factory started producing the Edwumawura Rice right after the commissioning on November 1st 2016. Abraham Amaliba insists that the Attorney General and Mr Woyome would be meeting next week to consider how the money would be refunded. What happened was that when the application was filed, Woyome wrote to the A-G that he was prepared to pay and the case was withdrawn, he told Accra-based Joy FM. In a press statement, OccupyGhana said it was shocked, horrified and disgusted to discover that, as we suspected and feared, there is a current attempt by the Attorney-General of the Republic of Ghana to abandon or discontinue the current recovery steps being taken to compel Alfred Woyome to disclose where his assets are and possibly how he disbursed the GHS51, 000,000 of our money, so that it can be returned to Ghana. "We have seen a Notice of Discontinuance filed by the Attorney-General on 26th October 2016, discontinuing the present application to orally examine Woyome. The Attorney General, per an earlier notice, would have orally examined Mr. Woyome on November 10, 2016. But a notice of discontinuance filed at the Supreme Court has indicated that: please take notice that the 1st Defendant Judgment Creditor [Attorney General] herein has this day [26th Day of October 2016] discontinued the present application to orally examine the 3rd Defendant Judgment Debtor [Alfred Agesi Woyome] with liberty to reapply. OccupyGhana has subsequently accused the authorities of not showing commitment to retrieving the monies wrongly paid to the businessman due to the Notice of Discontinuance. But Mr Amaliba explained that the notice the Attorney General filed to discontinue the application was done with the liberty to reapply in case things do not go as planned. Mr Woyome has been in the news since 2012 for allegedly putting in false claims to defraud the state to the tune of GH51.2 million, but the High Court and the Court of Appeal have cleared him of any wrongdoing. However, the Supreme Court has directed him to refund the money, following which the Attorney-Generals office put in processes to recover the money. The NPP cannot let this corruption and wanton loss of taxpayers monies just go by. We demand that President Mahama and his government retrieve the full value of our monies otherwise the party intends to lead Ghanaians in street protests, a statement signed by NPPs Director of Communications, Nana Akomea said. The Attorney General, per an earlier notice, would have orally examined Mr. Woyome on November 10, 2016. But a notice of discontinuance filed at the Supreme Court has indicated that: please take notice that the 1st Defendant Judgment Creditor [Attorney General] herein has this day [26th Day of October 2016] discontinued the present application to orally examine the 3rd Defendant Judgment Debtor [Alfred Agesi Woyome] with liberty to reapply. Pressure group, OccupyGhana has subsequently accused the authorities of not showing commitment to retrieving the monies wrongly paid to the businessman due to the Notice of Discontinuance. The NPP has also said that it is horrified and saddened by the report that the Attorney General is not able to pursue anymore the retrieval of taxpayers monies paid to Mr. Alfred Woyome, as far back as 2010. The NDC government itself as far back as 2009, has admitted the payments to Mr. Woyome were wrong, unjustified and undeserved. But no NDC official involved in this gargantuan loss of taxpayers monies has been punished or prosecuted. Below is the full statement from the NPP: PRESIDENT MAHAMA AND NDC MUST ACCOUNT FOR OUR WOYOME MONIES OR BE SHOWN THE RED CARDThe NPP is horrified and saddened by the report that the Attorney General is not able to pursue anymore the retrieval of taxpayers monies paid to Mr. Alfred Woyome, as far back as 2010. The NDC government itself as far back as 2009 has admitted the payments to Mr. Woyome were wrong, unjustified and undeserved. But no NDC official involved in this gargantuan loss of taxpayers monies has been punished or prosecuted.Per the solo efforts of Mr. Martin Amidu, the Supreme Court in 2014 ordered that the monies should be retrieved, describing the payment as a scheme to create, loot and share taxpayers monies. President Mahama and his government did not seek an order for payment with interest despite the Supreme Court ruling.Despite this, two years after the order for even the greatly devalued ghc52.8 millions, President Mahama has not managed to retrieve even a PESEWAS of taxpayers monies from Mr Woyome. What little hope Ghanaians have that our monies will be retrieved has been dashed by the withdrawal of the Attorney General from further pursuit of the retrieval of the monies. The NPP and Ghanaians cannot let this corruption and wanton loss of taxpayers monies just go by. The president, who was speaking at a rally in the Eastern Region Monday, said Ghanaians will do themselves a great deal of disservice if they vote for such an intolerant leader who is not ready to accept any contrary views to his position on issues. More here: Peki chiefs deny endorsing Nana Addo But Nana Addo said, Does our President understand the laws governing our country? Has he bothered to read our Constitution? No President has the power to destool a chief. Ghana has gone past the era where a sitting President could destool a Chief. Judicial Committees of Traditional Councils are the only ones who can destool a chief, and not a President, Read related:Attahiru Jega expresses confidence in Charlotte Osei He made this known on Thursday, November 3, 2016, whilst campaigning in the Assin Central constituency, on the last day of his 3-day tour of the Central Region. According to Nana Akufo-Addo, as far back as the 60s, his father, then Chief Justice Edward Akufo-Addo, as Chair of the 1969 Constitutional Commission, enshrined in the 1969 Constitution that The institution of Chieftaincy is guaranteed under the Constitution, a provision which subsequent Constitutions have incorporated. This, the NPP flagbearer explained, is the reason why Chiefs are debarred from engaging themselves in partisan politics, and, at the same time, governments debarred from meddling in chieftaincy affairs. Thus, as President, you should be abreast with the Constitution of the Republic, and have it at your fingertips. President Mahama cant even read and understand the Constitution. He just gets up and makes unfortunate comments. Akufo-Addo explained that, I have so much respect for the Chieftaincy institution. My ancestry, including my late grandfather, the Okyenhene, Nana Ofori Atta I, and my own mother, who became the queen mother of Kyebi, means I have respect for the institution. I am not the one coming to disrespect them. The NPP flagbearer continued, He (President Mahama) says when I become President, I am going to drive away Muslims, residents in Zongos, amongst other things. He will never say to the people what his vision for them is or his record. Even at the launch of the NDC manifesto, all he (President Mahama) did was to talk about me. He had to be prompted before remembering that he was to talk about the contents of his manifesto, he added. Nana Akufo-Addo reiterated his belief that recent utterances by President Mahama, coupled with his actions and inactions over the last 8 years, point to a President who appears to have little understanding of democracy. Nana Addo noted that comments by President Mahama, to the effect that continually changing governments for new ones stall development, is another case in point. "If changing governments was bad, why did he and his party agitate for the changing of the NPP government in 2008, which was doing much better than the current NDC government? Changing government was good for him in 2008, but when the time has come for Ghanaians to change government in 2016, it's now a bad thing", Akufo-Addo said Jega, who spoke on Thursday with Ghana Decides which is a a non-partisan blogging project funded by STAR-Ghana to improve the participation of youth and the vulnerable in the electoral process, said the EC must not fail Ghanaians. He said "Everybody has a responsibility, the election management body, politician and the civil society" in ensuring peaceful elections. The EC Chair disqualified 13 candidates including Dr Nduom of the Progressive Peoples Party, Edward Mahama of the Peoples National Convention and Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings of the National Democratic Party (NDP) over errors in the nomination forms they filed. But an Accra High Court last week Friday ordered the EC to allow Dr Nduom of the PPP to amend the errors on his forms and resubmit them for consideration by the EC. The EC has since challenged the ruling at the Supreme Court. Some Ghanaians believe that the many law suits will make the EC lose focus for the December 7 polls, and have therefore advocated for dialogue among the aggrieved parties. However, former Attorney General, Mr. Martin Amidu, said the EC is already on a rigging agenda following its decision to disqualify Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom from contesting in the polls. But Jega said he has no doubt that Charlotte Osei will do her best to ensure credible elections come December. She mentioned this in an interview with BBC. I dont regret it, its not an easy job and it wasnt meant to be an easy job, she told BBC in a Facebook interview on Thursday. Mrs Osei has come under intense pressure after she assumed the office of the EC Chairperson. She was chastised by the public for what was termed the logo saga as part of a decision to rebrand the EC. READ ALSO: Charlotte Osei tells Ghana how she can rig the elections At the launch of the logo and the Commissions five-year strategic plan, Charlotte Osei said this is our new logo. We like it. We picked it. It makes us happy and it reminds us of all the values that we want to bring into our work and where we are going as a commission. This statement infuriated many Ghanaians who thought the EC boss was not listening to the general public. There have been numerous legal suits since she assumed office including one from the Let My Vote Count Alliance, demanding a new and credible voters register. T. B Joshua who has a number of Ghanaian politicians attending his church responded to the claims saying there are rumours on the internet stating that T.B. Joshua is in Ghana to offer spiritual guidance to political parties. Please know that these rumours are 100% false. T.B. Joshua is not in Ghana, he is in Nigeria. Do not listen to the father of lies. READ ALSO: Supporters of Owusu Bempah throng CID headquarters The founder and leader of Glorious Word Ministry International Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah in an interview on Metro TV accused President Mahama of bringing popular Nigerian prophet, T.B Joshua to Ghana to influence the elections. He said no amount of threats by members of the NDC would make him change his prophecy about Nana Addos 2016 victory. READ ALSO: Police invites Rev Isaac Owusu Bempah for questioning Isaac Owusu Bempah said the NDC was trying to subvert the prophesied truth of Nana Akufo-Addos election by bringing in Prophet T.B Joshua. He said Nigerian prophetT.B Joshua is on a mission to Ghana to subvert the will of God that Nana would win the election, but he said that will not work. The MPs raised these concerns on the floor of the house, after tributes were read in memory of the late MP for Hohoe North, Prince Jacob Hayibor. The NDC MP for Central Tongu Constituency in the Volta Region, Joe Giddisu who will spend his last day in parliament Thursday said: the rate of exit from this world by colleagues who have passed out of the house is quite alarming; and I want to equally associate myself on calling for a very serious attention to be given to whatever support that could be given to members of the house by way of pension or any other arrangement to be of assistance to MPs when they are outside this house. Twenty one New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs are not coming back to parliament after losing their party primaries last June. On the Majority side, more than 16 incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs also lost their primaries in November 2015. In April 2016, a Zonal Consultative forum held in Kumasi on emoluments and salaries of article 71 public office holders, recommended that a provident fund be set up to allow Members of Parliament (MPs) cede part of their monthly salaries to serve as their ex-gratia when they exit Parliament. A five-member Presidential Committee on Emoluments appointed by President John Dramani Mahama is organizing the broad consultative meetings across the country to solicit public views about the move. The suspect, James Evans, was sentenced in August after the court heard of how the vulnerable girl was made to perform sex acts on Evans in his car as he drove her home from a session with child mental health services, Metro UK reports. Evans is reported to have had sex with the victim afterwards at his flat in his Ruislip flat after they matched. Metro UK reports that Evans had met the young girl on a dating app, Tinder, in January this year. Evans knew the victim to be a 15-year-old school girl even though she told him she was 16 when they met. Speaking of her experience, she said, I now know he took full advantage of my vulnerabilities. I told James I had been sexually assaulted the previous August and now I know he should have acted differently as a police officer." The mother of the victim reportedly discovered the relationship and reported to the authorities after going through her daughter's diary, finding pictures of Evans in police uniform. Assistant Police Commissioner, Helen King said, PC Evans exploited a girl he knew to be vulnerable and, as she knew he was a serving police officer, abused his position. Sexual exploitation of young people, particularly by those in positions of power and influence, has long been very seriously under-reported. ALSO READ: Lagos DPO Arrested For Raping Female Suspect For a police officer to commit such offences is inevitably going to have a serious detrimental impact on the confidence of victims and the wider public to report concerns. PC Evans has undermined the work of colleagues to build that trust. Critically he has victimised a young girl and broken the laws he was entrusted to enforce on others. The only outcome, in this case, is for him to be dismissed without notice. According to a Facebook user, Martin Beck Nworah who claims to know the gang, they are a seven-man syndicate that specializes in blackmailing young ladies, especially students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, into sending them their sex tapes with a promise of making them famous, only to end up extorting money from them. Nworah said the men were arrested in Enugu after a thorough investigation and that they have confessed to being the ones who released the controversial sex tapes that have become viral on social media This is what Nworah wrote on his wall: "From the investigation, these guys were the people who orchestrated the release of the lesbian video of the former Miss Anambra. They met their waterloo when they tried the same trick on another lady who was a former Unizik student but currently an upcoming actress and a model. Their mode of operation is very simple. They open female Facebook accounts and scout for unsuspecting young ladies. These guys will operate the said accounts as ladies and become very friendly with the said girls. Inundated with promises of making them become celebrities and promising to crop out their faces before posting pictures, these unsuspecting girls will send nude pictures and shoot lesbian videos in return for a particular sum of money which is around N100k. Immediately they get hold of these videos or pictures, they will blackmail them into returning the money or else they publish the video or pictures. I, as Martin Beck Nworah, is categorically stating that this is a verified fact because I have seen victims in the past. And even if you do, they will still keep the materials and use it in blackmailing you when they feel you have become popular or achieved something. In the case of the former Miss Anambra, after extorting so much money from her, she became fed up and threatened to deal with them since she is now a beauty queen. Remember, her lesbian video was shot in her year one in the university even before she dreamt of contesting for Miss Anambra in 2015. When these boys saw they can no longer extort more money from her, they decided to start releasing her video. (One single video they decided to cut in parts). They also screen grabbed parts of the video and released as pictures to the public. While we wait for an official statement from the security outfits, this is not in defense of anybody. I promised to physically follow this issue and see to its logical end. Thank God, we are making progress and getting to the roots. Before you form an opinion on social media, please try and verify facts if you can." However, Nworah has inadvertently confirmed that Okeke was actually the one who was in the lesbian sex tape despite her earlier denials and claims that her face was superimposed on the lady in the video. 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! Okaula told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Thursday that the command was yet to receive any report of such case. On the speculation making the round that some people have been arrested over the matter, he said that the command had not made any arrest regarding the issue. I am not aware of any arrest of those involved or blackmailers in the matter. We have not gotten any report on the matter." NAN reports that Okeke, the reigning Miss Anambra Beauty Queen, was alleged to be involved in lesbianism due to amateur video clips which have gone viral on the internet. The Badagry, Lagos State born Elegbede, according to Inside Abuja, who tried unsuccessfully to kill himself behind a primary school in Zanda, a suburb of the city, has, however, blamed some evil forces behind his attempt. The 48-year-old man who has one child told the police he was not himself when he climbed a tree in a bush with a rope with the intent of hanging himself before he was rescued by passersby. It was, however, gathered that Elegbede who works with a construction company in Abuja, had twice attempted to commit suicide but always with the last one leading neighbours to inform the police of his actions. Before the latest suicide attempt, Elegbede had reportedly written down a note in which took responsibility for his planned action, asking for forgiveness from his family, neighbours, and creditors. While being interrogated, Elegbede said: I started having strange dreams in which I find myself having intercourse with strange women and even animals. I worship at the Mountain of Fire and Miracle church in Abuja, but I couldnt go for prayers or deliverance because I work from Monday to Sunday and there was no time for any other thing. I believe my problem is spiritual because I cant even explain how I found myself on the tree with a rope to hang myself. I strongly believe some spiritual forces were behind my problem because while I was in the cell last Saturday, I had a wet dream in which a dog was licking my private parts. The suspects - Dauda Ahmed, Abdulmumeen Mustafa, Zubairu Abubakar, Abdullahi Abubakar and Musa Abdullahi - were charged with a four-count charge bordering on inciting disturbance, culpable homicide, joint act and mischief. They were set free on Thursday, November 3. It was gathered that the chief magistrate, Muhammad Jibril, discharged the five suspects and terminated the case in line with the directive of the attorney-general of Kano state. ALSO READ: 8 killed for allegedly insulting Islam in Zamfara The principal state counsel, Rabiu Yusuf, who represented the attorney-general of Kano state, earlier told the court that the suspects are innocent and have no case to answer. He said: "We received the case diary from the police on June 8. "Having gone through the case diary, the attorney- general of Kano state evaluated the facts in accordance with sections 130 and 150 of the criminal procedure code. "The legal advice presented to the court, dated June 24, states that there is no case to answer as the suspects are all innocent and orders the court to discharge all the suspects." Agbahime, an indigene of Imo state, was killed in Kofar Wambai Market in Kano on June 2, 2016, over alleged blasphemy. The State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, confirmed the arrest while urging members of the public to report erring officers to the command, Punch Metro reports. ALSO READ: 65 officers arrested by the police for various offences He said, A total number of 17 policemen were arrested in different areas of the state for misconduct. The necessary disciplinary measures are being taken against them. The command is alive to its responsibilities. We have zero tolerance for crime. Also, a total of 26 armed robbery suspects and 18 suspected kidnappers were arrested by the command. We recovered two AK-47 rifles, 14 locally-made pistols and 193 live cartridges from them. In the different police operations, 17 vehicles were recovered from criminal elements, while 11 mobile phones were also recovered. According to the reports, the arrests were made between October 6 and 28, 2016. Punch Metro reports that the arrested officers are currently undergoing an orderly room trial. ALSO READ: Dismissed police officers arrested for impersonation A source tells Punch Metro that some of the arrested Policemen are facing dismissal while others could be demoted. I am not saying it is wrong for one to be holy or live a Godly life but my wife is the extreme case, the ones people call fanatics. I actually met and married her when I started attending her church. When I met Mercy and made my intentions known to her, she first directed me to the pastor and after I told him that I wanted to marry her, I was referred to the marriage committee who gave me a booklet containing the dos and don'ts of Christian courtship. That should have triggered an alarm in me but I was madly in love with Mercy and was ready to go to any length to get married to her. But after we got married, I knew I was in for trouble as everything we did as a couple must be guided by the word. We had to pray for hours before we could make love; we must abstain from sex whenever we were observing a fast, the fact that we were married notwithstanding. The sight of even ants in the house calls for casting and bindings and tearing down of a stronghold and all that. I cannot send money to some members of my family because they would use the money as a weapon against me. I had to undergo spiritual assignments every month to be fortified at all times. In fact, everything I do must have approval from the pastor. I am seriously tired of my wife's dogmatic Christian life and the pastor is not helping matters as he keeps supporting her whenever I lay a complain. Clement." The customer, Barry Brett, visited DB Bistro Moderne on West 44th Street in midtown Manhattan, with his wife in February 2015 when the incident occurred, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reports. Not long after he started in on his meal, Brett felt the wire get stuck in his throat and was forced to leave. According to court documents issued by Brett's lawyers, the wire eventually led to a potentially fatal infection. Following the emergency surgery, the surgeon said that the wire which was 2.5 cm long, came from a cheap grill brush. AFP reports that a New York Jury asserted that the restaurant was negligent, and awarded the victim, $300, 000 for damages, fining the restaurant an additional $1m in punitive damages and another $11, 000 which went to Brett's wife. However, the lawyer representing the restaurant has revealed plans to appeal the ruling. J.P. Bottari said, This was not intentional, adding that Brett did not o to the hospital until after four days which was dangerous in and of itself. Meanwhile, Brett's lawyer, Elizabeth Eilender, said she was very pleased that the jury recognised how seriously injured Mr Brett was as result of that brush and how dangerous it is for a wire brush to be used around food. The restaurant never wanted to take responsibility for what happened and blamed the victim, she said. ALSO READ: Cook bags 2 months in jail for skipping police custody Coq au vin is a French dish of chicken braised with wine, lardons, mushrooms, and, optionally, garlic. The Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Idirisu Kennedy, made this disclosure on Thursday, November 3, saying that the mother of the day-old baby reported herself to the A Division in Lafia, Punch reports. ALSO READ: Abandoned baby taken into police custody Kennedy said that the girl who hails from Doma, abandoned the baby along Shendam road in Lafia on Tuesday, November 1. According to the reports, investigations into the case revealed that the girl who hawks groundnut amongst other wares was impregnated by a man who is yet to be identified, at a construction site in Doma. Punch reports that the police spokesman said the young girl was chased from home after her parents discovered that she was pregnant. She said the man responsible for her pregnancy is married, she could not face him to accept his responsibility and had to go to a woman at Mararaba Akunza, Lafia, who took her in because of her condition. Kennedy went on to reveal that the girl had become restless on Monday, October 31, and asked her guardian that she wanted to return to Doma. After her caregiver gave her N2,000 for transport, the young reportedly ended up at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital in Lafia on Monday where she delivered her baby and was discharged on Tuesday. Punch reports that the young girl said she abandoned the baby out of frustration. ALSO READ: Abandoned baby found in a polythene bag in Kaduna According to Kennedy, the teenager has been reunited with her baby that was reportedly taken into police custody and was to be handed over to officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for proper care and upbringing. The PR officer also said that investigations are being carried out to find the father of the child and make him face his responsibilities. The Senate had on Tuesday, November 1, 2016, rejected Buharis request for approval to borrow $29.9b. According to Punch, the South-East APC said the funds will help bring Nigeria out of recession. The Publicity Secretary, Hyancinth Ngwu also reportedly criticised the Senate for rejecting the Presidents request. The party also said The All Progressives Congress in the South-East geopolitical zone has appealed to the members of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to rescind their rejection of the $29.680bn loan planned for the three fiscal years of 2016-2018. The rejection of the request by the Senate is ill-advised and an ill wind that blows no one any good We believe that the loan, which is within the acceptable Debt Management Office debt threshold of 19.39 per cent for External Debt/GDP ratio and far less below 56.0 per cent debt threshold for External Debt/GDP ratio by the World Banks, Country Policy and Institutional Assessment for countries in Nigerias peer-group, respectively, is sustainable in the medium term. Adding that We also believe that the only quick way out of the present economic recession, which has thrown the masses into untold hardship and weakened all productive sectors of the economy, is by massive spending by the government. And with the fall in oil production and its price, the only rational way for government to raise enough fund to exit the economy from recession is through external borrowing which has the advantage of long maturity profile, very little interest rate and creates large space for domestic borrowing by the private sector participants. In a letter addressed to both chambers of the National Assembly, Buhari had written: I wish to refer to the above subject and to submit the attached draft of the Federal Government 2016-2018 External Borrowing (Rolling) plan for consideration and early approval by the National Assembly to ensure prompt implementation of projects. However, in a voice vote on Tuesday, Senators sent back the document to the Presidency because it contained no attachment of how the money was going to be spent if approved. The Senate also slammed the Executive for its poor management of the N500B earmarked for the administrations social security scheme. Senate Majority leader Ali Ndume was left shell-shocked after the bill was flatly rejected by his peers. I was shocked by the decision; my colleagues surprised me today. I was not expecting that, said Ndume who also said the proposal was knocked out on the basis of technicalities. Ndume blamed himself for not doing enough to persuade his colleagues to have the loan request approved. Ita Enang who is the Presidents Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly matters; and government spokesperson Lai Mohammed, have said the Executive will re-submit the proposal, this time with all the details absent from the first. It has been an embarrassing couple of hours for the Executive, Presidency sources have told Pulse. But it does appear as though the Senate loves to strike a man even when hes down. During a ChannelsTV program on Thursday monitored from the Pulse Editorial Room, Senate spokesperson, Aliyu Abdullahi, doubled down on the Executive. Abdullahi stopped short of calling the Executive lazy for a shoddy loan request. Nothing was attached in the document from the Executive even though it read find attached, lamented Abdullahi. Abdullahi thereafter called out the Presidents aides for the rejection. This is the reality unfortunately. We have to rethink position given to certain persons and people who are not competent should step aside, Abdullahi said in apparent reference to Budget and Planning Minister Udo Udoma and legislative aide Enang. There was more from Abdullahi in a rant seen round the country. What is the Chief of Staff doing? What is the SGF (Secretary to Government of the Federation) doing?, the Senate spokesperson asked. It wont be the first time the Legislature would be blaming the Executive for sending poor financial proposals across. The National Assembly had blamed the Executive for submitting two versions of the same budget document earlier in the year. The nation would later discover that the budget document was ridden with illicit insertions in the words of suspended lawmaker Abdulmumin Jibrin. ABC News(NEW YORK) -- Donald Trump and Republicans appear to be making up ground in some key swing states, bouncing back to 2012 early voting levels after a slow start in some states, and surpassing past early voting levels in others. In some key states like Florida and Minnesota, more voters have cast their ballots early so far in 2016 than in all of 2012 early voting. Republicans have made up ground in Arizona, Colorado and Nevada but not improved over 2012. There has been some improvement over 2012 for the GOP in North Carolina and Florida and positive signs continue for the GOP in Ohio and Iowa. Still, Hillary Clinton's campaign appears to maintain a grip so far on key states to win the 270 electoral votes that would put her in the White House. Here's an update on early voting so far, according to data from ABC News and the Associated Press. REPUBLICANS ON THE REBOUND: ARIZONA: A week ago, Republicans held a slim 38-37 percent lead in early voting - a margin the Secretary of States office called absolutely newsworthy in the typical GOP stronghold. But Republicans have grown to a wider 40-34 percent lead today - ahead by 80,000 votes. The Secretary of States office estimates that more than half of all expected ballots in Arizona have already been cast. Two-thirds of people in Arizona cast their ballots early in 2012. An NBC/WSJ/Marist poll today found early voters there splitting 47 percent for Trump and 44 percent for Clinton. COLORADO: Republicans have narrowed the gap in Colorado from a 39-34 percent deficit one week ago had a 36-35 percent split today - now a difference of just 13,000 votes. Still, on this day in 2012, Republicans had a slight advantage over Democrats, 37 percent to 35 percent. Colorado is doing all-mail voting for the first time this year, so the comparison is not ideal. NEVADA: The margin today is 42 percent for Democrats vs. 37 percent for Republicans - slightly tighter than the 44-37 percent gap at this point in 2012. Thats roughly a 34,000-vote gap in 2016. Still, its tightened slightly from the broad 46-36 percent advantage they had one week ago. Jon Rolstons blog says this morning: If Clinton holds her base here and turnout patterns don't dramatically shift in the last two days of early voting, she can't lose Nevada. Solid lean Clinton right now. REPUBLICANS IMPROVING OVER 2012 LEVELS: NORTH CAROLINA: Some core Democratic groups are down from 2012 here. Black voters made up 27 percent of early voters in 2012 but make up only 22 percent of the early vote so far in 2016. White voters have slightly expanded their share of the early voting electorate, from 67 percent in 2012 to 71 percent in 2016. Democrats share of the early voting electorate has slipped - from 48 percent to 43 percent. Republicans match their 2012 share of 32 percent. Democratic women made up 29 percent of the early voting electorate in 2012 vs. only 27 percent this year. But a Quinnipiac University poll yesterday there found Clinton ahead 58-36 percent among people who had already voted. IOWA: Democrats hold a 43,000-vote lead over Republicans in Iowa so far (43-35 percent). This is slightly smaller than their 63,000-vote advantage at this point in 2012 (43-32 percent). Democrats have turned in 34,000 fewer ballots so far this year vs. a 14,000-vote increase for the GOP from this point in 2012. OTHER INTERESTING STATES: FLORIDA: More people have voted in Florida so far than all of 2012 early voting, according to AP data (4,867,113 so far in 2016 vs. 4,789,212 in all of 2012.) Republicans are running virtually even with Democrats at 40 percent of early votes: The GOP holds a 12,000-vote edge. But Democrats were ahead by 76,000 votes at this point in 2012 (43 percent vs. 40 percent). The two parties have been virtually neck-and-neck since early voting started this year. Still, Democrats say Hispanic voters are turning out at new highs. A Quinnipiac University poll yesterday there found a not statistically significant 48-42 percent Clinton-Trump margin among people who had already voted. OHIO: The number of votes cast from 2012 is down slightly, as well as the number of ballots requested. Some 1.1 million Ohio voters have cast their ballot vs. 1.2 million at this time in 2012 though data is released weekly so comparisons are difficult. Meanwhile, 1.6 million absentee ballot applications had been requested vs. nearly 2 million in 2012. There are warning signs for Democrats: ballot requests were down in counties Obama had won, but this wasnt the case in counties Romney had won. A Quinnipiac University poll yesterday there found Clinton ahead 58-32 percent among people who had already voted. TEXAS: With early in-person voting ending tomorrow, Texas's 2016 early vote numbers continue to outpace ballots cast in 2012. Nearly 3.7 million votes have been cast so far this cycle compared to 3.4 million this time in 2012. While recent shifts in the electorate have softened Republican support in the state, Rice University Political Science Professor Robert Stein told ABC News he expects the state to remain out of reach for Democrats this cycle, with the possibility of a more competitive presidential race in the Lone Star State in 2020. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Aliyu Baba died in Jalingo at the age of 70. Mrs Buhari who visited the family at Niger Barracks, Abuja, the official residence of the Chief of Army Staff prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased. She also prayed for the family to have the fortitude to bear the loss. The wife of the president also commended Gen. Buratai for the successes recorded in the fight against insurgency in the North East. The terrorists were suspected to be planning to loot logistics supplies in surrounding villages. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman disclosed this in a statement. He said: "On sighting the patrol, the insurgents engaged the troops in a shootout that lasted for about 15 minutes before they were overpowered by the superior fire power of the patrol. "In the encounter, 2 insurgents were neutralised." ALSO READ: Boko Haram attack village near Chibok The troops recovered weapons including one Fabrique Nationale (FN) rifle loaded with a magazine containing 10 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, one AK-47 rifle and three magazines from the terrorists. Some African countries, including South Africa, Burundi and The Gambia, have announced their intention to withdraw from the court. But the Federal Government said the ICC represents the hope and aspirations of millions of people around the world, therefore Nigeria will not withdraw from it. In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, November 3, by the acting spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jane Adams, it said as a party to the Rome Statute, Nigeria believes that the court also represents an international mechanism for ensuring justice for all. It also said Nigeria remains a signatory to the Rome Statute adopted on July 17, 1998, which entered into force on July 1, 2002. ALSO READ: ICC urges dialogue with African nations set to quit According to the statement, non-membership of the court does not preclude anyone from prosecution, adding that the UN Security Council could refer cases to the court for prosecution. Metuh had allegedly collected the money from the former national security adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki. The witness, Mr Richard Ihediwa, who was led in evidence by the Metuh's counsel, Mr Emeka Etiaba, told the Abuja High Court that Jonathan gave the directive on how the amount was to be spent. According to him, N21 million was paid to former PDP Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, for a property acquired for use by the party as its media intervention centre. He said: "The amount covered the cost of hiring the structure, utility vehicles as well as security gadgets at the centre." The witness also told the court that various sums were paid to some groups coordinated by some government functionaries, including the late Oronto Douglas and Abbah Dabo. He said he was not very certain about the amount released to late Douglas, but added that N25 million was released to Dabo as mobilisation fee for advocacy groups, in line with the directive. Ihediwa said the former president also approved different amounts for some other groups and Metuh disbursed the funds to them accordingly. He said because of the tension and high level of insecurity across the six geo-political regions of the country then, there was the need for government to mobilise various advocacy groups to stabilise the system. In recent statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Don Awunah, Ibrahim noted that he will not be distracted or deterred from carrying out his statutory responsibilities despite the rumours. Awunah noted that transfers and postings in the Force were administrative routines aimed at enhancing utmost efficiency of the officers. In his words: It is imperative to enlighten the public that Police officers are subject to movements, transfers and postings within the Force and other assignments in the course of their career. Protest in this regard amount to serious misconduct and could attract commensurate sanctions." Continuing, Awunah, a Deputy Commissioner of Police said: The IGP Ibrahim Idris will not be distracted or deterred from carrying out his statutory responsibilities for the benefit of all Police personnel and the public that we serve. It is utterly misleading to assert that the recent transfers and postings in the Force across the Country were based on witch-hunting, tribalism and favouritism. That the IGP has flooded strategic command units with his kinsmen from Niger State and vendetta against officers hoping to ascend to higher positions in the Force in future. It may interest the writer and the public to know that the officer alluded to in the report transferred to the Force Headquarters hails from Niger State, while the officer posted to Lagos hails from Osun State. ALSO READ: Police deny fraud allegations against IG How does transferring a man from the same State with the IGP and replacing him with someone from a different state constitute nepotism? The IGPs primary interest is Nigeria, the statement concluded. The Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Dr Fidel Ayogu, made the call when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Thursday. The state is ready to partner with stakeholders in the exploration of its mineral resources by providing enabling environment. The state will immediate provide infrastructures for genuine investors that are willing to commence operation without delay, Ayogu said. He explained that Enugu State is endowed with more than 40 important mineral resources. Chief among these solid minerals, is coal, zinc, lead, iron, columbite, among others. If these minerals are harnessed, they will enhance the states share of the Federal Allocation as well as open job and economic opportunities for the residents of the state, he said. This was contained in a statement made available to by NJC's spokesman, Soji Eyo (Esq) at the end of its 79th Council meeting on Thursday, November 3, 2016, in Abuja. Headed by Justice E. O. Ayoola, a retired Supreme Court Judge, the transparency and anti-corruption policy implementation committee stated that the move was to ensure transparency and eliminate corruption in the judiciary. The statement reads: "Council has decided that judicial officers shall not be standing trial for alleged corruption and be performing judicial functions at the same time. "Council, however, decided that it would ensure that judicial officers who are been investigated alleged high-profile criminal offences do not perform judicial functions until their cases are concluded. "Section 6 of the National Judicial Council policy aims at putting in place multifaceted strategies and guidelines that would ensure transparency and eliminate corruption in the judiciary." The Department of State Services (DSS) had raided homes of seven judges on October 7 and 8 on allegations of corruption, including bribery and perversion of justice. The group warned that if the bombing of pipelines does not stop, the Federal Government will deploy the military to the region. According to Punch, the Secretary-General of the group, Kuanum Terrence, praised President Buhari for meeting with elders from the Niger Delta region. He also said The Middle Belt Youth Leaders Forum has followed with satisfaction the meeting of President Muhammadu Buhari with leaders and other stakeholders in the Niger Delta to discuss how to end the militancy and sabotage of oil infrastructure in their region. We see the development as a confirmation of Buharis declaration that he is the President of all Nigeria. It is a testament to his credentials as a democrat with firm belief in the power of dialogue. We totally support the call for the leaders of the Niger Delta to take the initiative more than anyone else to bring peace to their region, especially now that it is glaring that they are the ones influencing the militant groups. Human Rights Watch recently revealed that 43 women and girls were raped, abused and sexually exploited by security operatives in seven IDP camps in Maiduguri in July 2016. The Senate President also promised to ensure that bills which will help solve the crisis in various IDP camps are passed. Saraki said this while meeting with a United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) delegation led by Angele Dikongue-Atangana. He said the Senate would work with the House of Representatives to improve the welfare of internally displaced persons across the country. Saraki also promised to spearhead the domestication of the Kampala Convention on Statelessness and Protection of Refugees. The Senate President said It is disheartening when you read and hear of cases of corruption in the supply of food items; when you see cases of malnutrition and mortality in the IDP camps; when you see children with cases of malnutrition and you know there can be speedy recovery if the necessary drugs and nutritional items are provided with the necessary food items. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, national leader of the APC had called for the resignation of the national chairman of the party, John Oyegun. Oyegun replied by saying that allegations levelled against him by the APC national leader were reckless and baseless. There were also allegations that a certain cabal had taken over powers from President Muhammadu Buhari, which was part of the reasons why Tinubu had been sidelined. The First Lady, Aisha Buhari seemed to have supported this allegation when she said in her interview with BBC that said those that worked hard for her husband to come to power have been sidelined by some powerful people. The President's response to his wife, Aisha however sparked reactions from Nigerians. Well, fast forward to a recent report. Vanguard had reported that the national secretariat of the APC in Abuja has been thrown into darkness following the partys failure to offset the N1.7 million debt owed Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (ABDC). According to Vanguard newspaper, the electricity company decided to wield the big stick, cutting off electricity supply to the secretariat and worsening its already decrepit state. A party chieftain, however, attributed the cash crunch in the APC to Tinubus decision to withdraw his financial support to the party. Things have gone from bad to worse. Ever since the refusal of President Buhari to fund the party activities, Asiwaju has been the sole financier of the party. But he has withdrawn his support due to the way he was humiliated by the party chairman in the Ondo primary," a chieftain told NAIJ.com on the condition of anonymity. But speaking to journalists at the party's secretariat in Abuja, a member of the National Working Committee said that Tinubu had not made any financial contribution to APC since its inauguration. The NWC member who spoke on the condition of anonymity, however, noted that Tinubu only gave financial contributions to his candidates contesting elections. He said: I can tell you authoritatively that the Partys National Secretariat has not officially received any financial contribution from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu since its inauguration; hence the report of Asiwaju Tinubu withdrawing financial support for the Party does not arise. Asiwaju probably individually gives financial contributions to his candidate's contesting elections, but definitely not the Partys national leadership," he added. Meanwhile, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has revealed that some members of the ruling APC feel they have been marginalised. Okafor's suspension was made known to the public by the South East Working Committee in Awka on Thursday, November 3, 2016. The committee reportedly found Okafor's recent activities to be against the interest of the political party. The communique was signed by eight members out of the nine members of the NWC which include Ocheze Ubani, Woman Leader; Eugene Obi, Financial Secretary; John Iwuala, Organising Secretary and Henry Uzom, Youth Leader; Alex Ani, Treasurer; Francisca Ogadi, Ex-Officio; Jones Salem, Ex-Officio and Chief Smart Iheoma. The communique reads: "It said that the anti-party activities contravened Articles 21(1) (g) (k) (i) (n) and 22(1) (C) (d) (e) (h) and (h) of APGAs Constitution as amended. Sequel to the self-induced crisis currently instigated by some members of NWC of APGA and spearheaded by National Vice Chairman South-East, Ozo Okafor, we resolve as follows: That Ozo Okafor is suspended as a result of glaring anti-party activities, which he has been engaged in and in total breach of Articles 21(1)(g)(k)(i) (n) and 22(1)(C)(d)(e)(h) and (h) of APGA Constitution as amended. The All Progressives Congress chieftain made this known in a recent interview with Leadership Newspaper. He will not (decline). We will go on hunger strike to ensure he contests. We will go on the streets, I mean it. I will mobilise women and youths for Buhari. Four years is not enough to change this country. The anti- corruption war cannot be finished in four years. This is barely two years and we are having more corruption cases happening, she said. Mohammed has reiterated that the President's mission is an eight years cause and she will mobilize women and men to go on hunger strike should Buhari refuse the ticket. The APC chieftain further warned politicians eyeing the presidential seat against 2019 to drop the idea as she will do everything within her powers to see that the President returns for a second term. In her words: "Buhari is for 2019. So, all those people eyeing 2019 should sleep. They should put their minds to rest. In 2019, there is no vacancy. We will mobilize for Buhari to contest in 2019. Four years is not enough for him to set Nigeria fully on the right path. "He needs eight years to do that. He cannot bring somebody and expect him to work like him. We have seen instances where governors bring successors and they turn back to fight them and make a mess of the work," she said. Continuing, Mohammed said: "The gravity of work to be done in Nigeria requires a personality like Buhari to do it. Over the years things went wrong in the system. There have been systemic corruption which made it difficult for us to develop at a faster pace. We want Buhari to continue and we will take up placards, go to the streets and campaign for him to continue. I am one of those championing Buharis second term." ALSO READ: Osinbajo can replace President in 2019 APC chieftain According to a report by Daily Post, Izinyon has withdrawn from the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party's case over complicated reasons. The news of Izinyon's termination of contract with Ibrahim is coming days after a three-man panel of judges led by Justice Jummai Sankey backed out from Ibrahim's case at the Court of Appeal. The Justice Sankey led panel had reportedly backed out following a petition by Biyi Poroye, factional chairman of the PDP in Ondo. Poroye had alleged that Sankey had not only taken bribe from Olusegun Mimiko, the governor of the state, but was prone to corruption because she had expended a lot of money on an illness that made her broke. Furthermore, Justice Sankey alleged that Izinyon knew about the Poroye's petition and this led to his decision to back out of the case. In a letter to Ibrahim, Izinyon said: But with the development of 1/11/2016, it abates and will start with a new panel. With what happened yesterday (Tuesday) in court, in the matter associated with CA/A551C/M/2016, in Mr. Taut Jegedes motion, you will recall that my person was indicted by the presiding justice as having a fore knowledge of the petition written by the 1st respondent (Poroye) despite my protest and innocence. ALSO READ: Appeal court President sets up new panel for PDP crisis It is in this regard that I hereby withdraw from further appearance. This is to enable you brief another lawyer who shall take over the file. We will forward the file and the processes to your personal assistant forthwith," Izinyon's letter to Ibrahim read in parts. A few hours after First Lady, Aisha Buhari, blasted her husband for letting a cabal seize his administration, Okorocha urged President Muhammadu Buhari to carry APC members along in the affairs of State. He made the suggestion after emerging from a meeting with the President. Okorocha had said: 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. 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. Okorocha recently visited presiding officers of the National Assembly and here are some of his comments on the state of play at the All Progressives Congress (APC). 1.Theres plenty of infighting within the APC If you ever thought all the reports of bickering within the APC were a figment of the imagination of the media, Okorocha is here to put those doubts away. This victory of ours is very dear to us, but we are concerned that our victory so far has not been properly managed due to anger, bitterness among the members of our party at different levels and at different cadres, said Okorocha. APC hasnt managed its success properly, Okorocha is saying. 2. APC is a confused party Okorocha also painted the picture of a governing party in disarray. There have been so many complaints and distrusts, confusion and we have resolved as a people, as Governors, as Senators as federal House members, as National Working Committee members to come together and resolve these issues once and for all. Our two pence: You are not likely to get good governance from a confused party. 3. APC has disappointed Nigerians. Which isnt really shocking, but we are just a tad amused that an APC Governor can be this blunt about the state of affairs: Nigerians expect so much from us and at the end of it all, Nigerians will not ask us how far have you dealt with each other, but they will ask us how much food have we put on the table of the common man? Okorocha asked. Exactly, Governor, exactly. Theres no food on the table of the common man at the moment. Okorocha, who is also the Chairman of Progressive Governors, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with the leadership of the House of Representatives. He told newsmen that he was in the house to discuss issues that affected the county and the party, and on how to unite party members and move the nation forward. He said that members of the party were the foot soldiers that worked hard to actualise change, adding that change was, therefore, dear to them. Okorocha assured Nigerians that the APC would not fail and would remain the ruling party. He however said that the partys victory at the general elections had not been well managed, but stated that the gulf among angry members would be bridged. The governor said that he had dialogued with the National Working Committee of the party, members in the Senate and House of Representatives and was certain that there would be light at the end of the tunnel. He assured of the emergence of a brand new APC, which would support the president and governors to move the nation forward. The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Biyi Poroye, who belongs to the Ali Modu Sheriff faction, had accused the justices of taking bribe from the Governor. The first panel of judges in charge of cases about the PDP crisis in the state had pulled out based on the bribery allegation. In a statement by Mimiko's Chief Press Secretary, Eni Akinsola, it said the bribery allegation is another effort to distract the judiciary and confuse the public by Jimoh Ibrahim and his cohorts. The statement said: "We have heard of the grave but specious allegation by one Biyi Poroye and Mr Jimoh Ibrahim that Governor Mimiko openly boasted about offering, and or offered, bribe running into hundreds of Millions of Naira to some Justices of the Appeal Court in respect of the cases before their Lordships on the 2016 election in Ondo State. "We say, without any equivocation, that the governor did not offer bribe of any amount let alone boast of doing so to any justice of the Court of Appeal. "With the prevalence of blackmail, propagation of lies and outright falsehood on the Ondo election, we hasten to say that this ungodly lie is what it is: a concoction from the pit of hell." He also said that the postponement of the elections did not serve the interest of Rivers people, and urged Rivers governor to provide a conducive environment for the election to hold. Abe, former Secretary to Rivers Government, said that he was prepared to cooperate with INEC and other stakeholders to have a peaceful, free and fair election. He reiterated his philosophy of non-violence in elections, adding that youths should be dissuaded from violence and encouraged to embrace education. ALSO READ:Senate threatens to suspend sittings if INEC fails to conduct Rivers rerun Okorocha also revealed that the APC has not managed its 2015 election victory very well, adding that there is hunger in the land. The Governor said President Buhari will summon a meeting of stakeholders of the party, to address various issues. He said As you can see, this is my very first time coming to the office of the Speaker. I have come here to look at issues as it affects our nation, our party in particular. I have been to the national office of our party and I have had meeting with the national working committee. I have also visited the Senate, where we also had deliberations and I am here with the leadership of the House where we have also deliberated on a lot of issues on how to move our nation forward and how to move our party forward. Today we are proud to say APC is not an opposition party, it is the ruling party of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This victory of ours is very dear to us, but we are concerned that our victory so far has not been properly managed due to anger, bitterness among the members of our party at different levels and at different cadres. This calls for concern and that is why we are trying to bridge the gap to close ranks on how to unite, provide governance, leadership to our people, Nigerians and also move our party forward. It is true that our nation is going through difficult times, but with unity of purpose, we shall overcome. There have been so many complaints and distrusts, confusion and we have resolved as a people, as governors, as senators as federal House members, as national working committee members to come together and resolve these issues once and for all. ALSO READ: The president will be talking to the party and the leadership very soon on this matter. Nigerians expect so much from us and at the end of it all,nigerians will not ask us how far have you dealt with each other, but they will ask us how much food have we put on the table of the common man? "I think that, in theory, you can't close your heart to a refugee," the pope said while flying back from a two-day visit to Sweden. "Governments must be open to receive them, but also do the calculations regarding their reception (capabilities), because one must not only receive a refugee but also integrate them," he added. "It isn't human to close the doors and the hearts," the pope argued, adding that in the long run there would be political gains to be had by being more welcoming. For 2017, the global theme is "Language and The Machine" while the local SMW Lagos theme is The [new] Language of Technology: The Future of Communication in Africa." For the duration of the event, SMW Lagos will explore how technology is creating a "new language" and what that means for the future of communication in Africa. Content programming for SMW Lagos 2017 will look at how this "new language," through online video, messaging apps, and voice interfaces allow us to share our stories and, ultimately, enable us take our collective learnings and apply them locally. SMW Lagos 2017 will also feature the debut of new session formats: #SMWSpeakEasy - These will be open conversations led by an industry expert or thought leader. They will be interactive and take place in an intimate setting. #SMWSkillShare - These sessions will be led by developers, tech enthusiasts, ad design buffs. It will be hands-on and feature in-depth workshops that enable attendees gain more expertise. #SMWOfficeHours - These sessions will be one-on-one sessions with investors and industry experts. Event submissions are also currently open and will close on December 2, 2016. You can find more details about the event process here. "I can now see that the words I used have created bad feelings and may even have hurt people. This was not my intention and I would like to apologise for any remark that was not as respectful as it should have been," Oettinger said in a statement. China voiced its disdain on Wednesday over his remarks, saying they revealed "a baffling sense of superiority entrenched in some Western politicians". A video that emerged on YouTube showed Oettinger addressing a German business audience using the words "slitty eyes" and "chiselers" to refer to Chinese people. Germany's Oettinger, commissioner for the EU digital economy who was last week named to take on the budget portfolio as well, went on to make disparaging remarks about women, gay marriage and Belgian politicians. In Thursday's statement, he did not refer to any specific remarks and said his intention had been to give Germany a "wake-up call" over China's increasing power and a debilitating political correctness at home which stymied an effective response. Oettinger also said that remarks about the Belgian region of Wallonia, which held up the signing of a landmark EU-Canada trade deal for several weeks, had been misquoted. "Let me add here that I regret that some of my remarks were misquoted regarding Wallonia, which is not only historically an important European region, but actively contributes to the cultural and political diversity of Europe," he said in the statement. A spokesman for European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said the president had talked to Oettinger by phone on Wednesday and would be talking to him again on Friday. "The president would like to have the Commissioner's explanation about what he said... (and how he got to this position) where the statement had to be issued," spokesman Margaritis Schinas said. The airstrike triggered emotionally-charged protests in the provincial capital, with the victims' relatives parading mutilated bodies of dead children piled into open trucks through the streets of Kunduz city. The carnage underscores worsening insecurity after the Taliban last month overran Kunduz city for the second time in a year, as NATO-backed Afghan forces struggle to rein in the insurgents. Afghan forces and coalition troops were conducting a joint operation against the Taliban on the outskirts of the city when they came under insurgent fire, prompting calls for air support. "In the bombardment 30 Afghan civilians were martyred and 25 others were wounded," provincial spokesman Mahmood Danish told AFP. Police spokesman Mahmoodullah Akbari gave the same toll to AFP, adding that the dead included infants aged as young as three months and other children. "They were asleep when their house came under attack by coalition troops," Akbari said. In a brief statement on Twitter, NATO conceded that US forces were behind the airstrike. Taza Gul, a 55-year-old labourer, was among dozens of angry protesters outside the Kunduz governor's office, bringing with him the bodies of seven dead family members in a motorised tricycle. "I am devastated. I want to know, why these innocent children were killed? Were they Taliban?" said Gul. "No, they were innocent children." Civilian caused by NATO forces have been one of the most contentious issues in the 15-year campaign against the insurgents, prompting strong public and government criticism. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was "deeply saddened" by the killings, while urging the military to do everything possible to prevent civilian casualties. "The enemies of Afghanistan's people use civilian houses in Kunduz as shields, resulting in the killing of a number of our countrymen, including women and children," the presidential palace said in a statement. America's longest war The strikes occurred after a firefight with insurgents killed two US soldiers and three Afghan special forces during an anti-Taliban operation in Kunduz. The firefight erupted as American soldiers were assisting Afghan troops to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the group's operations, US forces said. "On behalf of all of US Forces - Afghanistan, today's loss is heartbreaking and we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of our service members who lost their lives today," said John Nicholson, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan. "Despite today's tragic event, we are steadfast in our commitment to help our Afghan partners defend their nation," he added, without disclosing the names of the dead soldiers. The killings come just days before the US presidential election. During three lengthy debates between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Afghanistan got scarcely a passing mention -- even though the situation there will be an urgent matter for the new president. Either one of them will inherit America's longest war with no end in sight. The US military, which leads a NATO mission to train and assist local forces after their combat mission ended in 2014, often gives upbeat assessments about Afghan military performance. But as Afghan military forces near the end of a second year leading security operations without full NATO assistance, they are sustaining heavy casualties. The Taliban's apparent strategic goal in 2016 is to seize another provincial capital like they briefly did in Kunduz last year, in a stinging blow to Afghan forces. They have launched multiple assaults in recent months including in Kunduz, Lashkar Gar in poppy-growing Helmand province and Tarinkot, the capital of Uruzgan province. The 23-year-old soldier, Silva Ribeiro, turned his gun on colleagues as they slept at a military communications centre in April before also killing three civilians including two Spanish technicians as they arrived for work, AFP reports. Ribeiro, who was sentenced by a military tribunal, had promised to kill his colleagues a day before the actual killing. He was said to have been involved in a minor disagreement with his colleagues over guard duty. Judge Ana Reis speaking at the military court said: "the psychiatric report showed that the man behind this massacre demonstrated psychopathic behavioural patterns." Ribeiro was fully aware of what he was doing during the April 25 rampage, she said, ordering him to also pay 11 million escudos ($110,000) to the victims families. The former soldier, who was silent throughout the case, broke his silence at the end, telling the court: "I offer my apologies to the nation." It said that most of the fish were raised by fishermen inside large floating cages in Shanfong fish pond in a river in Jiangli County. 100 per cent of the fish have died, a fisherman said. The fish farm had 33 cages and total losses could reach 1.6 million dollars, the fishermen said. Polluted waterways are a major problem in China. In the spring of 2013, an estimated 10,000 dead pig carcasses were found in Shanghais Huangpu River over a period of two weeks, with another 4,600 carcasses found upstream in Jiaxing, 100km further south-west. While China has almost 20 per cent of the worlds population, the country contains only 7 per cent of the worlds freshwater. Angola and France will be leading a Security Council visit to the DR Congo next week to meet with Kabila, opposition leaders and civil society in a bid to ease tensions over the holding of the vote. "I want the elections to be set, to be done orderly and then let someone else continue to run the country," Angola's Ambassador Ismael Gaspar Martins told reporters. "I think that is doable," said the ambassador. Angola is an influential player in the DR Congo and a key backer of the Kinshasa government dating back to the two wars of the 1990s and early 2000s when Luanda provided crucial military support. The 15 council envoys will visit Kinshasa, Goma and Beni from November 10 to 14 for meetings that the French ambassador said were an "important exercise in preventative diplomacy." They will also travel to Luanda to meet with President Jose Eduardo dos Santos. There have been growing fears that the DR Congo, one of Africa's biggest and resource-rich countries, could descend into chaos after some 49 people were killed in anti-Kabila demonstrations in September. Last month, a political deal was reached between Kabila's party, its allies and some smaller opposition groups to delay the presidential election -- due to have been held this year -- until April 2018. But the main opposition Rassemblement (Gathering) coalition rejected it, branding it a ploy by Kabila to stay in power beyond the end of his term. The Catholic Church, which has a strong voice in the country, has criticized the deal and called for more dialogue. A 'good' date for elections The Angolan envoy said the council can demand that a date be set for the vote but he stressed that this must be a "good date... so that we do not have elections and then confusion." Kabila, who has been in power since 2001, "should end his term and let someone else be elected, but he cannot sit aside and let the country in a vacuum do elections and stay stable," added the ambassador. "We want the Congolese to agree on something which is orderly, which guarantees stability in the country and we in the region should be able to support whatever is selected by the Congolese," he said. The UN envoy for the Great Lakes region, Said Djinnit, told the council on Wednesday that the government must reach out to the opposition that rejected the political deal to try to build an "inclusive process." During its visit, the council will talk to all sides to "ensure that they fully realize the responsibility that they have in preserving peace in the country," said French Ambassador Francois Delattre. Congolese politicians must show they are willing to compromise to prepare the elections as soon as possible, he added. US Ambassador Samantha Power has said elections should be held in 2017. The DR Congo has been ruled by Kabila since his father Laurent was assassinated in 2001. The move drew condemnation from the anti-establishment Pirate Party which said the pay rise would increase mistrust amongst the public. The national Kjararad commission tasked with setting public service salaries announced the pay rise, which increases the salaries of members of parliament to 9,000 euros a month. "It is very important that the elected members are financially independent and dependent on no-one," said the Kjararad. "Their work has no clear parallel on the work market, as they are elected for their jobs in general elections and have to renew their mandate at least every four years." "If all parliamentarians reject these raises to show clearly that they are concerned about stability in the work market, it will be a clear message to the public that we will not help create a gap between the Parliament and the public," Jonsdottir said on Facebook. "It is necessary to build social trust in times when there are waves of discontent within the work market." The news comes just days after Gunnlaugsson's successor as premier Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson announced his resignation after his centrist Progressive Party, which was governing in a coalition with the Independence Party, suffered a drubbing in snap elections provoked by the Panama Papers tax-evasion scandal. The elections' main beneficiaries were the Pirates, who with their three centre-left allies won 27 seats in the 63-member parliament, compared to the Progressive and Independence parties combined 29 seats, setting up Iceland for tough horsetrading over its next government. The Panama Papers revealed that 600 Icelanders including bankers, business leaders and cabinet ministers -- amongst them Gunnlaugsson -- had holdings stashed away in offshore accounts. The Panama Papers scandal came just eight years after the 2008 financial meltdown that wrecked the country's banking industry, leading to an International Monetary Fund bailout. Both events provoked the public's ire, the latter widely seen as encouraging voters to punish the incumbent coalition by voting for the anarchist Pirates. The election failed to deliver a clear majority, leaving the country in political deadlock. President Gudni Johannesson is set to task Finance Minister Bjarni Benediktsson of the Independence Party with trying to form a new government. The search resumed at first light Thursday around Batam, an Indonesian island south of Singapore, with roughly 125 personnel combing the seas for any sign of survivors, local disaster agency section chief Hardin Nafii told AFP. "We pray that hopefully those still missing are saved, and are alive," he said. The speedboat was carrying 98 passengers and three crew from Malaysia to Batam early Wednesday morning when it ran aground on a reef in bad weather and capsized, the disaster agency said. Rescue teams pulled 18 bodies and 39 survivors from the sea, but called off the search as light faded. Forty-four others remain unaccounted for more than a day after the accident. Police said the passengers were likely illegal Indonesian migrant workers returning from jobs in Malaysia, and the boat was over capacity at the time of the accident. The disaster agency revised up the passenger numbers late Wednesday from 93, saying the lack of a manifest made it difficult to establish exact figures aboard. jpegMpeg4-1280x720The Indonesian archipelago of more than 17,000 islands is heavily dependent on boat transport, but safety standards are lax and fatal accidents common. The Hashed al-Ashaeri (Tribal Mobilisation), made up of Sunni tribal militiamen, have been carrying out revenge attacks in villages south-east of Mosul against those residents suspected of having ties to IS, the London-based rights group said. Some were beaten with metal rods and given electric shocks, and some were tied to the bonnets of vehicles and paraded through the streets or placed in cages, it said, citing interviews with local officials and village witnesses. "There is strong evidence that Sabawi tribal militia members have committed crimes under international law by torturing and otherwise ill-treating residents in Qata al-Sabaween (Sabaween sector) in revenge for crimes committed by IS," said Lynn Maalouf, Amnesty's deputy director for research in Beirut. "There is no doubt that IS fighters who are suspected of committing crimes must be held accountable in fair trials. "But rounding up villagers and forcing them to endure public humiliation or other violations, including torture, is no way of securing justice, truth and reparation for victims of IS crimes." The gunship attacks, the first of their kind to be confirmed in over two months, were launched overnight from the USS San Antonio, an amphibious transport dock ship deployed off the North African state. A statement from the US navy's base at Naples in southern Italy said the Cobras were carrying out "precision airstrikes" during combat operations in Sirte, a coastal city where IS loyalists established a base in 2015. They were part of a sea-borne air operation launched by President Barack Obama in August in support of Libya's fledgling national unity government's attempt to drive IS out of Sirte. Hundreds of airstrikes have been unleashed but the only previously confirmed deployment of the Cobra gunships came at the end of August. At the time, the Pentagon was predicting that US involvement in the battle for Sirte would last "weeks not months". Forces loyal to Libya's Government of National Accord launched their offensive on Sirte in May. They claimed last month to be closing in on the complete liberation of the city from the jihadists. The Pentagon said in August that it estimated that there were around 1,000 hardened fighters in Libya who were loyal to IS. The US attacks involved forces from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), a 2,500-strong task force comprised of elements from both the elite Marine Corps and the US Navy. The report from a UN special investigation found that a lack of leadership in the UN mission culminated in a "chaotic and ineffective response" during heavy fighting in the capital from July 8 to 11. Peacekeepers abandoned their posts and failed to respond to pleas for help from aid workers under attack in a nearby hotel compound, according to a summary of the report. "The special investigation found that UNMISS did not respond effectively to the violence due to an overall lack of leadership, preparedness and integration among the various components of the mission," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. Chinese peacekeepers abandoned their positions at least twice and Nepalese peacekeepers failed to stop looting inside the UN compound, the inquiry found. Ban said he was "deeply distressed by these findings" and "alarmed by the serious shortcomings" of the UN mission. The UN chief "has asked for the immediate replacement of the force commander," said Dujarric, adding that other measures would follow. Lieutenant General Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki of Kenya had been the force commander since May. UN mission chief Ellen Margrethe Loj of Denmark steps down at the end of November after more than two years in the job. The fierce fighting in Juba involved helicopter gunships and tanks pitting President Salva Kiir's government forces against those loyal to ex-rebel chief Riek Machar. Machar fled the capital during the violence, which derailed international efforts to form a unity government and restore peace to South Sudan. No response to screams About a dozen aid workers and UN staff housed at the Terrain hotel compound were attacked by South Sudanese soldiers on July 11, but the peacekeepers, just 1.2 kilometers (0.7 miles) away, failed to come to their aid. There were multiple requests to the peacekeepers from China, Ethiopia, India and Nepal for forces to be dispatched, "but each UNMISS contingent turned down the request, indicating their troops were fully committed." During the attack, "civilians were subjected to and witnessed gross human rights violations, including murder, intimidation, sexual violence and acts amounting to torture perpetrated by armed government soldiers," said the report. The investigation led by retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert was unable to verify allegations that peacekeepers did nothing to help women who were raped during the heavy fighting. But in a later incident on September 2, a woman was assaulted near the entrance to a UN compound "in plain sight" of the peacekeepers, the report said. "Despite the woman's screams, they did not react" and other UN staff intervened, it added. After the crisis, peacekeepers "continued to display a risk-averse posture unsuited to protecting civilians from sexual violence" and other attacks. UNMISS soldiers refused to conduct foot patrols near UN bases and instead would "peer out from the tiny windows of armored personnel carriers, an approach ill-suited to detecting perpetrators of sexual violence and engaging with communities to provide a sense of security." British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft described the report as a "damning indictment" and said the Security Council as well as the UN system must draw lessons from the failures. Four Afghan policemen and two of their Spanish counterparts were killed in December last year when Taliban insurgents burst into the embassy after a car bomb blew off the gate of the compound, sparking a shoot-out inside. Relatives of one of the Spanish policemen who died and seven others who were injured filed a complaint accusing Ambassador Emilio Perez de Agreda and his then deputy Oriol Sola of involuntary manslaughter. According to court papers published Wednesday, the plaintiffs allege the ambassador failed to act on warnings of security flaws at the embassy. Since it was built in 2008, there had been warnings about flimsy sentry boxes, or doors that were only made out of wood, which were later reinforced, according to the papers. The ambassador, though, had his home in the "green zone" as his predecessor had "refused to live in the embassy due to the potential danger," the writ said. When the attack happened, Perez de Agreda was on holiday in Spain, and Sola was in charge. He "didn't respect any security measure either," the plaintiffs alleged, according to the papers. "On the contrary, he constantly put the building at risk, letting traders into the embassy, allowing cars, vans and trucks in with jewels, carpets and other items without giving security teams enough advance warning to check people and products", it added. On December 11, 2015 -- the day of the attack -- French intelligence services warned of the risk of an attack against the Spanish embassy, but no special security measures were taken, the writ further alleges. According to judge Santiago Pedraz, the allegations could be a "penal offence," and will be investigated. A spokesman for the foreign ministry said Perez de Agreda is still ambassador in Afghanistan, but Sola has since left due to "normal staff rotation." In a statement, the prosecutor in Zurich's cantonal government said the imam at the An'Nur de Winterhour mosque, who is an Ethiopian national, had been detained for incitement to violence. During an October 21 sermon, the imam "called for the assassination of Muslims who refuse to participate in communal prayers in the mosque," the prosecutor's statement said, adding that a criminal probe had been launched. Three of the imam's followers were also being held and investigated but the prosecutor said it was "unclear" what role they played in the alleged call to violence. Separately, Zurich police raided the mosque early Monday and arrested three other men -- aged 23 to 35 -- over suspected immigration violations. Swiss media have reported frequently on the An'Nur mosque, including on suggestions that it has played a part in radicalising young Muslims. According to the news site 20min.ch, the Ethiopian cleric starting working at the mosque recently, replacing a predecessor who was forced to leave amid accusations that he was preaching extremism. Rwanda's National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide (known by its French acronym CNLG) issued the list on Monday, a month after French investigators said they were re-opening a probe into who shot down then-president Juvenal Habyarimana's jet triggering the genocide in which 800,000 mostly Tutsi people were killed. "High-ranking French officers and political figures committed very serious crimes in Rwanda," the CNLG said in a statement. "The refusal to put an end to the judicial investigation and to exonerate Rwandan leaders who ended the genocide is designed to camouflage these responsibilities." A Rwandan enquiry found ethnic Hutu extremists responsible for Habyarimana's assassination, but the French investigation was inconclusive. That enquiry was reopened following a deposition submitted by former Rwandan army chief Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa, a one-time confidant of President Paul Kagame who has again pointed the finger of blame at Kagame. The shooting down of the plane falls within French jurisdiction because the crew were French. Last month Kagame warned of a "showdown" with France over the allegations. The row over responsibility for shooting down the plane has wrecked diplomatic relations in the past, causing a severing of ties between 2006 and 2009. The trial was suspended until Monday while judge Boiqui Kouadjo insisted the high-profile witnesses -- including parliament speaker Guillaume Soro, former prime minister Jeannot Kouadio Ahoussou and former army chief Philippe Mangou -- will appear on November 16. The trial had already been suspended a week ago when Gbagbo refused to attend due to a no-show by the witnesses her lawyers had called to testify. "If we want the trial to proceed, those involved must attend," said Gbagbo lawyer Ange Rodrigue Dadje. Judge Kouadjo said some anonymous witnesses would appear on Monday, after which the high-profile figures would be heard on November 16. "It is with regret that we acknowledge that the witnesses did not receive their notices to attend court," said Kouadjo, after an hour of debate. Simone Gbagbo is the wife of former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo, who was forced from power in 2011 by current incumbent Alassane Ouattara, who had won presidential elections five months previously -- the results of which his predecessor rejected. Simone Gbagbo's trial began on May 31. She is accused of involvement in the shelling of Abobo, a northern suburb of the capital Abidjan, which was a Ouattara stronghold. She is also accused of being a member of a "crisis cell" that allegedly coordinated attacks by the armed forces and militias in support of Gbagbo. She is already serving a 20-year sentence for "endangering state security". Deadly violence erupted in the cocoa bean-rich west African republic after Laurent Gbagbo refused to concede defeat to Ouattara following the November 2010 election, with more than 3,000 people subsequently killed in the five months of bloodshed that followed. On Monday, President Barack Obama extended the sanctions by another year, saying Khartoum's policies remained an "extraordinary threat" to the national security of the United States. Sudan has been subject to a US trade embargo since 1997 for its alleged support for Islamist groups. Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was based in Khartoum from 1992 to 1996. In recent years, the government's scorched earth tactics against ethnic minority rebels in Darfur have been cited as a reason not to lift the sanctions. Sudan's foreign ministry played down Obama's decision, saying it was a "routine" annual procedure, but one that negatively impacted the humanitarian situation in the country. However, the extension of sanctions will not hamper ongoing efforts to improve ties between the two countries, it said. "The ministry confirms that Sudan will continue to be part of a high-level dialogue currently taking place between the two sides," the ministry said in a statement. "Afterwards, there will be an assessment of the two countries' vision towards normalising all aspects of relations." The extension of sanctions comes into effect from Thursday. "The actions and policies of the government of Sudan continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States," Obama said in a statement while extending the measures. There had been speculation that the sanctions might be eased after repeated visits to Khartoum in recent months by US special envoy Donald Booth. Relief still possible In a statement released late Monday, the American embassy said the extension was purely "technical" and the sanctions could still be eased. It was "part of a routine, annual process that does not prejudice the ability of the president to provide sanctions relief at any point in the future," it said. The United States -- which has also blacklisted Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism since 1993 -- intended to continue its policy of engagement, it added. But Washington "has been quite clear with the government of Sudan on the steps that need to be taken to secure economic sanctions relief". the embassy said. An end to fighting in Darfur and in Blue Nile and South Kordofan states is a key condition demanded by the Obama adminstration for any easing or lifting of sanctions, diplomats said. "Over the past six months the Obama administration has insisted that the two sides reach an agreement on cessation of hostilities in these three conflict zones, but that has still not happened," a European diplomat told AFP. In August, talks held in Addis Ababa between Khartoum and key rebel groups failed to reach an agreement on the issue. Washington was a key supporter of the peace accords that led to the independence of South Sudan in 2011, and there had been speculation at the time that the blacklisting would be lifted as a reward. But the Darfur conflict has continued to dog relations. President Omar al-Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and genocide related to the conflict. He denies the charges. In September last year, Washington refused Bashir a visa to attend the UN General Assembly, citing the ICC arrest warrant. The United Nations says at least 300,000 people have been killed and about 2.5 million displaced since the Darfur conflict erupted in 2003. Turning the ship before it hits the iceberg FREEZER/LOADOUT FULL TIME - $15.00/HR to $18.25/HR UPON QUALIFICATION PART TIME - $14.00/HR We are currently accepting applications for full time and part time positions at our Columbus Jct., IA facility. These positions involve general material handling duties, including load and material preparation, weights, combos, boxes, etc. Full time offers insurance benefits for you and your family, matching 401K, paid holidays, Tuition Reimbursement, paid vacation and other great benefits. APPLY IN PERSON AT: Tyson 16198 Hwy 70 North, Columbus Junction, IA IF YOU WANT TO WORK FOR A FORTUNE 500 COMPANY WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEL, COME JOIN OUR TEAM! Tyson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, gender, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status. NEED A PART TIME JOB WITH FLEXIBLE HOURS? Tyson Foods in Columbus Junction, IA is accepting applications for a Part Time Freezer Janitor. - $14.00 per hour - Up to 28 hours per week. - Days and hours are flexible - Applicants must be 18 or older. Duties include cleaning Freezer offices as well as painting as needed. Please apply in person a the Tyson Employment office, Hwy 70 North, Columbus Junction, IA Tyson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. The Parker Building, a downtown Davenport anchor long known for its roots as a department store, was reintroduced Wednesday as a Class A office building. The first completed piece in the $60 million City Square redevelopment was unveiled to potential office tenants and real estate brokers during a pair of open houses. Guests toured the now open floor plans with modern finishes, stylish lighting and glass office walls that can be written on like a smartboard. Incorporated into the floor plans is the building's historic architecture, including supporting columns and oversized windows with expansive views of downtown. "They haven't changed the integrity of the building," said one of the building's leasing agents, Thad DenHartog of Mel Foster Co. "This is a very positive place you can come to work in." Built in 1922 as the M.L Parker Department store, the building is the latest downtown historic makeover by Restoration St. Louis, a development company owned by Amrit and Amy Gill. The City Square project will span a half block along 2nd Street between Brady and Main streets and also include the Putnam Building. "This is built out for the way millennials like to work with open spaces, collaboration areas and conference rooms," said Marge Stratton, also a leasing agent with Mel Foster. The seven-story office building at 104 W. 2nd St. also has 20 luxury apartments on the top two floors, of which only one remains available for lease. Office space still is available on three floors. The building represents a milestone for City Square's progress. Amrit Gill said "it is half the volume of the block." Already under construction, the remainder of the project will include a new hotel in the Putnam Building as well as a fitness center and conference space on the second floor of the Center Building, which connects the Parker and Putnam. The office tenants will have access to the hotel's restaurant, concierge service, fitness center and meeting rooms, a unique offering in this market, DenHartog said. Tenants also can access services of the nearby Hotel Blackhawk, which was the Gills' first project in Davenport. The real estate brokers said the project meets a need for more office space in downtown. "So much of the office space has been absorbed by the new apartments," Stratton said. Wells Fargo, Hub International/Ruhl Insurance, and Cottingham & Butler Insurance were among the first tenants to relocate to the Parker Building. A new logistics company, LogiFlow Services, also now offices there. Gill said the hotel is on track to open next July, with hiring beginning in January. Kyle Carter, executive director of the Downtown Davenport Partnership, was among the open house guests. "You walk around this place before the renovation and you try to visualize what it will be. To see the final product is inspiring." Carter said the added inventory will help downtown compete with the rest of the market for office tenants. Q. Is there a Do Not Call list for cell phones? Is there a Do Not Call List for political calls? -- Eldridge, Iowa, reader A. The Do Not Call Registry accepts registrations from both cell phones and landlines. To register by telephone, call 888-382-1222 (TTY-1-866-290-4236). You must call from the phone number that you want to register. To register online (donotcall.gov), you will have to respond to a confirmation email. Additional information from the Do Not Call Registry: "Cell Phones and The Do Not Call Registry "Despite viral email, there is no new cell phone database. "Consumers may place their cell phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry to notify marketers that they don't want to get unsolicited telemarketing calls. "The truth about cell phones and the Do Not Call Registry is: "The government is not releasing cell phone numbers to telemarketers. "There is no deadline for registering a cell phone number on the Do Not Call Registry. "Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers without prior consent. Automated dialers are standard in the industry, so most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers' cell phones without their consent. "There is only one Do Not Call Registry, operated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), with information available at donotcall.gov. There is no separate registry for cell phones. "If you have registered a mobile or other telephone number already, you don't need to re-register. Once registered, a telephone number stays on the Do Not Call Registry until the registration is canceled or service for the number is discontinued." Regarding political calls, a June 28, 2016, article by Joanna Stern in The Wall Street Journal has some suggestions on "How to stop Robocalls ... or at least fight back." Here is a link: http://www.wsj.com/articles/how-to-stop-robocalls-or-at-least-fight-back-1467138771 MoneyTalksNews.com also has eight tips on "How to Stop Annoying Robocalls." Here is a link http://www.moneytalksnews.com/7-tips-stop-annoying-robocalls/ There also are an number of free cell phone apps that allow you to block calls by number. They vary by phone, iPhone, Android, etc. Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine dropped into Davenport on Wednesday evening, telling a roomful of people that, as with President Barack Obama, voters have a chance to create history by electing Hillary Clinton to the presidency on Tuesday. Kaine rallied supporters earlier in the day at Loras College in Dubuque, and his stop at the Democrats' campaign offices here came together quickly and was only for a relatively brief period. Still, the Virginia senator told the Davenport crowd that Clinton values the state and got a boost with her win in the February caucuses. He also pushed people to bring in the early vote, which has been key to Democratic victories in recent presidential elections. "We feel like weve just got a clear path to victory," Kaine said, but still called the race close. He added a Clinton victory would send a message to others. "President Obama's election with Iowas help, and Virginias, created a group of successors to the office that no other president had ever created, and Hillarys election will create a group of successors to the office that no other president has ever created," he said. Afterward, Kaine mingled with people in the campaign office, posing for pictures and, on at least three occasions, speaking Spanish with people who greeted him. In the closing days of a campaign, visits like Wednesday's can buck up volunteers who put in long hours on the phone and at doorsteps. Rich Toohill, of Davenport, said he has seven, three-hour shifts coming up from Saturday through Monday, then a full day Tuesday. "We've got a tough four days," he said, adding that it was nice of Kaine to drop by. "It's kind of neat that he takes the time to fire up the base," he said. Kaine had been scheduled to make a campaign appearance with former President Bill Clinton in Des Moines on Wednesday, but that was cancelled after the deadly shooting of two police officers there. The former president did campaign Wednesday in Sioux City. BHS students Help fight hunger Bettendorf High School students are working to raise 55,000 pounds of canned goods to donate to River Bend Foodbank. Canned goods collection boxes are at Hy-Vee, 4064 East 53rd St., Davenport or Glenroads Shopping Center, 2900 Devils Glen Road, Bettendorf; Fareway, 3800 Belmont Road, Bettendorf; and CVS, 2002 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf. Along with donations, the high school will host benefit nights at restaurants. Sticker-free yard waste collection offered The city of Bettendorf will offer no-sticker yard-waste collection through Dec. 2 on residents regular garbage collection days. Residents also may take their yard-waste materials to the Davenport Compost Facility through Dec. 4 at no charge (proof of Bettendorf residency is required). For more information, call Bettendorf Public Works at 563-344-4088. In its latest play to become a better bicycle-friendly community, the city of Bettendorf announced a new plan this week to help private businesses buy bike racks for public use. Donnie Miller, Bettendorfs bicycle and pedestrian coordinator, said the city has 31 custom-built and designed racks for sale. We would love to see everybody ride their bicycle to work and play, but you cant do that if theres no place to lock your bike, Miller said. Bettendorf businesses can apply to purchase the racks, and the city will provide a one-time match of up to $500 per entity. Rock Island-based Crawford Company built the inverted-u racks, which can cost up to $165. The price per rack, Miller said, will depend on various factors, including market costs for manufacturing and order quantity. The Bettendorf Park Board will dedicate $5,000 to the yearly cost sharing program, and money awarded solely will assist with payment for racks. If approved, business owners will be responsible for installation costs. Miller, who encourages any Bettendorf business with space for an exterior facility to apply, said four organizations already expressed an interest in the racks. He noted their u-shaped design allows cyclists to secure both wheels and frame with multiple locks. Miller also suggested locking the front wheel with a cable and padlock, and the rear wheel and frame with a u-lock. Bettendorf currently has eight of these fixtures at Middle Park and two at Hollowview Park, located right off Duck Creek Parkway just east of 23rd Street. Last November, Bettendorf became one of only seven cities in Iowa to reach bronze-level status as a Bicycle Friendly Community, a designation granted by the League of American Bicyclists. This initiative, Miller predicts, will help the most-bikeable community in the Quad-Cities boost its status. Its the easy low-hanging fruit thats missing, he said. For more information on Bettendorf's bicycle rack cost sharing program, contact Miller at 309-737-8270 or dmiller@bettendorf.org. U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos and Republican challenger Patrick Harlan of Galesburg clashed on a range of issues Wednesday in a half-hour joint appearance in Moline, their only head-to-head meeting of the campaign for the 17th District congressional seat. The two differed on issues like the Affordable Care Act, how to provide health care coverage to veterans, and federal spending. But the session got personal at times, too. Bustos said Congress doesn't need any more extremists or tea partiers, while Harlan accused the Illinois Democrat of believing it's "OK to have a baby ripped out of the womb at nine months." Harlan said he was referring to late-term abortion, a rare procedure. Bustos called the remarks inflammatory and responded she believes in a woman's reproductive choice. The two appeared at WQAD-TV's studios Wednesday afternoon for a taping of the program, "The Cities," which is scheduled to run 7 p.m. Thursday on WQPT-TV (24.1) and 6 p.m. Saturday on WQAD MyTV (8.3). The program was moderated by Jim Mertens. Bustos is a seeking a third term in Congress, while Harlan is making his first bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. The differences between the two were clear. Harlan said he would repeal the Affordable Care Act, noting its premium increases, which are more sizable this year than in the past. He said he would rely more on a free market approach. Bustos responded that more needs to be done to control costs, but the law had led to 20 million more Americans getting insurance and a host of other benefits. The two also differed on how to deal with care for veterans. Harlan said veterans should be able to get care from any provider they want, rather than have to visit a VA facility. Bustos noted that while she has voted to allow veterans to seek private care in some instances, she has worked to improve VA facilities. Harlan, who leads the Knox County tea party, was critical of government involvement in society overall. On a question on federal deficits, he said the federal government is spending too much money and needs to get its priorities in line. He suggested the military isn't getting its fair share. "We have the weakest military of all times," he said. Bustos called that statement "disrespectful" to people in uniform and said much of the difficulty in forging any agreement in the House can be attributed to hard-liners in the Republican caucus. "We don't need any more tea partiers elected to the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate. We do not need more people who refuse to compromise," she said. Harlan responded he exercises common sense, and it is Bustos who is out of step for supporting the Affordable Care Act, Hillary Clinton and late-term abortion. The two also differed on the Chicago-to-Moline passenger rail project, which has been awarded $177 million in federal funds. Bustos supports it, while Harlan does not. In addition to airing in the Quad-Cities, the program will run in Peoria and Rockford. A narcotics investigation by the Davenport Police Departments tactical operations bureau has led to the arrest of a man for trafficking in crack cocaine, powder cocaine and heroin. David Gatheright, 35, of 1601 W. 4th St., Davenport, is charged with possession with intent to deliver 14.40 grams of crack cocaine. The charge is a Class B felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of up to 25 years. Gatheright is also charged with possession with intent to deliver 5.95 grams of powder cocaine. That charge is a Class C felony that carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years. He also is charged with an Iowa drug tax stamp violation and conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony, both of which are Class D felonies that carry a prison sentence of up to five years. According to the arrest affidavit filed by Davenport Police, at 10 p.m. Monday officers stopped a vehicle Gatheright was driving, a Dodge Challenger, in 7200 block of Northwest Boulevard. Gatherights passenger, a female, was searched and 14.40 grams of crack, 5.95 grams of powder cocaine and .50 grams of heroin were located on the woman. The woman told officers that Gatheright had asked her to hold his narcotics in her bra. The woman admitted purchasing heroin from Gatheright in the past, according to the arrest affidavit. Gatheright had $1,424 in cash, and a digital scale was found in the car. Gatheright was being held Wednesday night in the Scott County Jail on $100,000 bond. A preliminary hearing for Gatheright is scheduled for Nov. 11 in Scott County District Cour WATERLOO Are we going to change forward or are we going to change backward? That was the question, and overarching theme, posed by former President Bill Clinton during his most recent stop in Waterloo Wednesday afternoon to campaign for his wife and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. The resounding answer from the audience of about 300 people was forward. And not just forward, but forward together. Smile, and say, We believe we should go forward together. We are coming back for you if you make Hillary president. We want you to be part of our future. America needs you too. We all have to rise together, Clinton said of how to talk to people who disagree with Hillary Clinton and her supporters. Or as one audience member shouted, echoing First Lady Michelle Obama, When they go low, we go high. Clinton described going backward as returning to a trickle-down economy but on steroids, as going back to a time when people of color, other minority groups and women had more limited rights, and as rolling back the Affordable Care Act. We dont want to go back to that. What we want to do is go forward together. Thats what this whole election Clinton said until drowned out by applause. Clinton sounded an optimistic tone in the six days until the Nov. 8 election. Thats the most important thing. We know shell win if everybody who is for her votes, Clinton said, encouraging people to vote if they havent already and then go out to work to get others to vote. Polls in Iowa show either Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump with a slight lead or Clinton and Trump tied, but there has been infrequent polling in the swing state. Clinton spent about 30 minutes addressing the crowd. While he touched on a few different issues immigration, raising the minimum wage, improving health care affordability, among them his biggest focus was in contrasting his wifes vision with that of Trump. Hillary says, OK, your frustration and your anger is legitimate, but you need empowerment not resentment. And he says, Oh no you dont. You just keep right on resenting, so I can ride this horse as long as I can, Clinton said. He said theres a chance for a future where people rise together, but we cant get there if we choose anger over answers, if we choose resentment over empowerment, if we choose division over cooperation, and if we choose fantasy over fact. Clinton praised Hillary for delivering answers to solve the nations major issues, and focusing on how to achieve goals in her proposals. The Republican National Committee spokeswoman Lindsay Jancek criticized the events in Iowa as just more empty words and promises from the Clinton campaign and said it was a last-ditch effort to manufacture lagging enthusiasm for the campaign. Bill Clinton was in Sioux City earlier Wednesday, and had planned to do an evening event in Des Moines. The latter event was canceled due to two police officers being shot and killed in the Des Moines area early Wednesday. Davenport is moving forward with its pilot public and traffic safety camera program on Washington Street. The City Council will vote next Wednesday on purchasing the cameras and an integrated wireless system for $53,633 from Chicago-based CDW-G. The pilot program will place 18 cameras at intersections along Washington Street between Locust and Clay streets. The Washington Street pilot program is part of the city's plan to look into a more robust system. At the city's Oct. 4 management update meeting, capital improvement budget analyst Clay Merritt said major intersections along 53rd Street, Gaines Street from the Centennial Bridge to Locust Street, Kimberly Road and Locust Street are among a few areas of interest for future camera placement. The council originally placed the item on its agenda during the previous budget cycle, but it was removed two days before its committee-of-the-whole meeting. Before removing the item two weeks ago, the city was moving toward making the purchase for $88,945 from CelPlan Technologies Inc. of Reston, Virginia. "We just found a different avenue to procure the equipment," Merritt said. "It's more cost-effective. Sometimes, you can save money when bundling, say if it's just software, but in this case, with both software and hardware, it's more cost-effective when breaking things out separately." Although the council is considering purchasing the cameras now, the city still is months away from implementing the program with a target of March or April. Merritt said the next major step will be to establish administrative and operational policies for the camera system, which the city hopes to have by Jan. 10. Those policies will determine specifics of the system, such as how long video files will be stored and who has access. The council's progress on the camera system will be a welcome sight to residents in the city's 4th Ward. Local business owners such as Jim Gross have stepped forward and spoken to council in support of the proposed system. "It's hot and cold up there with activities going on," Gross said. "In between my business and Johnnie's Meat Market, after hours I live in the back with my wife, and there's lots of activity going on. Unfortunately, I call 911, but we never seem to catch what's going on." Gross' wife, Karen, said she's seen one drug deal after another from her couch, but more recently, the neighborhood has had more graffiti tags that prompted investigation by the police. "We were informed it was a rival gang in the area," Karen Gross said. "Jimmy walks in the mornings and noticed increasingly more tags within the route he walks in the neighborhood." Karen Gross said the neighborhood has made great strides to build itself up in recent years, but the recent activity is causing it to deteriorate again. "We really do think the camera system may help to deter this activity," Karen Gross said. "If not deter it, possibly it will help us identify those who are responsible." SPRINGFIELD A conservative group with ties to Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and his allies is accusing the Illinois Attorney Generals Office and local officials in Rock Island County of trying to interfere with its vote-by-mail campaign. The Illinois Opportunity Project, founded by radio host Dan Proft and Pat Hughes, has sent out 150,000 applications for mail-in ballots to voters in a half-dozen counties, including Rock Island County, that are home to some of Tuesdays most hotly contested races for the Illinois General Assembly. Third-party organizations are allowed to collect applications for mail-in ballots under state law. Groups must turn in the applications to local election authorities, who then mail ballots to voters. Democratic Attorney General Lisa Madigans office began asking questions about the Illinois Opportunity Projects program last week after receiving complaints that raised specific concerns about that organizations vote by mail efforts, spokeswoman Maura Possley said in written statement. Specifically, we have received complaints regarding voter confusion, Possley said. Because the Illinois Opportunity Projects mailings do not identify that organization and, instead, are sent from (Name of County) County Vote By Mail Center, they have led to voter confusion regarding whether they are official documents from the counties. There also were concerns that applications werent being picked up and delivered to local election authorities in a timely manner, according to the Attorney Generals Office. The groups applications went out to voters Oct. 11 and 12, Hughes said, and they were temporarily held up at the post office once returned because the group had to pay for prepaid postage. When the group was notified Oct. 21, a representative went in the next day and paid the outstanding balance, he said, adding that it took a few days for the check to clear so that the mail could be released. The whole purpose of our program is to get the people that were targeting to vote, Hughes said. Thats the whole purpose of it, so of course, were going to pick up those applications. He said the group uses proprietary metrics to determine who should receive its vote-by-mail solicitations but declined to give additional details. After receiving complaints, the Attorney Generals Office contacted the Illinois Opportunity Project last week seeking more information about where the applications were being distributed, the dates they were sent out, the post offices boxes to which they were supposed to be returned, the voters who received them and other details. Hughes said the Attorney Generals Office has refused to identify any laws it thinks his group has violated. This is harassment by the Democrat attorney general, the Democratic county clerk, the Democrat states attorney against who they perceive to be a political opponent to upset and distract a vote-by-mail program that they believe is targeting voters that dont benefit them, Hughes said. Democratic Rock Island County Clerk Karen Kinney said its no such thing. This has nothing to do with being a Democrat or a Republican, Kinney said. I am trying to get my hands on the absentee applications for all voters, Democrat and Republican, and I would appreciate it if they would turn those over to me. Hughes said his group has been checking its post office box daily and delivering any applications it receives to Kinneys office, but Kinney said the group hasnt delivered any since last week, when about 1,500 were dropped off. Thursday was the deadline for local election authorities to receive applications. Election officials in Macon and Jackson counties and the city of Bloomington said they havent had any issues similar to whats happening in Rock Island County. Cathie Haab, assistant executive director of the Bloomington Election Commission, said the commission has received only routine inquiries from voters about the status of mail-in ballot applications. We havent had any mass complaints, Jackson County Clerk Larry Reinhardt said, adding that his office has had to reissue a few ballots that were lost in the mail. Macon County Clerk Stephen Bean said the only issue his office has experienced is voter frustration with the delays involved when outside groups, including the Democratic and Republican parties, have applications sent to out-of-county addresses rather than directly to the clerks office. Democratic Senate hopeful Patty Judge campaigned in Davenport on Thursday, warning that Republicans were planning to stall Supreme Court nominees in the event that Hillary Clinton is elected president. Judge, who is seeking to unseat Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, seized on remarks by Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and John McCain, R-Ariz., that suggested the possibility future nominees might meet gridlock. "Why is this not something that is being shouted about? It is that serious," Judge said. "It is that important that people should be up in arms over the idea that there is an attempt to undermine the Supreme Court." Much of Judge's campaign has been based on criticizing Grassley and Senate Republicans for failing to give a hearing or a vote to Judge Merrick Garland, whom President Barack Obama nominated to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Grassley and other Republicans have said the choice should be made by the next president. But about a week ago, Cruz said there is "long historical precedent for a Supreme Court with fewer justices." That came on the heels of McCain saying his party would be united against any Clinton nominees, although his office afterward said he would still support holding a vote. In front of about two dozen people at the Fresh Deli by Nostalgia Farms, Judge called that obstructionism. "I don't know if I can win this or not, but I'm telling you we cannot be quiet. We cannot be sheep," she said. Grassley, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee and was in Davenport campaigning on Wednesday, told reporters who asked about Cruz's comments that he would support giving Clinton nominees a hearing. "When the new president sends a justice to the Hill, I feel like we ought to hold a hearing," he said. He added he reserves the right to vote against the nominee. Judge visited the Fresh Deli as part of a swing through eastern Iowa, which also included stops in Cedar Rapids and Clinton. The former lieutenant governor and state agriculture secretary also urged more action on a range of issues, including climate change and dealing with the growing implications of untreated mental health issues. She said that, to get action on significant issues facing the country, it would require Democrats winning seats in the Senate and breaking up what she called a "Republican club" that included Grassley, McCain and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. PROLE, Iowa Texas Sen. Ted Cruz joined Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence at a Warren County farm Thursday to urge Iowans to think about jobs, freedom and security when they go to the polls next week to decide an election that carries long-term implications for the nation. This race is on, Pence told about 325 supporters who gathered for a campaign rally on a bright fall day in a machine shed at Bruere Farms in rural Warren County. He scoffed at recent predictions by what he called biased media that Democrat Hillary Clinton would win next Tuesday, saying he is seeing amazing momentum for GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump that will carry Republicans to victory. Its a choice between two futures, said Pence, the governor of Indiana. The choices are the path of big government regulation, taxation and corruption under Clinton, he said, or Trumps vision to make America stronger and more secure both home and abroad with a revitalized economy fueled by pro-job trade policies, lower taxes, less regulation and ethics reform designed to drain the swamp in the nations capital. Cruz and Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, joined Pence in calling for Congress and the next president to replace and repeal Obamacare, citing higher premiums and rosy promises that never materialized under health-care reforms put in place by President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats. If your premiums have dropped $2,500, vote for the Democrats, said Cruz, who finished ahead of Trump in Iowas Feb. 1 first-in-the-nation nominating caucuses. If not, if your premiums have gone up under this train wreck that is Obamacare, then vote for the Republicans and throw the bums out. Cruz drew criticism in July when he did not endorse Trump at the GOP national convention in Cleveland after a contentious primary battle before announcing his backing two months later. On Thursday, he was surgical in his remarks in bashing Clinton without mentioning Trump at the rally headlined by Pence. Putting a Republican in the White House and keeping a Republican Senate is the whole enchilada, Cruz told the gathering. In the last election, Barack Obama won the state of Iowa. But I can tell you right now that, thanks to the men and women across this state, Hillary Clinton aint winning Iowa. King, on the other hand, was more than willing to sing Trumps praises, telling those assembled, Im 100 percent, all the way, full bore, all in with both feet for Donald Trump. Pence punctuated the days proceedings by urging attendees to go vote and then do all you can do to encourage others to do likewise with five days remaining to deliver a victory for Trump and Republicans up and down the ticket. At this point, its all about turnout, said Cruz, who was one of 17 Republicans who sought their partys presidential nomination in an election that he called a wild ride. It has been something else, and we are coming down to the closing stretch, and Ill tell you, the stakes have never been higher for our country, Cruz said. Iowa Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald, a West Des Moines Democrat, issued a statement on behalf of the Clinton campaign in response to the GOP rally, saying, Iowans are overwhelmingly voting early for Hillary Clinton because they know she will build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top. Working families simply dont trust Donald Trump who has a disturbing record of not paying his workers, makes his products overseas, and continues to support tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires like himself. Sam Roecker, spokesman for Democrat Patty Judge, Grassleys opponent in Iowas U.S. Senate race, said Grassleys presence at the rural Prole rally reaffirmed the GOP senators support for the divisive and dangerous Trump-Pence ticket. Just five days before the election, Grassley is standing onstage with a man who defends Trump's hateful, sexist, xenophobic, and uninformed rhetoric. He is standing shoulder to shoulder with a governor who sought to prevent Indianas women from accessing healthcare, strip LGBTQ citizens of their civil liberties, and supports economic policies that would be disastrous for everyday Iowans. Chuck Grassley is also standing shoulder to shoulder with Ted Cruz, who supports indefinitely blocking any Supreme Court nomination made by Hillary Clinton. CEDAR RAPIDS Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine called Rudy Giulianis comparison of Hillary and Bill Clinton to a mafia crime family disconnected to reality. Kaine, who paid a surprise visit to Brewhemia in the NewBo neighborhood Thursday morning, said he feels badly for Giuliani when he hears his comments. Somebody who had a good public service record, hes just specializing in really over-the-top stuff, Kaine said after shaking hands and visiting with the coffeehouse patrons. I worry about him. Kaine, who did a similar walk-around in Iowa City Wednesday night, made small talk with Brewhemia patrons and Democratic supporters. It was really exciting to get a chance to talk to hopefully the next vice president of the United States, said Jill LaGrange of Cedar Rapids. A second-year student at Kirkwood Community College, LaGrange asked Kaine for advice. He told me the most important thing is to help each other, she said. Giuliani, a former New York City mayor and federal prosecutor, told a Republican audience in Hiawatha Wednesday that electing Hilary Clinton would be like having a criminal organization take over the White House. Thats what Clinton, Inc., is a criminal organization, he said about the relationship between the Clintons, their public roles and the Clinton Foundation. That contrasts with the Clinton-Kaine campaigns positive vision for the country, the Virginia senator said. Were going to have a lot of healing to do as a nation and it doesnt get easier when people make outrageous comments like that, Kaine said. The Clintons have been great public servants. The Clinton Foundation serves people around the world in the best tradition of American NGOs non-governmental organizations. Without directly tying Giuliani and GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump to the fatal shootings of two police officers in Des Moines and Urbandale, Kaine suggested their rhetoric is dangerous. The accused shooter, Scott Michael Greene, reportedly has a history of racially charged encounters and has faced a harassment charge for calling a man a racial epithet and threatening to kill him. You dont want to draw too direct a line, but you worry about it, said Kaine, who canceled a Des Moines area appearance Wednesday because of the shootings. This whole notion that the election is rigged, you know, it basically is preaching a disrespect for authority. If you preach a disrespect for authority the more likely it is that people will take action, even actions of violence, against authority. A tenet of American democracy is acceptance of election outcomes and then we peacefully transition, Kaine said. When someone calls that into question its like they are taking the central pillar of the whole thing and trying to pull it down, he said. The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment. CEDAR RAPIDS A new poll of the U.S. House 1st District race shows GOP Rep. Rod Blum leading Democratic challenger Monica Vernon by 11 percentage points 54 percent to 41 percent with a 4.9 percent margin of error. The poll by the Polling Company shows that Eastern Iowans are responding to Congressman Blums work to clean up Congress and reignite the economy, said Blum spokesman Daniel Sunne. The Polling Company, which is associated with Donald Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway, found 49 percent of registered voters approved of Blums performance and 47 percent hold a favorable view of the first-term businessman. By comparison, 33 percent of survey respondents had a favorable impression of Vernon. Vernons campaign manager noted a number of polls have shown a tight race in the 1st District. While the congressman may be complacent, Monica is working every day to reach out to voters and share her message, Michelle Gajewski said. A mid-October poll by the Democratic firm GBA Strategies showed Vernon leading the race 48 percent to 47 percent. Previous Polling Company and Loras College polls showed Blum ahead. Progress continues to be made in relocating the Kraft Heinz plant to Davenport's Eastern Iowa Industrial Park. The Davenport City Council will vote next week on the final plat for the proposed plant, located south of Slopertown Road and east of Hillandale Road. Almost one year ago, Kraft Heinz announced the company would relocate its operations from Rockingham Road to the new site. Kraft Heinz officials said the company would invest $203 million in the new facility with the city of Davenport also contributing $10 million over 15 years through tax increment financing. Kraft Heinz's plans were not without some criticism after details were released about the fate of its workforce. The nearly $5 million economic development package approved by the Iowa Economic Development Authority calls for a minimum of 475 jobs to be retained. The current plant employed roughly 1,200 employees. Besides weighing the approval for the final plat, Davenport has already approved the construction of a new road to access the proposed plant site. On Sept. 28, the City Council awarded the $2.97 million contract for the construction of Granite Way to Langman Construction of Rock Island. Davenport received a Revitalize Iowa's Economy Program (RISE) project grant for 80 percent of the costs, leaving the city responsible for close to $595,000. As for the current plant, Kraft Heinz senior vice president Michael Mullen said the company continues to look for a viable buyer. Mullen said that production was expected to continue until the middle of 2017 and once a decision had been reached, the company would let the employees know first. "We continue to evaluate interest in our Davenport facility, including potential buyers as well as other alternative uses for the site," Mullen said. "Were committed to keeping the community and local officials apprised of our progress. For now, the process remains ongoing and could take a couple more months." The plat, which contains 63.93 acres, will also house a MidAmerican Energy substation that will serve the fast developing industrial park. The City Council recently approved an operations agreement with Savage Services Corp. at the nearby transload facility. By Gazette Des Moines Bureau DES MOINES Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was the comfortable winner over Democrat Hillary Clinton among school students who participated in Tuesdays Iowa Youth Straw Poll organized by the Secretary of States office. Trump polled 46 percent to Clintons 36 percent among the more than 57,000 students from over 250 schools who participated in the poll. Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson garnered seven percent support in polling that only listed candidates receiving at least five percent of the vote, according to the Secretary of States office. I think it was a great opportunity for them to see first-hand how the process works. It also gives them a running start for the next election cycle and also receive a little tutoring at the same time, so theyll have a good base of knowledge for Iowas elections process, said Secretary of State Paul Pate in a statement. I hope this fired them up and will also spur them to encourage their parents, neighbors and friends to get out and vote. Here are the statewide results as of 6:45 p.m. Tuesday night, listing only candidates that received at least five percent of the vote total: U.S. PRESIDENT Donald Trump-46% Hillary Clinton-36% Gary Johnson-7% U.S. SENATE Charles Grassley-62% Patty Judge-25% Charles Aldrich-5% Jim Hennager-5% U.S. HOUSE-DISTRICT 1 Rod Blum-59% Monica Vernon-41% More than 12,200 votes cast U.S. HOUSE-DISTRICT 2 Dave Loebsack-50% Christopher Peters-50% Loebsack leads 3,234-3,230 U.S. HOUSE-DISTRICT 3 David Young-56% Jim Mowrer-31%4 Bryan Jack Holder-6% More than 13,750 votes cast U.S. HOUSE-DISTRICT 4 Steve King-75% Kim Weaver-25% More than 11,950 votes cast Complete live results are available here: https://sos.iowa.gov/youth/poll/results.aspx A Facebook Live video that included interviews with more than two dozen teachers and students from around the state is available on the Iowa Secretary of States Facebook page: facebook.com/IASecretaryofState Even though the disaster at Benghazi, Libya happened four years ago, Hillary Clinton definitely played a part. She was head of the State Department and, evidently, she and her deputies paid little attention to requests from Ambassador Chris Stevens for additional security. Red Cross had pulled out and other embassies had pulled out. Our people were sitting ducks. In the book 13 Hours, I read the account of six brave soldiers that climbed on the roofs and fought the enemy all night long. In the end, Stevens and three other Americans were killed. President Obama, Clinton and other officials then lied to families, blaming the incident on a video on the Internet. Now, Clinton is asking for our vote. Most of us older veterans are furious about the handling of this situation. In every way, she is responsible for these deaths. She cannot carry the presidential responsibility. Ross River Maquoketa Im proud that my state senator, Chris Brase, stood up for Iowa Schools by pushing for expanded funding for K-12 public schools. We cants continue to short education without seeing our proud heritage further erode. Chris also fought to address the funding inequity in the school foundation plan that makes every Davenport kid worth less than many other kids in the state. As Rock Island County schools again request a sales tax hike, we should review long-standing problems, which could cost millions. School teacher Wendy Koopman's wrongful termination lawsuit for a broken nose, a chipped tooth,and a concussion involved hospitalization. Seventy percent of District 41's high school teachers report fights and student insubordination, while over 50 percent report theft and gang activity. County schools can be unsafe workplaces and dysfunctional learning environments. On questions of learning, the lowest Quad-Cities high school test scores are found in Rock Island-Milan 41. Barely 25 percent of these students demonstrated proficiency in math in 2011. Many argue that District 41's students below poverty level cannot achieve higher scores. However, in 2011, eighth grade math proficiency was 82.5 prtcent - near Pleasant Valley's 86.7 percent. The school's scores are not catastrophic at lower grades - something is systemically wrong with our high schools. Rock Island schools are incredibly expensive. Even with sales tax revenue, Pleasant Valley only needed an average budget of $8,593/student in 2011, while Rock Island 41 spent $11,563. Rock Island schools face serious problems that money has not and cannot solve. For these reasons, new tax revenue should be voted down. Charles Fisher Rock Island Voters beware. Donald Trump could be a tyrant. Websters defines a tyrant as an absolute ruler unrestrained by law or Constitution: A usurper of sovereignty. Our history is littered with ruthless despots including Joseph Stalin, Mao Tse-tung, Saddam Hussein, Kim Jong-un, and current Russian president, and former KGB agent Vladimir Putin. Its Putin that Trump most admires and from his public comments would probably attempt to rule like this tyrant. Putin has killed or jailed journalists and political foes invaded Ukraine and eliminated free press. Trump welcomed Putin to hack the Democratic National Committee, inviting espionage into our country. Trump boasted of his Russian casino deals. Could Trump be financially in hock to Russia? We dont know because he refuses to release his tax returns. We do know Putin and the KGB are messing with our electoral system. Sen. Elizabeth Warren called Trump a total disgrace, a wannabe tyrant. Conservative magazine National Review ran an essay titled, Donald Trump: Thin-Skinned Tyrant. Conservative and liberals alike are alarmed, and as a patriotic American, you should be too. Trump has exhibited tyrannical personality traits that are inherently dangerous to democracy. Hes authoritarian, intemperate, narcissistic, irrational, volatile, and prone to anger. Hes a bully, lacks self-control and loves to demean people. I'm voting for Hillary Clinton. If you are a thoughtful Republican like many of my friends, but cant cast a vote for Clinton, then do the safe thing and vote for Republican Govs. Gary Johnson and William Weld on the Libertarian ticket. Bill Gluba Davenport Editors note: Gluba, a Democrat, is a former mayor of Davenport. Hillary Clinton states it is a right for immigrants and refugees to come into our country. This is inaccurate and not a true statement. It is a privilege and an honor to come into our country. The government admits individuals for resettlement with the U.S. only after a thorough individual screening abroad to ensure both that they meet the legal definition of a refugee and that they in no way pose a national security or health threat. It is critical that only those refugees who believe in our Constitution, embrace American values, a tolerant American society, and expect to flourish in our country will be considered by visa. They must not sympathize with extremist groups or support bigotry. The Democratic Party platform encourages an open door policy on immigration and refugees. The Republican Party platform opposes any form of amnesty for those who have entered our country illegally and cannot be carefully vetted, specifically those whose homelands have been a breeding ground for terrorism. Hillary Clinton, in a speech to Brazilian bankers stated lets bring 600 million southern hemisphere immigrants to America. This would include many undesirables, convicts, drug lords and their cartels and others. Clinton states we need to bring 117,000 immigrants in 2017, a 550 percent increase. This will have a profound affect on our country. Terror-related deaths in the U.S. have risen 800 percent since 2010. The President Obama/Clinton foreign policy has encouraged the rise of terrorism. It is obvious a change in Washington is greatly needed. Kenneth L. Heinze Milan 2005-2022 All contents of this blog are the property of Bonnie K. Hunter, and cannot be reproduced in any way without prior written consent. The fallout continues to mount from the massive Cottonwood Fire that scorched more than 60 square miles of prairie east of Rapid City last month, including an update that nearly 300 head of cattle died during or after the blaze. Ranchers and others affected by the fire are continuing to regroup, and many have been extended a helping hand by neighbors or others who support agriculture and a rural lifestyle. Meanwhile, the precise cause of the wildfire that started on Oct. 16 east of Wall this month may never be known, officials said this week. Cattle losses initially numbered 137 as reported to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, but earlier this week, officials upped the number to 284, according to Adele Harty, South Dakota State University Extension cow-calf field specialist. Many of the cattle lost burned to death when they couldnt outrun the wildfire in open pasture or were trapped by fences and other barriers. Other cattle initially survived, but suffered eye injuries, or burned hooves and udders and will have to be euthanized, Harty said. Not all of these (cows) died, but they would not be productive females come next year, Harty said. Ranchers were able to save some cattle by cutting fences, allowing animals to escape the fires advance. This was absolutely not the fault of the producers at all. They were doing everything they could to save their cattle. Conditions were not in our favor, she said. Harty said she doesnt expect the number of cattle lost to go much higher, but losses are still extreme for producers, especially in times of low sale prices for livestock. They needed to be able to market those calves and have those cows to be able to produce those calves for next year, so its going to be a hardship for them, very much so, Harty said. Kurt Tindel, district ranger with the U.S. Forest Service Wall Ranger District, said a preliminary investigation determined the Cottonwood Fire, which erupted near the westbound lane of Interstate 90 about 11 miles east of Wall about 1 p.m. on Oct. 16, to be human-caused. However, pinning down a specific genesis, an ember from a passing vehicles exhaust system or hot wheel bearing, a thrown cigarette, a spark from windblown overhead utility wires or other cause will be extremely difficult, Tindel said. We cant tell if its intentional or not. We dont believe it to be intentional. The exact cause is going to be almost impossible to determine, Tindel said Wednesday. Red-flag weather conditions, including unseasonably warm October temperatures, low humidity, and gusting winds pushed the blaze through fire-ripe, tinder-dry grasslands. The wildfire consumed most everything in its path in a vast swath northeast of Interstate 90, and south of Cottonwood on Highway 14. At its peak, more than 300 firefighters along with state and county law enforcement officials battled the blaze, which wasnt declared contained until Oct. 18. No primary residences were lost, but ranchers lost cabins and other outbuildings to the flames, which charred more than 41,000 acres of both privately owned rangeland and publicly owned areas of the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. Low visibility from heavy smoke caused a pair of chain-reaction multi-vehicle crashes on Interstate 90 on Oct. 16, resulting in serious injuries to one person and minor injuries to three others. Harty, the SDSU extension agent, lives north of Philip and splits her time between an office in Rapid City and another at the Cottonwood Ranch and Livestock Field Research Station in Philip. This was a first for me, as far as the severity of the fire and how fast it moved, with livestock not being able to get out of the path of it, she said. Tindel said daily patrols of the fire area to look for smoldering hot spots were stopped last weekend, nearly three weeks after the fire was declared contained. He said occasional patrols of the fire area will continue, but ranchers should still be on the lookout for flare-ups and call 911 for volunteer fire departments or U.S. Forest Service crews to respond. Tindel said a pair of recent meetings have been productive to inform families affected by the fire of the help available to them. The next stage is, were hoping that people come in and start asking for that help. It is difficult for some of the folks to ask for that, Tindel said. In the fires aftermath, U.S. Sen. John Thune asked for disaster assistance for ranchers from U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. On Oct. 20, Gov. Dennis Daugaard issued an emergency disaster declaration for Jackson County to help county officials offset expenses from fighting the fire. At 2:15 p.m. today, U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem will meet with ranch families affected by the fire at the Cottonwood Range and Livestock Research Station, 23738 Fairview Road in Philip. On Saturday, a benefit barbecue feed for the Cottonwood Fire Ranchers Relief Fund is slated to start at 11 a.m. at the Philip Fire Hall and goes until the food runs out, according to a news release. The menu includes pork from two 250-pound butcher hogs and 500 pounds of beef brisket prepared by six South Dakota competition barbecue teams, served with beans, coleslaw and dessert. All funds from a free-will donation will go to Philip Charities-Cottonwood Fire Fund at the First National Bank in Philip. Gary Veurink credits the strong educational foundation he received at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology for helping him to become a leader at one of the largest companies in the world. Veurink, a 1972 Mines graduate and former vice president at Dow Chemical, was back on campus Wednesday to give back to the university in the form of a $1 million endowment. That donation will help support the Chemical Engineering Unit Operations Laboratory and create a scholarship program. Veurink and his wife, Ruth, were on hand Wednesday morning when the lab was dedicated in their name. During the dedication, Gary Veurink said he wanted to support future students at the school and give them opportunities to excel in the science, technology, engineering and math fields. "I was able to get an education that allowed me to work for a Fortune 50 company and be successful in that company with colleagues from all over the world," Gary Veurink said after a tour of the lab. "I was very well, well, well-prepared with a solid, strong technical education as well as leadership opportunities here at Mines." He said the scholarship will cover one-half of one student's tuition and fees with the hope that it can grow in the future. The Veurinks grew up on farms outside the small town of New Holland, in eastern South Dakota, and their scholarship will go to a student from a small school. "I went to a small school that had a graduating class of 12," Gary Veurink said. "Being able to pay it forward to similar students in South Dakota is important to us." Authorities recovered a large amount of heroin from a Rapid City motel room this week, and officials worry there is a local demand for the drug. The Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team recovered more than 16 ounces of heroin Wednesday after acting on a tip that an alleged parole absconder was staying at a local motel, according to a news release from the Rapid City Police Department. Police say the heroin bust equals more than 4,600 individual doses, and carries a street value of more than $185,000. Whats concerning about that is we wouldnt see this large amount without the existence of a demand for it in our community," McCabe said in the release. "Myself and the other members of the UNET are dedicated to identifying the pushers of heroin in a full-fledged effort to rid our streets of this extremely dangerous drug. Two Rapid City men were arrested during the investigation: 35-year-old Matthew Kurtenbach and 36-year-old David Rupert. According to the release, the UNET team was following up on an existing drug investigation on Wednesday when members received information that an alleged parole absconder, Kurtenbach, was staying at a local motel. UNET and parole services found Kurtenbach and took him into custody on alleged parole violation charges. Police say they found heroin, methamphetamine and $6,000 in cash when they searched Kurtenbach and the room he was in. That led the team to another motel room, where they found Rupert, who police say was out on bond for felony drug charges. A UNET search of Rupert and the room he was in uncovered methamphetamine, $10,000 in cash, a firearm and the 16 ounces of heroin, according to police. Rupert was charged in the incident with two counts each of possession of a controlled substance and of distribution of a controlled drug. UNET would not release the name of the motel where the bust took place, citing the case as an ongoing investigation. Police described the bust as the largest amount of heroin ever recovered in western South Dakota, but this isn't the first time western South Dakota has seen large heroin bust. Last summer, three people were indicted on drug charges when police found 6 pounds of the drug during a traffic stop on Interstate 90 near Spearfish. Brendyn Medina, spokesman for the Rapid City Police Department, said local authorities distinguish the two because the heroin found in Spearfish was in transit and would "not have otherwise seen the light of day in South Dakota." He said Wednesday's bust was in possession of a local resident and allegedly being distributed within the community. It is the largest heroin bust for UNET, according to Medina. A video of the seized materials being placed into evidence is available online on the RCPDs YouTube page or rapidcityjournal.com. Leadership changes were announced Wednesday for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education and include a different role for a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Weldon "Bruce" Loudermilk will succeed Michael S. Black as director of the BIA, and Tony Dearman will be the new director of the BIE, officials said in a news release. Black, an Oglala Sioux tribal member, has served as BIA director since April 2010. He will move to a new role as senior adviser to the BIA director. Loudermilk is a longtime veteran of federal service to Native American tribes and Alaska Natives. He is a citizen of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux tribes of Montana and has served as the BIA regional director for the Alaska Region since January 2014. Dearman, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, had served as the associate deputy director for bureau-operated schools since November 2015. Three South Dakota nonprofits are among 200 finalists for a $25,000 grant, and they are asking for online votes from the public to win it. The four South Dakota finalists are Youth & Family Services, Rapid City, with two separate applications; S.L.Y.C. bunkhouse on the Rosebud Reservation; and HistoryWalk in Sioux Falls. Two thousand submissions were received through the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Program, a crowd-sourced philanthropic program to empower communities to make improvements. According to the grant program's website, Youth & Family Services applied in two categories: community development and safety. In the community development application, YFS says it would use the $25,000 to help build a new wing on the YFS facility at 120 E. Adams St. The expansion would allow the agency to increase its services and provide additional programming to more than 2,100 children in the Rapid City area. In the safety application, YFS says it would use the $25,000 grant to address the "increasing meth use issue" among Rapid City's youth through mentoring and preventive education. S.L.Y.C. Bunkhouse seeks to provide a safe place for young people on the reservation to go during a crisis, according to the program site. The funding from the grant would provide general program support. Votes will be accepted until Friday, and anyone voting is allowed up to 10 votes per day. On Nov. 30, the 40 causes that get the most votes will be announced, and each affiliated nonprofit will receive a $25,000 grant. To cast your vote, visit neighborhoodassist.com/entry/1981411. Ex-top tourism official Amunts to stay in jail over embezzlement allegations MOSCOW, November 3 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko) TThe Moscow City Court upheld the detention of Dmitry Amunts, former deputy head of the Federal Tourism Agency (Rosturizm), who is suspected of embezzling 29 billion rubles ($457 million) from now-defunct Mezhprombank, RAPSI learnt in the court on Thursday. Investigators claim that Amunts together with Alexander Didenko, former Mezhprombank executive, and a number of accomplices were members of a criminal group that embezzled the funds from the bank in 2008-2009. Didenko pleaded guilty and received a 3-year suspended sentence in July 2015. However, in September the Moscow City Court changed Didenkos suspended sentence to real jail term. Mezhprombanks operating license was revoked in October 2010 by the Central Bank over failure to comply with the regulators requirements or to satisfy creditors claims. In November Mezhprombank was declared bankrupt. At that time, the bank owed 31.8 billion rubles ($501 million) to the Central Bank while the creditors claims totaled 85 billion rubles ($1.3 billion). Sergei Pugachev, who owned the bank, was arrested in absentia by a Moscow court and put on the international wanted list in December 2013. Russian court unfreezes assets of Snoras bank after 40 bln rubles claim dropped MOSCOW, November 3 (RAPSI) The Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals has overturned a lower courts injunction ruling after the Moscow Commercial Court dropped a lawsuit filed by Russian businessman and former co-owner of the Lithuanian nationalized bank Snoras, Vladimir Antonov, seeking to collect more than 40 billion rubles ($642 million) from Lithuania, according to court records. Thus, the Court of Appeals upheld a Snoras complaint against the injunction ruling issued by the Moscow Commercial Court in August. At that time, the first-instance court upheld Antonovs claim and prohibited the Russian state registration service to deal with 16 non-residential buildings owned by Snoras in the city of Moscow and the Moscow region. The court also prohibited the service to register cancellation of agreements, by which the Lithuanian bank leased two plots of land, before they expired. The Moscow Commercial Court dropped the lawsuit on October 28. Earlier, Lithuanias authorities petitioned for dismissal of Antonovs application without prejudice or termination of the case. The defendant insisted that Lithuania had legal immunity, in accordance with a bilateral treaty signed with Russia. Antonov sought to collect more than 20.2 billion rubles ($324.5 million) in compensation from Lithuania for property damage and over 19.9 billion rubles ($320 million) in business reputation damage. Moreover, the plaintiff demanded to declare illegal information distributed by the countrys president Dalia Grybauskaite, who had criticized performance of Snoras managers before nationalization of the bank, and published in online media in 2011, according to court papers. Snoras was part of Antonov's Convers Group. The Convers Group held 68.10 percent of the bank and another 25.3 percent was held by Baranauskas. In addition, the government of Latvia also announced that the Krajbanka bank, currently on the verge of bankruptcy and 60% owned by Antonov, would be nationalized. Antonov has been charged by Lithuanian authorities with embezzlement of EUR 565 million, forging documents and fraudulent accounting and put on the European wanted list. Antonov and his partner Raimondas Baranauskas, were arrested on November 24, 2011 in the United Kingdom and put in detention but later they were released on bail. Antonov left the United Kingdom trembling for his life. He could face up to 10 years in Lithuania's prison if convicted. Russian ex-convict to get $3,000 compensation for tortures in prison MOSCOW, November 3 (RAPSI, Diana Gutsul) The Kalininsky District Court of Novosibirsk has ordered the Russian Federal Penitentiary Services Directorate General to pay 200,000 rubles ($3,000) in compensation to a released convict who was cruelly beaten by prison officers in 2014, the victims lawyer Yuliya Kazantseva told RAPSI on Thursday. Prosecution sought for compensation in the amount of 150,000 rubles ($2,400), Kazantseva said. The court found that the convict was beaten by two officers of a Novosibirsk region prison, where he was serving his sentence, on April 10, 2014. Following that, the victim was put in a disciplinary cell where he spent 5 days without receiving medical care. Last year, the Kalininsky District Court of Novosibirsk found the officers, Andrei Popov and Alexander Kirillov, guilty of abuse of power with the use of force and rubber truncheons and sentenced them to imprisonment. Additionally, they were deprived of the right to hold public offices. The sentence took effect this May. Putin gives U.S. actor Steven Seagal Russian citizenship MOSCOW, November 3 (RAPSI) President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to give Russian citizenship to U.S. actor Steven Seagal, the Kremlin press office reported Thursday. Seagal was asking for Russian citizenship quite insistently and over a lengthy period, Kremlin spokesman Dmitriy Peskov told journalists. "He is well known for his warm feelings towards our country and has never hidden them," Peskov added. Seagal's fame reached a peak in the late 1980s and early 1990s with such movies as "Under Siege" and "Above the Law." In 2015, Russian citizenship was granted to U.S. professional boxer Roy Jones Junior and U.S. mixed martial artist Jeff Monson. In 2013, French movie star Gerard Depardieu received fast-tracked Russian citizenship. He said that he had renounced his French citizenship ahead of the governments planned implementation of a 75 percent tax rate for annual earnings above $1.3 million. I had the pleasure of working Robert Meyers, when we were both on the Ravalli County Planning Board. He was particularly helpful when he answered legal questions, regarding our planning deliberations. His information was rapid since he could access the internet, search the files of Montana Code Annotated, and give us the specific, relevant code, as well as an appropriate interpretation for our planning purposes. I have also gotten to know Robert on a personal level, meeting his wife, and spending time with them and their kids. They remind me of the classic loving family, such as represented by the families in the Ozzie and Harriet Show, Leave it to Beaver, and Happy Days. I am particularly impressed with their youngest, 4-year old daughter, Julia, who entertained herself quietly while her dad, Judge Langton, Greg Chilcott, and Jay Blakely discussed their platforms at a civic club meeting that I was leading. I am also a proponent of term limits for elected officials, so I have no problem recommending a replacement candidate for elected officials, who have been in office for two or more terms. This includes elected officials that I may like and/or respect. Therefore, I do recommend Robert Meyers for District Judge, who I have observed to be a good family man, with a good legal mind, and who has a commitment to be fair and just for our community. Ron Pifer Stevensville Bitterroot Valley Schools are participating in Montana College Application Week a program with Gear Up Montana to help students apply to Montana colleges. Usually the application process costs money but this week students applying to participating four-year or two-year programs can receive a deferment or a waiver of that fee. Stevensville High School counselor Steven Coop said the deferment could be a big financial help to applicants. It usually costs $35 to $50 to apply but any student that applies this week will not have to pay, depending on the college, Coop said. Its a huge reason to apply this week. Coop said deferred fees are also helpful in that students do not have to pay right away. If they defer the application fee and the student is admitted to the school and chooses to go there the college will add it onto their first semesters tuition, Coop said. The advantage is that they can use scholarships or financial aid to pay for those costs. It makes it easier. Some colleges are completely waiving fees this week and students do not pay for applying. The school eliminates the fee for applying, Coop said. Its a big thing. Thursday and Friday of this week Coop will assist seniors during their English class to complete an application to at least one college. That way I can get every kid and if they are not in school I can call them at home and let them know to apply from there, Coop said. We currently have 71 seniors and are hoping to have between 90 and 100 percent of them with at least one college application so they know the process. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) deadline has moved up; instead of January through March, the process is now October through December. The improved time line has families working with tax returns and financial information in hand. Theyve moved it up three months and you get to use your prior, prior year taxes, Coop said. You apply in 2016 and you use 2015 tax returns. Now you apply for financial aid using those numbers. Coop said the tax information is now available for FAFSA online directly from the Internal Revenue Service, making the process even easier. Stevensville High School is hosting a FAFSA night for parents on a drop-in basis, during the parent teacher conferences 3-6 p.m. on Nov. 16. At Victor High School teachers are wearing stickers indicating they are college graduates and encouraging students to ask them about their college experiences. School Counselor Cynthia Davidson-Martin and AmeriCorps VISTA Member for College Access Michelle Siebert attended senior writing classes and assisted students in applying to Montana colleges. Victor is hosting a free FAFSA parent night sponsored by Reach Higher 5-7 p.m. on Nov. 7. The FAFSA process for Federal Student Aid has changed so attendees will learn about the new process and new deadlines for getting financial aid to go to college, Davidson-Martin said. Reach Higher is providing dinner for the event. Seniors in the Florence-Carlton School District applied to one Montana college Wednesday. Sherry Williams, school counselor, said, Teachers and staff will be wearing their Alma Mater attire that day. Representatives from the Bitterroot College will also be there to help students with questions. At Corvallis, seniors complete a college application and teachers of all grades participate by reminding students they attended college and are available to answer questions. Dean of Students Cammie Knapp said the week has created a culture that expects education to continue after high school. Administration, teachers and students are working together specifically during this week for the benefit of students post-secondary choices, Knapp said. The door decorations, posters, the college attire being worn by teachers, help students get excited about their future and that we as a school are helping support their future plans. Knapp said having a week dedicated to completing college applications sends a strong message encouraging continued education and life-long learning. College application week helps students take a big step towards their future, Knapp said. A majority of students leave after the day with at least completing one college application, if not more. Corvallis High School hosted a free FAFSA parent night Wednesday. Seniors in Darby High School applied to one Montana college on Tuesday according to counselor Kurt Kohn. School officials were assisted by faculty members of Bitterroot College on Tuesday, Kohn said. Tuesday night was also the FAFSA night where students and parents learned detailed knowledge on financial aid, scholarship applications, the ACT Test, and college applications. A high number of Darby seniors plan on attending college in 2017. Darby teacher Bryan Dufresne said the College Access Week opens the door for all students to pursue a degree or a trade. It fosters thought, begins conversations and really puts an emphasis on students futures, where they hope to go and what they plan on doing after high school, he said. At Hamilton High School, seniors are working in the computer labs on Wednesday and Thursday during English class, receiving assistance from counselors and staff from Bitterroot College. We will work with the senior English teacher who will help the students with scholarship essays and we will play financial aid bingo, said counselor Ellen Ryter. We will also have a drop-in FAFSA completion night from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday. Ryter said Montana College Application Week encourages post-secondary education and planning through two year, tribal, private or public campuses. We have several students who are first generation college students and this opportunity is a great way to walk students through the college application process, she said. We help provide an avenue for all students to know the value and importance of post-secondary education. For more information about Montana College Application Week, and to see the list of participating Montana Colleges, visit online mus.edu/gearup/caw.asp. While parts of northwest Montana experienced their wettest October on record, the Bitterroot Valley certainly wasnt left high and dry. Stevensville recorded its third wettest October since records were first taken in 1911. It received 2.51 inches of rain. The communitys wettest October actually occurred that first year when people started tracking moisture in the rain gauge. In 1911, they saw 2.85 inches of precipitation. All of those numbers were dwarfed by the huge amount of moisture that fell on northwest Montana during October of this year as some areas set their all-time records for wettest month. Hungry Horse led the pack with a staggering 12.34 inches of moisture. National Weather Service meteorologist Jennifer Kitsmiller in Missoula said the line delineating the unusually high amounts of precipitation started near Stevensville and moved north. Places like Kalispell, Hungry Horse and Troy really shattered any previous records, Kitsmiller said. All of that is pretty interesting to anyone who tracks Montana weather. Kitsmiller said October typically is not one of the states wetter months. That steady stream of moisture was the result of above normal typhoon activity in the Pacific Ocean. When that happens, you tend to get an energized jet stream that allows more weather systems into the area, Kitsmiller said. Some of those weather systems picked up abundant amounts of moisture that were funneled here in the jet stream. All that rain did wonders for the drought situation that covered most of western Montana at the end of summer. The drought condition for the most part has actually been lifted, except for one small area near Butte, she said. Overall, Stevensvilles temperatures in October were pretty much average. But theres more to that story too, Kitsmiller said. The maximum temperatures were actually a bit cooler than normal. The average highs were around 56 degrees. This time of year, they should be closer to 61. On the flipside, the low temperatures were above normal, with an average of 37 degrees. Normally, the lows would be hovering around 32. The coldest night was on Oct. 12 when the mercury dipped to 21. Other than that, there were only four other days that were below freezing. When you averaged out the colder than normal highs and the warmer than normal lows, Kitsmiller said the overall temperatures were just about average for October. Looking toward winter, the long range forecast for December, January and February calls for more of the same as far as average temperatures go. Right now, theres not a strong signature for above or below temperatures during that time period, Kitsmiller said. The long range forecast is suggesting the wet weather could well continue through the winter months. Kitsmiller said forecasters are calling for a La Nina weather pattern to develop, which would bring a wetter winter and better snowpack. In the short term, the area is going to get a bit of a break from the wet weather over the next few days. We have a pretty dry forecast for near future, Kitsmiller said. Well have a ridge building for the next few days. The only day that it appears like there could be some moisture is Sunday. On either side of that, its a pretty dry forecast. 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Guwahati, November 2 : Assam Cheif Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday had ordered a probe into the irregularities in the Social Welfare department after Rs 2000 crore irregularities in the department came to light. During a review meeting of the department revealed that over 9 lakh fake entries of aghost childrenaA were detected which has brought to light an exaggerated figure of Rs 150 crores per year for 9 lakh non-existent children that have been drained out of the system. The total figure of 44 lakhs children is reduced to 35 lakhs after these detections. Similarly 390 fake Anganwadi centers also have been identified which have been fraudulently entered for siphoning off the money. A top official of the state Social Welfare department said that, over Rs 2000 crore of nutrition funds for children had siphoned during the 15-year Congress tenure. Expressing anguish at the revelation of massive irregularities of over 150 crores per year for last 15 years, Sonowal said that government would take up drastic actions to reform the social welfare department. Chairing an important review meeting of the department at Chief Minister's Secretariat, Sonowal vowed to punish those guilty of siphoning off humongous sums of fund meant for the nutrition of poor children of the state. Following a directive of the Chief Minister two months ago, Social Welfare department had undertaken streamlining activities about the functioning of the department and as a result huge irregularities have been identified which have stalled the societal progress of the state. As a result of these detections, monthly expenditure required for Supplementary Nutrition Programme meant for mothers and children has been brought down drastically. Taking strong exception to the revelations, Sonowal asserted that the government would come down heavily on the perpetrators of these irregularities who have taken the people for a ride and pocketed public fund meant for the nutrition of the mothers and children, predominantly from the underprivileged section. Terming them criminals of highest order, the Assam CM said that those functionaries of Social Welfare Department involved in these nefarious activities along with the contractors who have cooperated them in the illegal deals, would be put behind bars and examples would be set so that no one in the future dares to cheat the common people of the state. Noting that rampant corruption has completely stalled the service delivery of the department, Sonowal said that highest prevalence rates of maternal mortality and infant mortality in the state are the result of these irregularities. The Assam CM vowed to eliminate corruption completely from the system so that faith of the people on the government remains intact. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) An error occurred while processing your request. The page you are looking for on this website is unavailable, has moved, or does not exist. Please visit collinsaerospace.com to find the product or service you are looking for. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says he wants U.S. troops out of his country in the next two years and is willing to scrap defense pacts with longtime ally Washington if necessary. Video provided by AFP Newslook (Photo: Issei Kato, AP) TOKYO Philippine President s recent demand that U.S. troops leave his country would be a major blow to Americas new strategy to counter Chinas growing strength and influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Duterte said in Tokyo last week that he wants foreign troops to exit the Philippines within two years, even though Manila is a longtime U.S. ally. That came on the heels of his visit to China last month and as aims to "pivot" U.S. military, economic and diplomatic resources away from the Middle East to Asia. As many as 600 U.S. troops are currently stationed in the Philippines, and at least two major training exercises involving American and other forces are held in the country each year. The bases used by the U.S. military include two airfields located only minutes from the , where China has built a string of artificial islands in waters claimed by neighboring countries, including the Philippines. An international tribunal declared Chinas claims invalid a ruling has rejected but the fears that airfields and other Chinese infrastructure on these islands could allow Beijing to interfere with freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, a vital international waterway. Perhaps a sign that Duterte is cozying up to China, Beijing recently allowed Filipino fishermen to resume fishing part of the disputed waters. Filipino fishermen unload boxes of fish after coming home from a fishing expedition in the disputed South China Sea, in the town of Subic, Philippines, on Nov. 1, 2016. (Photo: Jun Dumaguing, European Pressphoto Agency) Finding new locations for the U.S. troops and annual war games as Duterte said he wants will not be easy, defense analysts say. "There's rarely a 'one-for-one' replacement when we lose military resources, such as access to bases in a country. Geography and political ties are always unique," said Grant Newsham, senior research fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies in Tokyo. He said potential sites for an expanded presence include Australia, Singapore, Vietnam and the , a U.S. commonwealth in the Pacific Ocean. Duterte, a tough-talking former prosecutor, has alarmed world leaders with a series of insults and seemingly off-the-cuff and off-color policy pronouncements since taking office in June. He has called Obama a "son of a bitch," announced a separation from the U.S. and said he is prepared to "revise or abrogate agreements with the United States, an apparent reference to a 2014 base-sharing treaty that allows American forces to be stationed at the five Philippine-operated military bases. Although aides have walked back some of Dutertes more eye-popping statements, defense analysts have nonetheless expressed concern. We still don't know what President Duterte exactly means about U.S. military presence, said Tetsuo Kotani, senior fellow and maritime security specialist at the Japan in Tokyo. This would not be the first time that U.S. forces have been booted from the Philippines, which is a former U.S. colony. and were shuttered in 1992 after Philippine leaders refused to renew long-term leases. The two bases hosted more than 25,000 U.S. troops and dependents, and served as hubs of U.S. military power in the region throughout the Cold War and . Japan's coast guard conducts drills near Tokyo on Oct. 27, 2016. (Photo: AP) Meanwhile, U.S. forces continue to train in the Philippines, including taking part in two large-scale annual exercises with Philippine forces. One of those exercises this year included 8,600 troops from the United States, Philippines and Australia, along with observers from 11 other countries. Plus, a contingent of U.S. A-10 attack planes were previously stationed at Clark Air Base, now operated by the Philippines. As part of the diplomatic "pivot," the United States has sought to spread its forces throughout the region, operating from locally run facilities rather than establishing bases of its own. Navy littoral combat ships now operate from Singapore. About 1,500 Marines are based "rotationally" in . In November, U.S. and Japanese forces will conduct amphibious warfare exercises at , in the Northern Mariana Islands, a location that has been discussed as a potential permanent joint-training facility. During Duterte's three-day visit to Japan, he lavished praise on the country, Americas closest ally in the region. He also agreed to joint naval patrols. Whether Duterte will complete his threat to expel U.S. forces from the Philippines remains to be seen, said Narushige Michishita, director of the Security and International Studies Program at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, in Tokyo. Michishita said Duterte may be trying to play the region's two superpowers China and the United States against each other. If hes playing a game, thats not bad because eventually hell come to a reasonable position which is consistent with the Philippines interests. But if hes not, that would be bad. So well just have to wait and see, Michishita said. Just into his fourth month as head of state, President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines has managed to become one of the most controversial actors on the global stage, rivaling if not eclipsing Donald Trump. Not least theres his war on drugs at home, which has already seen the extrajudicial executions of what some current estimates put at over 4,000 users and peddlers and won him the title of serial killer on French television. But Duterte is also shaking up the geopolitics of his entire region. The former Davao City mayor, who not long ago called U.S. president Barack Obama a son of a bitch, recently declared a separation from the United States and alignment with China and Russia during a state visit to Beijing. This brash departure from 70 years of alignment between the U.S. and the Philippines alarmed and befuddled other U.S.-allied governments in East Asia. Foremost among these is the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Japan, which has been tightening its ties with Washington and considers the Philippines a vital element in the U.S.-Japan strategy of encircling China and limiting its capability to project maritime power. A recent visit to Tokyo by Duterte did little to reassure the Japanese. Coming out of a meeting with Duterte, a top foreign policy official of the Japanese government told me that he found Duterte unnecessarily provocative towards the United States. Breaking Down Duterte What exactly is Duterte up to, and why are the Philippines neighbors so alarmed? If I were to break down the complex political animal that is the president, I would probably highlight the following elements: First, one must not underestimate his personal history and psychology. Duterte is likely to have retained the anti-American sentiments that were prevalent during his student days in Manila in the 1960s. He is also a very thin-skinned person, so he took U.S. criticism of the extrajudicial killings that have been the trademark of his war on drugs personally. He sees no distinction between himself and the state, and thus views criticism of himself as an assault on national sovereignty. Letat, cest moi may well be the most fitting description of the way Duterte views his relationship to the Philippine state. Duterte may therefore be attracted to China because its authoritarian system appeals to his own strongman personality. Beijings willingness to rebuff U.S. criticism of Chinas human rights record likely appeals to the Philippine leader, who similarly views his domestic policy as none of Washingtons business. This political and psychological affinity towards Beijing is something that must not be underestimated. Second, being a lawyer, Duterte knows that despite its military treaties with the Philippines, Washingtons position is that the U.S. is not legally obligated to support and protect the Philippines territorial claims in the South China Sea, or West Philippine Sea, where Beijing and Manila have been at loggerheads for years. Despite claiming the Philippines as a collective defense partner , the U.S. has been explicit that it does not intervene in sovereignty issues. Duterte understands that all the U.S.-Philippine Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement of 2014 did was to put the Philippines on the U.S. side of a superpower struggle with China, with all the costs and few of the benefits that go with being a junior partner of such an alliance. Despite his penchant for ideological statements (when he is not uttering curses), Duterte is a foreign policy realist who knows that Washingtons strategic goal is to contain China, scorns U.S. rhetoric about being a benevolent hegemon, and is impatient with claims that there is a coincidence of interests between Washington and Manila. His pragmatic streak is also evident in his ambiguous statements on the future of the defense treaties with the United States. Although he might be bent on pushing for a more independent policy for the Philippines and distancing Manila from Washington, he is not likely to immediately scrap the existing military treaties with the United States. He may, however, put them in cold storage. Duterte vs. the System In any event, whatever his motivations for distancing himself from Washington and declaring his alignment with China, Dutertes behavior constitutes a profound challenge to the post-World War II system of regional security in the Asia-Pacific. That system has had three basic assumptions. First, the countries of East Asia cannot be relied to on to create a system of regional peace and security by themselves. Second, only U.S. military power and a system of U.S.-dominated bilateral alliances with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia can maintain regional peace and security not a multilateral system like NATO in Europe or a collective security agreement incorporating rival countries. Third, the interests or Washington and the interests of the Asia-Pacific countries coincide, making the U.S. not a coercive but a benevolent hegemon. Whether he realizes it or not, in other words, Duterte is putting a spanner not only in U.S.-Philippine relations, but on a whole system of regional security. Thats why the elites of Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and a number of Southeast Asian countries that are wedded to this system are worried about him and the example he poses to other peoples in the region. From their point of view, he is a destabilizing element. From the perspective of many others like myself, on the other hand, Duterte has the potential to unfreeze the glacial structure of security left over from the Cold War and open the way to a new regional system of peace and security that does not rest on an increasingly volatile balance of power strategy promoted by Washington and supported by dependent elites. Washingtons Response and Dutertes Options But key questions remain: Is this all bluff and bluster? If not, will Dutertes disengagement from the U.S. continue to be a volatile one-man show, or will it be pursued systematically? In moving away from Washington, will Duterte be able to forge a strategy that would avoid making the Philippines a dependency of China? And, of course, one cannot discount how Washington would react should it come to the conclusion that Duterte really means business. The U.S. and Philippine military and intelligence establishments have very close ties that go back to the colonial period. The U.S. supported the Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos, and it played a key role in deposing him when he became a liability. Washington knows that it stands not only to lose the Philippines, but also to see the whole edifice of its regional hegemony since the end of the Second World War seriously compromised. Diplomatic isolation of Duterte could be the U.S. response, which is why Dutertes patient cultivation of neighbors like the ASEAN countries and even core U.S. allies like South Korea and Japan if not to win them over to a new paradigm of regional security, at least to neutralize them is a must for the Philippine leader. But the U.S. response could be more ruthless, perhaps entailing U.S.-orchestrated destabilization on the domestic front. This is why, if not an effective consensus, Duterte needs a critical mass behind any realignment away from Washington, especially since pro-American feelings remain widespread in the population. That critical mass remains to be forged. Many potential supporters fear that Dutertes unplanned, indeed haphazard, way of going about his project may derail it and provide the U.S. with the opportunity to destabilize his administration. Others are put off by what they see as his indiscriminate embrace of China, seeing this as exchanging one master for another. To win them over, Duterte needs to show a hardnosed approach towards the Chinese, like phasing out the U.S. military presence in the country as a bargaining chip for Chinas demilitarizing its presence in the South China Sea. And not least, many supporters of a more nationalist Philippine course are reluctant to lend active support to Duterte since they are repelled by his murderous ways of imposing law and order on the domestic front. To gain their backing for his realignment, he may have to do nothing less than stop the killings. Duterte would do well to ponder this seriously, since these are serious nationalists, unlike many of his current political backers. Rodrigo Duterte has indeed kicked up a storm. It remains to be seen whether Typhoon Duterte will gather strength or peter out in the foreseeable future. The outcome will greatly depend on Duterte himself. One thing is certain: If he continues to conduct his diplomacy as a bombastic one-man show, he is bound to fail. "It is also important to remember that Dutertes U.S.-China rebalance, to grossly oversimplify things, is only the latest of several realignments we have witnessed in Southeast Asia over the past decade in different directions and to different degrees. On the one hand, Cambodia, already a traditional ally of China, has moved even closer towards Beijing embrace with clear consequences for the South China Sea and ASEAN unity while Thailand has also tilted slightly towards Beijing in the post-coup era. On the other hand, the diversification sought by Myanmar, and more recently, Laos, as well as Vietnams warming ties with the United States, are partly, though not wholly, the result of uncertainty about China. Meanwhile, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia have all been trying to walk a balance between strengthening ties with China and the United States to varying degrees, but all have also toughened their stance towards Beijing to a certain extent over the past year in response to its growing assertiveness." If youve been reading some of the overhyped commentary on Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertes emerging foreign policy, you might be under the mistaken belief that he is engaged in nothing less than a dramatic about-face, abandoning his countrys decades-old treaty alliance with the United States and embracing China after bearing the brunt of its South China Sea assertiveness (See: The Limits of Dutertes US-China Rebalance ). In recent weeks, some have taken this sensationalism a step further by arguing that there could be some sort of chain reaction in the region away from the United States and towards China. In my trips to Southeast Asia as well as conversations Ive had with scholars and policymakers, Ive certainly detected a mixture of nervousness and caution in regional capitals. Few would disagree that Dutertes foreign policy has implications for the region, not just because of its claimant status on the South China Sea disputes or its status as a U.S. ally amid U.S.-China competition in Southeast Asia, but because it holds the ASEAN chairmanship in 2017 during the groupings 50th anniversary. It is important not to understate the significance of this, especially since this was a variable that not many even saw coming in the first place. But it is also important not to overstate the impact that Duterte can have on the behavior of other Southeast Asian states a diverse, capable set of nations used to dealing with shifting geopolitical alignments far more dramatic than this nascent one. Indeed, suggesting that Dutertes embrace of China and snubbing of the United States might trigger some sort of domino effect in the region not only fundamentally misunderstands what drives alignments in Southeast Asia, but grossly exaggerates the Philippines status within the region and overestimates Dutertes foreign policy. Understanding Alignments Firstly, suggesting that a realignment in one Southeast Asian country might trigger some sort of domino effect in other neighboring states is a fundamental misunderstanding of what drives alignments in the region in general as well as developments in this sphere of late more specifically. Southeast Asian states, like others in the international system, determine the costs and benefits of aligning more or less with one actor relative to another based on a complex range of factors that can be simplified to include the distribution of capabilities, threat perceptions, ideology and domestic politics. The actions of other states may have an indirect role at the margins in the sense that they may play into factors like regional perceptions or uncertainty about the future. But even then, states must consider a full range of domestic, regional and global developments, rather than just what one country does. Similarly, ASEAN states today do not consider Dutertes actions in isolation as they determine their alignment options, but as part of a more complex picture. The region has seen the growing involvement of major powers in recent years, most prominently (though not only) the United States and China, with Washington increasing its commitment to Southeast Asia and Beijing under Xi Jinping persisting in its calibrated strategy designed to both draw ASEAN states closer to its orbit while also incrementally advancing its position on certain issues even at the expense of these countries. This has interacted with other domestic and global developments from the rise of new leaders like Indonesias Joko Jokowi Widodo and the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte to the global financial crisis to shape the alignment choices of Southeast Asian states. So, even though Malaysian Prime Minister Najibs visit to China this week has already been portrayed in some media outlets as a second consecutive victory for Beijing after Dutertes trip there last month, Malaysias engagement of China is in fact rooted in a more complex set of factors, including the history of Sino-Malaysian relations (it was Najibs father who normalized ties with China); the countrys troubled economy as it heads for the next general elections; and Najibs involvement in the deepening 1MDB scandal. Furthermore, absent from the coverage will be Malaysias quieter efforts to contend with Chinas assertiveness in the South China Sea and its burgeoning relationship with the United States. It is also important to remember that Dutertes U.S.-China rebalance, to grossly oversimplify things, is only the latest of several realignments we have witnessed in Southeast Asia over the past decade in different directions and to different degrees. On the one hand, Cambodia, already a traditional ally of China, has moved even closer towards Beijing embrace with clear consequences for the South China Sea and ASEAN unity while Thailand has also tilted slightly towards Beijing in the post-coup era. On the other hand, the diversification sought by Myanmar, and more recently, Laos, as well as Vietnams warming ties with the United States, are partly, though not wholly, the result of uncertainty about China. Meanwhile, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia have all been trying to walk a balance between strengthening ties with China and the United States to varying degrees, but all have also toughened their stance towards Beijing to a certain extent over the past year in response to its growing assertiveness. Indeed, to the extent that there has been a trend in the region over the past few years, it has been what one might call the Xi Jinping effect where Chinas behavior along with other factors have led to growing anxiety in many Southeast Asian capitals and resulted in more indirect balancing not seen previously, largely through diversified foreign relationships but also in some cases strengthened economic and security capabilities. Southeast Asian states have been gradually diversifying away from Beijing rather than dramatically moving towards it as Duterte appears to be doing. Far from setting some sort of regional trend, Duterte is out of step with where the region has been heading, and out of step with the Philippine bureaucracy and people as well given the fact that his country has borne the brunt of Chinas assertiveness in the region but is now underbalancing. Remembering History Second and more specifically, a Duterte effect seems quite ahistorical to those attuned to regional developments. Southeast Asian states have not taken their cue from the Philippines in the past when determining their approaches to the United States and China. Recent observers may think that this is the case, given the Philippines status under Benigno Aquino III as one of Asias fastest growing economies, Southeast Asias lone voice taking on China in the South China Sea, and a stalwart U.S. ally. But this is very much an aberration for seasoned observers. The Philippines that Southeast Asia is used to is one with decades of anemic economic growth and underinvestment in one of Asias weakest militaries, alongside rampant corruption, political instability, and uncertain shifts between the United States and China, as evidenced by the closure of U.S. bases in 1992 as well as Gloria Macapagal-Arroyos ill-advised tilt towards Beijing in the 2000s. Put more simply, the Philippines is hardly a bellwether for the state of Southeast Asian alignments, the way Singapore is, or even the shape of U.S. regional alliances the way Japan might be (Thailand, Washingtons other ally, is arguably an equally poor indicator). If anything, Dutertes emergence has only confirmed to other Southeast Asian states the wisdom of continuing to hedge their bets when it comes to the United States and China to varying degrees, even as one of their brethren swings too far one way or the other. Depending on how things play out, Duterte may also confirm long-held fears among wary regional observers myself included that Aquinos departure could see the Philippines either revert back to its days of uncertainty or perhaps turn inward (See: Will the Philippines Next President Maintain Aquinos Reform Momentum? ). Either way, the result would be some variation of the Philippines returning to not being a reliable and increasingly capable U.S. ally in the U.S.-China balance, but a wobbly American partner selectively cooperating where it suits its interests but also embracing China where it suits it. Still Wait-and-See Third and finally, if it is ahistorical to suggest that Southeast Asian states would take their cue from the Philippines in the past when determining their approaches to the United States and China, then it is hasty to suggest that these states could be part of some domino effect this early in Dutertes term. In recent trips Ive taken to Southeast Asia over the past few months, more seasoned observers have indicated a wait-and-see approach towards Dutertes words and actions, rather than a rush to action. The reason for that is fairly obvious. Sensationalist commentary aside, it is important to remind ourselves that we are just over four months into a single six-year term of a domestic-focused president who has little foreign policy experience but has signaled a lot of changes abroad without many specifics about how this will take place. Domestically, Dutertes status as an outsider seeking to dramatically change so much has led to worries about whether he will even complete his term in office. Foreign policy wise, the skeletal notion of an independent foreign policy put forth by his team one which sees the Philippines being less reliant on the United States and diversifying its ties with other states including China barely qualifies as an aspiration, let alone a strategy. More specifically, it is unclear how far this so-called U.S.-China rebalance will actually go. On the China side, past Philippine embraces of Beijing have ended up caught in corruption scandals or derailed by subsequent Chinese actions including in the South China Sea, with Arroyos cautionary tale being the most oft-cited example (See: The Risks of Dutertes China and South China Sea Policy ). With respect to the United States, it remains to be seen how much Duterte can and will move away from Washington, and whether that will last. As I have indicated before, there is still the possibility that we could end up with just a downgraded U.S.-Philippine alliance, with the nixing of some cooperation Duterte is averse to but some selective and quiet collaboration in other areas (See: Will Duterte Really End the US-Philippine Military Alliance? ). More broadly, it is uncertain how these two countries will fit into Dutertes broader foreign policy, which is still evolving. Duterte and his advisers have suggested that their independent foreign policy would seek to strengthen ties not only with China, but other ASEAN countries as well as Japan and South Korea, with a focus on Asian economic integration. Whether this is mere rhetoric to disguise the administrations dramatic turn towards China or a reality remains to be seen. Though Dutertes trip to Japan did seem to suggest that the relationship is a key focus of his administration, we will likely have to wait for other trips as well as the Philippine chairmanship of ASEAN next year to truly assess this. The Perception Caveat While there are some strong arguments against the idea that the Duterte effectwill actually result in a domino effect in terms of the way other Southeast Asian states align in reality, Dutertes U.S.-China rebalance is nonetheless significant because it does affect the outlook of Southeast Asian states, China, the United States, as well as other observers with respect to certain issues or trends. For Southeast Asian states, with the Philippines now looking to downplay the South China Sea issue and play up its embrace of China, the development has created a more permissive environment for ASEAN states to lower the temperature on the South China Sea question and move towards improving ASEAN-China relations. That could be viewed as a good thing, provided that Beijing actually follows up on its confidence-building measures. Unfortunately, Dutertes actions also risks producing backsliding on the South China Sea question, with other less forward-leaning claimants like Malaysia and non-claimants like Singapore now left with inadequate cover to advocate for a stronger ASEAN stance on the issue, and laggards like Cambodia now equipped with an additional excuse for their obstructionism. China, on the other hand, may conclude that Dutertes embrace suggests that its calibrated strategy designed to both draw ASEAN states closer to its orbit while also incrementally advancing its position on certain issues even at the expense of these countries may actually be working. The Philippine case may demonstrate to some in Beijing that China can afford to make incremental pushes on certain issues to alter the status quo in its favor, absorbing any short-term costs but then holding out for countries to eventually recognize the benefits of engaging Beijing or actively charming them. That is a lesson that could well have implications for other Southeast Asian states as well. Lastly, Dutertes actions play into an ongoing narrative within the media as well as in some scholarly and policymaking circles in the region about the rise of China and the perceived decline of the United States, and how countries should react. Irrespective of the details and nuances, the story about the head of state of a U.S. ally announcing his separation from Washington while in Beijing writes itself and serves as a good hook for the broader idea that the United States is losing in Asia and the Obama administrations pivot is failing. That is not grounded in reality. But then again, in international relations, perception often creates its own reality. I know I may have said this before but I used to think that a school was only as good as the three-legged stool that it is - parents, teachers/staff and principal. I soon learned that without a good principal, you might not ever want to sit on that stool. I have also often wondered if Seattle Schools had just bad luck/poor judgment about principals or if other districts have the same kind of churn. And principals aren't the same category as teachers. They don't have a union per se but in SPS, they have their own org, PASS (Principals Association of Seattle Schools). They oversee hundreds of students, not a single class. They have to juggle multiple balls of budget, discipline, curriculum and governance of a staff. That plus make parents and students feel good about the school. It was also an interesting fact for Seattle Schools that only until recently, they had three principals who had all graduated from the school that they now oversaw. That was Martin Floe at Ingraham High LOS ANGELES, CA. November 2, 2016 The Boy Who Found Gold, a new feature-length documentary film by Christopher Summa about Roman Catholic priest and artist William Hart McNichols, will premiere at the inaugural Pembroke Taparelli Arts and Film Festival in Los Angeles on November 4, 2016. Heralded by Time Magazine as "among the most famous creators of Christian iconic images in the world, Father McNichols message as a priest, artist and man speaks to the most powerful element of the human spirit: mercy. Although produced independently, the film was made with the written permission of Archbishop Emeritus Michael Sheehan and Archbishop of Santa Fe John Wester. The film has been praised by best-selling author James Martin, SJ as "A heartfelt look at one of the great Christian artists of our age." Filmmaker Christopher Summa has known Fr. McNichols since 1998. I was first drawn to Father McNichols work because it's emotionally supercharged; icons are sacred images and I could see and feel the individuals and their stories, says Summa. I felt that this is what a true artist is supposed to do: allow people to bear witness. His subjects include individuals from all different faiths - Catholic, Muslim, Protestant, and Jewish but the common thread is they all followed their truth no matter what the consequence." Famed art historian Sister Wendy Beckett has commented ""Our Blessed Lord has given Father McNichols such a gift, in a way a very costly gift, but at the same time a sanctifying gift." Fr. McNichols was born into the most powerful political family in the history of Colorado and yet, in his priesthood, he has led a life that has found him crossing paths with presidents and popes, peace activists and martyrs. As a young Catholic priest from 1983-1990, he was immersed in a life-altering journey working as a chaplain at St. Vincent's AIDS hospice in New York City. It was during this time that Fr. McNichols became an early pioneer for LGBT rights within the Catholic Church and he was featured on ABC World News asking for the church to have greater mercy and compassion for HIV/AIDS patients. His voice from thirty years ago echoes the modern day words of Pope Francis, who famously said: "If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?" In 1990, Fr. McNichols was called into the desert of New Mexico where he began a six year apprenticeship to master the ancient art of painting icons. As an iconographer, McNichols uncovers unsung heroes of all faiths who fought for the rights of people and were killed for it. They span the centuries from the very first martyr St. Stephen, who was stoned to death, to the first casualty of the September 11 attacks, Father Mychal Judge, who died after being hit by a falling body. For the past 25 years, he has received non-stop commissions for his work, yet has never signed his name to a single icon. All of his works hang anonymously in churches and universities around the world, including the Vatican Museum. Paul Schrader's ultra-violent new film, Dog Eat Dog, starring a badder lieutenant, Nicolas Cage, and hyper-batshit Willem Dafoe, isn't just another crime film; it's every crime film. With Dog Eat Dog, adapted from guru of grit crime fiction novelist Eddie Bunker's insider book, Schrader not only adapts the author's hard boiled style, but also just about everyone worth a damn who's ever contributed to the last century of crime pulp; in an effort to ride the post-new wave of what the Taxi Driver writer refers to as the 'post-rules era', where once you accept the notion that everything upon everything has been done, anything is permissible. To help do this, Schrader recruited onto his team, already consisting of Cage and Dafoe, a ragtag batch of twenty-something neophytes, who he valued for their oblivious ignorance of all the rules he grew up on. Thanks to this low-stakes atmosphere of working with wide-eyed first-timers, as well the crucial obtaining of final cut, Schrader, Cage, and Dafoe were able to explore, risk, and play in a fashion that produced results as exciting as they are captivating. It's a work so confident in its blackly comic depravity, it wont make a lot of friends, but that will only make the audiences who do take to it all the more appreciative. When I spoke to Schrader in Toronto, where his unflinching film was about to have its North American premiere at TIFF's cult Midnight Madness program, he described his modus-operandi as to get ahead of (the viewers') expectations and then just run as fast as you can. With a singularly manic, kinetic momentum, Dog Eat Dog indeed hits the ground running, and keeps you glued to the screen as it transcends cliche after cliche, dosing the familiar world of crime fiction with bad acid until its inevitable, serenely fatalistic, bloody finish. If you can stomach the experience, it's a trip you won't forget. For a genre done to death, Dog Eat Dog is hysterically brutal and delightfully, sickly unpredictable. DOG EAT DOG will be in theaters in LA and NY on November 4th, with a theatrical expansion, VOD and Digital HD on November 11th. ScreenAnarchy: Congratulations on your film. I watched it twice - I thought it was just awesome. How did it come together? How did the script fall in your lap? Paul Schrader: Well, it began with a very unpleasant experience. Nick and I had made a film that was taken away, re-cut, dumped. I was very pained by that. I said to Nick, You know if we live long enough, well get to work together again and get this stain off our clothes. Happened pretty quickly, thankfully. Well, yeah, he goes, Okay. Somebody gave me the script. It wasn't set up or anything. I thought, you know Nick might like this Mad Dog role. I sent it to him. I said here's a chance. We talked about it. This time, I'll have final cut. I couldn't go back to him any other way. He said Yeah, I like it, but I want to play the Troy role - the straight role." That was his idea?? Yeah, that's how it started. But then, all of a sudden, now I'm doing a crime film. All of a sudden I'm thinking, I've got to do a genre crime film, which I've never done. I've got to do one post-Scorsese, post-Tarantino, post-Guy Ritchie. Wow. Now, how do I do this? On the other hand, I have final cut. I don't have to listen to anybody. I sat about trying to reinvent this. It ended up being kind of a meta-film. It's as much about crime films as it is about crime. We just had real freedom to do ... Did you see that picture I put up on the website? I don't think so. I assembled a group of young people. I didn't see the picture but I'm guessing it's a group photo. Yeah. We met every two weeks at a diner near my house in Chelsea. This was the first solo credit for each of them. That was very generous of you. I wanted people who ... I didn't want people who were thinking outside the box. I wanted people who were outside the box. I was able to say to them, The bad news is we don't have as much money as we should have, but the good news is I have final cut and we can make any goddamn film I want. Let's just think about that, and let's just be bold and just imagine. (looking through his phone) I got too many pictures on here. How did you find these guys? Well, it started with my former assistant, who is now one of these documentary gung ho cameramen - jump off tall buildings type of a guy. He shoots parkour, shoots drug raids, stuff like that. He and I - I made him associate producer - we just started looking for people who were from video games... Ah, here they are. (Showing me the photo) Cool. These are my department heads except for music. That's great. This is at the diner. Love it. Your office. We just said that we would meet every couple of weeks and we said let's try anything. Don't be afraid. That's how it all kind of started. We had nobody to answer to. To give you sort of an example, we talked about things. Say, okay, we've got this strip club scene to do. Boring. Every strip club scene in every movie is the same. Same shafts of neon colored back light. The same upshots of the girls. The same guys with a dollar. Boring. Boring. Boring. How can we not make this boring? Then we were thinking, and I said, Well, I don't think anybody's shot a strip scene in black and white since Lenny. Let's just shoot it in black and white. Don't explain a lot. You don't have to have any reason. Just do it. Then it won't be boring. I haven't actually read Ed Bunkers book, "Dog Eat Dog", but is it closer in tone to his other writing? Yes, the whole comedy thing we brought in. He was the real deal. One reviewer called his writing crime fiction on angel dust. It was very, very hard edge. So you brought the comedic elements to the story, but would you say you also brought the manic energy? Do you think that's in the text? And how did you go about either adapting or molding the storys energy? I think that came from the top down. This idea, get ahead of the viewer, which we do with that opening scene. Get ahead of their expectations and then just run as fast as you can. Whenever you think the person behind you, the viewer thinks you're going to go right, go left. I defy anybody who hasn't read about the film to know where it's going. You just don't know. They're singing "pass me not my gentle savior," and (Cage's) being Bogart. They're all colored in glorious light, and having a Peckinpah shoot out BONNIE & CLYDE and all that good stuff, yeah. The last time you and I were in the same room, you were gracing Toronto with a sneak peak of THE CANYONS, at the Royal, many years ago. Do you remember? You know, I was walking down the street yesterday and I said, why didn't I come to Toronto with Canyons, but I did. Well you didn't. You came with a first look. You showed us all a scene and then we watched TAXI DRIVER at the Royal. Oh, oh, oh, oh. This was early in the process. Yeah, that was because the composer was up here. Brendan ... Canning. Brendan Canning. In fact that's where I spent (hurricane) Sandy, while I was up here with Brendan doing the music while Sandy hit New York. Right. At the time you had this great speech talking about how we're in this brave new world where there are no rules and such. Finally you're reaping the benefits of that. How does it feel to be making films in the post rules/no rules era? It feels good. The next challenge, and I like to think that every film is a new challenge, is to do something I haven't done before. The next one I'm going to see if I can go the other direction. Make a quiet film. That would be a challenge. You have very loud and very quiet films. I started thinking about this idea after having dinner with Pawlikowski and giving him an award. He did Ida. This was an award for The National Society of Film Critics, so I said, there's something that you film critics don't understand, that a filmmaker really understands, that it's very hard not to move the camera. It's harder not to move it than it is to move it. Everything in your instinct is moving. I really enjoyed your performance in the film. I know playing the role yourself wasn't your first choice and that you asked a couple people, but nevertheless, I think you bring this kind of kindness to the character. I don't know if that was always there. I don't know. I mean it was all so last minute. Then I was sick. I had laryngitis and a fever. I didn't even, never looked at the monitor. Just tried to get through the day. Well, I think it plays very well. Can you talk about the initial conversations with Willem Dafoe and Nicolas Cage, about their characters - they're so good in this film. You know, it was a chance... They had been, they had done this once before. It was a nice chance for Nick to sort of be the setup guy, for Willem to be the outrageous guy, but also I had another motivation which is Nick makes a lot of films. A lot of them go on to on demand, VOD. How do you separate this film from those. Good question. By doing that, you have to give a big hunk of the film over to Willem. Nick made that easy for me by passing on the most exciting role. By giving Willem the entire opening and the entire monologue, it makes it feel less like a Nick Cage film. That's true. That's good. Yes. I love Willems psychotic vulnerability. I believe in redemption. Take little baby steps. You start off the film by hitting the audience with a mallet and then you slowly ease them onto the antiheroes sides somehow. What was the discussion around starting off the film so violently vibrant? The pink room and the blue room, that came from a film called Belly. All the images, that came from Requiem for a Dream. Woo Woo came from Kill Bill. You're just taking these outrageous elements, and that girl who played Sheila was a Vine star. A Vine star? Do you know what a Vine is? Not really. I mean, I've heard rumblings about this thing called Vine, but Ive never seen one. A Vine is like a four to five second film. Right, so how do you get to be a Vine celebrity? Well she has a Vine and in her Vine, all she does is walk up to strangers and assault them for four or five seconds. That's her Vine. I love the idea that she was just bigger than Willem. Wait a second. I'm just going to try to find something. (Grabs his phone is search of the Vine) What is her name? I tried to think of her name the other day too. The problem with IMDB is that everybody puts themselves up and they don't put themselves up in the right order. How do you find out who played Sheila? I don't even recognize any of these people. These are all like extras. I want Sheila's name. I'm doing this because the other day, somebody asked me about her and I couldn't think of her name and I felt kind of diminished by it. Okay, that's it. Chelsea Melton! Okay. I'll look out for her Vines. Ill see what kind of insults she's got. You're my sister from another mister. Stuff like that. How did you even come across that VIne? She was an extra in Tangerine. I saw her and I thought that's just like that Sheila girl. I tracked her down. The true-life story of Desmond T. Doss comes vividly to life in Hacksaw Ridge, a biographical picture directed by Mel Gibson that features a soulful performance by Andrew Garfield. Solid and stirring -- and very respectful -- the movie begins with a battle scene marked by flaming bodies in slow motion before rewinding to Doss as a child in the 1920s. Raised in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains region in the U.S., young Doss gets in a fight with his brother and immediately regrets the damage he has done. Fast forward to 1942, and Desmond is a young man (now played by Garfield) who loves his mother (Rachel Griffiths) and has a strained relationship with his father (Hugo Weaving). Small town life in the U.S. is calm and placid, allowing Desmond to fall in love quickly with a beguiling nurse named Dorothy Schutte (Teresa Palmer). But his brother Harold's enlistment in the military firms up Desmond's resolve to do the same, in spite of his religious beliefs as a Seventh Day Adventist. He figures he can serve as a medic and save people, allowing him to avoid killing anyone and thus breaking one of the 10 biblical commandments. That's the crux of the matter: Desmond describes himself as a conscientious objector who wants to serve his country in the military. The bulk of the film then deals with the consequences of his decision, first in training camp, where he falls under the leadership of Sergeant Howell (Vince Vaughn) and Captain Glover (Sam Worthington), and later on the battlefield in Okinawa. The training camp sequences initially play out like a classic WWII military comedy until Desmond asserts his rights as a conscientious objector. Then things turn quite dramatic. The battlefield sequences are uniformly bloody and painful to behold, and also give a sense of the sheer madness and confusion of warfare in close quarters, as bodies are shot and explode and fly into pieces. It's a wonder that anyone survives. Throughout the movie, Gibson as director modulates the tone expertly, from the sweet, chaste romance that unfolds between Desmond and Dorothy to the earthy, stereotypical military humor to the horror of battle, as friends are killed left and right, and there's nothing to be done about it except try to live. Gibson may not have directed a feature in 10 years, since Apocalypto, but he still has the eye for combat that informed Braveheart. Much of the movie's strength is reliant on Andrew Garfield, who creates an incredibly heroic persona out of a modest man's faith in God. In certain moments, Desmond displays a stressed-out persona that's somewhat similar to the character Garfield played in 99 Homes, yet Desmond has a far different motivation; his expressions are more beatific, as he seeks to serve God and his fellow man. That being said, Hacksaw Ridge walks a narrow, expected path. From a narrative standpoint, the story checks all the expected boxes. The only real surprise is that the foundation of Desmond's faith is not fully explored. Was it only a single childhood incident that spurred his faith? Were his parents similarly of deep faith? We get mixed messages on this front, with Desmond's brother happy to join up to be a soldier, and his father permanently damaged, it appears, from his military service. Even though Hacksaw Ridge plays out as anticipated, it's well-paced and well-performed, and honors the service of the military men depicted on screen. Like Desmond's fellow soldiers, you don't have to believe as Desmond did to respect what he accomplished. The film opens wide in theaters through the U.S. and Canada on Friday, November 4. It also opens this weekend in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe. It will expand to other regions of the world in the coming weeks. There may be no more subtle, beautiful and accomplished film this year than Jeff Nichols' Loving. There might also be no film more in need of help being championed, a work surely going to be stampeded in a year where more brash, loud and bombastic films will take all the attention away. Nothing against those works, many of which are quite fine, but in so very many ways Loving is a masterpiece, full stop, one that deserves a far wider audience than I fear it will receive. Jeff Nichols has been steadily turning out films that prove to be fascinating contributions to the cinematic landscape. From Mud through Take Shelter and this year's Midnight Special, he's used his not-so-secret weapon (Michael Shannon) to create complex, riveting portrayals that show heightened reality. With Loving, Nichols has dialed the intensity down to a slow, quiet burn, making his gifts as a filmmaker even more acute. The story of a couple in Virginia who committed the crime of falling in love despite their different racial backgrounds is told as quietly as a murmur, as powerfully and lyrically as an epic poem. It's a film whose tonality matches the affections of its leads, never even hinting at histrionics or cinematic bravado. Based in part on Nancy Buirski's 2011 documentary The Loving Story, the film revolves around Mildred (Ruth Negga) and Richard (Joel Edgerton) and how their relationship inadvertently became the stuff of political and legal fodder. Marton Csokas plays a stalwart sheriff free from the overt pandering of such roles, but one still committed to upholding the laws on the books. Nick Kroll plays a young ACLU lawyer in over his head, whose commitment to justice is at times hampered by seeing the Lovings as case precedent rather than human beings. Then there's Shannon, whose brief appearance as a Life Magazine photographer is a wonderful cameo, lifting that scene with a quiet fortitude only matched by the sweetness of the couple that he's photographing. The film is no hagiography, nor is it didactic and dry. It uses its form to articulately beautifully the content, that the affection between two people is only poisoned by those that wish to interfere. A hurricane may surround them, but for these two individuals the goal isn't to change the law or the world, but simply to be left in piece to snuggle on a couch without prejudice or interference. The echoes of the case resonate decades later, as civil rights continue to be fought for. Some five decades on, the story feels both ancient and present, as we cannot comprehend the vile restrictions of one group while others continue to fight for their own recognition. For the entire film I sat poised, waiting for it to devolve into some Kevin Costner-style courtroom bash, with bold proclamations about liberty accompanied by a sweeping orchestral theme. That film could be made, and Nichols has admitted that much. Yet, blessedly, this is not that film. This is one where the members of the U.S. Supreme Court are blurred out, where their actual disembodied voices call upon the lawyers, with the ramifications of the case on point rather than the machinations of the brash lawyers. There may be no film more important this year, no performances more moving, no film more beautifully and poetically directed than Loving. It's a film of true splendour, patience and loveliness, a showcase of tremendous direction and performance that deserves to be the part of any serious discussion of this year's great films. Review originally published during the Cannes Film Festival in May 2016. The film opens in select theaters in the U.S. on Friday, November 4, via Focus Features. Beneath its cheerful surfaces, a noxious message underlies Trolls. The latest production from Dreamworks Animation features highly colorful visuals to enhance the tuneful karaoke of the primary narrative. The setup is that the monstrous, evil race of creatures known as Bergens can only be happy if they eat the tiny, happy race of creatures known as Trolls. This only happens once a year; the rest of the time, the Bergens stalk through their daily affairs in a miserable mood. The Trolls, on the other hand, are always happy, especially since the day 20 years before when their leader, King Peppy (voiced by Jeffrey Tambor) managed to save them all, including his daughter Poppy (voiced by Anna Kendrick). The Trolls went into hiding, but they all remain cheerful, except for one grouchy soul. Branch (voiced by Justin Timberlake) is the sole voice of reason, warning his fellow Trolls to always stay on guard and to reject large gatherings or loud celebrations of any sort, lest the Bergens discover their whereabouts and come and eat them. Despite Branch being the only Troll with a sense of precaution and preparation, his warnings are ignored and his reasonable attitude is derided with ridicule by one and all. Then the Apocalypse arrives in the form of Chef (voiced by Christine Baranski), a Bergen who was disgraced when the captured Trolls engineered their escape two decades before. She's kept a careful eye out and when the Trolls celebrate too loudly one night, she is ready to pounce, capturing a handful so she can serve them up to the Bergen ruler, King Gristle (voiced by Christopher Mintz-Plasse), in hopes of regaining favor. The ever-optimistic Poppy refuses to give up on her friends, so even as her people retreat into another new hiding place, she sets out on a heroic trek to save them, betraying the trust of Branch -- by invading his well-prepared storehouse -- so that he'll accompany her. Poppy preaches, in essence, 'Don't prep; be happy.' Why worry about or prepare for disasters? Just sing and dance and hug, and somehow all your needs will be provided for ... by God, god, or some other deity? No, but by the single Troll who made advance preparations! And when those supplies run out? Don't worry! Be happy! This is the kind of pie in the sky mentality that may reassure little children as they are embraced by loving parents in comfortable material surroundings. For everyone else, however, it's a recipe for further disaster. After singing and dancing, Poppy and Branch eventually reach the land of the Bergens, a race of unattractive people who are dour and unhappy all day long. There they meet up with a potential Bergen ally, allowing pretty, happy Poppy to work her optimistic magic on the not-so-pretty, unhappy thing. In real life and in the movies, it's always pretty, happy people who tell not-so-pretty, unhappy people, "Oh, you just have to ignore all *my* advantages! True beauty lies within!" Uh, huh. The movie is inspired by a line of Troll Dolls, first created in 1959; Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger are credited with the screenplay, based on a story by Erica Rivonoja. Aibel and Berger have cooked up scripts for Kung Fu Panda, Monsters vs. Aliens, and The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water. Director Mike Mitchell has both live-action (Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo) and animated credits (Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked). Those credits give some idea of the silly sense of humor on display in the movie. Chances are good that young children will not be consciously aware of the incessant messaging that is communicated by Trolls and, even for adults, it may be entirely possibly to walk away from the experience and remember only the surface cheeriness. Without such pleasant distractions in mind, however, the militantly positive vibes are much more difficult to swallow. The movie is already playing in many territories worldwide. It opens wide in theaters in most other territories, including Canada and the U.S., this weekend, November 3-4. Seguin, TX (78155) Today Mostly cloudy this morning. A few showers developing during the afternoon. High 74F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low around 60F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Could Setser case be a SCOTUS sleeper rather than a sentencing snoozer? | Main | Feds asking for prison term of 15 to 20 years for Rod Blagojevich November 30, 2011 "Racial Critiques of Mass Incarceration: Beyond the New Jim Crow" The title of this post is the title of this new piece now available via SSRN from Professor James Forman Jr. Here is the abstract: In the five decades since black Americans won their civil rights, hundreds of thousands have lost their liberty. Blacks now make up a larger portion of the prison population than they did at the time of Brown v. Board of Education, and their lifetime risk of incarceration has doubled. Mass incarcerations racial dimensions have led an emerging group of scholars to call the American criminal justice system a new form of Jim Crow. This Article examines the New Jim Crow analogy. I begin by pointing out that the analogy is extraordinarily compelling in some respects for example, the analogy effectively draws attention to the injustices created by a facially race-neutral system that severely ostracizes offenders and stigmatizes young, poor black men as criminals. But despite its contributions, the Jim Crow analogy ultimately leads to a distorted view of mass incarceration. First, the Jim Crow analogy oversimplifies the origins of mass incarceration by highlighting the role of politicians seeking to exploit racial fears while minimizing other historical factors. Second, the analogy has too little to say about black attitudes towards crime and punishment, masking the nature and extent of black support for punitive crime policy. Third, the analogys exclusive focus on the War on Drugs diverts our attention from violent crime a troubling oversight given the toll that violence takes on low-income black communities and the fact that violent offenders make up a plurality of the prison population. Fourth, the Jim Crow analogy obscures the fact that mass incarcerations impact has been almost exclusively concentrated among the most disadvantaged African-Americans. Fifth, the analogy draws our attention away from the harms that mass incarceration inflicts on other racial groups, including whites and Hispanics. Finally, the analogy diminishes our understanding of the particular harms associated with the old Jim Crow. November 30, 2011 at 02:58 PM | Permalink TrackBack TrackBack URL for this entry: https://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451574769e2015437a1b29c970c Listed below are links to weblogs that reference "Racial Critiques of Mass Incarceration: Beyond the New Jim Crow": Comments It's obvious from this article that Mr. Forman does believe that mass incarceration is a huge problem in America,and there are probably as many ways to address that problem as there are scholars and others concerned about it. So if Mr. Forman doesn't agree with the context in which Michelle Alexander presents this problem, it seems his time would be better spent, and the American public could become better informed if he presented the problem of mass incarceration from his viewpoint, instead of criticizing the way Ms. Alexander presented the problem. This is especially true since he and Mrs. Alexander appear to be on the same side. He could save the criticism for the proponents of mass incarceration, and there are many. Posted by: msyoung | Nov 30, 2011 10:27:17 PM All racial disparities in criminality, incarceration, victimization, are explained by one factor, caused by the feminist lawyer. Bastardy. The feminist lawyer paid the black female to spawn bastards with massive welfare payments, contingent on excluding the father. Why? Fatherless bastards generate the necessity for massive government services starting from high rates of neonatal prematurity, costing a $ million in neonatal intensive care, through special education to long placements in prisons. Before whites feel smug, the feminist lawyer is coming after the white family from all sides, including the recognition of homosexual marriage, making a mere contract like others, and the federalization of the collection of child support. Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Dec 1, 2011 2:44:53 AM Post a comment 87-year-old Bay Area grocery chain Andronico's announced today that they're being acquired by Safeway in a deal that will, at least, preserve the company's remaining store employees' jobs and some of the stores' character. As they said in a release, the parent company that acquired them in 2011 following bankruptcy, Renovo Capital, as reached a deal with Safeway to sell the remaining five Andronico's locations in Berkeley, Los Altos, San Anselmo, and San Francisco. The stores, the full name of which is Andronico's Community Markets, will begin carrying Safeway's O Organics brand soon, and will transition to the new moniker Safeway Community Market, as CBS 5 reports. The Business Times notes that Andronico's revealed between $10 and $50 million in debt when they declared bankruptcy five years ago, and subsequently closed and sold off three of its stores, including two in Berkeley. At its height, the chain had 14 stores in the Bay Area which had been whittled down to eight by 2011. Tom Schwilke, president of Safeway Northern California, said in the statement, "Andronicos Community Markets have developed a well-respected brand and loyal customer base, and we are committed to keeping the local heritage alive." And, it should be noted, Andronico's has had a long tradition of doing prepared Thanksgiving Day meals which will continue this November, at least, and you can get $20 off a turkey or ham meal if you order by November 15 and use the promo code THANKSGIVING20. San Jose is getting out in front of California Proposition 64, which, if passed, would legalize recreational marijuana in the Golden State. Recalling the headache of medical marijuana legalization two decades ago "At one point we had over 100 marijuana dispensaries," ABC 7 quotes Vice Mayor Rose Herrera as saying, and she characterized the scene as once being the "Wild West" local lawmakers have moved to prohibit recreational marijuana in San Jose. City Council members voted unanimously yesterday to adopt an urgency ordinance, Bay City News reports, a maneuver that would put the brakes on recreational pot in the city, which advocates say will allow time to consider legalization on a local timeframe after consulting with community groups and holding public hearings. "State [law] would allow any resident to grow marijuana in their backyard," San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said according to ABC 7, "but not everyone wants to live next door to the odor of marijuana growing in the backyard." Such literal NIMBYism is so rare that Liccardo's statement is sort of refreshing! While San Jose's urgency ordinance would halt sales of recreational pot, as well as cultivation, manufacture, and distribution of non-medical marijuana products in the event of legalization, it wouldn't and couldn't criminalize recreational pot use if Prop 64 passes. That measure calls to allow 28.5 grams of recreational use marijuana per person over the age of 21, also providing for 4 to 8 grams of concentrated cannabis products per person and six living pot plants. The proposition allows cities to prohibit or otherwise regulate outdoor cultivation of pot plants but not to regulate indoor cultivation. Prop 64 would also create a state Marijuana Tax Fund, 60 percent of which would go to youth substance abuse prevention and treatment. Another 20 percent would go to law enforcement, and another 20 percent would be distributed to environmental groups charged with marijuana related cleanup and enforcement. A state program to allow recreational marijuana businesses to begin selling pot, no medical card needed, would begin issuing permits in 2018. Meanwhile the Chronicle writes that Oakland is scrambling to get its house in order regarding pot laws: The city council was scheduled to discuss changes to controversial marijuana business permitting decisions made in May, but a vote planned for last night was postponed until November 14. The thing thats sending shock waves is the incredible instability and insecurity being caused by the uncertainty and delays in the citys process, said the consultant Jason Overman, a former aide to Rebecca Kaplan who is a consultant to pot-based businesses. Several council members who had originally approved of May's measures have withdrawn their support and expressed a wish to revisit the legislation. "The amendments introduced in May 2016, and ultimately adopted by the council, were brokered at the last moment without community outreach, three members of the council wrote in a late September memo. Those, in particular, involved social restitution measures like setting aside half of the city's permits for marijuana businesses to give them to people who were jailed on marijuana convictions in Oakland over the past decade or to those who have live in an area of East Oakland that had particularly high arrest rates for marijuana crimes in 2013. Such measures are aimed to acknowledge the disproportionate effect that the so-called war on drugs had on communities of color, but some lawyers and cannabis business insiders say the criteria are too specific and could damage the local industry. Related: Puff, Puff, Vote: Recreational Marijuana Will Be On California's November Ballot 2016 is turning out to be a doozy for Food Network star and longtime Napa chef Michael Chiarello. As Eater first reported, Chiarello got picked up early Wednesday morning for a DUI in Napa County, and he was also subsequently charged with possession of a controlled substance the substance in question remains unnamed. This incident, which happened at 3:27 a.m. Wednesday approximately two and a half miles from his Yountville flagship restaurant Bottega (per the Chron) comes on the heels of a pair of lawsuits by former employees that were announced in March pertaining to sexual harassment and underpayment of wages. Two former servers at Chiarello's three-year-old San Francisco restaurant Coqueta, Asja Sever and Katherine Page, are suing Chiarello along with Coqueta chef de cuisine Dominick Maietta and general manager Mirko Galliani for various alleged gross-sounding behavior involving the suggestive stroking of baguettes and use of the terms "snail trail" and "lazy cunt." Unless a settlement takes place before then, the case is expected to go to trial in July 2017. At the time those lawsuits went public, Chiarello vehemently denied the charges and said via a spokesperson that the claims were "unfounded" and "against his core beliefs." As of 2013, Chiarello was riding a wave of newfound accolades following the opening of the Spanish-inspired Coqueta, which garnered a James Beard Award nomination and landed him as Esquire's Chef of the Year. Previously, Chiarello had gained fame as executive chef at St. Helena's Tra Vigne restaurant, leading to his own Napa-based food shows on the Food Network, and to his appearance on the first season of Top Chef Masters, where he made it to the final three alongside fellow Bay Area chef Hubert Keller, and Rick Bayless. According to Eater, via public records, Chiarello was arrested just after 4 a.m. yesterday and was released on $5,000 bail at 7:28 a.m. SFist has reached out to Chiarello's team for comment, but we've yet to receive a response. Previously: Celebrity Chef Michael Chiarello Accused Of Sexually Harassing Female And Gay Employees In SF The air was cool and thick with the smell of burning sage near Garfield Square in the Mission District last night, where Dia De Los Muertos celebrants gathered following a neighborhood procession as part of the traditional Meso-American holiday. There, elaborate altars honored ancestors and lost loved ones, but the occasion was far from solemn, with drums, music, exuberant dancing, and intricate costumes on display. Celebrated in San Francisco since the early 1970's, Dia De Los Muertos also has a rich history of taking on political and social justice issues. In past years, the many families and individuals displaced from the rapidly gentrifying Mission District have been honored alongside deceased family members. This year, one altar was dedicated to the men killed at the Pulse night club in Orlando. Another remembered the names of victims of police shootings, picturing them as birds. Above, a few photos of the lively event. Perhaps Hillary Clinton didn't hear the chorus of boos that greeted Mayor Ed Lee in May when he introduced her at a campaign event in San Francisco his name is now reportedly being bandied about as her potential pick for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary or Education Secretary should she secure the presidency next week. The Hill had the news in a long list of other high-profile suggestions put forward by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and Congressional Black Caucus, sometimes referred to together as the Tri-Caucus. Clinton, the Hill writes, is "under enormous pressure to ensure racial diversity" on her cabinet, and Mayor Lee has consistently campaigned for her, rallying in Seattle in March and frequently tweeting out his support. In May, Clinton and Lee met for tea and talk of housing in San Francisco's Chinatown according the Chronicle. Lee, the first Asian-American mayor of San Francisco, was born in Seattle to parents who emigrated from China's Guangdong Province. He arrived in the Bay Area in 1975 to attend Berkeley's law school and soon joined the Asian Law Caucus to work on housing issues. He put off taking the bar exam in order to lead San Francisco's first organized rent-strike in 1978, as the New York Times recalled. In 2013, Lee's name was also floated in national political circles as a possible replacement for an outgoing US ambassador to China. Lee later said he had "no interest" in the job according to SFGate, but then again, he expressed similarly stated disinterest in running for mayor as you may recall, soooo.... If Lee were chosen to serve under Clinton and accepted the job, he'd leave the mayor's office sort of as he found it, when then-mayor Gavin Newsom resigned to become Lieutenant Governor, leading the Board of Supervisors to appoint interim Mayor Ed Lee. Let the speculation begin... Mayor London Breed, anyone? Related: Hillary Clinton Stumps In San Francisco, Meanwhile Ed Lee Gets Booed Uber is on the receiving end of another lawsuit this week, and this time it's not from the ride-hail company's "driver-partners". Rather, according to the Chronicle, in a lawsuit filed yesterday in federal court taxi cab company Flywheel (formerly DeSoto Cab) alleges that Uber is practicing predatory pricing and violating antitrust rules in an effort to drive competitors out of business and establish a monopoly. Basically, Flywheel says Uber is using all that venture capital money to artificially deflate the cost of its service making it impossible for regular cab companies to compete. "Uber has been able to maintain below-cost pricing for its UberX and UberXL services in the San Francisco Ride-Hail Market due to vast reserves of capital invested with the expectation of reaping extraordinary future returns, Bloomberg quotes the complaint as reading. In adopting this approach, Uber has veered from free market principles and artificially deflated fares of UberX and UberXL to prices below cost in an effort to drive competitors out of the market. Flywheel, which takes its name from a Redwood City-based ride-hail app for taxis, is the name adopted by the former DeSoto Cab company in 2015 in an effort to better compete with Lyft and Uber. As DeSoto, the company has been operating in San Francisco since the 1930s making them one of the oldest operating tax operation in the city BuzzFeed calls them the oldest, but that may in fact be Luxor, founded in 1928. This lawsuit is about holding Uber responsible for their unlawful practices, Flywheel Taxi CEO Hansu Kim told the Chron. It is not about stifling competition or technological innovations. We want all on-demand taxi services to be treated fairly under the law, and competing on an even playing field." Uber, unsurprisingly, disagrees with the allegations. We compete with lots of ways to get around, especially car ownership, Uber spokesman Matt Kallman told Bloomberg. Our technology lets us make our network more efficient over time, and innovations like uberPOOL are further lowering prices, making ridesharing more available to more people. Flywheel, explained the director of the Stanford Program in Law, Science and Technology to the Chronicle, will likely have a tough case to make. The complaint that a competitor charges too little money is usually not evidence of a secret conspiracy to drive everyone out of the market and then raise prices," observed professor Mark Lemley. "[It's] usually [made by] someone who is failing to compete in the market and is upset about it. If the suit fails, maybe Flywheel can apply for Legacy Business status as a backup plan something that competitor Luxor recently was granted. Related: Flywheel Taxi Sues For Cities To Regulate Uber And Lyft This year's presidential campaign isn't the only one flaunting historical precedent. Right here on the local level, the competition for seats on the Board of Supervisors has drawn in huge amounts of outside money that has the potential to tip the board's balance of power from the progressive camp to the mayor's moderate wing. The Examiner reports that two candidates have been the primary beneficiaries of the cash influx, and that the numbers involved dwarf what is being spent on their competitors. Almost $700,000 has been spent in support of both District 1 candidate Marjan Philhour and District 11 candidate Ahsha Safai that's for each of them, not a combined total. For comparison, the Ex reports that one of Philhour's opponents, Sandra Lee Fewer, has benefited from roughly $52,000 in outside spending. "The question voters should ask is, What are they getting for all this money they are spending in this election and what favors are they getting? another D1 candidate, David Lee, told the paper. What is all this money going to buy these people, these companies like Airbnb? Lee is perhaps referring to money spent by tech industry-backed group Progress San Francisco, which has spent over a $1 million on local campaigns. Airbnb, Facebook, and LinkedIn are all major contributors to Progress SF. So far, outside spending has topped $1.8 million dollars combined in Supervisors races surpassing the 2014 record of $1.5 million. The Chronicle reports that this trend of increased outside spending is not limited to Board of Supervisors races, and has manifested in local propositions with opposition to the soda tax drawing in the most dollars. Proposition V, as the local measure is called, would impose a penny-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (think soda and energy drinks), and that has drawn the ire of the American Beverage Association a group with represents companies like Coca-Cola and Red Bull. An estimated total of $21.3 million has been spent by the ABA and other groups in opposition to Prop V a number higher than spending on all other 23 local measures combined. This concentrated outside spending against Prop V is in some ways mirrored by the money being dumped into the supervisors races it's lopsided both in the amount given and the limited number of recipients. However, whether it will ultimately be enough to tip the scales is anyone's guess. [Cash] is rarely enough to win a competitive election," associate professor of political science at San Francisco State University Jason McDaniel told the Examiner. "Endorsements are far more important. Related: SF Billionaire Activist Tom Steyer Officially Becomes Biggest Spender In 2016 Election In what will likely come as a surprise to even the most jaded of San Francisco's pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, we learn via a Department of Public Heath report that half of all the injuries treated in SF General Hospital are a result of traffic collisions. The Examiner picked up the report, which covers 2012 through 2014, and noted that treatment of those injuries ended up costing around $30.5 million a year. Of the more than 4,000 patients observed, injured pedestrians required 44 percent of the annual treatment expenditures. Next came motorists (drivers or passengers) at 22 percent, followed by motorcyclists at 18 percent, and cyclists at 16 percent. That, according to the DPH study, traffic-related injuries outpace all other categories for cause of injury including falls, cuts/pierces, firearms, and assault does not sit well with pedestrian-advocacy group Walk SF. Were astounded to learn that half of all San Francisco trauma victims are transportation-related traffic crashes, Walk SF executive director Nicole Ferrara told the Ex. This report casts new light on Vision Zero and the effort to reduce traffic fatalities on city streets to zero by 2024. By focusing on the number of traffic-related deaths, as opposed to all injuries, it is perhaps too easy to overlook the true scale of the danger people face navigating San Francisco streets. This analysis puts into perspective the pervasiveness of traffic crashes in our society and the urgent need to invest in proven strategies to prevent crashes, Ferrara told the paper. According to city statistics, around 30 people die and 200 are "seriously injured" on San Francisco streets each year. Although, as the below SF Gov chart shows, the 2016 fiscal year has tragically surpassed that number of deaths. Related: Slain Cyclist's Family Argues City Should Stop Removing Memorials A man visiting a friend at her San Francisco home was injured this morning, when two men instructed their dog to attack the guest. It all began at around 2:50 a.m. Thursday, according to the San Francisco Police Department, when the 53-year-old victim arrived at a home on the first block of Dakota Street, which is part of the Potrero Terrace public housing complex. The man, police say, was there to visit the 30-year-old female resident of the home, but when he arrived he was instead confronted by two 30-year-old males. "They got in a physical altercation," police say, punching and kicking the visitor. Then, according to the SFPD, they "called on their dog (pit bull) to attack [the victim] as well." The man was left with head injuries and lacerations, as well as dog bites to the arm and ankle, police say. He refused treatment for the injuries, which police say are not life-threatening. According to the SFPD, no arrests have been made in the case. As of publication time, information on the status and location of the dog who was instructed to attack the victim was not available. Related: Pit Bull Once Sentenced To Die Continues To Attack Other Dogs Expand Paul Molitor with the Blue Jays in 1993 When the Brewers finished the 1992 season just short the playoffs, designated hitter Paul Molitor had just completed the finest two-year stretch of this storied career. He batted over .320 both seasons, made two all-star teams, and was in perhaps the healthiest stretch of his career. In 1991, he led the league in runs, hits, and triples. In 1992, he was the spark plug in a surprising Brewers offensive attack and stole 31 bases the eighth time in his career he had swiped 30 bags or more. He had also just completed a 3-year, $9.6 million contract that was signed before the 1990 season. The 1992 Brewers had posted the franchises best record since the 1982 pennant-winning club and it was apparent to fans and players alike that the team needed Molitor back in the fold if they were to have any chance of competing in 93. Molitor himself said publically that he wanted to stay in Milwaukee with the only organization he had ever known. And few people could imagine Molly wearing anything but the Brewers blue when the next season opened. Even before the offseason free agency period began, the Brewers were pleading poor. General manager Sal Bando, in his first year on the job, said that retaining Molitor was his top goal, but did not know how budgetary matters might affect the process. The team already seemed resigned to losing pitchers Chris Bosio and Dan Plesac to free agency, both of whom were career Brewers and major contributors in 92. And as the days and weeks passed, there was stunningly little news about the Brewers plans with Molitor. Stay on top of the news of the day Subscribe to our free, daily e-newsletter to get Milwaukee's latest local news, restaurants, music, arts and entertainment and events delivered right to your inbox every weekday, plus a bonus Week in Review email on Saturdays. SIGN UP Nearly a month after the end of the regular season, Molitor reiterated his preference to stay in Milwaukee, but admitted that he was frustrated with the lack of communication from the club and said that he heard nothing from Bando about a new contract. I dont have any idea what [the Brewers] are thinking right now, Molitor said. He also confirmed the rumor that he was going to begin entertaining offers from other clubs. Meanwhile, Bando said he was holding off any decisions until after the November 17 expansion draft that would stock the rosters of brand-new Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins. Embed from Getty Images Brewers GM Sal Bandos efforts at retaining Molitor were both financially and strategically half-hearted Just after the draft, the Brewers made a surprise trade with the Rockies, swapping young outfielder (and future all-star) Dante Bichette for Kevin Reimer, a 29-year-old who had spent the majority of his career as a designated hitter Molitors position. Days later, it was reported that the Brewers payroll would be slashed by as much as $8 million from $30m to $22m after an alleged total of $10 million in operating losses over the past two years. The early 90s Brewers had been somewhat free-spenders, handing out contracts worth a total of $22 million to Franklin Stubbs, Ron Robinson, and Ted Higuera before the 1991 season (the Brewers got virtually no production from that money) while players like Molitor and Robin Yount were in the midst of generous extensions. But now, Bando and team president Bud Selig were trying to reverse this trend. On November 20, Bando offered some less-than-encouraging hints about how the team would approach the Molitor situation. He told the Journal that the team would treat Molitor as a designated hitter during the negotiations a role Bando considered to be less valuable than a position player. Bando noted that the last deal Molitor signed was drawn up when the player was still the teams regular third baseman, an indication that he expected Molitor to take a pay cut, even after two straight MVP-caliber seasons. It was not until November 24 a full month after the World Series ended that the team and Molitor finally got together to talk. The Brewers had left themselves with just two weeks to negotiate before the December 7 arbitration deadline. If the Brewers did not come to terms with Molitor or offer him arbitration by that date (if offered arbitration, Molitor would have the option of accepting and allowing a third party to decide on a salary for a one-year contract that both side would be bound to accept), they would lose the rights to negotiate with him until the following May, virtually guaranteeing he would sign elsewhere. Embed from Getty Images Molitor wanted badly to remain with the only organization he had ever known Bando was adamant that the Brewers would not offer Molitor arbitration, and told the press that their budget restrictions would require a creative contract package. On November 30, the Brewers made their first offer: a one-year deal with a base salary far less than his 1992 pay of $3.2 million with various incentives and deferred pay that, taken together, still amounted to pay cut. Three days later, Molitor rejected the offer and said he would not take a reduction in pay. Meanwhile, the Brewers resigned reliever Jesse Orosco, who had pitched all of 39 innings in 1992, to $1 million pact. Friends of the Shepherd Help support Milwaukee's locally owned free weekly newspaper. LEARN MORE The day after his rejection, the Brewers countered with a second offer. According to Molitors agent, the second deal would have paid $1 million in base salary for 1993, with another $1.3 million deferred, without interest, over the next five years. The team also wanted a $2 million option for 1994. I dont know if we closed the gap or not, Bando told the Journal. Thats about it unless we print more money. Molitor was taken aback by the way the team was treating him. Bando was publically acting as though Molitor was lucky to get their offers, while Selig was disengaged from the entire ordeal, seemingly more focused on his role as acting commissioner. This whole negotiation and the way it has transpired has been an unexpected sequence of events for me, Molitor said. Im trying not to take it personally. Its not what I expected, but Im not offended. On December 7, with the Brewers still insisting they could not afford to offer arbitration (the mostly likely deal would have been for about $4 million), Molitor rejected the second offer and it seemed as though his tenure with the Brewers was over. With Molitor at home in Mequon, his agent was in Nashville at the winter meetings. Rumors had it that his likely landing spots included Toronto, Boston, and California. If I thought their offer was reasonable, Molitor said, Id be more hesitant to leave. As the zero hour approached, Bando and Selig suddenly jumped back into the negotiations. With less than an hour before the deadline, Selig unexpectedly called Molitor with an arbitration offer while Bando announced the move to the media. When Selig was speaking to me, Molitor later recalled, all I could think of was that we were down to the last hour and hes doing something thats going to play with my emotions. Just before Selig made the call, however, the Blue Jays had agreed in principle with Molitor on a 2-year, $9 million contract. When Molitors agent told Bando about the deal, he said that the Brewers GM was relieved. Relieved evidently that Torontos offer was so great that Molitor would be forced to decline arbitration, preserving the Brewer budget and making it appear as though they had done their all to retain him. Molitors declining of arbitration would also necessitate that the Blue Jays send the Brewers their first-round draft choice in 1993 (the Brewers would also get a second sandwich pick between the first and second rounds as compensation). Still, the Jays were so concerned about Molitor taking the lesser deal to stay in Milwaukee that they added a third year and $4 million to their offer. But Molitor was not taken with the last-minute appeal. He agreed to the deal with Toronto that evening. The reaction in Milwaukee was as foul as could be expected. Bando, continuing his series of unfortunate public comments on the matter, blamed the fans for the Brewers poor financial situation and the loss of Molitor. If all the fans are upset, he said, Where were they the last 15 years when we had him? In looking to the future, he was downright delusional. I think we're every bit as good as last year's team, He told the Journal. Selig also downplayed the loss. Before people overreact, he told the media, I will tell you this right now: We will be a very, very competitive club next year. The 1993 Brewers went 69-93, their worst mark in a decade, while Molitor had one of the greatest seasons of his career and won the World Series with the Blue Jays. Kevin Reimer, taking over as Milwaukees DH, hit .249 in 1993 and never played in the major again. Dante Bichette became one of the Rockies biggest stars and made four all star teams in Colorado. With the two compensation draft picks the Brewers received for losing Molitor, they picked pitchers Kelly Wunsch and Joe Wagner. Neither ever played in the majors for the Brewers. Molitor played five more season after 1993 and totaled over 1,000 hits in his post-Brewers career. In 1988, Jesse Musa, a native of Jerusalem who immigrated to the United States in 1971, opened Milwaukees first Middle Eastern restaurant, The Sahara Inn, on 7th and Mitchell St on the south side. Three years later, Musa would change the name to what is now one of the most recognized names in Milwaukee dining and nightlife, Casablanca. Over the years, there have been multiple location changes. There was a stint from 1993-1996 on Oakland Ave. Then Musa brought the restaurant back to the original location in 1996, where they stayed on with a family restaurant theme until Musas retirement in 2003. Casablanca didnt remain out of the citys restaurant scene long. In 2005, Musas sons Al, Ramzi and Nas, reopened Casablanca at its current location, 728 E Brady St. This iteration of the family business brought back the original concept of a place to be immersed in Middle Eastern culture, with an authentic menu, belly dancers and a new addition, hookah. Hookah quickly became an extremely popular aspect of the restaurant; though Al says when he first introduced it many people didnt even know what it was. After some time he found that it became a ritual for some people to come in, eat and then smoke hookah. Friends of the Shepherd Help support Milwaukee's locally owned free weekly newspaper. LEARN MORE This education in Middle Eastern culture that goes along with the dining experience is a point of pride for Al. Its always good to be able to educate people on culture and heritage, he says. Whats nice about Casablanca is that its one of the most diverse establishments in the city. We have people from all different walks of life, ethnicities and religions, and they sit at the bar and talk with one another. A lot of people come in that may not understand the Middle Eastern culture, but they come in and can get a better understanding. In 2013 Casablanca underwent a massive renovation project, which was spurred by the popularity they encountered on Brady St. This project included adding a second floor to the restaurant, and building a whole new kitchen. Though this was a giant undertaking, they did it all without closing for even a single day. When we first opened on Brady Street we already had a large following in the city, Al says. Business went really well, and one of the issues we immediately had was accommodating our guests with the facilities that we had. Another key aspect of the restaurant is the lunch buffet, which has been a staple since they opened. This completely vegetarian buffet includes falafel, hummus, salad, baba ghanouj and lentil soup, with items rotate every day to keep it diverse. Due to the massive renovations, the location of the buffet recently changed from the first to the second floor of the building, and can now accommodate larger groups and allows patrons to enjoy the patio. Al is now working on a second Casablanca location that he plans on opening by the spring of 2017. Though business is expanding, Casablanca remains a family operation. Jesse Musa is still running the kitchen, along with Al, his brothers and his nephew, who can still be seen there. Weve grown to be a pretty large facility, but it still has that mom and pop feel, Al says. Rabbi Y. Y. Jacobson, a 5 minute video that everyone should watch. Those who already understand will appreciate his explanation to those who... [If you did not see Part 1 click here to watch ] What will happen in the final war of "Gog and Magog" at the End of Days? Who are ... Rabbi Efraim Palvanov Where did all the water for the Great Flood come from, and is it scientifically possible? Was Noahs Ark a simple wood... HT: AG "A soul like his does not descend in every generation, it descends once in many generations" Rav Shlomo Yehudah Be'eri... Rabbi Aaron L Raskin [28 min video] After being isolated for two years from the pandemic, COVID-19, the year of Hakhel is like a breath of... Just about everyone who was big in country music during the last 50 years was at Wednesdays Country Music Association awards. Starting with an all-star cast singing country hits and continuing through dozens of performances, it was like old home week for folks who have the bullet-shaped trophies on their mantels. While fans of bro country might not have enjoyed the evening, it was the awards show true followers have been wanting for years. Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood sang classic songs; Alan Jackson offered Remember When (while several acceptance speeches rolled by). Barbara Mandrell, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton provided perspective and Randy Travis, back on stage for the first time after a stroke, tossed in the hook from his hit, Forever and Ever Amen. There were enough tearful moments for everyone. To reinforce this was the place to be (sorry, World Series), Taylor Swift was there, too, and Beyonce joined the Dixie Chicks for a song that proved, eventually, everyone goes country. While Garth Brooks won Entertainer of the Year, no one dominated the night. Indeed, for the first two hours plus, it was just a string of solo wins: Thomas Rhett for Single of the Year; Humble and Kind for Song of the Year; Maren Morris for Newcomer of the Year; Eric Church for Album of the Year; Brothers Osborne for Best Duo (an upset over Florida Georgia Line); Little Big Town for Vocal Group; Carrie Underwood for Female Vocalist; Chris Stapleton for Male Vocalist. Interestingly, the newer stuff (particularly Luke Bryan swinging to a dorky L.O.V.E.) didnt hold up to the veterans work -- like the Oak Ridge Boys singing Elvira, Brooks and Dunn sharing Brand New Man (with an off-key Jason Aldean) or Lee Greenwood singing Proud to Be an American in really high key. Carrie Underwood and Maren Morris probably moved lots of records with their wowser performances and Tim McGraws Humble and Kind had the kind of production values that should be remembered when theyre looking for presidential inauguration performances. A tribute to a veteran star was something the CMAs always used to do (particularly when they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame) and Monday the producers did it up right when they saluted Dolly Parton with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Reba, Jennifer Nettles, Carrie, Martina McBride and Kacey Musgraves sang a medley of her hits and joined forces for I Will Always Love You while Dolly sang along in the audience and cried. It was a moment for the ages. Co-host Brad Paisley followed with a stirring Today that was set to a series of videos of past winners. Although its unlikely the Emmy folks would consider this, Wednesdays CMA Awards show deserves an award for its ability to capture five decades of thrills in one night. It was, in short, spectacular. EMERSON, Neb. | Authorities are investigating a suspicious death after a body was found Wednesday in Dixon County after evidence was found at a residence near Emerson. Dakota County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Tim Decker said authorities were called to 2605 Highway 35 around 10:30 a.m. "We found some blood and that led us to some suspects and (that) led us to finding a deceased person in Dixon County," Decker said. Decker would not release any other information. The Nebraska State Patrol, the Dakota and Dixon county sheriff's offices and the Dakota County Attorney's Office are investigating. CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa | A Kingsley, Iowa, dog kennel operator was placed on probation Thursday for making false statements regarding funds involving a judgment against his company. In addition to the three-year probation period, Chief Judge Linda Reade ordered Gerhard Felts, also known as Gary Felts, 61, to remain current on his monthly payments from a previous civil judgment and pay a $100 special assessment. Felts pleaded guilty in July in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids to one count of making false statements to the United States. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Felts, doing business as Black Diamond Kennel, provided false financial information to federal authorities trying to collect on his debt from the civil judgment, which was made against Felts in March 2011 based upon the conditions of his dog kennel. Felts did not disclose a checking account opened in April 2011, a savings account opened in April 2013 and a receipt of workers compensation payments in the amount of $25,000. Since talk about studying whether to increase the minimum wage for Woodbury County began in June, we have opposed the idea. We are opposed to the idea of a local study not because we necessarily oppose an increase in the minimum wage (the Legislature voted to raise the minimum wage to the current $7.25 per hour in 2007), but because we believe this discussion should take place at the state level. We do not have a position on a minimum-wage increase for Iowa today, but we are open-minded to a discussion of the issue during next year's legislative session. To this end, we welcome comments about the minimum wage made by Gov. Terry Branstad in answer to a question at his weekly news conference on Oct. 24. Branstad said he wants to meet with Iowa House and Senate leaders before the next legislative session begins to discuss the minimum wage. He isn't necessarily advocating for an increase at this point, but he's open to a bipartisan review of the issue in response to minimum-wage action and discussion in several individual counties. In addition to discussion in Woodbury County, boards of supervisors in Johnson, Linn, Wapello and Polk counties have voted to raise the local minimum wage above the state level. "I would prefer that we have a uniform statewide minimum wage rather than a hodgepodge of county-by-county, city-by-city minimum wages ...," Branstad said. Like Branstad, we see no value for the state as a whole in having a patchwork of minimum-wage levels. Our hope is Branstad's remarks on the issue redirect the focus of minimum-wage debate here in Woodbury County from the county courthouse in Sioux City to the Statehouse in Des Moines where it belongs. I urge my neighbors in Sioux City to join me in supporting Chris Hall for the Iowa House. Chris has served our community effectively the past six years. He grew up here, he has been a champion for our schools and employers, and he's motivated to work hard for the changes we need. If you live in his district, youve probably had a chance to speak directly with Chris when he is door knocking. People know Chris takes time to listen. He supports legislation that is best for our community, and he cares about the impact it has on every voter, regardless of their political views. With that kind of dedication, I know hell continue to be a strong advocate for Sioux City in the Iowa House. Chris Hall has earned another term. - Amy DeGroot-Hammer, Sioux City URBANDALE | Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani told conservative Iowa voters Wednesday that Democrat Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign is "sinking fast" and Republican Donald Trump can win next week's election by picking up some of the key swing states in play like Iowa. Giuliani, one of Trump's leading surrogates and a long-time friend, told members of the Westside Conservative Club the presidential race in Iowa "is very close" and could help tip the balance for Trump's quest to be president if his supporters turn out in droves and bring others with them to the polls next Tuesday. "If we can pick up our fair share of the swing states, he's going to be the president," Giuliani told an overflow crowd. "We don't have to win all of these. We've got to win some of these and she's sinking fast. I don't know if she can hang on. Maybe we'll get one more flop, let's see." The former New York mayor lambasted Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, as a "criminal family" with scandals dating back to their days in Arkansas through their White House years and now with allegations of wrongdoing related to Hillary's mishandling of sensitive documents via her private email server and revelations about the Clinton foundation's financial dealings. During a question-and-answer session, Giuliani said he expects attempts at a November surprise with "all kinds of bombs coming out of the Clinton campaign in the next couple of days against Donald Trump - most of them I hope are going to explode in their hands." He also expects more developments about Clinton will be forthcoming from WikiLeaks and the FBI in the closing days before Tuesday's election. "They're going to see it's a bunch of nonsense, a bunch of silly things in comparison to obstruction of justice, perjury, putting national security out there for people to see," Giuliani said of the Clintons, adding in response to a questioner that "I think if Clinton should get elected, I guarantee you in one year she'll be impeached and indicted. It's just going to happen. We're going to sort of vote for a Watergate." If Trump is elected, Giuliani said he believes the New York billionaire will bring his business experience to run the federal government honestly, efficiently and effectively while getting the economy growing by cutting taxes and regulations that will generate jobs, renegotiating bad trade deals and treaties and rebuilding the military to strength America's position in foreign affairs. "He does not want to go to war. He has no desire to send American troops into harm's way. But, by the same token, he will not hesitate to do that if our country's national interests are at stake or our very, very good allies are under attack. There will be no hesitation and he'll keep them guessing, as opposed to saying there's no boots on the grounds," Giuliani said. "Hillary Clinton is walking around trying to scare people about Donald Trump having his finger near the nuclear button," he added. "What she should be afraid of is having helped to put the nuclear button in the hands of the ayatollah (in Iran) who has killed thousands and thousands of people. That's what she should be worried about." Giuliani's campaign appearance came a few hours after the fatal shooting of two police officers less than 10 miles away. After a moment of silence, the former mayor said he did not want to politicize the tragedy but noted he did not understand "the anger toward police" and lamented that violence is going "up and up and up in this country." Giuliani noted that police killings are up 45 percent while citing recent shootings involving police officers around the country and pointing to incidents of gun violence in Chicago that he said exceeds rates in Afghanistan and Iraq. "We're in a war zone and Chicago is the worst, but it's not alone," he said. Ryan Meyers is a guitar hero even though he admits to not playing especially well. And even though he's rubbed shoulders with members of punk royalty, the 39-year-old downplays his own importance. "Sometimes I feel like the guy who sold paintbrushes to Michelangelo," Meyers said inside his small downtown Sioux City showroom. "I may not be a musician myself but I do know what will make music sound even better." A rocker's mind for business For nearly a decade, Meyers has been designing, manufacturing and selling professional-level electric guitar pedals, amps and guitars under the name Sioux Guitars. "I named the business Sioux Guitars because Sioux City's my hometown," he explained. Just how much merchandise does Meyers sell in his hometown? Well, to be honest, practically none. Instead, Meyers' main clientele consists of the musicians whose photos line Sioux Guitars' Frances Building showroom. His regulars have included such seminal names as hard rock punker Rikk Agnew (Christian Death), glam punk musician Danny Sage (D Generation), and Jonny "2 Bags" Wickersham of the Southern California punk rock institution Social Distortion. Still, he would never turn up his nose at non-punk acts wanting to use his merchandise. After all, there have been plenty of rockers, rockabilly and country stars who've jumped at the chance to use Sioux Guitars' hard-to-miss fire engine red equipment. Oh, did we forget to mention that? It doesn't matter if it's a distortion pedal, an amp speaker cabinet or a bass guitar, Meyers will paint it a bright shade of red. "C'mon, most equipment is strictly black and I wanted to stand out," Meyers said. "Plus, it was a good business decision. Red appeals to punks, rockabilly artists and country musicians alike." He keeps a photo of country superstar Crystal Gayle, standing next to a Sioux Guitar amp, on his business' "wall of fame." "All music is welcome here," Meyers said. And so, apparently, is an appreciation of Sioux City's history. Celebrating Sioux City's rich history Check out the names of Sioux Guitars amps. They're called the Swift, Armour, Cudahy, Raskin and Needham. Ring a bell? Yup, they're named after famous Sioux City packing houses. The names of Sioux Guitars' guitar pedals are just as colorful and, in some cases, maddeningly obscure. For instance, the Flood of 53 Flanger provides an electric guitar with the sound of "a swirling vortex, much like (Sioux City's) Flood of 1953." Effect pedals Court Street Overdrive and the Villa Avenue Distortion are named, respectively, for such legendary music clubs as King's Court and the Cattle Club. OK, fair enough. But what about the pedal named SCPD? Meyers said that one captured the distorted "fuzz"-y sound one associates with 1970s rock. And what's this about an analog delay -- apparently endorsed by New York Dolls' Sylvain Sylvain -- called the Dakota County Delay? "Oh, that," he answered with a wave. "Years ago, I spent a few months at the Dakota County Jail." The highs (and lows) of a rock n roll lifestyle Meyers is quite candid when it comes to his past. From a youth spent selling hot dogs at the aforementioned King's Court ("I was known as the 'Wiener Boy," he admitted) to an alcohol addiction, Meyers had lived a rock n' roll lifestyle ... except without many of the perks. Meyers remembered opening a vinyl record in the early 2000s. "Rock Yer Mom Records had a good location until (the better established) Uncle John's decided to open up next door (inside the building that now houses The Diving Elk)," he said. "My landlord tried to sell me on the fact that a bar often does better when another bar moves on the same block." Meyers shook his head at the memory. "It doesn't work the same with music shops," he said. "You don't walk into one shop, buy a Warren Zevon album, and then walk into another shop and buy another Warren Zevon album." Soon Rock Yer Mom Records was out of business and so was Meyers. A new lease on life Meyers said he's been sober for more than 12 years. "The one thing that happened after treatment was I had more energy than ever before," he said. "I decided to put all of my energy into business." And that's been Meyers' life for nearly a decade. Or we should say, it's become his lifestyle. "Sioux Guitars sells a lot more than just music equipment," he said. Sioux Guitars' website sells a host of swag ranging from T-shirts, work shirts and Dickies work jackets to hair pomade. The one thing they all have in common is that they all bear the Sioux Guitar logo. Meyers described his customers as being "high-class, low-brow consumers." And yeah, that's meant as a compliment. "Sioux Guitars is definitely a niche business," he said. "We've never been for the guy off the street. Instead, we're selling stuff for people who have a passion and knowledge for music." This includes Meyers, who is a walking encyclopedia of rock n' history. "I knew early on that I didn't have the ability to be a musician but I still wanted the lifestyle," he said. "Like I said before, I don't mind being the guy who sold paintbrushes to Michelangelo." Bad trip to (and in) Wal-Mart NORFOLK, Neb. | Have you ever been so mad you... A woman in eastern Nebraska has been accused of creating a disturbance at a Wal-Mart that involved an employee injury and damage to a coin machine. Police in Norfolk say 35-year-old Melinda M. Tyler of Bloomfield, Nebraska, was at a local Wal-Mart early Friday when witnesses reported she was seen yelling and hitting a machine that collects coins. A police report says Tyler at some point threw a glass pipe at a Wal-Mart employee. That caused a cut to the worker's wrist. Officers responding to the store said Tyler appeared intoxicated and resisted arrest. She is accused of pulling her arms away from handcuffs and kicking two officers. Tyler faces multiple charges including assault, possession of a controlled substance and disturbing the peace. It certainly ain't easy SIOUX CITY | Is this what Big Daddy Kane meant when he lamented the difficulties of prostitution? A 38-year old convicted felon has been charged with pimping out of a Sioux City motel. According to court documents, undercover officers made contact with a prostitute on a well-known sex-trafficking site and met with her at 10 p.m. at the Palmer House Motel, 3440 Gordon Drive, in Room 27. Upon investigation, officers determined the room was rented by Jamaal Hawkins, of Lakewood, Washington, and was explicitly used for pimping two different women. Officers searched Hawkins' phone and found he was having a conversation with the prostitute about the duration of the session involving the undercover officer. After receiving a search warrant, a sawed-off Remington 870 shotgun and ammunition for the weapon were found in a duffel bag, and shotgun shells, one gram of methamphetamine and a small amount of marijuana were found inside his car. Court documents said Hawkins was labeled a felon after a 1997 felony assault conviction in Washington. He has at least eight other felony convictions. Hawkins is currently unemployed and had over $700 cash on him, the documents said. He was booked into the Woodbury County Jail for pimping, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an illegal weapon and illegal drugs. His bond was set at $15,000. 2 hours ago Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks If you are wondering if it's too late to get into energy stocks the best answer is no. Energy prices are down from their peak and there is a potential slowdown in demand on the way but, for now, the underlying fundamentals are highly in favor of higher share prices. Read Article Social Movements November 3, 2016 David Bush There is major disorientation on the left in many Western countries when it comes to Syria and about how antiwar activists should respond to events on the ground in Syria and Iraq. The highly complex nature of the Syrian war involving a multitude of foreign states and non-state actors would, in the best of times, present the left with a real challenge to find political clarity. The fact that this is occurring precisely when the antiwar movement in countries like Canada and the United States are relatively weak only adds to the confusion. The way in which the debate about the Syrian war has been framed and conducted by large parts of the left has been unhelpful to say the least. Some have taken a pro-Assad/pro-Russia anti-imperialist line. This position views the popular uprising against Bashar al-Assad as reactionary and driven by U.S. imperialism. Others frame the debate about the need to support the revolution against ISIS and the Assad regime (or lament the lack of support for the rebels from U.S. imperialism as Gilbert Achcar does). Sometimes this takes on tangible support for the YPG (an armed leftist/feminist Kurdish independence force) or supporting this or that force within the array of groups that make up the anti-Assad/anti-ISIS opposition. There are of course a variety of positions within this frame: some call for active intervention by the West to stop massacres by Assad, others call for arming the rebels or more humanitarian aide, while others equally condemn all sides. The Conflict Spreads The problem with the pro-Assad anti-imperialism position, sometimes referred to as campist (a line of thinking that sees the world as divided up into pro and anti imperial blocs or nations) is obvious. Just because a regime is opposed to American imperialism does not mean all its actions should be reflexively defended. Assads regime has too often collaborated with the American state, taken aim at crushing popular movements advocating democracy and workers power. There is no doubt his regime has committed war crimes and helped facilitate the rise of ISIS and other reactionary Islamic groups (his regime released key radical Islamist leaders from prison and militarily laid off ISIS and Al Nusra or as it is called now Jabhat Fateh al-Sham in a bid to weaken other sections of the opposition). However, many on the left who reject this campist perspective have themselves offered confusing and at times dangerous perspectives. For example, it would be a point of absurdity to say the Syrian revolution as it was in 2011/2012 looks anything like the quagmire that exists today. There is not simply a four front war going between Assads regime, ISIS, the YPG and the revolutionary rebels. The conflict in Syria has spread throughout the region. The forces on the ground in Iraq and Syria are way more fractured and the footprints of world powers and even regional powers are everywhere. The anti-Assad uprising has collapsed into severe fragmentation, often radicalizing in reactionary directions, and any coherence that may have existed in 2011/2012 has been drowned in blood. The point here is not to outline exactly what is happening on the ground in Syria, but to note that the way in which sections of the international left are framing this in ways that are completely off the mark in terms a guiding an appropriate response at home. The Lefts Antiwar Roots An antiwar movements rejection of imperial intervention can never be contingent upon an identification with the political aims of those subjected to imperialism. Within the Second International prior to the First World War, there were fierce debates in the early years about the nature of colonialism, with some like Eduard Bernstein, arguing that imperial projects undertaken by certain nations, like Britain, were actually progressive because they supposedly expanded democratic and workers rights. Bernstein and other socialists, such as August Bebel and Gustav Noske, argued that it was possible to take a position in support of progressive colonization. These arguments were rejected by others in the Second International. They argued that having a socialist colonial policy was a contradiction in terms as the idea that the project of human liberation, socialism, could have anything to do with the domination and control of other peoples was absurd. War and colonialism were not just seen as morally wrong, but as intractable barriers to achieving socialism. These positions carried the day and the Second International passed motions in 1907, 1910, and 1914 that condemned militarism and war. The 1907 Stuttgart resolution laid out clearly why socialists must oppose war: Wars are favored by the national prejudices which are systematically cultivated among civilized peoples in the interest of the ruling classes for the purpose of distracting the proletarian masses from their own class tasks as well as from their duties of international solidarity. Wars, therefore, are part of the very nature of capitalism; they will cease only when the capitalist system is abolished or when the enormous sacrifices in men and money required by the advance in military technique and the indignation called forth by armaments, drive the peoples to abolish this system. For this reason, the proletariat, which contributes most of the soldiers and makes most of the material sacrifices is a natural opponent of war which contradicts its highest goal the creation of an economic order on a Socialist basis which will bring about the solidarity of all peoples. The Second International of course failed in its response to the outbreak of war in Europe in part because it fudged the question of how best to apply antiwar principles. Most sections of the international sided with their own ruling class. They chose to blame the start of the war and its sheer barbarism on other national governments. The same failures permeated not just the socialist movement but that of anarchists and anti-imperialist liberals as well. The Zimmerwald conference, the dissident rump of the Second International that opposed the war in 1914, provided an alternative orientation to how antiwar activism should understand wars. For the Bolsheviks, who were part of the Zimmerwald Left, this meant turning imperial war into a civil war at home. Others at Zimmerwald argued for calling for immediate peace. The Zimmerwald Left put forth an argument stemming from the Second International that the correct orientation of each national group was to oppose its own ruling classs drive to war. This was best summed up by Karl Liebknecht, the only member of the German Reichstag to vote against the war in 1914, in his pamphlet The Main Enemy is at Home! : The main enemy of the German people is in Germany: German imperialism, the German war party, German secret diplomacy. This enemy at home must be fought by the German people in a political struggle, cooperating with the proletariat of other countries whose struggle is against their own imperialists. The lessons from the failure of the Second International, the Zimmerwald Left and people like Karl Leibknecht have been fundamental to building successful antiwar movements in places like Canada, the United States and Great Britain. The Enemy is at Home Ashley Smith in a recent series of articles on Syria argues that the role of the U.S. left is to win over people to a genuine anti-imperialism that opposes Russia and U.S. imperialism equally, while also rejecting the Assad regime. Smiths main focus seems to be on critiquing other leftists, Russia, and Assad and not on a strategy for building a broad working class movement at home that aims to stop U.S. imperialism. Corey Oakley writing about how Western leftists should orient to the Syrian war list those who are most culpable for the carnage in order: Assad, Iran, Russia and the West. Oakley uses this ordering to show that the main enemy is actually not at home stating, If Britain were at war with Russia, the main enemy is at home would be a fine slogan for the UK left to raise In the Syrian context, though, all it does is say to those resisting Assad: Your enemy is not our enemy. Because you are not fighting our government, your plight is not our concern. Oakleys argument is confused on a number of points. The slogan of the main enemy at home does not say we dont care about your plight, rather it says our responsibility to internationalism is to stop the imperialism of our own ruling class, precisely because no one else will do it. To frame opposition to war in the abstract the main enemy is whoever is causing the most amount of death is actually to shirk the political responsibility for what you can effectively alter, your own governments actions. Both Smith and Oakley ultimately confuse the act of building a solidarity movement with the act of building an antiwar movement. The former is about bringing awareness and material support to a group of people. The latter is about stopping your own governments drive to war. Both are acts of solidarity, but they differ in focus and strategy. Resisting war and militarism is not just a moral duty but necessary if socialists want to build working-class power. But it is not enough to simply reject war in the abstract. A definitive strategy must be crafted and implemented. To do so without falling into traps of nationalism and racism requires that workers build movements in their own countries against wars fought by their own ruling class. Speaking out on crimes perpetrated elsewhere is important but prioritizing the fight at home is key, as Chomsky explains: My own concern is primarily the terror and violence carried out by my own state, for two reasons. For one thing, because it happens to be the larger component of international violence. But also for a much more important reason than that: namely, I can do something about it. So even if the U.S. was responsible for 2% of the violence in the world instead of the majority of it, it would be that 2% I would be primarily responsible for. And that is a simple ethical judgement. That is, the ethical value of ones actions depends on their anticipated and predictable consequences. It is very easy to denounce the atrocities of someone else. That has about as much ethical value as denouncing atrocities that took place in the 18th century. A correct antiwar perspective is not just a moral condemnation of war, but a strategic orientation about how to best resist the drive to imperialism in the given context. False Historical Precedence Some argue, David Graeber and Hilary Benn come immediately to mind, that the situation in Syria mirrors Spain in 1936. For them ISIS equals fascism and the duty of the left is to advocate for our ruling class to militarily support the smashing of this fascist threat, this sometimes is broadened to include Assads forces. The operational conclusion of this position is supporting a no fly zone, arming rebel forces, and military collaboration between Western forces and rebels. The problems with this argument are manifold. ISIS is a product of the American invasion and occupation of Iraq. The generations of Western imperialism in the region have laid the basis for the entire mess that is the Syrian war. More Western intervention is not just unlikely to solve the issues, it is almost assuredly going to make everything much worse. The anti-Assad forces have degenerated from a popular rebellion into a quagmire of political military forces that in no way resemble the array of forces in revolutionary Spain. The actual history of the Spanish Civil War and the revolution also has little in common with the situation in Syria. The international left supported their comrades on the ground resisting Franco and fascism by raising funds and organizing volunteers for fighting. The leftist response in Spain and abroad was not to call for British and French intervention, but for those forces to ease the blockade, which was aimed at suffocating the revolutionary forces in Spain (for instance Britain and France went so far as protecting Francos naval fleet). If the British and French intervened it would have not resulted in a victory for Spanish workers, more likely it would have meant an even speedier destruction of the revolution. What About Russia? Workers, the left, and socialists should be horrified by and condemn imperial adventures and war crimes committed elsewhere on the globe. So when the Russians and the Syrian government commit war crimes the left should not feel the need to minimize them or be silent. But that is a different orientation than prioritizing efforts to stop Russian imperialism when you live in America, the UK or Canada. Each of these countries political and economic elites are all too eager to denounce Vladimir Putin and ratchet up the tensions with Russia. In the last number of years there has been a marked increase in vitriol directed at Russia by Western leaders. The media has been in overdrive working to paint Russian President Putin as enemy number one (just look at the cover of last weeks Economist). War crimes committed by Russian forces in Eastern Aleppo get top coverage, while the media has been next to silent about crimes committed by Western back forces in Iraq. Some on the left mirror this line by condemning Russias role in Aleppo while staying silent about bombings in Yemen and Mosul. This is nothing short of a criminal betrayal of international solidarity and provides political cover for the American ruling class. All the while those in the UK and the United States opposing the drive for war have been painted as Assad/Putin apologists (even Wikileaks is being painted as pro-Putin for leaking Clinton campaign emails). This has led to massive disorientation on the left. Some on the left have taken to denouncing figures like Jeremy Corbyn and groups like the Stop the War Coalition in Great Britain for not backing intervention to stop Russian bombing. This disorientation also existed around Libya, where people called for a humanitarian intervention to stop Gaddafis drive to Benghazi. However, the NATO led intervention has left absolute ruin in that country, just as the Iraq war that started 13 years ago continues in another form. When the left in the West prioritizes a perspective that the main enemy is Russia, this all too easily leads down the road of bolstering nationalism and the rightwing. It creates the conditions for further imperial adventures and even opens the door to military confrontation with Russia. There are some on the left (as well as on the right such as Boris Johnson) who argue that key now is to protest outside Russian embassies. But given the heightened tensions and renewed anti-Moscow bent in the U.S., UK and Canada, what positive outcome would that have? Can we seriously argue that Western leftists have the ability to stop Russian bombs? Protests outside the Russian embassy would surely be used by the right to increase the drive to war, not lessen the crimes committed. They would also play into Putins hand and make it harder for Russians to build an anti-war movement linked to those in the West. Uniting Around No War In Canada, the focus should be on ensuring the Liberals do not reengage with airstrikes in Syria. It also means demanding the troops be withdrawn from the Middle East and from the Ukraine and Eastern Europe, while also advocating for more refugees to be taken in and stopping Canadas escalating arms trade. In the USA, this means focusing on stopping American involvement (ending the direct bombing in all the countries, pulling out troops, closing bases and stopping the funding of armed groups). In Russia and Turkey this means supporting those on the ground calling for the end of military engagement in the region. To be able to build up this perspective does not require political uniformity of those advocating a non-interventionist position. A simple application of a united front principle all those who advocate for ending the involvement of your own ruling classes are welcome. Obviously major disagreements beyond that narrow political demand exist, but those should be fought separately. This was precisely how the antiwar movement was built around the Vietnam and Iraq wars. In the run-up to the Iraq war, the rightwing and liberal media tried to paint the anti-war movement as a group of people uncaring or wilfully unaware of Saddams brutal crimes. People in the movement were routinely called Baathist apologists. Despite these routine slanders a perspective that focused on uniting around opposing the war, not on any other questions, allowed for mass participation in the movement. The terms of the movement were simple: do you oppose the war? If yes, then lets join forces on that question and debate other political perspectives along the way (this was also the same formula that anti-war movement adopted during the Vietnam war). What has been lost in the debate around the war in Syria is precisely this perspective. Imperial involvement always has some sort of humanitarian justification whether that be protecting democracy and the free world in Vietnam or stopping a bloodthirsty tyrant with WMDs in Iraq. Those on the left who advocate for selective intervention for humanitarian reasons fail to realize they dont direct state policy or war aims those who put the troops in the field and conduct war have very different reasons for doing so. The drive to war has its own logic and aims, which are very much coloured by the needs of capitalism and the interests of the economic and political elites. The lefts call for intervention only provides political cover for the ruling class. The antiwar movement has drifted far away from the ABCs of rejecting militarism and imperialism. However confusing and complex the situation is in Iraq and Syria the lessons and traditions of the antiwar movement still provide a path to political clarity and a useful strategic orientation for the left. The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless. The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well. By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism. How an Afghan tribal leader took on two of the most powerful empires in the world and won independence for Afghanistan. Some 300 years ago, in November 1715, a powerful man passed away peacefully in Kandahara rarity. He had set in motion a chain of events that would profoundly change the histories of Persia and India, though he probably did not know this as he breathed his last. Mir Wais Hotak, a chief of the Pashtun Ghilji tribe, originally set out to free his city from continued Persian pressure to convert from Sunni to Shia Islam. Instead, he the George Washington of modern Afghanistan. At the dawn of the 18th century, much of todays Afghanistan had been divided for 200 years. The Mughal and Safavid Empires, based in the Indian subcontinent and Persia respectively, each ruled a portion of the country. A third state, the Uzbek Khanate of Bukhara ruled the northern part of Afghanistan around Mazar-i-Sharif. Kabul was a Mughal stronghold and Herat, a Safavid one. Kandahar switched hands several times, with local Pashtun tribes generally siding with whomever they felt would be more beneficial to them. The city was a an important economic and strategic prize since it lay on the main military and trade routes between Persia and the subcontinent. By 1700, Kandahar had been in for half a century. Yet, all was not well for the Safavids. The Safavid dynasty found legitimacy through their association with Shia Islam, and they succeeded in most of their population to Shiism from Sunni Islam over the course of 200 years. Much of Afghanistan was relatively peaceful until the reign of the Safavid Shah Soltan Husayn (ruled from 1694-1722). Shah Husayn was a drunkard and the Safavid Empire stagnated during his reign. Perhaps due to religious conviction or to strengthen his political position, he gave the Shia clergy great power to convert Sunnis, causing great unrest throughout the Empire. The trouble in Kandahar began when the new governor, Gurgin Khan, a Georgian convert to Islam, in 1704. Despite his heavy-handed methods, he could not get the regions dominant Pashtun tribe, the , led by Mir Wais Hotak, to fully accept his rule or convert to Shiism. Gurgin Khan arrested Hotak and sent him to Isfahan, the Persian capital, where he became friendly with the amiable Shah. While in Isfahan, Hotak the decadence of the Safavid Empire and became convinced that it was on the verge of collapse due to the laxness of the military and government and prevalence of court intrigue. Determined to take advantage of these circumstances, in Mecca on the question as to whether the orthodox Sunni subjects of a heretical [Shia] Muslim ruler were bound to obey him, or were justified, if occasion arose, in resisting him, if necessary by force of arms. The answer being in favor of revolt, Hotak returned to Kandahar where he organized either a feast or an ambush (sources vary) that resulted in the of Gurgin Khan and the Georgian-Persian garrison in April 1709. What could have been a minor disturbance quickly escalated. Mir Wais Hotak was the Prince of Kandahar and General of the National Troops, strangely (for his time) refusing to proclaim himself king. After several half-hearted attempts by Persian troops to regain Kandahar, a large Persian army of 30,000 men was in 1711, and a second force annihilated in 1713. By the time of his natural death in 1715, Mir Wais Hotak has established an independent Afghan state that encompassed the entire province of Kandahar (most of southwestern Afghanistan). This is the seed of modern-day Afghanistan, which was reestablished as a large empire in 1747 by Ahmad Shah Durrani. The percentage of people living in poverty is highest on the Eastern Shore and in Western Maryland, and lower in more affluent counties closer to Washington and Baltimore. The one exception: Baltimore City, where approximately one-quarter of the population lives in poverty. (By Ben Harris) POTOMAC, Md. (Nov. 3, 2016)Upon arriving in Stevensville after crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, drivers will notice something peculiar. It will take some time to set in, but as they continue east it will dawn on them.There are Donald Trump signs everywhere.There are so many Trump signs one might be tempted to question the validity of election forecasts assigning the New York real estate mogul a less than 1 percent chance of winning Maryland.The Eastern Shore is far and away the reddest territory in the Old Line State. The region boasts Maryland's lone Republican representative in Congress, Rep. Andrew Harris of Cockeysville. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney bested President Barack Obama in the district by almost 23 points in 2012, while Obama carried the rest of the state by 25.There is a clear gap in ideology between the state's blue urban center and its red outskirts. A major reason is economics, said Stella Rouse, the director of the University of Maryland's Center for American Politics and Citizenship.Maryland is, by several measures, the nation's wealthiest state. The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey places the state's median household income at $75,847, up roughly 10 percent from 2010.But much of that growth and prosperity is concentrated between the metro areas of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.Wages in the eastern and western rural regions of the state haven't kept pace with its urban core, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.These blue-collar areas mimic the economies of Rust Belt states like Ohio and Indiana, where wages aren't as high and the loss of manufacturing jobs has offered Trump more of a receptive audience. Trump leads Clinton by 7 points in Indiana and 2.5 points in Ohio, according to press time polling averages from RealClearPolitics."Trump speaks to American workers," said Tim Craig, a small business owner from Carroll County and the chair of Carroll County for Trump. "We have a jobless recovery, where we actually have more kids graduating college or high school entering the workforce and we aren't creating jobs."For Craig and other Trump supporters in Carroll County, economics is the driving force behind their votes. Trump's stance on manufacturing, trade and even immigration resonates well with Craig and others who feel the same about the state of the economy.But that rhetoric is having a tougher time connecting with voters in Maryland's traditionally Democratic urban centers.On its surface, the region's blue tilt is confusing. One would expect its wealthy voters to embrace Republican support for tax cuts and increased defense spendingthe latter driving much of the Washington-area economy.But in Maryland, prosperity seems to free voters to focus on social policy, according to Rouse."A lot of liberals are much less stuck on the fact that an economic policy has to advance their own personal interests," she said. "People might love to have tax cuts, but they also prioritize (social) issues, and therefore are willing to sort of give up perhaps personal tax cuts or personal financial benefits."Bernie McMahon, a Democrat from Rockville living comfortably retired after 30-plus years of work for the federal government, fits that mold."I worry about the economy, but I also worry about minorities and the problems minorities are facing," he said. "I was so turned off by Donald Trump that that became the driving factor of my vote. I really feel that man would be a danger to the country."The structure of Maryland's urban economy, a more white-collar area than its rural counterparts, also makes it rough territory for Trump.Polls show the state's college-educated voters overwhelmingly back Clinton, and in Howard County and Montgomery County, over 60 percent of the adult population has an education beyond a high school diploma, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.Economics alone cannot explain the ideological divide between rural and urban voters. Demographics play a large role as well.White Marylanders make up 50 percent of the state's total population, according to the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation. Only Texas, California, New Mexico, the District of Columbia, and Hawaii report lower figures.But like wealth distribution, much of the state's minority population is concentrated in Maryland's urban communities. Here, wealthy voters, who prioritize social policies and non-white voters, who tend to be more open to government intervention according to Rouse, combine to create a uniquely liberal coalition.For many of these voters, like Rockville resident Sarah Ahmed, Trump's treatment of immigrants, minorities and women has been disturbing and is at the top of their list when heading to the polls."I chose to vote to sort of stop that kind of mentality from spreading," Ahmed said. Haywood W. Evans, Department of Community Services director. (Submitted photo) LA PLATA, Md. (Nov. 3, 2016)Charles County Administrator Michael D. Mallinoff, Esq., ICMA-CM announced the appointment of Haywood W. Evans as director of the Department of Community Services. Evans will begin his employment with Charles County Government on Monday, Nov. 28.As director of Community Services, Evans will be responsible for planning, organizing, and providing services for county residents, including aging/senior citizen services; federally subsidized and non-subsidized housing; loan and housing rehabilitation programs; general federal and state multipurpose grants administration; and county-wide child care services contract management.Evans brings to the county more than 20 years of experience in progressive human services for non-profit and state government sectors. Most recently, Evans was the regional director of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in Baltimore, Maryland. He managed community- based services, local and state budgets, supervised senior-level personnel, ensured program compliance with federal and state guidelines, and reviewed and approved funding plans."I welcome Mr. Evans to Charles County. His experience, expertise, and leadership will help the Department of Community Services complete its transition following the reorganization," said Mallinoff. "I am confident he will be a positive addition to our leadership team."Evans' prior work experience includes serving as program manager for Work Force Development, Goodwill Industries in Fredrick, Maryland; district manager for Prince George's Department of Social Services; and executive director at Grafton School, Inc. in Rockville, Maryland."Joining the Charles County Department of Community Services aligns nicely with my philosophy in supporting others and I look forward to working with staff to achieve positive outcomes," said Evans. "I'm excited to serve the residents of Charles County."Evans holds a Bachelor of Science degree in special populations/recreation from Greensboro College in North Carolina. Maryland has been reliably blue in presidential elections, voting for the Republican nominee just three times in the past half-century (for Richard Nixon in 1972, Ronald Reagan in 1984, and George H.W. Bush in 1988). Support for Donald Trump has been low in the state, with Federal Election Commission data showing that 95 to 100 percent of donations in the affluent Washington, D.C. suburbs going to Hillary Clinton. The numbers shown here were calculated by summing all donations to Trump and Clinton in both the general election and the primaries, then determining the percentage that went to each candidate. Statewide, only 10 percent of donations went to Trump, but his share was significantly lower in the Washington suburbs. (Chart By Helen Lyons) CHEVY CHASE, Md. (Nov. 3, 2016)This quiet suburb on the outskirts of Washington, D.C., is one of tree-lined streets, well-manicured lawnsand Hillary Clinton yard signs.It's also the town that Molly Morris, who plans to vote for Donald J. Trump next week, calls home.Trump supporters are a rare breed in Maryland, especially in Democratic strongholds like Chevy Chase, but they do exist. Most would prefer that their neighbors not know which candidate they back. And, they say, for good reason."I respect other people's political views," Morris said, "but the kindest reaction I get to my own is, 'I know you're a Republican and you're voting for Trump, but I still like you.'"In the affluent suburbs of Washington where Democrats dominate98 percent of presidential campaign donations in Chevy Chase have gone to Clinton, a CNS analysis foundTrump supporters like Morris say they feel isolated and even persecuted."I could never put a Trump sign in my yard because I fear the hostility that Hillary supporters have for him," Morris explained. "It's raw. I thought about it, but we are on a major road and I thought somebody might do something to our house. I didn't want to risk it. I would, if I felt safe."Capital News Service reached out to three dozen people who, like Morris, live in liberal enclaves and donated money to Trump's campaign.Morris was one of the few who felt comfortable talking about her support for Trump publicly. Only a handful agreed to talk on the record about their backing of one of two historically unpopular candidates.A Potomac manwho donated to Trump's campaign and asked not to be namedsaid he wouldn't even let his friends know who he's voting for.Potomac mirrors Chevy Chase in both its wealth and reputation as home for the D.C. elite, and Clinton raked in 96 percent of political donations there."Would I put up a yard sign?" the man asked. "Absolutely not!"Even though most individual contributions to political campaigns become public record, Capital News Service agreed to let some Trump contributors speak without attribution so they could freely discuss what it's like to live in a liberal enclave and support the controversial Republican. They cited a variety of reasons for not wanting to go public.Some feared social ostracization, while others said they were concerned that their support would affect their business or the employment opportunities of their children.Others said they didn't want to lose membership in neighborhood social clubs where political discussion was common and Clinton was the preferred candidate. Still others said they were concerned about houses being egged and cars getting keyed.Maryland has been reliably blue in recent elections, swinging Republican in a presidential race only three times in the past half-century (Richard Nixon in 1972, Ronald Reagan in 1984, and George H.W. Bush in 1988). In the last election, President Barack Obama easily beat Mitt Romney by a margin of 26 percentage points in the state.While Maryland does have pockets of Republican voters, notably in the rural, mountainous panhandle and Eastern Shore counties like Worcester, Caroline, and Cecil, the areas around D.C. are largely Democratic country."Mr. Trump is running against the political establishmentthe very livelihood of the people who live in Bethesda and Chevy Chase and Potomac," said Victor Williams, one of two Trump contributors contacted by Capital News Service who agreed to discuss his support on the record.Williams lives in Bethesda, where 97.4 percent of donations went to Hillary Clinton. He doesn't care who knows he donated to Trump."There are places in my life where I keep my politics in my pocket," explained Williams, an attorney and professor who graduated from Harvard and Columbia. But, he said, his yard isn't one of them.He said he had two Trump signs proudly on display, but they both "disappeared on Halloween night.""This is the time of the year when you're out in the front yard mulching, and they no longer acknowledge you as they walk their dog by," Williams said, describing his neighbors' reactions to his support for Trump.Williams supported Obama, as well, but this year he's voting Republican.And in an election as divisive as this, Williams sympathizes with his Republican neighbors who haven't "come out.""I can sure understand anyone not being open with their support of Trump," Williams said, "just because Clinton has done such an effective job of characterizing his supporters as deplorable bigots and racists or dead-enders. I believe Trump supporters are patriotic Americans who want fundamental political reform. It was that same desire in 2008 that elected President Barack Obama."Living amongst the well-heeled suburbanites of Washington, Williams' yard signs are an anomaly. Only 2.6 percent of donations in Bethesda went to Trump's campaign. (Capital News Service calculated the figure by summing all donations to Trump and Clinton in both the general election and the primaries, then determining the percentage that went to each candidate).With the start of early voting in Maryland last week, Trump supporters in the Washington suburbs began heading to the polls to cast their votes for the candidate that Williams' says will challenge the livelihoods of the neighbors that snub them."Trump's 'America First' policy would go so far as to prioritize American interests over the career interests of the political establishment in the beltway," Williams explained. "When things are good, the beltway does good."He laughed, and added, "When things are bad, the beltway does even better." Mostafa Hassoun, 24, is the only Syrian refugee living in Annapolis. Having resided in the U.S. for little over a year, Hassoun, in Annapolis on October 19, 2016, has developed low expectations for both of the presidential candidates. (Photo: Eleanor Mueller) ANNAPOLIS (Nov. 3, 2016)Mostafa Hassoun thought he would never be able to begin living.Forced to leave his village outside the Syrian city of Latakia at 18 years old, the young man's life was put on hold at the time when most Americans' start.As a refugee in neighboring Turkey, Hassoun lacked the ability to work legally, pursue an education, or obtain citizenship."You're waitingwaiting for what?" Hassoun, now 24, asked. "Where is my future? When can I start? I cannot."It was this stagnation that prompted Hassoun to apply for refugee status in 2014, a process he said took 15 months. U.N. and U.S. officials asked the Syrian questions about his beliefs, his past, his family and friends"everything, every every every thing, about my life," Hassoun said.But the wait was worth it when Hassoun found out he would be resettled in the United States. Though the move meant separating from his parents and four siblings, it also indicated a chance at the life he had waited half a decade to begin."I was so happy," Hassoun said. "Here, you have identification, you are in the system, you are legal. You can do what you want to do."Maryland has welcomed 466 Syrian refugees as of Nov. 3, according to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Database. Of these, 422 of these arrived in 2016.Originally resettled in Severna Park, Maryland, in June 2015, Hassoun moved to Annapolis, Maryland, in August 2015.He's juggling two jobs and classes at the local community college, along with keeping in touch with his family and friends abroad and meeting other Syrian refugees in the area. Sharing a Main Street apartment with roommates, he supports himself on income from an ice cream shop and a salon.However, he still finds time to keep up with the election. Hassoun has closely followed the presidential campaign, during which refugees have dominated the candidates' rhetoric more than any other in history.Though Hassoun says he "loves to read about politics," he doesn't care who's going to win. Republican candidate Donald Trump has openly disparaged Syrian refugees, while Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton is unlikely to intervene in his war-torn home, Hassoun said."These are two bad options for Syria," Hassoun said. "If Trump wins, all the Syrian people die. If Hillary winsnothing."For the majority of his campaign, Trump has labeled Syrian refugees as terrorism risks. Comparing them repeatedly to "a Trojan horse," the candidate has said he would like to "build a safe zone in Syria, build a big, beautiful safe zone, and you have whatever it is, so they can live."Trump has also openly praised Russian president Vladimir Putin, lauding the leader's performance and advocating a closer relationship between the two nations. This despite Russia's backing of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, responsible for much of the violence in Syria and whom the U.S. opposes.The government-rebel fighting in Syria is reaching new heights, with more than 400,000 lives lost and 12 million citizens displaced, according to the United Nations.As of Nov. 3, 15,994 Syrians had been resettled across America, according to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Database. Of those, 13,305 were resettled in 2016 alone.However, Hassoun says he doesn't care what Trumpor anyone in the Republican partysays."He can say what he wants," Hassoun said. "It's not my choice to come here. It is not my choice to leave my home."Hassoun hasn't seen his immediate family, spread between Sweden and Turkey, in over a year. It will be five more years until he can obtain a passport and go visit, he said.Though he talks to his mom by phone almost every day, he can't tell her how long it will be until they will be together. Instead, he says it will be only a month or so; if she knew the truth, she would be crushed, he said.Recently, Trump's son Donald Jr. went as far as to compare Syrian refugees to a bowl of poisoned Skittles on Twitter. The metaphor sparked immediate backlash and prompted a representative for Wrigley to issue a statement saying: "Skittles are candy, refugees are people."Were he to return to Syria, he would be killed immediately, Hassoun said."Mine is the most dangerous country in the world right now," Hassoun said. "It's hell.""If Trump wins, I will go back home. And of course I will die."But a Clinton presidency isn't any more appealing, Hassoun said. If the Democratic candidate takes office, she will likely approach the conflict from the same angle as her predecessor, a stance Hassoun says isn't involved enough.The U.S. government has condemned Assad for committing large-scale atrocities and emphasized the importance of pursuing a future without him. However, the Obama administration has placed its priority on reaching a negotiated settlement and shaping a transitional administration, rather than military intervention.Clinton has called for providing moderate opposition fighters more support and removing Assad from power using diplomatic means, but has not made clear how her administration would achieve that. Though she has historically disagreed with the Obama administration's policy, she has shirked from publicly advocating a tougher approach."If Hillary wins, it won't be different," Hassoun said. "It's the same government. I don't think anything will happen."The U.S. has been participating in airstrikes against the Islamic State and other jihadist groups in Syria as part of an international coalition since September 2014. However, it has avoided any attack that would place it between anti-government rebels and the government."There's no life in my country, and America doesn't do anything," Hassoun said. "There's a lot of people dying. And Obama doesn't do anything."One of Hassoun's closest friends still resides in Aleppo, the Syrian city enveloped in fighting between rebels and the Russian and Syrian governments. On Wednesday, Russia announced it would extend a ceasefire over the area until Friday to give rebels a chance to leave the city and "avoid senseless victims.""He doesn't know what's going on," said Hassoun, who said he talks to his friend by phone when he can. "He's waiting for nothing."Though Hassoun used to identify as Muslim, he now identifies as atheist. He abandoned his religion in the face of the violence in Syria and the lack of intervention on behalf of the rest of the world, either through military action or in accepting refugees."There's nothing happening (with outside intervention)," Hassoun said. "If you cannot support those people, you must help them move or find a new life." According to a poll taken by the American Psychological Association, 52% of Americans polled said that the presidential election is a significant source of stress in their lives. As one American who has been stressed out by the most tumultuous election in my lifetime, I am surprised that more Americans have not been driven to the brink of insanity. We have unpopular candidates; an angry and divided nation; discredited institutions; a mistrusted press; and social media that brings out the worst in people. Though previous elections were not without controversy or scandal, they tended to remain in the background of our lives until Election Day (unless, of course, we were involved in a campaign). Today the 24-hour media keeps bombarding us with the crimes, follies and misfortunes of candidates, their families, staff and allies, until we are sick and tired of it. To run for office means having your life dissected by a basket of deplorables (to quote one of Hillary Clintons most unfortunate phrases) who spout their hatred on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat under the cover of anonymity. Whoever is elected President on November 8 will be hated by half the population, who with their supporters in office will try to make her administration a living hell. Faced by such an unsavory prospect, it is no surprise that many voters, especially Millennials, have given up on the whole mess. Whats the point of voting, they argue, if Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are equally bad; and minority candidates Gary Johnson, Jill Stein and Evan McMullin have no chance of winning? Though I may sympathize with Millennial angst, having gone through it myself four decades ago, I truly believe that not voting is the wrong thing to do, for several reasons. First, voting is our duty, as citizens of these United States. There are many people in many countries (and even a few here) who wish they could vote. Second, there are other races that deserve our attention, and our vote. Third, those who think that Clinton and Trump are equally bad and equally unqualified are wrong. Clinton has her faults, from her e-mail fiasco to her alleged used of her job as Secretary of State to promote her husbands foundation. But Clinton at her worst is nowhere as bad as Trump, whose business record, personal history and off-the wall opinions make him completely unqualified to be President. Trump brings out the worst in people. Clinton brings out the best in people. Clintons running mate is Tim Kaine, not the most exciting person alive but a dedicated public servant. Trumps running mate is Mike Pence, a Religious Right stalwart and the most anti-LGBT governor outside of North Carolina. Clinton voters are mostly good people, who are appalled by the prospect of a Trump presidency. Trump voters, though not all deplorable, are infected with the virus of racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia and transphobia, germs that will infect our body politic if Trump is elected president. As a Baby Boomer, I regret the mess that our generation made when we took over. I hope Millennials and others do not make their own mess by not voting. Voting is important and it is essential. If we vote and win, we can congratulate ourselves on a job well done. However, even if we vote and lose, at least we did the right thing. Condoms are on the ballot in California. Proposition 60 wraps a new set of regulations on the porn industry. If passed, the ballot initiative would require all adult film performers to use condoms on set. Most porn stars oppose the measure for privacy reasons. In a YouTube video, Ela Darling makes her case. I am opposed to Prop 60 because it will put me and other performers at risk when it comes to fans and stalkers and other people who wish us harm, says Darling, who says she is a cam girl who produces custom video clips with her partner. If Prop 60 becomes law, Darling predicts predators will claim they cannot see condoms in her video clips, even if they are there, and thus sue me personally, take me to court and learn my legal name and home address and that scares me. Please vote No on Prop 60. Meanwhile, Michael Weinstein, President of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, supports Prop 60. A lot of people get their sex education through these films, and I think its sending a bad message, Weinstein told National Public Radio. I dont want young people to be educated that the only kind of sex thats hot is unsafe sex. Elsewhere, the U.S. People Living with HIV Caucus opposes Prop 60. Proposition 60 opens the window to violating privacy of workers and could threaten the safety of adult film performers, said Naina Khanna, PLHIV caucus member and executive director of Positive Womens Network-USA, in a news release. Those who work in the industry are best positioned to suggest what would keep them safe. Its telling that adult film performers are among the long list of those opposing Prop 60. Joining PLHIV in opposition are Equality California, Transgender Law Center, AIDS Project Los Angeles, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the Free Speech Coalition, San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the California Republican, Democratic and Libertarian parties. 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. Thaumasia Planum NASA Researcher Don Hood from LSU and colleagues from collaborating universities studied an unusual region on Mars an area with high elevation called Thaumasia Planum. They analyzed the geography and mineralogy of this area they termed Greater Thaumasia, which is about the size of North America. They also studied the chemistry of this area based on Gamma Ray Spectrometer data collected by the Mars Odyssey Orbiter, which was launched in 2001. What they found was the mountain ridge that outlines Greater Thaumasia was most likely created by a chain of volcanoes. The results were published recently in the Journal of Geophysical Research-Planets. The chemical changes we see moving northwestward through the region is consistent with the mantle evolving on Mars. Our research supports that this whole area was built as a volcanic construct, said Don Hood, LSU Department of Geology and Geophysics doctoral candidate and lead author of the paper. The chemical composition changes throughout the region. Silica and H20 increase and potassium decreases from southeast to northwest. The chemical composition shifting is the key progression that tells us that this environment was most likely shaped by a series of volcanic events that continually erupted from a changing mantle composition, Hood said. Hood and colleagues from Stony Brook University, University of Tokyo and Lehigh University ruled out another hypothesis that the abundance of H20 and potassium was caused by water interacting in rock. We looked for evidence of aqueous alteration through other geochemical means and didnt find it, he said. The geography of the region has many shield volcanoes that are similar to the ones found in Hawaii. However from geochemical analyses, the researchers found that the sulfur that is present was most likely deposited as a volcanic ash. Volcanic ash from various areas could be evidence of explosive volcanism on Mars, which would be an important clue for piecing together the history of Mars. It is significant because explosive eruptions emit a lot of gas that can stay in the atmosphere and can cause global cooling and warming events. Whether there was explosive volcanism on Mars and how much of it there was is an important question in terms of finding out what the past climate was like, Hood said. Assessing the geologic evolution of Greater Thaumasia, Mars, Journal of Geophysical Research-Planets: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2016JE005046/full [Video] How did Greater Thaumasia, an oddly high elevation region of Mars, form? Don Hood talks Martian geology: https://vimeo.com/184017977 NASA Media Briefing: An Update on the James Webb Space Telescope. NASA Members of the media were invited to join NASA Administrator Charles Bolden November 2 at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, for an update about whats in store for NASAs next great observatory, the James Webb Space Telescope, and a rare glimpse of the telescopes mirrors. During the event, Bolden and other agency leaders and experts discussed the future of the worlds largest and most complex space telescope and its role in revealing the universe. The Webb Telescope will study every phase in the history of our universe, from the first luminous glows of the Big Bang, to the formation of planetary systems capable of supporting life, to the evolution of our own solar system. 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... Sometimes the Inland Empire just cant catch a break. A bright spot in the Southern California deserts emerging coffee scenea way first paved by now well-known names like Klatch Coffee and Augieshit a setback last month when Riverside, California boutique biz Arcade Coffee Roasters was forced to scale back its improbably charming setup. After all, its not often you get to consume a cup of artisan-roasted, thoughtfully prepared coffee from the back of a roll-up gate in a Riverside office park adjacent to lawnmower repair businesses. But that was part of what made Arcade such a nice surprise. Alas, this September, the City of Riverside put the kibosh on the informal back-door community gathering space created by partners Stevie Hasemeyer and Shane Levarioat least in that particular location, at this particular time. I knew [the shutdown] would happen sooner or later, but I felt like we just couldnt afford the consequences of not having a place to connect with people anymore, said Hasemeyer about the citys closure. This was once a thriving, odd-opening-hours, pay-what-you-wish neighborhood pop-up, which failed to meet certain Riverside permitting standards like separating the roasting area from the cafes door with an air curtain. We will keep roasting here under our current permit and go from there, he assured Sprudge. The back-alley cart operated behind what is still a busy roasting space for the pair of friends, formerly known as Torch Roasting but bought out by Riverside natives Hasemeyer and Levario a year ago to found the more craft-focused Arcade. Since taking over, the two have been focused on paring down what was once a large offering sheet to a small, select number of higher-quality coffees from sourcing channels like Red Fox, Coffee Shrub, Bodhi Leaf, and Nordic Approach, roasting them for a couple dozen wholesale accounts across the Inland Empire and sixty miles west into Los Angeles. The makeshift cafes loyal patrons (and, okay, maybe a few freeloading college students) are surely feeling the void in this quiet little area near the 215 freeway, where once the cheery Hasemeyer and Levario slung drinks both plain and fancy out of the back door, from single origins to lavender and ginger lattes, house-made vanilla extracts, to bottled cold-brew cocktails. Though the carts closing has been a disappointment, itand its pay what you wish modelwas always something the pair viewed as a bit of a combined business and social experiment, says Hasemeyer. We wanted to see if people would actually make this thing work. We figured if we werent going to make enough money and support ourselves with it, then when the time came to actually charge people we wouldnt have enough to keep this thing going, he continued. But it turned out that even the amount of moneysometimes pocket change, sometimes a generous $100tossed in the good vibes jar was enough to persuade the two that a traditional retail space could be sustainable. If anything, the citys move to tighten the reins on Arcades free spirit has only spurred on the owners desire to find a more permanent home in their towna local commitment both are passionate about well beyond coffee. This isnt unique to our city, but I see young adults leave Riverside because we dont have a lot of the things that LA, Orange County, or Pasadena have, says Hasemeyer. I was tired of people outside of Riverside having the things that I wanted and realized instead of expecting someone else to build it I just needed to be the catalyst for change. The two owners aspire to establish a permanent retail location in the downtown area, which they hope will function not just as a cafe but like a community center where people want to come and spend time together, says Hasemeyer. For now, the pair continues to fire up the 12-kilo US Roaster Corp roaster for their wholesale partners while aggressively scouting out a long-term location and deploying their cart at special events. Theyve also been hosting regular private cuppings, as a way to connect with the community since we cant be open to the public, says Hasemeyer. And for his partner, the desire to continue building on the culture theyve helped elevate continues to inspire. You wont see these two leaving for LA anytime soon. As Shane Levario put it simply, I have a heart for Riverside and I am so stoked to see the culture develop here. Liz Clayton is the associate editor at Sprudge.com, and a staff writer based in New York City. She is the co-author of Where To Drink Coffee, to be released on Phaidon in June 2017. Read more Liz Clayton on Sprudge. Quebec stakes champion filly Hp Sissy delivered as the 7-5 favourite in the $7,500 Fillies & Mares Preferred 3 Pace at Flamboro Downs on Wednesday night (November 2). The three-year-old youngster reclaimed the lead from early leaver Bestulldotanite (Paul MacKenzie) and posted fractions of :27.4, :57.1 and 1:26.1 en route to a 1:55.1 victory over the sloppy track for driver Bob McClure. She paid $4.90 to win. Aintsheasweetie (Travis Henry) finished two and half lengths behind in second-place and Bundoran (J Harris) rounded out the top three finishers. Trained by Ben Baillargeon, Hp Sissy has won six of her 20 sophomore starts, including the $65,000 final of the Coupe des Eleveurs in early September at Hippodrome 3R. She also won Flamboro's Preferred 3 class on September 20 in front-end fashion. Claude Hamel of Ayer's Cliff, Que. bred the Up The Credit-Monica Blue Chip filly, who has earned over $100,000 lifetime, and shares ownership with Michel Damphousse of Louiseville, Que. To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Wednesday Results - Flamboro Downs. On-track attendance at racetracks is nothing like it was back in racings heyday. Many of racings top tracks are very large, and if it isnt one of the tracks major days, many of those facilities appear to be virtually empty. The vision of a particular track official is turning that problem into a positive. As a lead-in to Breeders Cup weekend, Darren Heitner, in a piece for Forbes, spoke with Santa Anita Park Chairman Keith Brackpool. Brackpool took over Santa Anita four years ago when he purchased an equity stake in the tracks owner, the Stronach Group, and he quickly worked to rectify one of the problems with racings grand showplaces. Instead of trying to pack Santa Anita via traditional methods, he has taken a different approach, and that approach appears to be paying off for the Arcadia, California plant. When Brackpool gained his position at Santa Anita, he decided to roll out a five to ten-year-old plan to make the track millenial-friendly. Brackpools plan is also focusing on achieving maximum revenue instead of merely looking for maximum attendance. With a decent amount of space to work with, Brackpool has looked to help generate maximum revenues by building premium spaces. Horse racing was never a sport where corporations entertain, so we built 12 glorious suites. Now you can take customers and friends to a suite and entertain them, Brackpool told Heitner. Now we serve the level of food expected to be served, with gourmet chefs. There are rooms for high rollers. We rebuilt an Art Deco room called The Chandelier Room. People will pay $65-70 just to get in. We also had to think how to get people out to the stadium, so we made a deal with Uber where if you go to Santa Anita, they give a 50 per cent discount off of the ride. Even though the suites are taking up some of the tracks space, Brackpool has stated that the suites have helped increase attendance at the track over the past three years. Those increases came after year-after-year declines. (With files from Forbes) Corrupt Clinton Foundation's Partnership with Planned Parenthood Promotes Abortion Around the Globe Contact: Troy Newman, President, 316-683-6790 ext 111; Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Vice President, 316-516-3034; both with Operation Rescue BOSTON, Mass., Nov. 3, 2016 / Standard Newswire / -- Recent headlines discussing an open FBI investigation into the Clinton Foundation have referred to it as a "money laundering scheme" where influence within the American government can be purchased - for a hefty price.But there is also a lesser discussed aspect of the Clinton Foundation - one that is literally costing innocent lives. This Clinton Foundation program works to promote and expand abortion in third world countries in formal partnership with abortion supplier Planned Parenthood."While the Clinton Foundation doesn't seem to actually do much but enrich the Clinton family, it does do one thing, and that is abortion," said Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue.On the Clinton Foundation payroll is at least one Planned Parenthood abortionist. Nicola Moore calls herself a " fly-in abortionista ." Based in Massachusetts, this traveling abortionist has spent stints working at Planned Parenthood abortion facilities across the country, wearing a mask in the likeness of one of the Three Stooges to conceal her identity.But now, in addition to her job as an itinerant "abortionista," Moore has landed a job with the Orwellian-sounding Clinton Health Access Initiative, according to documents obtained by Operation Rescue.The Clinton Health Access Initiative was founded by President Bill Clinton in 2002, for the stated purpose of combating HIV/AIDS on a global scale. Since then, it has expanded to include other health-related issues.In 2012, the Clinton Health Access Initiative began a partnership with Planned Parenthood to help distribute birth control and address "young people's access to sexual and reproductive health care," especially in Africa and Latin America.Of course, in liberal-speak, "reproductive health care" means abortion.Now, with the hiring of Moore to serve as "Women's Health Clinical Advisor" for the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Planned Parenthood has embedded one of its abortionists directly into the Clinton organization."It really comes as no surprise that the Clinton Health Access Initiative would seek out Planned Parenthood and one of their abortionists to spread their abortion gospel throughout the world," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "Frankly, with the ever-shrinking market for abortion in the U.S., Planned Parenthood's survival as an organization may depend on expansion overseas where they have new populations of vulnerable women to exploit."With Hillary Clinton making a bid for the White House, Planned Parenthood stands to profit handsomely from its partnership with her."President Obama has been the most extreme abortion president in history, but a Hillary Clinton administration would far exceed that," said Newman. "Clinton's cozy partnership with Planned Parenthood should be a clarion call to pro-life supporters to strongly stand against Clinton's White House bid where, if elected, she would surely work to roll back the pro-life advances of the past few years and expand abortion world-wide."About Operation RescueOperation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation and has become a strong voice for the pro-life movement in America. Click here to support Operation Rescue The essential component of totalitarian propaganda is artifice (het toepassen van kunstgrepen. svh) . The ruling elites, like celebritie... A blog published by Susan Eisen that has columns on all the latest jewelry fashions, news, and store information. Play at the new site will be free and first come, first served through the year's end. I love the Three Sisters Wilderness because its a paradise of paradoxes. The desert terrain is cut by the occasional babbling brook; its edged in by high, snowy mountains and meddles in thick forests. Tents though settled upon dry sand between subalpine firs perch beside small lakes. A few months ago, I attempted a loop around Broken Top mountain, the fourth highest peak in the Three Sisters Wilderness. It was my first backpacking trip, and I did it alone. The Broken Top loop is often listed as one of the best short backpacking trips around. The 23-mile loop should take you three days, but since I committed one of those horrible hiking sins I carried no map with me I played it safe and cut my trip down to a two-day, 14-mile out-and-back hike. It was wonderful nonetheless. It begins at the Little Three Creek Lake, near Driftwood Campground 17 miles south of Sisters, Ore. The trail is mostly sand. I hiked in my trail running shoes, which took in a decent amount of sand, so Id recommend shoes with higher tops. The trail takes you through the Pole Creek burn area, a 41-square-mile scorched sea of silvered, crisped subalpine firs and lodgepole pines. The September 2012 fire was the largest Central Oregon fire in 2012, according to The Oregonian. Its so worth it to stop for a snack in the burn area. While the area is eerie in its own way, the sight of scorched trees against the summer blue sky remind you how beautiful the Three Sisters Wilderness is even when its been burnt to a crisp. Bears are reportedly rare in the Three Sisters Wilderness, but I kept alert and stashed my food and hygiene products (anything that smells strongly such as deodorant and toothpaste) in a thick bag that I tied to a tree far from my tent that night. Because of all those lovely babbling brooks and one fairly substantial creek youll have to cross or climb a log over as you please theres plenty of opportunity for water along the seven miles to Golden Lake. When you arrive at the lake, you can filter water from the creek that feeds the lake which is more like a wide pond. Frustratingly, the fork in the road that leads to Golden Lake is unmarked, so keep your eyes peeled. I got there thanks to rough directions written out on my phone and help from a fellow hiker. Generally, though, its a good indicator that youre getting closer when the thick forest breaks into a more rocky terrain. I arrived at the lake around 4 p.m. Seeing it for the first time was a bit like seeing the ocean for the first time. The tree line breaks into the grassy expanse of Park Meadow. A narrow trail weaves its way to the lakes bank, where I found a hiker whipping a fishing line over the lakes still surface. A thin, clear creek rushes down from the mountains and fills the shallow lake. As Ive written before, I love hiking alone. But as much as I want peace and solitude, I also want to test how much alone-ness I can handle. It can get tough: Your mind plays tricks on you when youre alone in the wilderness. It challenges your sense of security and your confidence. As I prepared for bed that night, for example, I froze midway down to my sleeping bag. I kept stock still while I listened to the sound of my zipper tassels jangling against the sides of my tent and the zipper teeth and to the flapping of my rain fly. Eventually, I ripped the fly off. My mind jumped to the worst conclusion some animal or human wanted inside my tent. I quickly dispelled my theory but it took another two hours to fall asleep. I tried plugging my ears to block out the sound. I scrunched my sleeping bag closer around me. I face-planted into my pillow, laid my arm over my eyelids to block out any leftover light, and still my heart raced. The wind whipped my tent about. It pushed my tent up and over my face and wrestled with the heavy backpack Id placed at the tents entrance in a lame attempt to keep the walls from caving in. When I awoke the next morning, I felt proud to have endured the nights solitude. So I celebrated with coffee and basked in the glory of Broken Top and South Sister, which loomed just outside my tent. When I finally crawled outside my tent, I discovered that the campers closest to me had already packed up, in time to avoid the first drops of rain. Luckily, it never more than drizzled on the way back to my car. A light raincoat, hat and a rain cover for my backpack were all I needed. When I arrived back at the Little Three Creek Lake trailhead, I sat on the banks of Three Creek Lake to admire my trip. I peeled off my socks, emptied the sand from my shoes and washed my feet in the lake. Fourteen miles later and I was wishing I was fourteen miles deep into the wilderness again. hidden A new EU-U.S. pact governing the transfer of personal data faces a second legal challenge, putting the details of the deal which underpins billions of dollars of transatlantic trade in digital services under further scrutiny. French privacy advocacy group La Quadrature du Net, non-profit Internet service provider French Data Network and its Federation FDN industry association have now challenged the adoption of the Privacy Shield pact by the European Commission at the Luxembourg-based General Court, following in the steps of Irish group Digital Rights Ireland. The Privacy Shield agreement was reached earlier this year after the European Union's highest court struck down the previous Safe Harbor Principles used by companies to enable them to transfer Europeans' personal data to the United States, due to concerns about intrusive U.S. surveillance of online data. The new agreement gives businesses storing Europeans' data on U.S. servers - from human resources information to people's browsing histories and hotel bookings - an easy way to do so without falling foul of tough EU private data transfer rules. More than 500 companies have signed up to Privacy Shield so far, including Google, Facebook and Microsoft, while over 1,000 are being processed by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The agreement seeks to strengthen privacy protections for EU citizens by giving them a means of seeking redress in the case of disputes, including through a new privacy ombudsman within the State Department who will deal with complaints from Europeans about U.S. spying. But the objectors say that restrictions on U.S. surveillance activities - in particular the bulk collection of data and the purposes for which the data can be used - are inadequate and therefore the Privacy Shield agreement should be annulled. Under EU law companies or individuals may challenge EU acts before the EU courts if they are directly concerned within two months of the act coming into force, otherwise they have to go through national courts, a process which takes longer. However both challenges face a strong risk of being declared inadmissible if the court finds that the associations are not directly concerned. In their challenge the French groups say that the U.S. ombudsman is not an effective mechanism for dealing with complaints. "The fact that it relies on so-called 'independent' instruments is in no way sufficient to consider it an independent judicial entity," they said. A spokesman for the European Commission, which negotiated the Privacy Shield with Washington, said it was aware of the new complaint. "We don't comment on ongoing court cases. As we have said from the beginning, the Commission is convinced that the Privacy Shield lives up to the requirements set out by the European Court of Justice, which have been the basis for the negotiations," Christian Wigand said. The U.S. Department of Commerce did not respond to questions about the second challenge. Reuters hidden Wearable fitness device maker Fitbit Inc's revenue forecast for the key-holiday shopping quarter fell well below of analysts' estimates, hurt by soft demand and production issues related to its new Flex 2 wristband. Shares of the company, which also reported lower-than-expected quarterly revenue, plummeted more than 30 percent in extended trading on Wednesday and were set to hit record-low levels on Thursday. Fitbit forecast revenue of $725 million to $750 million for the October-December quarter. That was well below analysts' average estimate of $985.1 million, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. The forecast implies revenue growth of 5.4 percent at the top end. Analysts were expecting growth to pick up to 38.4 percent from the 23.1 percent in the latest third quarter, which is the smallest rise since the company went public in June 2015. "We continue to grow and are profitable, however, not at the pace previously expected," Chief Executive James Park said. Fitbit's transition to its newer products, greater-than-anticipated softness in the wearables market and production issues with the new Flex 2 wristband were the chief causes for the weak outlook, Chief Financial Officer Bill Zerella told Reuters. The production issue Fitbit found it "incredibly difficult" to find small-enough batteries to fit started in the third quarter and is not expected to be resolved before the end of December, Zerella said. He estimated that hit Fitbit's revenue forecast by about $50 million. Fitbit is the leader in the fast-growing wearable devices market, according to research firm IDC. The company expects worldwide shipments of such devices to rise 29 percent in 2016 and more than double by 2020. But, Fitbit's top position is under increasing threat from rivals such as Apple Inc, Samsung Electronics, Xiaomi and Garmin Ltd, whose devices have features that rival those in Fitbit's devices. "Fitbit's destiny isn't completely within their control. Unless companies find a way to get a mass market of consumers to put devices on their wrist, there's a limited upside there," said Forrester analyst Julie Ask. While Fitbit's revenue growth has been slowing, it had topped analysts' estimates in its five quarters as a public company. That streak ended in the latest third quarter. Fitbit, which launched two new fitness wristbands, Charge 2 and Flex 2, in late August, said it sold 5.3 million devices in the quarter, edging past analysts average estimates of 5 million, according to research firm FactSet StreetAccount. However, the average selling price for its devices fell to $93 from $99 in the prior quarter, and missed analysts average estimate of $98.25, according to FactSet StreetAccount. That meant Fitbit's total revenue of $503.8 million missed analysts average estimate of $506.9 million. Revenue in its Asia Pacific market plummeted 45.1 percent to $35.7 million as sales partners continued to work their way through existing inventory of Fitbit devices. Operating expenses jumped 52.4 percent, largely due to higher research and development costs. The company's net income plunged about 75 percent to $26.1 million. Reuters Kunal Khullar Just a couple of days back we reported leaks around the Samsung Galaxy S8, the iPhone 8 and other devices that would be released or hitting the market soon. Today we have a new set of leaks which have popped up in less than two days. That is bound to happen considering the competition and high consumer demands. Without further adieu lets see some of the new leaks. OnePlus 4 The OnePlus 3 proved to be a successful product for the company and now various sources on Weibo suggest that the OnePlus 4 will be launched in June or July next year. Expect a Snapdragon 830 SoC clocked at 3GHz with an Adreno 620 GPU, 8GB of RAM and 32/64/128GB storage options. The battery could be in the 4,000-4,200mAh range and that the front and rear camera units will be 8MP and 24MP units respectively. The display is said to be a 5.5-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2K (25601440). Huawei Mate 9 Pro We know that Chinese smartphone maker Huawei will be launching the Mate 9 today in Berlin, Germany. There has been a speculation of a higher end smartphone, the Mate 9 Pro. It is expected to arrive with a 5.9-inch display with a 25601440 resolution, an octa-core Kirin 960 processor, Mali-G71 MP8 GPU, 6GB RAM and 256GB of flash storage. The rear camera will have a dual-lens setup with 20MP and 12MP sensors. It will run on Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box. LeEco LEX850 LeEco recently announced the third generation of its smartphone range, the Le Pro 3 and Le S3. It seems that the company is not yet done for 2016 as a new phone was seen online. Sporting the model number LEX850 it is said to feature a 5.7-inch 2K display, a Snapdragon 821 processor clocked at 2.34GHz, dual 13MP rear cameras. There is 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage on board and a 3900mAh battery. Apple MacBook Pro 2017 Okay, we know that Apple just refreshed the MacBook Pro series with a neat looking function OLED strip, but speculation for the next years model are already coming in. According to KGI Apple will launch another refresh of the MacBook Pros in the second half of 2017 which will support 32GB of RAM. Of course that is dependent upon whether or not Intel releases its Canonlake processors. The Canonlake CPU with LPDDR 4 RAM will consume 15 percent to 25 percent less power than existing CPUs,allowing that power saving to be allotted to additional RAM. hidden An Arizona man was arrested on Wednesday on charges that he hacked into over 1,000 email accounts for students and others at two universities and tried to do the same at 75 other higher-education institutions throughout the country. Jonathan Powell, a 29-year-old Phoenix resident, was arrested based on a criminal complaint filed in federal court in Manhattan charging him with fraud in connection with computers, according to prosecutors. According to the complaint, Powell used password reset tools try to access thousands of email accounts at two universities in New York and Pennsylvania, successfully changing the passwords for 1,050 accounts. Prosecutors said he went on to compromise social media and other accounts at online services such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Google that were linked to the university email accounts, and mined those accounts for users' confidential information. Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said Powell also searched their photos for "potentially embarrassing content." In one instance, he searched a students' Gmail account using the keywords "naked" and "horny," the complaint said. "This case should serve as a wakeup call for universities and educational institutions around the country," Bharara said in a statement. A lawyer for Powell could not be immediately identified. He was expected to be presented in a federal court in Phoenix later on Wednesday. Neither Bharara's office nor the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which investigated the incidents, identified the universities at issue. tech2 News Staff Google knows it pretty well, and pretty much every other content provider in India understands this as well: India has a limited bandwidth and connectivity issue when it comes to the internet. This is why a number of streaming services today do offer the option to take content offline. In fact, Google has been adding a steady stream of offline features to YouTube. So what's holding back Netflix all this time? It turns out that Netflix isn't blind to reality and the content provider is looking to push out an offline feature, but this is only expected to arrive in new (developing) markets like India where its customers do not always have access to high speed internet. Allowing content to be downloaded offline in a country whose regulator that defines broadband speed as 512Kbps, would be big for the content provider's customers indeed. Following plenty of speculation, it turns out that Netflix is ready to take its content offline... soon. In an interview with CNBC, Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said that offline content could be heading to markets where high internet speeds are not present. "Now as we've launched in more territoriesthey all have different levels of broadband speeds and Wi-Fi access. So in those countries they have adapted their behaviors to be much more of a downloading culture. So in those emerging territories it starts to become a little more interesting. We still think for the developed world our thesis has been true but I think as we get into more and more (of the) undeveloped world and developing countries, that we want to find alternatives for people to use Netflix easily," Sarandos told CNBC. Sarandos also said that the company was "looking at it now, so we'll see when." Indeed, all of this comes after the Netflix went worldwide not too long ago. Earlier available in countries with a high internet penetration, Netflix will have to look into the use cases with customer from different countries with access to different internet speeds to get users onto its service. hidden Vietnamese police on Wednesday detained a prominent blogger for distributing anti-state information, the latest in a crackdown on critics of the country's Communist rulers. Ho Van Hai, 52, was arrested in Ho Chi Minh City and accused of "spreading information and documents on the internet that are against the government of the Social Republic of Vietnam", according to a statement by Ho Chi Minh City police on their website. Police will investigate and handle Hai's violations in accordance with the law, the statement said. Hai's Facebook page and blog were inaccessible as of Wednesday night. Despite sweeping reforms to its economy and increasing openness toward social change, including gay, lesbian and transgender rights, Vietnam's ruling Communist Party retains tight media censorship and zero tolerance for criticism. Last month Vietnam police detained prominent blogger Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, or "Me Nam" (Mother Mushroom), for running "propaganda" against the state. The United States, European Union and Britain called for her release. Another well-known Vietnamese political blogger and his assistant lost their appeal in September when a higher court upheld their jail terms and reaffirmed they had abused their freedom and hurt the state's interests. Reuters This Page has moved to a new address: Sorry for the inconvenience Redirection provided by Blogger to WordPress Migration Service Suu Kyi says Myanmar dealing with Rakhine under rule of law Myanmar State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi, shakes hands with Japan\'s Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, (left) prior to their talks at a hotel in Tokyo on Thursday. AP, Tokyo : Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi said Thursday that her government is following the law in dealing with the situation in Rakhine state, where police have reportedly beaten and raped minority Rohingya Muslims. Her statement came one day after the U.S. called for restoration of full humanitarian access to the strife-hit region of western Myanmar where the United Nations says more than 150,000 people are being denied aid. Suu Kyi, in a meeting in Tokyo with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, said the Rakhine issue is extremely delicate and must be handled with care, according to a summary released by Japan's Foreign Ministry. She told Kishida that the Myanmar government is responding to the situation based on the principle of the rule of law, the ministry said. Human rights groups have raised alarm over a three-week surge in violence by security forces in Rakhine, home to many Rohingya. The violence followed the killings of nine police officers at border posts on Oct. 9. Kishida said violence should not be permitted, and that he welcomes efforts toward peace and stability in the region, according to the summary. He added that Japan would support those efforts by donating a new ship, on top of two used boats and food aid given earlier for displaced persons. Suu Kyi, who holds the titles of state counsellor and foreign minister, is on a five-day visit to Japan. FENI: A blood donation programme was held at Doctors\' Recreation Club in Feni organized by Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, Feni District Unit on Wednesday. MADHUKHALI(Faridpur): Manoj Saha, leader of Bangladesh Workers\' Party speaking at a view -exchange meeting of the party in Madhukhali Upazila recently. Asia Fine Arts Exhibition-2016 kicks off on Dec 1 Economic Reporter : The 17th biennial Asia Fine Arts Exhibition-2016 is set to begin at Chitrashala of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on December 1 this year. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the month-long exhibition. The exhibition is held by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy after every two years. A total of 153 countries including Bangladesh will participate in the exhibition, where 365 art works of 280 artists will be displayed. Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Liakat Ali Lucky made a presentation on progress of the exhibition at a meeting of the national committee on the occasion of holding the 17th biennial Asia Fine Arts Exhibition-2016. Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor presided over the meeting. Cultural Affairs Secretary Begum Aktari Momotaj, Prof Nazrul Islam and artists Samarjit Roy Chowdhury, Hamiduzzaman Khan, Rafiqun Nabi and Kalidas Karmakara, among others, were present. Md. Sazedul Islam :The left leg of Dipika Ghosh (not real name), a leprosy patient of Kushtia town, is being disabled due to her delayed treatment. The poor housewife initially could not understand when leprosy signs developed in her body. When the symptoms turned unusual, she visited local doctors, who failed to identity her disease. As her problem increased, she went to a leprosy hospital in Nilphamari where she was diagnosed as a leprosy case. Doctors at the hospital said, delay in taking proper treatment worsened her condition and predicted that she might face disability.Like her, many leprosy victims turned disabled due to lack of timely and proper treatment. Necessary steps need to be taken for eradicating leprosy, which is still our health problem.According to The Leprosy Mission International-Bangladesh (TLMI-B), integrated health services, if fully introduced in our country, can reduce the burden of leprosy. The services include five key areas such as raising community awareness on leprosy, detecting new leprosy case, adequate supply of multi-drug therapy (MDT), ensuring leprosy complication management, and rehabilitation support.According to National Leprosy Elimination Programme (NLEP), there were 26,479 people from 1985 to 2015 in the country with deformity caused by the disease. Some 203423 people were diagnosed as leprosy cases in the country during the period.The data indicated that over 10% affected people were disabled due to the disease a year.We need to ensure that all persons affected by leprosy have an equal opportunity to be diagnosed and treated by competent health workers, without unnecessary delays and at an affordable cost. To achieve this goal, the major thrust of our efforts must focus on integrating leprosy into the general health services. Health workers at all levels must be taught the simple methods required to diagnose and manage leprosy. This will improve access to leprosy services and reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by persons affected by the disease.World Health Organization (WHO) Global Strategy for further reducing the leprosy burden focuses on reducing the disease burden further in all endemic communities.We need to ensure that sustainable activities are carried out and quality services provided within an integrated set up that includes an effective referral network to manage leprosy-related complications effectively. The overall goal of WHO's strategy is to provide access to quality leprosy services for all affected communities following the principles of equity and social justice.Six basic principles for successful integration are advocated by WHO: Every health facility in an endemic area should provide MDT services on all working days; at least one trained staff member should be available in every health facility; adequate amounts of MDT drugs should be available, free of cost, for patients; Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials should be available for the patient and their family members; a simple treatment register should be available; referral services should be available and accessible, and general health staff should know where and how to refer patients.Effective leprosy control requires an integrated approach, which provides wider equity and accessibility, improved cost-effectiveness and long term sustainability. This implies that leprosy control activities should be implemented by the general health services, including integrated referral facilities. Integration not only improves accessibility to treatment, but also reduces the stigma and discrimination faced by persons affected by leprosy.Integration means that day-to-day patient management, recording and reporting become the responsibility of general health staff. However, integration does not mean that specialist expertise disappears from the health service. On the contrary, this expertise must be available within the general health service at the central and intermediate levels for planning and evaluation, provision of training, technical supervision, advice, referral services (including those at hospitals) and research.A system should be in place for the referral of difficult or complicated cases to the hospitals or specialists (e.g., general medical officers with some additional training in leprosy, dermatologists or surgeons) and referral by specialists back to the peripheral health facilities for continuation of treatment. The specialized referral services for leprosy are part of the general health services, just like a surgeon in a district hospital is part of the general health services.Centres treating the difficult complications of leprosy and providing rehabilitative surgical services will be even more centralized, but could also provide some referral services through mobile units.Rehabilitation may include a medical component (such as reconstructive surgery) but its scope is much broader. It is likely that some people affected by leprosy would benefit from socio-economic rehabilitation (for example, vocational training or a small loan). Staff in the health services need to be familiar with what is being done in the locality, and know how and where to refer people who need these services.Integration has become the major strategic component of the WHO leprosy elimination strategy. The need for integration has been recognized in virtually all leprosy endemic countries and increasing number of countries has embarked on the integration.In Bangladesh, we need to do more for introducing the integrated services. There will be more voluntary case reporting of leprosy if we can create community awareness. The community should be informed about symptoms of leprosy and the availability of services. The government has health employees and other facilities, if these can be used properly, there will be more awareness and detection of new leprosy cases, said concerned sources.Leprosy is curable with timely and regular treatment. Test and treatment of leprosy are available for free in the country. But lack of timely treatment causes disability. Hence, the issue of awareness aimed at detecting leprosy case and bringing the patients under treatment is very important.According to sources, some parts of our country have not required supply of MDT, a combination drugs used for treatment of leprosy. The supply should be ensured in the interest of leprosy eradication.Regarding complication management, it can be said that we have only three leprosy hospitals but those are not fully equipped to deal with the issue. A section of people turned disabled due to leprosy. On the other hand, reaction may occur due to intake of drugs by a patient. We need specialized services such as ulcer care and reconstructive surgery to deal with the problems. Complete specialized health services for leprosy should be available in the country.Jiptha Boiragee, programme support coordinator of TLMI-B, observed that the government has manpower and facilities. It would be very helpful in introducing the integrated services in the country if these can be utilized properly. "If the government takes necessary steps to introduce integrated health services at least in the country's all the medical college hospitals, it would help reduce leprosy burden. It would be better if the services are made available at district level general hospital".Rights activists, working in the field, said that our country would be free from leprosy if steps are taken in line with the integrated health services.(The author, a journalist, can be reached at [email protected] 40 DU students awarded Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship A total of 40 under-graduate students from different academic years and disciplines of Dhaka University (DU) were awarded for Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship, Japan, said a university press release on Thursday. DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique distributed the scholarships among the students as the chief guest at a function, held at Professor Abdul Matin Choudhury Virtual Classroom on the campus. Advisor of the Sumitomo Corporation Khondker Ali Ershad announced the names of awarded students while General Manager of the corporation Naoto Yamada addressed the function as special guest. Acting Director of DU Planning and Development Office Jiban Kumar Mishra conducted the programme. The VC congratulated the awardees and thanked the Sumitomo Corporation authorities for providing scholarship to DU meritorious students, the release added. John gives a shout-out to Indian Army While Diwali is a festival that people often tend to spend with their near and dear ones, immersed in fun frolic. John Abraham has a rather thought provoking message this festive season. The actor is recognizing the efforts of the unsung heroes, the brave members of the Indian Army, who are away from their families defending the country. John Abraham shares, "My hearty greetings to the Indian Army. You'll are the real heroes for us. While we will be celebrating the festival of lights with our loved ones, there are these heroes who won't even get a chance to meet and greet their families this festive season. We as a nation are indebted to you'll. Thank you all for your courage,patriotism and selflessness to make sure we all sleep peacefully in our homes. Jai Hind!" The actor will also be visiting Amar Jawan Jyoti in New Delhi early this month to pay his respects to martyrs. Changing track on trade Pieter de Pous : Those convinced that CETA is essential to maintaining EU credibility, growth and prosperity looked at the apparently impending crash in horror and fell over each other to scoff at the Belgian region of Wallonia for having the audacity to use the power it had been given. CETA enthusiasts are right about one thing: the consequences of any fallout for the EU could be disastrous, but for a very different reason than they argue. The economic significance of this deal is marginal and pales in comparison to the economic benefits that would arise from an ambitious circular economy and clean energy policies. The EU is still perfectly able to achieve these on its own with good old fashioned regulatory instruments. And the political cost of pressing ahead with these next generation type of trade deals that provide investors with special tribunals and put the removal of trade barriers before the protection of citizens has become prohibitively high. The potential failure of CETA has been billed by Canadian negotiators as a nail in the coffin for EU-Canadian relationships. They have emphasised the similarities between Europe and Canada and their desire to protect people and nature. If this is indeed the case then these countries should be co-operating on solving climate change and divesting from fossil exploration for instance, rather than putting all their eggs in the free trade basket with uncertain and unevenly spread benefits. The real risk with CETA is that its supporters from across the political spectrum will see this debacle as a protectionist backlash and retreat into their trenches in defence of free trade, arguing that this is necessary for open societies and economies, and civilization itself. This is highly dangerous as it plays straight into the hands of the far-right groups that are on the rise in most parts of Europe with their toxic offering of national identity politics. It is these groups that pose a clear threat to open societies and economies based on the rule of law, not the bulk of people opposed to TTIP or CETA. Progressive groups including environmentalists, consumers, social rights defenders and trade unions, and the constituencies they represent, are the strongest possible allies for an EU that defends the fundamental rights of its citizens. Member states and the EU institutions should therefore be listening to these groups, not tarring them with the same brush as the Front National in France or UKIP in the UK, for example. The worst thing that the political centre could do right now is plough ahead with deals like CETA and TTIP with the risk of permanently alienating some of the EU's most important allies.This risk of alienation is already very significant regardless of these deals. Environmental groups like the EEB have condemned President Juncker's environmental blindspot since he took office. By short-sightedly chopping away at environmental policies like the circular economy and calling into question flagship policies such as the EU's Natura 2000 network, the Commission president seems consistently deaf to the gravity of the environmental crisis and the opportunities that solving it will bring. Instead of pandering to the past, the EU can and should be leading the way with 21st century policies and standards that can help tackle the economic, environmental and social challenges we are facing. Where the EU leads, the world often follows, if for no better reason than to gain access to our markets. Sweden has recently set a new bar in Europe, introducing tax breaks on the cost of repairing goods. If other countries want to be competitive in tomorrow's economy they will have to follow suit. The EU can show the way forward for the rest of the world; we do not have to be hidebound by outdated ideas on trade as the only source of prosperity. In short, the outlook for the EU after this CETA debacle can be anything except the grim picture threatened by many. But a change of heart will be needed. Those who have so far been arguing that CETA is essential for the EU's survival and credibility need to think carefully about what they really want: to save the EU or to save the EU's trade policy in its current form. It is clear that they can't have both. (Pieter de Pous is the European Environmental Bureau's EU policy director). Rape in Hospital MEDIA reports on Thursday that six on duty Ansars at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) raped a 20-year autistic girl in the hospital has no doubt sent alarm signal about safety of female inmates in all hospitals throughout the country. If a mentally disadvantaged girl is not safe in the biggest hospital in the capital, safety of young girls in such other hospitals is at anybody's guess. We don't know what is happening all over. What is more shocking is that security personnel had locked her in a room otherwise used to treat patients suggesting how unsafe has become highly protected places. The other shocking thing is that the authorities have just withdrawn the six violators and closed them while the hospital management has informed the victim's family of the mishap. The question is why the accused personnel were not handed over to higher disciplinary authorities to face trial. They will be posted on duty at another place again; while the internal investigation is likely to end at one point using lack of proper deposition by the mentally disadvantaged girl. We must say, mere suspension is not punishment and informing victim's family of the mishap does not end the hospital authorities responsibility. We can't understand how the DMCH authorities are arranging safety of patients in the hospital, particularly of women. Why they have left the security so vulnerable without counter-vigilance system. There is every possibility that many high crimes may also happen in the hospital in this situation in the silence of night-time. DMCH is a den of corruption and mismanagement under political shelter. Attendants treat patients, sweepers put bandage while doctors very often not present at workplace. Hospital ambulance system is hostage to a syndicate of employees and the management is indifferent about it. In one estimate over 294 women and children were admitted to hospitals across the country between July and September as muggers are torturing, political cadres are killing and maiming college girls and it is sad law enforcers are not exceptions as well. In our view the government must take effective steps to rein in the situation before anarchy is spreading all over. There is no management at Dhaka Medical College Hospital is clear. Rapists must be punished but management of DMCH must also be reorganised. Local admin`s negligence behind B`baria attacks: NHRC chief Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh Kazi Reazul Hoque on Thursday said negligence, indifference and lack of prudence of the local administration were the reasons behind attacks on Hindu temples and houses in Brahmanbaria. "They can't avoid their responsibility for the losses caused by the attacks," the NHRC chief told a press briefing in its head office following a report submitted by a three-member probe committee formed by the commission. Earlier on Wednesday, the committee visited Nasirnagar upazila of Brahmanbaria following the attacks on Hindu temples, houses over a Facebook post. On Sunday, around 150-200 people desecrated at least five temples and ransacked about a hundred houses at Haripur union of Nasirnagar upazila in Brahmanbaria on Sunday allegedly over a Facebook post demeaning the holy Kaaba. Two cases were filed against 1,200 unnamed people with the local police station in connection with the incident. 4 arms suppliers of Gulshan attack held Staff Reporter : Police claimed to have arrested four militants of the banned Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) who allegedly supplied arms and bomb materials for Gulshan attack. The arrested persons are Abu Taher, 37, Mizanur Rahman, 34, M Selim Miah, 45, and Towfiqul Islam. A team of a Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit also recovered the prime elements of handmade grenade, 787 detonators and a nine mm pistol from their possessions, police said. "Tipped off, a team of the CTTC unit conducted a drive in the city's Darus Salam area around 10:30pm on Wednesday and arrested them," said Masudur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). All of them are the members of the banned militant outfit JMB, the police official said. The four JMB men gathered in the capital with the arms and explosives to carry out subversive activities, Masudur said. During primary interrogation, the four JMB men said, they are active members of JMB and they used to smuggle arms and explosives through the international border into Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj district, the DC said. Mizanur Rahman alias Boro Mizan, the chief of Chapainawabganj unit of JMB, and Mizanur Rahman alias Chhoto Mizan collected the arms and explosives from several places, said Masudur quoting the arrested men. "Chhoto Mizan collected arms, including pistols and detonators making raw materials, from them on the Chapainawabganj border. Later, he supplied those to Gulshan attack mastermind Tamim Chowdhury and Marzan," he added. Law enforcers suspect that they came to Dhaka with the detonators and arms following the order of JMB's new leadership to carry out subversive activities. Mizan was one of the main persons for collecting arms and explosives and in-charge of Chapainawabganj chapter of the militant outfit, the police official said. The 20 hostages were brutally murdered during the siege before the commandoes stormed the popular restaurant in capital's diplomatic zone in the morning of July 2. BNP`s rally now Nov 8 Alleges harassments Staff Reporter : The BNP is now seeking permission for staging its rally on November 8 instead of November 7 at the Suhrawardy Udyan. The leaders accused, however, the government of harassing the party men ahead of the rally. BNP Senior Joint-Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said it on Thursday while addressing a press briefing at the party's Nayapaltan office. "We have sought permission from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police to hold a rally at the Suhrawardy Udyan on November 8 to mark the National Revolution and Solidarity Day," Rizvi said. The BNP leader urged the administrations to give them permission as early as possible so that they can take proper preparations to stage the programme. Replying to a question about their next course of action if the authorities do not allow them to stage the rally, Rizvi expressed optimism about the permission. "There is no question of denying the permission. We will surely be allowed," he said. Earlier, BNP wanted to hold the rally on November 7, but some leaders of ruling Awami League have threatened to resist it. Earlier the BNP leaders expressed rigid stance to hold the rally on November 7 by any means. Rizvi alleged that the law enforcers are raiding the houses of BNP men and threatened them not to observe November 7. Rizvi condemned the action. He said, "it is a heinous example of using the state tools to protect the government's illegal power." The BNP leader alleged that the government is playing with the poor in the name of selling rice at Tk 10 per kg. He said that the main motive of the move is to create a scope for ruling party men to make quick money. He also condemned the government's move to introduce package VAT system saying it will make the small businessmen bankrupt. BNP leader Abdus Salam, Khairul Kabir Khokon, Bilkis Jahan Shirin, Abdus Salam Azad, Taiful Islam Tipu and Belal Ahmed, among others, were present. Schoolgirl killed allegedly after rape in Bhola Staff Reporter : A gang of youths allegedly murdered a schoolgirl, 16, after violating her at a house at Uttar Bheduria village in Bhola Sadar upazila. According to relatives and locals, the victim along with her cousin was staying at her uncle house during the incident. A gang of four youths entered the house on Wednesday night and violated the girl repeatedly. Later, they strangled her and hung the body, the relatives and locals alleged. As the victim's cousin cried for help, local people rushed to the spot and found the body hanging inside the house. Instantly, the youths came out of the house and also started shouting that the schoolgirl committed suicide by hanging herself at the room. However, locals captured three youths identified as Mohammad Sayeedi, Shamim Ahmed and Jewel Miah from the spot. But within an hour, the three youths have remained missing. Talking to journalist deceased mother said as she went to see off her elder daughter at launch terminal, she kept her younger daughter at her brother-in-law's house. "UP member Mohammad Abdul Hakim's son Mahfuz and his friends are involved in raping and later murdered my daughter. I want justice," she cried while talking. When contacted Meer Khairul Kabir, Officer-in-Charge of Bhola Sadar Police Station said none has come yet to help them for lodging case. "We have recovered the body and it has been sent to Bhola Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination to know the reason for the murder," he said. Replying to a query, he said if the victim's family file case, police would go for action against the criminals. The recent incident of frequent rape triggered a wave of protests across the country, with people demanding an end to the sexual abuse of women. Earlier the incident of a five-year-old girl sparked outrage throughout the country. Thousands of people protested gender-related violence as the incident of frequent rape and murder continues. "I want to feel safe when I'm walking down the street or staying at home, the same as men can," a college girl student said. Pay Tk 100cr or face closure Staff Reporter : Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday ordered Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to reinstate spectrum allocation for CityCell. The apex court ordered the CityCell to deposit Tk 100 crore in the BTRC account before November 19. If it fails to do so, the telecom regulator can cancel CityCell's operation again, the SC said in its order. The four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha passed this order after hearing a petition filed by CityCell seeking cancellation of BTRC decision. Appellate Division also formed a special committee headed by Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury, Vice-Chancellor of University of Asia Pacific, to settle the dispute between BTRC and Citycell over its due payment within 30 days. The SC also fixed Tk 5 lakh as honorarium for the committee chief while Tk 2.5 lakh each for the other members of the committee and asked both the sides Citycell and the BTRC to bear the honorium. Barrister Rokanuddin Mahmud, Advocate A M Amin Uddin and Advocate Mostafizur Rahman Khan represented CityCell in the court, while Attorney General Mahbubey Alam stood for the state. On the other hand, Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh and Barrister Khandaker Reza-E-Rabby pleaded for the BTRC. Advocate Mostafizur Rahman Khan said that Appellate Division had directed BTRC to take initiatives so that CityCell could start its operation from Thursday. On October 20, the BTRC suspended the spectrum of CityCell as it failed to pay the outstanding dues of Tk 477.63 crore. This suspension brought Citycell operation to shutdown. After this decision Citycell filed an appeal on October 24 seeking injunction on the decision of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission cancelling the allocation of the spectrum. Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division on October 25 sent the petition to the regular bench for hearing. The four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice heard the petition on Tuesday and set November 3 to pass an order. The operator owes Tk 477.69 crore to the BTRC, and in August the apex court ordered CityCell to pay two-thirds of the amount i.e. Tk 318.42 crore before October 19. The operator managed to pay Tk 130 crore only. In the petition, the mobile operator claimed that it paid Tk 130 crore to BTRC and Tk 14 crore to the National Board of Revenue in installments. As CityCell failed to pay the two-thirds of the total amount within the stipulated time, the BTRC took the decision to suspend the operations of the mobile phone operator as per the law. School girls frequent victims of violation Alarming rise of rape incidents across country Md Joynal Abedin Khan : The incidents of rape is on the rise alarmingly across the country, rights activists have alleged. They further alleged that most of the rape incidents remained out of registration with police stations and the news of such incidents hardly published in the media. The countrymen are now in panic following the rise of such rape incidents in the country, the rights activists mentioned. In the latest incident, a school girl of class VII was raped by a teacher in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi district on Wednesday night. Locals caught red handed rapist Shahidul Islam, 38, and handed him to the police, said Abdul Latif, Sub-Inspector of the police station. Earlier, a 10-year-old girl was allegedly raped in Savar bus stand area on Monday night while an 11-year-old girl allegedly was raped by two miscreants in the city's Vatara area on Saturday night. A recent police headquarters data revealed that around 300 rape cases are filed on an average every month, but the real number of incidents is likely double to triple of that number. The police HQ statistics said, in 2015, some 642 rape cases were filed, while 538 cases were filed in 2014. According to One-stop Crisis Center (OCC), 81 raped victim women and children admitted it in October while the common figure was 50 in every month earlier. Bangladesh Mohila Parishad report showed that at least 115 women and children were raped in October while the 40 others physically by the miscreants. Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF), a child rights body, said at least 512 women and girls were reportedly raped between January and September this year, while 26 were also killed after rape. But only 256 cases were filed in this connection with the police stations. At least 693 rape incidents were committed in 2015. According to Bangladesh National Woman Lawyers' Association (BNWLA) statistics, at least 764 rape incidents were reported between January and October this year. The organisation said the incidence of rape has been rising since 2010. BNWLA statistics showed 789 rapes reported in 2014, 719 in 2013, 836 in 2012, 603 in 2011 and 411 in 2010. Ain O Salish Kendra said, at least 466 women were raped between January and September and only 250 cases were filed regarding the rape incidents. Earlier on October 26, an indigenous girl was allegedly gang-raped by a group of youths in the city's Badda area. On October 29, two local ruling party men raped a teenage girl near the Awami League office of the capital's Dholaipar area. A mentally disorder 20-year old girl was allegedly gang-raped by six Ansar members at the outdoor of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) on October 27. A case was filed with Shahbagh Police Station in this connection on Wednesday. The accused are APC Ekramul, Anisul, Atiqul, Siraj, Babul and Minhaz. They were closed from their jobs. In Rangpur, two female students of a private nursing institute were allegedly raped by one of their fellow and four others in Rangpur town on October 27. Five days into the incident, one of the victims filed a case against the five alleged rapists with Rangpur Kotwali Police Station on Tuesday night. In Jhalakathi, a school girl filed a case against her mother on charge of helping rapist to rape her several times at their house in Kewta village in Rajapur uapzila. She filed the case with Rajapur Police Station on Monday night. The accused are Dulal Hawlader, 45, and victim's mother Sanoara Begum, said Harun Ar Rashid, OC (Investigation) of Rajapur Police Station. On October 28, police recovered a discomposed body of a 30-year old woman from Baleshwar Beel in Ramgopalpur Union of Gouripur upazila in Mymensingh district. She was also burnt after rape by unidentified miscreants. A five-year-old girl raped in Dinajpur on October 18. She was found in a crop field after going missing for more than 10 hours. Her body bore stab marks. Salma Ali, executive director of BNWLA, said the absence of social and political responsibility and a lack of transparency contribute to the problem. Cases are sometimes dismissed because of the interference and domination of ruling party men, the rights activists said. Professor Zia Rahman, chairman of the criminology department at Dhaka University, said the comodification of women in popular culture was a factor in the increasing incidences of sexual violence. Additional Inspector General of Police Mokhlesur Rahman, said, "The investigation of rape cases gets top priority from us. "If any police official is found to be negligent in investigating these cases, we will take action against them," the police official said. Komorebi, the light that passes through Nazia Andaleeb Preema : Have you ever thought how controlled we are in your quotidian considerations which are increasingly killing our inner selves? Well, sadly this is a colossal benchmark to think about and thus I believe the aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but our inward significance. I rambled and wandered in my thoughts of escaping all the depraved going on around and I categorically departed by. Fukuoka, Itoshima village in Japan, where I just finished my month long residency program at Studio Kura after almost 4.5 years. Wabisabi refers to a way of living that focuses on finding beauty within the inadequacies of life and serenely accepting the natural cycle of growth and decay) and to experience it on the land of culture and concord was not my first time nonetheless. Sensation of Japanese culture, its tradition and their immense natural humbleness towards life and art brings a greater phenomenon to a casing crowd of desirability. Our bunch carried six different enthusiasts from Canada, Finland, Germany, France, Australia and Bangladesh. We had two houses to stay. Me and my fellow roommates Charlotte Clermont who is a video artist and Inker Jantti a talented photographer shared one house. They, Cathy Laudenbach, Thomas Hoeren, Anne-Sophie Guillet all visual artists were my family for a month as my creative soul mates. I can still feel their subtle voice and untold affection, collaboration around me. An atmosphere theaters an imperative part of any creative soul. Artists may portray different perspectives, but for me this residency in Fukuoka was an amazingly Creative gesticulation which Japanese would say Kintsukuroi (the art of repairing a broken pottery with gold or silver and that the piece becomes additionally valuable and sturdier for being broken after a rebirth) as after 1stJuly 2016, I have witnessed that my city was literally broke and it shook me from my core. I desired to be touched by the gratifying absence of distress which emphasizes on simplicity of contentment and hence chose a place where I thought I would be able to get back what I thought I lost. I got a golden patch now through me to be able to kiss the soothing range of feel it all again. Ikisan is one of the places in Itoshima, far away from the cities; it takes 25 stations from the Fukuoka city, under Kyushu Prefecture. I wanted to be immersed in nature and Japanese beliefs to let myself be touched by every come upon marvels. Studio Kura was in a rural area close to rice fields and the sea which I felt were exactly the rudiments I needed to reconnect with. Drowned in countryside, walking for two hours I could heal myself from the illness of urban bedlam. Observe green 24/7 and the changes of colors at different times of the day and night. Able to texture the smell of the heat, cold and silence, watch each small difference appear from the breeze on a leaf or on the surface of water. Illumination of the energy of its flora and culture. Be passionate about everything that passes by that deep rush leading to manifest life all over again Walking and the link with nature is a mysterious relationship. I felt grateful to be an artist. I knew this will lift my spirit up to explore my art at an unknown path to surprise myself as well.I closely observed all the attitude, elements and objects those passed by and made the most out of it with boundless curiosity. It's very important for me to be totally involved without any hesitancy. I intensely believe it is important as an artist to embrace and sense every feature of the existence around me - still, moving, silent and what not. It was in one word, Sugoi - awesome! Life is 10 per cent of what happens to us and 90 per cent how we react to it. Thus art enables artists to visualize the extensive form of reaction which ought to be fully involved with environment, society, people and surroundings. For me this isolated Ikisan village of Japan was extremely engaging as the entire artist those were with me in the residency got their own perspectives and expression to react for and express through their own medium of fields. Some were into photographs, video or sight specific. In the inaudible nature of the village, each of us was engaging in deeper aesthetes of passionate journey. For me it was always an inner search of belongings of the place and inspiring my soul to sooth in and soak into the power of nature that allow us create the unknown. The Japanese weather at that time was unpredictable. So my consciousness was constantly aroused by the natural drama. Since the environment was new to me I was exhilarated to feel the surrounding with a delusional state of mind. Delusion can be so powerful as it gave me enormous strength to search my symbol and object to nurture my creativity. I was a constant observer. Every morning at 6, at 12 - I heard a melody coming from somewhere to encourage and encounter my soul. It was not the perfect time of Sakura Cheery blossom but thats why I missed their white and pink beauty in nature. The depression inspired me to create imaginary Kimono by artificial fabric and it was at the display at the exhibition at the end of the residency programme. Culinary Japanese cuisine and the traditional food was a perfect blend to entangle with the culture. The raw fish, live squid, various types of Soba, udon and noodles were the core ingredient to understand a food habit which truly inspired me to understand a simple and pure yet very artistic delicacy. I would never know that Japanese rice can be so juicy if I didn't have it in my mouth to feel its rich authentic texture. Every ingredient of their food items got a meaning. And I felt Itadakimasu meaning I will have this It is used before eating any food to express appreciation and respect for life, nature, the person who prepared the food, the person who served the food, and everything else that is related to eating. It was Ukiyo for me, as I was in the floating world - living in the moment detached from the bothers of life. I was watching Charlotte the video artist from Quebec, continuously researching on her old television, tape recorder, sound and unknown fonts in collaboration with visual collages, and I was busy transforming my usable objects into art. I used soba, bamboo leaves, fish and gold papers to mark my experimental art in my residency. I was planning to have an integrated exhibition to showcase my experience. InkeriJantti, a young Japanese woman, was focusing on Ayami lives and supporting art and other humanitarian activities. I collaborated with her warm body surface to create a dialogue through painting and performance. I wanted my soul to be free to react to any kind of emotional and visual symbols. InkeriJantti took Ayami to the woods and beach to explore her inner spirit by the breeze of ocean and spark of the nature. It inspired me immensely. I took my SLR and through the canal of Fukuoka city near Tenjin and Hakata to capture my Hotaru, a Firefly series. Japan at night is surrounded by lights which reflect on the canal creating a magical yet mysterious atmosphere. It drew me into a world of illumination. With my SLR and my curious mind I walked miles after miles. When I close my eyes I still can feel the silence of nature and all those lights that come through the leaves Komorebi. I believe a complete artist should be able to bathe in the forest, he or she should be able to consent encounters with no fear. An artist should always want to be at the end of the world, meet new, strange and weird people who can stir their artistic ability to test their limits. (Photo: : Inkeri Jantti) To be continued... Workshop on Shakespearean plays at Shilpakala Sheikh Arif Bulbon : Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) arranged a drama workshop on the premises of BSA in the city's Segunbagicha area last week as part of year long celebrations of the 400th death anniversary of the greatest writer in the English language, William Shakespeare. Through the workshop, the Academy aims to stage selective parts of Shakespeare's drama. This 15-day workshop was led by prominent theatre personality Ataur Rahman. In the workshop, trainees were divided into five teams who later staged five of Shakespeare's greatest stage productions, 'Merchant of Venice', 'Macbeth', 'Othello', 'Tempest' and 'Taming of the Shrew'. The closing ceremony of the workshop took place last day of October where Minister of Cultural Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh, Asaduzzaman Noor was present as the Chief Guest. Presided over by Director General of BSA, Liaquat Ali Lucky, prominent dramatist, director, actor and theatre activist Mamunur Rashid graced the event as special guest while Secretary of BSA Jahangir Hossain Chowdhury delivered welcoming speech on the occasion. After the closing ceremony, two of dramas trained in the workshop, 'Merchant of Venice' and 'Macbeth' were staged while 'Othello', 'Tempest' and 'Taming of the Shrew' were also staged later. A chilling experience Marking the Jail Killing Day family members and leaders of different organisations placing wreaths on the memorials of four leaders at Old Dhaka Central Jail premises on Thursday. Staff Reporter : As the 228-year-old Dhaka Central Jail-now turned into museum has been opened for all for five days, people from all walks of life on Thursday thronged there by paying Tk 100 as entry fee. The authorities opened the jail premises for commoners' visit on Wednesday (November 2) for 5 days. It has been decorated with rare photographs of Bangabandhu, the four national leaders and some other political leaders for visitors. It was an exceptional feeling to the visitors as they were able to move freely in and around the jail. People usually land in the jail on charge of various crimes but this time they are visiting it without any tension. People were seen passing busy times with taking photographs as well as making many of themselves as artificial inmates at different cells of the abandoned rooms of the jail. The children and teen-aged people yesterday astonished to see the 'gallows stages' and the construction shapes during the British regime. Some of the inmates, who had been languished in the jail, described the visitors about the lifestyle of prisoners. A former dweller of Meghan-5, said, "I am also exited as I'm moving inside the jail premises without tension." Opening day's exhibition titled 'Songramy Jeebon Grangtha' has been decorated with 75 photos of Bangabandhu and the four national leaders, collected by an organization named 'Journey'. The Bangabandhu Jail Memorial Museum was established encompassing the Dewani Cell where Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had been detained during the Pakistani regime. The jail is historically significant as the four Liberation War heroes were brutally killed by some army officers inside it on November 3, 1975 after the assassination of Bangabandhu along with most of his family members on August 15 the same year. It is also where some of the top war criminals were imprisoned and hanged. The Four National Leaders Memorial Museum - built in the memory of Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, M Mansur Ali and AHM Qamruzzaman, all were assassinated on November 3, 1975 inside the jail - was built in a separate structure named 'Mrityunjoy.' Before shifting to Keranigonj, it had about 8,000 inmates, though it was built to accommodate just 2,600. Inmates lived in cramped, unsanitary conditions. Deputy Jailer Ferdous Ahmed said people, who didn't see inside the jail, are very curious to know about inside of that. Now they have got the chance to know where common prisoners stayed, which place was for VIP and where was gallows. UN pledges $1.2b for BD`s sustainable dev UNB, Dhaka : The United Nations on Thursday signed an agreement with the government of Bangladesh pledging $1.2 billion for the next four years. The agreement, known as the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2017 - 2020, is also strategically planned to carry forward the legacy of the achievements of the MDGs. Senior Secretary of Economic Relations Division Mohammad Mejbahuddin and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Robert D Watkins signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides at the NEC auditorium in the city. Robert Watkins said that the UNDAF represents the commitment of the UN System to assist the government of Bangladesh in achieving its national development priorities presented in the 7th Five Year Plan, 2021 Vision, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Mejbahuddin welcomed UN Country Team's continued contribution in enhancing development of Bangladesh through technical and programmatic support. He expressed that an early approach in designing joint plan of actions will be productive for timely implementation of the Framework and disbursement of the funds. This agreement is generally prepared for five years. However, this time it is designed for four years to align with the government of Bangladesh's development plan. The next agreement again will be for five years, according to UN office in Dhaka. The agreement reaffirmed the UN's stance on promoting progress that influences people centric development, especially for those who are the most vulnerable; protection and sustainable management of environment as well as combating the impacts of climate change; and economic and social prosperity that is inclusive to all people of Bangladesh. The UNDAF facilitates partnerships among UN System's agencies, drawing on their comparative advantages, to support national development priorities, said the UN office. It is now unlikely that new solar power systems would ever pay for themselves as a result of LUS new solar tax and the phase out of Louisianas solar tax credits. A solar photovoltaics system on a home in Lafayette Photo by Simon Mahan Back in 2012, my family installed a new solar power system on our home. Federal tax credits coupled with Louisianas solar power tax credits meant we spent $5,000 out of pocket on the brand new system. At the time, we anticipated the system to pay for itself in about seven or eight years. But this past August, our local electric utility company, Lafayette Utilities System, introduced an anti-solar power policy with no public input that is effectively a tax on solar power systems. The new rate structure for current net metered customers, including solar power families like mine, is also likely to almost double our monthly electric bills. And the new solar tax will likely double the payback time. The new electric rates are so illogical that having solar panels in the months of August and September would actually be worse for my electric bill than not having solar panels the same months when the utility most needs the power our solar system is producing. For my neighbors who might have been considering installing solar power, it is unlikely that new solar power systems would ever pay for themselves as a result of LUS new solar tax and the phase out of Louisianas solar tax credits. This punitive rate structure came as a total shock to our family, right after the community experienced the historic, 1,000-year flooding that occurred in Louisiana. The same week that the flooding occurred, LUS introduced this extremely complicated electric, water and sewer rate increase. Before the rate increase, all of Lafayettes residential electric customers were usually charged a flat $6 monthly service fee, plus the cost of energy and fuel on a per kilowatt hour basis. Electric bills under different rates Starting Nov. 1, LUS began implementing a rate structure that discriminates against solar customers. The new rate plan results in a $7 monthly service fee for all residential customers, and energy rates will increase by 9 percent (from 4.01 cents per kWh to 4.371 cents per kWh). Solar families, however, will see an $11.31 monthly service charge plus an additional $15.95 wires fee. The new net meter rate decreases the energy value to $0.038961/kWh, but this isnt enough to overcome the additional solar tax. LUS new solar tax is so high that it means that, in some months, it would be cheaper for my family to not have solar panels at all. I took the last 12 months of our electric bills and calculated what they would have been with the new LUS solar tax. Our bill under the old rate structure was $347 for the year. If we were a non-solar family, our annual electric cost would likely have been $706, so we saved $359, which helps us pay off the $5,000 cost of our system. But if LUS solar tax had been in effect last year, our power bill would have been $575. That $216 annual bill increase represents a 73 percent rate hike on my family. For August and September, the new solar tax means we will actually be paying a higher monthly power bill than if we did not have any solar panels on our home. Howd this happen? The new electric, water and sewer rates were introduced as a 60-page ordinance at a 4:30 p.m. public meeting, the same week as Louisianas historic, 1,000-year flood. In the media, the rate increase was simply billed as Lafayette utility rates will increase 9 percent over the next three years, without any mention of the exceptionally bad solar power policy. Twenty two days later, the rate was finalized and approved. Not a single member of the public came to any meeting to provide comment on the new solar tax. Electric companies, their regulators, customers and stakeholders all over the country are grappling with how to fairly compensate solar families. Some utilities have proposed outrageously high fixed charges on solar power users, but those efforts have generally been beaten back due to their highly unpopular status and woeful lacking of scientific support. As far as I can tell, LUS solar tax doesnt even grandfather in existing systems like my own. In related news, this past weekend, Tesla introduced its new solar power roof system and its battery Powerwall 2.0. The new sleek roof systems are aesthetically incredible, and likely to cost the same as a new roof plus the cost of energy. The roofs are designed to effectively outlive the house. The new Powerwall 2.0 doubles the amount of energy storage and lowers the cost of storing power. As electric companies continue to increase electric rates, and penalize solar users, Teslas system (and many, many others like it) will be a tempting option for residents and homeowners to go off-grid. I dont know for certain exactly why LUS decided to request the new solar tax. But its a dark cloud hanging over new residential solar power development in the city. The city-parish council should immediately rescind the new net metering rules. If LUS is interested in developing a new solar policy, those considerations need to be brought to light in a fair and public forum. My next blog on this topic will likely either be Lafayette restores smart solar policy or Living off-grid in Suburbia. Stay tuned. _A Lafayette Parish resident, Simon Mahan is the renewable energy manager for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, which for three decades has been a leading voice for energy reform to protect the quality of life and treasured places in the Southeast. This column originally appeared on cleanenergy.org's website. _ The Nov. 8 election will be the first ballot in Louisiana history where more than 3 million people will be eligible to vote. The Nov. 8 election will be the first ballot in Louisiana history where more than 3 million people will be eligible to vote, according to Meg Casper, press secretary for Secretary of State Tom Schedler. The state surpassed the 3 million threshold during this most recent drive to register people to vote in the presidential election. Compared to roughly one year ago, there was an overall increase of 61,424 registrations. Some new trends did bubble to the surface. For example, after several years of being one of the fastest growing segments of the electorate, non-party voters increased by only 21,211. That category was outstripped this election cycle by the growth among Republicans, which added 26,425 new voters. Democrats saw an increase of 13,788. The boost in Republican registration is being credited in part to Louisianas closed presidential primary earlier this year. A few candidates, like Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, put considerable resources into a registration push and a number of conservative voters may have signed up to participate due to the popularity of Donald Trump. The secretary of states office saw its biggest jump in both September and October, with more than 61,400 voters being added to the rolls, or about 30,000 each month. The most significant push came from Facebook, which ran internal ads to get voters registered between Sept. 20 and Sept. 27 for National Voter Registration Month. That drive from the social media giant resulted in 21,704 registrations. The largest growth area across the board was with new voters, ages 18 to 34. The registration process is now closed for participating in the Nov. 8 primary election, but voters can still sign up until Nov. 9 for the Dec. 10 runoff elections. Iberia Parish Jail Photo Illustration A federal prosecutor says handcuffed inmates screamed and groaned in pain and begged for the beatings to stop as sheriff's deputies swung metal batons in an April 2011 contraband sweep at a Louisiana jail. Multiple news outlets cite Prosecutor Joseph Jarzabek describing the scenario Monday during his opening statement in Sheriff Louis Ackal's trial on civil rights abuses. Jarzabek said the search for contraband turned brutal after an inmate mouthed off to a deputy. Ackal is accused of abuse and cover-ups dating back to his first days in office eight years ago. Ten deputies have pleaded guilty; several are set to testify against Ackal. The sheriff's attorney told jurors they should be wary of such testimony, because the deputies are awaiting sentencing and will likely try to win favor with prosecutors. Wikimedia Louisiana voters turned out in record numbers during early voting, according to data released Wednesday that surprised a top elections official, who had worried the animosity of the presidential race could cause a voting slump. Secretary of State Tom Schedler said voters' anger about the presidential candidates, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, instead seems to be driving people to the polls in Louisiana. "The numbers are staggering," he said. More than 515,000 voters cast their ballots early in Louisiana's weeklong early voting period that ended Tuesday 17 percent of the state's 3 million registered voters. By comparison, nearly 357,000 people early voted for the presidential election four years ago and 292,000 people cast early ballots in the election eight years ago. Schedler's predicting a statewide voter turnout for next week's election that could top the 68 percent level of the 2012 presidential election and reach as high as 70 percent. "We went into this election with, 'Well, is anybody going to even show up?' We just didn't have a feel for it, because you heard so many people frustrated with both candidates," he said. "But we ended up with lines behind lines behind lines" of people. "I think it's totally driven by the presidential race," Schedler said. Louisiana also has an open U.S. Senate seat, six U.S. House seats and an array of local elections on the ballot. White voters showed up in greater proportions, while black voting lagged, according to the data. While 31 percent of registered voters are African-American, only 27 percent of those who cast ballots ahead of Election Day were black. Republicans also turned out in greater proportions than their Democratic and independent counterparts. While 30 percent of state voters are registered with the GOP, they made up 39 percent of the early voters, according to the statistics released by Schedler's office. Nearly all of those who routinely vote have cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. Schedler said 98 percent of people considered Louisiana's "chronic voters" showed up during early voting. While concerns had been raised about turnout in the Baton Rouge area because of flooding that ravaged the region in August, early voting participation grew in the most heavily damaged parishes, suggesting those concerns may have been unfounded. "To voters in the 3rd Congressional District of Louisiana, I can only unequivocally endorse my friend Greg Ellison in the strongest of terms." 3rd Congressional District candidate Greg Ellison, a Lafayette Republican, was criticized by a fellow Army officer for using an image of himself in his Army Mess Blue uniform in campaign ads. In today's letter, another officer counters. Dear Editor, As a retired Army colonel, I read with considerable interest the letter submitted by Army Warrant Officer Bryant Fontenot, in which he criticizes Greg Ellison for using a photo of himself in military uniform in support of his political campaign. Please allow me to respond. The first point I need to make is a simple one that being to correct one of Mr. Fontenots initial observations. Greg Ellison is running for the honor of serving Louisiana as the representative to the U.S. House of Representatives, not the Louisiana House. Secondly, I would point out that he is running his campaign not as a career politician, but rather as a concerned parent and grandparent, as a small business owner in the oil & gas industry of South Louisiana, and very importantly as a career military officer. It is his military experience that distinguishes him not only as an officer and a gentleman, but also entitles him to be included among a disproportionately small number of U.S. Representatives with military service. Mr. Fontenot asserts that Ellison should be ashamed of himself for billboards portraying him in uniform. I, for one, am of the opposing view that none of those of us who have ever been privileged to wear the Army uniform should ever, under any circumstances, be ashamed of being seen in that uniform. Mr. Ellisons purpose was never intended to be the self-serving act as Fontenot alleges; rather, it simply and clearly highlights one of the primary pillars of the Ellison campaign. I have known Greg Ellison since we were cadets together at West Point. As field artillery officers, we served together often. Most noteworthy, we served together with the First Cavalry Division Artillery during the first Gulf War. He was the operations officer; I was his assistant. After our six months together in a wartime environment, I probably know Greg as well as anyone outside of his immediate family. I can vouch for his character in general and I can also respond to several of the specific points raised in the Fontenot letter. (1) Mr. Ellisons bio correctly states that he did in fact serve at every level of command from platoon to corps. While never asserting that he commanded at each of those levels, he actually did command at the battery level and was selected for battalion command. His selection for the Armys prestigious School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS) destined him for a variety of key senior staff positions. (2) His thesis written while at the SAMS course is not a standing course requirement; however, it clearly demonstrates his keen military intellect, as well as his research into the Iraq-Iran relationship. (3) Mr. Fontenot insinuates that Ellisons time during Desert Shield/Storm in the first Gulf War was spent in the rear echelons. Nothing could be further from the truth. The First Cavalry Division was forward deployed along the Iraq border in the first days of Desert Storm, and crossed into Iraq with the main forces. Contrary to Fontenots allegations, at no time during our six-month deployment were we replete with comforts unavailable to the warfighters (4) Fontenots understanding of the role of staff officers during artillery raids is clearly flawed. Commanders were responsible for the positioning and firing of our artillery pieces; however, staff officers coordinated the targeting, timing, and the ultimate execution of each raid. For the record, Greg Ellison and I were physically located with the Multiple-Launch Rocket System (MLRS) battalion that was featured on the cover of a February 1991 Time Magazine. (5) Greg Ellisons Bronze Star was awarded exclusively for his superior performance in a combat environment. The Legion of Merit was awarded to him upon his retirement, in recognition of his superior performance throughout his career, of which Desert Shield/Storm was a part. As for Greg Ellisons character, I would simply describe it as the epitome of the United States Military Academys motto of Duty, Honor, Country. He is a gifted scholar and orator, whose love for his family and respect for his country is second to none. To Mr. Fontenot, I would extend a vote of thanks for his service to our country. To voters in the 3rd Congressional District of Louisiana, I can only unequivocally endorse my friend Greg Ellison in the strongest of terms. He is an extraordinary gentleman, worthy of your support. Clark Lynn Tyler, Texas Denham Springs native has a combined 28 years in law enforcement and criminal justice experience, including stints as an assistant district attorney and an assistant attorney general. Mayor-President Joel Robideaux selected Toby Aguillard as the new chief of the Lafayette Police Department. Photo by Wynce Nolley Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux announced today that Toby Aguillard will be the new chief of police of the Lafayette Police Department. Toby brings a strong and diverse set of law enforcement and legal expertise to the position, as well as his impressive educational credentials, says Robideaux. Lafayettes Police Department will benefit from Tobys leadership and his depth and breadth of experience across the criminal justice system. Aguillard, a native of Denham Springs, has a combined 28 years in law enforcement and criminal justice experience, including 18 years with law enforcement and a decade of combined experience as an assistant district attorney and an assistant attorney general. Aguillard has worked for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office since 2007 where he has served as the director of the Internet Crimes Against Children Division for the last nine years. Prior to his tenure with TPSO, he worked in both the Cameron Parish and East Baton Rouge Parish sheriffs offices. He previously was an assistant district attorney in Cameron Parish and assistant attorney general and special agent at the Louisiana Department of Justice. Aguillard has a bachelor's degree from St. Joseph Seminary College and a law degree from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge. Robideauxs announcement came on the heels of Tuesday nights City-Parish Council meeting where Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux played an audio file of an exchange at the Oct. 11 Municipal Fire & Police Civil Service Board meeting between board attorney Candice Hattan and Chairman Jason Boudreaux who were discussing recouping attorney fees from local NAACP chapter president, Marja Broussard. Broussard had sued the board over its membership earlier this year and, under state law, the winner of a civil suit can recoup attorney fees from the losing side. During the exchange on the tape, Hattan can be heard saying, We cannot hang the poor lady by, you know, by a rope in front of the courthouse for the birds to pick her eyes out. Councilman Boudreaux has called for the resignation of Chairman Boudreaux, Hattan and another board member. Asked if Tuesdays Council meeting affected his decision, Robideaux says, No. I had spoken with Mr. Aguillard Sunday evening, and I had made my decision over the weekend. I didnt know what was going to happen at Tuesdays meeting. But, I had it scheduled out and planned and so weve stuck with that. Aguillard beat out six other final qualifying candidates who were interviewed for the position. Aguillard now assumes the position of chief that was filled in February by Interim Chief of Police Reginald Thomas. Thomas, a 25-year veteran of the police department, was disqualified from applying for the role of chief due to his lack of a bachelor's degree. On Nov. 1, Thomas was provisionally appointed to deputy chief. The LPD police chief position was vacated on Jan. 31 when former Police Chief Jim Craft retired and was later appointed by Gov. John Bel Edwards to serve as executive director of the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement. Pre-purchase property inspection is a relatively new thing in the United Kingdom. Its not something that most people have heard about, but it has become increasingly popular over the last few years with the rise in property prices and increased demand for high quality homes. What are the benefits of pre-purchase building inspection? What can you expect to find out when you pay someone else to inspect your home before you buy it? And what should you look for during an inspection? Many people want to know if theyre buying a house thats been well maintained or if its had any serious problems. If youve found a place on the market that seems attractive, but then discover some issues after moving in, you may not be as excited about buying it as you thought you were. Its important to do your due diligence when looking at properties. A lot goes into making a property appealing to potential buyers, from the landscaping to the flooring to the kitchen appliances. The same applies when inspecting a property there are many things that need checking over to make sure everything is running smoothly. Here are some of the benefits of performing a pre-purchase inspection: You get to see exactly what will happen to your money When you go shopping for a new car, youll probably be shown several different models. You might even be shown one that looks like a great value, but doesnt fit around all of the extra features that you want. When it comes time to actually buy the vehicle, however, you wont have seen how your money will be spent on it once you drive it off the showroom floor. Likewise, when you shop for a new home, you dont really know what youre getting yourself into until you move in. In order to get a feel for whether the home youre considering is what you want, you normally have to spend quite a bit of time inside it. This allows you to learn more about everything that youre going to be spending your hard-earned cash on. A pre-purchase building inspection gives you much the same kind of experience without having to spend thousands of dollars. Since youre paying for the service, you can expect to see exactly what youre paying for, instead of just seeing a vague idea of what you might end up with. You find out about potential major repairs Some buildings are very expensive to maintain, which means that owners often neglect them for the sake of saving money. While youre paying for a building inspection, youre also paying for a professional who knows how to spot signs of trouble and repair work that needs doing. If you notice that a particular area of your new home needs fixing right away, you can call in an expert to take care of it quickly. If you find that theres something wrong with your boiler, you wont have to wait weeks for a plumber to come over and fix it. Instead, youll have access to a solution immediately. You can save hundreds of pounds by finding out about potential problems early on One of the biggest expenses when you first buy a home is the cost of moving in. Many people dont realize this until its too late. Buying a home involves not only paying for the actual house, but also for moving costs, furniture, and other items that have to be moved along with the home. Having a good idea ahead of time of what youre likely to encounter can help you avoid these kinds of costs. If you know youll need to replace the plumbing system, for example, youll be able to put together a budget for the expense and plan accordingly. You can protect your investment by finding out if the homes been well cared for While there are plenty of people who think that houses always look better when theyre newly built, youd be surprised at how well maintained older residences can still look nice. Sometimes, though, those homes need some additional maintenance to keep them looking their best. This could involve repairs that arent so noticeable or small improvements that you wouldnt consider otherwise. Even worse, some houses have fallen into disrepair without anyone noticing. This is why having a professional perform a building inspection prior to purchasing a home is such a big benefit. Not only will it give you insight into the state of the property, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing youre not getting taken advantage of. As long as youre aware of the potential pitfalls, youll have less reason to worry about the state of your new home. You can use information gathered during a building inspection to negotiate a lower price If youre worried about buying a home because you suspect that it may need extensive renovation work, you may already have a rough idea of how much work youll need to do to bring it up to scratch. That knowledge can come in handy if you decide to buy the home. You can use all of the details that you gather during a building inspection to present a realistic picture of what the home is worth to prospective buyers. If a potential buyer thinks that the home is worth more than what you paid for it, you can try negotiating a lower price. You can sell your home faster and for more money If you decide to list your home on the market soon after buying it, youll need to price it accurately in order to attract buyers. But if youve already done a thorough building inspection, youll know exactly what work is needed and what the current market conditions are. In other words, youll be able to make a more accurate estimate of the amount of money youve invested in the home and how much its worth. If you find that youre selling your house for close to its full market value, you can use this information to convince the potential buyer that your home is worth the asking price. Even if youre planning to stay in the home for a while before you decide to sell, the fact that you did a thorough building inspection will give you more confidence when listing it. Prospective buyers will know exactly what theyre paying for. Your home will hold its value longer As mentioned earlier, the value of a home depends heavily upon the condition of the building itself. If your home is in bad shape, potential buyers wont be interested in buying it. On the other hand, if youve performed a thorough building inspection and know what sort of repairs are necessary, you can offer your prospective buyer a compelling reason to invest in your property. When you buy a home, youre essentially agreeing to have it inspected periodically to ensure that it stays in top shape. Not only does this allow you to avoid expensive repairs down the road, but it can also increase the value of your home. You can make smart decisions about property investments Buying real estate isnt as simple as just driving a couple of minutes to pick up a house. There are lots of considerations involved, ranging from location to cost. The same is true when youre investing in property. If you find a house that meets all of your requirements, youll want to make sure that you have a solid understanding of where it stands with regards to the rest of the market. If you havent spent enough time researching the area, you could inadvertently end up with a bad deal. There are lots of resources available online that can help you determine the overall level of competition in your area. They can also help you figure out if there are any properties that meet your requirements that you didnt know about. If you own rental property, you can use the information to identify tenants who might cause damage If you own rental property and youve noticed that certain tenants consistently cause damage, you can use the results of a building inspection to identify them. You can then contact them directly to let them know that youre watching them closely and that you dont appreciate the problem theyre causing. They might start taking better care of their homes, which would be good news for everyone. It could also be the case that youll find out that theyre responsible for previous damages that werent caught during a previous visit. You can make smarter decisions about hiring contractors If youve hired contractors to build or repair your home, you might want to ask them for references. However, unless you perform a thorough building inspection, you might not know exactly what to look for. For instance, maybe you only checked the roof for leaks or the walls for cracks. You might not have looked underneath the foundation for anything that could cause a future issue. By performing a building inspection, you can ensure that you hire reputable contractors who will be trustworthy with your money. You can avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition Of course, the main benefit of structural inspections perth is that it helps you avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition. Before you make the decision to buy a home, you should do whatever you can to find out about the state of the building. You can also ask your realtor about what sorts of inspections are typically recommended. Some agents say that its standard practice to check the heating system, the roof, the electrical wiring, and the floors. Others will tell you that they recommend that you check the entire structure. Either way, if you choose to hire an inspector, youll find out exactly what needs to be fixed and how much it will cost to do so. As a result, it can be concluded that a pre-purchase building inspection is highly important for the buyers because it provides transparency regarding the current conditions of the structure. Additionally, the building owner is made aware of any upgrades or repairs that are required, which could lead to a fair deal throughout the purchasing and selling process. The prosecutors office of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is ready to initiate a full investigation of a range of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan, including some by U.S. personnel, according to several knowledgeable sources. The ICC move would mark the first time that a formal ICC investigation has scrutinized U.S. actions and sets up a possible collision with Washington. Multiple sources have indicated that the chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, will seek to initiate an investigation in the coming weeks, likely after the U.S. presidential election but before the end of the year. U.S. officials visited The Hague recently to discuss the potential investigation and to express concerns about its scope. The prosecutors office has repeatedly called attention to alleged abuses of detainees by U.S. personnel between 2003 and 2005 that it believes have not been adequately addressed by the United States. In a last year, it noted that crimes were allegedly committed with particular cruelty and in a manner that debased the basic human dignity of the victims. Bensouda may also want to probe further the attack by U.S. forces on a Medecins Sans Frontieres facility in Kunduz that killed several dozen people. Even once an investigation begins, it is not clear that the prosecutor would ever bring charges against Americans. Doing so would require significantly more evidence than the prosecutors office currently possesses. The ICC normally does not interview witnesses, take testimony, or gather forensic evidence during its preliminary examinations, and that work would be just the beginning. The U.S. relationship with the court which was hostile in the first George W. Bush administration has become increasingly friendly in recent years. Although U.S. legislation still prohibits direct financial assistance to the court, U.S. officials have facilitated the transfer of several indictees to the court and have sought to assist the ICC in other ways. A full investigation in Afghanistan would pose new complications for the next administration as it develops a policy toward the court. Early in her tenure as secretary of state, Hillary Clinton expressed great regret that the United States was not able to join the court, but she has given no sign that she would support becoming a member. At various points, the United States has insisted that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over U.S. personnel because Washington chose not to join the court. In 2002, a senior State Department official warned that ICC assertion of jurisdiction over citizens of states that have not ratified the treaty threatens U.S. sovereignty. That view receives little support in the international legal community. If an American can be prosecuted by a state for committing a crime on its territory, that state can delegate its territorial jurisdiction to an international tribunal, Kevin Jon Heller, a law professor at SOAS, University of London, wrote in an email. The US has never questioned such delegation at least when applied to nationals of other states. These investigations could also present their own political problems. The Afghan government has viewed immunity as an important point of leverage in its efforts to broker cease-fires with opposition forces. In 2007, the Afghan parliament enacted legislation offering amnesty to fighters who laid down their arms. And this September, the government inked an agreement with Islamist leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar promising immunity for past political and military acts in exchange for an end to his activities against the government. Moreover, past ICC reports on its preliminary examinations suggest that alleged abuses by the Afghan government itself will also receive scrutiny. In last years report, the prosecutors office described a range of alleged crimes by Afghan forces, including torture and mistreatment of thousands of detainees. Given these complications, Afghan officials may not welcome an investigation and may choose to provide only limited support to visiting ICC personnel. - 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: Carbondale Community Arts will be hosting "Free Art Saturdays," which are community art workshops that will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on most Saturdays through January at Artspace 304. The workshops will be instructed by Dr. Michael Faris, the Arts in Education resident artist at Carbondale Community Arts as well as the coordinator of Summer Art for All. Faris holds a PhD in Arts Education from Indiana University and he has taught in drawing, painting, 2-D and 3-D design, ceramics, art appreciation, and African-American art, according to a news release from Carbondale Community Arts. The weekly workshops will include handmade paper and armatures; paper sculptures; a community penny mosaic; oil painting; Day of the Dead relief printmaking; and screen printing. Workshops are free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome. Parental/adult guardian supervision is required for all participants under age 10. Participants should note that all projects require the entire scheduled time. Artspace 304 is located at 304 W. Walnut Street in downtown Carbondale. For more information, call 618-457-5100, email info@carbondalearts.org or visit carbondalearts.org. The Southern The Carbondale Park District is moving forward with plans to build a new skate park. Officials from the Park District, the City of Carbondale and Southern Illinois University hosted a meeting Wednesday night to gather public input for the design of the proposed park, which will be built on an empty lot behind the Carbondale Public Safety Building. Carbondale Park District employee Brian Bafford said the meeting drew between 25 and 30 local skaters. They were very interested, and they gave us very specific details about what theyd like to see in the park, Bafford said. For the design and construction of the park, the city has partnered with American Ramp Company, based in Joplin, Missouri. A representative of the company brought along three designs of ramp systems from projects in other cities. Bafford said the general consensus was that the project should be a multi-purpose park that accommodates skateboards, scooters, BMX bikes and freestyle roller skating. Nathan Bemo, president of American Ramp Company, said the park will be a hybrid of a street park and ramp system. "Itll be a concrete skate park, a mix of transition skating with bowls and some street-type features as well," said Bemo. Transition skating, also known as "vert skating," is done on a ramp or incline. Street skating involves skateboarding over obstacles like handrails. The park will take up between 10,000 and 20,000 square feet, either on the Mill Street or College Street side of the empty block behind the Public Safety Building. We figured that its a good location since its right in middle of town. Its close for SIU students, and its literally centrally located for everybody who lives in Carbondale, Bafford said. SIU students have been trying to get a skate park built for years, said Troy Vaughn, director of Recreational Sports and Services at SIU. "We now have a lot of students who actually use other means than walking or driving or biking. We have a lot of shortboards, longboards you'll even see a lot of scooters now," Vaughn said. The university had previously converted some old tennis courts into makeshift skating areas, but those miniature parks became so dilapidated that they had to be torn out in August 2015. That's when Vaughn initiated discussions with the Park District to see about getting a skate park built in Carbondale. "There may be preconceived notions of what a skater is, but I have never run into a skater who wasnt interested in passing on his or her trade and teaching young people how to do it," Vaughn said. "This park actually gives them a great location thats designed with what skaters want in mind, to be able to come to on a daily basis, so its a positive thing in the community." Although the project is still in the early design phases, Bafford said hes hoping for a 12-month turnaround. Im from Carbondale, and I used to skate when I was a kid I consider myself a retired skater. Weve needed something like this for so long. Were hoping that itll really help bring community together, to create another space where people can go and enjoy an activity that they are really enthusiastic about, Bafford said. Bemo said construction should go fairly quickly, since it's mostly a matter of pouring concrete. "A lot of it just comes down to how quickly we can move through the system of the city," Bemo said. "The location has to be finalized and funds have to be there, but once the contract is signed, it really just takes three to four months of construction." Bafford said that the Park District hasn't come up with a complete budget yet, but based on their research, the park could cost between $200,000 and $500,000. "The next step is funding, and well find out what we can do and what we cant do. As for my small role in all this, Im just excited to see what we can do for the students at SIU and the community as a whole," Vaughn said. I have loved stories and books since I was a little girl. I don't remember Mama ever reading to my brother and me, but I'm sure she must have. Somebody sure instilled a deep love of reading in me at a very early age. When I was old enough to walk to the little public library in my hometown, I could be found sitting or lying on the floor reading books. I was 5 or 6, I think. My favorite books were the six in the "Madeline" series by Ludwig Bemelmans. The stories, the first of which was published in 1939, take place in a Catholic boarding school in Paris. Madeline, at 7 years old, is the smallest of the girls at the school and the only redhead. But she is the bravest and most outgoing. Also among my favorites was the "Eloise" series written in the 1950s by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight. Eloise is a precocious little girl who lives in a suite at the top of the Plaza Hotel in New York City with her Nanny, her pug dog Weenie and her turtle Skipperdee. In addition, I loved the "Babar the Elephant" books by Jean de Brunhoff, which first appeared in 1931. Based on a story that Brunhoff's wife had invented for their children, the series follows the adventures of the young elephant, Babar, whose mother is killed by a hunter. Babar escapes, leaves the jungle, visits a big city and returns home to bring the benefits of civilization to his fellow elephants. Just as he returns to his community of elephants, their king dies from eating a bad mushroom. Because of the knowledge he acquired in his travels, Babar is appointed king of the elephant kingdom. He marries his cousin, and they teach their children valuable lessons. Folk and fairy tales were especially appealing to me as a child. One of my favorites was "Stone Soup," a story about some travelers who come to a village carrying an empty cooking pot. The villagers aren't willing to share their food with the travelers so they fill the cooking pot with water, drop a small stone in and place it over a fire. One of the villagers becomes curious and asks what they are doing. They tell him they're making stone soup, which tastes wonderful, although it needs a little more garnish, which they're missing. The villager doesn't mind sharing a few of his carrots with them, which they add to the pot. Another villager walks by, inquires about the pot and the travelers again tell him about the stone soup, which has not reached its full potential yet. The villager gives them some seasoning for their soup. More and more villagers walk by, each adding another ingredient to the pot. Finally, the stone, being inedible, is removed from the pot and a delicious and nourishing soup is enjoyed by all. Although the travelers have tricked the villagers into sharing their food with them, they have successfully transformed it into a tasty, nutritious meal that they share with the donors. My childhood imagination was given wings by stories and books like these -- "The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame and the Beatrix Potter books -- "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," "The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin," "The Tale of Benjamin Bunny," "The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle" and "The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck." Those stories and books will never grow old, and they remain close to my heart even now. I can't imagine life without books nor a world without readers. I will forever be that little girl sprawled out on the floor of my little hometown library being transported to faraway places and introduced to exciting new ideas through the pages of books. A Florida man has been arrested in connection with a 2014 shootout that authorities say was linked to drugs. Kevin Arturo Lopez, 21, of 119 Harness Lane has been charged with attempted murder, according to the S.C. Law Enforcement Division. Hes being held at the Bamberg County Detention Center. SLED warrants allege that Lopez and two of his associates, Pedro Lopez and Williams Chastaine Pearson, met with another party for an illegal drug transaction on Voorhees Road in Denmark on March 29, 2014. Kevin Lopez allegedly fired multiple shots at a member of the other party, which resulted in that person needing immediate medical attention. One of the members of the other party was Brandon Ranell Priester, 32, of 141 Ethel Terrace, Blackville. SLED announced in February that Priester faces the following charges in the incident: murder, attempted murder and robbery while armed with a deadly weapon. Priester is accused of shooting and killing Pearson and striking Pedro Lopez in the head, requiring him to receive serious medical attention. Pedro Lopez has not been charged in the incident. SLED affidavits also accuse Priester of taking money from each of the three. If Priester is convicted of murder, he faces 30 years to life in prison. If convicted on the other two charges, he faces up to 30 years in prison for each of those charges. Hes also being held at the Bamberg County Detention Center. Kevin Lopez could face up to 30 years in prison if hes convicted. As if more clouds were needed over the 2016 presidential election, FBI Director James Comey has thrown further uncertainty into the campaign with an 11th-hour letter stating his agency is examining new emails tied to Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Democrats are crying foul, stating the decision harms the Clinton campaign by leaving the impression that the candidate did something wrong related to emails by one of her aides. Clinton has long been battling controversy surrounding her use of a private email server while secretary of state, with critics saying she illegally put national security at risk. Republicans continue to push the idea of Clinton wrongdoing. Presidential candidate Donald Trump relentlessly criticized Comeys previous statement that there was no reason to pursue prosecution of Clinton regarding dispensing classified government information. The chant of lock her up is a rallying cry at Trump rallies. Now, Republicans are praising Comey for his unwillingness to wait until after the Nov. 8 election to reveal there are new questions about emails. And Trump has seized on the Comey letter, predicting the new emails will reveal a scandal on a larger scale than Watergate in the 1970s. Comey is in a no-win situation, facing criticism for speaking out now but risking broader ramifications had he waited until after Nov. 8. The further problem is Comey states he will not reveal before the election the contents of the new emails and what may be done regarding them. On top of that, there is pressure for the FBI to confirm or deny, in the same vein as going public regarding Clinton, reports that the agency is investigating Russian ties by a former Trump campaign manager. Clinton backers say the old policy of not discussing investigations should be cast aside in the wake of Comeys letter. They want revelation of any probe related to Trump. While the questions surrounding justice will wait for answers, the politics will not. Americans in many states are already voting and a majority will cast ballots in less than a week. The impact of new emphasis on scandal in the campaign could affect the outcome. Consider the breakdown of the election by Claflin Universitys Dr. Mitch Mackinem. The associate professor of sociology studies people and says the outcome likely will come down to what one group in the electorate does on Election Day. With African-Americans and a sizable majority of Hispanics (two groups totaling about 25 percent of voters) lining up with Clinton and whites without college educations (about 30 percent) solidly with Trump, the election will be decided by college-educated whites (more than 40 percent). This group has not lined up with Trump previously but is not enamored with Clinton either. The latest controversy could lead to many choosing not to vote, Mackinem said. "It could impact their incentive to vote, he said. "There really does come a point at which you say, 'I'm done ... I am out." The impact could vary from state to state but will be most important in swing states. If large numbers stay home, the votes of base voters could swing a particular state. That is why Trump is pumping up his base with anti-Clinton rhetoric and Clinton is painting herself as a political victim in appealing to her base voters to stand up against efforts to tear her down. All of this could lead to low voter turnout instead of the predicted rush of voters. "I could see people going to disgust and apathy real easy, Mackinem said. Lets hope not. Despite the question marks surrounding both major candidates, one is going to be president. Make a decision on a leader and then go vote. COLUMBIA -- South State Bank will provide assistance to individuals affected by Hurricane Matthew by introducing new disaster recovery programs for customers. The Disaster Relief Personal Loan and Catastrophe Savings Account are designed to assist customers with recovery efforts following the recent hurricane and subsequent flooding. The programs are available in the counties designated for federal disaster relief. Hurricane Matthew had significant impact to many of the communities we serve, said John F. Windley, president and CEO of South State Bank. We have developed programs and services to assist our customers in the affected areas. We are committed to providing assistance to help people through the recovery effort. The Disaster Relief Personal Loan includes low rates and special terms to help individuals get the funds they need to recover more quickly. The features of this loan include flexible terms, which will allow individuals to borrow up to $50,000 to help with needs incurred as a result of the recent hurricane. This loan is unsecured, meaning it will not leverage a customers home or other assets. The Catastrophe Savings Account is designed for South Carolina residents to save money to help alleviate the financial burden of a future disaster. A CSA can help customers pay for qualified catastrophic expenses that result from a hurricane, flood or other catastrophic event declared an emergency by FEMA. In South Carolina, the money placed in a CSA and the annual interest on that money are not subject to state income taxes if left in the account or used for qualified catastrophe expenses. Qualified expenses include insurance deductibles, out-of-pocket costs resulting from the catastrophe and uninsured loss resulting from the catastrophe. This account is limited to South Carolina residents. The Disaster Relief Personal Loan and the Catastrophe Savings Account are available to consumers from Oct. 24, 2016 through Jan. 31, 2017. For additional information, visit SouthStateBank.com or a local South State branch, or call Customer Care at 1-800-277-2175. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. In this article I am going to argue that the " war on drugs " has been a catastrophic failure, and that it is about time the UK... Answers Africa is one of a kind platform created for Africans both locally and in the diaspora and those seeking for more in-depth information about Africa. We have always focused on creating the highest quality informational contents right from the beginning. We share the most relevant information on the latest and trending news, events, people, and places in Africa. We produce contents across various categories including Politics, People, Love and Romance, Nature, Entertainment, Technology and pretty much everything else that Africans may find relevant. We aim to answer the most relevant questions about Africa in areas of entertainment, famous people, emerging technologies while we also engage with various distribution capabilities to connect with Africans in need of information who rely on our website to keep in touch with the world that is changing so fast. 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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 ... 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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. 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This Is Everything You Should Know About Caroline Heldman, Her Career Portfolio and Other Facts Love it or hate it, there is no escaping the fact that feminism has come to stay in our world. The movement has continued to garner momentum over the years and this is due to the sustained push by several women, and even men, including the likes of Caroline Heldman. A Professor of Politics at ... Understanding The Enigma That Is Gavin McInnes, The Controversies He Has Stirred and All About His Wife Gavin McInnes is a polemical English-born writer and TV personality, who is best known for his racist and fascist ideologies, as well as his co-ownership of Vice Media and Vice Magazine. He is also an actor a First Published on November 3, 2016 Ghost towns, with its mysteries, are always fascinating to visit them for the stories that are left behind. Dhanushkodi ghost town along the East coast of India, had been beckoning for a while. Finally, with the long weekend in August, we managed a long drive to this ghost town. The Ruins of Dhanushkodi, Old post office Known popularly as the Ghost town of Rameshwaram, Dhanushkodi has no elaborate architecture to boast of nor any mystic stories nor any ghost sightings. It has been declared as a ghost town as it was unfit for inhabitation, following a natural disaster in the 1960s. I had read about it all but nothing prepared me for the sad tale that the town had to tell me on my visit. It is best that I let Dhanushkodi, in the first person, take over this post and share its own story from how it came into existence to what is left of it now. The legend of Dhanushkodi My name Dhanushkodi literally means, end of a bow. It was due to Lord Rama of the Ramayana fame that I got this name. When his wife Sita, was captured by Ravana, Lord Rama along with his monkey army was all set to cross the ocean to get to Lanka. With Sri Lanka being just 30 kms from me, I seemed to be the best point to build a bridge that would take the army across the ocean. Lord Rama marked a spot on me with the end of his bow and that was the reason, I got my name. Adams bridge as seen from the air . Image Credits: PlaneMad via Wikimedia Commons under CC by SA The Ram Sethu bridge or the Adams bridge, they say still exists under water. Geological evidence they say. However, to you mere mortals, that is no longer visible. However, on a clear night, you can see the twinkling lights of Sri Lanka from this side of the coast. Good times of Dhanushkodi Famous Pamban Bridge connecting Indian Mainland and Rameshwaram Pamban Island I am located on Pamban Island (also, called Rameswaram Island) along the South East coast of India. If you visit me, you can see the gorgeous blue waters of the Bay Of Bengal mixing with the Indian ocean. I was a small bustling town with my own railway station, post office, customs office, medical centers and even a secondary school. I had trains like the Boat Mail visiting me from Chennai, carrying passengers who wanted to ferry out to Tailaimannar in Sri Lanka. With the holy center of Rameswaram next to me, I was a natural stop for all visitors too. Life was good until that fateful day of 22nd December, 1964. Calamity at Dhanushkodi The winds kept howling and picking up speed through the day, thanks to the low pressure and high pressure areas in the Andamans Sea. I was no stranger to these but that day was different. By midnight, the terrible Rameswaram cyclone attacked me. At 270 km/h, there was little that I could do to withstand the force. To add to that, the calm waters turned stormy and waves of over 20 ft high swept over my little town and took away all life with it. The Pamban-Dhanushkodi express with its 115 passengers was completely eaten by the waves and the entire railway station and tracks submerged. The winds and the waves left nothing intact and spared no one. Just 4 brave souls radio operators, who clung onto the Pamban bridge for their dear lives were left behind. These guys risked their lives to give some live broadcasts and were rewarded suitably for their bravery. However, none can ever heal those scars that the night left behind. The fishermens huts in Dhanushkodi Following the destruction, the Government declared me unfit for living. Today, I stand here alone & desolate with just 50 fishermen families living amidst the skeletons of what was a lively town. My name now is Dhanushkodi the ghost town. Arichal Munal Dhanushkodi road Today when you come to visit me, you are allowed to come only to a certain point. After this, you need to alight and board the special tempo travelers that first take you to Arichal Munal or the Erosion Point. The ride along is a fascinating one if you have your Google Maps on you will see yourself traveling along a narrow strip of land with water on both sides. The fun part is when you look around you, you will see the same sea on both sides and you on literally a strip of land. Arichal Munal Far and wide, you will only see white sands and blue waters. No other sign of life. People tell me that it is quite depressing to note that and yet, when you arrive at the Arichal Munal, you cant help admire the tranquil beauty of the blue water. You can step in and wade a little but beware, for this has sudden depths. Hence, swimming is an absolute no-no. It is from here that you can see Sri Lanka on a clear night but since, night ventures are not allowed, you will just have to take my word for it. Small shopping stalls at Arichal Munal Stay awhile and take in the sights, buy a trinket or two from the little shopping shacks and then head to what remains of my erstwhile lively town. The remains of the old town of Dhanushkodi The Erstwhile Railway station at Dhanushkodi The first thing you will see is the remains of the old Dhanushkodi railway station. Should you dare to walk along a little further, you will also see a few covered railway tracks. The Old Church at Dhanushkodi Gaps of devastation in the church, Dhanushkodi The front facade of the surviving church at Dhanushkodi Remains of the altar at the Church, Dhanushkodi Behind the Dhanushkodi railway station, covered with is the old Church. A mere shadow of itself, you will not be able to help yourself as you walk through it. Notice the small altar or the remains of it. Just pause for the moment and think what might it have been then. Ruins of the Police Station at Dhanushkodi Next to it, was the post office and the police station. And further down, a huge structure that remains is that of the town school. No more of the blackboards, or the benches are seen. No more chirpy sounds of the kids or the pattering footsteps of them queuing up for their morning prayers. Ruins of the school at Dhanushkodi Sands of time have covered the ruins but none can ever erase or dent my memory of what I, Dhanushkodi was. My thoughts on Dhanushkodi Dhanushkodi village Now that you have heard the tale of Dhanushkodi in its own voice, it is time to share what I felt about it. Visiting Dhanushkodi was just a beautiful and sad experience melancholic is the right word here. At the Arichal Munal, as I gazed at the sea, I wondered how such a beautiful piece of nature was capable of that blinding fury. While venturing along those crumbling walls of the erstwhile town, I could not help but think of the lives of people back then. Ruins of the school at Dhanushkodi I could see them attending a Sunday mass at the old church. I could see the kids running around the beachy playground of their school. I could visualize the post office stamping the envelopes and sorting out the mail. And then, a huge wave just sweeping away all those lives! It made me realize how nothing in life is permanent. It made me also, realize how we need to live each day to its fullest for you never know when disaster strikes. Yes, Dhanushkodi left me uncomfortably pensive but also, thankful for the good things in my life. And if you are in Rameshwaram, I think a visit here would be good for you too. It is bound to open up your mind, especially if you pause like me amidst the old walls of Dhanushkodi ghost town to hear the whispers of its tale. Getting here: The distance from Rameswaram to Dhanushkodi is around 18 km. You will need to reach Rameshwaram either by road or rail. Rameshwaram is well connected to cities like Chennai, Madurai and Thanjavur by rail. Madurai is the closest airport to Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi, at around 163 kms, Once in Rameswaram, you can head to Dhanushkodi in your own vehicle or take a bus to the place. You are allowed only to a certain point in Dhanushkodi after which you will have to park your vehicle and take a tour with a tempo traveler. These tempo travelers are easily available at the entry point and charge around INR 100 150 per person for a round trip Tempo travelers that take you from the Dhanushkodi checkpoint into the ghost town. There are a lot of private tour operators that organize a day trip to Dhanushkodi. These tour operators can be easily found in Rameswaram, along the roads as well as with the help of the hotels in Rameswaram. Some of these operators take you only till the entry point after which you have to board the tempo travelers that I have talked of earlier. However, a few of these also, organize a private jeep tour of Dhanushkodi. The jeep tour takes you into the town of Dhanushkodi and costs anything between INR 1500 to INR 3000. Travel Tips: Entry to Dhanushkodi after 5 pm is not allowed. Your visit here can start as early as 7 am. There are no cafes or restaurants here. You can get some basic packaged snacks and bottled water only. There are no restrooms at Dhanushkodi Do not venture into the water at Dhanushkodi. Swimming is quite unsafe here. There are a few stalls that sell some shell items and jewelry here. The prices are fairly reasonable. Carry plenty of sunscreen as it gets hot in the afternoon. There are plenty of hotels in Rameswaram. I personally, stayed at Hotel SDM Towers and would recommend the same. The entire tour from the checkpoint at Dhanushkodi to back here takes around 2 hours. If you take one of those tempo travelers, you will be given only limited time at each stop. Booking.com Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. This means that at no cost to you, I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. Thank you for supporting me with this. Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug. I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you dont find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book When Places Come Alive a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format. This site focuses on Republican politicians and conservatives that rip off their constituency. We have the Tea Party, fundamentalist churches, the corruption of ALEC and other special interests groups. But the site also supports progressive Democrats and the local Democratic Socialist of America. We must have ideas on how to replace regressive and corrupt politicians with something better. For comments steveotto2001@yahoo.com or ottozero2001@yahoo.com. By Azernews By Nigar Abbasova Azerbaijan, the country with vast and successful experience in the energy sector revealed its oil and gas production indices. The first vice-president of SOCAR Khoshbakht Yusifzade said that the energy-rich country has so far extracted some 76 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas and 19 million tons of condensate from its Shah Deniz (SD) field, which is located on the deep water shelf of the Caspian Sea. Daily production at SD, which is considered to be one of the worlds largest gas-condensate fields, currently stands at 28-29 million cm of gas and nearly 6,000 tons of condensate. The country produced some 8.02 bcm of gas at the field in January-September 2016 (10 percent higher than in the same period of 2015), with nearly 2.64 bcm being used for the provision of domestic needs. The volume amounted to some 32.9 of the total sales of gas from the field, while the rest of the volume was exported to Turkey from Georgia, which receives 5 percent of the volume as a payment for transit. The reserves of the field, which was discovered in 1999, are estimated at 1.2 trillion cubic meters of gas and 240 million tons of condensate. The shareholders in the contract are BP (operator - 28.8 percent), AzSD (10 percent), SGC Upstream (6.7 percent), Petronas (15.5 percent), Lukoil (10 percent), NIOC (10 percent) and TPAO (19 percent). Annual production is expected to increase up to 16 bcm of gas within the framework of the Shah-Deniz 2 project. As part of Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and finalizing the construction of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). The cost of the second stage of development is estimated at $28 billion. Oil production The first vice president said the country has produced 412 million tons of oil from the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) block of oil and gas fields in the Caspian Sea since November 1997. He mentioned that some 229 million tons of the produced oil accounted for profitable oil. The Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) field, which lies 120km off the coast of Azerbaijan, is considered to be the largest oil field in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea. Azeri Light oil grade that Azerbaijan sells to the world market is being produced at the field, while the daily oil output stood at 651,000 barrels in the first quarter of 2016. The crude produced in this field is among the lightest in the world, which is considered to be an advantageous quality, as it is less expensive to refine. A contract for developing the ACG field, which was signed in 1994 on the development of three large oil fields including Azeri (113 km), Chirag (94 km) and Deepwater portion of the Gunashli field (82 km), became first offshore PCA agreement of the country. The agreement became known as a Contract of the Century. The proven oil reserves of the block amount to approximately one billion tons. Energy export The country has so far exported as many as 440 million tons of Azerbaijani oil to global markets. Some 310 million tons out of this volume was transported via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. SOCAR exported some 715.9 mcm of gas to Georgia in January-September 2016, while the volume exported in 2015 stood at 1.36 mcm of gas. The company delivered some 167.3 mcm of gas within the implementation of swap operations with Iran. The Islamic Republic takes some 15 percent of the total volume of received gas, while the rest volume is being delivered to Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. By Trend The next meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development - GUAM will be held in Baku in December, GUAM secretariat told Trend November 2. According to the message, the agenda of the meeting includes the discussion of the integration processes of the GUAM member-states into Europe, namely, cooperation within the Eastern Partnership program; the role of multilateral parliamentary cooperation in ensuring regional and international security, the role of regional and international parliamentary organizations in the development of interregional cooperation, energy potential of GUAM area and others. The timing of the meeting is being agreed, the GUAM secretariat said. According to the message, the delegations of GUAMs member-states, namely, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine will attend the meeting. The representatives of the Baltic Assembly, the Visegrad Group member-states and TurkPA representatives will also attend the meeting as guests, the message said. The GUAM was created by post-Soviet countries in 1997 during the summit of heads of states of the European Union in Strasbourg. By Azernews By Amina Nazarli The Azerbaijani-Egyptian relations and a wide range of issues of mutual interest were discussed in Cairo as Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has met Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail Mohamed on November 2. The sides exchanged views further expanding cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, energy, transport, educational and humanitarian fields, Azertac reported. The parties expressed assurance that another meeting of Joint Inter-Governmental Commission that expected to be held in end of November would contribute to development of the cooperation. Ismail Mohamed highlighted the visit of Mammadyarov in terms of development of bilateral ties, adding such visits created fruitful opportunities for defining future directions of bonds. Mammadyarov, in turn, said Azerbaijan attached particular importance to developing bilateral ties with Arabian countries, as well as with Egypt. They also discussed boosting cooperation in the fields of tourism, pharmaceutics, information communication technologies, and agriculture. During his official visit to Egypt, the minister earlier met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, expressed gratification with the cooperation and mutual support of Egypt and Azerbaijan in the international arena. Mammadyarov also met with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Soukry. By Gunay Hasanova An expanded format meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government was held in Kyrgyzstans capital, Bishkek, BelTA agency reported on November 3. The meeting was attended by Kyrgyzstans Acting Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Kazakh Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda and Uzbekistans First Deputy Prime Minister Rustam Azimov. Jeenbekov, addressing the event, voiced that Kyrgyzstan calls for creation of a development bank and a development fund of the SCO in a short time. These institutions must become effective instruments of financial support for joint economic projects, he said. SCO member countries agreed to create a development bank and a development fund of SCO at a meeting in 2012. The Kyrgyz official further noted the importance of engaging SCO business and financial institutions in the implementation of joint projects. Moreover, the acting prime minister said that Kyrgyzstan supports Russian and Chinese initiative on pairing the project activity within the Eurasian Economic Union and the Economic Belt of the Silk Road. We believe that at the moment we need a comprehensive plan of economic cooperation, including the development of infrastructure projects, industry, trade and services, Jeenbekov said. Russia will chair the SCO Heads of Government Council in 2017, Jeenbekov said at the Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, in turn, noted that during its chairmanship of the SCO Heads of Government Council, Russia will support the efforts of its SCO partners to strengthen the cooperation in economy, humanitarian affairs and security. The event saw signing of 12 documents on cooperation, including a Joint Communique of the SCO heads of governments. Moreover the countries signed a decree on the SCO budget for 2017, a list of actions for further development of the project activities within the SCO in 2017-2021, a decree on further work aimed at creation of the SCO Development Bank and Development Fund. They also signed a concept of scientific and technological partnerships, an action plan for the implementation of the agreement between the SCO governments on scientific and technical cooperation for 2016- 2020 and a draft road development program. The SCO, established in 2001, is a strategically important political, economic and military organization that has a geographic sweep stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Persian Gulf. The SCO members now are China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Iran, Mongolia and Belarus are the SCO observer-countries, while Turkey, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Armenia, Cambodia and Nepal are dialogue partners. The SCO is primarily centered on its member nations security-related concerns, often describing the main threats it confronts as being terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Electronic-payment transactions in the Mena region will register $69 billion by 2020, making it one of the fastest growing and most competitive markets for smart payments technology, according to leading industry research. In light of this, more than 1,000 senior decision makers from banks, retailers, leisure, transport, public sector organisations, gaming, telecoms and solutions suppliers will gather for PayExpo Mena, at the Intercontinental Festival City Dubai from December 5 to 7, to discover the latest ideas, trends and developments in the payments industry. PayExpo Mena will set the 2017 global agenda for payments and highlight innovations in the region. As an example, Dubais ambition to become the worlds smartest city will come into focus during the keynote presentation by RTA on the smart payment plans for public transport infrastructure. These are exciting times for the payment industry. The next ten years will reinvent the way we live by changing the way we pay for things, said Sammy Tuffaha, director of Digital Payments at Etisalat. Etisalat is an event partner and sponsor of PayExpo Mena. As we experience the latest innovations that are setting the tone for 2017 payments evolution in the Mena region, we must appreciate the vision and efforts that we see in the area. For example, UAEs goal to become a predominantly cashless society and the increasing penetration of touch-less payments are some of the many benchmarks that need to be reinforced and supported. However, such initiatives will require serious coordination among all industry players and relative entities. Specialized events like PayExpo will help bridge the gap between the various initiatives in the region and instigate the needed synchronization for mass adaptation. The industry must strive towards digital payments enablement via the implementation of FinTech solutions and in conjunction of advanced technology concepts like blockchain and biometrics. This will rapidly lead to cultural transformation of cashless payments and simpler consumer journey across all aspects of the daily life, added Tuffaha. Conference topics will include payments for empowerment, the latest on the relationship between blockchain and banking, the global FinTech scene, cashless payments, and the future of payments. Highlights among these, the sessions on enhancing and encouraging the global FinTech and ecommerce scene will give delegates the opportunity to learn about the mistakes to avoid in providing a platform to support development in the growing world of ecommerce. Michael Seaman, event director of PayExpo Mena, said: This world class conference will unite the payments industry under one roof for two packed days of valuable insights and experiences. Delegates will be able to try out and learn about the latest product technologies from around the world at a comprehensive exhibition featuring market leading companies such as Telepin Software, eServe Global, Etisalat, Neopay, Novatti, Onpex, Panamax and Vendorcom. Other features of the event include the Payments Dragons Den, the Payments Accelerator for FinTech start-ups, the new CEO & VIPLounge, the PayExpo Mena Payments Power 10 and the PayExpo Mena Global Awards. With Europe a popular market for payments and e-money institutions looking to expand internationally, an interactive workshop held on 5 December and sponsored by Neopay, will provide a step by step guide on the complex regulatory payments process in obtaining a licence and avoiding unnecessary pitfalls. PayExpo Mena 2016 has been independently accredited by The CPD Standards Office, as a formal CPD conference so that every seminar, workshop or talk is relevant and applicable for professional CPD records. Delegates who attend PayExpo Mena 2016 can request a CPD Certificate of Attendance and record their time towards their formal CPD requirements for their professional body, institute or employer. TradeArabia News Service The UAE government has approved Dh390 million ($106 million) worth of housing loans and grants for 629 eligible Emiratis under its Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, said a report. The amount covers 518 residential housing grants and 111 housing loans, reported the state news agencey Wam, citing a senior minister. Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Public Works and chairman of the board of directors of the national housing scheme gave the approval during the weekly board meeting. The minister said the government move reflects its keen efforts in achieving happiness and providing modern housing units and decent living conditions and welfare for all nationals, said the report. China and ASEAN countries will set up a regional anti-corruption legal framework to facilitate the return of corrupt Chinese officials who are still at large in ASEAN countries and confiscate their ill-gotten assets, a senior anti-graft official said. China is in advanced negotiations with some ASEAN countries, including Thailand and Laos, to sign bilateral anti-corruption agreements. Meanwhile, China intends to start discussions with ASEAN countries to sign bilateral extradition treaties to bring more fugitives back to face trial, said Liu Jianchao, director of the International Cooperation Bureau under the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. At present, China has signed bilateral anti-corruption agreements with four ASEAN countries and has signed extradition treaties with six ASEAN members, according to the CCDI. "Such a regional anti-corruption mechanism will provide us a legal basis to enhance judicial cooperation with ASEAN countries in fighting cross-border corruption and improving working efficiency," Liu said on the sidelines of the China-ASEAN Anti-Corruption Workshop held from Wednesday to Friday in Yuxi, Yunnan province. It's the first time China and ASEAN countries have held such a high-ranking meeting on anti-graft cooperation. Yang Xiaochao, secretary-general of the CCDI, said China and ASEAN countries will focus on practical actions to extend approaches for anti-corruption cooperation. They will further strengthen cooperation on intelligence sharing, case investigation, training programs and conducting joint operations, he said. In recent years, many Chinese corrupt officials have fled to Southeast Asian countries to avoid legal punishment due to convenient travel routes and easy visa application procedures. Meanwhile, they have illegally sent millions of yuan in illegal assets to foreign accounts through money laundering and underground banks. Since April last year, when Interpol issued red notices for the arrest of 100 major corrupt fugitives, six have returned from ASEAN countries to stand trial. "Corruption, as the root cause of many global problems, hampers economic growth, exacerbates social injustice, and destroys democracy and the rule of law," Yang said. "We will resolutely crack down on cross-border corruption to realize sustainable regional economic development." "Corruption has seriously affected economic prosperity, social stability and government credibility. China and ASEAN countries need to work together in eradicating the corruption 'cancer' and have sustainable development," said Martin Kreutner, dean of the International Anti-Corruption Academy. zhangyan1@chinadaily.com.cn Dubai Properties (DP) has announced the sale of additional two- and three-bedroom townhouses at its master development at Dubailand, following the recent success of the first release of townhouses Casa Dora at Serena earlier this year. Targeting the affordable housing segment, Serena has proved to be an extremely popular residential destination for families looking to own medium-sized townhouses, all with the option of a maid's room, in a vibrant and dynamic new community and at competitive prices. Casa Dora at Serena aims to create living and breathing communities that enhance the lifestyle of its residents. Serena is a sprawling 8.2-million-sq-ft master-development featuring affordable residential sectors that will be served by recreational centres and parks as well as a lifestyle plaza. Throughout the development, residents will be able to enjoy a variety of amenities comprising recreational facilities, swimming pools, gym, play areas, and a healthcare facility. Located in Dubailand, next to Layan and Al Waha communities, Serena enjoys direct access to Emirates Road and will be surrounded by lush green spaces that will distinguish the neighbourhoods and shield the residents from city noise and traffic pollution. - TradeArabia News Service The Abu Dhabi Science Festival, one of the regions biggest and most exhilarating science festivals, is introducing a string of new, fun-packed workshops for its upcoming 2016 edition. The 10-day spectacular, celebrating its sixth year, will be staged at the family-friendly Umm Al Emarat Park and at the Al Ain Zoo from November 17-26, and will feature a vast array of mind-expanding activities and new workshops. The Abu Dhabi Science Festival aims to produce world-class learners who personify a strong sense of culture and heritage and are prepared to meet tomorrows global challenges. In line with the Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision and the UAE Innovation Strategy, the ADSF 2016 supports the ADEC-led education reforms and the festival will complement the school science curriculum, while consolidating ADECs key learning objectives for STEM education. Sanad Humaid Ahmed, chairman of the Innovation Committee and Acting Division Manager -Knowledge Management at ADEC said: I am delighted that ADSF activities have increased by 20% this year which will make it an even more thought-provoking and motivating experience for young and old alike. Our education partners and sponsors have done a fantastic job of creating new and exciting workshops to inspire young minds to look at the worlds through inquisitive eyes. The event, which coincides with UAE Innovation Week, is the perfect complement to encouraging STEM education while making science fun, cool and accessible. Our aim is to inspire our children into pursuing STEM education and careers in the future and build a talent base for the science and technology industries. ADSF activities have grown this year with significant more drop-in activities to increase the fun factor for children and their families. The event will feature 67 activities in total up from last years 56. TradeArabia News Service Global energy majors Shell and Total are keen to invest in Irans petrochemical industry, according to a senior Iranian official. Total has displayed willingness towards setting up an ethane cracker plant as well as two polyethylene units in Iran, Marzieh Shahdaei, managing director of National Petrochemical Company, was quoted as saying in an Iran Daily News report. The official added that the current global price of ethane is reasonable, and has encouraged investors to enter into Iran's market. Based on estimates, she said that the current feed price for petrochemical industry secures profits to the tune of at least 25 per cent for companies. Shahdaei noted that her company has turned down India's proposal of 4-5 cents per-cubic-meter for gas feed for its urea and ammonia plants. She added that companies from Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, South Korea, Japan and even the US have indicated readiness to participate in Iran's petrochemical projects. Serco, a a British outsourcing company, said it has won a three-year contract extension from Dubai developer Emaar Properties for managing the operations and maintenance of the Downtown Dubai Trolley System until 2019. The initial operation and maintenance contract was awarded to Serco in 2015, said a statement from the company. The company based in Hampshire, UK, is an expert in operation of public and private transport and traffic control, aviation, detention centres, call centres, prisons and schools. The extension to 2019 reinforces the strength of Sercos services portfolio delivering a fully integrated transport approach for the 500-acre Downtown Dubai mega-development. Sercos participation in the project began in August 2014 when engaged by Emaar under an early operator involvement contract, giving advice on the system during the design phase. David J Greer, the chief executive of Serco Middle East, said: "This award asserts our position as the regions leading provider of high quality transport operations and maintenance services. The trolley is the first of its type in the Middle East and we are delighted to extend our partnership with Emaar and to continue to deliver the highest quality of service to the public." Sercos managing director (transport) Patrick Hallgate said: "This extension is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team and is a result of the strong relationship Serco and Emaar have built over the last two years."-TradeArabia News Service In his first message after Iraqi forces started an offensive to take back Mosul, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi has expressed confidence of victory. Mosul is the last major city under control of his group in Iraq and there are an estimated 5,000 IS fighters holed up in the city. Al-Baghdadi also called on Islamic State fighters to invade Turkey, according to a Reuters report. He said that "holding your ground in honour is a thousand times better than retreating in disgrace." The media arm of the IS released the audio message. It's the first recording reportedly of Al-Baghdadi released since late 2015. Meanwhile, the Iraqi army has been trying to consolidate its most recent gains in the offensive by combing the streets of the recaptured Kukjali district for any remaining IS fighters, said a BBC report. The army is moving with caution, amid fears of ambushes, secret tunnels and booby traps, it said. The elite Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) troops retook the eastern Kukjali area and reached the more built-up Karama district, on Tuesday. Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has given the greenlight to start manufacturing prototypes of the countrys Mars probe, the first of its kind in the Arab World. Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the designs of Hope Probe while visiting the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) to open the second phase of UAE satellite manufacturing and assembling complex, a multitasking facility capable of handling several space projects at a time. The project will send an unmanned probe to Mars by 2021, as part of the Emirates Mars Mission, marking the UAEs 50th National Day. A UAE ambition is to explore the outer space. We are investing in our national cadres to lead this project and contribute in expanding our knowledge about Mars. Hope Probe is a qualitative leap for UAEs scientific efforts, it the first contribution for the Arab world in this regard, Sheikh Mohammed said. Signalling the beginning of manufacturing process, Sheikh Mohammed installed the first part of KhalifaSat, the first Arab satellite which is being built purely by Emirati engineering and expertise in the UAE. KhalifaSat is set to launch in 2018. KhalifaSat provides satellite imaging capabilities at an industry competitive Ground Sampling Distance of 0.7 metres panchromatic and 4 meters in multispectral bands to governmental and commercial entities and corporations worldwide. The UAE today has the full capacity to manufacture and build satellites with any foreign technical support. We are planning to become a leading regional hub for space industries and we will continue developing Emirati workforce highly specialized in space technologies, Sheikh Mohammed said. The Hope Probe that was launched in 2015 will leave Earth in 2020 travelling more than 60 million kilometres in nine months and will be launched to coincide with the UAEs 50th anniversary. During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed also inaugurated a house that is fully powered by solar energy with the same solar technology used space industries. The house is built with smart engineering solutions that fit the hot and humid climates. The technologies includes water cooling systems, heat and air insulations, air filtration and ventilation systems and smart operation system. The house is made of treated wood without any steel elements. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) launched this project as part of its research efforts in sustainability and green buildings. The house uses energy production and storing technologies similar to the technologies used in building satellites and space shuttles. TradeArabia News Service Microsoft has launched a new chat-based workspace, an entirely new experience that brings together people, conversations and contentalong with the tools that teams needso they can easily collaborate to achieve more. Microsoft Teams is naturally integrated with the familiar Office applications and is built from the ground up on the Office 365 global, secure cloud. Microsoft Teams is available in preview in 181 countries and in 18 languages to commercial customers with Office 365 Enterprise or Business plans, with general availability expected in the first quarter of 2017. Microsoft Teams provides a modern conversation experience for todays teams. Microsoft Teams supports not only persistent but also threaded chats to keep everyone engaged. Team conversations are, by default, visible to the entire team, but there is of course the ability for private discussions. Skype is deeply integrated, so teams can participate in voice and video conferences. And everyone can add personality to their digital workspace with emojis, stickers, GIFs and custom memes to make it their own. A hub for teamwork Microsoft Teams brings together the full breadth and depth of Office 365 to provide a true hub for teamwork. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneNote, Planner, Power BI and Delve are all built into Microsoft Teams so people have all the information and tools they need at their fingertips. Backed by the Microsoft Graph, intelligent services are surfaced throughout the workspace to help with information relevancy, discovery and sharing. Microsoft Teams is also built on Office 365 Groupsour cross-application membership service that makes it easy for people to move naturally from one collaboration tool to another, preserve their sense of context and share with others. Since all teams are unique, Microsoft has invested deeply in ways for people to customize their workspace, with rich extensibility and open APIs available at general availability. For example, Tabs provides quick access to frequently used documents and cloud services. Microsoft Teams also shares the same Connector model as Exchange, providing notifications and updates from third-party services like Twitter or GitHub. The IT giant also announced its Teams Developer Preview program, allowing developers to extend Microsoft Teams. It will have integrations with over 150 partners at general availabilityincluding Microsoft early partners Zendesk, Asana, Hootsuite and Intercom. This is the first step in providing the customization users want and the tools and support our developer community will need to integrate with Microsoft Teams, a statement said. Microsoft Teams provides the advanced security and compliance capabilities that our Office 365 customers expect. Data is encrypted in transit and at rest. Like all our commercial services, we have a transparent operational model with no standing access to customer data. Microsoft Teams will support key compliance standards including EU Model Clauses, ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA and more. And, as customers would expect, Microsoft Teams is served out of hyper-scale global network of data centers, automatically provisioned within Office 365 and managed centrally, just as any other Office 365 service, the statement said. TradeArabia News Service Ajman Bank recently partnered with Schneider Electric to implement a co-location datacenter and a holistic range of IT infrastructure management solutions at its premises, seeking to streamline operations. Tailored to the banks requirements, Schneider Electric installed a holistic network architecture from its StruxureWare for Datacenters suite. The 1000-sq-m tier-III datacenter comprises of the biggest co-location datacenter in Ajman (and the Northern Emirates), state-of-the-art physical infrastructure including cabinets, cages and suites, and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and cooling solutions to maximum uptime. The company has also implemented CCTV security equipment to tighten building access and facilitate monitoring of the premises. Salem Al Shamsi, chief operating officer at Ajman Bank said: Ajman Bank is still paving the way for a sustainable banking solution, offering its clients integrated and competitive online banking services which can promote the ambitious transformation toward a green economy, as per the Ajman Vision 2021. Ajman Bank has harnessed technology and digitization to enhance the customer experience. Through introduction of online banking services, SMS and phone banking and by regulating sustainable practices within the organization, we support the governments vision of becoming a critical link to the UAEs smart city vision. In the coming years, Ajman Bank will continue to invest in technology and expertise which can make this a reality. Abdul Rahman Jaroudi, head of IT, Ajman Bank said: In the past few years, we have made significant technology investments to keep up with the evolving customer needs and their high industry benchmarks of service and availability. Today, we need to adapt to digitization in the IT while addressing privacy, security, building and environmental regulations. Creating an IT system which would cater to these needs in a balanced way was a priority for Ajman Bank. This is when we brought a partner Schneider Electric on board. The colocation datacenter is an ideal model for Ajman Bank, given the reduced capital expenditures (CAPEX) and the flexibility to scale-up based on our growth, he added. The new Ajman Bank datacenter is built at sea level and designed with flood control as well as fire detection and suppression features. The implementation currently included 220 racks, each with a capacity of 10 kilowatts (kW), CCUs more than 1800 kW, and a UPS offering 2400 KVA will full redundancy and a proven record uptime of 99.9999 per cent. In order to manage power density, the facility includes robust heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. It includes recovery software and storage space. The revamped IT ecosystem will enhance Ajman Banks Space Rental System that allows its customers to deploy critical operations within (or close proximity to its datacenter) 24 x 7. The two-room design equipped with high-tech audio visual monitoring, simplifies business continuity and crises management, offering peace of mind to customers. The entire facility is complemented by a redundant disaster recovery site in the UAE. Ziad Youssef, vice president of ITD, Gulf Countries and Pakistan at Schneider Electric said: Ajman Bank came to us with a specific mandate they required a robust system to protect their digital assets, sensitive data and customer information. Being a financial services provider with no luxury of business downtime, they were looking for a solution that would withstand both planned and unforeseen crises. As they are an organization committed to becoming sustainable both operationally and environmentally, we identified with their goals and proposed a combination of solutions that would best suit their needs. Since its implementation, we believe it has served them well in managing and protecting their data and creating a digital wall of resilience against threats. Financial institutions, among other sectors such as IT, telecoms, healthcare and government, are gravitating towards the co-location datacenter model to serve their business needs of safety and reliability. According to 451 Research, this market is expected to reach $36 billion worldwide by the end of 2017. To cater to this growing market, Schneider Electric provides a range of co-location services to multi-tenant providers. The product gives them insight into their operations round-the-clock and remotely, reduce their energy usage and create a safe bank for their critical data helping them redirect their focus on business development. TradeArabia News Service 1915 by Seddiqi & Sons, a contemporary one-stop destination for latest trends and styles in watch fashion and accessories, has welcomed the collection of exceptional timepieces by Daniel Wellington into its stores. This exclusive partnership represents the first expansion for this iconic Swedish label in the Middle East. Daniel Wellington will be exclusively available at 1915 by Seddiqi & Sons with its range of timeless and minimalist watches, such as the Classic Oxford, Classic Winchester and Classic York. Furthermore, among the timepieces available in UAE, is the newly launched sophisticated Classic Black. The new watches are an extension of the flagship Classic Collection and was introduced in early October 2016. The watches are rapidly gaining popularity and affability among the most desirable models from watch aficionados. We are extremely pleased to partner with Daniel Wellington and look forward to introduce their timeless pieces to this region through our leading contemporary destination 1915 by Seddiqi & Sons, says Mohammed Seddiqi, chief commercial officer of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. Their passion and dedication for minimalistic watches with high quality has appealed to young audiences who appreciate classic designs. Its an honour to have them among our portfolio of eclectic brands and collaborate with the team in UAE. Commenting on their foray in UAE, Ola Melin, public relations manager at Daniel Wellington, said: Our accessories represent the elegance and simplicity of traditional Scandinavian design as it finest, and we could not be more excited to bring our range of timeless designs to the Middle East. We are confident and delighted about our partnership with 1915 by Seddiqi & Sons, which will substantially increase our presence in the region and strengthen our relationship with new and existing customers. UAE is a strategic and dynamic market, and we look forward to serving all who visit, live and work in the region. 1915 by Seddiqi & Sons is a homegrown brand of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the biggest watch retailer in the region. It has become the go to retailer of choice for internationally acclaimed watches and accessories that complement latest fashion trends and styles since 2012 with exemplary brand management skills and outstanding portfolio of clientele. TradeArabia News Service Leading European luxury hotel group Rocco Forte Hotels is all set to make its debut in the Middle East, with the opening of a new property in Saudi Arabia this month, said a report. On November 14, the group will host the soft opening of the Assila Hotel, a 210-room property located on Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street at the heart of Jeddahs most fashionable business and shopping district, said a report in Saudi Gazzette. Guests can now book their stays at the hotel through the Rocco Forte Hotels website (roccofortehotels.com) or by directly calling the hotel, for stays starting from November 14. Assila Hotel will allow travellers to experience a whole new concept in the world of high-style hospitality and will cater to the growing number of families and business travellers visiting the city. Capa - Centre for Aviation has agreed to be the event partner for Reed Exhibitions' Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF), taking place in Dubai from May 16-17, 2017. To be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the event will occur on the sidelines of the 17th Dubai Airport Show. Capa will bring together airport and aviation leaders from the around the world to address strategic and geopolitical challenges and opportunities facing airport operators, regulators and airport industry suppliers, providing a platform to engage, exchange knowledge, share best practices, forge partnerships and discuss issues of common interest. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed said GALF brings international aviation experts and leaders to Dubai offering an invaluable opportunity to share ideas and contribute to the sustainable growth of the global aviation industry. The Middle East remains amongst the fastest growing aviation markets in the world and regional authorities are actively investing in infrastructure development, airspace modernisation and capacity movements to meet their growth targets. In Dubai, the aviation industry is growing rapidly and airport expansion projects are underway to accommodate anticipated air traffic growth. We are also actively embracing the latest technological innovations, opening tremendous opportunities for global industry players, said Sheikh Ahmed. We at Capa Centre for Aviation are delighted to join with Reed Business Exhibitions to present the Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF) in conjunction with the Dubai Airport Show in 2017. The show attracts the worlds leaders in every aspect of airport management and operation, said Capa executive chairman Peter Harbison. With the GALF, Capa looks forward to bringing a top class event to complement the Airport Shows aims and to provide speakers and discussion sessions which add a further dimension to the overall experience in Dubai. Capas involvement in the Airport Show in Dubai is part of a new, integrated global platform of Capa airport strategy summits in 2017. Capa, with more than 300 executive level speakers and attendees at Capa events and reaching more than 350,000 unique website visitors each month, has become a highly influential aviation group. - TradeArabia News Service Page Not Found 404 Error The page you requested could not be found. Try using the search box below or click on the homepage button to go there. Hundreds are expected to gather Saturday in Casper to show their support for federal public lands. The rally, organized by a coalition of outdoor and conservation groups, comes in response to a growing movement calling for the transfer of federal lands to states. Public lands in Wyoming create a unique quality of life here, said Chris Merrill, associate director of the Wyoming Outdoor Council. They provide access and the ability to get outdoors in ways that you rarely see in other states. And those public lands are under continuous attack, Merrill said. In the past couple years, the Wyoming Legislature has considered a handful of bills addressing some kind of public land transfer. The only one to pass was a 2015 bill requesting a study of the feasibility of managing federal lands. Some lawmakers are now proposing a constitutional amendment hoping to make the transfer of lands more palatable by writing in assurances that there be no net loss of land if the state assumes control, and that the land will be managed for multiple purposes including uses like energy, timber harvest and recreation. Thats just the fantasy that could never come true. We couldnt afford as a state to manage these lands for access and for multiple use and all of the great uses that theyre managed for now. The fire budget alone in certain years would make it impossible for the state to maintain ownership of the land, Merrill said. The pressure would always be in one direction, and that would be when times are hard, when funds are short, when the cost of management seems high, the pressure will always be in the direction of selling the land, and if the state were to take over public lands, the trajectory would be toward less public access, less public lands and more private ownership. Long history The push to give control of Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands to states is not a new one, said Chris Madson, a Cheyenne hunter and former editor of Wyoming Wildlife, the Wyoming Game and Fish Departments magazine. But the growing traction this time is concerning. Since the early 1800s, when the U.S. government bought 800,000 square miles of land in the Louisiana Purchase, people have been discussing how to use, and who should run, public lands in the West. Those involved in the debate often cite the Sagebrush Rebellion a 1970s movement similar to whats happening today as the beginning of the unrest. But, Madson said, that was only one of many attempts in the past to privatize these lands. And even if the current discussion is laid to rest, others will likely appear again. I think theres more than a grain of truth to the statement that familiarity tends to breed contempt, he said, explaining that those who have lived in the West most of their lives often forget the value and uniqueness of open land. I grew up in a place where you had to ask permission to leave the shoulder of the road, Madson said. I came to Wyoming the first time when I was 10 years old. I got let out of the vehicle and told that as far as I could see in any direction I could go. It is hard to explain to people who havent experienced it what that kind of access to land can mean. Trading bureaucracies Support for public lands transfer often comes from a small group of lawmakers, Merrill said, which is why so many bills have failed in the past. Thats also why conservation groups, sportsmen and local businesses are holding the public lands rally Saturday. They want to celebrate open spaces and show how much support there is for public land, he said. The groups also want to gather support before the Legislatures Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee meets Wednesday to discuss the draft constitutional amendment, said Chamois Andersen, executive director of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation. The draft bill specifies if the state could gain control of federal lands which right now is illegal in the states constitution there would be no net loss of land and the state would maintain public access. We have heard the concerns voiced by the sportsmen and outdoor recreationist of Wyoming, therefore we are proposing an amendment to the Wyoming Constitution that if Wyoming obtains federal lands through a transfer those lands would be managed under four principles outlined in our constitution, should the amendment pass, read a letter written recently by Sen. Larry Hicks, R-Baggs. In addition to no net loss of land, the other principles include managing the land as state public lands under multiple use and sustained yield and that all trades, swaps, transfers, sales and acquisitions would only be done where public access would be maintained or improved. But Wyoming would not have enough money to manage public lands that way, Merrill said. The federal government can operate with multiple uses because money to manage the land comes from across the country. And ultimately, even if Wyoming did gain control of federal lands, the transfer would replace one bureaucracy with another, said Nick Dobric, Wyoming field representative of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. Why do they expect one agency to do a better job than another agency? We should be looking for solutions rather than working on these ideas that have little chance of passing and have limited public support, Dobric said. Wyoming hunters and anglers see that their access to the public lands they hunt and fish is in jeopardy and they arent going to stand by quietly. As candidates make their final pitches to voters before Tuesdays election, many Wyoming residents have already made their decision. Nearly 60,000 absentee ballots had been cast statewide as of Wednesday, according to data from the Secretary of States office. In Natrona County, nearly one quarter of registered voters in the county had mailed in their ballots or participated in early voting as of Tuesday, said elections deputy clerk Chris Lindsey. Early voting opened in late September. The county received 7,342 absentee ballots as of Nov. 1 and has mailed out more than 9,000 additional ballots. That leaves less than half of Natrona Countys 29,721 registered voters to cast ballots at the polls on election day. Statewide there have been about three times as many Republican absentee ballots cast as Democratic, but the county does not track absentee ballots received by party. Natrona County Clerk Renea Vitto said she expects many voters to register on the day of the election. We will see people who have never voted in their life, people who havent voted since 2008, that will come out on election day to register and vote, Vitto said. Voters are removed from the rolls if they do not participate in an election over a two-year period. Vitto estimated that about 1,000 people will register on election day in Casper. Statewide, 41,000 people registered on the day of the 2012 presidential election, according to the Elections Department. In Natrona County, the August primary saw a 9 percent improvement in ballots cast over the 2014 election despite concern that fewer voting locations would hurt turnout. About half the countys registered voters participated in the primary. Starting with the August primary elections, the county moved to a consolidated precinct system, cutting the number of polling places in the county from 45 to 26. The Central Wyoming Fairgrounds and Restoration Church are set to accommodate 8,200 voters who previously cast ballots at precincts scattered around Casper and the county. CANNON BALL, N.D. Hundreds of clergy of various faiths joined protests Thursday against the Dakota Access oil pipeline in southern North Dakota, singing hymns, marching and ceremonially burning a copy of a 600-year-old document. The interfaith event was organized to draw attention to the concerns of the Standing Rock Sioux and push elected officials to call for a halt to construction of the $3.8 billion pipeline thats to carry North Dakota oil through South Dakota and Iowa to a shipping point in Illinois. The tribe believes the pipeline that will skirt its reservation threatens its drinking water and cultural sites. The pipeline is a textbook case of marginalizing minority communities in the drive to increase fossil fuel supplies, the Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, said in a statement. Morales group sent more than 30 clergy to the event. More than 500 clergy from around the world gathered with protesters on Thursday at a campfire at the main protest camp to burn a copy of a religious document from the 1400s sanctioning the taking of land from indigenous peoples. About 200 people then sang hymns while they marched to a bridge that was the site of a recent clash between protesters and law officers. Some held signs that read, Clergy for Standing Rock. Its amazing the spirituality going around this place, said Joe Gangone, who came with an Episcopalian church group from South Dakotas Rosebud Sioux Reservation. The Rev. Tet Gallardo, a Unitarian Universalist minister from the Philippines, said she was moved to come to the gathering. Water is the subject of concern also in the Philippines, she said. How can this happen to people who are so faithful to God? The group sang and prayed while gathered in a semicircle at the still-closed bridge while law officers monitored from vehicles at a barricade on the other side, from surrounding hillsides and from a helicopter flying overhead. John Floberg, an Episcopalian minister from the Standing Rock Reservation who organized the event, called for peaceful, prayerful, nonviolent and lawful activity here. There were no immediate confrontations between group members and authorities, and no arrests, Morton County sheriffs spokesman Rob Keller said. Opponents of the pipeline project have been camped near the route in southern North Dakota for months in an effort to stop construction. Clashes between protesters and police have resulted in more than 400 arrests since August. The most recent incident came Wednesday, when law officers in riot gear used pepper spray to deter dozens of protesters who tried to cross a frigid stream to access property owned by the pipeline developer. Two people were arrested. About 140 people were arrested on the property last week in a law enforcement operation that cleared the encampment that protesters had established on the land. Texas-based developer Energy Transfer Partners has said the 1,200-mile pipeline is largely complete outside of the area in south central North Dakota where it will go under Lake Oahe, a large Missouri River reservoir and the source of the tribes drinking water. The federal government in September ordered a temporary halt to construction on Army Corps of Engineers land around and beneath the lake while the agency reviews its permitting of the project. Theres no timetable for a decision. CHEYENNE In the mornings before school some 20 years ago, Affie Ellis worked with her mother at a dry cleaning business in Jackson, affixing cardboard tubes and spongy fabric on wire hangers before walking to class. On the weekends, Ellis helped her mother clean motel rooms in the tourist town. Our narrative was very much working-class Jackson, she said of her childhood. I think anybody who works in Jackson will tell you, there are a lot of folks who have their Monday-through-Friday job, their evening job and their weekend job. And our family definitely fit that narrative. These days, 38-year-old Ellis has a law degree and works as a lobbyist in Cheyenne. Shes running as a Republican for Senate District 8 in southwestern Laramie County. If elected, Ellis, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, would be the first Native American woman in the Wyoming Legislature, which predominately has older, white men. Matt Micheli, chairman of the Wyoming GOP, said Ellis possesses many attributes that will make her a good legislator. She is extremely smart, hardworking and has a compelling personal story, he said. She is without any doubt one of the future leaders of this state. She is challenging Democratic Sen. Floyd Esquibel, 78, who has served in the Legislature since 1997 and comes from a prominent Hispanic Democratic family in Wyomings capital. Ellis has raised just over $57,000, making her the top fundraiser of all legislative candidates this year, according to the latest round of campaign finance reports. That includes over $10,000 from herself and her immediate family. Esquibel has raised just over $12,800, including a little over $1,300 in personal funds. If shes elected, Ellis said she will either transition her company away from lobbying or perhaps return to practicing law. Her clients are Chesapeake Energy; Childrens Hospital Colorado; K-12 Inc., which provides the curriculum for the Wyoming Virtual Academy; and until recently, BNSF Railway. Ellis is one of two Native American candidates. The other is Democrat Sergio Maldonado, an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe, who is running for House District 33 in a bid to unseat Rep. Jim Allen, R-Lander. Candidacy Ellis said shes running because she has three children and is concerned about the how the state is going to prioritize money. The ongoing downturn in oil, gas and coal has shrunk revenues. I still think government should look at ways of operating more efficiently, she said. I do think that means budget cuts. Job losses throughout the state have hit her family and friends. This notion that government cant be reflective of our economy or our population base doesnt seem terribly realistic, she said. The University of Wyoming has offered employees early retirement to save money. She said other parts of the state need to look at similar options. I think Floyd is a very nice person who has always been very kind and gracious whenever Ive interacted with him, Ellis said of her opponent. He has served Wyoming for 20 years. And I think the question after serving that amount of time is, What more am I working on and successfully getting done in the Legislature? And I just think its time for people to bring new ideas in. The Senate district roughly spans south of Interstate 80 and Pershing Boulevard to the Colorado line and from the South Greeley Highway to the Albany County line. All the schools in the district are Title I, meaning a high percentage of the students come from low-income families. Ellis knows some people in the district would benefit from Medicaid expansion, but she hasnt made up her mind about the program. Itll cost money for the state to expand, and she doesnt know if its right to cut services from one group to expand Medicaid to another, she said. For four years the Legislature has rejected Medicaid expansion, meaning the state lost out on the federal governments 100 percent coverage of the costs. The states share of medical costs, combined with administrative expenses, would be $6.1 million for the current year, said Kim Deti of the Wyoming Department of Health. The costs are expected to increase each year through 2021. The Health Department argues the program is nonetheless an economic generator since the money goes to hospitals, doctors and clinics, Deti said. Esquibel, the incumbent, supports expanding the Medicaid program under Obamacare. I would think with all the information thats been provided, pro and con, youd think a person would have an opinion one way or the other, he said about Ellis. I support Medicaid expansion. About eight years ago, I sponsored some legislation to have the Wyoming Health Commission do a study to look into universal health care in Wyoming. It failed introduction, which I kind of expected that it would. I wanted the debate to at least be held. Ellis and her opponent also diverge on the gender-pay gap. Wyomings gap in 2015 was the largest in the country, with women earning 64 cents to every dollar a man earned. Ellis noted men and women work different types of jobs with different earnings. Some of these jobs as they require immense amounts of time away, either out working in the oil fields, on a train its difficult for me to see that even with a woman with adequate childcare would make that work, she said. But for some of those other industries that dont require so much mobility or risk, I do think its important that we support local organizations like CLIMB. CLIMB Wyoming is a nonprofit that has trained women for jobs in Wyomings high-paying industries. Ellis company has supported it for five years, she said. I will say a strong economy helps companies and businesses like mine have funds to be able to invest more in nonprofit groups, she said. Esquibel said the pay gap is because many high-paying jobs arent available to women. He noted a 37-year law professor at Denver University is suing for back pay because she earned less than every other male professor, even those hired after her. The school is defending itself, saying her research, teaching and scholarship were substandard. Its happening in our region, he said. I guess the point I want to make is DU is a prestigious law school, people know what the law is, but for whatever reason, because shes a female shes being paid $20,000 less than her male colleagues. Esquibels roots Esquibel and his brother Ken Esquibel, a state representative who is also running for the Senate as a Democrat, are the sons of Martin Esquibel, who was involved in Democratic politics over the years. Martin Esquibel was a union activist for the Teamsters, railroad unions and the AFL-CIO and a volunteer for several community organizations, Floyd Esquibel said. The senator said he knows his constituency since hes lived in the district the majority of his life. Hes been involved in many organizations from the library board to Magic City Enterprises, a group that works with disabled people. Esquibel said his legislation making it illegal for drivers to text has probably saved lives. He said he hopes to be re-elected to another term because he thinks its important during the revenue shortfall to look for solutions, and ensure the most vulnerable people arent hurt by cuts. Some of the people are lower-income, disabled, elderly, he said. They dont have a belt to tighten. He was involved in the building of a parking garage next to the Capitol, and he worked to create a toll-free hotline for constituents to call their legislators during session, informing them on how to vote for bills, Esquibel said. He knows Ellis has raised more money than him. But I just do what I can, he said. And let someone else do what they can. Ellis roots Ellis parents are from the Navajo reservation, which is located in the Four Corners region, where the borders of where Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico touch. In the 1950s, she said, there was a push to provide American Indians a trade education. Both of her parents attended a Catholic boarding school in Brigham City, Utah. My dads father, my grandfather, was a renowned Navajo silversmith, she said. And they thought, Well, we need welders, how about you be a welder? So that was my dads trade and after he and my mom graduated. They moved to Wyoming, in Jackson, where they started a small business. Her father still has his welding shop, she said. Ellis didnt spend a lot of time on the reservation as a child, but her family maintained some cultural beliefs and practices, such as their Catholic faith, she said. She attended the University of Wyoming on a scholarship and law school at the University of Colorado in Boulder and delved into the study of American Indian history, law and policy. As an adult, shes traveled to the reservation her children are enrolled members of the tribe, too and has connected with relatives. Between her undergraduate and law degrees, Ellis worked in Washington for Sen. Craig Thomas of Wyoming. From 2011 to 2014, she traveled the country with other members of a commission that listened to Native Americans talk about the need to make their communities safer. They took in testimony and wrote a report with 42 ideas that they presented to Congress and President Barack Obama. It was such a rewarding experience that (what) I hope to bring again to the Wyoming Legislature is listening, looking for ideas, looking for opportunities and doing whats right and doing whats best, she said. WIND RIVER RESERVATION After more than 40 years of work and perseverance, Dick Baldes could hardly believe the day had finally come. Ten bison mere brown blobs on the horizon moved about the western Wyoming prairie beneath the snowy peaks of the Wind River Range for the first time in more than 130 years. Its hard to believe its real, said Baldes, a retired Fish and Wildlife employee who began the effort to bring the bison to the reservation in the 1970s. Finally. Minutes earlier, members of the Wests newest bison herd loped onto their ancestral homeland to the tune of an Eastern Shoshone song and the steady beat of handheld drums. The crowd cheered as the animals cavorted freely across the field and down a two-track road, kicking up their heels as they ran. Its like they know theyre home, said Margery Torrey, a Lander sculptor who worked with the tribe to raise money for the bisons return. The sound of hooves on the prairie Thursday was the culmination of decades of work from the tribe, along with partner agencies and organizations. Leaders raised money, filled out endless paperwork, negotiated tribal and state politics and raised awareness of the importance of bison to the tribes way of life. This has been one of the hopes and dreams for us for many years, said Clint Wagon, a member of the Eastern Shoshone Business Council. After Baldes retired from the fish and wildlife service, his son, Jason, took up his mission. Jason Baldes studied bison reintroduction while working on his undergraduate and masters degrees and then brought his experience home to the reservation as the Eastern Shoshones bison representative. Even after all the papers were signed and the deal was done, Jason Baldes struggled to believe the bisons return was really happening until their hooves struck Wyoming soil two nights ago. The bison arrived about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday after more than 20 hours on the road from the wildlife refuge in Iowa where they had previously lived. When they came off the trailer spunky after the long ride Jason Baldes could finally believe it. All of his hard work, and that of his father, had finally paid off. Youre home, he told them. Two days later, a crowd arrived to welcome the new herd. Before their release Thursday, dozens of people peered through thick wood slats at the bison moving restlessly in their pen, as if they were nervous about the part in history they were poised to take. Down the two-track road, about 200 people gathered in the warm November sun to celebrate. Hearty laughs pealed from underneath wide-brimmed cowboy hats while giggling school kids clutched colorful blankets around their shoulders. The tribe and the federation hope that the new Wind River herd will grow to about 1,000 bison over the next decade. The reservation has about 750,000 acres of prime bison habitat far more than the 550,000 acres available to the 3,500 bison in Yellowstone National Park. The tribe previously reintroduced pronghorn and bighorn sheep to the reservation after the animals had been wiped out by hunting. Im waiting for the day when we can see them up there, Dick Baldes said, gesturing to the hills and Wind River Mountains in front of him. I want to see them everywhere. In the 1700s, more than 30 million bison wandered North America, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. White settlers hunted the bison at unprecedented rates as they moved west, killing the animals for their skins while simultaneously pushing them from their habitat. During 1872 and 1873, the wildlife service estimates 5,000 bison were killed every day. By 1884, there were about 325 bison left. It is one of the greatest wildlife genocides on the Earth, Colin OMara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, said Thursday. There are now only three free-ranging buffalo herds in the U.S. one in Yellowstone National Park and two in southern Utah, according to the National Wildlife Federation. The extermination of the buffalo also forced Native people from their homelands and onto reservations when their source of food and many other supplies was depleted. What happened to the buffalo similarly happened to us, Jason Baldes wrote in a blog post. As their numbers declined, buffalo were forced into former pockets of their territory, just as the tribes were pushed onto reservations. The federal governments contribution to the bison release was an opportunity to start making up for those cruelties, said Matt Hogan, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service deputy regional director. The federation partnered with northeastern Montana tribes for a similar release of 63 bison on tribal lands in March 2012. It hasnt always been a proud history, Hogan said. There have been times the U.S. government stood on the wrong side of this issue. Were humbled to stand with you on the right side now. Not only will the bisons return repair an ecosystem that has been missing a major component, but it will also help the Eastern Shoshone reconnect with the animal that was so integral to tribal life. More than a source of food and supplies, the bison was necessary for many of the tribes ceremonies, like the Sun Dance and sweat lodges, Jason Baldes said. Previously, the tribe had to buy a bison from a ranch and haul it here. As the herd grows in the coming years, tribal members will be able to hunt their own bison as their ancestors did generations before. Its one of Dick Baldes dreams to take his grandchildren on a buffalo hunt before he dies. He hopes the next generation will witness the bisons homecoming and become advocates for the species, he said, looking over the prairie at the small herd. Its an inheritance, he said. Editor: Fiscal conservative Chuck Gray is the best candidate for House District 57. Chuck Grays mailers and website (grayforhouse.com) provide ample detail on what he stands for, what he opposes and current issues and proposed solutions (budget discipline, government accountability, and refugee resettlement concerns to name a few). Additionally, Chuck mailed out questionnaires to ask HD57 residents their input on a number of issues. Gray consistently demonstrates a deep and judicious understanding of our federal and state constitutions and how they apply to issues that Wyoming faces today. Through phone inquiries, listening to his previous radio programs, and perusing his website Chuck has proven to me that hes committed to defending citizens rights and restoring the proper (limited) role of government. Gray also has a realistic grasp of the personal sacrifices and unwavering obligation required to represent HD57. In addition to his knowledge and passion, I believe that Chucks youthful energy and zeal are unsung qualities that are vital to maintaining a conservative vanguard while keeping up with the brutal pace and pandemonium that ensues in our legislative sessions. In contrast, HD57 Democrat candidate Audrey Cotherman listed in one mailer what "rights" she believes people should have, and in all of her mailers is alarmingly vague in describing issues, offering solutions or demonstrating any knowledge of constitutional law whatsoever. She does not ask for citizen input, nor provide a phone number or email for communications. Since her candidate info is scant, I looked at website content of the organizations that shes served in. Altogether, Im left to deduce that Cotherman does or may likely support, and thus could potentially legislate for: abortion, gun control, Obamacare, Medicaid expansion, climate change regulations, further cuts into Wyoming energy industry, supporting refugee resettlement, promoting social justice, promoting free college and mandatory public preschool. Last but not least, Cotherman resigned from a school board position just three years ago, abandoning her electorate and breaking the oath she took to serve. Would she do it again? So, again, Gray is the only wise choice for HD57. Hes tested, tried, knowledgeable and committed. JUBA, South Sudan Eight people have been accused of rape, eight others accused of looting and one accused of injuring a victim during a July rampage that targeted Americans at a South Sudan hotel popular with foreigners, the government announced Wednesday. Most of the accused are from the military, it said. It was the first word of accountability in the attack on the Terrain hotel compound. The Associated Press was the first to reveal details of the attack in which people were gang-raped, beaten, subjected to mock executions and forced to watch a local journalist be shot dead. Victims said dozens of armed men in uniform forced their way into the compound, breaking open the gate with gunshots and tire irons and outmanning security guards. The report of South Sudans investigation into the attack, obtained by the AP, dismisses accounts that soldiers made anti-American remarks during the rampage, saying that utterances made by these criminals were probably calculated to make their victims believe that they were being mistreated at the orders of the government. The South Sudan report, which has not been publicly released, also says the only way to stop a growing trend of indiscipline within the countrys military is for the international community and friends of South Sudan, including the U.S. administration, to stop the current war and support the new nation in the transformation of the (army). The report also blames the management of the Terrain hotel for failing to take appropriate steps in order to ensure the security and safety of people there. Spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday the U.S. State Department has seen the executive summary of the report and looked forward to a more detailed briefing from the U.N. to the Security Council on Thursday. We can't say for sure, but it's almost certain the Centennial Hall stage has never had as many musicians on it at one time as it did Wednesday night. Ninety-five musicians from the storied Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, a guest pianist and conductor Jacek Kaspszyk. Add the instruments, which included the University of Arizona's three-year-old Steinway & Sons concert grand piano, a giant drum tucked into the back end of the stage and a half-dozen or more basses scattered along one side behind the army of cellists, violists, wind players and violinists and it's easy to see why the players had to scootch in to find their seats. The result: Pure, sonic heaven. There's something about an orchestra that big with 116 years of history behind it and immeasurable talent from end to end that send shivers down your spine. While the rest of the Tucson and the country might have been glued to Game 7 of the World Series Wednesday night, 1,200 Tucsonans were experiencing one of the world's finest orchestras in action for the first time in our backyard since 1997 courtesy UA Presents. And while students outside the UA's Main Gate were singing "Go Cubs Go" at the top of their lungs, the audience inside Centennial Hall was fighting the urge to burst into applause every time the Warsaw Phil took a breath. From the opening piece Weinberg's Polish Melodies No. 2 to the finale Brahms' Second Symphony the Warsaw Phil produced a sound so gloriously big and sweet it filled in any noticeable hint of the hall's past acoustic flaws. Kaspszyk brought out bold shimmering strings that tempered the gentle growl of the baritone-voiced basses during the opening movement of the Brahms. Moments later, your attention was diverted to the back corner of the stage, where a trio of tuba players waited for their cue. All you could see was the pink scalp of the player on the end; the other two were shrouded by string players. The light glistened off the shiny chrome bell of the tuba player's instrument and just as the bass melodies were dissipating, he sat up straight and he and his colleagues blew into their brass instruments creating a glorious thump-thump that contrasted with the sweet light of the violins and cellos. Kaspszyk paired the muscular Brahms with the bright light of his fellow countryman Weinberg, a Polish-born 20th century composer who spent most of his professional life in Russia. It's likely no on in the hall Wednesday had ever heard Weinberg's music, which is a shame. Polish Dances was a bright and feisty piece that showcased why the Warsaw Phil is a leading orchestra in the world. You could distinguish every sound, from the shimmering pizzicato strings, to the flute singing a solo and the quiet ting of the triangle in the percussion section. Brass interludes were crystal clear and clean; there was no muddy blowback that can spoil the moment. It was so clean that your ears nearly deceived you into believing you were hearing 95 soloists. Speaking of soloists, guest pianist Seong-Jin Cho was superb on Chopin's First Piano Concerto. Kaspszyk, in an interview with the Star last week, said that Cho is a rock star on the piano, and the South Korean pianist proved it Wednesday night. He plays with technical precision and passion, yet there are moments of fluidity where he lets himself wander without going off script. He mateched forceful strokes with equal gentleness in the prolonged solo parts of the second movement. Cho might be guilty of a little showiness to his performance the exaggerated body sway as he moved his hands from end-to-end along the keyboard producing hauntingly beautiful melodies, or the occasional hop from his piano bench at the end of a particularly powerful passage. But he also showed off a admirable passion for the Chopin, which he performed partially with this eyes closed, his fingers finding their way by muscle memory. It was thrilling to watch and wonder just where Cho will land in the scheme of classical music superstars. This is the Uzbekistani pianists second Tucson appearance after he had to beg off what was to have been his local debut in 2012 when he broke his thumb days before the event. He made up the date in November 2014. Celebrated guitarists from Italy, Poland and Puerto Rico will converge on Tucson this weekend for the eighth International Tucson Guitar Festival. Ivan Rijos from Puerto Rico who earned his masters degree from the University of Arizona Marcin Dylla of Poland and Italys Matteo Mela and Lorenzo Micheli performing as SoloDuo will participate in workshops and perform recitals beginning Saturday, Nov. 5, and running through next Saturday, Nov. 12. Heres who well see: Ivan Rijos: Originally from Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, he spent time in Tucson studying with UA guitar guru Thomas Patterson. He earned his masters degree and along the way earned an Il Magnifico Award Medici Circle for artistic achievement. He studied at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore and with Andres Segovia at the Manhattan School of Music, where he was invited to perform a recital in Segovias honor. Other notables on his bio: He received a Fulbright Scholarship to study Spanish music in Spain and was awarded the Pro Musicis International Award at La Casa Espana International Guitar Competition and first place in the Gold International Competition of the Great Lakes Festival. Rijos is on the faculty at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music and at Escuela Libre de Musica in San Juan, Puerto Rico. SoloDuo: The pairs bio recounts how classical guitarists Matteo Mela, who lives in Switzerland, and Lorenzo Micheli of Italy discovered they were musically matched after a series of ensemble concerts they played. The audiences were enthusiastic about their duo parts and the pair discovered that they had a natural affinity for making music together. The pairs repertoire grew from strictly music composed for guitar to historical transcriptions of music written for other instruments. SoloDuo has performed throughout Europe, Asia, the U.S., Canada and Latin America, earning resounding praise along the way. Their repertoire traverses classic, romantic and modern music, and the pair has recorded a dozen albums since their debut in 2004. Marcin Dylla: The young Polish guitarist earned 19 first-place prizes in international competitions around the world from 1996 to 2007, and followed up three years later with a 2010 Fryderyk Award nomination think Polands Grammy for best Solo Classical Music Album. His resume includes keeping the seat warm for Sergio Assad this fall at the San Francisco Conservatory while Assad serves as a Tinker Professor at the University of Chicago. This marks Dyllas third Tucson concert. The Fred Fox School of Music also is hosting Dylla for a short residency during which he will present a series of master classes. Dylla resides in Poland and is a professor at the Music Academy in Krakow and Katowice. When film director Alex Cox was lining up the location to shoot his upcoming Western, he knew exactly where he wanted to go. The film, Tombstone Rashomon, is a unique look at the historic Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. It needed a location that could reflect the history and environment of the Old West. Cox had shot a movie at the Old Tucson studio in the 1980s. He knew the landscape. Because its the story of the O.K. Corral, the guys have to walk out of the door of the saloon, walk down the street, turn left, walk another city block to get to the gunfight, the British-born director said. So you really needed a location with some kind of stature, some size to it, and thats Old Tucson. It was just the obvious place to shoot. I dont know of any other town thats so finely detailed and so well-done. Shooting is done on the independent film that also drew locally for talent. It is in the final stages of production, but will be screened as a work in progress at the Loft Film Fest on Nov. 11 with a session for the audience to interact with Cox and some of the actors and production staff. The Film Fest is Wednesday, Nov. 9, through Sunday, Nov. 13. Forty films are to be screened in the three theaters at The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway. Several of the films being shown in the five-day event are regional or Arizona premiers. Tombstone Rashomon will show on Friday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m. At the screening, Cox will be honored with the theaters 2016 Lofty Achievement Award for his contributions to film and his support of The Loft. Another screening is of the Academy Award-nominated film The Martian. Astronaut Mark Kelly, a Tucson resident and retired NASA Space Shuttle pilot, will be on hand for an introduction and post-film discussion of various aspects of the film, life in space and the technology and living conditions depicted in the movie, which starred Matt Damon. The Loft Film Fest is in its seventh year and has featured a wide range of contemporary films, bringing in filmmakers and actors to discuss their work. The idea behind starting the festival was to try and create a Tucson version of major international film festivals, said Jeff Yanc, the Lofts program director. The programming is guided by looking for films that have been playing at major film festivals around the world, Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Sundance. Then we want to put a Loft and Tucson spin adding some local events and interesting guests. For local spin, Tombstone Rashomon is loaded. Its based on a historic event that took place in Southern Arizona. Cox has a history with Tucson, having stuck around to live here for a time after shooting his 1987 film, Walker, at Old Tucson. Actors and production staff from throughout Tucson and Arizona were recruited and hired to work on the film. Our casting director was Travis Mills, who is a producer from Phoenix, Cox said. He put the word out in Tucson, but we had actors from as far away as Prescott and New Mexico. It was great. There was a really, really good turnout of actors. For every role we had more than one possibility of a very good actor. Adam Newberry, a Prescott resident, is in the role of Wyatt Earp Facially, hes quite a ringer for Wyatt Earp, Cox said. Tucsonan Eric Schumacher plays the Earp brothers sidekick, Doc Holliday. Another Tucsonan, Benny Lee Kennedy, plays Earp antagonist Ike Clanton. And Cox reached into the cast of the daily re-enactment of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone to find Virgil Earp, Wyatts brother, in the film. Jason Graham, a Tucson native who, after a circuitous route through Indiana and Texas, made his way back to Arizona, has been playing the role of Wyatt Earp in the Tombstone show for about a year. An aspiring actor and musician, Graham heard about the casting call from his production director at the Tombstone show. He actually caught the casting notice before I did, Graham said. He said, This looks perfect for you. Graham said he responded to the casting notice, went through the audition process and landed the part. Something he thought was a distant possibility playing his daily role in a movie suddenly was real. I definitely dreamed of it. Its one of those things where its still wild, Graham said. Getting picked by Alex Cox to be in one of his films was like, Wow. I got picked. Im really working with these guys The films title is a statement that the concept for it was inspired by the 1950 film Rashomon, an Academy Award-nominated film by Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, which tells a single story of a murder from the several viewpoints of the characters involved. The story of the Tombstone gunfight has been told a number of times in film, mostly from the viewpoint of the Earps, Cox said. This version of the gunfight tells the story from several angles. I think thats the only way to approach it, Cox said. The director said his first exposure to the gunfight was from a library book he read as a child in England. Hes seen the various movies that sprang from the event and realized they usually came from one point of view. Most of the movies were in favor of the Earps, he said. There were a couple that werent. It was interesting to see these different perspectives as I read more about it and as I got more interested in the story and read other books. One of the accounts Cox read was the actual transcript of the inquest that took place after the gunfight. In the transcript of the inquest, you really start to realize there are completely divergent views of the gunfight, he said. Some people genuinely believe that the Earps and Holliday had been threatened by the McLaurys and that they were justified in going to the gunfight. Some people really feel it was a massacre and that the Earps just went out there either without an idea in their head or with the idea to kill these people. So thats the quandary when you make the film. Normally you have to do one or the other. In this instance, we dont have to do that. We can tell all the stories. We can tell Ike Clantons story and Wyatt Earps story and Doc Hollidays story and Johnny Behans story. We get a variety of takes, all of which contradict each other. And thats the Rashomon idea. At the screening, Cox said, he hopes to have as many questions answered by the audience as it might have of him. Cox, Graham and other members of the cast and staff will be there to discuss the film. The story is complete, he said, with a beginning and an end. But there still is some production taking place and an opportunity to tweak the film if audience response dictates. I want to see how they respond. I want to see how it plays, Cox said. The Q&A, where normally the audience asks the questions based on the screening, Im going to ask them questions. Do you think that worked? Do you think our presentation of Wyatt Earp is good? Are we fair or are we leaning too far in one direction or another direction? Imagine this: a cadre of giant men running around wearing woolen kilts in the 80-something degree Tucson heat. Imagine no more: Its what you will find at the 30th annual Tucson Celtic Festival and Scottish Highland Games this weekend, Nov. 4-6, at Rillito Raceway Park. The festival is the biggest of its kind in Arizona, organizers say. Guests can expect fire-spitting bagpipes, fire dancers and all the Celtic food and merchandise you can handle. Three days of fun The festival starts on Friday evening with the Pirate Pub Night featuring a themed party, rum tasting, games and a performance by Celtica, the flaming bagpipe rock group. Then comes the clan torch-lighting ceremony and the Best Legs in a Kilt competition for both men and women. There will also be a scavenger hunt for children. Best yet, all the Friday ticket proceeds will go to the Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse. The full docket of festivities starts Saturday and continues through Sunday with Celtic food and merchandise , two performance stages and a childrens area with jumping castles. Stepping out The two featured musical performers, Celtica and The Angry Brians, will play on the main stage several times on Saturday and Sunday. Celtica, originally founded in 2009 in Phoenix, combines the traditional sounds of Scottish bagpipes with the energy of a rock band. The second stage will showcase four traditional Celtic bands and performances by local Irish and Scottish dance groups. And yes, the popular Celtic Fest event returns Saturday night: the acrobatic and blazing Cirque Roots will perform its Fire Dance. Battle of the kilts If youve never seen anyone hurl a telephone-pole sized beam across a field the caber toss its your lucky weekend. The Scottish Highland Games go on all day Saturday and Sunday. Sixty athletes will compete in nine traditional Scottish events, from the caber toss to weight for distance to the sheaf toss, which is a little bag of hay, basically, that they toss over a really high bar, says Erin Haugen, the Celtic Festival manager. We even have a couple people coming all the way from Scotland to compete. There are competitions for both men and women, amateurs and masters and even a youth highland games where children 7 to 13 can toss a mini caber. In addition, those who prefer dancing to throwing can compete in the Scottish highland dance competition on Saturday. The nice thing about it is its the one sport Ive been involved in where your competitors are really your good friends, said Dale Pederson, president of the Tucson Celtic Festival Association and long-time highland games athlete. He, like most competitors, is dressed for the part. Yes, I wear a skirt and throw heavy objects, Pederson said with a chuckle. And dont worry, athletes are required to wear shorts underneath their kilts. The haggis and other eats Attendees can look forward to haggis made from Highland cattle, Scottish shepherds pie, bangers and mash, fish and chips and more. Some of (the vendors) come to our festival and its the only time they come to Arizona, so its a good time for people to get food like haggis and steak bridies and all kinds of good Scottish food, Haugen said. For the uninitiated: Haggis is Scotlands national dish. Traditionally, it is a savory pudding made with sheeps heart, liver and lungs minced with oatmeal and spices and then packed into a sheeps stomach, according to VisitScotland.com. Bangers and mash sausages served with mashed potatoes is a good choice for those who cant stomach the idea of haggis. A steak bridie is a Scottish meat pie. Celts for the Community There is maybe a bit of Celt in everyone, Pederson said. Come and find out and have a good time. The Tucson Celtic Festival Association is run completely by volunteers who work toward their mission of preserving Celtic culture and customs in Tucson. One of our main goals, personally, is for us to give back to the community so we always have charitable events and every year we have a charity that we donate to, Haugen said. This year it is the Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse. We do this because we really care about our guests who come and want to have a good time at our festival and learn about the Celtic culture, Haugen said. Veneer of civility Playwright Yasmina Reza loves to show the less classy side of the classy set. She did that with her play Art, where a friendship turned unpleasant over a piece of art. And she does it with God of Carnage, which Roadrunner Theatre Company opens Friday, Nov. 4. God of Carnage begins as two sets of parents get together to discuss a fight their children got into. One child was physically hurt by the other. This is going to be a civil get-together. Because, after all, they are civilized people. Theres Alan, a lawyer who is glued to his cellphone, and his wife, Annette, who is a wealth manager. On the other side we have Michael, a successful wholesaler, and his wife, Veronica, a writer. Hey, these folks should be able to have a reasonable discussion about their children, right? Sure, but how much fun would a play like that be? They make nice as they browse through art books and sip espresso. But nice goes out the window pretty quickly. Their behavior devolves, and the parents become more childish than their children. But this is not a night of untoward behavior alone. Reza is funny. And come on, admit it, when mixed with wit, watching grown-ups behave like kids, seeing the civilized turn savage, can be pretty darn entertaining. Mark Klugheit directs, and Steve McKee, Nikki Heinrich, Roger Owen and India Osborne play the warring couples. The 90-minute, intermission-free play is at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 20. Tickets are $24, with discounts available. 207-2491 or roadrunnertheatrecompany.org Comedy and heart Arizona Repertory Theatre is reaching back some 60 years to bring us its next offering, Born Yesterday. For those of you who were born yesterday, the play is by Garson Kanin, a 20th century playwright whose name alone drew people to the theater. And his work holds up. Born Yesterday is a comedy set in the middle of the last century. Harry, a man who wears corruption like a badge of honor, has come to Washington in hopes of bribing a few senators to pursue an in-no-way-legal business. He has brought along his doll, Billie Dawn. Shes blond and beautiful and Harry is concerned shes not smart enough to impress the senators. So he hires a tutor a newspaperman because, you know, journalists know words and are smart. Things dont go as Harry plans, Billie isnt as dim as she looks, and that newspaperman has got a heart (who knew that was possible?). PHOENIX Federal judges will give Democrats one more chance to make their case that a state ban on ballot harvesting is illegal. In a brief order Wednesday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said a majority of the sitting judges want to review last weeks ruling by a majority of a three-judge panel that concluded the state is legally allowed to make it a felony for anyone to take someone elses ballot to the polling place. HB 2023, approved earlier this year by the Republican-controlled Legislature, has exceptions only for family members, those in the same household and certain caregivers. Judge Sandra Ikuta, writing last weeks majority opinion, said the state has a legitimate interest in protecting the integrity of the voting process. And she said the fact there isnt a single instance of fraud from the practice is legally irrelevant. That 2-1 ruling left Chief Justice Sidney Thomas, to dissent, saying there is evidence that the practice the state law bans is more heavily used by minorities, making it illegally discriminatory. Wednesday order essentially wipes out last weeks ruling against the challengers, giving them another shot at convincing the full court that the ban violates the federal Voting Rights Act. But time is running out: The election is Tuesday. Wednesdays decision to review last weeks earlier ruling was not unanimous, with Judge Diarmuid OScannlain calling the move a serious mistake. We risk creating a mess of current law by trying to produce a ruling under self-imposed time pressure, he wrote for himself and four other judges. He said it would be better to allow Tuesdays election to take place with the ban on ballot harvesting in place. OScannlain said that would allow courts to see how the law is implemented, see whether it is discriminatory, and then make a ruling on its legality ahead of the next election. The action comes as arguments are scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 3, in Phoenix on claims by Democrats that the Arizona Republican Party, the Trump campaign and their allies are planning to intimidate voters going to the polls Tuesday. That would include people who otherwise might have given their early ballots to someone else but now have to deliver them personally. Meanwhile, another federal judge in Phoenix is weighing a bid by Democrats to ensure that those who registered to vote on Oct. 11 should be allowed to cast a ballot this year. Secretary of State Michele Reagan wants the court to enforce the Oct. 10 deadline even though that was both a federal and state holiday and some options to register to vote on that day were not available. And a ruling is awaited from the same three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit that decided the ballot harvesting case, this time on the question of whether the state should be required to count the votes of ballots cast at the wrong precinct. Unlike many other states, Arizona allows all voters to request that a ballot be mailed to them ahead of each election. Voters can fill it out and mail it back, take it to an early voting site ahead of Election Day or take it to any polling place on Election Day. The other option until this year was to give it to someone else to return. Both Republicans and Democrats have done such ballot harvesting in prior years. But the Democrats and allied groups have been far more successful at going door-to-door close to Election Day and collecting the ballots that may be sitting on a table that are now too late to be mailed. There already are laws that make it a crime to tamper with anyone elses ballot or refuse to turn one in. Proponents also provided no evidence of fraud. About the closest came from Sen. Don Shooter, R-Yuma, who said he had heard that some groups were collecting early ballots, steaming them open and then deciding based on what they found whether to submit them or toss them. There was never any proof of such an incident. And Rep. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, argued during debate the lack of evidence does not matter. What is indisputable is that many people believe its happening, he said in voting for the measure. And I think that matters. It was that logic adopted by Ikuta in last weeks majority ruling last week. Legislatures are permitted to respond to potential deficiencies in the electoral process with foresight rather than reactivity, she wrote. Thomas, in his dissent, said the practice will impact minorities more than other groups. There are many burdens and challenges faced in Arizona by Native Americans, Hispanics, African-Americans, the poor, and the infirm who do not have caregivers or family to take their ballots to the polls. With HB 2023, Arizona has added another: disenfranchisement. How the full court feels on the issue of discrimination is crucial: Any effort to overturn a state law as violating the federal Voting Rights Act requires proof that the measure has a disparate impact on minorities. At least one judge who was not part of the original panel already has taken sides. Judge Stephen Reinhardt, voting to review last weeks ruling, called it an urgent case of extraordinary importance involving the suppression of minority voters on the eve of a presidential election. And Reinhardt said it appears to him the law is illegal, citing the potential penalty of one year in prison for someone who does nothing more than take another persons ballot to the polls. The record in this case fully documents the disparate burden that this new law imposes on minority voters, he wrote. The question of the ban on ballot harvesting has at least an indirect link to the lawsuit the Democrats filed earlier this week to halt what they claim will be voter intimidation. A federal appeals court refused late Wednesday to order Arizona officials to count the votes of people who cast their ballot at the wrong location. In a divided ruling, the three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected arguments by Democrats that minorities are more likely to be disenfranchised by showing up at a polling place other than the one assigned to the precinct where they live. Judge Carlos Bea, writing for the majority, acknowledged there is evidence that minorities are more likely to go to the wrong place. Attorneys for Democrats said that is due to minorities being more likely to be renters and therefore moving more often. But Bea said that hardly amounts to illegal discrimination. There is no evidence in the record that minority voters were given misinformation regarding the locations of their correct precinct polling places, while non-minority voters were given correct information, he wrote. Nor was there evidence that minority voters precinct polling places were located where it would be more difficult for minority voters to find them, than were the corresponding precinct polling places of non-minority voters. Most counties have voting by precinct. If someone is not on the official poll list, election officials redirect them to the proper location. But if the person insists on voting there, they are given a provisional ballot that is counted only if the person was registered and entitled to vote at that location. An attorney for Democrats said nearly 11,000 ballots were not counted in 2012 because of the wrong location. She asked the court to rule that the votes should still count for elections such as for president or senator. Chief Justice Sidney Thomas disagreed with the ruling. The numbers are startling, he wrote. The rate at which in-person ballots were rejected and not counted because the votes were cast out-of-precinct was 131 percent higher for Hispanics, 74 percent higher for African Americans, and 39 percent higher for Native Americans than for white voters. TEMPE Hillary Clinton reveled in reliably red Arizona on Wednesday, seeking to pluck a Republican state away from Donald Trump in the closing days of the caustic race for the White House. This state is in play for the first time in years, Clinton exclaimed during a nighttime rally on the campus of Arizona State University. She was greeted by a boisterous crowd of about 15,000, one of her largest of the campaign. Clintons campaign has been eying Arizona for weeks. The state has voted for the Democratic presidential candidate only once since 1952 Bill Clinton in his 1996 re-election campaign but Clintons team believes its winnable this year given Trumps deep unpopularity with Hispanics. Clinton painted a grim view of life for minorities under a Trump administration. Imagine a president who demeans women, mocks the disabled, insults Latinos, African-Americans, Muslims, POWs, who pits people against each other, instead of pulling us together, she told the crowd. Someone with a very thin skin, who lashes out at anyone who challenges him, who praises adversaries like Vladimir Putin and picks fights with our allies and even insults the Pope. She also waded into a local sheriffs race getting national attention, backing Democrat Paul Penzone in the race for Maricopa County sheriff, a post held by immigration hardliner Joe Arpaio. I think its time you had a new sheriff in town, dont you? she said. And in a nod to Republicans, she called out Trump for his criticism in the GOP primary of Carly Fiorina, the only woman to seek her partys nomination. Clinton called Fiorina a distinguished woman with a tremendous record of accomplishment. Clinton arrived in Arizona after a rally in Las Vegas, where she urged voters to imagine what life would be like if Trump is inaugurated on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in January. For Hispanics, she said, that would mean having a president who doesnt see you as Americans. And for blacks, she said it would mean having a president who believes their lives are consumed by crime and poverty and despair. For Clinton, the final full week of the presidential campaign has turned into a greatest hits list of her most searing attacks on Trump and the Republicans most glaring missteps. On Tuesday, she campaigned in Florida with Alicia Machado, a former Miss Universe winner whom Trump criticized for gaining weight, and slammed Trump repeatedly for his demeaning comments about women. In Las Vegas on Wednesday, Clinton took aim at Trumps feud with an American-born judge of Mexican heritage who ruled against the businessman in an ongoing legal matter. Trump said earlier this year that Judge Gonzalo Curiels Mexican roots meant he had a conflict of interest in the case given Trumps proposal to build a wall along the U.S. southern border. Clinton said Curiel is as American as Donald Trump. Clintons efforts to sharpen the contrast with Trump has left her campaign shrouded in a dark, negative tone as she closes out her White House bid. Its a conscious choice her campaign says is necessary as polls tighten ahead of next Tuesdays election. The fact is the choice that Donald Trump represents is pretty dark, Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri told reporters traveling with Clinton to Nevada on Wednesday. You need to make it real for voters who are undecided. PHOENIX Seeking to avoid confrontation between voters and self-styled poll watchers, Secretary of State Michele Reagan warned Wednesday what will and will not be tolerated at polling places next week. Some of what Reagan outlined is already law, like who can remain inside polling places and a ban on photos and videos there. And she reiterated that there is no electioneering within 75 feet. But the key is her warnings of what is unacceptable to occur outside that 75-foot perimeter, an area where partisans can watch and even try to influence voters. Her list includes everything from demanding that prospective voters must provide credentials and erecting signs listing the penalty for voter fraud to the aggressive or ostentatious display of weapons. The warning comes amid claims by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump that the election is rigged and that people who are not citizens will be casting ballots. Trump has repeatedly suggested his supporters need to personally keep an eye on what is happening at polling places. That includes statements at one rally to check out areas because a lot of bad things happen, and we dont want to lose for that reason. It also comes as a federal judge is set to hear the Arizona Democratic Party argue Thursday, Nov. 3, for a restraining order to bar Republicans from intimidating voters at the polls. Attorneys want Judge John Tucci to block aggressive questioning of those waiting to vote, threats or suggestion of legal or criminal action, or any other form of menacing or intimidation of violence. Reagan spokesman Matt Roberts said his boss is assuming there will not be problems. He said poll workers and marshals get training on how to deal with unruly folks or situations that could be threatening to other voters. The key, said Roberts, is preventing problems before they develop into something more. Theyre always looking to calm folks down first, he said. Defusing situations is always Rule No. 1. Whats harder, he said, is balancing protecting prospective voters from harassment and honoring the First Amendment rights of those who want to stand around outside and even engage with those going into the polls. And Roberts said he cannot say exactly where that line is. To use an old phrase, you know it when you see it, he said. Folks outside that 75 (foot line) do need to understand, in some way, that it is a free-speech area, Roberts explained, meaning that people cannot be stopped from approaching would-be voters, asking them questions and urging them to vote a given way. But by no means does anybody have a right to get in someones face. Then theres that question of armed observers, an issue Roberts calls dicey. Arizona law allows any adult to carry a firearm, whether open or concealed, in most public places. That includes standing around outside that 75-foot perimeter. What observers cannot do comes down to that question of aggressive or ostentatious display of weapons. Im not sure that there is a legal definition of ostentatious, Roberts said. But I suspect that if you decided to bring an automatic weapon to the outside of a polling place, someone might feel intimidated by that, he said. And theres other people that might not feel intimidated by that. He said it may come down to whether the behavior is aggressive, things like purposely showing a firearm and pointing to it, even if it remains holstered. And certainly pointing it at someone is altogether a legal ramification, Robert said, running afoul of criminal statutes. Other things Reagan said is conduct that can be considered intimidating includes: Photographing or filming voters in a harassing or intimidating manner. Impersonating law enforcement or wearing clothing, uniforms or other apparel intended to deter, intimidate or harass voters. Intentionally disseminating false information about the date, time or location of voting. Using threatening, insulting or offensive language to a voter. Disrupting voting lines. Blocking the entrance. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Ankara's decision to send troops to Iraq will lead to Turkeys eventual breakup, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi warned the neighbor on Tuesday, Sputnik News reports. "Any invasion by Turkey in Iraq will lead to its breakup," the prime minister said, as quoted by Al Mayadeen news channel. Baghdad does not want a war with Ankara but is ready for it, Abadi threatened, after media reported Turkey was pulling armored vehicles and tanks to their joint border. Turkey has been seeking an active role in the Iraqi military operation to recapture the Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) stronghold of Mosul in northern Iraq. Turkey sent troops across the border late last year to allegedly train Sunni fighters at a base near the Daesh-held Iraqi town of Bashiqa, prompting protests from Baghdad. The Iraqi PM earlier said the Iraqis are united and will stand together against an attack. This territory and its sovereignty are ours, he said. Kari Lake claimed in an interview on Sunday that new abortion restrictions could lead to locking up a lot more rapists. But exactly how that would happen is unclear, and critics say the idea is utter hogwash. Lake, the Republican nominee for governor, made the assertion during a televised interview by KTAR radio host Mike [] The post Kari Lake says Arizonas strict abortion laws will put more rapists in jail. Critics say thats nonsense. appeared first on Arizona Mirror. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Turkish authorities' actions against freedom of opinion and the press are "highly alarming," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday, expressing doubts about the legitimacy of Turkey's detention of senior staff at an opposition newspaper, ABC News reported. On Monday, at least 13 staff members at the Cumhuriyet newspaper were detained, among them the chief editor, columnists and a cartoonist. "It is highly alarming that ... freedom of the press and opinion is again and again being restricted," Merkel said in Berlin. "The latest example of this already very sad development is what happened with the editors and editor-in-chief at the Cumhuriyet newspaper, and we have very great doubts that this corresponds with the principles of a state of law." Merkel said Germany will pay close attention to the investigation of the journalists. She noted that Germany's ambassador to Turkey visited Cumhuriyet's offices on Tuesday "to underline again how important the issue of freedom of opinion and press freedom is to us." "Of course, such an issue also plays a central role in questions regarding membership talks with the European Union," she added. Turkey has been engaged for a decade in slow-moving talks on ultimately becoming a member of the 28-nation bloc. Turkey's prime minister has shrugged off European criticism, arguing that the issue of media freedom is being used by the EU to try to limit Turkey's steps in combating terrorism. We don't care if you voted by mail, voted early, waited for election day, argued politics with your friends until 2 a.m., covered your ears until Nov. 8, rocked the vote, dapped the vote WHATEVER. Just vote. For these ladies and the next. Prepare to get goosebumpy: "I vote for me, my daughter and my grandmother Sarah (1913-2007) who never voted because her husband told her once that her vote wouldn't count and wouldn't ever be counted." Kenya Johnson, Associate Director of Development Communications, UA Health Sciences Department. Also, dancer, dreamer and mom. "If silent in the face of injustice and intolerance, I am to blame. I speak, instead. I act. I vote." Kelly Fryer, CEO YWCA of Southern Arizona "At Habitat Tucson, we teach the importance of civic engagement and its impact on the community as a whole. From neighborhood meetings, to voting in local and national elections, its crucial that we all participate." T. VanHook, CEO of Habitat for Humanity "Take that. And that. And that. Take that for our infrastructure. Take that for our schools. Heh. For this moment I'm in charge of the world. My world." Lisa Waite Bunker, Pima County Public Library Social Media Librarian "I am voting to exert my power in electing who will lead my beloved country for the next four years." Heather Hiscox, Tucson entrepreneur "Before I decide how to vote, I read about who stands for what. That keeps me up to date on candidates and issues." Jill Jorden Spitz, Arizona Daily Star Editor "I'm voting because I'm committed to civil and human rights and reject political tactics that use fear to manipulate voters. I want to see our country progress and our first woman president!" Regina Romero, Tucson City Council Member "I want my son to learn about the importance of being an engaged and informed citizen, because thats how change happens." Kylie Walzak, lead program manager for Living Streets Alliance and Cyclovia Tucson coordinator "The night my daughter was born, my friend was shot to death in a movie theatre. Thats why I no longer vote party lines. Instead I choose candidates wholl fight for common-sense gun legislation, like background checks for all gun sales and safe storage laws." Missy Paschke-Wood, volunteer, Moms Demand Action "I'm voting to express my support for the democratic process, even if some of my votes are in the minority. Every vote counts!" Shirley Muney, League of Women Voters/AAUW/Pima County-Tucson Women's Commission "Each Arizonan's vote weighs more than usual in this year's Presidential election! We can keep Trump from winning a typically red state!" Julie Reed, tucsonmama.com Register for more free articles. Log in Sign up "To help make our criminal punishment system more just for all who are vote-less, and thus voiceless in our democracy." E. Liane Hernandez, Community Life Director, Frances McClelland Community Center, YWCA of Southern Arizona I am voting for equality and solidarity. Sandy Ochoa, Mi Familia Vota Tucson Coordinator "I want a President with a heart, whose decisions are not based on 'locker-room conversations.' Anita Marie Smith, daughter, mother, grandmother and true friend "Voting is a silent, but powerful political action. As an American citizen, I have the right to make my opinion count." Audrey De La Cruz, artist "I am voting because it's a serious privilege and I promised my Bernie-supporting dad before he died that Trump wouldn't win." Jade Beall, photographer and mother "I value that we have the privilege to validate our concerns and voice our opinions by taking the initiative to vote." Tatum Hammond, Administrative Vice President of the Associated Students of The University of Arizona "Voting is our right many sacrificed for; I take it seriously! My vote is for Trump to preserve our freedom!" Gini Crawford, conservative community organizer and owner of BecauseofGod.com "I believe kindness is the foundation of our democracy. I vote for kindness to prevail." Jeannette Mare, founder and executive director of Ben's Bells "The power of my single vote will help elect an educated and articulate first woman President with a small family business background. Resonates highly here!" Linda Mazon Gutierrez, President and CEO of the Hispanic Womens Corporation "Even if you do not like the choice of candidates, remember it is a privilege to have a choice." Sherry Downer, secretary of the Tucson Metro Chamber board and attorney "Teachers are the largest voting bloc by profession, a profession dominated by women. When teachers turn out in high numbers and we know they do they shape the future and the decisions made that impact their homes, classrooms, and communities." Katie Rogerson, director of Tucson Values Teachers "Ive voted in every election since turning 18, because the opportunity to have a say in the policies and leaders that will impact my family, community and country, is a responsibility that shouldnt be squandered." Veronica Cruz-Mercado, Zia's Mama and the program coordinator for UA BookStores Help India! By Reeti Mahobe, Whats common between the Oscar winning movie, Life of Pi, and her? That continuously ongoing struggle not just of life but for life. But her indomitable spirit is unmatched for. She is rare yet very special. This is about Payel Bhattacharya who has seen 33 years of life with each day being a mystery to unravel bringing in either new hopes or more often the new hurdles to conquer through. On this occasion of Rare Disease Day, she expresses her intent to spread awareness on VHL or Von Hippel Lindau Disease, the condition with which she has lived for all these years. Support TwoCircles When she was just seven years old, while dancing at home, she suddenly felt excruciating pain on one of her feet, post which she couldnt remember. Her doctors initially couldnt diagnose the real cause behind the pain and tagged it to be sprain. Later she was diagnosed with an extremely rare disease called as Von Hippel Lindau Disease with a frequency rate of 0.001. This disease leads to formation of blood-filled benign tumors in vital organs of the body. While the disease is congenital in nature, in some cases, it might occur due to gene mutation during fetal development which seems to be the case in Payels. That pain on her foot was also result of formation of tumor. More than 16 organs of the body have had got affected because of this disease. There also remains fear of these tumors turning malignant at some point. She had also undergone her liver transplant four years back at Sir Gangaram Hospital with the financial help from PMs fund. Her support system through all these odds has been her family. But this did not end here. Being shocked at take-over of his house by his brother, Payels father suffered heart attack and passed away just after her transplant. In order to avoid rejection of new organ in body she was administered with immunosuppressant that brought down her immunity immensely so much that now she has developed MDR TB totally unrelated with VHL. Payel Bhattacharya Payels living condition hasnt been fair either. She stays in rented house at Delhi with hardly any ventilation with her mother. She also faced dejection from her earlier landlord who got her out of the house as she had contracted with MDR TB. She originally hails from Kolkata, but shifted to Delhi for her treatment. She has to get her treatment done from three different hospitals viz. Medanta Hospital, Gurgaon, AIIMS and Sir Gangaram Hospital. She is grateful to her doctors who have been life-savers. Even after so much of pain every now and then she managed to finish her school but still laments over not being able to go to college. She has excellent English. She has written over few poems published on her facebook profile which paint up a picture of her struggle. She currently has lot of brain tumors because of which doctors fear if she anytime gets excited, she might go into Comatose state. She has to regularly get her cyber knife surgery (radio-surgery) done. She has depended on some kind souls for covering her huge medical expenses but hasnt been fortunate enough to get enough bucks everytime she needed. Only support currently has been from her brother who is a freelancer, and sometimes he himself doesnt have a job. She feels agitated over why government shouldnt be covering her treatment expenses when she doesnt have any financial backing! Why is there so much apathy against those suffering from such rare disorders? Theres not even any provision for it under much hyped about government sponsored health insurance schemes; neither for diagnosis nor for treatment expenses, forget about research purposes. Its simply not understandable on how we could envision an inclusive society when no heed is being paid to all such persons who have struggled since forever for every minute of life. *** *** *** *** Payel Bhattacharya writes her experiences: What is a rare disease? A rare disease is a life-threatening or chronically debilitating disease. The common denominator of rare diseases is the infrequency of their occurrence in the human population. The likelihood where in a physician has encountered perplexing medical conditions and tackled it with expertise is rare. My experience with a rare disease:- My encounter with a multi-organ rare disease and with physicians is that they themselves admit of getting 2 or 3 cases at the most hence even after diagnosing they dont keep themselves updated with diagnostic assays and treatment modalities. Im a rare disease patient causing tumorigenesis and have undergone 9 surgeries including a brain hemangioblastoma , liver transplantation due to vascular malformation( identified clinically as VHL or Von HippelLindau syndrome which is treatable but has no cure), Cyber knife Radiosurgery of two more brain hemangioblastomas on 14th July 2013 and a and a communicable disease unrelated to VHL, disseminated latent MDR TB under immunocompromised state to avoid liver graft rejection. About Von Hippel-Lindau disease:- Von Hippel-Lindau disease, or von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by visceral cysts, benign masses, and the potential for malignant transformation in multiple organ systems. Imaging plays a key role in identification of abnormalities and subsequent follow-up of lesions. The spectrum of clinical manifestations of the disease is broad; About 40 different lesions in 14 different organs have been described. Imaging plays a key role in the identification of abnormalities and their subsequent follow-up, in the screening of asymptomatic gene carriers, and in their long-term surveillance. The importance of screening is emphasized because the lesions in VHL disease are treatable; thus, early detection enables more conservative therapy to be performed and may enhance the patients length and quality of life. Because VHL varies so widely, there is not a consistent set of symptoms in each person. Every incidence of the disease has its own diagnostic evaluation. Being multi -ordinal disorder getting help for treatment of a VHL person is pie in the sky within the abbreviated time, so that growth of lesions doesnt cause undue complexities especially neurologic ones. It can be emphatically said speed in detection and follow up through imaging and tests is absolute imperative case of VHL to better the quality of life in a debilitating condition. Whereas all my disease/ disorders are treatable but not curable provided no lag period happens in diagnosis thereby not deferring the proper treatment, at which point it might incur infirmity making the quality of life poorer with every passing day. Ive been able to avail the authority in each manifestation of different organs presently dealing with my condition. My walking infirmity incurred due to TB has amped the expenses. Current Status of tumors:- 1. Recent evaluation after cyber knife radiation is, my brain is riddled with tumors (hemangioblastomas) consequence balancing and co ordination problems. 2. There is infiltration/fibrosis in left upper and mid zones in lungs no evidence of TB as per radiological conference 3. Right lobe of thyroid : Remnant of the right lobe shows atleast 4 hypoechoic nodules measuring ~ 10mm in size with vascular flow seen within as well as at the periphery on CDF images. 4. Vision problems exist but not proper detection yet, save Posterior subcapsular cateract 5. Tetany emergencies : Rocaltrol and tayo (TDS current mode of control) I moved forth without regression with cadge from friends well-wishers and not willing to give up. Ive the verve to fight lifes impediments despite my infirmity incurred due to the time lag between treatments; the most important one amongst them is my fiscal situation. Ive no paraphernalia; Im not wistful prone to enervating rather mightily satisfied with my vitality. I possess a candid mind equable belligerent nature. After my Father left us on 6/ Apr/2010, Ive no kith and kin, no accoutrements, vittles, not even a roof above my head. With foreseeable vissicitudes and lifes mutability Ive moved forth and Im dead earnest. Im defiantly optimistic you can not willing to give up, no matter what. I have the right to live and life is granted once beyond my ken, but certainly has a purpose. My long strife has stolen my life, hence I approach to revamp my life,long stolen due to my strife. Im defiantly optimistic and reach out for a helping hand as Im certain a way can be improvise to help a rare disease patient who is not willing to give up, no matter what. I have the right to live and life is granted once beyond my ken, but certainly has a purpose. More information on her could be sought here https://plus.google.com/114374871539962440874 She could be reached at [email protected] Facebook Profile: www.facebook.com/payel.bh Help India! By Bushra Alvi Razzack for TwoCircles.net New Delhi: In a unique celebration of the festival, poets from the literary group Delhi by Verse, along with students of Aseem Asha Foundation, came together on Deepawali eve at Taimoor Nagar Gurudwara. While the young poets enthralled children with their compositions, the students showcased films they had made on Diwali celebrations through the years. Support TwoCircles What is heartening to note is that the students, 90% of whom are Muslims from underprivileged homes of Okhla, are being encouraged to participate in festivals of all religions in a bid to nurture them into being truly tolerant citizens of India who are broad-minded and accepting of people of all faiths. Decorating the venue with flags of different nations too is an attempt to spread the message of global unity and peace. Aseem Asha Usman, Founding Director of the organisation, believes that various art forms can bring about positive social development and cultural change. He teaches performing arts, film and new media to women and children, especially girls, from the slum areas of Jafrabad-Seelampur and Okhla village. He encourages children and women from various other communities of Delhi to raise their voice through making short films and digital stories based on their own issues. On the other hand, Delhi by Verse is a literary group that employs the written/spoken word to spread joy and meaning. It also nurtures new talent in the city. Poetry is important in our lives and exists in everything around us. When something stirs your senses and touches your inner self and finds expression in words, a poem is created. Apart from bringing immense joy to the reader as well as the listener, poetry is a powerful medium of communication wherein a thought or an idea can be communicated within the short space of a few well-scripted words. The group aims to touch the lives of people, especially children, through this medium. The students were encouraged not only to read a lot of poetry but to try and write poems themselves and share it with others. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Zamarrud Mughal, Urdu activist and Editor of Urdu website Rekhta.org detailed how an attempt was being made to popularise Urdu shaiyri through the digital platform as well as through well-planned events round the year. Seeing the enthusiasm of the children and the work being done by the AA Foundation, he offered to plan some activities for them in the forthcoming Jashn-e-Rekhta event to be held in Feb 2017. Vikramjit Singh Rooprai, heritage activist and Founder of Youth for Heritage Foundation elaborated on how poetry has served as a historical instrument enabling the passing of stories between generations. He cited the example of the ancient texts, the Vedas and Puranas, which were written in verse form. Apart from diyas which the students lighted at the Gurudwara, the evening was illuminated with heart-warming words by the enthusiastic poets from Delhi by Verse group who shared some very intense poetry on unity, tolerance, brotherhood and various social issues; poems that underline the need to bring about a change in the world for better understanding, cooperation, love and most important in todays time, peace. What was most touching to learn was that in a spirit of true selflessness, Adeeba Saifi, a student of art at the AA Foundation had donated the money generated from the sale of her series of Devi paintings towards the evenings celebrations which also included a langar where the students helped in cooking, washed dishes and cleaned up. It is remarkable indeed to note that children from the Muslim community were doing community service in a Gurudwara. Adeebas earnings had also helped fund a trip of seven students earlier that week to Amritsar and the Golden Temple. Carrying on the spirit of generosity, Ashish Jangra, poet, scriptwriter and Founder of theatre group Nirantar invited the senior students to see his forthcoming play free of cost. This magnanimous act truly brings out the sentiments of the festival and the power of poetry. The author is a Delhi-based writer and Founder of the poetry group Delhi by Verse Help India! By A Mirsab and Imran Inamdar, TwoCircles.net, Solapur (Maharashtra): In a recent development, Mahmooda Bi, mother of Khalid Machala who was killed in Bhopal encounter on Monday, has lodged a complaint here at MIDC police station and sought prosecution of Bhupendra Singh, Home Minister of Madhya Pradesh and five other high profile police officials. Support TwoCircles Amid high drama, Mahmooda Bi today went to MIDC police station along with around 500 people and demanded the filing of an FIR. She was also accompanied a team of lawyers and Hafiz Nadeem Siddique, President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Maharashtra. In a complaint letter, she claimed that the murder of her son was a well hatched up conspiracy and thus demanded for registration of an FIR u/s 120 (B), 302 and 201 of I.P.C against Bhupendra Singh, Yogesh Chaudhary, IG Bhopal; Rishi Kumar Shukla, DG Madhya Pradesh; Arvind Saxena, SP Bhopal; Akhilesh Tomar, Superintendent of Central Prison Bhopal and Sanjeev Shami, Chief of ATS, Madhya Pradesh. His killing was claimed as an encounter whereas it is neither possible nor feasible by any stretch of an imagination. There was no occasion or reason for my son to escape from the prison as the entire family, including him, were confident and assured about his innocence, she wrote in her complaint. She stressed that her son had full faith in judiciary and law of the land. It is clearly a cold-blooded murder which was well designed and executed in accordance and furtherance of their conspiracy, she alleged in the complaint. Demanding action, she wrote, In the interest of justice, it is very much necessary to investigate the matter in depth regarding the brutal murder and conspiracy hatched up by the above-named high profile office bearers and all other concerned persons who have facilitated in the killing of my unarmed son, who was in judicial custody. She has also sent a copy to Chief Justice of India, Chief Justice of Bombay High Court, Chief Justice of Jabalpur High Court, Home Secretary of Maharashtra and Home Secretary of MP. Kalyanrao Patil, a senior police inspector refused to file an FIR, but after three hours of hue and cry, the gathering of people met Ravindra Sengaoukar, Commissioner of Solapur who agreed to register the complaint in a station diary, which the MIDC police station shall forward to Bhopal police for further action. We wanted to register an FIR but they have not registered it. However, they have registered the complaint. Our legal team shall now decide about the next course of action so that justice can be given to our deceased clients mother, widow and four children, Advocate Wahid, associate of Advocate Tahiwar Khan told TwoCircles.net. Advocate Tahiwar Khan said that he has got the authority letter from Mahmooda and that his legal team will try their best to get justice for Khalids soul through legal procedure. We strongly believe in Satyameva Jayate (Truth alone triumphs) and have full faith in our countrys judiciary. We will continue our legal battle to get justice for Mahmooda and the four undertrial accused from Solapur who were implicated by the ATS in Bhopal case, he added. Related : No justice when alive, at least give justice after he has been killed, says mother of a Bhopal encounter victim YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Andrej Danko Speaker of the National Council of Slovakia says he is glad the Slovakian Parliament has recognized and condemned the Armenian Genocide. After a meeting with Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Galust Sahakyan, Andrej Danko stressed humanity must remember and respect history. I underwent a serious surgery during the commemoration days of the Armenian Genocide this year, however I realized it is my duty to visit Armenia with members of our Parliament and bow before the memory of the Armenian Genocide victims, Danko said. According to him, people must know and understand the history of the Armenian people, they must realize how much suffering the Armenian people had. I like to use a sentence very much which I learnt from you: You can forgive, but you can never forget. Yes, one must never forget history, he said. Concluding his speech, Danko, on behalf of the people of Slovakia, thanked the leadership of the Armenian Parliament for the warm reception. Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Galust Sahakyan said they discussed the situation in the Middle East, the Azerbaijani aggression of April, the process of talks of a new Armenia-EU legal document, as well as other issues of bilateral cooperation. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh issued a statement saying the Azerbaijani media reports on Armenian shelling of the Chemenli settlement of Aghdam and other settlements is a disinformation, the ministry told ARMENPRESS. The ministrys statement reads: The official propaganda of Azerbaijan continues a policy of spreading disinformation aimed at misleading both its own society and the international community. Particularly, on November 2, Azerbaijani media and social networks have spread reports stating that Armenian-launched mortar shells have hit the Chemenli settlement of Aghdam, as well as other settlements. The Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh announces that the abovementioned report is false. Moreover, by spreading similar reports, Azerbaijan attempts to insure itself from further provocations. The Defense Army forces strictly follow their obligations and never target peaceful settlements. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. According to the Governments decision Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Nature Protection Khajak Aghabekyan was dismissed from the post, reports Armenpress. The decision was presented by Deputy Minister of Nature Protection Simon Papyan at the Cabinet session. Khajak Aghabekyan has been appointed on this post in February, 2016. Have you heard about Movember? Dont worry if not. Its only been in recent years that its become a major thing. Its something that everyone can get involved in, and is no longer only for men. However, the money raised from this charity event does only go to support mens health. Its the only charity of its kind, helping to only tackle mens health globally all year round. You can find out more about Movember and what it means right here. Is this your year to get involved? 30 days and 30 days only to grow a moustache The name movember comes from the amalgamation of moustache and november. Those taking part have 30 days and 30 days alone to grow their own moustache to show off to their friends. Youre supposed to start from the very beginning and build it from there, but there are now different ways that you can get involved. This is no longer just for men, with many women getting involved in the fundraising part of the monthly event. There are now many women taking part, as mens health problems affect everyone around the world. While the focus was originally on testicular and Prostate Cancer, there is now a focus on depression and suicide in men. Taking over social media for Movember You likely wont get away from seeing information about Movember this year. It has grown each year on social media, and people are already sharing their initial attempts to raise money for the charity. Some will be sharing their own moustaches, while others will just share the place to go to donate money towards the cause. There are others finding ways to use their creativity to help with the cause. People are writing articles and blog posts, sharing artwork, and even doing videos to spread the word about Movember. This is your chance to get involved in the Movember challenge. For the next 30 days you can spread the word about the charitable organisation and help raise money to go towards mens health. This is the only charity that focuses on mens health and mens health only, despite so many others focusing on womens health. Both women keep their wardrobes full of excitement land freedom by being so distinctive. Smith and Adichie reveal that they are unapologetic, that they can express themselves without fear of commentary which is the beauty of being artists. Zadie Smith Zadie Smith, the British-Jamaican author sets up of style with her exotic confidence, vintage turbans, box braids, bold lips. She keeps it simple and always stays elegant. Smith says she does not like to look vulnerable because it does not particularly interest her. Smith admitted said to T Magazine:"I did not mind dressing up for strangers, her narrator speaks of in a passage Zadie reveals is, in fact, a characteristic of her own story, but in our rooms, within our intimacy, I could not be a girl, nor could I be anybodys baby, I could only be a female human. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, African novelist, and feminist speaker always shows off her Ankara prints, head wraps, bold afro and her natural beauty essence wherever she goes. She is now the new face of Boots No7 makeup. Adichie said in a statement to Vogue UK that I love makeup and its wonderful possibilities for temporary transformation. And I also love my face after I wash it all off Her response shows how she enjoys a temporary transformation and the rawness of no makeup on her face. As Adichie said in a personal essay about style: I no longer pretend not to care about clothes. Because I do care. I love embroidery and texture. I love lace and full skirts and cinched waists. I love black, and I love colour. I love heels, and I love flats. I love exquisite detailing. Chimamanda Adichie stands for how a woman can be taken seriously even with dressing up because dressing down to make the right impression is imprisoning. It does not allow a woman to be who she truly wants to be. A smart woman can also take pride in fashion. Fashionable Feminists The two have influenced the world to see that women also should be able to have their own stand-alone voice as do men and how fashion is political, it is empowering. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Ombudsman of Armenia Arman Tatoyan plans to initiate preventive programs to exclude cases of non-combat deaths of servicemen. During Parliamentary debates on the 2017 state budget draft, Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan responded to a question of MP Elinar Vardanyan, saying that these occurrences are concerning, and it is necessary to do everything to exclude any such incident. I have discussed this issue with the corresponding committee of the Parliament and the Defense Ministry. We have several preventive programs, which we are willing to initiate by also involving representatives of the civil society. I will present these programs soon, he said. He added that the former Ombudsman had also carried out serious work in that direction. Tatoyan said the Ombudsmans Office also focuses on the criminal proceedings regarding non-combat deaths of servicemen. NANJING, Nov. 2 -- China is near to building a South Pole Astronomical Observatory, according to four astronomers onboard the Chinese scientific icebreaker Xuelong (or Snow Dragon), which left the port of Shanghai Wednesday for China's 33th Antarctic Expedition. One of the astronomers on the trip is hoping that being far from home really does make the heart grow fonder. "I am going to propose to my girlfriend from the South Pole," said Lu Haiping, 32, before he set off. He and his colleagues have embarked on a five-and-a-half-month trip to the South Pole, though it is not love they are interested in but the stars. The team includes an astronomer from the National Astronomical Observatories and three from the Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics and Technology. China has sent astronomers to the region every year since 2007 to make preparations to build an astronomical observatory on Dome-A, the highest location in Antarctica, about 4,093 meters above sea level. The Chinese Antarctic Expedition first visited Dome-A in 2005, which is considered one of the best places on earth to set up an observatory as it stores climate information and atmospheric conditions for the entire globe. China built its first Antarctic expedition station -- Kunlun Station -- in 2009, about 7.3 km from Dome-A. It was in this station that preparations for building the Dome-A observatory were carried out. "On each Antarctic expedition, members have just 20 days to work at the Kunlun Station," Lu said, adding that he and his colleagues have been commissioned to finish 100 projects during the new expedition. China has established an automated astronomical observation platform at Dome-A, and plans to build a high-elevation Antarctic Terahertz telescope, the world's newest far-infrared observatory. Lu's primary work on the trip is to maintain the automatic telescope AST3-2 unit, and to dismantle old facilities. In their South Pole astronomical research, China's astronomers have cooperated with astronomers from the United States, Russiaand Germany, such as in the observation of high-energy electrons based on data obtained from various Antarctic observatory facilities. The astronomical research is expected to shine a light on the origin of cosmic objects, dark matter and extraterrestrial life. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. While on an official visit to Armenia, the delegation members led by Speaker of the National Council (Parliament) of Slovakia Andrej Danko visited Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial on November 3, press service of the Armenian Parliament told Armenpress. Deputy Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Artak Zakaryan accompanied the delegation. On behalf of the Slovakian Parliament Andrej Danko and the delegation members laid a wreath at the Memorial, flowers at the Eternal flame and paid a tribute to the memory of the Genocide victims with a moment of silence. The guests also visited the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, got acquainted with the documents on the Armenian Genocide and left a note in the Commemoration Book. By sharing his impressions, Andrej Danko wrote: Sharing the grief and bowing before this memorial with a great respect I never try to hide my tears. In response to the calls for more transparency from WMATA about why they want to reduce the service hours the system operates in order to have more time for maintenance (see " Re: Docket B16-03, Proposed changes to Metrorail operating hours ," October 2016), WMATA did an interview with Greater Greater Washington (" Metro is being more transparent (and persuasive) about late-night closures... and weekend track work "). In response to the article and people's comments, which generally, are skeptical because they wonder why WMATA needs so much more time than peer systems, I wrote some comments myself (edited).First, interestingly, the Bay Area Rapid Transit system is going through the same problems with significant financial needs for maintenance. They already have local sales taxes for transit, something not the case for WMATA. On next week's ballot in SF is Measure RR, which calls for spending $3.5 Billion on infrastructure improvement--for fixing only, not expansion (" Measure RR: BART asks voters to fund a major rebuild , KALW-FM/NPR).Separately the MUNI system, which only serves San Francisco (BART does provide some intra-city service, but more functions like a commuter railroad) has two propositions on the ballot for system improvement there (" 2016 Transit Propositions ," SF Transit Riders Union).It's instructive and relevant to our situation (as are the problems at MBTA).2. People discussed the four tracks in NYC's subway system, some argued that it is for capacity not redundancy. But regardless, redundancy is provided by additional tracks. They also use the extra tracks for dealing with problems, which WMATA can't do because they don't have the option. No one in the NYC Subway system would argue that the additional tracks don't provide redundancy as well as more capacity.Also inter-connections between NYC subway lines provide alternatives and capacity and redundancy as well. WMATA can't really benefit from such connections because in most cases the lines aren't proximate--it wouldn't help to shift riders to another line in the WMATA system for the most part because they would be delivered to stations many miles away from where they intended to go.3. I've argued many times that additional tracks, even one, would provide redundancy and the ability to "staunch" service problems instead of spread them like a virus.The same goes with interlining. Interlining between the blue, orange, silver, green and yellow spreads out problems across lines, it doesn't contain them.I do think the points people made about separating lines (now I would do it with yellow and silver for sure, blue by continuing from Rosslyn and up Wisconsin Ave., and some branches such as for the green line) are important because long term it will provide more service, more uptime, and more reliability given the reality that no system can be maintained to the level of 100% SGR, especially because as trains age, they break down more.All these issues were discussed in " More on Redundancy, engineered resilience, and subway systems: Metrorail failures will increase without adding capacity in the core ," in March 2016.4. As pointed out by others, London't Crossrail program doesn't really improve the Underground, theoretically, because it is a railroad program, but in reality it does, big time. It provides another mode, more connections, more capacity, just as repositioning these intra-metropolitan railroad services as complementary to the Underground by branding them as "London Overground" made the transit system more robust (" One big idea: Getting MARC and Metrorail to integrate fares, stations, and marketing systems, using London Overground as an example ," May 2015).MARC and VRE have more opportunity to play this role than they do currently. E.g., the Brunswick Line could provide bidirectional service and more service during the day were it used to shift travel between DC, Montgomery and Frederick Counties in both directions. VRE could provide more train service in the I-95 corridor.5. I also argue that the Purple Line, not as big a deal as Crossrail sure, but it will have similar positive effects on Metrorail too, in terms of adding capacity indirectly, by providing options to transfer between subway and rail lines in the suburbs rather than forcing people to go to the center city first (" Maybe the Purple Line light rail project in Suburban Maryland is a lot bigger deal than is recognized (It's our Crossrail) ," October 2016).Expanding the Purple Line beyond the current project into Virginia will only strengthen these effects.=================Further refinements to creating separated subway lines for MetrorailIn " More on Redundancy, engineered resilience, and subway systems: Metrorail failures will increase without adding capacity in the core " I discussed a number of ideas for separating the lines. I have a couple more refinements and additions. Below is the same section from the original piece, but with edits and expansions.. We need to distinguish between extending the system outward, or intensifying the system by adding capacity in the core, because these types of extensions have different impact. It's the type of expansion that matters, not expansion generally.Adding capacity in the core improves reliability while extending service outward, especially without increasing core capacity, degrades service. Eliminating expansion in general limits the opportunity to improve system reliability.Note that in some instances, system extension serves important purposes (e.g., such as to Fair Oaks in Fairfax County, extending the Orange Line, or to Fort Belvoir, which could be reached by extending the Yellow Line) but it shouldn't occur without simultaneously addressing how extension impacts the core system.. Sadly, this is where my lack of ability with graphic design software shows. Many years ago David Alpert of Greater Greater Washington was kind enough to create a graphic of an idealized Metrorail system based on my thinking at that time.But my thinking has continued to evolve and this is what I would propose now:1. Instead of what used to be called the separated Blue Line, I would now term it a separated Silver Line. It could also be thought of as a "Downtown Relief Line."Instead of joining the Orange Line at East Falls Church Station, instead treating it as a transfer station, the Silver Line could continue south to Route 50/Arlington Boulevard then east to Rosslyn, crossing to Georgetown, continuing eastward to Union Station (this adds capacity to serve Amtrak's plans for expansion), and then further east to H Street NE. (The Arlington Boulevard alignment was suggested by commenter Ryan in a thread at GGW.)2. This would add stations in Northern Virginia and DC. At the very least it would add one crossing and at least 9 new stations in DC, with 3-4 more stations if an additional Silver Line leg was constructed up Bladensburg Avenue. It would serve key activity centers not currently served in Virginia (Arlington Boulevard/Seven Corners) and DC (Georgetown especially), providing additional capacity Downtown and at Union Station.3. The map above shows a separated silver line and a separated orange line with a transfer station at "River Terrace"/in the vicinity of RFK Stadium, I would route the Separated Silver Line onto the Blue Line alignment from RFK Stadium to New Carrollton (this is a change) and keep the current Orange Line routing. This would allow transfers between the two lines.4. A separate intra-city leg of the Silver Line could be added along Bladensburg Road from H Street to New York Avenue and Fort Lincoln.5. The current bridge alignment of the Orange Line from Stadium-Armory over the parking lots to the Minnesota Avenue station would be eliminated, replaced by a tunnelized alignment along Benning Road from H Street and Bladensburg. This would enable superior redevelopment of the RFK Stadium site.1. The map above shows a truncated Blue Line ending in Rosslyn, and a "Brown Line" starting in Georgetown, extending south to National Harbor in Prince George's County and then west to Alexandria.2. I would merge the two lines so that the Blue Line continues from Rosslyn across to Georgetown and then up Wisconsin Avenue, connecting to the western leg of the Red Line, and turning east at some point in Upper Northwest, providing an east-west high capacity transit connection in the upper city.3. The Brown Line concept merges some of my ideas with Internet blogger MV Jantzen. While the map above shows a southern alignment along North Capitol Street to Union Station and south into Prince George's County and then west to Alexandria, now I would probably have it go out New Hampshire Avenue into Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. Before I thought that could be a more western leg of a separated Green Line. It would have a transfer connection at Fort Totten.The DC justification of extension out New Hampshire Avenue is to interdict commuter traffic to and from DC. Montgomery and Prince George's Counties would see additional intensification benefits as well as an additional Metrorail connection to the Purple Line at University Boulevard.4. This would add a number of stations within DC serving areas currently not served by high capacity transit, plus an east-west connection in Upper Northwest, which has only one major east-west connection currently (Military Road-Missouri Avenue-Riggs Road).Some of the visualization is difficult because I don't have a map of all these ideas. The map that David Alpert did shows a brown line. Now I suggest that the blue and brown line be combined, and the blue line should continue across the Potomac River to Georgetown and up Wisconsin, turning east and some point and providing an east-west connection across Upper Northwest Washington, connecting the east and west legs of the Red Line, plus the option of continuation out New Hampshire Avenue.1. The Green Line could be separated and merely limited to its current footprint, without sharing stations with the yellow line.2. Alternatively, on the southern end it could be extended from its terminus at Branch Avenue to National Harbor and then across to Alexandria. This change would serve National Harbor, one of the area's leading new activity centers in Prince George's County, and would provide more transit stations in Prince George's County and an east-west connection to Alexandria, Virginia.3. However, extending the Purple Line from New Carrollton to Alexandria with a connection to National Harbor could do the same thing and that probably makes more sense financially.A separated Yellow Line within DC was first proposed in a blog entry by Dave Murphy and it could be extended to Montgomery County.At first I wasn't supportive because of the low density nature of Georgia Avenue within DC, but long term the zoning could be changed and the area intensified, justifying the cost of creating a Metrorail line there.1. DC north. Within DC, from the 7th Street-Shaw station the line could go north on Georgia Avenue from Howard University and extend outward into Montgomery County, either along Colesville Road or Georgia Avenue.Connecticut Avenue legBased on a comment by Tom Quinn in the original post about the need for higher capacity transit service in the Connecticut Avenue corridor, in part as a way to interdict the heavy commuting traffic from Maryland, perhaps on the north a separated yellow line could have two branches.In addition to the leg proposed above, extended in Montgomery County out either Georgia Avenue or Colesville Road, another leg could go up Connecticut Avenue, providing high capacity transit service in between the Wisconsin/Rockville Pike and Georgia Avenue corridors.. By separating the Silver and Orange Lines, each line would have the maximum capacity for 30 trains/hour, which is more than can be accommodated sharing the lines currently. At least one additional crossing between Rosslyn and DC would be added.Many more stations would be added in DC, as well as redundancy and more capacity in the core, increasing system reliability. New areas would be served in all three jurisdictions, increasingly the ability to capture automobile trips and shift them to transit.Note that adding legs, such as up Bladensburg Road on a separated Silver Line or both up Georgia Avenue and Connecticut Avenue on a separated Yellow Line would reduce capacity from the theoretical maximum because of time required to switch from the branch to the main line. But there would still be more service and more reliability compared to how interlining works now.A new alignment for a Blue Line across the Potomac and out Wisconsin Avenue would add service to areas underserved by high capacity lines now, a crucial east-west connection in Upper Northwest, and would add redundancy to the Red Line. Extending the out New Hampshire Avenue into Maryland would add service there as well as enable the interdiction of commuter traffic into DC.A separated Yellow Line extended on the south would add service to important parts of Virginia. On the north, new alignments into two legs would provide service out Connecticut Avenue and Georgia Avenue in DC and on either Georgia Avenue or Colesville Road in Maryland as well as Connecticut Avenue. (In fact, a Connecticut Avenue leg would probably mean that extending the east leg in Montgomery ought to be out Colesville Road.)Extending the Purple Line on the south west from New Carrollton to Alexandria would provide other redundancy and access benefits, and provide a higher capacity transit connection to National Harbor which will soon be home to an MGM Casino and hotel complex.. As I have discussed before, by increasing the allowable height at which buildings can be constructed in Downtown, DC's property tax base would increase significantly and become large enough to fund this kind of bold expansion and intensification of the transit system within DC.Ideally, a "transit withholding payroll tax" could also be assessed, but for this to be worthwhile, the the federal government has to be willing to pay it (unlikely in the current economic environment), therefore this revenue source may not be worth pursuing. In the US, certain jurisdictions in Oregon and in Greater New York have such a tax. In France, this type of tax, called the, provides a preponderance of funding for transit service in most cities.Funding for additions within Maryland and Virginia would be provided by those jurisdictions. But planning, design, engineering, construction, and financing should be coordinated, rather than discoordinated, as occurs at present.=====. The Purple Line will be a light rail line serving Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in Suburban Maryland. Its western terminus will be at Bethesda Station on the western leg of the Red Line, and it will connect to the Red Line western leg at Silver Spring, to the Green Line at College Park, and to the Orange Line at New Carrollton, which is the eastern terminus for the line.The system won't interline with Metrorail so it won't impact system reliability in the way that the addition of the Silver Line has degraded service on the Orange and Blue Lines.You could argue that by adding riders to the current system, it could add stress because of the failure to add capacity in the core.However, by providing a missing east-west connection between the subway lines outside of Downtown DC, likely the Purple Line will "add capacity" by providing four new transfer points between subway lines, facilitating transfer between lines without requiring riders to go all the way to Downtown DC to do so, as is required today. Labels: fixed rail transit service, risk management and redundancy, systems engineering, transit design and engineering, transit infrastructure Pizza Hut inwest Charlotte, North Carolina near theInterstate 85 was the scene of a fatal shooting by an employee who served up more than three armed robbers bargained for. Police have not released the name of the employee, but they did say he used his own handgun to shoot and kill one of three armed robbers who tried to hold up the restaurant early morning on Sunday 30 October. It appears friends may have set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to support the dead man's young son. Hoping to rip off the cash takings, rather than just order a new specialty pie, the robbers decided to take the Pizza Hut slogan to heart and claim their share of the 'Your Favorites. Your Pizza Hut'. Pizza Hut may have been a favorite but not anymore, as the two men who survived the encounter fled the scene after the shooting. Pizza Hut robbery investigation on-going ABC News reported that the police are investigating the incident. According to them, three armed men enteredthe Pizza Hut restaurant at about 1.40am. There were no customers around and the place was closed to public at the time. They were busy robbing it when the employee took his shot at one of them that left him dead. Police say they recovered a weapon from the "slain" robber. The men who got away have not yet been tracked down. Pizza Hut employee used his own gun to shoot, kill robber who was holding up the store, North Carolina police say. https://t.co/QBOwtQCnSV pic.twitter.com/sSyidqlQPe ABC News (@ABC) November 1, 2016 Employee on leave of absence Some people have issues with Pizza Hut, as there have been complaints worldwide about high levels of salt in the food, and the fact that in 2010, it was discovered that the palm oil they used in their food products could have been sourced from unethical slash and burning of forests in Indonesia. No doubt, the anti-gun brigade will now take issue with the fact that one of the employees had a handgun at the workplace. On the other hand, some people on Twitter are glad the employee used his weapon to protect life and property. Nevertheless, the odds are on him being fired, especially as CBS News reported that Pizza hut has placed the employee on a leave of absence @ABC I bet you $100 they fire him... Greg Gutfart (@GutFart) November 1, 2016 A GoFundMe fundraiser WRL News reported that the dead robber has been identified as28-year-old Michael Renard Grace. There is a GoFundme fundraiser on facebook, for a Michael Renard Grace who died on the day of the robbery in North Carolina and people are obviously assuming this fundraiser is for the man slain in the robbery, as message responses to the fundraiser include links to the reported robbery. Brandi SilentLove Harrisshared the post.The postsays, "To Any One And Everyone That Loved And Cared About Michael, I Have Started A Go Fund Me Page To Not Only Support Any Extra Funeral Expenses We Are Preparing For Mr. Grace But Also To Support His Son Michael Renard Grace III.... In The Loving Memory Of Michael Renard GraceJr. Born October 4th 1987 & Called Home October 30th 2016... Always Loved, Never Forgotten! He Was A Good Man, Son, Brother, Friend, And Father... Please Let's Keep His Name Alive For The Sake Of His Son." Of course, there is no way to verify 100 percent if this is the man killed in the robbery, but it does remind everyone that behind the motives for committing a Crimethere is always a loved one, a family and those who care. Perhaps if those who took to crime remembered this before doing the deed, there would be less crime and less need for employees to carry handguns to protect life and property. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. The Government approved the draft law on mitigating the natural gas tariff consumed by greenhouse farms and processing companies, reports Armenpress. Minister of Economic Development and Investments Suren Karayan said the draft proposes to the Public Services Regulatory Commission to differentiate the consumer group of greenhouse farms and processing companies operating in agricultural sector while setting gas tariff, thus, setting an incentive tariff for them. According to the draft, the greenhouse farmers organize the main export to the Russian Federation, and the negative economic phenomena occurred in the Russian market significantly impacted the companies of the sector, thus, leading to the decline of their product competitiveness. Taking into account this fact, adopting the draft will enable to apply gas incentive tariff for the companies. This in its turn will contribute to increasing the product competitiveness, which will result in increase in production and export volumes. Zambia, Chinese firm seal railway construction deal Updated: 2016-11-03 10:11 (Xinhua) LUSAKA -- Zambia on Wednesday signed a deal for the construction of a new railway project with China's state-run firm that will enhance transportation in the southern African nation. The 388-kilometer railway, to run from the eastern town of Chipata to the central town of Serenje via another eastern town of Petauke, will be constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), at a cost of $2.3 billion within a four-year period. "This project aims at enhancing regional trade and transport competitiveness by providing an alternative trade route to the East Coast of Africa via the Port of Nacala in Mozambique." Minister of Transport and Communications Brian Mushimba said at a signing ceremony in Lusaka, the country's capital. The project will provide the much-needed link between the Zambian main railway line network with the Malawian railway line network through the existing Chipata-Mchinji railway line which forms part of the Nacala Corridor, Mushimba said. The project will enable the government to save funds used on rehabilitation of damaged roads due to haulage of bulk and heavy cargo. The project, he added, is meant to enhance regional and international trade through the Nacala Development Corridor which involves Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. According to him, the project is one of the strategic infrastructure projects the government intends to implement through the China-Africa Cooperation framework announced by the Chinese government during the 2015 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in South Africa where $60 billion fund was pledged. He further expressed confidence in the Chinese firm's ability to construct the railway within the stipulated period because it has wealth of experience in undertaking railway construction projects. On his part, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming said the signing and implementation of the project will further promote bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The railway line, Yang said, will promote Zambia's trade, investment, employment and sustainable development and open another route to the sea for the landlocked southern African nation. "I believe it will be an important part of the integrated southern African transportation system which connects Zambia with Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi and Mozambique," he added. Laos, China's Jilin province agree to expand production capacity cooperation Updated: 2016-11-03 10:12 (Xinhua) VIENTIANE --Laos and Northeast China's Jilin province on Wednesday agreed to expand production capacity cooperation. During a meeting on promotion of production capacity cooperation held in Lao capital Vientiane, Lao Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Khamlien Pholsena said Jilin is the first Chinese region coming to Laos to promote production capacity cooperation. The meeting is expected to drive the exchanges and mutual understanding between Laos and the Chinese region, as well as to create favorable conditions for further cooperation and to deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, Khamlien said. Sui Zhongcheng, deputy governor of Jilin province, for his part, said that the promotion of production capacity cooperation is among major activities to implement the "Belt and Road" initiative proposed by China. Laos has rich natural resources including land, mineral and hydro-power resources, as well as good conditions for agricultural development, which have strong complementarity with China's economy, Sui said, adding that there are huge potentials for bilateral cooperation. Jilin authorities are willing to communicate with Lao government for sound cooperation in production capacity between the two sides, Sui said. According to an official of Chinese Embassy in Laos, China has many competitive industries, including high-speed railway, construction materials, nonferrous metals, among others, while Laos is in the progress of industrialization. Cooperation in production capacity will help promote sustainable and stable development of the Lao economy. China has invested in over 764 projects in Laos, ranging from mining to agriculture, electricity, handicrafts and tourism with a combined value of more than seven billion Lao kip ($862,000), making China the biggest foreign investor in Laos. Some 552 projects had 100 percent Chinese investment, while 212 projects were joint venture investments with local partners, according to Lao statistics. Premier emphasizes fight against terror Updated: 2016-11-03 07:22 By HU YONGQI/WANG QINGYUN(China Daily) Premier Li Keqiang and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov signed on Nov 2 a joint communique between the Chinese and Kyrgyz governments.[Photo/english.gov.cn] China and Kyrgyzstan vowed on Wednesday to fight terrorism, separatism and extremism through strengthened security cooperation as Premier Li Keqiang paid his first visit to the Central Asian neighbor. In the capital, Bishkek, Li and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov signed a joint communique on bilateral cooperation in fields such as security, agriculture and production. The agreement is especially timely since the Chinese embassy in Kyrgyzstan was attacked by a suicide car bomber on the morning of Aug 30. The attack injured three embassy personnel. Li rushed to the embassy upon his arrival in Bishkek, and said the embassy should rebuild damaged buildings as soon as possible. Security should be reinforced for Chinese diplomatic missions, Li said. Such agreements are also key for Central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan, which have been victims of terrorism, separatism and extremism. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, with both countries as founding members, has fought these forces since 2001. Both countries have been part of joint anti-terrorism drills under the SCO framework each year. Xing Guangcheng, an expert on Central Asia and Russian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, suggested boosting two-way information sharing. Security cooperation is the best way to fight terrorism, a cross-border problem in Central Asia, said Xu Tao, an expert on Central Asia studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. Xu said both countries can increase exchanges in intelligence, technology and policy coordination to fight terror. "China and Kyrgyzstan have maintained political trust as strategic partners and have promoted pragmatic cooperation. ... China will do what it can to help Kyrgyzstan," Li told his counterpart. Li will attend the 15th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO on Thursday in Bishkek. Auction of stolen or smuggled relics banned Updated: 2016-11-03 07:57 By Li Nqi(China Daily) Visitors at the National Museum of China in Beijing view the bronze heads of a rabbit and a rat in 2013 that had been looted in 1890 and returned to China three years ago by a French businessman.Li Xin/ Xinhua A new regulation that bans the auction of stolen, smuggled and looted cultural relics reinforces China's firm stance on preventing the loss of relics and retrieving those that have been illegally transported abroad. The State Administration of Cultural Relics issued the regulation on Oct 20 on its website, specifying the types of cultural objects that, if originally obtained illegally, cannot appear in sales. They include all types of artworks dating before 1949, as well as documents and objects of historical importance and works of late modern artists that are restricted by law from exportation. Also banned at auction are cultural relics that are confiscated and recovered by the government and that are collected or stored by governmental bodies or nongovernment museums. The regulation also stresses the State Administration of Cultural Relics' right of priority on purchasing legally obtained cultural relics that have made it to auction. In recent years, the number of Chinese buyers bidding for Chinese antiques at auction worldwide has increased. Some of the items were obtained through such illegal means as archaeological poaching and illegal exporting. In 2013, French businessman Francois-Henri Pinault returned to China the bronze heads of a rabbit and a rat that had been looted from Beijing's Old Summer Palace by the Anglo-French forces during the Second Opium War in 1890. Their appearance at auction in 2009 had aroused anger in China. The new regulation reiterates that the government discourages private buyers from purchasing cultural relics abroad that were flown out illegitimately, said Huo Zhengxin, a professor at China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing. "It means buyers cannot resell them back home. And less participation of Chinese bidders, who now play a big role in the global art market, will prevent the prices of Chinese relics being pushed even higher," he said. Declaring such commercial transactions not legitimate helps to pave the way for the Chinese government to retrieve looted art treasures through legal and diplomatic channels in the future, he added. Liu Shuangzhou, a professor at Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, said that auction houses must provide auction catalogs to cultural relics departments for review and verification before sales. While the regulation is not implemented in Hong Kong, judicial cooperation is needed between the central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region when looted cultural relics are found to be headed for auction, Liu said. linqi@chinadaily.com.cn China to build Antarctic astronomical observatory Updated: 2016-11-03 09:32 (Xinhua) NANJING, Nov. 2 -- China is near to building a South Pole Astronomical Observatory, according to four astronomers onboard the Chinese scientific icebreaker Xuelong (or Snow Dragon), which left the port of Shanghai Wednesday for China's 33th Antarctic Expedition. One of the astronomers on the trip is hoping that being far from home really does make the heart grow fonder. "I am going to propose to my girlfriend from the South Pole," said Lu Haiping, 32, before he set off. He and his colleagues have embarked on a five-and-a-half-month trip to the South Pole, though it is not love they are interested in but the stars. The team includes an astronomer from the National Astronomical Observatories and three from the Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics and Technology. China has sent astronomers to the region every year since 2007 to make preparations to build an astronomical observatory on Dome-A, the highest location in Antarctica, about 4,093 meters above sea level. The Chinese Antarctic Expedition first visited Dome-A in 2005, which is considered one of the best places on earth to set up an observatory as it stores climate information and atmospheric conditions for the entire globe. China built its first Antarctic expedition station -- Kunlun Station -- in 2009, about 7.3 km from Dome-A. It was in this station that preparations for building the Dome-A observatory were carried out. "On each Antarctic expedition, members have just 20 days to work at the Kunlun Station," Lu said, adding that he and his colleagues have been commissioned to finish 100 projects during the new expedition. China has established an automated astronomical observation platform at Dome-A, and plans to build a high-elevation Antarctic Terahertz telescope, the world's newest far-infrared observatory. Lu's primary work on the trip is to maintain the automatic telescope AST3-2 unit, and to dismantle old facilities. In their South Pole astronomical research, China's astronomers have cooperated with astronomers from the United States, Russiaand Germany, such as in the observation of high-energy electrons based on data obtained from various Antarctic observatory facilities. The astronomical research is expected to shine a light on the origin of cosmic objects, dark matter and extraterrestrial life. Li's trip to secure gains, reinforce bonds Updated: 2016-11-03 08:34 By Wang Yiwei(China Daily) Premier Li Keqiang and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov signed on Nov 2 a joint communique between the Chinese and Kyrgyz governments.[Photo/english.gov.cn] Premier Li Keqiang embarked on an eight-day trip to Central Asia and Europe on Wednesday, during which he will visit Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Latvia and Russia. His participation in the 5th Meeting of the Heads of Government of China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries in Riga, Latvia, is expected to add fresh momentum to the "16+1" cooperative mechanism and the Belt and Road Initiative (the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road). The 16+1 mechanism proposed by Beijing is an exchange program involving 1,000 people from China and 16 CEE countries to enhance people-to-people communications. Since the first 16+1 meeting in Warsaw in 2012 the multinational mechanism has become an example of China-Europe cooperation and is having a greater positive effect on regional cooperation. It is expected to synergize with the Belt and Road projects, too, by boosting trade and investment exchanges. CEE countries account for about a quarter of all "roadside" countries and play a key role in the world's emerging market, which allows them to cooperate with China on a highly complementary basis, especially when it comes to connectivity, capacity cooperation and cross-border trade. The Hungary-Serbia railway, scheduled for completion by the end of 2017, will extend to the important Greek port of Piraeus and could become a European pivot connecting the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The efficient capacity cooperation between China and Serbia in recent years is another case in point. Since it established a strategic partnership with China in 2009, the Balkan state has accommodated an increasing number of infrastructure projects sponsored by China, including the Pupin Bridge over the Danube River in Belgrade and the Kostolac power plant, the first Chinese electric power project in Europe. On the trade and investment front, cross-border e-commerce has great potential to take the 16+1 cooperation to a new height. City-to-city collaboration, too, has begun to bear fruit. Chengdu in Southwest China's Sichuan province is now a sister city to Poland's Lodz and home to a consulate general of Poland. The China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation, adopted at the 2013 China-EU summit, has endorsed the 16+1 mechanism and enhanced its status as a new platform for European integration, which should silence people accusing Beijing of using a "divide-and-rule" strategy toward Europe. New financing platforms, such as a China-CEE investment bank under deliberation, will promote the financial integration not just between the two parties, but also within Europe. In fact, the European Union has come to realize the importance of the 16+1 mechanism as a supplement to the China-Europe relationship. That explains why the EU is now an observer at the Meeting of Heads of Government of China and Central and Eastern European Countries. CEE countries are relatively eager for Beijing's technological and financial support compared with other EU members, opening a rare window of opportunity for China-Europe cooperation. So, under the framework of the 16+1 mechanism, China has every reason to deepen its partnership with Europe and expedite the Belt and Road's expansion. The author is a professor of international relations at Renmin University of China. Seeing country more polarized, American voters fear for future Updated: 2016-11-03 09:27 (Xinhua) BETHLEHEM, the United States - At 52, Jewel Mathewson is optimistic about her life. She found a "good job" and moved from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a month ago to work as a senior portfolio manager with a big financial company. Yet, Mathewson, who is white with two children and five grandchildren, is not that upbeat about the future of the country, fearing for the animosity in the wake of the Nov. 8 presidential election, and the money in politics. "The division of this society is terrible," she told Xinhua in downtown Bethlehem less than two weeks before the election. "I've been through a lot of elections. I've voted since I was 18 years old. Never have I seen the country so polarized." An independent, Mathewson called it "a heartbreaking decision" to choose from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, both of whom she is "sorrowfully disappointed with." "I don't see how they will bring changes to this country." "I think the American people are not happy with either person for president. You're gonna have a large demographic of people who're gonna be very disappointed and angry, regardless who is going to win," she said. "I think I speak for the majority of the American population," whether they're in the mid-west or the west, or northeast, she said. "Usually the American people will settle for whatever the choice is, but I don't see people are settling for this election," she said. "There's gonna be a lot of animosity towards whoever wins that the other side didn't want to win." "What's gonna take for us to be united again, a tragedy, disaster, or bankruptcy? Something terrible, for sure. That's unfortunate. We don't have to go down that road. But history repeats itself, always." Florida's status as election battleground gets a boost Updated: 2016-11-03 10:46 By Associated Press(China Daily USA) With the turbulent White House race scrambled in new directions, Donald Trump is campaigning with rare discipline like his presidential campaign hinges on one all-too-familiar swing state: Florida. "'Stay on point, Donald, stay on point,'" the Republican nominee, in Pensacola, teasingly quoted his staff as saying. "No sidetracks, Donald. Nice and easy. Nice and easy.'" There was late action Wednesday in such unlikely arenas as Arizona and Michigan, too - and in North Carolina, where President Barack Obama tried to energize black support for Hillary Clinton. But Trump marched ahead in his third multi-day visit to the Sunshine State in recent weeks. The latest polls suggest a tight race. The ABC News/Washington Post poll has Clinton up 48 percent to 47 percent in a head-to-head matchup. If Libertarian Gary Johnson and Green Party candidate Jill Stein are included, it's Clinton and Trump tied at 46 percent, with Johnson at 3 percent and Stine at 2 percent. The Los Angeles Times/USC poll, which is updated daily, has Trump at 47.8 percent and Clinton at 42.4 percent. The Reuters/Ipsos daily poll has Clinton at 45 percent and Trump at 39 percent. The Republican nominee lashed out at "Crooked Hillary" in Miami, predicting that a Clinton victory would trigger an "unprecedented and protracted constitutional crisis" as federal investigators probe the former secretary of state's email practices. But Trump did not take the bait dangled by the Clinton campaign about his treatment of women. Conceding nothing in the state, Clinton has also been a frequent visitor. She posed for pictures and shook hands during a surprise visit to a South Florida Caribbean-American neighborhood on Wednesday morning. Both sides agree the New York businessman needs Florida's 29 electoral votes to have a chance at winning. Clinton has been ahead there in opinion polls, but Democrats acknowledge that the FBI's renewed attention to her has helped rally reluctant Republicans behind their nominee. That's given Trump an enthusiasm boost in Florida and across Midwestern battlegrounds long considered reliably blue territory. "I'm definitely nervous," said former Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell, a Democrat. "Democrats in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, if you heard it was over, if you thought those states were in the bag, don't believe it." Perhaps heeding Rendell's warning, Clinton's team is devoting new resources to states like Michigan, which hasn't supported a Republican presidential nominee in nearly three decades. Former President Bill Clinton was making an unannounced appearance in Detroit on Wednesday night to meet privately with black ministers, the city's mayor and other local leaders. While Hillary Clinton had two appearances Wednesday in Republican-leaning Arizona, she planned to spend part of Friday in Detroit as well. At the same time, a pro-Clinton super PAC was spending more than $1 million on Michigan airwaves along with at least $1 million more in Colorado, another state where Clinton has enjoyed a significant polling advantage for much of the fall. Early voting numbers in some states suggest that her challenge stems, at least in part, from underwhelming support from African-American voters. Weak minority support could complicate her path in other states, too, including North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Early voting in North Carolina shows a 5 percentage point drop in ballots from black voters from 2012. Obama, the nation's first black president, offered an urgent message to North Carolina voters on Wednesday: "The fate of the Republic rests on your shoulders." He also criticized Trump's history of sexist comments and his initial reluctance to disavow white supremacists. They continue to rally behind the Republican nominee, though he rejects that support. "If you accept the support of Klan sympathizers," Obama said, "then you'll tolerate that support when you're in office." At the same time, Clinton allies are speaking directly to black voters in a new advertising campaign running in Ohio, North Carolina and Florida. The ad from the pro-Clinton Priorities USA shows white Trump supporters screaming at and pushing black protesters, along with Obama warning that voters would lose "everything" if Trump wins. Trump campaigned in three Florida cities Wednesday - Miami, Orlando and Pensacola - and will follow up with a stop in Jacksonville on Thursday. "We don't want to blow this," he told supporters in Miami. "We gotta win." Obama: 'mulling' other pipeline routes Updated: 2016-11-03 10:46 By Reuters(China Daily USA) President Barack Obama said the US government is examining ways to reroute an oil pipeline in North Dakota as it addresses concerns raised by Native American tribes protesting against its construction. Obama's comments late on Tuesday to online news site Now This were his first to directly address the escalating clashes between local authorities and protesters over Energy Transfer Partners' $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline project. "My view is that there is a way for us to accommodate sacred lands of Native Americans. And I think that right now the Army Corps is examining whether there are ways to reroute this pipeline," Obama said in the video interview. The US Department of Justice did not comment on Obama's statement regarding rerouting the line, citing pending litigation involving the tribes and an ongoing review of permitting by the US Army Corps of Engineers. "Ultimately, this is a determination the Army must make based on its own review, and we don't yet know what that decision will be," a Justice Department spokesman said. On Wednesday, protesters on the banks of the Cantapeta Creek confronted law enforcement, as they attempted to build a wooden pedestrian bridge across the creek to gain access to the Cannon Ball Ranch, private land owned by ETP, according to a statement from Morton County officials. The US Justice and Interior departments along with the Army Corps of Engineers halted construction on part of the pipeline in September due to protests by Native American tribes who contend the pipeline would disturb sacred land and pollute waterways supplying nearby homes. The affected area includes land under Lake Oahe, a large and culturally important reservoir on the Missouri River where the line was supposed to cross. The Army Corps of Engineers confirmed Wednesday that it let law enforcement go into this land to prevent further campsites from being set up. Construction is continuing on sections of the pipeline away from the Missouri River, according to one of the owners of the pipeline and also to US refiner Phillips 66. The 1,172-mile pipeline, being built by a group of companies led by Energy Transfer Partners, would offer the fastest and most direct route to bring Bakken shale oil from North Dakota to US Gulf Coast refineries. North Dakota officials are bracing for a long fight. The state's emergency commission on Tuesday approved another $4 million loan to support law enforcement during the protests. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Armenia will receive 9.1 billion AMD official grant from the European Union in 2017, First Deputy Finance Minister Atom Janjughazyan said during the parliamentary debates of the 2017 state budget, reports Armenpress. The official grants are not provided for targeted programs. Armenia received 12.6 billion AMD official grant from the EU in 2016, he said. The First Deputy Minister added that Armenia will receive 9.7 billion AMD grant from EU for the targeted programs in 2017. He stated that those funds will be provided by the European Commission, as well as other European structures. The EU will provide 4.3 billion AMD loan funds to Armenia in 2017. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. England's High Court ruled on Thursday that the British government requires parliamentary approval to trigger the process of exiting the European Union, complicating Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plans, Reuters reports. The government said it would appeal against the decision and Britain's Supreme Court has set aside Dec. 5-8 to deal with the matter. Sterling rose on the news, with many investors taking the view that lawmakers would temper the government's policies and make an economically disruptive "hard Brexit" less likely. "The most fundamental rule of the UK's constitution is that parliament is sovereign and can make and unmake any law it chooses," said Lord Chief Justice John Thomas, reading out the ruling. May's government said in a statement it was disappointed by the court's judgment. "The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by Act of Parliament. And the government is determined to respect the result of the referendum," it said. In theory, parliament could block Brexit altogether. But few people expect that outcome, given that the British people voted by 52 to 48 percent to leave the EU in a referendum in June. However, the ruling makes the already daunting task of taking Britain out of a club it joined 43 years ago even more complex. It also puts at risk May's own deadline of starting formal negotiations on the terms of Brexit by the end of March. The High Court, made up of three of Britain's most senior judges, ruled that the government could not trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, the formal step needed to start the process of exiting the bloc, without approval from parliament. "The court does not accept the argument put forward by the government," Thomas said. "For the reasons set out in the judgment, we decide that the government does not have power ... to give notice pursuant to Article 50 for the UK to withdraw from the European Union." Lawmakers largely voted to remain in the EU in the June referendum. Many investors believe greater parliamentary involvement in the process would therefore reduce the influence of ministers in May's government who are strongly pro-Brexit. This could reduce the likelihood of a "hard Brexit", a scenario in which Britain prioritizes tight controls on immigration over remaining in the European single market. Nigel Farage, head of the anti-EU party UKIP, said on Twitter that he feared the ruling could turn into an attempt to scupper Brexit altogether. "I worry that a betrayal may be near at hand," he said. "I now fear every attempt will be made to block or delay triggering Article 50. They have no idea (of the) level of public anger they will provoke." YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. The Eurasian Economic Union began discussions on having a privileged trade agreement with Iran at the initiation of Armenia, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Shavarsh Kocharyan said during Parliamentary debates of the 2017 state budget draft, in response to MP Samvel Farmanyans question. When we felt that the sanctions against Iran might be cancelled, we immediately initiated this process. Armenia formed a corresponding working group, and the works were implemented, he said. Kocharyan says its no coincidence that one of the sessions of the working group was held in Iran, and the next one in Yerevan. From this point of view, we as initiators, as a member country of the EEU, which has a border with Iran, are really interested in cooperation, Kocharyan said. He added that during the discussions over the agreement, Iran holds separate talks with various member states over different products. Naturally, we will seek to have maximum privileges in terms of export of products, because the customs duties are high in Iran, since it maintains its domestic market in such way. Being under sanctions, Iran appeared in a situation of creating sustainable economy and is strictly maintaining its domestic market up till now. These negotiations are quite difficult, however we expect to have some results both in terms of bilateral cooperation and the expected agreement with the EEU, he said. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. At this moment the talks over the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement are frozen, Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan said at the parliamentary debates of the 2017 state budget draft, in response to RPA faction MP Gagik Minasyans question, reports Armenpress. The negotiations over the settlement at this moment are frozen since you know that after the April four-day war agreements were reached during the meetings of the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents in Vienna and St. Petersburg, which are still not implemented due to Azerbaijans unconstructive policy. The President of Armenia has clearly stated that there cannot be any talks over the settlement unless the agreements will be implemented, unless Azerbaijan will take practical steps towards maintaining the 1994 termless ceasefire agreement, and will fulfill its obligations, Kocharyan said. Shavarsh Kocharyan said after the four-day war Armenias emphases were changed. He said the Armenian side understands well that Azerbaijan, which doesnt follow its international obligations, violates the ceasefire, can refuse from its obligations at any moment during the talks on the settlement. If now that country is violating its international obligations, it can do the same at any stage of the negotiation process as well. There are many talks on the package solution of the conflict settlement, however, it is necessary to pass stages to reach the package solution. Thus, Azerbaijan can refuse at any stage, for instance, from the obligation set by it in the previous stages, the Deputy FM said adding that the implementation of the Vienna and St. Petersburg agreements and the guarantees, that the April events will not be repeated, are very important for restoring the talks over the settlement. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan received on November 3 the delegation led by Speaker of the National Council of the Republic of Slovakia Andrej Danko. Greeting the guests, the PM mentioned that the Republic of Slovakia is one of the key partners of Armenia in Europe, and Armenia is interested in developing bilateral relations in political, economic, cultural and other spheres of mutual interest. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Armenian Government, Karen Karapetyan expressed conviction that Armenian-Slovak relations have great development potentials, and stated that the Armenian side is committed to strengthening and developing partnership in all directions. The PM highlighted the expansion and deepening of ties between Armenian and Slovak business environments, suggesting to set an inter-state committee on trade and economic issues. At the same time, the Head of the Executive noted that the Armenian Government will in the near future present an investment package to Slovak businessmen. PM Karapetyan added that the cooperation between Armenia and Slovakia in the sidelines of the Eastern Partnership is of special importance and stated that Armenia is ready to deepen partnership with the EU in the directions of democratic reforms, economic development, protection of human rights, efficient governance and so on. Andrej Danko emphasized the friendly relations between the peoples of the two countries and highlighted the deepening and expansion of trade and economic relations. The Speaker of the National Council of the Republic of Slovakia expressed readiness to convey the initiatives of the Armenian side over the activation of economic relations and expansion of ties to the Government of Slovakia. At the end of the meeting the Armenian Premier thanked Andrej Danko for his personal contribution to the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide by Slovakia. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan received on November 3 the delegation led by Speaker of the National Council of the Republic of Slovakia Andrej Danko. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Armenian Presidents Office, the President of the Republic greeted the guests and stated that Armenia attaches great importance to inter-parliamentary cooperation taking it as an important ingredient of inter-state relations. Serzh Sargsyan hopes that the visit of the Speaker of the National Council of the Republic of Slovakia will open a new page in the strengthening and deepening of relations between the legislatives of the two friendly countries. Mentioning that though this is the first visit of Mr. Danko to Armenia as the Speaker of the National Council of the Republic of Slovakia, Serzh Sargsyan recalled his visit to Armenia in April, 2015 to participate in the commemoration events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. In the context, President Sargsyan expressed gratitude to Andrej Danko for his firm stand in the works aimed at recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, highly appreciating also the efforts of all the Slovak parliamentarians who also had a great contribution to the recognition, condemnation of the Armenian Genocide and criminalization of its denial. The Armenian President was satisfied to record that Slovakia is among Armenias key partners in Europe, with which Armenia is interested to expand and develop political, economic, cultural cooperation. The interlocutors assessed Armenian-Slovak partnership in the sidelines of international organizations as effective. The Speaker of the National Council of the Republic of Slovakia thanked for the cordial reception and stated that he greatly respects the Armenian people and its centuries-old history, assessing the contribution of the Armenian people to the European civilization extremely high. In addition to Armenian-Slovak bilateral relation, the sides also touched upon Armenia-EU relations based on common European values and regional issues, including Nagorno Karabakh issue and the process of the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. The Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) will make no radical transformations in domestic and foreign policies, RPA spokesperson and Vice President of the Armenian parliament Eduard Sharmazanov told the reporters after the partys Executive Body meeting. I dont think we will undertake radical changes in domestic or foreign policies. The party remains national-conservative. The ideology of Garegin Nzhdeh continues to have an important role in the partys program and ideology. Simply some provisions on human rights will be supplemented in the party program and some other provisions on national, Christian-democratic ideology will be added, Armenpress reports Sharmazanov saying. He stated that the party is national-conservative and it cannot become a liberal or social-democratic political force. The RPA is a well established political force and occupies the national-conservative polar in Armenian politics, the Vice President of the Armenian parliament concluded. STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 3, ARTSAKHPRESS: The ministrys statement reads: At 11:20, November 2, in addition to firing small arms, Azerbaijani forces fired GP-25 under-barrel grenade launchers (4 projectiles) in the northern direction of the line of contact (Talish), and at 02:15, November 3, Azerbaijani forces fired 60mm mortars (2 projectiles). Overall Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire regime overnight November 2-3 around 30 times, firing more than 370 shots from various caliber small arms at Armenian positions. The Defense Army forces didnt suffer any losses in the Azerbaijani aggression. The Defense Army is in control of the tactical-strategic situation and confidently continues their service. A Chinese naval escort fleet sent to the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia has completed its mission and returned to its home port. The fleet dropped anchor in Zhoushan port, Zhejiang province on Nov 1 after 209 days at sea, according to China's Ministry of Defense. The Chinese naval escort taskforce, the 23rd in these waters, consisted of two guided-missile frigates Xiangtan and Zhoushan, supply ship Chaohu, two helicopters and dozens of special force units. The taskforce has escorted 79 vessels in 39 missions, since April 7, including a freighter for the World Food Programme. It has also detected and deterred 41 pirate vessels, and visited Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam on goodwill tours. It was also the first Chinese naval fleet to visit Vietnams Cam Ranh Port after it opened as an international port in March. Wang Hai, deputy commander of the Chinese Navy, praised the overall results of the escort mission at the welcoming ceremony. He said meticulous preparations, effective command, and optimized executions have continued Chinas naval record of one hundred percent safety for both taskforce and escort. During various goodwill visits, the escort fleet showcased the PLAs modernized navy as well as the quality of those onboard. The visits also enhanced mutual understanding and promoted friendship and cooperation, Wang added. The 24rd batch of Chinese naval escort fleet consisted of 700 personnel set sail on Aug 10 to the Gulf of Aden and Somalia. Since 2008, the Chinese navy has escorted more than 6,000 vessels and aided 60 ships in the region, according to the navy. Contact writer at Zhangzhihao@chinadaily.com.cn STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 3, ARTSAKHPRESS: A donation of 125 million Danish crowns ($33 million) from the A. P. Moller Foundation, main owner of the shipping and oil group A. P. Moller-Maersk, will make the museum a reality after years in the planning, the city announced. The Japanese architecture group Kengo Kuma & Associates presented a winning proposal that will create a new "magical" museum over a total area of 5,600 sq m (60,300 sq feet) - most of it underground, a statement said. Officials said it would complement an existing museum in Odense, which charts Andersen's personal life and travels, by focusing more on the magic of his fairytales. It will provide "a unique possibility to create Andersens fairytale universe in a way that will appeal to both children and adults," said a local cultural official, Jane Jegind. Andersen's fairytales have been translated into 160 languages. Though he died more than 140 years ago in Copenhagen, where he lived most of his life, his works and related attractions such as the statue of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen's harbor still draw many tourists to Denmark. Large-scale military exercises will be held in Azerbaijan. November 3, 2016, 16:09 Azerbaijan to conduct extensive military exercises STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 3, ARTSAKHPRESS: The maneuvers will be conducted from November 12 to 18, reported Haqqin.az news agency of the country. Up to 60 thousand army members will participate in, and more than 50 airplanes and helicopters, over 150 tanks and armored vehicles as well as up to 700 missile and artillery systems will be used during, these military drills. One was bureaucratic: schedule change for the next Atlantic Yards Community Development Corporation meeting, to Monday, November 14 at 3 pm, instead of Tuesday, Nov. 15, announced by Empire State Development (ESD), the state authority overseeing/shepherding the project. Much of the meeting, though, could have been scripted by Samuel Beckett, given the gulf between residents' frustrations regarding incursions by trucks, illegal idling, and illegal parking, and the ability/willingness of government authorities to crack down. Who, she was asked, should residents concerned about illegal parking speak to? "The precinct," responded Ikner. "We've spoken to the precinct probably 100 times," responded Elaine Weinstein of the Dean Street Block Association. "Would you suggest another way?" "No," Ikner said, noting that, because DOT doesn't issue tickets, it's up to the enforcement agency. "I also received a question about truck route violations," she said. "Some people are complaining about trucks down side streets." DOT doesn't issue trucking maps or comments to various construction companies, she said, only that they get to a designated truck route as quickly as possible. Those concerned should send pictures to DOT or Empire State Development, but " we don't issue permits for a specific truck route," she said. "What about truck idling?" Weinstein asked, pointing to trucks idling two hours during the day, "That would be an enforcement issue," Ikner said. "As I spoke before, NYPD issues the tickets." Some in the audience, which neared 40, chuckled. What if trucks damage trees and curbs, as on the narrowed Carlton Avenue between Dean and Pacific Streets? "It just depends on the situation, but that's enforcement," Ikner said. "You can reach out to our office and we can contact the trucking company directly and ask them to pay [for damaged property]. But, unless enforcement is there, we don't have the ability to enforce." Atlantic Yards Quality of Life Meeting Notes & Presentation Nov. 1, 2016 by Norman Oder on Scribd Entering in the meeting later, Wayne Bailey, a resident of the Newswalk condo between Pacific and Dean streets, noted that Pacific was not designed to be a two-way street. Because of the terrible honking, he said, "the community has asked over and over to ask it to go one way." He then brought up the problems facing Dean Street, and Ikner said that issue had already been covered, but didn't address his Pacific Street request. Rogue parking The next morning, as residents moved their cars out, cones were put to hold the spots, and construction workers coming to work took those spots. Later in the meeting, Forest City Ratner's Ashley Cotton, who represents the joint venture Greenland Forest City Partners, called the situation "terrible" and "completely unacceptable." That day, she reported, "Charlie called [Forest City staffer] Roberta [Fearon], who immediately reached out to contractors, said you guys should move those cars immediately. Again, its legal parking at that point. At that point, the deed, and the very bad deed, was done. It's unacceptable. Ive never heard an incident like that before. I dont think its happened since. That doesnt make it any better. "We have a different hammer," Cotton continued. "We're not enforcement, but we pay these people, so were very motivated to make sure the behavior is appropriate It shouldnt happen again; if it does, dont hesitate to call us." So she implied without certifying it that some penalty may have been imposed, or might be imposed in the future. How much oversight? How much reporting? Empire State Development Community Affairs rep Nicole Jordan explained, especially to some newcomers, that ESD had a full-time--if in daytime hours--field inspector, Greg Lynch, who takes photos of issues that need to be reported, but does not go behind construction fences. "Flatbush and Fourth [avenues] is not walked," one resident commented. "That's why we see food and garbage, from the arena." ESD, she said, does not have the jurisdiction to take action on, say, idling trucks, but will forward it to the appropriate agencies, and Forest City, "to make sure an incident does not happen again." (Of course that hasn't exactly stopped the problems.) ESD also has consultants, STV and HDR, that monitor the project, and can go behind fences. Following up on a report on Atlantic Yards Watch, Charlie Recknagel, a resident of the Carlton/Dean area, recounted how people saw came home on Oct. 3 seeing signs telling them cars needed to be moved by 7 am.The next morning, as residents moved their cars out, cones were put to hold the spots, and construction workers coming to work took those spots.Later in the meeting, Forest City Ratner's Ashley Cotton, who represents the joint venture Greenland Forest City Partners, called the situation "terrible" and "completely unacceptable."That day, she reported, "Charlie called [Forest City staffer] Roberta [Fearon], who immediately reached out to contractors, said you guys should move those cars immediately. Again, its legal parking at that point. At that point, the deed, and the very bad deed, was done. It's unacceptable. Ive never heard an incident like that before. I dont think its happened since. That doesnt make it any better."We have a different hammer," Cotton continued. "We're not enforcement, but we pay these people, so were very motivated to make sure the behavior is appropriate It shouldnt happen again; if it does, dont hesitate to call us."So she implied without certifying it that some penalty may have been imposed, or might be imposed in the future.Empire State Development Community Affairs rep Nicole Jordan explained, especially to some newcomers, that ESD had a full-time--if in daytime hours--field inspector, Greg Lynch, who takes photos of issues that need to be reported, but does not go behind construction fences."Flatbush and Fourth [avenues] is not walked," one resident commented. "That's why we see food and garbage, from the arena."ESD, she said, does not have the jurisdiction to take action on, say, idling trucks, but will forward it to the appropriate agencies, and Forest City, "to make sure an incident does not happen again." (Of course that hasn't exactly stopped the problems.) ESD also has consultants, STV and HDR, that monitor the project, and can go behind fences. "That's very encouraging. What kinds of things have been reported and improved?" Weinstein asked sardonically. "I can't point to one thing that's improved. I'm curious." "I believe that the trash incidents have improved," Jordan responded, saying that trash has been picked up on a strip between Carlton and Vanderbilt av enues. "We worked to get that done." The number of incidents being complained about, she said, has gone down. However, that may well be an artifact of community fatigue and the fact that the state only counts incidents that are submitted directly to ESD through phone calls or emails, to Lynch, or forwarded via the The state cannot collect project-related data from 311 complaints, and reps claim not to monitor social media, including Instagram, which has become a more popular site for reporting problems, under the tag enues. "We worked to get that done."The number of incidents being complained about, she said, has gone down. However, that may well be an artifact of community fatigue and the fact that the state only counts incidents that are submitted directly to ESD through phone calls or emails, to Lynch, or forwarded via the Atlantic Yards Watch site , the use of which has gone down significantly.The state cannot collect project-related data from 311 complaints, and reps claim not to monitor social media, including Instagram, which has become a more popular site for reporting problems, under the tag #bciza , for Barclays Center Impact Zone Alliance. That said, in 2015, the state was supposed to produce a new app, or digital solution, to allow easy reporting of all incidents. That's been put on hold multiple times, so in lieu of offering that solution, I'd think ESD might stretch a little more to monitor incidents. Later, Forest City's Cotton said, "I want to say what the state just said. Don't wait 'til this meeting, feel free to contact us. I know some people post on social media, I'm not monitoring social media." Of course the developer is actively using social media to promote the project. Dust in the neighborhood Oct. 18 dust incident Elisabeth Martin, a resident of Carlton Avenue, recounted how dust from the 535 Carlton construction periodically blankets the neighborhood. "We would like to know what we are breathing," she said. Jordan said that the Department of Environmental Protection investigated, and "their official response was there were no toxins" or "violations of dust management procedures." Martin didn't get an answer regarding the composition. Nor was the product identified. Jordan said the incident she was tracking was September 27, but there was That said, in 2015, the state was supposed to produce a new app, or digital solution, to allow easy reporting of all incidents. That's been put on hold multiple times, so in lieu of offering that solution, I'd think ESD might stretch a little more to monitor incidents.Later, Forest City's Cotton said, "I want to say what the state just said. Don't wait 'til this meeting, feel free to contact us. I know some people post on social media, I'm not monitoring social media."Of course the developer is actively using social media to promote the project.Elisabeth Martin, a resident of Carlton Avenue, recounted how dust from the 535 Carlton construction periodically blankets the neighborhood. "We would like to know what we are breathing," she said.Jordan said that the Department of Environmental Protection investigated, and "their official response was there were no toxins" or "violations of dust management procedures." Martin didn't get an answer regarding the composition. Nor was the product identified.Jordan said the incident she was tracking was September 27, but there was another incident , unmentioned at the meeting, on Oct. 18. appears to be While there may have been no levels of dust that caused toxicity, the product, which according to the Oct. 18 photo Laticrete Supercap (which controls moisture from concrete), comes with hazards. The product data sheet warns "Harmful if inhaled" regarding Part A and "Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation." regarding Part B. (I'll update when I know more.) Pacific Park updates Cotton went fairly quickly through some construction updates, and non-updates, regarding project buildings. Note my unofficial timetable , below. At the 461 Dean modular tower flanking the Barclays Center, Cotton said, "tenants are going to move in this month." As those who won the lottery for the 181 affordable units get approved by city agencies, "as people free themselves to move, you are going to start to see move-ins happen." The 181 market-rate units are also being marketed now. 461 Dean modular tower flanking the Barclays Center, Cotton said, "tenants are going to move in this month." As those who won the lottery for the 181 affordable units get approved by city agencies, "as people free themselves to move, you are going to start to see move-ins happen." The 181 market-rate units are also being marketed now. She said segments of the project's construction fence, near the loading dock, will be coming down soon. She said the lottery for 38 Sixth, a second 100% affordable building (after 535 Carlton) could be announced by end of year. Regarding 664 Pacific (aka B15), the market-rate tower just east of Sixth Avenue containing a school, "we are still in litigation with the people who own property next door," she said, regarding For the two buildings on Block 1129, the southeast block of the project between Vanderbilt and Carlton avenues and Dean and Pacific streets, "we are in total TCO [Temporary Certificate of Occupancy] mode," she said, which will allow people in the lower floors to move in. The lottery for 535 Carlton has closed, and Greenland Forest City hopes for people to move into that and the 550 Vanderbilt condo in December or "definitely January." That will mean the "green monster" fence surrounding the block will be partly moved in, and sidewalks and some parking restored. Cotton showed slides of the interim open space, and permanent open space for the two buildings. There will be grass, an interactive play and seating area, and pavings. Plantings will be installed in the spring, and construction work continues. (I'll add graphics when the presentation is posted.) The open space, obviously, does not yet extend to the demapped Pacific Street. She said the lottery for 38 Sixth, a second 100% affordable building (after 535 Carlton) could be announced by end of year.Regarding 664 Pacific (aka B15), the market-rate tower just east of Sixth Avenue containing a school, "we are still in litigation with the people who own property next door," she said, regarding access to 497 Dean to shore up the structure during construction.For the two buildings on Block 1129, the southeast block of the project between Vanderbilt and Carlton avenues and Dean and Pacific streets, "we are in total TCO [Temporary Certificate of Occupancy] mode," she said, which will allow people in the lower floors to move in.The lottery for 535 Carlton has closed, and Greenland Forest City hopes for people to move into that and the 550 Vanderbilt condo in December or "definitely January." That will mean the "green monster" fence surrounding the block will be partly moved in, and sidewalks and some parking restored.Cotton showed slides of the interim open space, and permanent open space for the two buildings. There will be grass, an interactive play and seating area, and pavings. Plantings will be installed in the spring, and construction work continues. (I'll add graphics when the presentation is posted.)The open space, obviously, does not yet extend to the demapped Pacific Street. "What's the possibility of getting the community involved" in designing the open space, asked one resident. "We're designing it ourselves," Cotton said. "So no input from the community?" "The whole project got input from the community when it got approved," Cotton said, "it went through public approvals years and years ago." "Maybe not," interjected Gib Veconi, an active commenter, via BrooklynSpeaks, during the approval process. "It was voted on by public parties that you guys elected," Cotton continued, which was not quite true: though subsidies were voted on by elected bodies (as part of omnibus bills), the project was approved by the appointed ESD board. Tobi Jaiyesimi, executive director of the Atlantic Yards Community Development Corporation, pointed out that the the open space is being designed according to the design guidelines, and had been presented at the Quality of Life meeting and the AY CDC. Cotton followed up, saying that landscape architect Thomas Balsley came to the meeting, but "it was not a public charrette." Asked the size of the temporary open space around 535 Carlton, she said it was a half acre. Veconi asked for an update on the developer's stated plan to request a change in the state Modified General Project Plan to change the B4 tower to office space, and to move the bulk of the B1 tower over the arena plaza to Site 5. Cotton said she had no update. (The Illegal parking outside the arena At the Islanders' home debut Recknagel brought up the common use of a stretch of Atlantic Avenue outside the Barclays Center behind a construction fence for VIP parking during certain events. "We've talked about it many times," Cotton responded. "Its a situation that has been been sorted out with the police, in order not to have those cars in other places that no one would want. They tuck in nicely. Obviously its not a permanent solution." Recknagel brought up the common use of a stretch of Atlantic Avenue outside the Barclays Center behind a construction fence for VIP parking during certain events."We've talked about it many times," Cotton responded. "Its a situation that has been been sorted out with the police, in order not to have those cars in other places that no one would want. They tuck in nicely. Obviously its not a permanent solution." She didn't explain "places that no one would want" but that to me sounded like either illegal parking or paid parking garages a little farther away. Cotton said she had no update. (The Site 5 plan is on hold because of litigation with P.C. Richard, an owner of one of the two properties there.) Harassment update Without the complainant present, Bailey, who also chairs the 78th Precinct Community Council, cited the Without the complainant present, Bailey, who also chairs the 78th Precinct Community Council, cited the harassment issue brought up at last week's Precinct Council meeting, in which a woman and her wife were harassed by construction workers outside the arena (though it's not definite they were working on the project). "I want to know about oversight," Bailey said. "She [the victim] couldn't identify them because they didn't have the labels, the hats." After a previous harassment incident, contractors are supposed to wear color-coded ID stickers, but not all do. Cotton said that, after the incident, the woman "spoke to the super [site superintendent] of a building [project]. We were notified immediately. She was asked to call 911, she chose not to... she was asked if shed like to speak to us directly. She didn't." "So I get put in a tough place," Cotton said. "So help us get the incidents reported, so we can arrest the people, so we can go ID the people, we are here to be responsive to it. It's a little tough when we hear it way after the fact." "As for stickers and IDs, those are not state-regulated," she added. "It's not in any of their regulatory documents." Some workers don't have the stickers or IDs "because we are hiring people on such an ongoing basis." One clear (to me) violation of public space--the use of Atlantic Avenue for VIP parking--got a wink and a nod, while construction workers' dishonest commandeering of public parking got a "won't happen again" response, and a report of harassment outside the arena was left murky because the complainant didn't file a police report.Abigail Ikner, the Department of Transportation representative who asserted that Dean Street would clear up, faced some tough questions.Jordan said she got an update from the NYPD regarding what was said at the meeting. MT Apparatus is a user-friendly full body exercise and alignment workout system that uses Reinforced Motor Function for amazingly fast full body results. Great for the beginner or advanced enthusiast, MT Apparatus is incredibly easy to do, with over 150 exercises that gives one heck of a workout from the core out. Using simple progressions to inspiring music, MT Apparatus will have you grooving and twisting your body to a healthy state. 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Deacon, D-Syracuse, was posed the question first and offered a few ideas for preserving Social Security. She then slammed Katko, R-Camillus, and the Republican Party for (allegedly) wanting to privatize the program. Katko denied he supports privatization. Deacon later said Katko was "on the record" saying he supported allowing those new to the workforce to have the option of placing some of their Social Security taxes into a private account. Again, Katko denied the claim. Social Security is a key issue in every election and privatization is a touchy subject, especially with seniors who are already receiving benefits. Workers who are already paying into Social Security also have concerns because privatization would be a dramatic shift from how the program is administered now. But here we're focusing on two claims made by Deacon against Katko. Does the congressman support privatization? Or does he, at least, support allowing new workers to set aside Social Security taxes in private accounts? Here's our review of the claims: CLAIM NO. 1: JOHN KATKO SUPPORTS PRIVATIZING SOCIAL SECURITY Analysis: Dating back to 2014 when Katko first ran for Congress, he has been asked about Social Security numerous times. He also released a pledge to seniors two years ago that called Social Security "a sacred promise that must be honored." In his public statements then and his comments on the campaign trail this year, Katko has never advocated for privatization. At Wednesday's debate, he sought to make his position more clear. "I'm absolutely, positively 100 percent against privatizing Social Security," Katko said. "My opponent knows that. There's not one shred of evidence she can present to you that will tell you that I've ever said I support privatization." Katko recently sat down with The Citizen for an interview which will be published Sunday. During the 35-minute conversation he was asked about Social Security. He said there are two ideas he won't support: Privatizing Social Security and raising the retirement age for anyone who's already in the system, especially those who are at or near retirement. Rating: Deacon said Katko supports privatizing Social Security. His public statements on the issue don't match up with that claim. He's repeatedly said he opposes privatization. This claim is false. CLAIM NO. 2: KATKO SUPPORTS ALLOWING THOSE ENTERING THE WORKFORCE TO HAVE THE OPTION OF PAYING INTO PRIVATE RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS Analysis: Deacon made this claim during the CNYCentral debate following the initial exchange on whether Katko supports privatizing Social Security. "John has said that he thinks that those who are entering into the workforce should have a choice between paying into Social Security or paying into a private retirement account," Deacon said. When Katko said he didn't say that, Deacon told him to check his record. "These are words that you have said," she said. In an interview with The Citizen prior to the 2014 election, Katko said it was a "good thing" to provide incentives for younger workers to invest money in separate accounts to save for retirement. After the debate, Deacon's campaign issued a statement and included a link to Katko's responses to questions submitted by Project Vote Smart. He was asked, "Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts?" Katko responded "Yes." With Deacon pressing him on his Social Security stance, Katko urged viewers to not listen to her "linguistic wizardry." "I have never advocated for privatizing Social Security," he said. Rating: While it's true Katko hasn't supported privatization, he's on the record saying that it's a "good thing" to allow younger workers to shift funds to private retirement accounts. In this instance, Deacon was right. This claim is rated true. This post was published by the Peterson Institute and by Bruegel on their respective blogs. The International Monetary Funds involvement in the euro area crisis has raised a lot of controversy. According to a widespread conventional view, the Troika of creditor institutionsthe International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Commission, and the European Central Bank (ECB)demanded excessive fiscal austerity of Greece and other errant countries in return for their assistance, and this stance not only failed to restore Greek public credit but also prolonged economic weakness in other countries, including Portugal and Italy. Instead of calling for austerity, according to this view, the IMF should have forced a reduction of Greeces debt (in other words, engineered an orderly default) from the start of its involvement in the spring of 2010. The IMF is also blamed for ignominiously forcing Ireland to bail out senior bondholders of its failed banks in November 2010 under orders from a dogmatic ECB, itself captured by European financiers. An educated and comparatively nuanced version of this storyline was masterfully told by Peter Spiegel, then the Brussels bureau chief of the Financial Times, in a 3-part reporting series that was later published as an ebook titled How the Euro Was Saved. A less well-informed version of the same critique is voiced by Nobel Prize laureate Joseph Stiglitz in his recent book The Euro: How a Common Currency Threatens the Future of Europe, variations of which inform opinions on the euro area among (too) many observers in Europe and globally. Paul Blusteins useful new book, Laid Low: Inside the Crisis that Overwhelmed Europe and the IMF, at the same time propagates and debunks the conventional wisdom. This ambiguous contribution reflects how far we still are from a settled reference narrative of the euro area crisis. Blustein, a former Washington Post and Wall Street Journal economics reporter, is one of the worlds most seasoned journalistic observers of the IMF and now works for the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), which is also the books publisher. The books unique perspective is to observe the euro area crisis through the lens of the IMF, an important though ultimately peripheral protagonist. This leads Blustein to analyse two separate but interconnected issues, the crisis itself and the IMFs performance in addressing it. In several ways, Laid Low follows the standard, formulaic, Greece-centered account of the crisis. More than half the books chapters are entirely or mostly about Greece. Some major non-Greek episodes involving the IMF, such as the assistance program for Portugal, are near-entirely omitted. The introductory second chapter (chapter 1 being a digression on Strauss-Kahns sexual issues) and the concluding chapter 20, as well as the books title, embrace a narrative of the Fund laid low by abusive political interference from Europe that prevents it from fulfilling its technocratic mandate with philosopher-kingly integrity. Here Blustein refers to an IMF bruised and enfeebled, its credibility sapped by yielding to Europes masters. One word aptly describes the IMFs role as junior partner in the Troika: travesty, he writes in his conclusion. But in the 17 descriptive chapters between introduction and conclusion, Blusteins chronicle is too honest to support this indictment. His storytelling is highly engaging, and his reporting is superb. Not only does he bring together an astonishing variety of sources (journalistic, policy, academic), he also adds a number of scoops of his own. For example, he reveals how Strauss-Kahn attempted in April 2011 to walk away from the assistance program for Portugal, which was then being negotiated, unless it included conditions on euro area policy in addition to those on Portugal. (Wolfgang Schauble, Germanys finance minister, called Strauss-Kahns bluff.) Such new information is significant, since one of the more compelling criticisms made of the IMF is that it never insisted on euro arealevel conditionality, an option that is not set out in the IMFs formal tools but conceivable in the negotiation of individual programs. In the same vein, Blustein reveals that in the fall of 2012, IMF staff had wanted to include direct recapitalization of Cypriot banks by the European Stability Mechanism, a newly-created euro area fund, in the forthcoming assistance program for Cyprus, but that the IMF did not insist on it when EU leaders expressed their reluctance in late 2012. Against the conventional critique, Blustein demonstrates that, while Strauss-Kahn did envisage a restructuring of Greek sovereign debt in the spring of 2010 (an option known in IMF lore as plan B), it was never a genuine option, not least because of the opposition of the Greek government itself. IMF staff was divided on the principle of restructuring, with some departments (e.g. Research and Strategy) maintaining that it would be eventually inevitable and others (most notably Europe and Fiscal Affairs) arguing it might be avoided altogether. Similarly, Blustein refutes the view that the November 2010 decision on Irish banks was the result of a unilateral diktat of the ECB, and correctly emphasizes the role of then US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner in rejecting a stance of burning the bondholders that might have created additional instability in European finance. On a broader level, Laid Low goes some way towards puncturing the fiscal-and-sovereign-debt-only narrative of the euro area crisis, most prominently in chapter 15, which aptly describes the bank-sovereign vicious circle and the inception of Europes banking union. From these chapters, the picture that emerges of the IMF is actually that of a strong institution, more able than most large organizations to learn from its mistakes, and generally effective in its engagement with Europe with a constant willingness to challenge the areas occasionally incompetent leaders. While participating in the Troika, the IMF never compromised its decision-making independence as regards the use of its resources. It was not always right, as Blustein illustrates with the examples of Latvia in 2009 in chapter 4, or of Cyprus in 2013 in chapter 16. But it was often successful and almost always constructive. To be sure, the IMF was constrained by European politics. But this was the flipside of the fact that in the euro area crisis, for the first time in more than three decades, the IMF has been intervening close to the core of the global financial system rather than in its less systemic periphery. An internal IMF document of January 2012, quoted by Blustein at the start of chapter 14, makes it refreshingly clear: No economywhether advanced, emerging or low incomeis immune to an escalation of the [euro area] crisis. Whereas country shocks in the 50 years prior could largely be considered idiosyncratic in that they did not destabilize the entire system, shocks in the advanced economy core are now effectively systemic. There can be little doubt that, should it be called to help with a crisis in China or the United States (God forbid), the IMF would not have a fully free hand eithereven though China and the United States, unlike Europe, are not overrepresented on the IMFs executive board. But the mere fact that the Fund intervened in core Europe demonstrates its relevance and its strength rather than any weakness. And the constraints on IMF staff and management decisions from the Funds shareholders are not a problem but rather the mark of a functioning governance framework. This framework can be improvedfor example, by reducing Europes unjustifiable executive board overrepresentation as Blustein recommendsbut the book does not make it appear fundamentally unsound. This framing of the IMFs role in the euro area crisis also provides greater clarity regarding its analytical blunders. If anything, Blustein is often too forgiving of these, perhaps inevitably given his reliance on interviews with current or former IMF staff. The main error on Greece was not to impose excessive austerity, or even to delay the inevitable restructuring. Miranda Xafa, a knowledgeable analyst and former IMF official, calculated that, had this happened in May 2010 instead of March 2012, the additional reduction in public debt would have been around 16 percent of GDPa significant but hardly decisive difference. The IMFs bigger mistake was an overestimation of Greece's institutional strength and capacity to reform, a so-called advanced economy, and, as a founding member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, presumed to be functionally governed. Similarly, the IMF erred in trusting the assessments of the local banks soundness by the Portuguese authorities, which it should have second-guessed instead. One lesson here is that the IMFs traditional distinction between emerging and advanced economies is increasingly counterproductive, as other recent developments also illustrate. The IMF would be well-inspired to abandon this distinction altogether. Overall, and despite the misleading nature of its title and of some of its framing, Laid Low is an important addition to the burgeoning literature on the euro area crisis. Its main contribution is to assemble essential factual material for further analysis, complementing other books such as Carlo Bastasins Saving Europe or Neil Irwins The Alchemists, as well as the in-depth study published last July by the IMFs own Independent Evaluation Office (IEO). These and other forthcoming volumes will hopefully allow a gradual shift in the publics understanding of the euro area crisis, from a cartoonish Hellenic-centered morality tale to a more complex but also more accurate story of financial fragility, multilevel governance, and multiple reverberations between banking, fiscal, and monetary imbalances. Note: The author was a member of the IEO team that prepared the evaluation report mentioned in this posts last paragraph. The content of this post is not based on the authors work for the IEO, nor does it in any way represent a view of the IEO itself. Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Loading... Checking your browser before accessing the website. This process is automatic. Your browser will redirect to your requested content shortly. Please wait a few seconds. Colleen Deacon received help from the commander-in-chief in making her final case to 24th Congressional District voters before Election Day. President Barack Obama stars in the new TV ad, which was released by Deacon's campaign Thursday. The 30-second commercial is airing on Syracuse-area broadcast and cable TV stations. In the ad, Obama, who endorsed Deacon, D-Syracuse, in October, highlighted her ability to "get things done." The president referred to Deacon's personal story she was born and raised in Syracuse and worked while attending Syracuse University. At 26, she became pregnant with her son and utilized Medicaid and food stamps. When Deacon returned to work, she was employed in then-Syracuse Mayor Matthew Driscoll's office. She eventually became U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's central New York regional director a position she held for six years until entering the 24th Congressional District race in October 2015. "She helped small businesses create jobs and veterans find work," Obama said in the TV ad. "Colleen will find real solutions for central New York families." The ad's release comes at a crucial point in the race for Deacon. Two independent polls have shown her trailing U.S. Rep. John Katko, a Republican, by double digits. The most recent poll found Katko, R-Camillus, leading by 23 points, 54 to 31 percent. Deacon has been able to outraise Katko late in the race, but he still holds a significant financial advantage. Outside groups have spent more than $4.4 million on the race, according to the latest Federal Election Commission filings. The 24th Congressional District is comprised of Cayuga, Onondaga and Wayne counties, plus the western portion of Oswego County. Election Day is Tuesday. AUBURN A budget is beginning to take shape as Cayuga County legislators made proposed cuts and additions during a special Ways and Means Committee meeting Wednesday night. This first pass legislators cut approximately $219,000 from their use of the county's fund balance, which is similar to a savings account. That left the draw on the fund balance at approximately $463,000, below County Administrator Suzanne Sinclair's goal of keeping the draw around $500,000. Part of that savings came from a change in the state tax cap. With the county administrator responsible for estimating numbers in the state's formula for calculating that cap, Sinclair had estimated it to be a 0.71 percent increase in the levy in the draft budget. With numbers finalized, she told legislators Wednesday that the state tax cap is higher than her original number, coming in at a 0.975 percent increase. Legislators in the committee voted to increase the tax cap to 0.975 percent, which added approximately $104,504 in revenue from property taxes. "This budget has been developed under the weight of state mandates with a less than 1 percent property tax cap, and unfunded mandates such as indigent defense as well as other factors such as declining sales tax, increases in health insurance costs and lack of new revenue sources for the county," said Aileen McNabb-Coleman, chairman of the committee. "This Legislature wants to help the county provide quality services and programs while living within our means, and beginning to invest in ourselves." Besides property taxes, legislators went through each committee, acknowledging which departments had saved the county money, and which departments were costing the county money. Health and Human Services, which includes departments like Mental Health and Social Services, costs the county the most amount of money but also generates a significant portion of the revenue. Ray Bizzari, director of Community Services, said his departments also provide mostly state mandated services. Two items were left in limbo by night's end and those were funding extra hours for the Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural Museum and funding for the Cayuga County Public Utility Service Agency. Currently the museum has budgeted an additional $9,000 to fund seasonal staff for Sundays and Mondays. Keith Batman, chairman of the Legislature, said he didn't understand why the museum decided to increase its hours. Gary Duckett, superintendent of the county's Parks and Trails, said the idea was to increase tourism in the county and have the facility open on Mondays, when typically many things are closed. But, he agreed, the plan hadn't been well thought out as to how many more people the museum expected to bring in and what any increased utility costs might be. "You simply have to have a plan if you want to spend money," Batman said. "What are we doing with this? I can't support the additional expenditure." Legislators decided to leave the increase in the budget for now while Duckett prepares some preliminary projections for the increased number of visitors. Also examined was a $25,000 budgeted item toward the Cayuga County Public Utility Service Agency, which Sinclair admitted she had overlooked and carried over from last year's budget. Legislators will decide whether to leave that money there if the agency can decide what to use it for, or it could be put in contingency. Another concern that was touched upon at the meeting was the county's reliance on revenue from the county jail. Expecting about $250,000 from the boarding of federal inmates and inmates from other governments, Sheriff David Gould had said he was concerned with that number due to the construction of other county jails. Legislators left that revenue line alone, but considered reducing it at another date. The changes made to the budget will have to pass through November's full Legislature meeting on the 22nd before they become final. Empire State Development's tourism office is posting weekly fall foliage reports. Below is the report posted Nov. 2, 2016: Great fall colors making last stops in Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley regions Albany, NY This is the eighth 2016 Fall Foliage Report for New York State. Reports are obtained from field observers and reflect expected color conditions for the coming weekend. Fall Foliage Reports are issued every Wednesday afternoon and are available at www.iloveny.com/foliage. Beautiful peak and near peak fall foliage continues toward its final destinations in New York State, and will be found this weekend on Long Island and in the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley regions, according to observers for Empire State Developments I LOVE NEW YORK program. Hudson Valley, peak foliage is arriving in Westchester County. Spotters there report nearly complete color transition and gorgeous fall hues of orange, yellow and red. In the, peak foliage is arriving in. Spotters there report nearly complete color transition and gorgeous fall hues of orange, yellow and red. Long Island this weekend. Nassau County spotters reporting from East Meadow are predicting up to 90 percent color change depending on the area, and yellow, orange, red and purple leaves of average brilliance. Spotters in Suffolk County also expect peak conditions with red, purple and orange leaves of average brilliance. Peak foliage will arrive onthis weekend.spotters reporting from East Meadow are predicting up to 90 percent color change depending on the area, and yellow, orange, red and purple leaves of average brilliance. Spotters inalso expect peak conditions with red, purple and orange leaves of average brilliance. Finger Lakes region, peak and just past peak foliage is expected in Rochester this weekend. Look for 90-95 percent color change and mostly yellow leaves of average brilliance with some orange and green. Spotters reporting from the Brighton area of the city expect just past peak conditions. Leaves are 75 percent changed and predominating colors are yellow, yellow-green, dark red, orange. About 25 percent of the trees remain green, while about 30 percent have lost their leaves. Near peak foliage arrives in Yates County this weekend. Expect 75 percent color change and very brilliant leaves of orange, yellow and red, along with some patches of dull brown. In theregion, peak and just past peak foliage is expected inthis weekend. Look for 90-95 percent color change and mostly yellow leaves of average brilliance with some orange and green. Spotters reporting from thearea of the city expect just past peak conditions. Leaves are 75 percent changed and predominating colors are yellow, yellow-green, dark red, orange. About 25 percent of the trees remain green, while about 30 percent have lost their leaves. Near peak foliage arrives inthis weekend. Expect 75 percent color change and very brilliant leaves of orange, yellow and red, along with some patches of dull brown. Livingston County foliage spotters reporting from Geneseo predict past peak conditions for the weekend with 75 percent color change and shades of orange, light red and yellow, plus many remaining green leaves of average brilliance. Steuben County is now past peak with nearly complete leaf transition. Spotters in Corning, Hornell, Bath, Hammondsport and Keuka Lake report average to bright leaves of bronze, orange, gold and yellow. Chemung County is now past peak with 85 percent color change and dull gold, green and some orange leaves. Ontario County will be past peak this weekend. Spotters in Canandaigua predict nearly complete leaf change with warm earth tones, oranges and yellows of average to muted brilliance. Cortland County is now past peak. Leaves are completely changed and trees are mostly bare, although some still have some orange and green leaves. Spotters reporting from Cayuga County expect past peak conditions with 90 percent leaf change and bright orange, yellow, brown and some green leaves. New York City, foliage is still around midpoint of change; however there are some pockets of near peak leaves. Look for orange, yellow and red leaves of average brilliance. In, foliage is still around midpoint of change; however there are some pockets of near peak leaves. Look for orange, yellow and red leaves of average brilliance. Chautauqua-Allegheny region, Chautauqua County spotters report that foliage is now past peak with 100 percent color change and bright red and orange leaves. Many leaves remain on the trees and this should be another good weekend for leaf peeping in the county. In the Thousand Islands-Seaway region, foliage is past peak in Oswego County. Spotters note that while various autumn shades now blanket much of the woodland floor throughout northeastern Oswego County, the southwestern landscape still boasts full trees with muted pumpkin and mustard tones and pale shades of red and violet. In theregion,spotters report that foliage is now past peak with 100 percent color change and bright red and orange leaves. Many leaves remain on the trees and this should be another good weekend for leaf peeping in the county. In theregion, foliage is past peak in. Spotters note that while various autumn shades now blanket much of the woodland floor throughout northeastern Oswego County, the southwestern landscape still boasts full trees with muted pumpkin and mustard tones and pale shades of red and violet. Other areas of the state are now past peak. Volunteer Leaf Peepers The I LOVE NY team of volunteer Leaf Peepers, located throughout the states 11 vacation regions, are tasked with keeping track of the color change in their area as leaves progress each week. The information is then used for fall foliage reports, which are posted online each week, featuring a detailed map of color change throughout New York State, vantage points for viewing spectacular foliage, suggested autumn getaways and weekly event listings in each region. About Fall Foliage The weekly foliage report, a detailed map charting fall color progress, vantage points for viewing spectacular foliage, suggested autumn getaways and weekly event listings are available by visiting the I LOVE NEW YORK web site at www.iloveny.com/foliage . Reports are also available by dialing, toll-free, 800/CALL-NYS (800/225-5697) from anywhere in the U.S., its territories and Canada. To learn how to become a volunteer Leaf Peeper, e-mail your name, address and phone number to foliage@esd.ny.gov . Fall foliage reports are also available by dialing, toll-free, 800-CALL-NYS. HCM CITY Vietnamese firms, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), should take advantage of the power of digital technology to boost sales and improve competitiveness, delegates said at a workshop held in HCM City yesterday. Viet Nam has a high growth rate of internet penetration, with 52 million internet users or more than half of the population. The number of internet users is expected to reach 82 million by 2020, according to Tammy Phan, head of Channel Sales in Viet Nam of Google Asia-Pacific. Eight out of every 10 Vietnamese are expected to be using a mobile phone by 2020, said Phan. The internet has transformed many aspects of daily life in Viet Nam, including the way consumers interact with businesses. Before making purchasing decisions, 70 per cent of internet users search for information and shopping addresses, and 66 per cent conduct research one day before going to shops to see products. The number of SMEs using digital technology to promote their products and access potential customers remains modest, as only 20 per cent of SMEs in Viet Nam had online sale channels, according to Phan. A survey conducted by the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) of 10,000 SMEs showed that digital technology has had a tremendous impact on Vietnamese businesses. au Anh Tuan, head of VCCIs legal department, said the use of internet among SMEs increased significantly in the past decade, with 95 per cent of businesses using the internet last year. But nearly 60 per cent of them reported ineffective use of information technology. Businesses with effective IT applications have easier access to information about the Governments policies and laws and are able to comply with administrative procedures more quickly. They also have better business performance, he said. Matthew Heller, head of Channel Sales at Google Asia Pacific, said: Study after study shows that small businesses do better when they establish a strong web presence. They can grow sales up to four times faster than their offline competitors when they embrace the web and digital tools, especially on mobiles. Vo Tan Thanh, director of VCCIs HCM City branch, said that digital technology was having a significant impact on all business sectors, so applying these technologies was a must for SMEs. To capitalise on opportunities and challenges from international integration, Viet Nam should carry out many measures, including the development of technology infrastructure and speeding up of IT application at both State agencies and businesses. In order to fuel the development of Vietnamese SMEs, the Government needs to create good policies and work with the private sector to create technology infrastructure platforms, and most importantly, Vietnamese businesses must be more proactive in applying digital technologies, Thanh said. Tran Vinh Tuyen, deputy chairman of the HCM City Peoples Committee, said that authorities aimed to turn HCM City into a smart city, and needed businesses assistance to help set up e-government or map out measures to help the city prevent flooding and traffic congestion. Also at the event, two local SMEs Always, a health and beauty retailer and distributor, and HV Net, a marketing company spoke about finding success online and how digital technology helped them achieve higher sales. Organised by VCCI and Google Asia Pacific, the workshop on Tapping Vast Digital Economic Potential: Are Vietnamese SMEs ready? was one among a series of activities carried out by VCCI to promote the development of SMEs. SMEs account for 97 per cent of the business community and contribute 40 per cent of the countrys GDP. VNS LENS, France French President Francois Hollande on Tuesday said the Louvre could house threatened treasures from Iraq, Syria and other war-torn countries at a secure site in northern France. The precious items could be placed in safe keeping at a conservation facility due to open in 2019 in Lievin, 200km north of Paris, he said. "The prime mission of the Lievin site will be to house the Louvre Museums stored collection," Hollande said at a ceremony to unveil a plaque marking the site. But, Hollande said, it will have "another role, sadly linked to the events, dramas and tragedies which may unfold in the world, wherever works of art are in danger because terrorists, because barbarians have decided to destroy them... (especially) in Syria and Iraq." Hollande said France will make the proposal at a December conference in Abu Dhabi on endangered heritage. Representatives from around 40 countries are expected to take part. "We are going to suggest that the Lievin conservation site is where these works can be protected," Hollande said. The Abu Dhabi conference will also launch a fund, suggested by Hollande in September, which will aim to gather US$100 million to help save endangered art. The Louvre the worlds most-frequented museum, with 8.6 million visitors in 2015 has a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, Egyptian mummies and other treasures lying in its basement out of public view. The Lievin site, located near a satellite Louvre museum at Lens, has been in the works since 2013. The 60-million-euro site will be both a storage site and facility to study the Louvres collection. The need for Lievin was highlighted in June this year when rising floodwaters in Paris prompted the Louvre to evacuate artworks from its basement deemed at possible risk. AFP PARIS As Francois Hollande kept France guessing over whether he will seek re-election as president, the resurgent opposition was set to return to the debate stage today. A description by The New York Times of Hollande as the "living dead" provided fodder for his gleeful critics this week. The paper was alluding to polls showing the Socialist being annihilated if he runs, with whoever wins the centre-right nomination expected to charge on to the presidency in May. Seven conservative hopefuls including ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy and former premier Alain Juppe are to make their cases to the voters for a second time today ahead of their November primary. The brash Sarkozy, 61, is waging an uphill fight for a return to the Elysee Palace he occupied from 2007 to 2012, lagging far behind the mild-mannered Juppe, 71. The latest poll gave Juppe 37 percent to Sarkozys 31 percent, with the other five centre-right candidates bringing up the rear less than three weeks from the first round of the primary on November 20. Todays debate is the second of four, with a final one-on-one debate likely to pit Sarkozy against Juppe on November 24, three days before the run-off for the nomination. Juppe is tipped to win the centre-right mantle and then take on -- and defeat -- far-right leader Marine Le Pen after a first round of the presidential poll on April 23 that is expected to winnow out the centre-left candidate, whether it is 62-year-old Hollande or another. Hollande, Frances most unpopular president in 60 years, has yet to announce whether he plans to stand for re-election, saving the decision until early December while his support base melts away. AFP HA NOI State-owned enterprises (SOEs) tremendous loses have been causing the National Assembly (NA) to grow restless about risks to the Governments ambitious plan to restructure the economy. During the eleventh day of the second meeting session of the newly-elected NAwhich was broadcast live on TV yesterdayNA deputies made comments on the five-year national economy restructuring plan toward 2020. The hobbling performances of several SOEs surfaced as one of the "biggest concerns of the citizens", said deputy Nguyen Huu Cau from Nghe An Province. "The budget for development investment was very limited, disproportionately from foreign loans," he said. "But looking at the five recent colossal projects carried out by the SOEs, I was so worried". Those hundreds of million dollars mega-projects, initially seen through the rose-tinted glasses of leading manufacturers in their producing sectors, became a heavy burden on the Government as they failed to produce anything of value. In a report sent to the NA, the Government singled out the inh Vu polyester manufacturing plant in Hai Phong city (investment amount of US$315 million), the Dung Quat bio-ethanol plant in Quang Ngai Province ($85.5 million), the Phuong Nam pulp mill in Long An province ($135 million) and the Ninh Binh fertilizer plant in Ninh Binh Province ($540 million). Combined, these projects have suffered a total loss of over VN7.3 trillion ($328.5 million) and counting. Another mega-project was the Thai Nguyen iron and steel mill in Thai Nguyen Province, of which the money poured in doubled from VN3.84 trillion to more than VN8.1 trillion. The under-construction mill was left unattended since 2013 due to capital shortage, and the Government was left scratching its head about ways to deal with the project. "I urge the Government to address those projects as soon as possible in order to avoid having new debts lapped over old debts," Cau said. "Individuals and organisations responsible for such situations should also be handled strictly and reported to the NA," he added. While deputy Pham Phu Quoc from HCM City asked to set up a department in charge of managing State budget and assets within every SOE in order to supervise and tighten the use of public capital, Ha Nois deputy Le Quan called for "bolder State divestment from all SOEs," except for those fundamental to national or social security. "After divestment, (ex-SOEs) firms tend to run more effectively and hence, pay more taxes to the Government", Quan said. "There is a large sum of money in the society that hasnt been given the chance for investment yet. If the Government divests from the SOEs and lets the private sector fill its place, it can lead to better capital efficiency and create a bigger budget to invest in infrastructure and human resources". Currently there are 718 SOEs under full control of the Government. The latest equitisation route map for the 2016-2020 period plans that the number of SOEs having 100 per cent state-funded capital would be slashed down by nearly four times to 190 firms. Localities economy NA deputies also asked for a general economic plan on a national and regional scale other than letting each locality decide on its own way of development. "[Autonomous local development] would result in scattered investment and put localities out of sync with each other or the whole country," said deputy Cao inh Thuong of Phu Tho Province. Regional linkageparticularly in economic co-operationmeanwhile, was still relatively weak despite orientation and support from the Government since as early as 1996, said a Nangs deputy Nguyen Ba Son. "Regional linkage now is just plain connection among adjacent provinces and cities with non-legally binding agreements. Localities, in fact, compete with each other to draw in investment by laying out heaps of favourable conditions for investors, which in many cases creates an unhealthy environment," he said. This kind of competition led to several investment plans in different localities, and it also led to different regionsfor example the Mekong Delta, the Central Highlands or the northwestern regionoverlapping with each other, wasting money and resources that should go toward effective economic development. Son cited the example of how a developing country like Viet Nam now already has 21 airports, of which 10 are international. "Almost every locality wants to build an airport or a port, but it really pulls down the economic benefits of the whole country," he said. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese police yesterday detained blogger HonHai for distributing anti-state information, an official has confirmed. Ho Van Hai, 52, was arrested in Ho Chi Minh City last night at his home in Thu uc District. He was accused of "spreading information and documents on the internet that are against the government of the Social Republic of Viet Nam," according to a statement by the Ho Chi Minh City police. Colonel Nguyen Sy Quan, spokesperson of the city police, said in the past, Hai had distributed anti-state documents and allegedly violated Article 88 of the Criminal Code. He also said the department would investigate and handle Hais violations in accordance with the law. Hais Facebook page and blog were inaccessible as of last night. VNS Gia Loc HCM CITY A university education may not be the only route to success in life, but it is a very popular one, especially among people with hearing impairment. But in Viet Nam, it is harder for people with hearing impairments than those without to study because the learning environment is poor, ranging from a shortage of specialised high schools to teachers lacking the skills to communicate with them. Vu inh Nam, who has a hearing loss of above 90 decibels the higher the number the greater the disability is an IT student at Nguyen Tat Thanh University Faculty in HCM Citys District 4. He said: I wanted to go to university [to] get professional knowledge and a job to take care of my life and financially assist my parents. His father, Vu inh Huynh, however, told a conference on higher education for people with hearing impairment held last week by the Centre for Research and Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CED) that his son finds it very difficult to learn. Because of his hearing loss of above 90 decibels, he can only hear 40-50 per cent of what teachers say in class. To help, he took Nam to CED in Phu Nhuan District to learn lip reading. After Nam finished secondary school at a special institution, Huynh was worried that no high school would admit him. But he knew that continuous education centres in the city admitted people with hearing impairments and were less demanding than regular high schools. He applied at the District 1 centre and Nam was admitted. While studying there, whenever he did not fully understand something Nam would go to CED and ask the staff there to explain again. His parents would learn with him at home in the evenings. When he completed his three years at the centre, he was among the top 15 in his class and had excellent scores. The Ministry of Education and Training stipulates that people with severe disabilities do not require to graduate high school to be admitted to university. Nam benefited from this provision since hearing loss of above 90 decibels qualifies as a severe disability. Nguyen Tat Thanh University accepted him based on his excellent scores at the centre. Studying in university is the first good step towards his future, Huynh said. Le Chu Giang, head of the city Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs social welfare division, said Nam is one of a modest number of people with hearing impairments who have had favourable conditions to study at the university education in the city. His department and the Department of Education and Training plan to petition the city Peoples Committee to create favourable conditions for the development of people with hearing and other disabilities. Nguyen Tu Du, a specialist in education for disabled children, said the two departments would first do a study on the demand for higher education among people with hearing impairments. Based on the findings, special classes for such students would be set up at high schools, she said. According to the Department of Education and Training Currently, out of 2,735 students with disabilities studying in special schools, 868 are hearing impaired. Another 229 study in regular schools, though only at the primary and secondary levels, it said. No special high schools Tran Thi Ngoi, principal of Hy Vong School for Deaf Students, said the lack of special high schools for deaf students is a major shortcoming in the citys education system. Lam Ke Chi, principal of the continuous education centre, said: The Government should create conditions for all disabled children, including those with hearing impairment, to aspire for higher education. After all, many universities have faculties appropriate for them, he pointed out. Duong Phuong Hanh, head of CED, said all schools that have students with hearing impairments should have teachers assistants who can explain to them using sign language and lip reading. A 28-year-old woman who recently graduated from the city Fine Arts University said it was very hard to keep up in class because she was not able to hear what her teachers said. The country had 2.5 million deaf people in 2009, according to the General Statistics Office of Viet Nam, and the number is thought to have increased to three million now. In 2009 around 400,000 of them were of school age and only half went to school. Many, however, completed primary education. VNS New applications of stem cell and gene technologies as well as nanotechnology will be the focus of HCM Citys bio-tech programme to 2020. VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vu HCM CITY New applications of stem cell and gene technologies as well as nanotechnology will be the focus of HCM Citys bio-tech programme to 2020, the deputy head of the citys Department of Sciences and Technology has said. Speaking at a two-day national conference on bio-tech application that ended on Tuesday, Dr Nguyen Ky Phung said more research projects would be undertaken during this period, including studies about new seed varieties and the storage and processing of agricultural products. In the health sector, technologies for grafts, organ transplants and cell therapy will be given priority for research and application. Research and production of monoclonal antibodies, new-generation vaccines, and new kits for diagnosis will also be part of the bio-tech programme as well. To encourage further research, the department will provide funds for innovative ideas, and the private sector will be asked to work with public agencies on research projects. Between 2011 and 2015, the citys expenditures for scientific and technological programmes accounted for 2.53 per cent of the total budget. These programmes had helped raise labour productivity to 5.6 per cent, Phung said. Scientific and technological services are among the top nine service industries in the city, including finance-banking, logistics and real estate. The innovation growth rate for technologies in general was 15 per cent during this period. The application rate of scientific research results from 2011 to 2015 was 35.5 per cent, contributing to development of the citys six breakthrough programmes and economic growth. Bui Chi Buu of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences for Southern Viet Nam said that advanced bio-tech applications had been used to increase crop productivity and quality, improving plant tolerance to flooding, drought, heat and salinity. Scientists in the region are also making headway in research related to nucleotide changes and phenotypic changes, which has been a challenge in molecular genetics and the breeding of rice, cassava, soybean and maize, according to Buu. These efforts have revealed new opportunities to accelerate both the genetic dissection of complex traits and the integration of genomics with crop breeding. Vietnamese scientists are capable of mastering advanced technologies used in gene transformation if they receive proper funding, Buu said. VNS A NANG - A shortage of kindergartens for the children of migrant labourers in a Nang City-based industrial zones has put pressure on workers and authorities. Lu Thi Kim Hoa, head of the Education Office in Lien Chieu District said that the supply of kindergartens in the city fell short of demand from workers in industrial zones. Meanwhile, licensed public and private kindergartens in nearby residential areas are overloaded, forcing many workers to send their children to unlicensed childcare facilities, she said. The district has only 36 licensed public and private kindergartens and more than 210 unlicensed childcare facilities. There are over 70,000 workers in the citys industrial zones, more than 30,000 of which worked in Hoa Khanh industrial zone alone, about 60 per cent of whom are female. Many facilities could not meet necessary safety and health requirements. In the past, managing childcare faciltities was the responsibility of local authorities, Hoa said. However, the office still advises localities to manage and control unlicensed kindergartens to avoid risks to children, she said. uc Thang, a worker in Hoa Khanh industrial zones Viet My Steel Production Joint Stock Company, told Lao ong (Labour) newspaper that he spent months looking for a babysitter for his nine-month-old son. He asked his friends for help finding a day-care centre on social networks. I have to trust their advice. But its hard to know the real quality of unlicensed centres, Thang said. Another worker said that she sent her daughter to a babysitter and was satisfied with the care for the first two years. But then the quality dropped sharply when the centre accepted more children, she said. She then had to ask her parents to take care of her child, the worker said. The newspaper reported that city authorities recently approved a project by a US foundation to build a care centre and kindergarten for needy children. The centre, One Sky a Nang, will be constructed at Lien Chieu District Hoa Khanh Bac Ward. The project is expected to feature office buildings, multipurpose rooms, security areas, classrooms, and a playground for children from six to thirty-six months. Sponsored by Half the Sky Foundation with a budget of VN75.9 billion (US$3.4 million), the centre is intended to take care of children of workers at the Hoa Khanh Industrial Park. The centre will be built between 2016 and 2019. However, according to the newspapers research, only 250 children will be cared for over three consecutive years. With this limited number, it will not meet the huge demand of workers in the industrial zone. Hoa explained that this choice was based on international standards with high quality of care and teaching. About 250 children of needy families in Hoa Khanh Industrial Park will be chosen for caring at the centre under the foundations standard, she said. To meet demand and ensure the childrens safety, health and proper development, the citys construction department is studying a plan to convert dormitories for students in the west of the city to worker accommodation complexes, with kindergartens, Nguyen Van Nam, deputy director said. The department has assigned the planning institute to research the plan and report to city authorities and the Government, he said. It has also co-ordinated with relevant agencies to study a project for all the industrial parks in the city, Nam added. VNS BINH INH The health department of Binh inh Province yesterday sent a report to the Health Ministry to clarify the cause of a womans death after childbirth at the provincial general hospital. The death was determined to be a result of amniotic fluid embolism, resulting in respiratory distress syndrome and acute circulation collapse, the autopsy result showed. Le Quang Hung, director of the provincial health department, said the womans clinical indicators were normal before the sudden amniotic fluid embolism. Patients with amniotic fluid embolism can rarely be saved, according to Hung. Relatives of the patient refused to take her body home and did not accept the explanation. They blamed the death on the irresponsibility of the doctors and filed a lawsuit against the hospital. The hospital has sent the lawsuit document to authorised forces for further investigation, Hung said. The newborn girl, still weak and being assisted with a medical ventilator, is under treatment at the hospitals paediatric department. Earlier, on October 28, Truong Ho Thi Lan, 25, a resident of central Binh inh Provinces Quy Nhon City, was admitted to hospital at 8.30pm to give birth. As per the medical records, Lan was 40 weeks pregnant, and her blood pressure and body temperature were normal. However, at 2am, she had seizures, started drooling, turned purple and her pulse and blood pressure could not be measured. Doctors decided to perform an emergency Caesarean operation. The surgery was completed successfully, but by 3am Lan was in deep coma. She died four hours later. According to medical experts, amniotic fluid embolism is a rare obstetric complication but with mortality rate as high as 80-90 per cent. VNS ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) A man accused of knocking down an autistic New York boy during a cross-country race has surrendered to police. Rochester police say 57-year-old Martin MacDonald, of Pittsford, turned himself in Thursday to face a harassment charge stemming from the Oct. 14 encounter with 15-year-old Chase Coleman in an intersection. MacDonald told investigators he got out of his car and shoved Chase during the road race because he feared the boy would try to steal his wife's purse. Chase is unable to speak. Relatives say he wouldn't have understood anything MacDonald said to him. The black teen's mother questioned whether race was a factor when the white man wasn't initially charged. Police renewed their investigation, and an arrest warrant was issued Wednesday. MacDonald couldn't be reached for comment Thursday. HCM CITY Local authorities in Ho Chi Minh City yesterday decided to confiscate a large number of guns illegally transported to Viet Nam, the Customs Office of the Tan Son Nhat International Airport said. In July 2015, the office worked with the Economic Security Department (A85) and relevant agencies under the Ministry of Public Security to examine three parcels without legal documents on a flight from Turkey to the Tan Son Nhat Airport. Folllowing examination, the agencies discovered 94 pistols with laser sights, 472 new cartridge belts and other components, which were hidden as normal cargo. The weapons were made in the Czech Republic.VNS HA NOI Cooperation between Viet Nam and European countries in higher education is expected to get a boost following the Viet Nam-EU Higher Education Forum, and related activities, which began this morning. Speaking at the conference, themed "Higher Education Internationalisation: Opportunities and Challenges," Bui Van Ga, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), appreciated the many scholarships EU has offered to Vietnamese students, and said Viet Nam itself has also sent students to EU by state funding via projects 322, 911 and 599. However, Viet Nam and EU cooperation in education is modest and has not realised its full potential, he added. Students in Viet Nam are not yet well-informed about the prestigious institutes or universities in Europe. Thus, the forum was organised by MoET to provide a chance for universities, lecturers, researchers and education managers to connect; share practical experience on teaching, research and management; explore opportunities for bilateral and multilateral cooperation on joint-training programmes, collaborative research projects, students and lecturers exchange programmes and exchange scholarships; and aim to sign cooperation agreements, he said. International mobility in higher education is also high on EUs agenda, via the "European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students" (ERASMUS) that enables students to pursue programmes in more than just one university in EU, Tom Corrie, deputy head of cooperation of the EU delegation to Viet Nam, said. He also noted that even though 15,000 Vietnamese students currently in Europe is an encouraging number, and there have been bachelor-master-doctorate exchange programmes between universities in EU and Viet Nam plus 18 research projects were funded under ERASMUS, there is still plenty of scope for more cooperation and the EU is keen to support this whenever possible. Academic cooperation is a natural extension of what he calls partnership of equals evidenced by increasingly deepened economic ties and political relations between the two sides. The issue of teaching foreign languages, especially English, was given much attention in the mid-session Q&A, with many participants stressing on the importance of the English language. Even in pre-university education levels, English must be prioritised should Viet Nam wish to focus on high-quality higher education in the context of international integration in general and when studying abroad in particular. Based on current stastics on joint-training programmes, Nguyen Thi Thanh Minh, deputy head of the International Education Development Department (under MoET), called for more joint programmes and capacity building projects for provinces outside of Ha Noi and HCM City, in more diverse majors (aside from economics), and from different countries in the EU bloc. Exchange programmes, joint research development, students and staff mobility, and export of knowledge consultancy services are four key pillars of Finlands success in internationalisation of higher education, Kari Kumpulainen, director of the Oulu University Teacher Training School, said. Other talking points included globalisation and dual-degree training in two institutes; Swedens tripartite innovation model between the state, higher education universities, and businesses/employers; and recognition of foreign qualifications and degrees. Eighty education institutes from EU and Viet Nam attended the forum. Within the framework of the forum, Swedens Uppsala University the oldest university among Nordic countries signed memoranda of understanding with Ha Noi Medical University and Viet Nam University of Traditional Medicine on dual degree programmes, cooperation in clinical research, bio-banking and healthcare. An education fair, titled Higher Education in Europe, will be held tomorrow at the Ha Noi University of Science & Technology by MoET in collaboration with embassies of EU countries. VNS HA NOI State employees and workers will get seven days off next year, from January 26 to February 1, for Tet (Lunar New Year), the Ministry of Home Affairs said. The ministry sent a document yesterday, in response to the proposal sent two weeks ago by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) with two options for the Tet holiday. Under the labour code, employees are given five days off for Vietnamese New Year. Since 2010, the government has allowed employees to exchange working days and holidays so that holidays can be longer and continuous. The first and the second days of Tet will fall on January 28 and 29, which are Saturday and Sunday, so workers will get two more days off (January 31 and February 1) as compensation, the Home Affairs Ministry confirmed. The MoLISAs second option had proposed that the Tet holiday be for 10 days. However, many thought it would be too long a break. The Home Affairs Ministry has also said that people will get three days off to celebrate New Year 2017, from Saturday, December 31, 2016 to Monday, January 2, 2017. Other important holidays for 2017 have also been announced. This includes the Hung King anniversary holiday from April 6 to 9, though to compensate for the day off on Friday, April 7, employees have to work on Saturday, April 15. To celebrate South Liberation Day (April 30) and International Labour Day (May 1), people will enjoy four days off, from April 29 to May 2. Later, people will get a three-day vacation from September 2 to 4 for National Independence Day. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc will approve the list of national holidays based on the proposals acceptable to the two ministries. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam received eight million international tourists in the first 10 months of 2016, a 25.4 per cent increase year-on-year, according to the General Bureau of Tourism. Growth was seen in most markets, including Hong Kong (72.5 per cent), China (55.2 per cent), the Republic of Korea (40.1 per cent) and New Zealand (35 per cent), as well as the United States (14.2 per cent), France (13.3 per cent) and Japan (10.8 per cent). The number of tourists from west European countries (the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Spain), who do not require a visa, also increased. To attract more European tourists, especially those from the four north European nations (Norway, Finland, Denmark and Sweden), the National Administration of Tourism will hold some tourism promotion programmes in these countries at the end of November this year. The administration also plans to invite tourism businesses from these four countries to conduct a survey in Viet Nam. Visa on arrival and e-visa are also expected to be implemented by 2017. It is estimated that Viet Nam will welcome a total of 9.6 million international visitors in 2016. Also in the first 10 months of 2016, the number of domestic tourists reached more than 53 million and is estimated to touch 60 million by the end of the year. VNS MADRID Spains National Court said yesterday it was investigating the countrys ambassador to Afghanistan and his former deputy for alleged security flaws after an attack on the Kabul embassy last year that left six dead. Four Afghan policemen and two of their Spanish counterparts were killed in December last year when Taliban insurgents burst into the embassy after a car bomb blew off the gate of the compound, sparking a shoot-out inside. Relatives of one of the Spanish policemen who died and seven others who were injured filed a complaint accusing Ambassador Emilio Perez de Agreda and his then deputy Oriol Sola of involuntary manslaughter. According to court papers published Wednesday, the plaintiffs allege the ambassador failed to act on warnings of security flaws at the embassy. Since it was built in 2008, there had been warnings about flimsy sentry boxes, or doors that were only made out of wood, which were later reinforced, according to the papers. The building is outside the secure "green zone" in the Afghan capital, where many other Western embassies are located. The ambassador, though, had his home in the "green zone" as his predecessor had "refused to live in the embassy due to the potential danger," the writ said. When the attack happened, Perez de Agreda was on holiday in Spain, and Sola was in charge. He "didnt respect any security measure either," the plaintiffs alleged, according to the papers. "On the contrary, he constantly put the building at risk, letting traders into the embassy, allowing cars, vans and trucks in with jewels, carpets and other items without giving security teams enough advance warning to check people and products", it added. On December 11, 2015 -- the day of the attack -- French intelligence services warned of the risk of an attack against the Spanish embassy, but no special security measures were taken, the writ further alleges. According to judge Santiago Pedraz, the allegations could be a "penal offence," and will be investigated. A spokesman for the foreign ministry said Perez de Agreda is still ambassador in Afghanistan, but Sola has since left due to "normal staff rotation." He said both the ministry and ambassador were "fully available to collaborate with judicial authorities in clarifying the facts." AFP SEOUL South Koreas embattled President Park Geun-Hye picked a new chief of staff today as part of a reshuffle of top aides aimed at quashing public discontent over a spiralling political scandal. Han Gwang-Ok, a former aide to late President Kim Dae-Jung, was named chief of staff, an appointment the presidential Blue House said would help get the rattled administration back on track. The 74-year-old veteran politician, a long serving liberal who switched sides and joined Parks administration in 2013, has dedicated his life to "democracy and national reconciliation". "He is well suited to assist the president from the citizens perspective," presidential spokesman Jung Youn-Kuk said. Park is scrambling to deflect rising public anger over a scandal engulfing her administration in which her close friend Choi Soon-sil, who has been detained for questioning since Monday, is accused of influence peddling and meddling in state affairs. In an effort to deflect some of the criticism, Park had been urged to create a neutral cabinet by bringing in members from outside her ruling conservative Saenuri Party. She has reached across the traditional political divide with a host of new appointments, including tapping a liberal politician as her new prime minister-- a largely symbolic post. But the opposition has dismissed the reshuffle as a smokescreen, calling for a full investigation of Parks relationship with Choi and vowing to block the new prime ministers nomination by wielding their combined parliamentary majority. Suggestions that Choi vetted presidential speeches and was given access to classified documents have exposed Park to public anger and ridicule and, with just over a year left in office, seen her approval ratings plunge into the single digits. Prosecutors have been questioning Choi, who is being held in emergency detention, and have asked for a court warrant to arrest her on charges of fraud and abuse of power. Choi has denied allegations that she used her friendship with Park to strongarm companies like Samsung into donating large sums to non-profit foundations that she then used for personal gains, Yonhap said. The scandal comes as South Korea, Asias fourth largest economy, faces slumping exports and high unemployment amid rising nuclear and missile threats from North Korea. AFP When most people think of ideal summer weather -- snow, ice, and winds in excess of 100 miles per hour usually aren't part of the equation. But for Tim Greene, of Princeton, Massachusetts, who earned his bachelors in meteorology from the College of Natural Resources and Environment in May, those conditions made for the perfect summer. Greene completed a three-month internship at New Hampshires Mount Washington Observatory, a private, nonprofit institution dedicated to weather and climate research and education. Located at 6,288 feet above sea level, the site is famous for extreme weather conditions, and scientists have been recording hourly weather observations there since 1932. A meteorology student getting to intern at Mount Washington would be like an aerospace engineering student interning at the International Space Station," said Advanced Instructor David Carroll of the Department of Geography, where the meteorology program is based. Greene worked on research using an ultrasonic anemometer, a device that uses sonar to measure wind velocity. He was tasked with testing the instruments to determine whether they were an efficient choice to use with Mount Washingtons databases. I helped determine a range of temperatures in which we could rely on these instruments and helped develop equations to calculate when wind speed and temperature were such that we might need to consider switching to another instrument, Greene said. In addition to calculations and experiments, Greene also conducted his own observations. I was known for being upstairs in the weather room anywhere from 5 to 6 in the morning until 7 in the evening, always keeping myself busy with some new project or idea, he said. I really got to experience everything Mount Washington had to offer in terms of extreme weather. According to Carroll, Greenes experiences in Virginia Techs meteorology program made him an ideal candidate for the internship. Now in its fourth year, it is the only undergraduate-level meteorology degree program in Virginia. Beginning with only one instructor and one tenure-track faculty member, the program attracted more than 100 students within the first year. The meteorology program complements Virginia Techs existing strength in geospatial information technology by combining geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing with traditional atmospheric meteorology. While most other programs look primarily at atmospheric patterns, geospatial technology allows students to consider how landforms affect weather patterns. The way weve designed our program with extensive experience in GIS makes our students very attractive to any environmental or Earth science organization, Carroll said. In addition to incorporating interdisciplinary skills, the meteorology program also offers a wide variety of hands-on experiences for students. Greene recalled the work he did with Carroll at Bald Knob near Virginias Mountain Lake, where a team installed a weather station in February. The weather station is one of six planned for high-altitude points around the region, and the extreme weather data collected there is being transmitted to the National Weather Service. I helped install all the equipment on the summit and created an algorithm to measure wind speed, Greene said. Everything I did at Bald Knob was very similar to the work I was involved in at Mount Washington, so it prepared me really well. Carroll explained that having this type of undergraduate research experience made Greene particularly suited for this internship. A lot of these undergrads are doing field work more typical of people in graduate school. You really learn the most when youre immersed in the field. Your chances of being struck by lightning are probably greater than getting this internship, but Tim had experience that typical undergrads dont get, Carroll said. These students are landing jobs right out of school that some people would strive to cap their careers on. For Greene, that practical field experience paid off. Now working on his masters in geography at Virginia Tech, he hopes to continue a relationship with the Mount Washington Observatory as part of his masters thesis and has plans to visit the site this winter. I cannot thank the observatory and my coworkers there enough for the once-in-a-lifetime experience I was given, and I look forward to any future collaboration on my thesis, he said. I grew up with Mount Washington on the horizon, and I heard stories about the extreme weather up there. It was an amazing experience to actually work there, Greene added. Virginia Tech allowed me to hit the ground running, and I could apply all the concepts I learned in undergrad to my work. 01:54 RBA lifts cash rate by 25 basis points to 2.85 per cent Sky News Business Editor Ross Greenwood says the Reserve Bank of Australia has lifted the cash rate by 25 basis points to 2.85 per cent. 03:30 Democrats distance from stammering and stuttering Joe Biden ahead of midterms Democrat candidates are running further away from US President Joe Biden and are turning to his former boss Barack Obama to get them across the... 03:00 Furious driver drags leftie protesters off busy road Sky News host Caleb Bond says one man in the UK tried to reason with some "lefties" before having to resort to dragging them off a busy road... 01:32 Where is Generation Zs resilience? Sky News host Caleb Bond says one "poor leftie" student in America has posted a video online complaining about having to work an entire day.... 08:51 No perfect solution to fix gas prices Assistant Minister for Treasury Andrew Leigh says there is no perfect solution to fix rising gas prices. Premier Li Keqiang and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov signed on Nov 2 a joint communique between the Chinese and Kyrgyz governments.[Photo/english.gov.cn] Premier Li Keqiang embarked on an eight-day trip to Central Asia and Europe on Wednesday, during which he will visit Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Latvia and Russia. His participation in the 5th Meeting of the Heads of Government of China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries in Riga, Latvia, is expected to add fresh momentum to the "16+1" cooperative mechanism and the Belt and Road Initiative (the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road). The 16+1 mechanism proposed by Beijing is an exchange program involving 1,000 people from China and 16 CEE countries to enhance people-to-people communications. Since the first 16+1 meeting in Warsaw in 2012 the multinational mechanism has become an example of China-Europe cooperation and is having a greater positive effect on regional cooperation. It is expected to synergize with the Belt and Road projects, too, by boosting trade and investment exchanges. CEE countries account for about a quarter of all "roadside" countries and play a key role in the world's emerging market, which allows them to cooperate with China on a highly complementary basis, especially when it comes to connectivity, capacity cooperation and cross-border trade. The Hungary-Serbia railway, scheduled for completion by the end of 2017, will extend to the important Greek port of Piraeus and could become a European pivot connecting the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The efficient capacity cooperation between China and Serbia in recent years is another case in point. Since it established a strategic partnership with China in 2009, the Balkan state has accommodated an increasing number of infrastructure projects sponsored by China, including the Pupin Bridge over the Danube River in Belgrade and the Kostolac power plant, the first Chinese electric power project in Europe. On the trade and investment front, cross-border e-commerce has great potential to take the 16+1 cooperation to a new height. City-to-city collaboration, too, has begun to bear fruit. Chengdu in Southwest China's Sichuan province is now a sister city to Poland's Lodz and home to a consulate general of Poland. The China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation, adopted at the 2013 China-EU summit, has endorsed the 16+1 mechanism and enhanced its status as a new platform for European integration, which should silence people accusing Beijing of using a "divide-and-rule" strategy toward Europe. New financing platforms, such as a China-CEE investment bank under deliberation, will promote the financial integration not just between the two parties, but also within Europe. In fact, the European Union has come to realize the importance of the 16+1 mechanism as a supplement to the China-Europe relationship. That explains why the EU is now an observer at the Meeting of Heads of Government of China and Central and Eastern European Countries. CEE countries are relatively eager for Beijing's technological and financial support compared with other EU members, opening a rare window of opportunity for China-Europe cooperation. So, under the framework of the 16+1 mechanism, China has every reason to deepen its partnership with Europe and expedite the Belt and Road's expansion. The author is a professor of international relations at Renmin University of China. Republican Wendy Long has aligned her campaign with the presidential aspirations of Donald Trump. She believes, for example, that the United States should build a wall along its border with Mexico and somehow force Mexico to pay for it. She vows to press for term limit legislation and to limit herself to two terms, if elected. She is critical of what she calls "the stagnant Schumer-Obama" economy and suggests simplifying the tax code and dropping the corporate tax rate to 15 percent. Long makes it a point to refer to Schumer, the three-term Democratic incumbent, as "corrupt" without offering evidence that he is. And we continue to question Long's character, reflected by her decision to post photos on social media from the neighborhood of a Syracuse mosque in an attempt to connect the city's rising population of Muslim refugees to "crime, prostitution and money laundering" again, without offering any evidence to back up the claim. She said in a debate this week that the Affordable Care Act has been an "unmitigated disaster," and we don't doubt that sentiment rings true for people who have seen their health insurance premiums continue to rise, but Schumer offers a more measured response, suggesting that the law may need to be altered, but not scrapped entirely because it has also brought millions of people needed coverage. As for Long's criticism of Schumer's close ties to outside interests, it's true that Schumer has collected millions in campaign donations from the securities and investment industry, but he was also one of the architects of Dodd-Frank, a measure that greatly increased federal oversight and regulation of the banking system. On local issues, Schumer has worked to increase railroad safety regarding oil trains that cut through Cayuga County. He has been a strong supporter of the effort to establish a national park in Auburn in honor of Harriet Tubman. He fought cuts to federal transportation funding that would have had a negative impact on local Centro bus service. He has fought against Canadian regulations regarding the import of dairy products, recognizing that it will have a direct and detrimental impact on Cayuga Milk Ingredients in Aurelius. He similarly pushed for the end of a Canadian wine tariff that would put local wineries at a competitive disadvantage. More recently, he asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assess the damage caused by thus summer's drought so that Cayuga County farmers could be among the first in line for assistance in dealing with their losses. Schumer has always been responsive to his constituents and has made it a point since taking office in 1999 to visit all of New York's 62 counties each year. We expect Schumer to continue to focus on the needs of Cayuga County and we endorse him for another term in the United States Senate. WATERLOO A hearing to decide if a Waterloo woman will get a new trial in the stabbing death of her ex-boyfriend has been postponed. Keisha Lesha Magees attorney was scheduled to argue Tuesday she should have her second-degree murder and domestic assault pleas thrown out. But the hearing was postponed to allow her attorney to line up a witness. Authorities said Magee stabbed John Ladell Dell Bass, 28, at a West Mullan Avenue townhouse in September 2013, killing him. At the time of the stabbing, Magee was awaiting trial on allegations she threatened Bass with a knife and a frying pan in January 2013. Charged with first-degree murder, Magee accepted an offer to plead guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree murder and avoid a life sentence in April 2014. She was sentenced to 50 years in prison for murder with an extra two years for domestic assault. In December 2015, Magee appealed her conviction and sentence, alleging she was not in the right state of mind to make decisions on any plea agreement at the time she entered her plea. She said she is now on the correct medication and is asking the court to throw out her conviction to allow for a new trial or renegotiation with prosecutors. Attorney John Bishop was appointed to represent her. Name released in shooting WATERLOO Police continue to investigate a Tuesday morning shooting that sent a Waterloo man to the hospital. Darrell Deshay Lanier, 22, was taken to Unity Point Health-Allen Hospital after he was found on the ground in the 400 block of Rhey Street around 10:20 a.m. He underwent surgery Tuesday, but his condition wasnt available. No arrests have been made in the case, police said. Police collected spent shell casings in an alley between Franklin and Fowler streets, which is around the corner from where Lanier was found. Vehicle struck by gunfire WATERLOO A vehicle was hit by gunfire Tuesday night. Neighbors in the area of Newell and East Fourth streets called police after hearing numerous gunshots around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday. Officers found a vehicle with a shattered driver-side window in an alley off the 200 block of Newell Street. No injuries were reported. The shooting came less than a day after a man was shot in the leg in the area of Franklin and Rhey streets. CEDAR FALLS A Cedar Falls man has been arrested for allegedly giving tattoos without a permit. Cedar Falls police arrested Christian Cody Wilson, 25, of 1813 W. Eighth St., on Monday for tattooing without a permit. The charge is a misdemeanor. According to court records, police received a tip on October that Wilson was giving tattoos at his apartment, and investigators determined he didnt have the required permit from the state. Under Iowa law, it is illegal to engage in the practice of tattooing without receiving a permit from the Iowa Department of Public Health. According to the Department of Health, the $75 permit requires a high school or GED and the completion of blood-borne pathogen and first aid training. WATERLOO A Waterloo man who was shot on Tuesday morning remains hospitalized. Authorities said 22-year-old Darrell Deshay Lanier has been unconscious since he arrived at Unity Point-Allen Hospital and on Wednesday underwent a second surgery. Lanier was shot twice, including a gunshot wound to the side. No arrests have been made in the attack, and the investigation is continuing, said Capt. David Mohlis with the Waterloo Police Department. The shooting happened at about 10:20 a.m. in the area of Rhey and Franklin streets. The shooting apparently started in an alley behind Franklin Street where police found as many as a dozen spent shell casings. Lanier was found on the ground but conscious and alert around the corner in the 400 block of Rhey Street. WATERLOO A Waterloo man who was shot in a shootout with a supermarket manager during a 2015 holdup has been sentenced to prison. Charles Earl Jones, 21, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for a charge of first-degree robbery on Oct. 11. He will have to serve 17 and a half years before he can be considered for parole. Jones was also sentenced to five years in prison for a charge of going armed, two years for carrying weapons and 30 days for making a false police report. Those sentences will run concurrent to time for the robbery charge. He was also ordered to pay $161 in restitution. Jones was convicted following an August jury trial. Prosecutors said Jones entered Rays Supermarket on Franklin Street on Nov. 18, 2015, brandishing a gun and directed a clerk to open a cash register. The manager reached for a .380-caliber handgun, and Jones started shooting, prosecutors said. The manager shot back, striking Jones, prosecutors said, and Jones allegedly left a palm print on a glass door as he fled. About 15 minutes later, police were called to a report of gunfire at West Eighth and Leavitt streets with a person on the ground. They found Jones with a gunshot wound, and he claimed he had been shot in a mugging where a gunman had taken his jacket and headphones. CEDAR FALLS Police have added more charges against three men who were detained following a high-speed chase that was sparked by a bike theft investigation on Wednesday. Cody Davis Brown, 33, of West Union; Matthew David Miller, 33, of 404 Allen St., Waterloo; and Brandon Avery Samuel Proctor, 35, of Aurora, were initially arrested for interference for allegedly running after the pickup truck they were traveling in landed in creek and became stuck on a sandbar. All three have since been charged with first-degree theft in connection with the truck, a Ford F-350 that had been reported stolen from Kreiger Motor Co. in Muscatine. The allegedly driver, Brown, also was arrested for felony eluding, fourth-degree railroad vandalism, fourth-degree criminal mischief and third-degree theft, which stems from the trucks license plate that was stolen from Tri-State Crane and Rigging Service in Cedar Rapids. The chase started around 6:50 a.m. Wednesday when University of Northern Iowa police were called about a possible bicycle theft in the 2000 block of Campus Street. Police had been investigating numerous bike thefts in the area in past months, and when officers approached the truck, they noticed bikes in the back and attempted to pull it over. A chase ensued, and the fleeing truck reached speeds of up to 80 mph in a 35 mph zone before leaving the road, driving through farm fields, damaging a fence and driving down Canadian National railroad tracks, causing spikes to pop up, court records state. The chase ended with the truck drove into Hammers Creek off of Butler Road. At the time of the chase, Proctor was wanted on an arrest warrant for second-degree theft for allegedly passing $2,384 in bad checks at Kwik Star convenience stores in Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Dunkerton in August. CEDAR FALLS Bernie Sanders, who competed against eventual Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, is returning to Cedar Falls today. This time hell be campaigning for his one-time opponent. Sanders will hold a Get Out The Vote rally at 4:45 p.m. today at the University of Northern Iowas Maucker Union rooftop in Cedar Falls. Doors open at 3:45 p.m. People interested in attending the event can RSVP online at: https://www.hillaryclinton.com/events/view/bhtc44sm6527gdbd/. He will discuss Clintons plans to build an economy that works for everyone, to raise the minimum wage and to make public colleges and universities tuition free. Sanders also will make stops in Davenport, Iowa City and Ames during his two-day trip to Iowa. WATERLOO Are we going forward or backward? That was the overarching question posed by former President Bill Clinton in Waterloo on Wednesday as he campaigned for his wife and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. The resounding answer from the audience of about 300 people was forward. And not just forward. Smile and say, We believe we should go forward together. We are coming back for you if you make Hillary president. We want you to be part of our future. America needs you too. We all have to rise together, Clinton said. When they go low, we go high, one audience member shouted, echoing first lady Michelle Obama, Clinton said going backward means returning to a trickle-down economy on steroids. People of color and women will have more limited rights, and the Affordable Care Act will be rolled back. We dont want to go back to that. What we want to do is go forward together. Thats what this whole election Clinton said, continuing until he was drowned out by applause. He sounded optimistic. We know shell win if everybody who is for her votes, Clinton said, encouraging people to vote if they havent already. Polls in Iowa show Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump leading or tied with Clinton. Clinton touched on immigration, raising the minimum wage and improving health care affordability, contrasting his wifes vision with Trumps. Hillary says, OK, your frustration and your anger is legitimate, but you need empowerment not resentment. And he says, Oh no you dont. You just keep right on resenting so I can ride this horse as long as I can, Clinton said. He said theres a chance for a future where people rise together. We cant get there if we choose anger over answers, if we choose resentment over empowerment, if we choose division over cooperation, and if we choose fantasy over fact, he said. Clinton was in Sioux City earlier Wednesday, and had planned to attend an evening rally in Des Moines with his wife and vice presidential hopeful Tim Kaine. That event was canceled after two police officers were shot and killed in the Des Moines area Wednesday. CEDAR FALLS -- Women couldn't vote for president when Marion Svendsen was born. So the 99-year-old resident of NewAldaya Lifescapes was thrilled this year to cast a ballot for the first time with a woman at the top of a major political party's ticket. "Especially Hillary," said Svendsen, who made no secret about her support for Clinton over Republican nominee Donald Trump. She was among some 20 residents of the Cedar Falls nursing facility who were visited by precinct election officials Wednesday to cast absentee ballots they'd requested for next week's general election. Svendsen was born in Hutchinson, Minn., Nov. 21, 1916, when the state allowed only men to cast ballots for president. Women won the right to vote nationally when all states ratified the 19th amendment in 1920. "I'll be 100 this month," she said. "Of course I couldn't vote all those years; I've just been alive all those years." Svendsen moved to Cedar Falls from Terre Haute, Ind., to be near her younger brother, Roger Hanson, a retired University of Northern Iowa physics professor. She was a teacher herself before retiring. "I taught third grade," Svendsen recalled. "They still think the teacher knows what she's talking about, so it's a good place to be." Like most NewAldaya residents, Svendsen prefers talking about her family over politics. She was looking forward to hosting them for her 100th birthday party in a few weeks, where they will enjoy traditional Danish crown cake and her son-in-law has promised to play an upright piano she donated to the care center. But Svendsen stays abreast of political issues by reading newspapers and Time magazine. Voting absentee has become more popular among the entire electorate. But Svendsen said this was her first time voting early instead of waiting in line at a polling place. Iowa election laws spell out in great detail how absentee ballots are handled for residents who are confined to hospitals or in other health care facilities. A two-person team of special precinct election officials one Democratic and one Republican hand deliver requested ballots and, if asked, assist the voter in marking their choices. Those ballots are then added to other absentee ballots to be counted. The Black Hawk County Election Office works with care centers in hopes of scheduling ballot delivery to all residents at a certain address on the same day. Svendsen smiled when asked if she thought she'd have a chance to vote for Clinton again in 2020. "Maybe for another woman," she said. "If she's really successful she might start a precedent." PROLE Texas Sen. Ted Cruz joined Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence at a Warren County farm Thursday to urge Iowans to think about jobs, freedom and security when they go to the polls next week to decide a pivotal election that carries long-term implications for the nation. This race is on, Pence told about 325 supporters who gathered for a campaign rally in a machine shed at Bruere Farms in rural Warren County. He scoffed at recent predictions by what he called biased media Democrat Hillary Clinton would win Tuesday, saying he is seeing amazing momentum for GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump that will carry Republicans to victory. Its a choice between two futures, said Pence, the governor of Indiana. Either the path of big government regulation, taxation and corruption under Clinton, he said, or Trumps vision to make America stronger and more secure both home and abroad with a revitalized economy fueled by pro-job trade policies, lower taxes, less regulation and ethics reform designed to drain the swamp in the nations capital. Cruz and Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, joined Pence in calling for Congress and the next president to replace and repeal Obamacare, citing higher premiums and rosy promises that never materialized under health-care reforms put in place by President Obama and congressional Democrats. If your premiums have dropped $2,500, vote for the Democrats, said Cruz, who finished ahead of Trump in Iowas Feb. 1 first-in-the-nation nominating caucuses. If not, if your premiums have gone up under this train wreck that is Obamacare, then vote for the Republicans and throw the bums out. Cruz, who drew criticism in July when he did not endorse Trump at the GOP national convention in Cleveland before announcing his backing two months later, was surgical in his remarks Thursday in bashing Clinton without mentioning Trump at the rally headlined by Pence. Putting a Republican in the White House and keeping a Republican Senate is the whole enchilada, Cruz told the gathering. In the last election Barack Obama won the state of Iowa. But I can tell you right now that, thanks to the men and women across this state, Hillary Clinton aint winning Iowa. King, on the other hand, was more than willing to sing Trumps praises, telling those assembled Im 100 percent, all the way, full bore, all in with both feet for Donald Trump. Pence punctuated the days proceedings by urging attendees to go vote and then do all you can do to encourage others to do likewise with five days remaining to deliver a victory for Trump and Republicans up and down the ticket. At this point its all about turnout, said Cruz, who was one of 17 Republicans who sought their partys presidential nomination in an election he called a wild ride. It has been something else and we are coming down to the closing stretch and Ill tell you, the stakes have never been higher for our country, the Texas senator added. The Republicans try to make the argument that its important to return John Katko to Congress in order to preserve the Republican majority and protect the country from the likely new president, Hillary Clinton. This sure sounds like talk of desperate dead-enders who nominated one of the most unfit candidates for president in modern history. Why on earth would voters believe in this protect the majority policy so that the Republicans can continue to obstruct the next administration? The very fact that they may lose so badly is clear evidence that the voters reject this whole program of self-inflicted dysfunction. The voters shouldnt reward an incompetent political party but rather send it out into the political wilderness and let its members reflect on their sins. In the meantime, the voters of the New York 24th Congressional District may want to vote more strategically to advance the interests of the district. It is very likely that Hillary Clinton will be the next president. It is becoming increasingly likely that the Democrats may control the Senate and that Senator Schumer, the senior New York senator will be the next Senate Majority Leader. Its also becoming increasingly likely that while the majority in the House may remain with the Republicans, it will be so close that the Republicans will need Democrats to pass any legislation at all and their heretofore strategy of obstruction will be ineffective. It is also important to keep in mind that the likely new president previously represented New York as a senator and is very familiar with our district and our concerns. So rather than be represented by a junior congressman of dysfunctional and discredited party, lets be little smarter about this and send a Democrat like Colleen Deacon to Washington who at least is likely to be well received and listened to. Just because the Republicans all charged headlong off the cliff, theres no reason the rest of us need do so as well. Richard Glenister Locke UNI center hosts Netflix movie CEDAR FALLS -- The University of Northern Iowa Center for Violence Prevention will host a screening of Audrie & Daisy, a Netflix documentary about sexual assault, at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Audrie and Daisy premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2016 and was purchased by Netflix in September. The film includes the stories of two American high school students, Audrie Pott and Daisy Coleman, who were sexually assaulted and subjected to abuse and cyber-bullying following the assaults. The screening is free and open to the public. Water quality topic of panel WATERLOO -- Problems and solutions regarding Iowa water quality issues is the topic of a community conversation sponsored by the League of Women Voters from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Waterloo Public Library, 415 Commercial St., meeting room A. Panel members are Dennis Clark, general manager of Waterloo Water Works, Sen. Bill Dotzler, Jim Jordahl of the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Jerald Lukensmeyer, manager of gas and water operations for Cedar Falls, and Jeri Thornsberry of the Black Hawk Soil and Water Conservation District. The panel will be moderated by Christinia Crippes from The Courier. The event is free and open to the public. City of Waterloo seeks proposals WATERLOO -- The city of Waterloo, acting through its Community Development board, is now accepting proposals for the use of the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Program funds for 2018. Written proposals must be submitted to Rudy D. Jones, community development director, Waterloo Community Development Board, 620 Mulberry St., Waterloo, using the required application form and received no later than noon Dec. 30. A public information forum will be at 9 a.m. Nov. 15 at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, 225 Commercial St., to discuss the programs. Block Grant and HOME Program funds are made available to the city by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These programs give priority to activities which benefit low- and moderate-income families, aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight, meet other community development needs or provide affordable housing. HCC ranked on 'Best for Vets' WATERLOO -- Hawkeye Community College is once again on the Military Times Best for Vets list of colleges. The eighth annual rankings factor in the results of Military Times comprehensive school-by-school survey of veteran and military student offerings and rates of academic achievement. Best for Vets: Colleges 2017 is an editorially independent news project that evaluates the many factors that help make colleges and universities a good fit for service members, military veterans and their families. More than 500 colleges took part in this years detailed survey. Hawkeyes Military and Veterans Services office includes a coordinator and resource center, providing veterans with a central point of contact and making it easy for a one-stop-shop approach to determine funding and resources. Among many resources for veterans, Hawkeye has a personalized approach to transitioning into the academic environment, tutoring and campus-based disability and counseling services. For more information, call 296-2320, ext.1212, or check www.hawkeyecollege.edu/go/veterans-services. Third-party topic at Luther DECORAH -- Luther College will host a third-party candidate discussion, "Perpetuating the Two-Party System: How Our System Sidelines Independent Candidates," at 12:30 p.m. Friday in the Mott/Borlaug Room in Dahl Centennial Union. Independent Party candidate Michael Luick-Thrams and Libertarian candidate Charles Aldrich will be present to discuss the challenges of running as third-party candidates in a two-party system. Both candidates are currently running to represent Iowa in the U.S. Senate. The discussion, hosted by the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement, is open to the public with no charge for admission. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch and their questions for discussion. For more information about Luther, check http://www.luther.edu. Luther receives Legion grant DECORAH -- Luther College received a $2,000 grant from the American Legion of Iowa Foundation in support of scholarships for veterans. Four Luther students are benefiting from the scholarship funds, which help address the growing need for support of veterans currently serving or returning from recent service. Since the founding of the college in 1861, more than 1,500 Luther students, faculty, staff and alumni have served with distinction in U.S. military, Reserve and National Guard units. It is extraordinary how in the last stage of this dismal campaign both candidates are revealed as the most exaggerated and grotesque form of their stereotype. The cartoon versions of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are, in fact, photorealism. Who can now deny the inhabitants of Clintons world are so accustomed to corruption they cant even see it anymore? The State Department, the Clinton Foundation, Bill Clintons cronies and both Clintons personal finances were all one thing an instrument of enrichment designed to maintain red-carpet social standing and political relevance. The lawyers who surround Clinton have ceased to care primarily about the law. They are enablers who could not recognize the risk of conducting public business on a private server, the problem with electronically shredding thousands of emails or the impropriety of routine self-dealing and (at least) the appearance of influence peddling. What does all this tell us about Hillary Clinton? It reveals a leader who seems to value loyalty above integrity, who surrounds herself with yes-persons, who responded to a lifetime of controversy by growing a thick shell of Nixonian paranoia, who seems to regard her own considerable public contributions as permission for profiteering. Who can now deny residents of Trumpland the candidate and his small inner circle are every bit as radical and revolting as advertised? They seem intent on reducing turnout by making presidential politics so rancid, so rank, so radioactive only his cheering, frothing partisans will be motivated to vote. The Trump campaign embraced a political strategy first outlined by agitated callers on conservative talk radio. Alex from Amarillo such a big fan of your show would invite Bill Clintons accusers to a presidential debate or promise to put Hillary Clinton in jail or hint at her complicity in murder. What does all this tell us about Trump? He pulls people close to him who reinforce his anger, his prejudice, his megalomania, his conspiracy-mindedness. He is both impossibly ignorant and insanely confident in his own flawed judgment. He thinks he should be exempt from the normal rules of transparency by refusing to supply his tax returns while using a presidential campaign to pimp his brand. He is acting as a propaganda arm of the Putin administration, defying the judgment of American intelligence agencies in a manner that raises serious questions about his true motives. He has tried to explain away the language of sexual assault as locker room talk and attacked the character and appearance of women who say they experienced his technique. Trump has dramatically lowered public standards of civility, of honesty, of tolerance, of decency and of ethics. Those who deny the rough accuracy of either of these pictures and there are plenty of Americans who would are partisans. They not only hold a set of political opinions, they are determined to live in their own version of reality from which inconvenient facts are banished by edict. They have already made up their minds, perhaps already voted. But how about the rest of us? It does not help to point out there has been a massive failure of the presidential nomination process in both parties; one candidate stale and tainted, the other vapid and vile. In addition to bitter complaint, voters have several options. They can write in a name (lets hear it for Paul Ryan or Condi Rice). They can support the well-intentioned but not particularly qualified Evan McMullin. Americans can justifiably refuse to vote in the presidential election. There is no democratic principle that forces someone to pull the lever for a politician who morally offends them. Or they can reluctantly and strategically vote for Clinton, who lacks essential elements of integrity but not the qualifications for high office. Only one option is precluded to vote for Trump. And here are the postcard reasons: Trump is a man of dangerously erratic temperament who should not be allowed to control American foreign and military policy. Trump lacks a commitment to democratic ideals and institutions, demonstrated by his attempt to discredit any electoral outcome unfavorable to him. Trump operates by a materialistic, Nietzschean ethic an ethic of dominance and revenge in which power and success are worshiped and the weak are treated with contempt and cruelty. And Trump is deeply and defiantly ignorant with no basis or background to make informed choices on complex issues. America has two bad choices, but not equally bad. Dumbing down America HAROLD FLANSCHA DENVER -- It's working, according to the right wingers' opinions, not only deplorable but gullible hog wash. The Republicans want to consolidate the schools another way to dumb down our kids with big classrooms. Do you think the despicable Trump as president would bring back all the companies and jobs that he has so smugly brags about; in reality he has sold out America. If you think so, you GOPs are gullible. This guy has filed bankruptcy numerous times. Sandy Salmon (is) bought and paid for by the Koch Brothers. She is told what to do and what to vote for. Benghazi is a bad deal, four lives matter. What about ole G.W. Bush lying about weapons of mass destruction, going to war for greed, killing thousands and injuring thousands for life? You deplorables were mum then, right? You have short memories on purpose. Republicans always have talked out of both sides of their mouths and not said anything. Approval for Trump is sick. Steady as she goes RICK BROWN CEDAR FALLS -- I have gotten tired of vacuuming my TV screen this political season and have decided to step back and look at where we were as to where we need to go. The recession that started Sept. 15, 2008, forced us to borrow long-term money just to save our economy and our homes. We have had to do that for eight years now and the 30-year payback period will start when we balance our federal budget. Increasing the federal minimum wage will go a long way in starting that process. Hillary Clinton is the only candidate that is coming out in favor of this and I think this is our only path to pay that debt back. So I'm with Bernie when he said "I don't give a damn about those emails". We need a steady hand this election cycle. For Chuck Grassley SANDY SALMON JANESVILLE --I am writing to urge everyone to support our Sen. Chuck Grassley for re-election. It is extremely crucial at this time that we have him in the U.S. Senate defending our nation against those who would erode our liberties and weaken us at home and abroad. He has shown he will fight for a conservative U.S. Supreme Court and supports policies to strengthen our nations leadership role in the world. He will work for a balanced budget, a strong military, an end to ISIS, and getting government out of the way of farmers and those who create jobs in order to restore a sound economy. Senator Grassley has done an outstanding job over the years representing Iowa in the U.S. Senate. He has stood up and fought for the ideas and policies that Iowans value and support and that are in our states best interests. He has demonstrated his loyalty and accountability to the citizens of Iowa whom he represents. And over the years he has been unwavering and consistent in his advocacy of what Iowans want. Chuck Grassley has always been there for us Iowans and always will. Lets be there for him! Birds of a feather JERALD T. SMITH WATERLOO -- The truth in old sayings that seem to have a way of coming true. You know the ones, a leopard can not change its spots, the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. In light of all the controversy surrounding Hillary Clinton and her family over the use of the Clinton Foundation to generate personal wealth, the email scandals, the white gate/Vince Foster in Arkansas scandals, it seams to tie in with Chelsea Clintons father-in-law, Ed Mezvinsky. In 2001 , Mezvinsky was indicted and later pleaded guilty to 31 of 69 felony charges of bank fraud, mail fraud, and wire fraud. He went to prison in 2003 and as of 2010 still owed $9.4 million in restitution to his victims. Oh yes, one other old saying, "birds of a feature flock together. Vote Bonnie Sadler PETER VOORHEES CEDAR FALLS -- On election day, I will be casting my vote for Bonnie Sadler for State Senate District 30. As a small business owner, Bonnie understands that burdensome regulations and taxes hurt small businesses, farmers, and working class families. Shell work to revamp and simplify our tax structure to attract businesses that will provide good paying jobs, and grow our economy. Bonnie has been active in the community through service the boards of Big Brother Big Sisters, Northeast Iowa Area on Aging, Black Hawk County Health Department, and the Beyond Pink Team. Her work in the health care industry and service on these boards will make her a strong advocate for quality and efficient health care services as the state struggles with how to deal with the rapidly escalating costs of these important programs. Please join me in voting for Bonnie Sadler for State Senate District 30. Vote for Kroeger ROBERT DIEDRICHS CEDAR FALLS I support Gary Kroeger for Iowa House District 60. Gary grew up here, knows the Cedar Valley and has given his time in support of community events and charities. He brings a broad range of experience as an actor, small business owner and creator of specialized business services. Hes talked to many of us, listened to our concerns and discussed what needs done. Hes attentive to our priorities. Real-world experience is a key asset. For several years he owned and operated a full-service restaurant. He has personal experience in creating jobs, meeting a payroll, satisfying customers, paying bills on time, complying with government regulations and reacting to the unexpected. As creative director of Mudd Advertising, Gary works with many businesses, providing services suited to their needs. He must understand each clients specific problems and objectives to develop effective, ethical solutions. He is no stranger to planning, budgeting and scheduling. Iowa has real problems related to education, mental health, Medicaid services and the replacement of roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Gary has studied these issues, talked to constituents for their input and is well prepared to work on solutions while representing us. Please join me in voting for Gary Kroeger. Chrysler Group may have to share with Nissan Motor Co. the stylish chrome capital C and black block letter Turbo Diesel logo that has adorned Ram heavy-duty pickups for nearly a quarter century. It was unclear today if there will be marketing implications to Nissan using the Cummins name on a competitive truck. Nissan announced earlier today that its Titan pickup will get a Cummins turbodiesel in the 2015 calendar year. "We will definitely leverage the Cummins brand name," said Nissan spokesman Dan Bedore. Cummins has been the sole supplier of diesel engines for Chrysler's Ram pickup since 1989 -- and the Cummins name is seen as a key reason why many customers buy the truck. The Cummins diesel engine has a reputation for long life, low maintenance and good fuel economy while towing heavy loads. The Ram with a Cummins diesel is rated at 850 pounds-feet of torque and can tow an industry-best 30,000 pounds. Silver Cummins Turbo Diesel badges are attached to the fenders of Ram trucks with the engine. Chrysler officials would not comment on Nissan's deal with Cummins or whether the name on a competitor's truck could hurt Ram's sales or dilute the brand's exclusivity. Ram spokesman Nick Cappa said buyers associate the Cummins engine with ability to tow and haul huge loads. "People buy heavy-duty trucks for their capability, and that's what we deliver," he said. The Cummins engine Chrysler uses in the Ram is a 6.7-liter inline-six, while Nissan's Cummins diesel is a 5.0-liter V-8 based on a different design. Chrysler uses the Cummins engine only in heavy-duty versions of the Ram. Nissan doesn't offer a heavy-duty version of the Titan, and the Cummins engine will provide greater towing ability and higher fuel economy than the Titan's gasoline V-8. Later this year, Ram will offer a V-6 turbodiesel from VM Motori in the light-duty or 1500 versions of the Ram. Working on logo Cummins spokesman Dave Groggin said the company will work with Nissan on the logo, but he said it is too early to say if there will be any differences. "It's our logo, not a Ram logo. We worked with Ram on the logo and we'll work with Nissan," he said. "Clearly both automakers see value having our logo on the side of their vehicles." Details of the next Mississippi-built Titan, which hasn't been fully revamped since its 2003 introduction, aren't being disclosed at this time, the company said. "Truck owners told us there's a demand for the performance and torque of a diesel in a capable truck that doesn't require the jump up to a heavy-duty commercial pickup," Fred Diaz, vice president for North American Nissan sales and marketing, said in the statement. "There is no question that the new Titan will turn heads." Missed expectations Nissan missed expectations a decade ago with Japan's first pickup that appeared to match the size and power of the trucks that are a cornerstone of U.S. sales for General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler. Nissan never met an initial target of selling 100,000 Titans a year, and delivered just 10,020 this year through July, a sixth the volume of Toyota Motor Corp.'s Tundra, and a fraction of the sales of Ford's F-Series, GM's Silverado and Chrysler's Ram pickups. Titan sales fell 42 percent in July compared with the same month last year and have dropped 21 percent for the first seven months of the year, according to the Automotive News data center. Nissan's total U.S. sales have risen 9 percent over the same seven months. U.S. full-size pickup sales jumped 23 percent this year through July, according to Autodata Corp., as an improving economy encourages buyers to replace their aging trucks. Large pickups account for a majority of earnings for U.S. automakers, according to Morgan Stanley. Diesel appeal Owners of large pickups are among the most loyal to GM, Ford and Chrysler. Nissan hired Diaz, 47, earlier this year after the executive headed Chrysler's Ram brand and Mexican unit. Toyota, which is readying a revamped Tundra, has no plans to add a diesel powertrain at this time, said Bill Fay, the company's group vice president for U.S. sales, in an interview in San Diego. Karl Brauer, senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book, said fuel efficiency requirements continue to push automakers to consider new, alternative drivetrain solutions. "By offering a Cummins turbo diesel in the next Titan, Nissan is increasing both performance and fuel efficiency for its truck just as the segment is seeing rapid growth," he said in a statement. "Customer loyalty among truck buyers remains a barrier to brands like Nissan and Toyota, but a 5.0-liter turbo diesel, offering approximately 550 pound-feet of torque, could change truck buyers' consideration list when the next Titan hits showrooms next year." The diesel engines will be built at a Cummins factory in Columbus, Ind., for installation at Nissan's Canton, Miss., plant. Nissan didn't provide investment figures or say whether additional U.S. manufacturing jobs would result from the project. Cummins is also based in Columbus, south of Indianapolis. Nissan's North American unit is based near Nashville, Tenn. Ballot proposal asks Kentucky voters whether there's a right to an abortion Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 02, 2016 | MURRAY, KY By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 02, 2016 | 03:54 PM | MURRAY, KY Murray State University has announced two finalists for the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs position. The finalists include Dr. Mark Anderson, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at Kennesaw State University; and Dr. Robert Fischer, Jr., dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences at Middle Tennessee State University. Both candidates will visit the Murray campus next week to meet with Murray State University President Bob Davies, University deans and other leaders, faculty, staff and students. Each finalist will also participate in a public forum open to the entire University community. The finalists were selected by the search committee following a national search. Anderson has served as the dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at Kennesaw State University since July 2012. While at Kennesaw State he has initiated two new thesis-based graduate programs and a new Ph.D. degree program in Advanced Analytics and Data Science, led the College's strategic planning process and secured private support and grants totaling nearly $2.5 million. He has previously held positions at the University of ColoradoDenver and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his bachelor's degree in chemistry at Indiana University, Bloomington. Anderson will be on the Murray State University campus on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Fischer has served as the dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences at Middle Tennessee State University since 2012. While in this role, he has provided leadership for the College's experiential learning initiatives, reshaped the College's advisory board, stewarded the design and construction of the $147 million new science building and increased total private giving to the College by 67 percent. He has held positions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Eastern Illinois University. He earned his Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of South Carolina, master's degree in environmental biology, physiological ecology from the State University College of Buffalo and his bachelor's degree in ecology from the State University College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York. 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any auto maker would love to have. It's selling too many cars. Subaru-brand sales in the U.S. are up 27% in the first seven months of 2013, more than three times the market overall. The auto maker, owned by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., is on track for a sixth-straight year of sales gains, a period that includes the 2009 financial crisis that bankrupted two of Detroit's Big Three. But the sales boom has taken Subaru by surprise, and the company faces shortages of its newest models. That is forcing Japan's smallest car maker to ask some thorny questions about how much risk it can stomach if it wants to expand. Subaru plans to increase its Japanese production capacity by 15% by the end of August compared with 2012. Subaru also is investing about $400 million to increase output at its U.S. factory in Lafayette, Ind., by 76% to 300,000 vehicles by 2016. The U.S. sales surge and a weaker yen helped make Fuji Heavy Japan's most profitable car company between April and June with an operating profit margin of 12.7%, above Toyota Motor Corp.'s 10.6%. Subaru's two main Japanese plants are already running at full capacity, and manager Masahiro Kasai said the company would likely add more capacity soon. But Subaru's conservative approach is nearing its limit, said Mr. Kasai. "It's like when the tube of toothpaste has run out and you try to squeeze out the last little bit from the bottom again," he said. For instance, its Forester crossover's U.S. inventory stands at a 15-day supply, compared with the U.S. industry average of around 60 days. A Fuji Heavy executive said the company would finance a big expansion if it saw an opportunity for long-term growth. Right now, Subaru's parent believes the strong demand for the redesigned Forester will run out at some point. "For Fuji Heavy, no matter how cautious it becomes, that doesn't mean that they are overcautious," because they are so small, says Koichi Sugimoto, an analyst at BNP Paribas. Subaru also is preparing to sell its XV Crosstrek Hybrid, its first hybrid gasoline-electric vehicle in the U.S. later this year, prompting debate over how much it is willing to spend to support the technology. The auto maker is late to the hybrid market and still doesn't have a full-electric or plug-in hybrid that meets California emissions rules that go into effect in 2016. "We are a small company, so within our limited resources how much do we put toward [hybrids]?" asks Subaru of America Chairman Takeshi Tachimori, a 59-year-old Fuji Heavy veteran. Subaru for years has operated as a niche player. It found its calling in compact SUVs and Outback wagons. Its all-wheel-drive cars earned the brand a loyal following among drivers in the northern corners of the U.S. Subaru started a decisive U.S. push in the past half-decade to counter the shrinking Japanese market. Its vehicles are now wider and roomier, tailored to American tastes so much so that some Subaru models like the latest Outback are too big for some Japanese parking garages. Subaru expects 51% of its sales to come from the U.S. in the year to March compared with 33% a decade earlier. Rob Cori, a 23-year-old graphic designer, ordered a 2014 Forester in mid-July through a Subaru dealer in Arlington, Va. At the time, there was only one new Forester left on the lot. It wasn't the color he wanted and didn't have the transmission he preferred. Mr. Cori says he considered Mazda CX-5 crossover and a Ford Escape, but decided to order the Subaru from Japan, and put up with the wait. "If I had went with the Mazda and the Ford I could have walked off the lot with one that day, but I preferred to wait for a Forester," he said. Subaru's dilemma over capacity is shared by bigger rivals, including Ford Motor Co. and South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co. Subaru's size currently accounting for just 2.6% of the U.S. market forces it to be more careful. Adding a factory that can build 200,000 vehicles a year, the amount usually required to build a new assembly plant, represents 3.5% of Ford's global output but more than a quarter of Subaru's. The way that Subaru was blindsided by its own U.S. success has been a cause of embarrassment for Mr. Tachimori. He said the company's sales projections were so conservative that he found himself apologizing instead of complaining to production officials for the shortages. This missed opportunity has caused Mr. Tachimori, who previously led development the Subaru Outback and Legacy, to push other executives to soften its play-it-safe approach. "It is something we haven't really done much of before. We know how to study worst-case scenarios, but we've never examined a best-case scenario," Mr. Tachimori said. "It will be more problematic if we miss out on an important opportunity so we should examine these kinds of best-case scenarios as well." A survivor of six heart attacks and a brain tumor, a grumpy bear of a man, whom has declared Russia as his new and wonderful home. His wife is a true Russian Sweet Pea of a girl and she puts up with this bear of a guy and keeps him in line. Thank God for my Sweet Pea and Russia. Torafu Architects designed a metallic-like interior harmonized with calm colour scheme for Aesop's new store opened in Seoul, South Korea. Aesop, an Australian skin care brand, opened its ninth store in Seoul -located next to Gyeongbokgung Palace in the area where galleries and shops are lined up. Existing buildings whose appearance can be seen from all directions have a ceiling showing the tree truss structure in the interior space of 5 m in depth and 7.5 m in depth. The building was repeatedly renovated and presented a variety of mismatched materials. Tokyo-based design studio sought to mitigate this cacophony by applying a midnight blue color to the exterior and a warm white color to the interior, thus lending the whole space a sense of unity and brightness. Called Aesop Samcheong, architects made all the fixtures of stainless steel or made them retract into the existing space by coordinating them in a simple manner using the same color as the exterior. Torafu Architects also combined sinks for consultations and a point-of-sale (POS) counter into one big table found at the center of the store. The sprawling network of pipes above the table provide the water supply and lighting for the sink area, and highlights the piece of furniture while beckoning clients inside the store through the store's big windows. The subdued color scheme helps this store become a part of the cityscape, but also manages to make it stand out in its bustling surrounding environment. The studio sought to create a store design that condensed Aesop's brand image into a small space. All images Jan Dee Kim Project Facts Principle use: Shop Production: Youngwoo ID. co,.ltd Credit: Graphics: Aesop / Lightings: Ellie Building site: Seoul, Korea Total floor area: 41.2m2 Design period: March 2016-September 2016 Construction period: September 2016-October 2016 > via Torafu Architects After nineteen years in limbo, Greeces first National Museum of Contemporary Art has opened to the public, John Psaropoulos of Aljazeera reports. The government passed legislation establishing the museum as a cultural entity in 1997. It then spent eleven years and $37 million restoring a former brewery in Athens to serve as the museums venue. But once it was completed in 2014, the seven-story building on Syngrou Avenue remained closed. In April of the same year, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, a philanthropic organization, pledged a $3 million grant to the institution, but several months later withdrew it for technical reasons. In 2015, the culture ministry promised a grand opening, but disagreements over regulations and administration, a dispute between the museums former director and its board, and a lack of funds to staff the museum translated into delays. Cultural institutions in Greece have been facing severe budget cuts due to the countrys ongoing financial crisis. According to Emmanuel Samoglou of Greek Left Review, cultural funding has been reduced by about half since 2010. Elena Mavromichali, a consultant on cultural policy and art historian, said, The fact that it hasnt opened just illustrates the dozens of problems facing culture in Greece. She added, But culture is a significant lever for economic development. When a museum works properly it puts an entire area to work......Continue Reading All images George Messaritakis > via Artforum Staying out of debt is easier said than done, I know. However, its something you can do, and its something you should be practicing everyday. As Christians, we are in this world, but we are PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC, November 03, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- XYZRD Group, developer of cloud communications solutions, announces launch of its new communication service - CONNECTOR73. It's - unique suite of solutions for communications between companies and customers. With CONNECTOR73 services, you get secure and reliable, enterprise-class service without the enterprise-class cost. We put everything in the cloud, so there is less to manage, and it is "future proof" with additional features and functionality immediately available as developed. No newer phone system every five to seven years. This could be the last phone system you'll ever need! CONNECTOR73 based on Zultys MX platform, adopted and used with many companies at US market. Inside CONNECTOR73 we are ready to supply solutions from simple - for a few employees and simple rules how to receive calls from customers, to very complex - that includes automatic customer service system and the implementation of calls processing center. Every service configuration will be tailored to resolve each customer's needs. One of the main features of the service is included high level technical support - customer must think just about his business, we will do all works from technical side of communications for him. Maxim Donchenko, CEO of XYZRD Croup comments the CONNECTOR73 launch, "We believe that our customers must have ability to be focused on their core business and our task give them the best tool for communications and collaboration, that will be 100% suitable to business and at the same time must be easy to use for any end users." Unique Features - No any locks to providers, we can help to connect with any telephone providers - Our service provides functionality comparable with leading enterprise-level communication systems - Our service is based on open standards and allow to use it with different applications and devices (ip-phones, gateways and so on). No vendor lock for proprietary software and equipment. - All additional features and functionality immediately available as developed. No need to wait and pay for upgrades. - We provide full cycle of technical support. - Customers pay only for the service that they are using, and only when using. No hidden costs. - We provide the ability to migrate to our service from legacy phone systems. Customer have ability to move his service from the cloud to the own equipment. With CONNECTOR73 you can forget about traditional office telephony and go to the next level. About XYZRD GROUP XYZRD Group was established in 2010 in order to bring innovative products and technologies for new generation of computing devices to the marketplace worldwide. The XYZRD is the developer of many applications and unique services for mobile device users who want to be in touch with digital world around us. XYZRD strongly focused on communication applications based on mobile platforms (iOS, Android, Windows) and cloud services. We've tried to put in words the ideas that motivate us as a company, the things that make us a team instead of just a collection of people who happen to work in the same office. # # # Nov 2, 2016 | By Tess The importance of foot comfort cannot be overstated, especially for those suffering from conditions such as diabetes. That is, while ordinary discomfort in shoes can be frustrating to anyone, it can actually be dangerous for those with diabetes, as atrophied nerve endings in the foot caused by the disease can dull or eliminate the sensation of pain, which can in turn result in serious foot injuries or wounds. Custom padded insoles have been an important part in curbing this problem, though until very recently they have remained expensive and not widely accessibleonly available through specialized orthopedic shoemakers. Fortunately, recent efforts have shown how 3D printing can be used to make the much needed insoles more accessible than ever before. 3D printing, which offers the opportunity to manufacture bespoke items in small or even single batches, could be the solution to producing custom-fitted, medical grade insoles. As a German-based initiative called LAUF (a German acronym for laser-assisted construction of customized footwear) is demonstrating, 3D printing could be the key to digitizing the manufacturing of insoles. LAUF, which is being funded by Germanys Federal Ministry of Education and Research, consists of a collaboration between industry experts and a team of researchers from the Fraunhofer Institutes for Mechanics of Materials (IWM), and for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology (UMSICHT). The project is demonstrating the advantages of not only digital foot mapping, but also of 3D printing insoles for diabetes patients. As IMW scientist Dr. Tobias Ziegler explains, Digital foot mapping is already common practice. As part of [LAUF], we have now also completely digitized the insole production process. Using newly developed software, the orthopedic shoemaker can design an insole for an individual patient and can print out the result on a 3D printer. According to the researchers, the stated advantages of 3D printing insoles include producing the custom insoles at a much lower cost, making them more accessible. In addition to the cost advantage, the fully digitized process could make the mechanical properties of the orthopedic insoles more evident and concrete, making them more appealing to health insurance companies. As the team emphasizes, having fully digitized insoles allows the health insurance companies to gather scientific data on them and their effectiveness. The next step in the research is to develop more innovative materials for 3D printing the insoles. Companies Covestro and Lehmann & Voss & Co., who were responsible for 3D printing insoles out of flexible and soft TPU material a few years ago, are now working with UMSICHT researchers to develop new types of TPU that are optimized for insole use. At the same time, researchers from IWM have been designing 3D structures and geometries to make the TPU insoles as well constructed and orthopedically viable as possible. Dr. Ziegler explains, Where does an insole need to be soft, or more rigid? By altering the structure type, we can precisely determine the rigidity of the insoleWe simulate the entire production process, too, in order to identify where there is potential for optimization. The insoles themselves are being 3D printed by Fraunhofer IWM's industrial partners rpm GmbH and Sintermask, which use selective laser sintering (SLS) to additively manufacture the custom insoles. Once printed, the insole prototypes are sent back to IWM where they are tested extensively. According to the research team, if proved fully viable, the software being developed through LAUF could be available through the IETEC in as little as two years. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Nov 3, 2016 | By Alec The rise of 3D printing over the past five years or so has been meteoric, but like with any new technology, it has had to face many skeptics along the way. In fact, much of the publicity surrounding 3D printing can be traced back to an article in The Economist published five years ago, creating hurricanes of believers and non-believers. President Obama, famously, was quickly convinced and has been actively promoting 3D printing through America Makes initiative. The doubters have also had plenty of manufacturing strength behind them, however. Back in 2013, Terry Gou, the president of Foxconn Technology Group, famously called 3D printing just a gimmick. And Gou typically knows what hes talking about, as the president of the worlds largest electronics contract manufacturer. But even Gou has now relented under pressure, conceding to the technology's potentials. In response to changing manufacturing trends and shifting operating cost perspectives, Foxconn is now looking to incorporate 3D printing into their R&D and manufacturing processes through a collaboration with Zhuhai CTC Electronic, Chinas leading 3D printer manufacturer. While the news marks a big step in the opposite direction for Gou, its also a huge moment for the industry as a whole, as Foxconn has the power to dictate manufacturing trends. Based in Taipei, Taiwan, Foxconn operates more than 30 science and technology industrial parks throughout China, while also being affiliated with more than 200 subsidiaries throughout the world. Back in 2011, Foxconn alone accounted for 5.8 percent of total exports out of mainland China (much of that being computer parts), making them the number one export company for nine consecutive years. Known as the worlds largest manufacturing foundry, Fortune 500 also ranked them 60th in their list of companies in that same year. Despite this, Gou and Foxconn have been skeptical about 3D printing until very recently, and saw the burst of the 3D printing bubble in late 2014/early 2015 as proof that a third industrial revolution was everything but real. Most prominently, that bubble burst led to a financial reshuffling and stock market troubles for 3D printing pioneers Stratasys and 3D Systems, who are still working to overhaul their 3D printing business models. 3D printing does not herald the arrival of the third industrial revolution, Gou said in response, further describing 3D printing with hyperbolic gimmickry. If 3D printing really is that good, then I'll write my surname 'Gou' backwards, he told local reporters at the time. His statements make this recent change of heart even more remarkable, and while Foxconn havent disclosed anything, Zhuhai CTC Electronics Public Relations Manager He SiYi revealed that talks are ongoing. We have been in discussions with Foxconn for some time, after they expressed a strong intention to collaborate with us and to introduce 3D printing in Foxconns R&D process and mold manufacturing activities, He SiYi revealed. As one of Chinas leading 3D printer manufacturers (with 20,000 square meter R&D factories), Zhuhai CTC Electronic is a prime candidate to enable these activities. Back in September, that same company unveiled two industrial 3D printing platforms, the Walnut 18 selective laser melting (SLM) 3D printer and Riverbase 500 light-curing (SLA) 3D printer. Several CTC representatives already flew out to Chongqing last month to conduct in-depth discussions with the local Foxconn branch, reaching an initial decision to establish a joint venture 3D printing company with Foxconn Chongqing. But the local government still needs to be consulted before such a venture can be implemented, He SiYi added. While still an ongoing process, this big news obviously says a lot about the state of industrial 3D printing right now. According to industrial expert Wang LianFeng, metal 3D printing in particular has become suitable to manufacture key parts for high-end aerospace, automotive and mobile phone applications. 3D printing is the key technology for intelligent manufacturing. As a representative of large-scale manufacturing, Foxconn can eliminate industrial resistance and pave the way to deal with rising labor costs, introduce robots and promote manufacturing intelligence, he says. This collaboration between CTC Electronic and Foxconn will be a real milestone for 3D printing, and for traditional manufacturing integration. Posted in 3D Printer Company Maybe you also like: Laws crafted by those elected should do most good for most people SpeedCast International Limited ( ASX:SDA ), a leading global satellite communications and network service provider, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Harris CapRock in a cash transaction valued at US$425 million. Harris CapRock is a global leader in the Energy and Maritime segments. The acquisition strengthens SpeedCast's already strong position in the Maritime industry, in which Harris CapRock has a leading position in the fast-growing and bandwidth-hungry Cruise sector, and creates a global leader in Energy, positioning the company for future growth.The combined entity will service over 6200 vessels, hundreds of rigs and platforms, and enterprise and government customers around the world with a wide portfolio of communications and IT services, and an industry-leading global support network. This expanded global footprint and infrastructure, with over 240 field engineers around the world, will enable SpeedCast to provide best-in-class services and support to our customers in over 100 countries."The acquisition of Harris CapRock is a transformational opportunity for SpeedCast. With this acquisition SpeedCast becomes the global leader in the industry, with a scale that enables us to deliver world-class services and support in over 100 countries. Harris CapRock's industry-leading product and technology portfolio also gives us the ability to deliver innovative new offerings to customers across the Maritime, Energy, Enterprise, Telecom, and Government segments. The acquisition enables us to build a leadership position in the Energy sector at an attractive stage in the market cycle. I am also excited about how the combination of SpeedCast and Harris CapRock will accelerate our position in the Cruise sector, building on our acquisition of WINS Limited earlier in the year," said SpeedCast CEO Pierre-Jean Beylier. "I am thrilled to welcome the Harris CapRock team to SpeedCast. Together we can expand the portfolio of services that we offer to our customers and position the combined group as an even stronger global provider of state-of-the-art communications and technology services."The transaction is expected to complete by the end of Q1 2017 subject to customary closing conditions, including anti-trust and regulatory approval.About Harris CorporationHarris Corporation is a leading technology innovator, solving customers' toughest mission-critical challenges by providing solutions that connect, inform and protect. Harris supports customers in more than 100 countries and has approximately $7.5 billion in annual revenue and 21,000 employees worldwide. The company is organized into four business segments: Communication Systems, Space and Intelligence Systems, Electronic Systems and Critical Networks. Learn more at harris.com.About Harris CapRockHarris CapRock Communications is a premier global provider of managed satellite, terrestrial and wireless communications solutions for primarily the maritime and energy markets. Harris CapRock provides One Clear Path for its customers by utilizing a robust global infrastructure that includes teleports on six continents, four 24/7 customer support centers, a local presence in 24 countries and hundreds of global field service personnel supporting customer locations across North America, Central and South America, Europe, West Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific. Learn more at harriscaprock.com.About Speedcast International LtdSpeedcast International Ltd (ASX:SDA) is the world's most trusted communications and IT services provider, delivering critical communications solutions to the Maritime, Energy, Mining, Media, Telecom, Cruise, NGO, Government, and Enterprise sectors. With more satellite capacity than any other provider, Speedcast enables faster, seamless pole-to-pole coverage from a global hybrid satellite, fiber, cellular, microwave, MPLS, and IP transport network with direct access to public cloud platforms. The company also integrates differentiated technology offerings that provide smarter ways to communicate and distribute content, manage network and remote operations, protect and secure investments, and improve the crew and guest experience. With a passionate customer focus and a strong safety culture, Speedcast serves more than 3,200 customers in over 140 countries. Learn more at www.speedcast.com. Contact Speedcast Media Contact Information: Clara So Head of Marketing E: clara.so@speedcast.com T: +852-3919-6894 Harris CapRock Media Contact Information: Jim Burke Harris Corporation E: jim.burke@harris.com T: +321-727-9131 SpeedcastMedia Contact Information:Clara SoHead of MarketingE: clara.so@speedcast.comT: +852-3919-6894Harris CapRockMedia Contact Information:Jim BurkeHarris CorporationE: jim.burke@harris.comT: +321-727-9131 Established in 1999, M2 Telecommunications Group Limited (ASX:MTU) is Australia's largest network independent provider of fixed-line, mobile and data telecommunications services. M2 is head-quartered in Melbourne and employs approximately 160 people nationwide. M2 also provides fixed-line and 3G mobile services in New Zealand.Within its "M2 Telecom" business division, M2 offers a suite of unique bundled telecommunications services and value added offerings targeted principally at the small enterprise market, distributed through an exclusive trans-Tasman network of sales dealerships, agencies and through targeted on-line marketing ventures (www.simplymobiles.com.au and www.greenmobiles.com.au). M2 Telecom also incorporates Southern Cross Telco, an established retail and small enterprise targeted telco, acquired by M2 in October 2007."M2 Wholesale" is the other core business division of M2, in which wholesale telecommunications services are supplied to small and medium sized telecommunications service providers and Internet Service Providers (ISP's). M2 Wholesale was launched in mid 2006 following M2's appointment by Optus as its exclusively endorsed aggregator/enabler of Optus mobile services. As a further boost to its wholesale operations, in May 2007 M2 completed the purchase of Australia's largest independent data wholesaling business, Wholesale Communications Group Pty Ltd (WCG), followed by the acquisition of Commander Communication's established wholesale network services company, Unitel Australia Pty Ltd in February 2008.M2's consolidated revenues now exceed A$160 million (annualised), approximately evenly shared between M2 Telecom and M2 Wholesale. On the basis of the successful completion of M2's acquisition of People Telecom Limited (ASX:PEO) in mid April 2009, annualised group revenues are expected to surpass A$250 million.M2 has a proven track-record of Denison Mines Corp (TSE:DML) (NYSEMKT:DNN) is a uranium exploration and development company with interests focused in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan. Including its 60% owned Wheeler River project, which hosts the high grade Phoenix and Gryphon uranium deposits, Denison's exploration portfolio consists of numerous projects covering over 350,000 hectares in the infrastructure rich eastern Athabasca Basin. Denison's interests in Saskatchewan also include a 22.5% ownership interest in the McClean Lake joint venture, which includes several uranium deposits and the McClean Lake uranium mill, which is currently processing ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll milling agreement, plus a 25.17% interest in the Midwest deposit and a 61.55% interest in the J Zone deposit on the Waterbury Lake property. Both the Midwest and J Zone deposits are located within 20 kilometres of the McClean Lake mill. Denison is also engaged in mine decommissioning and environmental services through its Denison Environmental Services division and is the manager of Uranium Participation Corp., a publicly traded company which invests in uranium oxide and uranium hexafluoride. First Baggy Green Holes Deliver Exceptional Results Adelaide, Nov 3, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Adelaide Resources Limited ( ASX:ADN ) is pleased to release the exceptional results on first Baggy Green holes drilling for Eyre Peninsula gold project (100% owned). Summary - Assay results for the first ten reverse circulation holes drilled at the Baggy Green prospect include the best gold intersections yet recorded. - Hole BGRC-1222 recorded an intersection of 16 metres at 5.72g/t gold from 66 metres downhole. - BGRC-1223, drilled 50 metres west of BGRC-1222, hit 11 metres at 9.32g/t gold from 85 metres downhole. - Narrow bonanza grade gold zones contribute to these intersections and include: 2 metres at 39.9g/t gold in BGRC-1222, and 1 metre at 97.3g/t gold in BGRC-1223. - Gold intersections were also achieved in three other holes while five holes returned no significant intersections. - The results provide evidence that postulated high grade gold shoots occur in the plane of mineralisation at Baggy Green (analogous to high grade shoots at the 7 million ounce Tropicana gold deposit in Western Australia). - Panning of drill samples from other programme holes has revealed gold grains, with assaying of samples from these holes currently in progress. Introduction Baggy Green is one of a cluster of gold prospects that together define the wholly owned Barns Gold Camp on the Company's Eyre Peninsula gold project, a group of eight tenements which cover 2,807 km2 in the Gawler Craton (see Figure 1 in the link below). In July 2016 the Company announced a maiden Mineral Resource for the Barns deposit in accordance with the JORC Code 2012 (1), with the Mineral Resource estimated to be 2.11 million tonnes at 1.6g/t gold for 107,000 ounces using a 0.5g/t gold cut-off. A programme of Reverse Circulation Drilling commenced at Baggy Green on 14 October 2016 with the goal of defining mineralisation that can add to the local resource base. First Baggy Green assay results Assaying of drill samples from the first ten holes has been completed, confirming that significant zones of gold mineralisation have been intersected. Table 1 (page 4 in the link below) includes a listing of the gold intersections along with drill hole collar location and set-up information. Geologically, thin cover sediments blanket deeply weathered zones of clay-rich saprolite, below which lies unweathered gneiss (see Figure 3 in the link below). Panning of mineralised drill samples from the holes revealed grains of native gold. In the unweathered primary zone gold mineralisation is associated with pyrite (FeS2) and minor chalcopyrite (CuFeS2). FPXRF scanning indicates copper in the gold mineralised zones is generally at concentrations of around 100ppm to 300ppm, with rare samples occasionally exceeding 0.1%. Hydrothermal alteration, dominated by assemblages of fine grained biotite and sericite, appears widespread. Section 6363140mN Four holes drilled on section 6363140mN were inclined at 65DEG to the east and drilled at a spacing of 50 metres (see Figures 2 and 3 in the link below). All four holes recorded gold intersections, with the grade of the mineralisation increasing down-dip. Drill hole BGRC-1220 intersected 1 metre at 2.15g/t gold, while adjacent hole BGRC-1221 hit an upper lode of 8 metres at 1.01g/t gold and a lower lode assaying 8 metres at 0.61g/t gold. BGRC-1222 recorded an excellent intersection of 16 metres at 5.72g/t gold, including a narrow bonanza grade zone of 2 metres at 39.9g/t gold. The intersection is estimated to have a true width of 15.5 metres. The western-most hole on the traverse, BGRC-1223, intersected an upper lode of 7 metres at 1.44g/t gold that was not encountered in holes to the east. BGRC-1223 then intersected a main lode recording 11 metres at 9.32g/t gold (estimated true width of approximately 10.6 metres), with the intersection dominated by a narrow bonanza grade hit of 1 metre at 97.3g/t gold, the highest individual assay recorded to date at the Baggy Green prospect. A deeper narrow zone in BGRC-1223 recorded 2 metres at 1.78g/t gold, confirming that the prospect contains at least three stacked gold lodes. Interpretation of the results The intersections in BGRC-1222 and 1223 rate as the best yet achieved from the Baggy Green prospect, with the high grade of the main lode in both holes attributed to the presence of narrow zones of bonanza grade. Figure 4 (in the link below) shows the target zone in plan projection with small dots indicating the position where both past and new holes penetrate the main mineralised lode. The intersection points are colour coded to indicate the estimated true width - gold grade product for each intersection. The plan suggests that a plunging high grade gold shoot, developed in the gently northwest dipping plane of mineralisation, is emerging in the vicinity of BGRC-1222 and BGRC-1223 (coloured purple on Figure 4 in the link below). The presence of high grade shoots, similar to those that occur at the 7 million ounce Tropicana gold deposit in Western Australia, have previously been postulated at Baggy Green. The high grade shoots at Tropicana have limited strike lengths but contain the majority of the deposit's gold. They play a critical role in the economics of the open pits, and may support future underground mine development. The increasing likelihood that similar high grade shoots are present at Baggy Green is considered positive. These first results also support the Company's view that ultimately Baggy Green can contribute to the local Barns Gold Camp resource inventory. Next steps A further 11 holes have been completed to date with assaying now in progress. Fine grains of native gold have been panned from a number of these holes. An additional hole is planned to test down-dip of the intersections recorded in BGRC-1223 where mineralisation remains open (see Figure 3 in the link below). To view the release, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/5P76ZW91 About Andromeda Metals Ltd Andromeda Metals Ltd (ASX:ADN) is an Australian Securities Exchange listed company focusing on mineral exploration for gold, copper and lithium deposits. The company has built a highly prospective exploration portfolio of projects covering 7,969 sq kms within 21 exploration licences located in South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Andromeda Metals was incorporated on 23 December 1993 and subsequently listed on the ASX on 11 September 1996. The company's head office is in Adelaide, South Australia. Andromeda Metals' vision is to be a sustainable minerals exploration company providing shareholders with risk managed discovery, development and mining opportunities. MMJ Receives Superior Offer To List Core Assets on TSX-V Perth, Nov 3, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - MMJ PhytoTech Limited ( ASX:MMJ ) ("MMJ" or "the Company") advises that it has executed a binding Term Sheet ("Term Sheet") with Canadian-based Harvest One Capital Corp. ("Harvest One") (TSXV NEX: WON.H) for the sale to Harvest One of 100% of the issued shares of United Greeneries Holdings Ltd ("UG") and Satipharm AG ("Satipharm") respectively. Highlights: - MMJ has received an unsolicited offer from Harvest One Capital Corp. to acquire United Greeneries Holdings Ltd and Satipharm AG on superior terms to the Top Strike transaction - Harvest One proposal includes total consideration for UG assets of C$42M in comparison to C$40M outlined in Top Strike deal - Pro Forma ownership of TSX-V listed entity is 70% vs 69% with Top Strike deal - Harvest One principals are experienced in Canadian cannabis sector and provide access to extensive institutional and retail investor networks - MMJ focused on major expansion opportunity in Canadian medical and future recreational markets, estimated to grow to C$8-9b p.a. by 2024 On 28 September 2016, MMJ signed a binding Term Sheet ("TSR Term Sheet") with TSX-V listed company Top Strike Resources Limited (TSX-V: TSR) ("Top Strike"), to sell MMJ's 100% shareholding in UG and Satipharm to Top Strike. The Company has subsequently received a superior proposal from Harvest One that has the potential to deliver increased value to MMJ shareholders and the TSR Term Sheet with Top Strike has been terminated. The Harvest One proposal, which remains subject to MMJ shareholder approval, offers MMJ shareholders a number of strategic benefits including an improved valuation for UG and Satipharm. Importantly, the timetable to complete the transaction is not anticipated to be impacted. In addition the principals behind Harvest One will provide access to extensive networks within the Canadian capital markets, having formerly been the principals of Potash One Inc., a vehicle which sold for C$430 million in 2011. Further, a lead consultant and shareholder of Harvest One has significant experience in the Canadian cannabis sector, principally resulting from his involvement in originating the TSX-V listing and concurrent $7.6M equity financing of one of the early companies licensed to produce medical marijuana pursuant to Canada's Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations ('MMPR') in September 2014. Harvest One Proposal Summary of Key Terms: - Harvest One will complete a 1.79:1 share consolidation resulting in it having 2,286,659 shares and 223,464 options on issue; - Harvest One will acquire UG and Satipharm for total consideration of $42M; -- $40M equity (53.3M shares @ $0.75/share) and $2M cash; - Pro Forma ownership of TSX listed entity is 70% versus 69% in TSR deal; All other terms are materially consistent with previously outlined TSR deal. MMJ PhytoTech's Managing Director, Andreas Gedeon, commented: "The Company is very pleased to have received this proposal from Harvest One, as it provides MMJ with the potential to deliver increased value to MMJ's shareholders in the near-term. The Harvest One proposal offers a number of compelling advantages, including a materially higher valuation for the United Greeneries and Satipharm assets, which is a significant endorsement of MMJ's assets and development strategy. We look forward to providing our shareholders with further updates on the Harvest One transaction in the near-term." About MMJ Group Holdings Ltd MMJ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX:MMJ) is a global cannabis investment company. MMJ owns a portfolio of minority investments and aims to invest across the full range of emerging cannabis-related sectors including healthcare, technology, infrastructure, logistics, processing, cultivation, equipment and retail. For MMJ's latest investor presentation and news, please visit: https://www.mmjphytotech.com.au/investors/ Mt Roberts Drilling Commenced Canberra, Nov 3, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Alt Resources Ltd ( ASX:ARS ) ("Alt") is pleased to announce that drilling commenced on the 31st October at the highly prospective Mt Roberts-Cottee gold project, near Leinster, WA (see Figure 1 in the link below). 11 RC holes have been completed (639m) of a planned 29 hole (1,800m) program. Samples from the first 7 holes have been dispatched to Kalgoorlie for analysis. Assay results are anticipated to be available before the end of the month. Key Points: - Drilling commenced at the Mount Roberts-Cottee Gold Project near Leinster, WA - 11 holes completed of 29 hole program - Preliminary assay results to be available within the month The Mount Roberts-Cottee Project is located 9 km northwest of Leinster (see Figure 1 in the link below) and 19 km northeast of the 3.8 Moz Agnew Gold Mine (Gold Fields Ltd). Planned drilling by Alt Resources will be primarily focussed on improving the density and level of confidence in historical drilling at the main zone of mineralisation at Mt Roberts-Cottee. This will include twinning some historical holes as well as performing infill drilling between sections. Significant results from historical drilling were described by Alt Resources in announcements on the 30th August 2016 and the 19th October 2016 (http://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/S61ZP18N and http://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/5R1EFJEV). About the Mount Roberts-Cottee Joint Venture Alt announced on the 30th August 2016 that it had reached an agreement with Mount Roberts Mining Pty Ltd (MRM) to farm into the Mt Roberts-Cottee project (http://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/RA96521U). Under the agreement, Alt can earn up to an 80 % interest in the Mount Roberts Mining Project in stages by funding drilling and exploration activities, and making a cash payment. The Mount Roberts-Cottee project includes the mining leases M36/341 and M36/279, covering a total of 2.41 km2 of prospective ground. To view the release, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/47T3BR2O About Aurenne Alt Resources Pty Ltd Aurenne Alt Resources Pty Ltd is an Australian based mineral exploration company that aims to become a gold producer by exploiting historical and new gold prospects across quality assets and to build value for shareholders. Lekki Lagos, February 1st 2019. Rilla Web Hosting, one of the top players in domain registration and web hosting has announces its full ... The conventional wisdom says that Millennials are very tech-savvy, which means theyll know when the software and hardware you provide them arent up to snuff. The trick is to avoid turning your firm into a time machine, experts warn: If young employees feel like coming to work means entering a time machine that takes them back to a time with older, more primitive technology, they wont appreciate it. Take a cue from JW Advisors, in Las Vegas: We have a state-of-the-art, award-winning work environment, the firm reporte. New employees receive a brand-new desktop/laptop, three desktop monitors, two field monitors, iPhones, iPads, etc. The firms best practices include a three-year rotation policy for new computers. Similarly, Marylands Santos, Postal & Co. provides the absolute best technology available on the market (software and hardware). All employees have two or three monitors, the most current PDAs, etc. Many others focus on being cutting-edge in particular areas, with souped-up workflow systems, or completely paperless offices. At Barnes Saly & Co. in Pennsylvania, for instance, the entire full-time staff of was given iPad Minis to access company e-mails and calendars. And at Californias Johanson & Yau, We employ the latest computer and other technology available to maintain continuous communication among employees and clients. We provide smart phones to our management team, and we are considering expanding this benefit to all accountants. Of course, while keeping up with technology is a must for firms that want to attract and retain younger accountants, it can be a struggle for firms and baffling to older staff. Hence the interesting approach taken by Californias Duffy, Kruspodin & Co.: For senior employees who are unable to keep up with the overall fast pace of the industry and ever-changing advancements in technology, we transition them into other roles where they can succeed, the firm said. IMGCAP(1)]If elections are all about economics, then the winner of next weeks presidential election will be Hillary Clinton. At least, thats what Moodys Analytics predicts, based on its analysis of economic and political variables that reflect a friendly environment for the incumbent party. In their model, the economy is humming along nicely, and that, combined with President Obamas rising approval ratings, should spell victory for the candidate representing the incumbent party. The model accurately predicts every election since 1980. If this dismays you, dont fret, since there are other economic models that suggest the opposite. For small business owners, the economic outlook is improving, but that doesnt necessarily reflect their presidential preference. The number of small business sales transactions reported to BizBySell reached a record level, not seen since right before the recession hit in 2008. Businesses sold in the third quarter of 2016 took an average of 171 days to sell, a 4.5 percent decrease from the 179 days reported in Q3 of 2015, and a drop from 188 days in the first quarter of this year. Thats a sign of an improving economy, according to Bob House, president of BizBuySell. And the median sale price in Q3 of 2016 increased 7.6 percent from $185,000 to $199,000. In a separate confidence index survey, sellers were more likely to feel that Trump would improve the small business environment, House said. Both buyers and sellers, when asked about the most important issues in the election, listed tax reform, health care, economic policies and jobs, in that order. Meanwhile, Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business and Management just released a poll suggesting that while small business owners are concerned about the impact of the election on their business, neither candidate is viewed as having policies that are unilaterally preferable. The survey was taken of 1,353 small business owners from across the United States, polled in October 2016. Small business owners appear to agree with Trump's policies on fiscal issues and with Clinton on social issues, according to the poll. On taxes, Trump is favored over Clinton by 66 percent to 34 percent; on regulations, Trump leads by 64 percent to Clintons 36 percent; and on access to capital, by 65 percent to 35 percent. However, Clinton scores higher than Trump on social issues: gender equity pay (Clinton 59 percent versus 41 percent for Trump; family leave (58 percent to 42 percent); and women-owned small businesses (59 percent to 41 percent). On the issues of healthcare policy, favorable impact on the gross domestic product, and favorable impact on free trade, Trump scores higher, but by narrower margins. The views they hold regarding the candidates are important to them. By an almost two-to-one margin, respondents said they are very concerned (38 percent), compared to somewhat concerned (20 percent), not at all concerned (20 percent) or simply concerned (19 percent). Of course, its still anybodys guess as to what will happen next Tuesday, with the possibility of more WikiLeaks, Weiner leaks, former girlfriends and/or pageant contestants resurfacing, and more October surprises from either campaign. But the next time I write about a politicians position on taxes, there will be just one left to consider. A student with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD), three with learning disabilities, and one with both conditions seemed to be heading nowhere fast. A teacher hurled an eraser at one of them, and asked, Time passes, will you? Another graduated at the bottom of his high school class and was strongly advised by his principal to go into carpet laying. The third was labeled lazy by her teachers because she had trouble memorizing basic math facts. The fourth was a whiz with numbers but found reading a book was a difficult task. The last was always falling behind in his schoolwork and concluded that he was stupid. How am I going to be successful in anything if I cant read and write? he wondered. You might say that these nowhere kids turned their lives around. They are now all successful entrepreneurs with ADHD, in order, Alan Meckler, a publishing executive and former CEO of MediaBistro; Paul Orfalea, founder of the copying empire, Kinkos; Diane Swonk, a world-renowned economist; Charles Schwab, a pioneer in the discount brokerage business; and David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue Airways. Besides having difficulty in school, these executives share another thing in common: They all live with ADHD or learning disabilities. Neeleman has ADHD; Swonk, Meckler, and Schwab have dyslexia; and Orfalea has both. Each managed to turn his or her liabilities into assets on their respective career paths. If you have difficulty with organization, reading, or remembering math facts, these entrepreneurs prove that such limitations dont preclude a bright future. Flying High David Neeleman Founder, JetBlue Airways If someone told me you could be normal or you could continue to have your ADHD, I would take ADHD, says Neeleman, who foregoes medication to manage the condition. Im afraid of taking drugs once, blowing a circuit, and then being like the rest of you. [Free Download: Yes! There Are People Like You] Countless airline passengers are thankful that Neeleman skipped the medication. If he hadnt, perhaps JetBlue Airways wouldnt have gotten off the drawing board. Neeleman prided himself on thinking out of the box when creating the airline. With the disorganization, procrastination and inability to focus, and all the other bad things that come with ADHD, there also come creativity and the ability to take risks, he explains. Neeleman boldly told the New York media, We want to be New Yorks new low-fare, hometown airline. His statement could be interpreted as naive confidence or remarkable chutzpah, coming, as it did, from a third-generation Mormon from Utah. Despite the myriad naysayers from the venture capitalists who walked away from investing in the budding airline to the media Neeleman changed the flying experience by introducing such innovations as live in-flight television and unparalleled customer service. I knew I had strengths that other people didnt have, and my parents reminded me of them when my teachers didnt see them, says Neeleman. I can distill complicated facts and come up with simple solutions. I can look out on an industry with all kinds of problems and say, How can I do this better? My ADHD brain naturally searches for better ways of doing things. Neelemans personal life isnt the same success story. My wife cant always figure out what the heck Im thinking, and my kids want me to focus on just one thing with them. I find it difficult. Its hard for me to do the mundane things in life. I have an easier time planning a 20-aircraft fleet than I do paying the light bill. [Free Webinar Replay: How to Transform Your ADHD Into a Strategic Advantage at Work] Neeleman does try to rein in his wandering mind. At the office, he surrounds himself with people who are good at the details of the business. My assistant helps me write letters and keeps my calendar, he says. I have no idea what Im doing one day to the next. At home, he has trained himself to put his wallet and keys in the same place so he doesnt lose them. He also wears a Casio DataBank watch, which allows him to type in reminders of appointments or ideas as they pop up. Life is full of trade-offs, he says, and living with my untreated ADHD is one of them. His ADHD career advice? Look at the positives of having ADHD, he says, and dont get discouraged. Dont ever give up. The Copy Chief Paul Orfalea Founder, Kinkos (now FedEx Office) He flunked second grade, did poorly in high school, and got Cs and Ds in college. But that didnt stop Orfalea, who is dyslexic and has ADHD to the max, from becoming an entrepreneur. Instead, it motivated the curly, red-haired executive (nicknamed Kinko) to exceed everyones expectations. The idea for Kinkos came to Orfalea in 1970, while he was a student at the University of California at Santa Barbara. He noticed all the people lined up to pay 10 cents a page to use the library photocopier. He decided he could provide the service cheaper. Orfalea borrowed $5,000 and opened his first Kinkos in a converted hamburger stand near the university. It was equipped with a lone Xerox machine. His copying business eventually expanded until it was acquired by FedEx. My learning disability gave me certain advantages, because I was able to live in the moment and capitalize on the opportunities I spotted, says Orfalea, as he looks back on his career. With ADHD, youre curious. Your eyes believe what they see. Your ears believe what others say. I learned to trust my eyes. So when customers came into his store looking to use a computer not to copy documents Orfalea saw an opportunity. He expanded Kinkos to include computers. As a result, the company captured many small business owners as customers, as well as the self-employed. His ADHD provided him with the right temperament on which to build the business. Because I have a tendency to wander, he explains, I never spent much time in my office. My job was going store to store, noticing what people were doing right. If I had stayed in my office all the time, I would not have discovered all those wonderful ideas to help expand the business. A Kinkos that remained open for 24 hours was an idea he picked up from his steady customers. I cant write a letter and I cant fix a machine, says Orfalea. My biggest advantage is that I dont get bogged down in the details, because of my ADHD. I hire capable people to handle that. Looking back on his own education, Orfalea believes that different children have different learning styles, and that the education system needs to recognize that fact before more children are left behind. If No Child Left Behind had been around when I was in school, says Orfalea, I would still be in third grade, because thats how bad a speller I am. Economic Forecaster Diane Swonk Economist and Author Wondering where the Dow will be at years end, or how fast the U.S. economy is growing? The go-to expert for economic prognostications is Diane Swonk, author of The Passionate Economist: Finding the Power and Humanity Behind the Numbers and, until recently, the chief economist at Bank One in Chicago. But ask her to write down her forecasts on paper, and watch out! I flip numbers constantly, she says. I joke about it in front of audiences, asking them whats the difference between 1.9% and 9.1% GDP growth? A world, actually. For Swonk, the youngest person to serve as president of the National Association for Business Economics (past presidents include former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan), flipping numbers comes naturally. Swonk doesnt have ADHD, but she has dyslexia and has trouble remembering phone numbers, as well as her PIN for the ATM. Her numerical problems havent held her back in her career. She is a brilliant thinker who processes information multidimensionally rather than in linear form. This allows her to view the endgame before others do, a distinct advantage in a profession where money is made or lost in seconds. Her special way of seeing the world, she believes, serves me extremely well for a science like economics, where, if one thing happens, another thing happens, in response. You realize that the worst forecasting in the world takes a trajectory, a trend, and says that it will go on forever, says Swonk. Sometimes the recent past is just a stage, not the trajectory of where we are heading. My learning difference allows me to say, Hey, when X happens, it doesnt mean that the next steps are going to be Y and Z. The next step may be to go back to A. As a youngster, Swonk felt isolated, even though her parents also struggled with the same learning disability. She had to deal with teachers who thought she was lazy because her spelling was atrocious or her mastery of math facts was poor. But her parents taught her to persevere. If you had to butter your bread with a chain saw, you did, says Swonk. You always had to find an alternative way to get things done. That lesson challenged her to find ways around the obstacles that dyslexia placed in her path. Swonks struggle with her learning disability has given her a disarming sense of humility. I know what its like to be scared when youre crossing the street and to wonder if youre going to be lost once you get to the other side. Or to get behind the wheel of a car and not know if youre going to reach your destination. I have learned to take that in stride. Swonk believes that humility is a virtue in business. You never get too far ahead of yourself when youre humble, she explains. You can be secure, but its good to keep a clear and open mind about things. My dyslexia probably made me insecure when I was younger, but now it serves as an underlying reminder of my own humility. The Internet Mogul Alan M. Meckler Publishing Executive; Former CEO for Mediabistro My lack of concentration, my inability to read charts, and my difficulty in deciphering documents made me a much better business person, says Meckler. And my lack of patience forced me to cut to the chase. His dyslexia was diagnosed only recently, after the long academic struggle of his youth. I used to daydream in class a lot Id just find my mind wandering off, recalls Meckler, who had problems with standardized tests. I wasnt able to spend much time on something if I couldnt come up with the answer right away. Arithmetic, which he refers to as math block, was his biggest bugaboo. Despite his difficulties with numbers, he learned to turn his disabilities to his advantage. In high school and college, he says, While most people would take lot of notes during a lecture, I could figure out the key points by just listening to the teacher. I have developed that skill in business. I am able to pick out the important details rather than getting bogged down. At the former company Jupitermedia, Meckler was famous for short meetings. He insists that if you cant describe something succinctly, then it isnt a good idea. I believe in keep it simple, stupid,' says Meckler. His skill at digesting very complex issues, to listen to them, not read about them, enabled him to spot business trends and to take advantage of those opportunies before the competition did. I spotted the Internet as a business opportunity three or four years before anyone else, he says. I started a newsletter and reporting service that covered the development of the Internet, then turned it into a magazine, then into a trade show. Internet World became the fastest-growing trade show in history, and was very big from 1994 to 1999. While the information industry generates reams of data, diagrams, graphs, and charts, Meckler depends on colleagues to interpret them for him. I can understand very simple bar graphs, he says. Once the chart has multiple lines, I cant follow it. When it comes to interpreting economic data, Ill go to my chief financial officer and say take me through this. Ill digest it instantly if I know the topic, but I cant follow it otherwise. Balancing his checkbook is also left to others. This takes him back to his youth, his passion for baseball, and his learning disabilities. New York in the 1950s had three baseball teams, so there were plenty of statistics for young Meckler to keep track of. He overcame his math block through those stats. I would devour the statistics, he recalls. I memorized baseball averages, taught myself thirds, averaging out, and how to compute earned run averages. Then he confesses: I still have problems if you tell me to divide I cant figure out the numerator or the denominator I have to go back and think of baseball averages to help me. Investing Wisely Charles Schwab Founder and chairman, Charles Schwab & Co. Growing up in a family of modest means in a small town outside of Sacramento, Schwab had to struggle through Stanford before landing a job in a small brokerage house. It was a modest beginning for the man who would start the nations fourth-largest brokerage firm. As a child, he didnt know he had dyslexia it was identified when the disability was spotted in his son. But he did know that he had to work much harder than other kids in school. He was good in math and science, but weak in reading and writing. I eventually overcame dyslexia because I was a reasonably competent kid and had a pretty outgoing personality, said Schwab in Fortune Small Business. I could communicate with my teachers, and I asked lots of questions in class. I think thats why I became favored among teachers. Theyd say, Gee, Chuck really works hard at it. We gotta give him the B instead of the C minus. His struggle with his learning disability shaped him as an entrepreneur. It taught him humility. Youre never quite certain youve accomplished what you wanted to do. Its wonderful fuel for motivation. It has helped him accomplish some things in his career that he wouldnt have believed possible. I was always aware of the fact that I excelled with numbers, even though I struggled with reading, he says. I focused on my strengths and used my natural affinity for numbers and economics as the focus of my career. Like economist Diane Swonk, he says, I found something I was good at and became passionate about it. I also discovered that many skills and talents, in addition to reading ability, are as important in the making of a top executive. Character, ethics, communication skills, consistency, analytical and relationship skills. Those are important for leaders. I have some of those skills, and I work with a lot of great people who bring other strengths and talents to the table. Add to that list of his assets, a spirit of generosity. After Schwabs son was diagnosed with dyslexia, the entrepreneur and his wife, Helen, decided to help other families who had learning-disabled children. They started The Schwab Foundation to give parents the answers to the million-and-one questions they have when their child has learning problems. Like most executives, Schwab values teamwork. I have strong people around me who focus on day-to-day planning and organization, he says. They know how to streamline my paperwork and to minimize my reading. Its really no different from most people who run companies or large departments. It takes a team to make things work well. What advice would Schwab give to others with ADHD or dyslexia or another learning disability? Find out what you can do well, focus on it, and work doubly hard, he says. We all aspire to do the best we can with what were dealt. Focus on your strengths. Dont be afraid to ask for help and to admit you need it. Look where that advice got Schwab. [How to Find a Career That Works For You] WANG XIAOYING/CHINA DAILY The question of whether the United States and European Union will extend to China the treatment of a market economy has become increasingly prominent as Dec 11 approaches, because this date marks the end of the 15-year period after China's accession to the World Trade Organization. China's treatment after 15 years of WTO membership and whether or not it is given market economy status are two different issues, but they are essentially the same, because in its foreign trade, whether or not other countries extend China market economy status lie in whether they will use the prices and costs in China as the criteria whenever there is an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation launched against its commodities. If market economy methodologies are used for determining normal value there is no significant difference to it being considered a market economy. Paragraphs (a) and (d) of Article 15 of the WTO protocol on China's accession explicitly describe such scenarios, and mean that after December, methodologies other than a methodology based on Chinese costs and prices cannot be used for the determination of normal value in anti-dumping investigations concerning goods originating in China. The Article has four paragraphs: The first covers price and cost comparison methodologies in dumping investigations, the second the calculation of benefit in subsidy investigations, the third with notifications to the WTO, and the fourth addresses the status or nature of China's market. Paragraph (a) stipulates that: "In determining price comparability under Article VI of the GATT 1994 and the Anti-Dumping Agreement, the importing WTO member shall use either Chinese prices or costs for the industry under investigation or a methodology that is not based on a strict comparison with domestic prices or costs in China based on the following rules: (i) If the producers under investigation can clearly show that market economy conditions prevail in the industry producing the like product with regard to the manufacture, production and sale of that product, the importing WTO member shall use Chinese prices or costs for the industry under investigation in determining price comparability; (ii) the importing WTO member may use a methodology that is not based on a strict comparison with domestic prices or costs in China if the producers under investigation cannot clearly show that market economy conditions prevail in the industry producing the like product with regard to manufacture, production and sale of that product". Paragraph (d) stipulates that: "Once China has established, under the national law of the importing WTO member, that it is a market economy, the provisions of paragraph (a) shall be terminated provided that the importing member's national law contains market economy criteria as of the date of accession. In any event, the provisions of subparagraph (a)(ii) shall expire 15 years after the date of accession. In addition, should China establish, pursuant to the national law of the importing WTO member, that market economy conditions prevail in a particular industry or sector, the non-market economy provisions of paragraph (a) shall no longer apply to that industry or sector". These clauses of the WTO protocol indicate that from Jan 1 of next year, after 15 years of China's accession to WTO, other WTO members should not continue to use the "substitute nation" method when conducting an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy probe against China, irrespective of whether or not they recognize China and its individual industries as having market economy status, and only China's prices and costs should be used as reference. Since the US and European countries signed the WTO protocol at the time of China's accession, they are obliged to fulfill the international commitments they made 15 years ago, although it is up for them to decide whether to recognize China such a status. There are now strong incentives within both the US and the EU not to fulfill their commitments. In the context of their current account balance of payment continuously worsening, both the US and the EU hope to preserve the "substitute nation" price system. On May 12, the European Parliament overwhelmingly voted against extending China market economy status. Of the 73 anti-dumping measures currently taken by the EU, 56 are targeted at imports from China. European protectionists are citing this as an excuse to deny China its market economy status, so that they can keep Chinese goods outside the door and protect local employment. The sentiment is the same in the US. As a leading importer, China has means at its disposal to counteract some countries' refusal to give China normal market economy treatment. But China knows that protectionism and trade retaliation are not the best way to resolve trade disputes among countries. So, while the US and the EU should know and weigh the price they may have to pay if they invite proportionate countermeasures from China, the latter is urging the US and EU to extend to it market economy treatment even if they fail to formally grant it the market economy status. The author is a researcher at the International Trade and Economic Cooperation Institute of the Ministry of Commerce. Ryanair is celebrating carrying two million customers on the second anniversary of the airline's inaugural flight from Glasgow Airport in 2014. The airline opened its first-ever base at Glasgow Airport on 28 October 2014 with seven routes to destinations such as Dublin, London Stansted, Riga and Warsaw. Two years on the airline now operates 20 routes, including 12 new destinations for Glasgow Airport. Europes largest airline continues to grow its Glasgow Airport operation with the launch of five new services to Alicante, Brussels Charleroi, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Malaga last week. A new route to Sofia in Bulgaria was also added in September. Ryanair also recently unveiled its summer 2017 schedule from Glasgow Airport, which includes a further four new routes to Lisbon, Palanga in Lithuania, Valencia and Zadar in Croatia. Paul White, business development manager at Glasgow Airport, said: Ryanair has continually responded to demand at Glasgow Airport over the last two years and this sustained growth is testament to the close working relationship cultivated by both the airline and the team here at the airport. To go from seven routes to 20, and carrying two million passengers in such a short space of time, is a fantastic achievement and Ryanairs continued expansion of services in 2017 shows this relationship continues to thrive. Were pleased to help Ryanair mark todays two-year anniversary and look forward to celebrating many more milestones in future here at Glasgow Airport. Ryanairs sales and marketing executive, Lisa Buckley said: We are pleased to launch our five new winter routes from Glasgow International to Alicante, Brussels Charleroi, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Malaga, in addition to our new route to Sofia, which started in September. We continue to grow our operations at Glasgow International and we look forward to continue offering the lowest fares and best choice of destinations. Fitch Ratings has assigned Monsanto Company's (Monsanto) $1 billion senior unsecured term loan a rating of 'A-'. The facility is a delayed-draw term loan allowing access to finance for general corporate purposes while the proposed merger with Bayer AG (Bayer) is pending. The loan will mature upon the earlier of Oct. 28, 2019 and the completion of the merger. The ratings for Monsanto are on Negative Watch. A full list of ratings follows at the end of this release. On Sept. 14, 2016 Bayer announced that it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Monsanto for a revised $66 billion acquisition price including assumed debt. The Negative Watch reflects the potential downgrade of Bayer AG's Issuer-Default Rating (IDR) to below 'A-' as a result of the merger, which would likely result in a subsequent notching down of Monsanto's IDR and debt ratings if its eventual parent is deemed to have strong influence over Monsanto's financial policy. Fitch's Oct. 4, 2016 press release on Bayer noted that the agency expected to likely downgrade Bayer's 'A' IDR by at least two notches following the completion of the transaction. Should Bayer maintain an IDR of at least 'A-', which Fitch views as unlikely, or if the agency believes that Monsanto would be able to continue to manage to its current financial policies and continue independent public reporting, Fitch could stabilize Monsanto's IDR at its current level. Should regulatory or other such hurdles derail the deal, Fitch would likely resolve the Negative Watch and assign Monsanto a Stable Rating Outlook, due to Fitch's expectations for continued strong FCF generation over the forecast horizon. KEY RATING DRIVERS Offer Details Bayer's revised offer values Monsanto at $128/share, which represents a 44 percent premium to Monsanto's May 9, 2016 share price. The deal is intended to be financed with a combination of debt and equity that includes a $19 billion equity component Bayer expects to raise through the issuance of mandatory convertible bonds and through a rights issue with subscription rights. Monsanto's shareholders are scheduled to vote on the merger on Dec. 13, 2016 with closing expected by the end of the 2017 calendar year. Bayer currently has in place a fully underwritten $57 billion bridge financing facility to backstop the deal and has committed to pay Monsanto a $2 billion termination fee if the deal falls through. Strategic Rational of the Transaction Fitch views the proposed merger as improving Bayer's position in the crop science industry, where the combination will create a leading player. Also, the combination of Monsanto's strength in seeds complements Bayer's strength in crop protection. The transaction would address higher competitive pressure in the rapidly consolidating agricultural supply industry, a process that is being driven by declining crop prices and structurally reducing income generation in the farm sector. Leading Market Position Monsanto's rating reflects its substantive market positions in corn, soybean, cotton and vegetable seeds and traits, and crop protection products. The company has R&D-driven expertise in plant biotechnology and breeding that enables high profit margins and strong cash flows. KEY ASSUMPTIONS Fitch's key assumptions within the rating case for Monsanto include: --Revenue growth at 3% reflecting modest recovery --EBITDA margins recover gradually to 30% on greater seeds and traits sales and lower relative general and administrative and research and development expenses; --Capital expenditures of $1.2 billion in FY 2017 and $1.3 billion per year thereafter. RATING SENSITIVITIES The Negative Watch could be removed if: the acquisition falls through; Fitch believes that Monsanto would be able to continue to manage to its current financial policies and continue public reporting; or Fitch believes Bayer would control Monsanto's financial profile; and Fitch rates Bayer at 'A-' or above. The Negative Watch would likely result in a downgrade if: Fitch views the linkage between Bayer and Monsanto as strong and Bayer is downgraded below an 'A-' IDR. Monsanto's current sensitivities are detailed below: Positive: Future developments that may, individually or collectively, lead to positive rating action include: --Total Debt/EBITDA declines on a sustained basis below 1.25x. Negative: Future developments that may, individually or collectively, lead to negative rating action include: --Total Debt/EBITDA increases on a sustained basis above 2.25x; --Liquidity, at least $2 billion of which is cash, of less than $3 billion; --Regulatory actions that threaten Monsanto's business model. LIQUIDITY Solid Liquidity: The company maintains high cash balances and high availability under its $3 billion RCF due March 2020. The revolver has a maximum consolidated leverage ratio (substantially total debt/EBITDA) of 3.5x. Estimated maturities of long-term debt over the medium term are: $900 million in FY2017, $300 million in FY2018 and $800 million in FY2019. Cash and cash equivalents were $1.7 billion, of which $1.6 billion was held by foreign entities as of Aug. 31, 2016. Fitch assumes 35% of the cash at foreign entities is not readily available to repay debt to represent leakage upon repatriation. Fitch has assigned the following rating: Monsanto Company --Senior unsecured term loan due 2019 'A-'. Fitch's current ratings on the Monsanto Company are as follows: --Long-Term IDR 'A-'; --Short-Term IDR 'F2'; --Senior unsecured debt 'A-'; --Commercial Paper 'F2'. The ratings are on Rating Watch Negative. SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT ADJUSTMENTS Fitch has made no material adjustments that are not disclosed within the company's public filings. Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. Date of Relevant Rating Committee: Sept. 14, 2016. 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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/20161103006471/en/ Fitch Ratings Primary Analyst Monica Bonar Senior Director +1-212-908-0579 Fitch Ratings, Inc. 33 Whitehall Street New York, NY 10004 or Secondary Analyst David Cameli Associate Director +1-312-368-3160 or Committee Chairperson Shalini Mahajan, CFA Managing Director +1-212-908-0351 or Media Relations Alyssa Castelli, New York, +1-212-908-0540 alyssa.castelli@fitchratings.com Osans special handling section has a hand in everything A dark, mysterious storage compound rests on the edge of the Osan Air Base flightline. Vaults litter the sulfur-smelling storage area holding items valued in the millions, with others priceless to the United States. One small group of Airmen hold the responsibility of accepting, storing and transferring these critical items aiding in the safety and stability of the South Korea. From a small blood sample to aircraft ammunition, the 731st Air Mobility Squadrons special handling section assists in the distribution of critical military items to installations across the Korean Peninsula. We deal with everything that has potential to save a life or end it, said Airman 1st Class Kevin Johnston, a 731st AMS special planning technician. The 731st AMS assists all Osan AB units, but they work closely with the 51st Munition Squadron and 51st Medical Group, as well as Army and Marine units around South Korea, including the Demilitarized Zone. Anything they bring to the peninsula to sustain that mission goes through us, such as helicopters, bullets and grenades, to help them keep the DMZ postured, said Staff Sgt. Richard Allen, a 731st AMS special planning supervisor. As well as equipment, the special handlers also support the mortuary affairs capability of South Korea. If any of our service members sustained life-ending injuries, we would be the ones to bring their body back to the states for ceremony and recognition, Allen said. Depending on the situation, special handlers may be called to perform a joint inspection, which Johnston recently assisted with the U.S. Navy. The situation was a helicopter was landing onto a Navy carrier and it crash-landed, Allen said. To help, Johnston and another Airman had to travel to the location, inspect that helicopter for air worthiness and put it on a plane to be shipped back to the States. With the critical nature of their career, special handlers require advanced training to handle certain items. What I like the most about my job is its significance to the mission, Allen said. We can ship a 1-pound box, but the total value of that box can range in the millions of dollars. We have our hands on a lot of multi-million dollar (pieces of) equipment, and for us to support that on a daily basis is amazing to me. AFIMSC reaches full operating capability The unit which consolidated more than 150 Air Force-wide installation and mission support capabilities a year ago has achieved full operating capability. Maj. Gen. Brad Spacy, the commander of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, declared FOC a year after his unit reached initial operating capability in October 2015. FOC is the culmination of a lot of hard work this past year by our warfighters at the headquarters, detachments and primary subordinate units, Spacy said. Were delivering global installation and mission support capabilities to the Air Force, and were looking forward to taking it to the next level. Reaching FOC means AFIMSC is capable of executing its mission in accordance with the program action directive that implemented the units mission. That includes the ability to prioritize requirements, allocate resources, exercise authorities, execute responsibilities, and communicate and collaborate with supported commanders and their commands. The centers cross-functional team provides globally integrated program management, resourcing and combat support operations in Airmen and family services, base communications, civil engineering, financial management, installation ministry, logistics readiness, operational contracting and security forces programs. In short, AFIMSC delivers installation and mission support to customers at 77 installations across the Air Force by executing programs previously accomplished at nine major commands, two direct reporting units and Headquarters Air Force. As one of six centers under Air Force Materiel Command, AFIMSC is part of the broader Agile Combat Support mission that AFMC champions for the Air Force. The center now moves from its stand up phase to the stabilize phase of development with a focus on making the organization and its operations more functional over the course of the next two years. The Air Force secretary and chief of staff established the concept of a centralized installation and mission support organization in February 2014 as part of the Future Air Force Initiative. The initiative stemmed from a 2013 secretary of defense decision to implement efficiency reforms, including reducing major headquarters across the Defense Department. In June 2014, Air Staff, MAJCOMs and DRUs finalized the list of capabilities to be retained by those functions and the more than 150 installation and mission support capabilities that would transfer to AFIMSC. In August 2014, AFIMSC-Provisional activated at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, and a staff of 65 assembled to define AFIMSCs mission and capabilities. In January 2015, the Air Force selected Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, as the location for the permanent unit headquarters. AFIMSC activated April 6, 2015. The unit includes the San Antonio-based headquarters, six primary subordinate units and 10 detachments collocated with active duty MAJCOMs and the Air Force District of Washington. The six PSUs are the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, Air Force Financial Management Center of Expertise, Air Force Financial Services Center, Air Force Installation Contracting Agency, Air Force Security Forces Center and Air Force Services Activity. Since an Ebola outbreak was declared in Uganda on 20 September, health assistant Nyangoma Kirrungi has been on the frontline of the countrys response day in and day out, working as a contact tracer in Madudu sub-county, one of the areas affected by the outbreak. The AAP city unit held a sit-in agitation at Azad Maidan to protest against the detention of party leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in Delhi. AAP spokesperson Preeti Sharma Menon, who led the agitation, said, Delhi Chief Minister (Kejriwal) and Deputy Chief Minister (Sisodia) were detained at the behest of the Modi government. It shows the breakdown of democracy. What happened in the national capital yesterday was undemocratic, tyrannical and disturbing. Not only our leaders, but scores of other volunteers were detained, which we strongly condemn as this act was nothing less than an insult of our jawans and their families by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said. During todays protest, the AAP members held placards and raised slogans against the Modi government. The AAP leader said the BJP government was backtracking on its promise of implementation of OROP (One Rank One Pension). 70-year-old ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal from Haryanas Bhiwani district allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison over the issue of OROP in Delhi yesterday. Kejriwal, Sisodia and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi were detained by police when they tried to meet Grewals family. Sharma-Menon alleged that family members of Grewal were mercilessly beaten by the shameless, barbaric and uncouth Delhi police, whose actions are reflection of the commands set in motion by their masters at the Centre. It is also very shocking that the Chief Minister of Delhi is not allowed to meet the grieving family members in a hospital of his own state and was forcibly detained, she said. Replying to a query on BJP asking the opposition parties not to politicise the death of Grewal, Sharma said, This is a political issueand why was the BJP playing politics over the surgical strikes by pasting posters everywhere? Why did their leaders say that surgical strikes was an outcome of RSS training. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A gang-rape survivor withdrew her complaint as Kerala police humiliated her inside the police station. The woman, who was allegedly gang-raped by her husbands friends in Kerala, said cops made fun of her instead of acting against the culprits and asked her whom did you enjoy most?. The victim also said CPM leader and Vadakkanchery municipal councillor Jayanthan was among those who allegedly gang-raped her. Dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi along with gang-rape survivor and her husband held a press conference in which the victim alleged that Kerala cops harassed her, asked uncomfortable questions and forced him to change her statement before the magistrate. Bhagyalakshmi, in a Facebook post which was kept in the friends only setting, said that a police officer asked the gang-rape survivor, whom did you enjoy most? Narrating the incident, Bhagyalakshmi said a young woman along with her husband met her and told about the trauma she was undergoing ever since the incident. The woman said that four of her husbands friends had come to her saying that her husband had met an accident. Believing the men as they were friends of her husband, the woman went with them to the hospital. However they took her to a house in a remote corner outside the city and gang-raped. They also threatened her claiming that the whole incident had been videographed. Bhagyalakshmi further said when the husband came to know about the incident after three months, the couple went to file a complaint. The officers allegedly asked intimate questions to the victim in front of her rapists. This humiliation was more than that happened when I was raped, Bhagyalakshmi said in the Facebook post. Answering the questions of the police was a mental rape for me. May be they tortured me mentally because they knew that I had no evidence. It was good that Nirbhaya, Jisha and Soumya died or else they would have tortured them like the Suryanelli girl was with inappropriate questions for the last 16 years, Bhagyalakshmi quotes the woman on her FB post. The office of Kerala chief minister responded to the post and sought more details from Bhagyalakshmi about the shameful incident. Bhagyalakshmi is a national award-winning dubbing artist is known for her stances on issues related to women. Mumbai is known as the commercial capital of India and it contributes around 35 per cent to the nations GDP. Large number of people migrate to the city in search of employment and for earning their livelihood. Rampant migration to the metropolis is putting excessive burden on the citys infrastructure like roads, rails, air and other modes of transportation. Every day there is a huge rush of people to board the local trains for reaching towards their office. The peak hour rush has become unbearable for many as some of them are opting for other means of transport like car-pooling and private buses provided by office etc. Initially development had begun from the southern areas of the city as most of the banks, corporate houses, insurance companies, financial institutions were established there. Even the head offices of most of the companies are located there. However due to the exodus of large number of people south Mumbai started facing shortage of land as development started in suburban areas. As of now even suburbs have become congested as more than 70 per cent of the citys population resides here. Due to shortage of space and rising realty rates the city started developing further towards the north as people began shifting to areas like Mira Road, Bhayander, Vasai, Virar, Kalyan, Dombivali. Since cost of living in these locations is less as compared to suburban Mumbai these areas have become popular among middle class as they cant afford to buy a flat in the city. However, it is becoming difficult for people to commute to the city as trains are overcrowded during morning and evening. Many people lose their balance and fall on track as they die while commuting in crowded trains. Also most of the people have to commute for atleast two hours to reach their office from these areas. According to experts even though these areas have become popular residential areas but there is minimal employment opportunities exiting there as people have to come to Mumbai for employment and undertake a long journey. While builders may have developed these locations as attractive residential areas government has failed to provide employment opportunities there. Therefore people have no option but to commute to the city for jobs which is a huge waste of time. Today the Mumbai metropolitan areas comprising Mira Road, Bhyander, Vasai, Viran, Kalyan Dombivali, Ambernath, Navi Mumbai, Thane is growing faster than Mumbai as a popular residential destination. But 70 per cent of the employment is generated in Mumbai area. Thus there is an imbalance between the city and its extended suburbs when it comes to employment opportunities. The government needs to correct this so that people can find employment near to their place of residence. The government has planned to develop a BKC like area in Kalyan which will provide employment opportunities to the residents of that area. There is also a proposal to develop Vasai as a tourist destination and Bhiwandi as a logistical destination. If more job opportunities are provided in this areas then its will ease the pressure on Mumbai and its crumbling suburban train network. (The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.) Jihadist leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi called on his fighters to resist as Iraqi forces were poised on Thursday to enter the city of Mosul where he declared a caliphate two years ago. The appeal was made in an audio recording released on the Internet and purported to be by the elusive leader of the Islamic State group, his first message this year. Do not retreat, he said. Holding your ground with honour is a thousand times easier than retreating in shame. To all the people of Nineveh, especially the fighters, beware of any weakness in facing your enemy, Baghdadi said, referring to the northern Iraqi province of which Mosul is the capital. In June 2014, days after jihadist fighters swept across swathes of Iraq, he made a rare public appearance in Mosul and announced the creation of an Islamic state straddling Iraq and Syria. The caliphate has been shrinking steadily since last year and Iraqi forces earlier this week reached Mosul, the jihadists last major stronghold in Iraq. Tens of thousands of Iraqi forces, backed by the US-led coalition and its warplanes, launched a massive offensive on Mosul on 17 October. It was not immediately possible for AFP to authenticate the recording, entitled This is what God and his messenger have promised us, but leading experts of the jihadist organisation did not appear to doubt it. Rumours have abounded about the Iraqi jihadist leaders health and movements but his whereabouts are unclear. IS has had a tendency to fall back when massively outnumbered lately, giving up some of its emblematic bastions such as Fallujah in Iraq and Dabiq in Syria without following its own apocalyptic ideology of fighting to the bitter end. In his latest message, which is undated but makes references to events that are at most a few weeks old, Baghdadi calls for attacks against Saudi Arabia a favourite target of his and Turkey. Ankara has troops stationed at a base just outside Mosul and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans escalating rhetoric has raised fears of a unilateral Turkish intervention in Iraq. Baghdadi also said that his followers who could not travel to Syria or Iraq should aim for Libya and urged all IS fighters to remain united in adversity. He attempted to stir up sectarian resentment by referring to religious flags and slogans of Shiite fighters among the Iraqi forces and by accusing the countrys Sunni politicians of treason. The recapture of Mosul by Iraqi forces could spell the end of the groups days as a land-holding force in Iraq and deal a death blow to the caliphate. The US-led coalition estimates the number of IS fighters holed up in Mosul at 3,000 to 5,000 and has warned the battle of Mosul could be long and difficult. [dropcap]T[/dropcap]he kingpins of the citys underworld have fled, been killed in encounters or called it a day. But GenX is stepping out of their parents feared shadows in search of a new identity in Mumbai as bankers, doctors, engineers, pilots and developers. Underworld Dons created their terror and established dirty underworld and its games. Times have changed; families of these gangsters are well acquainted with the pitfalls of their lives and choose not to follow their elders footsteps. The youngsters today want respect in society and a bright future. They dont want to be termed as underworlds heirs but are trying to make their own identity. Dons children say no to the crime world that their parents have established and prefer to lead normal life. Like father, not like daughter. Chhota Rajans daughters, Anita and Mala, are on a different track. After studying in Goradia English Medium High School, Namrata and Mala graduated whereas youngest daughter Pallavi is studying in school. Anita studied at the top universities abroad, and expects to be called from another couple of places. Anita, of who very little is known, passed her Class 10 exam with 80 per cent marks from Fatima High School, a reputed Christian convent in the central Mumbai suburb of Vidya Vihar, in 2005. She is said to be a bright, studious girl who never visited her mother, Sujata Nikhalje, in prison or in court after she was arrested under MCOCA the same year on charges of running her fugitive gangster husbands syndicate of organised crime in India. The EDs case was that the properties were purchased from the extortion money. Chhota Rajan, the son of a mill worker, grew up in Chembur graduating from a cinema-ticket tout to a gangster. The Rajan gang forcibly took over reconstruction projects at Tilak Nagar from other builders and transferred them to Sujatas construction firm, Khushi Developers. Khushi is the name of Rajans daughter. Rajan has three daughters. These girls want to remain out of their fathers crime syndicate and they are also scared to acknowledge by their fathers name. There are more than 80 cases including smuggling, extortion, land grabbing, murder pending against Rajan. In such crisis the daughter prefers to disown father and his criminal legacy. They dont want their name and career to be blotted by their fathers bad name. This is not the only case of Chhota Rajan, even other underworld gangsters too are disowned by their own children. Some have opted to enter politics. The only don now living in Mumbai is Arun Gawli. He is currently lodged in jail for the murder of Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jhamsandekar. Earlier, his men had allegedly plotted the killing of Dawoods brother in-law, Ibrahim Parkar. Known as Daddy to his followers, he floated his political outfit in 1997, Akhil Bhartiya Sena, and won an assembly election in 2004. His nephew Sachin Ahire is Sharad Pawar led NCP leader. Gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawlis daughter, Geeta Gawli, a student of the English-medium St Agnes High School, Clare Road, Byculla, is currently a municipal corporator. Reshma Naik was only 11 when her gangster father Amar Naik was killed in a police encounter on July 10, 1996. However, Naiks wife planned both her daughters education meticulously. Reshma had completed her commercial pilots flying training course from an aviation academy in Florida, United States. Her younger sister Aditi is a doctor. The family plans to open a hospital in the city for the poor. The thirst for education also touched their extended family. Archana, daughter of Amar Naiks younger brother and erstwhile don, Ashwin Naik, has done a course in dentistry. Like her cousin Reshma, Archana too studied in an English-medium school, prefers western outfits and a chic straightened-hair look. Archana was in fact an anonymous face till she made a media debut with her father when he met Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray in 2008. At that time, rumours were rife that Naik was joining a political party, but he insisted he had only gone to seek Thackerays blessings. Naik was earlier arrested for the alleged murder of his wife Neeta, but was later acquitted by the court. Gangsters have been glamourised by cinema, but the children of Mumbais dreaded dons men who emerged from anonymity to become feared names seem to prefer the daily grind. Many of their parents are still on wanted lists, but all the young brigade wants is a good education, as they feel it will lead to a better life. Jailed diesel smuggler Mohammed Ali Shaikh, cooling his heels in a special cell in Arthur Road jail for plotting the murder of a shipping firm owner has also focused on his childrens education. Daughter Rukhsar (25) did her MBA (finance) from a city college and was offered a job in a well-known bank. His other child a son, an arts graduate, looks after his fathers shipping Management Company. Sources close to Shaikh say he always wanted his children to study well to give them a new identity. Then there is Girish, the eldest son of fugitive gangster Guru Satam. Girish, who studied civil engineering, is now a developer. The children of underworld figures want to make a name for themselves minus the crime records of their elders. They are studying and getting good opportunities in MNCs as well. Guru Satam, the Parel-based extortionist was a terror for businessmen in central Mumbai. He fled the country in 1995 and is believed to be in Bangkok. Satam, police say, is virtually bankrupt. His family still resides in Mumbai. Ashwin Naik, an engineering graduate, with several cases registered against him, was paralysed after being shot at in April 1994 by a rival gang on the premises of a Sessions court at Fort. Many gangsters daughters and sons made their entry in the glamour world also. Some of them are film producers while some others have become entrepreneurs. The next generation of underworld chose the path that their father missed. (Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com) Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh on Thursday found himself in a new controversy after he hinted at a conspiracy behind the suicide of ex-serviceman Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal and termed him a Congress worker. Whereas, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday said Grewal cant be a martyr. A day after Singh triggered a controversy with his demand for probe into the mental state of the ex-serviceman, who committed alleged suicide over OROP, the MoS said, Grewal was a Congress worker and contested Sarpanch election on Congress ticket. The Minister of State for External Affairs raised questions over how Grewal was able to procure Sulfas tablets and claimed that his issue was with the bank and not with OROP. His issue was with the bank and not with OROP. Also, how did he procure Sulpha tablets and who gave it to him? said Singh. If Grewal had reached out to us and didnt get help, then it was our fault, Singh added. Every month, Mr Grewal was receiving about Rs. 3,000 less than what he was entitled to after OROP was cleared. He was also owed arrears. The Defence Ministry has said that the gaps were created by the bank that was to disperse his payment. The bank had asked him to show paperwork and that they would rectify the issue. Had he produced the paperwork, all his backlog would have been cleared, said General (retd) VK Singh, adding that its imperative to determine whether the Subedar was assisted or egged on in killing himself. Who gave him the sulphas (poison)? he asked, adding that a phone conversation between Mr Grewal and his son that was recorded and is being treated as an audio version of a suicide note is suspect. On tape, the former soldier tells his son I have consumed poison. The minister, however, also maintained, If he had reached out to us and didnt get help, then it was our fault. Government sources said the ministry had not received any request for appointment with the deceased nor did his letter say any such thing. However, Speaking to media persons outside Indradhanush Auditorium on the occasion of Swarna Jayanti celebrations, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar said no one should politicise Ram Kishans suicide. He said no soldier would ever commit suicide. He said Ram Kishan committed suicide because of discrepancies in his bank account. BLOCK ISLAND, R.I., Nov. 1, 2016 - Twenty-five years behind Europe, the U.S. launched its first offshore wind farm last week, thanks partly to the downturn in the oil industry. Using massive steel platforms and expertise imported from the oil fields offshore of Louisiana and Texas, the five-turbine, 30-megawatt Block Island Wind Farm built by Deepwater Wind off the Rhode Island coast is generating enough electricity to power 17,000 homes. Marking the occasion, oil and gas industry executives shared a podium with wind industry leaders at the Offshore Windpower Conference in Rhode Island. Bill Blanchard, general manager for Houston-based Gulf Island Fabrication, which builds offshore platforms and ships, told the more than 600 conferees that the decline of the oil and gas industry prodded the oil industry into putting its offshore oil expertise to work by building Block Islands wind turbine platforms. Blanchard added that he would expect this interest in wind to continue even with an oil industry rebound because Gulf Coast companies have learned the value of diversification and not being strictly tied to the oil industry. Another oil industry veteran speaking at the conference was Deepwater Wind President Chris Van Beek. After his 25 years with Dutch offshore construction company Heerema Marine Contractors, he welcomed the help provided by oil companies like Gulf Island. But he and other speakers said they hope East Coast states will learn to collaborate rather than compete to provide the strategically located local facilities and support services needed for a competitive offshore wind industry. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) conference celebrated the nations first offshore wind farm and debated the best ways to build the next 12 offshore wind farms planned for the East and West coasts, the Great Lakes, and Hawaii. All will be larger than the Block Island project and will be built at lower costs thanks to lessons learned in the first project and economies of scale. Tom Kiernan, AWEAs chief executive officer, said it was spectacular that Block Island is now delivering electricity to the grid. Weve got Massachusetts, New York, Maryland and other states making significant commitments or overtures toward offshore wind, he told Agri-Pulse, and weve got global leaders now entering the U.S. market, bringing their expertise and their capital. He said the next step is to build on this momentum to have the 12 offshore wind projects throughout the United States that are in varying stages of development continue moving forward rapidly so that other wind farms start generating clean energy as soon as possible. Kiernan says having Block Island on the grid not only powers 17,000 homes but its also important from a psychological perspective in that it proves that wind can provide electricity in a reliable way. He adds that with another 6,000 megawatts of offshore wind in the pipeline, Department of Energy studies show that U.S. offshore wind has the potential to provide as much as four times the amount of electricity used in the United States. Both land-based and offshore wind will continue growing, Kiernan predicts, because their differences and strengths complement each other: Offshore wind is at the moment more expensive but it offers important benefits . . . offshore production is highest in the late afternoon when prices on the East Coast are higher and there is greater electricity demand. He says that with land-based wind already the cheapest source of electricity in many parts of the country . . . land-based and offshore wind can work well together, as they can work well with solar and natural gas also on the grid. Denmarks DONG Energy, an offshore wind energy global leader since 1991 and the first company worldwide to have installed 1,000 offshore wind turbines, was well represented at the Rhode Island conference. Andrew Henderson, DONGs senior lead offshore wind energy engineer, was there both to share lessons from Europes wind farm experiences and to support DONGs plans to build its own wind farms in U.S. waters. Launching the nations first offshore wind farm wasnt last weeks only milestone. On the conference boat trip out to the wind farm, the Interior Departments Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Director Abigail Hopper announced that 79,350 acres offshore New York will be offered in a December 15 commercial wind lease sale. She said that New York is a critical component in building a robust U.S. offshore wind industry . . . as we forge a path to a clean energy future. Like what you see on the Agri-Pulse website? See even more ag, rural policy and energy news when you sign up for a four-week free trial Agri-Pulse subscription. To date, BOEM has awarded 11 commercial wind leases, generating more than $16 million in winning bids for more than a million acres in federal waters. Deepwater Wind and DONG Energy are among the 14 companies that BOEM has listed as qualified to participate in the New York lease sale. NREL estimates a gross wind power resource of 4,223 gigawatts off the coast of the United States. That is roughly four times the generating capacity of the current U.S. electric grid. In a third development last week, AWEA announced that with current U.S. windpower capacity at 75 gigawatts (GW), projects under construction or in advanced development are on track to add another 20 GW. Releasing AWEAs U.S. Wind Industry Third Quarter 2016 Market Report Thursday in Iowa, CEO Tom Kiernan said that this enormous growth reflects what we hear from states, utilities and Fortune 500 companies all the time: Wind power is increasingly their first choice for energy. AWEA also highlighted Iowas success in having wind energy reliably supply over 35 percent of the states electricity generation on a 12-month rolling average for the year ending August 2016 while reducing customers electricity bills, attracting new investment, and generating new jobs. To help the public better understand the offshore wind challenges, AWEA has put together on its website 45 poster presentations on issues ranging from Toward Cost-Effective Foundation Design and State & Municipal Stakeholder Influence on U.S. Offshore Wind Farm Projects to Turbine Integrated Mortality Reduction of Bat Fatalities. To see these posters, click here. The posters provide examples of the challenges involved in offshore wind farm development and the massive scale of the projects. The poster on locally built Concrete Gravity Foundations (CGFs), for example, notes that such foundations can require 2,600 cubic yards of concrete in water 80 feet deep, rising to around 5,200 cubic yards in 200 feet of water. The largest foundations, it says, would typically need 10,000 tons of dredged sand ballast to secure the CGFs to the seabed #30 For more news, go to: www.Agri-Pulse.com Don McCullin is one of the giants of photojournalism. The new book Irreconcilable Truths is an appropriately giant retrospective of his work. The three-volume boxed set, from the Provocateur Press, weighs nearly 53 pounds, totals 1,500 pages, and features more than 700 photographs, including his iconic work as well St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church with Bishop Guglielmone at Calvary Cemetery in remembrance for all those who have died. Aiken, SC (29801) Today Sunshine and a few clouds. High around 75F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. Low 53F. Winds light and variable. Erdogan's Gambit for Mosul ( Karhan Ozer/Presidential Palace/Reuters) (AINA) -- Earlier this week it was revealed that U.S. President Obama held a phone call with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The topic of the conversation was the Operation to liberate Mosul and a role that Turkey wants to play. Let's ponder this for a second. Ever since the abortive putsch that appears to have been orchestrated by Erdogan himself to consolidate power in July the Turks have taken on a more aggressive and ambitious policy towards the Syria conflict. They have even been cracking down against the PKK in Southeastern Turkey as well as the YPG, who operate within anarchic state known as Syria. So why does Erdogan want a role for Turkey in the Liberation of Mosul? The most cynical view is that Erdogan is doing this in his effort to reestablish the Ottoman Empire and remove the stains of Sykes-Picot and other treaties. It cannot be denied that Ankara is a rising power in the region and is looking for opportunities to assert its influence. This presents a classic opportunity for Ankara to do something along this line. Another view could be that He wishes to set up a buffer zone to guard against either an independent or autonomous Kurdish State. Looking at the topography of the region this idea has some merit. This region is where the Kurdish provinces of Iraq, Syria and Turkey come together. Turkish Policy has been to support the Iraqi Kurds, repress the Turkish Kurds and to recently launch airstrikes against the Syrians as they fight both Assad and ISIS. So what of the Assyrians and Turkmen? It appears that once again their safety is being used as bargaining chips for outside actors. The Iraqi National Army along with Shia Militia and Peshmerga units are already in combat missions. Most of the action has the tribal forces opening a line so that government forces can exploit any opportunity. Meanwhile the efforts by the Assyrian Nineveh Plain Units have gone by unnoticed by most media outlets for the reason of the PR machines that the Kurds and Iraqi military currently employ and their willing acolytes in the Western Media. The question of why Erdogan is willing to sabotage these efforts does not have either an easy or openly visible answer. This could be another form of blow-back from the failure of the putsch of July 15 by making sure that his border is protected from any external threats. Or it may be his wish to ensure there are no threats to the Islamic Order that he is imposing on the Turkish People. A failure in the Mosul Operation or a marginal success that leaves a vacuum for Sunnis or other actors to exploit will only make regional tensions worse in the long term. It appears that various actors are already jockeying for position for such a scenario. This will be seen as the ultimate failure for Washington: a wrecked Iraq, Syria destroyed by a bellicose Iran and an emboldened Turkey at the expense of the Gulf States. This is not a pretty picture. The worlds global air cargo community is continuing to help with the massive humanitarian effort after Hurricane Matthew struck the Caribbean island of Haiti on October 4. Rapid response aviation charity Airlink, partnering with 35 airlines and 60 non-governmental relief organisations, has sent its second, large charter flight to Haiti, packed with medical supplies. The MD-11 freighter flight with 80 tonnes of relief cargo was operated by Airlink partner Western Global Airlines and the aid will be used to combat an increasingly dire public health epidemic in underserved areas where many people have yet to receive any international aid. Airlink has worked for the first time with helicopters for the last mile delivery of aid from Port-au-Prince (PAP) airport to hard-to-reach locations in Les Cayes, Les Anglais, La Gonave, and other areas. Airlink used flight crews provided by Bell Helicopter. The MD-11 had 105 pallets of supplies on board, including food aid, cholera treatment and mitigation supplies (IV solutions, antibiotics), and general medical supplies (wound care, pharmaceuticals, surgical supplies, etc.) The aid will be distributed by members of Airlinks network of nonprofit partners, including Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Americares, MAP International, MedShare, Partners In Health and Team Rubicon UK. Steve Smith, executive director of Airlink, told Air Cargo News: Haiti is in a tough spot right now with over 800,000 people in need of food urgently and 1.4m people in need assistance, which is not that far off the number needing help after the 2010 earthquake. Major concerns include massive funding gaps and the spread of cholera. Only a third of the necessary funding has been committed across the board and between October 4 and 19, at least 2,271 new cases of cholera were reported. Airlink has been working with 13 airline partners over the past month to help the affected people in Haiti, following the destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew. In order to respond to this disaster, Airlink has coordinated assets from the entire aviation community: passenger airlines, cargo logistics organisations, cargo airplanes and helicopters. Added Smith: Our most recent flight left Miami International Airport on November 1, carrying 80,000 lbs [36 tonnes] of food and 80,000 lbs of medical supplies. That means Airlink has now facilitated the transportation of almost 300,000 lbs [136 tonnes] of aid to Haiti in addition to flying in 40 aid workers from 6 NGOs from various locations around the world. While Airlink funded much of the relief flights to Haiti, it would not have been possible without tremendous support from United Airlines, Avianca, Copa, JetBlue, GE, Milestone Aviation, Amerijet and of course, Western Global Airlines and Bell Helicopter. Not to forget the teams who worked in Miami to get cargo ready for shipment, Performance Team and Alliance Ground International. The aviation sector is showing their shared responsibility in humanitarian relief efforts through their work in Haiti, work that must continue. Share this story Parcels giant UPS has redesigned its European ground network in order to offer faster deliveries from six countries in the European Union (EU) to Switzerland. Customers in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland and Sweden will benefit from a faster UPS Standard delivery service, with improvements of up to two days when shipping to 60% of the population of Switzerland, including the areas around Basel and Zurich. Nando Cesarone, president of UPS Europe, said: With this enhancement, we have now improved our transit times from 22 countries across Europe for our most economical service. UPS has committed to invest $2bn into its European network and infrastructure by 2019. These network upgrades are part of that investment which helps our customers to export their products in a more efficient way. The UPS move could be viewed as a reaction to rival US-based parcel carrier FedEx, which in May this year completed its 4.4bn takeover of TNT, an acquistion which brought with it a substantial improvement in FedExs European delivery capability. UPS tried to buy TNT in 2013 but the takeover was stopped by the European Commission. FedEx has also announced plans to build a 200m parcels terminal at its mega European parcels sortation and freighter hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. The recent ground time in transit improvements are made possible by UPS "continued investment" in its integrated transportation network, including several hundred million dollars spent on facilities in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and the UK. UPS has been helping to reliably connect European businesses of all sizes to the world for more than 30 years, said Cesarone, adding: These network enhancements are further proof of our long-standing commitment of providing high quality service. Share this story Northern Arizona Healthcare will host a Veterans Day celebration at Flagstaff Medical Center. The event is open to NAH staff and volunteers, as well as veterans and their families in the community. FMCs ceremony will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, at the West Campus flagpole, 1200 N. Beaver St. After the ceremony, veterans and their immediate families are invited to a free lunch and cake at Cafe Flag from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. A free meal for veterans and their immediate families will also be served in the cafeteria during the evening dinner shift from 5-7 p.m. November 2, 2016 BAGHDAD The Iraqi parliament's surprise decision to ban alcohol is raising challenges from many quarters, both for the law's content and the way it was passed. Some critics also say politicians intend to use the ban to their advantage on the black market. While the rest of the country was focused on the fierce military battle to drive the Islamic State (IS) from Mosul, the Iraqi parliament declared its own war by passing the new law Oct. 23, banning all production, imports and sales of alcoholic beverages of all kinds. The law stipulates that violators will have to pay a fine of no less than 10 million dinars ($8,500) and no more than 25 million dinars ($21,000). Iraq is an Islamic democracy. The new law's supporters say it aligns with the Iraqi constitution, which forbids passage of any law that contradicts Islam. Some opponents, however, note that the constitution also provides for protection of religious minorities' rights and customs. Parliament member Yonadam Kanna said he will appeal parliament's action to the federal court as being contrary to the constitution and personal freedoms. The debate revolves around three main points: non-Muslim minorities fear of the Islamization of the state, controversy over the relationship between religion and state, and attempts by parties of political Islam to control the black market for alcohol. Journalist Ali Hussein's Oct. 24 column posted on al-Mada news site ran with the headline, "Parliament decides: No place for Christians in Iraq." In it, he summarized how Christians and other minorities view the message behind the new law. Joseph Sylawa, a Christian member of parliament with the Warka bloc, told Al-Monitor the ban on alcohol is part of a war against religious minorities that aims to force them out of the country through exclusion, marginalization and harassment policies. Others also challenge the law. "This is an unprecedented, dangerous and controversial law," said Mona Yako, a law professor at the University of Salahuddin in Erbil and an activist defending the rights of minorities. "It is a clear indicator of the nature of the conflict between those who support applying the Islamic Sharia and those who support a civil state." Some activists believe the law is a step toward the Islamization of a state that was destined to be a pluralistic model in the Middle East. Abbas Sharifi, a member of the Civic Center for Studies and Legal Reform in Baghdad, told Al-Monitor, [We] are truly afraid for how the civil state, agreed upon in the constitution, is going to be. [We] fear this tight grip on personal freedom would be a prelude toward altering the states laws to apply Sharia law, such as in Saudi Arabia and Iran. Dia al-Shukurji, a former Dawa Party leader, focused on the role of Sharia, which the constitution stipulates as the primary source of legislation. He told Al-Monitor, We knew how critical this [point] was. Ever since the [current] constitution was first written [in 2005], it was obvious that it was going to [be the grounds for] constant conflicts with those who support the Islamization of the state. Shukurji, who was a member of the committee that wrote the constitution, was one of the first to object to including the stipulation. According to his memoirs, A Quarter of a Century with Political Islam, his opposition led to his resignation from the ruling Islamic Dawa Party. He said the timing of the law is suspicious in that it coincided with the Supreme Council of Islamic Awakening conference held Oct. 23 in Baghdad. "The conference was held under the auspices of [Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah] Ali Khamenei's representative and adviser Ali Akbar Velayati, which indicates that the conferences goal was to stress the loyalty to Khameneis Islam and promote the Islamization of the state. Nouri al-Maliki, the former prime minister of Iraq, gave a speech at the conference that focused on the success of Islamization efforts in Iraq, while at the same time, Mahmoud al-Hassan, a member of the Maliki-led State of Law Coalition, was in parliament defending the law to ban alcohol. In his speech, Maliki stressed that Islamists working on the Islamization project must not be distracted by the wars in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Meanwhile, other critics are focusing on the laws economic dimensions. A main importer of alcohol told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, The value of imported alcohol in 2015 reached over $800 million, and other quantities of alcohol were smuggled into Iraq with an estimated value of more than $300 million. He warned about organized crime groups associated with politicians and how they could control the black market for alcohol and make profits. He noted that the economic crisis that has been plaguing the country since the drop in oil prices has made it imperative for some parties and the militias associated with them to search for new sources of funding. Faeq al-Sheikh Ali, a parliament member with the civil movement, alluded to the same point in an Oct. 25 televised conference from inside the parliament. He spoke about influential Islamic parties with affiliated militias that share the revenues of bars, nightclubs and casinos. These entities, he said, were behind passing the law and will use it to make money in the black market trade of alcoholic beverages. November 2, 2016 Surveying her kitchen like a queen who has just regained her kingdom after a fierce struggle, Samiha Samir is enjoying the spoils of battle in this case, by sampling a variety of foods. She remembers the tough times when she lost her taste for food after she was diagnosed with stomach cancer. For six months, she could not eat anything, taking in only fluids. Yet she refused to listen to talk about her being sick, as she considers herself a fighter, rigorously facing her illness with a smile. And once in a while, cancer is merciful and lets her enjoy some happy moments. During those times, her doctor allows her to eat whatever she likes. Samir talked about the day when she finally was able to return to her favorite hobby: cooking. In times of deprivation, she would enter the kitchen with her daughter to smell the food, trying to revive her taste buds. Although she is still undergoing chemotherapy, she is getting ready to participate in the mashi" festival organized by the Egyptian CanSurvive nonprofit association in support of cancer patients. Mashi is an Egyptian dish of vegetables, usually zucchini, eggplant and peppers, stuffed with a rice-based filling. Women dealing with cancer compete in the festival to prepare the most delicious mashi platter to impress a jury of men who are also struggling with the disease. Samir does not care about winning. In this competition, each participant wishes the others the best, because the objective is to fight societys perspective on cancer and turn a diagnosis into a starting point instead of the end of the world, as many see it. I did not want my friends to visit me while I was in bed. I would sit with them and hide my pain to avoid burdening them with my suffering. But I needed moral support, and my daughter helped me and told me about the association, she said. I participated in the associations sessions and events, and I listened to other patients stories about how they fought their cancer. Iman Jamil decided not to waste the opportunity to participate in the mashi festival, especially after having missed the chance to partake in the pasta and fashion festivals to fight cancer. Each day, she thinks about an original way to prepare a unique mashi platter and she promised to present her fellow survivors with the most delicious dish. I did not give in to the disease when I found out I had breast cancer. I tried to swallow my shock for my [sick] mothers sake, but I failed. My mother passed away, and I was in despair. I insisted, though, on fighting my cancer, and other patients stories were inspirational to me. I followed their survival testimonies on the associations page, and I drew from the spirit of challenge from my husband and kids, thanks to their support, Jamil said. The patient is the one who defines societys way of looking at her, she added. Jamil complained that many people dont know a lot about cancer and have old-fashioned ideas about those who are afflicted. They often think the patient is living her last moments, and they dont believe she can live a normal life if she wills it. She said it is important not to succumb to peoples pessimism and their imaginary scenarios. Jamil said her children and husband always encourage her to persist at activities such as the mashi festival. My kids know I am an excellent cook, and they trust that I will win, she tells her adversaries with a smile. But I do not care about winning. I care about the joy and love I feel among my fellow cancer survivors and my supportive family. Jamil does has some serious competition, however. Mirvat Mahran fully expects to win. To look at her, you would never guess what she has endured in her battle with advanced-stage breast cancer. Her enthusiasm overflows, and she shares it with everyone around her. She doesnt wait for consolation. Instead, she asks others about their problems and gives them moral support, comfort and solutions. The members of the association see her as a ray of sun among them. On the associations Facebook page, she has many followers who encourage her in the competition. She answers them confidently, I will win. There is no other way. Mahran might seem overconfident at first, but the aim is to stir up the competitive atmosphere to encourage those who havent participated yet to do so. CanSurvive member Aya Mehsen said, The competition and other events prepared by the association aim not only to support the patient but also to send out a message to doctors about the moral support patients need and how to boost their morale, because this is how they survive the treatment. CanSurvive director Esra al-Sharbini told Al-Monitor, Cancer patients need moral support to fight societys perspective, which sparks in them a fear of living with their disease. The association organizes several competitions to help cancer survivors cope with their sickness positively and to prevent it from interfering with their normal lives. Sharbini noted that the association basically suffers from lack of funding because many people are not convinced of the importance of moral support for cancer patients. Some people overlook the importance of the psychological factor for cancer patients and only care about the medical aspect, she said. The truth is, patients need all the psychological support they can get to walk them through the cancer stages and offer them medical and psychological advice. CanSurvive also organized a fashion festival for cancer fighters. Each participant cooperated with a fashion designer to create a dress that reflected her struggle with the disease and how she survived it. Then theres the pasta festival. The idea was successful and prompted us to repeat it, Sharbini said. The winner will get a material and symbolic reward, and the aim behind all these activities is to tell everyone that cancer patients can live like everybody else and can do whatever they want without impediments. November 3, 2016 GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip On Oct. 26, the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy started the process of establishing an oversight department aimed at overseeing the work of currency exchange shops and companies in the Gaza Strip, in a first step of its kind since the establishment of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in 1994. The department will work in full coordination with the Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA). The establishment of the oversight department aims at organizing the currency exchange profession at a time when exchange shops and companies amount to 600 in Gaza alone, of which only 30-40 are legally registered. Most of these shops and companies operate without the required license from the PMA or the Ministry of Economy. Based on the Palestinian Companies Law of 1929, several amendments made to it by 2010 as well as Article 3 of Presidential Decree No. 41 of 2016, No individual shall undertake any money exchange business without obtaining a license from the Monetary Authority. Ayman al-Abed, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, told Al-Monitor that the department started its work on Nov. 1, and registration began as of that date for illegal exchange shops and companies in the Gaza Strip and will last for one month. Abed said that the turnout for registration was high so far. Abed explained that the establishment of the department came in full coordination with the PMA, whose mission is to oversee and supervise the registration of exchange companies deployed in Gaza in order to limit the state of chaos plaguing the profession, and protect the funds and deposits of citizens who invest their money in those companies. The chaos plaguing the profession is exemplified by some money exchangers manipulation of currency prices in a way that is not in line with the prices set by the PMA on a daily basis. They charge high commissions on transfers made by citizens due to the lack of control over those companies and shops. Abed said that illegal exchange shops and companies will be dealt with according to the law. They will be closed as per Article 60 of the 2008 Palestinian Companies Act, which stipulates, "No company shall start performing its work before obtaining a registration certificate from the authority in charge." Abed added that following consultations with the PMA, his ministry decided to provide some registration facilities to these shops and businesses, particularly as far as the capital value is concerned. The latter has been reduced to 100,000 Jordanian dinars ($141,000) per company as a result of the difficult financial and economic conditions plaguing the Gaza Strip. Article 94 of the Companies Act of 2008 had stipulated that the capital shall not be less than 200,000 Jordanian dinars. For its part, on Oct. 27, the PMA published in the Official Gazette a decision regarding the acceptance of license requests filed by exchange companies, which stated, Based on the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 41 concerning the licensing and control of money exchange businesses in Palestine and following the instructions issued thereunder and in the framework of the efforts of the Monetary Authority aimed at advancing the banking sector and developing its business, and based on specialized studies about the needs of the market, [the PMA] announces that it will continue to accept new license applications from exchange companies as well as license requests from companies seeking to open new branches. Al-Monitor interviewed several owners of exchange shops and companies and noted that while these licensing and oversight measures have been warmly welcomed by some, they have stirred feelings of resentment among others. Tamer Baroud, the owner of the Geneva Exchange and Transfers Company in Gaza, welcomed those steps and said they were necessary to regulate the exchange sector in the Gaza Strip. He noted that illegal companies and shops affect their work as they manipulate currency exchange rates. Baroud told Al-Monitor that his company and other licensed companies operate according to a PMA-approved financial system, which requires them to submit their financial transactions with customers and clients on a weekly basis. This creates a state of confidence between these companies and the citizens depositing money or exchanging currency, unlike the case with illegal companies. Osama Abu Sido, the owner of the UAE Exchange and Transfers Company in Gaza, told Al-Monitor that such steps force workers in this profession to abide by the law and the financial tradings. The PMA asks money exchangers to provide it with a copy of the audited financial statements of activities. He stressed that the unlicensed companies evasion of monthly licensing fees and taxes, estimated at $1,000 a month for companies whose capital amounts to $250,000, leads to manipulation in currency exchange rates, and this negatively affects the work of the licensed companies. For his part, the owner of an unlicensed company told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that those measures are only aimed at collecting money and taxes for the Ministry of Economy. He explained that should he decide to file for a license, he would be forced to pay nearly $2,000 per month in taxes to the ministry his company capital being about $500,000. I evade the licensing process due to the difficult financial situation in the Gaza Strip, the economic recession resulting from the Israeli blockade since 2006 and the financial tradings that get more complicated by the month. Sometimes, I can barely pay salaries to my workers, he said. Following Hamas victory in the legislative elections in 2006, a state of fear has plagued the Palestinian banks in Gaza as they voiced concerns of being accused of supporting terrorism, given that Hamas is deemed by some Western countries and the European Union as a terrorist movement. Also, some financial institutions around the world, such as Western Union, stopped dealing with Gazas banks, which led the money exchange business to recover and increased the number of employees working in the field. Citizens now resort to these shops and companies given the easiness they provide as far as financial tradings are concerned. Moin Rajab, an economics professor at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, told Al-Monitor that the exchange sector in the Palestinian territories in general and the Gaza Strip in particular is suffering from chaos and lack of control by the PMA and the Ministry of Economy, and the attempt to belatedly adjust and monitor this sector is something that the Palestinians have been calling for. He said that a lot of remittances that come into the Gaza Strip prompt some of the owners of these unlicensed companies to collect additional fees from citizens on such remittances. Also, these owners force citizens to exchange the transfer amount from a currency to another in order to charge commissions. Palestinian citizens are the most affected by the fact that most of the companies and shops are illegal, and they hope that this step would strengthen confidence in these companies and control the manipulation of currency prices that has been ongoing for many years. November 3, 2016 On the 37th anniversary of the incidents known as the Iran hostage crisis, most Iranian outlets focused on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis speech commemorating the 1979 takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran, signaling his objection to further negotiations with Washington. On Nov. 4, 1979, a group of Iranian university students seized the embassy of the United States and held 52 Americans hostage for over a year. On April 7, 1980, the United States broke off diplomatic relations with Iran. On the Iranian official calendar, the 13th day of the month of Aban (which this year falls on Nov. 3) is Student Day. Anti-US rallies have been organized across the country on this day since 1979. The conservative Javan Daily, on the occasion of Student Day, quoted Khamenei as saying, Compromise with the US is the will of the weary and regretful. Its front page also quoted Khamenei as addressing the US presidential election with comments such as The two candidates speeches are enough to dishonor themselves. The conservative Kayhan daily also ran quotations from Khamenei on its front page, focusing more on his viewpoints on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Kayhan cited Khamenei as saying, Compromise with the US will worsen [Irans] issues; the last example of that is the JCPOA. In an editorial, Kayhan also condemned the nuclear deal. The daily newspaper referred to the 1979 incidents and argued, The government is better off thinking about retaliation to counter the Americans avarice. If we stand firm, they will retreat and will have no choice but to surrender. Resalat also focused on the Nov. 3 demonstrations in Iran marking the anniversary of the embassy takeover. Resalats headline read, US' death knell to sound today, referring to the anti-American rallies across the country. On Nov. 3, Brig. Gen. Hossein Salami, the deputy head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, joined demonstrators in central Tehran and addressed the crowd outside the complex that used to serve as the US Embassy. Today, the security of Iran is intertwined with the security of other Islamic countries, he said, according to the Tasnim news agency. If we dont provide assistance for the victory of Muslims in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen, then the enemy will keep us divided and will create a catastrophe [for us], he added. Meanwhile, the Reformist Shargh Dailys front page featured an interview with Abbas Abdi, one of the students who stormed the US Embassy back in 1979. Abdi, who later joined the Reformist movement, said, We were in a [political] environment in which we had to occupy the embassy. He added, People are not crazy [enough] to start a revolution without any reason. They revolt in response to a condition. November 2, 2016 The Iranian parliaments vote of confidence to the three new ministers in President Hassan Rouhanis Cabinet dominated the front pages of newspapers in Iran on Nov. 2. Conservative outlets downplayed the confirmation of the Cabinet reshuffle, while Reformist media hailed it as a victory. Reza Salehi Amiri, Saeed Soltanifar and Fakhreddin Ahmadi Danesh Ashtiani won votes of confidence to take over the ministries of culture and Islamic guidance, youth affairs and sports, and education, respectively, only seven months before Irans next presidential election. Observers believe that the votes were a direct outcome of the parliamentary elections in February when Rouhanis allies won a majority of the seats. The Reformist daily Shargh praised Iranian lawmakers support for the president. The first vote of confidence in [the 10th] parliament was clearly different from the previous ones, Shargh reported. The daily compared the vote with other voting sessions in parliament and stressed, [This time] there was no room for the endless accusations against the government and smears to undermine its ministers. The front page of Arman, another Reformist newspaper, read, February [parliamentary] elections bear fruit. The daily assessed the parliaments approval vote as The day when moderation and rationality triumphed over extremism. It added, This is the same parliament in which conservatives claimed to have a majority. Now the same parliament has invalidated those claims. On the other hand, conservative outlets have kept a close focus on Rouhanis speech to parliament in support of the new members of his Cabinet. With the headline If there is corruption, we should not exaggerate it, Resalat daily quoted Rouhanis speech on its front page. The paper also published a short interview with the deputy secretary-general of the Combatant Clergy Association, Reza Taghavi. I keep asking myself why those who did not win votes of confidence in the previous parliament have again been introduced as ministers [by Rouhani], said Taghavi, referring to Rouhanis proposed Cabinet in 2013. Back then, the three newly approved ministers were introduced to the then conservative-dominated parliament for different ministerial positions only to be rejected. Tasnim news agency argued that parliaments approval of the Cabinet reshuffle occurred because Rouhani's first term is coming to an end. Tasnims headline read, Parliament shows leniency toward nine-month-long ministers, referring to Irans upcoming May 2017 presidential elections. Meanwhile, conservative daily Javan chose the headline [The president] came, called [his] critics witless [and] went. The daily also published interviews with Iranian artists, asking them what they want from the new minister of culture and Islamic guidance. [The minister] must halt all projects that are producing thoughtful and critical movies, film director Alireza Raeisian sarcastically answered. He should only listen to those who hold power. In this way, he will be a decent and stable minister. In other news, the ISNA news agency on Nov. 2, reported that Saeed Mortazavi, former prosecutor general in Tehran, has been sentenced to 70 lashes for misappropriation of public goods and 65 lashes for negligence and waste of public goods. The reported offenses date back to his time as head of the Social Security Organization, to which he was appointed by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2012. In 2010, Mortazavi was suspended from his judicial post due to the deaths of protesters held at the Kahrizak prison in the aftermath of the disputed 2009 presidential elections. Only two years after being appointed as head of Iran's Social Security Organization, he was banned from holding any state office. November 2, 2016 On Oct. 18, Mizan, the Iranian judiciary's news agency, reported that Iranian-American businessman Siamak Namazi, who has been held for more than a year, and his father Baquer, who was detained in February, had both been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Their offense, as announced by Tehran's Prosecutor General Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, was "collaboration with the hostile US government." According to the same report, Nizar Zakka, a Lebanese national and permanent US resident, who was detained after traveling to Tehran for a conference in September 2015, also received a 10-year prison sentence over similar charges. In August, nuclear scientist Shahram Amiri, who disappeared in Saudi Arabia in 2009 only to reappear in the United States in 2010 and then returned to Iran, was executed on the charge of treason. Judiciary spokesman Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei told reporters at the time, "Amiri had access to top secret information about the Islamic Republic of Iran and was linked to Iran's No. 1 enemy, the United States. Amiri had provided the enemy with vital information about Iran." Separately, in May 2012, physicist Omid Kokabee was sentenced to 10 years in prison on the charge of having "contact with enemy states." Article 508 of Iran's Islamic Penal Code states, "Anyone who cooperates by any means with foreign states against the Islamic Republic of Iran, if not considered a mohareb [enemy of God], shall be sentenced to 1-10 years imprisonment" (moharebs are subject to the death penalty). This article formed the basis of the sentences given to Amiri, Kokabee and the Namazis. Whether they are truly guilty is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the relevant courts. The key question is whether it is possible to use legal terminology in a nonspecific manner. The majority of legal experts say it is not possible. The word "belligerent" can be applied to any unfriendly or hostile act, as interpreted by some judicial authorities in Iran. But the terms "belligerence" and "belligerent state" have distinct definitions in international law. Blacks Law Dictionary, the Oxford Public International Law and Encyclopaedia Britannica, all of which are globally recognized references, define belligerency as a state of being engaged in actual war or conflict. US legal cases such as the United States v. The Ambrose Light (1885) and Johnson v. Capital One Bank (1995) have confirmed this definition. Moreover, Article 2 of the 1949 Geneva Convention (IV), which relates to the protection of civilian persons in time of war, states, "The present Convention shall apply to all cases of declared war or of any other armed conflict which may arise between two or more of the High Contracting Parties, even if the state of war is not recognized by one of them." As such, a belligerent state is one that enters war with another country, regardless of the intensity of the conflict or whether both sides have officially recognized the state of war. The key point is the engagement in actual conflict. The term "war" also has a distinct definition, referring to a state where the warring parties have resorted to arms in order to destroy one another. The 1974 UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, known as the "Definition of Aggression" resolution, further supports this interpretation. Thus, any armed aggression has two aspects: a material element and a moral element. The moral aspect refers to either party's goal of using aggression as a means of advancing their political agenda, while the material aspect refers to the use of arms in order to inflict a blow to the other side. Therefore, terminology such as "soft overthrow" and "soft war" are not applicable to the term "belligerent" in international law. At the top of Iran's power structure is the supreme leader, and based on Article 110 of the constitution, he alone can declare war or peace. As to who can pronounce a state as being belligerent, there is no mention in Iran's key legal sources. However, based on Article 25 of the Law of the Punishment of Crimes of the Armed Forces, "Any time a court is unable to identify a state as being an enemy or belligerent state, the judiciary will make an inquiry from the Supreme National Security Council [SNSC] and use the council's view as the benchmark." Thus, in such a situation, the SNSC which based on Article 176 of the constitution is headed by the president and supervised by the supreme leader will be the competent organization for declaring belligerency between the government of Iran and that of a foreign country. Although there are many statements by Iran's supreme leader in which he has referred to the Untied States as an enemy, none have been recognized by relevant organizations as falling within the definition of an "enemy state" in Article 2 of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Also, appropriate legal measures need to be taken by the Iranian government and parliament to make the term "enemy" equivalent to "belligerent" none of which have been taken until now. Considering that foreign policy and international relations are among the responsibilities of Iran's executive branch, according to Articles 125, 128, 155 and 152 of the constitution, it would seem that in such a situation, designating the term "belligerent" even within the framework of the definition given in Article 508 of the Islamic Penal Law and Article 25 of the Law of the Punishment of Crimes of the Armed Forces to a foreign state is something that should be done officially and by the top figure in the political establishment and the top executive authority. Therefore, if an individual ventures to designate another state as belligerent, given the distinct definition of this term in both international and domestic law, it will be viewed as going against the power structure (according to Article 57 of the constitution) and maintaining peaceful relations with nonwarring states (according to Article 152). In a statement issued in December 2013, the Iranian Foreign Ministry's international law department stated that Iran does not recognize any state as an "enemy" except for the "occupying Zionist regime," which it does not recognize. There is consensus among various political factions in Iran that the US government has engaged in a number of hostile acts against the Islamic Republic. The crippling sanctions, and perhaps most recently the US Supreme Court's April 20 ruling authorizing confiscation of $2 billion of Iranian assets, are some of the latest examples of this hostility. However, these measures are often labeled by high-ranking Iranian officials as hostile and not belligerent. Indeed, in a 2014 interview with a Swiss TV channel, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said that it is possible to turn more than three decades of "enmity with the United States" into friendship if both sides make an effort. It is unlikely that Rouhani's use of the term "enmity" with respect to US-Iran relations conforms with the definition of belligerence in international law. Thus, ultimately, the question of whether the United States can legally be referred to as a belligerent state in Iran continues to remain unclear given the ongoing dispute about the matter between some of the judicial authorities and legal experts vis-a-vis the executive branch. November 2, 2016 The suggestion was made by Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman, but the sweeping order to members of the governing coalition to boycott members of the Joint List, a unified slate of predominantly Arab parties, was given by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Liberman, who makes no secret of his political agenda advocating the removal of Arab legislators from the Knesset, claimed the boycott decision is a tit for tat following the Joint Lists decision to boycott the September state funeral for former President Shimon Peres. At an Oct. 9 meeting of the coalition party leaders, Liberman said, Members of the Joint List had proven there was no longer any point in talking to them or even arguing with them, and that a decision has to be made mandating a boycott of all their Knesset appearances and speeches. Netanyahu was not far behind. If theres a move afoot to boycott Arab lawmakers, he cant let Liberman get all the credit for the move from the right-wing constituency that shares Libermans views about the Joint List. Liberman was the one who spearheaded the move to raise the election threshold in the previous Knesset. His intention was to make sure the Arab parties would not have enough votes to make it into the Knesset, but this actually ended up uniting the small Arab parties into one faction, which together garnered 13 Knesset seats, largely passing the threshold. Now Netanyahu, too, is seeking ways to delegitimize these Knesset members. On orders from the prime minister, coalition whip Knesset member David Bitan instructed the six coalition parties to prepare for retaliatory action over the absence of the Arab lawmakers from the Peres funeral. He went even further and claimed that their decision to boycott the funeral delivered a message of incitement. Members of the Joint List understood that the Peres funeral was an international event with the participation of presidents from around the world, and they saw an opportunity to convey a message of incitement against Israel, Bitan said. But after these declarations were made, it turned out that according to the Knesset by-laws, at least one Cabinet minister must be present at any plenary debate meaning that the coalition as a whole cannot systematically boycott appearances of Arab Knesset members at the plenum. Hence, a decision was made that the boycott would only last one week. And so at the start of the Knessets winter session on Oct. 31, all the lawmakers of the coalition parties (apart from Tourism Minister Yariv Levin who stayed, as the regulation stipulates) walked out of the plenary when Knesset member Taleb Abu Arar of the Joint List got up to speak about a motion of no confidence in the government tabled by his party. Liberman was pleased. After it turned out that the entire coalition had followed his suggestion, he called the Arab Knesset members representatives of terrorist organizations. The defense minister said, The Knesset cannot simply ignore the decision by representatives of terrorist organizations to boycott the funeral of the ninth president. Were talking about a representation of terror organizations in the Israeli Knesset. They are illegitimate and unwanted here. I hope that boycott lasts until the end of the session, at least as far as [my] Yisrael Beitenu Party is concerned. The Joint Lists decision to not attend the funeral drew harsh criticism not only from Israeli Jews, but also within the Arab community. As I wrote here on Oct. 7, their decision was an egregious mistake that was especially glaring given the attendance of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who displayed political courage and came to pay his last respects to his partner on the Oslo Accord road to peace. Nonetheless, participation in a state funeral is still a right and not an obligation. One can only wonder at Netanyahu and Liberman, who were among Peres most bitter political rivals, who are now presenting themselves as the wronged defenders of the former presidents legacy and demanding in his name retaliatory action avenging his honor. Are they and the other coalition members really motivated by sincere concern for Peres dignity, or is this simply another opportunity to erode the legitimacy of Arab lawmakers in the eyes of Israels Jewish public? Knesset member Ahmad Tibi of the Joint List told Al-Monitor that the prime ministers boycott is an unprecedented move. Tibi cannot recall another case of a prime minister ordering his government to boycott an entire faction that represents a broad national public simply because it stayed away from a funeral. One can disagree with us. I accept the criticism against us with love and respect and even know where its coming from. But its a long way from that to a parliamentary boycott of an entire faction, he said. Tibi believes there is an ongoing attempt to delegitimize the Arab Knesset members. Unfortunately, just as Netanyahu managed to make Abbas the most pragmatic Palestinian leader alive into an illegitimate figure in the eyes of the Israeli public, he is trying to do to members of the Joint List, he said. Tibi claimed that the prime minister is doing what hes doing because he knows that the political left and center need the Joint List if they want to topple his rule and replace the right wing in power. Tibi was apparently unhappy with the decision to boycott Peres' funeral, but he does not say so out right. Ill tell you a secret, he said. A consultation was not held among all the members of the [Arab] factions. Some accepted the decision and made it public, others preferred to stay mum. I am one of those who preferred to be quiet. I was in Moscow [at the time of the funeral], but I called the [Peres] family during the seven-day mourning period to comfort them. Tibi and other Arab Knesset members claim they cannot remember a time of such unbridled incitement to hatred against them, and he further argued that it could end in an assassination. There are threats to kill and do away with us, and I say that in the end, theres a risk of such a thing happening. When a prime minister continues to incite against us, against the [Israeli] Arabs in general, anything we say that is not consensual is regarded as a declaration of war, as incitement against the Jews, even though its not. Someone could take it in the direction of violence." November 2, 2016 NAJAF, Iraq During his speech at the third Middle East Forum held in Erbil Oct. 26, Iraqi parliament Speaker Salim al-Jubouri warned of future threats from the Islamic State (IS), saying that the terrorist organization will not follow the same tactic once defeated in Mosul and will seek to reinvent itself to produce a new generation of terrorists with the ability to cope with the post-defeat phase and meet the resulting challenges. The results of an investigation, published Oct. 19, showed that over the past two years of controlling Ninevah province and other Sunni areas in Iraq, IS has managed to indoctrinate and militarily train 4,000 children to carry out suicide attacks and other terrorist tasks in the future. Europol warned July 30 that these child recruits will be the new generation of jihadis. IS calls these young recruits the Caliphate Cubs. They have received radical ideological teachings based on those of Ibn Taymiyyah, Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab and other Salafist jihadi imams, turning them into ticking time bombs who might end up committing even more violence than IS itself. The Iraqi government has yet to create rehabilitation programs to bring this massive number of young people back into the community. IS militants reportedly went into hiding after Iraqi forces entered the city from the west on Oct. 31. A senior Iraqi intelligence official told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that a number of IS elements have managed to escape from Mosul and head toward the Syrian border or the Jazira region, jammed between Anbar, Salahuddin and Ninevah provinces. In response, Iraqi forces have launched major operations to purge the region of IS elements in parallel with the battle to liberate Mosul. It is no easy task in the wide, sparsely inhabited Jazira region. It is clear that IS has lost its popular bases within the Sunni communities, and it has been a long time since the welcoming ceremonies and pledges of allegiance to the organization ended. In an effort to avoid backlash and resistance on the part of these communities, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has banned the Popular Mobilization Units from entering Sunni areas. IS has lost many of its financial resources after being pushed out of the Syrian and Iraqi oil regions and the tight international restrictions on its foreign sources of funding. The political environment that had served as fertile ground for the emergence of IS and the silence on its expansion are no longer. Today, none of the key regional powers Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have any interest in supporting the organization or are trying to exploit it for political gains. All major players are now competing in the liberation battles to get the biggest share of the spoils of war, meaning extending their influence over the extremely strategic Ninevah province. For instance, Turkey did not lift a finger to deter IS when it first emerged and began to expand. But now Turkey is sticking its nose in the battles for liberation and does not hide its seeking of gains in Iraq. This does not mean that the jihadi movements are gone forever. Quite the opposite. The internal and regional conflicts over the Sunni areas will prepare the ground for the emergence of a new wave of jihadism. Jihadi movements have demonstrated their dynamic ability to cope with new developments, reinventing themselves according to the factors and conditions of each stage. Every time a wave of jihadi movements is quelled, an even more brutal one reappears to astonish the world with its ability to produce chaos in the region and spread beyond it. Thus, Jubouri's warning draws from the evolution of jihadi movements and Iraq's history of being fertile ground for their emergence. In fact, Jama'at al-Tawhid wal-Jihad was a militant jihadi group that started its network in Iraq in the 1990s and picked up stream following the country's occupation in 2003. In October 2004, the groups leader, Musab al-Zarqawi, decided to forge an alliance with small factions, dubbed the Organization of Jihad's Base in Mesopotamia, to serve as al-Qaedas main branch in Iraq back then. The organization, however, began to crumble after the death of Zarqawi on June 7, 2006, and at a time when the Sunni Awakening movement started to impose its influence and expelled members of the organization from its areas. The pro-jihadi groups continued their work under the banner of the Islamic State in Iraq led by Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, who was killed in April 2010. This is when Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi appeared and reinvented the approach and tactics of the terror activities from centering on hit-and-run attacks to seeking the establishment of a state along the lines of an Islamic Caliphate. Iraqs western and central deserts, known by the name of Jazira, between the Euphrates and the Tigris north of Baghdad to the Syrian border, served as a safe haven for the group and a launching pad for its terror actions in various cities of Iraq. The breakout of chaos in Syria was Baghdadis golden opportunity to officially apply the concept of a state, first dubbed as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and then the Islamic State after gaining control of a third of Iraq's territory in mid-2014. Iraq is still a source of potential recruits who are ready to join jihadi groups, due to the ongoing identity and sectarian struggles in the country and the region generally that feed jihadi organizations, justify their presence and ready the ground for their regrowth after each setback. In this context, US President Barack Obama said in a statement about his policy to combat IS in July 2015 that fighting the organization will be a struggle for generations in Iraq, because ideology cannot be defeated with weapons but with new alternative ideas. Ultimately, the end of IS does not mean only one organization, as other small fundamentalist groups would mushroom in other areas and return to create more chaos. Confronting the conditions of jihadism requires a comprehensive plan supported by the international community and regional powers addressing the economic, political and social aspects of the issue. November 3, 2016 Jordan is trying to get the US government on its side in a billion-dollar terror finance lawsuit that could cripple the country's biggest bank. The Jordanian Embassy in Washington hired international law firm Hogan Lovells last month to help overturn a September 2014 verdict by a US jury in New York that found Amman-based Arab Bank liable for Hamas attacks that killed and injured several Americans. The bank initially agreed to a settlement believed to be above $1 billion last year, but later appealed the 2014 verdict. Hogan Lovells has provided legal assistance to Jordan in the past. The firm notably wrote an amicus brief for Jordan in September 2013, urging the Supreme Court to overrule a lower courts sanctions order that punishes Arab Bank for failing to turn over clients personal information during the trial. The ruling undermines Jordans sovereign right to enact and enforce laws for its citizens within its territory, the brief states. If allowed to stand, the decision will expose Petitioner to unwarranted economic and reputational harm, which in turn risks destabilizing the economies of Jordan and surrounding countries. This is the first time the Hashemite Kingdom has retained Hogan Lovells services as a lobbyist, however. According to its lobbying registration form, the firm may engage in advocacy efforts with respect to the US position and participation in the case. The filing suggests the firm may try to convince the US government to side with Arab Bank in its appeal. Neither Hogan Lovells nor the embassy answered Al-Monitors requests for comment. In a May 2014 amicus brief, Solicitor General Donald Verrilli made clear that the Barack Obama administration thought the lower courts sanctions order was wrong. He asked the Supreme Court to uphold the order, however, arguing that the issue could be resolved on appeal if the bank lost its case. The sanctions order could undermine the United States vital interest in maintaining close cooperative relationships with Jordan and other key regional partners in the fight against terrorism, Verrilli wrote. The lower courts erred in several significant respects [but] despite those concerns, this courts review is unwarranted at this time. Arab Bank and the Jordanian Embassy at the time took solace from the US governments criticism of the lower court, but disagreed with its conclusion. The lower courts sanction order, Arab Bank told the court, all but guarantee[s] that the bank would lose in the first instance a prophetic conclusion. The United States has now confirmed that the orders below are not just wrong, but threaten important sovereign interests of the United States and multiple foreign sovereigns, Arab Bank legal firm DLA Piper told the Supreme Court in June 2014. What is more, the orders threaten the ruin of the single most important financial institution in the Palestinian territories and Jordan if not the entire Middle East. As it courts the executive branch, Jordan may be able to count on a discrete assist from Congress, which has long championed the country as a stalwart counterterrorism ally thats relatively friendly to Israel. Lawmakers, however, will be loath to publicly be seen as siding with accused terror-funders over American victims. Coincidentally, Hogan Lovells has also been lobbying for Saudi Arabia since 2007. Its most recent lobbying disclosure indicates it is fighting to overturn the new law allowing family members of victims of the 9/11 terrorism attacks to sue Riyadh. November 3, 2016 The undeclared war between some Arab Gulf countries and Lebanon's Hezbollah is on again, as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Oct. 31 sentenced seven people to prison terms up to 15 years for links to the Shiite political party's armed wing, and Saudi Arabia reiterated Oct. 25 its determination to fight the group. Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayed Hassan Nasrallah lashed out at Saudi Arabia in an Oct. 12 sermon, his most recent. He labeled the country's battles in Yemen an expression of hatred, adding, The Saud family will be defeated in Yemen. Gulf nations consider threats from Hezbollah a priority. The enmity between Hezbollah and the Gulf countries has been escalating over the past decade. The first trigger was the assassination of Lebanon's Saudi-friendly prime minister, Rafik Hariri, in February 2005. Hezbollah operatives are currently being prosecuted in that case by the international Special Tribunal for Lebanon. Hariri, a Sunni, was Saudi Arabias man in the Land of the Cedars. The war in Syria which began five years ago between mostly Sunni rebels and the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, who is backed by Hezbollah only added fuel to the fire already burning between the organization and Gulf countries. In March, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) declared Hezbollah a terror organization. Hezbollah has also been upping its activity in Gulf countries. There is a huge awareness now that Hezbollah is a threat in the Gulf, Saudi Gulf expert Abdulkhaleq Abdulla told Al-Monitor. Abdulla is chairman of the Arab Council for the Social Sciences and a retired political science professor. In recent years, several Hezbollah cells have been dismantled in the Arab region. On Oct. 31, the UAE sentenced seven people for their links with Hezbollah, including three Lebanese, two Emiratis, one Iraqi and one Egyptian. In September 2015, Kuwait charged 26 people suspected of links to Iran's government and Hezbollah with plotting attacks against the Gulf state, according to Al Jazeera. In April, the UAE prosecuted several Hezbollah members accused of gathering intelligence on the Emirates political, military and economic activity. In June, Riyadhs Special Criminal Court revealed links between Hezbollah and a cell assigned to launch attacks against security officials in Awamiyah, a Saudi Shiite village There is a fear in Gulf countries of Hezbollah organizing terror attacks on behalf of Iran, Mustapha Alani of the Gulf Research Center told Al-Monitor. Gulf countries have not forgotten the devastation of the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing, which was the work of Ahmed al-Mughassil, the military chief of the Saudi branch of Hezbollah. Mughassil was apprehended in Beirut in 2015 and deported to Saudi Arabia. He had allegedly lived in Lebanon for years under the protection of Hezbollah. Gulf countries also haven't forgotten the involvement of Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine in the Kuwait bombings of 1983. Badreddine was killed in an explosion in Damascus in May. Abdulla also said Gulf countries worry about efforts by Hezbollah to encourage Gulf Shiites to favor Iran. Gulf countries are home to large Shiite minorities. According to Alani, Kuwait's population is 30% Shiite. About 10% to 15% percent of Saudi Arabias population of 30 million is Shiite. The percentage goes down to 5% in countries such as the UAE, according to Alani. Bahrain is the only Gulf exception; it is home to a Shiite majority but is led by a Sunni royal family. Shiite minorities took to the streets in the wake of the Arab Spring, which began in late 2010. In 2011, a wave of protests shook Saudi Arabias eastern provinces, with dozens dying at the hands of government forces. The eastern oil-rich provinces are plagued by stark poverty, and the population there has demanded greater political and economic rights, the release of political prisoners, a new constitution and greater power for elected bodies and equal treatment. Tensions escalated this year again when Saudi Arabia executed Nimr al-Nimr, a charismatic Saudi Shiite cleric. Nimr, who had strongly criticized the Saudi royal family, was charged with taking up arms against security forces. In August, Bahraini courts condemned Shiite activists and clerics. Bahrain had also been shaken in 2011 by Shiite protests seeking constitutional amendments and equal rights. Alani said he believes the threat of infiltration by terrorist groups can be contained. He said discrimination against Shiites in countries such as Saudi Arabia is not intentional. Poverty and poor infrastructure are not only found in the Shiite eastern provinces, but also in the southern Sunni Najran areas, he said. But ultimately, it is Hezbollahs involvement in Yemen a country considered a strategic priority for Saudi Arabia that exacerbates tensions between the Shiite group and Gulf countries. According to Foreign Affairs, quoting Saudi Arabia-owned Al-Arabiya news network, a video was posted in February of Hezbollah commander Abu Saleh meeting the previous summer with Houthi forces in Yemen. According to the Foreign Affairs story, "The Houthi Hezbollah," the video showed a man in military fatigues addressing a group in Lebanese-accented Arabic about training for assassination operations inside Saudi Arabia, including a specific attack against an undisclosed Saudi commander of border forces. Sources close to Hezbollah told Al-Monitor that a small number of Hezbollah operatives have been training Houthi rebels for some time. Hezbollah and Iran are backing Houthi rebels in Yemen as well as the forces of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has launched a coalition supporting the transition government of Prime Minister Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. The US Treasury has also sanctioned Hezbollah figures for the group's operations in Yemen. We have gathered evidence as well that Hezbollah has been training Kuwaitis, Bahrainis and Yemenis in Lebanon and Syria, Abdulla said. Both for internal reasons and as a result of its close alliance with Iran, Hezbollah has pivoted sharply toward confrontation with the Gulf states, according to Mathew Levitt, director of the counterterrorism program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. For Hezbollah, this pivot is not exclusive of its open-ended battle with Israel, but rather an extension of it and of its fight against Sunni rebels in Syria, Levitt said in the August issue of the CTC Sentinel, a publication of the Combating Terrorism Center at the United States Military Academy. As Hezbollah comes to play a larger role in Syria, it is naturally expanding its area of operation to other countries. The ongoing sectarian war in the Levant and the Saudi-Iranian rivalry will certainly bolster the organizations regional involvement. Attempted auto theft Flagstaff police arrested a young man over the weekend after they found him attempting to drive a vehicle that did not belong to him. According to the police report, a witness reported a vehicle theft in progress at 203 W. Phoenix Ave. in Flagstaff's Southside neighborhood at about 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. The reporting party said the suspect had attempted to open multiple car doors, including the reporting party's, before jumping into a Jeep that had an open top. He said the suspect was trying to drive away but it the Jeep kept stalling. Officers found the suspect still trying to drive out of the parking lot. He had used a knife to start the vehicle without the keys but said he could not get far because he did not know how to drive a manual transmission vehicle. The suspect claimed a friend was letting him borrow the Jeep, but when officers contacted the owner, he said he did not know the suspect and had not given anyone permission to drive his Jeep. The suspect's blood tests later came back positive for cocaine, marijuana and benzodiazepines. Police arrested Adam X. Wilson, 18, on charges of auto theft and DUI drugs. He was booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility. Charged with DUI Flagstaff police arrested David J. Reese, 62, of East Campbell Avenue on a charge of aggravated DUI with a suspended license at 12:54 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. Flagstaff police arrested Ryan-Jaymes K. Moku, 22, of South Lake Mary Road on a DUI charge at 1:54 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. City and county residents who want to report a crime but wish to remain anonymous may call Silent Witness at 774-6111 or (877) 29-CRIME, submit a tip online at www.coconinosilentwitness.org, or text the word Flagtip along with your information to 274637 (CRIMES). Rewards of up to $2,000 are given for information that leads to an arrest. November 1, 2016 Al-Quds newspaper, the oldest Palestinian newspaper (founded in 1951), conducted an interview with Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman. The interview filled the entire seventh page of the newspapers Oct. 24 issue. During the interview, Liberman attacked Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and issued threats against the Hamas movement. This angered many Palestinians, who accused the newspaper of normalizing relations with Israel and called on the paper to offer an apology for its actions. This was the first time a Palestinian media outlet conducted an exclusive interview with an Israeli minister. Social networking activists launched a campaign to boycott the newspaper. They started a hashtag in Arabic that translates to #TheMediaOfNormalization. According to the activists, the interview dealt a blow to all of the efforts aimed at boycotting Israel across the world. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate strongly condemned the newspapers interview and said in an Oct. 25 statement that the interview is a normalization with the occupation that is rejected. This is even tantamount to harmonization with the occupation. Salameh Maarouf, the director general of the Hamas-affiliated government media office, issued a press statement Oct. 24 saying that the office is seriously looking at issuing a decree banning the distribution of Al-Quds newspaper in Gaza, as he deemed the interview with Liberman a grave mistake. Journalist Mohammed Abu Khudair, who conducted the interview with Liberman, categorically refused to label the interview as normalization with the Israeli occupation. He told Al-Monitor, There is an important reason this interview should not be regarded this way. I am a journalist who works for a newspaper based in Jerusalem, which is under the Israeli administration. In other words, communicating with Israeli officials is necessary. There are four main newspapers published in the Palestinian territories: Al-Quds, which is based in Jerusalem; Al-Ayyam and Al-Hayat al-Jadida, both based in the West Bank; and Felesteen, based in the Gaza Strip. What further angered the Palestinian street is that Al-Quds newspaper referred to Liberman as the minister of defense, a title that the Palestinian media outlets reject and use other titles to refer to him, such as the minister of the occupation army or the Israeli minister of war. However, the Israeli censorship imposed on Al-Quds newspaper prevents it from using such terms, knowing that no other Palestinian newspaper is subject to this censorship, he said. Abu Khudair, who has been a journalist since 1985, said the Israeli authorities prevented him from practicing journalism in 2002, when he was also working for Al-Quds newspaper, simply because he introduced himself during an interview with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as a journalist from occupied Jerusalem. At the time, the Israeli authorities objected to the use of the word occupied, and the interview was not completed and not published. The journalist then managed to sort out the issue in 2005 and returned to work for Al-Quds. Asked about the content of the interview conducted with Liberman, Abu Khudair said, The importance of the interview lies in the fact that it explored Libermans position, he who occupies a sensitive position as far as solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is concerned. He [Liberman] stressed the importance of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan's role in the solution and said that the solution depends on the exchange of both land and people, and not just land. Abu Khudair said he was surprised by the criticism made against his newspaper, as Al-Quds often quotes the Hebrew media and publishes statements by officials from the Israeli army and government. Why is it so strange that al-Quds newspaper decided to be the source this time around? he asked. Nashaat al-Aqtash, a journalism professor at Birzeit University in Ramallah, criticized al-Quds interview with Liberman. He told Al-Monitor, This is a rejected form of normalization. Al-Quds newspaper contributed to the promotion of Libermans ideas and threats against the Palestinian people, and this has angered us as Palestinians. He added, Nationally speaking, we are reeling under the brunt of occupation, and we should not listen to any point of view coming from the occupation. The occupation must stop, period. The Palestinian media should confront the Israeli official statements to the media, as nothing they say can justify the occupation. Aqtash said Al-Quds has repeatedly adopted policies that are not in line with those of the Palestinian community. On Aug. 6, 2010, the newspaper published a message from Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak greeting Muslims on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. Palestinians cannot tolerate greetings coming from someone occupying their land, he said. Iyad Qara, the general director of the Hamas-affiliated Felesteen newspaper, told Al-Monitor, There is a Palestinian consensus among journalists and Palestinian media outlets to reject any form of media normalization with the occupation or to allow the Palestinian media to serve as a mouthpiece to spread Israeli propaganda and threats. Qara believes that what Abu Khudair said about Al-Quds newspaper being different than other Palestinian papers in terms of the Israeli censorship and management imposed on it cannot serve as an excuse for the newspaper to conduct interviews with Israeli officials, this being optional rather than compulsory for the newspaper. He added, Media normalization is rejected because the national media outlets prioritize the strengthening of the Palestinian narrative in this existing conflict, while exposing the Israeli narrative, which is based on lies and the falsification of historical facts that occurred on the land of Palestine. This is why it is not logical for Palestinian media outlets to promote this narrative. Qara expressed concerns that Al-Quds interview with Liberman would encourage other media outlets to conduct such interviews with Israeli officials. Hanna Issa, the secretary-general of the Jerusalem-based Islamic-Christian Council for Jerusalem and the Holy Places, said such an interview is normal and does not merit the attacks it is facing. Issa told Al-Monitor, The Palestinian official policy adopted by the Palestinian Authority (PA) is based on negotiation and dialogue with [Israel], which makes the Al-Quds interview natural. Issa refused to deem this as a form of betrayal or normalization. He explained that Israel is trying to show that Palestinian society rejects peaceful coexistence with the Israelis. But the truth is that the Israeli authorities practices on the ground, such as the settlements, the apartheid wall, the demolition of Palestinian houses and the establishment of checkpoints in the West Bank are dealing a blow to the survival chances of this coexistence, he said. November 2, 2016 GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip On Oct. 21, Ramadan Shalah, the secretary-general of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, launched an initiative to resolve the internal Palestinian crisis. The initiative was widely welcomed by the Palestinian factions except for the Fatah movement, which had some reservations. Regardless of acceptances and reservations, the most important question remains whether this initiative will see its way to implementation on the ground in light of the failure of all previous reconciliation initiatives such as the 2011 Cairo Agreement, the 2012 Fatah-Hamas Doha Agreement and the 2014 Beach Refugee Camp Agreement. Shalah launched the initiative in his speech that was broadcast live on the Palestine Today satellite TV channel during the annual festival in Gaza City hosted by the Islamic Jihad marking its 29th anniversary. In his 10-point initiative, Shalah stressed the need to hold a comprehensive national dialogue and urged Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to take serious steps to achieve reconciliation and work on activating the Temporary Leadership Framework of the PLO specified in the 2005 Palestinian Cairo Declaration as a first step to reform the PLO to include all Palestinian factions. Islamic Jihad spokesman Daoud Shehab told Al-Monitor that on Oct. 25 his movement gave the Palestinian factions written copies of the initiative and will send a copy to the Palestinian National Council. He pointed out that Hamas was the first Palestinian faction to respond positively to the initiative, and the Islamic Jihad is still waiting for written responses from the remaining factions. Shehab explained that the initiative is a comprehensive solution to the deteriorating Palestinian situation as a result of the internal division, hoping for serious and quick steps by Abbas to end the political dispute as well as for the participation of all spectrums of the Palestinian people in the decision-making process. Fatah expressed reservations in regard to the initiative, seeing it as unrealistic, exaggerated and inapplicable. In this context, Fatah spokesman Fayez Abu Eita told Al-Monitor, In principle, we encourage any dialogue based on ending the division. We have received the written copy of Shalahs initiative, and our movement and its institutions are currently examining it. He explained that Fatah calls for the serious implementation of the previous Hamas-Fatah reconciliation agreements by Hamas, refusing at the same time to disclose the points in Shalahs initiative on which his movement expressed reservations. Jamil Majdalawi, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and Patriots to End the Split and Restore the National Unity movement, told al-Quds radio station Oct. 23 that Shalahs initiative reanimated the Palestinian political stagnant scene. He pointed out that the main problem is that leaders in Fatah and Hamas are not serious about the reconciliation. Dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan also welcomed the initiative. He posted on his Facebook page Oct. 22 that the initiative includes several commonalities between the various Palestinian national factions, particularly with regard to national unity, calling for the intensification of contacts between all Palestinian factions to hold a new national dialogue in Cairo. Mkhaimar Abusada, a political science professor at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, told Al-Monitor that Shalahs initiative brings nothing new to the table, explaining that the points raised in it have been previously introduced in the 2005 Palestinian Cairo Declaration, the 2011 Cairo Agreement, the 2012 Fatah-Hamas Doha Agreement and the 2014 Beach Refugee Camp Agreement. Abusada stressed that the problem does not lie in initiatives, but in the implementation of these initiatives, ruling out the possibility of success in light of Hamas' preoccupation with its internal elections and Fatahs preoccupation with its seventh general conference to be held before the end of this year. He criticized Shalahs initiative, saying, Such initiatives should not be launched in public speeches; the repercussions of the cancellation of the Oslo Accord and the withdrawal of recognition of Israel need a legal and political study. Political analyst Hassan Abdo told Al-Monitor that the major challenge is the Palestinians ability to put Shalahs initiative into action to end the internal division and unify the Palestinian political system, noting that this will only be achieved through a comprehensive national dialogue based on the previous agreements and the new initiative. He stressed that the success of the initiative depends primarily on Abbas and his desire to take serious steps to launch a comprehensive Palestinian dialogue, describing Fatahs early reservation on the initiative as aimed to obstruct any program for its implementation on the ground. He pointed out that the overwhelming approval of Shalahs initiative by the Palestinian factions puts pressure on Abbas and Fatah to implement this initiative. In his speech, Shalah also called on the Arab states not to blame the Palestinian resistance for receiving Iranian support, saying, No one is entitled to blame us for accepting Irans support. Iran is virtually the only country that openly insists on its military, political and financial support to the Palestinian cause. He added, We did not expect to live to see the day when helping Palestinians would be seen as a crime in the Arab world. In the same vein, Shehab told Al-Monitor, Shalah described the Arab reality thoroughly by saying that the Arab states have abandoned the Palestinians in favor of Israel, while Iran continues to provide support for the Palestinian people and resistance. Has the Palestinian resistance become a crime in numerous Arab countries? he wondered, rejecting any accusation or reproach against the Palestinians for accepting Iranian support. Abu Eita believes the Arab states are a strategic supporter of the Palestinian cause, and he calls on the Palestinian factions to maintain the best relations with Arab countries. There is a deep-rooted conviction among Palestinians that the only solution for the internal division and lukewarm relations with the Arab countries lies in renewing the current Palestinian political system through comprehensive local council, legislative and presidential elections preceded by a serious national dialogue. November 3, 2016 Within the space of a few days, Israel marked the 15th anniversary of the assassination of Tourism Minister Rehavam Zeevi and the 21st anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Both men, each a former senior military officer, have official memorial days to honor them. Both have their names on Israeli roads and city streets, and Israeli children study the legacy each left behind. But they are separated by an ideological, moral and political divide the growing polarization tearing apart Israeli society. Knesset members of the center-left Zionist Camp and leftist Meretz boycotted the special Knesset session memorializing Zeevi, who was nicknamed Gandhi. Absent funding, the public memorial rally for Rabin held every year in Tel Aviv was canceled. Our enemies targeted Gandhi precisely because of his ideological intensity, precisely because of his fervor, precisely because of the path he chose on this earth, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the official Nov. 1 memorial ceremony on Jerusalems Mount Herzl. The exact same things can be said about Rabin. Zeevi was targeted and assassinated in 2001 by Palestinian assailants because of his ideological fervor. Central to his ideology was the idea of transferring Israels Arab citizens to Arab states. He was the equivalent of todays Avigdor Liberman, but unlike the Soviet-born Israeli defense minister, Zeevi was a native son, encased in the glory of a war hero and authentic patriot. His zeal was channeled into a relentless struggle against any compromise with the Palestinians. He was an ardent proponent of grabbing every piece of the biblical Land of Israel in total defiance of world opinion. Rabin was targeted and assassinated by a Jewish enemy replacing his ideological use of military force to establish and guard the State of Israel with a belief in relying on military force to protect the Jewish nature of the state and its democratic principles. In his final years he was consumed with passion for ending the bloody conflict with the states Arab neighbors. To do so he was willing to give up parts of the Land of Israel, and started realizing his vision of turning the Jewish state into a "light unto nations." In the traumatic days after Rabin's assassination in November 1995, Israel's top politicians created the so-called Rabin legacy. Although this legacy was not made sufficiently clear, it was perceived as a type of last testament willing the completion of the peace project with the Palestinians launched with the 1993 signing of the Oslo Accord. Palestinian terrorism and domestic incitement, of which Netanyahu was one of the instigators, made Oslo anathema. Fewer and fewer participants turned out for the annual public memorial rallies held in Tel Aviv at the square that bears Rabins name, and the perceived significance of the assassination dwindled. The admired prime minister who risked his life in Israels War of Independence in 1948, who led Israels military victory in the Six Day War of 1967, became mired in controversy along with his vision of peace. Proponents of the political right, among them those who took part in an October 1995 demonstration at which Rabin was portrayed wearing a Nazi SS uniform, found themselves trapped into attending memorial ceremonies for a man they despised. By law the Knesset is now obliged to allocate several million shekels to the Yitzhak Rabin Center every year. With the waning political significance of the assassination of a Jewish leader by a Jewish gunman came the waxing meaning of a Jewish ministers assassination by an Arab. Right-wing politicians who had made their way to the top of the political pyramid were no longer content with the Menachem Begin Heritage Center dedicated to the legacy of the late prime minister, as his heritage includes withdrawal from territories conquered by Israel (when signing the peace agreement with Egypt) and uncompromising adherence to democratic values. The Zeevi assassination handed the right an object of its very own for commemoration, along with another heritage. And what is that heritage? Great achievements, great achievements for the state, for all of us, and it behooves us to express our gratitude, said Netanyahu at the commemorative ceremony. Prime ministers such as Moshe Sharett and Levi Eshkol, presidents such as Chaim Weizmann and Itzhak Ben-Zvi, did no less for the state, but were not accorded an iota of the honors and accolades being lavished on the late minister of tourism. Netanyahu described Zeevi as a daring fighter, revered commander, lover of the Land of Israel with all his being, highly knowledgeable, a dedicated and ardent public servant endowed with the ability to get things done. Israels military cemeteries are filled with fighters and commanders no less daring, whose love for the Land of Israel, erudition, dedication to their homeland and ability to get things done were no less impressive. Some of them fell in battle. The difference between them and Zeevi is that he established a radical right-wing party and lost his life while representing it in the Knesset and government. Theres another difference: Zeevis name has been linked to organized crime, sexual assault and acts of cruelty. His alleged doings were featured in detail on the respected television program Uvda. Critics of the investigative piece argued that it was not fitting to publish accusations against a deceased person who cannot defend himself. On the other hand, the Zeevi legacy is not dead, but being taught to school children. Its only fitting that the students be aware of verified facts that expose dark corners of his personality and activities, and then they can decide whether he is a worthy role model. Creating a commemorative culture that is Hebrew, local and inherently native is one of the most important accomplishments of the formation of Zionist culture, wrote Maoz Azaryahu in his work "The History of Commemoration." The Haifa University expert on the political geography of culture noted that remembrance is a central motif of Jewish culture. He noted, for example, the biblical commandment Remember the Sabbath by keeping it holy or Remember what Amalek did to you are the building blocks of the continuity of Jewish identity. Nonetheless, he emphasized, Although commemorations are intended to be eternal, the collective memory of a nation is dynamic and hierarchical and eternity is essentially a process of choice and rejection. The choice and rejection of memory, as well as of democratic values, peace and minority rights, are now under the control of a radical right-wing government. It is a government that Rabin, a leader who paid with his life for his devotion to peace, would never have joined. Zeevi, on the other hand, would have felt right at home in this government. They would have deserved each other, and in democracies, people get the leaders and values for which they vote. November 2, 2016 Saudi Arabia is turning to officials of US states in a last-ditch attempt to prevent the families of victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks from being able to sue the kingdom in court. The Saudi Embassy hired Washington-based Flywheel Government Solutions last week to build support among governors and other elected state officials for repealing the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) bill. The firm is one of nine new lobby shops the Saudis have signed up after it became clear in late September that Congress would override President Barack Obamas veto of the bill. The registrant will provide state-based government relations to engage and educate state officials on the federal JASTA legislation in order to create greater awareness of the legislation, impacts and potential consequences, Flywheels lobbying registration states. Communications may include the dissemination of written materials, articles, letters of relevance to the legislations impact. The unusually detailed filing spells out plans to warn state leaders about the potential costs in lost business if the legislation remains on the books. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir likewise warned Congress in March that Riyadh would be forced to sell off $750 billion in US Treasury securities and other assets if the bill became law, to no avail. Saudi Arabia spent $9.5 million in 2015 lobbying Congress and the Obama administration, according to an Al-Monitor analysis of Justice Department records, more than twice the $4.1 million spent the previous year. The kingdom appears on track to spend even more in 2016. Flywheel is set to receive $25,000 per month for its efforts. These include: Outreach to governors and lieutenant governors from across the United States, educating them on the impacts and potential risks/threats that JASTA poses on their states business and economic interests, members of the military and national security; Engag[ing] and align[ing] selected governors and lieutenant governors to take grassroots action, such as writing letters to their respective states congressional delegation, to appeal to Congress to repeal JASTA; and Attempt[ing] to enlist governors and lieutenant governors to write opinion pieces in newspapers or other publications or to make public statements opposing Congress passage of JASTA. Flywheel did not return a request for comment. The contract comes as several lawmakers, led by Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., have promised to try to revisit the bill after Election Day, Nov. 8. They are worried about unintended damage to US relations and retaliatory lawsuits against US troops abroad. Secretary of State John Kerry has also made clear that discussions continue inside the State Department. We did discuss the very negative impact on the concept of sovereign immunity, Kerry told reporters after meeting with Jubeir at the State Department on Oct. 20. We discussed ways to try to fix this in a way that respects and honors the needs and rights of victims of 9/11 but at the same time does not expose American troops and American partners and American individuals who may be involved in another country to the potential of a lawsuit for those activities. Sovereign immunity is a long-standing, well-upheld standard of law, and unfortunately this legislation unintentionally, I think puts it at great risk and thereby puts our country at great risk. So were talking about ways to try to address that. One potential option that could satisfy the Saudis would be the creation of a State Department waiver that would apply to countries deemed to be reliable allies in fighting both terrorism and religious extremism. Such a fix would likely need to be accompanied by some form of compensation for the victims families, however. Ive got some significant concerns about their relationship with Wahhabists, Corker told Al-Monitor after the Senates 97-1 vote to override Obamas veto. They made a deal with the devil years ago, and now theyre inextricably, at present, linked to that and tied to that. And thats of great concern I think to most every person in this body. They know they have issues to deal with. So hopefully something good is going to come out of this. Riyadh, for its part, hasnt given up on fixing the bill and salvaging its decades-old relationship with the United States. The embassy, Foreign Ministry, royal court, investment authority and oil company Saudi Aramco have all penned new lobbying contracts over the past month and a half to address areas of concern in the bilateral relationship. This includes last months Saudi Royal Court contract with lobbying powerhouse Squire Patton Boggs, which recently hired former House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio. Several of the contracts are explicitly about JASTA. In addition to the Flywheel agreement, these include the Foreign Ministrys recent contract with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and the Ministry of Commerce and Investments agreement with King & Spalding. November 3, 2016 Mounting terror threats, massive purges, shrinking press freedom and government pressure on the business world are beginning to take their toll on Turkey, including its media bosses. Axel Springer SE, one of Europes biggest publishers, will not be making new investments in Turkey, the groups chief executive officer announced Nov. 3. Mathias Dopfner added that the Berlin-based media giant will sell its remaining 7% stake in Turkish broadcaster Dogan TV. In a call with reporters, Dopfner didnt mince words: Press freedom is being trampled upon, he said. The decision came after Mondays raid on the left-wing daily Cumhuriyet, which ended in the detentions of 15 members of the newspapers staff, including its editor-in-chief Murat Sabuncu, on thinly supported charges that they colluded with the July 15 coup plotters. In January, Axel Springer shed its 2.3% stake in Dogan TV. The partnership struck in 2007 between Dogan and the German outfit was a source of pride for Dogan CEO Aydin Dogan. He had previously partnered with Turner Broadcasting to set up CNNTurk. The news channel drew sharp criticism when it aired a documentary about penguins as police brutality spiraled out of control during the 2013 Gezi protests. Might Turner be the next to pull out? The question must be preying on the octogenarian tycoons mind. Dogan, like most media barons in Turkey, is accused of using his stable of newspapers and television channels to curry favor with successive governments for his other vast business interests. This feat was easier to pull off in the days when Turkey was ruled by a succession of weak coalitions. Newspaper owners could play one political leader off against the other, ensuring all the while that none of the then-omnipotent armys red lines were breached. But over a decade of single-party rule by the Justice and Development Party (AKP) has meant either toeing the government line or going bust, as Dogan rudely discovered. His company was slapped with a slew of mind-boggling fines after its flagship newspaper Hurriyet covered allegations of the illegal transfer of funds from a German-based Islamic charity to a pro-government news channel in Turkey. These penalties were dropped after Dogan relinquished his ownership of two mainstream newspapers, shut down the opposition daily Radikal and sacked dozens of journalists deemed to be anti-AKP and replaced them with others loyal to the party. It seemed that Dogan had finally redeemed himself when Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a live appearance via a FaceTime video connection on CNNTurk on the night of the failed coup. It proved to be a turning point. Tens of thousands of Turks took to the streets, forcing the putschists to make a choice: either to fire on the people or to give up. They eventually did surrender, but not before over 200 civilians had been killed. Yet pro-government columnists continue to attack Hurriyet and some of its journalists, most notably its star investigative reporter, Ismail Saymaz, who continues to uncover embarrassing news. Dogan is rumored to be under immense pressure to pull out of the media altogether and allow pro-AKP businessmen to scoop up the spoils. But the question of where they would find the money to do so is becoming a big one. Strong growth long underpinned the AKPs seemingly endless popularity and the economy is finally beginning to slow down. The government is putting increasing pressure on the banks to lower lending rates to jumpstart growth. Erdogan suggested that a failure to do this would be tantamount to treason. Yet the more the government interferes with the markets, the more likely it is to have the opposite effect, spooking foreign and local investors alike. The ongoing seizure of assets belonging to companies and individuals accused of having connections to Fethullah Gulen, the Islamic preacher Turkey blames for the coup, has added to the jitters. At least 600 such companies are said to have had assets totaling $12 to $15 billion seized and transferred to government hands. Many of them reportedly remain liable for money they borrowed from Turkish banks but are no longer able to pay back their loans. A Western banker who spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of strict anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the issue summed up the crisis of confidence: If you were a bank manager in Turkey today you would think a million times before lending money to anyone for fear that they would be labeled Gulenists, then default on their loan, leading in turn to being labeled a Gulenist yourself. November 2, 2016 A key element in the image of success the Turkish government is trying to project is the large number of grand construction projects in the country combined with the narrative that Turkey faces challenges by adversaries who are jealous of its progress and resurging power. For instance, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a crowd of supporters in May, Why is the West jealous of us? Its because of the dams. Its because of the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge [over the Bosporus]. Its because of the Marmaray Tunnel and subway running under the Bosporus. The largest megaprojects as Ankara calls them include a giant third airport in Istanbul; the Eurasia Tunnel, an undersea motorway between the European and Asian shores of the Bosporus; and a highway complete with a suspension bridge from the industrial hub of Gebze outside Istanbul to Turkeys third-largest city, Izmir. Yet the projects have never been free of controversy, criticism and protests over various legal, environmental and financial aspects. Many people worry that the construction drive is creating a black hole in public finances. The megaprojects are being built on the public-private partnership (PPP) model and, as such, are ultimately viewed as a sort of privatization. Though the state remains the owner of public property such as land, shores, waterways and mines, the transfer of operation and usage rights to private companies is, in a broad sense, a sequel of privatization. The PPP model, including methods such as build-operate-transfer or the transfer of operational rights, is an investment model that the World Bank has promoted and backed, especially for emerging economies. According to World Bank figures, Turkey is third among 10 emerging countries in terms of the total contract value of PPP project stocks. Brazil tops the list with $510 billion, followed by India with $341 billion and Turkey with $161 billion. The fourth-largest project stock, worth $155 billion, belongs to Russia, followed by Mexico with $141 billion and China, which surprisingly lags behind in this field with $139 billion. Four of the 34 PPP projects that are under construction in Turkey account for two-thirds of the total investment volume. And the largest of the four, the $14 billion third airport for Istanbul, accounts for 38% on its own. Three of the four largest projects are located in Istanbul, Turkeys most populous city and industrial hub. The third airport, the Eurasia Tunnel and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge the already operational third suspension bridge over the Bosporus are part of an interconnected scheme, along with Canal Istanbul, a man-made waterway that is still in the planning stage. The government has cast the PPP projects as the driving force of economic growth, boasting that local and foreign investors are being encouraged to invest in Turkey without spending a single penny of public money. Many Turks, however, refuse to buy this success story. A wide range of critics opposition parties, professional chambers and civil society groups counter that the projects are not profitable, feasible or sustainable. The critics say the projects rest on flawed growth, transport and energy policies and have become a tool to advance crony capitalism and nepotism. Major sources of criticism include the lack of concern shown for the environment and historical and cultural heritage as well as a lack of transparency and public scrutiny. The Court of Accounts, which audits public agencies on behalf of parliament, for instance, has highlighted serious transparency issues at the Directorate-General of Highways (KGM), an affiliate of the Transport and Maritime Affairs Ministry, which leads many of the PPP projects. The KGM has two projects carried out under the public-private partnership model. No record exists about the demand guarantees given [to private companies] as part of those projects, meaning that the worth of demand guarantees have not been reflected in financial accounts, the Court of Accounts said in its 2015 report. The auditors stressed that the risks the government undertook under PPP contracts must be shown in the bookkeeping system to allow for a thorough financial analysis, including the strain that projects involving demand guarantees had put on public finances, the governments capacity to meet such obligations and future financing needs. Such problems of transparency and auditing have fueled concern that some unpleasant surprises could be in store for the Treasury. All PPP projects involve guarantees, meaning a guaranteed minimum profit for the contractors, both local and foreign, no matter how the projects perform once they become operational. The Gebze-Izmir Motorway project, for instance, involves a demand guarantee of 40 billion Turkish liras (some $13 billion) for the contractors, who will hold the operational rights for 15 years. In the North Marmara Motorway project, which includes the third Bosporus bridge, the demand guarantee is nearly $6 billion for an operation period of about eight years. In the project for Istanbuls third airport, the passenger guarantees for international flights and transits alone amount to 6.3 billion euros ($6.94 billion) for the first 12 years, while the guarantees for the Eurasia Tunnel cover 70,000 vehicle crossings per day. In the health sector, meanwhile, public hospitals will pay $27 billion in rent for buildings in large health campuses, which contractors will build and operate for 25 years, according to Development Ministry figures. The guarantees were based on a projection of economic growth of at least 4% to 5% per year, which dates back to 2013 and 2014, when the projects were tendered. Since then, however, the growth rate has slowed down to an average of 2.5% to 3%. The governments 5% growth target for the coming years seems unrealistic, given the slowdown in the inflow of foreign capital. So if the projects fail to generate the expected income when they become operational, the Treasury will have to pay the guaranteed sums to the companies, opening black holes in the budget. The Treasury, along with the banking system, is exposed to another risk from the megaprojects. The Treasury has backed the financing of the projects as a guarantor. Amid growing volatility, external financing had become difficult, and public banks were, in a sense, forced to finance the projects at government behest. This, in turn, upset their asset structures, leading top credit rating agencies to downgrade their ratings. The credit rating agencies seem to have factored in particularly the Treasurys debt guarantees for the third Bosporus bridge, the Eurasia Tunnel and the Gebze-Izmir Motorway. The Treasury, which puts the total investment volume of the three projects at $11 billion and the loans they have used at $8.7 billion, has guaranteed that it will assume all financial obligations, including external financing burdens, if the projects are canceled or related government agencies take over the infrastructure in question before contracts expire. In sum, the credit rating agencies believe that those loan risks contribute to economic volatility, along with other risks in public finances. Fresh financial woes are likely to follow the existing problems once the PPP projects become operational. How those problems will be overcome remains unclear. Yet more ambitious projects such as Canal Istanbul, the Dardanelles Bridge and a three-deck undersea tunnel in the Bosporus are up for auction in the coming days. November 1, 2016 Former minister and Knesset member Eli Yishai, the former chairman of ultra-Orthodox Shas who ran in the last election in a new party (Yachad), revealed on Oct. 16 that the party will hold open primaries in advance of the next election. These primaries will determine Yachad's list for the Knesset. In the 2015 election, the Yachad list didnt win the minimum votes for a seat in the Knesset, but Yishai is not giving up. Yishais decision to hold primaries has shaken up the ultra-Orthodox community. Since the establishment of the state, ultra-Orthodox parties have never held primaries. The parties leading rabbis determine the lists of candidates, making an effort to represent the sectors subgroups on the list. Actually, secular parties like Defense Minister Avigdor Libermans Yisrael Beitenu, Yair Lapids Yesh Atid and even Finance Minister Moshe Kahlons Kulanu also dont hold primaries a point that is much critiqued in Israeli political discourse. Thus, the decision of a party that defines itself as ultra-Orthodox to hold primaries is undoubtedly an unusual move, since at least in the eyes of some party members it indicates the beginning of a much bigger change that could even lead to a revolution in the way all of the ultra-Orthodox parties lists are composed. But such primaries could also affect Israeli politics in general. In recent years ultra-Orthodox politicians have proven to be "kingmakers," tilting the political balance between right and left and deciding the composition of the government. Opening ultra-Orthodox parties to primaries could shift voters from "flexible" ultra-Orthodox parties (who might join either a right-wing or a leftist government) to the clearly right-wing Yachad. Primaries could also influence the behavior of ultra-Orthodox politicians, as they would be accountable not only to the rabbis but also to their electorate. According to Yishais plan, which received the blessing of Yachads spiritual leader, Rabbi Meir Mazuz, candidates who wish to run under the auspices of the party will be vetted by its leadership, and those who are approved will receive a spot on its list according to the preference of party members. A source within the party and close to Yishai explained to Al-Monitor that the goal of the initial vetting is to prevent malicious elements from planting representatives within the party who would damage its character. In advance of the primaries, the party is set to announce the opening of membership registration, where the party expects some 10,000 members to register in the initial stage. Theres no doubt this is a dramatic decision that will shake up ultra-Orthodox politics, the senior Yachad figure told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. The decision to hold primaries came from the field. We understood that there are groups within the ultra-Orthodox sector that feel they are not represented. For example, ultra-Orthodox men who work, [Israeli-]American ultra-Orthodox and other groups. So we decided to open up the party to members. This move, in its uniqueness, will take votes from all the ultra-Orthodox parties. Also from Shas and from Yahadut HaTorah. He went on, Our message will be mainly [directed] toward Shas. Well present clean hands compared to corruption and shady dealings, transparent primaries in a vote that is open to the public as opposed to a biased nomination process. Eli Yishai has been in politics for 30 years, and nothing has stuck to him. They investigated him to no end, even hired private investigators. The decision to hold primaries is a reflection of Eli Yishais public integrity and embodies his devotion to public service, rather than an interest in using the public for his own needs. Rivals in other ultra-Orthodox parties argued in a conversation with Al-Monitor that a party whose list isnt determined by rabbis cant claim to be an ultra-Orthodox one. The Yachad figure insisted, on the other hand, that Yachad will continue to be defined as ultra-Orthodox despite the primaries. Yachad is a wholly ultra-Orthodox party, and this is because it has and will always be subject to Torah rule, he explained. This is opposed to HaBayit HaYehudi, for example, which isnt subject to Torah rule. The primaries arent a move that contradicts its identity as an ultra-Orthodox party. As a matter of fact, the rest of the ultra-Orthodox parties should also adopt the idea and open up their parties to members. I believe that it will happen in the future as a result of our move. Veteran ultra-Orthodox political commentator Yaakov Rivlin doubts the sincerity of the move and argues that what motivated Yishai is the desire to take stock of the size of his electorate base. Its not really primaries, since an organizing committee will approve the candidates ahead of time, and everything will stay in the family, he told Al-Monitor. Rivlin also doesnt believe that the party will succeed in attracting the so-called underrepresented groups in the ultra-Orthodox sector. Many have tried before him and didnt succeed, said Rivlin. I dont see a reason for an [Israeli-]American ultra-Orthodox person from the Jerusalem Har Nof neighborhood to decide to vote for an extreme right-wing party because it holds primaries. According to Rivlin, contrary to the hopes of those surrounding Yishai, the unexpected move wont influence the other ultra-Orthodox parties. If there were really a democratic game here and primaries incorporated new leaders, it could indirectly create some shake-up in the old systems of the veteran ultra-Orthodox parties. But as it appears now, it seems that what was will remain. Lawyer Yehezkel Rosenblum who represents a group within the ultra-Orthodox sector that defines itself as Israeli ultra-Orthodox, meaning ultra-Orthodox and engaged in Israeli public life, that according to him is underrepresented within the existing political system actually thinks the move could change ultra-Orthodox politics. No doubt this is a refreshing change and the start of a new [kind of] politics, he told Al-Monitor. It is clear that it will influence all the ultra-Orthodox parties. The question is only how long it will take. Thats a mystery, I think. However, as someone familiar with the system, I know that it could take a long time. Essentially, Rosenblum isnt at all sure whether the group he leads could support a staunchly right-wing party like Yishais. Even though most ultra-Orthodox have right-wing views, in our group many more lean left, so this political platform is something we would find difficult to support even though the move itself is interesting and precedential. For the ordinary ultra-Orthodox voter, the fact that there are no primaries in the party that represents him is not a drawback of ultra-Orthodox politics, but a positive. The fact that the rabbis who represent Torah rule are those who determine representation in the Knesset, rather than primaries, which symbolize political corruption for many people, is a huge advantage in their eyes. So its hard to see how and whether Yachads innovation would impact the average ultra-Orthodox voter. On the other hand, we can assume that on the margins, the move could rake in some voters who feel unrepresented. The gimmick could bring them to vote for the party, even if they didnt initially think of supporting it. November 2, 2016 WASHINGTON The United States expressed skepticism Nov. 2 after Russia said it would extend a pause in airstrikes on Aleppo until Nov. 4 so that civilians, the wounded and opposition fighters could leave the besieged city. But while the United States described the plan as recycled and insufficient, American officials have taken note of the fact that Russia has largely halted aerial bombardment in Aleppos old city since mid-October, even while no humanitarian aid has been permitted to be brought into rebel-held eastern Aleppo, which has been besieged for over three months. These humanitarian pauses are really nothing more than the Russians want to provide an opportunity for people to get out before they resume the bombing, State Department spokesman John Kirby told journalists at the press briefing Nov. 2. What we have seen in the past with these humanitarian pauses is no aid gets in and people get bombed again, Kirby said. We will see what happens. Russias Defense Ministry said in a statement Nov. 2 that there were six corridors for civilians and sick people to leave eastern Aleppo. The statement said rebels could exit eastern Aleppo with their weapons via two corridors being set up, from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Nov. 4, while warning that efforts to break the siege were doomed. "All attempts by the rebels to break through in Aleppo have failed," the Russian Defense Ministry statement said. "They have no chance to break out of the city." Behind the scenes, diplomatic consultations have continued in Geneva and in the region on how to try to normalize the situation in Aleppo and get a cessation of hostilities back in place after a week-old US-Russia cease-fire deal collapsed Sept. 19 and was followed by intense Syrian and Russian bombardment of eastern Aleppo, which the UN estimates to have trapped 275,000 people. Notably, Turkey has expressed support for trying to get al-Qaeda-linked Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra) members to leave rebel-held eastern Aleppo. Turkeys military and intelligence chiefs Gen. Hulusi Akar and Hakan Fidan held talks Nov. 1 in Russia with their Russian counterparts on how to normalize the situation in Aleppo, the Turkish military said. "The subjects taken up in the talks were a settlement to the clashes in Syria and normalization of the situation in Aleppo, as well as continuing to develop coordination between the two countries with the aim of ... ending the threat from Daesh [Islamic State]," the Turkish military said in a Nov. 2 statement. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also met with Syrian opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) chief Riad Hijab in Doha, Qatar, on Nov. 1. Both Turkey and the HNC are supportive of a prospective deal that would allow those needing medical care to be evacuated and Jabhat Fatah al-Sham fighters to leave eastern Aleppo, a member of the HNC, speaking not for attribution, told Al-Monitor. Secretary of State John Kerry, speaking in London this week, said Russia should test an offer by Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United States to separate al-Qaeda-linked Jabhat Fatah al-Sham rebels from other opposition fighters in Aleppo, but that would require an extended pause in bombing. There is a way to try to resolve this, Kerry told an audience at Chatham House in London on Oct. 31, where he along with his Iranian counterpart, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif were the recipients of an award for negotiating the Iran nuclear deal. If Russia were to test the stated willingness of Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia and the United States to try to separate [Jabhat Fatah al-Sham] from the opposition, and if they would test it by standing back and not bombing for a period of time and give the legitimate opposition the opportunity to adhere to the [cease-fire] and separate from the true terrorists, then we could begin to get some, perhaps, cooperative breathing space where we might have an opportunity to be able to really put in place a [cease-fire] and, importantly, get to the negotiating table in Geneva, Kerry said. I remain the eternal optimist and hopeful that we can still try to push to that somewhere in these next couple of months, Kerry added. We have two and a half months left in this administration, and were going to work till the last moment to try to do that. And we are engaged even now in some discussions to see whether or not that is possible. Kerry has been very clear we are going to continue pursuing diplomatic [solution on Syria] until the president leaves office, a US official, speaking not for attribution, told Al-Monitor. He is not going to stop what he has been doing. At the end of the day, we sit at the table with the different groups, including Russia and Iran, because they are there. We have to sit down with those people. We continue to remind them they committed to something they are not upholding. As to the pause in Russian bombing in Aleppo, the official said he can only speculate, but one theory is Russia may want to show Bashar al-Assad's regime what might happen if Russia stops supporting him. Russia basically props up the regime; it was on the ropes, he said. The pause in bombing may show Assad what happens if they abandon him. He would be in more trouble. As to the latest Russian offer for a humanitarian pause in Aleppo, the US official described it as recycled and noted that zero access has been granted to the UN to provide aid in Aleppo. Given the behavior of the Russians and Assad's regime, there is reason for the opposition to be skeptical about the humanitarian corridors, especially when they are expected to separate their fighters from the sick and wounded, the US official said. The bottom line, the US official said, is people should not be forced to leave their homes to get food and medical care. November 3, 2016 SANAA, Yemen A collection of shocking photos of starving people barely surviving have shown the world that Yemen, the poorest country in the Middle East according to the World Food Programme (WFP), has plunged into famine. The photos, taken in the district of al-Tuhayat in Yemen's western province of Hodeidah, have shocked Yemenis and panicked relief organizations. They tragically prove the extent of the catastrophe resulting from 18 months of civil war, which Saudi Arabia joined leading a regional military coalition on March 26, 2015. Despite the United Nations' warnings of the coming famine, the photos of hungry Yemenis left no doubt that it's arrived. Nearly 5,800 people reside in the starving district, spread among small towns. It lies on the coast between the port cities of Hodeidah and Mokha. The severe food shortage is worst there, where the situation is the most severe, but half of the Yemeni population lives in hunger. The United Nations Children's Fund stated Oct. 28, Yemen's 18-month war has left 370,000 children at risk of severe malnutrition a condition which needs urgent treatment to prevent a child from dying. Salman Abdul Raqib, a member of the BasmtnaSalam initiative, which had sent aid convoy from Sanaa to the Tuhayat district Oct. 22, told Al-Monitor that famine has hit 90% of the district's population, "which is absolutely horrible. Some of those who received our aid are very skinny. They are skin and bone and barely moving, not only because of hunger, but also for being sick. He added, There are merchants and organizations providing assistance to the people of Tuhayat that is easing their hunger. But for how long will it last? Can we ensure that these people will be fed for another year? If the war continues and the economy continues to deteriorate, who will be providing for them? Fear of the Saudi-led coalitions airstrikes on the Tihama coastal areas is largely to blame for the suffering of Tuhayat, whose citizens are dependent upon fisheries as their source of income. As the Saudi-led coalition started shelling fishing boats, which the coalition accuses of supplying the rebels with weapons, the fishermen have stopped fishing and lost their livelihoods. The WFP reported Sept. 25, The number of food-insecure people in Yemen is estimated at close to 14 million, according to a WFP food security assessment in June. This includes 7 million people who are severely food insecure, with 70% of the population of some governorates unable to provide food for themselves. The situation has been aggravated by the delayed payment of the salaries of 1.25 million state employees. This income is depended on by 6.9 million people, 48.2% of whom are children, according to an October report by the Yemeni Ministry of Planning. Hunger is not limited to Yemens west coast. In the capital of Sanaa, dozens of new people have joined the long list of beggars roaming the streets and commercial centers. Um Mohammed told Al-Monitor while begging next to al-Jumhouri Hospital, I could not bear my children crying from hunger pains. I have no food at home, and I lost my job as a housemaid a year and a half ago. Begging is my last resort. Mohammed sits six hours a day on the sidewalk with her back to an electrical pole, with her three children between 5 and 10 years of age sitting next to her to inspire pity in the passers-by. She added, There were charities that provided us on a monthly basis with basic foods such as flour, rice and sugar. But they no longer exist. I am a widow and I beg to feed my children. We have not heard from my husband since 2011. The warring parties in Yemen continue to spend tens of millions of dollars to finance the war and buy weapons while poverty and hunger have ravaged most of Yemen's cities. The warring parties, the Houthis and President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadis government, seem indifferent to the dire situation in Tuhayat and other districts and leave it to international organizations and youth and business initiatives to address. Asked whether the government will act to resolve the food crisis in Hodeidah, a senior government source told Al-Monitor, I do not have that information. An Ansar Allah official likewise refused to comment on the issue. Yemen is on the brink of disaster. The health, education and food systems have collapsed, and thousands of Yemenis have exhausted all of their survival strategies. Many may starve to death if the war continues much longer. Undoubtedly, local actors are by themselves unable to halt the civil war that has killed at least 10,000 people as of August 2016, according to the UN. It is up to Saudi Arabia and Iran to decide on the matter, or at least to pressure their Yemeni allies to negotiate. Birmingham's 14th Annual Day of the Dead Festival, or Dia de los Muertos, takes place tonight at Cahaba Brewing Company. The Birmingham festival began in 2003 by Bare Hands Gallery and has grown through the years. Dia de los Muertos originated in Mexico as a remembrance of the deaths of ancestors. Altars are built to commemorate their past life. The ancient belief asserts that the souls of the deceased come to visit during Day of the Dead guided by the familiar sights and fragrances of the items on their altars and the sound of their loved ones gathered round. Day of the Dead is not Halloween -- there are no superhero costumes, fright is not an aspect. It is a time to live it up for those that have passed, to spend time with the good memories, to revel in the stories of those who came before. It's a time to paint faces, to eat and drink, to sing and dance. 15 local artists from Alabama will come together to share their Day of the Dead-inspired craft. Be sure to visit the Mercado from 4 p.m.-10 p.m. in the Cahaba Brewing Side Room and take a unique Dia de los Muertos artisan creation with you. Food will be available including from some of Birmingham's many Mexican restaurants. Street tacos, tamales, aguas frescas, tortas, quesadillas, gorditas, and corn on the cob are some of the items available. Cahaba Brewing Company is located at 4500 5th Avenue South in Birmingham. More information on the festival can be found here. PHOENIX -- Federal judges will give Democrats one more chance to make their case that a state ban on "ballot harvesting'' is illegal. In a brief order Wednesday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said a majority of the sitting judges want to review last week's ruling by a majority of a three-judge panel which concluded the state is legally able to make it a felony for anyone to take someone else's ballot to the polling place. HB 2023, approved earlier this year by the Republican-controlled legislature, has exceptions only for family members, those in the same household and certain caregivers. Judge Sandra Ikuta, writing last week's majority opinion , said the state has a legitimate interest in protecting the integrity of the voting process. And she said the fact there isn't a single instance of fraud from the practice is legally irrelevant. That 2-1 ruling left Chief Justice Sidney Thomas, to dissent, saying there is evidence that the practice the state law bans is more heavily used by minorities, making it illegally discriminatory. Wednesday order essentially wipes out last week's ruling against the challengers, giving them another shot at convincing the full court that the ban violates the federal Voting Rights Act. But time is running out: The election is Tuesday. Wednesday's decision to review last week's earlier ruling was not unanimous, with Judge Diarmuid O'Scannlain calling the move "a serious mistake.'' "We risk creating a mess of current law by trying to produce a ruling under self-imposed time pressure,'' he wrote for himself and four other judges. He said it would be better to allow Tuesday's election to take place with the ban on ballot harvesting in place. O'Scannlain said that would allow courts to see how the law is implemented, see whether it is discriminatory, and then make a ruling on its legality ahead of the next election. The action comes as arguments are scheduled for today in Phoenix on claims by Democrats that the Arizona Republican Party, the Trump campaign and their allies are planning to intimidate voters going to the polls on Tuesday. That would include people who otherwise might have given their early ballots to someone else but now have to deliver them personally. The Democrats want U.S. District Court Judge John Tucci to issue a restraining order to block things like "aggressive questioning'' of those coming to vote. Meanwhile, another federal judge in Phoenix is weighing a bid by Democrats to ensure that those who registered to vote on Oct. 11 should be allowed to cast a ballot this year. Secretary of State Michele Reagan wants the court to enforce the Oct. 10 deadline even though that was both a federal and state holiday and some options to register to vote on that day were not available. And a ruling is awaited from the same three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit that decided the ballot harvesting case, this time on the question of whether the state should be required to count the votes of ballots cast at the wrong precinct. Unlike many other states, Arizona allows all voters to request that a ballot be mailed to them ahead of each election. Voters can fill it out and mail it back, take it to an early voting site ahead of Election Day or take it to any polling place on Election Day. The other option until this year was to give it to someone else to return. Both Republicans and Democrats have done such "ballot harvesting'' in prior years. But the Democrats and allied groups have been far more successful at going door-to-door close to Election Day and collecting the ballots that may be sitting on a table that are now too late to be mailed. There already are laws that make it a crime to tamper with anyone else's ballot or refuse to turn one in. Proponents also provided no evidence of fraud. About the closest came from Sen. Don Shooter, R-Yuma, who said he had heard that some groups were collecting early ballots, steaming them open and then deciding based on what they found whether to submit them or toss them. There was never any proof of such an incident. And Rep. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, argued during debate the lack of evidence does not matter. "What is indisputable is that many people believe it's happening,'' he said in voting for the measure. "And I think that matters.'' It was that logic adopted by Ikuta in last week's majority ruling last week. "Legislatures are permitted to respond to potential deficiencies in the electoral process with foresight rather than reactivity,'' she wrote. Thomas, in his dissent, said the practice will impact minorities more than other groups. "There are many burdens and challenges faced in Arizona by Native Americans, Hispanics, African-Americans, the poor, and the infirm who do not have caregivers or family'' to take their ballots to the polls. "With HB 2023, Arizona has added another: disenfranchisement.'' How the full court feels on the issue of discrimination is crucial: Any effort to overturn a state law as violating the federal Voting Rights Act requires proof that the measure has a disparate impact on minorities. At least one judge who was not part of the original panel already has taken sides. Judge Stephen Reinhardt, voting to review last week's ruling, called it "an urgent case of extraordinary importance involving the suppression of minority voters on the eve of a presidential election.'' And Reinhardt said it appears to him the law is illegal, citing the potential penalty of one year in prison for someone who does nothing more than take another person's ballot to the polls. "The record in this case fully documents the disparate burden that this new law imposes on minority voters,'' he wrote. The question of the ban on ballot harvesting has at least an indirect link to the lawsuit the Democrats filed earlier this week to halt what they claim will be voter intimidation. Challengers to HB 2023 pointed out that election officials throughout the state said they have no intention of trying to enforce the law or of confronting people who bring multiple ballots to polling places. The result, according to the Democrats, is that the Arizona Republican Party "is training poll watchers to use it to interrogate and intimidate voters'' who now have to show up in person to drop off their early ballots. But Sara Agne, representing the state GOP, told the appellate judges in her own legal brief to ignore that claim. "To be categorically and unequivocally clear, the (Republican) Party does not use, implement, or permit its member or volunteers to use or implement any harassment or 'voter intimidation tactics,' '' she wrote. King Humphrey.jpg Roderick King, left, and Javar Humphrey, right. ( ) Two suspects charged with capital murder in unrelated killings in Jefferson County both entered pleas of not guilty and not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect at their arraignments on Wednesday. Roderick King, 20, charged in the January slaying of a young customer at Jack's in Pleasant Grove, and Javar Humphrey, one of five teens charged in the October 2015 shooting death of a Bessemer man during a crime spree to get money to attend the Magic City Classic, entered their pleas before Jefferson County Circuit Judge David Carpenter. Attorneys for King and Humphrey asked Carpenter to order mental evaluations to determine the current mental status of the suspects and their ability to stand trial on the charge of capital murder, which Carpenter did order. The judge set King's trial date for April 3, 2017. The trial for Humphrey, who previously requested and was denied youthful offender status, is set for Feb. 27, 2017. King is charged in the Jan. 12 slaying of Ashton Blake Roberts. Roberts was standing in line at the Pleasant Grove Jack's that Wednesday night when police say King, brandishing a rifle, stormed the Park Road restaurant and ordered everyone inside to the floor. Roberts, it appears, froze and hesitated, and was shot. King is accused of then turning the gun toward a teenage cashier and demanding money. He fled with an undetermined amount of cash. The entire robbery and killing took just 11 seconds. Authorities say King on that same night, prior to the Jack's holdup, robbed the Burger King in Fairfield about 7:30 p.m. where he fired four or five rounds while inside the restaurant. A customer fired one shot at King before the suspect fled the restaurant. Police said he then robbed Papa Murphy's in Hueytown before going to Jack's. No shots were fired and no one was injured in the Hueytown robbery. Just last month, King was charged with bribery of a public servant, accused of offering to pay a Jefferson County jail deputy hundreds of dollars if he would smuggle in cellphones, cigarettes and drugs. Humphrey is charged with capital murder and multiple counts of robbery in relation to the Oct. 5, 2015 crime spree in the Bessemer area. The others charged and their ages at the time of their arrests are: Harold Mason, 18, of Birmingham; Rufus Clyde Jr., 18, of Birmingham; Rashad Taylor, 17, of Center Point; and Anthony Murray, 16, of Birmingham. Humphrey, Clyde, Murray, and Taylor are charged with capital murder in the aiding and abetting Mason in the robbery and shooting of death. Authorities have previously said the teens were riding around in two cars - a stolen white Camry and a black Dodge Avenger belonging to the mother of one of the teens. They were believed to be part of a gang known as TTG, which stands for Trained To Go, that have been responsible for a dozen or more carjackings or attempted carjackings. Jefferson County Sheriff's investigator Jeremy Barbin previously testified that at least three of the co-defendants and one 16-year-old girl identified by the initials "L.R." who was riding in the backseat of the Avenger during the carjackings, all pointed the finger at Mason as the being the gunman in all three incidents. The three incidents are: - First a woman reported she had been driving on Pocahontas Road near Paradise Lane when a white car in front of her stopped abruptly. A man got out of the passenger side of the car and pointed a gun at her and told her to get out. She refused and drove off. -Second, just before 8 p.m., 58-year-old Leon Slay of Bessemer was shot and killed off Fairfax Avenue just after he had walked away from the BP convenience store on Alabama 150, apparently counting his money. According to video, Slay walked across Alabama 150 to Fairfax Avenue and moments later the Camry and Avenger can be seen leaving the parking lot. -Third, shortly after Slay was killed, and only blocks away, a man was carjacked at gunpoint in the 2000 block of Clarendon Avenue in Bessemer. The man's white Kia was taken. Humphrey's attorneys have argued that Humphrey was in the Avenger and did not help or participate in the carjackings or shooting. Alabama death row inmate Tommy Arthur, to whom one victim advocate already referred as "Houdini" for escaping execution six times, on Thursday had his execution postponed for the seventh time in 15 years. The execution was stayed by the U.S. Supreme Court officially at 10:55 p.m., a prison spokesman said. "There will be no execution tonight," said Alabama prison spokesman Bob Horton. The Alabama Attorney General's Office had notified the prison system of the stay, Horton said. The stay will remain in place until the court decides whether it will agree to review Arthur's appeal, according to the SCOTUS order. If they don't, then the stay automatically is removed and Alabama would be free to set another execution date. Two justices, Thomas and Alito, stated they would not have granted the stay. Four of the justices were in favor and the Chief Justice stated he didn't favor a stay or review but agreed out of courtesy. "We are greatly relieved by the Supreme Court's decision granting a stay and now hope for the opportunity to present the merits of Mr. Arthur's claims to the Court," according to a statement from Arthur's attorney Suhana Han. Attorney General Luther Strange criticized the decision to halt the execution. "With all due respect to the Supreme Court, tonight's order undermines the rule of law. While I agree with Chief Justice Roberts that 'this case does not merit the Court's review,' in my view, there is no 'courtesy' in voting to deny justice to the victims of a notorious and cold-blooded killer," Strange said. SCOTUS had twice delayed the execution Thursday night. An order shortly before 9:30 p.m. Thursday signed by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas had been a temporary order staying the execution, Horton said. At that time prison officials were still waiting to see if the court ruled again and they could go forward with the execution before midnight. If the court had ruled before midnight and denied the stay then it would have possible the execution could go forward, Horton said. "We're in a holding pattern ... We're going to continue to wait for the Supreme Court," Horton said at that time. Earlier Thursday evening, Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn agreed to a two-hour delay of the scheduled 6 p.m. execution so the Supreme Court could review the split 11th Circuit decision, said Horton. In that 2-1 decision, 11th Circuit decision Circuit Judge Charles Wilson said the execution should have been stayed in order for Arthur's appeals on his lethal injection challenge. "Due to the scarcity of and secrecy surrounding lethal injection drugs, it is all but impossible for a prisoner to set forth a viable lethal-injection-based alternative," Wilson wrote in his dissent in Wednesday's opinion. "The Majority's decision therefore checkmates countless Alabama and Florida prisoners, nullifying their constitutional right to a humane execution." Wilson also stated that the majority in the ruling - Hull and Circuit Judge Stanley Marcus - determines that Arthur's suggestion of a firing squad was not feasible and readily implemented because Alabama law does not authorize the firing squad. "Arthur should be permitted to amend his complaint to include the firing squad as an execution alternative to Alabama's lethal injection protocol. The firing squad is a potentially viable alternative, and Arthur may be entitled to relief under Baze and Glossip (U.S. Supreme Court ruling) based on that method of execution," Wilson wrote. Arthur remained defiant Thursday as he waited to see if the U.S. Supreme Court would stay his execution at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore. Arthur's attorneys Wednesday night filed a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court seeking a stay after the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to block the execution. Arthur on Thursday told AL.com in a telephone interview he was hopeful this execution would be stayed. "We've still got wiggle room," Arthur said this afternoon. "We're not done yet." Asked if he accepted the reality he might not avoid today's execution, Arthur replied: "All I can do is sit here and hate it." Arthur said he had no visitors Thursday although his lawyers had just arrived at the prison when he spoke to AL.com. Arthur said he planned to make a final statement if he was executed. Arthur was convicted at three trials and sentenced to death each time for the 1982 murder-for-hire shooting death of Troy Wicker, of Muscle Shoals. At the time of the Wicker murder, Arthur was serving at a Decatur work release center for a conviction in the 1977 murder of his sister-in-law in Marion County. Arthur was hired by Wicker's wife, Judy, with whom he was having a romantic relationship. Judy Wicker testified at one trial that she paid Arthur $10,000 of the insurance money. Wicker was killed with one shot through the right eye as he slept. Arthur maintains his innocence. On Wednesday, both the Alabama Supreme Court and the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals denied requests by Arthur's attorneys to have the execution stayed. Each decision had one dissent. Had Arthur been executed, it would have been the second execution in Alabama this year. Christopher Brooks was executed Jan. 21 for the 1992 murder of Jo Deann Campbell at her Homewood apartment. Brooks' execution was the first in more than two years in Alabama as the state dealt with finding new lethal injection drugs after pharmaceutical companies began refusing to provide them for executions. Brooks was executed using Alabama new three-drug combination, which has been challenged in federal court by Arthur and other inmates as violating constitutional bans against cruel and unusual punishment. When it denied Arthur's stay the U.S. 11th also affirmed U.S. District Court Judge Keith Watkins' ruling that dismissed Arthur's lawsuit challenging the lethal injection drug combination and the consciousness test procedure during the execution. Arthur had claimed that the correctional officers conducting the execution did not - or did not do it properly - perform the "pinch test" on the condemned inmate's left arm to make sure he was sedated before the second two drugs were administered. Watkins this week also tossed out similar claims filed by a group of other death row inmates. SCOTUS Petition by KentFaulk on Scribd Arthur's petition to the U.S. Supreme Court seeking a stay centers on the constitutionality of Alabama's death penalty sentencing scheme. The petition states that SCOTUS should grant the stay and decide whether Alabama's death sentencing scheme is unconstitutional in light of the SCOTUS ruling in January in the case Hurst v. Florida. In that ruling the court found Florida's death sentencing law unconstitutional. Alabama's law is similar to Florida's law, Arthur's attorneys argue. "This court's decision in Hurst invalidates Alabama's death sentencing scheme," according to Arthur's petition to the U.S. Supreme Court. "The Alabama Supreme Court refused to recognize the validity of Hurst, both as it applies generally to Alabama and specifically to Mr. Arthur. This court should stay Mr. Arthur's scheduled execution and resolve the important constitutional issues raised by Mr. Arthur's petition for certiorari (review)." District attorneys and Attorney General Strange have said Alabama's law is not the same as Florida's former law. They have said the U.S. Supreme Court held in the Florida case that a jury, not the judge, must find the aggravating factor in order to make someone eligible for the death penalty. Alabama's system, however, already required the jury to do just that in either the guilt or sentencing phase, they said. Once a jury has unanimously made the factual determination that a defendant meets the criteria to be eligible for the death penalty, the judge may make the legal determination of whether to impose it or not, the attorney general has stated. The U.S. Supreme Court in the spring sent three death sentence cases back to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals to review in light of its decision in Hurst v. Florida. While the state appeals court hasn't ruled on those three cases, it and the Alabama Supreme Court have both ruled the state's capital murder sentencing scheme constitutional in other cases since that time. Vernon Madison, one of Alabama's longest-serving death row inmates, had his execution stayed by the 11th Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court the day of the execution in May. Madison was convicted in the April 1985 slaying of Mobile police Cpl. Julius Schulte. Madison has claimed that he is mentally incompetent to be executed. Alabama also has set another execution for Dec. 8 for another death row inmate, Ronald Bert Smith, who was convicted in Madison County in the November 1994 slaying of Circle C convenience store clerk Casey Wilson during a robbery. Note: AL.com is participating in "The Next to Die" with The Marshall Project to track and provide information on scheduled executions Morton Simpson Village.PNG A 29-year-old man was killed Jan. 26, 2016 in Birmingham's Morton Simpson Village public housing community. A public safety town hall meeting will be held today in Birmingham's Morton Simpson Village as authorities continue to beef up crime-fighting efforts in the city's public housing communities. Today's event in the Kingston community will take place at 4 p.m. at the Morton Simpson Village Community Center at 4609 Eighth Court North. Michael Lundy, president and CEO of the Housing Authority, will be at the meeting. Birmingham Mayor William Bell and City Councilman William Parker are also scheduled to take part. The goal of the town hall meetings are to bring together housing and police officials and residents for an update on law enforcement initiatives and to get input from residents there. A similar event was held last month at Marks Village in the Gate City community after two women and two men were shot, one of them fatally, on Sept. 11. Bobby Clayton, 20, died shortly after arriving at UAB Hospital. The shooting happened at 8:15 p.m. that Sunday, about an hour after the 1st Annual Stop the Violence Gate City Peace Day. The event was held in the Gate City's Lewis Park, about four blocks from where the shooting happened. Authorities today said Marks Village has had 24-hour police coverage since that incident and there hasn't been a major incident since then. Birmingham's Shot Spotter gunfire detection system will now cover all of Marks Village as part of an expansion that was recently announced after the Birmingham City Council in October approved funding for more coverage. Shot Spotter already includes Morton Simpson and Tom Brown Village. "Chief A.C. Roper and his staff are working extensively with the housing authority to address crime in our communities and in seeking new ways to address and reinforce public safety,'' Lundy said. "The town hall meetings provide a two-fold opportunity. First, we share what's currently being done to address the concerns of residents. Second, HABD employees talk one-on-one with residents to gather their ideas." Housing officials recently unveiled a multi-point security plan that includes hiring a director public safety, a zero-tolerance policy for guns, increase police patrols and a call for more resident involvement. HABD officials meet with Birmingham police weekly. A gun buy-back is set for Saturday, Nov. 19, at both Marks Village and Morton Simpson. Lundy said he hopes there will be a big turnout at today's gathering. "We all must stand united against anything that threatens the peace and quality of life in our communities,'' Lundy said. "Our success depends heavily on neighborhood involvement." The U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals early Wednesday evening denied Alabama Death Row inmate Tommy Arthur's request to stay his execution. Arthur is set to be executed at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore for his conviction in the 1982 contract killing of Troy Wicker. This is the seventh time Arthur has had his execution set. A spokesperson for Arthur's attorney, Suhana Han, said in a statement that Arthur's attorneys will appeal the 11th Circuit Ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court to seek a stay. Earlier Wednesday the Alabama Supreme Court had also denied a stay of Arthur's execution. Arthur said during a phone interview with Al.com on Wednesday night that he feels his execution is being timed with the national election to cover up what he calls his "murder" - a claim he also made in a letter to the governor. He said he also felt the 11th Circuit had delayed a ruling in his case so the U.S. Supreme Court won't have enough time to consider it or before there can be a public outcry before he is put to death. Arthur was placed in a holding cell outside the execution chamber on Tuesday. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley also has not said whether he would grant clemency to Arthur. The governor has yet to grant clemency for an inmate in the past. Arthur recently wrote Bentley seeking a stay of his execution more than a week ago. The 11th Circuit denied the stay of execution and also affirmed the lower federal court's ruling that tossed out Arthur's challenge of Alabama's lethal injection drug combination and procedure for administering it. In the majority opinion in the 2-1 ruling by a three-member panel of the federal appeals court, Circuit Judge Frank M. Hull wrote that it has been 34 years "since Thomas Arthur brutally murdered Troy Wicker." "During 1982 to 1992, Thomas Arthur was thrice tried, convicted, and sentenced to death for Wicker's murder. After his third death sentence in 1992, Arthur for the next 24 years has pursued, unsuccessfully, dozens of direct and post-conviction appeals in both state and federal courts," Hull wrote in the 140-page opinion. "In addition, starting nine years ago in 2007 and on three separate occasions, Arthur has filed civil lawsuits ... challenging the drug protocol to be used in his execution. This is Arthur's third such ... case, and this current ... case was filed in 2011." "For the last five years Arthur has pursued this ... case with the benefit of lengthy discovery," Hull wrote. "The district court held a two-day trial and entered two comprehensive orders denying Arthur ... relief. Those orders are the focus of the instant appeal." "After thorough review, we conclude substantial evidence supported the district court's fact findings and, thus, Arthur has shown no clear error in them," Hull stated. "Further, Arthur has shown no error in the district court's conclusions of law, inter alia, that: (1) Arthur failed to carry his burden to show compounded pentobarbital is a feasible, readily implemented, and available drug to the Alabama Department of Corrections ("ADOC") for use in executions; (2) Alabama's consciousness assessment protocol (which includes pinching the condemned inmate) does not violate the Eighth Amendment or the Equal Protection Clause; and (3) Arthur's belated firing-squad claim lacks merit." Arthur had suggested the firing squad as an alternative. When challenging a method of execution inmates are required to suggest to the courts alternate methods of execution. Circuit Judge Charles R. Wilson, was the lone dissent in the ruling. "Due to the scarcity of and secrecy surrounding lethal injection drugs, it is all but impossible for a prisoner to set forth a viable lethal-injection-based alternative," Wilson wrote in his dissent. "The Majority's decision therefore checkmates countless Alabama and Florida prisoners, nullifying their constitutional right to a humane execution." Wilson also stated that the majority in the ruling - Hull and Circuit Judge Stanley Marcus - determines that Arthur's suggestion of a firing squad was not feasible and readily implemented because Alabama law does not authorize the firing squad. "Arthur should be permitted to amend his complaint to include the firing squad as an execution alternative to Alabama's lethal injection protocol. The firing squad is a potentially viable alternative, and Arthur may be entitled to relief under Baze and Glossip (U.S. Supreme Court ruling) based on that method of execution," Wilson wrote. Arthur has admitted he killed his sister-in-law in 1977 but has maintained he did not kill Wicker five years later. Wicker's wife testified at one of Arthur's three trials that she paid Arthur $10,000 to kill her husband. Arthur was in a work release program at the time and she and Arthur were involved in a romantic relationship. Judy Wicker served 10 years of a life sentence for her role. Note: AL.com is participating in "The Next to Die" with The Marshall Project to track and provide information on scheduled executions Authorities today released the name of the little girl who was hit and killed by a pickup truck in west Birmingham on her way to school. The Jefferson County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Patricia Ann Moore. She was 6. Patricia was killed shortly before 8 a.m. Wednesday on Bessemer Road and Avenue Q. She was with a group of siblings and friends. At some point, the group decided to go back and re-cross the street. Birmingham police spokesman Lt. Sean Edwards said police haven't discovered why the group went back, but they might have been going to a nearby convenience store. The group motioned the little girl to come on, and she was hit as she was crossing back over Bessemer Road at approximately 7:55 a.m. The truck that hit her remained on the scene, and police said charges are not expected. "It was an accident," Edwards said Wednesday. "It is an extremely sad day." The scene where the crash happened has turned into a small memorial for Patricia, and residents are stepping up to watch the children as they walk that way to school. Grief counselors will be available today for Patricia's classmates at Central Park Elementary School. Birmingham City Schools' spokeswoman Adrienne Mitchell released a statement on behalf of principal Andra Walls: "The school's hearts and prayers are with the family of the victim at this time." School officials said they will reinforce issues of safety with students and encourage them to be aware of their surroundings. capitol mug 2 dec 1.jpg (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com) Gov. Robert Bentley's advisory council on gambling met behind closed doors today before voting to open the meeting. A state trooper in the Capitol initially told reporters that the meeting was closed. About a half-hour after the meeting was scheduled to start, a member of the governor's staff said the committee had voted to have open meetings and escorted reporters to the meeting room on the second floor of the Capitol. It was the first meeting of the council, which is supposed to study gambling laws and tax revenues and make recommendations to the Legislature early next year. Bentley announced the creation of the council a month ago. Bentley press secretary Yasamie August said Wednesday the council is not subject to the state's open meetings law because it is advisory in nature and members are unpaid volunteers. Dennis Bailey, a lawyer for the Alabama Press Association, said the advisory committees are covered by the Open Meetings Act. "The Alabama Press Association urges the gambling task force to conduct public business in public," Bailey said. State Finance Director Clinton Carter, chairman of the advisory council, said all future meetings of the council would be open. The council's next meeting will be Nov. 17. Allison Black Cornelius talks about Leon as if he's a mentor--of sorts. He's with her every day, she says, influencing her in so many ways. Sometimes good, sometimes ... not so much. She credits him for making her faith stronger. And for the passion within her, for helping her become a ferocious advocate for human rights, for women's rights, and a "formidable opponent" against the causes of abuse, and those who hit, abuse or, especially, rape women. Leon raped Allison when she was 7 years old. Several times. Over three months. Today, Cornelius is the CEO of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, and Leon is the reason staffers at the organization's adoption facility glance her way when someone walks in with a dog or cat that has been abused. Oh God, she's fixin' to knock him out. "Leon will forever be an informer of my story," she tells me one recent afternoon. And she's not at all ungrateful. In fact, she told him as much a few years back, saying: "I didn't turn out like you thought, so thanks. I'm winning and you're gonna lose." That encounter occurred at the hearing prior to Leon's release from prison, where he served 15 years of a 30-year sentence for the rape. He had headed the bus ministry at the Tarrant First Baptist Church and told Allison that if she did not do what he wanted her to do--and, equally important if she told anyone what he was doing to her--he would kill her dog. She held the secret for nearly two decades until, well, she decided she was just not going to let him win, and she could no longer bear the thought that he could still be molesting other children. "We were lucky for him to do 15," Cornelius says. "It brought me 15 years where he didn't mess with a kid. Now, we're back to square one." You don't have to spend a lot of time with her to know that Cornelius is much, much more than a rape survivor. No, she passed that threshold long ago and became a compassionate, free-talkin', full-on Southern woman (yet global) change agent. One GBHS board member says she "is always going 60 miles an hour in a 35-mile-an-hour zone." The graduate of John Carroll High School--she spent most of those years, however, at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, majoring in creative writing--has studied at Harvard and traveled the world (though she hates flying) providing leadership advice to top government and nonprofit officials nationwide at the helm of Blackfish, her own extremely successful consulting firm. Some of that advice involved telephone calls at 2 a.m. "One involved a governor who'd been caught with his chief of staff, who was female," she said. "Another governor got caught with his chief of staff, who was male--and he'd run on a 'family-values' platform." In 2014, the year before she moved from interim executive director of the GBHS to CEO, she traveled 265 of 365 days. "And I can barely fly commercial," she says. "Some people say, 'Why not charter?' 'Cause I'm not Buddy Holly." At Harvard, where she earned her MBA, Cornelius says she was "exposed to some of the best of the best thinkers in the world in business." Yet she preferred clients from the nonprofit sector. "Why train a Fortune 500 CEO when I can train a CEO in nonprofit who'll listen to me because he can't fire everyone. He'll actually have to use leadership skills to be successful." The Humane Society is one of those entities that operates almost invisibly to most of us, even those with pets. Yet with a $4.5 million annual budget, three facilities, 80 employees, and numerous programs--some well-known, others not--it is a significant enterprise that enhances our quality of life in more ways than we might imagine. During the four months she served as interim executive director, she--as any consultant worth her fee would do--traveled the nation seeking best practices and innovative models for the industry. She had no intention of being CEO. "ZERO," she says emphatically. "But I got here and fell in love with the staff and volunteers, not the animals. I always loved animals, but the people here are just ... wow. I was training governors; some of them are good but not this good." Once on board, Cornelius utilized her leadership and strategy tactics, and took advantage of some state policy changes to turn around an entity that was losing up to $40,000 each month and in danger of closing. "I always look at the triple bottom-line: economic, environmental and social," she says. The GBHS takes in about 20,000 animals each year, up from 7,500 just two years ago. About 6,500 animals are surrendered each year by owners; the remaining are strays. That's about 70 animals each day. "It's like Thanksgiving here every week," Cornelius says. Much of that growth can be attributed to its contract with Jefferson County, which it obtained in January 2015. GBHS provides field animal control services for unincorporated parts of the county, all cities with a population under 5,000, and 11 cities with populations over 5,000. And Cornelius says it has done so more efficiently, saving the county $1.5 million annually ("real cash," she says) from its prior contract. (For Birmingham, which has its own animal control officers, GBHS provides only impound services.) Each animal brought in is vaccinated and treated for fleas and ticks (which costs about $11,000 per month). If emergency care is needed, it is provided by staff veterinarians and students from the vet programs at Auburn and Tuskegee. Then their behavior is evaluated. Says Cornelius: "If they've got the right temperament and are healthy, we can put them up for adoption. If they're feral, that's almost impossible." Cornelius likens the Humane Society to any other community or economic development agency. Beyond developing more innovative ways to shelter animals and discard waste, she says the GBHS also contributes to the local economy. "The number of people with pets has grown; we contribute to that," she says. "We did 780 adoptions in August, each of which has to be taken to a vet within one week." She walks to a closet in her office and grabs a stack of cards. "When a vet sees that animal, he has to send us one of these showing that it's been examined. If they did it right, that vet has a new client for the life of that pet." The GBHS processes so many animals, in fact, volunteers periodically drive some to shelters in Northern states that don't have enough to fill the local demand. They drive all night with anywhere from 35-60 animals, make the deliveries, then turn around and come back. "Some of the volunteers are in their 70s," Cornelius says. "You tell me they don't rock on!" One of the GBHS's most unique programs is Pets for Life. Birmingham is one of 31 cities to receive a $50,000 grant (which was matched by a donor) that allows workers to go door-to-door in low-income neighborhoods offering free veterinary services to residents who may not be able to afford them. "We don't believe that just because you're poor you can't have a companion," Cornelius says. The process takes a while. Owners are often skeptical, not welcoming. "There are cultural issues, deep-seeded belief systems that take a long time to overcome." The workers are persistent, however, going to the homes three times each week, often bringing free pet food or treats until, well, residents are suddenly making cakes or cooking barbecue for them. The $100,000 investment covers 500 spay/neuters procedures. The GBHS currently operates out of three facilities: a primary shelter and adoption facility, a Birmingham Police Department canine facility near the airport where police must bring water for their dogs ("I don't want a thirsty dog standing between me and ISIS," says Cornelius) and an aging, decrepit shelter in Woodlawn that lacks heat and proper drainage and is infested with rats. "Woodlawn is a scourge," Cornelius says. "It looks like a 1950s pound." The CEO's revitalization plan starts with a new $30 million facility located on land nestled between Titusville and I-65 that should soon be deeded to the GBHS by Jefferson County and the City of Birmingham. It will house all of the GBHS's programs and services and provide more room for additional students from both Auburn and Tuskegee. It will also contain a Cat Cafe--for real--a growing phenomenon that started in Japan and is now popular in places like Portland, Oregon and New York. Think of it as an appointment-only internet tea spot--with cats lounging about that are available for adoption. Why is it so successful? "It relaxes people," says Cornelius, adding that it also serves people who may not be able to have pets where they live. Then she says: "If you're gonna pay for time with a companion, let's make it legal. Better a pet than a prostitute, and at a much better rate and less chance for disease." Cornelius will have to raise $30 million privately. "I have a strange peace about it," she says. "I believe in all my heart that I will raise every penny. I think donors in Birmingham want to put money into a program that's working." The facility will be located not far from where the Rev. Martin Luther King wrote the famed "Letter from Birmingham Jail" in the margins of a copy of the Birmingham News, a juxtaposition not lost on Cornelius. "You can walk 10 steps and be where he wrote that letter," she says almost solemnly. She has used it in leadership classes, saying it offers "larger lessons about strategy most people don't see." She also says the marker commemorating the location is "not prominent enough" and hopes GBHS being in the neighborhood may help change that. "It may be the most important thing we do," she says. Cornelius and her husband, Jeff, attend Church of the Highlands. She calls her faith the "source of my leadership," as well as the source of her fears. "It is where I get my discernment," she says. "It keeps me humble and grateful in this business. With the things I see, I could not cope daily if I did not have a higher power to help make sense of it. It is irrational to see what I see come in the door, the suffering at hands of people." She shares a horrible story of a man who, not realizing that there are cameras outside, broke the legs of a puppy by slamming it on the pavement outside the adoption facility. "The only way to make sense of it is to stay in faith," she says. "That's all I know." The GBHS medical team was able to save the puppy, although one of its legs had to be amputated. It was eventually adopted. Cornelius says she runs into Leon occasionally. "When he got out, I just had to figure out: how was I going to live united with him in my community," she says. "There are days when I lose the battle and days I win." Then there are days when she meets a young rape survivor. On those days, anger rules. "I've put myself in a lot of dangerous positions," she says. "It's just my nature to jump in if I see someone is getting hurt. He plays a massive part of that--not periodically, it is frequent. This week, Cornelius will be honored as one of Birmingham magazine's Women Who Shape the State. In preparation for the event, she took part in an elegant photo shoot. Leon played a role in that, too. "The shoot was incredibly difficult," she says. "When they put that dress and those boots on me, it all took me back. I thought: 'I can't do this. I feel so vulnerable. I don't wear stuff like this. I don't want to be this sex thing or Leon thing.' "Leon still informs me, and sometimes shuts me down, sometimes scares me. He'll always be there; I just have to manage it." On the day we met, she managed it with a bit of humor. "Thinking about replacing Woodlawn with an amazing new facility helps me, lifts me," she says with a smile. "Wearing boots? That scares me." As Alabama Death Row inmate Tommy Arthur's attorneys were pleading in state and federal courts to halt today's execution, the condemned man hoped for international attention. "He has sent us a letter, saying that he hopes international pressure may help his cause," said Peter Gould, who is directing a play in London that tells the stories of U.S. prisoners exonerated from death row. Gould contacted AL.com about a Sept. 30 letter he received from Arthur, two weeks after Arthur was notified his execution date had been set. Barring a last minute reprieve, Arthur is set to be executed by lethal injection at 6 p.m. today at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore. He was convicted and sentenced to death at three trials for the 1982 murder-for-hire slaying of Troy Wicker of Muscle Shoals. Gould is directing The Exonerated at The Questors Theatre in Ealing, West London. Gould's letter was in response to one he had sent Arthur. "I was surprised to receive Mr. Arthur's letter, but I guess that being so close to his execution date, he is trying to gather as much support as he can," Gould wrote. "As you may be aware, the death penalty was abolished in the UK many years ago." Gould wrote that he and his cast have been researching the use of the death penalty in the United States for the play, which runs from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5. "I wanted to find out more about his case because it seemed to embody a lot of the concerns expressed over the use of the death penalty in the US," he stated. Gould provided a copy of the letter to AL.com in which Arthur proclaims his innocence. "If enough people in the world raise Hell, the judges in the US will listen. Hopefully in time to stop me being killed," the letter reads in part. "Blast it on the web sites 'Daily Mail' seen by 40 million a day. Face Book!! "You Tube" Maybe have actor make video and blast it on 'You Tube," Arthur wrote. "Ha Ha maybe you can someday make a play about my entire life," Arthur also stated in the letter to Gould. The Exonerated, written by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen and first performed in the United States in 2002, tells the stories of six prisoners who spent years on death row in the United States "living in fear of the electric chair, before each was shown to be the victim of a miscarriage of justice," according to the Questors theatre website. Arthur also has reached out to others seeking to publicize his case. He asked AL.com to publish his handwritten letter to Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley "so (the) public can see." "If I can't try my case in the court of law, I want to try it in the court of public opinion," Arthur said in an interview this summer with AL.com. state house mug by julie.JPG (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com) Gov. Robert Bentley's advisory council on gaming will meet for the first time on Thursday, but the meeting will be closed to the media, the governor's office said. The meeting is set for 2 to 4 p.m. in the State House. Bentley Press Secretary Yasamie August said the council is advisory in nature, made up of volunteers and is not subject to the state's Open Meetings Act. Rep. Craig Ford, D-Gadsden, a member of the council, said the council's meetings should be open. "I think we ought to have 100 percent transparency," Ford said. Ford said that's especially true since the council will be making recommendations to the Legislature. The 11-member council is to assess state and local laws on gambling and the tax revenues generated from gambling. It is also to look at best practices in other states and how federal laws on gambling affect Alabama. Bentley said he created the council to resolve the state's long-running controversies over gambling, such as the disputes over electronic bingo. The governor said voters must have a say in clarifying gambling laws in Alabama through a proposed constitutional amendment. The council is to present its findings to the governor, speaker of the House and president pro tem of the Senate by Jan. 31. craig pouncey committee.jpg A legislative committee meets to investigate how an anonymous complaint against a finalist for state school superintendent was handled by the state Board of Education and its staff. (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com) State lawmakers today questioned education officials about how and why an anonymous complaint against a finalist for state school superintendent was sent to the Ethics Commission. Several state Board of Education members, former interim superintendent Philip Cleveland and BOE attorney Juliana Dean testified about how they learned of and dealt with the complaint against Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Craig Pouncey. Pouncey was one of six finalists for state school superintendent. The complaint, that state employees helped Pouncey write his dissertation, has been discredited by those employees. Pouncey and others say the unsigned complaint was unfounded and intended to undermine his chances for the state superintendent job. Sens. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville and Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery, sponsored the resolution creating the committee to look into the matter. Dial has said he believes the complaint might have unfairly cost Pouncey the job. Ross said today he believes the complaint was mishandled. Dial, Ross and other committee members questioned education officials for more than an hour today. State BOE member Jeffrey Newman of Millport said he found an envelope containing a letter and copies of emails at his seat at the July 12 board meeting. Newman said he read it but disregarded it because it was anonymous and seemed intended to hurt Pouncey. "I don't put a lot of value in anonymous (complaints)," Newman said. "It goes in file 13 for me." Board Vice President Yvette Richardson said she considered the anonymous complaint without merit. She said she received a call several days after the board meeting from Interim Superintendent Cleveland and board attorney Dean asking what should be done with the complaint. Richardson said she did not believe anything should be done about it. Cleveland said board member Mary Scott Hunter called him about the complaint, gave him her copy and asked him to take it to the legal department. Cleveland said he delivered the complaint to Dean. Dean said she received the complaint from Cleveland a day or two after the July 12 board meeting. A day or two later, she said, Ethics Commission General Counsel Hugh Evans called her and asked her for a copy. Dean said she did not know how Evans became aware of the complaint. Dean said she hand-delivered the complaint to the Ethics Commission that day. Later that day, Dean said she received a letter from Evans confirming the receipt of an ethics complaint against Pouncey. She then shared the letter from Evans with members of the BOE. Part of the concerns about the complaint centers on the letter from Evans, which became public after it went to board members. The committee is scheduled to meet again next Thursday and is expected to hear from Evans and other members of the state BOE. The state BOE has also asked for an investigation into the matter. Pouncey hired an attorney, Kenny Mendelsohn of Montgomery, who said he intends to help Pouncey clear his name from an effort to smear him. The state BOE hired Michael Sentance of Massachusetts as superintendent. Sentance received five votes from the nine-member board, one more than Pouncey. The Flagstaff city Council took the first steps to giving the green light to a new development on Route 66 and Woody Mountain Road when the council unanimously agreed upon the first read of the annexation and zoning change requests for the development, known as Timber Sky. The project was proposed by Vintage Partners, a Phoenix-based firm in charge of several projects in Flagstaff, and will contain 1,300 residential units when completed. Last month, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted to forward its recommendation for annexation and zoning changes to the council after city staff and representatives from Vintage outlined the plan for the development. The entirety of the project will span about 198 acres, 107 of which are currently in the jurisdiction of Coconino County and require the council to annex into the city. The majority of the property is currently zoned rural residential, and Vintage is asking the council to approve changes to make nearly 39 acres be changed to high-density residential, 35 acres to go to medium-density residential, 100 acres to be residential single-family, 10 acres to be commercial services and 14 to be public open space. According to the projects development agreement, 100 units will be reserved for workforce housing, and will be sold at or below the area median income level, which is now about $220,000. Those units will be made permanently affordable through a land trust program established by the city. City Planning Development Manager Tiffany Antol said the affordable units are expected to be built in the medium and high density portions of the project, but it is up to the developers discretion to decide where they will ultimately be placed. Walter Crutchfield, one of the firms partners, said the affordable homes will be integrated into the community in a way that does not distinguish which are the affordable units. One of our principles in affordability was, we dont want anyone else in the community to know where the affordable units are, Crutchfield said. We did not cluster them in one zone, nor will anyone who is in a non-affordable unit next to an affordable unit know. The process is invisible to the public because we think you build the best community when you allow all parts of the economic strata to be in a community. Crutchfield said these affordable units will give people who are already employed in Flagstaff a chance to buy a home instead of renting or commuting from a neighboring town. At Tuesdays meeting, eleven members of the public addressed the council and all spoke in favor of the development. Many commended Vintage Partners on the community outreach done, as well as working with the Naval Observatory to develop strict lighting standards for the project. According to the development agreement, single family homes will be limited in the number of lumens, a measurement of light, that can be produced outside. Exterior lighting will also require shielding from a canopy or overhang to prevent light from escaping and interfering with the Naval Observatory. Motion sensing lights will be used in an area where shielding is not feasible to prevent a light from being left on during the night. Lighting regulations will be enforced by the neighborhoods homeowners association. Councilmembers also commended the developers for their outreach to the community, and producing a development that met the various goals of the city. Vice Mayor Celia Barotz said the proposal and the efforts made by Vintage Partners were refreshing to see after having many developments come before the council that did not use the same process of input and respect for the community. Im grateful that I have the opportunity to get behind a project where you have demonstrated your commitment to this community, Barotz said. Councilwoman Coral Evans said she would like to see Timber Sky used as a model for future developments and held as a standard for projects that respect the city and its values. I have been on council for eight years, she said. This is the first project that I can say directly addresses not only the concerns of the residents, but also the multiple values we have as a community. It feels good to have a project to vote on and to support that does those two things. The council will vote on the second read of the annexation and zoning changes at its November 15 meeting. The 29-year-old boyfriend of a woman gunned down in her eastern Birmingham home has been captured and is charged in her slaying. Brandon Woodall was booked into the Birmingham City Jail about 8:45 p.m. Tuesday after he was taken into custody by the Birmingham Police Department's Crime Reduction Team. He is charged with capital murder in the shooting death of 25-year-old Kaeyleah Lewis, who was found dead in her Fourth Avenue South home Tuesday morning after the two had argued the night before. Birmingham police today charged him with capital murder. The charge is capital because authorities say he broke into her home. It is the second time in recent years a woman who dated Woodall has been shot to death. In 2012, he was dating 22-year-old Antanisha Dawson - the mother of his child - when she was found dead on the side of the road in the North Smithfield community, a bullet to the head. Investigators, family members and Crime Stoppers literature all report that Dawson was last known to be alive at Woodall's Timberline Trail home. He was not charged with any crime in that case, and no arrests have ever been made in Dawson's death. Antanisha Dawson On Tuesday, Lewis was found dead after a neighbor heard gunfire about 8 a.m. and called 911. When officers arrived at the house in the 7800 block of Fourth Avenue South in South East Lake, they found Lewis dead inside. Birmingham police spokesman Lt. Sean Edwards said detectives learned witnesses saw a black male suspect exit a red Jeep behind the house and go in through the back door. Moments later, they heard several gunshots coming from inside the residence. At that time, they saw the black male exit the residence through the back door and leave the scene in a red jeep. Detectives learned the victim and suspect were in a past recent relationship. It is believed the incident stemmed from a verbal altercation that took place and after which the suspect was asked to leave. Family members of the victim said she and her boyfriend argued on Monday. Her aunt, Nieka Witherspoon, said there was some physical violence during Monday's argument. "He left with threats," Witherspoon said. "He cased the house all night." Witherspoon said Woodall went to the home on Monday and started a fight. He hit his girlfriend, and at that point her mother told him not to harm her daughter and to leave. When Lewis' mother left for work Tuesday morning, she cautioned her daughter to lock the doors and not open them for anyone. The victim's two sons, ages 6 and 1, were not home. Their grandmother had taken them both to school and daycare when she left for work. "I just had an eerie feeling," her aunt said. "This was a cowardly act of violence that should not have happened,'' Edwards said. Woodall's previous girlfriend, Dawson, was found dead on Sept. 19, 2012. Dawson, who was the mother of Woodall's child, was found slain at the dead end of Pope Lane, apparently shot elsewhere and then discarded there. Known to friends and family as "Neisha," she was discovered about 4 p.m. that Wednesday by a passerby. Dawson was last seen alive on Sept. 18 at the home she shared with Woodall in the northeastern part of Jefferson County, Chief Deputy Randy Christian said in 2012. Little is known about what transpired in the hours between when Dawson's family last saw her alive and when she was found dead the following day. She may have gotten a ride with someone from the area of Alabama 79 and Valley Crest Drive, he said. Dawson's family members told AL.com they are praying that Woodall's arrest in Lewis' death will boost interest in the 2012 case. "Obviously we are looking at him on our case as well. Apparently he settles his disputes by cold-blooded murder,'' Christian told AL.com today. "That is the type of person we always knew we would find responsible in Antanisha's murder." "She was discarded on the side of the road like she was nothing," he said. "She deserves justice. Her family deserves justice." Christian asks that anyone with information on Dawson's slaying to call sheriff's investigators at 205-325-1450 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. A jury found James Armstrong not guilty in the shooting death of a Birmingham man in 2014. Closing statements were held Thursday morning in Jefferson County Circuit Judge Stephen Wallace's courtroom. The jury began to deliberate around 11 a.m., and the verdict was reached around 2 p.m. Armstrong, 29, was charged in Stevens Hicks death. Hicks was shot outside of Showstoppers Motorcycle Club on Coosa Street after a fight broke out between multiple biker groups on Labor Day weekend two years ago. Another man died, and two more were injured in the crossfire. The Georgia man was arrested a few weeks after the shooting, and was later released on bond. He was represented by attorney Emory Anthony. "This case was a difficult case for various reasons, however we appreciate the jury's time and respect the verdict rendered," the District Attorney's office said. Hicks' wife, Kenya, took the stand during the four-day trial. She identified Armstrong as the man that shot her husband, saying that she recognized his face and ears. She also said members of the Wheels of Soul, the motorcycle group her husband belonged to, called Stevens earlier in the evening. Kenya said the other members claimed the Outcast motorcycle club was at Showstoppers and was surrounding the clubhouse. She said that she, Stevens, and two other members of Wheels of Soul drove to Showstoppers. When Stevens got off of his bike and greeted his friends, Kenya said he was shot. Anthony said that Kenya Hicks did not disclose certain information to police, including that she had seen a picture of Armstrong in a text message before identifying him in a photo lineup. He also said that her description of the shooter did not match Armstrong's appearance. The prosecution presented cell phone records, text messages, and the photo lineup signed by Hicks as evidence. Anthony said today he and Armstrong are happy with the verdict. He said the defense was able to "show the jury 19 reasonable doubts." Deputy District Attorneys Ashley Patterson and Blake Milner prosecuted the case. capitol mug 2 dec 1.jpg (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com) State Auditor Jim Zeigler has asked the Legislature's contract review committee to delay renewal of an Alabama Medicaid Agency contract with a firm to help Medicaid transition to managed care. Under the contract renewal, Medicaid would pay Navigant Consulting Inc., of Chicago $8.3 million through November 2017. The company will provide "technical assistance and resource support" to help implement a plan to treat Medicaid patients through regional care organizations, RCOs. The contract review committee cannot block contracts but can delay them up to 45 days. Zeigler asked the committee to do so. The committee meets Thursday. "This huge consulting cost needs substantial review by all in authority," Zeigler wrote. Zeigler cited some of the uncertainty involved in the transition to RCOs. Two of the 11 RCOs have backed out of the process, which was reported by Alabama Political Reporter. The RCOs were initially supposed to begin operating Oct. 1, but that was delayed because of funding uncertainties. The plan is now to start them in July. The RCOs will be responsible for patients' care in exchange for a set payment per patient. The stated purpose has been to improve care and slow the cost in the growth of Medicaid. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services granted Alabama a waiver to make the change. Medicaid Commissioner Stephanie Azar was not available for an interview today but will attend the contract review meeting on Thursday. When employees of Intergraph and Hexagon make a wish come true they do it in a big way. Big AL and the members of the Star Wars 501st Legion joined in the celebration at the Make-A-Wish reveal party for Hayden Hulsey Thursday afternoon at Intergraph in Madison, Alabama. Hayden is an 8 year old who was paralyzed from the neck down in an automobile accident in 2015 and is now wheelchair dependent and uses a ventilator full-time. When Hayden was referred to Make-A-Wish Alabama, his love of outdoors, Legos, animals and watching National Geographic shows made his wish a simple one - to go to the San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND. Thursday afternoon Make-A-Wish Alabama and members of Intergraph and Hexagon came together to reveal to Hayden that his wish has been granted. Hexagon Safety and Infrastructure and Intergraph's Process, Power & Marine business partnered with Make-A-Wish Alabama through the chapter's "Adopt-A-Wish" program. Hayden and his mom Taylor of Killan, Alabama will be traveling to San Diego next week for a week of activities and fun with expenses donated by the generosity of Intergraph and Hexagon. Flagstaff City Council is looking at revamping the Zoning Code to make it easier for residents to store their RV, boat or trailer on their property. At Tuesday nights meeting, nine property owners from the University Heights area told Council that the current Zoning Code was too strict and placed an undue burden on property owners who didnt have room to store their RV or boat in their side or back yard. The current code, which was updated in May, allows residents to park their RVs, trailers and boats in the rear yard or interior side yard of a home, behind the front edge of the home. It also allows residents to temporarily park their RV, boat or trailer in their driveway or in front of their home in order to accommodate a guest or to pack for a trip. However, the vehicle cant be parked in the driveway or front yard for more than five days. Residents can also park their boat, RV or trailer on the street until Nov. 1 when the citys parking ban goes into effect. University Heights resident Ronda Davis said the ordinance was a violation of her rights as a property owners. Shes lived in Flagstaff for at least 42 years and purchased an extra lot next to her University Heights home in order to store her boat. This is the first time someone has filed a complaint against her for storing her boat there. Susan McCullough said there are a lot of lots in Flagstaff that are sloped or have no access to the back or side yards. She and her husband specifically purchased a home in the University Heights area because the neighborhood didnt have a home owners association and because it seemed RV friendly. Their home has a specific driveway designed to hold an RV. RV owners who cant park in a side or back yard face an unfair financial burden of having to find a storage yard for their RV or boat, she said. She also felt that it was unfair that the ordinance is enforced on complaint basis, because that means that its not enforced uniformly throughout the city each year. There are hundreds of Flagstaff residents who illegal park their RV or boat on their property, but if their neighbor doesnt complain then they arent cited. City Planning Director Dan Folke said the ordinance is enforced when a resident complains about a neighbors RV or trailer being parked illegally. Each summer, a handful of residents send the department a list of violators from their neighborhood. This year the department got a list of 43 University Heights residents who had their RV or trailer parked illegally. In past years, the city has gotten lists of illegal parking in the Swiss Manor and Upper Greenlaw areas. The department typically handles the issue by sending out mailers notify residents in the neighborhood of the ordinance and asking violators to comply. The ordinance does not affect residents who live in neighborhood that have home owner associations because the HOA sets and enforces the parking requirements for those neighborhoods. A number of University Heights residents said parking an RV, trailer or boat in the street sometimes caused more problems than parking it in a driveway. It can a pose a safety problem for cyclists and pedestrians, said one resident. Council unanimously agreed to take a second look at the ordinance. I dont think the city should be the HOA for the city. I think we should take another look at this and see if this is what we want, Mayor Jerry Nabours said. Vice Mayor Celia Barotz asked City Attorney Solomon Sterling if the city could legally exclude one neighborhood from the ordinance. Sterling said the city could not. Councilmembers Scott Overton and Jeff Oravits said they were open to easing some of the restrictions. Councilmember Coral Evans said the ordinance might be in need of an update since it was originally written back in 1991. She suggested focusing more on the health and safety factors and less on the aesthetic factors. Folke said he would return to Council with list of option at a later date. OTHER BUSINESS --Council also unanimously approved an ordinance that would allow city staff to negotiate the purchase of 20,297 square feet of right of way between the Walgreens and Seventh Street on Fourth Street for a new sidewalk on the east side of the street. City Real Estate Manager Charity Lee said it will cost the city about $319,009 to purchase the property. The finished project would include a five foot parkway with landscaping, a six foot sidewalk, lighting and restriping a nearby strip mall parking lot. The total cost for the project, including the cost of the right of way, is estimated to be nearly $1.1 million, Lee said. The money will come from the citys Bed, Board and Beverage Beautification Fund. Lee said one concern of property owners was the maintenance of the sidewalk. The city has an ordinance that requires property owners to make sure their sidewalks are cleared of snow and ice in the winter. One property owner involved in the sale of the right of way felt that it would be unfair to require his tenants to take care of the sidewalk, Lee said. Barotz and Overton said they did not like the idea of creating an exception to the ordinance for one property owner. Barotz said it could lead to other property owners asking for exemptions and create a problem for city staff trying to determine which sidewalks the city was responsible for. Lee said staff was still negotiating with the property owner. London, United Kingdom Huddled together in a cramped cafe near Londons Kings Cross station, four international students spoke of how their lives were devastated by the governments response to a BBC documentary. In February 2014, an investigation by the channels Panorama programme found a government-approved exam centre helping international students fraudulently pass a mandatory English-language test, known as TOEIC, in exchange for payments of up to $600. British Prime Minister Theresa May, the then home secretary, responded with a blanket and forceful crackdown on students who had taken the test. Over the next two years, immigration enforcement officers set about rounding up those accused of violating the terms of their student visas by cheating in the exam. Within 10 months of the documentary being broadcast, up to 48,000 students were deported, with many others detained in holding centres. The campaign of arrests and deportation was brought to a halt by a court ruling in March 2016, later reaffirmed on October 25, which found that the government had acted unlawfully, based its response on hearsay, and had not established sufficient evidence that the students had passed the tests fraudulently. But for the students in the central London cafe, the damage was done and their fears of further crackdowns were far from alleviated. At the Conservative party conference in October, British Home Secretary Amber Rudd promised restrictions to curtail the flow of international students coming into the country. The students Al Jazeera spoke to warned that their experience gave some indication of how future crackdowns could pan out. They didnt even knock, they just broke the door, said Sajjad Shohag from Bangladesh, describing the day border officials arrested him. I was just in shock, I knew I had done my exam correctly so I didnt know why they were there. In the van to the detention centre there was a woman who kept asking me who did my test. Despite Shohags insistence that he had done nothing wrong, he was detained for 70 days in a holding facility, eventually securing release after being added as a dependent on his wifes visa. Ive done well on the IELTS [another English language test] and have completed a masters degree in a British university, Shohag said. I have no reason to lie and cheat. No means of support The allegation of visa violations comes with more than just the threat of deportation. Those without valid permission to reside in the UK are left without means to support themselves through work and have to pay for the welfare services they use. Ravi Aryal, a graduate of Edinburghs Heriot-Watt University, was forced to pause his studies when the Home Office accused him of cheating on his English language exam. READ MORE: The UK has no choice on hard or soft Brexit While rejecting the accusation and appealing against the governments decision to revoke his right of residency, Aryal has found himself with the added burden of paying for NHS treatment that would otherwise have been free. The recent birth of his daughter has left the student from Nepal with a potential bill of up to $7,000; money he can ill afford as he has no right to work in the country. All of my documents were valid and approved by the British government when I applied for my visa so how am I now supposed to prove that Im telling the truth and have done nothing wrong? he asked. Aryal and the others were confounded by the lack of recourse they had to challenge the governments assertion that they had acted fraudulently. The men explained that while some of those accused were given the right to challenge the accusation inside the UK, they are being forced to appeal from outside the country after deportation. Appeasing lunatics The tens of thousands affected by accusations of fraud in exams represent just one segment of the total number of students detained and deported. Al Jazeera spoke to one man who had followed the correct procedure in applying to remain in the UK following the completion of his PhD but was arrested, detained and deported regardless. Paul Hamilton had just finished his doctoral studies on Shakespeare at the University of Birmingham when he applied to extend his residency in the UK. The US citizen described what happened next in a post published on his personal blog. After going to answer an unexpected knock on the door, a border official told Hamilton that his application to stay in the UK had been rejected and he would have to get dressed, pack his bags, and come with them. The original detention order, seen by Al Jazeera, states that Hamiltons arrest was necessary as he did not have enough close ties to make it likely that he would stay in one place. But Hamilton describes the reason given as absurd. He had spent years at the address and had strong ties to the area. So you will never know your application has been rejected until the police knock on your door by Paul Hamilton Hamilton explained in the blog post that his detention was made possible by a provision in the British Immigration act of 2014. The law allowed officials to detain applicants for residency in the UK even if they had followed all the correct procedures, provided officials suspected a person may flee. [The] new law combines in one absolute decision the rejection of an application and the order to arrest, while, at the same time, removing judicial oversight, Hamilton wrote. So you will never know your application has been rejected until the police knock on your door. Hamilton told Al Jazeera that a climate of fear surrounding immigrants had created the context in which stupid decisions were being made. What has happened is that the system of checks and balances has been destroyed, Hamilton said. I think most people can understand that you should never be arrested if you have done nothing wrong, What has happened is that an extra-judicial prison system has been created in the UK, it is justified entirely by a manufactured threat that leads people to make stupid decisions. I suppose many will be cheering what they are doing, but it is irrational and undemocratic. Media silence Ian Dunt, who has written extensively on the TOEIC scandal for Politics.co.uk, shared the assessement that harsher measures against foreign students stemmed from anti-immigrant sentiment. Dunt told Al Jazeera that media outlets were failing to hold politicians to account for policies that required further scrutiny. There has been very little press attention to the story, Dunt said. The media never really care when immigrants are having a hard time, so the department was free to do as it pleased. In this case, that meant unfairly detaining and deporting people on the basis of hearsay evidence. The TOEIC case is really about what happens when a government department is under incredible political pressure to deliver on an impossible target and is not subject to sufficient scrutiny from the press. The Home Office had to deliver on [former prime minister] David Camerons pledge to cut immigration to the tens of thousands, so it picked on the easiest target foreign students. READ MORE: Beyond the Brexit debate Short sighted There are more than 312,000 non-EU international students in the UK, bringing in up to $17bn in economic benefit to the country. Attempts to reduce migrant numbers by targeting students could put at risk the UKs reputation as a leading provider of world-class education, according to leading experts in the sector. Phil Baty, the editor of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, told Al Jazeera that he could not comment on individual cases but that restrictions on student visas were sending a negative message. I'll leave here tomorrow if I have to, that's not important but I want to clear my name and get rid of the allegation that I cheated by Syed Waqar Hussain The UKs international students are not only an absolutely vital source of income for UK universities and a great benefit to the wider UK economy, they are a great social and cultural asset too, Baty said. But the anti-immigration rhetoric constantly flowing from the UK Home Office, its refusal to remove international students from net migration figures and from targets to reduce immigration more broadly, and the increasing restrictions on student visas, are all sending out a very negative and unpleasant message to the world a message that we do not want or welcome international students. This is short-sighted and highly damaging to UK universities and the wider interests of the UK. There is already hard evidence that international students from some key markets, notably India, are turning their back on the UK, and many competitors across the world are welcoming them with open arms. Our status as a top destination for students across the world is diminishing by the day. Lobbying politicians For the students Al Jazeera met in London, regrets about coming to Britain were secondary to immediate concerns. Their priority remained their ongoing legal cases, as well as raising awareness of the issue among parliamentarians. The men told Al Jazeera that they had gathered cross-party support from MPs and were in the initial stages of a broader campaign to address their grievances. A group of about 200 students in London are lobbying politicians to take on their cause. For one of their leaders, a computer science student from Bangladesh called Syed Waqar Hussain, the issue had taken on more importance than just the right to study and reside in Britain. Ill leave here tomorrow if I have to, thats not important but I want to clear my name and get rid of the allegation that I cheated, Hussain said. New Orleans, Louisiana In the run-up to the November 8 elections in the US, Miranda Evans has already noticed an increase in gun sales in her shop in Mississippi. Some customers are worried Hillary Clinton will be the 45th US president. During her campaign, the Democratic candidate has said it is necessary to further regulate gun sales to lower the amount of deaths related to firearms. Her husband, former president Bill Clinton, signed an anti-gun law in 1994, banning assault rifles for a period of 10 years a ban Hillary Clinton has vowed to reinstate. Evans has seen gun sales growing before. After the Sandy Hook massacre, when a 20-year-old man killed 20 children and six staff members at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, using an AR-15 type of semi-automatic rifle was one such instance. The same day, President Barack Obama gave a speech stating action had to be taken, regardless of politics. That month, the amount of background checks performed by the FBI for gun sales peaked at 2.7 million, compared with 1.5 million the same month the year before. When someone buys a gun, the seller is obliged to perform a background check with the FBI to make sure the buyer has no criminal record. These serve as a reliable indicator of the trends in gun sales, although they do not translate directly into gun sales. In the following days, Evans completely sold out of AR-15s. She could not even order them any more from a manufacturer. As people feared a ban on these assault rifles, similar to the 10-year ban Bill Clinton signed, people came to the shop to try to buy them before they would disappear from the shelves. If Hillary Clinton were to win, for Evans, a ban on assault rifles just does not make sense. Like many pro-gun Americans, she already thinks the name assault rifle should not be applied to these kind of rifles, because it gives them a bad name. We dont even take an AR-15 for deer hunting, for it will only hurt the animal instead of killing it, she says. My daughter shot one when she was eight years old. Its fun to shoot; its just a sporting rifle. Its not the big bad weapon they say it is. But Evans says panic buying on the scale she has seen in anticipation of political changes before has not happened this year. You see, we dont believe Hillary Clinton will win, so no one is really panicking. OPINION: Gun control in the US is not a fantasy Driven by fear of new amendments Over this past annual quarter, from July to September 2016, the FBI recorded the most background checks for this quarterly period since it started to keep track of these checks in 1999. Both Smith & Wesson and Sturm Ruger, two major US firearms manufacturers, reported unprecedented sales for this period. In a gun store in Alabama, co-owner Tracy Schmitt, who is originally from New York state, says people worry about an oppressive government. Gun ownership is the only way to keep the power in the hands of the people, he says. With Hillary Clinton succeeding a Democratic president in office, Schmitt believes there is a possibility gun control laws will be implemented quickly. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton work together, Schmitt says, referring to the current presidents endorsement of Clinton. So even considering she would only be inaugurated in January, it is possible Obama would pass an executive order, which makes it impossible for people to buy arms before Clinton gets to the White House. The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution states: the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Fear of laws to regulate this Amendment, say sales people, has led to people stocking up on equipment. When he was back in New York state, Schmitt experienced the increases in sales from previous administrative actions. Now, Schmitt says, many of his customers have been stocking up on ammunition in the past few weeks and coming by to get old guns fixed and oiled. Barack Obama has been a great firearms salesman, he laughs, referring to the peaks in sales of 2012 the year of the Sandy Hook shooing and Obamas re-election. But Bill Clinton was the number-one salesman before. Schmitt and his co-owner, Darrell Qualls, say the vagueness of future gun regulations is what worries people. Hillary Clinton says she supports reasonable gun control and pledges to get military-style weapons off the streets. But according to Qualls, it is unclear which firearms would be considered military weapons once new regulations come into place. Qualls shows an old rifle that was used by the Spanish during the civil war in the 1930s; then he shows a sniper rifle. Most firearms were originally designed for the military, he says. Which one of these two will be prohibited? READ MORE: Will Facebook gun sales ban boost more secretive sites? Disarming America? Not everybody in the United States believes the AR-15 rifles are as light a weapon as Evans portrays them to be. Such a rifle can be easily modified to hold up to 100 bullets, which can be shot as quickly as the shooter can pull the trigger. The same accounts for similar rifles, such as the Sig Sauer MCX, which was used in the recent shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida in an audio recording of this shooting 24 shots are heard in nine seconds. During her campaign, Hillary Clinton has repeatedly mentioned 33,000 as the average number of gun-related deaths per year in the United States. This number can be seen as misleading, though, as it includes suicides, which account for more or less two thirds of the deaths. Still, the US has a gun-related homicide rate of 3.43 per 100,000 people per year, which puts the per capita homicide rate between countries such as Peru and Montenegro, but still a fraction of the gun homicide rates of countries such as Venezuela or Honduras. The countries with the lowest per capita homicide rate zero are Iceland and Japan. The countries on both extremes, Iceland and Japan in comparison to Venezuela and Honduras, all require a licence for gun ownership and registered gun owners. At a recent gun show in Robertsdale, Alabama, two men in their 60s walked around with rifles slung over their shoulders. These men, called John and Sam, came to find potential buyers for their rifles. Walking past tables full of handguns, semi-automatic and army-paraphernalia, they talked to prospective customers. Someone offered $250 for the .22 calibre Magnum rifle Sam carried. He was hoping to find a better offer, so they exchanged phone numbers and agreed to call later that day in case he did not find this. Official weapon dealers are obliged to perform an online background check of their clients with the FBI, which is done on the spot. However, private persons can sell guns without performing such checks, as long as they are not aware of the buyer having a criminal history. Bill Clinton called this the gun show loophole, which he as well as the two following presidents, George W Bush and Obama, tried to close, and Hillary Clinton has pledged to close. Linda Clifton, who runs a gun shop in rural Alabama with her husband, a retired military officer, believes carrying a gun has become necessary with crime rates going up in the countryside. They organise classes for costumers to learn how to use guns for self-defence. She proudly explains how one of her costumers, a young mother, managed to chase away three young men who were following her in a parking lot of a local Walmart supermarket. Im sure Clinton will try to do something. But the more she runs off with her mouth, the more people are gonna purchase guns, Clifton says. But mostly what she says is just election talk; trying to win votes. Besides, before we would ever give up our guns, we would have a civil war in this country. They would not want that. It is a recurring remark in gun shops and by gun owners as well as sellers at gun shows in Alabama and Mississippi: whoever touches the Second Amendment risks gearing the country towards civil unrest. Sam and John at the gun show have stocked up on ammunition, to be prepared if this would end up in civil war, they say. During the same gun show, a man selling bulletproof vests, who does not want to be named, says many Americans are fed up with the way the country evolves. If Hillary Clinton gets elected, I advise foreigners not to come to this country, he warns. All hell will break lose. Banning a certain type of firearm is one thing, but would the local law enforcement strictly enforce new laws? Officer Don Hopkins is an investigator and police spokesman in the little town of Waynesboro, Mississippi. Though he does not believe the Second Amendment would ever be changed, he would not want be the one to go to peoples houses and take assault rifles from them if gun ownership were to be banned in the US. Its simply not gonna happen, he says in his office at the police station. If you disarm honest people, all you gonna have is armed dishonest people. If you ask around, over 90 percent of law enforcement will rather see their citizens armed. As the latest round of violence rages in Iraq, the dominant narrative about that conflict goes uncontested in the United States. Adopting and using words like liberation by media outlets such as Fox News, CNN, NBC, and The Washington Post, while describing events surrounding Mosul might seem neutral at face value, but it is the result a carefully constructed and curated narrative introduced by the United States to justify its ongoing military presence in the country. The dominant mainstream media narrative about Iraq claims that the country is engulfed in an ancient religious war that started centuries ago, and that the war with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS), is just the latest chapter of this ongoing sectarian war. It also claims that the US has historically, and is currently, playing a positive role in the country by helping our good allies in Iraq destroy this evil group by liberating cities under their control. This narrative is reinforced not only by the pro-war content put out by much of US-based media, but also by its conspicuous absence of any substantive challenge to US-backed Iraqi military efforts. Politically moderate CNN writes: The task ahead for this elite American-trained unit is daunting but essential to the future of Iraq to conquer the urban sprawl of Mosul. MSNBC frames the military operations as progress. READ MORE: Why Iraq needs more than military victory in Mosul This narrative, rooted in pro-US military propaganda, is problematic for many reasons. The conflicts in Iraq do not originate from sectarian divisions, nor are they ancient. ISIL is only one example of many violent sectarian militias and warlords controlling the country, and transferring control of Mosul or other cities from one bad actor to the next should not be referred to as a liberation. The conflicts in Iraq do not originate from sectarian divisions, nor are they ancient. ISIL is only one example of many violent sectarian militias and warlords controlling the country, and transferring control of Mosul or other cities from one bad actor to the next should not be referred to as a liberation. Growing up in Iraq in the 1990s, sectarian affiliations were not a primary source of identity. Iraqis were never asked if they were Sunni or Shia until 2003 when the US invaded and occupied Iraq. It was only then that sectarian identities became a source of contention or discrimination. This defies conventional wisdom in the US. The story here is that Saddam was a Sunni Arab who oppressed and killed Shia Muslims and Kurds. While Iraq indeed had a political dictatorship, it didnt go after people based on their sectarian backgrounds, and it definitely wasnt a dictatorship run by one sect. After the fall of Baghdad, the United States own department of defence released a deck of cards with the top 55 Iraqi leaders the majority of them were not Sunni Arabs. As a matter of fact, the two vice presidents were a Christian and a Shia Kurd. The former Iraqi government was in many cases brutal and totalitarian, but it was not sectarian. The destruction of iraqs national identity and territorial integrity was a result of the US creation of the 2003 Governing Council, a vulgar introduction to a new era of ethno-sectarian politics in Iraq. Iraqis were chosen to run the country based on their religion. Sectarian identities became primary for the first time. The US even pushed for Iraq to be segregated into ethno-sectarian regions. This divide-and-conquer tactic, imposed intentionally by the US, was one of the three sins committed by the United States that paved the way for ISIL to rise. The second major offence committed by the US was the deliberate destruction of Iraqs national sovereignty that allowed for increased foreign interventions. The list of regional countries that became involved include Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait, Israel, and more. The mere presence of US troops in Iraq as an occupying force was an unabashed violation of the countrys sovereignty, opening the gate to many other regional neighbours to interfere as well. The third measure the US took that paved the way for ISIL was the dismantling of iraqs armed forces and replaced by militia groups. Shia Muslims have militias and so do Sunnis, Kurds, Yazidis, Christians and even secular Iraqis. ISIL is a horrific, terrifying, and violent group. Their mere existence in Iraq is a disaster. Unfortunately, they are not an exception to how other Sunni, Shia, Kurdish, Yazidi or Christian militias that have been acting in the country as well. Last July, a violent militia attacked Fallujah, kidnapped 900 civilians, and executed at least 50, some by beheadings and torture. No, that wasnt ISIL, it was a Shia militia that fought alongside Iraqi forces funded, trained and equipped by the US. Last year, members of a militia attacked two villages in north-western Iraq. They killed 21 civilians, half of them elderly men and women and children, in what appear to have been execution-style killings, and injured several others, including three children. The gunmen also abducted some 40 residents, 17 of whom are still missing and feared dead. This wasnt ISIL either. It was a Yazidi militia. Kurdish, Shia, and other militias have been committing crimes, many of which are as bad as those of ISIL. But it is not only about the war crimes and brutality most of these militias are linked to the ruling parties in Iraq though, and they have been using violence as a tool for ethnic cleansing. These horrific crimes are not only committed by paramilitary and militia groups, they are also committed by the Iraqi military, to which the US government continues to sell billions of dollars worth of weapons. According to Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and other international human rights organisations, the Iraqi military has a long record of gross violations of human rights. This includes indiscriminate bombings of civilian neighbourhoods, extrajudicial killings, torture, forced disappearances, recruitment of child soldiers, indefinite detention, ethnic cleansing and more. Some of these weapons, including tanks, trickle down to militias affiliated with the Iraqi government, which the US has denied and tried to cover up. To justify the ongoing flow of arms and lucrative military operations in Iraq, the US government is quick to whitewash the crimes of the Iraqi military and demonise ISIL instead. The mainstream perception of the role that the US military is playing in Iraq is also a myth. The US government portrays itself as the protector that stepped in to Iraq to save the people from a dictatorship, to save people of one religious sect from other sects, or to help with nation-building. Violence, according to this narrative, happened despite the US best efforts, not because of its occupation. But in fact, the role of the US has been the source and perpetuation of the problem. The US has been bombing, sanctioning, and meddling in the internal affairs of Iraq since 1991. And despite the common belief that the US pulled out of Iraq in 2011, it continues to have troops deployed, and funds, trains and equips hundreds of thousands of Iraqi militia members. That is why we have groups such as ISIL, and Iraq will never be back on track for peace and reconciliation unless these issues have been addressed. The role of the United States must be challenged by the American people whose tax dollars are still funding death and destruction in Iraq. ISIL is not a bad guy we are trying to get rid of with the help of our good allies. It is just another militia that the US intervention has created the conditions for. There is no liberation going on. Mosul is run by a group of violent sectarian militias, and is on track to be handed over to another violent sectarian militia but one that has the backing of the US government. What the US should do instead is what it should have done a long time ago: focus on ending the wars in Iraq, not winning them. Ending Iraqs bloodshed will take a long time, but the first step is removing the US and other foreign actors out of the equation. Only then will Iraqis be able to liberate and rebuild their country. *Arab-American blogger and political commentator The US upcoming election will impact billions of people who dont have the right to vote in it. After the third and final US presidential debate, most opinion articles and mainstream television commentators continued to focus predominantly on Donald Trumps violent racism and Hilary Clintons corporate cronyism. Only on rare occasions is the possible presidency of either candidate compared with Barack Obamas presidency, and it seems doubtful either would do a better job than the outgoing president, who himself has disappointed many by his relentless use of drones and vicious war against whistle-blowers. At the same time, little is said about the election and the potential impact of its outcome on the entire world. US elections are objects of intense scrutiny on every continent, and this is not simply because of the millions of dollars involved in the campaigns or our fascination with US politics but rather because they affect our lives at least as much, if not more, than the lives of American citizens. Asking that everyone in the world be allowed to vote on November 8 does not reveal any particular concern for American politics but rather constitutes a demand for some say in our own lives, given the global consequences of these national political contest. But how much authority does the United States still exercise? The leader of the free world Although many claim that US supremacy has diminished with the rise of new powers such as China and India and the formation of economic blocs such as the European Union and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), the US still largely sets the terms for global discourse. This discourse, as Noam Chomsky recently explained, ranges from such concerns as Israel-Palestine, Iran, Latin America, the war on terror, international economic organisation, rights and justice, and others like them, to the ultimate issues of survival of civilization nuclear war and environmental destruction. The winner of this election will become, as we are accustomed to reading in the press, the 'leader of the free world' and of a nation that 'is on the right side of history'. by With more than 800 bases in more than 80 countries and no foreign base on US soil or close to its borders, as Commander in Chief the next president will have at his or her disposal, as David Vine reported, more [military] bases in foreign lands than any other people, nation, or empire in history. The yearly defence budget of the United States $597bn is equal to the budgets of next 14 big defence spenders put together. US elections: Why no mention of Afghan war? The winner of this election will become, as we are accustomed to reading in the press, the leader of the free world and of a nation that is on the right side of history. But it is the next president who will decide not only how free the world is but also which one is the right side of history. There are many examples of the US clearly standing against freedom (Honduras) or on the wrong side of history (Rwanda), but the upcoming referendum in Italy is a good illustration of both, as it directly involves the vote of a sovereign nation that happens to be within the so-called free world. Free from US interference A few weeks ago Obama hosted the last state dinner of his presidency. Among the many politicians invited, Italian prime minister Mateo Renzi received particular attention, as he is in the middle of a political storm that could end his career and harm US investment. Renzi is desperately promoting a change to 47 of 139 articles of the Italian constitution. According to many Italian law professors and constitutional experts, this is a counterproductive reform as the Italian senate would no longer be elected directly by the citizens, among many other changes. It is curious that Obama would endorse this reform given that it is the reverse of the 17th Amendment in the US, which gives American citizens the right to directly elect their senators, as the law professor Luca Baccelli points out. Why is Obama endorsing a reform that undermines democratic rights historically secured in his own country? OPINION: Is America on the right side of history? The introductory report on the proposed reforms specifies the need to adapt the domestic legal system to the recent evolution of the European economic governance [] and to its cogent budget rules as well as the challenges coming from the internalization of economy and the changed context of global competition. That is, the proposed constitutional changes are aimed at overcoming widespread popular opposition to the TIPP agreement. We both reaffirmed, Obama said at the press conference before the dinner, our strong support for negotiations around the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, which can support jobs and exports and innovation and growth on both sides of the Atlantic. A defeat for Renzi in the referendum on December 4 will hurt, as US ambassador John Phillips recently said, Italys ability to attract American investment. In Italy then, how free and on which side of history the nation will be after this vital vote is determined by the US president. If Italians, as well as Iraqis and Mexicans, could also vote for the only world leader who can truly influence their lives, perhaps the next leader of the free world would be more likely to allow that world to be free from US interference. Santiago Zabala is ICREA research professor of philosophy at the Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. Afghan officials say a NATO air strike killed at least 30 civilians, including women, children and babies, in Kunduz. At least 30 civilians, including women, children and babies, have been killed and dozens wounded in a NATO air strike in the northern province of Kunduz, Afghan officials have said. The air raids on Thursday were in support of US and Afghan forces during an attack targeting senior Taliban commanders, according to provincial spokesman Mahmood Danish. Afghan forces and coalition troops conducted a joint operation against the Taliban insurgents. In the bombardment 30 Afghan civilians were martyred and 25 others were wounded, Danish told AFP news agency. Kunduz civilians told Al Jazeera the death toll was even higher than the figure given by officials. READ MORE: Kunduz residents recall ordeal after Taliban attack Afghan officials said on Thursday there had been heavy fighting overnight a few kilometres outside the Kunduz city centre, which Taliban fighters succeeded in entering last month before being driven out. The target of the joint operation appeared to be two senior Taliban commanders killed in the fighting among 65 fighters, Kunduz police chief General Qasim Jangalbagh told AP news agency. Al Jazeeras Abdullah Shahood, reporting from Kabul, said that Afghan commandos, supported by NATO forces, descended from helicopters in two locations in Kunduz province, including in the village of Boze Qandahari, about 3km north of Kunduz city. The Afghan forces came under fire by the Taliban in the area and thats when the air strikes were called in, Shahood said . Most of these casualties are women and children, and they are as young as three months old. Dr Mohammad Naim Mangal, director of a hospital in Kunduz, said his facility received the bodies of a dead man and a child and treated 30 people, including children, wounded in the fighting. The civilian deaths sparked angry protests among locals, with relatives rallying with the coffins of the victims to the governors office. They were chanting Death to America, Death to President [Ashraf] Ghani and they were [vowing] to take revenge, Shahood said. Ordinary people were sleeping in their homes. The Taliban attacked Kunduz and then the bombs came All night the airplanes were bombing, a resident said. About 50 people died; 40 to 50 people were injured. What did those children do wrong? I want justice for the killers. Protecting friendly forces The US military said it had conducted the air strikes to protect friendly forces in an operation in which two American soldiers were killed. The service members came under fire during a train, advise and assist mission with our Afghan partners to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the groups operations in Kunduz district, the US military said in a statement. In a separate statement, the NATO-led Resolute Support mission confirmed that air strikes had been carried out in Kunduz to defend friendly forces under fire. All civilian casualty claims will be investigated, it said. OPINION: Afghanistan Beyond reactive tactics and quick fixes In a statement, the Taliban said American forces were involved in an operation to capture three fighters when they came under heavy fire. The armed group also said that there were civilian casualties, while claiming Taliban fighters killed 16 US troops. The Taliban often exaggerates its battlefield successes. The deaths underline the precarious security situation around Kunduz, which Taliban fighters came close to over-running last month, a year after they briefly captured the city in their biggest success in the 15-year long war. While the city itself was secured, the Taliban controls large areas of the surrounding province. The US military gave no details on the identity of the two personnel who were killed, or what units they served with, and there was no immediate detailed comment on the circumstances of their deaths. Although US combat operations against the Taliban largely ended in 2014, special forces units have been repeatedly engaged in fighting while providing assistance to Afghan troops. Thousands of US soldiers remain in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led Resolute Support training and assistance mission and a separate counterterrorism mission. Afghan forces have suffered thousands of casualties, with more than 5,500 killed in the first eight months of 2016. Last October, a US air stike hit a Doctors Without Borders (MSF) hospital in Kunduz, killing at least 42 people, including 24 patients, 14 staff and four caretakers. At least 37 others were wounded in the raid, which destroyed the MSF hospital building and prompted widespread condemnation from human rights groups. The US military said the air strike was a mistake and apologised, but insisted the attack was not a war crime . Protesters wearing cut-out of South Korean President Park Geun-hye (C) and Choi Soon-sil attend a protest denouncing President Park Geun-hye over a recent influence-peddling scandal in central Seoul, South Korea, October 27, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] South Korea's presidential office on Wednesday named a new prime minister and finance minister, the highest-level shake-up since President Park Geun-hye's administration was first rocked by a scandal involving a friend accused of meddling in state affairs. Opposition parties denounced the reshuffle as a bid by Park to divert attention from the crisis. The Blue House named Financial Services Commission Chairman Yim Jong-Yong as finance minister and deputy prime minister. Yim, who replaces incumbent minister Yoo Il-ho, has been well-regarded in his current role. Kim Byong-joon, a senior presidential secretary under former president Roh Moo-Hyun, is expected to replace Hwang Kyo-Ahn as prime minister. Appointing Kim, who has a reputation as a liberal, appears to be a bid by the conservative Park to placate the opposition and soothe public anger over the scandal involving Park's friend, Choi Soon-Sil, 60, who is in custody. But the shake-up did little to please the opposition. "This replacement of the prime minister and finance minister can't be happening without discussing it with the opposition," said Park Jie-won, leader of the opposition People's Party, insisting his party will boycott nomination hearings. South Korean stocks and the won currency did not react to the changes. A growing number of opposition politicians, as well as many members of the public have called on Park Geun-hye to step down, although the opposition has not called for impeachment proceedings. No South Korean president has ever resigned or been impeached successfully. If Park, 64, were to step down, an election would be held in 60 days. Prosecutors are looking into allegations Choi forced conglomerates to donate to nonprofit foundations using her friendship with the president and whether she benefited financially. Recorded message says total war for Iraqs second city increases our firm belief all this is a prelude to victory. ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has expressed confidence in victory, in his first message after US-backed Iraqi forces started an offensive to take back Mosul, the last major city under control of his group in Iraq. He also called on Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) fighters to invade Turkey. This raging battle and total war, and the great jihad that the state of Islam is fighting today only increases our firm belief, God willing, and our conviction that all this is a prelude to victory, he said in an audio recording released online by supporters on Thursday. Al Jazeera could not verify the authenticity of the 31-minute-long recording. READ MORE: Iraq-Turkey tension rises amid battle for Mosul Sherifa Zuhur, a visiting scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, told Al Jazeera that with this recording Baghdadi is sending a message to supporters of ISIL, also known as ISIS, to fight to the death. Its a call to martyrdom that says: if you stand in front of the coalition, just stand firm and say God is enough for us, she said. On the other hand, it is a statement that ISIL is going to lose its physical territory, for now, and will go back to the condition that it was in in 2010. It is also a call to those he feels have betrayed the cause of ISIL, a reference to other Sunnis in different groups. Latest message The previous message purportedly from Baghdadi was from December 2015, an audio recording that reassured followers and supporters that air strikes by Russia and the US-led coalition had failed to weaken the group in Syria. Zuhur said the latest recording was made within the last 10 days. We know that because he made reference to a phrase in a speech by al-Maliki about a recent operation in Nineveh province, she said, referring to Nouri al-Maliki, the former Iraqi prime minister. Baghdadi, an Iraqi whose real name is Ibrahim al-Samarrai, called on the population of Iraqs Nineveh province not to weaken in the jihad against the enemies of God. He also called on the groups suicide fighters to turn the nights of the unbelievers into days, to wreak havoc in their land and make their blood flow as rivers. The battle that started on October 17 with air and ground support from a US-led coalition is shaping up as the largest in Iraq since the invasion of 2003. Mosul still has a population of 1.5 million people, much more than any of the other cities captured by ISIL two years ago in Iraq and neighbouring Syria. Baghdadi told ISILs fighters to unleash the fire of their anger on Turkish troops fighting them in Syria, and to take the battle into Turkey. Turkey today entered your range of action and the aim of your jihad invade it and turn its safety into fear. ISIL has been retreating since last year in both Iraq and Syria, in the face of a myriad of different forces. In Iraq, it is fighting US-backed Iraqi government and Kurdish forces, and Iranian-backed Iraqi Shia militias. OPINION: Baghdadis misconstrued caliphate project In Syria, it is fighting Turkish-backed Syrian fighters opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, US-backed Kurdish forces as well as Russian- and Iranian-backed Syrian army units loyal to Assad and foreign Shia militias. Baghadi told his followers to launch attack after attack in Saudi Arabia, targeting security forces, government officials, members of the ruling Al Saud family and media outlets, for siding with the infidel nations in the war on Islam and the Sunna [Sunni Muslims] in Iraq and Syria. He also said the caliphate was not affected by the death of some of its senior commanders, mentioning Abu Muhammad al-Adnani and Abu Muhammad al-Furqan, both killed earlier this year in US air strikes. Rights groups say recruitment of residents to counter alleged threat of Rohingya fighters will lead to more abuses. Authorities in Myanmar say security forces have begun arming and training non-Muslim residents in the north of Rakhine state to counter an allegedly growing threat from fighters belonging to the ethnic Rohingya minority group. Human rights advocates say the move could lead to more conflict and abuses against civilians in Rakhine. Colonel Sein Lwin, Rakhine police chief, told Reuters news agency on Wednesday that his force had started recruiting new regional police from among Buddhist Rakhine and other non-Muslim ethnic minorities in the border town of Maungdaw. Candidates who did not meet the educational attainment standards, or criteria such as minimum height required for recruitment by the regular police would be accepted for the scheme, he said. But they have to be the residents, said Sein Lwin. They will have to serve at their own places. READ MORE: A proxy war between Myanmars Buddhists and Muslims Min Aung, a minister in Rakhine parliament and a member of Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party, said only citizens would be eligible to sign up for the police training, ruling out the 1.1 million Rohingya living in Rakhine, who are denied citizenship by the government. Police will also start recruiting civilians in Sittwe, Rakhine states capital, next week. Lin Lin Oo, a police official, said that initially 100 recruits aged between 18 and 35 would undergo an accelerated 16-week training programme in Sittwe on November 7. Authorities said the auxiliary recruits would not form a new peoples militia, like those that fight in ethnic conflicts elsewhere in Myanmar. Such militias which are often accused of abuses against civilians raise their own funds and are overseen by the army. The new recruits in Rakhine will be paid and come under the control of the border police. Communal tensions Human rights organisations and a leader of the stateless Rohingya told Reuters that the move risked sharpening intercommunal tensions in a region that has just seen its deadliest month since 2012, when hundreds of people were killed in clashes between Muslims and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. Soldiers have poured into the northern region along Myanmars frontier with Bangladesh after attacks on three border posts on October 9 in which nine police officers were killed. Security forces have locked down the area shutting out aid workers and independent observers and conducted sweeps of villages in Maungdaw, where the vast majority are Rohingya. Official reports say five soldiers and 33 alleged fighters have been killed. READ MORE: UN Food aid for 80,000 Rohingya blocked by Myanmar The UN has called for an investigation into allegations that security forces have killed, raped and arbitrarily detained thousands of Rohingya civilians and razed their homes to the ground in a crackdown following the October 9 attacks. The government has denied abuses by troops. The military has also recently forced hundreds of Rohingya to flee their houses. Ethnic Rakhine political leaders have urged the government to arm local Buddhists against what they say are rising security threats from Rohingya fighters. The minority ethnic people need to protect themselves from hostile neighbours, said Min Aung, referring to non-Muslim ethnicities who are in a minority in the region. Thats why the government supports them as regional police, as well as with employment. Al Jazeera investigates: The Hidden Genocide Aung San Suu Kyis government has invited diplomats and the senior United Nations representative in the country on a visit to Rakhine from Wednesday to try to assuage concerns over aid access and rights violations. But international experts working to rebuild relations in Rakhine, and human rights groups, say arming and training local non-Muslims could make the situation on the ground worse. Its sad and telling that the authorities regard this move as part of a security solution, said Matthew Smith, founder of Fortify Rights, an advocacy group. Arming local Buddhists who may regard all Rohingya as a threat to their safety was a recipe for atrocity crimes, Smith said. READ MORE: Myanmar bans officials from saying Rohingya It can only inflame the situation and will likely lead to unnecessary violence. Kyaw Win, an ethnic Rakhine resident of Kyein Chaung village, in Maungdaw, told Reuters on Wednesday that he was interested in signing up for the training, but said he doubted the plan would allay his communitys security fears. It is not possible to live together with Muslims because they are invading and seizing our own land day by day, he said. A Rohingya community leader in Maungdaw, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said he was concerned that Muslims might come under attack from the newly armed recruits. If they have guns in their hands, we wont be able to work together as before, he said. Allegation comes days after similar move by India, which accused six Pakistani diplomats of being part of a spy network. Pakistan has accused eight Indian embassy employees of involvement in spying and terrorism but stopped short of expelling them, in the latest apparent tit-for-tat move as relations between the two countries deteriorate. The declaration on Thursday came days after a similar move by New Delhi, which accused six Pakistani diplomats of being part of a spy network, forcing Islamabad to withdraw them from their posts. A number of Indian diplomats and staff have been found involved in coordinating terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan under the garb of diplomatic assignments, Nafees Zakariya, spokesman for Pakistans foreign ministry, told a press briefing in Islamabad. He went on to name the eight men, including one accused of using a false identity to pose as an employee of a Pakistani mobile network. All these eight officials were involved in espionage, subversion and supporting of terrorist activities, he said. New Delhi rejected the allegations, calling them baseless and unsubstantiated. We completely reject the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations made by Pakistan against certain officials of Indian High Commission in Islamabad, Vikas Swarup, foreign ministry spokesman told reporters in New Delhi. The allegations against the Indian officials represent an afterthought and a crude attempt to target these officials for no fault of theirs, he said. Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours have soared since a raid last month killed 19 soldiers on an Indian army base near the de facto border dividing the disputed Kashmir region, the worst such attack in more than a decade. India blamed fighters in Pakistan and said it had responded by carrying out strikes across the heavily militarised border, although Islamabad denies that these took place. READ MORE: The voices of peace opposing war in India and Pakistan Cross-border shelling between the two countries has led to at least 14 civilian deaths in November alone. Tensions were already high before the army base attack, with nearly 90 people killed in clashes with security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir over the death of a popular rebel leader in July. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from Britain in 1947. Both claim the territory in full and have fought two wars over the mountainous region. The latest round of diplomatic expulsions began on October 27 when India detained a Pakistani visa official accused of spying, later declaring him persona non grata and sending him home. Pakistan responded with a similar move the same day. President Aoun asks Sunni politician to form new government, after parliament speaker Nabih Berri signals his support. Lebanese President Michel Aoun has asked Saad al-Hariri, a prominent Sunni politician, to form a new government as prime minister after he secured the support of a majority of MPs, according to a presidential statement. Hariri was endorsed by 110 members of the 127-seat parliament on Thursday, with only Hezbollah, the Syrian Social National Party and the Lebanese Baath party all supporters of Syrias government declining to back him as prime minister. Hezbollah is an armed Shia group which also has representation in parliament. But his return was assured as part of the deal he struck to throw his support behind former general Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally. Nabih Berri, the parliament speaker, indicated on Thursday that he was ready to cooperate in efforts to set up a new government led by Hariri, softening earlier objections that threatened to hold up its formation. READ MORE: Michel Aoun elected president of Lebanon Berri, head of the Shia Amal, is one of the most influential figures in Lebanon and his previous opposition to the deal that saw Aoun elected head of state this week was seen as an obstacle to forming the new government. Berri formally announced his support for Hariris candidacy in a meeting with Aoun at the presidential palace. Asked by a journalist if he intended to cooperate in the formation of the new government, he said: If there was no intention to cooperate, we would not have named him. Hariri is the son of Rafik Hariri, the former prime minister who was assassinated in a seaside bombing in 2005 in Beirut. Families in shock after girls, as young as 13, hit in the eyes with lead-based pellets in Indian-administered Kashmir. Inside the ophthalmology ward at the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh hospital (SMHS) in Srinagar, four teenage girls between 12 and 19, lie on parallel beds with their eyes shut. Hit in the eyes with lead-based pellets, they are the latest victims of the non-lethal projectiles used by the Indian troops as a method of crowd control in India-administered Kashmir. Three of the girls 13-year-old Ifrah Jan, and two 18-year olds, Shabroza Akhtar and Shabroza Baghat were hit in the face during protests on Sunday in Rumhoo village, in the Pulwama district of southern Kashmir. Urfi Rashid, 19, was struck on Monday when she peered out of her home in the village of Chitragam Kalan, in the southern district of Shopian. On Thursday, Dr Tariq Qureshi, the head of ophthalmology at SMHS, told Al Jazeera that he had conducted primary surgery on all four. He is optimistic about the girls regaining their vision. The condition of all the four girls has improved. They have vision. We are waiting to see the improvement, and then we will see if they need secondary surgery. But they are not blind, he told Al Jazeera. The families are still in a state of shock. Pellets are inside her head as well, Akhters mother, Rafika told Al Jazeera, sitting beside the hospital bed. You need to be able to see for every type of job or work. She was very bright. I dont understand what happened to her. Similarly, Rashids mother, Maryam Begum, 42, told Al Jazeera that her only concern was her daughters eyesight,I am only praying that she should be able to see again, Begum said, from the hospital. If she was hit in any other part of body, that wouldnt have been this difficult, she said. She was not pelting stones or protesting. She is a girl and has a long life ahead. My husband is a simple farmer, its a very difficult situation for us in every way. Police officials said in a statement that they had cordoned off a village in Pulwama District on Sunday morning to conduct a search. They said they discharged pellets after they were attacked by a mob. A huge mob assembled and pelted stones on the security forces camp. The reinforcements was sent to the spot. In this incident some persons as well as security forces including three officers were injured. Locals allege that after the incident, troops went on the rampage, entering homes and breaking property. Al Jazeera was not able to reach the police for comment about these allegations. More than 90 people have been killed and some 12,000 injured in clashes with Indian armed forces since the killing of a popular rebel leader in July. Kashmiris took to the streets demanding an end to Indian-rule culminating in a series of running battles between riot-police and stone-pelting protesters. When 13-year-old Jan was taken to hospital on Monday, officials said she became the 980th person to be admitted for pellet injuries to that hospital alone, since July. On October 30, the Greater Kashmir newspaper reported that 1,631 civilians had been hit in the face, including 1,100 with injuries to their eyes, since July. The use of pellets have been heavily criticised by human rights groups, including Amnesty International. In August, the Indian government said they would be reviewing the use of pellets, while a spokesperson for the Jammu and Kashmir government told Al Jazeera that the weapons would be phased out. But they are still being used. The victims and families say none of them was involved in the protests. Jans aunt, Rubeena, called the incident barbaric and said the 13-year-old was too young to understand what happened. It seems theyve done with hitting boys with pellets now their targets have turned to young girls, it was like a storm for us, Rubeena said. Likewise, Akhtar complained: [When] boys are hit, everyone has an excuse that they pelt stones [but] what did we do? Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since independence from Britain in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan territory in full and have fought three wars over the mountainous region, which remains one of the most militarised regions on earth. Kashmiris demand that a referendum take place to let them decide on their future. Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have died since 1990. Ex-senior adviser becomes second person to be held in influence-peddling scandal engulfing Park Geun-hyes presidency. South Korean prosecutors are reported to have detained a former aide to President Park Geun-hye, the second person to be held in an influence-peddling scandal that has shaken the country. Prosecutors said on Thursday that they have been looking into allegations that the former senior adviser, An Chong-bum, and Choi Soon-sil, a long-time confidante, forced South Korean conglomerates to donate funds to non-profit foundations using their connections with Park. An, who was a senior presidential adviser in policy coordination until he stepped down late last month amid the crisis, was arrested late on Wednesday. READ MORE: South Korea President Park names Kim Byong-joon as PM He said earlier outside prosecution offices that he would take responsibility for his actions but declined to elaborate. Ans lawyers were not immediately available for comment early on Thursday. Prosecutors placed him under emergency detention, worried that he could destroy evidence, the prosecution official told Reuters news agency. Under South Korean law, prosecutors have 48 hours to seek an arrest warrant from a court. On Wednesday, Park replaced her prime minister and finance minister, a reshuffle denounced by political opponents as a bid to divert attention from a crisis that has pushed her approval rating to an all-time low. Investigation calls Members of opposition parties have called for prosecutors to investigate Park. She has also faced calls from political opponents and a growing number of South Koreans to step down, although the main opposition parties have not raised the idea of launching impeachment proceedings. Last weekend, Park accepted the resignations of eight of her top presidential aides, and on Thursday her office announced nominees for a new chief of staff and senior secretary for political affairs. Prosecutors on Wednesday asked a court for a warrant to arrest Choi, 60, and are seeking to charge her with abuse of power and attempted fraud. Choi was detained late on Monday. Choi, who has been a confidant of Parks for decades but held no formal government role, is alleged to have used her proximity to the president to meddle in state affairs. Her lawyer has said he expects prosecutors to look into whether she inappropriately received classified documents. Choi told South Koreas Segye Ilbo newspaper last week that she received drafts of Parks speeches after Parks election victory but denied she had access to other official material, influenced state affairs or benefited financially. Civilians trapped by intense fighting, crippling starvation, threats of abuse and murder these are just some of the concerns for the United Nations when it comes to humanitarian crises around the world. Al Jazeera sat down on Thursday with Stephen OBrien, the UN humanitarian affairs chief, to discuss these challenges, including an impending humanitarian catastrophe in Iraq, the ongoing refugee crisis across Europe and the international communitys obligations when it comes to tackling global problems. Al Jazeera: In Iraq, there are warnings about a humanitarian catastrophe as the battle for Mosul gathers pace and huge numbers of civilians could flee those areas. How well prepared is the UN to deal with this, and what needs to be done? Stephen OBrien: We have known this [the battle for Mosul] is likely to come for some time. Yes, we have had a chance to prepare. Weve been out raising money weve managed to raise about 50 percent of what we calculated we needed. We certainly need more now, because cash immediately buys you the shelters and the preparation of emergency sites to receive people as they flee. READ MORE: As Mosul push unfolds, civilians face impossible choice At this stage, we have about 60,000 [tents] prepared, 250,000 sites getting ready, but we calculate that there could be between one to 1.5 million people who could flee. But we dont know. All such military actions do produce very chaotic and unpredictable results. We dont even know in what direction they may flee. What we know is we need to be as prepared as we can, and as nimble and as quick as we can, in order to make sure we save lives. The biggest concern we have is the protection of civilians in this conflict so that as the forces advance to seek to take back Mosul, and it does look like a very tough combat house-to-house, very vicious that every effort should be made to make sure that innocent civilians can be protected in order for them to survive. Al Jazeera: Moving on to the refugee crisis, as more and more people continue dying trying to make the journey to Europe, should Western governments be doing more to help them? Or are they, as some people believe, a threat to Europe? OBrien: Whats clear is that there are huge numbers of people that are feeling compelled to move, who want to get away from either conflict, or they want to get away from deep poverty or chronic diseases whether thats from the Sahel in Africa, or Afghanistan, where violence is flaring up again, or wherever they are coming from. I think the first condemnation should be for the absolutely abhorrent traffickers, who peddle these very dangerous journeys at great cost and dont care about the fate of the people they send into the open sea. I think [what] is important, as indeed the United Nations did at a very important worldwide meeting on September 19, is how do we find a better way for us all to step up to our mutual obligations, to receive people in need, to process asylum seekers quickly, to make sure theyre entitled to the life support and the humanitarian goods and services that we would all expect if we were suddenly thrust into a crisis ourselves. Thats the very least we should expect. So yes, theres a big debate going on about the respective obligations around the world for these issues, but we should be tackling the root causes, which is what are driving people: conflict and poverty is the source of it. Al Jazeera: But addressing the root causes costs money. What do you say to those governments in the West, particularly in Europe, who dont believe that money for international aid and international development is a priority? OBrien: I say its in everybodys interest. We absolutely have to be part of what is a globalised world now. We dont just mean globalised in terms of goods and services for the private sector, we mean globalisation in terms of information flow. About 135 million people around the world tonight will need some form of humanitarian assistance, and 80 percent comes out of conflict. We have to be absolutely clear that its in our mutual interest to actually dedicate part of those countries which have tax revenues to support private charitable donations and other private sector [initiatives], and even civil-military cooperation from time to time particularly in natural disasters to bring every effort to bear in order to meet the humanitarian needs of people wherever they arise impartially, neutrally and independently. That is what will help create a more secure world for all of us, so its in our mutual interest. And thats why I think that there is a real need to continue very strongly to prosecute the case that international aid, whether it is humanitarian or development, is something that is of domestic interest as much as it is of international. Al Jazeera: Lets talk solutions and the lack of them at this point, particularly at the UN security council. Many people are frustrated at the sort of gridlock thats going on there and the perception that its become so politicised right now. Is that a frustration that you and your staff feel? OBrien: I think everybody is frustrated that we cant find our way forward that is likely therefore to yield the result that we want, which is to find a political settlement that is going to last and give the people of Syria the chance to have the kind of life that you and I would expect which is to be allowed to thrive and to be able to have that sense of security which we all expect to live in. So yes, there is shared frustration everywhere, but the question arises Theres no alternative. However much were knocked back, however much were deterred, and particularly as humanitarians with emergency relief and needing to get that through safe, unimpeded, wherever it is, we need to call out the facts. When we say what the facts are on the ground to try and appeal to the consciences of all those involved in these discussions to find a way forward, to find agreement. And even where its not found, to try and try again because it is the only option weve got. There isnt a higher diplomatic body of the world. We have to try and make the security council work. High Court says government cannot implement countrys exit from European Union without parliaments approval. The UKs High Court has ruled that Theresa Mays administration is not allowed to trigger the countrys exit from the European Union, or Brexit, without approval from parliament. Three senior judges ruled on Thursday that the government does not have the power under the Crowns prerogative to start EU exit talks. The case is considered the most important constitutional matter in a generation. The government plans to appeal against the ruling before the Supreme Court. Plans for Brexit are being challenged in a case with major constitutional implications, hinging on the balance of power between parliament and the government. May has said that she will launch exit negotiations with the EU by March 31. She is relying on a power called the royal prerogative that lets the government withdraw from international treaties. WATCH: Beyond Brexit The consequences of Britains great exit Claimants argue that leaving the EU will remove rights, including free movement within the bloc, and say that cannot be done without Parliaments approval. Underscoring the importance of the case, May put Attorney General Jeremy Wright in charge of the legal team fighting the claim. Wright argued that the lawsuit is an attempt to put a legal obstacle in the way of enacting the result of the June 23 referendum to leave the EU. I now fear every attempt will be made to block or delay triggering Article 50. They have no idea level of public anger they will provoke. Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) November 3, 2016 May wants to use royal prerogative, historic powers officially held by the Queen, to trigger Article 50 of the EUs treaty, which starts two years of talks before Britains departure from the EU. The powers, which have in reality passed to politicians, enable decisions to be made without a vote of Parliament and cover matters as grave as declaring war or as basic as issuing passports. Historically, royal prerogative has also applied to foreign affairs and the negotiation of treaties. Rallies take place in Aden and elsewhere, with protesters saying UN envoys plan would legitimise the Houthis coup. Thousands of Yemenis protested against a new peace proposal to end the conflict submitted by the UN envoy to the war-torn country, saying the plan would legitimise the rebels power grab. The demonstrations in the southern city of Aden and other locations took place on Thursday shortly before UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed arrived in the capital Sanaa for peace talks with Houthi rebels. We reject the plan of Ould Cheikh, read one of the banners carried by protesters in Aden the governments temporary base who responded to a call by authorities in the city to rally. No to an initiative that legitimises the coup, said another. President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi on Saturday rejected the envoys peace plan, saying it would reward the Houthis for seizing the capital and opens a door towards more suffering and war. Hadi enjoys the backing of a Saudi-led Arab coalition that launched a military campaign in March 2015 after the rebels closed in on his refuge in Aden. The contents of the roadmap, which the envoy presented to the rebels on Tuesday, have not been made public. READ MORE: More than 1,400 suspected cholera cases in Yemen WHO But informed sources say the proposal calls for agreement on naming a new vice president after the rebels withdraw from Sanaa and other cities and hands over heavy weapons to a third party. Hadi would then transfer power to the vice president who would appoint a new prime minister to form a government in which the north and south of Yemen would have equal representation. Hundreds of people also rallied against the plan Thursday in Marib, east of Sanaa, and in the southeastern province of Hadramawt, witnesses said. Hadi described the new proposal as an explicit departure from the UN Security Councils resolution 2216, which calls on rebels to withdraw from territory they have captured since 2014. The Houthis have called the plan a basis for discussion despite containing fundamental flaws. The conflict has killed at least 10,000 people so far, according to the United Nations. Both US presidential nominees agree that the group is a threat, but does either have a viable strategy to defeat it? Both US presidential nominees agree that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) armed group poses a threat to America and the world, but disagree on how to beat it. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump blames his rival, Democrat Hillary Clinton, and President Barack Obama for the rise of ISIL. Hes also criticised NATO for not doing enough to fight terrorism. So far, Trump has not outlined a detailed plan to fight ISIL. But he has said that hes willing to work with Russia in Syria, rather than alienate it. Clinton supports intensifying air strikes on the groups fighters, and going after its leaders. She says fighting in Syria and Iraq has contributed to ISILs spread, and insists that resolving those conflicts is key to beating the group. According to Trump, Clintons plan for Syria could lead to World War III. He says the focus needs to be on ISIL, not on Syrias President Bashar al-Assad. Does either US presidential candidate have a viable strategy to defeat ISIL? Presenter: Dareen Abughaida Guests: Mark Jacobson Former senior adviser to Secretary of Defense Ash Carter Fawaz Gerges Professor of international relations at the London School of Economics, and author of ISIS: A History Robin Simcox Margaret Thatcher Fellow at the Heritage Foundation. Artisan cafe chain Creams British Luxury is to open two stores in Kent. A store in Canterbury is set to open this month, while one in the Bluewater shopping centre will open in February 2017. The stores will be the first in the county for the chain, which has outlets in Yorkshire cities Leeds and Huddersfield, as well as Manchester. A marble counter and crystal chandelier will display the Creams gift range, which will be on offer in both stores. The business said the counter will draw in shoppers to purchase colourful macarons, handmade chocolates, cupcakes, and cake pops. Creams want to share passion for high quality and to make available luxurious yet affordable products," the business says in a statement on its website. Whatever the occasion, the giving and receiving of gifts is an exhilarating experience. We provide this service to all shoppers in shopping centres and high-footfall retail parks as we put theatre into our services and gift wrapping, providing shoppers with unique products and service. Harrowing insight into the rise and fall of one of the worlds most cruel dictators, former Chadian President Habre. Editors note: This film is no longer available online. On May 30, 2016, former Chadian President Hissene Habre was convicted for crimes against humanity. This was the culmination of a 17-year campaign for justice organised by a small group of lawyers, who made it their mission to see Habre stand trial, and without whom it might not have happened. There was a group of us who said that we were never going to give up. We were going to fight this until Hissene Habre died or was brought to court, says activist Reed Brody, nicknamed the dictator hunter. Brody investigated Habres dreaded political police force, the DDS, the Directorate of Documentation and Security, which was responsible for stamping out those who allegedly opposed his regime. It is estimated that 40,000 people were killed and another 200,000 tortured during Habres eight-year rule. Habre, 74, did not speak a single word during the eight months of his trial, not looking once at the hundreds of victims who gave their testimonies day after day the stubborn silence of a dictator, denying the legitimacy of the court. But what turned Habre into such a cruel dictator? And how did he get away with it for so long? Revolutionary and warlord In 1975, a former political science student at the elite French school, Sciences-Po Paris, Habre led a rebellion against the Chadian government, which he considered to be overly influenced by France. This was the beginning of Habres political career. Chad, a former French colony, is landlocked by six other countries, most notably Libya in the north, Sudan to the east and Niger to the west. Some claim it is the messy decolonisation that was the fuel beneath the fire that destroyed much of the nation. From the desert region of Tibesti, nestled between Libya and Niger, in 1974 Habre rallied the local populations with his nationalistic rhetoric, calling for a revolution. He wore a Cuban cap that made him look like one of Castros revolutionaries. He even had Ray-Bans, the in-fashion sunglasses, a very well-fitting uniform with a colt by his side to remind people that he was first and foremost a warlord He knew that wars were also won by impressions, says historian Jean-Pierre Bat. In order to further his image as a warlord, Habre also carried out a series of kidnappings, targeting foreign personalities, elevating his visibility on an international scale. The first French hostage was archaeologist Francoise Claustre, who was kept prisoner in the Tibesti desert for 33 months. It was only when France intervened with the help of former Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi that Claustre was released. This would signal the beginning of a long-term, bloody conflict between Habre and Gaddafi. Habres rise to power After seizing power in 1982, Habre received support from France and the United States, who saw him as a bulwark against Gaddafis regime in Libya a significant turn in the tide for the ambitious Chadian leader. Gaddafi was an equally ambitious revolutionary, but more powerful due to the oil money he possessed. In the name of his Pan-African dream, he occupied a strip of land in Aouzou bordering Libya and launched a rebellion against Habre. Gaddafi threatened the Wests interests not only in Chad but globally, openly supporting revolutionary movements and financing international terrorism. The West extended support to Habre at any cost. The Americans had decided that they were going to support Hissene Habre. The Americans didnt have an interest in Chad per se, but they had very strong feelings about reining in the ambitions of Colonel Gaddafi. What we did was assess what Chad needed. The Chadian soldiers were point and shoot, it had to be pretty simple, says Charles Duelfer of the US Department of States Bureau of Military Policy from 1982 to 1990. The US government armed Habres regime, but France was hesitant to do so, with the socialist President Francois Mitterrand leaning towards a new African policy with less intervention. Mitterrand opened discussions with Libyas leader. My colleagues and I in Washington were aware of the fact that some elements of the French government were tempted to try to work with Gaddafi. And our message to the French would be: if you dine with the devil, use a long spoon, says Chester Crocker, secretary of state of African Affairs from 1981 to 1989. While Mitterrand and Gaddafi signed the deal under which Gaddafi agreed not to cross the 16th parallel, a symbolic boundary that separated the pro-Libyan troops and the regime of Habre, Habre himself was climbing the power ranks. Chads Black September Soon after, his regime carried out their first massacres, ambushing an opposing armed rebel group in the south, known as the Codos. The location of the massacre an isolated farm was used in the trial against Habre. They told us that the farm was full of people. The soldiers opened fire on everyone who was moving. The farmyard was carpeted with dead bodies, says Jaqueline Moudeina, a lawyer for the prosecution in the Habre trial in reference to the Codos massacre. The bodies were buried all over the place here. There are some people who say that the farm is only bodies. The farm is one of the symbols of the massacres in the south during a period that became known as Black September in 1984, and more than 30 years later the people of Chad have still not forgotten the violence of the Habre regime against the civilian population. They told us that the farm was full of people. The soldiers opened fire on everyone who was moving. The farmyard was carpeted with dead bodies. by Jaqueline Moudeina, a lawyer for the prosecution in the Habre trial While Habres army was wiping out any dissent in the south of Chad, the worlds attention was turned to the north because Gaddafi had violated the pact he had made with France. The pro-Libyan troops had crossed the symbolic border of the 16th parallel and were advancing on Chads capital city. Habre finally got what he wanted the support of the French army. Mitterrand succeeded in persuading Gaddafi to pull his troops out of Chad, and France declared its support for Chad and Habre. From the moment that Hissene Habre became a strategic leader in a strategic country, we had a tendency to take a laissez-faire attitude So nobody watched what he was doing in his country from the moment they said to him, We simply ask for you to keep your country going, do what you want. How can you think that he would do anything other than abuse his power? says Roland Dumas, former French minister of foreign affairs. Habre had become known as the lion of the National Union for Independence and Revolution, his political party. With his strength, and Gaddafis resurgence, came even more abuse. Thousands of Chadians were arrested and were victim to the cruelty of his regime. When we arrested people we took them directly, we had to interrogate them. The interrogations were violent and the people cried the sessions were unbearable inhumane, indeed, says Bandjim Bandjoum, a former DDS agent. The Toyota War: Gaddafi, Habre and the superpowers By the mid-1980s, Gaddafi had still not withdrawn his troops from northern Chad. He did not fulfil the agreement that he had made with Mitterrand and tensions were rising between France and Libya. Near Wadi Doum, the Libyans built a runway to channel weapons and conduct a fresh attack on Chad. France showed its seriousness in supporting Chad through Operation Epervier (Operation Sparrowhawk), bombarding the aerodrome in northern Chad as a warning to Gaddafi and his advancing forces. The French and the Americans were now in the same position: they had to clamp down on the Libyan advance that threatened stability in the region. With support from the US and France, Habre was able to take back Wadi Doum in 1987 after the Toyota War, so named because of the Chadian forces use of Toyota pick-ups during the conflict. Hissene Habre in the end, destroyed the Libyan armoured corps and killed thousands of Libyan troops. That would not have happened if there had not been effective French and American cooperation. I hope your viewers appreciate what was accomplished militarily by Chadians to defend themselves and their country. Anyway it led to an invitation to the White House to Hissene Habre, says Chester Crocker. It was a death chamber After seven years in power Habre became obsessed with those he considered internal enemies in Chad, especially after Idriss Deby, his former chief of state, led a rebellion against him in 1989. From that point onwards, anyone with the same ethnic background as Deby, the Zaghawa, became a target. In NDjamena, the Chadian capital, they were held in a prison called the Piscine, or swimming pool, located in Habres own backyard. It became a symbol of oppression as the country was plunged into a time of fear. We called it the Piscine because it really used to be a swimming pool, used by the French officers during colonisation. When Habre came to power, he transformed the pool. He created a subfloor underneath, it was like a hole, and underneath were the cells: length, 3.13m, width, 3.02m, height, 4.70m, with tiny windows that didnt let in enough air for the prisoners. It was a death chamber, says Mahamat Hassan Abakar, president of the investigating committee into Habres crimes. US, France and the fall of a dictator During the same period, two terror attacks unsettled Habres ally, the United States: Pan Am flight 103 exploded in mid-flight over Lockerbie, in Scotland; and a French UTA plane exploded in the middle of the Sahara Desert. Both attacks bore the hallmarks of Colonel Gaddafi and the US decided that the Libyan leader needed to be eliminated. It was a CIA operation, a covert operation. The purpose was to infiltrate Libya with Libyan people who could attack Libyan facilities. by Hank Cohen, State Department, Intelligence Services, 1980-1984 Habre found himself in the position of needing to return the favour and he opened his country to US forces, allowing them to pursue their objective. Just a few kilometres from NDjamena, the CIA had secret camps where they trained former Libyan prisoners. Thats Reagan, thats Reagan all over. Habre took 2,000-3,000 prisoners in the war against Gaddafi. Thats 2,000-3,000 prisoners in camps and they gave almost all of them over to the Americans and they made a sort of heavily armed force to one day destroy Gaddafi. The Americans didnt talk about it with us at all, says Claude Silberzahn, director of Frances external security agency between 1989 and 1993. France was not ready to step down, and had already selected the man to replace Habre: Idriss Deby, who had taken refuge in Sudan. When Debys troops entered NDjamena, this time the French military did not intervene. Following the collapse of his regime, Habre escaped to Senegal with $11m, where he lived as a free man for 23 years, despite having an international arrest warrant out on him. Deby appointed magistrate Abakar to head of a commission into crimes committed by the Habre regime. It collected witness statements from victims and discovered a number of mass graves. Many of the victims still suffer the traumatic effects of life as a prisoner under Habres regime. They also hold more than the dictator responsible for the events in Chad during his reign. Whether its France or the United States, they gave Habre the means to rule and its their responsibility. I believe that Hissene Habre will be judged and condemned, but we will need to face the powers that contributed, materially, financially and with personnel to the killing of Africans. They need to be ready. I think they will meet us on their way, says Clement Aboufaita, a former prisoner of the Habre regime. Habre was convicted on May 30, 2016, by the Special African Tribunal and sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture and rape. Habres lawyers have launched an appeal against the tribunals verdict. An expert on the Black Panther movement will discuss police brutality today as she draws connections between the 1960s and the present. Kathleen Cleaver, a law professor at Emory University, started protesting for racial equality in Alabama in the 1950s with her parents. After the Black Panther Party formed in the 1960s, advocating for black nationalism, Cleaver joined, said Sharon Austin, the director of UFs African American Studies program. At 6 p.m., shell discuss her activism as a member of the Black Panthers and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, a national collegiate organization that promotes empowerment and racial equality, Austin said. The talk will last about 45 minutes and be held in the Reitz Union Rion Ballroom. UFs African Americans Studies program wanted to host Cleaver in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther Partys formation, Austin said. She said some have a negative perception of the party, but the department wanted to bring an expert to tell students about it following the release of The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, a PBS documentary on the rise of the party and its impact on American culture, which she said renewed interest. People are trying to learn the truth about the Panthers because theres so much misinformation about them, Austin said. William Walker, a UF African-American studies senior, will introduce Cleaver tonight. Walker said he hopes that by having a member of the Black Panthers come and speak at UF, students will learn more about past movements for racial equality. We need to familiarize ourselves with the history so we can put our best foot forward for the future, the 22-year-old said. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Five student organizations are working together to get UF students to the polls today. Black Student Union, Asian American Student Union, Hispanic Student Association, Pride Student Union and Womens Student Association, in collaboration with the Bob Graham Center Student Fellows, are hosting an event at Pugh Hall today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Along with shuttling students to the polls from Pugh, the event will feature speakers, voter guides, free pizza and prizes. Ronit Dastidar, the external vice president for AASU, said the voter guides will show what policies could affect several minority groups. We really want people to see that there are issues that affect many populations, the 20-year-old UF microbiology and cell science junior said. We want students to keep that in mind when they go to the polls. He said that the shuttles will run every 30 minutes for students who are ready to vote. He hopes to take at least 40 students to the polls. Preston Jones, the treasurer of PSU, said the Bob Graham Center offered to host the event, so it didnt cost the involved organizations any money. We felt that voting, especially in this election, is important for our community, the 20-year-old political science junior said. He said that while same-sex marriage has been legalized, there is still a lot of work to be done to promote equal rights. Going out to vote is the only way to make your voice heard, he said. Ryan Mockabee, a 21-year-old UF behavioral and cognitive neuroscience senior, counts off people on an early-voting shuttle on Tuesday. With an hour and a half left to run, the shuttles, offered by the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, had already taken 91 people. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now A UF alumnus running for U.S. Congress met with UF students Wednesday to encourage them to vote. Democratic candidate Ken McGurn, who is running to be a U.S. representative for District 3, asked students if they had voted early in the upcoming election and told them about his own platform at the Reitz Union. He said students should take the opportunity to vote and vote early because Election Day can be unpredictable for students. I would appreciate their vote, but I really just want them to vote, he said. McGurn said his main goals are to make positive changes for military veterans, utilize solar energy and make the first two years of college free for students. McGurn said despite his political affiliation, he works alongside other parties. His campaign intern, Natalie Cristobal, is a registered Republican but cast her ballot for McGurn. The UF business sophomore said she was worried about how her values would match up with his policies, but after working on the campaign, she said McGurn was the candidate she wanted to vote for. Cristobal said because the election is a week away, most of the hard work is done. But she has made more than eight hours worth of phone calls this week. Now you just have to sit back and wait, the 19-year-old said. About three weeks after a woman was sexually assaulted walking home near the Duckpond neighborhood, Gainesville Police arrested a suspect Wednesday. At about 2 a.m. on Oct. 9, Greg Delano McFarlane, 26, approached the woman near East University Avenue and Northeast First Street and asked to borrow her lighter, according to a statement issued by GPD. After returning the lighter, McFarlane followed the woman to the 600 block of NE Second St., where he pointed a gun to her head and sexually assaulted her. DNA evidence during the investigation linked McFarlane, who ran away before police could arrive, to the rape, according to the news release. Investigators then obtained an arrest warrant, which was served Wednesday in an apartment complex in southeast Gainesville. GPD spokesman Officer Ben Tobias said the department has noticed an increase this year in sexual-assault-related crimes like molestation and assault, according to Alligator archives. Last year, there were nearly 80 cases of this type of crime. So far this year, there have been more than 100. The investigation was a joint effort between GPD, the U.S. Marshals Service Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, GPD detective Matt Goeckel wrote in an email. Police arrested McFarlane on a charge of sexual battery and took him to the Alachua County Jail where he remains, as of press time, in lieu of a $1 million bond. After a night of trick-or-treating, 7-year-old Daniel Muchnick gave all of his candy to a dentist Wednesday. I didnt eat any of it, he said, standing in the offices of Lozano Dental Care, one of many local dental offices asking children to donate their candy at $1 a pound. The candy unbeknownst to Muchnick, despite three years of participating will then be shipped via care package to active military service members from Alachua County, sparing the kids from cavities in the process, owner Frank Lozano said. The office has participated in the buy back for the past eight years after Lozano got the idea from a dentist in Madison, Wisconsin. He figured donating sweets through the Alachua County Military Support Group was a worthwhile cause. I thought we should benefit people in Alachua County, he said. (The support group was) more than happy to have us donate to their group. Lozano, 37, said his practice isnt the only dentistry participating in this event in Gainesville. Others include Giggles and Grins Pediatric Dentistry and Progressive Orthodontists, which is owned by Lozanos sister. At Kids Only Dental Place, located at Haile Plantation, seven kids had donated 13 pounds of candy as of Tuesday afternoon, said Debbie Barry, a receptionist at the dental office. Office manager Stacey Givens said the two Kids Only Dental Place locations average between 200 to 400 pounds of candy each Halloween season. Theyre excited to do the right thing and earn some money, Barry said. Theyre helping save their own teeth and helping the troops. Its very rewarding to see. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now About a month after The Social at Midtown opened its doors across from UF, throngs of dehydrated students have lined up to experience the bars fresh-faced digs and abundant selection of alcohol. Among some of the more traditional decades-old bars that cohabit Midtown, The Social is the new kid on West University Avenue. And since its Oct. 3 opening, its staff and many students the bar caters to believes it has drawn business away from its competition, although nearby bars refute that assertion. Weve been getting a large push of people who want to experience us for the first time, said T.J. Brown, the assistant general manager at The Social. He said thousands of people have visited the bar every weekend since it opened. The three times that UF telecommunication junior Stephanie Zajac has been to the bar, the 20-year-old has waited in pretty insane lines not seen at other bars during that time, she said. She said The Socials sophisticated, contemporary atmosphere has appealed to a larger swath of college students who may be tired of Midtowns iconic but monotonous offerings. Compared to other bars, The Social is a lot less ratchet and a lot more sophisticated and chill, she said. Danny Zeenberg, The Socials general manager, said his bars stature compared to the competition has inevitably pushed the Midtown scales and given the bar a larger chunk of crowds. The Social at Midtown has a capacity of about 1,000 people, while some neighboring bars hover around a 100-person cap. Part of our brand is to not be sardined here, said Brown, The Socials assistant general manager. We are having to hold the doors every night for the most part to make sure we are not overcrowded and everyone has their own space. Two long-standing neighbors disagree. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now At The Swamp Restaurant, a popular Midtown centerpiece since 1994, director of operations Ryan Prodesky said turnout has been similar to other years due to its location directly across from campus. We havent seen a big change one way or the other in the Midtown area, he said, adding that new bars are always popping up. This area has always been a busy area in the community. At Copper Monkey, another long-standing Midtown bar, business has actually increased in the past month, said general manager Averie Johnson. It could be overflow or the fact that we have been here for 38 years, he said. Matt Tsang, a 19-year-old UF mechanical engineering sophomore, said The Social is the preferred hangout spot for his group of friends. More people are like, Hey, lets go to The Social, than (for) any other bar, he said. Zajac said The Social is changing Midtowns bar-hopping dynamic and positioning itself as the scenes go-to spot. There is definitely a difference, she said. I dont know if this will be permanent or not, but I think it will change for a while. A local designer is using her hand-sewn fashion collection to raise awareness for victims of sexual exploitation. Carla Coultas, a clothing designer and the founder of Fashion for Freedom, is holding the fourth annual Fashion for Freedom runway event, which will take place at Looseys in downtown Gainesville on Friday at 9 p.m. The event is for those 18 and older. Models from the community will be showcasing Coultas handmade outfits and clothing from Sandys Savvy Chic Resale Boutique. Gainesville natives Shawn Manley and Estelle Miller will perform live music. All of the proceeds from the $7 entry fee will go to Created Gainesville, a local organization that provides support for victims of sexual slavery. In past years, Coultas has given the proceeds to Project Rescue, an organization that works in East India. Im just really excited to be working with an organization thats actually here in Gainesville because each year I send a check, and I am not able to hear back from them how the money exactly is used, Coultas said. Coultas said she holds the event to show the community what they can be doing here to help victims. Sexual slavery, its not talked about as much as a lot of other causes in America, and I think a lot of U.S. Americans dont see it as a problem here at home, she said. Gators Against Human Trafficking is working with Coultas to promote and put on the event. Its an amazing idea to have a fashion show in a bar downtown where we can get information across in a more relaxed environment, said Ana Oliveira-Beuses, a 25-year-old UF psychology senior and president of the UF organization. This year, Coultas said she, along with the help of GAHT, has been spending time on campus and downtown advertising for the show on foot rather than asking businesses for donations. Coultas said she hopes this will bring in a larger student crowd. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now These events allow activists to be a voice for those who have been silenced, Oliveira-Beuses said. Women are the biggest target and consumers of fashion, so its only fair that this industry help those women that cannot help themselves, Oliveira-Beuses said. Coultas said she hopes to grow the event in the future by adding more designers to the show. This has always been a cause that has been close to my heart since I was a teenager, Coultas said. So I was just really excited to be able to do something more than just donating small amounts that I can on my own. Indie-folk musician and UF graduate Nicholas Roberts will return to his roots this weekend with a show at The Bull, located at 18 SW First Ave., on Saturday. Following his graduation from UF, Roberts moved to Nashville, Tennessee, with a band. After the band broke up, he returned to Florida, where he worked on his solo debut LP, The Rest of Our Lives, in Orlando. The time Roberts spent writing and recording his album in his studio apartment, at the public library and in coffee shops was a period of self-discovery and finding his style as a solo artist. He said he went through the process of finding his voice outside of the band. Roberts said he likes the sound of bands and that hes able to do multiple vocals and play different guitars. But being a solo artist has allowed him to try new sounds more freely, and it has made traveling easier, he said. The decision-making process in a band is a lot slower with voting and figuring out things as a team. He goes onstage accompanied only by his acoustic guitar, which he started playing 12 years ago when he learned on an electric guitar. I played heavy metal first, Roberts said. Considering the slow, melodic style of his new songs, this might come as a surprise to his fans. He said the change in music style came about six years ago, when he started listening to instrumental rock bands like Explosions in the Sky. His music was also influenced by the band Bon Iver. Back in 2009, they put out a really folkie, intimate record that affected my music, he said of Bon Iver. Roberts said he enjoys coming back to visit Gainesville, especially for the towns food and environment. Some years ago, when he was still a student at UF, he played at an open mic at The Bull, and now he returns to play a proper show as a solo artist. The show begins at 9:30 p.m. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now High street bakery Patisserie Valerie is set to open another store in Belfast, which will create 20 new jobs. The chain will open its second store in the city on 8 November after opening its first Irish site in Belfast in May this year. Patisserie Valerie CEO Paul May has been eyeing up potential sites as part of the businesss Irish expansion. Our first store in Belfast was really well received which is why we were so keen to proceed with the opening of our second so soon after, May said. As a listed company we are embarking on a large expansion strategy, which will see us opening 20 new stores a year in the UK. Northern Ireland is a great market for us and we see a wealth of untapped potential. The chain has more than 115 outlets across the UK and Ireland with an estimated value of 320m. Patisserie Valerie is part of Patisserie Holdings plc, which currently operates under six brands: Patisserie Valerie, Drucker which currently has 29 outlets, Vienna Patisserie, Philpotts, Baker & Spice and Flour Power City Bakery. The Lonely Biscuits will play at High Dive tonight as part of their Midwest & Beyond tour. The alternative rock band, made up of Grady Wenrich on vocals and guitar, Sam Gidley on drums and Nick Byrd on bass, was formed at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Gidley and Wenrich were randomly paired as roommates in a university residence hall, and Byrd lived on the same floor. Originally they called themselves Gravy and the Biscuits, but different managers reached out to them saying they would most likely not be able to own that name. The band set out trying to think of a name and finally settled on The Lonely Biscuits, named after a song the group already wrote, Byrd said. The bands commitment to making music became more serious as the group spent more time making songs, Wenrich said. He said they started by posting a few songs online, and as those songs caught on, the bands fanbase grew. The band recently played a Halloween show in Nashville. The band members said while playing in Nashville is inspiring, they prefer their hometown shows in North Carolina, New Jersey and Nebraska, respectively. Its always cool, and it makes you want to be better, because theres so many other good bands, Wenrich said, but Nashville shows arent as, I guess, wild, as you could say as our hometowns. Thursday will be the third time the band has played in Gainesville. Wenrich said they went into their first show without having played or promoted themselves in Florida. He said they didnt know what to expect but found a really responsive and energetic crowd. Its always nice when you play a random town youve never been to, and kids show up, and they know the words, Wenrich said. This time around, they are hoping for the same, if not better, reception. Wenrich said the band likes a lot of things about Gainesville. He said Arcade Bar on East University Avenue is one of the groups favorite places because of their members shared love of pinball. Pinball, like vinyl, he said, is making a comeback. Its old-school and has its own culture. He said Gidley, the drummer, is probably the band member most into the pinball culture. He has an Instagram account called PinballTour and watches pinball videos. The band has just finished recording its first full-length record, which will come out in March. The band members said they are excited for fans to hear what theyve been devoting all of their energy to. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Growing up, the group played music by themselves and in bands, Wenrich said. He said he didnt know if he always wanted to be in the music business, but he knew thats what he was passionate about. What I wanted to wake up and do everyday was just work on our music or other peoples music, he said. Doors will open at 8 p.m. for the 9 p.m. show. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 at ticketfly.com or for $10 at the door. For women who struggle with conflicts between work and home life, there is a moment in the film, "Equity," that is ruefully familiar. The drama takes place at an investment bank where ambitious women are delicately managing career moves. One newly pregnant subordinate, the protege of a male executive, realizes that her boss knows about her condition. In a meeting with her superior, she struggles with both happiness and fear as she weighs her situation is her job's future, and her own future, on the line? Such moments strike a chord in the real world. At Mercer, we've found that, in most countries, mandated maternity leave benefits haven't substantially changed in recent years, though some companies have recently moved to offer their own extended paid leave to retain and attract talent. The problem is especially glaring in the United States, the only nation in the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development to lack a paid maternity leave policy. (Almost all the rest of the developed nations in the organization offer at least three months of paid leave.) What's changing, however, is employer recognition that there are different kinds of family lives from same-sex parents to retirees who provide childcare for their grandchildren, according to a Mercer survey. If banks want to keep up with a changing workforce, they need to start changing their policies. As it stands now, companies in the U.S. may either abide by the required Family Medical Leave Act, which requires 12 weeks unpaid leave to care for a new baby (or adopted child) and/or any state policy. Unfortunately, banks often avoid making innovative moves due to legacy policies or fear of new risks. But risk and retention may be the very reason to rethink a policy. Think of it this way: To recruit and hire a mid-level employee in the financial industry, the average cost can easily be $10,000. If the person hired eventually leaves, there is the loss of experience and knowledge that will not easily be replaced by someone new. Already, some tech companies view parental leave as not just an opportunity to manage litigation risk, but to attract and retain employees in a highly competitive tech world. That's why Microsoft is offering 20 weeks paid leave for mothers and 12 weeks of paid leave for non-birth parents while Netflix is offering unlimited paid time off for parental leave. But that idea is just a start for banks seeking top talent. These days,non-traditional parental leave includes a wide range of options: parental leave for part-time employees; leave to recover from a miscarriage; and leave to cope with an aging parent or to handle an adoption. Family-related benefits are also extending into health care. For instance, Mercer found in its latest Parental Leave Report that 85% of companies offer their female employees services such as sleep management programs, maternity mentoring, lactation rooms and staged return to work. To compete and retain talent, companies, particularly those in the financial sector, should consider the following five strategies: Don't downgrade bonuses for employees on leave. Only about half of companies provide full bonuses for workers on leave, while 31% provide a reduced bonus, according to the Mercer study. Yet, many companies see bonuses as an important retention tool. So it's essential that companies especially ones in the financial industry where women are exiting at higher rates than men at all levels above the professional staff provide bonuses for those on parental leave. Offer and encourage paid paternity leave. Globally, 38% of companies offer paid paternal leave at levels that exceed the local statutory requirements. Furthermore, 11% of banking and financial services firms plan to increase paternity leave days. Yet, according to a Deloitte study, many employees feel uncomfortable with taking paternal leave. It's common for companies to provide two to five days paid leave around the time of birth. While there is a trend of men starting to take paternity leave including Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg men generally do not. There is also an argument that paternal leave can benefit both spouses a Swedish research institute in 2010, for instance, found that each additional month a father stayed on paternal leave increased the mother's earnings by 6.7%, in part, a function of her ability to return to the workplace sooner. Keep on-leave employees engaged. The usual approach to leaves is often to just say: "Goodbye see you in a few months." But why not keep employees engaged? Rather than encroaching upon their time off, have conversations with them on how they'd like to stay engaged before they leave. Occasional lunch meetings or updates from the team are ways to help them stay current and not feel out-of-touch. I remember one exceptional colleague who was heading into maternity leave. She was excited to stay engaged by writing a monthly blog on her experience; the team was excited, too. To our surprise, we discovered later that her country's laws prohibited it. However, just because there are hard rules about leaves is no excuse for managers and colleagues to stay out of touch. Watch for biases in benefits. Some managers might think that flexible work schedules are meant to benefit working parents. Many employees without children might also appreciate this benefit if they have other family members requiring their attention; those employees could feel left out if not given the option to use such leave. Managers need to also be mindful of their own biases and consider the new dynamics of today's workplace when implementing benefit programs with HR leaders. Manage your managers. Right now, just 25% of financial services firms train their managers to effectively support employees through parental leave and their return to work, according to a new Mercer report. Effective leave policies will not help your company if they are not administered well by front-line supervisors. Jennifer Openshaw, a nationally known author and financial expert, is a partner with Mercer, the global consulting firm. She was founder and CEO of Women's Financial Network, later sold to Wall Street legend Muriel Siebert, and has appeared on Oprah, CNN and many other programs. She can be reached at @jopenshaw. Editor's note: This post is part of an ongoing series looking at gender and diversity issues in banking and finance. For more on this subject, see previous posts in this series from SEC's Mary Jo White, Anthemis Group's Amy Nauiokas and Citi FinTech's Yolande Piazza, and visit American Banker's Women in Banking page. The recent high-profile bank scandals have compelled many institutions to assure their customers, regulators and investors that that their culture is not a recipe for wrongdoing. Just days after the great nationwide sales-culture discussion was thrust upon us, a senior manager friend of mine shared that he had been immediately asked by his board for a comprehensive presentation to validate that the bank was not guilty of any type of sales malpractice. It was a time-and-resource challenge, but he understood why his board made the review his new top priority. Since then, I have yet to communicate with a single bank over the past month not conducting a similar review. Every institution has either completed, or is in the process of completing, some form of audit of their sales practices. Despite the headaches and tension that can arise from such projects, some folks have kept their sense of humor. Another manager friend kidded that he was not happy with the findings in their evaluations. He quipped, "Our problem is not an overzealous sales culture. Our sales culture is apparently so soft you wouldn't even know it's there." That statement was a joke. However, I suggested (and my friend agreed) that there are aspects of the statement that aren't very funny. Healthy organisms, whether they are plant, animal or business, have a growth bias. In the business world, evidence of a "growth bias" is found in the presence of a healthy, proactive sales culture. If some now wince at the mere mention of "sales culture," I would remind them that Apple has a sales culture. So do Google and Amazon and anyone's favorite restaurant or corner coffee shop. The most admired churches and charities typically have their own type of growth (sales) cultures, as well. Growth is good. Growth is needed to survive. As odd as it sounds, there seem to be many among us who need to be reminded of that rather basic tenet. That's why having the focus of our entire organizations suddenly shifted to our cultures isn't a bad thing. Yes, it is frustrating for the incredible majority of folks who have done absolutely nothing inappropriate to feel they are now presumed guilty of improprieties. Nobody looks forward to an audit even when a team's work is as clean as a whistle. However, this industry-wide wake-up call gives us clear opportunities to remind our teams what we want and expect our cultures to be. In too many cases, organizations' leaders don't do a sufficiently consistent job reassessing and reinforcing company values. Employees at all levels come and go. The people in leadership positions change. Personalities and individual agendas often work their way into our organizations. These are simply facts of life in operating an organization of any size. Without clear and regular reinforcement of who you are, what you are, and what you stand for, the facts in the field may come to not reflect the nicely-framed mission and values statements at headquarters. Cultures evolve or erode over time. Sales cultures may look a bit different from bank to bank, but I'd suggest the healthier and more productive ones are based on continued efforts to simply increase conversations with customers. I have preached to bankers for years that good things happen when we talk to, not at, customers. We create far healthier sales and service environments when we get customers talking about the things that are personally important to them. I have joked with groups about applying advice from the Dalai Lama in their sales cultures. He is credited with the quote, "When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new." Many of the most productive salespeople in our industry will tell you their "sales conversations" with customers both in and away from a branch in no way resemble the fast-talking stereotype many have of salespeople. Frankly, they uncover more customer needs than others because they simply speak to more customers than their competitors do. They uncover and address the legitimate needs of existing and potential customers of which there are plenty. The increased scrutiny on how bank products and services are sold makes the make-a-friend-earn-a-customer sales model more suitable than ever. Dave Martin is the founder of the retail bank performance company bankmechanics. He can be reached at dave.martin@bankmechanics.com. Global ingredients supplier Tate & Lyle has seen a strong first half, boosting its expectations for its full-year results. Adjusted profits before tax for the group rose 37% (or 22% in constant currency) from 103m to 140m for the six months to 30 September 2016. Group sales rose 13% in the period from 1.1bn to 1.3bn, or 1% on a constant currency basis. The firm also saw a 12% increase in adjusted operating profit for its Speciality Food Ingredients division to 94m, with good growth in its core business and a 15m increase in adjusted operating profit for Sucralose, supported by a one-off inventory sell-down. However, it reported a 6m decrease in Food Systems driven by lower volumes in Europe. Speciality Food Ingredients (excluding Sucralose and Food Systems) had a particularly strong performance in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with sales up 36%, driven by increased sweetener volume from the 100% acquisition of a facility in Slovakia. This compared to a rise in sales of 7% in North America and 15% in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Splenda Sucralose sales rose 9% from 77m in the same period in 2015 to 84m for the first six months of 2016. The company explained: We carried a higher than normal Splenda Sucralose inventory into the period as we transitioned to a single manufacturing facility at McIntosh. This transition reached planned production levels earlier than expected and allowed us to reduce in inventory in the period. The one-off sell-down of this excess inventory more than offset the expected double-digit decline resulting from the reduced manufacturing capacity. The volume of new products grew by 28%, with growth seen across the three platforms sweeteners, texturants and health & wellness. Sales increased by 18% to 37m. The company said: Delivering innovative new products and solutions which meet customers and consumers needs in areas such as sugar and calorie reduction, clean-label texturants and fibre enrichment is a key enabler of growth. For example, we continued to develop our sweeteners range with Multivantage Syrup, a low-sugar, low-viscosity sweetener, and extended our range of clean-label texturants with the launch of Claria Delight, a line of tapioca-based functional clean-label starches. Bulk Ingredients recorded a volume rise of 2% in the period with a 36% rise in adjusted operating profit to 64m in the period. Adjusted diluted earnings per share rose 19% in constant currency from 18.1p to 24.3p. Tate & Lyle chief executive Javed Ahmed said: We have made a strong start to the year, delivering good profit growth in both divisions, supported by good US bulk sweetener demand in the key summer beverage season, and the benefit of the one-off sell-down of excess inventory in Sucralose. We continued to strengthen execution across the business, leading to further improvement in customer service and supply chain performance. Speciality Food Ingredients performed well delivering double-digit profit growth in the core business. All regions delivered solid volume performance other than North America where volume was held back by lower demand. Sales from new products continued to gain good traction and bulk ingredients performed particularly well, driven by solid demand, robust margins and strong manufacturing performance. He added he expected adjusted profit before tax in constant currency for the full year to be higher than anticipated coming into the year drive by the strong first-half performance, with performance in the second half remaining in line with expectations. The company said it had assessed the impact of the EU referendum in the UK on its business, adding; The group generates less than 2% of its revenues in the UK, with most being US-dollar based. The outcome of this referendum is not expected to have a material near-term impact on our business and we are well-placed to grow our global business without significant disruption. In September Tate & Lyleexpanded capacity at its oats ingredients manufacturing facility in Kimstad, Sweden. Grilled cheese street food operator The Cheese Truck has smashed its crowdfunding target of 100k after an investment of more than 50k in less than 24 hours. The business has operated from two converted 1970s ice cream vans for the past two years and has jumped from 47k to 110k overnight via Crowdcube, with 23 days left on its funding programme. The company has already secured its site in Deptford, which is due to open in three weeks, but needed financial support through crowdfunding for equipment and supply at its second site in Camden. Speaking to British Baker just prior to achieving the goal, owner Matthew Carver said reaching the 100k target would be a dream come true. Weve had a lot of interest over the last couple of days and then yesterday we had two or three 10k investments that came in just after lunch [yesterday], Carver told British Baker. It would be amazing. It would be a dream come true if we reached our 100k target. It has been a worrying couple of months trying to work out whether we would hit the target. And then to hit it in the first week would be incredible and it would allow us to progress as a business. Owner Matthew Carver came up with the idea of his business after returning from the United States. He then toured music festivals in the UK in his van before becoming renowned for his grilled cheese sandwiches. The Cheese Truck owner does have plans to open up more sites, but insists he is in no rush. The company has now set a new overfunding target of 130k. Jaxport CEO Eric Green said the $23.5 million grant marks a milestone in our initiatives to build the port of the future and move cargo in the most efficient and eco-friendly way possible. This past April, Treasury's acting under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence spoke at a Washington, D.C. forum and delivered remarks that demonstrated what I long suspected: the politicization of the Department of Treasury's enforcement arm. Recent developments have confirmed my fears. As a former Treasury special agent, I am appalled at what has been happening. Reading a prepared statement, the under-secretary discussed the Iran sanctions program and described how it helped pave the way to the "Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action" (JCPOA) or the long-running negotiations with Iran that will postpone Iranian nuclear weapon development. Sitting in the audience that day, I expected insights and reasoned analysis about this controversial multinational agreement. Instead, the speech by the Treasury official was an exercise in deception and political spin. Sections of the speech are titled "The JCPOA: A Sanctions Success Story" and "The Benefits of the Bargain." You get the idea. The under-secretary ended with a flourish, labeling the agreement "deft diplomacy." I was assigned to "main" Treasury for a short time. I understand how these remarks are drafted and cleared. In this case, I assume they were reviewed by both the State Department and the White House. But just because something is called a "bargain" and a "success" doesn't make it true. Since the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Department of Treasury pioneered a new era of financial warfare primarily revolving around targeted sanctions and designations. Treasury has used American financial and economic power to protect the global banking system from international money laundering, other financial crimes, and even terror finance. Working with international partners, the innovative use of these programs put in place by Treasury's "financial intelligence wonks" including Treasury's under-secretary was the primary reason that Iran came to the negotiating table. However, instead of negotiating from a position of strength and with the cunning, patience, and long-term outlook practiced by our adversaries, the White House and its negotiators threw years of hard work and international consensus building away. Despite the remarks by the administration and its spokespeople, the true legacies of the JCPOA will be a case study of naivete, a much more dangerous world, and disastrous results. Ben Rhodes, the White House's deputy national security adviser, boasted to a journalist of duping the American public about the JCPOA. Mr. Rhodes bragged about his ability to spin, weave, and restructure a narrative divorced from reality. One can only surmise that the Treasury official's speech was just one more opportunity for the White House to deceive and mislead. This now seems to be the modus operandi of Treasury. A few Fridays ago, shortly before 6:00 p.m. and the start of a holiday weekend, Treasury released new guidelines for businesses that now allow previously prohibited transactions with Iran by offshore banking institutions as long as the transactions do not enter the U.S. financial system. These developments further facilitate Iran's objectives. Releasing information on a late Friday afternoon is a favorite political tactic in Washington designed to bury controversial news. This did not happen in the Department of Treasury I once knew. It gets worse. We now know that the Obama administration signed a secret document to lift sanctions on two Iranian state banks that were previously blacklisted for their involvement in financing Iran's ballistic missile program. This occurred the same day Tehran released four American prisoners. In prior years, Treasury was vehemently opposed to the same banks for their alleged role in financially backing Iran's missile program. In addition, it now appears that as part of its "comprehensive" and "deft" diplomatic package, the U.S. paid a $1.7-billion cash tribute to Iran at the same time the four American hostages were released. While others can debate whether or not we "owed" Iran this money, the fact is, we cannot track this cash. We can surmise that some of it will be used to further terror. It now appears that the Iranians want additional "billions" to get more American hostages released. Last week, the Department of Justice refused to address questions from Congress about its reported approval of the transfers. The above deals further erode the sanctions the U.S. maintains on Iran and certain Iranian companies and people known as "specially designated nationals" or SDNs. The sanctions date back to Iran's seizure of hostages at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, its support for Hezb'allah, and other Iranian financial and operational backing for terrorist activities. Iran's actions in Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Iraq have led to the deaths of hundreds if not thousands of Americans our U.S. soldiers and diplomats. Full disclosure: a close friend of mine, a beautiful young lady, was murdered by Iranian proxies in the April 18, 1983 bombing of our U.S. Embassy in Beirut. Our government publicly states that "terrorists will be held accountable" and lists Iran as the "top state sponsor of terrorism." Yet, using political doubletalk, our same government engages in the kind of diplomacy that strengthens the Iranian terrorist regime. This charade is not lost on either our adversaries or our allies. The politicization of Treasury's enforcement arm involves not only actions taken involving the JCPOA. Lois Lerner's pleading the Fifth Amendment against self-incrimination is eloquent testimony of the IRS's efforts to suffocate groups critical of the administration. There have been efforts to impeach the IRS commissioner for making false statements under oath and failing to comply with a subpoena for evidence. While political appointees have always influenced the civil service, direction has reached new levels. Political guidance at the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, State, and other agencies and departments I once held in high esteem frankly break my heart. It is no wonder that the overwhelming majority of the American people no longer trust their government. If we are to turn this around, two things must happen. 1. The next administration must re-establish trust and credibility in the civil service by taking crass politics out of governance. 2. Civil servants including those at the highest levels must say no when they know they are being used for political ends. We must restore honor and integrity in government service. John A. Cassara is a former U.S. intelligence officer and Treasury special agent, author, and consultant. Additional information is available at www.JohnCassara.com. In the 2000s, one of America's legends is the pioneer community organizer, Barack Obama, aka Barry Shariaseed. Barry Shariaseed wanders the Christian communities of the world planting the seeds of Islam in an effort to introduce Muslims into the Christian world. No one ever questioned his Muslim faith as he extended the sharia wherever he traveled. Over the years, his frequent visits to government agencies were looked forward to, and no United Nations door was ever closed to him. To the men of the Muslim Brotherhood he was "The One" they've been waiting for. He was also very religious and mandated the sharia to people along the way. His favorite sound was the Call to Prayer. (Apologies to the story of Johnny Appleseed.) A recent WikiLeaks release of a "Podesta email" reminded me of a document submitted into evidence during America's largest terrorist prosecution in U.S. federal court, U.S. v. Holy Land Foundation, et al. The Center for Security Policy posted "the Muslim Brotherhood's Strategic Plan in America." This document is known in counterterrorism circles as "An Explanatory Memorandum: On the General Strategic Goal for the Group in North America." The Center for Security Policy also published the 2010 "Sharia: The Threat to America: An Exercise in Competitive Analysis." Some of the authors of the analysis are well known inside and outside the intelligence community, such as Lt. Gen. William "Jerry" Boykin. The innocuous-sounding Explanatory Memorandum explained how the Muslim Brotherhood sought to extend sharia into the United States and Canada. The document outlined "the mission of the Muslim Brother in North America" through a five-phase plan. Specifically, "[t]he process of settlement is a 'Civilization-Jihadist Process'. The Ikhwan must understand that their work in America is a kind of grand jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within and 'sabotaging' its miserable house by their hands and the hands of the believers so that it is eliminated and God's religion is made victorious over all other religions." Ikhwan refers to the local or stealthy jihadis of North America and not the Wahhabi religious militia made up of nomadic tribesmen in Saudi Arabia. Under sharia, civilization jihad a "pre-violent" form of jihad is considered an integral, even dominant element of jihad that is at least as obligatory for sharia's adherents as the violent kind. Such tactics are ostensibly "nonviolent" not because the Muslim Brotherhood eschews violence, but because the Explanatory Memorandum has decided that this strategic phase of battlefield preparation is better accomplished through stealthy means. Hence, civilization jihad can be considered "stealth jihad." The Ikhwan's strategy for destroying the United States is to get us, specifically our leadership, to do the bidding of the MB for them. The Muslim Brotherhood intends to conduct Civilization Jihad by co-opting our leadership into believing a counterfactual understanding of Islam and the nature of the Muslim Brotherhood (emphasis mine), thereby coercing these leaders to enforce the MB narrative on their subordinates. Another document referenced from the U.S. v. Holy Land Foundation trial was an undated paper entitled "Phases of the World Underground Movement Plan." It specified the five phases of the Muslim Brotherhood Movement in North America. They are described, together with comments about the Ikhwan's progress in realizing each goal. Phase One: Phase of discreet and secret establishment of leadership. Phase Two: Phase of gradual appearance on the public scene and exercising and utilizing various public activities. Establishing a shadow government (secret) within the Government. The memory-triggering Podesta email came from former New York solicitor general Preeta D. Bansal, sent to a classmate of then-candidate Obama and a member of the Obama campaign's transition team. What caught my eye was this (emphasis mine): "In the candidates for top jobs, I excluded those with some Arab American background but who are not Muslim (e.g., George Mitchell). Many Lebanese Americans, for example, are Christian. In the last list (of outside boards/commissions), most who are listed appear to be Muslim American, except that a handful (where noted) may be Arab American but of uncertain religion (esp. Christian)." A generous review of the email assessed that the 2007 Obama transition team clearly had planned to hire Muslims over Christians for the top jobs and gave early preferential treatment to Muslims over everyone else. While the Podesta email may look like "not much" at face value, the emphasis on adherence to the Phases of the World Underground Movement Plan is significant, given other troubling aspects of the Obama administration. A disturbing pattern of implementing Phase One and Two activities emerged after the election of President Obama. President Obama told NASA administrator Charles Bolden that his highest priority should be "to find a way to reach out to the Muslim world and engage much more with dominantly Muslim nations to help them feel good about their historic contribution to science ... and math and engineering." NASA went on a Muslim hiring spree, as did other government agencies. With the election of President Obama in November 2008 and his Muslim Outreach initiative, exemplified by his Cairo "A New Beginnings" speech at Al Azhar University, the Obama administration extended a formal welcome to the Muslim Brotherhood. Investor's Business Daily noted a lengthy chronology of events in support of the Muslim Brotherhood, punctuated by the overthrow of the Mubarak regime in Egypt during the Arab Spring of 2011 that swept the Muslim Brotherhood into power. In 2009, the White House invited the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) president to President Obama's inauguration ceremonies, even though the Justice Department just two years earlier had blacklisted the Brotherhood affiliate as an unindicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land trial. Obama delivered his Cairo speech, infuriating the Mubarak regime by inviting Muslim Brotherhood leaders to attend. In 2011, the Brotherhood vowed to tear up Egypt's 30-year peace treaty with Israel. Since Mubarak's fall, the M.B. worked to re-establish Cairo's ties with Hamas and Hezb'allah. Sensitive and top-level government positions have been filled by Muslims with questionable loyalties to the United States. One of the FBI's former top experts on Islam announced that President Obama's pick to head the Central Intelligence Agency, John Brennan, converted to Islam years ago. Hillary Clinton's top campaign aide, Huma Abedin, edited a radical Muslim publication that blamed the U.S. for 9/11. Syed Abedin, the father of Huma, outlined his M.B. view of sharia law and how the Western world has turned Muslims "hostile." Closely associated with sharia doctrine on lying is the concept of taqiyya, which is generally described as lying for the sake of Islam. Taqiyya permits and encourages precautionary dissimulation as a means for hiding true faith in times of persecution or deception when penetrating the enemy camp. The enemy camp is the United States of America, and we are the targets of a stealthy jihad. The Muslim Brotherhood's Strategic Plan is being implemented. Led by Barry Shariaseed, who has planted the seeds of sharia wherever he goes, the Muslim Brotherhood has infiltrated the U.S. at the highest levels of government. Infiltration will be total with the election of Hillary Clinton and her Muslim Brotherhood proxy, Huma Abedin. Mark Hewitt is the author of the espionage thrillers Special Access, Shoot Down, and No Need to Know. The concept that language and actions should be censored or banned outright by public schools and public spaces because some persons may be offended violates the U.S. Constitution in many ways. One, the most obvious one, is that it allows a tiny group of people to say they are offended and thereby censor the language of others. The First Amendment does not say that the freedom of speech can be infringed by somebody claiming to be offended by the exercise of someone elses speech. This standard of personal feeling is not written anywhere into any right protected by the Constitution. Feelings are not relevant -- they simply are not mentioned as variables that influence legislation. If they were, people should have the power to shut down government regulations because they were offended by them. But, curiously, those who promote using the concept of personal offense never speak of limiting government, only limiting the people. Evidence of this is that we are told no matter how many people are offended by government mandates or Supreme Court decisions, such as same-sex marriage, the fact that people are offended doesnt have any standing when standing in the way of the rights of others being expanded. The people cant influence government on the basis of being personally offended, only government bureaucrats can use this strategy. This leads into the second important Constitutional issue regarding the offensive language standard: the 14th Amendment. The 14th Amendment says that no state can pass a law that denies anyone equal protection. This means that a tiny group of people cannot have a right to censor language as offensive, and no one else. So far no one has explained, in constitutional terms; why one person, who claims to be offended, has the right to shut down the speech, clothing, or legal actions of everyone else. At first glance this looks ridiculous, and it is. But like many other liberal power-enabling concepts, those perpetrating it intend to repeat it so often that it becomes accepted by a majority of Americans. But it cannot survive constitutional scrutiny for the simple reason that in order to accept the censorship authority of person A, one has to disqualify the censorship authority of person B. Simply put, this implies that one persons feeling of being offended has value, and everyone elses doesnt. This is unequal protection. A regulation is as legally binding as a law, so one can argue that this regulation, of elevating personal feelings to regulations, is asserting unequal protection of the law. And this is what the 14th Amendment clearly bans. The idea that one person, or a small number of persons, can veto a law or control the speech of others has the very real effect of seizing power over the votes of everyone else. This is because if a small group of bureaucrats can censor speech, they can censor the expression of speech through the ballot box. This deliberately concentrates power into the hands of a small number of people. And this violates the one person one vote concept that has been repeatedly protected by Supreme Court rulings. The primary reason for the offended concept is that the Obama administration, and liberal Democrats in general, are working to take legislative authority away from Congress and the voice of the people and place it into the hands of a tiny number of unelected bureaucrats. This was Obamas intention in refusing to negotiate budgets and installing 32 czars as heads of agencies. These agencies have enforcement mechanisms such as fines and court action. The power of the EPA to force people to pay fines or lose their property is a well-known illustration of law by regulation. The concept of controlling the nation and writing laws based on the concept of offense sounds ridiculous when discussed this way, but it is another attempt by liberal Democrats to bypass the U.S. Constitutions allocation of power to Congress and the will of the people. This discussion of how the concept of offense is used to secretly proclaim laws that affect Americans must result in a conversation. Curiously, this conversation has been avoided. Americans are just told that a new regulation has been passed because some people are offended, and that this justification, of a personal feeling, has the authority to affect their daily lives. But no one discusses this concept, how it came about, where it is founded in the constitution, and how it challenges the rights of voters. This is because the media act as mouthpieces for the liberal bureaucrats and dont want to incite a conversation on these issues. They imply an as if justification, as if the concept of offense is a legitimate one and provides a constitutional basis for regulations with the power of law. It violates the basic concept of equality and consent of the governed. The government is controlled by the governed, not vice versa. To introduce feelings of offense, personal dislike, as ways to legislate behavior has no basis in a representative government or the rule of law. This tactic doesnt look authoritarian because it avoids direct manipulation as a means to control thought. It is far more subtle. Americans are being introduced to the idea that they should censor their own language and thought, so as not to risk offending anyone. So the goal is to create self-restraint, not appear to be authoritarian by exercising an external restraint. Liberals have been very successful by exploiting peoples humanitarian concerns for others. This is how they have gotten way with giving themselves $500,000 a year pensions: on the basis that they are devoted to caring for the sick and elderly. When bureaucrats issue regulations, legislators do not have the opportunity to review them. Voters have no opportunity to give their consent. The Constitution states that laws in Congress must be passed by the majority, not a tiny minority of people who may have feelings of being offended. Bureaucracies are set up to avoid legislative review because they are trying to circumvent the 14th Amendment: that no law can be passed by states that deprive persons of equal protection. This is similar to the tactic employed by Hillary Clinton to refuse to use the state.gov email account because that was susceptible to FOIA scrutiny. This is how liberals work: they establish a go-between in government, whether it be a bureaucracy, czars, or SCOTUS. Then these go-betweens clandestinely seize the power of government from the states, Congress and the people. In the 20th century, some nations engaged in cultural cleansing, a government sanctioned banning of undesirable cultural practices including language and political discourse. While what liberals are doing in the U.S. cannot be described with such a strong term, we do have safe spaces and politically correct words and concepts. And these are all enforced by government regulation, primarily through public education. While they may seem gentle, they have the same long-term goal: to control speech and behavior. Big things have small beginnings and future historians will see these regulations as the beginnings. Whenever Muslims engage in behavior that ostensibly contradicts Islam from doing recreational drugs and watching porn to killing fellow Muslims Islam's apologists loudly proclaim, "Aha, see, they're not true Muslims!" Or, in the words of CIA head John Brennan on the Islamic State: "They are terrorists; they're criminals. Most many of them are psychopathic thugs, murderers who use a religious concept and masquerade and mask themselves in that religious construct." Many self-styled jihadis are indeed "psychopathic thugs, murderers"; some may not even believe in Allah at all. Yet this does not exonerate Islam, for its "religious construct" was always designed in a way to entice and mobilize such men. As usual, this traces back to the prophet, Muhammad.1 After more than a decade of preaching in Mecca, Muhammad had about 100 followers, mostly relatives. It was only when he became a successful warlord and caravan raider that his followers grew and multiplied. So long as such fighters helped spread the banner of Islam into infidel lands, they were deemed good and pious Muslims regardless of their true intentions, priorities, or even faith. That's because Allah made a "pact" with them. According to Koran 9:111, "Allah has bought from the believers their lives and worldly goods, and in return has promised them Paradise: they shall fight in the way of Allah and shall slay and be slain. ... Rejoice then in the bargain you have struck, for that is the supreme triumph." Muhammad elaborated: "Lining up for battle in the path of Allah [jihad to empower Islam] is worthier than 60 years of worship." The prophet elaborated: The martyr is special to Allah. He is forgiven from the first drop of blood [that he sheds]. He sees his throne in paradise. ... He will wed the 'aynhour [supernatural, celestial women designed exclusively for sexual purposes] and will not know the torments of the grave and safeguards against the greater horror [hell]. Fixed atop his head will be a crown of honor, a ruby that is greater than the world and all it contains. And he will copulate with seventy-two 'aynhour. As for those Muslims who reject jihad, Muhammad said "they will be tortured like no other sinful human." (For many more Islamic scriptures depicting jihad as the greatest undertaking, one that earns unconditional forgiveness and paradise, see here.) Many of the original jihadis now revered in Islamic hagiography were by modern standards little more than mass killing psychotics. Consider Khalid bin al-Walid: a Meccan pagan, he opposed Muhammad for years, but when the prophet seized Mecca, Khalid like many of Muhammad's foes, such as his archenemy, Abu Sufyan expediently converted, proclaimed the shahada, joined the winning team, and then went a-jihading mutilating, plundering, raping, enslaving, crucifying, and setting people on fire in the process. But because he did so under the banner of jihad, this serial killer and rapist is today one of Islam's most revered heroes. The reason for this is that nowhere in Islam is there talk about the "condition" of the jihadis' "heart," or if he's "right" with God. Allah is not God: he is interested not in "hearts and minds," but in fighters and swords. So long as his fighters proclaim the shahada "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger" and fight under the banner of Islam, they can take, plunder, murder, and rape the infidels. And if they die doing so, they go to paradise. Such was the genius of Muhammad: in the Arabian society he lived in, members of one's tribe were as inviolable as non-members were free game, to be plundered, enslaved, or killed with impunity. Muhammad took this idea and infused it with a pious rationale. Henceforth, there would be only two tribes in the world: the umma which consists of all Muslims, regardless of race and the "infidels," who deserve to be plundered, enslaved, or killed with impunity for rejecting Allah. This explains why other nomadic societies Turks and Tatars, whose way of life consisted of preying on everyone outside their tribe also converted to Islam and, under the banner of jihad, continued preying on the other, the infidel, but now as venerated "champions of the faith." Or, as one Western authority on the Seljuk Turks wrote of their conversion to Islam in the tenth century: "if taking lives and ravaging the lands of the infidel were the means by which the ends of expanding Islam were served, then the new converts' traditional pleasures were now happily endowed with a pious rationale." Christian Europe was aware of Islam's appeal from the very beginning. Theophanes the Byzantine scholar (d. 818) wrote the following about Muhammad in his chronicles: He taught those who gave ear to him that the one slaying the enemy or being slain by the enemy entered into paradise [see Koran 9:111]. And he said paradise was carnal and sensual orgies of eating, drinking, and women. Also, there was a river of wine and the women were of another sort, and the duration of sex greatly prolonged and its pleasure long-enduring [e.g., Koran 56: 7-40, 78:31, 55:70-77]. And all sorts of other nonsense. Almost five centuries later, St. Thomas Aquinas (d. 1274) made similar observations: He [Muhammad] seduced the people by promises of carnal pleasure to which the concupiscence of the flesh urges us. His teaching also contained precepts that were in conformity with his promises, and he gave free rein to carnal pleasure. In all this, as is not unexpected; he was obeyed by carnal men. As for proofs of the truth of his doctrine. ... Muhammad said that he was sent in the power of his arms which are signs not lacking even to robbers and tyrants. What is more, no wise men, men trained in things divine and human, believed in him from the beginning. Those who believed in him were brutal men and desert wanderers, utterly ignorant of all divine teaching, through whose numbers Muhammad forced others to become his follower's by the violence of his arms. There is, finally, another group of "jihadis" who should not be overlooked. These do not give a fig for Allah nor wish to be "martyred" in exchange for paradise, but they rely on Islam to justify robbing, enslaving, raping, and killing non-Muslims, as many Christian minorities in nations like Pakistan and Egypt will attest. Because they are just "infidels" and it's a sin to aid a non-Muslim against a Muslim (that is, a non-tribal member against a tribal member) Muslim criminals target Christian minorities precisely because they know Muslim authorities will not do a thing on behalf of the victimized infidels. In short, enough of these claims that this or that jihadi is, in the words of the CIA's Brennan, "terrorists," "criminals," "psychopathic thugs," and "murderers." Yes, they are. But that doesn't change the fact that one group of them is convinced that no matter how immoral or perverse their behavior is, as long as they continue fighting and dying in the name of jihad, not only are they exonerated, but paradise is assured them, and another group doesn't care a bit about the afterlife, but knows that, as long as they victimize only "infidels," few Muslims will hold them accountable. In both cases, Islam aids and abets such behavior. 1 Islam's elastic nature was especially evident for the prophet. After telling his followers that Allah had permitted Muslims four wives and limitless concubines (Koran 4:3), he later claimed that Allah had delivered a new revelation (Koran 33.51) permitting him, Muhammad alone, to marry and sleep with as many women as he wanted. In response, his young wife Aisha quipped: "I feel that your Lord hastens in fulfilling your wishes and desires." (Apostates from Islam regularly cite this episode as especially disenchanting them with the prophet.) In June of 2014, the Washington Free Beacon came upon an audiotape of then first lady of Arkansas Hillary Clinton from the 1980's discussing with journalist Roy Reed a legal case she had been involved with in 1975. She had been the defense attorney for Thomas Alfred Taylor, who at age 41 had been accused of raping a 12 year-old girl in May of that year. On the audio, Hillary, in an affected southern drawl, could be heard laughing at several inappropriate times. "He took a lie detector test," she said. "I had him take a polygraph, which he passed, which forever destroyed my faith in polygraphs (laughs)." Then Hillary spoke about a section of Taylor's underwear that was now missing where authorities had done a blood match from what was found on the 12-year-old while in the hospital. Hillary told Reed that she had flown to Brooklyn to receive an expert legal opinion in the case, and later told Washington County (Arkansas) Prosecutor Mahlon Gibson that "this guy's ready to come from New York to prevent a miscarriage of justice (laughs)." The tape concluded with Reed asking Hillary how the case turned out. "Oh, he plea bargained! Got him off for time served in the county jail, he'd been in the county jail about two months." The Free Beacon also found legal filings from the case, where Hillary had made accusations about the rape victim. In July, Hillary had asked for a psychiatric examination of the 12-year old and then filed an affidavit, essentially tarnishing the victim, saying that she was "emotionally unstable." Hillary also added that she "had a tendency to seek out older men to engage in fantasizing." Her attacks in the affidavit continued. "I have been informed that she has in the past made false accusations about persons, claiming that they had attacked her body." Hillary added that children from broken homes are "prone to such behavior." Taylor was initially indicted for rape, where he could have received a life sentence, but Hillary was successful at "pleading down" the case to illegal fondling of a minor. Taylor was sentenced to five years in prison, with four years suspended. He was to serve 12 months in the Washington County jail in Fayetteville, with two months suspended for the time he had already served. But the outcome would end up being something far shorter. After the tape was made public two years ago, the Free Beacon tracked the victim down, but she refused to speak to the reporter, Alana Goodman. Daily Beast reporter Josh Rogin contacted her next, and he wrote an article about her terrifying experience. She also made an audio recording , and her name and image were deliberately not included. After hearing the tape, the victim, now in her 50's, said about Hillary, "You lied on me...I realize the truth now, the heart of what you've done to me. And you're supposed to be for women?" Every cable network picked up the story and many major websites also did at the time. Hillary finally addressed the issue saying that "in our system you have an obligation, and once I was appointed I fulfilled that obligation." Nothing more was reported until May of this year, when Rogin told CNN , "There's never been any evidence presented by anyone to substantiate the allegations that Hillary Clinton made in that affidavit." At the Philadelphia Democratic Convention last July, after her official nomination for president and amid a breaking glass ceiling , Hillary said that "if there are any little girls out there who stayed up late to watch, let me just say: I may become the first woman president, but one of you is next." Less than two weeks later on August 9, the 12-year old rape victim, Kathy Shelton, now 54, finally went public from her home in Springdale, Arkansas . She told Goodman, now of The (London) Daily Mail, that "if I were to meet her in person, it would be very hard for me not to walk up and smack her." Kathy added that, "I want to speak out to the world...where everybody can hear me." Her story was now ignored by the mainstream media, including CNN and the Washington Post, but others like The Daily Mail and Fox News reported on the startling turn of events. A closer look reveals that the tragic case surrounding Kathy Shelton began on a warm spring evening on May 10, 1975. It was a month before her 13th birthday and she would soon be graduating from the sixth grade. Two men who lived in the neighborhood, Taylor and his 20-year old cousin Michael Huddleston dropped in on Kathy, who was having a sleepover at a friend's house and invited her out for a Coke. The three got into Taylor's beat-up red 1963 Chevy pickup truck. Along the way, they picked up 15-year old Michael Elzey. The group then stopped and Taylor purchased some whiskey, which he poured into Kathy's cup of Coke. They then spent some time at a local bowling alley, and after leaving, Taylor pulled off the highway into a weed-covered ravine between Springdale and nearby Fayetteville. Taylor and Huddleston went out for a walk, leaving Elzey and Kathy alone in the cab, when Elzey removed his pants and proceeded to have sex with Kathy. Taylor and Huddleston then returned and Elzey left the truck. Taylor climbed on top of Kathy and forced himself upon her, and Kathy resisted, screaming while Taylor beat and savaged her. When Taylor was done, Kathy turned to them and yelled, "You all planned this, didn't you?" They warned her not to say anything, or they would "catch me out later." About 5 a.m., a beaten and bloodied Kathy showed up at a local emergency room, where the doctor reported she had "injuries consistent with rape." It was Kathy's first sexual experience and because of the vaginal damage that was done she would never be able to have children. Three days later, Taylor was charged with rape in the first degree and had "unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously engage in sexual intercourse" with the 12-year old Kathy "by forcible compulsion and without her consent." If convicted, Taylor would receive a sentence of 30 years to life in prison. Taylor was assigned a public defender, John Barry Baker, but Taylor reportedly wanted a female to represent him. Hillary Diane Rodham was in charge of the Law Clinic located at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. A year earlier, she and her future husband Bill had returned to Arkansas from Washington, D.C. Hillary had been a staff member of the House Judiciary Committee during Richard Nixon's impeachment and reportedly was fired for unethical behavior. Bill lost his first election in an attempt to become a member of the U.S. House from Arkansas. They both began teaching law at the University. During Bill's first campaign in 1974, he met Judge Maupin Cummings , who would eventually oversee Kathy's rape trial. He told his son Gordon Cummings to keep an eye on Bill who was striving for a political career. The younger Cummings would end up being one of Clinton's first campaign donors, and become a longtime friend. When Taylor reportedly requested a female to represent him, Judge Cummings told prosecutor Mahlon Gibson (both men were staunch Democrats) to ask Hillary to represent the accused rapist, and replace public defender Baker. However, Baker recalls that Taylor never requested a female defender, and that Judge Cummings called him and said they were replacing him with the "woman from the student law clinic," and Hillary happened to be the only licensed attorney there. Even though Hillary has said she tried to be relieved from the case, Baker also recalled that she was very focused on winning, and once Hillary began investigating the case there are no reports she had any regret in defending Taylor. After filing the affidavit in July that tarnished Kathy's character, Hillary then pressed for a plea deal after the key section of Taylor's underwear was lost. On November 4, Taylor pled guilty to Unlawful Fondling of a Child under the Age of Fourteen. As mentioned earlier, Taylor was sentenced to five years in the State Penitentiary, with four years suspended and one year to be served in the County Jail with two months off for time served. However, just as Hillary had said at the end of the audio with Roy Reed, two months was all that Taylor served. He never spent another day in jail, but was put on probation, which was completed in 1980. Recently, then Washington County Sheriff Herbert Marshall said that he was "majorly pissed" when he was ordered to release Taylor. He noted that a case as grievous as Taylor's was rare and that he was "extremely pissed" that Taylor only served two months. Also, Taylor was not on a work release program, which defenders of Hillary have suggested might have happened. Marshall said that he could not even remember anyone being on work release at that time, and he would definitely have noticed if Taylor had been. During the recent second presidential debate in St. Louis on October 9th, Donald Trump invited Kathy along with three women who have alleged harassment , assault , and rape against Hillary's husband Bill over the years, and had added that Hillary had intimidated them and tried to destroy their credibility. Jennifer Palmieri, a spokeswoman for Hillary's presidential campaign called the effort a " stunt " as did many in the mainstream press. Great Britain's High Court one of the most senior legal venues in the land has ruled that the government of Prime Minister Teresa May must win a parliamentary vote in order to trigger Article 50 and start the process of exiting the EU. The government announced it would appeal the decision to the Supreme Court next month. The court pointed out that "[t]he most fundamental rule of the UK's constitution is that parliament is sovereign and can make and unmake any law it chooses[.]" The court chose to dismiss the government argument that a soveriegn parliament approved the referendum in the first place. Reuters: "The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by Act of Parliament. And the government is determined to respect the result of the referendum," it said. In theory, parliament could block Brexit altogether. But few people expect that outcome, given that the British people voted by 52 to 48 percent to leave the EU in a referendum in June. However, the ruling makes the already daunting task of taking Britain out of a club it joined 43 years ago even more complex. It also puts at risk May's own deadline of starting formal negotiations on the terms of Brexit by the end of March. The High Court, made up of three of Britain's most senior judges, ruled that the government could not trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, the formal step needed to start the process of exiting the bloc, without approval from parliament. "The court does not accept the argument put forward by the government," Thomas said. "For the reasons set out in the judgment, we decide that the government does not have power ... to give notice pursuant to Article 50 for the UK to withdraw from the European Union." Lawmakers largely voted to remain in the EU in the June referendum. Many investors believe greater parliamentary involvement in the process would therefore reduce the influence of ministers in May's government who are strongly pro-Brexit. This end run around democracy could still end up handing the "Remain" faction a stunning reversal of fortune. The British establishment is 100% sold on the EU and felt embarrassed when ordinary Brits voted to leave. Now they have another bite at the apple and could either kill Brexit altogether or enormously complicate Prime Minister May's job in negotiating an exit. How could the court logically arrive at a decision that, in effect, struck down one parliamentary vote authorizing a referendum while adding a condition for another vote? One explanation is that the fix was in and the Remain faction only needed this fig leaf of legal justification to put a road block in the way of Brexit. The government probably won't have any better luck in their appeal to the Supreme Court. The best they can probably hope for is that the judges don't kill Brexit completely. In a 30 October 2016 NBC News Meet the Press interview, vice presidential candidate Mike Pence effectively confirmed what had been a foregone conclusion that the income tax returns of his running mate, Donald Trump, would not be publicly released before Election Day. CHUCK TODD: On October 17th, Donald Trump had to turn in his tax return this year. Is he going to release it to the public before the election? GOVERNOR MIKE PENCE: I think as soon as the audit is completed Donald Trump will release -- TODD: There's no audit on this return. They don't make those decisions that fast. PENCE: He'll release all of his tax returns when the final audit is completed. TODD: All right, so not before the election? PENCE: Yeah. Those of us in the tax practitioner community have advanced various theories and speculations as to what may or may not be on Trump's returns, including and especially the complex Net Operating Losses (NOLs), which can be carried back to offset income in previous years and carried forward to offset income in subsequent years, and which Trump is known to have incurred in years past. The smart money says disclosure would publicize facts no doubt inconvenient to Trump in the current pre-Election Day climate. There are, however, considerations against disclosure, over and above the political calculus behind Trump's decision to release or not release his tax returns (and, for that matter, the tax return disclosure/nondisclosure decision of any politician for any political office). First of all, given Trump's diverse business and financial interests, his federal tax return submission alone must have entailed hundreds if not thousands of pages, the bulk of which surely are explanatory notes and schedules and not actual IRS tax return forms. This does not include tax returns for states to which he has a personal nexus in his income, and many cities as well (including New York, where he resides). Among those reams of paper (or the paper printouts thereof if the tax return was filed electronically) are various types of information that is sensitive for reasons of no direct political import. This sensitive data includes Social Security numbers (SSNs) of not only Trump and his family members, but potentially those of his business partners and associates. The availability of SSNs, as I have noted previously, facilitates stolen identity tax fraud. And Donald Trump's deals are known to be accomplished through nonpersonal business entities such as corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies, the Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) of which can similarly facilitate identity theft when in the wrong hands. Ex-IRS commissioner Fred Goldberg asserts that Trump's release of certain limited portions of his tax returns "would have no impact on any pending or future IRS audit of Trump. Zero. None." But there is no denying that the IRS has increasingly of late been sicced by politicians upon their political enemies, and it is not difficult to imagine a government official who is not directly involved in a Trump return audit (including a president or congresscritter), having seen a released copy, pressuring or otherwise inducing a cognizant IRS bureaucrat to take a closer look at one or more particular items on Trump's return (or on the return of a connected person or entity). Though there may well be compelling moral obligation for a presidential candidate to release his or her tax returns, there currently is no legal duty to do so. If a law providing for such is enacted (and Trump's public recalcitrance in the face of longstanding custom and practice may well induce support for such legislation on both sides of the aisle), a statutory requirement would do well to follow Mr. Goldberg's implicit suggestion that release of the first two pages and the Schedule A suffice, which "would tell us how much he [Trump] makes, how much he pays in taxes, and how much he contributes to charity." Of course, the released returns would need to be sanitized of SSNs, EINs, and other sensitive identifying information. Notwithstanding (or perhaps because of) my professional standing in the taxation community, my own curiosity about Donald Trump's tax returns is probably greater than that of the average American voter. But given the demonstrated political weaponization of the IRS, perhaps Trump's refusal to play the disclosure game may better serve America's interests in the long run. Kenneth H. Ryesky, now a senior adviser in the U.S. Desk of Ernst & Young's International Tax Services in Tel Aviv, is a lawyer who has taught business law and taxation at Queens College CUNY. He formerly served as an attorney for the IRS. An Iranian military commander was quoted in a government publication as saying that Revolutionary Guard assets would be placed in the U.S. and Europe "very soon." The purpose of infiltrating these assets is to promote the Islamic Republic's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei and detect plots against the regime originating from overseas. Washington Free Beacon: The whole world should know that the IRGC will be in the U.S. and Europe very soon, Salar Abnoush, deputy coordinator of Irans Khatam-al-Anbia Garrison, an IRGC command front, was quoted as saying in an Iranian state-controlled publication closely tied to the IRGC. The military leaders comments come as Iran is spending great amounts of money to upgrade its military hardware and bolster its presence throughout the Middle East and beyond. Iran intends to spend billions to purchase U.S.-made planes that are likely to be converted for use in its air force. Congressional leaders and others suspect that Iran has used a large portion of the cash windfall it received as a result of last summers nuclear agreement to upgrade its fighting capabilities war machine. The IRGC is [the] strong guardian of the Islamic Republic, Abnoush was quoted as saying. The Fedayeen of Velayat [fighting force] are under the order of Irans Supreme leader. Defending and protecting the Velayat [the Supreme Leader] has no border and limit. Iranian military and government officials have continued to advocate violence against the U.S. and its allies, despite the nuclear deal and several secret side agreements that gave Iran $1.7 billion in cash. Iran accuses the U.S. of violating its end of the agreement by not helping the Islamic Republic gain further access to international banks and other markets. Irans frustration over this has led to further accusations about a U.S. plot to foster unrest in the country. Our enemies have several projects to destroy our Islamic revolution, and have waged three wars against us to execute their plans against our Islamic Republic, Abnoush said. The IRGC has defeated enemies in several fronts. The enemy surrendered and accepted to negotiate with us. And now all of our problems are being solved and our country is becoming stronger in all fronts. Some believe the holy defense ended, the military leader added. They are wrong; the holy defense continues, and today, it is more complicated than before. Rachel Dolezal, who left the NAACP for being white when she claimed she was black, is now penning an autobiography describing her life as a white black person. The civil rights activist who provoked anger, mockery and confusion last year after her white parents revealed she had posed as a black woman for years has unveiled a memoir that claims to explore the discrimination shes suffered while living as a black woman. Rachel Dolezal, 39, resigned from her post as a chapter president for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People last year, after her white parents revealed that for years she had altered her appearance and hidden traces of her biological family from her life[.] Here's a description of her forthcoming book: What determines your race? Is it your DNA? The community in which you were raised? The way others see you, or the way you see yourself? With In Full Color, Rachel Dolezal describes the path that led her from being a child of white evangelical parents to an NAACP chapter president and respected educator and activist who identified as black. Along the way, shell discuss the deep emotional bond she formed with her four adopted black siblings, the sense of belonging she felt while living in black communities in Jackson, Mississippi and Washington, D.C., and the discrimination shes suffered while living as a black woman. No one suffers more from racial discrimination than white women who are black. It's a pity there was no organization like the NAACCP (National Organization for the Advancement of Caucasian Colored People) or the NAACCCP (National Organization for the Advancement of Communist Caucasian Colored People) she could join. The Dolezal phenomenon is the exact same thing as the so-called transgendered movement. If you feel as though you are a girl, then you are. If you feel as though you are black, then you are. In this era of affirmative action in nearly every sphere of American life, I would hope that more Caucasian people start to "feel" this way and select minority checkboxes for education, employment, and housing. Then we can see if liberals are as tolerant of white people getting minority scholarships as they are of boys in girls' bathrooms. Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com. Fort Lauderdale, Florida seems an unlikely place to launch an attack on civilians, but thats where Granny chose to roll out the Gatling gun. To wit: you know, I am sick and tired of the negative, dark, divisive, dangerous vision and behavior of people who support Donald Trump, Mrs. Clinton fumed. Did you catch it its those ghastly Trump people who are negative, dark, divisive and dangerous. Forget deplorables and irredeemables that was just a little old .38 special she had hidden in her glove compartment for emergencies. This baby here is a Gatling gun, because its a rapid-fire, spring-loaded, hand-cranked weapon akin to a Rotary Cannon. Yes, indeed a Gatling gun takes down everything in its path, and Mrs. Clinton is ready to take up her assault weapon and stick it to each and every Trump voter who crosses her path. Funny thing is, hardly anyone noticed she brought out the heavy artillery. Media outlets ran her angry, red-faced comment, but no one seemed to notice that her aim was squarely on Trump voters rather than the man himself. Perhaps its because the MSM is in the midst of The Greatest Show on Earth. The elephants (before they were banned) are in the center ring raising their trunks in a low-frequency rumble. On the left are the lions roaring, looking to devour everything in their path. And over on the right is the ringmaster whipping up the crowd into a frenzy, a true cacophony of discordant noise so loud that you dont notice that the little old lady behind you has just whacked your kid on the head and told her to sit down and shut up. Sad to say, the media wont point out that Trump people are again under fire again because they cant hear themselves think in all the chaos of the three-ring circus that is the 24-hour news cycle. With all that noise, is it any wonder anyone can hear anything anymore? But make no mistake, folks: if you are a Trump voter, you need to strap on your tactical and military ballistic helmet. Personally, I would choose the Striker Ach Level IIIA, because the reduced profile enables a wider peripheral and upward field of view, for better situational awareness and unrestricted movement. Its also advertised as having protective goggles, night vision goggles (NVG), and a communication system. A little wider field of view for situational awareness and night vision cant hurt in these most trying of times. When you, the voter, are under attack, its always best to be prepared for incoming. After all, Trump voters are the unwashed masses, so uncouth, so crude, and certainly not OKD (Our Kind, Darling). The Gatling gun was first used by Union forces in combat during the Civil War. But it is best known for its use by Teddy Roosevelt in the assault on San Juan Hill. How apropos the moment, dont you think? Though its doubtful anyone would have guessed a little old granny like Mrs. Clinton would bring it out of the mothballs, dust it off, and use it on American voters. Or maybe we could have guessed, could have imagined, because after all these years, its we who have become those people spoken so eloquently of in that tablet affixed to Lady Liberty: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 2, 2016 CAFT OPEN LETTER TO NPR CAFT OPEN LETTER TO NPR FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE NOVEMBER 2, 2016 We, the members of the Chinese Americans for Trump movement (CAFT) and the organizers of Aerial Message Campaign, express complete denouncement of the inaccurate media coverage conducted by the Seattle NPR station on November 1st, 2016, about CAFT and our Aerial Message Campaign. The views expressed in the article in no way reflect the views of CAFT and the organizers of the Aerial Message Campaign. We ask that Seattle NPR remove or correct the article to clearly indicate that the article and statements by Haoyu Wang and John Pomfret do not represent CAFT. CAFT is a group of Chinese American volunteers, who support Donald J. Trump on many issues, including law and order, national security, fair trade, public education, and defense of the Constitution. We are patriotic Americans, and we support Trump because he has the interest and ability to solve Americas problems. In no way is our endorsement of Trump related to any interests concerning China. Over 8,000 CAFT volunteers are in all 48 continental states, including Washington, and we are in an effort to reach the Seattle NPR station to seek publicity which fairly presents CAFT and our Aerial Message campaign to the American people. The Seattle NPR did not interview any members of CAFT or ask CAFT about the accuracy of this article before publishing. The article misleads readers by placing CAFT and the aerial campaign adjacent to the statements of people who are unaffiliated with CAFT. We completely disagree with the comments expressed by Mr. Haoyu Wang and Mr. John Pomfret, and we find the comments unacceptable. Mr. Haoyu Wang is not an American citizen, and he does not have grounds to represent hard-working, law-abiding Chinese Americans. Within CAFT and the community of Chinese Americans, it is clear that we, along with Mr. Trump, and all patriotic Americans, place Americas interests first. We genuinely support Mr. Trump and sincerely appreciate his great service to the nation by running for the Presidency. We ask Seattle NPR to publically apologize to CAFT about the misrepresented media coverage. We also ask the over 8,000 CAFT members to stand firmly and in solidarity behind Mr. Trump to win the general election. We encourage you to visit www.caftmovement.com for our positions and more information. Email inquiries: caftmovement@gmail.com After pleading with Google not to release the Android smartphone operating system, Steve Jobs famously claimed that Apple would go thermonuclear on the platform. Today, according to the third quarter 2016 smartphone shipments report from Strategy Analytics, Androids share of global smartphone sales reached an impressive 88% taking market share from Apple iOS, BlackBerry 10 and Microsoft Windows Phone, amongst others. The Strategy Analytics report also shows that smartphone shipments reached 375 million during the quarter, representing a growth of 6% compared with the same period last year and reversing the trend of slowing growth: this is the strongest growth for a year. The report showed that it is still the emerging markets that are driving smartphone shipments, particularly from the Asian, Africa and Middle Eastern markets. Western Europe and North America are showing modest smartphone regrowth as consumers replaced old devices. Android has long been the worlds most prevalent smartphone platform with Apple iOS in second place, but looking through the details it appears that the Apple iPhone has suffered from weak sales in the African and Chinese markets whilst Windows Phone and BlackBerry 10 have almost completely disappeared. Apples market share has dropped by 5% during the period. The iPhone has always been priced as a premium model and the devices are facing increasing competition from other metal-built devices with at least a comparable specification, but often a price tag that is many hundreds of dollars less. The latest iPhone model also introduces relatively few new features whilst removing one that many customers still want: the iPhone 7 dropped the headphone socket, following a trend that has started in the Android world. Microsoft have distanced themselves from the smartphone operating system market and are instead concentrating on building applications to run on either Android and iOS, whereas BlackBerry had shifted towards Android away from BlackBerry 10. Although Android continues to dominate the worlds smartphone market, the platform is not without its problems. Although the malware situation is nowhere near as bad as Apples Chief Executive believes, the platforms relative openness means that there are many malicious developers working on malicious applications, some of which masquerade as genuine applications and can root our devices. We must also discuss the issue of platform fragmentation, whereby there are large numbers of devices running older versions of Android as compared with the current Android 7.1 Nougat platform. Googles recent introduction of the Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL devices could be seen as attacking their existing hardware platforms as much as the Apple family of devices. Furthermore, only a very small number of Android manufacturers are making money from device sales, whereas Apples profit margin on the expensive iPhone remains very high. Zero-rated data is just one more pebble on the slippery slope that US carriers seem to be standing on in regards to net neutrality. The practice of zero-rating, or allowing customers access to certain content without using their data allotment, is not against net neutrality per se, since net neutrality rules apply to favoring some data content over other content in a way that discourages users from consuming other content. The link isnt hard to see, however. The proposed deal between AT&T and Time Warner, an absolutely massive $85.4 billion affair, would join one of the biggest media empires in the United States with one of the biggest purveyors of data connections, and AT&T has announced that they will be zero-rating the content they get access to as a result of the deal. One of the most pertinent authorities on the matter, the Federal Communications Commission, has more than a few reasons to oppose this deal, and zero-rating is one of them. Some in the organization are calling AT&Ts current plan with their upcoming DIRECTV Now service an example of improper zero-rating, and this deal would be more of the same. Essentially, while customers are not actively discouraged from viewing other content, a wealth of content being available and zero-rating all of it would push consumers toward that offering, which could run afoul of net neutrality. Since other carriers have picked up on this habit, with T-Mobiles Binge On and Verizons go90 making waves, this seems to be the new norm in the wireless industry, and while not everybody is a fan of it, current net neutrality rules dont cover it explicitly. Essentially, the current state of affairs allows carriers to use strategic zero-rating to box out the competition and influence customers choice of carriers all they want. According to FCC chairman Tom Wheeler, this is because the situation is not one-size-fits-all enough to warrant sweeping legislation. While this does mean that carriers can run amok until told otherwise, Wheeler stated that the FCC will be keeping a close eye on the practice and how it affects the market, choices, and experience for wireless consumers. Silicon is what makes our devices work the way they were intended, behind all of the shiny glass and chamfered edges there are chips from designers and manufacturers all over the world. While Qualcomm, Samsung and NVIDIA might be names many will know, there are more than just these names working behind the scenes to make sure our devices behave as expected. One such name is Broadcom, a Singapore-based firm, that specializes in network technologies and integrated circuits that help smartphones, laptops and more connect to other devices over Bluetooth, NFC and of course, WiFi. Last year, the firm was purchased by Avago Technologies for a sizable sum of $37 Billion, and now, Broadcom themselves is looking to purchase Brocade for $5.5 Billion. Brocade is a firm that specializes in the more Desktop-orientated world of network technologies, and has become known for their work on fiber channel switches, which is the technology that appeals to Broadcom the most in this deal. Broadcom has offered Brocade $12.75 a share, and will purchase the company for $5.5 Billion, while agreeing to take $400 Million of debt from Brocade as well. According to CFRA Research, Angelo Zino, the deal is highly complementary to Broadcoms existing enterprise storage offerings and boosts its exposure to the high-growth data center market. Broadcom, much like companies like ARM Holdings, is a firm that sells chip designs and chips to customers to use in their products and to avoid competing with big customers like Cisco, Broadcom will be offloading Brocades networking business in a new sale once this deal is completed. This deal is yet another in an ever-growing line of deals that sees the chip sector continue to consolidate. Last week we saw Qualcomm agree to buy NXP in a massive $47 Billion deal, and ARM Holdings is to be purchased by Japans SoftBank, too. With rising competition from Chinese names such as MediaTek, its no surprise that these companies are trying to consolidate and group their assets together. Of course, there will come a point when there are no more companies left to group together, but given the size of the semiconductor industry, its unlikely we reach that point for a long time yet. The Pixel and the Pixel XL are not only two of the newest smartphones on the market, but they are also two smartphones that mark a departure away from the usual way Google does things. As a result, many will be watching the initial launch period of the Pixel and the Pixel XL to see how they perform. As this will be thought of as a large indicator of how Google is actually performing, now that it has joined the smartphone market in an official capacity. Speaking of which, it now looks as though we are starting to see the first of what will be many reports coming through on the sales performance of the Pixel and the Pixel XL. This new data comes from Appboy and while it does not provide direct insight into units shipped, it is provide a nice overview of how app usage can provide additional information on the level of smartphone adoption. The information drawn was based on analysis of 100+ million daily app devices and between October 20 and 27, 2016. According to the figures from Appboy and following the initial week of release, the Pixel and the Pixel XL obtained a market share of 0.016-percent and 0.020-percent, respectively. To put this into perspective, the same report notes that the Google Nexus 6P took more than 2 weeks to reach a similar level of market share. This inevitably does suggest that in its first week of release, the Pixel and the Pixel XL were being used by twice as much users as the Nexus 6P did during the initial week of availability. Interestingly, the reported information does lead Appboy to note that the inclusion of Verizon as one of the launch partners for the Pixel and Pixel XL was one of the factors that helped drive the greater levels of adoption seen. This is largely thought to be thanks to the additional street presence offered by Verizon, including in-store availability, greater marketing and better shipment logistics. Of course, the Pixel and Pixel XL seeing better adoption rates in their first week compared to the Nexus 6P is not really saying much in terms of the wider smartphone market. Appboy highlights this point by noting that the Samsung Galaxy S7 (and the Galaxy S6) obtained higher levels of adoption after their first day of release, than the Pixel and Pixel XL did in their first week. Advertisement Another interesting point that is worth mentioning, is that in contrast to what Appboy normally sees in such data, the Pixel and the Pixel XL are not exactly conforming to normal behavior. For instance, the report notes that usually the day after the release day is the biggest adoption day for new devices. In terms of the Pixel and Pixel XL, the reports notes that atypical spikes in adoption occurred two days after release and again on October 25. The reasons thought to be be behind these spikes is the Pixel and Pixel XL stock levels dwindling and then becoming available again randomly. Which would suggest that if the two devices were in stock more often, sales and adoption rates for the Pixel and the Pixel XL could have been even higher, during the initial launch period. Either way, you can see a breakdown of the data with comparisons made between the Pixel and Pixel XL and the Galaxy S7 and S6 in the two charts below. Currently, Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence appear to be all the rage in the tech world. For those that are unaware of what they are, Deep Learning is a set of powerful algorithms that are behind things like self-driving cars, image searching and voice recognition. Artificial Intelligence is what is behind things like Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa. Now being able to leverage both Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence are great things to have on your resume, especially if youre looking to get a job at a big tech company. And this bundle is definitely worth picking up at $39. Included in this bundle are four courses (for a total of 111 lessons). Included is; Deep Learning Prerequisites: Linear Regression in Python, Deep Learning Prerequisites: Logistic Regression in Python, Data Science: Deep Learning in Python, Data Science: Practical Deep Learning in Theano & TensorFlow. Typically, this bundle would cost you $480, but we are offering it for just $39 right now on the Android Headlines Store. If you already have a job in the IT world, this is going to be a great bundle to pick up and sharpen your skills a bit. Its available now through November 8th at this price, so youll want to pick it up before its gone. For about six years, authorities in the EU have been investigating allegations of anti-competitive behavior on Googles part. The charges include things like pushing down or altogether erasing competitors results in shopping search listings, blocking out rivals in their search ads, and using their Android operating systems dominance to box out competitors in the mobile space, as well as push their own software via bundling. Formal charges were filed against Google in April, and the case against Google was strengthened and expanded by the Commission back in July. While the charges on Android remain unanswered, Google has laid out their official response on the shopping and search charges; they are officially denying the allegations. This means that EU officials will have to present their evidence and battle Google over the issue, and if things end badly for Google, it could mean fines of up to $7.4 billion per case. According to Google and their legal counsel, Kent Walker, the approach that Google uses to figure out both what shopping results head to the top, outside of clearly declared sponsored results, and what ads are displayed in their search service is all based on user data aggregation, mostly through user profiling and figuring out what results are the most popular, and promoting those. According to Walker, this method, billed as organic, does not decrease the quality or relevance of the information we received. He went on to point out that officials should look to competitors like Amazon, Facebook, and other online advertising firms to see that competition in search advertising and in shopping is alive and well. One possible way out for Google was to accept a proposal by the Commission that would entail them displaying rival services prominently for a fee, with no regard to user popularity or product quality. Google rejected this and stuck to their guns, asserting that their organic method was the superior choice for users, did not stifle competition, and was within the bounds of applicable laws. According to the Commission, Googles formal response has not yet been received. Spokesman Ricardo Cardoso said that the Commission will look over Googles responses carefully before taking any action on any open cases, and that its far too early on to predict how things may go at this point. Its been eight years since Google launched the Play Store, formerly known as the Android Market. Since then, the Android OS went on to achieve great things and became by far the most prevalent mobile operating system on the planet. Today, the Google Play Store hosts close to 2.5 million apps and the Android apps market as a whole is slowly reaching the point of saturation. The Mountain View-based tech giant is aware of that and has recently started rolling out changes to facilitate navigating the Play Store. After that consumer-friendly move, Google is now looking towards Android developers and ways to help them grow their businesses. Googles team is currently looking into ways to infuse the Play Store with the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology. More specifically, the plan is to revamp the Play Store recommendations algorithms which would rely on AI solutions to learn more about users habits and preferences and make better recommendations than they currently do. In addition to that, Google wants to expand support for numerous payment methods on the Play Store. Note that this doesnt only imply new payment platforms but could also mean the expansion of currently supported services to more territories. For example, while the Play Store officially supports PayPal as of mid-2014, it only does so in 20 or so countries worldwide, and its been slow to add more territories to the mix. Furthermore, during todays Playtime conference in San Francisco, California, Google announced numerous new developer tools aimed to help app makers monetize their creations. For starters, developers will soon be able to offer introductory subscription promos to new subscribers, i.e. give new customers a subscription discount for a limited period. Google announced this addition as a major feature, adding that subscriptions are by far the fastest-growing business model on the Play Store. The company is also planning to expand its pre-registration and Early Access programs, the latter of which has recently officially launched but still requires approval from Google. Indie developers will also continue to enjoy additional support from Google through the Play Store Indie Corner which is open to all approved applicants. Last but not least, Google announced a set of new beta APIs designed to help developers identify users who have requested a refund with the goal of offering better customer support to those individuals. Advertisement Looking at a bigger picture, Google revealed that the Play Store expansion to Daydream, Android Wear 2.0, and more Chromebooks will soon be completed, which the company believes will directly benefit Android app makers. In other words, while the AI-powered Play Store changes, added support for payment options, and new developer tools mentioned above are all designed to consequently assist Android developers, Google is primarily planning to help them cope with increased competition by expanding the Play Store ecosystem as a whole. It remains to be seen whether that strategy pays off but this certainly cant be bad news for developers of Android apps. Google Street View, the virtual mapping tool that provides panoramic 360-degree street-level images of hundreds of towns across dozens of countries, will continue to remain a non-starter in India for now. Thats because Indias paranoid security agencies led by the home ministry and the defense ministry, have continued to steadfastly deny the search giant the permission to map the countrys cities and towns supposedly out of concern for the security of sensitive defense installations. This was revealed earlier today by Mr. Sanket Gupta, who is the lead product manager at Google Maps, India. While Google has already mapped over 5,000 cities and 600,000 villages across the country as part of its popular Google Maps project, the addition of Street View to at least some of those towns would certainly be something many residents would be looking forward to. According to Mr. Gupta, many of Indias neighbors have already allowed Google to deploy Street View in some of their cities and towns. The list includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Thailand in the Asia-Pacific region, and Japan in the Far East. While he lamented the Indian government dragging its feet on the policy front, Mr. Gupta nonetheless said that working on Google Maps in the country has allowed the company to come up with some new and innovative features that have since been used with success in other markets globally. A case in point is landmark-based directions that started life as an-India-specific feature but has since been launched in other countries around the world. Named Intersections, the local guides program and the offline maps feature are just some of the other notable additions that were inspired by India. Mr. Gupta also revealed that Google is trying to strike up a partnership with the Indian Railways for real-time train travel data, although he refused to give out a timeline for when that may finally see the light of the day. The company is already working with the Railways to provide free Wi-Fi at a number of stations around the country. The Mumbai Central Station was the very first one to receive the free Wi-Fi network earlier this year as part of Project Nilgiri, with a number of small-town stations following suit over the next few months. Google says it has plans to eventually cover 400 stations across the country going forward. The Meizu PRO 6 had been introduced back in April, as one of the first Meizu-branded smartphones to be introduced in 2016. This is Meizus flagship smartphone at the moment, though that might change soon considering that the company plans to release the Meizu PRO 6s, a device that has been leaking out for a long time now. This wont be the Exynos 8890-powered handset that weve all been waiting for, the companys VP confirmed that the Meizu PRO 7 (which was supposed to be powered by that SoC) launched this year, unfortunately. Chances are that the Meizu PRO 6s could ship with the same SoC that you can find in the Meizu PRO 6, MediaTeks Helio X25. That being said, the companys execs have already said that the Meizu PRO 6s will resemble its predecessor, and the companys VP even shared the back side of the phone which looks very similar to the Meizu PRO 6. They did say that the PRO 6s will sport a better camera than the PRO 6, and that it will also be able to hold a charge longer than its sibling. The Meizu PRO 6s is actually expected to land later today, as the company had sent out invites for the event a while back. Having that in mind, the companys pricing just leaked, the Jingdong Mall reservation listing reveals that the PRO 6s could cost 2,699 Yuan ($399), were looking at a 4GB RAM + 64GB storage variant here, and this is probably the higher-end model, as were expecting the 32GB variant to be announced as well, and that variant will be cheaper, of course. The Meizu PRO 6s is expected to sport a 5.2-inch fullHD (1920 x 1080) display, 4GB of RAM and 32GB / 64GB of internal storage. The phone will probably ship with the Helio X25 64-bit deca-core processor, and a 3,060mAh battery will be included on the inside. The PRO 6s is expected to sport a 12-megapixel snapper (Sonys IMX386) on the back, and Android 6.0 Marshmallow will come pre-installed on this device, along with Flyme, companys custom skin for Android. Stay tuned, the phone is expected to be announced later today. Advertisement Buy the Meizu PRO 6 Despite being commercially available for a few years now, virtuality reality (VR) can still be classified as an emerging technology. In other words, its still new, prone to rapid advancements, and too expensive for most people. The HTC Vive, for example, will set you back $799. Sure, its an incredibly impressive piece of hardware that allows for some astonishingly unique experiences, but that price tag is still way too much for most people. The Taiwanese consumer electronics manufacturer isnt blind to that fact, which is why the company has just announced a plan to bring the future of gaming to more people at a much lower cost. Curiously enough, HTC intends to do that by pairing VR with a much older technology arcade machines. In a press release published earlier today, the Taiwanese tech giant implied that its recent Vive VR Cafe test had been a huge success in China, at least regarding the Viveport Arcade platform. For the uninitiated, the Viveport Arcade is a licensing platform for modern arcade machines which can be equipped with the HTC Vive VR headset. It was originally tested within Vive VR Cafes and is now apparently ready to expand worldwide. The expansion will still start in China and Taiwan with two major titles which have just been announced for the Viveport Arcade Everest VR and The Brookhaven Experiment. As the name suggests, Everest VR is a virtual reality experience of climbing Mount Everest. If that doesnt sound exciting enough, The Brookhaven Experiment is an FPS horror game which tasks you with finding out what caused the end of the world and the accompanying zombie apocalypse. Both games boast rather high production qualities and are certainly great titles for showcasing the potential of VR gaming, which is what HTCs latest initiative is all about. The company stated that this new program will encourage VR developers to make thousands of new VR arcade games in the next 12 months. While the Viveport Arcade initiative is currently limited to China and Taiwan, latest reports suggest that HTC will soon be expanding it to the US and Europe through franchising. All in all, it seems that arcades are making a stylish comeback. Its debatable whether that will be enough to promote the HTC Vive and VR gaming as a whole, but this is a fairly low-risk endeavor for HTC, so its understandable that the company is willing to give it a go. With the Galaxy Note 7 now out of commission for reasons that have been well-documented in the media over the past several weeks, Samsung is trying their very best to infuse some life into a couple of its premium smartphones that were released earlier this year. The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge continue to remain two of the best smartphones that money can buy right now, but have lost some of the buzz they had say, six months back. However, with the Galaxy S8 still months away from an official launch, Samsung desperately needs something that will help it fight off the likes of Apple, Google and LG in the interim period. That being the case, the company has announced that it will add a vibrant new color option to its Galaxy S7 Edge lineup in some key markets around the world. According to reports, the all-new Blue Coral Galaxy S7 Edge will apparently be launched tomorrow in Singapore and Taiwan, but many other regions around the world, including the U.S, are expected to get the new model at some stage going forward. While official renders of the new model had been leaked much earlier, what we now have are a few live images that give us a better and more realistic idea about its look in the real world. Of course, the device is not expected to come with any alteration whatsoever in terms of either its hardware or software, but the new color option may still be a welcome change for many. The Galaxy S7 Edge is a premium smartphone from Samsung that comes with some very compelling hardware. That includes a 5.5-inch QHD display panel, the Snapdragon 820 SoC, 4GB of RAM and either 32 or 64GB of built-in storage depending on the chosen model. The device also comes with a 12-megapixel primary camera on the rear and a 5-megapixel secondary camera on the front for selfies and video chats. The phone also comes with a non-removable 3,600 mAh Li-ion battery, and has Android 6.0 Marshmallow pre-installed. Either way, the Blue Coral model is expected to be launched soon, so it shouldnt be too long before we get to see many more live images like the ones in the gallery below. Today Lenovo Group Ltd announced that it returned to profit in the third quarter of the year ending September 2016 (second fiscal quarter) contrary to analyst estimates, primarily thanks to gains originating from an asset sale. Lenovo remains the worlds largest PC vendor holding 21.3% market share and intends to maintain its spot in the lead through industry consolidation. According to Lenovo, the number of PCs shipped in the first half of the year declined by 3% while the market has declined by 4%. The companys Chairman and CEO Yang Yuanqing has communicated to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that in the short term, market conditions will remain challenging, but the company intends to remain in the lead through industry consolidation and by expanding its mobile and data center businesses. Data shows that Lenovos profits reached $157 million in Q3 2016, representing a noteworthy leap forward compared to a year ago when the company registered a quarterly loss of $714 million, following restructuring and the acquisition of Motorola. However, while estimates of 14 analysts were lower than $157 million (at $131 million), its worth pointing out that the final Q3 fiscal results have been helped by a property disposal worth $206 million. Moving on, the report shows that in the first half of the year the companys net profits were at $330 million whereas a year ago Lenovo registered losses of $609 million, and revenue fell 7% overall, down to $21.3 billion. Reportedly, revenue in the companys PC and smart device business fell 8%, 10% in the mobile business, and 4% in its data center venture. CEO Yang Yuanqing continued to add that Lenovo will develop new smart devices, powered by cloud and enriched with services. The group is exploring smart home, smart office, smart healthcare and other areas and leveraging artificial intelligence and other new technologies. While the gap in the PC market between Lenovos leading position and Hewlett Packards 2nd place continues to narrow, its worth noting that Lenovo is also in talks with Fujitsu Ltd for a strategic cooperation in the PC business, which might lead to Lenovo acquiring Fujitsus PC arm in order to widen its presence in the global PC market, and to mitigate the slow growth in its home market, China. Eighteen months ago in April 2015, Nokia announced a corporate deal to buy Alcatel-Lucent, a smaller rival in the competitive mobile or cellular network market. Although the deal was technically approved and was seen to be going ahead, Nokia needed to acquire all shares of Alcatel-Lucent and this was proving to be taking some time. Back in January 2016, Nokia announced that it had acquired more than three quarters of Alcatel-Lucent stock, giving it a controlling interest but not quite full control over the business. The Finnish company has announced steady increases in its acquisition over the year. However, this week Nokia announced that it had purchased all outstanding stock of Alcatel-Lucent, which many small shareholders had been keeping hold of in the hope of a more favorable price than Nokias original offer. Now that Nokia has complete and full control of Alcatel-Lucent, it will be able to complete the consolidation exercise with the smaller business and amalgamate costs within the two organisations and as such, realize the full benefit of the deal. The acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent is one part in a multi-year, multi-stage reinvention of Nokia, which started in 2013 when the Finnish company bought 50% of German networking specialist, Siemens. In 2014, Microsoft bought Nokias smartphone division. This deal gave Microsoft control of the Lumia brand and meant that Nokia was now out of the mobile phone and smartphone businesses until later this year. In 2015 as well as buying Alcatel-Lucent, Nokia sold its Here mapping division. On the subject of smartphones, we have seen a number of Nokia-branded prototype models appearing over the last eighteen months and rumors that the Finnish business is planning to release a small family of devices. The Nokia-branded Android tablet, which is only available in limited markets around the world, was a liked and enjoyed product so the signs are positive. As for the Alcatel-Lucent deal, Nokia has already managed to reduce the costs within Alcatel-Lucent but will be able to complete this. At the end of October, Nokia announced it had reduced losses to approximately $135 million for the third quarter, down from a loss of over $700 million in the previous quarter. Following the acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent, Nokias networking division almost doubled sales to almost $6 billion. With the whole company now under Nokias control, the company should be able to improve returns and in a statement the company explained: Nokia will now start eliminating the complexity and costs of running two separate public companies. Lenovo is one of the largest tech companies in Asia, and also globally, as theyre selling their products all over the world. In addition to manufacturing laptops and all sorts of tech, Lenovo is also a smartphone manufacturer. As many of you probably already know, this company had acquired Motorola Mobility from Google a couple of years ago, and has been releasing Moto-branded devices ever since then (in addition to Lenovo-branded ones). The Moto Z and Moto Z Force are the flagship Moto-branded devices for this year, and Lenovo has been pushing out the Motorola brand bit-by-bit for a while now. That being said, some people though that we will continue seeing Motorolas Moto-branded devices released under the Lenovo brand, so that they will be called Lenovo Moto, or something of the sort. Well, it seems like a change is coming, though they might be released under different branding, at least according to a new rumor. According to the source, we wont be seeing Lenovo-branded devices any longer (including Vibe-branded phones), the Lenovo P2 which is set to be released soon will be the last Lenovo-branded smartphone to hit the market. Now, the source isnt exactly clear whether were going to see Lenovo Moto devices in the future, or simply Moto-branded ones. In any case, if this rumor is accurate, you can expect to see Moto branding on every single smartphone Lenovo decides to release in the future, as the Lenovo Mobile division of the Lenovo Group wont release Lenovo-branded devices any longer. Do keep in mind that this is just a rumor at this point, and truth be told the explanation is not all that great, so well have to wait for Lenovo to officially explain what is going on. We have been waiting for such a change from the company considering theyve been selling their devices under two separate brands, though were wondering whether the Lenovo name will be included in the process at all, or will Moto completely take over and be the only branding out there, without the Lenovo part. In any case, stay tuned, well report back as soon as more info surfaces, as per usual. Samsungs latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy Note 7, was an amazing device, however, it had a major safety issue with the battery that ultimately caused it to be discontinued. While this obviously caused Samsung to take a financial hit, it was damaging to their image as well, causing consumers to lose confidence in them as a brand. Looking ahead to their next major device launch, to regain the interest of consumers, they must not only demonstrate that they have improved their quality control regarding safety but also release a device that is absolutely stellar. According to Business Korea, they may have a secret weapon in store Artificial Intelligence (AI). Last month, Google unveiled the Pixel and Pixel XL, both with their new AI assistant software called Google Assistant. Unlike most voice assistant services on current smartphones, Google Assistant uses AI to learn about the user to more effectively respond to their questions and requests. This will ideally provide a more thorough and intuitive experience. With a company as influential as Google releasing an AI-based assistant, its no surprise that other companies are looking toward building similar offerings. Samsung already has a voice assistant, called S Voice, but using AI could improve the experience significantly. Samsung is reportedly expected to include its first AI-based assistant software in the upcoming flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S8, which will likely be launched in the early part of next year. At the time of this writing, there are a few vague rumors about some of the other features and functionality the Galaxy S8 may include, but a lack of concrete information that can be officially confirmed. More info about the device should start to show up in the coming months, as its expected launch approaches. VIV Labs, a company founded by three of the developers of Apples voice assistant Siri, was recently acquired by Samsung, which supports the idea that the company plans further develop their voice assistant technology. If the AI-based assistant in the S8 is phenomenal, this could serve as a major selling point for the device, and could potentially help Samsung win back many of the consumers they lost earlier this year due to the issues with the Galaxy Note 7. Samsungs troubles with their Galaxy Note 7 resulted in one of the largest recalls in the history of the mobile world, with an estimated 4.3 million phones needing to be disposed of, between recalled units and those that never left the factory. Within those phones, literal tons of precious materials like cobalt, silver, tungsten, and gold can be found. While its an expensive and time-consuming process, these materials can be recovered and reused, rather than ending up in the environment, causing harm. Thats exactly what Greenpeace has called on Samsung to do. According to a public statement from Samsung, the South Korean giant is looking into better ways to get rid of the rogue units than simply dumping them or burning them. Samsung did not mention Greenpeace by name in the statement, but it was issued just a few days after Greenpeace put out the call for Samsung to recycle the Galaxy Note 7 handsets. Samsung stated that they are checking out all of their options, figuring out the best way to deal with the glut of bum phones needing to be done away with. They said that their chosen solution will be compliant with all applicable laws, but did not say exactly how they plan to go about disposing of the phones, or whether they will recover the precious materials used in the construction of the millions of phones for future use. The recall and disposal of the entire Galaxy Note 7 projects yield poses no small set of issues, with environmental concerns being one of the bigger ones. Samsung is known for being environment-conscious, and has enacted many a green initiative in the past, including fully recyclable cell phones like the Samsung Reclaim. Still, getting rid of some 4.3 million odd phones all at once is a huge undertaking for anybody, and one would be remiss to think that it can be done without some environmental impact. Still, Samsung has cash to spare and a good bit of experience with eco-friendliness, so they may well be able to mitigate the possible environmental harm here to an acceptable level. Doubtlessly, the industry will be watching as Samsung sets the precedent for a recall on such a previously unseen scale. The Huawei Mate 9 has been leaking out for quite some time now. The companys flagship phablet has been long awaited by quite a few people who are looking to upgrade from the Huawei Mate 8 (or even the companys P9 devices), even though thats still quite a capable smartphone. Judging by all the leaks that weve seen in the last couple of days, the Huawei Mate 9 will resemble its predecessor quite a bit, though there will be some changes included in this design, and it is possible that a second variant will be introduced as well, the so-called Huawei Mate 9 Pro, which well talk about in a minute. In any case, the companys press event in Munich is about to start soon, and we have good news for those of you who want to follow whats going on, as the company has decided to livestream the whole thing. If you take a look down below this article, youll notice that weve embedded a YouTube link where you can watch the Huawei Mate 9s announcement live. The event is in Munich, Germany, but this is a global announcement event, so you can expect the whole event to be in English, which should make it possible for every one of you to follow the happenings. Now, we do have a pretty good idea as to what Huawei might introduce today, so lets quickly go over it, shall we. Both the Huawei Mate 9 and its Pro variant had leaked quite recently. The two devices are actually rumored to ship with an almost identical spec sheet, but the Pro model is said to sport a curved display, unlike the regular Mate 9 variant, and theyll probably also look a bit different considering that the Pro variant had leaked with a home button below the display, unlike the based Mate 9 model. Both devices are said to ship with a 5.9-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) display, 6GB of RAM and more than one internal storage variant. Huaweis HiSilicon Kirin 960 64-bit octa-core SoC will fuel the two devices, and you can expect to see two camera sensors on the back of the Mate 9 (Pro), 20-megapixel and 12-megapixel snappers. Advertisement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM1Qtz3HuhE Beatrice residents will have a new option for coffee starting next week. Scooters Coffee, located at the Indian Creek Mall near Highway 77 and Industrial Row, plans to hold a grand opening for the public on Nov. 11. There will also be a soft opening held in advance of the first official day. Katie Kieffer, who will run the Scooters Coffee franchise in Beatrice, said shes excited for the coffee shop to open. It went really well, she said of the buildings construction. That building went up fast. I cant wait for the opening. Kieffer added the store will serve other items in addition to coffee, including smoothies, breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, scones, muffins, breads and cinnamon rolls. The Scooters will be a walk-in building with a drive-thru window. Officials broke ground on the building in late June, with aspirations the store would open in 2016. Plans to launch a Scooters in Beatrice were announced last October, after the Kieffer family was announced as a new Nebraska franchisee with Scooters Coffee last August. Kieffer, who has experience managing one of the Scooter's locations in Lincoln, will own and operate the store in Beatrice, a town she said needed more coffee options. They didnt have a coffee shop down there and everybody loves coffee, she said. When it came to picking a location, it just seemed like the right spot for us. In March, the Beatrice City Council vacated and replatted a lot into two smaller lots for the location. Scooters Coffee is originally based out of Omaha, and has been serving coffee for around 17 years. When in operation, the Beatrice location is expected to employ 10-12 people. AIG insurance exits Uganda market in an operations review strategy Insurance company AIG has exited the Ugandan market following what it attributed to a review of its strategy to create simplified organization that positions them to achieve their global strategy based on capabilities and market opportunities. After careful consideration and in depth review AIG will stop offering insurance products in the general market in Uganda. Our existing clients will continue to receive full administration and claims support for the remaining period of their policies. We will remind our clients of this change at the appropriate time prior to expiration of their policy, reads the statement issued by AIG Insurance. Mr Ibrahim Kadunabbi Lubega, the chief executive officer Insurance Regulatory Authority, said he is aware that AIG is exiting the country as a result of their desire to reduce their presence in various economies. It is not only in Uganda that they are closing their operations but they are also doing the same in other countries. To us as the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), we wouldnt have wished it to happen but we are comforted that even when it happens, the businesses will still remain with us because the businesses are being passed on to other companies. We do not have a direct loss as Uganda because it is just one investor who is pulling out but other people are increasing their investment and their capacity to underwrite the risk is available, Mr Lubega said. However, an investigation conducted by this newspaper reveals that some employees have already been given letters notifying them of termination of their contracts which will expire by December 2016. Some employees, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the insurance company, in the letter, said they would receive their severance pay and their employment would be terminated by end of the year. Data from IRA indicates that gross claims for both life and non-life insurance (including health membership organisations) rose from $53 million in 2014 to $62 million in 2015, representing a growth of 16.08 per cent. This excludes the outstanding claims and those that will emerge from the long-term policies. According to the 2016 IRA preliminary report, the insurance industry gross premium underwritten slightly increased from $145 million in 2014 to $176 million in 2015, representing a compound growth of 21.58 per cent. www.aig.co.ug Belgium to extradite Nemmouche to France Jewish Museum attack suspect linked to journos Syria abdu (ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, NOVEMBER 3 - The Belgian federal prosecutor's office on Thursday green-lighted the extradition of suspected terrorist Mehdi Nemmouche to France. Nemmouche is currently on trial in Belgium for killing four people during a shooting attack at the Jewish Museum in Brussels in May 2014. However, the Frenchman of Algerian descent is also wanted by French prosecutors on suspicion of being part of an Islamist group that abducted four French journalists in Syria in the same year. Nemmouche has asked to be extradited to France only once the trial in Belgium is over. Federal prosecutors said it was too early to say when he would be handed over to their French counterparts. (ANSAmed). Moroccan teenage girls arrested for kissing released Remain under investigation, due to appear before judge on Friday (ANSAmed) - RABAT, NOVEMBER 3 - Two teenage girls were allowed to return home on Thursday after being arrested on October 27 for kissing on a terrace in Marrakech thanks to the intervention of the Moroccan human rights association AMDH, which secured their release. However, the girls aged 16 and 17 remain under investigation for homosexuality and are due to appear before a court of first instance on Friday. AMDH obtained their release on the basis of constitutional principles. "Never before has a photograph used as evidence against them been seen in Morocco," said Younes Yatine in reference to the photograph taken by a neighbour who reported the girls, leading to their arrest. During their time in prison custody the girls were reportedly denied food and made to sign documents without having time to read them first. "They are minors, despite this one of the girls was taken to the ordinary prison," said Yatine. (ANSAmed) - RABAT - The 22nd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP22) on climate change is kicking off in Marrakesh on November 7 and the event's program has not been revealed in detail yet. Until the 18th the city will be filled with international events and leading guests. Directly invited by King Mohammed VI, who is hosting the event, and by the president of COP22, Salaheddine Mezzouar, heads of State, members of the performance arts and culture will contribute to attract the limelight on the event. Italian Premier Matteo Renzi is expected to attend. The numerous political delegation will also include French President Francois Hollandeand German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Organizers vie to take concrete steps and have in their aid 192 signatures on the Paris accord and 92 States that have already activated the process of environmental control, well over the threshold of 55 countries set as a minimum objective to reduce world greenhouse-gas emissions. Details on participants and the calendar have not been officially revealed yet for diplomatic and security reasons. But Leonardo Di Caprio, who likes to visit Morocco were he often films movies directed by friend and mentor Martin Scorsese, as well as Robert Redford, are expected to attend. They have been invited as presidents and environmental organizations recognized worldwide. Nobel Prize winner, ex-vice president Al Gore, with his movie on climate change, is part of the VIP list. Prince Albert of Monaco will act as moderator on the day dedicated to themes that are dear to his foundation, the safeguard of seas and oceans. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a former actor and governor of California, will attend among local and regional leaders at the same table with UN Secretary Genera Ban ki-Moon and former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg. Prince Charles will launch a global project to protect the soil and in particular farm lands. The initiative vies to improve the fertility of land and food security worldwide. (ANSAmed) On Thursday, November 17, Swann Galleries will hold an auction of Printed & Manuscript Americana, featuring coast-to-coast historical documents relating to Mormons, conquistadors, the invention of the telephone and more. Early selections include the 1535 first Italian edition of Libro Primo de la conquista del Peru & provincial del Cuzco , a contemporary narrative of Peruvian conquest under Francisco Pizarro, written at his request by his secretary, Francisco Xerez ($12,000 to $18,000). Also available is A Philosophical Treatise of the Original and Production of Things by Richard Franck, 1687. Arguably the first work on philosophy written in North America, the book also discusses theology and natural history, referencing a fish called the American Snite ($3,000 to $4,000). Materials related to the American Revolution include a collection of 38 issues of the Pennsylvania Gazette sent to a single subscriber from 1773-74, with such historical highlights as a justification and discussion of the recent Boston Tea Party; Observations on Inoculation for the Small-Pox ; and an early printing of the Suffolk Resolves, presented to the Continental Congress ($5,000 to $7,500). Captain John Schencks original unpublished manuscript orderly book titled Preparing for the Most Vigorous Defence details the fortification of New York City from February to April 1776. The book includes passwords and countersigns, updated daily, as well as financial accounts and a log of goings-on in the camp ($6,000 to $9,000). Other highlights include the first announcement of the completion of the United States Constitution in convention (in a 1789 issue of the Pennsylvania Packet ), estimated at $20,000 to $30,000. Also available is George Washingtons official printing of the Treaty of Greenville, 1795, which ended the ten-year Northwest Indian War. Only one other copy of the treaty has appeared at auction; the present copy is expected to sell for $6,000 to $9,000, One unusual highlight from the sale is A Discourse Delivered in Charlestonbefore the Reformed Society of Israelites , a pamphlet recounting the 1827 speech by in South Carolina by Isaac N. Cardozo. The line of Cardozo and his common-law wife Lydia (they could not marry legally because she was an African American) continues to this day. The pamphlet, in excellent condition, is expected to sell between $12,000 and $18,000. The top lot of the sale is the rare first edition of The Book of Mormon , released days before the official establishment of the church in 1830. This is the only version to list Joseph Smith as the author and proprietor rather than the translator; it is valued at $40,000 to $60,000. A manuscript diary by a preacher named Benajah Williams is also in the sale, concerning circumstantial associations to Smith's first vision ($10,000 to $15,000). Other Mormon offerings include a $1 banknote altered to read "Kirtland Safety Society Anti-Banking Co." now valued at $4,000 to $6,000. With highlights from the collection of Timothy Treacy, the sale offers selections that include most of the "Zamorano 80," a 1945 list of the most important early books on California. One of these, Edward Vischer's Views of California , 1862, a portfolio of 24 lithographs of what is now Calaveras Big Trees State Park, includes a view of the US Armys herd of war camels approaching Mammoth Grove ($4,000 and $6,000). Military artifacts include Elias B. Hillards set of mounted albumen photographs and biographies of the last six surviving veterans of the American Revolution, published in Connecticut in 1864; estimated at $3,000 to $4,000. Also available is an unusually large and complete archive of war-date correspondence by a lucky member of the ill-fated 16th Connecticut Infantry named Charles L. Taylor. The lot of nearly 450 items includes Taylors diary, letters to his new bride Harriet Tuttle and his parents, and their replies. The tone of each is markedly different, creating a multi-dimensional view of battles and life in the camps from 1862-65. Most of the 16th Connecticut Infantry was decimated in the Battle of Antietam; survivors were taken to the infamous Andersonville Prison. Taylor was one of very few that emerged from the war unscathed. The lot includes additional letters, family photographs and valuables, and one portrait; it is estimated at $8,000 to $12,000. The Illustrated log of the USS Narragansetts Pacific Cruise was kept by the Narragansett s Midshipman George A. Calhoun from 1871 to 1872. The manuscript includes detailed maps, illustrations and albumen photographs recording the ships movements in the South Pacific, including Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, Pago and Samoa ($10,000 to $15,000). Fans of the telephone will be pleased by several years of correspondence concerning Alexander Graham Bell and his family, including letters from his student and future wife Mabel to her mother in which she calls him dandified and suggests he made a very curious discovery with his telegraph the last evening. The lot spans 1874-84 and includes photos and a lock of Bells hair; it is estimated at $2,000 to $3,000. The auction will be held Thursday, November 17, beginning at 1:30 p.m. The auction preview will be open to the public Saturday, November 12 from noon to 5 p.m.; Monday, November 14 through Wednesday, November 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Thursday, November 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. An illustrated auction catalogue is available for $35 from Swann Galleries, Inc., 104 East 25th Street, New York, NY 10010, or online at www.swanngalleries.com Migrants: Jungle dismantled, last 1,500 minors gone 700 allocated to the UK after latest talks on Calais (by Alessandra Bianchi) (ANSAmed) - PARIS, NOVEMBER 3 - The so-called Jungle of Calais, a migrant camp in northern France, does not exist anymore. The latest chapter in the story unfolded when the last 1,500 minors who had remained in the containers were transferred. The evacuation started at 8 am and continued throughout the day yesterday: the first of 30 buses made available by the State has 43 minors on board an left for Carcassonne, in southern France. The choice of centers hosting the migrants was not made by them but by authorities. The minors however could decide who they would be leaving with. Two French and British interior ministry officials were aboard each convoy, along with two officials accompanying them and two interpreters. Most of the minors to continue to pursue their dream of reaching the UK and half of them will be reportedly allowed to go. According to the Daily Telegraph, about 700 received a green light from London to reach their families in Britain. They will be joining the 308 who already left last week. Over the past few days, harsh diplomatic negotiations took place between Paris and London. Those who have stayed have two options: applying for asylum in France or reaching another European country. Two days after the official conclusion of the operation at the Jungle, only 400 women and children remain at the Jules-Ferry center on the sidelines of the camp. In two weeks, some 6,000 people, along with the 1,500 minors, were distributed in different hosting and orientation centers (CAO) across the country. Everything at the camp has been destroyed with bulldozers razing to the ground tents and camper vans A few months from the presidential election in the spring, dismantling Calais has a strong political and symbolic meaning but the operation is not necessarily the end of the story. A number of NGOs have no doubt migrants will return and some are already heading back. About 1,000 former camp residents have not been redistributed in hosting centers and are still in the area in hopes of crossing the channel. Franois Hollande has assured the area of the former camp will be ''controlled and nobody will be able to reach it''. For its part, Great Britain has invested millions of euros to create a 'large wall' to block access to the road that takes to the port. The controversial structure should be completed by the end of the year. For years, this part of France has been seen as a fundamental passage to reach the UK and the story that has unfolded over the past few days is not unprecedented. Nicolas Sarkozy had to dismantle the old camp of Sangatte, just a few kilometers from Calais, but the situation soon returned as it was before, if not worse. Over the weekend, Hollande also promised to dismantle a tent camp in northern Paris where over 2,000 people live in desperate conditions, without assistance apart from the one provided by NGOs, associations and citizens. Mayor Anne Hidalgo has promised the imminent opening of a center to host 400 migrants. Yet over 2,000 migrants are sleeping outdoors in the capital and winter is drawing nearer. (ANSAmed) BRUSSELS - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has said he is willing to meet the family of Giulio Regeni, the Italian student tortured and murdered in Cairo earlier this year, according to the Italian member of a six-strong MEP delegation who went to Egypt from October 30 to November 2. Andrea Cozzolino, an MEP for the centre-left Democratic Party, quoted Sisi as saying the Regeni case "is a question I will personally follow and as soon as I have a clearer picture of the responsibilities I intend to dialogue directly with the family, also by meeting them, to inform them and to show that we are doing our utmost to respond to this affair in terms of truth and justice". In light of continued developments, primarily since 2008, there exists in these United States a Legal System which operates on a proved Two Tiered approach to justice rendered, which primarily benefits Democratic Elites and Woke Ideological Virtue Signalers, representing their co-dependent wards, to the expressed exclusion of normal hardworking American citizens: What is your suggestion in remedying this widespread injustice and, if not corrected, its existential outcome for our Constitutional Republic? Complete overhaul of the Department of Justice and their enforcers - the FBI - to reflect a far more honest justice system to keep patriots remaining calm. Disband the FBI, and request that congress investigate all unethical and non patriotic practices to partially right the wrongs of a distrusted and politically weaponized "Department of Justice." The appalling terrorist attack at Ataturk airport in June this year was a blow to Turkish aviation. But it is a testament to the sectors resilience that the airport was operating again within a few hours. The global aviation community has condemned the attack and has shown overwhelming solidarity with Turkey. Despite the tragic events, Rafael Schvartzman, European regional vice president for the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is in no doubt that Turkey is a nation going places quite literally, in its growing desire to travel by air. Latest IATA figures show that passenger numbers to, from and within Turkey are set to grow from 79 million last year to 171 million by 2035. That would make Turkey the 10th biggest aviation market on the planet, Schvartzman commented. It means that aviation will be an even bigger contributor to, and facilitator of, Turkeys economic strength. At present aviation supports more than 48 billion ($53bn) in gross domestic product (GDP) and more than a million jobs. The potential is for these numbers to increase. But there are challenges. Schvartzman has observed that all this growth has big implications for aviation infrastructure. The government has responded by planning the worlds largest airport in Istanbul, but equally important is the infrastructure in the sky the air traffic management (ATM) system, he said. In June, IATA representatives were in Turkey to highlight the value of aviation and focus on improvements to the countrys air navigation services (ANS). Air traffic control (ATC) across Europe is facing a crisis as failure to reform and modernise ANS is leading to greater delays, increased carbon emissions, and limits on capacity, said Schvartzman. For many years, European governments have had a project the single European sky (SES) which is supposed to deal with these issues. But progress on SES is stalled. The result is that air travel in Europe is slower, more expensive, the continent is less connected than it could be, and Turkey is losing out in terms of jobs and economic development. Schvartzman reckoned if the [Turkish] government made it a priority to modernise ANS, the benefits were potentially huge. IATA forecasts that, in 2035, Turkey stands to gain an extra 10 billion in economic activity, including 111,000 more jobs. Turkish consumers will benefit from fewer delays, shorter flights, and more connections. There will be fewer emissions and airlines will be more competitive thanks to lower costs. It is a win-win for everybody, Schvartzman projected. The modernisation of European airspace is a Europe-wide project, but each individual nation has its part to play, including Turkey. What is needed is a national airspace strategy detailing the key milestones and with the support of airline stakeholders; how Turkey is going to reform and modernise its air traffic control to keep pace with demand. As Turkey takes its place among the foremost aviation nations, it has an opportunity to showcase not only a world-class facility at the New Istanbul Airport, but also a world-class air navigation system, he added. Gianpiero Lorandi, SVP for the traffic control systems line of business, security and information systems division at Leonardo-Finmeccanica, feels his companys SMART system is exactly what Turkey needs, in terms of infrastructure and ATC capabilities, to successfully confront expected passenger growth beyond 2020. The system has been designed and implemented to allow a significant reduction of controllers workload, reduction in separation between aircraft, more efficient route charges, safety and security guaranteed in the voice-over-IP, radar network distribution, processing and multiple levels of operational contingency between sites, Lorandi explained. The SMART system supported the 21.4% growth in air passengers at Istanbul Airport last year, according to an Airports Council International (ACI) Europe report, with no operational issues or shortfall in terms of system performances, Lorandi pointed out. In terms of key technologies, we believe that the interoperability through secure networks and the digital communications are today enabling technologies for supporting the growth, he continued. A network centric approach and a dynamic airspace management is also enhancing the level of coordination he said. Automation tools for better supporting the controllers decision process in assuring separation are essential. Reduced errors between the actual and planned flight trajectories increase predictability, and capacity-planning tools will also help to provide a better service to airlines. In the long term, he sees different technologies emerging as potential enablers of growth and safety. But it will take time for them to be accepted in the market and by the regulatory bodies, he added. In general, Lorandi predicts that system-wide capabilities will outpace sensor capability. Technology is clearly essential to drive the future air navigation to have low emissions, better performances and a reduced workload on controllers, he said. Regardless of location, to successfully manage air traffic growth one must focus on safety and efficiency. Modifications to existing ATM systems or procedures should be designed to address both of these important aspects, with efforts prioritised to target the areas with the most acute growing pains. Given the density of air traffic in the terminal airspace and on the airport surface, these areas of congestion need particular attention when traffic levels are increasing. This is the case in Turkey. To enable safe and efficient ground movements at congested airports, air traffic solutions provider Saab recommends the installation or expansion of advanced surface movement and guidance systems (A-SMGCS). By combining multilateration, surface movement radar, and advanced traffic displays, controllers in the ATC tower are provided with clear, predictable situational awareness and automated safety alert, said Bengt Ekholm, VP, head of Eastern Europe at Saab Technologies. At airports where traffic is expected to grow, Ekholm feels such a system is a must. It not only benefits airlines and passengers, but a well-functioning air traffic system is a huge economic enabler for a region. While an A-SMGCS can be used in coordination with existing procedures and systems, one should also consider upgrading some of the important adjacent systems. For example, in many places in the world controllers still utilise paper strips to track the progress of a flight. New technology can minimise controller workload and incorporate additional safety alerting functions. To this end, Saab recommends augmenting A-SMGCS with electronic flight strips and other decision support tools. This reduces the cognitive load placed on tower controllers and allows them to keep their heads up and their eyes looking out of the window, Ekholm said. He explained that additional traffic flow management tools, like a departure manager, could also provide enormous benefits. They utilise computer algorithms to optimise aircraft sequences and throughput while requiring very little controller interaction. The result is a more optimal use of resources and more time for ATC controllers to do their primary job issue clearances and ensure the safe separation of aircraft. To facilitate an increase of air traffic in areas with little or no current air traffic, however, it is not enough to simply eliminate bottlenecks. Ekholm continued: One must consider how to provide air traffic control services in the places where people and goods need to travel. To address this challenge, Turkey and other growing markets can look to revolutionary new digital tower solutions [often referred to as remote towers] that replace traditional brick-and-mortar towers with lower-cost camera systems. Lastly, Ekholm pointed out that wide area surveillance is also an important capability for markets with growing air traffic. He said wide area multilateration (WAM) is an effective way to accurately track aircraft over a wide region or entire nation. Not only can the initial investment for WAM be much lower than that for older, traditional radar systems, the technology offers incredible flexibility and is a bridge to the future of automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B). Additionally, once an airport surface multilateration system is in place to support an A-SMGCS, Ekholm said it could easily be expanded to provide surveillance in the terminal and en route airspace and help provide extended coverage to enable better cross-border collaboration. Over 300 Emirates staff gathered for the flag-raising ceremony this morning, and the event, amongst others taking place across the country, symbolises UAE national pride and cohesion. Sheikh Ahmed said: Raising and celebrating the UAE flag today shows its importance as a symbol of strength and unity of our great country and a source of pride and inspiration for our citizens and residents alike. I am heartened to see staff from all backgrounds participating in todays flag raising ceremony, which reinforces how far we have come, and how we will be stronger than the challenges of the future. Oman Air has been awarded the 2023 Five-Star Major Airline rating by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). The new mobile app is simple and enjoyable to use, providing comprehensive trip management and giving guests the information they need in a way that suits them. Guests can now organise their journeys directly on the app, which includes booking flights, checking in for flights, securing a mobile boarding pass, checking flight status, or viewing their Etihad Guest miles balance. Additional key features include a simple flight search function, a credit card scanner for payments, a passport scan facility to check in, and improved flight seat maps. Justin Warby, vice president of direct sales for Etihad Airways, said: This is a step forward in our innovation strategy to enable a convenient, more personalised digital travel experience. Our guests are central to how we develop these services, and their feedback has been important in the creation of this latest app. Technological innovation will be vital in the development of our industry, and as a leading airline, we want to be able to provide services that make travel simple for everyone. The airline recently launched an iOS application for iPhones, and partnered with Abu Dhabi Airports to enable guests to navigate their way around Abu Dhabi International Airport using indoor maps. This was a first for the Middle East and there have been over 350,000 downloads from the App Store since it launched in April of this year. The app has also delivered over 25,000 bookings and 130,000 check ins. Khawla Ali Albadi, head of technology and innovation at Etihad Airways, said: Following on from the success of the iOS app earlier in the year, weve been keen to ensure were offering a full range of services to smartphone users. As part of the on-going investment in the fleet and the work being delivered throughout the travel group, we will continue to develop additional digital products for the benefit of our guests. Through to June 2017, the airline with the green and white livery will fly non-stop with one service on Mondays, from each of Munich and Dusseldorf in Germany to the beach and diving paradise. With this decision, Germania joins a number of other European airlines, becoming the first German airline to fly to Sharm El Sheikh since the end of the temporary flight ban imposed by the German Department of Tourism. After careful analysis and evaluation of the situation in Sharm El Sheikh, Germania is responding to requests received from tour operators and is reintroducing regular flights, said Sieghard Jahn, Germania Fluggesellschafts accountable manager. Security lapses at the airport had become evident in connection with the crash of a Russian passenger jet above the Sinai Peninsula last year. Together with several international experts, our Security Manager personally took part in several evaluations. The airports safety procedures have been considerably improved over recent months and are now in line with international requirements. Over the last few years, Egypt has become a popular destination for holiday makers who enjoy diving and snorkelling. Sharm El Sheikh, in particular, offers a spectacular underwater world and complements holiday offers available in Hurghada. In the coming winter season, we are delighted to offer holiday-makers seeking rest and relaxation, as well as water-sports enthusiasts, another opportunity to spend their holiday by the Red Sea, Jahn added. Gulf Air chief commercial officer, Ahmed Janahi said: We are always looking to satisfy the high demand to and from Pakistan and cater to passenger needs across the Gulf Air network. Gulf Airs increased Sialkot frequency will enhance the existing Gulf Air service to one of our national carriers seven destinations in Pakistan. With additional flights between Bahrain and Sialkot we are offering enhanced schedule flexibility for our valued travelers while also creating improved connections for those passengers travelling to and from Gulf Airs network of onwards destinations across the globe. In a ceremony held recently, the Sindbad team welcomed the latest member, Fakhria Khamis Al Ajami, the renowned first Omani actress, at Oman Airs Head Office. Al Ajami received a complimentary Gold Tier membership of Sindbad, which gives access to exclusive benefits such as extra baggage allowance, Business Class lounge access for the member and a guest, in-flight duty free discount, priority check in, bonus Sindbad miles and more. Paul Gregorowitsch, chief executive officer, Oman Air said: We are delighted to have reached 500,000 members. Celebrating this milestone is a great achievement for us and is a reflection of the airlines commitment to service to rewarding and forming genuine connections with our customers. Named Sindbad after the legendary sailor who is thought to be from Oman, Oman Airs frequent flyer programme is synonymous with travel, benefits, and excitement, and reflects the heritage and pioneering spirit of its namesake. The programme has members throughout the airlines international network, who are able to progress through its three tiers Gold, Silver and Blue. Every member enjoys access to a wide range of privileges and special offers. Gold, the highest honour, was awarded to Qatar Airways for its International Business Class experience on the A350 aircraft, and Silver was awarded for its International Economy Class as well as its A350 and Going Places Together brand campaign. Qatar Airways senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications, Salam Al Shawa, said: We are thrilled to be honoured by the panel of experts gathered by Travel Weekly, and we are deeply appreciative of this recognition by our industrys experts. Qatar Airways brand campaign, Going Places Together, reflects the attitude we bring to the travel experience we want to be part of our passengers journey, to experience the transformative power of travel with them. It is truly an honour to be recognised by your peers, and I extend my congratulations to the other award winners this year." Exploring the Rothwell Charnel Chapel Project Why were bones placed in charnel chapels, and just how common was this practice in medieval England? Work at Rothwell, Northamptonshire, is shining remarkable new light on the significance of these ossuaries. Elizabeth Craig-Atkins, Jennifer Crangle, and Dawn Hadley from the University of Sheffield explain the domain of the anonymous dead. In the 1860s, Paul Cypher (the pen name of a local doctor and clergyman) published a dramatic account of the surprise discovery of the charnel chapel at Holy Trinity Church, Rothwell. Around 1700, a grave digger wielding his mattock suddenly found himself precipitated into a dark abyss, and one might easily imagine his consternation when the dust had subsided, and his eyes grown accustomed to the darkness, at discovering himself in this awful assemblage of past generations. The nightmarish experience of falling into a dark pit filled with human bones has since passed into local folklore. Whatever the truth of this story, or indeed the fate of the poor digger, it seems that the charnel chapel had been sealed up intact and remained untouched until its rediscovery. Thanks to this, the collection of human remains stored within holds great potential for piecing together the purpose of medieval charnel practices in England. The Rothwell Charnel Chapel Project, based at the University of Sheffield, began with the doctoral research of team member Jennifer Crangle, who reviewed the number of charnel chapels constructed during the medieval period, the motivation behind their sudden appearance and proliferation, and their role within medieval funerary and liturgical practice. We have since focused our research on the chapel at Rothwell. This is one of only two sites in England where a medieval charnel chapel and its contents are preserved, creating a rare opportunity to understand why such ossuaries were established. Our findings are challenging much of the received wisdom about such repositories. A rare survival The room that prompted Paul Cyphers dramatic prose is a vaulted, semi-subterranean structure divided into two bays. It lies directly beneath the south aisle of Holy Trinity Church, which was constructed during the late 13th or early 14th century. As the south wall of the church aligns with that of the charnel chapel, it may also have been built at this time. There are faint traces of a painting on the east wall of the charnel chapel, which would have been illuminated by two windows (now blocked in) placed high on the south wall. Although too little remains of this image to identify its subject, other similar scenes in medieval churches depict the Resurrection. The charnel chapel at Rothwell still houses a large group of disarticulated human bones. Currently, most of these are arranged into two substantial stacks located centrally within the room. Despite the movement and collapse of the piles in some areas, the bones remain in an orderly arrangement, with long bones stacked in clear layers. A large number of crania have been arranged separately on shelving running along the two long walls of the chapel. We are aware of only one other medieval charnel chapel in England that survives in a comparable state of completeness. It is at St Leonards Church in Hythe in Kent. The Hythe and Rothwell chapels share similarities in their architecture and in the arrangement of the human remains within them. The room at Hythe is larger than that at Rothwell, but it is also partially underground and illuminated by windows. Medieval charnel chapels Understanding the nature and extent of medieval charnel practice in England is hindered by the poor survival of the chapels themselves and the even rarer survival of the human remains once housed within them. Knowledge of the number, nature, and dating of medieval charnel chapels has, by necessity, largely relied on documentary sources such as foundation records, churchwardens accounts, and wills. Some comprehensive archaeological studies do exist, for example the work of Nicholas Orme and Roberta Gilchrist on Exeter and Norwich respectively, but these focus on freestanding chapels located in large, high-status ecclesiastical complexes very different from the structure at Rothwell, which is sited beneath a parish church. The focus on documented sites has resulted in some broad generalisations about medieval charnel practice. It has been concluded that chapels were rare in England and that their role within medieval religious practice was inconsistent. It is also suggested that they were typically freestanding buildings, which tended to lie north or west of a church. As no such freestanding buildings are found at parish churches, it has been assumed that the form of their charnel chapels is largely unknown. Our research is allowing us to challenge many of these generalisations. Surveying the documentary and archaeological evidence has identified over 50 potential medieval charnel chapel sites dating from the 13th to 15th centuries, which are located in cathedral and abbey complexes, parish churches, and hospitals across England. This contradicts the suggestion that charnelling was rare in medieval England. It is also apparent that charnel chapels could take two forms the freestanding buildings recognised in previous research and subterranean rooms as found at Rothwell. Both types of charnel chapel were constructed from the 13th century, located below ecclesiastic buildings, and intended to house human remains. They also share permanent staircases to facilitate access, windows to provide light, and other features including wall paintings, basins for holy water, and niches, presumably for candles or statues. New opportunities The surviving skeletal material at Rothwell provides a way to explore the role and character of charnel practice, which will form the focus of the next stages of our research project. Although the chapel may have been built at around the same time as the rebuilding of the south wall of the church in the late 13th or early 14th century, it does not follow that this was when the charnel was placed in the chapel. We have recently undertaken a programme of radiocarbon dating of the bones, providing an independent scientific basis for the chronology of charnelling for the first time in England. Five samples were selected for radiocarbon dating. These included one skull (Sample 4) with a distinctive cut to its top, suggestive of anatomical dissection. The dates we obtained, along with a short description of the unique features of each individual sample, are presented in the table. The wide range of dates for the skeletal material, which span the late 13th century to the 19th century, is particularly notable. These confirm that no single catastrophic event killed the individuals whose remains reside in the charnel chapel. It also seems very unlikely that the ossuary was constructed to house a backlog of disturbed charnel from the local cemetery. In this scenario, the bones would pre-date the construction of the chapel itself, but none of our dates are demonstrably earlier than the chapel. Instead, there is evidence for the placement of material in the charnel chapel throughout the medieval period and also, more surprisingly, during the late 17th to 19th centuries. In the case of the skeleton with evidence for anatomisation, the late date fits with the nature of the cut: this sort of procedure was not conducted on medieval corpses, but is documented in skeletal collections of post-medieval and modern date. Sample 5 also returned a late date, and these two crania were probably placed in the ossuary after the rediscovery of the site in the 18th century. This is long after the chapel supposedly went out of use, raising new questions about how the site was perceived, and even used, during later periods. This is an extract from a feature published in CA 321. Read on in the magazine. Click here to subscribe. Legend has it that the Rothwell charnel chapel was discovered when a grave digger tumbled into an underground vault stacked with bones. This alarming incident brought to light a rare example of an intact medieval ossuary in England. Our cover feature explores why the dead were assembled in this manner, and how common the practice was. Two of the dead at Portmahomack, today a small Scottish fishing village, seem to have been brutally slaughtered during a Viking attack. A major research project has pieced together the remarkable story of this settlement, and evidence for a Pictish monastery that attracted the raiders. Archaeologists have also been examining the rise and fall of a community on the Llyn peninsula in Wales. Here, an open prehistoric settlement developed imposing defences, before fading into obscurity once more. Ever since Sellar and Yeatman wrote their spoof 1066 and All That, it has been widely appreciated that there are two memorable dates in English history: 55 BC and AD 1066. But has this focus on the invasions of Caesar and William the Conqueror unjustly eclipsed a third memorable date? In 1016, Cnuts Vikings secured dominion over the country, but how much survives from this forgotten conquest of England? Finally, celebrities are often said to seem shorter in the flesh, but the difference of 790 feet between Hadrians Wall and its icy counterpart in Game of Thrones must be a record. We tackle the cultural afterlife of Romes most famous border. Matt Symonds IN THIS ISSUE: FEATURES PICTS ON THE PENINSULA Portmahomack reinvented Known for its Pictish carved stone monuments, Portmahomack in north-east Scotland has undergone many major transformations over time. Excavations at the fishing villages church and burial ground have unravelled the settlements story from the 6th to the 16th century. MEILLIONYDD The life and death of an Iron Age community in Wales The Llyn Peninsula is home to many defended prehistoric settlements, but few of these have been investigated. We take a look at ongoing excavations at Meillionydd, where seven seasons of digging have so far uncovered a quarter of the large double ringwork enclosure. 1016 AND ALL THAT Excavating the Viking conquest of England Fifty years before the Battle of Hastings, Cnut defeated Edmund II at Assandun, capturing England. What archaeological evidence remains of the Viking conquest 1,000 years on? Exploring the Rothwell charnel chapel Work at Rothwell, one of only two sites in England where a medieval charnel chapel and its contents are preserved, is giving new insights into why bones were placed in these ossuaries. BEYOND THE ARCHAEOLOGY The cultural afterlife of Hadrians Wall From the Byzantine historian Procopius to Game of Thrones, how have writers over the centuries reimagined this iconic Roman frontier? NEWS Meeting Londiniums migrant population; Mesolithic dogs long walk; Vindolandas 2016 collection; Long barrow excavated in the Cotswolds; Halifax residents revealed; Home from Rome in Bedford?; Teeth reveal prehistoric travel; Pistil Meadow myths laid to rest; Finds tray REGULARS Comment Joe Flatman excavates the CA archive Context Expanding a Neolithic landscape at Dorstone Hill Reviews Finding Shakespeares New Place; Hidden Histories; The Tale of the Axe; The Use and Reuse of Stone Circles; Roman Derbyshire; Moving on in Neolithic Studies Exhibition Opus Anglicanum at the V&A Preview Digging for Britain with Alice Roberts Sherds Chris Catlings irreverent take on heritage issues Odd Socs The Welsh Perry and Cider Society Regardless of who was your champion in this past presidential election: Will you recognize the duly elected leader of the Free World? I will never recognize President Donald J. Trump because he is not worthy. I will recognize President Donald J. Trump, providing he respects the office in which he holds. "At this point, what difference does it make?" 89 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? poll#96 Considering that Hillary Clinton, from the recently concluded email investigation, is charged with gross negligence, dereliction of duty, was recommended that she lose her security clearance, while pathologically lying to congress, the press and the American People; and even though she was not referred for indictment because she is a Clinton: Will you? 11.84% Vote for Hillary 78.78% Vote for The Donald 9.39% Vote for none of the above 245 total vote(s) Voting has Ended! And now for your additional voting pleasure: poll#95 What should be the priority of the Federal Government after the "Pulse" massacre: Should we turn our attention toward destroying, earadicating ISIS as Candidate Trump suggests, or, as Democrats' President Obama suggests, broaden our efforts to effect stricter Gun Control laws to limit "Gun Violence?" 88.24% After many years of trying to degrade and contain the murderous ISIS, we should make it the nation's policy to destroy ISIS immediately. 3.68% Gun Violence in America can be eliminated by limiting access to guns for all American citizens. 8.09% I don't care either way; I just live here. 136 total vote(s) Voting has Ended! poll#94 Should Americans be thankful for North Carolinians setting precedent in taking a stand for their state's right to manage the safety of their public facilities, where separation of the sexes remains, or should they follow Bruce Springsteen's lead and boycott the state as bigots since they will not allow grown Transgender men to use the same bathrooms /locker rooms as pre-pubescent girls? North Carolina is right to control the separation of the sexes as a matter of decorum and safety. North Carolina is a bigoted state to not require that children of opposite sexes share the same public facilities with adults of the opposite sex, although misidentified - the Transgender. I generally prefer the natural environs of the vacant, although rather public, large tree. 236 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? With rumors of open rebellion in the FBI, this may be what the bold, beginning struggle for the principled soul of America looks like - one where there is at least a patch of fertile ground, where politicians are expected to possess some semblance of honesty, of integrity. Sheriff David Clark of Milwaukee County well articulated that it is his belief that these principled agents within the FBI will prevail, will not wither, will not be deterred by the DOJ's corrupt Attorney General, Loretta Lynch , and they shall persevere by continuing, and completing the investigation of L. Hillary. Sheriff David Clark appears to be the epitome of a straight spined, black skinned William Wallace; a leader who will literally stand tall against tyranny for the good of the real America, the one our heroes fight and die for. I trust him, his opinion of the once venerable FBI best agents, and we patriots should steel ourselves for hope.Remember "Hope and Change"? What path has that taken our Republic?It was indeed a transformational one, where Washington, DC became near totally corrupt under the sheer weigh of daily dishonesty, the unmitigated guile, and the sheer tsunami of ineptitude of an Obama Administration that has given us: ObamaCare now in a 'death spiral, where you probably didn't get to keep your doctor, and you definitely did not see a reduction in yearly premiums; instead the reverse was true; A national debt that long exceeded a doubling by only one administration, where, in the first full year of his administration, Hussein Obama took a Democrat Congress's allocation of an almost 800 billion dollar infrastructure package to incentivize the 2009 U.S. economy, and summarily turned it into a slush fund for Democrats; Open war against the U.S. House, which turned Republican in 2010, when the House began to put the breaks on Obama wasteful spending. Obama then employed the more than willing corrupt Democrat Media to spin every budget crisis as the Republicans were shutting down the government if they did not give Obama his favored budget, where he could more than double food stamps (which could be turned into cash for Democrat voters), while handing out "ObamaPhones", etc.; The proclamation of surrender in the Iraq theater in the The World Wide War on Terror at a prescribed time, against the advice of any, all outstanding military advisers, which has led to chaos and genocide throughout Iraq, and yet another safe haven for Obama's J.V. team - ISIS /ISIL; The rise of ISIS /ISIL in Syria, Libya, and elsewhere in the Middle East is directly correlated to Hussein Obama's foreign policy of withdrawal from the Middle East, with sporadic support for the more radical Islamist operatives to curry their favor for his administration;But I digress, even though Hussein Obama has been the most corrosive, dishonest president in modern American history, and we will have plenty of time to do a literal postmortem as to how this "tranformational" perpetual candidate has damaged America, her psyche, our People, their lives. Now, we examine his Socialist surrogate, Lying Hillary Clinton, and how she will extend a 3rd term for Hussein Obama, and L. Hillary will do it while under criminal investigation by an FBI that is under open revolt from the complete, abject corruption of the United States Department of Justice, and Corrupt Attorney General Loretta Lynch.What transpires from today forward will be one of my chores to mind, and provide a knowledgeable opinion now and later as some of try to preserve our Republic. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire regime around 30 times in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact, firing more than 370 shots at Armenian positions, the Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh told ARMENPRESS. The ministrys statement reads: At 11:20, November 2, in addition to firing small arms, Azerbaijani forces fired GP-25 under-barrel grenade launchers (4 projectiles) in the northern direction of the line of contact (Talish), and at 02:15, November 3, Azerbaijani forces fired 60mm mortars (2 projectiles). Overall Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire regime overnight November 2-3 around 30 times, firing more than 370 shots from various caliber small arms at Armenian positions. The Defense Army forces didnt suffer any losses in the Azerbaijani aggression. The Defense Army is in control of the tactical-strategic situation and confidently continues their service. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Michael Carpenter, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense, paid a working visit to Armenia on November 2, 2016, the U.S. Embassy in Armenia told Armenpress. During the visit he met President Serzh Sargsyan, as well as Armenias newly-appointed Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan. In addition to the meetings with top Armenian officials, he toured a number of programs highlighting U.S.-Armenian military partnership. He met U.S. soldiers who were assisting their Armenian counterparts as they teach their first-ever combat medic course, at the Armenian NCO Academy, designed on a similar U.S. training program. He also visited the 12th Peacekeeping Brigades headquarters and met the soldiers and commanders who have joined in numerous NATO- and UN-led peacekeeping efforts around the globe. The United States and Armenia have a longstanding security partnership rooted in the friendship between the American and Armenian peoples, Carpenter said. In the face of new challenges to European security in the 21st century, it is vital for the United States and Armenia to work together to strengthen security, stability and prosperity in the region and to keep advancing our vision of a Europe whole, free and at peace." YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Russia and the Syrian army on Wednesday told anti-government rebels in Aleppo to leave by Friday evening, signaling an extended moratorium on air strikes in the city, Reuters reported. The Russian Defense Ministry, which is helping forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad to retake full control of Aleppo, said rebels would be allowed to exit the city unharmed and with their weapons between 0900 and 1900 local time on Nov. 4 via two special corridors. Civilians and the sick and wounded would be allowed to leave via six other corridors, it said. The Syrian army released a similar statement later in the day calling on rebel fighters to cease fire and to "use this opportunity" to leave the city with their small arms. Rebels rejected the calls, an official in an Aleppo-based insurgent group said. "This is completely out of the question. We will not give up the city of Aleppo to the Russians and we won't surrender," Zakaria Malahifji of the Fastaqim rebel group told Reuters. He denied there were corridors guaranteeing safe passage and said civilians did not trust the government side. President Vladimir Putin had ordered the pause in fighting "to avoid senseless victims", Russia's Defense Ministry said, adding that Syrian authorities would ensure its troops pulled back from the two corridors designated for rebels. Russia and its Syrian allies say they halted air attacks on Aleppo on Oct 18. Western governments said the strikes had killed civilians in large numbers, an allegation Moscow denied. Humanitarian pauses designed to allow both rebels and civilians to exit the city have been organized by Moscow and Damascus before, but have largely failed amid continued violence with both sides accusing the other of stopping people from leaving. A Kremlin spokesman said on Tuesday the moratorium on air strikes was still in force, but could not be extended if rebels in the city did not halt their attacks. The Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday that rebels inside Aleppo had taken heavy losses during fighting and were effectively trapped. "All attempts by the rebels to break through in Aleppo have failed," the ministry said. "The terrorists have suffered heavy losses in lives, weapons and equipment. They have no chance to break out of the city." YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Armenia regularly raises the issue on starting the visa liberalization process during the official meetings with the EU representatives, Deputy Foreign Minister Karen Nazaryan said during the parliamentary debates of the 2017 state budget, Armenpress reported. We expect, that as in case of Georgia and Moldova, in case of Armenia as well the process must start with the visit of assessment mission by the European Commission which can be followed by presenting an action plan on visa liberalization to Armenia by the European Commission, the Deputy Minister said. He stated that this in its turn is a process containing reforms. I suppose we will quickly pass this path, thus making the conditions for our citizens to travel to Europe and vice versa more effective and beneficial, Karen Nazaryan said. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Newly elected Lebanese President Michel Aoun has finished the mandatory consultations over appointing a new prime minister. Armenpress correspondent reports from Beirut 112 MPs from 126 who participated in the consultations endorsed the candidacy of the leader of al-Mustaqbal Movement Saad Hariri as a prime minister. After the consultations President Michel Aoun had a short meeting with Nabih Berri, the parliament speaker, after which Saad Hariri was invited by a Presidential decree to form a government. Armenian MPs representing different Lebanese forces fully supported the candidacy of Saad Hariri. After meetings with the President and the Parliament Speaker, Hariri announced that he will make efforts in the coming days to form a government of national consensus comprised of the main political forces of the country. Best Travel Products and Services Would you like to submit an article in the Travel category or any of the sub-category below? Click here to submit your article. Would you like to have your product or service listed on this page? Contact us. by Melani Manel Perera Houses in the 47-acre settlement in Keeramalai measure 50 m2 each. The initiative stems from a visit by the president shortly after his election. Colombo (AsiaNews) The President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena handed over a hundred new houses to internally displaced people (IDPs) living in camps in the north of the island nation. "We can finally live in peace. We can thank our president for this settlement" some of the beneficiaries told AsiaNews. The houses were built in record time (four months) in Keeramalai, on the Jaffna peninsula as a result of a visit the president made shortly after his election to the Konartpulam IDP camp im Telippali, Kankasenthurai. This initiative is not the first of its kind. The president has already returned land to its rightful Tamil owners who had had it expropriated during the three decades of civil war. When he met some of the IDPS, he was shocked that some were still living in tents after more than 20 years. After that meeting, Sirisena ordered the Ministry of Defence to build the houses and close the refugee camp as soon as possible. Various regiments worked day and night to deliver the houses, each measuring 50 m2 with two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room with kitchen, and a bathroom. Inaugurated on 31 October in a solemn ceremony, the houses were built by the army, but also by former Tamil Tiger rebels and the beneficiaries themselves. When the keys were handed over to new residents, they could not hide their emotion. One of them, Rasamani Sivaneshwaram, 46, spent half his life in tents. "We are grateful to the president, he said. This means a lot to me and my family. We have the security of a home in which to sleep." The Keeramalai Housing Project covers an area of 47 acres, near the Palaly army cantonment area. It also has a community centre, a fish market, a police station, a playground and a nursery. Father Ibrahim Alsabagh confirms that rockets launched from east Aleppo hit houses and buildings inhabited by civilians. Moscow opens eight humanitarian corridors for people fleeing east Aleppo. Rebels say, we wont surrender. Militias are mining escape routes. Aleppo (AsiaNews) Rockets launched from Aleppos rebel-held eastern sector have hit "houses and buildings inhabited by civilians," including a Christian area seriously wounding at least three people (pictured), said Fr Alsabagh Ibrahim, the 44-year-old parish priest at the citys St Franciss Latin Church. For the past three, years, we have been living under rocket attacks from the armed militias who control east Aleppo and surroundings, the Franciscan clergyman told AsiaNews. He hopes that a solution can be found to alleviate the suffering of a people that has had to endure since March 2011 a conflict that has caused 300,000 deaths (450,000 according to other sources) and millions of refugees. Syria and Russia have suspended air strikes against east Aleppo in the past two weeks as part of an "humanitarian pause" repeatedly broken by rebel groups. Even yesterday rockets fired from the eastern sector (home to 250,000) hit the western government-held area of the city, home to about 1.2 million people. Russian and Syrian officials issued an ultimatum to the Syrian rebels in east Aleppo that they have until Friday to leave the city. In a statement the Russian Defense Ministry said that the militiamen will be allowed to leave "unharmed" and "with their" weapons through two special corridors. As done in October, six other corridors are reserved for civilians who want to flee along with the sick and those wounded in the fighting. The corridors will be open from 9 am to 7 pm, local time. However, the rebels have already rejected the proposal and this attempt as others before seems doomed to fail. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his men to take all the necessary steps to avoid casualties, particularly among civilians. Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, said his country sought "honest co-operation" and "a political process involving both the government and opposition forces". The rebels rejected the offer. "This is completely out of the question," Zakaria Malahifji of the Fastaqim rebel group told the Reuters news agency. "We will not give up the city of Aleppo to the Russians and we won't surrender." According to Russian sources, the insurgents were undermining the humanitarian pause. Radical groups are mining the humanitarian corridors, shooting peaceful civilians who are trying to leave the eastern parts of the city, and are doing everything to undermine the stabilization of the situation in Aleppo, said Russian Lt Gen Sergei Rudskoi. Meanwhile, divisions and tensions have come to the surface within the rebel camp. One rebel figure, Yasser al-Yousef of the Nour el-Din el-Zinki group said that his faction and the Fastaqim group have clashed for control of the rebel forces that hold east Aleppo. by Sumon Corraya Dhaka (AsiaNews) - About 15 Muslims were arrested for having set fire to temples and violently beating devout Hindus of Nasirnagar area in Brahmanbaria district, in the central-eastern part of Bangladesh. The sectarian attack was triggered by a false picture published on the Facebook profile of a young Hindu, with contents "insulting to Islam." Meanwhile activist organizations have condemned the violence and urged the authorities to conduct a swift investigation. The incident occurred on 29 October. According to the attackers, a Hindu named Rasuraj Das posted on his personal account a picture of the god Shiva, while enthroned on the Kaaba in Mecca, the holiest place in the Islamic religion. The boy, who was also arrested by the police, has denied any wrongdoing and said that in all probability his profile was targeted by hackers. Even before checking the facts, the event triggered a violent reaction from members of two Islamic groups, Touhidi Janata and Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat. On October 30, they have organized protests against the comment that "offends the religious sentiments of Muslims." Adesh Chandra Dev, local president of the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity, told AsiaNews that at that point the situation worsened: "The event incited the attack against our community. 15 temples were attacked and hundreds of homes; pillaged". Sankar Gopal Das, a Hindu priest, added that the police were present during the attacks, but failed to stop the large number of attackers. The religious leader, injured in the attack, recalls: "It was horrible. Islamists have broken windows and doors in search of Hindus who had taken refuge in their homes. Many were injured. " Now the area is guarded by agents. But the activists point out: "Despite their presence, people live in fear of new attacks. We demand that impartial investigations are conducted ". COMESA mulls accepting Somalia and Tunisia to the bloc The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) has expressed possibility of admitting Somalia and Tunisia into the bloc. "[The Summit] mandated the Bureau of Council to enter into negotiations with Tunisia and Somalia on terms and conditions of accession to the Comesa Treaty," reads part of the communique after the bloc's Summit held in the Antananarivo, Madagascar. Comesa spokesman Mwangi Gakunga however said this would take time before a decision on the two countries' application is reached, as this is determined by the bloc's highest decision making body -- the Heads of State Summit or Comesa Authority. "Upon receipt of the application for membership, the Authority may prescribe the conditions and such other conditions for admission which shall be communicated to the applying state. Article 3(3) of the Regulations provides that admission of membership shall be decided by the Authority," the regulations state. In 2005, Tunisia applied for observer status to Comesa, but its application was neither discussed nor endorsed by the member states. In February, it renewed its push to formally join the bloc when it wrote to Comesa Secretary-General Sindiso Ngwenya. Mr Ngwenya said that under Article 1(4) of the Comesa Treaty, Tunisia was eligible for admission as it is "an immediate neighbour of a member state of Comesa... upon fulfilling conditions that may be determined by the Comesa Authority." www.comesa.int by Nirmala Carvalho The Holy Door of the Archdiocese of Mumbai will be closed on 13 November. The cardinal will visit the sick and comfort migrants, as a simple pilgrim. Card Toppo will lead Mass for tribals. Mumbai (AsiaNews) Card Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Mumbai and president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), will be a simple pilgrim for two days in his diocese and will accomplish two works of mercy. Next Saturday and Sunday (5-6 November), he will visit the sick and bring consolation to tribal migrants in Mumbai. "For me it is very important to be a pilgrim, he told AsiaNews. We welcome Gods mercy in our lives. We experience the mercy of God's love addressed to each of us." As the Jubilee Year comes to an end on 20 November at the Vatican, the cardinal decided to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Door of the Basilica of Mount Mary Bandra, which he opened on 20 December 2015. Now he will go back as an ordinary believer before Mgr John Rodrigues, rector of the basilica, closes it on 13 November. On the evening of 5 November, he will go through the Holy Door to celebrate a Mass to mark the 30th anniversary of Shanti Sadan Avedna, Indias first hospice for elderly cancer patients, which is located a few metres from the Basilica. The facility houses more than a hundred seniors and offers them free medical care. According to the cardinal, the Shanti Sadan Avedna "is a unique memorial to the Year of Mercy. Here terminally ill people especially the poor and needy are treated free of charge, regardless of their religion or caste." "This facility, which could be called a 'nursing home where there is peace without suffering', corresponds to Pope Franciss call to take care of each other and reach out to the poorest strata of society. For me, it is a great grace to reach out to those who are in need. This way we can feel the joy and the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. On 6 November, the cardinal will attend a Mass for many the tribal migrants who moved to Mumbai in search of work. They come mostly from the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and West Bengal. The men work mostly as construction workers, drivers or security guards. The women work as domestic servants in the homes of the wealthy. The Migrant Chotanagpur Tribal Development Network (CMTD), a socio-pastoral movement, is organising the Mass, which will be followed by a cultural programme. Invited by Card Gracias, Card Telesphore Toppo, archbishop of Ranchi and an ethnic tribal, will lead the service. "I invited Card Toppo, Card Gracias said, because we are going to meet migrant workers after the liturgy and talk to them about their living conditions and concerns. We want to find ways to improve their lives." About 10,000 tribal migrants are expected to attend. "Pope Francis invited us to care for those living on the margins, the poor and alienated from society," Card Gracias said. At their monthly assembly led by Patriarch Rai, the prelates hailed the election of the head of state after more than a two and a half year vacuum. Praise for Aouns oath address and emphasis on "stability." Now the goal is for the "quick" formation of a new government and a new electoral law to guarantee "representativeness." Beirut (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Maronite bishops have welcomed the election of General Michel Aoun (81 years) as 13 president of the Lebanese Republic, after two and a half years of a power vacuum. Now the goal, added the prelates, is the "quick" formation of an "efficient government" that is able to face and solve the old problems - economic crisis, institutional stalemate, domestic terrorism, border wars and reception of refugees - investing the Land of the Cedars. At their monthly assembly, which was held yesterday at the headquarters of the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke under the chairmanship of Cardinal Beshara Rai, the bishops stressed the joint efforts of all parties in Aouns election. The the prelates appreciated the reference in the inaugural speech of the new head of state, to the need for political, economic, administrative and social stability, all seen as key issues as well as the growth of Lebanon. Another priority must be the approval of a new electoral law capable of ensuring the "representativeness" of all parts of the country. In the document published at the conclusion of their meeting, the Maronite bishops recalled the "critical phase" crossed by the nation, which is a "huge responsibility" for the new head of state and the future executive. The prelates also call for "unity" at a critical moment in the history not only of Lebanon, but throughout the Middle East. Finally, the Assembly hopes that after two years of instability a new "stage" can now be opened where efforts can focus on "activities of everyday life" and that all means are established by which the Lebanese "can earn their daily bread. " The prelates conclude that the people ask only to live in a nation "worthy of their aspirations," in a country "that will save them from looking elsewhere for conditions to live and work in dignity." Vatican City (AsiaNews) - More than a thousand prisoners and their families are set to take part, next Saturday and Sunday, November 5 and 6, in the Jubilee of the prisoners. In a first ever, people who are in prison will take part in the Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peters. The event, presented today by Msgr. Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, will involve more than 4,000 people, of which more than a thousand are currently in prison, from 12 countries in the world: England, Italy, Latvia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico , Netherlands, Spain, USA, South Africa, Sweden and Portugal. "Also of note is the presence of a Lutheran delegation, from Sweden". There will be "prisoners of all categories" present at the event. "There will, therefore, be minors, persons in alternative prisons and detention centers, people in home detention and sentenced prisoners with different convictions ... in short, a real presence that marks a real commitment to providing a future and a hope beyond condemnation and the length of the sentence ". Msgr. Fisichella said that the collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Justice has allowed six inmates to serve their service as volunteers of the Jubilee. "An intense experience lived by all in a spirit of genuine commitment and responsibility." Regarding the program for the two days, it "will not deviate from the spirit with which we wanted to live the Jubilee." "On Saturday, participants will have the opportunity, in the Jubilee Churches, to confess and to make the pilgrimage to the Holy Door of St. Peters crossing the path of the Via della Conciliazione, to prepare for the celebration of the following day. From 7.30 they will be allowed to enter the Basilica, waiting for the Holy Eucharist which will be celebrated by the Holy Father at 10.00 ". "A very intense moment, starting from 9.00 am, will be their testimonies. We will, in fact, as preparation for the Eucharistic celebration present four witnesses who embrace the overarching reality of the world of prisons. A an inmate who experienced a conversion in prison, who will speak together with his victim with which he has reconciled; the brother of a dead person who has become the instrument of mercy, and forgiveness; a young minor who is serving his sentence and a prison guard, who is in daily contact with inmates. We will also listen to their life experience, and we will understand that the theme of mercy is not a theoretical word, but a genuine daily action that often represents a real existential challenge. The testimonies will be interspersed with music and songs from the Papageno Choir, made up of volunteers and inmates of the "Dozza" Prison in Bologna. Some special features will also help to give greater significance to this day. First, the liturgical service will be served by inmates. The hosts that will be used for the Mass were produced by some inmates of the Milan prison, as part of the 'The Meaning of Bread' project, conceived and organized on the occasion of the Jubilee, and developed in collaboration with the Onlus Fondazione Casa dello Spirito e delle Arti. "What is happening next Sunday in Saint Peter's, it will be reflected in many dioceses around the world who will join the Holy Father to solemnly celebrate this day with the prisoners. In recent months, we wrote to all the episcopal conferences worldwide, urging the bishops to live this Sunday visiting prisons and celebrating the Jubilee with inmates. There were many positive responses and we really think that the celebration will be echoed worldwide". Vatican City (AsiaNews) That God's name no longer be used to justify violence, terrorism and destruction. That religions convey the message of mercy, "echo of the divine voice, which speaks to the conscience of each individual" to invite people to have an open and compassionate heart to those in need, those who have offended us and also nature. Mercy, a common theme in many religions and central in Christianity, was the subject of which the Pope spoke this morning with representatives of different religions, received in the Clementine Hall in the Vatican. Mercy, considered "IS the very foundation of the Churchs life. It is also the key to understanding the mystery of man, of that humanity which, today too, is in great need of forgiveness and peace". "That is why it is important for us to seek occasions of encounter, an encounter which, while avoiding a superficial syncretism, makes us more open to dialogue, the better to know and understand one another; eliminates every form of closed-mindedness and disrespect; and drives out every form of violence and discrimination. This is pleasing to God and constitutes an urgent task, responding not only to todays needs but above all to the summons to love which is the soul of all authentic religion". The theme of mercy, in fact, is familiar to many religious and cultural traditions, where compassion and nonviolence are essential elements pointing to the way of life. To bow down with compassionate love before the weak and needy is part of the authentic spirit of religion, which rejects the temptation to resort to force, refuses to barter human lives and sees others as brothers and sisters, and never mere statistics. To draw near to all those living in situations that call for our concern, such as sickness, disability, poverty, injustice and the aftermath of conflicts and migrations: this is a summons rising from the heart of every genuine religious tradition. All too often, sad to say, we forget, our hearts grow heedless and indifferent. We distance ourselves from God, our neighbour and even our historical memory, and we end up repeating, in even more cruel forms, tragic errors of the past. This is the drama of evil, of the grim depths to which our freedom can plunge when tempted by evil, ever-present, waiting to strike and bring us down. Yet precisely here, before the great riddle of evil that tests every religious experience, we find the most amazing aspect of merciful love. That love does not leave us prey to evil or to our own frailty; it does not forget, but remembers, and draws near to every human misery in order to relieve it. Like a mother. Whatever the evil done by her child, a mother always sees past the sin to recognize the face she bore in her womb. In todays ever more hectic and forgetful word, which leaves so many men and women behind as it races on, breathlessly and aimlessly, we need the oxygen of this gratuitous and life-giving love. How important this is, when we consider todays widespread fear that it is impossible to be forgiven, rehabilitated and redeemed from our weaknesses. For us Catholics, among the most meaningful rites of the Holy Year is that of walking with humility and trust through the door the Holy Door to find ourselves fully reconciled by the mercy of God, who forgives our trespasses. But this demands that we too forgive those who trespass against us (cf. Mt 6:12), the brothers and sisters who have offended us. We receive Gods forgiveness in order to share it with others. Forgiveness is surely the greatest gift we can give to others, because it is the most costly. Yet at the same time, it is what makes us most like God. Mercy extends also to the world around us, to our common home, which we are called to Protect and preserve from unbridled and rapacious consumption. Our commitment is needed for an education to sobriety and to respect, to a more simple and orderly way of life, in which the resources of creation are used with wisdom and moderation, with concern for humanity as a whole and coming generations, not simply the interests of our particular group and the benefits of the present moment. May this be the path we take. May we reject the aimless paths of disagreement and closed-mindedness. May it never happen again that the religions, because of the conduct of some of their followers, convey a distorted message, out of tune with that of mercy. Sadly, not a day passes that we do not hear of acts of violence, conflict, kidnapping, terrorist attacks, killings and destruction. It is horrible that at times, to justify such barbarism, the name of a religion or the name of God himself is invoked. May there be clear condemnation of these iniquitous attitudes that profane the name of God and sully the religious quest of mankind. May there instead be fostered everywhere the peaceful encounter of believers and genuine religious freedom. Here, our responsibility before God, humanity and the future is great; it calls for unremitting effort, without dissimulation. It is a call that challenges us, a path to be taken together, for the good of all, and with hope. May the religions be wombs of life, bearing the merciful love of God to a wounded and needy humanity; may they be doors of hope helping to penetrate the walls erected by pride and fear". In recent years, Japan has seen a sharp increase in the number of Muslim visitors and students (in particular from Malaysia and Indonesia). Historically Shinto and highly secularised, Japan is taking steps to provide more and more prayer facilities in commercial establishments and universities (e.g., Sophia and Rikkyo). Tokyo (AsiaNews) Japan has started to build prayer facilities at universities and commercial establishments, targeting the worlds 1.6 billion Muslims one fifth of humanity many of whom are visiting and studying in Japan. Many Muslim students want to study in Japan, said an official at one university. There is an intensifying competition among universities over how to build an environment that would help attract them. Rikkyo University (Tokyo), which has plans to increase its number of non-Japanese students to 2,000 by 2024, opened a prayer room in April, complete with a board indicating the direction of Makkah and a watering spot for ablutions. Rikkyo University President Tomoya Yoshioka said that the opening of the prayer room provides an opportunity for our Japanese students to learn about Islamic culture. Sophia University has about 50 students from Muslim nations, including Indonesia and Malaysia. A cafe that offers a range of halal meals opened 29 September at the universitys Yotsuya Campus. Its dishes are cooked without pork-derived ingredients or alcohols, or condiments containing them. The essential thing is the spirit of hospitality, said Keigo Nakagawa, 41, an official with the Japan Halal Business Association. We want people to understand the culture of Islam in welcoming Muslims. Japan is getting geared up to welcome more Muslim visitors. Japan National Tourism Organisation figures show a notable growth in the number of visitors from Malaysia and Indonesia. Approximately 510,000 people came to Japan from those two countries in 2015, four times more than a decade ago. The Shisui Premium Outlets in Shisui opened a prayer room in February 2014. The Takashimaya Shinjuku Store, a department store in Tokyo, also set up its prayer room in September 2014. Mega Don Quijote LaPark Utsunomiya, a general discount store located in a busy central district of the capital of Tochigi Prefecture, opened a prayer room on 1st October 2014 after a non-Japanese student said that a lack of prayer facilities made outings uncomfortable. Akihiko Nakabayashi, manager of the store, said that the opening of the prayer room will positively impact revitalisation of our regional community. by Weena Kowitwanij For Rev Banjob Kusawadee, first bishop in Thailands Evangelical Lutheran Church, disputes are not about people but about their sins. We all need God's forgiveness. Since 2003, Thai Lutherans and Catholics have good relations and organise a unity camp every year. Bangkok (AsiaNews) Reading the words the pope pronounced during his trip to Sweden, "I was struck deeply. His Holiness has clearly explained that disputes are not about people but about the sins and mistakes they make. Everyone sins so we need to announce the Good News to the world that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for us, said Rev Banjob Kusawadee, the first bishop of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand (ELCT), who spoke to AsiaNews about his impressions of Pope Francis visit to Lund and Malmo for the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Beyond the differences between Catholics and Protestants, the pope highlighted that "sinners cannot save themselves and need Gods mercy. No matter what happens, we all have to be centred on Christ, the source of virtue," the bishop said. Speaking about the good relations that have been existed for some years between Catholics and Lutherans in Thailand, the Protestant leader noted that "Since 2003 we have ties of friendship. Each year the Lux Mundi Saengtham major seminary and Lutherans believers organise a unity camp', focused on the doctrine of the faith. The next will be held in January 2017. In addition, we are looking to increasing our contacts with other Christian denominations like the Presbyterians and Protestants, etc." Rev Banjob Kusawadee has been bishop since 1994, when the ELCTs constitution was approved. The Lutheran Church in Thailand is part of the Lutheran World Federation and has 4,148 members in Bangkok. It is also present in 25 provinces across the country. Thailands Catholics number around 300,000 out of a total of about 70 million people, or 0.5%. Protestants account for about 0.6% of the population. Riddles Jewelry is opening Saturday a second Billings location at Shiloh Crossing on the West End, company officials announced Wednesday. The Rapid City, S.D.-based jeweler is moving into a 2,700-square-foot space inside the new Turley Dental building behind Taco Bell. The address is 1002 Shiloh Crossing Blvd. To us, this is like the new downtown type area, as far as traffic patterns, people hanging out, going to a movie, that type of thing, store manager Matt Bonner said. Riddles already operates a store inside Rimrock Mall, which will remain open. Turley is taking about three-fifths of the 6,400-square-foot building, which cost about $517,000, and the remainder is for the jewelry store. Bonner said Riddles has been eyeing Shiloh Crossing for about three years, and the Turley building emerged as a good partner. The company will hire six new employees to fully staff both stores. The new location is only 3.5 miles from Rimrock Mall. Bonner said he doesnt think the new store will cannibalize from the current one. It seems like there are a lot of people that shop here, or at the mall. Our expectation is that we can pick up new customers, he said. Bonner added that Riddles is committed to staying at the mall and recently completed a major store remodel at center court. The new store will be slightly different, selling higher-end pieces, more custom jewelry and other services, Bonner said. The environment will be more relaxed, with a coffee station and lounge area, he added. Store hours will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Riddles will be the second jewelry store to open at Shiloh Crossing. In 2010, owner Scott Wickam built a $2.8 million new Goldsmith Gallery Jewelers store at 903 Shiloh Crossing Blvd. The new store will be Riddles 64th in nine states: Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma. CANNON BALL, N.D. Officers in riot gear clashed again Wednesday with protesters near the Dakota Access pipeline, hitting dozens with pepper spray as they waded through waist-deep water in an attempt to reach property owned by the pipeline's developer. The confrontation came hours after North Dakota regulators criticized the pipeline company for not immediately reporting the discovery of American Indian artifacts and a day after President Barack Obama raised the possibility of future reroutes to alleviate tribal concerns. Public Service Commission Chairwoman Julie Fedorchak said she was "extremely disappointed" that Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners waited 10 days before reporting last month's discovery of stone cairns and other artifacts. The panel could decide to levy fines of up to $200,000, Fedorchak said, though she said such a high amount would be unlikely. After an inspection, company consultants decided to divert the construction by about 50 feet, even though they determined there was a "low likelihood" any additional artifacts were buried nearby. The State Historic Preservation Office did concur with the company's plan on how to proceed after the artifacts were found. Although that change was relatively minor, Obama said it was possible the Army Corps of Engineers could eventually examine much larger ones that would reroute the pipeline in southern North Dakota to alleviate tribal concerns. He made the remarks during an interview Tuesday with the online news outlet NowThis. On Wednesday afternoon, protesters tried to build a wooden pedestrian bridge across a creek to enter the property, then attempted to swim or boat across when officers dismantled the bridge, Morton County Sheriff's spokeswoman Donnell Hushka said. Two arrests were reported. Volunteer medics treated some of the protesters for hypothermia during the confrontation near the mouth of the Cannonball River. About 140 people were arrested on the property last week in a law enforcement operation that cleared the encampment. The potential for damage to American Indian sites and artifacts has been a flashpoint in a monthslong protest over the pipeline, which is intended to carry crude from western North Dakota almost 1,200 miles to a shipping point in Patoka, Illinois. The Standing Rock Sioux, whose reservation lies near the pipeline route, have led a protest over that issue and the pipeline's potential hazard to drinking water. Tribal officials said in September they had identified cultural artifacts on private land along the route. After that finding, North Dakota's chief archaeologist, Paul Picha, inspected the area and said no sign of artifacts or human remains had been found. Picha said he was notified in a timely manner of the most recent discovery in a new area but didn't report it to the commission because he thought the pipeline company would. Both Picha and Fedorchak said the site itself was properly handled, with Energy Transfer Partners moving the pipeline route to avoid the artifacts. "We reviewed the information, wrote a letter of correspondence ... saying we agreed with the avoidance plan," Picha said. He also noted that the rerouting isn't unusual. During development of the project, "there were multiple reroutes of the pipeline corridor for various reasons - cultural, environmental, landowner concerns 140, 150 reroutes," he said. Company spokeswoman Vicki Granado didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press about the potential for fines over the lag in reporting about the artifacts. The company would have an opportunity for a hearing to dispute any allegations. A company attorney said in an Oct. 27 letter to the PSC that the company didn't intentionally delay notifying the agency. Although there's no set time frame for reporting such a discovery, PSC Commissioner Brian Kalk said that typically "the intent is immediately." Fedorchak said the company could potentially be fined either for the reporting delay or for moving on with construction without getting PSC clearance. Both will be investigated, she said. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe has not weighed in on the find. Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault and tribal Historic Preservation Officer Jon Eagle Sr. did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The 1,172-mile pipeline is largely complete outside of North Dakota. The federal government in September ordered a temporary halt to construction on Corps land around and underneath Lake Oahe, a Missouri River reservoir in the Dakotas. The Corps is reviewing its permitting of the project but has given no timetable for a decision. Free newsletter Subscribe to our FREE newsletter service and well keep you up-to-date with the latest breaking news, cutting edge opinion, and expert analysis affecting both your business and the industry as whole. Please enter your email address below and click on Sign Up for daily newsletters from Australasian Lawyer. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette DAth has lauded Court of Appeal President Margaret McMurdo after the senior judge notified the Governor of her intention to resign her commission.Justice McMurdo has been an exemplary servant of justice in this state, said DAth of the judge whos retiring on 26 March 2017.She has been a judge in Queensland for more than 25 years, since becoming the first woman appointed to the bench of the District Court in 1991, said the Attorney-General.Eighteen years ago, when she was appointed President of the Court of Appeal, she became the first woman to preside over an appellate court in Australia. The tenor of her term stands as testament to her legal acumen and leadership over that significant period, DAth said.Justice McMurdo is a Companion of the Order of Australia and was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2003.A founding member of Women Lawyers Association, McMurdo was admitted to the bar in 1976 and subsequently spent time as an assistant public defender and at the private bar.She has brought dignity, leadership and intellectual rigour to this vital role, and rightly has the respect of the legal profession and the judiciary - across this state and beyond, said DAthIn providing notice of her intended departure from the role, Justice McMurdo again demonstrates her continued commitment to the efficient administration of justice in Queensland, the Justice Minister added.Her period of notice ensures there will be minimal disruption to the function of the courts, and allow a smooth transition to take place. Once again, I thank Justice McMurdo for her distinguished service to Queensland and wish her all the best for the future.The fresh-faced justice, 62, is married to fellow Court of Appeal Justice Philip McMurdo. The justice was not due to retire until 2024 when she reaches the compulsory retirement age for judges.The Queensland Appeals Court top official made headlines last year for refusing to sit with former Chief Justice Tim Carmody on any cases. By Vincent Dupret, Palaeontologist, Australian National University Flickr/ , CC BY-NC-ND Placoderms are armoured prehistoric fishes that are considered to be the first vertebrates to procreate by internal fertilisation. In other words, they had sex. Once the sex was over no doubt many placoderms then discovered the joys of parenthood. But what did they do with their offspring? By studying the fossils of ancient species we can learn much about how they lived and show how their behaviours compare with those of modern species. We can also take a closer look at fossils among themselves, a notion named assemblage. Thats how we discovered that some placoderms chose the nursery solution for their offspring. To Belgium The Strud locality in southern Belgium is well known by palaeontologists and other geologists, notably because it yielded some of the earliest tetrapods - the first vertebrates with fingered limbs - and the earliest insects. Palaeontologists also excavated numerous fossil fishes, especially placoderms, and large sarcopterygian (lobe-finned) fishes that were among the top predators during the Devonian time, roughly 360 million years ago. Back then the locality was bathing under a tropical environment. The palaeo environment of the Strud quarry corresponds to a meandering alluvial system, similar to todays existing Australian billabongs. The edges would have been covered with huge primitive trees such as Rhacophyton, whose long branches could fall down in the river. The only animals crawling on hard ground were arthropods such as collembolans and centipedes, but not yet vertebrates. Soils with microflora and microfauna were already there, where plants lived, that is close to the shore. The inside of continents was still a mineral desert, except for the exceptional oasis. Tiny fossils Under the water, placoderms were part of the pool party, alongside tiny crustaceans and ferocious sarcopterygians. But the placoderms found in this locality were very small. When we first studied the placoderms of Strud, we were really astonished by their tiny size, and wondered why they were so small. Could they all be youngsters? In which case, where would the adults be? Alternatively, could they be dwarf forms or just species with small adults? Morphometric analyses (size or size ratios of multiple specimens or elements of the bony armour such as plates) and morphological observations (presence or absence of sensory lines) were used to assess the characteristics of the remains. Comparisons with other localities such as the faunal and floral assemblage of the Catskill in Pennsylvania, USA, were made to reinforce initial suspicions. For a living thing to die and be transformed into a fossil is not always a quiet and peaceful process. Before any remains are buried, many events can occur. Predators can disperse (and digest!) elements of the body, including bones. Streams and storms can disperse the body, and its parts can be transported over long distances. Last but not least, once buried, not all elements can be epigenised (transformed into mineral). Mainly hard tissues such as teeth and bone are preserved, but soft tissues require very special biochemical conditions. All these events occurring until burial are named taphonomy, and they really matter when youre a palaeontologist to understand the message yielded by the fossils. The fragile nature of the placoderm elements at Strud was not consistent with any long post-mortem transportation, nor with a re-handling of the fossils. Moreover, retrieving sarcopterygian remains such as huge fangs, together with tiny placoderm remains, shows an absence of any size sorting of the fossils after death or deposition. Therefore, all Strud placoderm remains are considered as belonging to immature specimens that lived in the same place at the same time, rather than to small sized species or dwarf forms. Justine Jacquot Hameon (MNHN, Paris), CC BY A nursery shared by several fish species A nursery is characterised as an area nearly exclusively inhabited by immature individuals. Fossil nurseries are not unknown. They have been identified for sharks in the 310 million year old Carboniferous locality of Mazon Creek in Illinois, USA, or for coelacanths in the 360 million year old Upper Devonian rocks of South Africa. This discovery at Strud sheds new light on the diversity of reproductive strategies of placoderms, especially in the handling of their offspring. We already knew that some placoderms gave live-birth such as the ptyctodont Materpiscis from the Frasnian Gogo Formation in Western Australia. Some others are suspected to lay egg sacs, such as the phyllolepid Cowralepis, whose related forms are found in Strud. The offspring were left in a hostile environment where giant lobe-finned fishes roamed in the vicinity, together with Ichthyostega-like tetrapods. But fallen tree branches provided shelter, hiding spots and nutrients at the same time for baby fishes. Interestingly, it is the first time we have a placoderm nursery with more than one species. The placoderm nursery in Strud recalls strongly life histories of other groups with adults laying eggs or giving birth in shallow continental environments or near shore. Strud may have been the ideal spot for this: a low velocity stream, plenty of fallen and rotten plants offering both protection and nutrients. But where were the adults? That is another story. These results are very interesting, because as technological human beings we tend to believe that only mammals and birds take care of their youngsters. So finding evidence for such behaviour in fish is always a surprise. Some modern fishes such as several shark species have a common practice of nursery. The interest of this new study is that we can flag this behaviour in fossil species too, which are so remote in time but also at the base of the jawed vertebrate tree, and that such environment was shared by several species. So the discovery reveals that nursery behaviour in vertebrates is very ancient indeed. Vincent Dupret received funding from the Australian National University and the Australian Research Council. Sebastien Olive received funding from the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office and from the Jessup Fund (ANSP). Originally published in The Conversation. As all applications for student visas for Australia must now be made online, the Department of Immigration and Border Control has issued guidelines to keep applicants on track.Since July those applying for a visa to study in Australia can use a document checklist toll on the DIBP website to check what types of document they need for their visa application. They also need to make sure they have electronic, usually scanned, versions of the documents and a DIBP spokesman said it is best to complete required health examinations before lodging a visa application.'If you complete your health examinations after you have lodged your visa application you could delay the processing time,' the spokesman explained, adding that a passport is needed and applicants also need to know which visa subclass they are applying for but the number have now been cut down to just two; Student 500 and Student Guardian 590.Once the online application has been started applicants can save their information at any time and it does not need to be completed in one visit. There are also different requirements depending on whether an applicant is in or outside Australia.For example, applicants from outside Australia need to include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) number in their visa application unless they are a secondary exchange student or a foreign affairs or defence sponsored student.If you are applying in Australia you can include details of a CoE or attach a letter of offer. If you provide details of a CoE in your application, you must not attach or provide details of a Letter of Offer for the same course.Applicants are advised to make sure they know the details of their health insurance before starting the application process. 'You will need to enter the start and end date of your policy. Your policy must have started by the time you intend to arrive in Australia, generally at least a week before your course commencement date. If your policy starts on the same day as your course commences, we will ask you to obtain extra cover that starts when you intend to arrive in Australia,' said the spokesman.'If you enter Australia without Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), you will be in breach of your visa conditions. Your OSHC should finish when you want to leave Australia. A visa won't be granted for longer than your OSHC,' he added.Applicants also need to prepare a statement about why they want to study in Australia in English of up to 2,000 words. Content can include why a particular university offers the best course, how it might help gain employment outside of Australia, incentives to return home after graduation and work planned afterwards.'Before lodging your application, make sure all questions are complete and any relevant documents that are included in the checklist are attached. Incomplete applications may result in delays or visa refusal,' the spokesman pointed out.'Remember to lodge your application as soon as you can. Complete applications are more likely to be processed quicker. While we aim to process most applications within one month, some applications will take longer,' he added. Hi, My wife finished her Masters degree on 4th July 2016 and we needed to apply for another visa, as our student visa was expiring on 30th Aug 2016. In a short time after her graduation she prepared herself and attended the PTE exam, as she didn't had attended before and it was a requirement for the new vise, but unfortunately she couldn't get the required marks and I've applied for 485 visa, which got refused on the 24th Oct, so we're on a Bridging visa A at the moment. I've done some research and I've submitted a visa review to AAT, which I believe will give us some extension at the time being. I'm aware that once she gets the required marks in English test, we can apply for Bridging visa B, which will allow us to get out of Australia, so we can apply again for 485 visa and get back to AU to wait for the outcome and hopefully well get it sorted out. Any advise from someone? Are we doing the right thing in our scenario? Thanks in Advance, Jordan Does anyone have an idea of how much it should cost to appoint an immigration agent to submit the EOI and carry out the visa application? Hi everyone,My visa application for e600 was refused not too long ago. As I wish to reapply properly this time, I am looking for a registered migration agent to assist me with the matter. Please pm me if you know someone or you're the person I'm looking forThank you in advance Hi All,My partner and I have undergone physiotherapy for the past 6 months and were wondering if that would be a good reference for nature of commitment. I also think it might be applicable for social aspects as it is close to having a gym membership together on some level.I have mentioned it in NOC because we have provided emotional support for one another whilst getting back on track.Although the injuries were not deliberating to our every day lives we motivated each other to seek physio and helped each other keep up the stretches at home.It might be completely irrelevant all together...Please adviseThank you,Sophie Four slab rates for GST set at 5, 12, 18 and 28 percent; luxury cars to attract additional cess. The Goods & Services Tax (GST) Council has decided on a four-tier GST tax structure of 5, 12, 18 and 28 percent, with lower rates for essential items and the highest for luxury and de-merits goods including cars. As per the structure luxury cars will fall under the peak rate along with attracting an additional cess over and above the 28 percent set by the council. The highest rate for luxury items currently taxed is at 30 to 31 percent (excise duty plus VAT). However, the government is yet to define what constitutes a luxury car. The additional cess collected is expected to be used to compensate states for any loss of revenue for the first five years of implementation of the GST. Furthermore, the cess would also be lapsable after a five year period. "We are currently seeking more clarity on the impact of the GST rate on the prices of luxury vehicles. Our internal team is in the process of assessing the same. The basis of classification of luxury cars is also not known as of yet. We are seeking further clarity on that as well," a Mercedes Benz India spokesperson said. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) had recently recommended a standard tax rate for small cars and multi-utility vehicles and an additional 8 percent for other cars. Moreover, it also suggested that for electric, hybrid and other alternative fuel vehicles, the rate should be at least 8 percent less than the standard rate. However, as things stand it looks like there will be one uniform rate for all cars with the cess being the only differentiator. The Indian auto industry has four different slabs of excise duty based on dimensions and engine capacity ranging from 12.5 percent for small cars, CVs, two- and three-wheelers to 30 percent for luxury cars and SUVs. In addition, the government imposed an infrastructure cess ranging from 1-4 percent. The mobile app has also seen 400,000 downloads; French carmaker now looking at e-commerce to reach wider audience. French carmaker Renault followed a different approach to market the Kwid, which has proven to be a runaway success in India. The carmaker placed a higher emphasis on digital marketing with an aim to reach the young buyer. We had to think differently (for Kwid to be a success). When we launched the Kwid (in September 2015), we were up against established players in the segment. The challenge was huge. Apart from traditional marketing, we were also looking to use digital as a strong reach medium, Renault Indias marketing head Virat Khullar told Autocar India. The company came up with a three-pronged digital strategy. It involved the introduction of an app and a virtual showroom to enable prospective buyers to explore the Kwid, and launched a huge social media engagement to increase awareness. Available on both Android and iOS platforms, the app serves as an e-brochure where users can see images and watch videos of the hatchback, both on the inside and out. A year on, the company has received more than 21,600 bookings just through the mobile app alone, on a total booking for 165,000 units. There has been over 400,000 downloads of the app. Renault also tied up with mobile payment platform Paytm in Delhi NCR a couple of months ago to further facilitate online booking and/or make booking amount payments at dealerships with their Paytm wallets. We look at e-commerce as a great opportunity to reach a wider audience who are happy to transact online. We partnered with Paytm with this mindset. From Delhi, we now have extended our partnership to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore. In just around 12 weeks we have received over 600 bookings for the Renault Kwid through Paytm, Khullar added. Renault India has seen its fortunes rise exponentially on the back of an astounding response to the Kwid. As of today, Renault India has posted a growth of 67.8 percent, with sales of 12,409 units in October, up from 7,396 units during the same period last year. The carmaker crossed the one lakh sales mark with cumulative sales of 111,387 units in January-October 2016. Zonta Club of Billings and Billings Public Library will host artist Tracy Linder for the next Artful Women of Montana event on Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Billings Public Library. The event is free and open to the public as a way to provide new insight into the lives of the women who add so much to the community through their words and art. Linder grew up on a family farm and now lives on the prairie of south-central Montana. She received her MFA in 1991 from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her sculptures and installations address our integral connection to the land, the sanctity of our food sources and the innate survival skills of all species. Her works have shown nationally and extensively in Montana, Colorado, Wyoming and North Dakota. In 2013, the Missoula Art Museum presented a solo exhibit of Linders "Blindsided" series. In 2012, the Nicolaysen Art Museum in Casper, Wyo., presented a mid-career retrospective along with publishing a signicant catalog. She has had numerous solo shows across the country, including the Yellowstone Art Museum. Linder was the rst artist-in-residence of the Yellowstone Art Museums Visible Vault. She was also selected to be a resident at the Ucross Foundation in Wyoming. In 2000, Linder was commissioned by the U.S. General Service Administrations Art in Architecture program for a border station between Montana and Alberta, Canada. Before that, she taught at MSU Billings and served as gallery director there for six years. In 2015, Linder was a featured speaker at a TEDx event in Billings. She has served on the Montana Arts Council since 2008. Her work was included in the inaugural exhibit of the Bozeman Sculpture Park in 2011. AWD With 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft at your right foots disposal, the 3.5 D-4S V6 powerplant is 25 horsepower and 15 lb-ft more potent than the 2GR-FKS engine in the 2016 Toyota Highlander. Featuring Dual VVT-i technology, the revised V6 is now the base engine for the Highlander Hybrid. The Direct Shift 8AT transmission ramped up theHighlanders fuel economy to 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway compared to the old models 18 mpg and 24 mpg.Excluding the base LE, all V6 models feature stop and start. Also new for 2017 is that the Highlander Hybrid can be had in LE and XLE flavors. At the lower end of the spectrum, the 2017 Toyota Highlander LE 2WD 2.7 continues to use a six-speeder. Priced from $30,630 to $47,880 for the range-topping grade, the updated Highlander will roll into dealers later this month.On the XLE trim level and above, the Highlander ships with Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The Limited Platinum, on the other hand, arrives with a standard-issue birds eye 360-degree camera system. Toyota Safety Sense P driver-assist tech is on the menu as well, being capable of mitigating or avoiding collisions in certain conditions. As ever, the mid-size sport utility vehicle manufactured in Princeton, Indiana, can seat up to eight passengers.Other highlights brought by the 2017 Toyota Highlander include standard LED taillights, three new exterior colors (Celestial Silver Metallic, Salsa Red Pearl, Toasted Walnut Pearl), and a total of five USB ports. The latter update makes charging a breeze, coming in handy especially on long family trips. smaller The first member of the fresh RR generation will be the 2018 Phantom and we are now bringing you the latest spyshots of the overly lavish sedan.Compared to the previous spy episodes, the prototype has lost the cladding under the psychedelic wrap, so we can notice the shape of its various design details.The most prominent part of this tester seems to be represented by the light clusters. As emphasized by the overly subtle visual changes brought by Rolls-Royce mid-cycle revamps , the automaker is determined to follow an evolutionary styling path, so existing customers don't feel left behind.So while various body details, such as the air-channelling shapes on the side of the front apron, seem like barely touched bits of the current phantom, the headlights and taillights are what truly makes the upcoming eight-generation Phantom.Speaking of which, we still can't figure our whether the taillights will feature a body color-painted center section, as we've seen on the headlights of the Bentley Bentayga , for instance.Then there's the roofline - we seem to notice a more swooping profile, with this possibly being the British automaker's gentle way of quenching the current thirst for four-door coupe silhouettes.These spyshots also take us inside the car and while some of you may have seen the digital dashboard of the 2018 model before, this is still a massive transformation. However, given RR's passion for minimalist cabin design, we should be treated with a memorable approach once those two big screens light up.As for the new architecture, this should be considerably lighter than the current one, which, despite its aluminum spaceframe form, still means the Phantom tips the scales at over 5,600 lbs.On the one hand, this will mean the next Phantom will surprise its driver with compliance even more than the outgoing model. On the other hand, the lighter construction will allow the luxurious sedan to also accommodate a battery, as the line-up is expected to include a hybrid.So, until the 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom makes its debut next year, here's what not to expect from the new generation: following negative customer feedback on the Phantom 102EX concept, we won't see an all-electric Rolls-Royce too soon. And this time around, the Phantom won't get a Coupe or a Drophead Coupe at the end of its designation. Guess lavish lifestyle aficionados with a taste for two-door models will have to turn to the Wraith or Dawn derivatives of theless humongous Ghost A video of a toddler who was riding a pedal-less bike made headlines after a video of his ride against traffic was published online. The Chinese kid got lost from his mom and went out to look for her on a busy road, and he happened to also go the wrong way.A quick look at the video will make almost anyone flinch, especially when considering the brief moment when the child goes out of sight when a bus passes by him.Fortunately for everyone involved, the kid was avoided by all the vehicles that were driving on the busy road in Lishui, a town located in the Zhejiang Province, according to The Independent . The boys age is unclear at the moment, but the most likely version claims that he is about three years old.The incident was quickly resolved by a police officer that was in the area, who ran into traffic to stop the child. Once the police officer found the kid, his mother discovered where her son was, and then got reunited with her offspring. This story is not how safe roads in China can be if you are lucky, but what can happen if you leave your kids unattended.Other observers noted that none of the vehicles that pass by the child bothered stopping, and getting out of the automobile to help the child seems to be out of the question for those drivers. Fortunately, the police officer had some sense and a job to do, so he rescued the child before someone ran him over.Mr. Bernhard Schwartlander, the representative of the World Health Organization in China, noted that about 10,000 children die on Chinese roads every year, and it happens because of car accidents. More than a third of these kids were pedestrians, which goes to show the problems of the worlds largest car market. The Familiare wagon was also introduced at the 1966 Torino Esposizioni, but then again, the 124 Spider stood out from the crowd and stood the test of time. Half a decade later, the spiritual successor of the 1966 Fiat 124 Spider doesnt shy away from its Japanese roots. Colloquially known as the Fiata, the modern-day 124 Spider is a different take on the Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND) Officially christened 124 Sport Spider , the original car is powered by a selection of four-cylinder engines. During its production life (1966 - 1985), grandpa took pride on anything from a 1.4-liter to a 2.0-liter inline-4 powerplant. The largest engine came in three flavors: atmospheric, turbo (approximately 700 units made for the North American market), and Volumex, the latter standing for supercharging. In this specification, the maximum output stands at 135 PS (133 horsepower) and 206 Nm (152 lb-ft).Fast-forward to 2016 and the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is exclusively available with forced induction. Be it the regular version or the go-faster Abarth model , Fiats two-seat roadster is motivated by a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with 140 PS (138 horsepower) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) or 170 PS (167 horsepower) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of twist. By comparison, the MX-5s 1.5- and 2.0-liter naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G make do with fewer ponies and less torques.Its hard to pick between the MX-5 and 124 Spider, partly because theyre very different animals sharing the same platform. This might not come as a surprise to Miata fans, but theres no competition between the two . One is made with cruising in mind, the other abides by the Jinba Ittai philosophy. Also, every time Fiat sells a 124 Spider, Mazda reaps the bigger reward.To mark fifty years of Italian sexiness, Fiat created an anniversary edition of the 124 Spider. For the British market, the Turin-based automaker sold the 124-strong run long before the vehicles rolled into Fiat UKs dealerships. ABS KTM AG has a new landing site dedicated to the next generation Dukes. It only features a short teaser video and a date, November 8, for the moment, but that is enough to spark our imagination.The short video isnt giving away too much about the new bike, but it does show the all-new full LED split-headlight we saw earlier on test mules and spy photos Another thing to notice is that growling sound, which I do hope it hasnt been digitally enhanced in some way. That is supposed to be generated by a new engine but it surely doesnt sound like a single-cylinder that will equip the new KTM 200 Duke and 390 Duke models.This only leaves space for the much-awaited Duke 800 street-fighter. The model has been under development for quite some time now and it is believed to be powered by an 800 cc twin-cylinder lump to replace the Duke 690, or at least offer an alternative between that and the big 1290 Super Duke.The new Duke 800 will battle against the Kawasaki Z800, Ducati Monster 821, and Triumph Street Triple, offering that raw look KTM has accustomed us so far. Expect a new frame with independent rear subframe, standardfor Europe, a better dashboard, ride-by-wire throttle with different riding modes and traction control.Along with the all-new model, KTM will also unveil the 390 Duke and 200 Duke at the EICMA show next week. The design of the two is inspired by the Super Duke and will also come with the two-piece frame seen in spy photos.The two will be powered by slightly more powerful engines than the outgoing versions and will also get new features. For example, the 390 is expected to get ride-by-wire throttle with modes, a new TFT color display, slipper clutch, LED lights and a side-mounted exhaust.Stick around for more information soon. Were expecting more teasing to come before the final unveil next week. The USA s organizational system has allowed individual states to have different regulations from many points of view. While federal laws still apply across all territories, states can impose stricter or less strict sanctions for speeding . The same velocity could get you in jail in one place, while another state will let you off with a ticket. EV The battery pack is the most important part of anas it dictates its maximum range or charging speed, but that's not why it is so well protected. It all has to do with what happens when a lithium-ion battery catches fire. Or, well, rather explodes.They teach us that fossil fuel, be it gasoline or diesel, is extremely flammable, and that's true, but the chemicals inside the battery cells are just as dangerous. They're perfectly fine as long as the casing doesn't get punctured, but when that happens, there's a very high risk of explosion.It takes a lot to damage the battery pack of a Tesla Model S , but it's not impossible as the tragic accident that happened this morning in Indianapolis shows once again. Reports say the EV caught fire after its driver sped through an intersection at around 1 a.m. local time, losing control and hitting a tree and a building.Indianapolis Fire Department Battalion Chief Rita Reith described the aftermath of the accident: "The impact of the crash disintegrated the car leaving a debris field over 150 yards long. Firefighters arrived and had to contend with the car fire and multiple fires in the road left by the small batteries and magnesium strewn about."There was one big explosion first, then there were several little small ones and debris just kept popping up in the air like somebody was at a fireworks display or something," Alfred Finnell Jr., a witness of the crash, told Wishtv.com. The firefighters needed fifteen minutes before they could extract the passenger. The woman driving the car was pronounced dead at the scene, while the male accompanying her died at the hospital shortly after.Just like that Model S that burned in Norway under the careful supervision of the people who were supposed to put it out - and other similar cases - this shows how ill-prepared the firefighters are to deal with fires caused by electric batteries. Things will undoubtedly change once EVs become the norm, but those who already made the switch would feel a lot better if things happened a bit quicker. MARTINSDALE Visitors can kick off the holiday season at the Bair Family Home and Museum in Martinsdale for a holiday Upstairs, Downstairs open house, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 12. This is a one-day-a-year opportunity to tour both the downstairs home and the upstairs private quarters of one of Montanas greatest philanthropic families. The tour is $3 for adults, free for children 16 and under. The last tour is at 3:30 p.m. Visitors will view hats, clothing and personal items laid out only for this event and the dining table will be set for holiday entertaining. The gift shop that offers museum memberships, also sells books and memorabilia. Most items will be 20 percent off throughout the day. The eclectic Bair collection blends the arts and cultures of Europe and Montana in a uniquely remodeled but quintessentially homestead setting. The Bair sisters decorated their home with French furniture, English silver and Chinese porcelain displayed alongside their parents collection of western paintings and Plains Indian beadwork. A collection of Paul Storr silver fills the formal dining room that also contains a Duncan Phyfe table along with an 18th century British sideboard hunt table and Bairs Minton china wedding set. Several of Mary Bairs hand-painted china pieces are also on display. Old family heirlooms are showcased alongside Italian bronze statues in a pioneer environment that blends Bair family memories with rare antiques in a ranch setting along the Upper Musselshell River. Guests can also enjoy coffee, sweet treats and hot chocolate in the Bair barn. Go to www.bairfamilymuseum.org for more information. The Colonial Pipeline Co. hopes to bring a significant gasoline supply line back online by Saturday, less than a week after a blast that could reduce gasoline supply to the Southeast and Northeast, Reuters has reported. The impact of the blast on fuel prices should be felt hardest in the Southeast region, said Bernie Kavanagh, senior vice president and general manager for North American large fleet for WEX, Inc. The region was also impacted in September when a nearby gasoline spill caused a 12-day interruption in the flow of about 1.3 million barrels per day from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast. "The brunt of any fallout from the accident at the pipeline will likely be felt in the Southeastern region of the country, but again, we're still assessing how this will impact fuel prices and demand nationwide," Kavanagh said. "Southeast suppliers will be closely monitoring progress of a Line 1 restart, and potentially will have to scramble to get supplies, much like in mid-September." The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration took control of the site, while the fire continues to burn. Once the company gains access to the site, it can assess how long repairs will take to complete. The fire highlights the dangers of aging pipeline infrastructure in the U.S. More than 60% of fuel pipelines were built before 1970, reports the Wall Street Journal. The blast shouldn't cause a longer-term impact on gasoline prices that fleet drivers pay at the pump, and diesel prices shouldn't be affected because Colonial's diesel line was restarted quickly, Kavanagh said. "It's our hope that this accident will have little effect on fuel supply, but if it does we are optimistic that it will not be a long-term concern for consumers," he said. "It very much depends on how long it takes to get the pipeline back to working condition, as that section of pipeline services areas from the Gulf to New York." On Nov. 1, Alabama suspended hours-of-service regulations for truck drivers who are engaged in pipeline repair work and fuel hauling for 30 days, Gov. Robert Bentley announced. Photo of 2017 C-HR courtesy of Toyota. Toyota will debut a U.S. version of the C-HR compact SUV for the 2018 model-year at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the automaker has announced. Toyota showed the C-HR at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. The company is expected to provide more technical details when it unveils the vehicle. Toyota will unveil the vehicle on Nov. 17. A Chinese-made stealth fighter that some say resemble the U.S. Air Forces F-22 Raptor debuted this week at the Zhuhai Air Show, the nations best-known aerospace event. The J-20 jet performed a surprise ground-rattling flyover during Tuesdays opening day and also caught the attention of media outlets around the world. The first public showing of the twin-engine jet sparked new speculation about Chinas ability to upgrade its technology to the point of winning comparisons to other military superpowers. As with most of Chinas aircraft certification programs, the J-20 project remains mostly secretive, with The Wall Street Journal reporting that photos of test flight operations several years ago were the only evidence the fighter was nearing completion. Its not clear exactly when the fighter will go into service, but 2018 was a possible time frame reported by the BBC, which also noted that the public wont get a closer look at the J-20 as it wont be on display at the countrys largest aviation exposition. A smaller version of the jet, the J-31, debuted at Zhuhai in 2014 and is expected to be certified for export, while the J-20 remains Chinas own stealth fighter. Australias news.com reported that the jet isnt all Chinese-designed, as the challenge of developing an engine to power such aircraft led engineers to turn to Russia for the technology. The Armenian government is not subsidizing in an open or concealed manner an expected reduction of natural gas prices offered for the countrys households and businesses by a Russian monopolists local subsidiary earlier this week, Prime Minister Karen Karapetian assured the public on Thursday. Gazprom Armenia submitted an application to the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) on Tuesday, suggesting a 5-percent decrease in tariffs for consumers in Armenia as well as offering new tariffs to low-income families and several types of businesses. The move came days after President Serzh Sarkisian and Prime Minister Karapetian met with visiting Gazprom chief Alexey MIller to address the matter. Karapetian, who himself served as a Gazprom executive before assuming his duties as the head of the Armenian government in September, explained that by offering lower tariffs the Russian company tries to motivate the expansion of the market so that businesses can become profitable at the expense of the reduction of self-cost. Gazprom Armenia did not immediately explain in its statement at what expense it was going to reduce the tariffs, triggering speculations that it would again come at a cost for Armenia. In 2013, the Armenian government ceded its remaining 20-percent stake in the gas distribution network to Gazprom on account of debts accumulated over several years when, as it turned out, the government had subsidized the price for consumers. Karapetian indicated four sources using which Gazprom Armenia can afford to lower its prices today. The [companys] transit agreement with Georgia ends on January 1 and there are expectations that the transit fee will be lowered. Secondly, as a result of tariff reductions Gazprom Armenia expects the expansion of the consumer market, which will compensates for the loss of margin. Thirdly, it is optimization of certain financial costs and decrease in the share of loans at Gazprom Armenia. And fourthly, in order to stabilize and expand the market the founder of Gazprom Armenia is going to take on certain financial risks, the head of the Armenian government said. If approved by the PSRC, the new gas tariffs are likely to become effective in Armenia already on January 1, 2017. 3 November 2016 13:04 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Following its occupation policy for over 20 years, Armenia continues to keep the situation on Nagorno-Karabakh undefined and fragile. In addition to illegally staying in 20 percent of internationally recognized Azerbaijani territories, the occupant country's armed units every day violate the ceasefire regime by firing Azerbaijani positions on the other side of the contact line. In recent times, the Armenian armed units have even more increased their provocations. Although the Azerbaijani side timely suppresses these attempts, the situation on the contact line becomes unstable and dangerous. As usual, on the night of November 2, the Armenian armed units once again fired the positions of the Azerbaijani armed forces located in the front line. In general, Armenian troops violated the ceasefire regime for a total of 26 times during the last day. However, the enemy was again silenced by firm return fire. It is noteworthy that the latter attacks of Armenian units are carried out from more heavy weaponry than it used to be earlier Azerbaijani troops get attacked by 60-millimeter mortars, grenade launchers and heavy machine guns. Moreover, Armenian units regularly try to carry out acts of sabotage on the contact line between the troops and by this aggravate the situation. From this, it is obvious that Armenia tries to provoke Azerbaijan, and to start the next stage of the long-lasting war. The number of such attacks by the Armenian troops has highly intensified for the last days, and the responsibility for the deliberate aggravation of the situation in the front line entirely falls on the criminal military and political regime of Armenia. In order to confront the Armenian provocations, Azerbaijan's Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov regularly meets with the Azerbaijani front-line troops and gives them appropriate instructions. If these provocations by Armenia continue, it can face again the tough response of Azerbaijan, like it did during the April fights when provoked Azerbaijani troops liberated a number of occupied Azerbaijani settlements and important heights. Given the big difference between the strength of Azerbaijani and Armenian armed forces, next time Armenian troops may lose not only several occupied villages, but all the territories they stole from Azerbaijan. Speaking of the April clashes, it seems that Armenia still cannot perceive the loss of occupied Azerbaijani lands. After the fights, the Armenian government promised its population to return all lost positions by September, however it has not managed to do it. By such promises, the Armenian authorities try to distract attention of its citizens from the heavy internal problems which Armenians suffer from. Armenia especially tries to return the strategically important heights of Talish village in Azerbaijani Terter region that may be the main reason why Armenian units intensify provocations. Their aim is to find any weakness in Azerbaijani armed forces on the front line, however, the Azerbaijani troops manage to remain the dreams of Armenian occupants unfulfilled. It seems that the recent visit of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs in the region, who have held talks with both sides of the conflict and once again called on respecting the ceasefire regime, did not even influence the Armenian authorities. By lying to the Group co-chairs, Armenia continues attacks at Azerbaijani troops instead of coming to the negotiating table and resolve the problem peacefully. The Azerbaijani side has numerously declared its readiness to discuss the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, and mentioned the possibility of coming to a compromise. However, all this is being ignored by Armenia. As soon as the mediators manage to gain some success in the negotiation process, the Armenian side, in the person of President Serzh Sargsyan, steps back and by this again freezes the peace talks. This is understandable Armenian authorities are just afraid to completely lose the hope of their population, however, after all fails of authorities, it is questionable if Armenians believe in their government at all. Hence, Armenia's main aim is quite obvious it only wants to preserve the unstable status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh forever. This should be stopped immediately, and Armenia must change the every-day front-line provocations to coming to peace negotiations. -- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 12:40 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov The Armenian government continues its ecological terror against Azerbaijan along with daily provocations on the frontline. The country frequently commits arsons in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, which also spread to villages located near the contact line of Armenian-Azerbaijani troops, what is more the Armenians are now targeting water resources. They pollute and poison the rivers and reservoirs. This time, the Agstafachay reservoir, located in the border village of Azerbaijans Gazakh region, has been a subject to the pollution from the Armenian side. The inspections in the reservoir revealed a large quantity of expired drinks and chemical substances of Armenian production. Moreover, suspicious packages and explosives were detected in the territory adjacent to the reservoir. All of them were neutralized by the professionals of ANAMA (Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action). Yusif Nasibov, the department head at the Agstafachay Reservoir Management, informed that the river that feeds the Agstafachay reservoir originates in the territory of Armenia. Along with polluting the river with domestic waste, the Armenian side poisons it with toxic substances. Despite the regular cleaning activities, the ecological situation in the reservoirs and adjacent territories worsens with the rising water levels, which bring toxic substances to the reservoir. Azerbaijan's two largest rivers, the Kur and Araz, also pass through Armenia and Armenians have been regularly polluting them for many years. Both rivers play a major part in agriculture and the economy of Azerbaijan. Almost all of the rivers that begin in Armenia flow into the Kur and Araz rivers and then to the Caspian Sea. The Armenians also pollute the Ganjachay, Goshgarchay, Shamkirchay, Agstafachay rivers that pass through the Azerbaijani territory. Armenia's ecological terror against Azerbaijan has been continuing for over 20 years. Armenia's hazardous actions, however, haven't yet met with a response from the international organizations. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 11:01 (UTC+04:00) Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 18 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry reported on November 3. The enemy was using 60-millimeter mortars, grenade launchers and large-caliber machine guns. The Azerbaijani army positions located in the Bala Jafarli village of Azerbaijans Gazakh district underwent fire from the Armenian army positions located in the Vazashen village of the Ijevan district of Armenia. Meanwhile, positions of the Azerbaijani army located in the Alibayli village of Azerbaijans Tovuz district were also shelled from the Armenian army positions located on nameless heights of Armenias Berd district. The Azerbaijani army positions also underwent fire from the Armenian positions located near the Armenian-occupied Horadiz, Gorgan villages of the Fuzuli district, Mehdili village of the Jabrayil district, as well as from the positions located on nameless heights of the Tartar, Khojavand, Fuzuli 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 HELENA One of the biggest differences between incumbent Republican Tim Fox and Democrat Larry Jent, the two men vying to be Montanas next attorney general, is their opinion on when the state should join lawsuits on major issues facing the country such the Clean Power Plan or which bathrooms transgender people may use. While some of Fox's decisions, such as joining a lawsuit over the Clean Power Plan, which would require the state to reduce its carbon emissions by more than 40 percent, were supported by both Republicans and Democrats, others have seen less support. Gov. Steve Bullock criticized Fox's decision to join a lawsuit by several states over federal policy on access to public bathrooms by transgender people. Its an issue that is politicized, but it is not a political decision for me, Fox said. The decision to take legal action, he said, comes down to are we defending the rule of law as a state and are we potentially violating or going to violate the U.S. Constitution. Jent criticized the high-profile moves by Fox, including comments submitted in 2013 that urged Washington state to use a narrow scope in reviewing a proposed coal terminal there. I don't think it was a wise use of resources to litigate about the deep water coal port in Washington, Jent said. Theres no Montana property interest at stake. And the coal companies that want to use that have lawyers and money. I wouldnt do that for any industry because they have the money available to do that. Fox disagreed. My opponent is apparently forgetting Montana has the largest state-owned coal reserves of any state in the nation and the largest coal reserves, period, publicly or privately owned, of any state in the nation, Fox said. The taxes and revenues that are generated from mining coal are very, very important in Montana. In that case, Fox also cited concerns the process would violate the Constitution's commerce clause. Montana GOP chairman Jeff Essmann said joining into a lawsuit over the EPAs Waters of the U.S. and the Clean Power Plan are important for Montanas economic future. Action was needed in both of those cases, Essmann said, because of federal overreach on behalf of the EPA. We dont need the EPA telling every farmer and rancher in the state how to manage a stock pond and a mud puddle, Essmann said. He also said that depending on who is elected president, the attorney general could play a role in protecting the right to own firearms. This election cycle, Hillary Clintons opponent, Republican Donald Trump, has said Clinton would abolish the Second Amendment, a statement the fact-checking website Politifact has determined to be false. Clinton has said she will expand background checks to close gun show and internet sales loopholes and work to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, violent criminals and severely mentally ill people. If God forbid Hillary Clinton gets elected president, I anticipate she may issue some executive order with respect to certain gun laws or the right of people to own and possess certain types of guns, Essmann said. If she does that I expect the attorney general will have to litigate our Second Amendment rights. Jent, if elected, said his approach to taking legal action on behalf of the state will rely on his sense of what Montana residents want. He would like to see the office look more at issues including two merger proposals involving four of the nation's largest health insurance companies, something the U.S. Justice Department has sued to block. Other issues he would examine are drug prices, such as for the EpiPen and insulation. I think thats one of the places the attorney should be active in litigation, if necessary, because it affects everybody or someone in everybodys family. The one job of attorney general that comes to mine is consumer protection, Jent said. The coal companies, the power companies, the drug companies already have lawyers. Contrasting campaigns Fox, who beat Democrat Pam Bucy to win the office in 2012 with nearly 54 percent of the vote, submitted his statement of candidacy paperwork in 2014. Jent, a former state lawmaker and Bozeman attorney, didnt file until hours before the March 14 primary deadline. Fox has raised $443,295 to Jents $69,500, but Jent emphasized his belief that money doesnt matter. Fox has also outspent Jent on advertising, but Jent said hes been traveling around the state, meeting with as many people as he can to learn what issues are important to Montanans. We dont have a staff. Its me, my wife and my treasurer, he said. The campaign operates out of his law office and not having the funding that Fox does doesnt matter, Jent emphasized. Im committed to this, Jent said. I dont want to just be a name on a ballot. Jent is a graduate of West Point and was a special forces officer. He has practiced law in Montana for 32 years, most recently in private practice in Bozeman and serving on the board of the Montana Innocence Project. He was elected to the state House in 2000 and spent three terms there before being elected to the state Senate in 2006. He was re-elected in 2010. Before being elected attorney general, Fox had a 29-year legal career that included working at law firms around the state as well as opening his own firm and clerking for an associate state Supreme Court justice. He practiced business, commercial, environmental and constitutional law. He ran for attorney general in 2008 and lost to now Gov. Steve Bullock. Fox said he wants to be re-elected to continue the work hes done in his first term, including efforts with a task force to test a backlog of unsubmitted rape kits in Montana, reducing DUIs, changing the way sex assaults are handled and making efforts to reduce the massive caseload courts are dealing with and the resulting prison crowding. Many of the initiatives weve taken in the last four years are things that confront Montana and her citizens today and will for some time, Fox said. They are problems that have taken a long time to get to this point and will take a long time to address. If voters elect him, Jent, 64, said he wants to be the peoples attorney, with a focus on standing up for individuals who dont have the resources to represent themselves. He also emphasized the importance of using the power of the attorney generals office to find ways to address violent crime, especially against women. The attorney general should be a champion for the people, Jent said. You are the peoples lawyer. In the 2005 Legislative session, as a state representative, Jent got a bill passed to require DNA samples from all felons. Thats got to be a priority, finding out who these people are, he said. Compiling the DNA registry had tones of '1984' all over it, so you really had to convince people. But its paid off. Were solving cases. Larry Mansch, legal director of the Montana Innocence Project, said the state is just now seeing the results of Jents work on DNA testing. His experience in legislative affairs has been especially valuable for us, he said. In addition to the registry, Mansch said, Jent was also instrumental in creating the statute that makes it easier to get DNA evidence tested. Now we have one of the best and most solid DNA testing statutes in the whole country," he said. "A lot of that was orchestrated by him. Criminal justice reform As Montanas courts and jails become more overwhelmed with increasing volume from child abuse and neglect cases, many of which also involve drug use, both candidates said fixing the system will be a top priority. Fox wants the attorney generals office to take a proactive approach. To fix the problem, its not enough to focus on enforcement and criminal conviction; steps need to be taken to intervene before it reaches that point, he said. Under his direction, the attorney general's office has devoted staff time to studying the effectiveness of treatment courts around the state with an eye toward identifying gaps in the programs and gathering data lawmakers can use when making decisions in the upcoming Legislature. We want to save lives and help people become productive citizens and be healthy, but the cost to society of substance abuse is more expensive than it would be to provide the kind of treatment options and counseling opportunities upfront, Fox said. While the need is immediate and pressing in 2015 Montana saw 2,321 new or reopened child abuse and neglect cases, a jump of 712 from the previous year, and several cities are asking voters on Election Day to expand jails Fox said the state cant keep responding with interim patches. Lawmakers need the data to develop a new approach, something he said his office is working to gather. Rather than to continue to do it piecemeal, a Band-Aid here and there, we need to really put an emphasis on the bigger picture and the long-term solution, trying to keep people from getting into the cycle of substance abuse and also getting them out of that cycle, intervening in their lives as quickly as possible. That in the long term will be the solution to the child abuse and neglect problem that we have, the crime problem, the prison population." Jent agrees the state spends too much money incarcerating people. The idea of being able to intercept those people early and do as much as humanly possible to turn things around so they dont come back and see us is a compelling theme Ive heard from all areas of the political spectrum and all walks of life," he said. He believes the attorney generals office can be a catalyst for change by advocating for the health of the judicial system. The thing that is most striking to me is the need for staffing the courts with sufficient judges, he said. A shortage of public defenders is another pressing issue, he added. The state public defender office has been suffering from high turnover rates and high workload. To have good people do this, youve got to pay," he said. 3 November 2016 17:37 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Life condition of Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev, two Azerbaijanis for over two years kept as hostages by Armenian armed forces, is in danger. This is evident from the last letter sent by Shahbaz Guliyev to his family via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Describing his current condition in it, he then wrote about Dilgam Asgarov. Dilgam was taken to another place. He felt bad, and his condition worsened in the last few days. Now Dilgam is not here, I have no information about him, Guliyev wrote. The two citizens of Azerbaijan were taken hostage by the Armenian armed forces in July 2014 while visiting their native places and graves of loved ones in the occupied Azerbaijani Kalbajar region. Moreover, Armenian forces killed the third Azerbaijani citizen Hasan Hasanov. Later, Guliyev and Asgarov were judged illegally by the unrecognized courts of a separatist regime in occupied Nagorno-Karabakh. Following an expedited judicial process" in December 2015, Asgarov was sentenced to life imprisonment and Guliyev to 22 years. The attempts of Azerbaijan to provide justice and to free its citizens are still unsuccessful. I do not receive any normal news from my farther for a long time, the son of Dilgam Asgarov, Kurdoglu Asgarov told in an interview. This cannot go on. He resented that he does not know who writes the letters which are allegedly from his father. Last letter from Dilgam Asgarov was written in Russian, which Kurdoglu regards as suspicious. After a month, he learned that his father was taken away from Shahbaz Guliyev, and therefore he addressed the Baku office of ICRC. However, they did not say any news to me. Seeing no progress in liberation of Asgarov and Guliyev, some experts already come to the conclusion that these two hostages kept by Armenian occupants should be liberated via an anti-terrorist operation against Armenian armed forces. However, the political analyst Arzu Nagiyev stressed that this is risky and dangerous for the life of Guliyev and Asgarov. He noted that the problem should be addressed through strict pressure of international humanitarian organizations on the Armenian authorities. Poor health condition can be a cause to be put on agenda this is envisaged even by the rules of war. Moreover, the co-chairs of OSCE Minsk Group can raise the issue, Nagiyev said. Azerbaijan, whose over 4,000 citizens were taken captive, hostage, or went missing as a result of the Nagorno-Karabakh war, has repeatedly declared its readiness to begin negotiations with Armenia. Azerbaijans State Committee on Affairs of Refugees and IDPs, the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons and other agencies have repeatedly urged international organizations, including the ICRC, to assist in release of Guliyev and Asgarov, whilst the problem remains actual yet. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 12:24 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Azerbaijan and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam may extend their cooperation to the sphere of transport. Azerbaijani Ambassador to Vietnam Anar Imanov told Trend that Vietnamese railways, the state-owned operator of the railway system in Vietnam, is interested in strengthening cooperation with Azerbaijan and in more efficient use of railway transportation. The official underlined the importance of international transport projects, including the North-South transport corridor and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK), the implementation of which is currently underway. The realization of the projects is expected to reduce time and expenditures required for the transportation of freight from the countries of Southeast Asia to Europe and backward. Imanov said that implementation of the transport projects will accelerate delivery of goods from Vietnam to Azerbaijan and backward, which in turn will create favorable conditions for the development of trade relations between the countries. For the time being, Vietnam uses marine transport corridors to carry out the delivery of its goods. The opportunities for expanding mutually beneficial trade and economic relations, as well as cooperation in such spheres as transport, agriculture, and energy will be discussed during the first meeting of the Azerbaijan-Vietnam Intergovernmental Commission for Economic, Trade, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, planned to be held in the near future. The North-South transportation corridor is meant to connect Northern Europe to South-East Asia. Moreover, it will serve as a link connecting the railways of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia. At the initial stage, the North-South corridor will transport 5 million tons of cargo per year with further expansion of transportation to over 10 million tons. Along with making a great contribution to the diversification of Azerbaijan's economy the project is expected to turn the country into a major transport hub. Freight is expected to be transported through the territory of India and further through the Persian Gulf, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia in the direction of Scandinavian countries and Northern Europe within 14 days. The trade turnover between the countries totaled $51.9 million in the first half 2016, with some $47.4 million accounting for the Azerbaijani side, and $4.5 million for Vietnam. The diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Vietnam were established on September 23, 1992. Azerbaijan opened its embassy in Vietnam in 2013. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 12:01 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Turkish entrepreneurs will actively participate in the creation of large industrial sites in Azerbaijan. Turkeys Ambassador to Azerbaijan Erkan Ozoral announced about this at a meeting with the chairman of Azerbaijans State Customs Committee (SCC) Aydin Aliyev on October 2. Ozoral noted that the political, economic and cultural relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey are at a high level, and customs authorities have important responsibilities in the context of economic relations. The envoy affirmed that Turkish businessmen are satisfied with the work of Azerbaijani customs services and do not have any problem in this respect. In turn, Aliyev assured that relations between the countries are developing upstream, voicing satisfaction with the cooperation with the customs authorities of Turkey. He added that the Turkish experience in risk management in the customs service had a positive impact on the customs of Azerbaijan. Turkey is a major trade partner of Azerbaijan. The trade turnover between the countries exceeded $1.67 billion in January-September 2016, according to the Azerbaijans SCC. Azerbaijan exported goods to $842.2 million, while Turkish imports to Azerbaijan amounted to $830.8 million. Azerbaijan's investments in the Turkish economy are expected to reach $17-20 billion by 2020. The two neighboring countries and strategic partners enjoy significant and developing economic ties, especially in terms of huge energy projects, as Azerbaijan has rich natural resources in the Caspian Sea. Thus, the country transports its hydrocarbon resources to the European and world markets through the Turkish territory. Moreover, Azerbaijan and Turkey are the beneficiaries of all the major projects in the region, in particular the Southern Gas Corridor, which includes the TANAP and TAP projects, as well as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. The partnership between Turkey and Azerbaijan may be regarded as the driving force forming policy and economy in the region. The political weight of Ankara is supported by the economic projects launched by Azerbaijan. This unity allows two brotherly states to respond all modern challenges. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 11:26 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Azerbaijan Deposit Fund (ADIF) has so far paid compensations worth over 667.07 million manats ($404.53) to depositors of the recently closed Dekabank, Kredobank, Zaminbank, Parabank, Caucasus Development Bank, AtraBank, Bank of Azerbaijan, Ganjabank, Texnikabank and Bank Standard. Banks Volume of paid compensations (million manats/ million USD) Volume of the insured deposits (million manats/ million USD) Bank Standard 381.5 ($ 231.3 ) 460($278.9 ) Zaminbank 52.2 ($ 31.6 ) 60($ 36.3) Dekabank 2.9($1.75 ) 5.59($3.38) Kredobank 26.7($ 16.19 ) 30.21($ 18.32) Caucasus Development Bank 1.88($ 1.14) 2($1.21) Atrabank 14.18 ($ 8.59) 14.55($ 8.82) Bank of Azerbaijan 24.12($ 14.62) 24.2($14.67) Gandjabank 0.97($ 0.58) 1($0.60) Texnikabank 120 ($ 72.77) 122.6($ 74.34 ) Parabank 42.75($ 25.92 ) 43.79($26.55) Acceptance of applications from insured depositors of DekaBank, KredoBank, Zaminbank and Parabank began on August 1, 2016 and the payment of compensations has been carried out since that day. Compensations to the depositors of Caucasus Development Bank and AtraBank are being paid starting from August 23.Payments are being carried out at the branches the banks. Depositors of Caucasus Development Bank receive compensations at the banks main office.Payment of compensations to insured depositors of Bank of Azerbaijan has been carried out since January 29, 2016 at branches of Muganbank and Rabitabank, and since September 8 at ADIFs office. Clients of Ganjabank receive compensations since February 4 at the branches of Rabitabank, Unibank and Kapital Bank. ADIF launchedpayment of compensations to depositors of Texnikabank on February 12. Payment of compensations to the insured depositors of Bank Standard started October 11, 2016 at the banks main office and its branches in the regions of Azerbaijan and will continue for one year. The licenses of all the banks were revoked in 2016, as their assets were not classified in line with the law, and they didnt create adequate reserves and their aggregate capital did not meet the minimum requirements. Some 32 banks are currently implementing their activities in the country. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 15:18 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Azerbaijan and Pakistan, the two strategic partners, are keen to expand their cooperation and achieve strong economic partnership. Pakistan has already developed a 5-year trade plan on the increase of the export volume to Azerbaijan up to $500 million, Dawn newspaper reported. The plan is reportedly developed jointly by the ministries of trade and military production of Pakistan, following the 3-day visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Navaz Sharif to Baku. The plan envisages the expansion of access to the Azerbaijani market through setting a preferential trade regime, which further may be substituted by a free trade agreement between the countries. Moreover, Islamabad established a committee on the expansion of trade and economic relations with Azerbaijan. The volume of export from Pakistan to Azerbaijan amounted to some $60 million, while the indices of import stand at $0.03 million. The Baku-Islamabad cooperation extends to every sphere ranging from political, economic, technological, security to cultural arenas. A unique attribute of Azerbaijan-Pakistan bilateral relations is strong support that both countries extend to each other on issues of mutual interest and international arena. The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Pakistan amounted to $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2016. Pakistan was among the first countries that recognized the independence of Azerbaijan in October 1991 -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 17:14 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani Silk Way airline has launched the first cargo delivery by a charter flight to Prague, Azertac reported. The company plans to carry out permanent flights for transportation of cargo to Europe, especially Czech Republic in future. The fleet of Silk Way Helicopter Services, which is a part of SW Group, includes Sikorsky S-92A, Leonardo Helicopters AW139, Airbus Helicopters AS-332L1, Airbus Helicopters EC-155B1, i-8-1, i-8 helicopters, and Cessna 172S airplanes. Over the past 10 years, the Heydar Aliyev International Airport has become a major air cargo transportation hub. Today, Azerbaijan's civil aviation has announced itself as the official air carrier of the Great Silk Road project connecting East and West. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 13:01 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Azerbaijani youth have been invited to the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students that will be held in the Russian city of Sochi next October, Azertac reported. More than 30,000 young people from all around the world will come to Sochi to participate in this great event. Yelena Mondrus, head of International Youth Center department of international programs at Russia's Federal Agency for Youth Affairs' said they will be happy to welcome Azerbaijani delegation at the festival. Speaking at the 7th Azerbaijani-Russian Interregional Forum in Baku, she said that over hundred people from Azerbaijan will join the festival. The World Festival of Youth and Students has been active since 1947. In 1957 and 1985, the Festival was held in Moscow. The 1957 Festival was the biggest event which united 34,000 delegates from 131 countries. In 2017, the organizers expect around 30,000 from 150 countries to attend the event. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 14:21 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Azerbaijans famous artist Nigar Narimanbekova has been awarded the prestigious prize in France, Trend Life reported. The artist was awarded the prize "For creation of magical universe", which is considered the highest award of the festival "Salon Business Art 2016". "I am pleased and honored to accept this award. This is the highest award the jury of the festival "Salon Business Art 2016", Narimanbekova said. The "Salon Business Art" festival was held in Paris on October 21-23. Nigar Narimanbekova displayed ten works at the event held at the Parisian Carrousel du Louvre. The artist presented her famous series of paintings "Love Toys", which has already gained love and recognition among art lovers. Vivid and colorful paintings such as "Puppet", "Temptation", "Confessions of a mermaid", as well as "Adagio", which won the main prize of the Salon of independent artists - TOILE D'OR 2016, are among the exhibited works. Jean-Charles Ashe called the artist's painting "The Puppet" a masterpiece. These wonderful paintings will be also displayed in Versailles in January 2017. The painting "Puppet" will be displayed at Art En Capital exhibition to be held in February 2017. Nigar , who lives and works in Paris and Baku, was graduated from Azerbaijan State Art School after Azim Azimzade and All-Union State Institute of Cinematography after Gerasimov in Moscow. She has participated in a number of national and international art exhibitions in France, Germany, Austria, and Azerbaijan. She is a member of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan and the International Association of Art. Her paintings are displayed in the exhibition halls of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism, National Museum of Art of Azerbaijan as well as in private collections. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 10:50 (UTC+04:00) BY Laman Ismayilova The next meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development - GUAM will be held in Baku in December. The GUAM secretariat reported that the agenda of the meeting includes the discussion of the integration processes of the GUAM member-states into Europe, namely, cooperation within the Eastern Partnership program; the role of multilateral parliamentary cooperation in ensuring regional and international security, the role of regional and international parliamentary organizations in the development of interregional cooperation, energy potential of GUAM area and others. The timing of the meeting is being agreed, the GUAM secretariat said. The delegations of GUAMs member-states, namely, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine will attend the meeting. The representatives of the Baltic Assembly, the Visegrad Group member-states and TurkPA representatives will also attend the meeting as guests, the message said. The GUAM was created by post-Soviet countries in 1997 during the summit of heads of states of the European Union in Strasbourg. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 10:58 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli The Azerbaijani-Egyptian relations and a wide range of issues of mutual interest were discussed in Cairo as Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has met Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail Mohamed on November 2. The sides exchanged views further expanding cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, energy, transport, educational and humanitarian fields, Azertac reported. The parties expressed assurance that another meeting of Joint Inter-Governmental Commission that expected to be held in end of November would contribute to development of the cooperation. Ismail Mohamed highlighted the visit of Mammadyarov in terms of development of bilateral ties, adding such visits created fruitful opportunities for defining future directions of bonds. Mammadyarov, in turn, said Azerbaijan attached particular importance to developing bilateral ties with Arabian countries, as well as with Egypt. They also discussed boosting cooperation in the fields of tourism, pharmaceutics, information communication technologies, and agriculture. During his official visit to Egypt, the minister earlier met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, expressed gratification with the cooperation and mutual support of Egypt and Azerbaijan in the international arena. Mammadyarov also met with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Soukry. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Montana businesses are turning to U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., to repeal, or at least delay, a federal tax on health insurance. Daines met with representatives of the Montana Auto Dealers Association and local Billings businesses in Billings on Wednesday. Insurance premiums are going up, Daines said. But on the horizon is a tax on top of those premiums that is going to work against employees. The discussion were seeing nationally today is primarily focused on premium increases, deductible increases, Daines said. Were here today to talk about a tax increase on top of all this, which will flow through as higher expense for employees and employers. The Health Insurance Tax was created to help fund the Affordable Care Act by charging health insurance providers an annual fee based on a total amount needing to be collected. The tax was to raise $8 billion nationally in 2014 and then increase annually until reaching $14.3 billion in 2018. Thus far, federal lawmakers have managed to suspend the tax one year at a time. This delay has repeatedly been stuck in a year-end omnibus bill that Congress, for lack of normal budgeting, has repeatedly used to fund the government for a single year w\hile also continuing tax breaks. The tax, on top of premium increases, would make it difficult for businesses that want to provide insurance as a benefit to keep doing so, said Vu Pham, of Weave Management. Its a constant struggle to do the right thing, providing insurance, not making our employees go onto the private market because we know it costs a lot more, Pham said. Weave is a trucking and quarry services company with 170 workers. Its premiums are increasing 10 percent this year, Pham said. Many businesses that will end up paying the tax dont yet realize it, said Greg Roadifer, president of Associated Employers. That unawareness stems from confusion about multiple employer welfare arrangements, or MEWAs, which involve multiple employers joining together to form an insurance group. Businesses assume that MEWAs are like individual self-funded insurance plans by single businesses, except with a strength-in-numbers twist that lowers overall claims risk. But there is a difference when it comes to the Health Insurance Tax. Self-insured individual businesses are exempt. Businesses participating in MEWAs must pay up. This tax that were talking about was supposed to be for insurance, not self-funded groups, but the regulation was written to also get MEWAs to also get this tax, Roadifer said. So, not even all self-funded groups pay this tax. Daines is cosponsor of a bill authored by Sen. John Barasso, R-WY, that would repeal the Health Insurance Tax. Supporters of the Affordable Care Act say calls to repeal the health insurance tax, as well as taxes on medical devices and Cadillac insurance plans are all about defunding ACA. We need to do all we can to minimize the damage that Obamacare is doing right now to the American people, to employers, small businesses and the repeal of the HIT tax would be an example of that, Daines said. I think we need to go further than that, which is a repeal of it. This is just headed toward a very bad outcome and were seeing it already today. 3 November 2016 16:21 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Azerbaijans National Aviation Academy has unveiled a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Engineer-Designer Akbar Aliyev informed Trend that the domestically-made Flying wing has recently been demonstrated at the 2nd Azerbaijan Science Festival. He informed that the drone was developed upon the initiative of the Academy. The wings of the boomerang-shaped aircraft are 1.12 meters. The apparatus can be used for both civilian and military purposes, he added. The application fields for the drone are wide, as it can be used to control traffic, filming in the mountains, transportation of small cargo and medicines. Aliyev added that depending on weather conditions, Flying wing can stay in the air for 10-20 minutes. An unmanned aerial vehicle, or drone, is an aircraft without a human pilot aboard. The flight of UAVs may operate with various degrees of autonomy: either under remote control by a human operator, or fully or intermittently autonomously, by onboard computer. They originated mostly in military applications, although their use is expanding in commercial, scientific, recreational, agricultural, and other spheres. Use of UAV becomes popular in Azerbaijan recently. During, the ADEX 2016 international defense exhibition held in September, Defense Industry Minister Yavar Jamalov and Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov signed a memorandum of supplying Azerbaijani Armed Forces with UAVs of local production. Many types of drones are already manufactured in the country. One of them is Zarba unmanned aerial vehicle which is used in the military sphere. Azerbaijani company AZDynamics is also going to introduce its new drone in late November. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 10:23 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Member-states of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries finalized a new long-term strategy of the organization, an official press release read, Sputnik International reported . "OPECs Board of Governors has finalized a new and comprehensive long-term strategy (LTS) at a meeting held in Vienna on 2 November 2016. The document will be submitted for approval at the next OPEC Ministerial Conference to be held on 30 November 2016," the press release said. According to the press release, the LTS "provides a coherent and consistent framework for the realization of the Organizations mission", sets specific goals, as well as monitors energy market trends. The development of the strategy has been conducted during two years through a series of high-level meetings. This is the third edition of the organizations LTS. The first such document was adopted at the 137th meeting of the OPEC in September 2005, while the second edition was approved at the 157th meeting of the organization in October 2010. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 13:28 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova The modernization of the Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery, which owned and operated by Azerbaijans energy giant SOCAR, is currently underway. SOCAR Vice-President for Strategic Development Tofig Gahramanov said that the implementation of maintenance operations at the refinery will require more expenses than the company initially planned. The cost of modernization program currently amounts to nearly $1.5-$1.7 billion, while previously the cost was estimated at about $1.3 billion. The operation of the plant, which is focused on the production of light petroleum products, was suspended for a month in August 2016. The company held an assessment of the refinery with the involvement of foreign experts. In the end it turned out that its necessary to do more things than it was planned at first, and this will require a bigger volume of investments, Gahramanov clarified. He added that some $80 million have been invested in the project so far. The maintenance operations at the Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery are implemented within the modernization plan, which is expected to be completed by 2020. By that time, producing capacity of the refinery is expected to increase from 6 million up to 7.5 million tons per year. Gahramanov went on saying that implementation of EPC project (Engineering, Procurement, Construction), which symbolizes the start of construction work at the territory of the refinery will be launched in March 2017, adding that FEED project (Front End Engineering Design) on the installation of new facilities will be completed by December 2016. He added that two tenders are planned to be held within the launch of construction work at the site. The first tender is expected to be held in January, while the second is scheduled for April 2017. The first tender will define the company, which will be engaged in the construction of new facilities, while the second will identify the contractor for the modernization of existing facilities. Gahramanov said that the facilities on the production of Euro 5 diesel will be operational in 2020, while the production will be launched a half year later. The refinery is processing 21 out of 24 grades of Azerbaijani crude and 15 different petroleum products, including automotive gasoline, aviation kerosene, diesel fuel, black oil, and petroleum coke. The plant completely meets the entire demand for petroleum products in the country, while 45 percent of its petroleum products are exported. SOCAR announced the liquidation of Azerneftyag Oil Refinery in January 2015, to merge it with the Heydar Aliyev refinery. The decision for the reconstruction and modernization of the refinery was taken in October 2015. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 14:16 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Seventy-six billion cubic meters of gas and 19 million tons of condensate have been produced at Azerbaijans biggest gas and condensate field Shah Deniz in the Caspian Sea since the commissioning of the field, said Khoshbakht Yusifzade, the first vice president of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR. Yusifzade made the remarks Nov. 3 during an event in Baku where he was awarded the title of Honorary Professor of Azerbaijans State Oil and Industry University. Daily output at the Shah Deniz field is 28-29 million cubic meters of gas and 6,000 tons of condensate, he noted. A contract for development of the Shah Deniz offshore field was signed on June 4, 1996. The shareholders in the contract are BP (operator - 28.8 percent), AzSD (10 percent), SGC Upstream (6.7 percent), Petronas (15.5 percent), Lukoil (10 percent), NIOC (10 percent) and TPAO (19 percent). As part of the Stage 2 of development of the Shah Deniz field, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline. The reserves of the Shah Deniz field are estimated at 1.2 trillion cubic meters of gas and 240 million tons of condensate. Shah Deniz Stage 2 will add a further 16 billion cubic meters per year of gas production to the approximately 9 billion cubic meters per year, produced by Shah Deniz Stage 1. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 17:55 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Azerbaijan and Egypt are looking to achieve even more tangible progress in the energy dimension of cooperation. Azerbaijans state oil giant SOCAR and Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), the companies that have six-year successful energy cooperation, signed a Memorandum of Mutual Understanding (MOU) on November 2. The document was undersigned by President of SOCAR Rovnag Abdullayev and EGPC CEO Tarik al Hadidi. The expansion of cooperation between SOCAR and EGPC was high on agenda during the meeting of Abdullayev, who is on his official visit to Egypt, and Egyptian Minister of Petroleum And Mineral Resources Tarek El-Molla. The sides hailed the role of SOCAR in the in modernization and improvement of Egypts oil industry and exchanged views on the implementation of other joint projects. Being based in Cairo, Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides oil and gas exploration, refining, and production services. Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Egypt currently extends to almost every sphere, ranging from political relations to economics, tourism, energy, and education, cultural and humanitarian issues. Both countries are keen to further enhance the bilateral economic and commercial relations. Since Azerbaijan has gained its independence in 1991, the two countries have started building relations in the political, economic, cultural and educational spheres. Egypt opened its embassy in Baku in 1993, while Azerbaijans first ever embassy in the African continent was established in Cairo in 1994. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 11:46 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova Construction of a concrete wall along the Turkish-Syrian border will be completed in the first half of 2017, Turkey's Defense Minister Fikri Isik said on November 2. Speaking during a visit to the border units in the southern province of Hatay, Isik said that almost 270 kilometers (167 miles) of the wall had been completed so far. The minister said the construction of 200 kilometers (124 miles) of the remaining 520 kilometers (323 miles) had started. "85 kilometers (52 miles) of the border is [part of Euphrates and Tigris] rivers for which we will take different measures," he said. Turkey shares a 900-kilometer (559 miles) border with Syria, which has been embroiled in a civil war since 2011. The Turkish Armed Forces are boosting security on the Turkish side by putting up concrete walls to stop illegal crossings and, on the Syrian side with coalition air forces, through Operation Euphrates Shield. Turkish Armed Forces units are erecting the modular walls along the Turkish-Syrian borderline between Suruc district of Sanliurfa and Karkamis district of Gaziantep. On August 24 morning, the Turkish Air Force with the support of the coalition aircraft launched an operation to liberate the city of Jarabulus from the IS militants in northern Syria, near Aleppo city. The operation was carried out under the name Shield of the Euphrates. Jarabulus is located 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Turkish-Syrian border. Ankara announced that this operation will continue until the PYD militants are completely liquidated. Syria has been suffering from an armed conflict since March 2011, which, according to the UN, has so far claimed over 500,000 lives. Militants from various armed groups are confronting the Syrian government troops. The Islamic State (IS, ISIL, ISIS or Daesh), the YPG and the PYD are the most active terrorist groups in Syria. --- Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 16:38 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova An expanded format meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government was held in Kyrgyzstans capital, Bishkek, BelTA agency reported on November 3. The meeting was attended by Kyrgyzstans Acting Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Kazakh Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda and Uzbekistans First Deputy Prime Minister Rustam Azimov. Jeenbekov, addressing the event, voiced that Kyrgyzstan calls for creation of a development bank and a development fund of the SCO in a short time. These institutions must become effective instruments of financial support for joint economic projects, he said. SCO member countries agreed to create a development bank and a development fund of SCO at a meeting in 2012. The Kyrgyz official further noted the importance of engaging SCO business and financial institutions in the implementation of joint projects. Moreover, the acting prime minister said that Kyrgyzstan supports Russian and Chinese initiative on pairing the project activity within the Eurasian Economic Union and the Economic Belt of the Silk Road. We believe that at the moment we need a comprehensive plan of economic cooperation, including the development of infrastructure projects, industry, trade and services, Jeenbekov said. Russia will chair the SCO Heads of Government Council in 2017, Jeenbekov said at the Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, in turn, noted that during its chairmanship of the SCO Heads of Government Council, Russia will support the efforts of its SCO partners to strengthen the cooperation in economy, humanitarian affairs and security. The event saw signing of 12 documents on cooperation, including a Joint Communique of the SCO heads of governments. Moreover the countries signed a decree on the SCO budget for 2017, a list of actions for further development of the project activities within the SCO in 2017-2021, a decree on further work aimed at creation of the SCO Development Bank and Development Fund. They also signed a concept of scientific and technological partnerships, an action plan for the implementation of the agreement between the SCO governments on scientific and technical cooperation for 2016- 2020 and a draft road development program. The SCO, established in 2001, is a strategically important political, economic and military organization that has a geographic sweep stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Persian Gulf. The SCO members now are China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Iran, Mongolia and Belarus are the SCO observer-countries, while Turkey, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Armenia, Cambodia and Nepal are dialogue partners. The SCO is primarily centered on its member nations security-related concerns, often describing the main threats it confronts as being terrorism, separatism, and extremism. --- Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 16:32 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Turkeys leading company of defense industry ASELSAN Electronics Industry and Trade, Inc. will sell Stabilized Advanced Remote Weapon Platform (SARP) to Kazakhstan, Turkeys Public Disclosure Platform (Kamuoyunu Aydnlatma Platformu - KAP) said in a message posted on its website November 3. According to the message, the agreement between Kazakhstan and ASELSAN is worth $3.570 million. The weapon platform will be supplied to Kazakhstan in 2017, the message said. According to the message, no other details of the agreement were reported. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 17:36 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova Turkmenistan's economy, despite the turbulence and uncertainty of the global environment, demonstrated significant growth over the years, thus helping the country enter into the category of upper-middle income countries. This was stated in a letter of the Vice-President of the Work Banks Europe and Central Asia region Cyril Muller to the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. "Let me take this opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the World Bank Group (WBG) to support the transition of your country into the ranks of countries with high income level, modern and diversified economy," says the message. Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality is a valuable guiding principle for achieving socio-economic growth and improving the welfare of citizens, according to the representative of the World Bank. Being ranked 4th in terms of natural gas reserves, the country is one of the worlds fastest-growing economies. Turkmenistan has acceded to the World Bank Group (WBG) in September 1992. On October 2016 Turkmenistan's Ministry of Finance and the World Bank signed an agreement to provide paid consulting services in the financial sector and in the field of macroeconomics. This will encourage business model reform and corporate governance in the banking sector as well as the development of a credit report system, among other measures. The June report of Global Economic Prospects World Bank said that the growth of gross domestic product (GDP) of Turkmenistan in the next three years (2016-2018) is projected at 5 percent. Turkmenistan plays the role of one of the key players in the energy market of the Caspian region. The country annually produces about 70-80 billion cubic meters of gas. For a long time the raw material was exported to Iran, however, in 2009, a route to China was opened. This year Russia refused to purchase Turkmen gas. The print reflected both the decline in global energy prices and Russias decision to stop purchasing Turkmen gasthe countrys main commodity export. Agriculture, trade, and transport and communication were the sectors that registered the largest gains in the January-September period. In January 2015, Turkmenistan manat depreciated. As a result, investment spending and subsidies were reduced, while regulation and supervision of the banking were strengthened. Despite fiscal consolidation after revenues from oil and natural gas exports plunged because of lower global energy prices, Turkmenistans gross domestic product grew by 6.1 percent in the first half of 2016, albeit more slowly than the 9.1 percent recorded in the first half of 2015. The government continued to support the private sector, encouraging import-substitution and export-promotion outside the hydrocarbon economy, where most of the growth occurred. Expansion was greatest in services, which grew by 12.3 percent, reflecting gains of 9.9 percent in transport and 16.0% in trade. Agriculture grew by 6.9 percent and industry by 2.1 percent, with construction rising by 4.4 percent. On the demand side, fiscal consolidation prompted by the decline in revenue from oil and gas exports led the government to trim some public investment programs. Investment nevertheless grew by 5.7 percent in the period. --- Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 November 2016 18:17 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova Iran and Australia have inked two agreements for aviation and air transportation cooperation, IRNA reported. The document was undersigned by representatives of Iran Civil Aviation Organization and Australias Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development in Canberra, Australia. The documents allow both countries planes to fly in each others airspaces and land at the airports, as well as, to receive airline services in both countries, according to the message. The documents also consider the launch of direct flights between several Iranian and Australian cities. Australia's bilateral relationship with Iran is long-standing, with a historically strong trade relationship. However, the bilateral relations between the two countries have experienced a decline in recent years, mainly due to the imposition of a series of sanctions on Iran. Besides implementing UN Security Council sanctions on Iran, Australia has also imposed autonomous sanctions against the Islamic Republic. These sanctions related to gold, precious metals, and arms, as well as energy and financing sectors. However following the nuke deal, new opportunities emerged for the cooperation of the two countries. --- Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz HELENA A daily newspaper in Montana is crying foul after the campaign of Republican Greg Gianforte, who is trying to unseat incumbent Democrat Gov. Steve Bullock, used its logo in a television ad the paper said misrepresents its reporting. Last week the Bozeman Daily Chronicle responded to the spot, called Hush Money, with a blog post outlining the differences between the story and Gianfortes ad. The commercial depicts eight headlines, none of which appeared in the Chronicle's print or online version of the story, which ran Oct. 13. The post, by Michael Becker, says the ad used the phrases hush money and thats corruption, which were not in the story. It also referred to lawyers from Bullocks party, while the story only included one Helena lawyer, Mike Meloy, who has represented the Montana Democratic Party and was included in the story because of his role as the attorney for the Montana Freedom of Information Hotline. While Montana has laws that require campaigns and political groups to include certain information in political materials, such as who paid for the advertisement, it does not regulate the content. It's free speech and it doesnt sound right to say that you basically can say whatever the heck you want, but to a certain degree thats true. You can share your take on anything and thats free speech and thats protected, said Chris Gallus, a Helena attorney that focuses on election law. The ad doesn't break any Montana laws. The state does not allow anonymous political advertisements and requires materials to include information about who paid for it, but law does not otherwise touch the content of ads. Gianforte campaign spokesman Aaron Flint issued this response to questions about the ad: "Folks can disagree over the ad's design, but the facts remain: nearly a million dollars in settlements have been paid out to state employees and career politician Steve Bullock refuses to answer questions about the settlements." Flint said the Chronicle story reported the payouts were to "cover up misdeeds, silence whistle blowers, and to sweep alleged discrimination under the rug." The Chronicle story by Troy Carter referenced an anonymous source who said the payments were to "cover up misdeeds." According to the Chronicle, the same employee said they were fired in retaliation for whistle-blower activities and offered a settlement of more than $50,000. The Chronicle verified the settlement through official documents. That employee filed a complaint with the Human Rights Bureau over alleged discrimination. Although campaigns misrepresenting newspaper articles and court documents isn't new, ads like these can confuse voters, said Lee Banville, a political researcher and journalism professor at the University of Montana. Usually what happened is an attack ad would take what a politician said out of context and use it to attack that politician, he said. Now theyre taking what a reporter finds out about an issue and turning it into some kind of uncontextualized attack that paints it in a very different light. Its unfortunate because what it does create is the impression the media has come to this conclusion through reporting. Chronicle managing editor Nick Ehli sent a letter to the Gianforte campaign last week. Ehli declined to comment for this story, but pointed to his comments in Beckers post: I realize that political ads are, by nature, political. I did, however, want to express my concern about the campaigns ads that started this weekend. I have no problem with the content; its certainly fair game. But it does seem the charges in the spot are being made not by the campaign, but by the Chronicle. I cant imagine a viewer having any other reaction. Ehli did say he was told his concerns were passed on to Gianforte. Gallus said that voters are able to contact who produced the ad to ask questions about it. "If somebody sees that sort of advertisement they could have a place to go and a person to contact to say 'Hey is this true? Are those real headlines or did you create those headlines?'" The May ruling upheld a lawsuit filed by Republican J.C. Kantorowicz, who said his First Amendment rights were limited by laws that would have required him to send along with his campaign mailer a 42-page letter documenting all of the votes his incumbent opponent made in the last Legislative session, said Bozeman attorney Matthew Monforton, who represented Kantorowicz. Kantorowicz lost in the June primary for Senate District 10 to Republican Steve Fitzpatrick. Montana Newspaper Association executive director Jim Rickman said he hasnt heard of papers complaining about their stories being used or how they are portrayed by campaigns, though he added the practice is common. More and more as endorsements are coming out we start seeing these clips and brands of newspapers showing up in commercials and direct mails." The state at one point had a law that would require candidates making claims about an incumbent's voting record to include in election materials a "statement of accuracy" and information about years of past votes. Earlier this year a federal judge struck down a part of the Disclose Act, a broad new set of campaign finance laws, that reinstated those previously ruled-unconstitutional provisions. Basel, Switzerland, November 03, 2016 / B3C newswire / -- NBE Therapeutics AG, a biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for improved cancer therapy, today announced closing of a CHF 20 million Series B financing round. PPF Group led the round with participation from Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, all other existing private investors and a new private investor. The funds will enable NBE to advance the lead product of its ADC pipeline to the end of phase I/II clinical trials and further develop its cutting-edge platforms. NBE develops next-generation ADC products with the potential to improve the outcome for cancer patients, as it continues to develop ADCs based on its Transpo-mAb antibody platform, site-specific SMAC conjugation technology and novel ultra-potent toxin platform. We highly value the support from our existing and new investors in this significant Series B round. PPF joining the consortium is a strong endorsement of our ADC platform, our team and our strategy, Dr. Ulf Grawunder, CEO of NBE Therapeutics commented. The proceeds from this financing round and the expertise provided by our shareholders will allow NBE to progress to a clinical stage company and advance our ADC platform and products to clinical proof-of-concept. Dr. Frank Kalkbrenner, head from the BI Venture Fund welcomes the additional investors supporting the maturation of the highly innovative technology of NBE Therapeutics. This is a key step for NBE Therapeutics, validating their promising technology and providing the opportunity to validate their ADC assets in the clinic. The Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund is delighted to see another part of its broad cancer portfolio moving forward successfully. As part of the transaction, Dr. Jens Hennecke, CBO of SOTIO a.s., has joined the board of directors of NBE. SOTIO is an international biotechnology company developing therapies for the treatment of cancer. As a member of PPF Group, SOTIO is spearheading PPFs investment and partnering activities in the biotechnology sector. NBEs next-generation ADC platform with its excellent scientific results provides the basis for novel and highly differentiated cancer therapies, Dr. Jens Hennecke comments. We are excited about leading this round of funding and look forward to working with NBE over the coming years as it validates the potential of the products to the benefit of patients suffering from solid and hematologic cancers. About NBE Therapeutics AG NBE-Therapeutics is a privately owned Swiss, Basel-based biotech company, founded in 2012 with the vision to develop next-generation ADC products. The products will be advanced to clinical proof of concept with the goal of improving treatment options for cancer patients. The company leverages proprietary platforms covering all aspects of ADC development: its patented Transpo-mAb Display technology for antibody discovery, patent pending SMAC-Technology for site-specific payload conjugation of toxins to antibodies and a novel ultra-potent anthracycline-based toxin platform. The company is financially backed by the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund and additional private investors. About Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund GmbH The Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund (BIVF) was formed in March 2010 to invest in biotechnology and start-up companies to help drive innovation in medical science. The investment focus include - but is not limited to immunomodulation, esp. immuno-oncology, tissue regeneration, new therapeutic modalities, e.g. gene therapy, cell-based therapeutics, ADC, and microbiome. These reflects BIVFs interest in platform technologies and the extension of the current therapeutic area focus of Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) and demonstrate BIVFs commitment to investigate new treatment modalities and technologies, beyond BIs existing landscape, for the potential future benefit of patients. BIVF takes an active role with its portfolio companies delivering significant added value through its own extensive drug discovery, scientific and managerial expertise. The BIVF has 100 million under management and supervises currently a portfolio of 17 active companies. About PPF PPF Group invests into multiple market segments such as banking and financial services, telecommunications, biotechnology, real estate, retail, insurance and agriculture. PPFs reach spans from Europe to Russia, the USA and across Asia. PPF Group owns assets exceeding EUR 24.2 billion (as at 30 June 2016). Contact Ulf Grawunder CEO, NBE Therapeutics AG +41 61 633 2230 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Last night candidates vying for a Louisiana US Senate seat met on the debate stage in New Orleans on Wednesday night. Among the candidates which included Republican frontrunner John Kennedy and Democratic candidate Caroline Fayard was pasty faced former Ku Klux Klan leader, David Duke. Business Insider reports: Duke invoked Trumps name early and often during the debate, and compared himself to the GOP nominee while complaining that he is unfairly criticized for his controversial views. I will be Donald Trumps most loyal advocate, Duke said. Trump has repeatedly disavowed Dukes support and, more recently, that of a KKK publication that endorsed him this week. The debate quickly went off the rails when Duke got into an extended shouting match with the moderator. In defending some unsavory remarks about Jews, Duke said Im not opposed to all Jews there is a problem in America with a very strong, powerful, tribal group that dominates our media and dominates our international banking. He also accused such groups of controlling the reins of American foreign policy, citing the civil war in Syria while attempting to draw parallels between those groups and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. The lady should be getting the electric chair, being charged with treason, Duke said. Bakersfield, CA (93308) Today Sunny skies this morning will give way to occasional showers during the afternoon. High 74F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly this evening. Low around 50F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%. At first, they heard screams. The sound was coming from a field across the street from Tanner Schilling's house on the 700 block of Anchor Avenue around 7:45 p.m. Tuesday. Schilling, 21, poked his head out from behind the house, and he saw bright, orange flames. "I thought no, there shouldn't be a fire in this field," he said. Schilling was at the house with Nathan Pierce, 38, and Pierce's son, 16-year-old William. They quickly realized the flames and the screaming were coming from a 13-year-old boy, who was staggering at the edge of some tall grass and trying to extinguish the fire on himself. "We rushed out, jumped the fence and took off our shirts," William Pierce said. The boy's legs were fully aflame. Schilling said that when they reached him, his clothing had burned away from much of his legs, and his shoes had melted. "Fire trucks showed up first, and they started helping," Schilling said. "Then the EMTs showed up." William Pierce said that the boy, while in pain, was speaking clearly with them while they waited for emergency responders. Nathan Pierce said that the boy wanted to take off his melted shoes, but they advised him not to do so. Emergency personnel cut off the boy's remaining clothes. The trio's quick response may have saved the boy from more serious injuries, but he was far from unscathed. The boy was taken to St. Vincent Healthcare from the scene. He had burns on the lower part of his body and was being prepared to be sent to a burn unit in Salt Lake City, according to Billings Police Sgt. Jason Gartner. William Pierce is a junior at Billings Skyview. Nathan Pierce works as a real estate broker and contractor, and Schilling is a roofer for J&T Roofing. The trio wouldn't have been around to help the boy if the evening had gone as planned, Schilling said. The three had gathered with plans to play dodgeball that evening but ultimately decided against it. There have been no updates on the boy's condition, and his name has not been released. Police believe gasoline may have been involved. Though they hadn't heard anything since the incident, Schilling and the Pierces said they wished for a speedy recovery for the boy. "As a father, I absolutely feel for the family," Nathan Pierce said. Federal and state agencies will hold a public meeting on Thursday, Nov. 10, in Lockwood to update the community on cleanup efforts at the Superfund site. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality will discuss ongoing and future activities for the Lockwood Solvent Groundwater Plume Site. The meeting will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Board Room of the Lockwood School Administration Building, 1932 Highway 87 East. Officials will give a presentation on ongoing investigations and future plans to address the remaining environmental conditions. In 2000, the EPA designated a 580-acre site in Lockwood as a Superfund site after the state found concentrations of chlorinated solvents exceeding drinking water standards in the groundwater at the Beall Trailers Inc. facility and the Soco West facility. The soil also was contaminated. Chemicals in the solvents, which are typically used as de-greasers and in dry cleaning, break down and can cause serious health risks. The EPA adopted in 2005 a long-term plan that includes a variety of cleanup methods for the soil and groundwater. The agency has estimated the work will be completed by 2021 and cost an estimated $14.3 million. Libya Doubles Oil Production Since OPEC's Algeria Meeting Libya's National Oil Corporation spokesman has reported that the country's oil production rose to 670,000 bbl/day this week, up from the 363,000 bbl/day that the country produced when OPEC members representatives met in Algeria the last week of September. Libya's National Oil Corporation, NOC, is pushing hard to reach its previously set goal of 900,000 bbl/day before the end of the year. Al-Awami expressed his confidence in the country's ability to quickly raise its output to 1.5m bbl/day if the government approves a proper budget to fund NOC operations. NOC is also working through judicial and political channels to reopen the 2 main fields in the south western region of the country, Al-Sharara (Operated by a JV with Repsol), and Al-Feel (Operated by a JV with Eni). Both fields have a total production capacity of 450,000 bbl/day, and their closure has caused the country a loss of $27B, according the NOC chairman, Mustafa Sanallah. Libya is resuming production after suffering a 3 year closure of its oil export terminals by the Petroleum Facilities Guards, PFG, over alleged claims of corruption in the oil industry. The Libyan National Army, LNA, seized control over the export terminals in mid-September, and called NOC to resume operations in the area. This rapid production increase comes in a critical time. OPEC has agreed in September to cap its total production at 32.5m bbl/day, down from 32.24m bbl/day, but since the meeting, both Libya and Nigeria increased production by a total of 700,000 bbl/day, and with 4 weeks to go before the next OPEC meeting, both countries could add more The ultimate goal of OPEC's deal is to control oil prices. The additional barrels produced by Libya or other countries add more to the supply glut and apply more pressure on oil prices, making a meaningful agreement even more challenging. OPEC has repeatedly communicated that war-torn Libya and Nigeria, as well s post-sanctions Iran, are to be exempted from the deal, but does this mean a carte blanche for the three countries to add much production as possible? Only time will tell. www.oilprice.com After a sheriff's office patrol car spun and hit a steel sign pole on the side of the interstate in 2006, the dispatch center began to light up with calls from passersby. Yellowstone County Deputy David Briese died in that crash. Ten years later, his family and friends gathered at the site of the crash just off Interstate 90 to remember him. Briese died at about 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2006, in a single-car wreck on I-90 near the City Center interchange. Briese, a five-year veteran of the office, was on his way to help a fellow deputy with a DUI stop when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a steel sign pole. By the time Lt. Kent O'Donnell arrived on scene, Briese was already out of his vehicle and on the grass. It seemed like it took forever for an ambulance to arrive, O'Donnell said. "I could tell looking at him he was hurt bad," O'Donnell said. O'Donnell was Briese's sergeant for about two years before the crash. The weekend night shift was a close-knit group who had gotten hired at about the same time. Briese's death was a gut punch for all of them. Briese's two sons, Justin and Josh Briese, were only 6 and 7 at the time. Justin plans to study engineering at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, while Josh is in his first year of high school. His father was like a big silverback gorilla, Justin said. He remembered how fast his father would drive and how he would let his son draw lipstick on the back of his head. Briese was a massive person, but his personality never matched his size, O'Donnell said. "He was like a real-life cartoon character," O'Donnell said. After his death, inmates who had known Briese as a guard at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility described him as the nicest jailer they ever had, O'Donnell said. In remembrance of her husband, Erene Briese told the crowd she wished no one would have to suffer the loss she had. No one should have to dream of a chance for one more day with a loved one, she said. County Commissioner John Ostlund, a friend of Briese's family, also attended the memorial. Industrial Milk Company S.A. (the Company) will hold its extraordinary general meeting of shareholders (the EGM) on Thursday, 8 December 2016 at 26-28, rue Edward Steichen, L-2540 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, at 10.00 a.m. Central European Time (CET) (or such subsequent date which might be notified per separate notice). The EGM will have the following agenda: 1. To approve and ratify the appointment of Interaudit S.a r.l., a private limited liability company (societe a responsabilite limitee) incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg, with registered office at 37, Rue des Scillas, L - 2529 Luxembourg, registered with the Luxembourg Register of Commerce and Companies under number B 29501, as the approved audit firm (cabinet de revision agree) for the financial years ending 31 December 2013, 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2015. 2. To consider, approve and ratify the appointment of KPMG Luxembourg, a cooperative company (societe cooperative) incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg, with registered office at 39, avenue John F. Kennedy, L-1855 Luxembourg, registered with the Luxembourg Register of Commerce and Companies under number B 149133 ("KPMG") as the approved audit firm (cabinet de revision agree) of the Company for a mandate beginning on 1 November 2016 (which includes, for the avoidance of doubt, the mandate for auditing the financial statements of the Company for the financial year ending 31 December 2016) and expiring at the annual general meeting of shareholders of the Company to be held in 2020. The audit committee of the Company has expressed its preference for the engagement of KMPG as the approved audit firm (cabinet de revision agree). 3. To consider and approve the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers, a cooperative company (societe cooperative) incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg, with registered office at 2, rue Gerhard Mercator, L-2182 Luxembourg, registered with the Luxembourg Register of Commerce and Companies under number B 65477 as the approved audit firm (cabinet de revision agree) of the Company for a mandate beginning for the audit of the financial statements of the Company for the financial year ending 31 December 2016 and expiring at the annual general meeting of shareholders of the Company to be held in 2020. 4. To acknowledge the resignation of Mrs Karen Fisher as non-executive director of the Company with effect as from 1 June 2016 and to approve the final nomination of Mr Kamil Jan Gaworecki as the new non-executive director of the Company appointed pursuant to the minutes of the board of directors of the Company dated 13 May 2016. The non-executive director is appointed for a period of 6 (six) years. His mandate will expire at the annual general meeting of shareholders of the Company to be held in 2022. 5. Miscellaneous. The EGM is formally convened 30 days before the meeting date by (i) the publication of the convening notice in a Luxembourg nationwide newspaper and on the on the Luxembourg Official Gazette (Memorial C, Recueil des Societes et Associations) and (ii) the dissemination of the convening notice on a EU-wide basis through appropriate media in accordance with the applicable Luxembourg legal provisions such as the Luxembourg law of 24 May 2011 on shareholders' rights in listed companies, the Luxembourg law of 10 August 1915 on commercial companies, the Luxembourg law of 11 January 2008 on transparency requirements and the Luxembourg law of 9 May 2006 on market abuse. The convening notice shall be made available on the Company's website, from the date of the publication above-mentioned to the date of the EGM (included), at the following address http://www.imcagro.com.ua. The record date for shareholders to participate in the EGM is Thursday, 24 November 2016, at 24.00 (midnight) CET (the Record Date). Only shareholder who were holders of the Company's shares at the Record Date will be allowed to attend and vote to the EGM, subject to (i) the confirmation of their participation to the Company (through the form of participation available on the Company's website at http://www.imcagro.com.ua) no later than Thursday, 24 November 2016, at 24.00 (midnight) CET and (ii) the delivery to the Company of the depositary certificate evidencing the shares held by the shareholder at the Record Date, within the forms and delays prescribed below. Notice to shareholders - need to register for participation Each shareholder wishing to exercise its rights to attend and vote at the EGM should send to the Company a form to confirm its participation in the EGM (the "Form of Participation") available on the Company's website, no later than Thursday, 24 November 2016, 18.00 CET. The rights to vote at the EGM are determined in accordance with and at the record date (the "Record Date"), which is set on Thursday, 24 November 2016, at 24.00 (midnight) CET. Only shareholders who confirmed their participation to the Company on due time will be authorized to participate and vote at the EGM (the "Authorized Shareholder(s)"). The Form of Participation can be downloaded from the Companys website at www.imcagro.com.ua and shall be returned in original by the shareholder to the Company's registered office. In addition to the Form of Participation, each shareholder who holds its shares in the Company through the facilities of the Polish National Deposit of Securities (the "KDPW") or Clearstream Banking S.A. (as the case may be) shall request an original depositary certificate (the "Shareholder's Certificate") from the broker or custodian bank who is a participant of the KDPW or Clearstream Banking S.A. (as the case may be) and who maintains the securities account for such shareholder evidencing its amount of shares held at the Record Date. The Shareholder's Certificate (original or copy) must be sent by the Shareholder to the Company no later than on Thursday, 1 December 2016, 18.00 CET. Only Authorized Shareholders who were holders of the Company's shares at the Record Date will be allowed to attend and vote to the EGM subject to (i) the confirmation of their participation to the Company (through the form of participation available on the Company's website at www.imcagro.com.ua, no later than Thursday, 24 November 2016, 18.00 CET and (ii) the delivery to the Company of the original Shareholder's Certificate, within the forms and delays prescribed in the document called "IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPATING TO THE EGM". Further information is available on the Company's website and in particular in the document called "IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPATING TO THE EGM". Shareholders of the Company may obtain further information on the EGM by addressing their request to the Company by email (Christian.tailleur@lu.totalserve.eu) or by post at the registered office of the Company (quoting "2016 IMC EGM"). General information for shareholders In accordance with Luxembourg law, shareholders holding individually or collectively at least five per cent (5%) of the issued share capital of the Company have the right to put items on the agenda of the EGM and to table draft resolutions for items included or to be included on the agenda of the EGM. These rights shall be exercised upon written requests of the shareholders (which needs to be an Authorized Shareholder) submitted to the Company by postal services at the registered address of the Company or by email (Christian.tailleur@lu.totalserve.eu) (quoting "2016 IMC EGM"). The requests shall be accompanied by the evidence that (i) the shareholder is an Authorized Shareholder, (ii) a justification or a draft resolution to be adopted at the EGM and shall include the electronic or mailing address at which the Company can acknowledge receipt of these requests. The requests from the shareholders shall be received by the Company at the latest on Wednesday, 16 November 2016. Notices and further questions to the Company Shareholders should address all notices and queries with respect to the EGM to the following Notice Address: Industrial Milk Company S.A. 26-28 Rue Edward Steichen L-2540 Luxembourg Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Or by email to the following e-mail address: Christian.tailleur@lu.totalserve.eu . On all related correspondence (e.g., such as the object of the mail or the e-mail), kindly indicate the following notice: "2016 IMC EGM" Please note that the Company's website is at the following address: http://www.imcagro.com.ua Legal basis: Legal basis: Paragraph 39.1.1 of the Regulation of the Minister of Finance dated 19 October 2005 on ongoing and periodic information to be published by issuers of securities (Journal of Laws of 2005, No 209, item 1744, as amended). Oklahoma State Question 792 is a legislative referendum to amend the State Constitution. It would repeal almost all of Article XXVIII (all but the section that repealed article XXVII) and replace it with a new and much longer Article XXVIII A. Click the link to read the complete text of the new amendment. See for yourself how ridiculously complicated it is. It goes into great detail about the permitted relationships between wholesalers and retailers. It writes into the state constitution provisions that properly belong, in statute if anywhere. Some who have analyzed the bill say that it unduly favors out-of-state supermarket chains at the expense of locally-owned businesses and large breweries at the expense of small. I would love to see our state's liquor laws simplified and made rational. It has never made sense to me that you can buy shots of tequila at a bar at 1:30 a.m. (to be followed by a shaky drive home), but you cannot, at that same hour, buy a bottle of wine to drink safely at home. It doesn't make sense that there has to be a middleman -- a wholesale distributor -- in between the makers of beer, wine, and spirits and the retailer or consumer. I like Fat Tire beer and would love to be able to buy it in Oklahoma. If liquor stores can import beer from Belgium and Japan in Oklahoma, why can't retailers import Yuengling from Pennsylvania? If you take nothing else from this article, realize that the changes won't go into effect until October 1, 2018. You will have to wait almost two years to buy strong beer and wine at QT. You may as well wait a few weeks more to get the right kind of change -- a change that would clear away the existing constitutional amendment and replace it with the minimum necessary language to set the extent to which the state, counties, and municipalities can regulate the sale of alcohol. Leave the rest to statute. (Even things like drinking age and hours of operation.) If SQ 792 fails, we can vote on a cleaner question in November of 2018 and have it go into immediate effect. In the meantime, the legislature can cue up any statutory language that we'd want to have in place when the old amendment is cleared away. I urge you to vote NO -- AGAINST SQ 792. The black specialty license plate popularized by Miles Citys Milestown Community Improvement Inc. has some recent imitators, and their plates sleek design is helping to boost statewide sales. People have latched onto the black aesthetic theme, said Dan Rice, the founder of the Miles City group who works as the Miles City city attorney. "But, I would encourage people to look at what theyre supporting. I dont know that theyre all legitimate. The vast majority of our sales are from outside our county, Rice said. They look good on any vehicle. According to the Montana Department of Justice, the Miles City group continued to lead the 212 other Montana groups selling specialty plates, having raised $55,720 between April and June, the most recent period for which figures are available. But shooting up the short list of groups supplementing their fundraising by selling black license plates is Billings-based Bird of Pray Foundation, a humanitarian group that works chiefly with orphanages abroad. During the same quarter, the foundation reaped $46,550, the fourth most in the state. Simplicity is at the heart of our design, said Jeff Biscoe, the foundations president. A lot of people who have purchased the plate have researched our organization later. Thats how people get to know us. Just last month, the foundation purchased a heavy-duty wheelchair from a Bozeman agency that constructs wheelchairs for use in developing countries. Bird of Pray Foundation sent it and some other necessities to a girl with disabilities in the Philippines. The girl sleeps on a concrete floor and the mother would just hold her throughout the day, Biscoe said in an email. The mother is so thankful she is in tears every time we see her. Biscoe said the foundation began offering its black specialty plate in February. The plate has a mountain range at the bottom. Im somewhat of a social orphan myself, said Biscoe, whose wife, Chantelle, is expecting their second child any day. I bounced around different families and was on my own beginning at 15, so I know what parentless kids go through. Im grateful to help them as I was helped. Another group thats also done well with the black plates is the Missoula-based chapter of Chicks-n-Chaps, which holds rodeo clinics and fundraisers to support women affected by breast cancer. The organization raised $18,412 during the same quarter by opting for a black license plate with a map of the state and a steer skull inscribed. Everybody really likes that look, said Kirsten Cooper, Chicks-n-Chaps development director. People keep asking us on Facebook where they can get one, and the checks just keep coming every month. Cooper said the group looks to partner with health organizations or foundations in various Montana communities to keep the money in the communities where it was raised. That way (the proceeds) benefit local women, she said. We take pride in that. A Montana original Two years after designing and then issuing its black license plate featuring an outline of the state and a cowboy riding a bucking bronco a nod to Miles City High Schools mascot Milestown Community Improvement Inc. has most recently paid for construction of a band shell in Riverside Park. Everybody thinks its a great addition to the park, and itll definitely be put to use, Rice said, probably beginning next spring. We do promote the plate, but we try not to be too biased, said Kirk Sturdevant, who works in the Custer County Treasurers office and volunteers for the Milestown group. We can suggest it, but ultimately its up to them. In addition to park improvements, the Milestown group is using money from license plate sales to help meet educational needs. One example: A high school teacher wants to bring in a Holocaust survivor to speak to students, and the group has agreed to cover half the cost. I have a feeling, Sturdevant said, that this group will be around for a while. Millions of Americans are headed to the polls next week to pick the next president. Middle school students counting their own votes in elections Pasco County Supervisor of Elections even helped the school district Teachers stress importance of students learning political process But they are not alone. Students at Pine View Middle School in Pasco County are participating in mock elections, picking Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump or third-party candidates for themselves. Students in Kristen Fuqua's classroom have been casting ballots for president, vice-president and state senators. The Pasco County Supervisor of Elections even helped the school district set up the kids' computer system for the voting. Join us for exclusive coverage of the general election throughout October and through the Nov. 8 election. Heres your guide to our special coverage: Special editions of Political Connections Florida Decides 2016 election preview, 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7 Election day coverage on-air, online and on mobile starting at 7 a.m. Get more of your election questions answered in our Florida Decides Voting Guide "I think it's important," said student Alex Pratt. "Because everyones opinion matters and our future depends on it." Teachers hope the hands on experience will get kids excited about the election process and teach them how important it is to make their voices heard. "To be able to experience going through the elections, having to research the candidates, knowing that they're being held accountable and that this is the future in their hands and this is all on them," Fuqua said. "It's their right, their responsibility, it's their choice." As both campaigns enter the final weekend before the general election, Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine will visit Florida on Friday. Kaine is scheduled to attend the Florida Institute of Technologys Clemente Center at 5:15 p.m. Doors open at 3:15 p.m. From there, Kaine will travel to Ft. Myers for a rally with musician Jon Bon Jovi on Saturday. The Clinton campaign also announced that President Barack Obama will travel to Florida on Sunday. The president is expected to attend a get-out-the vote for Clinton at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee at 1:30 p.m. Doors open at 12 p.m. Both campaigns have increased their visits in Florida to encourage early voting throughout the state. On Wednesday, Trump held three rallies in Florida, including one in Orlando. You speak often about the imperative for social workers to work within the communities in which they serve; as you mentioned, its an explicit part of the mission of our schools many programs and partnerships that we champion. Tell us more about why this is so important. Too often in the past, our profession on the whole has gone into communities with a normative point of view, mistakenly believing that what weve learned should provide all the answers to solve a problem. What if we pause and give space to those embedded in the social dilemmas to tell us about their perspectives on the problem and possible solutions? It is a powerful act of empowering. It is a genuine invitation to collaborate towards a common goal to improve the quality of life. I think that we forget sometimes that all of us are not that different, in that we all want every day to be a better day. But where we do diverge is in our understanding of just what a better day may be and what are the means to get there. I truly believe that if we can understand the viewpoints of those who are steeped in a problem, and who must face the realities associated with these problems each and every day, we will be much better equipped to help them to find the kind of better life that they seek. Even as they may share a reality based in poverty, the recent refugee who has arrived at Logan Airport speaking no English and carrying no possessions may have very different hopes and dreams than the subsistence farmer toiling away in the sun-battered fields of rural India. If we can better understand how the world works for each of these individuals and their communities, we can begin to do the work necessary to empower them to create those better lives many so optimistically seek. First and foremost, we do this work here in Boston because we serve the communities who welcome us. This is critically, and most fundamentally, important. But even beyond this, there is an opportunity to think bigger so that the work we do here can help to inform work people are doing with the disenfranchised elsewhere. Time and time again, in my role as principal investigator on international border-spanning research projects, Ive seen how like-minded academics and practitioners have taken the lessons learned from colleagues far away and applied them successfully to create positive interventions at home. Recent activity at the Two Rivers Detention Facility in Hardin could mean good news for the long-troubled project. After the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs ended its contract with the prison a year ago, the agency may return to Hardin. Officials confirmed that the BIA is holding talks in Hardin about getting the prison going again. "They're taking a look at it and trying to pound out a lease," said Jon Matovich, chairman of the Two Rivers Authority Commission. The BIA recently posted help wanted ads for a correctional officer, lead correctional officer, cook and food service worker at the Two Rivers Detention Facility on the federal government's online job board. It's a small but hopeful sign for backers of the detention facility. The building has sat empty for eight of the nine years since its construction. Both the state of Montana and individual counties have declined to house prisoners there. The facility's only large contract came from the BIA in 2014. The agency brought in as many as 250 Native American inmates to Hardin, though it still wasn't enough for Two Rivers to make a profit. In October 2015, the BIA ended the contract and vacated the inmate cells. The prison operator, Emerald Correctional Management, eventually left town altogether. Again the building became an empty, minimum-security shell. It was a drag on the Two Rivers Authority, the city of Hardin's economic development component. Two Rivers oversaw the issuance of $27 million in bonds to build the facility a decade ago. Those bonds have been in default since 2008 and continue to collect interest. With payroll in arrears, the city of Hardin previously made payments to Two Rivers to keep it afloat. On Tuesday, Two Rivers Authority Executive Director Jeffrey McDowell met with federal officials at the detention facility. It was one of the first signs of activity there in months, but officials associated with the project have been quiet about its progress. McDowell, who has rebuffed all previous inquiries, said that talks were ongoing with the BIA when The Gazette reached him in person on Wednesday. The BIA has not responded to multiple inquiries about the agency's lapsed contract a year ago and what has happened since. Sen. Jon Tester, who is vice chair of the senate Indian Affairs Committee, has previously voiced concern about the BIA's lack of communication, particularly in public safety issues. The Two Rivers Detention Center was a regional facility, but it also served as the only jail for the Crow Reservation. Now those inmates, many of whom are jailed for a short time, are moved farther from home. Asked on Wednesday about the yearlong lapse between Two Rivers and the BIA, Tester said the lack of funding can cause problems for detention services in Indian country. It is important that folks in Congress realize that there are consequences to under-funding the BIA and other law enforcement agencies, and I am working with Republicans and Democrats to ensure the BIA has the resources it needs to fully staff and house Native inmates in facilities near their homes and families and keep our communities safe," he said. Former prison warden Ken Keller said in January that the BIA cut its contract due to a lack of funding. At the time, he expected the agency to come back soon with another offer. The BIA has not provided an explanation. In September, agency spokeswoman Nedra Darling said only that "we are looking at all of our options to ensure we are providing safe and secure correctional services." Hardin Mayor Jack Lane said he didn't know anything official about the negotiation process. He said he hoped the prison can still live up to its original promise for the economically depressed region. "It would be a lifesaver," Lane said. "We're looking at 150 to 160 federal jobs coming in." Based on the job postings and the federal officials in town, Lane said that he expected a deal to be announced soon. It's unclear what role the BIA would assume at the facility. In the previous arrangement, Emerald Correctional Management handled the staffing and day-to-day operation. The BIA simply paid Emerald to house inmates there under its previous contract. At the same time, Big Horn County is seeking funding for an expansion of its county jail, which is separate from the Two Rivers facility. Small Earthquake Shakes N. Oregon Coast; Rattles Nerves but No Damage Published 11/02/2016 at 6:21 PM PDT - Updated 11/02/2016 at 6:41 PM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Warrenton, Oregon) - A 3.8 magnitude earthquake shook some parts of the north Oregon coast Wednesday morning, rattling homes, businesses and some nerves, but not causing any damage. (Above: Warrenton, where the quake was mostly felt). According to witnesses, it was felt only for about a second or two in Warrenton, Astoria, Gearhart and as far south as Seaside to some degree. The quake was centered about ten miles west of Astoria at 21 miles below the surface, happening at 7:52 a.m. This, according to the USGS, was not part of the Cascadia Subduction Zone the large quake-intensive area off the Oregon coast that will someday produce a major earthquake and tsunami. This rattler was nowhere near the strength it takes to create a tsunami, which is 7.0 or above. Indeed, the USGS said this particular quake was part of a series of smaller faults that exist off the Oregon coast and around the inland state which fire off now and again. Keith Chandler, manager of Seaside Aquarium, said he did not feel the quake while preparing the aquarium for opening. But the boyfriend of an employee who lives just outside of Warrenton did feel it there and called the facility, telling them about it. Reports from residents indicate some brief moments of panic. Some in Hammond and Warrenton said they stood in doorways, and in one case a man's wife woke him up while screaming. Many said it felt like an object hit the house or perhaps a massive wind storm. One man in Warrenton said he felt the couch he was sitting on move abruptly, only for a second or so, and briefly thought his cat had shaken it by jumping up behind him. Some did report the shaking go on for several seconds, however. One woman said she stood in a doorway waiting for it to stop. Many residents did report objects falling over in their homes, but no damage. Coincidentally, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown was in Astoria for a seismic readiness tour of the area. She called it a wake up call during the outing, as she was guided around the Clatsop County Emergency Operations Center and the Clatsop Community College Seismic Resilience & Preparedness Tour. Another set of small earthquakes happened off the Oregon coast on October 9, and although they were stronger and in the subduction zone they created no tsunami alerts or damage. In fact they were not even felt, except by a handful on the southern coast. The first occurred at 5:18 a.m. October 9 at a magnitude 4.1 and about 330 miles SW of Portland. The second also shook at a magnitude 4.1 at 11:51 a.m., situated at 329 miles SW of Portland. The third at magnitude 4.8 happened at 12:08 p.m. and was 339 miles from Portland. All were about 200 miles offshore from Newport or Florence. You can keep up with all earthquake activity along the Oregon coast as well as California, Washington and British Columbia with the Live Earthquake, Tsunami Updates from Oregon Coast, Washington. B.C., California, Alaska section. - - - - Oregon Coast Hotels in these areas - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Anyone who has ever driven down a back-country road, or even just checked out a grocery store parking lot on a busy shopping day, will tell you Ford makes some of the most popular trucks in Texas. This week in Austin, however, the blue oval earned bragging rights as not just one of the state's most popular truck makers, but also its best. Drive-by shootings have long been a threat in neighborhoods since cars offer cover and a quick get-away for the suspects, but one man chose to go a different route in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Police Department are searching for a man seen on surveillance video riding a bike while shooting a gun. MISSOULA Mayor John Engen will be out of the office several weeks for undisclosed medical reasons, according to the citys communications director. Director Ginny Merriam said Wednesday hes been out of the office since Tuesday of last week and couldnt say how long it would be until he returned. We dont know, Merriam said. You never know. She wouldnt confirm what the medical reasons were, or whether it was an expected absence. Engen had bariatric weight-loss surgery a little over a year ago. "I expect this surgery to give me a healthier life, he said at the time. Im 50 years old, and Ive struggled to keep my weight down all my life. I want to be healthy because I love Missoula, my job, my family and friends, and my life. City Council President Marilyn Marler stepped in as acting mayor last Wednesday, Merriam said, per the city charter. In article 2.8.2, the charter says in the absence of the mayor, or in the event the Mayor is unable to discharge the duties of the office of Mayor, the City Council President shall serve as Acting Mayor. Ill be doing both, Marler said. Fortunately theres not a lot on the mayors calendar right now. Its a good time for him to take some time off for medical reasons. She met with the mayors staff Monday to figure out what she could expect in the coming weeks, most of which will involve signing contracts, approving time cards and attending council meetings. Marler has stepped in as acting mayor before, she said, but it was just for a day or two while Engen was traveling. Marler works for the University of Montanas division of biological sciences as a natural areas manager, a job which Merriam said shell have to work around to manage mayoral duties. Merriam said her office didnt feel it was important to tell the public about Engens leave of absence, saying Marler probably would have mentioned it in City Council, but there wasnt a meeting this week. He may decide that when hes back in the office, hell talk about his health, she said. To the public theres not going to be any noticeable difference in how the city runs. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Starting early next year, Bridge City residents can report broken streetlights, potholes, high grass or trash problems to the city with the click of a smartphone app. City Council voted unanimously this week to adopt a new electronic reporting system called LUKE, which stands for Let Us Know Everything. LUKE works somewhat like the 311 system used in larger cities like Beaumont that allows residents to report problems by phone, email or mobile app. Bridge City residents with iPhones or smartphones with the Android operating system can download the free LUKE app, which will allow them to send photos and a description of the problem to a central system managed by the city and LJA Engineering, the Houston-based firm that created the software. Residents can track the progress of their request through updates sent by the app. City Councilman Kirk Roccaforte, who voted in favor of the new app, said he was concerned that LJA markets LUKE as being comparable to the 311 system. Roccaforte said some residents could mistakenly think the city was getting a 311 phone system. It is not. "We have a lot of elderly citizens in this community," he said. "You get this information out to them, and they're going to start dialing 311." While there is no 311 system, City Manager Jerry Jones said residents who do not use the app can call city hall or drop by to report any problems, which is what they've already been doing. Bridge City Mayor David Rutledge said the city decided to get the LUKE app as part of the city's push to be more accessible to all of its residents. "We've been talking about making the government more open and accessible," said Rutledge. The city hopes to have LUKE up and running by mid-January, he said. City Council has been talking about adopting a non-emergency reporting system for more than a year and looked at several other systems before deciding on LUKE, said Jones. "The biggest hang-up is we couldn't afford them," Jones said. LUKE will cost the city an upfront payment of $5,000 to install the software on city computers and to train city employees on how to use it. LUKE also has two options for monthly hosting plans, which cost either $100 or $300. The more expensive monthly option would make LJA Engineering responsible for sorting through complaints and sending the city only those that are its responsibility. The cheaper option would require that city employees sort through all complaints and send non-relevant issues back to LJA Engineering. Under both plans, LJA Engineering is responsible for directing issues that are not the city's responsibility to the correct outside agency, like the Texas Department of Transportation or the county, and updating the resident and the city on the progress of the complaint. The city council will review both options with the accounting department before choosing a plan. The LUKE system is used by the cities of Sugar Land and Stafford as well as Harris County, according to LJA's website. Beaumont uses the 311 system, which is used in most major U.S. cities and all of Texas' major metro areas. Port Arthur has a smartphone app similar to LUKE, called Port Arthur Synergy. Nederland City Manager Christopher Duque said Nederland does not have a formal system like LUKE or 311 for reporting non-emergency issues. Duque said the city has considered getting a system but said residents are already able to send their issues to the city through phone or social media. "That's probably not the most efficient way of doing that, but it's not like that system's not working," he said. Port Neches City Manager Andre Wimer said the city had looked at some of the options for systems but felt there wasn't enough public demand to adopt one. Vidor Mayor Robert Viator said city council is interested in a system and would probably contact Bridge City's Jones next year to see how the LUKE system was working. "I know some cities are moving that direction, but with all small cities, cost is a consideration," Viator said. NKrebs@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/natalie_krebs AUSTIN -- The Texas Education Agency said Wednesday that it will stop penalizing school districts for giving special education services to more than 8.5 percent of their students. In a letter to the U.S. Department of Education, state officials vigorously defended a policy that arbitrarily set 8.5 percent as the ideal number, saying the policy was not a "cap," was not meant to save money and did not seriously punish school districts that failed to comply. Still, the officials said they would suspend the 2004 policy and, eventually, end it altogether. HoustonChronicle.com Denied is a Houston Chronicle investigation into Texas' special education enrollment target. Part 1 examines how tens of thousands of disabled kids have been prevented from receiving services. The report prompted federal action. Part 2 examines how Texas school districts pushed students out of special education to meet the state limit and the impact it had on families with autistic children See More Collapse LEADERS REACT: Straus asks TEA to suspend use of special education enrollment target "TEA has been engaged in consistent conversations over the last four years to adjust and eventually eliminate this indicator," wrote Penny Schwinn, the agency's Deputy Commissioner of Academics. "We would like to highlight again that TEA will send a letter to all school districts in the state reminding them of the requirements of (federal law). In addition, TEA will ... not use (the policy) for the purposes of interventions staging moving forward." "If some district staff erroneously viewed the indicator's lowest performance range as a target rather than a data point and felt discouraged to initiate special education referrals, we believe the actions that we outline in this letter will address that," Schwinn added. The letter came in response to a U.S. Department of Education directive to end the policy or prove that no children with disabilities have been deprived of special education services. CONCERN BUILDS: Patrick expresses concern over Texas' special ed efforts The federal government's involvement followed a Houston Chronicle investigation that exposed the unannounced policy and found that it had led schools to keep out of special education classes tens of thousands of kids with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, epilepsy, mental illnesses, speech impediments, traumatic brain injuries, even blindness and deafness. In the 12 years since the implementation of the policy, the percentage of Texas students receiving services such as tutoring, counseling and therapies has fallen from near the national average of 13 percent down to exactly 8.5 percent. That is the lowest rate of any state in the country, by far. The Chronicle investigation quoted dozens of current and former school officials who said they viewed the 8.5 percent as a strict cap. Many of those staffers admitted that they delayed or denied special education services to children who desperately needed services. IT'S PERSONAL: School official fights to restore special ed for autistic son The Texas Education Agency's letter said it did not have "any specific evidence indicating there has been a systematic denial of special education services to eligible students with disabilities." A spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Education said the department was reviewing the TEA letter. "The Texas Education Association today responded to an Oct. 3 letter from Acting Assistant Secretary Sue Swenson about the significant decline in the state's identification rate for children with disabilities over the last ten years," the spokeswoman said. "In its response, Texas addressed multiple questions and issues and included a number of attachments. The Education Department will carefully review the state's response and, after the review is concluded, determine appropriate next steps." A central Texas mother had her newborn taken away from her after the baby tested positive for methamphetamine. According to the Waco Tribune, Lacy Dianne Anderson, 34, of Robinson was arrested Monday on a felony charge of child endangerment. One of Wyoming's largest oil producers made almost $1 billion in the last three months, despite an overstocked market depressing prices. Devon Energys Wyoming oil operations are centered in the Powder River and Wind River basins. Last year, Wyoming oil fields accounted for about 3 percent of the companys production. News Wednesday of a record-high surplus in crude dampened hopes in an oil market that has struggled to come back from a stark dive in prices that led to layoffs and bankruptcies across the country last year. Large stockpiles, overproduction and a strong dollar continue to hobble the market as it fights to rebound. However, the Oklahoma City-based company finished the third quarter, the period between July and September, with a gain of $993 million in net earnings, a strong turnaround from the dire conditions of the previous year when the companys losses exceeded $3 billion. In contrast to Devons profitable three months, oil and gas giant Anadarko reported $830 million in third-quarter losses. The strong quarter resulted from cost-cutting, asset sales and increased production in profitable plays in southern Oklahoma. Devon ended the quarter with $2.4 billion in cash, thanks largely to the divestment of assets. Days after the third quarter ended, Devon closed on the $1.1 billion sale of its 50 percent interest in a Canadian pipeline. With the pipeline sale on Oct. 6, Devons available cash rose to $3.5 billion. Most of the companys gains were due to activities outside Wyoming, as reported in a company statement released Tuesday. The pipeline wasnt the only asset the company shed in the last three months. In Midland Basin, East Texas and Granite Wash, asset sales resulted in billions of dollars for the company. The company still retains consolidated debt to the tune of $11.4 billion. Devon's cost cutting measures are projected to save $1 billion by end of year, according to the company statement. Overall production was down 10 percent compared with the third quarter of 2015. The company is set to increase its rig activity from five in the third quarter to 10 by end of year. Thanks to the practice of hedging, or fixing the price of a commodity to protect a company from price volatility, Devon has about 30 percent of its daily production in a more secure positions, with plans to have around 50 percent of its revenues secured by hedging in 2017, according to a company statement. Hedging can be a boon to companies in the volatile oil market, securing prices for oil despite dips in the spot price. However, it can also block a company from the sudden gains made when the price spikes. Companies third-quarter results continue to spill out day by day. The spot price of West Texas Intermediate, the national benchmark, has hovered near $50 a barrel through the last few months. However, many large companies are recording losses, and most companies are reporting on the ways they have saved money rather than the ways they've expanded. In Devon's case, the company is planning to limit investments to where there is the most profitable return, the CEO David Hager said in a Wednesday call with analysts. It's a lesson learned from oil's boom two years ago. "It's my view that what got the industry in trouble at the higher commodity prices is that there are a lot of projects that were funded out there that were very marginal projects," he said. "We didn't pay enough attention to the reservoir. We didn't pay enough attention to the fundamental economics." Coal companies operating in Wyoming have so far fared well in the third quarter despite bankruptcies and layoffs early in the year. Coal is benefiting from more favorable market changes and increased production but is not expected to rebound to its former glory in the state. HOUMA, La. (AP) Authorities say a man executed in 2005 for a murder in Texas was also the person who killed a Louisiana furniture store owner 27 years ago. The Courier reports (http://bit.ly/2e4sVTw) Louisiana State Police said in a news release Wednesday that an ongoing investigation and DNA technology unavailable at the time of 60-year-old Gerald Daigle's death helped solved the case. Daigle was found stabbed more than 40 times inside Standard Furniture in Houma, Louisiana, in June 1989. Police say Bryan Wolfe, who had been living there, killed Daigle during an apparent robbery. Earlier this year, investigators were able to positively match a partial fingerprint from sunglasses left at the scene to Wolfe, among other evidence. Wolfe was sentenced to death for killing Bertha Lemell during a 1992 robbery in Beaumont. Lemell's nephew, John Henry, found the 84-year-old dead in her Park Street home on Feb. 15, 1992, according to Enterprise archives. Henry said he found the front door to his aunt's house open and loose change from Lemell's coin purse scattered int he living roon. Lemmel had been stabbed 26 times, according to police. Blood samples from a towel and doorknob in Lemell's house matched Wolfe's, according to archives. According to testimony presented during the 1993 trial, Lemell knew Wolfe's wife and sometimes cared for the couple's children but Wolfe claimed to have never met Lemell. A jury sentenced Wolfe, then 33, to death by injection after two and a half hours of deliberation. ___ Information from: The Courier, http://www.houmatoday.com As healthcare continues down the path of value-based care, ASCs take on more financial risk and must find ways to maximize reimbursements by improving performance regarding CMS' ASCQR measures. High quality anesthesia services are becoming increasingly important for the fiscal health of ASCs. It's critical for ASC directors to properly assess anesthesia services. Areas of focus should be the service's use of metrics crafted in accordance with CMS conditions for coverage and compliance standards to internally measure quality, the placement of leadership management strategies to ensure staffing consistency and the service's investment in infrastructure to improve compliance. During Becker's ASC Review's 23rd Annual Meeting in Chicago, Hugh Morgan, vice president of quality assurance with Somnia Anesthesia, discussed the importance of maximizing quality in anesthesia, citing anesthesia's involvement in every operational aspect of care and its potential influence on 50 percent of ASCQR measures. Optimizing anesthesia quality will continue to grow in importance as CMS adds anesthesia quality measures and commercial payers begin adopting value-based payment models. "You really have to start thinking, 'what is my anesthesia service doing, how [is it] performing and quantifiably demonstrating value?'" said Mr. Morgan. Here are three aspects of anesthesia to assess for quality. 1. Leadership and staffing: The ASC is a team sport and requires daily team leadership. An ASC's anesthesia leaders should be connectors across disciplines, working well with surgeons and nurses. Anesthesia services can often be spread thin across multiple locations. It's important to determine whether or not the anesthesia team is dedicated to the success of ASC or more focused on services for other facilities. According to Mr. Morgan, ASC administrators should also know who is accountable for the anesthesia team. "This group, which often comes in and comes out, can leave you wondering who to call when there is a breakdown in compliance," said Mr. Morgan. "You have to know who you can call if there is a breakdown or if there is something not going in the direction you need it to go in." Additionally, the ASC should push to maintain consistent anesthesiologist staffing to avoid a "revolving door of providers." Regular staffing changes can result in inconsistent standards, which will ultimately lead to unpredictable quality and safety. 2. Compliance and quality: An ASC's anesthesia group should work to meet CMS' compliance conditions for coverage, and quality assurance and performance improvement standards by measuring clinical outcomes and reviewing this data with ASC administrators, quantifiably demonstrating the value of the anesthesia services being provided. Patient satisfaction pertaining to anesthesia should be measured with anesthesia specific preoperative and postoperative satisfaction surveys. ASC directors should also be involved with evaluating anesthesia staff. 3. Investment: Pressure to comply with new and growing reporting measures instituted by CMS is intensifying for anesthesia services, and the cost of keeping up with these requirements is significant. According to Mr. Morgan, a key question ASC should about their anesthesia services is, does my anesthesia team have the invested infrastructure and resources to keep up with healthcare reform challenges, and if not, how can I help? "A lot of these groups just don't have the resources and infrastructure to keep up with the new demands of quality reporting," said Mr. Morgan. "It's time to sit down and have a candid conversation with your anesthesia provider." Proper revenue cycle management is essential to keeping a steady cash flow in an ASC. Zotec Partners' Jeff Fowler, vice president of business development and Rich Masson, vice president of client services, discussed best practices in the "science of revenueology" revenue cycle management, billing and collections at Becker's ASC 23rd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs on Oct. 28. When it comes to managing the financial health of an ASC, successful administrators need to decide whether to manage their revenue cycles in-house or outsource it. The data and process are the same, but administrators have a wealth of options and technologies available to use. "Paying attention to that is important to everyone in the organization; whether you're the manager of the center, an owner or a physician, it is important and a subject that should be touched on in your organization," Mr. Fowler said. It makes sense to outsource revenue cycle management if a center is facing several impending events. For example, if the revenue cycle manager retires, it may make more sense to outsource the entire process than training another person in-house. ASCs may also have outdated technology, and it wouldn't make sense to purchase an infrastructure upgrade; instead, it could be more economical to outsource. Benefits of outsourcing revenue cycle management include lower operating costs, improved access to technology and reporting, industry expertise and an improved revenue flow. "It's [the revenue cycle management company's] business to ensure their technology is up-to-date and they can focus on what is happening," Mr. Masson said. "They can manage your revenue cycle while you focus on running your business." Minimizing security risk is another important element a revenueologist handles. According to the Bitglass 2016 Healthcare Breach Report, one in three Americans were victims to a healthcare data breach in 2015. From a revenue perspective, any type of cyber event could cost millions and permanently hurt a center's reputation. "We believe this is the main job of a revenueologist is to make sure the security is addressed," Mr. Masson said. Ensuring a center is HIPAA compliant and securing a patient's financial information is of the utmost importance to a revenueologist. Proper security processes should need to be in place and frequently checked. Successful centers will work with a reputable data vendor to backup their data systems. Zotec Partners has an implementable practice to prevent any sort of credit card theft. An employee of Zotec will not accept a credit card payment over the phone. Instead they transfer their client to a computerized system, where the client will enter their credit card for processing. The changing healthcare arena is affecting revenue cycle managements. High deductible plans are the "hottest fire right now" that revenueologists need to address. Over the last decade the high deductible plans have increased by 360 percent, and that increase is making patients one of the largest payers in healthcare. "We know that patients are becoming the largest payer in the overall healthcare system. If you haven't changed your process to deal with the patient and you haven't gathered that information to get that payment from them then you're definitely falling behind." Adapting to the patient may mean implementing new-to-healthcare technologies. Patients want their healthcare experience to be like Uber, Amazon or Google, Mr. Fowler said. "You can't treat a high deductible balance like a self-pay balance you did five years ago," Mr. Fowler said. For example, in a traditional billing process, centers had a process which took several months. But when a text message billing system replaced that traditional system, returns dropped to within 24 hours. The science of revenue cycle management is vast, but by devoting time to developing data-driven processes, ASCs can make immediate and long-lasting gains. In today's healthcare environment, physicians and hospitals can both benefit from embarking on a joint venture. But a joint venture can also be a headache for both parties involved. During a session at the Becker's ASC 23rd Annual Meeting in Chicago, three panelists discussed the reasons behind creating a joint venture, as well as negotiating points and governance issues involved in the process. Why do physician groups want to partner with hospitals? "Bonding to do something together is important," said Robert Zasa, managing partner at ASD Management, a management firm for ASCs. Mr. Zasa added that the decision to launch a joint venture is wise from a financial perspective. Harel Deutsch, MD, co-director of the Rush Spine Center at Chicago-based Rush University Medical Center, agreed. "Capital can be important for physicians," he said. In addition, Dr. Deutsch said physicians likely want to be associated with a hospital that has a solid brand and good name within the community. While navigating the joint venture process, Tracy Hoeft-Hoffman, administrator of Fremont (Neb.) Health Surgery Center noted that using a management company can make the transition process smoother. Her center didn't utilize a management company when it launched a joint venture with a hospital, but she "think[s] it could have helped. It does give you some leverage ... the expertise that a management company brings in adds to it." Negotiating the terms of the joint venture can also be a challenge, as physicians often have different goals from the hospital. Ms. Hoeft-Hoffman said the physicians at Fremont Health Surgery Center wanted two things: a guarantee that all staff members would retain their positions and an assurance that they would not have to take call at the hospital. Ensuring they wouldn't have to take call "took a little more negotiating because the hospital was seeing it as a whole new set of people to take call," Ms. Hoeft-Hoffman noted. In the end, the physicians at Fremont ultimately got what they wanted with a twist. They can take call, but the hospital has to give them six months notice. Other negotiating points may be cause for more tension between the parties. Dr. Deutsch mentioned contracting with insurance companies as a big reason for dissension. "Sometimes the hospital will have good contracts, but payments for physicians may not be that great," said Dr. Deutsch. He also added that "when physicians are employed by a hospital, there's often a non-compete." Ms. Hoeft-Hoffman agreed that non-compete clauses can be problematic while negotiating a joint venture. Mr. Zasa noted that accounting may also constitute a difficult negotiating point. "[The physicians and hospital wonder], 'How are we going to do the accounting?' and 'Who's going to do the accounting?'" he said. "[ASD Management] typically negotiate[s] an accounting review in the process." Joint ventures between physician groups and hospitals are far from easy territory to navigate. But when both groups work out their differences and settle the most crucial terms, a joint venture can prove beneficial in a variety of ways. Three leaders in the ASC industry weighed in on two important business questions at the Becker's ASC 23rd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs in Chicago on Oct. 27. Jeffrey Peo, chief development officer with Hanover, Mass.-based Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America; Amanda Sosnosky, administrator with Green Bay, Wis.-based Bellin Orthopedic Surgery Center; and Stephen Rosenbaum, CEO of Atlanta-based Interventional Management Services, shared their insights and observations on strategies for ASCs to add surgeons and cases. Holly Carnell, attorney with McGuireWoods, moderated the discussion and posed two questions specifically to the panel: Is surgeon recruitment tougher today and why do physicians often take cases away from a center? Read on to see what the experts had to say. Is it harder today than it has been historically to recruit good surgeons to ASCs? "We're getting to a saturation point right now with ASCs where a lot of free surgeons in the community are tied up with surgery centers," said Mr. Peo. "You can have surgeons with multiple centers, but you'll find that whittles their value to you." A few factors are contributing to this competitive environment, including high-deductible health plans. This type of plan drives physicians' volumes down, since more people put off elective surgeries. As the pool of eligible surgeons tightens, Mr. Peo said more centers now offer ownership opportunities to young physicians at an earlier time than in the past. "Before, [ASCs used to] wait to see their volume and for physicians to show they could do cases," he said. Ms. Sosnosky faces her own recruitment challenges in Green Bay. "The single specialty orthopedic practice is a joint venture with Green Bay-based Bellin Health System and an independent orthopedic practice. "One of our challenges is our doctors all have to travel rurally," she said. "They are expected to travel 30-50 miles from the main surgery center base, and we have surgeons approaching 3 to 4 hours of travel daily in the Upper Peninsula. That's a recruitment issue for us." Why do physicians take cases elsewhere? "The reason for cases going out of your center is pretty simple: The doctor is unhappy," said Mr. Rosenbaum. "What's another center doing for them that you're not? What happened in your center to cause them to grow unhappy and take cases to another place?" Mr. Peo pointed to a few likely reasons for an exodus of cases. Your center may lack the convenience, staff or equipment the physician needs to complete a certain procedure. Or, the physician may have ownership somewhere else. Rather than trying to pinpoint the reason based on your observations, have a candid discussion about the change in cases. "It's very important that you have open and honest dialogue with your physicians, especially physician owners," said Mr. Peo. "With owners, by them not bringing those cases, that's dollars in their pocket they are potentially giving up. Have an open dialogue so they can come to you and say, 'I'm going to start taking these cases somewhere else for this reason.'" Peer review can be a daunting task for ambulatory surgery center staff, but its findings can help the center proactively identify and address shortcomings. In a presentation at Becker's ASC 23rd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, four experts on business and legal issues spoke on how ASCs can excel in the peer review process. Here's what they had to share: 1. Focus on quality. "Peer review is not a medical chart audit," said Ann Geier, RN, chief nursing officer at Birmingham, Ala.-based SourceMed. Ms. Geier noted that, as a surveyor, she frequently sees physicians "basically checking that everything has been signed on the chart," rather than providing meaningful feedback about their colleagues' work. Another common issue is peer reviewers tackling each physician assessment on a case-by-case basis, rather than considering these individual actions in conjunction with trends across the entire facility. "Oftentimes, there's a myopic view, where you look at peer review and quality for a particular surgeon, and then silo that away and move on to the next one," said Nathan A. Kottkamp, JD, a partner at the Richmond, Va., office of McGuireWoods. "But sometimes, the peer review process will reveal trends across the board. You want to be sure you're taking enough of a global view." 2. Establish proactive policy. One of the primary goals of peer review is to identify any problems before they escalate. "Oftentimes, if a problem is identified early on, it can be addressed and resolved in a low-key, cost-effective manner," said Thomas Stallings, JD, a partner at the Richmond, Va., office of McGuireWoods. "But I can't tell you how many times I've been contacted by a center that's gone pretty far down the path at that point, you sort of 'cross the bridge,' legally speaking, and your options are more limited." Because peer review can provide this protective element, it's an important task, regardless of an ASC's physician or patient volume. Although centers with physicians who only perform a few cases a year might have trouble identifying a critical mass of cases to review, and centers with physicians who see many patients might feel overwhelmed by the undertaking, Mr. Stallings emphasized that performing peer reviews will help ASCs be successful in the long-run. 3. Ensure policy compliance. "You want to avoid, wherever possible, having a disconnect between what your written policies say and what your medical staff bylaws say and what you actually do," Mr. Stallings said. As an example, Benita Tapia, RN, administrator at 90210 Surgery Medical Center and Precision Ambulatory Surgery Center in Beverly Hills, Calif., discussed her peer review process. The process included pulling either 30 cases or 5 percent of cases whichever is larger from each surgeon, anesthetist and nurse at the center, which are reviewed by peer colleagues within their field. "As a surveyor, I'm looking for compliance with your policy," Ms. Geier said. "If you have 5 percent or 30 charts, whichever is greater, then I'm going to look at that." Issues with compliance often arise when an ASC adopts the policies and bylaws of an affiliated healthcare facility, but does not review the documents to confirm they match the day-to-day practice of the center. "Either change your practice to fit your policies or change your policies to fit your practice," Mr. Stallings said. "But you want to avoid that disconnect." 4. Protect the reviewers. To achieve honest feedback from peer reviewers, it is integral to assure physicians of their confidentiality and immunity. A successful ASC can discuss peer review privilege with their physicians doing peer review. Peer review privilege ensures that the physician's review documents will be kept confidential; however, how this privilege is established and defined varies by state. "What you want to do at your center is to take full advantage of your state's peer review privilege," Mr. Stallings said. Similarly, peer review immunity laws vary by state, as well. Peer review immunity laws, in most states, protect peer reviewers from personal liability, should a provider attempt to sue them based on their statements. Another area to research involves insurance, since many malpractice insurance policies protect individuals who participate in peer review, according to Mr. Stallings. 5. Cultivate staff trust. Again, a goal for peer review is to avoid patient harm by addressing it as early as possible; however, to accomplish this mission, medical staff must feel comfortable voicing their concerns, even outside of the peer review process. "You cannot underestimate the power of the hierarchy within the facility," Mr. Kottkamp said. "You need to do everything you possibly can to ensure the nurses, the anesthesiologists, anybody else who's in that room knows that if they have a concern, they can raise that concern, because it's about patient care." For Ms. Tapia, ensuring her medical staff knows she will take their concerns seriously has proven an effective strategy. "I'm not always in the room with the patient, but they are," she said. "When they come to you and tell you there's an issue, it's not about 'yes, we do peer review when we have an event,' or 'yes, we do peer review for infection, transfer' our whole goal is to be proactive, not reactive." A panel of ASC industry experts discussed cost cutting and increasing case volume at the Becker's ASC 23rd Annual MeetingThe Business and Operation of ASCs on Oct. 27. The panel included Stephen Blake, JD, CEO of Central Park Surgery Center in Arlington, Texas; Lisa Cooper, CEO of Santa Cruz (Calif.) Surgery Center; and Josh Carter, senior vice president of ASC sales at Medline Industries based in Mundelein, Ill. Becker's Healthcare Editor-in-Chief Molly Gamble moderated the panel. Here are six tactics the panel discussed to cut costs and improve case volume. 1. Tackle labor costs effectively. Either the staff complain they need more help or they don't have enough hours. There are costs associated with staff turnover as well as retention. Ms. Cooper recommends conducting performance reviews of staff and rewarding or promoting based on the quality of their work. "We put a bonus program in quarterly so it matches when the partners get their distributions," she said. "The staff members have to meet their goals by the end of the quarter and we judge whether they receive bonuses based on those goals they're accountable for." The administrator can easily evaluate the performance of staff members who directly impact the ASC's financial success but it's more difficult to incentivize those who don't. Make sure to be transparent about the ASC's financial situation and how that ties into the bonuses. "How the company is doing is quite critical to whether you can have your bonus," says Ms. Cooper. She recommended communicating with staff and motivating them to stay engaged with the center. 2. Engage a GPO for supply costs. Mr. Carter recommended engaging a group purchasing organization to audit contracts and ensure the ASC is accessing the correct purchasing tiers to drive down costs. "You don't have to change what you are using, just buy as economically as you can," he said. Sometimes there are alternatives to high-cost items that can produce the same quality. There are also reprocessed items available. "Different GPOs have different pricing," said Mr. Blake. "If you aren't a big utilizer, you get different tiers than those who are big utilizers. We were able to save about $3,500 by switching GPOs." 3. Standardize supplies for a discount. Mr. Blake's center examined the items used for tonsillectomies and the ENTs analyzed the cost of the orders. "We were able to affect significant changes with standardization," he said. "The more standardization you can get in your supplies, the better you can push the pricing." 4. Pay attention to potential waste. Waste can be prevalent in an ASC if administrators aren't vigilant. Staff members might be spending time on personal phone calls or the center could have contracts with friends instead of the most economic provider. Show staff members the phone bill so they know you're looking and take bids for everything from insurance coverage to housekeeping and laundry, said Ms. Cooper. 5. Create checks and balances in the billing process. After the materials manager submits a purchasing order, make sure that order matches with the packing slip and invoice. "Look at all three at once before you sign the check," said Ms. Cooper. "Watch reasonably well to make sure the checks match the bills so you catch any issues." 6. Increase your center's reputation and case load. Posting prices online can attract patients with high deductibles that are looking for high quality, low cost care. Mr. Blake's center posts prices online, which attracts both physicians and patients. "We are picking up cases through price transparency where people wouldn't have looked at us otherwise," he said. "We are bending the cost curve." A profitable ambulatory surgery center is the result of a number of components working together to offer high-quality care in a low-cost setting. At the Becker's ASC 23rd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, Oct. 27 to Oct. 29 in Chicago, an expert panel discussed the keys to ensuring ASC profitability. The panel included: Robert Landerholm, MD, medical director and president of Puyallup, Wash.-based Eviva, formerly known as Puget Sound Bariatrics & Puget Sound Surgical Center Amanda Sosnosky, RN, administrator, Bellin Orthopedic Surgery Center in Green Bay, Wis. Joe Zasa, JD, managing partner and founding partner, ASD Management based in Dana Point, Calif., and Dallas The bundled payments era is coming Mr. Zasa noted the ASC industry is going to see an uptick in bundled payment programs. The key to establishing these programs in your ASC is knowing your costs. "Bundled pricing makes sense, but we have to get better at it," he said. "They have the potential to be a win for ASCs." Ms. Sosnosky's ASC started performing total joints recently and entered into a bundled payment with Blue Cross Blue Shield for a 30-day episode of care. She agreed with Mr. Zasa that knowing your costs is essential, and also suggested going into the negotiations with an open mind and engaging your physicians. "Don't blind your case-costing data," she said "Get them in a room or take them out for dinner and let them loosen up. Talk to them about the implants and devices they use. Most doctors aren't aware of what their peers are using." While Dr. Landerholm has not yet moved into a bundled payment model, he is considering it. "It seems to be a natural fit for us," he said. "And having timely conversations with your physicians is key. Talk to them about their cost per case. These conversations need to be open." Benchmarking is crucial Running an ASC is a high-fixed cost business and the only variable costs are medical supplies and drugs, Mr. Zasa said. ASD Management uses a tool for financial benchmarks, such as cost per case, A/R days and so on. But, these tools are diagnostic in nature. "The data just shows you where the problem is and then you drill down to find out what it is," he said. "Sometimes it is not even an issue emanating from the center." Mr. Zasa added staffing and supplies will likely be the biggest costs an ASC will see. To keep costs lows, centers can align stakeholder incentives around offering high-quality and low-cost care. Successful centers will see net revenue margins of 50 percent to 60 percent. Ms. Sosnosky uses Ambulatory Surgery Center Association's benchmarking program to analyze her center's financial data. The ASCA tool allows users to examine benchmarks by specialty and size. "You also need to have a constant pulse on your A/R days," she said. "Keep your staff engaged with it and share the benchmarks with them. If you're not doing well on a benchmark, you need to find out why." Focus on contracting and patient collections Working with your payers consistently and showing them quality data can help ASCs negotiate solid contracts with payers, said Ms. Sosnosky. However, Dr. Landerholm noted there may be a downside to showing payers a center's quality data. "The jury's out on that," he said. "Sometimes when you show them your quality data, the insurers will come back and say they are paying too much. Insurers do a great job, but they need to be educated on what we actually provide to our patients." Mr. Zasa also suggested emphasizing to payers that they need ASCs in their networks as outpatient centers provide high-quality care at a good rate. Remind them that it will be twice as expensive for them to have surgeons perform procedures at a hospital. The final piece of the profitability puzzle is patient collections. All the panelists agreed that communicating financial data and being upfront about costs is the best way to avoid issues with collections. "Things changed and it got hard to get money from folks, but it's best to collect upfront," said Mr. Zasa. "Things just keep changing. Keep your house clean and run a good ASC. Take care of your staff you need them. Focus on the fundamentals, because even though things keep changing, we have to be the best we can be." Analytics allow ASCs to ask better and more advanced questions about their operational performance and identify new opportunities for improvement. Amit Jiwani, director of analytics at AmkaiSolutions, discussed analytics and their use at "Becker's ASC 23rd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs" on October 27. To maximize the benefits of an analytics solution, all an ASC user needs to do is have an open mind and be willing to explore the solution's capabilities. In an ASC, analytics can take a statement like, "The on-time percentage was 56 percent this month," and add more context, such as what is causing the delay in the on-time percentage. With analytics, simple statements can be analyzed on multiple levels that ultimately yield action-oriented statements. In the example provided, such a statement may be: "We need to ensure surgeon presence is mandatory prior to patients entering the OR because the on-time percentage was 56 percent this month, down from last quarter's average of 62 percent; the most common delay reason is surgeon delay." "That's a policy change an ASC can make, and an action it can take to see immediate improvement," Mr. Jiwani said. For a center just starting to use analytics, the solution's potential may seem overwhelming. The good news is that an analytics system built specifically for ASCs should provide simple, initial choices for staff to make that will return helpful data while staff develop comfort in using the solution. "Start by identifying some of the key metrics critical to your operation, and address those first," Mr. Jiwani said. "Then, as you get more comfortable with the solution, you can explore new options and dig even deeper into your ASC's data." In another example, Mr. Jiwani discussed OR turnover time. He presented a table which provided scheduled wheels-in times, actual wheels-in times, scheduled wheels-out times and actual wheels-out times for individual cases in a single day. With each case graphed individually, the chart revealed that the day progressed, wheel-in times kept moving later than scheduled. With this level of details, he noted that ASCs could work to address the causes of the lagging start times while adjusting the schedule accordingly, which would help reduce turnover time. By reducing turnover time, an ASC could reduce labor cost (if staff were working overtime for later running cases) and possibly add more cases. Mr. Jiwani says that ASCs are under tremendous pressures to control costs, increase revenue, and demonstrate quality, and reporting alone just wont cut it anymore. ASCs are increasingly making IT investments, and an analytics solution that delivers clear and actionable data is a logical next step. In advance of the American Board of Surgery's Flexible Endoscopy Curriculum rollout, surgical residents and their program directors need to prepare for the mandate, General Surgery News reports. Here's what you should know. 1. The curriculum will become mandatory for students graduating in spring 2018. 2. President of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons Daniel Scott, MD, urged program directors and residents to start their preparation for the new curriculum as soon as possible. 3. In the 2017-18 academic year, graduating chief residents will need to show they're certified in the endoscopy curriculum before they can apply for the ABS General Surgery Qualifying Exam. 4. The exam has a failure rate of 23 percent. It's expected the failure rate will drop over time and it could take more than one attempt to pass. SAGES is offering free takes for 160 residents who take the exam during the 2016-17 year. 5. The exam is in response to criticism over an insubstantial amount of training in flexible endoscopy practices. 6. There will be 50 training sites across the United States and Canada. Testing will be conducted at the SAGES annual meeting and at the American College of Surgeons' Clinical Congress. For more information on the FES program, click here. More articles on gastroenterology/endoscopy: Inflammatory bowel disease 3 times more common than previous estimates: 5 takeaways Prix Galien USA Award names Cologuard this year's 'best medical technology product': 3 notes GI leader to know: Dr. Karel Rybnicek of Cleveland Gastroenterology Associates The following hospitals announced in the last two weeks plans to expand, upgrade or renovate their facilities. 1. Franciscan Health plans $50M complex, microhospital Indianapolis-based Franciscan Health will begin work on a $50 million outpatient and specialty care complex and a conjoining microhospital that will include an emergency department in White River Township, Ind. 2. CarePoint Health seeks New Jersey approval to open 9 satellite EDs Bayonne, N.J.-based CarePoint Health plans to open nine satellite emergency departments throughout New Jersey, according to a report on NJ.com. 3. Tampa General Medical Group opens TGMG Apollo Beach Tampa General Medical Group, a division of Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital, opened a new location Oct. 20 in Apollo Beach, Fla. 4. Veritas Collaborative opens adult eating disorder hospital in NC Veritas Collaborative opened a new hospital for adults with eating disorders in a Durham, N.C., according to the Triangle Business Journal. 5. Norwalk Hospital celebrates grand opening of new cancer center Norwalk (Conn.) Hospital hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 29 to unveil its new C. Anthony and Jean Whittingham Cancer Center. 6. WellSpan Ephrata Hospital completes $28M expansion project WellSpan Ephrata Hospital held a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 27 to celebrate its newly expanded health pavilion, according to Reading Eagle. 7. Jackson Health System breaks ground on new medical campus Miami-based Jackson Health System broke ground Oct. 26 on a new medical campus, Jackson West, designed to expand access west of downtown Miami, according to the Miami Herald. 8. Tennessee children's hospital unveils $75M NICU East Tennessee Children's Hospital in Knoxville gave patients a sneak-peak of its $75 million addition, named the Scripps Networks Tower, reports Knoxville News Sentinel. 9. Weiss Memorial Hospital introduces senior friendly emergency room Chicago-based Weiss Memorial Hospital officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the improvements made to the hospital's emergency room to better assist and care for the elderly patients that visit the hospital. 10. Ohio Valley Medical Center unveils new expansion center Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling, W.Va., opened an expanded outpatient center in Triadelphia, W.Va., according to a Times Leader report. 11. Inspira Health Network proposes $349M hospital Woodbury, N.J.-based Inspira Health Network proposed plans to build a 210-bed, $349 million hospital to replace its current Woodbury facility, according to NJ.com. 12. Reading Health System opens surgical facility Reading (Pa.) Health System unveiled a 476,000-square-foot surgical center on its main campus. 13. New Eau Claire cancer center gains site plan approval despite opponents' concerns Plans for a Marshfield Clinic Health System cancer center are moving forward after a site plan was approved by the City of Eau Claire's plan commission, according to a Leader-Telegram report. 14. Ruby Valley Hospital and Medical Center to break ground on $13M facility Officials at Sheridan, Mont.-based Ruby Valley Hospital and Medical Center unveiled plans to build a new $13 million facility, according to the Ravalli Republic. 15. Beaumont Hospital Farmington Hills to undergo $160M expansion Beaumont Hospital Farmington Hills (Mich.) broke ground Oct. 25 on a $160 million expansion and renovation project, according to Crain's Detroit Business. 16. Texas Scottish Rite Hospital breaks ground on satellite facility Dallas-based Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children will build a satellite facility in Frisco, Texas, according to Culture Map. 17. $700k ICU expansion underway at Wesley Woodlawn Hospital Wesley Woodlawn Hospital in Wichita, Kan., is in the process of expanding its intensive care unit from eight beds to 12, reports Wichita Business Journal. 18. Presbyterian Healthcare Services breaks ground on $135M Santa Fe hospital Albuquerque, N.M.-based Presbyterian Healthcare Services began work on its $135 million Santa Fe hospital, Santa Fe New Mexican reports. 19. Rush Oak Park Hospital proposes $30M ED replacement Rush Oak Park (Ill.) Hospital is planning to overhaul its emergency department in a $30 million project, Chicago Tribune reports. 20. Boston Children's Hospital's $1B expansion receives final approval The Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Public Health Council voted Oct. 20 to approve Boston Children's Hospital's proposal to begin construction on a $1 billion expansion project, according to WBUR radio. The following 12 hospital and health system CNO and CMO moves occurred or were announced in the last three weeks, starting with the most recent. 1. Michael Anderson, MD, the CMO of Cleveland-based University Hospitals, will leave his post to become president of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in San Francisco. 2. Richmond-based HCA Virginia chose Crystal Farmer, MSN, BSN, to serve as CNO of Parham Doctors' Hospital in Richmond. 3. St. Joseph Mercy Livingston in Howell, Mich., appointed Sharon Blanche as CNO. 4. Danville (Va.) Regional Medical Center named Aundrea Mills as CNO after she served as interim CNO. 5. Kim Pettijohn, MSN, RN, was named as CNO of The Spine Hospital of Louisiana at The NeuroMedical Center in Baton Rouge. 6. OSF Saint Anthony's Health Center in Alton, Ill., tapped Dennis Sands, MD, to serve as vice president and CMO. 7. Brevard, N.C.-based Transylvania Regional Hospital, a subsidiary of Asheville, N.C.-based Mission Health, named Michele Pilon as president and CNO. 8. Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital appointed Vi-Anne Antrum, RN, as CNO. 9. Rockville, Md.-based Indian Health Service named Mechele M. Peterson, MD, as CMO of the HIS Great Plains Area. 10. Jerry Douglas, MD, was selected to serve as CMO of Ukiah, Calif.-based MCHC Health Centers. 11. Reading, Pa.-based Penn State Health St. Joseph appointed Chris Newman, MD, as vice president of medical affairs and CMO. 12. Methodist Dallas Medical Center appointed Leslie Cler, MD, as CMO. Brockton (Mass.) Hospital, part of Brockton-based Signature Healthcare, will lay off 64 employees when it closes its 29-bed transitional care unit, according to The Enterprise. Leaders told the hospital's transitional care unit employees were told Tuesday the unit will close within three months. A department manager, three shifts of nurses and a part-time activities coordinator are among those who will lose their jobs when the unit closes, according to the report. Rachel Labas, a spokeswoman for Signature Healthcare, told The Enterprise some of the employees who are laid off will be eligible for positions in two new units of the hospital: an observation unit and an orthopedic unit. Brockton Hospital opened the transitional care unit in 1997. However, due to changes in the way hospitals are reimbursed, the hospital has lost money operating the unit for the past several years. More articles on leadership and management: 8 must-reads for healthcare leaders this week Southampton Hospital banning conversations about Trump, Clinton in its cardiac rehab gym Broward Health board postpones CEO search indefinitely Getting a business degree wasn't part of Vivian Lee's, MD, career plan. Looking back, however, Dr. Lee said, "One of the best things I ever did was to go back to business school," according to Fortune. Dr. Lee, who serves as dean of the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City and CEO of its hospital system, said the business insights she gleaned from b-school are integral for healthcare leaders as the industry evolves toward value-based care. "We're the only industry in the country that we don't really know the costs of running our business," Dr. Lee said at the Fortune Brainstorm Health conference in San Diego, according to the report. "All of these business principles improving operations, looking at continuous process improvement those have been mostly foreign to us until very recently." Dr. Lee said her ah-ha moment occurred after implementing micro-level cost accounting in the hospital. About three years ago, she and her team began tracking all of the costs of treating patients, from every unit of supplies to each minute in the operating room or emergency room. They then displayed this information to the clinicians who competed to achieve the highest medical outcomes at the lowest costs. This cost accounting model enabled the hospital system to zero in on the culprits of high spending that previously flew under the radar. For instance, Dr. Lee said her team detected "enormous variability" in the costs of hip replacement surgery among surgeons because each individual used different brands of prosthetic hips. Ultimately, they found patients who got the less expensive hip did just as well post-surgery as those who got the more expensive one. A 46-year-old man dressed as an employee of Seattle-based Virginia Mason Hospital & Medical Center was arrested at the hospital last week and charged with first-degree burglary, second-degree robbery and cocaine possession. A security guard discovered Dominick Allen at the hospital on the morning of Oct. 28. Mr. Allen was wearing scrubs and had a physician's ID badge in his pocket, according to a KIRO 7news report. Court documents indicate Mr. Allen was found going through patient files. Prosecutors allege he intended to steal patients' information to commit identity theft, according to the report. When Mr. Allen was arrested police found a four-inch blade in his sock and a rusty hatchet in backpack, according to a KOMO News report. He was also carrying patient records and in possession of cocaine. On Wednesday, Mr. Allen, who has eight prior felony convictions, was being held on $50,000 bail. More articles on healthcare industry lawsuits: 21 physicians sue CMS over attempt to recoup Medicaid payments Adventist Health System accused of improperly relying on ERISA 'church plan' exemption Feds secure $1.2M judgment against former Texas hospital owner Indianapolis-based Anthem will consider pulling back its 2018 ACA exchange footprint if it continues to financially underperform in the program next year, reports Bloomberg. On a Wednesday conference call discussing the insurer's third quarter results, Anthem CEO Joseph Swedish said, "If we do not see clear evidence of an improving environment and a path toward sustainability in the marketplace, we will likely modify our strategy in 2018." Mr. Swedish said 2017 will be "a critical year as we continue to assess the long-term viability of our exchange footprint," according to the report. He said Anthem will be "surgical" in its market-by-market assessment of where to sell ACA plans for 2018 coverage. The payer forecasts a slim profit margin in its 2017 exchange plans following "disappointing" losses, according to the report. The payer's third quarter profit for fiscal year 2016 dropped 5.7 percent from the same period last year. While Anthem intends to improve profits with plan changes and more than 20 percent premium increases on average, the payer said further regulatory action is needed to stabilize the market. John Gorman, founder of Washington, D.C.-based health plan consult firm Gorman Health Group, told Bloomberg Anthem's challenges "should be an alarm bell to policymakers. They're real trend-setters in the individual market." More articles about payer issues: Banner Health, Carondelet among providers not accepting ACA insurance plans in 2017 CHI Memorial, UnitedHealthcare dispute halts coverage for 5k Chattanoogans Blue Shield of California owes enrollees $25M in healthcare rebates: 6 things to know New technology, consumerism and federally imposed cost pressures have spurred rapid changes throughout the healthcare industry, particularly as organizations prepare to operate in a value-based care system. At the Becker's ASC 23rd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs in Chicago, a cadre of healthcare leaders discussed the evolution of healthcare as it pertains to the business of orthopedics, and noted trends to watch in the upcoming year. Timothy Fry, JD, an associate at McGuireWoods, moderated a panel discussion with Allston Stubbs, MD, an associate professor of orthopedics at Wake Forest University and a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Wake Forest Baptist Health; Dennis O'Donnell, president of popHealth Strategies and executive vice president of PinpointCare; and Larry Taylor, president and CEO of Practice Partners in Healthcare. Here are three takeaways from the panel on trends to watch in orthopedics. 1. The migration to the outpatient setting will continue. New technology that allows procedures to be performed safely and efficiently in the outpatient setting, as well as patient preference, will continue to steer an increasing volume of orthopedic cases to ASCs. "Where some cases used to require two or three days in the hospital, with some of the changes in technology there are greater opportunities to have less than 24-hour stays," said Mr. O'Donnell. He also noted that patients prefer the ASC setting to the hospital because "it's more convenient, there are good outcomes and it feels more efficient." However, Mr. O'Donnell said it is unclear whether CMS will remove total joint replacement surgeries from the inpatient only list. While the ability to partake in bundles like the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Model or the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement initiative could be lucrative for many orthopedic surgery centers, Mr. O'Donnell said, "I don't see CMS taking it off the inpatient only list and moving [CJR] to the ASCs on the old payment model. They're probably wrestling with how to take it off the list and structure the payment model in the ASC setting." 2. Data will be king. Data collection, monitoring and analytics are already high priorities for most hospitals. The same is becoming true for ASCs, especially under value-based reimbursement models. "You really need to know your costs, even down to the individual physician level," said Mr. Taylor. "A minute of surgery time carries an extremely high cost." Determining metrics to evaluate surgeons' individual performance gives ASCs the opportunity to pinpoint which surgeons are more expensive in the OR than others, and which have the best quality outcomes. Physicians, who are evidence-driven thinkers by nature, will be more inclined to change their behavior and practices in the face of hard data. 3. Medical education is changing. "Anyone who is coming out of training today the term 'ASC' is not foreign to them," said Mr. Taylor. Medical students and residents alike are expressing an interest in working in the ASC setting earlier on in their careers because they "see the throughout, subspecialty and efficiency that they want to be involved in," he added. Dr. Stubbs said the continuing shift from inpatient to outpatient necessitates medical training programs to incorporate education on the ASC environment more broadly. Not doing so is a disservice to the emerging class of clinicians. "You can be an ostrich and put your head in the sand, or you can live above ground," he said. Retired rheumatologist Timothy Harrington, MD, offered some financial tips for young physicians, so they can enter retirement with sufficient money and no debt, according to AMA Wire. Here are his seven strategies: 1. Find your passion in a specialty. Dr. Harrington doesn't advise choosing a specialty for its lucrative features, but rather choosing one that you love. He added, as long as you make sound financial decision during your career, you will be able to pay off debt. 2. Ask for help when it comes to employment contracts, as you need to fully grasp how the financial implications align with your income expectations. 3. Team up with a great financial advisor early on, especially to deal with debt and family responsibilities. 4. Minimize debt as much as possible don't keep digging deeper into a hole. 5. Live comfortably in the middle class, so you have more once you're older. 6. Identify ways to maximize revenue and boost volume in your practice, perhaps with a team-based care approach. 7. Look to older generations' mistakes and successes. Don't repeat history by committing the same financial failures. Amsterdam, Netherlands-based Wright Medical Group entered into a Master Settlement Agreement over litigation on its Hip Implant products. Here's what you need to know. 1. Wright and the lawyers representing the plaintiffs agreed to settle 1,292 revision claims concerning its Conserve, Dynasty or Lineage hip implants 2. Wright will settle for up to $240 million with $180 million in cash and $60 million for insurance recoveries. 3. The settlement requires a 95 percent opt-in clause. Wright Medical will void the settlement if more than 5 percent of the plaintiffs opt out of it. 4. CEO Robert Palmisano said he was pleased to reach the settlement, and the company will now focus on "accelerating growth opportunities in its extremities and biologics markets." 5. Wright will "vigorously defend" any claims that were not settled. The company estimates there are 600 cases that will not be included in the settlement. Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Nov. 3, 2016. NASS names Dr. F. Todd Wetzel president North American Spine Society named F. Todd Wetzel, MD, president at their annual meeting in Boston. He is a professor of orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. Throughout his career, Dr. Wetzel has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications with a research interest in disc biomechanics, influence of activating factors on degeneration, ethics and conflict of interest in medical decision-making. Zimmer Biomet Q3 net sales up 4%, but lowers growth projections shares drop 13% Amid a year of acquisitions, Warsaw, Ind.-based Zimmer Biomet lowered the high end of its forecasted profits and cut its sales guidance, wreaking havoc on the company's share price on Oct. 31. The company reported net sales at $183 billion, a 4 percent increase over the same period last year, and net earnings jumped 612.5 percent to $158.8 million. The company is having trouble with supply chain integration since the $13.35 billion merger of Zimmer and Biomet last year. US surgical navigation, robotics market to hit $5B by 2023; Medtronic, Intuitive Surgical lead space The U.S. surgical navigation and robotics systems market is anticipated to hit $5 billion by 2023, according to an iData Research report. Higher selling prices of surgical robotic systems will spur market growth. Navigation systems with spinal applications account for the largest market share, at 40 percent. Medtronic leads the U.S. surgical navigation system space and Intuitive Surgical leads the U.S. surgical robotics market. Study of Stryker's 3D-printed Tritanium PL Cages yields positive results Stryker's spine division revealed results from a pre-clinical study for its 3D-printed Tritanium PL Interbody Cages. The study found the Tritanium PL cages demonstrated reductions in segmental motion. Additionally, the cages exhibited increases in construct stiffness on all three loading directions between the eight- and 16-week post-implant time points. 46% of Medicare Advantage listings include wrong information A new investigation from CMS shows nearly half of the physicians listed in the Medicare Advantage directory include inaccurate information, according to an American Journal of Managed Care report. The most common error with the data involved inaccurate location for available providers in multi-site practices. Nearly 46 percent of physician listings included at least one piece of wrong information. DePuy Synthes unveils Zero-Profile Plate for spinal fusions DePuy Synthes' spine division recently launched its ZERO-P NATURAL plate that supports bone growth and stability during spinal fusion procedures in the neck. The company designed the device for use with the CC Natural spacer, an allograft spacer that offers structural support and fusion potential. Four locking screws anchor the ZERO-P NATURAL Plate. 5 states left with 1 marketplace insurer moving forward into 2017 Many states will be left with less payers offering coverage on the federal exchange next year, with the following five states only having one payer offering coverage, based on ASPE Research Brief data. Alaska, Alabama, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wyoming will all have one marketplace insurer in 2017. Male RNs earn $83k in 2015, compared to female RNs' $78k The Medscape RN/LPN Salary Report 2016 included responses from 10,026 nurses who are either registered nurses, licensed practical nurses or advanced practice registered nurses. In 2015, RNs earned an average full-time salary of $78,000, down from $79,000 in 2014. Male RNs noted average full-time earnings of $83,000, compared to $78,000 for female RNs. The Spine Hospital of Louisiana at The NeuroMedical Center in Baton Rouge earned the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award. Here are three highlights: 1. The hospital has now won the Guardian of Excellence Award two times in three years. 2. The Spine Hospital of Louisiana earned the recognition by ranking among the top 5 percent of facilities nationally for patient satisfaction scores, compiled by Press Ganey. 3. Hospital members accepted the award in Orlando on Nov. 3. To continue following the latest news and information for Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, simply enter your full postcode below The Y in Central Maryland is hosting its annual Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K on Thanksgiving morning. The Bel Air portion of the race begins and ends at McComas Funeral Home, 50 W. Broadway. For more details and to register, visit http://www.ymdturkeytrot.org. THE Y IN CENTRAL MARYLAND TO HOST ANNUAL TURKEY TROT CHARITY 5K Be a part of something good by supporting struggling families in the community (Baltimore, MD) Join thousands of individuals as they run, walk, jog and stroll in support of local children and families at The Y in Central Marylands annual Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K, a Thanksgiving Day tradition that raises critically-needed funds so children living in poverty throughout Central Maryland have access to Y programs that will forever shape their lives. On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 24, 2016, the Y will host its Turkey Trot Charity 5K in Arnold, Baltimore City, Bel Air, Ellicott City, Perry Hall, Towson and Westminster. This is the first year the race will be held in Perry Hall. Each Y Turkey Trot will feature a 5K Run/Walk, and medals will be awarded in each age group. Prizes will also be awarded to the top fundraisers. All participants will receive an official race t-shirt. Proceeds benefit children whose families cant afford educational and enrichment opportunities, such as Y Preschool and Camp. LifeBridge Health is the Title Sponsor. What: 2016 Y Turkey Trot Charity 5Ks 5K Run & 5K Walk When: Thursday, November 24, 2016 8:30 AM (all locations) Where: Bel Air Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K McComas Funeral Home 50 W Broadway Bel Air, MD 21014 Cost: Online and in center: $35 Race Week (Saturday, Nov. 19 Thursday, Nov. 24): $40 Youth ages 7-17 register for 1/2 off Children age 6 & under register for FREE (still must register) Turkey Trot dog bandana: $15 *Adult and youth registrants timed at no extra cost Registration: Online at http://www.ymdturkeytrot.org now through Monday, November 21, 2016 At local Y Centers now through Wednesday, November 23, 2016. Registration closing times on the 23rd (and locations) vary, please see website for details. Day-of registration accepted at event locations (limited number of t-shirts available for day-of registrations) Additional Information: Please visit your local Y Center or log on to ymaryland.org. Brexit is potentially bigger than the peace process for Ireland, Martin McGuinness has warned. The Deputy First Minister said the UK decision to leave the EU was the "major crisis of our time". Mr McGuinness was speaking at an all-island Brexit forum in Dublin yesterday. "I've been involved in some of the most historic and important negotiations that this island has seen in 100 years, more particularly the Good Friday Agreement and the St Andrews Agreement," he said. "What we are facing into now, in my opinion, is just as big as that - maybe even bigger." The stark outlook is not helped by a British Government that is "all over the place" on the UK's future, he added. Mr McGuinness said unionists - who snubbed the gathering - were shocked by the outcome of the June referendum. He said the British opt-out had "profound implications" for the entire island of Ireland. But he added that he was optimistic leaders in both Northern Ireland and the Republic could come together to negotiate with the British Government and the European Union. Mr McGuinness was speaking before the All-Island Civic Dialogue, a specially-convened forum of politicians, business leaders and community representatives from both sides of the border. Earlier, Taoiseach Enda Kenny warned that Prime Minister Theresa May could trigger Brexit within weeks. Mr Kenny also cautioned Europe against "losing the plot" over the UK's decision. In unscripted remarks before the conference, he said the PM had indicated she will trigger Article 50 - the mechanism for leaving - before the end of March. "That doesn't mean it mightn't be triggered in December... or January, or February," he added. In London, meanwhile, Mrs May pledged there will be no internal UK borders post-Brexit. Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, she said it would not impact on inter-relations in the UK. She was responding to a question from DUP MP Nigel Dodds. In response, Mrs May said: "I am very happy to give the right honourable gentleman that assurance in relation to movement around the United Kingdom. No change will take place. "We will ensure that Brexit is a good deal for the whole of the United Kingdom." Mr Dodds also referred to "dangerous" talk around the prospect of increased violence in Northern Ireland as a result of Brexit. The PM added: "Those who wish to encourage violence off the back of that should, frankly, be ashamed of themselves. "It is essential that we all work together to make a success of this and get the best possible opportunities for people across the whole of the United Kingdom." Afterwards, Mr Dodds said: "This is a clear commitment from the Prime Minister, one which First Minister Arlene Foster indicated would be the case. "There can be no question that the rights of British citizens to travel within the UK will be affected by Brexit, and I am very glad that the PM has reiterated that this is indeed the case." Separately, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin attacked British Government ministers for pushing a "crude and chaotic" Brexit agenda. Mr Martin said: "Our agenda is the clear one of wanting to minimise the damage and division of Brexit and to maximise progress for all parts of this island. "Let's explore radical ways of softening Brexit, but we also have to talk about the crude and chaotic Brexit which some in the London Cabinet appear to be advocating. "Unlike the Foreign Secretary (Boris Johnson), we don't have the luxury of being pro-having the cake and eating it." Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams repeated that his party wanted a referendum on Irish unity. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said the Government is "disappointed" at the High Court ruling that Theresa May cannot trigger the formal process of leaving the European Union without the prior approval of Parliament. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Fox said "the Government is determined to respect the result of the referendum". "The Government is disappointed by the court's judgement," he said. "The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by Acts of Parliament. The Government is determined to respect the result of the referendum. "This judgment raises important and complex matters of law and it's right that we consider it carefully before deciding how to proceed." He added: "I have nothing to add other than to reiterate that it's right that the Government will consider carefully before deciding how to proceed following the judgment." In one of the most important constitutional cases in generations, three senior judges ruled that the Prime Minister cannot use the royal prerogative to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to start the UK's exit from the EU without the prior authority of Parliament. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who is lobbying to keep Britain in the European single market and against a so-called "hard Brexit", described the result as "significant indeed". Interim Ukip leader Nigel Farage said he was worried that politicians were attempting to block or delay Brexit and warned that such a move would provoke huge public anger. "I worry that a betrayal may be near at hand," he said. "Last night at the Spectator Parliamentary Awards I had a distinct feeling that our political class, who were out in force, do not accept the 23rd of June referendum result." "I now fear that every attempt will be made to block or delay the triggering of Article 50. If this is so, they have no idea of the level of public anger they will provoke." Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron urged the Government to now set out its negotiating strategy to Parliament before triggering Article 50, which Mrs May has promised to do before the end of March. The PM has insisted that she cannot reveal her hand before beginning negotiations. But Mr Farron said: "It is disappointing that this Government was so intent on undermining parliamentary sovereignty and democratic process that they forced this decision to be made in the court, but I welcome the news today that MPs will get to vote on the triggering of Article 50. "Given the strict two-year timetable of exiting the EU once Article 50 is triggered, it is critical that the Government now lay out their negotiating strategy to Parliament, before such a vote is held. "So far May's team have been all over the place when it comes to prioritising what is best for Britain, and it's time they pull their socks up and start taking this seriously. "Ultimately, the British people voted for a departure but not for a destination, which is why what really matters is allowing them to vote again on the final deal, giving them the chance to say no to an irresponsible hard Brexit that risks our economy and our jobs." Leave campaigner Dominic Raab described the decision as "disappointing". The Tory former minister said: "This case is a plain attempt to block Brexit by people who are out of touch with the country and refuse to accept the result. "However, the vote to leave the EU was clear and they should not seek to obstruct it. "Leaving the EU provides us with the opportunity to create a society which works for all. Instead of trying to row back on the referendum result, the country should be moving forward and working together to make a success of Brexit." A flurry of excitement swept through the House of Commons chamber as news of the court's judgment spread. Former health minister Ben Bradshaw briefly put his hands up in the air with glee as he heard the result, while Labour MP Kevin Brennan demanded to know if the Government will "respect the ruling of the court". But pro-Brexit MPs were quick to denounce the decision, with Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) urging ministers to "deplore" it, as he does. Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas said the ruling meant Mrs May and her Cabinet would not have "total control" over Britain's future. "We welcome this ruling, which shows that ministers do not have the power to trigger Article 50 without consulting Parliament," she said. "Parliament must have the opportunity to debate and vote on triggering Article 50, rather than a group of ministers at the top table having total control over this country's future place in the world. "The Green Party will continue to fight to protect free movement, workers' rights and the vital environmental protections we currently have as part of the EU." Labour MP and constitutional expert Graham Allen said the Supreme Court now faces "its first historic test" in hearing the Government's appeal against the ruling. He said: "It is the beginning of defining more clearly and honestly a separation of powers in the UK, which has hitherto been shrouded in mystery. "Parliament can no longer be the poodle of Government of any political complexion. "On fundamental matters of our democracy, Parliament must not only be consulted but, as on Article 50, legislate. "This is not to overturn the decision in principle by the British people but to give it full life. "I welcome the decision of the High Court and now hope the Supreme Court upholds the sovereignty of Parliament which was such a core part of the reason to leave the EU." Former Liberal Democrat leader Lord (Menzies) Campbell of Pittenweem said the ruling was a "slap in the face" for Mrs May. "This is a clear illustration of the well-known legal principle that no matter how high you are, the law is above you," he said. "It is a slap in the face for the Government. It shows the dangers of playing ducks and drakes with the constitution and particularly the sovereignty of Parliament." Former education secretary Nicky Morgan said she hoped the chances of the Government hitting Mrs May's Article 50 deadline were "quite strong". She told the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme: "The triggering of Article 50 is a big first step but I think people will want progress made on that. "I think it's important the Government shows there is progress and I see no reason why, actually, unless we end up with some lengthy legal proceedings tying things up, the Government doesn't take charge of this and say we are going to have a piece of very simple legislation. "Members of Parliament will be mindful of how their constituents voted on 23 June." Shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner asked Dr Fox in the Commons: "Will you acknowledge that the vast majority of members in this House are now committed to honouring the decision to leave the EU but that democracy demands that the terms of our leaving must be subject to the proper advanced scrutiny and consent of this democratically elected House and not negotiated in secret and smuggled through without the support of this sovereign Parliament?" Mr Bradshaw urged the Government to delay the planned triggering of Article 50 in the wake of the ruling. He said: "Eighty percent of the fish caught around our coastline in the South West goes straight for export to the rest of the European Union and there is huge concern in the industry about the impact of tariffs if we leave the single market. "Given the excellent news from the High Court and those concerns, wouldn't the Government be wise not to invoke Article 50 as early as March?" Meanwhile, Tory former minister Anna Soubry urged Dr Fox to examine the details of the ruling. She said: "I think you said the Government will be appealing. Could I ask you on behalf of the Government please to look at their learned judges' ruling and understand that it's not about a re-run of the arguments about the EU referendum, it's all about Parliament's sovereignty. "In that event will the Government look at it carefully to decide whether or not in fact the learned judges are right and it's this place that should and indeed will trigger Article 50?" Dr Fox replied to Mrs Soubry: "As this is now an ongoing court case I've nothing further to add to the comments I made earlier." Ukip leadership hopeful Suzanne Evans condemned the "activist judges" and suggested they should be sacked. "How dare these activist judges attempt to overturn our will? It's a power grab & undermines democracy," she wrote on Twitter. "Time we had the right to sack them." She added: "Predictably, the same people now quoting 'parliamentary sovereignty' are the very same people who were happy to give it away for last 40yrs." Commons leader David Lidington told MPs: "I can confirm to the House that it is the Government's intention to appeal against today's judgment from the High Court. "We are, as the House is aware, in a situation where we have this judgment today and a very little while ago a judgment from the High Court of Northern Ireland which came to a completely different decision on the same subject. "So we now have the High Courts in two different parts of the United Kingdom coming to opposite conclusions on the same constitutional and legal question. So this will need to go to a higher court." He said the Government will give a statement to the Commons on Monday about the ruling and the appeal. Ukip donor Arron Banks, co-chairman of the Leave.EU campaign, said unelected judges had declared war on British democracy. He said: " Parliament voted six-to-one in favour of letting the people decide. They didn't get the answer they wanted, and now they're going to use every dirty trick in the book to try to sabotage, delay or water down Brexit. "It's no surprise that the legal establishment has joined the political class in declaring war on British democracy. Why wouldn't unelected judges want to preserve an EU system where unelected elites like themselves are all-powerful? "Tony Blair let the cat out of the bag last week: the Remain campaign hasn't gone away; they don't have any respect for the 17.4 million and they will do everything in their power to reverse the public's historic victory over the Establishment. "Well, I don't think the people are going to take this lying down. Leave.EU will now be going back into full campaigning mode, and I would urge anyone who believes in democracy to sign up and join the fight." Wales First Minister Carwyn Jones said it was a mistake for the Government to appeal against the ruling - and repeated his view that the devolved administrations should also get a vote on Mrs May's Brexit negotiating position. "The High Court ruling is extremely clear - the UK Government cannot trigger Article 50 using the Crown prerogative," he said. "Indeed, this is consistent with many of the arguments made by the Leave campaign themselves about Parliamentary sovereignty. It is a mistake, in my view, to challenge such a clear ruling and we should now try and move ahead to develop a fuller understanding of the UK Government's position. "The position of the Welsh Government has been consistent throughout - we accept the decision made by the people and will not work against the referendum result. We are working hard to get the best possible exit terms for Wales. "However, it is important that votes take place in all four nations to endorse the UK negotiating position." Leave campaigner John Baron said the decision "must not be allowed to frustrate the will of the British people". "It was made clear by the Government at the time that the referendum result would be respected by the political establishment. David Cameron and Jeremy Corbyn both said they would invoke Article 50 the day after a Brexit result. People voted in the referendum on this basis. We will man the barricades if the result is not respected." The SDLP's Mark Durkan, a member of the Brexit Select Committee, said: " The SDLP has been consistent in its objection to the use and abuse of the dubious royal prerogative powers. Those of us who believe in parliamentary democracy know that major decisions where substantive details and strategic options count, should be debated and voted upon by MPs, rather than being pocketed as a private or personal tactic for a Prime Minister." Richard Tice, co-chairman of Brexit pressure group Leave Means Leave, said: "This is disgraceful - 17.4 million people will be furious today. "Our democracy is being damaged by an elite band of people in the legal system." He added: "A vote in Parliament is wholly unnecessary, time-consuming and betrays the democratic will of the people." Ukip's only MP, Douglas Carswell, hit out at the "shocking judicial activism", adding that "these judges are politicians without accountability". "I hope reform of judicial appointments is in a manifesto or two," the Clacton MP said. Writing on Twitter he said: " Remainers, aided and abetted by lawyers, seeking to tell electorate to sod off." Tom Elliott, MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, said the court had made a "surprising" ruling but added that he does not think it will have an effect on Britain leaving Europe. Speaking outside Westminster, the UUP representative, who voted to leave, said: "I don't actually see the MPs voting against the triggering of Article 50. "I think the MPs will take a practical decision, they will take a sensible decision that 'Look, we handed this over to the people at a referendum. It's really their decision', and that's what I see happening." Brexit select committee chairman Hilary Benn said he would vote in favour of triggering Article 50 but it was important that Parliament should have a role in the process. Senior Labour MP Mr Benn told BBC2's Daily Politics: "This is an important judgment on the sovereignty of Parliament. It is not about a decision on whether we are leaving the European Union, because we are - the British people made that choice in the referendum and I think Parliament should uphold it. "But there is ... a debate to be had about what kind of relationship we are going to have and therefore the Government's negotiating objectives are really important." Mr Benn said he would vote in favour of triggering Article 50 "but that is separate from what we should be seeking to negotiate in that process". Former Remain campaign chief Will Straw said: " Brexit still means Brexit. But sovereignty means sovereignty too." MEP Janice Atkinson, who used to be a member of Ukip, called for the reinstatement of Mr Farage as permanent leader of the party after the court's decision. Ms Atkinson said: "To seek now to set Parliament against the will of the people in this way is dangerous, unethical and risks a clash between citizens and Government. "Ukip now needs to get its act together again fast and ensure that Nigel Farage is back in the driving seat when, once again, the country needs his leadership to ensure our future as an independent nation state. That, and nothing less, is what the British people voted for on June 23." Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said the Government must now produce its negotiating plan for MPs to vote on. "The Prime Minister was trying to sideline Parliament and the court has now ruled against her and reminded her that Parliament is sovereign, so the Government needs to urgently review its approach and refer this issue to Parliament where it should be debated," he said. Sir Keir told BBC Radio 4's World At One: "Of course there is a mandate for leaving the EU, and we have to accept and respect the result of the referendum. "But the terms, and how we leave the EU, are vitally important." He added: "I really don't think that, in light of this ruling, the Government can get away with refusing to disclose its negotiating stance." Nicola Sturgeon, speaking at First Minister's Questions at Holyrood, said: "The judgment this morning I don't think is a huge surprise for anyone that followed the case but it is hugely significant and it underlines the total chaos and confusion at the heart of the UK Government. "We should remember that their refusal to allow a vote in the House of Commons is not some matter of high constitutional principle, it's because they don't have a coherent position and they know that if they take their case to the House of Commons that will be exposed." Asked by Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald if the Scottish Government would "actively oppose" the appeal by the UK Government when the case reaches the Supreme Court, Ms Sturgeon said: "We will be looking at the judgment very carefully and, yes, we will actively consider whether there is a case for the Scottish Government to become participants in that case." She added: "The job of this government is to protect Scotland's interests. Scotland voted to remain in the EU and my job is therefore to protect our place in Europe and in the single market as far as I possibly can. "SNP MPs in the House of Commons will certainly not vote for anything that undermines the will or the interest of the Scottish people." Hilary Benn, chairman of the Brexit Select Committee, described the judgment as "very significant", but said it is not a decision about leaving the EU, adding: "That choice has been made by the British people and I think Parliament must respect it." But he said it is "perfectly legitimate" for Parliament to ask the Government what the plan for Brexit is. He said: "I think it's right and proper that the Government should come to the House of Commons to tell us what it is going to be looking for in these very important negotiations that will start next year." Tory MP Peter Bone said he felt "upset" by the ruling, adding: "I think it's strange that the court is trying to tell Parliament what to do." He said: "I think that all that's happening with the legal side is you're making a lot of lawyers richer and that's never a good thing. "What we should actually want to do is get on with Brexit. "Now if we had a vote in Parliament, I'm sure Parliament would support triggering Article 50." Vote Leave campaign director Dominic Cummings said that although the judgment had "some bad bits", Brexit supporters should acknowledge that "at heart it is reasonable". Parliamentary sovereignty means the Government cannot and should not try to change domestic law by use of the royal prerogative, he said. He urged Brexit-supporting MPs to stick to the "important principles of how a serious country works" and focus on winning the battles in Parliament, rather than "confused whining". Former chancellor George Osborne joined calls for the Government to set out its plan for Britain's future trading relationship with the EU. He told Sky News: "The question is not who makes the decision on whether we're leaving the European Union because the public have made that decision in the referendum. "I think the sooner we get on to the substantive discussion in Parliament with the Government about the nature of our new relationship with Europe, how we're going to trade with these key partners of ours like Germany and France, how businesses here in Manchester and across the country are going to have the certainty so that they can invest and hire people over the next couple of years. "For me these are the key issues and I would be arguing for the closest possible trading and economic relationship with Europe, outside of the EU, because we've got to respect the referendum." Pro-EU Tory grandee Ken Clarke said the Government will have to give MPs a vote on its Brexit strategy in a return to "proper parliamentary democracy" rather than decisions being taken in Cabinet committees of "squabbling colleagues". He told BBC Radio 4's PM: "I think the argument that somehow everything has been decided by this one vote is wrong, it's a childish attempt to avoid debate, the vote was we leave the EU, but it was silent on the terms. "Even the leading campaigners, the leading Brexiteers do not agree with each other (on the terms)." Former Tory MP Zac Goldsmith warned that if Parliament tried to block Brexit it would lead to the rise of the far right in Britain. Mr Goldsmith, who quit his seat to force a by-election which he is fighting on a ticket opposed to Heathrow Airport expansion, told LBC: "If we were to overturn the outcome of the biggest democratic exercise we have ever had in this country - 17 million people - if we put our fingers up to them, if we turn our backs on them, or ignored them, I think we would see the emergence in this country of the kind of far-right extreme movements that plague the continent, but fortunately do not plague this country." The RMT union hit out at the letter from Southern Railway The Southern Railway dispute has escalated, with fresh strikes called over Christmas and the New Year, causing festive travel misery for hundreds of thousands of passengers. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union accused the company and the Government of "sheer pig-headedness" as it announced that its members will strike from 0001 on December 22 until 2359 on Christmas Eve and again from 0001 on New Year's Eve until 2359 on January 2, when new fare rises come into effect. The news came ahead of the latest stoppage from midnight tonight for 48 hours, which will lead to the cancellation of trains and more disruption to services. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said Southern's owners, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), and the Government had made it clear they have no interest in resolving the long-running row over the role of conductors. Services have been disrupted for months, partly due to the strikes, staff shortages and other problems. A damaged track caused chaos on Tuesday evening, leading commuters to warn of dangerously overcrowded trains and platforms. Mr Cash repeated his call to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to "get out of his bunker" and try to help resolve the row. "This week we have seen repeated chaos on Southern Rail services that has shown once again that they are simply incapable of running safe and reliable services. "The only obstacle to their removal from their management contract is the Government, who are calling the shots and pulling the strings behind the scenes while publicly claiming the dispute is between RMT and GTR. "In the light of the continuing public anger at the absolute state of the Southern Rail operation, it is disgraceful that neither the company or the Government are prepared to engage and are continuing to attempt to impose driver-only operation in the interests of putting profit before safety." A spokesman for Southern said: "Not content with causing months of misery, the RMT has now hit a new low and is determined to cancel Christmas for the travelling public. "These latest strikes will not just hit families wanting to get home for Christmas but also the shops and businesses for whom Christmas is their busiest time. "These strikes are spiteful, vindictive and pointless given the majority of conductors have now signed up to the new on-board role. "This has never been about safety, it's purely about the RMT hanging on to outdated working practices and union power." Paul Plummer, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, representing train operators, said: "More needless strikes by the RMT will be an unwanted Christmas present for passengers they will disrupt on Christmas Eve and at New Year. "Changes being adopted by Southern, opposed by the RMT, will give passengers a better service." Southern said it is putting on extra trains during the next strikes, with almost all its 156 stations having either a train or bus service. But there will be a restricted service, with many routes having fewer trains, and on some routes there will be no trains at all. There will be no rail service on Saturday to Lewes, where tens of thousands of people attend the town's popular annual bonfire, with Southern citing public safety for its decision. A fresh row broke out after the union revealed it had received a letter from Southern saying that backdated holiday pay is being withheld from conductors involved in the industrial action until the dispute is over. Rail minister Paul Maynard said: "It is extremely disappointing that the RMT have announced yet more strikes over the Christmas holidays which will make passengers suffer at a time when they will be travelling to see family and friends. "The union leaders have continually rejected a deal that means no job cuts and ensures that on-board supervisors will carry on delivering safe, accessible and more reliable rail services. "I strongly urge the RMT to put passengers first and call off this damaging action." Some 49% of public sector workers felt withstanding threats from the public was now simply part of the job, the survey found More than a third of the country's public sector workers have been attacked or threatened on the job, a new study claims. The research, commissioned by law firm Slater and Gordon, involved 1,000 public sector workers answering a variety of questions about their experiences on the job. Employees including doctors, nurses and police officers responded to the survey, which found 11% had suffered physical abuse while on the clock. More than half of these assaults involved punches being thrown, while other workers recounted instances of being kicked, slapped and spat at. Public sector staff were also subjected to attempts to strangle them or threatened with weapons, with some even reporting being sexually assaulted, the study found. Meanwhile, almost one in four said they had been the subject of threats while at work. The study, conducted by survey consultants Censuswide, found the vast majority of those abused described being attacked on more than one occasion and just over half blamed cutbacks for putting them at greater risk. But 49% of public sector workers felt withstanding threats from the public was now simply part of the job, the survey also found. Tracey Benson, an employment liability specialist for Slater and Gordon, said it was "particularly appalling" most attacks on workers were committed by members of the public. She said: "The fact we are seeing an increase in the number of cases of this kind is extremely alarming." The commissioned research comes after the public service union Unison's annual Violence at Work survey showed violent assaults on Scottish workers had doubled from 20,000 to 40,000 per year in the last decade. The union maintained the jump in numbers could not simply be explained by better awareness and reporting practices. Laborers International Union of North America members and other pipeline workers are pushing for the passage of rules regulating oil and gas industry gathering pipelines. Nearly 200 workers signed a letter to lawmakers and the North Dakota Industrial Commission asking them to approve rules to ensure that every pipeline is built to the same high standards as Dakota Access in order to prevent environmental incidents that the workers say threaten the future of our industry. The Industrial Commission approved the proposed rules in June. The rules were set to take effect Oct. 1 but were delayed by the Legislatures Administrative Rules Committee in September for further review. Department of Mineral Resources spokeswoman Alison Ritter said department staff have met with committee leadership to address concerns. Changes will need to be approved by the Industrial Commission at its meeting next week. It will then go back for legislative approval in December and possible implementation in January. Kevin Pranis of LIUNA said there is concern changes could water down the rules, which the union felt were sensible. The workers argue that, in the absence of the new rules, a handful of problem operators will ruin it for everyone else by building leaky pipelines that damage the states natural resources and the reputation of our industry. I believe we still have a good set of rules, Ritter said in response, and the extra time allowed the department to make sure we get it right when it comes to regulation of what was previously a largely unregulated sector. "I actually think they're better and they address our legislative concerns," Administrative Rules Committee Vice Chairman Kelly Armstrong, R-Dickinson, said. Changes made were clarifying authority to regulate. Ritter said there were questions over whether the state could implement bonding requirements retroactively, whether berms could be required on existing sites and whether the state had authority to regulate natural gas gathering lines. Saltwater and crude oil gathering lines have posed a bigger threat; none of thats going to change, Ritter said of the rest of the rules. Pranis said the letter was meant to show lawmakers that industry is serious about wanting these regulations to be approved as soon as possible in an effort to calm public concern over pipeline safety and prevent spills at smaller pipelines from influencing public opinion on larger transmission lines. As skilled workers who are making careers in the pipeline industry, we know that we cant afford any more delays. Were asking North Dakotas elected officials to listen to the voices of the men and women working in the trenches and implement the new rules without delay, the letter read. German Chancellor Angela Merkel heard from her governments council of economic advisers, which is keen to keep the UK in the European Union The UK's Aa1 sovereign rating will be hit if the country cannot agree a favourable exit from the European Union, including retaining access to the single market, Moodys said yesterday. The rating agency thinks the UK's medium-term economic outlook will be weaker as a result of the Brexit vote, but that the scale of the effect will depend on the format of the UK's new trading relationship with the EU. "We would downgrade the UK's sovereign rating if the outcome of the negotiations with the EU was a loss of access to the single market as this would materially damage its medium-term growth prospects," said Kathrin Muehlbronner, a Moody's senior vice president. "A second trigger for a downgrade would be if we were to conclude that the credibility of the UK's fiscal policy had been tarnished as a result of Brexit." The rating agency expects that the UK government's Autumn Statement, due on November 23, will bring more clarity to the area. In Berlin yesterday, the German government's council of economic advisers called for "constructive negotiations" to keep Britain in the EU, despite the Brexit referendum vote. The short-term economic effects on the UK are likely to remain moderate and will affect the UK more than its partners, though "a sharp collapse" is not very likely, the council said in its annual report to German Chancellor Angela Merkel. If Brexit cannot be stopped, negotiations must strike a balance between preserving close economic links and avoiding the risk of setting a precedent for other countries, it added. But the influential group also pushed for talks to minimise the effects of the vote. "There is still a chance to prevent an exit through constructive negotiations or at least to negotiate a succession agreement which minimises the damage for both sides," the council said. While "concessions to the UK in detail mustn't be a taboo," the "four basic freedoms are, however, indispensable," the council said, referring to EU rights and obligations that include free movement of labour. The Government is committed to following through on the popular vote in June in favour of leaving the EU. The 27 other EU governments, including Germany, say the UK cannot expect full access to the bloc's common market without accepting free movement of people, capital, goods and services. Meanwhile, in London the High Court will today decide whether lawmakers, rather than the Government, must trigger the process of leaving the EU, a decision that could affect the circumstances of the exit. The trailer for the long-awaited Trainspotting sequel has been released, 20 years after the original film was in cinemas. The preview of T2 Trainspotting, which reunites director Danny Boyle with stars Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle and Ewen Bremner, opens with McGregor's Mark Renton returning to Edinburgh to see his friends again. Over the strains of Underworld's hit Born Slippy, which featured prominently in the 1996 film, Renton revives his bitter "choose life" motto but with modern references - "Choose Facebook, choose Twitter, choose Instagram and hope that someone, somewhere, cares". He also refers to choosing reality TV, slut-shaming, revenge porn and zero-hour contracts, before saying: "Choose to smother the pain with an unknown dose of an unknown drug." The first film, which followed a group of heroin addicts and explored urban poverty, was based on the novel of the same name by Irvine Welsh, while the sequel is based on his book Porno. In the trailer for the sequel, Renton tells his former love interest Diane Coulston, played by Kelly Macdonald, that he does not take heroin any more, but there are multiple scenes of drug use in the trailer, as well as fighting and dancing. Renton's narration ends with: " You're an addict so be addicted, just be addicted to something else. Choose the ones you love, choose your future, choose life." T2 Trainspotting will be released in UK cinemas on January 27. Radio DJ Jo Whiley during a visit to the Brit School in Croydon, south London Glastonbury organisers have "set the bar high" for next year's festival with the early announcement of Radiohead, broadcaster Jo Whiley said. The Radio 2 DJ recalled the band's "apocalyptic" 1997 headline slot when a lightning bolt hit the Pyramid Stage during their set On a visit to the prestigious Brit School in Croydon, south London, Whiley said she hopes the music stalwarts play "all the songs that we love and cherish". She told the Press Association: " I hope they don't bring the apocalypse with them because that's my memory of Radiohead playing. "Doing No Surprises and fireworks going off and John Peel giving me a piggy back as they were playing and we were just walking off into the distance. "It really, truly felt like the end of the world so I hope they don't do that this time around." Radiohead's Saturday night headline performance in 1997 made Glastonbury history as the band battled wet and cold weather in a set which was later dubbed the greatest performance in the festival's history by founder Michael Eavis. Last month the group became the first headline act to be announced for next year's festival after the band's "angry bear" logo appeared as a painted "crop circle" in front of the Pyramid Stage. Whiley said: "It's just good knowing now at this early stage that Radiohead are going to play. It really sets the bar high." The 51-year-old was at the Brit School ahead of hosting the Music Industry Trust Awards on Monday night. She p raised the school for nurturing young stars such as Adele and Katie Melua. Whiley said having the chance to "express themselves" is vital for young people. She said: "It's felt like a long time coming because I've interviewed so many people who have come through these doors and worked here. "I think it's absolutely vital that we have somewhere like the Brit School and as many of these kinds of establishments as possible. "The fact that somewhere like this exists to nurture that talent and to give people a chance to express themselves and to fulfil their potential is so fundamentally important. The broadcaster also sat in on a session at music therapy organisation Nordof Robbins which is partly funded by MITS and offers services to children and adults across Britain. Whiley praised the services and said she "knows the power of music" and how important it is for her sister who has learning difficulties. "Frances just loves music and she has got an amazing instinct for music," Whiley said. Actress Jessica Chastain has said she is in favour of "responsible gun usage" rather than confiscating firearms to help tackle gun violence in America. The Oscar nominee, who had her hand and footprints immortalised in cement in Hollywood, spoke out after playing a gun control lobbyist in her latest film Miss Sloane. Chastain, 39, revealed she prepared for her role by speaking to an anti-gun violence organisation run by Gabrielle Giffords, the former US congresswoman who survived an assassination attempt in 2011. She told the Press Association: "I learnt a lot about the second amendment debate that I didn't know before. "I talked to Gabby Giffords' organisation. I found even things like, try not to use the phrase 'gun control', try to say 'gun safety' or 'gun violence prevention', because Gabby Giffords and her husband are gun owners. "It's not about confiscations, it's about responsible gun usage." The Zero Dark Thirty star fought back tears as she was honoured in the traditional hand and footprint ceremony outside the TCL Chinese Theatre, where she was joined by Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow. "Having my handprints next to those of women like Elizabeth Taylor and Bette Davis, it's really unimaginable," Chastain said on stage. "Working in this industry, often, at times it can be a lonely path. "That's when I really thank God for my collaborators, the people who are there for me, who have my back, on and off camera. "I have an incredible support system and they remind me every day that I'm not alone on this journey." Chastain was nominated for a best actress Oscar in 2013 for her role as a CIA agent hunting Osama Bin Laden in Zero Dark Thirty, which earned Bigelow her Academy Award. She had previously received a best supporting actress Oscar nomination in 2012 for her breakthrough role in drama The Help, and has gone on to land starring roles in Christopher Nolan's sci-fi film Interstellar, The Martian and The Huntsman: Winter's War. "I consider it one of the greatest gifts of my life that I get to walk in other people's shoes for a living," Chastain said. "In this particular moment in time, when the other is often talked about as something to be fearful of, I think it's important that we remember to be empathetic and compassionate." Miss Sloane is due to be released in UK cinemas in February. SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that in the wake of Thursday's High Court judgment that the Assembly must be given the opportunity to cast judgment on any deal leading to an attempt to trigger Article 50. In one of the most important constitutional cases in generations, three senior judges ruled the Prime Minister does not have power to use the prerogative to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to start the UK's exit from the European Union - without the prior authority of Parliament. The ruling against the Government was made by Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas, sitting with two other senior judges in London. The future of Brexit now appears to rest with the Supreme Court. Mr Eastwood met with Taoiseach Enda Kenny this afternoon at Stormont to discuss developments. The SDLP Leader said: "If the events of today have told us anything, its that there is no certainty with Brexit. It is fluid, it is unpredictable and there is still so much to play for. The future of this island must not be bound to a decision taken elsewhere. We must take back control of our own future and ensure that the votes cast here in Northern Ireland are upheld and implemented. "Following todays decision in the High Court in London, our MPs will make good on our pledge to use every political, parliamentary and legal tool to defend the will of the people of Northern Ireland. We will unapologetically vote against any proposal that aims to drag the North out of the European Union. "But let me be clear. The imperative now is not only to consult with the British Parliament but with the devolved administrations in Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff. The people of Northern Ireland have not consented to leaving the European Union and we will not betray them by standing idly by. Despite 56% of people here voting to remain, we may be in a position in Westminster where only three of our MPs in the North vote to reflect their will. While the Irish Government stands up for the North in Europe, the SDLP will stand up for the North in Westminster, and well stand alone if necessary. "The many voices heard in Dublin yesterday reinforced the view held by the SDLP since the referendum. It is not beyond the creativity of the European Union for Northern Ireland to retain a special status that protects the free movement of people, goods and services and stops new borders being drawn in Ireland. "Our meeting with the Taoiseach today was a continuation of an outcomes based dialogue taking place across this island. The SDLP is determined to pursue the practical and the possible. A detailed roadmap spelling out exactly what special status looks like and how it will be achieved is essential if we are to protect the people of Ireland, North and South, from the hard Brexit currently being pursued by an uncaring and unthinking British Government. "The Taoiseach agrees with us that it is his responsibility to defend the rights of Irish citizens in the North enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement and guaranteed by the Dublin Government. The Irish Government must act as our ultimate insurance policy. The Taoiseach is best placed to secure an arrangement that is mutually beneficial for all the people of Ireland and he must be our strongest advocate in the time ahead." Three judges unanimously ruled Prime Minister Theresa May does not have the power to bypass MPs by relying on the prerogative to trigger Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union and begin the two-year period of divorce negotiations with the 27 other countries in the EU bloc. The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas, said to do so would be contrary to "the fundamental constitutional principles of the sovereignty of Parliament". The court rejected the Government argument that prerogative powers were a legitimate way to give effect "to the will of the people" who voted by a clear majority to leave the European Union in the June referendum. Lord Thomas - sitting with the Master of the Rolls, Sir Terence Etherton, and Lord Justice Sales - emphasised to a packed court in London they were deciding "a pure question of law" and not expressing any view about the "political issue" concerning the merits of leaving the European Union. The pound rose sharply after the judgment, but the Government swiftly announced it is to appeal to the highest court in the land. It is widely expected that 11 Supreme Court justices will sit before Christmas to hear one of the most important constitutional cases in generations. Unless overturned by the Supreme Court - or at a potential further appeal to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg - the High Court ruling threatens to plunge the Government's plans for Brexit into disarray and delay. Brexit Secretary David Davis, who defended the Government's case in court, said ministers would be forced to produce a full Act of Parliament in order to trigger Article 50 unless the High Court ruling is overturned. MPs have suggested that Mrs May could call a snap general election next year to ensure she has enough supportive MPs to get her Brexit plan through the House of Commons. Mrs May's spokeswoman said it was still the Government's plan to invoke Article 50 by the end of March. The Prime Minister will, at her request, discuss the Brexit process with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker on Friday, Mr Juncker's spokesman told reporters in Brussels. The spokesman said all the other members of the EU would like to see a "swift" notification of Article 50 to begin the Brexit process. International Development Secretary Liam Fox, a leading Brexiteer, told the House of Commons of the proposed appeal and said the Government remained "determined to respect the result of the referendum". Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the High Court ruling underlined the need for the Government to bring its negotiating terms for Brexit to Parliament "without delay". He said: "Labour respects the decision of the British people to leave the European Union. But there must be transparency and accountability to Parliament on the terms of Brexit." Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said the Government must now lay out its negotiating position in Parliament, while Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the finding as "significant indeed". Green co-leader Caroline Lucas hailed it as "brilliant news", adding: "That's what taking back control should be about - better democracy." Mrs May announced at the Conservative Party conference that she intends giving an Article 50 notification by the end of March 2017. Her opponents in court were "concerned citizens" drawn from all walks of life, with the lead challenge brought by investment fund manager and philanthropist Gina Miller. Outside the Royal Courts of Justice, Ms Miller was greeted by rounds of applause. Ms Miller said the result was "about our United Kingdom and all our futures. "It's not about how anyone voted. Every one of us voted for the best country and the best future." The second named claimant was Deir Dos Santos, a hairdresser and British citizen described as "just an ordinary guy". His solicitor David Greene, senior partner of law firm Edwin Coe, said in a statement on his behalf: "This is a victory for democracy over the feudal institution of royal prerogative. "The Government has to accept the constitutional reality that Parliament must have early involvement in the process." But Mrs May's spokeswoman said: "Our plans remain to invoke Article 50 by the end of March." The spokeswoman declined to discuss whether ministers believe the March deadline is achievable if they have to appeal further to the European courts or, if the legal battle is finally lost, are forced to seek Parliament's approval. She said MPs would be "involved" in discussions about the way forward and would have opportunities to debate Brexit - including on Monday, when the Commons will discuss the impact of withdrawal on workers' rights. But she made clear that Mrs May does not intend to spell out her negotiating stance, as opponents have demanded. "What matters moving forward is doing what is in Britain's national interest and that doesn't mean setting out all your cards on the table as you go into a negotiation with 27 other countries," said the spokeswoman. However C onservative former ministers Nicky Morgan and Anna Soubry have urged Mrs May to bring forward full-blown legislation to give MPs extensive scrutiny of Brexit before triggering Article 50. They called on current ministers to table a Bill in Parliament following the High Court decision. Brexiteers are now calling for reform of the way judges are appointed. Ukip leadership candidate Suzanne Evans condemned "activist judges" and suggested a mechanism should be created to allow them to be dismissed. In 2003 Sean Watson's parents were told that he might never walk again after suffering a massive brain haemorrhage and stroke. Almost 13 years to the day, however, Sean (37) has just completed a week-long trek around the Grand Canyon to raise money for the hospital that saved his life. It's been a long road to recovery for the solicitor from south Belfast. Back in September 2003 Sean, then 24, was in London training to be a solicitor when he had two major seizures. Scans revealed a mass the size of a fist in his brain and he was admitted to hospital for further tests. His parents John and Margaret flew to his bedside as soon as they heard the news. There, he was told he had an arteriovenous malformation - or AVM - in his brain, a tangle of blood vessels which carried a high risk of rupturing. After undergoing a risky procedure to shrink the mass, Sean began experiencing excruciating headaches and eventually had a massive stroke. He was rushed to the operating theatre for damage-control surgery, during which neurosurgeons removed the blood clots and tied off the ruptured blood vessels. After the surgery Sean was in a critical condition in intensive care. He was paralysed down the left side of his body, had a reduced level of consciousness, could not talk and was in a great deal of pain. His frantic parents were warned that their son might be paralysed. But for the next three weeks he worked with physiotherapists who helped him to walk again - initially on crutches and later unaided. Finally, in early November 2003, he had major brain surgery to remove the AVM. According to doctors, his was one of the largest AVMs to be surgically removed from a patient who was still alive. The operation was a success and Sean was discharged at the end of the month. While his speech and ability to walk came back relatively quickly, he had problems with cognitive function, his eyesight and hearing, and continued to have seizures. Sean, who lives in London, said: "I had to learn to read again and adjust to the changes in my vision and hearing. It was like half of my world was gone." In September 2004 he returned to work and finally qualified as a solicitor in 2006. He now works for a commercial-property finance company, and became a father in 2014. He said: "To have survived such serious illness at a young age has given me a good perspective on life. "There is not much that bothers me now." On October 9 he began a five-day trek around the Grand Canyon for The National Brain Appeal, a charity that raises funds for the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. "The National Brain Appeal's Grand Canyon Trek seemed to me the perfect way to mark my 13-year anniversary of being able to walk again," he said. "It is thanks to the incredible staff at The National Hospital that I am here today and living a full life." To support Sean visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=SeanWatson More than 10 million was spent drafting in temporary staff to plug gaps in the Civil Service after a controversial redundancy drive began. In some cases people were paid off from their jobs only to return days later as an agency worker, it has been claimed. The number of agency staff increased by a third in 14 months - from 372 to 497, Finance Minister Mairtin O Muilleoir said. A system offering voluntary exit from the Northern Ireland Civil Service, as well as a separate mechanism for releasing members of the wider public sector, was established following the 2014 Stormont House talks. The Executive has borrowed up to 700m to meet the costs. More than 3,000 civil servants have left their posts under the NICS voluntary exit scheme. However, it has now emerged that, at the same time, millions of pounds were spent drafting in staff to boost the workforce. The cost of agency workers in the Civil Service during and since the voluntary exit scheme topped 10.6m, Mr O Muilleoir revealed. He was responding to an Assembly question from TUV leader Jim Allister. Bumper Graham from the Nipsa trade union branded the scheme "economic suicide". "Our view from day one is that the Stormont House and Fresh Start agreements were absolute nonsense," he said. "To borrow 700m to make people effectively redundant, no matter how they seek to dress it up, is economic suicide." The exit scheme formed a key element of the Stormont House Agreement. It gave the Executive flexibility to use 700m of capital borrowing to fund a voluntary exit scheme over four years. Then Finance Minister Simon Hamilton said he expected the size of the public service to shrink by 20,000 over the next four years. Mr O Muilleoir said the Civil Service headcount had reduced by more than 3,300, generating annual savings of around 100m. However, Mr Graham said the scheme was not properly thought through. "It was a crude scheme aimed merely at attempting to reduce the headcount of public servants," he added. "No thought was given to the services they provide. We have also been very critical of the Civil Service's use of agency staff and fixed term workers. "It is quite clear from anecdotal information that people are leaving under VES and they are having major difficulties delivering the services. "In some cases, people have gone back in within a matter of days as agency staff, virtually into the same jobs that they left." Mr Graham said there had been an unnecessary overspend on agency staff. "We have been saying for a number of years that far too much work is being given to employment agencies," he added. "They should be running proper recruitment and promotion competitions to fill the vacancies that exist across the service." Mr O Muilleoir said the number of civil servants who exited under the scheme and then returned as agency staff was not held. He said it was permissible for staff to leave via the voluntary exit scheme and take up employment subsequently as an agency worker. Mr Allister said: "The 30% increase in agency staff is surprising. But even more surprising is the fact the Executive doesn't know or care how many of the civil servants who left under the exit scheme with a large payout walked back in as agency staff. VES should not have allowed this." Mr Allister had questioned the Finance Minister on the cost of agency workers since the exit scheme started. Mr O Muilleoir responded: "The NICS voluntary exit scheme was launched on March 2, 2015 and the final tranche exited at May 31, 2016. "The number of agency workers engaged in the Civil Service at April 1, 2015 was 372, and at June 1, 2016 was 497. "By way of some comparison, headcount in the Civil Service reduced by 3,327 in the period April 1, 2015 to July 1, 2016, which in itself will generate an annual pay bill saving of approximately 100m. "The cost of agency workers engaged in the Civil Service during and since the voluntary exit scheme is 10,634,853.80. "This represents the total expenditure on agency staff during the period April 1, 2015 to June 1, 2016." A felony terrorizing charge against a Dakota Access Pipeline protester accused of riding his horse at police in September has been dropped. On Monday, South Central District Judge Bruce Romanick dismissed the charge against Mason Redwing, 19, of South Dakota, finding no intent nor probable cause, according to Bill Tilton, an attorney who's not representing Redwing, but is helping other local attorneys who are defending protesters. Tilton, who owns a law office in Minnesota, joins several other public defenders and private attorneys in the region who have come to Bismarck to represent arrested protesters. Redwing was also charged with felony reckless endangerment, for which Romanick did find probable cause and a jury trial has been scheduled for Jan. 20. Police contend that on Sept. 28, Redwing joined protesters on private property near N.D. Highway 6 in Morton County. Law enforcement formed a line to push back protesters, and Redwing allegedly spurred his horse and galloped toward the officers. Tilton said that Romanick's reasoning for finding probable cause was that galloping within 20 yards of a police officer might be reckless endangerment. "Of course, we respectfully disagree ... North Dakotas full of people on horseback, he said. To suppose that you could be charged with felony reckless endangerment for riding a horse within 20 yards of somebody seems a bit of a stretch. Morton County Sheriff's Department issued a warrant for Redwing's arrest early last month in connection to the Sept. 28 protest. A criminal trespass charge against Redwing in connection to protest activity on Sept. 3 has also been dismissed. 'Despite being told the 28-year-old is under paramilitary threat, a judge ruled yesterday that he is to be released from custody due to a 'bewildering' hold-up in the case' A banned motorist accused of ramming a police car amid efforts to arrest him for "doughnut-spinning" near the Ulster Grand Prix has been granted High Court bail. Stephen O'Neill also allegedly struck out at officers as they smashed windows in the BMW he was driving in a bid to seize the ignition keys. But despite being told the 28-year-old is under paramilitary threat, a judge ruled yesterday that he is to be released from custody due to a "bewildering" hold-up in the case. Mr Justice Treacy said: "There hasn't been any satisfactory reason given for the delay." O'Neill, of Abbeyglen Crescent in Newtownabbey, faces charges of dangerous driving, two assaults on police, driving while disqualified and resisting arrest. The court heard officers were called to Sycamore Road in Dundrod, Co Antrim, on August 12 -close to the circuit for the Ulster Grand Prix motorbike races being staged that week. It was claimed that O'Neill was behind the wheel of a BMW performing doughnut manoeuvres while the car's owner stood watching nearby. Prosecution counsel Kate McKay said the car was driven at speed directly at a PSNI vehicle, colliding with it despite attempts to take evasive action. During a second alleged attempt to ram the police car officers tried to open the locked driver's door on the BMW while its engine was revving and rear wheels spinning, the court heard. Mrs McKay said batons were used to smash the windows and take the keys amid fears O'Neill was trying to escape. During the struggle he allegedly struck one officer on the arm and punched another to the head. O'Neill was said to have admitted the driving offences but denied assaulting or resisting police. He claimed the constables rammed his car and smashed the windows before he could get out. Mr Justice Treacy was told that O'Neill, who previously lived in west Belfast, is under a "viable" threat from paramilitaries. But the judge decided that could not be used as a reason for keeping him in custody. He also dismissed explanations for a hold-up being based on outstanding police statements. "If there's prosecutorial delay the consequences of that will often be people getting out on bail who shouldn't be," the judge said. Releasing O'Neill on conditions including a curfew, electronic monitoring and a 1,000 cash surety, he warned of the consequences of any breach. Mr Justice Treacy told the accused: "You have got one chance. Take it, otherwise you will go back into custody." A new Stormont initiative is under way to attract more visitors from the Irish Republic. The number of cross-border trips into Northern Ireland is already up - and likely to increase with Brexit-related currency fluctuations. Economy Minister Simon Hamilton revealed a specific task force had been set up to draw up a longer-term plan to boost visitor levels. In an Assembly answer, he also pointed to a new advert that is promoting NI as a short break destination. The minister revealed that a comparison between January to June this year and last showed trips by visitors from the Republic rose by 27% - with those here on holiday rising by 6%. "The Republic of Ireland market has huge untapped potential and Tourism Northern Ireland has initiated a new advertising campaign in the Republic of Ireland which will run until the end of Autumn 2016," he said. The 60-second advertisement will be delivered through television, social media and email marketing. Taoiseach Enda Kenny opens the All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin Theresa May could trigger Brexit within weeks as she faces "quite vicious" leaders around the European table, Irish premier Enda Kenny has warned. The Taoiseach also cautioned Europe against "losing the plot" over the UK's decision to leave the EU. In unscripted remarks before a conference in Dublin on the impact of Brexit on Ireland, Mr Kenny said the UK Prime Minister had indicated she will trigger Article 50 - the mechanism for leaving - before the end of March. "That doesn't mean it mightn't be triggered in December... or January, or February," he added. Mr Kenny suggested some European leaders would become very hostile to Britain. "The other side of this argument may well get quite vicious after a while, because there are those around the European table who take a very poor view of the fact that Britain decided to leave," he said. "That argument, I think, will be fought very toughly, in a really difficult negotiating sense." The issue of access to the single market being wedded to freedom of movement would be critical, he suggested. Europe also has to decide for itself where it wants to be in the years ahead, he added. "If it becomes obsessed with what the UK might or might not get, then Europe itself loses the plot," he told the the All-Island Civic Dialogue, a specially convened forum of politicians, business leaders, community representatives and others from both sides of the border. Northern Ireland's main unionist parties, the power-sharing Democratic Unionist Party and the Ulster Unionist Party, both snubbed the talks. Earlier, Mr Kenny told the gathering people will be able to travel freely between the UK and Ireland after Brexit. The Taoiseach said he has agreed with Mrs May that the "benefits of the Common Travel Area" between both countries should be preserved. The deal, which dates back to the 1920s, secures freedom to travel between Britain and Ireland. "I have agreed with the Prime Minister that there will be no return to the borders of the past," he said. "Therefore, the retention of an open border is critical. "Neither I, nor the Prime Minister, desire to limit the freedom of people on both sides of the Irish Sea to trade, to live, to work, to travel freely across these islands. "Therefore, we have agreed that the benefits of the Common Travel Area be preserved." He said Northern Ireland and the peace process would be central to Dublin's priorities in the negotiations between Britain and the remaining 27 EU leaders over the terms of Brexit. "I also acknowledge that the electorate in Northern Ireland did not vote to leave the European Union," he said. Mr Kenny added that the Irish government remained fully committed to the Good Friday Agreement, pointing out it was a co-guarantor along with the British government of the 1998 peace deal. He said Britain's decision to leave the EU was the most significant economic and social challenge to hit Ireland over the last half a century. Micheal Martin, leader of Ireland's main Opposition party Fianna Fail - whose support is needed by the minority government - attacked British Government ministers for pushing a "crude and chaotic" Brexit agenda. Urging Ireland to attempt to soften Britain's exit from the EU, he said June's "divisive and damaging" referendum result had profound short, medium and long-term implications for Ireland. "Our agenda is the clear one of wanting to minimise the damage and division of Brexit and to maximise progress for all parts of this island," he told the forum. "Let's explore radical ways of softening Brexit, but we also have to talk about the crude and chaotic Brexit which some in the London Cabinet appear to be advocating. "Unlike the Foreign Secretary (Boris Johnston), we don't have the luxury of being pro-having the cake and eating it." Mr Martin said Brexit negotiations must lead to a specific package which recognises the unique economic and social impact on Ireland. "And, of course, we have to respect the will of the majority in Northern Ireland and equally the majority in this jurisdiction which voted overwhelmingly for a political settlement which sets a shared European context for overcoming the legacy of sectarianism and violence on this island," he added. Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said his party wanted a referendum on Irish unity. But he also suggested a "designated special status" for Northern Ireland, citing other unique EU arrangements like Denmark/Greenland. "That threatens no-one's constitutional preference and this state, as a continuing member of the EU, has the right, and in our view the obligation, to bring forward such a proposal," he said. "The EU has proved itself capable of accommodating unique circumstances." A Downing Street spokesman later said it remained Mrs May's position that Article 50 would be triggered by the end of March 2017 but not before the end of this year - leaving January, February and March as the only possible dates. On the issue of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic, the Number 10 spokesman added: "We have been very clear we don't want to see a return to the borders of the past. Nobody does. "The arrangement that currently exists has served both sides of that border extremely well and we've no desire - and neither does the Irish Government - to change it." Asked whether Mrs May expected "vicious" talks with EU partners, the spokesman said: "We've been very clear that we want to have constructive dialogue with all the member states, a mature debate about the key areas both for Britain and the other 27 member states as we negotiate an exit from the European Union. "What's important for us is to make that as smooth a transition as possible." Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Dave Anderson said: "Enda Kenny's comments on Brexit show the huge level of concern in both the North and South of Ireland. "Any hardening of the border will hurt the Northern Ireland economy, but it will also disrupt the lives of the many people who live and work in border areas." Colombia's president Juan Manuel Santos with First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness The President of Colombia has hailed Northern Ireland as the inspiration that is driving him to secure peace in his own country. Juan Manuel Santos said he told fellow Colombians to "look to Belfast" when trying to show them the dividends a peaceful future can deliver. Mr Santos asked to come to Belfast as part of his historic state visit to the UK, the first by a Colombian President. Addressing a civic reception in Belfast's landmark Titanic Belfast venue, the president said he wanted to travel to Northern Ireland in person to "thank and congratulate" the people. "I have been following what you have done over the last decades, the peace process has been an inspiration to us, to me," he said. "I have followed the perseverance and the tenacity with which you solved this very long and terrible conflict here in Northern Ireland and it has been truly an example that I've been trying to follow." Mr Santos won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to broker a peace deal with left-wing Farc (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) rebels. Colombia has been blighted by a bitter and bloody internal conflict for decades, as Northern Ireland was before the historic Good Friday Agreement in 1998 paved the way for a more peaceful future. A number of politicians from Northern Ireland have contributed to initiatives to reach a settlement in Colombia. Although September's peace deal was narrowly rejected by Colombia's citizens in a referendum, the president has extended a ceasefire with the country's largest rebel movement to allow more time to save the proposed accord. More than 220,000 people - mostly civilians - were killed during the 52-year conflict and more than eight million were driven from their homes. Mr Santos said the efforts to achieve reconciliation once the violence stopped in Northern Ireland had also impressed him. "That is even more difficult, but you have been doing a great job. I know it is ongoing, still going on, but, for us, it's also an inspiration," he said. Noting the transformation that has occurred in Belfast, he added: "I tell the Colombian people 'look what happened in Belfast, look how investment is coming in, pouring in, look at the transformation Belfast has been going through - this we can do the same if we are able to reach peace'." Earlier in the day, the president was welcomed to Stormont Castle by First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. He shook hands with the unionist and republican leaders on the castle steps before heading inside for private discussions. Sinn Fein veteran Mr McGuinness is a former IRA commander while Democratic Unionist leader Mrs Foster was caught up in an IRA bus bombing during the Troubles and her father was badly injured in an IRA murder bid. Together the pair now lead the devolved power-sharing institutions forged during the region's peace process. Mr Santos later held a separate meeting with Secretary of State James Brokenshire. The president's last scheduled engagement of the day was with a number of community groups working at sectarian interfaces in north Belfast. Mrs Foster said "peace and prosperity" were the two main items on the agenda during the discussions with the president. "The Colombian peace process is a significant priority for their government and I know many organisations and people across Northern Ireland have helped in nudging forward the path to peace," she said. "It is a challenging path but one worth travelling. "It is therefore very significant for us to be associated with a state visit to the United Kingdom and, just as Her Majesty The Queen said at Tuesday's state banquet at Buckingham Palace, Northern Ireland is now beginning to realise its full potential. "I hope this visit to Northern Ireland will encourage collaboration, partnership and renewed engagement between our respective business sectors." Mr McGuinness described the president as a "very important visitor". "Many of us have been very much involved over the course of recent years in supporting negotiations that were taking place in Havana between the Farc and Colombian government," he said. "I was in Colombia two years ago at the invitation of President Santos and spent some time with him." He added: "Of course we are delighted at the successful outcome of those negotiations. We know there was a disappointment about the failure of the referendum to pass but the peace process continues. "Negotiations have recommenced and we hope that there will be a successful outcome from those negotiations." At the Girdwood Community Hub, a former army barracks which straddles the peace line in north Belfast, the president spoke with community workers from across the sectarian divide. He was entertained by singers from the Harmony North choir and met children from local primary and nursery schools as well as Colombians now living in Belfast. The president was also presented with a number of gifts including an Irish linen shirt designed by Maria Cardenas and a hand-crocheted blanket. Afterwards he said: "This has been a great experience for me. I have been inspired and the experience in Belfast and Northern Ireland, I have used it very much in the peace process in Colombia. "It is a great opportunity to be here and to see with my own eyes the transformation that Belfast has had and how the communities are reconciling." As he left the multimillion-pound complex, Mr Santos said relations between the UK and Colombia were at their best. "It has been a productive visit," he added. "The UK and Colombia have very good relations. We are probably at the best time of our relations in our respective histories, and that is why I am so grateful to the Queen and to the Government for this invitation." Domestic violence against men in Northern Ireland has increased by more than 40% in nine years and that's just reported incidents. PSNI figures reveal that the figure reached a record of 2,525 male victims in 2012/13, up 259 cases on the year before. Police started recording the statistics nine years ago. They also show that in one year alone (2011/12) the level of reported incidents jumped 25% (from 1,833 to 2,266). But this may be only a fraction of the true figure due to the reluctance of many men to come forward because of embarrassment and shame a scenario the police and support groups hope will change. Northern Ireland's first crisis centre for male abuse victims, Men's Aid NI, was opened earlier this year. Earlier this month the Belfast Telegraph revealed that domestic violence Northern Ireland's so-called hidden crime has reached epidemic proportions with 27,190 recorded incidents last year alone, the highest level ever. Police deal with 60 domestic-related call-outs each day. Since records began in 2004/5, there has been a 41% increase in domestic violence offences against men aged 18 and over. To put that figure in context, a 9% increase in incidents of abuse of women was recorded over the same period, according to the PSNI's annual bulletin on domestic abuse. Now male victims of what largely remains a taboo subject are urged to report abuse. Men's Aid NI chairman Peter Morris (right) said it was time to dispel the perception that in cases of domestic violence that men are the aggressors and women the victims. "Domestic violence against men can take many forms, including emotional, sexual and physical abuse and threats of abuse," he said. "It can happen in heterosexual and same-sex relationships and, as with domestic abuse against females, can go largely unreported. "We know there are many men in Northern Ireland who are living in fear of their partners and we want them to know there is help out there." Of the 10,204 domestic abuse crimes concerning someone with a known age and gender last year, police said 25% (2,525) were men over 18 up 259 cases in just 12 months. Some 77% of the cases related to victims of violence against the person, with more than half violence with injury. Mr Morris said that it wasn't uncommon for male recipients of violence in the home to fly under the radar in today's society. He said: "Shame is a major factor for male victims. It's why a lot of them don't come forward and don't want to talk about it. "Men are also reluctant to seek help because they think to do so may imply they are weak and not masculine. On top of all that, there's a lack of support agencies for men and difficult for these organisations to get funding." Statistics from the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland revealed that the 27,190 incidents of domestic violence across the province last year dwarfed those of a sectarian (2,261) and racist (1,220) nature. Deaths from domestic crime in Northern Ireland are now averaging five per year. QUOTE A police spokesman said: "The PSNI understands that victims of domestic violence, both male and female, may have suffered abuse many times before calling the police. While more victims are making the brave decision to tell police what has happened to them, there are still many who are suffering in silence. We'd encourage anyone facing domestic violence or the threat of domestic violence to report it to us. For more, visit the PSNI website Domestic Abuse section at www.psni.police.uk." CASE STUDIES 'She clawed her nails across my face and tore it apart ...I've still got the scars' Brian* (38), from Belfast, was a victim of physical domestic violence for almost a decade.The former security worker left his job four years ago to take care of his children. He never brought any charges against his abuser, who is now his ex-wife. (*Not his real name) "I left our family home four years ago in January. I couldn't take any more. I found myself walking towards a river, fully intending to throw myself into it. "That night, the only thing that stopped me doing it was my children. The next day I called my doctor and I was referred for counselling, which helped me turn a corner. "It wasn't always like that. When we moved in together things were great at first, but then I began to notice something wasn't quite right. "Her whole behaviour and attitude started to change and she developed a temper. Then she started going out and not coming home for days on end. "She had two children from a previous relationship and we had four kids together, but her behaviour just got worse. "When we were sitting at home on a Saturday evening she'd become very violent after a few drinks. She'd turn the music up full blast. I'd go to bed because I'd have work the following day and she'd start shouting up the stairs, calling me names. She told me I was skinny, dire looking and ugly. "If I went downstairs to tell her to turn down the music she would react violently. "She used to dive for my face with her nails. And then she would usually call the police to have me put out of the family home. "Often I walked the streets, and I spent many nights sleeping in a pile of bags behind shops. "One night she came down the stairs and smashed a glass all over the floor. "Then she flew for my face; that was what she always went for. "She clawed her nails down my face and tore it apart and I had to go to work in that state. But no-one questioned me. No one paid any interest to me. I've still got the scars. You can see them in the summer when my face is slightly tanned, because they always stay white. "My clean, ironed shirt was hanging on the door another night I was due to go to work, but she said I wasn't going anywhere and she stamped all over it. "That was a regular thing. "People have told me I should have left her but it's hard when there are kids involved. "A relationship like that affects all your relationships because you don't know who you can trust." 'She called me all sorts of names to bring me down' William* (42), from Belfast, suffered horrific sexual abuse as a child when he was at boarding school. Now single, he claims he was psychologically abused by his former wife for five years. He didn't bring any charges against her (*not his real name) "It's hard to explain the scenario I was going through because there wasn't any violence as such. It was more psychological and emotional. "We didn't argue regularly, but when we did it was a fully-blown bust-up. It was never physical; just name calling. She would call me a f****** b****** or f****** sh*** and the likes. She said things to bring me down; things that were meant to really hurt. She used to tell me I was useless and that I needed help. And sometimes that was in front of the kids. "She saw all our problems as being my fault. After the sexual abuse during my childhood, I became a very inward-looking person. Then, throughout our marriage, I battled with low self-esteem, obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. My personal problems got worse after our first child was born because I was very protective towards him. It began to drive a wedge through the relationship. "When intimacy broke down, I felt my wife's reluctance to be together was a punishment. It was as if she was controlling me by making it clear that she didn't want to be intimate with me. "There were also money issues. I used to do the weekly shopping because my wife said I didn't give her enough money to buy groceries. But then she used to go out and buy things that were unnecessary because she said the money she earned was her own. "For a long time I blamed myself and I didn't realise what was happening. Had I known better, I would have left long before her." An agreement struck in 2010 vowed to ease contentious measures, including full-body searches, at Maghaberry Prison Ex-Justice Minister David Ford failed to enforce a deal to limit controversial prisoner strip-searches because he was probably beholden to the DUP, a parliamentary watchdog has been told. An agreement struck in 2010 vowed to ease contentious measures, including full-body searches, at Maghaberry, Northern Ireland's only high-security jail. One of the deal-brokers, a leading trade unionist Peter Bunting, said political interference has helped ensure it was never fully implemented. "I do believe there is interference in the sense, in our view, the then-Minister of Justice was probably beholden to the likes of the DUP for his position as Minister for Justice and I think that probably resulted in him lacking the resolve to tackle this matter head-on," he told a parliamentary committee in Dublin. Mr Ford told the Press Association: "I utterly refute any suggestion I was beholden to the DUP. "I certainly had DUP and Sinn Fein support to be elected minister but I made it absolutely clear I was acting on an Alliance agenda, which they accepted before they voted for me." Mr Ford said the prisoner deal reached six years ago, backed by both the British and Irish governments, included an agreement to end threats to prison officers but those threats continued on social media almost continuously thereafter. Two serving prison officers have been murdered since 2010. Mr Bunting, a key figure in securing decommissioning of INLA weapons, said both himself and another mediator Conal McFeely met with Mr Ford's successor Claire Sugden in May, and were assured a speedy review on the agreement's implementation. But he said they have heard nothing back since then. Mr Bunting said strip-searching was being used as a "tool to suppress people" in the Roe House wing of the prison, where republican inmates are housed. "There is both a sectarian attitude and there is political interference towards these people," he said. The joint committee on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement was told readily available technology has done away with the need for invasive body searches. However, Mr Bunting said the practice was part of everyday life in the jail. Prisoners are also been isolated for extended periods - with one inmate being locked up 23 hours a day for five years - and denied education, he added. Treatment of dissident republican prisoners in Maghaberry has long been a source of contention. Some say they are forced to suffer inhumane and degrading treatment while others say they receive favourable treatment compared to the rest of the prison population. Mr McFeely added that the "question of political interference had to be answered." Senator Frank Feighan, who sits on the committee and who visited the prison, said there was "a lot of pettiness" involved in resisting reforms. "I'm concerned about what you are saying about political interference with the minister for justice," he said. "If that was happening down here it would be a serious national scandal." Detectives from the Major Investigation Team revisit the home of Joe Reilly in the early hours of Sunday morning in Glenwood Court where he was murdered earlier this week. October 23rd 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Police officers search bushes and trees in the Poleglass area of West Belfast in relation to the murder of Joe Reilly on October 24th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Police officers search bushes and trees in the Poleglass area of West Belfast in relation to the murder of Joe Reilly on October 24th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Police officers revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Police officers revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Police officers revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Police officers revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Police officers revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Police officers revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Police officers revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Police officers revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Mock gunmen re-run the route taken by the shooters as they revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Mock gunmen re-run the route taken by the shooters as they revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Mock gunmen re-run the route taken by the shooters as they revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Mock gunmen re-run the route taken by the shooters as they revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Mock gunmen re-run the route taken by the shooters as they revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Mock gunmen re-run the route taken by the shooters as they revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Mock gunmen re-run the route taken by the shooters as they revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Mock gunmen re-run the route taken by the shooters as they revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Mock gunmen re-run the route taken by the shooters as they revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Mock gunmen re-run the route taken by the shooters as they revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Mock gunmen re-run the route taken by the shooters as they revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Mock gunmen re-run the route taken by the shooters as they revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Mock gunmen re-run the route taken by the shooters as they revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Mock gunmen re-run the route taken by the shooters as they revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Mock gunmen re-run the route taken by the shooters as they revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Mock gunmen re-run the route taken by the shooters as they revisit the scene of the Joe Reilly murder appealing to the public for information on October 27th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Police investigating the death of Belfast man Joe Reilly have appealed to a cyclist who may have information to contact investigating officers. Mr Reilly was mercilessly gunned down after killers burst into his Glenwood Court home in Poleglass on Thursday, October 20. The 43-year-old was shot twice in the chest in the living room of his home, while two other people in the house were forced to lie on the kitchen floor. Despite the efforts of paramedics, he died at the scene. Illegal drugs and paramilitarism may have played a role in the murder, police believe. On Thursday they made an appeal to a person on a bike to contact police. Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery said: I am appealing to anyone who knows anything about someone on a push bike or saw a person on a bike in the Bell Steel Road area immediately after the shooting. "This bike may have been in the Glenwood area. I need to speak to anyone who saw the bike, who was on it or where it went. "Our revisit to the scene last Thursday night was productive but we need more assistance from the community if we are going to take the gun which killed Joe off the streets and put his killers in front of a court. Detectives have staged a reconstruction of the crime as officers wearing similar clothing to the two killers retraced their getaway route in the hope that people in the community will come forward with information. Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close PSNI officers carry out a reconstruction of the murder of Joe Reilly Kevin Scott / Presseye Clothing similar to that worn by Joe Reilly's killers A photo of Joe Reilly provided by his family / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp PSNI officers carry out a reconstruction of the murder of Joe Reilly The officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery, said: "We are following a number of definite lines of enquiry as part of this investigation. "We believe the murder may be linked to illegal drugs and that it may have been carried out as some form of paramilitary-style shooting." Anyone with information about the murder is asked to contact detectives at Musgrave police station on the non-emergency number 101 or to phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. The twin brother of 'body-in-the boot' murder victim Kyle Neil, who was caught by have-a-go hero neighbours after he burgled a pensioner's home, has been released on two years probation. Belfast Crown Court Judge Patricia Smyth told Irwin Neil that while the murder of his twin "had a profound effect on your wellbeing", it was clear from the evidence he was attempting to change his life, which was at "a turning point". Judge Smyth said that in 10 months on remand, Neil had begun dealing with his problems, engaging in a number of programmes available to inmates, and that "the public can best be protected... by building on what you have achieved whilst in custody". The 25-year-old, from Crumlin Road in Belfast, admitted charges of burglary and going equipped for theft. He was caught with a bag of screwdrivers, rubber gloves and cable ties after he was cornered in a dead end street by spirited citizens. Prosecution lawyer David McClean had told the court they had spotted Neil and another man running from the home of their elderly neighbour in North Hill Street on the morning of June 8, 2015. "Neighbours had observed two men acting suspiciously in the area and had takeaway food with them. Some had come to see what they were doing. One noticed the victim's back gate and door were open,'' he said. Mr McClean said as one neighbour went to investigate, he was met by an armed man fleeing the property, followed by Neil, who ran off in a different direction. The householder was found by another neighbour watching television, unaware anyone had been in his house. The lawyer added that Neil was cornered in a cul-de-sac, where he was apprehended and held until police arrived. "A bag was recovered and found to contain three screwdrivers, rubber gloves, a blue Ikea knife and cable ties that were in the shape of handcuffs,'' he said. Defence barrister Sean O'Hare said that just two months before the burglary Neil had "lost his twin brother in a violent incident and the circumstances had a devastating effect and loss to him''. He said that on the morning of the burglary Neil had just come from a party, where he had consumed drugs and alcohol. Mr O'Hare said while this was not an excuse, it was a simple explanation "to put in context where this defendant was at the time and the effect the loss of his brother had on him". In July this year a friend of his brother, Wesley Hugh Vance, was ordered to serve at least 12 years of a life sentence for the murder. The 26-year-old, of Church Gate studios, Comber, stabbed him up to 200 times before putting his body in the boot of his Ford Fiesta car. His 26-year-old girlfriend Stephanie Todd drove the car to the south Belfast home of her mum, who alerted police. Todd, a mother-of-one, from Russell Court, Belfast, was freed on a 12-month conditional discharge for obstructing police investigating the April 2015 murder. Malawi Posts Corporation announces measures to curb postal crime In a move meant to tighten security measures and tame postal crime, the Malawi Posts Corporation has announced a raft of measures that ensure that only legal items pass through the post. According to Postmaster General Andrew Kumbatira MPC is working to ensure that criminals do not use Malawi as a conduit for contraband goods. He said MPC is committed to ensuring that its staff members are knowledgeable on ways to detect illegal items. Much as trade is important for the development of the country, we need to ensure that only legal goods go through the post. Allowing our country to be a conduit for harmful substances may damage our reputation, Kumbatira said. He observed that as technology advances, criminals are also devising new ways of ensuring that they transport illegal substances from one part of the world to the other. As such, knowledgeable and skilful employees are a critical ingredient in detecting harmful substances. We want to send a strong message out there that there is no passage for dangerous substances in Malawi, Kumbatira said. Kumbatira said the newly launched national identification programme will also help the Corporation to know its customers and in the process illegal transactions. With the National Identity System, we will be confident on who we will be dealing with unlike the current situation where anybody could just claim to be a Malawian, he said. www.malawiposts.com A final report from a cybersecurity task force will be delivered to the governor in coming weeks. At that point, itll be determined what, if anything, will make it into the 2017-19 executive budget recommendations and what will be passed along to the next administration. Recommendations on topics such as improved monitoring and scanning of the states IT network, finalizing a response plan to addressing cyberattacks, and proposing legislation for cyber insurance are part of the report. A series of small tweaks on the content of the report -- such as combining related recommendations and cutting the report's overall length -- were made at the groups final meeting at the state Capitol. I think it was good work by the committee. Were all committed to working together. This isnt a one-biennium problem, and were done," said Dan Sipes, deputy chief information officer for the North Dakota Information Technology Department. Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley, who chaired the task force during the interim, said the issue is an important one to consider in the next budget, which is in the final stages of being crafted. A report of this nature can be very helpful, Wrigley said. Its definitely something well brief the next administration on. Sipes said hes confident cybersecurity will be an ongoing priority in the next administration. He said Republican candidate Doug Burgum and Democratic-NPL candidate Marvin Nelson are aware of the task forces work. I think both of them would be able to engage on this issue, he said. The proactive monitoring of the state network and increased frequency of scans conducted are critical in protecting programs and personal identifying information from hackers, according to Sipes, though he said it may require additional staff and materials. I see that as an ever-evolving document, he said. We want every agency to respond quickly. The worst thing that can happen is to not respond quickly. One recommendation is to craft potential legislation regarding cyber insurance for state agencies, said Sipes, indicating that such insurance has been very expensive in the past. I think the conversations will definitely be had, he said of the next session. With the tight budget situation for 2017-19, some recommendations may need to wait, while others can be implemented fairly easily, he said. Women and girls in need of abortion services in Northern Ireland are being treated as "second class citizens", the UK's highest court has heard. Supreme Court justices were told of their "healthcare plight" at the start of the latest round of a legal battle by a teenager and her mother for those resident in Northern Ireland to receive free abortions on the NHS in England. Stephen Cragg QC, for the mother and daughter, told the court at a hearing in London yesterday: "Women and girls in need of abortion services in Northern Ireland are in an anomalous position. "They live in the UK, but - unlike all other women and girls in the UK - they are at risk of the most serious criminal penalty if they procure an abortion in their own area." He pointed out that, "unlike all other women and girls in the UK", they "cannot access abortion services through the NHS free of charge". The QC added: "In terms of reproductive rights, they are second class citizens." He said abortion has remained unlawful in Northern Ireland "in all but a tiny number of extreme cases". The young woman at the centre of the case was 15 in October 2012 when she and her mother travelled from Northern Ireland to Manchester and was told she had to pay hundreds of pounds for a private termination because she was excluded from free abortion services. The teenager and her mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons and are referred to as A and B, originally lost their action in the High Court in London in May 2014 when a judge ruled that the exclusion was lawful. He concluded that the Health Secretary was entitled to adopt a residence-based system so that women resident in Northern Ireland are not entitled to benefit from NHS abortion services in England, even though they are UK citizens. The High Court judge declared that A had no right under Article 8 (right to privacy and family life) of the European Convention on Human Rights to a state-funded abortion, and there was no breach of anti-discrimination laws under Article 14. The teenager, now 19, and her mother, then suffered a further defeat at the Court of Appeal last year. Lord Justice Elias, announcing the Court of Appeal's decision, said: "There was nothing irrational in the approach of the Secretary of State. "It is entirely logical to provide a range of NHS services throughout the UK on the basis of local residence requirements.'' The Supreme Court's deputy president Lady Hale and four other justices are being asked to rule on a challenge against the Court of Appeal's decision. Mr Cragg argued that the stance of the Health Secretary, that abortion services should not be made available for women from Northern Ireland, was "unreasonable and at odds with international norms requiring the UK as a whole to ensure access to safe abortion and post-abortion care services". The "healthcare plight of a section of the UK population" was being ignored, he submitted, arguing that the Court of Appeal "erred" in its conclusions. Contesting the challenge at the Supreme Court, Jason Coppel QC, for the Government, submitted that it was not irrational for the provision of non-emergency healthcare to be divided between the different countries of the UK according to the place of residence of the patient. At the completion of the legal argument the justices reserved their decision to be given at a later date. Police are examining claims made by the former IRA man turned lawyer Kieran Conway over his admissions of involvement in operations for the terrorist organisation during the Troubles. Dubliner Kieran Conway, who admitted in his autobiography - Southside Provisional - that he was an IRA member for more than 20 years, revealed last week that he took part in fatal gun attacks. He further claimed he was involved in carrying out "five or six" bombings. Read More The former intelligence officer in the IRA, Speaking on Tuesday morning's Stephen Nolan show, also admitted to being involved in gun battles in which British soldiers died - but said he could not be sure if it was his bullets that were responsible. He outlined how he planted a "small number of bombs" in commercial premises. "You would have been concerned there would be no civilians injured and then ensure your own safety in getting away and in that order. "It was IRA procedure to give warnings. There were mistakes for example in Birmingham, Coleraine, Claudy." On deaths of innocent people during the Troubles, the bomber said it was "unfortunate". "That's what happens in war or revolution," he added. "It was a just war that ended in total defeat for us." In taking part in armed robberies, he said he had some regret at pointing a gun at a bank cashier adding: "The IRA needed money and theses things happen in a revolution. He also said he could not be extradited for questioning and that there was "no evidence" against him, that's despite his own admissions and that while he knew of those involved in the Birmingham pub bombs, which killed 21, injured hundreds more and sent six to prison for life, he had no intention of "fingering" IRA men. "They would have to prosecute me for crimes against a person unknown, in a place unknown and at a time unknown, which would be a stretch even for the British justice system. "They have no evidence unless I make a confession, which I won't be doing." The lawyer denied he was a "psychopath" when it was put to him, saying The lawyer also said the Kingsmills massacre was "most definitely a war crime" as too was using people for proxy bombs and killing Protestants in retaliation for Catholic murders. "I have no guilt," he told Stephen Nolan, "what I do have is a huge general remorse for all that were killed. This was a conflict not worth a drop of blood." The Department of Justice said the revelations were a matter for the PSNI. A spokesman said: "Whilst the Justice Minister cannot comment on specific cases or allegations she would encourage anyone with information that would help resolve outstanding legacy cases to provide that information to the relevant authorities. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton, head of the PSNIs Legacy and Justice Department, said: We are currently examining everything that has been said by Mr Conway in order to ascertain what investigative opportunities will be progressed. Where appropriate, all actions will be considered if the evidence exists to do so. Earlier this week Ulster Unionist Ross Hussey said investigations into legacy cases from the Troubles would be brought into "disrepute" if the the legal authorities did not attempt to question Mr Conway over his activities. "It is high time Mr Conway was made accountable for his actions," he said. Detectives must redouble their efforts to bring any senior republicans involved in the Florida gunrunning to justice, the TUV leader Jim Allister has demanded. He was speaking after learning of the death of Irish-American stockbroker turned gunrunner Mike Logan, who had agreed to be a key witness against Sean 'Spike' Murray, the head of the IRA's Northern command. Logan alleged that he had sent Murray hundreds of weapons during his five-year gunrunning career, which began after the IRA ceasefire and continued post-Good Friday Agreement. Read More Murray is one of Sinn Fein's most senior officials in Belfast. He has continually denied any involvement in the gun smuggling plot, describing the allegations as "without foundation". Murray, who served seven years in prison for explosive offences, is a regular visitor to Sinn Fein's Stormont offices. Logan (57) died suddenly in his sleep in Florida last Saturday. Read More A family member said he had passed away peacefully. "There isn't an exact diagnosis but it appears to just be natural causes," he added. The TUV leader said: "Mr Logan's death doesn't mean that the PSNI case should be finished too. "They must redouble their efforts to bring all involved to justice. "The revelations about Sean 'Spike' Murray were made in a Spotlight programme in 2014. "Mr Logan's statements should have been taken shortly after that, and he should have been in court before now. "The slow pace of progress regarding this case could unfortunately suggest to observers that an element of political expediency may be at play." Last year a high-powered PSNI delegation travelled to the US to ask Logan to testify against Murray. They included Det Chief Supt Tim Hanley, head of Serious Crime Branch. They discussed flying Logan to Belfast to give evidence and they pledged that stringent security measures would be in place to protect him during the trial. Logan initially refused to testify, telling detectives that it would mean "a death sentence". However, he later changed his mind. The PSNI had promised him immunity from prosecution. The former stockbroker alleged police had told him that they had new forensic evidence linking Murray to gunrunning and other serious crimes, and that his testimony would also be crucial. Among the deadly cache of weapons that Logan sent the IRA was 200 handguns, including those used to murder two police officers, Constables John Graham and David Johnston, in Lurgan in 1997. IRA victims' campaigner Willie Frazer said: "It is vital that any statements or affidavits that Mr Logan gave to the police are treated as viable evidence even though he has passed away. Statements made by a man who has since died are still important. "We have worked with the families of the policemen shot in Lurgan and we know how much they have suffered." UUP MLA Ross Hussey said: "It is a matter of real regret that, having agreed to give evidence, Mike Logan will now not be able to appear in court and identify his accomplices and, in particular, the people to whom he sent weapons from the USA." Mr Logan became disillusioned with Sinn Fein and the IRA over the past decade. A volatile character, given to regularly changing his mind over working with police, he said he had to overcome his instinctive hostility to "the cops" in order to co-operate with them. The Police Ombudsman has launched a review of the RUC's investigation into the IRA's La Mon massacre. Representatives of the victims' families lodged complaints with the Ombudsman and have alleged that Sinn Fein's Denis Donaldson, a self-confessed double agent working for MI5, was involved in the barbaric firebombing. The Police Ombudsman's office yesterday confirmed a "preliminary review" of evidence has begun. Twelve people died when an incendiary-type device exploded after it had been hung outside a window at the hotel at Gransha near Comber in January 1978. Police said the bomb contained a napalm-like substance and the resulting blast engulfed the packed function room in a massive fireball, setting many people alight. Thirty people were injured and many of them received horrific burns. Read More The IRA apologised for the deaths and claimed that the bombers had planned to give a warning, but a phone box they tried wasn't working. Their apology was rejected by families of the dead and injured. Some 25 people were subsequently arrested, including Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, but he was released without charge. Two men were tried on charges linked to the outrage. Edward Manning Brophy was acquitted, and Robert Murphy, who pleaded guilty to 12 counts of manslaughter, was jailed for life in 1981, but freed 14 years later. Both men are now dead. The Historical Enquiries Team investigated the bombing and presented the families with an 81-page report. However, they said that important police documents relating to the original probe were missing, including interviews with IRA members. A number of the La Mon families branded the report a whitewash and called for a public inquiry after claiming that the disappearance of the files was designed to protect IRA members involved in the peace process. Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Ivan Little outside building The devastation at La Mon following the deadly fire The bomb attack at the La Mon House Hotel Bomb attack at the La Mon House hotel / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ivan Little outside building But former Secretary of State Theresa Villiers ruled out an inquiry in 2014 saying: "I do not believe that an independent review would reveal new evidence or reach a different conclusion from the investigations that have already taken place." A newspaper article had earlier reported claims from an un-named republican that two members of the La Mon bomb team, including the getaway driver, were British double agents working for MI5. The paper said that Donaldson was one of them. He was murdered at a remote house in Co Donegal in 2006 after admitting that he had been a spy. The Ulster Human Rights Watch organisation (UHRW), which includes relatives of the La Mon victims, formally lodged a public complaint with Police Ombudsman Dr Michael Maguire. They said: "Although the investigation that followed (the bombing) involved a considerable number of police officers, it was never successful in bringing to justice those responsible for masterminding, preparing and carrying out this atrocity." The complaint also focused on the finding in the HET report that many of the documents and exhibits could no longer be found. "It would appear that they had not been made secure," said the UHRW, which added: "The HET also disclosed that Royal Ulster Constabulary Special Branch had been involved at a very early stage of the investigation, which raised the question of possible collusion between officers of the Branch and State agents working for them who had infiltrated the IRA. "It is undeniable that this atrocity was one of the most horrific of the entire terrorist campaign carried out in Northern Ireland. Despite what appeared to be an extensive investigation into this case, those who ordered, planned and directed this attack and those who made the bomb and transported it to the La Mon House Hotel were never prosecuted or convicted." The Police Ombudsman's office said: "We have received a complaint alleging the involvement of a state agent in the firebombing of the La Mon Hotel in 1978 and are now conducting a preliminary review of evidence. "This involves securing all relevant police documentation, identifying exhibits and reviewing evidence in relation to suspects, persons of interest and forensic issues." The statement said there would also be an assessment of any intelligence which may have been available to police before or after the incident. It went on: "The preliminary review will provide a platform from which the case can proceed to full investigation." Bertie Campbell from the UHRW said the families welcomed the move from the Ombudsman. He said: "We are pleased that the question of justice is at least being addressed by the Ombudsman. "We have been assured his office are giving the case their fullest attention and we were told that it was hoped the investigation would start for real in April of next year." Shamed Belfast socialite Peter Gilroy was freed on a suspended jail term today for sexually assaulting a man following a drunken night out. The 49-year-old from Cherryville Street in Belfast pleaded guilty in September to having "intentionally touched" the man in "circumstances being that the touching was sexual", on October 21 last year. Judge Geoffrey Miller QC told Gilroy that his guilty plea was of considerable relief to his victim, saving him have to relive the violation, which would attract more credit than normal. The Belfast Crown Court judge said it was clear that a considerable amount of alcohol had been consumed beforehand, but that Gilroy had not plied the man with drink to ensure he got drunk, nor had he "engineered the situation". Judge Miller said while the alcohol may have severely clouded a remorseful Gilroy's judgement, who acknowledged he had misconstrued the situation. Gilroy, he added, had violated the victim in his own home and that the socialite's "advances were neither sought nor welcome". However, in suspending his nine-month jail term for a year, Judge Miller said an immediate custodial sentence would serve no purpose other than retribution and that Gilroy had already been punished by the imposition of a prison term. Earlier prosecution counsel Gareth Purvis said that Gilroy had spent that evening drinking with two others and at the end of the night went on to one of the men's homes for further drinks. Both men fell asleep in the early hours, the man in his bed, and Gilroy on the sofa. Mr Purvis said that at around 6am the man awoke to find he had been stripped from the waste down, and Gilroy sexually abusing him. However, while Gilroy immediately stopped when challenged, the man had reported that since the incident he had lost his confidence, self-esteem and a lack of trust in others. Defence barrister Mark Farrell said that the reputation of a now shamed Gilroy was "all but shattered" and that his "life now lies in ruins". At the time Gilroy, he said, was in a drunken stupor, and with his thought processes unclear, mistakenly believed the man was responding to what he was doing. Mr Farrell said there was no coercion behind the touching, which was "momentary, lasting no more than 10 to 15 seconds", and that he stopped immediately on being challeneged. What Gilroy had done, including his drinking beforehand was totally out of character, said Mr Farrell who added that Gilroy's offending had "come as a complete shock and body blow to him, and his life will never be the same again". Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said Brexit negotiations will be as vital to Northern Ireland's future as any peace agreements of the past. Mr Kenny is here today to begin a series of talks with Stormont party leaders, as well as travelling to Newry and Dundalk to hear the concerns of those living in border areas. Writing in the Belfast Telegraph, he says that, unlike peace agreements in recent decades: "The difference this time is that the outcome is not in the hands of the local parties." Despite disagreeing with those who see Brexit as an "opportunity" for Northern Ireland, he conceded: "I do regard it as a reality." The Taoiseach said that immediately after the Brexit referendum he raised the "specific situation of Northern Ireland" in meetings with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande. He also promised to work closely with British Prime Minister Theresa May "to ensure that there is no return to the borders of the past, an objective that is shared by all parties and traditions on this island". He promised that as Ireland began Brexit negotiations "Northern Ireland and the peace process remain front and centre of our priorities". Yesterday, the Taoiseach told an All-Island Civic Dialogue in Dublin that Brexit negotiations could become "vicious" for the UK, and believed Mrs May could trigger the exit from the European Union within weeks. The gathering in Dublin was boycotted by both the DUP and UUP. As one of 27 EU heads of government who will take part in the Brexit negotiations, Mr Kenny promised: "I will play my part to ensure that the hopes and concerns of everyone on this island, North and South, are fully reflected in that historic conversation." Police appeal: Tanya Nesbitt's car was in collision with a HGV lorry last week The death of a young mother from Markethill six days after her car struck a lorry has been described as an "absolute tragedy for the entire community". Tanya Nesbitt, who has been described as "beautiful inside and out", died in hospital on Tuesday afternoon, leaving behind her partner Paul Conn and a young family. Councillor Jim Speers, who knows Ms Nesbitt's family, was planning to visit her loved ones yesterday and said news of her death had devastated people living in the area. "People are stunned that such a tragedy has taken place", Mr Speers said. "We have had a number of tragic incidents in this area in recent times. A few months ago two young men died in a road accident and this news has really shaken people." Councillor Gordon Kennedy, meanwhile, said he understood Tanya (31) was a loving mum to four children, the youngest of whom is a toddler. "I knew Tanya when we were growing up," Mr Kennedy told the Belfast Telegraph. "I would have known her father well and I understand he had been living in Co Mayo, but had returned when Tanya was in hospital." The Ulster Unionist representative said he wished to extend his sympathy to Ms Nesbitt's family and said the tight-knit local community had been plunged into sadness by the young woman's passing. Messages of support to Ms Nesbitt's partner and children flooded in on social media as news broke of her death. One friend posting on Facebook wrote how Tanya was "a beautiful girl, such a bubbly character and her appointments were always filled with constant chatter and talk of her three boys, her little daughter Paige, her partner and family. I'm am so sorry for your loss and hope you find the strength to get through this sad time. Rest in peace Tanya xxx". Another added that Ms Nesbitt was "a beautiful girl inside and out". Messages of sympathy have also been sent to Ms Nesbitt's partner, with one friend saying they were "blessed to have known her". Police have issued an appeal for witnesses to the road traffic collision, which was reported to them at around 4.30pm on Wednesday, October 26, to contact them. The incident occurred on the Gosford Road at its junction with Killycarn Road in Markethill and involved a silver Vauxhall Vectra and a white HGV lorry. PSNI constable Paula Hanna urged anyone who witnessed the collision last week or who was travelling in the area and had any information which may be of assistance to contact the PSNI's Collision Investigation Unit on 101. Tanya is survived by her partner Paul, children Josh, Zac, Cody and Paige, parents Granville and Noeleen and brother Adam. Some 55 people have died following crashes on Northern Ireland's roads so far this year. This autumn has been particularly tragic with eight people losing their lives following collisions in September and six in October. However, the total number of fatalities is lower than this time last year, when 60 had died. A Co Antrim man took his own life after attending three different hospitals in five days. Father-of-two Ian Hamilton (38), from Ballyclare, died on March 12, 2013. His father, Charles Hamilton, told the inquest that his son had a history of mental illness and addiction problems and was first diagnosed with depression in 1998. Since 2001 he had been receiving treatment on and off for his mental health problems. Mr Hamilton said: "At times he was in very good moods and other times he wasn't - his mood was wildly unpredictable. "He said, 'Mum there's something wrong with me and I don't know what it is, but something is not right with me.'" Despite suffering these issues, Mr Hamilton told how his son was determined to "stand on his own two feet and provide for his children". He also recalled his son's talent for music and for repairing computers. Ian attended the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast on March 8, before returning home two days later. He had suicidal thoughts and twice harmed himself in the hospital. On March 11 his friend, Kevin Mullan, accompanied him late at night to Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn, once again due to suicidal thoughts. Mr Mullan said: "He was obviously in a very dark place. He kept saying, 'Do you want me to become another statistic?'" Lagan Valley Hospital was closed at the time, and Ian was instead referred to Dr Hugh Gallagher, the out of hours doctor, who in turn referred him to Ulster Hospital early on March 12. Dr Gallagher told the court that Mr Hamilton became evasive and argumentative during their 45-minute consultation, eventually walking out - an experience he said happened to him fewer than five times throughout his entire career. Dr Gallagher explained to Mr Hamilton he would have to go through the mental health team, which would assess the best course of action. He added the onus was on him to help himself. He stressed: "His thing was manipulating me to get what he wanted now, rather then go through the protocol that I have to go through. "There's no way that I can get someone to leave our surgery out of hours and go directly to a psychiatric facility." Dr Gallagher added that Mr Hamilton did not appear to possess an acute and immediate risk to himself or others or obvious signs of psychosis, which would be grounds for sectioning under the Mental Health Act. Other medical professionals defended their handling of the tragic case and noted Mr Hamilton had previously failed to act when feeling suicidal. Dr Peter Sloan, from the Royal Victoria Hospital, stressed that his team had to deal with thousands of similar cases each year. He added that the Belfast Trust had a policy of treating mental health patients within their own communities and said it was "very unusual" to manage suicidal crises in hospitals. Dr Seena Fazel, a professor of forensic psychiatry at Oxford University, also told the hearing that mental health admissions needed to be restricted to particularly high-risk cases. The inquest continues today. The Billings, Mont., City Council was wise to avoid rushing to a vote last week on One Big Sky Center. To make a sound decision on the request for city investment, council members must understand how tax increment financing districts work. The North 27th TIFD, which the Downtown Billings Partnership proposed to tap for the One Big Sky Center, gets its tax revenues from taxes paid on the increase in value on property in the TIFD since the district was established by the City Council. The more the value or increment grows, the more money the TIFD gets. While the TIFD exists, property taxes paid on the incremental value stay with the district, instead of being divvied up to the city, county, state or schools. The TIFD is on the council agenda because both One Big Sky Center and the Alberta Bair Theater are seeking TIFD financing for part of their projects. Lets talk about the mega-project first. One Big Sky Center has asked the city to enter into a pre-development memorandum of understanding. At this stage, the proposal includes having the city finance construction of a new downtown conference center and parking garage estimated to cost $35 million. The private developers of One Big Sky Center propose to build a 150-room hotel, 80 apartments, 35,000 square feet of retail space, 100,000 square feet of office space and a pedestrian mall on two blocks at a cost of about $130 million. The total project proposal is $165 million. The proposal calls for the city to issue $35 million in TIFD bonds. However, that amount is significantly more than what a city consultant has estimated the district could borrow if the proposed $130 million in proposed private development is built. Working from a very rough estimate provided by the Montana Department of Revenue, city consultant Springsted Inc. of St. Paul, Minn., estimated that the bonding limit for the TIFD would be $27 million, according to Bruce McCandless, assistant city administrator. That amount falls short of the request for $35 million in TIF investment. It wouldnt be prudent to bond to the limit. TIF property taxes depend on market value, which can rise or fall with appraisals made every two years. Furthermore, the Montana Legislature can tinker with the taxing formula at every biennial session. A draft resolution on the council's Oct. 24 agenda said the city intends to issue up to $27 million in bonds for One Big Sky Center. Bonding to the limit on one project also shuts out opportunities for funding other projects. The ABT request for $5 million in financing of a $10.5 million expansion and remodel of the historic theater owned by the city is a case in point. The ABT project was publicly announced more than a year ago and the City Council previously agreed to right of way changes needed to move it forward. Another question for the council to consider is the effect that investing tens of millions of public dollars in a downtown conference center would have on other Billings conference centers. Will the new owners of the Radisson Hotel invest in updating the former Holiday Inn trade and convention center? How would a downtown conference center complement or compete with county-owned facilities at MetraPark? If the consultants estimate is correct or even close the TIF doesnt have the wherewithal to fund the conference and parking project championed by the Downtown Billings Partnership. The private developers originally didnt have that conference center and 650-space garage in their plans. Absent public participation as a funding source, the development team has indicated it would pursue a smaller scale project, subject to market that would include only portions of the overall project including office, apartments, reduced parking and retail and potentially a hotel, Springsteds report says. The City Council made a good decision last Monday when it delayed action until Nov. 14. Members hadnt received the consultants report in time to review it thoroughly before the Oct. 24 meeting. With time to understand the TIFD limitations, council members undoubtedly see the red flag. The $35 million city investment wont fly. Time to consider what will work. -- The Billings (Mont.) Gazette A wheelchair-bound loyalist must attend court for a final decision on whether he is to be prosecuted for murdering two Catholic workmen in Belfast more than 25 years ago, a judge ordered today. Winston "Winkie" Rea currently stands charged with the paramilitary killings of John Devine in 1989 and John O'Hara in 1991. The 65-year-old, of Springwell Crescent in Groomsport, Co Down, is also accused of two other attempted murders, weapons offences and membership of the outlawed Red Hand Commando terror grouping. He is currently on bail and excused from attending reviews of the case at Belfast Magistrates' Court due to his current poor health. But a judge was told today that the Public Prosecution Service has now formed a preliminary view on the case against him. Seeking a three-week adjournment, PPS lawyer John O'Neill said a final consultation is to take place before that decision is confirmed. He also revealed relatives of the victims want to be present when the position is announced. Defence solicitor Pat Kelly argued against Rea being compelled to attend on the next court date, citing his client's mobility issues. However, Deputy District Judge Gerard Trainor directed the accused must attend in three weeks' time. He said: "The families of the victims will be here, he ought to be here." Expand Expand Previous Next Close John OHara PA John Devine PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp John OHara Rea was charged with the murders in June by detectives from the PSNI's Legacy Investigation Branch investigating killings stretching back into the Troubles. He denies the offences. The fresh probe came after police won a legal battle to gain access to interviews Rea gave to Boston College researchers behind a project on the Northern Ireland conflict. John Devine, 37, was shot dead at his home on Fallswater Street in west Belfast on July 23, 1989. He was sitting in his living room with his 13-year-old son when gunmen forced their way in and killed him. Taxi driver John O'Hara, 41, was murdered at Dunluce Avenue in the south of the city on April 17, 1991. He was en route to pick up a passenger when two masked men approached and fired several shots at his car, fatally injuring him. Other charges brought against Rea include the attempted murders of Malachy McAllister in Belfast on October 2, 1988, and an unknown male in the city's Falls Road area sometime between January 1, 1971 and February 23, 1973. He also faces counts of membership of a proscribed organisation on dates between 1973 and 1996, possession of an AK47 assault rifle, three revolvers, a 9mm Browning pistol and ammunition with intent to endanger life. A further charge of possessing information useful to terrorists relates to claims that between 1984 and 1986 he had documents containing the identification and address details of suspected members of the IRA. Rea attended court on a wheelchair for his first appearance, when it confirmed that he made no admissions throughout 32 police interviews. He also provided a statement of denial during questioning. He remains on bail, with conditions prohibiting any contact with prosecution witnesses. Darwin Templeton, who has died at the age of 94, was a well-known accountant in Northern Ireland and further afield, and also a leading Freemason. Mr Templeton, whose home was in Broughshane, was involved with a large number of companies and business enterprises including Larne Harbour, of which he was a director. Mr Templeton, who was born in July 1922, was a long-serving member of the Freemasons. He was the grand master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland from 1991 to 2002. He was very aware of the Order's wider role, and in 1994 he produced a lengthy document titled Programme For Change - The Way Forward. It was approved by the grand lodge on December 5, 1996. The document was later shared with the Freemasonry movement in Zambia. Mr Templeton claimed that in the half century before 1994, the Masons had a much higher profile. "The normal activity of reporting local events tended to reassure the public and make the Order less secretive. Brethren were confident in their Freemasonry and felt, generally, no embarrassment in their membership," he said. Since then, however, the situation had changed. By 1994 "the Order has become a more introverted organisation and appears to be moving apart from society. This introversion has been a very slow process, and because of this attitude, the Order has over the years been more and more perceived by the world at large as being very secretive, or a secret society, and in some cases even sinister". He called for more openness from the leading Freemasons and also the rank-and-file members. "I want Irish Freemasons to take every opportunity to explain the aims of the Order to their families and friends, also to their workmates and business colleagues," he said. Mr Templeton believed that the "myths" about Freemasonry should be dispelled by their church-going members. "Together with our fellow churchmen, who are members of the Order, we must take every opportunity to declare our membership, and I believe non-members will judge the Order on the character and life-style of those they know to be Freemasons," he said. "The Order is perceived as secretive, Protestant, middle and upper class, looking after our own and that we carry out charitable works. "No matter how often Grand Lodge repudiates this, the public's perception seems not to change. Such a change will only take place when the Order is seen to be a part of society, and not apart from society." Mr Templeton is survived by his wife Pat, three children, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. His funeral is on Friday in West Church, Ballymena, at noon. Two US service members have been killed battling Taliban insurgents in northern Afghanistan alongside local troops At least 26 civilians are dead after an assault that killed two US service members in Afghanistan, officials say. Gen Qasim Jangalbagh of Kunduz province said some of the dead after the assault on Thursday included members of a Taliban fighter's family. Gen Jangalbagh said the raid by US and Afghan forces killed 65 Taliban fighters, including two commanders for the insurgency. Nato earlier announced the killing of two US service members and the wounding of two others in the raid. Both Nato and the Pentagon declined to immediately give further details about the operation or discuss the civilian casualties. Nato's combat operations ended in Afghanistan at the end of 2014, a move that put Afghan forces in charge of the country's security. AP "Today's loss is heartbreaking and we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of our service members who lost their lives today," Gen John W Nicholson, commander of US Forces-Afghanistan, said in a statement. Kunduz official Mohammad Yousf Ayoubi and parliament member Malim Chari both said that civilians were killed in the fighting, though they had few details. Dr Mohammad Naim Mangal, the director of a Kunduz hospital, said his facility received the bodies of a dead man and a child and treated 30 people, including children, wounded in the fighting. A Taliban statement also said there were civilian casualties while claiming its fighters killed 16 US troops. The insurgents often exaggerate their battlefield successes. Taliban fighters briefly overran the city of Kunduz, the provincial capital with the same name, in early October, a show of strength by the insurgents that also highlighted the troubles facing local Afghan forces 15 years after the US-led invasion of the country. The Taliban captured and held parts of Kunduz a year earlier as well before the city was fully liberated weeks later with the help of U.S. airstrikes. Those 2015 airstrikes also saw a US Air Force special operations AC-130 gunship attack a Kunduz hospital run by the medical charity Doctors Without Borders, killing 42 people. Sixteen US military personnel, including a two-star general, later were disciplined for what American officials described as mistakes that led the strike. Doctors Without Borders has called the attack a war crime and demanded an independent investigation. There have been at least other four combat deaths among American forces in Afghanistan in 2016. In October, a US soldier was killed by a bomb in Nangarhar province while another was shot dead by a man wearing an Afghan army uniform in Kabul. In August, an American soldier was killed and another wounded by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan' southern Helmand province. In January, a US soldier was killed by small arms fire in Helmand. AP The leader of the Islamic State group has released a new message urging his followers to keep up the fight for Mosul as they defend the city against a major offensive aimed at routing the militants from their last urban stronghold in Iraq. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's rallying cry came in a sermon-like recording, more than half an hour long, released by the militant group's al-Furqan media arm late on Wednesday. It was not clear when the recording was produced. Al-Baghdadi's whereabouts are unknown. Iraqi special forces stormed into Mosul's eastern outskirts on Tuesday after two weeks of advances through surrounding IS-held territory. In the recording, al-Baghdadi rallies his fighters - especially in Mosul - and calls on them to obey orders while remaining resilient and steadfast. "Oh you who seek martyrdom! Start your actions! Turn the night of the disbelievers into day," he says, according to a translation provided by the Site Intelligence Group, a US organisation which monitors militant activity online and was first to report the al-Baghdadi recording. "Totally decimate their territories, and make their blood flow like rivers," al-Baghdadi also says. He urges others to carry out attacks in Saudi Arabia, whose leadership IS opposes, and Turkey, which has deployed troops and artillery north of Mosul and is training Sunni Arab and Kurdish forces there. The recording was the reclusive al-Baghdadi's first released message to supporters since Iraqi forces launched the decisive battle to retake Mosul, the country's second-largest city, from IS. In it, he attempted to harness the feelings of Sunni disenfranchisement which preceded the 2014 IS takeover of Mosul, a largely Sunni city in Shiite-majority Iraq. Using a derogatory term for Shiites, he says followers of the Muslim sect want to drive "empty Iraq of Sunnis and replace them with the worst of people". He calls on fighters to "respond to all attacks" and to "target all in their media and forces, and all who belong to them". The audio message could not be independently verified, though the speaker's voice and style of delivery sounded like that in previous recordings of al-Baghdadi. The Islamic State group is fighting to hold Mosul as Iraqi forces and allied Kurdish forces advance on the city from multiple directions with US-led coalition support. It is the Iraqi military's largest offensive since the 2003 US-led invasion. The city of more than one million people and surrounding territory fell to IS fighters during a surprise attack in June 2014. Al-Baghdadi visited the city soon after the takeover, and from inside Mosul declared an Islamic caliphate that at one point covered nearly a third of Iraq and Syria. Iraqi forces have proceeded cautiously since breaching Mosul's eastern outskirts this week. They have yet to move into more densely populated areas that could lead to weeks, if not months, of clearing booby-trapped buildings and bloody house-to-house combat. On Wednesday, residents in the easternmost district of Gogjali cautiously welcomed liberating Iraqi troops, with some raising white flags and flashing the "V'' for victory sign. Men in the area celebrated by shaving the beards they were forced to grow under IS rule. AP Staying on message - Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pensacola, Florida (AP) US president Barack Obama and Melania Trump have both joined the campaign trail as Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump try to drum up support with less than a week to go until Election Day. Mr Trump warned that a cloud of investigation would follow Mrs Clinton into the White House, evoking the bitter impeachment battle of the 1990s in a closing campaign argument meant to bring wayward Republicans home. Democrat Mrs Clinton and her allies, led by Mr Obama, told voters to get serious about the dangers of Mr Trump. As polls show Mr Trump closing in on Mrs Clinton in key battleground states, her campaign is rushing to shore up support in some long-standing Democratic strongholds. That includes the campaign's Michigan firewall, a remarkable situation for a candidate who looked to be cruising to an easy win just a week ago. Mrs Clinton's narrowing lead has given Mr Trump's campaign a glimmer of hope, one he is trying to broaden into a breakthrough before time runs out. That means zeroing in on questions of Mrs Clinton's trustworthiness and a new FBI review of an aide's emails. The attack is aimed at appealing to moderate Republicans and independents who have been the holdouts of his campaign, turned off by his behaviour but equally repelled by the possible return of the Clintons. "Here we go again with the Clintons - you remember the impeachment and the problems," Mr Trump said at a rally in Jacksonville. "That's not what we need in our country, folks. We need someone who is ready to go to work." Mrs Clinton and allies, meanwhile, are seeking to keep the spotlight on Mr Trump, claiming that his disparaging comments about women and minorities and his temperament make him unfit for office. "He has spent this entire campaign offering a dog whistle to his most hateful supporters," Mrs Clinton said, singling out Mr Trump's endorsement from the official newspaper of the Ku Klux Klan and noting that he has retweeted messages from white supremacists. "This has never happened to a nominee of a major party," Mrs Clinton said. "If Donald Trump were to win this election we would have a commander in chief who is completely out of his depth and whose ideas are incredibly dangerous," she said at Pitt Community College, outside of Greenville, North Carolina. Mrs Clinton was due to campaign later with former primary opponent Senator Bernie Sanders and pop star Pharrell Williams in Raleigh. Mr Trump's path to victory remains narrow. He must win Florida to win the White House, which is no easy feat. Still, his campaign has been buoyed by tightening polls there and in other key battlegrounds, as well as by signs that African-American turnout for Mrs Clinton may be lagging. Mrs Clinton enlisted Mr Obama's help urging those voters to the polls and lighting a fire under other Democrats, particularly young people, who share some of the wariness about Mrs Clinton. Speaking to students at Florida International University in Miami, Mr Obama told voters now was the time to get serious about the choice. "This isn't a joke. This isn't Survivor. This isn't The Bachelorette," he said, taunting the former reality TV star. "This counts." Relishing one of his last turns on the campaign stage as president, Mr Obama repeatedly returned to his new campaign catchphrase capturing his disbelief in the unpredictable race to replace him. "C'mon, man," he said, to cheers. Mr Obama has been trying to bait Republicans into veering off message - counting on Mr Trump not to have the discipline or the ground game to capitalise on a late surge. But the famously unconventional Mr Trump has been sticking closer to convention, running some upbeat ads, bringing out his wife for a rare campaign appearance and even talking publicly about trying not to get distracted. "We don't want to blow it on November 8," Mr Trump said at the rally in Jacksonville, his fourth in Florida in two days. Mrs Clinton's weekend schedule underscored the Democrats' fresh anxiety in the final stretch. She is due to campaign on Friday in Detroit, where a large turnout of black voters has long been crucial to success, following up on a last-minute meeting by former president Bill Clinton with black ministers on Wednesday night. Mrs Clinton and Mr Obama, along with their spouses, will headline a final pre-election rally in Philadelphia next Monday evening. Mr Trump has had far fewer allies carrying his message. Senator Ted Cruz, his Republican primary foe, did campaign with vice presidential candidate Mike Pence outside Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, but he never mentioned Mr Trump by name in a 14-minute speech. Mr Trump's wife Melania made her first appearance on the trail since the Republican convention in July. At a get-out-the-vote rally in the Philadelphia suburbs, the former model tried to counter the Clinton campaign's pounding attacks on her husband as setting a poor example for children. She told the group that if she becomes first lady she will focus on combating online bullying and working against a culture that has "gotten too mean and too rough" , she said. Mrs Trump made no reference to her husband's regular name-calling on social media. On Twitter, Mr Trump has called Mrs Clinton "crooked", ''pathetic", "liar", ''a fraud" and "very dumb". He has called Mr Cruz a "true lowlife pol" and a "complete and total liar". Mr Trump's daughter Ivanka was campaigning in New Hampshire. AP Lt Gen Sergei Rudskoi of the Russian military's General Staff speaks at a briefing about Aleppo (AP) The Russian military says Syrian troops will pull back to allow rebels to leave Aleppo during a temporary break in fighting declared by Moscow. Lt. Gen Sergei Rudskoi of the Russian military's General Staff says a corridor leading toward the border with Turkey and another one in the direction of the rebel-controlled city of Idlib will be kept open for fighters during the "humanitarian pause" from 9am to 7pm local time on Friday. He said that the Russian military has distributed half a million leaflets in Aleppo's rebel-controlled eastern part, describing the two exit routes for fighters and six corridors for civilians. Commenting on the Nour el-Din el-Zinki's dismissal of the Russian offer, Mr Rudskoi says rebel groups had fired at civilians willing to leave Aleppo and placed mines in humanitarian corridors. Meanwhile, Syrian TV says the civilian death toll from rebel attacks on government-held western Aleppo has risen to 12, adding that more than 200 have been wounded. Iranian state TV's Arabic-language channel, Al-Alam, reports that one of their photographers is among the wounded. Syrian rebels launched a fresh wave of attacks on western districts of Aleppo on Thursday. State media initially reported at least four civilians were killed. Syrian TV says the latest shelling hit the districts of New Aleppo, al-Masharqa and Mogambo. Opposition activists say airstrikes on Thursday on a rebel-held village south of the contested city killed nine civilians. AP There are some wonderful idealistic films about American politics, warm with optimism and belief in Washington's system. But none resembles this election. Yet for a presidential campaign that has felt more like Mad Max: Fury Road than Mr Smith Goes To Washington, there are still plenty of films that suit the moment and may just offer a desperately-needed break from television news in the final days before Tuesday. There are a lot of ways one could programme a pre-election movie night, some of them drawn along party lines. Supporters of Hillary Clinton for instance, might enjoy screening Mike Judge's prescient Idiocracy or, to see a less-than-presidential cameo from Donald Trump, Ben Stiller's Zoolander. Voters for Mr Trump, on the other hand, might want to, with tongues in cheek, turn to You've Got Mail. But before the real ballots are in, Associated Press film writer Jake Coyle invites you to cast votes for 10 of the best political films, many of which shine all the brighter with relevance these days: 1. WEINER. In many ways the movie of the year is Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg's documentary about Anthony Weiner, the woebegone former New York congressman who has proven an unexpectedly central figure ahead of the election. Weiner chronicles his initially promising but ultimately doomed 2013 mayoral campaign, with his wife and top Clinton aide Huma Abedin by his side. Beware: This is politics as horror film. Watch with your eyes half-covered. 2. A FACE IN THE CROWD. Elia Kazan's 1957 classic about a populist fraud has proven salient in more elections than one. In arguably his greatest performance, Andy Griffith stars as Arkansas drifter Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes, who rises from a small radio station to great heights of national television and power, only to be brought down by his womanising and disgust for common people. 3. ELECTION. An ambitious, uber-prepared blonde woman running for president is nearly thwarted by those who innately detest her. No, Reese Witherspoon's high school president-to-be Tracy Flick isn't Clinton. But in Alexander Payne's darkly comic satire, there are some striking similarities between the two and the extreme reactions they provoke. 4. ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN. The keystrokes are sounded with the oomph of cannon blasts in Alan Pakula's Fourth Estate classic, with Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. The excellent Spotlight drew deserved comparisons to this 1976 film, but All The President's Men reigns supreme as a procedural portrait of journalism and American democracy. 5. "DR STRANGELOVE OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB. Who should have their finger on the button? In Stanley Kubrick's classic farce, not only were the fears of nuclear command and control satirically undressed, so was a war-crazy, sex-obsessed all-male government. 6. BULWORTH. Warren Beatty is now returning with his first film as writer-director since this 1998 comedy. Still fresh today, it's about a disillusioned California senator (Beatty) who, with plans to commit suicide, decides to tell the truth. The political system, as if coming in contact with a toxic foreign substance for the first time, recoils in disgust. 7. ADVISE AND CONSENT. The title, pulled from the clause in the US Constitution, refers to the nomination process of Supreme Court judges and other president-appointed positions. Otto Preminger's dense and dark 1962 film set on Capitol Hill is about a secretary of state nominee (Henry Fonda) with a hidden past. Of course, Congress's advising and consenting of such positions, like Supreme Court judges, has ever since gone absolutely smoothly and has had little bearing on the election. OK, maybe not. 8. IN THE LOOP. Before there was Veep, there was In The Loop (and the equally sharp BBC series The Thick Of It. No one has pulled back the curtain on politics quite like Armando Iannucci, whose foul-mouthed, aide-surrounded officials sway - comically, desperately - with the winds of daily news cycles. 9. LINCOLN. The biopic-like title, in a way, distracts from the point of Steven Spielberg's 2012 drama. No other film has more fully captured the dirty, horse-trading business of the legislative process, in all its colourful and compromising sweep. To get anything done, a politician must say one thing to one set of people, and another to another set. "Two-faced", that common slur of elected officials, is the nature of the business. 10. THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE. There's perhaps no greater political truth in all of movies than that famous line from John Ford's 1962 film: "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend." Ford's film was a Western, the genre in which we work out what America is, plus horses. In The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, a more complicated truth lies behind the rise of James Stewart's respected senator. The newspaper of the film might not print it, but Ford does. Honourable mentions: Wag The Dog; The Manchurian Candidate; Milk; Charlie Wilson's War; The Great McGinty; No. AP The defamation case against activist Andy Hall, pictured, was dismissed by Thailand's supreme court (AP) Thailand's top court has dismissed a criminal defamation case against a British activist brought by a fruit canning company and the attorney general. But Andy Hall's suspended prison sentence in a related case still stands. Mr Hall faces two more civil defamation cases brought by the canning company in an all-out legal assault that has raised serious concerns among human rights workers and free speech advocates. On Thursday the supreme court said it was throwing out an appeal by the attorney general and Natural Fruit against a decision by lower courts exonerating Mr Hall. The case relates to an interview that Hall gave to Al-Jazeera television network in Burma in April 2013 about his earlier criminal prosecution by Natural Fruit. The supreme court said the appeal had no legs because the allegedly defamatory act was committed in Burma where Thai courts have no jurisdiction. It also cited flawed and unlawful interrogation process during police investigation of the case to dismiss the appeal. "I feel very happy about the verdict as this case was an injustice to me," Mr Hall said after the verdict. He said he would now sue the attorney general, the police, the prosecutor and Natural Fruit for unlawful prosecution and perjury. "I do so with deep regret and not at all in anger or through any desire for personal retribution. It is necessary to launch these counter prosecutions simply because I must defend myself fully against judicial harassment by Natural Fruit that shows no signs of abating," he said. The case has underlined complaints by critics that Thailand's punitive criminal defamation laws can be used to silence whistleblowers and social critics. The law carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment. Mr Hall has been active for several years in Thailand in employment rights advocacy, especially involving migrant workers, who lack protections both in practice and under the law. His legal troubles are in connection with a 2013 report he researched for the Finnish consumer organisation Finnwatch that alleged abuses at Natural Fruit bases. In September Bangkok South Criminal Court found Mr Hall guilty of criminal defamation against Natural Fruit and sentenced him to four years in prison, reduced by one year and suspended by two years. He was also fined 150,000 baht (3,480), which he paid to secure his freedom. That sentence remains, but Mr Hall is planning to appeal against the conviction. He also has to deal with two other pending civil defamation cases by Natural Fruit. "The campaign of judicial harassment that has been waged against Andy Hall for almost four years now has already sadly been successful." said Sonja Vartiala, executive director of Finnwatch. "As many have feared, this campaign has also had a negative impact far beyond the case of Andy himself. We have heard from a number of migrant workers and activists how they are now deeply afraid to speak out on abuse workers face from Thai employers." AP The Northern Ireland Assembly recently debated a motion to end the separated regime at Maghaberry Prison. At present, 42 people are held in separated conditions, which means that they have minimum contact with the general prison population. Only those who request these conditions and meet the requirements set by the Secretary of State are eligible to be detained there. Those who do not, remain in the general prison population. There are many disadvantages to having a separated regime. These include: the negative impact the management, staffing and resourcing of this regime can have on those imprisoned and staff; its costs; the security challenges involved; as well as the potential for those detained there and staff to experience its conditions as oppressive. The existence of the regime and allegations of misconduct associated with it can also be used to mobilise others to action and/or justify violence. However, does this mean that now is the right time to end the separated regime? In August, the UK Government decided to follow other European countries in adopting the use of specialised prison units to manage Islamic extremists. These units would see individuals held in separate conditions, rather than mixed with the general prison population. I argued strongly against this decision, drawing on the experience of Northern Ireland, the size of the prison estate and the difficulties already facing English and Welsh prisons. Yet, I believe that before any attempt is made to end the use of the separated regime in Northern Ireland, we need to carefully consider a number of factors. In contrast to the detention of Islamic extremists within UK prisons, there is a long history of detaining those believed to be linked to Irish republicanism and loyalism in separate prison conditions. Historically, how these groups have been treated has led to widespread protests, violence and disorder in prison and the wider community. As such, the symbolism associated with the separated regime is highly emotive and elicits strong reactions, especially among those directly affected by it. For these reasons, it is highly likely that any move to end the separated regime will lead to sustained protests and disorder in prison and our communities. Such a move may also be used to mobilise additional support for such groups, increasing the potential for violence and disorder to occur and undermining efforts to move on from the past. Of course, a decision to retain the separated regime will also lead to strong feelings of disappointment and dissatisfaction for some as well. Other challenges involved in ending the separated regime include those posed by the small size of our prison estate, limiting our ability to manage those deemed to be "high risk" within the general prison population. Individuals are usually considered to be high risk because of their offence and/or behaviour. In other jurisdictions, such as England and Wales, a larger prison estate allows the potential disruptive influence of high-risk individuals to be "diluted" by detaining them across a number of different prisons. This helps to make prisons safe, secure and ordered, while reducing costs and the disruption caused to others. Unfortunately, this is not an option in Northern Ireland. Due to our small size, we only have one prison designed for managing high-risk individuals, so we cannot minimise the possible influence such groups may have on the rest of the prison population by detaining them in different prisons. Regardless of whether the separated regime exists or not, individuals considered to be high-risk will continue to be held at Maghaberry Prison and Maghaberry Prison will still need to deal with the consequences of having a concentration of these individuals detained there. These challenges may become even more difficult for staff if the ending of the separated regime prompts additional violence and intimidation in an effort to force its re-introduction, as has happened in the past. Staffing levels on the separated regime are higher than those used for the general prison population to reflect the increased security risks involved. The removal of separated conditions would mean that staffing levels may need to be revised to reflect the integration of these individuals in the general prison population, or the risks to prison staff would increase and efforts to ensure prisons are safe, secure, ordered and humane will become more taxing. All of these factors suggest that any move to end the separated regime at present may involve substantial costs both financial and socially. So, what does that mean for us? The increased potential for violence to occur, heightened community tensions and the economic costs that may accompany such a move may directly affect us all. More money may be required to deal with this disorder and its aftermath. Given Government funding throughout Northern Ireland has been curtailed due to the existing economic climate, we may find that spending on health, education and community services will have to be cut to pay for this. While some might believe that Westminster should pay, Westminster may think differently. The economic uncertainty arising from Brexit also raises questions about how much money Westminster and Stormont will have to fund existing services - let alone additional resources for the management of the possible fallout over ending the separated regime. But there is another option. What happens in our communities influences what happens in our prisons in the same way that events in prison can impact on our communities. Another way to work towards the ending of the separated regime in Maghaberry Prison is to try to reduce the influence of paramilitary groups within communities and encourage greater integration. This requires political leadership and support for efforts seeking to resolve the political, social and economic factors that can give rise to and aggravate division. Attempts to deal with the past, agree a shared future, address paramilitary activity and reduce division can undo the need for a separated regime at Maghaberry Prison as those coming into prison will no longer request to be held in separated conditions. Ultimately, while it is an option for the Government to discontinue the use of the separated regime, given the factors outlined above, it may be more beneficial to seek to reduce the need for the regime by tackling the wider societal issues behind its use. Michelle Butler is a lecturer in criminology at Queen's University, Belfast Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos with Prime Minister Theresa May ahead of his visit to Northern Ireland The breadth of the Atlantic Ocean and 18 years of history divides Northern Irelands 1998 Good Friday Agreement from the Peace Accord in Colombia. Yet our two nations are united by the swords-to-ploughshares experience of restoring peace, justice and security after long years of trouble. As President Juan Manuel Santos wrote in a message to the people of Northern Ireland ahead of his visit to Belfast this week: We have learnt from your past, we admire your present and look forward to continue working with you in the future. As newcomers, we have much to learn from Northern Irelands successful experience. It is a constant reminder to Colombia of whats possible, as prosperity and opportunity hastens and consolidates the peace process. So we look to Northern Ireland as a case study of how to successfully deliver a double peace dividend of security with prosperity. During times of peace, foreign investment is the most important engine driving development and employment for all Colombians. Already, Colombia is one of the worlds top 30 countries attracting investment, thanks to one of the strongest and most stable economies in the region. Over the past seven years, UK investment in Colombia has exceeded $7bn (US), making it the second largest investor. Projects include IT, outsourcing, hotels, and biofuels. But now its time to show a new breed of investors a greater Colombia. Key geographic areas and key sectors of the economy affected by conflict for half a century are now opening up not only to peace, justice and social inclusion, but also to the investment and tourism that is driving Colombias emergence as a vibrant high-income developing country. Investors, both domestic and foreign, are today eyeing Colombias newly-pacified areas for their potential for a range of industrial and service activities. We know that to grow we must focus on internationalisation, diversification and above all, providing added value. Newly opened-up districts offer significant opportunities. Many areas contain pristine forest and natural habitat, making them suited to niche travel. So Colombia is looking to adventure tourism, ecotourism, and gourmet hospitality-related to high-end production of premium regional foods and local specialities. In the hotels sector, for instance, there has been $8.9bn worth of foreign investment since 2010, with tourism growing at 12% yearly almost four times the world average. During the first half of 2016 international visitor numbers were up 10.3% and tourism is now Colombias second largest revenue earner. There are very solid reasons for this investor optimism. Despite the global downturn, Colombia has over the last 15 years grown at an average annual rate of 4.3%, making it the market with the second best outlook for GDP growth in Latin America for 2016 and 2017, according to the IMF. It is an attractive marketplace, where the spending power of an increasingly well-educated population is growing rapidly. The World Banks latest Doing Business 2017 report notes improvements including reduced corporate taxes and lower business licence taxes, as well as streamlined registration procedures for new businesses. Colombia now hosts business operations from over 700 international companies that generate revenues of $25.5bn. To enable progress and increase competitiveness, the Santos government is overseeing the regions most ambitious infrastructure development programme, with projects such as 4G toll roads, rail, ports and airport construction already delivering benefits to diverse economic sectors. These changes to Colombias transport logistics and connectivity will boost a range of industries, including international trade and tourism. In the IT sector, foreign investors have put more than $10.3bn into dozens of software and outsourcing projects, while the start-up scene is buzzing. From the perspective of trade relations, Colombias preferential location and 16 existing trade agreements make it an attractive strategic partner. With open access both to Latin Americas most vibrant regional economies and to markets in Asia, Colombias location on the Pacific seaboard offers major strategic benefits for companies based in Northern Ireland. This, we believe, is Colombias moment. The country is stepping into one of the most important periods in our history. This is the time to come and join us. Felipe Jaramillo is president of ProColombia, the government agency responsible for promoting exports, tourism, investment and raising awareness about Colombia. Find out more at: www.procolombia.co/en Cintia Erdens Paiva/Shutterstock Death. The very word strikes a chord of fear in most of us. It is an ending, an inescapable fate, a thing that bears grief and misery in its tattered hands. But not everyone sees death so. Dia de los Muertosthe Day of the Deadruns from October 31st to November 2nd, and is celebrated throughout Latin America, and in many other countries, including the United States. Originating in Mexico, the Day of the Dead is the liveliest celebration of death in the world. This holiday is a descendant of the ancient traditions of the Aztecs, who dedicated an entire month to a goddess known as the Lady of the Dead. Over time, these antique rites melded with the Catholicism brought to Mexico by Spanish conquistadores, merging it into the same days as All Souls Day and All Saints Day, minor Catholic holidays. And like these Catholic holidays, it is a time to honor the dead. As such, the Day of the Dead is not merely an acknowledgement of death, but a celebration of the lives of those who have passed onthose departed loved ones wouldnt want their families and friends to sit about and mope. Theyd want the living to remember them in happiness and celebration! And thats just what the Day of the Dead is all about. October 31st, and November 1st and 2nd are known, collectively, as the Days of the Dead. At midnight, on the 31st of October, it is believed that the gates of heaven are opened, and that the spirits of the dead can then mingle with the living. During the first day of the holiday, known as el Dia de los innocents, the young create childrens altars to invite the angelitosspirits of deceased childrento come and visit. November 1st is All Saints Day, when the adult spirits come to move amongst the living, while November 2nd is All Souls Day, when families head to the cemeteries to decorate the gravesites of their loved ones. While at these gravesites, families build private altars to their deceased, which often contain the deceaseds favorite foods and drinks, as well as trinkets, photos, and other small items that are connected to the spirit. Although the food is eaten afterward, many people believe that the spirits of the dead consume the incorporeal essence of the foods left out for them, and that these foods no longer have any nutritional value after this. All of these enticing items are left out in order to encourage the soul of the departed family member or friend to come visit, so that they might behold the prayers and loving words of the livingin this, the interlacing of native and Christian traditions becomes most apparent. In some areas of Mexico, revelers even spend the night beside the graves of their loved ones. The graves are often decorated with orange Mexican marigolds, which are sometimes called Flor de Muertothe Flower of the Dead, which are said to attract souls of the dead. Also left are sugar skulls and candied pumpkinalso called bread of the dead. Speaking of sugar skulls, it is interesting to note that, because Mexico is so abundant in sugar production and was, historically, too poor to import European church decorations, the nation quickly learned how to make sugar art for their religious festivals. Today, these skulls are often hand-molded, and candy makers work for up to 6 months prior to the holiday so that enough stock can be on hand for sales. You might think that this would be a somber time, but nothis is a celebration of life! Humor abounds as families recount stories and hilarious escapades. This is a time for remembering the good and the funny, the love and the life. Some families build altars in their homes, usually consisting of a cross, pictures of the Virgin Mary, and pictures of the deceased relative. These are usually covered with multitudes of candles. This tradition even extends into public schools and government offices, where altars are also built, although these generally leave forego the religious symbols. This is a festival of color and sound, celebrated in different ways throughout the world. This is a festival of color and sound, celebrated in different ways throughout the world. Costumed celebrants parade down streets, their faced painted into the image of stylized skulls. Musicians play traditional tunes, and communities engage in dance and revelry. Native dancers and performance artists ply their trades and shouts of celebration can be heard from every corner. The most recognizable symbols of the Day of the Dead are the calacas and the calaerasskeletons and skullswhich are everywhere during the celebrations. These skeletal figures are often portrayed in humorous situations, enjoying life to the fullest, decked out in fancy clothing. The symbolism is very telling. Skulls and skeletons are the face, so to speak, of the Day of the Dead. Beyond the obvious association with death, the fact that these skeletons usually well-dressed hints, good-naturedly, at the fact that death is the great equalizer. No matter how wealthy, fashionable, beautiful, or powerful we are, we all succumb to the hand of fate. But beyond that, their appearance in a lighthearted festival is a healthy acceptance of death as an inevitable part of life. Death can be a scary subject, so treating it in a lighthearted way takes away some of its sting, some of its terror. The Day of the Dead is the antidote to our fear of mortalitywe look it in the face, and we laugh. The Day of the Dead also brings comfort through a maintained connection with deceased loved ones, fostering the hope that there is something after death, and that, just maybe, those ones we held so dear in life are still out there, somewhere. So this November, even if the Day of the Dead isnt a tradition in your region or family, take heed of this holidays theme. Think of those youve lost, and consider the wonder and beauty of their lives. Speak a positive word to them. After all, theyd want you to be happy. Wesley Baines is a graduate student at Regent University's School of Divinity, and a freelance writer working in the fields of spirituality, self-help, and religion. He is also a former editor at Beliefnet.com. You can catch more of his work at www.wesleybaines.com. A former government official of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks from a construction contractor has pleaded guilty to federal charges in North Dakota. Randall Phelan was an elected representative of the governing body of the Three Affiliated Tribes from the end of 2012 to the middle of 2020. Investigators say Phelan used his official position to help the contractors business by awarding contracts, fabricating bids and managing fraudulent invoices. His trial had been scheduled to begin Tuesday. Phelan and two others were originally charged with receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from the bribery scheme on the oil-rich Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. The contractor has pleaded guilty to bribery. President Barack Obama says the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is examining whether the four-state Dakota Access oil pipeline can be rerouted in southern North Dakota to alleviate the concerns of American Indians. Obama told the online news outlet NowThis that his administration is monitoring the situation closely but will "let it play out for several more weeks." "As a general rule, my view is that there is a way for us to accommodate sacred lands of Native Americans, and I think that right now the Army Corps is examining whether there are ways to reroute this pipeline," Obama said an interview Tuesday. The 1,200 mile, $3.8 billion pipeline will carry oil from North Dakota through South Dakota and Iowa to a shipping point at Patoka, Illinois. It will skirt the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation that straddles the North Dakota-South Dakota border. The tribe objects to the project, saying it could threaten drinking water and destroy sacred sites. The tribe has sued federal regulators for approving permits at more than 200 water crossings. Protests that have included clashes with police and pipeline security also have gone on for several months in North Dakota, where hundreds and at times thousands of people have set up a large camp on corps land. More than 400 protesters have been arrested since August. No serious injuries have been reported. Obama called it "a challenging situation." "There's an obligation for protesters to be peaceful, and there's an obligation for authorities to show restraint," he said. "I want to make sure that as everybody is exercising their constitutional rights to be heard, that both sides are refraining from situations that might result in people being hurt." Washington, DC - On Tuesday, President Obama addressed the Dakota Access pipeline, saying his Administration is considering ways to reroute it. He also stated that they would let the process play out for several more weeks to determine whether the pipeline could be constructed in a way that is properly attentive to the traditions of the First Americans. However, a spokesperson from Greenpeace countered there are no safe options for rerouting the Dakota Access Pipeline. Pipelines arent safe," said Lilian Molina, of Greenpeace. "It is encouraging to see President Obama and the Army Corps of Engineers acknowledge that the Dakota Access Pipeline would be devastating to Native communities and lands, but it is simply unacceptable to let this play out for several more weeks while indigenous lives are under attack. "The administration seems to be buying time to maintain the status quo and profits for fossil fuel investors. There is only one option that is truly attentive to the native lives and lands at stake: respect the rights and sovereignty of indigenous communities by revoking the permits immediately," she said. The 1,200-mile pipeline is largely complete outside of North Dakota. The federal government in September ordered a temporary halt to construction on corps land around and underneath Lake Oahe, a Missouri River reservoir in the Dakotas. The corps is reviewing its permitting of the project, but has given no timetable for a decision. The Justice Department has asked pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners to voluntarily stop construction within 20 miles of the lake, but construction has continued on private land. -- Bismarck Tribune staff contributed to this article. A warning by the American embassy against an increased terrorist threat in India possibly linked to Islamic State (IS) is not unfounded and based on substantial inputs from intelligence agencies, according to Indian security analysts. The security advisory from the embassy came in the face of prevailing tensions between India and Pakistan along their common border, particularly over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, observers said. On its website the embassy earlier this week warned of an increased threat to places frequented by Westerners such as religious sites, markets and festival venues. In its Security Message for U.S. Citizens, the travel wing of the State Department said recent Indian media reports had indicated the ISs desire to attack targets in India. The advisory referred to the Middle East extremist group by another acronym, ISIL. All U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as detailed in the State Departments Worldwide Caution of Sept. 9, 2016, the message added. The state department had issued the September warning just nine days before a pre-dawn attack by Kashmiri militants left 18 soldiers dead at an Indian army base in Uri, located near the Line of Control (LoC), a de factor border that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan, according to The Times of India. The warning then stated, India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly. Anti-western terrorist groups active in India include Islamist extremist groups Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. In response, the government of Hindu majority India said it was aware of the most recent message. The government is taking all security precautions necessary to protect its citizens. Appropriate advisories are also issued from time to time by the center to the state governments, Ministry of Home Affairs spokesman K.S. Dhatwalia told BenarNews. Although Indian government officials have denied that IS has made any significant inroads in India, domestic intelligence agencies claimed in August that about 50 Indian Muslims had left for Iraq and Syria to fight alongside the extremist group. Among them, six had died in battle. At least another 30 Indians have been prevented from leaving India to join IS and scores are under surveillance for showing sympathy toward the organization, according to sources in Indian intelligence. Not out of place The most recent warning from the U.S. embassy is not exaggerated, according to diplomat and security analyst Rajiv Dogra. India has been a victim of terror strikes for the last 30 years. This warning is not out of place. There have been strikes from Kashmir in the north to Hyderabad and Bangalore in the deep south. The place could be anywhere. Thats why theres an advisory for caution, Dogra told BenarNews. There must be some reasonable information with U.S. authorities and the embassy. The only doubt remains whether its the IS itself or one of the organizations supported by the IS. If IS does not attack itself, any group supported by it could attack, he said. Moushumi Basu, associate professor at the School of International Studies at New Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), told BenarNews that the warning could create problems in India. The problem, however, is that by this warning, how will Indians be secure? Countries will pass such alarms, but the host country has to deal with the whole issue. It could be a credible threat. The challenge exists, Basu said. Given past lapses in security, the Indian government has to be ready for such emergencies. The issue is not only about the security of foreigners, but that of the Indians as well who have been bearing the brunt of attacks, she said. As tensions along the LoC remain high, infiltrators from militant groups, particularly those supported by IS, could cross into India at a time when the attention of the whole country is diverted toward the India-Pakistan issue, the leader of a right-wing social group said. Amit Aryan, national president of right-wing political and civil group Jai Shiv Sena, said the American warning was 110 percent real and based on well-founded information. About six to seven years back, the IS was in its planning stage, but now it is well into the execution stage. The Islamic war has begun. There is sloganeering anywhere and everywhere in favor of Pakistan and terror groups, Aryan said. IS has pocketed deep into Jaipur, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Bihar and Kerala, apart from West Bengal. The money from crimes is funding the terrorist activities. Continuous anti-India sloganeering takes place in the heart of the capital at JNU, he added. Indonesian security analysts are welcoming their governments invitation to Australia to conduct joint patrols in the South China Sea in an effort to boost regional stability. The move reflects disappointment, they say, that the Philippines has cozied up to Beijing instead of using momentum from its recent international court victory against China to press it to resolve overlapping territorial claims in the strategic, resource-rich sea. The Philippines even appears close to China. If this cant be resolved by the countries in conflict, theres no harm in bringing in external countries like Australia, India and others, because all countries have legitimate rights in the South China Sea, said Muhammad Arif, a South China Sea analyst at the Habibie Center, a Jakarta think-tank. Its a good development in the long term because it shows that all countries have the right to sail the South China Sea, Arif told BenarNews. Ruling in July on a suit brought by the Philippines in 2013, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PAC) at The Hague unanimously dismissed Chinese maritime claims in the South China Sea delineated by a nine-dash line on a 1940s-era Chinese map. The court ruled that China had violated the Philippines sovereign rights by interfering with fishing and oil exploration, constructing artificial islands and failing to prevent Chinese boats from fishing in exclusive economic zones (EEZs) established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). But in his recent four-day visit to China, new Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reportedly played down the tribunal decision and announced he was aligning his country with Chinas ideological flow. For the past several years, smaller countries in the region have helplessly witnessed Chinas expansion into areas such as the Spratly Islands, which are claimed by Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan as well as the Philippines and China. This joint patrol is a good effort that can send a strong warning to China that they cant impose their will in the South China Sea and create inconvenience for users of international sea lanes in the South China Sea, Melda Kamil Ariadno, an international law expert from Universitas Indonesia, told BenarNews. At the moment its difficult to halt Chinese hegemony in the South China Sea region, in her view especially when the Philippine president appears to be supporting China. Coastal states can cooperate with user states, and Australia is the major user of the South China Sea, Melda said. Everyones natural resources On Oct. 28, following an international meeting in Bali, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said that Indonesia was exploring maritime cooperation with a number of countries and had proposed joint South China Sea patrols to Australia. Yes, right. That is the wish of the defense minister, hes going to invite Australia to carry out coordinated joint patrols, Defense Ministry spokesman Djundan Eko confirmed to BenarNews on Wednesday. But it was too early to give further details as many parties still need to provide input on the matter, he added. With Australia [we] will also conduct joint exercises. There will be another meeting to discuss this matter, they agreed to the basic outline of it, Ryamizard told reporters in Bali. Indonesia, he said, did not intend to disturb its good relations with any countries in the region, including China. We just want to secure the fish, everyones natural resources, he said. Indonesia has maintained a neutral stance for years on the simmering territorial disputes but has been drawn closer to the fray in recent months following repeated incursions by Chinese fishermen near Indonesias Natuna Islands. In June, Indonesian President Joko Widodo held a cabinet meeting on a warship in the Natunas, in what some described as a defiant gesture to China following tense stand offs with Chinese vessels in the area in March, May and June. Australian response In Australia, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Canberra was considering Indonesias proposal for joint patrols, as it is aligned with Australias policy regarding freedom of navigation guaranteed by international law. We have agreed to explore options to increase maritime cooperation and of course that would include coordinated activities in the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea, Bishop told ABC Radio on Nov. 1. [T]his is all consistent with our policy of exercising our right of freedom of navigation. And thats in accordance with international law and our support for peace and stability and security in the region, she added. Updated at 6:05 p.m. ET on 2016-11-03 Indonesian police have announced they will summon the Christian governor of Jakarta for allegedly defaming a verse in the Quran, amid huge rallies by Muslims demanding he be investigated for blasphemy. Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, the ethnic Chinese governor of Jakarta and former right-hand man to President Joko Jokowi Widodo, has long been disliked by conservative Muslim groups in Indonesia, but tensions have soared since an excerpt of remarks he made in September went viral on social media. He is scheduled (for questioning) on Monday morning. He is summoned as a witness, national police criminal investigation division head Comr. Gen. Ari Dono Sukmanto told reporters in Jakarta on Thursday. The statement came as police were beefing up security in the capital ahead of a planned rally by tens of thousands of Muslims from across the country on Friday demanding police thoroughly investigate the matter. Some 20,000 security personnel had been deployed to oversee the protest amid concerns it could erupt into violence or be infiltrated by violent extremists. Muslim leaders said they aimed to stage a peaceful protest. They insist the drive to prosecute Ahok was unrelated to his religion, ethnicity or candidacy in the Jakarta gubernatorial election in February. Doubt Ahok is accused of alleged blasphemy for telling attendees at an event in September that people might fool them into not voting for him using the Qurans Surah Al-Maida Verse 51, which some interpret as prohibiting Muslims from having non-Muslim leaders. A number of Muslim organizations reported Ahok to the police for alleged blasphemy after a video recording of the event circulated widely. The governor apologized for causing a flap and reported to police of his own accord on Oct. 24 to discuss the remarks. Muslim leaders have said that while they accepted his apology, his case should still be prosecuted. Muslims in Jakarta and other cities held rallies on Oct. 14 demanding legal action against Ahok and decrying what they saw as foot-dragging by police and silence from Jokowi on the matter. The presidents silence is perceived as taking (Ahoks) side. There is doubt that Jokowi is being neutral in this matter, political analyst from elections monitoring group Lingkar Madani Untuk Indonesia (Lima), Ray Rangkuti told BenarNews on Thursday. Ahok was Jokowis deputy when the president was Jakarta governor from 2012 to 2014. Ahok assumed the governorship when Jokowi was sworn in as president. Indonesias major Muslim organizations and its top clerical body have all expressed the view that Ahok defamed the Quran and should be investigated for the allegation. We are a pluralistic country On Tuesday, Jokowi met with leaders of Nahdlatul Ulama, Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) at the Presidential Palace in a bid to soothe the tensions. The group discussed Ahoks comment about the Quranic verse, according to Maruf Amin, the head of the MUI. The president said it should be processed [under the law] and he is not going to intervene in this matter, Maruf said. Abdul Muti, the secretary general of Muhammadiyah, said Jokowi should meet with the head of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), the hardline group organizing the rally. The president also needs to sit down with Habib Rizieq, just like he sat down with Prabowo, Muti told reporters. The meetings followed Jokowis unusual visit the day before to his rival in the 2014 presidential election, Prabowo Subianto, at his residence in Bogor, West Java. Jokowi said it was a long-planned visit but Rangkuti, the analyst, said the timing suggested the encounter was related to the upcoming rally. In a press conference broadcast live after the meeting, Prabowo warned against elements that want to divide the nation in the run-up to local elections across the nation in February. Thats something we really watch for. We are a pluralistic country. Our country has many tribes, many religions, many races. If there are problems, lets resolve them in a cool-headed way, a peaceful way, he said. Former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also paid visits to top administration officials this week, another move that appeared to heighten tension, because his son, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, is running against Ahok in the Jakarta gubernatorial race. Warnings Foreign embassies issued warning to their citizens residing in the capital to steer clear of the rally and take caution in areas with large gatherings. U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence, the U.S. Embassy said on its website. At a discussion on radicalism and the Jakarta election on Tuesday, Sidney Jones, the director of Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC), said there was a possibility that terrorist groups could infiltrate the rally. A number of parties could take advantage of the rally, including organizations committed to wage war like (the Islamic State) and other groups in Syria, she said. She said that although the chances were slim for a terrorist attack, problems could arise from anger boiling over. The governments mistake is letting the radical groups control the political agenda. Why was there no effort to get them all together and cool down the situation? Jones said. Thailands deputy police chief said Wednesday that a suspect from the Deep South had confessed during interrogation to having taken part in a string of coordinated bomb attacks at southern tourist hotspots in mid-August. Muhammad Muhi, a resident of Pattani province, told interrogators that he planted bombs in Phuket on Aug. 10, according to Deputy Police Chief Gen. Srivarah Rungsibrahmanakul. Srivarah spoke to reporters at a youth detention center in the southern province of Nakhon Sri Thammarat, where 21-year-old Muhi is being held. Police investigators from Phuket interrogated him while in custody at the youth center, in the presence of Corrections Department officials, and he confessed to having a hand in three bomb cases, Srivarah said. Among 11 coordinated bombings that killed four people and injured more than 30 in seven provinces on Aug. 11 and 12, two of the bombs went off in Phuket, injuring one person. On Aug. 10, police found two other bombs at markets in Phuket but were able to diffuse them, officials said in the aftermath of the attacks. They took place days after Thailand staged a referendum in which a majority voted for a controversial constitution backed by the military government. Muhi is one of only two suspects that have been arrested thus far in connection with the bombings in Phuket, Hua Hin and five other southern provinces, and a series of arson attacks in some of those provinces at around the same time. The second suspect is Hakim Doloh, 30, who was arrested for allegedly setting fire in a store in Nakhon Sri Thammarat province. Hakim is in custody at Thung Song prison in Nakhon Sri Thammarat. To date, Thai authorities have issued arrest warrants for at least 11 suspects wanted in connection with the attacks. These provinces lie outside the boundaries of the insurgency-stricken Deep South, but authorities have said that many of the suspects come from that region. However, Thai officials have not said whether the suspects are linked to separatist insurgents in the Muslim majority, Malay-speaking Deep South. In September, a member of Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) the largest armed separatist group in the region claimed to BenarNews that his combat unit had carried out the attacks on Aug. 11 and 12, and other recent bombings farther south. We claim that the attack in Tak Bai district was the act of our operation, as well as the train bombing and those attacks in the seven upper southern provinces too, said the leader of a BRN combat unit known as Runda Kumpulan Kecil (RKK), who asked not to be named. Demands for transparency On Wednesday, a human rights activist voiced concern about whether Muhi had received proper legal counsel during his time in custody. We are concerned that Muhi has no access to suspects rights, such as visits by relatives and a trusted lawyer. As per reports, the police came with their own lawyer, who, perhaps, cannot not be trusted by the suspect, Anchana Heemmina, president of the Hearty Support Group, told Benar News. Anchana, who was sued by the military for accusing soldiers of torturing suspected Dep South insurgents, said she wanted the police to handle Muhis case with transparency because the polices proper handling is an indicator of the overall judicial systems credibility. Police inspect a gas station in Ban Don Yang, in Pattani provinces Nong Chik district, after it was gutted in an attack the night before, Nov. 3, 2016. Suspected insurgents killed three and injured four in a spate of overnight attacks across Thailands Deep South, hours after a new government task force for the region made its debut there. Southern rebels were believed to be behind the 17 attacks Wednesday night and Thursday morning in three provinces of the Deep South and involved shootings, bombings and acts of arson, officials said. A soldier at a military outpost in Pattani province and two private security guards at a car showroom in Songkhla province were killed. Among soft targets, a gas station and attached 7-Eleven convenience store were bombed and set on fire, according to local authorities. The flurry of attacks was the most intense to strike the region in recent weeks, and came days after a Thai delegation called on negotiators from the rebel side, during exploratory peace talks in Kuala Lumpur, to refrain from violence for one year as Thailand mourns King Bhumibol Adulyadej. At the end of the last round of negotiations, a spokesman for a panel representing southern rebel groups and factions told BenarNews that they had not agreed on anything. The latest attacks brought to 21 the number of people who have died in shootings and other acts of violence in the predominantly Muslim Deep South since early September. These attacks followed soon after the Thai juntas so-called forward cabinet for the Deep South met Wednesday for the first time with local Muslim and Buddhist leaders, as well as military officials and administrative officials from across the region. The causes of the violence are being scrutinized... There was no indicator that the violence was due to the first visit to Deep South of the governments special delegation, Col. Peerawit Saengthong, spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) in Bangkok, told reporters on Thursday. The 13-member cabinet is made up of civilians, ex-military and police officers. It was appointed last month by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha and tasked with reporting back to him on matters relating to the Deep South, and serving as a direct link between him and provincial-level governments, regional agencies, the regional military command and other institutions there. The panel includes Gen. Aksara Kerdpol, the head of the Thai delegation that has been trying since last year to reopen formal peace talks with southern rebels for the first time since late 2013. During the past 12 years, more than 6,700 people have died in violence associated with the separatist conflict, according to regional think-tank Deep South Watch. I confirmed that [the forward cabinet] will coordinate with agencies on the ground and the central government in order to push forward our work at a quicker pace. We do not have authority to command anyone, Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Udomdej Sitabutr, who leads the cabinet, said after its first meeting at Fort Suriyothai in Pattani, where it is based. Saddened and disturbed Ten of the overnight attacks occurred in Pattani, officials said. Among the fatalities, Pvt. Noppon Kaewpetch was shot dead while on duty at the outpost in Muang district. In Nong Chik district in Pattani, a policemen was injured when suspected rebels bombed and set a fast station ablaze at around 10 p.m. Wednesday. According to Col. Pathompong Petchpinun, the police chief in Nong Chik, the leader of an insurgent group, identified as Seree Waemamu, was suspected of taking part in the attack on the gas station and convenience store. More than 10 assailants came in a truck, burning a 7-Eleven outlet and planting bombs, he told BenarNews. In Songkhla, three others were injured when assailants set off bombs at an ATM outside a government-run savings bank in Thepa district. In Chana district, the two guards were killed after assailants set fire to the showroom at an Isuzu dealership on Wednesday night, according to the stores manager. One died in the office and another died outside of the showroom. The second one was shot multiple times. We did not know if they had arguments with the assailants or not, but they had no weapons, Anusart Suwanmongkol, the showrooms manager, who also is a secretary of the National Legislative Assembly, told BenarNews on Thursday. He identified the dead guards as Sunya Smankarndee and Dolmalek Leeteh. On Thursday, the head of the Islamic Committee of Songkhla condemned the attack. Muslim communities in Chana district are saddened and disturbed by the violent incidents. We express our strong opposition to the use of violence to destroy the life and properties of the innocents, committee chairman Sakriya Bilsaela told BenarNews SAN NARCISO, Calif. -- Chuck E. Cheeses is a chain of pizza restaurants and arcades that have become popular locations for childrens birt... A bid from Pulte Homes to rezone and add 465 residences and possibly a school near Sandy Run Creek on Jedburg Road wasn't met with open arms at a Oct. 26 community meeting on the part of local homeowners seeking to preserve the area's rural characteristics. Read moreJedburg Road residents tell Pulte Homes: 'Keep it rural' MORTON COUNTY Dozens of people were pepper-sprayed and at least two were shot with nonlethal projectiles during a standoff between pipeline protesters and police at a creek north of the main Oceti Sakowin camp on Wednesday afternoon. The confrontation came after protesters built a wooden bridge across Cantapeta Creek on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land overnight. On Tuesday, the corps asked the Morton County Sheriff's Department to assist them in keeping protesters from expanding their camps northward toward the area where they plan to drill the Dakota Access Pipeline under the river. Protesters contended they wanted to pray and protect sacred sites they believe are being disturbed by construction and law enforcement actions, including atop the hill across the creek where officers were staged. Law enforcement pulled the walkway apart Wednesday morning, saying it violated federal and state laws. Protesters responded by swimming across and forming a line in the water. They took turns standing off against police who were staged across the creek, returning to the camp side by canoe when they got too cold or were sprayed with tear gas and pepper spray. "Get back on the other side of the river," police called out to the protesters in the water. "Shame on you!" they called back. "We are unarmed!" Standing waist-deep in 50-degree water, people held up tarps and storage bin lids to protect themselves from spray and rubber and bean-bag bullets, which law enforcement said were used to disperse people who came toward officers from the water. But it did not appear that any of the protesters tried to climb up onto the banks. "People stayed in the water. A couple people were on the edge, but not going up toward the officers," said Lisa Brunner, who helped build the bridge and was on scene all day. She coughed intermittently due to pepper spray still in her throat from her stint in the water. Once people returned to the camp side, medics treated their burning eyes and wrapped cold, and sometimes hypothermic, protesters in silver heat blankets. "Our people are showing an immense amount of restraint," said Mekasi Camp-Horinek, a protester from Oklahoma. "To stand in the water and freeze, showing heart, that this cause is worthy." Law enforcement reported that two people were shot with nonlethal bullets, but medics from the protest camp said there were at least three. Aidoneus Bishop, a camp leader, said one person was shot in the face and another had to be transported to the hospital. "They shot into the water at people," said Ariel I, a protester from Chicago. "We were just standing there." According to the sheriff's department, the bullets were used on one person throwing bottles at officers and another who charged police and refused to show his hands. Tear gas was also used on protesters. Brunner and one other protester said they had no intent to stop pipeline construction Wednesday, as a sheriff's department spokeswoman said earlier in the day. She said there are burial sites where the police were staged on the bluffs above the creek. "All we were trying to do is build a bridge across so we can pray," Brunner said. However, a protest organizer said part of the reason for building the bridge was that North Dakota Highway 1806, the northern route from camp, has been closed since Oct. 27, when several vehicles were burned on the Backwater Bridge following a daylong confrontation. "We've got to make some access to get up and protect those sites," said Camp-Horinek. In a Tuesday letter from the corps to the sheriff's department, Cpl. John Henderson said protesters began on Monday using small boats to travel up the creek and camp on corps land where the pipeline is to be drilled under the Missouri River. "It appears that isolated groups of people have moved to set up camp in an area north of the current encampment," Henderson wrote. "It is an area that has not been opened for use by the public for recreational or camping purposes. As such, the Corps of Engineers would consider these individuals to be trespassers." The letter specified that the sheriff's department should not evict people from the current encampments, known as the Oceti Sakowin, Sacred Stone and Rosebud camps. Morton County Spokeswoman Donnell Preskey said the department was asked to remove the bridge and arrest trespassers across the creek. Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier said in a statement that he was glad for the go-ahead from the corps to remove the protesters. "Eighty-five days into the protests, we look forward to other federal government agencies following the corps' spirit of providing support and assistance to law enforcement," Kirchmeier said. No one was arrested on scene. The standoff ended around 1:45 p.m., as the last people boated back toward the camp and leaders urged people to clean up the site. Camp-Horinek said it ended "when warriors decided they had done what they are here to do." He said the group headed back to camp in order to regroup. One person was arrested Wednesday for hauling canoes and kayaks down the highway on charges of conspiracy to commit obstruction of a government function, Preskey said. ein Google-Unternehmen Google-Dienste anzubieten und zu betreiben Ausfalle zu prufen und Manahmen gegen Spam, Betrug und Missbrauch zu ergreifen Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. 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Sofern relevant, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auerdem, um Inhalte und Werbung altersgerecht zu gestalten. Wir verwenden Cookies und Daten, umWenn Sie Alle akzeptieren auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auch, umWahlen Sie Weitere Optionen aus, um sich zusatzliche Informationen anzusehen, einschlielich Details zum Verwalten Ihrer Datenschutzeinstellungen. Sie konnen auch jederzeit g.co/privacytools besuchen. Dato' Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Second Minister of International Trade & Industry Brought to you by 35120 You can share this podcast by copying this HTML to your clipboard and pasting into your blog or web page. PM Najib Razaks week-long visit has international observers taking note of the Administrations agenda on trade and defense in terms of the balance of power in the region. One analyst suggests that Malaysia has become a wobbly domino while another suggests that we are pursuing a balanced approach towards China and the new realities in the region. Yet others point to the cooling relations with the US following the July move by a unit of the US Justice Department known as the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative announcing it was investigating 1MDB. Today we learn from the Administration its view of this third high level visit to China by the Prime Minister. This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app. none Categories: State regulators decided Wednesday to draft a complaint against the developer of the Dakota Access Pipeline for failing to notify them right away about a cultural find, possibly the first time the agency has taken such action against a pipeline company. Public Service Commission Chairwoman Julie Fedorchak said she was extremely disappointed when she learned Dakota Access LLC had discovered American Indian artifacts in the pipeline route but had not notified state regulators. The company, a subsidiary of Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners, did notify the State Historic Preservation Office about four cairns discovered during construction in Morton County, and the pipeline was rerouted to protect the sites in coordination with the state archaeologist. The companys permit requires that the Public Service Commission also will be notified of unanticipated discoveries and give clearance to proceed with construction. The commission learned about the discovery from its third-party inspector and then requested information from the company, which formally notified the commission on Thursday, 10 days after the find. Fedorchak said North Dakotas regulatory approach depends on a level of trust, which is verified by the third-party inspectors. This trust demands an exchange and full and prompt disclosure of key information, she said. Staff for the three-member, all-Republican commission will draft a complaint, likely by the end of the week, and also propose a fine. Dakota Access can request a hearing or pay the fine and move on, Fedorchak said. The maximum penalty the commission can issue is $10,000 per day per violation, or a maximum of $200,000. Fedorchak said she doesnt view this issue as warranting the maximum fine. The commission has not issued a complaint for a pipeline company since at least 1988. The order granting pipeline construction does not specify a timeframe for reporting such discoveries. Commissioner Brian Kalk said the implied intent is for things to be reported immediately or once the company has enough facts. Kalk noted the company has promptly notified the commission in other instances, such as worker injuries. Commissioner Randy Christmann recused himself from the discussion because the pipeline crosses his mother-in-laws property. The company said in an Oct. 27 letter the delay in notifying the PSC about the discovery was a result of the find occurring simultaneously with Dakota Access officials coordinating an on-site visit for various officials, including Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Chairman Dave Archambault II and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers district commander. That tour took place Oct. 20, three days after the find. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe was not notified about the discovery or invited to participate in the evaluation of the site. State archaeologist Paul Picha said notifying the tribe was not a requirement of the unanticipated discovery plan. Calvin Grinnell, who works for the Three Affiliated Tribes historic preservation office and is a former chairman of the State Historical Board, attended Wednesdays meeting at the request of a tribal member. Grinnell said he thinks the commission is following in the right direction by considering a complaint against the company for the delay in notifying regulators. Susan Beehler of Mandan, who also attended the meeting, said she thinks the Public Service Commission can do more to make it easier for the public to participate in the process. Im wondering if we couldnt do better as a state? Beehler said. ABA Area Big Year Update: 8 Weeks to Go! With only about 8 weeks left on the calendar, our four birders are nearing the end of the 2016 Big Year chase, a fact no doubt appreciated by friends, family, and significant others. But in the first 10 months of this year, all four have put up some incredible numbers, and undoubtedly made a lot of wonderful memories in this once in a lifetime (or twice in the case of Sandy Komito) attempt to see as many species as possible in one year. Since we last checked in with John Weigel, has has added four species in three states. A Rosss Gull in Barrow was followed by Flesh-footed Shearwater and Least Storm-Petrel offshore California, and a Great Skua in Massachusetts waters from a ferry crossing to Nova Scotia. This currently puts him at an incredible 769 (+2), effectively crossing the 770 mark where he ended his Australia Big Year in 2014. With two months left is 780 possible? You can follow John at Birding for Devils. Olaf Danielson also had a productive October, adding three species to his total. Rosss Gull in Alaska, Blue-footed Booby, and a Yellow-legged Gull in Newfoundland bring him to 767 (+1), 3 back of John Weigel in the full-out chasing part of the year. It will be difficult for Danielson to overtake Weigel now that birders have left the Bering Sea, most migratory birds are south of the ABA Area, and both of them will likely be chasing the same individuals across the continent. All it takes is a couple instances of luck though, or a one-day wonder and a bad airline connection, and the two could be evened up once more. You can follow Olaf at his blog, The Bad Weather Big Year. At the time this post is being written, Laura Keene is on her way to south Texas to look for the Amazon Kingfisher, but a remarkable 6 new species in October sees her currently at 739 (+2), and maybe 740 by the time this publishes. West coast pelagics, a couple California exotics, and Hermit Warbler made up the difference. A pure Yellow-legged Gull in Newfoundland is a safety tick to replace the one found in Massachusetts earlier this year, that is looking like it might not be accepted by the Massachusetts BRC on the suspicion of being a hybrid. Christian Hagenlocher has been traveling with John and Laura for much of the last month, so the birds he is adding to his list are much the same as those they have seen. He sits at 737 (+2) after Least Storm-Petrel, Yellow-legged Gull, and others. Hagenlocher has posted his needs list on his blog, including the 6 remaining Code 2 species he does not yet have for the year. If you know of any, you can help him. You can read Christians blog at The Birding Project. Best of luck to all Big Year birders in the homestretch! First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain. Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that. And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details. If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For Immediate Release, November 2, 2016 Contact: Taylor McKinnon, (801) 300-2414, tmckinnon@biologicaldiversity.org Obama Fossil Fuel Auction Adds 29 Million Tons of Climate Pollution, Threatens Imperiled Species in Wyoming CHEYENNE, Wyo. The Obama administration on Tuesday leased more than 30,000 acres of public land in Wyoming to the fossil fuel industry that, if fully developed, will release about 29 million tons of greenhouse gas pollution. The 21 parcels that were part of the Bureau of Land Management auction also include habitat for imperiled Canada lynx and greater sage grouse. The estimated 29 million tons of potential greenhouse gas pollution is equivalent to about eight years worth of pollution from a coal-fired power plant. The BLM, however, refused to analyze the sales climate-pollution impact. It continues a national program of new federal fossil fuel leasing that is incompatible with U.S. climate goals; recent analyses show that meeting Paris Agreement targets requires limiting fossil fuel development to that which is already under production. The public needs to be aware of the ongoing disturbing contradictions with Obama administrations climate policy, said Taylor McKinnon with the Center for Biological Diversity. With one hand the United States has committed to carbon pollution reductions under the Paris Agreement, while with the other hand, it continues to auction off Americas public lands, wildlife habitat and waters to dangerous dirty energy development. The leased parcels also contain habitat for imperiled species. One parcel contains protected critical habitat for Canada lynx, which is protected under the Endangered Species Act. All 21 of the parcels contain identified habitat for greater sage grouse; seven contain priority habitat, that have the most dense populations of the remaining sage grouse. The Obama administration earlier erred against endangered species action protections for the iconic bird, relying instead on ineffective conservation measures that are not based on best science in newly revised BLM resource-management plans. The BLMs failure to protect sage grouse habitat in Tuesdays lease sale directly conflicts with its own instructions to prioritize lease sales outside of identified sage grouse habitat with the express goal of limiting conflict and protecting important habitat. Tuesdays lease sale was met by Keep It in the Ground climate protesters joining in a growing national call for the Obama administration to end its federal fossil fuel leasing programs altogether. The Center for Biological Diversity, alongside the Sierra Club and Great Old Broads for Wilderness, administratively protested the lease sale in September. Background On behalf of the American people, the U.S. federal government manages nearly 650 million acres of public land and more than 1.7 billion acres of the Outer Continental Shelf and the fossil fuels beneath them. This includes federal public land, which makes up about a third of the U.S. land area, and oceans like Alaskas Chukchi Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Seaboard. These places and the fossil fuels beneath them are held in trust for the public by the federal government; federal fossil fuel leasing is administered by the Department of the Interior. Over the past decade, the combustion of federal fossil fuels has resulted in nearly a quarter of all U.S. energy-related emissions. A 2015 report by EcoShift Consulting, commissioned by the Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of the Earth, found that remaining federal oil, gas, coal, oil shale and tar sands that have not been leased to industry contain up to 450 billion tons of potential greenhouse gas pollution. As of earlier this year, 67 million acres of federal fossil fuel were already leased to industry, an area more than 55 times larger than Grand Canyon National Park containing up to 43 billion tons of potential greenhouse gas pollution. Last year Sens. Merkley (D-Ore.), Sanders (I-Vt.) and others introduced the Keep It In the Ground Act (S. 2238) legislation to end new federal fossil fuel leases and cancel non-producing federal fossil fuel leases. Days later President Obama canceled the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline, saying, Because ultimately, if were going to prevent large parts of this Earth from becoming not only inhospitable but uninhabitable in our lifetimes, were going to have to keep some fossil fuels in the ground rather than burn them and release more dangerous pollution into the sky. Download the September 2015 Keep It in the Ground letter to President Obama. Download Grounded: The Presidents Power to Fight Climate Change, Protect Public Lands by Keeping Publicly Owned Fossil Fuels in the Ground (this report details the legal authorities with which a president can halt new federal fossil fuel leases). Download The Potential Greenhouse Gas Emissions of U.S. Federal Fossil Fuels (this report quantifies the volume and potential greenhouse gas emissions of remaining federal fossil fuels) and The Potential Greenhouse Gas Emissions fact sheet. Download Over-leased: How Production Horizons of Already Leased Federal Fossil Fuels Outlast Global Carbon Budgets. Download Critical Gulf: The Vital Importance of Ending Fossil Fuel Leasing in the Gulf of Mexico. Download Public Lands, Private Profits about the corporations profiting from climate-destroying fossil fuel extraction on public lands. Download the Center for Biological Diversitys legal petition calling on the Obama administration to halt all new offshore fossil fuel leasing. Download the Center for Biological Diversitys legal petition with 264 other groups calling on the Obama administration to halt all new onshore fossil fuel leasing. 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. Scatec Solar and Norfund have signed a power purchase agreement securing the sale of solar power over a 25 year period to the state owned utility Electricidade de Mozambique (EDM). Image by 123RF In addition to this new 40 MW plant in Mozambique, the company operates 200 MW of solar power plants in South Africa and Rwanda and has new projects under development across Africa, including Mali, Nigeria and Kenya. The agreement was signed at a ceremony in Maputo in the presence of the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Brge Brende; the Mozambican Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Leticia Klemens; as well as Dr Mateus Magala, chairman and CEO of EDM. The project is the first large scale solar plant to be built in the country and represents an important first step in realising Mozambiques ambition to increase renewable power generation in its energy mix. The 40 MW plant is located close to the city of Mocuba in the Zambezia Province, and is expected to deliver 77,000 MWh per year of much needed electricity to the northern regions of Mozambique. The plant will deliver power to the national grid and produce enough energy to serve about 175 000 households. A shareholder agreement was also signed between KLP Norfund Investments AS, Scatec Solar and EDM. The required project investment is estimated at USD 80 million. Scatec Solar (52.5%), KLP Norfund Investments (22.5%) and EDM (25%) will provide equity - while IFC, the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, and the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund intend to provide project finance debt. The parties are targeting financial close and solar plant construction start in the first quarter of 2017. This is an excellent example of how private public partnerships can deliver renewable energy and support further economic growth in Mozambique. EDM and the government of Mozambique have demonstrated strong leadership in taking this project forward and it paves the way for further investments in renewable energy in the country, says Scatec Solar CEO, Raymond Carlsen. Access to reliable energy is a prerequisite for development. Only 3% of the worlds electricity is generated in Africa, although 15% of the worlds population lives here. Clean energy is a focus investment area for Norfund, and we appreciate being a partner in this first independent solar power producer project in Mozambique together with EDM and Scatec Solar, says Norfund CEO, Kjell Roland. The project is a result of strong partnership between the governments of Norway and Mozambique. The Norwegian government has provided economic support as well as technical expertise to the energy sector in Mozambique for several years. Scatec Solar is a leading developer and owner of large scale solar plants in Africa. In addition to this new 40 MW plant in Mozambique, the company operates 200 MW of solar power plants in South Africa and Rwanda and has new projects under development across Africa, including Mali, Nigeria and Kenya. The 55th D&AD Professional Awards have added new categories and announced the list of jurors so far. These include Jenny Glover, ECD of TBWA/Hunt/Lascaris, South Africa on the Radio & Audio jury. For the second year, D&AD will be working with Lucky Generals on the creative campaign for the Awards. The D&AD Festival is confirmed to run from 25-27 April 2017. Set over three days, the Festival will see famous speakers and industry heavy-hitters lead talks, panel discussions and setting agendas for the future of the industry. As well as this, there will be workshops, industry talks, parties and networking sessions as well New Blood and Next Awards exhibitions. Entries can enter new sub-categories New sub-categories in 2017 Awards will celebrate innovation and longevity. For the first time D&AD will now award innovations and fresh new work that comes to the market in Beta or as prototypes. New websites, products and new iterations of existing platforms will all get the chance to submit their work to be judged and win a Pencil. (This work will be eligible for a Wood Pencil). As well as rewarding the new, long-standing campaigns and lasting professional relationships will also get a chance to win a D&AD Pencil. The Established Campaigns sub-category will recognise integrated campaigns that have lasted the test of time whilst entries into Collaborative (part of the Integrated & Collaborative Category) will be rewarded for the relationship between agency and client in producing great creative campaigns for three years and over. With the launch of D&AD Impact earlier this year, the White Pencil is no longer part of the awards line up. However, Creativity For Good continues to develop with the addition of Product and Service Design subcategories that reflect the growing trend for these as part of creatively worthy campaigns. The following categories also have notable changes: Branded Film Content has been changed to Branded Content to reflect the changing media in this space and now live-streamed, audio or user generated content can be entered into this category as well as films. Branding has also had some re-organisation with Logos moving over from Graphic Design and the addition of Campaign Branding & Identity which will give design agencies the opportunity to enter specific branding and identities of campaign projects. D&AD has retired Mobile Marketing as a category as it plays a key role in most campaigns and is no longer briefed in isolation, moving instead as a sub-category to other design and marketing categories. Jury announced In keeping with over half a century tradition, the 2017 D&AD Professional Awards will be judged by some of the international creative communities highest profile members. The scrutiny and rigour imposed by the internationally acclaimed judges is legendary, and ensures that only work of the highest standard receives a coveted D&AD Pencil. Awards director, Donal Keenan commented, At D&AD we strongly believe in championing equality in the creative industry and aim to lead by example. This year we are pleased to announce that our line-up of jury foremen and women are equally split by gender for the first time, a trend that we will work to ensure continues into the future. Art Direction: Margaret Keene, ECD, MullenLowe, US Book Design: Coralie Bickford-Smith, designer, Penguin Books, UK Branded Content & Entertainment: Tiffany Rolfe, partner/chief content officer, Co-Collective, US Crafts for Advertising: Toygar Bazarkaya, CCO, Havas Worldwide, US Crafts for Design: Pann Lim, founder, Kinetic Singapore, Singapore Creativity for Good: Nick Worthington, creative chairman, Colenso BBDO, New Zealand Digital Design: Alessandra Lariu, former ECD Frog, co founder SheSays, US Digital Marketing: Farid Mokart, CEO/chief creative officer, FRED and FARID, France Direct: Stephane Xiberras, president/chief creative officer, BETC Paris, France Film Advertising: Fabio Fernandes, president/CCO, F/Nazca Saatchi&Saatchi, Brazil Film Advertising Crafts: James Rouse, director, Outsider, UK Graphic Design: Su Mathews Hale, senior partner, Lippincott, US Integrated & Collaborative: Colleen DeCourcy, global executive creative director, Wieden+Kennedy Portland, US Magazine & Newspaper Design: Mieke Haase, managing partner, Loved, Germany Media: Karen Blackett, chairwoman, MediaCom, UK Music Videos: Arno Moria, CEO/executive producer, Division Paris, France Outdoor Advertising: Josy Paul, chairman, BBDO India, India Packaging Design: Fiona Curran, creative partner, Distil Studio, UK PR: Simon Shaw, CCO, H+K, UK Press Advertising: Merlee Jayme, chairmom/chief creative officer, Dentsu Jayme Syfu, Philippines Product Design: Victoria Slaker, VP, product design, Ammunition , US Radio & Audio: Jenny Glover, ECD, TBWA/Hunt/Lascaris, South Africa Spatial & Experiential Design: Douglas Broadley, group CEO/creative director, Imagination, UK Writing for Advertising: SUSn Treacy, EVP, ECD, FCB Chicago, US Writing for Design: Elise Valmorbida, founder/creative director, word-design, UK Jury announcements will be made later in the year, full information on categories, pricing and dates can be found at www.dandad.org/en/professional-awards/. Did you know that the number of practising oncologists barely hits double digits in most African nations? In fact, there are only 13 oncologists in Kenya (all based in Nairobi) for a population of 47m - that's one oncologist per 3,m people. It's even worse in Ethiopia, where a population of more than 100m is served by just four oncologists in Addis Ababa (you don't need me to do the math). For perspective, consider that there is one oncologist for every 75,000 or so people in the UK. Source: Merck We learnt all this after extensive research into the challenges of access to cancer care in sub-Saharan Africa and it made us realise that the first priority in most sub-Saharan African countries should be to increase the number of oncologists, before discussing investment in infrastructure or drug donations. The Merck Cancer Access Programme, which launched in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania at the beginning of 2015, funds nine doctors with an advanced degree in internal medicine to take part in a two-year fellowship programme at the University of Nairobi. Merck is also sponsoring another five doctors from sub-Saharan Africa to train at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India, in paediatric and adult medical oncology. In Africa, the lack of financial resources is never the only challenge. It is sobering to consider that many countries in sub-Saharan Africa have no radiotherapy facilities, especially given that as many as 50% of patients with cancer would be expected to benefit from radiotherapy as part of their treatment. But the real bottleneck is the scarcity of trained healthcare personnel capable of tackling prevention, early diagnosis, and management of cancer. For example, when we started our work with the University of Addis Ababa, we soon found that the university needed to expand its oncology set-up it was the only cancer centre in the country, after all. Ethiopias ministry of health has offered them expansion into a new four-story building for patient chemotherapy a great opportunity, but with so few trained specialists, it is difficult for the centre to take full advantage. A growing problem Cancer is set to be a huge economic and social burden on Africa. By 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts there will be 16m new cases of cancer every year, 70% of which will be in developing countries, where governments are least prepared to address growing cancer rates and where survival rates are often less than half those of more developed countries. The numbers represent a massive challenge for African nations, where healthcare systems are largely built to tackle a very different mix of diseases. Building professional capacity takes a long time but the long-term impact is significant, so I firmly believe that now is the right time to start this movement for change. I prefer to use the term movement rather than programme or initiative because, if applied successfully, it will change the cancer care landscape all over Africa. Although it's not yet live on the Public Protector's website, you can access the State Capture report (officially named the State of Capture report), on document repository Scribd, here . Hat-tip to eNCA for the upload. Original article: Its a landmark day, South Africa. The State Capture report the last document authored by former public protector Thuli Madonsela will be available on the Public Protectors website before 5pm SAST today. This after North Gauteng High Court today ruled in favour of opposition parties, and President Jacob Zumas withdrawal of his interdict. But while the report should be available for the public to view today, at the time of writing, the Protectors website is down. The Chapter 9 institution on Twitter doesnt give a reason for the blackout, but it doesnt seem to be alarmed either. Public Protector website is https://t.co/gjUYpZWj3S not https://t.co/SiPRUdDQF1 We will make an announcement once the report is live. Public Protector SA (@PublicProtector) November 2, 2016 It also suggested that it will announce once the report is available, presumably on its Twitter account. Perhaps its thanks to much of South Africa mashing the F5 button? Nevertheless, well be sure to update this article as more information, and the actual report, surfaces on the website. South Africa's parliament voted recently to appoint an Information Regulator and the National Assembly voted in favour of the nomination of the five candidates to run the regulator. On 26 October 2016, a government statement confirmed the appointment of Pansy Tlakula as full-time member and chairperson of the Information Regulator, along with other newly appointed officials, effective 1 December 2016. Their appointment indicates that the Protection of Personal Information Acts (POPI's) remaining provisions coming into effect is imminent. Once the final provisions have been signed into law, companies that deal with personal information will have a grace period of one year within which to comply, with a possible extension in some circumstances to three years. The legislation has a wide reach across businesses of differing sizes across many sectors: if companies gather, receive, hold or share information about their consumers/customer base, they will be affected, including, but not limited to, ID numbers, company registrations numbers, email addresses and physical addresses. This information and how it is handled will require a complete rethink for most companies. POPI states that companies can only collect information required for specific purposes and that how the information is stored and disposed of must be strictly controlled. The latter is of great importance not only must information be kept up to date; it must be decommissioned and disposed of once no longer needed. In addition, the person whose information is being held must be able to access it if necessary. Challenging year for contact centres In the contact centre environment alone, where the entire operation relies on this kind of information, it is easy to see that a year is going to be a challenge for it to be able to upgrade the technology and business processes in order to comply with POPI. Companies will first have to see what they are storing, how it is being stored and what they are using it for. This will require business analysts input, even before a strategy can be implemented to facilitate the change to compliance. Then business processes will have to be developed that can aid companies in this without undermining their current workflow. Depending on the size of databases, this is no small task. Additional hardware or software may also need to be considered, depending on the requirements. Given that companies allocate their budgets per annum, it may already be too late for them to shift budget allocations to this process, and there will be significant costs, depending on the state of their contact centres. Older, legacy contact centres may have to have a complete overhaul, while others may be able to implement business solutions that align with their existing technology. Ongoing monitoring It is not a finite process, since POPI requires ongoing monitoring. The Act requires that an information officer be appointed to establish procedures and maintain them to ensure that data handling from start to finish is done in compliance with legislation. Ultimately, the legislation will benefit both customer and business; the customer will be more secure in the knowledge that POPI protects his or her personal information and, if done correctly, businesses will have far more efficiency in the ways they handle data. It is time to start considering the logistics, should legislation be rolled out in 2017. Only the most agile companies will be able to adapt and comply, with less disruption to their workflow and their general operations. Hydrogen fuel cell technology can be the green future of power generation. Two Department of Science and Technology projects are designed to prove the viability of fuel cells developed in South Africa. The city of Johannesburg's primary healthcare clinic in Windsor East serves a population of 33,000 people. The clinic offers mother and child health services, TB and HIV screening, and provides treatment for HIV-positive and TB patients. The converted hydrogen forklift at Impala Platinum Refinery is the first of what is hoped is a fleet powered by clean technology. (Image: GCIS) Like all other clinics, it needs to store its life-giving vaccines at a constant temperature between two and eight degrees for them to remain effective. Vaccines are susceptible to swings in temperature, and a steady, reliable power supply to fridges is paramount. At the Windsor East Clinic, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), along with private sector partners, has piloted a project using a hydrogen fuel cell to provide secure back-up power for the clinic's fridges and air-conditioning system. Sister Shirley Mapusa of the City of Johannesburg's health department reduces the argument for the technology succinctly. "The battery is always on standby. Even when we are not here. So we can keep the cost of health care low because we do not lose vaccines if there is a power outage." The hydrogen fuel cell is part of pilot public private sector project to field test the technology and demonstrate real-world applications. Air Products supplies the hydrogen, Clean Energy Investments funded the installation, along with Gridline Construction and Powertech System Integrators, and monitoring of the system. For the staff at Windsor East, the fuel cell offers peace of mind. Load shedding or a technical fault does not hold the fear that stored vaccines will be spoiled and discarded. They have been able to run their fridges for up to four days without interruption but the system should be able to run for twice that before the supply of hydrogen runs out. Andre Grzesiak of Air Products points out: "The system's output depends on load. Right now the clinic runs four fridges so the system will run longer on the available hydrogen. The system is designed to allow for the addition of more fridges. More fridges mean more power is generated and the system runs autonomously for fewer days." Byproducts kept to minimum The cell is whisper soft once it is running and produces steam, or water, as a byproduct of its operations. There are no noxious fumes produced, as there would be from a diesel generator. "This makes it perfect for this clinic. There is no noise and fumes to upset the neighbours," explains Dr Cosmas Chiteme of the DST. For Chiteme, leader of the hydrogen fuel cell project at the DST, success of the pilot will ensure equitable access to energy, a more secure and affordable power supply, and a greener energy future. As important, "This is just one of the initiatives to promote a knowledge-based economy. Anchored by the use of hydrogen and the beneficiation of minerals like platinum, HySA (Hydrogen South Africa) with its research partners (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, University of the Western Cape and University of Cape Town), aims to establish South Africa as a leading exporter of hydrogen and fuel cell technology." Success would also mean that South Africa would benefit from its mineral wealth and change the lives of its people. "We are piloting fuel cells in Eastern Cape schools. Pupils use them to charge laptops and tablets and it is changing their lives. Hydrogen fuel cells will make a difference in healthcare, education and industry." Power of the future Fuel cells use an electro-chemical process as opposed to combustion to produce power. Mining houses see it as the power source of the future because it reduces heat, noise levels and noxious and sulphide emissions produced during operations. At the Impala Platinum Refinery in Springs, the company is testing a hydrogen cell powered forklift in its warehouse. The fuel cell charges an on-board battery a metal hydride container that stores the hydrogen at a 180-bar pressure. "The nickel and cobalt hydride storage unit acts like a sponge. It absorbs hydrogen and releases it when needed." Chiteme explains that projects such as the Impala forklift and the Windsor East Clinic were endorsed by the government to develop and test high-value commercial products in the sector and beneficiate platinum resources. And it is working, he believes. "The technology that powers this forklift was developed at the Department of Science and Technology's HySA Systems Centre of Competence based at the University of the Western Cape. We have built a system that stores hydrogen at lower pressures which improves safety and is cheaper." Emissions are reduced, the only byproduct of the chemical reaction that produces power is water, and it is less noisy than industry standard diesel forklifts. Converted from a diesel lift at a cost of R2m, the hydrogen powered version is also capable of generating the required power for daily operations while requiring refuelling every few days. The future South Africa has 75% of the world's platinum reserves; however, beyond its use in catalytic convertors and jewellery, the platinum mined is shipped out of the country in its raw state. The Department of Science and Technology's HySA initiative develops technologies that will beneficiate raw minerals in South Africa. Chiteme explains: "The HySA strategy is to create expertise and a knowledge-based economy using local resources. For the DST, creating new industries through better use of locally mined minerals helps to build a new knowledge economy that offers better work at better pay. For platinum miners it is about saving the 450,000 jobs in the sector. The price of platinum is less than half today than it was at its 2008 peak. By developing new technologies and building new industries Impala and the DST is hoping to widen the demand for platinum. Today the biggest market is car manufacturers, which use the metal in the production of catalytic converters. Catalytic converters, Chiteme explains, have been instrumental in reducing harmful gases produced by internal combustion engines. "Fuel cell technology has the potential to better those results. Not only is this technology green, we can change power generation and grow a market for our mineral resources." The nascent fuel cell industry uses about 30,000 ounces of platinum a year; the DST believes that it can grow this to 300,000 ounces within a decade as pilot projects such as Windsor East Clinic and Impala Platinum prove successful. Whether the Republicans cry rigged or the Democrats scream disenfranchised we can be certain of one thing: the President wont be elected next Tuesday. Even if there are no hanging chads or last minute court appeals, the election of the President wont officially be decided until January 6, 2017. It may seem strange that the presidential results wont be final until a few days before the inauguration. But thats the way the Founding Fathers designed the system to work. Confused? Then its probably time for a brief refresher on the Electoral College: Where did the Electoral College system come from? Although the term Electoral College is never used in the Constitution (Article 2, Section 1, Clauses 2 and 3), the electors that choose the President at each election are traditionally called a College (meaning a group of people organized toward a common goal). The Electoral College was proposed by James Wilson at the Constitutional Convention as a compromise between those who wanted the Congress to choose the President and those who believed the election should be decided by the state legislatures. The Framers were generally in agreement that giving the people the power to directly elect the President was a bad idea. Who decides how many electoral votes each state receives? Each state receives an electoral vote for each U.S. Senator (two per state) plus one for each Congressional representative. Since the number of representatives is based on population, the states electoral votes are also based on the number of people who reside within a state. Currently, the Electoral College includes 538 electors, 535 for the total number of congressional members, and three who represent Washington, D.C. (for the purposes of the Electoral College, the District of Columbia is treated like a state). How do these electoral votes decide who becomes president? On the Monday following the second Wednesday in December (which falls on the 19th this year), the electors of each state meet in their respective state capitals to cast the official votes for President and Vice President. These votes are then sealed and sent to the president of the Senate (the current Vice President, Joe Biden), who will open and read the votes on January 6th in the presence of both houses of Congress. The winner is sworn into office exactly two weeks later, at noon January 20. Who are these electors? Since the political parties choose electors, they tend to be partisan political activists. The Constitution doesnt have any requirements other than specifications for who cannot be an elector: a Representative or Senator, a high-ranking U.S. official in a position of trust or profit, or anyone who has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States. Do the electors have to vote for the candidate who received the most votes in their state? Nope. The elector is free to cast his vote for anyone he or she chooses. In fact, there have been times when electors have voted contrary to the will of the peopleand its entirely Constitutional. Anyone who votes against their states choice is known as a faithless elector and essentially ruins any future they might have had with their political party. How many electoral votes are need to win? A Presidential candidate must receive a majority (270 of the 538 eligible) in order to win the election. What happens if there is a tie? What would happen if Trump and Clinton both get exactly 269 votes? Then the House of Representative gets to elect the President. They must choose from the from the three nominees who got the most Electoral votes (Trump, Hillary, and maybe Evan McMullin if he were to win Utah). Each state gets one vote so 26 states are needed to win. And yes, McMullin could win the electoral votes of only one state and the House could still choose him to be President. (This has happened twice in our nations history with the House choosing Thomas Jefferson over Aaron Burr and John Quincy Adams being selected over Andrew Jackson.) The Senate then elects the Vice President from the two Vice Presidential candidates with the most Electoral votes (Mike Pence or Tim Kaine, but not McMullins running mate, Mindy Finn). Each Senator gets one vote. If the House cant decide on a President by Inauguration Day, the Vice-President Elect (Kaine or Pence) serves as acting President until the deadlock is resolved. So in theory we could have President Trump and Vice President Kaine, President Clinton and Vice President Pence, or President McMulling and either Vice President Kaine or Pence. Thats crazy. Wouldnt relying on the popular vote be a better system? Not necessarily. The popular vote is subject to types of fraud that dont apply to the Electoral College system (except perhaps in swing states). Political parties, for instance, have no incentive to run up the vote when their candidate is going to take their state anyway, so they are less likely to resort to direct fraud. On the other hand, the Electoral College makes it virtually impossible for a third-party candidate to ever be elected (this election is the closest any will likely ever get). So if youre a Libertarian or a Green candidate you may have a reason to want to scrap the current system. On the other hand, if you like Evan McMullin, the Electoral College is your last best hope to see your candidate in the White House. Africa has some of the fastest growing cities in the world with the continent's urban population expected to rise to 1.2-billion by 2050. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi , a keynote speaker at the inaugural African Real Estate & Infrastructure Summit, believes the future of the continent is linked to its cities, and the election of local governments. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, secretary general, UCLG-A Mbassi is the secretary general of the chapter of the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG-A) organisation. The regional body aims to provide a representative voice for local governments across the continent, promoting decentralisation in Africa, and African local governments as a distinct and autonomous sphere of government. With the goal of improving democracy and public governance in Africa, the UCLG-A supports the installation and empowerment of sub-national governments so that they are better able to deliver on their mandates, and are enabled to contribute on a national level on matters that affect day-to-day living conditions of African people. "Our wish is that all cities and all sub-national governments be part of the national association irrespective of their political affiliation because it is through the unity of their voices that sub-national governments can bring about needed change in the governance of African countries that have been overcentralised for 70 years," explained Mbassi. Beyond the national level, Mbassi believes collaboration is needed at the global level "so that the viewpoint of those public authorities that are closest to citizens is duly taken into account when defining development and cooperation agendas". Africa's urbanisation challenge With the fastest rate of urbanisation in the world, African cities are becoming home to the majority of its population, explained Mbassi. "The challenge ahead is huge since, in the next 30 years, the urban population of Africa is expected to rise from 470-million people today to over 1.2-billion by 2050 - the equivalent to today's population of China, three times the population of the US, and four times the population of the EU." He notes that the success of the continent will, therefore, depend on how these cities are managed and governed, their inclusivity, the incorporation of African values and culture, the creation of economic opportunities and employment, and the extent to which collaboration is embraced across nations. Mbassi said that while Africa has a reputation for having good social capital embedded in values of solidarity, regardless of living conditions, the scale of transformation required has placed immense strain on urban governance as "cities are characterised by a high level of informality, low-wage employment, low productivity, and poor infrastructure and services". "These conditions," said Mbassi, "have prevented cities in sub-Saharan Africa in particular from serving as engines of growth." Mbassi believes that successful cities are the result of national governments accepting local branches as distinct, autonomous spheres that are complementary to their efforts, and as a necessary component for the success of their national urban policies. He went on to suggest ways in which to develop successful African cities in which no-one is left behind, as is recommended by the New Agenda on Sustainable Development. Accept that cities are here to stay. "I love the beauty of our villages, I hate the severity of life that the African people suffer there most of the time - not surprisingly they move into cities and vote with their feet," said Mbassi. With the continent's urban population set to surpass its rural population by 2037, African cities are an unavoidable reality, he explained. Implement appropriate enabling policies. African cities require significant infrastructural development - appropriate enabling policies at local and national levels will encourage organised responses that support economic transformation and improved social economic stability. With an estimated $60bn of investment required per annum for urban development in sub-Saharan Africa, Mbassi sees an opportunity here for the real estate sector. Make urban African investment appealing to the real estate sector. "Despite the promising prospects, there is still hesitation on the part of many professionals in the real estate industry to take the reins in Africa. I am here also to understand why and to know which steps African public authorities, in particular local government, must take in order to ensure urban African investment becomes appealing for the real estate community." Investors should target the intermediary cities. With a third of the urban population in Africa housed in intermediary cities, the real estate community should broaden their scope beyond the big cities and upper and middle classes, explained Mbassi. Public-private collaboration in administrative capacity building. "No market can flourish without the intervention of public authorities that are capable of urbanising," said Mbassi, and the private sector, as an investor, needs to contribute to capacity building at local and national administrative levels to ensure good knowledge of the components of, and to understand the functioning of the real estate sector. Mbassi concluded his keynote presentation by noting that the UCLG-A is open to considering partnerships to support this effort. For more information on the African Real Estate & Infrastructure Summit 2016, go to www.african-real-estate-summit.com. The conference is currently underway at the Cape Town Convention Centre. Construction group Murray & Roberts says a consortium led by the Southern Palace Group has bought its Southern African infrastructure and building businesses for R314m. Southern Palace is a wholly black-owned and managed diversified South African industrial holding company with interests in numerous well-established businesses. "This transaction supports Murray & Roberts' long-term strategy and creates the first major black-owned infrastructure business in SA," Henry Laas, Murray & Roberts group CEO, said on Tuesday, 1 November. "We... believe that the transaction is in the best interests of both Murray & Roberts and the infrastructure and building businesses," he said. These businesses comprise Murray & Roberts Buildings (Gauteng), Murray & Roberts Western Cape, Murray & Roberts Infrastructure, Murray & Roberts Botswana, Murray & Roberts Plant, Murray & Roberts Developments, Concor Opencast Mining, Dynamic Concrete Solutions Namibia, and Murray & Roberts' share in the Medupi power plant civils joint venture. "We are delighted to have concluded this transaction, which sees us acquiring a strong Southern African asset with vast capabilities," Southern Palace CEO Lucas Tseki said on Tuesday. The value of the deal was calculated according to the R231m net asset value of the businesses as at the closing date of the transaction, and would be settled in cash on this date. This would probably be in the first quarter of 2017, said Ed Jardim, Murray & Roberts investor and media executive. Murray & Roberts said it would provide an additional cash amount to enhance the company's balance sheet, taking the total purchase price up to R314m. "This is the amount which will be received as the fully funded payment consideration. Cash, which we will receive back when we are paid the R314m," Jardim said. Source: Business Day RBA, the housing developer that went into business rescue in February, fell into an aftertax loss of R10m in the six months to end-June, from a profit of R1.8m in the matching period. The interim results released on Wednesday, 2 November, included an emphasis of matter that RBA's total liabilities exceeded its total assets by R60.4m, wider than the matching period's R43.2m. "The business rescue practitioner is unable to determine if RBA and its subsidiaries will continue as going concerns until such time as the business rescue plans are finalised and approved by creditors," the statement said. Business rescue and restructuring costs of R5.1m contributed to operating expenses increasing 15.4% to R44.5m. Old Mutual's Housing Impact Fund of SA, which initiated the court proceedings that placed RBA in business rescue, lent it an additional R36m. This contributed to finance costs growing 76.6% to R18.9m. Though the business rescue practitioners have added to RBA's costs, they do seem to have helped its top line. The equivalent houses constructed number increased 14.3% to 520 units, helping revenue grow 55.2% to R218.8m. Source: BDpro Many people think that appearance is not important. Big mistake. What is it that you think people notice about you first? Lets be frank - we judge people on the basis of what their clothes, hair and accessories look like. Why wouldnt those same people judge you too? Looking good is not about vanity because you are so much more than your appearance. Allow people to make the right association with your appearance, especially in the workplace and when you are representing your company. HR problems As corporate image consultants, we cannot help but notice that many companies do not have a formal dress code or, if they do, they seldom enforce it. This can cause problems for the HR department. In the absence of a policy or where a policy is not implemented or maintained, employees tend to get comfortable. It is extremely difficult to manage people out of a comfort zone. Employees will naturally tend to make excuses as to why they should not adhere to the dress code policy. Reasons will include: money; culture; comfort. The list goes on. You will soon be battling against multiple resistance points unless you stake a dress code position for the company. Brand consistency The reality is that our beautiful country is home to a wonderful array of cultures. There is no reasonable way that employers can be expected to make provision in their policies for the diversity that we find in our country. Remember, the employer has spent years of effort and money to build a brand around a specific image. That brand by the way, attracts revenue and that revenue pays salaries. Affordability The excuse about money is valid for everyone. We all have financial limitations and it would be great to have more money for the wardrobes that we desire. Companies should consider making provision to assist employees to acquire a more professional or appropriate corporate wardrobe. Clearly, not all companies can, however, afford to commit to this expense. However, irrespective of whether employers subsidise or provide budget for clothing, employees must budget to dress in a professional way. Apart from having a dress code, employers can encourage employees by offering clothing and shopping incentives. And get a professional in to guide employees on how to buy cost effectively and within the dress code. Comfortably scruffy The excuse of I want to be comfortable in what I wear simply does not cut it. Typically, these employees wear sweat pants, leggings and oversized chinos to work. Dont buy in to that story. When they were interviewed for the job, they looked the part. Make sure that they stay sharp. Image matters The overwhelming truth is that image does matter. It is your first impression. It is also an impression of the company that you represent. You need a dress code to avoid to avoid grey areas and build consistency. The law also supports the employers right to ensure uniformity and positive brand association of employees. Do not let image become the proverbial elephant in the room. From an employers perspective, its also important to introduce a dress code and grooming policy which is reasonable, fair, lawful and non-discrimatory. Perhaps one of the most compelling benefits of taking care of dress code and grooming is that if people look and feel good about their appearance, it will have a positive domino effect in their lives and at the workplace. Single-concept, or bite-sized, learning is taking the global online education industry by storm. A natural response to the prevalence of mobile learning and an antidote to lack of time and resources in the workplace, bite-sized learning is ideal for employee education in South Africa. In our fast-paced, technology driven lives, we are inundated with information and communication. We are busy, we are distracted and our attention spans are compromised. At the same time, we are expected to know more than ever before in order to keep up with changes within the world of work. It is therefore not surprising that many people find traditional corporate training overwhelming and ineffective. Reams of information and many hours out of the working day doesnt make good business sense. Employees are not going to effectively engage with, and retain, the information when it is presented in a long-winded manner, and through this old-fashioned approach, businesses lose precious working hours in the process. The single-concept learning solution Unlike the traditional approach, bite-sized learning is tailored to meet the needs of the modern learner. It enables people to engage with snackable nuggets of information on a PC, mobile phone or tablet, anytime, anywhere. This information can be consumed on the go, during a coffee break or on a taxi. The learning objects are focused on one concept, allowing people to savour, digest and retain the information. The content is designed to fit into their schedules, and to meet their most urgent knowledge needs, rather than disrupting agendas with lengthy lectures and irrelevant information. These single-concept learning bubbles are chained together or chunked to achieve the required outcome of the programme and are scheduled at regular intervals. These intervals provide the necessary space for learners to absorb the information, and allow the brain to be open and ready for the next information instalment when it comes. Bite-sized learning burgeons to meet modern needs The factors that have contributed to the rise, and popularity, of bite-sized learning are varied and intertwined. The key contributors have been the demand for mobile learning, the increase of Millennials in the workforce and the constant pressure faced by companies to develop courses quickly and at a low cost. According to global researcher Ambient Insight, the mobile learning market is predicted to reach $12.2 billion (R164.45 billion) by 2017, which is a staggering annual growth rate of 18.2% for the period 2012 to 2017. With this prevalence of mobile, many companies have started to implement device-based learning, following the lead from their employees who want to be able to access information on their phones, on the go. Millennials, the drivers of the mobile learning market, are expected to constitute half of the global workforce by 2020, according to a PriceWaterhouse Cooper report published in 2012. This generation are our technology natives, comfortable with any device, application or digital innovation and completely immersed in the world of social media and instant messaging. With this easy access to information comes a shortened attention span and the need for content to be exciting, dynamic and hyper-relevant. Bite-sized learning is therefore perfectly suited to young working adults, and the ideal way to communicate with and educate staff members effectively. Snackable skills to upskill South African adults The unemployment problem in South Africa can be attributed to a lack of skills, not a lack of jobs. There is a huge skills shortage in our country, and unfortunately there arent the resources necessary to tackle the problem head on. Training is necessity, but company pressure means that we cannot afford to take time out of the busy work day to focus on training, and often dont have the budgets to develop text-heavy, printed content that was used in workforce education previously. In South Africa, more young adults will have access to a mobile device than they do to a desktop or laptop computer. Therefore single-concept learning is a way to engage with South African adults wherever they are, in a way that is convenient, comfortable, affordable and accessible. With data costs still high, and wifi not readily accessible everywhere, the beauty of single-concept learning is that learners can download the information when they are at the office, to be consumed later, when they are travelling, or they are at home. The big benefits of going bite-sized The biggest advantage to using single-concept learning is the improved learner engagement. Studies have shown that learners often find it hard to focus on course material for longer than 20-minutes at one time. This issue can be overcome by dispatching nuggets of useful information to the learner. Another benefit is that once consumed, this information will be digested and retained more effectively. Humans, especially in our technology-centred lives, have limited capacity to process information. As such, bite-sized courses are perfectly suited to how our brains are wired, allowing us to comprehend and be able to recall these morsels of information more successfully. Just-in-time support is a very important element of workplace learning. Rather than learning something just in case you might use it in the future, short learning modules can be engaged with in the moment they are needed. By providing real-time, relevant information, this enhances employee efficiency, and as such, improves company productivity. Single-concept learning is becoming prevalent across the globe and businesses in South Africa have the opportunity to ride the wave of this new learning methodology to empower their employees and improve productivity. Former SA Revenue Services (Sars) spokesperson Adrian Lackay on Tuesday, 1 November 2016, defended defamation claims, to the value of a "preposterous" R12 million, brought against him by his erstwhile employer and its commissioner Tom Moyane. The matter was argued at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, where Lackay's lawyer Max du Plessis slated Sars' case. This in an exception application, seeking to effectively have the claims against Lackay thrown out of court. Du Plessis said the amount of R10 million claimed by Sars and R2 million claimed by Moyane is preposterous and must be substantiated by the two parties. Moyane and Sars are suing Lackay for allegedly defamatory statements he made in a letter to Parliament titled, "Sars: This is the inside story". In the letter Lackay suggested that Moyane had misled Parliament and the nation, relating to the alleged establishment of a "rouge investigation unit" at Sars. For Lackay, Du Plessis argued that Sars and Moyane had failed to grasp the legal test for defamation in their case. He said the applicants looked at Lackay's statements in isolation, ignoring their context. "You don't pick out the words that you think are defamatory and say, 'hey presto, those words are defamatory'." He said that Lackay's comments were not intended for public consumption but rather for a limited audience - Parliament, where privilege is given against defamation claims. He added that Lackay's allegedly defamatory statements did not amount to a final conclusion on Sars and Moyane. "On the contrary, it raises Mr Lackay's concerns so that they might be 'properly interrogated'. "He expressly records that 'the lack of reaching a conclusion on the true facts has harmed and continues to harm Sars as an institution'." Du Plessis said further that in South African law an organ of state like Sars cannot sue for defamation, as was established by the Supreme Court of Appeal. Du Plessis said Sars and Moyane had failed to justify the damages claimed against Lackay, saying the figures seemed thumb-sucked. "The amount is so preposterous that they need to explain. The only option [one is] left with is that it is an attempt to threaten and muzzle [Lackay]." Advocate William Mokhari SC for Sars and Moyane argued, however, that the claims against Lackay are valid and that Lackay was raising "frivolous" issues on exception, which should be dealt with in the defamation hearing instead. The court has reserved its judgment and will notify parties when it has decided whether to grant the exception. Source: The Times Progress has been made by the Ministerial Task Team appointed by Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande to develop a support and funding model for poor and "missing middle" students. A blueprint, entitled the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP), underwent an engagement process, which saw various inputs incorporated and agreement obtained across all key stakeholders for the future governance structure of ISFAP. The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme makes various recommendations that are currently under consideration for implementation. The proposed model and recommendations contained in the report will go a long way in not only addressing the funding problems faced by poor and 'missing middle' students, but also in addressing other challenges which South Africa faces, said Cabinet in a statement following its meeting on 1 and 2 November. The challenges facing South Africa include reducing the high dropout rates of poor and working class students in the higher education and training sector; improving the employability of the funded graduates; improving the skills profile of the country, and improving the partnership between government, the private sector and higher education institutions in supporting poor and missing middle students. The ISFAP blueprint provides poor and missing middle students financial assistance to cover the full cost of study. While recommending fully subsidised education to the poor in the form of bursaries and grants, Cabinet said ISFAP also proposes progressively reducing bursaries and grants to the missing middle students as household income increases. ISFAP sketches scenarios of how this can be achieved by mobilising funds from both the public and private sectors. Cabinet welcomed the additional R17 billion that has been allocated to universities in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) over the next three years, saying it will help to further ease the burden on financially needy and missing middle students. The MTBPS was tabled by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan on 26 October. This funding will also ensure that more students are able to access higher education, as R9.2 billion of this funding will be allocated to National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), said Cabinet. It said the immediate priority now is to support all efforts to save the 2016 academic programme. Now is the time to end all protests, return to class and complete the academic year without further delays. Government believes that dialogue to address the demands of students can take place, while the academic programme is underway, Cabinet said. It reaffirmed the right to protest, but said this must be done within the confines of the law and in a manner that does not infringe on the rights of others. Financial Statistics of Higher Education Institutions 2015 report Statistics South Africa recently released the Financial Statistics of Higher Education Institutions 2015 report, which shows that student enrolment in higher education grew by 32.5% from 2006 to 2015. Grants by national government to higher education increased by 144% over a 10- year period from 2006 to 2015. The report shows that government grants and tuition fees account for the bulk of university income, with government spending accounting for 43% of university income and tuition fees accounting for 34%. These findings demonstrate governments commitment to education and reaffirm our call for those who can afford to pay their fair share, and reveals that tuition fees remain an important part of overall funding, said Cabinet. Multinational software company Citrix has announced new research which reveals that digital transformation readiness does not top the priority list of the South African business decision maker. The study, which was commissioned by Citrix and conducted by BMI-TechKnowledge (BMI-T), examined the impact of ICT on South African businesses. It involved a total of 329 interviews with both business leaders and technical respondents from 254 companies. Keeping the lights on The report suggests a sense of complacency among the South African business community regarding investment in progressive technologies. 53% of all respondents are opting to invest in technologies simply for the benefit of keeping the lights on rather than for competitive-edge innovation. Companies are arguably at risk of becoming irrelevant on a global stage, as other countries surge ahead with digital transformation projects to create innovative and technology-driven businesses. Digital is vital to future success The disconnect between technical workers and business respondents is also clear. Technical respondents better understood the vital importance of digital transformation to improve performance and, ultimately, transform a company. As many as 83% of the technical respondents identified a direct link between digital transformation and the achievement of strategic business objectives. However, only 31% of business respondents specified that their organisation had been driving digital transformation at the highest level. Business leaders are therefore failing to acknowledge the need to proactively invest in the future today. In line with this finding, 56% of all respondents identified skills shortages as the top challenge to achieving technological innovation. Access to people with the right skill-sets to manage the new age of data-driven systems is important, yet tough, in the current market. Despite this recognition, 75% of respondents did not see the need for a chief digital officer and only around 5% of respondents regarded technology as a threat to their current job role. The general consensus was that human input would always be a necessity; and nearly 35% of business respondents ultimately didnt see technology having any impact on their role at all. Arriving at the holy trinity On the flip side, all respondents understood that the right investment could result in improvements to growth, innovation and productivity. Respondents felt that should a business invest in the right technologies to enable digitilisation, there would be a 53% improvement in productivity, a 68% improvement in business growth and a 69% improvement in innovation. Technologies such as virtualisation and cloud computing were viewed as most likely to transform businesses in the foreseeable future. Brendan Mc Aravey, country manager, Citrix South Africa says: Given how the convergence of cloud, mobile, big data analytics and IoT has changed and improved the way global counterparts work and live, South African businesses now have a choice. They can either invest in technology for the purpose of innovation rather than just operational efficiency, or they can opt to ignore the fact that digitilisation is inevitable and continue on a path to global irrelevancy. "The latter ultimately places companies at risk of technological devolution against more innovative competitors on a global scale. Investment in foundational technologies now may shift South Africa towards a more positive and productive future. Research methodology: Citrix commissioned BMI-T to conduct a survey which consisted of 329 interviews in 254 companies with an eventual 40/60 split between business and ICT technical respondents. The surveys were conducted during the month of September 2016. Industry sectors selected were Finance, Manufacturing, Government, Health, Education, Media and Communications. HELSINKI: Finnish telecoms giant Nokia on Wednesday said it had finalised its acquisition of former French-American rival Alcatel-Lucent. Hermann via Pixabay Nokia, the world's number one mobile phone maker for more than a decade until 2012, had struck a deal to buy the other firm in April 2015 but has struggled to buy up the remaining shares to gain full control of the company. By January it held a controlling interest of around 76%, but a public exchange offer to buy the rest dragged on as small shareholders held out for a better price. "The closing of the deal today, marked by the purchase of all outstanding Alcatel-Lucent shares, means Nokia will now start eliminating the complexity and costs of running two separate public companies," Nokia said in a statement. Nokia has been going through a process of radical transformation over the last few years. In 2013 it bought 50% of its network activities from Germany's Siemens, and the following year it divested from its previously world-leading mobile phone business. It sold its mapping unit Here in 2015 as well as striking the deal to buy Alcatel-Lucent, which had only recorded one year of annual profit since its inception in 2006. Nokia remains in the red, though it said last week that it had managed to reduce net losses to 125 million euros ($135 million) in the third quarter, after a 665-million-euro loss in the previous quarter ($725 million). Thanks to the Alcatel-Lucent acquisition, the company's net sales grew by nearly 94% to 5.89 billion euros from 3.04 billion for Nokia alone a year before. Nokia was the world's top mobile phone maker between 1998 and 2011 but was overtaken by South Korean rival Samsung after failing to respond to the rapid rise of smartphones. Source: AFP During the Annual Transport Awards held in Mthatha, Eastern Cape it was announced that the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has been named the Best Performing Institution in Transport for the third year in a row. This means that SACAA outperformed all provincial and municipal departments of transport as well as other State entities responsible for various modes of transport from 2014-2016. bottlein via pixabay The Best Performing Institution Award is in recognition of the SACAAs continued excellent performance, which rose consistently over the last five years; from 74% during the 2011/12 financial year to 84% in the 2012/13 fiscal year, and then from 94% during the 2013/14 financial year to 100% during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 financial years. Fourth Auditor-General Award in the bag The Best Performing Institution Award comes just a week after the SACAA received the Auditor-Generals Clean Audit Award for the fourth year in a row. This means that the Civil Aviation Authority has consistently produced clean audits during the 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15, and 2015/16 financial years. The Clean Audit Award serves as evidence of the Auditor-General's satisfaction and unqualified audit opinion regarding the financial and operational management of the SACAA. It also attests to the presence of effective internal controls and good governance processes at the SACAA as well as the entitys compliance with applicable legislation on financial management. To some these awards may mean little but to us, as the regulator ,they are of significance considering the huge responsibility we have, which is to assist licence-holders to uphold unquestionable levels of aviation safety and security. Acknowledgment of the good governance and exceptional performance rendered by the SACAA gives comfort to those that use air transport, and also mean that the regulator is more than capable of discharging its mandate. Our performance is intertwined with the countrys levels of aviation safety and security, and it mirrors how we discharge our mandate. It is thus important that we excel in all aspects of our business, explained Poppy Khoza, who heads the SACAA as director of Civil Aviation. Khoza added that in discharging its mandate, which includes auditing operators, the SACAA endeavors to always do things right and often applies the same precision used by those that audit the regulator. We always strive to follow due processes and apply the same meticulous approach that is often carried out on the SACAA and South Africa, for instance, by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as well as other international civil aviation bodies, she elaborated. ICAO due to audit South Africa in 2017 Following an audit conducted in 2013 by ICAO, South Africas level of compliance with mandatory ICAO prescripts is currently rated at 84%, which is significantly higher than the world average of 60%. The rating does not include one element that was not reviewed by ICAO during the 2013 audit, which is the aircraft accident and incident investigation function. Had this element been audited, the rating could possibly have been higher than 84%. We are excited that South Africas ICAO Corrective Action Plan has progressed very well and this has prompted ICAO to confirm its next audit, which is earmarked for May 2017. A scrutiny of statistics indicates that out of 191 ICAO Member States, South Africa is at position number 38 globally and second in Africa in terms of ICAOs Effective Implementation rating. These ratings are not static and change consistently in line with ICAOs continual auditing exercises. South Africa, therefore, needs to perform well during the 2017 ICAO audit in order to improve its ranking, said Khoza. Tehran (AINA) -- Yonathan Betkolia, the Secretary General of the Assyrian Universal Alliance and member of the Iranian Parliament, has issued the following statement on the battle for Mosul, Iraq. Rape and murder of women and children, slaughter of the elderly, occupation of Assyrian lands, forced displacement of the Assyrians, and using them as human shields are only a small sample of the crimes of these terrorist groups, which unfortunately have yet to be effectively addressed by international human rights organizations and states claiming to defend the Assyrian population. I, as the Secretary General of the Assyrian Universal Alliance, in unison with all Assyrians strongly condemn the crimes of the ISIS terrorist groups in Iraq. I would like to extend my gratitude to the government of Iraq, the Iraqi forces, and the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al Sha'bi) for their liberation of Mosul including the Assyrian cities and villages, and the aid to the Assyrians from the central government. We ask the United Nations and other regional and international human rights organization for immediate and decisive action to prevent the continuation of the atrocities and human rights violations being committed against the Assyrians by the terrorist groups, as well as, providing support for the Assyrians, the Iraqi government, the Iraqi forces, and the Population Mobilization Forces in their fight against the terrorist groups. Yonathan Betkolia Secretary General Assyrian Universal Alliance The Home Builders Association of Alabama honored several individual members and local Home Builders Associations with awards during its 2016 Annual Convention recently in Nashville. Jeremy Wright of Pelham was named the (HBAA)'s Jerry Kyser Builder of the Year for 2016. Johnson, of J. Wright Building Company, is a member of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. The Jerry Kyser Builder of the Year Award recognizes a builder member from a local association with more than 500 members who has shown outstanding service to their local and state associations, their community and the building industry as a whole. Sam Almaroad of Jacksonville received the Don Nolan Builder of the Year award. The President of Sam Almaroad Construction, Almaroad has been a member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Calhoun County since 1985. The Don Nolan Builder of the Year Award recognizes a builder member from a local association with 500 or fewer members who has shown outstanding service to their local and state associations, their community and the building industry as a whole. Bret Slaton of Huntsville received the Remodeler of the Year award for 2016. Slaton, of Slaton Custom Homes, is a member of the Huntsville/Madison County Builders Association. The Remodeler of the Year award recognizes a remodeler member who has shown outstanding service to their local and state associations, their community and the remodeling industry as a whole. David Estreicher of Birmingham was named the Buddy Berry Associate of the Year. Estreicher, of Allegion Schlage Lock Company, is a member of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. The Buddy Berry Associate of the Year Award recognizes an associate member from a local association with more than 500 members who has shown outstanding service to their local and state associations, their community and the building industry as a whole. HBAA President Mark Reid honored two local Home Builders Associations with the President's Trophy. Each year, the current HBAA President selects two local Home Builders Associations (one large and one small) to receive President's Trophies in honor of outstanding service and excellence throughout the year. For the second year in a row, the Greater Montgomery Home Builders Association was presented with the President's Trophy for a Large Association, while the Shoals Home Builders Association received the President's Trophy for a Small Association for the third year in a row. For more information about the Home Builders Association of Alabama, call (800) 745-4222 or visit www.hbaa.org. South Africans will be invited to talk about what inspires them about the nation's brand, as Brand South Africa launches its Inspiring New Ways campaign on 7 November 2016, through identified channels and platforms, including SAA. This campaign is aimed at popularising the slogan, adopted in 2012, by ensuring a creative execution and narrative that supports the message of a globally competitive and inspiring nation that is open for business. GM for marketing for Brand South Africa, Sithembile Ntombela said, The campaign invites South Africans to tell our inspirational stories that make us a unique nation of people. This has a dual purpose in celebrating our resilience, tenacity, creativity, diversity and passion, we will equally remember all the things we love about being South African and living in our country. The slogan encapsulates the countrys unique value proposition, which includes heritage and diversity. All sectors of society, business, government and civil society, can play a meaningful role in shaping the way in which our country is perceived and therefore contributing to the countrys reputation. This campaign aims to inspire South Africans to play a part in building our countrys reputation through our positive stories. For more information, go to www.brandsouthafrica.com. Which platform should I be on? It's the question that haunts almost every brand and marketing manager, and like all heavy existential questions, there's no easy answer. The wrong platform can drag great content into the hazy nothingness of content purgatory, never to be seen by mortal eyes. And even those prophets of great marketing, the prestige agencies that have stood proud for decades, seem to have trouble getting it right. Just why is it that the great platform pilgrimage is tripping up so many brands? And how is it that they can get it right with their strategy and choice of agency? In the beginning Back when there were only a few media platforms, specialist agencies made sense. You generally had the guys that were good at broadcast media, the ones who nailed the PR side, and the OOH experts. Lets call it the Holy Trinity of marketing. But then something happened. The internet slowly inched its way into every aspect of our lives and we all got smartphones. And suddenly, there was a lot more media out there, and as many ways of consuming it as there were Hindu gods. 123RF Sure, you can still watch your favourite show (and accompanying ads) on TV. But maybe you prefer to watch it on a streaming service like Netflix or ShowMax. Or you just catch the best moments on YouTube. Theres no one standard way of engaging with media anymore. Whats more, consuming a piece of content is a living process that reaches across other platforms, whether you want it or not. You want to be able to discuss it, praise or slam it on social media, share it with your friends, or even create your own content responding to it. In a landscape where content simply cant be contained by a single platform, it makes no sense to take a segregated approach to production. Theres no such thing as a TV or radio, or even a Facebook or Twitter campaign anymore. Every campaign is digital, and needs to take into account multiple platforms. Renounce thy faith in specialist agencies So how do you create campaigns that resonate with your audience in a world where theyre all scattered across hundreds of different platforms, each engaging with content in their own way? You need to stop worshipping at the altar of a few platforms and get agnostic. A platform agnostic strategy is one that takes content and figures out how best to distribute it across a variety of different channels and devices. Its output-driven, using whatever digital tools and media available to meet its objectives. To execute a platform agnostic strategy, your goals need to inform the platforms you use, not the other way around. At Clockwork, we always start with the story our clients want to create, and think about what content and platforms are best-suited to delivering it to your audience. With the sheer number of platforms and content types out there, its not easy to be platform agnostic. You have to work with full-service agencies that understand which platforms suit the brand story youre trying to tell and the audience you want to reach. An integrated agency understands the platform ecosystem thats out there which audiences lurk where, which content types naturally fit what platforms, and where your campaign goals fit into the picture. Just as importantly, it has the in-house expertise to be able to guide and execute the strategy to perfection. Forget the differences between ATL and BTL, or digital and traditional platform agnostic is the only way to go. If your agency is not integrated, the only way youre going to get your message heard is through a wing and a prayer. Want to learn more about great content strategy join the Stories event on 23 November 2016 at The Campus in Bryanston. Click here to register. BotCon Africa 2016, organised by mobile technology firm Praekelt, is Africa's first conference about bots. It will delve into how customer service and public information channels are using social media and messaging platforms to solve users' problems using chatbots. Africas first BotCon is an opportunity to connect with innovators and practitioners who are defining the conversational interface, explains Belinda Lewis, product director at Praekelt. Bots work through the platforms that users are already on, they allow currently human-intensive services to be scaled, while still allowing for personalised experiences. The next frontier Why are bots todays hot topic of tech speculation? The artificial intelligence (AI) tools required to develop a convincing bot used to require huge amounts of investment and specialist skills. Now, a moderately helpful chatbot can be built in minutes. Thats why bots are coming to a chat client near you, if theyre not there already. Tipped as the next frontier by The Economist, bots are all around you, if you know where to look. Uber can already talk to you via Facebook Messenger, ABSA Bank has launched chatbot banking on Facebook and Twitter, and IBM is working with African providers to brings its Watson to frontline healthcare too. The conference promises a day of insight, practical knowledge sharing and informed discussion into the business and technical challenges and opportunities specific to the African continent. Delegates will be able to meet the designers, data scientists and technologists who are building the conversational interfaces of the future, as well as the NGOs and business leaders who are using them. Confirmed speakers Confirmed speakers for BotCon Africa 2016 include Facebooks Emeka Afigbo, Asvin Sologar of Upstream, Frans Cronje of DataProphet, Jade Abbott from RetroRabbit and Gustav Praekelt and Belinda Lewis of Praekelt. The next evolution of human computer interfacing is going to happen through conversational interfaces, we're going to use text and voice to speak to machines like we would to another human, says Praekelts Lewis. This conference will give you examples of African success stories and focus on how bots can be used for business and social good in frontier markets. BotCon Africa 2016 will take place on 18 November at the Gallery Space at 44 Stanley in Millpark. For more details visit the dedicated website. Communications Minister Faith Muthambi stunned parliamentarians on Tuesday by insisting the SABC board was functional and could take decisions despite having only three members. Muthambi also defended the reappointment of Hlaudi Motsoeneng as group executive for corporate affairs, arguing that he had the requisite qualifications and experience to hold the senior post. The board, which is meant to have 12 members, requires at least nine to reach a quorum. Inquiry Two board members, Krish Naidoo and Vusi Mavuso, resigned in October during the board's presentation in Parliament at which it justified Motsoeneng's reappointment. A few weeks later, the deputy board chairwoman, Leah Khumalo, resigned after MPs gave the remaining members an ultimatum: quit or be forced out through a parliamentary inquiry. The remaining board members - chairman Mbulaheni Maguvhe, Aaron Tshidzumba and Nomvuyo Mhlakaza - have indicated they would not resign. Parliament's communications portfolio committee is preparing to hold an inquiry into the remaining SABC board members' fitness to hold office. Companies Act empowerment Muthambi said the provisions of the Companies Act catered for the remaining three board members. "The SABC board exists and is empowered by the Companies Act to operate and, therefore, the SABC board is operating under the remaining board members," she said. The act trumped the Broadcasting Act in SABC matters, she argued. The Broadcasting Act stipulates the 12-member SABC board should have at least nine members to reach a quorum. According to Muthambi, the Companies Act stipulates that the failure of a company to have a minimum number of board members "does not limit the authority of the board or render invalid any decision it takes". The act stipulated "where there is a conflict between two acts the Companies Act will prevail". Muthambi's interpretation of the two acts governing the public broadcaster appears to be at odds with that of Parliament's legal services unit. In 2015, the unit issued a legal opinion that the Broadcasting Act trumped the Companies Act when it came to SABC matters. Media Monitoring Africa director William Bird said Muthambi's interpretation of the acts was "convenient and cynical". The Broadcasting Act was the main law governing the SABC as a public broadcaster. Current crisis Motsoeneng's appointment in October sparked the current crisis at the SABC when two board members abruptly resigned in protest. In October, the DA launched a court application seeking to have Motsoeneng's appointment as group executive of corporate affairs invalidated. The party wants him removed from the SABC. Motsoeneng was shifted to his old position after losing his job as chief operating officer in September when the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed his application for leave to appeal against a ruling by the High Court in Cape Town setting aside his permanent appointment. The SABC then announced that it had reappointed Motsoeneng to his previous post as group executive for corporate affairs. Muthambi said: "When his [Motsoeneng's] appointment was legally challenged, the SABC was legally bound to reappoint him to his old position ... It [the position of group executive for corporate affairs] was not vacant ... the SABC used its discretion to reshuffle, which meant there was no need for the position to be advertised." It emerged in Parliament in October that Bessie Tugwana, who had occupied the position of group executive for corporate affairs, was shifted to the position of acting chief operating officer at the SABC. Quizzed by MPs about Motsoeneng's qualifications, Muthambi referred to the SABC's annual report, which states he completed a Leadership Development Programme at the Gordon Institute of Business Science. Source: Business Day SAN FRANCISCO: Instagram on Tuesday said it will start testing features that let smartphone or tablet users easily buy items they find on the popular photo and video sharing service. Instagram for Business The test slated to begin next week in the US will be tailored for Instagram applications on Apple mobile devices, according to a blog post by the Facebook-owned service. The move will build on a strategy by the world's leading online social network to connect shoppers and shops, earning revenue from purchases. "Mobile has changed the way people shop," Instagram said in the blog post. "We're excited to announce an easier experience to shop the products you love on Instagram." Instagram cited industry statistics indicating that smartphone purchases are commonly used in the US to browse or research options regarding potential purchases. Twenty US retailers including Kate Spade and JackThreads will take part in the Instagram e-commerce test, sharing posts that provide more information along with "Shop Now" icons for streamlined purchasing, according to the blog post. "This test is going to change the scope of what we, as retailers, are capable of offering on mobile," JackThreads chief marketing officer Ryan McIntyre said in the post. "Our customers will be able to shop seamlessly from their social media feeds -- allowing us to reach guys where they're already hunting for what's new." Rival firm Pinterest last year dove into e-commerce with "pins" that let people buy items they like at the popular online bulletin board. Pinterest became a hit, particularly among women, by giving people virtual bulletin boards that they can decorate with pictures showcasing interests in anything from food to sports, to fashion or travel. Source: AFP The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX), a continental network of freedom of expression organisations in Africa, together with 120 individuals from 20 countries in Africa, Europe and America, has petitioned President Salva Kiir over the closure of the country's leading private paper, The Nation Mirror. The petition which was submitted on October 20, 2016 urged President Salva Kiir to impress on the National Security Service (NSS) to reopen the newspaper. On September 14, 2016, agents of the NSS ordered the indefinite closure of The Nation Mirror newspaper without any explanation. According to local media, the newspaper was shut down because it wrote an article on an investigative report on corruption in South Sudan, released by a US-based anti-corruption watchdog. The Sentry Corruption Report highlighted the link between alleged acts of public corruption and armed conflict in the country. The petition also highlighted the key role the media plays in giving practical meaning to the concepts of freedom of expression and right to information. Censorship and the closure of The Nation Mirror in particular thus deny citizens their fundamental right to receive and share information and ideas as enshrined in Article 24 and Article 32 of the National Transitional Constitution of South Sudan 2011, the petitioners noted. We are therefore appealing to your office to intervene in this matter and impress on the Security Service to consider reopening The Nation Mirror newspaper, the petition added. This statement was originally published on africafex.org on 1 November 2016. We entertain, inform and empower African communities that inspire and build us in return. UAE Supported Film That Demonizes Israel Shown at Museum of Fine Arts in Boston | Main | PA Official: Honoring Terrorists is Our Culture November 03, 2016 Where's the Coverage? Palestinian Police Officer Commits Terror Attack A Palestinian Authority (PA) police officer attacked and wounded three Israeli Defense Force (IDF) soldiers on Oct. 31, 2016. The terrorist assault, by PA security forces officer Muhammed Turkeman, went ignored by major U.S. news media outlets. According to The Times of Israel, Turkeman approached an IDF checkpoint called Focus that is outside of the Jewish community of Beit El, and opened fire with an AK-47 assault rifle at the troops stationed there (Palestinian cop wounds 3 IDF soldiers in a shooting attack,? Oct. 31, 2016).? Turkeman was shot and killed by IDF forces, but not before he had managed to wound three of them, one seriously. A Lexis-Nexis search of U.S. print news media, including The Washington Post, USA Today, The Washington Times and USA Today, showed not a single mention of the terrorist attack. Fatah, the movement that dominates the PA and is often labeled moderate? by many in the Western press, celebrated the terror attack. In a Nov. 1, 2016 report, Palestinian Media Watch (PMW), a non-profit organization which monitors Arab media in eastern Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), pointed out that on their Facebook page Fatah praised Turkeman as a heroic martyr? and a martyr police officer.? PMW noted that Fatah also shared an image on social media of Turkeman in his police uniform and carrying an AK-47. Additionally, A picture of the Al-Aqsa Mosque appeared together with photos of the terrorist in one of the posts. This connects the terrorist and his attack to the defense and protection of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, perpetuating the Palestinian Authority's libel that the al-Aqsa Mosque is in danger from an Israeli attack.? Hamas, the U.S.-designated terrorist group that rules the Gaza Strip, also lauded Turkemans assault. Further, Hamas encouraged members of the Palestinian security services to carry out similar attacks,? The Times of Israel reported. This is not the first instance of PA security forces perpetrating a terrorist attack. As CAMERA noted, a PA intelligence officer named Mazen Hassan, attempted to murder IDF soldiers at the Hizma checkpoint on Dec. 3, 2015 (Wheres the Coverage? Palestinian Official Shoots Israeli Soldier?) before he was shot and killed. That incident also received scant media coverage. The United States, other Western countries and the European Union have supported PA security forces with money, training and equipment as a result of the 1990s Olso accords that led to the establishment of the authority and limited self-ruleprovided that Palestinian leaders recognized and sought to make peace with Israel. According to a March 18, 2016 United States Congressional Research Service (CRS) report, U.S. Foreign Aid to Palestinians, that security aid is aimed at countering? U.S.-designated terrorist organizations, such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad and establishing the rule of law for an expected Palestinian state.? What that Palestinian state might look like can perhaps be discerned from its institutions and apparent values and those tasked with upholding them. Posted by SD at November 3, 2016 03:23 PM Guidelines for posting This is a moderated blog. We will not post comments that include racism, bigotry, threats, or factually inaccurate material. Post a comment Thats according to Gen. Sao Hso Ten, the patron of the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA), speaking during a meeting of the Committee for Shan State Unity (CSSU) held in Yangon on Sunday. The ethnic people [of Burma] have faced so many issues in the past, he said. We have learned bitter lessons, both in politics and in war. We [SSPP/SSA] signed a ceasefire in 1989 and were offered special [self-administered] zone. We also joined the national conference in 1993. But these were all fake. We have been cheated for a long time. In order for us not to be cheated again, we have to protect ourselves. We have to work on the peace process first. We have to have an ownership in this peace process and decide by ourselves whether to sign the agreement or not. If we cannot decide this by ourselves, we should not sign the agreement. If we do not have ownership of the peace process, we will be bullied again, he added. If we do not want to be bullied, we have to own it. On October 28, Burmas State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi said at the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC), a bloc which includes representatives from the government, military and ethnic armed groups, that she wanted all ethnic armed groups to sign the NCA before the next Panglong Conference which is slated for February 2017. Shan leader Gen. Sao Hso Ten also said that after the signing the NCA, two further conferences were held, but which contained no political talks, just a revision of notes. He said that the SSPP/SSA and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) are members of the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), an organization comprising 12 armed groups that refused to sign the NCA with the Thein Sein government in October 2015. He noted the bloc had joined the national conference as well as participating in peace dialogue during the era of the military junta. He insisted that, in order to avoid repeating past mistakes, they had drafted a Federal Union Constitution. At the Mai Ja Yang meeting [conference including both NCA and non-NCA signatory groups], we have drafted an 8-point plan of principles in a draft of a Federal Union Constitution, he said. If they [the government] agreed with these eight points, the UNFC members would sign the NCA. The eight points were related to: sovereignty; equality; rights of self-determination; genuine federalism; protecting the rights of minorities; democratic rights; universal human rights and gender equality, and establishing a multi-party system-based secular form of governance. Sao Hso Ten concluded on Sunday that in order to solve the civil war and build peace in the country, the 2008 constitution must be amended and steps must be taken to establish a federal union. The CSSU comprises the Shan State Joint Action Committee (SSJAC), which represents the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), the the Seng Kiaos People Militia, the New Generation Group (Shan State), Shan Youth Association, Shan Nationality Organization-Thailand, the Shan community-based organizations, and a team of legal consultants. PR Newswire CHICAGO and ATLANTA, Nov. 3, 2016 CHICAGO and ATLANTA, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Citizens across the United States are preparing to cast their ballot on Tuesday, November 8 and bring an end to what has been a very contentious Presidential election. While there are dozens of foreign and domestic policies to consider, CareerBuilder asks one important question: "If you had to choose, which candidate would you like to be your boss?" According to a new survey, 57 percent of workers say they would prefer to work for the former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton while the remaining 43 percent say they would like businessman Donald Trump as a boss. Hillary Clinton was firmly preferred by women in the survey with 62 percent saying they would prefer the former Senator as a boss. Men were tighter in their decision between candidates, with an even split between Clinton and Trump. The national study was conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder from August 11 to September 7, 2016 and included a representative sample of 3,133 full-time workers in the private sector across industries and company sizes. Candidate/Boss Preference by Race Each candidate has fought to secure votes from members of every racial background throughout the election season. But, which candidate would each demographic prefer to report to at work? Fifty-two percent of workers that identify as Caucasian would like Donald Trump as their boss. On the other hand, Hillary Clinton was the preferred choice among African American (87 percent), Hispanic (79 percent) and Asian (78 percent) professionals. Candidate/Boss Preference by IndustryCreating a stable economy that brings fruitful job growth is also a tenet to any great candidacy. Presidential hopefuls address various industries throughout their campaign speeches to garner support. A larger proportion of workers in the manufacturing industry would prefer to work for Donald Trump than Hillary Clinton. However, Secretary Clinton was favored in the other industries in the survey. Industry Hillary Clinton Donald Trump Health Care 63% 37% Retail 58% 42% Leisure & Hospitality 52% 48% IT 58% 42% Manufacturing 45% 55% Financial Services 60% 40% Transportation 52% 48% How to Handle Talking Politics in the Workplace"Employees may be tempted to openly discuss the coming election over the next few days, and we all know that politics in particular can lead to some pretty heated conversations," says Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer for CareerBuilder. "Keep topics fair and respectful to others especially those that may be within earshot and not directly involved in the discussion." Haefner provides some other tips for political chit-chat in the office: Survey MethodologyThe survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder among 3,133 employees ages 18 and over (employed full-time, not self-employed, non-government) between August 11 and September 7, 2016. With a pure probability sample of 3,133, one could say with a 95 percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/- 1.75 percentage points. About CareerBuilderCareerBuilder 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. Media Contact: Rob [email protected]://www.twitter.com/CareerBuilderPR Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415848LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/careerbuilder-survey-asks-workers-which-presidential-candidate-they-would-prefer-as-their-boss-300356491.html SOURCE CareerBuilder PA Festival Map.JPG A map/guide to the Peter Anderson Festival, set for this weekend in downtown Ocean Springs. (Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce) OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- A record 440 vendors are registered for this weekend's 38th annual Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival in downtown Ocean Springs, with some 150,000 people expected to attend the two-day event which kicks off Saturday morning at 9 a.m. The largest festival of its kind in the southeast, the Peter Anderson Festival features a wide array of local and regional artisans, along with food, music and other activities. According to Cynthia Sutton, executive director of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the event, the biggest challenge each year is parking in the downtown area. This year is no exception. Beginning at 3 a.m. Saturday morning, Government Street from the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center to Washington Avenue and Washington Avenue from Robinson Avenue to Joseph Street will be closed to vehicular traffic and remain closed until 6 p.m. Sunday. The streets close at that early hours Saturday to allow vendors to set up their booths and displays. In addition, the chamber parking lot and the public parking lot off Cash Alley will close at 5 p.m. Friday to allow for vendor set-up. With those streets closed, parking is at a premium. For that reason, Sutton said the chamber has put an emphasis on patrons utilizing the free park-n-ride services provided by the city. Shuttles to the festival grounds will run every 15 minutes from the Ocean Springs Upper Elementary, Oak Park Elementary and Greyhound Stadium parking lots. The shuttle service will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day. "We have a small venue i downtown, with not a lot of parking, and we have 150,000 people who come to this event, so there's always a problem with where to park," Sutton said. "You get people parking on side streets, on private property, or parking across Highway 90 and walking across -- which I do not encourage. It's dangerous. So we've invested a lot of publicity in the park-in-ride service." In addition to promoting the park-in-ride service, the chamber of commerce has also launched an all-new Peter Anderson Festival website. Sutton said the site is designed to provide greater communication for the vendors and is more user-friendly (and mobile-friendly) for patrons. Here is a guide to other information festival-goers will need: Cynthia Sutton 004.jpg Cynthia Sutton will oversee her first Peter Anderson Festival this weekend as the executive director of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce. She was appointed the new director last December, succeeding her mentor, Margaret Miller, who retired after 28 years. (Warren Kulo/The Mississippi Press) OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- For the past 28 years, Margaret Miller served as the driving force behind the annual Peter Anderson Festival in Ocean Springs, an event that draws upwards of 150,000 people to the city on the first weekend of November each year. But Miller, the longtime director of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce, is gone, having retired at the end of 2015. Now the task of coordinating the massive event has fallen to her successor, Cynthia Sutton, who was appointed the new chamber director last December. "I still miss Margaret," Sutton said, sitting the conference room of the chamber offices. "She's always going to be my mentor. I still bend her ear from time to time. She doesn't always give me answers -- sometimes she wants me to learn for myself. She will always be a part of this organization, a part of what we do." Sutton joined the chamber staff in 2006 as its Events Coordinator and for the next nine years she served as Miller's right hand. She admits Miller's absence has been more pronounced during the runup to this year's festival. "Definitely," she said. "She's run this festival for so long -- 20-plus years. But it's been new and fun to be able to take all I've learned from Margaret and then kind of put my own spin on it." Sutton takes comfort in the fact she has what she called a "good, strong staff" and a supportive board of directors which includes many longtime chamber volunteers who provide a level of continuity as Sutton grows into her new role. But she also knows the buck stops with her. "I always had Margaret as a safety net," she said. "Now I don't have that layer of protection. No longer can I say `If this happens, I'll just ask Margaret.' Now it's all on my shoulders and I have to draw on all I learned from Margaret." This weekend's festival will be Sutton's 11th as part of the chamber staff, but she remembers vividly her first in 2006. "Margaret just threw me in there," she said, laughing. "She really, really did. That actually helped me learn a lot right from the start, because she just threw me out there, instead of letting me just stand behind her and watch. "Over the years, she's let me fall and learn a lot from my own mistakes. That's helping me a lot now in relation to the festival." Thanks to Miller's 28 years of oversight of the Peter Anderson Festival, the event largely runs like a well-oiled machine -- and Sutton's the first to acknowledge "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." "There's a system to it. There really is," she said. "Being a part of it for so long, that's the easy part. The harder part is the last minute decision-making. I have to make those decisions now, based on what's best for the community, what's best for the festival, and what's best for the growth of the town, which is what the festival is all about." Sutton was asked if, like a now-grown child repeating a parent, she catches herself saying or doing things as Miller did. "Most definitely," she said, laughing. "I do that a lot." Thursday 3 Impractical Jokers Live: Nitro Circus Spectacular (truTV 8:15pm) Ever since Jackass went off the air, drunk teenagers have precious few options for watching way-too-old-for-this guys embarrass and/or injure themselves on TV. Fortunately, the goofball hidden camera dudes at Impractical Jokers and the amateur stuntmen at Nitro Circus have joined forces for a live, two-hour special. Enjoy, kids, and dont let your dad catch you with those beers. Friday 4 The Crown (Netflix streaming anytime) This historical dramaabout the life of 25-year-old Queen Elizabeth IIcomes to us from creator Peter Morgan (who knows what hes talking about, having written The Queen). Saturday 5 The Mistletoe Promise (Hallmark 6pm) The gloves are off. Its the first weekend of November and Hallmark Channel is letting loose with the Christmas-themed RomComs. Here two holiday-hating singles (Jamie King, Luke MacFarlane) pretend to be a couple in order to ease the Christmas party-going burden. Hmm. I wonder if theyll fall in love with each other and the holiday by films end? Who Killed JonBenet? (Lifetime 6pm) A&E and CBS have already weighed in, telling us who they think killed JonBenet Ramsey. Now Lifetime offers its fictionalized solution to the 20-year-old murder mystery. Sunday 6 Nostradamus: Election 2016 (History 8pm) What did the 16th century French seer predict about Americas 2016 presidential election? Nothing. He just penned a bunch of really vague poems. But he did write, The great shameless, audacious bawler, He will be elected governor of the army: The boldness of his contention, The Bridge broken the city faint from fear. I guess that kinda sounds like Trump. Feel free to freak out, if you like. Monday 7 People Magazine Investigates (ID 7pm) Investigation Discovery, your all murder all the time network, invites the folks at People Magazine to drop by and dish on some of their favorite murderers and serial killers. Martha & Snoops Potluck Dinner Party (VH1 8pm) Famed homemaker Martha Stewart and dope-loving rap star Snoop Dogg prepare themed meals for celebrity guests in this quirky chat show. ... Im guessing whoever came up with this idea was stoned at the time. The 2016 SNL Election Special (KOB-4 9pm) This 2016 presidential election has basically been Hell on Earth for everyone. But at least we got some choice sketches from Saturday Night Live this season. Here they are, all wrapped up in a pretty package. Tuesday 8 2016 Election Night Coverage (KASA- 2/ KOB- 4/ KNME- 5/ KOAT- 7. / KRQE- 13 7pm) Pick your poison and commence drinking. No matter what happens tonight, statistically speaking, about 40 percent of the population will think its the end of the world as we know it. Stephen Colberts Live Election Night Democracys Series Finale: Whos Going To Clean Up This Sh*t? (Showtime 9pm) At least we can go down laughing. Wednesday 9 Celebrity Adventure Club (Travel 3pm) Eric Stonestreet from Modern Family gets to indulge in his historical fetish and walk in the steps of World War II spies. I saw this rock and walked to a location where I could include the rock (foreground), the trees (mid ground) and the sky (background) in one frame. I put on my Tiffen Circular Polarizing Filter to help accentuate the colors in the trees and sky.I should mention, that for this trip, I packed really light with just the following: Gitzo travel tripod with the Acratech ball head * A bunch of Lexar 128GB 1066x CF cards All of this was packed in my ThinkTank backpack About a half hour later, I was on my own, driving towards Mammoth and looking for more Fall colors. I came up a crest and saw these colors off to my right. I pulled over and took another shot. What I liked about this image, was the inclusion of both the Fall colors and the mountains in the distance.As you can see, we were driving just ahead of an oncoming storm, and so I had cloudy skies. I would have preferred deep blue skies and puffy clouds, but this is what I had. The advantage is, I did not have any harsh shadows to deal with.As always, I made sure to capture the wide shot, and then zoom in to isolate some of the details. I love the layers of colors, with green in the back, yellow in the middle and grey in the front. But hat makes this image most interesting, in my opinion, is this one dark tree popping out from all the yellow trees, purposely positioned off to the right of the photo.Dramatic skies over a grove of trees.Once again, I took wide shots and tight shots.For this image, I took the photo into NIK ColorEfex Pro and added an Bi-Color effect to the trees. Although it is not historically correct, I really like the photo nonetheless.I took this photo for two reasons. Firstly, I liked the symmetry of all the tree and branches. And secondly, I wanted to show all of you that there is beauty in the trees, even without the colorful leaves.A couple of days later, we went on a hike and saw some amazing views. As you can see, we had beautiful blue skies at this time. It so pretty with the colorful trees in the valley, with these majestic snow laced mountains in the distance.I hiked further up the path and found this group of flowers. Just like the first image of this blog post, I was looking for a strong foreground, and these worked perfectly.I also zoomed in to the flowers and and made them my subject for this shot.When hiking back along the Aspen lined creek, I looked up and saw the sun peeking through the trees. I changed the camera settings to f/18 and moved to where the sun was just barely visible through the trees, which accentuates the starburst.And...you guessed it...I shot tight and wide once again. See the trend here? :)On our last day in Mammoth, my wife and I decided to hike to Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls. As we made the drive into the park, we stopped to photograph the Minarets.It was a short hike from the parking lot to Devils Postpile. I had been here a couple of times in the past, but never photographed this National Monument. Using the Canon 28-300mm lens at 28mm, I got down low to the broken columns of Basalt to make them larger in the photo. doing this makes it easier for you, the viewer, to see the awesome columnar shapes of these rocks.I climbed up another rock formation to get as high as possible to photograph Devils Postpile straight on.And then...we continued our hike towards Rainbow Falls. And this time, we made it!You see...last time we did this hike (about 7 years ago), I ended up rolling my ankle and breaking my foot half way down the trail. I had to be taken out of there on horse back. That sucked! But this time, all was good and I made it to the falls, camera, tripod and all. My wife took this photo to commemorate my success this time around.Whenever I photograph waterfalls, I always use a circular polarizing filter. This helps for two reasons:1. It helps cut out the glare off of the wet rocks.2. The filter cuts out some of the light, which means that I can get a slower shutter speed.Using the filter and changing the settings of my camera to ISO 100, and an aperture of f/22, I was able to get a shutter speed of 1/4 second. Considering that I had a lot of light in the sky, getting a slow shutter speed (to show the movement of the water) was a challenge. VISAKHAPATNAM (PTI): A two-day offshore security exercise named 'Exercise Prasthan' was conducted by the city-based Eastern Naval Command (ENC). The exercise which was conducted on offshore rigs in the KG Basin and Ravva area located in the Krishna Godavari Basin 25 nm South West of Kakinada concluded on Wednesday, a Naval release said. Mock drills to exercise various contingencies such as asymmetric threat (terrorist action), oil spill, casualty evacuation and fire were conducted, it added. The exercise was aimed to evaluate surveillance capabilities of offshore rigs against unaltered intruders approaching by boat/swimming and to evaluate capabilities of security agencies in patrolling to prevent intruders from accessing offshore rigs, said the release. The exercise also prepared all agencies in handling a crisis situation developing in the Offshore Development Area. Besides Naval Officer-in-Charge, Andhra Pradesh, the overall coordinator of the Exercise, the other major stakeholders included Indian Coast Guard, ONGC, Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC), Reliance Industries and Cairn Energy. In addition, Navy ships Kora, Tarmugli, Astradharini, four ISVs, One Indian Coast Guard IPV/IB, one UH3H helicopter and marine commandos also participated in the exercise,the release added. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Its been called a rock musical and a hippie musical, but perhaps quirky is a better word for Godspell, the colourful and iconic musical based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew. Learning your lessons was never as much fun as this combination of song, dance, mime, and magic, coming to the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium Nov. 10-13. The show is the first offering by 7 Ages Productions this season, and director George Buri is working in some new wrinkles to the show he has done in the past. Submitted The cast of Godspell is set to take the stage at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium from Nov. 10-13. Standing in the back row are Michael Brooks, Cindy Muirhead and Colin Evans. Kneeling in the middle row are Erin Poole, Keiran Placatka, Dylan Woodcock, Brett Cline and Jaime Rose. Up front are Mindy Choy, Nicole McNarry, Brenley Palmer and Rebecca Porteus. We have a great young cast of local performers who are very excited to have a chance to present Godspell to Westman audiences, Buri said. Those who have never seen Godspell might expect Jesus to appear as a bearded man in a long robe. Nothing could be farther from reality. Since the show is set in modern times, the figure of Jesus represents the character and attitude of Jesus. Jesus is casually and somewhat outlandishly dressed, and followers revert to child-like simplicity, wearing whatever they like. Jesus uses entertaining techniques to teach the values of love, forgiveness, and humility. Writer Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote Wicked, employs various genres ballad, folk, vaudeville, and soft rock. Audiences will recognize songs such as Day by Day, Light of the World and All Good Gifts. Featuring Dylan Woodcock as John the Baptist/Judas and Nicole McNarry as Jesus, Godspell loosely follows the career of Jesus from baptism to crucifixion. A collection of disciples, in a modern setting, respond to Jesus call and to his teachings. Using puppetry and role-playing, they act out the parables and other lessons, as much for the audience as for one another. Show time is 8 p.m. on Nov. 10, 11 and 12. There is also a matinee at 3 p.m. on Nov. 13. Tickets may be purchased online at wmca.ca or by calling the WMCA at 204-728-9510. The Brandon Sun Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. One of three men charged in connection with a major drug investigation has been granted bail. Javed Ali of Georgetown, Ont., was granted release by Brandon provincial court Judge Donovan Dvorak on Wednesday with unusually high bail amounts for this area. Ali was released on $50,000 recognizance (which may be forfeited to the court if he breaches his bail conditions) plus a $50,000 cash deposit. Ali is to live with family in Toronto. He has to surrender his passport, is under a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and subject to police searches of his home without notice or warrant, however, not more than once a month. Hes also subject to unlimited vehicle searches by police. They can search any vehicle that Ali may be travelling in. Hes not to leave Toronto unless its to travel directly to and from Manitoba for court appearances. The bail hearing began last week and Dvorak had reserved his decision until Wednesday. A publication ban prevents The Brandon Sun from sharing details of the seven-month-long investigation, dubbed by police as Project Derringer, that led to the arrest of Ali and two other men. However, the newspaper was previously informed that the case involved the large-scale movement of illicit drugs from the Toronto region to Brandon area. Collectively, the accused are charged with possessing cocaine, crystal meth, psilocybin and marijuana. In mid-October, police executed nine search warrants at three homes. Those homes included a farm near Griswold and a First Street home in Brandon. Police said they seized more than $250,000 worth of drugs, and nine guns that included a handgun and semi-automatic rifle. Seven vehicles and $25,000 cash were also seized. Ali faces charges related to drug trafficking. Leslie Gerald Bisson, of Griswold, and Justin Tyler Reimer, of Brandon, are charged with offences related to drug trafficking and weapons. Bisson and Reimer currently remain in custody. It remains to be seen whether there is any specific direct link between Project Derringer and recent shootings in the city, as Brandon police have suggested. During a press conference in Winnipeg on Oct. 20, Brandon Police Service Deputy Chief Randy Lewis said there is a link between the arrests and recent gun violence. ihitchen@brandonsun.com Twitter: @IanHitchen Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Manitoba Hydro is warning Westman residents that a bad headache, dizziness, vomiting and nausea may not be the flu. It could be the first stages of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. With the heating season in full swing, the risk of CO poisoning in your home may rise. A colourless, odourless gas, CO is produced when wood and fossil fuels burn without enough oxygen. It can build up due to a faulty appliance, a clogged chimney, inadequate venting, or the buildup of engine exhaust in a garage. It can also happen when fireplaces, wood stoves, kitchen and bathroom fans, clothes dryers, central vacuum systems and heating equipment all compete for air in your home. Manitoba Hydro wants to keep you safe. Know the warning signs: stuffy, stale or smelly air, water condensation on windows, the smell of exhaust fumes, a back draft from the fireplace, or a pilot light that keeps going out. If you suspect CO poisoning, open all doors and windows and evacuate everyone from the house immediately. If you are experiencing health problems from suspected CO poisoning, seek medical attention let the physician know what you suspect. Then call Manitoba Hydro at 1-888-624-9376 for an emergency inspection. Houses today are more airtight and energy efficient, which is good. However, when houses were leaky, they vented more easily through cracks and openings. Homeowners must now incorporate other measures to ensure houses are properly vented, thereby reducing the risk of CO. Keep CO out of your home by having your heating system inspected and maintained regularly by a licensed heating contractor. Ensure that external vents are secure and free of snow, insulation, leaves, lint and debris. If you have a wood burning fireplace or stove, make sure it has a fresh air intake duct. Most of all, to help protect your family, make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector installed near bedrooms and on all levels of your home. If the alarm goes off, treat the alarm as an emergency and call Manitoba Hydro immediately. Never unplug it or remove its batteries because the alarm annoys you. You could put lives at risk, including your own. The Brandon Sun Already have an account? Log in here Canadian saxophonist and composer Quinsin Nachoff will perform in the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building at Brandon University on Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. We need your support! Local journalism needs your support! As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $4.99/month you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. When Ahmed Awid moved to Brandon in the early 1900s, he was at the vanguard of what is now a thriving Manitoba Muslim community. Brandon University (BU) professor Dr. Alison Marshall said Awids story is both an example of early Muslim immigration to Canada and also a window through which to consider the social history that made it difficult for newcomers to enter and stay in Canada through much of the 20th century. At the time, fewer than 1,000 Muslims resided in Canada. He was a Sunni Muslim drawn to the prairies by stories of successful Syrians who had moved here before him, she told a group of people assembled at Winnipegs United Way in October, which is Islamic History Month. Awid, who had met and married Brandon woman Mary Blonarowiz by 1908, opened a dry goods and jewelry store on Rosser Avenue and became a successful local businessman and respected member of the community for two decades. Drawing on her years of academic research into marginalized early-Canadian populations like Chinese immigrants, Marshall said that early Muslim immigrants like Awid faced barriers both legal and social. At least once he was denied a shave by local barber Morris Backman, possibly because of his race, Marshall said. He was understandably enraged by the snub and reportedly assaulted Backman, for which he was later fined. In 1928, Awid and his growing family relocated to Edmonton, which had a more robust Syrian and Lebanese community and was seen to be more welcoming to Muslims than Manitoba was. A decade later, he helped found Canadas first Mosque in Edmonton. By that time, Muslim immigration to Canada had been almost completely barred, under legislation that, until its repeal in 1956, forbade Orientals from entry to the country. Then, when a new point system introduced in 1967 eliminated many discriminatory aspects of previous immigration legislation and made it easier for migrants to come to Canada, Marshall said the Muslim population in Manitoba began to rise. In 1969, the Manitoba Islamic Association had formed to serve Winnipegs 25 predominantly Indo-Pakistani families and others, she said. Beyond Winnipeg and by 1970, five Muslim Indo-Pakistani families resided in Brandon. Among them were Haroon Siddiqui, a Brandon Sun reporter and later an editor, and his wife Shella, a high school teacher. By 1976, Manitobas Muslim community was large enough to open the provinces first mosque: the Hazelwood Mosque in St. Vital, Winnipeg, which was renamed the Pioneer Mosque last month in honour of the pioneers who founded it. The mosque cost nearly $116,000. Manitobas community rallied together and marshaled their resources to establish their place in the province. Needing more money to complete the project, they wrote to the leaders of various nations with large Islamic populations. King Faisal of Saudi Arabia notably sent them a cheque for a large amount which allowed them to build. The simple building provided a home away from home. With a main floor worship area, a basement kitchen and a gathering space, it became a significant hub through which newly migrated and longtime Muslim men, women and children could connect, belong, and grow. Its significance cannot be understated, Marshall says. The Pioneer Mosque enabled Manitobas Muslim community to become recognized as part of a bigger whole, she says. Consider that in much of 1970s Manitoba, church bells still rang out throughout the day, distracting and drowning out a migrants solitary call to prayer that set the sacred rhythm of each day. The Pioneer Mosque offered a powerful reminder of the necessity and efficacy of religious community in daily Manitoban lives. Muslims in Winnipeg, throughout rural Manitoba, Saskatchewan and even the United States took part in events and benefitted from programming provided by the Pioneer Mosque. It linked Muslims in time and space. It helped Muslim live and make a place for themselves and their families in Manitoba. These days, she noted, Manitoba has several multi-purpose mosques, including ones in Brandon and Thompson, as well as the Grand Mosque on Waverly. Muslims are free to practice their religion in public and on university campuses and hospitals. As well, the provinces Canadian forces bases have multi-faith rooms available for religious use. But there are still challenges for the Muslim community in Manitoba. It was only in 2007, Marshall pointed out, that Winnipeg allowed for traditional burials in shrouds, rather than Western caskets. And not until 2016 did the City of Winnipeg provide dedicated space in the Transcona Cemetery for Muslim burials. The community continues to need a body-washing facility, she said. Members of the Islamic community are exploring options, though to date there is no dedicated space for this function. Ending her talk on a positive note, Marshall said that cultural outreach between Manitoba Muslims and the rest of the province are beginning to make strong bonds. Today, thousands of Muslims call Manitoba home, she said. The Winnipeg Grand Mosque on Waverley Street has welcomed numerous federal, provincial and municipal politicians and acted as a conduit to the citys inter-faith religious activities. Many Muslim groups offer religious, marital, funerary, financial, sport, seniors, youth, newcomer and other programming throughout the province. She also cited the mosques monthly Foodorama as a meaningful and demonstrable way to bring people together over a shared meal. By hosting this event, Manitobas Muslim community has demonstrated itself to be part of mainstream society, she said. Food has linked cultures, and customs, and nourished memories and understandings, while raising awareness about the diversity of Islam. Marshalls full talk can be viewed on the Manitoba Islamic Associations Facebook page. It is also linked from the United Way Winnipeg website. The Brandon Sun Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Jason Shron and his classic bus rolling across the Prairies have earned admiration from drivers and, in one case, confusion. At one point, Shron flipped the destination sign to read Islington Avenue, a street in Toronto. A man at the station told Shron: I thought I was dreaming. Im filling up my car with gas and I see my old bus sitting in the gas station. Submitted Jason Shron, Dan Darnell and Jordan Smith, who are driving a classic GM New Look bus through three provinces, stop in Brandon on Wednesday. They painted it to look like the former transit buses gracing Torontos streets. Shron has turned many heads from Calgary to Brandon maxing at 92 km/h with his outfitted GM New Look bus, painted like the Toronto transit buses of yesteryear. His three-province jaunt stopped in Brandon on Wednesday. More than 44,000 of the buses, referred to as a Fishbowl for its rounded windshield, were built. They comprised the transit fleets of Toronto and Winnipeg, among many centres, but not Brandon, he explained. They were the standard transit ride in many places in the 1970s and 1980s. The Thornhill, Ont., native, who designs model trains and buses for a living, stumbled upon this bus, which was built in 1967, for cheap. Able to afford the asking price, Shron pounced. He had the bus painted like Torontos former fleet, and flew into Calgary to begin driving east with two of his employees at Rapido Trains. Its so much fun to be in control of this vehicle and drive down city streets or down the highway, he said. It drives beautifully, even if the steering doesnt come easily. Its got no power steering and its 40-feet long. To try and turn this thing, well have to build up strong arms, I tell you. Shron, 41, said driving a classic bus was always something he wanted to do. I completely forgot that this was my initial dream. When I was planning this trip I grabbed a picture of me inspecting a 1970s bus and I realized that I had actually planned to do this as a teenager. Hes always been a train guy at heart, evidenced by the life-size piece of a VIA Rail train he built in his basement. Driving a bus, he realized as a teenager, was a more reasonable dream. Here I am, saying its practical. No one else in their right mind would say that, Shron said. We can go anywhere with it. Shron expects to arrive in Winnipeg today. He hopes to hit Ontario car shows next year to talk about model trains and buses. ifroese@brandonsun.com Twitter: @ianfroese Scott Wagner State Sen. Scott Wagner, R-York (File photo, 2013) Good Thursday Morning, Fellow Seekers. It's been a while since we've heard from Sen. Scott Wagner, he of Louisville slugger fame and one-man Republican quote machine. We assumed he'd been busy running the Senate Republicans' re-election operation or perhaps moonlighting in his other job. No, not running Penn Waste, but rather a little more unnoticed position. And fortunately, we now have documentary evidence of this second position: With Election Day approaching, Wagner fired off an email to his supporters to let them know precisely what he thinks of the latest email scandal surrounding Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. And, in the grand tradition of social media oversharing, he also told his supporters what the prospect of Bill and Hillary Clinton back in the White House is doing to his G/I system: "The thought that these two criminals would step foot inside the White House makes me sick to my stomach and outraged as an American," he wrote. "I am deeply disturbed as the news continues to pour out every day revealing more of Hillary Clinton's activities while she served as the Secretary of State for our country and her involvement with the Clinton Foundation," he continued. But, wait, he was just getting warmed up: "The news last week that the FBI has obtained more emails from Hillary Clinton's top aide Huma Abedin via her husband Anthony Weiner, a former U.S. Congressman, has turned this story of massive political obstruction into a complete disgrace of our justice system," he continued. "If you or I broke 1 percent of the laws broken by Hillary Clinton we would have been arrested, convicted and given a life sentence in prison," he added. Wagner, who's backing Donald Trump, and plans to vote for him on Eleciton Day added that, while the Republican nominee is "by no means an alter (sic) boy, ... his words and actions have not begun to approach the level of political corruption committed by the Clinton's (sic)." Like the rest of us, Wagner says he'll be glad "to wake up next Wednesday morning with this election behind us." But, putting him at odds with a plurality of the electorate, he noted that "the American people are now catching on to Hillary Clinton's bag of tricks and her mission to do anything she has to do to get elected." And he finished big, because, well ... because, Scott Wagner: "I ask you to vote next week with this thought in mind," he wrote. "If you were selected for jury duty and you were asked to serve as a juror during a Hillary Clinton federal political corruption trial where bribery, destroying of evidence, influence pedaling, and violating national security laws were the major issues that she was charged with - would you as a juror, based on the evidence presented by the prosecution, find her guilty or not guilty?" For those of you playing along at home, a new Reuters/IPSOS tracking poll out this morning had Clinton leading Trump by 6 percentage points, the same margin she had before FBI Director James Comey launched his October surprise last week. The rest of the day's news starts now. Talk about divine retribution: Meet the Delco minister who's booby-trapped the Clinton/Kaine campaign signs on her Main Line lawn. The Inquirer has the story. Surprise - attorneys donated to a PAC that was created in support of that ballot question seeking to raise the retirement age for judges, The Post-Gazette reports. Fewer Philadelphians have asked for absentee ballots than 2008 or 2012 - but there's a caveat, PhillyMag reports. BillyPenn has your one-stop SEPTA strike survival guide. The Tribune-Review looks at a proposal to allow 15-day early voting in Pennsylvania. Here's your #Harrisburg Instagram of the Day (taken in York County): I love a good #sunrise! #goodmorning #nofilter A photo posted by Kelly (@misskellyrose) on Nov 3, 2016 at 4:53am PDT StateImpact Pennsylvania looks at the climate PAC that's pursuing the college vote in Pennsylvania. PlanPhilly on Democratic concerns that the SEPTA strike could affect voter turnout in Philadelphia. Allentown's proposed city budget avoids a real estate tax hike by raising wage taxes instead, The Morning Call's Emily Opilo reports. Three new Hillary Clinton ads now airing in Pennsylvania have Republicans talking about Donald Trump's remarks about women (via PoliticsPA): Here's Politico Democrats are eyeing a debt-free college push in the next Congress, Roll Call reports. WolfWatch: Gov. Tom Wolf signs an unemployment compensation reform bill during an 11 a.m. ceremony in the Governor's Reception Room. What Goes On (Nakedly Political Edition). The Philadelphia Republican Committee (all five of them) holds its fall cocktail party at Dave & Buster's at Penn's Landing tonight at 6 p.m. Admission runs $125 or $500. You Say It's Your Birthday Dept. Best wishes go out this morning to longtime Friend O'the Blog, Carrie Fischer Lepore, of Harrisburg. Congrats and enjoy the day. Thursday's Gratuitous Baseball Link. Like there's any other story today. Holy Cow, whatta win. And now you're up to date. See you all back here in a bit. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/11/2016 (2190 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A man accused of stabbing his cousin in the back has won bail. At this point, there is no clear reason why the stabbing happened in the first place. It really makes not a great deal of sense, Crown attorney Brett Rach said during a bail hearing in Brandon provincial court on Monday. The victim was hospitalized on Oct. 2 with two stab wounds to his back and two more to his shoulder. He needed immediate surgery for a collapsed lung. Following surgery, he told police that he was at a Sioux Valley Dakota Nation apartment when his intoxicated cousin arrived in search of a bottle of liquor. He said they then got in a scuffle and he was stabbed, but doesnt remember seeing a knife. Defence lawyer Ryan Fawcett said his client denies the allegations. The victim was also intoxicated, Fawcett said, and told police that one of his cousins may have stabbed him but he wasnt sure who did. Police seemed to have questioned the victim as he lapsed in and out of consciousness and winced in pain, Fawcett said. Rach said a second cousin was in the apartment, but he and the victim told police that he was asleep at the time and didnt see the assault. Bradley James Williams, 33, is charged with aggravated assault. He was granted bail and will appear in Sioux Valley court later this month. ihitchen@brandonsun.com Twitter: @IanHitchen Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Canadian Taxpayers Federations answer to their own question posed by their column on carbon tax (Brandon Sun, Oct. 25, National Viewpoint A Carbon Tax Will Cost Canadians Billions. What Will We Get For It?) is strained budgets for Canadian households, devastation of thousands of businesses, filled government coffers, but definitely wont impact global climate change. The argument the CTF presents appears reasoned and reasonable at first glance. The problem is that the CTF does not offer although we might correctly guess at the assumptions made in presenting their argument. Regardless of what they are, there are other assumptions which lead to other answers to their question. The first assumption centres on whether we believe in the theories of climate change, the subsequent impact on our Earth, and the contribution that carbon emissions contribute to that climate change. This assumption is followed by another assumption which is centred on the questions of whether we care about the ultimate impact, whether we believe there is time to make a difference, and whether we can or should make an effort. Should we believe or care, then the next question deals with our assumptions of how we are influenced to change our behaviour. Given our current culture, individual choices regarding behaviour are based (so we are told!) in self-centred assessments of personal gain, satisfaction, ease, cost. Given this culture there are primarily two alternatives to influencing Canadians to change their behaviours. The first is to have us understand and internalize the danger of our behaviours in terms of our survival as a people, as a species. Very difficult to do. The second is to place a cost on current behaviour we all respond to costs, prices. The latter is the intent of placing a cost on carbon emissions. To put a current cost on our behaviour to try to prevent, at best, delay, at worst, the ultimate impact on Earth. The CTFs assessment of a per capita cost to Canadians of $2,569 in carbon taxes might be very cheap. Assuming, of course, that we place some significant value on our own survival and that of future generations. And assuming that we individually and collectively believe in climate change and accept our respective roles in addressing climate change then we can look more realistically at our impact, in spite of our supposedly small or inconsequential contribution to the problem and to addressing the problem. Regardless, our contributions are significant. They are symbolic, in that the message presented to the world is that, yes, we recognize the problem, yes, we recognize the problem as worldwide, and yes, we intend to do something about it. They are also substantive. On a per capita basis, sources such as the European Commission, the United Nations indicate that Canadas emissions are twice those of Chinas. The European Commission lists Canadians releasing close to 35,000 pounds of carbon emissions per person per year. Chinese, on average, release 17,000 pounds per person per year. We could and do argue that Canada should not or need not make any behavioural changes with respect to carbon emissions based on the assumption that it is the national total of carbon emissions that determines whether action is necessary. An assumption that has little logical legitimacy. The assumption leads to a belief that Canadas behaviour with respect to carbon emissions has no ultimate effect, therefore, any efforts to reduce emissions is of no consequence. Which results in Canada having no moral legitimacy when recommending reduced carbon emissions to other nations. Assumptions and beliefs form a basis, determining our behaviours. Individually and collectively, we make choices regarding which assumptions and beliefs we accept/reject. The unfortunate reality is that we cannot choose whether climate change is happening, whether the results of climate change will be catastrophic. Climate change is or is not happening regardless of our beliefs, regardless of whether we believe our behaviour is a contributing factor, regardless of whether we believe humankind is the master of the universe. Which creates our ultimate dilemma. Are we willing to go all-in with a bet that climate change is not happening, knowing, ignoring, or oblivious to the possibility that we might be wrong? ROSEMARIE and CHESTER LETKEMAN Brandon Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 03/11/2016 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Disappointed in Larry Maguires tax views In a recent article by Larry Maguire, he expresses his view of small business tax and how disappointed he is by the government not cutting the small business tax rate. I sometimes get the feeling that Larry would be happiest if there were no small business tax. I think we all also know of Larrys i.e. the Conservative party views of taxing big business. This could also be read as taxes should be the responsibility of the common person you and me. Big business relies on tax breaks or so it leads us to believe. Tax is not a dirty word. We are led to believe that tax is a bad thing by the very people who strive to pay as little tax as possible big business, small business. But what are our taxes for, what do they do? A short list includes: police, firemen, teachers, professors, doctors, nurses, judges, infrastructure and let us not forget Larrys salary. So, one might infer that big business and small business, by not wanting to pay tax, are saying they really dont care about what taxes are used for. Big business will tell you that paying tax really interferes with its bottom line. What is really disappointing and maybe disturbing is that our elected representative, who should have the best interests of his/her constituents in mind, is more interested in not hurting big business feelings. I disagree with your editorial To the author of the recent editorial Offensive Team Names Have To Go, my understanding is most First Nations arent offended by these names. Does anyone really believe a major league franchise would name their team just to annoy or insult a group? Next time youre tempted to write something like this, do a little research first like reading Sound Off. Being politically correct has turned into a competition to see who can come with the most things to be offended by in my books. But he was in possession of drugs Arent our judges well aware of the citys problems stemming from the drug trade? Why on earth would a judge throw out evidence from a drug bust? Its not like the police busted the guy and nothing was found! He did have drugs at his parents house and he should be found guilty because he is guilty! Just another photo op Trudeau to travel to Brussels to sign trade deal? Is it any wonder that Canada is in debt and taxpayers get have to ante up? Couldnt Purolator do this through their mailing services? This is just another very expensive trip and photo op that is unnecessary. Trump greased the wheels of his relationship with the ex-president and the senator, giving the Clinton Foundation a $100,000 gift from his own foundation. According to Trump Revealed, by Michael Kranish and Marc Fisher, Trump donated to Hillarys Senate war chest six times between 2002 and 2009, for a total of $4,700, and between 1999 and 2012, he switched his registration among the Republican, Democratic and Independence parties seven times. The friendship, on both sides, was a transaction. Not personal, as they say in the The Godfather just business. Trumps life in New York was all about promoting the brand and making money for the family business. It was the same for the Clintons. A former Clinton White House official puts it more bluntly: This was a classic Clinton go-where-the-money-is move. They all played the same game in the same town with the same thing in mind, says Bernard Kerik, the former New York City police commissioner, who was invited to Trumps third wedding and served prison time for tax fraud and other felony charges. Better your relationships and build the business. Its all about money and getting ahead and hedging your bets and playing the angles.http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/when-hillary-and-donald-were-friends/ar-AAjKw7K?li=AA5a8k&ocid=spartandhp The President of Colombia has hailed Northern Ireland as the inspiration that is driving him to secure peace in his own country. Juan Manuel Santos said he told fellow Colombians to "look to Belfast" when trying to show them the dividends a peaceful future can deliver. Mr Santos asked to come to Belfast as part of his historic state visit to the UK, the first by a Colombian President. Addressing a civic reception in Belfast's landmark Titanic Belfast venue, the president said he wanted to travel to Northern Ireland in person to "thank and congratulate" the people. "I have been following what you have done over the last decades; the peace process has been an inspiration to us, to me," he said. "I have followed the perseverance and the tenacity with which you solved this very long and terrible conflict here in Northern Ireland and it has been truly an example that I've been trying to follow." Mr Santos won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to broker a peace deal with left-wing Farc (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) rebels. Colombia has been blighted by a bitter and bloody internal conflict for decades, as Northern Ireland was before the historic Good Friday Agreement in 1998 paved the way for a more peaceful future. A number of politicians from Northern Ireland have contributed to initiatives to reach a settlement in Colombia. Although September's peace deal was narrowly rejected by Colombia's citizens in a referendum, the president has extended a ceasefire with the country's largest rebel movement to allow more time to save the proposed accord. More than 220,000 people - mostly civilians - were killed during the 52-year conflict and more than eight million were driven from their homes. 'Look to Belfast' Mr Santos said the efforts to achieve reconciliation once the violence stopped in Northern Ireland had also impressed him. "That is even more difficult, but you have been doing a great job. I know it is ongoing, still going on, but, for us, it's also an inspiration," he said. Noting the transformation that has occurred in Belfast, he added: "I tell the Colombian people 'look what happened in Belfast, look how investment is coming in, pouring in, look at the transformation Belfast has been going through - this we can do the same if we are able to reach peace'." Earlier in the day, the president was welcomed to Stormont Castle by First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. He shook hands with the unionist and republican leaders on the castle steps before heading inside for private discussions. Sinn Fein veteran Mr McGuinness is a former IRA commander while Democratic Unionist leader Mrs Foster was caught up in an IRA bus bombing during the Troubles and her father was badly injured in an IRA murder bid. Together the pair now lead the devolved power-sharing institutions forged during the peace process. Mr Santos later held a separate meeting with Secretary of State James Brokenshire. The president's last scheduled engagement of the day was with a number of community groups working at sectarian interfaces in north Belfast. Mrs Foster said "peace and prosperity" were the two main items on the agenda during the discussions with the president. "The Colombian peace process is a significant priority for their government and I know many organisations and people across Northern Ireland have helped in nudging forward the path to peace," she said. "It is a challenging path but one worth travelling. "It is therefore very significant for us to be associated with a state visit to the United Kingdom and, just as Her Majesty The Queen said at Tuesday's state banquet at Buckingham Palace, Northern Ireland is now beginning to realise its full potential. "I hope this visit to Northern Ireland will encourage collaboration, partnership and renewed engagement between our respective business sectors." Mr McGuinness described the president as a "very important visitor". "Many of us have been very much involved over the course of recent years in supporting negotiations that were taking place in Havana between the Farc and Colombian government," he said. "I was in Colombia two years ago at the invitation of President Santos and spent some time with him." He added: "Of course we are delighted at the successful outcome of those negotiations. We know there was a disappointment about the failure of the referendum to pass but the peace process continues. "Negotiations have recommenced and we hope that there will be a successful outcome from those negotiations." Donald Trump has warned that a cloud of investigation would follow Hillary Clinton into the White House, evoking the impeachment battle of the 1990s in a closing campaign argument meant to bring wayward Republicans home. Mrs Clinton and her allies, led by President Barack Obama, told voters to get serious about the alternative. Negative exchanges between the Republican businessman and his Democratic rival signalled the campaign was likely to end on a low note as polls show Mr Trump closing in on Mrs Clinton in key battleground states. Her shrinking lead has given Mr Trump's campaign a glimmer of hope, one he is trying to broaden into breakthrough before time runs out. That means courting the moderate Republicans and independents who have been the holdouts of his campaign, voters turned off by Mr Trump's controversies but equally repelled by the possible return of the Clintons. Mr Trump directed his message at those voters at a rally in Jacksonville, Florida, where he zeroed in on questions of Mrs Clinton's trustworthiness and a new FBI review of an aide's emails. "Here we go again with the Clintons - you remember the impeachment and the problems," Mr Trump said. "That's not what we need in our country, folks. We need someone who is ready to go to work." Mr Obama and allies, meanwhile, are seeking to keep the spotlight on Mr Trump, charging that his disparaging comments about women and minorities make him unfit for office. The stakes are higher than a typical election and Americans need to get serious about the choice, Mr Obama told students at Florida International University in Miami. "This isn't a joke. This isn't 'Survivor.' This isn't 'The Bachelorette.'" Mr Obama said. "This counts." Mr Obama openly taunted the former reality-TV star, zig-zagging from mockery to dire warnings to boasting about his own record in office. The president's mission in the final push before Tuesday is to fire up the Democratic base - and bait the Republican into veering off message. The famously unconventional Mr Trump has so far hewed closer to convention, running some upbeat ads, bringing out his wife for a rare campaign appearance and even talking publicly about trying not to get distracted. "We don't want to blow it on November 8," Mr Trump said on Thursday. Mr Trump must win Florida to win the White House. His campaign has been buoyed by tightening polls in the state and other key battlegrounds, as well as by signs that African-American turnout for Mrs Clinton may be lagging. Mrs Clinton's team will try to drive up enthusiasm in the final weekend, capping its efforts by bringing Mrs Clinton and Mr Obama together, along with their spouses, for a final pre-election rally in Philadelphia on Monday evening. Mr Trump's wife Melania was to campaign in a suburb of Philadelphia on Thursday, her first turn on the trail since the Republican convention in July. The former model is trying to counter the Clinton campaign's pounding attacks on her husband as anti-woman. Mr Trump is not the first Republican to raise warnings of a new cycle of scandal and investigation. Republican lawmakers have recently threatened to block Mrs Clinton's Supreme Court nominees, investigate her endlessly or even impeach her over her use of private emails as secretary of state. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said any effort to impeach Mrs Clinton "would be a brazen attempt to nullify the vote of the American people" and would be a waste of time and taxpayers' money. The leader of the Islamic State group has released a new message encouraging his followers to keep up the fight for the city of Mosul. The Site Intelligence Group, a US organisation which monitors militant activity online, said the speech purporting to be from Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was released in an audio recording late on Wednesday. In it al-Baghdadi, who has reportedly not been heard from for more than a year, rallies his fighters and calls on them to obey orders while remaining resilient and steadfast. He also urges others to carry out attacks in Saudi Arabia and Turkey in the message, which is more than half an hour long. "Oh you who seek martyrdom! Start your actions! Turn the night of the disbelievers into day," he says. "Totally decimate their territories and make their blood flow like rivers!" The recording was the reclusive al-Baghdadi's first released message to supporters since Iraqi forces launched the battle to retake Mosul, the country's second-largest city, from IS. The message is being seen as an attempt to stir up the same Sunni resentment which preceded the 2014 IS takeover of Mosul, a largely Sunni city in Shiite-majority Iraq. Using a derogatory term for Shiites, he says followers of the Muslim sect want to "empty Iraq of Sunnis and replace them with the worst of people". He calls on fighters to "respond to all attacks" and to "target all in their media and forces, and all who belong to them". The message could not be independently verified but it was similar to recordings previously released by al-Baghdadi. The Islamic State group is fighting to hold Mosul as Iraqi forces and allied Kurdish forces advance on the city with US-led coalition support. The city of more than one million people and surrounding territory fell to IS fighters during a surprise attack in June 2014. Al-Baghdadi visited Mosul after the takeover and declared an Islamic caliphate that at one point covered nearly a third of Iraq and Syria. Both Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee for president, and her GOP opponent, Donald Trump have sketched out bare-bones plans to improve the teaching profession. But neither has offered hard-and-fast details. Clinton says teachers need more time to collaborate, more opportunities for professional development, and oh yeah, much better pay. Shes also said she wants to launch a national campaign to improve the teaching profession, but hasnt really said what that would look like, or how much it would cost. And in his one big speech on education, earlier this fall, Trump, gave the thumbs-up to paying teachers who can improve student outcomesa key Obama-era policy that Clinton isnt a fan of. Other than that, he hasnt said much about teachers beyond denouncing education bureaucrats in his nomination acceptance speech. That could be a reference to teachers unionsor not. So, reading between the lines, what do experts think teacher policy might look like in a potential Clinton or Trump administration? Lets start with Clintons idea for a big national campaign to improve the teaching profession. As a possible model, a lot of folks have pointed to TeachStrong , which also just so happens to be a campaign to improve the teaching profession, started by the Center for American Progress, a think tank closely associated with Clinton. (And Obama, for that matter.) Some of their basic principles include: Diversifying the teacher workforce, and raising bars for entry into the profession; putting a greater emphasis on clinical training; improving so-called induction programs that introduce educators to the profession; beefing up professional development to make it more meaningful; and putting in place career ladders for teachers. We see systemic change to the teacher pipeline as the next [needed] change, said Lisette Partelow, the director of teacher policy at CAPs Action Fund. Its necessary, she said, because Weve made the job much more challenging. That means teachers need to be given the education, training and support necessary to meet that higher bar, Partelow said. More than 60 organizations are on board with the campaign, including the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers. Both national teachers unions endorsed Clinton early on in the Democratic primary, to the chagrin of some of their members, who wish shed given more of an ear to Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. And Clinton has pledged that, as president, shed give teachers a seat at the policy-making table. For a critique of TeachStrongs approach from the left, check out this post on the Curmudgucation Blog, which is written by Peter Greene, a teacher in Pennsylvania whos also written for Education Week Teacher . Another possible model: Legislation introduced earlier this year by Rep. Bobby Scott, the top Democrat on the House education committee, and Rep. Susan Davis, D-Calif., another key member of the committee. Their bill would authorize $2 billion in new money to help improve the teaching profession , including giving beginning teachers more opportunities to co-teach with a veteran, and giving teachers opportunities to earn advanced certification. Also notable: Clinton has come out swinging against the idea of teacher evaluation through student outcomes. States were required to move forward on this in order to get a waiver from the mandates of the No Child Left Behind Act. But the new version of the law, the Every Student Succeeds Act, leaves evaluation entirely up to states. If Clinton wins, its unclear if states will be more likely to take a cue from her and ditch their evaluation systems. There are even more unknowns when it comes to Trump and teachers. The GOP nominee said in a speech earlier this year that he thinks its unfair that bad teachers sometimes make more than good ones . But its not clear if he actually wants to create a merit pay program at the federal level, or just encourage states and districts to do it on their own. Jeanne Allen, the founder and CEO of the Center on Education Reform, who worked on K-12 issues during the Reagan administration, said Trumps views on teachers may be a big question mark, but she expects theyll head in what she considers the right direction, if hes elected. Hes made it clear that, except for routing money towards school choice, education needs to be happening locally. No action is good action, she said. At the same time, she said she expects Clintons approach to teacher policy would come down to more development, more experience, more support which in her view is kind of a worn out concept. Want more on where Clinton and Trump stand on other issues? Check out our interactive graphic and this video , featuring both halves of Politics K-12. Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 US presidential nominees Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump could not be further apart politically, but they will spend the decisive night of their polarising campaign barely a New York minute away from one another. Both candidates are holding election night parties in midtown Manhattan. Update11.30am: On the back of the High Court ruling that the British Parliament should trigger the process of leaving the EU, the value of the pound has surged. Sterling rose more 1% against the dollar as traders reacted to the news. Earlier: The UK Parliament alone has been given the power to trigger Brexit, contrary to the opinion of British PM Theresa May. May has previously said that the Cabinet could trigger Brexit by notifying Brussels of the UK's intention to leave the European Union. In one of the most important constitutional cases in generations, three senior judges ruled that the Prime Minister cannot use the royal prerogative to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to start the UK's exit from the EU without the prior authority of Parliament. This ruling is a setback for May, who has said the government alone would decide when to leave the EU. However, the UK government has been given the go-ahead to appeal against the ruling at the Supreme Court. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said the government is "disappointed" at the High Court decision on Article 50 adding "the government is determined to respect the result of the referendum". Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Fox said "the Government is determined to respect the result of the referendum". "The Government is disappointed by the court's judgement," he said. "The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by Acts of Parliament. The Government is determined to respect the result of the referendum. "This judgment raises important and complex matters of law and it's right that we consider it carefully before deciding how to proceed." He added: "I have nothing to add other than to reiterate that it's right that the Government will consider carefully before deciding how to proceed following the judgment." Former Liberal Democrat leader Lord (Menzies) Campbell of Pittenweem said the ruling was a "slap in the face" for Mrs May. "This is a clear illustration of the well-known legal principle that no matter how high you are, the law is above you," he said. "It is a slap in the face for the Government. It shows the dangers of playing ducks and drakes with the constitution and particularly the sovereignty of Parliament." SINGAPORE: US oil may drop into a range of $85.67 to $86.38 per barrel, as a bounce from $82.63 has completed. The... Graduating from high school is a milestone in students lives. But those diplomas can mean very different things from state to state and district to district. They can indicate that students mastered challenging college-prep courses, cruised through a series of watered-down classes, or lots of things in between. A new report tries to quantify that variation. The latest edition of How the States Got Their Rates, by the group Achieve, surveyed all the states and found that 95 different kinds of diplomas were conferred on graduating students in 2015. The analysis focuses on how many types of diplomas were available and the coursework and tests that students must complete to earn each type. (The study examines only math and English/language arts coursework. All the states coursework requirements for their various kinds of diplomas are here .) Achieve did the same analysis for 2014 and found 93 kinds of diplomas were handed out to students. Its part of the organizations ongoing push to draw attention to the real variation in students accomplishments, even as people cheer a rising high school graduation rate . As states report their grad rates, they rarely disclose the complexities of how many students earn each kind of diploma, Achieve has found. That makes it hard to analyze how many are getting a rigorous high school education that sets them up them well for college or work, and how many are leaving school ill-prepared for the future. When states offer students anything other than a college- and career-ready diploma option, we owe it to students to ensure that whichever option they choose will leave them prepared to pursue the future of their choosing after high school, Sandy Boyd, Achieves chief operating officer, says in a press release accompanying the new report. Eight states have set the bar high, expecting all students to complete a college-and career-ready set of coursesat least three years of math, through Algebra 2, and four years of college-prep Englishin order to graduate. Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee fell into this category in 2014 and 2015. Minnesota, Nebraska and West Virginia joined that list in 2015. Sixteen states dont offer any kind of diploma that requires students to complete the college- and career-ready math and English sequence Achieve recommends. In 27 states, there are multiple diploma options, and at least one of those options in each state allows students to graduate without completing Achieves recommended math and English minimums. Achieve wants to see states do a better job of explaining their various diploma options to parents and students, and to publish accessible and clear information about the proportions of students who earn the various kinds of diplomas. Disaggregating those numbers by student subgroup, and pairing them with information about which students are opting out of college- and career-ready diplomas in states that allow them to do so, would shed valuable light on what diplomas mean in each state, Achieve argues. For more stories about high school graduation rates, see: The uncertainty on the economic front is growing. The date of the IMF review (expected by the end of October) is yet... We welcome guest bloggers, early childhood experts, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Ph.D at Temple University and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, Ph.D. at the University of Delaware. The results are in. Seventy-eight percent of Trump supporters and 97% of Clinton supporters strongly endorse the need for universal access to affordable early childhood education (First Five Years Fund ). In his September 13th speech, Trump backed maternity leave and proposed that early childcare be a deductible tax expense. For Clinton, issues like affordable care, universal preschool and maternity leave have been cornerstones of her political life. It is rare to see such bipartisan support. Exactly What Works? While the populace is largely on board, there is dissention in the scientific ranks about how we should move the discussion forward. Access to universal care will not, in and of itself, be enough to prepare our children for school and beyond. In their widely cited report of the Tennesee Preschool initiative, researchers Mark Lipsee, Dale Farran and Kerry Hofer, found that children who attended preschool benefitted in school readiness scores, but that these scores were not maintained across early formal schooling. And Katherine Stevens from the American Enterprise Institute followed with a report sporting the provocative title, Does Preschool Work . Why would the academic and policy communities raise potential red flags at precisely the time when the public has reached a consensus? Did these authors miss the reports from Professor Heckman suggesting that for every dollar spent in this sector, society reaps $7 to $13.00 in return? No, what these reports are telling us that we need to take stock of the evidence as we consider the next steps. Access to universal Pre-K, while critical in early childhood education -- is not enough to raise floor for every child. With overwhelming public support and political will, it is time to move the needle further 1) by insisting that the programs be of high quality, 2) by demanding that we support families with children from zero to three, and 3) by supporting community outreach programs designed to reach families and children during out of school times. The Case For High Quality Early Education On the first point, the data are clear. High quality early education can be scaled up, affordable, sustainable and impactful. A number of reviews of the literature make this point. One that we wrote offers a response to the Farran findings. Another by Yoshikawa et al. (2013) is a classic review of the findings that support the role of high quality care in development Recent publications also flesh out what counts as high quality. Zaslo et al.,'s June 2016 Monograph from the Society for Research in Child Development, reviews the literature on Quality thresholds, features and dosage in early care and education. Another piece by Minervino (2014) also reviews high quality programs like those in Boston, New Jersey and Maryland and distills the common features that help the learning stick - among them are the quality of teacher-child interactions, quality of instructional support and using a proven curriculum. In our new book, Becoming Brilliant (Becoming-Brilliant.com ), we make the scientific case that any high quality curriculum must be broad enough to include what we called the 6Cs of collaboration (social skills), communication (language and listening), content (reading, writing and learning to learn), critical thinking, creative innovation and confidence (learning from failure and grit). The new Head Start framework also broadens the curricular offerings for high quality programs. As Minervino concludes, access is not enough. Schools must be of high quality. He writes, High-quality early learning is the minimum level of quality required to meaningfully increase childrens school readiness. The Case for Zero to Three The second way that we can move the discussion of early education forward is by recognizing the critical importance of the first three years. By age 3, there is already a 30-million word gap between low and middle-income children. Given that language is the single best predictor of school readiness and later school achievement, it is imperative that we address this gap in the homes and communities prior to preschool entry. Lesser known is that these gaps extend to areas that will support the popular STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) outcomes. When children do not have access to puzzles, blocks and board games, they are not prepared with precious skills that predict math readiness. Programs like Vrooms Brain Tips and Too Small to Fails communication campaigns around reading, singing and talking to children have already changed parental values and expectations about our youngest citizens in impactful ways. Indeed, the messaging seems to be working. A recent study by Daphna Bassok and colleagues shows that by school entry we now see a 10% decrease in the math achievement gap over the years from 1998 to 2010 and a concurrent 16% narrowing of the reading gap. She argues that these trends are less a product of preschool access and entry and more a product of effective communication campaigns targeting parental attitudes and behaviors with young children. The Community as an Agent of Change Third and finally, we can move the needle forward by thinking about the community as a positive agent of change for children. Children spend only 20% of their waking time in school. What are we doing with the other 80% of the time? Our work is augmenting what we do at home and in school by exploring family engagement and playful learning in the supermarket and at the bus stop (NPR ). Urban investment in what we call learning landscapes can provide opportunities for spatial and language learning in places where families wait. We are at a unique moment in history. Politicians and lay people recognize that the future of our children determines the future of our workforce and of our society. Early childhood education now commands political attention.This shared value offers a bipartisan oasis in a fractured political climate. It is now our job to move the discussion forward by ensuring that we provide high quality learning environments, that we invest in children from zero to three so that they are prepared for our preschools, and that we inspire community opportunities for learning by building supporting initiatives like learning landscapes. Contact information: Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Golinkoff You can learn more from Kathy at the Science of How We Learn: Engaging Memory, Motivation, Mindsets, Making and Mastery Conference in San Francisco February 17-19, 2017. ROME: New Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reaffirmed support for Ukraine in her first phone call on Thursday... Indie film storyteller Kelly Reichardt (Old Joy, Wendy and Lucy, Meeks Cutoff) offers up another of her slow, contemplative character studies in the minimalist, female-centric drama Certain Women. The film is based on author Maile Meloys collection of short stories and concentrates on a trio of women living in small-town Montana. Unlike other films of the typeRobert Altmans Nashville, Paul Haggis Crash or Paul Thomas Andersons Magnoliaour three stories dont necessarily intersect ... and dont entirely unfold independent of one another either. They exist like separate chapters of the same book with threads that occasionally become entangled in one another. Or dont. Reichardt isnt one to search for larger cosmic details of fate, synchronicity or coincidence. Instead, she prefers to focus on the importance of insignificant details: the rustle of leaves in the trees, the slow rise and fall of someones breath, the look on someones face when the phone rings. Our first story centers on a lawyer (Laura Dern) stuck in the middle of a moral quandary. Shes dealing with a troublesome client (Jared Harris from Mad Men, considerably earthier than normal). Hes a construction worker who was seriously injured on the job. His employer bears responsibility for the accident, but he settled out of court and has long since given up his right to sue. Thats what shes been telling him for eight months. But he just wont listen. So she takes him to another lawyer in big-city Billings, who tells him the same thing. He suddenly accepts it. On the way home, our lawyer laments her gender. I wish I was a man. That way I could talk about the law, and people would actually listen. But its her sensitivity to her client that puts her between a rock and a hard placeparticularly when he decides to go postal, and shes forced to rescue him once again. The second chapter revolves around a vaguely discontented woman (Reichardts longtime collaborator Michelle Williams) with a surly teenager and a secret-keeping husband (James Le Gros). The family is trying to build a weekend retreat out in the middle of the countryside, and the storys deceptively simple narrative revolves around trying to buy a pile of native limestone from an elderly man (Rene Auberjonois). This one slips by the quickest and requires the most contemplation to tease out its sotto voce meaning. The final, most openly emotional chapter introduces us to a lonely Native American ranch hand (excellent newcomer Lily Gladstone) named Jamie who wanders into an adult education center and sits in on a class about educational law for teachers. Jamie has no interest in the topic, of course, but she develops a fascination with the instructor, a socially awkward law school graduate played by Kristen Stewart (in one of her best roles). The two develop a confusing platonic relationship that becomes difficult to figure outfor them as well as us. The tryptic of tales pass each other like ships in the night in the films quiet coda, leaving audiences to parse their own meaning from it all. Obviously, we have three stories of three womenall vaguely dissatisfied with their lives, disconnected from those around them and looking to accomplish their modest goals in a world ruled by patriarchy or tradition or simple miscommunication. Reichardt is a director of natural rhythms, never imposing her narrative over whats happening. Characters rarely make overt decisions, dialogue is best left unsaid, and stories go teasingly unfinished. Aching stretches of silence fill the film, without so much as a courtesy soundtrack to alleviate the discomfort. Fans of Reichardts past efforts will be well at home, but this isnt the sort of film likely to win a lot of new converts. But at the end of the day, shes not nearly as obtuse as fellow nature worshipper Terrence Malick (Badlands, The Thin Red Line, The Tree of Life). Certain Women is a low-gear exercise in melancholy and reticence, but its empathetic, beautifully rendered and quite deep if you stare hard enough. Theres a bit of good news for California and Indiana school administrators struggling to find educators amid widespread reports of teacher shortages in their states: New reports suggest that there may well be an end in sight. Indiana has reported an increase in new teacher licenses issued, and in California, the states teacher preparation programs report their first enrollment increases in 13 years. According to a new report from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing , enrollment increased from 18,984 during the 2013-2014 school year to 20,881 in the 2014-2015 school year (the most recent year on record), amounting to a 10 percent increase. But to put that enrollment bump into perspective, during the 2001-2002 school year, nearly 78,000 students were enrolled in teacher education programs , an all-time high for the state, reports EdSource, an education news website focused on the Golden State. That means that enrollment is still down 73 percent from all-time highs. Joan Bissell, California State Universitys director of teacher education, told EdSource that she attributed the growth to better recruiting techniques and increases in student aid. The report also found that the minority-majority states teaching candidates were becoming more diverse. Slightly less than half of the candidates reported that they were white; thats down from 57 percent during the 2008-2009 school year. Last year, 30 percent of teaching candidates identified as Hispanic or Latino, 7 percent were Asian, and 6 percent reported that they were black. The vast majority72 percentof teaching candidates continue to be women. For its part, the Indiana Department of Education reported on Monday that the number of newly credentialed teachers in that state had increased by 18 percent rising from 3,843 licenses issued in the 2014-2015 school year to 4,552 handed out last school year. But as in California, the state is still seeing much lower interest among students in teaching than it has historically. Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz heralded the news, but acknowledged that the state still had work to do to make the profession more attractive. Todays numbers show that the first steps of healing have begun, but we have more work to do, she said. I look forward to working with the legislature and the next governor to ensure that every Hoosier student has access to an excellent educator by systematically addressing the needs of the teaching profession. Most of the recommendations that came out of a 49-member panel assembled by the superintendent to tackle teacher shortages failed to gain traction during this years legislative sessions, reports education news site Chalkbeat Indiana. Starting this week, the states most promising seniors can now apply for 200 $7,500 annual scholarships , so $30,000 over four years, if they promise to teach in the state for five years after graduating from college. Snowy Hydro Southcare's new chief executive knows the hope the sound of its rescue helicopter brings to Canberrans. Carol Bennett, the former head of Alzheimer's Australia, has just stepped into the role after Chris Kimball left at the end of July. Carol Bennett has been named the new chief executive of Snowy Hydro Southcare. Describing herself as a "born and bred Canberra girl", Ms Bennett said she knows how much the chopper means to the communities that rely on it. "Everyone knows the sight and the sound of the chopper in this region, it is the sound of hope really because when you hear it you know that somebodys life is probably being saved and I think it's really reassuring to the community," Ms Bennett said. 2. Pound: GBP has naturally been the big mover on this ruling, with GBP/USD rallying to test $1.2500. GBP/AUD has traded to a$1.6287, but the easier money is to be made trading the GBP against the USD than the AUD, which is getting a boost from a 20-month low in its trade deficit. Another strong night for coking coal futures (+5.7%) and iron ore futures (+2.7%) is also helping here, and one wonders if these key terms of trade stay at these levels could we even see the deficit return to surplus in the new year. 1. Brexit: Politics dominates once again, with the UK deciding they had been in the US shadow for too long, and the UK High Court ruling that Article 50 cannot be triggered without a parliamentary vote. The government will now appeal this decision in the Supreme Court and clearly this muddies the waters and represents a setback for Teresa May and her government. It still seems unlikely that parliament will go against the will of the people though and vote against the referendum, but there could well be a process where parliament require a deeper understanding into the potential terms of negotiation and we also know the bulk of the UK House of Commons favours staying in the EU, so there is no certainty of a vote passing should the Supreme Court now rule in favour of a parliamentary vote in early December. The local share market will remain under pressure and is set to be down at the open. Politics continues to dominate global markets, with the spectre of Brexit again coming into play. 3. Aussie dollar: Interestingly, AUD/USD is moving back into the top of multi-month trading recent range. Since 10 August moves into $0.7700 have been hit with a wall of supply, so traders will be watching price action to see if that remains the case. It is unlikely that today's September retail sales (consensus is for 0.4% growth) or RBA Statement on Monetary Policy (also 11:30 aedt) rock the needle too greatly, but a daily close above the 20 October high of $0.7734 would be very positive for the Aussie. The ASX is set to break through 5900 today. Credit:Peter Braig 4. Trump: US politics remains front and centre, with Donald Trump's odds of taking the White House breaking the $3 level. There has been more negative press around the FBI's investigation into potential corruption linked to the Clinton Foundation and on Twitter the hashtab #HillaryIndictment is getting traction. There have also been a slew of polls out, with the RealClearPolitics Average Poll putting Clinton modestly ahead with a split of 47.3 to 45.1. It's no surprise then to see traders buying volatility structures and further hedging portfolios, with the US volatility ('VIX') index break above 20 and gaining 14% on the session. US equities continue to head lower, with the S&P 500 down 0.4% and falling for an eighth day, effectively matching the worst ever run set in 2008. 5. Wall Street: The S&P 500 has closed firmly below the 50% retracement of the June to August rally and while the market is now grossly oversold any snapback rallies are likely to be met with a wall of selling. In US trade tonight (23:30 aedt) we get the monthly US payrolls report, with the consensus calling for 175,000 jobs and hourly earnings growth of 2.6% yoy. I am putting limited interest into this number though as it is a lagging indicator and unless we see a terrible number (say below 100,000 jobs) then it will not alter the probability of a December hike. 6. Local shares: Asian equities should remain under pressure on open, with the ASX 200 needing to close above 5283 to snap a three week losing streak. With our opening call at 5187 (-0.2%) one can safely say there is a little probability we can close the week higher and despite higher iron ore and coking coal BHP looks set to open lower (based on its American Depository Receipt). US crude has fallen 2.3% from the ASX 200 cash close so that is a headwind for energy names, while banks also look set for lower levels on open. Gold stocks have been the place to hide this week with names like Newcrest Mining, Evolution Mining and Resolute finding solid support in the market and this is an area where pullbacks should be nicely supported, with gold holding the $1300 level. Paint maker Dulux will pay out over half a million dollars after it was caught selling paint that promised to cool houses by as much as 15 degrees without any proof it worked. The company promoted its InfraCOOL roof paint between 2009 and 2012 as being able to lower the temperature inside a house by up to 10 degrees. The court heard Dulux had no reasonable grounds for making the claims. Credit:Viki Lascaris A second product, Weathershield Heat Reflect wall paint, promised to reduce the heat of external walls by as much as 15 degrees. But after being hauled to court by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Dulux admitted it had no reasonable grounds for making those claims. An overseas internet start-up that Telstra's former chief executive considered a real threat to the telco industry will launch in Australia this month offering one plan unlimited data at speeds of up to 100 Mbps. The Singapore-based MyRepublic claims it has shaken up the telecommunications sector in its home country, Indonesia and New Zealand, helping make 100 Mbps broadband packages more accessible. It says Australia is ripe for disruption, with 80 per cent of customers on the National Broadband Network (NBN) running on speeds similar to ADSL technology, which is 25 Mbps or slower. "Now that there are 3 million homes on the NBN it makes sense for us to enter the market," says MyRepublic chief executive Malcolm Rodrigues. Wearable fitness device maker Fitbit's revenue forecast for the key-Christmas shopping quarter fell well short of analysts' estimates, hurt by stiff competition from rival device makers and battery issues with one of its new wristbands. Shares of the company, which also reported lower-than-expected quarterly revenue, plummeted more than 30 per cent to $US8.93 in extended US trading on Wednesday, and is set to hit a record low on Thursday. Fitbit forecast revenue of $US725 million to $US750 million for the Christmas quarter, well below analysts' estimates of $US985.1 million, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. That implies revenue growth of just 5.4 per cent at the top end of the forecast. Analysts were expecting growth of 38.4 per cent, picking up from the latest third-quarter's 23.1 per cent rise, which is the smallest increase since the company went public in June 2015. Technology giant Uber says it paid $2.5 million in tax in Australia in 2016 and that it is not one of 35 e-commerce companies under audit by the ATO. The ride-sharing service, which until recently has been operating illegally in most Australian states including Victoria and NSW, has lodged its Australian financial accounts showing the amount of corporate tax the company pays has increased from $401,945 in 2015. But the 2015 figure in its accounts lodged with the corporate regulator are at odds with the figure Uber provided in a statement to the Senate inquiry into corporate tax avoidance earlier this year. That statement, provided in February by Uber's director of public policy Brad Kitschke, said the amount of tax Uber paid in 2015 was $249,280. The Australian Taxation Office has been questioning the tax paid by Uber which is now valued at about $80 billion in particular whether significant economic activity is taking place in Australia that should be taxed. Not the Dutch way Obviously something's been lost in the translation if, as the joint Julie Bishop/Bert Koenders article implies, Dutch "shared values" would include condemning unfortunate asylum seekers, fleeing torture and discrimination, to indefinite, insanity-inducing, incarceration in off-shore concentration camps ("Australia and the Dutch, 400 years of shared history", November 2, p19). Albert M. White, Queanbeyan, NSW Day just one of many If Senator Bob Day's election was invalid because he had a financial link to a property that houses his electoral office, for which he received rental payments from the Commonwealth, then presumably the many members and senators who own units or house in Canberra where they live when Parliament is sitting and who use their accommodation allowance to pay the mortgages on those homes are also guilty of receiving an indirect pecuniary benefit from the Commonwealth and are in exactly the same situation as Senator Day? Roger Dace, Reid More vetting needed If Stephen Jones (Letters, October 28) can show a direct link between an MP's vote and their wallet, then the answer is "yes", they should be excluding themselves from such votes. On the ABCC bill and union affiliation, I doubt such a link could be shown. The MP would be representing their electors, and not their own bank balance. But if it's good enough for councillors, why not MPs with far more influence? Parties would soon vet their candidates' financial interests much more closely, if this were to apply. Peter Marshall, Captains Flat, NSW Mediscare was no lie Perhaps Liberal Party federal director Tony Nutt should now apologise to the Australian people after his angry "cold-blooded lie" Mediscare tirade at the Canberra Press Club, supported by our PM in the election campaign. They gave Australians a guarantee that there would be no change to Medicare in this term? Here we are four months into the new term and they have given us a cold-blooded freezing of Medicare rebates and a $2 recommended increase for doctor's visits. This looks very much like a Medicare co-payment increase by stealth. P. R. Temple, Macquarie Just too many people Margaret Atcherley (Letters, November 2) rightly points out that the main cause of the calamitous loss of wildlife is human encroachment on habitat as a result of increasing human population. She perhaps missed the news that, fortunately, we no longer have a baby bonus in Australia. Before anyone rushes in to say "it's consumption, not human numbers", they should consider that even the poorest of people have to be fed, clothed and sheltered. It all requires resources, often from the forests that are home to other species. Consider the pressures on the forests that house the mountain gorilla in the Virungas mountain region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. These countries have fertility rates of 4.5, 5.8 and 4.5, or, put another way, their human populations double every 29, 22 and 28 years respectively. Over-consumption by us in the richer world is certainly an environmental issue and must not be dismissed. It is more of an issue with climate change, however. Jenny Goldie, Michelago, NSW Honour our own It wasn't' April Fools Day, or I might have laughed hysterically at Neil James's assertion (Letters, October 31) that ads for Lockheed, Northrop, Boeing, BAE are to remind us that "concern for our common defence like jury duty is a universal responsibility of Australian citizenship." I agree with the responsibility we have ... so let's display ads that highlight that. Let's show our troops, our maintenance people, our front-line and back-line defenders. Let's do a media blitz on those things we contribute to our common defence the bits and pieces we create, design, manufacture ... not what we buy from some multi-national defence conglomerate. Judy Bamberger, O'Connor Ride should be closed My children and I have been on Thunder River Rapids ride at Dreamworld a number of times. It was our favourite ride. There were clear written requirements to "never stand up and to remain in one's seat" throughout the ride. I now can't help wondering what would be the consequences if one had stood up and moved around. Even if Thunder River Rapids is reopened we would never go on it again. I hope it is closed forever and a beautiful walkway flower memorial is put in its place. Karen Dahl, Forrest Future miracles take time I'm pleased my letter (October 27) questioning autonomous vehicles and pointing to a lack of information about such vehicles from "can the tram" types has managed to elicit some information on their vision(s) for a future Canberra with roads populated by very many autonomous vehicles. What we see in the responses from Messrs Bradly and Fitch and A.Smith (Letters, October 31) are visions of a Canberra far removed from what we have today. I doubt the visions they see are likely to appear until well after the tram has been wending its way through our city for quite a few years. I agree self-driving vehicles will eventually become the norm; there will no doubt be state-of-the-art systems in place to provide the wherewithal for those wonderful visions to be implemented. I just don't think the idealists' views will be achieved very soon. Imagine the difficulty facing the roll-out of the high-tech integrated system that will be required throughout our expanding city to direct, for example, a privately/publicly owned fleet of 23,000 autonomous vehicles. The issues surrounding implementation of the visions will keep governments, business, commentators and letter-writers busy for decades. Meantime, we need to face up to ever-increasing traffic congestion and pollution while awaiting future miracles. Chris Carder, Spence Stage 2 feasibility David Flannery's piece "Best way for Woden rail" (Forum, October 29, p10) about "feasibility planning and detailed design development" for the Stage 2 light rail line from Civic to Woden was fascinating. Flannery makes it clear that Stage 2 is going ahead come what may, and that attention must now be given to trying to make it feasible. This is to be achieved by routing it here, there and everywhere, ensuring it is useless as a means of travelling from Civic to Woden, because the trip would take ages and, as Flannery acknowledges, the existing express bus does the job well. At the same time the proposed route provides no benefit over existing bus routes through the suburbs, much less those that could be developed in the future. But think of the wonders of putting tram lines through the two-lane streets of Deakin, Hughes and Garran. God preserve us from planners whose intellectual armoury consists of coloured pencils. R. F. Shogren, Barton All about land value "Transport planning is most effective when integrated with land-use planning, and increased value is captured through the uplift of land-use zoning on land immediately adjacent to, or within a short walking distance of a transit corridor". These are worrying words from David Flannery ("Best way for Woden rail", Forum, October 29, p.10). Until recently, we had equitable planning. Location, connectivity, amenity, privacy, community, lifestyle, public open space, landscaping, access to a fine hierarchical road system, and public transport were available for all. Buses were integral to that scenario. All that, and our dispersed town centres, avoided urban sprawl. Now, as Flannery reveals, town planning is about "land economics", a system in which all those good things are passe, and maximising land value is king. A Civic-centric tram system encourages "land economics" and low-grade "densification". Nothing exemplifies that more than the shockingly-as-yet-unresolved tram route for Civic-Woden. Property owners on it will win, and those not, will lose. Jack Kershaw, Kambah The Alinsky method Hillary Clinton's oldest political mentor was the late Saul Alinsky, who was famous for learning his political craft from the Capone gang. Clinton's 1969 Wellesley College thesis was titled There is Only the Fight: An Analysis of the Alinsky Model, and on the strength of that Alinsky even offered Clinton a job. Alinsky biographer Sanford Horwitt recounts a typical example of the Alinsky model of political agitprop: In the spring of 1972 anti-Vietnam war students at Tulane University in Louisiana were planning to protest against a speech by George Bush sr, then US ambassador to the UN. Alinsky convinced them that rather than taking the orthodox approach of picketing the speech and shouting anti-war slogans, it would be more effective and less risky for the students to don Ku Klux Klan outfits and to scream their support any time Bush said something in favour of continuing the war. It was apparently a very effective strategy. People should remember this when they read about a person at a Trump rally, supposedly a Trump supporter, shouting anti-Semitic comments ("Attack dog gets sniff of Trump win, Comment, October 31, p10). Sounds remarkably like Hillary's Democrats reusing the old Alinsky method! Greg Ellis, Murrumbateman, NSW Try residential levy In a submission to Treasury last year, KPMG recommended reforms to alleviate housing affordability. One was that consideration be given to abolishing stamp duty on the transfer of residential property and conflate rates, land tax, insurance taxes and emergency service levies into a new Property Services Tax. Given the way ACT rates are rising I think it would be useful for the new Assembly to look to the future and investigate a way past the medieval collection of local taxation we know as the rates and explore the possibility of a residential levy. Such a levy could, for example, include in it free public transport and a minimal charge for car registration and driving licence. Steve Thomas, Yarralumla TO THE POINT TOUGH ASK So, the Public Service Commission wants a catchy new slogan to attract new entrants to the APS? Just don't mention pay rises or conditions. Graham Hannaford, Ainslie NOT A PRETTY PICTURE Current events in Australia and the United States show that the greed of too many of the rich, the venality of too many politicians and, it seems, the credulity of too many voters are destroying democracy and its benefits. Chris Ansted, Garran HIJACKED AGAIN Gwenyth Bray (Letters, November 2) bemoans the hijacking of Christmas by commercial interests. Doesn't she know Christians invented Christmas to hijack the winter solstice festivals celebrated by the pagans? Isn't it a case of just another new religion hijacking an old festival? John Walker, Queanbeyan, NSW STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE Ross Gittins ("Our moral bankruptcy", November 2, p18) debunked the statement from Social Services "thousands of parents on government pensions earn more than if they had a job". The lower end of town is squeezed between a liveable wage and the poverty line. Gary J. Wilson, Macgregor LEADING THE WAY Happy to oblige Fred Pilcher (Letters, November 1). All those "thousands of gods" are small g and useless. Only one God is entitled to a capital letter and that is the God of Israel, the only one who delivers on his promises of both blessing and justice. J. Halgren, Latham Given the opportunity to write, I will be happy to tell Fred Pilcher the god I am referring to. Evelyn Bean, Ainslie INEXCUSABLE On Tuesday I watched the Captain's pick condone the latest horse-whipping contest with his presence. The G-G should have said nay! The only thing that separates this horse-whipping contest from bull baiting and cock fighting is that the spectators now wear top hats and tails. John Galvin, Weston Can I Get Arrested for Not Having ID? While having your identification on you in public is generally advisable, there is no law that requires people to carry identification with them when out in public. As such, you cannot be arrested simply for not having your ID on your person. However, there are situations that can lead to arrest if you fail to identify yourself. Although carrying a government issued ID at all times is not required by law, certain activities do require showing a government issued ID. For instance, purchasing alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, tattoos, or other age restricted items, frequently requires showing a government issued ID to a store clerk, however, failure to show ID will only result in being unable to purchase those item or services, and not in an arrest. Driving Requires a Driver's License In every state, driving without a driver's license is illegal. This not only means driving without having obtained a license, but also driving when you physically don't have the state issued licensed on your person. And no, that metal plate on the bumper is not a driver's license. It is unlikely, however, that an officer will arrest you for simply not having your license on you, even if you are pulled over. Generally, not having your driver's license when you get pulled over will result in a ticket. States handle these tickets differently, but for the most part, it is treated as an infraction (less serious than a misdemeanor). Failing to Identify Yourself Can Lead to Arrest While not carrying an ID is perfectly legal, failing to identify yourself verbally to an officer can lead to your arrest. Most states have 'Stop and Identify' laws which require individuals to provide their full names to law enforcement officers when asked. Failing to identify yourself can lead to being arrested. While individuals have the right to have an attorney present when being questioned by law enforcement, providing your name is not considered questioning, which makes sense. Also, it is important to note that providing a fake name to officers can also get you arrested. Immigrants Beware From time to time, states will pass laws that require officers check identifications for various reasons, usually as pretext to harass undocumented immigrants. For example, in Utah, a controversial "Show me your papers" type law had to be struck down by the federal courts. While these laws are routinely held invalid by courts, while cases are pending, they may allow officers to arrest people without identification. Crossing International Borders When crossing the border into Mexico or Canada, you are required to present your passport. However, if you fail to present your passport, you will not be allowed to cross the border. In some situations, as a result of the increased border security over the past decade and a half, you may be briefly detained for questioning. Generally though, you will not be arrested for forgetting your passport at the border unless you give border security another reason. Related Resources: I recently asked my father if he took time off work after I was born. "Nope", he replied without missing a beat. He went to work the night I was born and taught his corporation law class at a local university. He didn't take paternity leave around the time I was born, but my mother, following a well-studied trend, took maternity leave and then moved from full-time to part-time work. Although rising, women's workforce participation remains 14 per cent lower than men's and, after their mid-20s, female participation rates decline for their next two decades. This translates, by some estimates, to over a billion dollars worth of lost productivity in the Australian economy. Despite this, women continue to perform three times as much domestic work as men who work similar hours. A large chunk of this domestic work is child rearing and a father's role in changing this dynamic remains underestimated. Firebrand One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has gone to ground amid a push to oust West Australian senator Rod Culleton from Parliament and fresh warnings the resurgent party could come unstuck by its own ineffective vetting. As the party awaits legal advice about the Coalition's plans to refer the businessman's election to the High Court as soon as Monday, One Nation faces the first major test of unity among its bloc of four senators. Senator Culleton even raised the prospect he would quit of his own volition - if his colleagues determined it was in the party's best interest. Questions also remained about whether the rookie senator would keep his commitment not to vote on any bills while the challenge was underway. Calls to Senator Hanson and One Nation figures in three states went unanswered on Thursday afternoon as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull rejected suggestions the July 2 double dissolution had brought chaos to Canberra. It was a cool, clear April day when John Dunn was dispatched to a grain mill outside the town of Guyra, in the New England region of NSW. The Tamworth tow truck driver could not have imagined he was about to prompt a dispute that, two-and-a-half years later, would throw the Australian Senate into chaos and play out on the national stage. Awaiting Dunn at the mill's gate was Rodney Culleton, a floundering farmer and businessman from the other side of the country. He had entered an arrangement with the mill's local owner, Jack Vivers, to buy grain and use the mill to make horse feed. But Culleton was experiencing financial difficulties and Dunn's Recovery Service had been ordered to repossess his leased truck. Dunn waited, watching Culleton potter back and forth from the nearby petrol station, until the repossession agent arrived. What transpired was unlike anything Dunn, a 40-year industry veteran, had ever witnessed. "I've never struck anyone with his strange attitude, I'll say," he tells Fairfax Media. "Not everyone complies, but most people you can talk to. They know well before it happens." Culleton, however, put up a fight. "I got down out of my truck and Culleton was at the gate to the property," Dunn recalls. "As I've had my back turned, he's jumped in my truck and grabbed the key! He refused to give the key back, the police were called [and] later on obviously charges were laid." These images are about the power of the ocean, says photographer Greg Weight. Credit:Greg Weight The huge waves attracted crowds of sightseers, they left their car headlights on and that was my lighting. Different cars appear to have slightly different colour temperature headlights, thus creating different hues of light, not to mention the rainbow effect that happens when light rays are refracted through cloud like plumes of water. The headlights and the enormous waves combined to create the effects in these images. Where are these photos taken, how did this series come about? The temperature of the car headlights created different hues of light as the waves crashed in. Credit:Greg Weight They were taken near the car park at south Clovelly headland. When a visitor from Bronte told me the waves were enormous, I went to the headland with my camera. The rest is history. Is there an underlying message in this series? Photographer Greg Weight says many people have commented that the images look like paintings. Credit:Greg Weight I'm not inclined to say what I think about the images I make, apart from the fact that I would not put a work up unless I think it "works". There is no doubt that these images are about the power of the ocean, the sea has its own significance as a mythical creature, as a source of great pleasure and of great destruction. I nearly drowned twice, as a child and an adolescent, so I learnt early to respect the ocean. If an image is viewed by 12 people it is likely to get 12 different readings. I prefer viewers to read an image in whatever language it speaks to them, which is why I don't want to lead anyone astray with my opinion. Having said that, I will go as far as to add that I believe "climate change" is a reality, caused by lack of respect for, and exploitation of the world's resources, and when I look at these images, they remind me of some very likely consequences, unless we all make an effort to change. OK, there is a message You mentioned to me about being in the right place at the right time when taking landscapes. What do you mean by this and how does this statement work into this series? For about 12 years I taught photography at various Sydney art colleges, during that time I also studied the work of master photographers. I taught the things I practiced, which was to be prepared, and to understand what one's specific interest in photography really is. It could be portraiture, landscape, documentary or something else, and of course putting yourself in the right place at the right time. The importance of the latter is major. If something is happening that I want to make a significant image out of I have to be there to make it happen. Then I have to recognise the essential visual ingredients and hone those ingredients, like sculpting or writing. It's not all that much different. What advice would you have for photographers documenting landscapes? Try to use the highest resolution camera you can afford, and an equally high quality lens. Think a lot about what it is you are trying to say about the landscape and know the importance of prevailing weather and lighting conditions. Why is the light in some of these images a different colour? From white, to blue, to reddish yellow? I avoid too much technical information about images, it's like asking a painter: 'What size brush do you use?' for me it seems irrelevant. It is purely the image that is of importance. If it moves you or if you feel offended or delighted, those things I'm happy to discuss. However, I respect this form of curiosity, which happens ceaselessly, as a form of engaging in a conversation. I often say something like the exposure was 50 years at f11. That gets a laugh and we move on. I want people to look with a deeper level of intelligence at art, because the answers are in the artwork. When light hits clouds at a certain angle we see a rainbow. These photographs are not different; my camera is sensitive enough to register the subtle changes in the refracted light spectrum. Then I ever so slightly push each colour in the direction it wants to go. It's about creating an image equal to the experience. Embattled Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson has resigned from the cabinet. The member for Bundaberg has faced intense scrutiny after it was revealed she had not paid almost $8000 in rates for three years. On Thursday night, Ms Donaldson told Parliament her position had become untenable. She also revealed she had not paid her car registration by the due date. A 79-year-old man shot his wife and adult daughter, called triple zero and turned the gun on himself in a suspected double-murder-suicide that shocked a small Queensland suburb, police believe. The call, about 6.40am on Thursday, alerted emergency services to the "traumatic" scene they discovered at an acreage home on Queensland's Fraser Coast. Police said John Frescura's 50-year-old daughter, Robyn, was found dead at the scene, while paramedics rushed him and 68-year-old wife, Janice, to Hervey Bay Hospital. Mrs Frescura died shortly after and within hours police fronted the media outside the city's police station to confirm the suspected shooter's death as well. A plan to get 17-year-olds out of adult jails in Queensland has succeeded after the laws were passed on Thursday night. Just before 10pm, the Youth Justice and Other Legislation (Inclusion of 17-year-old Persons) Amendment Bill passed the House. 17-year-olds will be removed from Queensland's jails, after new laws pass parliament. The bill will increase the upper age of a child from 16 to 17 years and establish a regulation-making power to transfer 17-year-olds from the adult criminal justice system to the youth justice system. With Labor and the LNP tied on 40 votes for yes and 40 votes for no, it came down to the crossbenchers to pass the bill. Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson has confirmed that the Labor Party repaid her outstanding near-$8000 council bill. In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, Ms Donaldson said the Queensland branch of the ALP settled the account with the Bundaberg Regional Council on Wednesday. "I will repay the ALP next week," Ms Donaldson said. "Due to personal circumstances, I was unable to immediately repay the bill myself." Petitions with 10,000 signatures will now be debated in Queensland Parliament under changes introduced this week. Leader of the House Stirling Hinchliffe moved an amendment to sessional orders so that every petition properly tabled in the House and signed by 10,000 people or more would be included on the notice paper. Petitions with more than 10,000 or more signatures will be debated in Queensland Parliament, unless they are Credit:Glenn Hunt But MPs won't have to debate the issue if the petition is frivolous or vexatious or if the same subject has already been debated in the same session. Time was set aside from noon to 1pm on Thursdays for petitions to be debated. The devastated father of a four-year-old Gold Coast boy recalled how his son told him "I love you, I miss you" before he died. Tyrell Cobb was found unconscious at a Biggera Waters home on May 24, 2009, with 70 injuries to his body, and was later pronounced dead in hospital. His mother Heidi Strbak, 33, and her ex-partner Matthew Scown, 33, were facing a committal hearing at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with murder. Tyrell's father Jason Cobb, who split from Strbak in 2008, told the court his son told him he loved him and missed him the last time they spoke. Parents: Hide Your Stash! Marijuana-Laced Candy on Halloween? The fear of Halloween candy being laced with drugs or razor blades has caused parents to obsessively check their children's Halloween candy for decades. While reports of candy tampering on Halloween are exceedingly rare, with the proliferation of medical marijuana, marijuana candy is the new razor blade in the apple. Since it should be easy to spot, parents really only need to provide a small addition to the usual warning to their kids: Don't eat anything unwrap-able, opened, or with a pot leaf or warning label. Due to the regulations that govern the manufacturing of marijuana edibles in states like Oregon and Colorado, they must be packaged in a way that really doesn't look like candy, as well as contain a clear warning. While there are marijuana edibles manufacturers that may not adhere to these guidelines, most will have clear labeling. Oregon's Poison Control Center's doctor recommended that parents that want to protect their children from it should lock up their own marijuana candy stashes, and of course, check their children's candy for unwrapped and suspicious items. Is Poisoning Candy Really a Thing? While parents are known for worrying about every little thing, even if it doesn't make sense, some might be relieved to know that there has only been one confirmed report of death from Halloween candy poisoning, and it is the most tragically disgusting story you'll hear all day. Basically, a cash strapped father took out a life insurance policy on his children, then poisoned his son's Halloween candy. Then to cover it up, he distributed a few of the poisoned pixie sticks he created. His son died. He was executed in 1984. Will Your Kid Bring Home Pot Candy? While it is exceedingly unlikely that your child will bring home pot candy from trick-or-treating, it has already been reported as happening in Illinois this year. As noted in the report, the candy had marijuana leaves on the packaging. Typically though, because of the high cost of marijuana candy and low incidence of causing harm, it is unlikely anyone would maliciously distribute pot candy to children. Again, it bears restating, poison Halloween candy is an urban legend. Related Resources: The truth about Hazelwood is that it was never meant to last this long. The giant power station's closure is terrible news for its 750 workers and their families, and for a regional community that has already had more than it share of job losses. But if the Latrobe Valley is hit hard in the years to come it will be due to a failure by those in power to plan or respond, not a lack of forewarning. Back in 1971, as the last of Hazelwood's eight units started generation, The Latrobe Valley Express quoted an official saying the plant would probably close before 2000. The State Electricity Commission of Victoria later expected to retire it in 2005. That changed when the station and mine were sold in 1996 for $2.35 billion with the prospect it may run another 40 years. That was always unrealistic. The plant is old. When its first units came online Robert Menzies was in the Lodge, the Beatles were playing Festival Hall and Melbourne were still winning premierships. For nine years Claudia Davies has run a cafe on the south side of Morwell, about one kilometre from the southern edge of the Hazelwood coal mine in a straight line. And in recent years the popular cafe has sold "suspended coffees", coffees that customers pay for but donate, to be redeemed in future by someone who wants one but has difficulty paying for it. Morwell small business owner Claudia Davies Credit:Jason South Now, with Hazelwood closing in March next year, she believes Morwell needs similar kinds of support. "The government obviously works for the people," she says. "I'd like the government to have a genuinely caring mentality, towards getting the town to transition, and comforting people." As parents of one teenager prepare for his funeral, the parents of another are dealing with the ongoing trauma and financial burden of their daughter's long-term injuries. The pair and three others were involved in a horrific crash in West Sunshine on October 24. Billie Lea Harris is in The Alfred hospital after the horrific crash. A funeral for Luke Lee, 15, of Newport, will be held at Our Lady's in Sunshine on Thursday. Luke was driving an unregistered 1995 VS Holden Commodore with bald tyres with four friends on board when he sped through a roundabout on Oldfield Street, West Sunshine. The car mounted the gutter, and crashed into a tree. A Perth woman has filmed the frightening moment her car was almost struck by a rogue, bouncing tyre on the Mitchell Freeway on-ramp at South Perth on Wednesday afternoon. Kat Black's dash cam showed how a car exiting the freeway lost a wheel and bounded onto the entrance ramp at Mill Point Road. The tyre ricocheted between the freeway barriers, before coming to a stop on the side of the road. Ms Black said she saw the now three-wheeled blue car roll to a stop on the exit ramp. A West Australian woman who was "grossly intoxicated" when she fatally stabbed her former partner during an argument about money while playing cards has been jailed for at least 12 years. Jody Carolyn Gore, 44, stabbed Damion Jones, 39, at a home in the Nulleywah Aboriginal community in Kununurra in June last year. Gore claimed she feared Mr Jones was going to throw a rock at her. Credit:AP Mr Jones lost the money Gore gave him to participate in the card game, then stole more cash from her, the WA Supreme Court heard on Thursday. When she confronted him, Mr Jones - who was also drunk - punched Gore and they continued to fight. Just two days into Perth's own CowParade, a statue has already been vandalised in Forrest Place. The public artwork 'Beauty X Ethics', done by local artist Benjamin Kontoolas, was a life size cow statue recognisable by its bright pink neon light wings. The Forrest Place cow has had its wings clipped in an act of vandalism. Credit:City of Perth It is one of more than 40 life-sized fibreglass cows installed around the city as part of a six week art exhibition - but now it now appears the specially-made wings have been ripped from the statue, and the lighting is no longer functional. Mr Kontoolas said while it was disappointing, he hoped that he could get it repaired and functional as soon as possible. The burning of a black church in the US South is never simply a case of arson. It brings back memories of a time when black people were less than human in the land of the free, when a sign bearing the legend "I Am A Man" was more than a statement of the obvious - it was contentious. So when a church burned overnight, and was emblazoned with the slogan "Vote Trump", many wondered what kind of abyss we were peering into. Member of a Syrian jihadist group hold a sign that reads "Punish [Jakarta governor] Ahok or our bullets will." But in this modern era, one wonders if people can be fooled into seeing the return of a whole apparatus from just a fleeting quotation, whether a moment's violence in the street can trigger instability in a great nation. For saner counsels to prevail, it would seem that more than just hope is required. Amsterdam: The Netherlands should halt adoptions from abroad because the damage done to child protection systems in origin countries outweighs the benefits to individual children, a Dutch official advisory council said on Wednesday. The Dutch government will have to decide whether to implement the advice it requested from the independent Council for the Administration of Criminal Justice and Protection of Juveniles, which oversees child protection in the Netherlands. International treaties on adoption allow children to be adopted from abroad if all possibilities for housing children with families in their home countries have been exhausted. The council found it was almost impossible to ensure this was the case, however, and said the present system encouraged the selling of children for adoption. "Adoption creates an incentive effect," it wrote in the report. "The demand for children creates supply in orphanages [abroad]." McDonald's $3.75M Settlement: Corporate Probably Not Loving It In what is being hailed as a historic settlement for workers at franchised McDonald's restaurants, the fast food behemoth agreed to settle labor violation claims asserted by franchise employees. The settlement is being reported as a first of its kind against the burger maker, as it holds McDonald's, as the franchisor, responsible for the acts of its franchisees. While McDonald's corporate adamantly asserts that they are not the employers of the franchisee's employees, there is a pending National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) action to decide this exact issue. Who's Getting Paid for What? The $3.75 million settlement, after deducting legal costs and fees, will be divided amongst 800 employees from five different McDonald's throughout California. While no fault is being admitted in the settlement, the money is meant to pay back employees who worked the overnight shift without being paid overtime, as well as to reimburse employees who were not reimbursed for the time and expense of maintaining their uniform, as well as other labor violations. The attorneys and legal costs make up more than half the total amount, which still is awaiting approval from the court. What the Settlement Means The case already had an in-court determination that McDonald's corporate was not a joint employer; however, in making that determination, the judge left the door open for the plaintiffs to assert that corporate was their primary employer rather than the franchisee. The settlement allows McDonald's to not have to worry about the case setting bad precedent for them in the courts. McDonald's corporate asserts that the settlement was done for pragmatic reasons related to litigation costs. What the NLRB Action Means If McDonald's is found to be a joint employer by the NLRB, it could mean that McDonald's employees nationwide could unionize and negotiate with McDonald's corporate rather than individual franchisees when it comes to wages and benefits. Currently, there is a push among service employees and fast food workers to push the minimum wage up to $15, as many employees in this sector are unable to negotiate for better wages. Related Resources: A glut of new state polls helped shift those averages to Trump's benefit. But hidden in the new polls, as bleak as they are in some cases, are reminders of why the race continues to be Clinton's to lose, as long as she stops the electoral bleeding. The good news Pennsylvania: Clinton plus-4 (CNN-ORC), Clinton plus-4 (Monmouth University), Clinton plus-5 (Quinnipiac University) RealClearPolitics average a week ago: Clinton plus-4.4 These results are consistent and good news for Clinton. For Trump to pass her in the electoral college, he needs to win either North Carolina or Pennsylvania, plus another state or two. Trump has repeatedly argued that he can win the state, and he's spending a lot of resources there. A four-point margin with six days to go isn't unassailable, but given how the national picture has tightened, it's a good sign for Clinton that she can count on banking the state. Trump has led in only one poll conducted in the state since May. North Carolina: Clinton plus-3 (Quinnipiac) RealClearPolitics average a week ago: Clinton plus-2.3 Clinton's showing in the state seemed wobbly in RealClearPolitics estimation earlier today, thanks to a poll from SurveyUSA showing Trump with a seven-point lead. That's an outlier; since the first debate, Trump has led in the state in only two other polls (each from the same Republican-leaning polling firm). RCP hasn't updated its average in the state since the Quinnipiac poll, but Clinton will probably retake a narrow lead. (Update: It's a tie.) Again, Trump needs to win either Pennsylvania or North Carolina. If she holds both, Trump's done. Wisconsin: Clinton plus-6 (Marquette Law) RealClearPolitics average a week ago: Clinton plus-6.7 Trump's argument over the past few days has been that he's expanding the map into Democratic territory. If he shifted the national poll numbers enough, we would see that, just as Clinton's big lead a few weeks ago had people talking about whether she might win Texas. There's no sign, though, that Trump has made inroads into Wisconsin. Thanks in part to continued skepticism about his candidacy from the establishment-friendly Republicans there (it was his last big primary season walloping), Democrats are more supportive of Clinton than Republicans are of Trump. We know that this correlates to bigger margins for Clinton, and so it is here. Remember: Even if Trump wins Pennsylvania and North Carolina as per that RCP map as of writing he needs to pick up at least five more electoral votes. That's harder than it seems, and a win in Wisconsin would give him that, plus insurance. But it looks as if it's not to be. Florida: Clinton plus-1 (Quinnipiac University), Clinton plus-2 (CNN-ORC) RealClearPolitics average a week ago: Clinton plus-1.6 A Florida win for Clinton next Tuesday, and the race is over. Again, Trump needs it, Ohio and North Carolina or Pennsylvania plus other states. The bad news Ohio: Trump plus-5 (Quinnipiac University) RealClearPolitics average a week ago: Trump plus-1.1 Trump continues to outperform in Ohio. It has consistently been his strongest of the three must-win states, and Quinnipiac's poll suggests that it's pretty safely his. It's worth noting, though, that while Trump's lead in Ohio has grown over the past week, it's still closer than Clinton's lead in Pennsylvania, which has held steady. In other words, Ohio is not as safe for Trump as Pennsylvania is for Clinton. Arizona: Trump plus-5 (CNN-ORC) RealClearPolitics average a week ago: Clinton plus-1.5 Arizona was always a gimme for Clinton, nice to win but unnecessary. It's a good litmus test for how the race has changed, though, with Clinton's lead two weeks ago being in part a function of Trump's sinking poll numbers, which now seem to have reversed. Bad news but only if Clinton was hoping for a massive blowout on Tuesday. The ugly news Nevada: Trump plus-6 (CNN-ORC) RealClearPolitics average a week ago: Clinton plus-2 Clinton doesn't need to win Nevada, but it looked as if she was going to. As Aaron Blake noted Wednesday, Clinton has a decent-size lead in the early vote in the state. That data, though, suggests a slight shift to the Republicans over the past few days, which would reinforce polling data showing results moving toward Trump. Loading Polls, as we say again and again, are snapshots and belated ones at that. Like a Polaroid of a horse race taken in the home stretch that we would have to wait to see develop. The race has moved on, but we can make guesses about where it's going from where it was. The short version is that Clinton is still poised to win. The medium-length version is that the race seems as of it will be a lot closer than it looked two weeks ago. The long version, implied above, is that continued movement away from Clinton and toward Trump nationally could solidify those 265 electoral votes for Trump and maybe open up some options for those other five he needs. A person wearing a Hillary Clinton mask and holding a Donald Trump effigy stands outside a rally with the Republican presidential candidate. Credit:AP That's disgusting. Clearly I'm throwing my lot in with Donald Trump to make America quake again. Donald, my man! It's my final decision. No turning back now. But wait. Have you forgotten Trump's insulting comments about women, Muslims, Mexicans, Gold Star families, prisoners of war and people with disabilities with the possible exception of the Dominican Nuns of America, who he probably regards as a two, at best? Hillary Clinton. Credit:AP I've never been more offended in my life. There's no way we can let this man anywhere near the White House. It's time to take a principled stand. And that's why the only clear choice on Election Day is Hillary Clinton. In fact I'm going out right now to buy my wife a pantsuit as a show of solidarity. But wait. Let's not lose sight of Benghazi, the private server, the scandal over all those earlier mails and the rumors Hillary is closer to death's door than Old Yeller. Donald Trump enthusiastically greeted the explosive return of Hillary Clinton's private email server to the presidential race. Credit:Bloomberg What was I thinking?!?! The arrogant gall of it all. I'm beside myself with annoyance. How could I possibly cast a vote for such a careless, irresponsible, dreadful person? Trump is the only possible alternative to lead this wonderful country. If there is anything I value, it's loyalty. Trump, no question about it. But wait. In recent days various news reports have hinted at a shadowy back-channel relationship between the Trump Organization and a Russian bank. The FBI has been looking into ties between former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort and his consulting work with all manner of tyrants, despots and kleptocrats around the world. And let us not forget Donald Trump gets a tingle down his leg at the mere mention of the object of his bromance, Vladimir Putin. Good grief, this is a chap who watches reruns of Dr Strangelove to learn about foreign policy. We're doomed! Could Trump be any more utterly shameless! As you know, I've been with the visionary Hillary Clinton from day one, no need to change my mind now. Let's shatter that class ceiling! But wait. You do realise if Hillary Clinton is elected Bill gets to come along? And that we are probably in for at least four years of "What did he do now?" Not to mention all the conflicts of interest and old scandals given new life, at least among the right-wing chattering teeth classes? Oh dear. Who needs that? I had been trying to forget. Four years of Jersey Shore meets the Beltway? That's why I've said consistently that Donald Trump is the Big Apple of my eye. Let's do this thing. But wait. Have you overlooked Trump on that Access Hollywood tape talking about women and saying he wanted to ... ? I know, I know. You're right. Do we really want a president you couldn't trust to be left alone in a room with Queen Elizabeth? Well, that does it for me. Hillary, yes, a thousand times yes, Hillary. But wait. How do you feel about Hillary Clinton refusing to release transcripts of her soft-soap speeches to Wall Street big shots for which she received hundreds of thousands of dollars for big fat, sloppy air kisses? Latest News Reserve Bank decides on interest rates How November call will affect borrowers Property investors abandon Queensland market Government laws threaten investor control, says industry body On average, only 43% of households with interest-only loans have had an explicit discussion with lenders on plans to repay the capital amount.This figure comes from the latest analysis by Martin North, founder of Digital Finance Analytics (DFA), and shows that interest-only policies set out by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) are not being applied across the board.North said that interest-only loans could become a "debt trap" as many hoped to simply pay the loan out by selling the property at a higher price in future, selling another property or from another source such as inheritence. A shocking 83% of existing loan holders plan on rolling over to another interest-only loan in the future while 26% have no firm plans on how to repay the capital.Whether or not borrowers were discussing their repayment plans for interest-only loans depended on the loan provider, North found. The best providers initiated this conversation more than 90% of the time while the worst were talking to clients less than 20% of the time.As for where the responsibility lies for instigating this type of conversation, Peita Davis, owner of Choice Home Loans Penrith & Blue Mountains, put the onus on brokers as sellers of lending products as well as the borrowers themselves.The lender isnt given the opportunity to have an open discussion around that, she told Australian Broker. So I do think it lies within the brokers capacity to ensure that they are educating their clients properly on the products they are purchasing from the lender.As few borrowers fully read through the PDF documents sent directly from the lender, the individual selling the product whether through a branch or broker is responsible for starting a conversation around what having an interest-only loan means, she said.But then I believe that the borrower should take some sense of ownership and responsibility around their own financial situation. They should have an open discussion with the lender or broker around what their intention is and the length of time they have to repay their mortgage.Davis pointed towards society in general which she said had taken personal responsibility from people about managing their own decision-making processes.I think that thats where its important to have an open conversation in which theres no directive given from the broker, she said. Rather the end result should be to educate the borrower of the precise interest-only term and to discuss the intentions and strategies for paying off the loan beyond that term.As for following up with and assessing the clients future needs once the interest-only period expires, Davis said this was entirely the brokers responsibility.Its a perfect opportunity to have a conversation with their clients, she told Australian Broker. In fact, she suggested brokers follow up with clients on an annual basis to keep up-to-date with any changes they may have experienced. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams From In the Papers to on our radio show! NY1 legend Pat Kiernan joined Brooklyn Paper Radio this week to talk about the sorry state of American media, the sorry state of the American election and how being Canadian means never having to say youre sorry for anything America does. Kiernan was also on hand to promote is new kids book, Good Morning, City, which he wrote in the spare time he doesnt even have (unlike you, Pat Kiernan doesnt waste time binge-watching Stranger Things). Joining Kiernan was randy poet Sharon Mesmer, whom Brooklyn Paper readers know as the woman who should have been named Poet Laureate of Brooklyn back in 2009. Mesmer shared several of her bawdy verses, including one about being naked in a grocery store (its a metaphor, people!). Mostly, the show was dominated by the outsized personality of co-host Gersh Kuntzman of the New York Daily News, who grilled Kiernan repeatedly, but without success as the polite Canuck deflected every taunt. Kuntzmans co-host Vince DiMiceli struggled to get a word in edgewise amid the avalanche of Kuntzmans pomposity, though DiMiceli did share a bizarre dream he had about rampant crime on Staten Island. Its all part of another instant-classic edition of Brooklyn Paper Radio. For many of us, certain films have shaped our childhood, and in some cases, even haunted our nightmares. I'm not pointing to those that gave rise to a love of cinema. 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' and 'Back to the Future' take top honors in that regard. I'm referring to movies which left a lasting impression and often only remembered in fragments. Or perhaps the memory of watching it invokes that deliciously blissful sense of nostalgia. For me, Tobe Hooper's 'Salem's Lot' is that movie along with John Carpenter's 'Halloween' right beside it. I wasn't allowed to read Stephen King's book until a few years later when my parents believed I was old enough to handle such a scary story. But the by time the made-for-television adaptation was about to air, I was prepared to visit the quaint, peaceful New England town of Salem's Lot, Maine. As with so many other movie-watching memories cluttering the recesses of my mind, I still remember sitting in front of our ugly, brown-paneled Zenith console TV anxious for the terror to begin. Needless to say, I was exceedingly thrilled to see the ancient, terrifying vampire with the deceptively amicable name of Kurt Barlow. Without a doubt, Reggie Nalder's performance and Jack H. Young's freakishly hair-raising makeup is just one of the most unforgettable aspects, metamorphosing into an iconic presence of the genre almost immediately. Taking obvious inspiration from Max Shreck's ghastly Count Orlock in F.W. Murnau's 'Nosferatu,' the character not only surpassed my expectations, looking far more ghastly than my young imagination could have conjured. But he also managed to loiter about my nightmares for some time after. Random thoughts would replay that hideous visage of a pale blue and hairless man with long, spidery fingers and violently green eyes jumping out the shadows as he did with the town's realtor and adulterer Larry Crockett (Fred Willard). Or the scene of him entering Ned's (Barney McFadden) jail cell and creeping towards the unsuspecting town bully from behind a thick cloud of fog. Speaking of nightmare-inducing scenes, the images which have stuck with me the most throughout my life were those involving the kids of Salem's Lot, for fairly obvious reasons. As the town slowly fell prey to Barlow's hypnotizing gaze, it was the children looking like mini versions of Count Orlock which really made the movie utterly terrifying. And frankly, they continue to be a major reason behind the movie's lasting legacy and for making it a favorite cult classic. The first kid turned was little Ralphie Glick (Ronnie Scribner) after losing his way at night in the forest and later visits his older brother, Danny (Brad Savage). Once at home and soon after at the hospital, in both instances, director Hooper and cinematographer Jules Brenner produce a terrifying image of a child floating from the darkness and fog that's been the cause of many a nightmare. Later, they turn up the scares when Danny visits his best friend and horror fanatic Mark (Lance Kerwin) by hearing Danny scratch at the window with spine-chilling effectiveness while innocently asking to be let in, which of course, Mark refuses. For as long as I can remember, these are the visuals which have stood out most in 'Salem's Lot' and preoccupied much of my imagination into adulthood. Revisiting the charmingly picturesque town again, I'm reminded of the wonderful performances by the cast, particularly Hollywood legend James Mason ('Lolita,' 'Bigger Than Life,' 'A Star Is Born'). Although Barlow is the story's ultimate villain, it's Mason as the creepily mysterious but gentlemanly antique dealer Richard Straker who keeps viewers in suspense. By all appearances, he carries himself with a charitable gentle air, but the dark rings around his sternly watchful eyes suggest a cryptic man with malevolent thoughts. The only person to suspect the newcomer is Ben Mears (David Soul), a moderately successful fiction writer returning to his childhood home because the house now occupied by Straker continues to haunt him. With the help of his new girlfriend Susan Norton (Bonnie Bedelia of later 'Die Hard' fame), her father (Ed Flanders) and Mark, he tries to stop the vampire from destroying this peaceful corner of Americana. And after four decades since its original television broadcast, the 183-minute miniseries remains one of the best and most memorable vampire flicks. It not only takes inspiration from other horror classics, such as Murnau's 'Nosferatu' and Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho,' but it has also been a massive influence on many genre favorites, like 'Fright Night,' 'The Lost Boys' and 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer.' For me, it's a dearly beloved classic of my childhood that continues to entertain and arouse my imagination. The Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats Warner Home Video brings 'Salem's Lot' to Blu-ray on a Region Free, BD50 disc housed inside a blue, eco-cutout case. At startup, viewers are taken to a static menu screen with options along the bottom. Tim Maughan (previously) writes, "Here's the teaser for our short film WHERE THE CITY CAN'T SEE the first narrative film shot with laser scanners." Directed by speculative architect Liam Young and written by fiction author Tim Maughan and designed 'Where the City Can't See' is the world's first narrative fiction film shot entirely with laser scanners. The computer vision systems of driverless cars goggle maps, urban management systems and CCTV surveillance are now fundamentally reshaping urban experience and the cultures of our city. Set in the Chinese owned and controlled Detroit Economic Zone (DEZ) and shot using the same scanning technologies used in autonomous vechicles, we see this near future city through the eyes of the robots that manage it. Exploring the subcultures that emerge from these new technologies the film follows a group of young car factory workers across a single night, as they drift through the smart city point clouds in a driverless taxi, searching for a place they know exists but that the map doesn't show. They are part of an underground community that work on the production lines by day but at night, adorn themselves in machine vision camouflage and the tribal masks of anti-facial recognition to enact their escapist fantasies in the hidden spaces of the city. They hack the city and journey through a network of stealth buildings, ruinous landscapes, ghost architectures, anomalies, glitches and sprites, searching for the wilds beyond the machine. We have always found the eccentric and imaginary in the spaces the city can't see. Premiere at "The Invisibel CIty" Nov 12th. Tickets here latest news October 31, 2022 Buddy TV In November, there are hundreds of new and returning TV showsit can be overwhelming to try and choose what to watch. That's why we've selected some of the best options... SCA Timber is investing SEK 50m in its planing mill in Tunadal, in Sundsvall, Sweden. The investment will enable the planing mill to increase its productivity and will also create the conditions required for continued product development. We are investing in a new intake for raw materials, a new splitting line and a new packaging line, said Markus Henningsson, manager of SCA Timber Supply Skandinavien. The investment will allow us to remove bottlenecks and thereby increase productivity, while new technology means that we can increase our product innovations. This is very much in line with our strategic aims. One main product from the planing mill will be exterior cladding made of raw materials from the Norrland region. There is strong demand for this product among Scandinavian customers. Our ambition is to be the market leader in exterior cladding. As a result of this investment and the investments that have recently been made in the Tunadal sawmill, we will be able to increase the pace of innovation, continued Mr Henningsson. In parallel with the investment, SCA Timber is also launching the SmartTimber added value concept for builders merchants in Scandinavia. The concept involves new and innovative products and services, intended primarily for customers from the professional building trade. An example of a product developed as part of this concept is pine heartwood decking, which has a guaranteed heartwood content of at least 99% and provides natural protection against rot. Another example is an exterior cladding with concealed fitting, which results in a more attractive facade and greater durability. SCA Timber is also investing in providing improved services, such as extended product information, training and sales support for shops. The building materials trade is an important market for us. With innovation and product development, we want to make it easier for our building trade customers to use wood as a material, concluded Mr Henningsson. Saint-Gobain PAM UK has been presented with the Gold Certificate from the Carbon & Energy Management and Reduction Scheme (CEMARS) by Sir Lockwood Smith at a presentation ceremony in London on 27 October. The Gold Certificate recognises the companys achievement for year on year reductions over a five-year period by following a systematic carbon reduction programme. The company cut its carbon emissions by 13.31% in absolute emissions over five years, which equates to 4,107 tonnes. In particular the company has reviewed and taken targeted action at its foundries, where it believes it can make maximum impact. Other actions being taken by Saint-Gobain PAM UK include a replacement programme of all of its internal and external lighting to more efficient LED fittings. The results were reported and independently verified by Achilles, which holds the licence to run CEMARS in the UK. Paul Minchin, managing director of Saint-Gobain PAM UK, said: We are hugely proud to be one of the few UK businesses to achieve the gold certification for CEMARS. The award is testament to the amount of work and commitment invested by various teams across our business over the last six years. Why do people keep leaving their cars unlocked in NJ? We asked The grand prize winner of Japan's 2016 Good Design Award went to a world map, designed by Tokyo-based architect and artist Hajime Narukawa. From Spoon & Tamago: Narukawa developed a map projection method called AuthaGraph (and founded a company of the same name in 2009) which aims to create maps that represent all land masses and seas as accurately as possible. Narukawa points out that in the past, his map probably wasn't as relevant. A large bulk of the 20th century was dominated by an emphasis on East and West relations. But with issues like climate change, melting glaciers in Greenland and territorial sea claims, it's time we establish a new view of the world: one that equally perceives all interests of our planet. In October, a civil court jury ruled that Chicago police officer Scott Korhonen sexually assaulted a 20-year-old black man with a screwdriver. The taxpayers will pay $4 million to the victim. They will also continue to pay Officer Korhonen's salary, because he gets to keep his job. From The Guardian District Court Judge James Holderman, who presided over the hearing, said in court documents there was a "preponderance of evidence" in Mr Coffie's favour. "This was a clear case," he said, ruling that: "Korhonen unreasonably inserted a screwdriver in Coffie's rectum in violation of Coffie's constitutional rights and that [Korhonen's partner, Officer Gerald] Lodwich knowingly failed to stop Korhonen's unconstitutional conduct." "In addition, the evidence clearly showed that Korhonen and Lodwich each knowingly testified falsely at the trial." Unlock 30+ premium stories daily hand-picked by our editors, across devices on browser and app. Full access to our intuitive epaper - clip, save, share articles from any device; newspaper archives from 2006. Curated newsletters on markets, personal finance, policy & politics, start-ups, technology, and more. Pick your 5 favourite companies, get a daily email with all news updates on them. 26 years of website archives. has received Competition Commission of India (CCI's) approval to buyout its Japanese partner Nissan Motors' stake in JVs, which were floated to manufacture and market Light Commercial Vehicle (LCVs). The two partners have formed three JVs for the LCV business. The deal will lead to the exit of Nisan Motor Co. Ltd (NML) from the JVs and post the transaction the JVs will be wholly-owned and solely controlled by AL. Commercial vehicle major and Japanese automajor Nissan have decided to part away from the loss making Light LCV JV, which was formed in 2007, recently. They floated including Nissan Vehicles Limited, Nissan Ashok Leyland Powertrain Limited and Nissan Ashok Leyland Technologies Limited. The JVs manufacture and sell LCVs in India only. However, the LCVs manufactured by vehicle JV are exported by AL. Both the partners have announced a restructuring agreement in September, which they will enable both to enter into a new phase in their business interaction. Under the agreement, Nissan has agreed to sell to Ashok Leyland all of Nissan's shares in three JVs that were formed in 2008. Both the partners have not disclosed the value of the transaction. These joint ventures focus on technology development, and manufacturing of powertrains and vehicles. Under the agreement signed on September 7, 2016 by senior executives of Nissan and Ashok Leyland will continue to build, under a licensing agreement, Dost and Partner light commercial vehicles, which are based on Nissan's design, engineering and technology. Servicing and parts availability for customers will be ensured by a technical support arrangement. In addition, the two have agreed to continue a deal to procure made-in-India parts to Nissan. It may be noted Nissan has already suspended the production of its Evalia. "We are pleased to be moving forward into a new phase of our business with Ashok Leyland," said Philippe Guerin-Boutaud, Nissan corporate vice president in charge of the Global LCV Business Unit in September. "Nissan is committed to India and has invested substantially in manufacturing, research and development and sales networks in the country. We are on track to becoming a major player in the Indian market. Under the licensing arrangement with Ashok Leyland, Indian commercial vehicle customers can continue to benefit from Nissan's engineering, with servicing and parts availability also ensured." In September Vinod Dasari, Ashok Leyland managing director, said: "We have decided to acquire Nissan's stake in the three joint venture companies, and this will help focus our efforts to concentrate on our core business initiatives and our customers. We will continue our relationship with Nissan under the new arrangement". In 2014-15, Ashok Leyland said after studying its intrinsic value of investments in Nissan JV it has made an impairment provision of Rs 214 crore out of total investment of Rs 509 crore in the three Nissan JV entities. Loss of Ashok Leyland Nissan Vehicles Ltd has come down to Rs 61.87 crore in 2015-16 from Rs 791.16 crore, a year ago. AL has 51 per cent stake in this company. Nissan Ashok Leyland Powertrain Ltd's profit was Rs 71.94 lakh in 2015-16 as compared to Rs 3.08 crore loss and Nissan Ashok Leyland Technologies Ltd profit stood at Rs 5.05 crore as compared to Rs 9.78 crore loss, a year ago. It may be noted that the business relationship between ALL and Nissan has turned sour of late, and the Chennai-based commercial vehicle major raised a series of allegations against its Japanese partner, and moved to the court for a legal remedy. The partners have formed three companies include Ashok Leyland Nissan Vehicles Pvt Ltd, the vehicle manufacturing company in which Ashok Leyland has 51% Nissan has 49% stake in, Nissan Ashok Leyland Powertrain Pvt Ltd, the powertrain manufacturing company owned 51% by Nissan and 49% by Ashok Leyland and Nissan Ashok Leyland Technologies Pvt Ltd, the technology development company owned 50:50 by the two partners. The Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers(ICANN), which is a private non-profit organisation managing internet protocol numbers and domain name system roots, began its 57th annual general meeting on Thursday in Hyderabad. The board had grappled with the problem of reviving the loss-making Tata Nano, and had several discussions on the issue, said a director on the board. The director also defended the track record of former Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry and said he could not be blamed for the losses in the Nano project, which he had inherited. ALSO READ: Kanika Datta: Tatas' unique governance challenge Senior independent directors on the board of Indian Hotels are planning to discuss the acquisitions made by the previous management led by former chairman and current Interim Chairman Ratan Tata in the crucial Indian Hotels board meeting to be held in Mumbai on Friday. The removal of as chairman of Indian Hotels is not on the agenda, and the board meeting is to consider the July-September 2016 quarter results. In a scathing letter last week, former Tata Sons Chairman Mistry had said the group had made several bad acquisitions across group companies including Indian Hotels that could result in potential write-downs of $18 billion for the group. A director on the board of Indian Hotels said senior directors, led by HDFC Chairman Deepak Parekh and former Hindustan Unilever chairman Keki Dadiseth, are likely to discuss the issues raised by Mistry. Both directors have an impeccable track record and command respect from both the Tata and Mistry camps. We will certainly raise the issue and frankly, this is something I have seen for the first time in my life, a director on the board of Indian Hotels said, asking not to be quoted. Cyrus has a good track record in solving the legacy issues at Tatas and has done a good job, said he. As Country Joe and the Fish once sang: "There ain't no time to wonder why, whoopee, we're all going to die." That's the cheering message at the heart of yet another week of dispassionate, balanced and fair political reporting from the 'Globe.' "World War 3," thunders its cover. "Doomsday if Hillary wins the White House." Better duck and cover if you plan to vote for Mrs. Clinton, warns the mag. "Russian nukes ready to launch," a headline screams. But hang on a sec Russian nuclear weapons have been ready to launch for decades. Nothing new there. Oh, but there is, says the 'Globe' "Clinton gave Putin Nuke That Can Wipe Out Texas!" As if she had a spare H-bomb laying around, and handed to Putin on a visit to Moscow while he gave her a set of nesting dolls and a bottle of vodka. The worst deal ever, as Donald Trump might say. Russia had enough nuclear weapons to wipe out Texas and the rest of the nation long before Clinton approved the sale of a U.S. uranium mining company, giving Russia access to 20 per cent of the uranium mined in America. And Clinton was only one part of the approving committee, which included the Secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security, Commerce, Energy and the Treasury. And Clinton could not have stopped the sale if she wanted to only the President could make that decision, while she was merely Secretary of State. But as far as the 'Globe' is concerned, Hillary Clinton is responsible for all the world's evils, and gleefully reports: "Clueless Hillary would trigger World War 3 if she wins presidency." What's the solution, you wonder? The 'Globe' helpfully explains: "Now only Donald Trump can stop the certain nuclear exchange between America and the Russians!" Such reporting makes the magazine's celebrity reportage seem positively restrained, with such dubious offerings as Tiger Woods allegedly begging ex-wife Elin "Take me back," rock legend "Fats Domino Eating His Way Into The Grave," "Megyn Kelly's Wild Secret Life" ("ugly divorce cheating plastic surgery nasty feuds") and Prince Charles' wife Camilla branded "The Queen of Farts" in a sophomoric "world exclusive" claiming that "Camilla is suffering from extreme, chronic flatulence." It's only surprising that the Globe' doesn't blame global warming on Camilla's gaseous emissions. The 'National Enquirer' opts for a more measured, restrained approach on this week's cover: "Hillary: Corrupt! Racist! Criminal." Far more interesting though perhaps no less fanciful is the mag's "special investigation" into "The Stars' Secret Sex Club," reportedly an 'Eyes Wide Shut'-style upscale orgy "for Tinseltown heavyweights." It's the monthly staging of Snctm, a members-only Los Angeles gathering described by its hosts as "erotic theatre," and which was previously profiled by Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop, which makes the 'Enquirer' seem rather lame in following up such a source. Most entertaining is the 'Enquirer' spread on Hillary Clinton's alleged "Mr. Fix-It," self-proclaimed bagman Jeff Rovin, who produces pages of his decades-old diaries as "proof" of Hillary plotting to kill harmful news reports about her and husband Bill. But the diary pages prove only that the allegations are the product of a cluttered mind, filled with disorganized scrawl, scribbled notes, random thoughts and illegible entries roughly crossed out. As for "Hillary's 'N' Word Rant," the 'Enquirer quotes chef Tracey Martin claiming to have heard Mrs. Clinton rage after a plate of cookies were slow to appear at a tea party, until finally served by an African American waiter, prompting her to allegedly proclaim: "What's that n doing in here?" Which admittedly seems a strange reaction to delayed cookie gratification. "It's all true," declares the 'Enquirer,' which assures readers that Martin "passed the National Enquirer lie detector" even though polygraphs have been widely discredited, and are only accepted as court evidence in certain states. Fortunately we have the crack investigative team at 'Us' magazine to tell us that Jessie James Decker wore it best, actress Brenda Song carries a toothbrush, toothpaste and Tylenol in her Alexander Wang tote, and that the stars are just like us: they bite their nails, exercise outside and eat pasta. Britain's Prince Harry's "secret romance" with 'Suits' actress Meghan Markle dominates the cover of 'Us' mag, but excitement over impending wedding bells may be premature. They have reportedly been dating for just two months, and 'Us' helpfully points out that Prince William dated his future wife Kate Middleton for six years before she was allowed to meet the Queen. In other words: Don't go printing those Royal Wedding mugs just yet. 'People' magazine devotes its cover to Jon Bon Jovi telling "My untold story," which lamentably remains untold no longer. "Still married to his high school sweetheart," adds a cover headline, greatly spoiling the surprise of the untold story within. Bon Jovi pushes Hillary Clinton off the cover, and 'People' mag's four-page softball interview with the Democratic presidential candidate is notable mainly for Hillary's use of the phrase "Holy Moly!" as an exclamation of surprise, presumably because she believes she's a 1940s comic-book character and couldn't bring herself to use the n-word in front of 'People' reporters, who presumably served her cookies with appropriate speed. Leave it up to the 'National Examiner' to warn of a coming "Martian Attack," though it admits that the alien invasion "will start small." The mag is worried that NASA's mission to Mars could return with "nasty microbes wreaking havoc," though as anyone who has read 'War of the Worlds' knows, any microscopic alien invaders will be killed by the common cold virus, or maybe simply wiped out when Russia nukes America on November 9 after Hillary is elected. Onwards and downwards . . . American chipmaker says that it is eyeing a big opportunity in India with the growth of 4G powered by Reliance Jio that is driving up sales of its processors. The company says it sees India where China was a few years ago, and it expects an accelerated move towards 4G enabled smartphones from feature phones. "There has been a very large-scale LTE launch with Reliance that is moving the market towards... smartphone with 4G and technology such as Voice-over-LTE. All of the concepts that has been successful in China can also be a driver in India," said Cristiano Amon, Executive Vice President at Qualcomm, in a call with analysts on Wednesday. (India) Ltd, one of the four distributors of Apple products in the country, may see its non-IT business in the third quarter of the year post a better growth in India, owing to the higher demand of Apple's iPhone7 and iPhone 7 plus, provided the country gets adequate allocation of the phone from the global electronics major. In this file photo of Ratan Tata with Cyrus Mistry. Tata Sons on Monday removed Cyrus Mistry as its Chairman, nearly 4 years after he took over the reins of the group. Tata makes a comeback, taking over as the company's interim boss for 4 months. It was straight third day that Delhi residents woke up to a "foggy" morning, with many complaining about irritation in eyes and a cough, thanks to the air quality that plunged to the record low on Wednesday. According to an IndiaSpend analysis of data, Indias air quality was among the worlds worst and between 40% and 100% worse in five north Indian cities than at the same time the preceding year. A pall of smog was hanging over the city since the morning as pollutants hang close to the surface. The reason was a drop in wind speed, coupled with increase in humidity and low temperature, which worsened the situation and took the Air Quality Index (AQI) to the "severe" level, said air monitoring agencies. Anand Vihar recoded AQI at 494 on Wednesday morning. Notebly, the AQI was improved to "very poor" level on Tuesday after it was recorded at "severe level" on Monday after the Diwali night (October 30). Adverse climatic conditions, especially low wind speed have blocked dispersal of pollutants from the air from last several days, taking the toxicity level in the region at its worst level since Diwali night, said the air monitoring agencies. After the US, it is Australia now which has issued a to its citizens intending on visiting India and has advised tourists to observe "a high degree of caution in India overall". The advisory was issued over concerns of an increased threat of terrorist attacks in the country. With an eye to corner the BJP-led centre, the Congress is planning to highlight farmers'issues along with ex-servicemen's problems with the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme during the upcoming winter session of the parliament that is scheduled to begin from November 16. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) would be disallowed from levying demurrage fees at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport said the Delhi High Court on Thursday. The high court was listening to a plea challenging regulation 6(1)(1) of the Handling of Cargo in Customs Areas Regulations 2009, which prohibits operators from charging rent for confiscated goods. DIAL had petitioned the court after receiving a communication from the commissioner of customs, while executing a concession agreement with Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India for operation of a cargo terminal at the IGI airport, directing them to waive demurrage charges in accordance with the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) regulations, notified on March 17, 2009. The airport operator had opposed the regulation in question, by contending that demurrage fees were chargeable under the Airports Authority of India Act 1994 and as such, could not be overridden by regulations subsequently framed under the Customs Act 1962. DIAL had also argued that the notification arbitrarily placed a blanket ban on the charge of demurrage in cases of detention, seizure or confiscation of goods by customs authorities. Negating the operators submissions, the bench of judges Ravindra Bhat and Deepa Sharma upheld the impugned regulation, by stating that the norms were well within the scope of the Customs Act and under the ambit of the CBECs decision-making power in this regard. Investigation being an integral part of working of the customs department, the consignments detained by customs authorities or other investigating agencies, cannot be cleared during this process. It is with these considerations that the impugned regulation was included in the cargo regulations and it should be viewed in the light of the object with which it has been framed, said the bench. However, the court allowed DIAL to seek necessary guidance from the central government on issues of commercial viability and losses suffered by them due to the implementation of the regulations. The government, in an unprecedented move, has ordered news broadcaster India to go off air for 24 hours. The order has been served by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) for the Hindi channels coverage on Pathankot terror attack, during which it allegedly reveal strategic information. The has appealed to the finance ministry that the government should not own any stake in tobacco companies, Health Secretary C K Mishra said on Thursday. Last week, Patrick Lagace a columnist for the Quebec paper La Presse revealed that the Montreal police had gotten a secret warrant to spy on his phone calls and text messages and collect the location data from his phone, seemingly in an attempt to discover which police officers were the source for stories in La Presse about police corruption (confusingly, Lagace wasn't involved in these stories). The revelations are just the latest in a string of stories about journalists being put under surveillance by Quebec police in an effort to learn who their confidential sources are. The spying comes amidst a debate about the Liberal government's complicity in passing Canada's sweeping surveillance law, Bill C-51 (a bill that's been called "Patriot Act fan fiction"), and the lack of action on their election promise to amend the law to rein in its most extreme provisions. Edward Snowden addresses a conference at Montreal's McGill University and spoke about the surveillance. He noted that journalists are a critical part of the democratic process, and surveillance of journalists constitutes a threat to that role. "From now on, local police can decide they don't like what a journalist has been reporting and go to a justice of the peace, who'll say, 'Sounds great. Look at the GPS on his phone, figure out everywhere he's been traveling, figure out anyone he's communicated with. No, you can't actually read his emails, you can't actually listen to his calls, but you can find out anyone he met with, who did he call, how long he was on the phone with them'," the former CIA agent and NSA employee said. "With this, you can gain an extraordinary understanding of how this individual works." The world's most famous whistleblower suggested SPVM chief Philippe Pichet should resign immediately, describing the surveillance of Lagace and other journalists as a "radical attack on the operations of the free press." Snowden also took shots at Montreal mayor Denis Coderre and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard for not firing Pichet. The Canadian legal system could be to blame, Snowden suggested, since whatever protections once existed to ensure individual freedoms have been undermined by authorities. "Government has built mechanisms to get around these things, these restrictions," he said. "Can we recognizeor at least debate in a reasonable waya new idea that is so radical, which is that the law is beginning to fail as a guarantor of our rights?" Edward Snowden Calls Police Spying on Quebec Journalists a 'Threat to Democracy' [Justine De L'Eglise/Motherboard] The Twitter account of Jawhar Sircar describes him as a person who has paid a price for airing his views frankly. The outgoing CEO of public broadcaster Prasar Bharati quit his post a year before it was supposed to end due to tiredness of unsuccessfully bringing a change. Highlighting the steps, he took to Arindam Majumder, on his last day at office. Sircar blasts the sarkari culture at the organization and stops short of saying that the organization will die if it does not accept change. The Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which runs the World Wide Web, has begun its 57th annual general meeting in Hyderabad on Thursday. This is the first meeting second one to be held in India after the US relinquished its operational authority over the internet in September last year. Pakistani media on Thursday named at least eight staffers at the Indian High Commission here and accused them of carrying out 'anti- activities', in the latest tit-for-tit action amid raging Indo-Pak tensions. After pulled out six of its officials in the wake of a spy scandal involving staffers of its High Commission in New Delhi, sources in the External Affairs Ministry on Wednesday said India was mulling withdrawal of eight of its diplomats as their security has been "completely compromised". However, Pakistani media identified at least eight Indian staffers and accused them of "anti- activities". The latest tit-for-tit naming of officials coincided with raging tension between India and Pakistan following the Uri terror attack and India's retaliatory surgical strikes across the LoC that pushed the bilateral ties to a new low. First two Indian officials were named on Wednesday afternoon but by late night, the number soared to eight. The Dawn reported that the alleged Indian intelligence personnel, whose cover was blown off in the media leak include commercial counsellor Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri, first secretary, press and culture Balbir Singh, first secretary, commercial Anurag Singh, visa attache Amardeep Singh Bhatti, visa assistants Dharmedra, Vijay Kumar Verma and Madhavan Nanda Kumar, and assistant, personnel welfare office Jayabalan Senthil. The media leak claimed that the officials were working for either RAW or for the Indian Intelligence Bureau. The names have, however, not been officially confirmed by the Foreign Office. According to the information leaked to the media, the Indian 'agents' were found to be involved in "subversive activities', including attempts to disrupt the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and create fear and chaos in the country". They are also alleged to have been building a network of informants within Pakistan and fabricating evidence for tarnishing the country. The Dawn said these Indian officials could be declared persona non-grata by Pakistani authorities in the coming days or India might withdraw them. Meanwhile, the withdrawn Pakistani officers and staffers reached Lahore on Wednesday. Prime Minister will visit Goa on November 13 to lay the foundation stone of Mopa international airport in the northern part of the state. "Modi will arrive in Goa on November 13 to lay the foundation stone of the international airport planned at Mopa village. He will also lay foundation for IT Hub at Tuem village in North Goa," BJP Goa Chief Vinay Tendulkar said. Both the projects the airport and the IT hub are planned in Pernem tehsil, bordering Maharashtra. Tendulkar said the Prime Minister will be addressing a public function at Shama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium near here. From the stadium, he will symbolically unveil the foundation stone of both the projects, said the BJP Goa chief. This would be second visit of the Prime Minister to the coastal state in last two months. Modi had spent three days in Goa during recently held BRICS summit, where he had hosted heads of eleven countries. The Prime Minister will leave for an event in Pune (Maharashtra) on the same day after attending the function in Goa, Tendulkar said. The Goa government has finalised the bidder for Mopa Greenfield airport. GMR Airports Limited, a subsidiary of GMR Infrastructure Limited, has won the competitive bid for development and operation of the airport. This will be the second airport in Goa, the first one being at Dabolim village which is a property of Indian Navy. The concession period for the Greenfield project will be 40 years with a possible extension of another 20 years through a bidding process. The airport will be built under build, operate and transfer basis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lied about implementing One rank, One pension (OROP) alleged Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday, after he was released from police detention after he tried to meet the family of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal who committed suicide over delay in the implementation of OROP. Watchdog Foundation, a group working for the interests of Catholic Christians, filed a complaint against the popular resto-pub chain Social in Goregaon's Oberoi Mall, for hurting the community. In the FIR filed at Dindoshi police station, the Foundation says that the decor of the pub was blasphemous and hurt the religious sentiments of the community. The Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which runs the world wide web, has begun its 57 th annual general meeting in Hyderabad on Thursday. This is the first meeting, second one to be held in India though, after the US Government relinquished its operational authority over the Internet in September last year. With prices not abating even after the government lowered the import duty, the Centre has now decided to release an additional one million tonnes (mt) of in the open market. In less than a week from now Americans will vote to elect their next President. According to the latest Washington Post-ABC News tracking poll, Republican candidate has pulled ahead of Democrat nominee Hillary Clinton. Although the credibility of such polls are invariably challenged on voting day, the resurgence of Trumps chances in the face of a vicious campaign by the Clinton camp cannot be discounted. Especially when they come so close to the actual polling day. After all, not long ago before the last presidential debate, a Wall Street Journal (WSJ)-NBC poll had shown Clinton leading Trump by a good 11 percentage points. The National Food Security Act, which promises to subsidise food grain for about 810 million people, now covers the whole country, more than three years after it was formally notified. We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. Having more devices is a plus, right? Well. except when it comes to charging them. Then, you're tripping over cables as you attempt to keep your technology powered up for the day. That's READ THE REST The World Health Organization is about to get tough with the global industry. Delegates at a conference next week on controlling with ties to the business could be refused credentials and ejected, according to an internal document seen by Reuters. The proposal, if adopted by the full Framework Convention on Control (FCTC) at the conference in India, could affect delegates sent by countries like China and Vietnam, where governments own cigarette companies or promote tobacco growing and have in the past sent representatives linked to the industry. Any such members of the 180 delegations at the Nov. 7-12 conference near New Delhi "would be requested to leave the premises", according to the Oct. 17 "note verbale", an official diplomatic communication, from the WHO FCTC secretariat on behalf of the treaty's leadership group to its parties. At the last WHO FCTC conference, in Moscow in 2014, China's 18-person delegation had four members from the "State Tobacco Monopoly Administration". At the 2012 conference, in Seoul, two of eight Vietnamese delegates were from the "Vietnam Tobacco Association". When asked about the letter, a Vietnamese government official who declined to be identified told Reuters there would be no industry representatives in their delegation. China's Ministry of Commerce did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The proposed restriction highlights a growing battle between the industry and backers of the treaty, which went into effect in 2005 to guide national laws and policies in an effort to curb tobacco use, which kills an estimated 6 million people a year worldwide. The global tobacco industry is estimated to be worth nearly $800 billion this year. The International Tobacco Growers Association, a nonprofit group partly funded by big international cigarette companies, said the proposal was "beyond the wildest imagination". Antonio Abrunhosa, chief executive of the group and a Portuguese tobacco grower, said in an email to Reuters that such a step was "unthinkable for a United Nations agency". John Stewart, deputy campaigns director at Corporate Accountability International, a Boston-based advocacy group that has supported tobacco-control efforts, praised the proposed restrictions. "The tobacco industry has really forced parties and the secretariat into a corner," he said in an interview. "This is a bold good-government action to ensure that the treaty space, the place where public health policies will save millions of lives, is free of tobacco industry intimidation." Issues for debate at the conference include alternative livelihoods for tobacco farmers, e-cigarette regulation and trade and investment issues. The secretariat earlier wrote to the treaty's party nations asking them to exclude people with tobacco interests from their delegations. In the latest note, the secretariat said it then turned to a FCTC leadership group for guidance after receiving a number of nominations from countries that ignored the suggestion. Fast moving consumer goods companies have begun asssessing the impact of the rate structure declared on Thursday under the Goods & Services Tax (GST). Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who heads the Council, said a four-tier structure of 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% would be in place as part of the new tax regime that will kick in next year. Tobacco will be subjected to the highest tax slab of 28% and an additional cess. The current rates of taxation on cigarettes and chewing tobacco are about 64% and 81%, respectively. Let me now turn to the final, but to my mind, the most important reform in the Indian fiscal federal framework. This relates to the successful implementation of the GST... The recent passage of the GST Constitutional Amendment [and] the ratification by 17 states have demonstrated the ability of our political parties to be bipartisan. The GST Council so created by the constitutional amendment is a landmark event in the history of Indias fiscal federalism. Accept Honorary Doctorate from Kathmandu University in Name of People of India, Writes President The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee received Honorary Doctorate from Kathmandu University today (November 3, 2016). Following is the full text of inscription I am deeply honoured by the conferment of Honorary Doctorate on me by the Kathmandu University today. I accept it in the name of the people of India. I was particularly happy to have had the opportunity of interacting with the students and faculty members of the University and sharing with them my thoughts and reflections on the value of higher education for their generation. A nation is built on the strength of its academic institutions and the education that they impart to its citizens. I am confident that the Kathmandu University will continue to deliver this key enabler for the socio-economic development of Nepal and also deepen the collaborative exchanges of this University with Indian institutions of higher learning. The Government of India stands ready to assist in this endeavour. I offer the Kathmandu University and its Vice Chancellor, Shri Ram Shrestha, my best wishes for their success in providing quality education to Nepali as well as foreign students". Address by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the India Foundation-Neeti Anusandhan Pratishthan Nepal Seminar 1. Thank you for your warm words. 2. I am very happy to be here in Nepal again. 3. Over the years, serving in Government in various capacities, I have visited Nepal on several occasions; I have directly participated in the discussions, decisions, planning and implementation of the joint development work that our Governments have taken up across the length and breadth of this close neighbour of India. I share your satisfaction at what has been achieved, progress has been made in the right direction, but much more has to be done to realise the true potential of Nepal. 4. Therefore I appreciate this opportunity to share my thoughts on India-Nepal relations with this eminent audience. Ladies and Gentlemen, 5. The unique bonds of civilisational linkages between India and Nepal, our time tested fraternal ties, our open borders and our according national treatment to each others citizens underline our shared belief that we have a common destiny. Protected by the mighty Himalayas, nurtured by its river systems, we have vital stakes in the collective progress and well being of our two peoples and peace in our region. 6. India, therefore, accords high value to its bilateral relationship with Nepal in the framework of its neighbourhood first foreign policy. A key principle of our consistent policy has been peaceful co-existence and shared prosperity. In an increasingly globalizing, inter-connected and inter-dependent world, India believes that for our region to reach its full potential in socio-economic development, our nations must proceed with a shared vision for peace, stability and growth. 7. Today, Nepal is on the threshold of a new era. It is striving to consolidate the gains of multi-party democracy and is presently engaged in charting the course for socio-economic development in all its regions. India applauds the enterprise and achievements of the people of Nepal. We stand ready to share with Nepal our experience of building strong democratic institutions. India welcomes the ongoing efforts of the Government of Nepal to take on board all sections of its society for effective implementation of its Constitution. We wish the people of Nepal every success in this endeavour. 8. Coming to the current state of India-Nepal ties, it is seen that this enduring partnership continues to be driven and characterised by the socio economic and developmental imperatives of our two peoples. Trade and economic co-operation are foundational pillars of India-Nepal partnership. We have maintained a steady growth in bilateral trade and mutual investments. But we can do much more to facilitate trade and promote investments. It is important that we encourage our respective private sectors to enhance their engagement. There are, today, tremendous opportunities in our manufacturing and services sectors. Nepalese firms can join in developing regional supply chains and benefit from Indias growth story. With our long history of co-operation in this sector, we should be in a position to work together to overcome impediments and streamline systems. We should, in a collaborative spirit, be able to effectively resolve issues related to market access and take steps to strengthen our trade infrastructure. We must continuously work together to make trade and transit arrangements simpler for our business communities. Ladies and Gentlemen, 9. India is, today, on a very positive trajectory of vibrant economic transformation - at an unprecedented pace. As one of the worlds fastest growing economies, we face the challenge of maintaining the growth momentum, continuing to create jobs and opportunities and ensuring that expansion and growth takes place in an inclusive manner . My government has, to this end, launched several new initiatives for infrastructure development, agriculture and rural development, expanding efficient manufacturing capacities, harnessing new technologies, and developing a vibrant services sector. This presents an opportunity for Nepal as well. Increasing job opportunities in India enhance job prospects for Nepalese citizens owing to our open borders and national treatment provided to each others citizens. Indeed, several million Nepali citizens are working in public and private sectors all across India. 10. Our region is blessed with the young populations known for their strong spirit of enterprise, dynamism and entrepreneurship. To channelize this energy in the right direction, we must invest in health, education, technology and employment generation. We cannot remain hostage to the political baggage of history and prejudice, nor can we continue to follow policies that have failed to lift our people out of poverty. As sovereign nations, we need to move together to achieve our peoples aspirations for a better life. We welcome Nepal to be part of Indias growth story. 11. Our long-standing development partnership with Nepal is another important pillar of our collaborative ties. It is matter of satisfaction that the small development projects - that we have jointly taken up - are benefiting local communities in Nepal. Roads, bridges, irrigation, and energy are the areas of focus. I am pleased to learn that a number of projects are in different phases of implementation under the Lines of Credit amounting to over US $ 900 million extended by Government of India. 12. Ladies and Gentlemen, India remains committed to assisting Nepal, as per its priorities, in the post-earthquake reconstruction efforts. We have jointly identified housing, infrastructure, health, education and culture and heritage as the sectors that we will prioritise for reconstruction - utilising the US $ 1 billion post-earthquake reconstruction assistance announced by my Government. 13. Enhancing connectivity is yet another shared goal of our two countries and the region as a whole. Development of border infrastructure and connectivity projects with Nepal such as Hulaki roads, cross-border rail links, Integrated Check Posts, cross-border transmission lines is intended to broaden the reach of economic prosperity in the region. It is a matter of satisfaction that the first ever international oil pipeline in South Asia is under construction between India and Nepal. Of course, we need to ensure, through effective monitoring, that implementation of these projects is efficient so that the fruits of these initiatives can be enjoyed by our peoples as soon as possible. 14. Looking forward, I see tremendous potential for expanding our cooperation in the energy and hydropower sectors in the framework of our Power Trade Agreement. We are augmenting the transmission infrastructure for enhanced supply of power: which would allow Nepal to import power from India. The same infrastructure could then be used for exporting surplus power from Nepal to India once generation projects such as Arun-III and Upper Karnali are completed. 15. Similarly, our cooperation in water resources holds tremendous promise. It is in the collective interest of populations on both sides of the border that our two Governments should work together expeditiously in the area of flood management and irrigation and proceed faster with regard to large multi-purpose projects like Pancheshwar and Sapt Kosi & Sun Kosi. 16. An area where our co-operation is exemplary is defence and security. We are proud of the legendary valour and sacrifice of the Gurkhas in the defence of India. As our security interests are interlinked, we must continue to consult and coordinate closely to safeguard our shared security interests. Ladies and Gentlemen, 17. India and Nepal have enjoyed a long tradition of academic and student exchanges. India is happy to help Nepal with its human resource development. Our commitment is reflected in the grant of around 3000 scholarships to Nepalese students every year, providing opportunities to study in Nepal and in India. We offer more than 250 scholarships annually for Government and non-Government employees of Nepal for training in technical institutes in India. 18. India recognizes that optimal utilization of water resources is essential for accelerated economic development in Nepal. Accordingly, post-graduate scholarships for courses in hydel power and water resources management at IIT, Roorkee have been offered to Nepali engineers and experts this year. 19. I am also very happy to announce that from 2017 onwards, Nepali students will have the opportunity to pursue graduate and post-graduate courses in Indian Institutes of Technology on a regular basis. For this, our Institutes of Technology will open their entrance examinations to Nepali students. Aspirants would have the option to write these examinations in Kathmandu. 20. Our common cultural heritage is yet another important dimension of our bilateral ties. Nepal has been a crucible of social and cultural traditions of both the Hinduism and Buddhism. We can do much more to promote tourist flows in both directions and develop the Ramayana and Buddhism tourism circuits. Enhancing air, rail and road connectivity will facilitate tourism and normal movement of people. 21. Our ecological landscape like much else is common and needs to be conserved and preserved. Both India and Nepal have ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change. We must work together with commitment and drive to mitigate the impact of climate change and to promote sustainable development. 22. At a sub-regional level, we have worked out mutually beneficial arrangements for smooth movement of goods from Bangladesh through India to Nepal and Bhutan. The Motor Vehicles Agreement between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal will, no doubt, contribute significantly to the common goal of economic development of the region. The success of this sub-regional co-operation mechanism could make it a model for further initiatives. 23. In the same context, India remains committed to promoting regional cooperation in the framework of the BIMSTEC and SAARC. But mutually beneficial cooperation cannot be promoted under the shadow of cross-border terrorism. We need to act decisively against this scourge on humanity. The international community must work unitedly to thwart and isolate those who use cross border terrorism as an instrument of state policy. No state should be allowed to sponsor or harbour perpetrators of cowardly acts of terror. 24. The open-border brings enormous benefits to our two peoples and facilitates the daily interaction between them which is a lifeline to many communities on both sides. We must, therefore, be very vigilant and prevent the misuse of our open border by those who do not have the best interests of India and Nepal at heart. 25. In a partnership so rich and diverse in its scope and content, there are bound to be, occasionally, some differences in perceptions. This is absolutely normal. With enlightened leadership in both countries, regular consultations, open dialogue, mutual trust and goodwill, we have managed to overcome such eventualities. I would underscore that it would be crucial, in our common interest, to stay focused on our shared objective of peace, stability and development for our peoples and our region. I would stress that Indias interest is in seeing a united, stable and peaceful Nepal, a Nepal whose people enjoy the fruits of development and peace. India would like to see a prosperous Nepal, optimally harnessing its abundant natural resources. India is committed to assist Nepal in achieving these cherished aspirations of her people. 26. In conclusion, I would like to suggest that India-Nepal co-operation be made a Private-Public Partnership. Government as well as non-governmental institutions, think tanks and individuals across the board would have a contribution to make. They would be equal stake holders in shaping public opinion, analysing prevailing conditions and recommending effective strategies for success. I would reiterate that we must not lose sight of our common goals. While we progress with each individual initiative, programme and project - big or small - we must take care to see that our sights remain fixed on the larger picture and long-term goals. With these words, I thank the Niti Anusandhan Pratishthan, the Nepal Centre for Contemporary Studies and the India Foundation for inviting me here today. I thank you all for your contribution to the strengthening of India - Nepal co-operation and I wish you great success in your further endeavours. Thank you once again! (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) British Prime Minister speaks to the Prime Minister on telephone Rt. Hon. Theresa May, British Prime Minister made a telephone call to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today. The two Prime Ministers exchanged greetings on the occasion of the festival of Diwali, celebrated recently.Both leaders agreed that there is substantial scope for further strengthening bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, including Science & Technology, Finance, Trade & Investment, and Defence & Security.The Prime Minister said that he is looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister May in India next week, which will be her first substantive bilateral visit outside Europe. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Call on PM by delegation of Japanese Parliamentarians A delegation of Japanese Parliamentarians called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today. The delegation was led by Mr. Toshihiro Nikai, and included Mr. Motoo Hayashi and Mr. Tatsuo Hirano. The Prime Minister recalled his interaction with the Japan-India Parliamentarians Friendship League in September, and welcomed increased interaction between the legislatures of both countries. The Prime Minister also called for strengthening exchanges between State-level legislatures. br> The Prime Minister welcomed the initiative of Mr. Toshihiro Nikai to raise awareness about the threat posed by Tsunamis, and sought strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the field of disaster risk reduction and disaster management. The Prime Minister also said that he is looking forward to his visit to Japan next week. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Curtain Raiser Health Camp during Navy week celebrations 2016 As a part of the Navy Week 2016 celebrations, Indian Navy would be conducting a free health camp for the general public from 19 to 21 Nov 16 at Amarpur village, Palwal district, Haryana. The venue of the camp is Govt Senior Secondary School, Amarpur. This camp has been organized as part of the outreach programme of the Indian Navy to bring about awareness in the general public about the role and task of the Navy and also to encourage youngsters to consider Navy as a career. The camp will be inaugurated by Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, the Chief of the Naval Staff on 19 Nov 16. A medical team consisting of 14 specialists and super-specialties medical officers in various fields of medicine and 24 para-medical staff would be arriving from the premier Naval Hospital INHS Asvini at Mumbai exclusively for the camp. The specialists will conduct out-patient consultation for medical, surgical, gynaecology, paediatric, Eye, ENT, skin, cardiology and endocrinology ailments. The camp will also have a dental chair and supported by laboratory, ultrasonography and pharmacy facilities. There will be facility to screen for cancer cervix and cancer breast in women. In addition to medical examination, the team will also organise health awareness activities for the general population through health exhibition. In the premises of the school, a booth will be established by the recruiting directorate and people can avail details on various recruitment procedures for the Indian Navy. The special feature of the camp is establishment of mobile laboratory with facilities to carry out urine and blood investigations at four villages, viz., Balai on 12 Nov 16, Rampur Khor on 13 Nov 16, Jalhaka on 14 Nov 16 and Amarpur on 15 Nov 16. This historic health camp, being held for the first time ever at Palwal district, endeavors to address basic health issues in this district and will also provide free medicines as a part of the Indian Navys philanthropic effort. DKS/AC FSSAI Strengthens the Food Testing Infrastructure in the Country The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rolled out a major scheme for strengthening of Food Testing Infrastructure in the country at an estimated cost of Rs. 482-crore, in the light of the recent observations by Honble High Court, Mumbai regarding the urgent need to upgrade Food Testing Laboratories in India. The Empowered Committee constituted for implementing this scheme held its first Meeting on November 2, 2016 in New Delhi, which was chaired by Chairperson, FSSAI. Representatives from various Ministries such as Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Export Inspection Council, NABL and seven States/UTs were present. Proposals from 7 States/UTs, namely, Goa, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Punjab were considered for strengthening their food Testing infrastructure. Two proposals, from Chandigarh (Punjab) and Calicut (Kerala), were approved in principle. The other States were requested to revise and resubmit their proposals according to the scheme guidelines with mentorship support from FSSAI. The Committee also approved the proposal for strengthening the Referral Food Laboratory at Central Food Technology Research Institute (CFTRI) through provision of state-of-the-art equipment and facilities Introduction of these equipment facilities would significantly enhance the testing capability of CFTRI for adulteration of honey and pesticide and antibiotic residues in food samples. Under this scheme, 45 State/UT Food Testing labs (at least one in each State/UT with a provision of two labs in larger states) and 14 Referral Food Testing labs will be upgraded to enable them to obtain NABL accreditation. 62 Mobile Testing labs will also be established across all States/UTs. There are currently 4 Mobile food Testing labs in Punjab, Gujarat, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which will serve as a model for these Mobile Testing labs. Capacity building of the Food Testing labs is also an important component of this scheme. In addition, a School Food and Hygiene Programme has been envisaged under which basic Food Testing labs will be set up in 1500 schools/colleges across the country to promote a culture of safe and wholesome food. India to assist in renovation and upgradation of ghats adjoining Pashupatinath Temple The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee visited Pashupatinath Temple today (November 3, 2016). Following the visit, the President wrote in the Visitors Book at the Mandir I am very happy to be here again at the holy Pashupatinath Mandir, a site of unique cultural, religious and historical significance. I enjoyed participating in the special Pooja and thank the Temple Trust for the arrangements made for my visit. Government of India is happy to assist in the establishment of the Nepal-Bharat Maitri Pashupatinath Dharamshala project, presently under implementation. I am happy to have announced, during my State Visit, that Government of India will also assist in renovation and upgradation of the Ghats adjoining the Temple area. I offer the Pashupatinath Area Development Trust my best wishes for the success of its endeavours in conserving and maintaining this unique temple complex which is equally revered by devotees in India and Nepal". India welcomes Nepal to be part of its growth story, says President The Kathmandu Municipal City hosted a civic reception in honour of President Pranab Mukherjee in Kathmandu, Nepal today (November 3, 2016). Speaking on the occasion, the President said Kathmandu is not only the political capital of Nepal, but also a spiritual centre for the people in our region. His visit to Nepal is also a kind of pilgrimage it is a mission of friendship to foster ever greater understanding and cooperation between India and Nepal. There are no two sovereign nations in the world like India and Nepal, sharing a common culture and having an open border between them. The Government and people of India are committed to further strengthening and deepening this relationship. The President said India fondly remembers the support that its freedom fighters received from the leaders and people of Nepal during the struggle against foreign rule. India wishes the people and the Government of Nepal every success in the important task of implementing its constitution, taking on board all the sections of its society. The President said as two developing economies, India and Nepal have a shared vision of economic prosperity and sustained development for their respective nations and also the region. India believes that to keep pace with the growing aspirations of our people and in order to give them the quality of life that they seek, our focus should remain on creating an enabling environment for their economic progress and promoting peace and political stability. India welcomes Nepal to be a part of its growth story and take advantage of the opportunities inherent in the rapid transformation of our economy. Interior Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan meets Union Home Minister The Interior Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Mr. Salameh Hammad met the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh here today. During the meeting, Shri Rajnath Singh said that India attaches great importance to its ties with Jordan. He said that India and Jordan have similar views and perceptions on the regional and international issues. He also said that it is a matter of pride that, last year, India and Jordan commemorated the 65th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations. Shri Rajnath Singh said that the bilateral trade between India and Jordan has been impressive, but still there is a room for improvement. Shri Rajnath Singh recalled the Joint Venture project namely Jordan-India Fertilizer Co and expressed hope that more Joint Ventures should be there in future, to meet our demands of Phosphoric acid and rock phosphates. The two Ministers also discussed the issues related to threat of terrorism and agreed that this issue is of serious concern to all of us and mutual cooperation is required to tackle this issue. Kathmandu University confers Honorary Doctorate on President Mukherjee The Kathmandu University conferred an Honorary Doctorate on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today (November 3, 2016). Speaking on the occasion, the President thanked Vice Chancellor Dr. Ram Kantha Makaju Shreshtha, Senate Members and the Faculty of the Kathmandu University for conferring upon him the Honorary Doctorate. He said he deeply valued this gesture of friendship and humbly accepts it on behalf of the people of India. The President congratulated Kathmandu University on its Silver Jubilee and said within a short span of twenty-five years, the University has established itself as a focal point of higher learning in Nepal, offering academic courses in humanities, science, engineering, medicine, management and law. He said the University has many accomplishments and attracts talented students from Nepal and its neighbourhood. With its core objectives of imparting quality education and learning skills, it is well placed to evolve into a center of academic excellence for the entire region. The President said there is need for concerted efforts to build world-class universities. There was a time when there existed in the region renowned seats of learning like Takshashila and Nalanda which attracted mighty minds from across the world. Universities in the region have the best of talent in terms of students and faculty. However, they still lag behind in global rankings. This situation must be remedied with a focus on research and Innovation. The President expressed happiness that Kathmandu University is already taking necessary steps to move in this direction. Prime Ministers address at Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction Distinguished dignitaries on the dais, Ladies and Gentlemen, I welcome you all to New Delhi for this landmark conference, the first after the adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. I commend the national disaster risk management agencies, their governments in the Asia-Pacific region, the United Nations, and other stakeholders for coming together for this important cause. Friends, 2015 was a momentous year! Apart from the Sendai Framework, the international community adopted two other major frameworks to shape the future of humanity: - the Sustainable Development Goals, - and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The spirit of inter-connectedness, highlighted in the film, is the hallmark of these global frameworks. The success of each one of these depends on the success of the other two. Disaster Risk Reduction has a pivotal role in supporting adaptation to climate change as well as sustainable development. It is in this context that this conference becomes timely and relevant. Friends, Over the last two decades, the world, and especially our region has undergone many changes most of them positive. Many countries in our region have transformed their economies and become engines of global economic growth. Hundreds of millions of our people have been lifted out of poverty. The Asia-Pacific region has been a global leader in more ways than one. But we must not take this progress for granted. There are challenges as well. Over the last twenty years, more than eight hundred and fifty thousand people died from disasters in the Asia-Pacific. Seven of the top ten countries in the world in terms of number of deaths due to disasters are in the Asia-Pacific. I have seen for myself the human suffering caused by disasters. I witnessed the Gujarat earthquake of 2001, and later, as Chief Minister of the State, I worked with my people to support post-earthquake recovery. It was distressing to see the suffering of the affected people. But I was also inspired by their courage, ingenuity and resolve to recover from the disaster. In my experience, the more we relied on peoples own leadership, the better were the outcomes. This was not limited only to owner driven reconstruction of houses, but also to construction of community buildings. For example, when we entrusted the community the task of reconstructing a school, the earthquake-resistant building was completed in time, at a lesser cost, and the savings were returned to Government. We need to support such initiative and leadership through policies and practices. Friends, We in Asia have learnt from disasters. A quarter century ago, only a handful of Asian nations had national disaster management institutions. Today, over thirty Asian countries have dedicated institutions leading disaster risk management efforts. After the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, the five worst affected countries brought in new laws for disaster risk management. In a couple of days, we will observe the first International Tsunami Awareness Day. This would be an occasion to celebrate the huge improvements we have made in tsunami early warning. In December 2004, the Indian Ocean Tsunami caught us unprepared, and there was no warning. We now have a fully functional Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System. Along with its Australian and Indonesian counterparts, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services is mandated to issue regional tsunami bulletins. The same goes for improvements in cyclone early warning. In India, if we compare the impact of cyclone events in 1999 and 2013, we can see the progress we have made. Similar progress has been made in many countries. For example, after the 1991 cyclone, the Government of Bangladesh launched a large community-based cyclone preparedness programme. It led to a significant reduction in loss of lives from cyclones. It is now recognized as a global best practice. Friends, This is just the beginning. There are daunting challenges ahead. The Asia-Pacific is rapidly urbanizing. Perhaps within a decade more people in the region will live in cities than in villages. Urbanization will pose greater challenges for disaster risk management, by concentrating people, property and economic activity in smaller areas, many of them in disaster prone locations. If we do not manage this growth, in terms of both planning and execution, the risk of economic and human losses from disasters will be higher than ever before. In this context, let me outline a ten-point agenda for renewing our efforts towards disaster risk reduction: First, all development sectors must imbibe the principles of disaster risk management. This will ensure that all development projects - airports, roads, canals, hospitals, schools, bridges are built to appropriate standards and contribute to the resilience of communities they seek to serve. Over the next couple of decades, most of the new infrastructure in the world will come up in our region. We need to ensure that we build it to best available standards of disaster safety. This is a smart strategy, which pays off in the long term. All our public expenditure must take into account risk considerations. In India, the housing for all programme and smart cities initiative represent such opportunities. India will work with other partner countries and stakeholders to build a coalition or centre for promoting disaster resilient infrastructure in the region. This will help generate new knowledge for hazard risk assessment, disaster resilient technologies and mechanisms for integrating risk reduction in infrastructure financing. Second, work towards risk coverage for all starting from poor households to small and medium enterprises to multi-national corporations to nation states. Currently, in most countries of the region, penetration of insurance is limited to only middle and upper-middle income groups. We need to think big and also think innovatively. States have an important role in not just regulating but also encouraging coverage for those who need it the most. In India, we have taken bold steps to ensure financial inclusion and risk insurance for the poorest. The Jan Dhan Yojana has brought millions of people into the banking system. The Suraksha Bima Yojana provides risk insurance to millions who need it the most. We have launched the Fasal Bima Yojana, which will provide risk cover to millions of farmers. These are the basic building blocks of resilience at the household level. Third, encourage greater involvement and leadership of women in disaster risk management. Women are disproportionately affected by disasters. They also have unique strengths and insights. We must train a large number of women volunteers to support special needs of women affected by disasters. We need women engineers, masons and building artisans supporting reconstruction, and women self help groups assisting livelihood recovery. Fourth, invest in risk mapping globally. For mapping risks related to hazards such as earthquakes we have widely accepted standards and parameters. Based on these, in India, we have mapped seismic zones, with five as highest seismic risk and two as low risk. For disaster risk related to other hazards such as chemical hazards, forest fires, cyclones, different types of floods, we need to evolve similar globally accepted risk categories. This will help us ensure that we have a common understanding of the nature and severity of disaster risks in different parts of the world. Fifth, leverage technology to enhance the efficiency of our disaster risk management efforts. An e-platform that brings together organizations and individuals and helps them map and exchange expertise, technology and resources would go a long way in maximizing our collective impact. Sixth, develop a network of universities to work on disaster issues. After all, universities have social responsibilities too. Over the first five years of the Sendai Framework, we should develop a global network of universities working together on problems of disaster risk management. As part of this network, different universities could specialize in multi-disciplinary research on disaster issues most relevant to them. Universities located in coastal areas could specialize in managing risks from coastal hazards, and the ones located in the hill cities could focus on mountain hazards. Seventh, utilize the opportunities provided by social media and mobile technologies. Social media is transforming disaster response. It is helping response agencies in quickly organizing themselves, and enabling citizens to connect more easily with authorities. In disaster after disaster, affected people are using social media to help each other. We must recognize the potential of social media and develop applications for all aspects of disaster risk management. Eighth, build on local capacity and initiative. The task of disaster risk management, particularly in rapidly growing economies, is so huge that formal institutions of the state can at best be instrumental in creating the enabling conditions. Specific actions have to be designed and implemented locally. Over the last two decades, most community based efforts have been confined to disaster preparedness and contingency planning for the short term. We need to expand the scope of community based efforts and support communities to identify local risk reduction measures and implement them. Such efforts reduce risk and create opportunities for local development and sustainable livelihoods. Localization of disaster risk reduction will also ensure that we make the most of traditional best practices and indigenous knowledge. Response agencies need to interact with their communities, and make them familiar with the essential drill of disaster response. For example, if a local fire service visits one school in its area every week, it would sensitize thousands of children over a period of one year. Ninth, ensure that the opportunity to learn from a disaster is not wasted. After every disaster there are papers and reports on lessons learnt that are rarely applied. Often the same mistakes are repeated. We need a more vibrant and visual system of learning. The United Nations could start an international competition of documentary films that record disaster events, their scale, and relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery afterwards. Post-disaster recovery is an opportunity to not just build back better in terms of physical infrastructure, but also in terms of improved institutional systems for managing risk. For this we need to put in place systems that can quickly provide risk assessments. India will work with partner countries and multilateral development agencies to establish a facility for technical support to post-disaster reconstruction of houses. And finally, bring about greater cohesion in international response to disasters. In the aftermath of a disaster, disaster responders pour in from all over the world. This collective strength and solidarity could be enhanced further if we work under a common umbrella. The United Nations could think of a common logo and branding under which all those who are helping with relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction operate. Friends. Armed Forces protect nation states against external security threats. But to deal with disasters, we need to equip society with the right education. We have to wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of Sendai, which calls for an all-of-society approach to disaster risk management. In India, we are committed to walk the talk on the implementation of Sendai Framework. In June this year, Indias National Disaster Management Plan was released which is aligned with the priorities set out in the Sendai Framework. In our effort to build disaster resilience, we stand shoulder to shoulder with all the nations of the region. Regional and International Cooperation has an important role in providing an added push to our efforts. Last year in November, India organized the first-ever South Asian Annual Disaster Management Exercise. In the spirit of regional cooperation, India will soon launch the South Asia Satellite. The capabilities of this satellite and other space-based technologies can support the full disaster risk management cycle risk assessment, risk mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. India is ready to make its space capabilities available to any country for purposes of disaster risk management. As we implement the Sendai Framework, we would welcome new opportunities for regional and international collaboration. I am sure, this conference will energize our efforts and the outcomes of the conference will provide a solid blueprint for collective action. Thank you. Secretary General of Japans Liberal Democratic Party meets the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh A Japanese delegation led by Secretary General of Liberal Democratic Party, Mr. Toshihiro Nikai met the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh here today. During the meeting, Shri Rajnath Singh recalled that he had visited Japan for the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai last year. He also recollected that in January 2014, Prime Minister of Japan Mr. Shinzo Abe paid an official visit to India and also graced the Republic Day celebrations as a Chief Guest. The two sides discussed the bilateral relations and cooperation in the areas of disaster prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery; and reconstruction and rehabilitation. The Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh also expressed happiness over Indias announcement of visa on arrival" scheme including for business travellers launched on March 1, 2016 and expressed hope that this will increase business interactions between the two countries. The two countries also discussed the issues related to threat of terrorism and agreed that this issue is of serious concern to all of us. The Home Minister said that India joins Japan in its war against terrorism. He urged that there is a need for closer cooperation in counter-terrorism in an increasingly challenging security environment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sendai priorities, resilient infrastructure discussed today at AMCDRR Participating nations reiterate commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction The Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) 2016 began here today. Inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the Conference will set the road towards resilience by setting the direction for the implementation of the Sendai Framework in the Asian region. The Sendai Framework (2015-2030) was adopted by at the Third World Conference on DRR in Sendai, Japan in March, 2015. The SFDRR identifies targets and priority action areas towards reducing disaster risk reducing the damage caused by natural hazards like earthquakes, floods, droughts and cyclones, through an ethic of prevention. Over the next three days, ministers, heads of delegations, disaster management experts and other stakeholders will deliberate upon specific issues related to DRR. Dr. P. K. Mishra, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, chaired the featured event Disaster Risk Resilient Infrastructure for Sustainable Development. It was aimed at minimising creation of future risks and achieving sustainable development in the Asian region. Four technical sessions based on the four priorities of the Sendai Framework -Understanding Disaster Risk, Disaster Risk Governance, Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction for resilience and Disaster Preparedness for effective response and to build back better were held today. The first technical session aimed at enhancing the understanding of disaster risk in Asia in the context of changing climate and attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The session was led by Indonesia. The second session, which focussed on strengthening disaster risk governance to support the shift towards risk-resilient development in Asia, was led by Bangladesh. Mongolia led the technical session on Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction for resilience. This session was aimed at increasing both public and private sector investment in disaster risk prevention to increase social, economic, health and cultural resilience. The fourth technical session on effective response and building back better, led by Japan, aimed at sharing knowledge and experiences of how disaster preparedness for effective response and to build back better in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction saves lives and protects development. Eleven thematic sessions, led by governments, NGOs, academics, etc., delved at length on specific issues related to DRR such as Community Resilience, Early Warning Systems, Making Heritage Risk Resilient, etc. Two technical sessions, two featured events and eleven thematic sessions will be held on November 4, 2016. Shri Kiren Rijiju awards winners of painting competition at AMCDRR Schoolchildren paint ideas for Disaster Risk Reduction Three winners and three runners-up of a national-level painting competition organised during the inaugural ceremony of AMCDRR were awarded prizes by Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju here today. Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) 2016 is the first major event of the post-2015 development agenda and identifies targets and priority action areas towards reducing disaster risk. The message from children on DRR is the strongest one," said Shri Rijiju, while distributing the prizes. The first phase of the painting competition, open to schoolchildren aged 10-14 year, was organised by the respective State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs). The winners of the State-level competitions participated in the on-the-spot competition held here on Thursday. The theme of the competition was Aapda, Vikas aur Hum (Disaster, Progress and We). Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the three-day Conference at Vigyan Bhawan, also boosted the morale of the children. Shri Modi greeted and shook hands with the children while they were still painting. The competition, based on themes related to Disaster Risk Reduction, was aimed at making children realise the need and importance of putting simple and effective measures to make their environment safer and healthier. Their understanding of the notions of hazards and will help build a prepared society by way of involving their friends, parents, schools and neighbourhoods. A three-member jury comprising a Disaster Management expert and two artists selected the winners, who were given cash prizes, a certificate of recognition and a memento. The competition was organised by National Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with National Disaster Management Institute. AMCDRR will set the direction for implementation and monitoring of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) in the Asian region. The Sendai Framework was adopted by 187 countries, including India, at the Third UN World Conference on DRR in March 2015. It recognises children as agents of change and advocates that they should be given the space and modalities to contribute to DRR. UN, Under Secretary General and Executive Secretary of UNESCAP meets MoS Home Shri Kiren Rijiju The United Nations (UN), Under Secretary General and Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar met the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju here today. During the meeting, Shri Kiren Rijiju said that it is honour for India to host the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) this year. The MoS also said that the UN agencies play a very important role in the successful organisation of such events. He said that the countries are not capable of tackling disasters alone, so they need larger coordination and cooperation at the regional and international level. He said that India is a large and developing country and it requires support from international organisations like United Nations to tackle disasters. Shri Kiren Rijiju appreciated the participation of UN, Under Secretary General and Executive Secretary of UNESCAP in the ongoing AMCDRR conference. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Home Minister's speech at the inaugural function of AMCDRR Following is the text of speech by the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh at the inaugural function of Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) 2016, here today:- Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji, Honble Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Khuelsukh, Republic of Mongolia, Honble Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal Shri Bimlendra Nidhiji, esteemed colleagues on the dias, distinguished delegates from Asia and Asia-Pacific countries, representatives of United Nations Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, Representatives of Local Bodies from India, Ladies and Gentlemen. On the occasion of the seventh Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to India. I am grateful to the Ministers, distinguished delegates and representatives of local self-governments who, despite their busy schedule have accepted our invitation to participate in this event. The gathering today collectively represent commitments for a safe and secure world. I hope my Ministry has made all possible efforts to make your stay comfortable here in New Delhi. I hope you all will have a pleasant stay here, and that your visit will be fruitful and rewarding in terms of outcomes and learnings. Disasters, both natural and man-made are occurring with increased frequency and intensity. The Asian region is specially vulnerable. Eight of the ten disasters in the world occur in Asia, making two-thirds of the worlds population vulnerable. We believe that disaster resilience is the collective responsibility of all segments of society, including governments, business community, non-governmental sector, and individuals. If we all work together with a united focus and a shared sense of responsibility to improve disaster resilience, we will be far more effective than the individual efforts of any one sector. This is, therefore, a timely and important conference, a critical first step in implementing the Sendai framework in our region. Disasters seriously affect our economy, are a set-back to our development efforts and, most of all, cause untold grief to the families who lose their near and dear ones. Moreover, a grieving family is simultaneously faced with loss of both home and livelihood. Minimizing the possibility, and then the impact of this human tragedy at its worst is, in my opinion, amongst the most critical part of the compact between the State and its citizens. It is gratifying to note that the agenda of the conference covers a wide diversity of subjects ranging from risk governance, making world heritage resilient to business and private sector engagement in Disaster Risk Reduction. I belong to, and have been Chief Minister of a State that is threatened by both earthquakes, and floods. I have witnessed, first hand, the suffering that such disasters bring, and am aware that our activities, such as unregulated building, is adding to the already greater risk, caused by factors such as climate change. It is, therefore, a matter of great satisfaction to me that our focus is shifting from disaster management, to disaster risk reduction. There is now international acknowledgement that efforts to reduce disaster risks must be systematically integrated into policies, plans and programmes for sustainable development and poverty reduction. We all know, of course, that disaster risk recognizes no political boundaries. This includes risks caused by human actions: disasters in one region can, and will, impact other regions. It is, therefore, also satisfying that today we realize that both disaster risk reduction, and disaster relief need to be supported through bilateral, regional and international cooperation, including partnerships. It is with this spirit of regional and international cooperation that India has supported, and is always ready to support, other countries, specially its neighbours, in disaster mitigation and management efforts. We offer the best we have in terms of technology, capacity building and relief expertise to all those in need. We are uncompromisingly committed to regional and international cooperation in this regard. In India, our ancestors gave us the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means that the whole planet with all its human beings, plants, animals, birds and natural resources is one family. This ancient realization of our inter-connectedness is even more relevant and urgent today. I would like to urge this august gathering to embrace this significant notion and enhance international cooperation through sharing of technology, expertise and necessary resources. Here I would also like to reiterate the commitment made by our Honble Prime Minister in SAARC Summit last year of ensuring Indias help and expertise to its neighbouring countries. There is a clear need to discuss specific aspects of multilateral dialogue and cooperation such as, establishment of clear channels of communication, sharing scientific knowledge, creation of a database of disaster response capabilities, and pre-positioning of material to shorten response time. Disasters in India are being handled at all levels at the National, the State and the District levels. Comprehensive and holistic policies for management of all disasters supported by plans, legal framework and financial arrangements are essential elements of any strategy for their management. The role of the States is crucial in this, as they face the immediate brunt from disasters. We are, of course, committed to doing the utmost to support their endeavour. India has taken up several initiatives to substantially reduce disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons, business, communities and countries. On the first day of June 2016, India and Asias first ever National Disaster Management Plan was released by the Prime Minister. The Plan outlines a framework for strengthening disaster risk governance at various levels. The Plan also provides a framework for disaster risk reduction through mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into developmental plans. The AMCDRR is a unique opportunity to come together and provide a sense of urgency to the implementation of Sendai Framework. We have invited a number of officials from our local and State Governments who will have a lot to share with and learn from you. In the run up to the AMCDRR a number of our educational and training institutions have organized Curtain Raiser Events to broaden the engagement on disaster issues and mobilize the capacities of all sections of society. Before concluding, we pledge our support to Asian Regional Plan for implementation of the Sendai Framework, its goals and priorities. We commit ourselves to work with countries in the region to achieve the goals of Sendai Framework towards a safer and resilient Asia and the world against disasters". United, stable and peaceful Nepal in Indias interest, says President The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressed a seminar Nepal and India: Exploring New Vistas organized by India Foundation and Neeti Anusandhan Pratishthan Nepal in Kathmandu, Nepal today (November 3, 2016). Addressing the gathering, the President said Indias interest is in seeing a united, stable and peaceful Nepal, a Nepal whose people enjoy the fruits of development and peace. India would like to see a prosperous Nepal, optimally harnessing its abundant natural resources. India is committed to assist Nepal in achieving these cherished aspirations of its people. The President said the unique bonds of civilisational linkages between India and Nepal, our time tested fraternal ties, our open borders and our according national treatment to each others citizens underline our shared belief that we have a common destiny. Protected by the mighty Himalayas and nurtured by its river systems, we have vital stakes in the collective progress and well-being of our two peoples and peace in our region. India-Nepal ties continue to be driven and characterised by the socio-economic and developmental imperatives of our two peoples. Trade and economic co-operation are foundational pillars of India-Nepal partnership. We have maintained a steady growth in bilateral trade and mutual investments. But we can do much more to facilitate trade and promote investments. It is important that we encourage our respective private sectors to enhance their engagement. The President said India stands ready to share with Nepal its experience of building strong democratic institutions. India welcomes the ongoing efforts of the Government of Nepal to take on board all sections of its society for effective implementation of its Constitution. We wish the people of Nepal every success in this endeavour. We cannot remain hostage to the political baggage of history and prejudice, nor can we continue to follow policies that have failed to lift our people out of poverty. As sovereign nations, we need to move together to achieve our peoples aspirations for a better life. We welcome Nepal to be part of Indias growth story. The President said as our security interests are inter linked, we must continue to consult and coordinate closely to safeguard our shared security interests. The President said at a sub-regional level, we have worked out mutually beneficial arrangements for smooth movement of goods from Bangladesh through India to Nepal and Bhutan. The Motor Vehicles Agreement between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal will, no doubt, contribute significantly to the common goal of economic development of the region. India remains committed to promoting regional cooperation in the framework of the BIMSTEC and SAARC. But mutually beneficial cooperation cannot be promoted under the shadow of cross-border terrorism. We need to act decisively against this scourge on humanity. The international community must work unitedly to thwart and isolate those who use cross border terrorism as an instrument of state policy. No state should be allowed to sponsor or harbour perpetrators of cowardly acts of terror. We must be very vigilant and prevent the misuse of our open border by those who do not have the best interests of India and Nepal at heart. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vietnam Deputy Minister of Public Security calls on MoS (Home) A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Public Security Lt. General Bui Van Thanh called on Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir here today. During the occasion, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said that India and Vietnam share a strong bilateral security relation. He said that bilateral instruments on security had been signed between the two countries, which strengthen the common objective of fighting terrorism and international crime. India and Vietnam are also working on building a Cyber Forensic Lab in Vietnam, he added. The Minister said that Central Bureau of Investigation had imparted training to Vietnam law enforcement personnel in investigation in the field of money laundering and banking frauds. Lt. General Bui Van Thanh said that he appreciates the support provided by India to Vietnam from time to time and he sees todays meeting as an opportunity to further improve the ties between India and Vietnam. He highlighted that India and Vietnam have completed ten years of Strategic Partnership. The Deputy Minister said that he expects India to extend security Line of Credit to Vietnam, on the lines of Defence Line of Credit provided to Vietnam in September, this year. He also said that there should be a security dialogue at the Deputy Ministerial level to increase the information sharing between the two countries. The Deputy Minister expressed concern over the fire fighting equipments in Vietnam and asked India to share the latest equipments and techniques available in fire fighting. DG, Bureau of Police Research & Development, Dr. M. C. Borwankar and other senior officers of the MHA were present on the occasion. Welcome Address by MoS (Home) Shri Kiren Rijiju at AMCDRR Following is the text of welcome address by Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju at the inauguration of Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) 2016, here today: On behalf of the Government and people of India, I welcome all the distinguished delegates and representatives. It is indeed a great honor and privilege for Government of India to host the First Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction after adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) by 187 countries at the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan in 2015. The Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction 2016 will provide a unique opportunity to shape the implementation and monitoring of the Sendai Framework in Asia. On behalf of Government of India, I am thankful to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction for their continuous support in organizing this Conference and express my sincere gratitude for acknowledging Indias efforts in disaster risk reduction and designating me as Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Champion for Asia Region. In the last few decades Asia-Pacific region has experienced exponential increase in disasters. These have often hampered the achievement of development goals. The harshest impact is often on the most vulnerable and marginalised people. The impact of natural disasters has been growing rapidly due to global population growth, urbanization and increased socio-economic activitywith a tenfold increase in losses from disasters since the 1970s. Sendai is a forward looking and ambitious framework aimed at reducing the number of people affected and damage to critical infrastructure from disasters by 2030. Successful implementation of the Sendai Framework at national and local level calls for critical attention to its guiding principles and seven global targets. Countries will need to adopt the guiding principles while prioritizing action towards the seven global targets. This will entail creation of an enabling environment at all levels towards effective and accelerated implementation of the Sendai Framework, with the collaboration and cooperation of all governments and stakeholders. India is amongst the first countries to frame National Disaster Management Plan under the able guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Our endeavour in the National Disaster Management Plan is to take all stakeholders along in our efforts to build a resilient India. We believe that while governments have to pay a central role, civil society organizations, professional bodies, scientific and technical institutions and the private sector have to play important role in this effort. We need to move from disaster management to disaster risk management approach and to look at it as development governance issue. This Conference will provide a unique opportunity to shape the efforts towards disaster preparedness & risk management for effective response and to Build Back Better" in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction. This Conference will provide single platform for meaningful exchange of information and sharing of ideas and also coordination among the stakeholders to bring greater synergies in the effort by all stakeholders based on their experiences. I urge all the stakeholders to discuss and work together for reducing the disaster risk and to make Asian region a safer place for sustainable development. I once again welcome you all to India and wish this conference all success." Parliament alone has the power to trigger by notifying Brussels of Downing Street's intention to leave the European Union, the high court here ruled on Thursday. The judgment, delivered by Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, is likely to slow the pace of Britain's departure from the EU and is a huge setback for Theresa May, who had insisted the government alone would decide when to trigger the process, the Guardian reported. The Lord Chief Justice said that "the most fundamental rule of the UK Constitution is that parliament is sovereign". The decision is, however, likely to be appealed to the Supreme Court, where space has been cleared in the justices' schedules for a hearing early next month. By handing responsibility for initiating over to members of parliament, the three senior judges -- Lord Thomas; the Master of the Rolls, Sir Terence Etherton, and Lord Justice Sales -- have ventured on to constitutionally untested ground. The decision may undermine the Prime Minister's authority in conducting negotiations with other EU states in the run-up to Britain's withdrawal. on Thursday formally rejected European Union anti-trust charges of unfairly promoting its shopping service and blocking rivals in online search advertising, paving the way for EU regulators to rule next year on these issues and potentially impose hefty fines. Claiming that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is now investigating inner circles of Hillary Clinton, her Republican presidential rival on Wednesday said that the election of the former Secretary of State as the next President would create an "unprecedented and protected constitutional crisis". "If Hillary Clinton were to be elected, it would create an unprecedented and protracted constitutional crisis," Trump told his supporters at an election rally in Miami. "Haven't we just been through a lot with the Clintons, right? Remember when he (Bill Clinton) was impeached for lying? He can't practice law. He doesn't have the right to practice law. Didn't we just go through this? And the last thing we need is another four years of Obama," Trump said as the audience booed Clinton. Trump claimed his campaign is on the cusp of an incredible historic change that transfers power from a failed political establishment and returns that power to the families, communities and citizens. "The system is rigged, remember that. The system is rigged. Right now, it's rigged. We're going to change it," he said. The Republican presidential nominee said that the "spread of political agendas" into the Justice Department had "never been a thing like this that has happened in our country's history -- is one of the saddest things" that has happened to the country. "But with your vote you can beat the system, the rigged system, and deliver justice. So, show up early and vote. Show up early. You know, the lines are incredible," he added. "The polls are all saying we're going to win Florida. Don't believe it. Don't believe it. Get out there and vote. Pretend we're slightly behind. You got to get -- we don't want to blow this," he said. "This is the one chance we have, it'll never happen again. It's not going to happen. In four years, it's not going to happen... It can't happen again. This is a movement like we have never seen in this country before. These crowds, the enthusiasm, the love," he said. The audience erupted into wild cheer as he referred to the re-opening of the Clinton' FBI investigation. "They're re-opening the investigation into Crooked Hillary Clinton. Crooked Hillary, she's crooked," he said as the audience booed and shouted aloud: "Lock her up! Lock her up!" "Crooked Hillary, you know that term has really stuck, everyone's calling has anyone seen Crooked Hillary today? That's going to be a great term for a president. What a mess. This is the biggest scandal since Watergate," he said. "And now it's been reported that there are FBI enquiries probing virtually all of Hillary's inner circle and many of the things she's done over the years," Trump said. Trump is scheduled to address a number of rallies in Florida over the next two days. "She wants to blame everyone else for her mounting legal troubles, but she really has no one to blame but herself. Hillary is the one who set up the illegal private e-mail server to shield her criminal activity," Trump said. "Hillary is the one who endangered national security by sending classified information on an insecure server. Hillary is the one who lied so many times to Congress and the FBI. Hillary is the one who made 13 phones disappear, some with a hammer," Trump said. A Republican Hindu organisation is running anti- advertisement on Indian-American television channels, attacking the Democratic presidential candidate as "sympathetic towards Pakistan" and her longtime aide for her Pakistani origin. The 29-second commercial begins with a photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has a map of Pakistan, which includes disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as its territory. "Hillary, sympathetic towards Pakistan gave billions of dollars in aid and military equipment used against India. She was instrumental in blocking PM Modi's visa. (She) takes contributions from countries and individuals known to support radical Islam," says the ad endorsed by the Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC). The advertisement also attacks former US president and Clinton's husband Bill, and her longtime aide Huma Abedin. "Her current aide Huma Abedin is of Pakistani origin and will become chief of staff if she wins. Her husband Bill Clinton wants to give Kashmir to Pakistan," it says and calls on Americans to "Vote Republican - great for you, great for US-Indian relations and great for America." Abedin's mother is of Pakistani origin and her father is from India. She was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1976 to Syed Zainul Abedin, from Delhi, and Saleha Mahmood Abedin. The family moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, when Abedin was two. RHC's head Shalabh Kumar did not respond to questions on the ad that began airing days ahead of the November 8 polls. He, however, has told The New York Post that "Huma in general is as pro-terrorist as you could be... She's got a really dark background. I can't even fathom. I don't understand why Hillary will associate herself with Huma." He said RHC is heavily involved in the battleground states of Florida, North Carolina and Ohio. Indian-American supporters of Clinton slammed RHC for its commercial. "This advertisement is misleading, incorrect and false," said Ajay Jain Bhutoria, a fund-raiser for Clinton campaign. "Trump and RHC are misleading the community with false facts," he alleged. "Trump showed disrespect for Indians and hasmocked Indian call-centre workers at an election rally earlier this year. Trump has created conflict between Hindus and Muslims... India and Pakistanis in USA. We left these kind of religion-based politics back in our home country," Bhutoria said. Bhutoria said Clinton has built strong relations with India as the first lady and later as secretary of state. "No incoming US president has had the level of interaction with India that Hillary has had. Her trip in 1995 helped paved the way years later for President Bill Clinton's historic visit to India in 2000. Hillary has walked that extra mile for India," he said. "As US Senator, was co-chair of the Senate India Caucus. And as US Secretary of State she made multiple visits, during which she highlighted the need for India to 'not just look east, but engage east and act east' - a mantra Modi government subsequently adopted," Bhutoria said. Sunday mornings are hectic for the young scion of one of the largest business conglomerates in South India. He wakes up well before his regular hours and heads out to the scenic East Coast Road in Chennai where he meets up with a band of super bikers; riders of Harley Davidsons, Yamahas, Triumphs and such other iconic brands as they spin their wheels around the city. For brands such as Harley Davidson, Triumph, MV Agusta, Aprilia, Yamaha, Suzuki and others, such clubs are letting them tap into the passion that their brands evoke and build on it. Companies are investing in such clubs and creating an experience around their brands to push their high-end bikes to a larger number of consumers. Decks have been cleared for the countrys first mutual fund initial public offering (IPO). According to highly placed sources, UTI Asset Management Company (AMC), Indias sixth largest mutual fund house, has obtained the finance ministrys in-principle approval to go public. The performance of equity schemes with high allocation to the counter has been affected by the boardroom battle at the Tata group. At least 17 people have been killed and more than 40 others wounded after two passenger trains collided near Karachi's Landi Railway Station on Thursday morning, hospital officials said. The collision took place when the Zakaria Express from Multan smashed into the stationary Fareed Express from Lahore from behind between Juma Goth and the Landhi Railway Station, Divisional Superintendent (DS) Railway Nasir Nazeer said. According to Adviser to Sindh Chief Minister on Labour, Senator Saeed Ghani, railway officials had given a green signal by mistake to the Zakaria Express coming from behind, and it went on to hit the Fareed Express, reports the Dawn. The Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) has claimed that so far 17 bodies were brought to the hospital's mortuary. Trapped passengers are still being pulled out of the mangled wreckage The injured are being shifted to nearby hospitals. Train operations have been stopped halted following the accident. Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique said he was supervising the emergency activities with the concerned authorities. Rafique said that an "independent inquiry" will be held to hold those responsible for the incident accountable. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Asserting that the Centre has fulfilled its promise in implementing OROP, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday courted controversy saying that the ex-serviceman who committed suicide cannot be branded as a 'martyr', as brave soldiers do not take their own lives. This was the second shocker after Union Minister VK Singh's incendiary remark calling for a probe on the mental condition of ex-soldier Ram Kishan Grewal who allegedly committed suicide over OROP. "Martyrs are those who give their lives for the nation. Committing suicide does not give you the title of a martyr. He committed suicide for personal reasons. Our Prime Minister implemented the OROP unlike the Congress who failed to do so side. No brave soldier ever commits suicide," Khattar told the media here. Earlier, VK Singh raised a storm for a second time by claiming that the deceased veteran was a Congress worker. "He was a Congress worker and who fought Sarpanch election on Congress ticket. His suicide is unfortunate," he said. The minister also raised questions about the manner in which Grewal committed suicide saying, "Also, how did he procure Sulpha tablets and who gave it to him?" In response, the Congress asserted that the Centre is hard at work to tarnish the memory of the ex-serviceman. "Modiji has unleashed the full might of GenV.K.Singh, M.L.Khattar, Anil Vij & Co. to tarnish the memory of Subedar Ramkishan. Utterly deplorable," Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said. After the suicide of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal plunged the capital into chaos yesterday, Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday asserted that one lakh people are yet to be benefited under the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme and will be assisted soon after the rectification of error causing the delay. Parrikar elucidated that the delay in sanctioning money under the OROP scheme is being caused due to some technical error and said, "One lakh people are yet to get full benefit of the OROP. There is some technical issue in it. We will soon sort out the paperwork." Grewal consumed poison on Tuesday. However, the cause behind his suicide is yet to be ascertained. The 69-year-old former jawan was protesting over the OROP issue at Jantar Mantar in Delhi when he committed suicide on Tuesday. Earlier in the day mortal remains of Grewal, who committed suicide over the OROP issue were consigned to flames as his last rites were perfumed at his native village here. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi along with other party eaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Kamal Nath, Kiran Choudhry and Shailaja attended the cremation. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was also present during the last rites of Ram Kishan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) World No.1 Novak Djokovic progressed to the last 16 of the Paris Masters with a comfortable straight-sets win over Luxembourg's Gilles Muller on Wednesday. The Serbian defeated Muller 6-3, 6-4 without much of difficulty. The Serbian will now face 14th seeded Grigor Dimitrov in what could be an intriguing third-round clash. The 29-year-old must reach the final in Paris to guarantee he extends his 122-week reign at the top of the rankings with Andy Murray rapidly closing in on the Serb. However, failure to do so would allow Murray to overtake him if the Scot can win the title, or if Murray reaches the final and Djokovic exits before the semis. Meanwhile, Murray edged out Spain's Fernando Verdasco in the second round contest in his quest for the numero one ranking. The World No. 2 won 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 in two hours and 29 minutes despite a patchy display. He will now face Frenchman Lucas Pouille in the last 16 contest. . (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) today announced an exciting new collaboration with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The project comprising a series of short films will see the actor unravel the secrets of Dubai, offering his fans a chance to see the exquisite city through the megastar's eyes. Already well acquainted with Dubai, Shah Rukh Khan is the perfect advocate for the city, which he often refers to as his second home. By showcasing Dubai through his eyes, the project aims to appeal to 'King Khan' fans across the globe giving them the opportunity to explore the city and its many offerings. "Dubai is a second home to me... Whether I am here on vacation with my family and friends or my many trips here for shoots, it's a city that I truly relate to on so many levels - driven, passionate and spirited. And I can't wait to take my fans and fellow travelers from around the world on an unexpected discovery of a city that I love. This new collaboration with Dubai Tourism is exciting and one that I am personally very passionate about. Watch this space," said Shah Rukh Khan. Slated to be released across various Dubai Tourism channels in December, the series of short films will kick start a year-long campaign of multiple Dubai Tourism projects in collaboration with Bollywood. Conceptualized with the aim to strengthen and celebrate the bond and cultural links between Dubai and the subcontinent, the campaign underlines the importance of India as a key source market for inbound tourism to the emirate. "We are delighted to partner with Shah Rukh Khan for this special project, which highlights Dubai's diverse offerings that cater to every type of traveler. We look forward to exploring Shah Rukh's strong connection with Dubai and sharing his unique experience with a global audience. These upcoming collaborations with the Bollywood industry will reinforce the strong role India has played in our city's evolution and further fortify our bond," said CEO Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Issam Kazim. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Transitioning from acclaimed actor and producer to menswear designer, Antonio Banderas launched his first ever clothing line in collaboration with SELECTED / HOMME today. Called Antonio Banderas Design by Selected, the limited edition, designer menswear collection, is available in India, both in stores and online from November, 2016. Designed to be a lifestyle clothing solution for everyday men, the collection is peppered with signatures of the actor himself, appearing through subtle design details. It adheres to classic menswear and includes smart wool topcoats, band-collar popover, polo shirts, sharp suits and leather jackets tricked out with brass hardware. The Mediterranean has been a huge influence in Antonio Banderas's design for this new line by Selected and hence the collection is marked with stunning shades of blue. In regards to working with Selected Homme, Antonio Banderas explains, "It's no secret that I live part of my life on the red carpet, so I am automatically tempted by great tailoring. But for many men that same need to feel handsome in a suit is evident when throwing on a simple T-shirts and jeans - myself included." "We've taken that approach and applied it to all parts of life, attempting to capture that cocktail moment in everything from jeans to leather jackets to, of course, impeccably tailored suits. With my collection for Selected, we want to move in little signals and small messages that people can recognize immediately as Antonio Banderas Design by Selected," said Banderas. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Barack Obama has implicitly criticised Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director James Comey over the new inquiry into presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's email use. Obama said the investigations should not operate on the basis of innuendo or incomplete information. The FBI is now investigating new emails that may be linked to its probe into Clinton's private email server. Comey has faced a fierce backlash for announcing the move just 11 days before the Presidential elections. The American President's remarks are his first public comments since the FBI director's announcement on Friday that the agency had discovered a new batch of emails that may or may not be relevant to an earlier, closed investigation into Democratic presidential candidate handling of classified information. Yesterday, at a rally in North Carolina, President Obama urged Democrats of all ethnic backgrounds to get out and vote for Clinton. He said Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump was a threat to hard-earned civil rights, the country and the . (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Americans for Democrats and Friends of Hillary for President, an advocacy group supporting Hillary Clinton for President have made an impassionate appeal to the public to vote for Hillary. Their media briefing was held at the Chatwal hotel located in midtown Manhattan, New York onWdnesday. The briefing was addressed by hotelier Sant Chatwal, chairman of Indian Americans for Democrats. He was joined by Dr Bhupi Patel, the former chief of medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, and Mike Patel, hotelier and former commissioner in President Clinton's White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Dr Bhupi Patel and Mike Patel are patrons of Indian Americans for Democrats. In his remarks, Chatwal recounted his family's long association with the Clintons, adding he had good vibes when he first met the Clintons in 1991. "They are good people; very fair and emotionally connected," Chatwal recalled, adding, "Hillary's experience as a politician; her love for India and Indian Americans and her conscious effort to do good for America, made her an ideal candidate to receive our vote." Hillary's stand on immigration, healthcare and education were pivotal to America's future and global leadership," said Dr Patel. "She's inclusive. She just did not appear six months ago to ask our vote. It's better to go with someone we know," he quipped. Mike Patel recounted his experience as commissioner in President Bill Clinton's White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, saying it was out of the ordinary in those days that President Clinton thought of engaging Asians in the political and governing process. "President Clinton did what he did because he cared about new immigrants, who worked hard and paid taxes but never received full benefits," Patel said, adding "We have to decide what kind of America we want for our kids. That should give you the answer who should you vote for." H. R Shah, TV Asia chairman and a long supporter of Indian Americans for Democrats said that in his 45 years in America he always felt this country was conservative in political and gender emancipation. "Even India had a women prime minister 30 years ago, but it's unfortunate that America is so backward in realizing the strength of women power," he said. During the question-answer session, Chatwal said, "Our global leadership in matters of economy, tolerance compassion and equality is in despair, everything that the founding fathers of America held so dear. We need to work collectively to change this. The time is now. We need to tell all our friends and families to vote for Hillary." Dr Patel said Hillary was not only the right candidate, she was also a time-tested friend of India and Indian Americans. "Our voting numbers may be small but in close elections, small numbers matter more, so we need to exercise our right to vote in record numbers this time." . (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Security forces on Thursday apprehended a Pakistani with the assistance of locals in Kattal Chowk of Hiranagar in Jammu and Kashmir. The person has been identified as 45 year-old Ab. Yousaf from Goregaon in Pakistan. A tobacco and a Gutka packet were recovered from his possession. Later, he was been handed over to Hiranagar Police Station. More details are awaited. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Retorting to the reports of stitching a Bihar style grand alliance with the Congress Party ahead of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said that the final call in this regard will be taken by party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav. Akhilesh, during his 'Vikas Rath Yatra' told ANI, "Netaji will decide about any alliance or any kind of 'mahagatbandhan'." In the past, Akhilesh Yadav and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi have often praised each other on different occasions. According to reports, the Congress is said to agree to play the second fiddle to the ruling Samajwadi Party in the upcoming polls in Uttar Pradesh if Akhilesh is declared the face of the proposed grand alliance to take on both rivals the BJP and the BSP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Along with episodes of psychosis, schizophrenia is also marked by chronic neurocognitive deficits, such as problems with memory and attention. A multi-site cognition study led by psychologists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) found that these neurocognitive symptoms are evident prior to the onset of psychosis in a high-risk stage of the disorder called the prodromal phase. The findings suggest that these impairments may serve as early warning signs of schizophrenia, as well as potential targets for intervention that could mitigate the onset of the psychotic disorder and significantly improve cognitive function. "To our knowledge, this is the largest and most definitive study of cognition in the high-risk period before onset of for psychosis/schizophrenia," said corresponding author Larry J. Seidman. "This is part of a paradigm shift in the way we are focusing on the earlier, prodromal phase of the disorder in an effort to identify those most likely to develop psychosis." Seidman and colleagues collected neurocognitive functioning data from participants at eight university-based, outpatient programs in the United States and Canada over the course of four years. The observational study compared 689 males and females deemed at clinical high risk (CHR) of developing psychosis to 264 male and female healthy controls (HC). Using 19 standard tests of executive and visuospatial abilities, attention and working memory, verbal abilities and declarative memory, the researchers found that the high-risk group performed significantly worse than the control group on all 19 measures. Among the high-risk individuals only, those who later progressed to a psychotic disorder performed significantly worse than their high-risk peers who did not develop psychosis during the study. "Currently, when mental professionals assess people coming in for evaluation, we don't know who will eventually develop schizophrenia," said Seidman. "Our group's focus is on identifying early warning signs and then developing interventions to improve a person's chances for not getting it, making it milder or delaying it." Impaired working memory (the ability to hold information like a phone number in mind for a short time while it's in use) and declarative memory (the ability to recall things learned in the last few minutes) turned out to be the key neurocognitive functions that are impaired in the high-risk, prodromal phase prior to the onset of full-blown psychosis. These findings, said Seidman, are in keeping with the experiences of many people with schizophrenia who report sudden difficulties reading, concentrating or remembering things in the earliest days of the disorder. Schizophrenia "conjures up dread" in our culture, Seidman said, but he notes that it is likely these cognitive deficits - not the delusions and hallucinations people fear so much - that keep roughly 80 percent of people with schizophrenia out of work or school. Recent focus on the prodromal period and the growing promise of early intervention is giving patients and their families more realistic hope that better outcomes are possible, he added. "People can hear voices and still function pretty well, but they basically cannot function at all when their cognition is impaired," he said. "We are also testing a number of cognitive remediation and enhancement treatments to determine their role in the evolution of the illness. There's more evidence suggesting that early intervention reduces the number of people who transition to schizophrenia." This study represented the second phase of the North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study (NAPLS), the multi-site research consortium formed in 2003 to focus on early intervention and prevention of schizophrenia. By pooling their data, NAPLS researchers have been able to identify individuals at high risk for developing a psychotic disorder as well as the biological risk factors associated with converting to psychosis. This summer, the collaborators, led by researchers at Yale, published a risk calculator that can help professionals predict patients' risk of developing psychosis. In addition to BIDMC and Yale, the other NAPLS sites are based at Emory University, the University of Calgary, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), University of California San Diego (UCSD), University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, University of San Francisco, and Zucker Hillside Hospital. "A significant number of people are able to remain in or go back to work and school," Seidman said. "This early intervention approach is giving people more hope, and that really matters." The study has been published in JAMA Psychiatry. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) on Thursday Mitchell Starc, returning from injury, took four wickets and David Warner smashed an unbeaten half-century as Australia took control of the first Test against South Africa(November 3).At the WACA Ground in Perth on day one, Australia bowled South Africa out for 242 and then rattled along to 105 without loss, a failed decision review rounding off a forgettable day for the visitor.Vernon Philander rapped Warner on the pads with the batsman on 17 and Australia on 19, but Aleem Dar turned down the appeal. The South Africans called for a review, only for replays to reveal that Philander had delivered a front-foot no-ball.More frustratingly for them, further replays showed that their review would have been successful had the paceman not overstepped.Warner punished South Africa for that Philander error with a typically free-flowing unbeaten 73, off just 62 deliveries with 13 fours and a six as Australia scored at five an over. Keeping Warner company at close was Shaun Marsh, his fellow left-hand opener who was on a sedate 29.Marsh came through an inspired opening burst from Dale Steyn but Warner was at his fluent best, peppering the boundary with characteristically robust strokeplay to take Australia to within 137 of the South African total with all ten wickets standing.Starc, the left-arm paceman who is returning from a terribly leg injury sustained in practice that necessitated 30 stitches, got Australia going with the fourth ball of the match on his way to figures of 4 for 71. He was well supported by Josh Hazlewood (3 for 70) as South Africa slumped to 32 for 4 after Faf du Plessis opted to bat first.Stephen Cook was the first to go, smartly caught at gully by Mitchell Marsh as he was squared up Starc in the first over, and Hashim Amla, who also was out for a duck, became Hazlewoods first victim in the fourth over. Dean Elgar, put down on 10, was caught behind and JP Duminy, dropped on eight, gave Peter Siddle early joy in the pacemans first Test since February this year when he too was caught behind.Du Plessis (37) battled on with Temba Bavuma for company, the pair putting on 49 when the South African skipper was caught off the outside edge by Adam Voges at first slip.Bavuma and Quinton de Kock, who top-scored with an aggressive 84, rallied with a 71-run stand for the sixth wicket. But the visitor again stumbled when Bavuma and Philander (10) fell just before tea as Australia regained control.De Kock survived two decision reviews and should have been run out on 61, only to be the ninth wicket to fall when he chased quick runs with the tail.Bavuma made a composed 51 but he fell to a brilliant catch by Shaun Marsh at short-leg off Nathan Lyon, the offspinner. The body of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal, who committed suicide over the delay in implementation of the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme, has been taken to his hometown in Haryana after a post-mortem was conducted at Lady Hardinge Hospital. According to reports, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will be visiting the grieving family in Bhiwani. Rahul had met with the family earlier yesterday and had accused the Delhi Police of illegally detaining and also abusing them. However, the delay in Grewal receiving the revised pension as per the One Rank One Pension (OROP) was due to problems in calculation at his bank's end and his case could have been resolved amicably if he had directly approached the government, sources said. Sources firmly state that the circumstances surrounding the suicide of Grewal, who took his life by consuming poison, called for a thorough investigation, as a probe is also needed to figure out who was with him when he took the extreme step and also who provided the poison. It also needs to be ascertained if anybody may have taken advantage of his "troubled mind to provoke him to take the extreme step". Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has sought details of the incident from the department of ex-servicemen welfare. "Saddened by the death of subedar Ram Kishen Grewal. I express my heartfelt condolences. I have asked officials to provide me with details," Parrikar tweeted. Earlier, Parrikar emphasised that the government was committed to the welfare of ex-servicemen and said a total of Rs 5,507.47 crore has been disbursed under the scheme. Giving details of the OROP implementation, Parrikar said there were 20,63,763 beneficiaries before July 2014 and that 19,12,520 pensioners have been paid the first installment and 1,50,313 cases are pending verification and authentication of beneficiaries. Meanwhile, a massive political storm has broken out over Grewal's death as parties are joining forces to come down heavily on the Centre over the delay in the implementation of OROP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Responding to the move to prevent Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia from visiting the hospital to see the body of the ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal who allegedly committed suicide, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday said if they wanted to meet the family, they should have been allowed to offer the condolence. TMC spokesperson Derek O' Brien, who reached the residence of Grewal in Bhiwani in Haryana, told media that there was double grieving happening as the family was manhandled. "I came and spent one hour, so on an occasion like this just to be with family....it's a bubble graving here because they are devastated because they lost their father. They had a terrible evening yesterday. Yesterday's event has really left them distressed. It is a. Double grieving happening here - one for their loss, other for what happened yesterday. Family shouldn't have been manhandled," he said. "Whether it was Arvind Kejriwal, Rahul Gandhi or Mr. Sisodia if you want and be with the family as a public representative then you can go but I think the bigger issue is what the family did wrong to have them arrested. If Rahul Gandhi or Mr. Kejriwal wanted to meet the family they should have been allowed," he added. Chiming in the political storm that has erupted over the suicide of the ex-serviceman, who took his own life over the delay in implementation of the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee yesterday expressed shock at the detention of her Delhi counterpart, saying it was "unprecedented and unacceptable". The Congress vice-president was detained for a second time yesterday by the Delhi Police after he tried to meet the family members of the ex-serviceman. Gandhi, along with other Congress leaders, including Jyotiraditya Scindia and Ajay Maken were carted into a police van and taken away. Yesterday, Gandhi was first detained at the RML Hospital when he tried to meet the family members of Grewal and was taken to Mandir Marg Police Station. He was detained for around 70 minutes before being released. Grewal consumed poison on Tuesday. However, the cause behind his suicide is yet to be ascertained. Grewal's cremation will take place at his hometown Bhiwani in Haryana today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Robert Vadra on Thursday urged for a sincere probe in the suicide case of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal. Vadra took to Facebook and expressed his grief over the demise of the ex-serviceman, who allegedly committed suicide over the delay of One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme. "Saddened to learn of the suicide of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal. Being so desperate to end his life, and further the family being detained by authorities, and not being able to complete the last rights, really needs to be probed," said Vadra on Facebook. He further lambasted the government and asked the Centre to take care of soldiers who bestow their lives for the nation. "We really need to care for our soldiers, who unconditionally keep us safe, at all times. Let's not only talk jargons. Let government do the real thing for our soldiers. My heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased serviceman," he said. Chiming in the political storm that has erupted over the suicide of the ex-serviceman, who took his own life over the delay in implementation of the OROP scheme, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee yesterday expressed shock at the detention of her Delhi counterpart, saying it was "unprecedented and unacceptable". The Congress vice-president was detained for a second time yesterday by the Delhi Police after he tried to meet the family members of the ex-serviceman. Gandhi, along with other Congress leaders, including Jyotiraditya Scindia and Ajay Maken were carted into a police van and taken away. Yesterday, Gandhi was first detained at the RML Hospital when he tried to meet the family members of Grewal and was taken to Mandir Marg Police Station. He was detained for around 70 minutes before being released. Grewal consumed poison on Tuesday. However, the cause behind his suicide is yet to be ascertained. Grewal's cremation will take place at his hometown Bhiwani in Haryana today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Looks like recent domestic abuse allegations against Hollywood actor Johnny Depp are not cooling off any time soon. The 53-year-old actor has received tons of backlash on social media for his recent casting in the sequel to J.K. Rowling's 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' for a secretive role, reports the Daily Mail. Heard filed for divorce from Depp in May when she appeared in a Los Angeles court with a bruised face. She sought a temporary restraining order against the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star whom she accused of abuse. While many Potterheads did not appreciate the decision, several fans took to social media to personally message the movie franchise's official account as well as JK Rowling to express their distaste. One user named @wednesdaydreams wrote, "hello @jk_rowling @FantasticBeasts the Harry Potter universe is all about being against the abuse of power and yet you cast a known abuser?" Another microblogger @annalikestweets wrote, "hey @jk_rowling many harry potter fans are survivors, and this hurts them so much!" Some pointed out the double standards in showbiz and complained about the actor continuing on with a successful career. "Winona Ryder stole something once and her career plummeted. Johnny Depp abused his wife & he continues to get roles. i love double standards," one user wrote sarcastically. Depp, who will appear in a cameo in the first film, reportedly will have a bigger role alongside British star Eddie Redmayne in the sequel in 2018. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Retorting to Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi visiting residence of ex-servicemen Ram Kishan Grewal who committed suicide over OROP issue, Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Azam Khan on Thursday said that the latter went to Bhiwani for political benefit. When asked to comment on the beeline made by the political fraternity including Rahul Gandhi, Khan shrugged off the developments saying, "It's simply a policy matter, after all they do need some political benefits." Khan also took the occasion to react on encounter of SIMI activist in Bhopal and said asserted that anybody involved in terrorist activities should not be spared. "We should kill all the people involved in any kind of terror activity, be it SIMI terrorists or anyone else," he said. Grewal consumed poison on Tuesday. However, the cause behind his suicide is yet to be ascertained. The 69-year-old former jawan was protesting over the OROP issue at Jantar Mantar in Delhi when he committed suicide on Tuesday. Earlier in the day mortal remains of Ram Kishan, who committed suicide over the OROP issue were consigned to flames as his last rites were perfumed at his native village here. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi along with other party leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Kamal Nath, Kiran Choudhry and Shailaja attended the cremation. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was also present during the last rites of Ram Kishan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dubbing Pakistan a 'rogue state', Jammu and Kashmir's Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh on Thursday said the neighbouring country is showing their 'barbaric attitude' by targeting civilians in the Kashmir Valley. Describing the continuous ceasefire violation as a 'murder of humanity', Singh told ANI that Pakistan has to stop this 'nonsense' otherwise they will have to taste their own medicine. "It is very unfortunate that Pakistan is targeting the civilians. Continuous ceasefire violation by Pakistan shows barbaric attitude they have adopted, this proves that Pakistan is a rogue state. It is a murder of humanity. We are doing our best and giving them befitting reply," he added. He, however, said Centre is monitoring everything very closely, and therefore, he believes that in future things will get better in Kashmir. In the latest ceasefire violation from Pakistan, heavy shelling was reported at the Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir. According to initial reports, several people have been injured in this unprovoked firing. The daily life in Manjakote village has been severely affected as two women were killed and a child was severely injured yesterday after Pakistan troops violated ceasefire which targeted Indian posts and border villages in India's northern Jammu and Kashmir state casts fear among the residents. The women were killed in heavy firing and mortar shelling in Manjakote Sector of Rajouri district. A 14-month -old child was also injured in cross-border firing in Jammu. Doctor Tariq Azad, general surgeon, Jammu Hospital said the child was hit by shells in the stomach and was operated upon. Pakistan has been targeting army posts and civilian areas, escalating the tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Tensions have escalated sharply since India announced on September 29 its special forces had carried out a surgical strike against militants camping in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and inflicted significant casualties. Pakistan denied such a strike had taken place but vowed to retaliate against any Indian aggression. The raid by Indian military was a direct response to a militant attack on an army camp in Uri that killed 19 soldiers, the deadliest toll in nearly two decades. India said the attackers had come from Pakistan but Islamabad demanded credible proof. People of Niaka, village which came under the fire, are living under the shadow of heavy shelling has severely disrupted daily life of locals in villages around the border. People have been asked to stay indoors as shelling continues. The mortar affected the residential areas along the Line of control as it damaged the houses and killed animals for past many days. Authorities in Indian Kashmir have already evacuated hundreds of people from villages along the frontier with Pakistan following frequent ceasefire violations. Incidence of border skirmishes between the arch rivals has also increased since New Delhi's military raid. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Siemens Healthineers introduces the innovative robot-supported Artis pheno angiography system at this year's German Congress for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (DKOU, October 25-28). The "OR of the future" lets visitors experience the Artis pheno in its typical working environment, the hybrid OR. The system was developed for use in minimally invasive surgery, interventional radiology and interventional cardiology. The zen40HDR flat panel detector and the GIGALIX X-ray tube give the Artis pheno outstanding image quality. Resolution for 2D imaging is four times higher - compared to prior systems of Siemens Healthineers - in all recording processes thanks to the system's new 2k recording . The StructureScout feature can adapt and optimize imaging parameters to best suit the material structure of the area being X-rayed, which enables even less radiation to be used compared to prior systems of Siemens Healthineers . Artis pheno is designed to support treatment of multimorbid patients, and can be fitted with a comprehensive range of optional software applications to deal with complex cases. Thanks to the hygiene approach developed especially for Artis pheno, the system has large, sealed surfaces with fewer spaces, which helps customers with system cleaning. Patients often suffer from multiple health issues that can make minimally invasive surgery more difficult or even impossible. The growing number of older patients, in particular, faces additional risks because of the associated incidence of chronic disease. Siemens Healthineers has recognized these trends, and its innovative Artis pheno angiography system helps its customers respond accordingly: because it can scan up to 15 percent faster in the body area - compared to prior systems of Siemens Healthineers -, syngo DynaCT is able to produce 3D images that need less contrast agent for the imaging process. "We see a high number of multimorbid patients with impaired kidney function in the angio suite," MD, Director of the Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at Hanover Medical School,Prof. Frank Wacker said. "Shorter scan times help reduce the amount of iodinated contrast agent during 3D angiography in the thorax and abdomen by up to 15 percent." If the patient is sensitive to the contrast agent, Artis pheno can also support CO2 imaging of the extremities. The system follows the tilted table and increases CO2 visibility using the new StructureScout. The C-arm is 13 centimeters wider and has a free inner diameter of 95.5 centimeters, which offers more space for handling adipose patients and means longer instruments can be used without difficulty. The Siemens Healthineers multi-tilt table is also designed to accommodate patients weighing up to 280 kilograms. The end of the table can be tilted both up and down, to stabilize the patient's blood pressure, for example, or to make breathing easier when necessary. The robotic construction of the Artis pheno gives it a flexible isocenter that it shares with its predecessor, the Artis zeego. This means the angiography system can follow all table positions and provide the best possible imaging support for the patient's treatment, while representing the target area of the body from virtually any angle. Artis pheno can also be combined with surgical tables from Maquet und Trumpf, which enable patients to be specially positioned for operations. Typical positions involve patients lying on their side, stretched out on their side, or even sitting. Artis pheno can support imaging in all of these positions. The ability to work standing upright with minimum additional effort is of particular importance to enable the surgeon - wearing a heavy lead apron - to perform often lengthy operations without becoming fatigued. Surgeons must also maintain optimum access within the operating area at all times. That's why they can move the easy-float tabletop on the new Siemens Healthineers multi-tilt table with minimal effort, regardless of how much the tabletop has been tilted on either of its axes, or how heavy the patient is. Artis pheno recognizes the position of the tabletop at all times, and automatically aligns itself to the tabletop with every movement. The memory positions let the system move the C-arm out of the operating area quickly if necessary, giving the surgeon and the operating team free access to the patient, and then move it back to exactly the same position again for further imaging. This means results can be checked directly, even while the operation is still in progress. To remain competitive as a healthcare provider, innovative software applications are essential, to ensure full preparedness for increasingly complex minimally invasive surgical procedures. This is why there are many additional optional application packages that can be used with the Artis pheno to suit the customer's requirements as complex cases arise. Artis pheno supports spinal fusion procedures, for example. Up to ten vertebrae can be visualized in 3D imaging using syngo DynaCT Large Volume. Syngo Needle Guidance then makes it possible to plan extensive procedures using screws or needles. Screw paths can be planned with precision, and the Automatic Path Alignment function automatically aligns the C-arm to follow them. The laser integrated in the image detector shows the surgeon the planned path, which helps improve both accuracy and speed in the OR. This can result in good savings, since longer operations mean higher costs. Using this software application can help minimize the rate of screw positioning errors in the spine and also speed up the work process in this area. Additionally, follow-up costs which might arise from corrective interventions might be reduced. A number of applications on the Artis pheno support transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of tumors. TACE involves supplying embolic particles coated with a chemotherapeutic drug via a catheter directly into the arteries leading to the tumor. Using syngo DynaCT 360, it takes just six seconds for the Artis pheno to generate a large-volume image of the liver or lung, for example, including the anatomy of the tumor and the vessels leading to it. Rapid rotation is vitally important in reducing movement artifacts, since the patients are given only local sedation for the TACE procedure. The syngo Embolization Guidance application renders arterial vessels visible and helps distinguish the vessels and treatment paths using color-coding. Graphic overlaying of the selected vessel paths with the real-time X-ray images makes the vessels that supply the tumor visible for simplified microcatheter navigation which can save the dose of both radiation and contrast agent. Special hygiene approach developed More than 30,000 patients die in Germany every year just from infections picked up in the hospital. High patient infection rates are a key challenge for hospitals, which need to be fully equipped to deal with them. That's why Artis pheno was developed using a dedicated hygiene approach. An antimicrobial coating prevents bacteria and viruses from multiplying on the system. Seamless surfaces with no recesses, and spaces that are easy to access, make the system easier to clean. The wiring is routed inside the system to prevent cables from becoming dirty and potentially transmitting bacteria. Cleaning instructions supplied with the system are intended to enable optimized cleaning and disinfection of the system. Because the system is floor-mounted, it is easier to install in the operating suite, and the sterile air flow from the ceiling is interrupted during imaging only by the flat-panel detector. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Thursday flagged off Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's state-wide 'Vikas Rath Yatra', and used the occasion to caution the Centre to follow 'middle path' with Pakistan. His son, however, chose to say that next year's assembly elections would change the way politics is played and performed at the level. Along with the Samajwadi Party supremo, party state president Shivpal Singh Yadav and other leaders were also in attendance. "I thank people of Uttar Pradesh for their support. Indian Army is the bravest in the world. I salute all martyrs. This rally is dedicated to our brave jawans, our defence forces among the best. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should meet families of martyrs" said Mulayam at the event. "We don't want our jawans to die and don't want a war with Pakistan. We must find a middle path," he added. Meanwhile, his brother Shivpal said, "I wish to extend my good wishes to Akhilesh and tell him that SP will come to power again in UP." He added that the party's mission in Uttar Pradesh is to not allow the BJP to come into power. "I want to thank Mulayam Singh Yadav ji for flagging off the event," the chief minister said, adding, "This UP election will change politics." "This is the time to again come to power. People have been scheming against our party but we did not move," he added. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also slammed the Modi Government over the recent suicide of the ex-serviceman, allegedly over the delay of One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme. "On one hand, our brave soldiers are sacrificing their lives for our safety, whereas on the other hand, they are committing suicides as well. So, it should be seen as who is ruling the country and where are they taking it," he said. Later on, Akhilesh was seen in the bus which is decorated with the images of the major schemes and projects launched by party during his tenure: the Lucknow-Agra Expressway, Lucknow Metro, emergency services for women safety and health like 108 and 1090, free laptop distribution, etc. This is the third such election campaign organised Akhilesh since 2001-2002 and this year's event is important because of the growing rift within the party. Before the yatra was flagged off by Mulayam Singh Yadav, there were clashes between groups of party workers - an indication that the Yadav family feud has not yet ended. The supporters of both Akhilesh and Shivpal factions are keeping an eye on the development and the entire route of yatra is dotted with hoardings, banners and colourful arches to welcome the 'Vikas Sey Vijay Tak' rath yatra starting from Lucknow. Akhilesh is all set to travel 75 km in Lucknow and neighbouring Unnao atop a modified Mercedes bus, which can also be called a Mercedes "rath" from Lucknow. All schools in the state capital and Unnao have been shut owing to the 'VVIP movement', which is all set to bring the state capital and the Lucknow-Kanpur highway to a grinding halt. According to report, a cavalcade of over thousands SUVs and trucks will seek to send a message to the party leadership that Akhilesh is the 'most acceptable' face of Samajwadi Party. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday threatened to join the protest against the Centre with the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students over missing student Najeeb Ahmned. "They (Delhi Police) don't have courage to go against ABVP. We demand immediate arrest of ABVP members who assaulted Najeeb Ahmed. If students will sit in protest at India Gate then I will also join them," said Kejriwal after attending a solidarity meeting at the JNU campus. He further alleged that that Delhi Police was defending and protecting Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members who assaulted Najeeb a day before he went missing. Echoing similar sentiments, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor who was also present for the meeting said, "The campus authorities are not capable of resolving the issues, so we have to go outside the campus, which is why I agree with Kejriwal." Earlier today, Kejriwal lashed out the BJP for polarizing in the name of votes, adding that its leaders were not even loyal to their own blood. "The BJP does not belong to anyone. They don't even belong to their father. BJP have the greed of power and money, and if needed they will even sell their father," said Kejriwal at a solidarity meeting organised JNU students for the missing student Najeeb Ahmed. Last month, a student of the School of Biotechnology, Najeeb Ahmed, allegedly went missing following a brawl on the campus the night before. Till now the police have not been able to find the whereabouts of Najeeb. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) says that East North Interconnection Company (ENICL) is expected to record an availability of 98% for the upcoming months until the damaged section of its transmission line is fully restored, in accordance with the force majeure provisions. The force majeure event is credit neutral, subject to ENICL recording an availability of at least 98% - the target availability to realise full revenue according to the transmission service agreement. The company recorded an availability of 98.507% in August 2016 (source: Availability certificate from Eastern Region Power Committee (ERPC). The period of non-operation of Purnia-Bihar Sharif transmission line due to floods constitutes a force majeure event. Ind-Ra rates ENICL's non-convertible debentures at 'IND AAA(SO)'/Stable. The transmission line was affected by flash floods in the Ganges and has not been operating since 23 August 2016. A transmission tower in the river bed was washed away and three adjacent transmission towers were also affected. ENICL's bank statement confirms the cash availability of about INR450m, which is adequate to meet the estimated construction expenses and debt servicing. ENICL also expects to receive an advance payment from insurers. Insurance covers force majeure and revenue loss due to such events as well. Presence of bank guarantee covering six months' debt service provides comfort regarding debt servicing. In the conference call held on 21 October 2016 with the stakeholders, the company said restoration is expected to be completed by January 2017. The company also informed that contractors have been mobilised to carry out the restoration works. A reasonable time for restoration will be determined by ERPC, generally in discussion with the transmission licensee and delay in restoration beyond such timeline could affect the availability of the project. The Power Grid Corporation India's 400kV Patna - Kishanganj transmission line, crossing the Ganges in the same region, was also affected due to the floods. Force majeure was recognised for it, as well. ENICL's revenue receipts remain unaffected till date. Availability certificate at 98.507% for August 2016 is in place. The company expects the deemed availability of 98% to be approved by ERPC from September 2016 to the time the line is charged and becomes operational again. ERPC has already approved the incident as force majeure and it is highly likely that ENICL will receive full revenue based on deemed availability till the line is made operational. Against this backdrop, the management expects the cash flow mismatches to be minimal and debt service coverage ratios not to be affected. Ind-Ra would continue to monitor the availability of assets, revenue receipts, proceeds from insurance cover and progress in the restoration of transmission line to assess the impact on the rating, if any. Please refer the last rating rationale here. ENICL, held by Sterlite Grid1 Limited and Sterlite Power Transmission Limited, has set up a 400kV double circuit transmission line for the import of surplus power from the north eastern and eastern regions to the northern region. The transmission line comprises two sections - from Bongaigaon in Assam to Siliguri in West Bengal (commissioned on 13 November 2014) and from Purnia in West Bengal to Bihar Sharif in Bihar (commissioned on 13 September 2013). Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gulshan Polyols rose 5.71% to Rs 424 at 10:20 IST on BSE after the company said its board will consider stock split on 5 November 2016. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 2 November 2016. Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was up 20.36 points, or 0.07%, to 27,547.58. On BSE, so far 2,530 shares were traded in the counter, compared with average daily volume of 3,010 shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 428 and a low of Rs 410 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 490 on 6 January 2016. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 275 on 29 February 2016. The stock had outperformed the market over the past 30 days till 2 November 2016, rising 11.35% compared with the 2.85% decline in the Sensex. The scrip had also outperformed the market in past one quarter, rising 11.48% as against Sensex's 0.68% decline. The small-cap company has equity capital of Rs 4.69 crore. Face value per share is Rs 5. Net profit of Gulshan Polyols declined 14% to Rs 7.43 crore on 13.78% rise in net sales to Rs 116.54 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015. Gulshan Polyols is a leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals. It is one of the largest manufacturers of precipitated calcium carbonate and sorbitol in India. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The identity of eight officials of the Indian High Commission, who were described as "undercover operatives", was made public in the Pakistani media along with their photographs on Thursday -- as bilateral ties appeared headed further downward. According to a report in Dawn, the "alleged Indian intelligence personnel whose cover was blown in the media leak", are Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri , commercial counsellor in the Indian High Commission; Balbir Singh, First Secretary, Press and Culture; Anurag Singh First Secretary, Commercial; Amardeep Singh Bhatti, Visa Attache; Dharmedra; Vijay Kumar Verma and Madhavan Nanda Kumar (Visa Assistants); and Jayabalan Senthil, Assistant, Personnel Welfare Office. Dawn said the media leak claimed that the officials were working either for the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) or the Indian Intelligence Bureau. No Foreign Office official was available to confirm the media leak - which began with the electronic media - or give its details, the report said. India said that the details of the eight Indian officers being published in the Pakistani media compromises their security, said sources in New Delhi. According to Dawn, the "revealed Indian agents", according to the information leaked to the media, were, found to be involved in "subversive activities", including attempts to disrupt the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and create fear and chaos in the country. They are alleged to be building a network of informants within Pakistan and fabricating evidence for tarnishing the country's image abroad, it added. It is expected that these agents would be declared persona non-grata by Pakistani authorities in the coming days or India would withdraw them, Dawn reported. The leak - that has taken the confrontation between the two countries to a new peak -- came after Pakistan was forced to pull out six of its officers and staff posted at the high commission in New Delhi because of Indian claims that four diplomats were working for Pakistani intelligence services. The withdrawn officers and staffers reached Lahore on Wednesday. Last week, Pakistan had declared Indian High Commission official Surjeet Singh persona non grata and given him 48 hours to leave the country. Singh's expulsion followed that of a Pakistani High Commission official in New Delhi, Mehboob Akhtar, on charges of working for the Inter-Services Intelligence spy agency. In March, Pakistan said it had arrested a "serving Indian naval intelligence officer" Kulbhushan Jadhav in Balochistan for allegedly working for RAW. Relations between the two rivals have been strained since the past few months, following the January 2 terror attack on the Pathankot air base, which India has blamed on terrorists from Pakistan, and the long unrest in Kashmir Valley, which India has accused Pakistan of fomenting. The September 18 terror attack on an army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, that left 19 soldiers dead has flared tensions, an attack that India blamed on Pakistan-based militants. India has said it carried out "surgical strikes" on terror launch pads in Pakistan as retribution. --IANS ahm/rn/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At a time when design-led thinking in businesses is having a positive effect on creative professionals, keeping pace with content demands across new and traditional platforms, Adobe showcased its next-generation Creative Cloud innovations at the ongoing annual creativity conference here. The innovation includes a new breed of applications in experience design, photography and 3D compositing. Over the next two days of Adobe Max 2016, Adobe will also throw light on developments brewing in the company's research labs. "Our mission has always been to change the world through digital experiences," Shantanu Narayen, President and CEO of Adobe said during his keynote on first day of the Adobe Max 2016 conference on Wednesday. Adobe also announced Adobe Sensei, a new framework and set of intelligent services spanning the entire Adobe Cloud Platform which is aimed at dramatically improving how customers design and deliver digital experiences. Adobe MAX will feature keynotes from creative leaders, including filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, fashion designer Zac Posen and photographer Lynsey Addario. "Adobe MAX is where the creative community comes together to see the latest in Creative Cloud innovation and be inspired by the world's best creative minds," Bryan Lamkin, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Digital Media at Adobe, said. "This year, we'll be showcasing amazing breakthroughs in experience design, photography, virtual reality, character animation and 3D compositing," Lamkin added. He said Adobe fulfills the demand of more high-quality content by customers. He also announced 2017 release of the Creative Cloud. Apart from Sensei, a new Mac release of Adobe Experience Design CC (XD) -- the first all-in-one tool for designing, prototyping and sharing user experiences for website and mobile apps - is available with two highly anticipated features - Layers and Symbols support. The company also launched a special version of XD for Windows keeping in mind the features offered by Microsoft, including stylus and touch. At MAX, Adobe will also give a sneak peek at new capabilities that enable real-time collaboration including co-editing of documents, visual versioning and Creative Cloud Libraries enhancements. The company also unveiled Project Felix -- an industry-first design tool that enables graphic designers to easily create high-quality, photo-realistic images by combining 2D and 3D assets for projects such as product shot comps, scene visualisation and abstract design. For filmmakers, advancements in virtual reality, character animation and 3D across Adobe's video tools will set the stage for the future of video. The next release of Adobe Premiere Pro CC includes auto-aware virtual reality (VR) that seamlessly detects and applies the correct setting to stereoscopic and monoscopic media. First introduced at "IBC 2016" exhibition at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, the Netherlands, in September, updates to Premiere Pro, After Effects CC and Prelude CC will also include a Beta of Team Projects that allows teams and enterprise customers to co-edit and collaborate on Creative Cloud projects. Adobe also announced the release of a new Cinema 4D renderer in After Effects that will speed up efficiency and quality of 3D content generation. At MAX, Adobe announced a partnership with Thomson Reuters. Available through Adobe Creative Cloud, creatives will be able to access Thomson Reuters editorial content including photos and videos. The expanded Adobe Stock service now offers more than 60 million royalty-free, high-quality photos, videos, illustrations, graphics and 3D models and templates. The company introduced a new way to find, purchase and manage individual fonts from premier foundries including Frere-Jones Type, Type Network/Font Bureau and Emigre with the new Adobe Typekit marketplace. In updates to Creative Cloud, a new interface and fast, flexible coding engine is incorporated in Dreamweaver CC and a Photoshop comes with a universal search bar that allows users to quickly search tools, panels, menus, Adobe Stock assets, help content and tutorials. Updates to Creative Cloud desktop software will ship to Creative Cloud members before the end of the year, Adobe said. Membership plans are available for individuals, students, educational institutions, government agencies and enterprises. Adobe's new and updated mobile apps are available for free download from Apple App Store and Google Play. (Sourabh Kulesh is attending Adobe Max 2016 creative conference in San Diego at the invitation by Adobe. He can be contacted at sourabh.k@ians.in) --IANS sku/gb/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre has called a meeting with Delhi's neighbouring states on Friday to discuss the national capital's deteriorating air quality. The Secretary of Union Ministry of Environment, A.N. Jha, will be meeting the Secretaries of five neighbouring states of the national capital, the government said on Thursday in a statement. The air quality of the national capital has sharply deteriorated, while smog situation on Wednesday was worse in last 17 years. Paddy burning in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana and slow wind speed are few of the reasons attributed to the situation. --IANS kd/lok (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Chinese government has approved a regulation that bans auctioning of cultural relics that were stolen or smuggled, officials said on Thursday. This new regulation, laid down by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, also includes antiques confiscated by the government, those owned by government sectors and those belonging to state-owned antique shops, national companies and civilian and military museums, the China Daily reported. The auctioning of Chinese cultural relics in recent years has troubled both the public and the government, the officials said. The new regulation has been welcomed on China's social media although many users have said it will not prevent these objects from being auctioned in foreign markets, where most of them end up finally. In recent years, the number of Chinese buyers bidding for Chinese antiques at auction worldwide has increased. Some of the items were obtained through such illegal means as archaeological poaching and illegal exporting. In 2013, French businessman Francois-Henri Pinault returned to China the bronze heads of a rabbit and a rat that had been looted from Beijing's Old Summer Palace by the Anglo-French forces during the Second Opium War in 1890. Liu Shuangzhou, a professor at Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, said that auction houses must provide auction catalogues to cultural relics departments for review and verification before sales. --IANS ksk/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress on Thursday demanded an apology from the Narendra Modi-led central government for questioning the mental state of the ex-serviceman who allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison. "The Modi government should apologise to the Indian Armed Forces and to the family members of Ram Kishan Grewal for questioning his mental state," Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala told reporters here after attending the cremation of the retired Subedar of the Indian Army at Bamla village in the district. Grewal allegedly consumed poison at a Delhi park on Tuesday evening demanding immediate implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme. Attacking the government for having accused it of indulging in over the death of the ex-serviceman, Surjewala said: "Yes, we are ready to do to protect Grewal's family and for the respect of our armed forces." Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Surjewala said: "If OROP has been granted, why are soldiers protesting? This shows Modiji is lying." Hundreds of villagers gathered to pay their respects to the deceased. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi reached the village and met the widow of Grewal and other family members before the last rites. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also met the grieving family and announced financial assistance of Rs 1 crore. Slamming Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for not attending the cremation of Grewal, the Congress leader said: "Why Khattarji didn't attend the cremation of Grewal? Why did he send a cheque of Rs 10 lakh from his aides?" The Congress leader also targetted Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for not attending the cremation. --IANS aks/ksk/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) France-based global 3D design software company Dassault Systemes inaugurated here on Thursday its 'manufacturing in the age of experience" event aimed at exploring digital transformation of the industry and helping manufacturers provide "personalised experience" to their customers. The event unites 3DExperience platform user communities and Dassault Systemes executives to exchange ideas, applications and expertise on the digital transformation taking place in industrial manufacturing operations. "The world of manufacturing has a new goal, across all markets: mass customisation and quick delivery to an on-demand generation of consumers, meaning that the fragmented manufacturing of yesteryear will simply not do anymore," said Monica Menghini, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Dassault Systemes. "Complete synchronization and integration of operations, modularity and predictive analytics will allow manufacturers to provide consumers with a personalized experience with which they can feel an emotional connection. 'Manufacturing in the Age of Experience' offers a unique opportunity to explore how to achieve this with the 3DExperience platform," Menghini noted. Top Dassault Systemes brand leaders gave presentations on virtualising the industry value chain during the plenary session. Top officials from Airbus Helicopters, Doosan Infracore and Honda Motor also shared customer case stories on manufacturing transformation and success. The two-day event will see participation from industry leaders from fields as diverse as aerospace and defence, transportation and mobility, energy, process and utilities, consumer goods and retail. (Partha Sarathi Mitra is attending the event in Shanghai at the invitation of Dassault Systemes. He can be contacted at ps.mitra@ians.in) --IANS psm/gb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Delhi court on Thursday reserved its order for November 7 on a bail plea of sacked Delhi Minister Sandeep Kumar, who was arrested on charge of rape. Special Judge Poonam Chaudhry reserved the order after both the defence and prosecution concluded their arguments. Kumar, a minister in the Aam Aadmi Party government who was later sacked, said he was in custody for nearly two months now whereas the case probe is still incomplete. The bail plea said Kumar's conduct since the first information report was filed against him had been good and unquestionable and he had himself surrendered before the police. The Delhi Police, while opposing the bail plea, told the court that he can try to influence witnesses and the complainant in the case if he was released on bail. The former Social Welfare and Women and Child Development Minister, who was also suspended from the Aam Aadmi Party, was arrested on September 3 on a complaint filed with the Sultanpuri police station in north Delhi by a woman who figured in a sex video with him. He was booked under Sections 376 (committing rape) and 328 (causing hurt with poison, with an intent to commit an offence) of the Indian Penal Code. The AAP legislator was also charged under Section 67-A (publishing or transmitting material containing sexually explicit act in electronic form) of the Information Technology Act and under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The woman said in her complaint that she was sexually harassed by Kumar at his office-cum-residence in the Sultanpuri area where she had gone to get her ration card made. --IANS akk/tsb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Melania Trump, the wife of US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, said on Thursday she would work to improve a social media culture that "has gotten too mean and too rough, especially to children and teenagers" if she becomes First Lady. Trump, who was born in Slovenia and became an American citizen in 2006, said that becoming a United States citizen was "the greatest privilege in the world". "I'm an immigrant, and no one values the freedoms and opportunities of America more than me," CNN quoted her as saying. In a rare appearance on the campaign trail she discussed her vision for her role in the White House for the first time in suburban Philadelphia. "It is never OK when a 12-year-old girl or boy is mocked, bullied or attacked. It is terrible when it happens on the playground, and it is absolutely unacceptable when it is done by someone with no name hiding on the internet. We have to find a better way to talk to each other," Melania Trump said. "We must find better ways to honour and support the basic goodness of our children, especially in social media," she said. "It will be one of the main focuses of my work, if I am privileged enough to become your First Lady." However, she made no allusion to her husband's long history of bullying political foes, journalists and entertainers on Twitter. In September, after Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton cited Trump's reference to 1996 Miss Universe Alicia Machado as "Miss Piggy" and "Miss Housekeeper" during their first presidential debate, Trump said in a 3 am. Twitter rant that Machado is "disgusting" and a "con" and directed followers to check out a non-existent Machado sex tape. It was Melania Trump's first speech since her appearance at the Republican National Convention, where her remarks triggered controversy because one section plagiarised Michelle Obama's 2008 Democratic National Committee speech. A speechwriter later apologised. She cast her husband as someone who's in touch with America's working class. "Every time my husband learnt of a factory closing in Ohio or North Carolina or Pennsylvania, I could see him get very upset," CNN quoted her as saying as she made the case that the Republican candidate can fix the nation's economic woes. Her speech on Thursday was the first of what Donald Trump said in an interview with ABC would be two or three major speeches before the November 8 election. The speech took place in Berwyn, Pennsylvania in the suburbs of Philadelphia and was designed to help Trump win over the middle-class women in the region who could tip the balance of Pennsylvania's 20 electoral votes for Trump or Clinton. Former soldier Ram Kishan Grewal, who committed suicide demanding OROP's implementation, was cremated in his village here on Thursday in the presence of hundreds of people including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. A former Rajputana Rifles subedar, the 70-year-old allegedly consumed poison at a Delhi park on Tuesday evening demanding the immediate implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme. Hundreds of people from Bamla village in Haryana's Bhiwani district joined members of Grewal's grieving family. Congress Vice President Gandhi reached the village and met the dead soldier's widow and other family members before the last rites. Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal announced a Rs 1 crore compensation for the family, saying the Delhi government, in line with its policy, considered Grewal a "martyr". Both Gandhi and Kejriwal were on Wednesday detained by police in Delhi for several hours -- Gandhi twice -- in an apparent bid to prevent them from meeting the bereaved family. There was chaos at the Grewal residence with many political leaders converging there along with hundreds of people from in and around Bamla. Gandhi was accompanied by Congress leaders Kamal Nath, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Kiran Chaudhary, Kuldeep Bishnoi and others. The Haryana government announced a grant of Rs 10 lakh to the Grewal family. It promised a government job to one family member. Trinamool Congress MP Derek O' Brien also registered his presence. "I have come here on the directions of our leader Mamta Banerjee to be with the (Grewal) family," Brien told the media here. Before dying, Grewal had telephoned his son Jaswant and told him that he was committing suicide as a "sacrifice" for the nation. Grewal is survived by his wife and five sons. Grewal was a prominent person in his village and was the village sarpanch for five years. He was associated with a number of development projects in and around Bamla. Shattered by his suicide, Grewal's family demanded a probe into his death. Grewal's son Kulwant said the over his father's death should end. "I don't understand why they are playing over our father's death. He was deeply committed to all causes which he was associated with. "He should be declared a martyr as he gave his life for the OROP cause," Kulwant said. He said his family members were illegally detained by Delhi Police on Wednesday, beaten up and harassed following the suicide on Tuesday. Retired soldiers have been alleging that the government has not addressed their concerns fully about disparity in pension payments. They resumed a relay hunger strike on Tuesday for rectification of anomalies in the OROP, which, among other measures, is meant to ensure equal pension to retired soldiers who served with the same rank and for the same duration, regardless of the year of retirement. --IANS js/in/mr/ruwa (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News / Local by Staff Reporter INTRODUCTIONZimbabwe has some of the finest electoral laws in Africa sufficient to ensure a free, fair and credible election.These laws are in conformity with the SADC Protocol and African Union guidelines on free and fair elections. However, three years after the promulgation of the new constitution, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and Government have only implemented these laws selectively, disregarding that Zimbabwe is less than eighteen months away from the next election.This could potentially lead to another contested election.Zimbabwe has several laws that have a bearing on elections which require harmonisation, and these are the Constitution, Acts of Parliament and some Statutory Instruments. The electoral reforms agenda is focused on broad areas which include administration, implementation and functionality.ELECTORAL PROVISIONS THAT REQUIRE IMPLEMENTATION AND ALIGNMENT1. Protection of the right of every eligible citizen to voteThe Bill of Rights and Section 155 of the Constitution, clearly articulate the right of every eligible citizen above the age of 18 to vote and participate in all elections and referendums. It is therefore in this vein that ZEC through extensive stakeholder consultations set up appropriate measures to prevent disfranchising eligible voters, particularly, Diaspora, the hospitalised, uniformed forces or other officials on duty on polling day. Zimbabwe should take leaf from other SADC countries where its diaspora is allowed to register and vote at their respective embassies. Zimbabweans in the diaspora would register electronically and appear physically at the embassies for confirmation and on voting day. However it is important that stringent measures should be put in place to avoid chaos and opportunistic electoral fraud, for instance, as in the case where Special Votes dramatically increased from 3,000 in 2008 to 64,000 in 2013 elections.2. De-politicisation and Independence of (ZEC)a) ZEC as an institution is acutely ZANU PF entrenched particularly at operational and management levels. Such officials must be removed and replaced by competent, non-partisan and proficient personnel. Section 235 of the Constitution and Section 11 of the Electoral Act make provisions for the impartial conduct and professionalism of the Commission staff which should be evoked whenever there is clear evidence of partisanship and unprofessional conduct.b) ZEC together with all other independent institutions are accountable to Parliament and should not to be controlled or directed by anyone else. Parliament should have the ultimate oversight role over ZEC and not the Ministry of Justice or any other entity. ZEC should have its own Accounting Authority status and receive funding directly from Treasury and not through some vote in the Ministry of Justice.3. POLITICAL ENVIRONMENTa) POSA and AIPA must be repealed.These have contradictory implications to the Constitution and Electoral Act as they impede on the fundamental freedoms and rights of assembly and association, access to information, expression and media freedom.b) ZEC should establish an inclusive monitoring framework against malpractices in the political environment.ZEC is compelled to immediately put in place appropriate systems and a monitoring framework to identify incidents of electoral violence, intimidation, vote buying, and other malpractices as prescribed in Article 156 (c) (i) of the Constitution. This should be implemented collectively with the Human Rights Commission, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Parliament, Judiciary, Gender Commission and the Media Commission, where punitive measures will also be instituted.4. VOTER REGISTRATION.a) The General Laws Amendment Act of 2016 contradicts the Constitution by bringing back the Registrar General of Voters, who is a Civil servant, to assume the responsibility of registering voters and maintaining custody of the voters roll. The Act should be amended so that it is in conformity with the Constitution, and ensure that the only role of the Registrar General should be confined to Registry verification purposes on the eligibility of some voters as per request.b) Zimbabwe is currently incapacitated to implement an effective and efficient Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) system, and should focus on a simple electronic voter registration system as espoused in the General Laws Amendment Act of 2016.The MDC lists the following reasons for objecting to the implementation of BVR:i. Inadequate stakeholder consultations, and lack of clarity or consensus regarding the type of BVR system to be implemented. Currently the proposed BVR system is in the tendering stage yet political stakeholders were not given the opportunity to input on the desired specifications of the system.ii. Lack of transparency and non-inclusive tendering and procurement processes.iii. The proposed roadmap and the timelines stated by ZEC to execute BVR are inadequate and do not allow for comprehensive voter education and systems testing, which could potentially disfranchise many voters and affect the smooth running of elections.iv. BVR is prone to many technical shortcomings ranging from network infrastructure / connectivity challenges, reliable national power supply, security and data storage.v. BVR is a much more demanding and time consuming process, and ZEC has been on record for failing to manage the long queues during the 2013 mobile voter registration process. Accordingly, the MDC does not have much confidence that ZEC will be able to execute this process with expedience within the limited time frame.vi. Furthermore, due to these challenges, the numbers of people turned away from voting is likely to increase immensely from the 2013 harmonised elections figure of over 302,000.vii. Lack of confidence and mistrust between ZEC and political stakeholders, brings into question issues on data security and storage as well as password encryption.c) The MDC recommends simply the use of Electronic voter registration which is proposed in the General Laws Amendment Act of 2016.This is simpler and less technical compared to BVR. Electronic voter registration registers voters offline using computers and then later upload the data online to a central server. Corrections, deletions and additions are made real-time compared to the previously used manual registration system which resulted in voter registration slips because of inadequate time to upload the data.d) Voter registration should be universal and equally accessible to all eligible citizensVoter registration centers should be located within specified radii and short walking distances in all districts throughout the country. The service should be efficient. This would prevent the 2013 skewed mobile voter registration process where urban centers were characterized by long queues, lethargic service and few registration officials, whilst in rural areas the process was more efficient and a one-stop shop with more Voter Registration officials.5. VOTERS ROLLa) The electronic copies of the voters roll should be in an analyzable formatNotwithstanding Section 21 (7)(i) of the Electoral Act which demands that the voters roll should be temper proof, ZEC should make every effort to ensure that the electronic copies of the roll are in an analyzable format to enable stakeholders to ascertain accuracy and scrutiny.b) The time period for the issuance of the voters roll to contesting candidates should be definedInstead of providing for the voters roll to be availed to contesting candidates within a reasonable time', Section 21(6) of the Electoral Act should further define the time frame for the issuance to avoid the 2013 scenario where the voters roll was only availed on the eve of the July 31st 2013 elections. The MDC recommends a time frame of not more than 20 days after the nomination court sitting to allow for further scrutiny and allowance for appeals.c) The use of voter registration slips should be abolishedSection 26A of the Electoral Acts demands that voter registration should close 12 days after nomination day. This therefore provides for adequate allowance for new Registrants to be added on the voters roll. More over the electronic voter registration system provides for real-time data input6. VOTER EDUCATIONa) Notwithstanding Section 40D of the Electoral Act regarding the commencement of voter education after Elections Proclamation, the MDC recommends that ZEC ensures the process is conducted throughout the electoral cycle. Furthermore, the introduction of Polling Station Based voting and voter re-registration calls for an urgent need to commence the exercise immediately to enable adherence to the time limit for 2018 elections.b) ZEC should beef up its capacity to conduct voter education, by relaxing its stringent requirements and open more space for civic organizations to assist. Cognisant of the limited time frame and the scope of voter education required, clearly ZEC does not have the sufficient financial and human resources capacity to reach out to over 6million potential voters.c) In the spirit of adult universal suffrage, ZEC should ensure sufficient braille material to cater for the approximately 800,000 visually impaired people in the country. Provisions should also be made for sign language interpreters, the visually and physically challenged persons.7. Election Observersa) The Observers Accreditation Committee should be reviewed and comprise of independent persons only. The presence of Ministerial and Office of the President and Cabinet representatives impedes on the impartiality of the process.b) Accreditation should be done well before polling day to enable the observers to gain a full appreciation and a comprehensive review of any other issue concerning the essential freedom and fairness of the elections' as mandated by Section 40G (d)(vi) of the constitution. This is important because elections are a process and not an event, hence the pre-elections phase is detrimental to the final elections outcome.c) De-centralise accreditation centers to avoid disenfranchising some prospective local observers who cannot afford to travel long distances. The 2013 elections had only three Accreditation Centers throughout the country, that is, in Harare, Masvingo and Bulawayo.8. There should be a clear criteria for identifying eligible persons that require assistance to voteIn enhancing accountability and credibility of assisted voters as espoused in Section 59 of the Electoral Act, the Elections Management Body together with relevant stakeholders should set the criteria for identifying legitimate potential voters who require assistance. This would mitigate against voters who falsely claim that they require assistance as in 2013 elections where a highly unusual figure of 206,901 people were assisted to vote.9. Displaying of all election results outside polling stationsSubject to Section 64 (1) (d) of the Electoral Act, all election results should be displayed outside the polling station for the public to inspect and record. These results should include, inter alia, the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government results. In 2013 elections, for some reason most polling stations did not display the Presidential elections results as stipulated.10. ZEC should immediately set an inclusive media monitoring framework to ensure fair and balanced media coverage for all political players.Section 160 of the Electoral Act and Section 155 mandates ZEC to ensure fair and equal media coverage and access for all contesting parties and candidates. This could be effected by setting up an inclusive media monitoring framework with regulatory authorities that include The Media Commission, Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe, Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe, Media Institute of Southern Africa and Zimbabwe Union of Journalists. These institutions should not only submit post-election reports, but make reports throughout the electoral cycle.11. Election dates must be set by the law and not by the President's unilateral proclamationThe constitution on Section 158 provides an indication on the timing of elections. This provision could further be used by the Constitutional Court as a guide to set election dates. This would mitigate against the arbitrary proclamation of election dates and the abuse of the Presidential powers as in the 2013 elections.12. Electoral court judges should be reconstitutedSection 183 of the constitution provides that judges should not be appointed in more than one court, hence the electoral court should be reconstituted to enable adherence to this requirement.13. Electoral laws should be universally applied by electoral Elections officialsZEC officials at management and functional levels should interpret electoral laws objectively and apply them in a universal and impartial manner. This mitigates against illegally disfranchising potential voters, unfair disqualification of prospective candidates and polling agents, which compromise the fairness and credibility of elections With the race for the White House tightening, Indian-American Democrats are making a push to get their community to turn out to vote for Hillary Clinton, saying she's been a steadfast friend of Indians and India. Leaders of "Indian Americans for Democrats and Friends of Hillary for President" appealed in particular to Indians living in states expected to play a key role in the presidential elections next week saying that despite its small size the community's votes could have an outsize effect in a tight race. At a news conference here Wednesday, New York hotelier Sant Chatwal pointed to the 2000 elections which Democrat Al Gore lost by less than 400 votes in Florida and said that in states like that votes of Indian Americans carry more weight as a deciding factor. The key states are those that are traditionally Republican and are called Red States, and the swing states where the two parties are almost evenly poised and could go either way. The latest opinion polls showed that Republican Donald Trump has narrowed the gap and was tied with Clinton or was very close. Chatwal recalled the many visits Hillary Clinton made to India and said that she understood the country and was deeply touched by it, making her a loyal friend of the community and the nation. Bhupi Patel, a community leader, spoke of the influence Indians steadily have built up in US and their impact on India-US relations. He recalled Indian American Center for Political Awareness founded by the late newspaper pioneer Gopal Raju and how it encouraged Indians to get involved in and helped India and the US develop closer ties. Patel said that Clinton's agenda for health care, immigration reform and improving the quality of and access to education meshed in with that of Indian Americans for whom these were crucial issues. Chatwal spoke of his close ties to the Clintons and said that President Bill Clinton asked him what position he would want in his administration. He said he replied that he only wanted Clinton to visit India, which he did, laying the foundation for deepening ties between the two nations. Chatwal, who is leading one of the Indian-American mobilsation drives, was convicted in 2014 of election finance violations involving $180,000 he gave to three politicians, including Hillary Clinton, and witness tampering. While other Indians convicted of election finance offences received prison terms, he was not sentenced to prison and was only fined $500,000 and given probation and ordered to do community service. Trump, who had pledged at a rally last month that Hindus and India would have a friend in the White House if he won, came in for criticism at the news conference. Chatwal dismissed his statements saying, "Talk is cheap." Trump does not know anything about India, Chatwal said, asserting that he was talking of Hinduism and India as one while in reality India was made up Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Chrisitans, Buddhists and others. --IANS arul/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Islamic States top leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who is reportedly hiding out in the besieged Iraqi city of Mosul, released his first message since 2014, urging followers to wage all-out war and take the fighting into Saudi Arabia and Turkey. In his first statement since the major offensive began, Baghdadi implored jihadis to attack the "enemies of God" in what is seen as an all or nothing battle by fanatics. He urged suicide bombers all over the world to "destroy the cities of the unbelievers". "Turn the nights of the unbelievers into days, to wreck havoc in their land and make their blood flow as rivers," he was quoted by the Daily Mail in the audio release. The leader said he was "confident of victory" and called on his fighters to resist the Iraqi forces which are poised to enter the city, declared a "caliphate" when it was overrun by IS two years ago. "Do not retreat," he says in the audio recording. "Holding your ground with honour is a thousand times easier than retreating in shame." He added: "This (...) total war and the great jihad that the Islamic State is fighting today only increases our firm belief, God willing, and our conviction that all this is a prelude to victory." In his latest message, which is undated but makes references to events that are at most a few weeks old, Baghdadi calls for attacks against Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Ankara has troops stationed at a base just outside Mosul and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's escalating rhetoric has raised fears of a unilateral Turkish intervention in Iraq. Baghdadi also said that his followers who could not travel to Syria or Iraq should aim for Libya and urged all IS fighters to remain united in adversity. He attempted to stir up sectarian resentment by referring to religious flags and slogans of Shia fighters among the Iraqi forces and by accusing the country's Sunni politicians of treason. Al-Baghdadi issued the audio message from his hideout, which is believed to be inside the city walls as he was unable to escape the former stronghold as enemy forces advanced. The US-led coalition estimates there are 3,000 to 5,000 IS fighters inside the city but the final outcome of the battle appears to be in little doubt. Tens of thousands of Iraqi forces, backed by the US-led coalition and its warplanes, launched a massive offensive on Mosul on October 17. It comes as it was claimed that IS leader Baghdadi was holed up in the city along with his explosives expert Fawzi Ali Nouimeh. Senior Kurdish official Hoshiyar Zebari was quoted by the Mail as saying that there were "solid" intelligence reports saying Baghdadi was in the city. It was in Mosul's Great Mosque of al-Nuri that the terrorist declared the IS a "caliphate" in 2014. Coalition forces expect IS to have laid a series of booby traps in and around Mosul as part of its effort to hamper Iraqi advances. British jets and drones hit IS targets as part of the push to drive the jihadist group out of its Iraqi stronghold. 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. --IANS ahm/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A delegation of Japanese Parliamentarians led by Toshihiro Nikai, visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Modi welcomed the initiative undertaken by Toshihiro Nikai to raise awareness about the threat posed by tsunamis and sought strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the field of disaster risk reduction and disaster management, said an official release. Modi said that he was looking forward to his visit to Japan next week. India and Japan are likely to sign a civil nuclear cooperation agreement during his visit on November 11-12. During the discussion with the delegation, Modi recalled his interaction with the Japan-India Parliamentarians' Friendship League in September, and welcomed increased interaction between the legislatures of both countries. He called for strengthening exchanges between State-level legislatures. --IANS spk/vgu/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actors John Abraham and Sonakshi Sinha on Thursday paid tribute to the armed forces and unsung heroes at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate here. The actors, who were here for a promotional event for their forthcoming actioner "Force 2", placed a wreath near the Amar Jawan Jyoti and appealed that spies who lose their lives in safeguarding the country also get the recognition and status that martyrs get in India. They attracted a huge crowd at India Gate and flaunted an important message via their T-shirts: "Respect the Indian forces." After the event, Sonakshi and John tweeted: "At Amar Jawan Jyoti paying respect to the true heroes of our nation, our armed forces! Jai Hind 'Force2'." The film's team is keen that the names of these unsung heroes should get recognised. They also plan to take this petition to the President. John had previously said: "Even today, there are many unrecognised and forgotten martyrs from various intelligence agencies who need to gain recognition, if not celebrated." He said that the film's story is inspired from true life events. "It's our humble request to the system to recognise those who have sacrificed their lives while serving the nation. It's disheartening that these people put their lives at stake, without giving second thoughts to whether their efforts or sacrifice will ever be recognised. "We understand that revealing names of people who are currently serving, may lead to political or security issues. However, it's a meek request that the long pending cases of people get resolved, giving them their needed status and recognition in our society," John added. Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Abhinay Deo, the film is releasing on November 18. --IANS dc/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday urged JNU students to take their protest over a student who went missing 20 days ago to India Gate to spur the government into action. "Najeeb (Ahmed) will come back only with the help of people's power. I appeal to all of you that we will have to take this movement out of JNU campus and bring it into the mainstream," he told students at the JNU. "Let's sit at India Gate and appeal to the entire country to fight for Najeeb," Kejriwal said, addressing students at the Jawaharlal Nehru University. "I am with you and will join you in the protest." An M.Sc Biotechnology student at JNU, Najeeb went missing on the night of October 14-15 after allegedly being beaten up by a mob of 20 students, who had gone campaigning to his room in connection with hostel elections. His attackers were said to be from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which is affiliated to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Police say they are doing their best to locate Najeeb but his family and fellow students have accused the authorities of inaction. "The day Modiji realises that the vote of youths is slipping away, Najeeb will come back," the Aam Aadmi Party leader said to a huge round of applause from the students. He also accused the BJP of polarizing the society. "The BJP wants the society to be divided into Hindus and Muslims. We will have to tell people that they (BJP) are not loyal to anyone be it Hindu or Muslim," Kejriwal said. Kejriwal, who this week met Najeeb's mother, said he wrote to Home Minister Rajnath Singh about the missing student and promised to meet President Pranab Mukherjee too. "The message is very clear. Whoever raises voice against the BJP will either be killed or disappear. None of you are doing a favour by fighting for Najeeb." --IANS am-vn/mr/sar (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Andhra Pradesh Police on Thursday told the Hyderabad High Court that top Maoist leader Ramakrishna was not in their custody. Police said this in a counter-affidavit filed as per the direction of the court, which was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Kandula Sirisha, wife of Ramakrishna, a Central Committee member of the Communist Party of India-Maoist. Sirisha alleged that police took Ramakrishna, popularly known as RK, into custody during a joint operation along with Odisha Police on the Andhra-Odisha border. She sought direction to police to produce RK in the court. The division bench asked the petitioner if she had evidence of her husband being in police custody. To this the petitioner sought 10 days time. As many as 30 Maoists were killed in a series of alleged gun battles with Andhra and Odisha Police last week in Malkangiri district of Odisha. --IANS ms/nir/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of her visit, British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday made a telephone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during which the two leaders discussed the scope for strengthening the bilateral relationship, an official statement said. The statement said the two Prime Ministers exchanged greetings on the occasion of the festival of Diwali, which was celebrated on Sunday. "Both leaders agreed that there is substantial scope for further strengthening bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, including Science & Technology, Finance, Trade & Investment, and Defence & Security," the statement said. Prime Minister Modi said he is looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister May in India next week, which will be her first substantive bilateral visit outside Europe. May will undertake a three-day visit to India from November 6-8, in her first bilateral visit outside Europe. --IANS ao/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lauding the media for its constructive contribution to public causes, Prime Minister on Thursday urged it to encourage debate on other constructive subjects including simultaneous elections for the state assemblies and parliament. "It appears there is a halt in debate on some issues, and if media plays its role in carrying forward the debate, it would be good," Modi told journalists at the Diwali Mangal Milan programme at the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters here. On the issue of simultaneous elections, the Prime Minister said that leaders of almost all political parties "privately say that something must be done" but several had often hesitated to speak on the issue after he raised it publicly. He, however, maintained that "such hesitation will prevail for some time, but notwithstanding such dilemma, the public discourse should continue". Modi said that the decision in this regard cannot be imposed by the government, adding that it was necessary to give an impetus to a discussion. "Often, election observers are deputed for two months, and even the states where elections are not held, have to spare their officials. It also results in economic burden. Nobody can impose it. It should not be imposed," Modi said. The Prime Minister said issues like the code of conduct and deployment of poll observers needed to be debated on as various questions are raised on these matters. He also complimented the media for its role in propagating the message of cleanliness. "Cleanliness never received a due place in our society. Now states are competing in this regard. Three states have been declared open defecation free. Although they are small states but a health competition has begun. The success of Swachhata Mission can be attributed to the role of the media," he said. BJP President Amit Shah, who was also present on the occasion said that due to surgical strikes the people of the country are feeling proud on its soldiers and are also indebted for the sacrifice they made. He also praised the BJP-led central government and said India had developed on all fronts be it urban or rural sector, agriculture or poverty alleviation and the doubt that existed about over its prospects in 2014 have gone away. Senior party leaders, including Union Ministers Arun Jaitley, Manohar Parrikar and JP Nadda, and Ram Lal also attended the programme where other senior party leaders, functionaries and senior journalists were also present. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi has arrived in the ex-soldier Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal's native Bamla village to attend the cremation to be held later on Thursday. The former soldier's body was brought to his village in Haryana's Bhiwani district on Thursday morning after it was handed over to his family members in New Delhi. With the veteran's body now in Bhiwani, the political drama by leaders of various parties, who had made a beeline for the Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi on Wednesday, was expected to shift here. Gandhi was among the first political leaders to reach. He met Grewal's widow, sons and other family members. He was accompanied by senior Congress leaders Kamal Nath, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Kiran Chaudhary, Kuldeep Bishnoi, Selja and others. There was complete chaos at the Grewal residence as many leaders converged there along with hundreds of people from in and around the village. Members of Grewal's grieving family, neighbours, friends and associates along with fellow villagers had already gathered preparing for the cremation later. Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal also tweeted his decision to reach here. Congress MP Deepinder Hooda had already reached and shared condolences with the Grewals earlier. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O' Brien also arrived in Bamla to meet the family. "I have come here on the directions of our leader Mamta Banerjee to be with the (Grewal) family," Brien told media here. Grewal, 70, formerly of Rajputana Rifles, allegedly consumed poison at a park in New Delhi on Tuesday evening and died demanding the immediate implementation of the 'One Rank, One Pension' scheme. Before dying, he had telephoned his son, Jaswant and told him that he was committing suicide as a "sacrifice" for the nation, his family told the media. Grewal is survived by his wife and five sons. Grewal was a prominent person in his village and had even held the position of sarpanch (village headman) for five years. He was associated with a number of development projects in and around Bamla. Shattered by his suicide, Grewal's family has demanded a probe into his death. They also rued the being played over his death. Grewal's son, Kulwant said that the politicising of his father's death should end. "I don't understand why they are playing over our father's death. He was deeply committed to all causes which he was associated with. "He should be declared a martyr as he gave his life for the OROP cause," Kulwant said on Wednesday, demanding "full military honours at his cremation". He said that his family members were illegally detained by the Delhi Police, beaten up and harassed following the suicide on Tuesday. The police had detained Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday when they tried to meet the grieving family at a Delhi hospital. Gandhi, detained twice during the day, was let off late evening, while Kejriwal was released around midnight on Wednesday. Grewal's son Jaswant said he, his younger brother and brother-in-law were beaten and taken to a police station when they tried to meet Gandhi. Demanding justice, he said he had never witnessed such police misconduct vis-a-vis veterans' families. As the tug of war played out, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Gandhi and Kejriwal of politicising the OROP scheme announced last year. Retired soldiers have been alleging that the government has not addressed their concerns fully about disparity in pension payments. They resumed a relay hunger strike on Tuesday for rectification of anomalies in the OROP, which, among other measures, is meant to ensure equal pension to retired soldiers who served with the same rank and for the same duration, regardless of the year of retirement. --IANS js/in/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over 32 million voters have already cast their ballots by Thursday to choose the next US President, but mixed trends still leave much in uncertainty. Statistics gathered by the University of Florida show though overall early voter number remained steady, reaching 71 per cent of that in 2012, state turnout rates and early voter demographic have changed considerably, Xinhua news agency reported. In the key swing states of Florida and North Carolina, which are believed to hold the biggest sway in the outcome, early voter turnout has reached 101 and 84 per cent of that in 2012. Other states with particularly enthusiastic voters include Massachusettes, which traditionally supports the Democratic Party, and Louisiana, a red state. In addition, numbers showed that black early voter turnout dropped 18 per cent compared with the 2008, which does not bode well for Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton, who lacks the popularity the sitting President Barack Obama enjoys among blacks. Despite changing trends, experts say it is too early to make predictions for the big question. Seth Masket, a political scientist from University of Denver, warned against reading too much into early voting results, as past records have showed that it "very weakly" predicts the final result. According to state voting laws, 37 states and the District of Columbia allow voters to cast their ballots in person or through mail prior to the election day, while six states allow absentee voting with an excuse and seven do not allow any form of early voting. --IANS lok/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News / Local by Thobekile Zhou MDC-T youth member - Denford Ngadziore has been granted $100 bail for attempting to effect a citizen arrest on fraud accused Higher Education minister Jonathan Moyo.Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) secured the bail for Ngadziore.According to ZLHR, prosecutors claimed that Ngadziore organized an unsanctioned gathering on October 17 at Moyo's ministry offices in Harare and demanded his immediate.Ngadziore is said to have addressed the gathering without police clearance.He was only arrested on Tuesday and charged with contravening section 25 (5) of the Public Order and Security Act.Meanwhile, Moyo was arrested and released on Wednesday in the custody of his lawyers in connection with Zimdef alleged fraud. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi was on Thursday stopped by police from proceeding on a protest march against non-implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for the armed forces. "Gandhi was stopped while he was proceeding with the protest march near Parliament Street," Joint Commissioner of Police Dependra Pathak told IANS. The Congress protest comes in the wake of the suicide by ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal on Tuesday demanding implementation of OROP. --IANS rak/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Visiting Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday morning performed a special 'puja' in Pashupati Nath temple, the revered Hindu shrine located in the bank of the Bagmati river. According to the Pashupati Nath Area Development Trust (PADT), President Mukherjee lit one lakh 'batti' (wicks) and sprinkled 'panchamrita' -- mixture of five ingredients including milk, curd, honey, sugar and ghee. As per the set tradition, 108 'bautk' (Hindu boys) welcomed Mukherjee at the temple premises by chanting mantras and played the 'thime' and 'panchai baja' -- traditional Nepali and Newari musical instrtuments. Huge security presence was seen in Pashupati Nath temple area which is considered as majur pligrimage destination for Hindus. Mukherjee reached Kathmandu on Wednesday marking the first ever visit by an Indian President in 18 years. Later on Thursday, the Kathmandu University will confer D.Litt to Mukherjee, who will become the third person to be given such honorary degree besides Karan Singh (India) and Satya Mohan Joshi. After the function, Mukherjee will be feted with a civic reception in the capital city organised by Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Then he will address a concluding function on Nepal-India Dialogue jointly organized by India Foundation and Nepal Policy Research Organisation where diplomats and experts from both the countries will suggest a way out for consolidating bilateral ties. After the function, the President will have interact with leaders from various political parties including the agitating Madheshis. After his meeting, President Mukherjee will attend a banquet hosted by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. (Anil Giri can be reached at girianil@gmail.com) --IANS giri/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress Priyanka Chopra, who is busy shooting for the second season of "Quantico", has recorded a promotional track in Marathi for her debut Marathi production venture "Ventilator". She has dedicated the song, titled "Baba", to her late father Ashok Chopra. The actress says the song is "powerful and moving". "Ventilator" is Priyanka's first Marathi venture under her production house Purple Pebble Pictures. The film is written and directed by Rajesh Mapuskar and presented by Zee Studios. "From the minute, I heard the song 'Baba', I loved it. It's so powerful and moving...capturing the relationship between a father and his son," Priyanka said in a statement. The actress will also feature in the promotional track which was shot here. Mapuskar along with the team of the family entertainer flew to New York to shoot the video, conceptualised and directed by Maheep Dhillon with an American crew. She said: "When the music directors suggested that I sing a female version of this, I was apprehensive and torn between my love for the song and nervousness of singing it in Marathi. But I'm so glad I did finally sing it because it was a fun, enriching, terrifying, and amazing experience for me and I can't wait to do it all over again. "I hope I've been able to do justice to this beautiful song. Forgive me if there are any mistakes. I sang it with all my heart." Priyanka also shared her excitement about the song on Twitter. She posted: "#Baba..My first Marathi song.. Forgive me if there are any mistakes...this one is all heart." The film revolves around an ailing senior member of a family who is being put on the ventilator just days before the Ganapati festival, leading to varied degrees of speculation and panic among the large clan he belongs to. Mapuskar said: "When music composers Rohan Rohan came to me with a very simple, warm composition 'Baba' I never thought it would travel across continents to get completed. It's recorded in the ultimate city of the US, New York. Thank you Priyanka for your initiative to make the Baba song sound so wonderful." "Ventilator" will release on Friday. --IANS sug/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said he was "detained" by Delhi Police on Thursday as his party took out a protest march from Jantar Mantar against "disrespect" to the family of an ex-Indian Army subedar who committed suicide. Police however denied any such action. Gandhi said he was restrained soon after he reached the venue of protest march which is to culminate at India Gate. "They are not taking me to the police station so we are sitting here," he said pointing to the car he was in with party MP Jyotiraditya Scindia. "I was told that I am being taken away as Section 144 (of the Criminal Procedure Code) was imposed here," he told reporters. He slammed the Narendra Modi government, saying it "should show respect to the family" of the ex-soldier Ram Kishan Grewal who committed suicide on Tuesday over the issue of One Rank One Pension (OROP). The Congress leader said that family of the deceased soldier had been "disrespected" and its members were detained by the police on Wednesday. "I am demanding apology from the government as they have manhandled, abused, threatened and beaten up the family of ex-soldier in front of me in the hospital and police station. They were humilated," he said. The 70-year-old former Rajputana Rifles subedar had committed suicide here on Tuesday evening. He was demanding immediate implementation of OROP scheme. Congress leader Manish Tewari told IANS that police detaining Gandhi was "highly undemocratic." "If there was violation for Section 144 why Rahul Gandhi detained alone?" he asked. He also said that the government is trying to subvert all such peaceful protests. Meanwhile, police refuted the Congress party's claims, saying that they have not detained Gandhi. --IANS aks-ao/ps/vd/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Terrorists have hijacked Islam and Saudi Arabia will therefore spare no effort or expense to "combat terrorism, uproot extremism and drain terrorist and extremist groups of resources", Saudi Ambassador to India, Saud Mohammed Al-Sati, said here on Thursday. In an address on 'Saudi-India Relation: Continuity and Change' at the Centre for West Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, the envoy regretted that "Saudi Arabia is not given enough and proper credit for its leading role in fighting extremism and at the local, regional and international levels", a role that has been praised by major international intelligence agencies. On the contrary, he said, a section of Western media and analysts "and some of their counterparts in India" do gross injustice to the Kingdom by accusing it of exporting extremist ideology or supporting violent extremism. He said it is illogical and irrational for Saudi Arabia to remain anywhere but at the forefront of nations combating this scourge, and said the Kingdom has been a target of diverse terrorist groups for a long time. He said these go as far back as 1996, when Osama bin Laden issued his first fatwa against the Kingdom, this taking place after "we revoked his citizenship and closed his access to his bank accounts two years prior". He said terrorists do not practise or preach any religion, they simply hijack it, "as they have hijacked Islam, and in the name of Islam they kill Muslims and non-Muslims. Last week the Houthi terrorist militias based in Yemen tried to attack the most sacred place in Islam by directing their missile towards Makkah. And yet they claim to be Muslims." In May 2003, the Saudi capital was targeted by Al-Qaeda with simultaneous suicide bombings at three residential compounds, he stated, and said the Kingdom "has also been a target of perpetrated by proxies of Iran, which has used as an instrument of its foreign policy since the 1979 revolution". He said terrorism was a common concern for both Saudi Arabia and India and the two countries were closely cooperating in fighting it, including through exchange of information and intelligence. He said both countries had signed several agreements in the field of security, including an extradition treaty, and during the April visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the kingdom, the two sides decided to further enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing and law enforcement. The envoy highlighted the "strong bonds of friendship" between the two countries and its people that was deeply rooted in history, and said a "vital aspect of our specific relations is the presence of over three million Indian citizens in Saudi Arabia", who were not only contributing to the progress and development of both countries but also serving as an important cultural bridge between the peoples. He said the two countries were now strategic partners and among the top trading partners with each other. "Saudi Arabia remains a major pillar for India's energy security, and our partnership in the fields of investment, joint ventures, and transfer of technology projects is steadily growing." The envoy said Saudi Arabia is a country with abundant sovereign wealth and a keenness to diversify its economy and would be happy to invest and develop India's "vast infrastructure". He said India is a primary focus of the Kingdom's campaign to court foreign investors and 426 licences have been issued to Indian companies to invest in the Kingdom, and long-established Indian companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Larsen & Toubro have made very significant investments in the Gulf country. The seminal "Saudi Vision 2030", which aims at attracting huge investments and building of massive manufacturing facilities and infrastructure, offers a range of opportunities for Indian businesses, he said. --IANS tb/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the last 48 hours, more than three schools have been burnt in South taking the tally to 27 so far since July 9 -- a day after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was gunned down by security forces. Why are schools being targeted and why are only government school buildings being burnt? Is it to destroy government property or is it part of a bigger sinister game plan? The separatists and the fundamentalists in the Valley are determined to turn back the clock and take the Valley once again to the medieval era where the Maulvis and Qazis ruled the roost and their writ ran unchallenged. They want the common Kashmiris to remain ignorant, poorly educated and under-developed so that they continue to hold sway over the masses as well as keep them deprived of the benefits of modern education that is mandatory to enjoy the benefits of development and economic growth. "Great minds are always feared by lesser minds," goes an old saying. It would answer the question as to why schools are being targeted. Schools are temples of learning. They impart knowledge. Through proper curriculum, schools imbibe the quality of reasoning in young minds, cultivate the spirit of nationalism and inculcate the habit of acquiring knowledge through the process of learning. Knowledge is power. Knowledge allows one to decide what would be best for one to do. This is what the self-appointed leaders of radicalisation fear -- and hence want to deprive young Kashmiris of knowledge. Their target is the future generations of Kashmiris so that they can have unbridled hold over them. According to the Cambridge Dictionary of English, radicalisation is defined as a "Process to make someone become more extreme in their political or religious beliefs". Radicalisation is one of the components of the "Bleed India through Thousand Cuts" strategy unleashed by Pakistan to avenge the humiliation suffered by its Army in 1971. Radicalisation in the Valley is planned, funded and backed by Pakistan. Separatists, soft-separatists and fundamentalists are employed by Pakistan in furthering its agenda of radicalisation. Gradual easing out of Sufi Islam and replacing it by radical Wahhabism is part of this strategy. Unfortunately, rather than addressing the issue and attempting to catch the bull by the horns, a political blame game has begun in the Valley. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has blamed the Hurriyat leadership and state administration. The irony is that the Hurriyat leaders who are reportedly responsible for these acts have also started issuing statements blaming the government. The sad part is that it has taken the burning of 24 school buildings so far for these leaders to realise the great harm being done to the intellectual growth of the Kashmiri children. The intention of the current outburst is obvious and that is to criticise and defame the government. None of them have suggested a solution. Neither will they because all these statements are for politicking and befooling the common man. In their heart of hearts they are happy with the ongoing situation and would like it to continue. It hardly makes any difference to them because their own kith and kin and their children are continuing with their studies uninterruptedly in various public schools in the Valley, other parts of the country and even in some foreign countries. Only recently the granddaughter of Hurriyat Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani, a class 10 student of DPS Srinagar, took her exams in a highly guarded secure zone under security cover provided by the police. It is obvious that the forced closure of schools for the last more than three months does not affect the Hurriyat leaders and their families. The victim is the common Kashmiri. That is why the separatist leadership keeps issuing repeated bandh calls and ensures that schools do not reopen despite the government having announced opening of schools since the last two months. The intention of the Hurriyat leaders is to ensure that common Kashmiri children are deprived the opportunity of studying and gaining knowledge -- thus furthering their agenda of radicalisation. "To acquire knowledge, one must study; knowledge is the wing wherewith one flies to heaven." Burning of schools abets the process of radicalisation. The children will be forced to join madrassas being run by various radical outfits. These madrassas will radicalise the young impressionable minds and act as the nurseries for the universities of terror. One does not mind if the children study in madrassas which provide modern education and act as seminaries of faith. But the ground reality is different. The Government of India under the "Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madrassas" has spent more than Rs 1,000 crore in seven years for modernising madrassa education. Surprisingly, the madrassas in Jammu & have refused to accept any grant under this centrally-sponsored scheme. The scheme envisages, besides other things, providing financial grants for Science/Computer labs/workshops, purchasing of Science kits, Maths kits and other essential pedagogical equipment for teaching modern subjects and for appointment of teachers for modern subjects. The reason for refusal is not known and one only hopes that wisdom prevails over the management of these madrassas and they benefit from the central scheme for the benefit of the children, if the intention is noble. It is established beyond doubt now that the separatists, fundamentalists and their sympathisers are not at all concerned about the well-being and future of the common Kashmiri. They are only exploiting them to further their own respective agenda and the Pak-sponsored agenda of radicalisation. The Kashmiris have to realise that they are being systematically and gradually pushed back into the dark era of medieval years. The civil society of Kashmir has to rise to the occasion to save the future of Kashmir. A wise man has said: "There are three ingredients in the good life -- learning, earning and yearning." The civil society can easily understand the evil plan of the fundamentalists and their cohorts. The tender hands that should be holding pen and books are being forced into "Sang Baazi" (stone pelting). The civil society needs to come to the forefront and in collaboration with the government agencies fight the evil designs of the radicals and fundamentalists and ensure revival of school education in Kashmir, particularly the rural areas. The burning of schools has been more prominent in South Kashmir, a stronghold of Jamat-e-Islami and the current hub of jihadi terror in Kashmir. It has to be fought and eradicated as a social evil. (Brig. Anil Gupta (retd is a Jammu-based political commentator, security and strategic analyst. The views expressed are personal. By special arrangement with South Asia Monitor/www.southasiamonitor.org) --IANS anilg/sac/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Film: "Trolls"; Directors: Mike Mitchell, Walt Dohrn; Cast: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Christine Baranski, Russell Brand, Gwen Stefani, John Cleese, James Corden and Jeffrey Tambor; Rating: *** Directed by Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn, "Trolls" is a colourfully vibrant, adventure, fairytale, based on the long-haired cherub dolls of the same name, which were created in 1959 by a Danish woodcutter and fisherman, Thomas Dam. These dolls are known as "Good Luck" dolls and have been a fad ever since. The narrative begins in a staid format with the opening of a storybook, giving us an insight into the Troll universe. It tells us how the Trolls, who lived in a perpetual state of happiness in the middle of the woods, were now living in fear of their sworn enemy, the gloomy and miserably unhappy creatures called The Bergens. It was after The Bergens discovered that they could feel happiness by eating a Troll, they caged the Trolls in a tree and conducted an annual Troll-eating ritual called the "Trollstice". During one such Trollstice festivities, Troll King Peppy (Jeffrey Tambor) leads the Trolls to escape and go into hiding, thereby depriving the Bergen crown prince Gristle Jr (Christopher Mintz- Plasse) of the taste of his first troll. Furious with the chief Chef (Christine Baranski) under whose charge the Trolls were kept, the Bergen King Gristle Sr (John Cleese) banishes her. Twenty years pass. The Trolls are still in hiding, till the Troll Princess, Poppy (Anna Kendrick), decides to throw the biggest, loudest rave party in celebration of their independence, thereby attracting the attention of the Bergens. With a bunch of Trolls kidnapped, what follows is pure adventure with Princess Poppy along with Branch (Justin Timberlake) the understated neurotic Troll, rescuing everyone and returning home safely. With pop music that includes recognisable pop tunes like "Move Your Feet" to Lionel Ritchie's "Hello" to Justin Timberlake's "Can't stop the feeling" and Cyndi Lauper's "True Colours", the film is truly a pulsating, musical fare. Also with fast moving pranks and lessons about happiness, the film is enchanting and real. The direction is crisp and taut. Visually, the animation design seems inspired by the old 1970s cartoons. Nevertheless, the film is a riot of colours. The frames sparkle like a rainbow. With their colourful, fluorescent, candy floss like hair, the Trolls are a delight to watch and they are aptly contrasted with the ugly teeth jutting monsters - The Bergens. The characters are aptly voiced by the ace star cast, but it is Timberlake as Branch, Deschanel as the scullery maid Bridget -- the love interest of Price Gristle -- along with Kunal Nayyar as Guy Diamond and the character Cloud Guy, who stand out among the few. Overall, "Trolls" is infectious, as it is not too preachy while balancing the universal truth about happiness. It will appeal to children and adults alike. --IANS troy/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump warned his supporters in Florida not to take anything for granted despite some polls that show him ahead of his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in the Sunshine State. "We don't want to blow this. The polls are all saying we're going to win Florida. Don't believe it. Don't believe it. ... Pretend we're slightly behind," he said during a rally in Miami on Wednesday, Efe news reported. While Trump leads by up to four percentage points in some surveys of Florida voters, a CNN poll released on Wednesday has him trailing Clinton by two points. The average of polls collated by the Web site RealClearPolitics gives Trump an advantage of one point over Clinton in Florida, which experts see as a must-win state for the billionaire if he is to defeat the former first lady and secretary of state. With many in the crowd holding up placards reading "Latinos for Trump" and "Cubans for Trump," the Republican hopeful appealed to the most traditional elements in Miami's Cuban exile community by vowing to reverse President Barack Obama's policy of normalization with Cuba. He also repeated his promise to crack down on unauthorized immigration, in part by building a wall on the US border with Mexico. "As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton allowed dangerous aliens to go free because their countries would not take them back. Countless innocent Americans have been killed by illegal aliens," the real estate mogul said. While Trump's anti-immigrant message angers many Hispanics, it is less objectionable to the Cubans and Puerto Ricans who make up the majority of Latinos in Florida. Puerto Ricans, as US citizens, face no barriers to settling in the mainland US, and legislation gives undocumented Cubans who reach US soil the right to remain and obtain legal residence. Trump touched several times on the idea that the system is stacked against him and his supporters. "The system is rigged. Remember that. Right now. We are going to change it," he said, calling his campaign "a movement like we have never seen in this country before." From Miami, Trump was scheduled to travel to two other Florida cities, Orlando and Pensacola. Clinton has also been campaigning in Florida this week. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two American soldiers were killed on Thursday in a Taliban offensive in Afghanistan's Kunduz province. The Taliban attacked the soldiers while they were taking part in a "train, advise and assist mission" in Kunduz district, according to a statement by the press office of the US army in Afghanistan. "Two injured soldiers are receiving medical care," said General John W. Nicholson, commander of the US troops in Afghanistan. According to Nicholson, the two soldiers died from their injuries but insisted that despite the loss, the US forces remain firm in their commitment to help the Afghans defend their nation. Kunduz police spokesperson Mahfuzullah Akbari confirmed to Efe news that 14 Taliban members died on Wednesday night in a joint US-Afghan operation on land and air on the outskirts of Kunduz city. Akbari added that those killed include prominent Taliban commander Qari Mutaqi and his three sons. However, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that three insurgents killed 15 Americans before they were gunned down. --IANS ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US-led coalition forces supporting the siege of the Islamic State's de-facto capital Mosul on Thursday hit residential areas in and around the Iraqi city, the Russian military reported. "The US is continuing to carry out airstrikes on residential areas in Mosul and towns in the Nineveh governorate," Lt Gen Sergey Rudosky said, RT online reported. "On October 31, the Bazvaia and Gogieli neighborhoods, located 14 km and 19 km east of Mosul, were subjected to massive bombardment by coalition aircraft," Rudosky, head of operations for Russia's General Staff, told journalists on Thursday. He added that earlier on October 26, the coalition had attacked residential areas in Hamam el-Elil, damaging a local mosque and causing civilian casualties. --IANS ahm/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News / National by Stephen Jakes A political commentator Rita Moyo has described the leader of the ZimPF Joice Mujuru as a trickster who is pretending to be part of the opposition political parties in the country but still has Zanu PF ideologies in her mind.Moyo said people must be wary of Zanu PF tricksters like Mujuru."She says she is now part of the opposition but still has her original Zanu PF ideology. Let it be known that MDC T is 100% Zimbabwean. To say the party derives its strength from outsiders shows she is still Zanu PF 100%. That narrative was brought by Zanu PF to tarnish the image our party and leader Morgan Tsvangirai," Moyo said.Mujuru recently told foreign media that the MDC-T derived its strength from outsiders while hers was a locally supported party."I know very well that the leadership of MDC-T party is infiltrated to the core. I know a number of our MPs and councilors and even national leaders who work for Zanu PF, who inform them about every move we make but our strength is the grassroots support the party has and the faith that Zimbabweans have in the party and leader," Moyo said."Mujuru was hounded out of Zanu PF and she was bitter about it, if she had got her way she will still be in Zanu PF or if they give her back the Vice President position she will go back, so she must stop fooling us."Moyo said adopting a coalition that is lead by Mujuru is like merging MDC T with Zanu PF."What surprised me is that she started talking about coalition even before forming a political party. Let us stop treating Zanu PF rejects as heroes, that is becoming MDC T major weakness, they are going to destroy the party's original ideology and take away democratic principles, endorsing," Moyo said.She also said endorsing Temba Mliswa's Norton By-election candidature was a big mistake that the MDC-T did."Endorsing Mliswa was a terrible mistake. Lets stop associated ourselves with these rejects they might end up taking over the party and destroying it," Moyo said. The US is "more backward" than India when it comes to leadership role for women, according to H R Shah, the CEO of TV Asia, the largest South Asian TV network in America. Endorsing Hillary Clinton for president, he said on Wednesday that US voters now had a chance to remedy this failing of the US by electing a woman and Indian Americans should back her. Speaking at a news conference held by 'Indian Americans for Democrats and Friends of Hillary for President', he said that the US was so "backward" that in its 240-year history it had not had a woman president while India, in its short history of about 70 years, has had a woman Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in office for 15 years. The US has the opportunity to elect Hillary Clinton as its first woman president and Indian Americans should be a part of the historic effort, he said. Mike Patel, who served under Bill Clinton as a member of the President's Advisory Commission on Asians and Pacific Islanders and is a former chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, said that contributing to election funds of politicians alone did not matter and Indian Americans should also vote and get involved in community affairs. He said that hotel owner were provide free rooms to volunteers who were working to mobilise voters in several key states as part of their involvement in the civic life of the US. --IANS al/tb/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has denied that the Russian government was the source of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's emails that were published this year, a media report said on Thursday. "The Clinton camp has been able to project a hysteria that Russia is responsible for everything. Hillary Clinton has stated multiple times, falsely, that 17 US intelligence agencies had assessed that Russia was the source of our publications. That's false -- we can say that the Russian government is not the source," Assange told Russia's RT news in an exclusive interview from the Ecuadorian embassy in London where he has been living for four years. Assange also accused the US presidential candidate of being a pawn of behind-the-scenes interests, and voiced doubts about her physical fitness to take charge of the White House. "Hillary Clinton is just one person. I actually feel quite sorry for Hillary Clinton as a person, because I see someone who is eaten alive by their ambitions, tormented literally to the point where they become sick -- for example faint -- as a result of going on, and going with their ambitions. But she represents a whole network of people, and a whole network of relationships with particular states," the whistleblower said. Over the past nine months, WikiLeaks uploaded over 30,000 emails from Hillary Clinton's private email server, while she was Secretary of State (2009-2013). This was followed by nearly 20,000 emails sent to and by members of the US Democratic National Committee, exposing the party leadership's dismissive attitude towards Bernie Sanders, and his outsider primaries campaign. Last month, WikiLeaks posted over 50,000 emails connected to John Podesta, former President Bill Clinton's chief of staff, and a close associate of the current presidential frontrunner. The US Homeland Security Department and Office of the Director of National Intelligence posted a joint statement in October, claiming they were "confident" that the Russian government "directed" the leaks. Russia has rejected the accusations. --IANS ksk/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is often called Didi; the state is now coming up with new monikers for her. On Wednesday, IPS officer Bharati Ghosh called Banerjee Margaret Thatcher of Bengal. Last month some of the Durga Puja committees had put up hoardings with pictures of Mother Teresa and Banerjee in which they were hailed as Bengals greatest daughters. This apart, once rebel Trinamool Congress member of Parliament Kabir Suman had said during the annual Martyrs Day celebrations in July that people would worship Banerjee as a deity 300 years later. When investing in stock markets, investors should be mindful of concentration risk, and try to protect themselves against it by diversifying their bets. This risk could arise from having too large a portion of your portfolio in one or very few stocks. The first phase of the over two month-long Samajwadi Party (SP) infighting concluded on Thursday with party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav flagging off his son and current Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadavs 'Vikas Rath Yatra'. With his younger brother Shivpal by his side, Mulayam Singh settled the succession battle and also showed that the Yadav clan remains united and he continues to be the cementing force. Mayawati's first two major rallies in Uttar Pradesh were in August. She began with Agra, but as the second spot, she strategically chose Azamgarh, the eastern UP constituency that sent Mulayam Singh Yadav to the Lok Sabha (he contested Mainpuri as well as Azamgarh but opted to retain the latter). Her pitch in Azamgarh was less about the attacks on Dalits - although she referred to them - but more about the concerns of Muslims. After more than four hours of detention, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal left the R K Puram police station around midnight, following his detainment as he tried to meet the kin of an ex-serviceman who allegedly committed suicide over the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) issue, police said. "Kejriwal was detained from Lady Hardinge Hospital around 7.45 pm and brought to the RK Puram police station in south district since there was no media or presence of political leaders there," police sources said. Police had asked him to go at around 8.45 pm but he refused to leave the police station. Kejriwal left the police station accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and other senior Aam Aadmi Party leaders. After coming out of the police station, he vented out his ire against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Kejriwal had claimed that he was still being held in detention after he expressed his desire to meet the family of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal, who allegedly committed suicide over the OROP issue. Sources close to the chief minister said that the police initially allowed him to leave but detained him again. "The police allowed us to leave but the chief minister expressed his desire to meet the family of the deceased ex-serviceman. He also told the pilot of the police patrol that he was proceeding to the Connaught Place Police Station, but he was again detained," a Kejriwal aide said. Kejriwal tweeted from the police station saying that Sisodia, who was detained at Parliament Street police station for close to ten hours and later released, had come to meet him. "Manish reaches here at RK Puram PS where I am still detained," he had tweeted. The suicide by an army veteran over OROP on Tuesday snowballed into a huge political show with Rahul Gandhi, Kejriwal and other opposition leaders attacking the Modi government on the issue while there was high drama after police detained and prevented them from entering a hospital. The Congress vice-president was detained twice and was finally released late in the evening as restrictions were put on Kejriwal's movements before he was detained. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was kept in custody for close to 10 hours. Meanwhile, the ex-serviceman's body was sent to his home town Bhiwani in Haryana after the postmortem. At least 13 people were killed and over 70 others injured today when 12 cars and a bus collided into each other on the Islamabad-Lahore Motorway, police said. The accident occurred on the busy motorway near Hafizabad when 12 cars crashed into each other and collided with a bus due to heavy fog, they said. "I can confirm that 13 people have been killed," senior police official Sardar Gul said. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals. An official of motorway police said that most of those killed were going to annual religious congregation of Tableeghi Jamaat which is being held at Raiwind near Lahore. Maximum speed limit on motorway is 120 km/hour but some motorists often tend to cross the limit due to smooth and broad road, linking Lahore to Peshawar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News / National by Staff reporter THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) is interviewing Higher and Tertiary Education Minister, Jonathan Moyo, over allegations he had looted public funds.ZACC spokesperson, Phyllis Chikundura, told the Financial Gazette this evening: "It's true he is here right now giving his side of the story. This is after we summoned him to avail himself."Moyo and his deputy Godfrey, Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef) chief executive officer Frederick Mandizvidza and Zimdef principal director (finance) Nicholas Mapute are being investigated by the ZACC in connection with fraud and money laundering allegations involving over US$430 000 of the State enterprise's money between November 2015 and June 2016.ZACC is also investigating a separate case in which Moyo and Gandawa are suspected of getting Zimdef to release 100 000 litres of diesel worth US$118 500, fuel which was then diverted to the black market.It is alleged the fuel was requested by the Zimbabwe Youth Council on July 26, 2016 for a "skills gap assessment programme". Gandawa is alleged to have recommended the allocation and Moyo gave his approval on August 4, 2016. Two Indians, including a student who has created a programmable smart socket for amputees to customise their comfort level according to their activity, have featured in the top 10 selected for the London Mayor's 2016 innovation competition. Malav Sanghavi was the highest ranked Indian grabbing the fifth spot with his smart amputee socket followed byMustafa Khanwala in 10th position for inventing an app that eliminates the need to queue at the till in shops. Another Indian student, Surabhi Mittal was commended for a tea set made from papier-mache. However, they were pipped to the top prize by Italian- origin Luca Alessandrini, a post-graduate from Imperial College London, who beat hundreds of other entries from 49 different countries and 17 universities, with a violin which is made from a mixture of spider silk and resin. He won the 10,000 pounds top prize in the Mayor of London's International Student Innovation Award 2016. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said, "The incredible range of talent on show in these awards celebrates the best of the capital and clearly demonstrates that London is open to talent and ideas from across the globe." "We need to do all we can to ensure that London remains the best and most welcoming destination for international students," he said. Sanghavi, whose amputee socket received wide praise from the panel of judges, said, "Studying in London was one of the best decisions I have taken for my career development." London provides an amazing opportunity and platform to showcase my ability. "Imperial College and Royal College of Art have supported me in every aspect of my career development as an entrepreneur. From grants to take the projects forward to support and collaborations regarding advanced development of the project," Sanghavi said. Lord Karan Bilimoria of Chelsea, a cross-bench peer and president of the UK Council for International Student Affairs, said there was "huge potential" for each of the entries on the shortlist. "It is fantastic that London can help these international students from across the world to showcase their ideas in this way," he said. The awards were set up to highlight the work of the city's international students and also to provide some financial help to assist students in taking their innovation to the next stage of development. It was devised by London and Partners, the Mayor's official promotional company and is also supported by the UK Government's Education is GREAT campaign and the British Council, Cambridge English, IDP Education and The PIE. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 25 people were killed and over 100 others injured in separate car collisions near Pakistan's capital city today, including one on Islamabad- Lahore Motorway where a dozen cars rammed into a passenger bus due to dense smog that has engulfed Punjab province. As many as 13 people died and over 25 sustained injuries in the crash on busy Islamabad-Lahore Motorway near Hafizabad when 12 cars crashed into each other and collided with a bus due to heavy fog, police said. "I can confirm that 13 people have been killed," senior police official Sardar Gul said. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals. An official of motorway police said that most of those killed were going to annual religious congregation of Tableeghi Jamaat which is being held at Raiwind near Lahore. Maximum speed limit on motorway is 120 km/hour but some motorists often tend to cross the limit due to smooth and broad road, linking Lahore to Peshawar. Another 10 people were killed and over 40 injured after cars rammed into one another at Sukhekhi Interchange between Rawalpindi and Islamabad area where the visibility dropped to zero resulting in the collisions between cars, Dunya reported. The heavy smog that has engulfed the Punjab province has also forced the authorities to close sections of the crucial motorway. Meanwhile in Faisalabad, two people were killed and five injured when two cars crashed into each other. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least four persons were killed and nearly 15 others injured when their tempo overturned at a village in the district, police said today. The tempo overturned on a road at Jepura village under Savli taluka of the district in the wee hours today. While three persons died on the spot, one succumbed to injuries while being shifted to hospital, District Superintendent of Police (rural) Saurabh Tolumbia told PTI today. The injured persons were taken to nearby hospitals, police said. All the occupants of the ill-fated vehicle were labourers, hailing from villages in Vadodara and the neighbouring Panchmahal district. The mishap took place as the tempo driver apparently lost control over the wheels, Tolumbia said. The deceased have been identified as - Gordhan Dipa Nayak (30), Pratap Megha Nayak (40), Dipabhai Bhiji Nayak (25) and Mahesh Rahemat Nayak (40), police said adding that an investigation in the case was on. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four policemen were today injured as an escort jeep in the convoy of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and his minister son Tej Pratap Yadav overturned on Gandhi Setu in Bihar's Vaishali district, a police officer said. The police jeep, with four cops on escort duty, in the motorcade of Prasad and state Health Minister Tej Pratap Yadav lost control at the northern end of Gandhi Setu and overturned after a car suddenly came from the opposite direction, Town police station in-charge Sunil Kumar said. All four policemen, including Sub-Inspector (SI) Ravindra Rai, sustained severe injuries, he said, adding that the injured were admitted to the sadar hospital. The RJD supremo and his minister son were on their way to Chakbaze village under Mahua police station to express condolences to the kin of martyred soldier Rajiv Rai, the police officer said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four workers were killed and 13 sustained injuries in a gas leakage at the TDI unit of Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd (GNFC) in Dahej in neighbouring Bharuch district, police said today. Four workers were killed and as many as 13 others were injured due to leakage of phosgene gas at the TDI unit last night, Bharuch Superintendent of Police, Sandeep Singh told PTI. Prima facie, it looks the mishap took place due to mechanical failure, he said. The 13 injured were admitted to a hospital in the district, out of which two have been referred to government hospital in Baroda. Three workers were discharged, Singh said. A team of Forensic Science Laboratory will visit the site later in the day, he added. Meanwhile, district Collector Sandeep Kumar Sagale said, "We have asked Director of Industrial Safety and Health to investigate the mishap. The management of GNFC has also appointed a technical committee to probe the matter. (REOPENS BES 7) In a filing to BSE, Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals (GNFC) said "four contract workers from outside Gujarat died during treatment as a result of gas inhalation". The company said that on late night of November 2, there was a mechanical failure of heat exchanger at TDI-II plant of GNFC at Dahej and as a result, there was a "hazardous gas leak". A few contract workers and regular company workers got affected due to gas leak and they were shifted to Bharuch for emergency medical care. "Four contract workers from outside Gujarat died during treatment as a result of gas inhalation. Six additional affected workers are being administered best possible medical care. Their condition as per available medical record is not critical," the filing said. As a precautionary measure, the company said the TDI plant of Dahej has been completely shut down and emergency safety action has been taken. Normally, under the company rules, the employees on the company roll are entitled to ex-gratia amount of Rs 8 lakh. However, the company has decided to extend the same benefit of Rs 8 lakh ex-gratia to the nearest kith and kin of contract workers on ground of humanity. "The situation is completely under control and there is no cause of worry. And there is no danger whatsoever to human population in nearby villages," GNFC said. The company has formed a committee to ascertain the cause of accident and a third-party safety audit has also been ordered, GNFC said. The AAP city unit today held a sit-in agitation at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai to protest against the detention of party leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in Delhi. AAP spokesperson Preeti Sharma Menon, who led the agitation, said, "Delhi Chief Minister (Kejriwal) and Deputy Chief Minister (Sisodia) were detained at the behest of the Modi government. It shows the breakdown of democracy. What happened in the national capital yesterday was undemocratic, tyrannical and disturbing." "Not only our leaders, but scores of other volunteers were detained, which we strongly condemn as this act was nothing less than an insult of our jawans and their families by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," she said. During today's protest, the AAP members held placards and raised slogans against the Modi government. The AAP leader said the BJP government was "backtracking on its promise of implementation of OROP (One Rank One Pension). 70-year-old ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal from Haryana's Bhiwani district allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison over the issue of OROP in Delhi yesterday. Kejriwal, Sisodia and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi were detained by police when they tried to meet Grewal's family. Sharma-Menon alleged that family members of Grewal were mercilessly beaten by the "shameless, barbaric and uncouth" Delhi police, "whose actions are reflection of the commands set in motion by their masters at the Centre". "It is also very shocking that the Chief Minister of Delhi is not allowed to meet the grieving family members in a hospital of his own state and was forcibly detained," she said. Replying to a query on BJP asking the opposition parties not to politicise the death of Grewal, Sharma said, "This is a political issue...And why was the BJP playing politics over the surgical strikes by pasting posters everywhere? Why did their leaders say that surgical strikes was an outcome of RSS training. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A doctor at AIIMS has been awarded the prestigious honorary fellowship of Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) for his contribution to growth of medical education and healthcare in that country. Dr Ashutosh Biswas, Professor of Medicine at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), was presented the fellowship recently by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a function held in Dhaka. "It is an honour to receive this fellowship from Bangaldesh for rendering services to our neighbouring country. A doctor from Malaysia from the department of surgery also was awarded the international fellowship," Dr Biswas said. "Besides honorary international fellowships, national fellowships were also awarded. It is a very difficult examination and only 4-5 candidates clear it, sometimes after multiple attempts. It is the Bangladeshi equivalent of the UK's FRCS, FRCP," he said. Established in 1972 by former Bangladesh President Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, BCPS is one of the prestigious medical institutions that has been a pioneer in developing post-graduate medical education and training in that country. The AIIMS doctor said Bangladesh has been partnering with doctors from various countries to share their expertise with their doctors for bettering the healthcare system. "Bangladesh is in the right track and international collaboration is taking it a step further," he said. As part of a collaborative exchange programme between India and Bangladesh, Biswas was nominated by the Government of India to support Bangladesh in popularising and improving the standard of medical education and healthcare system in that country. Dr Biswas is a specialist in preventive medicines relating to infectious diseases like vector-borne diseases, and HIV, and alongside experts from the UK, Singapore, Malaysia and China, has suggested ways and means to improve the medical examination system in Bangladesh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharti Airtel today said it has so far given over 17,000 interconnection points, sufficient to serve 75 million customers, to Reliance Jio 'well ahead of the timeframe', but the newcomer contested the claims and charged the market leader of violating licence norms by providing only one-way ports. Airtel in a statement said it has "provided over 7,000 additional points of interconnect to Reliance Jio, taking the total number of PoIs provided till date to over 17,000. This capacity is sufficient to serve over 75 million customers, based on the forecast provided by Jio to Airtel". The move from Airtel comes within days of the telecom regulator Trai suggesting a Rs 1,050 crore penalty on it for purportedly denying network connectivity to the new operator Reliance Jio. "This is well ahead of the timeframe, since there are currently only 25 million customers making calls to the Airtel network from Jio. Our regulatory obligations permit us to provide interconnect in a period of 90 days," Airtel said. Reliance Jio, however, slammed Bharti Airtel for providing only one-way points of interconnects for completing calls rather than both-way nodes in violation of licence agreement. RJio hoped the situation will improve now that Airtel has consented to offering additional POIs. "However, Airtel has continued to violate the Interconnection Agreement by offering one-way E1s as against both-way E1s as provided for in the Agreement, which would have resulted in much more efficient utilisation of interconnection resources," RJio said in a statement released hours after Airtel's comments. Asking RJio to ensure additional PoIs that are "promptly" made available are operationalised with "same alacrity", Airtel said this will help identify any network-related issues which Jio may have in their network should any problems persist. "In addition, Jio has already provided us their future requirements for capacities at 100 million customers. As and when they ramp up their current subscriber base, we will further augment capacities ahead of time, as we have always done," it said. In the same breath, it asked Trai to examine the "incredible asymmetry" of calls terminating on the Airtel network from Jio due to the latter's free services. "This continued asymmetry will degrade the customer experience for Airtel customers over time and meltdown networks," Airtel said. Jio said that Airtel has provided interconnection points consequent to the meetings of the Minister of Communication (Manoj Sinha) and TRAI Chairman (RS Sharma) with the CEOs of Airtel, Vodafone, Idea and RJIL earlier this week on the subject of breach of quality of service(QoS)parameters. "More than 280 crore calls have failed between RJIL and Airtel over the last three and a half months because of absolute shortage of POI (points of interconnection) capacity," Jio said. Interconnection enables mobile users to make calls to customers of other networks and is, therefore, crucial for smooth functioning of mobile services. RJio said there has been no delay on its side in operationalising POIs and it has been consistently following-up with Airtel and the other incumbent operators over the last several months for augmentation of interconnection capacity. "These requests had been denied by Airtel and the other incumbent operators in complete breach of their license conditions. It may be noted that there are no failures in on-net calls, while over 4.6 crore calls are still failing every day between Jio and Airtel," Jio said. Sunil Bharti Mittal led firm said that it has asked Trai to examine the "incredible asymmetry" of calls terminating on the its network from Jio due to the latter's free services which will degrade the customer experience for Airtel's customers over time and meltdown networks. Jio said that current traffic pattern between Jio-Airtel network is in line with expectation from a new network and gradually it will tend to move towards balanced traffic as the network matures. Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh today accused the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of trying to gain "cheap" political mileage by raking up 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Addressing a press conference, he said he owed no explanation to anyone much less Akalis, who had never raised the issue even once despite being in power, till it was election time in the state. "AAP had also chosen election time to raise the issue, with the clear intent of making political gains," he said, dismissing the charges of protecting the guilty of riots. Singh said he had resigned as an MP in 1984 in protest against "Operation Bluestar" and personally visited several gurudwaras and other places to meet the riot victims for four days. To a question about the alleged role of Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in the anti-Sikh riots, the PCC president said the matter was sub-judice and it was for the court to establish whether he was guilty or not. He said that when he met the victims immediately after the riots, nobody named Tytler and his name cropped up only six months later during the Delhi elections. Singh demanded from SAD an explanation on why the NDA government, of which it is a constituent partner, had failed to do anything in the matter despite being in power. To a question on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue, he said he would resign from Lok Sabha and all party MLAs will quit the state Assembly if the pending Supreme Court judgement went against the interests of Punjab. Accusing Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal of allegedly putting the state on the back foot due to his inability to have the case properly defended in court, he said Parkash Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had been indulging in double standards over the issue. Accusing Badal of "shedding crocodile tears" when the case was at its culmination stage in the apex court, after having earlier brought the state to its knees by selling off its interests to Haryana, Singh said "There was enough documentary evidence to show Badal's complicity against the interest of Punjab". Replying to a question about his opposition to Punjabi Suba movement, the PCC chief said he had opposed it right from the day one. He alleged that the Akalis had a single point agenda of making Punjab a "Sikh majority" state and in the process, had compromised on precious resources like land, water and hydro- electric power. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Italian police have used beatings and electric shocks, potentially constituting "torture", to coerce migrants into being fingerprinted as the country cracks under pressure from the EU, Amnesty International said today. But the report was bluntly rejected by Italy's chief of police, who completely denied the use of violent methods in the force's handling of migrants. "The European Union's pressure on Italy to 'get tough' on refugees and migrants has led to unlawful expulsions and ill-treatment which in some cases may amount to torture," the London-based rights watchdog said in a report. The EU-sponsored "hotspot approach" for processing people -- which requires Italy to fingerprint new arrivals so they can be prevented from claiming asylum elsewhere -- has even seen minors abused, according to testimony from over 170 migrants. Some migrants do not want to be finger-printed as they hope to continue on to an EU-nation of their choosing and apply for asylum. The allegations of violence were swiftly denied by chief of police Franco Gabrielli. "I categorically deny that violent methods were used against migrants, either during their identification process or repatriation," he said in a statement. Last year, Europe saw an influx of more than one million migrants and asylum seekers fleeing war and poverty in its worst such crisis since World War II. "In their determination to reduce the onward movement of refugees and migrants to other member states, EU leaders have driven the Italian authorities to the limits -- and beyond -- of what is legal," said Matteo de Bellis, Amnesty International's Italy Researcher. "The result is that traumatised people, arriving in Italy after harrowing journeys, are being subjected to flawed assessments and in some instances appalling abuse at the hands of the police, as well as unlawful expulsions," he was quoted as saying. Of the 24 reports of ill-treatment Amnesty gathered, 16 involved beatings. In several cases, people also said they had been given electric shocks with stun batons, including a 16-year-old boy from Sudan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News / Regional by Staff reporter ZIMBABWEAN technocrat Mr Sindiso Ngwenya has been elected chairperson of the International Network on Small Hydro Powers 2016 coordinating committee.Mr Ngwenya, who is also secretary general of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa), was elected yesterday during the organisation's top meeting in Hangzhou, China.He will provide leadership and oversight on small hydro and renewable energy to 80 countries globally, Comesa reported in a statement.Mr Ngwenya takes over from Mr Chen Lei, the Minister of Water Resources of the People's Republic of China.Accepting the new role, Mr Ngwenya applauded the drive to put the small hydro power and renewable energy on the top of the global agenda under the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Mr Ngwenya undertook to work closely with all partners including the 500 companies that are part of the INSHP to promote innovative means of financing both downstream and upstream investments in small hydropower and other renewable energies on the basis of Public Private Partnerships.He said the INSHP provided a unique platform for international partnership in sharing experiences, capacity building, transfer of technology and innovation. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) students' union staged a demonstration against the killing of eight SIMI activists after a jail break in Bhopal and demanded a judicial probe into the matter. In a memorandum to President Pranab Mukerjee, AMU students' union demanded a Supreme Court-monitored judicial probe into the Bhopal encounter, an AMU office bearer said. Anger had been brewing on the campus since the broke out in the media on Monday but the authorities managed to prevent any public display of the mounting resentment in view of the annual convocation on Tuesday. However, slogan-shouting students took out a procession yesterday which culminated into rally at the Sir Syed Gate. Addressing the protestors, the students' union President Faizul Hasan charged that ever since the NDA government came to power "Muslims were being wrongly targeted". "We are all against terrorists but the battle against terror has to be fought by uniting all sections and not by selectively targeting only a particular section of the people", he said. He said that by targeting "innocents" the present government was "weakening the fight against terror". Hasan said that if the present trend continues the Modi government would ultimately be held accountable for fostering religious extremism and hatred the country. AMU students believe the best way to fight terror "was to take a stand against injustice wherever it takes place", he said while offering his sympathies to the family of the police constable who was also killed in the Bhopal jail break. Eight SIMI activists were killed in an alleged encounter with police on Monday after they escaped from the Bhopal jail. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre has imposed anti-dumping duty on imports of wire rods from China to protect domestic manufacturers from cheap in-bound shipments. The Department of Revenue in a notification on Wednesday said anti-dumping duty is being imposed for six months on import of wire road of alloy or non-alloy from China. The measure follows recommendation by the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) that wire road was being exported by China below the normal value and the domestic industry has suffered material injury because of such imports. In its September 27 finding, the DGAD also stated that the injury has been caused by the dumped imports of the subject goods from China. An anti-dumping duty equivalent to the difference between the landed value of steel products and $499 per tonne will be imposed on products exported by Minmetals Yingkou Medium Plate Co. In case of other producers, the anti-dumping duty would be the difference between the landed value and $538 per tonne, the notification said. The anti-dumping duty imposed under this notification shall be effective for a period not exceeding six months (unless revoked, superseded or amended earlier) from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette and shall be paid in Indian currency,the November 2 notification said. The landed value of imports was defined as the assessable value as determined by the customs and includes all duties of customs. Wire rod of alloy or non-alloy steel finds applications in many sectors such as automotive components, welding electrodes, fasteners, including nuts and bolts, nails, railway sleepers, general engineering, binding wires for construction industry and armoured cables. State-owned Steel Authority of India, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam, Usha Martin and JSW Steel had jointly filed the application to probe the dumping of these products from China. In its findings, DGAD concluded that the product has been exported to India at below the normal value due to which the domestic industry has suffered material injury. The authority recommends imposition of provisional anti-dumping duty... so as to remove the injury to the domestic industry, DGAD had said. Imports of these steel products have drastically increased to 4,95,732 tonnes during the period of investigation (July-December 2015) from 1,60,582 tonnes in 2012-13. India has already slapped anti-dumping duty on certain cold-rolled flat steel products from four nations, including China and South Korea. While the DGAD recommends the duty to be levied, the finance ministry imposes it. Anti-dumping measures are taken to ensure fair trade and provide a level-playing field to the domestic industry. They are not a measure to restrict imports or cause an unjustified increase in cost of products. India has initiated maximum anti-dumping cases against below-cost imports from China. Armed men looted 22 animals, including 18 buffaloes and four cows, from a dairy farm at gun point at Charthawal town here in the district, police said today. The miscreants entered into the dairy farm yesterday and looted 22 animals in a vehicle worth Rs ten lakhs at gun point, police said. A case has been registered and search is on to nab the robbers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohit today exhorted journalists in the state to report about the development activities in the North East state. "There can be different views but Assam's papers (should) write about the development activities in the state so that people support the government development projects", said Purohit talking to journalists in the Raj Bhavan here. "Journalists have a major responsibility towards it. the pen of journalists has a lot of strength. Take advantage of the situation for development of Assam", said the Governor who owns a major newspaper in Nagpur in Maharashtra. The Governor was also appreciative of new BJP Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stating, "He is working very hard with honesty for the development of the state and its people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is behind him to support him as he wants to do a lot for development of Assam and the North East region". Purohit also praised the Prime Minister of being above board and his anti-corruption policy "has percolated below and action against those corrupt has been started". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One of Australia's dirtiest power plants will be shuttered, its owner said today, in a move hailed by environmentalists. After decades of belching pollution, the Hazelwood brown coal-fired power station in Victoria state's Latrobe Valley will close in March after French energy giant Engie decided it was no longer viable. Some 500 people are set to lose their jobs when the plant shuts down, with another 250 remaining until 2023 to manage the decommissioning of the power station and rehabilitation of the adjoining mine site. Engie said it was also looking to sell the brown coal-fired Loy Yang B power station in the Latrobe Valley and the gas-fired Kwinana plant in Western Australia which supplies steam and electrical power. "Hazelwood is now more than 50 years old. It has been a wonderful contributor to the National Electricity Market but we have now reached the point where it is no longer economic to operate," Engie's Australia chief executive Alex Keisser said in a statement. "Engie in Australia would need to invest many hundreds of millions of dollars to ensure viable and, most importantly, continued safe operation. Given current and forecast market conditions, that level of investment cannot be justified." Hazelwood - which supplies around 22 per cent of Victoria's energy requirements and about four per cent of the nation's - is 72 per cent owned by Engie and 28 per cent by Japanese trading house Mitsui. Paris said late last year that Engie - partly owned by the French government - was going to stop investing in the development of coal-fired power plants, the biggest source of man-made CO2 emissions. Brown coal is considered "dirtier" than black coal, with environmentalists welcoming the closure. "Hazelwood is the dirtiest power station in Australia and one of the dirtiest in the world," Australian Conservation Foundation's chief executive Kelly O'Shanassy said. "This is a key moment in a transition that is already well under way - the switch from dirty energy to clean energy - and Australia's energy policy is now at a fork in the road. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladesh Police today arrested four 'weapon suppliers' who smuggled from India arms and materials used in the country's worst terror attack at a cafe here that claimed 22 lives including of an Indian girl in July. "Our counter-terrorism unit arrested them from Mirpur area last night... We are now interrogating them in our custody after obtaining a three-day remand order from a court," police spokesman Masudur Rahman said. The four are believed to have supplied grenade detonators, gel and weapons smuggled from India used in the neo-JMB attacks across the country, he said. The development came more than a week after police said they succeeded in tracing the source of the not-so-modern weaponry used by terrorists while they all were operatives of neo-JMB, which is said to be ideologically linked to ISIS, which had claimed the responsibility of the cafe attack. Media reports quoting a police officer said during initial investigation, the suspects confessed to smuggling weapons and explosives across the Indian border near Bangladesh's northwestern Chapainawabganj district. In August, police killed the mastermind of the country's worst terror attack on July 1 at Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka that killed 22 people. An Indian girl was among 17 foreigners killed in the attack. ISIS had claimed responsibility for the cafe attack but police believe that neo-Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh was involved in organising the attack. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Director Bejoy Nambiar is set to make his directorial debut in Malayalam cinema with actor Dulquer Salmaan, also popularly known as DQ. Dulquer Salmaan, who is the son of veteran actor Mammootty, predominantly appears in Malayalam films. "I am doing a film with Dulquer Salmaan. It's a bilingual film called 'Solo'. It will be shot simultaneously in Malayalam and Tamil. I was always keen on making a film in Malayalam," Bejoy told PTI. "Dulquer is a very talented actor and it's a pleasure to be working with him," he said. "The rest of the cast and crew members will be finalised soon," he added. Bejoy was not keen on divulging details about the subject or genre of the film. The "Wazir" helmer revealed that the film will go on floors this month. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Belgian court today backed the eventual extradition to France of the suspect in a deadly attack on a Jewish museum in Brussels in 2014, prosecutors said. French national Mehdi Nemmouche, 31, is also suspected by Paris of being among the captors of four French journalists who were kept hostage in Syria. "This morning, the pre-trial chamber of the Brussels court of first degree has declared enforceable the European Arrest Warrant that had been issued by the French judicial authorities against Mehdi Nemmouche," the Belgian federal prosecutor said in a statement. He can be sent to France "when Belgium no longer needs him" in relation to the Jewish Museum attack in which four people were killed, a spokesman for the prosecutor told AFP. On May 24, 2014 a gunman opened fire in the entrance hall of the museum in the centre of the Belgian capital, killing two Israeli tourists, a French volunteer and a Belgian museum receptionist. Nemmouche was arrested six days later in the southern French port city of Marseille and sent to Belgium two months later, where he faces trial at an unspecified date in the future. French authorities have identified him as one of the jihadists who kept four French journalists hostage until they were freed in April 2014 in Syria. In September 2015 France extradited another suspect in the Jewish Museum attack - Mounir Atallah - to Belgium. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hoping that the people of West Bengal will show "religious tolerance" and maintain a peaceful environment during the upcoming Chhath Puja, Jagaddhatri Puja, Christmas and other festivals, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said her state never believed in discrimination. "West Bengal believes in the philosophies of Ramakrishna and Vivekananda and rejects any sort of discrimination between people," she said. Banerjee alleged that though "some people" were "spreading religious intolerance" in the state and there was an "atmosphere of religious and political intolerance" in the country, "complete communal harmony" prevailed in West Bengal. "Bengal does not allow politics of communalism and riots. It will not be tolerated," she cautioned while addressing a rally after an administrative meeting here in West Midnapore district. She took pride in the fact that it was only Bengal which could celebrate both Durga Puja and Muharram "harmoniously". The chief minister said Jhargram (now a sub-division under West Midnapore district) would soon be made a full-fledged district. "Jhargram will soon become a new district. We are waiting for judicial clearances. We are redefining tourism in Jhargram. Earlier, people were scared to come to these places," she said. Simultaneously, Asansol and Kalimpong would also be carved out from Burdwan and Darjeeling districts respectively as full-fledged districts for better administration and implementation of various development programmes, she said. Stating that "a smiling Jangalmahal" was her biggest achievement, Banerjee said, "Five years ago, the people of Jangalmahal were living in terror. The tides have turned and this is my biggest achievement. I can give my life but will never forget Jangalmahal." She said the Tribal Development Ministry would soon form a development board for the welfare of the people of Jangalmahal, adding that the government had initiated a major irrigation project for the districts of Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore. Banerjee said she had instructed the Forest department to look into the problems of the locals posed by stray elephants from the Dalma range in Jharkhand. On the occasion, the chief minister distributed bicycles under the 'Sabuj Sathi' programme among students, inaugurated a few projects and laid the foundation stones for some others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Alleging "persecution" of Muslims, over 2,000 women and girls from the community took to streets at Mahidpur locality near here today, demanding a probe into the controversial encounter of eight SIMI activists on Monday. Clad in veil, they raised slogans like "We want justice... We want an inquiry into the fake encounter." The protesters included the wife and mother of SIMI activist Abdul Majid, a local resident of Mahidpur, who was among those gunned down by police in the alleged encounter on October 31. The protesters also expressed apprehension over safety of remaining SIMI members currently lodged in the Bhopal jail. Later, they handed over a memorandum, addressed to Mahidpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), seeking a probe into the encounter and "persecution" of Muslims, to Tehsildar Sarita Lal. "We sported burqas to ensure that the law enforcers cannot recognise us. Our menfolk can't protest because they will be picked up by police and NIA and thereafter hounded by them," a woman said. When contacted, Superintendent of Police Manohar Verma said the situation is peaceful in the district. The SIMI activists were killed on the Bhopal outskirts at Malikheda following their escape from the high-security jail after slitting the throat of a security guard and scaling the 32-ft wall using bedsheets in the wee hours of Monday. While CID is probing the alleged encounter, a separate investigation is on into the jailbreak by extremists. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kautman-Jones endorses Davis Please support Meredith Davis in her re-election to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners - 8th District. I have had... Writer recommend Delor, Jones for GB school board I have met heard April Delor and Patricia Jones for the Grand Blanc School Board. They both have many years... Chairman Matt Smith reminds you to vote It is important that the voters of Genesee County show up and cast their ballot on Tuesday, November 8th, 2022.... State leaders will play a key role in BJP's bid to capture power in Uttar Pradesh as the party today announced details of its four 'Parivartan Yatras' which will start from various corners of the state between November 5-9. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address six regional meetings during the 192-day-long exercise ending in December 24, while Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Kalraj Mishra, two leading saffron faces from the state, will be the key speaker at 10 meetings each. BJP President Amit Shah will address 10 other rallies. The party has planned 30 rallies of its national leaders. Uma Bharti will attend six of them. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad was joined by two other senior party leaders -- Bhupendra Yadav and Anil Jain -- at a press conference today where details of the yatra was announced. The four yatras will converge in Lucknow on December 24 after traversing over 17,000 km, Prasad said. The first yatra will start from Saharanpur on November 5, second from Jhansi on November 6 and third and fourth from Sonbhadra and Balia on November 8 and 9, respectively. Shah and Mishra will be present during the launch of all the four yatras, while Singh will be present at three venues, except Saharanpur. "People's participation and development will be central themes of the yatras," Prasad said as he asserted that it would see participation from Panchayat to Parliament members. BJP has 71 Lok Sabha MPs from the state which has 80 seats. BJP allies Ram Vilas Paswan and Ramdas Athawale, two Dalit faces of the NDA, and Uprendra Kushwaha will also be joining the yatras. Pitching for a BJP government in the state, Prasad said the state has suffered from corruption, lack of development and lawlessness as the Samajwadi Party and BSP took turns to rule it in the last 15 years. Prasad also gave the slogan 'purn bahumat, sampoorn vikas; bhajapa per hai vishwas' (full majority, complete development; we have faith in BJP). (REOPENS DES31) Briefing reporters, Prasad said there will 4,500 welcome programmes for these four yatras and these will travel 100 km each per day. The BJP will organise various programmes focusing on youths, women, dalits and the backwards in all 403 Assembly constituencies. Each yatra will have 15 vehicles and over 100 leaders and workers accompanying it. 15,000 'parivartan sarthis' will travel across the 50,000 panchayats of the state to reach out to masses. "Our campaign will be about taking the state from helplessness to hope," he said. While the socialism of Ram Manohar Lohian has been turned into a dynasty by the Samajwadi Party, Kanshi Ram's mission to uplift dalits has been reduced to uplifting one person, he said, targeting BSP supremo Mayawati. He also mocked unity efforts among erstwhile constituents of 'Janata Parivar', saying they cannot stay together for more than tow years and remain separate for more than one year. "People have outgrown this now," he said. Expressing unhappiness over Bombay High Court for "repeatedly passing orders" without making their copies available to the conerned parties, the Supreme Court has asked the Chief Justice to intervene and see if "something can be done". The apex court made the remarks during the hearing of a matter relating to a property dispute after counsel for the petitioner informed the bench that despite the order being passed by the High Court in August, its copy has not been made available to them. "We are extremely unhappy that the Bombay High Court is repeatedly passing orders without making a copy thereof available to the parties. We request the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court to look into the matter and consider whether something can be done," a bench of Justices M B Lokur and Adarsh Kumar Goel said. The court's order came after petitioner company M/s Gada Properties Pvt Ltd failed to provide the copy of high court's order which it has challenged before the apex court, despite earlier directions by the bench. While granting permission to the firm to file an appeal without the certified as well as plain copy of the judgment, the bench said "in this case, the order was passed by the High Court on August 8, and even two and half months later, a copy of the order is not available". "This raises a serious issue of access to justice," the court said while directing an interim stay on the high court order. The bench also issued notice to the civic body and others on the plea of firm. The apex court had on September 16 granted interim stay on high court's August 8 order and directed the civic body not to take coercive steps against the petitioner, including demolition of the suit property, till the next date of hearing of the matter. It had also given two weeks to the firm to produce the certified copies of the high court's order. The firm's petition was dismissed by the high court on August 8 in which it had challenged the order of civic body terming portions of its three buildings in the city as illegal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of her visit here, British Prime Minister today called up her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during which they agreed that there is substantial scope for further strengthening cooperation in a range of sectors, including defence and security. During the telephonic call, the two Prime Ministers exchanged Diwali greetings, the PMO said. "Both leaders agreed that there is substantial scope for further strengthening bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, including Science and Technology, Finance, Trade and Investment, and Defence and Security," it added. Modi told May that he is looking forward to welcoming her next week, which will be her first substantive bilateral visit outside Europe. During May's visit beginning on November 6, India is likely to raise its concerns over problems being faced by Indian students in the UK due to visa curbs. In their talks, the two Prime Ministers are expected to deliberate on impact of Brexit on the bilateral ties and ways to boost trade and investment, besides expanding cooperation in some other key areas. "We expect mobility issues to be raised during the visit," said External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup when asked whether the issue of Indian students will be taken up during the talks. "Yes, it is true that in the last 5 years or so, the number of Indian students enrolling in UK Universities have gone down by almost 50 per cent; from around 40,000 to about 20,000 now. This has happened because of restrictions on Post-Study stay in the UK," said Swarup. He said Indian students and people-to-people relations are important pillars of India-UK ties and that India has raised its concerns already with UK on the difficulties being faced by Indian students there. With more and more retail investors getting inclined to the systematic investment plans (SIPs) to park their funds, brokerages are going all-out to attract investors. As a result, a number of traditional brokerages such as like Geojit, Motilal Oswal, and HDFC Securities among others are aggressively chasing investors as they clock big strides in the distribution of this investment tool, if the industry data is any indication. According to the industry data from CAMS, for the first five months of the current fiscal year, top 26 mutual fund distributors (excluding banks) together added around five lakh new SIP accounts during the period as the total number of live SIPs rose over 11 per cent. Distributors like Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services, HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal Securities, Reliance Securities and Sharekhan, which are traditionally better known for their retail broking businesses, are now among the leaders in attracting new SIPs. The Kochi-based Geojit with fresh SIP accounts worth Rs 16 crore registered a whopping 83.8 per cent growth during this period, making it the fastest growing player going by value of sales. The total investment through SIP route cumulatively by brokerages stood at Rs 644.9 crore as against Rs 550.84 crore, registering a growth of 17 per cent between April and August. Going by the numbers of the accounts, it increased from 21.15 lakh to 23.99 lakh during the period, as per the CAMS data. These 26 distributors together account for over 90 per cent of the business in the segment. "Retail investors who are not in a position to make direct bulk investments in the stock markets are increasingly attracted to SIP which requires only small amounts. By investing in SIPs, the investor averages the cost of her purchases, which points to the reason for this rising demand," Geojit BNP Paribas executive director Satish Menon told PTI. Mumbai-based HDFC Securities came second with a growth of 60 per cent during the period, as their SIP book increased from Rs 20.41 crore to Rs 32.65 crore, while Motilal Oswal grew at 50 per cent with their book increasing from Rs 6.81 crore to Rs 10.4 crore. NJ India Invest, the top player in the segment, expanded its SIP book from Rs 325.39 crore to Rs 364.64 crore, registering 12 per cent growth. Out of these 26 players, as many as 12 recorded a double-digit growth during the period under review. Menon said Geojit started selling SIPs of mutual funds in a small way five years ago and they have seen that all those clients who came through the SIP route are making money now. This gave them the confidence to push this product aggressively, he said. Even in terms of adding new SIP accounts, Geojit led the pack with an expansion of its book by 39,983 new accounts, registering a growth of 47 per cent. Geojit was followed by HDFC Securities with 29,031 accounts growing at 49 per cent and Motilal Oswal grew the fastest at 54 per cent adding 8,764 new accounts. Menon said their SIP numbers have considerably gone up with an increasing number of investors availing their expertise to invest in mutual funds through SIPs. "We have been tremendously successful in increasing our SIP clientele and the numbers speak for themselves. Among national distributors, we have the highest growth in the SIP book for April-August period, increasing it from Rs 20 crore to Rs 40 crore," Menon said. HDFC Securities managing director and chief executive Dhiraj Relli attributed the faster growth to investors' proclivity to sail across the market volatility. "Accordingly, wealth creation through SIPs has been our key message to our retail investors. SIP has been the best route. Of late awareness of SIP has increased significantly," Relli told BSF troops today foiled an infiltration bid by suspected terrorists along the international border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. This is the sixth infiltration bid by armed terrorists in the last fortnight. "BSF troops noticed movement of two suspected terrorists along IB in Hiranagar Sector, Kathua (Jammu region) in the wee hours today," a senior BSF officer said. "They hid themselves after reaching the vicinity of IB," he said. Alert BSF troops fired in a calibrated manner and averted a possible infiltration attempt, the officer said. "Later, the infiltrators were seen retreating by taking advantage of dead ground and thick foliage," he added. The Border Security Force (BSF) has foiled three infiltration bids in the past 36 hours between October 29 and 30 by heavy armed terrorists along the International Border in Hiranagar sector. D K Upadhyaya, Inspector General of BSF, Jammu Frontier had yesterday told reporters that Pakistan was making continuous efforts to help the infiltrators and terrorists to enter into Indian side. "Since the forced infiltration was foiled on the intervening night of October 20 and 21, five infiltration bids have been foiled and a total of 14 infiltration bids have been foiled this year..Out of them, three bids were made on the 24 hours close to night of Diwali," he had said. In an escalation on the tension along border, eight people, including two children, were killed and 22 injured on November 1 as Pakistani troops targeted civilian areas in Jammu region, inviting strong retaliation by Indian forces who killed two Pakistani soldiers and destroyed their 14 posts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Calcutta High Court today rejected CBI's prayer for cancellation of bail to Trinamool Congress leader Madan Mitra, an accused in the multi-crore Saradha chitfund scam. A division bench comprising justices Nishita Mhatre and Tapash Mookherjee rejected CBI's plea for cancellation of bail granted to Mitra, a former transport minister of West Bengal, by a sessions court. Mitra was granted bail by Alipore Sessions Court on September 9 after he spent over 21 months in prison in connection with the scam. Seeking cancellation of bail to Mitra, the counsel submitted before the court that the former minister was an influential person and that there was possibility of his influencing eyewitnesses. The counsel submitted that the lower court had failed to record compelling circumstances which led to granting of the bail. It was also stated that there was no change in circumstances from the time when his earlier bail prayers were refused. Mitra's counsels submitted that he had abided by all conditions imposed by the court and was also cooperating with the investigating agency and as such there was no reason for cancelling his bail. Mitra's counsel had pleaded for bail contending that he was no longer an influential person since he was neither a minister nor an MLA, nor was he holding any party post now. Alipore Sessions Court judge Uttam Kumar Nandy had granted the relief to Mitra on a bail bond and a surety of Rs 15 lakh each, rejecting the CBI's opposition. Imposing conditions on his bail, the court had directed Mitra to appear before the CBI investigating officer once a week, surrender his passport and not to leave Bhowanipore police station limits. The former minister has been charged under sections 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant), 420 (cheating) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC. Mitra, who was arrested on December 12, 2014 for his alleged complicity in the Saradha scam, was earlier granted bail by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) of Alipore Sessions Court on October 31, 2015 after several of his bail pleas were rejected by different courts. But, the breather had turned out to be a brief one as Calcutta High Court cancelled his bail on November 19 on a petition by the investigating agency. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Foreign Minister Stephane Dion has said he would formally ask Saudi Arabia to release jailed blogger Raif Badawi and allow him to rejoin his wife and children living in Canada. Dion made the remarks yesterday prior to a meeting with Saudi Arabia's chief human rights official, Bandar Bin Mohammed Al-Aiban. "We will continue to seek clemency from the (Saudi) king for someone who has just expressed his opinion and we will ask that this person, Mr. Badawi, be allowed to reunite with his family," Dion told reporters. Badawi's wife Ensaf Haidar has lived in Canada as a refugee with their three children since her husband's arrest in 2012 and conviction for insulting Islam. He is serving 10 years in jail and has received 50 lashes of a 1,000-lash sentence that caused international outrage. Dion and visiting Saudi Human Rights Commission president Al-Aiban were scheduled to meet to talk about "a full range of human rights issues, including the case of Saudi blogger Raif Badawi," according to the foreign ministry. The pair were scheduled to also participate in a round table on human rights. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Election Commission has asked Uttarakhand government to look into alleged misappropriation of discretionary funds in the state and ensure that they are utilised as per the rules. "Taking cognizance of complaints by political parties that discretionary funds were being misused in Uttarakhand for purposes other than the ones they were meant for, we have spoken to the Chief Secretary asking him to look into the matter and ensure that such funds are used strictly in accordance with the provisions," Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi told reporters here at the end of his two-day visit to the state to review poll preparations. Zaidi had held a meeting with political parties in the state yesterday to take their feedback and suggestions on conducting free and fair polls in the state and there were complaints about misappropriation of discretionary funds by authorities to influence voters. Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPATS) will also be used for the first time along with EVMs in Uttarakhand which will make the voter sure of the candidate he has voted for, he said The law enforcements agencies in the state have been asked to start taking preventive action in the pre-election period like verification of licensed arms and verification of history sheeters to instill confidence among voters and build an atmosphere conducive for free and fair polls, he said. All steps should be taken to prevent misuse of money, liquor and drugs to influence voters, the CEC said. The state election office has also been asked to conduct special voter education drives to encourage more and more voters to exercise their right to franchise, he said adding that the turnout target fixed for Uttarakhand this time is 80 per cent. Zaidi said all sections of voters should be involved in the electoral process including disabled people and the tribes including Van Gujjars, Bhutias and nomads. Auxiliary polling stations will be built in hilly terrain where people have to traverse long distances to reach polling stations, he said adding polling stations will also be set up close to blind schools and leper homes to make them a part of the electoral process. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Saluting late Kartik Oraon, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das today said the real tribute to Oraon was to maintain Jharkhand's culture and tradition and join the mainstream of development. Addressing a programme at Gumla district's Badri village, Das said Oraon's life and ideals deserved to be followed by all walks of the society and (one has to take) pledge to work keeping the society united, an official release said. Now that the tribal society desired to move forward, a handful of opportunists want to break it by taking undue advantage of their poverty and innocence, Das said. He said tribals were poor, but hard working and added, both the state and the central governments wanted to change their condition and the main focus was to address poverty, village and farmers. Stating that different types of schemes were being taken up for their welfare, the Chief Minister said the government believed in development for all. Administrators were directed to empower the gram sabhas and provide them with resources, Das said. He said the role of women was important as they were axis in socio-economic change and work was on at different levels to empower them. Pledging to eradicate poverty, Das said no section of the state would remain untouched by development. He said 38 lakh households have got electricity and the rest 30 lakh households would get by the end of this fiscal. Efforts were also on for irrigation, school, health centres, anganwadi in every village, he said. Gram sabha would decide on the acquisition of land for welfare and developmental schemes through Tribal Advisory Council, he said adding, the state government's priority was speedy development. The Chief Minister said some people wanted to disrupt in the name of Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act and Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act. He said every district would have a skill development centre where training would be imparted, adding the government would bear the cost of promising students coming from poor families. The government would also purchase paddy from farmers, the release said. Saying that society could not be changed through violence, he congratulated Timbu Oraon, a member of the District Board, for joining the mainstream and serving the society. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Sudarshan Bhagat described the late Kartik Oraon as social reformer and philosopher. Stating that the Centre and the state were making efforts for development of tribals, Bhagat said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Raghubar Das were working in that endeavour. Gumla MLA Shiv Shankar Oraon, Padmasri Ashok Bhagat, former MLA Sameer Oraon and several others were present in the programme. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre is waiting for a report from a special committee set up by the Union Home Ministry to study the demands of the Gorkhas and six other Assam-based communities for their inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said today. "We are waiting for the report. It is in a premature stage but one thing for sure is that the Union government is studying the matter," Oram told reporters on the sidelines of an international seminar here. The Union Home ministry constituted the special committee headed by a Joint Secretary to look into the matter, he said, in the wake of demand for granting tribal status to Gorkhas getting louder. In Assam, six other communities have moved for their inclusion in the category sometime ago. The committee was given three months' time and the report is expected to be submitted by next month, Oram said. Darjeeling MP S Singh Ahluwalia had petitioned the Union Minister last month seeking the latter's examination of the demand of including Gorkhas in the ST category. Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju had said that granting of ST status to the six communities -- Moran, Muttock, Tai Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi, Sootea and Tea Tribes in Assam -- was a political promise of the BJP and the NDA government will ensure it. Meanwhile, Oram said that during his previous tenure as Tribal Affairs Minister, he had modified 270 tribal communities in the country. He said, "Ten communities were removed and 260 were ratified, their names were given corrected spellings and phonetical defect were also corrected. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The second edition of its three-day Children's Film Festival (NCFF), with the theme of "Make in India", will be held in Jaipur from November 14, coinciding with the Children's Day. In a bid to showcase films made in India as well as expand children's film market in India and abroad, Children Film Society of India will screen around 40 films including many of the award-winning movies such as "Gopi Gawaiya Bagha Bajaiyaa", "Kima's Lode", "Budhia Singh" (On the run) among others. The inaugural function of the film festival will be held at Birla Auditorium, Jaipur, while the movies will be screened across 10 theatres in the city for three days. Ram Choyal's "Gauru", a film set in the background of Rajasthan with Ila Arun as one of the leading casts will be the curtain-raiser. Mukesh Khanna, Chairperson, CFSI said, "I am happy that our whole staff of CFSI is once again geared up for the second edition of Children Film Festival from November 14 to 16 in Jaipur. I am more happy that Children of great city of Jaipur will celebrate three days of the Festival with us." "Jaipur is a colourful city with rich cultural background. Dance, music, vibrant costumes, beautiful handicrafts you name them and they are there. To this, we will add vivid panorama of Children films of all kinds from our side. And I am sure children of Jaipur would love to see their world through our films specially made for them," he added. Bollywood celebraties and many from the film fraternity working towards the cause of children's cinema are expected to come and participate in the festival, the release said. Chinese and Indian troops are locked in a stand-off at the icy heights of Ladakh division since yesterday after People's Liberation Army(PLA) personnel entered an area where an irrigation canal was being built under the MNREGA scheme and stopped the civilian work. The incident took place yesterday afternoon in Demchok sector, located 250 km east of Leh, where the work for linking a village with 'Hot spring' was being undertaken under the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). Around 55 Chinese troops arrived at the scene and halted the work in an aggressive manner, prompting the army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel to rush to the spot and stop the high-handedness of Chinese troops, official sources said today. The Chinese troops took positions on the perceived Line of Actual Control (LAC) and demanded that work be stopped as either side needs to take permission before undertaking any work, a claim disputed by the Indian side which says that as per the agreement between the two countries, information about construction needs to be shared only if it was meant for defence purposes. Both sides pulled out banners and have been stationed on the ground, the sources said, adding the Army and ITBP was not allowing the Chinese to move an inch ahead despite the PLA claiming that the area belonged to China. The area had witnessed a similar incident in 2014 after it was decided to construct a small irrigation canal at Nilung Nalla under the MNREGA scheme that had been a sore point with the Chinese. The PLA had mobilised villagers from Tashigong to pitch Rebos (tents) at Charding-Ninglung Nallah (CNN) Track Junction to protest Indian action. This time, the sources said, there were 55 personnel from the Chinese PLA whereas nearly 70 personnel from ITBP and army had fortified the area and prevented their march deeper into Indian territory, the sources said. The 'Hot Spring' is different from the one in Chashool where Police day is observed in memory of 10 CRPF men killed in 1959 by Chinese troops. (REOPENS DEL53) Meanwhile, senior Army officers insisted that there was no stand-off and the issue is being resolved through established procedures. They added that such objections are not uncommon from either side and situations like these are resolved amicably. Hillary Clinton is the "best" presidential candidate to boost Indo-US ties as she understands India and its culture well, Indian-American hotelier Sant Singh Chatwal has said while questioning her rival Donald Trump's ability "to run a country". Chatwal, who has been a longtime friend of the Clintons, said the former secretary of state has stood with India and the Indian-American community on vital issues like immigration and supported the India-US nuclear deal. "Clinton understands India, the Indian culture. Indian- Americans should vote for the candidate who will grow India-US relations. A Clinton presidency will be great for the growth of the relationship between the two nations," Chatwal told PTI in an interview here. The chairman of the groups Indian-Americans for Democrats and Friends of Hillary for President said Republican candidate Trump does not know India and "does not have the experience to run a country and deal with the world." Chatwal, who has been a financial supporter for Clinton in her previous campaigns for the Senate, said though Trump has been a "very successful businessman", he however has filed for bankruptcy thrice and even avoided paying taxes by reporting nearly a billion dollars in losses. He said a Trump presidency will be catastrophic for the markets and wipe out trillions of dollars from US economy. "If Trump becomes President, the market will drop by 25%, four-five trillion dollars will be lost. I'm very much worried about that," he said. "Trump does not know much about India. Talk is very cheap but you have got to deliver and Clinton can deliver," he said citing her efforts during India-US nuclear deal negotiations. "The next US president should be great for India and for Indian-Americans," Chatwal said adding that Clinton has an impressive track record and 30 years' experience of working in public life, from being the first lady, a senator to the secretary of state. "For India and the Indian-American community, Clinton is the best candidate to be US president. She has much more knowledge and experience. Running a country is not easy and we need somebody as president who has experience, will focus on economic growth and move the nation forward for a better future of our children. "The Indian-American community has to make a choice and see who is the best person for taking forward the India-US relationship and who will be best for the economy. Running a country is very very difficult and you need experience. You do not want someone to make ad hoc decisions, push the nuclear button," he said. Apictorial collage titled 'Hillary-Chatwal since 1991' was displayed at Chatwal's luxurious hotel in Manhattan. It has photos of Clinton and Chatwal and their families together at various social and political gatherings over the years. Chatwal cited the Clintons' close ties with India, including the trips they made to the country starting from when Bill Clinton was president. "The Clintons opened the doors for improving India-US relations," he said. Indian-Americans have traditionally supported the Democratic Party and Trump too has been wooing the strong community to make a dent in this vote bank. In a campaign ad, Trump borrowed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's winning slogan of the 2014 general polls and said "Ab ki Baar Trump Sarkar." Chicago-based Indian-American industrialist Shalabh Kumar, founder of the Republican Hindu Coalition, organised a rally in New Jersey last month in support of Trump, who had said at the event that he is a "big fan of Hindus" and of India. Taking a dig at Trump's remarks to Hindus at the rally, Chatwal said it is easy to talk in such a manner but "India is not only for Hindus, India has Sikhs, Christians, Muslims and Buddhists. "Trump has to understand that. India has a large Muslim population, Trump does not know that. Talk is cheap but it is difficult to deliver," Chatwal said. Urging the Indian-American community to exercise their electoral right, he said each vote will count on November 8. Chatwal also slammed Trump for his views on immigration, saying his policies will rip familiesapartand separate children from their parents. He also cited a meeting between the Clintons and Modi when the prime minister visited the US in 2014, saying the they will take the bilateral ties to greater heights. He added that the two nations can work together in areas of technology, infrastructure and defence. Chatwal said prominent Indian-Americans such as wellness guru Deepak Chopra has voiced his support for Clinton. He said industrialist Sunil Mittal too has written to him voicing his endorsement for Clinton. Later in the day, Chatwal was joined by former chief of medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital and community leader, Bhupi Patel, and prominent hotelier and former commissioner in President Clinton's White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Mike Patel, for a press conference, declaring support for Clinton. Patel said immigration, healthcare and education were the most critical issues for the Indian-American community and Clinton has strong policies in these areas that will benefit the community and its children. Patel said the community has to decide who will be an "inclusive" leader for its children and who will "judge us by the color of our skin." He said Trump talks about isolating the US and insults women and handicapped people. "How can you have a leader who damages global relations. America cannot afford to get isolated, you cannot discriminate against minorities." Patel said Clinton is an "inclusive" leader who has "not come to us just in the last six months" but has worked for the community for the last few decades. Urging the community to go out and vote, he said "we have to have a seat at the table and have our issues heard and addressed. It is very important for the minority community to be involved in the political process. We have to make our presence felt." "We need somebody who understands India, Indian culture. Why go looking for someone you dont know. We know what Obama and the Democratic party have done for India and we should stay with that," he said. Launching an all-out blitz, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and US President Barack Obama cautioned Americans against a Donald Trump presidency by painting a grim picture of the country under him as the tight White House race entered its final phase. "Imagine it is January 20, 2017 and imagine that it is Donald Trump standing in front of the Capitol," Clinton said at a rally in Tempe, Arizona. "Imagine that he is taking the oath of office and then imagine that he is in the Oval Office making the decisions that affect your lives and your future," she said. Clinton painted a picture of her Republican nominee as a president who demeans women, aggravates racial divisions and could "start a real war instead of a Twitter war." Obama echoed the views of his former secretary of state at an election rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, yesterday. He said Clinton's opponent was someone whom his own party leaders in the past had declared a con artist. "This choice actually is pretty clear, because the guy that the Republicans nominated -- even though a bunch of them knew they shouldn't nominate him - the guy they nominated who many of the Republicans he is running against said was a con-artist and a know-nothing and wasn't qualified to hold this office," Obama alleged. "This guy is temperamentally unfit to be Commander in Chief and he is not equipped to be President. This should not be a controversial claim. It really shouldn't. It's strange how, over time, what is crazy gets normalised and we just kind of assume, well, you know what, he said a hundred crazy things, so the hundred-and-first thing we just don't even notice," he said. Obama said the US could not afford a President who suggests that America should torture people or that it should ban entire religions from the country. "We deserve better than a Commander-in-Chief who insults POWs, or attacks a Gold Star mom, or denigrates our troops. This is somebody who vilifies minorities, vilifies immigrants, vilifies people of Muslim faith, makes fun of Americans with disabilities," he said. "How is that person going to be your voice? Do you want somebody to be your voice who on tape brags about how being famous allows him to get away with sexual assault? Who calls women 'pigs', or 'dogs', or 'slobs' and grades them on a scale of one to ten? That is not the voice of America," Obama asked and the audience responded with a big "No". Obama asserted that there is only one candidate in this race who has devoted her entire life to lifting up that better America -- and "that is next President of the United States, Hillary Rodham Clinton". "She's the right person. She's the right person at the right time," Obama said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is probing how Hillary Clinton put the office of the Secretary of State up for sale, the Republican presidential candidate said on Thursday as he slammed his Democratic rival's alleged "pay-for-play corruption". "There is more breaking news that I'd like to share with you right now. It was reported last night that the FBI is conducting a criminal investigation into Clinton's Pay-For-Play corruption during her tenure as Secretary of State," Trump told his cheering supporters in Jacksonville, Florida, a key battleground State. "In other words, the FBI is investigating how Clinton put the office of Secretary of State up for sale in violation of federal law. The investigation is far-reaching and has been going on for more than a year," he said. The FBI agents say their investigation is likely to yield an indictment, he said. However, the reports also show that the political leadership at the Department of Justice is trying to protect Clinton and are interfering in FBI's criminal investigation, he added. Trump said that it has been reported that the laptops of Clinton's top aides, which had been slated for destruction, were not in fact destroyed and that the FBI has been successfully using them to gather information for their criminal investigation. Further, they have found new emails as part of the 650,000 that may be classified. "Finally, it is believed that no less than five foreign intelligence agencies successfully hacked into Clinton's illegal insecure server, which contained classified information, creating an ongoing security threat to the United States," Trump alleged. The Republican presidential nominee alleged that Clinton has engaged in a massive far-reaching criminal conduct and an equally far-reaching criminal cover-up. "She created an illegal email server to shield her activity. She illegally transmitted confidential information and then lied about it to Congress. She illegally destroyed federal records, including 33,000 emails after receiving a Congressional Subpoena, and made 13 phones disappear, some with a hammer. She lied to the FBI, and she lied to the American people," he said. "If she were to win, it would create an unprecedented constitutional crisis. She is likely to be under investigation for many, many years, likely concluding in a criminal trial," Trump said. Referring to a latest national poll by Rasmussen in which he is shown leading by three points nationwide, Trump said his campaign is "on the cusp of historic change" that transfers power from a failed political establishment and returns that power to you, the American People. Meanwhile, the Trump Campaign released a new television ad entitled "Unfit," which calls out Clinton for her newest email scandal involving Anthony Weiner, further illustrating how incredibly unfit she is to serve as Commander-in-Chief. In a show of solidarity, outgoing US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama would join the Democratic presidential nominee in her final rally in Philadelphia on Monday before the November 8 general elections. "At her final rally before Election Day, Hillary will campaign in Philadelphia, joined by President Obama and Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, on Monday evening, November 7," the Clinton Campaign said in a media release on Thursday. In her closing remarks, Clinton will urge Pennsylvanians to make history by electing her President so she can continue pushing for the American ideals of progress, inclusion, equality and strength that our founders enshrined in the Constitution in Philadelphia in 1787, the campaign said. "Along with President Obama, she will also lay out how the division and dangerous views espoused by Donald Trump in his campaign make him unqualified, unfit and unworthy to lead this great nation," it said. "Obama will add that voting for Clinton is also a vote to build on the progress made under his presidency, such as protecting and strengthening expanded access to health care including women's health, advancing LGBT equality, combating climate change, tackling college costs and student debt, expanding the right to vote, and more," the Clinton Campaign said. This week, Obama is on a campaigning spree crisscrossing key-battle ground states. So far, he has been in North Carolina and Florida. He would also be addressing an election rally in New Hampshire. Clinton's rival in the primaries, Senator Bernie Sanders, has also jumped in the last phase of the election with her, and is scheduled to address election rallies in Nevada, Iowa and Colorado. The Clinton Campaign also released a new TV ad on Thursday that demonstrates the dangers of what a Trump presidency means for the United States. "Under a Trump presidency, Americans are divided by their gender, race and creed. Women are diminished to a number and their consent is no matter. African-Americans live in poverty with no jobs, no education, no future," the campaign said. "Muslims are prone to terrorism, worthy of our suspicion and must be tracked. People with disabilities are stigmatised. Veterans aren't strong. Immigrants are criminals and rapists who must be shipped back where they came from, regardless of the cost or number of families torn apart," it said. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today accused Congress of "playing politics" over the alleged suicide by an ex-serviceman, with the party hitting back, terming as "black day" the death of army veteran in the history of the state which is celebrating its golden jubilee. INLD, the principal opposition in the state, also attacked the Centre for "not properly" implementing OROP which impelled the ex-serviceman to end his life. The alleged suicide by ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal took political overtones at a time when Haryana was busy in celebrating its golden jubilee. Haryana, carved out of the then joint Punjab on November 1, 1966, turned 50. "It is very unfortunate that political parties are playing politics over the body of an ex-serviceman. It should not happen. Whether Congress or AAP is playing politics, it is condemnable," Khattar said while talking to media here today. Khattar slammed Congress for not implementing OROP for a long time, saying when BJP government came to power at the Centre, it implemented it. "Rs 5,500 crore has been disbursed under OROP by the Centre while Congress was just sitting on this scheme and had made a provision of just Rs 500 crore, which was a cruel joke with ex-army personnel," he said. Asked, will the Haryana government declare as martyr the army veteran who allegedly committed suicide, Khattar said only those who lay down their lives at the border are declared martyrs. "He (Grewal) has committed suicide which even he accepted during conversation with his son. He has committed suicide which is not right. A solider does not commit suicide. Why he ended his life, we should look into this," said Khattar. He further said the state government will provide suitable financial aid to the ex-serviceman's family. Asked if he will go to Bhiwani to express his grief with Grewal's family, Khattar said state Transport minister, local MP and other leaders had gone there to meet the family of ex-serviceman. "We do not want to play any politics on the issue," he noted. Meanwhile, Congress raised the issue of alleged suicide of by Grewal at a function to mark Haryana's golden jubilee, before boycotting it. "It is a Kala Diwas (Black Day) in Haryana because our ex-serviceman has committed suicide. Our leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Bhupinder Singh Hooda went to Bhiwani to attend his cremation. It is not a golden jubilee. It is a black day," Congress leader and MLA Geeta Bhukkal said here. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress workerswere today arrested when they tried to gherao Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh's official residence here to protest against the detention of party vice president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. The bid togheraothe Chief Minister's house was foiled by a heavy police contingent deployed near Akashvani chowk. "At-least 189 Congress workers, includingits state chief Bhupesh Baghel, senior party leader Mohammed Akbar, MLA Umesh Patel, were arrestedunder Section 151 (apprehension of breach of peace) of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)", Raipur Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Vijay Agrawal told PTI. However, later they were released unconditionally, he said. Large numbers of Congress activists heading towards Chief Minister'sresidencewere prevented by police personnel near Akashvani chowk. Heavy security personnel led by senior officials were deployed at the spot. Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi was detained when he had gone to meet the family of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal who allegedly committed suicide over One Rank One Pension issue in Delhi. "Police are acting like puppet at the hands of BJP government. They arrested workers while they were carrying out peaceful protest and marching towards the Chief Minister's house," alleged Baghel. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Firing and killing a fellow cop has landed a Delhi Police constable in jail for life, with a court here rejecting his claim that it was an accident and saying a trained policeman is expected to take "extra care" while handling a gun. Additional Sessions Judge Sandeep Yadav handed down the jail term to constable Sunil while holding him guilty of murder under section 302 of the IPC. According to the prosecution, the incident took place at Malviya Nagar police line here on May 7, 2012 when the accused cop allegedly fired a self-loading rifle at victim constable Dinesh, killing him. The accused claimed to have fired it accidentally while putting the gun away. The court, however, rejected the claim saying it was an excuse which could be used by a layman and not a trained cop. "It should be kept in mind that accused, at the time of incident, was posted in Delhi Police as Constable. Therefore, he must have been trained as to how to handle a gun, whether it is loaded or unloaded. "A layman can take the excuse that he was not aware that the gun was loaded or not. However, a trained police official is expected to take extra care while handling the gun. Therefore, the defence of accused that he fired the gun accidentally is liable to be rejected," the judge said. The court, which also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the accused, said he took contradictory stands during trial by denying the allegation completely on one hand and saying he had fired accidentally on the other. However, it refused to award him death sentence saying it did not fall in the 'rarest of rare' category as he did not exhibit extreme brutality. "One finds that convict did not exhibit extreme brutality or cruelty while committing the crime. When the conduct and behaviour of convicts before and after the murder and the manner of committing the crime is analysed, one does not find same to be so unusual or extra-ordinary as warranting death penalty," it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A special court would next month consider a protest petition against CBI's move to close a case against Union Minister Maneka Gandhi and two others for sanctioning Rs 50 lakh grant to a trust allegedly in a "fraudulent" manner in 2001. Special CBI Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna today heard arguments by complainant V M Singh, who has filed the protest petition, and fixed the matter for December one for further proceedings. The complainant contended that the court should not accept CBI's closure report as it has been wrongly filed. The court had in 2008 refused to accept the closure report filed by the probe agency and asked CBI to further investigate the matter. However, CBI had again approached the court, saying the "allegations levelled against Gandhi and two others could not be substantiated". An FIR was lodged by CBI in 2006 against Maneka Gandhi, now the Women and Child Development Minister, Dr F U Siddiqui, former secretary of Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) and Dr Vijay Sharma, former Managing Trustee of Gandhi Rural Welfare Trust (GRWT). It had alleged that Gandhi, in conspiracy with Siddiqui, had sanctioned a grant of Rs 50 lakh to GRWT from MAEF in an irregular manner to construct a nursing college building at Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh and caused undue favour to Sharma. CBI alleged that another amount of Rs 10.40 lakh was sanctioned to GRWT by S K Verma, the then District Magistrate of Pilibhit, from Gandhi's MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) funds for purchase of two ambulances. Fund was released to GRWT Managing Trustee Ramakant Rampal. It had alleged that Rampal had purchased two jeeps which had cost much less than the approved models and failed to get them certified by the chief medical officer. The vehicles were also used for personal work by the managing trustee. The agency had again filed a closure report, saying "during the course of further investigation, the allegations levelled against Maneka Gandhi, Dr F U Siddiqui and Dr Vijay Sharma could not be substantiated." "It is, therefore, prayed that the closure report dated December 30, 2008, collectively read with this report, may kindly be accepted," it said. The final report is pending in the court. The FIR in the case was lodged for the alleged offences under section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) read with section 420 (cheating) of the IPC and under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. In its closure report, CBI said the trust had purchased two jeeps with ambulance fixtures on September 15, 2003 for Rs 9,85,008, while the balance amount was returned to the government exchequer as per the terms of sanction. "As such no financial irregularity could be pointed out in the matter of purchase of ambulances and the change in vehicle model was found to be on justified grounds," it said. "Investigation further revealed that the DM, Pilibhit, approved purchase of two Mahindra Voyager ambulances. A cheque dated July 27, 2003 amounting to Rs 10.40 lakh was received by GRWT for purchase of Mahindra ambulances AC Euro-II. "Since production of this model of vehicle was temporarily stopped, the company offered to sell Mahindra DI ambulance which according to the company was rugged, reliable and easily serviceable in semi-urban and rural areas," the agency said. Regarding sanction of funds, CBI said during further probe, it had come on record that since the sanction was subject to submission of documents with regard to land and site plan, the amount was "released only after completion of the documentary formalities." It said the funds released by both MAEF and the district administration of Pilibhit have been fully utilised by the GRWT for the purposes. CPI today hit out at the NDA government after Rahul Gandhi was allegedly prevented from taking part in a candle light march organised by Congress' Delhi unit over the alleged suicide of an ex-serviceman, saying the "highhanded" action of police was "unacceptable". The Left party maintained that being the Vice President of one of the largest political parties and an elected representatives, Gandhi has "all the right" to express solidarity with family of the ex-serviceman, Ram Kishan Grewal, as India is "still a democratic country". CPI national secretary D Raja also hit out at Union Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh over the latter's remark that "mental state" of Grewal needs to be probed, terming it as "bizarre". "In democracy, everyone has a right to express solidarity. All said and done, he is vice president of one of the largest and oldest political parties in the country and elected member of Parliament. He must be allowed to perform his democratic duty," Raja said. He asked, "How come Delhi Police detain them in such a high-handed manner? This is not acceptable. India is still a democratic country, it has not become a police state yet. The BJP should understand this." The Rajya Sabha member hit out at Singh for making a "bizarre and atrocious" statement with regard to Grewal. "He is a minister and had been a former army chief. How come he makes such a bizarre and atrocious statement? The government has ignored the core issues related to OROP. So, who should be held responsible for the death of Grewal?" Raja asked. Gandhi was this evening prevented from marching to India Gate to protest Grewal's alleged suicide over OROP, a day after he was detained twice while trying to meet the family of the deceased soldier. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi government today flagged crop burning in Punjab and Haryana as one of the major factors contributing to the rising air pollution in the national capital and said it peaks during the night hours due to low wind speed in comparison to day time. In view of this, the AAP government has appealed to the Centre to stop crop burning in the neighbouring states besides regulating construction sites and launching a crackdown on polluting industrial units in NCR. A task force headed by Health Minister Satyendar Jain today held a meeting with scientists of the Central Pollution Control Board and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to deal with the situation. Jain said scientists advised the government to stress upon a unified action plan for the entire NCR for its anti- pollution efforts to succeed. The minister admitted that the situation is "worst", but said scientists have advised government that there is no need of shutting down city's schools as pollution is only at peak during night hours. "In the meeting, crop burning in neighbouring states, including Punjab and Haryana, was flagged as one of the major factors contributing to the rising air pollution. In comparison to day time, there is two-fold increase in pollution during night hours. "Wind speed is almost half of that during the day. At night, wind speed is 2 or 3 km per hour that's why pollution is rising the most in that period," Jain told reporters after the meeting. He said this is the transition time of weather from monsoon to winter season and during this period, there is some problem every year. The government has also requested the Centre to put restrictions on plying of diesel taxis/autos in NCR, particularly on entry points of Delhi. There should be strict enforcement of guidelines to prohibit entry of overloaded and polluting transit trucks into Delhi. Jain said all options discussed in today's meeting will be placed before Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. He asked the stakeholders not to pay any heed to rumours of schools being closed temporarily since the scientific data shows peak of pollution during nights and not during schools hours. Earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Secretary K K Sharma held a meeting with the departments concerned to tackle air pollution following orders by the National Green Tribunal. Meanwhile, Environment Minister Imran Hussain wrote a letter to Union Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave requesting strict action against crop burning in Punjab and Haryana. Tomorrow, the Delhi government will raise the issue in a high-level meeting called by the Union Environment Ministry. The national capital has been under a thick cover of pollutant-laden smog, forcing the residents to inhale 'severe' quality air. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A controversial Danish law allowing authorities to seize cash and valuables from asylum-seekers has been used on a handful of occasions since coming into force in February, Danish police said today. A total of 117,600 kroner (USD 17,525), all of it in cash, had been confiscated, Danish police told AFP in an email. "When they asked if I had 10,000 kroner, I answered 'yes'," asylum-seeker Ali Abdel Razaq told broadcaster Radio24syv in an interview broadcast yesterday, adding that he had been unaware that any cash or valuables above that amount had to be handed over to the authorities. Soon after, police came knocking on his door at an asylum centre in the small southern town of Bolderslev on October 22, forcing him to hand over 8,000 kroner. "I was hit by three roadside bombs in Iraq during my work as a police officer," Razaq said, adding that he "would have have spent the money on an operation or some equipment". The law was first used on June 30, when five Iranians had to hand over a total of 79,600 kroner, police said. It was used a second time on July 14, when an Iranian family of four had to pay 10,300 kroner, and again on August 3 when an Algerian man had to give up 19,700 kroner. A lawmaker for the anti-immigration Danish People's Party, Martin Henriksen, said the law had been "a success in the sense that it had sent a signal that we have tightened (the rules) in Denmark". An MP from the leftist Red-Green Alliance, Johanne Schmidt-Nielsen, said that the small amount of money raised showed that the "stupid law" was only intended "to send a signal to the world that it's not much fun to be an asylum-seeker in Denmark." The measure sparked sharp criticism from abroad when the Danish parliament passed it in January with the US-based rights watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) calling it "despicable". Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, however, defended the law as "the most misunderstood bill in Denmark's history". Denmark received more than 21,000 asylum applications last year, a 44 per cent jump from 2014. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Coming out in support of Congress, the Shiv Sena today said detention of Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi by the Delhi Police was "shameful". "Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia should not have been stopped from visiting the aggrieved family of a retired soldier who allegedly committed suicide over the One-Rank-One-Pension (OROP) issue," Sena spokesperson Arvind Sawant told reporters here. "What kind of an attitude is this? The action of Delhi Police was condemnable and shameful," said Sawant, an MP from Mumbai South constituency. "It was not right to politicise the alleged suicide and the family was not treated well. The issue has been politicised after detention of Rahul Gandhi and Sisodia," he added. "Rahul is Vice-President of a national party while Sisodia is Deputy Chief Minister of an elected government. Action should be taken against the erring Delhi Police officials," demanded Sawant. The suicide by an army veteran over OROP yesterday snowballed into a huge political show with Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other opposition leaders attacking the Narendra Modi government on the issue while there was high drama after police detained and prevented them from entering a hospital. The Congress Vice President was detained twice and was finally released late in the evening as restrictions were put on Kejriwal's movements before he was briefly detained. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was kept in custody for close to 10 hours. The leaders were detained when they tried to meet the family of Ram Kishan Grewal, 70, an ex-serviceman who ended his life yesterday by consuming poison on the lawns of a government building at Janpath in the heart of the national capital. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Europeans and Americans have retold Indic mythologies umpteen times but now mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik attempts to reverse the gaze by retelling Greek myths. "Olympus: An Indian Retelling of the Greek Myths" tries to decode the Greek mythology. In the process he wants to show the difference between Greek and Hindu mythologies. "Indic mythologies - Hindu, Buddhist and Jain - do not follow the linear structure that Greek storytellers (from chaos to cosmos) or Greek philosophers (from faith to reason) or Christian missionaries (from many gods to one God) ...Or scientists and activists (from unjust feudal faith to fair egalitarian development) prefer. It has its own structure: a cyclical one," the author says. Western mythology, according to him, propagates the idea that the world is in need of changing, either by Greek heroes, or by Abrahamic prophets and kings, or by scientists, activists and capitalists. "Indic mythology presents the idea that the world is constantly changing, human intervention notwithstanding. There are no heroes or villains, no oppressor or oppressed, no saviour or martyr, just different ways of looking at reality. That is why the West sees itself as masculine, active, decisive, violent and straightforward, and qualifies Indic ideas as feminine, passive, ambiguous, non-violent yet cunning," he says. "The West dismisses the Indic worldview as chaos, thus closing its mind to any new possibility but its own. Not surprisingly, there are many books by Western scholars that 'explain' Hindu mythology, but very few by Indian scholars that bother to 'observe' Western mythology. This book is an attempt to bridge that gap," Pattanaik says. He also says that modern Greek worldview force-fits Hindu mythology into Greek or Christianity templates. "Thus Hindu devas become 'phallic' like Hermes, and 'rapists' like Zeus, and asuras are explained as Christian demons, or Greek Titans. So the worldview establishes that India is in the shadows and in need of sunlight. It dismisses all talk of rebirth as mere superstition, failing to see the impact of this idea on the Indic mind," he says. Pattanaik says he has simply presented his "truth of Greek myths" in his book, published by Penguin Random House. "I do not claim objectivity; I am comfortable with subjectivity and well aware of my Indian gaze," he says. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The JNU administration has appealed to students and teachers to "discourage obstructive politics andprotests"inthecampus alleging it is hampering the smooth functioning of the university and "unreasonable" demands are being raised through demonstrations. The appeal by the varsity comes in wake of protests by various student groups and teachers for the last two weeks over missing student Najeeb Ahmed. The students union has called a solidarity meeting on the issue this evening where various political leaders including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress' Mani Shankar Aiyar will address a gathering. "Alargenumberoffaculty,students,officersandstaff haverepeatedlyapproachedtheJNUadministrationexpressing theirdiscomfortanddisagreementwiththefrequent politicisation andholdingofdharnasandpublic meetings neartheadministration buildingandtheacademicareas," the appeal issued by Vice Chancellor Jagadesh Kumar said. "Despiteallefforts,pamphlets,posters,demonstrations, dharnas,unlawfulconfinementandoffensivesloganeeringhave been goingontospreadliesand toblametheadministration andmakeunreasonable demands. Attemptsarebeing made to disturbthenormalfunctioningandconduct of academic activities includingexaminations," it said. Najeeb Ahmed (27), a student of School of Biotechnology and a native of Badaun in Uttar Pradesh, went missing on October 15 following an on-campus brawl allegedly with the members of ABVP, BJP's students' wing, the night before. Alleging inaction on part of the administration, Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) has been agitating over Najeeb's disappearance from the campus. The protesting students had even confined the Vice Chancellor (VC) and other senior officials in the administrative building for over 20 hours. Following directives from the Union Home Ministry, Delhi Police formed a special investigation team (SIT) to trace the missing student. "Sit-ins, publicfunctions, dharnas, puttingtents, shoutingslogan withloudbeatingofmusicalinstrumentshave madeitdifficultforstaffandofficersworkinginthe administration building to carry on with theirofficialduties. "Theseactivitiesareaviolationofuniversity rules andevenrulingsbythehighestjudicialbody ofthecountry.Thisuncooperativeattitudehasbeen obstructingthenormalfunctioningoftheuniversity," it said. "TheAdministrationappealstotheentireJNUcommunity tounitetotraceNajeebandkeepawayfromunnecessary politicisation. To helpJNUcontinuetofocusonacademic excellence,pleasediscourageobstructive politics and protests in the campus," it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kozhikode District Collector has ordered action against a man for preventing his wife from breastfeeding their new born until five calls or prayer are over after its birth. In a facebook post today, Collector Prasanth said "no religionasks to starve a new born baby and that the youth who showed this cruelty and those who prompted him need treatment". Aboobacker Siddique's wife had given birth to a baby boy at a hospital in Mukkam, about 30 km from here, around 2 pm yesterday and the hospitalauthorities asked the mother to breast feed her baby. However, Aboobacker prevented her from breast feeding saying the baby cannot be breastfed until five calls for prayer are over after the birth. Accordingly, the baby was breastfed only in the noon today. He did not yield to the doctors' request that the baby may suffer from diseases including epilepsy if not breastfed immediately after birth, stating that his eldest son was breastfed in the same way and nothing happened to him. Later,Aboobacker signed the paper intimating that the hospital authorities were not responsible if anything happens to the baby. Official sources here said that the District Collector had given directionsto take action against the man. Officials of Social Welfare Department visited the couple's house today to inquire about the incident. Police said no case has been registered against Aboobacker as nobody, either his relatives or the hospital authorities, had lodged any complaint. However, police said they were inquiring about the incident. He is summoned to be present tomorrow for inquiries, they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) DMK today opposed the acceptance of nominations of arch rival AIADMK's candidates in three constituencies which are going for polls on November 19 when nominations were taken up for scrutiny by election authorities today. Returning Officer for Thanjavur constituency C Suresh told PTI that DMK functionaries objected the petition on grounds that thumb impression of party chief cannot be affixed (in Forms A,B) as per rules. DMK also objected that the attestation was not in order. Suresh said he apprised the DMK functionaries about the letter of Election Commission which allowed the acceptance of forms A, B even if it had thumb impression. The Election Commission had earlier allowed a prayer of AIADMK to permit affixation of party chief Jayalalithaa's thumb impression in the place of her signature. Overruling objections, the papers of AIADMK nominees were accepted in the three constituencies. Also, the nominations of DMK nominees were also found to be in order. Nominations of a total of 91 candidates including that of the nominees of major parties were accepted in three Assembly segments of Aravakkurichi, Thanjavur and Thirupparankundram, in Tamil Nadu for the November 19 polls after scrutiny. In Thanjavur 21 nominations were rejected out of the total 36. In Aravakkurichi, out of the 59 nominations 13 were rejected and in Thirupparankundram 14 were rejected out of the total 44. DMK advocates told reporters in Thanjavur and Aravakkurichi that legal action will be contemplated in the matter in view of the acceptance of the papers of AIADMK nominees. A DMK leader told PTI in Chennai that his party functionaries had requested poll authorities to furnish in writing the reasons for accepting the nominations of AIADMK candidates. He said no direction could be given by poll authorities to returning officers to accept nominations. The DMK leader said based on the response of EC authorities further legal action will be contemplated. Campaign of ruling AIADMK and main opposition DMK meanwhile picked up pace with the acceptance of nominations today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sensing victory six days ahead of the elections, Republican presidential nominee has urged his supporters to go out and vote and "not blow up" the new momentum his campaign has gained after the FBI's (Federal Bureau of Investigation) decision to re-open investigation in the alleged email scandal of his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. "In six days, we are going to win the great state of Florida and we are going to win back the White House 100 per cent," Trump, 70, told thousands of his supporters at a fair ground here in Florida, the key battleground State that has 29 presidential college votes in its kitty. "Give us two more days, I think we are going to be anywhere. The change that you have been waiting for all your life will come in six days," he said. Top political leaders from both Democratic and Republican parties have literally flooded Florida and are on a spree of addressing election rallies across the length and breadth of the State. In addition to Trump and Clinton, US President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and former US President Bill Clinton are all camping in this crucial State. Referring to the various polls that have been coming in the past few days, Trump said that he was leading in various key battleground States of Florida, Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina. "This is your one chance to change," he said and urged his people to go out and vote. "Go out and vote. Do not blow it up. We're on the cusp of an incredible historic change that transfers power from a failed political establishment and returns that power to our families, communities and citizens, to you. The system is rigged. We're going to change," he added. Trump urged his supporters to show up early and vote. "Show up early. You know, the lines are incredible. The polls are all saying we're going to win Florida. Don't believe it. Don't believe it. Get out there and vote. Pretend we're slightly behind. We don't want to blow this," he said. Trump criticised Obama for campaigning for Clinton. "Why is he (Obama) campaigning for Hillary Clinton, who is under federal investigation," he said, adding that Obama should instead be at the White House doing his job and preventing jobs from going out of the country. Media is a part and one of the vital cogs on the big rigged systems that we love. Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus said Trump will fight for the freedom of the country and its people. Priebus said he would fight for a strong defense and conservative supreme court. "Election is all about choices. Look at the choices that we have. We know that Hillary Clinton lies with incredible skill. We know that is not politically correct," he said. DMDK today urged the Centre not to give its consent for conducting Environmental Impact Assessment study by Kerala for the proposed dam on Siruvani river. Party chief Vijayakanth said the central government which has put the EIA in abeyance should not give consent for it "permanently," adding such a move would be beneficial to farmers and public in Tamil Nadu. Hailing the Centre for its decision to put on hold the recommendation to carry out an EIA study for the project, he said it was a victory for the Tamil Nadu people. "This is a victory for the Tamil Nadu people and agitations held by our party," he said in a statement. He urged the Centre to set up the Cauvery Management Board and take steps to allow the traditional bull taming sport "Jallikattu." Vijayakanth has written a letter to the Centre thanking it for its move on Siruvani, the statement said. The Centre had informed Tamil Nadu yesterday about its decision to keep in abeyance its nod for an EIA by Kerala on Siruvani river. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Slamming the TRS government's proposal of constructing a new secretariat complex after demolishing the existing one, Telangana Congress today demanded the move be dropped forthwith as it would lead to wastage of "hundreds of crores" of tax payers' money. State Congress chief N Uttamkumar Reddy wrote a letter to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao opposing construction of any new structure to house the headquarters of the administration. "As the President of Telangana Pradesh Congress, I wish to convey that your government's decision to demolish the present secretariat complex and construct a new complex at a huge cost of hundreds of crores of rupees is not a judicious decision and is a mere wastage of hundreds of crores of precious tax payers money," Reddy said in the letter. Several blocks in the present structure have been built in the recent times, he said. Reddy found fault with the state government allegedly citing 'vastu' defects as the reason for reportedly deciding to demolish the existing complex. "It is really unfortunate that you have cited 'vastu defects' as the reason for demolishing a fully functional secretariat with all buildings having many decades of life left and planning a plush building at a cost of Rs 350 crore. "In this age and time, spending hundreds of crores of rupees of precious public money because of vastu reason is not justified," he said. The state Congress chief said it is "astonishing" that the Advocate General has submitted to the High Court that the present secretariat complex doesn't meet fire safety regulations. "How come the secretariat have defects now when Chief Ministers in undivided Andhra Pradesh functioned from the same secretariat complex if the buildings did not meet fire safety standards?" he asked. It is sad the TRS government has not released funds for farmers' loan waiver and students' tuition fee reimbursements, but wants to waste public money on a new secretariat, Reddy alleged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The commerce and industry ministry has convened a meeting of state representatives on November 16 to discuss new parameters for their ranking next year in terms of providing business-friendly environment. Last year, the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) ranked the states based on a set of 340 development parameters. The parameters include time taken in giving power connections to manufacturing units, number of hours of power supply, land banks availability for industrial use, digitised land records at local municipality offices and provision for e-filing for commercial disputes at district courts, among others. "The meeting will be chaired by the DIPP secretary and the aim of the meeting is to discuss what new parameters can be added or deleted for ranking states in terms of ease of doing business next year," an official said. This year, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have jointly topped the ease of doing business ranking while Gujarat has slipped to the third position in the list prepared by the World Bank and DIPP. The exercise of ranking states is aimed at promoting competition among them with a view to improving business climate of the country to attract domestic as well as foreign investments. Further, another source said the department is expected to apprise the Prime Minister's office of the methodology of the World Bank in ranking countries. In the World Bank's latest 'Doing Business' report, India's place remained unchanged from last year's original ranking of 130 among the 190 economies that were assessed on various parameters. But the last year's ranking has been revised to 131 from which the country has improved its place by one spot. India has expressed disappointment over its low ranking and has asked the World Bank to modify its methodology. Currently, the Bank takes data only from Delhi and Mumbai for India's ranking. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked top officials in states and at the Centre to study the World Bank report and asked them to analyse areas requiring reforms and improvements. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) EU Commissioner Guenther Oettinger today apologised for derogatory remarks about Chinese people, whom he dubbed "slitty eyes" in a speech last month. "I can now see that the words I used have created bad feelings and may even have hurt people. This was not my intention and I would like to apologise for any remark that was not as respectful as it should have been," Oettinger said in a statement. China voiced its disdain yesterday over his remarks, saying they revealed "a baffling sense of superiority entrenched in some Western politicians". A video that emerged on YouTube showed Oettinger addressing a German business audience using the words "slitty eyes" and "chiselers" to refer to Chinese people. Germany's Oettinger, commissioner for the EU digital economy who was last week named to take on the budget portfolio as well, went on to make disparaging remarks about women, gay marriage and Belgian politicians. In today's statement, he did not refer to any specific remarks and said his intention had been to give Germany a "wake-up call" over China's increasing power and a debilitating political correctness at home which stymied an effective response. "I have great respect for the dynamics of the Chinese economy - China is a partner and a tough competitor," he said. Oettinger also said that remarks about the Belgian region of Wallonia, which held up the signing of a landmark EU-Canada trade deal for several weeks, had been misquoted. "Let me add here that I regret that some of my remarks were misquoted regarding Wallonia, which is not only historically an important European region, but actively contributes to the cultural and political diversity of Europe," he said in the statement. A spokesman for European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said the president had talked to Oettinger by phone yesterday and would be talking to him again tomorrow. "The president would like to have the Commissioner's explanation about what he said... (and how he got to this position) where the statement had to be issued," spokesman Margaritis Schinas said. Schinas refused to be drawn when asked about Oettinger's future on the Commission, the EU's executive arm which has 28 seats, one for each member state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The suicide case of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal which triggered a political row has been handed over to the Crime Branch of Delhi Police, considering "the sensitivity of the matter". Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Taj Hassan confirmed the development and said the Crime Branch has initiated inquest proceedings in the case. The 70-year-old ex-serviceman from Haryana's Bhiwani district consumed poison in the lawns behind Jawahar Bhavan, which houses some offices of the Ministry of External Affairs, on November 1. He was rushed to RML Hospital where he died later. Grewal's suicide had yesterday snowballed into a huge political showdown in the capital with Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi being detained twice by Delhi Police amid high drama and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also being detained by the policemen. "The case has been transferred from New Delhi district to Crime Branch keeping in mind the sensitivity of the matter. District police, especially the New Delhi district police, is usually busy with law and order duties. The New Delhi district is a sensitive area since it houses the residences of MPs and important landmarks," said another senior police officer. Grewal, along with three of his companions, had come to the city apparently to submit a memorandum to the Defence Ministry over the issue of OROP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A tense face-off is on between Indian and Chinese troops since yesterday in Demchok area on the Line of Actual Control after the People's Liberation Army (PLA) objected to civilian work being undertaken by the Indian army engineers under MNREGA scheme. The Chinese troops raised objections yesterday when Indian army engineers were constructing an irrigation canal linking 'Hot Spring' waters for the villagers in Demchok, located 250 km east of Leh, under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). According to official sources, at around 1055 hours yesterday, there was a face-off between Indian army and PLA at 'Hot Spring' place, located in general area of Demchok which continued till night. In the morning, the Chinese troops again came to the LAC as soon as the Indian engineers started laying the water pipes and the face-off was continuing, the sources said. Around 55 PLA soldiers arrived on the scene and halted the work in an "aggressive manner", prompting the army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP) personnel to rush to the spot and stop the "high-handedness" of Chinese troops, they said. The Chinese troops took positions on the perceived Line of Actual Control (LAC) and demanded that work be stopped as either side needs to take permission from each other before undertaking any construction work, a claim disputed by the India which says that as per the agreement between the two countries, information about construction needed to be shared only if it was meant for defence purposes. Both sides pulled out banners and have been stationed on the ground, the sources said, adding the Army and ITBP troopers were not allowing the Chinese "to move an inch" ahead despite the PLA claiming that the area belonged to China. The area had witnessed a similar incident in 2014 after it was decided to construct a small irrigation canal at Nilung Nalla under the MNREGA scheme which had been a sore point with the Chinese. The PLA had mobilised villagers from Tashigong to pitch Rebos (tents) at Charding-Ninglung Nallah (CNN) Track Junction to protest Indian action. The 'Hot Spring' is different from the one in Chashool where Police Day is observed in the memory of 10 CRPF men killed in 1959 by Chinese troops. Meanwhile, in Delhi, senior Army officers insisted that there was no face-off and the issue is being resolved through established procedures. They added that such objections by either side are not uncommon and situations like these are resolved amicably. (Reopens DEL 96) Asked about the face-off between the Indian Army and PLA in Demchok area, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson said he was not specifically aware of any such incident. But at the same time added that even if such an incident has happened, there are established mechanism to handle it. He said the border with China has been free from any major incident in the recent past. No-frills airline SpiceJet today said passengers are prohibited from carrying Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in hand, check-in baggages and cargo. Aviation regulator DGCA, last month, had issued a fresh advisory on Galaxy Note 7 asking passengers not to carry them onboard flights. "Passengers are not permitted to carry the Galaxy Note 7 onboard, in hand baggage, check-in baggage or even as cargo in any of the SpiceJet flights," the carrier said in a release. This announcement follows the recent DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) advisory issued to all airlines, it added. "In light of recent incidents involving Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices, travelling public and airlines are advised to ensure there is no carriage of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone devices onboard including as checked in luggage/ cargo on any aircraft on flight to, from or within India," DGCA said in a circular on October 17. There have been incidents of the smartphone's battery exploding in various countries. On September 9, the watchdog had completely banned the use of Galaxy Note 7 onboard flights as also carrying them in checked-in baggage. Many overseas airlines have also imposed similar ban on carrying and use of Galaxy Note 7 onboard flights. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Maharashtra government should realise that if it cannot support its own judiciary by giving infrastructure and staff, then it will not be able to obtain early disposal of cases and pending matters, the Bombay High Court has observed. The observation came from a bench of justices S C Dharmadhikari and B P Colabawalla, who were hearing a petition filed by Sales Tax Tribunal Bar Association urging for infrastructure and staff for the judiciary. "Just as a police station and other government authorities require support and care from the state in this regard, equally, the judiciary must be on the map and we hope there will be a change in the mindset and our intervention will be minimal hereafter," said the bench. The judges also noted that they were glad to know that a proposal for redevelopment of the sprawling Bandra Government Colony at suburban Bandra east in Mumbai is under the active consideration of the state authorities. The High Court also advised the state government to consider whether it should moot a proposal for construction of flats and tenements for housing government employees in service, particularly on such land which are declared as excess vacant land and are vesting in the state. "This court has passed several judgements and orders resulting in these excess vacant lands being saved from the clutches of litigation. Now, vast tract of land is available," the bench remarked recently. "The state must consider the proposal now mooted during the course of arguments that government buildings can come up on these surplus vacant land which vest in the state and possession of which is already taken over," said the bench. Such surplus vacant lands are situated from Bandra towards Borivali on Western suburban railway line in Mumbai, the judges said and hoped that this aspect would be considered by the state government. The HC was of the opinion that if prompt service is the motto, then the government must look after its employees. "We hope and trust that human resources development policies as prevalent in private sector are also present to the mind of the state and they would consider appropriate proposal so that the employees are encouraged to work and put in extra hours, as well," said the judges. Government counsel V A Sonpal assured the court that the vacancy of the post of judicial member of Maharashtra Sales Tax Tribunal will be filled in shortly. The proposals from the registry of the Bombay High Court have been received and are being forwarded for processing to the Law Ministry and the final decision would be taken by the state Chief Minister, Sonpal submitted. He assured the bench that before the HC reopens after Diwali vacation, the final decision of Chief Minister would be taken and appointment made and duly notified. As regards vacancies in support staff of Maharashtra Sales Tax Tribunal, two affidavits were filed, one by General Administration Department Under Secretary Gajanan Gurav and the other by Maharashtra Public Service Commission Under Secretary Sukhada S Amrite. Both stated that the steps are being taken to fill up all vacancies and to provide the requisite support staff, as per sanction to this Tribunal. They assured the court that the Tribunal would not suffer nor its working paralysed on account of lack of such support staff and care would be taken to promptly fill up all vacancies. Sonpal further assured that existing vacancies of non-judicial staff had been filled in and also in future whenever such vacancies arise, they would be filled well in advance so that the Tribunal work does not suffer. The bench said it was accepting these statements as undertakings given to the high court. With regard to the problem of accommodation faced by the judiciary, the state government, through an affidavit filed by Joint Secretary, General Administration Department, said the judicial officers would be given priority in allotment of housing accommodation, particularly in Mumbai. It is thereafter the other officers working with the state and duly entitled to such accommodation will be accommodated. The preference and priorities will always be given to the judicial officers, the state's affidavit said. However, the court felt that what applies to judicial officers and other officers working at higher level both in judicial and state services, ought to apply to all levels. "We have found that often the higher level officers are granted housing accommodation but the staff which supports them for discharging their duties efficiently and promptly are not cared and looked after. Their problem, particularly of housing accommodation, is not attended to nor given priority," the bench observed. In this regard, the state government said that a new government colony comprising 1,221 flats in suburban Ghatkopar is under construction and some buildings have been completed. Notwithstanding the talks about forging an alliance with Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM), the Shiv Sena in Goa today announced three of its candidates for the upcoming state Assembly elections. "The decision on alliance with GSM is taking time. We had submitted a proposal to GSM in writing on October 3. There is not much time left for the elections now," Shiv Sena Goa Chief Sudip Tamankar said while announcing the candidates in a press conference here today. Sena will field former Mapusa Municipal Council Chairman Michael Carasco in Mapusa constituency, social worker Tulsidas Chodankar in Mayem and Nilesh Joshi in Curtorim constituency. With this announcement, Sena became the second party after AAP to declare its candidates for the upcoming polls, which is due before March 2017. Tamankar said Sena is willing to have an alliance with GSM but the delay in discussion on the seat sharing had affected party's (Shiv Sena) plans to announce its candidates. "We don't want to go through a situation wherein GSM refuses to have an alliance with us in the eleventh hour leaving us scouting for candidates in the last minute. Sena has decided to work in all the constituencies and keep the list of candidates ready," he said. Tamankar said rebel RSS leader Subhash Velingkar-led GSM has one-point agenda of having mother tongue as Medium of Instruction (MOI) and might go back on its decision to contest poll, if BJP assures to fulfill their demands. "In this kind of scenario, I don't want Shiv Sena to face last minute hassles and remain behind in the elections," he added. GSM-Shiv Sena had recently announced its in-principle agreement to contest Goa polls jointly after Velingkar had met Sena chief Uddhav Thackarey in Goa. Thackarey had said the talks would continue after Diwali festivities. "We are in touch with Sena chief Uddhav Thackarey. Even this morning we had talks with Sena leader Sanjay Raut and Thackarey over the alliance," GSM General Secretary Hrudaynath Shirodkar told PTI. He said Sena declaring its candidates midway when talks for alliance are on, is not a good sign. "GSM's central committee will discuss the current situation arising after Shiv Sena's declaration of candidates," Shirodkar added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Government is gradually trying to reduce coal imports in a bid to increase domestic production and stick to the 1.5 billion tonne production target by 2020 set by the Coal Ministry, a top official said today. "We have done a detailed analysis on how to handle imports. As we increase production, we must bring down imports, it is already coming down but should be at much faster rate," Union coal secretary Anil Swarup said on the sidelines of an interactive session at the MCC Chamber of Commerce and Industry here. "In power sector, we have engaged each of the PSU power companies," he said. "We held meetings with state-owned power companies on coal import. In this fiscal, the import will reduce by 15 million tonne. From April next year, they will stop placing fresh import orders," he added. State-owned power entities import 35-40 million tonnes, he said. On the other hand, Swarup said, efforts are on to encourage private power companies to buy coal for the long-term from auction. The coal Ministry has set a 1.5 billion tonne coal production target by 2020, of which one billion has been projected to come from Coal India. Swarup said dialogues are being held with non regulated sectors like steel. He said, Coal India was also trying to export coal and holding dialogue with Bangladesh in this regard. Swarup remained optimistic about demand rising and said if plant load factor increases by 6-7 per cent, there will be no surplus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal, whose alleged suicide over OROP issue unleashed a political storm, was today cremated at his native village in Haryana where politics played out with Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal being among the mourners. There was no let up in political bickering over the suicide on the issue of One Rank One Pension(OROP) with Union Minister V K Singh saying Grewal was a Congress worker, a day after he raised questions about the "mental state" of the 70- year-old ex-serviceman. Congress leader Raj Babbar slammed the former army chief for his remarks while one of Grewal's sons said he did not contest on Congress ticket. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar hit out at Congress for "playing politics" over the suicide even as Kejriwal announced a compensation of Rs one crore for the family of Grewal. The case of Grewal's suicide in the national capital on Tuesday was, meanwhile, handed over to the Crime Branch of Delhi police. Grewal's eldest son Dilawar lit the pyre at around noon in the presence of a large number of people who had gathered from nearby areas in Bamla, 20 km away from Bhiwani in Haryana. Grewal, who was a former sarpanch of his village, committed suicide by consuming poison at a park in New Delhi on Tuesday evening. Tight security arrangements were made today in view of the events in New Delhi where Rahul and Kejriwal were detained by police. The Congress Vice President, who travelled by road, spent a few minutes with the grieving family members of Grewal. He had to jostle with the crowd to reach the family members of Grewal as slogans of "Ram Kishan amar rahe" rent the air. Other Congress leaders including former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Haryana Congress President Ashok Tanwar, Leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Kiran Chaudhary, Selja and Kuldip Bishnoi werea also present. Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Randeep Singh Surjewala and TMC's Derek O Brien also reached the village. "I want the people to take his fight forward. We will fight till our last breath and snatch OROP from the Centre. Our soldiers deserve what is their due," Kejriwal told reporters in Bhiwani. On allegations that AAP was politicising the issue, Kejriwal said, "Yes, we are doing politics. We are doing politics to grant our soldiers their rights while Modiji is doing politics to take those rights away." Under the AAP government's compensation policy, the families of martyrs who are residents of Delhi are given Rs one crore. Gen(retd) V K Singh also rejected reports about Grewal being a prominent face of the 'OROP'agitation, saying ex- servicemen protesting at Jantar Mantar for its implementation had yesterday said they had seen the former armyman at the protest venue for the first time before he committed suicide. "It is very unfortunate that political parties are playing politics over the body of an ex-serviceman. It should not happen. Whether Congress or AAP is playing politics, it is condemnable," Khattar told reporters in Chandigarh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid tight security, ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal, whose alleged suicide over 'one rank, one pension' triggered a political storm, was today cremated in his native village in Haryana which was flocked by political leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Grewal's eldest son Dilawar lit the pyre at around noon in the presence of a large number of people who had gathered from nearby areas in Bamla, 20 kms away from here. The 70-year-old ex-serviceman, who was a former sarpanch of his village, committed suicide by consuming poison at a park in New Delhi on Tuesday evening. The incident snowballed into a political row yesterday with the Congress Vice President, Kejriwal and other opposition leaders attacking the Modi government on the issue while there was high drama that continued late into the night after police detained and prevented them from entering a hospital in Delhi where Grewal's body was kept. Tight security arrangements were made today in view of the events in New Delhi. Rahul, who travelled by road, spent a few minutes with the grieving family members of Grewal. He had to jostle with the crowd to reach the family members of Grewal as slogans of "Ram Kishan amar rahe" rented the air. Other Congress leaders including former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Haryana Congress President Ashok Tanwar, Leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Kiran Chaudhary, Selja and Kuldip Bishnoi werea also present. Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Randeep Singh Surjewala and TMC's Derek O Brien also reached the village. Kejriwal, who was detained for four hours by Delhi Police last night from Lady Hardinge Hospital when he tried to meet the kin of ex-serviceman, was also among those present at the cremation of Grewal. BJP MPs Rattan Lal Kataria and Dharambir Singh and Haryana minister Krishna Lal Panwar were among those who spent some time with the family members of the deceased and later left the venue. Police said Grewal along with some other ex-servicemen was in the process of submitting a memorandum to the Defence Ministry over the issue of OROP. According to his friends, Grewal had been upset over the issue for some time. Grewal had gone to Delhi with three of his friends from Bhiwani in the intervening night of October 31 and November 1. On Tuesday evening, he allegedly consumed poisonous tablets. One of his friends called the police at 100 and the police personnel immediately took him to RML hospital. Unfortunately, he died after a few hours, police said. In his last phone conversation with his son Pradeep, Grewal said "injustice" is being done with jawans. "I wanted to fight this (OROP) battle...Now it is up to the jawans what they do," he said. Subedar Grewal's suicide has been used by the opposition parties to accuse the Modi government of failing to implement the OROP, an issue which remained pending for about 40 years during the Congress regime. Grewal is survived by his widow, five sons and two daughters. He served in the Army for six years in the Infantry Battalion and then served the Defence Security Force for 31 years. He retired in 2004 after attaining Subedar rank. He became Sarpanch of the village in 2006. One of his sons is Havildar in army and the eldest son is in Haryana police. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Pulling up Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) over another case of illegal construction, the Madras High Court has directed the civic body to inspect the alleged unauthorised construction in a prime location in the city within 15 days. The Court on Tuesday gave the direction on a PIL from seven residents of an apartment in Nungambakkam,seeking action against the illegal construction by their neigbour. "On hearing the counsel for the parties,it now transpires that CMDA sought to wash its hands of the issue of the alleged unauthorized construction by the respondent in the adjacent property of the petitioners by addressing a letter on June 27 last to the Corporation to take action." The court noted that initially counsels for CMDA had shifted the blame to the Corporation, but that when it sought to summon the heads of these bodies, CMDA counsel conceded that the matter fell within its jurisdiction. Observing that the habit of shifting burden on each other should stop, the Court said,"We direct that our order be placed before the Member Secretary, CMDA, for necessary administrative action." The petitioners had submitted that the construction on the eastern side of the building was not approved and it also affected the air and light flow to their apartments. They also alleged that the building originally had ground plus two floors, but under the guise of renovation, their neighbour had gone ahead with the construction and almost completed ground plus four floors without leaving any space. Even eight months after a representation was made, the authorities failed to take any action, which per se was illegal. Hence, they were forced to move the High Court. The Court directed CMDA to inspect the property and if take action as per law if it detected any unauthorized construction after notice to all concerned within 15 days of receipt of the order. The bench then disposed of the petition. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Karnataka High Court today quashed proceedings against former minister and senior BJP leader Katta Subramanya Naidu and eight others, including his son, in the Lokayukta court in connection with an alleged land scam. Justice Anand Byrareddy quashed the proceedings on the grounds that the names of the accused, including ITASCA software firm owned by an associate of Naidus, were not mentioned in the charge sheet. The judge said "the theory of conspiracy has no foundation and cannot be sustained against any of theaccused." Naidu and eight others had filed a petition in the high court after Lokayukta court judge N KSundhindra Rao on April 29, 2013, had dismissed theirapplications. The accused had sought discharge from Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) land scam case. On December 3, 2010, Naidu as the then IT minister, had resigned over the alleged multi-crore KIADB land scam. His resignation had come a day after the Lokayukta filed a police complaint against him, his Bangalore corporator son Katta Jagadish Naidu and others over alleged illegal allotment of 325 acres on city outskirts to a software firm. The two were slapped with charges of forgery, cheating, creating false documents, floating fictitious companies and taking compensation from a government agency for lands that did not belong to them. The allotment took place in 2006-07 when Naidu was Industries Minister in the Janata Dal-Secular-BJP coalition government. KIADB is the government agency that acquires land for industrial and infrastructure purposes. The eight others named in the complaint include Naidus business associates and officials of KIADB. The alleged illegal action of Naidu and his son came to the fore when Lokayukta was probing payment of compensation by KIADB for lands it had acquired at Bandikodigehalli, near the new Bangalore international airport, about 35 km from the city centre. The land, worth over Rs 100 crore, was allotted to ITASCA software firm owned by an associate of Naidus. Apart from charges of the Naidus receiving Rs 87 crore in bribes to get the land allotted to ITASCA, Jagadish was also accused of taking a compensation of Rs four crore from KIADB for a piece of land in the area though it did not belong to him. Three Karnataka Administrative Service officers were arrested for doling out the compensation to Jagadish. Naidu and his son are currently on bail. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has claimed the reopened FBI investigation into the alleged email scandal of his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton would take years and end up in a criminal trial. Trump said that the FBI was likely to find something in the 650,000 emails that it has found out in the laptop, which was shared by one of Hillary's close advisors and her husband. "They (FBI) will have some things in there that I can just imagine are going to be unbelievable. Hillary's likely to be under investigation for many years. Probably concluding in a criminal trial," 70-year-old Trump said at an election rally in Orlando as he devoted considerable time of his speech on the email scandal yesterday. "The FBI has reopened its investigation into crooked Hillary Clinton. Hillary wants to blame everyone else for amounting legal troubles and I don't see if you've watched her last few speeches over the last few days. She has become totally unhinged, unbelievable," he alleged. "What she's saying and what she's doing is actually, it's unbelievable. She has no one to blame but herself. Hillary is the one who set up the illegal private e-mail server to shield her criminal activity," he said. Trump alleged that Hillary was the one who lied to the Congress and the FBI and engaged in a corrupt pay for play scheme at the State Department. "Hillary is the one who lied so many times to Congress and to the FBI. Hilary is the one who made 13 phones disappear, some with a hammer and who destroyed 33,000 e-mails after, after receiving a congressional subpoena, think of that. Unbelievable," he said. Trump also accused the media for protecting Clinton in this presidential election. "I'll tell you what. The system is rigged. The system is rigged. Hillary is not the victim; the American people are the victims of this system," he said. "The media is a part and one of the vital cogs in the rigged system under which we live. They're a big fat cog and they never show the crowds. They never show what's happening," he alleged. "All we have to do is cut our ties with these failed politicians of the past. Hillary is a candidate of yesterday. We are the movement of the future," Trump said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A prominent Hindu- American group today said that it is "deeply disturbed" by a video commercial which attacks Huma Abedin, a close aide of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, as "pro- terrorist," based on her ethnicity and Pakistani heritage. The video commercial, produced by the Republican Hindu Coalition, will air on more than a dozen TV stations in the US, including several catering specifically to Indian viewers and attacks Abedin for her Pakistani heritage. "Condemning anyone simply because of their religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation is against the pluralistic ethos of Hinduism and has no place in a democracy," said Suhag Shukla, Hindu-American Foundation (HAF) executive director. HAF leaders are "deeply disturbed" by political ads airing on television that attack Clinton aide Abedin's ethnic background, the media statement said. The ads' sponsor alleges that because of her Pakistani heritage, Abedin is "pro-terrorist," it said. "While the potential foreign policy decisions of any of the presidential candidates are fair game for criticism - and are rightfully of deep concern to many Hindu-Americans - personal attacks such as those made in the recent ads are simply beyond the pale," Shukla said. Abedin's mother is Pakistani and was born in undivided British India. She is currently in middle of a political storm after FBI started reviewing some 650,000 emails found on a laptop belonging to Abedin's estranged husband, former Congressman Anthony Weiner, that may be related to the investigation into Clinton's use of a private email server while she served as Secretary of State during President Barack Obama's first presidency. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As a crucial meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group next week in Vienna is set to deliberate on admitting non-NPT members, India today hoped China will see the "logic" in its entry into the 48-nation grouping. When asked about the upcoming NSG meeting, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said it was for members of the grouping to take a call on India's application. NSG special envoy Rafael Grossi is likely to place a proposal for admitting non-NPT members into the bloc during the grouping's meeting in Vienna on November 11-12. "It is not really for us to comment as we are not inside the room. However, after the NSG Plenary in Seoul we have had continued conversations with NSG members and remain engaged in the process. We have lodged our application. Now it is for the NSG members to consider it and take a decision," Swarup said. Asked about China's position on India's membership bid, he said both sides had "fruitful talks" recently and hoped that China will eventually support India's bid. Joint Secretary (Disarmament and International Security) Amandeep Singh Gill and his Chinese counterpart Wang Qun had held talks on the NSG issue in Beijing last week. After the talks, China had said it will first find a solution that applies to all non-NPT countries seeking entry into NSG and will then discuss India's application. "As fas as Chinese position is concerned, as you know we had second round of fruitful talks between the head of our disarmament and international security affairs division and Chinese lead negotiator on the NSG issue. "Both sides have very freely and frankly discussed their positions and had agreed to continue the engagement. So we remain hopeful that eventually China will see the logic of India being inside the NSG which ultimately benefit the global non-proliferation regime," Swarup said. Asked about tomorrow's meeting between India's NSA and China's State Counsellor in Hyderabad, he said a range of bilateral, regional and global issues are likely to be discussed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India, which scripted history with its successful maiden Mars orbiter mission, has the potential to be a big player in the global space program and could even see its private sector develop its own SpaceX, award-winning author Stephen Petranek says. Petranek, author of the book 'How We'll live on Mars', says that humans will live on the Red Planet by the year 2027. "There is no reason why a country as big as India can't have a massive space program. In many ways what India accomplished by orbiting Mars is as successful as much larger organizations like the Russian space agency, NASA and European space agencies (have achieved)," Petranek told PTI in an interview here. The author says space programs are going to be one of the biggest businesses in the future, which will lead to competition among nations. "I won't be surprised to see a company in India start developing and becoming its own Space X (the aerospace behemoth founded by Elon Musk), he says. Petranek is among the "big thinkers" for National Geographic's ambitious project 'MARS', a six-part series that will take its viewers to Mars and explain the possibility of life on the red planet using drama and documentary. The National Geographic Channel aims to re-imagine factual storytelling with its biggest production series, which will premiere on November 14 in 171 countries and 45 languages. 'MARS' is set both in the future and in the present day and tells the story from the vantage point of a fictitious crewed mission to the red planet in 2033. National Geographic received exclusive access to film Musk and his team at SpaceX mission control as they successfully landed their Falcon 9 reusable rocket on a drone ship off the East Coast of the US this past April. "The future of humanity is fundamentally going to bifurcate along one of two directions: either we're going to become a multi-planet species and a spacefaring civilization, or we're going to be stuck on one planet until some eventual extinction event. "In order for me to be excited and inspired about the future, it's got to be the first option," says Musk in the series. Petranek says while the Indian space program currently is like a "smaller NASA", he would not be surprised to see private industry in India become a big player in the space program and exploration given the expertise and capital in India. By getting an important satellite to Mars, India has shown that it has the technology that even the Russians have not been successful at, he says. "Russians have not been that successful. They have launched 17 satellite to Mars, most have crashed. We are going to see countries like Japan, Australia, Brazil all developing a bigger and better space program and we are going to see a lot of that move into the private industry. "I would not be surprised to see a private space company in India grow and develop given the potential space exploration has in future. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over 280 Chinese investors from top business houses today attended a seminar here organised by India to invite investments from China, with Indian officials playing down the calls for boycott of Chinese goods. Amid the growing interest among Chinese investors to invest in 'Make in India' projects, both the countries also held a meeting of the joint working group on industrial parks in India and reviewed the progress of setting up of Chinese industrial parks. Ravneet Kaur, Joint Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion of the Commerce Ministry, who led the Indian delegation at industrial parks talks said the recent boycott calls of Chinese goods have not detracted Chinese investments in India. "There is a sentiment in India which is talking about a ban on Chinese goods and not buying them. I don't think it is widespread and it is cause of concern that it would detract Chinese investment. There is no move at the national level to discourage Chinese investments," Kaur told the Indian media here after making a detailed presentation in the seminar. "India is open for investment from all countries. We do not take any specific stand on China per se. We do not have any policy of that kind. Our policy is sector specific. We encourage FDI from all countries," she said. Calls for boycotting Chinese goods in India were made following China's opposition to a UN ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar and India's entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). During the seminar, the Indian officials gave presentations on advantages of investing in various sectors which are opened to FDI. They also answered questions from the Chinese investors on taxation issues, government's commitments as well as provision to provide lands for setting up firms. "We are seeing a lot of interest from Chinese side, especially because the Chinese economy is going through a difficult time and investors are looking at India as an option," Kaur said. "This time we have given a clear picture. Land is available for you to take a call. There are no difficulties on land acquisitions or any other issues. We have given them very big opportunity. Things will happen very quickly," she said. The 'Invest in India' seminar was organised on the sidelines of the 3rd Meeting of the India-China Joint Working Group on Industrial Parks held here yesterday. The seminar received an overwhelming response as more than 280 Chinese investors and enterprises attended the event, a statement by the Indian embassy said. "This enthusiastic attendance was nearly double the anticipated 150 enterprises for whom the seminar was originally planned for," it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Japan are likely to sign a civil nuclear cooperation agreement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to that country next week as the two sides completed the internal procedures for the much- awaited agreement. The two countries had sealed a broad agreement for cooperation in civil nuclear energy during Japanese Prime Minister Shiozo Abe's visit here last December but the final deal was yet to be signed as certain technical and legal issues were to be thrashed out. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said both the countries have completed the internal procedures including legal and technical aspects of the text of the pact. When specifically asked whether the pact will be inked during Modi's two-day visit beginning November 11, he only said, "I cannot pre-judge outcome of the talks." There was political resistance in Japan to go ahead with a nuclear deal with India, particularly after the disaster at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in 2011. Japan is a major player in the nuclear energy market and an atomic deal with it will also make it easier for US-based nuclear plant makers Westinghouse Electric Corporation and GE Energy Inc to set up atomic plants in India as both these conglomerates have Japanese investments. Modi, during the visit, will have an audience with the Emperor of Japan and hold the annual summit meeting with Abe. Ahead of his trip, a delegation of Japanese parliamentarians called on Modi today which was led by Toshihiro Nikai. Swarup said the Prime Minister recalled his interaction with the Japan-India Parliamentarians' Friendship League in September, and welcomed increased interaction between the legislatures of both countries. He said Modi also called for strengthening exchanges between State-level legislatures. "The Prime Minister welcomed the initiative of Toshihiro Nikai to raise awareness about the threat posed by tsunamis, and sought strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the field of disaster risk reduction and disaster management," he said. According to Swarup, Modi also said he was looking forward to his visit to Japan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India has maintained its strong trading position with the UK, registering a 6 per cent year on year growth in exim container trade volumes for the first half of this year, container shipping company Maersk Line said today. "As UK's third-largest trading partner, India's exim (export-import) container witnessed 6 per cent growth in first half of 2016, which is three times the growth we saw in H1 2015," it said in a statement. This growth happened despite a 2 per cent decline in the UK's exim container trade volumes with the rest of the world during the same period, it added. In terms of exports, India's top containerised commodity categories of garments, stones and tiles, kitchenware and appliances, and metal all registered stronger growth this year as against the last, it said. "Mundra emerged as the number one port in terms of export volume traffic to the UK," said Franck Dedenis, Managing Director - India, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh Cluster, Maersk Line. In terms of imports, it said, among the top containerised commodity categories, metal and iron and steel scrap saw volume growth year on year. It also suggested that India needs to continue to improve its cost competitiveness by reducing transactions cost. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India is likely to raise its concerns over problems being faced by Indian students in the UK due to visa curbs during British Prime Minister Teresa May's three-day visit here beginning November 6 -- her first trip outside Europe after assuming office in July. In their talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and May are expected to deliberate on impact of Brexit on the bilateral ties and ways to boost trade and investment, besides expanding cooperation in some other key areas. "We expect mobility issues to be raised during the visit," said External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup when asked whether the issue of Indian students will be taken up during the talks. "Yes, it is true that in the last 5 years or so, the number of Indian students enrolling in UK universities have gone down by almost 50 per cent; from around 40,000 to about 20,000 now. This has happened because of restrictions on post-study stay in the UK," he said. He said Indian students and people-to-people relations are important pillars of India-UK ties and that India has raised its concerns already with UK on the difficulties being faced by its students there. Asked about Congress's Shashi Tharoor suggestion that Britain's prime minister should seek an apology for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the MEA Spokesperson did not respond. Both Modi and May are likely to deliberate on boosting trade ties considering the huge potential. The volume of bilateral trade in goods was USD 14 billion in 2015-16 and India is the third largest investor in UK. UK also happens to the third largest investor in India and the leading investor among the G-20 countries. May along with Modi will inaugurate the India-UK Tech Summit on November 7 here. The decision to hold the Tech Summit was taken during Modi's visit to UK in November 2015. At the Summit, government officials, business leaders and scientists will engage together to explore ways to enhance cooperation in science and technology sector and how collaboration could open up new opportunities for trade and investment. A slew of new initiatives on deepening bilateral science and technology collaboration will be announced at the Summit under which four summits -- Higher Education Summit, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit, Design Summit and Intellectual Property Rights Summit - are being hosted. A meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee chaired by MOS for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman and UK Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox will be held during the visit. A meeting of India-UK CEOs Forum will also be held. (REOPENS DEL 83) Asked possibility of the British Prime Minister raising the issue of six Britons lodged in a Tamil Nadu jail, Swarup only said the matter was sub-judiced. The matter is pending in the Madurai Bench of Madras High court. The six Britons were caught by the Coast Guard off Tuticorin in October, 2013 for allegedly carrying unlicensed weapons. India today completely rejected as "baseless and unsubstantiated" allegations levelled by Pakistan against eight officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and strongly protested the manner in which their names and photos were published, compromising their security. In a sharp reaction, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the allegations against Indian officials represent an "after-thought" and a "crude attempt" to target them for no fault of theirs, after a Pakistan High Commission staffer was caught red handed here last week while indulging in anti-India activities. Pakistan today claimed that the Indian High Commission officials were involved in "espionage, subversion and supporting terrorist activities in Balochistan and Sindh, especially Karachi, sabotaging China Pakistan Economic Corridor, and fuelling instability in the two provinces." Asked whether the Indian officials are being recalled, Swarup said it is procedural matter and government will take necessary steps keeping in view all aspects of the situation. "We completely reject the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations made by Pakistan against certain officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The Government categorically denies those allegations. "It is especially regrettable that Pakistani authorities have chosen to level these allegations after deciding to recall, on their own, six officials of the Pakistan High Commission, some of whom may have been named to Indian authorities by Mehmood Akhtar - Pakistan High Commission official caught red handed," Swarup said. It is learnt that India will withdraw the eight diplomats as their security have been compromised. Swarup said the Indian officials "falsely implicated" were working in the fields of promoting people-to-people and trade and economic contacts between the two countries. "Pakistan's false allegations against them have the potential to adversely affect the corresponding activities of the High Commission," he said. He said the Government "protests strongly the manner in which names and photos of the eight Indian officials, - four of them holders of diplomatic passport- have been published. This is against basic norms of diplomatic practice and courtesy." The MEA Spokesperson said the allegations against the Indian official are prejudicial to their safety and security. "We expect the Government of Pakistan to take all necessary steps to ensure the security and safety of not only these eight diplomats and officials but all other members of the High Commission and their families while they are in Pakistan," he said. Pakistan had yesterday pulled out six of its officials in the wake of a spy scandal involving staffers of its High Commission. Swarup said Pakistan's baseless allegations add to the "risks to peace and security in the region emanating from Pakistan's support to cross-border terrorism against its neighbours." He said Pakistan was in complete denial of the problem and deflecting its responsibility by resorting to "fanciful accusations". On Pakistan's allegations of ceasefire violations by India along the LoC, he said they neither do Indian forces initiate ceasefire violation nor do they target civilians. "They retaliate in a very calibrated and restrained manner when either their defensive posts or personnel are targeted or cover fire is provided by the Pakistani army to allow infiltrators to cross the Line of Control. "We completely reject Pakistan's allegations of any unprovoked firing by our forces. I would like to remind you that that we have lodged a strong protest with Pakistan on killing of our civilians in shelling by Pakistan forces," he said. The MEA spokesperson said approximately two-thirds of the ceasefire violations this year by Pakistan have taken place in the last five weeks. "In fact in several districts along the International Border and Line of Control, normal life has been affected, people have been displaced and over 100 schools have been closed," he said. On Tuesday, Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad was summoned by the Pakistan Foreign Office for the fourth time in just over a week alleging "unprovoked ceasefire violations" by Indian security forces. India yesterday summoned Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner here and conveyed its "grave concern" as well as strong protest at the recent escalation in incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan on border which have resulted in several fatalities on Indian side. India will push for incorporating smokeless tobacco as an agenda of a crucial global tobacco control conference which it would host for the first time next week, an event which Pakistan is unlikely to attend. India is all set to host the Seventh Session of the Conference of Parties (COP7) to World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) during November 7-12, 2016 at Greater Noida which will be inaugurated by Union Health Minister J P Nadda. Since there is a large number of people in India who are increasingly opting for smokeless form of tobacco, India's effort will be to put it on the agenda of FCTC, a top Health Ministry official said today. "India has taken significant steps to implement decisions of previous COP sessions. "As per the decisions taken during the Sixth Session of COP6, the government has set up a global knowledge hub on smokeless tobacco at National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR) which serves as a repository of knowledge related to smokeless tobacco," the Ministry said. "This is a very critical and important event that will give us an opportunity to showcase what we have done and learn from other countries," said Health secretary C K Mishra. Asked whether Pakistan is going to attend the event, Guangyuan Liu, team leader, governance and international cooperation at FCTC secretariat, said it has not registered yet although the process of registration is still on. Although India has already implemented 85 per cent pictorial warning on tobacco products, the issue of plain packaging, that refers to packaging that requires the removal of all branding, "will still be on the mind" during the deliberations at the Conference, the official said. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will address the conference which will lead into Delhi Declaration for supporting measures for tobacco control. Around 1,500 delegates are expected to participate in the conference from around 180 countries along with other observers in official relations with the WHO FCTC Secretariat in Geneva. India provided a leadership role in the negotiations of FCTC and was also the regional coordinator for the South-East Asia Region. India ratified the treaty on February 27, 2005 and is obligated to comply with the treaty provisions and its guidelines to reduce tobacco consumption globally. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Expressing concern over "jobless" growth in India and too many "stifling" regulations, biotechnology entrepreneur has called for formulation of pragmatic and visionary polices to create new employment opportunities. "Yes, we are witnessing jobless growth (in India) but that's not because of automation. It's because of poor industrial and agricultural policies that are not creating infrastructure development, manufacturing and services jobs," she told PTI. The Chairperson and MD of Biocon Ltd said restrictive e-regulations that try to protect conventional bricks and mortar jobs are an example of this. "Unions are pushing back and governments are yielding. Until pragmatism is enforced we are likely to miss the opportunity of creating new jobs based on changing business models. One bright spark is the start-up culture," she said. Biocon was rated among the world's top 10 employers in the biotechnology industry by an international science magazine last month. Mazumdar-Shaw was recently conferred with the highest French civil distinction, Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour) in recognition of her outstanding contribution and dedication to biosciences and innovative research in the field. India, she said, needs pragmatic and visionary e-regulations that can unleash the power of e-commerce. "We need to formulate policies that incentivise private sector to invest in mega infrastructure projects. We need to focus on universal healthcare and education for all that will create a large number of jobs", Mazumdar-Shaw said. "There are too many regulations that are stifling growth as indicated by our poor showing on the world index of ease of doing business," she said. In the World Bank's latest 'Doing Business' report, India continues to rank low at 130th position in terms of ease of doing business, with the country seeing little or no improvement in dealing with construction permits, getting credit and other parameters. Mazumdar-Shaw also said that farm income in India obviously needs to go up, but technology would play a key role in this too. "Creating unproductive jobs in agriculture is not the way to go. Mechanisation and agri-biotech are key to raising agricultural productivity and prosperity," she said. Innovation is key to industrial development and universities in South Asia should provide necessary "ambience" to promote research and innovation, President Pranab Mukherjee said today as he was conferred an honorary D.Litt by a leading Nepalese varsity. In his acceptance speech, Mukherjee underlined that in global rankings, educational institutes of the region do not figure. He said it is not due to a lack of talent in students or faculty but because "certain technicalities" need to be worked upon. Mukherjee, a history aficionado, said the region which was known for institutions like Taxila and Nalanda has lost its sheen over the years. Citing the example of German industrial revolution during Otto von Bismarck's rule, he said need of the hour was to promote research and innovation in the universities as that is the precursor of industrial revolution. "There is close connection between research and industrial development," he said. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', who is the Chancellor of Kathmandu University, conferred Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) to Mukherjee in recognition of his outstanding contribution in Public Relations, regional cooperation and international relations. Earlier, Mukherjee, who is on a three-day state visit to Nepal, started his day by offering prayers at the historical Pashupatinath Temple. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of Iranians have burned the American flag and chanted anti-US slogans as they marked the anniversary of the seizure of the US Embassy in Tehran by militant students 37 years ago. Such protests take place every year outside the compound that once housed the embassy on the anniversary of the 1979 takeover that followed the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Iranians at the rally outside the former embassy building on Thursday chanted "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" and burned the US and Israeli flags. On November 4, 1979, Iranian militant students stormed the US Embassy, taking 52 Americans hostage for 444 days after Washington refused to hand over Iran's toppled shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, for trial in Iran. The two countries have had no diplomatic relations since then. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will lead a high-profile delegation on a six-day visit to India in mid-November to boost cooperation in the field of security, education, cyber, energy, water and agriculture. Informed sources here said Rivlin will meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan among others during his visit. Rivlin would be only the second Israeli President to visit India since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1992 and his visit comes almost after a gap of 20 years since former President Ezer Weizmann visited India in 1996-97. Rivlin will lead a high-profile delegation of business leaders and academics during the six-day visit to India. Expressing his interest in visiting India following the historic visit of Mukherjee last year to Israel, he had earlier said that "the cooperation between the two countries is something that is said all over". "The cooperation is not only in innovation but you know very well that we are trying our very best to address problems of agriculture, water, energy, cyber and every need of security that we have to work out in order to be prepared for the kind of burden of security that is imposed on both people. "I would like to see your Prime Minister here", he had said. Speculation is rife that the Israeli President's visit would pave the way for Modi's visit to Jerusalem, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, and is likely to take place next year when the two countries celebrate 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who on Sunday during a cabinet meeting mentioned about Rivlin's forthcoming visit of Rivlin to India, is also likely to visit New Delhi next year. Israel is also very keen on strengthening ties between academic institutions in the two countries. The Israeli President in the past has complimented theIndianstudents in Israel, saying "they are among the best" of the lot. Israel has consistently remained the second largest supplier of defence equipment to India for many years and its "timely" supply of Indian requirements during the Kargil War has earned it the tag of a "reliable" partner. The Indo-Israel bilateral trade has also registered a remarkable growth reaching a figure of almost USD 5 billion starting from a humble USD 200 million in 1992. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will lead a high-profile delegation on a six-day visit to India beginning November 15 to boost cooperation in the field of security, education, cyber, energy, water and agriculture. Informed sources here said Rivlin will meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan among others during his visit. Rivlin would be only the second Israeli President to visit India since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1992 and his visit comes almost after a gap of 20 years since former President Ezer Weizmann visited India in 1996-97. Rivlin will lead a high-profile delegation of business leaders and academics during his visit to India from November 15-20. His talks with the top leaders are scheduled to take place on November 15. Expressing his interest in visiting India following the historic visit of Mukherjee last year to Israel, he had earlier said that "the cooperation between the two countries is something that is said all over". "The cooperation is not only in innovation but you know very well that we are trying our very best to address problems of agriculture, water, energy, cyber and every need of security that we have to work out in order to be prepared for the kind of burden of security that is imposed on both people. "I would like to see your Prime Minister here", the 77-year-old president had said. Speculation is rife that the Israeli President's visit would pave the way for Modi's visit to Jerusalem, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, and is likely to take place next year when the two countries celebrate 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who on Sunday during a cabinet meeting mentioned about Rivlin's forthcoming visit of Rivlin to India, is also likely to visit New Delhi next year. Israel is also very keen on strengthening ties between academic institutions in the two countries. The Israeli President in the past has complimented theIndianstudents in Israel, saying "they are among the best" of the lot. Israel has consistently remained the second largest supplier of defence equipment to India for many years and its "timely" supply of Indian requirements during the Kargil War has earned it the tag of a "reliable" partner. The Indo-Israel bilateral trade has also registered a remarkable growth reaching a figure of almost USD 5 billion starting from a humble USD 200 million in 1992. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ruling AIADMK has said Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has "started living a normal life" after being admitted to a hospital here more than a month ago, amidst visitors thronging the hospital to know about her health. Party workers continued to organise prayers for the Chief Minister's speedy recovery. "The doctors said there is no need for any concern and I am so happy to note that," actress Sarada told mediapersons outside the hospital today as she equated Jayalalithaa with Rani Lakshmibai. Yesterday the ruling AIADMK had said Jayalalithaa has "progressedwell" and "started living a normal life". "She is very well and is consuming normal food. She has started living a normal life. She will return soon and resume public service," party leader C R Saraswathy said. Party spokesperson Panrutty S Ramachandran had said Jayalalithaa (68), had "progressed well", adding, "People are confident (of her return) and their prayers are yielding results." Jayalalithaa was admitted to the Apollo Hospital on September 22after she complained of fever and dehydration. Later, the hospital had said she was being treated for infection with respiratory support among others. In its last medical bulletin on October 21, the hospital had said the Chief Minister was interacting and progressing gradually. Specialists from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and from London among others have treated Jayalalithaa. The AIADMK has commenced its campaign for the Thanjavur, Aravakurichi and Thiruparankundram assembly constituencies that will go to polls on November 19. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Naresh Goyal-owned is facing acute shortage of pilots amid the airline increasing its capacity in the fast growing domestic market, according to sources. A number of flights have got delayed in the recent past as the airline has failed to provide pilots due to paucity of the flight crew, they said. The Mumbai-headquartered full service carrier is second largest airline in terms of number of domestic operations after no-frills IndiGo. As part of the winter schedule, which is effective from late last month, plans to operate 3,010 flights per week while its subsidiary JetLite 507 flights per week. "Jet Airways is facing shortage of pilots for quite some time now. While the airline has been increasing the number of flights in its both winter and summer schedules each year, the number of pilots is not increasing in the same ratio, leading to shortage of flight crew," a source said. Jet Airways requires at least 200 more pilots to carry out its operations in a seamless manner, the source said, adding "shortage is more in narrow body, Boeing 737 fleet." The airline currently has around 1,200 pilots to operate its fleet of 117 aircraft comprising Boeing 777s, B737s, Airbus A330s and ATRs. Almost two-thirds of its fleet consists of B737s. Response to queries sent to Jet Airways in this regard was awaited. Significantly, as many as 18 per cent of Jet Airways flights from four metro airports -- Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru -- failed to either arrive or depart on time in September. A major chunk of its flights are from its two hubs - Mumbai and New Delhi. Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan had hit out at the airline after his flight to Chennai from Mumbai last week was allegedly delayed due to non-availability of flight crew. "Flying to Chennai. Baggage, check. Board flight on time, check. Seat belt fastened, check. Only thing we need now are our pilots!!...Well done Jet Airways!!! Entire plane boarded without any pilots on board. Still waiting and hoping...," he had said in a series of tweets over the nearly none-and-half- hour delay of his flight. For the last almost two years, India has been the fastest growing air traffic market in the world. In September, the domestic air passenger traffic registered a robust growth of about 23 per cent as compared the same period last year. The JNU vice chancellor is not acting to trace university student Najeeb Ahmed as he is "scared" of going "missing" himself if he did so, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today said. Kejriwal made the comments at a solidarity meeting on the JNU campus. The Chief Minister said Najeeb, who has been missing for over two weeks now, will come back only when Prime Minister Narendra Modi could be made to realise that he is losing votes over the issue. "Najeeb will come back only when Modiji will realise that he is losing out on votes of youth. The movement for demanding justice for Najeeb needs to come to mainstream. The vice chancellor is also scared that if he will take any action he will also go missing," Kejriwal said. Kejriwal, who has had frequent run-ins with the Delhi Police, said it will not dare to pursue any investigation in this regard as RSS' students' wing ABVP was involved in the brawl following which Najeeb went missing. "Whoever will raise any voice against RSS, ABVP or BJP will be called anti-national, will go missing. If Najeeb was Ambani's son Modi ji would have taken a flight to visit him but this will not attract his attention," the AAP chief said. He also wondered why no one from the ABVP who was part of the campus brawl been questioned by the Police. Kejriwal said he has written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and will take a delegation to President Pranab Mukherjee when he returns from his Nepal visit. Earlier, the JNU administration appealed to students and teachers to "discourage obstructive politics andprotests"onthecampus as it was hampering the smooth functioning of the university and "unreasonable" demands are being raised through demonstrations. The appeal by the authorities came in the wake of protests by various student groups and teachers for the last two weeks over Najeeb's case. Najeeb (27), a student of School of Biotechnology and a native of Badaun in Uttar Pradesh, went missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with the members of ABVP the night before. "Alargenumberoffaculty,students,officersandstaff haverepeatedlyapproachedtheJNUadministrationexpressing theirdiscomfortanddisagreementwiththefrequent politicisation andholdingofdharnasandpublicmeetings neartheadministration buildingandtheacademicareas," the appeal issued by Vice Chancellor Jagadesh Kumar said. "Despiteallefforts,pamphlets,posters,demonstrations, dharnas,unlawfulconfinementandoffensivesloganeeringhave been goingontospreadliesand toblametheadministration andmakeunreasonable demands. Attemptsarebeing made to disturbthenormalfunctioningandconduct of academic activities includingexaminations," it said. Alleging inaction on the part of the administration, Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) has been agitating over Najeeb's disappearance from the campus. The protesting students had even confined the Vice Chancellor (VC) and other senior officials in the administrative building for over 20 hours. Following a directive from the Union Home Ministry, Delhi Police has formed a special investigation team (SIT) to trace the missing student. "Sit-ins, publicfunctions, dharnas, puttingtents, shoutingslogan withloudbeatingofmusicalinstrumentshave madeitdifficultforstaffandofficersworkinginthe administration building to carry on with their official duties. "Theseactivitiesareaviolationofuniversity rules and even rulings by the highest judicial body of the country.Thisuncooperativeattitudehasbeen obstructingthenormalfunctioningoftheuniversity," it said. "TheAdministrationappealstotheentireJNUcommunity tounitetotraceNajeebandkeepawayfromunnecessary politicisation. To helpJNUcontinuetofocusonacademic excellence,pleasediscourageobstructive politics and protests in the campus," it added. A B Khare, the Chairman and Managing Director of Madras Fertilisers, today assumed the additional charge of Chairman and Managing Director of FACT. Earlier, the central government had removed Jaiveer Shrivastava, who is facing corruption charges, from the post of CMD. A FACT release said here that Khare has taken over the additional charge of the CMD. "A person with diverse experience in Fertiliser industry, Khare joined Madras Fertilisers as CMD on January 14, 2016," it said. The appointment of Khare, a Chemical engineer from IIT Roorkee, came at a time when FACT is going through a crucial period following a raid by CBI's Anti-Corruption Branch last week at 18 places, including residences of Shrivastava and some top company officials in connection with the gypsum contract corruption case. The raids were carried out after registering a case against Shrivastava and other officials, including Joint General Manager (Marketing) I S Ambika, Deputy General Manager (Corporate Finance) Sreenath Kamath, Chief Sales Manager (Caprolactum) Daniel Madhukar and Deputy Chief Sales Manager (Marketing Operations) Panchanan Poddar. CBI also registered cases against businessmen,including Santosh Shetty, proprietor, NSS Trade India Pvt Ltd., Mumbai and Mukund Maheswari, Managing Director, Nagarjuna Agro Chemicals Pvt, Ltd, Hyderabad. An FIR filed in the case before the Court of Special Judge - II, CBI, Ernakulam, said the accused had entered into a criminal conspiracy in 2015 and awarded a contract for sale of 3.5 lakh tons of gypsum to NSS Trade for three years at Rs 130 per ton. The rate was much lesser than the price fixed for the requirement category of 1.2 lakh tons per year under the prevailing slab system of pricing of FACT and caused a huge loss to FACT and corresponding gain for themselves, CBI had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) To bring transparency in Haryana's booming real estate sector which is plagued by charges of corruption, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has scrapped a decades old policy which allowed state CMs absolute discretion and final say in the grant of licences to colonisers. Stating that it was against the law, Khattar overturned the 25-year-old decision taken by the then Chief Minister Bhajan Lal in 1991 on the plea that granting colony licences to builders had "wider implications." "Despite the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act according powers of grant of licences to Director, Town and Country Planning, all such files are being presented before me for clearance in the name of internal concurrence," the chief minister said in an order issued under his signature. "A perusal of old files reveals this practice was started on August 7, 1991 after a decision taken in a meeting chaired by the then state CM. "Wider implications of licences were the sole reason cited to start this tradition. Subsequent Haryana CMs continued with the policy. Evidently, this tradition is against the law and I am ordering it to be scrapped with immediate effect," said the order, a copy of which is with PTI. Normally all decisions of the chief minister are issued under the signatures of the principal secretary of the chief minister. The move comes at a time when grant of licences to builders in the state has been under active scrutiny including the permissions given to a firm owned by Congress President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra in Gurgaon. Incidentally, the Justice SN Dhingra Commission of Inquiry, set up to probe commercial licences granted to colonisers including Vadra in Gurgaon, had also adversely commented on the system of CMs granting licences to colonisers. The powers to grant a licence to develop a colony lies with the Director, Town and Country Planning, (DTCP), under the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975, but was taken away through on order of August 7, 1991, and entrusted with the chief minister on the plea that the same had "wider implications". So far 1,571 licences have been issued by the Haryana Government, over half of them in Gurgaon. Khattar's order abolishing the discretionary powers of Haryana CMs in the matter of colonizing licences described the 25-year-old tradition as "strange" and cites the official orders of past chief ministers who chose to continue with the 1991 policy. The CM's order states, "After 1991, every state government reviewed the said tradition and decided to continue with it. For example, the then CMs through orders dated August 13, 1996 (Bansi Lal), June 1, 2005 (Bhupinder Singh Hooda) and December 19 2006 (BS Hooda) chose to retain the tradition. Evidently, this tradition is not legal and I order it to be scrapped with immediate effect." Meanwhile, the 1991 orders of the then Congress Government led by Bhajan Lal, cite the opinion of the Legal Remembrancer to tweak the earlier policy wherein the Director, Town and Coountry Planning was the competent authority to grant licences under the law. The 1991 order states, "On a suggestion from Director Town and Country Planning, it was felt that the grant of licence may have wider implications for the state government. It was therefore decided that such licences may be granted with prior internal concurrence of the state government at minister's level." The policy was also considered against the provisions of the Act as it was felt that the Appellate Authority is already part of the decision while holding "internal concurrence" at the time of grant of licence. The Appeallate powers lie with the Secretary and Commissioner, Town and Country Planning. The Tata conglomerate slipped in ranking on India's most attractive brands index, which has been topped by South Korean consumer electronics maker LG. Tata, which was at number 4 in 2015 and number 5 in 2014, is ranked at number 7 in India's Most Attractive Brands 2016 study, carried out by Trust Research Advisory (TRA) and based on primary research conducted on close to 3,000 consumers across 16 cities. However, the ranking were done prior to October 24, when Cyrus Mistry was ousted as the Chairman of Tata group. This year, top three ranks were occupied by LG, followed by Sony and Samsung Mobiles, the study said. "LG has slowly but steadily been bettering its rank over the three issues of India's Most attractive Brands reports, going from being fourth in 2013 to being second in 2016 and ultimately first this year," TRA Research Head Sachin Bhosle told reporters. The fourth place on the list was bagged by Honda while Samsung ranked fifth. While top five most attractive brands were dominated by foreign firms, homegrown firms Bajaj, Tata and Maruti Suzuki were ranked sixth, seven and eight respectively. Airtel and Nokia took the ninth and tenth spot respectively in the TRA's most attractive brands list. In the sub-category of FMCG diversified, as per TRA, Patanjali pipped Hindustan Unilever (HUL) to be the most the attractive brand. Top five most attractive brands in this category are Patanjali, HUL, Nirma, Emami and Procter & Gamble (P&G). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 50-year-old factory worker was killed after he was crushed under the wall of the factory lift that collapsed in outer Delhi's Bawana area. Satish was taking raw material from the ground floor to the fourth floor through the lift of the building on Tuesday when the lift wall collapsed killing him, police said. Factory workers told police that the lift was over loaded when the incident took place. Police said the workers told them that there was a single lift that they used to carry materials. Satish's cries were heard by his friend Amar, who informed the factory owner, Sanjay Bansal, police said. Bansal called up the police and informed them about the incident. PCR vans and fire brigade personnel reached the spot on receiving information about the incident, police said. Satish was taken out and rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared brought dead, police said. A case has been registered against the building owner and further investigation is underway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) today said its turnover in current financial year may suffer due to the lower offtake of chemical fertilisers and fall in international prices. "Our turnover will be lower this fiscal (compared to FY16 turnover of Rs 29,000 crore), because of a reduced offtake of chemical fertilisers and drop in international fertiliser prices," IFFCO Managing Director U S Awasthi said. He said the use of bio-fertilisers has increased in recent years whereas manufacturing by IFFCO has gone up 10 times. Awasthi was speaking to reporters at the fertiliser cooperative's manufacturing unit at Kalol in Gandhinagar. He termed as a "welcome step" the Centre's initiative to coat 100 per cent urea with neem. "We began the process of coating urea with neem long back when the government had allowed only 35 per cent of urea to be neem coated. Modi Government has increased it to 100 per cent. We welcome this move, it's a step in right direction. "There are many benefits of coating neem to urea as it acts as a pesticide (because of medicinal benefits of neem). The move has also helped reduce Neelgai menace, as the animal which destroys crops, stays away from its smell. The process has also helped to stop its illegal diversion for industrial use," he said. IFFCO, which has 36,000 cooperative societies with around 4 crore member farmers, officially kicked off its golden jubilee celebrations from Kalol unit today, with the year-long programme. As part of its celebration, the cooperative will focus on soil rejuvenation programme by educating farmers through its 50th year slogan "Mitti Ki Jaan, Kisan Ki Shan," (soil's strength is farmer's pride), Awasthi said. Awasthi said the cooperative's new initiative, IFFCO Bazar will act as a one-stop store for farmers to get services provided by the cooperative apart from health services for farmers. 52 such stores have been opened so far. "We are making one-stop store which will have fertilisers, seeds, chemicals, insurance services. Our communication company, IFFCO Sanchar will provide its services. Through our e-bazar (online) platform, we will try to connect producers and consumers electronically and will have delivery courier system to deliver our products," the MD said. The cooperative will also invest Rs 2,000 crore in its five units on energy-saving projects, Awasthi said, adding that research in nano-fertiliser technology in educational institutes is also being sponsored by IFFCO. He said the focus was also on increasing women's participation in cooperatives and expanding its reach in the North East India. Underlining the importance and need of a digital platform for smooth administration, the Maharashtra government is making several efforts to use social media to convey its decisions and messages quickly. The government has asked all District Information Officers (DIOs) to start operating individual Twitter handles, the Director General Information and Public Relations (DGIPR) Brijesh Singh said here. "Even Superintendents of Police (SsP) too have been asked to start their Twitter handles. This is working well for the administration. The DIOs have around 2,500 Twitter followers now including in backward district like Gadchiroli where there are 500 followers," Singh, an IPS officer of the rank of Special Inspector General (SIG) told reporters here last evening. Singh said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed him to analyse all the information about government's moves that is published in the media. "Many times the government announces a decision assuming that it would serve society and people. But somewhere the media finds faults or criticises the decisions. The CM has asked me not to ignore such reports but verify them and find solutions if genuine concerns are raised," Singh said. He also spoke about cyber crimes and measures being taken to tackle the ever growing threat. "The government has asked C-DAC to develop cyber crime labs. Each lab costs around Rs one crore. Softwares for data extraction, image recovery, are being developed for technology-assisted investigation. We are also setting up a big data centre as India is among the first 3 or 4 nations hit by cyber crime the most," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) is converting 42 state-of-the-art cyber crime labs into cyber police stations, as part of the BJP-led government's strategy to take on cyber criminals. " is the first state in the country which will have a cyber police station in each district simultaneously," a top Home Department official told PTI. Cyber crime in has risen by a whopping 142.1 per cent in the last few years, the official said. These cyber police stations will also be set up at police commissionerate and Range IG offices. The Devendra Fadnavis-led government, which completed two years recently, will soon issue a notification in this regard, the senior IPS official said. Fadnavis had inaugurated 34 well equipped cyber labs in all districts, on the Independence Day this year. The state government's cyber crime wing is setting up 51 cyber crime labs in Maharashtra. These include the 34 labs at the district level, seven at Inspector General's offices, nine at Commissioner of Police offices and one lab at the state police headquarters, the official said. Maharashtra is facing increased cyber crime cases in tier-II cities and also in rural areas, the official said. Many such cases remain pending for investigation and the new initiative will take care of this shortcoming, he said. For the normal local police stations, tackling cyber crimes is a daunting task owing to lack of proper training and technical knowledge. However, the cyber labs come with trained manpower and modern equipment to deal with the new age crimes in the cyber world, the official said. With this new initiative, any offence related to cyber crime will be registered in these police stations at the district level. Additional cyber police stations will also be set up in some cities, the official said. While 907 cases of cyber crime were registered in 2013, as many as 2,195 such cases were filed in 2015. There was conviction in just five of the 4,981 cases filed in three years, the official added. The day-long bandh called by the outlawed CPI (Maoist), to protest the recent encounter in the Andhra-Odisha border zone that left at least 24 ultras dead, had little impact in Andhra Pradesh today. Police, however, stepped up security measures in the tribal-inhabited agency areas of the state as a precautionary measure. According to police, no untoward incident was reported till noon. There was an uneasy silence in the agency villages in Visakhapatnam district that border Odisha where the outlaws normally move about. Visakhapatnam (Rural) Superintendent of Police Rahul Dev Sharma told PTI over phone that everything remained normal as the bandh call had no impact. "Buses are plying normally. Businesses are open and even the weekly shandy is running," he said. Meanwhile, Vizianagaram District Superintendent of Police L K V Ranga Rao also said the bandh had no impact in the Naxal-infested areas of Saluru (rural), Pachipenta, Neelakantapuram and other agency areas. All the business establishments opened as usual and buses were also running in Naxal-hit areas of the district, the SP said, adding that people on roads were less due to the Nagula Chavithi festival. According to RTC public relations officer, about two per cent of the inter-state bus services, mainlyoperating from Vizianagaram to Odisha were affected while all bus services were operating as usual in Vizianagaram district and there was no impact on it due to the bandh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After showing off its might through silent marches in parts of Maharashtra, the Maratha community has now decided to organise a bike rally in the city on November 6 to press for their various demands. This event is being seen as a prelude to the community's "biggest" ever silent march, which is planned to be held in Nagpur during the winter session of the state legislature next month. Meanwhile, talking to PTI, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said most of the demands of the Maratha community are "just" and the government has initiated steps to address their discontent. Giving details, Virendra Pawar, one of the organisers of the Maratha event, said, "We have decided to hold the biggest ever silent protest in Nagpur on December 14, during the winter session of the state Legislature. If the government does not pay heed to our demands even after that, we will carry out a maha morcha in Mumbai, which will break all the records." "Until the Nagpur rally happens, we have decided to carry out a Janajagruti bike rally in Mumbai on November 6, where we expect around 15,000 to 20,000 bikers to participate," he added. Pawar said the rally will commence from K J Somaiya ground in Sion at 9 AM and will culminate near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station after passing through Matunga, Dadar, Parel, Lalbaug and Byculla areas. "The rally will not pass via fly-overs and we will ensure that law and order situation does not arise. All our bikers will follow rules and ensure a proper system, just like we have been following in our past rallies," he said. People from other districts of the state will also take part in the bike rally. Talking about the community's demands Fadnavis said, "Most of the demands of the are just and the government has started taking measures to address the Maratha discontent." The Maratha community, which is a dominant force in Maharashtra politics, has been taking out silent marches in various towns in the state over the last one month, following the rape and murder of a girl at Kopardi in Ahmednagar district in July. The community leaders have been pressing for scrapping of the SC, ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act), saying it is grossly misused, and also raised other demands like quota in in education and jobs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) How To Get Wine Delivered Right To Your Front Door The Secret To Getting Wine Delivered Straight To Your Front Door 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. Have you ever stood in the aisles of your local wine store with no clue as to what bottle to get? Whether you prefer a glass of zesty Sauvignon Blanc or youre more partial to a full-bodied glass of red, its tough to track down just which bottle of wine youll like. Or maybe you dont really know just what kind of wine you like! Everyone has a different palate when it comes to wine, and thats nothing to be ashamed of but understanding that palate is where the challenge lies. Joining a wine club is probably the last thing you want to do if you dont know your Merlot from your Zinfandel. But joining a wine delivery club can actually help you up your wine game and learn about your wine palate without any pretentious undertones. Thats where Tasting Room by Lot 18 comes in. The unique wine subscription service uses a custom algorithm to decipher the perfect wines for you and then they deliver them right to your front door. Who Its For Best For: Anyone who enjoys a glass of wine. Tasting Room isnt just for wine snobs. The service is accessible to people of all wine backgrounds, whether you swoon for a well-aged shiraz or youre okay with drinking wine that comes out of a cardboard box. Tasting Room is great for those people looking to up their wine game no matter how much they know about wine to begin with. Tasting Room sends you a starter kit of tasting-size bottles of vino, two white and four red. Using their online interactive tasting survey, Tasting Room runs you through their tasting kit, asking you to taste and compare each wine, rating each sip as you go. Using your ratings, Tasting Rooms algorithm pinpoints just what types of wine you prefer and compiles it into your own personal Wine Profile. Their handy online cheat sheets for each wine also list where each wine you like (and dont like) comes from and what foods the wines pair well with. Some wine clubs out there do their wine profiles based on an online survey. But since Tasting Room sends you a tasting kit, they really let you figure out just what wines are right for you. No judgment if you like a sweet Pinot Grigio Tasting Room will customize your first shipment so you only receive wines you love. Plus, theres a guarantee on each bottle. Dont like it? Give Tasting Room a holler and theyll credit your account so you can buy a new bottle thats more up your alley. For those out there who already know a thing or two about wine, Tasting Room offers a lot more than a crash course on wines. Once signed up, all members have access to Tasting Rooms wide selection of wines from around the world. The prices arent bank-breaking either each member receives a generous discount on Tasting Rooms catalog of wine. Why We Love It Theres nothing quite like arriving home from work to a case of wine picked just for you on your doorstep. Especially for us folk who are always on the go, its a real treat to come home after a busy day to not only a decent bottle of wine but a bottle of wine that is customized to my tastes. It takes the guesswork out of buying wine even if Ive never heard of the vineyard, I know the wine will be something that will please my palate. One admirable aspect of Tasting Room is their sourcing from smaller wineries around the world. As someone who grew up in a very French family, Ive tried my fair share of wines. But Tasting Room is great at bringing smaller wineries from France and California to my attention. What made Tasting Room stand out to me was the sampler kit they send you when you become a member. Unlike most wine clubs, that either use an online taste profiler (or dont use one at all), Tasting Room was really great at pinpointing exactly what flavors you like. This wine tasting sampler set is great, especially since I dont live in a wine region. For those of you who live in Napa, the Finger Lakes, or Santa Barbara, youre blessed with access to a bevy of vineyards. For those of us who dont live near a winery, this tasting set is a great way to compare and contrast lesser known wines, right from home. I loved the little facts they provide with each wine Tasting Room lets you know which bottle in your order to crack open if youre having a pasta for dinner, if youre having a steak for dinner, or if youre having pizza delivery for dinner (hey, it happens!). The Drawbacks One of the big issues I had with the service is the delivery. Because it is an alcoholic delivery, someone over the age of 21 has to be home when the package is delivered. As someone who lives in a house and not an apartment, hanging out at home on a workday is just not in my books. It took three days of stalking my local UPS driver (who said he would deliver it sometime between 6 am and 8 pm) to get my package delivered. This drawback isnt really Tasting Rooms fault, and definitely not a deal-breaker, but definitely something to consider if you arent home during the day. Pro tip: If you spend your daytime at the office, you could always have your package shipped to your business address if there's no one home to sign for the wine. Personally, I would love to see more information about wine drinking included in the shipments. My roommate (turned wine-tasting partner-in-crime) is new to the world of wine, and she had no clue that you should let each red wine breath before sipping. When we first poured our taster-sizaed reds, two of the wines needed to breath before enjoying. Pouring out the wine into a glass to air out some of the tannins really aided in bringing out the full flavor of the wine. If my roommate hadnt been sitting with me, the resident wine enthusiast, she wouldve sipped a tannin-heavy wine. A handy how-to for new wine connoisseurs would have definitely made her experience that much more enjoyable. Where To Buy It Start your own wine discovery at TastingRoom.com. Pricing depends on shipment size and frequency, however the most popular buying option is 12 bottles every two months which will run you about $149.00 + $19.99 for shipping. Meet The Competition Winc offers up an online survey to help you define your palate. From there, they send you a selection of their bottle shop. Winc definitely has some enticing wine deals in their deliveries and in their online shop. One downfall their palate survey is online so you may receive some bottles youre not fond of in your delivery. Find out more at Winc.com Gold Medal Wine Club is one of the largest in the country. They offer up some of the highest quality wines on the market, and you can customize your order based on how many bottles you want and what color variation. Customers rave about how consistently phenomenal the wine choices are. This club is perfect for fans of Californian wines Gold Medal Wine Club has a tendency to choose typical Californian bottles think oaky Chardonnays and full-bodied Cabs. Find out more at GoldMedalWineClub.com Find out more about TastingRoom at TastingRoom.com Related Reading The Best Subscription And Home-Delivery Boxes The Best Fashion Subscription Boxes AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. To find out more, please read our complete terms of use. British Prime Minister Theresa May's upcoming visit to India will offer a new opportunity to further strengthen the "already strong" bilateral ties and promote trade and investment, Chancellor of Exchequer Philip Hammond has said. "As we prepare for the visit of Prime Minister (May) to India, Britain-India relations are already strong, with (Narendra) Modi as Prime Minister giving new opportunities for further strengthening these relations," Hammond, the Special Guest at the Diwali reception organised by the Hinduja family, said here yesterday. "In this NRIs can play the role of more than a bridge. They can help promote trade and investment and growing cultural relations," he said. It was no co-incidence that this is her first visit outside the European continent," Hammond said, adding that the meeting between the prime ministers of the world's oldest and largest democracies assumes importance. May, 60, will be in India between November 6 and 8 on the invitation of Modi. It will be her first bilateral visit outside Europe during which she will hold talks with Modi and review all aspects of the India-UK strategic partnership post- Brexit. He also read out May's letter to G P Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group, expressing her Diwali wishes. In the message, May said she would be proud to "highlight the achievements of British-Indians next month when I make my first official visit to India as Prime Minister at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, celebrating the relations between our countries and our shared ambitions for the future". G P Hinduja hoped May's discussions with Modi would give a further boost to Indo-British bilateral trade and investment. Describing NRIs as "Natural Resources of India", Hinduja said "We can really be a good bridge to do better business and be a great help to enhance ties between the two countries". He said that "because of the current uncertainties (following the Brexit vote), many Non-Doms (Non-Domicile Business leaders) are disappearing". In her introductory remarks, Baroness Sandy Varma, referring to May's visit, said "the Prime Minister wants to ensure that the relationship between the two countries is further cemented - business relations and personal relations". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistani media today named at least eight staffers at the Indian High Commission here and accused them of carrying out 'anti-Pakistan activities', in the latest tit-for-tat action amid raging Indo-Pak tensions. After Pakistan pulled out six of its officials in the wake of a spy scandal involving staffers of its High Commission in New Delhi, sources in the External Affairs Ministry yesterday said India was mulling withdrawal of eight of its diplomats as their security has been "completely compromised". However, Pakistani media today identified at least eight Indian staffers and accused them of "anti-Pakistan activities". The latest tit-for-tit naming of officials coincided with raging tension between India and Pakistan following the Uri terror attack and India's retaliatory surgical strikes across the LoC that pushed the bilateral ties to a new low. First two Indian officials were named yesterday afternoon but by late night, the number soared to eight. The Dawn reported that the alleged Indian intelligence personnel, whose cover was blown off in the media leak include commercial counsellor Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri, first secretary, press and culture Balbir Singh, first secretary, commercial Anurag Singh, visa attache Amardeep Singh Bhatti, visa assistants Dharmedra, Vijay Kumar Verma and Madhavan Nanda Kumar, and assistant, personnel welfare office Jayabalan Senthil. The media leak claimed that the officials were working for either RAW or for the Indian Intelligence Bureau. The names have, however, not been officially confirmed by the Foreign Office. According to the information leaked to the media, the Indian 'agents' were found to be involved in "subversive activities', including attempts to disrupt the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and create fear and chaos in the country". They are also alleged to have been building a network of informants within Pakistan and fabricating evidence for tarnishing the country. The Dawn said these Indian officials could be declared persona non-grata by Pakistani authorities in the coming days or India might withdraw them. Meanwhile, the withdrawn Pakistani officers and staffers reached Lahore yesterday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Describing his visit to Nepal as a "pilgrimage", President Pranab Mukherjee today highlighted the age-old cultural relations between India and Nepal underlining the importance of Pashupatinath temple, Varanasi and Rameshwaram for solace seekers of both the countries. Mukherjee, who was accorded a civic reception and handed over the key to the city of Kathmandu by Chief of its Municipal Corporation Rudrasingh Tamang, wrote in the visitor's book that Kathmandu is not only the political capital of Nepal, but also a spiritual center for the people in the region. "I am particularly happy to visit this holy city once again. Needless to say, Kathmandu has expanded greatly since my last visit. I congratulate the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office for their unfailing dedication in managing and maintaining this rapidly growing city - despite the inevitable challenges," he wrote. Addressing the gathering which included Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda", Mukherjee, the first Indian President to visit Nepal in 18 years, said: "My visit to Nepal is also a kind of pilgrimage - it is a mission of friendship to foster ever greater understanding and cooperation between our two countries." "Thousands of our citizens visit Nepal in search of solace at the holy temple of Pashupatinath and Muktinath. Similarly people from Nepal visit Varanasi in the North and Rameshwaram in the South in search of spiritual inspiration," he said. Earlier, Mukherjee, 80, who is on a three-day state visit to Nepal, started his day by offering prayers at the historical Pashupatinath Temple where he was welcomed by 108 Batuk (Hindu boys) chanting 'Swasti mantras' amid musical resonance of panchai baja and thime baja (traditional musical instruments). He performed a special puja called 'Rudrabhisekh', which included bathing the Shiva Linga with 'panchamrit', consisting of milk, curd, honey, sugar and ghee, and lighting one lakh cotton lamps or 'lakh batti' at the holy Hindu shrine. The temple, a UNESCO world heritage site, is visited by thousands of Hindus from across the world and considered one of the most sacred temples across the world. Later, the President was conferred an honorary D.Litt by Kathmandu University (KU) in recognition of his contribution to the international relations, public administration and leading a successful political career. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nepalese Prime Minister Prachanda today paid a courtesy call on visiting Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and resolved to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' paid a visit to Mukherjee this evening and expressed his pleasure to welcome him in Kathmandu. "Such high-level meetings will help in further strengthening bilateral ties between Nepal and India," Prachanda said as he recalled his meetings in New Delhi during his recent visit to India in September. Mukherjee, the first Indian President to visit Nepal in 18 years, appreciated the efforts made by Nepal in implementing the Constitution. "India stands by Nepal in its efforts to attain progress and development," said Mukherjee. He also held discussions with the senior leaders of various political parties including the leaders of the agitating Madhesi parties, who are largely of Indian-origin, and had been protesting over better representation in the Parliament and the federal structure of the new Constitution. Earlier, Mukherjee, 80, who is on a three-day state visit to Nepal, started his day by offering prayers at the historical Pashupatinath Temple. Later, he was conferred an honorary D.Litt by Kathmandu University (KU) in recognition of his contribution to the international relations, public administration and leading a successful political career. Mukherjee also held talks with his Nepalese counterpart Bidya Devi Bhandari and other top leaders yesterday to strengthen the bilateral relation between the two countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Pranab Mukherjee, on a three-day state trip to Nepal, today visited the 5th century Hindu shrine Pashupatinath Temple on the bank of Bagmati river here and performed a special puja. Upon his arrival at the premises of the famous temple, Mukherjee was accorded warm welcome by chief of Pashupati Area Development Trust Govinda Tandon and other members of the trust. He was welcomed by 108 Batuk (Hindu boys) chanting 'Swasti mantras' amid musical resonance of panchai baja and thime baja (traditional musical instruments) after entering through the main eastern gate of the temple. He performed a special puja called 'Rudrabhisekh', which includs bathing the Shiva Linga with 'panchamrit', consisting of milk, curd, honey, sugar and ghee, and lighting one lakh cotton lamps or 'lakh batti' at the holy Hindu shrine. The temple, a UNESCO heritage site, is visited by thousands of Hindus from across the world. He spent more than 45 minutes while performing the puja, which is performed by donating a sum of 27,000 rupees to the treasury of the temple. While worshipping at the main temple, Mukherjee was assisted by a team of Indian priests, led by chief priest Ganesh Bhatta. He also performed puja at Basuki Naag temple in the premises of the Pashupatinath by pouring milk, which is known as 'Dugdhabhisekh'. Traditional drum and other instruments were played in Mukherjee's honour as soon as he arrived at the temple premises accompanied by Indian Ambassador Ranjit Rae amid tight security. As part of the preparations to welcome the Indian President, the temple premises were decorated with colourful flowers. While keenly inspecting the shrine, the president also commented about the Bagmati river, according to chief of the trust Tandon. The President said that Bagmati river was cleaner than what he saw seven years ago, when he visited there as the Indian External Affairs Minister, according to Tandon. He also inquired about the damaged caused to the temple and its premises by last year's devastating earthquakes. Very little damage was done to the Pashupatinath Temple by the earthquakes, Tandon said, adding that except a kitchen in the premises of the temple, no other structures were damaged. Mukherjee also showed his interest in the preservation of Bagmati river and renovation of Aryaghat, the traditional crematorium site of the Hindus situated near the river bank. In his remarks in the guest book of the temple, he wrote: "I am delighted to be here at the Pashupatinath temple once again. It is a place having cultural, religious and historical importance. I felt blissful after performing the special puja." Tandon also presented a beautiful wooden idol to Mukherjee, who arrived in Nepal yesterday at the invitation of President Bidya Devi Bhandari as the first Indian president to visit the country in 18 years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Pranab Mukherjee, on a three-day state visit to Nepal, today visited the famous Pashupatinath Temple where he also offered a special puja. Mukherjee, who reached the temple amid tight security, performed the pooja by lighting 'lakh batti' (100,000 wicks) and sprinkling 'Panchamrita' (a sacred mixture of five ingredients including milk, curd, honey, sugar and ghee). He was welcomed by 108 Batuk (Hindu boys) chanting 'Swasti mantras' amid musical resonance of panchai baja and thime baja (traditional musical instruments) after entering through the main eastern gate of Pashupatinath Temple. The temple, which is a UNESCO heritage site, is visited by thousands of Hindus from across the world. As part of the preparations to welcome the Indian President, the temple premises were decorated with colourful flowers. Meanwhile, security has been tightened in the adjoining areas. Mukherjee arrived for a three-day state-visit to Nepal yesterday at the invitation of President Bidya Devi Bhandari. He is the first Indian president to visit Nepal in 18 years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A protest demonstration was held here today by Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam against the killing of eight SIMI activists in an alleged encounter by police in Madhya Pradesh. Condemning the recent "encounter" deaths as "well-planned murders," the protestors claimed that the incident was a blatant "violation of human rights." They accused the Union government of aiding the Madhya Pradesh government in this regard. Besides TMMK leaders, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, the political arm of TMMK, and functionaries of outfits like 'Christian Nallinakka Iyakkam' participated. On October 31, eight undertrial SIMI prisoners were killed by police in an alleged encounter in suburban Bhopal hours after they escaped from Bhopal Central Jail after murdering a sentry. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's foreign ministry says an Afghan woman who gained fame in 1984 after a photograph of her as a refugee girl was published on the cover of National Geographic has been hospitalized after falling ill while in custody. Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said today that Sharbat Gulla is being treated at a hospital in Peshawar. He didn't provide details but authorities say the famed green-eyed 'Afghan Girl' was arrested for holding a fake Pakistani identity card. She has denied the charges but a Pakistani court yesterday dismissed a bail plea for Gulla. War photographer Steve McCurry, whose photograph made Gulla famous, found her again in Afghanistan in 2002. She surfaced again in 2014 in Pakistan but went into hiding after authorities accused her of buying a fake ID card. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A NATO airstrike killed at least 30 Afghan civilians, including women and children, today in the volatile northern province of Kunduz, officials said, after a Taliban assault there left two American soldiers dead. The airstrike, which occurred early today, triggered emotionally-charged protests in the provincial capital, with the victims' relatives rallying outside the governor's office while carrying the bodies of dead children. The carnage underscores worsening insecurity after the Taliban last month overran Kunduz city for the second time in a year, as NATO-backed Afghan forces struggle to beat back the insurgents. "Afghan forces and coalition troops conducted a joint operation against the Taliban insurgents," provincial spokesman Mahmood Danish told AFP. "In the bombardment 30 Afghan civilians were martyred and 25 others were wounded." Police spokesman Mahmoodullah Akbari gave the same toll to AFP, adding that the dead included infants aged as young as three months and other children. "They were asleep when their house came under attack by coalition troops," Akbari said. In a brief statement on Twitter, NATO conceded it was behind the airstrike. "Airstrikes were conducted in #Kunduz to defend friendly forces under fire. All civilian casualty claims will be investigated," it said. The strike occurred on the outskirts of the city after a firefight killed two US soldiers and three Afghan special forces during an anti-Taliban operation in Kunduz. It was not immediately clear if the two incidents were related. The firefight occurred as American soldiers were assisting Afghan troops to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the group's operations in Kunduz, US forces said in a separate statement. "On behalf of all of US Forces - Afghanistan, today's loss is heartbreaking and we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of our service members who lost their lives today," said John Nicholson, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan. "Despite today's tragic event, we are steadfast in our commitment to help our Afghan partners defend their nation," he added, without disclosing the names of the dead soldiers. The killings come just days before the US presidential election. During three lengthy debates between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Afghanistan got scarcely a passing mention -- even though the situation there will be an urgent matter for the new president. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Top naxalite leader Rama Krishna is not in the custody of Andhra Pradesh Police, the Hyderabad High Court was today informed by the police. Following submission from the state police, the court asked the petitioner, who is Krishna alias RK's wife, to produce before it any material with regard to him and gave her two weeks. A division bench of justices C V Nagarjuna Reddy and M S K Jaiswal had earlier directed the Andhra Pradesh government to file counter affidavit informing the court whether RK was in police custody or not, by today while hearing a habeas corpus plea filed last week by RK's wife Kandula Sirisha. In the wake of an exchange of fire on Andhra-Odisha border on October 24 in which 24 Maoists were killed, doubts were expressed by RK's wife and relatives and party comrades that he might be in police custody. In the habeas corpus petition, RK's wife Sirisha sought directions to the state government to produce the outlaw before the court and to record his statement for appropriate action. Responding to the petition, Visakhapatnam Rural District Superintendent of Police Rahul Dev Sharma filed an affidavit before the court that the husband is not in the custody of police. "In fact the records reveal that the husband of the petitioner is a member of the Central Committee of CPI (ML), which is a banned Organisation and there are around 40 cases registered against RK at various police stations of Andhra Pradesh. "The police could not apprehend the husband of the petitioner till date in connection with those pending criminal cases," the SP submitted. The senior police officer further submitted that the incident of exchange of fire has occurred in the territory of Odisha state and requested the court to dismiss the petition. Referring to the affidavit of AP Police that RK is not in their custody, the court told the petitioner, "In absence of material, if you (petitioner) have any material produce it," after which the petitioner sought time to file reply. The court then posted the matter after two weeks to enable the petitioner to file material, if any with regard to RK. AP Police had yesterday informed the High Court that joint teams of AP and Odisha police had to "fire in self-defence", which resulted in the death of 24 Maoists in Malkangiri district of Odisha area on October 24. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Brave Man Streams His Cop Car Theft On Facebook Live Trending News: Idiot Steals Cop Car And Streams The Whole thing On Facebook Live Why Is This Important? Because technology is marvellous and we are always finding new and exciting ways to use it. Long Story Short Police say 25-year-old John Pinney stole a police car in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and then posted Facebook Live videos even as deputies engaged him in a high speed pursuit. Long Story Say a prayer for John Pinney, who, as he says, doesnt give a fuck. According to the videos he posted to Facebook Live on Halloween night, Pinney has had a tough time since getting out of prison. So when he saw a cop car with keys left inside it, he decided that he should just jump inside and go for a ride. For a while, it looks like hes having fun. The videos show him driving around the Tulsa area, turning on the cars police lights and sirens and singing along to country music. In between, he explains his recent history, which included walking from Monett, Missouri to Tulsa, a distance of about 150 miles, sleeping rough, living the homeless life (just chillin and kickin it) and reading from his collection of books. (Theres some cool shit in there, he says.) Its also apparent that Pinney, who says hes thinking about going to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, is lost. (I need to find like Owasso or a town, because I dont know where the fuck I am.) Eventually he decides hes going to drop in on his dad. (Hopefully he doesnt pull a gun out on me, I just wanna say hi.) As he drives, Pinney keeps a foul-mouthed stream-of-consciousness monologue going for a good 10 or 12 minutes, talking about his love of music, his friends and his writing. Hes not clearly intoxicated but he is rambling, until he sees that the cops have spotted him (Oh shit, there they are! he says grinning). In the next video, the last of the four he posted, he calls himself a motherfucking retard. The police chase lasted between 30 and 40 minutes, with speeds topping 120 miles an hour, according to Tulsa PD. Pinney was finally arrested outside his fathers house. I would encourage every criminal out there to Facebook Live their crimes so that we can catch you a lot easier and use that Facebook Live at your trial to get a better conviction, said Tulsa police sergeant Steve Stoltz. Pinney was booked on nine counts, including eluding, resisting arrest and possession of a firearm by a felon. Its not known if the officer who left the keys in the car will face charges. Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question What, if anything, was John Pinney thinking? Disrupt Your Feed After watching the videos, I kind of like John but I dont think Id want to hang out with him. Drop This Fact John Pinney has a long criminal history that includes receiving stolen property, malicious injury to property, possession of a stolen vehicle, stealing a vehicle and assaulting a police officer. NCP today blamed Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan for the failure of the parties to formalise an alliance for the November 19 Legislative Council elections. State NCP president Sunil Tatkare told reporters that "some leaders have an apathy towards NCP since its inception." "When majority of Congress leaders are positive for an alliance with NCP to avoid split in votes, some leaders are creating roadblocks in finalisation of alliance. It is due to this attitude that the alliance was called off before 2014 Assembly polls," he said without naming Chavan. "There is still time to for the Congress to withdraw their candidates where NCP has sitting members. If Congress is willing, we are open to discussions," he said. NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said his party had not fielded candidate in Nanded where Congress has sitting member. "If Congress withdraws from seats where we are contesting, we will support Congress in Nanded, but it looks like some leaders from Satara want to bring trouble for Ashok Chavan in Nanded," he claimed. During a meeting with NCP to discuss prospects of poll alliance, Congress emphasised that they would want to contest three out of six seats, including Nanded. Malik said Prithviraj Chavan's insistence that Congress contest the Sangli-Satara local bodies seat caused a deadlock in alliance. "In Sangli-Satara, out of total 312 votes, NCP has 200 votes while Congress has 72 votes, BJP has 15, Shiv Sena 7, Shetkari Sanghatna one and independents six. How can Congress claim this seat?" Malik asked. He also hit out at the advertisements of the Maharashtra government on completing 2 years in office. "Instead of Maharashtra's growth and progress in the last two years, the state is crying and on the downhill. Muscle power is used in politics and social harmony is destroyed. Law and order is at its lowest ebb. Women are not safe," he said. "Women and Child Minister Pankaja Munde and Tribal Minister Vishnu Sawra should be sacked," he said. Malik also asked how the state can be called farmer friendly when there have been highest number of farmer suicides. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ruing that 35 per cent of the country's population was still illiterate, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu today said the Centre has drafted a new policy to ensure quality education at affordable cost to everyone. The central government has drafted a new education policy with accessibility, equity, quality, accountability and affordability as its cornerstones, he said. "These are the five pillars of the new national education policy. The objective is to ensure quality education at affordable cost to everyone," he said. He was addressing a meeting at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Vellore Institute of Technology's Andhra Pradesh campus at Ainavolu village in the capital region Amaravati. The Union Information and Broadcasting minister also called for a nation-wide debate on the new education policy and said universities should also take part in it. "It is a shame to all of us that 35 per cent of our population is still illiterate even all these years after Independence. It is a shame for the country, the system and the political leadership that 35 per cent of people cannot read or write. This should be taken as a challenge," he said. Naidu also stressed the need for more focus on research activity. "We need more research scholars as we are lacking in research. While China has 39 per cent PhDs, India has only 3.40 per cent. In China, enrolment in engineering courses is 34 per cent compared to just six per cent here," he pointed out. As many as one lakh professionals were leaving the country every year, causing a resource loss of USD 2 billion, Venkaiah said, quoting a report by United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). "There is nothing wrong in going abroad. You go, learn, earn and return," he remarked. Observing that the "Soviet model of socialism" did not suit India, Naidu said the government and the private sector should work together to further development. "We have to hone the local talent and encourage it. As part of that public-private partnership is essential to set up institutions. We have to create wealth so that it can be distributed to all," the Union Minister noted. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the 200-acre campus being set up at a total cost of about Rs 2,000 crore. This is the first educational institution to be coming up in Amaravati, where the state government is planning to develop an education city. Chandrababu Naidu said Andhra Pradesh would emerge as the number one in knowledge in future. "Some of the best universities of the world will come to Amaravati to open their campuses. This will become a knowledge hub soon," he said. Amaravati would be developed as one of the top 10 best cities in the world, he said. VIT, a deemed university, would complete construction of buildings in Amaravati in six months and start courses from the next academic year, its Chancellor G Viswanathan said. "We will start with seven engineering courses and a PhD programme here," he added. Viswanathan also announced that VIT was adopting Ainavolu, Sakhamuru and Velagapudi villages in the capital for development. A man and his minor son allegedly raped nine-year-old twin sisters in Mailardevpally area here, police said today. One Jaffar and his 16-year-old son, who are neighbours of the minor girls, allegedly raped them repeatedly over the past one year. A family member of the victims also helped the duo in the offence, a police officer from Mailardevpally Police Station said, quoting from a complaint. The sisters revealed about the alleged sexual assaults to a senior family member, who approached a city-based NGO working for child rights which in turn lodged a police complaint. Based on the complaint, a case was registered under relevant sections of IPC and Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act, police said. The police officer said they are investigating the matter, but no arrest has been made till now. According to the NGO, the victims originally hail from Nepal and had settled in Hyderabad. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today expressed grief over the alleged suicide committed by an army veteran on the issue of implementation of 'One Rank One Pension' (OROP) scheme and slammed the NDA government at the Centre for the tragedy. "The incident (suicide by ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal) reflects the Centre's 'double standard' towards soldiers," he said in a statement here. The Centre, he said, should comprehensively look into demands made by soldiers. The JD(U) President also strongly criticised the role played by Delhi police in the episode. "The action taken by Delhi police on the issue cannot be justified," he said. The Delhi police had detained and prevented Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other opposition leaders from entering a hospital to meet the kin of the ex-serviceman. Ram Kishan Grewal, 70, an ex-serviceman had ended his life on Tuesday by consuming poison on the lawns of a government building at Janpath in the heart of the national capital. Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the alleged suicide committed by ex-serviceman. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NMDC Ltd today joined hands with Hyderabad City Police for installation of CCTV cameras under community CCTV Project in the city. At an event here, National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) officials entered into an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard. NMDC would spend an amount of Rs 1.5 crore for installation of CCTV cameras in Hyderabad city as a part of CCTV Surveillance System under its Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Development initiative. Sandeep Tula, Director (Personnel), NMDC Ltd and T Murali Krishna Additional Commissioner of Police (Administration) signed the pact in presence of M Mahendar Reddy, Hyderabad Commissioner of Police. Telangana government has started the process for setting up a 20 storied Multi-Agency Command and Control Centre at Banjara Hills here, which will act as Central Hub for City Wide Community CCTV Surveillance System consisting of over a lakh of CCTV Cameras. "This will act as one stop centre for handling all emergencies and crisis/disaster managements by all government departments," police officials said. As a part of this effort, the Hyderabad City Police has started implementation of City Wide Community CCTV Surveillance System with the help of community support. The CCTV camera project, is the biggest of its kind to be taken up in any city of the country, they said. Several vital installations, will be mapped round-the-clock through surveillance cameras. The closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras technology will act as a force multiplier and help in preventing crime and detecting criminals in real time. The Hyderabad City Police has taken up an initiative to involve and encourage all PSUs to adopt communities in terms of police stations and sponsor the implementation of CCTV Surveillance System on behalf of the community in the city. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister on Thursday said he is "not aware" of any attempt at forming a coalition with other parties ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, a final decision on which would be taken by Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav. "National president will decide what is to be done. He will take decision after giving due thoughts. I am not aware if coalition has started or not. I also don't know what is being discussed. If a coalition is formed, political parties have to decide themselves who will lose or gain," he told reporters after starting his "vikas se vijay ki ore" rath yatra. Congress election strategist Prashant Kishore had recently met Mulayam in Delhi, triggering speculation of a "maha-gathbandhan". "We are open to alliance with any party to form a secular government in the state but a final decision will be taken by 'netaji' (Mulayam)," Akhilesh said. SP's silver jubilee celebration on November 5 is likely to be attended by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, RJD chief Lalu Prasad, RLD chief Ajit Singh and some others. Pointing out the presence of Mulayam and state party president Shivpal Yadav at the yatra flag-off, Akhilesh said, "Though (minister) Azam Khan and (expelled SP leader) Ramgopal Yadav, were not present today, their blessings are with me." On differences in the party, the chief minister said, "As yatra will continue, all differences will sink and all samajwadis will come togehter." "I am not angry with anyone and I think no one is angry with me too," Akhilesh said when asked about his strained relations with Shivpal. He also exuded confidence that the minority community would support the SP and help it come to power. The CM's wife, who was present with him in the 'rath', said Akhilesh who was labelled as a "trainee" has done tremendous work in the state. "If a 'trainee' CM could initiate a number of development projects, people should think what he could do when he becomes CM for the second time," she said, adding the support of youths for the yatra is "overwhelming". A day after the resignation of S Ramadorai as the Chairman of NSDC, the skill development body's board met and expressed "deep appreciation" for his immense contribution in nurturing the country's skill ecosystem for the last few years. The National Skill Development Corporation's (NSDC) Board also acknowledged his pro-active role in garnering industry support for the Skill India Mission and championing some key reforms which were vital for the sector, a release said. On Tuesday, Tata veteran S Ramadorai had put in his papers as Chairman of the government's skill development agencies - NSDA and NSDC - sparking speculation that he might be headed back to India's largest conglomerate. The NSDC board, which met yesterday, said: "During Ramadorai's chairmanship, NSDC registered an impressive growth by way of its Training Partners, Training Centres, Sector Skill Councils, occupation standards, training delivery and employment generation." The former Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) chief was appointed as the chairman of skill development agencies in May 2013 with a Cabinet rank. He is also the chairman of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and AirAsia India. His resignation triggered talk that he might be headed back to the Tata Group where a search committee is looking for a full-time Chairman after the board of Tata Sons ousted its first non-family chairman, Cyrus Mistry, last month. The NSDC Board also requested for his continued patronage for the Skill India Mission. Rohit Nandan, Vice-Chairman of the governing body and Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has been appointed interim head of the National Skill Development Agency till a full-time chairman is appointed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former union minister Pawan Kumar Bansal was among other Congress workers detained today while staging a protest march over the issue of One Rank One Pension (OROP). Led by local Congress president Pradeep Chhabra the protesters were moving from the party office here when police took them into preventive custody. Earlier, the protesters paid glowing tributes to Ram Kishan Grewal, a 70-year-old former soldier, who allegedly committed suicide in the national capital yesterday on the issue of OROP. Bansal said the Congress also condemned the way party vice president Rahul Gandhi was detained by Delhi Police yesterday when he was on his way to the hospital. "It amount to muzzling the voice of people in a democracy," Bansal and Chhabra said while referring to the detention of Rahul and other party workers yesterday. Local Congress workers, who termed their march as 'Jagriti' (awareness) protest, asserted the Modi government should implement OROP with immediate effect. Chhabra said, "Some 200 peaceful protesting party workers were detained by police." However, later the detained Congress workers were released. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan today briefed ambassadors of Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) countries about the situation in Kashmir, appealing them to condemn alleged human rights violations in the Valley and play an effective role to resolve the issue. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM), Syed Tariq Fatemi, briefed OIC Ambassadors about the latest situation in Kashmir. The Foreign Office, in a statement, said that Fatemi briefed them about the alleged human rights violations being committed by the Indian forces in the Valley. He urged the OIC countries to condemn the "brutalities" in Kashmir and play an effective role to resolve the issue. He referred to Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir as the "oldest unresolved disputes" on the agenda of the UN Security Council. He called for vigorous efforts for the resolution of both these disputes, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions. The SAPM alleged that India has "deliberately escalated tension" on the border to divert international attention away from "human rights violations" in Kashmir. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan today named eight Indian High Commission officials alleging that they were members of Indian intelligence agencies and involved in "subversive activities", in the latest tit-for-tat action amid raging Indo-Pak tensions. Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria read out a statement at his weekly briefing saying that a number of Indian diplomats and staffers were involved in "coordinating terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan under the garb of diplomatic assignments". "Their names and designations are: Research and Analysis Wing's operatives -- RAW's station chief Anurag Singh, first secretary Commercial; Commercial Counsellor Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri; Amerdeep Singh Bhatti, attache visa; Dharmendra Sodhi, staff; Vijay Kumar Verma, staff; and Madhavan Nanda Kumar, staff," he said. "Indian Intelligence Bureau's operatives are Balbir Singh, first secretary press and information and IB station chief and Jayabalan Senthil, assistant personnel welfare officer," Zakaria said. He claimed that Surjeet Singh, who was declared persona non-grata by Pakistan a few days back, was also an IB operative. Surjeet was using a fake identity pretending to be telecom company Warid's employee, he claimed. Pakistan had declared Surjeet persona non-grata after India's action against Pakistan High Commission official Mehmood Akhtar following Indian police's busting of an ISI-run spy ring. "We are disappointed that India has not only been found involved in promoting terrorist activities and terror financing as was disclosed by Kulbhushan Jadhav and further confirmed by the statements at the highest political level on August 15 and earlier during (Prime Minister Narendra Modi's) visit to Dhaka, but India has also been using its diplomatic mission for its nefarious designs," he alleged. Zakaria claimed that the High Commission officials were involved in "espionage, subversion and supporting terrorist activities in Balochistan and Sindh, especially Karachi, sabotaging China Pakistan Economic Corridor, and fuelling instability in the two provinces." The officials also were damaging Pakistan-Afghanistan relations with a variety of activities, Zakaria alleged. He claimed that the officials also handled factions of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), instigated religious minorities, fuelled sectarianism and maligned Pakistan with propaganda on human rights issues. Zakaria also accused India of violating the diplomatic norms and code of conduct of maintaining relations between two sovereign states. Zakaria claimed that Indian security agencies knew that Akhtar was a High Commission official but they chose to violate the Vienna convention. He alleged that India deliberately released the names of six other Pakistani diplomats falsely accusing them, which endangered their and their families' lives. "Consequently, we had to recall them for their safety. These highly regrettable acts were also part of their desperation to divert world's attention from atrocities" in Kashmir, he claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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. . ..Opinion/JPost..31 October '16..Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus upcoming trips to Australia, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan might be the most significant diplomatic visits he makes in his tenure in office. The trips will take place against the backdrop of two major international shifts that cast Israel into uncharted waters as a small state with a dizzying array of strategic threats arrayed against it. The states that he will visit are all well-positioned to help Israel navigate its next moves.The first shift is the USs political crackup.Next week American voters will choose their next president. The major candidates, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump, are the weakest candidates to have ever stood for the highest office in the land. Their rise is a testament to the weakening, if not the unraveling of the glue that has held America together since the Civil War.The unraveling of the US electorate comes against the backdrop of the diminution of US military power. The USs multi-trillion dollar investment in inconclusive if not failed wars in the Middle East over the past 15 years has come at the expense of military modernization. The F-35 program has sucked up the majority of the remaining research and development funds.And it has yet to produce a reliable airplane.Worse, the F-35s long and problematic gestation period has given Russia and China the time and opportunity to develop air defense systems capable of neutralizing the F-35s stealth systems.Those systems were supposed to be its chief advantage as the next generation fighter for the US and its allies.The deterioration of the USs military capabilities has gone hand in hand with the USs apparent loss of strategic rationality.This is apparent worldwide, but is nowhere more obvious than in the Middle East.President Barack Obamas decision to effectively abandon the USs major allies in the Middle East in favor of cultivating ties with Iran has made the region far more dangerous to the US and its spurned allies than it was eight years ago.True, in theory, Obamas decision to prefer the Shiites to the Sunnis makes sense given the totalitarian and imperial nature of Sunni jihadism. But in light of the genocidal, totalitarian and imperial nature of the current Iranian regime, his move made no sense and its impact has been massively destructive.Moreover, Obamas willingness to rack up the USs national debt in an unprecedented manner and repress economic growth through overregulation has left a large question mark over the possibility of a military buildup.In other words, even under the best circumstances, it is hard to imagine that the US will be capable of reestablishing its global primacy over the next four years or even over the next decade.The implications for Israel are far reaching. For decades, Israels strategic posture has been predicated on its ability to depend on US power. This strategic posture is no longer tenable.The second major international shift is Russias sudden rise as the primary global power in the Middle East. As Channel 2 reported Sunday night, Russia has deployed sophisticated naval and air systems in the region that can detect all of Israels air and naval operations. In a matter of months, Israel has lost the air and naval supremacy it has enjoyed for the past four decades.The air force reportedly is convinced that the F-35s stealth systems will be able to neutralize Russias detection capabilities.But given the well-documented current problems with the F-35s stealth systems, this conviction is unwise. And even under the best circumstances, in which Israel has the opportunity to develop its own electronic warfare systems and apply them to its F-35 without American interference, it will take Israel years to surmount the challenge that rapidly improving Russian systems present to our air force.According to Channel 2s report, air force and naval commanders are in a panic over the sudden turn of events.Rather than panicking though, Israel needs to roll with the punches and figure out how best to cope with this new situation. The obvious answer is that we need to quickly expand our capabilities in areas that Russias military primacy does not reach.Specifically, Israel needs to expand massively its capacity for under-the-radar operations. The first area that needs to be massively strengthened is our intelligence capabilities, particularly human intelligence capabilities. Israel should be investing massively in developing and expanding our cultivation and direction of proxies on the ground throughout the region.Second, Israel needs to adapt its cyber technology capabilities in a manner that diminishes our enemies ability to strike us. Israel needs to be able to disrupt and disable command and control and other systems. Israels reach needs to extend as low down the line of its enemies military chain of command as possible.If our offensive capabilities are being checked, so must the capabilities of our enemies.Indeed, our enemies need to be subverted.Part of the intelligence and cyber capabilities that Israel must develop and deploy must be geared toward destabilizing with the goal of overthrowing the regime in Iran. At the same time, Israel should be empowering anti-regime sectors in Iran in a manner that expands the prospect of developing close ties with a successor regime along the lines of the strategic alliance Israel built with the regime of the shah in the decades which preceded the 1979 Islamic revolution.Third, Israel needs to expand and diversify the capabilities of our ground forces. Israel needs to be capable of using new means to deploy its fighters at home and on distant shores. It needs to align its both its special and regular forces with the new threat environment. And it needs to be able to utilize its ground forces in manners that can extend the reach and diminish the compromised positions of its air and naval assets in the era of Russian regional primacy.Fourth, Israel needs to expand its economic growth and diversify its economic ties in a manner that positions it as a regional economic power. It needs to use it natural gas resources specifically as a means to expand and deepen its ties with Asia. Such economic growth and power will positively influence Russias willingness to allow Israel to carry out air and naval operations against its enemies and Russias allies in Lebanon, Syria and beyond. In other words, the more economically powerful Israel is, the more Russia will be willing to side with Israel against Hezbollah and others that are currently operating under the Russian umbrella.This then brings us to Netanyahus upcoming trips. Each state that he will visit has something to offer Israel in expanding its intelligence, cyberwarfare and economic capabilities. Australia, a major Western economy, is moving toward China as America has become less engaged in the Pacific. Israel has an acute interest in using Australia as a platform for expanding its ties to China and other Asian countries, both because of the economic advantages such ties convey and due to Chinas strategic importance to Russia.As for Singapore, Israel effectively built the Singaporean military in the 1960s and 1970s. The country remains extremely supportive of Israel. Like Australia, Singapore has close ties to China.It has technological and other capabilities that can be extremely advantageous for Israel today.Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are critically important to Israel today. Their strategic proximity to Iran, and their ties to Russia, along with their ethnic composition and their natural resources make securing good relations with both critical to Israels ability to advance and security its strategic interests in every sphere.Israel has tremendous assets to offer each of the four countries that Netanyahu will visit. These assets must be deployed wisely to ensure that Israel gains as much as possible from his trip and from its future ties with all of them.Given the dramatic changes in the global power balance, and their implications for Israel, Netanyahus decision to fly to visit these four countries just after the US elections tells us that he gets it. At a time of regional and global turbulence and uncertainty, in the context of swiftly multiplying threats, this is no small matter. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said Pakistan is waging a proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir but the neighbouring country will be given a befitting reply. "Pakistan has always been trying to occupy Jammu and Kashmir, and we consider this land (Jammu and Kashmir) and its people as our integral part. "After facing defeat in face-to-face battles, Pakistan is now engaging in a proxy war on this paradise on the earth. They also targetted others parts of the country. Our soldiers are fighting this battle professionally," Parikkar, who was on a two-day visit to Kashmir, said at a function here. The Defence Minister, accompanied by Army Chief General Dalbir Singh, was here to pay homage to Major Somnath Sharma, the first Param Vir Chakra awardee of independent India and other soldiers who laid down their lives while pushing back an offensive by Pakistani raiders to control Srinagar Airport in 1947. "On this occasion, let us renew the pledge to give fitting reply to the proxy war and end terrorism here," Parikkar said addressing a gathering of ex-servicemen. The Defence Minister said Pakistan was trying to mislead its own people and the people of Kashmir. "There is a popularly elected government here which is for the benefit of the Kashmiri people and take them on the path of development". He said misguided youth are today hitting at Kashmiriyat and destorying the future of Kashmiri children by burning down schools. "The schools are important as the knowledge gained there will stay with the children forever. Wealth can end but not knowledge," he said. Parikkar said he has told the army officers to look into the issue, but the pressure should also come from the villages for saving the schools. "For the last four months, many anti-social elements sponsored by Pakistan--who have nothing to do with the peace-loving people of Kashmir--have dealt a blow to the economy of Kashmir," he said. Parrikar said the state had tremendous economic potential, especially in Information Technology and tourism sectors. "Yesterday, I went to Uri and I saw the tin-roofs over the houses. This state has the economic potential that these tin-roofs can be gold-plated if not made of gold. For that we need peace. There is huge potential in IT and tourism. "The natural beauty of Kashmir is unparalleled, though as a Goan, I will always say Goa is a little more beuatiful," he added. He appealed to people of Jammu and Kashmir to give up the path of violence and contribute in nation building process. Paying tributes to Major Somnath and other soldiers, Parrikar said it is a matter of pride that he has been able to come to Budgam. "Here our brave soldiers fought valiantly and made the supreme sacrifice. I am excited to see such a large number of ex-servicemen from the valley here who have fought shoulder-to -shoulder with their countrymen for upholding the unity and integrity of the country. "Today we are paying homage to Major Somnath Sharma, the first Param Vir Chakra awardee, and other soldiers who attained martyrdom in 1947. I pay tributes on behalf of entire nation to the martyrs. It is because of the sacrifices of these martyrs and others after them that we are able to hold our heads high with pride and live in this paradise on earth," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian Consulate in Shanghai celebrated the 141st Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel at Shanghai University, highlighting the "pivotal role" played by him in India's independence movement. Floral tributes were paid to Patel at the event orgainsed yesterday by the Indian Consulate in Shanghai and Consul General Prakash Gupta addressed the gathering highlighting the pivotal role played by him in the independence movement. Bio-profile of Patel, translated in Chines, was distributed amongst all the Chinese students who attended the event, a statement of the consulate said today. A cultural dance performance titled 'Rhythm of Rajasthan' was also organised at the Shanghai University on the occasion. It featured a troupe of Rajasthani Kalbelia dancers, who had been sponsored by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Students of Shanghai University have been requested to contribute their views on Patel using social media platforms and in the form of essays which would be subsequently posted on the Consulate General of India Shanghai's website, it said. The Indian government had last year declared Sardar Patel Jayanti Day on October 31 as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' (national unification day), with an accompanying 'Ekta Diwas' pledge. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is being marked across India and among the Indian diaspora population around the world. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following the recent death of an 18-month-old Humboldt penguin in Mumbai zoo, the civic body has forfeited Rs 1.40 crore deposit of the contractor responsible for construction of the bird's enclosure. In another development, the Central Zoo Authority has written to Byculla zoo officials seeking a status report on the seven remaining penguins in the zoo. A senior official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation informed about this decision during a meeting of the standing committee of the house yesterday and said the decision to forfeit the deposit was taken last week. BMC's Additional Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Deshmukh, who presided over the meeting, informed the house saying, "We have come to know that there have been issues in the joint venture between the contractor - Highway Construction company - and SIVAT services." SIVAT is an expert in aquatic life support system. BMC had a contract with Highway Construction, which claimed to have a joint venture with SIVAT. "For constructing a penguin enclosure, we had awarded a contract to Highway Construction company, which claimed to have forged a venture with SIVAT services. But, in our inquiry we found that there was no such joint venture and therefore, we decided to forfeit the deposit (of the construction company)," a civic official said. Eight Humboldt penguins were brought from South Korea to the Byculla zoo here in July this year and the procuring agency was responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of these aquatic flightless birds for the first three months. However, one penguin died on October 23 of bacterial infection and liver dysfunction. Meanwhile, in a fresh development, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), the Central government body that regulates and oversees the functioning of zoos in the country, has written to Byculla Zoo authorities and asked for a status report on the seven remaining penguins in the zoo. Confirming the move, Byculla zoo director Sanjay Tripathi said, "We have received a correspondence from CZA and would submit the report soon." He also said that the zoo administration has not received the detailed postmortem report from the Bombay Veterinary college, and that they were following the same. Notably, MNS corporator Sandeep Deshpande had earlier written to Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta demanding that the remaining seven Humboldts be immediately sent back to ensure their survival. Humboldt Penguins can only thrive in cold climate and MNS and environmentalists had been protesting against acquiring such exotic creatures right from the beginning. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian-American Peter Jacob, running for the US Congress from New Jersey, has received USD 70,000 in donations after former White House aspirant Bernie Sanders made a last minute fund-raising pitch for him. "In the time since the email went out, we have raised over USD70,000! Even more amazing, every single dollar that has come from that email is from small, personal donors, just like you," Jacob said in an email to his supporters. "This goes to show that it is completely possible to run a campaign and raise the funds you need without bowing to special interests or lobbyists," he said. The email for fund raising was sent by 'Friends of Bernie Sanders', which is the principle Senatorial campaign committee for Senator Bernie Sanders. "Peter Jacob is taking on a Republican incumbent that virtually everyone called unbeatable. He is a progressive who worked as part of Bernie's campaign for president. His latest poll has him tied," the email said. "Three races for Congress that were initially dismissed by the political establishment are virtually tied according to the last polls released. "If you contribute today, you can help Zephyr Teachout, Peter Jacob, and Nanette Barragan break their ties and win on Tuesday," the email reads. Josh Levin, campaign manager of Peter Jacob for Congress, expressed his surprise at the sudden influx of donations. "This just proves that Peter's strong stance for campaign finance reform; getting corporate money out of politics and relying on the power of the people of this country is shared by more than just the majority of this district; the whole country wants to see an end of government corruption," he said. A former social worker, 31-year-old Jacob has consistently campaigned to put "People Over Politics" by prioritising the concerns and needs of people over those of large corporations and career politicians. The seventh Congressional district in New Jersey, which is home to inventor Thomas Alva Edison, prominent among which include electric light, has been a Republican fortress for the past several decades. While the Indian American constitute just one per cent of the total voters here, Asian American accounts for 10 per cent. After attending Union County College in New Jersey, Jacob continued his undergraduate studies in Sociology at Kean University. Soon after, Peter studied at Washington University in St Louis, earning a Master degree in Social Work from a top-ranked program in the nation. During his undergraduate and graduate years, Peter was a student activist and a leader. He worked with the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW), the YWCA, and the International Institute. Through these and other community organisations, he helped fight the ongoing scourges of child abuse, human trafficking, and Iraq War. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leaders, led by PCC Chief Sachin Pilot, today courted arrest during a protest against the detention of party vice president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi when he was trying to meet the family members of army veteran Ram Kishan Grewal who allegedly committed suicide over One Rank One Pension issue. Congress leaders and workers held a demonstration at the Collectorate circle here during which Pilot accused the BJP-led NDA government of "misusing the machinery" and termed as "murder of the democracy" the detention of Gandhi. A senior police official said 21 Congress leaders courted arrest. "21 Congress leaders, including Pilot, courted arrest," DCP (West) Ashok Gupta said. Apart from Pilot, former Chief minister Ashok Gehlot, former PCC chief Chandrabhan, former Union minister Namonarain Meena were also present during the protest. "The BJP government had murdered the democracy by detaining Rahul Gandhi yesterday. The government misused the police and administration," Pilot said, addressing the workers during the demonstration. Terming as "unfortunate" the army veteran ending his life, he said "it shows the apathy of the government, which is ignoring the demands of the defence personnel." He also accused the central government of taking "political advantage of the surgical strikes". The PCC chief said visiting the grieving family was not a crime but the government acted against the spirit of the Constitution by detaining Gandhi, and demanded an apology. Former Chief minister Ashok Gehlot said the incident has exposed the "fascist" character of the BJP government at the Centre and alleged it has misused police and administration against the Opposition leaders. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As he prepares to visit Japan next week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today pitched for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of disaster risk reduction and disaster management. He made the comments while receiving a delegation of Japanese Parliamentarians here. The Prime Minister recalled his interaction with the Japan-India Parliamentarians' Friendship League in September and welcomed increased interaction between the legislatures of both countries, the PMO said in a statement. Modi also called for strengthening exchanges between State-level legislatures, it added. The Prime Minister also said he is looking forward to his visit to Japan next week. Modi will be undertaking a two-day visit to Japan from November 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Renowned Urdu poet said Prime Minister Narendra Modi could "feel the pain" of Dalits but was "unable to hear the outcry" of Muslims. "Our Prime Minister can see as well as feel the pain of Dalits. But he is unable to hear and feel the outcry of Muslims, who are living in extreme and pitiable condition," he said. The poet through his 'shayaris' (couplets), yesterday, at the All India Mushayare here urged for amicable relationships between India and Pakistan. "There should be cultural exchanges. We must allow Pakistani artistes to at least perform in India. Let us keep our hopes alive for amicable relationship between the two countries," he said indicating at the tensions on the Indo-Pak border. "The Indian Army should be kept separate from politics. The Army should not be used for political gains," he demanded. Expressing his views on police encounters, he said, "Most are fake, only in rare cases these encounters are genuine." "Earlier the police charged innocent people with possessing illegal weapons, possessing narcotics or intoxicants. Now they are being framed for spreading terrorism," he alleged in the backdrop of the recent encounter of eight SIMI activists in Bhopal. Rana said he still stood-by his words on not accepting any "awards or recognition from the government". "Returning awards over rising intolerance in the country was the right decision by Indian writers, poets and academicians," he said. With the arrest of five alleged stone-pelters, police today claimed to have solved a case of burning down of a government school in Kashmir which has witnessed a series of incidents in which the educational institutes were set ablaze over the last few months. Five youth allegedly involved in setting ablaze a government middle school at Tapper village of Pattan, about 30 kms from here, on Srinagar-Baramulla national highway were arrested while search is on for their two other associates, a police spokesman said. He said the school building was set ablaze in the wee hours of October 27. "During the investigation it surfaced that the conspiracy regarding the incident was hatched at the medical shop of one Ajaz Ahmad Parra, the spokesman said. "Ajaz Parra along with Omar Parra alias 'Omar Kasaie', Shabir Pandit alias 'Bulbul' and Bashir Ahmad Hajam were involved in the conspiracy aimed at creating an atmosphere of fear and to ensure that schools continue to remain closed," the spokesman said. He said they had arranged petrol, stored it in plastic bottles and gave the same to Naveed Ahmad alias 'Naba Tension', Adil Ahmad Parra and Usman alias 'Babloo' - all residents of Tapper, "executed their plan and set the school building on fire" at around 1.30 am. "These individuals, who are known stone pelters and are wanted in many stone-pelting cases, had kept some of the petrol bottles in an apple orchard for creating the panic in future by burning the vehicles and other government buildings," the spokesman said. Except Naveed and Usman, all the accused were arrested and at their instance some petrol bottles were recoverd from an apple orchard near Tapper, the spokesman said, adding efforts are on to nab the absconding persons. Kashmir has witnessed a series of incidents in which schools were mysteriously burnt down over the last few months. Jammu and High Court took suo motu cognizance of this trend and asked the state government to take steps to prevent such incidents and "unmask" to culprits. In a separate incident, the spokesman said police intercepted a Jammu-bound vehicle at Kaichechkoot near Awantipora, 32 kms from here, and arrested three "notorious" stone pelters. The search of the vehicle, which was carrying apples outside the valley, led to the recovery of 3.54 quintals of 'Fuki', a narcotics substance, which was concealed in 40 fruit boxes, the spokesman said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Power Grid Corporation will electrify 761 km of rail lines in the country at a cost of Rs 888.96 crore as part of Indian Railways' plan to energise 24,000 km track in the next five years. "The Ministry of Railways has allotted 761 kms of railway route electrification work at cost of Rs 888.96 crore to Power Grid Corp (PGCIL)," a senior official told PTI. The letter of allotment was handed over to the power ministry Joint Secretary (transmission) Jyoti Arora and PGCIL Director Ravi P Singh by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu during the international conference on Decarbonization of India Railways - Mission Electrification held in the capital, the official said. Among the four stretches to be electrified by PGCIL are Pune-Miraj-Kolhapur 326 km at a cost of Rs 513.07 crore, Chhindwara-Nainpur-Mandla Fort 183 km at Rs 90.71 crore, Londa-Miraj 189 km at Rs 208.15 crore and Mansi-Sahrsa-Dauram Madhepura 63 km at Rs 77.03 crore. The electrification project will help the government cut down crude import and also ensure faster movement of trains on these tracks. At present, around 35,000 km of rail track remains unelectrified. The electrification of tracks is expected to help the Railways save around Rs 10,000 crore annually. Indian Railways consumes around 2.8 billion litres of diesel annually, at a cost of around Rs 18,000 crore -- nearly 18 per cent of its working expenses. Earlier this year, Power Minister Piyush Goyal had talked about the government's plans to rope in PGCIL for meeting the tall order of electrifying 35,000 km of tracks. Goyal had also said PGCIL would do a pilot of 1,000 km to assess its capability. Indian Railways has planned to electrify 24,000 km of rail track in the next five years to reduce dependence of fossil fuel. According to the minister, the electrification of entire rail tracks in the country will lead to power consumption going up by 7 billion units. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today sought to reignite a debate on simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and Assemblies as he felt that political parties privately favour the idea but are tentative in public. Speaking at a 'Diwali milan' for journalists organised at the BJP headquarters, he said he had spoken about the matter earlier as well but a discussion over it had come to a stop. "It is imperative to decide whether such an exercise is feasible or not," Modi said. A decision in this regard cannot be imposed by the government, he insisted, adding that it was necessary to give an impetus to a discussion. "Debate in social life has come to a still. It will be good if the media does something. For example there is this issue of holding the Lok Sabha and assembly polls simultaneously. All political parties privately tell me that something should be done about this continuous process of elections. "I spoke about it but noted that some political parties are tentative in speaking strongly about it. The Election Commission wants good senior officers as observers and they are roped in the electoral process involving other states. It also results in economic burden. Nobody can impose it. It should not be imposed," Modi said. Whether this is a doable exercise should be discussed, he said. Even if this is not, it should be decided but there must be a discussion, he added. The Prime Minister also praised the media for contributing constructively to public causes and cited the example 'Swachh Bharat' scheme. Cleanliness never received a due place in our society, he said, adding that now states are competing in this regard. Three states have been declared open defecation free and he would like to praise the media's contribution in this regard, Modi said. Earlier, BJP President Amit Shah said the country had developed on all fronts under Modi and the doubt that existed about over its prospects in 2014 have gone away. "Nobody in the world has a doubt about India being the leading countries in the world," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said only one lakh ex-servicemen were facing problem in getting pension as per One Rank One Pension scheme and it will be resolved within two months. "Only one lakh ex-servicemen (out of over 20 lakh) are not getting pension as per OROP scheme due to some technical difficulty or documentation problems. We will resolve these problems in coming two months," he said addressing army veterans here. The Defence Minister, accompanied by Army Chief General Dalbir Singh, was here to pay homage to Major Somnath Sharma, the first Param Vir Chakra awardee of independent India, and other soldiers who laid down their lives while pushing back an offensive by Pakistani raiders to control Srinagar Airport in 1947. Parrikar said the government is sensitive to OROP issue as it was not implemented for the past 43 years. "We did it. Every year Rs 7,500 crore (will be incurred) and Rs 11,000 crore arrears have been paid. There has been 23 to 24 per cent average increase in pension," he added. After interacting and listening to the problems of the ex-servicemen, Parikkar assure them that their grievances would be resolved. "Whatever (problems) has been conveyed to me today will be resolved by the time I come again. Today, I was given 10 minutes for an interaction with you but I extended it to 40 minutes. Next time, I will spend half a day with you," he said, adding he will make all efforts to resolve the problmes of the ex-servicemen. "Several of these (problems) will be resolved at the local level. I know that the reservation (benefits) and facilities of the state government have not been fully extended to you. "I will seek a report from the state government on this issue. The facilities of central government will also be extended to you. I will look into it. I will find solution to the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) problem also," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A proposed UN resolution would demand that all parties in Yemen immediately honor an April cease-fire and resume peace negotiations. The draft Security Council resolution, obtained yesterday by The Associated Press, also calls for transparent and timely investigations of alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and accountability for those responsible for violations and abuses. Britain's UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said Tuesday he expects to circulate the draft to the council "in the coming days." It was first published by Inner City Press. The UN special envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, has drafted a roadmap covering political and security issues. It was immediately rejected by President Abed-Rabbo Mansour Hadi of Yemen's internationally recognized government who would lose power under its provisions. "We hope he will now receive it, and engage on it in good faith," Rycroft told the council during a meeting on Yemen on Monday, adding that all parties should "return to negotiations on the basis of the roadmap and in a spirit of compromise." Yemen, on the southern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, has been in the midst of a civil war since September 2014 when Shiite Houthi rebels swept into the capital of Sanaa and overthrew Hadi's government. In March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition of Arab countries began a military campaign against Houthi forces, saying its mission served in part as a counterbalance to Iran's influence with the Houthis following its nuclear deal with world powers. The Saudi-led campaign initially had the logistical and intelligence support of the U.S., but mounting civilian casualties from its airstrikes led to America pulling back, especially after a Saudi strike last month on a funeral in Sanaa killed some 140 people and wounded over 600. UN diplomats have stressed that to end the war, both sides need to agree to power-sharing and a new government. US Ambassador Samantha Power told the council Monday that "the roadmap addresses the concerns of the Yemeni government about sequenced withdrawals from the key cities of Sanaa, Taiz and Hodeidah." She said it also addresses concerns of Houthis and their allies about the transition of executive authority. "The roadmap is a basis for a negotiation it is not a take-it-or-leave-it proposition," Power said. "Now is not the time for any of the parties to hedge, stall, or add new conditions. The parties should engage with the special envoy immediately to hammer out the details of a final agreement." Whether that happens remains to be seen. UN diplomats said Britain worked with the United States, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in drafting the resolution. The Saudis support the roadmap and are trying to get Hadi to accept it, the diplomats said, speaking on condition of anonymity because consultations have been private. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a noble gesture, a 73-year-old retired cotton expert has pledged to give away his entire wealth to nation for the welfare of armed forces and farmers by executing a joint will with his wife. "I and my wife are delighted that we have finally executed the will. As per our will, the 30 per cent share of the wealth will go to Prime Minister's Relief Fund, 30 per cent will got to Chief Minister's Relief Fund, 30 per cent will go to armed forces and remaining 10 per cent to five NGOs, who are doing good work in society," Prakash Kelkar, who had worked as a cotton expert in several multi-national companies before retiring, said today. The septuagenarian, who has been doing philanthropic activities post retirement, said he has mentioned in the will that his total wealth should be utilised for welfare of soldiers, their families, farmers and victims of natural as well as other calamities. He said the thought about making such a will came to his mind in 2013. "Post retirement, I and my wife, Deepa decided to give away total earnings to nation and started researching about the procedure. We even interacted with PMO, Finance Ministry and Defense Ministry and finally executed the will with the help of a nationalised bank," he said. Kelkar said his decision has been supported by his two daughters, who are well-settled. "I and my wife both are also artistes and have been working for society. Last year, we had selected 40 widows of farmers, who had committed suicide across the state and helped them monetarily," he added. Besides doing social works, Kelkar has been helping police in maintaining traffic in the city. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Even as all educational institutions continue to remain shut owing to the 118-day long ongoing unrest in the Valley, the private school authorities are flashing messages to parents asking them to deposit the fees of their wards of the closed period. Most of the schools are charging full tuition fee from the students for the unrest period, besides 50 per cent bus fee charges for each month and are asking parents to deposit the school fees of their wards before the end of this month, which marks the culmination of the academic year in the Valley. The attempt has drawn criticism from the parents who demand waiver of the fee since their wards could not attend the schools for about past four months. Noisy scenes were witnessed at the premises of DPS Budgam, a leading school in private sector, in central Kashmir today after a large number of parents objected to the directive of the school authorities. "It is unethical and immoral. There is no logic in seeking the fee for the closed period at a time when the life has paralysed in the Valley," an agitated parent said. Sensing trouble, the school authorities closed the fee counters and decided to hold a parent-management meet on Monday to sort out the issue. The academic year ends in November in Kashmir and the school authorities used to clear the accounts before the start of the next session which is followed by three-month long winter vacation staring next month. Most of the schools used to charge the tuition fee for the winter months but wave off the bus fee. "We never sought waiver of the tuition fee for the winter months since we know the school management has to pay the staff. But this time around, every sphere of life has been affected due to the prevailing situation and it is not possible for an ordinary person to deposit the fee," another parent said. Earlier, chairman of hardline Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Geelani had appealed to the management of all private schools to allow 50 per cent fee concession to the students in view of the prevailing situation. "Under the prevailing situation, it is the duty of the people to help and provide comfort and concession to one another," Geelani had said in a statement last month. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after the Maharashtra government suspended the no-confidence motion against the Commissioner of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Tukaram Mundhe, the Shiv Sena urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to reconsider the decision. "Devendra Fadnavis should reconsider the decision," Shiv Sena spokesperson Arvind Sawant told reporters here when asked about the issue. "Sentiments of elected representatives should be honoured," said Sawant, a MP from Mumbai South constituency. Yesterday, throwing his weight behind Mundhe, Fadnavis had suspended the no-confidence motion passed by the NCP-ruled body against the IAS officer popular among the public for his firm stand against illegal constructions. The motion, passed 105 to 6 on October 25, was sent to the Urban Development department headed by Fadnavis. While BJP corporators had opposed the motion, its ally in the Maharashtra government Shiv Sena had joined hands with NCP and Congress and supported it. The development was also viewed as a snub to Sena which had voted against the officer. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The West Bengal government has been able to protect the interest of common man of the state atleast from electricity tariff shock. In the CESC command area of Kolkata and Howrah, the average tariff rise for 2016-17 year will be just four paisa per unit against earlier proposed rise of 38 paisa was allowed over 2015-16 when average tariff was Rs 6.98 per unit. While, in the state under West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company command area as the tariff remains unchanged at Rs 6.89 per unit. "In case of CESC, as per previous multi-year tariff order the rise offered was 38 paisa over 2015-16 average tariff of Rs 6.98 paisa per unit. But, we have finally allowed just a hike of four paisa per unit," West Bengal State Electrcity Regulatory Commission chairman R N Sen told PTI. Acording to sources, WBERC has reviewed the tariff for 2016-17 with extreme caution in wake of West Bengal chief minister's desire to protect the common man from higher power tariff. The state government is also offering subsidy for all consumers upto 200 units per month when last round of tariff was raised for WBSEDCL consumers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A senior functionary of Kerala-based Popular Front of India (PFI) has been arrested in connection with the recent murder of an RSS worker here. Azim Sheriff, PFI Bengaluru president, wasarrested last night, police said. 35-year-old RSS worker Rudresh was hacked to deathby two motorcycle-borne men on Kamaraja Road on October 16,when he was with his friends after attending a Sangh event. Police on October 27 had arrested four persons in connection with the incident. They said that Sheriff's name was spilled by the four persons, who were arrested earlier, in the case. PFI, a confederation of Muslim organizations, has condemned the arrest of Sheriff alleging that police have acted under pressure. "The murder which took place because of local or personal reasons is being linked to the organisation," PFI General Secretary Yasir Hasan told reporters here. He alleged that even beforepolice started investigating the murder, BJP leaders started linking Popular Front to the incident. Accusing BJP of "trying to mislead the police investigation", Hasan said, "Police without any reason are trying to fix our district President under pressure from BJP." Noting that this was not the first time such baseless allegations were levelled against PFI, he said wheneverthe murder of any Sangh parivar member takes place in Karnataka,BJP or RSS blame the organisation without any investigation. BJP, which staged protests over the incident, had blamed the "unholy nexus" of Jihadists andMarxists for the killing. The saffron party had also alleged PFI's role in the murder. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A snowballing political scandal moved closer to embattled South Korean President Park Geun-Hye today, with her newly nominated prime minister warning she could face a probe, hours after prosecutors detained a former presidential aide. Ahn Jong-Beom was taken into custody late yesterday over suspicions he helped Park's friend Choi Soon-Sil coerce companies into donating large sums to dubious non-profit foundations that she then used for personal gains, Yonhap said. Ahn, who was dismissed on Sunday, is the second person to be taken into emergency detention after Choi was held Monday for questioning in the influence-peddling scandal. Park is scrambling to deflect rising public anger over suggestions that Choi - the daughter of a shadowy religious figure - vetted presidential speeches, had access to classified documents, and used her influence for personal enrichment. "Everyone including the president is equal before the law," new prime minister nominee Kim Byong-Joon declared at a press conference. "My position is that it is (legally) possible to interrogate and investigate" a sitting president, he said. Under South Korea's constitution, the incumbent president may not be charged with a criminal offence except insurrection or treason. But many argue the sitting president can be probed by prosecutors and then charged after leaving office. Justice Minister Kim Hyun-Woong also told parliament today that prosecutors could question Park, if the ongoing investigation required it. The probe also targets firms - including Samsung and SK - that offered donations to foundations favoured by Choi, and a Samsung executive was questioned by prosecutors today, Yonhap added. Samsung - by far the South's largest business conglomerate - also faces allegations that it separately offered millions of euros to Choi to bankroll her daughter's equestrian training in Germany. The scandal has shaken the presidency, exposing Park to public outrage and ridicule and, with just over a year left in office, seen her approval ratings plunge into single digits. In an effort to deflect rising public criticism, Park had been urged to create a neutral cabinet by bringing in members from outside her ruling conservative Saenuri Party. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Shiromani Akali Dal MP Varinder Singh Bajwa and Aam Aadmi Party leader Harvinder Pal Singh were among those who joined the Punjab unit of Congress here today. Former Rajya Sabha member Bajwa, who resigned as the member of SAD political affairs committee, and AAP's convener from Shri Hargobindur joined Congress in the presence of party state chief Amarinder Singh. Amarinder, along with AICC General Secretary (Punjab Affairs) Asha Kumari, welcomed the new joinees to the party, describing the development as a sign of the complete loss of confidence by Akalis in the "corrupt" Badals and "disillusionment with the outsider" AAP. Alleging that SAD was being controlled by mafias, with no concern for the governance of Punjab, Bajwa said only Amarinder could lead the state out of the quagmire which it had been plunged into by the Badal government. Thanking Amarinder for welcoming him into the PPCC, Harvinder Pal Singh alleged that AAP had proved to be a sham, with its leadership only concerned with furthering their vested interests. He said he had joined AAP believing it to be an alternative to the other parties in Punjab but had soon found that it was a party of outsiders who had no understanding of problems of the people of the state. Having made a mess of Delhi since taking over its reins, AAP was now eyeing Punjab to promote its nefarious designs, Harvinder alleged. Another SAD leader to join PPCC was party general secretary Ram Parkash, brother of Kabir Das who recently left Punjab Congress to join the Akalis. Ram Parkash said he was completely disillusioned by SAD. Hardev Singh, member of SAD working committee as well as retired IAS officer TR Sarangal, were also welcomed by Amarinder and Kumari into the Congress fold, along with Harjinder Rehal, general secretary SAD Hoshiarpur. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court has stayed till further orders the execution of death sentence awarded to two convicts for murdering their brother and his entire family of seven, including three minors, in Jharkhand in 2007. A bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur granted liberty to the petitioners to amend the ground taken in the review petition within four weeks after the relevant records of trial court are received. "Needless to say that the execution of the death sentence awarded to the petitioners shall remain stayed pending further orders from this Court," the bench also comprising Justice R K Agrawal and Arun Mishra said. Senior advocate C U Singh appearing for petitioners said that trial court record, essential for disposal of the review petition, have to be summoned again as it has been sent back after the dismissal of the main appeal in 2014. Senior advocate A K Sinha, appearing for Jharkhand, did not oppose the prayer of petitioners after which the bench directed summoning of the trial court records. The bench posted the matter for further hearing on January 16 next year. The apex court had on October 9, 2014 upheld the death sentence awarded to Mofil Khan and Mobarak Khan and said that "the manner in which the crime was committed on the helpless members of a family including children of tender age and a child with locomotive disability and design of the accused- appellants to eliminate the whole family justifies the grant of death sentence". The court had said "the principle of proportionality of sentence" for the vile act of slaughtering eight lives, including four innocent minors and a physically infirm child, whereby an entire family was exterminated, "we cannot resist from concluding that the depravity of the appellant's offence would attract no lesser sentence than the death penalty". The trial court had awarded death sentence to both the accused and the Jharkhand High Court had upheld the sentence. On June 23, President Pranab Mukherjee had also rejected the mercy pleas of both Mofil and Mobarak. The duo had killed Haneef Khan with sharp-edged weapons while the latter was offering prayers at a mosque in Makandu village under Lohardaga district of Jharkhand. After killing him, they murdered his wife and his six sons. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fire tenders rushed to a south Kolkata school after receiving calls that a pungent smell was emanating from their campus, triggering possibility of a gas leak. Fire department officials said they got a call from Harrow Hall School complaining of a pungent smell in their campus after which two tenders were rushed to the spot. The school authorities had vacated the classrooms as a precautionary measure. However, Fire department personnel checked the campus but could not trace any smell or leakage. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi Police today opposed the bail plea of sacked Delhi minister Sandeep Kumar, arrested on alleged rape charges, telling a special court he was an influential person and could scuttle the investigation. The counsel for Kumar sought bail for his client on the ground that the investigation in the case was over and his custodial interrogation was no longer required. Special Judge Poonam Chaudhry, after hearing arguments of the defence counsel and police, reserved for November 7 order on Kumar's bail plea. The police also argued that the victim lived in the same constituency which Kumar represented and if he was released from jail, he might tamper with the evidence. Kumar sought the relief saying he has been in custody for nearly two months and his conduct since the lodging of FIR was good and "unquestionable" and he had himself surrendered before the police. Kumar, who was arrested on September 3, is currently in judicial custody since then. The court had earlier allowed his plea to be produced through video conferencing till filing of the charge sheet as he apprehended threat to life from his political opponents and other miscreants during transportation from jail to court. Kumar was arrested after a woman had 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 sacked from AAP government and the party on August 31 after the CD surfaced. He had defended himself saying he had been targeted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Kerala Government today made it clear that it would go ahead with the state's proposed dam project across Siruvani river after arriving at a consensus with neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made the remarks in the Assembly in the wake of the Centre withholding permission given to Kerala to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study for the project on the request of Tamil Nadu. Vijayan, while replying to a submission on the issue in the Assembly, said the project was significant for Kerala as it was envisaging finding a solution for the acute drinking water scarcity in Attappady region. He also confirmed that the state had received a letter from the Centre, with its decision to keep in abeyance the recommendations of an expert committee of Environment Ministry allowing Kerala to conduct EIA study for the dam. The Centre took the decision after the Tamil Nadu government had sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi objecting the project, he added. "The government's plan is to go ahead with the dam project. For this, we will try to arrive at a consensus with Tamil Nadu and the Centre," the chief minister said while replying to a submission raised by Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala. "The Attappady Irrigation project (as part of which the dam is proposed to be constructed), is envisaged for the irrigation in 4,900 hectares of agricultural land in Agali, Sholayur and Kottathara areas," Vijayan said. As Siruvani is a tributary of the Bhavanipuzha, which is a branch of Cauvery river, a consensus with neighbouring states was necessary for Kerala to implement the project, he said. Raising the submission on the issue, Chennithala said the Centre's decision to freeze permission for EIA study was an 'infringement' into the state's rights, which would destroy the federal system in the country. He maintained that the "proposed dam is within the boundary of of the state, which is also across a state river". About the apprehension of Tamil Nadu that the dam would cause water scarcity in its areas like Coimbatore and Tirupur, Chennithala said it would cause no harm to the neighbouring state. According to the Cauvery Tribunal verdict, Kerala has to receive over four TMC water, he said adding the state government should approach the Supreme Court to protect its interest, if necessary. Chennithala also alleged that the Centre had withheld permission for EIA study under pressure from Tamil Nadu, which was a clear neglect towards Kerala. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Skoda Auto, part of the Volkswagen Group, today launched a souped-up version of its most successful sedan the Rapid with new looks at a price range of Rs 8.34 lakh to Rs 12.78 lakh. The new Rapid, that has been contributing over 70 per cent of its volume, comes with 1.6 litre petrol and 1.5 diesel variants and also in automatic and manual transmissions. Sudhir Rao, chairman of Skoda India today said the company that has been facing a steep down-slide could arrest the fall and is on strong recovery path. He said he expects to sell 30-40 per cent more Rapids this year over around 11,000 units it sold last year. Rao also said the company has a target to sell 15,000 units this year and 20,000 units next year. "The new Rapid is an integral part of our model offensive strategy here," Rao said adding it contributes over 70 per cent of the volume. Without offering sales numbers for the year, he said, last month the company sold 1,500 units out of which only 300 were the Superb, which is its second best seller. Sales and marketing director Ashutosh Dixit said while the maximum focus will be Rapid, it will also focus on the Superb, the Octavia, and the Yeti. He said the company will add five more sales outlets next year to 70. The company said almost 40 per cent of the sales now are of petrol models. Since its entry 15 years ago, it could sell only 2,30,247 units. It has a manufacturing facility at Shendra near Aurangabad. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As the comes into force on Friday, India and other countries will display smiley with the slogan "we did it" on important buildings and monuments. In India, which ratified the historic agreement on 2 October, one side of the Environment Ministry's building will display the smiley through lights on Friday. The image will have the globe as the background of smiley. Along with the image, "Paris agreement - We did it - #SmileforthePlanet" will be displayed on one side of the building in the evening. "Since tomorrow is the coming into force of the Paris agreement, the Ministry will display a smiley (through light) on the building which will be there till 24 hours," Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave said. Senior officials of the Environment Ministry said that the image will be displayed in other parts of the world as well. In France, the image will be put up on the Eiffel Tower. "It is a global effort," a top official said. India ratified the Paris agreement on 2 October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Till now around 94 nations have ratified it out of 197 Parties to the Convention. The Paris agreement will enter into force on 4 November, 2016, thirty days after the date on which at least 55 Parties to the Convention accounting in total for at least an estimated 55 per cent of the total global greenhouse gas emissions have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with the depositary. The Paris Agreement was adopted on 12 December 2015 at the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Paris from 30 November to 13 December 2015. Smoking cigarettes may shorten the lifespan of people living with HIV more than the deadly virus itself, scientists including one of Indian origin have found. The study suggests that making smoking cessation a priority and finding effective ways to help people with HIV quit can significantly improve their lifespan. "Now that HIV-specific medicines are so effective against the virus itself, we also need to add other interventions that could improve and extend the lives of people with HIV," said Krishna P Reddy, of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Smoking is especially dangerous for people living with HIV, putting them at high risk for heart disease, cancer, serious lung diseases and other infections. Researchers used a computer simulation of HIV disease and treatment to project the life expectancy of people living with HIV based on their smoking status. For men and women with HIV who adhere well to HIV medicines, the study found that smoking reduces life expectancy by about twice as much as HIV. The study also accounts for higher rates of non-adherence to HIV drug regimens and lower retention in care, making the latest findings especially relevant for health care providers and patients in this country. Even when accounting for typical rates of treatment non-adherence and missed follow-up care, the study found that for men with HIV, the life expectancy loss associated with smoking was similar to that from HIV. "It is well-known that smoking is bad for health, but we demonstrate in this study just how bad it is," Reddy said. "We actually quantify the risk, and I think providing those numbers to patients can help put their own risks from smoking in perspective," he said. "A person with HIV who consistently takes HIV medicines but smokes is much more likely to die of a smoking-related disease than of HIV itself," he added. For example, men and women entering care for HIV at age 40 who continued to smoke lost 6.7 and 6.3 years of life expectancy, respectively, compared with people with HIV who never smoked, according to the modelling study. If they quit smoking at age 40, they regained 5.7 and 4.6 years of life expectancy, respectively. "We show that even people who have been smoking till age 60 but quit at age 60 have a substantial increase in their life expectancy compared to those who continue to smoke," Reddy said. The findings suggest that smoking cessation should be a major focus of health providers who care for people living with HIV and incorporated into existing care programs and treatment guidelines, researchers said. The study was published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bollywood actors Sonakshi Sinha and John Abraham today paid tribute to Indian soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti in India Gate as part of promotions of their upcoming film "Force 2". Sonakshi, 29, and John, both dressed in khakee coloured special 'Force 2' t-shirts and army-print pants, laid the wreath in remembrance of all the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the country. After the tribute ceremony, which was also attended by Vinod Sawhney, who is the President of Ex Sleuths, the 29-yea-old actress said, "While working on this film, we came to know about the great sacrifices our soldiers have made for the country. "As a layman, I was not aware of it so much but now after doing this film, I know a lot. We had always wished to come here and pay our tribute to them. It is because of our soldiers that we are safe today." "Force 2" is the sequel to the 2011 film "Force." The action thriller has been directed by Abhinay Deo and will see John reprises his role of ACP Yashvardhan. The 43-year-old actor said the upcoming film has been inspired by many real-life incidents. "Our film is inspired by true incidents, we have taken all those stories and made this movie. This is a very credible film, a very real film. Our soldiers lost their lives at the Uri attacks, it is an unfortunate thing," he said. "Our jawans are the real life heroes. We have met some real-life heroes here like Mr Sawhney." "Force 2" will release on November 18. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pharma major Strides Shasun and US-based Mylan have agreed to settle regulatory and general claims on Agila transaction. Strides had completed the sale of its Agila Specialties division to Mylan Inc for a total consideration of up to USD 1.75 billion in December 2013. "Strides and Mylan have now agreed on a full and final settlement of all regulatory claims notified by Mylan to the company and the subsidiary...Pursuant to this full and final settlement, Mylan's regulatory concerns will be satisfied from the regulatory escrow," Strides Shasun said in a BSE filing. It further said: "Strides will receive approximately USD 30 million, representing the balance of funds it deposited in the regulatory escrow on consummation of the Agila sale." Strides Shasun also said that both the companies "have now agreed on a full and final settlement of the warranty and indemnity claims." As part of the transaction for sale of Agila, Strides Shasun had deposited USD 100 million in an escrow in respect of potential claims on warranties and indemnities and has also deposited a further USD 100 million into an escrow in respect to potential claims under the SPAs in relation to certain regulatory concerns. In December last year, Strides had said it is evaluating claims made by Mylan over compliance with USFDA manufacturing norms. The company had received notification of claims from Mylan in relation to certain provisions contained in the SPAs (sale and purchase agreements) and in relation to certain regulatory concerns. In August last year, USFDA had issued a warning letter to Mylan Laboratories for violation of current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) norms at its three plants in Karnataka. The US regulator said its inspectors found "significant violations" in the three manufacturing facilities in Bengaluru of the company, which is an arm of US-based Mylan Inc. Of the three units, two plants belonged to Agila Specialties, which Mylan had acquired from Strides Arcolab in 2013-end. The other unit is owned by Mylan Laboratories. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India today said fight against terrorism should not only seek to eliminate terrorists and disrupt terror networks but it must also include identifying, holding accountable and taking strong measures against states who encourage, support and finance the menace. Addressing the meeting of Heads of Governments of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in the Kyrgyz capital, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar said terrorism is the "single most significant threat" to peace and stability. "We reiterate our strong commitment to combat this menace in all its forms and manifestations, and stress there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever," he said. Akbar lauded the clarity shown by SCO on terrorism from its inception, with its clear markers that there are "no if and buts, no root causes that become an excuse for toxic branch operations". "We strongly believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to eliminate terrorists, and disrupt 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," Akbar said at the meeting also attended by Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz. "There should be no glorification of terrorists as martyrs," he said in an apparent reference to Pakistan's praise for Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani. Referring to the SCO member states, Akbar said, "Each of us here have faced the grave threat posed by terrorism, transnational crimes and radicalism fed by bigotry." Akbar, in his address, also called upon all countries to work together to expedite the adoption of the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in the UN General Assembly without any further delay. He informed the gathering that India was meeting the timeline set by the SCO and was acceding to the various documents of the SCO, on schedule, which is to be completed by April 15, 2017. Akbar asserted that India's membership in SCO will contribute significantly to its economic dynamism. He highlighted that India was "the world's fastest growing free market economy, with an annual GDP growth of 7.5 per cent". "With the increased pace of economic reforms and focus on ease of doing business, e-governance, digitisation, financial inclusion, start-ups, and smart cities, India today has one of the most liberal FDI regimes in the world and offers potential business opportunities to enterprises all over the world," he said. The SCO currently has six member states -- China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan -- while the membership of India and Pakistan was announced this year and paperwork for formal elevation is expected to be completed by next year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Syrian rebels has renewed their bid to break a government siege of eastern Aleppo, shelling regime-held parts of the city hours before a brief Russian-declared ceasefire was due to begin. State media yesterday said at least 12 people had been killed in rebel rocket and gunfire on regime-controlled neighbourhoods, after an assault that began with a double car bomb attack. Rebels have been battling for nearly a week in a desperate bid to break the three-month siege but have so far been unable to push through government lines in western Aleppo. The opposition forces yesterdayannounced a new phase in their assault on government forces in the city's western outskirts. "We have started the second phase in our fight to break the siege with heavy artillery fire" on several neighbourhoods, rebel fighter Abu Hamza told AFP on the edges of Aleppo. Thick black smoke billowed out of the Dahiyet al-Assad district, where rebels had lit tyres to try to shield themselves from warplanes circling above. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said the "most intense fighting" was on the edges of the Halab al-Jadida neighbourhood. The clashes on Aleppo's western outskirts could be heard in the city's eastern districts, an AFP correspondent there said. No aid has reached eastern Aleppo city's more than 250,000 residents since early July, and there are reports of shortages and price hikes. The Observatory said government forces were carrying out air strikes in areas where clashes were underway, but that the rebel-held neighbourhoods in the east of the city were largely quiet. Syrian state agency SANA said at least 12 people had been killed and more than 200 wounded in rebel fire yesterday. The Observatory put the toll at 15 dead, saying four children were among them, bringing to 69 the total number of civilians killed in rebel fire since Friday, including 23 children. State media also said eight people were being treated for suffocation after "terrorists fired poisonous gases" at the village of Minyan west of Aleppo. Once Syria's economic powerhouse, Aleppo has been divided since mid-2012 between government control in the west and rebels in the east. A Russian-backed army offensive in September to recapture the whole city killed hundreds of civilians and hit infrastructure including the east's few remaining health facilities. It provoked international recriminations, particularly against Russia, with the EU accusing it of actions that "may amount to war crimes". Moscow has rejected the criticism and in late October declared a unilateral three-day ceasefire, during which it urged civilians and rebels to leave east Aleppo. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Karnataka High Court today disposed of a PIL challenging celebration of "Tipu Jayanti" by the state government but directed the petitioner to make a representation to the state chief secretary to consider the objections raised against the event by him. "The court disposes of the Public Interest Litigation and directs the petitioner to make a representation to the Chief Secretary to consider the objections raised and pass an order by November 8 with regard to the celebration of the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan," the court said. The order by a two-member division bench headed by Chief Justice Subrho Kamal Mukherjee came a day after it questioned the government on the logic behind celebrating 'Tipu Jayanti' observing that he wasn't a freedom fighter, but a monarch who fought to safeguard his interests. Justice R B Budhihal is the other member of the bench. In his oral observations yesterday, Justice Mukherjee had also questioned the logic behind celebrating Tipu Jayanti amid fears of communal tension escalating in Kodagu district and other parts of the state, noting that last year's event had resulted in a law and order situation after protesters resorted to violence. The PIL was filed by South Kodagu based K P Manjunatha. Sajan Poovaiah, counsel for the petitioner, had alleged that Tipu was a tyrant ruler who killed people belonging to many communities. However, public counsel M R Naik had defended the event, saying Tipu was a great warrior who fought against the British. The Congress government's decision to observe the birth anniversary of the 18th century ruler of the erstwhile Mysore kingdom has stirred a major row, with opinion sharply divided among intellectuals, academia and various communities and organisations, who have differing views on his reign. Tipu Jayanti, slated to be celebrated across the state on November 10, is being observed since last year following a government decision, which set off a major controversy and caused violence in Kodagu district last November. BJP and RSS have been opposing the celebrations and mobilising support in favour of their stand. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following the decision of petroleum dealers to boycott purchase of fuel from oil marketing companies for today and tomorrow, outlets in Tamil Nadu are likely to go dry by tomorrow afternoon itself, dealers said. "We expect by tomorrow afternoon most of the outlets will go dry in Tamil Nadu. Tomorrow in Mumbai, we will be holding a meeting with oil industry officials", Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers Association secretary, Suresh Kumar, said. Fuel pump owners are up in arms, pressing for various demands, including the three major oil companies -- IndianOil, HPCL and BPCL -- to increase the commission given to them from the existing three per cent to five per cent. "We began our agitation by turning off lights on October 19 and 26 in all the fuel outlets in Tamil Nadu. It was successful. Today and tomorrow, we are agitating through no purchase of fuel from oil companies", Kumar told PTI. Meanwhile, the oil pump owners representing 54,000 outlets across the country would hold a meeting with oil marketing companies in Mumbai tomorrow to discuss the demands. "Tomorrow there is a meeting with oil industry in Mumbai where we will discuss the issue. If our demands are not met, the fuel outlets will run on single shift, i.E. From 0900 hrs to 1800 hrs from Saturday," he said. "All Sundays will be weekly off. Second and fourth Saturday and on national holidays, fuel outlets will be declared holidays", he said. According to Kumar, Chennai and neighbouring districts have around 400 fuel outlets including 4,600 in Tamil Nadu. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hailing the Tamil Nadu model of solid and liquid waste management system, the Centre today said it would take steps to "replicate" the southern state's successful initiative in rural habitations across the country. Union Minister of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water and Sanitation, Narendra Singh Tomar said this at a press conference held on the sidelines of the BRICS Conference on Participatory Local Budgeting here. The minister said around 9,000 villages in Tamil Nadu had successfully implemented the solid waste management system based on the "waste to wealth" concept. The revenue generation model of Tamil Nadu would help generate additional income for Gram Panchayats under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, which also ensures additional income to people in rural areas, he said. "Our effort is to replicate Tamil Nadu model at other places," said Tomar. He said villages in Tamil Nadu used funds allocated from Centre's Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Clean India Mission and funds provided by the state government for converting solid waste to fertilisers and other wealth. Tomar said implementation of effective solid and liquid waste management system in villages across the country is a key to the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious Clean India Mission. Ministry officials attending the conference said Gram Panchayats in Tamil Nadu produce fertilisers from bio waste after segregating waste at community level. The villages have raised a lot of money from waste management, making it a successful source of revenue for them. The government's move comes in the wake of various studies by agencies like UNICEF, which have pointed out that waste is a severe threat to the public health concern and cleanliness in rural India. Though the form of waste (both solid and liquid) generated in rural areas is predominantly organic and biodegradable, it is becoming a major problem to the overall sustainability of the ecological balance. It is estimated that rural people in India generate liquid waste (grey water) of 15,000 to 18,000 million litres and solid waste (organic/recyclable) 0.3 to 0.4 million metric tons per day respectively. (REOPEN MDS 5) Tomar said the Centre was keen on prioritising waste management. "Panchayats in Tamil Nadu are generating income from waste management and this can be adopted across the nation. They convert the waste to fertilisers and the inconvertible ones are sold," he said. The Union minister said this model has been implemented in 9,000 villages and generate around Rs 40 lakhs from the whole process. Tomar also expressed hope that implementation of the Tamil Nadu model initiativewould eventually help alleviate poverty. The conference, organised by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, has participation from delegates from Brazil, Russia and China apart from officials of civic bodies from different Indian states. "Local bodies should be empowered for sustained and comprehensive development of nation. Hence, the Union government has earmarked Rs two lakh crores for Panchayats.The fund should be efficiently utilised for better projects aiming the upliftment of rural India," the minister said. He said the government would organise training programmes for all panchayat members across India. Minister of State, Panchayati Raj, Parsottambhai Rupala, said though participatory budgeting and decentralisation of India has grabbed international interest over the years, the conference aims to initiate dialogues and understand international practises. Vinay Sahsrabuddhe,MP, while delivering the key-note address, said democracy without public participation is like a temple without an idol. K T Jaleel, Minister, Local Self Government Department of Kerala, highlighted the importance of Mahatma Gandhi and decentralisation concept. "We have a good system of decentralisation with Grama Sabhas. The concept itself was coined by Mahatma Gandhi who urged for self sufficiency of villages. And India is following his path," he said. Following the removal of toll-tax on the Delhi-Noida-Delhi (DND) flyover, a trader's federation today staged a sit-in protest demanding scrapping of tax collected at the Dasna Plaza on the National Highway 24 here. "The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) had spent Rs 162 crores to construct the road and it has recovered the cost. Rather they have collected Rs 250 crores since 2002." Sanyukt Vyapar Mandal (SVM) media coordinator, Ashok Bhartiya claimed. Protestors handed over a memorandum addressed to the District Magistrate to the Ghaziabad ADM on the issue. Led by SVM, traders stalled operations of the toll plaza for more than an hour and vehicles passed the plaza without paying taxes. "If the NHAI does not stop charging tax within a month traders will stage a strong protest in December," the SVM warned. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Even as the 2016 US Presidential race promises to go down to the wire, Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump's campaign has announced that it will hold a "victory party" for friends and supporters in New York on election night, signaling confidence that he will win the race to the White House on November 8. A media advisory sent out from The Donald J Trump for President Campaign said a "Victory Party" will be held on election night at a posh hotel in Manhattan. "The event is invitation-only for friends and supporters of the Trump-Pence campaign," it said. Trump's rival Hillary Clinton will also be holding an election night event in the city but her campaign has not plugged it as a victory party. "Hillary Clinton will deliver remarks to supporters and volunteers at the event," the advisory sent from her campaign said. The race for the White House has tightened as the presidential nominees are set to enter the last lap of a long and unprecedented election campaign. Barely five days away from election night, the latest New York Times/CBS News poll said Clinton has an edge over Trump, with 45 per cent of likely voters supporting the Democratic candidate, to 42 per cent for her Republican rival. The poll found that most voters say their minds are made up and late revelations about both candidates made no significant difference to them. More than 22 million Americans have already cast their ballots, and roughly one in five likely voters who participated in the Times/CBS poll said they had already voted. Turkey's foreign minister is criticising a US decision to order family members of employees posted to the US Consulate General in Istanbul to leave because of security concerns. The State Department says the move is based on security information indicating that extremist groups are continuing aggressive efforts to attack US citizens in areas of Istanbul where they reside or frequent. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted Thursday as telling the Swiss daily Neue Zuercher Zeitung that Turkey thinks the American decision is wrong. He said he told US Secretary of State John Kerry that "Istanbul or Ankara is not more unsafe than any U.S. State. On the day that the Americans announced this security measure, 12 people were killed in the city of Chicago alone. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two days after Twitter India head Rishi Jaitly announced his exit, the microblogging network's Managing Director for India, Southeast Asia and Middle East and North Africa region (MENA), Parminder Singh, has put in his papers. Singh, like many of his former colleagues, announced his exit on Twitter. "An update. After leading Twitter in Asia's most exciting markets (India/SEA/MENA) for 3 years, time to move on to new passions," he tweeted. Singh added that this was the "right time" for him to "step back" as the India and Southeast Asia (SEA) operations are aligned to Asia Pacific region, while MENA is aligned to Europe and Middle East. Following this, Twitter has appointed Maya Hari as its new Managing Director of India and SEA, reporting to Aliza Knox, VP of Asia Pacific. Hari previously managed Twitter's Ads Product Strategy and Adoption for Asia Pacific, MENA and Latin America. When contacted, a Twitter spokesperson said over the next month, Singh will be closely involved in transitioning the business to the new leadership for continuity and momentum. "Taranjeet Singh continues to be Twitter's Business Head for India and remains the key client contact for Indian brand marketers and advertisers," the spokesperson added. Parminder Singh had joined Twitter from Google in 2013. At Google, he led the company's display advertising business for the Asia Pacific region. On Monday, Twitter India head Jaitly announced his exit after a four-year stint. The San Francisco-based microblogging company has been struggling with a stagnant user base and slowing revenue growth for a few quarters. It discontinued global engineering work at its Bengaluru development centre in September and laid off employees. Last week, Twitter said it would cut 9 per cent of its global workforce or about 350 employees, in order to cut down its costs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two alleged women drug peddlers were arrested from two different locations here, police said today. The duo was identified as Jyoti and Chandni, both residents of railway station area of Ludhiana. Police said Jyoti was arrested at a police barricade at Grain market near Bhullarai road last night and 25 gram smack was seized from her possession. Chandni was arrested at a police barricade at old Banga Octroi post last night and 20 gram smack was seized from her possession, they said. A case under Sections 21-61-85 of the NDPS Act has been registered against them, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a major setback to British Prime Minister Theresa May, the High Court today ruled that the UK government must seek parliament's approval before officially starting process to exit from the 28-member European Union. Three senior judges of the High Court in London ruled that Prime Minister May did not have the right to use her executive power to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty. "The government does not have power under the Crown's prerogative to give notice pursuant to Article 50 for the UK to withdraw from the European Union," the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, Lord Thomas, ruled. Calling the case "a pure question of law", he said, "The court is not concerned with and does not express any view about the merits of leaving the European Union: that is a political issue." The judges ruled that Parliament must vote on whether the UK can start the process of leaving the European Union (EU). This effectively means May cannot trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to begin formal discussions with the EU without getting the approval of House of Commons MPs. May had argued the public referendum in favour of Brexit on June 23 and ministerial powers mean MPs do not need to vote, but campaigners had argued this was unconstitutional. The government said it would challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court, likely to take place on December 7, with speculation the case could end up at the European Court of Justice. "The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by Act of Parliament. And the government is determined to respect the result of the referendum. We will appeal this judgement," a government spokesperson said. Describing the decision as disappointing, international trade minister Liam Fox told the House of Commons: "There will be numerous opportunities for the House to examine and discuss what the government is negotiating. "When we are clear about the position we will adopt, then Article 50 will be triggered but, given the nature of the judgement this morning, we will now have to await the government's appeal to the Supreme Court." The challenge had been brought by a group of businesses led by investment manager Gina Miller, whose lawyersargued that the government cannot trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty unilaterally despite a public referendum in favour of leaving the European Union (EU). "The result today is about all of us. It's not about me or my team. It's about our United Kingdom and all our futures," Miller said after the judgement. "We have a Parliament that is sovereign. We have a functioning democracy. Are we now saying that we can go back to 19th-century, 18th-century politics where governments can overrule Parliaments and take away people's rights, which will happen when we leave the EU. For me that is a very dangerous place to go," she had said earlier. Ministers had argued they can act under ancient powers of Royal Prerogative, the preserve of monarchies. (Reopens FGN 36) It has already been announced that any appeal will be fast-tracked to the SupremeCourtto ensure a final judgement before the end of the year. May had announced that she will activate Article 50, formally notifying the EU of the UK's intention to leave, by the end of next March. This follows the UK's decision to backBrexitin June's referendum by a margin of 51.9 per cent to 48.1 per cent. The EU's other 27 members have said negotiations about the terms of the UK'sexit- due to last two years - cannot begin until Article 50 has been invoked. According to official government documents published recently, ministers believe the use of prerogative powers once held by the Sovereign but now residing in the executive to enact the referendum result is "constitutionally proper and consistent with domestic law". Their argument is that the "decision to withdraw from the EU is not justiciable. It is a matter of the highest policy reserved to the Crown". The UK government today lost a legal challenge to its right to trigger Article 50 to officially begin Brexit proceedings without parliamentary consent, in a setback to British Prime Minister Theresa May. Three senior judges of the High Court in London ruled that Prime Minister May did not have the right to use her executive power to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty. They ruled that Parliament must vote on whether the UK can start the process of leaving the European Union (EU). This effectively means May cannot trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to begin formal discussions with the EU without getting the approval of House of Commons MPs. May had argued the public referendum in favour of Brexit on June 23 and ministerial powers mean MPs do not need to vote, but campaigners had argued this was unconstitutional. The government said it will appeal the court ruling in the Supreme Court. "We will appeal this judgment," said a statement from Prime Minister's office. "The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by Act of Parliament." The challenge had been brought by a group of businesses led by investment manager Gina Miller, whose lawyersargued that the government cannot trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty unilaterally despite a public referendum in favour of leaving the European Union (EU). "We have a Parliament that is sovereign. We have a functioning democracy. Are we now saying that we can go back to 19th-century, 18th-century politics where governments can overrule Parliaments and take away people's rights, which will happen when we leave the EU. For me that is a very dangerous place to go," Miller said. Ministers argued they can act under ancient powers of Royal Prerogative, the preserve of monarchies. A judicial review of the issue in the HighCourtwas heard by the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, Lord Thomas, who announced their ruling today. It has already been announced that any appeal will be fast-tracked to the SupremeCourtto ensure a final judgement before the end of the year. May has announced that she will activate Article 50, formally notifying the EU of the UK's intention to leave, by the end of next March. This follows the UK's decision to backBrexitin June's referendum by a margin of 51.9 per cent to 48.1 per cent. The EU's other 27 members have said negotiations about the terms of the UK'sexit- due to last two years - cannot begin until Article 50 has been invoked. According to official government documents published recently, ministers believe the use of prerogative powers once held by the Sovereign but now residing in the executive to enact the referendum result is "constitutionally proper and consistent with domestic law". Their argument is that the "decision to withdraw from the EU is not justiciable. It is a matter of the highest policy reserved to the Crown". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Only days after the landmark Paris Agreement enters into force, diplomats from 196 nations gathering in Marrakesh on Monday will face intense pressure to translate the climate pact's planet-saving promise into action. It is a tall order, even if the UN talks are still riding the political momentum that carried the deal - decades in the making - across the ratification finish line in record time. Greenhouse gas emissions pushing the planet into the red zone of dangerous warming continue to climb, putting newly ambitious goals for capping rising temperatures potentially out of reach. Discussions on how to disburse USD 100 billion a year to poor, climate-vulnerable nations remain contentious, even as a major report estimates that the level of annual investment needed over the next 15 years in developing nations is 20 to 30 times that amount. And hanging over the whole proceedings is the shadow of climate denier Donald Trump, whose improbable run at the White House is gathering momentum in the campaign's final days. "The US presidential election will loom large over the COP," said Liz Gallagher, senior advisor at climate thinktank E3G, using the acronym for the annual Conference of the Parties climate meet. A Trump victory, most analysts agree, could cripple the Paris deal, which the Republican candidate has said he would "cancel". A victory by his opponent Hillary Clinton -- a vocal proponent of action on climate change -- would surely trigger a huge, collective sigh of relief on Day Two of the 12-day conference, allowing the 15,000 attendees to get on with business. After the dramatic breakthrough in Paris last December, diplomats and experts are keen to lower expectations a year later. "This is a catalytic COP, not a huge leap forward," said Alden Meyer, a veteran climate analyst with the Washington- based Union of Concerned Scientists. For Laurence Tubiana, France's top climate negotiator for the Paris talks, "what is mainly at stake is setting a date for finishing the rulebook," she told AFP. Sweeping in scope, the Paris Agreement left more than 100 thorny issues to be worked out in nitty-gritty negotiations, from accounting methods for tracking cuts in CO2 emissions, to transparency in financing, to how to assess compensation for "loss and damages" from climate impacts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Survivors say as many as 240 people have died in two shipwrecks off Libya, the UN refugee agency reported today, bringing this year's toll to more than 4,220 migrants dead or missing in risky Mediterranean Sea crossings, the highest count on record. Carlotta Sami, a UNHCR spokeswoman in Italy, said 31 survivors of two shipwrecks who arrived on the southern Italian island of Lampedusa reported that the rubber dinghies they were traveling in had capsized yesterday in heavy seas shortly after leaving Libya. The first dinghy, which carried around 140 people, including six children and about 20 women, some pregnant, sank when wooden planks laid at the bottom broke, causing the dinghy to capsize 40 kilometers off the Libyan coast, the UNHCR said. Twenty-nine people were rescued, and 12 bodies were recovered. In a separate operation, two women found swimming at sea told rescuers that 128 other people had died in their wreck. UNHCR emphasized that the number of dead was an estimate. International agencies rely heavily on survivor accounts to tally the number of people dead or missing in the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean in smugglers' boats. Often the boats sink in high seas, where it is difficult if not impossible to recover any bodies. In both cases reported today, most people on board appeared to have been sub-Saharan Africans. UNHCR said the increased number of deaths this year is partly due to the fact that smugglers are often using rubber dinghies, which are prone to deflating, capsizing and losing people who fall overboard. In addition, more migrants are arriving with severe burns from being exposed to fuel mixed with sea water in the bottom of the dinghies. Smugglers are using rubber dinghies because they are cheaper and easier to obtain. According to the IOM, 3,777 people were dead or missing as they tried to cross the Mediterranean last year, the previous high. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet against three accused in a case related to its probe in the of Madhya Pradesh. The supplementary charge sheet, a CBI spokesperson said, was filed before a court in Gwalior against a solver, identified as Dilip Kumar Pathak, candidate Deshraj Singh and alleged middleman Suresh Jat. The spokesperson said the agency had registered a complaint in this regard in December last year after the Supreme Court directed the agency to take over probe in Vyapam cases. "It was alleged that during reconciliation and matching of photograph in PCRT Examination on September 30, 2012, the invigilators at the examination centre at Gwalior found that photograph and signatures in the application form of candidate were not matching with the candidate who was appearing in the said examination conducted by Vyapam. "It was revealed during investigation that the candidate (Singh) approached a middleman (Jat) to arrange a solver for appearing in the PCRT Examination, 2012 on his behalf," the agency said. It added that Jat arranged a solver (Pathak) who "impersonated in the examination" on behalf of Singh. "The state police had earlier filed charge sheet against the three accused persons. During CBI investigation, forensic opinion was obtained from the CFSL regarding fingerprint examination and handwriting which conclusively proved that the solver had allegedly impersonated candidate in the said examination fraudulently," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the agency also collected additional evidence and added certain sections of IPC and MPRE Act, 1937 in the supplementary charge sheet. "All the three accused persons appeared before the court at the time of filing of charge sheet on notice. The court cancelled their earlier bail and sent them to judicial custody," the spokesperson said. At least 155 FIRs have been registered by the CBI to look into the scam, which relates to alleged massive irregularities in recruitment to government jobs and selection for various professional courses like engineering and medical done by the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB), abbreviated in Hindi as 'Vyapam'. The FBIoperates on "concrete decisions" and not on incomplete information or leaks, US President Barack Obama has said as he spoke for the first time on the reopened investigation against Hillary Clinton's alleged email scandal by the country's top domestic intelligence agency. Obama appeared to be critical of FBI director James B Comey in his remarks even though the White House refuted that the president's statement gave any such impression. "I do think that there is a norm that, you know, when there are investigations, we don't operate on innuendo. We don't operate on incomplete information. We don't operate on leaks. We operate based on concrete decisions that are made," he said yesterday. Declaring that he had made a deliberate effort to make sure that it did not look like he was "meddling" in what are supposed to be independent processes for making these assessments, Obama also expressed his confidence in Hillary. "Setting aside the particulars of this case. I know that she is somebody who has always looked out for the interest of America and the American people first," Obama told NowThis in an interview. Citing the conclusions of FBI, Justice Department and repeated congressional investigations he said, Hillary had made some "mistakes" but there was not anything there that was prosecutable. The White House, however, refuted that the Obama's weighing in on the issues reflected that he was critical of the FBI's decision in this regard. "Nothing changed. If you read the full transcript of the President's remarks, you will see that the President went out of his way that he wasn't going to comment on any specific investigation. The President said that a couple of times," White House Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz told reporters travelling with the President. "We are not going to be in a position to defend or criticise the FBI Director. That is our view. But what is also true, and what Josh said on Monday and what the President reiterated yesterday, is that we do take seriously these longstanding norms and customs that historically limit the sort of public speculation and public discussion of facts and materials that are collected in the context of a law enforcement investigation," Schultz said. What the President was talking about was the importance of adhering to those norms and practices that have governed the rule of law for a long time now, he stressed. "I'll also say that the President believes these customs shouldn't only apply to someone who's famous or if an election is around the corner, but these are principles worth upholding no matter the circumstances surrounding any particular investigation," he asserted. Obama arrived in Miami, Florida yesterday evening for addressing several election rallies scheduled for today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) White supremacist groups backing Donald Trump are planning to "watch polls" in areas populated by blacks by installing hidden cameras at polling locations and distribute liquor and drugs to keep away those likely to vote for Hillary Clinton, according to a media report. The National Socialist Movement, various factions of the Ku Klux Klan and the white nationalist American Freedom Party all are deploying members to "watch polls", either "informally" or, they say, through the Trump campaign, the Politico reported. Neo-Nazi leader Andrew Anglin plans to muster thousands of poll watchers across all 50 states. His partners at the alt-right website "the Right Stuff" are touting plans to set up hidden cameras at polling places in Philadelphia and hand out liquor and marijuana in the city's "ghetto" on Election Day to induce residents to stay home, the report said. The Oath Keepers, a group of former law enforcement and military members that often show up in public heavily armed, is advising members to go undercover and conduct "intelligence-gathering" at polling places, and Trump ally Roger Stone is organising his own exit polling, aiming to monitor thousands of precincts across the country. Energized by Republican nominee Trump's candidacy and alarmed by his warnings of a "rigged election", white nationalist, alt-right and militia movement groups are planning to come out in full force next Tuesday, creating the potential for conflict at the close of an already turbulent campaign season, the report said. Plans of monitoring the polls by White Supremacists in Black-dominated areas have raised fears of possible violence. "The possibility of violence on or around Election Day is very real," Mark Potok, of the Southern Poverty Law Center, was quoted as saying. "Donald Trump has been telling his supporters for weeks and weeks and weeks now that they are about to have the election stolen from them by evil forces on behalf of the elites," he said. Anglin, the editor of the neo-Nazi Daily Stormer website, was quoted as saying he had already led a "big voter registration drive" and that he was "sending an army of Alt-Right nationalists to watch the polls". Anglin said he was working in conjunction with the alt-right website TheRightStuff.Biz. A representative of that site was quoted as saying in an email, "We are organising poll watchers in urban areas to cut down on the most traditional type of voter fraud. We also will have stationary cameras hidden at polling locations in Philadelphia, to monitor anyone that comes in to vote and make sure that the same people are not voting at multiple locations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Buoyed by an estimated record 134 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of paddy crop in Bihar this season, the state govenrment today said it has decided not to fix any 'target' for paddy procurement in 2016-17 Kharif Marketing Season. The government agencies would make all purchases of paddy that reaches its procurement centres across the state. "For the 2016-17 (Kharif Marketing Season), the government has not fixed any target vis-a-vis paddy procurement in the state. Instead, we will purchase from all those who would come to our procurement centres," Food and Consumer Protection Department's Principal Secretary Deepak Prasad told PTI. "The decision has been taken keeping in view of an estimated record paddy production of 134 lakh MT in the state this year. Besides, the idea is to procure from all farmers so that they are not subjected to distress selling," Prasad said. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar before whom a presentation was made by the officials with regard to the preparations of paddy procurement. The CM gave necessary directions to the officials to make transparent the process of paddy procurement, a government release said. Paddy procurement would begin from November 15 in districts where crops have already been harvested while it would be followed soon in other districts from December, he said. The procurement would be carried out by Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) and Vyapar Mandals across the state at a Minimum Support Price of Rs 1470 per quintal against last year's MSP of Rs 1410 per quintal. It may be noted that the government agencies could procure nearly 18.50 lakh MT of paddy against the target of 30 lakh MT of paddy in 2015-16. The government could procure 12.35 lakh MT and 24.07 lakh MT of paddy against the target of 30 lakh MT in 2013-14 and 2014-15 respectively. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang has said it is high time to look for a peaceful solution to the Naga issue through dialogue and negotiations to make the region free of armed conflict. "Negotiations through peaceful means is the only way to resolve the Naga issue and once it is addressed, gun culture will be a thing of the past," Zeliang said yesterday to a large gathering at Chozuba in Phek district on the occasion of the 29th Town Council. Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his resolve to find permanent peace, Zeliang said both the Prime Minister and the Naga People's Front (NPF) were believers in finding solution to the protracted Naga political problem through peaceful means. Underscoring the importance of an early solution to the problem, the chief minister said if Nagas had to wait any longer, more factions might surface, adding to the number of already existing nine and ultimately the people would suffer. "We are hopeful for an early peaceful solution, acceptable to the Naga people," Zeliang said, voicing optimism that even NSCN (K) will come back to renew the ceasefire agreement with the central government. "At this juncture each Naga citizen should support call for a solution for permanent peace. Let us make this land free of armed conflict...It is also my desire that this spirit of unity and consensus prevailing at the state level should also percolate down to the grassroot," the CM said. On the opposition from certain quarters against collection of taxes by the government, Zeliang said municipal taxes and shop permit fee are mainly for development of the town and to pay the salary of the workers. The CM announced that elections to the urban local bodies in the state will commence from January 2017 in those places where there had been no opposition to holding the polls with 33 per cent reservation for women. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's federal and state governments are likely to approve four main tax slabs ranging from 5% to 28% under a proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST), the finance minister of the state of Jammu & Kashmir said on Thursday. The long-delayed tax, which would transform Asia's third largest economy into a single market, could boost revenues through better compliance while making life simpler for business that now pay a host of federal and state levies. The brackets, discussed at a meeting of the Council overseeing plans to introduce the national sales tax next spring, are steeper than the rates of 6, 12, 18 and 26% earlier proposed by the government. "There was a broad consensus on four rate slabs," Haseeb Drabu, state finance minister for Jammu & Kashmir told reporters after attending the Council's meeting. Food grains are likely to be exempted from the GST, and tobacco products may be taxed at 40%, he said. Thomas Isaac, state finance minister of Kerala said the council had yet to decide on the controversial issues of additional levies on luxury items and so-called "dual control" of tax administration by federal and state tax officials. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will seek parliamentary approval for bills later this month that would set the rate and scope of the . State assemblies must also to approve similar bills for the tax to enter force as planned next April 1. Microsoft-owned social network for work has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Human Resource Development for all colleges affiliated with the All India Council for Technical Education to use its platform for their placement process. Akshay Kothari, Head of India, in a post explains how the proffesional networking sites'fastest partnership ever struck with the Indian Government came through: Baba Ramdev's brainchild Patanjali Group plans to set up a mega food park in Andhra Pradesh. India's largest Ayurveda Group has reportedly approached the state government for allotment of 200 acres in the southern state. According to reports, Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) will look for the land in north coastal Andhra. "We hope that the two mega food parks will bring in an investment of about Rs 700 crore, and generate 10,000 jobs," CEO of Andhra Pradesh Food Processing Society Y S Prasad reportedly said. The AP government has offered Rs 50 crore incentives to mega food parks, apart from extending the benefits under central government-assisted schemes for processing units, Times of India reported. Earlier in an interview to the Mint, Baba Ramdev had said that he had plans to add five high capacity food parks-one in Madhya Pradesh and another one in Maharashtra. "We have plans to open food parks in four or five locations, where investments will be very, very big," Ramdev had said. Patanjali is also in the process of setting up multiple units in Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir. In last few years, Patanjali Group has turned out to be a force strong enough to take on the dominance of multinational corporations in Indian retail markets. RAMDEV'S MEGA UPCOMING PROJECTS Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy on Thursday described Ratan Tata as the most corrupt chairman in the history of the Tata Group. This was not the first time Swamy attacked Ratan Tata. Earlier in the month, Swamy wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a Special Investigation Team probe against Ratan Tata for alleged money laundering. Swamy's move came in the backdrop of Cyrus Mistry's letter to the Tata Sons Directors which highlighted ethical and financial concerns in the airlines that are partly owned by India's largest conglomerate. Mistry, who was removed by the Board of Directors, had written that letter to defend his decisions taken during his period as the Group Chairman and also highlighted the problems he inherited. In the letter, Mistry talked of "fraudulent transactions of Rs 22 crores involving non-existent parties in India and Singapore" in the case of Air Asia. "The most corrupt person in Tata history is Ratan Tata. He is not even a Tata, as his father was an adopted child," Swamy reportedly said. "Ratan Tata is doing injustice with Cyrus Mistry. Two months back, the entire board appreciated the work of the Cyrus Mistry and it could be his (Ratan Tata's) jealousy that prompted the action," he further added. Swamy further said that Ratan Tata has been involved in various scams like the 2G scam, Air Asia scam, the Vistara partnership and the Jaguar deal. "He has taken the step to save himself from getting caught in scam deals, but he will not be spared whenever he is tried in court," Swamy said. Asking for the government action Swamy said, "The government should intervene and set up an SIT. I have written to the Prime Minister and informed him about the sections involved where Ratan Tata has breached the Indian Penal Code." In 2013, the Tata Group announced its joint venture with Air Asia, the budget airline based in Malaysia. The Jindal Steel and Power stock closed lower on Thursday after the firm said it failed to pay Rs 15.43 crore interest on non convertible debentures (NCDs), which was due on October 31. At 1412 hours, the Jindal Steel stock was trading 0.50 percent lower at Rs 74.45 on the BSE. It opened at Rs 74.55 level, touched an intraday high of 76.45 and and intraday low of 73.95 points during the day. The stock closed 1.61 per cent lower at Rs 73.50. The company has not made payment of Rs 15.43 crore towards the interests due on NCDs, the due date for payment of which was October 31, 2016, JSPL said in a regulatory filing. Last month, the firm had said it has defaulted on payment of interest on NCDs, due on September 30, 2016 on account of cash flow mismatches. In the last few months, the Naveen Jindal-led company has divested some of its assets to pare debt. JSPL has a net debt of around Rs 46,000 crore. In October, the company said it would sell its 24 MW wind power plant in Satara, Maharashtra to a subsidiary of India infrastructure Fund II for an undisclosed amount. Similarly, in May this year, the firm inked an agreement with JSW Energy, a firm led by Naveen's brother Sajjan Jindal, to sell its 1,000 MW power plant, at Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. According to the deal, JSW will pay at least Rs 4,000 crore, excluding net current assets, and an additional Rs 2,500 crore if JSPL's power plant secures a long term power purchase agreement. Likewise, in March, JSPL announced that its subsidiary Jindal Power has entered into a definitive agreement to divest 4.12 per cent stake in Indian Energy Exchange for an undisclosed amount by month-end. With PTI inputs NAMA released its quarterly report and accounts for the second quarter of 2016 yesterday afternoon, reporting a profit after tax of 647m in the first half of the year. NAMA generated 2.5bn of cash in the first half of the year. A further 1.8bn of cash was generated in the period 30th June to 23rd September, bringing cumulative cash generated in the year to date to 4.3bn. The carrying value of NAMAs remaining loan portfolio was 6.35bn at 30th June (net of cumulative provisions of 2.2bn), down from 7.8bn in December 2015. During 2016 to date, NAMA redeemed 3.5bn of senior bonds, taking cumulative redemptions to 26.6bn or 88% of the original senior bonds in issue. NAMA now has 3.6bn of the originally issued senior debt securities outstanding and is already at our year-end target. NAMA has indicated it intends to redeem most of its remaining senior debt in 2017. Net equity at 30th June was 3.77bn, or c.2.18bn excluding the 1.59bn of outstanding subordinated bonds in issue, implying a coverage ratio of 2.37x the subordinated notes in issue. In its Annual Statement 2017, NAMA reiterated its core objective to redeem its outstanding senior debt by the end-2018, with a view to redeeming most of the senior bonds in 2017. The boards intention to redeem its subordinated debt by 1st March 2020 was reaffirmed, with no change to NAMAs expectation of delivering a lifetime surplus of up to 2.3bn (range 1.6-2.3bn). According to Goodbody Stockbrokers, "NAMAs continued profitability, its strong cash generation and the potential for future provision releases will further bolster NAMA net equity position - very positive for the NAMA subs." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN) has today announced that Italian super-angel, Gianni Matera will invest 4 million in Irish start-ups by 2020 through his investment company, Growing Capital. This includes 830,000 that he has already invested in four high-potential Irish start-ups Brim Brothers, Glofox, Motordata and Caragon as well as a further 70,000 that he has injected into two nascent start-ups My Service History, Reflex Gaming in just over a year. Matera expects to invest in three more start-ups by year-end 2016. Matera - who moved to Ireland in 2013 and exited an Italian company he founded with a 44 million stock market flotation - expects to grow his seed investment value by 300% in five years. Key to this will be careful investment in Irish technology companies looking to break into the US market, where exits are more likely. Speaking today, Gianni Matera commented, "I am seeking investments in companies that can scale and in which revenues will grow faster than costs. I am particularly interested in US-oriented companies where the founders are open to moving to the US. Exits typically achieve higher valuations when the founders are based Stateside. Given the culture, language and location advantages, Irish companies do well in America." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us In the past twelve months, roughly one in three targeted cyberattacks on Irish companies resulted in an actual security breach which equates to two to three effective attacks per month for the average company. This is according to a new security survey from Accenture which found that the majority of Irish security executives (74%) surveyed say they are confident in their ability to protect their enterprises from cyberattacks. In the report titled Building Confidence: Facing the Cybersecurity Conundrum", Accenture surveyed 2,000 enterprise security practitioners in 15 countries about their perceptions of cyber risks, the effectiveness of current security efforts and the adequacy of existing investments. The report included an Irish sample of 124 businesses across all sectors. More than half of executives (52%) disclose that it takes months to detect sophisticated breaches, and as many as a third of all successful breaches are not discovered at all by the security team, but are instead discovered by other employees, law enforcement or externally by the media. Two fifths (40%) say the breaches that had the greatest impact on their company are internal i.e. attacks by malicious insiders or employee errors. Commenting on the research, Head of Cyber Security for Accenture in Ireland, Chris Davey said, "Cyberattacks are a constant operational reality across every industry today and our survey reveals that catching criminal behaviour requires more than the best practices and perspectives of the past. The reality is that most Irish companies do not have effective technology in place to monitor for cyberattacks and are unaware of ways to better protect their business." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us Google on Thursday formally rejected European Union antitrust charges of unfairly promoting its shopping service and blocking rivals in online search advertising, paving the way for EU regulators to rule next year on these issues and potentially impose hefty fines. The U.S. technology giant's rebuttal in the shopping case came six years after the European Commission opened an investigation prompted by complaints from rivals such as Microsoft and a host of European and U.S. rivals. The EU regulator followed up with an anti-competitive charge against the company in April last year and added more evidence in July this year. It also issued a separate charge sheet against its online search advertising product AdSense for Search at the same time. Google's general counsel Kent Walker said on a blog that the accusations had no factual, legal or economic basis, and that the company's actions were driven by its users rather than any plan to squash rivals. "We never compromised the quality or relevance of the information we received. On the contrary, we improved it. That isn't 'favoring' - that's listening to our customers," Walker said. He said the Commission had failed to take into account competition from Amazon, merchant platforms, social media sites, mobile web and online advertising by companies such as Facebook and Pinterest. The EU executive said it had received Google's response. "In each case, we will carefully consider Google's response before taking any decision on how to proceed and cannot at this stage prejudge the final outcome of the investigation," Commission spokesman Ricardo Cardoso said in an email. Google also rejected a Commission proposal which would let the company charge rivals for displaying their services prominently, with the amount corresponding to its operating cost or a nominal amount based on the lowest reserve price for AdWords which is currently 0.01 euro per click. The Commission plans to hand down hefty fines to Google if found guilty of breaching EU rules, the charge sheet seen by Reuters showed. The penalty could reach $7.4 billion or 10 percent of the company's global turnover for each case. Walker said Google would respond in the coming days to a third EU charge of using its Android mobile operating system to hinder competitors. The Commission has given it until Nov. 11 to do so. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie About us England's High Court ruled on Thursday that the British government requires parliamentary approval to trigger the process of exiting the European Union, a major upset for Prime Minister Theresa May's plans for Brexit. Sterling rose on the news, with many investors taking the view that lawmakers would temper the government's policies and make an economically disruptive "hard Brexit" less likely. The court said it had granted the government permission to appeal against the ruling before the Supreme Court, which has set aside Dec. 5-8 to deal with the matter. A panel of three of the most senior judges in the country ruled that the government could not trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, the formal step needed to start negotiations on the terms of Brexit, without approval from parliament. "The court does not accept the argument put forward by the government," said Lord Chief Justice John Thomas, reading out the three judges' ruling. "For the reasons set out in the judgment, we decide that the government does not have power ... to give notice pursuant to Article 50 for the UK to withdraw from the European Union." International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said the government was disappointed with the court ruling and would consider it carefully before deciding how to proceed. "The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by acts of parliament. The government is determined to respect the result of the referendum," Fox told parliament. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie About us LOGAN A 38-year-old Richmond man accused of sexually abusing two girls has waived his right to a preliminary hearing and may accept a plea deal. Dustin James Mangum appeared in 1st District Court Wednesday morning. His defense attorney told the court they wished to waive the hearing, while considering a plea agreement that was offered by prosecutors. The specifics of the agreement were not disclosed. State attorneys allege that Mangum sexually abused a girl in May 2003. The victim, who is a teenager now, claims the abuse occurred when she was around four-years-old. A second victim is an 11-year-old girl who claims she was sexually abused over the course of several years, before the defendant was arrested August 19. Prosecutors have filed 25 charges against him, including 10 counts of sodomy of a child and 15 counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child. Each charge carries a penalty of five-years-to-life in prison. Mangum remains in the Cache County Jail, being held without bail. He is scheduled to appear again in court December 12 and may plead guilty then.

will@cvradio.com Ascanio Celestini: theatre and the emergencies of our time Published on November 3, 2016 Story by Alice Masoni en it fr es de pl This edition of the Festival des Libertes hosted Ascanio Celestini, one of the most influent actors of the Italian Teatro di narrazione (narrative theatre). Cafebabel interviewed him the morning before its show,Variation pour un recit a venir, performed together with David Murgia and Violette Pallaro and translated by Patrick Bebi. What follows is the result of the conversation with Ascanio Celestini, talking about theatre, the emergencies of our time and foreign languages. Cafebabel: Is this your first time at the Festival des Libertes? Ascanio Celestini: Actually it isnt. My first time here in Belgium was 13 years ago, at the Festival de Liege. From that moment on, I have been bringing all of my plays to Belgium. I dont even know how many times I took part in the festival. In 2012 they also asked me to direct a play, Discours a la nation, especially made for the Belgian public. Cafebabel: What does it mean to set up a stage show for a public different from the one youre used to? Did you find something particularly hard in it? AC: I dont think the Belgian public is so different from the Italian one. Thats why I dont think that setting up a play for it is not so hard, or at least it doesnt present more difficulties than it would do in Italy. We have the same cultural roots and the same oral traditions. From the dawn of time, tales and myths have been spreading throughout Europe without the need of the Internet, and thats what makes us so similar from a cultural point of view. Cafebabel: Lets now talk about the main topic of the festival: the emergencies. What are, in your opinion, the real emergencies of our time? And how does the play you present deal with them? AC: The play I present at the festival is made up of two different ones: Laika (in his French version with David Murgia in 2017), and Spaesamento (together with Violette Pallaro, with the music of Gianluca Casadei, and the translation by Patrick Bebi). The two plays have something in common: their main characters. In both of them we see satellite characters, invisible people that we cant see during our daily routine. Thats the case for examples of prostitutes, tramps, or African labourers working in warehouses at night-time. I chose to bring these characters on stage because I think one of the emergencies of our time actually is the need to get in touch with the real life. The Web, our smartphones and computers give us the impression we can always know what happens in every corner of the world. But what is it all for, if we dont know what happens closer to us? At the time of the terrorist attacks at the Charlie Hebdo headquarters I was in Paris with Jean-Luis Colinet (director of the Theatre National), but we didnt know anything about it since he had read the news on his smartphone. Were getting used to the news from all over the world and maybe only when something very serious happens so close to us we are shocked. I believe that the Web is becoming a huge fiction told by many storytellers: its hard to understand that things happen for real, far away as well as close to us. Cafebabel: And what is the role of theatre in this context? AC: Theatre should do what the media are actually doing at the moment. Theatre is supposed to be fiction and when an actor is on stage the audience is perfectly aware that hes playing a role, it doesnt matter if he uses words like I or me. Even if an actor puts his life on stage he is doing theatre exactly like when we see someone acting in Hamlet. But if the second case is more perceived as theatre than the first one, they both have the aim to let us reflect on something. Especially as regards Italy, people are used to think about theatre in a more conventional and historical way (maybe because of our beautiful historical theatres which sadly dont allow the use of instruments and tools for its different forms), but theatre is able to tell us stories related to our time and it makes us aware of the reality were leaving. Cafebabel: How do you think people perceive the role of theatre in Italy and abroad? AC: I have the impression that abroad, or at least here in Belgium where I have frequently worked, the whole society is much aware of the aim of theatre, that is representing the society itself, and for this reason the society really supports it, also from an economic point of view. What I can see in Italy is only a formal, superficial support. Thats why for example theatre companies in my country hardly survive, because the only income they have is from their tours. Its not easy to make the entire society understand that working in the theatre field actually represents a real job. Cafebabel: This evening youll be acting in Italian and Patrick Bebi will be translating it into French on stage. Can you tell me more about this choice? AC: Its a choice that I made some years ago here in Belgium. The use of subtitles for my stage show cant work because I dont have a real script; indeed, I prefer to improvise on the spot. Thats why I chose the translation, that in my case works so well thanks to Patrick. He doesnt simply translates my words, but he almost completes my sentences in French and the translation magically becomes part of the play. And thats exactly what happened. The French translation truly becomes part of the play, and you dont even realise youre watching a play which is being acted in two different languages. The only thing you know is that, with a clever use of irony, youre learning to know the stories of those around you and maybe, as of this evening, people have become a little less invisible than before. Story by Alice Masoni | BY Ricki Green | With the aim of re-sauce-itating bland food around Australia, Nandos Grocery Australia has teamed with word of Mouth agency 1000heads, to launch a Nandos crack team of PERi-Medics. The food re-sauce-itation specialists are visiting lunchrooms, and administering emergency relief to bland meals during office lunchtimes. This at your office experimental campaign kicks off with the PERi-Medics team arriving in an ambulance with a stretcher full of sauces to perform triages on afflicted lunches. By assessing blandness, checking for severe plain and dealing with all sorts of food in need of help, the PERi-medics administer food re-sauce-itation to affected meals. Along with sampling, a series of games are played to encourage interaction on and offline as well as performing the induction of a new PERi-Medic at each office. Upon exit, the PERi-Medic team leaves behind an emergency re-sauce-itation chart, vouchers and countless bottles of Peri-Peri to be used at the office. Says Tim Paton, marketing manager, Nandos Grocery Australia: The PERi-Medic execution is a highly visual event that naturally inspires photo sharing, online conversations as well as referrals and recommendations. The campaign is also backed by a social media strategy, PR, minimal online advertising as well as spoof job ads across a series of local and metropolitan newspapers. The spoof ads cheekily call for brave hearted souls who wish to save their offices by becoming an authorised PERi-Medic. As part of the launch in Sydney 1000heads and the PERi-medic team have visited the Optus headquarters in Macquarie Park, as well as Komatsu Australia in Fairfield. Already they have rescued over 100 workers whose lunches required urgent PERi-aid. Before the end of May, the team will be visiting Austereo broadcast studios as well as Hub Sydney, a creative and entrepreneurial space in Darlinghurst. Registrations for office rescues are now open at www.perimedics.com.au and have been coming in from all over the country Nandos will begin rolling out the campaign through Australias capital cities in the months to come. Says Lena Habkouk, account director, 1000heads: We designed the campaign to allow people to experience the transformation of their own ordinary lunches first hand. | BY Ricki Green | Sydney-based creative film and digital production company, Symmetry Media, has announced the launch of its fresh new brand identity and digital makeover. Brainchild of filmmakers and entrepreneurs, Dean Ginsburg (left) and James Carr, Symmetry offers agencies and marketers access to high-quality content and TVC production with an agile, streamlined and scalable approach. Says Ginsburg, founder and director: At Symmetry, we strive to merge our passion for cinematic production with our smarts as a resourceful and nimble collective. Our brand refresh speaks to our emergence as a team of leading new-generation filmmakers and multi-disciplinary artists. Award-winning design and branding agency, Cord and Berg, developed the website and new brand mark, seeking to capture the balance of creativity, energy and passion displayed by the Symmetry team with the professional service and production know-how that their track record demonstrates. Symmetry recently wrapped up online content for Neutrogenas #SeeWhatsPossible campaign, starring Australian celebrity, Rachael Taylor, as well as an impressive 22-part content series for global biotechnology, Cochlear, filming cinematic documentaries across 10 countries in 45 days. Says James Carr, executive producer: Agility and quality is what our clients know and love us for, and were excited to bring this value offering to more agency partners in 2017. Weve created a model that is responsive to the logistical and budgetary realities of the current commercial and content production landscape. Our clients are looking for a talented team of creative artists to push their production dollar further without compromising on-screen value, and ultimately bring their vision to life. With a fresh new look and rapidly growing client list, Symmetry Media is poised for an exciting expansion into the commercial and brand content space. | BY Ricki Green | Production company Rabbit has helped to kick off the silly season with its annual Spring party. Attended by over 300 industry friends and collaborators and held at its Redfern offices they ensured that the evening was full of dancing, drinks, freshly shucked oysters and some mild debauchery. Rabbit was happy to celebrate what has proven to be a great year for the company with so many friends with executive producers Alex Hay and Lucas Jenner already looking forward to doing it all again next year. Head over to Rabbits Facebook page to see more photos from the evening: | BY Ricki Green | Samsung Electronics Australia and Questacon The National Science and Technology Centre have partnered with Jane Lu (founder of Showpo); Reynold Poernomo (2015 MasterChef contestant); and Charlotte Caslick (Olympic gold medallist & Australian Rugby Sevens player), to launch Creators Wanted an educational resource designed to show students how skills in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are becoming increasingly relevant across all industries and future career paths. Creators Wanted has been launched across Australia through the release of captivating video content conceptualised and developed by Leo Burnett Sydney, designed to capture the attention of students and drive uptake of STEM subjects at Australian schools and universities. Says Jane Lu, founder of Showpo: STEM goes beyond science, technology, engineering and mathematics, by inspiring design- thinking and encouraging the development of a practical skillset, opening students up to a variety of career options. In my experience, the problem-solving and hands-on skills I learnt from engaging in STEM subjects have been integral in my journey of growing Showpo to the thriving business it is today. Says Reynold Poernomo, 2015 MasterChef contestant: While I dont work in a traditional STEM-oriented career, I see the skills I learnt in these subjects come through in my everyday work. Whether it be the building blocks of my desserts, or the chemistry behind the best recipe, STEM is everywhere. Says Charlotte Caslick, Olympic gold medallist and Australian Rugby Sevens player: To tackle the competition we look for every advantage we can get. From the science behind our training program, to the technology we use to enhance our performance on the field, we use STEM on a daily basis. The problem solving and practical skills gained from engaging in STEM subjects at school, empower young athletes to take their game to the next level. Creators Wanted is specifically designed to target students selecting subjects for their senior years at high-school, as well as those that are considering tertiary education options. It will help bridge the growing skills gap between the learning of STEM subjects at a senior level and the growing demand for STEM skills across Australias workforce. Says Tess Ariotti, corporate social responsibility manager, Samsung: Samsung and Questacon are working together to help address the declining level of STEM skills across Australia. We know that 44 per cent of all jobs in Australia are likely to be automated in the next 20 years, yet Australian students remain passive towards STEM subjects. One of the reasons for this is that there is no clear indication of the variety of work opportunities STEM skills can lead to. Therefore, given that 75 per cent of Australias fast growing occupations require STEM skills, we believe helping to educate students about the potential of these skills through campaigns such as Creators Wanted, is crucial to building a workforce for the future. As part of the program, the Creators Wanted website has also been launched to help support students in the selection of high-school subjects and university courses, as well as provide insights into the job possibilities associated with STEM. Says Professor Graham Durant, director of Questacon: We are constantly looking at new ways of engaging students in STEM. Its vital that young people see that studies in STEM subjects provide key skills that are valued across varied careers. So far, the combination of the Creators Wanted videos and website has proved extremely successful in capturing the attention of students across Australia. To date the videos have received over 14 million views. Were excited for this launch and look forward to continuing to explore the unique ways we can successfully show students the importance of STEM and the opportunities it can lead to. Says Grant McAloon, co-ECD, Leo Burnett Sydney: We are exceptionally proud to be working in partnership with Samsung and Questacon on Creators Wanted. It is more than work designed to educate and empower the next generation of innovators. It helps every student rethink what STEM can mean in their education. The Creators Wanted initiative forms part of Samsung Electronics Australias Corporate Social Responsibility portfolio, which primarily focuses on bridging socio-economic, cultural and academic divides between students and STEM education. Client: Samsung Australia Tess Ariotti CSR Manager Shaneez Johnston Head of Corporate & Public Affairs Agency: Leo Burnett Sydney Executive Creative Directors: Grant McAloon, Vince Lagana Creative Directors: Malcolm Caldwell & Ian Broekhuizen Executive Producer: Renata Barbosa Senior Integrated Producer: Chris Summers Client Service Director: Amanda Quested Group Head: Rebecca Morton Planning Director: Emily Taylor Senior Strategist: Annabel Jenkins Business Director: Natasha Floyer Production Company: The Woolshed Company Richard Vaughan Hughes Director Dave Christison Producer DOP Brad Francis VFX Supervisor Kelly Sheeran Starcom MediaVest Group: Senior Digital Manger: Scott Glitz Digital Planner: Nicola Yuille Strategist: Elaine Quirke Edelman PR: Account Director: Samantha Vogts How you treat a server says more about you than anything else Mr Hagerdoorn said he often saw the man come and go from the unit block and would "speak to him in passing but I didn't want to have much to do with him". Defence solicitor Tom Taylor said Scott had made "full and frank" admissions to police on his involvement in the five alleged offences. The man himself was "flabbergasted" at how things got out of control, he said. Senator Culleton said repeatedly his photograph wasn't allowed to be taken in a public place, before his chief of staff, Margaret Menzel, stepped in to calm him down. In a statement on Thursday night, Senator Hanson said she had been briefed on the case. But the statement pointedly lacked a strong defence of Senator Culleton. "This is not an easy time for Rodney and his family and I have encouraged him to make an informed decision on his future," Senator Hanson said. She said Senator Culleton could take a leave of absence or vote as normal on divisions in the Senate while the High Court case was under way. Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact. Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here. Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing. You are our people. You Care. We Care2. The Maharashtra Teacher's Union has asked the Union government to take responsibility in implementing the recommendations of the 7th pay commission. It has also demanded that the Centre take the entire burden of the pay for at least ten years. Under the chairmanship of professor V S Chauhan, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has been holding meetings by visiting various states and having consultation meetings with stakeholders. Maharashtra Federation of University and College Teachers' Organization (MFUCTO) at Pune has also insisted UGC that the Centre should take complete responsibility over the pay revision and for the additional expenses incurred in carrying it out. According to MFUCTO president Tapati Mukhopadhyay, the manner in which the 6th pay commission was implemented by Maharashtra has led to many legal disputes. "Thousands of teachers are battling the anomalies and discrimination caused by decisions of the state government in the matters of arrears, pension, gratuity, PhD increments, CAS benefits for those appointed during 1991-2000," she said. He also threw light on the fact that over fifty per cent vacancies in colleges are yet to be filled and demanded that those vacancies should be filled before the implementation of 7th pay revision. The staff members also complained that if not vacant, the posts are filled by temporary staff who are recruited on contractual basis or paid on hourly basis. They sought the issue to be solved soon. "In self-financing colleges, almost all posts are filled on contractual basis. This is affecting the quality of higher education," Mukhopadhyay said during his presentation before the review panel. Teachers present at the meeting also requested that the funds from the Centre should be disbursed on time for them to receive timely pay without arrears and also that there should be uniformity in the age of retirement and pay scale for the faculties. Sometimes its good to be reminded of just how good a car is by giving it go once more. In the case of the Mitsubishi Xpander, its the smal... The Chinese market is about to get a whole slew of new performance BMWs at its disposal as Alpina has announced its expansion into the so-called Peoples Republic. The partnership with the Prestige Cars Group, which already runs a network of BMW dealerships across the country, will see dedicated Alpina showroom areas inaugurated in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen (just north of Hong Kong). To start things off, Alpina will start exporting the B4 Bi-Turbo Coupe to China, offering local customers an alternative to the BMW M4, with demonstrators and initial deliveries commencing already this month. More models are slated to follow after the new year, including the B7 Bi-Turbo long-wheelbase sedan. Were almost afraid to ask how much these vehicles will sell for in the Middle Kingdom. But as it is, a new M4 or base 730Li start in China at around 900,000 yuan (equivalent to nearly $140,000 at current exchange rates), while an M4 GTS or 750Li command over twice that at just under 2 million yuan (or $300,000). Photo Gallery General Motors is not only getting ready for the Los Angeles Auto Show, but for Chinas 2016 Guangzhou Auto Show that opens its gates on the same date November 18, as well. The Guangzhou event represents a big opportunity for the American brand to show off their products to local consumers, with Buick announcing the Velite Concept. The study actually previews a production version of the Chevrolet Volt aimed specifically at the Chinese car market. Believed to go on sale sometimes next year, the car should remain pretty much identical with its overseas twin, except for new badges, different bumpers and probably updated lighting units. Buick is keeping most powertrain details under wrap, saying that its a plug-in hybrid that uses a SIDI engine, GMs latest modular intelligent electric drive system and a lithium-ion battery pack. However, in its final form, the car, which will maintain its Velite moniker, is expected to use the same 1.5-liter gaasoline unit and electric motor as the Chevy Volt, which allows for an extended range of 420 miles (675 km) and can be driven for up to 53 miles (85 km) in the city on electric power alone. The other day, a prototype of the Buick-badged Volt was captured testing in the USA. PHOTO GALLERY Following the world premiere of the 2018 Honda Civic Type R Prototype at the Paris Auto Show, the car is celebrating its North American debut at SEMA 2016 in Las Vegas. While hot hatch-loving Europeans are used to getting new Civic Type Rs every few years, this new one will also be sold in the United States in the hopes of rivaling the all-conquering Ford Focus RS. While well have to wait until next year to see if it delivers, its exterior styling is certainly more outlandish than the Focus RS. Perhaps the most eye-catching element of the Type R Prototype is its brushed titanium-like finish. Although this wont make it to production, the rest of the vehicles exterior is tipped to go unchanged for the road-going model. Based around the new Civic hatchback, the front of the Type R Prototype receives an entirely new fascia with large air intakes, dedicated fog lights, a bold splitter and of course, that famed red Honda badge and Type R logo. Other styling changes include a hood scoop, flared wheel arches, bespoke black and red wheels, a huge rear wing, menacing rear bumper and three centrally-exiting tailpipes reminiscent of the Ferrari 458 Italia and F40. It is understood that the new Civic Type R will hit U.S. streets powered by the same 2.0-liter turbod four-cylinder of the outgoing model albeit tuned to over the existing 306 hp. Unlike the Focus RS however, the Honda will be offered solely with front-wheel drive. PHOTO GALLERY Mercedes is reportedly going to preview a new four-door AMG model with a Vision concept next year. The concept will be part of AMGs 50th anniversary celebrations in 2017, giving us a first glimpse of the new 600hp-plus saloon. Autocar reports that the new AMG will be ready to hit the market by 2019 and will likely carry the GT 4 nameplate. It will be a uniquely styled and engineered model from AMG, following the footsteps of the SLS and the current AMG GT. Power will come from the latest version of the twin-turbo, 4.0-litre V8 found in the new E63, as the automaker plans to rival the sportiest models of the segment, including the Porsche Panamera. Dont think of it as a stretched version of the AMG GT though, as sources told the British publication that the new four-door model, codenamed X290, will be based on a different platform. The GT 4 will reportedly use a unique version of the modular MRA architecture that underpins the C63, E63 and S63, featuring a unique wheelbase and track width measurements. Other exclusive features might include the added use of lightweight materials like aluminum and hot-formed high-strength steel to reduce overall weight. The new model is expected to be offered in two states of tune, with the S to exceed 603 HP. Power will be transferred to all four wheels via the 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system that debuted in the E63, complete with its so-called drift mode. Mercedes-AMG is also thinking about coupling the engine to a new integrated starter generator (ISG), offering more power for short periods via a 20hp electric motor mounted within the gearbox. The new Vision concept will come in the same period with AMGs planned unveiling of the limited-production, F1-inspired hypercar, which to us sounds like a hell of a way to celebrate your 50th birthday. Note: Render 1 Andrei Nedelea/Carscoops, Renders 2, 3 courtesy of Theophilus Chin PHOTO GALLERY Nissan revealed the Note e-Power, an electrified version of the compact model which uses a new powertrain that combines the Leafs EV technology with a petrol engine to charge the battery pack. This way the Nissan Note e-Power is driven solely from the electric motor alone, with the gasoline engine not connected to the wheels at all. This is the first time a powertrain of this nature is mounted in a compact model, with Nissan putting to good use the lessons learned from its EV range. As for the Note e-Power, Nissan will make it available only to the Japanese market with the company reportedly planning to use its powertrain in many of its upcoming models. Although the company didnt release any performance or economy figures yet, they claim that the Note e-Powers fuel efficiency is comparable to that of the leading conventional hybrid models, especially within the city walls. With Nissan already planning to axe the Note in Europe, its safe to expect the new electrified powertrain show up in models like the upcoming Micra and the next Juke and Qashqai models. PHOTO GALLERY VIDEO Having already launched their new, funky C-HR in several markets around the world, its time for Toyota to introduce the North American version of the compact crossover to the U.S. and consequently, Canada too. The North American specification C-HR, which was initially pegged to Scion before Toyota decided to kill the brand, will debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 17. Toyota hasnt verified the available powertrains for the C-HR that will go on sale in the States next year, but in other parts of the world, its available with two gasoline engines, a 114hp 1.2-liter turbocharged four paired to a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT, and a 142hp 2.0-liter mated exclusively to a CVT, plus a hybrid variant with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder mated to an electric motor producing 120hp. Front-wheel drive should come as standard, with all-wheel drive being optional. The Japanese brand calls the C-HR a compact model, but at 171.7 in. (4,360 mm) long, 70.7 in. (1,795 mm) wide and 1,550 mm (61 in.) tall, with a 103.9 in. (2,640 mm) wheelbase, its in-between categories, being bigger than the Juke (162.4 in. / 4,125 mm long 99.6 in / 2,530 mm wheelbase), but smaller than the RAV-4 (179.9 in. / 4,570 mm long, 104.7 in / 2,660 mm wheelbase). Hondas HR-V (169.1 in. / 4,295 mm long, 102.8 in. / 2,610 mm should be one of its closest rivals. N.A. 2018 Toyota C-HR International Toyota C-HR Photo: inmemoriam.ca Recommendations have been made to the Ministry of Health following the death of a senior in a Kamloops care facility weeks after he was assaulted by another patient. Provincial coroner Margaret Janzen recommended all assaults occurring within Interior Health be reported to police immediately and that the health ministry establish a committee or task force to review recommendations made in another report from the seniors' advocate on resident-to-resident aggression in B.C. care homes. The coroner's report stemmed from an investigation into the death of John Shippobotham at a Kamloops care facility in 2013. The dementia patient was staying at the Overland Extended Care Facility when he was assaulted by another resident. Janzen's report said Shippobotham was in good physical shape, but had a diminished mental capacity and would often wander into other patients' rooms. On June 12, 2013, he entered the room of one patient who was diagnosed with a cognitive disorder that was thought to be multifactorial in origin. The patient was also very territorial and attacked Shippobotham who had entered his room uninvited. Facility staff came to the aid of Shippobotham who received a bloody nose and a fractured hip and pelvis. Shippobotham was supposed to be confined to a bed for eight weeks, but had to be taken to the hospital four times for complications with the injuries he sustained. The elderly man then developed pneumonia and died on July 2, 2013. The facility did not report the incident to the RCMP; a family member reported the assault to the RCMP who investigated and determined that Mr. Shippobotham had been assaulted by the other resident. Following Mr. Shippobotham's death, criminal charges were forwarded to Crown Counsel who declined to prosecute the other resident, said Janzen in her report. Shippobotham died of bilateral necrotizing pneumonia due to immobilization following an assault. I classify this death as homicide. Homicide is a neutral term that does not imply fault or blame, she said. Photo: Flickr/BC gov't By Dermod Travis Just how far is the B.C. government willing to go to guard its secrets? A great distance, if the 2012 health ministry firings are any indication. Four million documents linked to the firings have mysteriously materialized for the latest investigation into the scandal, this one by B.C. ombudsperson Jay Chalke. There's a history behind some of those documents, where they were, how they were handled and by whom. Victoria labour lawyer Marcia McNeil's 2014 review into the firings was a bust due to what she called the dearth of documents which granted decision-makers an opportunity to avoid taking ownership of the decision. On Oct. 30, 2015, the Times Colonist reported that Top officials in B.C.s Health Ministry kept just one email from a two-year period on the botched firing of eight drug researchers. Yet, four days before that news article, the ministry was signing what turned into a $45,000 contract with an outside consultant for an inventory of sensitive records at 4000 Seymour Place. The contract is included in a 23-page spreadsheet listing all contracts ... that have been directly awarded by the ministry from Jan. 1, 2012 to Feb. 9, 2016. The inventory is 92 pages long. The description of each document, CD/DVD, box or envelope is redacted on all but nine of the pages. The non-redacted items, however, include references to Binder Investigation 2012-0601 Background from Deputy Minister Whitmarsh's office, confidential draft for discussion, handwritten note on findings, pre-interview issue summary and data sharing agreement. From a dearth of documents to an abundance? This past January, the ministry awarded a second $50,000 contract to review sensitive material to support the Ministry of Health ability to respond in a timely way to FOI requests and to request from the Office of the ombudsperson. No ordinary consultant was entrusted with the two contracts. Since 2004, the government's go-to consultant on such matters has billed $1.6 million, not including billings to Camosun College, Royal Roads University, BCIT, TransLink and B.C. Ferries. You might think out of 27,000 public employees working directly for the government, it could find someone up to the task. According to Hooper Consulting's website, its president Bev Hooper brings over 30 years experience providing information access, privacy and/or information management advice and services to both public and private sector organizations. She maintains a welcomed practical approach in responding to her clients needs in this very regulated and policy driven field. Interesting needs the government sends her way. Interesting timing too. B.C. Rail hired the firm when former auditor general John Doyle was conducting an audit into the government's legal indemnity program prompted by the $6 million bill racked up by Dave Basi and Bob Virk in the B.C. Rail scandal. PavCo retained Hooper for two-years preceding the destruction of 403 boxes of documents related to B.C. Place operations, including personnel files, construction bids and engineering work logs. Hooper is identified on a government website as the freedom of information contact for two Crown corporations: Partnerships B.C. and the Transportation Investment Corporation. A Shaw email address is listed as her contact email for TIC. In addition to those hats, Hooper wears another. Since 2008, Hooper has been the chief privacy officer for Maximus Canada that administers B.C.'s MSP program. Maximus also billed the government $1.1 million $950 per phone call to handle calls related to the 2012 privacy breach that allegedly was at the core of the firings. First, no records. Then a contract to itemize sensitive records. Then a review of sensitive material. The intent of the umpteenth investigation into this scandal was to put matters to a rest once and for all, not sow more doubt. As Health Ministry spokeswoman Sarah Plank put it: We recognize the publics desire to fully understand what took place in regard to the issue of the health firings. Thats why the matter was referred to the ombudsperson for investigation. Did the ombudsperson know of the third-party review by Hooper in the midst of his investigation? Were some documents redacted before they were turned over? Were others destroyed and, if so, on whose authority? His office isn't saying, falling back on its broad information gathering power. The stakes are high for Chalke. This is his career-defining report. No pressure. Dermod Travis is the executive director of IntegrityBC. Photo: Heiltsuk Nation A barge has arrived to remove a sunken tug from waters off British Columbia's central coast, but blustery weather is hampering the efforts of crews cleaning up the fuel spill. The latest joint situation report says all vessels have been told to stand down as winds of up to 90 km/h and waves as high as eight metres were expected Wednesday, nearly three weeks after the Nathan E. Stewart ran aground and sank near Bella Bella. The report says the tug is currently being held in place with a 10-ton anchor and a cradle is being prepared to lift the vessel from the water. When possible, the 30-metre tug is expected to be moved to deeper water, where it will be raised and loaded onto a barge for removal from the ocean off the Great Bear Rainforest. Exactly how much fuel was released into the water has not yet been determined, but the tug had more than 220,000 litres on board when it went down, and less than 105,000 litres have been recovered. Members of the Heiltsuk Nation say dead seals and otters have been found in the area since the tug sank, along with a number of oiled birds. Photo: Facebook - In Loving Memory of Letisha Reimer The 13-year-old victim in a random murder at an Abbotsford high school Tuesday has been described by friends as vibrant and beautiful on a recent GoFundMe fundraising page. Letisha Reimer was killed when a man, who did not attend the high school, walked inside the school and stabbed her and another 14-year-old girl. The 14-year-old remains in hospital in serious condition. "Evidence suggests this attack was random," said Sgt. Jennifer Pound of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. "We do not believe the suspect has ties to the school, to the two girls, or to the Abbotsford community." Mourners have been invited to the Valleyview Bible Church in Kamloops, where Reimer was reportedly an active member. It will be a difficult time, but please make every effort to be here, even if you didnt know Letisha, so that you can be with your brothers and sisters in their time of need," said youth pastor Kurtus Niessen in a Facebook post. "Pray that God would be with us tonight as we process, grieve, and call on Him for everything we need. The GoFundMe page set up for Letisha's family has raised over $4,500 in four hours. Their vibrant beautiful daughter was taken from them in an extremely violent and unforeseen attack, writes the fundraising post. We, the friends, are trying to do the only thing we can and that is to try our very best to raise some funds in hopes of allowing the family ample time to focus on nothing but healing. A memorial at the high school for Letisha has been growing since Tuesday. "They used to be happy and always dancing around, having fun," said Amsuman Nair, a student at the school. "But one of them is gone, and it's hard to believe." Gabriel Klein, 21, has been charged with second degree murder and aggravated assault. Police say the man walked into the school, barefoot, and attacked the two girls with a knife. Little is known about Klein, but police say he had no criminal record and no fixed address, and is believed to be from Alberta. with files from CTV Vancouver and The Canadian Press Photo: The Canadian Press Hillary Clinton painted a grim picture for minorities of life under a Donald Trump presidency Wednesday, as she sought to energize Democrats and sway undecided voters in the election's final days. Clinton was campaigning in the West, both in battleground Nevada and in Arizona. The latter is a reliably Republican state where Democrats see an opening against Trump given his unpopularity with Hispanics. Speaking to a union-heavy crowd in Las Vegas, Clinton urged voters to imagine what life would be like if Trump is inaugurated on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in January. For Hispanics, she said, that would mean having a president "who doesn't see you as Americans." And for blacks, she said it would mean having a president who believes their lives are consumed by "crime and poverty and despair." For Clinton, the final full week of the presidential campaign has turned into a greatest hits list of her most searing attacks on Trump and the Republican's most glaring missteps. On Tuesday, she campaigned in Florida with Alicia Machado, a former Miss Universe winner who Trump criticized for gaining weight, and slammed Trump repeatedly for his demeaning comments about women. In Las Vegas Wednesday, Clinton took aim at Trump's feud with an American-born judge of Mexican heritage who ruled against the businessman in an ongoing legal matter. Trump said earlier this year that Judge Gonzalo Curiel's Mexican roots meant he had a conflict of interest in the case given his proposal to build a wall along the U.S. Southern border. Clinton said Curiel "is as American as Donald Trump." Clinton's efforts to sharpen the contrast with Trump has left her campaign shrouded in a dark, negative tone as she closes out her White House bid. It's a conscious choice her campaign says it necessary as polls tighten ahead of next Tuesday's election. "The fact is the choice that Donald Trump represents is pretty dark," Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri told reporters travelling with Clinton to Nevada Wednesday. "You need to make it real for voters who are undecided." Clinton's camp says it saw polls tightening even before the FBI announced Friday that it was reviewing new material that could be related to a dormant investigation into the former secretary of state's handling of classified information. While Clinton says the FBI has "no case," the review has set Democrats on edge, worried that it could turn off late-deciding voters. Photo: Getty Images The Grocery Manufacturers Association must pay $18 million in civil fines for concealing the true sources of contributions received from food companies to oppose a 2013 food labeling initiative, a Washington state judge ruled Wednesday. Thurston County Superior Court Judge Anne Hirsch found that the Washington D.C.-based food industry group "intentionally violated" state campaign finance disclosure laws in its efforts to oppose Initiative 522. Because the judge found that group intentionally violated the law, her civil penalty of $6 million will be tripled to $18 million. The Attorney General's Office said it's believed to be the largest campaign finance penalty in U.S. history. The Grocery Manufacturers Association, which collected money from the nation's top food and beverage companies, along with five corporations, raised $22 million to defeat the ballot measure, which would have required labeling of genetically modified foods in the state. Voters narrowly rejected the proposal in the state's costliest initiative fight. "I took this case to trial because the GMA needed to be held accountable for their arrogance and wilful disregard of Washington state campaign finance laws," Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson said in a statement Wednesday. The Grocery Manufacturers Association said it "intends to vigorously pursue its legal options to correct this injustice." "GMA believes that there is no basis in law or fact to support this unprecedented, inequitable and clearly excessive penalty - nearly 18 times higher than any other Washington State public disclosure fine," the group said in an emailed statement Wednesday. It said its decision not to disclose member companies that contributed to the Non 522 campaign "was at most an inadvertent technical violation of the State's vague and complex disclosure law." The group lashed out against Ferguson, saying his "continuing crusade against GMA has been a centerpiece of his fundraising appeals and re-election effort." Ferguson sued the trade association in 2013, alleging it collected money from member food companies and concealed the source of $11 million in campaign contributions. In March, Thurston County Superior Court Judge Hirsch ruled that the group violated state campaign finance disclosure laws. Her ruling Wednesday followed a four-day penalty phase trial in August to determine what fine the group would pay. Photo: The Canadian Press Somebody set the fire that heavily damaged an African-American church that was also spray-painted with the phrase "Vote Trump," and an $11,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the conviction of whoever did it, a Mississippi fire chief said Wednesday. The FBI has opened a civil rights investigation of the Tuesday night fire at the 200-member Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, and Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons called the fire and graffiti a hate crime. Officials announced the reward and the investigators' conclusion that the fire was arson at the church, Greenville Fire Chief Ruben Brown Sr. said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. The church's beige brick walls still stand, but the pulpit and pews are burned black, and soot stains the brick above and next to some windows. Brown estimated that it was "80 per cent destroyed." "It definitely will have to be reconstructed from front to back," he said. Simmons called the arson a "heinous, hateful, cowardly act." "We consider it a hate crime ... because of the political message which we believe was intended to interfere with worship and intimidate voters," Simmons said. "This act is a direct assault on people's right to freely worship." The mayor said the FBI and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation are assisting the investigation in the Mississippi River city, where about 78 per cent of the 32,100 residents are African-American. Mississippi's top elections official, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, a Republican, said people shouldn't jump to the conclusion that the church was vandalized for political reasons. Initial reports suggest "this is not of a political nature," he told WDAM-TV (http://bit.ly/2eAUErb). The culprits should be prosecuted "to the fullest extent of the law," he said. State FBI spokesman Brett Car said the agency is "working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to determine if any civil rights crimes were committed." He did not comment on whether it was being investigated as a possible hate crime. "At this point, it is too early in the investigation to determine what type of crime this could be." Photo: The Canadian Press California voters heading to the polls should leave their selfie sticks at home. A federal judge on Wednesday refused to lift the state's ban in the current election on sharing photos of marked ballots. U.S. District Court Judge William Alsup said changing the rules so late in the election process would create confusion. "It's not fair to the voters in California, the people who run those polling places and the secretary of state to jam this down their throats at the last minute," Alsup said. The ban applies to photos taken in polling booths and at home or elsewhere by people voting by mail. The ruling came on the same day a federal judge in Colorado heard arguments on that state's ballot selfie ban. A legal challenge also is pending in New York. There are laws against voters sharing any photo of their ballot in 18 states, while six others bar photography in polling places but allow photos of mail-in ballots, according to a review by The Associated Press. Alsup said poll workers could be confused about whether people could use selfie sticks or take videos. He also raised concerns that photos that capture other people at the polling place might intimidate or disturb voters. Ballot photo bans were enacted over 100 years ago as a way to prevent coercion, intimidation and vote buying, but they have raised First Amendment concerns in today's era of social media and selfies. The ACLU in a lawsuit filed on Monday said California's ban violates voters' right to freedom of speech by preventing them from expressing their political views. The group sought an injunction blocking the state from enforcing the ban in the Nov. 8 election. Alsup said there were legitimate reasons to block people from sharing their marked ballots. He cited concerns about employers threatening to fire workers if they didn't vote a particular way and demanding to see their ballots as proof. Judges have struck down bans on the selfies in at least two states, and rules have changed in others. But in Colorado and many other states, sharing a picture of your ballot still carries potential fines or jail time. California has not enforced its ban, and the state recently passed a law allowing photographs of ballots, including those taken at polling stations, to be shared, though that won't take effect until January. The ACLU said voters in the state needed clear guidance to prevent confusion that could have a "chilling effect" on their speech in the current election. Photo: CTV Phoenix-area voters hoping to avoid long lines on Election Day by casting early ballots ended up waiting anyway Wednesday. Dozens of voters who crammed inside an office building in Glendale that was serving as a polling site reported waiting for more than two hours. "We were in there like sardines," said Vannessa Bonilla, 26, of Phoenix, a Republican who voted for the first time. Voters endured waits of more than five hours in the March primary. The county cut polling locations to just 60 from about 200 in the 2012 primary. The wait prompted a civil rights group to file a lawsuit against Maricopa County. The county settled it by agreeing to implement a plan to avoid polling place wait time. Deborah Eastman, 64, of Glendale, a registered Republican who voted Wednesday for Democrat Hillary Clinton, had hoped to make it to Clinton's Phoenix rally. But after waiting 2 1/2 hours, the substitute teacher didn't think she would. "I figured she'd rather have me vote for her than show up at the rally," Eastman said. The long wait time was largely due to limited staff and equipment to handle the unexpectedly large crowd. Voters have to fill out a slip before getting their ballot printed out. There was only one computer, one printer and a couple of workers assigned to the site. Maricopa County recorder's office spokeswoman Elizabeth Bartholomew said county election officials will send additional staff and another computer to the Glendale site Thursday. Three other sites in Scottsdale, Tempe and Mesa were similarly busy. They will get more staff on Friday, the last day to vote early in person. Bartholomew said people could also drive to polling places that have had no waits, including one in downtown Phoenix and another at Arizona State University. Elections officials said they were happy to see the unprecedented turnout. Photo: The Canadian Press Officers in riot gear clashed again Wednesday with protesters near the Dakota Access pipeline, hitting dozens with pepper spray as they waded through waist-deep water in an attempt to reach property owned by the pipeline's developer. The confrontation came hours after North Dakota regulators criticized the pipeline company for not immediately reporting the discovery of American Indian artifacts and a day after President Barack Obama raised the possibility of future reroutes to alleviate tribal concerns. Public Service Commission Chairwoman Julie Fedorchak said she was "extremely disappointed" that Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners waited 10 days before reporting last month's discovery of stone cairns and other artifacts. The panel could decide to levy fines of up to $200,000, Fedorchak said, though she said such a high amount would be unlikely. After an inspection, company consultants decided to divert the construction by about 50 feet, even though they determined there was a "low likelihood" any additional artifacts were buried nearby. The State Historic Preservation Office did concur with the company's plan on how to proceed after the artifacts were found. Although that change was relatively minor, Obama said it was possible the Army Corps of Engineers could eventually examine much larger ones that would reroute the pipeline in southern North Dakota to alleviate tribal concerns. He made the remarks during an interview Tuesday with the online news outlet NowThis. On Wednesday afternoon, protesters tried to build a wooden pedestrian bridge across a creek to enter the property, then attempted to swim or boat across when officers dismantled the bridge, Morton County Sheriff's spokeswoman Donnell Hushka said. Two arrests were reported. Volunteer medics treated some of the protesters for hypothermia during the confrontation near the mouth of the Cannonball River. About 140 people were arrested on the property last week in a law enforcement operation that cleared the encampment. The potential for damage to American Indian sites and artifacts has been a flashpoint in a monthslong protest over the pipeline, which is intended to carry crude from western North Dakota almost 1,200 miles to a shipping point in Patoka, Illinois. The Standing Rock Sioux, whose reservation lies near the pipeline route, have led a protest over that issue and the pipeline's potential hazard to drinking water. Tribal officials said in September they had identified cultural artifacts on private land along the route. After that finding, North Dakota's chief archaeologist, Paul Picha, inspected the area and said no sign of artifacts or human remains had been found. Picha said he was notified in a timely manner of the most recent discovery in a new area but didn't report it to the commission because he thought the pipeline company would. Both Picha and Fedorchak said the site itself was properly handled, with Energy Transfer Partners moving the pipeline route to avoid the artifacts. "We reviewed the information, wrote a letter of correspondence ... saying we agreed with the avoidance plan," Picha said. Photo: Contributed Police have arrested a Taco Bell worker in Utah accused of punching and kicking a customer who was creating a disturbance and fighting with employees. Salt Lake City police say an unidentified 64-year-old man on Tuesday became unruly inside a Taco Bell because his order was incorrect. The man tried to take a swing at an employee who escorted him out and shoved another employee who tried to intervene. Police say 23-year-old employee Duane Massie punched the customer and kicked his face and body. The Deseret News reports the customer had facial bruising and internal bleeding and was hospitalized in serious condition. Massie was arrested later at home on suspicion of aggravated assault. He has not yet been charged and does not yet appear to have an attorney to comment on his behalf. Taco Bell issued a statement saying: "The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority. Taco Bell and its franchisee, ES-O-EN Corp., the owner and operator of this Salt Lake City Taco Bell restaurant, were very disturbed to learn about this incident. ES-O-EN is fully co-operating with the Salt Lake City police in their investigation." Photo: The Canadian Press The homeless man who stabbed two students an Abbotsford high school, Tuesday, is believed to have no ties to the community or his victims. Gabriel Brandon Klein, 21, of no fixed address, is charged with murder and aggravated assault in connection with the attack that killed 13-year-old Letisha Reimer and hospitalized an unnamed 14 year old. "We do not believe the suspect has ties to the school, to the two girls, or to the Abbotsford community," said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Pound of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. Klein had been in the Vancouver area since February and is believed to be from Alberta. "Until we can learn a little bit more about who this is, we're not going to have a definitive answer on what (the) motive looks like," Pound said Wednesday. Flags at Abbotsford Senior Secondary School were at half-mast Wednesday and flowers were placed near the entrance. The school will remain closed for the rest of the week. "I feel sick to my stomach," a student who witnessed the attack told CTV. "I was terrified, scared." School Supt. Kevin Godden said schools in the district will be locking all but one exterior door during the day in the wake of the tragedy. with files from CTV Vancouver A Kamloops couple is behind bars after police raided their home and seized cocaine, cash and drug paraphernalia. According to Cpl. Jodi Shelkie, the Kamloops RCMP Drug Unit and Targeted Enforcement Unit raided a residence on the 700 block of St. Paul Street last week. Police say the residence had been the subject of frequent complaints from residences and businesses in the area due to alleged criminal activity. Through various investigative techniques, sufficient evidence was gathered and a Controlled Drugs and Substance Search warrant was obtained and executed for the residence on Oct. 27, said Shelkie. Once inside police seized 107 grams of cocaine, more than $12,000 cash, drug packaging materials and drug consumption materials. Two residents on scene were arrested and charged with various Controlled Drugs and Substance Act offences and a third person is expected to be arrested in the coming weeks. Any time drugs are removed from the streets it makes our community safer, said Shelkie. The work of these RCMP officers in identifying, targeting and arresting the people who supply drugs will have an impact on all citizens. Shelkie said the suspects, a 48-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman, are from Kamloops and were previously known to police. Both were initially released with a court date in the future, however on Nov. 2 police found both of them in breach of the conditions and they were arrested again. They remain in custody waiting to go before a judge. Photo: Facebook - Halifax Regional Police A wayward pig named Kevin Bacon has been safely returned to his owner, thanks to a couple of bemused police officers who found the portly animal waddling "footloose and fancy free" down a residential street. Members of the Halifax force were called to an area around Russell Street in Dartmouth on Tuesday after people out for a walk came upon the potbellied pig and notified police. Constables Nick Webber and Cody Schultz approached the happy looking animal as he munched grass on someone's front lawn. "He was lovely he was very happy to see them and very friendly and wasn't scared to see them," said police spokeswoman, Const. Dianne Woodworth. "He's adorable." When asked about the demeanour of the pig named for the star of the 1980s movie Footloose Woodworth chuckled and said, "I think he was just excited to be out front. You could say he was footloose and fancy free." She said Bacon was not in any danger and was following the rules of the road by staying on the sidewalk, adding that he hadn't ventured far from his home after likely escaping from his backyard. She said the officers didn't have a hard time rounding him up, making the apprehension of Bacon likely a first for the force. "We've had deer loose in the city and even a moose, but not a pig that I'm aware of," she said with a laugh. A picture posted on the force's Facebook page showing one of the officers reaching out to the pig generated more than 1,200 likes and dozens of comments, including one from a woman who said, "Good thing they found Kevin before he became Chris P Bacon lol!" Another said, "You guys literally live in the most bizarre city in Canada I swear." The pig was safely returned to its owner. But the force clarified Thursday that a photo of the pig apparently peering out the rear window of a police vehicle was not Kevin Bacon, but a different errant pig. Photo: Abbotsford Police UPDATE: 10:45 p.m. More information is emerging about a man charged with murdering a teen girl and seriously injuring another. According to some in the Downtown Eastside who claim to know Gabriel Brandon Klein, he was a user of "jib" which is crystal meth. The drug can cause delusions, paranoia and violence. However, they also note the 21-year-old wasn't prone to lashing out. "He comes back and forth and does his own thing, he doesn't cause problems," one man on Hastings Street told CTV News. "Normally he's all right. I've never seen him lash out." Another man said Klein stole to buy drugs. with files from CTV Vancouver UPDATE: 11:20 a.m. Grade 9 student Amsuman Nair will remember the screams for the rest of his life. The 14-year-old was in the middle of a math exam at his high school in Abbotsford, B.C., when two girls were stabbed, one fatally, in the building's front entrance an attack police have characterized as "random." Nair and his classmates spent four hours on Tuesday afternoon crouched silently in the corner of a classroom after a school-wide lockdown was declared over the intercom. On Wednesday, he stood with his father outside the building, where a memorial of cards, flowers, notes and candles was growing. "They used to be happy and always dancing around, having fun," Nair said of his friends. "But one of them is gone and it's hard to believe." Sgt. Jennifer Pound of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said Gabriel Klein, a 21-year-old homeless man, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of the 13-year-old student and aggravated assault in the attack on the 14-year-old. "Evidence suggests this attack was random," Pound said. "We do not believe the suspect has ties to the school, to the two girls, or to the Abbotsford community." ORIGINAL: 10 a.m. Police are looking for more information about a homeless man who walked into a high school in Abbotsford and stabbed two young girls, one fatally. Abbotsford police released a photo Thursday of Gabriel Klein, 21. The image was captured on a surveillance camera hours before the shocking and unprovoked attack at Abbotsford Senior Secondary. Letisha Reimer, 13, who died in the attack, was described by friends as vibrant and beautiful." The 14-year-old remains in hospital in serious condition. Klein has been charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault. He appeared in Abbotsford provincial court on Wednesday. Police ask that anyone who knows Klein or has information about him contact them at 1-877-551-4448. Photo: The Canadian Press Kinder Morgan Canada president Ian Anderson says he's read the science on both sides and doesn't know whether humans are contributing to climate change. Speaking to the Vancouver Board of Trade, Anderson said he "doesn't pretend to be smart enough" to know which side is right in the climate-change debate. The federal government is expected to decide whether to approve Kinder Morgan Canada's proposed $6.8-billion Trans Mountain pipeline expansion before the end of the year. Anderson says he does know the broad public view is that over time, humans should reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and he accepts that. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which assesses the work of hundreds of scientists from across the globe, has concluded that human influence on the climate is clear. Anderson says if the project is approved, the company will need three years to finish regulatory work, construction planning and preparation and won't be finished until at least 2019. Photo: Contributed With three suspects already in cuffs, police in Vancouver are in search of a final thief. Brittany Ulmer-Wightman, 23, is wanted for her alleged part in a brazen robbery of a Vancouver marijuana shop. Three men and a woman, armed with guns, entered the Stressed and Depressed marijuana store at 1353 East 41st Avenue on Oct. 16. The four suspects robbed the shop of cash and products. One staff member was assaulted during the incident, although reportedly did not require medical treatment. On Oct. 22, the three men were arrested and charged with robbery and weapons related crimes. Police continued their investigation and recommended charges for the woman they believe was involved. Ulmer-Wightman is now wanted for robbery, use of an imitation firearm in commission of offence and sexual assault. Anyone who sees Ulmer-Wightman, or knows of her whereabouts, is asked to call police immediately. Photo: VPD Vancouver Police are trying to track down three "extremely dangerous" kidnapping suspects. Erlan Lizandro Acosta, 26, Matthew Scott Stewart, 33, and Ellwood Thomas Bradbury, 26, are wanted on Canada-wide warrants in connection with kidnapping and aggravated assault. "These individuals are likely very well aware that the police are looking for them. They are extremely dangerous, and any information that someone has about their whereabouts we'd like to hear," Sgt. Brian Montague said. The men are wanted in connection with a September kidnapping in East Vancouver. Police were called to a home on Dieppe Place just before 10 p.m. on Sept. 17. A man and woman were found dead in the home, and evidence showed that a third person had been kidnapped from the residence. Police rescued the victim two days later, and three men were charged and remain in custody. Now the Vancouver Police say their investigation points to the three new suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call the Vancouver Police Major Crime Section at 604-717-2603. Photo: Abbotsford Police A pastor who works with marginalized groups in Abbotsford says people living on the street are worried about being targeted in the wake of this week's deadly high school stabbing. Ward Draper says reports from police that the attacker was a barefoot homeless man will reinforce misguided stereotypes that these people are all angry, crazy and violent. Draper says those prejudices are not true and that the homeless are far more likely to be the victims of violence. Police say a man walked into an Abbotsford high school Tuesday afternoon and stabbed two female students, killing one of them and putting the school on lockdown for hours. Homicide investigators have released a picture of 21-year-old Gabriel Klein, who faces one charge each of second-degree murder and aggravated assault. Letisha Reimer, 13, was killed in the attack. A 14-year-old girl is in serious condition in hospital. It's time to fall back. Daylight Saving Time comes to an end at 2:00 a.m., Sunday November 4 and most people in North America will turn their clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday night. Photo: Contributed - NRC-Canada Most of Canada will gain an hour's sleep as Daylight Saving Time comes to end, but not everyone will. The National Research Council reports that Canada's six time zones and Daylight Saving Time are usually regulated by provincial and territorial governments. However, Canadian jurisdictions which do comply follow the same time frame for change. Since 2007, clocks following the new North American standard for Daylight Saving Time are to be turned back one hour on the first Sunday of November and turned forward on the second Sunday in March. This change came after a similar move by the United States. Canada has remained synchronized with the U.S. since the late 1960s to promote consistent economic and social interaction but exceptions exist in many areas. In BC, most of the province operates on Pacific Time, however the East Kootenay region, including the communities of Cranbrook, Fernie, Golden and Invermere are on Mountain Time and observe DST. This means that the region is always on the same time as Edmonton...except Creston which observes Mountain Standard Time year round. Therefore, the time in Creston is the same as Edmonton in the winter and Vancouver in the summer. But wait, there's more. In BC's Peace River Regional District, including the communities of Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Hudson's Hope, Fort St. John, Taylor and Tumbler Ridge, Mountain Time is the standard and they do not observe DST. This means the good people of Chetwynd are on the same time Cranbrook some of the time and the same time as Creston all of the time. Then there's Saskatchewan, which mostly ignores the whole thing year round and remains on Central Standard Time, except for a couple of places along its borders. Lloydminster, which is bisected by the SaskatchewanAlberta boundary observes the same time as Alberta. Along the Manitoba border, the small towns of Denare Beach and Creighton unofficially observe DST in the central time zone, thereby keeping the same time as larger neighbouring Manitoba communities. Quebec adds to the fun by drawing a line at 63 degrees west longitude and decrees that everyone east of it remains on Atlantic Standard Time all year round Then, just to be really different, there are communities for which Daylight Saving Time never ends. Pickle Lake, New Osnaburgh, and Atikokan, three communities located within the Central Time Zone in Northwestern Ontario, (Most of the province is in the Eastern Time Zone) observe Daylight Saving Time all year long. This has the effect of having them on Central Time during the summer tourist season, and Eastern Time during the winter without ever changing their clocks. And then there's that half hour difference all the time in Newfoundland and Labrador...at least in the Newfoundland part which remains a minimum of 30 minutes ahead of the rest of Canada all of the time thanks to the Newfoundland Time Zone. Labrador however uses Atlantic Time, except for the portion between L'Anse au Clair and Norman Bay, which is on Newfoundland time. When you add it all up, isn't it a wonder that any of us are on time? If you have just started your journey in an online casino or are looking for a new site to play,... Discussion Signs of progress toward polio eradication in Afghanistan during 20152016 include a decline in overall WPV1 incidence, a narrowing of the geographic distribution of cases, and decreased diversity of WPV1 isolates. However, persistent poliovirus circulation in the countrys core poliovirus reservoirs in the Eastern and Southern regions and the emergence of sporadic cases elsewhere highlight the need for urgent action by the countrys PEI to address program vulnerabilities. In the Eastern Region, a surge in WPV1 cases in Nangarhar Province during JulyOctober 2015 was followed by sustained transmission in Kunar Province. Genetic sequencing linked some cases in the Eastern Region to active cross-border transmission, but it also indicated sustained local transmission. The Southern Region continues to show encouraging signs of reduced virus circulation, with only a few cases reported in 2015 and just a single case each reported from Helmand and Kandahar provinces to date in 2016; however, inadequate vaccination campaign quality persists. Sporadic polio cases in previously polio-free areas, such as Paktika in the Southeastern Region and Faryab Province in the Northern Region, represent importations from other parts of the country, and raise concerns about gaps in population immunity. The establishment of emergency operations centers (EOCs) at the national level and in the Eastern, Southern, and Western regions has strengthened the management and coordination of polio eradication activities. A key focus of the EOCs has been rapid improvement in the quality of SIAs. To achieve this, several steps were taken by the countrys PEI, notably updating the list of high-risk districts, and reprioritizing 47 of these districts as very high-risk districts. Microplans in these districts were revised and are being updated before each SIA to analyze local immunization data, prepare an operational map to reach and vaccinate children, and identify special activities for hard-to-reach areas. In addition, frontline polio workers in all districts were trained using a revised training package, and the scope of the fifth-day revisit strategy for vaccinating children missed during earlier days of polio campaigns was expanded. Postcampaign monitoring and LQAS results indicate that these initiatives have yielded improvements in the quality of vaccination campaigns. However, substantial numbers of children are still being missed in accessible areas, indicating the need for further improvement in the quality of supervision and monitoring during SIAs. There is an urgent need to improve vaccination coverage among children living in areas with security and access limitations. Key strategies already employed to achieve this, such as continued dialogue between the PEI and local authorities to gain access, the use of permanent transit teams to target and vaccinate children at all transit points close to inaccessible areas and cross-border points, and the implementation of several IPV-OPV rounds in newly accessible areas in short succession, need to be continued and scaled up wherever needed. Cross-border coordination of immunization activities and surveillance with neighboring Pakistan must remain a top priority, and immunization activities of the two countries should be synchronized whenever feasible. Despite recent progress, Afghanistan faces significant constraints in its quest to eliminate WPV circulation by the end of 2016, notably inaccessibility and attendant gaps in population immunity. To address these challenges, it is important that priority be given to ensuring timely implementation of all elements of the updated National Emergency Action Plan. India: Telangana State Housing Corporation signs cement price MoU ICR Newsroom By 03 November 2016 The State Housing Corporation of Telangana has signed a memorandum of understanding with local producers to fix the price of supplied cement at INR230/bag (US$3.45), the New India Express reports. The rate includes loading, transportation, unloading and all taxes. The average price of a bag of cement in India was INR285-290/bag at the beginning of the year, but substantially higher in Telangana and other southern states at around INR350/bag. The State Housing Corporation is currently undertaking a programme to provide over 270,000 low-cost homes by the end of FY2017. The memorandum will be in effect for the the next three years, covering the whole of that period and beyond. Published under Sign up for our newsletter Emily Lovingood was hired as the Secretary for the Cleveland State Community College Athens Center. Ms. Lovingood is a 2014 graduate of Cleveland State where she received her associate degree and a 2016 graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan University where she received her bachelors degree in Psychology. The Athens Center is excited to have Emily on board full-time, said Stefanie West, assistant director of Off Campus Centers. The experience she has gained from her part-time position and as a student worker at Cleveland State is making for a smooth transition into her new role. We feel very fortunate to have an employee who takes great pride in providing our students with the best service possible. Prior to her accepting this position, Ms. Lovingood worked in both the computer lab and the testing center at the Athens Center. I really like it so far, said Ms. Lovingood. It is a faster pace than in the testing center and keeps me busy, which is nice. I couldnt have asked for a better group of people to work withthey have all been awesome. In her current position, Ms. Lovingood is responsible for assisting potential students with the application process, taking applications, collecting fees, providing additional information about college programs and courses and assisting students with making appointments for career counseling, financial aid, and academic advisement. I like talking to students and helping them with their issues, whatever problems they may be having with their classes or financial aidanything like that. I feel like this is where I am supposed to be. In her spare time, Ms. Lovingood enjoys spending time with her husband, Logan, and traveling. ST. LOUIS When Deborah Giannecchini was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer four years ago, it didnt make sense. She had no family history, nor did she seem a high risk. But months later, when her daughter saw a TV ad for a law firm asking ovarian cancer victims who used talcum powder to come forward, Giannecchini realized a possible link: She had been using Johnson & Johnsons baby powder for most of her life. I used it for 45 years, from age 15, Giannecchini, now 63, said late last week. I was still using it. On Oct. 27, a St. Louis jury awarded more than $70 million to Giannecchini, of Modesto, Calif., wrapping up a monthlong trial. It was the third big verdict awarded by a St. Louis jury against Johnson & Johnson in ovarian cancer lawsuits this year. Combined, the three awards amount to nearly $200 million. Giannecchini said she was happy with the verdict, but it doesnt make up for the cancer fight and ongoing health problems caused by chemotherapy. Theres not enough money in the world to pay for fighting the cancer, she said at a news conference arranged by her lawyers. A spokeswoman for Johnson & Johnson said in a statement that while the company sympathizes with women and their families impacted by ovarian cancer, it will appeal the latest verdict because we are guided by the science, which supports the safety of Johnsons Baby Powder. About 2,000 women nationwide have filed similar suits over concerns about health damage caused by extended talcum powder use. Lawyers are reviewing many additional cases, many of them generated by television ads by law firms. In February, a St. Louis jury awarded $72 million to relatives of an Alabama woman who died of ovarian cancer. Another jury awarded $55 million in May to a South Dakota survivor of the disease. But two cases in New Jersey were thrown out by a judge who said there wasnt reliable evidence that talc leads to ovarian cancer, an often fatal but relatively rare form of cancer. Ovarian cancer accounts for about 22,000 of the 1.7 million new cases of cancer expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. Factors known to increase a womens risk of ovarian cancer include age, obesity, use of estrogen therapy after menopause, not having any children, certain genetic mutations and personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Talc is a mineral that is mined from deposits around the world, including the U.S. The softest of minerals, its crushed into a white powder. Its been widely used in cosmetics and other personal care products to absorb moisture since at least 1894, when Johnson & Johnsons baby powder was launched. But its mainly used in a variety of other products, including paint and plastics. Much research has found no link or a weak one between ovarian cancer and using baby powder for feminine hygiene, and most major health groups have declared talc harmless. Still, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies genital use of talc as possibly carcinogenic. Attorneys with Onder, Shelton, OLeary & Peterson in St. Louis, the firm that handled all three St. Louis cases, cited other research that began connecting talcum powder to ovarian cancer in the 1970s. They cite case studies showing that women who regularly use talc on their genital area face up to a 40 percent higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. The firm has also accused Johnson & Johnson of marketing toward overweight women, blacks and Hispanics the very same women most at-risk for ovarian cancer. Wylie Blair, an attorney for Giannecchini, said the firm is working with about 1,700 additional plaintiffs. Another trial is scheduled for February. Blair said there has been no talk with Johnson & Johnson concerning a class-action settlement. Acknowledging that a seminal product that everybody identifies with the company has been causing a horrible disease for all these years is going to be a tough pill to swallow for them, Blair said. Giannecchini said that as of now there is no evidence of cancer, but she wont know for years if she is free of the disease. One day at a time, she said. Just stay hopeful. Bow Truss was founded in 2012. The upscale coffee shop chain now has 11 locations open. (Lenny Gilmore / RedEye) Phil Tadros, owner of coffee brewer Bow Truss, has sued Chicago investor Alan Matthew, claiming he made false and defamatory statements about Tadros and his business. The suit, filed Monday in Cook County Circuit Court, alleges Matthew breached his fiduciary duties, publicly disclosed confidential documents and made false and defamatory statements about Tadros that damaged his reputation and his ability to obtain investments in the future. Tadros founded Bow Truss in 2012. The upscale coffee shop chain now has 11 locations open, with nine more under construction, he said. He also co-owns brewpub Aquanaut Brewing Company and founded digital agency Doejo. Matthew is an angel investor who has backed a slew of Chicago startups, according to his firm's website. According to the suit, Matthew has invested in at least four of Tadros projects, including an early $25,000 investment in Bow Truss. The suit claims Matthew made it apparent he was not satisfied with his Bow Truss investment, so Bow Truss sent him a $25,000 check to buy out his investment in 2015. A document appearing to be an email from Matthew claims Tadros said he would buy out Matthews stake for $100,000. The suit says Matthew voided the buyout check. The lawsuit comes nearly four months after Crains Chicago Business published an article about Tadros titled One of Chicago's most connected entrepreneurs has made more than a few enemies. The article quotes Matthew as saying the money he invested in one of Tadros companies was gone and claiming that Bow Truss operating agreement requires the company to provide financial data to investors, but that Bow Truss refused to do so. The suit claims those statements are false and says the statements have caused Bow Truss to lose revenue and capital investments. Crain's editor Michael Arndt says it stands by its report. As a result of the statements made by Matthew, Tadros claims in the lawsuit, Bow Truss lost clients. He said in the lawsuit that the claims were made with the intention of impeaching his "honesty, integrity and reputation." Advertisement "He's making it hard on my employees and I to grow, and he should be supporting his investment or taking his money back and leaving us alone," Tadros told Blue Sky. Matthew could not be reached for comment. Advertisement Mondays suit is the second from Tadros in the last month. Funded Foods, Tadros crowdfunding portal for food-related startups, also filed a suit against The Budlong Hot Chicken restaurant and Jared Leonard, its founder, in October. The Lakeview restaurant closed in late September. The suit claims Leonard breached fiduciary duty and a contract by closing the restaurant and forming a new company to run other Budlong restaurants. Leonard could not be reached for comment. mgraham@tribpub.com Twitter @megancgraham Chicago papers are flying off newsstands, as Cubs fans scramble to get the first newspaper in 108 years with their team and the words "World Series Champions" emblazoned across the front page. The Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times, both printed at the Freedom Center in the Fulton River District neighborhood, added hundreds of thousands of copies to their normal circulation numbers. Advertisement The Tribune normally prints about 300,000 copies, said Stew Erskine, product supervisor in the pressroom. Overnight Wednesday it printed an extra 400,000 copies. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 6 The Chicago Tribune edition announcing the Cubs' World Series victory is seen Nov. 3, 2016, at the Tribune Freedom Center printing facility in Chicago. The Tribune printed about 400,000 extra copies of the newspaper. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune) "We had extra staff, we had three extra presses running," Erskine said. "We've been planning it since we knew they were going to be in the World Series." Advertisement They fired up the presses again Thursday afternoon, adding another 300,000 copies of the Tribune, bringing the total to about 1 million. The Tribune set up tables in the lobby of Tribune Tower before 8 a.m. to sell copies of the paper, replica press plates and other merchandise. The Sun-Times printed almost 600,000 extra copies, about eight times the normal amount, said Jim Kirk, editor and publisher of the Sun-Times, in an email. It set up a pop-up shop in the Merchandise Mart to sell the paper and take book orders. "The last time we came this close to adding this many papers was the day after Barack Obama won the presidential election in 2008," Kirk said. "Given the high call volume this morning, we will likely print even more." Here's the Chicago Sun-Times front page wrapper for tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/4ktj4MRUwy Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) November 3, 2016 As Game 7 of the World Series pushed into extra innings and a rain delay Wednesday night, the printing staff waited. The presses at the Freedom Center also print copies of The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, both of which had late runs. Normally the presses start running at about 11 p.m., Erskine said, but they didn't start until 1:30 a.m. Thursday. Then delivery trucks made extra runs, taking out their normal loads and coming back for more. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 128 The Chicago Cubs celebrate after beating the Cleveland Indians on Nov. 3 in Game 7 to win the World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) They'll fire the presses up again Thursday afternoon to print a Cubs special section for the Tribune, set to go out with Friday's paper, Erskine said. The presses worked double time when the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup last year, Erskine said, and when Obama won the election. Advertisement "But this kind of increase? Never," he said. "This is crazy." Copies of Thursday's edition of the Tribune are already for sale on eBay for as much as $26. The suburban Daily Herald newspaper upped the amount of papers it printed for newsstands from about 4,800 to 53,000, said Jim Galetano, senior vice president of circulation. "And that's just the newsstands, that doesn't include the home delivery," he said. "It's 10 times the normal rate." Front pages of newspapers from Canada to Colombia also heralded the Cubs win. amarotti@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @AllyMarotti A former police officer has been cleared of charges that he was drunk when he crashed his patrol vehicle into a utility pole last year. Oscar Baez, 52, resigned from the Prairie Grove Police Department the day after the Nov. 29 crash. But on Thursday, McHenry County Judge Michael Feetterer acquitted Baez of DUI and official misconduct, saying there was reasonable doubt as to whether Baez was under the influence of alcohol. Advertisement Baez, of Bensenville, had testified at his trial last month that he'd consumed two cups of eggnog at about 11 a.m. the day of the crash, hours before starting his shift at 3 p.m. On the witness stand, he said he was not much of a drinker but just wanted to taste "a little bit" of the eggnog. Baez also testified that his brakes failed as he approached an intersection about 10:30 p.m., causing his vehicle to strike the pole, which was nearly severed by the impact. Advertisement He declined to submit to a breath test and did not provide blood or urine samples for testing, according to testimony. A roadside sobriety test was administered and authorities said he failed parts of the test. But Feetterer noted that first responders who testified had different impressions about whether Baez appeared to be intoxicated. For example, responding officers said they smelled alcohol on his breath, but a paramedic who tended to Baez at the scene said he did not. In explaining his failure of part of the sobriety test that involved tracking a pen with his eyes as it was moved side to side, Baez also testified that he'd had eye surgery as a child and has weak eye muscles. He said he wears corrective glasses for this condition but at the time of the exam he was not wearing them. Amanda Marrazzo is a freelance reporter. A man surrendered to police after barricading himself in an apartment on the Near North Side for two hours Wednesday night, police said. The man barricaded himself in the apartment in the 1100 block of North Dearborn Street about 6:10 p.m., threatening to kill himself, according to police. Advertisement He surrendered to police at 8:25 p.m. and was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for evaluation, according to police. President Barack Obama speaks at campaign rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, at Florida International University in Miami on Nov. 3, 2016. (Lynne Sladky / AP) WASHINGTON Donald Trump warned Thursday that a cloud of investigation would follow Hillary Clinton into the White House, evoking the bitter impeachment battle of the 1990s in a closing campaign argument meant to bring wayward Republicans home. Clinton and her allies, led by President Barack Obama, told voters to get serious about the dangers of Trump. As polls show Trump closing in on Clinton in key battleground states, her campaign is rushing to shore up support in some long-standing Democratic strongholds. That includes the campaign's Michigan firewall, a remarkable situation for a candidate who looked to be cruising to an easy win just a week ago. Advertisement Clinton's shrunken lead has given Trump's campaign a glimmer of hope, one he's trying to broaden into a breakthrough before time runs out. That means zeroing in on questions of Clinton's trustworthiness and a new FBI review of an aide's emails. The attack is aimed at appealing to moderate Republicans and independents who have been the holdouts of his campaign, turned off by his behavior but equally repelled by the possible return of the Clintons. Advertisement "Here we go again with the Clintons you remember the impeachment and the problems." Trump said Thursday at a rally in Jacksonville. "That's not what we need in our country, folks. We need someone who is ready to go to work." Clinton and allies, meanwhile, are seeking to keep the spotlight on Trump, charging that his disparaging comments about women and minorities, and his temperament make him unfit for office. "He has spent this entire campaign offering a dog whistle to his most hateful supporters," Clinton said, singling out Trump's endorsement from the official newspaper of the Ku Klux Klan and noting that he has retweeted messages from white supremacists. "This has never happened to a nominee of a major party," Clinton said. "If Donald Trump were to win this election we would have a commander in chief who is completely out of his depth and whose ideas are incredibly dangerous," she said at Pitt Community College outside of Greenville, North Carolina. Clinton was slated to campaign later Thursday with former primary opponent Sen. Bernie Sanders and pop star Pharrell Williams in Raleigh. Trump's path to victory remains narrow. He must win Florida to win the White House, no easy feat. Still, his campaign has been buoyed by tightening polls there and in other key battlegrounds, as well as by signs that African-American turnout for Clinton may be lagging. Clinton enlisted Obama's help urging those voters to the polls and lighting a fire under other Democrats, particularly young people, who share some of the wariness about Clinton. Speaking to students at Florida International University in Miami, Obama told voters now was the time to get serious about the choice. "This isn't a joke. This isn't 'Survivor.' This isn't 'The Bachelorette.'" he said, taunting the former reality-TV star. "This counts." Advertisement Relishing one of his last turns on the campaign stage as president, Obama repeatedly returned to his new campaign catchphrase capturing his disbelief in the unpredictable race to replace him. "C'mon, man," he said, to cheers. Obama has been trying to bait Republican into veering off message counting on Trump not to have the discipline or the ground game to capitalize on a late surge. But the famously unconventional Trump has been hewing closer to convention, running some upbeat ads, bringing out his wife for a rare campaign appearance and even talking publicly about trying not to get distracted. "We don't want to blow it on Nov. 8," Trump said Thursday at the rally in Jacksonville, his fourth in Florida in two days. Clinton's weekend schedule underscored the Democrats' fresh anxiety in the final stretch. She is due to campaign Friday in Detroit, where a large turnout of black voters has long been crucial to success, following up on a last-minute meeting by former President Bill Clinton with black ministers on Wednesday night. Advertisement Clinton and Obama, along with their spouses, will headline a final pre-election rally in Philadelphia next Monday evening. Trump has had far fewer allies carrying his message. Sen. Ted Cruz, his GOP primary foe, did campaign with vice presidential candidate Mike Pence outside Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, but he never mentioned Trump by name in a 14-minute speech. Trump's wife, Melania Trump, made her first appearance on the trail since the Republican convention in July. At a get-out-the-vote rally in the Philadelphia suburbs, the former model tried to counter the Clinton campaign's pounding attacks on her husband as setting a poor example for children. She told the group that if she becomes first lady she will focus on combatting online bullying and working against a culture that has "gotten too mean and too rough," she said. Melania made no reference to her husband's regular name-calling on social media. On Twitter, Donald Trump has called Clinton "crooked," ''pathetic," ''liar," ''a fraud" and "very dumb." He's called Cruz a "true lowlife pol" and a "complete and total liar." Trump's daughter Ivanka was campaigning in New Hampshire. Advertisement Associated Press A police officer pushes his way outside to keep protesters at bay, before a debate for Louisiana candidates for the U.S. Senate, at Dillard University in New Orleans, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. They were protesting the presence of former Ku Klux Klan leader and current U.S. Senate candidate David Duke, who was participating in the debate at the historically black college. (Gerald Herbert / AP) NEW ORLEANS White supremacist David Duke's appearance in Louisiana's final U.S. Senate debate ahead of next week's election derailed much of the event Wednesday, with opponents trashing him, the debate moderator struggling to keep him within time limits and angry protesters chanting outside the building. The debate took place at historically black Dillard University. Duke's presence there sparked protests by students and others angry at his presence, their inability to get into the debate or both. Advertisement The 60 to 70 protesters were raucous at times, with campus police twice resorting to pepper spray to disperse demonstrators trying to force their way into the building as the debate got underway. Police also forcibly separated a group that linked arms at a gate to the campus so a police unit believed to be carrying Duke could exit. At least one person was detained during the debate and police were seen escorting several away from one of the campus gates but it was unclear if anyone was charged. Advertisement Protesters slap and kick a police car transporting former Klansman and current U.S. Senate candidate David Duke, after a debate for Louisiana candidates for the U.S. Senate, at Dillard University in New Orleans, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. Protestors were outside because of his presence at the historically black college. (Gerald Herbert / AP) Inside, six candidates were on the debate stage, but much of the focus was squarely on the former Ku Klux Klan leader even though he's lagged in the polls and hasn't made much of a splash in state politics since making a gubernatorial runoff 25 years ago. Democratic lawyer Caroline Fayard called Duke a "snake." Republican state Treasurer John Kennedy called Duke a liar. Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell said Fayard has been lying about him as she tried to connect him to Duke. Campbell said he has nothing in common with Duke except both men were "breathing." Republican U.S. Reps. Charles Boustany and John Fleming largely tried to ignore Duke as they sought to distinguish themselves from the major competitors, but the debate turned time and again to Duke, who narrowly reached the 5 percent polling benchmark set by Raycom Media for participation in the debate broadcast across most of Louisiana. Duke suggested Kennedy, the race's front-runner, tried to raise taxes on homeowners and that all five of his competitors on the stage were "beholden to big money." In response, Kennedy cited Duke's prison number. Duke spent a year in federal prison after pleading guilty in 2002 to bilking his supporters and cheating on his taxes. Duke claimed he was "targeted by the government." When moderator John Snell of WVUE-TV interrupted Duke to explain he pleaded guilty to the crime, Duke yelled: "You're a typical media hack!" Two dozen people are vying Republican David Vitter's seat. He isn't seeking re-election. Reporters were not allowed inside the auditorium while the debate was being recorded and instead had to watch it on television in a separate room. Advertisement Associated Press Senior FBI officials were informed about the discovery of new emails potentially relevant to the investigation of Hillary Clinton's private email server at least two weeks before Director James Comey notified Congress, according to federal officials familiar with the investigation. The officials said that Comey was told that there were new emails before he received a formal briefing last Thursday, although the precise timing is unclear. The information goes beyond the details provided in the letter that Comey sent to lawmakers last week declaring that he was restarting the inquiry into whether Clinton mishandled classified material during her tenure as secretary of state. He wrote in the Friday letter that "the investigative team briefed me yesterday" about the additional emails. The people familiar with the investigation said that senior officials had been informed weeks earlier that a computer belonging to former congressman Anthony Weiner, D-New York, contained emails potentially pertinent to the Clinton investigation. Clinton's top aide, Huma Abedin, shared the computer with her husband, from whom she is now separated. Comey did not notify Congress as soon as he learned about the emails because officials wanted additional information before proceeding, the officials said. Even after Comey received the desired information, major questions still remain for instance, how many emails are related to Clinton or contain classified information. Since notifying Congress, Comey has drawn intense criticism from lawmakers in both parties as well as prominent former law enforcement officials for publicizing the investigation so close to the election when so little was known. It is unclear what FBI agents have learned since discovering the emails in early October. But officials say they gained enough information from the email metadata to take the next step, seeking a warrant to review the actual emails. That legal step prompted Comey's letter to Congress, which has made him a central figure during the stretch run of the presidential campaign. "He needed to make an informed decision, knowing that once he made that decision, he was taking it to another level," an official with knowledge of the decision-making process said. Law enforcement officials on Oct. 3 seized the computer belonging to Weiner, who was under investigation for allegedly sending suggestive online messages to a teenage girl. As they examined his computer, investigators quickly stumbled on emails tied to Abedin. She and Weiner separated in August. Abedin, like Clinton, used an email address that was routed through Clinton's private server. Soon after the investigators found the new trove of thousands of emails, they notified the separate team of FBI agents in Washington that worked on the probe into Clinton's private email server, officials said. Comey said in July that the investigation was complete and that he would recommend to prosecutors that no charges be brought. After the agents on the Clinton case were notified in early October about the newly discovered emails, they in turn told FBI leaders about them. At that point, the leaders did not believe they had enough information to make a decision about what to do next, officials said. The senior FBI officials instructed the agents to do everything they could within legal limits to determine the relevance of the new emails, one official said. That review, including a closer examination of the email metadata, was an attempt to figure out the scope and volume of what the agents had found. An FBI spokesman declined to comment. In notifying lawmakers on Friday about the new investigative steps, Comey said he had been "briefed" about the newly discovered emails a day earlier but did not mention that he had first heard about them before that. The news media has widely reported that Comey was first told about the emails last week. A formal briefing for Comey with the investigative team was held Oct. 27 at FBI headquarters. At that point, Comey was given a complete presentation of everything the team knew about the trove. "It was a combination of assessments by the investigative team as to what it might be," the official said. Much was unknown about the contents and relevance of the thousands of emails. How many were to or from Clinton? Did any contain classified information? How many were duplicates of material the FBI had already reviewed? Was any of this significant to the Clinton email investigation that had been completed? "At that point, there was no way for Comey to know if the (Clinton investigators) had already seen the emails before or if they were new, old or different," an official said. "All of that was just unknown." But Comey and others felt there was enough information at that point to pursue a warrant, which would permit the investigators on the Clinton case to read the emails, officials said. They could not read them without legal permission because the emails had been discovered in the separate criminal probe involving Weiner. When Comey and the officials decided to seek a warrant, they knew that would involve more people, both at the FBI and the Justice Department. Comey was concerned that the explosive information that they had to renew the Clinton investigation would leak out. "It could not be done in secret," an official with knowledge of the investigation said. "It's a volatile subject and a major topic in the presidential campaign." But the overriding factor in Comey's decision was that he felt he had to tell Congress what he was doing because he had testified under oath this past summer and "told Congress and the world" that the Clinton email investigation was complete, and now that was no longer true, an official said. Then, Comey had to figure out what to say to lawmakers, when he knew so little. He wanted the letter to be accurate and "circumspect," the official said. "He wanted it to be carefully, thoughtfully done and say no more than his investigators knew," the official said. After the formal briefing, staffers in Comey's office contacted senior officials at the Justice Department to notify them about the director's decision. The next day, Comey sent his letter. Two officials familiar with the case said it is unclear whether investigators will be able to conclude their review of the new emails before the election. President Barack Obama addressed the controversy in an interview posted Wednesday by NowThisNews, saying, "I do think that there is a norm that when there are investigations we don't operate on innuendo, and we don't operate on incomplete information, and we don't operate on leaks." "When this was investigated thoroughly last time the conclusion of the FBI, the conclusion of the Justice Department, the conclusion of repeated congressional investigations was she had made some mistakes but that there wasn't anything there that was prosecutable," Obama said. Then-Mayor-elect Muriel Bowser, Judge Eric T. Washington and Mayor Vincent Gray at the inauguration of Bowser and councilmembers in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 2, 2015. (The Washington Post, Getty Images) Anyone who has ever been a candidate will tell you that politics is a rough-and-tumble business. Cheap shots, low blows and worse are to be expected. Good campaigns prepare responses and deflections. What campaigns do not prepare for, however, are precipitate broadsides from law enforcement. That's what happened to Hillary Clinton last week. The same thing happened to me too. Advertisement In March 2014, one week before the beginning of early voting in the District of Columbia's Democratic primary, then-U.S. Attorney Ronald Machen dropped a bombshell on my mayoral re-election campaign. He brought the kingpin of a political crime operation into court, announced that he'd struck a plea deal and at an ensuing news conference asserted, for all intents and purposes, that I was a co-conspirator and would soon be indicted. The media and my primary opponent pounced. The circus-like atmosphere that followed dominated every news cycle until the polls closed April 1. Muriel Bowser had beaten me for the nomination. Advertisement Before what became known in District politics as "Machen Monday," my campaign substantially led every public poll and our internal polls as well. That lead, however, quickly evaporated, and there was no time to recover. A year and a half later, long after the November general election, the U.S. attorney's office ended the case. No charges were filed against me, nor was an iota of wrongdoing suggested. Machen is back in private practice. The case was much ado about nothing, but my re-election was sabotaged, and District voters were duped. On Oct. 28, 11 days before Election Day and at a time when millions of Americans were already voting, FBI Director James Comey dropped a similar bombshell on Clinton's campaign, disclosing to Congress that the bureau had found a new batch of emails that could be pertinent to its investigation into her private server. News outlets and her opponent have focused on little else since. The damage to Clinton is yet to be determined. The Justice Department has standards that direct prosecutors and law enforcement officials to avoid the appearance of meddling in elections. In my case and Clinton's as well, these directives were disregarded. Nothing is more important to candidates than the trust they build with voters. And nothing is more fragile. Law enforcement has an unrivaled ability to shatter that trust. Accordingly, it should not behave like a bull in a china shop. When I heard what prosecutors were alleging about me, I was dumbfounded. After dedicating my entire career to uplifting people and making government work better for them, I found myself portrayed as someone I didn't recognize. It was infuriating to watch a member of the law enforcement community an institution I still have great respect for publicly suggest things that I knew weren't true. The afternoon that Machen held his news conference was the day before my annual State of the District speech. After Machen had made his announcement, I sat in my office in stunned shock. Then I assembled my key staff and told them it was imperative that we change my speech to address and refute Machen's allegations. We made the revisions, but as I delivered the speech, I wondered how I could sound believable when the U.S. attorney had just accused me of engaging in a conspiracy with a serial criminal. Advertisement It was enormously difficult to remain focused, but I knew I had to, because so much was at stake. I had no doubt these announcements were deliberate, seeking to undermine my chances for re-election. In the days that followed Machen Monday, my side of the story played second fiddle to Machen's. Media outlets emphasized sensational tidbits of "news" the kingpin's nickname and allusions to evidence that was never produced but at the same time neglected their role as skeptics. The Washington Post editorial page reinforced Machen's allegations and directed readers to reject me. Fortunately for Clinton, The Post and most other media organizations are taking a different position today. There are more voices in the media saying that Comey was wrong, if not reckless, to drop a bombshell in the closing days of an election some raising the prospect that Clinton might be defeated but still never even be charged with any wrongdoing, let alone convicted. This is precisely what happened in my situation. Elections must be contested on a level playing field. The Justice Department understands this and has guidelines designed to avoid the appearance of meddling. Few institutions have the power to hold the Justice Department in check. One institution that could is the media, which did not object to the timing of Machen Monday until months after the fact. To this day, few news organizations have revisited or investigated the matter. In other words, no one held the Justice Department to account. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that we are witnessing a repeat performance of sorts. Advertisement Perhaps the outcry over Comey's actions will result in stricter enforcement of rules or repercussions the next time Justice Department officials inappropriately and unnecessarily inject themselves into elections. Washington Post Vincent C. Gray was mayor of the District of Columbia from 2011 to 2015, chairman of the D.C. Council from 2007 to 2011 and Ward 7 council member from 2005 to 2007. Oswego residents like where they live, according to the results of a village community survey. Oswego trustees last fall hired Kansas-based ETC Institute to facilitate a survey that would provide a glimpse of what people think of the village. The survey also compared Oswego with communities in the region and nationwide. Advertisement ETC Institute senior project manager Jason Morado presented the findings at Tuesday's Village Board Committee of the Whole meeting. He said 629 surveys were completed, which exceeded their goal of 500 responses. Morado said the six-page survey was administered randomly across the village through a combination of phone, mail and online services to get a fair representation. Advertisement "We found overall residents have a positive perception of the village - 95 percent of residents rated the village as either an excellent or good place to raise children and 88 percent rated the village as an excellent or good place to live," he said. As for areas of improvement, the survey "found the top overall priorities are traffic congestion and management of village finances," the consultant reported. Morado said Oswego did place below the national average for places to work, visit and retire. As for perception of the village, "overall the positive ratings far exceeded the negative," he said. He said residents were asked to rate village services. "Areas with the highest ratings of satisfaction were police service and customer service," he said. He said police services were rated above regional and national averages. "Four areas especially stand out, how quickly police respond to emergencies, enforcement of local traffic laws, visibility of police in neighborhoods and overall efforts to prevent crime - that's an area more than 10 percent above regional and national averages," Morado said. Advertisement Officials said the survey is part of the village's continuing outreach with residents and efforts to develop a branding plan for economic development, business recruitment, residential growth and tourism. The survey results are available on the village's website at www.oswegoil.org. Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News Birther issue needs to die: I want to comment on the caller who said the media is picking on Donald Trump because of President Obama's birth certificate. Trump is the one who kept the birther issue going. Now Trump said to let it die. This caller should also let it die. Trump and taxes: Now the newest complaint against Donald Trump by the Democrats is that he didn't pay taxes for years. Nobody is saying he did it illegally, and that's the point. If the Democrats want the rich to pay taxes, they need to change the tax laws. Trump did nothing wrong. He would be better for our economy and for reducing our $20 trillion debt than would Hillary Clinton. He would reduce taxes on corporations. They in turn would hire more employees, which would help the economy. With Hillary, it would be higher taxes, more unemployment and more welfare, or just like it has been with President Obama. Advertisement Getting away with murder: The Kane County justice system has gone the way of Cook County with its sympathy for murderers. This month, they released a man originally sentenced to 100 years for a gruesome murder in Aurora. If this is the case, hasn't Brian Dugan served enough time for his multiple murders? John Wayne Gacy was executed, and Richard Speck died in prison. Both would be walking free today. Kane County judges are following the trend of allowing convicted murderers to walk after serving a portion of their sentences. Perhaps these sympathetic judges should offer their own homes as halfway houses for getting these murderers back into society. Desist resisting authority: Do what you're told. Has anyone stopped to think that these African-American men who were killed by the police could still be alive if they just obeyed police commands? Why did they resist police authority? Advertisement Angst about Aurora roads: I was calling about Aurora turning New York Road into two-way streets through the main parts of town. Now when New York gets snipped when you're heading westbound, you have a great bottleneck where the two lanes go into one, and people don't know there is a turn lane. When you're coming westbound on Galena and Broadway, you have two lanes going into one and two turn lanes. They have done a really great job of slowing things up for everybody. I read that Galena and Smith is a dangerous intersection. That doesn't surprise me. There are signs saying no parking between 2 and 5 a.m., yet the street is lined up with cars. You can't see where you're going. Kaine versus Pence: During the vice presidential debate, Tim Kaine reminded of the metal robot in the old Superman series during the 1950s. Boy, is he programmed. He's Hillary Clinton's doll. Put strings on him and watch him go. Mike Pence did a great job, but the other guy looked like a fool. Stop curtailing public comments: This is about the story on School District U46 restricting public comments. We the public who make the comments are the ones who pay the taxes that fund their payroll. If they don't want to hear us, there is something wrong. This is America. This is free speech. They need to sit there and listen to us. If they are doing things that are not making people happy, maybe they need to learn, listen and change things. Troubled about Trump: What is wrong with all the evangelical Christians? Donald Trump's wife was eight months pregnant while he hit on a married woman and was going to buy her furniture. He was all over her like a bee, but he didn't succeed. At the same time, his wife was at home pregnant. What kind of man is this? I don't care if it happened 30 years ago. He shouldn't be our president. Bothered about backtracking: Has anybody really listened to Donald Trump? He backtracks on everything. People, I know you know how many times this man has backtracked. He never says "I'm sorry," but he says, "Trust me." Disabled veteran seeks help: I want to speak out as a disabled veteran of the United States Air Force and as a senior citizen. It's a long story, but I'm literally being thrown out of my house. I've lived here 49 years. I will be thrown out of my four-bedroom home. I've been fighting this for so long. The doctors are concerned about what this is doing to my health. I do have a right to live the rest of my life. Reverse mortgages are not what they advertise on television. There has got to be some way I can stay in my house. Editor's note Speak Out is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, please tell us. Call us at 312-222-2460 or email couriernews@tribpub.com. Please include "speak out" in the subject line. My daughter and I recently tended the family grave site at White Memorial Cemetery, where we noticed a long line of motorcycles parked on the south side of Cuba Road. It became clear that this group of women were disappointed that the cemetery gates were closed, until they saw us in there. Advertisement After briefly talking to them, we found out that they were on a history outing. We then made arrangements for them to enter the cemetery. As one of the cemetery managers, I was happy to give them some information and showed them where some of the oldest gravestones were located, including the one of Francis Kelsey, who served in the War of 1812. Advertisement As they returned from the west end of the cemetery, they noted the unusual (although not for the 19th century) names of Kelsey's relatives Wealthy and Diantha. Their names can be found in the 1842 letter that Kelsey wrote, describing his journey to the west. The group told us how they were moving on to Long Grove to look for the Gridley Family Cemetery, located in woods now part of a forest preserve. The Gridleys were among the families who left their mark on the area around Gilmer Road and Route 83. When White Cemetery managers John Hipsky, Priscilla Rose, Nicole Knapik and myself recently met to approve maintenance and site work, we learned how the cemetery is now "sold out." Fence repair, tree work and upgrades to the security system were approved and paid exclusively by Cemetery Association funds. Support for the cemetery and maintenance of it also are supplemented by the Cuba Township Road District. It is a matter of great pride that this Cuba Township landmark can be so well cared for and respected. Sometimes, when caring for personal grave sites, a person meets members of other families doing the same thing. I've found through my experiences that people often mention how beautiful and peaceful White Memorial Cemetery can be as a resting place. Speaking of "memorial," numerous Veteran's Day observances happen on Nov. 11, including at the center of Barrington, the Veteran's Memorial across from McGonigal's on Park Avenue and Cook Street. Advertisement I also always like to watch the Remembrance Day service, as it is called in the United Kingdom, at the Cenotaph war memorial on Whitehall located in London. This event is held on the Sunday closest to Nov. 11. One of the traditions over there is the reading of famous lines from Laurence Binyon's verse "For the Fallen." The verse: "They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them." And so it shall be. Barbara Benson is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press. Reach her at barbaralbenson@aol.com. A security camera captured this image of a December 20, 2010 robbery of a Summit bank. A Chicago man was recently sentenced to seven years in prison for the robbery. (Nolan, Michael / HANDOUT) A Chicago man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for the December 2010 robbery of a Summit bank. Aaron Schreiber, 35, was sentenced Oct. 21 by U.S. District Court Judge Andrea Wood, who also ordered him to serve three years of supervised release following the completion of his sentence. Advertisement In the Dec. 20, 2010 robbery of what was then Archer Bank, 7600 W. 63rd St., now Byline Bank, Schreiber demanded money from a teller, who refused, according to a court document. Schreiber then jumped onto the counter, reached over and scooped $850 from the teller's drawer, according to that document. Schreiber was ordered by Wood to make restitution to the bank. Although he didn't use a weapon in the bank robbery, Schreiber "used threatening words and acted in a threatening manner," prosecutors said in a motion seeking an eight-year prison sentence for Schreiber. Prosecutors said that Schreiber fled on foot after the robbery, getting rid of the clothing he had worn, which included a red hooded jacket. Advertisement In that motion, prosecutors said that Schreiber had a "lengthy, violent criminal history," including convictions for burglary, robbery and resisting arrest. In asking Wood to impose the longer sentence, prosecutors said that, following the bank robbery, Schreiber had taken part in the April 2011 armed robbery of a Summit liquor store. At the time of the Summit bank robbery, Schreiber had been on supervised release from federal custody for his role in the robbery of a Mississippi bank, according to the motion. Schreiber was indicted in the Summit bank robbery in December 2014, and convicted in an October 2015 bench trial before Wood. He has been in custody since shortly after the liquor store robbery. mnolan@tribpub.com The students of District 218 have spoken: If the 2016 election were in their hands, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton would be our nation's next president, Tammy Duckworth our state's next senator and prom would be free for a whole lot of south suburban high school seniors. On Tuesday, one week before the nation's official election, all three of the district's schools voted in a mock election. Official voting booths supplied by Cook County Clerk David Orr's office were set up inside each school's cafeteria. Advertisement Those students who had signed up to vote during a registration drive in early October were allowed to cast ballots for president, U.S. senator, U.S. representatives, Illinois comptroller, and the proposed amendment to Article IX, section 11 of the Illinois Constitution, which calls for revenue generated from transportation taxes and fees be used exclusively for transportation issues. In addition, the schools put up two referendums of their own: a school uniform proposal and one that would provide free prom tickets for seniors who have not had any disciplinary issues. Advertisement John Wydra, who teaches government and Advanced Placement government, organized the effort. "The reason we're having this is to give the students a chance to vote before they do it in real life," Wydra said. "In the classroom no matter what you're learning, whenever the students have an experience, they remember it much better. The neat thing about this process, it only happens every four years. These kids will only have one opportunity in high school to do this." Wydra said the district set up a mock election four years ago. "Back then we had just over 100 students in each building vote. This time we wanted to ramp it up. So, we got some T-shirts and had students register," he said. More than a quarter of the student body, about 400 students, at both Richards in Oak Lawn and Shepard in Palos Heights registered to vote, while more than 500 students did so at Eisenhower in Blue Island. Turnout was highest at Shepard, with 74 percent of those registered casting ballots on election day. At Eisenhower, 72 percent headed to the polls. And Richards saw a turnout of 49 percent. "We wanted to make this as real life as possible," Wydra said. The students voted during their lunch periods. Recently, Illinois's learning standards for social studies changed, Wydra said. Now, schools need to include a civics component, he said. "This is our way of doing that, having a mock election. We're getting students to understand what citizenship means and the importance of voting," he said. Advertisement Inside the Richards cafeteria, Credence Clearwater Revival's song, "Fortunate Son," blasted from a boom box while seniors Emma Weiland and Tiffany Donohue checked student IDs before handing out ballots. "We had a couple of incidents of voter fraud," Emma said. "A couple of kids tried to vote without being registered." But, she emphasized, things did not get ugly. "They just walked away after we told them no," she said. Volunteering for the event, Emma said, "Helps us understand the election process more. I'm 18. I'm gonna be voting for the first time, so I thought this would help." Even though she is still 17 and won't be able to vote in this year's presidential election, Tiffany said, "Doing this helps me understand the process." Senior Katlyn Graham, of Chicago Ridge, said she voted for Clinton. Advertisement "Donald Trump isn't very much a worthy candidate because he spreads all this bigotry and racism across the country and I don't think he should be in charge of our country. It's not right. Why should our country be fueled by hate when we're trying to mend things together?" she said. "Plus I like (Clinton). I agree with a lot of her points on immigration. There should be a better system rather than just kicking all immigrants out. And I agree with her on women's rights." Michael Kaminski, a senior from Oak Lawn, went the other way. "I voted for Trump because I trust him a lot more than Hillary. Despite all the social issues he has and all the bad things he's done, I find him to be more blunt and honest. He seems to know how to handle business and I feel like economic issues are of utmost importance and he does know how to handle money," he said. Michael said all citizens should first get educated on the candidates, and then vote. "You should exercise your right," he said. "Not every country in the world gets to vote." Dabronte Glasby, a senior who lives in Calumet Park, also voted for Trump. Advertisement "I look at it from the point of view of my religion," he said. "There's a lot I agree with Hillary about but some of the things go against my religion, like abortion." The mock election, he added, gives students a chance to learn how to vote, as well as whom to vote for. "This enables us to have an affect on the world. Plus, it gives students a chance to see how the process works. It's more than voting for president it's voting for senator too," he said. Though he considers himself an independent, in the mock election, he said, he opted to vote straight Republican. Jovani Natividad, a senior from Oak Lawn, said he voted for Clinton "because I was raised a Democrat and I hold Democratic views myself. "I live in a middle class household and my dad is an immigrant from the Philippines," he said. Advertisement Jovani is enrolled in AP government and said the class has helped him learn more about the process of vetting candidates. "Before this, I didn't have much know-how as to how to get information or how to formulate my opinion," he said. "Now, I'm getting most of my information on elections from class. I'm learning how to find unbiased sources and to stay away from Twitter and social media for that kind of thing." Junior Lidia Techane, of Chicago Ridge, said she cast her vote for Clinton "because I think she could be a good leader. I've always supported Democrats because of all the freedom they give to people. I think Donald Trump has good points but at the same time, the things he's said he doesn't seem fair. And she seems fair." Nearly 80 percent of those who voted at Eisenhower cast ballots for Clinton. At Richards, Clinton won 61 percent to Trump's 26 percent. And at Shepard, Clinton took the contest 48 percent to 37 percent. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > The race for U.S. Senator followed suit, with Democrat Tammy Duckworth beating Republican incumbent Mark Kirk decidedly at all three schools. Not surprisingly, Wydra said, the two district-specific referendum panned out as expected, with students voting thumbs up to free prom tickets and hands down on school uniforms. Advertisement Jacob Rivera, 18, signed up to be an election judge for the event because he thought it would be good training for the real thing, which he's scheduled to do next Tuesday at the precinct inside the Chicago Ridge fire department. The senior who hopes to be an engineer one day said he signed up to be an election judge for two reasons: "I'm interested in the process," he said. "And you get paid." dvickroy@ tribpub.com Twitter @dvickroy Once upon a time, Illinois state workers took better perks in exchange for lower pay. Today is different. The perks remain, but Illinois state workers are now the highest-paid state workers in the nation after adjusting for cost of living. Most are represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Advertisement One of those perks will fall on Tuesday. That day, many Illinois voters will head to the polls during their lunch break, before work or after sunset. Some will have already cast their votes. Advertisement But on Election Day, AFSCME members have a full, paid holiday. Illinois is one of only 12 states to offer this benefit to state workers every two years, according to a 2016 report from the Council of State Governments. Some Illinoisans might see this as a ploy to drive turnout for candidates who vow to keep the gravy train flowing for state employees. That very well could be. But a 2009 working paper from Princeton professor Henry Farber suggests it might not make much of a difference. He found no evidence that states providing an Election Day holiday for state employees significantly increased voter participation. "I conclude that having an election holiday, by itself, is not an effective strategy to increase voter turnout," Farber wrote. A much better strategy to drive turnout among state workers might be to shower them with promises of pay and benefits that are way out of line with the private sector. That's what Illinois politicians have done for decades. And that's the real problem with an Election Day holiday solely for state workers: It's just one of a plethora of privileges that ordinary private-sector taxpayers would be foolish expect in their own careers. Just look at the holiday schedule in the state's now-expired contract with AFSCME. While the federal government provides 10 holidays, Illinois state workers get those plus Abraham Lincoln's birthday, the day after Thanksgiving and Election Day. That's 13 paid holidays, in addition to between 10 and 25 paid vacation days. Deciding to work on a holiday can yield big payouts for AFSCME members, with holiday overtime pay ranging from double-time to double-time-and-a-half in cash. To be clear, nobody should be blaming state workers for reaping these benefits. But these benefits need to be brought in line with what the state can afford, and what workers who don't take a government paycheck deem fair. Advertisement Holidays are just the tip of the iceberg. AFSCME members can take more than 15 different types of leaves of absence. Many get overtime pay for anything beyond their 37.5-hour workweek. They can arrive late to work 10 times in a month without fear of discipline. They get platinum-level health care benefits at bronze-level prices. (Those plans aren't even available on the state's insurance exchange.) And don't forget: free health insurance for life after retirement. Gov. Bruce Rauner and AFSCME have been in gridlock over a new contract for months. But one week after Election Day, Illinoisans might see some movement. On Nov. 15, the Illinois Labor Relations Board will consider whether Rauner and the union have reached impasse in negotiations. An impasse ruling would mean the governor is allowed to implement his last and best offer. Notably, that offer doesn't touch AFSCME's current holiday structure, leaves of absence or disciplinary procedures. It also adds performance bonuses and bereavement leave, letting state employees take off work to grieve the death of a loved one. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > It does make AFSCME members pay more for their health insurance. Considering the massive premium hikes Illinoisans are seeing on the state's insurance exchange, that seems like a reasonable request. AFSCME may strike if it doesn't like that deal. Advertisement Indeed, the union's current demands suggest it's operating in a different reality; one in which the state is flush with cash and the average private-sector worker has enjoyed rising paychecks and a booming economy. AFSCME is still demanding pay hikes, better health care coverage and pension benefits in the new, four-year contract. Those demands would cost state taxpayers $3 billion more than what the state is offering, according to the governor's office. A paid holiday to go to the polls might not seem like a big deal. But it's a symptom of a larger problem. AFSCME members belong to a special, protected class in Illinois. The other 99.9 percent of the state's workforce? Not so much. Austin Berg is a writer for the Illinois Policy Institute. He wrote this column for the Illinois News Network, a project of the Institute. aberg@illinoispolicy.org. Reader: School, police work together As the principal of Madison School in South Holland School District 151, I am enormously proud of the work that the police are doing with the school system. In so many communities, the relationship between the community and law enforcement is at an all-time low. Conversations that take place, as to why this is occurring, become so polarizing. Because we are so afraid of possibly offending someone, we often avoid talking about it. Well, we all know that without constructive dialogue, improvements will never take place. I was, indeed, moved by what President Barack Obama said at the Democratic National Convention: "The worry black parents feel when their son leaves the house isn't so different than what a brave cop's family feels when he puts on the blue and goes to work. That we can honor police and treat every community fairly." How do we bridge the gap that exists? How do we allow police officers to serve the community that pays them? How do we help minority people feel they are not being targeted by those sworn to protect them? In short, how can all communities and the police force co-exist in harmony. Simply put, they can. Last school year, Mrs. Orth, a dedicated and insightful teacher at Madison School, asked me to allow South Holland Police to come into the school and read to the students. After discussing it with her, we thought that it would forge good relationships between law enforcement and the community. Officer Kremski was already coming to the schools in the community periodically to donate bikes. This program was part of our Positive Behavior Intervention Supports initiative. The impact it had was enormous; however, it pales in comparison to the positive effect Officer Kremski has had on our students, when he comes in to read to the various classes. I see the eyes of the students light up when he talks to them. They realize just how important police officers are. Moreover, they recognize that the police are not all bad. The overwhelming majority do an outstanding job. Officer Kremski is, indeed, one of those officers. He now visits our school and others in the community periodically, during the times the students eat lunch. He often talks to them about issues or concerns they may have, or simply about fun things. The value that this has is immeasurable and priceless. When young adults can see police officers up close and talk to them informally, it breaks down those walls of resistance. It dispels those myths that all police officers are adversarial. So many of my outstanding teachers, like Mrs. Smith, talk in length about how proud they are to live in South Holland. She is not only an excellent educator, but someone who truly values this community. She, along with the accomplished Assistant Principal Mrs. Rush, understands that South Holland is a community that holds relationships with all stakeholders in high regard. I always say that the strength of a school system is determined in large part by how stable and impactful the community is. Without their support, our job to effectively educate the future of tomorrow is almost impossible. Dr. Hill, our school leader says so eloquently the following: All students can learn period. The wider community of South Holland believes that as well. They know our students can learn to appreciate those that serve and protect us. Perhaps other communities will begin to embrace this blue print for success. I hope other schools bring in police officers to interact positively with the students. Please don't wait until they are called for negative reasons. It's important that school leaders and teachers be proactive. Find positive ways to have students and police offers work together. It will benefit not only the school but the overall community immensely. Remember, the youth will be part of the community for a long time. The sooner they embrace the those that work in the community, the more peaceful it will be. If I may speak for my staff at Madison and the other schools in the community, thanks South Holland Police officials for your foresight and dedication. ` Jerald McNair, principal of Madison School in South Holland What's on your mind? The Daily Southtown welcomes letters to the editor. Email them to letters@southtownstar.com and include your name, address and phone number. Only your name and the town you reside in will appear with the letter. Please keep a letter to no more than about 200 words. The Southtown is not responsible for the accuracy of the opinions expressed in letters to the editor. Todd Stroger, pictured here in 2008, led the effort the same year to pass Cook County's largest-ever sales tax hike. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune) For the most part, there are only two things a politician can do to commit career suicide: Be a crook or raise taxes. Forgiving voters with short memories have a high tolerance for other types of behavior. Crude remarks caught on tape? No big deal. Pals buying influence? Meh. Look no further than the major party presidential candidates for proof of what people are willing to tolerate in terms of ethical or moral lapses. Advertisement But get caught stealing from the till or vote to raise taxes, people remember that. Todd Stroger knows. As Cook County Board president, Stroger led the effort in 2008 to pass the county's largest-ever sales tax hike. When elections rolled around in 2010, Stroger finished last in the Democratic primary. Advertisement That sales tax hike was eventually partially rolled back, but at the time it riled people, particularly suburbanites. In 2009, voters in Palatine, Barrington and Hanover townships approved a nonbinding referendum to disconnect from Cook County. Those northwestern townships are still part of Cook County, partly because of how they worded their referendum. They voted to secede from Cook, as if they would form their own, new county. Now, in Orland Township, voters are facing a similar question. But there's a key difference. Rather than simply leave Cook, the advisory referendum on ballots for the Nov. 8 election asks whether Orland Township should become part of Will County. "I think the majority of voters believe the tax and spend policies of Cook County don't work well in Orland Township," Paul O'Grady, the township supervisor, told me by phone Thursday. When it comes to tax increases, voters remember the politicians who vote to raise sales, property and income taxes. That's why the Democratic-controlled state legislature is waging a messaging war with the Republican governor in this election. Both sides know cutting services won't be enough to erase a multi-billion dollar annual budget deficit. More revenue is needed, and most likely that means an income tax increase. But both parties are waiting until after this election to vote for the inevitable tax increase. They'll have time until the next statewide elections in two years to try to blame the other party. However, smart politicians can get away with lesser, nickel-and-dime "revenue streams" that raise needed cash without becoming perceived as painful or outrageous tax hikes. Toni Preckwinkle, who succeeded Stroger as Cook County Board president, understands this. Preckwinkle's proposed 2017 budget includes a sweetened-beverage tax, which would add a penny per ounce to the cost of sugar- and artificially sweetened drinks if approved by Cook County commissioners this month. The new tax is projected to raise $223.8 million a year, the Chicago Tribune reported. Advertisement "I make no apologies for this. I think it's an effective way to raise revenues, and it has real good health consequences," the Tribune quoted Preckwinkle as saying at a recent City Club appearance. Consumers in downtown Chicago are stuck paying these types of so-called "choice taxes" when buying gasoline, tobacco and other products. But suburban businesses near county borders suffer because customers simply skip over the border and pay a lot less for food, gas and cigarettes. "It's becoming more and more unfair," O'Grady said. In addition to unincorporated areas, Orland Township includes the towns of Tinley Park, Orland Park and Orland Hills. Tinley Park straddles the border and is in both Cook and Will counties. At 183rd Street and Harlem Avenue, the Speedway gas station at the southwest corner is in Will County while the former state mental health facility property across the street is in Cook. The gas station advertises its freedom from Cook taxes with a large banner. "It's one of the busiest stores in the chain," O'Grady said. Advertisement O'Grady expects voters will approve the referendum next week and send county politicians a message about onerous Cook County taxes. Yet, he's hoping for a clear mandate from citizens about how seriously the township should pursue leaving Cook and joining Will County. "If it barely passes, maybe we don't do anything," he said. "I think it has to be a landslide." If the vote is overwhelmingly in favor of the question, then it gets interesting. The state Constitution addresses the process. "The General Assembly shall provide by law for the formation, consolidation, merger, division, and dissolution of counties, and for the transfer of territory between counties," the Constitution states. "County boundaries shall not be changed unless approved by referendum in each county affected." I asked O'Grady an attorney what this means, and he said he didn't know. He said if the referendum is widely supported, the next step would be to approach the Will County executive (incumbent Democrat Larry Walsh faces a challenge from Republican Laurie McPhillips) and discuss how receptive Will County is to the notion of accepting Orland Township territory. Advertisement I pressed Grady and asked if the constitutional provision means whether Will County voters would not only have to vote to accept Orland, but that Cook County voters would have to approve a measure to formally let them go. Loss of territory, after all, presumably means the loss of revenue from sales and property taxes. That might drive up costs for those who remain, so Cook voters might oppose the move. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > "I can't answer that," O'Grady said. "I see no reason to engage attorneys and explore that yet. It's premature." O'Grady says the referendum is the result of a grassroots effort by citizens fed up with high taxes. He talked about doctors working for Stroger Hospital of Cook County earning more than $500,000 a year. When they retire, their pensions start at 80 percent of their salaries and increase 3 percent every year. If Orland Township residents vote big to leave Cook and join Will, I hope the referendum does more than send a message about low tolerance for high taxes. I hope the township seriously pursues transferring its territory. That would get everyone's attention, I bet. It also might touch off legal challenges that end up costing money. O'Grady said how seriously the township pursues territory transfer depends on the referendum vote, but he has started thinking about how to pay for it. Crowdsourcing is one possibility. "One crazy idea I had was to start a GoFundMe campaign," he said. Advertisement tslowik@tribpub.com Twitter @tedslowik By Mike Vinkenborg Formerly a fishing village, Shenzhen has rapidly emerged into the thriving metropolis it is today. Since the citys designation as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in 1980, Shenzhen has continuously been growing at a high speed. The population has increased from 30,000 in 1979 to over 10 million today, and Shenzhens property prices are growing at the highest rate not only in China, but also globally, hitting a growth rate of 62.5 percent in 2015 with no signs of slowing down. The city is rapidly replacing low-end labor-intensive factories with emerging sectors, having cleared up over 17,000 of these factories since 2011. According to Shenzhens 13th Five Year Plan, the city will spend more than RMB 110 billion on research and development by 2020, representing over 4.25 percent of its annual GDP numbers only met by high-tech hubs such as Israel and South Korea. Chinese companies such as Tencent and Huawei have their roots in Shenzhen, and foreign enterprises are increasingly finding their way to the city as well. On October 11, 2016, Apple announced that it will be opening a new R&D center in Shenzhen, hoping to tap the local innovation talent pool. In 2014, 82,254 patents were filed in Shenzhen, amounting to 65 per 10,000 citizens 13.9 times the national average. In the same year, 11,639 international patents were applied for, accounting for almost half of the total applications in China. This can largely be attributed to the citys early establishment as an innovation center. Shenzhen has often been referred to as Shanzhai, with most of the innovation coming from copy-catting Western innovations. However, Chinas emerging middle class, who are able to afford genuine and high quality products, have fueled Shenzhens transformation into an innovation hotspot, earning the new nickname The Silicon Valley of Hardware. Preferential policies Since its designation as an SEZ, Shenzhen has received preferential policies to stimulate technological innovation. At the time of its establishment, the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) was the countrys largest of its kind. It became an experimentation area for China and its window to the outside world, strategically placed alongside Hong Kong to promote a stable relationship with its prosperous neighbor. As such, the government incorporated several preferential policies to attract foreign investment. RELATED: Business Advisory Services from Dezan Shira & Associates For 36 years, foreign enterprises in Shenzhen have enjoyed significant income tax cuts, longer periods for land use at lowered fees, and simplified application processes. This has proven to be a very successful strategy and continues to be implemented. In the coming five year period the government is encouraging mass entrepreneurship and innovation as the new engine for Chinas growth. Consequently, FIEs in the high-tech sector continue to enjoy such incentives when situated in one of the SEZs. With the entire city of Shenzhen being designated as an SEZ since July 2010, when the Baoan and Longguang districts were incorporated for the purpose of offering space to enhance Shenzhens scientific innovative capacity, Shenzhen was already an attractive investment area. Exclusive to Shenzhen, however, come additional benefits not found elsewhere in the country. With the recent establishment of the Qianhai Free Trade Zone in a 15 km2 area of mostly reclaimed land, Beijing hopes to improve interaction between the mainland and Hong Kong in the financial, logistics, and IT sectors. In the zone, additional preferential finance policies are made available to foreign investors. For firms in the high-tech sector, this includes CIT exemptions for the first two profit yielding years and tax deductions for R&D investments. Besides these preferential policies, more benefits to investing in Shenzhen exist. Epicenter of innovation What makes Shenzhen unique is its bustling innovation scene and the available source of talent. The number of incubators has gone up from a dozen to over 1,000 over the past two years, with most of the innovators focusing on hardware. Whereas electronics markets such as Huaqiangbei used to be full of knockoff products, the latest inventions can now be found in the city before anywhere else in the world. Many of the latest inventions can be found in the market, such as a microphone that rates karaoke skills through a smartphone app, computers the size of a USB stick, and mini robot friends. The startup scene in Shenzhen is attracting young entrepreneurs from all over the country, as well as from abroad. Due to optimized connectivity, ordering hardware parts for prototypes often only takes a few days in Shenzhen, whereas this would take about a month in a country like the UK, and due to the vast amount of competition, acquiring essential parts can be done at lower costs. As such, the speed at which ideas can be turned into products is barely matched anywhere else in the world. Inventors are able to showcase their prototypes in one of the electronics markets quickly afterwards, gaining customer feedback at a quicker pace before releasing to the general public. These are all benefits that attract new talent to the city every day. However, this open system poses problems as well. The Shanzhai culture is still embedded in China. As a result, intellectual property (IP) infringement is still common and once an idea hits off successfully, there will be many manufacturers waiting to join the hype by creating fresh knockoffs. The recent success story of the hoverboard in China is one famous example. Introduced at a premium price of US$ 1,000 in the U.S., Shenzhen-based manufacturers quickly managed to make their own versions for much lower prices before the hype even started. It is therefore essential for any investor to file IP registrations. Just international IP filing is not enough, as these are often not acknowledged in China. When operating in China, it is essential to file domestic IP registrations as well, which can be a lengthy process. Made in China 2025 With GDP growth slowing down, China is hoping to complete the transition from an economy driven by investment and exports to one driven by innovation and local consumption. It wants to move up the value chain, with the Made in China 2025 initiative being one of the main pillars in the latest Five Year Plan. To encourage innovation, the country will continue to offer incentives to investors in high-tech industries. Importing foreign knowledge is essential in this process, thus creating opportunities for FIEs. And when it comes to hardware, Shenzhen is the epicenter of innovation in China and offers a huge pool of talent to tap into. When asked about Apples decision to open an R&D center in the city, CEO Tim Cook mentioned that Apple realized the skill level of Shenzhens factories was gradually leading other places in the world. Apple is just one of the firms to notice this. With China aiming to innovate and produce higher value goods, the government strives to attract more and more foreign expertise to reach its goals. The combination of preferential policies, the citys strategic location, and its huge talent pool makes Shenzhen a highly attractive place for innovative high-tech firms. About Us Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email china@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com. Stay up to date with the latest business and investment trends in Asia by subscribing to our complimentary update service featuring news, commentary and regulatory insight. China Investment Roadmap: the e-Commerce Industry In this edition of China Briefing magazine, we present a roadmap for investing in Chinas e-commerce industry. We provide a consumer analysis of the Chinese market, take a look at the main industry players, and examine the various investment models that are available to foreign companies. Finally, we discuss one of the most crucial due diligence issues that underpins e-commerce in China: ensuring brand protection. Adapting Your China WFOE to Service Chinas Consumers In this issue of China Briefing Magazine, we look at the challenges posed to manufacturers amidst Chinas rising labor costs and stricter environmental regulations. Manufacturing WFOEs in China should adapt by expanding their business scope to include distribution and determine suitable supply chain solutions. In this regard, we will take a look at the opportunities in Chinas domestic consumer market and forecast the sectors that are set to boom in the coming years. Selling, Sourcing and E-Commerce in China 2016 (First Edition) This guide, produced in collaboration with the experts at Dezan Shira & Associates, provides a comprehensive analysis of all these aspects of commerce in China. It discusses how foreign companies can best go about sourcing products from China; how foreign retailers can set up operations on the ground to sell directly to the countrys massive consumer class; and finally details how foreign enterprises can access Chinas lucrative yet ostensibly complex e-commerce market. The model of a wide-body commercial jet to be built by China and Russia was unveiled at the Zhuhai air show on Wednesday. It will compete with Boeing and Airbus. [China Daily] A wide-body commercial jet being developed by China and Russia is expected to be delivered in 10 years, as early as three years after its first test flight, according to a timetable announced by domestic plane manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corp of China. COMAC, which based its prediction on past research and manufacturing experience, issued a statement on Wednesday saying that the company and Russia's United Aircraft Corp have set up a Shanghai-based joint venture to develop the jumbo jet. The company is expected to start operating by year's end. The project signals the two countries' ambitions to compete in the wide-body market, dominated by United States aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co and Europe's Airbus Group. Research and development for the new jet will be conducted in Moscow, with assembly in Shanghai. "It is hoped the development of wide-body aircraft will drive the growth of many related aircraft manufacturing sectors like building engines. China will be able to learn and apply the experiences of Russia, enhancing the manufacturing level of the nation's aviation industry," said Li Xiaojin, a professor at the Civil Aviation University of China in Tianjin. "China is about to start manufacturing wide-body aircraft, which have high standards in terms of aircraft engine technologies and aircraft materials," he said. "China and Russia still face some difficulties in making competitive wide-body jets given their current manufacturing levels." Witnessed by President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart, COMAC and UAC signed a pact in June to co-develop a wide-body jet. The 280-seat wide-body jet would have a range of 12,000 kilometers. It would be an economical and efficient jet incorporating heavy use of composite materials, according to COMAC and UAC. They also plan to develop longer and shorter series of wide-body jets to complement the basic version. "The direct costs of our wide-body jet will be 10 percent lower than those of peer aircraft. That's among our research and development goals," said Guo Bozhi, director of wide-body project at COMAC. The company targets the global market and will boost competitiveness in a fragmented market, Guo added. A CH-5 drone is on static display at the Airshow China 2016 in Zhuhai. [Photo by China.org.cn] The highly anticipated CH-5 (Rainbow-5) unmanned aerial vehicle was officially launched on Tuesday at the 11th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China 2016), being held in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, between Nov. 1-6, by its developer, China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA). The existence of the CH-5 has been known by the public since its first flight in September last year. But the official launch of CH-5 nonetheless signaled that it was another step closer to entering the service of the Chinese military as well as the international market. The CH-5 is the latest UAV of the Rainbow series. Long endurance at middle-high altitude is what its developer keeps boasting. Shi Wen, the chief designer of the rainbow series drones, confirmed at the product launch that the CH-5 can stay airborne for 40-50 hours at a time and has a range of 10,000-20,000 kilometers while carrying normal payloads. When carrying eight AR-1 air-to-ground missiles, the airborne endurance will still be maintained at around 32 hours. He said that the data already look pretty nice compared with its principal competitor, U.S. MQ-9 Reaper (formerly named Predator-B). "Hovering above a hostile region for that a long time creates enough deterrence. You can just imagine a drone carrying eight missiles and watching you from above non-stop for 24 hours," said Shi. He still insisted that a hunter-killer drone does not necessarily have to fly too high or too fast. Instead, an altitude of 3,000-5,000 meters is optimal for drones such as the CH-5 and its predecessors, the CH-3 and CH-4. "The drone isn't like a fighter jet. It isn't meant for dog fights, but for continuous surveillance and launching strikes whenever necessary. Flying too fast or too high will decrease the chance of success since you should either extend the missile's range or descend to a lower airspace," he said, also explaining why the CH-5 uses a hot-bulb engine. By contrast, Reaper as well as Chinese Wingloong (winged dragon), a drone designed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), both use turboprop engines, capable of yielding higher speed and higher service ceiling at the cost of more fuel consumption and slower airborne endurance. At the product launch ceremony, video footage shows CAAA developers talking about successful combat experiences of the CH-3 and CH-4 in undisclosed African countries, which naturally led to the question of who may be the potential buyers of this latest drone. Shi said all countries along the "Belt and Road," except the ISIS-haunted Syria, are potential customers for the CH-5. He also clarified that Chinese drones do not have to be "cheaper" than Western products to obtain more orders on the international arms market. "We may be a little inexpensive, but we do win by our reliability, not our lower price." Entrepreneurs from China and Japan have called for more cooperation in the trade, investment and financial sectors to build a better bilateral relationship. "Business leaders should eliminate non-economic interference and further improve the business environment between the two countries," said Zhang Yansheng, chief economist of the China Center for International Economic Exchange. "Further bilateral cooperation in economics and trade in China, Japan or in a third country will not only demonstrate a model but also realize substantial economic benefits for the two parties." He made the speech during the Second Sino-Japanese Business and Former Government Leaders Dialog in Beijing, cohosted by the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, and the China Center for International Economic Exchanges. Around 60 heads of major companies attended, including leaders from Canon Inc, Nomura Holdings Inc, Dongfeng Motor Corp and Bank of China Ltd, with the hope of gaining a better understanding of changes in the business climate in each country. The two-day meeting that concluded on Wednesday reached the conclusion that strong cooperation between the world's second and third-largest economies is vital not only for their prosperity but also for that of the rest of the world. Sadayuki Sakakibara, chairman of Keidanren, said the time is ripe for the two countries to have a "new dimension of industrial cooperation" and they have to increase exchanges to achieve that progress. According to Muneo Kurauchi, counselor of Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc, China and Japan should deepen cooperation in the fields of the environment, medical care, logistics and e-commerce. China and Japan need to control the negative factors while focusing on the positive aspects regarding reciprocity and mutual benefit, said Kurauchi, who is also managing director of the Institute for International Monetary Affairs. He also called for deepening cooperation in third-party markets in the areas including infrastructure in Asia and the Belt and Road projects. Many nations have reached out to China, seeking to play a part in the country's future manned space station, a senior space industry official said Wednesday. "We believe there is a wide range of fields suitable for such international collaboration and these prospective cooperation projects will have huge potential," said Fu Zhiheng, vice-president of China Great Wall Industry Corp, a State-owned enterprise that is the nation's only authorized firm for international space collaboration. "In fact, we are in talks with some foreign countries in this regard," said Fu, who spoke with China Daily on the sidelines of the 11th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai of Guangdong province. "My company's Manned Space Cooperation Center works with the China Manned Space Agency and has been pushing forward with related efforts," he said. Fu did not name any of the nations involved. China will start launching parts of its permanent manned space station starting in 2018 and put the space station into service around 2022, according to previous reports. It will consist of three parts a core module attached to two space labs, each weighing about 20 metric tons. A scaled model of the space station is on display at the six-day air show that opened on Tuesday in Zhuhai. Meanwhile, the heavy-lift carrier rocket developed to launch the space station's modules, the Long March 5, is standing at Wenchang Satellite Launch Center in Hainan province waiting for its first trip into space. China's manned space station is likely to become the world's only space station after the International Space Station is retired in 2024, Chinese space officials have said. The International Space Station has worked in part as an orbiting laboratory for multidisciplinary research in areas including physics, medicine and space sciences. China currently is conducting some cooperation projects with foreign space agencies, mainly concerning scientific and technological experiments onboard China's Shenzhou XI spacecraft and Tiangong II space laboratory, according to Fu. He did not say which agencies are involved. Two Chinese astronauts are now aboard the combined Shenzhou XI-Tiangong II on a monthlong mission in space that started in mid-October. Fu also noted that his company has received requests from other nations that hope China will help them train astronauts. He did not name the nations. Yang Liwei, deputy director of China Manned Space Agency, previously said that China is open to cooperation with other nations in its future manned space station. Chinese scientists have designed a number of devices or instruments in the planned space station that can be used for international cooperative projects. They also developed adapters to permit docking with other nations' spaceships, according to Yang, China's first astronaut in space. In addition, he said China would be happy to help train astronauts from other countries and organizations and would also be glad to provide rides to foreign astronauts. Foreign astronauts who will have undergone training by Chinese experts will be welcome to work in the space station, he added. "The result of including foreign participants in our space programs is not only that these nations can send their people to space but also that they will be able to develop their own space projects," Yang said. The Centre of Excellence for Plant and Microbial Science (CEPAMS), jointly established by China Academy of Sciences (CAS) and John Innes Centre (JIC, UK), officially launched in Beijing with its first laboratory open for research on November 2. CAS Vice-President Zhang Yaping and Martyn Roper, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Beijing, attended the opening ceremony for CEPAMS. A lab of the Institute of Genetics and Development Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences [Chinagate.cn/Photo by Wang Zhenhong] The centre is a collaboration between the John Innes Centre and two CAS institutes, the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (IGDB) and the Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology (SIPPE). CEPAMS brings together three world-leading laboratories from the UK and China to tackle global challenges of food security and sustainable health care, and nurture excellent science. Its transnational research team focuses on the improvement of food crops and the natural products of high-value, beneficial products from plants and microbes. CEPAMS opens its first laboratory with appointment of Dr. Bai Yang, the first CEPAMS group leader, whose laboratory is housed within IGDB in Beijing. Dr. BAI worked for Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne, Germany, before he joined the centre. He will focus his research on plant root-associated microbes and agricultural productivity. Dr. Bai says it is a great honour to be the very first CEPAMS Group Leader. I am looking forward to exploiting my unique position, as a joint CAS-JIC faculty member, to do some ground-breaking science and to further strengthen the UK-China scientific partnership. CEPAMS has three campuses located in Beijing, Shanghai, and Norwich respectively. And CEPAMS group leaders have the privilege to conduct their scientific research in JIC, to co-operate with JIC faculty, and to attend the internal academic meeting in JIC. CEPAMS was established with funding from the CAS and the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), one of the UKs seven Research Councils (RCUK). About 20 CAS-JIC collaborative projects have been launched by CEPAMS since 2014. The year 2016 marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan. Since then, thanks to the commitment of successive Chinese and Pakistani leaders and the concerted efforts of our two peoples, we have forged all-weather friendship and pursued all-round cooperation. Over the past decades, China and Pakistan have become brothers and shared weal and woe with one another. Through the efforts of several generations of China and Pakistan, our strategic cooperative partnership has transcended the changing times and has become stronger than ever. On the basis of mutual trust, mutual support and equality, our relationship has become more action- and people-oriented each passing year. We will never forget that Pakistan was one of the first nations to recognize the People's Republic of China and the first Islamic country to enter into diplomatic relations with the nation. In critical moments, for example, when China endeavored to break the blockade and resume its lawful seat at the United Nations and when it explored ways to carry out reforms and opening-up, Pakistan always came forward with selfless and invaluable assistance. Pakistan has always extended a helping hand. In 2008, when a devastating earthquake struck Wenchuan in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Pakistan responded immediately, sending transport aircraft to carry its entire reserve of tents to China, which were in urgent need at that particular time. The Pakistani medical team on board had to remove all the seats to make room for the tents and sat on the floor all the way to China. Similarly, whenever Pakistan is in need, China has come to its aid. China firmly supports Pakistan's efforts to uphold sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. When Pakistan was hit by severe flooding in 2010, China provided immediate relief assistance via air and land routes. An enormous medical team was dispatched and a large convoy of vehicles and helicopters was sent to carry out rescue operations, the first time such an operation was undertaken in China's history of rescue assistance. Following the terrorist attack in Pakistan's northwest city of Peshawar which killed 132 children and nine adults at the end of 2014, China invited injured students to spend time in China recuperating, to offer relief to the traumatized victims. Today, China and Pakistan are close partners pursuing mutual cooperation on the basis of our strong political relationship and solid public support. Bilateral trade reached $18.9 billion last year, an annual increase of 18.2 percent. China has become Pakistan's largest trading partner and investor, while Pakistan is China's largest investment destination in South Asia. Our two peoples have benefited from friendly cooperation. Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a successful state visit to Pakistan, embarking on a new chapter of history of bilateral relations. Both sides agreed to upgrade the relationship to an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and to continue promoting the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). CPEC is a key pilot project of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi. It has become the framework for comprehensive and substantive cooperation between China and Pakistan. CPEC has won across-the-board support from all walks of life in the two nations. The project will provide new opportunities, new visions and fresh impetus to bilateral relations. CPEC has gradually entered the stage of full implementation. Both sides have agreed on the "1+4" pattern of economic cooperation, with CPEC playing the central role and Gwadar Port, energy, transport infrastructure and industrial cooperation as the four major areas. Currently, eight power projects, such as Port Qasim and the Sahiwal Coal Power Project, are under construction, while the Karakorum Highway Phase II (Thakot to Havelian section) and Karachi-Lahore Motorway (Multan to Sukkur section) were recently inaugurated. Construction of the Gwadar Eastbay Expressway and Gwadar International Airport is under way, while the upgrade of Gwadar Port will be completed soon. Both sides are now in close consultation on industrial cooperation. This progress will not only boost the economic growth of China and Pakistan, but also promote the livelihoods of millions of people in the region. Looking to the future, China and Pakistan wish to fulfill our dreams together. Though the two countries have their own national development goals, both shoulder the historical mission of achieving national renewal, realizing the great dream of building a prosperous country and delivering better lives for their peoples. On the auspicious occasion of the 65th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties, both sides should take this opportunity to carry the relationship even further forward. We should take advantage of geographic proximity and economic complementarity to share opportunities, meet challenges, pursue common development and substantiate the China-Pakistan community. This will enable us to create greater benefits for our peoples and lead the way in building a community of shared future in Asia. We should enhance cooperation on regional and international affairs, so as to safeguard the interests and rights of developing nations and contribute to the stability and prosperity of our region and the world at large. The author is Chinese ambassador to Pakistan If Hillary Clinton wins, she will flash her broad smile like Alice in the Wonderland, with Vice President Tim Kaine, Bill and Chelsea on her side. The conventional story will be that her victory built on her egalitarian economic policy, gender concerns, international relations, strong defense policy and good ties with Europe and Japan. But that's just the facade - a carefully orchestrated result of an estimated $6.6 billion elections, her $700 million campaign financing, good ties with super PACs, skillfully maneuvered electoral college, shrewd PR, collusion with nation's leading media organizations, and a long series of political miscalculations by Donald Trump. Americans will vote on November 8. However, the battle will ensue soon thereafter. The winner will face a split Congress, a divided Democratic Party , and badly-fragmented Republican party. To defuse their meltdown, Republicans are likely to challenge Clinton every step of the way. And the election could - and perhaps should - be contested. Lawsuits, investigations, special prosecutors Last July, FBI Director James Comey closed the Clinton probe and decided not to pursue charges, which resulted in broad criticism. Recently, Comey re-opened the case following a discovery of new emails. The disclosure allowed the FBI to reopen a criminal investigation only days before the election. It took place against the stated opposition of the Department of Justice (DOJ) but reflected the frustration of FBI agents over Comey's previous decision not to prosecute Hillary Clinton. Ultimately, the debacle may undermine or boost the Clinton campaign. Yet, the FBI activities are just the latest twist in a bizarre reality show, which has potential for a flood of lawsuits, congressional investigations and special prosecutors. In addition to the Benghazi and FBI debacles, these efforts are likely to include some 50,000 emails from Wikileaks, particularly those of John Podesta, Clinton campaign manager and chair of the Center of American Progress (CAP), which is very close to the White House. The questions will center on Clinton's private email server; her special assistant Huma Abedin and her ex-spouse (who is under FBI investigation for 'sexting' with underage girls); the many lucrative pay-for-play allegations about Hillary Clinton's office and Bill Clintons' speeches; the Clinton Foundation and the alleged coordination between the Democratic National Committee, the Clinton campaign and various big money lobby groups (super PACs), including mega financiers, such as George Soros - and recruited groups, such as the notorious 'Democracy Partners," to incite violence and chaos in Trump rallies. These events were then recorded by mainstream media, which is now in trouble as well. As a CNN talking head, Donna Brazile, currently DNC chair (her predecessor was fired - though belatedly - for bias against presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and for Clinton), shared questions of the CNN town hall debate with Clinton in advance. Reportedly, her campaign also gave leaks to CNN before other media, which subtle collusion. In turn, Google had a strategic plan to help democrats win the election by tracking voters via smart phones. And other media debacles are under scrutiny as well. The system has been effective. According to a recent Suffolk University/USA Today poll, most Americans believe that the media wants Clinton to win. Washington's post-election gridlock Republicans want investigations about the role of the State Department, the DOJ and the FBI, even President Obama, due to a "cover-up to protect Hillary Clinton," as the Republican National Committee (RNC) chairman Reince Priebus says. Speaker Paul Ryan has promised "aggressive oversight work" of a "quid pro quo" deal between the FBI and the State Department over emails. As chair of the House Oversight Committee, Jason Chaffetz is pushing for a slate of "new hearings." House Republicans are demanding a special prosecutor to investigate the Clinton Foundation for possible conflicts of interest. There is enough evidence, says former New York City mayor and Trump supporter Rudy Giuliani, for a RICO case against the Foundation as a "racketeering enterprise." In the 1970s, RICO was used to prosecute the Mafia and organized crime figures. More recent cases range from Gambino and Lucchese crime families to the 80's junk bond king Michael Milken, Catholic sex abuse cases and Los Angeles Police Department. In the past three months, Republicans have issued some 20 subpoenas and over 50 letters of inquiry probing Clinton. New ones will be fueled by tens of thousands of Clinton emails courtesy of Wikileaks. It doesn't really help that, as Secretary of State, Clinton wanted to silence both Julian Assange and Wikileaks and once stunned her colleagues by asking: "Can't we just drone this guy?" Assuming that markets perceive a Clinton victory as signal for continuity (which is no longer certain), the Fed is expected to hike rates in December. If not, the ultra-low rates will continue to pave way to asset bubbles. In order to overcome secular stagnation, America needs structural reforms that Clinton is neither willing nor able to execute. In the 1980s, the Congress legislated some 700 laws annually. After three decades of political polarization, that figure has plunged close to 300. Currently, the Senate and the House are under Republican control. The Democrats have a good chance of taking over the Senate. If Congress remains divided after the election, Clinton must rely on limited legislation and executive action. But if Democrats could control the Senate and the House, She could push for immigration reform, and expansion of Social Security. A Democratic Senate could make Chuck Schumer the majority leader; in the House Nancy Pelosi could take over. The former is a trade hawk who favors retaliation; the latter is a human rights advocate who backs liberal social plans; and Hillary Clinton is the architect behind US pivot to Asia. In Beijing, such political consolidation could mean triple pressures in defense, trade and US views of human rights; unless the Congress remains divided, or returns to Republican fold after the 2018 mid-term election. Or, what's now likely, Clinton will fail to achieve any political consolidation and a gridlock is the benign scenario. In economy, Clinton will push for infrastructure spending for some $275 billion in the course of a decade. But the bill should be paid with tax revenues, which could lead to Republican opposition. In the financial sector, Clinton will support greater oversight of 'shadow banking,' moderate enforcement of financial regulation and increasing attention to high drug prices. Since she is for tougher anti-trust policy, America has seen record mergers and acquisitions activities in the past few months - including a record level of Chinese M&As in the US. Clinton's economic program will resolve neither America's income polarization nor its sovereign debt burden, which will soon exceed $20 trillion (107% of GDP). In the absence of bipartisan, credible and medium-term debt program, the challenges are likely to deteriorate in the coming years. Trade policy is the real test of Clinton's international engagement. During her campaign, she often said that she would block the US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). "I oppose the TPP now, I'll oppose it after the election, and I'll oppose it as president." If she sticks to her stance, it would alienate TPP allies in Asia, particularly Japan and Vietnam. If she could rely on a united Congress, she would be in a better position to flip-flop, again. New sanctions, Cold War(s), nuclear threats Historically, when the White House has failed to united America through economic policy, rearmament has been the second-best option. In Washington's foreign policy establishment, President Obama's replacement with the more hawkish Hillary Clinton would be welcomed with relief. In contrast to Obama, she has called for stepped-up military action to deter President al-Assad's regime and Russian forces in Syria, whereas Obama's advisers warn that "you can't pretend you can go to war against Assad and not to go war against the Russians." Yet, Clinton wants new sanctions against Russia, despite increasing nuclear threats. According to Pew research, the confidence of Russians on American media has collapsed. It is now less than 1%. Strategic distrust between the two nations is now far lower than during the Cold War. If Clinton would implement her geopolitical pledges, including a no-fly zone in Syria, it could require the use of 70,000 soldiers and a monthly cost of $1 billion. That would increase the probability of real, perceived or accidental US-Russian friction. Under Hillary Clinton," warns Green Party candidate Jill Stein, "America could very quickly slide into nuclear war with Russia." In Southeast and East Asia, Clinton would talk more about currency manipulation, but hold on to existing US alliances, push harder for the US pivot, cooperate more with India and exhibit greater military assertiveness in the contested South China and East Asia seas. Barely a week ago, the Center of American Progress hosted what some saw as a preview of Clinton's Middle East policy, concluding that the next president should double down on support for the Gulf States, including Saudi Arabia, but ramp up action against Iran. Former acting CIA Director and Clinton foreign policy advisor Mike Morell called escalation of sanctions. That, in turn, would undermine the nuclear deal between Iran, Obama and the EU - but it would emulate neoconservative objectives that led to the Iraq War. After years of military interventions, the last thing that the Middle East and North Africa need is more destabilization, which economist Jeffrey Sachs attributes in part to Clinton's policies. The latter could endanger China-led economic development in the region, add to migration crises and terror threats in the EU and the US - and has already killed jobs and reduced remittance flows to South and Southeast Asia. To Sachs, Clinton "is the candidate of the war machine," noting that she supported the regime change act in 1998 that paved way for the Iraq War in 2003, which she also supported. Her record extends from Libya to Syria, Ukraine and Georgia. The interventionism has also resulted in civil wars and famines in Africa. Clinton supports hawkish security policies advocated by both the Democratic 'liberal internationalists' and the Republican 'neoconservatives.' Last summer, the Clintonites' Center for a New American Security (CNAS) , a successor of the neoconservatives' New Project for the American Century a decade ago, published its report on "Extending American Power," as a kind of a transition memo for Clinton. The bipartisan panel of contributors include Victoria Nuland, former adviser of Dick Cheney and Clinton who had a key role in US efforts at regime change in Ukraine; Michele Flournoy, co-founder of CNAS and one potential candidate for the next Secretary of Defense; James Rubin, a Clinton States Department veteran; and Robert Kagan, Nuland's husband, a neoconservative visionary and a proponent of a "New American Empire." As, the goal would be to rely increasingly on the use and threat of military force, it would require an increase in Pentagon spending of up to $1 trillion over the next decade. Unsurprisingly, the major CNAS donors feature the leading Pentagon contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Boeing, which also support Clinton's campaign. Global risk Half a year ago, I warned that, in the absence of appropriate integrity and transparency, the US 2016 election is a global risk, which "could undermine US economic rebound and the lingering global economic recovery." That risk prevails and has grown stronger - as evidenced by uneasy volatility indicators, declines of S&P 500 and other harbingers of financial instability. For weeks, both Trump and Clinton have been building legal cases and armies of lawyers for the possibility of a contested election. In spring, this was still a distant theoretical option. Now it is one credible scenario. Whatever happens after the US 2016 election, the struggle of Washington, by Washington and for Washington is about to lead to a new era that will be economically more uncertain, politically more divisive, and strategically risky. Dr Steinbock is the founder of the Difference Group and has served as the research director at the India, China, and America Institute (USA) and a visiting fellow at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (China) and the EU Center (Singapore). For more information, see http://www.differencegroup.net/ A short version of this commentary, which has been expanded and updated, was released by South China Morning Post on November 1, 2016. Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Flash Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his Kyrgyz counterpart, Sooronbay Jeenbekov, on Wednesday agreed to further boost cooperation between the two countries in a variety of fields. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) holds talks with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Nov. 2, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] Li is in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek for an official visit to the central Asian country and the 15th prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). China and Kyrgyzstan are friendly neighbors and strategic partners with solid mutual political trust, close high-level contacts, rapidly growing pragmatic cooperation and active people-to-people exchanges, Li said during a meeting with Jeenbekov. China supports Kyrgyzstan's efforts in seeking a development path that is compatible with its national circumstances and in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said. He added that his country is also willing to translate the high-level mutual political trust with Kyrgyzstan into more substantial cooperation results, so as to promote sustained, sound and comprehensive development of bilateral ties and cooperation. The two economies are highly complementary to each other with abundant points of converging interests and great potentials for cooperation, said the premier. China is willing to conjoin the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative with Kyrgyzstan's development strategy, make earnest efforts to push forward production capacity cooperation, strengthen cooperation in transport and other infrastructure building, and conduct cooperation in agriculture as a whole and intensive processing of agricultural products, Li said. The premier called upon the two sides to enhance cooperation in the fields of information communications, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. Li also expressed his hope that Kyrgyzstan will further improve its investment environment, so as to make it easier for Chinese companies to invest and start businesses in the country. For his part, Jeenbekov hailed the high-level bilateral relations between Kyrgyzstan and China, saying Kyrgyzstan is willing to further increase political dialogues with China and boost the building of the Belt and Road through bilateral economic cooperation. Jeenbekov pointed to production capacity, investment, light textile, telecommunications, small and medium-sized enterprises, agriculture, water conservancy irrigation, air transportation, and emergency disaster relief as the areas where the two countries should conduct cooperation. Kyrgyzstan is also willing to carry forward the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway project and highway projects in Bishkek, so as to lift the economic and trade relations between the two countries to higher levels and bring benefits to the two peoples, the Kyrgyz prime minister said. Jeenbekov also said his country is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China within the framework of the SCO and other multilateral institutions. After the meeting, the two leaders signed and released a joint communique between the two countries and witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation documents in such fields as economy, technology, production capacity, transport, agriculture and intellectual property rights. Kyrgyzstan is the first leg of Li's ongoing eight-day four-country tour, which will also take him to Kazakhstan, Latvia and Russia. You are here: Home Flash Kenya's anti-terrorism police on Wednesday arrested a male university student in the coastal city of Mombasa over links with the Islamist State militant group. Officers acting on intelligence report raided the student's residence in a Mombasa suburb and caught Hassan Kassim. Mombasa police chief Peterson Maelo said detectives had intercepted communication devises belonging to Kassim and discovered his intention to travel to Libya and join the IS. "We are still interrogating him with possibility of arresting more students we suspect could have been radicalized to join the terrorist group," Maelo told reporters. Police in August arrested two medical interns, suspected of being part of the latest batch of university students radicalized and lured to join the IS in Libya, in the coastal town of Malindi. Last year, four other medical interns at the same hospital in Malindi were arrested for allegedly planning to join IS. Maelo said the police are working with universities to prevent students from being recruited by IS. Flash The Syrian army announced on Wednesday a 10-hour-long "humanitarian pause" that is scheduled to go into force on Friday, according to state news agency SANA. Rebel fighters ride a vehicle after they took control of Dahiyet al-Assad, west Aleppo city, Syria October 29, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] The general-command of the Syrian army said it had decided to observe a "humanitarian pause" on Friday from 9.00 a.m. until 7.00 p.m. local time, to give civilians and rebels also a chance to leave rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo city. The statement said the rebels can leave Aleppo through the Castello road in northern Aleppo, and the Souk al-Khair crossing toward rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. The civilians can also leave through six passages the army had previously identified to government-controlled areas in western Aleppo. The new, brief truce is not the first to be announced by the Syrian army. Last month, a three-day truce, unilaterally announced by Russia and the Syrian government, failed to achieve its intended goal of giving the civilians a pause to leave rebel-held areas and also failed to push the rebels to leave Aleppo city. The Syrian government then accused the rebels of forcefully preventing the departure of civilians from eastern Aleppo. On Wednesday, SANA said the rebels in eastern Aleppo killed tens of people who wanted to evacuate rebel-held areas. It charged that the Jaish al-Fateh rebels, or the Army of Conquest, are practicing extortion against the civilians who want to leave Aleppo, asking them for money in exchange of allowing them to leave. High sums of money are requested from civilians who want to leave, said SANA, adding that the rebels permit civilians under 14 and over 55 years old to leave for 300 U.S. dollars per person. SANA said its claim was based on a leaked statement by the Jaish al-Fateh, explaining the "extortion" process. It said the group admitted that the money they will be collecting from people will be used to buy weapons and munitions. Last Friday, at least 12 rebel groups launched a broad offensive on government positions in western Aleppo, engaging in violent battles with the Syrian army and allied fighters. The battles kept raging as the rebels succeeded to infiltrate some areas, without achieving a breakthrough. But on Monday, the Syrian army responded with a counter-offensive, managing to strip the rebels of some of the areas they had taken in western Aleppo. The rebels' aim behind the major offensive was to break the government force's siege on eastern Aleppo. The rebel attempt failed to achieve its goal so far. The Syrian army has laid siege on rebel-held areas in Aleppo in recent months, urging the rebels to surrender themselves or leave eastern Aleppo to other rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. Observers believe that Aleppo is going to be the decisive battle ground among the fighting groups, and the winner will be the one dictating its conditions to resolve the crisis, as the province contains all the groups that are supported by regional and international powers, with the civilians paying the price for this proxy war. You are here: Home Flash Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned Wednesday an Israeli plan to connect Jerusalem with settlements in the West Bank via a light train. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends a joint news conference with Italy's President Sergio Mattarella in the West Bank city of Bethlehem November 1, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] The ministry said in an emailed press statement that such projects are considered to be a declaration of gradual annexation of wide areas of the West Bank. "The Israeli government seeks to connect settlements in the occupied West Bank, including Jerusalem, with nearby Israeli cities, which would lead to cutting Jerusalem off it's Palestinian surrounding, changing it's features and concealing it's Palestinian identity and heritage," said the statement. The ministry highlighted that this plan would encourage more settlers to move for living in West Bank settlements, particularly those around Jerusalem, advancing the so-called "greater Jerusalem" plan that would turn the Jerusalemites into a minority amidst a sea of settlers. The ministry called on the international community, the UN and it's relevant agencies, to shoulder responsibilities toward this new dangerous settlement escalation that risks blowing up the entire situation. The ministry stressed that any international movement must be swift to stop this unprecedented settlement attack. Israeli public radio said that Israeli Transportation Minister Israel Katz has approved a plan earlier on Wednesday to connect Jerusalem with settlements within the Green Line by a light train. The report said that the train would move from Jerusalem to Maale Adumin, Givat Ze'ev, Adam and settlements near Ramallah in both directions. Katz reportedly said that all Israelis must receive equal transportation service, every where they live. You are here: Home Flash Russia' s Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk has received another shipment of the Sukhoi Su-34 fighter bombers, the head of the Eastern Military District press service Col. Alexander Gordeyev said Wednesday. Sukhoi Su-34 strike fighter fleet fly over the Red Square during military parade. [Photo/Xinhua] "The new shipment of fighter bombers will be put in operation next academic year and will complete training and combat missions during air force drills," Gordeyev said. However, Alexander Gordeyev did not say how many fighter bombers were received by the air force unit. The Sukhoi Su-34 fighter bomber is designed to hit ground targets as well as naval ones. It is capable of engaging even small mobile targets and aerial targets in daytime and at night, under favorable and adverse weather conditions. Established in 2010 and headquartered in the eastern Khabarovsk region, the Eastern Military District covers the former Far Eastern Military District and part of the former Siberian Military District. Flash South Korean Justice Minister Kim Hyun-woong said Thursday that he would propose an investigation into President Park Geun-hye if necessary for the ongoing probe into a scandal surrounding Choi Soon-sil, the president's longtime confidante suspected of intervening in state affairs. Kim told lawmakers that he would recommend an investigation into President Park after reviewing its necessity and possibility if it is necessary for getting down to bedrock in accordance with the development of the ongoing prosecutors' probe into the Choi Soon-sil scandal. The justice minister said that if President Park volunteers for it, there would be no limitation to the investigation though he noted that a majority of law experts claim no legal ground for search and seizure toward the president theoretically. Under the country's constitution, a president cannot be criminally indicted during his or her presidency except for treason charges. Some of law experts claim the president can be investigated on condition that the criminal prosecution is suspended by the end of presidency. Reversing his Oct. 27 remarks that President Park cannot become a subject of criminal investigation, the justice minister opened the door for a probe into the president amid escalating public furor over the behind-the-curtain big shot. Calls mounted that President Park should be investigated over a scandal of Choi who is accused of peddling undue influence and pulling strings behind the scenes as the 60-year-old private citizen's interference with government affairs could not happen without the president's protection and connivance. Park's approval rating fell to 9.2 percent, according to a Naeil Shinmun newspaper survey conducted on Oct. 31. It was down 25 percentage points from a month earlier, hitting a record low since Park came to power in February 2013. Flash U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry admitted this week that the U.S. presidential campaign has been "downright embarrassing." "I must tell you bluntly. This election has been difficult for our country's perception abroad," he told an event with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan during a visit to Britain earlier this week. "There are moments when it is downright embarrassing. There are times when it steps out of any norm that I've known -- and I ran for president in 2004," Kerry said. "I could never imagine debates that were not focused on real issues, so it's been a real change." Smeared with sex, corruption, scandals and personal attacks, the race for the White House this year has turned increasingly disordered and bottomless. Appearing before supporters at a Wednesday rally in Pensacola, Florida, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump told a crowd about his "plan to end government corruption." "We're only left with one person, crooked Hillary Clinton. We're going to win. We're going to win," the New York real estate billionaire claimed. After the release of a 2005 audio tape about his propensity for "groping women" and the emergence of groping allegations by several women, Trump has been reeling for weeks in his campaign for the White House. However, a renewed FBI review of Democratic presidential candidate Clinton's use of a private email server as secretary of state has helped Trump narrow the race and drew public doubts about Clinton's trustworthiness. Despite Clinton's front runner position in most forecasts, a Tuesday ABC News/Washington Post tracking poll gave Trump a narrow lead. Last month, WikiLeaks started to release thousands of hacked emails of Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta. The emails exposed campaign infighting and raised ethical questions about her family's charitable foundation. Anthony Weiner, a former New York congressman and husband of Clinton aide Huma Abedin, had already been shamed in a cluster of sexting scandals. However, when the FBI opened an investigation into his suspected sending of indecent videos to a 15-year-old girl, the bureau found out emails that FBI Director James Comey said seem related to an already closed email probe on Clinton. Jewel Mathewson from Pennsylvania told Xinhua that it is "a heartbreaking decision" to choose from Trump and Clinton, both of whom she is "sorrowfully disappointed with." She said, "I think the American people are not happy with either person for president." "And the way it's made it difficult for me is that, you know, when you sit down with some foreign minister in another country, or a prime minister of another country, and you say 'hey, you know we really want you to move more authoritatively towards democracy', they look at you," Kerry said. "They're polite but you can see the question in their head and in their eyes and in their expression. It's hard." Take a look at the following responses by two countries to the U.S. presidential election. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that the "catastrophic reality" of the two candidates "goes beyond what even we were saying." In Britain, a giant effigy of Trump wielding the head of his rival Clinton was expected to be burned during traditional Nov. 5 bonfire night celebrations. The 36-foot (11-meter) high model of Trump dressed in shorts decorated with images of Mexicans will be packed with fireworks and set alight in Edenbridge, southeast England, on Saturday as part of the annual Bonfire Night celebrations, AFP reported. "We are literally helping Trump to live out his own catchphrase 'burn it down' by exploding the 11-meter effigy as the opening act for our fireworks display," said Edenbridge Bonfire Society spokesman Jeni Fox. "It only seemed fair that Hillary Clinton took some of the limelight, and we are sure the presidential candidates will be pleased to see they are both featured," she added. By Lena Ge, China Aviation Daily | Nov. 03, 2016 China Eastern Airlines has offered a reward of 3 million yuan to the captain whose quick thinking helped to avert a ground collision between two passenger planes at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport in October. On November 3, the Shanghai-based carrier gave commendation to the captain He Chao and his colleagues for their outstanding performance in the near-collision at Hongqiao airport. Captain He received a reward of 3 million yuan in cash and honors of "excellent communist" and "outstanding staff". Meanwhile, Capitan He's team has been awarded "advanced group" and 60,000 yuan on Thursday by the airline. Captain He was honored a "first-class merit" by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on October 21, along with other rewards for averting the ground collision, citing "making a great contribution with his precise and correct decision at a critical moment." On October 11, an Airbus A320 was given clearance for takeoff on flight MU5643 to Tianjin, while the other A330 had landed from Beijing was crossing the runway to get to its gate. The quick-thinking captain of the A320 jet took the right action to continue and managed to climb the A320 over the A330. Flight MU5643 continued its flight to Tianjin without further incident while the A330 crossed runway 36L, reaching its parking stand without complications. An investigation launched by the CAAC found that the air traffic controllers had given the wrong orders to the pilot of A330 to taxi into the same runway where the A320 was taking off. The authority has revoked the licenses of two air traffic controllers responsible for the incident and punished 13 air traffic control officials from the East China Air Traffic Management Bureau. Related News: CAAC Suspends Air Traffic Controllers for Near-Collision in Shanghai China Eastern to Reward Captain for Preventing Collision at Airport Air Traffic Controller Error Blamed for Near Collision in Shanghai: CAAC Two China Eastern Jets in Runway Incursion at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport By Lena Ge, China Aviation Daily | Nov. 03, 2016 The first A330 aircraft to be assembled in Airbus' China plant is expected to be delivered in September 2017, as construction gets underway for the Airbus A330 Completion and Delivery Centre (C&DC) in Tianjin, China. Construction of the A330 Completion and Delivery Center Tianjin started in March 2016 and now the center has finished basic construction work. The A330 center will be capable of fitting out two A330s a month in 2018, with the first A330 jet to be delivered to customers in September 2017, the European manufacturer said at Zhuhai Airshow. The A330 C&DC is co-located at the same site as the Airbus Tianjin A320 Family Final Assembly Line and the Airbus Tianjin Delivery Centre. The center will cover the aircraft completion activities including reception, cabin installation, aircraft painting, engine run and flight test, as well as aircraft delivery and customer flight acceptance. "The cabin installation work of an A330, compared with a single-aisle aircraft such as A320 or B737, is four times more in terms of complexity and workload," said Francois Mery, Chief Operating Officer of Airbus China. The A330 Family aircraft to be completed at the A330 C&DC Tianjin will be assembled in Toulouse while painting and cabin fitting will be performed in Tianjin. As Airbus' first overseas completion and delivery site for A330, the center has so far recruited more than 110 employees, or nearly 40 percent of the total planned recruitment. At present, the in-service Airbus fleet with Chinese operators comprises more than 1,434 aircraft (over 170 A330 Family and over 1,160 A320 Family aircraft). Airbus A330 is the most popular wide-body aircraft in China. Related News: Airbus' China A330 Widebody Completion & Delivery Centre Construction Starts Airshow - More Than 1,343 Airbus Airplanes Serve in Mainland China HANOI - The ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) will offer zero-percent tariff for goods from China and ASEAN into Vietnam, according to Vietnamese government's decree on Wednesday. According to the decree on special preferential tariffs for ASEAN and Chinese products during 2016-2018 period, hundreds of goods from China and ASEAN will enjoy zero-percent import tax to Vietnam. The goods include vegetables, fruits, processed or preserved fish and other kinds of seafood, as well as cacao and cacao products, cereal, flour and meat. Following the commitments at ACFTA, Vietnam will abolish tax or reduce it to zero percent for 90 percent of existing tariff lines by the end of 2018, while the remaining 10 percent of tariff lines will be reduced by 2020. Statistics by the General Statistics Office (GSO) showed that in the first ten months of 2016, Vietnam had the highest import of goods from China, with total import value at 40.3 billion U.S. dollars. ASEAN ranked third among major suppliers for Vietnamese imports with revenue of $19.1 billion. VIENTIANE --Laos and Northeast China's Jilin province on Wednesday agreed to expand production capacity cooperation. During a meeting on promotion of production capacity cooperation held in Lao capital Vientiane, Lao Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Khamlien Pholsena said Jilin is the first Chinese region coming to Laos to promote production capacity cooperation. The meeting is expected to drive the exchanges and mutual understanding between Laos and the Chinese region, as well as to create favorable conditions for further cooperation and to deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, Khamlien said. Sui Zhongcheng, deputy governor of Jilin province, for his part, said that the promotion of production capacity cooperation is among major activities to implement the "Belt and Road" initiative proposed by China. Laos has rich natural resources including land, mineral and hydro-power resources, as well as good conditions for agricultural development, which have strong complementarity with China's economy, Sui said, adding that there are huge potentials for bilateral cooperation. Jilin authorities are willing to communicate with Lao government for sound cooperation in production capacity between the two sides, Sui said. According to an official of Chinese Embassy in Laos, China has many competitive industries, including high-speed railway, construction materials, nonferrous metals, among others, while Laos is in the progress of industrialization. Cooperation in production capacity will help promote sustainable and stable development of the Lao economy. China has invested in over 764 projects in Laos, ranging from mining to agriculture, electricity, handicrafts and tourism with a combined value of more than seven billion Lao kip ($862,000), making China the biggest foreign investor in Laos. Some 552 projects had 100 percent Chinese investment, while 212 projects were joint venture investments with local partners, according to Lao statistics. Employees of STO Express categorize packages in Beijing. ZHU XINGXIN / CHINA DAILY By using their own trucks and planes, they can cut prices and take on global rivals STO Express became the first major Chinese delivery firm to set up its own dedicated fleet of planes and trucks for deliveries across Europe, with the first flight landing in Prague on Wednesday. The company says it wants to grab a quarter of the China-related market share from big global delivery firms like DHL, UPS, TNT and FedEx in the next one or two years, as its fees are only half theirs. STO Express will now send three cargo flights between Hong Kong and Prague weekly, and its own truck fleet will carry items from Prague to all countries in Europe, including the UK. "Having our own cargo plane and truck fleet will save costs for customers, reduce delivery times by 3-7 days and we can now provide customers with a complete delivery tracking service," said Wayne Yu, vice-president and operations director of STO Express Europe. STO's announcement came at a time of booming cross-border e-commerce activities. Chinese research firm iResearch statistics show China's cross-border imports grew from 100 billion yuan ($15 billion) in 2014 to 150 billion yuan last year and are forecast to hit 210 billion yuan this year. Even more significant is the growth potential. The global cross-border e-commerce market stood at $230 billion in 2014, and is projected to grow to $1 trillion by 2020, according to joint research by Accenture and AliResearch, Alibaba Group's research arm. Traditionally, cross-border e-commerce logistics is done by Western express delivery firms such as DHL, UPS, TNT and FedEx, but their high cost structure led to the growth of specialist Chinese delivery firms such as Dolphin Supply Chain. Founded in 2013, Dolphin Supply Chain enjoyed tremendous growth with revenue last year hitting about 150 million yuan, which is about 2 percent of China's overall cross-border import e-commerce market of 7 billion yuan, said David Lee, CEO of Dolphin Supply Chain. WASHINGTON - The US Commerce Department on Wednesday announced its preliminary affirmative determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation against imports of ammonium sulfate from China, signaling that it may pose punitive duties on the products. The department said that such products from China had been sold in the United States at dumping margin of 493.46 percent. As a result of the preliminary affirmative determinations, Commerce will instruct US Customs and Border Protection to require cash deposits based on these preliminary rates. The Commerce launched AD and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations against imports of such products from China in June 2016, in response to a request from PCI Nitrogen based in Texas. The Commerce made its preliminary affirmative determination in the CVD investigation last week, saying that producers and exporters of such products from China had received countervailing subsidies at 206.72 percent. Punitive duties would be imposed after both the Commerce Department and the US International Trade Commission (USITC) make affirmative final rulings. The Commerce is scheduled to make its final determinations in January next year and the USITC is scheduled to make its final determination in March 2017. Ammonium sulfate is primarily used as a fertilizer and it can also be used in industrial applications, such as in the production of flame retardant materials for food and feed additives. Imports of these products from China were estimated at about $62 million in 2015, according to US official data. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has kept urging Washington to abide by its commitment against protectionism and help maintain a free, open and just international trade environment. LUSAKA -- Zambia on Wednesday signed a deal for the construction of a new railway project with China's state-run firm that will enhance transportation in the southern African nation. The 388-kilometer railway, to run from the eastern town of Chipata to the central town of Serenje via another eastern town of Petauke, will be constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), at a cost of $2.3 billion within a four-year period. "This project aims at enhancing regional trade and transport competitiveness by providing an alternative trade route to the East Coast of Africa via the Port of Nacala in Mozambique." Minister of Transport and Communications Brian Mushimba said at a signing ceremony in Lusaka, the country's capital. The project will provide the much-needed link between the Zambian main railway line network with the Malawian railway line network through the existing Chipata-Mchinji railway line which forms part of the Nacala Corridor, Mushimba said. The project will enable the government to save funds used on rehabilitation of damaged roads due to haulage of bulk and heavy cargo. The project, he added, is meant to enhance regional and international trade through the Nacala Development Corridor which involves Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. According to him, the project is one of the strategic infrastructure projects the government intends to implement through the China-Africa Cooperation framework announced by the Chinese government during the 2015 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in South Africa where $60 billion fund was pledged. He further expressed confidence in the Chinese firm's ability to construct the railway within the stipulated period because it has wealth of experience in undertaking railway construction projects. On his part, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming said the signing and implementation of the project will further promote bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The railway line, Yang said, will promote Zambia's trade, investment, employment and sustainable development and open another route to the sea for the landlocked southern African nation. "I believe it will be an important part of the integrated southern African transportation system which connects Zambia with Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi and Mozambique," he added. Countries and regions along the Belt and Road are urged to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure construction, energy resource development, finance, education, science, technology, tourism and medical care, said State Councilor Wang Yong. Construction of infrastructural facilities will facilitate connections between the countries and regions while education, science, technology, tourism and medical care concern people's livelihoods and are the foundation for the construction of the Belt and Road, Wang said. He made the remarks in his keynote speech delivered today at the 8th West China International Cooperation Forum in Chengdu, Sichuan province, which is being held under the theme of jointly building the Belt and Road for a bright future. The Belt and Road Initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was put forward by President Xi Jinping in 2013. Since then, more than 30 countries have signed agreements with China to cooperate in the construction of the Belt and Road. The Belt and Road connects 64 countries and 4.5 billion people in the world. The initiative not only involves economy but also boosts cultural and social exchange in different civilizations, said Mohammad Sarwar Danesh, second vice president of Afghanistan. His country, which boasts more than $3 trillion worth of mineral resources, fully endorses the Belt and Road initiative, he said. Afghanistan abounds in iron and copper ore, gemstones and stones for decoration. China can invest in the fields and Afghanistan can sell its products to China, he said. Milorad Dodik, president of the Serb Republic, said his country has cooperated with China in the construction of the Belt and Road. With investment from China, construction of a thermal power station started in the Serb Republic last month. The main contract for the station is with Dongfang Electric, a State-owned firm headquartered in Chengdu, the president said. The project has created more than 1,000 jobs in the Serb Republic and it is the largest direct foreign investment the country has received in recent years, he said. It is only the beginning of the cooperation, he said. At the end of this year, a Confucius Institute will be launched in his country. The 8th West China International Cooperation Forum is part of the 16th Western China Economic Fair being held in Chengdu from today to Nov 14. Nearly 9,000 firms from 75 countries and regions are attending the fair, including some of the world's leading firms, such as Daimler, METRO and DHL. Internet giant Baidu Inc announced on Thursday that its autonomous cars would be put into operation on urban roadways during the third World Internet Conference session, and it would invite passengers to take them for a test ride. Wang Jin, senior vice-president and general manager of Baidu's autonomous driving unit, said the self-driving technology would reduce the travel costs and improve the efficiency of the traffic system, due to its safety, high efficiency and other characteristics. "The new energy, sharing economy, and intelligence are profoundly transforming the entire auto sector. In the future, a car is more of a mobile terminal, as a working and living space producing other value-added consumptions," Wang said. Wang added that, Baidu planned to commercialize the driverless technology three years later and achieve mass production of autonomous cars by 2021. Starting in 2013, the key of the company's driverless project lies in the "Baidu Brain" artificial intelligence system. Focused on leading technologies, such as the computer vision and environmental awareness, it has realized the development from aided driving to autonomous driving. Wang also unveiled the current self-driving technical level for the Beijing-based Baidu. The object identification accuracy rate for cameras rose to 90.13 percent this year, compared to the 89.6 percent accuracy rate last year. In December last year, Baidu completed a 30km autonomous car test drive of the BMW. This year the company begin to test self-driving cars of domestic brands, Chery's first electric minicar eQ. According to Wang, the eQ had already passed the first subject of the driver test, and it was expected to pass the rest four subjects three years later. Premier Li Keqiang advocates the establishment of a free-trade zone at the 15th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of Governments in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Nov 3, 2016. LIU ZHEN / CHINA NEWS SERVICE The six-member Shanghai Cooperation Organization on Thursday proposed to advance the establishment of a development bank and fund to boost financial cooperation. The proposal was signed by member countries at the 15th meeting of the heads of government of the group, which consists of China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Premier Li Keqiang, attending the meeting, also said China is open to the establishment of a free-trade zone among the SCO members. He called on SCO members to continue promoting investment and trade, as well as initiating feasibility studies for a free-trade zone. "Member countries should break restrictions in the economy and trade by establishing a free-trade zone to expand wider-scale exchanges in this field," Li said. A list of 38 "pragmatic measures" was approved at the meeting to govern cooperation in fields such as finance, transport and agriculture from 2017 to 2021. Experts said these proposals showed that SCO is moving beyond traditional concerns like fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism to promote pragmatic cooperation in economic topics. The six members cover 30 million square kilometers with about a quarter of the world's total population. It is working on legal procedures to grant India and Pakistan membership. Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said the SCO meeting is to help deepen economic cooperation and carry out projects in transport, production capacity and other fields. Chen Yurong, an expert on the region's economy at the China Institute of International Studies, said the SCO members are in dire need of an FTA mechanism to boost their economies, while the group also has the necessary conditions for the establishment of an FTA. Chen also said that the establishment of a development bank and fund will help break the bottleneck in development capital, and help realize many projects that the countries are planning. Kazakh Prime Minister Bakhytzhan Sagintayev said the SCO needs to promote effective economic cooperation to stabilize their economies, and Kazakhstan would like to link up with China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, a Russia-dominated initiative. After the meeting, Premier Li departed from Bishkek for Kazakh capital Astana to attend the 3rd Regular Meeting between Chinese and Kazakh Prime Ministers. Premier Li Keqiang and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov signed on Nov 2 a joint communique between the Chinese and Kyrgyz governments.[Photo/english.gov.cn] China and Kyrgyzstan vowed on Wednesday to fight terrorism, separatism and extremism through strengthened security cooperation as Premier Li Keqiang paid his first visit to the Central Asian neighbor. In the capital, Bishkek, Li and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov signed a joint communique on bilateral cooperation in fields such as security, agriculture and production. The agreement is especially timely since the Chinese embassy in Kyrgyzstan was attacked by a suicide car bomber on the morning of Aug 30. The attack injured three embassy personnel. Li rushed to the embassy upon his arrival in Bishkek, and said the embassy should rebuild damaged buildings as soon as possible. Security should be reinforced for Chinese diplomatic missions, Li said. Such agreements are also key for Central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan, which have been victims of terrorism, separatism and extremism. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, with both countries as founding members, has fought these forces since 2001. Both countries have been part of joint anti-terrorism drills under the SCO framework each year. Xing Guangcheng, an expert on Central Asia and Russian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, suggested boosting two-way information sharing. Security cooperation is the best way to fight terrorism, a cross-border problem in Central Asia, said Xu Tao, an expert on Central Asia studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. Xu said both countries can increase exchanges in intelligence, technology and policy coordination to fight terror. "China and Kyrgyzstan have maintained political trust as strategic partners and have promoted pragmatic cooperation. ... China will do what it can to help Kyrgyzstan," Li told his counterpart. Li will attend the 15th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO on Thursday in Bishkek. A mayor in Yunnan province has denied that he branded the Miao ethnic group "horrible" and described its culture as "witchcraft". Netizens and community leaders have called for Gong Qing, acting mayor of Wenshan, to apologize over comments he is said to have made in a meeting on Oct 26 to discuss a theme park featuring Miao culture. The remarks "went viral in WeChat groups for Miao people in Yunnan, Guizhou and Hunan provinces and Beijing, sparking unprecedented indignation", according to an email from a Miao research society to the Yunnan Ethnic and Religious Affairs Commission that was shared with China Daily on Tuesday. Gong was also accused of saying he had been warned that Miao women use sorcery to ensnare men, and had asked, "Why should we promote this kind of culture?" The government of the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao autonomous prefecture has launched an investigation into the matter. A statement released via wsnews.com.cn, a news portal affiliated with the local authority, quoted Gong as saying that he has "merely been giving suggestions" and was not insulting Miao people. Officials leading the probe have talked with the 20 people present at the meeting, four of whom confirmed that they had heard Gong's remarks, according to the statement. It added: "One of them said the remarks were made during a discussion and were not intended to insult or discriminate. The other three refused to comment." The ethnic affairs commission said on Tuesday that, if Gong were found to have violated the law, "we will urge the prefecture government to deal with the matter according to the law, regulations and disciplines". Contact the writers at houliqiang@chinadaily.com.cn The VT-5's firepower and mobility matches that of Western models A VT-5 tank is on public display at the Zhuhai Air Show in Guangdong province on Wednesday.Feng Yongbin / China Daily China is displaying a new light-duty main battle tank at an ongoing arms exhibition amid a muscle-flexing disclosure of ground weapons, in a bid to attract buyers who wish to quickly outfit their armies. China North Industries Group Corp, commonly known as Norinco, the country's biggest developer of land armaments, expects the VT-5 tank to lure foreign military officers from developing nations at the 11th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, commonly known as the Zhuhai Air Show, which runs from Tuesday to Sunday. The State-owned defense giant said the VT-5 is the most advanced light-duty tank now available in the international market. The tank showed off maneuvers on Tuesday morning in front of hundreds of foreign government and military officers at a range near the Zhuhai Air Show. For armies of most developing nations, heavier main battle tanks in the international market, such as the US M1 Abrams and the German Leopard 2, are too expensive and "overqualified" for their basic needs, Lin Wei, a spokesman for Norinco, said during the air show, adding that they also are too heavy to operate on roads and bridges of developing countries. Therefore the VT-5 is an ideal option for such users because its firepower, mobility and information capacity are as good as those of Western tanks, he added. According to Norinco, the VT-5 is a multirole, light-duty main battle tank capable of operating in various terrain, including desert, forest and urban areas. It has a weight of 36 metric tons and a crew of three people. Its weapons include a 105-mm rifled tank gun, which can fire armor-piercing shells, high-explosive anti-tank warheads and missiles, and a 12.7-mm remotely controlled gun. The tank is equipped with an integrated electronic system, a tactical command system, a satellite-based positioning device and modular armor. It features good battlefield awareness, strong information capacity and high maneuverability, and is suitable for modern joint operations, the company said. China developed the Type-62 light tank in the 1960s and had used it in its armored forces in southern regions until 2013, when all of them were retired. In 2014, photos of a new light tank began to circulate on the internet. Chinese media reported that it is a new model designed for the People's Liberation Army's armored units to serve in high-altitude, rugged terrains such as Tibet. Lin said the VT-5 was specifically developed for export so is different from the model unveiled in 2014. For wealthy buyers seeking mightier tanks, Norinco offers the 52-ton VT-4, a high-end main battle tank with a 125-mm smoothbore, which also performed on Tuesday. In addition to tanks, Norinco also sent a wide variety of weapons, including wheeled tank destroyers, tracked infantry fighting vehicles, multiple rocket launchers, low-altitude air defense systems and anti-tank missiles. "Our biggest advantage is that we offer solution packages to our clients rather than selling them one single kind of weapon. Our competitors would give you an advanced weapon, but I don't think they can provide a whole system," Lin said. "We offer to the market almost everything an army would probably need, from individual equipment and squad-based weapons to heavy-duty tanks as well as long-range multiple rocket launchers." Gao Zhuo, a military observer in Shanghai, said: "Norinco is able to make and export an army load of land armaments. Any developing nation can form a strong army just by buying weapons from China." China exported 461 tanks from 1992 to 2014, according to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, which began to record conventional weapons transfers between UN member states in 1992. The biggest tank exporter during the period was the United States, which reported sales of 5,511 tanks. zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn Crabs are on sale at a store in Causeway Bay in Hong Kong on Tuesday.Parker Zheng / China Daily Importers of hairy crabs in Hong Kong recalled produce from two aquaculture farms in Jiangsu province on Wednesday, as excessive levels of chemicals linked to cancer were found in samples. But some importers refused to suspend sales, claiming that they source their crabs from other farms and the two concerned farms only handle import paperwork for them. Two samples of hairy crabs, imported from Wujiang Wanqing Taihu Crab Breeding Co and Jiangsu Taihu Aquatic Product Co, were found to contain 11.7 picograms and 40.3 picograms per gram of dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls respectively. The toxic chemical compounds can lead to reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones and cause cancer. According to the Center for Food Safety in Hong Kong, the acceptable level of the two chemicals contained in food is 6.5 picograms. The center on Tuesday released a list of 15 local importers that sell the tainted hairy crabs, urging them to suspend sales and imports from the two Jiangsu suppliers. Wah Kee Wing Cheong Ho is among the 15 importers. Stephen Chu, director of the 50-year-old company, told China Daily that his shop will continue selling hairy crabs. Chu said the crabs were not sourced from the two farms in question and had passed all safety tests when they entered Hong Kong. He added that his business was connected to one of the two farms in Jiangsu, but only for the handling of import paperwork. Li Weihong, director of the publicity department of Jiangsu Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, said that his bureau and the Jiangsu Ocean and Fisheries Bureau were investigating the two farms. "We have suspended the inspection and quarantine of the two companies' products. And hairy crab samples farmed at the two companies have been sent to authorized agencies for further and detailed examination," Li said. Thus far, all tests of the farms' crabs met the food safety standards of the related departments in Hong Kong, according to Li. Shadow Li and Dara Wang contributed to this story. Contact the writers at willa@chinadailyhk.com China has been tightening regulations on pollution under a revised law that took effect last year, in a move to protect the environment by introducing harsher punishments and stricter law enforcement, the country's top legislature said. A report issued on Wednesday by the National People's Congress Standing Committee said that police officers, prosecutors and judges have made significant contributions to the handling of pollution-related cases since the revised law came into effect on Jan 1 last year. Last year, Chinese public security authorities recorded a total of 6,035 pollution-related cases and arrested more than 12,000 suspects, year-on-year increases of 16 percent and 42 percent respectively, the report said. "Police, courts and prosecuting departments joined the fight against pollution last year through harsher punishments and stricter law enforcement," said Shen Yueyue, vice-chairman of the NPC Standing Committee. The report said Chinese courts at all levels accepted 167,000 environmental disputes from January last year to June this year, of which 148,000 have been concluded. Thanks to the revised law, public-interest lawsuits brought by NGOs have been allowed, with the number of such litigations rising rapidly, it said. By June, the national courts had heard 123 environmental public-interest lawsuits, but from 2007 to 2014, the figure was just 65, according to statistics from the top court. Tian Weiyong, head of the Environmental Inspection Bureau under the Ministry of Environmental Protection, commended such efforts. "The stricter the laws we enforce, the greater the threat is to those with intention to pollute or harm our environment." Contact the writers at caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn The Communist Party of China published two sets of disciplinary rules and norms of conduct for all members on Wednesday, as the Party seeks to further beef up the supervision of senior officials. The two regulations, which were approved at the Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee on Thursday, include a new version of the norms for political life within the Party and a revised intraparty supervision regulation. Both regulations, which took effect on Wednesday, have made senior Party officials the key supervision target and stress strict Party governance and elimination of privileges within the Party. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said while explaining the two new regulations to the committee that political life in the Party has been generally good. However, prominent problems remain and urgently need to be addressed, he added. Xi's remarks, made during the sixth plenary session last week, were made public on Wednesday. He said both regulations have prioritized the supervision of senior Party officials, especially those in the top Party leadership, because enhancing the supervision of those officials will set an example for the whole Party. He cited a number of faults among Party members, including lax discipline, detachment from the people, arbitrariness and inaction, acts of individualism, factionalism, money worshipping and violations linked to bureaucracy, hedonism and extravagance. In particular, he said, a handful of senior Party officials, overcome by their political cravings and lust for power, have resorted to political conspiracies by ostensibly working obediently while forming cliques to pursue selfish interests. He listed Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Guo Boxiong, Xu Caihou and Ling Jihua as examples, citing their economic and political misdeeds. "The cases have not only exposed their serious misdeeds in economic terms, but also their serious problems in political terms. The lessons were learned the hard way," he said. "It made us realize that we need to prioritize the Party's ideological and political building and create a clean and upright political environment," Xi added. Zhen Xiaoying, a professor of Party theory at the Central Institute of Socialism, said: "The senior officials are the backbone of the Party. ... The supervision of them will benefit the entire Party." Wu Hui, associate professor of Party governance at the CPC Central Party School, said the regulation on intraParty supervision was formulated in the 1980s, but many items needed to be updated to deal with the situation that the Party faces in the new era. Xinhua contributed to this story. Contact the writers at xuwei@chinadaily.com.cn The mainland's support for cooperation will continue, says top political adviser Top political adviser Yu Zhengsheng called on both sides of the Taiwan Straits on Wednesday to protect and improve the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations. During a forum in Beijing on improving cross-Straits relations, Yu said he hoped the event, which began on Wednesday, could rebuild the bridge connecting the two sides, despite a changing political and economic situation. The mainland will continue to support cooperation across the Taiwan Straits, said Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. "Preferential policies for Taiwan businesses will remain unchanged," he said. "And we welcome Taiwan's young people to come to the mainland to work or study." The mutual acknowledgment of the 1992 Consensus, which commits to the one-China policy, is the foundation of cross-Straits economic cooperation, Yu added. Hung Hsiu-chu, chairwoman of Taiwan's Kuomintang party, also participated in the forum's group talks on economic cooperation and exchanges among young people from both sides. Her five-day visit to the mainland began on Sunday. Steve Chan, vice-chairman of the KMT, noted during the forum's opening ceremony that, since the Democratic Progressive Party took the island's leadership in May, cross-Straits relations have entered a cold period and many exchanges have been suspended. "The forum provides a precious opportunity for the both sides to communicate," Chan said. Under the current situation, cooperation across the Straits has challenges as well as opportunities, said Zhang Zhijun, head of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, during the forum's opening ceremony. "I hope participants from both sides will work out a new way for communication in the future," Zhang said. The forum, jointly hosted by nongovernmental organizations from the mainland and Taiwan, has played an important role and generated fruitful results since it was established a decade ago, Zhang added. About 200 delegates, who came from both sides of the Straits, took part in the forum to discuss politics, economy, culture, society and youth. Lin Shoushan, public representative from the Taiwan city of Kaohsiung, said: "I am hoping we can find a way to break the cold period. The forum is certainly an opportunity. Talks among people from both sides are essential for future relations." Visitors at the National Museum of China in Beijing view the bronze heads of a rabbit and a rat in 2013 that had been looted in 1890 and returned to China three years ago by a French businessman.Li Xin/ Xinhua A new regulation that bans the auction of stolen, smuggled and looted cultural relics reinforces China's firm stance on preventing the loss of relics and retrieving those that have been illegally transported abroad. The State Administration of Cultural Relics issued the regulation on Oct 20 on its website, specifying the types of cultural objects that, if originally obtained illegally, cannot appear in sales. They include all types of artworks dating before 1949, as well as documents and objects of historical importance and works of late modern artists that are restricted by law from exportation. Also banned at auction are cultural relics that are confiscated and recovered by the government and that are collected or stored by governmental bodies or nongovernment museums. The regulation also stresses the State Administration of Cultural Relics' right of priority on purchasing legally obtained cultural relics that have made it to auction. In recent years, the number of Chinese buyers bidding for Chinese antiques at auction worldwide has increased. Some of the items were obtained through such illegal means as archaeological poaching and illegal exporting. In 2013, French businessman Francois-Henri Pinault returned to China the bronze heads of a rabbit and a rat that had been looted from Beijing's Old Summer Palace by the Anglo-French forces during the Second Opium War in 1890. Their appearance at auction in 2009 had aroused anger in China. The new regulation reiterates that the government discourages private buyers from purchasing cultural relics abroad that were flown out illegitimately, said Huo Zhengxin, a professor at China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing. "It means buyers cannot resell them back home. And less participation of Chinese bidders, who now play a big role in the global art market, will prevent the prices of Chinese relics being pushed even higher," he said. Declaring such commercial transactions not legitimate helps to pave the way for the Chinese government to retrieve looted art treasures through legal and diplomatic channels in the future, he added. Liu Shuangzhou, a professor at Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, said that auction houses must provide auction catalogs to cultural relics departments for review and verification before sales. While the regulation is not implemented in Hong Kong, judicial cooperation is needed between the central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region when looted cultural relics are found to be headed for auction, Liu said. linqi@chinadaily.com.cn A patient in the oncology and hematology department of the Beijing Haidian Hospital makes paper lanterns in the company of volunteers from the Beijing Living Will Promotion Association.Ting Ting / For China Daily Attitudes to death are changing in China. Once, the subject was taboo - the number four, si in Chinese, is still deemed unlucky because it sounds uncomfortably like the word for death - and traditionally, people have been reluctant to discuss the end of life or challenge treatment plans presented by physicians or close relatives. The situation is now changing, partly because of greater contact with the outside world and partly thanks to the advent of "living wills". The wills offer people the opportunity to specify how they want to spend their final days, and provide a guarantee that their wishes will be acted upon in the event that illness means they are unable to communicate, consent or disagree. The wills are not legally binding and the testator is allowed to withdraw the document, but for the first time people are being offered a chance to state the treatment and life-support measures they would be willing to accept as death draws near, ranging from being fed by a tube, to having invasive ventilation, dialysis and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. According to the Beijing Living Will Promotion Association, the first organization on the mainland to provide living wills online, more than 20,000 people have signed up via its website, which has been visited by tens of thousands keen to learn more about the process. According to Luo Diandian, who founded the association in 2013, the idea is catching on outside the capital, and the association has been contacted by people in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Guangdong province, and Xi'an, Shaanxi province, who are considering establishing similar projects. "About 10 years ago, no one talked about living wills in China. When I tried to convince people of the necessity of making one, they immediately thought I was talking about euthanasia (which is illegal in China), and rebuffed any further attempts at conversation," the retired cardiologist said. "Now, living wills and palliative care are often the topics of government conferences and forums and no matter whether people see the necessity for them or not, at least they know about them." Maternal influence In 2013, when Beijing resident Cui Di (not her real name) heard about Luo's website, she didn't hesitate to make a living will. The 60-something retiree said her decision had been influenced by her mother, who died from colorectal cancer. Although Cui's mother told the family about her illness in January, 2002, she refused to be hospitalized. A few weeks later, during Spring Festival, she asked Cui to take her to the hospital, where she rejected all treatment except pain relief. She died two months later. Yu Xu, one of the female pilots that flew the J-10 fighter aircraft in the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) on November 1, 2016. [Photo/CRI] The 81st Aerobatics Team of the People's Liberation Army of China, founded in 1962, has amazed the world with their expert flying of the J-10 fighter aircraft in the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) held in Zhuhai city, East China's Guangdong province on November 1, 2016. Among the pilots, two female pilots have received the attention of the public because of their excellence, accuracy and bravery. Women in the 81st Aerobatics Team receive no special treatment as the training in the team is equally strict for both genders. Yu Xu, Captain of China's Air Force and one of the female pilots said: "Basically, we have no difference from male pilots." The unit has over the years performed more than 500 times for delegations from 166 countries and regions. All women pilots in the 81st Aerobatics Team are capable of flying independently. The parents of a boy who was diagnosed as a HIV carrier after receiving a blood transfusion has appealed against a verdict, demanding more compensation from medical institutions involved in the case, the Beijing Times reported on Wednesday. Xiao Bao, 7, was injured in a road accident in January, 2014 and received a blood transfusion in a hospital in Zhangjiajie, Hunan province. Later, the boy underwent surgery in other hospitals. Three months after the transfusion, the HIV antibody was found in the boy's system. And, in July last year, he was diagnosed as an HIV carrier. The boy's parents filed lawsuits against the three hospitals where the boy was treated, a blood station and a blood products company, seeking 1.15 million yuan ($170,000) in compensation. Last month, a Zhangjiajie city district court ruled that each of the five defendants must pay 80,000 yuan to the boy's family. The parents of Xiao Bao refused to accept the verdict and lodged the appeal. NANCHANG -- Police authorities at a county in the eastern province of Jiangxi said Thursday, that eight people had been detained following a bridge collapse in September. The suspects were owners and employees of three companies hired to dismantle an old bridge in Taihe County, police said in a statement. On September 11, eight workers, along with several excavators, plunged into the Ganjiang River when the bridge suddenly broke. Five were saved and three died. The suspects are accused of violating safety rules and putting the lives of construction workers at risk. They are also said to have interfered with the bidding process for the dismantling project, police said. The 828-meter bridge was built in the early 1990s. Workers were sent to dismantle the bridge in August as a 2012 inspection concluded it needed repairs. China's brand-new heavy-lift carrier rocket Long March-5 blasts off from Wenchang Space Launch center in South China's Hainan province, trailing a vast column of flame.[Photo/Xinhua] China's first-generation heavy-lift carrier rocket, the Long March 5, made its maiden flight at 8:43 pm Thursday, moving the country closer to its goal of building a manned space station. The 57-meter-long spacecraft, China's largest carrier rocket, blasted off into thick clouds from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in the island province of Hainan. Its payload is comprised of the Shijian 17 scientific experiment satellite and the Yuanzheng 2, a restartable rocket upper stage that is able to send multiple spacecraft into different orbits during a single mission. The launch was witnessed by an estimated 100,000 spectators who had flooded into Wenchang over the past few days to view the colossal rocket, the local government said. As the nation's largest and most technologically advanced launch vehicle, Long March 5 will be crucial in putting China's planned manned space station into orbit, as well as sending unmanned probes to Mars, according to a statement released by the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, which oversaw its development. The Long March-5 blasts off from Wenchang Space Launch center in South China's Hainan province.[Photo by Su Dong for China Daily] Assembly of the permanent manned space station is planned to start in 2018, with a completion date of around 2022. It will consist of three parts - a core module attached to two space laboratories, each weighing about 20 metric tons. China also plans to send an unmanned probe to orbit and land on Mars around 2020, according to officials. The Long March 5 has a liftoff weight of 870 metric tons, a maximum payload capacity of 25 tons to low Earth orbit and 14 tons to geosynchronous transfer orbit. It has two core stages, four boosters and uses a liquid oxygen and kerosene mix and liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen mix as the propellants for its engines, which means it is more eco-friendly than previous Long March rockets, according to the its developer, the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology in Beijing. President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that China is ready to develop resource cooperation with Guinea to push forward the construction of infrastructure projects in the West African country. "We support Guinea to transfer its resource advantages to development achievements," Xi said while meeting with his Guinean counterpart Alpha Conde in Beijing. The two top leaders witnessed the signing of 10 deals in fields including aviation, health, financing and visa facilitation. China and ASEAN countries will set up a regional anti-corruption legal framework to facilitate the return of corrupt Chinese officials who are still at large in ASEAN countries and confiscate their ill-gotten assets, a senior anti-graft official said. China is in advanced negotiations with some ASEAN countries, including Thailand and Laos, to sign bilateral anti-corruption agreements. Meanwhile, China intends to start discussions with ASEAN countries to sign bilateral extradition treaties to bring more fugitives back to face trial, said Liu Jianchao, director of the International Cooperation Bureau under the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. At present, China has signed bilateral anti-corruption agreements with four ASEAN countries and has signed extradition treaties with six ASEAN members, according to the CCDI. The theater production Jie Song Qing, starring Ku Pao-ming (left) and Lang Tsu-yun, revolves around connections across the Taiwan Straits. Photos provided to China Daily Ku Pao-ming recalls how his family celebrated Spring Festival when he was a child. His father would cook many delicious dishes and they would sit around the dining table remembering their ancestors. During mealtime on the eve of Chinese New Year, he would listen to his father's stories about their family, who lived in Shanghai before moving to Taiwan. Ku's father was a Kuomintang soldier, whoalong with thousands from the Nationalist forceretreated to Taiwan in 1949 at the end of the civil war. As he grew up, Ku, now 66, realized that the stories his father told him were a result of being away from home for long. So when the actor was asked by the Taiwan Godot Theater Company in 2015 if he could play the role of Zhao Guozhong, a war veteran who left Shandong province for Taiwan, in the company's stage drama Jie Song Qing, Ku readily agreed. After its successful debut in April in Beijing, the drama, which is called Driving Miss Xu in English, is set to return to the city on Nov 11. As an actor, Ku likes to play different roles because they enable him to "experience different lives", Ku says. "I'm familiar with the role in Driving Miss Xu and it feels personal and connected." He was born in Taipei and grew up among military dependents, a community in Taiwan that was built after 1949 to house the former Kuomintang soldiers. A page shows how the content was presented in an English textbook from the Qing Dynasty. [Photo/Chengdu Economic Daily] A Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) English textbook shows how people in the 19th century learned English pronunciation. Daily oral English phrases, such as "Tomorrow I will give you an answer" and "Less one half of your price" are seen in the antique book. The book is printed with a note in Chinese characters meaning "Emperor Xianfeng's 10th year of reign (1860)" and belongs to a Chengdu resident. "Unreadable code" composed of Chinese characters can be seen under each English sentence, which is thought to have been used to help the reader remember English pronunciation. The corresponding Chinese meanings of each Chinese sentence can be seen above it, and are in the original complex form that is assumed to be written language in Qing Dynasty. The Chinese annotations under English sentences seem funny and when read aloud, the nonstandard pronunciation may still confuse foreigners. The book's content is divided into five categories covering geography, the monarch and his subjects, teachers and friends, palaces and bureaus, as well as five metals. Each page has 12 boxes, and each box offers one English sentence. The book, with 40-50 pages, which turn over from left to right, was bought by a Mr Yao at an old book market about seven years ago. Experts from the Western Sichuan Literature Repair Centers examined the book's printing and typeface and said that the book is likely from the late Qing Dynasty, but weren't sure of the specific year. History experts say that the phenomenon of learning English pronunciation via Chinese annotations was quite common during that time. Lei Hanqing, a linguistics professor at Sichuan University, said that this way of learning English usually didn't appear in formal textbooks and mostly were for beginners. Chinese Canadian actor Aarif Lee promotes the film Making Family. [Photo provided to China Daily] Just imagine: one day, a cute child comes up to you, and calls you 'Daddy'. But you've never seen him before. In the upcoming comedy Making Family, this stunning moment occurs when a South Korean child surprisingly appears in front of his biological father, a Chinese man who donated his sperm nine years ago in the United States. But just like every tale with a happy ending, the father and child develop to a real relationship after a string of misunderstandings. The Sino-South Korean production, starring Chinese Canadian actor Aarif Lee and South Korean actress Kim Ha-neul, will premier across the country on Nov 4. The celebrity-studded cast also includes Mason Moon Moorhouse, the 9-year-old child actor born to a South Korean mother and a Canadian father and award-winning actress Lv Zhong. Lee, who plays the father, says it's a heart-warming story with a humorous tone. In the movie, the cultural clash and language barriers are used as funny twists to develop the dramatic storyline, said the film's producers. Lee, 29 and single, also revealed that the film made him seriously consider getting married and having a child. People walk past a money exchange decorated with different currencies in Hong Kong, June 27, 2016. [Photo/IC] When the global economy is in a bad way, protectionism rears its ugly head, and with it come barriers to block the free flow of capital and technology. Thus it is not surprising that Chinese overseas investments have been facing closer scrutiny by foreign governments, even in Germany, a long-term advocate of free trade. In the two latest cases, Berlin has taken back its approval for a Chinese company's takeover of its microchip maker Aixtron, citing security reasons; and it is reviewing the sale of Osram's light bulb unit to a Chinese buyer. The security pretext, given as an excuse to block a trade deal, could not be more far-fetched. China and Germany have forged a very close trade relationship over the years, and China has never in any way posed a threat to Germany's national security. Sigmar Gabriel, Germany's economic affairs minister and vice-chancellor, who is on a five-day visit to China, has been more straightforward, complaining that China is buying up key technologies in Germany while setting high hurdles to inward foreign investment, which he argues shows a lack of "reciprocity" from Beijing. This would seem to be justification of Berlin's recent protectionist moves as retaliation for what it sees as China refusing to further open its market and create a level playing field for foreign investors. However, China is a staunch supporter of free trade and globalization, and it is making rapid progress to expand market access for foreign investment. In the first nine months, according to China's Ministry of Commerce, foreign direct investment grew by 4.3 percent year-on-year, despite the sluggish global economy. Around 20,000 new foreign-funded businesses were established, up 10 percent from a year earlier. Growth in investment from Germany was particularly robust, soaring by 95.8 percent over this period, second only to that of the United States. All this belies claims of "foul play" and "discriminatory requirements" being imposed on foreign investors by China. In fact, according to the ministry, among foreign investors in the country, 90 percent are considering expanding their business here. China is pushing forward its industrial upgrading and economic transition. Leaders should seize the opportunities created by this trend, rather than seeking to make China a scapegoat for their own domestic woes. THE MAYOR OF BOZHOU in East China's Anhui province gave out a cellphone number to petitioners during a meeting with them last week, saying that he would take calls from them if need be. Beijing Times commented on Tuesday: The mayor of Bozhou is not the first local senior official to give out a cellphone number or private email address to petitioners. Many have done the same in the past few years. That it still made headlines and gave rise to a heated online discussion about social governance indicates that the relationship between officials and the public can be closer. In many cases, people's complaints and appeals remain unanswered or else not dealt with properly, and people have limited options to defend their legal interests against the will of government officials. That explains why the Bozhou mayor's disclosure of his phone number managed to strike a chord with many local residents. The mayor's sincerity is laudable, but he could be overburdened by his daily work and might struggle to respond to every call he receives. So it remains to be seen how long the interaction will last. In all likelihood, citizens' calls will be transferred to a hotline run by the mayor's secretaries or other government employees. In other words, he is sending a message that the government cares about people's livelihoods, rather than offering a means of direct contact. The truth is, "call the mayor when in trouble" is not in line with modern governance. Modern governance rests on professionalism and efficiency. What is needed is a functioning mechanism for citizens to protect their interests, which is still lacking. Police officers make a list of bank cards seized in a telecommunication fraud case in Xuchang, Henan province, in January. NIU YUAN/CHINA DAILY ON MONDAY, the Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, discussed the draft General Principles of the Civil Law. One major change is the deletion of the part that defines virtual property rights. Beijing News commented: We now enjoy dual lives, as we increasingly have a presence in the virtual world as well as the physical world. We accumulate online profiles as we acquire various accounts and leave digital deposits as we move through cyberspace. But how much of such virtual assets belong to us? What rights do we have over this virtual property? Judges at various levels have already handed down many sentences recognizing virtual property rights, and many legal experts have said people have rights over their virtual property. But such an opinion is debatable because it is too narrow a definition. Virtual property also includes the rights over personal information. For example, when you open an account with a social media provider such as WeChat, the account combines both your rights over any money you put in the account and your privacy rights. If the law clearly, unambiguously defines the rights over virtual property as being akin to material property rights, that might undermine the protection over the immaterial part. Of course, we do not mean that virtual property should be outside the protection of law. On the contrary, we believe that virtual property rights are very important and need ample protection. But by narrowly defining the right over virtual property as a kind of property right, we might weaken the protection given to privacy rights. That is why the recent move of the NPC Standing Committee is a welcome one. We hope the legislators will be careful in protecting people's virtual property in all aspects. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. License for publishing multimedia online 0108263 Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 US Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton greets audience members at a campaign rally in Las Vegas, Nevada, November 2, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama on Wednesday appeared to criticize Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey's decision to disclose new development of FBI's probe into Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's email practices 11 days before the election. In his first comments on the FBI's announcement that rocked the presidential campaign, Obama did not criticize Comey directly in his interview with NowThis News. However, Obama did not shy away from venting his frustration. "I do think that there is a norm that when there are investigations, we don't operate on innuendo," said Obama in the interview released on Wednesday. "We don't operate on incomplete information. We don't operate on leaks. We operate based on concrete decisions that are made." Comey informed the Congress last Friday that the FBI was reviewing new emails which may be relevant to Clinton's email probe. However, Comey said the FBI "cannot yet assess whether or not this material may be significant," adding that he could not predict how long it would take investigators to complete the "additional work." Local media reports later cited anonymous sources as saying that the emails were found on a laptop used by Anthony Weiner, the estranged husband of Clinton's top aide Huma Abedin. Weiner is currently under federal investigation for allegedly sending sexually explicit messages to an underage girl. People walk along a street near damaged buildings in Tariq al-Bab neighbourhood of Aleppo, Syria November 2, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] DAMASCUS - The Syrian army announced on Wednesday a 10-hour-long "humanitarian pause" that is scheduled to go into force on Friday, according to state news agency SANA. The general-command of the Syrian army said it had decided to observe a "humanitarian pause" on Friday from 9.00 am until 7.00 pm local time, to give civilians and rebels also a chance to leave rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo city. The statement said the rebels can leave Aleppo through the Castello road in northern Aleppo, and the Souk al-Khair crossing toward rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. The civilians can also leave through six passages the army had previously identified to government-controlled areas in western Aleppo. The new, brief truce is not the first to be announced by the Syrian army. Last month, a three-day truce, unilaterally announced by Russia and the Syrian government, failed to achieve its intended goal of giving the civilians a pause to leave rebel-held areas and also failed to push the rebels to leave Aleppo city. The Syrian government then accused the rebels of forcefully preventing the departure of civilians from eastern Aleppo. On Wednesday, SANA said the rebels in eastern Aleppo killed tens of people who wanted to evacuate rebel-held areas. It charged that the Jaish al-Fateh rebels, or the Army of Conquest, are practicing extortion against the civilians who want to leave Aleppo, asking them for money in exchange of allowing them to leave. Firefighters work in front of St. Benedict's Cathedral in the ancient city of Norcia following an earthquake in central Italy, October 31, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] ROME - The Italian authorities have expressed determination to rebuild the central Italian towns hit by strong earthquakes from August to October. Italian President Sergio Mattarella said on Wednesday that the state will rebuild the earthquake-hit towns. The reconstruction "will take time, but everything will be as before", the president told displaced citizens while visiting Camerino and Norcia, two towns badly damaged by the earthquakes that rocked central Italy last week. On Sunday, a strong earthquake struck the center of Italy, leaving thousands of people homeless and jobless. The epicenter was near Norcia in Umbria region. "Everything will be rebuilt" is also the message given by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on many occasions during these days, following the strong earthquake (6.5 magnitude) on Sunday. "Our fellow citizens must know that the state is with them," he told journalists during a press conference. "This earthquake is an extraordinary event, and we need extraordinary measures. Places affected by the earthquake have a soul, and they can't loose it," he said. BETHLEHEM, the United States - At 52, Jewel Mathewson is optimistic about her life. She found a "good job" and moved from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a month ago to work as a senior portfolio manager with a big financial company. Yet, Mathewson, who is white with two children and five grandchildren, is not that upbeat about the future of the country, fearing for the animosity in the wake of the Nov. 8 presidential election, and the money in politics. "The division of this society is terrible," she told Xinhua in downtown Bethlehem less than two weeks before the election. "I've been through a lot of elections. I've voted since I was 18 years old. Never have I seen the country so polarized." An independent, Mathewson called it "a heartbreaking decision" to choose from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, both of whom she is "sorrowfully disappointed with." "I don't see how they will bring changes to this country." "I think the American people are not happy with either person for president. You're gonna have a large demographic of people who're gonna be very disappointed and angry, regardless who is going to win," she said. "I think I speak for the majority of the American population," whether they're in the mid-west or the west, or northeast, she said. "Usually the American people will settle for whatever the choice is, but I don't see people are settling for this election," she said. "There's gonna be a lot of animosity towards whoever wins that the other side didn't want to win." "What's gonna take for us to be united again, a tragedy, disaster, or bankruptcy? Something terrible, for sure. That's unfortunate. We don't have to go down that road. But history repeats itself, always." SEOUL - South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Thursday named her new chief of staff and her secretary on political affairs in a follow-up reshuffle amid rising public anger at a scandal surrounding Choi Soon-sil, Park's longtime confidante suspected of having meddled in state affairs. Han Gwang-ok, 74, former four-term lawmaker who served as presidential chief of staff under the 1998-2002 Kim Dae-jung administration, was appointed as new presidential chief of staff, Park's office said. Han joined Park's presidential election camp in 2012, helping her get elected as the country's first female president. Under the Parks government, he has served as the chairman of the Presidential Committee for National Cohesion. Hur Won-je, a former journalist-turned-politician, was appointed as new senior presidential secretary on political affairs. He worked as vice chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, the nation's telecom watchdog, under the Park administration. Protesters wearing cut-out of South Korean President Park Geun-hye (C) and Choi Soon-sil attend a protest denouncing President Park Geun-hye over a recent influence-peddling scandal in central Seoul, South Korea, October 27, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] SEOUL -- Calls are mounting for a criminal investigation into South Korean President Park Geun-hye over a scandal surrounding Choi Soon-sil, the president's longtime confidante suspected of peddling undue influence and pulling strings behind the scenes. Park's approval rating dropped to 10.9 percent, according to a local pollster Realmeter survey announced on Thursday. It is based on a poll of 1,518 adults conducted from Monday to Wednesday. Daily support for Park kept falling from 13.4 percent on Monday to 11.1 percent on Tuesday and 10.2 percent on Wednesday each as public views spread that the 60-year-old private citizen's intervention in state affairs could not happen without the president's protection and connivance. Most shocking was Park's approval rating among those in their 20s that posted 1.6 percent. Support among those in their 30s and 40s tumbled to 3.1 percent and 7.7 percent respectively. Park's political home turf of South Gyeongsang province recorded 8.6 percent in support for Park, lower than the nationwide average. The number in another support base of North Gyeongsang province stood merely at 14.2 percent. Amidst the sagging support, demand is increasingly stronger that President Park be investigated by prosecutors over her involvement in the Choi Soon-sil scandal that put the first South Korean female leader in the biggest political crisis. South Korean Justice Minister Kim Hyun-woong told lawmakers that he would recommend an investigation into President Park after reviewing its necessity and possibility if it is necessary for getting down to bedrock in accordance with the development of the ongoing prosecutors' probe into the scandal. Kim said that if President Park volunteers for it, there would be no limitation to the investigation though he noted that a majority of law experts claim no legal ground for search and seizure toward the president theoretically. Under the country's constitution, a president cannot be criminally indicted during his or her presidency except for treason charges. Some of law experts say the president can be investigated on condition that the criminal prosecution is suspended by the end of presidency. Reversing his Oct. 27 remarks that President Park cannot become a subject of criminal investigation, the justice minister opened the door for a probe into the president amid escalating public furor over the behind-the-curtain big shot. Kim Byong-joon, the prime minister nominee, told reporters on Thursday that it would be possible for the president to be investigated though there are different interpretations of the constitution, saying all the people are equal under the law. Kim, who worked as senior presidential policy secretary under the 2003-2007 Roh Moo-hyun administration, was appointed as new prime minister on Wednesday. Opposition parties have opposed to the appointment as President Park tapped him as the country's No.2 executive post without any prior notice to or consultations with the parliament. Scores of ruling Saenuri Party lawmakers, members of non-President Park faction within the party, have called on all of the party leadership to voluntarily resign to take responsibility for the political crisis. Public support for the main opposition Minjoo Party increased to 33.5 percent this week from 29.6 percent tallied on Oct. 24. The rating for Saenuri Party tumbled from 29.2 percent to 20.7 percent in the same period. Way in which math is taught in Asia is better than traditional UK classes New British research confirms for the first time that children taught math through Chinese-style teaching methods are far ahead of their peers. The independent study by the University of Oxford says students taught the traditional Asian "mastery" methods do "significantly better". The research looked specifically at the Inspire Maths program, which is widely used in Singapore and through which Shanghai pupils have been shown to excel. Interest in the method was prompted by the success of Shanghai and Singapore in international rankings in 2012. The rankings compare math proficiency in different geographic areas. Shanghai came top, Singapore was second. The UK came in at 26. The teaching style calls for classes to be taught as a whole and for children's confidence to gradually be built up. The method introduces core concepts that are broken down into small steps, starting with the use of everyday objects and drawings to help them understand principles. The UK has recently begun to shift toward teaching math in a way that is more like the Chinese way. In July, the UK government announced it would spend 41 million pounds during the next four years on supporting 8,000 primary schools in adopting "mastery" techniques. Minister of State for Schools Nick Gibb said at the time that a China and Shanghai teachers exchange program would continue during the following two years, to strengthen the teaching of math in primary schools. James Hall, lead author of the Oxford University study, said: "Overall, we found positive evidence that Inspire Maths benefited children's maths achievement and supported teachers' professional development." The study published on Wednesday involved 550 children aged 5 and 6 who were learning math at 12 schools in 2015 and 2016. They were split into two groups. The first took regular lessons for the first term and then used Inspire Maths textbooks. The second group, using the books both terms, made much more progress. Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty that deals with the mechanism for departure is pictured with an EU flag following Britain's referendum results to leave the European Union, in this photo illustration taken in Brussels, Belgium, June 24, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] Judges rule that the government must not trigger Article 50 without the support of MPs British Prime Minister Theresa May's plan for the UK to leave the European Union after her government invokes Article 50 were thrown into chaos by a High Court ruling that said the UK's Parliament must approve such a move. The Bar Council, which represents senior lawyers in England and Wales, said the ruling was "of major significance for the future of this country". The decision, which the government said it would appeal against in the Supreme Court, was described by the Financial Times as a"thunderbolt". A group of private citizens, led by financial consultant Gina Miller, had sought a judicial review of the government's intention to invoke Article 50 without first consulting Parliament. May had planned to do so, essentially making a formal declaration of the UK's intention to leave the EU, before March by using an ancient power called the Royal Prerogative, something that would not have required a vote in Parliament. However, the panel of three judges said Parliament must have its say. Liam Fox, the international trade minister and a leading campaigner for Britain to leave the EU, told the BBC: "The government is disappointed by the ruling. The country voted to leave in a referendum sanctioned by Parliament." The pound, which had slumped to its lowest level in 30 years after the referendum result, rose sharply by 1 percent against the dollar and euro, boosted by both the ruling and fresh data from the Bank of England, which raised its growth rate projections for 2017. The Supreme Court had previously indicated it would hear any appeal quickly, and aim to deliver its judgement before Christmas, probably between Dec 5 and 8. On June 23, Britons shocked the political establishment by voting in a referendum, 52 percent to 48 percent, in favour of leaving the EU. Miller said after the ruling:"This case was about parliamentary democracy and not about process, and the government should accept this ruling and give up its right to appeal to the Supreme Court." Nigel Farage, the leader of UKIP, the party whose main policy was to leave the EU, said he was disappointed. He told the BBC: "I now fear every attempt will be made to block or delay triggering Article 50. They have no idea of the level of public anger they will provoke." In its ruling, the High Court said its decision was taken purely on constitutional grounds, without any political interpretation. If a vote ends up being taken in Parliament, there is a danger, as far as the government is concerned, that MPs could vote to reject the government's plans to invoke Article 50. According to a Bloomberg Survey, 73 percent of the 650 members were in favour of remaining within the EU before the referendum. Lord Kerr, a Scottish peer who wrote Article 50 for the Lisbon Treaty, told the BBC in an interview that the process of leaving the EU was not irrevocable. He said the UK could elect to remain in the community, even after exit negotiations had started, after the formal process was triggered. Assuming the Supreme Court upholds the High Court ruling, analysts say the government has a variety of options, including negotiating a so-called soft exit and even calling a general election. Bo Leung in London contributed to this story. To contact the reporter: chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com (Photo : Pixabay) China has urged Germany to welcome Chinese investment in the country. Advertisement China has urged Germany to take a fair stand over Chinese acquisitions in Germany. Chinese companies have been on a buying spree for German firms, especially in the hi-tech sector. This has raised concerns in Germany, pushing the government to take protectionist measures. The issue has been heightened by German government's recent withdrawal of its approval for the Aixtron deal. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Speaking at a press briefing in Beijing, Shen Danyang, spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce, said that German concerns about Chinese acquisitions leading to job loss in their country are unnecessary. He further said that China hopes that Germany will retain its calm and create a welcoming environment for foreign investors. Referring to recent approval withdrawal for German firm Aixtron's acquisition by a Chinese company, Shen said that China expects the step to be an "exception' and not the sign of a change in Germany's policies. Late last month, Germany authorities reopened the case of Aixtron's acquisition by Fujian Grand Chip Investment Fund. The authorities cited security concerns as the reason for withdrawing their approval. However, the Aixtron-Fujian deal is not the first agreement to come under the radar of regulators. Earlier, Germany had rejected China's request for the approval of a bid to takeover Ledvance. Ledvance is the light bulb unit of Osram. These concerns were discussed during Tuesday's meeting between Chinese officials and Germany's Economic Minister Sigmar Gabriel. Gabriel is currently in China for an official visit. He is accompanied by a group of 60 delegates. Last month, the minister had accused China of strategically buying German companies dealing in sensitive technologies. Gabriel also claimed that China used "discriminatory requirements" to protect its companies from foreign corporations. Advertisement Tagschina, Germany, Aixtron On October 1920, Candler hosted world-renowned German theologian Jurgen Moltmann for Unfinished Worlds: Jurgen Moltmann at 90, a conference focusing on issues of contemporary theology, the contemporary church, and the contemporary world, as seen through the lens of Moltmanns theology. Moltmann bookended the conference with a keynote address and a closing response, and ten distinguished scholars from around the world addressed subjects of their choice that they believe are unfinished in some way. Because God meets us from the future, we can and must work for renewal ourselves, said associate professor of systematic theology and conference organizer Steffen Losel in his introductory remarks. Thus, it is fitting for a conference on unfinished worlds not to focus retrospectively on the past, but instead to look forward and ask, Where is this world unfinished? Where do theologians need to raise their voices on behalf of Gods future? Where might they even need to anticipate this future through their own creative theological imagination? As Candler Dean Jan Love put it, These topics could not be more timely in this season of our life in this country and the world. The conference served as a Festschrift of sorts for Moltmann, who served as the Robert W. Woodruff Distinguished Visiting Professor of Systematic Theology at Candler from 1983 to 1993, and has returned regularly since. In his opening remarks, the 90-year-old praised the school, saying it has always been our academic home in America, the our including his late wife, feminist theologian Elisabeth Moltmann-Wendel, who died in June. In his keynote, Unfinished Reformationwith a nod to the upcoming 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in 2017Moltmann discussed five major points: the move from a culture of dispute to a culture of dialogue; the unity of the Christian church under what he termed the papacy of all believers; the Anabaptists stance on the separation of church and state; the importance of celebrating the Lords Supper together; and the idea that a reformation of hope follows reformation of faith. Watch Moltmanns keynote address. Moltmanns remarks on the second day of the conference were brief but profound. He spoke about the significance of the relationship between teacher and student, saying that the title he has aspired to throughout his career is not Doctor or Professor, but friend. Moltmann also said that he has appreciated being part of the debate between two Americas, North America and Latin America, as they struggle with the legacy of colonialism. Only in America can such lively theological discussions happen. In Germany, weve grown indifferent. He noted that he has visited conferences in other places, but that the young and energetic conferences are happening at Candler. He said he is still learning, and called his own theology an unfinished world in the sense that it is still growing and expanding, moving forward in life. Finally, Moltmann discussed the importance of the inward life, which he addressed from the perspective of the incarcerated. He was a prisoner for five years total, he saidtwo years in the dying German army and three as a prisoner of war in England and Scotlandand credits that experience with helping him develop a rich spiritual inner world. He touched particularly on the inward life of his friend, death-row inmate Kelly Gissendaner, who was a graduate of the theology certificate program at Lee Arrendale State Prison and was executed by the state of Georgia in 2015. [As she died] she sang Amazing Grace. She was the only free person in that prison. And if she can be free, we can be free, he said. Moltmann ended with this charge: The sin of the powerful is arrogance. Get out of arrogance and learn humility. The sin of the powerless is apathy. Get out of apathy and live. The sin of the middle class is indifference. Get out of indifference and get involved in the struggle for life. And the Spirit of God will bless you. Listen to Moltmanns closing response. Read summaries of the panelists talks below. Contemporary Theology at the Crossroads Nancy E. Bedford, Georgia Harkness Professor of Applied Theology, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary: Disputed Question: Liberating Augustine Bedford disputed Moltmanns criticism of Augustines emphasis on interiority, arguing from the perspective of subaltern subjectivities and the construction of personhood in situations of vulnerability. Depending on the social context of the one doing the introspection, Augustines psychological analogy [of the trinity] may be more liberating, serving as one more tool for the celebration of peoples individuality and worth in the midst of a system that denies them respect. Joshua Ralston 08T 15G, Lecturer in Muslim-Christian Relations, School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh: Bearing Witness: Reframing Christian-Muslim Debates In the midst of the current migrant crisis affecting Europe and the west, Ralston borrowed from Moltmanns innovative rethinking of Christian theology in conversation with Judaism, proposing that an analogous posture be developed today in order to address and engage the challenges of Islamic thought. Christians are being confronted afresh with the questions and claims of another religious tradition, one that shares much with scripture and history, but one that has been ignored or misunderstood by Christian thinkers. Unfinished tasks of rethinking theology might serve as a guide to our own reconsiderations of Islam. Reggie Williams, Assistant Professor of Christian Ethics, McCormick Theological Seminary: The Problem of the Human in Theological Anthropology: Reading Jurgen Moltmanns Christology with Intellectuals of the Harlem Renaissance With help from Moltmann and Harlem Renaissance intellectuals, Williams argued that normative white humanity is mobilized by reasoning that is a theological appropriation of a hegemonic biopolitics, and singularly influential for the way we understand what it means to be human and moral in the western world. Only by re-imagining a new humanity, in light of the hope that is present in the revelation of Christ among the oppressed, can we see our way towards a healthier theological ethics. We encounter Christ in every social encounter, not in the abstract world of creeds. Christ is being for others. The church community is the embodiment of Christ on earth. The Contemporary Church at the Crossroads Raphael G. Warnock, Senior Pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia: To Redeem the Soul of the Black Church Warnock contended that the public voice of the black church today is detached from its liberation theology past, stifled by an individualistic theology. Thus, it can scarcely be heard challenging the mass incarceration and stigmatization of young black men, as well as a host of other urgent issues critical to the black community and the nation. The black church now values a privatistic piety that emphasizes the freedom of the individual soul but eschews the work of transforming communities, he said. He also noted that many black churchgoers stigmatize those blacks who end up incarceratedbut reminded us that the cross was about stigma. Reinerio Arce Valentin, Professor of Theology at Matanzas Theological Seminary; Director of the Ecumenical Institute of Religious Studies, Havana, Cuba: New Religion in the New World: Toward a De-colonial approach in Latin American Theology Arce Valentin contrasted premises proposed by the postcolonial approach with what some Latin American scholars identify as epistemological decolonization, noting that colonialism is not something of the past, but has simply taken new forms. He showed how Moltmanns critique of and dialogue with Latin American theology aids in the process of elaborating more clearly a de-colonial epistemology. He made a strong distinction between postcolonial and de-colonial, stating that an epistemological shift in the last half of the 20th century made people more aware of affirming a more de-colonial approach examining methods, validity and scope of knowledge about Latin America and Latin American theology from their own perspective. Latin Americans, he said, want a cultural, philosophical and theological expression grounded in their own identity. Charles Mathewes, Carolyn M. Barbour Professor of Religious Studies, University of Virginia: The Future Social Teachings of the Christian Churches Mathewes argued that Moltmann stands in a line of theologians who think explicitly and constructively about the relationship between Christian faith and social structures, and that we can learn something theologically crucial from the radically incarnational and historicized vision of Moltmanns theologynamely that God is already transforming our world into the sanctified creation of the eschatological morning. He proposed that churches are failing in social teachings because they have no living theological imagination, and asked the question: How can the teachings of the church connect more to strategies of discipleship? Gerald Liu 04T, Assistant Professor of Worship and Preaching, Princeton Theological Seminary: "We Still Need the Coming of God" Liu explored Moltmann's challenge that eschatology entails Christian hope for soul and body, individual and community, human beings and the cosmos within the arc of all time. He focused on Moltmanns claim that human life must be affirmed, that human life means participation, and that human life becomes intelligent by pursuing fulfillmentnot a private act, but a community act. He used the example that the United States has never apologized for dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II in 1945. This unfinished business, Liu said, means that our nations post-war culture and progress is built on violence. There has been no outrage against the U.S.s use of atomic warfare on these cities, though it is tantamount to war crimes against civilians. Why cant we as churches at least apologize? If we cant apologize for this, he concluded, then we still need the coming of God to convert us to the truth. Hilda P. Koster, Associate Professor, Religion, Concordia College: God, Climate and the Challenge of Being Human: The Promise of Moltmanns Kenotic Theology of Creation for an Age of Climate Change Kosters talk argued in favor of a theocentric approach to climate change, centered on a kenotic account of God and the world, specifically Moltmanns kenotic theology of creation, which starts with the incarnate self-emptying love of Jesus, epitomized on the cross. She discussed the enduring significance of Moltmann's ecological theology of creation in light of our climate crisis, insisting that the eschatological orientation of Moltmanns theology speaks to the apocalyptic nature of our climate predicament, which at its root is a crisis that threatens the very condition for planetary life and, hence, human civilization. Contemporary Practices at the Crossroads Rachelle Renee Green 14T, PhD Student, Laney Graduate School, Division of Religion, Emory University: The Rose It Grew From Concrete: A Practical and Political Theology of Creativity and Incarceration Green drew upon womanist and feminist scholarship to argue that the imagination and creativity of incarcerated women are subversive political and theological acts that signal the working of the Spirit in the lives of the criminalized. The lived experiences of incarcerated women attest to the inability of degrading prison practices to destroy the work of God in the world and in the lives of the incarcerated. Our unfinished world is full of contexts that seem like concrete hard, rigid, and unmovable. But roses do grow. Creativity that emerges from cracks in the concrete is a reminder of Gods presence in suffering, not as a sanction for it, but as its indictment. It beckons for us to break up concrete spaces that degrade, demean, and disenfranchise through the life-giving, creative power of God. Jennifer Ayres, Associate Professor of Religious Education; Director of Religious Education Program, Candler School of Theology: Cultivating the Unquiet Heart: Ecology, Education, and Christian Faith Starting from the eschatological tension described by Jurgen Moltmann as the unquiet heart, Ayres outlined a practical theology for nurturing Christian faith in our vulnerable and changing ecological context by engaging generative questions from the fields of theological anthropology, educational theory, and practical theology. According to Ayres, religious education that contributes to this work is built on embodied and intentional practices of engagement with this ecological context, and with unhurried time to reflect upon and interpret Gods sometimes hidden presence in the everyday. Black clergy light into Clinton on abortion, religious freedom 03 November, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , | BOSTON (Christian Examiner) A group of black Pentecostal and charismatic clergy in Boston have issued a stern open letter to Democrat presidential nominee Hillary Clinton over her stance on abortion and religious liberty, among other issues. The clergy, affiliated with Seymour Institute for Black Church and Policy Studies, asked for a meeting with the candidate in the letter delivered to the Clinton campaign Monday and claimed that blacks in America "face a crisis of catastrophic proportions" in urban centers, suffer disproportionately from unemployment and violence, and are much more likely to feel the sting of abortion. "We are confident that you, a highly experienced and very savvy candidate, know full well the importance of the black vote in this election cycle," the clergy wrote. "We know that you will not make the political mistake of taking the 69,000 black churches in the U.S. for granted." For political leaders to call for changes in citizens' beliefs is reminiscent of totalitarianism. In our view, such a proposal constitutes a denial of our religious freedom. On the issue of abortion, the clergy claimed they are "very concerned" about Clinton's lack of concern for the unborn. "In April 2015 in a speech before the National Organization of Women you stated, 'Far too many women are still denied critical access to reproductive health care and safe childbirth... Laws have to be backed up with resources and political will. And deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed...." For political leaders to call for changes in citizens' beliefs is reminiscent of totalitarianism. In our view, such a proposal constitutes a denial of our religious freedom," the clergy wrote. Members of the Institute said the majority of black churches believe the deliberate destruction of human life in abortion is wrong biblically, as well as according to natural law. They oppose the "violent denial of life to the unborn through abortion." "It is our view that human life is a gift of God that we are called upon to protect, nurture and sustain, because we are created in God's image. Therefore, our opposition to abortion is a logical outgrowth of our view that there must be justice for all. Particularly relevant is the innocence of the unborn child. The Bible places an extremely high value on human life and particularly on the lives of the innocent who are under the special protection of God. Those who take the life of the innocent violate a key biblical principle as well as a fundamental principle of natural justice," the clergy wrote, citing the high number of black babies being aborted 365 abortions for every 1,000 babies born. "In New York City more black babies are dying in their mother's womb than are being born. In 2008, Secretary Clinton, you took the position that abortion should be rare, and you emphasized 'by rare I mean rare.' But Black babies are dying at terrifying rates. How do you justify your unconscionable silence in the face of such destruction of innocent black life? Don't black lives matter? What policies would you pursue as president to reverse the soaring abortion rates among black women?" The clergy also wrote that they are concerned religious liberty for the black community. That concern stems largely from the government's recent push for LGBT rights and the Supreme Court's approval of same-sex marriage, both of which have very low rates of approval among the black church. In particular, the clergy reject comparisons between the Civil Rights struggle of the 1960s and the church's position on homosexuality. "[I]n this very nation demagogues have dared to accuse people of faith of promoting Jim Crow laws when they seek to safeguard their freedom to obey their conscience and follow the teachings of their sacred texts. There is no analogy between the apartheid of Jim Crow and the religious freedom laws in force across this country. It is the very same faith that is protected by religious freedom laws that inspired our black ancestors to lead the movement for the abolition of slavery and the end of Jim Crow apartheid in the American South. It is absurd to demean the defense of this faith as the equivalent of the injustices that we have fought and overcome," the clergy wrote. "The drive to normalize immoral sexual behavior has inspired some to dishonor the memory of courageous blacks who experienced the unique horrors of white supremacy, slavery, rape, terrorism and apartheid in the U.S. Their argument that religious freedom laws are historically and existentially equivalent to Jim Crow laws rests on false assertions. Partisans who make these arguments have declared war on the truth of the black experience as well as on the freedom of faithful Americans to follow their consciences." While the leaders said they abide by the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and "do not invite conflict," they said they believe conflict has come to them in the form of a "well-financed war" being waged by the LGBT community on the "faith of our ancestors." They wrote, however, that when the LGBT agenda and religious beliefs come into conflict, they are prepared to "suffer the consequences" of abiding by their faith. "We do not organize to suppress the freedom of other groups. We do, however, insist upon having freedom to fulfill our call to righteous living and service to humankind," the clergy wrote. The group cited as an example of an attack on the church the recent revelation through Wikileaks of a Clinton campaign email which said Catholic Church's teaching on human sexuality, marriage and the family could be subverted "by planting externally funded groups in the church to advance a politically correct agenda." "What would you do as president to guarantee that religious freedoms are balanced against civil rights rather than being trumped by them?" The clergy asked. For more than two years it lasted, just minutes away from Islamic State-held territory. The Iraqi town of Alqosh (50km north of Mosul) is the only Christian stronghold in the country that survived IS. Looking for signs of hope for the future of Christianity in Iraq? This town, with its four churches, two monasteries and 500 Christian families, is where it can be found. For those who grew up reading the Bible, Alqosh might ring a distant bell. It was the town where Old Testament prophet Nahum, "the Elkoshite", lived. His grave, which also houses ancient Hebrew texts, can be visited in the old centre of Alqosh. The message of the New Testament also found its way to this community long ago; since the early Middle Ages this town has been Christian. And its determined to stay that way. "All over Iraq, Alqoshians are known to be strong, tough," Father Araam, one of the towns Chaldean-Catholic priests, says. Like many Christians here, he is determined to stay, whatever happens. "I am one of Gods witnesses here. God is still here, why should I leave? As long as I am able to give a glass of water to someone who is thirsty, I am able to serve Jesus in Alqosh." Visiting Alqosh is not easy. Before entering the town, all visitors are stopped at a heavily guarded checkpoint. Only if one of the community leaders will vouch for them are they allowed in. The safety measures are not an unnecessary exercise; for a long time IS was just a 10-minute drive away. In 2014, IS tried to conquer Alqosh. The women and children all left the town, but most of the men stayed to defend their community, backed by Kurdish Peshmerga fighters. They succeeded; the Christians and Kurds fought off IS, and most families returned. But there is another reason the close-knit Christian community of Alqosh is wary of outside visitors, Father Araam says. "Our country is almost 90 years old now [Iraq became independent in 1932]. Christians have really never been respected. There has been nothing but war, persecution and pressure." When needed, I will protect myself However, the Alqoshian Christian community chose not to be pushed aside by the successive powers oppressing them. The self-implemented rule that only Christian Alqoshians are allowed to own land or houses in the town has kept the community safe from other religions and tribes. Over-cautious? Father Araam doesnt think so. "Im sorry we have to work this way, but we have had some really bad experiences very close by," he says. "There used to be more Christian villages here on the Nineveh plain; we lost them all." But until today, the informal tribal law system has granted the Alqoshians the opportunity to keep out strangers, ensuring it remains a 100 per cent Christian-owned community. This freedom comes with a price. The men in the town are expected to play their role in protecting it. Father Araam visits the frontline often in his role as priest, recognisable by his white collar. He opens his phone and shows pictures of himself with Peshmerga fighters. "Often soldiers ask me: Priest, why are you here? My answer is: As Christians we pray for you, we pray you will stay safe, that you will be able to return to your home," he says. "IS is a killing machine they dont see soldiers as people. "As a church we have a different story, a story of love. Ill gladly share that everywhere, even on the battle line. I am here to help as a Christian, but, when needed, I will protect myself and my town." In Alqosh the churches and the monastery play their own role. On a hill overlooking the town, the compound of Our Lady Monastery is a popular place for Alqoshians to spend the evening. The prior, Father Gabriel, sees an important role for the towns clergy. "For me as a priest, I see it gives people hope as long as I am here with them," he says. "Even when IS came in 2014, we didnt perform miracles. Just the fact that we stayed here as long as we could was a testimony, a living hope for the believers." Their community is vanishing The prior says he feels called to do everything he can to keep the Christians from leaving the country. "Christianity in Iraq is like a big tree," says Father Gabriel. "It has been here for 2,000 years, but today our enemies are many and they want to cut down the tree. They want to get rid of us." When Iraqi Christians move to Europe or North America, trying to "re-plant" themselves there, their faith is in danger, he says. "There already are a lot of Iraqi Christian communities in America and Europe, but they are all melting, becoming part of those cultures," he says. "The next generation will not be recognisable. Their faith will disappear because the community they belong to is vanishing." Fr. Gabriel is doing his best to make the place feel safe and hospitable. A small shop sells refreshments for visitors. A young couple just got married and are celebrating outside the monastery gates. A childrens birthday party is celebrated near a farm maintained by the monastery. Here its possible to forget about IS, the threats and the problems for a while. "My whole family, except one sister, all of them left the country," Father Gabriel says. "These people are my family now, my brothers and sisters in Christ. I have committed my life to this church, to these people. Once you give a gift like that, you dont take it back. "When Jesus went to Jerusalem, the people were planning to kill and crucify him. Peter tried to stop them, using violence. But Jesus said to Peter: Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword!" "Christianity in Alqosh is like gold," says Fr. Araam. "It is tested in the fire. It hurts, but the result is that the gold will be purer. I see people changing, not just in faith but also in their behaviour. They have felt for themselves that, when everything could be taken from them, God is all that remains. When the government soldiers leave you, when IS comes, when you run out of bullets, who do you cry out to?" We need international support Both Fr. Araam and Fr. Gabriel call upon the international community to support the Christians in Iraq. They say that without political and even military protection of the Christian minority, life will be very difficult for Christians, even if IS is defeated completely. Fr. Gabriel compares the position of Christians to the state of Israel. "All the Arab countries are Islamic countries; they are all against Israel," he says. "And yet, Israel is strong, stronger than the Arab world. Why? If the international community can guarantee safety for Israel, why not do the same for the Christians in Iraq?" He calls for a UN-protected safe zone for Christians. "We need international support. Our enemies are many, we are just a small group," he says. Father Araam agrees with him and says he is grateful for the many humanitarian organisations already supporting Christians in Alqosh. "Many groups support our work here. There is still love left in the world. That helps us in keeping the hope that we will have a life and a future," he says. Courtesy: World Watch Monitor Photo: A view from the Christian town of Alqosh in the Neneveh Plain Photo courtesy: World Watch Monitor Publication date: November 3, 2016 The Washington D.C. city council voted 11-2 in favor of the bill that would permit terminally ill patients to request for a medically-assisted death. The Death With Dignity Act applies to people whom the doctors say have less than six months to live, and are not diagnosed with depression. The patients will have to submit multiple requests for assisted death. But the bill can be vetoed by Mayor Muriel E Bowser (Dem) who has publicly expressed her position on the issue. If she does not veto the council decision, euthanasia will be legalized in Washington D.C. Americans are divided on the issue of right to die. Many religious groups and organizations say that it might not be conscientious to choose to die as death is solely in the hands of God. Supporters of the bill say that patients should have the right to opt for a peaceful death. To deny it [the right to die] to those who competently choose it is simply to prolong the process of death, to prolong suffering, to rob a person of autonomy, and in some cases to simply impose ones own moral or religious choice on another person, said Council Member Mary Cheh, the sponsor of the bill. Opponents also cite other reasons for their apprehension of euthanasia. Many say that expensive insurance companies could disregard options for patients who cannot afford expensive treatments. Given the level of dysfunction and injustice that exists currently in our health care system -- with many people without insurance still, with the very underfunded ability of people to have choices for treatment and care -- adding this very potentially dangerous tool to the mix is of great concern to people with disabilities, Marg Hall of United in Defense of Olmstead was quoted as saying by NPR. We believe in life until natural death and that there is a racist component to it. Its eugenics being dressed up to look like its the best thing since gravy, said Leona Redmond, a resident who leads a group of African Americans opposing the legislation. They have been soft killing us for couple of decades now by not providing certain people in the community with what we need to live wholesome lives. They are doing everything to send blacks away. The residents formed a prayer circle outside the council chambers with Washington DC Archdiocese, and Redmond joined them. She has decided to raise her voice in opposition of the bill in Congress to repeal the laws. Council Member Yvette Alexander, who voted against the legislation, said that such a matter must be decided by residents of the district. Given the nature of this bill, being a literal life-or-death issue, I believe this is a matter that is best left to the decision of the residents of the District of Columbia by adding it as a referendum on the ballot, Alexander was quoted as saying by Religion News Service. Oregon was the first state in the country to pass such a law in 1997. I am drawn to lively conversations about movies. Thats why this weekly column is called Viewer Discussion Advised. So when Im invited to discuss big-screen beauty, I go. Last weekend, I accepted an invitation to St. Leo University near Tampa, Florida, to participate in a public discussion aboutof all thingsthe movies of the Coen brothers. Brent Short, the schools director of library services, organized this seminar, and we were joined by Erica Rowell (author of The Brothers Grim: The Films of Ethan and Joel Coen) and Mark T. Conard (editor of The Philosophy of the Coen Brothers). For three hours we learned from one another and took questions from the audience. It all seemed so Halloween-y. We talked about the Coens catalogso genre-diverse, so full of tricks and treats. We talked about their crazy charactersH. I. McDonagh, Barton Fink, Jeffrey Lebowski, Marge Gundersonall of whom deserve to become Halloween costumes. But the film that haunted me all weekend was one that opened nine years ago this month. No Country for Old Men seems to resonate more meaningfully every time I see it. As it begins, gun violence erupts near the border of Texas and Mexico. Stumbling into the bloody aftermath, a self-interested fool named Llewelyn (Josh Brolin) steals a cash-stuffed briefcase. He doesnt guess that his greed will bring trouble neither he nor his wife Carla Jean (Kelly Macdonald) can afford. It comes in a form that seems superhuman: Chigurh (Javier Bardem) is a killer who isnt content to fulfill his assassins assignment; hell flip a coinlife or death?for everyone he meets. As bodies pile up, Sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy ... 1 This presidential election serves as an invitation for Christians to reconsider the grounds of our political participation. At no other time in memory have both major party candidates been so unfavorable. As surveys indicate, many voters will go to the polls, not to vote for a candidate, but to vote against a candidate. As one commentator put it, Forget which candidate would you rather have a beer with. This year, many voters are going to base their pick on who theyd like to throw a beer at. For Christians, the historic negativity of this election is compounded by the stark reality that neither major party candidate exhibits the beliefs and practices of the evangelical community, a notable change from the commonplace appeals to evangelicals in the elections of the past several decades. The sense of alienation that results may cause Christians to go to the polls out of anger, voting against a candidate or in protest of both. Or, in their despondency, Christian voters may not show up to the polls at all. Yet, if we feel disempowered as individual voters, we should not be discouraged. The individual vote has never been particularly consequential. The vast majority of electoral races are foregone conclusions: Only 90 of the 435 congressional districts up for election in 2014 were considered competitive, and even these were decided by a vote margin up to 5 percent. For those fortunate enough to live in a competitive electoral context such as a swing state, the sheer size of the electorate renders the possibility of one voter being the deciding factor statistically infinitesimal. Acting as if a single vote were consequential is equivalent to playing the lottery. Firmer ... 1 home US Airbnb forces users to sign anti-discrimination pledge The home-sharing platform Airbnb has warned users that beginning Nov. 1, they will not be able to host any guests or book reservations if they do not agree to an anti-discrimination pledge. To continue using the platform, users must agree to the Community Commitment which states: "I agree to treat everyone in the Airbnb community a regardless of their race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age a with respect, and without judgment or bias." According to the Airbnb website, users will be required to accept the commitment upon logging in. Those who decline the commitment will not be able to use the website and will be given an option to cancel their account. The new regulation came after several reports surfaced that people using the platform have been rejected on the basis of sexuality of race. Earlier this year, a man named Gregory Selden sued Airbnb for racial discrimination, claiming that he was rejected by a host based on his race. Selden attempted to rent a place in Philadelphia but he was told the next morning that the space was unavailable. He was accepted when he tried renting the same space using two fake profiles showing pictures of white men. In May 2015, a gay couple was rejected by a host who rented out a house in Galveston, Texas, after she discovered the sexuality of her guests. The host, identified only as "Heather," has been banned from the website. The home-sharing website had hired former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to create an anti-discrimination policy. Airbnb chief executive Brian Chesky noted that the fight against discrimination is "the greatest challenge we face as a company." He added that the company already has a non-discrimination policy but he wants to put a stronger one in its place. Holder has expressed his eagerness to help the company in creating the policy. "Airbnb is committed to building a community where everyone can belong. I'm eager to help them craft policies that will be the model for companies who share Airbnb's commitment to diversity and inclusion," he said in a statement. En esta nueva serie, los periodistas de la BBC te ayudan a practicar ingles con los titulares de las noticias de la semana. Mira el video y aprende nuevo vocabulario. Titulares y transcripcion en ingles: Nepal drains dangerous Everest lake Promising signs for new male contraceptive New home for thousands of baby turtles Nepal's army has finished draining a dangerous lake near Mount Everest. Officials say it's the highest drainage project of its kind in the world. The equipment was airlifted up to 5,000 metres for the work. It's vital to protect communities downstream and prevent flooding. Scientists say global warming makes glaciers melt fast and lakes get filled up. A hormone injection has been shown to be a safe and effective method of contraception for men. Scientists in the US say the jab was almost 96 per cent effective in tests. However, more research is needed as a relatively high number developed side effects, including acne and mood disorders. Thousands of baby Taricaya turtles have been released into the Peruvian Amazon. The move is part of an effort to save them from extinction after extensive logging and development in the rainforest. Palabras y definiciones: airlifted transported by aircraft side effects additional unpleasant results of taking a drug released set free Ejercicios: Use one of the words or phrases from Lingohack to complete each of these sentences. Note that you may have to change the form of a word or phrase to complete the sentence correctly. airlifted / side effects / released 1. The suspect was __________ by the police after further investigation of the robbery. 2. Canadian officials are __________ some 8,000 people who fled north of Fort McMurray - the city which has been devastated by a massive wildfire. 3. I have to stop taking these tablets; common __________ include dizziness, headaches and feeling sick. Respuestas: 1. The suspect was released by the police after further investigation of the robbery. 2. Canadian officials are airlifting some 8,000 people who fled north of Fort McMurray - the city which has been devastated by a massive wildfire. 3. I have to stop taking these tablets; common side effects include dizziness, headaches and feeling sick. home World Christian churches in India continue to expand despite persecution Christian churches in India are rapidly expanding despite the increase in reported cases of violence directed against Christians. According to Christianity Today, the estimated number of Christians in the country range from 25 to 60 million, most of whom are Catholics. On a hilltop in the state of Rajasthan, Bhagwana Lal ministers to a one-room church that draws 2,000 people every Sunday. Lal, a member of a tribal group whose members are treated as outcasts from India's caste system, said that the cracks in the outer walls of the church are a source of pride because it marks the times when the building expanded. F. Philip, a seminary president and editor of an evangelical magazine called Christian Trends, said that the Gospel is well-received by the tribe. His seminary currently trains tribal pastors to minister to 300,000 believers across 1,600 congregations. The growth of Christianity is not limited to the lowest castes. Leaders said that Indians from different social backgrounds are turning to Christ. The staff members of the Research Project on Christwar Movements have accumulated 2,500 pages of interviews with new believers. In August, the Evangelical Fellowship of India reported an increase in violent crimes committed against Christians. The organization documented 134 confirmed cases in the first six months of 2016 while there were 147 reported incidents for the whole year of 2014 and 177 in 2015. P. Singh, a leading scholar at a respected Christian institution, suggested that Christians must take a less direct approach to evangelizing to Indians. "Here people look at churches in a negative way a as only interested in conversions. If we go into the community directly with the gospel, then people will oppose us," he said. His church partners with the Association for Christian Thoughtfulness (ACT) to help with the distribution of materials on HIV/AIDS, abuse and other social needs. One church movement, Empower Believers Connections (EBC), focuses on making its churches self-sustainable through small enterprises. Some of its churches are running private schools while one runs a brass band that performs at parades and parties. One church runs a youth hostel and another manufactures LCD bulbs. "The ministry is the priority, not the business. But the business should support the ministry. And opponents have less to criticize when you are doing social good," said Mathai Soren, who is leading the efforts of EBC. home World Christian university wins legal battle over stance on marriage A Christian university which forbids its students from having sexual relations outside of marriage has won a legal battle against attempts to block accreditation for its proposed law school. In a unanimous decision, the British Columbia Court of Appeal upheld an earlier decision by a B.C. Supreme Court judge who ruled that the Law Society of British Columbia was wrong in refusing to accredit the law school proposed by Trinity Western University (TWU), CBC reported. The law society argued that the university's community covenant, which bans sexual relations out of a heterosexual marriage, discriminated against members of the LGBT community. The court dismissed the law society's appeal on Tuesday, stating that the decision to deny accreditation limits the right to freedom of religion in a disproportionate way. The judges wrote that the law society's opposition "denies these Evangelical Christians the ability to exercise fundamental religious and associative rights," noting that those rights are protected under the Section 2 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. "While we accept that approval of (Trinity Western's) law school has, in principle, a detrimental impact on LGBTQ equality rights, because the number of law school places would not be equally open to all students, the impact on applications made ... by LGBTQ students would be insignificant in real terms," the judges continued. TWU released a statement expressing that it was pleased with the outcome of the case. "Everyone, religious or not, should celebrate this decision as a protection of our Canadian identity," said TWU spokeswoman Amy Robertson. TWU also fought similar legal battles over accreditation in Nova Scotia and Ontario. In June, the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the Law Society of Upper Canada to deny accreditation to the university. The university won its case against the Nova Scotia Barrister's Society that same month. In August, the Barrister's Society decided not to take the case to the Supreme Court and allow TWU graduates to practice law in Nova Scotia. Law societies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have already granted accreditation to TWU. The societies in Newfoundland and Labrador still have not made a decision. home World Crosses, once banned by ISIS, return to Christian villages in Nineveh Plain Priests returned to Christian villages liberated from ISIS in the Nineveh Plains in Iraq and they brought their crosses with them. The priests were among the first non-combatants to re-enter Christian villages like Karamles and Qaraqosh, according to World Watch Monitor. Fr. Thabet lived among his congregation in a complex for internally displaced people in Erbil. He brought a large cross covered with flowers upon his return to Karamles. He planted the cross firmly on the ground of Barbara Hill overlooking the village. "My dream is to bring all the Christians back to this village. Then we will worship outside on Barbara Hill; we will have the Eucharist in the open air. Everybody will see that this is the Church; this is the Body of Christ; this is Christian land. That is my dream a to give a testimony to the world," he said. Upon his arrival at the village, Thabet found his church heavily damaged by ISIS but it still stands and it is not beyond repair. In Qaraqosh, Fr. Ammar reinstalled the cross on his church with the help of Christian soldiers who were guarding the village. Ammar has expressed his optimism that the houses and churches that have been ruined by ISIS can be rebuilt. "After being away for exactly 811 days, after being attacked by the forces of darkness and evil, we have come back to worship in freedom," he said. The priest also discovered 40 ancient documents about the church's history that have been untouched by ISIS. "I brought those back to our people in Erbil. For us, those documents are our link with our history and are therefore very important," he said. Several Christian settlements surrounding Mosul have been liberated since Iraqi-led forces began the offensive to liberate Iraq's second largest city in October. According to a report from Breitbart, all the Christian armed groups in Iraq have reached an agreement to fight as one force to liberate their homelands. Some Christian militias are already participating in the Iraqi-led operation in Mosul. home World Over 540,000 sign petition for the release of Asia Bibi Over 540,000 people have signed the global petition calling for the release of Asia Bibi, a Christian mother of five sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan. Bibi was sentenced to death in 2010 based on the accusations of her co-workers that she insulted the Muslim prophet Muhammad. Pakistan's Supreme Court has set the date for her final appeal in October but one of the judges who was supposed to preside over the trial withdrew from the case. The petition was initiated by the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ). The group sent a letter to Pakistan's Ambassador the the U.S. last week objecting to the delay in Bibi's trial. "This further delay in Asia's case is unacceptable. As we stated before, Asia's arrest, imprisonment, and death sentence violate international agreements Pakistan has ratified without reservations. Asia has already spent seven years in prison waiting for the final outcome of her case," the organization wrote. "Now the Supreme Court has further delayed her case. This is utterly unconscionable in light of the well-known fact that most blasphemy cases are based on false accusations, followed by faulty investigations and trials full of errors. This is precisely what happened in Asia's case," it continued. Justice Iqbal Hameed ur Rehman, the judge who abstained from Bibi's case, said that he had to recuse himself because he was involved in hearing a related case. "I was a part of the bench that was hearing the case of Salmaan Taseer, and this case is related to that," he told the court. Taseer was a provincial governor who was shot in Islamabad in 2011 after he expressed his support for Bibi. Rehman resigned from the judiciary several days later without giving a specific reason. Wilson Chowdhry, chair of the British Pakistani Christian Association, asserted that Rehman did not want to be condemned by people in the West when he affirmed Bibi's death sentence. Bibi would be the first woman to be executed under the blasphemy law in Pakistan if she loses her appeal. home US Can I change my early vote in US presidential election 2016? Donald Trump encourages early Clinton voters to switch Donald Trump suggested that those who voted early for Hillary Clinton should take it back and vote for him as trends showed an increase in interest for changing early votes. "You can change your vote in six states. So, now that you see that Hillary was a big mistake, change your vote to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" the Republican candidate wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. Google Trends revealed that there has been a surge in searches for "change early vote" in the U.S. this past week. The states that have shown the most interest include Delaware, Louisiana, South Carolina, Idaho and New Hampshire. According to CNN, early voters are allowed to change their ballots in states such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut and Mississippi. In Wisconsin, voters can change their ballots up to three times before it is cast and counted. "We would let the individual, the voter, vote again and document that this was their second ballot issued. We'd keep a record of that, so they would only have up to three opportunities," Oshkosh City clerk Pam Ubrig told WBAY. USA Today reported that Pennsylvania does not have early voting but absentee voters can void their previous ballots and vote again if they show up at the polls on election day. In Michigan, an absentee voter can get a new ballot at the local clerk's office on or before 4 p.m. on Nov. 7. Early voters will not be able to switch in Florida, North Carolina, Ohio and Arizona. In the ABC News/Washington Post poll, Clinton is ahead by 13 points at 54 to 41 among early voters but Trump leads 41 to 39 among those who are planning to vote on election day. The poll indicated that 21 percent of the respondents have already voted while 24 percent have said they are planning to vote early. Around 24.7 million early votes have already been tracked by the United States Election Project. home World Women will never be allowed to be priests in the Catholic Church, says Pope Francis The long-standing rule against the ordination of women in the Catholic Church will likely last forever, according to Pope Francis. During a news conference on the way to Rome on Nov. 1, a reporter asked the pope whether it is possible for the Church to have female priests in the future, noting that he was hosted by a woman who heads her own church during his visit in Sweden. The pope responded by saying that the matter has been settled by Pope John Paul II in 1994 when he said that women cannot be ordained because Jesus only chose men as his apostles. "Really? Never?" the reporter asked. "If one carefully reads the declaration of St John Paul, it goes in that direction, yes," the pope replied. In an Apostolic letter in 1994, Pope John Paul II wrote: "Wherefore, in order that all doubt may be removed regarding a matter of great importance, a matter which pertains to the Church's divine constitution itself, in virtue of my ministry of confirming the brethren, I declare that the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church's faithful." The Women's Ordination Conference (WOC) expressed disappointment regarding Pope Francis' remarks. The group argued that the Apostolic letter known as "Ordinatio Sacerdotalis" is outdated and fallible, aiming to diminish the leadership and vocations of women. The organization suggested that Pope Francis should have relied on the Vatican's Pontifical Biblical Commission concluded in 1976 which stated that there is no valid theological and scriptural argument against the ordination of women. The group claimed that archaeological and historical documents are available to prove that women took leadership roles in the early church. It added that Jesus himself accepted women as his equal and many believers overwhelmingly support women's ordination. WOC stated that it will not accept "never ever" as an option and will continue to work towards the equality of women in the Catholic Church. Are Gay Relationships Wrong? Not Such A Simple Question In recent press we have seen a flurry of different voices, including from within the Church of England and on the softer side of the evangelical world such as Tony Campolo and Jen Hatmaker, in support of gay relationships. I remember my own distress when I heard of someone I looked up to at Wheaton College, Julie Rodgers, herself a same-sex attracted, celibate Christian, coming out in support of same-sex relationships and gay marriage. This news was like a pang in my chest as someone whose faith was brave enough to stand with God caved in to cultural pressure. In writing this I have decided to respond from my own vantage point of becoming a Christian from the world of anti-Christian gay rights activism. When Alan Chambers Manning, ex-president of Exodus International, transitioned the ministry first from an 'ex-gay therapy' ministry (I was deeply relieved by this) to a parachurch ministry that provided pastoral support for same-sex attracted Christians who agree with the biblical position, I was greatly encouraged. However, then Chambers closed the ministry stating that it was "the responsibility of the Church" to support same-sex attracted or gay Christians, and not a parachurch ministry. This was an idealistic move with some grave cultural and pastoral impacts, weakening the support-base for Christians like myself. We find ourselves in churches who are petrified to touch this topic and paralysed by the fear of the gay lobby descending on them if they pastor us in our celibacy or inter-orientation marriages. Instead, we find ourselves repeating the error that St Augustine was haunted by from his 'Manichean' past: we fall into the dualism of either hating or affirming our fallen bodies. I was recently involved in the Shared Conversations, a closed event at the General Synod of the Church of England, invited by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. I spoke as a representative of Living Out, a UK-based charity for people like myself who are either same-sex attracted and celibate or who are, by God's special and careful vocation, in an inter-orientation marriage (my story can be viewed here). I shared my testimony alongside three other younger panellists and was the only panel member to support the biblical position of homosexual sex as innately sinful. I spoke of our society's obsession with gay marriage as a result of the idolatry of romantic love in both modern expressions: 1950s conservatism and the 1960s libertinism, which led to both repressive and excessive immoralities. As I shared my story of finding Jesus Christ in amidst our culture's current confusion, I said: "At the end of the day, what truly matters is not our view as the Church or as a society, what matters is what Jesus Christ is saying to us all." As a passionate evangelist, I said: "The lie that we are telling ourselves is that compromising holiness will ensure the growth of church numbers... Without holiness, Jesus Christ cannot be seen in us by the world and evangelism is of little or no value." The general 'no' from the Christian world to gay marriage does not stem from a desire to hurt or persecute the LGBTQI community, but rather to faithfully represent how God in His Word has defined marriage. Today, we fall into the fatal error of either demonising or worshipping gay romance and other fallen expressions of erotic love. As a same-sex attracted/gay celibate Christian, I don't see gay romantic relationships as something God is not involved with or God does not appreciate when agape love is present in the friendship bond. At the final judgment, when God separates out those who know Him and love Him from those who do not, I don't think everything involved in the friendship of a gay union will be lost. But I do believe it will be a separating out of the sexual aspect of the relationship from the friendship aspect for those who are gay and know Jesus. The Church is falling into a dualistic error: the physical creation and the desires of our fallen bodies are either wonderfully and irrevocably good (there is no fall) or the physical creation is terribly bad (we must escape the body to find holiness). We are making the error that the world makes when it makes the body either supreme or subordinate to true relationship with God. We are met today with the proto-gnostic lie that the sexual differentiation of the male and female body is unimportant in defining the diversity within unity of the sexual union of marriage. As Genesis and Jesus' own teaching shows, the body's created design matters in the definition of the image of God, especially sexually in the 'one flesh' union. If we peel back the story of scripture, though, what a gay couple really needs ([I myself have been in many), as we all do, is to find ourselves in a new identity altogether. This identity 'in Christ' means we integrate divine holiness with our good humanity, and let the rest be 'sanctified' out of us. For me celibacy was the overflow of the work of grace within me. While I never felt 'called' to celibacy, I offered my body, with its complex desires, up to God, and in the power and beauty of his love let him define me. In surrendering all my desires, I received them back as Jesus wanted me to have them. This didn't involve my same-sex attraction changing, but it radically shifted the way I saw life in this fallen body. To offer my body to God like Jesus on the cross is the way all Christians must go, gay or straight. As Paul says in Romans 12, offering our bodies up as a living sacrifice is our honourable act of worship. For the 'gay' person it means both the crucifixion of an old identity marker and unique and sacrificial act of worship in a culture that is obsessed with romantic or eros love and demands its worship. The depth of intimacy and the freedom I have experienced is something I would never want to trade for a gay relationship. Ultimately, Such a relationship has none of the goods I couldn't experience in a close covenant friendship. Furthermore, such a relationship falls short corporeally from imaging God as outlined in Genesis: God's triune nature as distinct persons, God the Father, God the Son and God, the Holy Spirit yet One God in Love; the diversity of male and female, bodily and otherwise as seen in our distinct sexual fleshly beings is essential in the covenant of marriage in order to reflect the distinction of the triune personae. My celibacy is a sign of support for God's design and glory in humanity sexually and an enactment of the hope of Heaven and the ultimate spiritual friendship we will all enjoy. One day, all that is 'in Christ' will be whole and none will be given in marriage, but all will be united in Christ's love in perfect relationship and that blissful and perfect spiritual friendship we now experience from our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe ultimately, that while a gay relationship is not bad in the dualistic sense, it is not our Lord's desire for our bodies, falling short of his desired standard. I do not commit the error of disrespecting the humanity of my gay affirming brothers or sisters, though I truly believe celibacy to be the better option. While salvation is not by heterosexuality or homosexuality but by faith alone in Jesus Christ, if we hold on to our sexuality identity as our ultimate need or ruling Lord for our flourishing here and now we will be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven, instead of showing forth what Heaven will look like now in holiness. The question we must ask is not, Can a gay relationship be made holy? but rather, Does a gay relationship reflect God's image and glory and desire for the sexuality of the human body as shown in his clear and distinguishing design? David Bennett is a post-graduate student of theology at the University of Oxford. Dabur India launches scholarships for Ayurveda students IANS, New Delhi | Published : 2nd November, 2016 In an attempt to encourage young talent in the field of Ayurveda, Dabur India has launched AyurMedha scholarship, a company statement said on Wednesday. Through this initiative, the company plans to reach out to India's top 50 Ayurveda medical colleges and select three meritorious students for the scholarship prize. "AyurMedha scholarship programme will help us instill importance of Ayurveda knowledge among Young Ayurvedic Doctors. The scholarship would be open to students at all leading Ayurveda medical colleges in the country," Dabur Head (Ethicals) Durga Prasad said in a statement. Introduced in 2012, this initiative has facilitated around 300 students till now and endeavours to reach out to more colleges each year. This platform encourages young professionals to practice Ayurveda and take Goodness of Ayurveda across, he added. Find it Useful ? Help Others by Sharing Online Comments and Discussions Catholic Church Apologises, Admits 'Grief And Pain' Caused By Forced Adoption The leader of the Catholic Church in England and Wales has apologised for the "hurt" caused to young unmarried women who were pressured into giving their babies up for adoption in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. The apology comes in a forthcoming ITV documentary about the policy of 'forced adoption', The Guardian reports. The programme, to be broadcast on ITV on November 9, is entitled Britain's Adoption Scandal: Breaking the Silence. It tells some of the stories of the estimated half a million women who handed their children to "mother and baby homes" and adoption agencies run by the Catholic Church, the Church of England and the Salvation Army. Cardinal Vincent Nichols recognised the "the grief and pain caused by the giving up of a child through adoption". He added: "Sadly for unmarried mothers, adoption was considered to be in the best interests of the mother and child because of the associated stigma and the lack of support for lone parents." Nichols said: "The practices of all adoption agencies, whether religious, charitable or state, reflected these attitudes and were sometimes lacking in care and sensitivity. We apologise for the hurt caused by agencies acting in the name of the Catholic Church." The programme relates the story of Angela, who was sent to a Catholic mother and baby home when she became pregnant at 18. She said: "You had committed the ultimate sin, and as a Catholic it was the worst thing that could possibly have happened to you. So, yes, it did feel like punishment." Margaret, a young mother who was sent to a Salvation Army maternity home in Leeds, tells of how a member of staff came to collect her baby: "And she [said], 'Don't be silly, you're doing what's best,' and took him from my arms and went, and you're just left in that room crying and not one person came to you. She didn't come back to me after she'd taken the baby." The Church of England has also apologised for its part in the hurt caused. Speaking to the Guardian, a spokesperson said: "What was thought to be the right thing to do at the time has caused great hurt. That is a matter of great regret." The Catholic Children's Society formerly called the Crusade of Rescue is a charity which seeks to help disadvantaged children and families in the UK. Chief executive Rosemary Keenan said: "When you look back to the 1940s, 50s and 60s, in society in general and in terms of government policy, there was very little support for unmarried mothers, or mothers who were married but had a child by a different man. "Society's attitudes have changed." She added: "From looking back at our records from sample years, we estimate that 75 per cent of mothers that came to our organisation kept their babies. But it would have been difficult for them because of the values of wider society. Most women were in a very desperate situation and would have felt pressure from many sources." Groups like the Catholic Children's Society and Church of England organisations have sought to reconnect birth mothers and their adopted children. Responding to one of the stories from the ITV programme, the Salvation Army said: "We sincerely sympathise with Margaret's painful memories and can only confirm that her experiences would be different today." Christians To Floodlight Churches Red For Middle East Martyrs Churches around the UK have been urged to highlight the plight of persecuted Christians by lighting their buildings in red. Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral, the iconic Anglican and Catholic focal points in London, will be floodlit in red on November 23. Lord Alton of Liverpool, a Catholic peer and campaigner for Christians in the Middle East said it was something everyone should get behind. "People have become very frustrated at the failure of government to respond to the plight of Christians, especially in the Middle East, where there is a genocide under way against the ancient church in Syria and Iraq," he told Christian Today. He told young people to put something red on their Facebook page on November 23 or wear something red to school or work. "This is something that can be an act of unity standing together with those who have no voice to speak for themselves and whose rights have been trampled on and who have suffered and died for their beliefs," he told Christian Today. "We who have so many privileges, freedoms and liberties should use those freedoms to speak out for those who don't. "We who have faith especially have a duty to work for those who are dying and suffering grievously for their faith. "Surely if a faith is worth dying for, for the rest of us it should be worth living for." The campaign is organised by the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). The red symbolises "the blood that has been shed by martyrs all over the world". It comes after the Trevi fountain was also lit up red on 29 April this year in honour of those who died for their faith. Lord Alton said the joint Catholic-Anglican venture was a "wonderful ecumenical gesture" and told Christian Today Jewish and Muslim leaders would join Christians at a ceremony on November 23. He added that two synagogues had said they would light up their building in "an act of solidarity" with persecution Christians. "This is something small communities of Christians up and down the country can get involved in." The Catholic peer has tried to convince the government to recognise ISIS' atrocities against Christians and Yazidis as genocide. But despite a unanimous vote in the House of Commons the foreign office has refused to take action. "If every parish in the country did the same [lit their buildings] it might at last wake up our political classes to the scale of the suffering," Lord Alton wrote in Catholic Truth Society in August. Does Religion Help Or Hurt Our Political Decision-Making? In the 2004 American election, I had deep misgivings about re-electing president George W Bush. He had launched the invasion of Iraq under what appeared to be false pretences and against the counsel of most nations. Domestically, I didn't think his policies were working as advertised. However, something kept me in the Republican fold during that election: Bush was an evangelical Christian like me. True, some doubt had been cast on his Billy Graham conversion story, but despite Bush's perceived failures and flaws, I was hesitant to vote for Democratic challenger John Kerry based more or less on religion. Bush remained the guy who was supposed to share my values and saw the world in the same way. In the aftermath of the 2004 election, the grave mistakes of the Iraq War came into sharper focus, and to this day the people of Iraq have suffered unimaginably under sectarian fighting and the horrors of ISIS. It's not that Iraq before the US invasion didn't have major problems. Rather, the people of Iraq share that they generally knew how to get by. The excessive spending on military invasions overseas, slashed taxes and mismanagement of the economy left the US economy in a recession with fears of a major crash when Bush left office in 2008. I have often wondered why I voted for a man who was so ill-suited for the job where most measures clearly demonstrate he failed (with his major triumph being his humanitarian relief for AIDS treatment in Africa). While I can point to several different factors, Bush's evangelical affiliation, however flimsy at the time, was enough to smooth over his rough edges. Looking back in retrospect, Bush had some credentials for the highest office in our land, but surely the Republican party had someone with more qualifications or experience for the job. However, those candidates didn't have the same name recognition and evangelical affiliation that Bush boasted. If a candidate shares our religion, we tend to think we know how he/she thinks and will handle certain situations. However, religion is the most convenient cover in politics, obscuring actual experience and policy with perceived familiarity and religious rhetoric. This is why Trump's charade in front of a select group of evangelical leaders was so important for his candidacy. He didn't just have to say he'd support evangelical aims. He waved his Bible around and James Dobson went as far as saying Trump's a baby Christian. However, the role of religion in politics is even more striking in the candidacy of Evan McMullin. McMullin is certainly drawing interest because of dissatisfaction with Trump, his experience as a CIA operative in uncertain times and the testimony of superiors who claim he is honest and hard-working. However, if McMullin were applying to any other job with such intense demands and that multiple areas of expertise, his resume would surely get tossed from the pile early in the process. While he certainly has the policies that conservatives desire, he doesn't have anything close to the experience of previous candidates doing the one thing a president is supposed to do: govern. He hasn't worked on legislation at the state or federal level. He hasn't forged alliances within a political party in order to manage the day-to-day challenges of running a world superpower. That isn't to say he couldn't be good at any of these things, but it would make a great deal more sense to vote for McMullin in a state or Congressional election rather than for the highest political office in our land. So why is McMullin gaining traction where so many others have failed? Religion. McMullin is a Mormon who is extremely popular in Utah where Mormons have been drawn to his campaign much like evangelicals were drawn to Bush in 2000 and 2004. And if evangelicals have learned anything from George W Bush, it's that a candidate's religious affiliation tells us very little about the way he/she will govern, especially in light of his/her faith. At its best, religion in politics helps guide our standards for moral actions, but at its worst, religion in politics becomes another ideology to affirm. We end up choosing candidates who may be grossly unqualified for their jobs and who may or may not even adhere to the religious principles they professed during their campaigns. Most importantly, religion becomes a way that candidates make themselves 'likeable' for an election. However, once sworn into office, voters actually need candidates who are capable of governing and adhering to their religious principles while governing. Choosing an unqualified candidate based on his or her religion without a proven track record of governing, let alone governing in line with his/her religious principles, is a risk evangelicals like myself have taken one too many times. While religion should certainly be a factor in how we choose candidates, it has become more of a rhetorical smoke screen for the 2016 presidential election in America. It may prove far more helpful to consider how our candidates with past political experience, such as Hillary Clinton and Gary Johnson, may actually govern once elected. Ed Cyzewski (MDiv) is the author of Pray, Write, Grow, A Christian Survival Guide, and The Contemplative Writer. He writes at www.edcyzewski.com and is on Twitter as @edcyzewski. Government Benefit Cap 'Overwhelmingly' Targets Families With Children, Warn Church Leaders Church leaders have condemned the benefit cap as "damaging" and warned that it overwhelmingly targets families with children. It is estimated that 19 out of 20 families affected by the cap on benefits have children. Just 14 per cent of those affected by the cap are unemployed and claiming Job Seekers Allowance. In a statement today the Church leaders say it "cannot be morally acceptable to leave children without enough to live on." More than a quarter of a million children have been affected by the cap since it was introduced in April 2013. Their statement is released as the Government announced the cap, which limits the amount of benefits people of working age can claim, is to be set even lower, from 26,000 to 23,000 in London and 20,000 outside London. From next Monday, the total amount a couple or a single parent can receive in benefits will be 442.31 a week or 1,916.67 per month in London and 384.62 a week or 1,666.67 per month outside London. The Baptist Union, the Church of Scotland, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church united to condemn the cap. Paul Morrison, policy adviser on behalf of the churches, said: "It is clear that the Benefit Cap overwhelmingly targets children 19 out of every 20 families whose benefits had been capped have children. "The lower Benefit Cap could be disastrous for tens of thousands more children throughout the country. We know, from our experience on the ground and the Government's own research that the Benefit Cap drives people into rent arrears, debt and hunger." The Government claims that the benefit cap is designed to get people into work, but also acknowledges that most families affected have illness or caring responsibilities that prevent them from working. Morrison said: "More than 2,000 single parents with babies under a year of age had their Housing Benefit cut because of the cap each month. Does the Government seriously expect that cutting Housing Benefit will make it easier for them to find work? "It cannot be morally acceptable to leave children without enough to live on in order to pressurise their parents into work. This is doubly true if those parents have no prospect of moving into work because they are sick or caring for family members." A YouGov survey commissioned by the Churches revealed that 61 per cent of UK adults believe that welfare benefits should be set at a level that allows families with children to cover their basic costs. Assassin Goes To Kill Christian Woman In Oppressive Communist State; Then She Tells Him About Jesus A former government lawyer from the previously repressive communist state of Romania has come out to share the amazing story of how she escaped death and converted her assassin to Christianity after she turned her back on her job to defend the Christian faithful against persecution. Virginia Prodan used to defend the regime of brutal Romanian dictator Nicolai Ceausescu, the country's second and last communist leader. Although she had a good job that was safe from the oppressive hands of the communist state, Prodan felt something was missing in her life. This prompted her to turn her back on her job and the government, and to convert to Christianity. Prodan also started defending persecuted Christians under communist-era Romania. Her relationship with God and the fellow faithful, however, cost her safety, being constantly threatened with arrest. "I was told when I was under interrogation by the secret police and they said when you defend Christians, you are not an elite anymore. You will lose all the benefits being a lawyer, having a good life and a good salary," Prodan told Christian Broadcasting News. "You will become an enemy of the state. Later on, I was beaten, threatened to be killed or my kids to be killed... I exposed the communist government to the entire world," she added. One day, Prodan was confronted with her worst fear: she came face to face with a man that was sent by the government to kill her. At that moment, she said the voices of her friends and family who warned her of going against the communist government came back to her mind, but one voice stood out more: the voice of God. "I heard the whisper of God saying, 'share the gospel,'" she recalled. This prompted her to appeal her life to her assassin. "I shared that God loves him and I chose to love him. And I recited Bible verses," Prodan continued. To her surprise, her assassin "accepted the Gospel right there" as she continued to share to him God's Words and love. "I was so mesmerized by the power of God's word. This 6 foot-10 tall man started to melt under God's word," she recalled. Prodan gave her personal account of her encounter with this man in her book, "Saving My Assassin." She hopes that this experience will inspire others to continue holding on to God's love despite all the odds. Iraqi Christians Want To Return Home But Need Compensation And Safety, Say Church Leaders Church leaders in Iraq have called for Christians to be compensated for what they have lost. They also want the Iraqi government to guarantee their safety so they can return to Mosul and other traditionally Christian towns in the Nineveh Plain. The next step will be meeting of Christian deputies in the Iraqi parliament and Kurdish regional government with the heads of political parties. Iraq's Christians are "anxious" about their future, the Chaldean Church in Iraq says in a statement today. The prelates, hosted at their meeting in Erbil by Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako, say: "We stand by the demands of our suffering and anxious people about their future. Frankly, we will endeavor with all our influence to make the Christian component equal on the same level as other Iraqis, regardless of the number." Article Two of the Iraqi Constitution guarantees "full religious rights" for all individuals and the freedom of religious practice. The Church leaders say: "This should not remain only words." There were 1.5 million Christians in Iraq in 2003. Now some estimates put the number remaining as low as 200,000. Many hundreds of thousands are displaced within Iraq, having fled cities such as Mosul as Islamic State advanced. The Church leaders say the displaced Christians from Mosul and the towns of the Nineveh Plain want to return to their homes, but on condition of safety and compensation for what they have lost and the reconstruction of what was destroyed by Daesh. "They seek a peaceful continuation with their neighbours and to live together with respect, goodwill and cooperation as equal citizens." They call on the Iraqi State and the Government of Kurdistan to ensure these guarantees. Also at the meeting were Patriarch Mar Georgis III Saliwa, Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, Youhanna Peter Mushi, Bishop of Mosul for Syrian Catholics, Necodems David's Sharaf, Syrian Orthodox Bishop of Mosul, Bashar Matti Warda, the Chaldean Archbishop of Erbil, Basilious Yaldo, the Chaldean Patriarchate Auxiliary Bishop and Timathaous Qas Isha from the Ancient Church of the East. Christians have lived in Mosul and the towns of the Nineveh Plain for many centuries in "an atmosphere of stable pluralism and cooperation with their neighbours" despite some episodes of violence and persecution, the statement says. It continues: "The atrocities that have been committed against them by Daesh and other terrorists, by way of displacement and seizing their homes and properties, has harmed and wounded them. These acts constitute crimes against humanity." The Church leaders also saluted the "heroic fighters" in the Iraqi armed forces, the Peshmerga, and the Popular Mobilisation and National Units as well as Christian guards who have come from all over Iraq. ISIS Leader Urges Jihadis Not To Surrender: 'Make Their Blood Flow As Rivers' As the battle for Mosul intensifies, ISIS has released an audio tape purportedly from its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, promising jihadi victory. "This raging battle and total war, and the great jihad that the state of Islam is fighting today only increases our firm belief, God willing, and our conviction that all this is a prelude to victory," Baghdadi said, according to the recording released online by ISIS' media wing on Thursday. He urged ISIS fighters to "turn the nights of the unbelievers into days, to wreak havoc in their land and make their blood flow as rivers". "Know that the value of staying on your land with honour is a thousand times better than the price of retreating with shame," he said. "God's enemies from the Jews, Christians, atheists, Shiites, apostates and all of the world's infidels have dedicated their media, money, army and munitions to fight Muslims and jihadists in the State of Nineveh after they witnessed it become one of the bases of Islam and one of its minarets under the Caliphate." If it is genuine, the recording is the first message released by Baghdadi since December 2015. It comes as Christian Aid urged all sides to respect international law and allow civilians trapped in Mosul to flee. More than 18,000 have left areas around the city since a major offensive to retake Mosul ISIS' last stronghold in Iraq led by Iraqi troops and coalition air forces began on October 17. Up to 1.5 million people are believed still to be trapped, however. A spokesperson for a Christian Aid partner organisation in Iraq said of civilians left in the city: "They are terrified of the shelling, they are trapped at home, they cannot leave the city because of ISIL." Frances Guy, Christian Aid's head of region for the Middle East said, "Civilians are caught in the middle of an increasingly complicated conflict with different forces on all sides of the city and little concern for humanitarian principles". She welcomed the liberation of and "return of the sound of church bells" to a number of Christian villages and towns in the region, but added: "The charred remains of the church at Qaraqosh are a symbolic reminder of the damage that has been done to the multi-religious fabric of Iraq over the last few years. "The liberation of Christian, Shabak and Turkmen towns highlights the multi-religious make up of Iraq. The opportunity to rebuild a lost harmony must not be thrown away in a potential rush for revenge." Man Takes Christian Woman Hostage in Dallas Store After Church; Then She Tells Him About the Love of God A Christian woman was taken hostage this week while shopping at Walgreens in southeast Dallas. But instead of cowering in fear, she bravely showcased her faith and introduce God to her hostage-taker. After attending church service on Sunday afternoon, Carrie Coy decided to buy a birthday card at Walgreens. She was just standing in line, about to pay her purchase, when a young man ran inside the store, grabbed her and started dragging her to the back. The young man, identified as Jose Torres, held the Christian woman hostage at gunpoint for over an hour. Throughout this chaotic ordeal, Coy remained calm, turned to prayer, and even talked to her hostage-taker. "When he pulled me back and we were on the floor, and he kept saying, 'I have done some bad things, but I have never hurt nobody,'" Coy recalled, as quoted by Khou.com. "He says, 'I have never hurt nobody,' and I said, 'If you ain't going to hurt nobody, would you move that gun from the side of my face?' He did." To keep her presence of mind as she was being held hostage, Coy said she constantly reminded herself that fear is not from God. "I never felt fear and I said to myself, 'God does not give us a spirit of fear. God does not give us a spirit of fear,'" she said. During this tense moment, the Christian woman also managed to have the courage to introduce God to her hostage-taker. "I said, 'You know, God still loves you. I don't know what you have done, but you are going to make it worse, and remember God still loves you,'" she said. Eventually, her agitated captor calmed down and surrendered to the police. Coy was able to get out of the store unharmed and back to her husband of 46 years who was waiting for her outside. She believes that the power of prayer helped her get through this ordeal. "All the time, I felt peace. God was in control and that He was going to take care of me and everyone else," she said. Muslims In Aleppo Meet Christians For The First Time - And Are Shocked By What They Discover Muslims in Aleppo have started mixing with Christians for the first time and some are even going to churches. The relentless bombing and fighting is heaviest in Muslim parts of Aleppo as so many Muslims have fled to Christian areas to seek refuge, the Christian persecution charity World Watch Monitor reports. "Many Muslims were genuinely surprised when they met Christian women in our churches willing to serve them," said Kristina, 28, a Christian who fled from the city after having her first child. "Their image was that all Christian women spend most of their days dancing in night clubs and drinking alcohol! Meeting each other was a shock, both for them and for us." Kristina was safely in Lebanon when she spoke to a representative from World Watch Monitor which reports her story today. She said nine out of ten Christians in her church had fled Aleppo, but her friends still in the city have told her the church is full because their places have been taken - by displaced Muslims. They are going to church to take part in classes organised to help them cope amid the chaos and destruction. They are particularly drawn to activities laid on for children, and many have been surprised to find that the churches are trying to help all Syrians, not just Christians. "Many are re-thinking the faith they grew up in and have dropped their hostility towards Christians," Kristina told World Watch Monitor. The Muslim mothers do not even mind that their children are hearing the Bible read each day. Kristina said: "The mothers are okay with that. They see it as positive if their children learn about God. It's the husbands who are stricter, usually." She said the Muslim women felt "liberated" in church. "They notice the church doesn't see them as merely machines only fit for cleaning, giving birth to children, and raising them, like many Muslim men do. "In Islam, many women don't have any rights. When they feel how Christians really care for them, it feels like heaven for those women. They see it's possible to live as independent women, to dream." She said that his was the first time ever that Muslims were approaching the churches. "The only thing we have to do is tell them the good news; they are waiting for it." Rabbi Unravels Bible Code To Find Prediction That Donald Trump Will Be President A Rabbi claims he has found Hebrew codes hidden in the Bible that point to a presidential victory for Donald Trump. Rabbi Matityahu Glazerson, author of more than 30 books in Hebrew and expert in decoding the hidden meanings of ancient Hebrew, says he has found texts in the books of Deuteronomy and Numbers that predict Donald Trump will become President of the United States. The Rabbi explains on YouTube how the the Bible code in the tables breaks down. In one section of the text, the word "Donald" appears in Hebrew letters next to the word "nasi" which is Hebrew for president, Breaking Israel News reported. The codes are repeated in another section. Not everyone is convinced. Matt Slick, founder and president of Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry, told The Christian Post: "There most definitely are numeric patterns in Scripture that are sometimes very interesting and compelling. However, the Bible code concept, in my opinion, seems a little over-the-top. "From what I understand, the same concept applied to regular books like Moby Dick can produce similar results. ... At least in the English. So, I don't put much credence in it." Even if Trump does win, he added, it does not mean the rabbi's Bible code is authentic. "In order for me to be convinced, such a person would have to predict numerous things in advance, not just one." Scholars who believe in the Bible code argue that it can be used to predict outcomes in the contemporary world. Sceptics say that it is all down to chance, and while the facts sometimes appear to fit, this can be no more than coincidence. Earlier this year, Haredi scholar Kikar Hashabbat predicted Hillary Clinton would win, according to Jewish News International. He found code in Genesis and Leviticus that made up the phrase 'Hillary Ne'siah', or Hillary president. Intex, Tata Institute of Social Sciences tie-up to provide academic qualification to semi-skilled workers ANI, New Delhi | Published : 2nd November, 2016 Intex Technologies, one of the leading mobile handset and consumer durable company in its efforts to support PM's Skill India initiative, has collaborated with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) to provide formal academic training and qualification to its pool of semi-skilled manpower in Noida factories hailing from remote parts of the country. This program offers an excellent opportunity to youngsters who would like to continue their studies while gaining employable skills. As part of the association, Intex as the skill knowledge partner will provide practical on-job training to school pass-outs at its manufacturing plant in Noida and TISS, a leading academic institute and a deemed university from Mumbai, will be running a three year Bachelors in Vocational Studies or B. Voc (with Specialisation in Electronics Manufacturing). The identified students and industrial workforce working eight hours per day in the Noida factory will be simultaneously enrolled with TISS for their graduation program. After the eight hour work schedule, the workforce is given two hours of academic training in Bachelors in Vocational Studies (Specialisation in Electronics Manufacturing) program designed by TISS. The course will be a three year or six semester program and will be conducted at a premise adjacent to the Intex factory building in Noida keeping in mind the convenience of the workforce/students. "The Modi Government's s India Development agenda through Skill India, Make in India and Digital India policies will give impetus to the country's overall economic development, unleash India's skill resource and thereby create millions of skilled jobs across sectors. At Intex, we follow the same motto by not just aiming to create basic jobs but skilled manpower and high-skilled jobs for the country," said Chairman and Managing Director Intex Technologies, Narendra Bansal. Intex will recruit around 250-300 students per semester, i.e. 500-600 annually, through two admission sessions in July and January. The area of focus for the recruitment programs would be certain areas of East UP, Bihar and Jharkhand. With the operational of the TISS collaboration, Intex Technologies is also in the process of finalizing an independent skills development program with the UP Government to be implemented in the near future. Find it Useful ? Help Others by Sharing Online Comments and Discussions Syrian Pastor Tells Of Life On The Front Line In Aleppo From 500 families to 140 members the story of one church congregation in Aleppo illuminates the harrowing situation of the war-torn city. A Syrian pastor has given an insight into what life is like for him and his people on the front lines of the brutal civil war. Rev Ibrahim Nseir is the pastor of the Arab Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Aleppo, based very close to the fighting. He says his church has dwindled in numbers, but he refuses to leave. He spoke to the BBC to give an idea of what life was like in a battle zone that has seen much of the city wrecked. "They are attacking us because they don't want Christians in this country," he said of the rebels, who he described as "terrorists". "They are trying to establish Islamic State, which is far away from any kind of civilisation". "Seventy-five per of the Christians have left, either legally or illegally," he said. "They wanted us far away from this country. We've lived in this country for long, long decades, peacefully." The pastor did not criticise the regime of President Assad, who is seen by many Syrian Christians as their protector, in spite of the violence perpetrated by his forces on other groups. He continued: "The Christians are called the salt of the world, according to Jesus Christ, our Lord. We are called to carry the cross and we are carrying the cross of this country." When he was asked about prospects for the future he said, "I am called to serve Jesus Christ, I am not called to condemn any people... I believe always there is resurrection although sometimes we experience death, yet at the same time at the end we will have resurrection. Resurrection is coming to Aleppo." What Did Jesus Say About Homosexuality? Pastor Weighs in on Jen Hatmaker Controversy Christian author Jen Hatmaker drew a lot of negative reactions after she said in an interview with Religion News Service that homosexual relationships can be "holy," and that she would gladly attend the weddings of her gay and lesbian friends. Her comments have since led to LifeWay Resources pulling her books and Christians have been weighing in on social media as to whether she is right on homosexuality. The latest to comment is Pastor Shane Idleman of Westside Christian Fellowship in Leona Valley, California who said there's nothing wrong in showing compassion for those trapped in sexual sin. However, showing love and concern for one's gay brothers and sisters does not mean Christians approve of their lifestyle. "Those who strongly believe in the Bible and God's will regarding sexual behavior also strongly believe in unconditional love and forgiveness," he wrote in an article for The Christian Post. "To say that authentic Christians hate or fear those trapped in the homosexual lifestyle demonstrates a gross misunderstanding of the Christian faith. To "confront in love" simply comes from a desire to honor God and to truly love and care for others." When people depart from the teachings of the Bible, Christians must make a stand and guide them towards the right path, Idleman said. Unfortunately, he said, they are deemed irrational, judgmental, bigoted and intolerant every time they do so. Idleman added that Jesus condemned "all" sexual activity outside of marriage between a man and woman. He said in Matthew 15:19, "Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications... these defile a man." This means that any sexual activity outside of marriage between a man and a woman is considered harmful and immoral. At the same time, people cannot successfully argue that Jesus approved of homosexuality simply because He did not use the term "homosexual," Idleman said. To jump to that conclusion would also mean Jesus approved of necrophilia, pedophilia, incest, and bestiality. But Idleman said people, especially Christians, should know better. Jesus also said that since the beginning of creation, God created people male and female so that they would be joined together and become one flesh. "Marriage between a man and a woman is God's plan since creation. No matter how many laws are passed in favor of gay-marriage, it will not change God's mind. Man often rebels against God; this is nothing new," Idleman said. It is hoped that the iconic work exhibited in London as part of Christies 250th anniversary celebrations could find a permanent home in the National Galleries of Scotland First sold by Christies 100 years ago, The Monarch of the Glen (circa 1849-51) by Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, R.A. (1802-1873) could find a permanent home in the National Galleries of Scotland, providing sufficient funds are raised. Were the iconic piece to be secured, it would pass into public hands for the first time in its history. The Monarch of the Glen was originally commissioned in 1849 for the Refreshment Room in the House of Lords. It presents a majestic stag posed before a Scottish mountain landscape, monarch of all he surveys. Currently exhibited as part of Christies 250th anniversary celebrations, the work is to be on view at Christies Hong Kong (24-28 November). Jussi Pylkkanen, Christie's Global President, commented: 'This superb painting was purchased from Christie's in 1916, and it is fitting that exactly 100 years later, in our 250th year, it has the opportunity to find its permanent home in the National Galleries of Scotland.' Realtor and Heights resident Bill Baldwin loves his Cabernet, but he's not so keen on reversing a century-old dry law in his historic Houston neighborhood. On Nov. 8, residents of the dry area in the Heights will vote on a ballot measure that, if passed, will allow stores to sell beer and wine. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Fast-growing Karbach Brewing Co. of Houston is the latest U.S. craft brewery to be acquired by a global beer giant, announcing Thursday morning that Anheuser-BuschInBev is buying it for an undisclosed amount. The 5-year-old Karbach will be part of the company's U.S.-specific High End business unit, joining the likes of Stella Artois and Shock Top; Goose Island, Breckenridge, Elysian and five other craft breweries; a cider company; and a hard seltzer company. Ken Goodman and longtime business partner Chuck Robertson, who founded the brewery in a building they formerly used in their beer distributorship on Karbach Street, said existing management and brewers will remain in place and the company will retain much of its independence while also gaining access to the resources that will help it continue to grow. "The financial piece wasn't that important at the end of the day," Goodman said. "It was the resources." BUSINESS BOOMING: Karbach ramps up growth with new brewery High End president Felipe Szpigel cited Karbach's Love Street Kolsch as an example of a lower-alcohol, or "session," beer that will fill a niche in the AB-InBev portfolio. He said he first visited the Karbach brewery during a site visit to Houston about a year and a half ago and as he talked with the owners and brewers, "I really fell in love with what they are doing." Brewmaster Eric Warner said the move will allow his team to collaborate with those other craft breweries. "The High End wants to see us innovate," he said. Szpigel and the Karbach team said they will continue to focus on developing the Texas market for the next couple of years. HoustonChronicle.com: New definition for Texas craft brewer unveiled The deal comes three months after MillerCoors announced it would take over the Fort Worth area's Revolver Brewing. To date, more than a dozen deals have been announced involving smaller craft breweries and cider companies and mainstream beer companies like AB-InBev and MillerCoors. The transition has not always been well received initially by fans, who have flocked to craft beers in recent years in large part as a rejection of the mass-produced products. Feelings were heightened during last year's Super Bowl when AB-InBev aired a Budweiser commercial that derided craft beers and said its beer was made "the hard way." Earlier this week, the head of the trade group for the smaller independents offered a tart response to AB-InBev chief Carlos Brito's assertion that "consumers are a bit tired of choice" while calling out the company's "craft brewery shopping spree of late." WHERE TO GO: Breweries to tour around Houston - and Texas "While a growing corporate "craft" portfolio of once-independent brands benefits from AB's marketing muscle, the truly small and independent brands not under their ownership get pushed off the shelves and left off of restaurant menus," Brewers Association CEO Bob Pease wrote. "That's reducing choice all rightbut not based on beer lover demand. "The shelves and taps belong to beer drinkers and retailers, not the producers. If one mega company tries to manufacture or force demand, consumers will rebel." Karbach has grown rapidly since its launch in late summer 2011. Last year, it produced 55,000 barrels of beer and it is on track to make more than 80,000 this year. The AB-InBev investment will push Karbach's annual capacity to 150,000 or more barrels by 2019, the companies said. Anhueser-Busch claims 45.8 percent share of the U.S. beer market. Its stock was down slightly prior to the formal announcement. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. was born in Saint Joseph, Mo. on Nov. 4, 1916. By the late 1960s, he was the iconic face of television news. His voice touched both ordinary people and presidents. He died at age 92 in 2009. Here are some things to know about him. The local beer scene is reacting to the news that Anheuser-BuschInBev will be acquiring Houston-born Karbach Brewing Co. So far, Houston craft beer fans have been overwhelmingly disappointed, and this includes local bar owners who are dedicated to the microbrewery industry. Hay Merchant, a popular craft beer bar at 1100 Westheimer, will be offering big discounts on Karbach beers in order to unload its supply. WHERE TO GO: Breweries to tour around Houston - and Texas Owner Kevin Floyd shared on Facebook: "It's a sad day. I wish I could say I was surprised....but I'm not," he wrote. "On the upside I am pulling all Karbach out of Hay Merchant and Underbelly. My first impulse was to dump it all but, realizing that everything I have in stock was brewed while they were a true Independently Owned Texas Craft Brewer, I decided to celebrate who Karbach was by selling everything we have for as cheap as possible." He's offering deals priced at $1 for drafts to $6 for growlers, which are to-go jugs of beer. He adds that he'll be publishing a full list of the Karbach discounts to the main Hay Merchant Facebook page. Brock Wagner, founder of Houston's first brewery, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, tweeted: "Favorite line from press release: "The financial piece wasn't that important at the end of the day." BREAKING NEWS: One of Houston's top brewers to be acquired by Anheuser-BuschInBev A number of Karbach fans have also taken to Twitter to express disappointment over the buyout. The reaction is directed mostly at past practices of AB-InBev and its attempts to thwart its competition. "It's terrible news for Houston and Texas craft beer. (Ab-InBev) has a long, well-chronicled and very well-financed track record of anti-competitive, anti-craft behavior," Houston Beer Guide writer/editor and local craft beer enthusiast Jose Luis Cubria says. "We should fully expect ABI, through the Karbach brand, to eat up a ton of valuable shelf space and tap handles, at the expense of true craft breweries. Ownership matters a great deal in beer, and every craft drinker who cares about choice, variety and innovation should think twice before drinking Karbach." Open the Taps, a grassroots craft beer advocacy group, has fought for legislation to help small businesses in the craft beer industry. Former OTT president Leslie Speights says that it's "important now more than ever to support truly local breweries." THE MORE YOU KNOW: 'Craft beers' you didn't know were owned by brewing giants "Open The Taps represents Texas consumers, and as such, we try to work with retailers, distributors, and producers as it can benefit this 'fourth tier.' Karbach has never expressed any desire to help us in that regard, so while we are saddened by today's news, we cannot pretend to be surprised," Speights told the Chronicle Thursday. While some might argue that it's a sound business decision, others say that there's more to this particular industry than merely generating profits. "When one starts a business, they do so to make money. However, in craft beer, we all like to think there's something more noble in the intentions as well. After all, there's more than one way to make money, and taking a payday from the most vicious anti-craft macrobrewery is only one option," the Houston Beer Guide's Nathan Miller reports. "As in the past, we have no choice but to wish the acquired brewery the best of luck in their future endeavors, but we won't settle, and won't drink another drop of their beers, regardless of how good they are." The acquisition comes on the heels of several similar buyouts across the nation. AB-InBev will be adding the brewery to its High End business unit. United States Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit. DARREN E. COX; COX HONEY OF UTAH, LLC, a Utah limited liability company, Plaintiffs - Appellants, v. CACHE COUNTY, a Utah municipal corporation; BOX ELDER COUNTY, a Utah municipal corporation; MARTIN JAMES, individually and in his official capacity as county bee inspector of Cache County and Box Elder County; ELMER JAMES, an individual; SOLARTRAC, INC., d/b/a Slide Ridge Honey, a Utah corporation, Defendants - Appellees. No. 14-4123 Decided: November 02, 2016 Before BRISCOE, EBEL, and BACHARACH, Circuit Judges. ORDER AND JUDGMENT * Plaintiff-Appellant Darren Cox, a Utah beekeeper, challenges the district court's determination that the county bee inspector, Defendant-Appellee Martin James, was entitled to qualified immunity on Cox's claim that James violated the Fourth Amendment when he inspected Cox's apiary without a warrant. Having jurisdiction under Fed. R. Civ. P. 54(b) and 28 U.S.C. 1291, we AFFIRM. I. BACKGROUND James is the bee inspector for both Cache and Box Elder Counties. When James became the bee inspector in April 2007, Cox informed the Counties that James could not inspect Cox's apiaries. The Counties agreed, as did James. In May 2007, James was in Box Elder County, near Fielding, Utah, moving some of his own beehives because a nearby farmer was going to spray pesticide, which can be harmful to bees. As James was leaving, he noticed some other hives in a nearby field owned by Milton Williams. Williams was mowing grass nearby. According to James, without first talking to Williams, James approached the hives in order to determine who owned them, so James could warn the hive owner about the pesticide spraying. After spending two or three minutes looking at the hives, the bees started acting aggressively, so James returned to his truck and left. Though located on Williams's property, the hives belonged to Cox. Cox sued Inspector James, among others, alleging a number of state and federal claims. There is only one claim at issue here: Cox's 42 U.S.C. 1983 claim for damages against James, in his individual capacity, alleging James violated the Fourth Amendment when he inspected Cox's beehives without a warrant. The district court held James was entitled to qualified immunity on this claim and granted him summary judgment on that basis. Later, the district court denied Cox relief on his motion seeking reconsideration. In this appeal, Cox challenges both the district court's qualified immunity decision and its denial of relief on reconsideration. II. DISCUSSION A. The district court did not err procedurally in granting James qualified immunity Cox contends that the district court abused its discretion in making several procedural rulings. We disagree. Cox first complains that the district court failed to notify him that the court intended to convert James's motion to dismiss, by which James invoked his qualified immunity defense, into a Fed. R. Civ. P. 56 motion for summary judgment. But, because it was Cox who initiated the conversion to summary judgment by relying on facts and evidence outside the pleadings to oppose James's qualified immunity defense, Cox had actual notice that the court might convert the motion to dismiss into one for summary judgment. See Arnold v. Air Midwest, Inc., 100 F.3d 857, 859 n.2 (10th Cir. 1996). Thus, Cox is scarcely in a position to claim unfair surprise or inequity. Id. Cox further asserts that the district court abused its discretion in not granting his request, made during a hearing on James's motion for qualified immunity, to file a surreply to address new facts and legal arguments that James asserted for the first time in his reply filed in support of qualified immunity. Having reviewed the transcript of the hearing on qualified immunity, however, we conclude Cox never specifically requested to file a surreply. B. The district court did not err in granting James qualified immunity Cox next challenges the district court's decision to grant James qualified immunity. We review de novo a district court's qualified immunity decision made in the context of summary judgment, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, here Cox. See Vasquez v. Lewis, F.3d , 2016 WL 4436144, at *2 (10th Cir. Aug. 23, 2016). Qualified immunity shields government officials performing discretionary functions from liability for civil damages insofar as their conduct does not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known. Harlow v. Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 800, 818 (1982.) 1. James's challenged conduct fell within his discretionary authority Cox argues that James is not entitled to invoke qualified immunity because James failed to establish, as a threshold matter, that his challenged conduct in approaching and looking at Cox's apiary fell within James's discretionary authority as county bee inspector. See Elwell v. Byers, 699 F.3d 1208, 1212 n.3 (10th Cir. 2012). We reject this argument, agreeing with the district court's conclusion that Mr. James was legitimately acting within his authority as a bee inspector when he attempted to identify the owner of the hives located on Milt Williams's property in order to warn the owner about the pesticide spraying (App. 895-96). More to the point, it was not clearly established at that time that James's challenged actions fell outside a bee inspector's scope of authority under the Utah Bee Inspection Act. See Better Gov't Bureau, Inc. v. McGraw (In re Allen), 106 F.3d 582, 593-94 (4th Cir. 1997). Cox further contends that James's challenged conduct was outside the authority provided by his employment contracts with the Counties because, in those contracts, James had agreed not to inspect Cox's apiaries. But Cox, in opposing James's motion for qualified immunity, presented no evidence that James knew the hives belonged to Cox. The district court, therefore, correctly concluded that Inspector James's challenged conduct fell within his discretionary authority. 2. Cox failed to show that James violated Cox's clearly established Fourth Amendment rights When a government official asserts a qualified immunity defense, as James did, the burden shifts to the plaintiffhere, Coxto establish that the government official (1) violated the plaintiff's constitutional or statutory right, and (2) that the right was clearly established at the time of the conduct. See Culver v. Armstrong, 832 F.3d 1213, 1217 (10th Cir. 2016). Courts can address these two inquiries in any order and, if the plaintiff fails to meet his burden on either inquiry, the government official is entitled to qualified immunity. See Pearson v. Callahan, 555 U.S. 223, 227, 232, 236 (2009). Here, we address only the second inquiry. Statutory or constitutional rights are clearly established if there is a Supreme Court or Tenth Circuit decision on point, or the clearly established weight of authority from other courts found the law to be as the plaintiff maintains. Cordova v. City of Albuquerque, 816 F.3d 645, 658 (10th Cir. 2016) (internal quotation marks omitted). The Supreme Court has warned against defining clearly established law at a high level of generality. Mullenix v. Luna, 136 S. Ct. 305, 308 (2015) (internal quotation marks omitted). Instead, [t]he dispositive question is whether the violative nature of particular conduct is clearly established. Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). This inquiry must be undertaken in light of the specific context of the case, not as a broad general proposition. Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). In considering the specific context of this case, we accept the parties' concession made in the district court that there is a factual dispute as to whether James opened the hives when he was trying to identify their owner. Viewing that fact in the light most favorable to Cox, see Vasquez, 2016 WL 4436144, at *2, therefore, we assume that James opened the hives. Even so, Cox has failed to meet his burden of showing that, in the specific context of this case, James violated Cox's clearly established Fourth Amendment rights by opening a sealed bee hivea movable structure or container located in an open fieldfor the purpose of identifying the hives' owner in order to warn the owner of potential harm to the hives. The question whether James violated the Fourth Amendment by opening Cox's hives under these circumstances turns on a number of nuanced and largely unsettled questions, in light of the fact that (1) the alleged search at issue here took place in an open field, see Oliver v. United States, 466 U.S. 170, 176-81 (1984); (2) involved a structure that is movable rather than an attached fixture on real property; (3) occurred without objection of the land owner, who was nearby; (4) was undertaken for the purpose of identifying the owner of the hives; (5) in order to warn the owner so he could protect his hives from possibly harmful pesticide spraying; and (6) any search at issue here would have resulted from opening and looking into the hives in order to determine the identity of the owner rather than a full-blown inspection of the contents of the hives which, according to both parties, would have required the use of a protective beekeeping suit and would have involved smoking the bees in order to subdue them and then deconstructing the hive in order to obtain samples for testing. We do not list here these difficult Fourth Amendment issues as a precursor to deciding them. Instead, because these issues were inadequately briefed, both in the district court and now on appeal, we decline to address them in order to decide whether James violated Cox's Fourth Amendment rights. However, in light of the difficulty of these unsettled questions, we hold instead that Cox failed to meet his burden of showing that James's challenged conduct violated clearly established Fourth Amendment rights. In addressing this question before the district court, Cox asserted only that it was clearly established that a warrantless search of commercial property was presumptively unreasonable. For that proposition, he cited two Tenth Circuit cases, one involving the search of a commercial office not open to the public, Mimics, Inc. v. Village of Angel Fire, 394 F.3d 836, 839-40, 842-45 (10th Cir. 2005), and the other addressing the search of an industrial plant late at night because police discovered an open garage door at the plant, United States v. Bute, 43 F.3d 531, 532-33 (10th Cir. 1994). While generally relevant, these two cases alone are insufficient to establish clearly that Inspector James's conduct at issue here, in opening a movable beehive located in an open field for the purpose of identifying and warning the owner of possibly harmful pesticide spraying, amounts to an unreasonable search under the Fourth Amendment. Cf. Culver, 832 F.3d at 1218 (Simply to say the law has long recognized one's right to be free from arrest absent probable cause casts way too high a level of generality over our inquiry.). In support of his motion for reconsideration filed with the district court, Cox instead relied upon a 1987 Sixth Circuit decision, Allinder v. Ohio, 808 F.2d 1180 (6th Cir. 1987), as clearly establishing that Cox had a reasonable expectation of privacy in his hives sufficient to implicate Fourth Amendment protection. On appeal, Cox again specifically relies only on Allinder. (He does assert on appeal that there is certainly enough precedent to clearly establish that a warrantless search of apiaries violates the Fourth Amendment, but fails to cite to any such authority. (Aplt. Br. 35.)) Allinder concluded that the Fourth Amendment protects apiaries, as personal effects, from unreasonable searches. 808 F.2d at 1186. But, while the district court in this case adopted Allinder's reasoning to hold that the Fourth Amendment applies to the search of an apiary located in an open fieldan issue we do not address hereAllinder, a lone and fairly old case from another circuit, cannot clearly establish that conclusion as law in the Tenth Circuit. See Cordova, 816 F.3d at 658. The Sixth Circuit in Allinder concluded that a full-blown inspectionprying open the hive, smoking the bees, and deconstructing the hive in order to obtain testing sampleswas a search for purposes of the Fourth Amendment. 808 F.2d at 1183, 1186. But there are no facts in this case that suggest that James undertook anything close to such a full-blown inspection during the two to three minutes he looked at Cox's hives. For these reasons, we conclude that Cox failed to establish that Inspector James's conduct, in approaching and opening Cox's hives in order to determine who owned them, violated clearly established Fourth Amendment rights. We, therefore, uphold the district court's decision to grant James qualified immunity. C. The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Cox's motion for reconsideration After the district court granted James qualified immunity, but before the court finally resolved the rest of Cox's claims, Cox filed with the district court a motion for reconsideration. In that motion, he primarily raised the same arguments he asserts now on appeal. For the reasons explained above, the district court did not abuse its discretion, see Rimbert v. Eli Lily & Co., 647 F.3d 1247, 1252 (10th Cir. 2011), in denying Cox relief on reconsideration. III. CONCLUSION For the forgoing reasons, we AFFIRM that James was entitled to qualified immunity on Cox's Fourth Amendment claim. Entered for the Court FOOTNOTES . This order and judgment is not binding precedent, except under the doctrines of law of the case, res judicata, and collateral estoppel. It may be cited, however, for its persuasive value consistent with Fed. R. App. P. 32.1 and 10th Cir. R. 32.1. . Because a second appellant, Plaintiff Cox Honey, LLC, failed to establish its standing to pursue this appeal, we dismiss Cox Honey as an appellant. . To the extent Cox asserts that, by approaching and opening Cox's hives, James violated the Utah Bee Inspection Act and breached his employment contracts, those allegations alone do not establish a Fourth Amendment violation. And, in any event, Cox did not assert any evidence establishing that Cox knew the hives at issue here belonged to Cox. David M. Ebel Circuit Judge Houston's most prestigious neighborhoods are hosting open house tours this weekend. Keep in mind, you'll likely need to show proof of funds to tour these pricey properties. 19 Lacewood in Memorial Listed at $4.895 million, this 10,035-square-foot house was inspired by an English country manor near Bath, England. It has six bedrooms, including two master suites and a second-floor apartment with its own kitchen and living space. Set on more than half an acre of land, the Memorial estate was built in 2016. Kids say the darndest things, right? The latest example comes from an adorable pair of twins that both have a meltdown within seconds of each other because they discover things they never knew before - one of them is older than the other and one is taller. The 3-year-old girls from New Jersey are seen in a YouTube video talking about what it means to be identical twins. VIRAL VIDEOS: Group of girls adorably remake Beyonce's 'Formation' According to Alexis McClure, the twin on the left, believes it means "adorable," while her sister Ava points out that it means they have the same birthday. Their mother, Ami, tells the girls they're correct, but it also means they look alike. After closely examining themselves, the girls notice they look alike as they hug. Then Ami tells her daughters that Ava is one minute older than her sister. Cue first meltdown. Through Alexis' tears, Ava tries to comfort her with hugs, but Alexis isn't having it. "But I want to be older!" she says, standing up. Upon standing, Alexis notices that she is a little bit taller than her older sister Ava. REALATED: Adorable kids hilariously talk about love "I'm bigger than Ava," Alexis points out and once Ava realizes the half an inch difference, she, too, begins to cry. Cue second meltdown. "Since I was behind the camera, my face was hidden, but it was definitely exploding with laughter and emotion," Ami told Chron.com. "It was pretty difficult to keep it together." The girls' father Justin is a photographer and he's been posting videos to YouTube of his girls since January 2015 to document their lives in a way to capture their moments of realization and growth, Justin told Chron.com. Commenters on the family's YouTube page say the pair are full of personality and would be perfect for and appearance on "The Ellen Show." The family has talked with representatives of the show, but haven't officially scheduled an appearance. Only time will tell, but the twins for sure get our vote! Days before voters decide between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Rice University is looking ahead to future presidential cycles. A new program at the Houston school's Baker Institute for Public Policy will study U.S. electoral politics and presidential campaigns, aiming to give voters and campaigns deeper insight into changing trends in U.S. presidential elections. Democrats may not like building a wall to choke the flow of drugs into the country, but the blue state of Delaware is considering a get-tough policy for those whose products result in their victims' deaths. Democrat State Attorney General Matt Denn supports the bipartisan sponsorship of a bill that would create the new crime of "Drug dealing resulting in death." Denn admits prosecution of such a crime might be challenging, and would face an array of challenges by a drug dealer's lawyers. You see, the drug dealer who sells heroin may not be the one who actually mixed in the deadly fentanyl, which is blamed for thousands of deaths each year. It's also possible a drug user may have another drug in his or her system that contributed to their death. The fact remains that the drug dealer is the defendant, his victim is dead and this law gives prosecutors a tool they need to add up to twenty years onto any guilty dealer's sentence. So isn't it surprising that it's the ruling party of the Democrats reacting to the heroin epidemic with tougher laws? It's an interesting direction in a blue state dominated by Democrats.The tougher laws also fly against a recent ruling by State Supreme Court Judges that Delaware's death penalty law was unconstitutional. Wouldn't drug-induced murders be worthy of the death penalty? What about the murders of minors? Delawareans are already conflicted enough on the issue of the death penalty itself. A 2015 poll found 63 percent of Delawareans support the death penalty while 64 percent prefer life sentencing over the death penalty. You can imagine that interview, right? Pollster: "Which do you prefer, the death penalty or a life sentence?" Johnny OnThePhone: (Thinking to himself) "Oh, I much prefer life." Pollster:"Do you support the death penalty? Johnny:"I sure do!" (As long as it isn't ME.) Why wouldn't it already be a felony to sell illegal drugs to someone who dies due to the illegal drugs? Why wouldn't it be homicide? The rural yet bucolic paradise of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, more known for its beautiful state forests than urban ills, proves the heroin epidemic crosses all borders. Last March, Lycoming Coroner Charles E. Kiessling, declared all heroin overdose deaths will now on be considered homicides. Unfortunately, the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association didn't like it. "A coroner's opinion on the manner of death is not binding on police.It is part of the information law enforcement considers in determining if a crime was committed and can someone be charged with it," said Richard Long, executive director. Coroner Kiessling is actually behind the curve, as is Delaware. Oregon reportedly leads the country with this strategy, which is to tell everyone they can find in the supply chain that if they don't tell them where they got the drugs, they're the one to be prosecuted for the overdose death. In Pittsburgh, five men were prosecuted last year for dealing drugs to three people who died from overdoses. Though most of these types of prosecutions are federal, Delaware might be catching up to some other states such as Michigan, where the death of a drug user can mean a life sentence for the dealer, Wisconsin (first-degree "drug delivery reckless homicide") and New Hampshire, where providing a drug that kills someone is now second degree murder. Is it too much to ask for juries and judges to be allowed to consider the death penalty for drug dealers convicted of murder? And what about providing heroin to a minor who survives? After all, the youngster is now sentenced to either fueling or fighting a lifetime addiction. Rick Jensen is Delaware's award-winning conservative talk show host on WDEL, streaming live on WDEL.com from 1pm ---- 4pm EST. Contact Rick at rick@wdel.com, or follow him on Twitter @Jensen1150WDEL. GALVESTON Allegations of sexual harassment lodged against League City Mayor Pat Hallisey were unfounded, a city ethics panel found, but they are a symptom of an acrimonious relationship between the mayor and city manager that needs to be smoothed over. After hearing the report by attorney Carla Cotropia, the Ethics Review Board voted unanimously to conclude that the ethics charges were baseless. Cotropia, appointed as ethics compliance officer, wrote in her report that the women named in the complaint merely felt uncomfortable because they were caught as employees in the feuding between the mayor and City Manager Mark Rohr. "There is no hostile work environment that would subject the city to potential liability," the report concluded. "Rather there is an uncomfortable situation for the employees that get caught in the middle." The report recommended that Hallisey and Rohr meet with a professional counselor to work out their differences and learn how to communicate. "This should be a frank but respectful exchange moderated by a trained professional," the report said. Hallisey, who had accused his political enemies of cooking up the harassment charges, said he was vindicated by the report. "In my opinion it was all a set-up by the city manager and the city attorney and a couple of council members," he said. He said it would be difficult to reach an accommodation with the city manager after all that has transpired. "It's way past that point," said Hallisey, who was elected earlier this year to replace Tim Paulissen, who ran unsuccessfully for Precinct 1 County Commissioner.. said. "My confidence in him (Rohr) is low." Rohr denied doing anything more than pass on to the city attorney information about the mayor's interaction with two of the women he was accused of harassing. "I think it's very important to point out that I had very little to do with the ethics complaint," Rohr said. He said he was willing to meet with the mayor and counselor, as the report recommended. "I'm willing to do my part but I'm only part of the equation," he said. The mayor was accused in a complaint filed by City Attorney Nghiem Doan of harassing three women and of using an obscenity to describe a city councilwoman. None of the three women filed their own complaint, and all of them told Cotropia that they never intended to make a complaint. Cotropia, in an interview, said, "There needed to be a way for them to work together and that wasn't happening. The city staff was caught in the middle." The report criticized the way that the city attorney, city manager and city council handled the accusations against the mayor, noting that the council voted without discussion to ask the city attorney to file an ethics complaint. Mike Cobb, chairman of the ethics review board, suggested that the complaint against the mayor may have been the result of political intrigue. "That was conduct unbecoming of a city attorney," Cobb said during a meeting Saturday. "Whether it was a political agenda or a personal agenda or he was used as a pawn by another city employee, that's to be determined. That definitely puts your position in jeopardy Mr. Doan." Doan did not respond to requests for comment. The report also said that the council erred by voting, without discussion, to send a letter to Hallisey asking him to apologize for his alleged behavior. "I recommend that in the future, if there is an issue, it be discussed in an open meeting," Cotropia wrote in her report. "Filing an ethics complaint against someone with no discussion beforehand is not the way to handle a problem. Hopefully, there won't be a next time." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Submitted Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Submitted Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Juliana Oyen, a sophomore at St. Pius X High School, organized a book drive that accumulated nearly two tons of books to benefit schools and families in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who were still in need after the August floods. "The response of the student body at St. Pius X was overwhelming," said Judith Oyen, mother of Juliana. "Every afternoon, Juliana had bags and boxes of books waiting in the lobby for her to pack in her car. Even Mrs. Larsen, principal of St. Pius X, let us know that there were many books in the library to help Juliana's cause." The owner of three for-profit residential group homes sued by the U.S. Department of Labor for alleged overtime violations said it disagrees with the government's interpretation of wage rules for 24-hour shift workers and vowed to vigorously fight the government's lawsuit. Last week, the Five Oaks Achievement Center in New Ulm, Whispering Hills Achievement Center in Flatonia and the North Fork Educational Center in Wylie were sued for $2.2 million by the Labor Department for improperly deducting sleep time from the wages of 68 employees who work 24-hour shifts. The three centers care for Texas' special needs children through two contracts with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. A fundraiser for Texas Senator Robert Nichols at the Cleveland Civic Center on Nov. 1 hosted a special guest speaker in Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who expressed his thoughts and perspectives on the state of Texas, its future and the Republican nominee for the presidential election Donald Trump. Patrick began his speech by thanking Nichols for having him as the guest speaker and expressed his own admiration for the senator before giving his thoughts on the state of Texas. "We are now the 10th largest economy in the world," he said, speaking of the Texas economy. Texas is surpassing other nations such as Russia, Mexico, Spain and many more in terms of economic growth, according to Patrick. "We're growing like wildfire," he said. Some of this growth can be seen in the local area such as the construction of the Grand Parkway, which Patrick describes as bringing Houston closer to the Cleveland and San Jacinto County areas. Texas has also experienced a huge population growth with an average of 27 million citizens as of 2015. Texas census records indicate the population is averaged at 20 million as of 2000. Patrick says this number is expected to grow to 42 million by 2040 and summed it up with one simple reason. "There's not another Texas to move to," he said. Patrick expressed the need for a strong America, which in turn needs a strong Texas. According to Patrick, Texas also needs strong conservative leadership. "We have to do all we can to keep Texas not just Republican but also conservative," said Patrick. Patrick addressed the concern of immigration issues as the Republican Party takes a stance against illegal immigration. While this seems to indicate that the party and Hispanic citizens may be at odds with each other, Patrick stated that nearly 50 percent of Hispanic voters supported their campaign, which goes much further than immigration issues. A final topic addressed by Patrick regarded Republican Party Presidential Nominee Donald Trump. Patrick is the state chairman for Trump's campaign. "It's been an experience," said Patrick. "I think he is going to do very well." Patrick thanked the crowd for having him as a guest speaker upon concluding his speech. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Open 363 days a year, the Sam Houston Race Park has a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy. The race park offers everything from thoroughbred and quarterhorse racing to live concerts and Wiener dog and ostrich races; Wayne Hodes, senior vice president and head of sales/marketing at Sam Houston Race Park, shared information about the race park with members of the Greater East Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, Nov. 2. "A little-known fact is we have the largest restaurant in the city of Houston and surrounding areas with 864 seats," Hodes said. "The configuration can change in the restaurant for any kind of party. We host a cook-off when the Offshore Technology Conference is in town, 5K runs, trade shows and major festivals such as the Coastal Conservation Concert and performances such as Cirque de Soleil." Sam Houston Race Park is located on the northwest side of the Houston area, but hundreds of residents from surrounding communities, including East Montgomery County, visit the park for races and various events. The racetrack and stables sit on about 115 acres and there are three concert venues in the middle where a large concrete stage is poured in the middle and an exterior stage where they can set up tents allowing for them to host concerts and festivals. Live racing begins again at the park Jan. 20. It will be followed by various races throughout the weeks, such as the Texas Champions and the Houston Ladies horse racing. "There is a $3 billion impact for the Texas economy with regard to horse racing, with $858 million attributed to the production of racing-bred animals," Hodes said. "We feel very strongly about supporting our military so they will get in for free with their identification card on opening days." That impact in Montgomery County is an estimated $12 million from Sam Houston Race Park due to visitors and horse owners frequenting the park and shopping around the area. "We have a lot of great things going on at Sam Houston Race Park and invite everyone to check us out," Hodes said. Sam Houston Race Park is located at 7575 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. West in Houston. For more information, visit https://www.shrp.com/. United States Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff - Appellee, v. JOAN OSBORN, Defendant - Appellant. No. 15-4165 Decided: November 02, 2016 Before LUCERO, McHUGH, and MORITZ, Circuit Judges. ORDER AND JUDGMENT * After a hearing, the district court found Joan Osborn incompetent to stand trial and temporarily committed her to the Attorney General's custody under 18 U.S.C. 4241(d) for treatment and a determination of whether competency could be restored. In this interlocutory appeal, Osborn challenges both the district court's allocation of the burden of proof at the hearing and its ultimate competency determination. We decline to consider Osborn's burden-of-proof argument because she raises it for the first time on appeal and makes no attempt to satisfy our test for plain error. And we conclude the district court's competency determination isn't clearly erroneous. Accordingly, we affirm. BACKGROUND After indicting Osborn on one count of threatening to assault and murder a federal judge in violation of 18 U.S.C. 115(a)(1)(B), the government moved for an evaluation of Osborn's competency to stand trial and of her sanity at the time of the alleged offense. The district court granted the motion. See 18 U.S.C. 4241, 4242. Dr. Lesli Johnson, a forensic psychologist, evaluated Osborn and submitted her written findings to the court. As Osborn's competency hearing commenced, Osborn informed the district court that she no longer wish[ed] to have legal defenders as [her] counselor. R. vol. 3, 12. The court advised Osborn it would take that matter up later. The government then called Johnson as its sole witness. Johnson testified that Osborn possesses average intelligence and understands the nature and consequences of the proceedings against her. Specifically, Johnson testified that Osborn adequately described the roles of key courtroom players; understood the charge against her and her constitutional rights; understood the difference between pleas of guilty, not guilty, and not guilty by reason of insanity; and explained the difference between a jury trial and a bench trial. But Johnson also diagnosed Osborn with delusional disorder and explained that Osborn exhibits persecutory and grandiose delusions. For example, Johnson described Osborn's belief that the United States government and mental health providers are out to get her and harm her, and that several presidents and other government officials have raped her in the past. Id. at 29. According to Johnson, Osborn characterizes herself as a prolific writer; and claims she developed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, received an honorary Ph.D. at age 14, and wrote several well-known songs. Johnson said Osborn also believes that she is Christ and has had approximately 40 immaculate conceptions from the Virgin Mary and Jehovah. Id. at 2930. Johnson opined that Osborn's delusional disorder could affect her ability to assist in her own defense. Johnson admitted that she didn't know the elements of the charged offense and didn't know what type of information Osborn would need to provide defense counsel to assist in her defense. Nevertheless, Johnson testified that to assist in her defense, Osborn would need to converse with defense counsel without introducing delusional thought content, id. at 60, and to participate rationally in decisions regarding her case. Johnson conceded that Osborn could likely follow her counsel's advice regarding whether to take a plea or go to trial. But Johnson opined that because of Osborn's expressed desire to introduce her delusions as part of her defense strategy, it was also likely that Osborn would have difficulty participating in a defense strategy that didn't include advising the court about her delusions, even if defense counsel offered a more rational defense strategy. Johnson predicted that the stress of a trial could aggravate Osborn's delusions and that it was unlikely that Osborn could contain those delusions throughout the court proceeding. Johnson recommended Osborn undergo competency restoration for a period of up to four months. Through cross-examination of Johnson, Osborn's defense counsel established her own interactions with Osborn and questioned Johnson as to whether that information would change Johnson's opinion regarding Osborn's ability to assist in her own defense. For example, defense counsel characterized this case as a very simple case involving only three elements, and proffered that she had no trouble discussing legal issues with Osborn. Id. at 34. Further, according to defense counsel, Osborn didn't inject any delusional thoughts in her discussions with counsel and Osborn agreed that if she testified, she wouldn't discuss her allegations that she had been raped by past presidents. Despite defense counsel's proffer, Johnson maintained her opinion that Osborn was incompetent. According to Johnson, even with medication, Osborn likely would always have delusions, but medication could diminish those delusions while increasing Osborn's positive behavior and ability to cooperate. Before the hearing concluded, the district judge excused the prosecution team and met ex parte with Osborn and her counsel to discuss her request for new counsel. When court resumed, the court informed the parties that it had determined it would be in Osborn's best interest for her current defense counsel to continue representing Osborn. In a subsequent written decision, the district court found Osborn incompetent to stand trial and ordered her hospitalized for up to four months for competency restoration. In its decision, the court noted that neither party contested Johnson's assessment that Osborn could understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against her. But the court concluded that the government established Osborn's incompetence by a preponderance of the evidence because the persistent nature of Osborn's delusions made it unlikely that she could properly assist defense counsel. Significantly, in its written decision, the district court also relied on firsthand observations from its ex parte meeting with Osborn. The court pointed out that during that meeting, Osborn requested to be represented by a different attorney who Osborn claimed had previously led her to a legal victory against former President George W. Bush. And immediately following that request, Osborn advised the court that the federal judge she had allegedly threatened to murder had visited her in jail, accompanied by a hitman. Finally, the court noted that Osborn transitioned from the hitman story to a discussion of genital mutilationa subject of Osborn's previous delusions. Osborn appeals the district court's competency determination. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. 1291. See United States v. Boigegrain, 122 F.3d 1345, 1349 (10th Cir. 1997) (en banc) (explaining that commitment orders issued under 4241(d) are immediately appealable as final pursuant to collateral order doctrine). DISCUSSION Osborn first argues that the district court erred in placing the burden of proof on the government to show incompetency. She asserts that defendant must carry the burden of proof to demonstrate incompetency because the consequences of being found incompetentforced hospitalization and possibly forced medication and lifetime civil commitmentare severe. Osborn suggests that because she had the burden of proof and because she neither moved for the competency hearing nor presented evidence in support of an incompetency finding, the district court erred in permitting the government to present evidence or argue that she was incompetent to stand trial. But as the government points out, Osborn failed to raise this argument below. The government contends that under these circumstances, we need not review the issue at all, but that if we do, we should review only for plain error. Osborn responds that de novo review is appropriate because she didn't have an opportunity to object to the district court's burden-of-proof allocation before the district court entered its written order finding Osborn incompetent. But the hearing transcript belies Osborn's suggestion that she lacked the opportunity to object before the district court entered its order. Therefore, plain-error review is appropriate. See Richison v. Ernest Grp., Inc., 634 F.3d 1123, 1128 (10th Cir. 2011). Yet Osborn doesn't argue that the district court plainly erred in failing to apply her novel burden-of-proof theory. And that failure surely marks the end of the road for an argument for reversal not first presented to the district court. Id. at 1131. Accordingly, we decline to consider whether the district court erroneously allocated the burden of proof to the government. Osborn next contends the district court clearly erred in determining she was incompetent because the court (1) ignored defense counsel's proffers and considered inappropriate factors, and (2) reached a competency determination not supported by a preponderance of the evidence. The test for competency is well settled: A defendant may not be put to trial unless he has sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding [and] a rational as well as factual understanding of the proceedings against him. Cooper v. Oklahoma, 517 U.S. 348, 354 (1996) (quoting Dusky v. United States, 362 U.S. 402, 402 (1960) (per curiam)); see also 18 U.S.C. 4241(d); McGregor v. Gibson, 248 F.3d 946, 957 (10th Cir. 2001) (en banc). We review de novo the district court's application of the competency test. Lafferty v. Cook, 949 F.2d 1546, 1550 (10th Cir. 1991). We review a district court's factual determination as to a defendant's competency for clear error. United States v. DeShazer, 554 F.3d 1281, 1286 (10th Cir. 2009). A finding is clearly erroneous' when although there is evidence to support it, the reviewing court on the entire evidence is left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed. United States v. Mackovich, 209 F.3d 1227, 1232 (10th Cir. 2000) (quoting United States v. Verduzco-Martinez, 186 F.3d 1208, 1211 (10th Cir. 1999)). We assume, as the district court did, that under these circumstances the government had the burden to prove Osborn's incompetence. When assessing competency, a district court may consider various factors including evidence of a defendant's irrational behavior, his demeanor at trial, and any prior medical opinion on competence to stand trial. United States v. CornejoSandoval, 564 F.3d 1225, 123435 (10th Cir. 2009) (quoting Drope v. Missouri, 420 U.S. 162, 180 (1975)). But the standard doesn't require the complete absence of irrational or bizarre thoughts or behavior. See, e.g., DeShazer, 554 F.3d at 1286 (That a defendant suffers from some degree of mental illness or disorder does not necessarily mean that he is incompetent to assist in his own defense.); Wolf v. United States, 430 F.2d 443, 445 (10th Cir. 1970) (The presence of some degree of mental disorder in the defendant does not necessarily mean that he is incompetent to knowingly and voluntarily enter a plea as well as aid and assist in his own defense.). Johnson testified, and neither party contested, that Osborn possessed a rational and factual understanding of the proceedings. Accordingly, the district court properly focused on whether Osborn had the ability to assist in her own defense. To be legally competent on this point, a defendant must have a sufficient present ability to consult with [her] lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding. Cooper, 517 U.S. at 354 (quoting Dusky, 362 U.S. at 402). Osborn argues the district court erred in failing to consider or give proper weight to defense counsel's proffers demonstrating that Osborn was able to assist defense counsel. The government counters that the court did consider defense counsel's proffers, but simply didn't find them persuasive in light of Johnson's testimony. The record reflects that the district court didn't ignore defense counsel's proffers. Instead, it noted those proffers but found it likely that the persistent nature of Osborn's mental illness and delusions would interfere with Osborn's ability to assist counsel in formulating a defense strategy or deciding whether to testify in her own defense. Moreover, while the district court was required to consider input from defense counsel, it wasn't required to accept counsel's recommendations. See Drope, 420 U.S. at 177 n.13 (explaining that although trial court should consider counsel's representations regarding defendant's competency, it need not accept them); cf. Mackovich, 209 F.3d at 1233 ([C]oncerns of counsel alone are insufficient to establish doubt of a defendant's competency.). Particularly in light of Osborn's ex parte conversation with the district court, we find no error in the district court's finding that Osborn is not presently able to assist in her defense. Osborn also argues that the district court improperly considered whether she might file a future habeas action, which isn't relevant to Osborn's present ability to consult with her lawyer and assist in her defense. Although we agree that this consideration was irrelevant, we are satisfied that a preponderance of the evidence nonetheless supports the district court's finding that the persistent nature of Osborn's mental illness and delusions would likely interfere with her present ability to assist counsel. Based on the entire record, we are not left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed. Mackovich, 209 F.3d at 1232 (quoting Verduzco-Martinez, 186 F.3d at 1211). We thus affirm the district court's competency determination and remand to the district court for further proceedings. Entered for the Court FOOTNOTES . This order and judgment isn't binding precedent, except under the doctrines of law of the case, res judicata, and collateral estoppel. But it may be cited for its persuasive value. See Fed. R. App. P. 32.1; 10th Cir. R. 32.1. . In addition to the persistent nature of Osborn's delusions, the court expressed concern that if the case proceeded to trial and a jury found against Osborn, the government might then have to defend a 28 U.S.C. 2255 challenge asserting defense counsel provided ineffective assistance by taking the case to trial knowing of Osborn's incompetency. . The district court granted Osborn's emergency motion to stay execution of the competency and commitment order pending the outcome of this appeal. . At the competency hearing, the court invited the government to proceed with testimony. At the government's request and without objection from defense counsel, the court admitted Johnson's report. The government then called Johnson as its sole witness, again without objection from Osborn. Before defense counsel cross-examined Johnson, the court stated, I'm going to let counsel have a lot of leeway on this since it is not clear, certainly you know what the standard of proof is but it's not clear which side has the burden of proof in this case. R. vol. 3, 4142. Defense counsel responded, without objection, It is not [clear], id., and proceeded with cross-examination. . 18 U.S.C. 4241(d) permits the district court to make a finding of incompetency only if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense. . Osborn argues without support that the district court clearly erred in relying in part on its observations from its ex parte meeting with Osborn and her counsel. Osborn appears to suggest that the district court should not have considered Osborn's request for new counsel or the admittedly delusional comments she interjected during that request because neither occurred in open court. As the government points out, a court should consider any evidence of irrational behavior by defendant in its competency finding. Clayton v. Gibson, 199 F.3d 1162, 1171 (10th Cir. 1999) (emphasis added). And the district court may rely on its own observations of a defendant's conduct when determining competency. United States v. Boigegrain, 155 F.3d 1181, 1189 (10th Cir. 1998). We see no reason, and Osborn presents us with none, to limit the district court's observations only to conduct the district court observes in open court. Per Curiam Houston Black Restaurant Week's first fall series, Harvest the Block, kicks off on Nov. 4 with a weekend's worth of events through Nov. 6 highlighting black farmers in Texas and their relationship to the local community. The three-day event begins with a kickoff dinner called "Kitchen Konversations: Cooking Experience," by chef Shakti Baum at Etta's Little Kitchen, 4212 Dowling. Baum will use produce from HBRW's featured farmers to create a menu that includes mezze (Greek-inspired meat, cheese, vegetable and dip platters); lamb ribs with fig balsamic glaze; roasted lemon chicken; vegetables with pickled red onion and feta; orzo and tabbouleh salads; grilled carrots with tzatziki sauce; and frozen honey Greek yogurt custard with baklava crumble and rose syrup. The dinner, 6 to 10 p.m., is $80 per person and includes wine pairings. When Ron Graham moved to the Kingwood area 10 years ago, he assisted students with visual impairments in the New Caney Independent School District. That volunteering led him to realize there were no support groups for the visually impaired. Graham, who became blind after an automobile accident in 1993, was encouraged to start the Visually Impaired People of South East Texas after meeting several other community members with visual impairments and blindness. VIPSET recently celebrated its seventh anniversary by featuring a guest speaker and planning a sailing outing with the nonprofit Sailing Angels. "There was a young woman, Julie Johnston, who was speaking about her visual impairments at local schools; and I had another friend who was in my mother-in-law's Bible study class in Humble with visual impairments and several others. I wanted to find a way to bring all these people together so they could meet each other and use each other for resources and information," Graham said. "I remember what it was like for me after I lost my sight in a car accident and finding resources; I felt like I was reinventing the wheel. The great thing about VIPSET is we are here for each other and provide resources and information." VIPSET held its first meeting at the former location of the Kingwood Branch Library and moved to the new location when the library was relocated. Eventually, the group made the decision to hold meetings at Second Baptist Church at the front of Kingwood. Graham said meeting attendance ranges from 10-30 people; and they always are looking for more members to join them in the future. "Our youngest member is 12 years old; she lost her eyesight because of cancer. And our oldest member was 90 years old," Graham said. "We just recently had a young man from the area who lost his eyesight in a car accident that contacted me for information. This is why we wanted to launch VIPSET. We can provide resources and information; but one of the things we can't teach is that it takes time and patience." After starting VIPSET, Graham was approached by another group, thus the Houston Area Visually Impaired Network was launched where Graham serves as the president, in addition to president of the Kingwood Lions Club. The guest speaker at the anniversary meeting was Monica Pereda, a transition counselor from the Texas Workforce Commission. She explained how the state agency providing services to blind Texans, the DARS Division of Blind Services, has been reorganized and is now part of the TWC. She explained that, while the structure of the agency and the name has changed, the services they provide, and their commitment to blind Texans, remains the same. "It is still humbling to me to think that a group that began as a way for me to bring together a handful of my friends who were blind in the local area so that they could meet one another turned into a functioning support group that first night," Graham said. "It has met monthly for seven years and continues to grow, spreading our message of support and sharing of information and resources. Through VIPSET, I have met all of these great people I would have never met, and they come to me seeking information and resources when it is the members of the group that feeds me internally and keeps me going; it means a lot to me. VIPSET is just as much for people with vision impairments and blindness as it is for their family members; everyone is encouraged to join us for the meetings. VIPSET meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the north campus of Second Baptist Church, Room B217-18. The address for the church is 22770 U.S. 59 North, Kingwood. Joining the group is free and open to the public, as a means of providing support, information and resources to those in Kingwood and the surrounding area who are dealing with vision loss, as well as their family members. For more information, contact Ron Graham at 713-825-9108 or rgraham@cebridge.net. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A group of student leaders at the University of Texas at Austin are urging the university to disband a conservative student group after it held an anti-affirmative action bake sale last week, charging different prices depending on the race and gender of customers. Seven student representatives brought the matter to the student government on Tuesday and said there's a petition with 800 signatures calling for the suspension of the UT chapter of the Young Conservatives of Texas. READ MORE: Controversial 'affirmative action bake sale' pops up at University of Texas again UT spokesman J.B. Bird said Wednesday the university would not take action against the Young Conservatives club or its members following the bake sale, calling it protected speech. The right to freely express views is vital to the health of our university even if some find that expression offensive or disrespectful, Bird said in a statement, adding that it is "rare" that the university suspends student organizations and that suspension would only occur if it violated UT rules. The Young Conservatives club called affirmative action a disastrous policy at last weeks bake sale, which drew hundreds of protesters, the Associated Press reported. At least one administrator criticized the event. Vice president for diversity and community engagement Gregory Vincent called the conservative group deplorable for using the open forum of the campuss West Mall to direct negative sentiment toward their peers. READ MORE: UT releases 17-point checklist to advise against offensive Halloween costumes In seeking an audience for their ideas, the YCT resorted to exercising one of the universitys core values to the detriment of others, he wrote. The Young Conservatives of Texas chapter chairman Vidal Castaneda said in a letter to UTs president that the chapter would take legal action should the university enact policies that infringe on the groups rights. The First Amendment to the US Constitution protects more than just freedom of speech in the classroom. It protects more than just speech that is politically correct. It protects more than just speech that is approved by the UT administration, Castaneda wrote. The First Amendment gives all Americans, including students, the right to protest laws and policies they disagree with. Free speech questions aside, the debate shows that conversations on affirmative action at UT's campus are continuing after the Supreme Court ruled that its admissions practices are constitutional last summer. UT considers race as a factor for roughly 25 percent of students who are not admitted under a state law that grants automatic admission to the top students of a high school's graduating class. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Meagan Silva Hartwick remembers how grateful she was to receive $500 form the East Montgomery County Scholarship Foundation as part of its first round of college merit-based scholarships in 2015. "I was notified that I was the recipient on the very first week my fees for summer school were due," Hartwick said. "I cannot explain what a relief that was for me. I was one the verge of having to drop my summer classes, which would have meant spending an extra semester in college instead of graduating a semester early as I had planned." Thanks to the financial assistance she received, Hartwick was able to afford her college education, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Lamar University with a Master of Science and Speech Language Pathology in 2016. Hartwick is one of the many college students to benefit from EMCSF funding. As scholarship recipient, she served as one of the guest speakers during the 2016 East Montgomery County Scholarship Foundation Gala at the East Montgomery County Improvement District Complex in New Caney Nov. 1. Community members gathered for a dinner and program to celebrate and raise funds to benefit the foundation. The EMCSF, a nonprofit subsidiary of the EMCID, aims to foster development in East Montgomery County, both economically and socially, by encouraging the pursuit of higher education for youth within EMC through scholarship opportunities. "The EMCSF gives $1,000 scholarships to all graduating seniors from New Caney ISD and Splendora ISD, along with those who graduate from home-school or get a GED, as long as they're within the EMCID boundaries," EMCSF Chair Brenda Webb said. "To date, the scholarship foundation has given just over $2.8 million in scholarships. "We have students that attend every college, university and trade school in Texas. Because of the participation of all the past and present donors, the EMCSF is excited about the growing and expanding minds of the future leaders of our community and this great nation." In addition to the $1,000 scholarship awarded to local graduates, EMCSF was able to begin offering the $500 merit-based scholarship option in 2015. Nia Ramirez, a 2012 Splendora High School graduate, was among those chosen as a recipient of the EMCSF merit-based scholarship. After graduating with an associate's degree from Lone Star College-Kingwood in 2015, Ramirez transferred to Sam Houston State University, where she is a senior majoring in sociology and minoring in criminal justice. "A goal of mine and my parents' was to graduate debt-free from college; and so far that is happening," Ramirez said. "It has been a dream come true for me, especially being one of the few to attend college in my family. "(EMCSF funds) have assisted in helping my dreams come true and have given me an insight into all I can do in this world. Being a recipient of the scholarship continuously has been a nonstop motivation for me. Once I have graduated this next summer of 2017, I plan to further my education and be the best that I can be to represent my family, my Hispanic culture, Splendora High School, Lone Star College-Kingwood, Sam Houston State University and the EMCSF." Katherine Persson, president of Lone Star College-Kingwood, EMCSF vice chair and EMCID board member, spoke on behalf Devin Callahan, a third scholarship recipient who was unable to attend the event. "Devin is a graduate from New Caney High School and he also received $1,000 from the EMCSF and enrolled in LSC-Kingwood," Persson said. "I think it says a lot about who we are as a community when we invest in our young folks and our education. That certainly comes back to our community and helps us in so many ways." Danny Signorelli, CEO of The Signorelli Company and Valley Ranch Town Center developer, received a plaque of appreciation for his support of the scholarship foundation through his commitment to provide the foundation with $7.5 million over a period of time in increments contributed upon reaching certain milestones in the development of Valley Ranch. EMCSF is approaching total assets of over $4 million. Through community support of the Scholarship Foundation, EMCID has been able to continue growing the education wealth within the community by helping students like Callahan, Ramirez and Hartwick. "I will always remember and be so thankful for the part EMCSF scholarships played in helping me achieve my dreams of becoming a speech language pathologists," Hartwick said. "I felt truly honored to receive these scholarships and I did feel a great obligation to be sure that I studied hard and made those assisting in the funding of my education proud of me. I do hope to one day be able to give back to such a great community in the way the Improvement District has done for me." For more information about the East Montgomery County Scholarship Foundation, visit http://www.emctx.com/services/educational-development. Three members of Commissioners Court and a political consultant, all facing a charge of conspiring to circumvent the Texas Open Meetings Act, will have to wait at least another five months to have their day in court. March 27, 2017, is the new trial date set for Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyal, Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley, Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Clark and political consultant Marc Davenport. Visiting Judge Randy Clapp, of Wharton County, rescheduled the trial date. Their trial originally was scheduled to begin this coming Monday (Nov. 7) in the 221st state District Court with visiting Judge Randy Clapp, of Wharton County, presiding. Judge Lisa Michalk recused herself from the bench since Commissioners Court funds her budget. Clapp reset the trial date following a conference involving all parties in the case. The rescheduled date is due in part to scheduling among the attorneys and the large volume of evidence and grand jury testimony released to the defense late last week. "These lawyers in this case are not transactional attorneys that sit behind a desk," said Conroe attorney E. Tay Bond, who is representing Clark. "We are real trial lawyers that show up and pick juries and have settings for trials that are set out six months in advance." Bond said Chris Downey, the special prosecutor in the case, as well as Houston attorney Rusty Hardin, who is representing Doyal, Conroe attorney Steve Jackson, who is representing Davenport, and Conroe attorney Douglas Atkinson, who is representing Riley, did not object to the reset. In addition, Jackson filed a motion to dismiss Davenport's case for lack of jurisdiction, but the judge did not rule on that motion Monday. According to the motion, Jackson stated his client is "not a member or part of a group of members of a governmental body, and as such the defendant cannot be prosecuted in a felony district court." Jackson and Downey were unavailable for comment Monday. Doyal, Riley, Clark and Davenport were indicted June 24, all on the same charge. The indictments came after several months of investigation focusing on communications concerning a $280 million road bond referendum to be placed on the November 2015 ballot. Commissioners ultimately voted to put it on the ballot, and voters approved it. A Montgomery County grand jury issued the indictments after a six-month investigation into communications in August 2015 that led to commissioners approving the placement of the bond package on the ballot. If convicted of the misdemeanor, the crime is punishable by a fine of $100 to $500, confinement in the county jail for one month up to six months; or both. According to County Attorney J D Lambright, if the elected officials plead guilty or are convicted, they would have to resign from the court. An Aug. 24 Open Records request by The Courier showed dozens of emails involving the judge, certain county commissioners, Davenport and others, including members of The Woodlands-based Texas Patriots PAC, regarding the framework of the road bond. Many emails occurred between Aug. 11 and Aug. 21. Commissioners took no action on a November 2015 road bond at their final meeting Aug. 11 before the Aug. 24 deadline to place a referendum on the ballot. However, on Aug. 21, Doyal and Riley announced they had reached a memorandum of understanding with the Patriots PAC that opened the door for the November road bond referendum, which commissioners approved Aug. 24. The bond package did not include the controversial Woodlands Parkway extension or the Robinson Road project in Oak Ridge North. A New Caney man pleaded guilty Oct. 27 to stealing more than $200,000 from his auto shop customers in a decades-long scheme. Richard Sisney, 61, was set to face a jury Monday but entered his guilty plea the Thursday before. He will likely receive 10 years in prison as part of his plea agreement with Montgomery County prosecutors. He was facing up to life in prison on the first-degree felony aggregate theft charge. In a previous Courier article, prosecutors said Sisney ripped off about 40 people while running Sisney's Auto Service in Porter from 1986 to 2013. The arrest warrant affidavit listed 22 customers of his who claimed Sisney took their payment without providing the agreed services and never returned the money. Sisney ripped off the customers in three phases, court documents showed: inducement, delay and excuse, and confrontation. Sisney would promise an unsuspecting person that he would perform vehicle repairs or restoration, take their payment and later offer excuses for why the job was not done, according to the affidavit. Investigators alleged Sisney would threaten the complaining witnesses when confronted about the delayed services. He told the witnesses that if they sued, he had "more powerful friends and friends in high places." The earliest accusation against Sisney dates back to January 1986, when a man won a judgment against Sisney for taking his money to repair a truck and allegedly lying about doing the work. Sisney accepted $300 for the job and when the customer picked up his truck two days later, he discovered the engine mounts and oil pan bolts had never been touched. Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Jim Prewitt said although not outlined in a plea agreement, any restitution would come through Sisney's would-be terms of probation. "We were interested in the prison sentence," Prewitt said, "because we were concerned about this activity happening in the future." Sisney's 10-year sentence will not be official until a sentencing hearing Dec. 8 in the 221st state District Court of Judge Lisa Michalk. Sisney's attorney was not able to be reached by press time. The Woodlands Township will fund The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership without binding it to the positions that the township board takes, in spite of protest from three board members. The issue of the township's annual funding contribution to the EDP became controversial this summer when township board member John McMullan accused the EDP board of taking what he called a political position in favor of the May 2015 Montgomery County road bond. McMullan argued that, since the majority of Woodlands voters opposed the bond, primarily because of the inclusion of the Woodlands Parkway extension, a position in favor of the bond was equivalent to going against the wishes of the residents. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Although most are too young to participate in the presidential election this year, the students of the John Cooper School's Upper School are casting their votes for the country's next leader this week as part of a mock election. On Wednesday, the students filled the Performing Arts Center to hear the stances of each of the four political parties Republican, Democrat, Green and Libertarian presented to them by fellow students in a mock debate. Several students spent the past couple of weeks researching the principles and positions held by the party they most align with and organized responses to a number of debate questions on major issues, including gun control, foreign affairs, immigration, healthcare and appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court. Sreya Nalluri, a junior, said that she chose to speak for the Green Party because she relates to its concern for the environment and wanted to educate her fellow students on the party's positions. "I think people don't know what it's about," Nalluri said. Taylor Ellis, a sophomore representing the Democratic Party, said that she prepared for the mock debate by watching videos of Hillary Clinton at rallies to better portray her candidacy. Ellis said that she is drawn to the Democratic Party because of its positions supporting minorities and the low income population. "I hope the student body will realize the election is about what they want," she said, explaining that she hopes people will appeal to their "soft spot" of compassion for minorities and the poor. Peyton Hayes, a senior representing the Republican Party, said that this election has inspired him to encourage his peers to pay attention to the different parties' policies. "I hope they see politics is complex," he said. "It's not just 30-second sound bites." He added that he wants his fellow students to be engaged in politics, even now before they can vote. "The future of our democracy depends on it," Hayes said. Garrett Groppell, a senior, said he chose to represent the Libertarian Party although he only agrees with about 70-80 percent of its positions. "Sometimes we have to be moderate," Groppell said. His goal was to make more of his fellow students aware of the Libertarian Party, even as national interest in the party has grown this election cycle. "I want them to be informed about not just the two main candidates," he said. Following the nearly hour-long debate, the students shuffled out of the auditorium to cast their votes, although the results of the mock election won't be announced until after the national election is complete. The mock debate was sponsored by the Junior States of America, which has been growing in popularity at the John Cooper School. A number of students gather weekly to discuss politics and policy. Some of the students will even be joining JSA students from throughout the state in Austin to participate in a mock congress in the State Capitol building. "I'm extremely proud of our students, but not surprised," said Stephen Popp, head of the Upper School. "They're extremely erudite." United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. LESLY ESPERANZA BANEGAS-RIVERA; B.S.R., Petitioners, v. LORETTA E. LYNCH, Attorney General, Respondent. No. 16-1261 Decided: November 02, 2016 Before WYNN and DIAZ, Circuit Judges, and DAVIS, Senior Circuit Judge. Jay S. Marks, LAW OFFICES OF JAY S. MARKS, LLC, Silver Spring, Maryland, for Petitioners. Benjamin C. Mizer, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Julie Iversen, Senior Litigation Counsel, Robert Michael Stalzer, Office of Immigration Litigation, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, Washington, D.C., for Respondent. Lesly Esperanza Banegas-Rivera and her daughter, B.S.R., natives and citizens of Honduras, petition for review of an order of the Board of Immigration Appeals (Board) dismissing their appeal from the immigration judge's (IJ) decision denying Banegas-Rivera's applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). For the reasons set forth below, we dismiss the petition for review. The Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) vests in the Attorney General the discretionary power to grant asylum to aliens who qualify as refugees. Djadjou v. Holder, 662 F.3d 265, 272 (4th Cir. 2011). A refugee is someone who is unable or unwilling to return to her native country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(42)(A) (2012). An asylum applicant has the burden of proving that she satisfies the definition of a refugee to qualify for relief. Djadjou, 662 F.3d at 272. She may satisfy this burden by showing that she was subjected to past persecution or that she has a well-founded fear of persecution on account of a protected ground. See 8 C.F.R. 208.13(b)(1) (2016). If the applicant establishes past persecution, she has the benefit of a rebuttable presumption of a well-founded fear of persecution. Djadjou, 662 F.3d at 272. If the applicant is unable to establish that she was the victim of past persecution, she must establish a well-founded fear of future persecution. A well-founded fear of persecution has a subjective and objective component. Marynenka v. Holder, 592 F.3d 594, 600 (4th Cir. 2010). The subjective component requires that the applicant show genuine fear of persecution. The objective component requires that the applicant show with specific and concrete facts that a reasonable person in like circumstances would fear persecution. Id. An applicant faces a heightened burden of proof to qualify for withholding of removal to a particular country under the INA. Djadjou, 662 F.3d at 272. She must show a clear probability of persecution on account of a protected ground. Id. If she meets this heightened burden, withholding of removal is mandatory. However, if the applicant cannot demonstrate asylum eligibility, her application for withholding of removal will necessarily fail as well. Id. Additionally, because Banegas-Rivera is claiming that she was persecuted and fears future persecution at the hands of a private actor, her former partner, and not the Honduran government, she must establish that the government cannot or will not control the offender. See Mulyani v. Holder, 771 F.3d 190, 198 (4th Cir. 2014) (noting that an applicant alleging past persecution must show that the harm was inflicted by the government or by others whom the government is unable or unwilling to control); M.A. v. INS, 858 F.2d 210, 218 (4th Cir. 1988) (holding asylum can be established by showing that the government is unwilling or unable to control the offending group). Because the Board issued its own opinion without adopting the IJ's opinion we review that opinion and not the opinion of the IJ. Martinez v. Holder, 740 F.3d 902, 908 (4th Cir. 2014). We will uphold the Board's decision unless it is manifestly contrary to the law and an abuse of discretion. Djadjou, 662 F.3d at 273. The standard of review of the agency's findings is narrow and deferential. Factual findings are affirmed if supported by substantial evidence. Id. Substantial evidence exists to support a finding unless the evidence was such that any reasonable adjudicator would have been compelled to conclude to the contrary. Id. Whether the government is unable or unwilling to control the private actor is a factual finding. Hernandez-Avalos v. Lynch, 784 F.3d 944, 951 (4th Cir. 2015). After reviewing the record, we conclude that substantial evidence supports the finding that Banegas-Rivera failed to show that the Honduran government was unable or unwilling to control her abuser and we are not compelled to reach a different result. Banegas-Rivera's claim that she established past persecution on account of a protected ground is not relevant because the Board decided her appeal on the issue that she failed to show that the Honduran government was unable or unwilling to control the abuser. Banegas-Rivera's challenge to the denial of protection under the CAT is not reviewable because she did not raise this issue on appeal to the Board. Her failure to exhaust this issue deprives us of jurisdiction to consider it. See 8 U.S.C. 1252(d)(1) (2012) (A court may review a final order of removal only if the alien has exhausted all administrative remedies available to the alien as of right.); Kporlor v. Holder, 597 F.3d 222, 226 (4th Cir. 2010) (It is well established that an alien must raise each argument to the [Board] before we have jurisdiction to consider it. (internal quotations and citation omitted)). Accordingly, we deny the petition for review. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process. PETITION DENIED PER CURIAM: United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit. Hugues Michard Martine, also known as Martine Hughes Petitioner v. Loretta E. Lynch, Attorney General of United States Respondent No. 15-3117 Decided: November 02, 2016 Before WOLLMAN, ARNOLD, and KELLY, Circuit Judges. Hugues Martine was ordered deported in November 2014 following a criminal conviction. The Immigration Judge (IJ) found, and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) affirmed, that Martine was not eligible for relief under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). Martine filed the instant petition for review, arguing that the BIA erred by affirming the IJ, who applied an incorrect legal standard to his request for relief under the CAT. We dismiss Martine's petition for review. I. Background In 1993, when he was six or seven years old, Martine and his family fled Haiti and were admitted into the United States as refugees. Martine and his family were granted refugee status as a result of Haitian officials' persecution of Martine's father, who worked as a judge under President Aristide's regime. The Aristide regime, which supported the Fanmi Lavalas party, was overthrown in 1991, putting Martine's family and others affiliated with the Fanmi Lavalas party in danger. Men broke into the Martine family's home, attacking Martine's mother and demanding the whereabouts of Martine's father. After that incident, Martine's family moved frequently to avoid danger, eventually arriving in the United States. Martine adjusted his status to Lawful Permanent Resident in 1994. In May 2010, Martine fled from officers in his vehicle, eventually colliding with another vehicle and injuring its occupants. Police found 54 individual baggies containing what was later determined to be 8.68 grams of cocaine base in Martine's car. A jury convicted Martine of, among other things, second degree drug trafficking. He was sentenced to a ten-year term of imprisonment on that offense. Immigration officials initiated removal proceedings upon Martine's release from custody. Martine applied for relief under the CAT in December 2014, and is therefore subject to the REAL ID Act of 2005. II. Discussion We lack jurisdiction to review any final order of removal against an alien who is removable by reason of having committed a criminal offense covered in section 1227(a)(2)(A)(iii) of Title 8 of the United States Code. 8 U.S.C. 1252(a)(2)(C) (codifying the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)). Under 8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(2)(A)(iii), [a]ny alien who is convicted of an aggravated felony at any time after admission is deportable. Here, Martine was convicted of second degree drug trafficking, an aggravated felony for purposes of the INA. 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(43)(B) (The term aggravated felony means illicit trafficking in a controlled substance ); Moncrieffe v. Holder, 133 S. Ct. 1678, 1683 (2013) (defining drug trafficking crime and noting that state offenses may qualify). However, we are not precluded from hearing constitutional claims or questions of law timely raised in a petition for review. 8 U.S.C. 1252(a)(2)(D). Martine asserts that the BIA erred in affirming the IJ because the IJ applied the wrong legal standard when it failed to grant Martine a presumption that he had a well-founded fear of future persecution based on past persecution. Martine claims that because he was originally admitted as a refugeewhich necessarily required a showing of past persecutionhe was entitled to the presumption of a well-founded fear of persecution upon his return to Haiti. Martine conflates two distinct statutory provisions and their associated tests: establishing asylum eligibility, 8 C.F.R. 1208.13(b)(1), and qualifying for CAT relief, 8 C.F.R. 1208.16(c). An applicant for asylum who has been found to have established past persecution shall also be presumed to have a well-founded fear of persecution on the basis of the original claim. 8 C.F.R. 1208.13(b)(1). However, Martine is not seeking asylum; his sole claim is for protection under the CAT, which requires an applicant to establish that it is more likely than not that he or she would be tortured if removed to the proposed country of removal. 8 C.F.R. 1208.16(c)(2). Torture is separately defined and is not synonymous with persecution. Compare 8 C.F.R. 1208.18(a)(1) (defining torture in part as any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining a confession ) with 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(42) (explaining that to qualify for asylum an applicant must establish past or future persecution on account of membership in a protected group). A showing of past persecution does not establish a presumption under the law regarding the likelihood of future torture upon removal. Neither the BIA nor the IJ applied the wrong legal standard in Martine's case. Martine also argues that the IJ and BIA erroneously conclud[ed] that [his] case mirrored those facts presented in Cherichel v. Holder, 591 F.3d 1002 (8th Cir. 2010), and Matter of J-E-, 23 I. & N. Dec. 291 (B.I.A. 2002). To the extent this argument is a challenge to the agency's factual determinations, we lack jurisdiction. Lovan v. Holder, 574 F.3d 990, 998 (8th Cir. 2009) (citation omitted) ([Petitioner] asserts that undisputed facts' compel a contrary finding as a matter of law. This is nothing more than a challenge to the agency's factual determinations, which are beyond our jurisdiction to review under 8 U.S.C. 1252(a)(2)(D).); see Gallimore v. Holder, 715 F.3d 687, 690 (8th Cir. 2013) (citing Brikova v. Holder, 699 F.3d 1005, 1008 (8th Cir. 2012)) (finding arguments regarding factual disputes and weighing evidence outside the court's jurisdiction). To the extent Martine argues that the IJ and the BIA improperly relied on these cases when considering his request for relief under the CAT, we disagree. To obtain CAT relief, Martine had to establish that it is more likely than not that he [ ] would be tortured if removed to [Haiti]. 8 C.F.R. 1208.16(c)(2). As noted above, and notwithstanding Martine's assertion to the contrary, the fact of Martine's past persecution does not equate to a presumption of a likelihood of future torture. Similarly, it does not eliminate Cherichel's mandate that a petitioner may not obtain relief under the CAT unless he can show that his prospective torturer has the goal or intent of inflicting severe physical or mental suffering or pain upon him for an enumerated purpose. 591 F.3d at 1013. When considering Martine's CAT claim, the immigration courts were required to determine the likelihood that Martine would suffer future torture if removed to Haiti, and they did not err in citing or relying on relevant case law, including Cherichel or Matter of J-E-. The petition for review is dismissed. PER CURIAM. On November 3, we celebrate the feast of St Martin de Porres, a Peruvian Dominican Brother whose life of charity and devotion led to his canonization as the first black saint of the Americas.Martin was born in Lima, Peru in 1579, the son of a Spanish knight, Don Juan de Porres and the former Panamanian slave Ana Velazquez. His father initially refused to acknowledge the boy publicly as his own, because Martin, like his mother, was black. Though Martin's father later helped to provide for his education, his son faced difficulties because of his family background.At age 12, Martin studied to be a barber, which at that time meant he was also a druggist, a physician and a surgeon. Once trained, he began to use his skills to serve the poor. He became very well known for his compassion and skill as a barber, and cared for many people as well as animals.Martin was a pious child, who began praying at a young age. He had a deep devotion to our Lords Passion, and prayed for discernment to know how he could show his gratitude to God for this great sacrifice. He believed that God was calling him to a religious vocation. When Martin was fifteen, he began working with the Dominicans as a lay helper and, later became a professed Lay Brother at the Dominican Friary in Lima, where he worked as a barber, a farm laborer, a clothier, and a caregiver for the sick. Each day Martin distributed food to the hungry, he nursed the sick, and he helped to found an orphanage and a hospice for abandoned babies.Martin devoted himself to severe penances. In turn, God endowed him with many graces and an abundance of spiritual gifts: visions, ecstasies, healing, supernatural understanding, and bilocation (being two places at the same time). Some of his peers said they encountered him in places as far off as Japan even as he remained in Lima.Martin's kindness and his love of prayer and humility helped him become friends with many people from all social classes, which enabled him to alleviate the sufferings of many. His popularity allowed him to use all of his extraordinary gifts to serve the poor and to work diligently to promote their cause. Thus, he was nicknamed 'Martin of Charity'.St. Martin's love was shown equally to humans and to animals, including mice. Like St. Francis, Martin treated animals as brothers and sisters and they did whatever he told them to do. He maintained a hospital for cats and dogs at his sister's house. A close friend of St. Rose of Lima, Martin died in 1639 at the age of sixty and was canonized in 1962.St. Martin de Porres is the patron saint of: African Americans, barbers, bi-racial people, hair stylists, hotel-keepers, inter-racial justice, mixed-race people, Peru, poor people, public education, public health, race relations, racial harmony, social justice, and television."Compassion is preferable to cleanliness. Reflect that with a little soap I can easily clean my bed covers, but even with a torrent of tears I would never wash from my soul the stain that my harshness toward the unfortunate would create."- St. Martin De Porres, spoken to his Dominican brothers when admonished for bringing an elderly, dirty beggar off the streets and allowing him to take the saint's own bed while he cared for the sick man."Martin lived from the adoration of the Lord present in the Eucharist, passing entire nights in prayer before the crucified Lord in the tabernacle, while during the day he tirelessly cared for the sick and assisted the socially outcast and despised, with whom he, as a mulatto, identified because of his origins. The encounter with the Lord, who gives himself to us from the cross, makes all of us members of the one body by means of the one bread, which when responded to fully moves us to serve the suffering, to care for the weak and the forgotten."-- Excerpted from: LECTURE BY H.E. CARDINAL RATZINGER AT THE BISHOPS' CONFERENCE OF THE REGION OF CAMPANIA IN BENEVENTO (ITALY) ON THE TOPIC: "EUCHARIST, COMMUNION AND SOLIDARITY", Sunday June 2, 2002To you, Saint Martin de Porres, we prayerfully lift up our hearts filled with serene confidence and devotion. Mindful of your unbounded and helpful charity to all levels of society and also of your meekness and humility of heart, we offer our petitions to you. Pour out upon our families the precious gifts of your solicitous and generous intercession; show to the people of every race and every color the paths of unity and of justice; implore from our Father in heaven the coming of his kingdom, so that through mutual benevolence in God men may increase the fruits of grace and merit the rewards of eternal life. Amen. Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman is asking the state jail commission to let nearly 200 inmates sleep on plastic cots on the floor of the already overcrowded county jail system, a request challenged by more than a dozen Houston-area lawmakers. Hickman, joined by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, are asking the Texas Commission on Jail Standards to extend their existing variance of 580 bunk beds and add another 192 plastic cot-like bunks known as "low riders." A Brazoria County man filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of Rosenberg this week, saying he was knocked unconscious and suffered permanent injuries after a police officer handcuffed him and threw him into a brick wall at the city jail. Anthony Michael Cruz sued Rosenberg and Officer Wade Wehring alleging excessive use of force in violation of Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure and due process during his arrest last year. He is seeking unspecified damages. A Waller County commissioner has called for an outside investigation or audit of the sheriff's office's firearms inventory after two weapons were reported missing this past week. District Attorney Elton Mathis said he received notice Tuesday from Sheriff R. Glenn Smith that the weapons were determined unaccounted for during an internal audit. Mathis said he intended to wait to consider taking action until both the internal audit and one being conducted by the county auditor were complete. Commissioner John Amsler said he expected to discuss the issue of the sheriff's weapons at a commissioners court meeting next week. "I would like to know the extent of his inventory and the origin of the weapons that he has and where they go," Amsler said. "He should be able to account for all of them." Sheriff R. Glenn Smith could not be reached for comment. The Republican incumbent faces a Democrat, Precinct 3 Constable's Lt. Cedric Watson, in Tuesday's election. "It's just incompetent, Watson said Friday. "You are a law enforcement facility; your weapons are supposed to be accounted for." News of the discovery comes almost a year after thieves stole eight guns from the sheriff's marked vehicle, which was parked outside a Katy-area restaurant where an event was being held in December 2015. Thieves absconded with a lethal cache of weapons, including an HK UMP 45 submachine gun that was fully automatic and could fire 600 rounds a minute. They also snared a 300 Blackout rifle and six other handguns. Some criticized the sheriff then for not immediately alerting authorities when he first discovered his burglarized truck, instead driving 30 minutes back to his Hempstead office. The sheriff said he felt it was more important to retrieve the serial numbers for the stolen weapons and upload them to the National Crime Information Center's computer network promptly, in case someone was caught with the guns or tried to hock them. That break-in brought added, unwelcome attention to a county reeling from the death of Sandra Bland in the Waller County jail, which was ruled a suicide. Whether to conduct a weapons audit was discussed in the aftermath, and responsibility ultimately fell to the county auditor. The newly discovered missing guns have been recorded into state and national databases, Mathis said. The sheriff's office was also checking whether a deputy might have one by mistake. Mathis did not immediately suspect criminal activity. "Any time a gun goes missing, we're concerned about it," Mathis said. "I'm hoping they'll be able to put their hands on them in the next couple of days." Added Commissioner Amsler: "I want to see us do better." Andrew Kragie contributed to this report The Houston fire department gave the all-clear about two hours after announcing a gas leak in northeast Montrose. A major natural gas pipe started leaking at the intersection of Genesee and Dennis Street, a mostly residential location. Police are searching for a man they say sexually assaulted a 10-year-old boy earlier this year at a library in north Houston. The incident happened about 3:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at the library in the 11300 block of Airline Drive, according to the Houston Police Department. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Houston woman is facing criminal charges after allegedly blackmailing her ex-husband with a sex tape he made with his mistress. According to court documents filed in Harris County District Court, Leslie Amanda Hippensteel faces a misdemeanor charge of unlawful disclosure of intimate visual material. The documents state Hippensteel discovered sex tapes her husband John Ousley and his mistress. Ousley told police that Hippensteel called him on Jan. 28 and said she would send the recordings to his employer at Houston Christian High School if he did not give her money. Ousley showed police bank records that he transferred money to Hippensteel's account and made cash withdrawals totaling $7,812.21. After getting paid, Hippensteel sent the sex tape to Saul Eisenberg, who was going through a custody battle with Ousley's mistress, according to court records. Eisenberg confirmed in a deposition that he received the recordings from Hippensteel around Feb. 2. Eisenberg said he forwarded the recordings to his mother and step-father. The court documents state Hippensteel created a fake email account with her ex-husband's name and uploaded the recordings to Pornhub.com on Feb. 15. Ousley said he never created or used the email account Hippensteel used to upload the recordings. Around the same time, Hippensteel also sent the recordings to Houston Christian High School by email. Ousley resigned from his job after he was confronted about the recordings. Hippensteel and Ousley divorced on Oct. 5, according to court documents. Eisenberg also faces a misdemeanor charge of unlawful disclosure of intimate visual material. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A fraternity at Texas State University voluntarily suspended their chapter in San Marcos Tuesday following the death of a 20-year-old student. The Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity released a statement Tuesday that the chapter suspended all operations until more information regarding the death of Jordin Taylor, a freshman, becomes available. Taylor was found dead under a bus in Martindale Oct. 29. The universitys Greek Affairs calendar shows Pi Kappa Alpha co-hosted a date party event with another Texas State fraternity at 480 Mill Road in Maxwell the Friday before Taylor was found. RELATED: Texas State sorority member, 20, killed after being dragged 500 feet by bus: Sheriff Officials discovered Taylors body underneath a shuttle bus near Cool River Ranch, a tubing and music venue, in the 600 block of Dupuy Ranch Road, around 1 p.m. Guadalupe County Sheriff Arnold Zwicke said Monday that Taylors body was dragged 500 feet by the shuttle which had a faulty braking system. The sheriff said Taylor's cause of death was "consistent with being stuck and dragged by the bus" and "appears to be an accident." The Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity was made aware that Taylor was found in proximity to an event held the previous evening involving members of (the) Zeta Theta Chapter and other organizations, a statement from the fraternity reads. Until more information becomes known, the chapter is voluntarily suspending all operations until further notice. RELATED: 20-year-old Texas State sorority member found dead under bus near San Marcos River Zwicke asserted that a fraternity party was held at Cool River Ranch, 601 Dupuy Ranch Road, the night before Taylor's body was discovered. However, it hasn't been confirmed by officials that the fraternity party was hosted by a Texas State chapter. The university Greek Affairs calendar shows there was no event in Martindale the Friday before Taylors body was found. On what appears to be Taylor's Twitter account, she favorited a tweet posted Oct. 27 containing an image promoting a "Monster Mash" party hosted by Delta Tau Delta, Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Alpha and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternities at Texas State. The flyer, however, did not include a date or location. RELATED: Driver accused in San Marcos crash still jailed, mother who lost husband, child planning funeral Texas State's Greek Affairs deferred questions to university spokesman Matt Flores who told mySA.com Tuesday that the "matter remains under investigation by the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office, I can't provide any other details." Flores, on Monday, confirmed Taylor was a freshman at the university and a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Zwicke confirmed Taylor was from Burleson, and according to her Facebook page, she graduated from Centennial High School in North Texas in 2015. Taylor's sorority tweeted Monday: "Thank you for the condolences during this hard time with the loss our sweet sister, Jordin. All of the love and support means so much. kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 -- MUST READ: Ex-Baylor official goes on offensive against school, by the Chronicles Andrea Zelinski At the same time, Former Baylor University Title IX officer Patty Crawford went on defense to combat the university, which has launched a website that contends she is spreading "false and misleading claims" and characterized her as emotional. Crawford hit the media circuit for the first time this week after resigning from her post at the university Oct. 3, and filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights. The complaint accuses the university and Reagan Ramsower, Baylor's vice president for operations and chief financial officer, of cutting her out of the loop from Title IX decisions and retaliating against her. University officials did not return calls and emails seeking comment Wednesday -- MUST READ, PART 2: Grassroots plan proposed as school finance fix next session, by Quorum Reports Kimberly Reeves ($) A growing number of Central Texas school districts are signing on to a grassroots school finance solution that is elegant in its simplicity, but also comes with a serious price tag: $2 billion. You can call it the Pflugerville Plan, led by Pflugerville ISD chief financial officer Kenneth Adix. Adix has proposed, and school districts both property wealthy and property poor have agreed, that school finance could be settled this session with a $200 bump to the basic allotment each of the next two years, a proposal that would cost the state a total of $5.8 billion. -- TEA says it will suspend special ed target, by the Chrons Brian Rosenthal: In a letter to the U.S. Department of Education, which had ordered the state to eliminate the arbitrary decade-old enrollment benchmark, officials promised to suspend it and work to eventually end it altogether. But the agency also vigorously defended the policy, saying it was not a cap on enrollment, was not meant to save money and did not seriously punish districts for failing to comply. Officials also said they had no evidence that the policy had kept any disabled students out of special education, and they did not offer any plan for identifying and helping kids who may have been shut out. -- Dan Patrick calls on churches to tackle child welfare crisis, by the Texas Observers Laura Marie Thompson: Patrick and other guests all the religiously affiliated speakers at the event were from Christian congregations promoted programs to recruit volunteers, train pastors and support foster families emotionally and logistically. Though caseworker salaries and turnover have been the central talking points for lawmakers lately, Patrick said his initiative would address the retention rates of foster parents instead. -- Dem women implore voters to send message on Election Day: Miller has apologized for the tweet, which used the C-word to refer to Clinton, offering conflicting explanations before settling on it being a staffers mistake. The tweet quickly was deleted after it was posted Tuesday. But the women who gathered Wednesday at a Texas Democratic Party news conference pointed out that GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump has used highly offensive language about women and that top Republican statewide leaders largely back him even if they frown on such comments, per the SA Express-News Peggy Fikac >> Texas voter turnout is huge this year. But heres who doesnt vote, The Texas Tribune >> Immigration attorney is expanding family detention facilities, Express-News >> Texas Parks and Wildlife increase security ahead of pipeline protest, Statesman CAPITOL DAYBOOK - No meetings SPEED READ Harris County wants state to OK more inmates in jail, Houston Chronicle Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. eyes Pedernales Falls expansion, Austin American-Statesman Castro brothers to storm battleground states for Clinton, The Texas Tribune Paxton: Union deal breaks public trust, Austin American-Statesman Where is Obamacare's replacement, Houston Chronicle CDC: Progress reducing uninsured rate threatens to stall, AP Feds charge 2 Army soldiers on allegations of immigration smuggling, San Antonio Express-News Whole Foods beats 4Q profit forecasts, Houston Chronicle October was fourth hottest on record, state climatologist says, Houston Chronicle Water pipeline construction likely to begin early next year, San Antonio Express-News RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE -- Hillary Clinton reveled in reliably red Arizona Wednesday, seeking to pluck a Republican state away from Donald Trump in the closing days of the caustic race for the White House. Clinton's campaign has been eyeing Arizona for weeks. The state has voted for the Democratic presidential candidate only once since 1952 Bill Clinton in his 1996 re-election campaign but Clinton's team believes it's winnable this year given Trump's deep unpopularity with Hispanics. (AP) >> Pence: Were not working with RNC to monitor polls, Politico >> Poll: Trump catches Clinton in NH, Politico -- Obama faults FBI on emails, citing improbable information, by the NYT: Mr. Obamas comments about Mr. Comey, broadcast early in the day as recent polls showed a tightening race, were striking for a president who has insisted he does not comment on F.B.I. investigations. But Mr. Obama appeared to be doing exactly that in implicitly criticizing Mr. Comeys decision to send a vague letter last week to Congress and by extension, the public informing lawmakers about a discovery of new emails related to Mrs. Clintons use of a private server as secretary of state. 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. What To Serve With Fish Cakes Recipes To Serve What To Serve With Fish Cakes Recipes To Serve What To Serve With Fish Cakes Recipes To Serve is a hollandaise sauce made from egg yolks and melted butter, seasoned with a squeeze of lemon, salt, pepper, or some kind of chili powder. Usually this sauce is served in vegetable dishes such as asparagus. Hollandaise sauce is one of the simplest recipes but the cooking technique is a bit difficult. In order to make it perfectly you have to exercise often, because it will get a soft and creamy taste, rich with butter. Will make a simple dish that is perfect. Cooking there are also some, the most common of which is by using bain marie technique, known as doubler boiler. Here we will make asparagus with hollandaise sauce that will make your appetite increase and stagnation. Asparagus with hollandaise sauce is a delicious, savory appetizer wrapped in slices of smoked ham to enhance its taste. What To Serve With Fish Cakes Recipes To Serve What To Serve With Fish Cakes - Recipes To Serve Author: Olivia Centriolla Recipe type: Main Course Cuisine: Italian Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 20 mins Total time: 40 mins Save Print What To Serve With FishCakes - Recipes To Serve With Fish is a hollandaise sauce made from egg yolks and meltedbutter, seasoned with a squeeze of lemon, salt, pepper, or some kind of chilipowder. Ingredients 1 bunch asparagus 1 bunch white asparagus 8 tbsp prague cooking ham 2 egg yolks qb Salt 1 pinch peppercorns 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin Instructions Cut the ham slices not too thin so as not to break when wrapped. Clean the asparagus, remove the hardest part. slices with potato peeler and wash thoroughly then dry. Arrange the slices of ham on the cutting board and put the asparagus, white, green, on top. Wrap the slices of ham over the asparagus and let the ends come out. Coat the baking sheet with paper and place the appropriate rolls on top. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, oil and bake in the oven at 180 degrees for 15 minutes. Put the yolks in a saucepan, a pinch of salt and pepper Cook in a bain-marie, continuing to stir with a whisk. In the middle of the cooking process, and continue until a soft, thick zabaglione forms, not too liquid. Prepare a plate and serve with hollandaise sauce on the side. See also How To Make Alfredo Sauce With Milk - Easy Fettuccine 3.5.3251 Well what about What To Serve With Fish Cakes? Are you interested in the same recipe above that is very interesting? Lets give it a try. List of Cheap All Risk Car Insurance 2021, Choosing the best car insurance is very important so that you can drive with a comfortable feeling. Plus no one knows when risks on the road can occur which makes us have to spend a lot of money for updates in the workshop. The best car insurance whose benefits can facilitate the cost of car renewal. In Indonesia, there are several insurance options available. Nach, in this article, Lifepal wants to summarize the best car insurance options for 2021. Read the following explanation! Is it car insurance? Car insurance is a type of insurance that gives him protection to the car from damage due to accidents, clashes, invulnerability, or slipping. By having insurance, you can avoid the cost of updates that are quite a lot. In Indonesia, there have been many insurance companies that sell car insurance products such as ACA Insurance, AIG, Axa Berdikari, Allianz, and others. The owner of the premium that is damaged to the car and covered in premiums lives visiting the insurance relations workshops. Vehicle insurance in general consists of two types, namely all risk insurance and overall loss only (TLO). The story will be said in detail in the next section. List of the best car insurance 2021 Here are the best car insurance references of 2021: Sinarmas Adira Syariah Adira Autocillin Pratama Monument ACA STOMACH Mega Insurance AXA Independent Tokio Marine Allianz 1. Sinarmas best car insurance Sinarmas offers two insurance options, namely all risk insurance and overall loss only (TLO). For those of you who do not know the inequality between all risk and TLO, you can get the info later below. Here is a summary of info about Sinarmas insurance. Premium: Starts from Rp781,660 /year Relationship workshops: 584 workshops Claim step: Through the program (1 day) Optimal car life: 12 years Special advantage: Free taxi costs along with the car at the workshop 2. Best Car Insurance Adira Syariah PT Asuransi Adira Dinamika offers sharia all risk insurance as a good insurance option. Here is a summary of info about Adira Syariah insurance. Premium: Starts from Rp863,940 /year Relationship workshop: More than 300 workshops Claim step: Through the program (1 day) Optimal car life: ten years Special advantage: Premium returns when there is no claim and has been certified by MUI 3. Best Car Insurance Adira Autocillin As for conservative options, PT Asuransi Adira Dinamika offers Adira Autocillin all risk insurance as a good car insurance option. Heres a summary of info about Adira Autocillin. Premium: Starts from Rp863,940 /year Relationship workshop: More than 300 workshops Claim step: Through the program (1 day) Optimal car life: 1o years Special advantages: Free towing and extend stnk 4. Tugu Pratama all risk vehicle insurance PT Asuransi Tugu Pratama Indonesia Tbk offers all risk insurance for car owners as a good insurance option. Here is a summary of info about Tugu Pratama insurance. Premium: Starts from Rp33,000 /month Relationship workshop: 307 workshops Claim step: Through the program (1 day) Optimal car life: 1o years Can do a claim in a non-relationship workshop by then applying reimbursement to Tugu. However, it should be noted here, this can only be done if there is no tugu insurance relations workshop in the customers territory. On another note, the non-relationship workshop is a workshop referenced by Tugu Insurance. That is, not all non-relationship workshops can receive claims with reimbursement mechanisms, except the workshop referenced Tugu. Tugu is also required to do approval first before receiving reimbursement. 5. ACA car insurance Another all risk insurance as a good car insurance option is prepared by PT Asuransi Central Asia. Heres a summary of the ACAs insurance. Premium: Starts from Rp781,660 /year Relationship workshop: More than 90 workshops Claim step: Through the program (1 day) Optimal car life: seven years Special advantage: Free alternative car along with the car at the workshop 6. All risk insurance and TLO MAG PT Asuransi Multi Artha Buat offers all risk insurance and TLO as a good insurance option. Heres a summary of info about MAG insurance. Premium: Starts from Rp781,660 /year Relationship workshops: 534 workshops Claim step: Through the program (1 day) Optimal car life: 1o years Special advantage: Updates in legitimate workshops at no extra cost 7. All risk Mega Insurance PT Asuransi Umum Mega offers all risk insurance as the best insurance option for riders. Here is a summary of info about Mega Insurance insurance. Premium: Starts from Rp250,000 /month Relationship workshops: More than 250 workshops Claim step: Through the program (1 day) Optimal car life: ten years Special advantages: Health benefits and personal accidents 8. Independent AXA vehicle insurance AXA Independently offers all risk vehicle insurance and TLO with a summary of products such as the following. Relationship workshop: s/d 350 relations in all of Indonesia. Claim: without survey. Benefits: change, renewal, legal liability up to Rp25 million, vehicle key change up to Rp25 million. Special advantage: new exchange for a six-month optimal age car, free of charge ambulance. 9. Tokio Marine vehicle insurance PT Asuransi Tokio Marine Indonesia offers all risk vehicle insurance and TLO with benefits such as the following. Benefits: indemnity damage to the car, tow fare, and ambulance fare. Additional benefits: the responsibilities of the 3rd faction, self-accidents, natural calamities. Service: workshop renewal warranty and 24-hour call-center. 10. Allianz vehicle insurance Allianz have all risk vehicle insurance and TLO with this benefit. Benefits: compensation for car damage and robbery by the driver, legal liability of the 3rd faction, compensation for death, taxi fares throughout the renewal of the car. Precarious 24-hour contribution. Car insurance inequality all risk and TLO You need to know if there are two types of cheap insurance that can be decided, namely all risk and TLO. Whats the difference between the two? 1. All risk Just as the name implies, all risk insurance gives him protection for all the risks that hit our car. All risk mode insurance does not see the percentage of damage felt by the car. Whether small or large, the renewal cost of damages will be guaranteed by the insurance company. Insurance that is often mentioned comprehensive insurance gives him some collateral expansion, such as cases of flooding, riots, and other protections. 2. Sum Loss Only (TLO) TLO insurance provided him with collateral when the naturally insured car was lost due to being kidnapped. Nach, for cheap vehicle insurance, will generally use the overall loss-only type of insurance because there is a certain limit. Insurance services do not assume if the car is damaged below 75%. Damage above 75% is likened if the damage that occurs makes the car unusable. Nach, thats the discussion of the best car insurance reference Lifespan. Do not be reluctant to learn the contents of the insurance policy before we buy! Guide to choosing the best car insurance There are ways to determine good insurance for you. In short, here are four of the most important aspects to think about when determining insurance. Determine the same type of insurance accordingly (all risk or TLO). Determine with trusted integrity. Determine the insurance that has a wide relationship workshop. Compare the premium price of the feature service version. The virtues of vehicle insurance Insuring a car as a thing that can be called must be implemented for some owners of 4-wheeled vehicles, especially for new cars. More provide benefits back if we can get cheap vehicle insurance to be able to save monthly expenses. But why is it so important to insure our cars? 1. Getting calmer in driving The risk of bad events can happen anywhere and anytime. There must be a sense of worry in driving, what else if the car is still in a new state. Because there is insurance, surely the anxiety will be extinct. 2. Shoulder a variety of losses starting from damage to loss Starting from damage to loss, the insurance faction will be responsible for some of the bad things that happen to our cars. So, there is no need to worry and we can continue to drive without the need to think about some unnecessary things. 3. Protect our finances from large expenses Insurance premiums that we pay every month become a bailout if something bad happens to the car. Our premiums are calculated cheaper than fixing car damage with their own money. By paying a premium, therefore our car has been protected for a large expenditure for renewal in the workshop. 4. No need to exit funds not suspect because it has been distributed Funds are not suspected to be one of the most annoying forms of expenditure because we cannot predict when and how much funds will be spent. Because there is cheap car insurance, we do not need to worry about losing a lot of money in savings if something happens to our vehicle! Whenever our car is damaged, we need to drive it to the insurance relations workshop and all kelar is updated without being taken away, except the administrative costs in the workshop which include very cheap. One of the strangest ironies of this strangest of campaigns is that, if America does elect its first woman president, it will be Donald Trump, not Hillary Rodham Clinton, who will have played the crucial role. As if to confirm the most fevered feminist images of predatory male sexuality, Trump has managed to offend some of the most loyal Republican women, from senators to local organizers to rank and file. He now lags about 20 points behind Clinton among women voters. But while the media have been celebrating Republican women who finally get it, they have been less vocal about a striking class and education divide that should be a familiar theme in this election. Yes, college-educated women are overwhelmingly for Clinton; but women without college degrees are sticking with the Republican nominee. They may be less enthusiastic than they were in 2012, when they overwhelmingly supported Mitt Romney, and they are far less gung-ho than the almost two-thirds of their male counterparts in the Trump camp. Still, while the polls vary widely, Trump runs as high as 27 points ahead among white women without a college degree, higher than Clintons 23-point advantage among college-educated women. So why are less-educated white women willing to look past Trumps serial offenses? One preferred media explanation is that many of these women are evangelical Christians who remain wedded to traditional gender roles and feel anxious about women in powerful positions. Women who want to be protected in the private sphere or need to be protected in the private sphere tend to emphasize the need to protect and privilege womens special capacities for nurturing, the feminist historian Stephanie Coontz said in an interview in Vox. The picture that emerges from on-the-ground reporting, including some of my own, clashes with this image of the timid Biblical help meet. Consider the most memorable character in J.D. Vances bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy: his grandmother, Mawmaw, a woman at ease with a rifle. Mawmaw was so disgusted by her husbands drinking that she doused him with gasoline and tossed a lit match. For good reason, her grandson took her seriously when she threatened to run over a classmate whom she believed was having a bad influence on him. (Amazingly, both men avoided serious injury.) Not that most of Trumps female supporters resemble Mawmaw. They work in insurance offices, hospitals, or schools, where they have to put on proper attire and say Pardon me without thinking when they bump into someone. Still, away from work, they are familiar with rural life and the coarser manners that sometimes go along with it. Their husbands or uncles may drive a truck; maybe their brother-in-law is a fireman or a plumber, men who come home muddy, greasy, and smelling more like an oil spill than Valentino Uomo. In her recent book Strangers in Their Own Land, the sociologist Arlie Hochschild profiles a single, 60-year-old Lake Charles, Louisiana accountant, a Pentecostal with a direct, forceful manner. I learned to handle a shotgun when I was six, picking off cottonmouth and copperhead snakes, she tells Hochschild. My daddy used to say if you shoot em, you clean em and eat em. Almost all these women have male relatives or friends in the military; some of those men are serving in very dangerous places. Their devotion to these men motivates some of their bitterness toward elites whose men dont have to worry about IEDs and midnight visits from the military police. Their fears for the mens safety also explain much of their contempt for Hillary Clinton, whose infamous question from the Benghazi hearingsWhat difference at this point does it make?was the verbal equivalent of a cottonmouth bite. None of this means that Trump-supporting women approve of the candidates wandering hands and foul mouth. But they take for granted a certain degree of bawdiness in relations between the sexes. When a group of women are together, were talking just as nasty as the guys, a Trump-supporting teacher from Staten Island told me. Were all guilty. At any rate, she continues, she doesnt get the gap between, on the one hand, empowered feminist talkthe quasi-ironic embrace of terms like bitch and nasty womanand the reluctance to say anything when theyre mistreated by a man, on the other. (Or when they say they were mistreated; a lot of Trump women are extremely skeptical.) All of these liberal women, I find it funny theyre so outspoken fighting for womens rights and now theyre afraid? Its all bullshit. Atlantic writer Molly Ball once asked Ivana Trump, Donalds first wife, whether it was painful to be treated like she was disposable, discarded abruptly after more than a decade of marriage for a younger woman? Ivana harrumphed . . . I am Eastern European woman. I am strong. This language and worldview is a planet apart from our Trump-o-phobic media, professional, and political class, among whom I include myself. We were raised to use our words, not gasoline cans and pick-up trucks. We work with men who sweat primarily when they go to the gym. We intuitively sense the line between playfully suggestive and inappropriate, a word that has become oddly resurgent in this era of the bourgeois f-bomb. To understand this election, we should have spent much more time talking to women at ease with skinning a snake or having nightly dinner with a bone-tired man with calloused hands and few words. Had we done so, we might be less surprised by the results next Tuesday, whatever they might be. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Its long been known that social-media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube (owned by Google) delete significant amounts of user-posted content. Some of what gets removed is in clear violation of legitimate standards governing pornography and pirated content. But a lot of what gets pulled down is neither offensive nor illegal. Rather, its content whose message these platforms disagree with. The practice has affected a lot of conservativeslike Milo Yiannopoulos, banned for life from Twitterbut is hardly limited to them. Even hardcore leftist feminist groups have fallen afoul of the corporate censors. Facebook wouldnt allow a blogger to promote her Facebook post about the history of menstrual products and banned a photo featuring a plus-sized model for a body positivity event. In many such cases, content is removed by over-zealous algorithms or malicious reporting of posts as abusive. Public complaint is often enough to force a platform to restore deleted posts or accounts. Recently, however, the social media giants have begun refusing to reverse their censorious decisions, even in the face of significant bad press. Consider Prager University, a web site run by conservative radio host Dennis Prager that posts five-minute explainer videos on various issues. YouTube slapped restricted status on many of them. While they can still be played, anyone who operates YouTube in restricted modesuch as families who want to screen out content inappropriate for childrenget an error message. One of the affected videos is by my City Journal colleague, former New York Times reporter Judith Miller, who posted an explainer on why the decision to go to war in Iraq was based on sincere but faulty intelligence, not lies. One can disagree, of course, but Millers dispassionate presentation of the matter involves no sexual content or graphic language or images. Its completely mystifying why such an obviously inoffensive video would be restricted. YouTube removed the restricted setting on a Prager University video by Wall Street Journal writer Kimberly Strassel after that paper ran an editorial about it. But it left the restricted flag in place on Millers video and 16 others, despite a number of articles and columns criticizing the sites treatment of Prager University. YouTube has declined even to explain why these videos were flagged. Parent company Google has only issued a statement saying that restricted mode is an optional feature, used by only a small subset of users. Again, conservatives arent the only target. In Norway, journalist Tom Egelands Facebook post about pictures that changed warfare was taken down because it included Nick Uts famous, Vietnam-era napalm girl photo. Norways largest newspaper, Afterposten, published an open letter on Facebookincluding the photocomplaining about the removal. Facebook deleted that, too. Then, the prime minister of Norway posted the photo, and the social site deleted it. While Facebook eventually backed down under a withering onslaught from elite media, its amazing that the platform was willing to censor even the prime minister of a Western democracy. According to reports, Facebooks employees wanted to censor Donald Trumps posts. They were only stopped by CEO Mark Zuckerberg himself. Googles statement about the Prager University video notes that restricted mode is algorithmic and takes into account community flagging on videos. [W]e encourage users to flag videos they feel should be included on Restricted Mode, they said. This is practically begging political activists to censor their adversaries through malicious flagging of videos. That these firms seem so willing to censor should trouble everyone concerned about free speech. As should the fact that theyre increasingly turning to permanent lifetime bans of people they dont like. Its true that these are private companies, not governments. But their disproportionate market sharethe local phone company currently faces more competition than do YouTube, Facebook, or Twittermakes their actions a public concern. Photo by Prykhodov/iStock Caritas Cehia in cautarea unui expert/unei experte sau unei echipe de experti in prestarea serviciilor de consiliere psihologica (pe segmentul burnout) pentru echipa mobila de prestare a serviciilor psiho-sociale pentru refugiatii ucraineni The Exclusive Remedy Rule is neither exclusive nor a remedy. What began as a cornerstone of the social insurance experiment known as workers compensation has become so riddled with leaks that employers and their insurers often give up on subrogation in order to protect themselves from liability they were never intended to bear. One of the biggest holes in the exclusive remedy dam is known as the Dual Capacity Doctrine. Like all of the other holes in the dam, it has gotten much bigger over the years. Understanding it is crucial to recovery efforts regardless of the state you are subrogating in. The exclusive remedy provision of a states workers compensation act is a bar to all tort actions by an employee against an employer. A trade-off occurs because the employee sacrifices the uncertain common law remedy in tort for employment-related injuries in exchange for the certain recovery of workers compensation benefits, which are paid regardless of employer fault. In exchange for potentially unlimited liability even for the most innocent employer, the employees exclusive remedy against the employer is recovery of statutory benefits. An employee cannot sue his own employer in tort or at least thats the way its supposed to work. Established exceptions to this exclusive remedy protection include intentional acts of the employer or co-employees, retaliatory discharge, and the employers failure to procure workers compensation coverage. What about when the employer wears more than one hat? The Dual Capacity Doctrine has evolved over time to allow tort actions against an otherwise protected employer who, in addition to acting as employer, also acts in another capacity. First Adopted The first court to adopt the Dual Capacity Doctrine was the California Supreme Court in 1952. The employee was a nurse injured on the job and was negligently treated by a co-employee chiropractor. The employee sued the chiropractor and her employer and the Court eventually ruled that an employee injured in an industrial accident may sue the attending physician for malpractice if the original injury is aggravated as a result of the doctors negligence, and that such right exists whether the attending doctor is the insurance doctor or the employer. Accordingly, an employer normally shielded from tort liability under the Exclusive Remedy Rule may become liable in tort to its employee if, in additional to its capacity as employer, it occupies a second capacity conferring on it obligations that are independent of its obligations as an employer. [T]he decisive dual-capacity test is not concerned with how separate or different the second function of the employer is from the first but with whether the second function generates obligations unrelated to those flowing from the first, that of employer. Within moments after the crack in the dam appeared, the trial lawyers amassed at the gates. To be liable under the Dual Capacity Doctrine, an employer must act in a capacity other than that of the employer. The underlying public policy rational for the doctrine is that when an employees injury is caused concurrently by the employers breach of a duty owed to all members of the public, denying that person a common law cause of action would strip the employee of a cause of action available to non-employees simply because he or she is an employee. Over the years, at least eight distinct other capacities in which an employer may act, potentially exposing the employer to tort liability, despite the protection of the Exclusive Remedy Rule, have been considered by various courts. Manufacturer or Distributor of Defective Product When the employer manufactures, modifies, distributes, or installs a product that causes an employee workplace injuries, courts have considered whether the employee may bring a product liability action against the employer. A minority of states have applied the Dual Capacity Doctrine in this context, requiring that the second persona of the employer be completely independent from his obligations as an employer. Under the minority view, the Dual Capacity Doctrine is applied (i.e., suit against employer allowed) if the defective product is sold to the general public, as well as provided to the employee for use (e.g., an employee of Chrysler is injured by a defective Chrysler vehicle). The Dual Capacity Doctrine has been accepted in California, Ohio and Illinois, among other states. On the other hand, the majority of states reject the Dual Capacity Doctrine in cases involving products made by the employer (i.e., suit against employer not allowed). These states include Arkansas, Indiana, North Dakota, and Oklahoma. As the Oklahoma court stated: The majority of jurisdictions have refused to apply the dual-capacity doctrine under a products liability theory, when the employer manufactures, modifies, distributes or installs a product used in the employees work. Application of the dual-capacity doctrine requires that the second persona of the employer be completely independent from his obligations as an employer. If the employer is also the manufacturer of the product which caused the employees injury, the two personas of manufacturer and employer are interrelated. An employer has a duty to provide a safe workplace for his employees. If an employer provides an employee with a defective machine or tool to use in his work, he has breached his duty as a manufacturer to make safe machinery, and his duty as an employer to provide a safe working environment. Yet, the two duties are so inextricably wound that they cannot be logically separated into two distinct legal personas. Provider of Medical Services A second scenario in which an employer may be liable in tort under the Dual Capacity Doctrine involves an employer that provides medical services to its own employee. Duprey v. Shane, the first case to adopt the Dual Capacity Doctrine, was a California case that adopted the Dual Capacity Doctrine (i.e., suit against employer allowed) in the context of providing medical services. Several states accept the doctrine in such a context, including Ohio. On the other hand, the doctrine has been rejected under such circumstances (i.e., suit against employer not allowed) in Illinois, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Florida. The most common approach seems to be that the Dual Capacity Doctrine will expose the employer to liability only if the employer personally performs medical services. The rationale is that there is a crucial difference between paying for services and physically performing them, as it is impossible to cause physical injury by writing a check. Owner of Real Estate There is virtually no support for application of the Dual Capacity Doctrine when the employer is sued as premises owner, typically in something akin to a slip and fall case. In Sharp v. Gallagher, the Illinois Supreme Court drove home the reason why. In Sharp, the employee was injured while working at a residential construction site, and the premises was also owned by contractor-employer through a land trust. The Court held that an employer cannot be sued as the owner or occupier of land, whether the cause of action is based on common-law obligations of landowners or on a law such as a safe place statute or structural work act. Apart from the basic argument that mere ownership of land does not endow a person with a second legal persona or entity, there is an obvious practical reason requiring this result. The Court said that an employer, as part of his business, will almost always own or occupy premises, and maintain them as an integral part of conducting his business. If every action and function connected with maintaining the premises could ground a tort suit, the concept of exclusiveness of remedy would be reduced to a shambles. Employer is Self-Insured It has been argued that an employer that is self-insured actually wears two hats, one as employer and the other as insurance company. However, there is very little support for applying the Exclusive Remedy Rule. The rationale is two-part: (1) self-insurance is within the scope of employer activity; and (2) taking on the role of an insurer does not give rise to an independent duty in terms of providing safe work premises, which is the employers duty. Most cases in this area are based upon negligent inspection of the premises. Generally, courts have rejected the Dual Capacity Doctrine in the context of an employer who is also a self-insurer (i.e., suit not allowed). Corporate Subsidiaries or Related Entities The uniform rule is that the operation of different divisions within a corporation does not create separate capacities within the meaning of the Dual Capacity Doctrine. Even states which apply the Dual Capacity Doctrine in other situations generally do not apply the Dual Capacity Doctrine (i.e., allow suit against employer) in this context. In the cases that allow suit against a corporate subdivision or related corporation, the argument for imposing liability is that it is a separate division/entity of the employers business causes an employees injury. Government Divisions The general rule is that an employee of one governmental division cannot sue the government when another governmental division causes the employee to suffer injuries. Nonetheless, an argument can be made for applying the Dual Capacity Doctrine, as governments often have many employees and separate departments, which act independently. Employer as Vendor When there is a vendor/vendee relationship between the employer and its employee, it has been argued that the Dual Capacity Doctrine should apply, but only if the employer is in the business of supplying the injury-causing goods or services. Two Michigan decisions explain this limitation. In Panagos v. North Detroit Gen. Hosp., a hospital employee cut his mouth on food purchased in a hospital cafeteria. The Dual Capacity Doctrine was allowed, and a tort suit against the employer was allowed. The Court said that the plaintiffs case was based upon the vendor-vendee relationship and the cause of action has nothing to do with the fact that the plaintiff also happened to be employed by the defendant. In Neal v. Roura Iron Works, Inc., an employee brought breach of warranty suit against employer, which sold the employee a glove which became caught in a drill press. The Court distinguished Panagos and did not allow a suit because the plaintiffs accident could not possibly have happened but for the fact that he was employed by the defendant as a drill press operator. Moreover, the gloves allegedly sold to the plaintiff were to be used by him in his capacity as an employee of the defendant, and it was while plaintiff was performing in this capacity that the accident occurred. Statutory Duty Not Imposed By Workers Compensation Act This final application of the Dual Capacity Doctrine has not been widely considered by U.S. courts. The question is whether the statutory duty arises independent of the employer-employee relationship. Because these cases concern very specific factual scenarios, the results have differed. In Wisconsin, an employee was a national guardsman injured as a result of the negligence of another guardsman and sought to recover under a Wisconsin statute requiring the state to pay a judgment entered against a guardsman acting in good faith. This suit was allowed because, according to the court, the state is wearing two hats, that of employer and that required of it under the guardsman statute. In New York, the Court of Appeals adjudicated a case in which an employee injured in an accident, while being driven home in car owned by employer, sought to recover under New Yorks vicarious liability statute which imposes liability on a vehicle owner for negligence of any person operating a vehicle with owners permission. Suit was not allowed because to allow the suit was to thwart the legislative purpose of the exclusive remedy provision. It seems that the essential question is whether the statutory duty arises independent of the employer-employee relationship. Summary Oliver Wendell Holmes once said that, The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions. American courts have drilled a multitude of holes in the exclusive remedy protection provided by state workers compensation systems in the name of fairness and common sense. According to the Dual Capacity Doctrine, an employer who is generally immune from tort liability to an employee injured in a work-related accident may become liable to his employee as a third-party tortfeasor if he occupies, in addition to his capacity as an employer, a second capacity that confers upon him obligations independent of those imposed upon him as an employer. Subrogation professionals must be able to recognize when and under what circumstances this doctrine will come back to haunt them. Because liability of and a recovery by the employee from an employer wearing two hats usually doesnt translate into a pool of money from which the workers compensation carrier can be reimbursed. And in the end, that is our goal. Tukwila, Wash., police were so concerned about a police dogs propensity to bite suspects and officers themselves that they had the animals teeth filed down. But just weeks later the K-9 tore a fist-sized chunk out of a teenage suspects calf, a new federal lawsuit alleges. The lawsuit was filed this month by Luis Yellowowl-Burdeau, who was a 19-year-old domestic-violence suspect hiding under a bush in his backyard when the dog, named Officer Gino, bit him in 2012, The Seattle Times reported. The complaint says that he suffered a permanent injury and had medical bills totaling $81,000. In less than four years with the department, the German shepherd bit 31 people, including his handler and another law-enforcement officer, the lawsuit said, alleging a pattern of unconstitutional conduct, by the departments K-9 unit. Chief Mike Villa, in an emailed response to written questions, said Gino and his handler were a very effective team and that the number of bites averages out to around seven captures a year, which he said would not be out of line for a properly performing K-9 team in a department with 30,000 service calls a year. Gino garnered sympathetic media coverage after being stabbed in the neck while helping his handler, Officer James Sturgill, apprehend a shoplifter in 2009. But in January 2012, while tracking a robbery suspect in a trailer court, Gino grabbed the calf of King County Sheriffs Deputy Matthew Olmstead, crushing and tearing at the leg. Tukwila paid $175,000 to settle Olmsteads claim against the city. That year, Assistant Police Chief Bruce Linton reviewed the dogs record and ordered the filing/rounding out of K-9 Officer Ginos teeth, after which the dog would be allowed to return to duty, according to documents obtained by Eric Nelson, Yellowowl-Burdeaus Seattle attorney. But experts question that decision. The head of the 2,800-member U.S. Police Canine Association, David Lou Ferland, said he had never heard of that technique being used to minimize bite damage, and Shan Hanon, the president of the Washington State Police Canine Association and a dog handler with the Bellingham Police Department, said he doesnt agree with it. There is another theory that by grinding down the dogs teeth you get more pressure on a bite that could actually cause more damage, Hanon said in an email. Yellowowl-Burdeau was being sought because his mother reported that after she threw a plastic chair leg at him, he threw it back, causing minor injuries. He was unarmed and hiding in his backyard when the dog dragged him out from underneath the bush. According to Richard Jolley, the Seattle lawyer representing Tukwila in the lawsuit, the officers had to arrest Yellowowl-Burdeau because of the states mandatory-arrest requirement in domestic-violence cases where injuries result. And the only way they had to find him was with a dog, Jolley said. Court documents say that as Yellowowl-Burdeau was loaded into an ambulance, Sturgills dash-camera audio captured him cursing and saying, Ohhh, were going to get in trouble for that one. The police chief retired the dog six days later. Gino died of cancer in 2015. Several police departments around the state have paid settlements following bites by police dogs. Earlier this year, Tukwila paid $100,000 to a man bitten by a police dog while being arrested for trespassing in a freight yard. The Peninsula Daily News reported Sunday that a man has filed a $2.7 million claim against Port Angeles after being mistakenly bitten in February by a police dog that was chasing a suspected car thief. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Bust Discomforts Problems to Take a breath | And Risk of Bust Discomforts Problems to Take a breath Bust Discomforts Problems to Take a breath | And Risk of Bust Discomforts Problems to Take a breath Bust Discomforts Problems to Take a breath Bust discomfort when taking a breath can cause an undesirable feeling. The discomfort could differ from mild pain to serious pain. Along with discomfort, problem taking a breath can also be really truly really felt. Find more about Bust Discomforts Problems to Take a breath, in this article. Factors for bust discomfort when taking a breath can be a sign of a considerable clinical problem or disease. Bust discomfort when taking a breath is often associated with taking a breath problems. However, aside from taking a breath, several various various various other problems can cause bust discomfort when taking a breath. Therefore, its important to understand of the factors for bust discomfort when taking a breath. This problem can be set off by a heart arrest on food food food digestion. If bust discomfort is gone along with by various various various other indicators such as problem taking a breath, blue staining of the skin, lips, fingers, or toes, chills, or lightheadedness, its important to look for help instantly. Factors for bust discomfort when taking a breath Stress assaults Stress assaults can accompany major stress and anxiousness assaults. Stress assaults cause unexpected, serious indicators that can feel similar to a heart arrest. Indicators may consist of feeling weak, fast heart rate, problem taking a breath, bust discomfort, queasiness, trembling, chills, and pins and needles. Stress assaults have the propensity to be safe. Individuals that have routine stress assaults may experience stress and anxiousness or stress problem. Angina The factor for bust discomfort when taking a breath occurs when theres a restriction of blood flow to the heart. Angina can cause shortness of breath in some individuals. Discomfort because of angina can show up such as rigidness or stress in the bust. This discomfort can spread out out out throughout the body. Heart quiting functioning Heart quiting functioning occurs when the heart cannot pump blood about the body customarily. Indicators of heart quiting functioning consist of shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, swelling in the feet, legs, or ankle joint joint joints, tiredness, changes in hunger, and an improved heart rate. Pericarditis Pericarditis is an inflammatory problem of the heart. Swelling can affect the cells about the heart called the pericardium. This problem can cause bust discomfort and various various various other indicators such as heart palpitations, heat, shortness of breath, muscle weak point, swelling in the stomach place or legs, coughing, and shoulder discomfort. Search Keyword: chest pains hurts to breathe, sharp chest pain and shortness of breath, sharp pain in chest and shortness of breath, what could be the cause of sudden chest pain, what if your chest hurts, what is this pain in my chest, why does my chest hurt when i breathe in, why does my chest randomly hurt, why is my chest hurting and hard to breathe, why does my heart feel heavy, lower back pain when breathing deeply reddit, chest pain like pressure or squeezing, what does it mean your chest hurts, why do my chest hurt when i breathe, why does my chest and throat hurt, why does my chest hurt when i breathe, why does my chest hurts when i breathe Hank Willis Thomas Hank Willis Thomas. Image courtesy of the artist. (Courtesy Hank Willis Thomas) CLEVELAND, Ohio - As the presidential election builds to fever pitch, New York- and San Francisco-based artist Hank Willis Thomas wants to cool temperatures with open-minded and open-hearted conversation about freedom in America. In a free, town hall-style meeting at the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, For Freedoms, the first-ever artist-run Super PAC, co-founded by Thomas, will address political agency and activism, and the role of art and artists in American politics, according to MOCA. The PAC's name is based on the four essential human rights identified by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his famous 1941 State of the Union address: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear. Thomas, 40, is a leading American artist and African-American whose work, recently exhibited at the Transformer Station gallery and the Cleveland Museum of Art, explores, highlights and overturns cliched presentation of blacks in movies, television and advertising. Thomas said in a phone interview earlier this week said he hopes the nonpartisan dialogue on Saturday creates a safe space for dialogue and thought at a highly divided moment in American history. Thomas, who said the "political system is so entrenched and political,'' added that "no single politician or activist can speak to all issues important to us. We really want to bring diversity of thought to this place." Panelists will include Thomas, along with Rev. Dr. Bennett Guess, vice president of the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries; Amanda King, founder and creative director of Shooting Without Bullets; and Jane M. Saks, founding president and artistic director of Project&. Dan Moulthrop, CEO of The City Club of Cleveland, will moderate. For Freedoms uses contributions to support its mission, which is to encourage art-based political discourse and "to advocate for deeper public engagement surrounding the 2016 presidential election," according to MOCA. Thomas, who co-founded For Freedoms with artist Eric Gottesman, said he hopes to engender a spirit of self-criticism in the political sphere. "There's no space for critiquing in our political system, so how can we expect our society to grow?" he said. Disorderly conduct, Prospect Street: An intoxicated Avon woman, 25, was arrested early Oct. 30 after raising a ruckus at a house party. A man at the party flagged down police at about 1:30 a.m. and said the woman was out of control. She was upset because friends had taken away her car keys, due to her drunkenness. One party-goer was restraining the woman. She screamed and cried, and demanded that he let her go. Police ordered the man to release her, and when he did, she stumbled across Prospect and sat down in the road. An officer lifted the woman off the road and, as she resisted, escorted her to his cruiser. She started crying again and dropped to the ground. The officer asked people at the party if anyone knew her. The woman, using a profanity, expressed contempt for everyone the party. The man who had flagged down the officer walked over, and the woman tried to kick him. Police decided it was best to arrest the woman. She resisted and tried to kick one of the officers, but they handcuffed her and sat her down in a cruiser. Police called the woman's uncle, who said she had recently moved in with him in Avon. He said the woman had driven his car to the party, so he couldn't pick her up. He said he would try to obtain a ride later in the day. Officers told the uncle that the woman would spend the night in jail. He said she needed a night in jail because she was continually drinking and misbehaving. On the ride to jail, the woman kicked the glass separating the cruiser's front and back seats. She was placed in restraints in Strongsville jail. Fire, Wallace Drive: A garage attached to a house caught fire at about 1:30 p.m. Nov. 1. No one was hurt. When firefighters and police arrived, flames were shooting 20-30 feet into the air. Police heard several pops, which they believed were bullets exploding in the garage. Police and firefighters evacuated neighboring homes. The owner of the house on fire, and his next-door neighbor, said they were outside working in their yards when the fire started. The neighbor believed he smelled burning electrical wires about 15 minutes before the fire erupted. Two cars were in the garage. A third car was parked in front of the garage and was left inoperable. The front corner of a fourth car, also parked in front of the garage, was damaged. Operating a vehicle under the influence, West Bagley Road: A Cleveland man, 59, was arrested at about 5:50 p.m. Oct. 19 after he stopped his car in the middle of West Bagley near Mulberry Street. A witness called police and said the man, with his foot on the brake in the eastbound curb lane, appeared to be on drugs. When police arrived, the man was rocking back and forth behind the steering wheel. The man was arguing with someone in the backseat, but no one else was in the car. The man smelled of alcohol. The man, following police orders, put his car in park and turned off the engine. He asked officers if they wanted him to pull over his vehicle, and started to put the car in gear. Police told the man to step out of the car, and he did. The man said he had just arrived in Berea from MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, where he had purchased beer and cigars. He failed field sobriety tests. Marijuana possession-driving with a suspended license, Front Street: A Cleveland woman, 32, was cited and summoned to court Oct. 31 after police found a small bag of marijuana in her car. Also, her driver's license was suspended. Police stopped the woman's car at about 10:30 p.m. after seeing her drive 10 mph in a 20-mph zone. Also, the car drifted left of center. Warrant served-improper license plates, Bagley Road: A Cleveland man, 30, and Cleveland woman, 32, were arrested at about 5:30 p.m. Oct. 30 after police checked their license plate and learned that a second man connected to the plate number was wanted for a felony. The man and woman had pulled their car into the driveway of a vacant house in Middleburg Heights. Police checked the man's identification and determined that he was wanted for a traffic violation in Maple Heights. The woman, who was driving, had a suspended license. Also, the car's plate number did not match the car, although the car was not stolen. To comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments page. Grand theft auto, Royalton Road: On Oct. 17, police were dispatched to a Royalton Road residence after a homeowner discovered their white Ford Escape was missing. The woman said she left the car, which was unlocked with the keys inside, parked in her driveway. There are no witnesses. Police are investigating. Grand theft auto, Osage Way: On Oct. 17, police were dispatched to Osage Way after a resident discovered someone stole their red Toyota Corolla. An arriving officer talked to the homeowner, who said he left his car unlocked. Also, his car's spare key was located in his brother's gray Toyota Corolla, which had been gone through. A short time later, an Oakwood Trail resident called police about a red Toyota Corolla parked in their driveway. The homeowner retrieved his car, which wasn't damaged. Police are investigating. Grand theft auto, Royalton Road: On Oct. 17, police were dispatched to a Royalton Road residence after the homeowner discovered his red Toyota Sienna was stolen from his garage. He said the garage door was shut, but the man door was left open. The resident mentioned he keeps his car's valet key in the center console. Also in his driveway is a white Lincoln Town Car, which had a door ajar. Upon further investigation, the homeowner discovered the Lincoln Town Car's valet key, which was also kept in the center console, was also missing. Police are investigating. Drunken driving, Broadview Road: On Oct. 14, police were dispatched to Rite Aid after a car smashed into the store's front door. An arriving officer located the driver, who smelled like alcohol and said he had "messed up." The man was handcuffed. The officer then determined it had been an accident, not a smash-and-grab. After failing a field sobriety test, the man was arrested for drunken driving. At the police station the man vomited and passed out. He was taken to the hospital. The driver was also cited for reckless operation. Drug abuse, Quail Run Drive: On Oct. 16, police observed a black car run a red light on Broadview Road. The officer pulled over the car on Quail Run Drive. The driver said he was headed to Seven Hills to visit his girlfriend. It turned out he had a suspended driver's license. The man was arrested. While searching the car, police a baggie of marijuana, grinder, scissors, bowel, pipe and rolling papers. The driver was also cited for drug abuse, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving through a red light. If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page. ORANGE, Ohio -- Aggravated burglary (no forced entry), grand theft vehicle; East Orange Hill Circle: A resident reported around 7:45 a.m. on Oct. 28 that he came downstairs and found kitchen cupboards open, as was a sliding glass door. The couch blocking the rarely-used slider had been moved, along with his daughter's clarinet case. He found a receipt on the floor that had been in his Northface jacket which was missing, as well as car keys and a Honda Accord. Police found shoe prints in the yard, where a gate had been opened, and checked for fingerprints and DNA evidence in and around the house. They were still looking for the Accord on Nov. 2, and the case had been assigned to detectives. Littering, Emery and Brainard roads: A Warrensville Heights man was cited on the afternoon of Oct. 31 for scattering "Atomic Fireballs" across all four corners of the intersection -- a practice that had been going on for some time before Halloween. After a patrol officer saw him throwing a few of the fireballs, he was asked about littering on residents' properties, and replied that it was based on his Yoruba religious beliefs, and that he was placing the candy for prosperity. The candy was collected and placed in an evidence bag. Theft from building, Emery Road: A general contractor working at the Cleveland Chinese Christian Church reported Oct. 28 that a portable air compressor, copper wire and an aluminum coil, valued at a total of $650, had been stolen. Watching security film, he said he saw one of the subcontractors, a Painesville man, 38, go back into the building after everybody had left on two occasions, then come back out and place items in his car trunk. Police ran a background check on the suspect and found four warrants involving similar incidents. He admitted to the thefts and attempted to have the compressor returned. Police said the copper wire had already been scrapped at East Side Metals for $36. He was charged with misdemeanor theft and turned over to South Russell police on another warrant. Fraud, Hidden Valley Drive: A Shaker Heights woman brought her mother, 86, to the police station on Oct. 30 to file a report on fraudulent debit card and check transactions that date back to August 2014 on her bank account. Neither had any knowledge of the activity on their account until recently. The daughter provided police with copies. Suspicion, attempted theft from auto; Orange Place: A patrol officer found a car parked in the Hampton Inn lot with two different plates but no registration sticker. One of the plates was listed as stolen out of Brunswick, so he took that and left a note on the Subaru Impreza for the owner. Sexual imposition, Orange Place: Circumstances involving an investigation involving an Oct. 23 incident at a local hotel were incorrectly reported earlier. The case involves a 16-year-old boy who said he was inappropriately touched while sitting in a car with an adult guest in the lot. The case has been assigned to detectives. If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page. MetroHealth Hospital system Former Ohio State Dental Board executive director Lili Reitz faces an ethics charge in Franklin County Municipal Court. (Plain Dealer file photo) Edward Hills COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Columbus city prosecutor has charged former Ohio State Dental Board executive director Lili Reitz with leaking confidential information in an investigation into a MetroHealth System executive now facing federal prosecution. Reitz is the fifth person charged in an FBI probe into Edward Hills and dentists affiliated with MetroHealth. Charging documents say Reitz, 51, of Dublin gave former dental board member Hills the identity, home address and email address of a person who made an anonymous complaint about him to the dental board. State law requires that the identity of complainants remain confidential. Reitz, who served as executive director of the board from 1996 to 2015, is scheduled for arraignment Dec. 2 in Franklin County Municipal Court. She could not immediately be reached for comment. The Ohio Inspector General's Office released a report Thursday that said a dental board employee received a complaint about Hills in January 2015. Dental board investigator Jeremy Kimble told Reitz about the complaint. Reitz asked Kimble to further research the matter and to identify the anonymous caller. Kimble gave Reitz the caller's identity, and the former executive director told the investigator to continue researching the caller. He later told investigators that he knew Reitz was giving Hills information about the complaint, the report says. Kimble told investigators that he never received an order from Reitz to investigate the actual claims made in the complaint. "It was later determined by the investigative team that the former board member provided the confidential information to his attorney who in turn contacted the complainant and threatened legal action," the Inspector General's report says. Larry Zukerman, a lawyer representing Hills, said Thursday afternoon that he had not seen the Inspector General's report. He did not return a message a few hours after a cleveland.com reporter emailed him a copy. Reitz's charge was borne out of a two-year investigation conducted by the FBI and IRS into Hills and his colleagues. The former MetroHealth executive, who served on the dental board from 1999 to 2009, was arrested last week, along with former hospital dental residents Sari Alqsous, Yazan Al-Madani and Tariq Sayegh. Federal prosecutors, in an indictment, accuse the quartet of giving and taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, as well as airplane tickets, an LED TV and a Louis Vuitton briefcase. Their schemes touched upon the hospital system's residency program, as well as remedial training required for dentists by the dental board, according to court filings. Reitz is also mentioned in the federal indictment, though not by name. It says that she and Hills added a company Hills co-owned to a list of remedial training providers for dentists and worked to ensure that Hills' company received clients. Hills used his connections in Ohio, Kentucky and Texas to find clients for his company, Oral Health Enrichment, and operated it using MetroHealth resources, the indictment states. He offered to pay "referral fees" for dental board employees who sent clients to his company, according to the indictment. Hills and his co-defendants have pleaded not guilty. If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section. 21440433-mmmain.jpg Akron police seized more than $1 million in cocaine during a drug bust Tuesday, police said. (Evan MacDonald/cleveland.com) AKRON, Ohio -- Federal prosecutors have taken over the case of a New Franklin man that investigators say had 24 pounds of cocaine in his car when an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper pulled him over on Tuesday. Jerry Davis, 36, faces a federal possession with intent to distribute cocaine charge. The trooper pulled him over for a speeding violation, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court. Davis will make his initial appearance at 2 p.m. in front of Magistrate Judge Kathleen Burke in Akron. Davis was pulled over for speeding, and he tried to flee during a conversation with officers, the complaint says. He crashed his Ford Explorer into a utility pole and a parked vehicle. He then got out of his car, ran and jumped off a bridge at East Miller Avenue and Broadway Street. Officers were then able to catch him. Inside the car they found a loaded pistol and a black duffel bag with three wrapped packages of cocaine, the complaint says Akron police, which announced Davis' arrest on Wednesday, said the cocaine was worth more than $1 million. However, the Drug Enforcement Administration says in Davis' complaint that a kilogram, or a little more than two pounds of cocaine, goes for between $30,000 and $40,000. If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section. fake world series tickets Two out-of-state men caught with several fraudulent World Series Game 7 tickets were arrested in Ohio on Wednesday. (Ohio State Highway Patrol) PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Two men face felony charges after being caught with fake tickets to the final World Series game between the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs. Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers on Wednesday morning stopped a 2015 Chevrolet Impala on Interstate 80 in Wood County for a lane change violation. The patrol reported criminal indicators were observed and the driver consented to a search that yielded eight tickets to Game 7 at Progressive Field. Highway patrol confirmed the tickets were fraudulent and estimated the tickets would have sold for more than $4,000. The driver, Terry R. Walls, 36, of Merrillville, Indiana and passenger, Citron A. Mitchell, 35, of Chicago, Illinois, were arrested and charged with forgery, a fifth-degree felony. If convicted, each could face up to a year in prison and up to a $2,500 fine. The investigation is ongoing, the highway patrol said, and more charges could be filed at a later time. Last week, three men were arrested for selling counterfeit tickets. One man was selling fake staff passes, promising entry to Progressive Field for $150. If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section. CLEVELAND, Ohio - When Alberto Zambenedetti suggested a book about movies made in Cleveland to his editors, they were a bit surprised. "They said, 'Cleveland, really?' " says a laughing Zambenedetti, assistant professor of Italian and cinema studies at the University of Toronto. Yes, really. Their surprise was understandable. Zambenedetti's previous books on film locations around the world focused on the far more cinematic cities of Venice, Rome and Florence - the stomping grounds for Fellini and Bertolucci and Visconti and other 20th-century giants. So when Zambenedetti, who was then teaching at Oberlin College, suggested the "World Film Locations: Cleveland" book in 2014, it took some convincing. "When I relocated to Oberlin, my wife and I were spending a lot of time in Cleveland," says the Venice native. "I thought, 'There's a lot of cinema here for an American city of its size.' ... So then I pitched a volume." Soon, he won over his editors. But writing about Cleveland cinema wasn't as easy as it had been for European cities. "It's easy to write a book about cinema shot in Rome, because Rome comes with its own image. Rome is Rome. You can't make a film shot in Rome look any different than how it's going to look. "A lot of North American cities can be traded for another. Toronto can stand in for New York, or Cleveland can stand in for New York. European cities come with a more specific identity. ...The thing about Cleveland is, you really have to be an insider to know its identity." So Zambenedetti turned to the Cleveland film expert for guidance: John Ewing, director of the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. "He said, 'Oh, there's so much cinema here, and not a lot is written about it.' He was extremely generous in helping me with the book." Ewing, in fact, wrote the foreword to the newly released "World Film Locations: Cleveland." "That Cleveland gets its own volume may raise a few eyebrows - until one reads about all the motion picture activity that has happened here over the decades," he writes. The book, which Zambenedetti edited and wrote the majority of chapters, is a fascinating, 132-page look at Cleveland's wide-ranging role on the big screen. It ranges from such well-known classics as "The Kid from Cleveland," "The Deer Hunter," "Stranger Than Paradise," "A Christmas Story," "American Splendor" and "Major League" to lesser-known films and indie flicks such as "The Gathering," "Edge of Seventeen" and "The Escape Artist" to newer Hollywood productions such as "The Avengers," "Antwone Fisher" and "Fun Size." The book is written chronologically, beginning 1949. Some movies are set in Cleveland; in others, Cleveland is a stand-in. One Cleveland location is focused on for each movie, such as Municipal Stadium for "The Kid from Cleveland," the Euclid Tavern for "Light of Day" and the Olympia Theatre for "Welcome to Collinwood." Maps locate each spot for those seeking to make a pilgrimage. "We asked ourselves, what does the movie do with that particular location? How does this location, and movie, highlight a particular moment in history?" Zambenedetti will celebrate the book's publication with a launch event that includes a screening of the rarely seen 1968 Cleveland film "Double-Stop" at the Cinematheque this Saturday at 7 p.m. "I had not been aware of the film until John Ewing mentioned it to me," says Zambenedetti of the movie about a cellist for the Cleveland Orchestra (Jeremiah Sullivan) and his artist wife (Mimi Torchin), who disagree about whether to bus their young son (Billy Kurtz) to an inner-city school in the spirit of integration. The 35 mm film was written and directed by then-23-year-old Clevelander Gerald Sindell, and shot on locations in Shaker Heights, Bratenahl and University Circle. "It was the perfect Cleveland film for the period it came out," says Zambenedetti. "Released in the wake of the 1968 race riots ... the film engages with Cleveland's inherent contradictions," he writes in the book. The inclusion of lesser-known movies like this along with biggies like "The Deer Hunter" and "Major League" was important for Zambenedetti, he says. "We wanted to make it as local as possible, to include the local indie films and experimental films about the culture and the place, not just big Hollywood movies," says the professor. "These are not all necessarily great films, but they are meaningful because of all that they did for the city, and the community around it." Alberto Zambenedetti will appear at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, for a book launch of "World Film Locations Cleveland" and panel discussion following the "Double-Stop" screening (76 minutes). Special admission $11; members, Cleveland Institute of Art and Cleveland State University ID holders, and those age 25 and under, $8; no passes, twofers or radio winners. The Cinematheque is at 11610 Euclid Ave.; call 216-421-7450. hiramcollege.jpeg Hiram College will offer three-year bachelor's degree programs beginning in fall 2017. (Hiram College ) HIRAM, Ohio - Hiram College students will be able to graduate in three years and save money under a new program that includes summer courses. The 3-year option will be offered, beginning in fall 2017, in 19 academic programs at the private liberal arts college in Portage County. "We are responding to the public's call for increased affordability and accessibility," President Lori Varlotta said. Many colleges offer options for students to obtain a bachelor's degree in less than four years. They often include taking courses in high school or over the summer. Ohio's public colleges were required to submit three-year degree plans to the Ohio Department of Education. How does the Hiram's program work? Students will take classes year-round, but have some breaks during the summer. They will pay half the $475 per credit hour cost for summer classes. Students will receive priority scheduling to ensure they get the courses they need at the time that they need them to graduate in three years. Core courses, required for every student, will be offered during the summer. How much will they save? Officials say students will save $26,000 in tuition costs and gain a extra year of earnings by entering the workforce earlier. The college also has a tuition guarantee that keeps the cost the same for all four years for incoming freshmen. What other options are there at Hiram? In addition to a traditional four-year degree and programs for those who transfer from community colleges, Hiram offers two fully-online degree programs, a weekend college, an honors college and program for students who need additional academic support. "Given all these pathways the days of thinking a private liberal arts college is only for the elite and traditional-age college students is long gone at Hiram," Varlotta said. "We're expanding the mission of Hiram to all." For more information on any of Hiram's programs visit hiram.edu. How to treat Bust Pain on Left Side When Taking a breath in The right side of your bust could be a sign of a heart problem, and many individuals think theyre experiencing a heart arrest whenever it happens. However, this type of pain could also indicate lower considerable problems, such as an extra of gas in the stomach reflux, stress and anxiousness, or an assault. Find more about How to treat Bust Pain on Left Side When Taking a breath in, on this article. If the discomfort is significant and is gone along with by indicators such as shortness of breath and prickling feelings in your left hand, and it does not improve in simply a set of mins, its best to visit the emergency situation circumstance facility. A heart electrocardiogram is probably to be required for verification of a feasible heart issue, particularly in older individuals or those experiencing from persistent disease such as diabetes, hypertension or elevated cholesterol. Bust Discomfort on Left Side When Taking a breath in : Causes Fear or an stress and anxiousness attack Occasions that trigger high stress and anxiousness or stress assaults may cause bust discomforts that resemble heart arrest. However, the discomfort is various because the discomfort is typically moderate and sharp instead compared to significant or pressure-like. Its also normal for individuals that experience from stress and anxiousness assaults or stress assaults to feel prickling throughout their whole body, not simply one equipment up. Stress and anxiousness and stress assaults typically are skilled following times of serious stress, such as a battle and an infarct may exist for any factor. How to treat it When theres a suspicion of stress and anxiousness or stress assaults Its important to look for a peaceful spot and after that attempt to unwind. Its also feasible to take keep in mind of songs or sip a relaxing tea such as passionflower valerian, or Chamomile. If you are receiving therapy with stress and anxiousness, you could also take an as-needed or PRN anxiolytic medication. If the discomfort proceeds for greater compared to 15 mins and you implicated you have an infarct, after that you must see a physician. Also if you are simply experiencing from stress and anxiousness The medical facility may offer therapies to ease the pain. Search Keyword: chest pain on left side when breathing in, chest pain reflux symptoms, chest pain right side treatment, chest pain while eating, chest pain with exertion, chest pressure when lying down on back, chest sharp pain, heart cramp feeling, heart squeeze, pain in chest while eating, right side chest pain treatment, sharp chest pain, sharp chest pains, sharp pain chest, sharp pain im chest, sharp pain in the chest, sharp pain in.chest, sharp painin chest, sharp pains in chest, .sharp.pain in chest, treatment for right side chest pain, what arm hurts when having heart problems, what causes pain in your heart, chest pain and fatigue, chest pain burning sensation Home Remedies for Braces Pain Home Remedies for Braces PainOrthodontic therapy can improve your grin in many ways, but the process involves moving your teeth and jaw right into proper positioning. The process can cause pain and discomfort as your teeth shift. Lets discuss the various factors where orthodontic clients may need discomfort alleviation and the best ways to find it! Does Obtaining Dental braces Hurt? Among one of the most popular questions about beginning orthodontic therapy may be do dental braces hurt? The reality is that it might. While some individuals can manage the pain, others may require a bit of help relieving dental braces discomfort. When you first obtain dental braces, it is common to feel some level of sensitivity and discomfort due for operate in your mouth. It also takes some time to obtain used to the braces and cables in your mouth. What Causes Unpleasant Dental braces? Some individuals may experience basic pain while others have simply one tooth that harms with dental braces modifications. Several points can add to dental braces discomfort, consisting of changing blood flow about your teeth and periodontals as positioning shifts. Other individuals may have soft cells discomfort from the braces or trays rubbing the cheeks and periodontals. watch now China will become a middle-class society by 2030, based on income measures, new research suggests. The world's number-two economy is currently at an early-to-middle stage of development in terms of per capita consumption, roughly at the level of Malaysia in the 2000s, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) said in a new report on Wednesday. But as the low-income proportion of population shrinks, around three-quarters of Chinese will likely be defined as "middle income" in 15 years' time, the report said. Almost 40 percent of the population were in the low-income bracketdefined as having an annual personal disposable income below $2,100last year, but that number will drop to 11 percent by 2030 as people move into lower middle-income status ($2,100-$10,800 a year). Meanwhile, the upper middle-income group ($10,800-$32,100) will expand from 7.1 percent of the population in 2015 to 19.7 percent in 2030. And high-income individuals (above $32,100), representing 2.6 percent of the population in 2015, will comprise 14.5 percent in 2030, the fastest growth rate of all income categories. ChinaFotoPress - Getty Images "In the past, China's economic growth depended on using the deep pockets of the state to finance investment. In the future, however, meeting the needs of a booming and more demanding middle-class group of consumers will be fundamental to economic sustainability," the report said. Of course, the income ascent isn't expected to be easy. "Wealth inequalities will persist and a failure to cater for those left behind could create social fissures," the EIU warned. Shifting geographies Understanding how changes in income will be distributed across China's geography is key for companies looking to capitalize on China's middle-class boom, the report flagged. watch now High-income and upper middle-income consumers will remain clustered in urban areas, especially within first-tier cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen. "Over the next 15 years, the number of local residents with a disposable income per head of above 200,000 renminbi ($29,590) will double in each of these cities, with Shanghai crossing the 10 million mark (43.2 percent of its population)," according to the report. Inland cities are also poised to show strong growth in high-income residents. The group's population in Chongqing will increase almost tenfold in the coming 15 years, with comparable gains in the interior provincial capitals of Chengdu, Xi'an and Changsha. Some of China's richest cities will include Zhuhai in Guangdong province and Shaoxing in the Zhejiang region, where high earners will account for 36 percent and 26 percent of the local populations respectively by 2030. Beneficial sectors watch now Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte chided the United States on Wednesday for halting the planned sale of 26,000 rifles to his country, calling those behind the decision "fools" and "monkeys" and indicating he might turn to Russia and China instead. Duterte's tirades against the former colonial power are routine during his speeches and he said on Wednesday he once believed in Washington, but had since lost respect for the Philippines' biggest ally. In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said he regarded Duterte's latest salvo as "inexplicably at odds with the close relationship that we continue to have with not just the Filipino people, but the Filipino government." The State Department halted the sale of the assault rifles to the Philippine police after staff from U.S. Senator Ben Cardin's office said he would oppose it, Senate aides told Reuters on Monday. Aides said Cardin, the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was reluctant for the United States to provide the weapons given concern about human rights violations in the Philippines during Duterte's bloody, four-month-old war on drugs. "Look at these monkeys, the 26,000 firearms we wanted to buy, they don't want to sell," Duterte said during a televised speech. "Son of a bitch, we have many homemade guns here. These American fools." More than 2,300 people have been killed in police operations or by suspected vigilantes as part of Duterte's anti-narcotics effort, which was the linchpin of his election campaign. watch now Duterte has vented his anger at the United States for raising concerns about the extrajudicial killings. "That's why I was rude at them, because they were rude at me," he said. According to procedures in Washington, the State Department informs Congress when international weapons sales are in the works. Aides said the State Department had been informed Cardin would oppose the deal during the prenotification process, thus effectively halting the sale. "Committee staff told State that Cardin would block it if it was sent forward. They haven't sent it. Does that mean it has been stopped? I guess that depends on your definition. It would be highly unusual for State to move it forward with explicit opposition," a Senate aide said on Wednesday. Committed to Philippines alliance Kirby, the State Department spokesman, said he was barred from commenting on the status of the sale, while stressing the U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Philippines alliance. Asked how the United States could have a close relationship with the Phiippines' government without also having such ties with its president, Kirby said in a democracy, the government "doesn't rest on the shoulders of just one individual." Kirby denied Washington had any plan to circumvent Duterte but rather to stress that it has long and robust relationships with other parts of the government. "Those are solid, they remain. But obviously, you also need to develop a good working relationship with the head of state," Kirby said. "We're committed to doing that." watch now watch now Wall Street's long-running view that Hillary Clinton would easily become the next president has been replaced by a new fear that Donald Trump could win, and it probably won't be a pretty picture for stocks if he does. Bond yields have moved lower and so have stocks, as the markets have begun to react to the possibility of a Trump victory in the last several days. On Thursday, the S&P 500 was up slightly, after falling 13 points Wednesday, to close at the key support level of 2,097. The work of two economics professors may provide a glimpse of how the stock market might react if Donald Trump were elected. They studied the predictions market, including PredictIt.org and the reaction in the financial markets to events around the election. One of the economists says their findings point to a sharp immediate sell-off if Trump wins and a slight rally if Clinton wins. The amount of the rally or sell-off depends on the predicted outcome. Donald Trump Carlo Allegri | Reuters "If we were to go in 70/30 [for Clinton], and we think the market is 10 percent higher under Clinton than Trump, if Clinton wins it should be up about 3 percent and if Trump wins, it should go down 7 percent," said Eric Zitzewitz, economics professor at Dartmouth College. He and Justin Wolfers of the University of Michigan studied the market effect of the first debate in a Brookings paper. Clinton's odds in the prediction markets had been closer to 80 percent, and at that level, a Trump victory would have triggered an 8 to 10 percent sell-off, he said. The market's nervousness picked up after the FBI last Friday revealed a new investigation into Clinton's email server, this time involving her longtime aide Huma Abedin and her husband Anthony Weiner, who is under federal investigation in a different matter. "There's no question in my mind that the markets have not priced in a Trump win, only in the most cursory way. They are starting to price in the potential for a Trump win. That process started last Friday," said Tony Roth, CIO of Wilmington Trust. "We haven't seen an up day in the markets since then. We haven't seen any calamitous days either." Strategists agree there would be a sell-off with a Trump win, but then the views diverge on how the market would trade after that. Ethan Harris, head of global economics at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said he would expect a sell-off if Trump wins, then an L-shaped move in the equity market, because of the period of policy uncertainty. "From the action in the stock market, the equity market is worried about a Trump victory, about the uncertainty of policy under Trump. Normally the equity market responds positively to a Republican doing well in the election," he said. "In this election, I think the dominant story is about uncertainty after the election, and a status quo election means no shock, everything is the same, no big news and presumably the equity market sails through the election if it's a split government." Markets had been looking for a win by Clinton but also Republicans holding the House and possibly Senate. The idea is that that would create gridlock and many of her policies could not be enacted. "Under a Trump victory, you probably get some kind of reaction in the equity market, and if it's a strong reaction, it could affect the Fed," he said. Harris said he would expect to modestly lower his GDP forecast if Trump wins. "To a large degree, we're going to look at the market's response as a gauge of the underlying uncertainty shock," Harris said. watch now Bruce Bittles, chief investment strategist at Baird, has a different view and he believes a Trump victory could result in a V-shaped move in the market, as Wall Street reflects later on positive tax changes and the looser regulatory environment Trump supports. "What I think happens is we get a repeat of what happened after Brexit. The market initially goes down and then goes up," he said. He said with a Clinton win, the market would rally but not as much as it historically has when an incumbent party wins. "It depends now on how a Democratic win is already built into the market. If that's the case, then I would say a Republican win would mean a sharper down, but then a sharper up to follow," Bittles said. Roth said if the odds of a Clinton victory continue to move lower, so will the stock market. "If Clinton wins, you get a big relief rally. If Trump wins, then you get a big sell-off. I think that from where we are today, until the bottom of that sell-off, you are looking at a good 10 percent easily. I think whether it goes deeper than that depends on the temperament that Trump displays after the election," Roth said. "I think Clinton will have the upper hand from an electoral position, but it's not going to be like a 75/25, it could be 60/40 [chance], and the more it converges, the more the sell-off the closer this gets, the more steep the sell-off is going to be." PredictIt.org put the odds for a Clinton win at 66 percent Thursday, down from a high of 85 percent Oct. 25. The odds had been as low as 60 percent in September. Zitzewitz said he studied the reaction of markets when a tape was revealed in which Trump made lewd comments about women, and also the reaction Friday when the FBI news broke. The market moves confirmed the study he did after the first debate of the prediction market and financial markets. He said if the odds shifted in the prediction market to 60 percent for Clinton, a Trump victory could mean a 6 percent sell-off in the S&P futures the night the results are released. He said his study did not go into what would happen after the initial reaction, and it would react to other events like the concession speech and other developments. watch now Kevin Winter | Getty Images As the post-Brexit fallout continues England's High Court ruled on Thursday the British government requires parliamentary approval to trigger the process of exiting the EU an increasing amount of money is leaving U.K. stocks. According to Lipper, investors pulled nearly $148 million from the iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF in the third quarter, while the the MSCI United Kingdom Index is down about 10 percent since June 23. The FTSE 100 has dropped by about 0.5 percent since the court made its announcement this morning. Going against the herd While some investors are running as far away from the U.K. as they can, one Toronto-based fund manager is jumping in. Matt Peden, vice president and portfolio manager at Trimark Investments, has found a number of opportunities in the country post-Brexit, in large part because valuations there have become so depressed. Depending on the sector, some high-quality companies are trading at a 10 percent to 40 percent discount from their pre-Brexit levels, he said. Peden, who runs the four-star Morningstar-rated Trimark Europlus Fund, is playing the long game in the U.K. He knows that investing in the region might seem like a contrarian choice and he admits that some of his buys could see ups and downs in the short-term as the U.K. goes through a period of uncertainty in hopes that Brexit eventually works itself out. Over the long-term, though, he thinks the U.K. could even benefit from being on its own. "The U.K. may actually be able to be free from some of the EU's burdensome regulations," he said. "Right now, everyone in the EU has to abide by the same laws, which are often compromised solutions, but now the U.K. will have the opportunity to negotiate their own agreements with other countries." UK's powerful fundamentals He said that if Brexit is successful once the process is complete, more companies could set up global head offices in the country. That's counter to what many others are saying, but he points out that the U.K. is actually a more favorable place to do business in than other countries. For instance, it has a 20 percent corporate tax rate, while America's corporate tax rate is about 40 percent, according to KPMG. It also beats out other European countries, such as France and Germany. A favorable regulatory environment also makes it easier to open and operate a business in the U.K., he said. "It's a very market-friendly country. It fosters entrepreneurship and that's led to a number of high quality companies that are based in the U.K. and operate there." At the moment, Peden has about 31 percent of his fund's assets in U.K.-domiciled stocks, not including Unilever, which is headquartered in the country, but is essentially an international operation. To him, the best businesses right now are domestic operations that generate most of their revenue inside the country. Those are the ones that have seen their valuations crumble, while the global companies have held up fairly well, he said. One example is Howden Joinery, a London-based company that provides cabinets, flooring, sinks and other materials needed for a kitchen renovation. The stock is down nearly 28 percent since Brexit, but renovations continue. It may fall further if people, worried about a slowing U.K. economy, hold back spending, but that should only be temporary, Peden said. "The renovation industry tends to be more resilient even in a downturn. Kitchens could be considered an essential renovation it's one of the most frequently used rooms in a house." He's also keen on U.K.-based manufacturing companies that create goods inside the country, but export them elsewhere. That's because that pound has been devalued by about 17 percent against the U.S. dollar since the vote, which has made those exports more valuable. That only helps, though, if the company isn't importing too many materials from other locales. At press time, the pound was up over 1 percent on Thursday morning at 1.245 to the U.S. dollar. The Trimark manager likes Rotok, which makes actuators, a device that plays an important part in the opening and closing of valves in the oil and gas, marine, mining and water sectors. The majority of the company's sales are in foreign currency, while their input costs are, mostly, in pounds. "Because of depreciation, when those revenues are translated back into pounds, they're worth much more," he said. If you ask car shoppers in the Chattanooga area to name the most important features they look for in a new or used vehicle, fuel efficiency will likely rank as high as price, performance and style. Much like car shoppers compare miles-per-gallon (mpg) estimates, an increasing number of home buyers compare the energy-efficiency ratings of new homes. A nationally recognized system for measuring a homes energy performance is called the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, which can determine a homes overall efficiency with a score between 0 and 150. A score of 100 indicates the home meets the industry standard of energy efficiency. The closer a score is to 0 the better, as a 0 ranking would mean the home produces as much energy through renewable resources, such as solar panels, as it consumes (also known as net zero). The energy efficiency of homes has dramatically changed in recent years with new developments in a wide array of green building techniques, materials and products. And as demand for these products has grown, new standards of energy efficiency have evolved. For instance, the days of new homes that have incandescent lights are almost completely gone. Todays homes predominantly feature either LED or CFL lights which are much more efficient. Other examples of features youre more likely to find in a new home include: Double-pane windows Having two layers of protection in your homes windows provides a noticeably stronger barrier to help prevent outside temperatures (and noises) from affecting the inside of your home, resulting in significant energy savings. Water-saving features Low-flow bathroom faucets can have a big impact on conserving water, but not quite as big as low-flow commodes. Conventional toilets use 5-7 gallons per flush, which really adds up over time. But low-flow toilets typically use as little as 1.6 gallons per flush. Energy-efficient appliances More than 30 percent of a homes energy consumption can be attributed to the kitchen appliances, and that number swells for homes with appliances that are more than 10 or 15 years old. Having newer appliances inside and outside the kitchen with Energy Star ratings can have a noticeable impact on your monthly utility bills. Spray foam insulation Traditional fiberglass insulation is still used in the majority of homes, however, spray foam is becoming increasingly popular because it provides a tighter seal, lasts longer and protects better against pests and mold. Hard-surface flooring Less than 20 years ago, it was common for new homes to have carpet covering 80 percent or more of the floor space. These days, carpet is typically reserved for bedrooms (if its used at all). The wide variety of hard-surface flooringshown to improve energy efficiency and air qualityhas become much more appealing to the large majority of consumers. The status quo is changing as consumers are becoming increasingly educated about the benefits of green building products like these. Home owners recognize that energy-efficient features are more than simply methods of cutting down on utility costs; they are investments in the homes long-term value and overall comfort. To learn more about specific green building techniques and to locate skilled home builders in your area, visit the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga at www.HBAGC.net. Dr. Ben Vernon is no fan of the Affordable Care Act. The Denver-area surgeon thinks the health-reform law amounts to a Band-Aid when it comes to health care's biggest problems: inefficiency and waste. "I don't see how the current system has the economics that can support prevention," said Dr. Vernon, the former president of the Colorado Medical Society. "We haven't figured out if we save a half a million dollars from a patient having a heart attack, who has that half a million dollars, and what does it mean." Vernon has been a vocal supporter of Colorado's Amendment 69, a referendum that would create a first-in-the-nation single-payer health system called Coloradocare, which would replace Obamacare in the state. "When there's one payment authority looking at all of what's happening across the board, we're going to have a much better handle on our providers' quality (and) we're going to have a much better handle on what it costs to get that quality," said Dr. Vernon. But Dr. Vernon may not be in the majority. Support for Amendment 69 has slipped from 43 percent in January to 27 percent this fall, according to state pollsters Magellan Strategies. Amendment 69 would fund Coloradocare with a 10 percent state income and payroll tax. Employers would pay two-thirds of the tax for their workers, with employees picking up the remaining third. (Those below the poverty level, or unemployed, would be covered but exempt from the tax.) Business groups are among those opposing the measure, arguing that it would hurt competition in the state. "Being the only state in the union who would have a system like this makes it very hard for Colorado to compete economically," said Kelly Brough, president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. "We'd have the largest income tax and payroll tax in the country and it hits our small businesses the hardest." The measure has also drawn bipartisan opposition from political leaders, who have expressed concern about long-term funding for the single-payer system. A Colorado Health Institute analysis concluded that Coloradocare would break even in its first year, but would "slide into ever-increasing deficits" longer-term without tax increases. State Senator Irene Aguilar, a practicing physician who has been a key backer of Amendment 69, takes issue with CHI's findings. She said the study underestimates the impact of the savings that would derived from the single-payer system. "What I think is important for consumers and everyday voters to look at is how does this compare to what we are doing right now and overall that's win-win even in their assumptions," Dr. Aguilar said. The single payer referendum made it onto the ballot after advocates raised the money for a signature drive. Under Colorado's state bylaws, a constitutional amendment can be put on the ballot if supporters gather signatures from 5 percent of voters. It was through a similar referendum that the state became the first in the nation to legalize recreational use of marijuana in 2012. Facebook 's warning of slowing growth in 2017 could be a "gift to investors" looking to jump into what is still a lucrative boat, internet analyst Victor Anthony said Thursday. Facebook's earnings and revenue beat the Street's expectations Wednesday, but Chief Financial Officer David Wehner announced that ad revenue growth rates would taper in 2017. Anthony, a senior internet media analyst with Axiom Capital Management, was not worried by the announcement, saying the Street had already factored in the growth deceleration forecast. Instead, he told CNBC's "Squawk Box," Facebook is playing a different game. "They always guide aggressively with expenses, and beat that expense guidance," Anthony said. He said he's expecting that to happen again. Shares of Facebook were trading at $121.42 in premarket trading Thursday, down 4.5 percent. Anthony said the results of major expenses and investments, not only from Facebook but from other tech giants like Amazon and Google , have typically yielded fruit. Anthony said now may be the time to get on board with Facebook in light of Wehner's announcement that Facebook is gearing up for extensive hiring extensively and expanding its data centers. "I think the pullback is really a gift for investors who've been on the sidelines," Anthony said. Meanwhile, Apple's shipped 45.5 million iPhones, down 5.2 percent from the 48 million in the same period last year. This was confirmed in Apple's , which showed the third straight quarter of declines for iPhone sales. Apple iOS market share stood at 12.1 percent in the third quarter, down from 13.6 percent the year before. Android captured 87.5 percent of global smartphone market share in the three months to the end of September, Strategy Analytics said in a report. This means that nearly nine out of 10 smartphones in the world run Google's OS. Shipments of Android devices hit 328.6 million, up 10.3 percent year-on-year. Google's Android mobile operating system (OS) grabbed a record market share in the third-quarter at the expense of iOS which posted a decline, according to new research. Other mobile operating systems including those made by , and Tizen "have all but disappeared" and collectively make up just 0.3 percent of the total smartphone market. The growth of Android has been driven by the rise of low-cost vendors in countries such as China using the OS, but it could face challenges ahead. "Android's leadership of the global smartphone market looks unassailable at the moment. Its low-cost services and user-friendly software remain attractive to hardware makers, operators and consumers worldwide," Woody Oh, director at Strategy Analytics, said in the report. "However, several challenges remain for Google. The Android platform is getting overcrowded with hundreds of manufacturers, few Android device vendors make profits, and Google's new Pixel range is attacking its own hardware partners that made Android popular in the first place." Google released the Pixel and larger screen Pixel XL in one of its biggest hardware pushes to date. At the time, analysts said that the search giant could risk reliant on its mobile OS. The fall in Apple's iOS shipments was expected but it's important to remember that the flagship iPhone 7 released in September was only on sale for a short time in this quarter and analysts are expecting an uptick in sales for the three months to December. As companies dive into utilizing artificial intelligence that talks with us, plays music for us and drives our cars, investors may want to look to the big tech names that harness artificial intelligence. Among experts' recommendations for the best ways to play the rise of artificial intelligence are Alphabet , Amazon and Facebook , as well as Tesla as it moves into the autonomous driving space. Google has been the most active player in buying artificial intelligence companies, acquiring 11 as of earlier this month, according to CB Insights. And venture capital investors are taking notice. Global artificial intelligence equity funding surpassed $6.6 billion across 1,241 deals from 2011 to the first quarter of 2016, according to CB Insights data, and equity finance in the space grew from $282 million in 2011 to $2.4 billion in 2015. "I think AI artificial intelligence is of equal magnitude to have a huge impact among many sectors, and it really comes about because of the speed of the ability of computers to process information," Rob Lutts, chief investment officer at Cabot Wealth Management, said Wednesday on CNBC's "Trading Nation." "Just in the last five years, we've really accelerated the ability to do that. So this has opened up a tremendous amount of opportunity for many different industries," Lutts said, pointing to Alphabet, Amazon and Facebook, which Lutts said all capitalize on, and benefit from, artificial intelligence because of the massive amount of data they use. "Another really interesting industry that's being changed today and it's a debate whether it's actually AI or not is autonomous driving," Lutts said, forecasting artificial intelligence could transform the "whole transportation" significantly. Tesla last month said that it would begin equipping all its vehicles with self-driving hardware, and automaker Ford last month said it hopes to sell over 100,000 self-driving cars a year starting in 2021, and begin selling self-driving cars to consumers by 2025. "AI is going to play a big role as we move forward in the next 5 to 10 years," Manish Mehta, an expert in artificial intelligence and mentor at the Techcode AI+ Accelerator program, told CNBC in an email. "However, I think one fallacy in the current public consciousness is that AI is the panacea," Mehta wrote, adding that artificial intelligence in itself is "rarely sufficient" for developing an entire solution, and investors must ensure that a company in which they are investing has the "right team." "When a new technology has so much buzz surrounding it, stakeholders tend to have unrealistic expectation about the potential results and the time frame in which those results can be achieved," he added. Mehta expects conversational AI the likes of Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa will see big growth over the next five years, and sees similar growth potential for autonomous cars. I didn't grow up in Canada. I grew up in a small rural village in Communist China and as a result, my childhood experience was a little different. Typical Conversation Childhood Friend: "Awww. Our skipping rope broke." Me: "Hey, do you wanna go to the medical waste heap and dig around for rubber bands to make another one?" Childhood Friend (super enthusiastic): "DO I?!!!" PRO TIP: Apparently, contracting every single Hepatitis strain at the same time somehow makes them cancel each other out, turning you essentially immortal. Who knew? More from Millennial Revolution: How I Built a Seven Figure Portfolio and Retired at 31 How We Got Here: Part 1 Millennial Revolution Investment Workshop: A Step-by-step Guide to Investing So besides all the playing around in used needles, drinking contaminated water, and swimming in rivers filled with raw sewage, I had a pretty normal childhood. My home sweet home: Concrete walls with all the fixins. Millennial Revolution But I never felt poor. After all, my parents kept me happy and fed with heaping portions of porridge, dumplings, and noodles, with only the occasional bout with intestinal worms, life was good. Then came the day when Mom and I boarded a plane for Canada. I had no idea at the time, but my life was going to get infinitely better. The second the plane landed, my Dad, whom I hadn't see for 3 years, handed me a can of coke, which I had seen in China but could never afford. I took one sip and my head nearly exploded. The excitement gave me a gushing nose bleed because I had never tasted ANYTHING so good in my life! And after nursing the entire thing for a whole week, when my Dad tried to toss out the empty can, I screamed at him to stop. That can was far too precious to just be thrown in the trash. It was going to be my new cup, my toothbrush holder, and my hair curler. I think I even nicknamed it "CanCan" and slept with it every night. That's right, folks. My teddy bear growing up was an empty can. Looks remarkably like the set for Dark Water doesnt it? Millennial Revolution So when I went to primary school for the first time and the kids teased me about my thrift store clothes, my DIY haircut, and my bargain-bin lunch box, I was confused. What was wrong with my things? And why were they calling my parents poor? We had a 1-bedroom apartment, an abundance of food, clean water that came out of a tap that WASN'T contaminated with E. Coli, and clothes that were actually one single piece of cloth! What was the problem? I didn't know and I didn't care. I was proud of my Dad, who was working for the university as a PhD student for a pittance, and terrified of my mom, who would regularly fly into fits of rage from stress, working long hours at her dishwashing and hotel cleaning jobs. I knew we didn't have a lot of money. And a big chunk of whatever they made had to be sent to our relatives back in China. So I tried to make myself useful. I got a job delivering newspapers. I cleaned up around the house (using cleaning products I bought with coupons of course), and whatever we needed around the apartment, I always managed to find it for next to nothing at garage sales. We didn't have much but I was happy. And I didn't know it at the time, but all this hustling was turning me into a bad-a**. I was starting to develop the vital skills that would later turn me into a millionaire. What are those skills? Well, let me break them down for you: 1. Creativity When you're rich, you don't need to be creative. Why? Because the lack of constraints lets you get away with doing whatever you want. Hungry? Go grab a burger! Bored? Go see a movie! Don't have the cash on you? Just put it on your credit card! Not so when you're poor. When you're poor, you have to prioritize. You can't go buying things you don't need. You need to be ruthlessly efficient. As a result, you end up pushing your brain cells to work harder to creatively solve problems while maximizing every precious dollar you had. I couldn't afford to buy a doll-house, so I made one out of a shoebox! I remember making it was even more fun than actually playing with it. I couldn't afford expensive food from the *gasp* grocery store, so we used restaurant leftovers Mom brought back after work and mixed it with tomatoes and spinach we grew on the windowsill. Tasty! And probably healthy. I couldn't afford $60 to go to my high school prom, so I walked to school for a month instead of taking the bus, and used that money I saved for prom. 2. Resilience When you're rich, running into a problem means you can just throw money at it to make it go away. Not so when you're poor. When you're poor, you have no choice but to tough it out. We couldn't afford cable, so I just stopped watching TV. Instead, I spent more time at the library. This is where I developed my love for writing. We couldn't afford a car, so we bought a used bike from a yard sale, wore multiple layers in the frigid Canadian winter, and biked around instead. Bonus? I was super fit. One time, my eye was swollen shut from a wasp sting and we couldn't afford anti-inflammatory meds. So instead, I just put on a pair of shades, and told my friends I wanted to be a rapper. (Jokes on them! I didn't even have a radio!) As a result of all this "toughing it out" when I was growing up, nothing really seems that insurmountable to me anymore. I got through one of the toughest engineering programs in the country despite programming being my worst subject, because I had to. Nor did I have the luxury of moving back in with my parents if things didn't work out. I had exactly one shot. Failure was not an option. 3. Adaptability Because we were new immigrants, we couldn't qualify for a mortgage for many many years. As a result, we moved around a lot, chasing cheap apartment rentals. I wasn't happy about this, and every time we moved I'd have to say goodbye to my friends and start all over. The first time, I broke down into uncontrollable sobs, refusing to let my friends go. My dad pulled me side, held my chin between his hands, and looked me directly in the eyes. "I know you're sad you're leaving your friends. But we need to move because I found a cheaper place that will save us money. Your cousins in China are counting on this money to go to school, and they have so much less than you. You don't want to let them down do you?" That quickly shut me up. Those who have followed this blog for awhile or listened to any of my rants in the media may have noticed I tend to get a little peeved when people say they have to buy a house because kids need stability. No. No they don't. 4. Perseverance When you're poor, you can't just get people to like you by buying nice things to fit in. When you get teased about your thrift store clothes, all you can do is persevere. You can't go keeping up with the Joneses to make them like you. So you grow a thick skin and learn to ignore them. And then use their vitriol to drive you toward bigger and better things. You persevere with what you have, and ignore the bullies. Fast forward 20 years Huawei has launched the Mate 9, a high-spec, high-price smartphone which could see the China-based company square up to market leaders Apple and Samsung. The latest device in Huawei's Mate series boasts a 5.9 inch full HD screen, inviting comparison with Apple' s iPhone 7 Plus and the now discontinued Samsung Galaxy Note 7. The manufacturer is making a big play on the handset's processing power, which Huawei said made it the "most powerful smartphone in the world." According to Huawei's testing, software in the Mate 9 performed 80 percent better than major competitors after one year of use. However, Neil Mawston, executive director at Strategy Analytics, was not overly impressed by these claims, describing the product as merely "another big screen smartphone." But, Mawston, speaking to CNBC on the phone, did concede that the Mate 9 was a "nice incremental improvement" and that the release did a good job of "filling the Note 7 gap, at a lower price point than Apple." Ben Wood, mobile industry analyst at CCS Insight, viewed the launch more positively, telling CNBC via telephone that it "shows just how ambitious Huawei are," and "reiterates (his organization's) belief that Huawei is emerging as a force to be recognized in the smartphone market." The Mate 9's other key features include an 8 megapixel camera, 64GB memory and 4 microphones that in combination enable directional sound recording. Unlike the Apple's iPhone 7, the Mate 9 has a headphone jack. Huawei did not disclose where the device's battery was manufactured; thereby not ruling out that this could be the same as that of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, which is now notorious for overheating. But, Huawei did stress that the Mate 9's battery had been tested in house, by the manufacturer of the component and in independent research labs. During its regular monthly business meeting on Wednesday, the Walker County Development Authority voted unanimously to enter into a lease agreement with Greg Cornelison to reopen the Mountain Cove Farms restaurant. I am excited to be able to invite the citizens of Walker County to visit the restaurant when we get it open, Mr. Cornelison said. It is such a beautiful location and we look forward to creating a dining experience just as appealing. Mr. Cornelison owns and operates Gregs Restaurant in Chickamauga which has become a favorite for residents for more than a decade. I am excited to see the authority partnering with a local businessman who has the experience and desire to see the cove restaurant a success, said Walker County commissioner Bebe Heiskell. The Walker County Development Authority took ownership of the Mountain Cove Farms property from the county last year. Mr. Cornelison hopes to have the restaurant open by Dec. 1, but admits the date may be a bit ambitious. This will be a little more upscale from my current restaurant, he said. We hope to offer a nice menu that will also include adult beverages. Mr. Cornelison said it may take a little longer to get his beverage and liquor licenses in place but explained Walker County has a brown bag ordinance, which means patrons could bring the beverage of their choice to enjoy until the restaurant is able to sell libations to its customers. This is certainly great news for residents who are looking for another dining choice within the county, said Commissioner Heiskell. While Mr. Cornelison hasn't decided definitely on the name of the restaurant he explained he is leaning toward call it Mountain Cove Grill. "It's this third party-like essence of Trump's campaign that's kept him afloat through his many verbal stumbles, missed debate opportunities, and even the 'Access Hollywood' tape mess." In the battleground states, party affiliation doesn't matter as much. That's what essentially makes them swing states in the first place. And every time the Republican establishment joins with their Democratic Party counterparts in bashing Trump, it doesn't wound him in those states as much as it does in the states that are deep blue and red, respectively. Every time Hillary Clinton insists Trump is a presidential candidate like no one ever before, she also helps in Trump's efforts to paint himself as essentially a third party "different" candidate who actually has a chance to win. It's almost impossible to underestimate how crucial that is. Because we all know that the Achilles Heel for every third-party candidate from Ross Perot to Ralph Nader is the fact that almost every voter knows they simply don't have any realistic chance to win. And as principled as we all think we are when it comes to voting, none of us like to throw away our vote on a sure loser. And even if the most pessimistic poll numbers about Trump are correct, he still has a much better chance to win this election than any third-party candidate in more than 100 years. Third-party candidates also don't usually have much of a chance because the majority of voters just haven't had the stomach for the kind of upheaval such a major change would bring to a government used to either Democratic or Republican rule for so long. But appetites are clearly changing. Both the Republican Democratic primary season brought strong pro-upheaval movements into the spotlight. Trump rode his to the nomination, while Senator Bernie Sanders took his movement all the way to the third closest presidential primary result for a major party since the primary process began. The hunger for change is stronger than ever this year, and it is decidedly bipartisan. All of this has allowed Trump to package himself as a viable candidate despite all the conventional wisdom and history headwinds. Because he's said so many things the leaders of both parties have uniformly condemned, he can go to the battleground states and make a strong case for himself as a change candidate the entrenched powers both don't like. That's especially true in the crucial state of Ohio, where the Republican Governor John Kasich just publicly said he didn't vote for Trump. But because he still has the official Republican nomination, he can go to the solidly red states like Utah where he can say he's the Republican who can actually win this election as opposed to local favorite son Evan McMullin. And because he is just as unusual and controversial as the quirkiest third party candidate, he has neutralized much of the Democrats' usual playbook against conventional Republicans. He's the un-Republican. It's this third party-like essence of Trump's campaign that's kept him afloat through his many verbal stumbles, missed debate opportunities, and even the "Access Hollywood" tape mess. It's the only way anyone could survive what Trump has endured and inflicted upon himself over the past year. And as more and more independents gravitate to his third party candidate-like vibe, it might take him right to the Oval Office. Commentary by Jake Novak, CNBC.com senior columnist. Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny. For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter. A Niger Delta fighter poses with a heavy machine-gun at his militia's creek camp. Pius Utomi Ekpei | AFP | Getty Images Militants operating in Nigeria's southern delta region appear to be sending Big Oil a message with a string of renewed attacks on the nation's energy infrastructure: Let sleeping dogs lie, or pay the price. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. said Wednesday that militants bombed the country's second-largest pipeline system just two days after it resumed operations following an attack in July. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the bombing, which followed other recent strikes that broke weeks of relative calm as the government and militants sought to hold talks. The attacks show the region's most prolific insurgent group, known as the Niger Delta Avengers, and other militants they've inspired, are willing to make good on threats to launch a second wave of attacks on foreign oil companies that defy the group's order to leave sabotaged infrastructure unrepaired until the government meets its demands. The Avengers want the impoverished delta region of Nigeria to receive a greater share of the nation's oil revenue, and they've pushed their demands through a campaign of attacks that began earlier this year. Just last week, the Avengers claimed responsibility for an attack on a pipeline that feeds the Escravos offshore terminal operated by Chevron's Nigerian subsidiary. Last spring, Chevron briefly closed the facility for the first time in its nearly 50-year history due to fighting in the area. "This action is to further warn all [international oil companies] that when we warn that there should be no repairs pending negotiation/dialogue with the people of the Niger Delta, it means there should be no repairs," the Avengers said in a statement last week. Wednesday's target, a flow station along the Trans Forcados pipeline, which feeds Royal Dutch Shell 's Forcados export terminal. That terminal itself just recently resumed exports following a sophisticated underwater attack carried out by the Avengers, which limited activity for eight months. The big thing I'm watching is to what extent the proliferation of this group actually results in them turning against each other. Manji Cheto Teneo Intelligence senior vice president Other militants have not displayed the same capabilities as the Avengers, but Wednesday's attack is nevertheless troubling because it targeted onshore infrastructure, which should be easier to defend than an offshore terminal, said Ayso van Eysinga, an associate in the Eurasia Group's Africa division. "It shows some kind of capacity to get around the armed forces, which shows the limitations of how much you can defend the creeks," he told CNBC, referring to the intricate maze of waterways that make up much of the delta. Splintering insurgency? John Campbell, former U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, told CNBC last week that he strongly suspects that individual members of the various militant groups are not bound by a core mission or even dedicated to any single group, but are instead jumping from one organization to another based on who will pay them the most for carrying out raids. Manji Cheto, senior vice president at Teneo Intelligence, concurred with that assessment, and raised a troubling prospect: the growing number of militant groups may be the result of an emerging leadership struggle within the Avengers. "The big thing I'm watching is to what extent the proliferation of this group actually results in them turning against each other," she told CNBC. Among the groups following the Avengers' model is the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, which claimed an attack on a pipeline on Sunday to protest a meeting this week between President Muhammadu Buhari and regional leaders. The gathering was a significant political development because it was Buhari's first meeting with leaders in the delta since the attacks began, Cheto said. But its impact was limited because it was not attended by militant leaders, who have at times expressed disdain for the very political elites who met with the president. That reflects a larger question at the heart of the government's response: Who speaks for the delta? Buhari must distinguish among the militants, the political elite and the delta people, and that presents a complex problem for which there's no immediate solution, according to Cheto. Buhari's billions are no quick fix In a bid to quell unrest, Buhari this week also announced a $10 billion infrastructure plan for the delta. But analysts say the plan has little chance of stemming the insurgency. "It's just another number that is a huge number that is not going to happen in the short run," said Eysinga. "It's not going to be a quick fix," he added. The government has lately sought to borrow billions, but the World Bank and International Monetary Fund are reluctant to lend until Nigeria reforms key aspects of its economic and monetary policy, according to Eysinga. The African Development Bank has put fewer conditions on lending, he said, but even that institution only lent Nigeria $600 million after the country earlier sought $1 billion to help plug its multibillion-dollar budget deficit. Nigeria has recently managed to restore some sidelined oil supply, but a renewal of hostilities once again puts its output in question. A victory for Donald Trump on Tuesday would be "disastrous" for the economy, a co-winner of the 2016 Nobel Prize in economics told CNBC on Thursday. "I'm very concerned about a Trump presidency," Harvard professor Oliver Hart said on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street." "I don't think that Mr. Trump has coherent economic policies." Hart was among eight Nobel laureates and 362 other economists who signed an open letter urging Americans not to vote for Trump. The letter which does not specify which candidate voters should choose included arguments against Trump's assertions that free trade agreements kill U.S. manufacturing jobs. In a separate letter, 19 Nobel laureates, including Hart, endorsed Hillary Clinton. In swing states like Ohio and Michigan in the Rust Belt, Hart said, "A lot of the reason people have suffered is not because of trade deals. It's because of new technology, automation. I don't know how Donald Trump can reverse that." "Trade deals, in general, are good for the economy as a whole," Hart said, acknowledging there can be winners and losers. But instead of ripping up the trade agreements, as the GOP nominee advocates, the losers should be compensated, he added. Hart told CNBC he sees Clinton as "a serious and sensible person who will be good for this country." "I don't think she's perfect. I don't agree with all of her policies. But I think she is way better than any of the alternatives," said Hart, who was born in Britain and was cited by Nobel committee for "fundamental contributions" to contract theory. Hart said he understands why some people who feel left behind support Trump. "What's wrong is that Mr. Trump is not actually going to do anything for them. None of his policies make me think that he could actually help or will help the people who've been left behind." The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment. "Russia has probably been the most two-faced in this entire exercise, with various officials giving conflicting statements of support for limiting output, while, at the same time, engineering a significant increase in the country's oil production in recent weeks." Certainly, the deeds of OPEC and Russia have not matched their words. Surveys of October's production by OPEC saw an overall output level of around 34 million barrels per day, up 170,000 barrels per day from September, and a long way from the agreed to target of 32.5 million barrels per day. Iran, Iraq, Libya, and Nigeria have all requested that they be exempted from any production limitations, and they collectively added 450,000 barrels per day of output in October. They all cite different rationales of equity for their requests, ranging from years of depravation due to sanctions on Iran to needing cash to fund the fight against ISIS by Iraq. Russia has probably been the most two-faced in this entire exercise, with various officials giving conflicting statements of support for limiting output, while, at the same time, engineering a significant increase in the country's oil production in recent weeks to over 11 million barrels per day, with more to come. The Russian energy minister, in a moment of candor, even remarked that any accord that resulted in higher prices would only revive the U.S. shale oil industry. He should know that U.S. shale is already reviving, as demonstrated by the rising rig count and nascent rebound in U.S. lower 48 states production. Given the reality of higher, not lower, production from seemingly every corner of the producing universe, the market is removing the Algiers deal premium from prices, and it will continue to do so. In fact, the selling is likely to intensify further into the November 30th meeting of OPEC ministers, where they would have you believe a definitive production will be struck. The market is finally calling OPEC's bluff, and will push the group to the precipice, as the pressure on them will become intense. Still, no deal will be struck. While the Saudis appear willing to carry a good portion of the load, they will not carry a 1.5-to-2.0 million barrel per day load, while the rest of the special cases do nothing. They will try to keep the deal hopes alive, however, by likely saying that strong demand from the northern hemisphere winter alleviates the need for a cutback, for now. An agreement to study the situation further and meet again in the spring is the likely outcome. The global physical market is getting sloppy or oversupplied again, as evidenced by the discount of near-term futures contract prices to longer-dated contracts. Already, deals involving the storage of oil on tankers are picking up, which only exacerbated the oversupply condition. Because of all this, WTI oil prices are set to trade back down to the mid-$30, at least, putting the February low of $26.05 back in-play, into year-end. 2017 is looking like another challenging year for the energy industry. A Swiss cafe offering robot sex services to accompany your hot drink wants to open in Geneva by the end of the year. Owner Bradley Charvet, who runs the Swiss escort service Facegirl, had originally planned to employ sex workers to entertain clients, but legal issues meant he now wanted to use high-tech robots. Charvet told Swiss newspaper Le Matin that he planned to charge men 60 Swiss francs ($62) for a drink that includes the sex act from a woman selected from an iPad. Prostitution is legal in Switzerland but the project has encountered resistance. A spokeswoman from Geneva's department of security and economy told Le Matin "paid-for sexual services are banned in public establishments under the law on catering and the sale of drinks." Charvet believes he can get around the problem using robots The entrepreneur says he's in talks with a U.S. sex robot manufacturing company to buy several "lifelike robot-women" for a cost ranging between $1,800-$3,000. watch now South Korean President Park Geun-Hye, under fire in what critics are calling the nation's biggest-ever political scandal, seems to be digging herself into a deeper hole. The President replaced her prime minister, finance minister and public safety minister on Wednesday in an attempt to contain public anger over a spiraling corruption scandal that has hit the ruling Saenuri party. But the surprise cabinet reshuffle may do more harm than good. "Despite her expectations, these snap nominations backfired. Critics angrily charged that the move is part of a strategy to maintain control and does not jive with plans being discussed to form a neutral cabinet with a prime minister empowered to dominant policymaking, with Park taking a back seat," Scott Seaman, senior Asia analyst at Eurasia, explained in a note. Opposition parties will now likely use their combined majority in the National Assembly to hinder Park's attempts to install her candidates, he continued. Furthermore, Park is essentially powerless to ignore their objections given her current fragile standing, he added. Protesters hold up signs reading 'Step down Park Geun-Hye' during a candle-lit rally in Seoul on October 29, 2016, JUNG YEON-JE | AFP | Getty Images Park, 64, faces calls to resign or face impeachment for allowing a close friend, Choi Soon-Sil, to interfere in state affairs. Choi reportedly had access to classified documents without security clearance and was involved in presidential decision making, local media said. Choi, 60, is also accused of embezzlement, forcing conglomerates to make massive donations to nonprofit foundations, and getting preferential treatment from banks for loans. Over the weekend, more than 10,000 people protested in Seoul and called for the President to step down, media widely reported. Choi was detained on Monday, and prosecutors raided eight banks on Tuesday to secure information on her transactions, Yonhap News said. Park's former senior aide Ahn Jong-beom was also detained on Tuesday for his suspected involvement in extracting funds from companies. Despite the overwhelming public backlash, Eurasia puts the probability that Park will remain in office at 70 percent. "Park will finish out her single, five-year term ending in February 2018, but she will likely renounce her membership in her party and be forced to turn over much of her authority to a new prime minister," Seaman explained, adding that her role would be restricted to a narrow range of foreign policy, defense, and national security issues. watch now Implications "An arrangement involving a marginalized Park combined with a prime minister and cabinet that somehow protects both ruling and opposition parties' interests will be difficult to create and to manage," warned Seaman. Still, he expected economic policy-making to continue as normal because politicians could not risk further angering an already enraged public. As confidence in the government's leadership abilities plummets, many economists have warned of a hit to consumer spending, investment and even gross domestic product, but foreign policy is at stake too. "One negative outcome of the scandalwhether Park stays or goeswill likely be a slowdown in efforts to improve relations with Japan. Specifically, the public and political opposition will ramp up attacks on Park's plans to conclude a bilateral agreement with Japan to share intelligence on North Korea and on her 2015 agreement to resolve the comfort women issue," Seaman flagged. If the scandal prevented both deals from getting inked, Japan's frustration with South Korea would mount, he said. 'A flawed system' Donald Trump's criticisms on climate change are "very disturbing" and "very counterproductive", and he would face uproar if he tried to remove the U.S. from the Paris climate change agreement, the Secretary-General for the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), John Danilovich, told CNBC on Thursday. The historic Paris climate change agreement adopted by almost 200 countries last December goes into effect this Friday, but political tensions around the accord still remain. In May 2016, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pledged to reverse actions activated by current U.S. incumbent Barack Obama designed to combat climate change, while calling for fewer environmental protocols. With less than a week until the world finds out whether the U.S. elects Hillary Clintonwho is in favor of COP21or Trump, it's safe to say the environment's future and the Paris accord are on shaky ground. "To bash these internationally agreed-upon accords is very counterproductive," Danilovich said on the sidelines of The New York Times Energy for Tomorrow conference in Paris. "To extricate ourselves from the Paris agreement would take four years. It's not an easy process." "So it's something which has to be considered very seriously. I would also think regardless of Donald Trump's comments, that there would be such an uproar were this to come about, that that would not succeed." watch now A court ruling Thursday that any Brexit plan would have to be approved by all U.K. lawmakers has radically changed the outlook for the country's divorce with Europe, according to analysts. "(It) has the potential to materially change the calculus of Brexit," Kallum Pickering, a senior U.K. economist at Berenberg, said in a research note. The court ruled that the entire U.K. parliament must vote on whether the country can start the process of leaving the European Union. This deals a blow to Prime Minister Theresa May, who had argued that the government on its own could trigger "Article 50" and start the divorce with the European Union, despite criticism that this was unconstitutional. watch now There had been concerns that lawmakers at the heart of the U.K. government would opt and force through a so-called "hard Brexit" without the consent of parliament. Politicians in the U.K. mostly campaigned to stay in the EU despite the wider public voting for the opposite. With the court ruling, it now makes it less likely that a "hard Brexit" scenario - which could have meant a loss of access to the EU's single market - could be carried through. The tariff-free trade agreement within the EU is seen as crucial for certain sectors like car manufacturing, despite promises that these sectors could be protected or subsidized. Initial negotiations between the EU and the U.K. highlighted that the country could lose this access if it wanted halt the free movement of people - with the latter seen as one of the major reasons why citizens voted for a Brexit. "May and her cabinet had pursued Brexit under the assumption that the prime minister had the authority to trigger 'Article 50' under royal prerogative," Pickering added. "Without such power it is unlikely that the government would be in a position to fully pursue a hard Brexit one where the U.K. placed strong restrictions on flows of migrants from the EU and did not keep a high level of access to the EU single market." This also has implications for banks, with the City of London voicing concerns that it might lose its "passporting" rights. These rights allowed American banks to set up their European sales operations in London which was seen gateway to the European market. watch now South Chickamauga Creek Greenway Alliance is hosting its annual Potluck Picnic & Bonfire on Saturday at Spencer Farm along South Chickamauga Creek. The event begins at noon and ends after dark. Creek explorations, canoe and standup paddling lessons, plus outdoor games are accompanied by bonfire cooking and potluck contributions. Visitors should bring a dish to share plus their own beverages, chairs or blankets, and recreational toys to spend a relaxing day outdoors in a pastoral setting full of fall color. Those staying for the bonfire are welcome to share stories and musical talents. All ages are welcome. Spencer Farm is at 520 Foster Drive, Ringgold, Ga. 30736. When I first saw a post in my Twitter feed mentioning The Wing, New York's new members-only social and professional club for women, I immediately started strategizing as to how I could get in. The space is part of a cultural phenomenon dating back to the 1900's, where pioneering women would meet and exchange ideas in social and work clubs. You have to be accepted to become a member, so there's an alluring sense of exclusivity. I pitched the idea of spending a day there and writing about my experience. My editors gave me the green light. My takeaway? I enjoyed the experience. It's clear that the founders, Audrey Gelman and Lauren Kassan, are smart, determined businesswomen who want to help other women by creating a fun and safe space for them. I just wish the results weren't so pink and pricey. Giovanna Santiago (left) works behind the cafe counter at The Wing Mary Stevens | CNBC It's pink. Very pink. When the elevators opened on the top floor, I was immediately struck by how beautiful the space was. The books on the bookshelf are arranged by the color of the cover. The milk-and-sugar cart is made of see-through plastic, so it easily blends into the peach-and-cream decor. Just past the main work area, there's a beauty and primping room with blow-dryers, hair straighteners and even face masks. In the bathroom, there's Olay hand cream and face mist on either side of the faucets. The toilet paper holder is plated gold. CNBC reporter Marguerite Ward (left) spent a day working at The Wing, a professional club for women in New York City Mary Stevens | CNBC At first I loved this. Who wouldn't want a free spritz of expensive body spray or a free perfume sample? But after about an hour, it made me a little uncomfortable. I thought, "What if I wanted to come into work in sneakers? What if I didn't feel like wearing makeup or blow-drying my hair today?" The woman sitting across from me literally runs a fashion blog and is trying to guess what type of leather shoe her friend is wearing. I get it: If I don't want to dress like the stylish women around me, then that's my prerogative. Nobody's forcing me to, right? I could stroll right on in, commuter shoes and all, and the women would probably accept me. But surrounded by successful women dressed to a T, I might want to keep up. For some women, dressing beautifully and feeling confident comes easily. Some days that's me. Many days, it's not. I'm pretty simple: I like getting s--- done. I also like not always having to look good while doing it. Beauty products available for use at The Wing, a professional and social club for women in New York City Mary Stevens | CNBC If the atmosphere of the whole place were a little less pink, and by that I mean a little less traditionally feminine, maybe I'd feel more comfortable. Some days I like to wear heels and earrings. Other days I like to wear over-sized collared shirts and ugly sneakers. The founders of The Wing welcome women of all backgrounds, including transgender women. That's awesome and important. But the decor still feels kind of 1950s. And as a working woman who dislikes the "pink tax," I want little to do with that era. It's a place to meet powerful women The Wing's clientele are important and determined women, which is something I love. I met a bunch of interesting women while there. A PR professional building her own company invited me to a gallery event. I chatted with a food stylist about the freelancing market. The Wing's event lineup includes everything from political discussions to hair-braiding events. I would check those out and probably get to meet more fascinating people. So when it comes to facilitating networking, The Wing hits it out of the park. That was a major pull for me. Elyse Fox welcomes a newcomer to The Wing, a members-only club for women in New York City Mary Stevens | CNBC It's great for people who like background noise I realized that I'm a person who needs a relatively quiet space to get work done. Difficult articles, in-depth interviews, these are things I need to concentrate on. Hearing great music like Haim or not-so-great music like Ariana Grande was equally distracting, if for different reasons. The main work area is an open floor plan, so there's no real quiet options, except the phone booth which I was told could double as a crying space. (That made me cringe a little.) I could've worn headphones, but sometimes you just don't want to drown out music with music. It's pricey I'm the kind of person who likes the convenience of making my own tea every morning and packing a snack. That also saves me money. At The Wing, members aren't allowed to bring in food, and there's no refrigerator or microwave. All food is prepared and sold through a cafe that partners with the club. I get the business reason for that; it's also why you can't bring your bagged lunch into a restaurant. But if this is supposed to be a home away from home, I want to be able to pack a snack or reheat a meal. Over the course of my day, I spent about $20 on food, which included a coffee, a salad, and a side of tuna. The cost is just under $2,000 a year or $185 per month, which is cheaper than a lot of other co-working spaces. But my monthly expenses for my gym membership ($50) and groceries ($120) combined are still cheaper. If there were a drop-in rate where you spend say a small amount to work at the space for a few days, I would totally join. I'm not sure about the price tag as is, however. I don't think I could justify spending the $185 a month on a membership. My student loans would get jealous. The verdict Overall, The Wing is fun and exciting, especially if you're the type of woman who enjoys the Instagram-worthy vibe. If you like it every so often and have the money for a membership, I'd say join. I just don't fall into either of those two categories. The founders of The Wing are smart, determined businesswomen who want to help other women, and for that, I do support their endeavor, even if it may not be for me. The polls are making it more and more clear that election night will not be a landslide win for either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. For the Republicans, that means that either Trump is going to lose a close election or he will win a close election. And because the race is so tight, the GOP leaders not enthusiastically and publicly backing their nominee will be in serious trouble if they do not get on the Trump train right now. It might already be too late for some of those Republicans, especially people like Ohio Governor John Kasich who has already said he didn't vote for Trump. But for those who haven't irreversibly denied their support, now is the time to step up. The new base of the Republican Party will not forgive any elected GOP leader who did not stand with Trump in a razor thin loss. And the Trump team itself will most likely ignore and punish non-supportive Republicans in Washington if he wins. The polls show a strong movement of hold-out Republicans are now "coming home" to vote for Trump. Suddenly, not supporting the nominee publicly is looking like a big lose/lose for politicians who wants GOP votes. That's a shift from the general assumption over the summer and at times this fall that Trump was likely going down in flames in a blowout loss. In that scenario, it made lots of sense for House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Ted Cruz, and everyone with a leadership position in the Republican Congress to stay more than an arm's length from Trump at all times. Now, the only voters Ryan, McConnell and the rest of the Republicans need to worry about are the enduring and surging Trump supporters. If Trump loses in a close election, they will almost surely punish the GOP leaders who did not show enough support for their man. Simply put: they will blame them for Trump's loss. And if Trump wins, things could be even worse for them. A Trump administration will need allies on Capitol Hill, but a President Trump could very easily bypass Republicans who didn't back him and try to work with Democrats instead. That's especially true when it comes to Trump's policies that Republicans have opposed, like nixing the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal and raising the minimum wage. Our live blog tracked market reaction as a triple-pronged news flurry in the United Kingdom pushed sterling near $1.25. Read below to see how the day unfolded. Chairman of ZTO Express Lai Meisong delivers goods during the 2016 Global Smart Logistic Summit on June 13, 2016 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province of China. VCG | Getty Images When it comes to becoming the next FedEx or UPS , China's package delivery companies have a long way to go. Analysts consider the massive China market one of the greatest opportunities in e-commerce, and as shopping online increases, so does the number of packages. The business potential is all the more apparent now, after Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba 's earnings topped Wall Street's expectations Wednesday, and Chinese logistics firm ZTO Express went public last week in the largest U.S. IPO of the year. But global expansion for delivery companies from China is likely limited for now. watch now "The enthusiasm about these companies should really be enthusiasm about China's growth and economy and not about these companies and them going global," said Scott Kennedy, deputy director, Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "It's not that they couldn't down the road," he said, adding that Chinese firms don't "present the same challenges to global leaders around the world as they do in telecom" with the rise of Huawei, for example. China's couriers have successfully tackled their home market, however. By 2015, China had become the largest express delivery market in the world, with 204.5 billion yuan ($30.2 billion) in annual revenue, according to Deloitte. How delivery in China is different than in the US Chinese delivery firms' strategy behind much of the growth is unique to the country. Compared with the United States, sending and receiving packages within China can be quick and inexpensive. Online orders of books and other goods often arrive by the next day, even on weekends. It's also possible to send parcels across town for same-day delivery, all for a negligible cost. Much of the Chinese delivery business depends on partners and a large fleet of couriers who rush packages through the country and across cities, by such modes as bike, moped, subway or truck. "The reality, though, it's going to be very hard for them to become global players," said Shaun Rein, managing director, China Market Research Group. He said many of the companies' management teams and infrastructure aren't developed enough for international operations. Officially established in 2013, ZTO Express operates through about 7,700 network partners, according to the firm's prospectus. The company gets about three-fourths of its business from Alibaba and has 26,000 direct employees in China and more than 200,000 across its entire network. In comparison, UPS has 444,000 employees worldwide and 6,194 in China; FedEx 400,000 total, including almost 9,000 in the country. UPS, the world's largest package delivery company, entered the China market in 1988, and its Asia-Pacific headquarters are in Singapore. In terms of infrastructure, UPS has 228 operating facilities in China, while ZTO has 74 sorting hubs. A deal with the US Postal Service or not? Speaking at the podium, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli on Wednesday released his report on the Central New York economy, showing that the region is starting to rebound following the Great Recession. Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner (left) also addressed the reports findings about the region. (Eric Reinhardt / BJNN) SYRACUSE, N.Y. The Central New York economy is starting to rebound from the Great Recession, thanks to a wealth of locally educated young adults, a technically experienced workforce, and a relatively low cost of living. Thats per a region profile that New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released Wednesday at Syracuse City Hall, standing with Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner as he did so. At the same time, the report also noted that poverty, unemployment rates above the statewide average, and the loss of some large employers still hamper many communities. The report focusing on Central New York is the second in a series of reports that DiNapolis office is assembling for each of New Yorks regions, DiNapoli said in his remarks at City Hall. My office has closely paid attention to the economic health of the regions around the state, certainly in the aftermath of the Great Recession. We do this because the economic health of our regions impacts the revenue that comes to the state a very important part of our planning when we talk about state budget While downstate New York, especially New York City has recovered and added jobs since the depths of the Great Recession, we know that not all parts of the state have shared in those same economic gains. Central New Yorks economy is continuing to recover from the Great Recession, DiNapoli said in his remarks. This report enumerates that there are certain members in our community that are making progress on a number of fronts, including steady population and growth in our downtown and our major economic-development drivers of health care and education. But this report also highlights the pervasive and pernicious poverty, which plagues so much of our community and the city, in particular, Miner said in her comments to local reporters. Report findings Five counties make up the Central New York region, including Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga, Cortland, and Madison counties, DiNapolis office noted in a news release about the report. The report found that the annual regional unemployment rates have been improving in recent years, decreasing from 8.5 percent in 2012 to 5.5 percent in 2015. The figures compare to a statewide jobless rate of 5.3 percent in 2015, according to the report. Central New Yorks estimated population was 787,240 in 2015, including 468,463 people living in Onondaga County. The regions population has been largely stable, but it has had a slight decline, estimated at 0.6 percent, in the past five years, DiNapolis office said. Median household income in each of the five counties is below the state median of $58,687. However, the relatively low cost of living offsets the lower-income levels. That includes lower-than-average housing costs, making Central New York among the more affordable places to live. For example, less than 30 percent of homeowners spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing, compared with 39 percent statewide. The percentage of people with bachelors degrees or higher is relatively low, but Syracuse University and the regions public higher-education institutions award nearly 10,000 degrees annually. Local leaders are working to find ways to retain more of these graduates, according to DiNapolis news release. In addition, Central New Yorks public and private colleges and universities are expected to help the professional, scientific and technical-services sector continue to grow. The manufacturing industry in the region has been shrinking for decades, with employment falling from 58,000 to 30,000 between 1990 and 2015. However, certain segments of manufacturing are doing better and have either recently grown or are poised to do so in the next few years. Electrical equipment, appliance and component manufacturing grew more than 46 percent between 2009 and 2014, and these jobs tend to be well paid. Food-manufacturing operations that focus on milk, yogurt, cheese, fruit and vegetable products have also been locating or expanding in the region, and employment is projected to grow in this sector, DiNapolis office said. The region is well-positioned for truck transportation, warehousing facilities, and distribution centers as the geographic center of the state, which includes the intersection of the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90) and Interstate 81. Updating the areas extensive infrastructure, which served this economy well for many decades, is part of the Central New Yorks overall revitalization plan. Local and state officials have made upgrading the regions highways and water systems a major priority. Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com Hello Programmers, Ho are you all ? I am slowly getting well. However that will speeden up as soon as I start learning Php 7. MY PHP 7 LEARNING PROBLEM Most tutorials I find assume I know Php 5 and only mention what's new in Php 7 and just teach the new things added into Php 7. Those tutorials are no good to me since I don't know Php 5 or any previous versions. I need a tutOrial that would teach me orthodox Php 7 (and not frameworks, etc.) and object oriented php (OOP) which would teach me right from the beginning starting from the "Hello World!". I think you know what I mean. (NOTE: Not interested in learning Php 5 or any previous versions. Why learn old timers which are about to go extinct. Plus, in Php 7, you write less code compared to previous version and the page loading are thrice as fast. I do have some programming background but not in Php. Only in Ubot Studio which is a visual bot programming tool. Q1. For beginners: * Do you recommend any free/paid tutorials on php 7 be it text or video ? * Do you recommend any free/paid online course on php 7 where we can take online exams and get certified that employers would recognize and value ? I am at a loss on where to start learning php 7. I was wondering if you programmers could kindly recommend to me: 1. A good php 7 free tutorial (text or video) website; 2. A good php 7 online course (text or video) to get ceritified as a php developer/programmer. TUTORIAL/COURSE REQUIREMENTS 1. Tutorial/course must be on Php 7 only and not 5.6 or lower. 2. Tutorial must teach the full language (basic and fundamentals and all commands & functions) and not just the parts that deal with Web design only (Php & Mysql). 3. The tutorial/course must first teach the basics of the php 7 language and then move-on to the intermediate then the advance level. 4. Not interested in Frame Works as of now. Especially, not interested in Frame Works that are not developed by the official Php language developer (php.net). (Eg. Not interested in third party Frame Works such as Zend or Laravel since they're not officials like php.net is). Must teach the core of the language first. Can move-onto Frame Works later, if I wish. 5. Must be OOP (Object Oriented Php). MY AIM/DREAM I want to become a php developer/programmer. A php expert. A php guru, who knows all the default & official commands and functions of the language. I am interested in becoming a professional Php programmer and a freelancer so I can build professional dynamic websites for myself and my clients. I wish to become expert enough to build my own websites and platforms using my own codes that I write and not need to rely on other programmers. Not need to hire any php programmer or borrow php codes from anywhere. PHP CAREER DREAM I may get into freelancing where clients outsource me jobs/tasks/assignments to build dynamic websites with Php 7. Hence, I need to learn Php 7 properly to become a Pro Php freelance programmer. I need to become professional enough to rely on myself and to build my own: * Forum (phbb, etc.) * Chat * Instant Messenger * CMS (like Word Press, Dolphin, Drupal, Joomla, etc.). * Social Networks (like Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Del.icio.us, Reddit, Digg). It is my hobby to learn things and build things on my own according to my own needs (custom design & features) even if that means re-inventing the wheel a little or even if the work doesn't result upto standard at first. You will agree that, it feels great to build things all by yourself top to bottom from scratch and give life to it even if it isn't upto standard. I have been researching internet marketing ever since 2004 and have gained a fair understanding of what works and what not online. I have a lot of great concepts and I wish to give life to them in the form of dynamic websites. Hence, the need to learn Php 7. In short, whenever I come-up with a good concept (good Social Networking concept) then I wish to immediately start programming in Php 7 and make my dream website come true. NOTE: (I wish to learn how to walk first, then jog, then run in Php programming and not jump into the deep end at the beginning (jumping into frameworks, etc.). I think you understand what I mean. Hearing all this, can you be kind enough to recommend us your article/blogwebsite audience some tutorials both text and video for complete beginners like me ? I mean, which tutorial sources cover Php 7 from top to bottom for beginners so I can launch my Php 7 programming career ? As a beginner, I don't want to get into Php frameworks just yet as I first want to learn the basics of the Php 7 language then move-on the intermediate level. You may count me as a complete beginner, if you like. Would also appreciate you recommending us some intermediate level text & video tutorials so we can move-on to them after the beginning levels end. Not interested in learning Php 7 in anybodys way (Zends way or Laravel or this or that organisation's or companys way) but interested in learning it the Main Streams way (The Way). The default way. The orthodox way. I think you know what I mean. Also, which WAMP or XAMP should I install to use Php 7 ?). Thank you in advance for your reply. Ali Several Chattanooga area clergy are offering something different this election dayoffering prayers for peace at the Walnut Street Bridge. From noon-1 p.m. on election day, Tuesday, Chattanooga area clergy and spiritual leaders representing several religious traditions will gather on the bridge to offer interested passers-by a time for personalized prayer and a bottle of water. In my congregation, and among my friends and neighbors, theres a good bit of frustration and emotional fatigue from such a difficult, divisive election season, said Rev. Laura Hardin Becker, Pastor of Northminster Presbyterian Church. As I spoke with several colleagues, we all shared similar experiences. We brainstormed, asking a key questionhow can we be peacemakers in our own communityand we came up with what feels like a simple, but important, way of standing with the people we serve here in Chattanooga. Representing a number of congregations, including Northminster, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Chattanooga, St. Pauls Episcopal Church, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and several other faiths, the clergy will offer non-partisan prayers and blessings for those who join in. Whats important to us is that people feel that they can use their lunch break to put aside their political differences and pray for the common good of our community, nation and world, Rev. Ken Carroll, vice-moderator of The Rock Metropolitan Community Church, said. Chattanooga is a town where bridges literally connect people. Part of our call should be to help build even more. Ordained clergy and other spiritual leaders are encouraged to join, and all people are encouraged to come by at this time. For more information, contact Rev. Brandon Gilvin at brandon@firstchristian-chat.com, or Rev. Laura Hardin Becker at npcpastor@comcast.net for more information. Brexit Surely the most significant event in British politics for many years occurred on 23 June 2016 when voters decided that Britain should leave the European Union. Even before departure from the EU became a reality, a new word had been coined to describe the act: Brexit. Brexit was on everyones lips in 2016, and we even heard about Brexiteers (proponents of the vote to leave) and debated the merits of a hard Brexit (complete withdrawal) or a soft Brexit (a gradual withdrawal while still preserving close ties). The roots of the word Brexit can be traced to 2012, when the economist Ebrahim Rahbari coined the term Grexit as a shorthand for Greek exit, referring to the possibility that Greece might be forced to leave the euro zone as a result of its economic crisis. The term struck a chord, and when the question arose of other countries leaving the EU, journalists played around with variations on the theme. An article in The Economist later in 2012 coined the term Brixit, but this failed to catch on and by the following year Brexit was starting to emerge as the generally preferred term for a British exit. There was even talk of Swexit and Frexit amid speculation that Sweden and France might follow Britains decision to leave. Meanwhile humorists have come up with some imaginative words that might describe the exit of other member states, including Departugal, Czechout, and Finish. hygge The Danes have established a reputation for being the happiest nation in the world, and so it is natural that other countries should attempt to tap into the source of their happiness by turning their attention to the Danish concept of hygge. This word defies literal translation, but it is perhaps best translated as cosiness. It comes from the Old Norse word hugga, which means to comfort (and which is also the root of the English word hug), and it involves all things that make you feel warm, comfortable, and loved. Hygge became a lifestyle phenomenon in Britain in 2016: bars and restaurants attempted to replicate the congenial atmosphere of hygge by serving comforting foods in dimly-lit surroundings; meanwhile, numerous books alerted us to the simple joys of eating cake, taking long baths, and spending time with friends. English is a magpie language, and it has a long history of taking words from other languages to describe ideas borrowed from their cultures (sauna from Finnish, ombudsman from Swedish, and so on). For the moment hygge is still generally regarded as a Danish word, but if the English-speaking world continues to embrace the concept, it could become as indispensable a part of our vocabulary as schadenfreude or poppadom. mic drop At the end of his final speech to the White House correspondents dinner in May 2016, President Barack Obama extended his arm outwards and casually dropped his hand-held microphone to the floor while saying Obama out. This gesture brought the mic drop to the attention of the world. To those in the know, however, there was nothing new about the mic drop. In the 1980s American rap artists would drop the microphone at the end of a performance to indicate that they had just made a definitive statement and that nothing more needed to be said. The routine was then adopted by African-American stand-up comedians such as Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock. When Obama became Americas first Black president, satirists played on his heritage and jokingly portrayed him as performing various actions associated with African-American culture, including the mic drop. So when the president finally did perform the gesture at the end of a public speech it was a case of real life imitating fiction. Trumpism When the ending -ism is added to a persons name to form a new word, it usually has one of two meanings. It can indicate a philosophy or set of principles associated with a person as in the case of Buddhism, Marxism, or McCarthyism or else it can indicate a characteristic way of speaking associated with a person as in the case of Malapropism, Spoonerism, or Bushism. The presidential campaign of Donald Trump has prompted the word Trumpism to be coined in both of these senses. Political philosophers have analysed Trumps appeal and concluded that Trumpism involves a rejection of the current political establishment and the vigorous pursuit of American national interests. To students of language, however, a Trumpism would be any of the characteristically outspoken or controversial statements attributed to Donald Trump, which (depending on your point of view) can be held up either as evidence of the mans ability to make America great again or else as proof of his unfitness to hold the highest political office. throw shade Most of us enjoy a good celebrity spat, especially when it is played out in public. However, the words we use to describe such feuding tend to change over time. During the 1990s it was common to talk of one public figure dissing another. A decade later, they might be said to be talking smack. Today the expression throw shade does a similar job. This expression first arose in Americas gay community in the 1980s, where a direct insult to another person was known as a read (as in the expression read my lips), whereas a subtler form of denigration was referred to as shade (presumably because it was not black and white). It has now come into wider use through a reality television series featuring the drag queen RuPaul. The beauty of throwing shade is that any insult needs to be interpreted by the victim, and the purveyor of the insult can reasonably deny that any offence was intended. However, this distinction is being gradually eroded, and there is certainly nothing very subtle about some of the invective that has recently been described as throw shade. The Cleveland State Community College Business and Technology Advisory Council held its fall meeting on the Cleveland State campus. Susan Webb-Curtis, CSCC dean of business and technology, addressed the council made up of "key employers, educators and business leaders in the community that can provide beneficial guidance to the division as the department updates its courses and programs to reflect workforce needs." Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau announced on Thursday that $1.5 million is available in grant funding for clean energy projects statewide. The sixth round of funding will include specific eligibility criteria to purchase, install and construct environmental mitigation projects. The Clean Tennessee Energy Grant (CTEG) program provides financial assistance tomunicipal governments, county governments, utility districts and other entities created by statute. Criteria include projects that reduce air emissions, improve energy efficiency and create cost savings including projects focused on: Cleaner alternative energy biomass, geothermal, solar, wind; Energy conservation lighting, HVAC improvements, improved fuel efficiency, insulation, idling minimization; Air quality improvement reduction in greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, oxides of nitrogen, hazardous air pollutants. Funding preference will be given to distressed counties identified by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and counties that have not previously received CTEG funding. Additionally, projects must have a simple payback of less than 10 years on the entire project budget. Funding for the projects comes from a 2011 Clean Air Act settlement with the Tennessee Valley Authority. Under the Consent Decree, Tennessee received $26.4 million to fund clean air programs in the state. The funding schedule is as follows: Feb. 28, 2017 : Pre-Proposal submission deadline March 24, 2017 : Full proposals (by invitation only) contacted for additional items April 21, 2017 : Full proposal supplemental information submission deadline Fall 2017 : Announcement of recipients The minimum grant request is $5,000 and the maximum grant request is $250,000, with a 50% match or better from the applicant. Eligibility Criteria Municipal governments, county governments, utility districts and other entities created by statute (e.g. airport authority) in Tennessee are eligible to apply for CTEG grant funding. Preference will be given to distressed counties and counties that have not previously received funding. Projects must have a simple payback of less than 10 years on the entire project budget. Rachel Brown, associate dean for student programs and professional development at the MU School of Medicine, stepped down from her position on Friday. The move comes on the heels of a June accreditation report that put the school under pressure to improve diversity and its treatment of students. The Alzheimers Association is inviting Chattanooga and the surrounding area to participate in the 4th annual Run to Remember 5K on Nov. 19 at Tennessee Riverpark. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. The run will follow at 9 a.m. Each registered participant will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Immediately following the run awards will be presented to the Male and Female Overall, Masters and Grand Masters. The top three runners in each age category will also receive an award. The route has been approved by the Chattanooga Track Club. "Run to Remember is an opportunity for the community to help raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimers Association and our mission to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health," officials said. We are very excited about how this event continues to grow, said Cindy Lowery, senior vice president of the Alzheimers Association Mid South Chapter. Run to Remember provides those affected by Alzheimers disease another opportunity to come together to honor their loved ones while raising awareness of this disease that affects more than 120,000 Tennesseans. Ms. Lowery adds that this 5K is an option for those individuals who may not have been able to attend Walk to End Alzheimers in September or who may enjoy running a 5K more than participating in a walk. Runners can register online at act.alz.org/chattanoogarun or can register on-site that morning. The Alzheimers Association would like to invite the community to the event whether to run, show support or volunteer. For information about Run to Remember, call the Alzheimers Association office at 423-265-3600. November is National Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregiver Month. Learn more and honor a caregiver at alz.org. Types of obituaries The Missourian publishes two types of obituaries family obituaries and life stories. A family obituary is the version submitted by a funeral home or family. Please see the submission form for details on cost and deadlines. Family obituaries A life story is a closer look at a person's life and involves a reporter contacting family and friends. Life stories are based on newsworthiness and consent of the family. Life stories. The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form MoDOT seeks more public input on 70/63 connector plans A public meeting from MoDOT seeks more information from the public regarding plans for the I-70/U.S. 63 connector in Columbia. The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) will help Nissin Brake recruit about 40 full-time assembly workers to work in Rock Spring. The recruitment will be held on Monday, Nov. 14, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Fort Oglethorpe City Hall located at 500 City Hall Drive. GDOL staff will be onsite to help screen applicants. Due to U.S Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, all applicants must be at least 18 years old. While it is not required, a high school diploma or a General Education Diploma (GED), is preferred. The company offers training availabilities for applicants chosen for the positions. Chosen applicants will be required to pass a drug screening and background check. Salaries will begin at $10.10 an hour and benefits include dental, health and vision insurance along with six paid holidays and five paid vacation days a year. Applicants are encouraged to dress appropriately to improve their opportunities for jobs. For more information about the jobs, or to apply online, visit employgeorgia.com to create an account and upload, or prepare, a resume. Having an Employ Georgia account expedites the interview process. For more information about the recruitment, contact the GDOLs LaFayette Career Center at (706) 638-5525. The center is at 200 West Villianow St. and is open to serve the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To learn more about career opportunities, Employ Georgia and other GDOL services for job seekers and employers, and to connect with us on social media, visit dol.georgia.gov Things to See and Do in and Around Columbus in November Juniper Networks, Inc. designs, develops, and sells network products and services worldwide. The company offers routing products, such as ACX series universal access routers to deploy high-bandwidth services; MX series Ethernet routers that function as a universal edge platform; PTX series packet transport routers; wide-area network SDN controllers; and session smart routers. It also provides switching products, including EX series Ethernet switches to address the access, aggregation, and core layer switching requirements of micro branch, branch office, and campus environments; QFX series of core, spine, and top-of-rack data center switches; and juniper access points, which provide Wi-Fi access and performance. In addition, the company offers security products comprising SRX series services gateways for the data center; Branch SRX family provides an integrated and next-generation firewall; virtual firewall that delivers various features of physical firewalls; and advanced malware protection, a cloud-based service and Juniper ATP. Further, it offers Junos OS, a network operating system; Contrail networking, which provides an open-source and standards-based platform for SDN; Mist AI-driven Wired, Wireless, and WAN assurance solutions to set and measure key metrics; Mist AI-driven Marvis Virtual Network Assistant, which identifies the root cause of issues; Juniper Paragon Automation, a modular portfolio of cloud-native software applications; and Juniper Apstra to automate the network lifecycle in a single system. Additionally, the company provides software-as-a-service, technical support, maintenance, and professional services, as well as education and training programs. It sells its products through direct sales, distributors, value-added resellers, and original equipment manufacturers to end-users in the cloud, service provider, and enterprise markets. The company was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. Targa Resources Corp., together with its subsidiary, Targa Resources Partners LP, owns, operates, acquires, and develops a portfolio of midstream energy assets in North America. The company operates in two segments, Gathering and Processing, and Logistics and Transportation. It engages in gathering, compressing, treating, processing, transporting, and selling natural gas; storing, fractionating, treating, transporting, and selling natural gas liquids (NGL) and NGL products, including services to liquefied petroleum gas exporters; and gathering, storing, terminaling, purchasing, and selling crude oil. The company is also involved in the purchase and resale of NGL products; and wholesale of propane, as well as provision of related logistics services to multi-state retailers, independent retailers, and other end-users. In addition, it offers NGL balancing services; and transportation services to refineries and petrochemical companies in the Gulf Coast area, as well as purchases, markets, and resells natural gas. The company operates approximately 28,400 miles of natural gas pipelines, including 42 owned and operated processing plants; and owns or operates a total of 34 storage wells with a gross storage capacity of approximately 76 million barrels. As of December 31, 2021, it leased and managed approximately 648 railcars; 119 transport tractors; and two company-owned pressurized NGL barges. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Chattanooga is one of eight cities announced on Thursday that has been awarded funding for sustainability projects focused on low-income and diverse communities, ensuring that all residents benefit from a communitys environmental progress. The City of Chattanoogas Sustainability Office worked with local non-profit, green|spaces, to apply for funding to expand the Empower program, which teaches low-income residents low cost and no cost ways to reduce their utility bills. The expansion of the program will allow more renters and homeowners in the East Chattanooga, Highland Park, Ridgedale, and East Lake communities to receive training as well as add the Alton Park community to the service area. We know access to electricity and affordability directly impacts quality of life. Chattanoogans shouldnt have to choose between keeping the lights on or feeding their family, said Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke. Through this grant, we will help even more Chattanooga families make their homes energy efficient and keep more money in their pockets. To expand this successful program that helps low-income neighborhoods, Chattanooga is receiving $40,000 from Partners for Places and $80,000 in local funding from the Benwood Foundation and Lyndhurst Foundation to continue to help communities increase their energy efficiency. Partners for Places pairs city governments with local and national funders to support sustainability projects that promote a healthy environment, a strong economy, and well-being for all residents. Becoming sustainable and solving the climate crisis may seem daunting, but to get there it has to be done on the local level with public/private partnerships, said Darryl Young, director of the Sustainable Cities Program at the Summit Foundation. Were excited that so many of these ideas put the role of planning solutions in the hands of communities." The communities for the Empower Program were selected from a study conducted by the City of Chattanooga, EPB, United Way, and green|spaces, which showed that homes in those areas used on average 43 percent more energy per square foot than the average home in Chattanooga during the winter months. Those neighborhoods also had some of the highest call volumes for energy assistance to THE United Way 211 Call Center. It has been incredible to see how simple changes and improvements to a home can have such a big impact! Participants, on average, have saved over $400 after attending just one 45-minute class, said Sam Fulbright, green|spaces Empower program coordinator. This expansion will allow us to serve hundreds of more families in Chattanooga along with providing them an opportunity use their own ideas to create more energy efficient communities through the neighborhood-led project program. Partners for Places, led by the Funders Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities in partnership with the Urban Sustainability Directors Network, is providing $514,000 in funding for the eight cities, which will be matched by the other funders listed below. The program is supported by six investor foundations: Bloomberg Philanthropies, The JPB Foundation, The Kendeda Fund, The New York Community Trust, Summit Foundation, and Surdna Foundation. The Partners for Places recipients are Chattanooga, Detroit, Hartford, Ct., Miami-Dade County, Fl., Minneapolis, Portland, Or., Seattle and Tucson, Az. To date, Partners for Places has awarded more than $4 million across North America in this successful matching grant program, leading to an $8 million impact. But there are treatments available. When the Department of Labor announced in May that it would more than double the minimum salary needed to qualify an employee as exempt from overtime pay on December 1, 2016, you could hear the collective gasp from businesses nationwide. That sound echoed even more loudly in broadcast studios across the country, as the round the clock/breaking news nature of running a broadcast station places a high premium on employees that arent locked into a 9 to 5 existence. By increasing the minimum salary needed for an employee to qualify as overtime-exempt (from $23,660 annually to $47,476 annually), the rule change may price many broadcast employees out of their jobs. Few businesses can absorb the sudden added cost of either paying overtime to previously exempt employees, or drastically raising salaries to maintain those employees exempt status. As a result, many businesses will respond by simply cutting overtime hours for employees making below the new threshold, and working employees above that threshold harder to make up the difference. In fact, the Department of Labor predicted that response when it adopted the change, noting that its economic analysis predicts that affected workers who work overtime will, on average, see a modest decline in base pay and a decline in overtime hours, but will see an overall increase in weekly wages, because they will earn time-and-a-half on the overtime hours that they do work. With employees below the new threshold being upset with what they perceive as a demotion to hourly status, and employees above the new threshold having to work harder than ever, its guaranteed that many employees will be unhappy. Managers that are being forced to restructure their employee pay and reexamine their budgets are even unhappier. When the rule change was announced, Pillsburys Employment Practice issued a Client Alert discussing the new rules and suggesting a variety of steps businesses could take to mitigate the impact. We in the Communications Practice followed up with an Advisory specifically addressing the impact on broadcasters, both because of the odd hours of the broadcast business, and the fact that a lot of broadcast employees salaries fall between $23,660 and $47,476. Fortunately, their are some exceptions to the overtime requirements that broadcasters can utilize, particularly one adopted in 1961 applying to certain types of broadcast employees working at small market stations. The details on this and other potentially applicable exceptions can be found in the Advisory. Broadcasters looking for more details and strategies for complying with the rule change while minimizing the economic impact on their stations might also want to check out When Taking Care of Business Requires Working Overtime, a webinar on the subject sponsored by the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations back in June. In the webinar, my Pillsbury colleague Rebecca Carr Rizzo and I walked through the new requirements, discussed how they apply to typical categories of broadcast employees, and focused on how to assess and address the impact of the changes on both stations and their employees. Rebecca later participated in a podcast on the subject for Current, the nonprofit news service for those in the public radio and TV industry. So if you are just hearing about this for the first time, or have been procrastinating in preparing for the December 1 deadline, you have a lot of work to do in a short period of time. Those hoping for a reprieve from Congress should not use that as an excuse to avoid grappling with the changes needed to be in compliance on December 1. In making this change, the Department of Labor was clearly channeling the desires of the White House, which sees the move as one response to a shrinking middle class. As a result, any effort by Congress to override the Department of Labor is likely to encounter a veto from the President. The thinking is that once employees get used to being eligible for overtime, it will be politically impossible for Congress (or a subsequent administration) to return to the lower salary threshold. Indeed, one of the few governmental developments since the change was announced in May is the introduction of S.3464 in the Senate by Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee. Acceding to political reality, even that bill does not seek to block implementation of the new salary threshold, but would instead phase it in, starting at $36,000 on December 1, 2016, followed by three more increases in 2018, 2019, and 2020, at which point it would stay at the $47,476 level that otherwise will go into effect a few weeks from now. The legislation would also offer some relief to nonprofits, colleges and universities, certain health care providers, and state and local governments. For the reasons discussed above, as well as the dwindling number of days between now and December 1, broadcasters should not sit on their hands hoping the problem will be solved by legislation. Even if S.3464 becomes law, businesses would still face a December 1 deadline, just one with a lower salary threshold for overtime exemptions. Failing to comply with the overtime requirements carries stiff penalties, and many of the most elegantly cost-effective solutions are complex, leading those who wait until the last minute to resort to simpler, less cost-effective solutions. When it comes to addressing overtime, you are nearly out of time. The composition of Infosys' U.S. workforce is too lopsided -- overwhelmingly South Asian -- to be an accident, allege the plaintiffs in a discrimination lawsuit. The plaintiffs, four IT workers from around the U.S., brought their discrimination lawsuit against the India-based IT services giant in 2013. This week, they filed a motion seeking class-action certification from 2009, and say the potential pool of plaintiffs may be as large as 125,000. In bringing this motion, the plaintiffs also worked to cement their claims with expert help. David Neumark, a professor of economics at the University of California, Irvine, analyzed Infosys' U.S. workforce for the plaintiffs and wrote a 76-page report filed this week in federal court in Wisconsin, where the case is being heard. Neumark, an expert witness, described Infosys' workforce as "remarkably disproportionate" because of its South Asian hiring. The lawsuit alleges that the India-based firm was engaged in "ongoing national origin and race discrimination," and claimed, at the time the lawsuit was filed, that the Infosys U.S. workforce was roughly 90% South Asian. One plaintiff was hired by Infosys to work on a $49.5 million Affordable Care Act, government-funded development project for the District of Columbia. There were about 100 Infosys employees working on the healthcare project, but only three were American, the lawsuit claimed. The plaintiff alleged harassment, and was denied promotion, the complaint said. Neumark brought a statistical analysis to the discrimination claim. Specifically, the economist wrote, "from 2009 through 2015, 89.39% of Infosys' United States workforce was South Asian while only 11.45% of the United States' Computer Systems Design and Related Services industry was South Asian." Neumark wrote that "the share of South Asian workers in Infosys' United States-based workforce, when compared to the relevant labor market, is 301.17 standard deviations higher, and the statistical likelihood that this disparity is due to chance -- as opposed to a systematic difference in hiring favoring one group over the other -- is less than 0.0000001%, or less than 1 in 1 billion." Infosys is one the largest users of H-1B visa workers. Infosys employs about 20,000 in the U.S, according to court records. When asked for comment, Infosys said as a general policy it doesn't comment on pending litigation. The motion for class certification covers all individuals who are not of South Asian race or Indian national origin, who sought a position with Infosys in the United States and who were not hired from August 1, 2009 through the date of class certification. It also covers those who were denied promotions or terminated. Plaintiff attorney Michael von Klemperer, with law firm Kotchen & Low in Washington, said: "We believe strongly in the merits of the case, including the merits of the class-certification motion, and we look forward to the court's ruling and we look forward to trying the case." It's expected that Infosys will file a response to the motion. A ruling by a judge on the class-certification motion isn't expected until next year. The lawsuit last year survived an effort by Infosys to dismiss it. In the ruling to allow the case to proceed, U.S. District Court Judge Pamela Pepper wrote, in part, "that the plaintiffs' allegations are sufficient to state claims that the defendants intentionally discriminated against them because of the plaintiff's' race, and the complaint is clear that the plaintiffs regard their race as distinct from the 'South Asian race' that the defendants allegedly favor." There were some 50 exhibits filed in this case, including one from a former Infosys recruiter who said, in a declaration, that in conference calls "many of the highly qualified American candidates we presented were being rejected in favor of Indian candidates." Poet Corrie Lynn White will co-host River City Sessions on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 (doors open at 7 p.m.) at The Granfalloon. Ms. White is from North Carolina. Her work has appeared in Best New Poets (2013), New Ohio Review, Mississippi Review, and The Greensboro Review. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from UNC Greensboro and currently teaches high school English in Chattanooga. Ms. White also co-founded the blog www.femalefriendship.net which publishes stories and interviews about the power and complexity of female friendships. Performers for the evening will be Jana Michelson, Heatherly and Brynija Greader. Here is their reviews: Jana Michelson sings southern Appalachian ballads, songs of love and loss from the hollows of yesteryear. Her voice, described as "sweet as honey and honest as sin", echoes a simpler time and place. Influenced by voices like Hazel Dickens and Iris Dement, Jana belts out an old-time sound with a voice distilled from the hills of Tennessee. Heatherly is the moniker used to describe the music coming from Heather Leigh Holt. She was born and raised in Atlanta. She moved to Chattanooga after graduating from the University of Georgia. There, she studied Music Education with a focus of Percussion. Heather taught music in Hamilton County for nine years before resigning to work for Ted and Kelly Alling. She loves to play any kind of music and attend open mics whenever she can. She started a podcast called Open Mic Spotlight which focuses on a different Chattanooga artist every week. In the past six months, she has acquired three new band members which make up her band, Heatherly. She is recording an album and playing her indie folk tunes around Chattanooga whenever she can. The youth performer, working in the medium of Spoken Word, Brynija Greader is a 10th grader at Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, one of the first charter all girls schools in Tennessee. She has been writing poetry since the age of seven and her biggest inspiration has been the poet Erin Hanson (e.h) and her mom Nichole Priest. River City Sessions also has a new partnership with ArtsBuild of Chattanooga. ArtsBuild will be assisting in the next few months to present local talent. Garvan Walshe is a former national and international security policy adviser to the Conservative Party and CEO of Brexit Analytica. On 8 November, the date that Donald Trump could be delivered to office by American voters, the trial of the journalist Erol Onderoglu begins in Turkey at the behest of Turkeys homegrown authoritarian populist. Its just one small part of the Turkish presidents long march to political monopoly, which is now nearing completion. Recep Tayyip Erdogan has shown us a masterclass in consolidating authority. He began using false hope to divide opponents when they were still strong enough to outgun him, and, once he had accumulated enough strength, started using raw power to intimidate them once they were isolated. First he went after the military: and Turkeys liberals looked on with indifference as hundreds of generals were tried and imprisoned the Ergenkron case, as the coup plot, apparently fabricated by his then allies in Fetullah Gulens movement, was known. Then he went after the liberals: cracking down on the gay rights movement, restricting alcohol sales and splitting the weakened secular business elite from the new left, to cheers from his own partys Islamists, affiliates of Gulen and even conservative Kurds. When it suited him, he worked on the peace process. When it didnt, hes been more than happy to exploit and foster war with the terrorists of the PKK. Two obstacles nearly thwarted his rise: constitutional limits on his power, and the emergence of Selahattin Demirtas, a new, moderate, telegenic Kurdish leader. In elections in the summer of 2014, Erdogans AK lost its majority. But the opposition composed as it was of the nationalist MHP and the once-ruling CHP as well as the Kurds couldnt reach agreement to govern. Against a background of terrorist attacks, the AK regained its majority, and Erdogan power. The constitution, which grants Turkey only a ceremonial presidency, presents the last formal obstacle. Real executive authority remains in the hands of the Prime Minister. But once Ahmet Davutoglu, the Prime Minister, started to actually try and use his powers, Erodgan, who still controls their party, engineered his ouster. No tyrant gets where he is without luck, and Erdogan has had two strokes of it. First, the refugee flows from the Syrian civil war allowed him to threaten Europe with opening his borders, rendering their complaints about human rights abuses inaudible. Then, Junes failed coup (much more of a close-run thing than it originally appeared) gave him the excuse to impose a state of emergency, which hes used to impose the kind of wide-ranging purge of universities, police, military and judiciary of a scope more usually associated with incoming revolutionary regimes. Now he has taken aim at the independent media, which is getting no thanks for supporting his resistance to this summers attempted coup. The Cumhurriyet newspaper, targeted in this latest crackdown, has long run without advertising, because businesses have been pressured into withdrawing it. Its editor is in exile in Germany. The repression has turned severe. According to Rebecca Vincent of Reporters Without Borders, more than 100 media outlets have been closed, and more than 200 journalists arrested since July alone. Since Ahmet Davutoglu was removed, Erdogan has been in effect the unconstitutional monarch of Turkey. All he has left to do is enact a constitutional change to formalise this reality, and only the parliamentary votes of the nationalist MHP stand in his way. Already impervious to international criticism, he will only get more difficult as the last scraps of opposition are crushed. His triumph represents yet another failure of Western policy, which has evolved from credulous (remember the Turkey Model of democratic islam?), to craven (tolerating his support first for Assad, and then for fundamentalist opposition to him), to dependent (over the migration crisis) and finally to irrelevance (as he consolidates personal rule). Big, unpredictable and autocratic, Turkey is becoming a second Russia only this time inside NATO, not beside it. This latest crackdown on the independent media exemplifies a problem with which our Foreign Secretary, part Turkish, part poet, and entirely journalist is at a loss to deal. James Frayne is Director of communications agency Public First and author of Meet the People, a guide to moving public opinion. The focus of this column is Theresa Mays conservatism for ordinary working people. Theresa May grasps the power of the 52 per cent of the public that voted Leave. To the extent shes commented, shes made it clear that pro-EU politicians can say what they like were leaving. May knows that seeming to give an inch on our exit will finish her off politically. Which explains the Governments immediate reaction to todays news from the High Court. While a small number of other politicians hold the same view as May, its extraordinary how many others think nothing of apparently disregarding the result and publicly questioning the sanity of those that voted Leave. Some may see todays ruling as the beginning of a campaign to dilute or reverse Junes decision. Its extraordinary how little fear there is of the political power of provincial England even though it always decides who takes power. Certain political parties and personalities oppose the result for their own ends. It makes sense for the SNP to use the referendum as a wedge between England and Scotland and also for Lib Dems to rally around an issue thats important to activists when theyre barely surviving. But the dismissal of the eurosceptic provincial English electorate goes further than this. Its reasonably common in the Tory Party and endemic elsewhere. Why? Thinking about the immediate term, theres been little organised campaigning by eurosceptics since June. Paul Goodman and I have discussed the vacuum left by Vote Leaves closure, which is now encouragingly being filled by Change Britain. UKIPs implosion has also removed a major eurosceptic voice that was previously heard loudly. Fundamentally though, politicians dont fear provincial England politically because they dont get it. The parties have ignored the provincial English lower middle class for the last decade and a half. As Ive discussed previously, politicians have preferred to focus in policy and campaign terms on smaller groups of voters that are more interesting to the media and that have lobby groups campaigning loudly for them. Politicians lack of interest in provincial England is more than matched by much of the British media. Some commentators think nothing of drilling into the mindset of Trump voters in West Virginia, but they dont take the same interest in voters in West Yorkshire. Provincial England has historically been very, very quiet. If the Tory Party arent campaigning on their behalf, as they once did, they have no one to do it for them. But those politicians that think the silence of the provincial English reflects a lack of interest in the referendum result and a commitment to it are making a mistake. Those that apparently disregard the result risk a backlash at the ballot box next time. And if the provincial English believed that the result was actually being disregarded or unpicked, the demonstrations of The 48 would be completely dwarfed by those of The 52 who ultimately care much more about the result. This isnt to say that those that oppose the result should simply shut up. An orderly and effective Brexit requires an extremely lively debate that puts every decision under the microscope. This is the best way to avoid mistakes. Historically pro-EU voices have an important role to play here. But professional politicians who speak and campaign for a living and know the power of their words will find themselves out of office or their party in deep opposition if they continue to treat provincial England with contempt. They should tread very carefully around todays ruling and its aftermath. Before and during the EU referendum campaign, it was claimed that Brexit would damage the Union. Some said that a Leave vote would make Scottish independence more likely. There is no yet evidence that it has done so, and quite a bit to the contrary. It was also argued that such an outcome could destabilise Northern Ireland. But to date, the province has taken the result in its stride. So far, so good. However, Remainers and Leavers alike were perhaps searching for possible repercussions in the wrong place. They should have been looking not within our frontiers, but to just outside them to the only country in Europe with which we share a land border. Brexits consequences for that country, Ireland, are thus also consequences for us. These break down into three broad categories. The first are a mass of concerns arising from proximity or language or both. On the former front, for example, there is the question of how fishing rights will be allocated after Britain leaves. On the latter, there is the matter of what will happen, say, to joint projects between Irish and British universities, in these two English-speaking countries, once one is a member of the EU and one is not. The second set of issues are directly related to the border itself. Like the first basket of problems, they are not impossible to solve. Neither Britain nor Ireland want to put in place the hard border that has never really existed not even during the Troubles. As our columnist, Daniel Hannan, has pointed out, the border is criss-crossed by a latticework of lanes, most of them dating back to the nineteenth century or further. It is possible to imagine that the two countries will build on the agreement they signed in 2011 to develop border management systems and to share data. There is going to be more focus on the perimeter, Frances Fitzgerald, Irelands Deputy Prime Minister, said recently that we are now the border effectively for the EU. The final issue is more complex. Britain is Irelands largest export market within the EU. Indeed, the former is the latters biggest trading partner. A third of Irish agri-food exports come here. These include half Irelands beef exports. Bertie Ahern and John Bruton, two former Taoiseachs, ran through some of the figures recently when they gave evidence to a Lords Select Committee. Irish exporters are already feeling the effects of the fall in sterling: five mushroom farms have already closed. Admittedly, what one loses on exchange rate swings one gains on their roundabouts. It can be argued that the pound has been over-valued, that this has benefited Ireland and other exporters to Britain, and that a correction is now taking place which they must take on the chin. But it is not at all easy to dismiss concerns about the future of customs. Daniel has floated maintaining aspects of the customs union with Ireland. It is possible that this is precisely the kind of a la carte solution which Theresa May will favour as part of her bespoke Brexit deal. None the less, reaching agreement, on customs or anything else, will not be a matter that Britain and Ireland can negotiate between themselves alone. The former will be acting alone; the latter as one state in 27. This is the crux of the matter. In one sense, the two countries are about as close as it is possible for separate states to be. Their citizens are linked by shared history. They enjoy a common travel area. Indeed, citizens of the Irish Republic are not treated by Britain as aliens, and vice-versa. But in another sense, that history also keeps the two countries at a certain distance: a glance at it will explain why Ireland is an independent state in the first place (and why Northern Ireland is still part of the United Kingdom). For some people in Ireland, EU membership not only gave the country an opportunity to slip out from Britains shadow, but offered Britain itself a chance to escape from its own history as a fellow member. Bruton began his evidence to the committee by evoking the memory of how both countries joined the EU on the same day. Common EU membership played a vague but powerful part in bringing Britain and Ireland closer together, and thus finding a solution to Northern Irelands troubles. The prospect of a self-governing Britain, unrestrained by EU membership, stirs unhappy memories in Ireland. Even if it did not, the latter will soon be in the peculiar situation of being the only mainly English-speaking country in the EU. What will that mean for EU immigration into Ireland? What for that matter will it mean for the common travel area, if Britain introduces work permits for EU nationals? The questions arising from Brexit are complex, but the context is straightforward. The UK is set to leave the EU at more or less the same moment when the latters role in relation to Ireland is itself changing. News that the country became a net contributor to the EU in 2014 became public almost as votes in Britains referendum were being cast. The Commission is seeking to bust up Apples tax deal with Ireland: more investigations will follow. The country is moving rapidly from occupying a similar place within the EU to the olive belt states, as a net beneficiary, to one more like that of other northern European countries, as it becomes a net contributor. Our Government can do nothing much about this. But it can give more thought to Irelands position than it seems to have done to date. After all, our close relationship to it, economic and political, should render it a useful ally in the negotiations to come. A would-be punitive settlement for Britain is not in Irelands interest or anyone elses, as Enda Kenny has pointed out. And both countries can share a common aim of carving out a post-Brexit settlement between them that preserves as much continuity as possible with the present dispensation. To maximise the chances of obtaining it, Theresa May, David Davis and James Brokenshire in particular should make as much use of the present institutional framework as possible thats to say, the British Irish Council and, in particular, the British-Irish Intergovernmental conference, in which Ministers in the two governments meet face to face. The Government will need to keep the DUP and UUP onside. In the past, there has been an Irish question and at present there is, we read, a British one. Now there is a Brexit question too to keep both countries busy. The Stir, a rock band from Atlanta playing all original music is on tour this month in support of their newly released single, "Nightshift" and is stopping in Chattanooga on Nov. 12 to play at Ziggy's Bar. This will be the band's second time in Chattanooga. The Stir has opened for bands like Collective Soul and Adam Evans of The Stir will appear on their upcoming studio album set to release in 2017. The Stir has also shared the stage with people like Peter Stroud (Sheryl Crowe), Jeff Carlisi (38. Special), and Paul Rogers (Bad Company). Isabel McCalle, Phoebe Mills and Dr. Autumn Graves GPS students with Dr. Autumn Graves and the sculpture GPS faculty with the sculpture Previous Next Girls Preparatory School celebrated an interdisciplinary collaboration among the math, science, and fine arts classes with an unveiling of a new piece of public art on Wednesday. A cast metal relief sculpture on the brick facade adjacent to the Defoor Patio was uncovered at a reception attended by members of the faculty and the students whose work went into the project. The newest piece of art is the second installation created with the assistance of The Traveling Foundry, directed by Gerald Masse. Students from Art I, Ceramic I & II, and Sculpture I worked individually on sand blocks, making sure their blocks fit seamlessly to the adjacent one and following a photo of a portrait of a GPS student, digitally enlarged by faculty colleague Lee Wright. Communication and collaboration were imperative at this stage, said art teacher Isabel McCall, who spearheaded the project. The students had to think in reverse because the mold is cast in the reverse direction. Insuring the correct carving depth across the larger carving surface was a challenge, and working together and achieving carving continuity, while difficult, was not impossible. The student artist who posed for the sculpture, Phoebe Mills, represents a girl looking out into the distance toward her future, said Ms. McCall at the unveiling. Shes looking out beyond the Tennessee River behind her, into the world beyond GPS. We felt this scene is one that typifies what our students experience every daydifferent futures for all from different spaces on the GPS campus. Thanking Dr. Autumn Graves and others for their support of the project, Ms. McCall noted the interdisciplinary contributions of physics teacher Bryant Haynes and math teacher Diane Walker, who worked with their students to calculate the measurements and volumes that determined the amount of aluminum needed for the crucible. Ms. McCall said that the help she received from everyone on campus gave proof to the keynote of a good school is cooperation, a sentence that she memorized as a GPS student when studying the schools Blue Book. Indeed, many steps in the project required many peoples help, she said. The Traveling Foundry arrived on campus in 2015 to assist with the projects completion. With the patio cordoned off, the foundry artists melted the aluminum blocks to well over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and poured the molten metal into the carved sand blocks, often with a large contingent of interested students, faculty, parents, and even grandparents looking on from a safe distance. Once all the blocks were poured, they were numbered for proper arrangement on the wall. This sculpture is here because of your hard work, Ms. McCall told the students, congratulating them for being undaunted by the process. Then she and Dr. Graves removed the cloth to unveil the latest piece of public art. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park invites the public to participate in a series of special programs throughout the Chattanooga area from Nov. 19-25 in commemoration of the 153rd anniversary of the Battles for Chattanooga. Saturday, Nov. 19 Join park rangers as they lead 30-minute walking tours of Point Park, atop Lookout Mountain, at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm and 4 pm. At 10 am, Park Historian Jim Ogden will lead a hike to the Union earthworks on Moccasin Bend where visitors can learn about the role of artillery during the Campaign for Chattanooga. From 2 pm to 4 pm, Park Historian Jim Ogden will lead a two hour, two mile hike around Cummings Bottom along Lookout Creek at the base of Lookout Mountain, including where artist James Walker observed the battle in preparation for his painting, The Battle of Lookout Mountain, which now hangs on display in the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center. The tour will begin along Parker Lane off Browns Ferry Road just south of Interstate 24, exit 175 in Lookout Valley. Look for the Special Event signs. Also, for visitors wishing to see the Cravens House and hear the stories related to the family and the Battle Above the Clouds, the house will be open from 9 am to 5 pm. Sunday, Nov. 20 At Point Park, learn about the Battle of Lookout Mountain from the perspective of two soldiers that experienced it. Throughout the fall of 1863, Grant Taylor of the 40th Alabama Infantry and Ambrose Heyward of the 28th Pennsylvania Infantry wrote letters home to their families describing life in the shadow of Lookout Mountain, and the culminating battle on Nov. 24, 1863. At 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm visitors to Point Park can meet these two soldiers and hear their firsthand experiences during these 30 minute programs. At 10 am, Park Historian Jim Ogden will lead a one mile, 90 minute round trip walk on the Browns Ferry Federal Road Trace at Moccasin Bend National Archeological District exploring the importance of this critical supply route and pontoon bridge to the success of General Ulysses S. Grants plans for Chattanooga. Participants should meet at the Browns Ferry Federal Road Trace on Moccasin Bend Road, following the Special Event signs. From 2 pm to 4:30 pm, Park Historian Jim Ogden will lead a two and a half hour car caravan tour following General William Shermans operations to cross the Tennessee River and assault Missionary Ridge. Meet at the Chickamauga Dam Reservation of the Tennessee River Park along Amnicola Highway just west of Tennessee Highway 153. Please follow the Special Event signs to this program. Also, for visitors wishing to see the Cravens House and hear the stories related to the family and the Battle Above the Clouds, the house will be from 9 am to 5 pm. Wednesday Nov. 23 Visit Orchard Knob Reservation (at the corner of Ivy Street and Orchard Knob Avenue in Chattanooga) at 2 pm for a one hour walking tour of this lesser known engagement on its 153rd anniversary. On Nov. 23, 1863, slightly more than 600 Confederates were engulfed by thousands of blue-clad United States soldiers as they swarmed around and over Orchard Knob in the first of three heated battles to decide the fate of Chattanooga. Thursday, Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving Day) Both Chickamauga Battlefield and Point Park will be open for normal operations. Park grounds are open from 6 am to sunset. The Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm, and the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center is open from 9 am to 5 pm. At Point Park, rangers will lead 30 minute walking tours at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm on this the 153rd anniversary of the Battle Above the Clouds. Rangers will also lead two hour car caravan tours of Chickamauga Battlefield at 10 am and 2 pm. Friday November 25 On this black Friday, Park Historian Jim Ogden will lead a four hour, four mile hike, beginning at 1pm, highlighting the Battle of Missionary Ridge, which occurred 153 years ago on this very ground. The program will meet at the Sherman Reservation on Lightfoot Mill Road on Missionary Ridge, and will include both hiking on trails and city sidewalks. Please note there is an entrance fee of $5/adult, ages 16 and older, to enter Point Park. All other programs and locations are free of charge. Participants on the hikes should bring a water bottle, and wear supportive footwear and clothing appropriate to the weather that day. For specific program information, including program times and locations (particularly for the tours led by Park Historian Jim Ogden), contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423-821-7786, or visit www.nps.gov/chch. Pastor Makumbi Johnson with Victory Living Word Church in Kawempe, Uganda spoke at the Hamilton Place Rotary Club. Pastor Johnson established Victory Living Word Church, a thriving church in Kawempe, Uganda, which is a Muslim community that is adjacent to Uganda's capital city, Kampala. VLWC currently has over 3,000 active members, has established over 40 satellite congregations, and operates several businesses and outreach missions. They target to help groups such as mothers with children, HIV positive men, and orphaned children. VLWC operates a school open to children of all faiths. Its various businesses, from pigs and chickens, to tilapia and mangos, create jobs and profits to fund its ministries and have enabled the church to provide water wells to needy rural communities. Pastor Johnson discussed how his church's creative ideas support life and hope in Uganda and support their ministries. Just a little more than a year ago, Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) Horticulture Director Shannen Ferry was helping pave the way for the future. She helped one of her students, Alice Towe, win the colleges 2015 G.O.A.L. award for top student. Ms. Towe then represented the college on the state level, as well. Always known for helping her students plant seeds for their own future, Ms. On Nov. 10, a tree dedication will be held outside of the GNTC Horticulture facility across from the Rome, Georgia campus. The public is invited to attend the ceremony. Contributions are also being accepted to the Shannen Ferry Memorial Horticulture Scholarship Fund established in her honor. Gifts towards the fund may be delivered to GNTC Foundation, One Maurice Culberson Drive, Rome, Georgia 30161. Ms. Ferry was a nationally-known horticulture expert who worked in the greenhouse industry, as well as spending most of her adult life teaching her specialty. Before GNTC, Ms. Ferry was a horticulture professor at the State University of New York at Alfred. She also served as a horticulture specialist with Penn State Universitys Cooperative Extension. Four Chattanooga Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets spent the afternoon with the residents at The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer's Center of Excellence, Collegedale. The cadets shared stories about what inspires them to join the United States Armed Forces, and described what it means to be a CAP cadet. As part of the Morning Pointe Meaningful Day program, the memory care community invites youth groups to engage in intergenerational activities with the residents. The military as a team does so much together that we bond just like family. Its a place where we can confide in others, said Nathan LeVan, 18, homeschool student and CAP master sergeant, who aspires to be in the U.S. Air Force someday. You learn to lead, to comfort each other, to be there for each other." Deard Ellis, The Lantern at Collegedale resident who retired from the U.S. Air Force, enjoyed exchanging his experiences with the young men. "You feel like screaming, but you push through and push your comrades," said Mr. Ellis, who continued to describe the trials of battle during his time in service. The residents were impressed by the cadets, who were clad in uniforms and inspired by respect for their country all serving as reminders to the seniors of a time where the values of honor and pride were alive. Dawn Dunn, Lantern program director, says she asks volunteers if they can come dressed in their uniforms, as it helps reignite old flames in the minds of the memory care residents. "These visuals are a big factor in helping facilitate our residents' memories," Ms. Dunn said. "These fine young men came dressed in their uniforms for this very reason... a picture is worth a thousand words." Continue Reading Below Advertisement Right off the bat, things aren't normal. It starts off with STAR WARS scrolling forward, like it's supposed to -- only it's not the cool logo we all know and love, but just the words printed in some editor's default typeface. Lucasfilm It feels like a knockoff of itself. As the words painfully creep toward the screen, like an eye test in reverse, it cuts to some sort of exciting scenes from the movie. It all looks kind of rough, to be honest. The special effects in particular all look a little ropey. The blaster fire looks like gunshots -- less like a galaxy far, far away and more like, well, anywhere in the U.S., unfortunately. Lucasfilm "Cut! Great take, Phil ... Ph-Phil?" Continue Reading Below Advertisement And the lightsabers weren't colored in yet, making these wizened Jedi look like they were dueling with fluorescent light bulbs. Lucasfilm Or two angry old dudes fighting at a Burning Man rave. There's a voiceover as well, but it's flat, uninterested, and incredibly vague. "The story of a boy, a girl, and a universe" is an accurate description of about 100 percent of all movies ever made. The whole thing meanders along until the end, when the title randomly explodes -- presumably because the rebels found out that Helvetica Bold has a vulnerable thermal exhaust port. Lucasfilm And a teenage Micheal Bay suddenly knew what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. Continue Reading Below Advertisement So that's kind of lame. Surely, they got their act together by the time The Empire Strikes Back came out, right? Nope. The first trailer for Empire was nothing but a bunch of concept art set to music. Data center News Lenovo Shakes Up Executive Ranks Again Amid Slumping Sales Matt Brown Share this Lenovo has rearranged its executive roster again, saying it has moved Gerry Smith from his position atop the company's Data Center Group into a role as executive vice president and COO of the PC and Smart Devices unit. Smith had become head of the Data Center Group last March to replace Jay Parker after he left to take a position at Dell. Lenovo said it has hired former Intel senior vice president Kirk Skaugen as Data Center Group president, Smith's former role. In addition to Skaugen, Lenovo hired Laura Quatela, a former Alcatel-Lucent executive vice president, as chief legal officer, and Yong Rui as chief technology officer. He comes from Microsoft Research Asia, where he was a managing director.[ [Related: Lenovo Channel Chief Kinlaw On Life After Chris Frey And The Hyper-Converged Opportunity] The moves are the latest in a series of executive changes, and they come as Beijing, China-based Lenovo faces sales declines across its businesses. The company reported Thursday that second-quarter Data Center Group sales were down 8 percent year over year. Mobility sales were down 12 percent in the same time period, and sales of PCs, where Lenovo typically dominates, were also down 8 percent. The declines leave Lenovo clinging to its market-leading position in the PC market by a thread while competitors including HP Inc. and Dell gain ground. The company has also struggled to implement an effective strategy in the data center since buying IBM's x86 server business for $2.3 billion in cash and stock about two years ago. Lenovo's share of the server market lags stalwart hardware market competitors including Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Dell EMC and IBM, although Lenovo does have hyper-convergence partnerships with red-hot startups Nutanix and SimpliVity, as well as a newly inked storage partnership with Nimble Storage. Thursday's personnel moves come less than a month after Lenovo confirmed the departure of Chris Frey, the company's high-profile commercial sales chief, just 18 months after he took that job. Michael Goldstein, CEO of LAN Infotech, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based solution provider that works with Lenovo, said he doesn't worry about the turmoil among the company's executive personnel. For him, the bottom line is that LAN Infotech is successful selling Lenovo PC products in an increasingly competitive market. "They're putting out great products," Goldstein said. "The personnel side doesn't always concern me. We don't always know what the big plan is, but they're just trying to find the right mix, the right person at that time." While LAN Infotech's Lenovo business is growing, Goldstein said the PC market is very challenging for vendors faced with a customer base that has very little concern for the logos on the gear they buy. "It's hard. Some people have their brand favorites, and they need a reason to change," Goldstein said. "But you can be at a prospect, show a few different things, and they're not thinking brand. It's not one product, it's one product for one group of people, and another product for another group. They want to find the best fit for the right person, so some might like the [Lenovo] Yoga, or the [Microsoft] Surface, or the [Dell] XPS 13," he said. "They like the functionality. They don't actually care about the brand. They want the best product for the user, and that's different from what we've seen over the years. That makes the vendors very competitive. Customers aren't saying, 'Well, this laptop is $100 less.'" Cleveland State Community College students, faculty and staff held a campus food drive in response to Southern Heritage Bankss annual Cleveland Helping Cleveland Food Drive to help United Way Agencies and The Caring Place meet year-end food demands. Participants from both the main campus, as well as the Athens Center were asked to donate non-perishable food items to The Caring Place of Cleveland. More than 1,000 runners and walkers from Malta and elsewhere descended in Valletta on Oct. 30 as part of the Global Run Valletta (GRV), marking the 450th birthday of the city. Organized by Global Ports Holding the event featured a 10K and a 5K run, as well as a 5K walk that spliced through the city and took off from the Valletta Waterfront - a cluster of commercial and retail outlets set in the 18th Century restored warehouses often "hailed as the jewel in the crown of the Valletta Cruise Port," said Global Ports in a statement. It was the fifth edition of the event, but the first held in Valletta. Previous runs were held in Bodrum and Kotor. As a connector of people and destinations, we are wildly passionate about helping the quality of lives of communities in each of our managed port cities. Global Run series are a fantastic effort to bring travellers and locals together and spark new interactions in a positively competitive environment all the while raising funds for noble causes, said Emre Sayin, Chief Executive Officer, Global Ports Holding. According to Sayin, the aim is to organize Global Runs in all of the 13 cruise ports in its portfolio. The Valletta Cruise Port was welcomed into the GPH family in 2015 and joined such destinations as Barcelona, Venice, Malaga, Dubrovnik, Lisbon, Antalya, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Ravenna, Cagliari, Bar, and Singapore. Carnival Cruise Line today said it will expand capacity in two key markets with Carnival Miracle operating seven-day Caribbean cruises from Tampa and Carnival Splendor offering week-long Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach beginning in 2018. The Splendor had previously been tapped to head to China. "With these capacity increases, Carnival is further bolstering its leadership position in two popular homeports, adding a second year-round ship in Tampa with Carnival Miracle and a newer, larger vessel on the West Coast with Carnival Splendor," said a statement. Tampa and Long Beach are both highly convenient and popular homeports and were delighted to provide our guests with exciting new year-round cruise vacation choices in these two markets, said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. The Carnival Miracle will launch a year-round schedule of seven-day Caribbean sailings from Tampa Jan. 27, 2018, becoming the second ship based at the southwestern Florida port. The week-long adventures depart on Saturdays and Sundays and feature four of the Caribbeans most popular ports of call: George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan; and Belize City, Belize. The 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle joins the 2,052-passenger Carnival Paradise which operates year-round four- and five-day Caribbean cruises from Tampa. Carnival is the only year-round cruise operator from Tampa. The 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor will launch a year-round schedule of seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, beginning Jan. 27, 2018, replacing Carnival Miracle and representing a 41 percent capacity increase on the lines week-long cruises from the West Coast. Three different itineraries will be offered, each featuring stunning destinations along the Mexican Riviera. One itinerary visits Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, another spends two days at Cabo San Lucas and a full day in Puerto Vallarta, and a third overnights in Puerto Vallarta with a day-long call in Cabo San Lucas. Carnival Splendor will join Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Imagination which both offer three- and four-day Baja cruises from Long Beach. With the addition of Carnival Splendor, the line will carry upwards of 700,000 guests annually from Southern California, operating nearly 250 three- to 14-day cruises a year, according to a statement. It didnt have to happen. Last months massive distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack on Domain Name System (DNS) service provider Dyn, which used a botnet of thousands of Internet of Things (IoT) devices to disrupt dozens of major websites including Twitter, Spotify, PayPal, GitHub, CNN.com and the New York Times, could easily have been prevented. That contention comes from the Online Trust Alliance (OTA), creator of what it calls the "IoT Trust Framework", 31 principles designed to improve the security and privacy of connected devices and data, which it released this past March (see sidebar). The declaration was not a direct response to the Dyn attack it came more than a month earlier on Sept. 8. The OTA announced that, every vulnerability or privacy issue reported for consumer connected home and wearable technology products since November 2015 could have been easily avoided. Not some. Not most. All of them. Which would appear to run counter to the mantra of every security expert in the world: There is no such thing as 100 percent security. Craig Spiezle, OTA executive director and former director of security and privacy at Microsoft, agreed that a blanket statement like that, on its face, could easily be interpreted as hyperbole. There is no perfect security, he said. But he added that IoT devices could and should have vastly better security than they do, and if they did, a DDoS attack like the one against Dyn would have been difficult to impossible. Unfortunately we have yet to see leadership from any of the companies or platforms to embrace these or other security fundamentals. Craig Spiezle, executive director, Online Trust Alliance What we have observed is that the inherent design of the devices, and their supporting applications, have not embraced security fundamentals nor fully anticipated the need for a security development lifecycle discipline what we call sustainability, he said. While the mainstream media and some government officials presented the attack as a shocking development, security experts agree that nobody should have been surprised. Since the birth of the modern IoT, said to be around 2008 the point at which there were more connected devices than people in the world there have been constant warnings from security experts, in everything from blog posts to television interviews to conference keynotes, that those devices were insecure catastrophically insecure. Among the numerous vulnerabilities are that most of them have open and discoverable administrative controls, default passwords and no capability to be patched or updated. Experts have warned that an attack surface that broad and vulnerable would prove irresistible to criminal hackers. Indeed, the conclusion of analysts is that the attack was most likely carried out not by a hostile nation state or sophisticated cyber criminals looking to extort money from large websites, but by script kiddies who used the Mirai malware source code after finding it posted publicly on the website Hackforums. And this latest attack confirms that a massive compromise of those devices is not just a threat to the individual owners, but to the entire structure of the Internet. While laptops have been used to create botnets for years, IoT devices are much more attractive, since there are so many more of them, and many of them are on all the time. Reportedly, webcams and DVRs were the main devices used in this attack. But other IoT devices range from toasters to alarm clocks, pressure sensors, valves, thermostats, light bulbs, refrigerators, door and window locks, vehicles, printers, medical devices on up to the power grid. Theyre all called smart. But they have not been built smart enough to protect themselves and their owners. Current estimates are that there are somewhere between 13 billion and 18 billion IoT devices now in use. Still, while security experts are not surprised, others apparently are. US Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), cofounder of the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, sent a letter last week to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Homeland Securitys National Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Center (NCCIC), expressing alarm at the Dyn attack and calling for everything from government alerts to retailers and consumers about insecure IoT devices (which would include most of them) to keeping insecure devices off the internet by denying them IP addresses. Warners staff said he was unavailable, and declined to comment on why such a letter wasn't sent years ago. There were also calls from several Silicon Valley-based cybersecurity venture capitalists for IoT devices to use standardized encryption and other security measures. Bob Ackerman, founder and managing director of the cyber venture capital firm Allegis Capital, acknowledged that exhortations like these are late in coming. But he said some of it is simply due to human nature until something catastrophic happens, people are in denial. After an attack like this, people come to life in feigned indignation, he said, acknowledging that since the attack was so predictable, the outrage is misplaced. But he said an attack of that scale might have the benefit of finally awakening a push for better IoT security. One of the fundamental challenges is that they (IoT devices) are designed to be functional, at price points that limit the capability to be updated in the field. And that is a minefield of massive proportions. Its very difficult to make a $12 smart egg tray if you have to spend $500,000 on engineering to follow the checklist. Chester Wisniewski, principle research scientist, Sophos It is not going to change quickly, however, even with something like the IoT Trust Framework available. Replacing or boosting security in even the majority of the billions now in use simply will not happen. As Chester Wisniewski, principle research scientist at Sophos, put it, the framework would, rectify most common issues with IoT devices, were it to be followed. I also want a pony, he said, and neither is likely to happen anytime soon. Its very difficult to make a $12 smart egg tray if you have to spend $500,000 on engineering to follow the checklist. Spiezle acknowledged that while some companies have embraced the OTA framework, others have said the added cost of 11 cents is prohibitive, and others say encryption will impact their battery life. Unfortunately we have yet to see leadership from any of the companies or platforms to embrace these or other security fundamentals. Mike Lynch, chief strategy officer at inAuth, sees similar problems. He noted first what other experts have been speaking about for years that product designers and manufacturers are not necessarily security experts. Second, in the eyes of many organizations, building in security protocols is an unnecessary expense that eats into margins, he said. Both factors combine to create conditions where security is relegated to afterthought status. Finally, many consumers of these IoT devices are not tech savvy, and asking them to patch firmware may be beyond their technical capabilities or desires, he said. Many consumers of these IoT devices are not tech savvy, and asking them to patch firmware may be beyond their technical capabilities or desires. Mike Lynch, chief strategy officer at inAuth Still, experts say there are constructive ways to start reducing IoT security risks. Spiezle said the OTA believes the risks are great enough that vulnerable devices may have to be taken offline, somewhat like what the airlines have done to the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones, due the risk of fire. Second we are calling for all retailers Target, Best Buy, Costco, Amazon and others to review the devices they are selling and to pull products that are either not secure out of the box or not patchable over their lifecycle off their shelves. While he did not call for specific government regulation, he said government could help consumers by providing, an advisory for products that do not meet minimal standards. For the longer term, if the IoT is ever to improve from being a security minefield, Wisniewski believes it will take a major mindset shift. Today almost all of the responsibility is on the consumer, who more often than not is not aware of the risks and doesn't know what to do to mitigate them, he said. The burden should be almost entirely on the manufacturer to make it as simple as possible. The devices I've analyzed tend to lean towards terrible, and absolutely none of my devices would get a responsible rating. Consumers have some responsibility, but shouldn't have to become security specialists, he said. Spiezle said in the long run that attitude would save money for IoT developers. The cost to address a bug in a device prior to shipping is less than $200, he said. To do it post release can cost of $15,000. The economics are pretty clear, and unlike a site vulnerability, the liability exposure for a device that is compromised can risk putting a company out of business. For now, however, Lynch said public concern is well warranted. These attacks are bringing awareness of just how dependent on the internet we are, and how the IoT will be a critical failure point if future cybersecurity attacks succeed, he said. Microsoft on Tuesday said it would patch a Windows vulnerability next week that Google publicly revealed just 10 days after notifying Microsoft. Microsoft also identified the attackers, asserting that they were the same who had been accused by authorities of hacking the Democratic National Committee (DNC). "All versions of Windows are now being tested ... and we plan to release [the patches] publicly on the next Update Tuesday, Nov. 8," wrote Terry Myerson, the head of the Windows and devices group, in a post to a company blog. Myerson also took a swing at Alphabet Inc.'s Google for disclosing the Windows vulnerability. "We believe responsible technology industry participation puts the customer first, and requires coordinated vulnerability disclosure," he said. "Google's decision to disclose these vulnerabilities before patches are broadly available and tested is disappointing, and puts customers at increased risk." Google went public with the flaw -- an elevation of privilege bug in the Windows kernel -- on Monday, saying in a post of its own that it had notified Microsoft on Oct. 21. Because attackers were actively exploiting the vulnerability, Google argued that its 2013 disclosure-within-seven-days policy applied. Also on Oct. 21, Google told Adobe of a vulnerability in Flash Player; attackers have used a multi-exploit package that included hacks of both Flash and Windows to hijack PCs. Adobe patched the Flash flaw on Oct. 26. Microsoft had used that fact earlier Tuesday to criticize Google for calling the Windows vulnerability "particularly serious," saying that users were able to deflect the ongoing attacks by updating Adobe's Flash Player. Google and Microsoft have butted heads numerous times over vulnerability disclosures after researchers working for the former have revealed flaws before the latter was able to issue patches. In early 2015, for example, Microsoft complained that Google had disclosed a Windows flaw just days before it was to be patched. "[Google's] decision feels less like principles and more like a 'gotcha,' with customers the ones who may suffer as a result," said Chris Betz, at the time a senior director of the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC). Microsoft has since dismantled the center. The tension over bug disclosure harked back to 2010, when Google security engineer Tavis Ormandy went public with a critical Windows vulnerability just five days after notifying Microsoft. On Tuesday, Myerson also confirmed that the hacker group using the Windows and Flash flaws was Strontium, Microsoft's name for a gang that other security professionals have tagged as APT28 and Fancy Bear. The group has been charged with hacking the DNC this year, and since at least 2007 targeting governments, militaries and diplomats around the world. U.S. authorities last month charged the Russian government with ultimate responsibility for the DNC hack, saying that senior Russian officials were behind that attack. Microsoft described the latest Strontium attacks, but did not link them or the group to the DNC hack. "Microsoft has attributed more [zero]-day exploits to Strontium than any other tracked group in 2016," Myerson wrote. "Strontium frequently uses compromised e-mail accounts from one victim to send malicious e-mails to a second victim and will persistently pursue specific targets for months until they are successful in compromising the victims' computer." Myerson also used the attack to again pitch Windows 10, repeating the claim that the new operating system is "the most secure ... we've ever built." This story, "Microsoft to patch Windows bug that Google revealed" was originally published by Computerworld . BostonCybersecurity experts and those new to the space gathered together at the Federal Reserve Bank to join the Advanced Cyber Security Center (ACSC) for Massachusetts Cybersecurity 2.0: Preparing for the Next Wave of Cyber Challenges. Whether its securing self-driving cars, cloud computing, or exposing criminals in the Darknet, the industry will face many challenges in the near and distant future. Cybersecurity leaders across all sectors are struggling to understand the most effective ways to share threat data without creating additional harm. So, the focus of this years ACSC conference highlighted the value of using information sharing as a means of helping others to defend against malicious cyber activity. After a welcome by Kenneth C. Montgomery, first vice president and chief operating officer, Federal Reserve Bank and vice chair, ACSC, a panel took the stage to discuss, The case for collaborative defense: Beyond threat sharing. Moderator, William Guenther, chairman, CEO and founder, Mass Insight Global Partnerships, and chair, ACSC posed the question of how collaboration can benefit security practitioners before, during, and after an incident. Across all of the larger enterprises and government entities, there indeed are some fantastic intelligence teams. Those intelligence teams and operations teams could be beneficial to the industry at large, but to the SMBs in particular. Still, there are legal impediments to collaboration and information sharing that need to be considered. The better educated legal teams can be, the better they are going to understand the liability of risk, said Michael Darling, director, cybersecurity and privacy, PwC. For most events, there is not a lot that can help in the middle of an incident response. If you did a good job of the proactive piece, then your incident response time shrinks to minutes or hours instead of months or years, Darling said. Keynote speaker, Richard Puckett, vice president, cybersecurity, product and commercial security at GE Digital, said that the security practitioners have two goals. Either make incidents not happen or make them less bad. Accepting that incidents will happen has become commonplace, so the best they can do pre-incident is a thorough self-examination. Look at the existing controls and policies and ask, Have I segregated? What are the best practices associated with that? In the pre-incident phase, there is forensic sharing to help with understanding techniques, Puckett said. Differing slightly from the opinion of his panel colleagues, Puckett said, During an incident there is an opportunity for shared purchasing power. Can you make it cheaper because you have a prearranged retainer and you bought it in bulk? When collaborative defense has great value, though, is in the aftermath of an attack. After discerning not only the what but the how of the events, the response can then serve as a model to guide industry peers within or across sectors. Now that the incident is done, how does one members response become everyone elses protection? What led to the incident and how can we share information and intelligence to help protect others? Puckett said. Taking the opportunity to discuss major headline breaches can be enormously fruitful, but the barriers to information sharing often result in security teams getting stuck in no, instead of how, the panel said. Asking, 'What would happen if that happened to us? while walking through more publicized breaches helps them get to the how, said Puckett. The focus then shifts from resistance to active engagement of internal and external partners across organizations and supply chains. Information sharing doesnt just happen within the people at the company. They can have forums of human resources professionals around a breach. Open it up to the broad community, said Michael Papay, vice president and CISO, Northrop Grumman. [ MORE ON CSO: Information sharing still a heavy lift ] The broader community, which extends far beyond the four walls of the corporation, is often the weakest link that sits beyond the control of even the most sophisticated defenses. Plunkett asked rhetorically, What do we do about everybody else? How do we think about mid-sized firms in terms of collaboration? Where the digital world is interconnected in the most complex and sometimes convoluted ways, determining the trajectory that data travels, with whom it is shared, and how it is stored can be cumbersome at best. Thats why the big guys have to be sharing with the little guys. They have to strengthen what is often their weakest link. Enterprises have a duty, not only to others but to themselves, to help out the little guys. The bigger organizations are plowing away, and there is a corporate and social responsibility to give back by lending either knowledge experience or expertise, Plunkett said. As the larger organizations have a duty, so too do those SMBs, who need to actively look for guidance and instruction rather than run ahead toward things like cyber intelligence that will likely result in alert overload and yield little actionable intelligence. The only thing we can do is look for things that scale, said Papay. A synchronous teaching tool that we can record once and push out many times. We have to get smarter by levels, Papay continued. While there is indeed a need to look at defense from a compliance perspective, The DOD cant go in and say, show me that you are compliant. They dont have a contractual relationship with those second tier, so larger organizations worked to put together a single compliance checklist at the top level, said Papay. But what happens as they move down to the next tier of suppliers? In order for them to trust that the second tier suppliers are able to effectively evaluate the third or even fourth tier suppliers, there need to be some clear regimes about role responsibility. I do feel like there are some practical regimes that can be put in place. There is a little bit of responsibility to help influence the thinking about defense, not just the standards. What it comes back to is good breach management. We have to be teaching them to think about the how because thats what gets them out of the compliance mindset, Plunkett said. One additional hurdle is deciding just how wide of a net to cast when determining with whom information is shared. When you think about how you want to organize, whatever sector you are in, you need to decide whether you are organizing because of the commonality of issues in your sector or by geography because of the commonality of relationships. There is a value proposition at each layer, Darling said. If decisions are guided by outcomes, Darling continued, they have a clearer understanding of what they are trying to do, what they are protecting, and what sensitive issues they have to deal with. Everything comes down to value proposition. While there are barriers to sharing cybersecurity information, including regulatory requirements, legal implications, and impact on reputation, Guenther said, Collaborative defense is here to say. Large scale sharing has value, but we also heard about false positives, so the power of small groups is still a credible operating thesis. Before diving head first into a collaborative defense community, security teams need to build their networks with a purpose. First understand the objective, then consider what they are getting out of it, but also they must have a plan for how to measure success. There will be a free concert by inSpirit Mens Chorus at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 3210 Social Circle in Stuart Heights, Chattanooga on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. All are welcome. NHSO / Contributed photo Conductor Chelsea Tipton will open the New Haven Symphony Orchestras Pops Series in Shelton with a salute to Broadway on Sunday, Nov. 6. The Great White Way program will feature Connor Bogart, a Broadway vocalist with hits from Oklahoma, Phantom of the Opera, Into the Woods, Frozen and Les Miserables, the orchestra said in its announcement. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate With most of Connecticut still in a severe drought, there are calls to reduce water consumption. Last week, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy placed Connecticut under a Drought Watch. The watch has asked residents, businesses and government agencies to reduce water consumption by 15 percent. The governor says steps need to be taken to "stretch our water supply" given the state's persistent drought conditions. So how much water does the average household use? According to the Environmetal Protection Agency, the average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day at home. Roughly 70 percent of this use occurs indoors. Nationally, outdoor water use accounts for 30 percent of household use yet can be much higher in drier parts of the country and in more water-intensive landscapes. Bath A "full tub" varies, of course, but 36 gallons is good average amount. Tip: Taking a shower instead of a bath should save a good bit of water. Shower Old showers used to use up to 5 gallons of water per minute. Water-saving shower heads produce about 2 gallons per minute. Tip: Taking a shorter shower using a low-flow showerhead saves lots of water. Toilet More Information The Facts on Leaks The average household's leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year, or the amount of water needed to wash 270 loads of laundry. Household leaks can waste more than 1 trillion gallons annually nationwide. That's equal to the annual household water use of more than 11 million homes. Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Common types of leaks found in the home include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. All are easily correctable. Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills. Keep your home leak-free by repairing dripping faucets, toilet flappers, and showerheads. In most cases, fixture replacement parts don't require a major investment. Most common leaks can be eliminated after retrofitting a household with new WaterSense labeled fixtures and other high-efficiency appliances. Source: EPA See More Collapse Three gallons per flush. A running toilet can waste about 200 gallons every day. Tip: Replace older models with a WaterSense labeled toilet. They use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, are certified to be high performing, and can reduce the amount of water a family uses for toilets by 20 to 60 percent. Teeth brushing 1 gallon. Newer bath faucets use about 1 gallon per minute, whereas older models use over 2 gallons. Tip: Simply turn the faucet off when brushing teeth. Hands/face washing 1 gallon Tip:Simply turn the faucet off before drying your hands and face. If you don't mind a brisk wash, don't run the faucet until it gets hot before using it. Installing a faucet-head aerator will also reduce the water flow rate. Face/leg shaving 1 gallon Tip: Simply turn off the faucet while shaving. Dish washing by hand About 8-27 gallons. This all depends on how efficient you are at hand-washing dishes. Newer kitchen faucets use about 1.5-2 gallons per minutes, whereas older faucets use more. Tip: Efficient hand-washing techniques include installing an aerator in your faucet head and scraping food off, soaking dishes in a basin of soapy water before getting started, and not letting the water run while you wash every dish. And it's best to have two basins to work in--one with hot, soapy water and the other with warm water for a rinse. Dishwasher 6-16 gallons. Newer, EnergyStar models use 6 gallons or less per wash cycle, whereas older dishwashers might use up to 16 gallons per cycle. Tips:Not rinsing dishes prior to loading the dishwasher could save up to 10 gallons per load. EnergyStar dishwashers not only save a lot of water but also save electricity. Clothes washer 25 gallons/load for newer washers. Older models might use about 40 gallons per load. Tip: EnergyStar clothes washers not only save a lot of water but also save electricity. Glasses of water you drank 8 oz. per small glass (not counting water for pets). Also, note that you will be using water for cooking. Tip: Keeping a pitcher of water in the refrigerator saves time and water instead of running the tap until it gets cold. Outdoor watering 2 gallons per minute, depending on the force of your outdoor faucet. This may not sound like too much but the large size of lawns and yards means outdoor water use can be a significant use of water. To calculate your water use, visit https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/thepowerof10/ Sources: U.S. Geological Administration, Environmental Protection Agency "Its the otaku [computer nerds] who have built up Japan!" my father shouted at me. I was just a boy when I heard those words, but I remember that day as though it was yesterday: I had been telling my brother to get off the computer and go play outside. Dad didn't approve. After all, we were growing up in Osaka, Japan, in a culture that placed a high value on Japanese tech culture. So, that was the lesson I absorbed: discipline. And, when I became an adult and launched my own tech company, Chatwork, in 2004, I naturally wanted a culture that conformed to that Japanese tradition. Accordingly, I led my team with a strict, military-style mentality. But I soon started witnessing employees complaining of headaches and stomachaches, and not coming to work. Related: 5 Signs Your Corporate Culture is Doomed Four months in to my launch, staffers actually began quitting. My initial reaction was to blame the team members themselves. But after reflection, I realized that the blame was mine; I determined to seize the opportunity to improve the culture. That's how, in 2005, at 25 years of age, I embarked on a journey to meet 1,000 CEOs, in a single year. I met several each day and asked for advice for perfecting my management style. I spoke with CEOs of non-tech startup SMBs, including the three that influenced me most: Tadashi Kajitani of Shibazushi Inc.; Tomitaro Tamai of Nihon Souzou Kyouiku Kenkyujo; and Misturu Sato of International Management and Agriculture Labs, among others. And when I spoke with these successful CEOs, common traits emerged. They included these men's enjoyment of their work and their trust of their employees. Related: How to Protect Corporate Culture in a Telecommuting World Here are the lessons I found the most inspirational (with the corresponding Japanese cultural phrase reproduced phonetically): Gen-in jibunron: This means Blame yourself, not others. When things go wrong, taking accountability is important because blaming others doesnt improve yourself. When you take accountability for something it causes you to think before you implement changes to prevent future problems. If you blame others, sure, its easier for you at the moment but over time you could find yourself in a similar situation attempting to fix a problem that should have already been remedied. Mochi wa mochiya: As an entrepreneur, the advice I share with fellow entrepreneurs for success is my personal motto, Mochi [Japan's sticky rice cake] should only be made at Mochi shops," or, in Japanese, "Leave it to the specialists." Let your employees do what they do best and delegate tasks where they dont excel to others who specialize in them. Much of my success has come from knowing how important it is to meet one-on-one with employees and delineating their specializations, appropriately delegating them, and aligning the company's organizational structure to reflect it. Kekki ni rousho arite shiki ni rousho nashi: This means, "Excessive urge declines with age; motivation with vision will be maintained all your life." In Star Wars, Anakin Skywalker started out as a man focused on building power instead of figuring out what he needed to achieve. That led him to the dark side. As a young man, I wanted to build my own powerful company and make money. My goals changed with age; and, through talking with the CEOs, [I found that] [their goals] changed into more of a motivation with vision, which is something much greater. Makasete makasazu: This loosely translates to management. The founder of Panasonic coined this term for delegating or telling employees to do something. This responsibility falls to a CEO, and it must be more than assigning tasks. Managers need to follow up with employees and give specific guidance and context, as well as make sure employees have what they need to complete projects successfully. Sha-in daiichi shugi: This translates as "employees first." A typical U.S. public company always prioritizes the shareholders; but at my company, the employees come first. Happy employees bring customer satisfaction, customer satisfaction brings profit, and profit pleases shareholders. Its cyclical, but it must start with making employees a top priority. Tarai no hosoku: In Japanese this means, Generosity tends to be reciprocal. I call it "the law of the wooden tub, or tarai." When you push water with your hands extended, the water on each side circles back to you. If you pull, the water splashes around every which way. So: Its better to push, (give) than to pull (take away). Shiawase ni shitanya! The literal meaning of this phrase is, I made myself happy. An interviewer once met with the CEO of the leading bento box company in Japan, commenting that he was lucky to have had such a successful life. But the CEO refuted this statement, asserting that it was his intrinsic will that had created the success not external luck. I immediately began implementing what Id learned. I brought some of the CEOs Id met into the office to present to the staff, so the employees would have visibility into the changes ahead. In addition to changes in management philosophy, I implemented internal policies to improve employee satisfaction, including: Paternity-leave benefits Referral hiring bonuses Relocation assistance Compensation for Silicon Valley work trips Adjusted work hours to help employees avoid rush hour Travel compensation for employees and their spouses to visit family Related: 10 Examples of Companies With Fantastic Cultures Employees had earlier called ChatWork a zoo, but I knew these changes were working because I could feel how happy our employees were becoming. Consequently, our revenue and profit started increasing; and in addition to a formal check-up survey, my company went on to win best workplace [in Japan] awards twice during the subsequent five years. Related: 1 Year, 1,000 CEOs: How to Dramatically Improve Your Culture in 365 Days This Is Where You Need to Draw the Line on Casual Workplace Habits Are Corporates no longer at the Mercy of Cab Aggregators? Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate While families are waiting to storm supermarkets and get their hands on a Thanksgiving turkey, others may be out in the Connecticut wilderness trying to bag one of their own. Bowhunting season for wild turkey in Connecticut is running until Nov. 15 and again from Dec. 21 to Dec. 31 on state land, and from Sep. 15 to Dec. 31 on state land bowhunting only areas and all private land zones. Check out where you can find wild turkey in Connecticut and other fun turkey facts in the slideshow above. Fall bowhunting for turkey isn't as popular as the spring season, due to other birds being in season as well in the fall. But before you head out, know what permits and conditions are required to hunt and where to bag a bird, of course. For hunters looking to snatch a turkey of their own this month, they're in luck. Mike Gregonis, a wildlife biologist with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said Connecticut has become a prime area for hunting the traditional Thanksgiving meal. "We do have a good population of turkey throughout the state of Connecticut. Now we have a population that's been documented in all 169 towns in Connecticut," Gregonis said. Gregonis also told Game and Fish Magazine in February that, "based on preliminary summer brood surveys, results indicate the turkey outlook for 2016 looks fair to good." The turkey population in Connecticut was almost extinct by the early 1800s, according to Gregonis. But thanks to efforts by the state to rerelease the bird in the wild between the 1970s and 1990s, the bird has flourished here. Part of that success has been due to the state's landscape, which is still about 60 percent forested lands. "From that release they grew and expanded and the turkey population really started growing," Gregonis said. "Connecticut has a very diverse habitat base. Just about anything a turkey can get its bill on it can eat." Wild turkeys are primarily omnivores, generally eating plant materials and seeds, but will eat insects as well. Thanks to a healthy fat reserve, they can go a long time without eating, which serves them well if food sources become scarcer. According to Gregonis, that doesn't happen all that often in Connecticut. Before residents try to save turkeys in their backyard, there are some things to consider. Primarily, the dangers of feeding the birds. Turkeys can become habitual to humans if they find a food source easily and continually from them. "Wild turkeys are generally afraid of people. If people feed turkeys, at times, turkeys will become habitual," Gregonis warned. "It's rare that we have turkey-people contact. There's no need to feed the turkeys." Feeding the bird can also spread disease and causes aggression in rare instances. Attacks are even rarer, he added. Even during the colder months, turkeys are resilient. "The only time the winter has a hit on turkeys is when we have fluffy, fluffy snow for periods of time," Gregonis said. "But they can also spend extended periods of time without eating. The biggest factor [against them] is spring weather." If the spring season sees long periods of wet weather, nesting turkeys have a hard time dry themselves. This causes their odor to grow stronger and makes them more susceptible to hungry predators. After turkeys hatch in June, newborns are also at risk to rainy days, due to the lack of insulating feathers at that age. While it's difficult to put an exact number on the state's turkey population, it's safe to assume they're plentiful in Connecticut's more out-of-the-way landscapes. Which is great news for hunters this November. "Actually, wild turkeys taste good. I can attest to that," Gregonis said, adding hunters who eat wild turkeys also avoid the chemical and preservatives commonly found in store-bought birds. "A lot of people have the perception that wild game doesn't taste good." But before those enterprising cogs start turning in anyone heads, it's illegal in the state of Connecticut to sell any wild game meat, Gregonis added. Learell Faulk knows what its like to be a child struggling to sit still in school long enough to learn. Even into adulthood, Mr. Faulk experienced symptoms from attention deficit disorder that made it hard to thrive in a traditional classroom setting. Though ADD isnt on the autism spectrum, he does understand how hard can be to function in an environment thats not conducive to his needs. When I heard that Dalton States School of Education was going to begin offering an autism spectrum disorders endorsement, I knew I wanted to enroll in that program, said Mr. Faulk, who will be graduating with a degree in early childhood education from Dalton State in the spring. I want that extra expertise in my skill set as a teacher. Its not about lettering in another sport. Its about being better in the classroom. The autism endorsement was approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, and classes will be offered spring semester. The endorsement is designed to help those working with children on the autistic spectrum. Classes for the endorsement are open to many interested, not just those accepted into the School of Education. This credential can be earned by undergraduate teacher candidates and certified professionals who wish to gain knowledge in the area of teaching students with autism. It can also be added to existing teaching certifications. Other professionals from related fields who have specific interest in serving students with autism may also seek this endorsement. Courses will be offered on a flexible schedule, making it easier for professionals to complete the program, said Roben Taylor, assistant professor of special education, who has spearheaded the effort to obtain the endorsement. This will teach how to help students with autism learn, Mr. Taylor said. The Center for Disease Control monitors cases of autism and their latest numbers, which are from 2012, indicate one in 68 children has some form of autism. Since its a spectrum, it affects each child differently. And now with inclusion classes in our schools, teachers are likely to have at least one child on the spectrum in their class. This endorsement is specifically for autism, but it will equip teachers, parents or anyone else with tools they need to help children with any special need. Autism is becoming better understood and more prevalent. According to the CDC, 1 in 168 children were diagnosed with autism in 2000. The rate has gone from 6.7 percent of children diagnosed in 2000 to 14.6 percent in 2012. Though the cause of autism isnt yet known, more research is developing and more even more is understood about the spectrum, Mr. Taylor said. For a student with autism, looking at a teacher may be distracting. That may lead the teacher to believe the student is not listening. They dont follow social standards of communicating. They dont know how to interact sometimes. Many on the spectrum are often brilliant and have an above average IQ. So the problem isnt that they arent smart enough to do the work. The environment is the problem. Its very easy for these children to have a sensory overload everything is too loud or too bright. The three-class endorsement is designed to educate students on research-based assessments, intervention, instruction, and program management for students on the spectrum. We are very pleased to be able to offer this endorsement, said Sharon Hixon, dean of the School of Education. We have quite a bit of interest from students to continue their professional preparation beyond the programs we currently offer. Im proud of the work Dr. Taylor completed in the development of this program. She consulted other experts in the field to develop courses, assessments, field experiences and curriculum. During Mr. Faulks field experience as part of his early childhood education degree, he has observed and taught many children on the autistic spectrum. He understands the challenge teachers sometimes face having students with different needs all in the same room. I thought Id have the answers needed, he said. I thought Id be the person who could break through to that child with autism and explain things the way they need. And that didnt happen. Those students are just as eager to learn and grasp the work as any other student there. That helps you work through the frustration of Why cant you get this? you face as a teacher. So I think this is a great endorsement. I see the importance of this program. For more information on the autism endorsement, contact the School of Education at 706-272-2362. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate For the third time, Republican state Rep. Themis Klarides is facing off against the same opponent in the 114th state house district. This time, however, voters will find Aldon Hynes on a different line. The Woodbridge resident is not on the Democratic ticket this year, but instead got the endorsement of the Working Families Party. Klarides, 51, is House minority leader. A part-time attorney, she is seeking her 10th term serving a district that includes Woodbridge, as well as some of Derby and Orange. She lives in Derby. For her, the main issue, by far, is the staggering state budget deficit. Weve had multibillion-dollar deficits for the past several years, Klarides said. The governor and Democrat majority have given us the two highest tax increases in the states history in the past six years yet it has not helped at all. It has had the opposite effect, Klarides said. We are facing multibillion dollar deficits for he next 10 years and are losing business and citizens every day because of the bad policies, Klarides said.. Hynes, 57, works in social media for Community Health Center Inc. in Middletown. Yes, I think I can get elected, Hynes said, though he added he thinks it is very unlikely. To Hynes, it is important to give voters a choice. He also seeks to draw attention to the lack of civility in politics not only nationally, but in Connecticut, as well. My opponent has mocked me, suggesting that I dont really understand the issues, Hynes said. She seems to think that the budget is the biggest issue. Hynes said unless lawmakers can work civilly with one another, there is no hope for addressing the budget. On a his blog, Hynes said taxes, the budget, fair wages, access to affordable health care, education and transportation are all important issues. We need to work hard together to find new ways to address these issues, Hynes said. Calling people liars, ignorant or unpatriotic doesnt help us work hard together to find new ways to address our common issues. It makes it harder. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate It's never too early to start giving. The Office of Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and Connecticut National Guard launched the 15th annual Operation ELF (Embracing Lonely Families) program Thursday, which aims to ease financial stresses military families face as a result of the call of active duty. "This is a great opportunity for anyone who's ever wanted to 'do something' to support Connecticut's troops," Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said in a release. "Our military men and women have so bravely answered the call to duty; we're grateful for their service and want to make deployment as easy as possible for their loved ones." Last year, Operation ELF donated more than $10,000 in gift cards to military families in need, while the state's Adopt-A-Family program also supported more than 125 military families, according to the state. Adopt-A-Family assists military families by allowing donors to donate items on family wish lists. Donations of gift cards for groceries, department stores, pharmacies, and gas stations are helpful, the state said. Fuel oil snow removal, and home maintenance services are also in need. Unwrapped toys for children are needed as well. "This annual campaign gives Connecticut residents an opportunity to say 'thank you' to all of the military families who are sacrificing so much in order to protect and serve our nation," Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a release. "I thank the Connecticut National Guard for their work, and I encourage everyone to give what they can." According to the state, 400 Connecticut Airmen are preparing for deployment to Southwest Asia, and 100 deployed to the Middle East in late October. Sixty National Guard Soldiers returned from deployment to Afghanistan recently, as well. Donations for the programs can be dropped off between Monday and Friday, from Nov. 7 to Dec. 12, during normal business hours at the following locations: - Armed Forces Reserve Center, 90 Wooster Heights Road, Danbury, CT, 06702 - William A. O'Neill Armory, 360 Broad Street, Hartford, CT, 06105 - New London Armory, 249 Bayonet Street, New London, CT, 06320 - Army Aviation Support Facility, Bradley International Airport, 85-300 Light Lane (Off of Route 75), Windsor Locks, CT, 06096 For large donations or after-hours donations, call 800-858-2677. Gift cards or financial donations can also be mailed to: Connecticut National Guard, Office of Family Programs, 360 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105 Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in Manila, the Philippines on November 17, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua] Forty-two years ago, in 1974, then Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Abdul Razak embarked on what he called a "journey into the unknown, to sow the seeds of mutual understanding and trust". He did so in the face of questions and criticism, as many thought that he was wrong to lead Malaysia towards becoming the first country in the region to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. But Tun Razak, my father, was steadfast in his belief that the way of peace and cooperation among neighbours was the right path. When I asked him, as a young man at the time, why he was so sure, he replied: "Because Zhou Enlai is a man I can trust". Decades later, my father's decision to place his trust in China has been validated, and we have harvested the fruits of his vision. Economic and trade relations between Malaysia and China have grown from strength to strength, helped by close political and business exchanges at the highest levels. China was Malaysia's largest trading partner in 2015, a position it has maintained since 2009, with trade last year between our countries totalling approximately USD 100 billion. Malaysia is also China's eighth largest trading partner worldwide. And among ASEAN countries, we are China's largest trading partner, the largest source of imports, and its second largest export destination. Over the past twenty two years, I have visited China in many different capacities, including as Defense Minister, Education Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Prime Minister. On each visit, I have been struck by the strength of our relationship, how it has grown over time, and the depth of future opportunities. I have seen how China has retaken its place on the world stage as a great power, while in Malaysia we have progressed from being an agricultural based to an upper-middle income economy, well on the path to becoming a high-income developed nation. Ties between our two countries are now set to reach new highs. Over the course of my visit, which will involve discussions with their Excellencies President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, we will sign many new agreements and memorandums of understanding that will elevate the relationship between our two nations even higher. Joint ventures with Chinese companies have already led to the Qinzhou Industrial Park in Guangxi, and the Kuantan Industrial Park, creating new jobs and opportunities for our peoples. Now we have the deepwater port at Melaka, a project that was inaugurated just last month. Plans for the futuristic underground metropolis of Bandar Malaysia-which will be the largest underground city in the world when it is built in Kuala Lumpurhave been unveiled. And we are delighted that Malaysia has been chosen to host Xiamen University Malaysia, the first overseas branch of any public Chinese university. These are just a few of the partnerships across sectors as diverse as railways, real estate and energy that are on-going. Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding these, both bilaterally through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and as part of President Xi's visionary One Belt One Road initiative. Furthermore, we are now taking new steps in military cooperation with China. Nearly two years ago, we undertook our first-ever bilateral military exercise, and last year our first joint live-troop exercise. Now we have agreed the first significant defence deal between our two countries, with Malaysia purchasing littoral mission ships from China-the first two of which will be built in China, then two in Malaysia, and further Malaysian-built ships subject to government financing. This deal will enhance the Malaysian shipbuilding and defence industry. The relationship between China and Malaysia is based on mutual trust and respect. At the same time, we recognise that there can be issues where even the closest of friends may disagree. When it comes to the South China Sea, we firmly believe that overlapping territorial and maritime disputes should be managed calmly and rationally through dialogue, in accordance with the rule of law and peaceful negotiations. More generally, we believe it is incumbent upon larger countries to treat smaller ones fairly. And this includes former colonial powers. It is not for them to lecture countries they once exploited on how to conduct their own internal affairs today. Malaysia and China are united in agreeing on the need to defend the sovereignty of the nation state and in the belief that the individual histories, values and governance systems of different countries must be respected. This is particularly relevant as the world's fulcrum shifts East. It is crucial that global institutions reflect the legitimate desires and viewpoints of countries that were given no say in the legal and security infrastructure that was set up by the victors of the Second World War. This is why we welcome China's initiative in creating the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. We need new institutions for a new era: of peaceful dialogue, not foreign intervention in sovereign states, and of "win-win" cooperation that benefits all, not just the few. This will be the Asian Century, and few countries represent the potential of our region better than China and Malaysia. Working together, we must build on the partnership reforged by Tun Razak in 1974, which stretches back through the centuries to the early Ming Dynasty when the first Chinese trade envoys arrived in Melaka. The opportunity is there-it remains only for us to take it. And in doing so, I am confident that we can transform the lives of our peoples and reshape the region and the world for the better. The author is prime minister of Malaysia. Flash Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang and Russian Deputy Prime Minster Dmitry Rogozin met Wednesday on bilateral cooperation, and both sides vowed to continue making joint efforts to promote China-Russia relations. At the 20th meeting of the Joint Commission for the Regular Prime Ministers' Meetings of China and Russia, Wang said Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin four times this year, reaching broad consensus on deepening the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination under new circumstances, which has served as the guideline for bilateral cooperation. This meeting, Wang said, was aimed at carrying out the consensus, summarizing the achievements made by the joint commission this year, and preparing for the upcoming 21st Regular Prime Ministers' Meeting between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Russia's second-largest city of St. Petersburg. As this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the joint commission, said Wang, the commission has contributed to the progressive development of all-round cooperation between China and Russia, which have built up mutual trust in all sincerity based on mutual benefits. Meanwhile, Wang called for more joint efforts to consolidate the favorable trend in bilateral trade and further tap the potential in this regard in order to boost cooperation in strategic projects. Rogozin, for his part, said that it is Russia's consistent foreign policy priority to further promote its partnership with China, as the two sides have supported each other in areas of core interests such as sovereignty, territory and security. With a host of agreements clinched at the meeting in the fields of industry, nuclear energy, aviation and outer space, agriculture, finance, environmental protection as well as cross-border transport, Rogozin urged the joint commission to play a stronger role in advancing relevant cooperation. Guiomar Duenas-Vargas, a history professor at the University of Memphis, gave a lecture on The Colombian Conflict in the Michael D. Rose Theatre on Wednesday. Duenas-Vargas collaborated with the foreign language department at the university. Vania Barraza- Toledo, an associate Spanish professor, helped to host the event. We decided to invite students and the public to know about the peace agreement in Columbia, Barraza-Toledo said. We hope to give a better idea of what happened. For over fifty years, Columbia has suffered from war due to guerrilla groups during the 1960s, La Violencia from 1948 until 1958 and the assassination of Colombian leader Jorge Eliecer Gaitan Ayala in 1948. Duenas-Vargas said that on Sept. 26 of this year, the Colombian government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a peace treaty aimed at ending the conflict. On Oct. 5, the people voted 50.2 percent against the four-year negotiation of peace between the government and FARC. Those who favored the accord voted 49.8 percent - just a 0.2 percent difference in the votes. On Oct. 7, President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia won the Nobel Peace Prize for attempting to end the Colombian conflict that lasted from 1963 until 2016. The country is currently in a state of limbo, Duena- Vargas said. Flash Moscow hopes Tokyo will consider lifting its sanctions against Russia that have hindered the development of their economic and trade cooperation, as the two countries are now trying to mend ties, a senior Russian official said Wednesday during a visit to Japan. Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Sochi, Russia, May 6, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] "We hope that Japan will consider lifting restrictions ... because it negatively impacts the development of our economic cooperation and constrains the buildup of mutual trade," Valentina Matviyenko, speaker of the Russian Federation Council, or the upper house of parliament, was quoted by the RIA Novosti news agency as saying. Matviyenko said Tuesday that Russia was interested in joint projects with Japan in car manufacturing, pharmaceutics and the medical industry, as well as the high-tech sphere, particularly in developing its Siberia and the Far East region with Japanese investors. She added that the Russian Federation Council is ready to provide necessary political and legal support for bilateral economic cooperation. Japan, along with the United States and the European Union, has imposed economic sanctions on Russia since the Ukraine crisis in 2014, making their relations even colder amid the long-held territorial dispute over four Pacific islands. Russian President Vladimir Putin postponed a planned visit to Japan in 2015 and high-level exchanges between the two sides stagnated for a time. Bilateral ties appeared to begin to improve after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with Putin in the Russian city of Sochi in May. In September, the two leaders held a three-hour meeting on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok, during which the two sides reached an agreement on Putin's visit to Japan in December. DNR Water Quality Bureau Director Sharon Gayan, UW-Extension CNRED Interim Director Patrick Robinson, and Wisconsin Lakes Board President Mary Knipper joined together at Aldo Leopolds shack on Oct. 21 to recognize Elizabeth Usborne of the Tainter-Menomin Lake Improvement Association and Lindsay Olson of the Dunn County Environmental Services Department for completion of their training to protect Wisconsins lakes. Usborne and Olson were two of 26 participants to graduate from the Wisconsin Lake Leaders Institute, a statewide leadership program aimed at helping lake stewards gain a better understanding of lake ecology and how various units of government, businesses, and nonprofits can work together to assure lakes get the attention they need. Through a combination of reading, classroom activities and field experiences, the participants learned about lake management, natural resource law in Wisconsin, and civic governance. With over 15,000 lakes statewide and a modest amount of state staff in service to protect them, it is clear that no one agency or unit of government can independently provide the attention that each lake deserves explained Patrick Goggin, UW-Extension lake specialist. This leadership program provides local lake leaders with effective tools and resources to assist them as they volunteer their skills and talents to the stewardship of their lake, and altogether, all of our lakes. The Wisconsin Lake Leaders Institute draws participants from across the state to take part in a series of three two-day seminars. Participants demonstrate a commitment to protecting the integrity of the lakes in Wisconsin with an investment of their time and a $300 tuition fee. Since its inception, more than 300 participants have graduated from the Institute and have made significant contributions in addressing a host of diverse water management challenges. The Wisconsin Lakes Partnership is a team made up of the University of Wisconsin-Extension, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the citizen advocacy organization Wisconsin Lakes. Together they recognized the need for new and ongoing leadership in the management of our lakes. The Partnership created the Wisconsin Lake Leaders Institute in 1996 to assist citizen lake leaders in developing and enhancing both their technical and people skills, ultimately enriching their communities and the waters within them. The biannual program has received national accolades as an effective strategy to enhance lake stewardship and protection. For information, contact the UW-Extension Lakes staff at (715)-346-2116, uwexlakes@uwsp.edu, or the web link: http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Pages/programs/lakeleaders/default.aspx Mr Mosley must be allowed to organise violent orgies with compliant women if he wants to. It is not against the law. But he is a public figure, and shouldn't complain if newspapers are interested in his aberrational behaviour Until recently, there was a convention in this country that a leading public figure caught behaving discreditably or illegally would creep away in shame and not be heard or seen again for a long time. This convention has been under attack for some years. Now it has been blown apart, as the complete rehabilitation of two men into the heart of the Establishment confirms. One is Labour MP Keith Vaz, who only two months ago was accused by a Sunday newspaper of offering to pay for cocaine for two male prostitutes he had hired for an orgy. He stood down as chairman of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, but has just been elected by MPs as a member of the Justice Committee. The other man is former motor-racing boss Max Mosley. Eight years ago, the now-defunct News of the World revealed he had taken part in two orgies. Mosley took the paper to court, and won because it had mistakenly claimed the orgies were 'Nazi'. He has since campaigned for tighter privacy laws, and funds 98 per cent of the budget of a new state-approved watchdog charged with regulating the Press. Both these men have been re-admitted to the Establishment as though they had done nothing wrong. And I suspect that is what their colleagues and supporters think. Another belief, also entertained by lots of important people, is that what public figures do in the privacy of their own homes, however outlandish, is their own business as long as it is legal. It follows that the Press should not be allowed to write about such matters. Let us first examine the case of Keith Vaz. After the Sunday Mirror published its story, some days passed before the MP resigned from the Home Affairs Committee, and he then issued a sort of half-apology. He was 'genuinely sorry' that 'recent events' had created 'distractions' that made it impossible for him to continue to do his job. A truly felt apology was not forthcoming. It should have been. Not only had he apparently discussed paying for Class A drugs for the two male prostitutes. The married MP, who took part in a safe sex campaign in his constituency last year, told the men that during an encounter with another male prostitute he had not used a condom. Nor did he on this occasion. Vaz has long been a shameless figure who has sailed through previous controversies Scotland Yard is still considering whether to investigate. Even if it turns out that Vaz did nothing illegal, this was a squalid and shocking affair. What are parents and children to think if a major politician behaves like this and shows no contrition? Even more to the point, what are they to think when, two months later, this man is elected to the Commons Justice Committee, whose main responsibilities concern law and order? Vaz has long been a shameless figure who has sailed through previous controversies. For example, in 2001 he was forced to admit he had intervened in an attempt to expedite an application for British citizenship by his billionaire Indian friends, the Hinduja brothers. He soon resigned as a minister, purportedly for 'health reasons'. His desire to be elected to the Justice Committee so soon after his latest disgrace is not remotely surprising. What is, in a way, more shocking is that the Labour Party should have put up this scoundrel for the post and that 159 Tory MPs, including ten Cabinet ministers, should have voted in his favour. The Tories have tried to justify their extraordinary behaviour on procedural grounds that they were duty bound not to oppose a Labour nominee for a Commons committee. This is nonsense. They could have abstained or voted against because Vaz is manifestly unsuitable. No less outrageously, the Speaker, John Bercow (who some say is a friend of Vaz) prevented the Tory MP Andrew Bridgen from using Parliamentary privilege to divulge details of an investigation into Vaz supposedly being carried out by Leicestershire police. Away from Westminster, I've no doubt many people will regard these shenanigans with at best distaste, and at worst disgust, though given the low esteem in which many MPs are regrettably held these days, they are probably unsurprised. We are repeatedly told by the great and the good that we should not be 'judgmental' about the private lives of public figures. But how can MPs of both parties just seven voted against Vaz's election rehabilitate this sleazy character just two months after his unpleasant and possibly illegal behaviour has been revealed? I wonder if the man behind Impress still indulges his taste for orgies and sado-masochistic sex Evidently, there is a huge gulf between what many MPs regard as acceptable conduct and, I suggest, the values of many ordinary people. One does not have to be prudish or overly censorious to think that Vaz should have atoned in some way before grasping the baubles of power once again. Compare his treatment with what happened to the Tory Cabinet minister John Profumo. In 1963, he resigned after lying to the Commons about his relationship with the prostitute Christine Keeler. He devoted much of the rest of his life, until his death in 2006, to good works in London's East End. Ironically, on Tuesday afternoon, when Vaz was being welcomed back into the fold, MPs were discussing an attempt by the House of Lords to implement section 40 of the Crime and Court Acts 2013. This would force newspapers either to join Impress, a new state-approved Press watchdog, or risk having to pay possibly ruinous costs in libel cases even if they win. Most of the Labour Party and, sadly, some Tories back Impress and endorse swingeing penalties on papers that don't join up. For the time being, the Government has kicked the issue into the long grass. But there can be little doubt that many MPs support state regulation of the Press because they don't want newspapers investigating the private lives of politicians such as Keith Vaz. And there is absolutely no doubt that the man who provides nearly all the funding for Impress Max Mosley wants a tighter privacy law and state oversight of the Press following his exposure by the News of the World. Even if it turns out that Vaz did nothing illegal, this was a squalid and shocking affair To judge by Tuesday's debate, few MPs can see the undesirability of such a man funding a watchdog approved by the State. One honourable exception was the Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, who accurately called Mosley a 'degenerate libertine'. Eight years ago, Mosley said he had been a closet masochist for 45 years. He described his orgies as 'perfectly harmless'. Since they involved subjecting himself to violence inflicted by female prostitutes to the point of shedding blood, I wager many people will take a different view. Mr Mosley must be allowed to organise violent orgies with compliant women if he wants to. It is not against the law. But he is a public figure, and shouldn't complain if newspapers are interested in his aberrational behaviour. Yet, half-deranged by vengeance, he seeks to muzzle the whole of the free Press. I wonder if the man behind Impress still indulges his taste for orgies and sado-masochistic sex. It is an extraordinary idea. A Government-appointed body called the Press Recognition Panel has just given its blessing to Impress, though it is backed by only a handful of publications. Do its members consider the morality of the man behind the watchdog? I don't expect so. Nor do I suppose the MPs who have welcomed back Vaz spare a thought for parents trying to bring up their children to avoid drugs and be decent citizens with decent values. What a lowering and bleak example Vaz and Mosley offer them. Both are shameless and unrepentant creatures. Such people have always existed, and always will. What has changed is that they are embraced by our new, degraded Establishment and wrongly indulged as though they were perfectly normal figures whose bizarre and sordid predilections are entirely their own affair. Lest we forget: Their sick immorality Keith Vaz was secretly recorded discussing sex and drugs with male prostitutes, telling them that he was a washing machine salesman named 'Jim' ORGY 1: KEITH VAZ Keith Vaz was secretly recorded discussing sex and drugs with male prostitutes, telling them that he was a washing machine salesman named 'Jim'. The MP, a married father of two, was filmed with two rent boys as they planned a gay sex foursome. Mr Vaz also allegedly offered to pay for cocaine for another prostitute. As the sexually explicit conversation went on during the 90-minute rendezvous, Mr Vaz told his younger friends: 'We need to get this party started.' But even as he gave his fake name to the Eastern European escorts Mr Vaz had already been rumbled because one had recognised the politician from his frequent appearances on television. Before the meeting which took place in a flat owned by Mr Vaz near his 2.1 million family home in Edgware, North-West London he sent a series of lurid texts in which he referred to himself jokingly as one of the men's 'pimp' and 'bank manager'. 'Don't forget the poppers,' he said to the prostitutes, a reference to a muscle-relaxant drug which the Government considered banning earlier this year. Mr Vaz allegedly told the escorts that during a separate encounter, with another male prostitute, the man had forgotten to bring a condom. The 59-year-old MP reportedly told them: 'I had to f*** him without a condom.' He then admitted he did not know if the man had any sexually transmitted diseases. When asked about his work, Mr Vaz said he was a laundry equipment salesman. 'These are industrial washing machines, that I sell. Industrial. For big . . . for hotels,' he insisted. Mr Vaz, who had backed a safe sex campaign in his constituency, paid the escorts in cash. At the time of the encounter, the MP for Leicester East was chairman of the Commons' Home Affairs Select Committee, which scrutinises Britain's laws on crime, drugs and sexual exploitation. As the sexually explicit conversation went on during the 90-minute rendezvous, Mr Vaz told his younger friends: 'We need to get this party started' In that role he had deplored the 'dangerous' cocaine trade after MPs investigated the harm caused by the class A drug. He had also lamented the plight of migrants who were 'vulnerable to violence and exploitation'. Mr Vaz's apparent offer to pay for cocaine for the Romanian rent boy meant his position was considered untenable. He resigned from the committee chairman's role two days later. Further details of Mr Vaz's text message chats with one of the men revealed he asked to meet them 'nice and late', adding: 'I want a good time please.' When told a Romanian escort would be joining them, Mr Vaz wrote: 'How will this work, do you want me to f*** him first or all together?' Mr Vaz's text chats with one of the men included the offer of 100 as a gift. Asked to make it 150, the MP replied: 'OK but next time you and [the other man] see me, you better be extra nice.' The MP requested bank details, and a 150 payment was made the next day, with the reference 'Painting'. A second payment was made on August 24 and Mr Vaz sent a text saying: '150 for you, me, bf [boyfriend] and Romanian.' At his flat, he told the male escorts that he liked giving poppers to people because it was 'nice', but rarely used the drug himself. In the Commons earlier this year, Mr Vaz had argued against a proposed ban on the drug during a debate on the Psychoactive Substances Bill. When the three men eventually met at Mr Vaz's flat, they waited for the Romanian man to join them. Mr Vaz was informed that the other man liked taking cocaine during sex. The MP said that he did not have any 'coke', but told them he would pay if the Romanian bought some, commenting: 'I'll give him the money.' While waiting for him they examined pictures of gay men on the internet dating app Grindr. Shown the profile of an Asian man, the MP replied: 'He is fit.' The former solicitor later faced claims that he was a regular visitor at a Central London hotel, where he was sometimes seen in the company of young men. His wife of 23 years, Maria Fernandes, decided to stand by Mr Vaz after he had begged for forgiveness and agreed to undergo testing for any sexually transmitted diseases. Ms Fernandes, a successful lawyer and part-time judge, said she had no idea her husband enjoyed sex with men and added that the biggest shock had been him using prostitutes 'because it's so unlike him'. She said he was on his last chance, telling the Mail on Sunday: 'We have a good life together, and he has threatened that by his behaviour. And if he does that again, then I'll sling him out.' ORGY 2: MAX MOSLEY Formula One motor racing tycoon Max Mosley took part in a five-hour sex orgy, aged 67, with five women in a 2 million riverside Chelsea apartment just a short walk from where he was living with his wife of 40 years, Jean. Video footage of his sexually depraved antics was obtained by the now defunct tabloid the News of the World, which published the story in March 2008, describing the session as a 'sick Nazi orgy'. At times the grainy video showed Mosley the son of British World War II fascist Sir Oswald Mosley, a friend of Adolf Hitler giving orders in German as he lashed the girls. At others, he was himself tied up, strapped naked to a bench, interrogated by a dominatrix and whipped so hard that he whimpered for mercy and his wounds had to be dressed. Formula One motor racing tycoon Max Mosley took part in a five-hour sex orgy, aged 67, with five women in a 2 million riverside Chelsea apartment Mr Mosley paid the women 500 each, although he claimed in court that they were not prostitutes. In his notorious law suit against the News of the World, he gave evidence for hours at the High Court, detailing his 45-year interest in sadism, masochism and what he called role play 'fun'. He explained that he met one of the women identified only as Woman A when he began visiting her for corporal punishment two years earlier. He gave her 35,000 to rent an apartment in Chelsea for a year and fit it out for their encounters, although he denied it was a 'torture chamber'. She arranged the group sessions for him and supplied the participants, who played various roles in loosely-scripted scenarios, usually worked out in advance via email messages. In court, his barrister described one scenario which involved a naked Mr Mosley being spanked by a woman with a whip, and she in turn being spanked by him with a strap. The session filmed by the News of the World was said to have come about after one of the women revealed she had a fantasy about being captured and interrogated in a language she could not understand. The motor racing tycoon conceded that his 'fantasy world' involved a long-standing interest in pain either inflicting or receiving it and that he had paid women to act out those fantasies with him It featured 'prison guards', a modern German uniform, and Mr Mosley being spanked with a cane until it drew blood which he compared to 'cutting yourself shaving'. At one point, the courtroom in London was filled with the sounds of slapping and thwacking as an audio tape featuring a woman speaking German was played to the judge. The motor racing tycoon conceded that his 'fantasy world' involved a long-standing interest in pain either inflicting or receiving it and that he had paid women to act out those fantasies with him. He preferred to describe such group sessions as 'parties' rather than orgies, he said. Mr Mosley insisted there was no suggestion the orgy filmed by the News of the World was intended to have a Nazi or concentration camp theme. He told the court: 'I can think of few things more un-erotic than Nazi role play. It also has associations for me in other ways which would make it even less interesting. All my life, I have had hanging over me my antecedents, my parents, and the last thing I want to do in some sexual context is be reminded of it.' Oswald Mosley formed the British Union of Fascists in 1932. His marriage to Diana Mitford in 1936 was held in the home of Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels and Adolf Hitler was among the guests. The couple were subsequently interned for part of World War II in the interests of national security. High Court judge Mr Justice Eady agreed with Mosley, saying there was 'bondage, beating and domination' but no evidence that the multi-millionaire and the women were enacting Nazi behaviour. Mr Justice Eady did admit, however, that some would view the episode with 'distaste and moral disapproval'. An attitude shared, one imagines, by Mr Mosley's wife Jean who, he admitted, had known nothing of his love of sadomasochistic sex until it appeared in the newspaper, and said it was 'completely, totally devastating for her'. Their grown-up sons Alexander and Patrick were also in complete ignorance of his private sexual fantasies until the News of the World published details of them. The High Court ruled the News of the World did breach Mr Mosley's privacy, awarding him 60,000 in damages. News of the World argued there was no basis for it to pay punitive damages, because it had believed what was written and that it was legitimate to publish. But Mr Justice Eady ruled Mr Mosley had a reasonable expectation of privacy in relation to his sexual activities, no matter how 'unconventional'. Mr Mosley has since campaigned for tougher regulation of the Press, although he has insisted he is not 'anti-Press'. By this time next week, both Donald Trump and Jeffrey Archer will know whether they have won or lost. Were doing something thats incredible, its a movement, Trump told a rally recently. But if we dont win, all it is is a little asterisk in history. For once, he was speaking the truth. At the same time, Jeffrey Archer is worried that his new novel might not top the New York Times bestseller list. Scroll down for video Donald Trump, pictured, said if he doesn't win the Presidency he will be a 'little asterisk in history' He shares Trumps all-or-nothing view. Even if he comes second, hell consider himself a loser. Im like a 17-year-old in the blocks he told an interviewer. Lee Childs new book is published this month, too. Ten oclock on the 10th of November thats when we will find out who is number one on the New York Times bestseller list. 'I want to be number one. If I wasnt number one, I think Id pack up. Silver medallists dont get remembered. One of the peculiarities of American Presidential elections is that, overnight, one of the candidates will go from hero to has-been. Four years ago, Mitt Romney was odds-on favourite to be the next President. These days, most of us would struggle to remember what he looks like. And what of Mrs Romney? In 2012, we would have all known her christian name without any need for prompting. Four years later, its a question on roughly the same level of obscurity as... a) What was the title of Chicory Tips follow-up to their 1972 number one Son Of My Father or b) What was the name of Jill Richardsons baby daughter in the long-running TV series, Crossroads? For the record, the answers to those last two questions are a) Whats Your Name? and b) Sarah-Jane. And, just for the record, the christian name of Mitt Romneys wife is Ann. If you travel back a little further in time, the failed Presidential candidates simply fade to nothing. Who lost to George H.W. Bush in 1988? Michael Dukakis. Who lost to Richard Nixon in 1968? Hubert Humphrey. Go a little further back and the names of Alton B. Parker and John W. Davis, Al Smith and Wendell Willkie dont even ring a bell. Each of them once stood for the Presidency, yet today, they are, as Donald Trump observed, little asterisks in history. On the other hand, the winning candidate gains some form of immortality. Even if we cannot remember much about Calvin Coolidge or Herbert Hoover, they remain names to conjure with. But can the same be said of New York Times Bestsellers? I worry that Jeffrey Archer has got it wrong. Is he really right in thinking that authors who make it to number one will always be remembered? Travel back 60 years. In the second week of November 1956, the number one in the New York Times Fiction Bestseller list was Dont Go Near The Water by William Brinkley. The novel is now out of print, and its author is forgotten. Jeffrey Archer, pictured, has a battle of his own next week as he aims to top the New York Times bestseller list with a new novel On the other hand, the novel at number two the silver medallist, as it were was the famous Peyton Place, which remains in print, even though Amazon lists it at a lowly 96,638 in their charts. More often than not, todays bestseller is tomorrows worstseller. Twenty years ago, in November 1996, the number one fiction bestseller was a book called The Deep End Of The Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard. It now sits below Peyton Place at number 1,120,745 in the charts. In terms of both enduring fame and reputation, both books have lost to a book that was only at number seven at that time: The Tailor of Panama by John le Carre. As Jeffrey Archer or his descendants will shortly discover, posterity tends to be sniffy towards best-selling authors. Who cares about Harold Robbins, Irwin Shaw or Sidney Sheldon any more? Today, you might just come across them on the shelves of an Oxfam shop. Yet they were the three great bestselling authors of the Seventies. This is not to say that no popular author has ever gained a place among the immortals. Charles Dickens was a bestseller in his day, and so was Anthony Trollope. Alas for poor Archer, Dickens and Trollope both possessed a talent that continues to elude him: they could write. Every time he publishes a new novel, Archer delivers the same interview, claiming that he works on each book for eight hours a day. In 50 days, he says, he will have completed the book, the first draft, that is. Fourteen drafts follow. There are no shortcuts. Reading an extract from his latest book, I thought to myself: If this is the 15th draft, what can the first have been like? His dialogue, in particular, is unspeakably bad in fact, literally so, as it sounds unreal when read aloud. Will Jeffrey Archer be the first bestselling author under President Trump? This time next week, well know the answer to this most creepy of questions. Will Archer and Trump be winners or losers? From the moment Cherie Blair's crony Baroness Scotland was elected Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, she has treated the public purse as her own. As this paper has charted for months, she has bestowed highly-paid jobs and contracts on close friends, including 30,000 a month for 'advice' from fellow Labour peer Lord Patel of Bradford. Meanwhile, she has approved spending hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money on refurbishing her grace-and-favour mansion in Mayfair, with a wish-list including wallpaper at 100 a roll, luxury paint costing 33,000 and a 5,000 'vanity unit'. Baroness Scotland has approved spending hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money on refurbishing her grace-and-favour mansion in Mayfair Baroness Scotland with Cherie Blair at a party Indeed, nothing has seemed too good for 'Baroness Shameless', who has ignored civil servants' warnings that her profligacy would mean cutting back Commonwealth programmes. But then isn't her astonishing sense of entitlement typical of the Blair set? Catapulted into the Lords through her friendship with Cherie at the human rights law firm Matrix Chambers, she was appointed Attorney General before being caught employing an illegal immigrant at 6 an hour (she is markedly less lavish with her own money than with ours). Adding to the charge sheet, mystery surrounds her contacts with tyrannies such as Kazakhstan and the Maldives, while questions remain about allegations that she secured her 160,000-a-year job by arranging bogus knighthoods and promising charitable donations in exchange for votes. No wonder India has had enough, reportedly threatening to stop its subscription to the Commonwealth. Indeed, shouldn't Britain also withhold payments while this disgrace to public life remains in place? Blaming the whites More than 30 years ago, the gifted head teacher of a highly popular school in Bradford, whose pupils were 95 per cent Asian, raised concerns that the fashionable doctrine of multiculturalism (which encouraged ethnic minorities to pursue their own cultures) was turning Britain into a racially segregated society. For his pains, Ray Honeyford was condemned as a racist and viciously hounded from his job by the Left. How very differently the Left has greeted yesterday's report from Professor Ted Cantle. Though its conclusions about the need for greater integration are remarkably similar to those reached by Mr Honeyford in the 1980s, its author has been praised for his wisdom by such figures as Labour's Chuka Umunna. So how has the professor a former Blair adviser escaped censure from the high priests of political correctness? Isn't the chief reason that he appears to hold whites responsible for the increasing 'ghettoisation' which has made parts of many cities seem like foreign countries? Indeed, he suggests the state should discourage them from leaving areas with high minority populations, rather than pressing minorities to mix more. This paper recognises that racial integration is a laudable aim. But we also understand that people of all cultures often prefer to live among members of their own. Indeed, we don't pretend to have the answers to this conundrum. We merely ask why the Left calls it racist to suggest that minorities should try harder to integrate while thinking it acceptable to put the pressure on whites? Isn't this patronising to minorities? Everyone with a sense of decency will be appalled that Fifa, that byword for corruption, wants to ban players in the England v Scotland match from wearing poppies on Armistice Day. Since when was the poppy a 'political' symbol, or honouring the war dead anything but a solemn duty? Full marks, then, to the FA for belatedly vowing to defy the ban. There's certain royals that mostly need no introduction regardless of who you're talking to - from King Charles to Prince Harry and Kate Middleton. However, other princes and princess across Europe are just as interesting, glamorous and charming as their well-known counterparts. For instance, Prince Sebastien of Luxembourg, 30, has recently been hailed as one of the most eligible people in Britain, according to Tatler. Elsewhere, another lesser-known royal who is by no means unworthy of our attention is Afonso, Prince of Beira. The 26-year-old is already hotly desired by his Portuguese fans thanks to his dashing good looks and his role as Honorary Commander in the Voluntary Fire Brigade of Lisbon. Equally sought-after by wannabe princesses is Prince Achileas-Andreas of Greece, who with his stunning good looks, appears to be the definition of a Greek God. Here, FEMAL reveals the lesser-known European princes and princess royal fans need on their radar... On Saturday we gave Mabel, our five-year-old, a mini-machete and asked her to collect some firewood from the heath. Stop watching telly and make yourself useful, we implored. So off she trotted, weapon in hand, across two busy roads and plunged into the woods alone. Actually, we didnt really do that because its not cold enough for an open fire yet and Im not a clueless lunatic. But if we were parents in the Pacific Islands we would have done exactly that. For there they expect so much more from their young offspring, according to a fascinating and revolutionary new book on parenting. Do Parents Matter? by grandparents and anthropologists Robert and Sarah LeVine, will be my new bible, for it sounds as if this is the hallelujah of parenting publications, the one advice book that really will help you sleep through the night. Lorraine Candy, the editor-in-chief of Elle magazine, says: 'It has taken me 14 years as a mum to four children to realise that the whole thing is one giant, messy, glorious experiment' But whats this? There are no tips in this book, no rules, no schedules, no crazy, guilt-inducing routines to follow. How can this be? After all, the multimillion-pound parenting advice industry has been profiting from our fragile fear of failure for so long, the thought of writing a book which concludes that however you are doing it, as long as the kids are happy you are probably doing it right, is frankly confusing. Surely anything that doesnt induce panic and present parenting as a giant problem wont sell? Well, I really hope this one does. According to reviews of the LeVines book, a collection of stories from mums and dads worldwide which took almost 50 years to write, the conclusion is that, yes, parents do matter but not as much as youd like to think. By shining a spotlight across different types of parenting cultures, this book explodes the myth that there is one right way to bring up children. For example, in Japan, where there is a low number of sudden infant deaths, almost all children sleep in bed with their parents, sometimes up to the age of ten. This is frowned upon in the U.S. and here. In one part of Africa, mums were incredulous when the LeVines asked about babies waking in the night. She says: 'Daddy Pig (or silly daddy as Peppa calls him) is probably the best parent Ive come across. He doesnt think too much about it and he makes everyone laugh' Why would they do that? the new mums chorused. I mean, imagine that. Clearly, sleepless nights are just not a problem for them. I remember how I once hurled a get your baby to sleep through book out of a second-floor window in exhausted, desperate fury after 48 hours awake. In many parts of the world it is normal for mums to breastfeed everyones newborn, not just their own. Sometimes babies are left in ad hoc nurseries staffed by local women, or happily cared for by strangers (we call them nannies here). And one place in India begins potty training at one month old. What I found most liberating in the reviews of this book is that it encourages a blame-free mindset. It celebrates the cultures where mothering does not bestow superhero status on women it is simply something you do as best you can, while getting on with the rest of your life. Obviously I liked this because it concludes that its OK to choose to work and have a career as well as a family, which I have known all along but keep having to explain and defend in this Western world of competitive parenting, which is obsessed with the supposedly dire responsibility of creating a perfect adult. WEB MUMS Most mums go to the internet for advice. In a survey, eight out of ten admitted using parenting websites and forums rather than asking their own parents for help Advertisement Im already happy to have forked out cash on another publication that may alleviate my mum fear of failure, because I reckon its the last self-help book Ill ever buy. Im done with all those tips-and-tricks titles which created more tensions than they relieved. Naughty steps dont work, reward charts are rubbish, Conscious Parenting is almost impossible to achieve, books about Bringing Up Boys are confusing (they are the same as girls but with an extra body part). Tiger Mum tactics whats the point? You cant build an Olympian or Nobel Prize Winner. It has taken me 14 years as a mum to four children to realise that the whole thing is one giant, messy, glorious experiment. Obviously, an army of you know this already (well done you) but many of us are still feeling our way, so knowing there is no right way is reassuring. Daddy Pig (or silly daddy as Peppa calls him) is probably the best parent Ive come across. He doesnt think too much about it and he makes everyone laugh. His good enough mindset is inspiring. And as my five-year-old, Mabel, says about Daddy Pig: He would do anything for George and Peppa, which is all your kids want to know. A memorial fund has been established in the name of Hussain Saeed Alnahdi, the University of Wisconsin-Stout student who was fatally injured in an attack in downtown Menomonie early Sunday morning. The fund is being administered by the Stout University Foundation, a private fundraising organization that supports the mission and goals of UW-Stout. We have been approached by many alumni, community members and other concerned people who want to give to a memorial fund for Hussain, said Mark Parsons, vice president for Advancement and University Marketing and executive director of the Foundation. We hope this fund will provide the outlet that people are looking for to honor Hussains memory. The stated purpose of the memorial is to remember the joy and happiness (Hussain) brought to the community. Parsons said the exact details of how the donated money will be used are being worked out in cooperation with Hussains friends at UW-Stout as well as his family in Saudi Arabia. Those who want to give can do so at https://foundation.uwstout.edu/pages/givings/hussain-saeed-alnahdi-memorial-fund. Parsons emphasized that this is the official memorial fund site for Hussain Alnahdi. Other memorial funds have been established that are not affiliated with UW-Stout. Hussain, 24, was found unconscious early Sunday morning on the 400 block of Main Street East outside of Toppers Pizza. He died Monday from his injuries. He came to UW-Stout in 2015 and was a junior majoring in business administration. Anyone with information about the assault is asked to call Menomonie police investigator Kelly Pollock at 715-231-8511. Anonymous information can be submitted at 855-847-3866 or at http://dunncocrimestoppers.com. You may also text TIPDUNN followed by your message to 274637 (CRIMES). A $15,000 reward is being offered through the Community Foundation of Dunn County for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Hussains attack. The Council of American-Islamic Relations Minnesota Chapter is offering a $5,000 reward as well. It filters through the uterus, A breakthrough in fertility treatment could see women conceive while sitting at their desk, running errands or even shopping. UK company Reproductive Sciences Ltd has produced the Evie pump, which slowly releases sperm over four hours in to the uterus through the cervix. According to The Telegraph, the holster-like device is worn on the woman's thigh and works to artificially inseminate by filtering sperm through the cervix and in to uterus, mimicking nature. The Evie pump (pictured) slowly releases sperm in to the uterus through the cervix and is strapped to the woman's leg like a holster The slow release method differs from artificial or intrauterine insemination (IUI) that injects prepared sperm directly in to the uterus, Reproductive Sciences said. 'The Evie is akin to a regular catheter setup, however the catheter tube goes into the uterus,' Fertility Factor wrote. 'The catheter is implanted into the uterus at the fertility clinic after being pre-filled with washed sperm, and a button is pressed to activate the tiny disposable pump with a timer attached. 'The device is strapped firmly to the woman's leg, and she can leave the clinic and go home or go about her normal life.' The Evie is strapped to the woman's leg, allowing her to go on with her day (stock image) The device had a 17.5 per cent success rate in clinical trials, and is expected to be released next year (stock image) The Telegraph reported the device is expected to be released in 2017 and would cost about AUD$965 (600). 'This device gives women more freedom,' Reproductive Services' David Dally told The Times. 'The catheter is initially inserted by a health professional and then [the patient is] free to leave the clinic, go to work, go home. 'Four hours later they can remove the device themselves. It is a low-cost treatment that requires very little technology.' At the end of the four hours, women can press another button that injects any leftover sperm. They can then remove the device at home. 'The catheter is initially inserted by a health professional and then [the patient is] free to leave the clinic, go to work, go home,' Mr Dally said (stock image) The sperm used in the device goes through a process called 'sperm washing', that separates the semen from the sperm, eliminating any dead or slow-moving sperm. So how well does it work? Mamamia reported Evie showed a 17.5 per cent chance of conceiving in clinical trials, compared to the 8.5 per cent success rate of IUI. Despite being a disability CF is not automatically covered by the NDIS She won't get a carers allowance for Lucas as she is on a disability pension The single mother has Retinitis Pigmentosa and is slowly losing her vision Reggie Sorensen made a name for herself when she won Big Brother in 2003, but the former reality television star is now slowly losing her vision and fears she will not be able to keep up with the demands of supporting her sick son Lucas. The seven-year-old has cystic fibrosis (CF) and would drown in the thick mucus his body produces if he did not have access to expensive medication and machines that clear his lungs each day. Lucas' condition means his life-expectancy is unusually short and while Ms Sorensen fears she won't physically see her two children grow up, she is confronted with her son's mortality every day. 'He says, 'Mummy, what's it going to be like in heaven?', and 'Are there Pokemon cards in heaven?',' Ms Sorensen told A Current Affair. Scroll down for video Reggie Sorensen fears she will not be able to keep up with the demands of caring for her son Lucas if she does not receive support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme The seven-year-old has cystic fibrosis which is not automatically included on the scheme But despite the 'significant' impact the chronic illness has on his and Ms Sorensen's lives - CF has been left off the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and those affected are left battling with assessors for support. Ms Sorensen told A Current Affair she can't even rely on a carer's allowance to help her cover the costs of his expensive treatments as she already receives a pension for being legally blind. 'They all look at him and go 'gee, you don't look sick', but inside it is a different story. He is battling a big fight to stay alive,' she said. Ms Sorensen questioned how her son's condition could be excluded when he has to have physio twice a day and take seemingly 'endless' doses of medication. On a good day, the schoolboy needs to be firmly beaten on the chest and back to dislodge the sticky mucus that builds up in his lungs - which is now done by a $8,000 vest. Ms Sorensen also needs to make sure he takes expensive medication to ensure he doesn't get a lung infection and sits with him as he inhales aerosols through a nebuliser to open his airways. Ms Sorensen receives a disability pension as she is legally blind, but it precludes her from getting a carers allowance to help cover the costs of Lucas's treatments On a good day, the schoolboy needs to be firmly beaten on the chest and back to dislodge the sticky mucus that builds up in his lungs - which is now done by a $8,000 vest Ms Sorensen also needs to make sure he takes expensive medication to ensure he doesn't get a lung infection The machine cost around $2,000 to purchase, but Ms Sorensen still has to spend at least $2,000 each month on the life-saving tablets - with the on-going costs becoming difficult for the single mother to maintain. On a bad day the financial burden slips to the back of Ms Sorensen's mind, but the pressure remains. The former reality star said she has had to rush Lucas to hospital and watch with tears in her eyes as he is put through painful procedures or wheeled into surgery. 'I'm there looking into his little face trying to be strong... he is looking at his mum and I'm trying not to cry - it is awful,' she told A Current Affair. Lucas has had to endure endless needles and scans, with the young boy screaming in pain each time doctors thread a tube, known as PICC line, into a vein in his arm. Reggie Sorensen made a name for herself when she won Big Brother in 2003 (pictured) The former reality star said she has had to rush Lucas to hospital and watch with tears in her eyes as he is put through painful procedures or wheeled into surgery The normally bubbly seven-year-old (left) is reduced to tears and screams in pain each time each time he has to endure painful procedures in hospital (right) His condition has stopped him putting on weight and he will soon be forced to have a feeding tube. WHAT IS CYSTIC FIBROSIS? Cystic Fibrosis (CF) primarily affects the lungs and digestive system because of a malfunction in the exocrine system, responsible for producing saliva, sweat, tears and mucus. There is no cure and those affected often don't live past the age of 30. People with the chronic lung disease develop an abnormal amount of excessively thick and sticky mucus within the lungs, airways and the digestive system. The mucus causes impairment of the digestive functions of the pancreas and traps bacteria in the lungs resulting in recurrent infections which lead to irreversible damage. Lung failure is the major cause of death for someone with CF. Source: Cystic Fibrosis Australia Advertisement Ms Sorensen is willing to do anything to help her son, but fears she won't be able to support Lucas in the way she has to date as the degenerative eye disease Retinitis Pigmentosa is slowly claiming her sight. RP affects around one in 3,000 to 4,000 people, with some showing symptoms from early childhood while others may not know they have it until later in their lives. It is caused by abnormalities of the eye's photoreceptors or the pigmented cell later or the retina, leading to gradual sight loss. But as Ms Sorensen receives a disability pension, she is precluded from receiving a carers allowance to help with Lucas. She was shocked to find the government did not think CF sufferers should be automatically covered by the NDIS and has called for an overhaul of the diseases recognised by the scheme. Michele Adair from Cystic Fibosis NSW also argued the lung disease needs to be included as families have faced rejection from government assessors and are being left to take on the significant medical costs and burden alone. Ms Sorensen is willing to do anything to help her son, but fears she won't be able to support Lucas once the degenerative eye disease Retinitis Pigmentosa claims her sight Doctors said Ms Sorensen could lose her sight in as little as two years and is petitioning to have the condition added to the list before then so her son can get the treatment he needs 'The assessor is rightly entitled to turn you away and that's absolutely been the experience,' she told A Current Affair. 'This is very much a disease that causes disability, social isolation and all of those other things that the NDIS is designed to overcome,' Ms Adair added. Doctors said Ms Sorensen could lose her sight in as little as two years and is petitioning to have the condition added to the list before then so her son can get the treatment he needs. The single mother became the first female winner of Big Brother after a landslide vote saw her awarded $250,000 in 2003. Last year Reggie revealed she's now penniless and opened up about the heartbreak she suffered when she learned of her first husband's affair But life has not been simple for Ms Sorensen, who has previously opened up about the struggles of caring for her son and juggling work with the financial pressures of paying for medical bills. In a wide-ranging ACA interview last year, Ms Sorensen said she's now penniless and revealed the heartbreak she suffered when she learned of her first husband's affair. When she got through, she heard the pride and concern from her mum Once, she remembers not speaking to her parents for three weeks At times in my career, catching up with my parents has felt like a distraction I dont have the energy for. As a TV foreign correspondent covering wars and military coups, even getting a phone line wasnt always possible. Mostly, I got through once a week though I remember one time not speaking to them for at least three weeks. I was covering the riots and subsequent resignation of Indonesias President Suharto in 1998 in dangerous conditions and needed to stay focused on the job in hand. TV foreign correspondent Linda Duberley reveals: 'At times in my career, catching up with my parents has felt like a distraction I dont have the energy for' (stock image) But when I finally got through and heard the concern and pride in my dear mums voice, I felt desperately sorry. Surely nothing was more important than making sure she knew that I cared she was OK. I felt Id let her down. The one thing thats kept me sane over the years has been speaking to my mum. These days, were all so busy that keeping in touch is too often seen as a duty or a chore. I have a friend who schedules a weekly phone call to her mother in her diary. If she didnt, she admits, she would simply forget. According to a survey, just half of us find time for this crucial relationship at least once each week. The same poll also revealed that female employment has doubled over the past 65 years. It hardly takes a statistician to make the link. Instead of cherishing the time we have left with the women who raised us, we sacrifice them at the altar of our hectic lives. Its not good enough. Id go as far as to declare it a national disgrace that we dont devote more time to our elderly and parents in particular. Id also say to anyone that if you havent spoken to your mother this week, do it now. There isnt an excuse good enough for not speaking to your mum once a week. If I managed it, anyone can. Apart from that one time, I squeezed in weekly conversations with my mum no matter how busy my life. And every time I heard her voice, I was reminded that no one cares about me more than her. Even her tone conveys so much: pride, love and concern wrapped up in questions about whether I was getting regular meals and bits of news about my dad and two brothers. She says looking back, one call a week doesn't feel like enough. Her dad died three years ago and mum is now 80 - she won't ever get those years back (stock image) Who in this world will ever be as proud, as interested or as fascinated by the minutiae of your life but your mother? Looking back, one call a week doesnt feel like enough. Dad died three years ago, and Mum is now 80 I wont ever get those years back. Ive often asked her: Did you mind that I couldnt be around more? All she will ever say is that she was proud of what I achieved and appreciated I spoke to her as often as I could. My first child, Conor, was born 24 years ago after a traumatic birth. But when Mum arrived at the hospital, she walked straight past her first grandson to hold me. I realised then how central to her world, as her daughter, I truly was. Thankfully, we have had a second chance. In 2008, cutbacks at ITV saw my contract reduced to a part-time role. Since then, Ive barely gone a few days without seeing my mum, let alone speaking to her. I cherish every moment. Like Mum, I have just one daughter: Kitty, 16. I hope she will satisfy any travel longings while she is young. And that her career will keep her busy without becoming a barrier in our relationship. But and I know this seems the ultimate hypocrisy I also pray she does all that dashing around before settling down to have a family. A mother has shared her heartache after her baby was born at 24 weeks weighing a tiny 625 grams. Lisa Connor-Melville, 24, from Queensland, was put on bed rest when her waters broke unexpectedly on 23 August. She was rushed to hospital where doctors discovered she was suffering from massive internal bleeding - forcing them to deliver her baby early. Lisa Connor-Melville (pictured) discovered her waters had broken at 24 weeks Baby Lillian (pictured) was born weighing just over 600 grams "It was so quick, it happened in moments," Ms Connor-Melville told the Bundaberg News Mail. 'We were going to die within 10 minutes.' Tiny baby Lillian weighed just over 625 grams when she was born two days later and she wasn't the only one fighting for survival. Her mother suffered a second haemorrhage and urgently needed surgery after she lost five litres of blood. 'We were both fighting for life,' Ms Connor-Melville told the News Mail. 'We were going to die within 10 minutes,' Ms Connor-Melville said of the traumatic birth The new mother urgently needed surgery after she lost five litres of blood After being born premature, the little girl's battle was far from over, as she faced further health complications Following surgery, Ms Connor-Melville moved into Ronald McDonald House which meant time away from her older kids. Her partner Brenton gave up his job to look after the kids during her difficult pregnancy, which Ms Connor-Melville said had put financial pressure on the family. But she said her newborn baby's battle was far from over. Lillian contracted meningitis in September and 'took a turn for the worst', according to her mum The tiny battler also has two holes in her heart and couldn't breathe unassisted On a Go Fund Me page set up for the family, Ms Connor-Melville wrote that Lillian contracted meningitis in September and 'took a turn for the worst'. Other health complications for her premmie included a brain bleed, four chest infections and nine lung collapses. Lillian also has two holes in her heart and her mum said it was hard for her to breathe unassisted. However, she is making progress and now weighs more than triple her birth weight On Thursday though, Lillian was making progress. She was more than 1800 grams and Ms Connor-Melville had bathed and fed her little girl. 'Lillian is... starting to breast feed god bless her little tired body,' she wrote on Go Fund Me. 'I tell Lily every day that I want her to come home for Christmas, we all have our fingers crossed that that will happen,' she told Kidspot. She made headlines after stripping naked in a corporate box for a dare at the 2014 AFL Grand Final. But there's more to glamour model Heather McCartney than meets the eye. After streaking to notoriety the bubbly blonde revealed she was pregnant, something she never thought could happen having previously faced a cancer diagnosis. Now, two years after her headline-grabbing antics, Ms McCartney is in remission and mother to a beautiful baby girl, Annah Rose. 'Miracle baby': Heather McCartney has given birth to a 'miracle baby' Annah Rose after famously stripping naked at the 2014 AFL Grand Final She stripped for a bet at the grand final between Sydney Swans and Hawthorn at the Melbourne Cricket Ground Ms McCartney gave birth to her 'miracle baby' girl on June 30 this year. In a previous interview with Daily Mail Australia, the Gold Coast resident said she started undergoing treatment for aplastic anemia, a cancer of the blood, shortly before her grand final stunt. Two years later a routine check-up and blood test revealed she was pregnant. Ms McCartney was in remission from aplastic anemia, a cancer of the blood, when she fell pregnant She did not know she was pregnant and only realised when she went for a routine check-up and blood test Little Annah Rose was born two weeks overdue on June 30 and weighed 3.17kg 'I didn't think there was a chance I could get pregnant,' Ms McCartney previously told Daily Mail Australia 'I didn't think there was a chance I could get pregnant,' Ms McCartney said. 'Then they told me I was 24 weeks, I was so shocked.' Due to her cancer diagnosis doctors had her listed as a 'high-risk pregnancy'. But despite a difficult birth Annah Rose was born healthy, albeit two weeks overdue, at 3.17kg. 'Specialists decided I can't wait any longer as its huge risk to both our health,' she wrote on Instagram 'We both had a different direction planned out for us that day - but we changed that. 'Your such a little fighter and we are both safe now.' Photo showed the bubbly blonde completely nude in a corporate box at the event 'It was a bet. I said if Hawthorn win, I'm getting naked. They won, and I got naked,' she told the Herald Sun Ms McCartney described her daughter as the 'love of my life'. 'My grandmother always said to me "Heather, when you have a child it will be the making of you",' she said. 'Much respect to my mammy and my mammies Mammy.' Ms McCartney was thrust in to the spotlight when she stripped for a dare at the 2015 AFL Grand Final between Sydney Swans and Hawthorn. 'It was a bet. I said if Hawthorn win, I'm getting naked. They won, and I got naked,' she told the Herald Sun. Couple are in Australia for the 400th anniversary of Dirk Hartog's landing For the occasion, Queen Maxima donned a neutral and orange ensemble The couple also toured Government House and visited Cockatoo Island The Dutch Royals visited the University of Sydney on Wednesday King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima are on a Royal tour of Australia King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands have packed a lot in to their Royal tour of Australia. From a visit to Perth to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the landing of Dutch explorer, Dirk Hartog in Australia, to watching the Melbourne Cup in Perth, and visiting the Sydney Opera House for a concert on Wednesday evening, it's been all go since the couple arrived earlier in the week. And on Thursday their schedule was as hectic as ever - as the Royals visited Government House in Sydney, before taking a ferry ride in the bright sunshine to Cockatoo Island in the harbour to attending a farming summit. Royal wave: King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands boarded a ferry during their latest trip in Australia Making a statement: The Queen wore an unusual orange jewelled necklace for the occasion, with her hair swept into a sleek bun Ever stylish: Queen Maxima paired a neutral, high-necked top with an orange neckpiece, hat and full striped skirt for the occasion The 45-year-old Queen's choice of attire for the day was nothing short of impeccable, as it has been for the entirety of her state visit. Queen Maxima paired a neutral, high-necked top with an orange neckpiece, hat and full striped skirt. Queen Maxima's shoe choice also co-ordinated with the outfit. King Willem-Alexander looked smart and businesslike for the occasion, in a navy suit and neutral tie. Suits you Sir: The king donned a traditional cattleman's hat on his visit to Cockatoo Island Hats off! King Willem-Alexander tips his Akubra to the crowd before giving a speech at the Farm2Fork Summit at Cockatoo Island, proving that even a king is not immune to hat hair Royal tour: While in Sydney they also visited the University of Sydney (pictured) What a view: The Royal couple stopped to admire the incredible surroundings of Sydney Harbour during their visit What's in there? King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands (second left) watches as Queen Maxima looks at creatures used to fertilise soil during their visit to Cockatoo Island Delicious: Maxima was presented with a selection of food at the Rabobank Farm2Fork Summit on Sydney's Cockatoo Island Queen Maxima has already shown a penchant for orange during her tour of Australia, plumping for an orange lace dress and fascinator during her trip to Canberra. She and King Willem-Alexander are currently on a tour of Australia to commemorate 400 years since Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog landed on an island off the coast of Western Australia. On Wednesday they visited the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House in Canberra, where they met with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his wife Lucy. Royal tour: While in Sydney they visited the took a ferry (left) to Cockatoo Island (right) All aboard: Maxima walked in her orange pumps across the wharf to get to a waiting ferry Out and about: During their tour, the Royals walked through the grounds of the University of Sydney with Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson and Vice Chancellor Dr Michael Spence Lesson in love: The Royals attended a function during their visit to the University of Sydney (pictured) Enjoying the day: After their visit to Government House, the Royal couple took a stroll through the gardens Later on in the day, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima visited the University of Sydney, where they were shown work by students and later paused for photographs outside the Great Hall. The Royal couple also took a ferry trip to the UNESCO world-heritage-listed island in Sydney, Cockatoo Island. As they waved to the crowd, the king tenderly placed his arm around his stunning wife's waist. Settling down to watch a BBC drama these days takes a lot of brain power if the confusion over the latest episode of The Missing is anything to go by. Viewers were left questioning their own sanity when episode four of the thriller surrounding the mystery of Alice Webster and Sophie Giroux took a dramatic turn last night. It's all about a girl who returns to her family after disappearing years before and more than five million viewers are tuning in each week hoping to work out what happened to her. The fake Alice Webster, who could really be Sophie Giroux is still alive, not burned to death, and enjoying a spot of lunch in Switzerland Would the real Alice Webster please stand up? Just when viewers thought they had it sussed the show dropped a huge plot twist The latest episode of The Missing had viewers questioning their own sanity about who Alice Webster really was The addictive programme had people scratching their heads yet again for answers to the mind-boggling drama and wondering whether they themselves are Alice Webster. Moments after the closing scenes of last night's episode revealed fake Alice was still alive, it was also made clear that there was a third girl in the saga. The appearance of another missing girl stunned viewers as Keeley Hawes' character, Gemma, seemed to discover another potential victim on the rollercoaster while former detective Jean Baptiste also found out another crucial piece of the puzzle. The new details came in thick and fast and it was simply too much for those at home hoping for a cosy evening in front of the television. Worried mum Gemma Webster, played by Keeley Hawes, made a surprise discovery when she figured out that there could be a third missing girl to factor into the mystery Who is the third girl? Viewers were left stunned at the revelation in the rollercoaster photo but how does she fit into the saga and what does this mean for Alice/Sophie? Not many people were able to keep up with the plot twists and begged for more information on who was who 'I'm so confused is she dead? Did that other girl kill her? Is she alive? Is the other girl Alice Webster? Am I Alice Webster?? #TheMissing,' pondered one worried viewer on Twitter. Another was equally concerned for his own mental wellbeing: 'Am I Sophie Giroux? Am I Alice Webster? #TheMissing #HeadsGone.' '#TheMissing is so complicated I'm starting to think I could be Alice Webster' stated one involved fan. Its the addictive thriller series about a girl who returns to her family after disappearing years before and more than five million viewers are tuning in each week hoping to work out what happened to her What does the Brigadier Adrian Stone (played by Roger Allam) have to do with the return of Alice Webster? There are so many questions to answer There are plenty of places for Baptiste to look according to certain viewers: 'My heads all over the place, I'm starting to question if I'm actually Sophie Giroux #TheMissing.' The second series of the BBC1 drama has also left many fans struggling to follow the complex storyline which jumps across three different timelines. One viewer shared her own theories, revealing she was keeping a diary of the shows plots and revelations Mind-boggling theories have left viewers struggling to keep up But the second series of the BBC1 drama The Missing has also left many fans scratching their heads as they struggle to follow a complex storyline jumping across three different timelines The series stars David Morrissey as the father of Alice, who goes missing from a British Army base in Germany where they live. When she apparently returns there are doubts if she really is the same girl. The drama shifts back and forth between the events surrounding her disappearance, her return, and the present day by which time she is dead. Some viewers have even taken the drastic action of taking notes just so that they can keep up with the twists and turns: 'Actually keeping a diary of like I did last series!' 'Spend more time thinking about than I do my degree,' mused one viewer, while another moaned, 'I'm still trying to work out what is going on in after last night.' The drama shifts back and forth between the events surrounding Alice's disappearance, her return, and the present day by which time she is dead It was just too much to handle for one: 'I think I need to watch the whole thing again from the beginning. #TheMissing' Even the cast admit its tough going. French actor Tcheky Karyo, who plays detective Julien Baptiste, said: This series is like a rollercoaster. She comes from a family worth 100 million and is related to royalty, but Kitty Spencer admits that her level of privilege has left her struggling to find a purpose in life. Opening up to The Times, the socialite who is an ambassador for Centrepoint revealed that she even envies some of the young homeless people the charity supports. Explaining how they are usually very focused on the future, she said: 'They know exactly what they want to do and what their talents are. Scroll down for video She comes from a family worth 100 million and is related to royalty, but Kitty Spencer, 25, has admitted that her level of privilege has left her struggling to find a purpose in life When she's not focused on her charity work, Kitty undoubtedly leads a charmed existence Lady Kitty celebrates the awarding of a 250,000 Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust grant to Centrepoint to develop a sports engagement programm 'So for that I envy them. I do battle with what it is that I really want to set my mind to.' As well as volunteering for Centrepoint, Kitty works four days a week for the military charity Give Us Time. The charity matches soldiers in need of a family holiday with timeshares and holiday homes owned by British families, and is the brainchild of former Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox. She will also be spending a night on the streets next month for Centrepoint's annual sleep out with a group of friends. The blonde beauty will be sleeping on the streets for a night next month in aid of the homeless charity Centrepoint Kitty visits Captain Matt Harris, his wife Louise and their children Edward, Albert and Henry on a holiday at Center Parcs arranged by the charity she works for Give Us Time Kitty was pictured sipping on a raspberry cocktail at the exclusive La Guerite seafood restaurant, wearing a Melissa Odabash kaftan, during a summer break in the South of France And she will be joining her cousin Prince William at Kensington Palace next week for a fundraiser he's hosting in aid of the charity. But she admitted that she's struggling to figure out 'what to do next' as she concedes she could easily just live to post glamorous photos on Instagram. But she doesn't want to look back and feel as if she could have done more to help others. When she's not focused on her charity work, Kitty undoubtedly leads a charmed existence. Like her late aunt Princess Diana and cousin Prince William, Kitty is an ambassador for the homeless charity Centrepoint Kitty with her boyfrienf of two year, property tycoon Niccolo Barattieri di San Pietro Kitty dressed head to toe in Dior for the designer's show at Paris Fashion Week Her Instagram is a diary of parties, fashion shows and luxury holidays. She has one dainty foot in the party-hard London scene, via a close friendship with leggy Lady Violet Manners, 23, the Duke of Rutlands daughter. These two and Violets younger sister Alice can be found in bars like Loulous in Mayfair, and at high-end parties around Europe. She's been a regular on the front row at Paris and London fashion weeks and has been soaking up the sun in Cannes, Pisa and Florence. At the House of Lords: Kitty gives a speech about caring for military families on behalf on the charity Give Us Time The glamorous blonde admits she struggles to find a sense of purpose in life, but wants to help others and not just live to post photos on Instagram The socialite relaxes in an infinity pool as she oaks up the sun in Santorini And of course she enjoys a special connection with Italy as she's been dating property tycoon Niccolo Barattieri di San Pietro for two years. Barattieri is 20 years her senior and divorced father of three children. Kitty grew up away from the media spotlight in South Africa with her mother, Victoria Lockwood, the former model who was Earl Spencer's first wife. The Cape Town University graduate, studied psychology, politics and literature followed by a masters degree in luxury brand management at Regents College. She's also turned her hand to modelling and is represented by Paula Karaiskos, who also looks after Kate Moss at the Storm model agency. Simone doesn't get up before midday and never cooks for herself Sugar baby Simone Toon claims to be a professional 'lady of leisure' - and refuses to give it up. The 25-year-old, originally from Northamptonshire, is invited to glamorous parties, given thousands of pounds to splash on designer bags and shoes and is whisked away on exotic holidays by older, wealthy men. Simone's lavish lifestyle - which she estimates costs 4,000 a month - is funded by sugar daddies, aged up to 62, who pay for her serviced London apartments, gym membership, holidays, designer clothes and even her two boob jobs. Scroll down for video Lady of leisure: Simone Toon, from Northamptonshire, refuses to date unsuccessful men Jet set: Simone, 25, seen on the beach in Dubai, wakes up at noon to work out for two hours She said: 'A sugar baby is somebody who lives a nice lifestyle, living in luxury. You can live in a nice apartment, funded by your sugar daddy. You are just taken care of by an older man. 'I could never ever imagine being with someone who wouldn't treat me and wouldn't pay for my lifestyle. I tried and it just didn't work. 'My lifestyle on average probably costs about 4,000 a month - just to maintain everything.' 'I wouldn't date somebody who isn't rich I don't find it appealing to date an unsuccessful guy.' Luxury lifestyle: Simone, 25, once dated a 62-year-old, but admits the age gap was too big Simone rarely gets up before midday, jets all over the world and never cooks a meal for herself, eating out at Knightsbridge and Mayfair's top restaurants instead. Simone, who admits her older men look after her 'like a daughter', said: 'I wake up around midday - I don't like mornings! I go to the gym, work out for about two to three hours, maybe go and have a sunbed or get my nails done. My best friend and I have lunch around 4 or 5pm. 'And then in the evening I get dressed up and go out to a nice place. 'I go to Harvey Nichols and Harrods usually once a day. 'And I probably buy something every couple of days. Once every week I buy a new handbag.' 'It works for me': Simone says she doesn't care what 'negative' people say about her lifestyle Travelling in style: Simone says there were 'no opportunities' at home in Northamptonshire From a brand new Rolex to Chanel handbags and even a car, Simone has received extravagant gifts from her benefactors. She said: 'The most lavish gift I'm given is probably a car. That was really nice. It was a brand new Range Evoque, worth 25,000, which was perfect for me. 'I went to Dubai last week, for five days with my current sugar daddy. It was amazing. 'He just said "here's 8,000, go shop, go enjoy yourself". Although she enjoyed a comfortable and stable family life growing up, Simone's jet setter status is a far cry from her suburban upbringing in Northamptonshire. She said: 'Back in my hometown, there was nothing there really - no opportunities. So for someone to come into my life and say, look, there's a flat, I'm gonna give you this, this and this' Simone claims she has friends who refuse to give up the sugar baby lifestyle, despite qualifying as a doctor and a lawyer respectively Far from wanting their daughter to get a regular job, Simone says her parents support her way of life and have even become friends with a previous sugar daddy Simone dated. She said: 'My family were really supportive, they were really like if this is what you want, then fine, go ahead.' Simone also has friends who are sugar babies. 'I have two friends of mine who've qualified as a doctor and lawyer thanks to their sugar daddies and they still are sugar babies.' Aged 18 Simone signed up to a modelling agency and worked as a model for two years. Not even aware what a sugar baby was until she inadvertently became one age 20, Simone was attracted to the sugar daddies' charisma and high status - as well as their wealth. Simone's lavish lifestyle - which she estimates costs 4,000 a month - is funded by sugar daddies, aged up to 62 Simone said: 'People assume being a sugar baby is just going out with some fat old man - having sex with him when he wants to, doing what he says and it's not, it's nothing like that. It really is a genuine relationship' Since then, the pampered beauty has also used the website seekingarrangement.com to connect with potential sugar daddies. She said: 'I was introduced to an older guy, who was very successful and it happened naturally. I found him really attractive and I liked where he lived, I liked the lifestyle and that's how I became a sugar baby.' And Simone is open about her sex life with her sugar daddies. She said: 'People assume being a sugar baby is just going out with some fat old man - having sex with him when he wants to, doing what he says and it's not, it's nothing like that. It really is a genuine relationship. Simone said: 'They look at you like, a daughter or something. I know I might sound quite sick, but what I mean by that is they take care of you' 'An escort is seeing people every hour. I'm not. I'm seeing the same person exclusively.' Simone has been in six long-term relationships with sugar daddies - and even dated a 62-year-old, though admitted the 38-year age gap was too big. She said: 'I normally like someone who is 15 years older than me age 40-45 - it's a nice age gap, they know how to take care of you better. 'They look at you like, a daughter or something. I know I might sound quite sick, but what I mean by that is they take care of you.' On meeting prospective future sugar daddies, Simone has a strict no sex on the first date policy. Simone said: 'If I'm going to date this person, I'll go to dinner with them six to seven times and then after that I'll stay with him. I don't want it to become a payment. 'You fall in love, you are heartbroken. Just because they are older and richer, it doesn't necessarily mean you can't get hurt.' Simone in particular recalls the end of her first sugar daddy relationship three years ago. She said: 'I think it took me a little while to overcome the fact I'm on my own now, I have to depend on myself I have to find a job, I have to kind of pay rent and stuff, that was the difficult part. 'I have been in situations where I'm not happy with the person I am with and I haven't broken it off just because of the financial situation.' In spite of criticism about her unorthodox source of income, Simone is happy with her lifestyle. The student, from Andale, Kansas, tweeted a picture of the note - attracting sympathy from hundreds of thousands of users He returned to find the Kit Kat in the cup holder had vanished and replaced with an anonymous note from the thief who admitted to taking the bar Hunter Jobbins, 19, left his car unlocked for 15 minutes outside his dormitory A student left his car unlocked outside his dormitory only to return 15 minutes later to find one crucial item missing - a chocolate bar. Hunter Jobbins, 19, from Andale, Kansas, found his Kit Kat missing and in its place a semi-apologetic note from the thief claiming they were 'sorry and hungry'. The Kansas State University freshman tweeted about his loss attracting the sympathy of hundreds of thousands and earning him the nickname 'Kit Kat guy' on campus. 'Sorry and hungry': Kansas student Hunter Jobbins, 19, left his car outside his dormitory and returned to find his Kit Kat missing and a semi-apologetic note from thief, pictured Sympathetic: Hunter, from Andale, Kansas, tweeted a picture of the note - attracting the attention of hundreds of thousands of users He found the anonymous confession note, written on a tissue in wobbly writing, on Sunday. It read: 'Saw Kit Kat in your cup holder. I love Kit Kats so I checked your door and it was unlocked. 'Did not take anything other than the Kit Kat. I am sorry and hungry.' Hunter said he was initially saddened by the incident but that he quickly saw the funny side. He told Daily Mail Online: 'At first I was upset that someone had gotten into my car and took my Kit Kat, but after reading the note all of my frustration turned into laughter. It's hard to be mad after reading something like that.' University fame: The incident has earned him the nickname 'Kit Kat guy' on campus Amused: Hunter said he is yet to catch the culprit but that he would like to find him to give him more chocolate bars Hunter said he is yet to catch the culprit but that he would like to find him to give him more chocolate bars. 'I still don't know who took my candy bar but I wish I did. I'd love to give him as many Kit Kat bars as he wanted,' he said. Since sharing it on Twitter it has been re-tweeted over 180,000 times and liked by nearly half a million users. His tweet has attracted numerous responses - including from one person who advised him to 'call the police'. About a year after World War II started on Sept. 1, 1939, a December 1940 edition of LIFE magazine listed toy soldiers among the 12 most popular toys for that Christmas. And just a couple years before that, Bill Sather started his collection of them. Sather, of Chippewa Falls, picked up around 31 of his now 800-piece collection of lead toy soldiers from dime stores such as Woolworth and Kresges in 1938 and 1939. Back then, the toy soldiers were only five cents each but the collection as a whole is now worth thousands. Sathers soldiers can be seen in their entirety at the Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry and Technology, 21 E. Grand Ave. Also on display are Sathers army patch collection, uniforms and maps. Sather started bringing items to the museum around eight years ago when he only had a few hundred of these soldiers. The collection grew from 300 to 800 through other collectors, friends, flea markets and antique stores. A group of collectors who are interested in these soldiers put out a magazine called Old Toy Soldier. It features the many different brands of the toys produced during this era. Sathers soldiers are called dime store soldiers but there are around 40 other different kinds. There are about 600 people in the country who meet once a week in Chicago to trade, share and talk about toy soldiers. Sather said this hobby is unique in the sense that the toys were produced in mass quantities right before the war and then were suddenly gone with the wind once it ended in 1945. Some of the largest producers for the toy industry before World War II were Japan, Bulgaria, Germany and Poland. However, they all went to war and they stopped making them. Here we are, in the middle of the recession, and we have this million dollar industry just handed to us in our lap, Sather said. On April 1, 1942 all product of toy soldiers in the U.S. stopped, months after the U.S. was drawn into the war on Dec. 7, 1941. Sather said the toy soldiers were originally painted by kids who were continuing education students, meaning they only went to school one day a week and were paid 25 cents an hour to work in the factories during the day. But child labor laws changed after the war and plastic ended up taking over, leaving the lead soldiers behind forever. Sather said his army is about 85 percent painted still, which is related to their condition and value. When they get less than that, some collectors will repaint them but he said a true collector of any antiques would never do that. He said theres about a dozen dime soldiers he doesnt have. But, as is the problem most collectors will run into, the one thing he said that stops him is pricing. The last one he bought was around $400 but they can go up to $800. Sather continues his search for the last squad to his army and enjoys learning the history with the pieces along the way. You try and collect them and you know that what youre collecting, the object is never made again He said. Thats what collecting is all about. People tweeted images of daughters dressed as astronauts in support Also found example of pirate ship for boys and sewing machine for girls A Labour councillor has hit out at the retailer John Lewis for describing a food container emblazoned with stars and astronauts as a 'boys space print lunch box'. Joshua Peck, who represents London's Tower Hamlets shared an image of the offending item with his 3,000 followers on Twitter saying: 'What is it about this lunchbox which makes it unsuitable for my daughter? Too sciencey?' His post has been retweeted 155 times and provoked a stern response from other horrified users. Labour councillor Joshua Peck has hit out at the retailer John Lewis for describing a food container emblazoned with stars and astronauts as a 'boys space print lunch box'. John Lewis replied saying it was a 'mistake' that is being corrected. A spokesperson for the store added: "We're really sorry that a one-off labelling error meant that our Space Print School Lunchbox was marked incorrectly. We're looking into correcting these labels as soon as we can. 'We understand the importance of providing girls and boys with as much choice as possible, and in recent years we've changed our childrenswear and toy ranges so that they're not categorised by gender." DrDasB described the luncbox as 'disgraceful', adding: 'Why don't they want girls to do become astronauts?' DickiesTicker replied, saying: 'So disappointing. To think John Lewis just appointed its first female MD Paula Nickolds. Invite her to Tower Hamlets schools to speak about career equality/breaking the glass ceiling Gagarin_studio said the branding was a shame as their daughter would have loved the lunchbox Tatantulatim agreed that his space-loving daughter would also have been keen on the lunch box 'I thought John Lewis was above that. It's supported LGBT. I assumed gender equality also.' The politician then shared another example of gender inequality in the marketing of toys that he'd discovered at the store - a girls' sewing machine and a boys' pirate ship. 'Really disappointing,' he said. 'And not the first time either.' The politician then shared another example of gender inequality in the marketing of toys that he'd discovered at the store - a girls' sewing machine and a boys' pirate ship Genderbuzz suggested countering the blunder with unisex ballet lessons Emmers shared another example of gender stereotyping from the Early Learning Centre Other parents supported Councillor Peck by sharing photos of their daughters dressed up as astronauts. Gagarin_studio said it was a shame as their daughter would have loved the lunchbox. Hilaryrfoster added that her girls were currently in their 'space (boys) pyjamas sleeping under a ceiling solar system. Genderbuzz shared an image of a poster for boys and girls ballet lesson and suggested: 'Let's counter it with this - seen last week in my local town.' Emmers shared another example of gender stereotyping from The Early Learning Centre. 'Doctors sets for boys, nurses for girls according to ELCUK. What year is it?' she said. However, some people thought it was all a fuss over nothing. THE AMERICAN PRESIDENTS IN 100 FACTS by Jem Duducu (Amberley 7.99) Whatever happens in next Tuesdays election, the United States is in for a first. If Hillary Clinton wins shell become the first female president, while a Donald Trump victory would make him, at 70, the countrys oldest elected head of state. The record is currently held by Ronald Reagan (69). We learn in this book that Reagans comment to his wife Nancy, after being shot by a would-be assassin, was: Honey, I forgot to duck. The attempt on his life shouldnt have come as a surprise: eight presidents have died in office. This makes for a mortality rate of 19 per cent, higher than that of U.S. combat soldiers in World War II. Exactly 100 years before Reagan was shot, James Garfield suffered the same fate. Roosevelt in 1898 Alexander Graham Bell, more famous for his work with the telephone, tried locating the bullet using a primitive metal detector, but he forgot about interference from the metal bed frame. The bullet was never located, and Garfield died. There have been 44 U.S. presidents. Really its only 43, but Grover Clevelands two terms were separated by someone else, so hes credited as both the 22nd and 24th president. The Bush family call George Snr 41 and his son 43. Four White House occupants George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt are commemorated by having their faces carved into South Dakotas Mount Rushmore. It was supposed to be the entire upper half of their bodies, but the money ran out. Roosevelt is also remembered in a more cuddly fashion. During a 1902 hunting trip in Mississippi, a black bear was tied to a tree so the president could shoot it. He refused an act which inspired a toymaker to name his bears in Teddys honour. William Howard Taft, occupant of the White House from 1909 to 1913, was the last president to sport facial hair, and also holds the title of heaviest: the bath he had fitted was big enough for four men. THE AMERICAN PRESIDENTS IN 100 FACTS by Jem Duducu (Amberley 7.99) John Quincy Adams, on the other hand, kept an alligator in his bath, and liked to scare visitors with it. Another of the sixth presidents habits was getting up every day at 5am to swim naked in the Potomac River. A female reporter once used this to her advantage. Desiring an interview with Adams, she sat on his clothes and refused to give them back until he agreed. In this era of politicians who love the sound of their own voices, its nice to read about some more retiring types. Calvin Coolidge, president from 1923 to 1929, was so taciturn he became known as Silent Cal. The story is told of the woman who sat next to him at dinner and said: I made a bet today that I could get more than two words out of you. Coolidge replied: You lose. Another lesson comes from Edward Everett. He was the politician who spoke for two hours at the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery at Gettysburg in 1863. Abraham Lincolns two-minute speech that followed became known as the Gettysburg Address, and is perhaps the most famous piece of oratory ever. Policies can also gain you attention, as Trump has shown with his proposed wall to keep out immigrants. But image counts, too, and that includes having the right name. Trump, for instance, was originally the German Drumpf. It may never have been easier to buy fantastic quality chocolate... but sometimes only something a little more humble will do. Britain's leading chocolatier, William Curley has tapped into the nation's desire for the chocolate bars of their childhood by revealing exactly how you can recreate similar versions in your own kitchen. After multiple rounds of testing, the celebrated chocolatier has perfected classic favourites including the Crunchie, chocolate Hob Nobs, Wagon Wheels and Fudge. Scroll down for video Well, it is his namesake! Leading chocolatier and self-confessed 70s chocolate bar fan William Curley has created his own version of the popular caramel plaited treat Posh Hob Nobs! Curley's oat-based chocolate-covered biscuit recipe might actually improve on the McVitie's favourite A recipe for home-made Crunchies lets home cooks have a go at mastering the honeycomb favourite from Cadbury Curley himself says the Wonkalicious chocolates of his Seventies' childhood including Curly Wurly and Walnut Whips will always hold a place in his heart and offered the inspiration for his latest round of creations. He told Femail: 'Food evolves every day with new trends or fashions, but we always remember the past and always learn from it. 'Smell and taste are two of our strongest senses and both can take you back in time. He adds: 'When you smell or taste a certain thing it can evoke a memory of say ice-cream on the beach or Ferrero Rocher chocolates at Christmas time. 'Nostalgia will always continue to shape who we are and the past will always influence the future.' Curley's Hazelnut Rocher recipe recreates the famous gold-wrapped praline chocs from Ferrero Rocher Self-confessed 70s chocolate fan William Curley says he's been asked way too many times to make a 'Curley' Wurly So which are the chocolatier's most-asked for requests when it comes to old favourites? He jokes: 'If I was given ten bob for every time someone asked me if I made 'Curley' Wurly bars, then I would be a very rich man! Finally, the patisser decided to actually have a go and has come up with a make-at-home plaited caramel bar that does a very good impression of the Curly Wurly. He says: 'After much development work, I have finally come up with a way of making this 1970s classic. 'It was created by David John Parfitt at the Bournville factory when he was experimenting with leftover toffee. 'Its a great story to tell to my kitchen staff to discourage them from throwing away any surplus product.' A very posh Wagon Wheel! Curley's golf leaf take on the humble wagon wheel look a far cry from the jammy biscuit disc from Burton's RECIPE: 'CURLEY WURLY' Makes 10 bars INGREDIENTS: Oil, for greasing, 500g (1lb 2oz) tempered dark (bittersweet) chocolate (65% cocoa solids) For the Vanilla Toffee: 225g (8oz/generous 1 cup) demerara sugar 175g (6oz/ cup) golden (light corn) syrup 100g (3oz/ cup/1 stick) sea salt butter 30ml (1 oz) water 30g (1oz) liquid glucose 1 vanilla pod (bean), split and scraped You will also need: marble slab and metal scraper METHOD 1 Lightly grease a marble slab (or greased metal tray) and metal scraper. 2 Put the sugar, syrup, butter, water and glucose in a heavy-based saucepan. Scrape the seeds from the split vanilla pod (bean) into the saucepan and drop in the empty pod (bean) too. Cook over a low heat until all of the sugar dissolves. 3 Increase the heat and bring the mixture to the boil. Continue to cook until the temperature reaches 132C (269F). Carefully remove the vanilla pod (bean), then pour onto the prepared marble slab. 4 As the toffee begins to set on the edges, use the prepared scraper to gradually move the mixture from the outside towards the centre. Continue with this process until it is cool enough to handle. 5 Divide the toffee into balls weighing 30g (1oz) each. Take one ball of toff ee and divide into 3 equal parts. Roll each 10g (oz) piece into a strand about 35cm (14 inches) in length. When all 3 are evenly rolled out, press the three ends together. 6 Loosely plait the strands together so that gaps remain between each strand. You can manipulate it once it is complete to make sure it is even. Push the ends together to secure. Repeat this process until all the toffee has been used. 7 Use a hot knife to trim both ends of each toffee plait. Leave in a cool, dry area for at least 2 hours to fully set. 8 Prepare the tempered chocolate. Place the Curley Wurly bars on a wire rack and pour the tempered chocolate over each one. Tap well and use 2 palette knives to place each one on a tray lined with silicone (baking) paper. Leave to set for 12 hours. These will keep for 2 weeks stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry area. Advertisement Fudge fingers are also included in Curley's book, Nostalgic Delights The cheap-to-buy Fudge from Cadbury first hit the shelves back in 1948 And when it comes to mere mortals recreating similar classics at home, the chef says it's not as hard as you might think... and even offers the chance to bring some chemistry into cooking. Of making a home-made Crunchie, he says: 'The reaction when you add the bicarbonate of soda to the cinder toffee is very dramatic you can imagine it being a part of some exciting experiment in a laboratory! ' 'The origin of cinder toffee goes back to the 1800s, but the Crunchie Bar that we all grew up with was created by Frys in 1929.' Nostalgic Delights by William Curley (25, Jacqui Small) is out now RECIPE: CURLEY'S CRUNCHIE Makes 2030 pieces INGREDIENTS: 500g (1lb 2oz) tempered dark (bittersweet) chocolate (65% cocoa solids) (see page 14) 500g (1lb 2oz) tempered milk chocolate (see page 15) For the cinder toffee: 190g (6oz/1 scant cup) caster (superne) sugar 50g (1oz/ cup) soft brown sugar 150g (5oz) liquid glucose 50ml (2 oz/scant cup) water 50g (1oz/scant cup) honey 10g (oz) bicarbonate of (baking) soda, sieved You will also need: 20 x 20 x 6cm (8 x 8 x 2 inch) metal frame 1 Line one deep baking tray (sheet) and another normal tray (sheet) with silicone (baking) paper. 2 Mix both sugars, the glucose, water and honey together in a saucepan and boil to 144C (291F). When the temperature is reached, remove immediately from the heat. 3 Slowly add the sieved bicarbonate of (baking) soda, stirring whilst adding the mix will start to rise to the top of the saucepan. 4 Pour the mixture into the deep tray (sheet), then leave to cool and set for about 2 hours in a cool, dry area. 5 Use a sharp knife to break the cinder toffee into 2025 chunks. 6 Temper the dark (bittersweet) chocolate. Use a dipping fork to coat half the pieces of cinder toffee in tempered chocolate (see page 17) and carefully place the pieces on the lined tray (sheet). Temper the milk chocolate and repeat this process to coat the remaining cinder toffee. Leave to set in a cool, dry area for 12 hours. These will keep for 1 month stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry area Advertisement Heinz began in the US in 1876 before launching in UK in 1886 Heinz label on 1903 bottle was roughly the same as modern versions Historic adverts show how product has hardly changed in decades Revealing archive images have been released to mark the anniversary It's the world's most famous table sauce - and now photographs reveal just how much Heinz Tomato Ketchup has changed over the decades as the iconic condiment celebrates its 140th birthday. The team at Heinz have delved deep into the archives to find pictures of ancient bottles dating from as far back as 1882, as well as historic advertisements for the classic sauce. It came from humble beginnings and was originally launched in the US in 1876 - with its release in the UK a decade later. Revealing archive images show some of the most iconic advertisements for Heinz Tomato Ketchup from the last 140 years, including this one from 1922 This advert from 1931 advertises the 57 varieties slogan Heinz has become association with - and still uses to this day despite now selling more than 5,700 products One of the most recent advertisements in the archive is this poster from 1963 - the year the Vietnam War ended - which boasts that the condiment is a hit with servicemen But now 650 million bottles and 11 billion sauce sachets of the red condiment are now sold every year in more than 140 countries - that's enough to give every human on the planet a packet. The revealing archive images show some of the most iconic advertisements from the last 140 years. One from 1922 shows a cherubic boy holding a punnet of tomatoes next to the slogan: 'Makes great things taste better.' In the style of advertisements at that time, underneath was a long spiel boasting about the great qualities of the ketchup - and why it's worth paying a bit more for. 'And the difference in cost between Heinz Tomato Ketchup and ordinary ketchup is a very small fraction - so small that you wouldn't consider it for an instant if you stopped to realize that the goodness and wholesomeness and economy of the whole meal were at stake.' Despite this advertisement being made in 1927 - nearly 90 years ago - the label on the ketchup bottle looks almost identical to bottles nowadays This advert from 1925 is in colour, and in the style of advertisements at that time, has long paragraphs of text explaining why customers should buy the product This 1931 advert is much simpler than those made in previous years, and only has three lines of text The oldest advert released from the archive is this 1921 poster, which explains how the ketchup is made Other classic advertisement from 1931 proudly states that the condiment is made 'in clean kitchens'. The most recent one in the archive dates from 1963 - the year the Vietnam War ended - which recommends the ketchup to customers by using the slogan '1st with the Services too!' The revealing archive images also show ancient glass bottles of the classic condiment. One dating from 1888 has an ornately detailed label in the same shape as is still plastered onto the front of bottles today. Heinz Tomato Ketchup bottles through the years, from 1880 to 1910 This is what a bottle of Heinz Tomato Ketchup looked like in 1882. It had an ornately detailed label The next incarnation in 1903 shows how the the name of the brand inside a pickle - which is still on Heinz labels today, albeit much smaller Despite being more than 100 years old, this bottle from 1908 looks remarkably similar to current bottles The next incarnation in 1903 shows how the the name of the brand inside a pickle - which is still on Heinz labels today, albeit much smaller. It isn't until 1903 that the ketchup bottle begins to look like the present-day version - and despite being more than 100 years old, looks remarkably similar to current bottles. Other photos of the archive show factory workers putting together bottles in Pittsburgh, US. Heinz Tomato Ketchup was the brainchild of American businessman Henry John Heinz, but it wasnt his first product as he initially began making horseradish sauce based on his mothers recipe in 1869. When his maiden venture folded, he enlisted the help of his brother John Heinz and cousin Frederick Heinz and opened a factory in Fremont, Ohio, developing ketchup - called Catsup at the time - taking inspiration for the name from a Chinese fermented fish sauce called Koe-chiap. Heinz Tomato Ketchup was the brainchild of American businessman Henry John Heinz (pictured) Workers on the factory line pack ketchup bottles into boxes in this historic archive photo Before cars were invented, horse and carriages distributed bottles all over countries back in 1900 Female workers packaged up the Heinz bottles in the factory, as this archive image shows How else would you deliver ketchup if cars hadn't been invented yet? Horses took deliveries all over the country The perfected tomato ketchup - made to a secret recipe of only five ingredients including sun-ripened tomatoes and sold in the iconic clear glass bottle to show its purity - was launched in the US in 1876 and first sold in London, at Fortnum & Mason, a decade later. While riding a train in New York City in 1896, Henry Heinz saw a sign advertising 21 styles of shoes, which he thought was clever. Although Heinz was manufacturing more than 60 products at the time, Henry thought 57 was a lucky number, so he began using the slogan 57 Varieties in all his advertising. Today the company sells more than 5,700 products across the globe but still uses the magic number 57. By 1907, Heinz was producing 12 million bottles of ketchup per year, exporting it all over the world, including Australia, South America, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK. Sales boomed despite the death of Henry J Heinz in May 1919 at the age of 74 until the interruption of World War Two, when tomato supplies were cut off to the British ketchup factory in Harlesden - leaving Brits to rely on Heinz Salad Cream instead. It wasnt until late 1948 after a nine-year ketchup drought that it once again began appearing on the shelves of stores in the Britain. Heinz produces its own tomato seeds through traditional breeding techniques, which are grown in vineyards mainly in the Mediterranean and California. Officials have approved the first new breast cancer drug in a decade for routine NHS use, in a move that will benefit hundreds of women. Eribulin, a life-extending drug for women with advanced and aggressive breast cancer, received a European safety licence more than five years ago. Yet NICE - the drugs rationing watchdog - has until now refused to make it routinely available on the NHS. In updated guidance published last night, however, officials accepted evidence that it extends life expectancy by an average of three months more than any other drug available. Scroll down for video Eribulin is a life-extending drug for women with advanced and aggressive breast cancer that can now be offered on the NHS With women at this stage expecting to live only two years on average, a drug which can give three extra months is considered to be especially valuable. Experts last night welcomed the move as momentous, saying that the drug would give crucial extra time to patients to spend with their families. But they said the way the NHS assesses cancer drugs must be overhauled, questioning why it has taken such a long time for the treatment to be made available. NICE is has been fiercely criticised for sticking to a rigid formula for deciding whether a drug is cost effective. Under that scheme, the last ten breast cancer drugs submitted for NHS use have been rejected, charities said last night. Eribulin, which is given via a drip twice every three weeks, will be made immediately available to all women with advanced breast cancer for whom at least two different chemotherapy drugs have failed. An estimated 1,500 women in England and Wales are expected to get the drug every year. NICE had previously said the drug - which costs 10,830 for an average six months of treatment, minus the confidential discount given to the NHS - was not cost-effective. But Professor Carole Longson, director of the centre for health technology evaluation at NICE, said last night: The life expectancy of people for whom eribulin is licensed is short, and quality of life is very important. We are therefore pleased to be able to provisionally recommend eribulin as an additional option for people with advanced breast cancer. When we first looked at eribulin in 2012 there wasnt enough evidence of its clinical effectiveness compared with current standard treatments to be able to recommend it as a cost effective use of NHS resources. For this appraisal weve been able to consider updated results from the trial used in the original guidance that show women taking eribulin lived on average almost three months longer compared with women taking other treatments. The breast cancer drug was approved more than five years ago and NICE has been criticised for sticking to a rigid formula for deciding whether a drug is cost effective Eribulin, which is sold by Japanese firm Eisai under the brand name Halaven, was made temporarily available to some women under the Cancer Drugs Fund, a scheme set up to provide treatments that were not routinely prescribed on the NHS. But only 900 women a year received the drug under the scheme, compared to the 1,500 who could benefit. Originally developed from a sea sponge called Halichondria Okadai, Eribulin stops cancer cells separating, blocking the growth of tumours. Baroness Delyth Morgan, chief executive of the Breast Cancer Now charity, said: This is immensely positive news. Eribulin is the first breast cancer drug in a decade to be approved and this represents real progress for certain patients in England. But the real tests are still yet to come and we now eagerly await NICEs decision on the even more effective drugs being appraised. With the appraisal process that has rejected the previous ten breast cancer treatments seeing little meaningful reform, we unfortunately do not believe todays decision to be the beginning of a new trend. Dr Mark Harries, consultant oncologist at Guys and St Thomas Hospital in London, said he was delighted at the decision. Eribulin significantly improves overall survival in women with this disease and it is therefore an important option against breast cancer. Gary Hendler, CEO of Eisai, said NICEs unacceptable process had for years taken precedence over patients. He said: After years of uncertainty for patients and poor management of the Cancer Drugs Fund, people with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in England will finally now have routine access to eribulin. Patients across Wales are also likely to benefit as the Welsh NHS has been directed to implement Nice technology appraisal guidance. The Scottish Medicines Consortium gave the drug the green light for use of the drug earlier this year. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in England with around 45,000 new cases every year. Around 300 men are also diagnosed with the condition. Danni Manzi, head of policy and campaigns at the charity Breast Cancer Care, said: This decision could be life-changing for many women living with incurable breast cancer. With so few treatment options available, it is momentous to bring another medicine to the table. The Cancer Drugs Fund, which was originally launched in 2011 as a way to fund drugs not available routinely on the NHS, is currently undergoing a complete overhaul after its budget ballooned from 175million to 416million. The device costs 100 in the UK and $80 in the US - compared with a round of IVF which costs 5,000 and $12,000 However, experts believe the true number could be much higher Figures revealed for the first time show it's helped hundreds of couples since launching two years ago It works by first collecting sperm into a cervical cap at the end of a condom, then using a method known to improve the chances of pregnancy A 100 'condom' has helped hundreds of couple become parents just two years after its launch, figures released for the first time show. Experts have revealed the success rate of the over-the-counter device, which does the exact opposite of what condoms are usually used for, is around 20 per cent - almost as effective as IVF. But the device, called The Stork, costs 100 in the UK which is 4,900 less than a cycle of IVF in the UK and at $80 it is considerably less than IVF in the US where cycles cost about $12,000. Figures show the conception kit, which uses a cap with a condom-like device to hold sperm close to the cervix, has helped 150 British couples become parents since its launch. The device is also sold in the US and has been available in Australia since last year - helping couples worldwide. However, experts believe this figure could be much higher as many parents are unwilling to come forward and share their experiences. Scroll down for video Experts have revealed the success rate of The Stork is 20 per cent - almost as effective as IVF. It uses a cap to hold sperm close to the cervix to boost the chances of becoming pregnant Women's health expert Dr Catherine Hood, who is presenting the new data at the London Fertility Show, said: 'The real figure is likely to be much higher as infertility is often an intensely private and personal subject and this data is based purely on couples who voluntarily contacted the company. 'I suspect a systematic follow-up would reveal many more success stories. The Stork uses intracervical insemination to boost the chances of a women becoming pregnant. It works by first collecting semen into a cervical cap, which is located at the bottom of a condom-like sheath worn by the man during intercourse. An applicator then delivers the cap containing the semen to the entrance of the cervix which is left there for between four and six hours. Experts say this allows the sperm to swim upwards to fertilise the woman's egg. While in place, women can go about their usual day-to-day activities before removing it in the same way they would dispose of a tampon. It is recommended that The Stork be used just before and/or during ovulation. The contraceptive kit uses a cap to hold sperm close to the cervix in a method known to boost the likelihood of becoming pregnant DOES THE STORK ACTUALLY HELP COUPLES? Anonymous reviewer, from Canada: 'IT WORKS!!!! My husband wanted to give this a try. We had called it break time from the infertility doctor due to the stress and the money. I had a IUI in the office and it didnt work, so this is pretty much an at home IUI. And much to our surprise we were pregnant! Jennifer D, from Canada: 'We came upon The Stork and thought 'why not', lets give it a try, nothing to lose. We are so glad we tried this, and after 1 try we are 6 weeks pregnant!! We are over the moon!!' Marijana B, from Australia: 'Just wanted to say a massive thank you to the Stork. I am happy to announce I am 12 weeks pregnant. The Stork has made our dream of having a child a reality.' Source: thestorkconception.co.uk Advertisement The Stork is available at selected Superdrug and Lloyds Pharmacy stores in the UK and a range of websites. Plenty of women have revealed their delight at becoming pregnant after using the device. On the product's website, a reviewer known as Jennifer, from Canada, said she was 'over the moon' after becoming pregnant from just one try. While an Australian woman called Marijana said The Stork made her dream of having a child 'a reality'. Dr Hood explained the closest comparable treatment is intrauterine insemination, which costs upward of 700. She added: 'The beauty of this technology is that it is non-invasive, can be performed in the privacy of the couple's home and is much cheaper than comparable treatment offered by private fertility clinics. 'Despite its proven efficacy, fertility clinics no longer provide cervical cap insemination, preferring instead to offer more elaborate and often expensive procedures.' Previous research has found one in seven couples in the UK has difficulty conceiving, with many turning to IVF. NICE recommend the NHS should provide up to three cycles of fertility treatment - but its guidelines are not mandatory. As a result, many cash-strapped Clinical Commissioning Groups are now refusing to provide the treatment - leading many to seek private options. Animal welfare charities have slammed recent dog killings in Kerala as "barbaric" and insist the culls are futile in reducing the number of stray canines on the streets. One organisation even claimed that figures on dog bites in the state and the number of the animals roaming its streets have been "manufactured" by activists, with another suggesting culling dogs could also "increase the risk of rabies". Activist Jose Maveli, supported by some politicians in the state, has been at the forefront of a campaign promoting street dogs culls for a number of years, encouraging locals to take vigilante action in a bid to eradicate the stray hounds. Scroll down for video Photographs of stray dogs being killed and pilled on top of each other in the street have emerged following claims a 90-year-old man was killed in a dog attack And the issue has recently escalated after claims a 90-year-old man was mauled to death in the village of Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, in the south of the state, in the most recent fatal dog attack. Shocking photos emerged in September showing slayed dogs piled on top of each other in the street and their bodies then paraded in the village with their legs tied to a poll. The protest in the Kottayam district, thought to be linked to the youth wing of a local party, is being investigated by police. The images have divided Kerala and angered many, with animal welfare groups throughout India calling for intervention. In one of the more shocking images, their bodies were tied to a poll and hung along the street Maveli, who founded a home for street children in the state, told the Washington Post recently: We want Keralas streets to be free of stray dogs. Look at the western countries, are there dogs roaming so freely on the street? Every day, young children and elderly people are getting bitten. But Neha Singh Banyal, of Animal Aid Unlimited, a charity working to save, sterilise and vaccinate street dogs in Udaipur, Rajasthan, strongly condemns the cruel and illegal killing of community dogs in Kerala. She told Mail Online that neutering and vaccination programmes, alongside waste management, was the "only scientifically proven method" in reducing the stray dog population and eradicating rabies. Anti stray-dog activist, Jose Maveli says growing numbers of the animals are putting people in danger and promoting the spread of disease, but welfare charities have condemned the culls "Killing dogs is not only barbaric and cruel, it is ineffective for controlling population unless dogs are killed continuously," she said. "Street dogs are what are called scavengers which means they survive off of human leftovers. Dogs have been coexisting with humans in the form of 'community' or 'street dogs' for over 10,000 years. "Dogs populate the urban areas in proportion to the amount of food available. Although many street dogs in India are fed, if sporadically, by one or often several families, most survive by eating garbage. India's waste management is poor and garbage is generally abundant and easy for dogs to access. "When dogs from a particular location are killed or otherwise removed a void is created which is quickly filled by dogs from nearby areas. The dogs from neighbouring areas come to the empty territory as soon as they become aware of the available food. Street dogs are commonplace in Kerala - here, they can be seen sunbathing alongside tourists at Varkala beach "Because there are no walls around neighborhoods or cities, killing street dogs is only a very temporary and horribly cruel "solution," and it may heighten the danger of rabies. "Where dogs are killed, dogs in a stable population who have been inoculated against rabies by NGOs and government organisations are replaced by new dogs -dogs who have not been inoculated against rabies. In a country which mandates compassion for all living beings in its constitution, there is zero place for dog killing. Neha Singh Banyal, Animal Aid Unlimited "Neutering in combination with rabies vaccinations is effective. They don't give birth to litters but also, they guard the neighbourhood against new dogs coming in from nearby areas, in order to protect their food source and their territory. "The new, possibly unvaccinated dogs are likely to fight with each other to gain control of the new territory and they are also not acquainted with the people living in that area, and hence dog-human conflict can increase." She added: "The more the killing of any species is done without conscience, the greater the cultural habit of killing other animals becomes. "Social scientists have correlated violence against animals with violence against people. In a country which mandates compassion for all living beings in its constitution, there is zero place for dog killing." Maveli reportedly pays for 10 dog catchers who killed 300 of the animals last year, and he has claimed that there are an estimated 2.70 lakh strays "endangering" public safety and damaging the economy. But a spokesman for the charity People for Animals, India, said the figures had been vastly exaggerated, on both the number of animals roaming the streets and the number of people who have been bitten. "The situation in Kerala is manufactured. There is no evidence that the stray dogs are biting unless massively provoked. However the bite figures are not only exaggerated vastly, there is no count," the spokesman said. "What is the source of this figure? Maveli and his mobs have been killing since 2010. How come the figure remains static, unfounded and nicely rounded at 2.70 lakh?" The charity even questioned the veracity of the recently reported dog bite death. The spokesman said: "The old man who was claimed to have been killed recently - there is no visual sighting of any pack of dogs, no one has seen them. "One would have thought that a pack would have made a lot of noise and been a sight to see. But there are no witnesses and this is not dog behaviour. "Feral dogs, and all animals, avoid people. If challenged, their instinct is to run away. Only in grave provocation some, not all, dogs attack." The spokesman added: "Since the last 100,000 years dogs have lived alongside humans. Until Maveli and his mobs there was no issue. "The only solution is to sterilise and vaccinate the dogs. Over the last 16 years, when the rest of India started doing this, Kerala refused. They were repeatedly given money, their vets were trained, NGOs were set up. They continued to kill. "Over 50,000 dogs are killed in Kerala annually and they do not seem to understand that they are killing only the friendly alpha dogs, creating a situation in which the remaining dogs breed faster and more but increasingly are shy of human beings." According to the Hindustan Times, Maveli, 66, has eight police cases pending against him under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, but remains undeterred. Maveli has been contacted for comment by Mail Online but is yet to respond. At the age of 70, Ram Krishna Grewal remained a fighter. He wanted to do something to help a fellow retired army personnel. And he died wearing his boots. Grewal met me just four days ago, said Matu Ram, brother-in-arms of the war veteran who allegedly committed suicide over an insufficient pension. He asked me to accompany him to Delhi and hand over a memorandum to the defence minister. 'Grewal met me just four days ago,' said Matu Ram, brother-in-arms of the war veteran who allegedly committed suicide over an insufficient pension Ram said he and Grewal served in the Indian Armys 105 TA Rajputana Rifles and defence security corps. In their 30 year-long career, they were posted in Kerala, Mumbai, Chennai Hyderabad, Gurugram, Arunachal Pradesh border, Delhi, Roorkee and Bodh Gaya. Subedar Ram Kishen Grewal served in the Territorial Army and Defence Security Corps for nearly three decades at different locations across the country before retiring in 2004 We played second fiddle to the Army during the 1971 war with Pakistan. We were then in the defence security corps and supplied arms, ammunition and food while staying in the Bodh Gaya camp, he said. Ram added that as he and many other recruits were illiterate, they were drafted into the Indian Army as Jawans, but Grewal had cleared class X and so he received promotions and retired as a Subedar. Grewal had not lost his fighting spirit till the end, said Ram. He was worried about the implementation of 6th and 7th pay commission directives for pensioners under the One Rank One Pension scheme. "The Centre has given just two instalments under the sixth pay commission and so he wanted to hand over the memorandum to defence minister Manohar Parrikar. Grewal pointed out in the appeal that he had served 6 years and 11 days in the Rajputana Rifles and after taking a discharge certificate, he joined the defence security corps for more than 24 years. Matu Ram said Grewal met him and six other soldiers in their native village of Obra situated at the Rajasthan border on Govardhan festival a day after Diwali. We had a brief meeting at Nehru Park in Bhiwani and he seemed fine and there was no sign of depression on his face, he said. A Delhi police officer said Grewal visited the defence and other ministries with the memorandum on Tuesday. Subedar Ram Kishen Grewal served in the Territorial Army and Defence Security Corps for nearly three decades at different locations across the country before retiring in 2004 Did Subedar Ram Kishen Grewal really take his own life over a mere five thousand rupees per month? This is one among a clutch of unanswered questions clouding the army veterans alleged suicide over pension woes, an incident that spawned a swirling political storm on Wednesday. Grewal served in the Territorial Army and Defence Security Corps for nearly three decades at different locations across the country before retiring in 2004. Defence personnel have been demanding that the same pension should be paid to armed forces retirees with the same rank and the same length of service, regardless of the year they retired. The One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme was announced by the Narendra Modi government on September 6, 2015, but several ex-servicemen say it has failed to address their concerns. Former defence minister AK Antony too attacked the BJP-led Centre over mishandling of the OROP issue, saying the scheme should be implemented in immediately. As per calculations, Grewal should have been receiving a pension of Rs 28,000 per month but due to some miscalculation by the bank, he was getting only Rs 23,000, which is Rs 5,000 less than what was due to him, defence ministry sources said. The bank had not added the hike due to him because of the OROP implementation and had he communicated the issue to the department concerned, the anomaly would have been done away with, the sources said. His case could have been resolved amicably like hundreds of others even if he had directly approached the ministry, they added, showing letters on the issue from different locations. But anybody, who is getting Rs 22,000, would not end his life just for Rs 5,000 which he would have got anyway had he written a simple letter, they said. Grewals salary at the time of retirement was Rs 14,000 in 2004 and from the next month onwards, his pension was a meagre Rs 6,500 per month. But after that, the pension of Grewal and other jawans like him rose almost four times due to the implementation of the sixth pay commission and intermediate hikes due to partial acceptance of OROP by Congress governments. The amount would have gone further up to Rs 31-32,000 due to implementation of the seventh pay commission. Union minister and former Army chief Gen VK Singh, spoke to Mail Today and asked: The issues related to OROP are still being considered by the Reddy commission. How could the soldier get the feeling that his issue would not be addressed?. Another question that has arisen is why is it that the soldier got a request typed on October 31 for meeting the defence minister and then did not submit it and committed suicide the very next day. His letter dated October 31 and his suicide on November 1 raise several questions. It also demands serious investigation about who was with the deceased when he took the extreme step, government sources said. Another key point is that the veteran, who was at the forefront of public matters related to ex-servicemens issues, did not even wait to submit the letter to the defence ministers office and used the same letter as his death note. It should also be looked into that why and how he took the extreme step and why was he forced to write his suicide note on the same page. Is it his own handwriting or someone else did it? said the sources. It should be investigated that whether someone took advantage of his troubled mind to provoke him to take the extreme step. Gen VK Singh said in a similar case last year, a man was abetted to commit suicide at Jantar Mantar in the middle of a crowd during an AAP rally and nobody helped him. Grewal allegedly consumed poison behind the new MEA building on Janpath Road in central Delhi and was brought to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. The suicide of a retired solider Ram Kishan Grewal has sparked a new political slugfest in the national Capital. Police have detained opposition leaders including Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal who targeted the Modi government over the issue of One Rank-One Pension (OROP). Following his alleged suicide, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders poured at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital where Grewals body was being kept. The suicide of a retired solider Ram Kishan Grewal has sparked a new political slugfest in the national Capital after police detained Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Congress' Rahul Gandhi Politics took over, with chief minister Kejriwal and his cabinet cancelling an emergency meeting called earlier during the day to discuss measures to counter pollution. Kejriwal had earlier tweeted informing about an urgent meeting with his cabinet ministers. But things changed dramatically on streets in Lutyens Delhi with Congress and AAP workers staging protests over Grewals alleged suicide. Both Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia were detained as they tried meeting Grewals family. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi talking to media at Tilak Marg Police Station where he was detained in New Delhi Kejriwal tweeted that he has been formally detained by the Delhi Police. Soon Rahul Gandhi along with other Congress leaders, including Jyotiraditya Scindia and Ajay Maken, were bundled into a police van and taken to the police station. A political tug of war began when Sisodia went to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and met the dead soldiers family. As he came out, police took him away to the Parliament Street police station ignoring his protests. I went to RML to meet the family, not to stage a dharna. Whats wrong with that? an angry Sisodia tweeted and targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia were detained as they tried meeting Grewals family Law and order is in jeopardy if Deputy Chief Minister meets the grieving family? What kind of system is this, Modiji? Subedar Ram Kishen Grewal served in the Territorial Army and Defence Security Corps for nearly three decades at different locations across the country before retiring in 2004 Kejriwal reacted with fury to Sisodias detention. I am the chief minister of Delhi. An ex-serviceman has committed suicide. Is it not my duty to meet his family? Kejriwal asked after he too was blocked from entering the hospital. By then, police had prevented Gandhi from entering the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. An upset Gandhi reacted, This is an undemocratic mentality. A new kind of India is being created. It is Modijis India. Over the day Gandhi was detained twice. He was also not allowed to meet Grewals family at the RML Hospital. He was stopped by the security personnel deployed at the entrance gate. He was then briefly detained for 70 minutes in the afternoon. Over the day Gandhi was detained twice. He was also not allowed to meet Grewals family at the RML Hospital However, in the evening Rahul Gandhi was again detained as he attempted to meet Grewals family yet again and was released in an hour. The Congress vice-president was then taken to Mandir Marg police station where the dead soldiers son Jaswant was also detained along with his family members. You have no shame? a livid Gandhi asked a police officer there and demanded to know how the police could even think of detaining the family of a retired soldier who had killed himself. Seated on a chair, Gandhi told the officer: If you can arrest a veterans family, arrest me too. How can you arrest a veterans kin? The Congress leader requested the police to let Grewals family go. The Congress and AAP leaders called the police action an assault on democracy and fundamental rights while calling the treatment meted out to the grieving family as utterly shameful and unprecedented. The BJP on its part accused the Congress and AAP of playing politics over the suicide. Joint Commissioner of Police Dependra Pathak said the detentions were made to control the situation outside the hospital. Special Commissioner MK Meena added: The Delhi Police will not allow any obstruction at a hospital. "They were making speeches. Leaders should understand they cant do politics here. This kind of politics wont be tolerated. Naja Tunneys home is filled with books. Sometimes she will pull them from a bookshelf to read during meals. At bedtime, Naja, 5, reads to her 2-year-old sister, Hannah. We have books anywhere you sit in the living room, said their mother, Cheryl Tunney, who curls up with her girls on an oversized green chair to read stories. Naja and Hannah are beneficiaries of Reach Out and Read, an early intervention literacy program that collaborates with medical care providers to provide free books during check-ups. I learn things that my brain will always know, Naja said during an appointment at Group Health Cooperatives Capitol Clinic in Madison. Najas and Hannahs brains are in critical phases of development, and they are being stimulated by a home environment that prioritizes education. But children who do not have this same experience early in life especially those growing up in poverty could experience delayed brain development that significantly harms their educational progress, according to recent research by psychology professor Seth Pollak and economist Barbara Wolfe at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their study is part of a growing body of socioeconomic brain research documenting what Joan Luby, a child psychiatry professor at Washington University in St. Louis, calls povertys most insidious damage. Such research is prompting legislators on both sides of the aisle in Wisconsin to explore what more needs to be done to help children succeed. Along with graduate students Nicole Hair and Jamie Hanson, Pollak and Wolfe found that poverty can cause structural changes in areas of the brain associated with school readiness skills. These parts of the brain are susceptible to circumstances often present in poor households, including stress, unstable housing, nutritional deficiencies, low academic stimulation and irregular access to health care. To isolate the effects of poverty from other factors, Pollaks study included mostly children of educated mothers 85 percent reported at least some college-level education and 22 percent had some graduate-level education. The study examined brain development of 389 mostly white young people ages 4 to 22 with educated mothers. The fathers had similar educational backgrounds. The findings suggest that while schools have been the focus of reforms aimed at closing Wisconsins long-standing racial and economic achievement gaps, efforts perhaps should start much earlier and be directed at raising income levels of poor children. An estimated 28 percent of the states children live below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Pollak found that income bracket which for a family of four is $36,450 a year or less was associated with diminished brain development and learning. Pollaks study found that as much as 20 percent of the gap in test scores of low-income children is explained by developmental lags in critical areas of the brain responsible for learning. The largest gaps were among children living below the federal poverty level, $24,300 for a family of four. This is suggesting that there is something about a childs early environment that is affecting the way their neural systems are working that undermine their ability to extract information and succeed in school, said Pollak, who is also the director of UW-Madisons Child Emotion Lab. Other research has shown a connection between early childhood trauma and toxic stress on the ability of children to learn. Gaps big in Wisconsin Wisconsin has the largest disparity in the country between the performance of black and white students and the rate at which they graduate. The state also has the highest suspension rates for black high school students in the nation, the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalisms Children Left Behind series reported in December. And Wisconsin has the second-largest poverty gap in the United States between blacks and whites, a disparity that has grown faster than the national average, according to a December report from the UW-Madison Applied Population Lab. Pollaks study shows poverty can have biological effects long before children enter the classroom. In 2013, in an earlier study, a team led by Wolfe and Pollak examined how family poverty can affect the rate of brain growth among young children. They found that infants from lower-income families started life with a similar amount of gray matter to infants whose families were not poor. But by their toddler years, poor children had less total gray matter, they found. The effects of poverty on brain size were strongest among the most impoverished children, with no difference between lower-middle-class and affluent children. Its not like we need to get everybody up to affluence, Pollak said, we just need to have kids not living in scarcity. Stress adds to school woes Pollak theorized one reason could be the pervading sense of stress that can accompany poverty. So-called adverse childhood experiences can rewire a childs brain in a way that makes it harder to learn, Dr. Bruce Perry told a group of Wisconsin juvenile court and child welfare officials meeting in Wisconsin Dells last fall. Perry, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University, said if the stress is moderate and controllable, children can develop mechanisms for responding to future, unexpected stresses. But stress caused by factors such as violence or neglect can create a state of alarm that makes children more reactive, often described as the fight, flight or freeze response. When presented with new material in school, for example, such children may have a hard time activating the thinking part of the brain, he said. If you are a child who is dis-regulated you are so overwhelmed that you shut down your cortex completely and your cortex is unable to actually process information, Perry said. And in order to master the same content, you are required to have 10 times the repetition, which is not going to be provided in the typical classroom environment, and youre going to fall further behind. Parent, child brains linked Not only are childrens brains more malleable in early childhood, the brains of new parents are also subject to change, according to a March study from the Aspen Institute, an education and policy studies nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. Dipesh Navsaria, a UW-Madison associate professor of pediatrics who was not involved in the study, said the findings show the parent and the child both have inherent value, and we should be investing in them both because thats where we get an added effect. University of Chicago economist James Heckman found it is cheaper to pay for high quality preschool than later interventions such as hiring teachers to create low student-to-teacher ratios, government-funded job training or rehabilitation programs for ex-convicts. Heckmans analysis of low-income African-American children who attended the High/Scope Perry Preschool Program in Ypsilanti, Michigan, during the 1960s found that every $1 invested returned about $7 to $12 back to society. Investing in disadvantaged young children is a rare public policy initiative that promotes fairness and social justice and at the same time promotes productivity in the economy and in society at large, Heckman wrote. That philosophy appears to be gaining traction in Wisconsin. State Sen. Julie Lassa, D-Stevens Point, and Rep. Joan Ballweg, R-Markesan, kicked off the bipartisan Legislative Childrens Caucus in April. Lassa said the goal is to advocate for evidence-based public policies that will benefit the states children. Lassa and Ballweg agree that Pollaks research provides proof that poverty harms children and alleviating it could provide long-term benefits. These children are our future workforce, theyre our future leaders, Lassa said. We need to be making sure that they get the best start possible. This year has seen the back-to-back openings of two fine Italian restaurants -Sorrento (Shangri-la by Eros) and Ottimo at West View (ITC Maurya). Both continue to get rave reviews on social media, which is a luxury in this day and age of almost daily restaurant openings. The venue's have seasoned Italian chefs leading from the front and they have proved to be worthy of carrying the flag of their countrys celebrated cuisine. A self-schooled Italian chef, Amit Kumar from Motihari, Bihar, has created a winner of a restaurant in Bella Cucina I am most excited, though, about the opening tomorrow of Bella Cucina, Delhi- NCRs newest Italian restaurant at Le Meridien Gurgaon. My excitement stems from the fact that the young man steering it is neither Italian, nor has he ever been to Italy, yet he has put together a menu - after two years of research - which I am confident is going to earn him a legion of fans. This is not the first time that an Italian restaurant has been created entirely by Indian hands. Ritu Dalmia led the way when she opened Diva in 2000 with kitchen hands from Uttarakhand - being good tandooriyas, they are adept at making pizzas and marinating meats and fish. But at least she had been exposed to the Italian cuisine and culture both in London and in Sicily. Some months after Diva attained celebrity status, Ravi Saxena, whos now continually winning awards for Dhaba by Claridges, took charge of San Gimignano at The Imperial and turned it into one of the finest Italian restaurants of the city in the early 2000s, although he had never been to Italy, or worked with an Italian chef. The 29-year-old chef's creations include chicken salad on a bed of cucumber jelly Amit Kumar, the young man in charge of Bella Cucina, is all of 29 and is proud to say that he is from East Champaran in Bihar. Over the five-odd years I have known him, Amit has gained a firm command over the English language, which he started picking up only after coming to Delhi. When he recounts the story of his life therefore, it is garnished with interesting asides. The young chef was born and raised in Motihari (which, as I discovered, also happens to be the birthplace of Eric Arthur Blair aka George Orwell). Amits father is a brick kiln owner and no one in his family has ever been a chef (his parents understood what a chef does only after watching Masterchef India). He remembers how his cousins spent five-six years each at Kota, preparing for the IIT-JEE, but none made it. He was never good in studies, so he was spared the angst. His tiramisu cake with chocolate spheres loaded with fruit jellies is also set to be a hit Today, one of his cousins is junior to him in the industry, although hes older, because he got admission into the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM)-Goa after Amit had started working. Amit studied hotel management at the Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute, where he decided to become a chef because he thought it was easier than wearing a suit and tie and conversing in English throughout the day (I am not sure if the front-of-the-house guys would agree with this description of the job they do!). And then he put his heart and soul into cooking. It was his good fortune to be mentored by two of the industrys most brilliant young chefs - Ravitej Nath at the Trident Gurgaon (he left his comfortable job at The Oberoi to get into the world of Indian regional cuisines) and Tanveer Kwatra, who opened the briefly successful (till it got gutted in a fire) La Riviera restaurant at the Pullman, which was the previous avatar of Le Meridien Gurgaon. Both men are masters of their profession, and Amit has proved to be a good learner. At Bella Cucina, he not only serves delicious food - his prawn ravioli is a winner, as is his Parmesan- crusted scallop - but also presents them with a sense of drama, as he does with his deconstruction of the famous Insalata Caprese (tomato, mozzarella and basil) and his smoked tuna served with a poached egg on cauliflower puree. And yes, his pizzas are winners all the way (he uses milk, not water, to make the dough) as are his lemon tarts and tiramisu cheesecake served with chocolate spheres loaded with fruit jelly. Well be hearing a lot about Bella Cucina in the days ahead. Two rare liqueurs in one day These are liqueurs you wouldnt find easily in bars, but they come with their own stories It's not an everyday occurrence to a find a bottle each of Chartreuse, the pungent French liqueur thats been made by Carthusian monks since 1737, and Luxardo, the Italian liqueur produced from Maraschino cherries, in a bar in India. So, imagine my surprise when, during my visit to Bella Cucina at Le Meridien Gurgaon, the manager of the Longitude Bar produced a bottle of each. Made with 130 different herbs, plants and flowers, and whose shade of green has become a part of the international colour palette, Chartreuse is made according to a recipe that goes back to 1605 and is produced only at one place in the world - the over-900-yearold Grande Chartreuse monastery of the Carthusian Order, located in the Chartreuse mountains in the region of Grenoble in France. It seems to be a favourite of writers - Wikipedia dredges out references from Alfred Hitchcock, John Steinbeck, Josephine Tey, Saki and Evelyn Waugh - but I maintain that its an acquired taste. I cant say so about Luxardo, which is named after Girolamo Luxardo, who started producing the liqueur developed by his wife in 1821. I just love Maraschino cherries and this liqueur breathes the robust flavours of the fruit. Interestingly, its birthplace, Zara (now Zadar), is in Croatia today- after World War II, the town, which had been gifted to the Kingdom of Italy after World War I, was handed over to the former Yugoslavia of Josip Broz Tito. Croatia emerged out of the ruins of Yugoslavia. Since 1945, as a result, the liqueur is being produced in Italy, at Torreglia, near Padua. Delhi's go-to restaurant designer If you show up to interview Saheba Singh, as I did at one corner of Smoke House Deli, below the Odeon Social in Connaught Place, youd mistake her for a much younger sister of the person you have come to meet. It would be hard to imagine shes been a restaurant designer for 16 years and that at least 100 addresses across the country, including all of the new watering holes that have transformed Connaught Place, bear her signature. I first met Saheba briefly more than a year ago at Farzi Cafe, Cyber Hub, Gurgaon, where Zorawar Kalra, the man behind the restaurant whos now also famous as one of the trio of judges on Masterchef India, and I chuckled away as we saw this firecracker getting all worked up about something her team had got wrong. An alumna of Apeejay School of Architecture and Planning, Saheba got drawn to restaurants when she designed the short-lived Bed Lounge at Ghitorni - the place faded away, but its design got many aspiring restaurateurs to seek her out. One of them was Priyank Sukhija, who commissioned her in 2006 to design the 1cafe bar, a 40-seater in Saket that became an instant hit. The success of 1cafe bar made the cafe-lounge concept the favourite of all aspiring restaurateurs -with Saheba working away on the drawing board. Designing a restaurant is complicated because it requires you to balance the competing needs of the kitchen and municipal bye-laws in a limited space. Pakistan is likely to expel two more Indian diplomats on charges of running a spy network in the country, media reports suggested on Wednesday. According to reports, Pakistani authorities are mulling expelling commercial counsellor Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri and press information secretary Balbir Singh. Both are posted at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Pakistan commercial counsellor Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri (pictured) is accused of alleged espionage activities Quoting sources, Pakistans leading private news channel ARY News reported that Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri and Balbir Singh had been under the scanner of intelligence agencies for a long time. The reports alleged that they have been running a spy network in Pakistan. Press information secretary Balbir Singh is also said to face the same accusations The two diplomats have been found to be involved in activities to destabilise Pakistan by facilitating and funding terrorism, media reports alleged, quoting sources. The report said that Indian diplomat Surjeet Singh, who was recently expelled by Pakistan, was also part of the network. The official version of Pakistans foreign office couldnt be ascertained by Mail Today as the spokesperson refused to answer phone calls or respond to text messages. According to media reports, expulsion of two more Indian diplomats will heighten the tension between the two nuclear neighbours. The move comes hot on the heels of Islamabad expelling an India high commission staffer Surjeet Singh last week, in what was viewed as tit-for-tat move after New Delhi asked a Pakistani high commission official to leave India and accused him of running a spy ring. Surjeet Singhs activities were against diplomatic norms, said a statement issued by Pakistans foreign office. Pakistan foreign secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry has liaised with Indian high commissioner Gautam Bambawale Pakistans foreign secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry conveyed his message to Indian high commissioner Gautam Bambawale. The action on the Indian official came after Pakistan High Commission worker Mehmood Akhtar was asked to leave India The action came after India declared Pakistan high commission staffer Mehmood Akhtar a persona non grata and asked him to leave India. Pakistan denied the spying charges and accused Indian investigators of manhandling Akhtar, who was briefly detained by Delhi Police. Tension between the two neighbouring countries are at their highest point since Indias claim of conducting surgical strike inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 29. Pakistan rejected the claims as an "illusion" but acknowledged the loss of two of its soldiers in the exchange of fire that also wounded nine others. Since then, tension between the two countries has peaked. Armies of the two countries regularly exchange fire across the LoC. The BJP in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh faces an uphill task in selecting candidates to contest the over 400 seats in the 2017 assembly elections. The dominant thought within the party is to give tickets to aspirants only based on their winnability. So, even a new entrant may get the nod while a party stalwart loses out. The UP polls have been billed as the most crucial state elections for the party in power at the Centre and a lot of reputations hinge on the outcome. The BJP in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh faces an uphill task in selecting candidates to contest the over 400 seats in the 2017 assembly elections. 'Winnability' will pay a part in the selection process (pictured - Rita Bahuguna Joshi) Observers have dubbed these elections the 'semifinals' to the 2019 general elections and the BJP is not leaving any stone unturned to regain electoral momentum after losing Delhi and Bihar in quick succession though it found some solace in winning Assam. The party swept Uttar Pradesh in the 2014 general elections, helping it claim the biggest Lok Sabha majority in three decades. It has notched up gains in elections to the Rajya Sabha and is seeking to drive home the advantage in Indias most populous state. This would also make it easier for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pass key reforms. Brajesh Pathak joined the BJP from BSP But the biggest question that insiders are raising is whether the party would also set aside the legitimate claims of long-time activists while distributing tickets, with the ability to win being the decisive factor. The answer gain extra significance as the party has faced internal squabbles in the Bihar elections when party veterans were allegedly sidelined. So far the party has given all signals that getting to power in UP is the sole target; other issues can wait or can be managed. The party is fighting these elections in UP to capture power. We have a lot of people coming into the party from all other political outfits and this is only going to increase after the poll dates are declared, said UP BJP spokesperson Chandra Mohan. This means that we have a big pool of leaders to choose from at several seats in UP. We are in a position to actually select. The message is clear. But Mohan also clarified that not all who want to switch sides for political gains will be rewarded. We are not going to invite all who want to join the party. Only those are welcome who can mould their ideological bent to suit the party thinking, ideas and traditions, he said. But why such a hue and cry over apprehensions that old timers in the party might be pushed aside for new entrants from outside? Observers have dubbed these elections the semifinals to the 2019 general elections and the BJP is not leaving any stone unturned to regain electoral momentum after losing Delhi and Bihar in quick succession though it found some solace in winning Assam (pictured - Swami Prasad Maurya) Those who have so far joined the party from other parties are big names with big stature. "The likes of Swami Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak joined the BJP from BSP. "Former Congress state president Rita Bahuguna Joshi joined the BJP. Some of Indias top political leaders, noted intellectuals, top decision-makers and foreign dignitaries will come together at the third edition of India Ideas Conclave in Goa from November 4-6. The conclave, hosted by India Foundation, will debate and discuss democracy, development and dissent in India after 70 years of independence, specifically in defence, governance and education. It will also discuss the nature of nationalist narrative, the role of social media and perspectives of the youth. The inaugural session will be chaired by railways minister Suresh Prabhu and BJPs national president Amit Shah is scheduled to deliver the keynote address India Foundation, seen as a non-political voice of the right-wing in India, describes itself as an independent think tank that focuses on the issues, challenges and opportunities of the Indian polity. As part of the annual series of seminars and conferences the foundation - India Ideas Conclave - brings together a luminary gathering of policy makers and public intellectuals from India and abroad, it said on its website about the upcoming event. Over 350 invited intellectuals including government leaders, corporate leaders, scholars, journalists, politicians and social activists participate in this important conclave where ideas and opinions are exchanged in a candid and scholarly atmosphere. The Dalai Lama will address the event through video link The inaugural session will be chaired by railways minister Suresh Prabhu and BJPs national president Amit Shah is scheduled to deliver the keynote address. It will also see the presence of former Nepalese PM Sher Bahdur Deuba and global head of Chinmaya Mission Swami Tejomayananda. Another highlight would be a video address by Dalai Lama. Other high-profile faces from the government who would address the gathering include defence minister Manohar Parrikar, MoS civil aviation Jayant Sinha, MoS external affairs MJ Akbar, MoS petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan. Kashmiri journalist Shuja-ul-haq returns to his old school in South Kashmir to find the walls blackened by soot and the classroom chart scattered about on the floor (file pic) Its walls are blackened by soot. Classroom charts and admission records are scattered about on the floor. As I walk into the remains of my alma mater at Aishmuqam in South Kashmir, the stench of smoke still fills its ransacked halls. The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) survived the peak of militancy in the valley unscathed. Back in the 1990s, it was one of the few boarding schools that worked without break when everything else suffered in the unrest. And that was precisely why my parents, worried as they were about the deadly violence and shutdown calls, enrolled me in Aishmuqams JNV. A modest institution in the middle of a state as restive as mine, it did its job pretty well. Most of us who studied here are well-placed in their lives. Run by the HRD ministry, it provided rural children of Anantnag a platform to learn and excel despite their limited means. As I stepped into its burned-down building, a teacher recognised me instantly as he tried to salvage anything he could from the ashes of notebooks, charts and school registers. Today, arsonists have tried to reduce it to a relic. My JNV has become the latest casualty of a series of school burnings in Kashmir, a phenomenon that never happened even during the height of insurgency in the valley 25 years ago. As I stepped into its burned-down building, a teacher recognised me instantly as he tried to salvage anything he could from the ashes of notebooks, charts and school registers. I looked around the structure that I remember was raised when I was a student here. I recounted what each brick, when placed on the other, meant for our class. The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) survived the peak of militancy in the valley unscathed We would wait eagerly for the building to come up sooner. Of course, I was shattered to see the damage that attackers have inflicted on it. I wonder how long will it take for my JNV to rebuild itself and how long it will take for the current wave of protests targeting schools to ease. For now, no one can perhaps predict when education will resurrect in the valley. Kashmiri children hold pages of burnt books from a window as they play inside a torched school building on the outskirts of Srinagar The state government accuses separatists of attacking schools and the separatists blame the administration for the present situation. Around 25- 27 other schools in the valley have been consigned to the flames so far. The motive is unclear. Everyone seems to be overtly condemning the acts, but no one knows the way out. This school has helped me become what I am today. But the dark patches on its walls that I saw symbolised dark clouds that hang over the future of countless young Kashmiris. Kashmiri play inside a gutted school building on the outskirts of Srinagar, Kashmir According to local sources, 27 schools have been torched during the past three months of summer unrest across Kashmir and both the government and separatist leadership have condemned the incidents of arson A grieving 10-year-old boy from Odisha, whose friends have died from Japanese encephalitis, has made a desperate plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to help locals fight the outbreak. Unmesh Madhi, a fourth standard student of Polkanda Primary School in Malkangiri, wrote to Modi on Monday drawing his attention to the devastating brain virus which has claimed 80 lives in one month and left the state in complete despair. Save our lives. Many of my friends have died of Japanese fever. You are roaming around the globe, Umesh Madhi wrote in his letter to Prime Minister. Unmesh Madhi made the heartfelt plea for relief from the deadly Japanese Encephalitis in his Malkangiri village after the brain virus claimed the lives of his friends Cannot you come over to our village and see how children are dying here, the letter added. Madhi, who considers the Prime Minister as his last resort, also described the ordeal of parents who lost their children in the Japanese encephalitis in the letter. Almost 80 deaths due to Japanese encephalitis have been recorded in the 505 villages of Malkangiri district as the Odisha government remains mum. The deadly disease originates from pigs and birds, and spreads to humans, mostly children, through mosquitoes. Symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis include fever, nausea and fatigue. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal gave his Twitter followers a running commentary after he was detained yesterday. Kejriwal and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who was also detained had been trying to meet the family of an ex-serviceman who allegedly killed himself over the government's pension policy for army veterans. The veteran, named as Ram Kishan Grewal, died on Tuesday. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi (C) enters the police station as he gets detained in New Delhi on Wednesday The pension scheme, approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government last September, was expected to benefit around three million veterans by giving them more money every five years regardless of when they retired. But some veterans are angry the government has not met all their demands, including the pension increase. Earlier in the day, Kejriwal hit out at Modi over the issue and announced that he was going to meet the family of the detained. It was shortly after his party colleague, Manish Sisodia, had been detained for trying to do the same. Hours later, Kejriwal said his vehicle was "surrounded by police". "Not allowing me to leave", he added. He later Tweeted: "Formally detained by police. No idea where they are taking me." The politician also refuted allegations that he had been allowed to leave the police station but had chosen to stay. The CM, who was later released, also said, in Hindi: "PM Modi is lying that OROP has been implemented. If it was implemented, why would likes of Ram Kishan commit suicide? Mr Modi should apologise to the soldiers." Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal gave a running commentary on his arrest Meanwhile, Gandhi told reporters: "I only tried to meet the family [of the veteran] and share their grief. I only wanted to speak with them for two minutes but they detained me and even the family of the veteran. What did they do?" "This government should at least apologise to the veteran's family," he said. But Delhi Police denied the pair had been arrested, saying they were detained after "medical services ]at the hospital] got severely affected and orderliness deteriorated". Twitter was also buzzing with news of the 'arrests', with many shocked by the unprecedented action The unprecedented action against the opposition leaders also prompted debate on Twitter. News reporter Rahul Kanwal said the action was "totally unjustified". "Opposition leaders should have been allowed to meet kin," he added. Harshavardan Ganesan commented: "I don't care much for Rahul Gandhi as a leader, but how is him meeting the family of an ex-serviceman a 'risk'? Where's freedom of movement gone?" Sadanand Dhume added: "Feel bad for Rahul Gandhi. Delhi Police stupidly detains him, but darned Kejriwal manages to get detained too and steal the limelight." Less sympathetic, Amit Malviya said: "Highly irresponsible of Rahul Gandhi and Kejriwal to politicise suicide of an ex-serviceman. Just doesn't fit their stature, but then..." Gandhi later urged Modi on Twitter to implement the One Rank One Pay (OROP) pension scheme in a meaningful way. OROP was one of the longest pending demands made by Indian army veterans from successive New Delhi governments. The last few days have seen the greatest shelling on the LoC since India's so-called 'surgical strikes' against militants Fourteen-month-old Pari has become the face of tragedy caused by cross-border firing by Pakistan and India over the disputed Line of Control in Kashmir. She is being treated by the doctors in Government Medical Hospital. At a tender age, she has already lost four members of her family and now she is battling for her own life although as each day passes doctors are increasingly confident that she will survive. The residents of border villages that India shares with Pakistan have suffered greatly Pari was injured when a mortar shell landed on her residence. As we walk into the disaster ward of Government Medical college, we see young and the old sharing beds side by side. They all are residents of border villages that India shares with Pakistan. The tragedy here has asked serious questions of the Pakistani Rangers. Not only are the Rangers targeting Indian Army and BSF on the LoC and the International Border, but innocent civilians are being caught in the crossfire injuring several children, women and elders. Tense situation: A Pakistan Ranger on the India border (file pic) Inspector General, BSF, Jammu DK Upadhaya told India Today: With its failure to deal with the Indian Army and BSF at the LoC and IB respectively, Pakistan launched its offensive against innocent civilians. "On Tuesday it targeted three locations of Ramgarh sector. Eight people lost their lives, three women and two children. Twenty-four civilians, many of them children, are being treated for grievous injuries. Pakistan deny the allegations. Nine-year-old Sanjana has suffered extensive fracture on both her legs as a result of shell splinter. She is from Suchetgarh, but was rushed to Jammu for treatment. Her cousin is being treated in ICU. Indeed, education has been a casualty of the animosity between India and Pakistan. About 178 schools have been shut near the borders for indefinite period. Since 1947, Pakistan has served the US-led West as a geostrategic asset. However over the decades it has degenerated into a terrorist state. Pakistans army is an Islamist force and the West has suffered enormous casualties as a result of the war on terror by the US-led NATO troops in Afghanistan since 2001. Why then does the West still back Pakistan with money, arms and diplomatic cover? Why then does Pakistan receive special treatment? The conventional wisdom is that Pakistans geostrategic location makes it indispensible The US imposed harsh sanctions on Iran for daring to even attempt building a nuclear device. It imposed sanctions on Russia for annexing Crimea and invading eastern Ukraine, both with strong Russian ethnic ties. It has designated Sudan, Syria and Iran as state sponsors of terrorism for crimes a fraction as malignant as Pakistans. Indispensable Why then does Pakistan receive special treatment? The conventional wisdom is that Pakistans geostrategic location makes it indispensible. It is the gateway to both Central Asia and West Asia and controls access to landlocked Afghanistan. Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and President George W. Bush President George W. Bush Pakistan, moreover, is a bulwark against Russian expansionism from the Caucasus. These Cold War arguments still carry weight in Washington and London. But they are wearing thin. The real reason the West continues to back Pakistan is hidden beneath self-serving cliches. The US foreign policy has long been driven by the military-industrial complex (MIC). America emerged from its decade-long Great Depression in 1939 following the Second World War. American factory production, mired in recession, began humming again. It is war that has sustained US manufacturing growth ever since - Korea (1950-53), Vietnam (1965-75), Iran-Iraq (1980-88), Kuwait (1990-91), the Balkans (1999), Afghanistan (2001-16), Iraq (2003- 16) and Syria (2011-16). America thrives on war. Its defence budget ($570 billion) is larger than the combined defence budgets of China, Russia, France and Britain (the other four permanent members of the United Nations Security Council). This does not mean the US goes to war merely to feed its military-industrial complex. It does so to preserve its global hegemony. Washington spent more than 40 years in an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation with the then Soviet Union. Nawaz Sharif and Barack Obama in the Oval Office of the White House The US-led NATO forces and the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact powers were locked for decades at flash-points across eastern Europe. With the collapse of the Soviet Union 25 years ago, the Cold War against communism has been replaced in US strategic thinking by a battle against two implacable enemies: Islamist terrorism and the rise of China. America sees Islamist terrorism as the biggest threat to global security. It is the principal reason it tolerates a terrorist state like Pakistan. In 1993, President Bill Clinton came within a hairs breadth of declaring Pakistan a terrorist state. Islamabad, which hires the most expensive lobbying firms in Washington, escaped unscathed. The war on terror in Afghanistan following the 9/11 terror attack dramatically changed the US-Pakistan dynamic. After President George W Bush threatened President Pervez Musharraf to bomb Pakistan into the stone age if it didnt cooperate in hunting down the terrorists who had killed nearly 3,000 Americans in the September 11, 2001, terror attack, Islamabad slipped effortlessly into its new role as a partner in the war on terror rather than a perpetrator of terror. A intermediate range nuclear-capable ballistic missile Shaheen-II (Hatf-VI) being launched from an undisclosed location in Pakistan Self-serving The subterfuge has served both Pakistan and the West. Islamabads single-point agenda is gaining assymetrical parity with India through proxy terrorism. Pakistans economy, just a 10th of Indias, wont give it parity: The chasm is too wide and growing. Its over-stretched military wont give it parity either. Hence the periodic nuclear bluster by Pakistani policy-makers to feign equivalence. Pakistans self-created terror infrastructure has forged a failed state. Its army, like ISIS, has a business model that uses terror to extract revenue. ISIS extorts taxes and steals oil in the territories it controls in Iraq and Syria. The Pakistani army runs benami businesses in real estate, mining, manufacturing and smuggling. It uses criminals like Dawood Ibrahim to run some of these illegal businesses and protects them in return. It allows terrorists like Hafiz Saeed to front charities and schools as a cover while he plans terror strikes in India through Punjab-based jihadi groups. Renegade Despite the fact that the West has lost over 4,000 soldiers in the war on terror since 2001 - many to attacks by terrorist groups sponsored by Islamabad - Washington continues to back Pakistan. Islamabad is the classic example of a renegade gambler holding three aces: One, Islamist terrorists whom it controls and directs; two, China, whom the West fears will replace it if it antagonises Pakistan; and three, a geostrategic location that keeps a resurgent Russia, Washingtons increasingly volatile rival, at bay. In 1993, President Clinton came within a hairs breadth of declaring Pakistan a terrorist state Besides, if Pakistan breaks up into Balochistan, Pashtunistan and Sindh (as it eventually might), leaving the rump of Punjabistan as the new Pakistan with a population of 110 million (half of Uttar Pradesh), Islamist terrorists will be freed from Islamabads protective embrace. That, Washington feels, is a cure worse that the disease. Pakistan plays on Americas paranoia. It is confident it can continue chasing with the Haqqani terror hounds and running with the Punjab-based terror hares. The West though has read the sectarian writing on the walls of Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi Pakistan serves the Wests limited purpose as a frontline state to quarantine terror. The West also knows that when you unleash the terror genie, its impossible to push it back into the bottle. In the end, it consumes you. Pakistan is nearing that moment. Akhilesh Yadav launched his bid to retain power in Uttar Pradesh, one of India's poorest and most populous states, in one of the most spectacular buses South Asia has ever seen Akhilesh Yadav launched his bid to retain power in Uttar Pradesh, one of India's poorest and most populous states, in one of the most spectacular buses South Asia has ever seen. Wild cheers erupted from crowds gathered along the roads of Lucknow as the $730,000 Mercedes bus pulled away from a rally held to kick off the campaign. Yadav hollered through a loudspeaker while his supporters chanted - "We will educate everyone about the work we have done in the last four and a half years! "Long live Akhilesh!" The bus and a convoy of other vehicles then set off on a day-long journey across the sprawling state. But after traveling less than a kilometer (half a mile) everything suddenly came to a halt as mechanical problems stopped the bus. When it couldn't be fixed quickly, Yadav jumped into an SUV and the convoy again drove away. Such is regional politics in India, where gifts and pageantry dominate rural campaigning. While the leaders are barely known overseas, in India they wield almost complete control in their states and are key to forming alliances in the nation's 545-seat Parliament. Uttar Pradesh is particularly important, given its population of nearly 210 million, about the same as Brazil. Yadav's big red bus cost $730,000, although the symbol for the SP party is a bike Despite the state's influence on national politics, its economy has fared poorly as organized crime and corruption flourish and communal violence erupts periodically between castes or between Hindus and Muslims. Samajwadi Party supporters chant the name of their Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh) Yadav, 43, has endeared himself with the population in part by handing out free bicycles and laptop computers to students. Still, he faces an uphill re-election battle largely due to friction within his own family-run party. Key members of his Samajwadi Party are demanding that Yadav share more power, including with his uncle, the newly appointed party president, and his father, the party founder. Five other Yadav family members are state legislators, and 18 others are elected village representatives. The family feud has left Yadav vulnerable to election challenges by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national governing party, as well as another regional party of Dalits, the low-caste community once known as "untouchables." Akhilesh Yadav, Chief Minister of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh and the son of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, waves at his supporters during a Rath Yatra, or a chariot journey, as part of his election campaign in Lucknow Given the campaign's importance, Yadav was joined on his campaign bus Thursday by his father and uncle, despite the friction. "It is a picture perfect for the party. We are a united face now. No one can stop us from coming to power," said Juhie Singh, a young party leader. The Uttar Pradesh elections, which will be held some time before May, are expected to set the tone for the next national election in 2019. Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party has set its sights on wresting power in Uttar Pradesh, where it dominated parliamentary elections in 2014. Yadav is expected to reconnect with his bus in the next few days. Given the campaign's importance, Yadav was joined on his campaign bus Thursday by his father and uncle, despite the friction Does Yadav's red bus beat the Pope Mobile? Akhilesh Yadav is not the first leader to enjoy the use of a statement car to impress the masses. The Pope, aka the Bishop of Rome, the earthly successor to Saint Peter, holder of the keys of Heaven, known in the Vatican as the Holy See, or to his friends simply as Francis, seems always to ride in style. There have been a number of famous Popemobile moments in history, perhaps most notably in 1981 when the Pope's iconic Italian-made Fiat Campagnola, often driven through the Vatican during mass at St. Peter's Square, was first fitted with the transparent bulletproof glass on four sides after a failed assassination attempt. The moment changed history and all Popemobiles thereafter adopted the clear bullet-proof look now known worldwide. Never to be outdone, the 36th President of the United States Lyndon B. Johnson was known to entertain guests and dignitaries by driving his car straight into a lake. Fortunately the car, known as The Amphicar Model 770 was an amphibious automobile capable of both land and aquatic travel. The Mercedes Popemobile does not use any of the bullet-proof conservatory features as seen in the more advanced offerings in the Vatican's fleet The classic Popemobile allows the Holy See to gaze upon his flock of believers while still enjoying the protection of clear, bullet-proof glass Lithuanian PM Arturas Zuokas decided to get in a tank Spending bargain-basement money on a new car neednt mean getting struck with a binner. Much of the time, you do get what you pay for but if you home in on the best, there are some fantastic buys to be had. The expert panel at What Car? has given its verdict on the 10 best budget-friendly models on the market today - they're all small in size but incredibly big on value. 10. Toyota Aygo Rating: Price from: 9,136 One tactic to keep prices low that will reappear a few times in this top 10 countdown is to share production costs across brands. The Aygo is the first example of this, as underneath it's the same car as the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108. The Aygo is the most expensive of this city car triumvirate and is probably the more substance over style model of the three. It does come with a user-friendly infotainment touchscreen system as standard. 9. Citroen C1 Rating: Price from: 8,495 Your tastes might dictate differently but we think the C1 is a better-looking brother to the Aygo. Other than the different face, it's almost mechanically identical and is even built in the same factory. Still, the Citroen is cheaper by more than 500 - a big chunk of money at the price point. 8. Peugeot 108 Rating: Price from: 8,495 The 108 is identical in all but styling to the Toyota Aygo and Citroen C1 but its the pick of the three because it has a wider range of high-tech kit and personalisation options. Arguably, it's the most stylish of the lot too. Like the C1, it's cheaper than the Aygo, despite all three cars being produced in the same plant. 7. Vauxhall Viva Rating: Price from: 8,965 It's a name that you will recognise from the 60s and 70s but the Viva is no longer an underwhelming family saloon. Vauxhall relaunched the name for its new budget-friendly city car that has proved to be one of the most refined and best-riding options in the segment. Its not the best equipped at this price, though and the back seats arent particularly spacious. It also lacks some of the panache and quality of higher-scoring cars in our list. 6. Dacia Sandero Rating: Price from: 5,995 Its a noisy thing to travel in, but theres no other car on the market that can match the Sandero for space and practicality at this sort of price. In fact, at this price at all - it's the cheapest model on sale in the UK. But you do get what you pay for if you choose the freakishly cheap entry-level version it doesn't even come with a radio. Unfortunately, spec levels are similarly ill-kitted unless you pay closer to the ten grand mark. A facelifted version is due next year. 5. Suzuki Celerio Rating: Price from: 6,999 The Celerio is roomy inside, albeit a bit cheap-feeling. But it's a surprisingly jolly car to drive and, when you're not thrashing it around the country lanes, it can be a frugal city companion. Theres also no shortage of kit. That Suzuki badge does lack some credentials though, which means resale values aren't all that strong, even despite the low price. Infotainment options are limited too. 4. Seat Mii Rating: Price from: 9,470 Remember the trio of the Aygo, C1 and 108 above? Here's the first model in the second instalment of cost-sharing city cars - the Seat Mii, sister car to the Skoda CitiGo and Volkswagen Up!. None of the vehicles featured so far in the list can match it for driving enjoyment, and the trio of VW Group models are all efficient runners thanks to their three-cylinder 1.0-litre engines. Why is the Mii placed last of the three versions? It's more expensive than the Skoda and not as upmarket feeling as the Volkswagen. 3. Skoda CitiGo Rating: Price from: 8,275 The Skoda CitiGo undercuts the Seat Mii and Volkswagen Up! on price, but offers exactly the same package. Aimed at the more mature buyer, it lacks the fun of the Mii styling and the flair of the Up!. That said, GreenTech versions of mega economical and the equipment levels are fairly strong, as long as you avoid the entry version. Top-spec models (though over 10k) even boast heated seats - almost unheard of in a car this small. 2. Volkswagen Up! Rating: Price from: 8,975 The Up! isn't just closely related to the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo they share the same platform, which means the same engine, suspension, brakes, transmission and just about everything bar the panels. The Citigo gets the nod over the Mii as its a little cheaper, but the Up is the best of the lot thanks to an interior quality that easily matches that of cars from a class or two above. It's also the model that holds value strongest, so despite paying more than you would for an equivalent version of either sister car you'll get more money back when it's time to sell. 1. Hyundai i10 Rating: Price from: 8995 That's right, a car from Korean brand Hyundai has gazumped the might of the VW Group. And the i10 is a deserving winner. What Car?'s test-driving team reckon it's as good as unbeatable at this money for all sorts of good reasons. It has a roomy cabin, accessed via five doors as standard, its a breeze to drive and its refinement is that of a bigger vehicle. Microsoft Corp said on Tuesday that a hacking group previously linked to the Russian government and U.S. political hacks was behind recent cyber attacks that exploited a newly discovered Windows security flaw. The software maker said in an advisory on its website there had been a small number of attacks using 'spear phishing' emails from a hacking group known Strontium, which is more widely known as 'Fancy Bear,' or APT 28. Microsoft did not identify any victims. Microsoft's disclosure of the new attacks and the link to Russia came after Washington accused Moscow of launching an unprecedented hacking campaign aimed at disrupting and discrediting the upcoming U.S. election. Microsoft says it will release a patch next week to address vulnerabilities in its Windows operating system exploited by a group tied to the Russian government The U.S. government last month formally blamed the Russian government for the election-season hacks of Democratic Party emails and their subsequent disclosure via WikiLeaks and other entities. Russia has denied those accusations. Microsoft said a patch to protect Windows users against the newly discovered threat will be released on November 8, which is Election Day. It was not clear whether the Windows vulnerability had been used in any of the recent U.S. political hacks. Representatives of the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security could not immediately be reached for comment. A U.S. intelligence expert on Russian cyber activity said that Fancy Bear primarily works for or on behalf of the GRU, Russia's military intelligence agency, which U.S. intelligence officials have concluded were responsible for hacks of Democratic Party databases and emails. The group have been linked to the theft of emails from the Democratic National Committee In spear phishing, an attacker sends targeted messages, typically via email, that exploit known information to trick victims into clicking on malicious links or open tainted attachments. Microsoft said the attacks exploited a vulnerability in Adobe Systems Inc's Flash software and one in the Windows operating system. Adobe released a patch for that vulnerability on Monday, when security researchers with Google went public with details on the attack. Microsoft chided rival Google for going public with details of the vulnerabilities before it had time to prepare and test a patch to fix them. 'Google's decision to disclose these vulnerabilities before patches are broadly available and tested is disappointing, and puts customers at increased risk,' Microsoft said. A Google representative declined to comment on Microsoft's statement. Google disclosed the flaw on Monday, following its standing policy of going public seven days after discovering 'critical vulnerabilities' that are being actively exploited by hackers. No-fly zones are to be imposed over jails in a drive to prevent drones being used to smuggle drugs and mobile phones into prisons. Figures have revealed increasing numbers of incidents involving the use of remotely-controlled devices for smuggling contraband into jails. Ministers have vowed to crackdown on the problem because prisoners are understood to be ordering illicit cargo using phone smuggled into cells and then a 'pilot' controlling the drone from outside the walls lands the device or makes it hover outside a cell window. Shocking footage captured at Wansdworth Prison in London in April, showed a black bag floating through the air via a drone Ministers have vowed to crackdown on the problem because prisoners are understood to be ordering illicit cargo using phone smuggled into cells and then a 'pilot' controlling the drone from outside the walls lands the device or makes it hover outside a cell window No-fly zones are to be imposed over jails in a drive to prevent drones being used to smuggle drugs and mobile phones into prisons In one instance, a drone carrying super-strength skunk cannabis, mobile phones and chargers came down in an exercise yard at Category B HMP Bullingdon in Bicester, Oxon. Shocking footage captured at Wansdworth Prison in London in April, showed a black bag floating through the air via a drone into a window, where two pieces of wood tied together could be seen reaching out from a cell and hooking it in. In November last year, ministers introduced new laws to stop people using drones to drop contraband or landing them inside prison grounds. Those convicted could face up to two years in prison. But the Government is now looking at better ways to prevent drones being used to smuggle drugs and phones. One of the proposals understood to be under consideration is a trial with industry to test whether co-ordinates of prisons could be built into drone technology so that the devices are repelled from flying over jails. Prisons Minister Sam Gyimah said eagles could be recruited to take down remote-controlled miniature aircraft as they are flown towards jails. Mr Gyimah revealed he was keeping a 'close eye' on tactics in Holland, where Dutch police are employing eagles after successful trials to tackle illegal drones. Speaking during Justice Questions in the Commons on Tuesday, Mr Gyimah said: 'The new threat by drones is a game changer, not just for prisons but other parts of Government. 'That is why I'm working with ministers across the Government to engage with drone manufacturers to find a solution to this problem. 'I'm keeping a close eye on what is happening internationally, particularly in Holland where they are using eagles to stop drones, and I'm sure we will find a solution in the UK which will take off.' The Cabinet Minister, pictured speaking to Brixton's custodial manager Wendy-Fisher McFarlane, will rank prisons in a league table for the first time In September, Dutch police became the first in the world to recruit the birds to tackle the rising number of unlawful drones invading their skies. After successful trials, the force bought four sea eagle chicks. Until they mature and undergo training next summer, Dutch police are using eagles supplied by a specialist company. The eagles will be deployed whenever drones are believed to be posing a threat to the public or flying close to airports or sensitive areas. Despite concerns raised by animal rights groups, the police say the birds are not in any danger. Police spokesman Dennis Janus said: 'It's a low-tech solution to a hi-tech problem. None of the eagles were hurt, but as for the drones, none of them survived. 'The eagles see the drones as prey and intercept them as they are flying, before landing where they feel safe with the drone still in their claws.' Justice Secretary Liz Truss, pictured touring HMP Brixton, London with its governor David Bamford, has blasted the jail system in Britain But birdwatcher Bill Oddie, who used to present BBC2's Springwatch programme, rubbished the idea and dismissed it as 'pie in the sky'. He said: 'That sounds like absolute poppycock to me. 'Why on earth would an eagle attack a drone anyway? I can't see why any bird of prey would suddenly think 'Oh, I wonder what that is? I'll go and eat a drone this morning instead of something else.' It doesn't make any sense at all to me. 'You can't train a bird to suddenly regard something as an enemy. Normally if they saw a drone coming they'd get the hell out of the way, I'd have thought.' Meanwhile, all inmates will face mandatory drugs testing on arrival and departure from prison, while 300 sniffer dogs have been trained to detect psychoactive substances, which have been identified as a factor behind surging incidents of violence. The Government said it's working with mobile phone operators to block illegal use of handsets by inmates. And offenders will be tested for drugs on entry and exit from prison as part of sweeping reforms aimed at halting the rising tide of violence and substance abuse across the estate in England and Wales. Justice Secretary Liz Truss is also expected to announce an extra 2,500 prison officers to strengthen the frontline. Liz Truss is outlining plans to shake up the prison service Dwindling staff numbers have previously been highlighted by campaign groups and unions. The new surge, which includes an additional 400 personnel announced last month, will be focused on staffing categories which currently total around 18,000 officers. Other measures to be explored include action to combat drones dropping drugs and other items into prison grounds. In a speech today, Ms Truss will say: 'These extra officers and new safety measures will help us crack down on the toxic cocktail of drugs, drones and mobile phones that are flooding our prisons, imperilling the safety of staff and offenders and thwarting reform.' Worst-performing jails in the league table will see governors replaced with new bosses expected to fix problems Ms Truss will today declare that prison is not working. In a scathing article, she blasts a failing system that is causing incalculable harm to the British public and costing every family 630 a year on reoffenders. She pledges to finally hold prison bosses to account if they fail to tackle drug abuse, violence and extremism behind bars. In what ministers say is the biggest shake-up for a generation, every prison will be ranked in a league table for the first time. Prisons such as Brixton, pictured, will also become no-fly zones to stop drones being flown into jails to supply inmates with drugs The shake-up will also target re-offending rates, which see more than 100,000 crimes committed annually by ex-prisoners - costing society 15 billion a year. Writing for MailOnline today, she says: What is clear is that the system is not working. 'Almost half of offenders commit another crime within a year of release at a 15billion annual cost to society. That is the equivalent of a 630 for every household in England and Wales. The human cost is incalculable. 'As a society we have got much better at intervening and stopping people turning to a life of crime. 'However, our reoffending rates have remained too high for too long and that has got to change. Ms Truss, pictured with Ms McFarlane, said the prison system is costing UK families 630 per year In her speech Ms Truss is expected to say: 'It is absolutely right that prisons punish people who commit serious crimes by depriving them of their most fundamental right: liberty. 'However our re-offending rates have remained too high for too long. So prisons need to be more than places of containment - they must be places of discipline, hard work and self-improvement. 'They must be places where offenders get off drugs and get the education and skills they need to find work and turn their back on crime for good.' Plans to give governors more powers over education, work and health budgets will also be outlined. If a jail is found to be failing by the Chief Inspector of Prisons, the Justice Secretary will have a new legal duty to intervene. Ms Truss, pictured inside Brixton Prison with its governor, said British prisons were failing and needed a shake-up The reform package is expected to reiterate the Government's commitment to a 1.3 billion building programme to replace the most dilapidated facilities and create 10,000 modern prison places. Plans to shut Victorian prisons were outlined last year, but only HMP Holloway in north London has so far been confirmed as facing closure. HMP Wellingborough, a former Category C prison for adult men in Northamptonshire which shut in 2012, will be confirmed as the first site earmarked for potential redevelopment under the modernisation drive. Rising levels of violence have prompted a flurry of warnings about the state of prisons, with figures showing there are 65 assaults behind bars every day. Shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon blamed rising violence and drug abuse on Tory cuts. The Labour frontbencher said: 'The Justice Secretary must use her speech to tell us how she will fix the prison system that is at breaking point. 'She needs to explain how she intends to deal with record levels of violence; widespread availability of drugs; and reduced access to education and rehabilitation, which Conservative cuts have caused. 'The reduction by 25 per cent of frontline prison officers mean those that remain are overstretched, overwhelmed and without support. She has to set out a clear plan on how she will deal with both recruitment and retention of staff. 'She must put forward a convincing package that will regain the trust of prison governors and prison officers and deliver a prison system that works. A bishop at one of the largest African-American Christian churches in the United States has been accused of grooming and sexually assaulting a female member of the denomination for more than 20 years. Kimberly Pollard, who is now 37, filed a $12.2-million lawsuit against the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and Bishop James L'Keith Jones, accusing the church of allowing her to be sexually assaulted by the high-ranking bishop for 20 years, according to court papers obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com. Pollard claims that Jones not only groomed her into what became a 20-year sexual relationship and extra-marital affair, but also tried to groom her six-year-old daughter, telling her she looked 'sexy' and that he would wait until she was 18 to date her. The mother-of-one from Lubbock, Texas, says that the relationship between her and Jones turned sexual in or around 1995, when she was still a minor. Kimberly Pollard filed a $12.2-million lawsuit against the Church of God in Christ and Bishop James L'Keith Jones. She claims she was sexually assaulted by Bishop Jones for 20 years, starting when she was a minor She says that during a Holy Convocation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jones used his relationship as a then-pastor to sexually assault her and engage in an illicit sexual relationship. And over the next 20 years, as Jones was promoted to higher rankings and given more responsibility in the church, he continued the sexual relationship through coercion, threats and his position as a spiritual adviser, Pollard claims. Jones went on to marry another woman, but Pollard claims the illicit relationship between her and the now-bishop continued. Pollard says she attempted to end the relationship several times, and even suggested that she confess her sins to the church, but Jones told her that no one would believe her allegations because of his high-ranking in the organization. Jones said that if she confessed, she would only be left humiliated, Pollard says. Then six years ago, Pollard became pregnant with a child not fathered by Jones, which caused him to become irate and demeaning, Pollard claims, adding that he accused her of violating the trust of their relationship. Pollard says that in February of this year, Jones sent her now-six-year-old child a video message in which he said: 'You look very "sexy" in your night gown.' The mother-of-one, now 37, says that the relationship between her and Jones (pictured left) turned sexual in or around 1995, when she was still a minor He also told the child that he would wait until she turned 18 to date her, she says. Pollard claims that after her daughter received the message, she realized that Jones was trying to groom her child - and realized that he had done the same with her. Shortly after the incident, The Grievance Committee of the Board of Bishops was made aware of the situation and set a trial date for Jones. But the board then changed their decision and decided not to move forward with the trial, which Pollard says is in direct violation of the board's rules and procedures. She claims that during its investigation into the grooming of her daughter, the grievance committee found just cause to believe that Jones violated the church constitution by engaging in sexual acts with Pollard without being married as well as coercing her into an extra-marital affair by exploiting his position with the church. Pollard has accused the church of being negligent in their supervision of the Bishop throughout their 20-year affair and says that the organization failed to pursue an investigation into other allegations of misconduct by him. 'They knew or should have known of the illicit conduct that Bishop Jones was engaging in with Plaintiff Pollard because a basic investigation would have revealed these facts,' Pollard says in court documents. She claims that the alleged predatory behavior - which she says included sexual abuse, sexual molestation, manipulation, controlling behavior, and abuse of power and trust - has caused irreparable emotional, psychological and physical harm to both her and her child. In her lawsuit, Pollard has demanded $6 million in non-economic damages and $100,000 in economic damages for the alleged abuse she faced, and another $6.1 million for the damage done to her daughter. COGIC is one of the largest African-American Christian denominations in the United States, with more than six million members, 12,000 congregations, and churches in every state and 70 countries. The current head of the church is Bishop Charles E Blake, Sr, who President Barack Obama appointed to serve on his 25-person White House Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. COGIC, which has a predominantly African American following, is ranked as the largest Pentecostal denomination and the fifth largest Christian denomination in the United States. would be poisoned and that it is effectively a re-run of the 1800s with white men stealing their land That has prompted massive protests led by Native Americans who say their Advertisement As the freezing wind rips through the prairie by the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, the protesters who have been here for seven months are going nowhere - and are preparing for their final stand. The prospect of -40F temperatures in the North Dakota winter are galvanizing those who are refusing to let an energy company build a crude oil pipeline half a mile away. Meanwhile on the hilltop overlooking the camp, construction continues at a frantic pace, getting closer by the day to the Missouri River. And in between are lines of police and National Guard, patrolling in Humvees and mine-resistant trucks which had served in Afghanistan, and armed with assault rifles and pepper spray. It is an extraordinary confrontation - and one which shows no signs of ending soon. The protesters are digging in, replacing their tents with wooden houses and putting stoves inside to keep them warm. And thousands more are checking in on Facebook in an effort to confuse authorities about how many people are there. Scroll down for video Protest: Members of the Sioux Nation are at the head of protests at Standing Rock but they are being joined by people from across the US, including celebrities Standoff: Protesters stand waist deep in the Cantapeta Creek, northeast of the Oceti Sakowin Camp, facing officers in riot gear Force deployed: Police and state troopers used pepper spray as they tried to force back protesters on Wednesday Pepper sprayed: Police deployed the non-lethal weapon to try to dislodge the protests from the Cantapeta Cerrk, the latest disorder to hit the area. Amred standoff: Tensions have escalated between protesters and police. Over one weekend 127 activists were arrested during increasingly volatile battles Firepower: Police in full combat gear backed by National Guard equipped with military vehicles which more normally have seen service in Afghanistan are facing the protesters The front line of one of the conflict sites near the camp. Protesters have been blocking roads including Highway 1806 with by burning out vehicles, prompting police to call in armored vehicles Another face: Protesters have been drawn by the 'Burning Man'-like atmosphere at the camp, which held 7,000 people at its peak Indian Chief Arvol Looking Horse of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota nations. The Native Americans are protesting the pipeline which is set to run half a mile from the Sioux reservation. They say the land was stolen by the white man Protesters gather round a camp fire to keep warm. They are staring down the barrel of -40F temperatures in the North Dakota winter Ken Fourcloud, a Dakota Indian with his daughter's horse Black Rose, overlooking the camp at the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. The protesters who have been here for seven months are going nowhere For those who are physically, rather than virtually, at the camp, each night they gather around the sacred fire for ritual drumming, prayer and traditional Native American songs. They eat at one of several free kitchens which serve up spaghetti, hot turkey sandwiches and bean stew cooked by volunteers. Protesters have been drawn by the 'Burning Man'-like atmosphere of the camp and inspired by the Native Americans who see the plains as their land that was stolen by the white man. All of them want to be part of something that is being likened by some Sioux tribe members to their biggest stand against the American government since 1876 when they defeated General Custer. Dozens of celebrities have given their support, including Shailene Woodley who was arrested and faces trial for participating At its peak the camp on this bleak plain where herds of bison roam free was home to 7,000 people, making it the 12th largest city in North Dakota. Now there is a school, medical tent and legal department - funded by the $3 million in donations which have poured in. Dozens of celebrities have given their support, including Mark Ruffalo who has spent time at the camp and Shailene Woodley who was arrested and faces trial for participating. Leonardo DiCaprio and Susan Sarandon have posted messages backing the protests. But there has also been violence and protesters have launched numerous actions which led to more than 400 people being arrested and pepper sprayed by police. One woman has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly trying to shoot dead a cop as one of the camps were cleared. The Standing Rock protest has effectively become the next round of the eco protest movement after the Keystone XL Pipeline, and a rallying call to Native Americans. But at its core those taking part say they simply want to be treated the same as everyone else. The camp on the Dakota plains, where herds of bison roam free, was at one point the 12th largest city in North Dakota Traditional: Dancing women in Native costume protest the pipeline - but not all protests have been as peaceful as this one Way of life: Indian horse men near the camp and one of the conflict sites which they say are effectively stealing their lands A protester at the camp. The pipeline was proposed in 2014 by Dakota Access, a subsidiary of Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners The most galling fact of all to them is that the pipeline was due to go north of the city of Bismarck 50 miles away. That was deemed too dangerous as it would go too close to people's houses, so it was rerouted on a fast track process to the south within half a mile of the Standing Rock Reservation. Joye Braun, 47, is a Cheyenne River Sioux who founded the camp on April 1. 'We are not going anywhere,' she says Many people DailyMail.com spoke to compared what they were doing with the seven anti-government protesters led by Ammon and Ryan Bundy, who took over a federally owned wildlife sanctuary in Oregon last winter and were acquitted last week. The way the protesters see it is like this: white man takes over federal land and gets away with it; Native Americans take back land that was theirs originally and they get beaten and thrown off by the police. Joye Braun, 47, a Cheyenne River Sioux who founded the camp on April 1, said the protest was about the right to 'to have free and informed consent on things that are going to affect us'. She said: 'We are not going anywhere and we are going to stay and fight....we said no and no means no. We will stop that pipeline. It will be stopped'. Ready to ride: Protesters atop a car at one of the conflict sites. Native Americans have been joined by people from the Occupy movement A fire burns near the camp. The overtone of violence is not welcomed by many of the Native Americans Currently the pipeline work is on hold after three government agencies, including the US Army Corps of Engineers, which issued the permit for it to cross the Missouri River, said they wanted to hear more from both sides. The Standing Rock Tribe have also filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming that the US Army Corps of Engineers failed to properly consult them. The lawsuit alleged that the Corps were in breach of the Clean Water Act by allowing the pipe to go so close to their reservation. At the time Jan Hasselman, a lawyer representing the tribe, said that 'there have been shopping malls that have received more environmental review and Tribal consultation than this massive crude oil pipeline'. The pipeline was first proposed in 2014 by Dakota Access LLC, a subsidiary of Energy Transfer Partners, which is based in Texas and has revenues of $9.4 billion a year. Its chief executive and co-founder Kelcy Warren, 60, has a personal fortune of $3.7 billion, according to Forbes. Once completed the pipeline will carry 470,000 barrels of crude oil per day from the Bakken oil fields in North Dakota to a port in Illinois, a distance of 1,134 miles, at a cost of $3.7 billion. The company chose the route because it largely avoided needing any federal permits by buying rights to private land. In one of the more intriguing purchases the company bought the stretch of land just north of the Standing Rock Reservation on September 22 - just five weeks ago - for $18 million from its existing owner. According to Hasselman, the lawyer with Earthjustice, an environmental law non-profit that is working with the tribe, Dakota Access 'made him an offer he couldn't refuse'. By that point the camp was in full bloom. It began with a small collection of tents and tipis on the Standing Rock Reservation and then spread over the Cannon Ball River onto land owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The main camp is called Sacred Stone camp and other offshoots include Red Warrior. Dozens of flags have been sunk into the ground representing the support from more than 350 of the 566 federally-recognized Native American tribes. Over the months amenities sprung up, including three ambulances on standby, the kitchens and a sweat lodge, where Native Americans perform rituals. At least three babies have been born at the camp and there are dozens of children living there. Loni Weston's son Karter arrived at the camp aged four months. Now aged seven months, he has spent nearly half his life there. Weston joked: 'He was the youngest person to answer the call'. Most days at the camp there are speeches and prayers around the sacred fire, the main gathering space, as well as marches and dances - with more at night. A documentary filmmaker who had been at the camp for a week told me it felt like a 'sober version of Burning Man', the hedonistic festival held in the Nevada desert, but there were clear echoes of Occupy Wall Street too. Stacey Hessler was the first person to bring a sleeping bag and hold up a sign in Zuccotti Park in Manhattan during Occupy in New York in 2011. Recently she had spent $2,500 on an old school bus at a government surplus auction in Tennessee, in which she travels around America visiting sustainable communities. Hessler, 42, said: 'I see this as a ripple effect of Occupy. This whole camp is an occupation. When we arrived it seemed very familiar, they had a lot of the same components, feeding people, having a microphone for people to talk. 'The big difference is that there is a lot of prayer and no alcohol.' Protester Stacey Hessler has been living with her daughter on the camp in a school bus she bought at a government surplus sale Hessler was also the first protester at Occupy Wall Street - and says this one is like it, without alcohol Demonstrator Loni Weston and son Karter, 7 months. Karter was the first baby in the camp at 3 months old Morgan Abaroa, 20, was taken in by a Sioux family in the Southern Appalachian mountains at the age of 13 because, she says, her mother and father were abusive alcoholics. She said that the Lakota people - the Native word for Sioux - 'saved my life' and that she was at the camp singing traditional songs to pay back their community. Far away from the sacred fire in an area called Union Camp, Liam Cain, 31, who used to work building pipelines, said he could no longer square working on pipelines with his belief in trade unions. Cain, a member of the Laborers Local 1271 Union in Cheyenne, Wyoming, who is now a firefighter, said: 'To the union folks on these projects, I've got nothing but love for you and I would really like to start a dialog about a just transition to an economy that doesn't depend on extractive industries and raping and pillaging the Earth for money.' Raven, a 19-year-old man from the Cheyenne River Sioux also known as Blackbird said he was due to join the Army before he arrived at Standing Rock. But he said that after spending three months living in a tipi and protesting he had changed his mind. He said: 'I had my military job chosen but I haven't signed the papers. That's the the one thing saving me from signing up. 'I don't want to sign those papers. Being here makes me want to go to college and study Native American treaties so that if something like this happens again I can be on the legal side and help out.' Liam Cain, 31, used to work building pipelines but said he could no longer square working on them with his belief in trade unions Peace talks: Chief Arvol Looking Horse meets local law enforcement on the Bridge to try to resolve the conflict Aftermath: Arvol walks past a burned-out car following the meeting. The cars have been used to blockade the highway but have resulted in police increasing their level of force protection People gather round a cooking fire in the camp, which now has a school, medical tent and legal department - funded by the $3 million in donations which have poured in Raven, a 19-year-old man from the Cheyenne River Sioux also known as Blackbird, said he was due to join the Army before he arrived at Standing Rock. But he said that after spending three months living in a tipi and protesting he had changed his mind. The actions by the protesters, who refer to themselves as 'water protectors', started small, blocking roads used by Dakota Access workers. In September the demonstrations escalated significantly when the Standing Rock Tribe filed a document in the lawsuit which detailed how one of their cultural archaeologists had finally been allowed onto the site near the reservation and found evidence of 27 burial sites and 82 stone features. Early the next morning, according to court documents, Dakota Access sent bulldozers in and tore up the entire area, destroying any sign of the findings. That day protesters went to 'inspect' the damage. In an ugly skirmish, private security guards working for Dakota Access set dogs on protesters. Six people were bitten or mauled and dozens were pepper sprayed. Among those arrested was journalist Amy Goodman, though the charge of criminal trespass was later thrown out. The Morton County Sheriff Office also issued an arrest warrant for Green Party Presidential candidate Jill Stein after she was seen spray painting some construction equipment. During October tensions built further and over one weekend 127 activists were arrested during increasingly volatile battles with police. In response protesters moved one of their camps north so that it was right on the pipeline route, blocking the construction and highway 1806, one of the major roads in the area. An exasperated Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier appeared on local TV station KX4 and said: 'At some point rule of law has to be enforced.' His answer was a show of force. A trampled poster at one of the areas retaken by authorities. It references the treatment of Native Americans in the late 1800s, as the Indian Wars drew to an end The next day dozens of armed police in riot gear, several National Guard MRAP vehicles - Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehciles formed a line in front of the protesters and moved slowly towards them, ordering them to clear the road and repeatedly using a sound cannon. During one moment of levity that showed the gulf between the two sides, the officer on the police loudspeaker urged protesters not to shoot at them with bows and arrows. The protesters laughed back at him. As the police moved in some protesters sat down, formed a prayer circle and began chanting. Others set fire to some tires and wood in the road, sending clouds of black smoke into the sky. According to the Morton County Sheriff's Office, some of the protesters soon became more violent and threw rocks, logs, bottles and other debris at the officers. One woman alleged pulled out a gun and fired three rounds at police while others threw Molotov cocktails, the sheriff's office said. The protesters who refused to move were pepper sprayed en masse and arrested. Later that night the protesters regrouped further south and set fire to two National Guard trucks on a bridge, creating a flaming barricade between them and the authorities. All told 144 people were arrested during the carnage. According to the Morton County State Attorney, Red Fawn Falls, 37, fired three shots at police officers and had to have her gun wrestled out of her arm by cops as she was arrested. Falls allegedly hit one officer in the knee which caused it to 'explode' before she was wrestled to the ground. She has now been charged with attempted murder among other offences and faces 20 years in jail. The day afterwards Sioux Tribe elders tried to calm things down and asked Chief Arvol Looking Horse, the Lakota equivalent of the Dalai Lama, to stage a prayer and peaceful march. He and the other elders opened up negotiations with the Morton County Sheriff and other officials who they met on the bridge. Both sides shook hands on the bridge where the charred trucks stood smoldering. In the days afterwards the protesters claimed the police had routinely broken their constitutional rights and were excessively violent. Those who were arrested said they were kept in 20ft by 10ft cages they likened to dog kennels in the parking garage of the police station, with no food or blankets in the freezing cold. Police tell a different story and Capt. Bryan Niewind, of the North Dakota Highway Patrol, said at a press conference that during the dismantling of the camp they 'could have arrested everyone' but exercised restraint. The Morton County Sheriff's Office has also had to deal with the cost of the operation which they estimate to be $3 million so far. The entire county budget for the year is $30.7 million. The state of North Dakota has reportedly spent $7 million and the closure of highway 1806 and police checkpoints have angered locals, many of whom earn a comfortable living working for energy companies. The disruption has also caused ambulances to make a 40-minute diversion to get to Bismarck. Angela Bibens, who coordinated the camp legal tent on behalf of the National Lawyers Guild, said that protesters who were arrested during the clearing of the camp were charged with conspiracy to endanger with fire, a felony which carries up to five years in jail and a $10,000 fine. Others were given misdemeanor charges of public nuisance and engaging in riots, which carry up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine. Bibens said that the police were acting like an 'unchecked authority'. She said: 'I'm at a loss of words for the level of violence and oppression the police have rained down'. Among those who was arrested was Mary Redway, 64, a retired environmental planner from Providence, Rhode Island, whose husband is a lawyer. Redway said that the conditions she experienced were inhumane and that 22 women were put in a room designed for six at the most. All the prisoners were strip searched and Redway was told that she could not wear her prosthetic breasts - she is a breast cancer survivor - because they were not 'necessary'. Angela Bibens, who coordinated the camp legal tent on behalf of the National Lawyers Guild, said that the police were acting like an 'unchecked authority' Mary Redway, 64, a retired environmental planner was arrested. She said 22 women were put in a room designed for six at the most. All the prisoners were strip searched and Redway was told that she could not wear her prosthetic breasts - she is a breast cancer survivor - because they were not 'necessary' Thousands of people have begun checking into the campsite on Facebook to lend their support - and confuse the authorities about the real numbers For many in the Standing Rock Tribe, what is happening today is the latest chapter in a story which goes back more than 200 years and involves the wholesale exploitation of their people. The Sioux are members of the Dakota and Lakota nations - both words mean 'friends' or 'allies' - and the term dates back to the 17th century when they living in the Great Lakes region. During that century they were pushed westward by other tribes, where they remained until the discovery of gold in California in the 1840s. The result was the 1851 Fort Laramie Treaty drawn up by the US government to try and bring peace between the tribes, to make it easier for prospectors to move gold back east from the west coast. According to Sebastian Braun, Director of American Indian Studies at Iowa State University, the treaty was to make peace between the Sioux and other tribes and contained no obligation for the government to respect its land - and it quickly fell apart. However it did state that, as far other tribes were concerned, the Sioux territory was huge swathes of North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana including the area through which the pipeline now travels. Many protesters at the camp see this treaty as evidence that the route of the pipeline is really Sioux land. In 1868 the US government signed another treaty with the Sioux which formally recognized its lands for the first time - then began completely disregarding it. When gold was found in the Black Hills the government tried to buy the land but the Sioux refused. The fight is not going to be over, it's never going to be over. These treaties are real, the government made them. They committed their government to our sovereignty and because they're not upholding that somebody needs to hold them accountable Archie Fool Bear, the former chairman of the Standing Rock Tribe Miners descended on the area anyway and the tensions led to the Great Sioux War of 1876 in which Sitting Bull fought the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn against General George Armstrong Custer, who was killed making his 'Last Stand'. The government won and took the Black Hills and reduced the size of the reservation twice more in 1877 and 1889, moves which were ruled illegal by the Supreme Court in 1980 after a court case which had dragged on for 60 years. The government gave the Sioux a settlement of $105 million but the tribe has refused to touch it on the basis that it will forfeit all similar claims in the future. The sum has been sitting in a trust fund ever since - and is now worth $1.3 billion. The indignities continued into the 20th century and in the 1948 the Army Corps of Engineers began construction of the Oahe Dam with the promise of free electricity. The electricity never came, but the dam did flood 90 per cent of the timber land belonging to the Standing Rock Sioux. It was reportedly the worst destruction by a public works project of Indian lands in history. Sebastian Braun said: 'What is happening at Standing Rock is, if not oppression then at the least neglect. 'It's hard to argue in 2016 that that it was accidental or it was an oversight. 'People should know better and they do know better. There's just way too many cases that have come before that have gone horribly wrong'. Standing on the bridge where the protesters had set alight to the trucks, Archie Fool Bear, the former chairman of the Standing Rock Tribe, said: 'The fight is not going to be over, it's never going to be over. 'These treaties are real, the government made them. Ken Fourcloud rides Black Rose up a hill: Native Americans are determined to defeat the pipeline even though they admit it is an uphill struggle 'They committed their government to our sovereignty and because they're not upholding that somebody needs to hold them accountable'. What happens next will largely depend on wins the election. In his first comments on the row President Obama came down on the side of the protesters. He said the situation should 'play out for several more weeks and determine whether or not this can be resolved in a way that I think is properly attentive to the traditions of First Americans'. Obama said: 'I think that right now the Army Corps is examining whether there are ways to reroute this pipeline'. That drew an angry rebuke from Morton County Chairman Cody Shultz. He said in a statement that any further delay 'affords the opportunity to the out-of-state militant faction of this protest to keep escalating their violent activities'. Schultz said: 'Rather than creating further uncertainty, the President should be sending us the support and resources necessary to enforce the law and protect people's right to peacefully protest. 'Given the recent escalation of violence by protesters, letting the situation play out is quite literally putting lives in danger'. David Archambault II, chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux, piled in and lauded President Obama's comments as he called on the Army Corp of Engineers to issue a stop-work order. He said: 'The nation and the world are watching. The injustices done to Native people in North Dakota and throughout the country must be addressed'. The President playing for time might be smarter than it appears as come January 1 2017 Dakota Access was supposed to have the pipeline up and running. According to court documents, they stand to lose $1.4 billion each year it is held up, an impact the company claims will be 'devastating'. The US Army Corps of Engineers did not respond to requests for comment, and neither did Energy Transfer Partners. However in a Bloomberg interview with Warren, the chief executive of Energy Transfer Partners, was published in May under the headline: 'Kelcy Warren is having fun in the oil bust'. In the piece Warren showed off his Dassault Falcon 900 private jet - they are typically around $9 million new - and said that the recent drop in the price of oil left them a clear shot at North Dakota. Warren said: 'We got so lucky. All of our competition vaporized'. There was no mention of the protests in North Dakota, though Warren did offer a general defense of his company's action. Warren said: 'Pipelines are eminently cheaper and safer than shipping by rail. Peter O'Toole - one of England's greatest actors - nearly drank himself to death as he partied his way through the best years of his career Considered one of England's greatest stage and film actors, and a leading man for half a century, Peter O'Toole lived a debauched life of booze, cocaine and weed. No one expected him to live past 50 years old. He lived 31 years beyond 50. But by the time he was 48 in 1980, he had almost no stomach left - thanks to his massive consumption of alcohol. As a young acting student, he could sniff out the best parties like a veteran bloodhound and told a fellow student that he wanted to be dead from drink by 30. But drinking brought out the dark side of his psyche and he reveled in being a bad boy, reveals author Robert Sellers in his book published for the first time in the United States, Peter O'Toole: The Definitive Biography published Thomas Dunne Books. He was great friends and drinking buds with actors Richard Harris, his wife Elizabeth, and later Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton - all sharing a love of alcohol until Taylor pulled the plug on their friendship in 1972 when she found O'Toole and Burton drunk on the floor of a pub embracing each other and singing 'Happy Birthday'. They had been there for hours. O'Toole referred to Elizabeth Taylor henceforth as 'That Woman'. He also got Audrey Hepburn drunk on the set of the film How to Steal A Million for the first and only time in her career. When called on to the set, she came out of her trailer, waddled towards the car and drove straight into five huge arc lights. She was sent home to recover. He was great friends and drinking buds with actors Richard Harris, his wife Elizabeth, and later Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (pictured with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in an undated photograph) Taylor (pictured with O'Toole in an undated photograph) pulled the plug on their friendship in 1972 when she found O'Toole and Burton drunk on the floor of a pub embracing each other and singing 'Happy Birthday' Drinking one night with actor Jason Robards in Hollywood after the film Lawrence of Arabia was a hit in 1962, they arrived back at Robards' home only to be surprised by his wife, Lauren Bacall who appeared in hair curlers. O'Toole howled, 'Yikes, it's a chicken hawk!', which got him forever barred from the couple's house. On another occasion, O'Toole and Omar Shariff were partying with controversial stand-up comic Lenny Bruce when Bruce's apartment was raided. Bruce was charged with drug possession and O'Toole and Sharif were thrown into a cell. When Lawrence of Arabia film producer Sam Spiegel heard of these public scandals in Los Angeles, he said: 'You make a star, you make a monster.' And people in New York and London, too, were getting fed up with O'Toole's antics. But O'Toole recognized his own alcohol addiction and was willing to ride it through horrendous hangovers and severe stomach pains from ulcers in pursuit of his desire to become a great actor. And stardom was more cumbersome than he ever expected. 'It creeps through your toes. You don't realize what's happening until it reaches your nut. And that's when it becomes dangerous', O'Toole is quoted to have said. The film Lawrence of Arabia won seven Oscars but O'Toole lost out on the best actor nod to Gregory Peck for To Kill a Mockingbird. It was palatable although disappointing to O'Toole. 'A lot of people have talked about being ruined by success. But let's face it, more people have been butchered by failure,' he said. O'Toole was the center of several drinking scandals while filming for Lawrence of Arabia (pictured in a scene above) O'Toole was nominated for eight Oscars in total, but he never won. Though in January 2003 the Academy decided to honor him with the Lifetime Achievement Oscar. 'He told them to get lost,' writes Sellers. 'Second prize is no prize,' O'Toole said of the award. 'Would the Academy please defer the honor until I am 80?' But he relented in the end and accepted the award. When he arrived at the hospitality room and asked for a drink at the bar, however, he was told there was a strict no-alcohol policy. 'All right, I'm f**king off,' he said at the time. A bottle of vodka was quickly brought in to placate him. The award was going to be presented by Meryl Streep who Sellers says was desperate for a cigarette. 'I wanted a joint,' O'Toole said. 'In the end I just got the vodka going because she's a game girl. Likes a drop'. Born in Leeds, England, in August 1932, O'Toole had a lifelong love affair with Ireland and always claimed he was an Irishman. He told people he was born in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. His father was Irish and that entitled him to full Irish citizenship. He embraced it so heartily and wore green socks every day of his life. His father, Patrick, called 'Captain, was a bookmaker around the racecourses of Ireland and the north of England, an illegal occupation at the time. He dressed up like a dandy and sat on a stool at the racetrack shouting out the odds. O'Toole got Audrey Hepburn drunk on the set of the film How to Steal A Million for the first and only time in her career 'The young boy was in absolute awe of his father who always had a cigarette stuck on his lips and his fingers wrapped round a pint of Guinness.' Nicknamed 'Bubbles' because of his curly golden locks and being a little tubby, O'Toole was plagued by ill health and required a lengthy series of eye operations - eight on one eye alone - and suffered a burst appendix that infected his abdomen during a time before antibiotics and was sent to a hospital's isolation ward to recover. Taught by Jesuit priests and 'flapping nuns with white, withered hands', the young boy, who wasn't a very good student, found the nuns terrifying but still challenged them. But he loved the theatricality of the religion's rituals and he viewed serving as an alter boy at mass as his first performance. He drank with Meryl Streep before the Academy Awards ceremony in 2003 Religion was seeping into his soul and he briefly considered the priesthood after being influenced by one favorite Jesuit tutor. That fantasy vanished by age 15, when he heard 'tales of priests with wandering hands'. 'It was abominable. I was lucky. I wasn't affected by it. The hard kids put a needle in their trousers so that when the priest went to touch them they got a nasty shock,' the author quotes O'Toole. Following school, he joined the Royal Navy, 'bulls***ing that he came from a long line of Irish salty sea dogs'. 'I preferred the sea and I vomited over every square inch of it,' he said. 'I would stand alone on deck at night talking to seagulls for hours.' Arrested for stealing extra rations of rum, he argued it was a cold day, saying 'it was a bloody nightmare'. In a conversation with the captain, he once said: 'I quite fancy myself either as a poet or an actor'. And when it was all over, he threw his uniform in the Thames River, recalled his conversation with the captain and set out on his own path in life. After a series of odd jobs, he enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. By winter of 1953, in awe he watched Richard Burton performing in King John at London's Old Vic Theater. That same year he met veteran actor Wilfrid Lawson while traveling in the tube, and Lawson became a mentor with his 'brazen, slightly daft and not giving a f**k for convention', writes Sellers. He was married to actress Sian Phillips for 20 years, but they divorced when she could no longer handle his drinking or abuse Lawson was also an alcoholic. O'Toole witnessed 'antics galore', and he was mightily inspired. During one of Lawson's performances with an actress he took a strong dislike to, just when she was started her big speech, a large puddle of liquid began seeping on the stage distracting the audience. 'Lawson was behind the prop door taking a piss,' Sellers writes. Years later, O'Toole pulled his own prank on an actress, Wendy Williams. She looked wistfully off into the wings where O'Toole was ready to come on 'when O'Toole methodically and quite deliberately began to undo his fly and produce a hefty and erect phallus'. She watched with incredulity 'as he proceeded to snip the top off with a pair of scissors and pop it in his mouth, at which point she fainted', writes Sellers. O'Toole pleaded ignorance and when asked what he was doing, he replied, 'I was eating a banana'. Acting in the film, The Lion in Winter in 1967, with Katharine Hepburn, the grand dame insisted on calling O'Toole 'pig'. But it was a love-hate relationship - concerned for his health, she bought him a bike and ordered him to cycle to and from the studio. O'Toole christened her 'Nags' and unloaded empty liquor bottles in her car one night. When he kept her waiting on the set, she stormed in shouting and punching him hard. He later apologized, but when he kept the makeup people waiting, she whacked him about the head and screamed, 'You son of a b****'. When he accidentally cut off the tip of his finger in one scene, he dipped it in brandy and stuffed it back on, wrapping it with poultice. Three weeks later, he discovered he had put it on the wrong way. Scotch in one hand, ulcer medication in the other and smoking Gauloises cigarettes, it was all bound to take it's toll. O'Toole became so ill he had to be fed water through a tube in his stomach. Acting in the film, The Lion in Winter in 1967, with Katharine Hepburn, the grand dame insisted on calling O'Toole 'pig'. But it was a love-hate relationship - concerned for his health, she bought him a bike and ordered him to cycle to and from the studio After falling for Welsh actress Sian Phillips, his leading lady in a touring production of a comedy The Holiday, they realized they were soul mates - except for the fact that she didn't drink. So O'Toole set off to initiate her into 'the dark arts of boozing', introducing whisky and beer to her and spending evenings in pubs she sipped the black nectar and he 'quaffed away like a man possessed'. They married in 1959, and she didn't see the warning signs even when he threw all of her clothing out the window and said she wore too much black and violet. But she feared for his survival after finding him in the morning intoxicated and asleep in an armchair. There were rows for hours in which he could be savage in hurtful diatribes that he aimed at her. He objected to her having had a previous sex life and often brought it up in public. And at the same time, he often drank so much he didn't wake up for three days. There seemed to be no place for Sian in the home, even though she was a loving wife and mother. And she could pursue acting as long as it didn't interfere with his career. The couple had two daughters together. And though O'Toole loved his girls, he didn't want them under his feet. Once he divorced Phillips, O'Toole eventually moved on to American model Karen Brown. He is pictured above with Brown (center) and his daughter Kate (left) in 1982 'My father decreed that we were to be neither seen nor heard unless specifically invited into the presence,' remembered his daughter Kate. The children and their nanny lived on the top floor nursery, a self-contained flat, and when O'Toole and Sian came up one evening to visit them, young Patricia did not recognize the man her mother was with. It was then that Sian decided decorate the house with photos of the girls' father. His marriage to Sian fell apart when he began having affairs with a waitress and a budding actress and began smoking dope. Sian began her own relationship with actor Robin Sachs whom she later married. 'I was a hopeless husband,' O'Toole confessed. 'Hopeless. I'm a loving man but not a particularly well-behaved one'. In their 1979 divorce, he bought Sian out of the house and she received almost nothing else. He also demanded all the beautiful jewelry he had given to her over the years to be returned and had it sold at Sotheby's. Her allowance was stopped, her medical insurance cancelled - a complete severing - and they rarely crossed paths again. O'Toole was an ego-driven man, and he expected everything to go his way. He couldn't understand how she could leave him especially for a younger man. But she had lived with him for almost 20 years and finally had enough. By 1980, he stopped playing the bad boy and cut out the binges and the many lost weekends. 'The pleasure wasn't worth the pain,' Sellers writes. He was now a 'ravaged shell of a man' and had lost his looks. Yet he remained unrepentant to the end, saying 'I wouldn't have missed one drop of alcohol that I drank'. In 2006, O'Toole earned his eighth and final Oscar nomination for Best Actor for a low-budget independent film called Venus. He's pictured above at the ceremony with son Lorcan and daughter Kate Eventually, O'Toole moved on. His spleen was removed, he had half a pancreas but still smoked weed and looked even more gaunt and haggard. Sometimes no one could understand what he was saying. He began dating Trudie Styler, who later married Sting. Styler was acting in the Old Vic production of Macbeth in 1980 with O'Toole. Author Robert Sellers reveals tales of O'Toole's life in his new book, Peter O'Toole: The Definitive Biography Critics ravaged the play calling O'Toole's performance 'deranged' and 'the funeral of that style of performer and acting'. When word of the play's reception reached Hepburn, his old friend called and queried him about the audiences. When he responded 'packed', she told him, 'Remember this, my boy, you are the most original actor to come out of Britain since the war and f**k the critics'. He parted ways with Styler and began dating a model fifteen years his junior. In 2006, O'Toole earned his eighth and final Oscar nomination for Best Actor for a low-budget independent film called Venus - 'after 20 years of indifferent film work'. The director Roger Michell described O'Toole: 'He's a c**t. But a c**t with a lion's heart, and that great ferocious rage shines through his performance in the most surprising and glorious way.' O'Toole retired in July 2012 to his home in Ireland with his son, Lorcan, born in 1983 from his later relationship with the American former model Karen Brown. He wept when he was told his dear friends Richard Burton and Richard Harris had died. O'Toole had been a leading man for half a century and now became a recluse. He had lost his looks and was unrepentant to the end. He died on December 14, 2013, and his ashes scattered near his beloved home in Clifden, Ireland. Gloating Europhiles hailed Theresa May's humiliation tonight after judges ruled she cannot trigger Brexit without approval from parliament. The dramatic decision at the High Court raises the prospect of months of delay while MPs and peers fight a rearguard action against cutting ties with Brussels. It sparked furious accusations that 'activist' judges are mounting a 'power grab' by siding with pro-EU campaigners against the will of the public. But the businesswoman and former model who spearheaded the legal challenge, Gina Miller, goaded Brexiteers by saying they should 'celebrate' the ruling. Scottish First minister Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the outcome as 'significant', while former Cabinet minister Ken Clarke said giving parliament the power would help stop ministers 'squabbling'. The case was brought by British citizens Gina Miller, a business woman, pictured outside the High Court after the landmark ruling today Judges delivered a 'slap in the face' to Theresa May (pictured at last night's Spectator Parliamentarian of the Year awards in central London) today as they ruled that MPs must be given a vote before the Government fires the starting gun on Brexit The premier had wanted to invoked Article 50 - which begins the formal two-year Brexit process - alone. But the judges insisted that would be unconstitutional and she must pass legislation through parliament. Downing Street insisted Mrs May still believed she should be able to launch the mechanism under so-called 'royal prerogative' powers granted to ministers. The stage is now set for an extraordinary showdown in the Supreme Court next month - with the fate of the country potentially at stake. Another setback there could force Mrs May to put legislation through Parliament, opening the door for Europhile MPs and peers to delay or even wreck Brexit. Two-thirds of the Commons backed staying in the EU, and the Lords is also believed to have a Remain majority. Mrs Sturgeon suggested her 54 SNP MPs could oppose invoking Article 50 if there is a Commons vote. 'Scotland voted to remain in the EU and my job is therefore to protect our place in Europe and in the single market as far as I possibly can,' she said. BATTLE BETWEEN MINISTERS' AGE-OLD PREROGATIVE POWERS AND PARLIAMENT The High Court battle turned on whether the age-old royal prerogative rules trumped the sovereignty of parliament. Theresa May's lawyers argued that she is able to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty - the formal two-year process for leaving the EU - using the powers, which have been at the heart of UK foreign affairs for centuries. Historically, the list of prerogative powers that can be exercised by ministers include declaring war, pardoning criminals, and regulating the Civil Service. But the judges backed the legal challenge brought by Remain supporters, who said the prerogative powers were not sufficient and parliamentary approval was needed for an act that would in effect repeal legislation. Advertisement 'SNP MPs in the House of Commons will certainly not vote for anything that undermines the will or the interest of the Scottish people.' Amid a wave of condemnation on social media of the controversial decision, Ukip leader Nigel Farage warned there would be public outrage if parliament used its power to block the referendum result. 'I worry that a betrayal may be near at hand,' he said. 'I now fear that every attempt will be made to block or delay the triggering of Article 50. If this is so, they have no idea of the level of public anger they will provoke.' But Mrs Miller responded: 'I think Mr Farage should be more responsible in his messages because he himself, presumably, believes in the sovereignty of Parliament because he spouted about it throughout the referendum. 'So I would say to him: You should celebrate the win today because the ruling is one that protects the sovereignty of Parliament'. Tory grandee and arch-Europhile Mr Clarke said the Government will have to give MPs a vote on its Brexit strategy in a return to 'proper parliamentary democracy' rather than decisions being taken in Cabinet committees of 'squabbling colleagues'. He told BBC Radio 4's PM: 'I think the argument that somehow everything has been decided by this one vote is wrong, it's a childish attempt to avoid debate, the vote was we leave the EU, but it was silent on the terms. 'Even the leading campaigners, the leading Brexiteers do not agree with each other (on the terms).' Former Remain campaign chief Will Straw said: 'Brexit still means Brexit. But sovereignty means sovereignty too.' Labour MP Stephen Kinnock accused Brexiteers of being 'scared' of parliament. Mrs Miller (right) was clearly jubilant at the High Court after the ruling was announced. Scottish First minister Nicola Sturgeon said the outcome was 'significant' Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker ridiculed Brexiteers' anger with a post on Twitter 'There was a pre-referendum majority for Remain in the House of Commons, there is now a post-referendum clear majority for Leave,' he said. 'I don't know what Dominic and the Prime Minister and all these people are scared of. 'Why don't we just have a mature, sober debate in Parliament, as we do on any issue that comes before us, and this happens to be the most important since the Second World War. 'Let's have the debate, let's put it forward. 'In terms of an election, bring it on.' Former Lib Dem leader Lord Campbell said today's ruling was a 'clear illustration of the well-known legal principle that no matter how high you are, the law is above you'. Gordon Brown called for parts of the UK to be given powers to negotiate their own Brexit deals Nicky Morgan, a former Cabinet minister and Remain campaigner, said the High Court had 'asserted democracy'. Labour MP Stephen Kinnock accused Brexiteers of being 'scared' 'It is a slap in the face for the Government. It shows the dangers of playing ducks and drakes with the constitution and particularly the sovereignty of Parliament.' Nicky Morgan, a former Cabinet minister and Remain campaigner, said the High Court had 'asserted democracy' with its ruling and said the chances of the Government hitting Mrs May's Article 50 deadline of the end of March were 'quite strong'. Former PM Gordon Brown called for nations and regions to be given powers allowing them to negotiate directly with the European Union. 'We need wholesale reform because today the United Kingdom appears united in name only,' he said. 'Politically, the strains of Brexit are already showing, as different nations, regions, sectors and companies desperately seek their own opt-outs from a hard Brexit and call for their own a la carte version of Brexit.' POUND SOARS AFTER HIGH COURT RULING The pound soared after news of the High Court decision today Sterling leapt to a three-and-a-half week high against the US dollar after the High Court ruled that Brexit must face a parliamentary vote before Article 50 is triggered. The pound surged to 1.249 versus the dollar, before paring gains to trade up 1 per cent at 1.243. Three senior judges ruled that Prime Minister Theresa May does not have the power to use the royal prerogative to push the button on Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty without the prior authority of Parliament. Sterling also climbed 1 per cent against the euro to 1.120, despite the Government's immediate announcement that it would appeal against the decision at the Supreme Court. Advertisement Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker ridiculed Brexiteers' anger with a post on Twitter. 'Absolutely outrageous that parliament might have to make a political decision on the country's future,' he said sarcastically. Ukip leadership frontrunner Suzanne Evans said: 'How dare these activist judges attempt to overturn our will? 'It's a power grab & undermines democracy. 'Time we had the right to sack them.' Brexit Secretary David Davis said the option of having a one-off Commons vote on invoking Article 50 was 'not available' to the government due to the fine print of the court ruling. Instead it will need to table primary legislation and get it through both Houses unless the court ruling is overturned. The development immediately fueled speculation that Mrs May will call a general election before 2020. Under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, the next election is not due to take place until 2020 unless the Government loses a vote of no confidence or there is a vote by MPs with a two-thirds majority in favour of an early election. It is very unlikely that the government could pass primary legislation in time to achieve Mrs May's goal of beginning Brexit by the end of March. Many MPs believe the PM will not want to hold a general election too close to the moment when the UK actually leaves the bloc, as it could be a turbulent period. They suggest any delay to Article 50 would make her more likely to opt for a national poll in 2018. The Prime Minister's spokeswoman appeared to water down her stance on an early election slightly this evening - merely saying there 'should not' be a vote before 2020. 'There shouldn't be a General Election before 2020 that remains the Prime Minister's view,' the spokeswoman said. Downing Street insists the decision of the Supreme Court will be final, and believes there will be no recourse to European courts because the matter is a question of UK constitutional law. Deustche Bank has now installed an election before 2020 as its 'base' prediction. Tory former minister Dominic Raab said an election could happen if Remain-backing MPs tried to block the triggering of Article 50 in a Commons vote. Appearing on BBC Two's Daily Politics, Mr Raab said: 'I think that's the Pandora's Box. 'I think the elephant in the room here is if we get to the stage where effectively Stephen and his colleagues are not willing to allow this negotiation to even begin, I think there must be an increased chance that we will need to go to the country again. 'I think that would be a mistake and I don't think those trying to frustrate the verdict in the referendum will be rewarded.' Labour MP Mike Gapes, a Remain supporter, said a general election before Article 50 is triggered was now likely. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon suggested her 54 SNP MPs could oppose invoking Article 50 if there is a Commons vote He tweeted: 'I predicted an early election. I think this court judgment makes it now very likely before Article 50 is triggered.' The pound soared against the dollar in reaction to today's decision. Bank of England governor Mark Carney said it underlined the 'uncertainty' around Brexit and warned that would hit the economy. 'It is an example of the uncertainty that will characterise this process... That uncertainty does bear down on business investment, that effect builds with time, lower business investment has consequences for employment ultimately, it has consequences for productivity.' In an humiliation for the Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC, who personally made the case in court, the judges flatly dismissed the government's arguments. They concluded that the PM does not have the power to withdraw rights from the public by executive decision - something the High Court said would happen by invoking Article 50 and starting the 'irreversible' process of Brexit. 'In the judgement of the Court, the argument is contrary both to the language used by Parliament in the 1972 Act and to the fundamental constitutional principles of the sovereignty of Parliament and the absence of any entitlement on the part of the Crown to change domestic law by the exercise of its prerogative powers,' the ruling said. 'The court expressly accepts the principal argument of the claimants.' D-Day for the Supreme Court appeal is December 7 and Theresa May will be desperately hoping her arguments are better received so the issue is ended before Christmas. If the appeal fails - something which could even cost Attorney General Jeremy Wright his job - Mrs May will be forced into the parliamentary trenches to make the necessary changes to the law to invoke article 50. A government spokesman said: 'The Government is disappointed by the Court's judgment.' Ukip leadership hopeful Suzanne Evans was among those voicing fury at the ruling Remain campaigners, led by businesswoman Gina Miller (pictured outside court today, left) have won their battle over Theresa May's decision not to give MPs a vote before triggering Article 50. It is a personal humiliation for Attorney General Jeremy Wright (pictured right) 'The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by Act of Parliament. And the Government is determined to respect the result of the referendum. 'We will appeal this judgment.' Mrs May had argued the public has delivered its verdict on the June 23 referendum and there should be no second vote by MPs which could frustrate the process. She will hold talks with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker tomorrow. Tory MP and prominent Brexit campaigner Jacob Rees-Mogg said the judgement 'turns on its head' convention over the Prime Minister's powers - insisting Parliament had already been involved in allowing the referendum. He told Sky News: 'I'm very surprised. What's surprised me is every court case brought against the European treaties, when powers were flowing to the EU, and the Government's powers were upheld. In a decision that could spark a major constitutional crisis, Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas (pictured) sided with Remain campaigners who argued Parliament must have a vote before Article 50 is triggered, which starts a two-year process for leaving the EU 'Now, when it is powers being taken away from the EU, they rule against the Royal Prerogative.' The case was brought by British citizens Gina Miller and Deir dos Santos, a hairdresser. They claimed the Prime Minister has wrongly side-stepping Parliament in refusing MPs a vote on triggering Article 50. Gina Miller, the businesswoman who brought the case, said today's High Court ruling was 'about all our futures' as she hailed the historic judgement Pimlico Plumbers boss Charlie Mullins, who supported the legal case against the government, outside the High Court in London today Welcoming the decision outside the High Court today, Ms Miller said: 'This result today is about all of us: our United Kingdom and our futures. 'It is not about how any of us voted each of us voted to do what we believed was the right thing for our country.' She added: 'This case is about process, not politics. My dedicated legal team Mishcon de Reya and counsel are, alongside myself and my supporters, pleased to have played our part in helping form a debate on whether the rights conferred on UK citizens through Parliament legislation 44 years ago could be casually snuffed out by the Executive without Parliament or our elected representatives and without proper prior consultation about the Government's intentions for Brexit.' 'However you voted on 23rd June, we all owe it to our country to uphold the highest standards of transparency and democratic accountability that we are admired and respected for around the world.' Ukip leader Nigel Farage said he feared attempts to block Article 50 altogether, while the party's sole MP Douglas Carswell said the judges were 'politicians without accountability' Welcoming the High Court's decision today, Gina Miller, the businesswoman who brought the case, said: 'This result today is about all of us: our United Kingdom and our futures' Asked about the ruling this morning, European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said: 'On the UK High Court decision on Article 50, we will not comment on any issues that pertain to the internal legal and constitutional order of our member states.' The historic court case came as the author of Article 50 has said the UK could choose to remain in the EU even after exit negotiations begin. John Kerr said the UK could still legally choose to reject a Brexit after the legislation that begins formal negotiations is invoked. The Scottish cross-bench peer, who wrote Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty, also renewed calls for parliament or the public have another say on the referendum. Lord Kerr told the BBC: 'It is not irrevocable - you can change your mind while the process is going on. 'During that period, if a country were to decide actually we don't want to leave after all, everybody would be very cross about it being a waste of time, they might try to extract a political price, but legally they couldn't insist that you leave.' There was a huge backlash against the court ruling on Twitter, with users complaining that it showed the establishment ignoring democracy Lord Kerr's remarks came as peers said the UK would have to seek new allies at the United Nations after Brexit. Former Foreign Office minister Lord Howell of Guildford said the UK would need to 'reinvigorate' old ties and 'build strong new alliances' once it left the EU. The Lords International Relations Committee said Brexit would require the UK to 'reconsider its methods of operation' at the United Nations, but should seek to continue to work closely with its former EU partners. The cross-party committee said: 'The UK should negotiate its exit from the EU bearing in mind that one of our strongest allies in international organisations will be the EU. Therefore, as part of its Brexit negotiations, the UK should aim to set up effective ways of continuing to work closely with the EU at the UN. 'Simultaneously, the UK should seek to diversify its alliances, creatively considering new opportunities and methods of leveraging its alliances and influencing other regional blocs at the UN.' That could include working more closely with Commonwealth allies even though they may not act as a single effective bloc at the UN. Prime Minister Theresa May has argued the public has delivered its verdict on the June 23 referendum and there should be no second vote by MPs which could frustrate the process The committee's chairman, Lord Howell, said: 'Given the new status that the UK will have outside of the EU, our committee feels strongly that the UN will be an increasingly important arena in which to promote our foreign policy objectives. We will need to reinvigorate both old ties and build new strong alliances where possible.' What happens next for Brexit? The Government is appealing but it might have to go into Parliamentary trenches and fight for the right to quit the EU If the Government fails to overturn the High Court ruling or concedes it must press on to keep to its Brexit timetable, it will have to pass Article 50 through Parliament. D-Day for the Supreme Court appeal is December 7 and Theresa May will be desperately hoping her arguments are better received so the issue is ended before Christmas. Today's ruling said the Prime Minister does not have the power to withdraw rights from the public by executive decision - something the High Court said would happen by invoking Article 50 and starting the 'irreversible' process of Brexit. If the appeal fails - something which could even cost Attorney General Jeremy Wright his job - Mrs May will be forced into the parliamentary trenches to make the necessary changes to the law to invoke article 50. The nuclear option for Mrs May could be forcing an early general election to answer the question over her powers - but to stay on schedule to invoke Article 50 by the end of March would mean going to the polls as soon as February. Theresa May, pictured at last night's Spectator Awards, may have little choice but to concede a Parliamentary process rather than pursue months of appeals The change to the law could be done a very simple one clause Bill to expedite the process and limit the chance of trouble making amendments. Normal procedure for legislation would take months as a Bill goes through both the Commons and the Lords. But the Government has in the past declared court judgements as a reason to invoke 'emergency' procedures, rushing through legislation in a matter of hours. Alternatively, as the court has not specified the form of Parliamentary vote required, the Government may argue a simple motion is sufficient and not full legislation. This would strongly limit the chance of amendment and speed up the process - but could conceivably be open to further challenge as it would not have the force of a change in the law. A third possibility is to use a statutory instrument, a piece of secondary law, which is impossible to amend and can be put through Parliament quickly - but it can be rejected by MPs or peers on a single vote. The judges who blocked Brexit include one who founded a EUROPEAN law group and a second who charged the taxpayer millions for advice The three judges whose decision has sparked a constitutional crisis over Brexit include the founder of a European law group and a former Olympic fencer. The country's most senior judge Lord Chief Justice, Baron Thomas of Cwmgiedd, aided by Sir Terence Etherton and Lord Justice Sales, ruled that the Prime Minister does not have power to trigger Article 50 to start the two-year Brexit process. The unelected trio, three of the most experienced members of the British judiciary, were today accused of 'striking down the will of the people to set in train leaving the EU'. But, in explaining the judges' decision today, Lord Thomas insisted they were concerned with 'a pure question of law' and were not expressing any view about the merits of leaving the European Union, which is, he said 'a political issue'. Baron Thomas of Cwmgiedd was one of three judges behind today's Brexit ruling, which found Theresa May does not have the power to trigger the process of leaving the EU He was aided by 'Master of the Rolls' Sir Terence Etherton (left) and Lord Justice Sales (right) Lord Thomas was a founding member of the European Law Institute, which says it works towards the 'enhancement of European legal integration'. He helped found the organisation, which conducts research and make recommendations to provide practical guidance, alongside Liberal Democrat MEP Diana Wallis, who is now its president. But the judge has previously been critical of European judges.In 2014, in a judgement on whole-life tariffs, he said Strasbourg had been wrong in law to rule that such sentences were in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. In that ruling, Lord Thomas - whose full name is Roger John Laugharne Thomas - said it was for Parliament to decide which crimes were so serious that the offender should never go free. The judge was handed the job of leading the judiciary in 2013, beating off a strong field including Sir Brian Leveson, who ran the inquiry into press standards. Lord Thomas's career as a judge was built in the commercial wing of the High Court before he became a Lord Justice of Appeal, overseeing criminals' claims of miscarriages of justice. Lord Thomas is the founding member of a European Law Institute, which works towards 'European legal integration'. Sir Terence Etherton is a former Olympian Lord Thomas was also one of the judges who presided over the final hearings last year that sent terror suspect Abu Hamza for trial in the US. Cambridge-educated Lord Thomas, 69, was part of a team of judges who negotiated Tony Blair's constitution reforms of the mid-2000s. Mr Blair's decision to scrap the ancient role of Lord Chancellor inside government left the Lord Chief Justice as leader of and spokesman for judges, as well as the senior judge in deciding the interpretation of criminal law. When he was later appointed to the role, Lord Thomas said the judiciary would 'continue to become more reflective of our diverse society. 'It will also continue to play a constructive role in its relationships with Government, Parliament and the media.' Lord Thomas said. Lord Thomas was assisted in making today's historic decision by two other senior judges; Sir Terence Etherton and Lord Justice Sales. Gina Miller, who brought the case against the government, walks from the High Court today Master of the Rolls Sir Terence Etherton, 65, is the second most senior judge in England and Wales, after Lord Thomas. He made legal history almost a decade ago when he became the first openly gay judge to be made a Lord Justice of Appeal, and is a former Olympic fencer. Lord Justice Sales, 54, meanwhile usually sits in the Court of Appeal and is a former First Treasury Counsel, representing the UK government in the civil courts. He was criticised for charging the taxpayer 3.3million in his first six years in the job from 1997. Sir Terence Etherton was called to the Bar in 1974 and became a QC in 1990. He was appointed a High Court Judge in 2001 before becoming a Lord Justice of Appeal in 2008. The South American born former model who took on Theresa May and won Winner: Gina Miller laughs outside the High Court today after beating the Government over their right to invoke Article 50 Glamourous, feisty and impeccably well-connected, South American-born former model Gina Miller humiliated Theresa May and derailed British democracy because Brexit made her feel 'physically sick'. Mrs Miller, 51, lives in London with her financier husband Alan, nicknamed 'Mr Hedge Fund' because he made 30 million after starting one of the City's first in 1997. The couple run an investment firm with a reported 100million in its portfolios. Nicknamed 'Mrs Wham Glam' by friends, she has now been branded 'woman of the century' by Remainers who cheered her on the steps of the High Court today. The mother-of-three, who was born in Guyana but grew up in Britain, became a successful City investment manager and also set up the No.1 Ladies' Investment Club for women in business. And friends say she is sharp-witted and acid-tongued, with a reputation for winning every argument. Describing herself as a 'natural fighter, she has rattled cages in the City and accused the charity sector of widespread inefficiencies. But this year Mrs Miller, a Labour supporter, put the Government's Brexit plans in her sights because she was 'absolutely stunned' by the referendum result. Mrs Miller, who voted Remain, brought the case with the help of a Portuguese hairdresser called Deir Santos because the Brexit vote on June 23 made her feel 'physically sick'. Friends say businesswoman Gina Miller is known as sharp-witted and acid-tongued, with a reputation for winning every argument Their high-powered team of lawyers to London's High Court, led by top lawyer Lord Pannick QC and a team up to 11 more barristers, has now embarrassed Theresa May. Outside the Royal Courts of Justice today Mrs Miller laughed uproariously as she was cheered and clapped by supporters waving EU flags after her win. Online her fans called her a 'national hero' and 'the woman of the century'. She said: 'You can't have a Government casually throwing away people's rights, that why we turned to the courts. It is about process not politics'. Duane Massie, 23, above, allegedly punched and kicked a Taco Bell customer who police say became abusive after an order mix-up A Taco Bell worker used Muay Thai fighting moves to assault a customer who complained about a wrong food order, police say. Duane Massie, 23, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of aggravated assault after cops say he 'clocked out' of his job at the Salt Lake City, Utah, restaurant and attacked the man. The customer became verbally abusive with employees after an order mix-up, the Deseret News reported. The customer, who is 64-years-old and was wearing a catheter (or picc line) in his arm, then tried to punch an employee who escorted him out, reports suggest. Massie went outside to confront the man and when a female employee tried to intervene, the customer allegedly shoved her. That's when Massie punched the customer, police say. He then allegedly kicked him several times in the face and body, even after he had collapsed on the ground and his picc line became dislodged. The customer was rushed to the hospital and had to have surgery. Massie went home, where police later arrested him. He is said to have a green belt in Muay Thai. The Taco Bell in Salt Lake City (above) was the scene of a worker allegedly assaulting a customer who'd become unruly He has not yet been charged and does not yet appear to have an attorney to comment on his behalf. Taco Bell issued a statement saying: 'The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority. ' Taco Bell and its franchisee, ES-O-EN Corp., the owner and operator of this Salt Lake City Taco Bell restaurant, were very disturbed to learn about this incident. 'ES-O-EN is fully cooperating with the Salt Lake City police in their investigation.' The identity of the hunter who killed Pedals the bear with a crossbow will remain secret after the authorities in New Jersey refused to release it. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection exclusively told DailyMail.com that revealing who shot Pedals would be a breach of their privacy - and even put their personal security at risk. The department released the form filled in when the bear was brought in to a check-in station - but redacted the name of the hunter. Pedals shot to fame after footage went viral of the animal walking around New Jersey. The black bear got his name for his tendency to walk around on just two paws, or bipedal. Such was his popularity that the NJDEP said that releasing the name was likely to risk the hunter's security and could lead to harassment, after people called online to have the shooter killed or even castrated. Scroll down for video The identity of the hunter who killed Pedals the bear with a crossbow will remain secret after the authorities in New Jersey refused to release it Pedals' death was confirmed by the NJDEP as having taken place on October 10 during its annual state bear hunt, although authorities initially said there was no way to prove it was him. Pedals shot to fame after footage emerged of him walking around on his hind legs The form, obtained by DailyMail.com, is the closest that Pedals will have to death certificate and reveals that he was shot dead with a crossbow in Picatinny Township, where he had been spotted in the past. Pedals gained international recognition after videos emerged of him walking on his hind legs in the town of Oak Ridge, New Jersey in 2014. The black bear had an injured paw and was missing the other one making it hard for him to walk on all fours - so he walked on his hind legs instead. The videos went viral and were seen more than one million times on YouTube, while a Facebook page set up in his honor has almost 23,000 likes. After Pedals' death he was brought to the Green Pond check-in station, where the input form says that he weighed 334lbs and had a head circumference of 73cm. Tooth and tissue samples were collected by the NJDEP and the form, obtained by DailyMail.com through a public records request, notes that Pedals was not tagged. Pedals had a chest blaze, or white hair on his chest, the form says. The NJDEP has included the license of the hunter who shot Pedals - but has blacked out his personal information. In its response the NJDEP wrote that the 'release of personal identifying information would violate the reasonable expectation of privacy of the individual(s) and could place the individual(s) at risk for harassment, thus raising personal security and safety concerns'. Pedals after he was shot by the unknown hunter In bureaucratic language, the NJDEP added that it had 'no way of conclusively verifying the identity of Pedals'. It said: 'However, to the extent that your request is seeking records containing the name of the hunter who allegedly harvested the bear with injuries and chest markings that appear to be consistent with those of the bear seen walking upright in several videos taken from North Jersey residents over the past two years, the NJDEP has interpreted your request as seeking the "Check Station Input Form" for the Green Pond check-in'. In the wake of Pedals' death, a statement on the Pedals the Injured Biped Bear Facebook page read: 'PEDALS IS DEAD. The hunter who has wanted him dead for nearly 3 years had the satisfaction of putting an arrow through him, bragging at the [check] station'. The statement was by Lisa Rose-Rublac who was one of the founders of the page. She told journalists that observers at the check-in station had heard the hunter bragging as he brought Pedals in. On social media some people speculated that the New Jersey authorities wanted Pedals dead. Pedals' death was confirmed by the NJDEP as having taken place on October 10 during its annual state bear hunt Edie Wendelken Savino wrote: 'This is why they procrastinated. Not returning calls till days later after sightings. This was much easier for them'. THE BEAR NECESSITIES New Jersey is home to some 3,400 black bears, according to 2009 estimates. A regulated hunting season was reinstated in 2010. This year 549 bears were killed in the six-day October hunt, which aims to keep the black bear population in check. Some areas of the state have as many as three bears per square miles, according to the NJDEP. The organization has said other states with healthy bear populations have a population density of one bear per three square miles. Advertisement On Twitter supporters began Tweeting #JusticeforPedals and said that his killer should be castrated as punishment. Others wrote that they 'hope and pray that someone (is) hunting you' and called the hunter a 'murdering cowardly b******'. The identity of Pedals' killer had been the source of intense speculation and a post on Facebook said that the hunter who killed him 'wanted him dead for nearly 3 years'. A man called 'John' wrote on Facebook that he was Pedals' killer but his claims were never verified. Another man called Thomas McCreary was outed by Internet sleuths but he denied it. He told the New Jersey Advance: 'No, I didn't kill Pedals. I've never shot a bear in New Jersey'. Before Pedals was shot dead more than 300,000 people signed a petition calling for him to be relocated to a wildlife sanctuary. Supporters raised $22,000 to move him so that he would not be killed but they were unsuccessful. On the Facebook page for 'Pedals the Injured Bear', founder Beth Ann Bauman wrote: 'Pedals was nothing short of amazing. His determination was inspiring...Pedals deserved better. It didn't have to end this way'. A man found dead at a Melbourne boarding house and his housemate has been charged with murder. Gary Sean O'Connor, 53, appeared at an out-of-sessions court hearing accused of stabbing Michael Barnicoat, 47, 18 times using an ice pick at their share house in Springvale, south east of Melbourne, The Age reported. He was charged with one count of murder and breaching a community corrections order. Scroll down for video Gary Sean O'Connor was charged for murdering his housemate Michael Barnicoat, 47, at their Springvale share house on Tuesday night O'Connor, dressed in a blue disposable jumpsuit and with a cast on his right arm, unsuccessfully applied for bail in an out of sessions hearing in Melbourne on Wednesday night. He admitted in a police interview to stabbing Barnicoat twice, police informant Detective Senior Constable Christopher Saulle told the hearing. A verbal argument at the house became physical between the pair about midnight on Tuesday, Constable Saulle said. Other housemates ran out to find the victim crouched over in the hallway. One called police while another attempted CPR. Housemate Jason Sharkey said the argument over the debt had been going on for some time, in a report by 9News. 'Eventually someone is going to fold. Unfortunately, it ended up this way,' Mr Sharkey said. Housemate Jason Shakey said the two had been arguing over a debt for quite some time CPR efforts continued when police arrived, but the man died at the scene and O'Connor was found with blood on his hands and clothes, the hearing was told. O'Connor told police he stabbed the victim twice, but the man's body had 18 incise wounds and blunt force trauma to the face, Constable Saulle said. O'Connor told the bail justice he was on prescription medication and needed an x-ray for his right arm next week. The bail justice refused to release O'Connor because he posed an unacceptable risk to public safety. O'Connor was remanded in custody will appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday. The following editorial appeared in the Oct. 27 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Government has suspended but not ended the clawback of re-enlistment bonuses given to thousands of current and former soldiers of the California National Guard for service in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. We say government because it is also unclear which branch of that hydra-headed beast is guilty of executing, or not taking the necessary steps to remedy, the fundamental injustice. Parties involved include the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, the National Guard Bureau, the California National Guard and, ultimately, the only body probably able to clean up the affair definitively, the U.S. Congress. Congress is in recess until after the elections Nov. 8, back home, asking citizens to vote for them to keep their jobs. What happened was that during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, the first of which has been underway since 2001 and the second since 2003, Americas armed forces were having predictable problems with recruitment. What Americans were doing fighting those wars was unclear, and the economy had not yet tanked, as it did starting in 2008, with the recession. Consequently, the California National Guard, through a federal program, saw fit to offer its soldiers bonuses of thousands of dollars to re-enlist to fill the gaps. Many of those soldiers are now being required to repay some $22 million that was paid to them at the time apparently mistakenly. One of the problems involved in the current disastrous situation is fraud and mismanagement among California National Guard officials. Soldiers who have not reimbursed the alleged debt are subject to interest accruing, wage garnishment and tax liens. Each of the governmental bodies involved, excluding the absent Congress, is claiming that it is unable to shut off the squeeze on Americas warriors, so they and their families in principle continue to have the thousands of dollars in debt claimed by government hanging over their heads as they try to live their lives. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has suspended collection for the moment, but the issue remains unresolved and the debt to the government is partly unpaid. Congress must fix this when it comes back from its election vacation, on an urgent basis. Soldiers who have already paid should get their money back, promptly, in full. This issue should be on top of Carters list, rather than some new war. The remains of a four-year-old girl who disappeared several years ago and died under mysterious circumstances have been found encased in concrete inside a plastic storage bin in Washington state. Detectives were led to a home in Everett on October 29 where they served a search warrant and found the body of the unidentified child. Relatives said they believe the youngsters died about four years ago, when she was in the care of her biological mother and her husband, Snohomish County sheriff's detectives said. The couple - who have a long history with police - are believed to have panicked when she died, wrapped the child's body up and then poured concrete over the remains when they started to smell. The pair then told people various stories about why she vanished - including the theory she had died from chicken pox, and the story she was going to live with relatives. Scroll down for video The remains of a young girl who disappeared and died four years ago under mysterious circumstances were found encased in concrete inside a plastic storage bin in Washington state. The home shown above where her body was found They are now being investigated for unlawful disposal of human remains, perjury and theft for reportedly collecting state assistance for the child, according toThe Daily Herald. The coroner has not yet confirmed the identity of the remains nor have any arrests have been made at this time. The investigation into the girl's disappearance first began when a concerned relative left a voicemail for police in October. Child Protective Services (CPS) workers had also been trying to find the child for several years prior to this summer, according to The Daily Herald. The young girl was born in 2007, was between the ages of three and five when she disappeared and would now be about nine years old. The last official record indicating she was alive was in September 2010, when she was immunized, according to KCPQ. Investigators have no information indicating she ever attended school and her death was never reported to police. Over the years, family life has been described as unstable marked by child abuse and parental drug use, according to court records. The couple told varying stories about what happened to the girl relating to her disappearance, including she had gone to live with other relatives, that she had died of chickenpox, police said in an affidavit filed in court. Following an investigation, detectives were led to a home in Everett on October 29 where they served a search warrant and found the body of the unidentified child The mother-of-four and her then-boyfriend also claimed the child and that she had drowned while taking a bath and that she had been attacked while bathing with a sibling, who they said drowned her and they decided to cover up her death. Detectives believe the couple 'panicked' and allegedly wrapped her body up in a towel and placed it inside the storage bin, instead of reporting her death to police. Relatives told detectives they believe the girls' body was kept at the couple's home in Lynnwood for several years until it started smelling, which was when the couple poured concrete over the body inside the container, the affidavit states. Over the years, visitors to the couple's home reported foul odors and were also told to stay away from the bin, relatives told investigators. One of the woman's relatives told investigators the mother had allegedly confided to her about trying to mask the foul odors by encasing the girl's body in cement. The bin containing the girl's remains was stashed in several locations while the family moved around throughout the years, including under a mobile home, in a garage and on an outside deck, according to relatives. The couple kept the container until they moved out and stashed it with a relative at the home in Everett where the body was found last week, the affidavit states. The mother allegedly kept receiving government benefits for the girl up until recently, CPS officials told KOMO News. Once CPS officials learned the girl was possibly dead, they began conducting a fraud probe, which is still ongoing. The sheriff's office had also been independently investigating the family after the girl's sister complained to school officials she had been touched inappropriately by her stepfather, The Daily Herald reported. The stepfather allegedly pleaded guilty to the allegations and was sentenced to more than three years in prison. Relatives told investigators they believe she died about four years ago, when she was four years old and in the care of her biological mother and her husband, Snohomish County sheriff's detectives said While dealing with that case, a CPS official pushed for more information about the missing girl and said if the family provided no information he would have to assume she was missing, records show. CPS officials had not had contact with the family between the period of July 2010 to June 2016, according to The Daily Herald. The girl's mother and a man believed to be her biological father had a tumultuous relationship and later divorced, court records show. In 2010, a family court investigator had recommended that neither parent receive custody of the children, who reportedly both admitted to drug abuse. The mother has a previous rap sheet that includes being convicted of forgery in 2001 after admitting to stealing checks from her parents to buy drugs and pay a dealer, according to The Daily Herald. She also reportedly admitted to felony theft in 2008 after stealing a friend's PlayStation 3. Following the investigation into the girl's disappearance, the mother's three other children have since been placed in out-of-home care. The dash cam of a car filmed a driver's close encounter with a A dash camera has captured a young girl's narrow escape as she crossed the road without looking only to be saved by a driver's quick response. The close encounter was filmed in a 50km/h zone in the suburbs of western Sydney as the driver was pulling out of a driveway and heading home. The young girl - wearing a school uniform - is wearing headphones and is hovering on the curb waiting to cross the street. Young girl does not look both ways before stepping out on the road in front of a car The young girl is wearing headphones and is unaware the car is potentially moments away from hitting her The car starts to pick up speed as another black car approaches in a narrow street. As the car begins to gather momentum, the girl, without looking both ways, steps off the curb. Thankfully, the driver saw the danger and comes to a sudden halt. The extremely close encounter frightens the teenager as she jumped in fear as the driver beeps the horn multiple times. The video can be compared to the scenarios in the RTA's Hazard Perception Test as learners must decide when a potential accident could occur. Took to social media for advice, with some friends warning and unsure the woman is who she claims to be Woman claims she bought laptop online for $945 but found it was locked An Australian teacher whose $2,800 laptop was stolen in April was lost for words when a Filipino woman reached out for his password seven months later. Tasmanias Damian Bourke had his cutting-edge MacBook Pro pinched from his hotel on the Gold Coast, leaving him sure he would never lay eyes on it again. But this week he opened a Facebook message from a woman 6,500 km away claiming she bought the laptop online and wanted the rightful owners iCloud pincode to unlock it. Damian Bourke was contacted this week by a Filipino woman requesting the password of his stolen $2,800 laptop Mr Bourke, who teaches year 5/6 Primary School students in Hobart, told Daily Mail Australia he had long since given up home on being reunited with his beloved new computer. I gave up a long time ago. Im a teacher so I had a buy a new one for work, and police said there was no signs of forced entry. I strongly suspect it was the cleaner, he said. He said he was taken aback when he opened the plea for the code from a woman named Almira Cintura, who claims she was also a victim in the ordeal. I had to see the funny side and take the good with the bad. I couldnt believe it, he said. The woman claims she bought laptop online for $945 but found it was locked The woman messaged him on Facebook requesting his icloud pincode to unlock the stolen computer Mr Bourke took to social media for advice, with some friends warning it was a scam Ms Cintura claimed she tried to return the laptop which she bought for $945 to the online seller but they cut off contact. Im not sure what to think at this point. I dont know if this lady is who she says is so I will have to think about how to move forward on this one. Leonard and Hazel Cherry's marriage spanned for over 74 years, but not even death could keep them apart. The high school sweethearts died within hours of each other last week after getting married in January of 1942 in Muldoon, Texas. Their only grandson, Craig Cherry, said that they had the strongest love ever. 'The two were always smiling and always deeply in love,' Cherry told KWTX. Their son, David Cherry, 72, said he's grateful that his parents can now be together forever. Scroll down for video True love: Leonard and Hazel Cherry's (above) marriage spanned for over 74 years, but not even death could keep them apart The high school sweethearts (above) died within hours of each other last week after getting married in January of 1942 in Muldoon, Texas 'I feel blessed that Daddy's suffering is over, and I feel blessed that Mom is with him and that she didn't have to live alone.' Leonard Cherry, 95, had only been in hospice care at the St. Catherine Center for a few days in Waco. His 93-year-old wife was in good health, but had moved into a nursing home, The Village at Providence Park, located next door. 'Mother had been driving around town and still going to the grocery store as recently as two weeks ago, but Dad's health had been failing for some years,' David Cherry said. Their only grandson, Craig Cherry, said that they had the strongest love ever Leonard Cherry sadly passed away on Thursday at 1pm and his wife died hours later at 11pm. It was not immediately clear what caused her death. 'It's kind of hard you know, you can't pick up the phone and call them anymore, or call mother and can't go by and see Dad,' David Cherry said of his parents. 'The more I began to think about it, I began to smile because of how much they loved each other.' Leonard Cherry served in the Army Air Corps and became a B-24 bomber pilot at the start of World War II. Leonard Cherry (left), 95, had only been in hospice care at the St. Catherine Center for a few days in Waco. His 93-year-old wife (right) was in good health, but had moved into a nursing home, The Village at Providence Park, located next door Leonard Cherry (left) sadly passed away on Thursday at 1pm and his wife, Hazel Cherry (right) died hours later at 11pm. It was not immediately clear what caused her death He was stationed at Carswell Army Air Corps Base, in Fort Worth where he trained others how to fly the plane. After the war ended, the couple stayed in Fort Worth where he went to work as an auto body repair man. Later on, Leonard Cherry owned his own auto repair business that they operated together until 1980. They eventually moved to Woodway to be closer with their son and grandson after selling the auto repair business. A memorial service for the couple is scheduled for Friday. Margaret Yescombe raced to close her windows when harlequin ladybirds native to Asia started infesting her home It sounds like the nightmarish plot of an Alfred Hitchcock movie ladybirds swarm around a home for days as the occupant cowers inside. Margaret Yescombe had to race to close her windows when the infestation suddenly began. The harlequin ladybirds native to Asia pelted against the windows of her rural two-bedroom cottage for three days before the siege ended. Millions of the insects, which are destroying British species, have been seeking out cosy spots to hibernate for the winter with centrally heated homes ideal. The harlequin has been blamed for a decline in at least seven of 25 native species as they carry a fungal disease fatal to home-grown ladybirds, which is effectively a sexually transmitted disease as it is passed on through mating. Miss Yescombe, who lives near Ickleton in Cambridgeshire, agreed the invasion had been like something out of Hitchcock's The Birds. The 35-year-old said: 'They just came out of nowhere and started hitting the window and streaming in. It was a struggle to close the window as I didn't want to squash any of them and by then they were already all over the window frame. 'I'm glad it was a pretty bug and not a locust or something like that. They just carried on pelting into the windows. It was relentless and they rained thick as snowflakes for two hours a day.' The photographer believes the ladybirds came from nearby woodland and targeted her home from last Friday until Sunday as it is the nearest property. It is thought the ladybirds (pictured) came from nearby woodland and targeted Miss Yescombe's Cambridgeshire cottage from last Friday until Sunday as it is the nearest property Hundreds managed to get inside and crawled up a wall in one room before settling down on a curtain rail. However, she managed to brush them into a tub that she then left outside. The species was first spotted in Britain in Essex in 2004. They had arrived in Europe in flowers, fruit and vegetables and then flew across the Channel to get here. Experts tracked them moving north at a rate of 60 miles a year and are they now found from the Isles of Scilly in the south to Shetland in the north. The insects pelted into the Cambridgeshire cottage's windows (pictured) as they 'rained thick as snowflakes' for two hours a day Swarms of harlequins, which are destroying British species, have been reported in a number of areas in recent days, including Southampton and Peterborough Worst hit of our native species is the two-spotted ladybird, whose numbers have plummeted by 50 per cent over the past decade. Swarms of harlequins have been reported in a number of areas in recent days, including Southampton and Peterborough. It is noticeably bigger than our ladybirds, at up to a third of an inch, and, while they are found in a range of colours, the most common variety is red or orange. Harlequin larvae are voracious eaters, with the young of other ladybirds being one of their favourite snacks. They do help keep down aphid numbers, however, and are a food source for larger insects such as house spiders. Justice Secretary Liz Truss will today declare that prison is not working as she unveils plans to sack failing governors and hire thousands of extra guards. In a scathing article, she blasts a failing system that is causing incalculable harm to the British public and costing every family 630 a year on reoffenders. She pledges to finally hold prison bosses to account if they fail to tackle drug abuse, violence and extremism behind bars. In what ministers say is the biggest shake-up for a generation, every prison will be ranked in a league table for the first time. Justice Secretary Liz Truss, pictured touring HMP Brixton, London with its governor David Bamford, has blasted the jail system in Britain Ms Truss, pictured inside Brixton Prison with its governor, said British prisons were failing and needed a shake-up The Cabinet Minister, pictured speaking to Brixton's custodial manager Wendy-Fisher McFarlane, will rank prisons in a league table for the first time The worst performers will have a new governor installed to fix the mess. There will also be no-fly zones imposed over jails in a drive to tackle the drones that are flooding prisons with the toxic cocktail of drugs and mobile phones. Offenders will also be tested for drugs on entry and exit from prison in what is dubbed the biggest shake-up for a generation. For more than 20 years, the Tory mantra proposed by Michael Howard has been that prison works. But Mrs Truss will say that, given the current state of the system, this is no longer the case. Writing for MailOnline today, she says: What is clear is that the system is not working. 'Almost half of offenders commit another crime within a year of release at a 15billion annual cost to society. That is the equivalent of a 630 for every household in England and Wales. The human cost is incalculable. 'As a society we have got much better at intervening and stopping people turning to a life of crime. 'However, our reoffending rates have remained too high for too long and that has got to change. A string of Justice Secretaries have pledged to overhaul the system, most recently Michael Gove. Aides insist she is not ditching her predecessors reforms, with Mr Goves flagship plan to give successful governors freedom from State control included in a jail reform White Paper published today. Ms Truss, pictured with Ms McFarlane, said the prison system is costing UK families 630 per year Worst-performing jails in the league table will see governors replaced with new bosses expected to fix problems Prisons such as Brixton, pictured, will also become no-fly zones to stop drones being flown into jails to supply inmates with drugs But amid sharply escalating violence against inmates and prison guards many of the cuts implemented during the Cameron austerity years will be reversed. An extra 104million a year will be spent on funding 2,500 extra frontline prison officers following years of complaints from the prison unions about dwindling numbers. Their main task will be reducing violence and stopping the flow of drugs. All inmates will face mandatory drug testing on arrival at prison rather than random checks to identify those inmates with problems. There are also plans for tests when prisoners leave. In addition, 300 sniffer dogs have been trained to detect psychoactive substances the so-called legal highs which have been identified as a factor behind surging incidents of violence. Other measures include action to combat drones dropping drugs and other items into prison grounds. One of the proposals understood to be under consideration is a trial with industry to test whether the co-ordinates of prisons could be built into drone technology so that the devices are prevented from flying over jails. As part of Ms Truss' reforms, an extra 104million a year will be spent on funding 2,500 extra frontline prison officers All inmates will face mandatory drug testing on arrival at prison rather than random checks to identify those inmates with problems In a speech in London today Mrs Truss will say: These extra officers and new safety measures will help us crack down on the toxic cocktail of drugs, drones and mobile phones that are flooding our prisons, imperilling the safety of staff and offenders and thwarting reform. She will add: It is absolutely right that prisons punish people who commit serious crimes by depriving them of their most fundamental right: liberty. However our reoffending rates have remained too high for too long. 'So prisons need to be more than places of containment they must be places of discipline, hard work and self-improvement. They must be places where offenders get off drugs and get the education and skills they need to turn their back on crime for good. A network of specialist hostels to protect victims of domestic abuse will be unveiled tomorrow. Fulfilling a long-standing pledge by Theresa May, the Government will pledge 20million to ensure no victim who needs help is turned away because of a shortage of facilities 'The system is not working': LIZ TRUSS on the 'most far-reaching reform of our prison system for a generation' By Liz Truss, Justice Secretary For my parents generation, picking a good school for their child amounted to a combination of word-of-mouth and plain pot luck. It would be unthinkable now, but in the 1970s and 1980s there was no National Curriculum, no Ofsted and no league tables for parents to make informed choices. There was no real way of knowing whether your local school was getting the best results from its pupils or churning out a generation for the dole queue. In almost every sector of public service, putting the spotlight on performance and publishing the findings, has produced widespread improvements in results. Our prisons are the last truly unreformed public service. Of course prisons are not schools and the vast majority of us will never walk through the gates or spend time behind their high walls. Ms Truss will say in a speech today that prisons 'must be places of discipline, hard work and self-improvement' However as a society we should be deeply troubled that we dont know how many offenders are just marking time in jail and how many are working hard to turn their lives around. What is clear is that the system is not working. Almost half of offenders commit another crime within a year of release at a staggering 15bn annual cost to society. That is the equivalent of a 630 for every household in England and Wales. The human cost is incalculable. As a society we have got much better at intervening and stopping people turning to a life of crime. However our reoffending rates have remained too high for too long and that has got to change. Of course the main purpose of prisons is punishment depriving criminals of their most fundamental right, freedom. However prisons have a vital role to play in cutting reoffending and helping reduce crime in our communities and I want to hold them to account for that. The change will be led by governors, cut free from Whitehall micro-management they get control over health, education and training budgets. For the first time governors will be held to account through a rigorous set of standards and new league tables which will show how well each prison is doing in getting prisoners off drugs and into work. This will highlight success, lay bare failure and drive improvement across the system. For the first time, the Secretary of State will have a legal duty to intervene when prisons are judged to be failing turning prisons where offenders are left to fester into places of discipline, hard work and self-improvement. For these reforms to take hold, we must address safety in our prisons. Statistics published last week showed a staggering 43 percent increase on assaults against our dedicated prison officer. Shocking incidents of self-harm and self-inflicted deaths are also increasing. We are facing new and challenging threats to our prisons from drones flying in weapons, to synthetic drugs making offenders volatile and lethally strong. The abuse of these dangerous new drugs has been described by experts as a game-changer for prisons. So we are introducing a range of new measures to combat the flood of psychoactive drugs that fuel violence and thwart reform, to block drones and illegal phones in our jails and to strengthen the frontline with 2,500 more officers. I am embarking on the most far-reaching reform of our prison system for a generation closing old, dilapidated prisons and replacing them with modern facilities, investing in front-line prison officers; giving governors the authority they need to drive forward reform and, for the first time, holding prisons to account for what they do reforming offenders. Medical experts are pushing for e-cigarettes to be made legal in Australia in a bid to save 'millions of lives' and help smokers to kick the deadly habit. Electronic cigarettes, also known as vaporisers or vapes, first hit the market in 2003 but have seen an enormous surge in popularity in the last five years. The nicotine pumped out from the re-usable devices is universally considered to be just five per cent as harmful as smoking normal cigarettes. But with varying medical opinions on the long-term health effects of smoking e-cigs, nicotine still being classified as a 'poison' and the vested interest from billion-dollar tobacco companies - the product remains illegal to purchase in Australia. Scroll down for video Medical experts are pushing for e-cigarettes to be made legal in Australia (stock image) Dr Michael Keane, from Swinburne University in Melbourne, said the nicotine in e-cigarettes was five per cent as harmful as smoking normal cigarettes (pictured) HOW DO E-CIGS WORK? E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that convert liquid nicotine into a mist or vapour They often look like cigarettes but can also look like pens - and have no tobacco, carbon monoxide or tar They are made up of a heating element, a disposable or refillable liquid cartridge and an atomiser The liquid stored in the cartridge (usually referred to as e-juice) usually contains nicotine and is mixed with flavours Source: Australian Family Physician Advertisement Dr Michael Keane, special anaesthetist and adjunct associate professor at Swinburne University in Melbourne, told 3AW radio it was time for Australia to legalise e-cigs. 'People smoke for the nicotine but they die from the tar - it's the burning of tobacco leaf that generates toxic chemicals that causes most of the harm,' he said. 'Nicotine itself is not particularly harmful.' Dr Keane said there had been an influx in submissions by people from the public health lobby in support of the legalisation of e-cigarettes. 'This could turn out to be a really good news story - this technology could potentially save millions of lives,' he said. Dr Keane said it was 'interesting' that 'the most harmful' form of nicotine (cigarettes) was available freely to buy in stores but the 'less harmful' form of nicotine (e-cigarettes) need to be imported in an 'undercover black market'. Laws surrounding the purchase of e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine cartridges are complex and vary according to the state in . The sale and personal possession or use (among other things) of nicotine electronic cigarettes is unlawful in every jurisdiction in Australia, according to Quit Victoria. Trump thinks black lives are full of 'crime and poverty,' she added She said that Donald Trump doesn't see Latino voters as Americans But her message to minority voters in Arizona and Nevada was grim Clinton joked with staff and posed with voters in the West on Wednesday Hillary Clinton laughed off her recent woes at a Las Vegas rally Wednesday, cracking jokes backstage with her staff - but on the stump she painted a much grimmer picture of a Trump presidency. While she was all smiles as she courted black and Latino voters - the latter especially important because they have been alienated by Trump's rhetoric - she warned that minority voters would suffer under Trump. Latinos would have a President 'who doesn't see you as Americans,' she said, while blacks would have a Commander-in-Chief who believes their lives are consumed by 'crime and poverty and despair.' Scroll down for video Laughter: Despite the renewed email server inquiry, Hillary Clinton was cheerful backstage in Las Vegas Wednesday. But her message to black and Latino voters was far less jovial 'Despair': While Clinton was all smiles for black voters in a hair-braiding salon, she warned them that Trump sees their lives as being consumed by 'crime and poverty and despair' Clinton was campaigning in the West, both in battleground Nevada and in Arizona, and coming off a week in which the FBI renewed its investigation into her private email server. The Grand Canyon State is usually solidly Republican state, but the Clinton campaign are hoping that Trump's fiercely anti-Mexican and anti-immigrant remarks may provide an opening for their message. And in Las Vegas Clinton took a tour of black barbershops and hair-braiding parlors, hoping to connect with African-American voters. She also tried to connect with Las Vegas's Latino voters by taking aim at Trump's feud with an American-born judge of Mexican heritage who ruled against the businessman in an ongoing legal matter. Trump said earlier this year that Judge Gonzalo Curiel's Mexican roots meant he had a conflict of interest in the case, given Trump's proposal to build a wall along the US Southern border. Clinton said Curiel 'is as American as Donald Trump.' Warning: Clinton also warned Latino voters that Trump didn't see them as Americans. She hopes to capitalize on Trump's unpopularity with them in Republican-leaning Arizona For Clinton, the final full week of the presidential campaign has turned into a greatest hits list of her most searing attacks on Trump and the Republicans' most glaring missteps. On Tuesday, she campaigned in Florida with Alicia Machado, a former Miss Universe winner who Trump criticized for gaining weight, and slammed Trump repeatedly for his demeaning comments about women. Clinton's efforts to sharpen the contrast with Trump has left her campaign shrouded in a dark, negative tone as she closes out her White House bid. It's a conscious choice, her campaign says, in an effort to battle against tightening polls ahead of next Tuesday's election. 'The fact is the choice that Donald Trump represents is pretty dark,' Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri told reporters traveling with Clinton to Nevada Wednesday. 'You need to make it real for voters who are undecided.' Clinton's camp says it saw polls tightening even before the FBI announced Friday that it was reopening the cast into Clinton's private email server because of new evidence. While Clinton says the FBI has 'no case,' the review has set Democrats on edge, worried that it could turn off late-deciding voters. Darker: Clinton's message is darker and more negative than it has been before - an effort to sway undecided voters away from Trump Clinton's Las Vegas speech opened with an acknowledgement of the deaths of two police officers killed in the line of duty in Iowa Wednesday. She called the deaths 'heartbreaking, totally unacceptable' and promised to 'bring the full weight of the law down on anyone who kills a police officer,' earning cheers. But perhaps mindful of the black voters she was courting, she added that 'everyone is safer when the police respect the people they protect, and when people respect the police who serve them.' Those shootings - which saw officers shot down by a gunman in Des Moines - led to campaign work by Bill Clinton and Tim Kaine in the city being cancelled. They had originally intended to appear at a 'Get Out the Vote' event with eclectic musician Ben Harper. Scott Michael Greene, 46, a white man, was arrested in Dallas for the shootings. Cancelled: Bill Clinton and Tim Kaine's appearance at a 'Get Out The Vote' event in Des Moines was cancelled after two police officers were killed by a white gunman Also Wednesday, President Barack Obama headed out to North Carolina to encourage voters to choose Clinton, whom he named his successor. 'I need everybody to understand that everything we've done is dependent on me being able to pass the baton to somebody who believes in the same things I believe in,' he told nationally syndicated radio host Tom Joyner. And in a live appearance he told voters that 'the fate of the world is teetering,' and it was down to them to 'push it in the right direction.' 'I am not on the ballot, but I tell you what. Fairness is on the ballot. Decency is on the ballot. Justice is on the ballot. Progress is on the ballot. Our democracy is on the ballot.' In Chapel Hill he told black voters that Republicans tried to pass a law that 'targeted black voters with surgical precision' to make it hard for them to vote. So 'it's easier to vote than ever' in North Carolina, he said. 'What's our excuse?' Entire districts of British cities are becoming racially segregated as white populations move out and the proportion of ethnic minorities increases, a major report said yesterday. The study, by Professor Ted Cantle, said cities were suffering from deepening polarisation between white and minority groups that had gone largely unnoticed by academics and politicians. Professor Cantle named Slough, Birmingham, Leicester, Luton, Bradford and a series of London boroughs as 'areas with an increasingly dwindling white British population and growing minorities'. He said that census returns for small areas of cities showed that some were even 'tending more towards ghettoisation'. Professor Cantle, the investigator called in by Tony Blair in 2001 to head an inquiry into race riots across northern cities, described the effect as the 'growing isolation of the white majority from minorities in urban zones'. Entire districts of British cities are becoming racially segregated as white populations move out and the proportion of ethnic minorities increases His report also: Called for concerted state action to reverse segregation. This included the suggestion that white pupils should be diverted to schools in districts with greater ethnic minority populations; Said the Government needed to do more to encourage white British residents to remain in diverse areas; Found that the proportion of white British people living in certain parts of the country such as Birmingham, Luton, Bradford and Blackburn has declined significantly in the past 20 years. The proportion of minorities in some parts of Bradford was more than 97 per cent. Professor Cantle's report which attracted backing from prominent Labour figures did not use the American phrase 'white flight' to describe the departure of white residents from cities and suburbs. However, it said it was clear that there had been a 'decline of the white British population in those towns and cities in absolute numbers and relative to the increase in minorities in the same areas. 'This results in a growing isolation of the white majority from minorities in urban zones.' The Cantle analysis used the word 'ghetto' to describe the way some parts of British cities have developed. It said that while there was no accepted definition of a ghetto, many agreed it meant areas where minority groups made up 90 per cent of the population, or 80 per cent where a single group was dominant. There had been a 'decline of the white British population in absolute numbers and relative to the increase in minorities in the same areas' US POLICY THAT FAILED TO BRING DOWN BARRIERS In an attempt to end racial segregation and improve the prospects of black pupils, US schools were forced to adopt the hugely controversial policy that became known as busing. A series of court judgments in the 1960s allowed cities to insist that pupils attend schools far from their own districts and suburbs. 'Forced busing' became a means of shipping pupils to schools where it was considered they would improved the ethnic mix and the quality of education. The policy proved hugely unpopular. White parents demonstrated in many cities, notably in Boston. There were complaints from white parents that children were being moved to dangerous areas, and that long periods spent on the buses harmed their education. Black parents were no more impressed: discipline in schools where students were bused in was often said to have deteriorated rather than improved, and parents were not convinced that their children's education would be better simply because they were sitting next to a white pupil. By the 1980s is was largely accepted that the policy had failed and gradually it was phased out. Advertisement The report's demand for state-directed desegregation echoes the controversial attempts to reverse racial division made by American cities in the late 20th century, known as 'busing'. Professor Cantle, who after the 2001 riots warned that populations in northern cities were living 'parallel lives', produced the report, Is Segregation Increasing In The UK?, with Professor Eric Kaufmann of Birkbeck College. It was time for the Government to move in to stop the spread of ethnic division, said Professor Cantle, who runs the iCoCo community cohesion foundation. 'This has gone under the radar, but it is time this became a national priority because cohesion is at stake,' he said. 'The focus of policy needs to shift, this is not just about minorities politicians and policy-makers need to encourage white British residents to remain in diverse areas; to choose, rather than avoid, diverse areas when they do re-locate, encouraging similar choices with respect to placing pupils in diverse schools; in other words to create a positive choice for mixed areas and a shared society.' The call for state intervention was backed by senior Labour figure Chuka Umunna. The MP for Streatham said: 'Integration is a two-way street and all parts of society have a role to play in preventing the UK becoming more fragmented.' The report gives no indication of what policies might be adopted to persuade whites to remain or move into minority areas, to help minority families move into predominantly white areas, or to persuade parents to send their children to 'diverse' schools. Professor Cantle's analysis said that in a number of towns there has been 'outward movement of white British population and an increase in the minority population because of natural factors or inward migration'. The report adds: 'Given that the polarisation of wards has been evident since at least 1991 and has been increasing, it is likely that this will continue as the minority population continues to grow and the majority continues to relocate.' THE HEAD VILIFIED FOR SPEAKING OUT 32 YEARS AGO He was the head teacher who caused a national controversy over his outspoken criticisms of multiculturalism and its effect on British education. Ray Honeyford was accused of racism, forced to take early retirement and subjected to a barrage of abuse and death threats after he published an article in 1984 which said multiculturalism was creating division, preventing integration and harming the chances of success for his pupils. Mr Honeyford was headmaster of Drummond Middle School in Bradford, where 95 per cent of pupils were of Pakistani or Bangladeshi origin. The school was heavily oversubscribed, with the greatest demand for places from Muslim parents. In 1984 Mr Honeyford expressed his fears in a small-circulation conservative journal, the Salisbury Review. He wrote that white children had become an ethnic minority in some urban schools. 'It is very difficult to write honestly and openly of my experiences and the reflections they evoke,' he wrote, 'since the race lobby is extremely powerful in the state education service. The term racism functions not as a word with which to create insight, but as a slogan designed to suppress constructive thought.' The race lobby had become so powerful, he added, that 'decent people are not only afraid of voicing certain thoughts, they are even uncertain of their right to think those thoughts.' An outcry followed. Bradford's Labour mayor called for Mr Honeyford's sacking for stoking prejudice. There were picket lines outside the school, death threats, and pupils were encouraged to wear badges saying 'Hate Your Headmaster'. Despite private support from Asian parents and neighbours, Mr Honeyford was forced out of his job by the education authority. He was reinstated by appeal judges, but a highly political campaign in the name of parents compelled him to relinquish his job. His criticisms have become orthodoxy over the past decade. Multiculturalism perished overnight in July 2005 when the London tube and bus bombings killed 52 people. Three of the suicide bombers were British-born children of Pakistani immigrants, the fourth a Jamaican-born convert to extremist Islamism. The idea that separate cultures should be encouraged was finished. By the end of 2005 Trevor Phillips, head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, was condemning multiculturalism and warning that the country was 'sleepwalking towards segregation'. Mr Honeyford was doomed to the fate of a prophet not only before his time, but of the wrong political background. Forced out of his calling, he never found another and dabbled in journalism and local politics before his death, aged 77, in 2012. Advertisement An investigation has been launched into Victorian high schools and scout groups after boys were allegedly sexually assaulted in their teens. The boys were aged between 12 and 14 at Myrtleford and Inglewood high schools or scouts groups in the 1960s, and would now be aged in their mid to late-60s. Police first became aware of the assaults when a victim came forward in January, Detective Senior Constable Romina McEwan said. Subsequent investigations identified a number of other victims and police are urging others to come forward. The boys were aged between 12 and 14 at Myrtleford and Inglewood high schools or scout groups (stock image) in the 1960s, and would now be aged in their mid to late-60s The detective said two people had been interviewed and released over the matter pending further inquiries. 'Every report is taken seriously,' Det Sen Const McEwan told AAP on Wednesday. 'They will be believed in the first instance and we ask them to come forward if they've seen or heard anything or been a victim themselves.' 'Detectives would like to speak to anyone who was a victim of a sexual assault, or anyone with any information relating to any alleged sexual assaults, committed at Myrtleford and Inglewood high schools in the 1960s,' Victoria Police said in a statement. 'Victoria Police is committed to investigating and bringing to justice those people who prey on children no matter how many years have passed,' Det Sen Const McEwan said (stock image) 'Police believe there also may be victims involved in the scouts in the Myrtleford area during the same time period. 'Victoria Police is committed to investigating and bringing to justice those people who prey on children no matter how many years have passed.' Det Sen Const McEwan denied reports police were investigating a so-called pedophile ring in the northeastern area of Victoria linked to the assaults. The Chippewa Falls School Board has authorized two referendum questions be put on the Nov. 8 ballot, including one that would be the largest to pass in state history. The Herald does not support that $98 million proposal. However, we do endorse approval of the first referendum calling for borrowing up to $61.2 million to replace an aging elementary school and make improvements to other buildings. This is the first time in 15 years the Chippewa Falls School Board has taken a referendum to voters. The path it took to get here wasnt an easy or straight-forward one. It all began last winter with a recommendation by a facilities committee of a $167 million referendum. That plan, which included unpopular closings of two elementary schools, was soundly rejected by the School Board in January. Rather than forget about the issues raised by a comprehensive facilities study as the 2010 board had done this School Board decided the issues could no longer be put off. It started from scratch in February, deciding to dig into the report and see where it led. The first referendum on the ballot is the result of a lot of homework, soul searching, listening to residents, and frank and difficult deliberations in public by board members trying to arrive at a solution. More than a dozen plans were looked at and discarded before the board finally settled on one that wasnt even on the radar. For $61.2 million, Question No. 1 replaces Stillson Elementary, a school built more than 80 years ago with plumbing issues that arent going away. It also solves issues at Halmstad and Jim Falls elementaries, and includes other dollars to address maintenance upgrades at various buildings. It does not solve overcrowding issues stemming from steady enrollment growth and changing classroom needs, nor does it correct problems from temporary classroom walls caused when the middle school abandoned its open floor plan concept. Those situations are addressed by Question No. 2, which would not be on the ballot if not for a motivated group of parents who insisted circumstances were right to tackle everything now. The parents persuaded the board to let voters have their say on the $98 million option. It builds a new high school, not so much because one is needed. But by doing so, it allows the district to shuffle many other students and departments around to solve a variety of space concerns. The second question does not, however, address Stillson Elementary, leaving what some consider the No. 1 priority sitting for at least another decade. The board has sent a clear message that both components are necessary. If only one question is approved now, the other will need to be dealt with in 10 years when the debt expires on the first part. Supporters of both referendum questions argue that construction costs will climb 4 percent a year and bond rates currently the lowest in decades will likely be higher in 10 years. That combination, they say, makes doing both now a smarter financial option. That may be true. Yet any homeowner knows you usually cant afford to do everything at once, and $159 million is an impossibly large figure to fathom. No community in Wisconsin has ever passed referendums requiring debt to be issued for more than $100 million. Taken together, the Chippewa Falls referendums sit closer to the $200 million mark than they do to a $100 million benchmark that has never been exceeded in this state. The board deserves credit for putting everything on the table on Nov. 8, when the largest number of voters will decide a course of action for their school district. But no matter what arguments are used to justify the building projects, we cant in good conscience support voting yes to both proposals for a staggering $159 million price tag. Question 1 gets our vote. Question 2 will have to wait. Thousands of migrants could be barred from Britain under a crackdown on health tourism. Any non-EU citizen applying for a family visa to join a relative in the UK could be blocked at the border if they owe the NHS more than 500 for medical treatment. If they are already in Britain, they may not be allowed to extend a permit or apply for permission to remain until their debt is paid in full. The measures being unveiled by the Home Office today are an extension of rules covering visitors on other visas. Left us with a 145,000 bill: Bimbo Ayelabola with her quintuplets, which were paid for by the NHS They mean the spouse or partner of a person living in the UK would not be allowed back in if they have previously fled without paying for NHS treatment. The crackdown will also cover foreign ex-soldiers who fought in the British Army, such as Gurkhas and those from the Commonwealth, if they seek to enter the country while owing the NHS money. A report by the National Audit Office, the spending watchdog, revealed last week the NHS collects just half of the 500million a year owed by foreign patients. By law, only those ordinarily resident in the UK and have lived here for at least six months are eligible for free treatment, operations and scans. But thousands of overseas visitors who are treated on the NHS fly home without paying, contributing to the services 2billion debt mountain. In one case a Nigerian woman who cost the taxpayer 145,000 when she had quintuplets on the NHS said she was never billed for the treatment. Bimbo Ayelabola, 38, had to have a Caesarean at Homerton University Hospital, East London, after travelling to the UK while pregnant in 2011 but now lives in her home city of Lagos. Under the new rules, if she had a husband in the UK she would not qualify for a visa until she had repaid the debt. It comes after repeated promises by the Government to crack down on health tourism. Tory MP Ranil Jayawardena said: Taxpayers expect a National Health Service, not an international health service' Earlier this year, the Home Office reduced the NHS debt threshold for individuals entering the UK on work, student or tourist visas from 1,000 to 500 to clamp down on the problem Now it is extending the scheme to family visas. Those applying to come to Britain by this route will be blocked at the border if they have an outstanding bill of more than 500. Last year, 38,000 people sought to enter the UK to live with their partner. Ministers acted after lawyers ruled it would not breach Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, which safeguards family life. Tory MP Ranil Jayawardena, a member of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, said: Taxpayers expect a National Health Service, not an international health service. It is absolutely right that those who contribute to our country get medical support. But those who have not must not be able to enjoy these services without paying. A Whitehall source said: We are not going to stand by while the NHS is abused. If overseas visitors want to be treated on the NHS they must pay. If not, we wont permit them to come here. Its easy they either pay up or they stay out. The NHS will provide information that will enable the Border Agency to identify debtors and refuse their applications to return to or remain in the UK. The shake-up of immigration rules, which will be unveiled in a written ministerial statement, will also include plans to bar non-EU migrants from visas unless they speak English to the equivalent of A-level standard. The leader of ISIS has urged suicide bombers to attack western cities as Iraqi forces close in on his hideout in Mosul and the jihadis defeat appears imminent. In his first statement since the major offensive began, Abu al-Baghdadi implored jihadis to attack the 'enemies of God' in what is seen as an all or nothing battle to fanatics. He also urged suicide bombers all over the world to 'destroy the cities of the unbelievers' as ISIS's defeat in the spiritually significant city becomes ever more certain. 'Turn the nights of the unbelievers into days, to wreck havoc in their land and make their blood flow as rivers,' he said in the chilling audio release, the first since the major Iraqi offensive began. The leader of ISIS (pictured) said he is 'confident of victory' in a rallying message urging jihadis to fight 'enemies of God' as allied forces close in around them - and him. Stock image Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (pictured) is believed to still be inside the city, making the call to arms from inside the area, and his head would be considered a major bonus for Iraqi forces The leader said he was 'confident of victory' and called on his fighters to resist as Iraqi forces were poised to enter the city, declared a 'caliphate' when it was overrun by ISIS two years ago. 'Do not retreat,' he says on the audio recording, adding: 'Holding your ground with honour is a thousand times easier than retreating in shame.' He added: 'This (..) total war and the great jihad that the state of Islamic is fighting today only increases our firm belief, God willing, and our conviction that all this is a prelude to victory.' In his latest message, which is undated but makes references to events that are at most a few weeks old, Baghdadi calls for attacks against Saudi Arabia - a favourite target of his - and Turkey. Ankara has troops stationed at a base just outside Mosul and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's escalating rhetoric has raised fears of a unilateral Turkish intervention in Iraq. Baghdadi also said that his followers who could not travel to Syria or Iraq should aim for Libya and urged all IS fighters to remain united in adversity. He attempted to stir up sectarian resentment by referring to religious flags and slogans of Shiite fighters among the Iraqi forces and by accusing the country's Sunni politicians of treason. Al-Baghdadi issued the audio message from his hideout, which is believed to be inside the city walls as he was unable to escape the former stronghold as enemy forces advanced. The US-led coalition estimates there are 3,000 to 5,000 IS fighters inside the city but the final outcome of the battle appears to be in little doubt. Tens of thousands of Iraqi forces, backed by the US-led coalition and its warplanes, launched a massive offensive on Mosul on October 17. ISIS thugs have resorted to using human shields as they attempt to defend Mosul and fanatics have been preventing the city's 1.5 million residents from escaping in recent weeks, according to Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis. They are being held there 'against their will' and coalition forces 'know they are being used as human shields,' Davis added. It comes as it was claimed that ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was holed up in the city along with his explosives expert Fawzi Ali Nouimeh. Iraqi special forces take part in an operation against Islamic State militants in Kokjali, west of Mosul Senior Kurdish official Hoshiyar Zebari said there were 'solid' intelligence reports saying Baghdadi was in the city. It was in Mosul's Great Mosque of al-Nuri that the terrorist declared the ISIS 'caliphate' in 2014. The head of Russia's General Staff Valery Gerasimov said today that that any ISIS militant trying to escape Mosul for Syria should be killed on the spot. It comes as British jets and drones hit ISIS targets as part of the push to drive the jihadist group out of their Iraqi stronghold. The RAF took part in strikes around the northern Iraqi city, hitting targets including a truck bomb and anti-tank gun in support of the ground offensive. An Iraqi soldier shakes hands with a boy as civilians take shelter inside a mosque in the village of Gogjali, a few hundred metres from Mosul The assault on Mosul has led to warnings of a humanitarian crisis as people flee the city, which has been under ISIS control since 2014. Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has described the effort to liberate Mosul as a 'big moment' in the war against ISIS and vowed that British forces would continue to play a major role as part of the coalition supporting the Iraqi and Kurdish forces on the ground. The Ministry of Defence released details of a series strikes carried out by the RAF on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday, a Reaper drone was in action south-east of the city, attacking targets including a mortar position, an armed truck and two ISIS heavy weapons teams - one equipped with an anti-tank gun. Iraqi soldiers pose with an Islamic State (IS) group flag as they hold a position in the village of Gogjali, a few hundred metres off Mosul's eastern edge A Typhoon flight to the south of Mosul used a Paveway IV guided bomb to destroy a large truck bomb before it could be used by IS, with video footage capturing the large explosion on impact. On Tuesday, a Reaper flying to the south-east of Mosul targeted two groups of ISIS fighters and an armed truck, while to the north-east of the city Typhoons destroyed targets including a string of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) laid out in a defensive belt. Coalition forces expect ISIS to have laid a series of booby traps in and around Mosul as part of their effort to hamper Iraqi advances. British jets and drones hit ISIS targets as part of the push to drive the jihadist group out of their Iraqi stronghold. Fire fighters try to extinguish the fire at oil wells, were set on fire by Daesh terrorists as they fled after Al Qayyarah town's cleansing from Daesh militants as the operation to retake Mosul 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. From the south the Iraqi army are just 24 miles away, with Kurdish fighters 19 miles to the east. Yet there is still a large amount of ground to cover before the city boundaries can be breached, with berms, bombs and burning oil trenches blocking the way. Its investigation found that partners at Thornton Law Firm donated nearly $1.6 million to A Massachusetts law firm has been accused of funneling funds to the Democrats through an massive and illegal straw-donor scheme. A growing number of party politicians are now returning donations from Thornton Law after it was found that the firm's partners received bonuses that matched their political donations in what may be one of the largest schemes ever revealed. An investigation found that partners donated nearly $1.6 million to mostly Democratic committees and candidates, including Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, from 2010 through 2014. During that same period, the lawyers received $1.4 million listed as 'bonuses,' including more than 280 in amounts that precisely matched their donations. Some of them were supposedly reimbursed just 10 days after their money was sent to the party. The small firm, which has 10 partners, reportedly also made donations to several other top Democrats including President Barack Obama, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Harry Reid, to name a few. The donation reimbursement program was exposed by the Boston Globe's Spotlight team and the Center for Responsive Politics. Scroll down for video Top Democrats including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (left) and Hillary Clinton (right) are among a number of Democratic candidates who received donations from Massachusetts law firm Thornton Law Firm, which is accused of massive straw-donor scheme An investigation found that partners at the Thornton Law Firm (pictured) donated nearly $1.6 million to mostly Democratic committees and candidates from 2010 through 2014, and during that period lawyers received $1.4 million listed as 'bonuses,' many matching those donations A straw donor scheme is when a donor avoids legal limits on political donations by funneling money into campaigns using other people's names, and then reimburses donor for their donations. In this case, the lawyers allegedly used part of the money they were handed over as partners as donations. They were then reimbursed the funds. A spokesman for the Thornton Law Firm said its donation reimbursement program was reviewed by outside lawyers and complied with relevant laws. However, campaign finance experts said it raises numerous red flags because reimbursing people for their political donations is generally illegal. 'If you give a donation and then somebody else reimburses you for that contribution, that is a clear violation of the spirit and the letter of the law at the state and federal levels,' Scott Allen, Boston Globe's Spotlight editor, told CBS News. According to federal law, partnerships like Thornton Law Firm are limited to a maximum donation of $2,700 per candidate. But the firm reportedly used its individual partners as straw donors, which allowed it to donate money to campaigns above the legal limit. 'Straw donor reimbursement systems are something both the FEC and the Department of Justice take very seriously, and people have gone to jail for this,' Center for Responsive Politics editorial director Viveca Novak told CBS News. A Thornton spokesman claimed the bonuses are legal because the partners paid them with their own money, coming out of each of their stake in the firm. A spokesman for the Thornton Law Firm said its donation reimbursement program was reviewed by outside lawyers and complied with relevant laws 'It was a voluntary program which only involved equity partners and their own personal after-tax money to make donations,' the spokesman told CBS News in a statement. Thornton Law Firm's attorney, Brian Kelly, told the Globe that 'while we see no need to do so, if individual politicians want to return donations, that certainly is up to them.' On Monday, Clinton was one of several Democrats to vow that she would return thousands of dollars in donations from the firm, which is reportedly one of the country's largest political donors. Instead of giving the money back to the firm, she will return the donations she has received to the US Treasury, a Clinton campaign official told The Boston Globe. While it is not clear how much money she will be returning, Center for Responsive Politics show she received at least $20,000 from lawyers at the firm and their spouses during her presidential campaign. During its investigation, the Spotlight team and the Center for Responsive Politics looked at donations from three of the firm's partners, including Michael Thornton (pictured) Following the same move, Jason Kander's Missouri Senate campaign said Monday that it sent a $25,000 check to the U.S. Treasury after learning the firm might have violated federal election law with its donation reimbursement program. Kander, who is Missouri's secretary of state, became aware of the situation on Sunday and immediately gave the money to the Treasury, his campaign spokesman Chris Hayden said. 'We thought it was appropriate to give the money to taxpayers rather than return it to the firm,' Hayden said in an email. Democratic New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan has said she is returning $51,000 in donations, including $13,000 to Hassan's gubernatorial campaign two years ago and $38,000 to support her current bid to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte. 'We had no idea about the practices inside this firm, and we assume that as the Globe reported, none of the other Republican or Democratic candidates who received contributions knew either,' Hassan campaign spokesman Aaron Jacobs said. 'We will be returning the contributions from this firm.' On Sunday, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Russ Feingold's campaign said he returned a $45,000 donation. Feingold is running against Republican Sen. Ron Johnson, whose campaign said Feingold was happy to take the contributions until he was caught. It was reported on Monday that Democratic U.S. Rep. Peter Welch was returning $37,900 in donations from the firm. Welch is seeking re-election as a Democrat and as a Republican, and faces a third-party challenger. Above are Democrats who received donations from the firm. Several, including Sen Jason Kander, Sen. Maggie Hassan and Sen. Russ Feingold, have since returned the donations A review of the records Welch found that since 2008 he had received the donations from Michael Thornton, his wife and employees of the firm, his office said. 'Congressman Welch was disturbed to read the Boston Globe story,' Welch chief of staff Bob Rogan said. 'Consistent with the paper's reporting, he was unaware of the law firm's internal practices related to campaign contributions. In accordance with (Federal Election Commission) guidelines for situations like this, we will immediately return these contributions.' Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh said his campaign staff is reviewing thousands of dollars in donations his campaigns have received from the firm. He told the Globe he will immediately return more than $15,000 received this year. Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester has also turned over nearly 52,000 to the US Treasury in questionable campaign donations from partners at the firm. Thornton donations were made to Tester's campaign from 2010-12 and he had not accepted any money from the law firm since then, Tester spokeswoman said. On Monday, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Scott Milne called on Democratic U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy to return $5,000 in contributions from the law firm from 2003. He said Leahy should follow the lead of Welch and other Democrats 'who have recognized the impropriety' of keeping the contributions. The donation reimbursement program was exposed by investigative reporters on the Boston Globe's Spotlight team (featured in the movie Spotlight, pictured) and the Center for Responsive Politics 'It is shameful, but typical, that Sen. Leahy refuses to return this tainted money,' Milne said in an emailed statement. Leahy's campaign said it believed Milne was referring to three donors that collectively gave about $5,000 in August 2003, and it accused Milne of 'keeping his 100 percent negative campaign streak alive.' 'Rather than focusing on the issues facing Vermonters, Mr. Milne is desperately grasping at any attack he can in hopes that it will somehow damage Senator Leahy's reputation,' Leahy campaign spokesman Jay Tilton said. 'Senator Leahy has not received any contributions from this law firm in more than a decade.' Meanwhile Warren, who has received $129,520 from the firm since 2007, told the Globe she will not give the money back until authorities find they were illegal. During its investigation, the Spotlight team and the Center for Responsive Politics looked at donations from three of the firm's partners, including David Strouss, Garrett Bradley and Michael Thornton. Allen said he is not 'confident' the program ran by Thornton is isolated to just their firm, noting a number of parties have come forward saying their companies also have a similar program. 'So the issue is always, can you prove it?' Allen told CBS News. Keith Vaz is facing a possible police inquiry and a Commons standards investigation into an alleged sex and drugs controversy Labour distanced itself from Keith Vaz yesterday as a frontbench shadow minister suggested the MP should never have stood for election to the Justice Committee. Mr Vaz is facing a possible police inquiry and a Commons standards investigation into an alleged sex and drugs controversy. But his appointment to the Commons Justice Committee, which scrutinises policy on law and order, was pushed through on Monday night. More than 150 Tory MPs, including ten Cabinet ministers, lined up to back Mr Vaz for the job, claiming they were simply trying to uphold Parliamentary convention, which allows political parties to nominate their own MPs for committee roles. But Labour appeared to desert Mr Vaz last night. Shadow Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said she had 'some sympathy' with critics who thought he should step aside from committee work until police rule out an investigation into him. 'Had I been Keith, I don't think I would have put myself up for that position,' she told the BBC's Daily Politics. She said she had not been able to attend the vote but added that MPs could not really 'pick and choose' precisely who serves on the committee. 'Keith is an MP, he is elected there to represent his constituents,' she said. 'He needs to play a role in Parliament, and unless and until there are findings against him which mean that he shouldn't be in this position, I think we have to let him make the decision about whether he does it or not.' In remarks that indicate the Labour leadership is also trying to distance itself from Mr Vaz, a source close to Jeremy Corbyn said yesterday: 'Elections to select committees are a matter for MPs, not the Labour leader.' Votes for committee elections are usually not organised by party whips. But while Labour did not force its MPs to attend, in a highly unusual move the Tories imposed a whip, requiring ministers and others to back Mr Vaz, the Labour MP for Leicester East. Andrew Bridgen, the Tory MP for a neighbouring Leicestershire constituency, had forced the vote because he wanted to block Mr Vaz from taking up the post. Labour leadership is also trying to distance itself from Mr Vaz, a source close to Jeremy Corbyn said yesterday: 'Elections to select committees are a matter for MPs, not the Labour leader' He said Mr Vaz's nomination 'brings the whole of our Parliament into disrepute', and warned that Conservative MPs 'may live to regret the day' they voted him on to the committee. He said it was the duty of MPs to raise 'any genuine concerns' over appointments. Mr Bridgen said the public would be 'bemused' about how someone with a 'dark cloud hanging over them' could 'possibly be nominated and get on to the Justice Committee at this time'. Mr Vaz was forced from his previous post as chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee in September following newspaper revelations that he paid for the services of male escorts. At the time, the home affairs committee was investigating prostitution laws. Mr Vaz also allegedly offered to buy drugs for the escorts. Production company stated that five people suffered injuries and had their wallets, Several members of Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuaron's film crew were bloodied, bruised and reportedly robbed of their valuables after a brawl on a downtown Mexico City street that was caught on surveillance video. The Mexican director is shooting his first film in Mexico in at least 15 years. No title has been announced, but Participant media says the movie is a period drama about 'a year in the life of a middle-class family in Mexico City in the early 1970s.' After winning an Academy Award in 2014 for the space epic Gravity, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, Cuaron is returning to his roots, but Mexico City's rough streets aren't like Hollywood. This screenshot from a CCTV video believed to have been recorded in Mexico City on Tuesday appears to capture a melee that left five members of Alfonso Cuaron's film crew injured The dispute involved private security guards hired by Cuaron's film crew, who had cordoned off part of some streets, either for filming or support vehicles Melee: The film crew and borough officials reportedly came to blows after the latter tried to remove traffic cones that Cuaron's team were using to rope off streets The dispute on Tuesday morning involved private security personnel apparently hired by Cuaron's film crew, who had cordoned off part of some streets, either for filming or support vehicles. Cuaron, 54, was not on set at the time of the incident. Cuaron, 54, was not on set in Mexico City at the time of Tuesday's violent incident The city prosecutor's office said they had permission from a federal film board to do so. But officials from the borough of Cuauhtemoc which covers the downtown area arrived and said they hadn't been notified. The officials began to collect and confiscate the traffic cones the crew was using to rope off space. The security crew tried to stop them, displaying the permit, but borough officials said that borough permits were needed and that street closures for filming had become a problem in the downtown area. City police that 'after an exchange of words, there was an altercation, with no injuries reported.' But city prosecutors said they had opened an investigation into the dispute, because 'the victims were the subject of verbal and physical aggressions, and some of them had personal possessions taken.' In a statement Wednesday, the film company Espectaculos Filmicos El Coyul distributed copies of permits issued by the city's film board, as well as photographs showing at least three men with head wounds apparently caused by blows. In all, it is believed that five members of the film crew were injured in the fracas. A Mexican film company claimed in a statement that five members of Cuaron's crew suffered injuries and had their wallets, cellphones and jewelry stolen This Grainy CCTV video from the scene appears to show a large crowd chasing down and beating several individuals, purported to be security guards hired by Cuaron's film crew A borough administrator complained that members of the film crew were acting with 'arrogance' and closing off streets The company did not say whether the men were members of the crew or security staff. 'This wasn't an "altercation," as some authorities have reported, it was an attack,' the company said. 'And there were people injured: two women were hit, and five members of our team had to be taken to a hospital, and wallets, cellphones and jewelry were stolen.' Grainy CCTV video from the scene, first obtained by the Mexican newspaper El Pais, appears to show a sizable crowd chasing down and beating several individuals, purported to be security guards hired by Cuaron's film crew. It is difficult to make out specific details in the blurry footage, but several men appear to be throwing punches and kicking people on the street. In another video posted by borough president Ricardo Monreal at the time of the incident but which doesn't show the altercation Monreal complains about the crew's activities. Alfonso Cuaron, seen above accepting an Academy Award for Gravity in 2014, is shooting his first film in Mexico in at least 15 years 'Even though they're filming, they are conducting commercial activities, and affecting the neighbors,' he said, adding 'they act with arrogance, with security guards, and close off streets ... you can't do that anymore.' The film company said the borough administration had promised to repair the damages, return the property and punish those responsible. The crew apparently fell afoul of a new trend in activist borough government trying to clear traffic-clogged streets of chains, ropes and traffic cones that businesses and parking attendants often use to rope off space. A 27-year-old highly-regarded engineer who complained of crippling headaches died 10 days later after a hospital refused to give her a CT scan, her family claims. Supreet Kaur - who was visiting her family in Perth - was ordered to undergo a crucial CT scan but staff at Fiona Stanley Hospital allegedly ignored her doctor's referral, The West Australian reported. The Queensland woman went to see a GP on October 17 after she began experiencing headaches and painful, discoloured fingers and feet. She was admitted to FSH's emergency department after her doctor suspected she was suffering a neurological problem. However, her father Avtar Singh claimed a nurse had refused to follow the GP's order and instead, took her blood samples and sent her home with pain-killers. Supreet Kaur (pictured with her husband Anoop Basra) died after complaining of headaches The Queensland woman (pictured with her parents and husband (far right) was visiting her father Avtar Singh (second from left) and mother Kanwaljeet (second from right) in Perth Ms Kaur returned to her GP the following day where she did further blood tests. But by the time her results returned on October 21, the patient endured severe headaches, vomiting and had struggled to walk and suffered eyesight problems. The GP then referred her to FSH's emergency department and urged her family to contact him if the hospital sent her home again. She spent three nights in hospital and despite the GP's repeated recommendations, her family claimed she was still not given a CT scan. Far from getting better, her condition deteriorated, she began to lose the ability to communicate and was unable to move half her body. The engineer (left) began experiencing headaches and painful, discoloured fingers and feet Her family made the heartbreaking decision to turn off her life support on October 27 The grieving family claimed their daughter was ordered to undergo a crucial CT scan but staff at Fiona Stanley Hospital (pictured) allegedly ignored her doctor's referral When she collapsed in a toilet on the afternoon of October 24, she was finally given a CT scan, during which tests revealed a blood clot had developed on the brain. The young woman was rushed to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital for emergency surgery but despite efforts to save her, it was too late. Her parents and husband Anoop Basra made the heartbreaking decision to turn off her life support on October 27, three days after she collapsed. The distraught family are now accusing FSH for ignoring the GP's advice after staff failed to give the patient an urgent CT scan. They believe their daughter's condition was not taken into consideration despite her being referred to the emergency room twice. Ms Kaur began losing the ability to communicate and was unable to move half her body Her grieving family believed their daughter's condition was not taken into consideration A FSH spokesman told Daily Mail Australia the hospital could not discuss details of individual cases due to patient confidentiality. 'Patients presenting to the ED are treated according to the symptoms they present with and when discharged, patients are advised to either attend the GP or come back if symptoms change or become worse,' the FHS spokesman said in a statement. 'If a GP requests diagnostic scans or specific tests, ED staff will take this into consideration when providing treatment to patients.' FHS acting executive director Paul Mark has confirmed the hospital will be reviewing the care provided to Ms Kaur. 'We extend our sincere condolences to the patient's family and have made contact with the family to offer our support,' Dr Mark said. Baroness Scotland has been forced to beg Commonwealth member states for money Baroness Scotland has been forced to beg Commonwealth member states for money because of the 'dire' financial state of the organisation, the Mail can reveal. An emergency meeting of member countries was planned for next week to discuss how to fill a gaping hole in the finances of the Commonwealth secretariat. The meeting was cancelled only after Baroness Scotland lobbied member states to pay up quickly, the Mail understands. As a result, one unnamed country agreed to bail it out by paying their membership contribution. The revelations will raise further questions about the peer's lavish spending on her grace-and-favour Mayfair mansion. As the Mail revealed yesterday, Baroness Scotland requested luxurious fixtures and fittings including marble furniture, 100-per-roll wallpaper at a cost of 10,500 and 5,000 on 'refurbishing' a safe. Altogether, the improvements she asked for led to the total budget rising from 230,000 to an estimated 450,000. Correspondence seen by the Mail sent from the secretariat to member states last week reveals an extraordinary meeting of the organisation's board of governors was due to take place on Monday. The meeting was due to discuss its 'dire financial position' which has 'deteriorated since the last board meeting', the letter says. The letter also described how Baroness Scotland, who is secretary general, had been 'lobbying with member states to pay their contributions'. As a result, it says assurances have been 'received from at least one big contributor that they will expedite payment of the dues'. Concerns about the state of the organisation's finances are longstanding. An official British Government analysis of how well the Commonwealth secretariat was handling its money gave the organisation a red light rating in 2013 for 'cost and value consciousness'.It said: 'The secretariat has defined administration costs more clearly, but as yet there is little concrete evidence of improved cost consciousness and control.' Baroness Scotland meets the Queen at a reception to mark Commonwealth Week in March According to its last published accounts, there is a 6.7million hole in the Commonwealth's pension fund a sum greater than its entire annual wage bill. The revelations have sparked calls for a formal external audit of its finances. Last night a spokesman for Baroness Scotland said: 'As you would appreciate, it would be wrong and disrespectful to divulge any conversations between the secretary-general and member countries without seeking their permission first. 'Concerning the cancelling of 'an emergency meeting about the secretariat's finances', with the governance system in place, the secretariat is not empowered to call or cancel board of governors meetings.' Parisians are not exactly known for their welcoming approach to English-speaking tourists. But now local officials in the French capital have decided - quelle horreur - to increase use of the English language to make the area more attractive to non-French speakers. Bureaucrats have approved a 21 million project which will encourage waiters, taxi drivers and other workers in the tourism industry to brush up on the Queen's English. Waiters are being encouraged to brush up on their English to boost tourism to Paris Valerie Pecresse, president of the Ile-de-France region which includes Paris, said the about-turn was necessary because the area has seen a 900million (1 billion) drop in tourist revenue in the wake of the terror attacks in the city last year. 'We are going through an extremely difficult period,' she said. The programme is sure to infuriate traditionalists who oppose French being overtaken by English. Officials from the snooty Academie Francais have struggled for years to prevent French from being 'corrupted' by English or Franglais words and phrases such as 'le weekend'. The new programme will also recruit 1,000 English-speaking students as intern tour guides to work at airports and other tourist hotspots Apart from offering English classes to hotel staff, railway employees and other local workers, the new programme will also recruit 1,000 English-speaking students as intern tour guides to work at airports and other tourist hotspots. Use of English in the European Union as Britain plans its exit from the bloc also promises to be a major issue. A young man has been killed after being hit by a car as he crossed a busy road on the Gold Coast on Wednesday evening. The man in his 20s was crossing Oxley Drive in Biggera Waters, Queensland, at close to 7.15pm when he was struck by the vehicle. An 18-year-old man, accompanied by four passengers, was reportedly driving the car at the time. Scroll down for video A pedestrian in his early 20s has died after being struck by a car on a busy road on the Gold Coast The man was crossing Oxley Drive (pictured) in Biggera Waters, Queensland, at close to 7.15pm when he was struck by the vehicle Police said the driver waited at the roadside after the incident and tested negative to a drug test. Pat Berry, a supervisor for the Queensland Ambulance Service, said all five people in the car were 'understandably... quite shaken up'. 'There has been a significant impact to the vehicle and as a result of this, unfortunately the patient is deceased,' Mr Berry told Nine News. The incident is being investigated by the Queensland police Forensic Crash Unit. Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000. Police said an 18-year-old man was driving the car with four passengers when the pedestrian was struck A Donald Trump supporter is suing NBC for $52million claiming security guards dragged him away and assaulted him for holding up a 'Bill Clinton is a rapist' sign during a broadcast of the 'Today' show. Mark Gallagher says the incident happened when he stood on Rockefeller Plaza in the outdoor set area for the 'Today' show broadcast on October 13 as an audience member. The 23-year-old who lives in Oakridge, New Jersey claims he was grabbed by his arm and neck by five security guards who hit his head and knee. According to his civil lawsuit, Gallagher claims the guards handed him over to NYPD counterterrorism officers. Scroll down for video Mark Gallagher is suing NBC for $52million claiming security guards dragged him away and assaulted him for holding up a 'Bill Clinton is a rapist' sign (circled) during a broadcast of the 'Today' show He was arrested and charged with criminal trespass, court records say. Gallagher can have the charge dismissed if he stay out of trouble for the next six months, his lawyer, Richard Luthmann, told the New York Post. The day before the alleged incident, Gallagher tried to pull a similar stunt on ABC's 'Good Morning America'. Sporting a provocative shirt designed in the style of the President Barack Obama 'hope' poster, but with the word 'rape' and Clinton's image instead, Gallagher was escorted out of the audience for 'Good Morning America' by security guards. He also wore the same shirt during a broadcast of 'Fox & Friends' on Fox News. Gallagher, who is a social worker, claims that he never had a chance to show the shirt during NBC's broadcast. He admitted that he wore the shirt and had the sign as part of a political stunt coordinated by Infowars blogger Alex Jones. Jones is reportedly offering people $1,000 if they appear on national TV for over five seconds while wearing the Bill Clinton rape shirt. If the person is heard shouting out the phrase, 'Bill Clinton is a rapist', they'll get $5,000. Luthmann said his client's success at 'Good Morning America' was 'big news' at Infowars. But Gallagher, who said he is supporting Trump for the presidential election, was 'pegged' by security guards at NBC, his lawyer claims. Gallagher (circled) wore a shirt designed in the style of the President Barack Obama 'hope' poster, but with the word 'rape' and Clinton's image instead during a broadcast of 'Fox & Friends' 'The security goons probably had a list of deplorables, for lack of a better term,' Luthmann said in reference to Hillary Clinton's label for Trump supporters. Gallagher's lawsuit says that the NBC 'Goon Squad serves as the personal security detail for liberal douche Alec Baldwin from time to time.' Luthmann said that his client was aiming for the $5,000 prize if he shouted 'Bill Clinton is a rapist' loud enough so his voice would be recorded during the live TV broadcast. 'The kid's got student loans,' Luthmann told the Post. The Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Reverend Justin Welby, pictured, claims Christians are being subjected to 'intolerable' persecution in the Middle East The Archbishop of Canterbury complained yesterday that the freedom granted to Muslims in Britain is not matched by the treatment of Christians in the Middle East. The Most Reverend Justin Welby made his criticism of attitudes in significant parts of the Middle East in a speech in which he said persecution of Christians is intolerable. His address given to a gathering of Islamic and Christian leaders in Abu Dhabi is the Archbishops most notable attack on the suppression of Christianity and attacks on Christians in some Muslim-dominated countries. His remarks about the behaviour of intolerant powers in the Middle East are the strongest in their implied criticism of Islamic attitudes from Lambeth Palace in more than a decade. The Archbishop told his audience: The increasing integration of Muslim communities within British society, in which we rejoice, is in stark contrast to the increasing marginalisation of and outright hostility to Christian communities within many parts of the world, not least in significant parts of the Middle East. He called for serious progress to make freedom of religion and belief a given in the societies and countries we represent and live in. Archbishop Welby condemned persecution of Christians in the Middle East. Christians, he said, have recently been on the receiving end of persecution both from militantly atheist and religiously intolerant regimes'. He added: 'It would not be over-stating matters to say that Christianity is both the numerically largest faith and the most persecuted. The historic centre of the Christian Church in the Middle East has never felt so threatened, but is also under attack in countries as diverse as North Korea and Eritrea, where Christians are harassed, imprisoned, persecuted and killed. The Archbishop added: We are grateful for the protection of the Church and advocacy of the rights of Christians in majority Muslim lands and I want to say thank you. But he said: Sixty eight years after the United Nations agreed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this situation is intolerable and as faith communities we must step up and hold governments to account. The Archbishop said Christians have recently been on the receiving end of persecution both from militantly atheist and religiously intolerant regimes' While attention has been on the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities by Islamic State, other Middle East countries closely allied to the West continue to refuse basic freedoms to Christians. Pakistan continues to see widespread attacks on Christians and their churches, and Saudi Arabia does not allow Christian worship within its borders. Archbishop Welby also included an apparent slapdown for US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in his speech. He said that freedom of worship and belief could not be taken for granted and the crisis is affecting all faith groups, deepening nationalist tensions, and leaking across from the approach to faith into the most acute challenges to international law, human flourishing and stability. A retired high school teacher who enjoyed watching child pornography booked a flight to Thailand for a sex trip, a court has heard. Bryan Douglas Cole, 72, from Vermont, east of Melbourne, pleaded guilty sending and receiving photographs and videos of child porn, as well as organising a sex trip to Thailand, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. Cole's bail appeal was refused and he is awaiting sentencing. Bryan Douglas Cole, 72, pled guilty to guilty sending and receiving child porn, and organising a sex trip to Thailand where he planned to have sexual intercourse with young boys (stock image) On Wednesday, the Victorian County Court heard police raided his home in March and seized 698 files of graphic child pornography on several devices. Officers also found conversations between Cole and other abusers about their fetishes, where he said he enjoyed watching 'crying boys' and 'abusing babies'. Crown prosecutor Krista Breckweg said Cole had also booked a ticket to Thailand, where he had plans to have sexual intercourse with young boys. Ms Breckweg also added that he is the first person in Australia to be convicted of planning to sexually abuse a child outside of the country. Between 1976 and 1984, Cole had worked as a high school teacher around Melbourne and travelled to Cambodia and Thailand, the Herald Sun reported. After he was arrested, he told police he had worked with children all his life at school and believed 'he did nothing wrong'. Judge Mark Dean: 'the statements demonstrate [Cole] is well aware the children are being exploited, tortured and raped, and subject to unspeakable depravity' (stock image) Barrister Pardeep Tiwana said Cole's sex offences were a result of loneliness after his retirement and being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Judge Mark Dean said Cole offences were 'very serious'. 'The statements demonstrate he is well aware the children are being exploited, tortured and raped, and subject to unspeakable depravity,' Judge Dean said. 'It's hard to accept this is something that has developed recently,' he added. The devastated father of a four-year-old Gold Coast boy recalled how his son told him 'I love you, I miss you' before he died. Tyrell Cobb was found unconscious at a Biggera Waters home on May 24, 2009, with 70 injuries on his body and was later pronounced dead in hospital. His mother Heidi Strbak, 33, and her ex-partner Matthew Scown, 33, are facing a committal hearing at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with murder. The court heard that Tyrell Cobb (pictured) told his father Jason that he loved him just before he died Tyrell's father Jason Cobb, who split from Strbak in 2008, told the court his son told him he loved him and missed him the last time they spoke. He said he used to phone his little boy every evening around 8pm before he went to bed. He added: 'It was his bedtime and I would say goodnight to him. 'I said: "How's your day son?" And he started telling me things he had done, I don't remember what they were. He said: "I love you dad, I miss you".' Mr Cobb said Tyrell had 'sounded normal' and did not appear to have been vomiting or having trouble breathing. Gold Coast mother Heidi Strbak (pictured), 33, leaves the Magistrates Court in Brisbane on Wednesday. She is accused of murdering her four-year-old son Tyrell Cobb The court heard that Tyrell showed his grandmother Diane Strbak (pictured) a bruise on his body He said during a previous visit Tyrell told him Scown had 'slapped him on the head'. The information was missing from Mr Cobb's original statement to police, the court heard. He described himself as 'messed up' at the time he was speaking to officers and added: 'It was really hard for me.' Paediatric expert Professor Roy Kimble said Tyrell would have been in severe pain but could have made a 'full recovery' if he had been taken to hospital sooner. He was taken to hospital the week before his death with an injured arm and was kept in for five days after medics found he also had an infected wound on his finger. Strbak (pictured) and her ex-partner Matthew Scown, 33, are both accused of murdering the toddler in 2009 Tyrell's uncle and Strbak's step-brother allegedly told his ex-girlfriend Nicole Brown (pictured) that Scown had murdered the boy Strbak and Scown claimed his many injuries had been caused by falls or accidents. Prof Kimble said: 'He certainly had a lot of bruises around his body, much more than would be expected in normal childhood play. 'Obviously this child has had more than one blow to the abdomen, this child has had many blows to cause all the bruises on the body.' The four-year-old boy was vomiting 'green slime' before he died on the Gold Coast more than seven years ago, the court was earlier told. Tyrell's uncle Daniel Allan said the young boy was 'just not well' and he allegedly told his ex-girlfriend Nicole Brown that Scown had murdered the boy. udge ruled the plans will not be enough to bring down pollution Diesel car owners could soon have to pay to drive in 16 cities following a High Court judgment. A judge yesterday ruled that Government plans to meet EU air pollution targets do not go far enough and need to be greatly expanded. Six city-wide clean air zones in which owners of large diesel vehicles would be hit with charges to deter them from driving in were already in line to be in force by 2020 in Birmingham, Leeds, Southampton, Nottingham and Derby, and by 2025 in London. Six city-wide clean air zones were already in line to be in force by 2020 in Birmingham, Leeds, Southampton, Nottingham and Derby and by 2025 in London But the High Court judge ruled the plans will not be enough to bring down pollution to within legally binding limits set by the EU, and another ten cities are now likely to face the pollution tax. Under the old plans, only drivers of diesel lorries, buses, taxis and in some cases vans would face charges. But in what will be a deeply politically unpopular move, car drivers may now be included. And plans originally drawn up but dropped on grounds of cost for clean-air zones in Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Liverpool, Bristol, Leicester, Stoke, Coventry, Hull and Sheffield are now expected to be revisited. Yesterday Prime Minister Theresa May promised she would tackle air pollution and told the Commons: There is more to do and we will do it. A High Court judge ruled the clean air zones would not be enough to tackle pollution in the UK's cities We have been putting extra money into actions that will relieve the issues around air quality. But we recognise that Defra [Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] now has to look at the judgment that has been made by the courts and we have to look again at the proposals that we will bring forward. In the landmark ruling, after environmental group ClientEarth brought the case against the Government, Mr Justice Garnham yesterday ruled that the air quality plan was legally flawed and must be quashed. He said that the Governments projections of future emissions were too optimistic and that rather than separate dates for different cities the Government must now achieve compliance by the soonest date possible. HOW LABOUR LURED MILLIONS TO DIESEL Sadiq Khan (pictured), mayor of London, aims to have pollution charging in place in central London by 2017 Tony Blairs Labour government used generous tax breaks for years to persuade millions of drivers to buy diesel cars. At the time, scientists said they were better for the environment because they generated less carbon dioxide than petrol vehicles. Gordon Brown, the then Labour chancellor, cut low-sulphur diesel duty by 3p in his 2001 Budget to reward drivers of diesel vehicles. The tactic which aimed to help Britain hit EU carbon emissions targets contributed to the number of diesel drivers in Britain jumping from around 1.5million a decade ago to about 11million today. But scientists now say that diesel cars are worse for the environment and a bigger health risk than petrol vehicles because they emit larger amounts of toxic nitrogen oxide, which has been linked to respiratory diseases. The VW emissions scandal highlighted how in many cases diesel cars are far worse for the environment than they claim. Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, aims to have pollution charging in place in central London by 2017 and across the area within the North and South Circular Roads by 2019. The 10 charge, on top of the existing 11.50 congestion charge, would apply to cars first sold before 2005. Advertisement He added the Government must take steps which mean meeting the value limits is not just possible as likely. Lawyer Alan Andrews, of ClientEarth said: We look forward to working with Defra ministers on developing a new plan which makes a genuine attempt to achieve legal limits throughout the UK as soon as possible. We need a national network of clean air zones to be in place by 2018, not just in a handful of cities. Explaining why diesel car drivers may face charges, he said it was unlikely the Government could bring pollution levels down sufficiently without including them as they are the biggest source of nitrogen dioxide air pollution. He said: They are going to have to tackle diesel cars head on. What they did was rule it out from day one, and said they were not going to include cars because its too politically unpopular. Its not going to be popular, but its up to them to come up with other measures so drivers are not going to be hit in the pocket. Mr Andrews said that if diesel car drivers are hit, the Government may have to introduce a diesel car scrappage scheme. It is estimated that 9,400 deaths occur each year in London due to illnesses caused by long-term exposure to air pollution, while 448 schools in London are in areas exceeding legal air quality levels. Limits for nitrogen dioxide were introduced by EU law in 1999, and were to be achieved by 2010. It is estimated that 9,400 deaths occur each year in London due to illnesses caused by long-term exposure to air pollution ClientEarth, which first launched legal action in 2011, says that 37 out of 43 zones across the UK remain in breach of legal limits. ClientEarth claimed in court the Government gave too much weight to cost and political sensitivity when drawing up plans and of doing the bare minimum and hoping the problem would disappear by 2020. After the High Court ruling, a Defra spokesman said: Improving air quality is a priority for this Government and we are determined to cut harmful emissions. Our plans have always followed the best available evidence we have always been clear that we are ready to update them if necessary and have been at the forefront of action in Europe to secure more accurate, real-world emissions testing for diesel cars. While our huge investment in green transport initiatives and plans to introduce clean-air zones around the country will help tackle this problem, we accept the courts judgment. Advertisement Angry students clashed with police at Dillard University Wednesday evening, as protests against an appearance by former KKK leader David Duke went south. Duke, 66, who is running for a position in the Louisiana Senate, was attending the historically black Louisiana University as part of debate with other candidates. Neither students nor media are allowed inside, a rule set by sponsor Raycom Media, something that led to clashes between protesters of all races and the police who had formed a human wall to block the entrance. Scroll down for video Protests: The arrival of David Duke at Louisiana's historically black Dillard University led to protests that spilled over into clashes with cops after students and media were refused entry Fall: One protester tried to swing in from above a door, but fell on the crowd. Duke there to take part in a debate as a Senate candidate. Dillard said it was only hosting the event Escort: Duke was later escorted to his car by cops. He announced his run for the Louisiana Senate in July, one day after Donald Trump became the GOP presidential candidate, saying 'the climate of this country has moved in my direction' Twitter user Nick Reinmann, who was inside the Georges Auditorium where the protests and discussion were both occurring, tweeted footage of struggling protesters with the caption 'I can taste the pepper spray.' The video appeared to show a police officer being pelted with a water bottle while struggling with a female protester, who was screaming. At one point a white male protester appears to shout 'They're people! They're not animals!' before being dragged off with an arm around his neck. The melee continues, as bodies are pushed and pulled, and another white man screams 'Let her go!' - apparently in reference to a woman being held by police. Suddenly a young black man, who has apparently been scaling the side of the building, falls onto the crowd below, possibly after trying to swing up and under the door frame. Police grab his legs and demand he let go of the door, while red lasers - presumably from tasers - dance over his chest. Eventually they pull him down. Photographs from the protests also show a police officer being ushered away having been blasted in the face with pepper spray in the melee. It was not immediately clear whether it was an accident. Dillard tweeted at 9:30pm that 'No students were attacked for exercising their rights. No students were arrested.' But according to The Advocate at least four people were detained during the protests, and one arrested for trespassing. Sprayed: One police officer was ushered away after being pepper-sprayed in the melee. Students and media were blocked from attending by debate sponsors Raycom Media Controversial: Duke (pictured center, in blue tie, at the debate) has run for several offices and quit the KKK in 1980 but has never shaken his past, which includes advocating the separation of the races and calling black people 'primitive animals' Footage shot by The Advocate earlier in the night shows the protesters peacefully chanting 'No Duke, no KKK, no fascist USA.' A smaller group also formed, asking protesters not to give Duke any more publicity. But the scene was very different by 8.30pm, when the clashes were kicking off. Duke was at the building to debate with state treasurer John Kennedy, US Representatives Charles Boustany and John Fleming, public service commissioner Foster Campbell and attorney Caroline Fayard. He, like all of the candidates, had gained at least five per cent in statewide polls, guaranteeing him a spot on the debating panel per rules set down by Raycom. Distanced: As the protests carried on, the university distanced itself from the debate, saying it was just a host On Saturday Dillard told Inside Higher Ed that it did not know Duke was going to be in the debate when it agreed to play host. 'We were requested to provide a space for an undetermined number of candidates for a forum that would not be open to the public,' the university said in a statement. 'Dillard University does not endorse the candidacy of any of the candidates who will appear at this debate,' it added. As the clashes continued, the university continued to distance itself from the talks, adding: 'Dillard has hosted political debates for years. We don't do this for publicity or money.' Anger: As Duke was driven away, still-furious students kicked and slapped his car. Others blocked exits by standing or laying in the way of traffic By 10pm the debate had ended and Duke was escorted from the hall by a ring of police officers. The earlier clashes had died down, but the anger by protesters was still burning: Several of them surrounded the car, kicking and hitting it, as it drove by. And other students lay and stood in front of exits to block vehicles from leaving. Some said they wanted an explanation from the univeristy's president, Dr Walter M Kimbrough. Police also forcibly divided up a group that had linked arms in order to stop Duke's car from leaving. 'Rigged': Dillard University president Walter Kimbrough accused debate sponsors Raycom Media, who broadcast the talk, of rigging the poll results so that Duke would be included, causing protests and higher ratings Kimbrough himself took to Twitter before the debate Tuesday accusing Raycom, who were screening the debate on their local television channel WVUE-TV, of rigging the debate poll results to make sure Duke would be included in order to boost ratings. 'Pretty clear polling rigged, as Trump would say, for ratings,' he wrote. 'Any protests become part of reality show masquerading as news. #WakeUp. Duke, a former 'grand wizard' of the Ku Klux Klan, has run for Senate before, as well as the US House of Representatives, Louisiana Governor and, in 1988, President. In recent years he has claimed 'respect' for 'all the peoples of the world' and portrayed himself as an anti-globalist and anti-colonialist. He left the KKK in 1980, citing a distaste for its association with violence. But he has never been able to shake his connection to white supremacy, nor his remarks in the 1970s. According to the Anti-Defamation League, they included referring to black people as 'primitive animals.' And in a 1978 edition of KKK newspaper The Crusader, he advocated 'the advancement of the white race and separation of the white and black races,' and 'freeing... American media and government from subservient Jewish interests.' Duke has repeatedly backed Donald Trump, who ultimately disavowed Duke, but only after a long period of equivocating. Duke said in July - one day after Trump became the Republican candidate - that he made this move for the Louisiana senate because 'the climate of this country has moved in my direction.' She was mocking the look which Mr Osborne often sported during his time as Chancellor when visiting building sites across the country Theresa May last night mocked George Osborne by turning up to an awards ceremony dressed in his trademark hi-viz waistcoat and hard hat. The Prime Minister was pictured embracing her former political enemy as he awarded her Politician of the Year at the Spectator Awards. On an extraordinary night, which saw a series of scores settled inside the Tory Party, Mrs May also took a pointed dig at Sir Craig Oliver, the ex-No10 spin doctor who was handed a knighthood by David Cameron. The Prime Minister donned a hard hat and hi-viz jacket as she collected an award from the former chancellor She said: lm particularly pleased to see that Craig Oliversorry, Sir Craig, is here tonight. In his book he said that when he heard the result of the referendum, he walked out of the office and as he walked into Whitehall started wretching violently. I have to say that I think we all understand that feeling, most of us experienced it too when we saw his name on the resignations honours list. Mrs May arrived at the end of the event, bursting through a door in the hi-viz gear. She was mocking the look which Mr Osborne often sported during his time as Chancellor when visiting building sites across the country. The two were pictured embracing at the awards ceremony in London In Government, Mrs May had a fractious relationship with Mr Osborne. The pair repeatedly clashed over her desire to curb mass immigration. Allies of Mr Osborne were obsessed with the idea that, throughout her time as Home Secretary, Mrs May was harbouring ambitions to become PM. In the end, Mr Osbornes career was destroyed by his disastrous Project Fear referendum campaign. Once she became PM, Mrs May sacked Mr Osborne from the post of Chancellor. In one pointed joke during the awards evening, Mrs May compared ex-leadership rival Boris Johnson to a dog who may be put down. Meanwhile, pro-Leave campaigner Mr Johnson bizarrely suggested the PM and her Government would make a Titanic success of Brexit - in an apparent reference to the cruise liner which so tragically sank. It is not the first time this week that Theresa May showed the public a less serious side. At the Pride of Britain awards on Monday night she sashayed down the red carpet signing autographs for fans and taking countless selfies. Mrs May, 60, mingled with the likes of Dame Joan Collins and Bake Off star Mary Berry at the A-list event. But Black claims he reported Dr Frost because views were ' Dr Stephen Frost is taking the Ministry of Defence to an employment tribunal as he claims he was unfairly dismissed A former senior Army medic was accused of 'acting like the Stasi' yesterday by sending 'abusive' emails about a whistle blowing doctor. Colonel Carson Black denied he was 'being sneaky' by sending the emails about the well known views of Dr Stephen Frost on the war in Iraq and the suicide of weapons expert David Kelly. Colonel Black, who was the head of Army Primary Healthcare Services (North), sent the emails to Colonel John Burgess, the Ministry of Defence officer responsible for civilian doctors in the Army. The were sent in April 2014 - several months after Dr Frost has been sacked from his position as a locum doctor at Weeton barracks near Blackpool in Lancashire but after he had lodged a claim fro unfair dismissal. John Hendy QC, for Dr Frost, told an employment tribunal in Manchester yesterday that the e mails were 'intemperate, ill advised and abusive and were sent to try to destroy Dr Frost's career'. Colonel Black, who has now left the Army, wrote in the first e mail: 'I have been doing some research and it appears that Dr Frost was a leading light in a group of doctors wanting to reopen the inquest into the death of Dr David Kelly. 'He is vociferously critical of the Government in the press and on social media.' Mr Hendy said he had written the e mail 'behind his back to suggest that there was something sneaky going on'. Colonel Black replied: 'I do not think so. It was information which was a cause for concern and it was my duty to raise those concerns. 'I do not see that as being sneaky. I think it was me trying to do the right thing.' Mr Hendy said: 'Is there anything wrong with Dr Frost being in the group wanting to re open the case of David Kelly?' Colonel Black said: 'No.Ironically I was concerned about publicity because the article described him as a doctor at an RAF base and I thought that was inappropriate and could cause embarrassment to the MOD.' Mr Hendy referred to a Daily Mail article after Dr Frost and two other doctors had written to The Guardian voicing their opposition to Iraq. He said: 'Dr Frsot is one of those people who believe the invasion of Iraq was illegal and that view is widely held.' Colonel Black replied: 'I do not know.' Mr Hendy told Col Black: 'The tribunal may be struggling to understand why you felt it necessary to draw attention to Dr Frost using his medical expertise to suggest the case of Dr Kelly should be further investigated or expressing the view that the invasion of Iraq was illegal.' Col Black said: 'I just felt that given the tweets, the nature of it all - the broadcasts about the illegal war while working with us and views which were critical of the Government were of concern. But I left the decision to be considered by others.' Mr Hendy said 'many people in the military' were 'very, very upset' about the war and 'were asked to risk their lives for something which was illegal'. Colonel Black replied: 'It is not a view I have heard expressed within the military. But I left a couple of years ago and that view may have changed.' The officer told the tribunal that he had found a 'significant' number of articles by Dr Frost on Global Research - a website described as 'left wing and conspiracy theorist'. He was quizzed about the alleged link between Dr Frost and Dr David Halpin, who had written a letter to the Russian ambassador congratulating him on the invasion of Crimea. Col Black said he felt they 'were closely associated' because they were often named together in various articles. Mr Hendy said: 'This was guilt by association, wasn't it?' Col Black sad: 'I was concerned.' Mr Hendy added: 'This is a tactic which would have been used by the Stasi. Dr Frost was guilty because he had been working with Dr Halpin and Dr Halpin was a bad man?' Dr Stephen Frost, and Helen Clifford of McMillan Williams Solicitors at Alexandra House in Manchester, where the tribunal is being held Col Black replied: 'I do see what you mean but that is not what was intended. I do not feel for one minute that there is any evidence that Dr Frost shares those views.' Mr Hendy said the officer had 'an axe to grind' despite Dr Frost having a 20-year unblemished record of working with the MOD. Col Black said: 'It suprised me that he was so anti...anti-Government.' Mr Hendy: 'It didn't occur to you that Dr Frost had an impeccable record and loved working with soldiers? Whatever his views on the leadership of the Government, he loved soldiers.' Col Black replied: 'That did not occur to me. I was not thinking of that.' Dr Frost (pictured) claims he was sacked because he highlighted possible criminal activity within the MoD The tribunal heard that Colonel Burgess had thanked Colonel Black for his 'research' and said it was 'very helpful'. Colonel Black said the research had made him 'very uneasy about Dr Frost's motives for working for the MoD'. He said he was concerned that Dr Frost could have been 'sucked into' the views on Russia expressed by Dr Halpin. Mr Hendy said: 'You mean he might be more loyal to Moscow than to London?' Col Black said: 'I strongly believed he could be misused without even being aware of it. People can be influenced and manipulated without being aware. I was concerned about his motives.' The officer also said he was concerned about an article in The Lancet in which Dr Frost asked for assurances that military doctors were given clear instructions in what to do in cases of torture. Mr Hendy said: 'You are scratching around in these intemperate, ill advised and abusive e mails sent to destroy is career.' Col Black replied: 'That is completely true. I was concerned about references to UK military doctors being concerned in torture.' He said he did not know that the content of the emails would find their way to Dr Frost's employers at a health care trust in North Wales Dr Frost, from Colwyn Bay, claims he was sacked from the MoD because he had highlighed possible criminal activity over the supply of morphine tablets to an wounded solider. Violent prisoners will painstakingly fold one thousand paper cranes as a gift for sick children to reduce anti-social behaviour in jail, but child protection advocates have slammed the move. The new violence prevention officer at Queensland's Wolston Correctional Centre suggested prisoners - including murderers and paedophiles - get involved in an arts and craft program, with the finished product being sent to sick children in hospital. An in-house memo at the high-security prison, obtained by The Courier Mail, proposed inmates practice origami, specifically a jailhouse version of the one thousand cranes project, in a bid to kerb violent outbreaks. Queensland's Wolston Correctional Centre wanted to get prisoners - including murderers and paedophiles - to fold 1,000 paper cranes and send them to sick children in hospital According to Japanese legend, if someone folds a thousand paper cranes they will be afforded a wish and the project has been widely known to symbolise hope. The memo said if prisoners finished the project they would send them to sick children so they could be displayed in hospitals across the state. 'Once we have made 1000, we will string them together and we are hoping to send them to the Children's Hospital Foundation for distribution,' the memo reportedly read. It was argued prisoners would adopt a more 'pro-social attitude' if they were involved in a more 'meaningful' activities. According to Japanese legend, if someone folds a thousand paper cranes they will be afforded a wish and the project has been widely known to symbolise hope But child protection advocates warned it is dangerous to give prisoners the opportunity to be involved with children, even if it is by distance. 'Getting prisoners busy sending little gifts or messages to children is a really bad idea,' Bravehearts founder Hetty Johnston told the Courier Mail. A spokesperson for Queensland Corrective Services reportedly said there was no formal arrangement to send anything to the 1000 Cranes campaign. They also denied claims prisoners would be involved in making stars to be put on display for the Commonwealth Games with the Million Stars project. Germany's European Commissioner has refused to apologise after he described Chinese people as slitty-eyed. Gunther Oettinger was secretly filmed mocking a delegation of Chinese ministers who had visited Brussels for having their hair combed from left to right with shoe polish. The 63-year-old also joked about gay marriage and former German chancellor Gerhard Schroders separation from his wife. China yesterday denounced his remarks but Mr Oettinger insisted he had not been racist and had nothing to say sorry for. Gunther Oettinger (pictured) refused to say sorry after he was secretly filmed saying Chinese ministers looked like they had their hair combed from left to right with shoe polish Mr Oettinger, who is responsible for EU digital policy, was recorded making the comments during an after-dinner speech in Hamburg last Wednesday to nervous laughter and applause. The footage is particularly embarrassing as just hours after it emerged online on Friday, Mr Oettinger was promoted to take charge of the EU budget. Guests at the dinner said Mr Oettinger, who is a senior member of Angela Merkels CDU party, used the derogatory term Schlitzaugen - slitty eyed - to describe people from China. On the tape he is then heard describing a recent visit to Brussels by Chinese ministers as: Nine men, one party, no democracy. No female quota and no women - which follows logically. All of them in suits, single-breasted dark blue jackets. All of them had their hair combed from left to right, with black shoe polish on their hair. Mr Oettinger also suggested that German MPs would soon introduce a law for mandatory gay marriage. And he joked that following the recent collapse of Mr Schroders fourth marriage he would now have plenty of time on his hands. Chinas foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying yesterday said the comments were baffling. I think the relevant remarks actually reflect some western politicians deep-rooted and baffling sense of superiority, she said. We hope these people can learn to objectively view themselves and others and learn mutual respect and equal treatment. Mr Oettinger told German newspaper Die Welt that his comment was a somewhat sloppy expression that was not meant in any way disrespectfully towards China. However, he denied it was racist. Guests at a dinner said Mr Oettinger, who is a senior member of Angela Merkels (pictured) CDU party, also used the derogatory term Schlitzaugen - slitty eyed - to describe people from China Yesterday when asked again to apologise, Mr Oettinger told Brussels website Euractiv: Everything has been said. There is nothing to apologise for. There is no scandal. Its you [the press], that has made the scandal. A spokesman for European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said he would not investigate the remarks. We have nothing to add to the interview, he said. Mr Oettinger, who has a reputation for being gaffe prone, previously suggested the flags of heavily indebted countries should be flown at half-mast outside EU buildings as a punishment. In the aftermath of the Brexit vote, he blamed the result on David Camerons s**t campaign. The controversy over Mr Oettingers use of the term comes 30 years after the Duke of Edinburgh caused upset for similar remarks. Two former Salvation Army officers have been charged with a total of 28 counts of sexually assaulting boys in NSW orphanages. The men, aged 77 and 74, were arrested on Wednesday over allegations of horrific sexual abuse at boys' homes in Bexley and Goulburn in the 1960s and 1970s. The allegations were first raised at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse, which took place in early 2014. Two former Salvation Army officers have been charged for historic child sex abuse at two NSW orphanages (pictured is an undated photograph of children staying at Bexley Boys' Home, one of the locations where the abuse is alleged to have happened) The men, aged 77 and 74, were arrested on Wednesday over allegations of horrific sexual abuse at boys' homes in Bexley and Goulburn (pictured) in the 1960s and 1970s A 74-year-old man was arrested at a home in Waterloo, in Sydney's inner-city, at 7.30am on Wednesday. He was charged with 23 counts of indecent assault on a male, two counts of buggery (anal intercourse), and one count of procure indecent act with male. Police will allege the man sexually assaulted boys at orphanages in Bexley and Goulburn between 1971 and 1974. He was refused bail and is due to face Central Local Court on Thursday. A second man, aged 77, was arrested at a home in Richmond, in Sydney's far-west, at about 7.30am on Wednesday. He was later charged with two counts of indecent assault upon a male, seven counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and four counts of common assault. Police will allege the man committed the offences against boys in the same orphanage in Bexley between 1968 and 1974. He was granted conditional bail and will appear before Windsor Local Court on December 15. The allegations of horrific sexual abuse were first raised at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse. The Salvation Army did not wish to comment One man, 74, was arrested at a Sydney home and charged with 23 counts of indecent assault on a male. Police will allege that the sexual assaults took place at Bexley Boys' Home (pictured is an undated photograph of children at Bexley Boys' Home) The arrests were a result of extensive investigations carried out by Strike Force Lehmann, which was established following the Royal Commission. In a statement provided to Daily Mail Australia, the Salvation Army said it would be inappropriate to provide public comment due to the ongoing criminal proceedings. 'To The Salvation Army, the protection and wellbeing of children and vulnerable people is paramount and one of our greatest priorities as an organisation,' the statement added. 'Our policies and practices, both internationally and across Australia, are consistently reviewed to ensure that volunteers, staff and officers who work with children have been properly screened and trained.' 'These measures have been designed to ensure accountability and child protection processes are continuously adhered to so children will never be harmed again.' Cliff Randall (right), was a witness who gave evidence of child abuse at Bexley boys home in Sydney at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in 2014 Bexley Boys' Home started as a probationary home for boys in 1915 taking troubled youths from court, but became a boys' home in 1931. It was renamed Kolling Memorial Boys' Home in 1967 but shut down two years later. In a statement in 2006, the Salvation Army said it had accommodated and cared for more than 30,000 children from the 1940s to the 1980s. If any member of the public has information in relation to Strike Force Lehmann, they should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Police encourage any person who has been a victim of any kind of sexual violence, no matter how long ago the incident occurred, to contact police. A 15-year-old Texas girl took her own life after she was bullied at school and online, according to her family. Eighth grader Natalie Natividad attended Hebbronville Junior High School and committed suicide on Friday when she took a fatal overdose of pills, officials said. The teen was bullied at school and on social media, and at one point her mother even pulled her out of school to protect her from the bullying, KIII-TV reported. Scroll down for video Eighth grader Natalie Natividad, 15, (left and right) committed suicide on Friday when she took a fatal overdose of pills, officials said Her brother told the station that his sister had also cried to the school counselor about how she was being treated. On social media, Natalie allegedly suffered from cyber abuse on an app called After School, described as a 'new outlet for teens' on its website. The app 'fosters fun and creative online and offline experiences for America's teens, in a positive environment with zero tolerance for cyberbullying, threats, or content that threatens the safety of our online community,' according to its website. Natalie attended Hebbronville Junior High School (pictured) where her brother said she cried to school counselors about being bullied 'They've always bullied her a lot around school,' her brother told the station, adding bullies on the app told Natalie she was 'ugly' and that 'she should kill herself.' However, Michael Callahan and Cory Levy, founders of After School, noted in a statement on a blog post posted to the company's website that Natalie had posted the negative comments about herself. 'Natalie was a member of her schools network on After School. When we learned of this tragic situation from local law enforcement officers investigating the case, we immediately supported and assisted them in their investigation,' the post read. 'The investigation determined that it was not another student who made negative or bullying statements about Natalie. 'Unfortunately, she had posted the messages about herself. Our proactive moderation prevented these messages from being seen on the schools feed.' 'At After School, we care deeply about each and every one of our users. We have made it a priority to provide resources to teens to help them throughout high school, especially during the most difficult times,' the statement continued. On social media, Natalie reportedly suffered from cyber abuse on an app called After School (pictured) 'We partner with Crisis Text Line to connect students instantly with trained Crisis Counselors at any hour of the day in all 50 states. Natalie was offered an opportunity to connect with a counselor. 'We only wish that we could have done more to have helped her get help.' In memory of Natalie, After School is now implementing a suicide detection capability to help prevent self-harm that may be in progress, the company said. They plan to broaden the functionality of the current system they have that notifies authorities when a potential threat involving a school is detected. 'Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to Natalies family, friends, school community, and everyone else affected by this tragedy,' the company said. Now Natalie's family is just seeking justice. 'We just want some justice to happen,' Natalie's sister Connie Rodriguez said through tears as she spoke to the station. 'And whoever is bullying, I hope that they stop because it may be a next person who takes their own life. And we dont want any other family to go through this. 'This is something that no one should go through.' At this time, school officials and the sheriff's department are investigating Natalie's death. Jim Hogg School Superintendent Juan Maldonado would not comment on the investigation, but offered his sympathies. Deputies said criminal charges could be brought forward. Natalie's family is now working on laying her to rest. The family has set up a Gofundme page to assist with funeral expenses. Hillary Clinton flew to Arizona in an effort to expand the Democratic electoral map, spending precious time in a state that has tantalized her party and defended liberal Elizabeth Warren and her former Republican tormentor Carly Fiorina from past attacks by Donald Trump. Speaking to a student-filled crowd, Clinton stood up for failed GOP presidential candidate Fiorina, who briefly rose in the crowded Republican primary through her own relentless attacks on Clinton, and had one of her strongest moments defending herself against Trump. 'Remember what he said about Carly Fiorina, a distinguished woman with a tremendous record of accomplishment?' Clinton asked, heaping praise on Fiorina. 'And basically Trump said nobodyll vote for her look at her face,' she said, referencing comments Trump made about Fiorina that appeared in a Rolling Stone profile. Hillary Clinton's campaign announced the decision to send the candidate to red state Arizona last Friday moments before news broke that the FBI was looking back into her emails Trump had said 'Look at that face' when Fiorina's image had flashed across the screen. Clinton also defended liberal Sen. Elizabeth Warren from Trump's attacks, although like Fiorina, Warren had little trouble standing up for herself in frequent Twitter fights with Trump. She said Trump 'mocks sen Elizabeth Warren by calling her Pocahontas again and again.' Trump uses the insult to reference Warren's debunked claims to having Native American heritage, based on family lore. Clinton's defense of Fiorina was all the more remarkable because of the way Fiorina tried to rile up GOP primary voters by clubbing Clinton. 'Hillary Clinton would do anything to gain and hold onto power, anything,' Fiorina said at a Fox News debate. 'If my husband did what Bill Clinton did, I would have left him long ago,' Fiorina said. Speaking in an area with a major influx of immigrants who have helped equalize the party balance, Clinton hammered Trump on immigration issues, saying he would have a 'huge deportation force' that would 'round up millions of immigrants and kick them out.' She used dark imagery to describe the force, saying it would act, 'I guess loading them into buses and on trains.' And she blasted 'Sheriff Joe' Arpaio, who is up for reelection and has endorsed Trump, noting to the crowd a court has held him in contempt for his actions in a long-running dispute over racial profiling. Clinton spoke before an estimated 15,000 people in Tempe Hillary Clinton campaigned in Arizona on Wednesday night Clinton speaks with patrons at Love's Barbershop in North Las Vegas, Nev., Wednesday Hillary Clinton waves at supporters as she arrives at a campaign rally in Tempe, Arizona The campaign sent around a fire marshall estimate of 15,000 attendees, which would make it among her largest crowds of the year. Team Clinton made the decision to venture into Republican-leaning Arizona, home to conservative icon Barry Goldwater and Sen. John McCain, who is up for reelection, before the bombshell news that the FBI was getting back into Clinton's email investigation. At the time, Clinton was surging ahead in national and state opinion polling, and commentators were speculating about the size of the electoral college blowout she might score. Arizona hasn't gone Democratic for president since 1996. That still could happen, but there has been tightening in some battlegrounds since the news shook up the race. 'As the political pundits like to say, this state is in play for the first time in years,' Clinton said. Her remarks got big cheers from the crowd, although there also were chants of 'lock her up' from Trump supporters. A new CNN/ORC poll gives Trump a five point lead over Clinton in the state, with him leading Clinton 49 to 44 per cent, with Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson getting 5 per cent and Jill Stein getting 1 per cent. He had engaged members of the Rebels bikie gang to order a hit on her Monis 'took advantage' of Droudis, who 'adopted uncritically' his views Court heard Monis brainwashed her into committing the 'frenzied' murder Amirah Droudis fatally stabbed his ex-wife then set her alight in Sydney Former girlfriend of Lindt cafe gunman Man Haron Monis guilty of The former girlfriend of Lindt cafe gunman Man Haron Monis has been found guilty of murdering his ex-wife. NSW Supreme Court heard Amirah Droudis, 37, butchered Monis's 30-year-old ex-wife before lighting her body on fire in a brutal 2013 attack outside a western Sydney unit. Justice Peter Johnson told of how Monis groomed Droudis to commit the 'frenzied' murder of the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons,The Sydney Morning Herald reported. Amirah Droudis, 37,has been found guilty of murdering the ex-wife of Lindt cafe gunman Man Haron Monis The NSW Supreme Court heard Monis brainwashed Droudis into committing the brutal murder The NSW Supreme Court trial heard Monis's ex-wife was stabbed 18 times, doused in petrol and set alight by an assailant wearing a long black hijab. The self-proclaimed Muslim cleric Monis convinced a besotted Droudis to carry out the killing during their relationship of several years. The court heard Monis 'took advantage' of Droudis, who was 'greatly influenced' by him and had 'adopted uncritically' his extremist views. He brainwashed her into committing the attack during the 'closest and most intense level of her relationship.' Footage of a hospitalised Monis being told by police his ex-wife had died was played in the NSW Supreme Court earlier this year. Monis was seen cradling his head in his hands and simulated chest pains, telling police: 'that's not possible, such a thing. It's someone else.' NSW Supreme Court heard Droudis butchered Monis's 30-year-old ex-wife before lighting her body on fire in a brutal 2013 attack In footage shown in the NSW supreme court, Monis told police: 'that's not possible, such a thing. It's someone else' Lindt siege gunman Man Haron Monis (pictured) cradled his head in his hands and simulated chest pains when he was told of his former wife's death Before the plot Monis had engaged members of the Rebels bikie gang in a bid to order a hit on her Droudis's barrister had argued she was not involved, and suggested it may have been a hired killer or another of the multiple women linked to Monis. Donald Trump suggested Wednesday night that President Barack Obama was aware a Democratic Party operative paid protesters to stir up trouble and cause physical confrontations in his rallies. And he said Obama's campaigning for fellow Democrat Hillary Clinton may be doing her more harm than good as the president fights against the tide of recent bad news about Obamacare premium rate hikes. Speaking to a raucous crowd in Pensacola, Florida, the Republican presidential nominee highlighted the case of Robert Creamer, a middle-man who until two weeks ago served as a connection between the Democratic National Committee, Clinton's presidential campaign, and activists who have instigated fights at Trump events. Creamer, a convicted felon who is married to a Chicago Democratic congresswoman, has visited the Obama White House 342 times, including dozens of occasions where he interacted with the president, according to official White House visitor logs. Donald Trump hinted Wednesday night that President Barack Obama was aware Democratic Party operatives were paying protesters to disrupt his rallies and start physical fights that made his supporters look bad Convicted felon Bob Creamer was shoved out of the Hillary Clinton campaign's inner circle after a video sting caught him discussing how to commit large-scale voter fraud and send activists into Donald Trump campaigns to start fights and he was a regular Obama White House visitor Trump said Obama is doing Hillary Clinton more harm than good when he campaigns for her, but should be working to solve America's domestic and foreign-policy problems anyway 'Did you see the guy who was in charge of that program visited the White House, like, 344 times? Did you see that?' Trump asked an outdoor amphitheatre audience. 'He visited the White House, I think it was 344 times, right? But he said, "Yeah, but I only saw that president 44 times." Oh, well that's okay.' And then with subtle sarcasm, Trump swiped at Obama: 'So I'm sure the president didn't know anything about the violence, right?' Separately, Federal Election Commission records show that one of the organizations linked with the shenanigans paid an activist involved in the fighting more than $1,500 and compensated her for a cell phone. Trump ad-libbed his comments after a man in the crowd began yelling while the candidate was outlining his position on establishing 'safe zones' to protect Syrian refugees. 'I think he's on our side,' Trump said. 'I always say "Friend or foe?"' Hillary Clinton 'has become unhinged,' Trump claimed Wednesday in Pensacola, Florida Watch the flag! The Republican nominee ducked to avoid touching Old Glory as he took the stage following rock-concert-style pyrotechnics 'Usually it's "friend," other than the ones that the Clintons hired, the thugs, right? For $1,500 apiece, $1,500 and a cell phone: "Go and try and beat up as many people as you can".' 'Remember that? Around Chicago?' Trump asked, recalling a March 11 rally that U.S. Secret Service forced him to cancel after left-wing rioters brawled with his supporters and with police. 'And then they're blaming me!' Trump remembered: "Donald Trump's rallies are very, very violent".' 'You had policemen walking out with gashes in their head. Those people should be prsosecuted,' he said. The Republican has claimed that without the intervention of provocateurs, is campaign events would have been skirmish-free. 'We have the friendliest rallies, we have such love in our rallies,' he said Wednesday. 'Those people should be prosecuted.' Trump criticized Obama, as he has done in a half-dozen recent campaign stops, for spending time stumping for Clinton instead of applying elbow grease to the economic and national security issues that have become Trump rally mainstays. 'He's gotta stop campaigning for crooked Hillary,' Trump said Wednesday. 'He's gotta go back, go to the office, and he's got to produce jobs. And he's got to help the military build up I mean, depleted! He's gotta look at the borders.' 'I mean, this guy! All he wants to do is campaign for Hillary. It's unbelievable. I think he may be hurting her more look, the bottom line is nobody wants four more years of Obama.' Trump's supporters believe he will upset Clinton's moneyed political juggernaut on November 8, validating their faith in a movement that aims to 'drain the swamp' in Washington, D.C. Trump's crowds can be raucous, especially when Hillary Clinton's name is invoked Trump's speaking style was far looser in Pensacola than it was 24 hours earlier in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he delivered an uncharacteristically disciplined and on-message speech. Coming out on the stage after concert-style pyrotechnics exploded, he told Florida panhandle voters: 'In six days we are going to win the great state of Florida and we are going to win the White House. Going to win it. It's feeling like it already, isn't it?' But then he swung into a stream-of-consciousness riff that sounded like a man repeating tips a speaking boach had just delivered backstage. 'Just, we've got to be nice and cool, nice and cool, right? Stay on point, Donald, stay on point,' he said in a syrupy voice as the crowd laughed along at the vulnerable moment. 'No sidetracks, Donald. Nice and easy. Niiice ... Because I've been watching Hillary the last few days. She's totally unhinged. We don't want any of that. She has become unhinged.' Trump did a small victory lap following the his campaign's announcement of a $100 million fundraising haul from small-dollar contributors in October. 'I don't think that's ever been done,' he said. 'Has that ever been done before? That sounds more like a Democrat thing.' The rest of his presentation was directed at those Democrats. President Barack Obama, shown toasting the Italian prime minister on Tuesday, met with rally instigator Robert Creamer in the Oval Office on October 1, 2015 Creamer's Oval Office visit and others in the West Wing and the White House residence 342 in all are chronicled in the Obama administration's own official visitor logs Trump said Democratic National Committee interim chairwoman Donna Brazile, fired last month from CNN, couldn't handle the heat when a TV interviewer grilled her about her decision to pass CNN debate and town hall questions to the Clinton campaign in advance of those events. 'Did you see her on television the other night, trying to answer that one?' Trump chuckled. 'That was called choking. "Let me out of the studio, please!"' 'Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. What a country.' And he laughed as he imagined Clinton's predicament when the FBI disclosed that it had found a cache of 650,000 emails some linked to her State Departemnt tenure on a laptop belonging to the sex-crazed estranged husband of senior campaign aide Huma Abedin. Clinton famously ordered the deletion 33,000 of her emails fom a private server that she used exclusivelly while she was America's senior-most diplomat. 'Can you imagine? She's deleting all the time, she's deleting all the time, and then they tell her, "We have a problem. We just found 650,000",' Trump mocked. Clinton, he said, 'has got ban instincts. She's got bad judgment. That's not gonna be your president.' Sometimes angry, sometimes playful, Trump castigated Clinton for her casual attitude toward highly classified state secrets, and then chided the mass media for downplaying the audience chant of 'Lock her up!' that inevitablly follows. 'Is your sound turned back up?' Trump asked a rank of TV camera operators when the noise subsided. 'You know what they do?' he asked, shifting focus back to his fans. 'They turn the sound down when you're doing that!' And then back to the TV cameras: 'Are you guys back? You put your sound back up? Creamer's organization and its subcontractors paid activists like this man to sneak into Trump rallies and start trouble, according to statements made on hidden-camera footage The Democracy Partners alliance with the Democratic National Committee and the Clinton campaign reached its high water mark in March when their provocateurs managed to start a riot that canceled a Trump rally in downtown Chicago Wednesday night's more sociable Trump alternated between his script and his inner 'Apprentice' star, even bantering with a woman who one-upped a punchline. Finishing a soliloquy about the dangers of trusting U.S.-Russia relations to a 'weak' Clinton, Trump's sundae-cherry was: 'And Putin doesn't like her!' The woman cried out: 'We don't like her either!' 'Hah ha!' Trump reacted. 'That was quite funny! The woman screams, "We don't like her either!"' 'Who said that?' he asked, scanning the crowd. 'That's pretty cool. Who said it?' A hand went up. An alleged member of the Evil 8 paedophile ring has pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing a girl who was pimped out by her own father. Alfred John Impicciatore, 46, will face trial on seven charges after he appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday via videolink from Hakea prison. He pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexually penetrating a child, one count of possessing child exploitation material and two counts of breaching bail. Alfred John Impicciatore, 46, has pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing a girl who was pimped out by her own father The girl was 13 when Impicciatore allegedly sexually penetrated her on four occasions. The Wembley man, who is a builder with his own business, has changed lawyers several times since he was first charged and has repeatedly asked for adjournments. Impicciatore was jailed in September after he allegedly breached bail by missing a court appearance. He later claimed he went to Royal Perth Hospital because he was overwhelmed and anxious about the public attention of the case. Impicciatore, 46, appeared in court via video link on Thursday from Hakea Prison (pictured) The 46-year-old has been remanded in custody to appear in the WA District Court on January 27, while the breach of bail charges will be dealt with in the magistrates court the following month. Eight men were originally named in the notorious case, with the group dubbed the 'Evil 8' in local media. That number was reduced to seven because one of them was not charged with offences related to the girl. The girl was abused when she was aged between 11 and 13. Those jailed so far include the victim's father, who is appealing his 22-year sentence. The father had put her under a stupefying drug when he pimped her out. The local council are aware of the graffiti and are working to remove it No official complaint has been made but police are addressing the incident A number of phrases including 'Rob is a c**t' were written in black letters A vandal seeking revenge on a man named Rob has dealt him the ultimate payback by graffiting the front of his house with profanities. The words, 'Rob is a c**t, a c***t lives here', were emblazoned in big black letters across the cream walls of a North Perth home in Perth. It is still unknown whether the property is rental or owner-occupied and the home is expected to be cleaned up as soon as possible. A home in North Perth was vandalised with phrases suggest the tenant is a 'c**t' Local police are aware of the vandalism but no reports have been taken as yet. 'We're working with our local council and from my understanding we're working to find and inform the tenant,' a spokesperson from Wembley police station said. 'At this stage a vehicle has been dispatched to the location.' The home has been spotted by locals including a parent who walks her children to a nearby school. 'Banksy really needs to visit Perth if just to inspire the street artists,' journalist Jenna Clarke wrote on Twitter. The local council, City of Vincent, aims at cleaning graffiti visible to the public as soon as possible but as the vandalism falls on private property, permission must be gained by the owner first. The local council, City of Vincent, is working with police to contact the owner and cleaner the graffiti Hillary Clinton is holding her lead in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, new polls show - but Donald Trump is closing the ground in the Keystone State. According to a poll released Wednesday by Monmouth University, 48 per cent of Pennsylvania residents say they'll send their votes to Clinton, while 44 per cent are choosing Trump. Clinton had led by double digits in the summer. Perhaps surprisingly, only four per cent of those polled said they were dissuaded by the news that Clinton's email server case has been reopened, Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, told CBS. 'It looks like this shift was in the works even before Friday's FBI bombshell, which has made only a small contribution to this overall narrowing,' he said. In the lead: Hillary Clinton is leading by four points in Pennsylvania according to two new polls, and by six points in Wisconsin in a third. She has also taken bellwether city Philadelphia Instead, Trump has been making gains in white women voters, despite a seemingly endless stream of accusations of sexual abuse or harassment. His approval ratings have also increased over the past month, while Clinton's have dropped. Trump's gains have largely been made in the Western side of the state, where he has a 16-point lead. But Clinton has locked down the bellwether areas of the state - Philadelphia and its suburbs - where she polls 62 per cent to Trump's 29. And she leads dramatically with non-white voters, pulling 83 per cent of the vote, while Trump trails with a measly 9 per cent. The poll took in the opinions of 403 state residents between last Thursday and Tuesday. Its margin of error is 4.9 per cent. Another poll in the same period, conducted by CNN and ORC International, also shows Clinton leading by 4 per cent, and has a 3 per cent margin of error. Voters give Trump the nod on economic issues, but say Clinton would be a better choice on matters of foreign policy, health care, trade and terrorism. Perhaps surprisingly, both Clinton and Trump were ranked equally on immigration by the voters. Gains: Trump made gains in Pennsylvania among white women - despite recent abuse allegations. And news that the FBI reopened Clinton's email investigation hasn't hurt her much The gap between two candidates is wider in Wisconsin, where Trump trails six points behind Clinton's 46 per cent. That poll, by Marquette Law School, also says that Clinton took the lead in early voters by some distance, taking home 64 per cent compared to Trump's 25. More than 518,000 early ballots have been cast - a figure that would have comprised 16.9 per cent of 2012's turnout. That poll began on Wednesday October 26 and ended Monday. That means the reveal of Clinton's FBI troubles came right in the middle - but didn't appear to bother Wisconsin voters. The Marquette poll took in the opinions of 1,401 voters and has a margin of error of 3.3 per cent. The Gold Coast theme park will stay closed until all four funerals are complete Her son Kieran, 10, was thrown from the raft and sustained minor injuries but remains deeply traumatised The 42-year-old from New Zealand was killed on the Thunder River Rapids Cindy Low's loved ones performed the Haka before the funeral service on The first of four people killed on a Dreamworld ride has been farewelled in emotional service Advertisement The 'vivacious', 'compassionate' and 'caring' wife and mother-of-two killed on a ride at Dreamworld has been farewelled by mourners performing an emotional haka. Cindy Low, 42, was remembered as a 'devoted mother' and 'dearly cherished wife' during her funeral service held on the New South Wales Central Coast on Tuesday. The New Zealand expat's friends and family lined the driveway of the Palmdale Hillside Chapel to perform the haka, a traditional Maori war dance, as her coffin was brought in. Scroll down for video Cindy Low (pictured) was remembered as a 'devoted mother' and 'dearly cherished wife' during her funeral service held on the New South Wales Central Coast on Tuesday Ms Low's husband Mathew (left) and son Kieran, 10, (right) witnessed the horrific accident while on holiday (Pictured: Funeral service for Cindy Low) The New Zealand expat's friends and family lined the driveway of the Palmdale Hillside Chapel to perform an emotional haka, a traditional Maori war dance, as her coffin was brought in for the service 'You rocked our world and we loved every minute of it,' Cindy Low's husband Mathew Low Ms Low was one of four people killed at Dreamworld, on the Gold Coast, when a raft on the Thunder River Rapids malfunctioned and threw six passengers into the water last Tuesday. Kate Goodchild, her brother Luke Dorsett and his partner Roozbeh Araghi also died in the accident, with Ms Low's son Kieran, 10, and Ms Goodchild's daughter Ebony the only passengers to survive. The two children were thrown from the raft and miraculously survived without sustaining any major injuries only to watch on as staff members desperately tried to pull their mother's bodies from the simulated rapids. Ms Low lived in Sydney with her husband Mathew and two children, Kieran and Isla, 12, for ten years but were holidaying on the Gold Coast when she died. 'You rocked our world and we loved every minute of it,' her husband of almost 20 years, Mathew Low, said in a letter read out at the funeral. 'I promise to celebrate ... each precious moment.' Ms Low (left and right) lived in Sydney with her husband Mathew and two children, Kieran and Isla, for ten years but were holidaying on the Gold Coast when she died Ms Low's closet friends and family volunteered to carry her coffin from the hearse Many of the men wore sunglasses while the carried her body into the funeral home Everything Ms Low said or did 'radiated love', her heartbroken friends and family say. Loved ones would always 'look to the stars where you will shine bright,' her sister Storm said in a poem. A friend called the October 25 tragedy 'a day when our world fell to pieces'. But they tried to focus on happier days, with a slideshow of the family and anecdotes about Ms Low's childhood and misadventures with friends. She was an avid photographer, baker and the family's 'crazy cat lady'. She was also immensely proud and protective of her children, 10-year-old Kieran and 12-year-old Isla. The family feels 'a deep sense of injustice' over the accident, which left Kieran deeply traumatised Mr Low works at a hearing aid company in North Ryde, but has been spending time with his family on the Central Coast since his wife's death Grieving loved ones gave each other comfort at the funeral service came to a close The husband of Cindy Low, Mathew, is embraced as he departs with other mourners. In an heart wrenching letter read out during the service he said his wife 'rocked our world and we loved every minute of it' The son of Cindy Low, is embraced as his father Matthew looks on. Kieran, 10, was left deeply traumatised after witnessing the Dreamworld tragedy A large group of mourners walked from the funeral home on Thursday afternoon The huge gathering of mourners reflect just how much the 'vivacious', 'compassionate' and 'caring' wife and mother-of-two was loved The order of service at Ms Low's featured a playful quote about seizing the moment Mr Low works at a hearing aid company in North Ryde, but has been spending time with his family on the Central Coast since his wife's death. According to the New Zealand Herald, Ms Low's younger sister and father flew to Australia after the accident to support him and the children through the loss. Dreamworld will remain closed until all four funerals have been completed. The embattled theme park announced it would be creating a permanent memorial for the four victims using the mounting pile of flowers left outside by mourners. The embattled theme park announced it would be creating a permanent memorial for the four victims using the mounting pile of flowers left outside by mourners A tattooed son of a pastor who has bashed bikies and paedophiles will spend at least a year behind bars after he was found with drugs and a shotgun. On Wednesday, Gold Coast man Kevin Pearce pleaded guilty to a range of charges including weapons offences. The 30-year-old had been found with a stolen credit card and a number of shotgun cartridges in a bum bag, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported. Kevin Pearce plead guilty to stealing a credit card and weapons charges Pearce was in court this week after he breached parole for an incident in July where police found him in a stolen car with a sawn-off shotgun. Since his arrest he had been in protective custody after allegedly bashing paedophiles and bikies in jail. He allegedly crashed the Volkswagon into another car and fled the scene before officers caught up with him with a four-day-old gunshot wound to the leg. The man, whose father is a pastor on the Gold Coast, had apparently been in a fight with some members of the Mongols bikie gang. The 30-year-old breached parole for an incident in July this year In the stolen car police also found ammunition, cash, and drugs, according to the publication. The court heard this week that a local pastor, Grant Hoyle of Glow Church in Varsity Lakes, had written a letter of support for Pearce. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver will buy back the Australian Italian restaurant chain after the company behind them collapsed. The British television personality has stepped in to rescue the dining business of six Jamie's Italian restaurants from the failed Keystone Hospitality Group. On Thursday, receiver Morgan Kelly from Ferrier Hodgson confirmed Jamie Oliver Group is the preferred bidder for the Australian franchise. Scroll down for video Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver will buy back the Australian restaurant chain bearing his name The TV chef said the restaurants were put up for sale after Keystone Group collapsed in June 'Jamie Oliver taking control over the restaurants is an exciting outcome for the restaurant staff and patrons,' he said. 'The Australian Jamie's Italian franchises can now go from strength to strength under the direct management of the Jamie Oliver Group.' The 41-year-old chef said the six restaurants were put up for sale after the Sydney-based company went into receivership in June this year. 'The best news that could come out of the situation I've been placed in is for me to buy back the Jamie's Italian franchise,' Oliver said in a statement. 'I believe in it and our Australian teams 100 per cent.' The British chef has stepped in to rescue the dining business of six Jamie's Italian restaurants There are six Australian Jamie's Italian - Sydney, Perth, Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide The chef said the Australian chain was among the best performing Jamie's Italian in the world 'This will be a really exciting moment for me personally, and I know the guys will be ecstatic to be back in-house,' he said. 'It will allow us to invest even more time and money in people and restaurants, celebrate great Aussie produce and be even more creative.' A Gold Coast model and ex-girlfriend of a slain bikie has been committed to stand trial on drugs charges. Karlee Ironside, a model who has previously expressed hopes of gaining a job at the Playboy Mansion in California, is facing six charges of supplying a dangerous drug, dating back to February this year. The trial will be heard at the Southport District Court at a date to be set. Karlee Ironside (pictured) had expressed hopes of getting a job at the Playboy Mansion Thirteen other charges against Ironside, including a breach of bail charge and two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, have been adjourned until January 21. Ms Ironside is a former girlfriend of Max Waller, a Bandidos bikie associate who was stabbed to death outside a Gold Coast apartment building in 2013. She had earlier stated her ambitions to live and work in the Playboy Mansion in California. Ms Ironside leaves the Southport District Court on the Gold Coast on Thursday She is facing six charges of supplying a dangerous drug Two employees at a Virginia high school, including the principal, have come under fire after they dressed as Donald Trump and an imprisoned Hillary Clinton. Photos of Robert E Lee High School principal Mark Rowicki showed him donning a wig, a suit and tie, and a red 'Make America Great Again' Trump campaign hat. Meanwhile, school secretary Stephanie Corbett was seen wearing a blonde wig and an orange prison uniform, seemingly in an effort to mock chants made at some of Trump's rallies during which crowds shout 'lock her up' in reference to Clinton. Some parents were left 'appalled' after the pair wore the politically-charged costumes to school for Halloween, according to WHSV. Robert E Lee High School principal Mark Rowicki and secretary Stephanie Corbett have come under fire after they dressed as Donald Trump and an imprisoned Hillary Clinton (pictured) While parents were not pleased by Rowicki (left) and Corbett's (right) decision to wear the costumes to school for Halloween, the principal said he has not yet received any complaints. However he apologized if the costumes offended anyone However, the principal told the station he has not received any complaints from students, parents or faculty regarding their costumes. One parent, Emberly Lynn Martin, wrote she was 'floored' by the school officials' decision to dress up in those costumes as the presidential candidates. 'The fact that any school official would think its (sic) okay to dress like this leaves me appalled and floored,' she wrote. Meanwhile, in response to Martin's post, David Duvall wrote 'there is nothing unprofessional' about the costumes. 'Its (sic) a relevant costume and its (sic) simple. No offensive language or imagery,' he wrote. Rowicki has since apologized and said the costumes did not mean any harm nor were they meant to offend anyone Rowicki has since apologized and said the costumes did not mean any harm nor were they meant to offend anyone, according to WHSV. He told the station that on Halloween, the students usually come into school in costumes and that they just wanted to join in to connect with students. Dr Linda Reviea, Staunton City Schools Superintendent, said at the school district and at schools across the country, allowing students and staff to dress in Halloween costumes is a long-standing tradition. However, she noted Corbett and Rowicki's costumes were in 'poor judgment.' Staunton City Schools Superintendent said at the school (pictured) and at schools across the country, allowing students and staff to dress in Halloween costumes is a long-standing tradition. However, she noted Corbett and Rowicki's costumes were in 'poor judgement' She also said she became aware of the incident on Tuesday night, and instructed staff to remove the images from the school's website. 'The particular costumes worn by two employees at R.E. Lee High School were in poor judgment, given the current political climate and the extraordinarily strong sentiments for the 2016 presidential candidates,' she told WHSV. An Arkansas police chief driving was caught on camera being stopped - yet he was not ticketed. Brinkley Police Chief Edward Randle was in a truck that was pulled over by an Arkansas state trooper in Clarendon October 21, THV 11 reported. Trooper L. Williams came up to the truck and laughed, asking 'Where are you going so fast?' Scroll down for video Brinkley Police Chief Edward Randle was in a truck that was pulled over by Arkansas state trooper L. Williams on October 21 Williams indicated to someone off-camera, saying 'Look, this guy right here has been following you for miles' Brinkley Police Chief Edward Randle has said 'I might have been a little bit over the speed limit, but it wasnt that much' A Brinkley officer had asked for help regarding a speeding vehicle while outside the city's jurisdiction, KATV explained. Randle said that he was going to a 'call a game in Clarendon'. Williams indicated to someone off-camera, saying 'Look, this guy right here has been following you for miles.' 'He's calling the state police,' the trooper said. Randle yelled: 'I know you didn't call the damn state police!' A Brinkley police officer approached the truck during the conversation and said 'I didn't have your plate, so it didn't go over,' THV11 reported. 'I was like "This guy's rolling!" I'm like he's running 112 right now,' the Brinkley officer said. Randle said: 'I can't even do 112.' The officer said: 'I had you locked in at 107.' 'It won't do 107,' Randle replied. 'It'll only do 95.' A Brinkley police officer approached the truck during the conversation and said 'I didn't have your plate, so it didn't go over' The Brinkley officer said in the conversation that 'Seriously I had you locked in - cause I was running 90, and I couldn't get ya. You were pulling away.' The men laughed in the conversation, and at one point, Williams and the Brinkley officer walked away from the truck. 'See you later, Chief,' the Brinkley officer said. Randle's truck later got back onto the road. Williams said that Randle had been traveling at '71 at the curve'. Randle told THV 11 he didn't get close to 95 miles per hour and was not going 71 miles per hour at the time of the traffic stop. He told KATV the Brinkley officer was going to Clarendon for fingerprints while Randle traveled to Clarendon, and the officer's radar was seemingly on. He told the TV station: 'My truck is governed to 95 miles an hour, so when I go past 95 miles an hour - I wasn't near close to 95 miles an hour as I was traveling.' Randle said: 'I might have been a little bit over the speed limit, but it wasnt that much.' Williams and the Brinkley officer at one point laughed and walked away from the truck The police chief claimed to KATV he shouldn't be ticketed, and that Williams didn't see him speeding and the Brinkley officer was outside jurisdiction. Monroe County prosecuting attorney Baxter Sharp III told the station that his office is checking into it. An Arkansas State Police spokesman told THV11 that Williams isn't being investigated and it was the Brinkley officer's case as soon as he showed up. The Australian tourist who went missing in a remote Malaysian jungle for weeks after going on a trip to 'find himself' has apologised for the 'inconvenience' he caused. Andrew Gaskell, from Tasmania, was found emaciated, covered in leeches and in urgent need of medical attention at a camp in Malaysia's Mulu National Park about noon on Tuesday. The 25-year-old took to social media to apologise as he could have avoided the whole incident had he followed park rules and requested permission to enter the trail. Scroll down for video Australian backpacker Andrew Gaskell, 25, has been found alive after being missing for weeks in remote Malaysian jungle When Mr Gaskell was found on Tuesday he was weak, covered in leeches and required medical care 'I wish to deeply apologise for all the inconvenience and trouble that I have caused,' he wrote on Facebook. 'I did not have permission to be on that trail and should have registered for the Mount Mulu guide trip and had a guide to show me the way. Had I followed correct park rules I would have avoided this incident completely. 'In future I will always follow park rules and I hope others learn from my experience and also follow park rules.' Mr Gaskell was found conscious and able to speak, but was taken to hospital where he told emergency crews he had resorted to eating wild ferns from the jungle floor to survive, the ABC reported. 'These last few days I picked up a few wild ferns from the jungle, aside from that I ate virtually nothing I was getting weaker and weaker every day,' he said. 'By the end of it I was quite concerned I wouldn't make my 26th birthday.' Before leaving Australia to travel, he'd written in a blog about wanting to 'come to some sort of conclusion as to who I am'. The 25-year-old took to Facebook to sincerely apologise for the inconvenience he cause by entering the track without permission Mr Gaskell posted an image of himself with his rescuers stating 'they are the real heroes' He was flown to hospital two weeks after he went missing in the jungle 'In August 2016, I will be embarking on a journey beginning somewhere in Asia and heading in a generally westward direction for an indefinite period of time,' he wrote. He revealed he wanted to have cultural experiences and climb mountains. 'And maybe, just maybe, in the course of my travels I'll come to some sort of conclusion as to who I am and what I want to do with my life. And so begins my journey beyond the horizon.' Besides a few injected cuts on his feet, Mr Gaskell had no major injuries. His mother Elizabeth said the family was 'very thankful and grateful' he'd been found and for the search effort. Mr Gaskell's father and brother had travelled to the region to join the search for the 25-year-old backpacker. Andrew Gaskell went hiking on October 18 and was unable to be contacted. On being found, Mr Gaskell was conscious and able to speak, but was transported to hospital by his rescuers due to his emaciated condition The 25-year-old backpacker went hiking in the remote Mulu National Park in the Sarawak region (pictured) in Borneo on October 18 Despite his condition, rescuers said Mr Gaskell could talk and was happy Before leaving Australia on his travels, Mr Gaskell wrote about wanting to find himself He had been walking in the area - which has poor mobile phone coverage and is known for its caves and vast formations - for about a week. Acting Inspector Darren Latham on Monday said Tasmania Police were liaising with Malaysian police during the search. Police were alerted to Mr Gaskell's disappearance by family members living in Tasmania who had been in constant contact with the solo traveller during his overseas trip, Act Insp Latham told reporters. Mr Gaskell grew up in Hobart but has lived in Cairns for the past three years. Volunteers from a rural village that had contact with Mr Gaskell before he disappeared had also joined the search in the national park over the weekend. Mr Gaskell's family on Sunday said they were 'overwhelmed' by the Malay people's kindness and generosity of spirit. Mr Gaskell is from Tasmania but has lived in Cairns for the past three years Searchers and emergency crews shared a photo with Mr Gaskell after he was rescued A young couple allegedly had a threesome with a 14-year-old girl after she was lured to their home from a shopping centre. The 23-year-old woman allegedly met the teenage girl at a Hornsby shopping centre on Sydney's north shore on Monday. The pair later went to a Denison Street property in Hornsby where the girl was allegedly plied with alcohol. She was then allegedly sexually assaulted by the woman and her 31-year-old male partner during a suspected threesome. A couple allegedly had a threesome with a 14-year-old girl after she was lured to their home from a Sydney shopping centre on Monday (stock image) The girl left the home around 9.30pm that night and reported the matter to police. Police were told the teen was with another 14-year-old girl when she met the woman at the shopping centre. The girl also attended the home but left before the alleged sexual assault took place. Following extensive investigations by the State Crime Command's Child Abuse Squad, police executed a crime scene warrant at the property on Wednesday. While carrying out the warrant, the man and woman returned to the home where they were arrested, before taken to Hornsby Police Station. Following extensive investigations, police executed a crime scene warrant at the property The woman has been charged with commit act of indecency with person under 16 years, aggravated indecent assault in company, and five counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with person under 16 years. The man was charged with aggravated indecent assault in company and five counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with person under 16 years. A former nurse has been found guilty of murdering two elderly residents at a NSW retirement village in 2014. Megan Haines, 49, was found guilty of murdering Isabella Spencer, 77, and Marie Darragh, 82, by injecting them with a lethal dose of insulin. The women, who were patients at St Andrew Village in Ballina, had both lodged complaints about Haines' mistreatment of them just hours before they were killed. During the two-and-a-half week murder trial the court heard that Haines had boasted about knowing how to kill a person while she watched an episode of CSI with her ex-boyfriend in 2009. Scroll down for video Former nurse Megan Haines (pictured), 49, has been found guilty of murdering two elderly residents at a NSW retirement village in 2014 Isabella Spencer (right), 77, and Marie Darragh (left) , 82, both died after being given a lethal dose of insulin by Haines. They had lodged complaints about her hours before their deaths 'It's easy - inject them with insulin,' she allegedly said. 'Because the body continues to metabolise insulin, so it looks like natural causes.' The court also heard that there were three separate complaints made against Haines during the six night shifts she worked at the nursing home. Ms Darragh claimed she was told by Haines to 'cover yourself up, you look disgusting' when she had asked for cream to sooth her genitals, the ABC reported. Ms Spencer said she was told to 'p*** in your pad' when she asked to go to the toilet. The 49-year-old, who pleaded not guilty to the crimes, said she could not remember having the conversation when she gave evidence??? Marie Darragh (pictured with daughter Charli Matterson) died after being given a lethal dose of insulin last May Ms Darragh (pictured) claimed she was told by Haines to 'cover yourself up, you look disgusting' when she had asked for cream to sooth her genitals Crown prosecutor Brendan Campbell said the registered nurse was told about the complaints before the two women were found in comatosed states. The court also heard that Haines had her nurse's registration in Victoria suspended. The jury deliberated for four hours before reaching a guilty verdict, the ABC reported. The judge adjourned the matter for sentencing on December 7. Many begged why anyone would get up close and personal with the spider on Facebook where commenters voiced their horror Arachnophobes look away now - this image of a giant huntsman will haunt your dreams. The chilling snapshot shows a mammoth huntsman crawling over a broom on an animal rescue farm in Queenslands Brisbane Valley. Dubbed Charlotte by the animal rescuer who moved it from harms way, the colossal creepy crawly will look like a waking nightmare to anyone with a fear of spiders. Scroll down for video A chilling image has surfaced of a giant huntsman spider crawling over a broom in Queensland The snapshots were taken in October last year, but resurfaced on social media this week, where they're spreading like wildfire. Some commenters begged the question why anyone would get up close and personal with an arachnid of such formidable stature. Why In HOLY HELL would you touch this horrible f*****g demon spawn!?! wrote one commenter. 100% approve of and respect what you're doing here, but please, for the love of God keep that thing and all of its family and friends OVER THERE and the heck away from me, wrote another. Others marvelled at the arachnids hulking frame, suggesting it was rare for them to grow that large. That's is as big as she will get...it's actually not at all normal for huntsman to get this big. The colossal creepy crawly is bound to look like a waking nightmare to anyone with a fear of spiders On Tuesday a man crashed his car into a lake after a huntsman crawled fell on his lap, causing him to accidentally slam his foot on the accelerator The bite of a huntsman isn't dangerous to humans its their fearsome appearance thats the real concern. The spiders are notorious for popping out of car dashboards at unexpected times, with disastrous consequences. A father has been jailed over a 'chilling' blackmail barrage aimed at his teenage daughter's friend who he paid to send him racy pictures from the age of 14. Darren Leigh Aitkin, 49, was sentenced to five-and-a-half-years jail for abusing and even threatening to kill the young girl during a hate-filled two-month series of abuse. The Victorian County Court heard Aitkin began giving the girl money for phone credit when she was 12 before asking her to send him photos when she was 14. At first Aitkin asked for normal photos but soon it progressed to pictures of her wearing a bra, mini shorts and then a bikini when he asked her to 'send better'. Darren Leigh Aitkin, 49, has been jailed over a 'chilling' blackmail barrage aimed at the friend of his teenage daughter, who from the age of 14 he paid to send him racy pictures By the end of 2014, Aitkin was transferring the girl cash in direct response to photos she had sent. The girl estimated she had received about $10,000 from Aitkin over the years and would send about four photos a week, and over the years had received about $10,000 from Aitkin. After his arrest, Aitkin told police he loved his 'princess' more than anyone, but also called her a 'money-hungry little bitch' and slut. Relations between the pair soured after the girl refused to let him stay with her last year and when he became jealous of her boyfriend. Aitkin would regularly call the teenager at work and threatening to post intimate photos of her online if she didn't apologise, discuss their relationship and repay him. 'You subjected this young woman, or child as she legally was, to a terrifying campaign of death threats and personal and sexual denigration,' Judge Felicity Hampel said on Thursday. He bombarded the girl and those who knew her with threatening messages via text and on social media, including from fake accounts he had set up. Aitkin also sent a text to the victim stating 'friends til the end', with a photo of his hand holding two bullets. The court heard Aitkin had become jealous of the girl's relationship with her boyfriend and had threatened to kill her unless she paid him back some of the estimated $10,000 he paid her to send him photos The court heard he had been abusing alcohol and the drug ice at the time of the offending. Aitkin maintained he had no sexual interest in the girl, or other children, but pleaded guilty to blackmail and possessing ammunition, for which he was fined $500. The fastest man on the planet, Usain Bolt, narrowly missed being kicked by a horse in the mounting yards at Oaks Day. Bolt was walking by the horses when a stray hoof from New Zealand champion Eleonora angrily lashed out in his directions. But the Olympian proved to be quick on his feet as he jumped out of reach of the kick and the harsh whip of the horses tail. Bolt landed in the arms of Australian Olympic silver medalist John Steffensen as he jumped back to avoid contact with the horse. The Olympic champion was hugged by fellow athlete John Steffensen following the incident which had them both leap out of the way Bolt appeared to be shocked following the incident - as he stared after the horse that lashed out at him Before long he had regained his composure and let fans know he was okay The 6'4 Jamaican champion dwarfs Steffensen who stands at just 5'9 but that didn't stop the Australian from embracing his friend - to keep him safe. The two star athletes smiled and laughed as the jockey corrected his horse. Bolt, dressed in a suave white suit giggled in the arms of his friend before turning away from the track. Bolt is in Melbourne as a special guest at Oaks Day - held at the Flemington race course Usain Bolt with the Oaks Trophy walks down the rose walk on Oaks Day at Flemington Racecourse The duo were talking to a jockey who was also quick enough to escape the horse's hoof. The near miss didn't cause too much stress on Bolt who quickly flashed the 'okay' sign at photographers. The star athlete was snapped throughout the day watching the races with a glass of what appeared to be white wine. He delivered the Oaks Day trophy to the stewards area as part of his official duties - pretending to sprint with it firmly lodged in his hands. Usain Bolt had to jump out of the way of a horse's hoof at Oaks Day when he was in the mounting yard with friend John Steffensen Usain Bolt watching the races at Oaks Day at Flemington Race Course, Melbourne Usain Bolt carries the Crown Oaks Trophy before race 8 - pretending to sprint for the cameras She had been fed dog food or no food at all, was excluded from family activities and had her arm broken by one of her siblings Police say Erica had been locked in a closet, beaten with belt buckle, had her fingers bent backwards and was choked Sandy Parsons, her adoptive father, told police he tortured her for days before discarding her body near his mother's home The horrifying details of how a disabled 13-year-old girl in North Carolina was tortured for days allegedly by her adoptive father before her body was discarded in 2011 have been revealed. The remains of Erica Parsons were discovered in the Pageland Mount Croghan area of South Carolina in September after her adoptive father, Sandy Parsons, boasted in prison about where they were hidden. Search warrants released in South Carolina say the adoptive father of the teenager told investigators she was long dead and that he buried her shortly before Christmas that year. Testimony at the trial of Casey and Sandy Parsons unveiled a pattern of abusing Erica, who lived with the family from 2000 until she disappeared in 2011 at age 13. Search warrants released detail how Erica Parsons (above), 13, was tortured for days allegedly by her adoptive father before her body was 'discarded' Her adoptive father, Sandy Parsons (left), told cops she was long dead and that he buried her shortly before Christmas in 2011, search warrants say. His wife, Casey Parsons is pictured right Sandy is serving an eight year prison sentence in North Carolina while his wife, 41-year-old Casey, is serving a 10-year prison sentence in Florida. They were both convicted of tax fraud including cashing adoption assistance checks totaling more than $12,000 in relation to the teen's disappearance. Rowan County sheriff's detective Lt. Chad Moose said in the warrant that he learned about the harsh treatment the teen girl suffered. That included 'locking Erica in a closet, beating her with belt buckle, bending her fingers back and choking her,' the Charlotte Observer reported. Moose said 42-year-old Sandy told him that he 'discarded' her body on December 19, 2011 and buried her right off Taylor Chapel Road near a house where his mother lived. The investigation into her death continues as authorities do not expect to release her remains from the N.C. Medical Examiner's Office for at least two months. 'Once a complete picture of all the evidence is obtained, the Rowan County Sheriff's Office Investigators will review the findings with the Rowan County District Attorney's Office,' the sheriff's office said. 'This is an ongoing investigation and information about the finding of this case won't be released publicly until this case can be brought to court.' No information regarding her autopsy or charges in the case of her death have been released by officials as of November 2. Sandy Parsons had told investigators where to find Erica's body, which was found near where his mother lived in South Carolina. A picture of a younger Erica on the left, while on the right an age-progressed image shows about what she would look like as an older teen Erica's adoptive parents Casey (left) and Sandy Parsons (right) were convicted of tax fraud related to her 2011 disappearance in March 2015 The girl who was developmentally disabled and partially deaf was reported missing in July 2013 by her adoptive older brother, James Parsons. He told police about the girl's disappearance after he had a fight with his parents. During a sentencing hearing, he testified about the last night he saw her alive and how she was standing in the corner and appeared unwell as she was being punished. 'She looked like a zombie,' he said. 'She told my parents she did not feel good. She said she could not breathe too good.' His parents had left early that day, which was unusual, before returning later when they told him she had gone to live with her biological grandmother, he said. At the time, the couple had said they gave Erica to her maternal grandmother, a women who they met on Facebook called Irene 'Nan' Goodman. They repeated this claim on a nationally-televised interview with Dr Phil soon after her disappearance in 2011. However, police could not find a woman with that name and revealed Erica's real maternal grandmother had already died years earlier. Shortly after, the FBI and IRS became involved in the case, as no trace of her name or social security number had been found in any records across the country. The remains of Erica Parsons were discovered in the Pageland Mount Croghan area of Chesterfield County, South Carolina (shown above on a map) Sandy (left) and Casey Parsons spoke to Dr Phil about Erica's disappearance in 2013. It's unclear if the couple will face any charges in relation to the girl's death After obtaining search warrants to go through the family's home, authorities found Erica's DNA, from either saliva or urine on the floor inside a closet where she was often held for long periods of time, the newspaper reported. Erica's birth parents, Carolyn Parsons and Billy Dean Goodman, had relinquished their parental rights just before she was taken in by Casey and Sandy Parsons, the Charlotte Observer reported. Carolyn Parsons had given up Erica, born on February 24, 1998, because she could not afford to raise her and did not want Erica to struggle as she did, living a life in homeless shelters and foster care. Teresa Goodman, the sister of Erica's biological father, had reportedly offered to take Erica but was told other plans had been made for the girl. Erica was then sent to live with Casey and Sandy Parsons when she was five months old. She was officially adopted by the couple in 2000. In 2004, welfare authorities in Rowan County had investigated reports that Erica was being abused, according to the Charlotte Observer. Erica's stepmother told welfare authorities that she had gone to live with one of her sisters, and the inquiry was apparently closed. Authorities searched the home of Erica Lynn Parsons' adoptive parents after she was reported missing (pictured), uncovering a treasure trove of evidence That year, Erica had been sent to live with Casey Parson's sister, Robin Ashley, because she 'lost control' and did not want to end up killing the girl, according to Ashley's testimony. Erica went on to live with Ashley a second time before her disappearance. Ashley testified that Casey Parsons despised Erica's birth mother, which was why she did not bond with the child. 'She couldn't stand to look at her face because she reminded her of Carolyn Parsons,' Ashley testified. After staying with Ashley, Erica returned to Casey and Sandy's home in 2005. Occasionally, Erica would visit Carolyn Parsons. The last time came in January 2011 at a fast-food restaurant when Erica arrived wearing a cast and a splint. The adoptive parents told her Erica had fallen out of a tree. However, testimony from the couple's 2015 fraud trial described in graphic detail the abuse Erica endured before her disappearance while living with Sandy and Casey Parsons. Erica had been missing since November 19, 2011, when she left her adoptive parents' home on Miller Chapel Road in Salisbury (pictured) That included being fed dog food or no food at all and being excluded from family activities. Erica was home-schooled and was often isolated from other children, being locked in a closet inside the family's home, according to testimony. Sometimes, she was beaten for relieving herself on the floor while locked inside the closet, her adoptive stepbrother said in court. James Parsons said that he along with the couple's other children frequently would abuse Erica while often being encouraged to do so by their mother, who he said he witnessed punishing the girl with violence. Meanwhile, his father would strike Erica on the top of her head with his fist, to point that she developed a bald spot from scabbing, he said. James Parsosn testified he would also physically abuse the girl using his fists and belts, and said that one time he broke Erica's arm. He said that he abused her from the time he was five all the way until he was 16 years old. 'I didn't want to hit her no more,' he said under oath. 'I couldn't stand it.' Iranian commander says infiltrators will be ready to attack INSIDE America 03 November, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , | TEHRAN (Christian Examiner) While Americans focus on the scandal-plagued 2016 presidential election, Iran appears to making plans for war on U.S. soil. The Washington Free Beacon reports one of Iran's top military commanders has been tasked with sending "assets" to infiltrate America and Europe and to put those agents into action should war come between the U.S. and the Shiite Islamic republic. Speaking in Farsi, Salar Abnoush, deputy commander of Iran's Khatam-al-Anbia garrison, a special operations component of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, said Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had given instructions to deploy the specialized troops. He said the infiltrators "will be in the U.S. and Europe very soon." "The IRGC is [the] strong guardian of the Islamic Republic," Abnoush told the state-run media. "The Fedayeen [guerillas] of Velayat [the Supreme Leader] are under the order of Iran's Supreme leader. Defending and protecting the Velayat has no border and limit." In October, Yemeni Houthi militants likely backed by Iranian military cadre fired missiles at U.S. warships in the Persian Gulf on multiple occasions. The missile launches have been regarded both as isolated attacks, but also as a test of the U.S. Navy's response to such attacks in preparation for a much large conflict. And since the U.S. delegation worked out a widely criticized nuclear agreement with Iran and paid the country $1.7 billion in cash, Iran has put hundreds of millions into military expenditures. As it has done so, high ranking officials in the military have advocated conflict with the U.S. They regarded the nuclear deal as a surrender on the part of the U.S. and its allies, Abnoush said. "Our enemies have several projects to destroy our Islamic revolution, and have waged three wars against us to execute their plans against our Islamic Republic," Abnoush said. "The IRGC has defeated enemies in several fronts. The enemy surrendered and accepted to negotiate with us." "And now all of our problems are being solved and our country is becoming stronger in all fronts. Some believe the holy defense ended," the military leader added. "They are wrong; the holy defense continues, and today, it is more complicated than before." Iran, according to the Washington paper, is increasingly frustrated with the U.S. for blocking some paths to international banks, and the country's Supreme leader is stoking the nostalgic "defeat" of America in 1979 when Iranian "university students" captured "U.S. spies" at the American embassy in Tehran. In an address to students celebrating the Nov. 4 anniversary of the embassy assault, Khamenei said there was no need to negotiate further with the U.S. because America could not be trusted. He also said the U.S. was consumed by its own problems. "Negotiations with the US will not resolve our problems, because firstly, they are liars, disloyal and cheaters and [they are ones who] stab in the back. And secondly, the U.S. itself is crisis-stricken, and how can a crisis-hit country resolve another country's problems?" Khamenei said. The Free Beacon also reports that Iran has developed a "very public" program of assassination of its political enemies in the Middle East and abroad. Congressional watchdogs are reportedly monitoring the activity and Iran's military buildup. "If we look at Iran's previous terror attacks and assassination campaign around the world, such a statement [as the one from Abnoush] is alarming," Saeed Ghasseminejad, who specializes in analyzing Iran for the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, told the paper. "The Islamic Republic has killed hundreds of Iranians and non-Iranians around the world in a coordinated campaign of terror. Iran may decide to restart the project now that many western companies are going to Iran and Iran feels its action in Europe may not be punished strongly," Ghasseminejad said. In August, a U.S. military spokesman in Iraq said about 80,000 Iranian-backed fighters were also in that country attempting to defeat ISIS, but also to prevent a greater level of U.S. intervention. Most of those fighters are Iraqi Shiites, but the cadre or leaders of the groups may be experienced Iranian fighters. An unnamed source also told FOX News that Iran was allowing Russia to operate its bombers from bases inside the country. Australia's multi-million dollar support program aimed at training Philippine police has come under the spotlight in the Philippine president's controversial crackdown on drugs. Rodrigo Duterte, 71, dubbed 'The Punisher', has drawn international outrage from national leaders after his bloody war on drugs has resulted in 4,737 Filipino deaths. His controversial crackdown was condemned by President Barack Obama, triggering Duterte to label Mr Obama a 'son of a b***h', and this week the US stopped the sale of 26,000 automatic weapons reaching the Philippine police. Australia's multi-million dollar support program for Philippine police training is in the spotlight amid Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte's (pictured) controversial crackdown on drugs Rodrigo Duterte, 71, dubbed 'The Punisher', has drawn international outrage from national leaders after his bloody war on drugs has resulted in 4,737 Filipino deaths. Pictured are two victims of a summary execution in October Duterte's controversial crackdown was condemned by President Barack Obama, triggering Duterte to label Mr Obama a 'son of a b***h'. Pictured is another summary victim lying on the side of a street in Manila, the country's capital This week the US stopped the sale of 26,000 automatic weapons reaching the Philippine police. Pictured is a police officer standing guard as a man, shot by motorcycle-riding assailants, lies dead on the ground Now the attention has turned to Australia's police who have been in partnership and training Philippine National Police since 2012. Australia also signed a joint declaration to further promote the status of the two countries last year, before Duterte was in charge. The training includes counter-terrorism, critical incident management, surveillance and the provision of equipment, according to the The Sydney Morning Herald. The Department of Foreign Affairs declined to offer a comment to Fairfax. Australia's police been in partnership and training Philippine National Police (pictured) since 2012. Their training includes counter-terrorism, critical incident management, surveillance and the provision of equipment Duterte has drawn international outrage from national leaders after his bloody war on drugs has resulted in 4,737 Filipino deaths. Pictured are children playing next to the coffin of a man reportedly killed in a drugs bust Australia signed a joint declaration to further promote the status of the two countries last year, before Duterte was in charge and began the drugs crackdown (pictured) Duterte was not deterred by the United States' stance against selling weapons, calling them 'monkeys' and 'fools' in another bombastic speech on television. He also suggested the nation could turn to Russia for the firearms. The United States' move to block the sale of firearms has been in response to the death of thousands of Filipinos at the hands of vigilante squads, according to The Guardian. After winning elections in May this year Duterte (pictured) urged citizens to kill suspected drug users and dealers Duterte has not been deterred by the United States' stance against selling weapons to their country for the police (pictured), calling the US 'monkeys' and 'fools' in a speech on television Three students, believed to be primary school-aged are being investigated for the alleged sexual assault of a five-year-old girl. Police are speaking to boys in relation to reports of an indecent assault and assault, which is believed to have occurred at a school in Sydney's south-west on Wednesday afternoon. They are believed to be older than the victim. Three students are being investigated for the alleged sexual assault of a five-year-old girl (stock image) Officers from Fairfield were investigating the incident (stock image) A New South Wales Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia officers from Fairfield Local Area Command were investigating and visited the school on Thursday. Police were working with the NSW Department of Education, according to 10 News. A spokesman for the department confirmed it was working with police on the investigation. More to come. Angela Gatt, 37, from Ayr, was caught in the act after a night of heavy drinking A mother-of-two has escaped jail despite being found naked with a 14-year-old boy on top of her, after saying she was 'very, very drunk' at the time. Angela Gatt, 37, from Ayr in Scotland, was caught in the act after a night of heavy drinking in North Cumbria in the summer of last year. Neither Gatt, nor her young victim, remember anything about the incident her barrister said she was 'brave' for pleading guilty to her crime. The cleaner from Ayr, Scotland, was caught in a compromising position by a relative of the boy at the house. Carlisle Crown Court heard that she had been drinking Prosecco and her victim had been drinking alco-pops. The boy then fled the room saying he felt sick and Gatt asked the relative, 'What is your problem?', to which she was reminded that he was only 14-years-old. Gatt was set to face trial in September but pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child. The mother was visiting the area, and claims to have had drank far too much to recollect what had happened. Prosecutor Virginia Hayton told Carlisle Crown Court that after being caught naked with the boy on top of her, drunken Gatt fell and injured herself, and so paramedics and police were called to the scene. Miss Hayton said: 'She was described as being fairly aggressive to them. 'She asked if she could just go home as she had made a fool of herself. She was then arrested.' Despite accepting that Gatt was a lady of 'hitherto good character' Miss Hayton told the judge that the crime crossed the custody threshold due to the 22 year age disparity between Gatt and the boy. The victim is said to be embarrassed that he cannot remember what happened and has had the 'mickey took out of him' by his friends since the incident. Brian Williams, defending, said: 'She has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and it is a brave plea because no one can remember what actually happened that evening.' Judge Forrester handed Gatt a 20 month prison sentence suspended for two years. Pictured is Carlisle Crown Court Judge Barbara Forrester then interjected by telling Mr Williams that the relative who caught her engaging in the act does remember what they saw. He added: 'The consequences of this conviction have been substantial, upsetting and distressing for her. 'She faces hostility within her local community and she's lost some of her work.' Mr Williams said that the worst consequence was that the single mother was no longer allowed to be alone with the two young daughters that she has raised be herself. He said: 'This is a very unusual case of its kind. One usually finds people facing these offences to be men with a predilection for young boys or girls. 'That is not the case here. This offence was committed when she was drunk and she has no interest in young men. 'She is not a paedophile. She was very very drunk and did something very very silly and now must face the consequences along with the heavy price she has already paid.' Judge Forrester told Gatt that she took her offence very seriously as it was clear in her initial interviews with police that she did not understand the severity of what she had done. She said: 'There is a significant disparity of age, a serious breach of trust and you had both drunk alcohol but I accept that you did not provide it to him. 'What happened after that, we will never know.' Judge Forrester handed Gatt a 20 month prison sentence suspended for two years. She also made her subject to a sexual harm prevention order, placed her on the sex offenders register for 10 years and ordered her to pay 1,000 costs. A man has been arrested in Nigeria over claims he took a herbal potion to boost the size of his manhood before having sex with his partner - who then bled to death. Street cleaner Fatai Busari has been accused of causing the death of his lover Sadiat Adejuwon in the south western city of Ibadan. Prosecutors say the 50-year-old took a herbal aphrodisiac to boost the size of his manhood before having vigorous sex with fellow street cleaner Sadia Adejuwon, 48. A man has been arrested in Nigeria over claims he took a herbal potion to boost the size of his manhood before having sex with his partner - who then bled to death (file picture of Nigerian police officers) But his partner then started bleeding and died 'on the spot', a court was told. He could face the death penalty if found guilty, according to the Nigerian website Punch. It quotes Prosecutor, Cpl. Salewa Hammed as telling the court that Busari 'unlawfully caused the death' of Adejumon at his home on October 10, at about 3pm. He said: 'Busari and the deceased woman worked as casual workers cleaning the street and they were dating. Street cleaner Fatai Busari has been accused of causing the death of his lover Sadiat Adejuwon in the south western city of Ibadan (file picture) 'On the fateful day, Busari drank herbal concoction to boost his manhood before sleeping with her. 'It was afterwards that he realised that something was amiss when he noticed blood flowing out of her private part. She later died at the spot and he raised alarm.' A new play about Enoch Powell has caused fury with some critics claiming it is 'dangerous' and encourages 'sympathy for racists of the world'. Star Wars actor Ian McDiarmid, 72, plays the controversial Tory politician in What Shadows at the Birmingham Rep theatre - yards from where the late MP gave his 'rivers of blood' speech in 1968. Author Chris Hannan says his play is an attempt to 'detoxify' the debate over Powell. But some say it should never have been commissioned and online critics have tweeted links to the play using the hashtag #racism. Row: Ian McDiarmid as Enoch Powell in a new play on his life at the Birmingham Rep theatre - some have criticised the decision to run it at all Controversial: The play centres largely around Powell's 'Rivers of Blood' speech, which saw him sacked and marginalised politically And a scathing one star review StageTalk Magazine said: 'What Shadows is unchallenging, if not dangerous. 'It encourages the view that we need to be a little more sympathetic to the racists of the world, we should hear them out, we should even give them a full 2-hour and 45-minute show to let them be understood properly. 'Powells perspective has been elevated above others in the cacophony of voices that speak about race, immigration, and nationhood already, and while it deserves to be interrogated, and maybe allowed a little fleshing out, surely it is time that we hear more from those (who) have mostly been silenced or ignored'. Message: Mr Powell, pictured with his wife in 1990, told a Conservative association meeting that Britain was mad to allow in 50,000 dependants of immigrants every year and compared it to a nation building its own funeral pyre. It is almost 50 years since his famous speech at the Midland Hotel in Birmingham, which caused huge controversy. Mr Powell, then shadow defence spokesman, had told a Conservative association meeting that Britain was mad to allow in 50,000 dependants of immigrants every year and compared it to a nation building its own funeral pyre. He said: Like the Roman, I see the river Tiber foaming with much blood. Mr Powell lost his job after the speech, which was denounced by Tory leader Edward Heath. He would later be elected as an Ulster Unionist MP and died in 1998, aged 85. He had been touted as a future prime minister but the 1968 speech ended those hopes and saw him marginalised. But some have said it contained elements of truth and said he was not racist, which he also denied himself and other politicians agreed he was not racist - he was a nationalist. In 2014 Nigel Farage said the basic principle behind parts of Enoch Powells notorious speech was right. The UKIP leader was asked if he agreed with a statement about how the indigenous population found themselves strangers in their own country. In 2008, Mr Farage courted controversy by naming Mr Powell as his political hero in an interview and saying the country would be better today if his words had been heeded. He said at the time: I would never say that Powell was racist in any way at all. Contect: What Shadows, pictured, which is mainly about his rivers of blood speech, has received mixed reviews - but some have called it an important play at a time of renewed public discussion of immigration What Shadows, which is mainly about his rivers of blood speech, has received mixed reviews - but some have called it an important play at a time of Brexit and renewed public discussion of immigration. Author Chris Hannan told The Guardian: ' Were trying to detoxify the conversation. So in a way it would be misleading to say the play is about Enoch Powell. Its about us, our identity, our conflicted conversation with each other. Ian McDiarmid, who plays the former MP for Wolverhampton South West and South Down, said: 'Hes packed with contradictions. He started off as an atheist and ended up as a high Anglican. He was a supporter of what we would call gay rights. He was against capital punishment. 'He was a rational man par excellence. He worshipped Greek philosophy. He was also a deeply emotional man and a romantic. Youd see him moved to heights of rhetorical fury but he also cried a lot in private. Thats a gift for an actor to play.' Advertisement The Euston Arch, an iconic symbol of the Victorian era in London, could be resurrected in an effort to counter a 'cult of ugliness' that has swept across the public transport network. The 70ft arch was built in 1838, around the same time as Euston station opened as the capital's first inter-city terminal - and was described by historians as the 'first great monument of the railway age'. But when the old station building was knocked down in 1962 and a larger replacement erected, it took over the space formerly occupied by the arch. Now, John Hayes, the transport minister, has said it may be rebuilt as part of a major upgrade of the area - coinciding with the launch of high-speed rail services from the station in 2026. The Euston Arch, an iconic symbol of the Victorian era in London, could be resurrected in an effort to counter a 'cult of ugliness' that has swept across the public transport network. (Above, a computer-generated image of how it could look) The 70ft arch was built in 1838, around the same time as Euston station opened as the capital's first inter-city terminal - and was described by historians as the 'first great monument of the railway age' Mr Hayes, who is responsible for Highways England, said there is 'something profoundly elitist' about the way that 'ugliness has been imposed' upon transport architecture. He also warned of the 'descendants of the brutalists [who] still each day design and build new horrors from huge concrete slabs'. 'We have a precious opportunity to do more and do better. Transport is the perfect medium for leading the way to the public realm of the beautiful,' he told the Independent Transport Commission this week. He added: 'Our busiest stations are used by millions every day. Their design has a profound effect on the well-being of those who pass through.' The arch was considered symbolic of the Industrial Revolution in Britain during the 19th century 'The overwhelming majority of public architecture built during my lifetime is aesthetically worthless, simply because it is ugly. 'This assertion is not so much challenged by defenders of contemporary architecture as dismissed out of hand. 'They say that yes, I might find it ugly, but that's nothing more than my subjective personal judgement and as such, of no significance.' EUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM... The arch was demolished in 1962. (Above, artist's impression of rebuild) When the arch was torn down in 1962, it led to howls of protest from the public, as well as luminaries including Sir John Betjeman. A group of students even climbed scaffolding around the arch as demolition of the 4,500-ton structure was due to take place and unfurled a banner pleading for it to be saved. Its architect, Philip Hardwick, built it at a cost of 35,000 (2.5million in today's money) after being inspired by classical buildings in Rome. The station, which opened on July 20, 1837, a year before the arch was finished, was the terminus of the London and Birmingham Railway constructed by Robert Stephenson. The Euston Arch, built from Yorkshire stone, complemented the Ionic entrance to the Curzon Street Station in Birmingham which was the other end of the railway's mainline. Advertisement He continued: 'The aesthetics of our built environment including our transport architecture has suffered from what Sir Roger Scruton has called the Cult of Ugliness. 'Be warned! The descendants of the brutalists still each day design and build new horrors from huge concrete slabs to out of scale; rough-hewn buildings, and massive sculptural shaped structures which bear little or no relationship to their older neighbours. 'Consider swathes of the worst of our towns and cities; then say that I am wrong.' He claimed that proponents of 'the new brutalism in architecture' 'cling to a tired desire to shock, a sad addiction to the newness of things'. The minister also said that the current investment in transport projects, such as HS2, Crossrail and new roads, 'offers a way forward'. The original stone from the Euston Arch was dumped in a river after the landmark was torn down more than half a century ago. It was used to fill in a hole in the bed of the River Lea as it flows through Bow in East London; some of it was dredged up during the building of the Olympic Park. Construction of the new monument was estimated by the Euston Arch Trust, in 2013, to cost around 10million - a sum dwarfed by the expected 55billion bill for the HS2 project. Monty Python star Michael Palin, who is a patron of the trust, described the original decision to demolish the arch as 'an act of near-vandalism'. 'It's a wonderful romantic gesture to restore something that was once a symbol of railway expansion at a time when the Government are talking about a new age of rail-building,' he told The Times in 2013. Mr Hayes added that the UK is fortunate that a lot of its transport network was built before the 20th century, which was a 'more aesthetically demanding age', citing examples of railway stations such as London King's Cross, Bristol Temple Meads, Huddersfield and Carlisle. He also praised more modern designs, such as London's Blackfriars station - which he said has been transformed from 'a subterranean nightmare into a station with the world's best platform views' - and the New Routemaster bus which was introduced to the capital by former mayor Boris Johnson, which the minister claimed 'certainly has style'. Mr Hayes told the audience that he will review the remit of HS2's design panel and expects it to 'do more and do it better'. 'No more soulless ubiquity,' he said. 'No more demolition of our railway heritage. No more sub-standard, conceptually flawed buildings. 'No more excuses, in the guise of ergonomics, for an ignorance of aesthetics.' However, Ben Derbyshire, president-elect of the Royal Institute for British Architects, said not everyone would be in agreement with the minister. 'For every person or minister who favours a particular architectural style or building, there is another with a completely different viewpoint or preference,' he told The Independent. 'It is interesting to see John Hayes so stridently asserting his design preferences, but not everyone is going to agree with him. 'What we can all agree on is the importance of ensuring that whatever is built in this country makes a positive impact to its locality and community and we are pleased to see another Government minister recognising the vital role of a talented design team in achieving this,' he added. John Hayes, the transport minister, has said the arch may be rebuilt as part of a major upgrade of the area - coinciding with the launch of high-speed rail services from the station in 2026. Right, the station interior Art historian Dan Cruickshank is pictured salvaging stone from the Euston Arch, which had been used to fill in a hole in the bed of the River Lea as it flows through Bow in East London He then reportedly turned the gun on himself and later died in hospital The deaths of a 79-year-old father, his wife and daughter were 'mercy killings' believed to have been carried out by the man, a friend of the family claims. Police were called to a property near Hervey Bay, Queensland early on Thursday after receiving a phone call from John Frescura who reportedly told them he had shot his two family members before turning the gun on himself. Family friend Gwenda Knapp told police Mr Frescura had killed his family due because he had prostate cancer and wife Rita lung cancer, and feared their intellectually disabled daughter Robin wouldn't be able to live without them, the Courier Mail reported. A man who knew the family, and chose to remain anonymous, told Daily Mail Australia Mr Frescura had lived on the property with wife Rita - also known as Janice, 68 - and daughter Robyn, 50 for more than 10 years. Scroll down for video Police were called to a property on River Heads Road in Booral, near Hervey Bay, at 6.40am on Thursday after receiving a phone call from 79-year-old John Frescura (pictured in 2014) reportedly telling them he had shot his two family members Two woman and an elderly man have been killed for his life after a family-related shooting at a property (pictured) on Queensland's Fraser Coast The deaths of the two women were being treated by police as suspicious, police said '[His] daughter had a brain tumour from an early age, and I'm also told the wife was terminally ill with cancer, so it's obviously something they've had to live with for some time, ' he said. 'You just wonder if it all got too much'. Earlier, Queensland Police - who had been alerted by Mr Frescura's call about 6.40am - confirmed one person was found dead at the scene and another died a few hours later. Mr Frescura was rushed to Hervey Bay Hospital in a critical condition, but died just before midday. The deaths of the two women were being treated by police as suspicious, while the death of Mr Frescura as not suspicious. In a statement, police said: 'Preliminary inquiries indicate the incident was domestic-related with no one else believed to be involved. 'A firearm has been located at the scene and police have commenced forensic examinations at the property.' Emergency services at the home near Hervey Bay, Queensland on Thursday morning One of the women is believed to have been found dead by police and another passed away in hospital A firearm was seized from the property on Thursday morning Police confirmed the shooting in Booral, near Hervey Bay, was 'domestic-related' Mr Frescura appeared in a local news article in September 2014 after he received a fine for parking on the hospital nature strip while visiting his daughter Robyn in hospital. She had suffered a massive stroke and he was in a rush to get to her bedside, The Fraser Coast Chronicle reported. 'To come out when your daughter is critical like that and find out they've fined you for going to see her,' Mr Frescura said at the time. By Thursday morning, forensic investigators had established a crime scene at the Booral property and will prepare a report for the coroner. Detective Acting Inspector David Briese addressed the media at 12pm local time and said there was no history of domestic violence at the home. Police and paramedics were called to an address on River Heads Road in Booral, near Hervey Bay, at 6.40am on Thursday German police have arrested a Syrian man in Berlin suspected of plotting a terror attack on a city airport, it has emerged. The man, who has lived in Germany since 2015 and claims to be 27, was seized late last night at an apartment in the Schoeneberg district of the capital. He is suspected of belonging to a foreign terror organisation - believed to be ISIS, according to reports in Germany. It comes just weeks after a 22-year-old bogus refugee called Jaber Al-Bakr was captured after police raided his apartment in the city of Chemnitz to discover a bomb under construction. Scroll down for video German police (file picture) have arrested a Syrian man in Berlin suspected of plotting a terror attack on a city airport, it has emerged He was arrested in Leipzig two days after the raid following a nationwide manhunt and later killed himself in a police cell. Focus Magazine, known for its strong sources within German intelligence, said officials were describing the man arrested in Berlin as a 'second Al-Bakr' who was planning to attack an airport in the city. He was arrested at his apartment in the Schoeneberg district of the city. 'He is regarded as highly dangerous among intelligence officials,' said Focus. He was identified in the Die Welt newspaper as Shraf al-T, born in Tunisia but who arrived in Germany on a Syrian passport. According to multiple media reports, he and a friend of the same age had been under the observation of security officials for some time. The decision to arrest him at his apartment in Kolonenstrasse came late on Wednesday evening. The police operation took several hours and numerous cartons were removed from the flat. It comes just weeks after a 22-year-old bogus refugee called Jaber Al-Bakr (pictured) was captured after police raided his apartment in the city of Chemnitz to discover a bomb under construction German security services have been on high alert in recent months over the possibility of -Islamist attacks. The was targeted by a series of attacks this past summer, including two in the southern state of Bavaria that were both claimed by ISIS. In the first attack, a 17-year-old Afghani with an ax attacked passengers on a train in Wurzburg before being shot dead by security forces. A week lateran attacker set off a bomb outside a cafe in Ansbach, killing himself and wounding 12 others. In August, German authorities arrested a man on suspicion of storing materials that could be used as explosives. The suspect also had items in his apartment glorifying ISIS. In late September, police arrested a 16-year-old Syrian refugee in Cologne on suspicion he was planning a bombing. Two US service personnel have been killed while battling Taliban insurgents in northern Afghanistan. The servicemen were fighting alongside local troops, NATO said today, adding that two other Americans had been wounded in the assault in Kunduz province. Combat deaths in Afghanistan have become rare for American forces, who largely handed over securing the war-torn nation to Afghan troops some two years ago. US soldiers have been fighting in Afghanistan since 2001, in what has been America's longest ever war The servicemen were taking part in 'a train, advise and assist mission', NATO said. 'Today's loss is heartbreaking and we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of our service members who lost their lives today,' General John W. Nicholson, commander of US Forces-Afghanistan, said in a statement. NATO did not identify those killed, saying their next of kin had yet to be notified. Afghan officials reported at least 16 civilians were killed amid heavy fighting about three miles from the city center overnight. An Afghan man holds up the dead body of a child who was killed during clashes between Afghan security forces and the Taliban in Kunduz The Taliban said in a statement a US air strike had destroyed many houses and killed women and children. There were angry protests by civilians who brought the bodies of at least 16 dead into Kunduz, a police spokesman said. Masoom Hashemi, deputy police chief in Kunduz province, said police were investigating to try to determine if any of the dead were linked to the Taliban. Taliban fighters briefly overran the city of Kunduz,in early October, a show of strength by the insurgents that also highlighted the troubles facing Afghan forces some 15 years after the US-led invasion of the country. Combat deaths in Afghanistan have become rare for American forces, who largely handed over securing the war-torn nation to Afghan troops some two years ago The Taliban captured and held parts of Kunduz a year earlier as well, before the city was fully liberated weeks later with the help of US airstrikes. Those 2015 airstrikes also saw a US Air Force special operations AC-130 gunship attack a Kunduz hospital run by the medical charity Doctors Without Borders, killing 42 people. Sixteen US military personnel, including a two-star general, were later disciplined for the mistakes that led the strike. Doctors Without Borders has called the attack a war crime and demanded an independent investigation. NATO's combat operations ended in Afghanistan at the end of 2014, a move that put Afghan forces in charge of the country's security. Since then, Afghan forces have suffered heavy casualties battling the Taliban, who have at times overrun provincial capitals before being pushed back. In August, an American soldier was killed and another wounded by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan' southern Helmand province, while in January, a US soldier was killed by small arms fire near the Marjah district, also in Helmand. ISIS are believed to have published a guide including a 32 question and answer section on how to own a sex slave which jihadis can now claim on an app. The pamphlet, in Arabic, is believed to have been found among other papers bearing Islamic State logos. It states that jihadis can take children as slaves and that they can 'own' two sisters, but only have sex with one. The pamphlet, in Arabic, is believed to have been found among other papers bearing Islamic State logos The leaflet was found by Iraqi forces in the north of the country and provides comprehensive details on the terror group's use of sex slaves, referred to as concubines in their instructions. 'Pre-pubescent girls can be taken as concubines. You cannot have penetrative sex but you can still enjoy them,' it reads, according to the Daily Star. 'Militants can own two sisters as concubines but only have sex with one.' It also notes non-Muslim women can be used as sex slaves and that jihadis can own multiple women, but that they cannot be shared among ISIS fighters. The women and girls, some as young as 12, are reportedly being sold at auction on a smartphone app. According to a report by YJC, translated by IFP, Yazidi women's biographies are being uploaded followed by bidding wars between jihadis. It is understood many of the women came from attacks back in 2014 on a number of Kurdish villages north of Baghdad. One profile posted on Telegram, according to the Daily Caller, read: 'Virgin. Beautiful. 12 years old Her price has reached $12,500 and she will be sold soon.' Typically, women are being sold for between $7,000 and $7,500, according to IFP. An activist in the Yazidi and Kurdish community told the Daily Caller its population had been the largest hit by ISIS' belief their fighters can take non-Muslim women as captive sex slaves Around 3,000 women and girls are understood to be for sale on the slave market and ISIS databases are shared with their checkpoints containing details of the women and their 'owners' to mitigate any chance of escape. The leaflet found in Iraq states senior officials within the terror group can hand out the women if they are taken captive by his team. One captured ISIS fighter revealed jihadis were given slave girls as a thank you for turning in those looking to flee the terror group. Abu Al-Mughaira Al-Muhajer was one of a number of ISIS fighters caught by the Al-Sham front in Aleppo, Syria. In an interview, he admitted he was given three slave girls as a thank you gift for surrendering his own brother who had tried to abscond. The women were bought by ISIS for between $250 and $500 at slave markets in Raqqa, Syria. Abu Al-Mughaira Al-Muhajer said: 'Whenever they took captives, they would bring slave girls, and they would place them on the slave market in Raqqa. 'Afterwards, they would sell them for dollars. 'Their price would range from $250 to $500. 'The Islamic State would buy slave girls and give them as rewards. 'After I informed on my brother who wanted to leave ISIS, I was rewarded with three slave girls - one from Damascus and two from Hons. 'All of them had been beaten on their backs. 'They told me that the girl from Damascus was a Yazidi and that the two girls from Homs were Christians. 'They told me that they had been captured, but it turns out they were wives of FSA fighters from the Islamic Front.' National Right to Life Last Minute Push in North Carolina North Carolina Voters Deserve Better than Clinton and Ross Contact: Tatiana Bergum, National Right to Life, 202-626-8825, mediarelations@nrlc.org WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- National Right to Life, the federation of state right-to-life affiliates and local chapters, announced today that its political committees, the National Right to Life Victory Fund and the National Right to Life Political Action Committee, are contacting over 700,000 identified registered pro-life voter households in North Carolina, urging a vote for Roy Blunt for U.S. Senate and Donald Trump for president. "North Carolina is a pro-life state, and Richard Burr and Donald Trump reflect North Carolina's pro-life values," said Carol Tobias, National Right to Life president. "Richard Burr and Donald Trump will provide a strong voice for the most vulnerable members of our society." As the National Right to Life observes in its communications to registered pro-life voters, Deborah Ross supports a policy of abortion on demand, which allows abortion for any reason. Deborah Ross, as a North Carolina state representative, worked to continue the use of tax dollars to pay for abortion in North Carolina. In contrast, National Right to Life highlights Richard Burr's strong pro-life position. He has a strong pro-life voting record. He supports protection for unborn children, including the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. Blunt opposes using taxpayer dollars to pay for abortion. National Right to Life is also urging pro-life voters to support Donald J. Trump for president. He is pro-life and opposes using taxpayer dollars to pay for abortion. He supports the bill to ban abortion after 20 weeks, when the unborn child can feel pain. He opposes dismemberment abortion and partial-birth abortion. Donald Trump has pledged to appoint pro-life justices to the United States Supreme Court. Hillary Clinton would use taxpayer dollars to pay for abortion on demand. Hillary Clinton voted in favor of partial-birth abortion and supports late abortion after 20 weeks, when the unborn child can feel pain, as well as dismemberment abortion. Hillary Clinton has pledged to appoint only pro-abortion justices to the United States Supreme Court. "North Carolina voters are concerned about the right to life and with the protection of the most vulnerable members of the human family. A vote for Richard Burr and Donald Trump is a vote to save the lives of innocent unborn children," said Tobias. Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of 50 state right-to-life affiliates and more than 3,000 local chapters, is the nation's oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. Recognized as the flagship of the pro-life movement, NRLC works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide and euthanasia. Involved in every election since Ronald Reagan's election to the presidency, National Right to Life Political Action Committee (NRL PAC) was formed in 1979 as the political arm of National Right to Life. The National Right to Life Victory Fund is an independent expenditure political action committee of the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC). NRL Victory Fund is dedicated to electing pro-life leaders. Share Tweet Melissa Watts, 41, from Strood in Kent, was kept in custody for several hours A woman has spoken of her horror at spending a night in jail after her ex-boyfriend framed her by sending death threats to himself. Melissa Watts, 41, from Strood in Kent, was kept in custody for several hours and questioned over the threatening note, which was found on her former partner Michael Killick's car and read, 'Thought you can be happy without me. You are going to pay.' A second note saying, 'You broke my heart you ****. Now it's your time to pay. I will kill you for this. You will get what's coming. If I can't have you no other woman can. You are dead,' was also found on his new girlfriend's car chillingly, alongside a steak knife. Father-of-four Killick complained to police, telling them Ms Watts was behind the threats. But investigations by a handwriting expert revealed he had actually sent them to himself. Speaking of her terrifying arrest, Ms Watts, said: 'It was around midnight when the police knocked on my door. 'I had no idea what was going on, I wondered if I'd accidentally missed a red light or something. But then they told me I was under arrest for making threats to kill. 'I couldn't believe it. I've never even had so much as a parking ticket before, and here I was, being arrested in the middle of the night. 'All I kept thinking about was what was going to happen to my four-year-old son Brennan.' After being allowed to phone Brennan's father, who wants to remain anonymous, to come and collect him, Ms Watts was taken to Tonbridge police station. There, she had her fingerprints and a mugshot taken, before being stripped of her shoes, belt, coat and handbag and placed in a cell for the night. She said: 'I didn't know how he'd done it, but I knew Michael would be behind this. 'I tried to get some sleep, as I knew I'd need my wits about me to be questioned in the morning. But I just kept tossing and turning, imagining Brennan growing up with his mum a convict. 'I knew I was innocent but what if the police didn't believe me?' Father-of-four Killick complained to police, telling them Ms Watts was behind the threats. The pair are pictured on a holiday in Mexico Ms Watts and Killick had gone to school together and, although they weren't particularly close, had remained Facebook friends. Then, back in November 2012, he sent her a friendly message asking how she was. At the time, she was in the midst of separating from her then-husband, so a relationship was the furthest thing from her mind. But, after meeting him for a catch-up drink and being bowled over by his charm, the pair soon began to date. As their relationship progressed, Ms Watts said a couple of causal acquaintances tried to warn her off Killick, claiming he had a reputation for being a liar and a troublemaker. But, as things were going so well, she refused to listen and wrote it off as idle gossip something she now bitterly regrets. In time, however, the cracks in their relationship began to appear. Ms Watts and Killick had gone to school together and, although they weren't particularly close, had remained Facebook friends 'Michael told me he'd landed a new job with a 130k salary, but said he was short of cash until he started,' explained Ms Watts. 'He asked to borrow money and promised he'd pay me back when his first pay cheque landed. I know it sounds daft now, but I had no reason to doubt him, so I leant him 9,500.' Included in the 9,500 was a 2,500 loan she took out a so she and Killick could enjoy a romantic trip to Mexico. But, after she repeatedly asked him to start paying her back and was 'fobbed off with excuses' time and time again, she decided to call time on the relationship in January 2014. Ms Watts was keen to move on with her life but Killick had other plans. He kept asking her to meet up and, although she didn't want him back, she eventually agreed to see him, purely so she could try and get some of the money he owed her back. Killick was jailed for 14 months and given a restraining order, banning him from contacting her for three years Then, that August, she'd just arrived home from an evening out with friends, when somebody began hammering at her door. Not realising it was Killick, she answered and he barged inside. Recalling the harrowing events of that night, Ms Watts said: 'He grabbed me, but I struggled free and ran to the bathroom, where he shoved me roughly into the bath and turned on the tap. 'I was trembling with cold and shock, but managed to grapple away from him. I made it outside and a neighbour, alerted by my shrieks, came to my aid. Michael scuttled off into the night.' She reported Killick to the police and he was arrested for assault and criminal damage. After a tortuous two-month wait, handwriting experts concluded that the notes were not sent by Ms Watts and suspected Killick had written them himself He was released on bail whilst enquiries continued, but began bombarding her with letters, begging for forgiveness. She never replied, handing each one over to police. Then in October 2014, she was arrested for making threats to kill Killick. After being questioned, she was released on bail. 'I tried to keep busy, but my life was on hold,' she said. After a tortuous two-month wait, handwriting experts concluded that the notes were not sent by Ms Watts and suspected Killick had written them himself. In August 2016, Killick pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice, for faking the death threats, at Maidstone Crown Court. Days later, he also pleaded guilty to committing assault and criminal damage on the night he'd come to Ms Watt's house in August 2014, at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court. He was jailed for 14 months and given a restraining order, banning him from contacting her for three years. Now trying to move on with her life, Ms Watts said: 'I don't want to tar every man with the same brush, and I hope I can find someone one day, but this has been traumatic. 'Michael is twisted. I don't feel sorry for him, but I think he needs help. A French prosecutor has called for British banking giant HSBC to stand trial for aiding large-scale tax fraud in France, a source close to the probe has revealed. If the case goes to trial, HSBC would face charges that its Swiss unit HSBC Private Banking offered its customers several ways of hiding assets from the French taxman, notably via the use of offshore tax havens. The case began when French authorities in late 2008 received files stolen by Herve Falciani, a former HSBC employee. A French prosecutor has called for British banking giant HSBC Holdings PLC to stand trial for aiding large-scale tax fraud in France, a source close to the investigation says His disclosures sparked the so-called 'Swissleaks' scandal on bank-supported tax evasion. The leaked files led to investigations by tax authorities in several European countries, including Spain and Belgium besides France. Falciani, an IT worker turned whistleblower, stole the files in 2007 and passed them to French authorities. The case began when French authorities in late 2008 received files stolen by Herve Falciani (pictured), a former HSBC employee 'We take note of the recommendation... and will continue to defend ourselves vigorously,' HSBC said in an emailed comment to Reuters. The bank was put under formal investigation last year. It will be up to investigating magistrates to decide on whether it should stand trial. Magistrates had previously estimated the Swiss arm's alleged fraud at around 2.2 billion euros (1.66billion). WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has launched an astonishing attack on Hillary Clinton in an interview carried on the Kremlin's own television channel. Assange, who has been holed up at the Ecuadorean embassy in London since 2012, lashed out at the Democratic presidential candidate after she pointed the finger at Moscow. The Australian-born activist told RT, formerly Russia Today: 'I actually feel quite sorry for Hillary Clinton as a person, because I see someone who is eaten alive by their ambitions, tormented literally to the point where they become sick for example faint as a result of going on, and going with their ambitions.' He was referring to her collapse at a 9/11 memorial in New York in September, which was attributed to a mild bout of pneumonia. Hillary Clinton (pictured, left) has been pointing the finger at Russia over leaked emails and suggesting Vladimir Putin favors Donald Trump but Julian Assange (right) says she is wrong Mr Assange (pictured in the window of the Ecuadorean embassy in 2012) denies rape allegations made against him in Sweden Assange, who has been wanted since 2010 by the Swedish authorities over rape allegations, said: 'The Clinton camp has been able to project a neo-McCarthyist hysteria that Russia is responsible for everything. 'Hillary Clinton has stated multiple times, falsely, that 17 US intelligence agencies had assessed that Russia was the source of our publications. That's false we can say that the Russian government is not the source.' WikiLeaks has enraged Clinton and her campaign for uploading 20,000 emails from the US Democratic National Committee, exposing the party leadership's alleged bias towards Clinton and against rival Bernie Sanders. The Department of Homeland Security Department and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said last month they were 'confident' the Russian government was responsible for the leaks. But Russia has denied this and presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said it was 'nonsense'. In an interview with veteran John Pilger on RT, Assange said: 'We have independently authenticated the emails. WikiLeaks has a decade-long, perfect record in the accurate authentication of leaked documents. Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned Hillary Clinton's fitness for office and claimed she endangered national security by hosting emails on a private server 'The original sources of the Podesta emails are Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta and his correspondents.' Assange added: 'Saying nothing leads to a vacuum into which false claims about our sources can be projected. We tolerate such claims until they are used to distract from the publication. 'After careful consideration of the source protection requirements involved, we are confident that eliminating state parties does not appreciably increase the risks to our sources for this publication.' The original sources of the Podesta emails are Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta and his correspondents Julian Assange Assange, who also accused Clinton of being a pawn of vested interests, denies the rape allegations in Sweden and says he believes he would be extradited to the US if he leaves the Ecuadorean embassy. Assange set up WikiLeaks in 2006 but he was viewed by many right-wing Americans as a threat to national security after the organization published thousands of leaked U.S. diplomatic cables which gave embarrassing details about what Washington thought of various politicians and world leaders. The cables were published in the New York Times and several other newspapers around the world. The Right reacted similarly to CIA whistleblower Edward Snowden, especially after he sought political asylum in Russia. But this year WikiLeaks has gone from being a darling of the Left to a thorn in the side of Clinton and the Democratic establishment. He also added that it highlighted a ' Vladimir Putin hasspoken out of his disbelief over its handling claiming that a continent that 'can't protect its children' has no future Vladimir Putin has waded into the migrant crisis condemning Europe's handling of asylum seekers and saying a case of child rape in Austria 'dilutes national values'. The Russian president has largely kept quiet over the refugee crisis in Europe but has now spoken out of his disbelief over its handling claiming that a continent that 'can't protect its children' has no future. His comments come off the back of a case in Austria last week, which saw an Iraqi migrant have his conviction of raping a 10-year-old boy at a swimming pool in Vienna overturned. He was originally convicted of the crime but it was overturned because a court didn't prove he realised the boy was saying no. It came after the migrant, identified as 20-year-old Amir A., claimed that it was a 'sexual emergency' because he had not had sex for four months. A second trial for the rape is expected to take place next year, but the attacker is likely to remain in custody until then. And speaking at a press conference this week, Putin slammed Europe's migration policy and cited the case, where the victim was from a Serbian family living in Austria. He said: 'In a European country, a child is raped by a migrant, and the court releases him. 'It doesnt fit into my head what on earth theyre thinking over there. His comments come off the back of a case in Austria last week, which saw an Iraqi migrant accused of raping a 10-year-old boy at a swimming pool in Vienna, pictured The young boy had arrived in Austria with his Serbian mother, who paid for him to go to the Theresienbad swimming pool, pictured, where he was violently attacked 'I cant even explain the rationale is it a sense of guilt before the migrants? Whats going on? Its not clear.' He also claimed that the case highlighted 'the dissolution of traditional national values' adding: 'A society that cannot defend its children has no future.' And Putin's words appeared to have struck a chord, as he is extremely popular with Serbs. In the rape case, the boy had arrived in Austria with his Serbian mother, who paid for him to go to the Theresienbad swimming pool, where he was violently attacked. The boy was so badly injured that he needed hospital treatment but he will be forced to go back to court for the Iraqi man's second trial, outraging the Austrian Serbian community. Austrian media say the case has hardened the communities position against asylum seekers, who were previously divided about whether to vote for the left-leaning Green party candidate or the far right option Nobert Hofer in upcoming elections. However, it is not the first time Russia has lashed out at the EU's handling of the migrant crisis after comments by the head of Russia's Federal Migration Service. Pictured are migrants camping under a train line in Paris Konstantin Romodanovsky accused EU countries of ignoring the 'differences in culture, religious traditions, and customs' with the refugees, the vast majority of whom are Islamic. Pictured are migrants in Paris However, it is not the first time Russia has lashed out at the EU's handling of the migrant crisis. In March, Konstantin Romodanovsky, head of Russia's Federal Migration Service accused leaders of willfully ignoring cultural differences that have caused such widespread friction and chaos across the Continent. He also added that 'multiculturalism has failed' because Europe never formed a unified strategy to integrate refugees into Western society. He said: 'The European Commission left it up to individual nations to decide how they want to treat asylum seekers despite the fact the policies and capabilities of member states are very different. But a WHSQ spokesperson said they didn't approve staffing levels for rides Dreamworld's CEO said the ride goes through four tiers of approval, including an approval from the safety watchdog Ride in question is the Cyclone, now known as the Hot Wheels SideWinder Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has disputed Dreamworld's account of the number of staff needed to operate a single ride Queensland's safety watchdog has demanded Dreamworld produce documents to support the theme park's claim they had approval to have only one staff member manning a ride. The ride in question is the Cyclone, now known as the Hot Wheels SideWinder, described on the company's website as 'one of the tallest, high-speed gravity rollercoasters in the Southern Hemisphere.' The Australian Workers Union secretary Ben Swann said he had given police two emails in 2015 where senior Dreamworld staff had defended having a single staff member operating the ride, when the manufacturer's guidelines specify two 'preferably three staff', reported the Sydney Morning Herald. Scroll down for video Queensland's safety watchdog has demanded Dreamworld produce documents to support the theme park's claim they had approval to have only one staff member manning a ride The ride in question is the Cyclone, now known as the Hot Wheels SideWinder (pictured), described on the company's website as 'one of the tallest, high-speed gravity rollercoasters in the Southern Hemisphere' On Monday, Dreamworld's chief executive Craig Davidson said operating procedures for the ride in question were approved through four separate tiers. He said the first tier was an internal safety and risk assessment, the second was approval by the manufacturer, the third was approval by an independent ride safety expert and the fourth was approval from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. But on Tuesday a WHSQ spokesperson disputed Mr Davidson's claim, saying that under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, WHSQ does not approve staffing levels for theme park rides. WHSQ has insisted Dreamworld should produce all the documentation relating to the Hot Wheels SideWinder ride, and issued a requirement to produce documents under s.171 of the WHS Act. The Australian Workers Union secretary Ben Swann said he gave police two emails in 2015 where senior Dreamworld staff had defended having a single staff member operating the Hot Wheels ride (pictured) when the manufacturer specified two 'preferably three staff' A Dreamworld spokesperson said that the WHSQ inspectors had overseen the ride in question and its operating procedures on-site on numerous occasions. 'Dreamworld is working openly and transparently with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland on their review of all rides at Dreamworld,' the spokesperson said. A man on his honeymoon has been hailed a hero after tackling a 25-year-old on board a plane after he tried to open the door in the middle of a flight. Shannon Horn and new wife Ana Rodriguez-Horn were traveling on board an Air Canada flight from Vancouver to Brisbane on Wednesday when panic broke out. Around ten minutes before the end of the 15 hour flight a man from Currimundi, in Queensland, decided he wanted off the plane and ran for the door. Shannon Horn, a newlywed on a flight from Vancouver to Brisbane, has been hailed a hero after he tackled a man attempting to open the door in midair Despite five flight attendants trying to stop him, the man managed to get hold of the release lever and tried to pull it upwards. Mr Horn told 7 News: 'I ran over and this guy is trying to pull the lever to get the door open and I just reacted. I pulled his hand off and tackled him to the ground.' After the would-be escapee was subdued the crew zip-tied his hands together and strapped him into his seat. When the plane touched down it was met my Australian federal police who escorted him off the flight and arrested him. Ten minutes before the end of the 15 hour flight, a 25-year-old Australian man got out of his seat and attempted to open a door at the rear of the plane After being tackled the man's hands were restrained using zip ties and he was strapped into his seat before federal police escorted him off the plane The crew congratulated Mr Horn after the flight, with the captain even coming into the cabin to shake his hand. Mrs Rodriguez-Horn called him her 'hero', and said the pair are looking forward to a less eventful honeymoon together. Police say the 25-year-old was questioned after being removed but has been released pending further inquiries. No charges have been laid. It is not known what caused the man to rush for the exit, or if alcohol was involved, the Courier Mail reports. Spanning roughly 7,400 miles, it is one of the longest nonstop flights in the world. She was mocking the look which Mr Osborne often sported during his time as Chancellor when visiting building sites across the country Boris Johnson left Theresa May cringing last night as he pledged to make Brexit a 'Titanic success'. As soon as the Foreign Secretary made the apparent slip-up at a parliamentary awards ceremony last night, he was reminded on stage by his old-foe George Osborne: 'The Titanic sank!' The Prime Minister was pictured with her head in her hands but later had the last laugh as she delivered a remarkable jibe at Mr Johnson, comparing her ex-leadership rival to a dog that was put down. And she mocked Mr Osborne by turning up on stage dressed in the former Chancellor's trademark hi-viz waistcoat and hard hat. Boris Johnson left Theresa May cringing last night as he pledged to make Brexit a 'Titanic success' at the Spectator's Parliamentary awards ceremony in central London last night The Prime Minister donned a hard hat and hi-viz jacket as she collected an award from the former chancellor The former Chancellor presented Mrs May with the Politician of the Year at the Spectator Awards, which saw an extraordinary series of scores settled inside the Tory party. The PM took a pointed dig at Sir Craig Oliver, the ex-NO 10 spin doctor who was handed a knighthood by David Cameron. To roars of laughter, she said: 'l'm particularly pleased to see that Craig Oliversorry, Sir Craig, is here tonight. In his book he said that when he heard the result of the referendum, he walked out of the office and as he walked into Whitehall started wretching violently. 'I have to say that I think we all understand that feeling, most of us experienced it too when we saw his name on the resignations honours list.' The Foreign Secretary made the apparent slip-up at a parliamentary awards ceremony last night, he was reminded on stage by his old-foe Mr Osborne: 'The Titanic sank!' Theresa May puts her head in her hands as she hears Boris Johnson vow to make Brexit a 'Titanic success' Mrs May arrived on stage at the end of the event, bursting through a door in the hi-viz gear. She was mocking the look which Mr Osborne often sported during his time as Chancellor when visiting building sites across the country. In Government, Mrs May had a fractious relationship with Mr Osborne. The pair repeatedly clashed over her desire to curb mass immigration. Allies of Mr Osborne were obsessed with the idea that, throughout her time as Home Secretary, Mrs May was harbouring ambitions to become PM. In the end, Mr Osborne's career was destroyed by his disastrous Project Fear referendum campaign. Boris Johnson said at the awards party last night: 'Brexit means Brexit, and we're going to make a Titanic, colossal success of it'. He was met with cries of 'it sank' by the audience The two were pictured embracing at the awards ceremony in London Theresa May (pictured next to Labour MP Hilary Benn at last night's awards party) put her head in her hands as Boris Johnson said he wanted to make Brexit a 'Titanic success' Once she became PM, Mrs May sacked Mr Osborne from the post of Chancellor. Mr Osborne, who presented last night's awards, joked: 'There won't be much time for chit chat, a bit like when Theresa and I last spoke.' Mr Johnson was unusually upstaged when it came to the jokes last night. As he collected an award from Mr Osborne, he bizarrely compared Britain's exit from the EU to the 1912 sinking of the ill-fated Titanic cruise liner. He said: 'Brexit means Brexit, and we're going to make a Titanic, colossal success of it'. He was met with cries of 'it sank' by the audience. Last night was not the first time this week that Theresa May showed the public a less serious side. At the Pride of Britain awards on Monday night she sashayed down the red carpet signing autographs for fans and taking countless selfies. Mrs May, 60, mingled with the likes of Dame Joan Collins and Bake Off star Mary Berry at the A-list event. She posed alongside her husband Philip in a 595 midnight blue dress by Amanda Wakeley, teamed with a pair of quirky shoes which has become her trademark. Boris Johnson passes Theresa May's table (left) at last night's awards party. The PM later had the last laugh by mocking George Osborne when she turned up on stage dressed in the former Chancellor's trademark hi-viz waistcoat and hard hat (right) A man remains in police custody after a younger man, believed to be his brother, was stabbed in the shoulder. A 21-year-old man in the south-western Sydney suburb of Bankstown has been left with stab wounds to his back and shoulder following a 'domestic incident' allegedly with his brother, 25, on Thursday. The injured man has been taken to Liverpool Hospital and treated for 'minor injuries', a Bankstown Police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia. An alleged fight between two brothers in the south-western Sydney suburb of Bankstown has left one with stabs wounds, as the other is held by police The incident occurred at a property on Ogmore Court on Thursday afternoon. Footage taken by 7 News shows one man restrained and lying on the ground as he is surrounded by officers . It's understood a man is being held by police. Authorities are still investigating the incident, a Bankstown Police spokesman said, but are calling the exchange a 'domestic incident'. The incident occurred at a property on Ogmore Court on Thursday afternoon Authorities are still investigating the incident, a Bankstown Police spokesman said, but are calling the exchange a 'domestic incident' A record number of gay characters are featured on broadcast series - but small-screen shows can be deadly for lesbians, a new report suggests. More than 25 lesbian and bisexual female characters died on scripted broadcast, cable and streaming series this year, the media advocacy group GLAAD found in its report on small-screen diversity. While TV remains far ahead of film in gay representations, the medium 'failed queer women this year' by continuing the 'harmful "bury your gays" trope",' the report said. It's part of a decade-long pattern in which gay or transgender characters are killed to further a straight character's story line, GLAAD said, sending what it called the 'dangerous' message that gay people are disposable. Scroll down for video Uzo Aduba, left, and Samira Wiley appear in a scene from Orange is the New Black. According to a study released Thursday a record number of gay characters are featured on broadcast series, but small-screen shows overall can be deadly for the female ones The violent deaths included characters Poussey Washington (played by Samira Wiley on Orange is the New Black) and Bea Smith (Danielle Cormack on Wentworth). GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in the annual report titled Where We Are on TV: 'For all the advancement made, many LGBTQ characters still fall into outdated stereotypes or harmful tropes.' Ellis wrote: 'When there are so few lesbian and bisexual women on television, the decision to kill these characters in droves sends a toxic message about the worth of queer female stories. The study found that broadcast TV includes the highest percentage of regularly appearing gay characters 4.8 per cent since Gay rights organization GLAAD began its count 21 years ago 'Indeed, LGBTQ characters should be treated the same as their straight, cisgender counterparts by the rules of their series' worlds. 'This means having the same opportunities for romance, nuanced motivation, developed backstory, and the same odds of death. 'When the most repeated ending for a queer woman is violent death, producers must do better to question the reason for a character's demise and what they are really communicating to the audience.' Researchers tallied the LGBTQ characters seen or set to be portrayed in the period from June 2016 to May 2017. Counts were based on series airing or announced and for which casting has been confirmed. The study, which in 2005 began examining other aspects of diversity on TV, found record percentages of people of color and people with disabilities depicted on broadcast shows. It found that broadcast TV includes the highest percentage of regularly appearing gay characters 4.8 per cent since Gay rights organization GLAAD began its count 21 years ago. Among nearly 900 series regular characters on ABC, CBS, CW, Fox and NBC, 43 characters are LGBTQ, up from 35 last season. Streamed shows included 65 regular and recurring LGBTQ characters, up six from last season. Lesbians, including characters on One Mississippi and Orange is the New Black, account for the majority of characters, 43 percent, a far higher share than on broadcast or cable. Cable series held steady with 142 regular and recurring LGBTQ characters, with a 5 per cent increase in the number of gay men but a 2 per cent drop in the number of lesbian characters depicted. The number of transgender characters in regular or recurring appearances on all platforms has more than doubled from last season, from seven to 16. This graphic shows the breakdown of LGBTQ characters in primetime programming on broadcast Pictured is GLAAD's breakdown of LGBTQ characters in primetime programming on cable Characters with a disability represented 1.7 per cent of all regularly seen broadcast characters, up from 0.9 per cent last season. The number of transgender characters in regular or recurring appearances on all platforms has more than doubled from last season, from seven to 16. Pictured is transgender actress Laverne Cox from Orange is the New Black Each platform has at least one LGBTQ character that's HIV-positive, with only one such character a regular (Oliver on How to Get Away with Murder). African-Americans will be 20 per cent (180) of regularly seen characters on prime-time broadcast shows this season, the highest share yet found by GLAAD. But black women are underrepresented at 38 per cent of the total, or 69 characters. The percentage of regularly appearing Asian-Pacific Islanders on broadcast TV hit 6 per cent, the highest tally found by GLAAD and slightly more than the group's U.S. population percentage. Contributing to the increase are the Asian-American family shows Fresh Off the Boat and Dr. Ken. Latino characters rose a point to 8 per cent, equaling the highest representation found two seasons ago by GLAAD. That differs sharply from the 17 per cent Latino representation in the U.S. population as measured by the Census Bureau, the report said. Ellis said in a statement: 'While it is heartening to see progress being made in LGBTQ representation on television, it's important to remember that numbers are only part of the story, and we must continue the push for more diverse and intricate portrayals of the LGBTQ community. Karen Connolly (pictured) claims she was 'body-shamed' by John Lewis staff who told her they did not stock size 22 clothes A plus-sized shopper claims she was 'body-shamed' by John Lewis staff who told her they did not stock size 22 clothes and that she should buy her outfit online. Karen Connolly, 57, had visited the store in Chelmsford, Essex, to get a dress and a jacket for a wedding when she was told there were no clothes larger than a size 18. The 'humiliated' mother-of-four said she was so upset that she asked staff: 'Does that mean I'm the only fat person in Chelmsford?' She said: 'I felt humiliated. The lack of availability of clothes for me and any other plus-sized women made me feel worthless. 'It makes me feel that I'm not as valuable as my daughters who are nice size 8s and 10s. 'It's a pity John Lewis don't think we voluptuous ladies are worth their valuable floor space.' The married NHS business consultant had gone shopping at the store last month because she wanted to pick out something 'classic and smart'. But she was shocked when staff told her there was nothing that she could try on. She said: 'I went into the changing room and I asked the two staff which range stocked a 20+ size and they looked quite dismayed. 'I was quite insulted and I said 'what, nothing at all?' One of the women was larger size and said 'I can't get anything myself here'.' The shop assistants and the customer service desk then told her to look online where clothes are stocked up to size 26. But she added: 'I hate shopping online and I cannot see the quality or colour correctly. 'Unfortunately at that point I got very emotional and I started to cry. I felt incredibly embarrassed and it was probably frustration and a little bit of tiredness because I had been travelling. 'It's very hard to go shopping and it is exhausting to go from shop to shop, especially when you are looking for something smarter for work or an occasion. The 57-year-old (pictured) had gone into the store to get a dress and a jacket for a wedding when she was told there were no clothes larger than a size 18 'I know that 25 per cent of the female demographic are plus-sized now and that is just not catered for.' Ms Connolly said she was promised a call from John Lewis' customer services but she said she has not. She said: 'I'm not expecting them to change the store just for me, but I'd like an explanation as to why they don't believe they should stock adequate size ranges. 'I know I'm fat, voluptuous, plus sized - there are many labels for it and I accept that. 'But I like to feel good about myself and I like to look good and my clothes help to give me a great deal of confidence. 'It shouldn't be a struggle for women like me to find classic and smart clothes.' A John Lewis spokesman said the store in Chelmsford, Essex (pictured), is a 'small department store' and cannot stock all sizes but that a larger range is available online Ms Connolly eventually managed to find the two items on sale for a combined price of 150 at Debenhams. She said she usually shops at Monsoon because they typically stock her sizes. The plus size market constitutes 12.4 per cent of all clothing sales and is worth in excess of 5 billion. A quarter of UK women have bought plus-size clothing - clothing over a size 16 - in the past year. A John Lewis spokeswoman said: 'As a small department store, our Chelmsford shop stocks women's clothing in sizes 8-18, but some of our other shops and johnlewis.com stock womenswear brands that range up to size 24. A search is underway for a man who broke into a house and assaulted two women, one sexually, early on Thursday. Just after 5.30am, police were alerted to the home invasion in north Adelaide, where a man had gained entry to the house in what is believed to be a targeted attack. There were children in the house at the time of the attack, Nine News reported. Police search the area near where the attack occurred early on Thursday morning Police attended the scene of the attack about 5.30am after being alerted The male suspect was described as a Caucasian aged in his mid-20s, about 185cms tall, wearing a dark coloured hooded top. Despite scouring the area just after the assault, police could not find the offender. Residents from the area were uneasy and described the street as normally quiet, The Advertiser reported. One man described seeing police and sniffer dogs swarming the area, while another was 'astounded' at the attack. Devi Adhikari, 26, said her mother, who lived on the street, concerned about what had taken place. Elizabeth Police and the Special Crimes Investigation Branch are investigating the incident. The bombshell court ruling which has bogged down Britain's exit from the EU in a legal quagmire has sparked a row over how UK judges are appointed. The Lord Chief Justice, Baron Thomas of Cwmgiedd, alongside Sir Terence Etherton and Lord Justice Sales, ruled that the Prime Minister does not have power to trigger Article 50 to start the two-year Brexit process. The unelected trio were today accused of 'striking down the will of the people to set in train leaving the EU'. Ukip politicians branded the ruling 'judicial activism' and called for a system which would allow judges to be sacked. Baron Thomas of Cwmgiedd was one of three judges behind today's Brexit ruling, which found Theresa May does not have the power to trigger the process of leaving the EU He was aided by 'Master of the Rolls' Sir Terence Etherton (left) and Lord Justice Sales (right) Ukip leadership candidate Suzanne Evans said: 'How dare these activist judges attempt to overturn our will? It's a power grab and undermines democracy. Time we had the right to sack them.' Ukip donor Arron Banks, co-chairman of the Leave.EU campaign, asked: 'Why wouldn't unelected judges want to preserve an EU system where unelected elites like themselves are all-powerful?' In explaining the judges' decision today, Lord Thomas insisted they were concerned with 'a pure question of law' and were not expressing any view about the merits of leaving the European Union, which is, he said 'a political issue'. Lord Thomas was a founding member of the European Law Institute, which says it works towards the 'enhancement of European legal integration'. He was also President of the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary from May 2008 to December 2010. But the judge has previously been critical of European judges. In 2014, in a judgement on whole-life tariffs, he said Strasbourg had been wrong in law to rule that such sentences were in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. The judge was handed the job of leading the judiciary in 2013, beating off a strong field including Sir Brian Leveson, who ran the inquiry into press standards. Lord Thomas's career as a judge was built in the commercial wing of the High Court before he became a Lord Justice of Appeal, overseeing criminals' claims of miscarriages of justice. Lord Thomas is the founding member of a European Law Institute, which works towards 'European legal integration'. Sir Terence Etherton is a former Olympian Lord Thomas was also one of the judges who presided over the final hearings last year that sent terror suspect Abu Hamza for trial in the US. THE LORD CHIEF JUSTICE Lord Thomas was born in Wales and was educated at Cambridge and the University of Chicago before being called the bar in 1969. He became an assistant judge 1984 and rose through the judicial system, becoming the UK's most senior judge in 2013. According to Who's Who, he married his wife Elizabeth in 1973, has two children and enjoys gardens and walking. Advertisement Cambridge-educated Lord Thomas, 69, was part of a team of judges who negotiated Tony Blair's constitution reforms of the mid-2000s. Mr Blair's decision to scrap the ancient role of Lord Chancellor inside government left the Lord Chief Justice as leader of and spokesman for judges, as well as the senior judge in deciding the interpretation of criminal law. When he was later appointed to the role, Lord Thomas said the judiciary would 'continue to become more reflective of our diverse society. 'It will also continue to play a constructive role in its relationships with Government, Parliament and the media.' Lord Thomas said. Lord Thomas was assisted in making today's historic decision by two other senior judges; Sir Terence Etherton and Lord Justice Sales. Gina Miller, who brought the case against the government, walks from the High Court today Master of the Rolls Sir Terence Etherton, 65, is the second most senior judge in England and Wales, after Lord Thomas. He made legal history almost a decade ago when he became the first openly gay judge to be made a Lord Justice of Appeal, The Guardian reported. SIR TERENCE ETHERTON Sir Terence Etherton studied at St Paul's School in London before Cambridge and was in the British sabre team before becoming a lawyer. He was called to the Bar in 1974 and was appointed a High Court Judge in 2001 before taking on the role of Master of the Rolls in 2016. He entered a civil partnership with Andrew Stone in 2006, which was converted to a marriage in 2014. Advertisement Lord Justice Sales, 54, meanwhile usually sits in the Court of Appeal and is a former First Treasury Counsel, representing the UK government in the civil courts. He was criticised for charging the taxpayer 3.3million in his first six years in the job from 1997. Sir Terence Etherton was called to the Bar in 1974 and became a QC in 1990. He was appointed a High Court Judge in 2001 before becoming a Lord Justice of Appeal in 2008. He said his appointment 'shows that diversity in sexuality is not a bar to preferment up to the highest levels of the judiciary'. He entered a civil partnership in 2006 and in 2014, after a change in the law, he and partner Andrew Stone were married in a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony at West London Synagogue. Sir Terence, who studied history and law at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, was in the British sabre team from 1977 to 1980 and qualified for the 1980 summer Olympics in Moscow. He boycotted the games in protest against the USSR's invasion of Afghanistan. Today's ruling is a huge blow to Theresa May (pictured last night) in her plans to exit the EU The Master of the Rolls - a position which dates back to at least the 13th century - is the head of civil justice and the second most senior judge - after the Lord Chief Justice - in England and Wales. LORD JUSTICE SALES Sir Philip Sales attended the Royal Grammar School in Guildford before studying at both Oxford and Cambridge. He was called to the Bar in 1985 before becoming First Junior Treasury Counsel, fighting cases for the government, in 1997. According to Who's Who, he married his wife Miranda in 1988 and they have two children. His interests are listed as theatre and film. Advertisement Sir Philip Sales, who studied at both Oxford and Cambridge, was called to the bar in 1985 and was made First Treasury Counsel - also known as 'Treasury Devil' - in 1997. His appointment led to claims of cronyism, with critics pointing out he was previously in the same chambers the then-Lord Chancellor Lord Irvine of Lairg. In the year he finished in the role, 2009, London's Evening Standard revealed that he had charged up to 619,000 a year for fighting the government's corner. The figures led to calls from, among others, former minister Vince Cable, to reform the system for how top government lawyers were able to claim private practice rates. Property tycoon Sammy Almahri, 45, (pictured) was today jailed for 17 after killing British woman Nadine Aburas A 'jealous' and 'possessive' millionaire New York businessman was today jailed for at least 17 years for murdering a young British woman in a hotel room after meeting her on a dating site. Property tycoon Sammy Almahri, 45, killed pretty Nadine Aburas, 28, in his hotel room after she refused to marry him when he flew to meet her. Almahri had hung a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door of Room 203 of the Future Inns in Cardiff, Wales, before fleeing abroad in a bid to escaped justice. Miss Aburas' body was found on New Year's Eve in 2014 by staff at the hotel - hours after her killer fled in her car to drive to Heathrow Airport in London. He flew to Qatar in the Middle East and then on to Tanzania, Africa, before being caught three weeks later. Almahri at first denied murder by claiming he was driven by the 'Voice of God' in his head. But he later changed his plea to admit it. Judge Mrs Justice Nicola Davies described Almahri as being 'jealous' before jailing him for life with a minimum term of 17 years before he can apply for parole. She said: 'You showed both jealously and possessiveness of Nadine. I am satisfied that your killing of Nadine was prompted by jealousy and anger. Scroll down for video Miss Aburas, 28, (pictured) was found on New Year's Eve in 2014 by staff at the hotel in Cardiff - hours after Almahri killed her CCTV footage shows the moment Almahri entered the Future Inns hotel in Cardiff - the day before Miss Aburas' body was found 'Her death has left a huge void in the lives of all the family that can never be replaced. 'By taking Nadine, her mother says you have taken the glue that made them a family. 'Your actions will impact upon Nadine's family for the rest of their lives, their loss is immeasurable.' Miss Aburas, who lived alone in her own flat in Cardiff Bay, met Almahri on an internet dating site called MuslimMatch.com. The pair had a two year romance travelling between UK and New York at least three times. But Almahri became 'besotted' by Nadine - showering her with money and expensive presents. Prosecutor Roger Thomas said: 'He paid for mobile phones and a car. She was living off jobseekers allowance. 'There's no doubt the financial benefits were attractive to her.' She returned home with an injured lip from their last meeting and then began seeing other men in her hometown of Cardiff. Almahri became 'increasingly jealous' then began bombarding her with abusive messages. Cardiff Crown Court heard he warned her: 'You will be in hell.' He discovered she had seen another man before sending her messages calling her a 'hooker' and a 'whore'. The court heard he contacted one of Nadine's brother's Jamal on Facebook to threaten to send him pictures of his sister. He also sent her a phone message of her naked saying: 'I am going to post these around a Facebook you hoe.' Almahri travelled from the United States to see Nadine - but he was punched by one of her brothers. Another brother told him to 'stay away from my sister' before taking him to Cardiff railway station. Her mother Andrea Aburas, 59, (centre) attended the sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court Her mother was comforted outside Cardiff Crown Court after reading a heartfelt statement Miss Aburas (pictured) met Almahri on the online dating website MuslimMatch.com Andrea (pictured) described her daughter as a 'beautiful girl' after Almahri was jailed But he downed a bottle of gin and a dozen shots of tequila before luring Nadine into the Future Inns hotel in the city. He strangled her, washed her body, placed her hands together and faked a suicide note pretending to be from her. Shortly after 3am on December 31, Almahri left the hotel and travelled in her car to Heathrow Airport. He booked a flight at 10.35am he took a flight to Doha in Qatar. Her body was found at around 12.20pm on New Year's Eve by the duty manager - and police were called in. The court heard Almahri as eventually located in Tanzania and arrested on an Interpol arrest warrant on January 19 before being returned to Britain. Almahri claimed he was suffering from 'abnormality of mental function'. He claims he was in a psychiatric state of hearing 'the voice of God' telling him to kill Nadine. The court heard Almahri initially claimed he was not guilty of murder because his responsibility is diminished by mental illness. The trial was due to last four weeks - but was halted when he pleaded guilty. Mr Thomas said: 'This was the killing of a defenceless woman by a jealous and dangerous man.' Her mother Andrea, 59, told the court: 'You hear about people being killed or passing away, but you never think it will happen to you. 'She was such a beautiful girl, in both looks and personality. She was a ray of sunshine in everyone's lives. Judge Mrs Justice Nicola Davies today jailed Almahri (pictured) for life with a minimum term of 17 years before he can apply for parole Almahri had hung a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door of Room 203 of the Future Inns in Cardiff, Wales (pictured) 'She was an inspiration to us all. She made you feel like you wanted to be a better person. 'Although she was strong and could hold her own, she also had a delicate heart.' Mrs Aburas was giving a victim impact statement to the judge. She said: 'I will never forget when police came to tell us Nadine had been taken away from us. My life ended. 'We have all lived our lives ever since in a complete haze. 'Almahri knew what he was he was doing. I want to save her, I want to bring her back to life. 'My boys and girls are not now the people they used to be. They suffer in silence. 'By taking Nadine, Almahri has taken the glue that made this family. 'We allowed him to come into our family and instead he took from us my child. 'Life will never, ever be the same. No sentence that could be given to this man could compare to the sentence he has given to us. 'He has destroyed us.' TIMELINE OF EVENTS CONTACT - 2012 The pair meet on Muslim dating website MuslimMatch.com and over the next 12 months Almahri takes several trips to Wales to visit Nadine MURDER - December 30, 2014 Almahri kills Nadine at some point over the course of the night or the following morning ESCAPE - December 31, 2014 After murdering Nadine, Almahri flees the country. Taking a 10.35am flight to Doha CAPTURE - January 19, 2015 Almahri is tracked to Tanzania where he is arrested by officers from Interpol and extradited back to the UK Advertisement After the hearing, Nadine's mother Andrea Aburas said: 'Justice has been done for Nadine. 'We wish to thank everyone who has assisted us in this tragic period in our lives. 'I ask now that we are given time to breath and remember our beautiful girl.' After the hearing, Nadine's family described her as 'a remarkable young woman, courageous, intelligent and loving. A family spokesman said: 'Nadine was a remarkable young woman, courageous, intelligent and loving. 'Her infectious laugh and the beauty she brought to our lives will be forever missed. 'Sammy Almahri tragically and maliciously ended a life with so much promise and only fully accepted responsibility when he realised the weight of the evidence against him. 'It is unimaginable for us as a family to understand the heinous crime that has been committed. 'Sammy Almahri took the glue that held our family together and no sentence given to this man can compare to the sentence that he has given us.' David Wooler, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Cymru-Wales, said: 'Sammy Almahri's callous and brutal actions took that future away from her and left her family dealing with the immense distress that resulted from her loss. 'Having taken Nadine's life, Almahri immediately sought to avoid responsibility for his actions by fleeing the country. A mother-of-four was left with horrific bruising and damaged eyes when a stranger grabbed her by the hair and kicked her in the face during an unprovoked nightclub attack. Louise Cowe, 43, was talking to a man in the smoking area of the Aruba nightclub, in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, when a woman yanked her off the stall and launched the attack. The 43-year-old, who believes the perpetrator was the partner or companion of the man she spoke with, was left with concussion and bruises all over her body. Louise Cowe (left and right), 43, was left with horrific bruising and damaged eyes when a stranger grabbed her by the hair and kicked her in the face during an unprovoked nightclub attack She said: 'The night out was actually to try to cheer me up after an incident a couple of weeks earlier with my ex-partner. 'Out of nowhere this woman grabbed me by the hair, dragged me off the stool then kicked me and punched me twice in the face. It all happened really quickly.' Ms Cowe (pictured), a mother of four, said she has left physically and mentally scared by the attack Ms Cowe said she has left physically and mentally scared by the attack. She is being treated for vitreous detachment, the separation of gel that fills the back of the eye from the retina. She added: 'I'm also really struggling with my confidence. I don't know what this woman looks like and I'm worried that I could see her in the street and she could attack me again.' 'I've been left very nervous. There was nothing at all that prompted it.' The incident unfolded when Ms Cowe and her friend Alison Breedom, who are both further education teachers from Mansfield, asked a man if there was a smoking area. The attacker then approached them, also punching Ms Breedom twice in the head. Ms Cowe said: 'It was really awful. The attack was completely unexpected and unprovoked. 'I don't think the woman liked the fact we asked the man if there was a smoking area. It must have been her other half. It was horrible. I won't go out in Chesterfield again.' Ms Cowe (left and right) is being treated for vitreous detachment, the separation of gel that fills the back of the eye from the retina. She is also covered in bruises The incident unfolded when Ms Cowe and her friend Alison Breedom, who are both further education teachers from Mansfield, asked a man if there was a smoking area. The scratches on her arm are pictured above The pair are now hoping to encourage witnesses to come forward. The incident unfolded when Ms Cowe and friend Alison Breedom (pictured), both further education teachers from Mansfield, asked a man if there was a smoking area Ms Breedom, 35, said: 'It's put me off going out in the town. I think it's quite a dangerous place. I hope whoever did this is found and brought to justice.' A Derbyshire police spokesman said they are appealing for witnesses to the assault. The spokesman said: 'We are appealing for witnesses after two women were assaulted in a Chesterfield nightclub. 'At about 10.50pm on Saturday, October 15, a group of women were talking to a man in Aruba on Corporation Street. 'A woman approached the group and assaulted one of the women and dragged another off of a bar stool and then kicked and punched her. 24-year-old, of 3rd Battalion The Rifles, had toured Afghanistan in 2012 Lance Corporal Joe Spencer, 24, (pictured) was shot dead at RAF Tain A British soldier who was killed during a live fire training exercise at an RAF base has been named as a 24-year-old Afghan War veteran from Hampshire. Lance Corporal Joe Spencer, of 3rd Battalion The Rifles, died on Tuesday following a firearms incident at RAF Tain in the Scottish Highlands. The 24-year-old, from Hampshire, joined the Army in 2011 and had completed a tour of Afghanistan in 2012, as part of Operation Herrick 16. He had also taken part in exercises in Kenya and the US as part of his training. Confirming the soldier's identity, Defence Minister Mark Lancaster said: 'My thoughts are with Joe's family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time. 'We are co-operating with the police investigation and looking into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.' Around 30 detectives are involved in the investigation into his death. No arrests have been made and police would not comment on whether the soldier might have fired the weapon himself. Police and ambulance crews were called to the range, around 30 miles north of Inverness, at around 6pm on Tuesday. L/Cpl Spencer was found fatally injured at the site. A post on The Rifles regiment Facebook page said: 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends and his brother Riflemen.' Hundreds of people paid tribute to L/Cpl Spencer under the post, with many leaving the message 'RIP, swift and bold' - the motto of the regiment. Others described him as a 'good soldier and a good lad' in comments left on The Rifles page. The training exercise in which the incident happened involved around 20 personnel. Police Scotland previously confirmed that a firearm was involved in the death. There were no other casualties. The investigation into the incident is being led by the Scottish force. Police speak to a driver as they arrive at the gate to RAF Tain, a weapons firing range, after a soldier was killed Police speak to military personnel as they arrive at the gate to RAF Tain this morning Police closed the surrounding roads and officers are currently at the scene investigating Police Scotland are leading the investigation rather than the Royal Military Police Speaking on Wednesday, Chief Inspector Iain MacLelland said: 'Police Scotland are leading the investigation to establish the full set of circumstances of this incident and we are working closely with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the Health and Safety Executive, and the Armed Forces. 'I would wish to emphasise that this incident was confined to the RAF firing range at Tain, that no persons were involved other than those military personnel participating in the exercise, and at no stage was there a threat to the wider public safety.' He advised that the nature of the incident meant a continued police presence in the area over the days ahead, with a cordon set up around the base on the Dornoch Firth, in Easter Ross. Officers are said to be keeping 'a very open mind' over the cause of the incident. The base is in the Highlands, pictured, and used by the RAF, army and NATO forces Political leaders have sent their condolences to the soldier's loved ones. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: 'This is a tragic incident and my deepest condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues of the person who has died. 'It is another important reminder of the often difficult and dangerous job our Armed Forces do every day.' Prime Minister Theresa May told MPs at Westminster: 'I, and I'm sure the whole House, would wish to pass on our condolences to the friends and family of the serviceman who has died at the Tain range.' The training facility is used by the RAF and the Army. It has a rifle range and a small arms range as well as bombing ranges for aircraft. The range is also used by US and other Nato air forces for bombing and strafing practice. A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'Police Scotland is leading the investigation to establish the full circumstances of this incident and is working closely with the armed forces' The incident happened around 6pm last night at RAF Tain firing range (file photo) The range has 18 separate targets suitable for a variety of weapons and different delivery methods. Tain is also responsible for Cape Wrath Range near the village of Durness. Both ranges employ a number of civilian contracted workers who manage the estate, assist in the control tower, target score and deal with ordnance clearance from the range. Police are at the scene, pictured, and have set up a cordon around the site while they investigate One soldier has been killed during a live fire exercise at RAF Tain, pictured, in Scotland Depute leader of Highland Council, Alasdair Rhind, told BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme that he believes the incident involved the rifle and target range. He said: 'The police gave me a briefing late last night, letting me know about the incident and just assuring me they had everything under control and the incident wouldn't affect the general public at large. 'It's very sad to see that somebody has lost their life.' He continued: 'Obviously we've got to let the authorities, the police and the military, carry out their investigations and I'm sure we will get further briefings from them in due course. The Ministry of Defence said it was aware of the incident at the base, pictured, but would not be commenting further at this stage 'I would think our community would be more concerned with the family of the person who lost their life down there and our sympathies go to that family today. Mr Rhind said the Tain range has a 'very good safety record' and he could not recall any previous such incidents. Meanwhile, an MP says he has concerns over staff cuts which may have increased 'risks to the general public' at the RAF base. Following the incident, Dr Paul Monaghan MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross is writing to Defence Secretary Michael Fallon over his worries Following the incident, Dr Paul Monaghan MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross is writing to Defence Secretary Michael Fallon over his worries. 'This death has occurred during a live firing exercise believed to have taken place during the hours of darkness. A police investigation is now underway,' said Dr Monaghan. 'This is clearly a tragedy for the family and the colleagues of the soldier involved. 'Since the year 2000, 135 deaths have taken place involving military personnel on training or on exercise. Eleven of these deaths have taken place during live fire exercises. 'Within the last few days I have received communications from the Ministry of Defence which suggests that Tain Air Weapons Range, which is classed as an academic facility, will be used in the future by the RAF, US Airforce and other Nato forces. 'There are 18 targets at RAF Tain that are targeted by bombs and by strafing. It is also now clear that the range is used by other military services for both target shooting and live fire exercises. 'I have some outstanding concerns about the management of RAF Tain and staffing reductions that appear to increase risks and reduce safety levels to the general public. It is unclear if reduced staffing levels or management practices have contributed to this tragic death. 'I will of course be writing today to the Secretary of State for Defence requesting a detailed briefing on the causes of this tragic event and the actions he will be taking to ensure RAF Tain remains safe, secure and free of risk for the general public and appropriate for military personnel.' The death comes just over two months after a soldier was shot dead during a live-firing exercise at Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland. More than 100 British holidaymakers say they have been struck down with a stomach bug after staying at a five-star holiday resort in Turkey. The tourists had all been staying at the Liberty Hotels Lykia in Dalaman and booked through Thomas Cook but raised concerns about the standards of hygiene after coming down with illness. Many have reported constant vomiting and diarrhoea since staying at the hotel last month with one even claiming an 11-week-old baby caught the bug, meaning emergency services had to meet the aircraft when the infant and their family flew back to the UK. More than 100 British holidaymakers say they have been struck down with a stomach bug after staying at a five-star holiday resort in Turkey. Pictured is James Lewis, 25, who suffered kidney damage after staying at the hotel Since he came down with the bug, 94 others are now being represented by law firm Irwin Mitchell And others claim the tour operator failed to stop the bug from spreading and denied there was a problem with the resort. Last week, James Lewis, 25, revealed he suffered kidney damage after staying at the hotel and later broke his rib from collapsing in his room in pain at Liberty Hotels Lykia. Mr Lewis and his partner Josh paid 1,000 for the holiday but say they spotted food which appeared to be undercooked, left uncovered for long periods of time and that had been exposed to insects. And since he said he planned to take legal action against the hotel, a further 100 have also said they were impacted by illness there. Jennifer Downing, an expert international personal injury lawyer for Irwin Mitchell, who is representing 94 of the holidaymakers said: 'We have now been approached by 94 people who were impacted by illness problems at the Liberty Hotels Lykia, with more enquiries coming in daily. Mr Lewis and his partner Josh paid 1,000 for the holiday but say they spotted food which appeared to be undercooked, left uncovered for long periods of time and that had been exposed to insects 'We have launched our own investigations into the circumstances of the problems they suffered during holidays predominantly booked through Thomas Cook. 'We have now heard from many of our clients that they have concerns about the hygiene practices in place at the hotel, as well as the way the illness outbreak was communicated to them and handled by staff at the hotel. 'It is deeply concerning to have had so many people come forward suffering with the same illness who stayed at the hotel around the same time. 'There also needs to be a clear understanding by the Tour operator as to why this has happened and reassurances that, if not already done so, steps are being taken to try and prevent the same thing happening again.' Since Mr Lewis and his partner said they planned to take legal action against the hotel, a further 100 have also said they were impacted by illness there It comes as many guests were forced to see doctors after falling victim to the bug with some being forced to stay in their rooms. Selina McCarthy told The Sun that her brother's wedding was almost called off after several members of the party including the bride were brought down by the illness. She also claimed that a friend of the family's 11-week-old baby caught the virus and was suffering from severe dehydration. The 36-year-old added: It was terrifying. The baby took a turn for the worse and the pilot called for an ambulance to be there when we landed. 'We all had to wait while they got the baby off first. Luckily there was a doctor and a nurse on board to keep an eye on her while we were flying.' While Mr Lewis said: 'The illness I suffered on holiday is still having a serious impact on me. "It wasn't just us who were suffering, we could see other people around the hotel struggling with illness. We want to know what caused the illness and make sure these issues are investigated." A spokesman for Thomas Cook told the Sun that the hotel, which is now closed for the summer season, has put in elevated cleaning and hygiene measure to stop the spread of illness. They also add they are aware of an increase in customer illness and are taking all steps necessary to rectify the issue. Family and friends of Prince Harry's new love, divorced actress Meghan Markle, have vehemently rejected accusations that she is a pushy 'social climber' - and say the royal family would be lucky to have her. The Suits star's half-brother, Thomas Markle, who has the same father as Meghan also called Thomas Markle described claims by his sister, Samantha Grant, that Meghan had abandoned her own family in her ambitious quest for fame as simply untrue. Miss Grant, 51, from Florida, claimed to have helped raise Meghan as a child and said she loved watching his brother, Prince William, on TV but preferred Harry as she has a 'soft spot for gingers'. Scroll down for video Family and friends of Prince Harry's new love, divorced actress Meghan Markle, have vehemently rejected accusations that she is a pushy 'social climber' But she also described Meghan, an actress, lifestyle blogger and humanitarian activist, as 'narcissistic and selfish' and accused her of abandoning her family, including her bankrupt father, during her quest for fame. 'The Royal Family would be appalled by what she's done to her own family. The truth would kill her relationship with Prince Harry, he wouldn't want to date her any more because it puts her in a bad public light,' she said. Asked by the Daily Mail if his sister is in a relationship with Prince Harry, her brother said 'of course, it's all over internet'. He added: 'But I'm [most] concerned about what my sister [Samantha Markle] has been saying. The one thing that she's saying about Meghan ditching everybody in the family is not true. Meghan's half-sister, Samantha Grant (pictured), accused the star of failing to support her family When asked if whether Meghan is in a relationship with Prince Harry, her brother said 'of course, it's all over internet' 'Meghan didn't turn her back on everybody in the family, and it's not her responsibility to take care of everyone, she's worked very hard to get where she's at.' Mr Markle, who along with his sister, Sam, was born to Meghan's father by a previous relationship, said of their extended family: 'We've all lived our own separate lives for many, many years. It's just not right for her [Samantha] to say that. We've all been living in different states for 20 odd years or longer. 'I don't think Yvonne [Samantha's real name] has ever had a real relationship with Meghan at all, so she can't get away with saying the things she's saying. 'Meghan lives her own life and has worked very hard to get to where she's at. And my father has done nothing but support my sisters and helped me out in the past. 'I don't think Meghan would turn her back on her family even if something drastic happened. She has got her own life. She is not selfish, she's just living happily across the country. 'She's done quite a bit of humanitarian work. I know she worked for the UN for a while and she has always done a lot of community things. Meghan's friends and family said the Royal family would be lucky to have the actress Meghan posted a picture of herself with her father on Instagram with the caption #throwbackthursday Meghan shared this throwback picture with of herself with her mother during her graduation 'I don't think the royal family will have a problem with Meghan or her family. The only one they might have a problem with is somebody saying bad things about her.' He added: 'I haven't had much to say to my sister [Samantha] for many, many years, she's not the most pleasant person deal with but I still love her, she's still my sister.' A friend of the actress also rejected the claims saying : 'The British royal family would be lucky to have her!' Yearbook photographs of the actress as a teenager at the all-girl Catholic school Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, where notable alumnae include actress Mary Tyler Moore and model Tyra Banks, have also emerged including one which described her as a 'classy lady'. Another was inscribed with the saying by Eleanor Roosevelt: 'Women are like tea bags, they don't know how strong they are until they're in hot water' 'Meghan was really charismatic and was a very hard worker and very focused and you could tell she was going to do something special with her life,' said one school friend.' 'She was bubbly, optimistic and positive. She was also very focused and had her eye on the prize she knew where she wanted to go to college and she knew she wanted to do drama.' The mutual friend believed to have introduced Harry and Meghan is US-based fashion designed Misha Nonoo. Misha, married to but reportedly separated from Old Etonian Alexander Gilkes, is one of Meghan's closest pals and confidantes and holidayed with her in the summer. Alexander was a guest at William and Kate's wedding and his younger brother, club owner Charlie, is a former flame of Pippa Middleton. He is suing the Department of Corrections for 'allowing him to be raped' A prisoner who fathered a baby with a female counselor while he was behind bars is now claiming she kept him as her sex slave so that she could get pregnant. Steven Moerman is suing the Michigan Department of Corrections for not protecting him from Susan Clingerman, a 44-year-old mother-of-three. Moerman, also 44, was serving time for operating a methamphetamine laboratory at Parnall Corrections Facility in 2014 when he met the woman. The pair had sex on a number of occasions in the prison and Clingerman, who was hired by the Department in 2010, fell pregnant as a result. Steven Moerman, 44, claims Susan Clingerman, also 44, used him as her sex slave to rape 'at her whim' while he was incarcerated and she was employed at Parnall Corrections Facility, Michigan She gave birth to the pair's daughter in April 2015, three months after being fired by the department for sexual misconduct. In a lawsuit filed in Jackson County Circuit Court, Moerman, who lives in Great Rapids, Michigan, alleged that Clingerman, from Mason, was desperate to have a child and used him to fulfill her wish. As part of her plan, he claims she enlisted a colleague in the prison to act as a 'lookout' while they had sex, The Detroit Free Press reported. He claims she raped him 'at her whim' and was 'desperately wishing to conceive a child.' The lawsuit also claims she began fertility treatment after they met. Moerman was jailed in 2013 after being arrested the previous year for operating a meth lab. As part of his sentence, he was to receive treatment for an undisclosed mental condition. He met Clingerman after joining the prison in 2013. They are thought to have started their sexual relationship the following year. He claims he was taken advantage of by the woman and not protected by the Department of Corrections which 'allowed him to be raped'. 'Defendants failed to provide Mr. Moerman humane conditions of confinement by knowingly, voluntarily, recklessly, and with willful disregard to Mr. Moerman's personal safety, allowing him to be sexually assaulted and raped,' the lawsuit stated. Clingerman fell pregnant with the pair's daughter before being banned from prison grounds in September 2014. She welcomed the baby in April 2015 Moerman was serving time for a drugs charge at Parnall Correctional Facility (above) at the time Moerman alleges that Clingerman was so desperate to conceive a child that she used him as her 'slave' to impregnate him. The child will be two in April Clingerman, who has two older children from previous relationships, was banned from prison grounds in September 2014 after a colleague caught her and Moerman having sex in her office. She was fired in January 2015 and gave birth to their daughter three months later. Later, she was charged with second-degree criminal sexual misconduct and spent 27 days in jail for it. The Prison Rape Elimination Act makes it impossible for an inmate to have consensual sex with any prison employee. Moerman (above with a different woman) says he cannot work because of an undisclosed mental condition In written statements she admitted knowing she could be fired for having sex with the man. 'I did not know I could be prosecuted for this. I knew I could get into trouble including firing.' Moerman demanded a DNA test in April this year which proved he was the child's father. He was released from jail in February on parole. The man, who claims he cannot work because of the undisclosed mental condition, is suing the department alongside Governor Rick Snyder and several prison employees for sexual assault, emotional distress and inadequate hiring, training and supervision. He has not specified how much money he would like to receive in compensation but is asking for joint custody of the child. The Department of Corrections, Michigan, confirmed Clingerman was banned from prison grounds in September 2014 after the pair's relationship was reported by another member of staff. A spokesman told DailyMail.com Moerman's claims that another worker acted as 'lookout' for them while they had sex couldn't be substantiated. They declined to comment further. Clingerman has not responded to the lawsuit. Judge ordered him to pay the remaining $20,000 by the end of the month He paid just 1.5 per cent of court-ordered child support in last 17 months After they split, investment banker Roever appealed to un-adopt his son A Manhattan investment banker is attempting to un-adopt his son as the courts order him to pay $20,000 of unpaid child support. Robert Roever had raised the young boy - the son of his estranged wife Alisa Cawley - 'as his own' since he was just four months old, a Manhattan court heard. He had then adopted the youngster as his own in 2011 shortly after he married Cawley, a Russian-born former model, the New York Post reports. Robert Roever (with his ex-wife Alisa Crawley) is attempting to un-adopt his son as the courts order him to pay $20,000 of unpaid child support 'It was his idea. He said, "I want him to be my son,"' Cawley said. 'Now he doesn't want to see him,' she said, accusing Robert of ignoring his son, who is now ten. 'He texts all the time saying, "I miss you dad. I want to see you dad." In May, Roever filed court papers asking the adoption to be undone. Cawley's lawyer Michael Stutman claims that Roever only wants to un-adopt his son to avoid paying his child support. Robert Roever raised the young boy - the son of his now ex-wife Alisa Cawley - 'as his own' since he was just four months old, a court heard He says that the banker and president of Capitoline Advisors Manhattan has paid his client just 1.5 per cent of his court ordered child support in the past 17 months. However, while Roever admits he 'feels bad' to try and undo the adoption of the boy he has raised for the past decade, he claims he was the victim of 'fraud'. The 58-year-old claims Cawley, 44, tricked him into believing she didn't know who the boy's biological dad was. But on Wednesday at Manhattan Supreme Court, Judge Lori Sattler dismissed the idea Roever could avoid paying child support because he wanted to undo his son's adoption. 'You're not understanding the severity of this particular motion,' the judge told him. 'They're asking you to be sent to jail because I have issued an order and you have not complied with that order.' The court heard that Roever had presented an affidavit, signed by a friend, claiming that Cawley had told him she'd been paying child support since May. He had then adopted the youngster as his own in 2011 shortly after he married Cawley, a Russian-born former model (pictured with him) But the affidavit, branded 'absolutely untrue,' by Cawley's lawyer, was rejected by the judge. On Wednesday, Roever - who allegedly lives in a Tribeca loft and claimed to make $300,000 a year on his rental application - offered to pay $2,000 in unpaid child support. An elephant attack has left an Australian tourist hospitalised in intensive care with multiple injuries. Chan Yun, 62, from Sydney, was attacked on a beach in Phuket, Thailand and suffered numerous fractured ribs, injuries to his spine and kidney which required surgery. The four-year-old elephant was wandering free on the Mai Khao beach when it became agitated, pushing Mr Yun to the ground and trampling him, The Age reported. Australian tourist Chan Yun, 62, was attacked by a four-year-old elephant on Mai Khao beach Mr Yun (pictured) had to be hospitalised with numerous injuries including fractured ribs He was rescued by a taxi driver. Mr Yun was alone at the time of the attack on Mai Khao beach near five-star resorts and police had launched an investigation. He now faces hefty medical bills, as his travel insurance was voided due to a pre-existing condition. Mai Khao beach in Phuket, Thailand Although he was Bangkok International Hospital, he needed to be transferred to Sydney by air ambulance, it was reported. He'd been in the country for a family wedding. The attack came shortly after travel giant TripAdvisor announced it would stop selling tickets for attractions involving wild animals, theABC reported. The intention was to stop exploitation and cruelty to animals. On Phuket - which is visited by about 20,000 Australians per month - elephants are a popular tourist attraction, and there are 20 separate elephant camps, according to The Age. In Thailand, 2000 elephants are kept for tourism. Austria has sent troops to Hungary's border with Serbia following Turkish threats to abandon its deal to stem the flow of migrants into Europe. Vienna dispatched 60 soldiers to the frontier between the two countries as it emerged the European Union's agreement with Ankara was 'showing cracks'. Based at Hodmezovasarhely near Szeged in south-east Hungary initially for six months, they will help build roads and erect containers. Austria has sent troops to Hungary's border with Serbia following Turkish threats to abandon its deal to stem the flow of migrants into Europe. Pictures show a razor wire fence at the Serbia-Hungary border last year Based at Hodmezovasarhely near Szeged in south-east Hungary initially for six months, they will help build roads and erect containers It comes after Turkey's foreign minister renewed a threat to scrap the deal if Brussels does not grant Turks visa-free entry to the EU. The visa waiver is part of a package of incentives the EU offered Turkey to stop migrants heading to Europe. The main sticking point is an EU demand for Turkey to change the way it defines terrorism. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted as telling Swiss daily Neue Zuercher Zeitung: 'Our patience is approaching an end.' He added that Ankara is upholding agreements and expects the EU to do the same. Asked when the migrant deal might be suspended, Mr Cavusoglu replied: 'We won't wait until the end of the year.' Austria's defence ministry said that the soldiers will not be armed or be involved in intercepting people making it past Hungary's border fence with Serbia. Austria's defence ministry said that the soldiers will not be armed or be involved in intercepting people making it past Hungary's border fence (pictured) with Serbia Hungary has been criticised by rights groups and others for its alleged mistreatment of refugees and its refusal to take in some of the huge numbers of refugees who arrived in Europe in 2015. Defence Minister Hans Peter Doskozil said that EU countries needed to do more to protect their borders because the bloc's accord with Turkey risked unravelling. 'In my opinion the cracks in this accord are starting to show,' Doskozil told Oe1 public radio. 'We have a time window in Europe in which to organise ourselves' before the deal collapses, he said. 'Therefore it is right, and high time, that... EU member states recognise this and confront this challenge, deal with the problem themselves and be ready to act themselves.' Under the EU-Turkey deal in force since March, Ankara agreed to take back migrants who made it to Greece in return for being allowed to send Syrians to the bloc in an orderly redistribution programme. However Greece has been slow to send migrants back to Turkey. Athens says this is because many have applied for asylum which means that they cannot be moved until the claims are processed. In addition Greece complains that the EU has failed to provide additional assistance as promised and to share enough of the thousands of migrants around the bloc. Hillary Clinton has a three-point lead over Donald Trump in the first non-tracking poll since the FBI's explosive letter to Congress last week, which showed the Democrat's advantage narrowing among voters. Clinton has 45 per cent of the vote to Trump's 42 per cent, according to a CBS/New York Times poll published Thursday. Libertarian Gary Johnson has five per cent and Green Jill Stein has four. Clinton's lead is just within the survey's margin of error of three points. The last poll, just over two weeks ago, had Clinton with a nine-point lead following the second debate and allegations by a series of women that Trump made unwanted sexual advances towards them. Clinton has 45 per cent of the vote to Trump's 42 per cent, according to a CBS/New York Times poll published Thursday Clinton has 45 per cent of the vote to Trump's 42 per cent, according to a CBS/New York Times poll published Thursday But Clinton was put on the back foot last Friday when FBI director James Comey declared the agency was investigating emails belonging to top aide Huma Abedin, in relation to its probe of Clinton's use of a private email server while secretary of state. The emails were found during a teen sexting investigation into Abedin's husband Anthony Weiner. The poll was conducted October 28-November 1, the same day of Comey's news, making it the first full nationwide poll since the revelations other than daily tracking polls. Still, of those who haven't voted, 62 per cent said the revelations would not change their minds - and 92 per cent said they had their mind made up about whether they would pick Clinton or Trump. President Obama slammed the FBI on Tuesday for its actions. Without mentioning Comey by name, he said the agency should not 'operate on innuendo'. 'We don't operate on incomplete information and we don't operate on leaks,' he said. Clinton's polling figures have been dented by the FBI's bombshell, but she may be on the recovery with just five days to go before the election. The daily ABC News/Washington Post poll, which put Clinton a point behind her rival on Tuesday, now has the Democrat two points ahead of Trump at 47 to 45. The survey showed that Clinton has largely won over supporters of Bernie Sanders, whom she beat in the primaries. Eighty-two per cent of voters now support her, up from a low of 70 in July. Perhaps surprisingly, eight per cent of Sanders supporters have gone to Trump, while a further seven are plumping for Johnson or Stein. Trump has a weaker showing among Republicans who favored other candidates in the primaries - three quarters will pick the billionaire, but 15 per cent are opting for Clinton and seven per cent for Johnson or Stein. A University of Denver survey on Thursday showed the pair are tied in Colorado, while WBUR/MassINC poll had Trump leading by one point in a four-way match-up, at 40 to her 39. It is set to rival Boeing and Airbus models of a similar size The two groups will develop a 280 seat wide-body plane It is a joint venture between COMAC and United Aircraft Corp China and Russia have announced the joint development of a long-range passenger plane which is set to challenge Boeing and Airbus. State-owned planemakers Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and United Aircraft Corp (UAC) of Russia presented a mock-up of the jet at the Zhuhai Airshow in China on November 1. According to COMAC, the joint venture will develop a 280 seat wide-body plane with a range of 12,000 kilometres (7,500 miles). Scroll down for video A mock-up model of the COMAC was put on display at the Zhuhai Airshow It's said that the joint venture will rival Boeing and Airbus aircrafts Both COMAC and UAC will invest up to $20 billion (16 billion) to develop the long-haul wide-bodied jet. The agreement was reached in 2014 when Russian President Vladimir Putin met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The two groups will develop a 280 seat aircraft which will rival Airbus and Boeing. According to Chinese media, the project is worth between $13 billion (10 billion) and $20 billion (16 billion) with each side contributing half. UAC president Yury Slyusar told the Global Times at the Zhuhai Airshow: 'COMAC has outstanding technology and designs and we will not only cooperate in technology but also in intellectual property.' China is in great need of extra aircraft as passenger numbers increase (File photo) COMAC said that the plane will make its first flight in around seven years time. Deliveries of the craft will come some three years later. According to COMAC when it comes to suppliers, they will be looking for experience more than anything. Guo Bozhi, general manager of COMAC's widebody department said: 'We will choose suppliers who have rich experience in development, whose products are competitive globally, and who can continue to guarantee quality from the development stage until the planes go into operation. In the future, China is expected to become the world's largest aviation market with an increasing number of Chinese people travelling by plane. Airbus estimates that China will need 6,000 new planes in the next two decades to cope with demand. Police shot a man dead after he allegedly stabbed a woman he met on Tinder and doused her in petrol before leading police on a wild car chase. The injured 28-year-old woman managed to stumble to a neighbour's house in the quiet cul-de-sac in Port Macquarie, on the NSW north coast, on Thursday afternoon and ask for help at about 6pm. Officers rushed to the home on Magnolia Place and found the woman lying in blood, and the woman was taken to Port Macquarie Base Hospital with serious injuries, the Daily Telegraph reported. Police shot a man dead after he allegedly stabbed a woman he met on Tinder and doused her in petrol before leading police on a wild car chase Police then began a manhunt that led to a high-speed chase down Pacific Highway during which the 36-year-old man was shot dead by police. NSW Police said the shooting was in a 'confrontation' at Bonvillenear Coffs Harbour at about 9.45pm on Thursday. It is understood the couple met on the dating app Tinder, however it is unclear whether they had been dating or had met on the day of the attack. The attack took place in a quiet cul-de-sac in the seaside town, leaving neighbours shocked. 'It's not a grubby neighbourhood at all, it's calm, really well kept and very nice,' one witness told the Telegraph. ' A critical incident team from State Crime Commands Homicide Squad will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident including the discharge of a police firearm,' NSW Police said. The investigation would be subject to an independent review and all details would be forwarded to the coroner. A pensioner was slapped with six penalty points on his licence after bungling DVLA officers mistook him for a man with the same name. Alan Farthing, 73, was stunned when he received a letter from the DVLA telling him he had been convicted in his absence of a fixed penalty offence somewhere in south west London. The letter sent to his home in Colchester, Essex, didn't even explain what the offence had been. Alan Farthing, 73, was slapped with six penalty points on his licence after bungling DVLA officers mistook him for a man with the same name Mr Farthing said: 'I haven't been to London in about three to four years. 'At first I thought it was a scam letter. I have had a clean licence for about 30 years.' Several enquiries by Mr Farthing have revealed the DVLA mistakenly sent him a letter meant for another Alan Farthing. But he is still trying to clear his name and get the points off his licence. Mr Farthing said: 'After lots and lots of telephone calls I got onto South West London Magistrates' Court and they referred me to another number. 'I spoke to a Metropolitan Police Officer and he said this bloke has the same name as me but went to court in January and it was adjourned to July. 'In September they fined him 660 and gave him six penalty points. 'Between the court and the DVLA, they didn't seem to have an address for him so they looked it up and found my name.' Pictured: The letter sent to Mr Farthing by DVLA officers, accusing him of failing to appear at a court hearing regarding the penalty notice It is unclear if the fine has been paid by the offending Alan Farthing. Mr Farthing, who does not have internet access, had to turn to his niece for help to sort the problemout. He said: 'She got onto the DVLA site and found six penalty points on my licence. 'This met officer said he will get it sorted but I have spent a lot of time on the phone worrying I have got six penalty points that belong to a bloke in London. 'I thought the DVLA didn't make mistakes like that. 'The policeman told me if I had committed the offence they should have sent me a photo of the vehicle, the data and time [of the alleged offence] but I didn't know anything about it until October 28 when I got the letter.' Since receiving the letter Mr Farthing has been driving his Audi Quattro cautiously as he visits elderly family and has health visits. He said: 'I also have to go up to the hospital for appointments and the doctor. I find using my own car so much better. I am not very mobile, I can't walk very far, the car is important to me.' British Iranian lawyer Kasra Nouroozi, pictured, Mischon's most senior litigator, is understood to have received threats and racist abuse for helping run the case The top law firm who derailed Brexit is still refusing to name the rich clients behind its 'arrogant' legal bid. Former model Gina Miller, 51, was the face of the campaign but 'hundreds' of businesses, entrepreneurs and academics were claimed to be working with Mishcon de Reya. British Iranian Lawyer Kasra Nouroozi, Mischon's most senior litigator, is understood to have received threats and racist abuse for helping run the case. Today the London firm was accused of 'treason' by Brexiteers saying they helped 'trample' over the will of the people. A spokesman said today, aside from Mrs Miller, no clients will be named, adding: 'We are pleased that the Court has upheld our client's argument that Government does not have the power to trigger Article 50 under the Royal Prerogative'. In July Mishcon launched the action to ensure MPs have their say before Downing Street invokes Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. Mr Nouroozi has been leading a so-called 'legal dream team' with Blackstones David Pannick QC, Matrixs Rhodri Thompson QC and Moncktons Anneli Howard, all instructed by several unnamed businesses and individuals. Launching the bid Mr Nouroozi said: 'The result of the Referendum is not in doubt, but we need a process that follows UK law to enact it', adding: 'We must make sure this is done properly for the benefit of all UK citizens. Article 50 simply cannot be invoked without a full debate and vote in Parliament'. Mishcon told MailOnline that it would not name any clients linked to its Brexit action - and would not confirm if it had worked for freen Among up to a thousand business figures and academics thought to be involved in the Mishcon bid is entrepreneur Alex Chesterman. The Mishcon de Reya offices in central London. The firm has never shied away from controversy Mr Chesterman, who founded the Zoopla property site, circulated an email to other business figures urging them support the move to ' that this once in a generation issue is handled properly under UK law', according to the Guido Fawkes blog. High profile: Former Mishcon de Reya partner and media lawyer Charlotte Harris was linked to the Hacked Off campaign Shadow Brexit minister Sir Keir Starmer, a former director of public prosecutions, has resigned from a well-paid consultancy position Mishcon de Reya following his elevation to the Labour front bench. Mishcon de Reya is a firm that has never been afraid to take on controversial matters. One of their barristers, Anthony Julius, acted for Princess Diana in her divorce from Prince Charles. The firm also represented Heather Mills in her divorce case against Beatles star Paul McCartney, before separating 'amicably' from their client. The company also acted for former Liberal Democrat Cabinet minister Chris Huhne when he faced allegations of perverting the course of justice by 'swapping' speeding points with his wife. Mr Huhne was later sentenced to eight months in prison. Many phone hacking victims have also turned to Mishcon lawyers, including former publicist Max Clifford. One of the firm's former lawyers, Charlotte Harris has been heavily involved with the Hacked Off! campaign. According to the firm's website, other high-profile clients include America Express, Foxtons, and Dell. Black Lives Matter activists who brought chaos to the centre of Nottingham by lying in front of trams mocked commuters after their convictions by telling them to 'get walking'. The judge agreed with the prosecution that 'the right of freedom of expression is a qualified right, not a trump card', and found all four protesters guilty. Eshe Graham, 20, Yvonne Francis-Parmer, 50, Lisa Robinson, 48, and 30-year-old Malachi Thomas were convicted of unlawfully obstructing the highway following a trial at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. They were each given three-year conditional discharges and told to pay 155 pounds in costs, as well as a 20 victim surcharge. The group, all of Nottingham, had claimed their actions were reasonable as part of a 'global movement against perceived police brutality towards black people, racism, inequality and injustice'. Black Lives Matter activists Malachi Thomas, Lisa Robinson, Yvonne Francis-Parmar and Eshe Graham outside Nottingham Magistrates' Court, after they were ordered to pay 155 in court costs after a three-hour protest which brought Nottingham city centre to a standstill As supporters outside court celebrated the end of the case with air horns and party poppers, Ms Francis-Parmer defiantly said: 'I have no regrets whatsoever. 'I will do something else but not what we did. Maybe another tactic.' Asked by reporters if she had a message for bus and tram users who were inconvenienced, she joked: 'Get walking.' Writing on Facebook after the hearing Ms Graham wrote: 'Court was great! Now I'm off for a pizza!' Before the trial she had posted a shot of her outfit on Facebook, writing 'ready for court I'm SLAYIN #BLM4 #trial #tramstoppers #blacklivesmatter,' along with a picture of her in a red and yellow playsuit. The court heard the protesters used foam-filled 'lock-on devices' to tie themselves together before lying across tram lines outside Nottingham's Theatre Royal on August 5 The day-long hearing was told the protesters used foam-filled 'lock-on devices' to link themselves together before lying across tram lines outside the city's Theatre Royal during a 'national day of action' on August 5. The protest only ended when police put up screens and cut them free. The judge steadfastly rejected their claims the three-hour length of the demonstration was the fault of the police. He said the protesters had 'crossed the line' and 'caused considerable inconvenience' to the public. 'This was a demonstration that lasted three hours from start to finish', he said. 'I do not accept the argument that has been advanced by some of the defendants that some blame for the length of the demonstration can be placed on police for not asking them to move earlier. 'The reality is any defendant could have removed themselves at any time.' At the start of the trial, prosecutor Neill Fawcett said the transport 'shut-down' occurred against the background of a series of demonstrations following police shootings in the United States. Addressing the district judge hearing the case, Mr Fawcett said: 'The Crown say that when one looks at the activities of the defendants on that morning, the only conclusion that this court can draw is that what they did amounted to unreasonable activity and unreasonable use of the highway. 'The effect of what they did brought Nottingham city centre to a standstill. 'The Crown say it was clearly deliberate and clearly pre-planned - undoubtedly to attract maximum publicity and attention to the cause.' Police video footage was played to the court, showing the start of the protest at around 8am and officers using cutting gear to bring it to an end at around 11.05am. The footage also showed protective gear - including goggles - being placed on the protesters to ensure they were not injured during removal of their 'Russian doll scenario' ties, which were encased inside plastic pipes. PC James Ross, one of the officers who attended the protest, told the hearing Ms Francis-Parmar gave her name as 'Miss Shutdown' when arrested - with Ms Robinson calling herself 'Miss Solidarity' and Mr Thomas 'Mr Love'. Ms Graham also called on other activists to attend the trial and posted a link to an event to encourage others to come dressed in 'African and Caribbean Style' The Nottingham Magistrates' Court hearing was told the four activists used foam-filled 'lock-on devices' to tie themselves together Giving evidence in her defence, Ms Robinson described Black Lives Matter as a movement rather than an organisation. The mother-of-one, an English and cultural studies graduate who is a director of a community voice company, told the court the protest location was chosen as it would be relatively easy to redirect traffic. She said of Black Lives Matter: 'It's a social justice movement - some people would say it's the new civil rights movement of our time.' As well as highlighting deaths and brutality linked to state institutions, Robinson said, the protest aimed to highlight 'everyday racism' and border control issues. Asked by her lawyer, Haroon Shah, to explain the purpose of the protest, Robinson added: 'I considered what the consequences to my action would have been. 'I have got a son who is 18 years old and I want to hand over a better society to him. That is why I believe that my actions were reasonable. 'I had the chance to do my bit in my lifetime for a cause I believe in. That's why I did it.' Prosecutor Neill Fawcett said their protest occurred against the background of a series of demonstrations following police shootings in the United States Under cross-examination by Mr Fawcett, Robinson was asked if the protest had aimed to garner maximum media attention. 'We wanted to raise awareness of issues affecting the black community in the UK and globally,' she answered. 'A lot of people supported what we did. 'I have heard more support than negative comments. I put my body on the line for something that I believe in ... physically on the tramlines.' Ms Graham, a vegan chef, said officers - who used a specialist camera to examine the inside of the 'lock-ons' - told her they regarded removing the protesters as a training exercise. She told the court she believed strongly in the Black Lives Matter movement, saying: 'I believe we should have equality - we have to understand that not everybody has that equality.' In her mind, Ms Graham said, the protest aimed to raise awareness of a 'worldwide crisis' when other attempts to highlight it were being ignored. A mother-of-three from Texas has turned herself in after police say she left her children alone in a bathtub while she had sex in another room, and her 23-month-old daughter drowned. Amanda Clark, 26, surrendered to police in Alvord on Tuesday, more than a week after the tragic passing of her youngest child, Alexandria Marie Clark. According to investigators, Wise County sheriffs deputies received a 911 call at around 5pm on October 23 from Ms Clark saying her youngest daughter was not breathing. Scroll down for video Mom charged: Amanda Clark (left), 26, is in jail after police say she left her two-year-old daughter, Alexandria (right), unattended in the bathtub and the child drowned The emergency dispatcher who took the call instructed the woman on how to perform CPR on the girl while awaiting the arrival of firefighters and paramedics, reported the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Little Alexandria was then rushed to Wise Health System in nearby Decatur, where she died a short time later. An arrest affidavit, cited by the station WFAA, states that Clark told police that on the evening of October 23, she drew a bath for her three daughters, ages two, three and six, placed them in the water with some toys and went into her bedroom to meet with a 'male companion' behind closed doors. When questioned by police, the man said he had come to Clarks home in Alvord for a 'booty call,' according to the arrest document. He also revealed that Clarks three daughters had been playing in the living room before she rounded them up and took them to the bathroom so she could have sex with him. A few minutes into their amours encounter, Clarks six-year-old daughter came into the bedroom saying that Alexandria her baby sister had stopped breathing. The girl said their three-year-old sister had pushed the two-year-old under the water while playing in the tub. Friends of Amanda Clark have spoken out in her defense, saying that the womans husband had just left her and the breakup has taken a heavy emotional toll on her. Rendezvous gone wrong: A man told police he had come over to Clark's home in Alvord, Texas (pictured) for a 'booty call' on the night little Alexandria drowned in the tub Neighbor Jodi Malott described to Fox 4 News how Clark was seen frantically running around and screaming for help after Alexnadria's drowning. Other people who know Clark insisted that she was a good mother who made a bad mistake, resulting in a terrible accident. Clark's two surviving children have been placed in the custody of Child Protective Services. She was booked into the Wise County Jail Tuesday on a felony charge of endangering a child. Her bail has been set at $100,000. The man with whom Clark was having sex while her daughter drowned is not expected to face any charges in the case. Downing Street appears to have lost confidence in Britain's head of the Commonwealth Baroness Scotland (pictured) after revelations over her lavish expenses Downing Street appears to have lost confidence in Britain's head of the Commonwealth Baroness Scotland following revelations over her lavish expenses. The Mail revealed today that she had been forced to beg Commonwealth member states for money because of the 'dire' financial state of the organisation despite her extravagant spending on her grace-and-favour Mayfair mansion. The Prime Minister's spokersperson refused four times to confirm whether Theresa May has confidence in Baroness Scotland today. No 10 would only say it supported the 'role' of Secretary General. 'We clearly support the role of the SG and the work that the SG is doing in reforming and revitalising the Commonwealth Secretariat. We remain assisting her in that way,' the Prime Minister's spokesperson said. Downing Street's clear lack of support will pile further pressure on the former Labour Cabinet minister, who took on the 160,000 a year post earlier this year. It emerged today that an emergency meeting of Commonwealth countries planned for next week to discuss how to fill a gaping hole in the secretariat's finances was cancelled after Baroness Scotland lobbied member states to pay up quickly. As a result, one unnamed country agreed to bail it out by paying their membership contribution. Further details of Baroness Scotland's lavish spending was revealed by the Mail yesterday, including the revelation that she had requested luxurious fixtures and fittings including marble furniture, 100-per-roll wallpaper at a cost of 10,500 and 5,000 on 'refurbishing' a safe. Altogether, the improvements she asked for led to the total budget rising from 230,000 to an estimated 450,000. Correspondence seen by the Mail sent from the secretariat to member states last week reveals an extraordinary meeting of the organisation's board of governors was due to take place on Monday. The Mail revealed today that Baroness Scotland (pictured) had been forced to beg Commonwealth member states for money because of the 'dire' financial state of the organisation despite her extravagant spending on her grace-and-favour Mayfair mansion The meeting was due to discuss its 'dire financial position' which has 'deteriorated since the last board meeting', the letter says. The letter also described how Baroness Scotland, who is secretary general, had been 'lobbying with member states to pay their contributions'. As a result, it says assurances have been 'received from at least one big contributor that they will expedite payment of the dues'. Concerns about the state of the organisation's finances are longstanding. An official British Government analysis of how well the Commonwealth secretariat was handling its money gave the organisation a red light rating in 2013 for 'cost and value consciousness'.It said: 'The secretariat has defined administration costs more clearly, but as yet there is little concrete evidence of improved cost consciousness and control.' The Prime Minister's spokersperson refused four times to confirm whether Theresa May (pictured at an awards party last night) has confidence in Baroness Scotland today According to its last published accounts, there is a 6.7million hole in the Commonwealth's pension fund a sum greater than its entire annual wage bill. The revelations have sparked calls for a formal external audit of its finances. Last night a spokesman for Baroness Scotland said: 'As you would appreciate, it would be wrong and disrespectful to divulge any conversations between the secretary-general and member countries without seeking their permission first. 'Concerning the cancelling of 'an emergency meeting about the secretariat's finances', with the governance system in place, the secretariat is not empowered to call or cancel board of governors meetings.' Baroness Scotland has denied any wrongdoing and staff say they 'authorised or agreed' any increase in the refurbishment budget. Publishers Outlook An MSP is contacted by a publicly-traded company looking for help managing its IT. When the MSP goes to the company conference room to explain how it can protect the companys servers, the decision-maker explains that the company doesnt need servers, it is using Dropbox (News - Alert). The MSP is perplexed and explains there could be security issues with the cloud in general, and it is safer to keep the data locally and have encrypted backups. The MSP is mocked told Dropbox is safe and secure and that her old company had users on it and it works great. The MSP reiterated the concern and explained that her company, which is under regulatory scrutiny, shouldnt take the risk. More mocking. Finally, the MSP explained that if a government agency requests their data from the cloud by going directly to the cloud vendor, it is possible they will never know about it. The MSP was told in response this isnt important to them they are using Dropbox. The MSP wasnt chosen the company likely went with an alternative vendor that just took the money and didnt give the important advice they should have. Fast-forward some months: Yesterday we learned 68,680,741 Dropbox account records were stolen. It is possible many Dropbox accounts were accessed and the data siphoned off by hackers. At this point it is unknown how much data was stolen. The compliance ramifications are potentially massive. The average cost of a data breach is $4 million! The company in question could have purchased a single HPE ProLiant DL385p Gen8 Server for about $2,500 and paid about $20,000 for labor and software needed to get it up and running. In other words, it would have saved just under $4 million dollars! And this number doesnt even take into account the cost of the cloud service. The cloud is amazing; it allows companies to live beyond their financial computing means as they dont need to purchase as much hardware the opex vs. capex argument. But successful cloud vendors are also huge targets and for them, getting hacked is a matter of when not if. In such a scenario, companies should think twice before going to the cloud. This is why Morgan Stanley blocks Dropbox. The MSP in question is thinking of reaching back out to the prospect to see if it can sell the company a server, but itll most likely be out of business if its data was part of the breached information. What do you think about this story? Should the decision maker be fired? Speaking of security, it will be a major are of focus at the upcoming ITEXPO which is being held Feb. 8-10, 2017, at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Among the security sessions to be featured at ITEXPO (News - Alert) is the Hot Topics in Tech and Communications track panel called Adaptive Security: The Next Layer of Defense. Adaptive security leverages a combination of traditional security and predictive analytics, leveraging cloud computing and APIs to theorize where the next attack will happen to implement a more effective security posture. The same track features sessions called Applying Critical Thinking to Security, Threat Actors Explored: Grandmothers, Gangsters, Guerrillas and Governments, and They Work for Us, Litigating Away the Innovation in Internet Security. The Threat Actors Explored session will discuss the various individuals and organizations that are working to take advantage of our increasingly connected world. That includes such threat actors cybercriminals, hacktivists, as insiders, and nation-states. Session speakers will present use cases and personal stories that span two decades, 50 countries, and six continents to help audience members better understand the motivations and methods behind these threat actors and, thus, protect against their attacks. Meanwhile, the litigation panel will analyze how, and how effectively, legislators and government agencies are attempting to address internet security. It will look at current and proposed legislature and will offer expert speaker input as to the value of these potential implementations. Security will also be a component of MSP Expo, one of the events to be co-located with ITEXPO. The session, called Cybersecurity as a Managed Service, will discuss how cybersecurity should not be viewed as simply a hardware or software issue but rather, a managed service that involves training people, implementing processes, and leveraging technology to keep an organization safe. Attendees will learn how to develop assessments that identify corporate vulnerabilities, discuss best practices for creating policies and training employees to implement them, and discover ways in which organizations can implement response capabilities in the event of a cybersecurity breach. Edited by Alicia Young Advertisement A Gambian goalkeeper who dreamed of playing football in Europe drowned trying to cross the Mediterranean from Libya, it emerged last night. Fatim Jawara, 19, is believed to have been on board a ship that was hit by a storm on the treacherous crossing to Italy last week. The footballer, who played for the Gambian national team, told her family she wanted to 'follow her destiny' and play for a European club, the Guardian reported. Footballer Fatim Jawara, pictured, is believed to have been on board a ship that was hit by a storm in the Mediterranean More than 240 migrants have drowned in two shipwrecks in the Mediterranean, it has emerged. It comes as a separate rescue operation got underway today (pictured) It comes as dramatic pictures emerged of two rescue missions off Libya today, with close to 180 people pulled to safety Desperate refugees could be seen leaping into the water as rescue ships arrived - and then frantically trying to clamber back on board Both of the overcrowded rubber dinghies overturned in heavy seas about 25 miles off the coast of Libya killing most of those on board, survivors said. Pictures show a separate migrant boat afloat in the Mediterranean today Her brother Modou Jawara said the Libyan fixer who organised the attempted crossing had told the family she had died alongside a number of other Gambians. News of her death emerged hours after it was revealed that more than 240 migrants have drowned in two shipwrecks off the coast of Libya in the last 48 hours. Both of the overcrowded rubber dinghies overturned in heavy seas about 25 miles off the coast of Libya killing most of those on board, survivors said. It comes as dramatic pictures emerged of two rescue missions off Libya today, with close to 180 people pulled to safety. Desperate refugees could be seen leaping into the water as rescue ships arrived - and then frantically trying to clamber back on board. The deaths today bring to 4,220 the number of migrants who have died or gone missing trying to cross the Mediterranean on their way to Europe this year. Carlotta Sami, a UNHCR spokeswoman in Italy, said 31 survivors of two shipwrecks who arrived on the southern Italian island of Lampedusa reported that the rubber dinghies they were travelling in had oevrturned amid bad weather shortly after leaving Libya. Sami said 29 people survived the first wreck, reporting that about 120 other people on their boat had gone missing. And in a separate operation, two women found swimming at sea told rescuers that another 120 people had died in their wreck. Migrants and refugees packed into a rubber boat grab life jackets thrown by members of the crew of the Topaz Responder rescue ship run by Maltese NGO Moas and Italian Red Cross Maltese NGO Moas and Italian Red Cross reached the migrant boat off the Libyan coast in the Mediterranean Sea earlier today The rescue situation is often chaotic, with people confused, sick or exhausted after periods in crisis-hit Libya unable to specify how many people were on board their dinghies at the outset or what vessel pulled them from the water In one rescue, 147 people from Eritrea, Ghana, Sudan, Mali and Sierra Leone were pulled to safety, including 20 women, though only after some had fallen into the sea In both cases, most people on board appeared to have been sub-Saharan Africans, but Sami said aid workers were still ascertaining details about the shipwrecks. Leonard Doyle, a spokesman for the International Organization for Migration, said 12 bodies were recovered in one of the shipwrecks, located 25 miles off the Libyan coast. The Norwegian vessel Siem Pilot was first on the scene, some 20 nautical miles off Libya, and rescued the survivors - all of whom were in poor condition after spending hours in the water - and recovered 12 bodies. 'They told us they were on a faulty dinghy which began to sank as soon as they set sail. They were the only survivors,' Sami said. UNHCR said the increased number of deaths this year is partly due to the fact that smugglers are often using rubber dinghies, which are prone to deflating and often see people fall overboard. Desperate refugees could be seen scrambling to climb back on their vessel as rescue ship arrived earlier today The deaths today bring to 4,220 the number of migrants who have died or gone missing trying to cross the Mediterranean on their way to Europe this year Leonard Doyle, a spokesman for the International Organization for Migration, said 12 bodies were recovered in one of the shipwrecks, located 25 miles off the Libyan coast (pictures show a separate rescue mission today) UNHCR said the increased number of deaths this year is partly due to the fact that smugglers are often using rubber dinghies, which are prone to deflating and often see people fall overboard In addition, more migrants are arriving with severe burns from being exposed to fuel mixed with sea water in the bottom of the dinghies. Smugglers are using rubber dinghies because they are cheaper and easier to obtain. According to the IOM, 3,777 people were dead or missing in the Mediterranean last year, the previous high. International agencies rely heavily on survivor accounts to tally the number of people dead or missing in the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean in smugglers' boats. Often the boats sink in high seas, where it is difficult if not impossible to recover any bodies. The rescue situation is often chaotic, with people confused, sick or exhausted after periods in crisis-hit Libya unable to specify how many people were on board their dinghies at the outset or what vessel pulled them from the water. At least two rescue missions were underway off Libya on Thursday, with close to 180 people pulled to safety according to an AFP photographer aboard the Topaz Responder, run by the Malta-based MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station). More migrants are arriving with severe burns from being exposed to fuel mixed with sea water in the bottom of the dinghies. Smugglers are using rubber dinghies because they are cheaper and easier to obtain According to the IOM, 3,777 people were dead or missing in the Mediterranean last year, the previous high International agencies rely heavily on survivor accounts to tally the number of people dead or missing in the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean in smugglers' boats Often the boats sink in high seas, where it is difficult if not impossible to recover any bodies October marked a record monthly high in the number of migrants arriving in Italy in recent years - some 27,000 people - and the departures have showed no sign of slowing, despite worsening weather in the Mediterranean Medics of the Italian Red Cross speak with migrants and refugees aboard the rescue ship Topaz Responder run by Maltese NGO Moas and Italian Red Cross A woman is helped on board by rescuers off the coast of Libya. In a deadly day in the Mediterranean, more than 240 migrants drowned Migrants risk their lives crowding onto tiny and unseaworthy vessels in the hope of reaching Europe 'Before dawn, we saw a migrant dinghy, lit up by the Responder's search light,' photographer Andreas Solaro said, adding that 31 people, 28 men and three women, one of them elderly, were rescued. In the second rescue, 147 people from Eritrea, Ghana, Sudan, Mali and Sierra Leone were pulled to safety, including 20 women, though only after some had fallen into the sea. 'The (Responder) crew was shouting at them to sit down and stay calm while the lifejackets were handed out but they were getting agitated, and around 10 of them fell overboard, some without lifejackets on,' Solaro said. All were pulled to safety. October marked a record monthly high in the number of migrants arriving in Italy in recent years - some 27,000 people - and the departures have showed no sign of slowing, despite worsening weather in the Mediterranean. Trade Secretary Liam Fox has risked irritating Britain's allies by grouping countries ripe for export deals into 'gold' and 'silver' categories - including Iran. In a confidential briefing paper, Dr Fox signalled which countries he expects are the best place to start as Britain negotiates its post-Brexit trading arrangements. But countries in the second tier or left out could be offended. Prime Minister Theresa May has spoken of her desire for Britain to be a 'global champion' of free trade as it leaves the EU. Trade Secretary Liam Fox, pictured yesterday during a trade event linked to the Colombia state visit, has risked irritating Britain's allies by grouping countries ripe for export deals into 'gold' and 'silver' categories - including Iran As an EU member, Britain is not allowed to make trade deals on its own and will look to strike scores of new agreements in the years after Brexit is complete - currently expected to be by the end of March 2019. In a Cabinet sub committee paper on trade from September, partially leaked to The Times, the trade and Brexit departments have suggested beginning work on deals. The move has made civil servants nervous of retaliatory action from the EU if Britain is seen as breaking the rules while it is still a member. The EU could take action against possible trading partners in response - a fear thought to be responsible for Australia stepping back from initial talks. But Dr Fox's memo suggests it is essential to 'develop stakeholder engagement processes to inform our priorities and shape the international as well as the EU negotiating environment'. In a Cabinet sub committee paper on trade from September the trade and Brexit departments - run by Dr Fox (left) and David Davis (right, in Downing Street on Tuesday) have suggested beginning work on deals It also signals Dr Fox wants negotiations to be considered during the two-year Article 50 exit process, adding: 'As we pursue a new relationship with the EU we must also develop an independent and distinctive UK trade policy, maximising the ambition and impact of our trade agenda alongside the EU negotiation.' The paper, marked sensitive and official, was prepared for the ministerial committee on European Union Exit and Trade before the Conservative conference, and Dr Fox made a presentation to a meeting on the subject. Two sources told The Times the 'gold' and 'silver' classifications had been used in government discussions - but they were not used at this week's Cabinet, which included talks on the Autumn Statement. Dr Fox said on Wednesday that Anglo-Iranian relations had improved since Britain reopened its Tehran embassy last year and it would work to expand bilateral trade following the vote to leave the European Union. 'Slowly but with increasing enthusiasm, British companies are starting to do business with Iran again ... We are seeing the first signs of growing trade between the UK and Iran,' Fox told a City and Financial Global conference in London. 'The banking sector's ongoing concerns about facilitating payments or providing financial services means that the benefits of sanctions relief are not yet being fully realised. 'Resolving these problems remains a priority for this government.' Donald Trump has suggested that he has a cache of 'shy' voters, unwilling to speak of their support for him over the phone, which is skewing the polls in favor of Hillary Clinton. But a new Politico/Morning Consult study showed only a slight, non-statistically significant, variation between polling taken with a live interviewer and polling taken anonymously online, with the Democrat still ahead. In a poll taken over the weekend and released today, Clinton had a 5 point lead over Trump when the survey was taken by phone, 52-to-47 percent. It was slightly closer when given online, 51 percent to Trump's 48 percent, with her losing a point and him gaining a point. Scroll down for video Donald Trump has suggested that he's going to benefit from 'shy' voters on election day, who haven't admitted to pollsters on the telephone that they plan to vote for the GOP nominee However, a new study conducted by Politico and Morning Consult showed just a 1 point difference when people were asked about Trump support on the telephone and online That 1 percent, Morning Consult and Politico said, was statistically insignificant and thus shouldn't be expected to change the course of the race At the heart of the 'shy' voters theory is that Trump with his controversial policy ideas, like banning non-American Muslims from the United States, and his audacious rhetoric, such as labeling Mexican immigrants 'rapists' is a socially undesirable pick for the presidency and thus supporters may not admit to a human pollster that they plan to vote for the Republican nominee. Trump has labeled himself as 'Mr. Brexit' as polls in the United Kingdom suggested the referendum to leave the European Union would fail, because it, too, was an idea that was socially perilous, but then it passed. The shy voters theory is also the opposite of what's called in politics the 'Bradley effect.' In 1982, in the governor's race in California voters who were polled said they planned to vote for then-Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, who was African-American. Come Election Day, however, voters cast a ballot for Bradley's white opponent instead. Trump has alluded to the Bradley effect, without mentioning the politician by name. In the primaries, however, Donald Trump did better at the ballot box than he was doin in the polls against his Republican counterparts 'He was supposed to win by 10 points, and he lost by 5 or something,' Trump said back in June. 'So it's a certain effect.' 'Now, I have unfortunately, maybe fortunately, the opposite effect,' the Republican nominee explained. 'When I poll, I do fine. But when I run, I do much better.' 'In other words, people say, "I'm not going to say who I'm voting for,"' Trump said. 'And then they get in, and I do much better. It's like an amazing effect.' And there is some evidence that it was at play during the primaries. 'In the primaries we conducted a study that sought to get at why Donald Trump was performing better in online surveys than on telephone polls,' said Kyle Dropp, Morning Consult's co-founder and chief research officer. 'The study showed that a polling mode effect called "social desirability bias" respondents didn't want to tell a live interviewer they were voting for Trump was at play,' Dropp continued. 'Our new study to assess the general election shows that not to be the case overall, though there are likely still small pockets of shy Trump voters,' he added. Nordstrom has hit back at calls to boycott the store over their sales of Ivanka Trump's 'toxic' brand. Last week, a loyal Nordstrom shopper's open letter the department store calling for them to drop the line went viral. The woman, named only as Laura on Twitter, had implored the store to reconsider selling Ivanka's products over the businesswoman's continued support for her father despite the mounting sexual harassment allegations against him. Now Nordstrom has responded to the viral letter, saying it has no plans to pull the brand and they will continue to allow customers 'to choices about what they purchase based on personal views.' Scroll down for video Nordstrom has hit back at calls to boycott the store over their sales of Ivanka Trump's 'toxic' brand A growing group of women are boycotting Ivanka Trump's eponymous line of clothing, jewelry, perfume and accessories sold as part of the Ivanka Trump Collection (pictured wearing one of her line's dresses) 'We hope that offering a vendor's products isn't misunderstood as us taking a political position; we're not. We recognize,' a spokesman added in a tweet. Laura joins growing group of women are boycotting her eponymous line of clothing, jewelry, perfume and accessories sold as part of the Ivanka Trump Collection. They are also calling on the stores that carry the brand, including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and Macy's, to stop selling it. In her open letter to Nordstrom, Laura cited Ivanka's support of Donald Trump's divisive presidential campaign, which had been marred by 'hate speech' directed at minorities and women that is 'unacceptable and does not seem to represent Nordstrom's values.' Last week, a loyal Nordstrom shopper's open letter the department store calling for them to drop the line went viral 'Some brands are so toxic, they will hurt your business by alienating your customers, and this is surely one of them,' she had warned. Women have begun turning against Ivanka for her continuing support for her father - particularity following the growing allegations of sexual harassment against him and the recent emergence of a 2005 audio tape capturing him bragging in lewd terms that he can do whatever he wants to women. 'If Ivanka Trump had distanced herself from the campaign I would not be boycotting her,' Shannon Coulter, who called on Americans to boycott the brand earlier this month, told the Guardian. 'But something changed for me when that tape was released.' Coulter, who shared her own experience of sexual harassment at the hands of a male superior, launched the hashtag 'GrabYourWallet' on October 11, a reference to Trump's now famous 'grab them by the p***y' remark from the audio tape. The 34-year-old, who last month rejected the label of Trump campaign 'surrogate', also admitted that her father's words can be 'uncomfortable for us.' 'My father's comments were clearly inappropriate and offensive and I'm glad that he acknowledged this fact with an immediate apology to my family and the American people,' said Ivanka. Nordstrom has responded to the viral letter, saying it has no plans to pull the brand and they will continue to allow customers 'to choices about what they purchase based on personal views' Affordable glamour: Ivanka Trump's line at Nordstrom has proved very popular Stylish: Ivanka Trump's line at Nordstrom has proven to be one of its more popular collaborations Since announcing his candidacy, Trump's retail collaborations have reportedly suffered but Ivanka's clothing line, which had a sales revenue exceeding 100million last year, is growing, according to Forbes. At Fortune's Most Powerful Women conference, Ivanka suggested evidence of brand decline surrounding her family's business was unreliable. 'We're one of the fastest growing luxury hotel companies in the world,' she said, according to Forbes. Ivanka's clothing line and Trump's menswear are both manufactured in China. During the conference, she said she had 'always tried to maintain complete separation between [my brand] and the campaign.' But many women feel they can no longer do the same. As Coulter explained in an interview with Cosmopolitan, '[women] were ready to give Ivanka a pass because she's his [Trump's] daughter and it's hard to be objective about your dad.' However, after the tape, women took particular offense 'to the fact that Ivanka tries to make feminism a part of her brand but is standing by, as an official campaign surrogate, a guy who is an alleged serial sexual assaulter of women,' according to Coulter. Laura joins growing group of women are boycotting her eponymous line of clothing, jewelry, perfume and accessories sold as part of the Ivanka Trump Collection 'The disconnect was too big. And they were ready to speak up about it and flex their consumer power about it,' the San Francisco-based brand and digital strategist said. Coulter noted that if Ivanka was not campaigning for Trump she would be happy for her business. However, she told the Guardian she thinks Ivanka is being used to whitewash the candidate and make him more palatable,' adding 'the boycott is actually a mark of respect for her.' Since launching the hashtag, Coulter has estimated that more than 50,000 respondents have voiced support for her campaign, according to the Guardian. She has also compiled a list of stores that carry Ivanka Trump's line, including Amazon, DSW and Neiman Marcus. Coulter has encouraged boycott campaign supporters to call the retailers' customer service and protest the selling Ivanka Trump brand products. Under the hashtag 'GrabYourWallets' and 'GrabYourWallet' several people have taken to social media to back support for the campaign, including a few stars such actress Laura Silverman. Ivanka has since said her father's comments in the audio tape were 'clearly inappropriate and offensive' During the Republican National Convention in July, she turned heads when she wore a dress from her collection 'Ivanka knows their brand is deteriorating rapidly and her dad has no awareness. Smart business man, I think not,' Grant Brisacher tweeted along with the hashtag. While most retailers have not publicly commented on the boycott, Nordstrom released a statement to the Guardian noting it did not currently have plans to stop offering the collection. As Trump's lewd comments about women have struck a raw nerve, women believe Ivanka needs to take a stand. 'I don't blame her for being supportive to her family,' Lindsey Ledford, who has joined the boycott campaign, told the Guardian of Ivanka. 'But the way she has positioned herself with her website, the one-stop shop for women who work and female empowerment [Ivanka's Women Who Work lifestyle brand], then acting as a surrogate for the most hateful, racist, sexist campaign you can't pick and choose like that.' Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump announced that he will end his presidential campaign with a 'victory party' for his supporters just nine blocks and a few avenues over from where rival Hillary Clinton will hold her final election rally. Clinton is billing her party as an 'Hillary for America Election Night Event. It is to be held at the Javits Convention Center on the Hudson River. Trump launched what was at the time an unlikely presidential campaign at Trump Tower, where he famously came down the building's escalator along with his wife, Melania. The event, which was announced Wednesday night, is 'invitation only' for 'friends and supporters of the Trump-Pence campaign.' It is to be held at the New York Hilton in midtown. Scroll down for video Donald Trump, who grew up in Queens, will hold his election night 'Victory Party' at a Manhattan hotel The two locations are just 1.8 miles apart. Trump's event is between 53rd and 54th Street, and Clinton's is between 35th and 36th. Clinton announced the location of her own campaign event online. Supporters can sign up to attend. A reporter who rsvp'd got an online solicitation for a campaign contribution. The dueling rallies provide an unusual conclusion to a campaign that has had each New York-based candidate flying home nearly daily. Trump returns to his Trump Tower penthouse, while Clinton flies home when she can to her home in Chappaqua. Trump was born in Queens, and Clinton was born in Park Ridge, Illinois, although she represented New York in the Senate after she was first lady. The two candidates will end their campaigns in New York. They also frequently overlapped on the campaign trail with constant visits to Florida and North Carolina According to the official Trump release, 'The Donald J. Trump for President Campaign will hold its Victory Party on Election Night in New York City at the New York Hilton Midtown. The event is invitation-only for friends and supporters of the Trump-Pence campaign.' Trump launched his campaign at his Trump Tower hotel, while Clinton began her effort on New York's Roosevelt Island, an event that offered sweeping views of New York Harbor and the city. The metropolis featured in both candidate's campaigns. Clinton has invoked the Sept. 11 attacks multiple times on the campaign trail, and Trump stood up for 'New York values' after an attack on the city by rival Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. Trump honed his personal in the global media capital, but the city also came back to bite him, in the form of interviews with radio shock jock Howard Stern that were revealed. An assessment will be made if she can stand trial following her treatment The wife of world renowned pianist Vadym Kholodenko who is accused of killing their two young daughters will not stand trial for their murder as she has been ruled mentally incapable. Sofya Tsygankova was arrested after the bodies of her two children were found by her estranged husband at her home in Benbrook, Texas on March 17. Tsygankova pleaded not guilty to the murders of Nika Kholodenko, 5, and one-year-old Michela Kholodenko. Sofya Tsygankova, 31, is accused of killing her two children although doctors have ruled she is not currently mentally capable to stand trial and want to subject her to 120 days of treatment Tsygankova tried to take her own life after prosecutors claim she killed her two young children The children's bodies were discovered at the family's Benbrook, Texas, home last Thursday by Tsygankova's award-winning musician husband, Vadym Kholodenko when he arrived to take them to school (the family is pictured together in 2014) However, following a medical examination, doctors have ruled she is not currently fit to stand trial, and instead will spend 120 days in a mental health facility when a bed becomes available at the state hospital. According to Dallasnews.com, Tsygankova's lawyer Joetta Keene said: 'Several doctors have evaluated her and have reached the conclusion that she is not competent for a trial [or] court proceedings at this time.' She is currently being held in Tarrant County jail with consent to bail set at $2 million. It is understood the Ukrainian pianist arrived at his estranged-wife's home to take his children to school when he discovered their bodies. Vadym Kholodenko, left, called 911 and reported that his wife, right, 'was going crazy' Tsygankova, pictured right with her daughter Michela, was seeking mental health treatment at the time of the murder and was being treated for depression On the day in question, the acclaimed pianist had called 911 and reported that his wife 'was going crazy', according to an affidavit seen by the DailyMail.com. When Tsygankova was arrested, she told officers she recalled 'cutting herself with a knife and taking pills' but had no memory of harming her children. When she appeared at court, cut marks were clearly visible on her arms and bandages could be seen on her chest. Hours after the bodies of her children were found she asked investigators: 'Did I do anything bad to my kids?'. Prosecutors filed two charges of capital murder against Tsygankova, 31, before she was transferred to the Tarrant County Jail. After entering her not guilty plea on March 23, she was returned to custody at the prison where she is being held on $1 million bond for each of the murder charges. Kholodenko was staying in a hotel on the night before he was due to pick up his children Both children were found in bed while a pillow partially covered the head of the youngest child. Tsygankova had a history of mental illness and had visited a Mental Health and Mental Retardation facility in Fort Worth on the day before her daughters were discovered, says the affidavit. She was found kneeling on the floor wearing a blood-stained nightgown and 'rocking back and forth,' the affidavits say. She had wounds on her wrist and chest, and a butcher knife was found near the home's patio. An empty prescription bottle of anti-psychotic drug Quetiapine - used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia - were also found inside the home. Police also found bloodied linens inside her Ford Focus and blood in and around the car, according to the affidavit. Her husband - who was a gold medalist at the 2013 Cliburn piano competition - had been staying at a hotel outside of Benbrook that fatal night. Tsygankova will return to court after the 120-day treatment programme for a further hearing He had arranged with his wife to pick up the girls for a regular visit at 9.20am on Thursday. Police received his 911 call just seven minutes later. After finding the bodies of the children - that showed signs that rigor mortis had already set in - police discovered two knives, a blood-covered butcher's knife and a cleaver style knife. Kholodenko filed for divorce from Tsygankova in November 2015 after the couple arrived to the US from Russia in 2014. He cited discord or conflict of personalities. He had not been living with his estranged wife or daughters since last August. The pair had been married for five years. Mr Torney had been in a relationship with Ms Francis when Nikki died Mr Torney said the girl's mother killed her and asked him to hide her A court also heard audio of John Torney's confession to hiding her body Ms Francis said in the secret recording she had to 'get her story right' The court was played a recording of her speaking to undercover police Her mother, Peta-Ann Francis, took the witness stand in court in Mildura John Torney is on trial for murdering Nikki Francis-Coslovich, two, in 2015 The mother of murdered toddler Nikki Francis-Coslovich has been accused in court of being 'cunning' and' manipulative'. The two-year-old daughter of Peta-Ann Francis was found in the roof of her Mildura, Victoria, home in August 2015. Her then-partner, John Torney, is on trial for the girl's murder. The Victorian Supreme Court jury heard secret recordings from an undercover police officer who befriended Ms Francis, The Age reported. Scroll down for video Peta-Ann Francis, the mother of murdered toddler Nikki Francis-Coslovich John Torney has pleaded not guilty to murdering his former partner's daughter in Mildura, Victoria in 2015 In the audio, Ms Francis was heard speaking to 'Steph' about having to 'get her story right' when asked about irregularities in her explanation of events. After parts of the recording played in court, Mr Torney's lawyer asked the mother if she was a 'clever, cunning person'. Ms Francis disagreed. She was also suggested to have sounded 'emotionless' while talking about her dead daughter. Ms Francis agreed, but said it was because she'd shut out her emotions. Then, referencing emotion exhibited before the court, Mr Torney's lawyer suggested Ms Francis was manipulative in order to get sympathy from the jury, but the woman rejected the suggestion. Mr Torney has pleaded not guilty and accused Ms Francis of being behind the two-year-old's death. John Torney - who has been charged with Nikki's murder - in court blamed Ms Francis for the toddler's death Peta Ann Francis' recorded conversation with undercover cop 'Steph' Steph: Who was that? Peta: Detectives from Melbourne. Steph: From the Homicide Squad? What was that about? Peta: That was about JT. Steph: But what about? Peta: Ahh, um, My statement. Steph: Okay. Peta: And theres some inconsistencies when I said Ive seen her in the morning. Yeah. ... Steph: Yeah, Yeah. Yeah thats pretty full on, but if theyve found- think that youve said once in this statement in then something different in that statement, they are going to be like - - - Peta: Yeah I know. Nit pick. Steph: A dog on the bone dogs with the bone. Whatever that saying is. And theyll be at you about it. Peta: Yeah I know. Ive got to get my story straight Steph: Yeah, yeah. Have you did you speak to like JT about it before. Peta: No. Steph: No, OK So you dont know what hes said to them. That makes it a bit hard doesnt it? I guess? Peta: JT confessed to it as far as my knowledge on the statement now on the Friday Morning. And then, I simply go, I said Ill remember bits and pieces. I knew roughly what Id said. Steph: Yeah. Peta: In the statement, but not word for word. Steph: Yeah, yeah you are never going to remember that are you? Peta: No. Steph: Not when you are like - - - Peta: Not when Im in shock and everything is going on. Steph: Yeah. Peta: And then the coopers searching me house on me statement. You know. And then um. Advertisement Ms Francis only found out in the witness stand her friend 'Steph' was in fact assigned to speak to her by the police homicide squad. Nikki Francis-Coslovich, two, was found in the roof of her mother's Mildura home in August last year On Wedneday, the court heard audio of Mr Torney confessing to hiding the body of two-year-old Nikki Francis-Coslovich. In a conversation with police, recorded in secret, Mr Torney said: 'It's eating me up inside, I can't hold back anymore, I've got to get it out.' Nikki's bruised and beaten body was found hidden in the roof of Ms Francis' home on August 25 last year after she reported her daughter missing. In the recording played to the court Mr Torney told police Ms Francis had told him she'd 'gone too far ... she'd killed her'. 'She just said that she threw her on the bed, that, that could I help her get rid of the body... I put Nikki in the manhole.' He said he'd climbed up on a chest of drawers to reach the roof cavity and that he'd 'freaked out' when Ms Francis asked for his help. Peta-Ann Francis leaves after giving evidence in the murder trial of her former partner, John Clifford Torney, at the Victorian Supreme Court in Mildura When asked in the recording about the point at which he'd decided to come clean, Mr Torney told police he'd been waiting for two days to tell them. I've been having nightmares, waking up in hot and cold sweats. I've got to get it off my chest... It's killing me inside. 'I've been having nightmares, waking up in hot and cold sweats. I've got to get it off my chest... It's killing me inside. I loved that little girl like she was my own.' Mr Torney is not Nikki's father but was in a relationship with Ms Francis. The court has heard them blame the other for murdering the girl. Mr Torney pleaded not guilty to Nikki's murder in the opening of his trial in Mildura in October and made explosive allegations that Ms Francis had killed her daughter and asked him to hide the body. But the court heard she told police she 'did not hurt Nikki' and had no idea how her body ended up in the roof of her home. In a police interview on August 28, 2015, Ms Francis broke down when detectives told her Mr Torney would be charged with murder. JOHN TORNEY'S CONFESSION TO POLICE Police: Gerard said you wanted to speak to us about something? John Torney: Yep. Police: What's the go? Mr Torney: Peta killed Nikki. The mother killed her. Police: Her mother killed her? Mr Torney: Yeah. Later in the conversation Police: What are the circumstances John? Mr Torney: She killed her, then asked me to help her get rid of the body. Police: How did this all take place? Mr Torney: It was whilst we were laying down on the bed that she goes: 'I've gone a bit too far with Nikki' and then 'she's dead'. Later Police: Did she say how, or? Mr Torney: She just said that she threw her on the bed, that, that could I help her get rid of the body... Police: OK, and what did you do? Mr Torney: I put Nikki in the manhole. It's eating me up inside. I can't hold back anymore. I've got to get it out. Later Police: When did you decide to that you'd come clean and tell us what actually happened? Mr Torney: I've been wanting to tell youse for the last two days. Police: Mmm. Mr Torney: I've been having nightmares, waking up in hot and cold sweats. I've got to get it off my chest. Police: Mmm. Mr Torney: It's killing me inside. I loved that little girl like she was my own. Advertisement 'Why,' she said through her tears in the video played for the jury. 'How could he do it... my baby... how?' She told police she didn't know anything about what had happened the day Nikki died and Torney hadn't told her anything. 'When? Do you know how she died?' she said. 'I need to know.' 'When I found out she was missing, I searched everywhere a little child would go to,' Ms Francis told police. She said she had never been into the roof, that she didn't have a ladder, and couldn't stand on a chair because she doesn't have any cartilage in her knees. Nikki's body was discovered in the roof cavity of the family's Mildura home after Ms Francis reported her missing around 3.30pm on August 25 last year Ms Francis pictured right with Nikki's father and her three other children The court had previously heard Sergeant Kaare Anderson, who responded to the missing person report, thought it was 'very odd' that Ms Francis was smiling and appeared happy when telling police her daughter was missing. A recording of her triple zero call to report Nikki missing also revealed her giggling while she spoke to the operator. Ms Francis told the trial 'having the cops at my house makes me nervous'. 'It's a nervous smirk that I have,' Ms Francis said. She denied Ms Condon's assertion that she referred to her daughter as 'the little cow'. Ms Francis had told the court earlier she sometimes psychically disciplined her children but never laid a hand on her two-year-old daughter. 'Not hard, it was just a tap. I've never hurt my children,' Ms Francis said. The trial continues before Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth. Mr Torney has pleaded not guilty to the two-year-old girl's murder Nikki's body was found in the roof of her Mildura home in August last year Britain has soared into the ranks of the top 10 most prosperous countries leapfrogging most other European nations. A global index of the best places to live in the world puts the UK near the top, ahead of Germany, France and Spain. Rankings are based on income as well as wellbeing measures such as freedom, health, social ties, business opportunities, governance, nature, education and security. The league table, produced by the respected Legatum Institute think tank, shows how Britain can be optimistic after its post-Brexit future. Britain has soared into the ranks of the top 10 most prosperous countries leapfrogging most other European nations. Pictured: A sunset over the capital, with the London Eye in the foreground, in front of the Houses of Parliament Last years winner, Norway, is outside the EU and is in second place while New Zealand tops the league. The think tank said: Despite sluggish economic growth, the United Kingdom used structural social reform to propel itself to the worlds third best deliverer of prosperity relative to its wealth. Raising the school leaving age to 18, introducing free schools with their focus on academic rigour and better vocational education had helped propel Britain into the top ten, the think tank told the Mail. Researchers also concluded that The developed Commonwealth Anglosphere bloc of New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom deliver greater prosperity than any comparable bloc, including the Nordic area and Western Europe. The research may strengthen the governments resolve to rebuild the Commonwealth ties that have loosened since Britain turned its back on the old Empire in favour of the European Union. The think tank was also upbeat about race relations and tolerance towards migrants, saying: It is encouraging that tolerance towards immigrants and ethnic minorities does not appear to have declined over this period: in Germany, France, and the UK, 12 percent more people believe their country is a good place for immigrants than ten years ago. Researchers put New Zealand at the top, despite 26 other countries being wealthier, because of its unrivalled ability to turn its wealth into prosperity a broader measure than just money. NEW ZEALAND TOPS LEAGUE TABLE WHILE YEMEN IS LAST TOP TEN 1. New Zealand 2. Norway 3. Finland 4. Switzerland 5. Canada 6. Australia 7. Netherlands 8. Sweden 9. Denmark 10. UK BOTTOM TEN 149. Yemen 148. Afghanistan 147. Central African Republic 146. Sudan 145. Democratic Republic of Congo 144. Chad 143. Iraq 142. Mauritania 141. Angola 140. Burundi Advertisement America is ranked only 17th on the list, despite still boasting the worlds biggest economy, while oil rich nations languished in the bottom half of the list. Norway last years top ranked country is now second, followed by Finland, Switzerland and Canada. Australia is 6th, the Netherlands 7th, Sweden is 8th, and Denmark is 9th, one place above the UK. Germany is in 11th place and Ireland is 13th while France trails in 18th place, Spain is at number 20 and Italy is at 32nd, ranking below Slovenia (20) and the Czech Republic (27). Poland is in 34th place. Researchers put New Zealand at the top, despite 26 other countries being wealthier, because of its unrivalled ability to turn its wealth into prosperity a broader measure than just money The think tank said the index showed Eastern Europe was converging with Western Europe as the former socialist countries became wealthier. However poor governance was holding the region back. Researchers warned that the discontent with globalisation could push America and western European countries further down the list in future. A rising tide of populism threatens to undermine what has long been one of the worlds most prosperous regions, they said. `Northern Europe is witnessing a revival of right-wing, anti-immigrant populism in response to these economic and social changes. In Southern Europe, meanwhile, left-wing populist parties are benefiting from economic discontent within the eurozone. It is this populist backlash that poses the greatest threat to European prosperity in the years ahead. Countries at the bottom of the index are improving more rapidly than those at the top, with the prosperity gap closing, the Legatum Institute said. Yemen is at the bottom of the table. It has been ravaged by civil war over the last 18 months. Pictured, an armed member of Houthi militia keeps watch after buildings and vehicles were destroyed by an air strike, believed to have been a Saudi Arabia bomb Baroness Stroud, chief executive officer of the Legatum Institute, said: The Prosperity Index is the clearest lens with which to see the world as it is. Senator Robert Kennedy was right when he said: GDP measures everything, except that which makes life worthwhile. True prosperity encompasses what makes life worthwhile. It is as much about social wellbeing as it is about economic wellbeing. Alexandra Mousavizadeh, director of Indices at Legatum Institute said: The Prosperity Index is a leading measure of global prosperity and a powerful tool for governments, the private sector and individuals alike. Tracking how prosperity develops nation by nation has never been more important. New Zealand is quite simply the blueprint for achieving prosperity each country has to follow their own path way but the principles that have made New Zealand top of the Index can be followed elsewhere in the world, indeed they should be. There is still space for New Zealands prosperity to grow, particularly in Health and Education, but the model should serve as inspiration to countries, rich and poor, all over the world. Yemen is at the bottom of the table, with Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo all falling into the bottom five spots. A toddler has lost his fight for life after his tiny body was ravaged by the deadly meningococcal virus as parents have been warned there is a global shortage of vaccinations for the disease. Sixteen-month-old Charlie Mason, from Adelaide, slipped into a coma the day after he contracted meningococcal B on Monday the most common strain of the deadly disease. The baby boy has since lost his life leaving his family devastated, the Adelaide Advertiser reported, but even if Australian parents want to protect their children from the horrible disease they may not be able to. Charlie Mason, pictured, died on Thursday after he fell ill with the disease on Monday The B strain vaccine is not available to every child because it is not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and must be given separately to routine vaccinations and paid for by parents. The pharmaceutical company which provides the vaccine has admitted the increased global demand for the drug means people may miss out, theABC reports. 'For people who started an immunisation program for their child, it's concerning,' Australian Medical Association South Australia president Doctor Janice Fletcher said. 'For those considering a vaccination, I'm afraid they'll have to go on a wait list until the vaccine is available.' Local pharmacists have reported receiving dozens of calls about the vaccine every day. The baby's grandmother posted this photo of the little boy in hospital to Facebook asking for prayers from friends and family A course of the vaccine, known as Bexsero, costs around $450 - unlike the vaccination for the less prevalent C strand which is free. When Charlie first fell ill to the disease his grandmother Bianca Bais, also of Adelaide, took to Facebook to broadcast his condition. 'I'm begging everyone, please pray your hardest for my grandson Charlie who is fighting for his life at the Women's and Children's Hospital against the cruel and ugly meningococcal disease,' Ms Bais wrote on Tuesday afternoon in capitalised text. In an earlier post by Ms Bais, which was taken down after it was reported for nudity, she explained how Charlie's condition deteriorated rapidly in a matter of hours. A course of the vaccine, known as Bexsero costs around $450, unlike the vaccination for the less prevalent C strand which is free 'Charlie was just miserable all day, we thought it was a tummy bug, took him to Noarlunga Hospital but they cleared him at 5pm and sent him home,' Ms Bais wrote. 'A short time later, Charlie threw up and his mother noticed 'a few red dots' and thought it was chickenpox.' 'Bonnie (the mother) took Charlie to Flinders hospital and within less than an hour he was put on life support and then in two hours he was rushed to the Women's and Children's Hospital.' WHAT VACCINATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE DISEASE? Currently there are only vaccinations available for two of the five strains - B and C. The C vaccination has been freely available to all Australian children over the last 20 years - greatly slashing instances of the C strain in the public. The B strain vaccination is not freely available as it is a new drug and some are skeptical to its effectiveness. The drug is, however, available to buy. The problem is that the company responsible for its supply is being inundated with demands meaning parents are forced to put their children on waiting lists for the jab. Advertisement Unfortunately the little boy who was known for his big blue eyes passed away on Thursday, November 3. Friends of the family offered their condolences. 'Heart broken for you and his mum and dad, rest in peace angel, he was very loved and treasured. What a lovely memory to hold on to,' commented Carla Sheridan. 'rip Charlie such a handsome lil guy. All My love to u an bonnie my heart breaks for u guys (sic),' wrote Sky Mckenzie Frencken. 'Gonna miss that beautiful smile and hes laugh i know gods got him close and tight he'll always be with yous . Look forward to the day yous meet again (sic),' said Tameeka Harrison-Bilney. The 16-month-old was sick with the B strain of the disease which is not part of routine vaccinations despite being the most common A federal Health Department spokesman told The Advertiser that the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee had considered requests for strain B vaccinations to be given for free along with the strain C variety. 'On each occasion, the PBAC was not able to recommend (the vaccine) Bexsero for subsidy because, based on the available evidence, it was not clear (it) offered enough protection against disease for it to be included,' he said. The strain B vaccine is now available in the UK for free for all children born after May, 1, 2015. Once rare strains of the disease such as the W strain have also become more common in recent times with 11 people falling ill in the past year in WA alone. Two of those passed away. Pope Francis has urged countries not to take in more migrants than they can 'assimilate' saying it could lead to ghettoization. The Pontiff had been had been on a visit to Sweden, which has welcomed 245,000 refugees in 2015, to mark the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. But on the flight back to Rome, he held an impromptu press conference where he was asked about the European migrant crisis. Pope Francis talk to reporters on a flight back from Sweden to Rome. He has rged countries not to take in more migrants than they can 'assimilate' saying it could lead to ghettoization And he said that even though countries shouldn't 'close their hearts' to refugees, they do have the right to assess their capacity to effectively integrate them into society. He told reporters: 'Governments must be open to receive them, but also do the calculations regarding their reception (capabilities), because one must not only receive a refugee but also integrate them. 'Because so many are arriving That there is no time to make provision for them and that they can find schools, homes, employment, and learn the language. Prudence has to make this calculation.' Despite the comments, Francis also added there was political gains to welcoming refugees saying humans should close their doors or hearts Later Francis also warned of the dangers of migrants not integrating saying it could pose a 'dangerous' situation. He added: 'What is the danger when a refugee or migrant is not integrated? He is ghettoized, that is, he enters a ghetto. And a culture that does not develop in relation with another culture, that is dangerous.' However, despite the comments, he also added there was political gains to welcoming refugees saying humans shouldn't close their doors. The Pope's comments come as Europe saw an influx of more than one million asylum seekers last year in the worst such crisis since World War II. However, it is not the first time he has spoken out about the crisis, saying solving it is a priority of his pontifficate. His first trip outside Rome as Pope was to the island of Lampedusa, destination for migrants smuggled from Libya. He also prayed at the U.S.-Mexico border and said anyone who wants to build a wall there isn't Christian. The Pontiff greats the faithful at a mass in Sweden. He has regularly talked about the migrant crisis in the past And most recently, he brought a dozen Syrian refugees home with him when he visited the hard-hit Greek island of Lesbos to show solidarity with new arrivals. Meanwhile Francis has also assumed direct responsibility for migrant issues in a new Vatican department that merges four offices into one handling peace, the environment and human trafficking. Releases from NASA, NASA's Galex, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, HubbleSite, Spitzer, Cassini, ESO, ESA, NASAs Chandra X-ray Observatory, Royal Astronomical Society, NRAO, Astronomy Picture of the Day, Harvard-Smithsonian Center For Astrophysics, Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, Gemini Observatory, Subaru Telescope, W. M. Keck Observatory, Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, JPL-Caltech, Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, ICRAR, etc University of Oregon President Michael Schill sent out a campus-wide message on Tueday, A University of Oregon law professor has been suspended from her job after she dressed in blackface for a Halloween party. The professor has been identified by local news station KEZI as Nancy Shurtz, 68. A photo of Shurtz's alleged costume, obtained by the Register-Guard, shows her wearing black face paint, a black afro and a white lab coat. Scroll down for video A University of Oregon law professor has been suspended from her position after dressing in blackface for a Halloween party. Above, a picture of the alleged costume Shurtz reportedly wore the costume to an off-campus Halloween party attended by both faculty and students. Local news station KEZI identified the professor as Nancy Shurtz (pictured) A fellow UO professor, who asked to remain anonymous, told the paper that Shurtz's costume was meant to depict 'Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor's Reflections on Race and Medicine,' an autobiography written by Dr. Damon Tweedy. The book is about the racism Dr. Tweedy faced in his years studying to be a doctor. Since the incident, a petition has been created, calling fr Shurtz to resign. Additionally, 23 School of Law faculty members signed a letter asking Shurtz to do the same. 'It doesn't matter what your intentions were,' the faculty members wrote. 'It doesn't matter if it was protected by the First Amendment. Blackface is patently offensive. It is overtly racist. It is wildly inappropriate. It reflects a profound lack of judgment. There is no excuse.' She is currently on paid administrative leave while the university investigates the matter. In a campus-wide email on Tuesday, UO President Michael Schill condemned the professor's actions as 'anathema to the University of Oregon's cherished values of racial diversity and inclusion'. On Wednesday, 23 members of the School of Law faculty signed a letter, asking Shurtz to resign According to her CV, Shurtz has been teaching at the University of Oregon School of Law since 1982 While Shurtz has not commented publicly on the incident, she did send out an email to her students explaining what had happened. 'I chose my costume based on a book that I read and likedBlack Man in a White Coat. I thought I would be able to teach with this costume as well (or at least tell an interesting story). 'When I asked my daughter who is at Brown Medical School the demographics of her medical school class, she said they do not give those statistics out mom, but later when she asked the administration, they said there was not one black male student in the class. She and others were outraged. She was able to get the administration to assign a portion of this book (the one where the black medical student was thought to be the janitor) out to students. 'I am sorry if it did not come off well. I, of all people, would not want to offend,' she wrote in the letter, obtained by KEZI. According to her profile on UO's website, Shurtz has degrees from the University of Cincinnati (B.A.), Ohio State University (J.D.) and Georgetown Law School (LL.M). She has been teaching at UO since 1982. A 20-year-old woman charged with killing her mother may have beaten her to death because of her strict parenting, police believe. Simona Zafirovska was arrested and charged with murder on Thursday after voluntarily speaking with police about the death of her 56-year-old mother Radica. Officers are now working on the theory that Simona bludgeoned her mother to death because of her traditional Macedonian upbringing, The Courier-Mail reported. Scroll down for video Simona Zafirovska, 20, is accused of beating her 56-year-old mother Radica to death in her bed last week before calling police Police are now believed to be working on the theory that Simona killed her mother (pictured) because of her strict Macedonian parenting style Police are believed to have found the alleged murder weapon, understood to be a piece of wood, inside the family home in The Gap While it is not known exactly what traditions Radica adhered to, the majority of Macedonians are Orthodox Christians. Macedonia is now officially known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). However it is also still commonly referred to by its former name. Orthodox culture often places restrictions upon where children can go and with whom, with respect for parental authority being paramount. Radica's body was found in her upstairs bedroom inside the family home last Friday after Simona called officers around 7am. The alleged murder weapon, believed to be a piece of wood, was discovered inside the home. Simona was questioned at the time, but released to stay with friends while officers continued to investigate the property. Simona was questioned at the time but released. She voluntarily attended a police station on Thursday for more questioning after which she was arrested On Thursday afternoon she was asked to attend a police station for another interview and went along voluntarily, before being arrested. The handcuffed teaching student looked upset as she was escorted from the station to a police car by detectives. The women were quiet and kept to themselves, neighbours told reporters. Simona's biological father died five years ago, after which mother Radica remarried. Her current husband works overseas. Zafirovska appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday and her lawyer, Neil Lawler, told reporters his client was 'distraught' and would undergo a mental health assessment. Mr Lawler said Zafirovska, who was studying at university and also worked as a cleaner, would likely make an application for bail at a later date. The case was adjourned to November 28. Twin giant pandas born three years ago at Atlanta's zoo are en route to China. Mei Lun and Mei Huan left Atlanta early on Thursday bound for a panda research center in Chengdu, the zoo said. Two Zoo Atlanta staff members are accompanying the furry pair. They've also brought 375 pounds of bamboo, eight gallons of water and 25 pounds of treats, including sugarcane, bananas and biscuits. Scroll down for video Twin giant pandas (pictured) born three years ago at Atlanta's zoo are en route to China Mei Lun and Mei Huan are the first surviving pair of giant panda twins born in the US. Their mother, Lun Lun, gave birth to another set in September. Like the other three American zoos with giant pandas, the bears are on loan from China. As part of the loan agreement, all adult offspring are sent to China when they're of age. In a post on Facebook, Keeper Shauna D. said: 'As sad as it is to see the Meis leave, it is an important step for them and for their species. Mei Lun and Mei Huan are the first surviving pair of giant panda twins born in the US Two Zoo Atlanta staff members (right) are accompanying the furry pair (left, in their crates) 'In another couple years they will be of breeding age and therefore be able to contribute to their species and carry on the Yang-Lun legacy.' She added: 'After their flight and routine quarantine period, I have no doubt that they will adjust to their new life in China. 'Our new twins will have big shoes to fill, but I'm sure as they get older, they will bring as much joy and laughter as the Meis have.' Mason Lee's alleged killer left him home alone with a five-year-old boy, while he went out to have sex, a court has heard. William Andrew O'Sullivan, Mason's stepfather, has been charged with manslaughter over the death of Mason, who was 21 months old when he died in Caboolture, north of Brisbane, in June. The little boy was found with horrific internal injuries including broken bones and ruptured organs, including a tear in his bowel that caused faeces to leak into his abdomen, the Courier Mail reports. Mason Lee's (pictured) stepfather and alleged killer left him home alone with a five-year-old boy, while he went out to have sex, a court has heard William O'Sullivan (pictured) has been charged with manslaughter over the death of Mason, who was 21 months old when he died in Caboolture, north of Brisbane, in June Caboolture Magistrates Court heard from Prosecutor Sergeant Liesl Stephenson who said O'Sullivan, Mason's 'primary caregiver', had changed his version of events concerning the night the toddler died . Police have alleged that O'Sullivan left the toddler and a five-year-old child at home alone and drove to home of Mason's mother for sex. 'CCTV footage shows the defendant leave the children unsupervised after 10pm on the night of Mason's death,' Sgt Stephenson told the court. 'He returned with his friend about 11.30pm.' Paramedics arrived at the home an hour later to find the toddler dead. Sgt Stephenson told the court that no medical attention was sought for Mason in between his injuries and his death. 'In fact, the defendant goes so far in his disregard for Mason's care and wellbeing as to, on one occasion, rub Mason's face in his own vomit,' she told the court. Police have charged O'Sullivan, Mason's mother Annemarree Lee and Ryan Hodson, a 17-year-old staying at the Caboolture house with manslaughter. The little boy was found with horrific internal injuries including broken bones and ruptured organs Fox News star Megyn Kelly claims disgraced network founder Roger Ailes tried to sexually assault her in his office - then hinted she could be fired when she spurned his advances. The shocking revelations have been made in a last minute addition to her long awaited memoir, Settle For More, obtained by Radar. The news anchor joined a flurry of women who came forward to accuse Ailes of sexual harassment following Gretchen Carlson's July lawsuit, claiming she'd been fired after refusing his advances. But this is the first time she has spoken publicly about her own alleged experiences of sexual misconduct by Ailes, who would often make inappropriate sexual comments and even tried to kiss her, she writes. Kelly says she endured months of harassment by her boss, shortly after joining the company in 2005 as a legal correspondent at the network's Washington, DC bureau. Scroll down for video Fox News star Megyn Kelly (right) claims disgraced network founder Roger Ailes (left) tried to sexually assault her in his office - then hinted she could be fired when she spurned his advances On one occasion, she describes being summoned to Ailes' New York office where he began 'pushing the limits', she wrote. She said that during a series of meetings, Ailes would engaged in a 'kind of cat-and-mouse game with me veering between obviously inappropriate sexually charged comments (e.g. about the 'very sexy bras' I must have and how he'd like to see me in them) and legitimate professional advice.' Kelly claims that Ailes had offered to advance her career in exchange for 'sexual favors' and had even tried to make physical advances on her. In January 2006, the 'cat-and-mouse game' came to a head when the former Fox CEO tried to kiss her, she claims. He 'crossed a new line trying to grab me repeatedly and kiss me on the lips.' When she pushed him away she says he asked her the 'ominous question': 'When is your contract up?' Kelly reported Ailes and the harassment eventually stopped. But she says that when women began coming forward with their own stories of sexual harassment earlier this year, she felt she had to come forward publicly. 'Crossing him was a major risk,' she wrote, 'but what if God forbid he was still doing it to someone?' That Kelly has made these allegations against Ailes may come as no surprise. She host of The Kelly File had been noticeably missing from the group of female Fox News employees who were quick to defend Ailes in the media after the Carlson lawsuit. Kalley made the allegations after Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit claiming she was cut loose after she refused Ailes' sexual advances, while Shelley Ross, right, also claims she was sexually propositioned by him Multiple Fox stars had come out in support of Ailes after he was hit with the sexual harassment claims over the summer. But Kelly was notable in her silence on the matter. 'I was approached several times, and several times I refused,' she claims in the book. 'There was no way I was going to lie to protect him.' Attorneys for Ailes did not immediately respond to reporter's request for comment. This is not the first time Kelly has alluded to claims she was sexually harassed by disgraced former the Fox News CEO. The shocking revelations have been made in a last minute addition to the news anchor's long awaited memoir Settle For More (pictured) During a segment on Wednesday's 'The Kelly File' that focused on historic claims of abuse against Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, she said: 'The truth is, victims of sexual assault, victims of rape, victims of groping - they often don't come forward. 'They're humiliated - especially back in the day they were told, 'Move along, it happens to all women, you gotta take it.'' Kelly first came forward to make those allegations to lawyer investigating claims made by Carlson, who sued Ailes on July 6, claiming she was cut loose after she refused his sexual advances and complained about harassment in the workplace. The lawsuit prompted an internal investigation at Fox and the company hired outside law firm, PaulWeiss, to look into the allegations against Ailes. Kelly said that after hearing her fellow Fox news colleagues' experiences, she decided to tell the lawyers and the co-chairman of Foxs parent 21st Century Fox company, Rupert Murdoch's son Lachlan, about the alleged harassment. And while she told them about his unwanted advances, she stressed that Ailes, who she has referred to as a 'mentor' in the past, never acted on his subtle threat not to renew her contract unless she submit. In fact, he promoted her and she is now one of the highest paid women in TV with a $15 million contract - and is in negotiations for $20 million next year. After news that Kelly had made the allegations to investigators, an attorney for Ailes released an impassioned denial. Megyn Kelly (center, with Dana Perino and Chris Stirewalt) reportedly said Fox News CEO Roger Ailes harassed her in the 2000s. She seemed to allude to it on her show Wednesday during a segment discussing sex abuse claims made against Donald Trump and Bill Clinton 'Roger Ailes has never sexually harassed Megyn Kelly,' Susan Estrich wrote in a statement. 'In fact, he has spent much of the last decade promoting and helping her to achieve the stardom she earned, for which she has repeatedly and publicly thanked him.' 'Roger Ailes has never sexually harassed Megyn Kelly. In fact, he has spent much of the last decade promoting and helping her to achieve the stardom she earned, for which she has repeatedly and publicly thanked him,' the statement read. However, the allegation from one of Fox News' top female personalities was the final nail in Ailes' coffin and within a month, he was forced to step down from his long-held position at Fox. The scandal began on July 6 after Carlson sued Ailes for sexual harassment. The 50-year-old Carlson, who was Miss America in 1989, alleged in her lawsuit that Ailes, who is 76, ogled her, repeatedly commented about her legs, urged her to wear clothes that enhanced her figure and told her she was sexy but 'too much hard work.' Ailes, in a statement, denied the allegations and accused Carlson of filing the lawsuit in retaliation for her contract not being renewed. Former television executive Shelley Ross also came forward, claiming that Ailes tried to start a 'sexual alliance' with her. Roger Ailes, pictured with wife Elizabeth Tilson Ailes in October 2015 at Carnegie Hall, left Fox with a $40 million payout Ross says she had just been offered a job at NBC's The Tomorrow Show in the spring of 1981, when Ailes was executive producer of the show, when they had an uncomfortable meeting. During the meeting, at a restaurant, she claims Ailes asked her: 'When did you first discover you were sexy?' He was also 'very persistent' as he explained how the best way to solidify loyalty was from a 'sexual alliance,' she said in her lawsuit. Roger Ailes ultimately resigned as CEO of Fox News on July 21, prompting a crisis at the station. He left with a $40million payout, though he will continue to advise the station until 2018. The Amber Alert was put out on Wednesday after Kayla had been missing for 24 hours A 10-year-old girl has been missing from Texas for almost 48 hours, triggering a nationwide Amber Alert. Kayla Gomez was taken from the First Assembly of God church in the town of Bullard while with her family, who were attending a prayer service. Authorities believe she was abducted by a stranger and could be in 'grave danger.' Police search dogs are combing the area, just south of Tyler, and law enforcement agencies say they are very concerned about Kayla. Cherokee County Sheriff James Campbell said: 'The family seems to be a very good, hard-working, religious family with no problems.' He described Kayla as a 'sweet little girl, just as cute as she could be' and said: 'We have no reason as to why she would have been abducted if she was.' Kayla, who has black hair and brown eyes, was wearing a black t-shirt and a peach-colored skirt when she was last seen on Tuesday night. Scroll down for video Kayla Gomez was taken from the First Assembly of God church in the town of Bullard while with her family, who were attending a prayer service Last night people in Bullard, Texas, held a vigil for Kayla Gomez People pray during a community prayer service for missing child Kayla Gomez, 10, on Wednesday in front of the city hall in Bullard, Texas On Wednesday night people conducted a vigil outside the city hall in Bullard. Bullard City Manager Jay Abercrombie said: '(There are) a lot of mixed emotions for a small community like ours. Shock is one of the main things.' All children are precious, and it hurts when it's really close to home Marissa Boerger Marissa Boerger told WLOX: 'All children are precious, and it hurts when it's really close to home.' Mrs Boerger, whose children go to school with Kayla, said: 'This is not a Baptist thing, it's not a Catholic thing or a Church of Christ thing, it's our community and people of faith who believe in prayer, coming together for a joint effort to pray.' Prayers were said last night outside the town hall in Bullard by local people hoping Kayla would be found safe and well A Facebook page, Help Find Kayla Gomez, has been set up and a message posted on it last night asked people to wear her favorite color, pink, on Thursday. It said: 'We will be adding pink ribbon to our vehicles also - on back windshield wiper or antennae until she is brought home safely. We encourage you to do the same!' Facebook user Nia Cabrera replied: 'I feel so helpless. 'I wish I could help find her and search for her. I'm checking constantly on updates on her whereabouts. 'I have Kayla and the Gomez family in my prayers constantly throughout my night and during the day. May God hear our prayers and bring this little girl home safely.' Neville Fletcher (pictured outside Hull Magistrates' Court) has admitted killing a mother and her six-year-old daughter after driving through a red light A lorry driver who killed a mother and her six-year-old daughter on a pedestrian crossing after driving through a red light outside an Iceland store has admitted causing their deaths. Neville Fletcher struck Zena Jackson, 43, and her little girl Cidalia Mendez-Jackson while they were on a pedestrian crossing outside the supermarket in Hull in April this year. Today, Fletcher, 55, admitted two counts of causing death by careless driving. Hull Magistrates' Court heard how the HGV driver should have stopped at a red light, but failed to do so. He then collided with the pair, killing them instantly. Prosecuting, John Owston told the court: 'The pedestrian crossing is governed by a red light system. 'There was a red light indicating Mr Fletcher to stop but he failed to do so and collided with the pedestrians on the crossing. 'It was a turn in which he moved into the centre of the road which was a hazardous manoeuvre. 'With the size of the vehicle he was driving he should have had an even higher regard for pedestrians.' Miss Jackson's family were in court to hear District Judge Fred Rutherford tell Fletcher it was beyond his powers to sentence him at the magistrates court. District Judge Rutherford said: 'This manoeuvre required a lot of awareness which you should have had. There were a lot of pedestrians around at the time. 'There was more than one fatality and there is an issue of high culpability in this case. 'This falls into a category beyond this court's jurisdiction.' Fletcher struck mother-of-six Zena Jackson (left), 43, and little Cidalia Mendez-Jackson (right) while they were on a pedestrian crossing outside an Iceland supermarket in April this year The incident took place outside an Iceland supermarket in Hull in April this year Miss Jackson's daughter, Sadie, has previously described her as a 'great mother' and said Cidallia was a 'real girly girl'. Paying tribute to her family, Sadie said: 'My mum had a brilliant sense of humour and used to laugh and joke all the time. 'She was just funny. 'When you did something bad, she was a real mum, but when you were good, she was like a friend. She loved being a mum, but she was like a kid herself sometimes. Dozens of floral tributes were left at the scene at the time of the fatal crash 'My mum loved music, all sorts of stuff, and she enjoyed a night out. We would often go out together. 'I'm going to really miss her.' Speaking about Cidalia, Sadie said: 'She didn't just want to be a princess, she thought she was one. A schoolgirl's sexual relationship with her uncle will be allowed to continue after a court in Germany ruled the pair had a right to be together. The teenager from Schildow, Brandenburg, has been with the 48-year-old since she was 14 and the couple ran away together last year sparking a police manhunt. Upon returning to Germany having been found in the south of France, a court has now ruled the now 16-year-old will be able to stay with her boyfriend with the judge ruling the prohibition of love is a threat to the child's well-being. The teenager (left) from Schildow, Brandenburg, has been with the 48-year-old (right) since she was 14 and the couple ran away together last year sparking a police manhunt The pair fled when the girl's worried parents contacted police, but after returning to Germany she refused to break off the romance. Her parents sent her to a psychiatric clinic for several weeks in a bid to get her to change her mind. She was only released after managing to arrange a legal counsel, who got her freed and filed a legal challenge for the right to a relationship of her own choice. And now the regional appeal court of Brandenburg has confirmed the ruling in favour of the couple. The presiding judge said it was important to 'get the relationship out of secrecy' adding the prohibition of love is a threat to the child's well-being. In the ruling, the court noted Josephine has clear views and priorities, which she has also claimed and demanded. Additionally, she has consistently expressed her desire for a relationship with her uncle as 'goal-oriented and stable'. The decision also notes the girl has an 'above average intelligent' and was a 'girl who had matured early and quickly reflected a lot on what she wanted'. The court's opinion summarised that while 'the relationship may be undesirable and socially ostracised, it is not forbidden.' The car the the German schoolgirl and her uncle used to escape to the south of France In Germany the age of sexual consent is 14, like in most European countries, as long as a person over the age of 21 does not exploit a 14 or 15-year-old person's lack of capacity for sexual self-determination. Paediatric and adolescent psychotherapist Barbara Breuer-Radbruch advised parents should generally seek contact, talk, and discuss solutions with the child. Trump's friend Roger Ailes, who made Fox News the leading cable news network, will not be able to work on Trump TV due to his non-compete Stephen Bannon, who was the executive chairman of Breitbart for four years before becoming CEO of Trump's campaign, might also be involved His son-in-law Jared Kushner, who bought the Observer in 2006, could however be the one to launch Trump TV Trump said in September that he had 'no interest in a media company' after rumors had been circulating for months about a possible new network The casting call does not contain the name of a company or the network, but many believe it is Trump TV A casting notice released earlier this week by a 'network currently in development' has led to speculation that Trump TV may soon be hitting the airwaves. Fox News obtained a copy of the notice on Thursday, which stated that an 'up-and-coming conservative media network' was seeking hosts, reporters and panelists for their new slate of programs. The notice went on to say that all those interested in on-air positions with the network 'must be knowledgeable about conservative viewpoints, current events and the presidential election.' No employer or company was listed on the notice, but many are now convinced that this casting call is for Trump TV due to the network's emphasis on 'conservative' values and viewpoints. Rumors of Donald Trump starting his own network have been circulating for well over a year now, despite the fact that the Republican nominee himself said in an interview with The Washington Post back in September that he had 'no interest in a media company.' One person who might be interested in launching a new media company though is Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who in 2006 purchased the New York Observer for $10million. He was 25 at the time. Scroll down for video It's here: A casting notice has been released for up-and-coming conservative media network currently in development,' which many believe could be Trump TV (Trump above on Wednesday) Media team: Trump has said he has no desire to launch a media company, leading some to speculate that Jared Kushner and Stephen Bannon (above in September) will head up the project The New York Times reported last month that Kushner had begun discussing the possibility of launching a Trump network, with the billionaire real estate developer taking some time to speak with a friend who works for a 'boutique investment firm' and had 'helped advise media deals' in the past. Kushner also reportedly spoke with that friend, LionTree Chief Executive Aryeh B. Bourkoff, about setting up the network. That discussion did not go anywhere however according to a source who said that Bourkoff would have no interest in working on the project. Another resource for Kushner and Trump should they decide to launch the network will be Stephen Bannon, the current CEO of Trump's campaign. He has produced both film and television projects, served as the CEO of Affinity Media, and in March 2012 became the executive chairman of Breitbart News LLC. Bannon, who is also an investment banker, stepped down from his leadership role at Breitbart this past August when he joined Trump's campaign. Trump TV could have also been a great venture for Roger Ailes, the disgraced Fox News CEO who joined Trump's campaign in an unofficial capacity after being forced to step down from his position in the wake of multiple sexual harassment complaints. The man who was key in creating the Fox News empire can unfortunately offer no assistance in launching Trump TV though thanks to an iron-clad non-compete clause he signed when accepting his $42million severance in July which bars him from working for a rival network for years. The auditions for this new network will take place next Monday, just one day before the election, at an undisclosed studio in New York City. In addition to possessing a knowledge of 'conservative viewpoints' and current events, those who hope to land an on-air job with the still-unknown network must also 'look upscale and intelligent.' Those auditioning for a talent position are also expected to be 'outspoken and energetic.' No go: Trump's friend Roger Ailes (above in July), who made Fox News the leading cable news network, will not be able to work on Trump TV due to his non-compete clause The casting notice seems to suggest that network programming will first stream online as well, which many believe is another sign that Trump is behind the venture. In late October, Trump's campaign began streaming a nightly newscast on the Republican nominee's Facebook page, which is filmed at Trump Tower. The premiere episode on October 24 seemed to suggest that there was definitely some interest in Trump-centric programming, with over 60,000 people viewing the Facebook Live Stream at one point in the broadcast. That being said, those numbers still fall far, far below the 2.984million people who tuned in to Fox News on average this past October to watch Megyn Kelly's The Kelly File. Advertisement Incredible footage shows a woman in China with hair that is 11-feet-long. 60-year-old Ni Linmei claims that she has not had her hair cut in 18 years and is hoping to keep growing her locks before applying to the Guinness World Records. Footage posted on October 30 shows the woman from Shanxi, China having her hair measured. Superstar: Ni Linmei (pictured in 2013) from China's Shanxi province has been growing her hair for some time She's famous! 60-year-old Ni Linmei pictured in 2013 claims that she has not had her hair cut in 18 years 60-year-old Ni Linmei pictured in 2013 is hoping to keep growing her hair and later apply for the Guinness World Records The pensioner's hair measures some 11 feet in total. However she has far to go to beat with the Guinness World Record for longest female hair belonging to Xie Qiuping from China with a length of 18-and-a-half-feet. Ni Linmei reportedly spends two hours every day washing and drying her hair and normally winds it on top of her head to keep it out of the way. There was one occasion when she got her hair trapped in an elevator. The woman says that in 2016, her hair has already grown a further 19 inches. In 2013, she had threatened to have her hair cut short as she said that her long locks were inconvenient. In the footage filmed in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, the woman can be seen standing on a wall as she holds a tape measure from the top of her head. A crew of people measure measure her hair with the tape measure. Too much fuss and bother: In 2013, she threatened to have her hair cut short calling it too troublesome Ni Linmei shows off her extremely long hair in 2013 as she measures it with a tape measure Arresting a man accused of being an ISIS soldier and a 17-year-old on Thursday morning was just the start of a plan to smash a 10-member terror cell. Police on the same day raided six houses in Sydney linked to the group believed to be planning attacks in Australia, amid fears they had acquired weapons. The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team believe fundamentalist Saudi-Australian preacher Mohammed Junaid Thorne, 27, is the cell's leader, The Australian reported. One of those arrested, Mehmet Biber, 24, allegedly travelled to Syria in 2013 to fight for the Al-Nusra Front - an affiliate of al-Qaeda - and returned to Australia in 2014. While there he made chilling Facebook posts of Turkish tourist attractions claiming: 'I'm a tourist... not a terrorist'. Scroll down for video Arresting a man accused of being an ISIS soldier and a 17-year-old on Thursday morning was just the start of a plan to smash a 10-member terror cell One of those arrested, Mehmet Biber, 24, allegedly travelled to Syria in 2013 to fight for the Al-Nusra Front - an affiliate of al-Qaeda - and returned to Australia in 2014 Thorne last year spent four months in the notorious Goulburn supermax prison, which with 24 of its 41 inmates held on terrorism charges is known as the 'supermosque'. He was imprisoned for flying from Perth to Sydney using a false name to evade police, but last month told ABC the experience only made him more powerful. Thorne's house was one of those raided on Thursday in connection with a failed plot by two teenagers to stab police officers in Bankstown last month. While in Syria, Biber made chilling Facebook posts of Turkish tourist attractions claiming: 'I'm a tourist... not a terrorist'. Just hours after Biber and his teen associate were arrested as they tried to flee the country, Thorne arrived to demand where his 'brothers' were Police on the same day raided six houses in Sydney linked to the group believed to be planning attacks in Australia, amid fears they had acquired weapons Deputy NSW Police Commissioner Catherine Burn called on families and community members to help police stop the radicalisation of Islamic boys Another of the houses belonged to former member of the Brothers For Life crime gang Mohammed Boksmati who was recently released from prison. Police were worried the terror cell may be trying to get firearms from Middle Eastern criminal gangs. A member of the family of terror accused Omarjan Azari was also targeted but neither he nor Boksmati was charged. Just hours after Biber and his teen associate were arrested as they tried to flee the country, Thorne arrived to demand where his 'brothers' were. The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team believe fundamentalist Saudi-Australian preacher Mohammed Junaid Thorne (pictured), 27, is the cell's leader Thorne's house as one of those raided on Thursday in connection with a failed plot by two teenagers to stab police officers in Bankstown last month The 17-year-old arrested was allegedly so devoted to ISIS that he convinced an older friend to travel to Syria and join the terror group. Amin Elmir, 26, made the trip to Turkey in April but couldn't find the contacts to get into Syria, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. He returned in July and though he has been under close watch since, the teen sent him encrypted social media messages encouraging him to try again. A man believed to be an ISIS soldier has been arrested in Sydney by counter-terror officers The man, believed to be 25-year-old Mehmet Biber, was dramatically arrested by New South Wales' joint counter-terrorism team this morning Police believe he fought for a terror group affiliated to al-Qaeda in Syria, where he is said to have learned how to use IEDs, before allegedly being recruited to join ISIS A source close to the family told the newspaper the 17-year-old had been 'brainwashed' and turned from a quiet, unassuming high school student to a hardened zealot. They said he attacked a family member for not having a modest enough Facebook profile and was close friends with the men charged with killing police accountant Curtis Cheng last October. He was said to have prayed daily with Biber, who had taken him under his wing. Police believe he was trained to use explosives there and allege that he was recruited to join ISIS by convicted terrorist Hamdi Alqudsi The 25-year-old travelled to Syria in 2013 to fight for the Al-Nusra Front - an affiliate of al-Qaeda - and returned to Australia in 2014, police said Deputy NSW Police Commissioner Catherine Burn called on families and community members to help police stop the radicalisation of Islamic boys. 'The first and most important point is the mums and dads, brothers and sisters, friends, work colleagues and neighbours. You will be the first to see a change in their behaviour,' she told the Daily Telegraph. Biber went to Syria in 2013 and was allegedly being recruited by a convicted terrorist She said parents, having raised them, would be the first to see that something was not right, such as when they stopped seeing friends or suddenly got very different new ones. 'Its the little things, the subtle things they notice: when something is wrong or when their childrens moods change; when they spend more time alone, in their rooms and on the computer,' she said. Biber was dramatically arrested at gunpoint while driving a truck in Sydney and the 17-year-old was nabbed at an airport as he tried to leave Australia. They were charged with incursion offences, which carry sentences of up to life in prison, and the teenager was also charged with trying to persuade another to join a terrorist group and fight overseas. Police believe Biber fought for a terror group affiliated to al-Qaeda in Syria, where he was said to have learned how to use IEDs, before allegedly being recruited to join ISIS. It was believed he was trained to use explosives there and alleged that he was recruited by convicted terrorist Hamdi Alqudsi. He was seen standing next to the pavement in handcuffs as armed police officers held him 'We will be alleging that one did engage in foreign incursions. We would say they were in a conflict, they used weapons, they used IEDs and they had the intent to kill people,' Ms Burn said. 'They might become more radicalised to extremism and they might be more likely to use explosives.' She added: 'If people have travelled to either Syria or Iraq or some other hostile place, where there are hostile activities underway, we would say that they potentially become more radicalised, more extreme and have greater capability to attack. 'Our concern is that if they return to our country then they may use that capability here.' Neil Gaughan, Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, said the teenager was stopped at the airport after being 'encouraged to travel'. Police stressed that it had taken years to bring charges against the older suspect as there were difficulties collating evidence, including messages sent on social media. Daniel Flinter ordered a five-year-old girl to dress as a baby as he filmed her A babysitter who ordered a five-year-old girl to dress as a baby as he filmed her in a creepy video has avoided jail. Daniel Flinter, 31, from Inverkeithing in Scotland, made the strange clip when he was caring for the youngster. Despite ruling that his behaviour was of 'public concern' Sheriff Charles Macnair ordered him only to carry out 170 hours of unpaid work, reports the Sun. Flinter was not placed on the sex offenders' register or given a custodial sentence. After a police raid on his home, officers found prams, buggies, teddies and dummies stored in his room and it later emerged that he enjoyed drinking milk out of a bottle. At Dunfermline Sheriff Court, Sheriff Macnair said: 'Whether there's a sexual element or not, the impact on the child should not be underestimated when she may find out what happened to her in a few years' time. Martha Smit, Hillary Clinton's 25-year-old niece, is voting for Donald Trump at next week's election Hillary Clinton's niece is an avid Donald Trump supporter who believes her 'selfish' aunt only wants to win the election to become the first female president. Macy Smit, 25, is a hairdresser in Tampa, Florida. She is the daughter of Bill Clinton's troubled half brother Roger. She lashed out at the Clintons on Wednesday, telling Radar Online how they had abandoned her and her mother over the years as she lay her support squarely with Republican candidate Trump. ' I support Donald Trump 100 percent. I have been a Democrat my entire life, but Trump is what we need right now - somebody who is going to stand up for us. 'I think at this point Hillary just wants it for the history books - to be the first woman president for selfish reasons,' she said. Smit said she had always felt 'not good enough' for the rest of the family and that she and her mother hadn't received any help from them. In 2010, when she was 18, she gave a tearful interview to Inside Edition claiming she was living off of food stamps. Now married to a US Air Force Meterologist, she said her aunt's claim to be devoted to American families is a lie. 'Theyre not as good as everyone thinks they are,' she added. Smit, who has never met either Hillary or Bill Clinton, said she only wanted to become president 'for the history books' Smit's father Roger is Bill Clinton's half brother. They are pictured above together in September 1995 while he was president She declined to comment further on Thursday afternoon from the Tampa hair salon where she works. Smit is the daughter of Roger Clinton and Martha Spivey, a 50-year-old Tennessee woman with whom he had a brief relationship in the early 1980s. Spivey now lives with her second husband Lonnie in Cooksville. She told DailyMail.com on Wednesday she wouldn't 'waste her gas' to vote for either candidate on November 8. 'I'm normally a democrat but I don't know if I'll even waste my gas going to vote this year. Roger Clinton, now 60, was arrested in June for drunk driving 'Trump is war happy and I have no reason to go the other way given how they've treated Macy.' While Bill Clinton covered the cost of her daughter's cosmetology schooling, she said Hillary had never so much as acknowledged her. 'If a child is born into a family, both sides should acknowledge it. It's a shame. She has never had contact with Macy.' Lonnie Spivey, her husband, further slammed her father Roger who was arrested earlier this year for driving while intoxicated. 'At first I thought he was pretty good but now he's not so hot.' Despite their family feud, Mr Spivey is leaning towards Clinton for the election because he says she has more experience. 'I haven't made up my mind but as far as Hillary goes, I'm leaning more towards her. 'Trump has never even been a mayor. He knows nothing about politics. How is he going to run a country?' Martha Spivey (left) had a brief romance with Roger Clinton which resulted in Macy's birth in 1981. She is now married to Lonnie Spivey (above, center) who raised their daughter Macy (left before a Trump rally in Tampa, where she lives, and right with her step-father Lonnie) said the Clintons had abandoned her and her mother Roger and Bill Clinton were raised together and have the same mother but separate fathers. She married Roger's father, Roger Clinton Senior, when Bill was four. Bill's biological father, William Jefferson Blythe, died before he was born. They were raised together and at 16, Bill adopted his step-father's surname. Roger Clinton was arrested in the mid 80s for selling cocaine to an undercover police officer. The day before his older half-brother left office, he pardoned him - expunging his criminal record. In June Roger was arrested again, however, in southern California for drunk driving. He has another child, Tyler Cassidy Clinton, from a later relationship. Unlike Macy, who has never met either Bill or Hillary in person, Tyler joined them at the Democratic National Convention in July. Former Chief of the Defence Staff Lord Richards has endorsed Donald Trump for the White House, claiming the controversial Republican will make the world safer. The ex-head of the British Army rubbished claims Mr Trump's bombastic interventions on foreign policy would undermine Nato and threaten security. Instead, he insisted non-state actors like ISIS were the biggest danger facing the world and praised Mr Trump's 'instinct' for working with Russian President Vladimir Putin to tackle the terror group. Lord Richards claimed Hillary Clinton's backing for a no-fly zone in Syria risked plunging America into direct conflict with the Russians for the first time ever. Former head of the Army Lord Richards has endorsed Donald Trump for the White House, claiming the controversial Republican will make the world safer Speaking to The House magazine, Lord Richards said: 'It's non-state actors like Isis that are the biggest threat to our security. 'If countries and states could coalesce better to deal with these people and I think Trump's instinct is to go down that route then I think there's the case for saying that the world certainly won't be any less safe. 'It's that lack of understanding and empathy with each other as big power players that is a risk to us all at the moment. 'Therefore I think he would reinvigorate big power relationships, which might make the world ironically safer.' The former general added: 'I'm a bit sorry they're the best candidates that can be put up in a country as great and as huge and powerful as America. 'I think he is wise enough to get good people round him and probably knows that he's got to listen to them, and therefore I think we should not automatically think it will be less safe.' Turning to the Democratic rival for the White House, Lord Richards told the magazine: 'Unless she's prepared to do this properly and go to war with Russia, she shouldn't talk about no-fly zones and nor should we. 'We would have to shoot down Russian aircraft in order to impose it. Do we really want to go to a shooting war over Aleppo?' Donald Trump is 'wise enough' to surround himself with the right advisers and build relationships with major powers, such as Vladimir Putin He added: 'The alternative is for the West to declare a no-fly zone and that means you've got to be prepared to go to war with Russia ultimately. 'I see no appetite for that and nor, frankly, do I see much sense in it. It sticks in my throat to say it because I have no love for Assad.' Lord Richards said it was right to focus on the humanitarian situation in Syria and abandon efforts to remove President Bashar Assad - despite his use of chemical weapons. He said: 'The only quick way of solving it is to allow Assad to win. There's no way the opposition groups are going to win.' Benefits scrounger Travis Simpkins, 19, (pictured) smirked as he pleaded guilty to stealing 15 worth of food from a Co-op store A shameless TV benefits scrounger who boasted 'my only job is to be me' smirked as he pleaded guilty to stealing 15 worth of food from a Co-op store. Travis Simpkins, 19, who gained notoriety after starring in Benefits Britain: Life on the Dole, fled the shop after failing to pay for a basket full of groceries in April. The work-shy teen, from Sheffield, was arrested in October after police identified him from CCTV footage taken at the Co-op in Rotherham, south Yorkshire. He pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared before Sheffield Magistrates' Court today, wearing a black Adidas hoodie and grey tracksuit bottoms. As he was handed a six-month conditional discharge, Simpkins was rebuked by the chairman of the bench for smiling during the proceedings. Ronald Cooke JP said: 'This seems to entertain you but I can assure you it doesn't entertain us listening to the things that people do who come before us.' He was ordered to pay 85 in costs and a 20 surcharge, which will come out of his benefits payments. Simpkins, who appeared on the Channel 5 documentary last February, lives on 60 a week in Employment Support Allowance. He refuses to apply for Jobseeker's Allowance because he has no intention of looking for work and previously said he would 'rather stay on benefits than graft in a factory or ASDA'. Simpkins, 19, who gained notoriety after starring in Benefits Britain: Life on the Dole, fled the shop after failing to pay for a basket full of groceries in April Prosecutor Mark Hughes said: 'The offence occurred shortly before 10am. He entered the store and placed food into a basket before running out of the shop without making any effort to pay. 'When interviewed by police he made a full and frank admission.' The court also heard Simpkins had already been convicted of three similar shoplifting offences in May and handed a 12-month conditional discharge. Since his TV debut, the wannabe celeb has provoked outrage with a string of controversial comments. He bizarrely said he wanted to have a baby with NHS boob job scrounger Josie Cunningham so they could be 'as famous as David and Victoria Beckham' - while still living off the state. He bizarrely said he wanted to have a baby with NHS boob job scrounger Josie Cunningham (left) and suggested the NHS should fork out 15,000 to fix his teeth (right) After 'ruining' his teeth smoking and drinking he suggested the NHS should fork out 15,000 to fix them so could pursue a career in acting. And shortly before the Brexit vote, Simpkins said he hoped Britain would remain in the EU so he could rake in more benefits money. John Thompson, defending, said: 'He has long-term mental health problems. I would urge the court to extend the conditional discharge.' In March, Simpkins appeared on ITV's Judge Rinder where ex-girlfriend Jeannie Cordner, 28, claimed he left her homeless after spending 1,000 of her money on clothes, hair dye and face creams. The judge branded him a 'very silly, very immature man' and told him to 'get a job'. A Michigan man charged in the death of a woman who was last seen alive at a Halloween party two years ago told a detective she died during rough, consensual sex in his car, it was revealed in court on Wednesday. Chelsea Bruck, 22, was found dead in a wooded area in April of this year, six months after she attended a massive Halloween celebration in Frenchtown Township dressed as the Batman comic book villain Poison Ivy. In July, 28-year-old Daniel Clay was arrested in connection to Bruck's death and charged with open murder, which means it could be first-degree murder or second-degree murder, as well as concealing a body. Bound for trial: Daniel Clay, pictured left, talking to his attorney on November 2, was ordered to stand trial in the 2014 death of 22-year-old Chelsea Bruck, who was last seen alive dressed as Poison Ivy at a Halloween party (right) Confession: A detective testified that Clay, right, told him Bruck died during 'rough' consensual sex in the backseat of his car On Wednesday, a Monroe County law enforcement official testified during a probable cause hearing that Clay confessed to having a sexual encounter with Bruck, during which the woman died. He pulled up next to her, asked if she wanted a ride. She said she did. She got in the vehicle, sheriffs Detective Brian Sroka told a judge, summarizing an interview with Clay after his arrest. Sroka said Clay told him he did not intend to kill Bruck. He said the woman 'went limp' after she asked him to choke and slap her during rough and freaky sex in the backseat. Clay allegedly told police that he tried to revive Bruck by performing CPR on her, although he never called 911 to summon help. He then panicked and drove around for more than 30 minutes with Brucks lifeless body in the car because he was freaked out, before dumping her by railroad tracks in rural Michigan and covering the corpse with leaves and twigs, reported the Toledo Blade. Gone: Bruck's disappearance in October 2016 sparked an intense six-month search Grisly find: The woman's badly decomposed body was discovered near these train tracks in Ash Township, Michigan, in April 2016 An autopsy performed by the Wayne County Medical Examiner found that Bruck died from blunt force trauma to the head, and had multiple fractures to her face, jaw and neck, as well as two chipped teeth. The defense tried to show the death could have been an accident. The court also heard testimony from Jessica Pridyl, who had a child with Clay. The woman recounted how the suspect called her and left messages on the day of his arrest. He said he was extremely sorry and would be gone for a really long time, Pridyl testified. After hearing testimony from 15 witnesses during Wednesdays preliminary hearing, Monroe District Court Chief Judge Jack Vitale ruled there was sufficient evidence to put Clay on trial in connection with Bruck's death, reported Mlive.com. Chelsea Bruck was last seen on the morning of October 26, 2014, talking to an unidentified man in a parking lot outside a venue hosting an annual Halloween party, according to witnesses. Suspect arrested: Clay (pictured left in mugshot) was arrested in July based on DNA evidence found in Bruck's leggings. He has been charged with a count of open murder and concealing a body Clay allegedly told police he did not intend to kill Bruck (pictured), and that the woman asked him to choke and slap her during sex Her disappearance sparked an intense six-month search, which concluded in April 2016 when her badly decomposed remains were found on a 13-acre private property near a heavily wooded site in Ash Township, about 15 miles from the location of the Halloween party. Her body wasn't clothed when workers found it while trying to free a dump truck from soggy soil. The homemade Poison Ivy costume was found about 10 miles away at an industrial site near Flat Rock just weeks before her body was discovered. while the others went by ambulance Two children were airlifted to Four children have been taken to hospital after they were 'messing around' with a firework before it exploded in their faces. Two children were airlifted to hospital with facial injuries while the other two youngsters were taken to hospital by ambulance. Police have said the children, aged between nine and 12, were playing with the fireworks in Nelson, near Burnley, Lancashire, when one exploded today. Air ambulances arrived at a local Lidl car park (pictured) right and took the children to hospital A spokeswoman for North West Ambulance Service confirmed crews were called at 11.53am to Nelson. One child was taken by helicopter to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool and the other three went to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, one by air ambulance. No information on their conditions was given. A police spokesman said: 'Air ambulances have just taken off from Lidl car park and Walverden Park to take two children injured by fireworks to hospital. 'Another two children were transported by road ambulance.' Sgt Shaun Pearson, of Nelson Police, said: 'The children were aged nine to 12 years (and) were messing about with fireworks in the Albert Street area when one has gone off in their faces.' He posted on Facebook: 'I don't need to post pictures on here of crying children with blood and burns on their faces. 'PLEASE DON'T MESS ABOUT WITH FIREWORKS.' The children were 'messing about' with the fireworks on Albert Street in Nelson (pictured) One of the youngsters was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool (pictured) Local Labour councillor Wayne Blackburn wrote that he was 'deeply concerned' about the incident. He said: 'So sad to hear of this happening. We have seen a lot of media coverage over the last few days about fireworks and children, and I am deeply concerned about this happening today. Fireworks are not toys. 'I hope the children are OK and not badly injured, and I will be raising my concerns at Nelson Area Committee next Monday night. Two girls were allegedly sexually assaulted by a pastor at his home and church in Tennessee. Jeremy McDowell, 62, an assistant pastor at the Spoken Word Ministry Church in Ten Mile, Tennessee, has been charged with offences relating to a 12-year-old and a girl of 17. McDowell, who works for Sweetwater Fire Department in neighboring McMinn County, was charged with sexual battery by an authority figure, aggravated sexual battery and rape of a child. Jeremy McDowell, (pictured), allegedly threatened to kill the relatives of one of the girls after they confronted him An investigation was launched in June when the Tennessee Department of Children's Services tipped off the Roane County Sheriff's Office. The allegations date from between July 2014 and July this year. Local ABC affiliate WATE said there were nearly 1,100 phone calls and 6,000 text messages between McDowell and one of the girls between January 2015 and June 2016. Church: McDowell was an assistant pastor at the Spoken Word Ministry Church, pictured The girl said McDowell, a former law enforcement officer from Niota, had asked her for nude photographs and had bought her red lingerie. A 15-year-old schoolboy was found with three knives in his bag ahead of a pre-planned fight between two pupils (file picture) A 15-year-old schoolboy was found with three knives in his bag ahead of a pre-planned fight between two pupils. The teenager had to be taken away by police after the weapons - including one homemade 'shank' and two kitchen knives - were discovered at the school. The discovery, which took place on October 21, is the second serious incident to rock the South Ayrshire school within the space of 16 days. Last month, the school's deputy head was injured while trying to break up a fight between two pupils. As he was being hauled away from the school by police, the boy screamed that teachers and 'snobs' from another local school would be 'next', according to the Daily Record. Inspector Jim Hendrie said: 'Police were called to a report of a 15-year-old boy in possession of offensive weapons at a school in Ayrshire. 'He will be the subject of a report to the procurator fiscal and the Scottish Childrens Reporter Administration.' Last month, a teacher at the same school was injured as he tried to break up a fight between two pupils. The shocking incident featured a boy who broke the ribs and blackened the eye of a principal teacher two years ago. A statement released on behalf of South Ayrshire education director Douglas Hutchison reiterated the authority's zero tolerance policy towards violence in schools. He added: 'We operate a zero tolerance policy to violence in our schools and actively promote a culture of tolerance and diversity across our wider school communities. 'Our schools work closely with colleagues from Police Scotland to deliver safety messages on an ongoing basis, both in terms of personal safety as well as the safety of others. 'We expect everyone, from staff through to young people, to behave respectfully at all times, and we reinforce this work throughout the year. A pair of real life karate kids have become social media stars after their martial arts skills won them tens of thousands of followers. Hana and her little brother Haru - believed to be aged around six and three - were filmed copying stunts from their favourite martial arts movies. The Japanese youngsters' mini-movie has earned them more than 137,000 followers on Twitter. Get ready: Haru and Hana put their fists up ready to take each other on in the ultimate living room battle Haru demonstrates his karate kick as he launches a fearsome attack on his older sister, who watches on, ready to make her move Hana strikes out at her younger brother, who appears in awe of his sister's karate skills They start formally with a 'kiai' and bows, and then assume their fighting stances, with fists brought up in front of them, ready to attack. Haru makes an opening strike with an attack on his big sister. But as she parries it easily, Haru, after thinking about it for a second, falls dramatically like a real life stuntman giving an authentic groan of agony. Hana looks on as he falls to the ground, ready for him to get back up and fight again. The pair kick out at one another without making any contact as the fight continues. The sister then shows her little brother how to do a proper karate kick. The little brother meanwhile launches another attack on his big sister, but she pushes him back. In his final attack, Haru makes an effort to take down his big sister with an attack on her arm but she doesn't even look at him as she fights him off It's all over: the fight is finished as Hana runs past her brother and onto the slide in the living room instead Haru then seems to become more interested in his fighting stance, bobbing up and down, almost as if he is dancing. He launches a third attack on his sister, who as if to show off her invincibility deflects him again, this time without even looking at him. The fight appears to be over when Hana runs past her little brother and jumps onto the slide instead. Their mother, who appears to be in the kitchen, may be used to this behaviour as she carries on although it is nothing out of the ordinary. The youngsters' dad, reports local media, regularly posts their play sessions on Twitter and he is believed to have filmed this particularly adorable sparring session. One person commented: 'They're so cute!' Another recognised some of the killer techniques from a video game: 'It's like Street Fighter! Haha. Too cute!' And a third added: 'I had to smile watching the little brother falling over while going 'Ohhh!'' An elementary school has cancelled a mock presidential election after some young students repeated 'negative rhetoric about minorities' promoted by Donald Trump. Jericho Elementary School in Centereach, New York, announced it had scrapped the vote that was due to take place this Friday. Principal Glen Rogers revealed the decision was made after teachers complained about what some children had been chanting around the school and in the cafeteria. The mock vote was due to take place at Jericho Elementary School (pictured) in New York on Friday 'Teachers have said they've heard some kids in the cafeteria chanting "Trump! Trump! Trump!" or saying they don't want Muslims here,' Rogers told ABC News. 'I mean, kids often repeat what they hear on the TV or the news, but it doesn't mean it's OK. 'We have a diverse community here. We want all our students to feel valued.' Instead of asking students to vote on presidential candidates on Friday, students will now cast a ballot for their favorite school lunch. Jericho Elementary School principal Glen Rogers (left) said he made the decision to cancel the vote after some comments students (right) had made Students at the elementary school (pictured) will vote on what their favorite lunch is on Friday instead Rogers told ABC News he wanted to make sure the students still voted on something, because it was important for them to see 'democracy in action'. The principal went on to say the school is striving to teach pupils about the difference 'between opinions and facts'. 'It's important for our students to be able to express their opinions, but it's also important for them to be informed about it and not just repeating what they happen to hear,' Rogers said. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump addresses supporters at a rally in Miami, Florida on November 2 Hillary Clinton will finish her presidential campaign in Philadelphia by summoning all of her top surrogates to try to lock down a battleground state that she needs and she's invited President Obama, who defeated her in 2008 but then helped set up her path to the White House. President Obama, Bill Clinton, Michelle Obama, and Chelsea Clinton all will be in Philadelphia for the rally, in the city where Democrats held their convention this summer. The decision to marshal her top surrogates together in one place signals an effort to try to beat Trump with a version of the Democratic map that propelled Obama to two successive victories. It also shows that she has increasingly come to rely on the firepower of the Obamas - and particularly Michelle, with whom she has had a difficult personal relationship. Scroll down for video Star power: Clinton is calling on Obama's personal charisma - and especially that of his wife - in a last-ditch seal-the-deal rally in Philadelphia on Monday Rare meeting: The last known time both the Clintons and the Obamas were together were at the 2014 official opening of New York's National September 11 Memorial and Museum Electric reaction: Obama went to Miami on Thursday to campaign and got the sort of reception Clinton needs to regain momentum after a battering over her personal trust Clinton has increasingly come to rely on the firepower of the Obamas - and particularly Michelle, with whom she has had a difficult personal relationship Clinton campaigned in red state Arizona on Wednesday but immediately flew back to traditional battleground North Carolina early Thursday morning. Obama, who will speak Monday, has been one of Clinton's most effective surrogates, blasting Donald Trump in his speeches. On Tuesday, the president even went after the FBI for meddling in the election with a last-minute announcement that the bureau is looking into Clinton's emails again, a volte face from the White House's position on Monday of backing its director James Comey. Someone is certain to mention that the event is in the 'city of brotherly love' as Clinton repeatedly mentions Trump's 'insults' of various groups of people. Clinton also desperately needs Obama to help her reassemble his winning coalition which pulled together minority voters as well as young voters. Early voting numbers in North Carolina have seen a drop among African American voters compared to compared to 2012. There are fewer early voting sites in the state. It isn't known for certain that Michelle Obama will speak, but she has ripped Trump on the campaign trail for his treatment of women and girls a favorite issue of the first lady and a major portion of Clinton's closing rhetoric. That ended long years of frostiness between the two women. Clinton had been angered by Mrs Obama hinting at Bill Clinton's infidelities and Mrs Obama had been left furious when he appeared to use racially-tinged language about her husband. I got you: Obama is now the second-most powerful speaker for Clinton - eclipsed only by his wife. His first endorsement was at the Democratic Convention in Philadelphia, where the rally will be on Monday Family affair: Chelsea will also be on the concert stage on Monday night - but Tim Kaine will not be Latest poll blow: Clinton is in the margin of error in Thursday's national poll The Cook Political Report lists Pennsylvania as 'lean Democratic.' Clinton has spent the final days of the campaign bloodying Trump for his infamous 'p****' tape even campaigning with former Miss Universe Alicia Machado in Florida. The 'woman card' attack on Trump has been a major feature of her stump speeches, which focus on the idea that Trump is 'unfit' for the presidency. Bill Clinton has been campaigning around the country for Clinton, focusing on the industrial Midwest and other areas where he can try to appeal to an array of voters including working class whites who have been learning toward Trump. Clinton's final days show considerable time in blue states prompting Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway to say Thursday that 'we are in her head.' 'You all love to talk about how demographic has shifted these 'blue states,' the 'blue wall,' Conway said on CNN. 'We are in her head, and we are forcing her and Tim Kaine, and President Clinton and President Obama and Vice President Biden into traditionally blue states.' Clinton campaigns in heavily Democratic Detroit on Friday. They were torn apart when ISIS stormed the Iraqi city of Mosul and forced the residents to live under the caliphate. But three years later, an Iraqi grandfather has finally been given the chance to reunite with his son and granddaughter at a refugee camp outside the city. Villages on the outskirts of Mosul have fallen to the Iraqi government after a military offensive to retake the city - sending civilians fleeing to the camps. An Iraqi grandfather is finally reunited with his son after they both make their way to the Hazir refugee camp The son is so overcome with emotion, he falls at the feet of his father before his daughter is cuddled by her grandfather The son also has a tearful reunion with his mother after not seeing her for almost three years After finishing hugging her son, the mother then turns to another man for a tearful embrace Many have ended up at the Hazir refugee camp, where people have been reconvening, seeking safety. And there, Nadir Ali could finally reunite with his father in an emotional scene, which saw him drop to his knees. He also tearfully hugged his mother for the first time in years, while his young daughter was picked up and held close by her grandfather. Under ISIS, many civilians found it difficult to travel to different villages to visit their relatives. Other families were reunited as they made their way to the camp after fleeing the conflict in Mosul One woman gives a kiss on the cheek to her relative after an emotional reunion at the Hazir refugee camp Under ISIS, many civilians found it difficult to travel to different villages to visit their relatives The fight to fully liberate Mosul from ISIS has been underway for almost two weeks but Iraqi government troops are yet to move into more densely populated areas So on making it to the Hazir camp, many people are being reunited with family members they haven't been able to see for months or years. The fight to fully liberate Mosul from ISIS has been underway for almost two weeks but Iraqi government troops are yet to move into more densely populated areas. It is feared that it could take weeks, if not months to clear booby-trapped buildings and take part in bloody house-to-house combat in the city centre. And now the shadowy leader of the Islamic State group has released a new message urging his followers to keep up the fight for Mosul as they defend the city against a major offensive aimed at routing the militants from their last urban stronghold in Iraq. A crying baby is carried by his mother as they enter the Hazir refugee camp after fleeing Mosul Thousands of people including women and children are fleeing the villages surrounding Mosul Children pose for the camera after making it to safety. It comes as the leader of ISIS has issued a rally cry, urging his followers to defend Mosul from Iraqi forces Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's rallying cry came in a sermon-like recording, more than half an hour long, distributed by the militant group's al-Furqan media arm late on Wednesday. It was not clear when the recording was produced. Al-Baghdadi's whereabouts are unknown. The city of more than one million people and the surrounding territory fell to ISIS fighters during the militant group's surprise attack in June 2014. Al-Baghdadi visited the city soon after the takeover, and from inside Mosul declared an Islamic caliphate that at one point covered nearly a third of Iraq and Syria. In his recording, al-Baghdadi rallies his fighters - especially in Mosul - and calls on them to obey orders while remaining resilient and steadfast. He says: 'Oh you who seek martyrdom! Start your actions! Turn the night of the disbelievers into day. Donald Trump brought more devastating news about Hillary Clinton to Florida on Thursday, telling a screaming crowd in Jacksonville just five days before the election that his Democratic rival is teetering on the brink of a perp walk 'It was reported last night that the FBI is conducting a criminal investigation into Hillary Clinton's pay-for-play corruption during her tenure as secretary of state,' he said, referring to news that federal investigators have been probing the Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation since before the presidential primary season began. 'The FBI is investigating how Hillary Clinton put the office of secretary of state up for sale in violation of federal law. The investigation is described as "a high priority." It's far-reaching and has been going on for more than one year,' Trump said. 'It was reported that an "avalanche" of information is coming in. The FBI agents say their investigation is likely to yield an indictment.' Donald Trump's closing argument in Florida on Thursday included news about Hillary Clinton's slide into criminal jeopardy as the FBI is now running twin criminal investigations involving her conduct while she was secretary of state Hillary Clinton, Trump claims, ran a corrupt scheme to sell State Department access in exchange for donations to her family foundation and speaking fees for her husband, former President Bill Clinton After the now-familiar chant of 'Lock her up!' subsided, Trump warned that corruption in the Obama administration might allow Clinton to skate. 'The system is rigged. Just remember that,' he said. 'Reports also show the political leadership at the Department of Justice is trying to protect Hilary Clinton, and is interfering with the FBI's criminal investigation.' Trump also relayed news that 'the laptops of Clinton's top aides, which had been slated for destruction, were not in fact destroyed ... and that the FBI has been successfully using them to gather information for their criminal investigation.' 'Good job by the FBI!' he said, offering rare praise for the bureau. 'Finally,' he concluded, 'it is believed that no less than five foreign intelligence agencies successfully hacked into Clinton's illegal, insecure server, which contained classified information, creating an ongoing security threat to the United States.' Trump has long contended that Clinton set up a homebrew email server in her Chappaqua, New York basement in early 2009 to shield graft in her State Department. Clinton, he has claimed, gave undue influence to foreign nations and companies that donated to the Clinton Foundation and showered her husband with six-figure speaking fees. Trump is in deal-closing mode this week with just a few days left until the election The Republican nominee said Hillary Clinton is 'probably the most dishonest person ever to run for the office of president. I really believe it' The server, however, housed thousands of emails shown to contain classified information. Clinton insisted that she was unaware of the information's classification status. She agreed in writing when she took office, however, that she would be responsible for maintaining the security of state secrets in her possession. And President Barack Obama designated her as one of just 20 federal officials empowered to declare information classified. The Democratic nominee, he said Thursday, is 'probably the most dishonest person ever to run for the office of president. I really believe it.' 'Hillary Clinton has engaged in a massive, far-reaching criminal conduct, and equally far-reaching cover-up,' he said. 'She created an illegal email server to shield and guard her activity. ... She illegally transmitted confidential information and then lied about it to Congress. She illegally destroyed federal records including 33,000 emails after receiving a congressional subpoena, and she made 13 phones disappear, some with a hammer,' 'Who in this room has gotten rid of a phone and then smashed the hell out of it with a hammer?' he asked, half tongue-in-cheek. 'Raise your hand. Raise your hand! I see one hand over there.' 'What business are you in sir?' he asked a man in the crowd. 'No, I don't want to know.' Clinton is pulling out all the stops in her final days of campaigning, appearing alongside President Obama and speaking to the large crowds that follow him 'She engaged in corrupt pay-for-play at the State Department for personal enrichment. She lied to the FBI and she lied to the American people many, many times,' he said. The Republican predicted 'an unprecedented constitutional crisis' if Clinton is elected, with the sitting president under investigation by a Justice Department she manages. Trump has been in deal-closing mode through a four-city Florida swing that began Wednesday morning. In Jacksonville he cited swing-state polls that show him building momentum, and a national poll that shows he has overtaken Clinton overall. 'Just out, a few minutes ago, the new Rasmussen poll has us 3 up right now, 3 up nationwide,' he said as cheers rang through a rodeo arena in Jacksonville. 'We're leading in Florida, we're leading in Ohio, we're leading in Iowa, I think we're leading in North Carolina, which is big. Doing well in Pennsylvania right there, but we are leading all over.' I tell you what, we're going to have something that's going to be very special. Get out there on Tuesday. Don't fail. A test proved Barwin was Palmer's biological father, and further genetic testing found that she was Rebecca's half-sister Her parents had also enlisted the help of Barwin just a year after the Dixons Then the family came in contact with 25-year-old Kat Palmer But paternity test proved this year that Daniel was not her biological father The couple had contacted fertility doctor Norman Barwin in 1989 to help them conceive a child Rebecca Dixon's brown eyes and olive skin stood out from her blue-eyed and pale parents Davina and Daniel A Canadian woman recently discovered that the man she knew as 'Dad' for her entire life wasn't her biological father after all. Now Rebecca Dixon's family is suing the fertility doctor who artificially inseminated her mother - and are claiming the sperm he used was his own. There had been clues that Rebecca, 26, was not exactly like her parents Daniel and Davina. Her brown eyes and olive skin stood out in family portraits against their fair complexions. Rebecca Dixon, 26, recently found out that her dad, Daniel Dixon, wasn't her biological father at all - and that the fertility doctor who artificially inseminated her mother may be instead Rebecca and her parents believe Ottawa fertility doctor Norman Barwin (right) used his own sperm when the couple visited at the Broadview Fertility Clinic in 1989 And Rebecca had been diagnosed with celiac disease, which is hereditary - but nobody in Davina or Daniel's families had it, according to CTV. Yet it wasn't until February, when Davina saw a scientific article on Facebook claiming it was unusual for two blue-eyed parents to conceive a child with brown eyes, that she became suspicious. The family decided to do a blood test and found out Rebecca has type O-positive blood, whereas Daniel has type AB, according to the lawsuit. A paternity test confirmed what they now knew was true. There was a 0.0 percent probability that Daniel was Rebecca's biological father. 'It was a complete shock,' Rebecca told the Ottawa Citizen. 'There's a sense of injustice, there's a sense of anger on behalf of my parents who do feel violated and betrayed.' A paternity test confirmed Barwin's own sperm was artificially inseminated into a Vancouver woman who also had a daughter And they believe the man who betrayed them is Ottawa fertility doctor Norman Barwin, who the couple visited at the Broadview Fertility Clinic in 1989. That belief only grew stronger when the family's lawyer came into contact with a Vancouver woman named Kat Palmer, who had also been conceived at the clinic. Kat's parents told her when she was a teenager that she had been conceived using artificially inseminated sperm from an anonymous donor. The only child tried to find out more information from the clinic, hoping to find half-siblings, but said Barwin tried to put a halt to her search. 'He said, "You're an adult. You've got a career. You have a healthy relationship. Isn't that enough?'", Kat told the Globe and Mail. Kat then went online for genetic testing and a database linked her to a second cousin in New York. They were a relative of Barwin, the lawsuit states. She asked Barwin for a paternity test in 2015. The results, which the doctor confirmed in an email to Kat, revealed he was her biological father. Barwin told Kat and her father Lyon that the mix-up was completely unintentional, and claimed it must have happened when he was using his own sperm to test out a 'sperm counter'. A genetic test then confirmed Kat is Rebecca's half-sister which, according to the court filing, must mean Barwin is her father as well. Rebecca and Kat now talk almost every day, and will meet for the first time in December. 'This is what I wanted all along, to find a half-sibling,' Kat said. 'I didn't think we would be as close as we've become.' A genetic test confirmed that Kat Palmer (right) and Rebecca Dixon (left) were half-sisters. Barwin confirmed to Palmer that the paternity test proved he was her father Palmer (pictured with father Lyon) knew an anonymous donor had been used in her conception, but Barwin claims the sperm mix-up was completely unintentional But there has been pain as well, especially when Rebecca first found out the news. 'I felt disassociated from my body and my face,' she told CBC. 'When I'd look in the mirror, I felt like suddenly it wasn't my face.' 'Features about myself that I'd always liked, or just thought of as my own seemed like they might belong to someone else, and I didn't know who that was.' And the news has also been incredibly shocking to Dan. 'My world has been turned upside down,' he said. 'Rebecca is our child, but she's not our child. She is, but she's not. That's why everything is different.' The family is now seeking punitive damages, alleging Barwin was negligent and violated Davina's 'bodily integrity'. 'The defendants reckless and wanton conduct, including the cavalier use of his own sperm in his insemination procedures, demonstrated a reprehensible disregard for the health, safety, and rights of the plaintiffs,' the lawsuit reads. Frances Shapiro Munn, the family's lawyer, said she plans to have the lawsuit certified as class-action and hopes other patients will come forward. Rebecca (pictured with her husband) she said she is not ashamed of what has been revealed and that she never wanted to keep it a secret Barwin has gotten into legal trouble before. He was suspended after artificially inseminating three patients with the wrong sperm in 2013 and was found guilty of professional misconduct. Barwin then surrendered his prestigious Order of Canada honor and resigned as a physician the following year. Karen Hamway, his lawyer, said a statement of defense will be filed in due course. As for Rebecca, she said she is not ashamed of what has been revealed and that she never wanted to keep it a secret. 'I feel very strongly that secrets are shameful,' she said. 'One reason I am relieved every time I tell someone in my life about this...is that it takes away that feeling of shame. And the Rhodes Scholar said that the paternity test hasn't changed her feelings for the man who raised her. 'I think we were all very concerned about would this change the dynamic and I think this showed it didnt change the dynamic,' she said. 'We've all reaffirmed the fact that its the relationships that we have that matter.' 'The love that we have is real and is not diminished by this situation.' Teodorin Obiang was promoted to vice president in June by his authoritarian father The son of Equatorial Guinea's leader has been accused of money laundering, amid claims he plundered his country to buy luxuries including a private jet and Michael Jackson memorabilia. As part of the investigation by Geneva prosecutors against Teodorin Obiang, authorities impounded 11 cars at the city's airport. Among them were a Porsche 918 Spyder, valued at more than 750,000 euros (669,000) and a Bugatti Veyron which sells for in excess two million euros, according to the L'Hebdo news site. Obiang, 47, was promoted by his authoritarian father Teodoro Obiang Nguema in June to be vice president of the oil-rich west African nation. Obiang was already set to face trial in France next year on corruption and embezzlement charges, although he is not expected to appear in court. Obiang's excesses also forced him to forfeit more than $30 million in assets in the United States, where he owned a mansion in Malibu, California. In announcing the 2014 asset forfeiture deal, the US justice department accused Obiang of 'relentless embezzlement and extortion'. Eleven super cars belonging to Obiang were impounded at Geneva Airport as part of an investigation into alleged corruption Being towed off: Authorities seized the luxury cars during an investigation into the son of Equatorial Guinea's president's son Teodorin Obiang was already set to face trial in France next year on corruption and embezzlement charges Washington said Obiang earned a government salary of $100,000 but amassed a fortune of $300 million 'through corruption and money laundering'. Among the assets he was forced to give up was a crystal-encrusted glove from Michael Jackson's 'Bad' tour, for which he reportedly paid nearly half-a-million dollars. Obiang's father seized power in Equatorial Guinea in 1979, making him Africa's longest serving ruler, just ahead of Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe. The country, Africa's only Spanish speaking nation, has become the continent's number three oil producer but experts say the vast majority of the population has not benefitted from the energy revenue boom. Advertisement Hillary Clinton might be keeping Huma Abedin at a distance these days, but the Democratic nominee's longtime aide made it clear that she still had her boss's back Thursday night as she hosted her final fundraiser of the campaign. Abedin - who has been off the campaign trail since the FBI revealed last week that they were investigating previously unseen emails sent from her account to Clinton while she was using a private server - was one of the three hosts who oversaw the Washington DC soiree while Clinton was off in North Carolina making one final push in hopes of securing a victory in the swing state. She arrived at the event carrying a sparkling, custom '#ImWithHer' handbag by Edie Parker, and was immediately greeted by her two high-profile co-hosts outside the event - designer Diane Von Furstenberg and Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who was also celebrating her birthday. The trio of A-list Democrats brought a sense of glamour to the exclusive shindig, held in the private residence of lawyer and philanthropist Constance Milstein and her husband, Count Jean-Christophe de La Haye Saint Hilaire. Tickets for the evening started at $1,000 and went up to $10,000, with visitors who contributed or raised over $5,000 being offered a selfie with Abedin - which might well become a collector's item if she leaves Clinton's side post-election. That's a real possibility, insiders say, as Clinton is feeling pressure to drop Abedin even if she wins the presidency - especially as Abedin could face 5 to 10 years in prison, depending on the results of the FBI investigation. Scroll down for video House party: Huma Abedin is greeted by attorney and philanthropist Constance Milstein, whose home was the setting for an exclusive Clinton Fundraiser Thursday night. Abedin has been off Clinton's campaign jet since last Friday's FBI bombshell Host with the most: Abedin (holding hands with Milstein) was hosting the event alongside Vogue editor Anna Wintour (center, top) and fashion designer Anna Wintour (right of Wintour). Clinton was reportedly told to keep Abedin at arm's length Allies: Wintour and Furstenberg are both long-time allies of Clinton, and have worked on her fundraisers before. On Friday October 28, the FBI announced it was reopening the Clinton server probe after emails were found on Huma's husband's PC Hello, goodbye: Huma was welcomed into the event by Wintour and Furstenberg (left) while carrying an 'I'm With Her' bag - perhaps a message to her boss - but departed after the party with what appeared to be a look of concern on her face (right) Homeward bound: Huma headed home after a night of selfies with high-paying guests, looking a little worried. Abedin could face 5-10 years if the investigation indicates a criminal act, though the FBI hasn't indicated an interest in pressing charges Grand exit: Huma she was soon wearing her familiar smile as she stepped down to her car with Clinton's press secretary Nick Merrill (whose head was obsured) following close behind. The emails found on Friday were believed to be different from the ones examined in the FBI's initial probe into Clinton's private email server earlier this year Abedin was seen being greeted at the door of the Milstein mansion by Wintour and Furstenberg, wearing a simple-but-elegant brown dress offset by large, tasseled gold earrings and a stone-studded necklace. Milstein also showed off her unique fashion flair in a $1,500 dress designed by John Galliano for Maison Margiela, which she chose to wear backwards for the night. And Wintour chose the special occasion to debut the newest edition to her legendary coat collection, showing up to the event in a look from her go-to designer Miuccia Prada's Fall 2016 line just as it was released in stores. It retails for over $3,000, and is only sold in select locations. None of the women made the decision to wear a look from Von Furstenberg's eponymous line, which was a bit of a surprise as when a designer hosts an event one if not all of their fellow co-hosts tend to wear one of their designs for the evening. Abedin also carried her custom '#ImWithHer' Edie Parker handbag, which retails for over $2,000 - a small price to pay to show her loyalty to the possible next President of the USA. She rushed inside after being dropped off by her car and disappeared behind the black front door to mingle with guests, who paid between $500 and $10,000 for tickets. The glamorous political adviser, who has become a celebrity in her own right as a result of her time with Clinton, also posed for photos with some of the guests - a treat afforded to those who paid more than $5,000 for their ticket. She was later seen leaving the building and being ushered into a black car. From there, she no doubt returned to New York - with the presidential election less than a week away, she still had much to do. However, she'll be doing it at arm's length from Clinton, due to the circumstances surrounding the renewed FBI investigation. Driven ambition: Huma is seen heading home with her sister Heba, who she took as her guest to the event. But Clinton's friends and advisers have been telling her she should drop Abedin if she becomes president, because the investigation will continue for weeks Fly away home: Huma heads off, presumably for her flight back to New York. With just days to go before the election, she'll be needed back in the campaign's New York headquarters as soon as possible Home time: Furstenberg (left) and Wintour (right) left the event after a hard night's hosting Lots of money: The Milstein family has made billions in real estate over the years - hence their impressive, palatial home (pictured earlier Thursday) Since the FBI announced on October 28 it was reopening the Clinton private server investigation due to newly discovered emails apparently sent between Abedin and the server, the aide has been off the Clinton campaign plane. The mother-of-one has still been hard at work providing support from the Clinton HQ in Brooklyn. But several of Clinton's friends and allies have advised the candidate to drop her most trusted aide, The New York Times reported - and senior Democrats have said she should not be allowed to stay on staff even if Clinton takes the White house. That's because the investigation, which sprang from emails found on a laptop belonging to Abedin's estranged husband, Anthony Weiner, will continue for weeks - well into the next presidency. The renewed FBI probe is especially dangerous to Abedin because she could face charges for not handing it over in the initial investigation - with a maximum sentence of five years in prison - or of leaking classified documents on an unsecure system, which has a maximum ten year sentence. Abedin has been with Clinton since the mid-1990s, when she was just 19, and the presidential candidate regards her as a surrogate daughter - so she stands a good chance of keeping her job. The FBI has also not charged her with a crime, or suggested that they intend to, so prison seems a remote possibility at present. Arrivals: A guest arrives for the Clinton fundraiser. Tickets cost between $500 and $10,000, and anyone paying more than $5,000 was given a photo opportunity with a host Guests to impress: Advertising consultant Alexis Pugh (above) and her construction executive husband James were reveled to be one of the 20 of all-time biggest donors to Clinton's campaigns over the past 16 years in a story last November Mommy duties: Huma Abedin dropped son Jordan off at school before picking up new clothes for the event, where she needed to compete with Wintour and Furstenberg (right) Abedin was spotted on Thursday morning diverting from her usual routine to go shopping in style. Every day this week she's been spotted taking her son Jordan, 4, to school before heading over to Clinton's Brooklyn HQ to oversee the campaign from a distance. Today, though, she switched things up and instead chose to head uptown to a spot just one block away from Trump Tower - Bergdorf Goodman The New York City landmark is a favorite of Abedin and her boss, who are both clients at the store's John Barrett Salon . Abedin, who wore a brown cashmere sweater tucked into an Alice & Olivia embroidered skirt along with some black flats and oversized sunglasses, spent less than an hour inside the high-end department store before she then made the trek to Brooklyn for some campaign work. All lined up: Guests wait outside Milstein's home. The FBI says it found emails apparently sent between Clinton's private server and Huma Abedin on Abedin's husband's laptop Hard work: Constance's grandfather Morris emigrated from Russia to New York as a young man and worked as a carpenter before founding the Circle Floor Company From there Abedin took the train down to Washington DC for the fundraiser in Milstein's Georgetown mansion. All money raised from the event will benefit the Hillary Victory Fund. And those guests who contribute or raise over $5,000 not only get to be in the same room as Hillary's most trusted adviser, but can also snap a selfie with her. Abedin and Wintour, who has been one of Hillary's most vocal and loyal supporters during this election, previously hosted the Made for History Fashion Show back in September to raise money for the Hillary Victory Fund. Von Furstenberg was involved with the event as well as one of the 15 New York-based designers who created looks for the show, which served as the unofficial opening of New York Fashion Week. A front row seat to that event cost $2,700, and guests also got to enjoy a speech from Chelsea and a musical performance from Demi Lovato in addition to the runway show. Busy bees: Preparations (pictured) for the event took all day Pricey: Tickets to the reception range in price from $1,000 to $10,000 (food preparation above) Not having it: An angry driver yells at workers as preparations are underway in DC The fundraiser on is being held at the home of Clinton supporter Constance Milstein. Constance's grandfather Morris emigrated from Russia to New York as a young man and worked as a carpenter before founding the Circle Floor Company. The family business grew further when Morris' two children, Paul and Seymour, began taking on large construction and real estate projects, and in 2014 Forbes valued the family's fortune at $3 billion. Constance is one of Seymour's two children. After the fundraiser on Thursday Abedin will likely head back to New York, with less than a week until the election. Warrior mom: This is the the fourth straight day that Huma has taken Jordan to school Safety first: Abedin was seen getting son Jordan out of his car seat before school on Thursday Retail therapy: The 40-year-old Hillary Clinton aide then stopped by Bergdorf Goodman for some shopping, spending less than an hour in the store Abedin had been getting help while she was on the campaign trail from her husband Anthony Weiner, but that all changed when she announced the two were separating in August. The 40-year-old Clinton aide is now getting support from her sister Heba and mother Saleha since she revealed that she and her husband of six years were getting a divorce. Smile: Guests who pay $5,000 or more get a selfie with Abedin Weiner's mother Frances is also lending a hand during this difficult time as well, and was photographed picking Jordan up from school on Tuesday. Weiner meanwhile has not been seen in almost six weeks, ever since DailyMail.com broke the news that he had been sending lewd messages to a 15-year-old high school student. DailyMail.com revealed Wednesday afternoon that Weiner had checked into a rehab facility for sex addiction. The FBI announced last week that they would be looking into thousands of emails they found on the computer of Weiner last month. That could cause major problems for Abedin and even possibly lead to jail time as she was ordered by the FBI to hand over all devices containing any of her email correspondence. Abedin has reportedly claimed that she never used the laptop in question. The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday that the device contained as many as 650,000 emails, some of which pertained to the investigation of Clinton's email scandal. If Abedin is found to have lied she could face up to five years in jail. And even though she is off the campaign trail, Abedin has been spending plenty of time in Clinton's campaign office, which is located in Brooklyn. She was spotted arriving to work there on both Sunday and Monday this week. Later on Monday she also got the chance to take Jordan trick-or-treating in Manhattan's Upper East Side. Jordan has been spending time with his mother and her family along with his paternal grandparents ever since authorities began investigating Weiner for sending another woman lewd messages and photos earlier this year, including some while Jordan was in the bed with him. Favorite hang: Abedin and her boss are both fans of Bergdorf Goodman and clients at the John Barrett Salon, which is located inside the department store (leaving Bergdorf Goodman earlier this year, above) '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. 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.' The defense for Justin Ross Harris called in a memory expert on Thursday, as they try to prove that he simply forgot his son was in the back seat the day the child died. Dr. Gene Brewer, Ph.D, a psychologist, memory expert and professor at University of Arizona, said that a number of factors could have contributed to the hot car death of 22-month-old Cooper in the parking lot of his father's office. It might have been the U-turn and traffic outside the Chick-fil-A restaurant where the father and son breakfasted. Or the fact that Cooper Harris woke his dad at 5:30 that morning, Brewer said. It could have been Harris stress and frustrations with his job, or external distractions, or the routine and habit of driving a well-worn path to work. It could even have been false memory. Brewer testified for more than two hours as a defense witness for Harris, a Marietta, Georgia father who is accused of deliberately leaving Cooper to die in June, 2014. Scroll down for video The defense for Justin Ross Harris (pictured) called in a memory expert on Thursday, as they try to prove that he simply forgot his son was in the back seat the day the child died Dr. Gene Brewer said he studies memory, human cognition and how humans perceive the world and use information to make decisions Brewer said he studies memory, human cognition and how humans perceive the world and use information to make decisions. Much of our lives is spent in routine behavior such as brushing our teeth, he said. Even if someone has a goal counter to routine behavior, they often lapse into their routines and forget what they intended to do, he explained. Harris may have been on autopilot while driving a well-worn path from breakfast to his office and may have reverted to his morning routine, experiencing a memory failure as a result of inconsistent traffic at a U-turn, he said. To negotiate variables requires more concentration,' said Brewer who added that he was familiar with that u-turn outside the Chick-fil-A. Its a tough spot, he said. Harris may have had a memory failure at the U-turn and forgot to turn for the quick ride to the daycare center, and then engaged in routine behavior for the path to his job, Brewer said. We may be used to driving a certain route and don't often pay attention to what's happening unless there is heavy traffic, he explained. The memory lapse could have happened within moments of leaving the restaurant, he said. That lapse possibly deepened as he drove straight rather than make a turn at a stoplight for a different route to Coopers daycare, he added. Photographs of Harris and his son Cooper have been shown to the jury this week His habit would be to naturally go to the Tree House,' he said. Im not saying hes not good at u-turns,' Brewer cautioned. Traffic is not reliable and often demands focus, he said. The decision to make the shift to turn left happens in seconds. Stress and frustration from Harris' job as a Home Depot web developer could have been factors, as well as a lack of sleep, the memory expert continued. Harris was awakened at 5:30 on the day Cooper died, according to Harris police statements. He didnt shave, Brewer noted, supporting his suggestion that he was fatigued that day. Harris could also have been preoccupied with negative thoughts, Brewer said. He said he was aware Harris sent an e-mail the previous night expressing dissatisfaction on his job and that Harris was involved with a new business venture with friends. 'Are these matters that could create distraction? defense attorney Maddox Kilgore asked. We use the term daydreaming, Brewer said. I certainly cant know what he was thinking. My role is to talk about the science of memory, he said. Brewer took care against trivializing the horror of forgetting a child in a hot car, but noted cases where surgeons accidentally left an instrument inside a patients body. He also mentioned pilots who forgot to put their landing gear down, causing a fatal crash. 'This type of memory failure can happen in the order of seconds, Brewer said. 'It is possible for parents to forget their children in their cars because of failures in memory. Even under the best situations, the best circumstances, theres still going to be failures,' he said. Ross Harris in a photo he sent to wife Leanna, which the jury saw on Tuesday Prosecutor Chuck Boring asked if Brewer was aware of the late-night and early-morning texts from Harris to women in the days before Cooper died. 'Doesn't it appear he got less sleep on those nights than he did the night before the 18th?' he asked. 'Absolutely,' Brewer said. He characterized Harris as a 'night owl.' 'I thought he had just one night of less sleep but it looks like he had multiple nights of not sleeping as well,' he said. Harris slept more on the night before his son died 'probably because he was fatigued.' he said. Brewer had earlier told the court this case was similar to others where parents had accidentally left a child in a car. He said there was nothing unique about this case. Lead prosecutor Chuck Boring challenged that claim, noting that Harris returned to his car during the middle of the day to toss light bulbs in his car and had also exchanged text messages with an unknown woman shortly before putting Cooper in his car seat, writing 'I love my son and all but we both need escapes.' Brewer said that he was unaware of anything like that happening in other cases. Kilgore told the court he hopes to present final evidence Friday. Closing arguments may be presented Monday. Jurors have already heard how the married Harris had a 'double life' - a life that included multiple sex partners, a prostitute and an obsession with sexting other women and exchanging graphic images of genitals. 'I love my son and all, but we both need escapes,' Ross Harris texted a young woman on June 18, 2014, ten minutes before he arrived at his Home Depot office, locked Cooper in the car and headed inside. Prosecutor Chuck Boring questioned Billy Kirkpatrick, who told jurors he was 'best friends' with Harris. He and several other friends testified that Harris told them he was having problems with a pornography obsession. I saw him struggle with sexual sin,' Kirkpatrick said. 'He and I would have conversations' about what his issues were. Billy Kirkpatrick told jurors he was 'best friends' with Harris Kirkpatrick is involved with a ministry at his Alabama church that helps men who are engaged in risky or extramarital sexual behavior. Kirkpatrick helped Harris deal with his pornography problems as an 'accountability partner using Covenant Eyes, a software program which flags questionable websites on Harris computers. He noticed websites such as Adult Friend-finder and Ashley Madison had appeared on Harris computer. But Harris didnt talk much about that, Kirkpatrick said. Given the nature of our relationship and what I expected of him, he knew I would be disappointed. He knew what my expectations were for him. I think he would've been humiliated, he said. 'Low testosterone was a big issue, for Harris and his wife, Kirkpatrick went on. It made it hard for them to be intimate. Kirkpatrick seemed remorseful as he said, 'For my part, I did not do what I should have done. I didnt deal with it as aggressively as I should have. Kirkpatrick read an email from Harris that confessed he needed his help with his struggle with pornography. The email closed with, And yes, Leanna knows. Harris said he was getting counseling, he said, adding the married father-of-one was very outgoing. He never shuts up. He goes to a Mexican restaurant and suddenly he's perfectly fluent in Spanish with the waitress. If there is a guitar anywhere within 20 yards, he will find it and play it. Not just play it, but play it in your face,' Kirkpatrick explained. He loved being the center of attention. Always the life of the party. Boring asked if he knew his friend had texted the young woman saying 'I love my son and all, but we both need escapes' in the moments before he locked his child in the car. I didn't know that, Kirkpatrick answered. Nathaniel Coyle told the court he attended Stonebridge Church in Marietta and was in a 'small group' along with Harris and his wife. Harris confessed his obsession with pornography to other men in the group and even asked for prayer. Nathaniel Coyle told the court he attended Stonebridge Church in Marietta and was in a 'small group' along with Harris and his wife The group met twice a month on Monday nights at the church and would discuss that week's sermon or books they were reading, as well as individual prayer needs, he said. The large group routinely divided into separate circles for men and women, and thats when Coyle said Harris 'brought up that up that Leanna had found some pornography on his computer.' He confessed he was having problems staying away from porn. Coyle said. Harris told the men Leanna intended to share his pornography addiction to the women's circle and asked the men's group to pray for him, Coyle testified. He said he had no knowledge of his church friend's sexual exploits with a prostitute or sexting other women during performances with the church praise band where he played guitar. Michael Simmons knew Harris from a high school bible study in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Harris pictured with his son in video shown to the jury He told the court he wished he had known about Harris' problems with pornography and infidelity. "If that had happened to me, I know he would have been there for me," Simmons said. Simmons said he was unaware Harris had been sexting underage girls or consorting with prostitutes. Simmons didn't consider Harris to be a 'risk taker. Prosecutor Chuck Boring suggested that Harris was taking enormous risks by having sex with prostitutes and sexting with strangers. 'That would not be in line with the Ross that I know." Simmons replied. On Tuesday Harris' ex-wife Leanna detailed the couple's struggles. She told the court how doctors discovered Harris had low levels of testosterone and prescribed testosterone injections and patches earlier in their marriage. He improved over time, she said. What Taylor didn't know was that her husband was using Skype and Craigslist to set up meetings with men and women in the following years. 'That was a part of his personality that he did not share with me,' she said. 'He ruined my life,' Leanna Taylor (right) told the court Tuesday when defense attorney Maddox Kilgore asked her how she felt about her former husband (left) now Taylor, who now lives in northern Alabama, was asked by defense attorney Maddox Kilgore how she felt about her former husband. 'He ruined my life,' Taylor said. 'He destroyed my life. I'm humiliated. I may never trust anyone again, because of the things he did. 'If I never seem him again after this day, that would be fine,' she said. as her testimony concluded. The mother of Walter Scott, the black motorist shot in the back as he fled a white South Carolina cop in April last year, collapsed weeping and screaming 'Hallelujah' after recounting her last conversation with her son. Judy Scott testified in court Thursday that he had called her moments before Michael Slager, 34, fired eight times. Slager faces 30-years-to-life in prison if convicted of murdering Scott, whom he had also tasered. '(My son) didn't sound very good at all,' Mrs Scott told the overwhelmingly white jury, according to NBC News. 'He sounded in distress.' Scroll down for video Michael Slager (right) faces 30 years to life in prison if convicted of murdering Walter Scott (left). He shot Scott several times in the back after tasering him. Scott was unarmed A bystander recorded the shooting (above, a still from the video) in April 2015. Scott had been stopped due to a busted tail light, but bolted. Slager says they tussled before the shooting Scott's mom, Judy (pictured in court Thursday), collapsed shouting after she testified hearing her son being tasered. Her grandson took the phone from her hands before the fatal shots The elderly woman explained on the first day of Slager's trial that Walter Scott had called her shortly after he was pulled over for a busted tail light on April 4, 2015. The 50-year-old was waiting in his car while Slager was walking back to his patrol vehicle to check license details. It was at that point he bolted and Slager gave chase. Mrs Scott said she then heard another man saying, ' Get on the ground and put your hands behind your back,' followed by her son saying 'They tasing me.' She sobbed as she recalled: 'I heard him groaning like he was in excruciating pain a couple of times.' 'I say, "Lamar, just, just do whatever he say,"' Scott said. 'I told him, "You know North Charleston policemen, so just do whatever they say."' Her grandson took the phone out of her hands before she could hear the shots that killed her child, she said. She collapsed weeping and shouting as she left the court. Also testifying on the first day of the trial was Scott's friend and colleague Pierre Fulton. He was in the car when they were pulled over, and saw his friend run. Asked why Scott fled, Fulton answered with an accusation: 'That's a question I would like to ask him. Unfortunately, I can't. He was murdered.' Slager justified the shooting by saying that Scott stole his Taser. The video shows him dropping something by the body, although it's not clear whether that item is his Taser Scott's friend, Pierre Fulton, who was present when Scott was pulled over, directly said that Slager murdered the man, and had no idea why Scott ran from the car According to the official report, 50-year-old Scott bolted from his car while Slager was walking back to his vehicle to check license details. Slager then gave chase and the two were involved in an altercation during which he tasered Scott. Scott continued to run, and Slager fired eight shots, hitting him with five and killing him. The cop then radioed in the message: 'Shots fired and the subject is down, he took my Taser.' He later filed a report in which he repeated that Scott took his Taser. But footage filmed by a passerby and spread on the web after he filed that report appears to show Slager picking up an object and dropping it by the body. Slager is going before a jury of ten white members to one black member It's not clear whether the object is the Taser or not. On Thursday, the jurors - ten white and one black - were shown the video from Slager's cruiser. It does not show the shooting, which happened outside the view of the dash camera. But it does show the Mercedes Scott was driving as it is pulled over for a broken taillight. It shows Slager returning to his cruiser to check Scott's driver's license and insurance information, and then Scott bolting from the vehicle. North Charleston Police Sgt Scott Hille was called by the prosecution to introduce the video. Asked by the defense if the footage shows anything unprofessional in Slager's behavior in handling the stop, Hille replied: 'Not that I can think of sir.' Earlier on Thursday, Scott's fiancee, Charlotte Jones, called him a 'loving and kind person.' Jones testified that she never knew Scott to have been in a fight. She says 'he was not that kind of person.' Scott's fiancee, Charlotte Jones (pictured on Thursday), called him a 'loving and kind person' She also testified that Scott never mentioned to her that he was worried about being behind in child support payments. Scott's relatives have said that he may have tried to run away because he was worried he would be jailed for missing payments. Neighbor Arthur Heyward, who had just sold Scott the car with the non-functioning tail light Slager spotted, called him 'a good friend and neighbor.' 'We looked out for each other,' he said. Prosecutor Scarlett Wilson told the jury that Slager may have been provoked if Scott wrestled his stun gun from him, but that provocation did not justify shooting Scott. 'If Walter Scott had not resisted arrest, he wouldn't have been shot. He paid the extreme consequence for his conduct. He lost his life for his foolishness,' she acknowledged. She said Slager must be held accountable for 'his decision to go too far.' Walter Scott II, 22, the son of the slain motorist, testifies during the trial on Thursday 'His decision to let his sense of authority get the better of him,' she added. In his opening statement, defense attorney Andy Savage said Slager 'earned a reputation of excellence' in his five years with the North Charleston police, and he sought to pin responsibility on Scott. Slager was alone on patrol in the 'Number-one crime-ridden area' in North Charleston when he stopped Scott for a non-functioning tail light, Savage said. He says that would not have been a big deal, but Scott escalated things by trying to run away. The defense contends that Slager and Scott fought over the officer's Taser before Scott ran. Savage said authorities presume Scott ran because he hadn't paid child support, but that they don't know that for sure. Former police officer Michael Slager walks into the courtroom in Charleston on Thursday 'Why did he choose not to respect the request to stay where he was? That's something that I hope you consider,' Savage told the jurors. 'It wasn't Mr Slager who was angry and full of animosity.' Savage added there was no way Slager could have known Scott was unarmed. 'He never had a chance to pat him down. He never had a chance to frisk him,' he said. As Slager's trial began in state court in Charleston, a similar trial was underway in Ohio, in which a white campus police officer is charged in the death of a black man. How much the broader issues of race, violence and policing should be raised during the Slager trial was discussed in court as Judge Clifton Newman considered final pre-trial motions on Tuesday. Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, right, speaks during legal proceedings in front of Judge Clifton Newman during the trial 'It's important we not go down the slippery slope of every officer-involved shooting,' Wilson said. 'The only thing that is relevant is what the defendant did that day and what was going through his head at the time.' Don McCune, one of Slager's defense attorneys, said the case is a bellwether for many people, and 'we can't carve Charleston County out of the rest of the world,' he said. An exasperated father dished out a fitting punishment to his squabbling children by taking them to McDonald's and only ordering for himself. Lee Willshire, 44, had offered to take the children shopping with him to give his wife Joanne, 42, some time to herself to get her nails done ahead of a dinner party. However, Mr Willshire was infuriated when Lydia, 12, and Jake, eight, refused to stop arguing in the Tesco near their home in Middlewich, Cheshire. This is the smiling selfie that Lee Willshire took with his sulking children after he went to McDonald's and ordered only for himself as punishment for their squabbling Jake, eight, and Lydia, 12, pictured left and right, were forced to eat baked beans on toast when they got home with their father He told them to behave but the requests fell on deaf ears and Jake even threw his shoe at Lydia's head, so Mr Willshire concocted a plan to teach them a lesson. Driving for lunch at a nearby McDonald's as he had earlier promised, he ordered himself a meal and ate it in front of them once home - serving the unruly pair baked beans on toast instead. After sharing his crafty plan on social media, the post went viral and was shared and liked more than 63,000 times, with thousands of parents hailing the idea 'ingenious'. Mr Willshire said: 'My wife loved it and thought it was brilliant, but admitted she doesn't think she could have gone through with herself. She worries that the aftermath would be too much to deal with so couldn't see it through. 'I'm not proud of it. My son is only eight so he was crying about it but I believed he needed to learn how he had acted was wrong and I needed him to see through the punishment. 'We were really surprised that so many people shared it. Everyone was saying it was ingenious and that they would have to try it or suggest it to their friends. Willshire, 44, had offered to take the children shopping with him to give his wife Joanne (pictured together), 42, some time to herself to get her nails done ahead of a dinner party He told them to behave but the requests fell on deaf ears and Jake even threw his shoe at Lydia's head, so Mr Willshire concocted a plan to teach them a lesson 'Out of the thousands who commented I think only about five were negative so clearly lots of parents thought it was a good idea.' The couple had a dinner party planned for that evening and Mr Willshire offered to take the children shopping with him while Joanne went for a nail appointment. Mr Willshire said: 'The kids are good as gold when they're separate, they are no trouble at all. But put them together and it's like mixing a potion. They bicker like any young siblings do. The brother and sister were far from pleased when they realised what had happened 'We rarely try to do the shopping as family due to this, however I decided I would brave it on this occasion to give Joanne some time to herself. But I lived to regret it. 'Almost as soon as we were through the supermarket doors they started pushing each other about. I kept telling them to stop it but they weren't listening to me. 'I was quite embarrassed as I don't like to see them misbehaving and despite them only being young they are quite big for their age and so look older. 'But my requests fell on deaf ears and it culminated in Jake throwing his shoe at Lydia head - it just skimmed past her face. 'I showed I was angry and walked away from them then and said I would leave them to it. They began following after me asking if I was OK. 'That seemed to do the trick as they realised they had crossed a line but I had had enough. It was then I decided on the plan. I thought I needed to make a point. 'I had mentioned that we might be able to go to McDonald's for lunch on the way home since we were in a rush to get things ready to have our friends over for the party. Driving for lunch at a nearby McDonald's as he had earlier promised, he ordered himself a meal and ate it in front of them once home After sharing his crafty plan on social media, the post went viral and was shared and liked more than 63,000 times, with thousands of parents hailing the idea 'ingenious' 'So I thought up the idea but I wasn't sure if I would go through with it at that point if I'm honest.' However, when Mr Willshire got to the drive through he ordered himself a quarter pounder with cheese and fries but left the kids with nothing. He said: 'I wasn't even going to order anything for myself, but I chose to in the end to make the point. Lydia (left) realised what had happened as soon as her father ordered but it took Jake (right) a little longer 'Lydia noticed as soon as I didn't order anything else at the window and she immediately understood what was going on. 'I got a look that I don't know how to describe but if looks could kill, that's what I got. She was sat in the passenger seat and tried to turn her back to me but she kept glancing over to me with eyes burning. 'Jake hadn't twigged and as we waited for my quarter pounder to be made he actually asked me how long his food would be. 'I felt a bit harsh at this point but I didn't regret it. They had really frustrated me and they had pushed too far. 'Revenge might not be the right word, but I wanted them to be as annoyed as I was in the shop. Then they would understand why what they had done was so wrong. 'They asked me to take them back but I held firm. I talked them through why it was happening and as punishment they wouldn't be having the lunch they were expecting.' It was then that Mr Willshire took a picture of him smiling in the driver's seat, while Lydia is turned away and Jake is visibly sulking on the back seat. And he believes his plan has worked - though he's unsure how long for. Mr Willshire, pictured with wife Joanne and the two children, admitted that he felt 'a bit harsh' but thinks the experience will teach them a lasting lesson Mr Willshire said: 'They both understood they were in the wrong. They sat in silence and ate their beans on toast. 'I think they might be different next time we're in the supermarket. They have been acting differently already. 'However I bet it will be short-lived. At least I have a bargaining tool for now. I keep saying "remember what happened last time", which seems to work still. 'I've never done anything like this before. Usually I just take something off them if they are naughty, such as their iPad or PlayStation. I never ground them as I believe it's good for children to be playing outside as much as possible. Fears of voter fraud only increased this week, after a California man found a stack of 83 mail-in ballots shipped to a single neighbor's apartment. Jerry Mosna of San Pedro found the two stacks of ballots on top of his mailbox on Saturday. All of the 83 ballots were unused and addressed to different people, all supposedly living in an apartment he knows to be occupied by a single, 89-year-old, neighbor. 'I think this is spooky,' Mosna told Fox News. 'All the different names, none we recognize, all at one address.' Scroll down for video A California man found these two stacks of mail-in ballots sent to a single woman's address in his apartment complex this weekend Mosna says that his neighbor lives by herself in a two-bedroom apartment so small that eighty people couldn't even fit in the apartment. So he and his wife Madalena took the ballots to the Los Angeles Police Department, hoping they would investigate. Instead, police sent them to the post office to report the incident. Mosna left the police station feeling certain that the ballots would not be investigated and he's now certain that voter fraud is going on. 'Yes, there is voter fraud. We saw it with our own eyes,' Cracchiolo said. Jerry Mosna, right, and his neighbor John Cracchiolo, left, alerted authorities about the incident One of Mosna's other neighbors, John Cracchiolo, contacted the Los Angeles County Registrar's Office, who said they were investigating. In a statement, the office said: 'We are carefully reviewing our records and gathering information to fully identify what took place. Our preliminary assessment is that this appears to be an isolated situation related to a system error that occurred causing duplicate ballots to be issued to an address entered for a single voter. We are working directly with the system vendor to ensure the issue is addressed and to identify any similar occurrences.' The spokesman would not say comment on the exact number of incidents that had happened, other than to say 'relatively few'. A spokesman for the Postal Service indicated that all 'improperly addressed ballots had been returned to our office'. As the presidential campaign has reached its final weeks, Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that voter fraud could swing the election in Clinton's favor. However studies have shown that while voter fraud does happen in the U.S. - it is not significant enough to make a difference in an election. At a rally last month, which was interrupted repeatedly by protesters, Trump cited research from the Pew Center that had been featured in a report meant to highlight antiquated voter registration systems 'plagued with errors and inefficiencies.' The 2012 study found that approximately 24 million - or one of every eight - voter registrations were no longer valid or significantly inaccurate. It also found that more than 1.8 million dead people were listed as voters and that approximately 2.75 million people were registered in more than one state. But the report cited no evidence that those errors had contributed to any significant voter fraud. Instead, it pointed to estimates that at least 51 million U.S. citizens are eligible but not registered to vote. Trump also cited a controversial 2014 op-ed in The Washington Post by a group of professors at Old Dominion University promoting their research concluding that 'enough' non-citizens have voted in recent elections that their participation could plausibly change the outcome of close elections. Among their claims: Because non-citizens tend to favor Democrats, their votes could have been responsible for President Barack Obama's 2008 victory in North Carolina. There is no evidence the latter is the case - and the article spawned so much backlash over its methods and conclusions that the authors were prompted to issue a follow-up defense. The mother-of-three says she has spent $60,000 on the transformation Taylor had breast implants, eye lifts and a nose job to achieve her look Both women are undergoing plastic surgery to transform their bodies Two Texan women have spent thousands of dollars on plastic surgery to make themselves look more like Ivanka Trump. Tiffany Taylor, a mother-of-three, has had breasts implants, cheek fillers and a nose job to more like the Republican candidate's eldest daughter. A 33-year-old aspiring socialite, she is modelling herself on Ivanka's 'classic features', she told ABC's Nightline. Jenny Stuart, a 36-year-old from Houston, said she admired the 'classy, pretty' woman. Scroll down for video Jenny Stuart (left) and Tiffany Taylor (right) have spent more than $60,000 on surgeries to look like Ivanka Trump The women want to recreate Ivanka's 'classic and pretty' features, they said. She is seen above on Thursday in Manchester, New Hampshire Both visited plastic surgeon Dr Franklin Rose in Houston to achieve their new looks. He told the show they were not the first patients to come to ask for Ivanka make-overs. 'Breasts or nose or face, she has such a pretty face shape. This is not the first patient that's come in with a picture of Ivanka Trump. 'She is very beautiful and she's very poised.' Taylor, who works in the oil and gas industry and lives on a farm, said she has spent around $60,000 transforming her look. 'I like Ivanka Trump's classic features. That's kind of what I'm modelling myself after.' She has had liposuction, breast implants, fat grafts and cheek fillers and recently underwent an eye lift and nose job. Stuart, who claimed she is often told she looks like Angelina Jolie, had a Brazilian butt lift, breast enhancement, nose job and have fillers in her cheeks. Taylor underwent a nose job and eye lift as part of her transformation to become more like Ivanka Taylor had her nose slightly flattened to look more like the presidential candidate's daughter Stuart (above before her nose surgery) studied photographs of the 36-year-old beforehand Jenny Stuart, 36, also underwent a nose job and cheek fillers. She said she was happy with the results (above) Dr Rose said he has had other patients requesting the 36-year-old's look, especially her nose and breast shape The total for her procedures is $30,000. Despite her adoration for Ivanka's appearance, she will not be voting for her idol's father at next week's election. 'It might seem ironic to some Ive spent all this time and money to try and look like Ivanka, who I still adore and I think shes gorgeous and a good business woman, but I dont associate her with father,' she said. Dr Franklin Rose said they aren't the first patients to have come to him asking to look more like Ivanka Both women said they would vote for Ivanka if she was running for president. Over the past four months, Dr Rose said the name on all patients' lips was that of Donald Trump's daughter. 'She's the star of the media at the moment and she's disarmingly beautiful. 'You get a lot of J.Lo, everyone wants her buttocks, but over the past four months it's been all about Ivanka. 'Most patients under 45 come in with pictures on their cell phone to show me,' he added. While Ivanka's look is revered, none have come calling to morph themselves into her stepmother, Melania. 'Melania's face is a little severe. She gets a lot of Botox, I think Ivanka and her might go to the same surgeon because Ivanka has had fillers and Botox over the years too,' he told DailyMail.com. The women will appear on ABC's Nightline on Friday at 12.35am ET. Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are neck and neck in the battleground states of New Hampshire, two separate polls showed Thursday. A WBUR/MassINC poll showed Clinton with 39 points and Trump at 40 in a four-way match-up. Trump's slight edge is well within the poll's margin of error of 4.4 points. Still, the Republican has sliced into his rival's vote share: Clinton was three points ahead in the same survey some three weeks ago. The latest poll was conducted after the FBI's bombshell revelation last week that it was investigating a fresh trove of emails relating to Clinton's private email server. A Boston Globe/Suffolk survey also put the candidates at a tie of 42 points each, with only five days to go until Election Day. But an ARG poll showed a different picture, putting Trump ahead by five points, at 48 to 43. Donald Trump has sliced into his rival's vote share, according to a WBUR/MassINC poll of New Hampshire Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight blog calculates Clinton has a 64.5 per cent chance of winning the state, which has voted blue in the three previous elections, and approximately the same probability of winning the election as a whole. The two presidential candidates are racing to lock down as many states as they can in the final days of the electoral race. Either needs 270 electoral college votes in order to win - of which New Hampshire has four. Forecasts vary as to how many votes Clinton and Trump will secure. The 270towin blog sees Clinton as winning 272 votes to Trump's 173. Battlegrounds like Florida, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania are being hotly contested. In Colorado, Clinton and Trump are tied at 39 points apiece, according to a University of Denver survey. And polls showed Wednesday that Clinton is holding her lead in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania - although Trump is closing the ground in the Keystone State. According to a Monmouth University survey, 48 per cent of Pennsylvania residents say they'll send their votes to Clinton, while 44 per cent are choosing Trump. Clinton had led by double digits in the summer. Perhaps surprisingly, only four per cent of those polled said they were dissuaded by the news that Clinton's email server case has been reopened, Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, told CBS. 'It looks like this shift was in the works even before Friday's FBI bombshell, which has made only a small contribution to this overall narrowing,' he said. Instead, Trump has been making gains in white women voters, despite a seemingly endless stream of accusations of sexual abuse or harassment. His approval ratings have also increased over the past month, while Clinton's have dropped. Trump's gains have largely been made in the Western side of the state, where he has a 16-point lead. But Clinton has locked down the bellwether areas of the state - Philadelphia and its suburbs - where she polls 62 per cent to Trump's 29. And she leads dramatically with non-white voters, pulling 83 per cent of the vote, while Trump trails with a measly 9 per cent. The poll took in the opinions of 403 state residents between last Thursday and Tuesday. Its margin of error is 4.9 per cent. Another poll in the same period, conducted by CNN and ORC International, also shows Clinton leading by 4 per cent, and has a 3 per cent margin of error. Voters give Trump the nod on economic issues, but say Clinton would be a better choice on matters of foreign policy, health care, trade and terrorism. Perhaps surprisingly, both Clinton and Trump were ranked equally on immigration by the voters. Gains: Trump made gains in Pennsylvania among white women - despite recent abuse allegations. And news that the FBI reopened Clinton's email investigation hasn't hurt her much The gap between two candidates is wider in Wisconsin, where Trump trails six points behind Clinton's 46 per cent. That poll, by Marquette Law School, also says that Clinton took the lead in early voters by some distance, taking home 64 per cent compared to Trump's 25. More than 518,000 early ballots have been cast - a figure that would have comprised 16.9 per cent of 2012's turnout. That poll began on Wednesday October 26 and ended Monday. That means the reveal of Clinton's FBI troubles came right in the middle - but didn't appear to bother Wisconsin voters. The Marquette poll took in the opinions of 1,401 voters and has a margin of error of 3.3 per cent. Hillary Clinton's running mate says he does not believe FBI Director James Comey was intentionally trying to disrupt the election when he announced a new chapter last week in former secretary of state's email investigation. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine said on a taping of Alan Colmes' Fox News radio show that Comey's letter to Congress last Friday was 'highly unusual' and 'cryptic' but he wouldn't follow in Clinton's footsteps and suggest the law enforcement official was helping the Republican ticket. 'I dont think he is trying to influence the outcome of the election,' Kaine said, according to Politico. 'I dont question his integrity, but I do have serious questions about the judgment demonstrated by this.' Hillary Clinton's running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, says he does not believe FBI Director James Comey was intentionally trying to disrupt the election when he announced a new chapter last week in former secretary of state's email investigation Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook declined to give Comey the benefit of the doubt today when he was asked a similar question on The View. 'I dont know what hes doing,' Mook said. 'I thought it was very strange. Theres protocols that you dont announce things right before an election, but also that the FBI doesnt comment on anything that theyre investigating.' He noted that the FBI is reportedly investigating two of Donald Trumps associates' connections to Russian interests it's 'not putting that information out there so were just asking.' So, 'I dont know,' he said. 'Im not like an FBI guy.' At a Monday rally Hillary Clinton, pictured today in North Carolina, ripped the FBI for the eleventh-hour announcement. 'Why in the world the FBI would decide to jump into an election with no evidence of any wrong doing with just days to go' Mook implied last Saturday during a conference call with reporters that Comey, a lifelong Republican, behaved recklessly, if not politically, when he sent the letter to Congress a day before updating them on the status of the FBI's investigation. 'The Justice Department's longstanding practice is: Don't do anything seen as trying to influence an election,' he said. 'It's completely unfair to Secretary Clinton and it's really unfair to the voters." Clinton's campaign chairman said Comey 'allowed partisans to extort and exaggerate to inflict maximum political damage.' Harry Reid, the highest ranking Democrat in the U.S. Senate, accused Comey of violating at statute that prohibits him and other executive branch employees from engaging in political activity. 'Through your partisan actions, you may have broken the law,' Reid said in a harsh letter in which he said he was wrong about Comey's character and regretted voting in favor of his nomination. Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook declined to give Comey the benefit of the doubt today when he was asked a similar question on The View. 'I dont know what hes doing,' Mook said At a Monday rally Hillary Clinton ripped the FBI for the eleventh-hour announcement. 'I am sure a lot of you may be asking what this new email story is about and why in the world the FBI would decide to jump into an election with no evidence of any wrong doing with just days to go,' she told her supporters. 'That is a good question.' President Barack Obama's spokesman was unwillingly to say in a briefing that afternoon that Comey had misbehaved, though. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest would neither 'defend nor criticize' Comey's letter to Congress. The president believes the law enforcement official is a man of 'integrity' and 'principle,' Earnest said, and does not believe he would 'intentionally influence the outcome' of the election. 'The president doesnt believe hes secretly strategizing to benefit one candidate or one political party.' Obama was heavier-handed in his own assessment of Comey's actions in a Now This News interview that was taped on Tuesday. 'We don't operate on innuendo and we don't operate on incomplete information and we don't operate on leaks,' he said. 'We operate based on concrete decisions that are made.' Comey has provided no further updates of the status of the bureau's Clinton review. Nonetheless, Mook told the ladies of the The View today that he is totally confident that when the law enforcement shows his hand theres going to be nothing new.' A CBS/New York Times poll on Thursday put Trump within three points of Clinton, 42-45. Six in 10 likely voters said the development in the email saga affected their vote. A comparative four in 10 said they were deeply troubled by Trump's lewd comments about women. Three Afghan migrants suspected of raping a mother-of-two in the Calais Jungle were tonight in custody in Paris. Prosecutors confirmed the men had, like many residents of the former shantytown, made their way to the French capital following its destruction last week. They were all arrested in a centre for foreign workers in Rungis, in the southern suburbs of the French capital, on Wednesday. Three Afghan migrants suspected of raping a mother-of-two in the Calais Jungle were tonight in custody in Paris. Stock picture of people living in tents in Paris Now they face criminal charges for the attack on the 38-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, on October 18th. The 38-year-old is herself an Afghan who was working as an interpreter for the France 5 TV channel. She was part of a team who were shooting a documentary about unaccompanied minors and child sex abuse in the notorious shantytown. The woman was bundled to the ground and attacked as the two other assailants restrained her colleague, a 42-year-old male freelance reporter. Pascal Marconville, the prosecutor in nearby Boulogne-sur-Mer, who is leading the investigation, said the victim was examined by a forensics doctor, who took samples to try and determine the genetic profile of the rapist. The victim also helped produce a portrait of her attackers, even though they had scarves around their faces and were hard to see in the darkness. This led to the centre in Rungis, where the men denied being anywhere near Calais at the time of the attack. But Mr Marconville told French news agency AFP that the three men aged 30 to 35 were provably in the Calais Jungle at the time. Last month, Mr Marconville said: Three individuals speaking Pashtun were around the camp borders. To begin with they stole the film teams equipment. One of them then raped the interpreter at knifepoint while the other two, also armed with knives, restrained the journalist. Migrant mounted a mass demonstration in the Stalingrad district Migrant protest, Paris The rape victim is a fluent Pashtun speaker from Paris, where she lives with her husband and children. The France 5 team were highly experienced and had been researching a documentary for several months, said Mr Marconville. After the rape, the pair managed to escape, and went straight to Calais police station, where they gave witness statements. The woman was then treated in hospital. While 5000 ex residents of the Jungle have been bused to official resettlement centres around France, many more have headed off independently, and still want to get to the UK to claim asylum. Up to 4000 migrants are currently sleeping rough in the Paris area, where the authorities have again pledged to raze their camps. When I competed in Donald Trumps first season of Celebrity Apprentice, he pitched me in the finale against country music star Trace Adkins. NBC promoted our showdown in endless commercials as USA versus UK, good versus evil. Trace was portrayed as a strong, kind, polite, hard-working, all-American hero. I was depicted as an arrogant, obnoxious, ruthless British villain. There was just one problem, as I pointed out to Trump in a boardroom exchange that tragically never got aired. One of us, I explained, is a violent alcoholic whos been shot by an ex-wife, stabbed in bar-room knife fights, and has a criminal record for a DUI. I competed in Donald Trumps first season of Celebrity Apprentice - and I was once portrayed as evil, not unlike how Donald has been branded these days Yesterday, Hillary Clinton showed she didnt get the rise above the monster memo, shrieking herself hoarse (pictured today speaking in North Carolina) I paused for effect. The other. is me. the bad guy. Trump roared with laughter. He got the irony, even if viewers never got the chance to. I was reminded of this today as I watched President Obama tear into Trump, branding him a small-brained, star-f***ing, Ku Klux Klan tolerating loser born with a silver spoon in his mouth. It was an astonishingly personal and nasty attack from a man whose own wife Michelle recently declared from atop her lofty moral plinth: When they go low, we go high. Yesterday, Hillary Clinton showed she didnt get the rise above the monster memo either, shrieking herself hoarse as she once again laid into Trump supporters she recently described as The Deplorables. I am sick and tired of the negative, dark, divisive, dangerous vision and the anger of people who support Donald Trump, she raged. President Obama has been tearing into Trump, branding him a small-brained, star-f***ing, Ku Klux Klan tolerating loser born with a silver spoon in his mouth This follows a familiar pattern from Team Clinton as election day draws closer: when in doubt, trash Trump and his followers in the meanest, ugliest, most personal way possible. The mantra seems to be: When they go low, we plummet even lower. A similar mistake was made in Britain during the EU referendum debate when the Remain campaigners belittled and berated the Brexiters in a snide, sneering, superior manner. They lost. The problem for Mrs Clinton as she gallops across the fields of America like a crusading white knight trying to single-handedly save the nation from imminent Armageddon at the hands of Mr Evil is that shes the Trace Adkins of this battle. In other words, she aint no saint herself. Her supporters dont accept this of course. To them, Hillary is a vestal political virgin of unimpeachable integrity. Why would I want to criticise her? a female Clinton-ite actress indignantly asked me on Twitter yesterday. Shes up against a mad man. Compared to him, shes bathed in golden light. It was the kind of thing Id expect Tom Cruise to say in defence of his beloved basket case Scientologists. And Hillary Clinton (pictured campaigning in North Carolina) is yelling herself hoarse calling Donald Trump deplorable - but she's no saint herself Yet as I write this, Clinton is facing potential FBI criminal investigations on two fronts. One is the re-opened case of her ongoing email scandal, this time centering on the contents of sexting pervert Anthony Weiners laptop. The second, according to the Washington Post, is an investigation into an alleged pay-or-play operation Hillary ran out of the State Department that favoured donors to the Clinton Foundation charity. At the root of it lies a central charge that the Clintons have cynically and greedily exploited political power and status to enrich themselves, under the convenient protective umbrella of their Foundation. Big sponsors have been repeatedly invited to donate big sums to the Foundation, then also donate big sums to the personal fortunes of Bill or Hillary in the form of cash, holidays, private jets and other benefits. On the face of it, this seems like a prima facie case of potential corruption. Yet the Post further reports the FBI investigation into the Clinton Foundation has been held up by Attorney General Loretta Lynch, to the fury of many in the FBI. This is the same Loretta Lynch who Bill Clinton hijacked for a 30-minute conversation on a private airstrip days before the original FBI email investigation verdict exonerating his wife was made public. We can all draw our own conclusions, none of them I suspect very pretty. I know from first-hand experience theres no such thing as a free lunch with the Clintons. There is no such thing as a free lunch with the Clintons. I know from my own dealings it's quid-pro-quo: Bill would scratch my back if I scratched his Ive interviewed Bill Clinton twice, for CNN. On both occasions, the request was only granted once I had agreed to moderate a panel for the former president at his annual Clinton Global Initiative event in aid of Clinton Foundation. It was a strict quid-pro-quo: Bill would scratch my back if I scratched his. So I scratched away, as do many other TV journalists each year who want an interview with him. Theres a similar pattern to almost everything in Planet Clinton: they trade favours. But when that trade involves millions of dollars raked into personal bank accounts on the back of charity donations, it stinks to high heaven. Trace Clinton should get off her high horse, before she gets a nosebleed. A besotted elderly couple who have spent nearly every day together since they met in 1946 have had an emotional reunion after they were kept apart by social services. Relatives of Ray and Jessie Lorrison from South Shields took up their case with South Tyneside Council after they were initially told they would not be allowed to stay in the same care home. After more than 25,000 people signed a petition urging the council to reconsider their decision, they performed a U-turn. After sealing their reunion with a kiss, Mr Lorrison, 95, said: 'I could jump over the moon'. Jessie and Ray Lorrison were reunited today at Westoe Grange Care Home and sealed their reunion with a kiss Mr Lorrison said 'I could jump over the moon' after he was reunited with his wife of 70 years Cheryl Bates, 60, the couple's daughter, said: 'It was so emotional. All the staff at home burst into tears. 'They were both overjoyed to be back together. My dad has been agitated and unhappy since they were split up, but he's calmed down now. It is lovely to see.' They said the pair had been eating cake and drinking tea together and spent the afternoon watching ITV's Judge Rinder. Mr Lorrison, who is 95 and who has Alzheimer's Disease, has been staying at Westoe Grange Care Home, while his 88-year-old wife has been treated in hospital following a fall. Their family had said it was 'disgusting' the couple would not be allowed to be together once Mrs Lorrison was well enough to leave hospital. Social services initially said she would have to return to the marital home where she would receive daily visits from carers. Jessie Lorrison, 88, and Ray who is 95 and has Alzheimer's disease, will be allowed to stay together in the same care home after social services performed a U-turn Mr Lorrison, who was a cook in the Merchant Navy, and his wife, a shop manager, met in 1946, married in 1950 and went on to have three children Mr Lorrison, who was a cook in the Merchant Navy, and his wife, a shop manager, met in 1946, married in 1950 and went on to have three children, Gary, 64, Cheryl, 60, and Debra, 49. Their grandson Lee Bates, 41, started an online petition urging the council to reconsider their decision, and more than 25,000 people signed it. It said: 'My grandfather sits and waits for her everyday - confused, anxious and lonely without the woman who has been by his side for 70 years. 'My grandmother misses her husband terribly and still wants to do what she can to care for him - even if its just sitting by his side holding his hand. 'This treatment is inhumane and cruel.' After the extraordinary public reaction, the council U-turned and announced the couple would be allowed to stay in the same care home. Following the decision, Mr Bates said: 'My grandmother cried this morning when she found out what had happened. She can't wait to be back with the man she's loved for 70 years.' The couple (pictured on their wedding day in 1950, left, and at their ruby wedding anniversary in 1990, right) have spent nearly every day together since they met in 1946 Mr Lorrison, who also worked in a pit, and his wife, a shop manager, met through his older sister Myra. Mrs Lorrison, who was originally from North Shields, moved across the River Tyne and they spent over 60 happy years living together in Marsden, South Shields. The only time they spent apart was when he went to sea with the Merchant Navy. The couple have eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way. The couple's daughter Cheryl Bates (pictured) criticised the 'disgusting' treatment of her parents by social services Marriage: The couple are seen on their wedding day at Christ Church in North Shields in 1950 Advertisement Hillary Clinton's not the only one with a former commander in chief as a spouse - Donald Trump's wife Melania also has a presidential history. In a 1993 Slovenian clothing company commercial, a 23-year-old Melania poses as 'the first woman president of the United States on the day of her inauguration', the video producers said when the clip was originally released. Bill Clinton was sworn in as the President of the United States in January 1993 - the same year Melania's commercial aired in Slovenia. In the video, unearthed by Univision, Melania is seen descending the stairs of an airplane, wearing a trench coat and waving to supporters as she's greeted by Secret Service-style bodyguards and a TV crew. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO In a 1993 Slovenian clothing company commercial, a 23-year-old Melania poses as 'the first woman president of the United States' Melania, is seen wearing an over-sized trench coat as she descends the stairs on an airport tarmac followed by Secret Service agents After she's greeted by Secret Service-style bodyguards, she speaks with a TV crew in the clip, which is back dropped with Elvis Costello music At the time, Melania Knavs - not yet married to Donald Trump - was an aspiring model who had hopes of expanding her career to the United States. The ad was made to promote a clothing line in Slovenia, Melania's home country. It was filmed in one day. After leaving the tarmac, Melania is seen riding in a 1980s Chevrolet Caprice Classic alongside her Secret Service agents. She applies makeup and waves to supporters lining the streets to watch her motorcade pass by. Melania's (pictured on Thursday) commercial was for a clothing company in her home country of Slovenia, when she was still in her early years of her modeling career After leaving the tarmac, she enters a motorcade where she's flanked by Secret Service agents and police officers on motorcycles From the comfort of the back seat of a 1980s Chevrolet Caprice Classic, Melania waves to the crowd as the commercial progresses When the commercial aired, Melania - not yet married to Donald Trump - was an aspiring model who had hopes of expanding her career to the United States But the crowd in the clip is actually taken from archival footage of fans greeting President John F Kennedy The crowd in the ad, however, is taken from archive footage of fans greeting President John F Kennedy, Natalija Gorscak, director of Slovenian National Television, told Univision. In the background of the advertisement is the 1978 Elvis Costello & the Attractions hit that features lines such as 'She's been a bad girl, she's like a chemical' and 'Though you try to stop it, she's like a narcotic'. Shortly before being sworn in, soon-to-be-president Melania meets with her cabinet at a table covered in overgrown floral arrangements. She then takes her oath on what is staged to be the steps of the US Capitol - but don't be fooled: The ceremony took place in the library of the National University of Slovenia. Bill Clinton was sworn in as the President of the United States for her first term in January 1993 - the same year Melania's commercial aired in Slovenia Melania takes her oath for her swearing in ceremony from the library of the National University of Slovenia, standing in for the Capitol Throughout the commercial she is followed by who appear to be Secret Service agents and staffers from her cabinet Without an American flag on hand, Melania instead poses near European Union flag. Jozica Brodaric who identified herself as the script writer, said that Melania looked 'really presidential'. 'It's the most extraordinary historical coincidence,' she told Univision. 'She looked refined, elegant.' In the following scene, Melania is seen taking phone calls and reviewing documents - which Gorscak claims were immigration documents. 'In the document she is approving three people to cross the border between two countries, it's an immigration document,' she said. The video surfaced just hours after Mrs Trump outlined her program as First Lady if her husband wins in only the second public speaking engagement of his campaign as his party's candidate - the first being introducing him at the Republican National Convention. In real life she cannot become president as she is not a natural-born United States citizen. Advertisement Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger has slashed $21 million off the price of his luxurious penthouse at New York's famous Plaza Hotel - but it's still gonna cost you. The luxurious duplex apartment is now on the market for $58.9 million, a 26 percent cut from the $80 million price tag it had in 2013. Hilfiger, 65, and his wife Dee Ocleppo, 46, bought two apartments on the 18th and 19th floors of the Plaza in 2008 for a total of $25.5 million. Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger has slashed $21 million off the price of his luxurious penthouse at New York's Plaza Hotel The luxurious duplex apartment is now on the market for $58.9m, a 26 per cent cut from the $80 million price tag it had in 2013 Hilfiger wanted the apartment to harken back to the height of 1960s glamour at the hotel, when Truman Capote threw his famous Black and White Ball The influences of the era is visible in Hilfiger's love for pop art, including this Andy Warhol portrait of Elizabeth Taylor They combined the units into the 5,600 sq ft condo it is today, offering four bedrooms, four bathrooms and unobstructed views of Central Park and Fifth Avenue. The first floor has views overlooking the famous street, known for having some of the most expensive shopping in the world, as well as Manhattan's skyline. There is a formal dining room with a wet bar, a breakfast room right under the dome of the Plaza Hotel, and a paneled library nook, according to the Washington Post. An eat-in kitchen, powder room, family room and study also fill the floor. A curving staircase leads to the second level, where a private terrace in the master bedroom suite offers an incredible view of Central Park. The bedroom also has a dressing room and a walk-in closet. The apartment, which is on the 18th and 19th floors of the Plaza, features incredible views of Central Park A private terrace on the 19th floor also gives one the chance to gaze at Manhattan's gorgeous skyline Perhaps one of the most distinctive rooms in the penthouse is the dome (pictured), which features a mural painted by Hillary Knight, the original illustrator of the Eloise books, that features the Hilfiger family The first floor makes heavy use of elegant black lacquered walls, including in this study The kitchen is done in a similar style, giving the penthouse a modern flair in a hotel known for its French-Renaissance style Also on the floor are three bedrooms, two with private bathrooms, and a sitting room. Apartment 1809 at One Central Park South comes with all the perks of a hotel - including valet parking, housecleaning and room service from celebrity chef Todd English's restaurant. Hilfiger has put the penthouse on the market a number of times - most recently for $58.95 million in February - for various prices without much luck. That may be partially due to the space's very personalized interior design, according to listing agent Oren Alexander, of Douglas Elliman Real Estate. 'It's not your cookie-cutter new condo,' Alexander told the Wall Street Journal. Hilfiger once told CNN that he wanted the space to reflect an earlier era of the Plaza in the 1960s, when author Truman Capote held his famous Black and White Ball for the upper crust of Manhattan. One of the bedrooms is done completely in black and white, giving it a crisp and contemporary feel And of course no master suite in the penthouse of a fashion designer would be complete without a walk-in closet The four bedrooms in the condo are incredibly distinct - with this one done up completely in a bright lavender The master bedroom suite, meanwhile, seems inspired by the clean white and gold accents expected from elite hotels And the suite's master bathroom is equally luxurious, complete with a tub and more windows overlooking Central Park The first floor makes heavy use of elegant black lacquered walls, coordinated with deep rich reds and even cheetah print. Hilfiger had reclaimed wood floors and vintage fireplaces from England installed in the unit, which is also decorated with antiqued mirrors. While some of the rooms are done in the crisp and elegant cream and gold colors one would expect to see inside a five-star hotel, others have much more personality. One of the bedrooms is done in a bright lavender, while the children's bedroom is decorated in a red and blue nautical theme that seems to be directly inspired by Hilfiger's own fashion lines. Hilfiger had reclaimed wood floors and vintage fireplaces from England installed in the unit, which is also decorated with antiqued mirrors This nautical-themed children's bedroom looks like it was ripped right out of one of Hilfiger's own catalogs If the dome's breakfast nook feels too intimate for the occasion, there is a full dining room right off to the side Hilfiger, 65, bought the two apartments that now make up the penthouse in 2008 for a total of $25.5 million Perhaps most distinctive is the dome which features a mural painted by Hillary Knight, the original illustrator of the Eloise books. Just like Hilfiger's family, Eloise lives in the room on the 'tippy-top floor' of the Plaza Hotel, as the classic goes. Knight incorporated both Eloise and members of the Hilfiger family into the mural. But Hilfiger's love for contemporary pop art also shone through the interior, which was decorated throughout with paintings by the likes of Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Richard Prince and graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Hilfiger said in the past he wanted to build 'a home' at the Plaza, but is now ready to say goodbye to the apartment for good as he and Ocleppo spend most of their time at the family's Greenwich, Connecticut estate. They also have a home in Miami and a hideaway villa in Mustique, a private island in the Caribbean. Huma Abedin wrote that she was going to send a secure phone by 'fedex' when Hillary Clinton and a senior aide discussed sending a secure cell phone to the secretary of state by FedEx or a personal courier - who worked for Anthony Weiner, according to emails released Thursday. The astonishing revelation is the latest from WikiLeaks and underlines just how much Weiner was trusted by Clinton. Weiner is now the target of an FBI investigation after sexting a 15-year-old - leading to the bombshell revelation that his estranged wife Huma Abedin is also being looked at because 650,000 of her emails were found on a laptop he handed over to agents. The exchange from 2010 begins with Clinton confidante Huma Abedin telling her boss that she would mail the secure phone from Washington before her husband, then-Congressman Anthony Weiner, takes her to the airport. Clinton asks if one of Weiner's assistants could make the delivery. Hillary Clinton (pictured in 2010) talked to Huma Abedin about Fedexing a secure cell phone to her while she was secretary of state - or asking a personal courier who worked for Anthony Weiner to do it Off the trail: Huma Abedin has not been at Clinton's side since the revelation that the FBI has found emails 'relevant' to the Clinton email probe on a computer they seized from Anthony Weiner 'OK I will (redacted) just fedex secure cell phone from dc. Anthony leaving office to bring me to airport now so hopefully will make it just in time,' Abedin writes in the afternoon of Aug. 2, 2010. 'Maybe one of Anthony's trusted staff could deliver secure phone?' Clinton responds four hours later. The email does not explain how Clinton had become separate from the phone. The State Department said either approach - a delivery company like Fedex, or a courier - would have been acceptable, if the telephone was rendered inoperable for the journey. The emails show the degree of trust Clinton had for Weiner before he was hit by scandal. Abedin is perhaps Clinton's closest aide and Bill Clinton officiated at her wedding to Weiner. Abedin recently separated from Weiner after the latest in a series of sexually explicit text messages surfaced from the one-time rising star of the Democratic Party. Clinton and Abedin wrote to each other using private email addresses outside the State Department's system, a practice that has roiled the Democratic nominee's campaign for the presidency. Clinton has apologized for using a private email account connected to a server in the basement of her New York home. The FBI announced last week it was examining emails found on a computer seized from Weiner during its unrelated investigation of his sexually explicit texts to a 15-year-old girl in North Carolina, which were first revealed by DailyMail.com. Weiner resigned his seat in Congress in 2011 after accidentally posting on Twitter a picture of himself in his underwear, which he intended as a private message to a woman who was not his wife. Longtime Clinton aide Abedin recently separated from Weiner after the latest in a series of sexually explicit text messages surfaced from the one-time rising star of the Democratic Party. Abedin is perhaps Clinton's closest aide Seen together: Weiner is seen campaigning for Clinton to become senator in October 2000 In 2013, the publication of further messages killed his campaign for New York mayor. It is unclear where Clinton was at the time of the emails. State Department schedules listed no public events for her between July 27 and Aug. 2, 2010. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said it was unclear how the phone might have been delivered, or if it was at all. He said officials wouldn't speculate. But Toner stressed that the options mentioned by Clinton and Abedin would have been appropriate, if the necessary safeguards were taken. 'In 2010, secure cell phones were available to State Department employees, and they could be configured in such a way as to render them suitable for transport. 'When configured in this manner, the device would be inoperable until paired with additional components,' Toner told The Associated Press. A secure cell phone would be shipped through a carrier that provides tracking, like FedEx, and an individual outside the State Department would be allowed to deliver the device. The use of secure cell phones is commonplace among State Department staff when traveling to countries with advanced cyberespionage capacities, such as China or Russia. This is what happens when you give Weiner a phone: The sexting obsessed pervert was undone by a series of scandals including sending a picture of himself in bed - with him and Abedin's son at their side - and then he was revealed to have sent this image to a 15=year-old When the FBI interviewed Abedin as part of its emails probe, she told investigators that Clinton's team 'would sometime use secure cell phones when they were traveling but they were not used on every trip.' 'Secure phones were only used when traveling in hostile operational environments,' Abedin said, according to the FBI's notes of the interview. 'The secure phones were maintained by Diplomatic Security (DS) and would be provided to the team.' The exchange over the secure phone was among 1,280 pages of emails that the department released Thursday. The department received the documents from the FBI and received a court order to release them under the Freedom of Information Act. The documents weren't among the 55,000 pages of emails Clinton provided to the department in 2014 and which have already been published online. Of those previously released, the department classified more than 2,000 emails, mostly at the 'confidential' and next-highest 'secret' levels. Twenty-two emails were withheld entirely from publication on grounds that they were 'top secret.' No new classifications were made Thursday. Many of the new documents are 'near duplicates' of those previously released, Toner said. FBI director James Comey announced last week the agency was examining emails found on a computer seized from Weiner What makes them stand out from other emails - especially the WikiLeaks disclosure from John Podesta's Gmail - is their mention of Weiner. In the Podesta files he barely features, except for a reference to a revelation that police became involved in 2011 when he and a 17-year-old girl communicated privately online. But Weiner was long a part of the Clinton circle thanks to, first, his status as a New York representative when Clinton was senator for the state, and then as Huma Abedin's husband. The email disclosed Thursday was sent the month after their wedding, which was conducted by Bill Clinton. It was reportedly Hillary Clinton who suggested that they go on a date. Abedin ended the marriage in August when yet another sexting scandal hit the by then disgraced ex-congressman and failed mayoral candidate - this time with him sending a picture of himself in bed, clearly aroused, with his son beside him. A month later Weiner as hit by the DailyMail.com revelations about his sexting a 15-year-old. He is now in rehab to try to deal with his cybersex addiction. The FBI investigation into that led to the discovery of emails 'relevant' to the closed probe into Clinton and her staff's handling of classified material on her Clintonemail.com server. When that bombshell was disclosed to Congress last Friday by FBI director James Comey, Abedin was on the campaign trail but has been off it since then. Clinton, who had once called her a surrogate daughter, called her 'one of my staffers' as she addressed the revelation. Oaks Day, otherwise known as 'Ladies Day', marks the end of Melbourne Cup week celebrations for the perfect position among an Advertisement While Oaks Day is traditionally known as 'Ladies Day' - there were plenty of men at Flemington cosying up to their female friends. The couples were out in full force packing on the PDA, with one pair leaning on a green wheelie bin to share a passionate kiss. Others decided the day was a little too much for them and decided to curl up on the grass in the Melbourne sunshine. Scroll down for video Where you bin all my life? A couple hold onto a trash can for support as they put on an amourous display A couple enjoyed a not-so-sneaky kiss as a friend snapped a picture for them (pictured) Popping the question: Paul Spry proposed to his girlfriend Caroline Legrigore in the Mumm Marquee at Oaks Day 2016 Another couple had a quiet moment away from the crowds at the end of the race day They seemed unconcerned about the grass stains that would likely end up on their stylish outfits One woman seemed to need a helping hand to get back on her feet (left) while another pair including a man with an impressive mullet were seen sitting and chatting (right) The long day at the races was too much for some as they curled up for a nap after many hours in the sun One man even decided that the end of the Melbourne Cup week celebrations was the perfect time to pop the question, getting down on one knee in the Mumm tent. Paul Spry declared his love to Caroline inside the Mumm Marquee, asking his girlfriend of eight months to become his wife. 'We've both previously been married before, and honestly it's something I said I would never do again,' Mr Spry, of Melbourne, told Daily Mail Australia. 'But I literally bumped into her one night, and I can honestly say we have not been separated for any more than 24 to 48 hours since that night.' Ms Spry, who is a father of two, said they both 'just knew' when they met each other. Spur of the moment: Mr Spry said he only decided that day to propose, but the couple had shopped for rings on a recent trip to Vietnam Taken by surprise: He said Caroline did not expect the proposal, and the reaction on her face was 'priceless' Special moment: The proposal delighted racegoers, who smiled as Mr Spry took his fiance's hand in his Public declaration of love: He got up on stage beside the pool to declare his love for Caroline, who he met eight months ago on a night out Another couple took the opportunity to cuddle up and wait for the crowds to leave the racecourse That's one way to make a getaway! A man gives his friend a piggy back as they make their way out of the racecourse He showed strength and endurance to keep her aloft was they headed for the exit The conscientious friend also had to balance his glasses on his face without the use of his hands The man exhibited a look of pain as the pair made it to the road but she still appeared to be having a great time Plenty of fashion was also on display at Flemington on Thursday, and with Melbourne basking in glorious 21 degree spring temperatures, women were not afraid to show plenty of skin while they enjoyed a cool drink and watched the horses go round. But some punters went a little two hard with two arrested for drunkenness and six evicted from the event, according the Victorian police. One woman in a flattering blue dress even enjoyed some fairy floss in place of a more traditional afternoon tea. The women who flocked to Oaks Day in Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse on Thursday were not afraid to show plenty of skin while they enjoyed a cool drink and watched the horses go round One woman in a flattering blue dress even enjoyed some fairy floss in place of a more traditional afternoon tea (pictured) One lady appeared to have spilled some liquid onto her dress over the course of the day She was seen looking in dismay at her likely brand-new frock and wondering how she would get the stain out Earlier she enjoyed a few beverages with a friend towards the end of the race day celebrations The pair appeared to have had a great afternoon and had even colour-matched their frocks They posed for a selfie with a long-haired man with a striking green tie, though it was not clear if they knew each other Another woman lost her footing in her high heels and took a tumble into some rose bushes. She was helped up by a policeman and two friends The woman seemed unharmed by her fall, save perhaps for her bruised pride The long day leading up to the feature 'Crown Oaks' race became too much for some women, who were paused to rest on the grass, grab a burger, or even get in a cheeky cigarette. A group of women grabbed a funny selfie with each other as they relished their down time, while some couples enjoyed a not-so-sneaky kiss. Another group of men practised their dance moves while some women sat to the side and took a minute to take off their heels and relax. Punters were seen running through the gates of the Melbourne racecourse on Thursday morning, vying for the perfect position for the day's activities. Two women took the time to lather each other in sunscreen to shield the warm sun while another placed a towel on her head, and her hat on top, to ward off the heat. Another woman with an elaborate back tattoo was seen reapplying her friend's make-up. Spirits appeared to be very high as spectators were seen chatting and pulling faces. This group came prepared and rolled out a picnic blanket for a bit of impromptu sunbaking These women also came prepared with a picnic blanket to recline on after the long race day Not long after the gates opened, last year's Melbourne Cup winner Michelle Payne won on horse Tavi Bay in the Red Rock Deli Plate race. The jockey wore a smile from ear to ear after her win as she gave a thumbs up to the spectators. Ms Payne did not ride Melbourne Cup winner Prince Of Penzance to victory for a second year after she revealed a disagreement with the prized horse's owners in August. A man stands triumphantly over the prone bodies of his friends, who pulled some interesting faces for the camera He was kind enough to draw attention to the plight of his friends by pointing down Despite their rather precarious position, one of the women made sure to keep her wine glass aloft to not waste any precious liquid Large brimmed hats and floral crowns also appeared to be a popular choice. Some fashions slipped back into the 1960s as some women were seen clasping onto elegant clutches. Two racegoers decked out their blue and pink dresses with newspaper clippings folded into bows. The women matched the unusual accessory with massive hats made up of folded newspapers, flowers and an extravagant amount of flowers. A great day out was had by all and this group looked like they had a lot of fun as they got up to leave One man had a bit of fun at his friend's expense as he tried to vault over his head but didn't quite make it As the day wore on, the sun and refreshments began to take their toll on racegoers who looked weary and in some cases a little disoriented. One woman appeared to have spilled some champagne down her dress and was snapped looking in dismay at her likely brand-new frock and wondering how she would get the stain out. A woman in a striking red dress lost her footing in her high heels and took a tumble into some rose bushes. These two ladies posed for a photo with a lucky policeman, who was happily made to wear their headgear The trio enlisted another policeman to take the snap with one of their phones Getting home looked to be a bit of a mission as hundreds flooded train platforms The carnage wasn't confined to the track as this security guard looked quite worried about something in the women's bathrooms Ladies touch up their makeup mid way through the race to keep looking their best through the whole day She was helped up by a policeman and two friends and seemed unharmed by her fall, save perhaps for her bruised pride. Many couples took the opportunity to get to share some affection including a couple who held onto a wheelie bin for support as they put on an amorous display. Others separated themselves from the crowd for some intimate moments and other cuddled up as the festivities wound down. The revelry was not confined to the young as people of all ages got in on the fun at the end of the day This older man danced with himself for several minutes, perhaps in celebration of picking a winning horse This group of men were in particularly high spirits as as they made their way out of the racecourse This man in the glasses pulled faces for the camera on his way out, obviously having had a great day at the races He did a little dance as he skipped out of the racecourse with his mates in a clashing suit The long day at the races was too much for some as they curled up for a nap after many hours in the sun, seemingly unconcerned about the grass stains that would likely end up on their stylish outfits. Some groups came prepared with picnic blankets to lie down on and enjoyed a spot of impromptu sunbaking. Others were a little worse for wear, with a man seen standing triumphantly over the prone bodies of his friends, who pulled some interesting faces for the camera. He was kind enough to draw attention to the plight of his friends by pointing down, but despite their rather precarious position, one of the women made sure to keep her wine glass aloft to not waste any precious liquid. A woman holds onto a wheelie bin she deals with one of her shoes which has fallen off Racegoers posed for a happy group snap late in the afternoon during the races This looked like it was going to be a cute photo of a racegoing couple... until their friend decided to photobomb This trio leaned on each other for support as they headed home form a long day at the races, one still holding a wine bottle The long wait for the main event became too much for some women, who were paused to rest on the grass, grab a burger, or even get in a cheeky cigarette (pictured) Two women are seen perching on a bench at the racecourse to take off their heels and relax (pictured) A group of women grabbed a funny selfie with each other as they relished their down time (pictured) Another man had a bit of fun at his friend's expense as he tried to vault over his head but didn't quite make it. The revelry was not confined to the young as people of all ages got in on the fun at the end of the day, and an older man danced with himself for several minutes, perhaps in celebration of picking a winning horse. The carnage wasn't confined to the track as this security guard looked quite worried about something in the women's bathrooms. A group of men and women practised their dance moves, kneeling on the ground and holding their arms over their faces (pictured) Spirits appeared to be very high as spectators were seen chatting and pulling faces (pictured) A man extends out his tongue as he wraps his arm around a group of friends posing among the crowd (pictured A woman poses in her long, beige dress with her arms in the air (pictured) Women slipped into comfortable but stylish dresses for the occasion, equipped with flower-shaped hats perched on their heads Two friends laugh as one throws her hands into the air while and the other holds onto her cool drink (pictured) Two women took the time to lather each other in sunscreen to shield the warm sun (left) while another placed a towel on her head, and her hat on top, to ward off the heat (right) Another woman with an elaborate back tattoo was seen reapplying her friend's make-up (pictured) Lacy frocks were the order of the day for some as they cooled down with a few cold beverages, while others were feeling weary as the day went on Sheer fabrics were a big hit among punters as they lapped up the weather (pictured) Women sipped on slurpees to cool down (left) as another woman took a moment to check her phone (right) When it came time to leave, one man gave his friend a piggy back as they make their way out of the racecourse, showing remarkable strength and endurance to keep her aloft. The man exhibited a look of pain as the pair made it to the road but she still appeared to be having a great time. Two ladies posed for a photo with a lucky policeman, who was happily made to wear their headgear, and enlisted another policeman to take the snap with one of their phones. Getting home looked to be a bit of a mission as hundreds flooded train platforms. It was an exciting day for all who attended and these three ladies were certainly pumped to be part of it These two friends both opted for black frocks with minimalist headwear while enjoying glasses of rose A couple of women also chose black frocks with matching wedges and looked to be enjoying themselves Many female punters wore flattering bright dresses for the Spring event (pictured) A woman holds her arms to her chest as her friend prepares her camera to take a photo (pictured) A day of festivities seems to have slowed this group of women down as they rest on a picnic blanket (pictured) This lady chose a striking magenta dress to stand out from the crowd A man wearing a white shirt and bright red tie jumps to high-five a sign (pictured) Punters take a break and sit on a mat on the grass while playing on their phones (pictured) The drinks were flowing thick and fast as punters polished off entire bottles of rose as they enjoyed the day out A well-dressed young man strikes a pose after working his way through a few drinks while his companion looks on The sunny day was a good opportunity to show off tattoos that have remained hidden through the colder months Advertisement The last residents of a sprawling migrant camp on the French side of the English Channel have been evacuated. Some 291 women and children transferred to family centres around France so the government can close the camp for good. The departure of the women and their children, who had been housed in a centre at the edge of the camp near the port city of Calais, completed a mass, state-run relocation of nearly 7,000 people in 11 days. Slide me Before and after: The camp was estimated to be home to more than 7,000 people earlier this year, but has not been dismantled The now-empty women's centre, set up by the state, was the anchor of the slum that mushroomed over 18 months as many thousands of migrants trying to get to Britain took refuge there. The camp, known as the Jungle because of its dire living conditions, was demolished last week. The women and children were bused to processing centres where they will be able to seek asylum in France or Britain, regional administration spokesman Steve Barbet said. The camp was demolished last week, and today the last 291 residents were relocated to family centres across France Back in August, thousands of people were living in the sprawling camp, which housed those hoping to move to Britain The sprawling refugee camp was home to more than 7,000 people fleeing fighting and poverty in the Middle East and Africa in the summer The camp's other residents, most of them men, were sent to similar centres last week - while 1,616 unaccompanied children who had been housed in heated containers were moved to special reception centres on Wednesday. Migrants fleeing fighting and poverty in the Middle East and Africa converged on Calais while trying to sneak into Britain by hiding out in freight trucks. 'A painful page of history has been turned, which we do not want to revive,' Calais Mayor Natacha Bouchart said. The mayor of Calais said people in the camp, as well as those in the surrounding area, have lived 'hell on Earth' The last people living in The Jungle camp have been moved to centres across France by authorities after the controversial landmark was razed to the ground Ms Bouchart had long pressed the French state to get rid of the camp, saying it was tarnishing the city's image, hurting its economy and fanning tensions among Calais residents. 'Never again. Never again, and I choose my words with care when I say this, because we all have lived hell on Earth, migrants as well as Calais inhabitants,' she said. With the huge relocation finally complete, a charity boss has warned that children moved to temporary accommodation are at serious risk of going missing before their asylum claims are processed. Bulldozers have been used to tear down the controversial camp, which was home to thousands of refugees close to the Port of Calais The last migrants living in the Jungle camp have moved out, in an operation which has seen nearly 7,000 people relocated in the space of 11 days Unaccompanied minors eligible for transfer to the UK could flee in frustration over a lack of information about how and when they will be able to apply for asylum, Save the Children said. The charity's government relations adviser Dorothy Sang said: 'We are really pleased that our children are out of danger and are now are in proper, safe accommodation. 'What we are concerned about now is they will still pose a flight risk. 'Efforts need to be concentrated on providing these children with enough information about what the process is and what will be happening to them next.' The site known as The Jungle stands empty now, having previously housed thousands of migrants Former chancellor George Osborne has earned almost 100,000 for three speeches involving less than five hours' work. New entries in Mr Osborne's parliamentary register of interests show he is expecting to receive 69,992 from the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association in Washington for speeches totalling one-and-a-half hours on September 27 and October 18. And he was also due to be paid 28,454.40 for a speech on October 17 to the Hoover Institution at California's Stanford University. Travel and accommodation expenses were also being covered by Mr Osborne's hosts. Former chancellor George Osborne earned almost 100,000 for three speeches involving less than five hours' work The total 98,446.40 for four-and-a-half hours of work declared equates to a rate of 21,877 an hour. And Mr Osborne is not the only politician to be paid lucrative sums for his time. This month, former deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg's parliamentary register of interests show he received more than 78,000 for three speeches. This includes 10,560 for delivering a 30-minute speech for King and Wood Mallesons law firm in London, 36,660 for addressing Barclays as part of their 'Referendum Speaker Series' and some 30,800 for delivering a speech and participating in a discussion forum for the MCI group in Amsterdam. Shortly after being sacked from the Government by Prime Minister Theresa May in July, Mr Osborne signed up with the Washington Speakers Bureau (WSB), which offers many big political names for after-dinner speeches. Also on the books of the bureau are former prime ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Sir John Major, as well as ex-US president George W Bush (pictured with Tony Blair in 2003) Mr Osborne signed up with the Washington Speakers Bureau (WSB), which offers many big political names for after-dinner speeches Also on the books of the bureau - which promises to 'connect you with the world's greatest minds' - are former prime ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Sir John Major, as well as ex-US president George W Bush. Mr Osborne is described on the WSB website as 'a principled leader who served as the chief financial minister in the British Government' who was responsible for a 'dramatic improvement' in the UK economy. A manhunt is underway for a man and a woman suspected of triple murder. Jereme Lee Nelson, 35, and Myrta Rangel, 31, went on the run after allegedly shooting dead three people at a house in Moundridge, Kansas, on Sunday. They have not been seen since and are thought to have last been in Oklahoma, according to police. They are wanted for the killings of Travis Street, 37, Angela Graevs and Richard Prouty, 52, all of whom were found shot dead outside Street and Graevs' home. A manhunt is underway for Myrta Rangel (left) and Jereme Nelson (right) who are accused of triple murder in Kansas The couple's 18-month-old baby was inside, unharmed, at the time. On Thursday, Harvey County Sheriff's Office appealed for information as Nelson and Rangel remained on the run. 'Nelson and Rangel are on the run and were last know to be somewhere in Oklahoma. 'Investigation continues as leads continue to come in,' Sheriff T. Walton said. Nelson is believed to be driving a Lincoln or Cadillac Escalade. Each are facing three counts of felony murder. Their bail is set at $1million. Authorities have not been able to find the pair since Sunday when a driver spotted a dead body outside the victims' homes and alerted police. Their deaths are said to have been drug related by David Yoder, the county's prosecuting attorney. Travis Street, 37, Angela Graevs (left) were shot dead outside the house alongside their friend Richard Prouty (right) The victims were found shot dead outside at the couple's home in rural Kansas (above) Residents claimed Nelson is a drug dealer and weren't surprised to learn of his connection to the deaths Neighbours described Nelson as a 'drug dealer' 'I was not surprised to hear his name come up, I guess because I knew what all he was involved with, and the amount of drugs that he was dealing,' one woman, who declined to be named, told KAKE.com. The couple killed lived at the property with their 18-month-old baby who was found inside crying after their deaths. The child is now in the care of relatives. They were reportedly due to be evicted before their deaths. Prouty was likely in the 'wrong place at the wrong time', Sheriff Walton said. 'We're going to solve this. It's a horrible crime, regardless of the history of what these people did. 'They don't deserve to be murdered like that,' he said. Prouty was bringing ice cream to the couple and their child when he died, he added. Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman discussed with a Democratic strategist how to 'stick the knife in' Bernie Sanders while the two contenders were duking it out in the primary season. John Podesta, whose personal emails were hacked and released publicly by the anti-privacy group WikiLeaks, exchanged messages with former Bill Clinton adviser Joel Johnson in late February, in an email thread titled: 'Friendly advice. No mercy.' 'Bernie needs to be ground to a pulp,' Johnson told him. 'We can't start believing our own primary bulls**t. This is no time to run the general. Crush him as hard as you can.' Podesta asked in reply: 'I agree with that in principle. Where would you stick the knife in?' John Podesta, the chairman of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, chatted over email with a Democratic strategist about where to 'stick the knife in' Bernie Sanders whom the contractor said should be 'ground to a pulp' While her team was plotting Sanders' destruction, Clinton was debating him with a smile and pretending to value his input into the Democratic Party's primary election process Johnson's prescription read like a road map for a scorched-earth campaign designed to turn Sanders into a man without a country. 'Obama betrayer (Wh will affirm),' he wrote, suggesting asking the White House to go on offense and paint Sanders as disloyal. 'Hapless legislator (Senators/members will affirm). 'False promiser (policy elites will affirm). 'Can't win (black people will affirm).' This email chain, released by the anti-privacy group WikiLeaks, shows Podesta and Johnson chatting about how to hamstring Bernie Sanders Two days later, Johnson chatted up Clinton's communications chief about whether the campaign was sufficiently prepared to 'swift boat' Donald Trump Johnsys on is a managing director of the Glover Park Group, a Washington, D.C. public relations firm. A former Glover Park employee told DailyMail.com on Thursday that Johnson 'was trying to drum up business' at the time. If he succeeded, his conduit back to Clintonworld would likely have ben Christia Reynolds, the presidential campaign's deputy communications director, who is a Glover Park alumna. Four days after chatting with Podesta about how to torch Sanders' challenge to Hillary Clinton, Johnson took another not-so-subtle stab at selling his services but this time to orchestrate a 'swift boat' plan to destroy Donald Trump. 'I know you can't look past Bernie and March primaries -- but who is in charge of the Trump swift boat project?' he asked Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri in an email. 'Needs to be ready, funded and unleashed when we decide -- but not a half assed scramble.' 'Gee. Thanks, Joel. We thought we could half-ass it. Let's discuss,' Palmieri responded a minute later, with what reads as sarcasm. Johnson appears to have included Podesta in his last reply as a 'blind carbon-copy,' without letting Palmieri know. 'Sorry. I've been behind too many curtains in my day...,' he wrote. 'Swift-boating' is political campaign slang for an all-out smear campign. It takes its name from a 2004 effort launched by the group 'Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.' A Pennsylvania man is behind bars after he allegedly beat his roommate to death as they argued over beer. Justin Vankirk, 34, has been charged with aggravated assault in the death of his roommate Charles Parker on Halloween night. Authorities said the charge will likely be upgraded to criminal homicide. Vankirk initially told investigators that his roommate was already dead when he supposedly found him at their Brentwood apartment on Tuesday. Justin Vankirk, 34, (left) allegedly killed his roommate Charles Parker (right) during an argument over beer on Halloween night Then officers found a picture of Parker's dead body on Vankirk's cell phone that had been taken at 4.49am. Vankirk told police that the fight began when Parker stole some of the beers he had bought, according to CBS Pittsburgh. The two began to argue in Parker's bedroom and then Vankirk hit his roommate several times in the face and head, police said. Parker was bleeding from his lips and mouth, so Vankirk dragged his body to the dining room 'because he did not want any blood to get on his carpet', he told officers. Vankirk admitted that he left Parker on the floor and went to bed, police said. He did not call 911 until the next afternoon, when he returned home around 4.30pm and realized Parker wasn't breathing. Vankirk, who posted a number of selfies posing with various types of beer, told police that the fight began when Parker stole some of the beers he had bought Parker was pronounced dead at the scene. He had suffered bruising and swelling, and had 'abnormalities about the back' of his head. Officers noted that Vankirk's knuckles were swollen and he had blood on one of his shorts. Vankirk also initially gave investigators 'various accounts' of how he found Parker and his 'timeline of events had varied as well'. When Vankirk was taken into custody he 'admitted that he got into a confrontation with the victim', according to authorities. He also told police he had tried to clean up Parker's blood with water, according to WPXI. Parker was pronounced dead at their Brentwood, Pennsylvania apartment (pictured). He had suffered bruising and swelling, and had 'abnormalities about the back' of his head Parker's alleged death at the hands of Vankirk has rattled their next-door neighbors, who said the men had been friends and roommates for years. 'When we first got the news, we were shocked,' Sarah Spreckic said. 'We thought maybe he fell.' 'This was the last thing we thought, just a complete surprise. They were really good neighbors. We liked [both of them] a lot.' Neighbor Igor Spreckic said both men were known to be heavy drinkers. 'So there was alcohol involved,' he said. 'In their spare time, alcohol was involved always.' The leader of ISIS - who yesterday denied the terror group was on the brink of losing control of Mosul - has himself fled, Boris Johnson has claimed. The Foreign Secretary told the House of Commons today that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's call for fanatics not to retreat when faced with Iraqi forces was 'cruelly ironic' because intelligence suggested he had left the city. In an audio recording released yesterday, al-Baghdadi said he was confident of victory in Mosul and urged followers to continue fighting. The leader of ISIS (pictured) said he is 'confident of victory' in a rallying message urging jihadis to fight 'enemies of God' as allied forces close in around them - and him. Stock image It is a cruel irony that some of the intelligence we have, you may know, suggests that the gentleman in question has actually vacated the scene himself and is nonetheless using internet media to encourage people to take part in violence Boris Johnson But Mr Johnson responded in the House of Commons: 'It is a cruel irony that some of the intelligence we have, you may know, suggests that the gentleman in question has actually vacated the scene himself and is nonetheless using internet media to encourage people to take part in violence.' And he pledged that ISIS would be repelled from the war-torn Iraqi city, which has been governed by ISIS since June 2014, telling MPs: 'The House can be sure that Daesh will be driven from Mosul, but this is the toughest task that Iraqs security forces have yet encountered, and success will take time.' Mr Johnson warned that ISIS extremists will be 'vindictive' as their defeat becomes inevitable. He said: 'The terrorists have threatened to inflict a scorched earth campaign once the loss of Mosul becomes inevitable. 'Already, they have set oil wells ablaze and destroyed a sulphur plant south of the city, releasing clouds of noxious gas. 'Daeshs vindictiveness in defeat may cause many of Mosuls people to flee.' Boris Johnson told the House of Commons that intelligence in Iraq suggest the ISIS leader is no longer in Mosul The Foreign Secretary paid tribute to British forces helping to liberate the city, telling the Commons: 'Even before the advance on Mosul, the coalition and local forces had broken Daeshs grip on about half of the territory it once controlled in Iraq and a quarter in Syria. Our armed forces have been crucial to this effort. 'The House will wish to join me in paying tribute to British servicemen and women who are working tirelessly to vanquish Daesh and keep our country safe.; He aid that there are currently 500 British soldiers in Iraq, where they are helping to train the country's armed forces. Across the Middle East, he said, nearly 1,350 British military personnel are 'supporting operations against Daesh'. Mr Johnson warned that ISIS extremists will be 'vindictive' as their defeat becomes inevitable, citing oil well fires releasing clouds of noxious gas Mr Johnson told MPs: 'The terrorists have threatened to inflict a scorched earth campaign once the loss of Mosul becomes inevitable' In his first statement since the major offensive began, al-Baghdadi yesterday implored jihadis to attack the 'enemies of God' in what is seen as an all or nothing battle to fanatics. He also urged suicide bombers all over the world to 'destroy the cities of the unbelievers' as ISIS's defeat in the spiritually significant city becomes ever more certain. 'Turn the nights of the unbelievers into days, to wreck havoc in their land and make their blood flow as rivers,' he said in the chilling audio release, the first since the major Iraqi offensive began. The leader said he was 'confident of victory' and called on his fighters to resist as Iraqi forces were poised to enter the city, declared a 'caliphate' when it was overrun by ISIS two years ago. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (pictured) is believed to still be inside the city, making the call to arms from inside the area, and his head would be considered a major bonus for Iraqi forces 'Do not retreat,' he says on the audio recording, adding: 'Holding your ground with honour is a thousand times easier than retreating in shame.' He added: 'This (..) total war and the great jihad that the state of Islamic is fighting today only increases our firm belief, God willing, and our conviction that all this is a prelude to victory.' In his latest message, which is undated but makes references to events that are at most a few weeks old, al-Baghdadi calls for attacks against Saudi Arabia - a favourite target of his - and Turkey. Ankara has troops stationed at a base just outside Mosul and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's escalating rhetoric has raised fears of a unilateral Turkish intervention in Iraq. Baghdadi also said that his followers who could not travel to Syria or Iraq should aim for Libya and urged all IS fighters to remain united in adversity. He attempted to stir up sectarian resentment by referring to religious flags and slogans of Shiite fighters among the Iraqi forces and by accusing the country's Sunni politicians of treason. Al-Baghdadi issued the audio message from his hideout, which is believed to be inside the city walls as he was unable to escape the former stronghold as enemy forces advanced. The US-led coalition estimates there are 3,000 to 5,000 IS fighters inside the city but the final outcome of the battle appears to be in little doubt. Tens of thousands of Iraqi forces, backed by the US-led coalition and its warplanes, launched a massive offensive on Mosul on October 17. ISIS thugs have resorted to using human shields as they attempt to defend Mosul and fanatics have been preventing the city's 1.5 million residents from escaping in recent weeks, according to Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis. They are being held there 'against their will' and coalition forces 'know they are being used as human shields,' Davis added. It comes as it was claimed that ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was holed up in the city along with his explosives expert Fawzi Ali Nouimeh. Iraqi special forces take part in an operation against Islamic State militants in Kokjali, west of Mosul Senior Kurdish official Hoshiyar Zebari said there were 'solid' intelligence reports saying Baghdadi was in the city. It was in Mosul's Great Mosque of al-Nuri that the terrorist declared the ISIS 'caliphate' in 2014. The head of Russia's General Staff Valery Gerasimov said today that that any ISIS militant trying to escape Mosul for Syria should be killed on the spot. It comes as British jets and drones hit ISIS targets as part of the push to drive the jihadist group out of their Iraqi stronghold. The RAF took part in strikes around the northern Iraqi city, hitting targets including a truck bomb and anti-tank gun in support of the ground offensive. An Iraqi soldier shakes hands with a boy as civilians take shelter inside a mosque in the village of Gogjali, a few hundred metres from Mosul The assault on Mosul has led to warnings of a humanitarian crisis as people flee the city, which has been under ISIS control since 2014. Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has described the effort to liberate Mosul as a 'big moment' in the war against ISIS and vowed that British forces would continue to play a major role as part of the coalition supporting the Iraqi and Kurdish forces on the ground. The Ministry of Defence released details of a series strikes carried out by the RAF on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday, a Reaper drone was in action south-east of the city, attacking targets including a mortar position, an armed truck and two ISIS heavy weapons teams - one equipped with an anti-tank gun. Iraqi soldiers pose with an Islamic State (IS) group flag as they hold a position in the village of Gogjali, a few hundred metres off Mosul's eastern edge A Typhoon flight to the south of Mosul used a Paveway IV guided bomb to destroy a large truck bomb before it could be used by IS, with video footage capturing the large explosion on impact. On Tuesday, a Reaper flying to the south-east of Mosul targeted two groups of ISIS fighters and an armed truck, while to the north-east of the city Typhoons destroyed targets including a string of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) laid out in a defensive belt. Coalition forces expect ISIS to have laid a series of booby traps in and around Mosul as part of their effort to hamper Iraqi advances. British jets and drones hit ISIS targets as part of the push to drive the jihadist group out of their Iraqi stronghold. Fire fighters try to extinguish the fire at oil wells, were set on fire by Daesh terrorists as they fled after Al Qayyarah town's cleansing from Daesh militants as the operation to retake Mosul 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. From the south the Iraqi army are just 24 miles away, with Kurdish fighters 19 miles to the east. Yet there is still a large amount of ground to cover before the city boundaries can be breached, with berms, bombs and burning oil trenches blocking the way. He said he had been playing Russian roulette before the murder and had been planning suicide He said he strangled her and threw her body down the shaft because he thought she'd molested his six-year-old daughter Lee and Corwin were married to other people and had been having an affair A former Marine has been found guilty of first-degree murder only days after shocking a California courtroom when confessed to killing his pregnant 19-year-old victim. A jury convicted Christopher Lee, 27, of murder on Thursday for killing Erin Corwin who disappeared in 2014 and was found seven weeks later at the bottom of an abandoned 140ft mine shaft in Joshua Tree National Park. Lee, who was found guilty on one felony count of first-degree murder, will be sentenced on November 29 and faces life in prison, The Desert Sun reported. Scroll down for video Murder: On Thursday ex-Marine Christopher Lee (pictured in 2014) was found guilty of murder for killing Erin Corwin in July 2014. The pair, who were both married, had been secret lovers Affair: Corwin (right) was married to another Marine, Jonathan (left). She was also pregnant - with, officials say, Lee's child Earlier this week, Lee took back his 'not guilty' plea and admitted in court to strangling Corwin, then throwing her head-first down the mine shaft. Lee was accused in 2014 of killing Corwin, wife of fellow marine Jonathan Corwin from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms. He denied the claim at the time, but said earlier this week he needs to own up. 'I'm no longer scared to tell the truth. People have to know what I did,' he told San Bernardino County Superior Court on Tuesday, according to The Desert Sun. After his outburst, deputy district attorney Sean Daugherty asked Lee whether he was the person who strangled and killed Corwin. The ex-Marine said 'Yes I am'. Lee, his wife and their daughter were neighbors with the Corwins at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms when Erin vanished in June 2014. Family man: Lee claims he 'snapped' and killed Corwin after she admitted to molesting his daughter (pictured, with him and wife Nicole). But prosecutors say he plotted her death Erin Cowin is seen left and Christopher Lee is seen right in a mugshot. In court Tuesday he admitted to her murder Her body was found in a mine shaft in a remote part of the desert near Joshua Tree National Park two months later. Suspicion quickly fell on Lee. He initially told police he was not responsible for her death, but it later emerged that he had been researching how to dispose of bodies online prior to her disappearance. Additionally, fired 22-caliber bullet casings and rebar found at the scene were matched to Lee by investigators. And two weeks before she disappeared, Corwin - who had been having an affair with Lee behind her husband's back - discovered that she was pregnant. Officials say that Lee was the father, and it was suggested that he had killed her because he was afraid his wife, Nicole, would take their six-year-old daughter, Liberty, away from him. However, in court on Monday, Lee calmly explained that he killed the 19-year-old not because of her pregnancy, but because he was caught up in a fit of rage. Murder: Lee (pictured in court in August) arranged to meet Corwin by a disused mine shaft. He garroted her with a cord tied to two pieces of rebar and threw her in head-first He claimed that they had met outside the mine for what Corwin believed would be a romantic evening and possibly a marriage proposal. But Lee had a different proposal on his mind, he said: suicide. Lee said he had been playing Russian roulette at the scene and had been entertaining thoughts of killing himself for a month because he was denied deployment. He also became enraged, he claimed, when Corwin admitted to molesting his daughter. He said that 'something clicked' when she said she wanted to be a part of his life because of Liberty, according to CBS Local 2. Lee claims he directly asked Corwin if she abused his child and she said 'Yes, but...' 'It set me off,' Lee said. 'I just felt so much hate.' Hate: Lee said he felt 'so much hate' for Corwin (left, with her husband). The DA admonished him for lying to investigators, saying Lee confessed in court because he 'wanted attention' He said he garroted her from behind with a cord tied to two pieces of rebar. 'I wasn't going to let anyone hurt my daughter again,' he said. 'I looked, I didn't see any rise and fall of her chest I didn't care,' After she dropped to the ground, he checked her for vital signs. When he was sure she was dead, the threw her down the shaft head-first. 'I made the decision to kill her,' Lee added. 'I was controlled by the anger. The hate I felt that day, it was something I never want to experience again.' Lee's attorney attempted to suggest that the killing was not premeditated. Lee faces a charge of first-degree murder with a sentencing enhancement for lying in wait. Daugherty then admonished Lee for lying to cops, and claimed that the ex-Marine had only waited this long because he 'wanted attention' by admitting the murder in front of a jury. The court ruled Hamzy can make three phone calls a week to his lawyer Hamzy has previously been caught twice with smuggled mobile phones But the commissioner's lawyer said no other inmate has such treatment The Brothers 4 Life boss does not want to pay for phone calls to his lawyer Notorious NSW inmate Bassam Hamzy told a court he is being treated unfairly in prison Notorious NSW inmate and Brothers 4 Life founder Bassam Hamzy says he is being treated unfairly as he is forced to pay $3 a call to his lawyers. In two separate cases, Bassam Hamzy, who is serving a sentence for murder at Goulburn SuperMax, told the NSW Supreme Court Corrective Services was targeting him by refusing him free access to his lawyers, saying that such actions were unlawful. 'I have been forced to represent myself,' Hamzy told the court via video link on Thursday. Hamzy said the cost of phone calls to his lawyer were too much for him to afford, and by not supplying other free means of communication he was being targeted. He said the calls were $3 each and he could not afford them unless the commissioner provided funds. 'That is not something any other inmate has,' James Emmett, the lawyer representing the commissioner, said. Hamzy could not access the free audio video link because he had not filed an appeal and his lawyers could not visit him because both had refused to undergo criminal background checks, Mr Emmett said. The Brothers 4 Life founder, who was linked to smuggling phones in the spines of books, said he doesn't want to pay $3 to phone his lawyers and is being made to represent himself Hamzy, was also caught attempting to flush a smuggled phone down the toilet, was unable to see his lawyers in person at the prison because they both refused to undergo criminal checks 'They do not believe that lawyers require criminal record checks,' Hamzy said. Justice Geoff Bellew said the matters raised issues that needed considered argument and could not be resolved straight away and were therefore adjourned until November 11. Justice Bellew ordered Hamzy be provided a laptop for researching his case and allowed to make three pre-arranged phone calls to his lawyer through the paid system per week. The claims by Hamzy come after he was caught with a smuggled mobile phone in the state's highest security jail twice in two weeks in September. Hamzy is being held at Goulburn prison, the state's highest security jail. He was granted a laptop to research his case A sniffer dog discovered the 3cm-long phone inside the spine of a thriller novel in the prison's library A sniffer dog discovered the 3cm-long phone inside the spine of a thriller novel in the library as well as a radio with modifications to its internal wiring - a suspected attempt to transform the device into a charger. During the second incident, Hamzy was caught trying to flush the phone down the toilet when corrective services officers raided his Goulburn's SuperMax prison cell. The median house price in Sydney is now more than $1million Sydney's housing affordability crisis has forced many Australians to give up the dream of owning a home, with the number of first-time buyers dropping by a staggering 40 per cent in five years. Young Australians are throwing in the towel on the home-ownership dream as wealthy investors prove to be too much competition and push prices sky-high. Just eight per cent of all New South Wales mortgages are issued to first-time buyers, which is down by 10 per cent from 2011, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data. First-time buyers now make up just 8 per cent of mortgages issued in New South Wales As the number of first-time buyers continues to fall, investment properties are booming. The Daily Telegraph said that investors accounted for 13 per cent of all property transactions last year in New South Wales, which has grown from 8 per cent in 2011. According to ABS data, in 2011 there were 29,590 mortgages issued to first time buyers. But last year that dropped by 40 per cent to 17,590. Earlier this year, the median house price in Sydney surged to more than $1million, according to Domain Groups House Price Report. With first-home buyers quickly losing the battle to investors, many are calling on the government to abolish or amend added expenses like stamp duty. Investors accounted for 13 per cent of all property transactions last year in New South Wales 'Whether its looking at types of taxation, renewing grants and exemptions or considering incentives to help people down size the government should keep everything on the table at the moment, opposition treasury spokesman Ryan Park told the Daily Telegraph. But New South Wales treasurer, Gladys Berejiklian, says the government is helping. 'NSW Government is continuing to support thousands of people in realising their dream of buying a home, with the number of first homeowner grants rising by almost 11 per cent over the last financial year,' she said. Many are calling on the government to abolish or amend added expenses like stamp duty Ms Berejiklian also said they're doing their best to reduce competition in the market by taxing foreign investors. 'We have also introduced the foreign investors surcharges on stamp duty and land tax - expected to raise more that $1 billion over the next four years,' the treasurer told the Daily Telegraph. Dr Stephen Frost is taking the Ministry of Defence to an employment tribunal as he claims he was unfairly dismissed A senior military medic admitted falsely accusing a doctor who blew the whistle on a suspected Army drugs racket of wrongly prescribing super-strength tablets to a wounded soldier. Major Carole Phillips told an employment tribunal that she had written a draft report to Dr Stephen Frost's bosses stating that he had dispensed methadone sulphate which was six times the intended dose. But the error occurred in July 2013, two weeks before the locum GP even started work at Weeton Barracks, Preston. He was dismissed two months later by text while on holiday after calling for a police investigation over irregularities in the ordering and dispensing of powerful drugs at the barracks. The tribunal has heard the patient denied receiving the stronger 60mg tablets, although the technician said they had been dispensed. An Army chief also told the tribunal today that he feared Dr Frost could pose a security risk after discovering he campaigned for a full inquest into the death of weapons expert Dr David Kelly. Dr Frost has accused the MoD of libelling him in emails, sent after his dismissal and forwarded to his primary care trust in North Wales, which mentioned his campaign to reopen the Dr Kelly case, his links to a left wing conspiracy theorist website and his love of Russia. Dr Frost, who worked for the MoD for nearly 20 years, says the 'real reason' for his sacking was that he was a whistleblower. The hearing was told that the incorrect statement blaming Dr Frost would have been corrected but the final version has not been found. Major Phillips told the Manchester tribunal that she had emailed the so-called issues paper about the locum GP to other senior officers. She accepted that the document contained the false claim about the prescription but said she did not know why I wrote it. John Hendy QC, representing Dr Frost, told her: You either wrote it because you thought it was true or you wrote it knowing it was untrue. She denied that the claim was meant to damage Dr Frost sullying his blemish-free reputation. An Army chief also told the tribunal today that he feared Dr Frost could pose a security risk after discovering he campaigned for a full inquest into the death of Dr David Kelly (pictured) Her boss, Colonel David Morgan-Jones, said that he would have noticed the false claim and would have made a hand-written correction and sent it back to be amended. But he agreed that there was no evidence that he had done so and there was no final draft which had been found. He also agreed that he had failed to mention it in his official witness statement to the tribunal. He said: I am not infallible. I make mistakes. Our department was closing down and a lot of the computer records would have been destroyed. There was no desire to hide or obfuscate. It would be a lot easier for me if we could find the document. I knew that sentence did not make sense because I knew it had been a dispensing error. Colonel Morgan-Jones ordered that Dr Frost should not work for the MOD until he had undergone a performance review by his agency Castlerock Recruitment Group (CRG). But he was sacked before one was held. The senior officer admitted deciding to dismiss Dr Frost without giving him the chance to answer the allegations. Dr Frost (pictured) claims he was sacked because he highlighted possible criminal activity within the MoD Colonel John Burgess, head of clinical operations for the Army, told the tribunal he was sent the emails described as maliciously libellous by Dr Frost - by Colonel Carson Black, the then regional healthcare director for the North. One of the emails said: Having read widely at the weekend, it's clear to me Dr Frost has an axe to grind and it surprises me that he has chosen to work in the MoD environment when his views are so strong. In a statement, Col Burgess said he was concerned by the information and said: He might even pose a security risk. He told the tribunal: I certainly formed an opinion that if Dr Frost wished to return to the MoD as a locum then, if that were to occur, it might raise extra issues. Col Burgess replied to one of Col Black's emails saying: You are amazing, thank you so much for doing this research. He said he may have forwarded the emails on to a colleague but did not send them to the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which was deciding whether to strike Dr Frost off its list of approved doctors The MoD has claimed Dr Frost was dismissed for failing in his duty of candour to inform the patient of the mistake. Two red states that once looked liked they could be snatched up by Hillary Clinton are now trending back Donald Trump's way while the two party hopefuls are practically tied in another. A new NBC News/Wall Street Journal/Marist poll shows Trump now beating Clinton in both Arizona and Texas, while the two have about equal support in Georgia, which has traditionally been a Republican-friendly state. This comes after two polls in New Hampshire, which has gone Democratic in recent cycles, show Clinton and Trump neck-and-neck and the race getting closer in the battleground state of Colorado as well. Scroll down for videos Donald Trump seems to have pulled Texas and Arizona back into his column, but he's going to have to fight Hillary Clinton for Georgia, new polls find Generally speaking, it looks like Trump has been making gains after Friday's blockbuster revelation that the FBI would again be looking into Clinton's emails. In Texas, which Trump had previously looked weak in, the Republican nominee is now leading the former secretary of state by 9 points. Trump now has 49 percent support in the Lone Star State, compared to 40 percent for Clinton. Additionally, Libertarian candidate is getting 6 percent and Green Party hopeful Jill Stein is polling at 2 percent. In Arizona, which the Democrats were hoping to pick off when Trump looked at his weakest, he's opened up a lead of 5 points, earning 45 percent to Clinton's 40 percent. However, Georgia is a traditionally red state that Clinton could pull into her column on election day, as Trump is just one point ahead. He's receiving 45 percent support to Clinton's 44 percent. It's Clinton's strong performance with African-Americans that is keeping her campaign alive in this Southern state. According to NBC's polling, black voters are 29 percent of the likely voting electorate in Georgia and they go Clinton's way 91-to-6 percent. Latinos are now helping Clinton in the same way in battleground state Arizona. There, they make up 21 percent of likely voters and are only boosting Clinton 66 percent to 26 percent, despite some of Trump's controversial statements about Hispanic immigrants. Gains: Trump made gains in Pennsylvania among white women - despite recent abuse allegations. And news that the FBI reopened Clinton's email investigation hasn't hurt her much In the much whiter state of New Hampshire, Clinton and Trump and neck and neck a series of two battleground polls show. A WBUR/MassINC poll showed Clinton with 39 points and Trump at 40 in a four-way match-up. Trump's slight edge is well within the poll's margin of error of 4.4 points. Still, the Republican has sliced into his rival's vote share: Clinton was three points ahead in the same survey some three weeks ago. The latest poll was conducted after the FBI's bombshell revelation last week that it was investigating a fresh trove of emails relating to Clinton's private email server. A Boston Globe/Suffolk survey also put the candidates at a tie of 42 points each, with only five days to go until Election Day. But an ARG poll showed a different picture, putting Trump ahead by five points, at 48 to 43. Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight blog calculates Clinton has a 64.5 percent chance of winning the state, which has voted blue in the three previous elections, and approximately the same probability of winning the election as a whole. The two presidential candidates are racing to lock down as many states as they can in the final days of the electoral race. Either needs 270 electoral college votes in order to win - of which New Hampshire has four. Forecasts vary as to how many votes Clinton and Trump will secure. The 270towin blog sees Clinton as winning 272 votes to Trump's 173. Battlegrounds like Florida, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania are being hotly contested. In Colorado, Clinton and Trump are tied at 39 points apiece, according to a University of Denver survey. And polls showed Wednesday that Clinton is holding her lead in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania - although Trump is closing the ground in the Keystone State. According to a Monmouth University survey, 48 percent of Pennsylvania residents say they'll send their votes to Clinton, while 44 percent are choosing Trump. Clinton had led by double digits in the summer. Perhaps surprisingly, only four percent of those polled said they were dissuaded by the news that Clinton's email server case has been reopened, Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, told CBS. 'It looks like this shift was in the works even before Friday's FBI bombshell, which has made only a small contribution to this overall narrowing,' he said. Instead, Trump has been making gains in white women voters, despite a seemingly endless stream of accusations of sexual abuse or harassment. His approval ratings have also increased over the past month, while Clinton's have dropped. Trump's gains have largely been made in the Western side of the state, where he has a 16-point lead. But Clinton has locked down the bellwether areas of the state - Philadelphia and its suburbs - where she polls 62 percent to Trump's 29. And she leads dramatically with non-white voters, pulling 83 percent of the vote, while Trump trails with a measly 9 percent. The poll took in the opinions of 403 state residents between last Thursday and Tuesday. Its margin of error is 4.9 percent. Trailing: Trump is trailing in two areas: Non-white Penn voters, where he has 9 percent and Clinton 83 percent, and early Wisconsin voters, where he has 25 percent and Clinton 64 Another poll in the same period, conducted by CNN and ORC International, also shows Clinton leading by 4 percent, and has a 3 percent margin of error. Voters give Trump the nod on economic issues, but say Clinton would be a better choice on matters of foreign policy, health care, trade and terrorism. Perhaps surprisingly, both Clinton and Trump were ranked equally on immigration by the voters. The gap between two candidates is wider in Wisconsin, where Trump trails six points behind Clinton's 46 percent. That poll, by Marquette Law School, also says that Clinton took the lead in early voters by some distance, taking home 64 percent compared to Trump's 25. More than 518,000 early ballots have been cast - a figure that would have comprised 16.9 percent of 2012's turnout. That poll began on Wednesday October 26 and ended Monday. That means the reveal of Clinton's FBI troubles came right in the middle - but didn't appear to bother Wisconsin voters. The Marquette poll took in the opinions of 1,401 voters and has a margin of error of 3.3 percent. A question given to six-year-old children has left thousands of parents scratching their heads. Assigned as a part of the maths homework to first-grade pupils in a primary school in Jiangsu Province, eastern China, the question involves five animals: a cat, a chicken, a pig, a rabbit and a cow. It asks the pupil to choose one animal which is deemed different from the rest. First-grade pupils in China were asked to choose a 'different' animal from the five animals One parent took a picture of the homework and posted it to QQ, a Chinese chatting platform, reported the People's Daily Online. The post has been quickly shared by web users since then, with thousands of parents debating over the correct answer. Many people said on Chinese social media that the answer should be the cat because 'all the other animals are livestock and could be eaten'. Others argued that the answer should be the chicken as it was the only animal that didn't have four legs. One such post on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, attracted nearly 3,000 comments since it went up yesterday. One Weibo user 'mo deng xian asx' answered: 'It should be the chicken. Chickens don't have ears.' Another user 'YBD' argued: 'It should be the pig because it's not halal food.' A third user 'mo wei xi xia' said: 'It's the cat because it's not a part of China's 12 animal signs.' The question given to six-year-olds have left thousands of parents in China baffled (file photo) A primary school maths teacher in Jiangsu Province, where the question originated, told a reporter from Pengcheng Evening News that the correct answer should be the chicken. The teacher, surnamed Zhao, said: 'A chicken has two legs, all the other animals have four.' Zhao also said a lot of parents tended to complicate simple questions given to small children. The teacher said: 'Children's logic is different from adults'. Math questions given to first-grade pupils will reflect their logic.' When presented the question, Lu Ting, a mother from Shanghai, told MailOnline that she thought the answer should be chicken 'because it doesn't have teeth'. A Chinese maths teacher said the answer was the chicken because it had two legs (file photo) Lu, whose daughter is in the second-grade, said the maths questions given to her child were not easy. She said: 'I can't understand many of them, but magically my daughter knows how to answer. ' A maths teacher in Shanghai, who called herself Amy, told MailOnline: 'If we look at the question from the number of legs the animal has, then the answer should be the chicken. 'If we are talking about Chinese animal signs, then it's indeed the cat.' It is set to be an incredible astronomical show - and one which won't appear again until 2034. On November 14th, the Moon will be the closest to Earth it's been since January 1948. During the event, it will appear up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than an average full moon. Scroll down for video On November 14th, the Moon will be the closest to Earth it's been since January 1948. During the event, it will appear up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than an average full moon. WHAT IS A SUPERMOON? Since the moon's orbit is elliptical, one side (perigee) is about 30,000 miles closer to Earth than the other (apogee). The word syzygy, in addition to being useful in word games, is the scientific name for when the Earth, sun, and moon line up as the moon orbits Earth. When perigee-syzygy of the Earth-moon-sun system occurs and the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun, we get a perigee moon or more commonly, a supermoon! Advertisement Miss it, and you're in for a long wait - it is the closest the Moon will get to Earth until 25 November 2034. In fact, it is the third supermoon of the year - and the most impressive. On October 16 and December 14, the moon becomes full on the same day as perigee. However, on November 14, it becomes full within about two hours of perigeearguably making it an extra-super moon. It is not only the closest full moon of 2016 but also the closest full moon to date in the 21st century. It will happen in the morning hours before sunrise in western North America and the Pacific islands to the east of the International Date Line). The best time to view a super moon is when the moon is low on the horizon where 'an illusion will occur that makes it look unnaturally larger,' according to AccuWeather. However, the moon will look plenty full and bright all night long on both nights, astronomers say November 13 and 14 as it rises in the east around sunset, climbs highest up around midnight, and then sets in the west at or near sunset. The moon will reach the crest of its full phase on November 14 at 1352 UTC. That translates to 9:52 a.m. AST, 8:52 a.m. EST, 7:52 a.m. CST, 6:52 a.m. MST, 5:52 a.m. PST. The supermoon of December 14 will beremarkable for a different reason: it's going to wipe out the view of the Geminid meteor shower, Nasa said.. Day and night sides of Earth at the instant of the November 2016 full moon (2016 November 14 at 1352 UTC) via EarthView. At this time, itll be sunrise on November 14 in western North America. In eastern North America, the moon will have set before the moon turns exactly full, and itll be a waning moon that rises on the evening of November 14. 'Bright moonlight will reduce the visibility of faint meteors five to ten fold, transforming the usually fantastic Geminids into an astronomical footnote,' it claims. Sky watchers will be lucky to see a dozen Geminids per hour when the shower peaks. 'A supermoon is undeniably beautiful,' said Nasa. 'And we can multiply that beauty by three as 2016 comes to a close. October 16, November 14, and December 14: mark your calendar and enjoy the super moonlight. Earlier this year a Hunter's moon and a supermoon combined. The combination produced a red moon which appears larger than normal, and should be visible in the northern hemisphere this weekend. When the atmosphere is thicker, it lets red light pass through, which means that when the moon is near the horizon, it appears red A Hunter's moon, which is also a blood moon, rises much earlier in the evening than usual. It is the first full moon after the Harvest moon. Typically, the moon rises 50 minutes later each day, according to Universe Today. The supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest distance to Earth during its orbit making it appear larger than normal But a blood moon tends to rise only 30 minutes later shortening the time between sunset and moon rise. The red colour is caused by the moon's proximity to the horizon. An article in EarthSky, stated: 'The orange colour of a moon near the horizon is a true physical effect. 'It stems from the fact that - when you look toward the horizon - you are looking through a greater thickness of Earth's atmosphere than when you gaze up and overhead.' Blue light is scattered by the atmosphere, which usually makes the moon appear white in the sky. But when the atmosphere is thicker, it lets red light pass through, which means that when the moon is near the horizon, it appears red. As well as appearing red, the moon is also predicted to look bigger than usual this weekend due to a supermoon. A red blood moon is pictured floating above a sculpture of the Vigeland installation at Frogner Park in Oslo, Norway The Earth's shadow is cast over the moon during a blood moon, as seen from beneath the Sunsphere in Knoxville, Tennessee A supermoon squeezes between the City Centre Towers as it sets in Fort Worth, Texas in June 2013 BLOOD MOON TRICKS In February 1504, explorer Christopher Columbus used a blood moon to trick Jamaican natives who had been feeding him and his men, but cut them off when relations turned sour. Columbus knew a blood moon had been forecast, and warned the natives that his god would send an angry 'sign' at their treatment of the newcomers. Legend has it the natives came running with food as soon as the Moon turned red. Advertisement The supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest distance to Earth during its orbit making it appear larger than normal. People in the Northern Hemisphere can catch a glimpse of this rare blood and supermoon this weekend. But there is good news for those in the Southern Hemisphere a blood supermoon should appear between March and September. The best time to watch the blood supermoon depends on your location. For the UK, the moon turns full at 5:23am BST on October 16, at which time the oon shines in their western sky. Here a blood moon is seen behind a ferris wheel in Tokyo in the Roppongi fashion and entertainment district where enthusiasts performed yoga exercises A blood moon is pictured behind the CN Tower in Toronto in October 2014 A runner makes his way along a trail in front of the 'supermoon' at Papago Park in Phoenix, Arizona in 2012 Last month, a team of researchers announced a bizarre plan to set up the first ever 'space nation' dubbed Asgardia. But conspiracy theorists claim that Asgardia is really a plot by the Illuminati - a secret society claimed to control the world - to 'escape the havoc they have caused.' They claim that the Eye of Horus logo used by the Asgardia project shows that it is linked to the secret society. Scroll down for video Last month, a team of researchers announced a bizarre plan to set up the first ever 'space nation' dubbed Asgardia. But conspiracy theorists claim that Asgardia is really a plot by the Illuminati - a secret society claimed to control the world. Artist's impression pictured In October, a team led by Dr Igor Ashurbeyli, founder of the Aerospace International Research Centre, unveiled the plans for the first nation in space. People eager to get involved can still sign up to become a citizen on the Asgardia project website. But conspiracy theorists claim that the Eye of Horus symbol used by the group, is linked to Freemasons and the Illuminati. The Illuminati is claimed to be a secret society that is either in control of the world or is seeking to take control of the world. In a video posted on YouTube, DAHBOO777, an internet conspiracy theorist, said: 'You've got to see the Illuminati symbolism hiding in plain sight right in your face.' Conspiracy theorists claim that the Eye of Horus symbol (shown in white) used by the group, is linked to Freemasons and the Illuminati To conspiracy theorists, the all-seeing eye represents the Eye of Lucifer. The Eye can see all and oversees its minions which are represented by the individual bricks of the pyramid (left) And viewers of the video seem to agree with him. Teresa Elliot commented: 'Of course they will use it for mind control and evil purposes,' while Mike Callies said: 'The elites plan on escaping God's wrath. Or plan on escaping the havoc they will cause.' To conspiracy theorists, the all-seeing eye represents the Eye of Lucifer, which can see all and oversees its minions which are represented by the individual bricks of the pyramid. The Asgardia project is creating a new framework for ownership and nationhood in space, by creating a completely new nation, according to the project leaders. ASGARDIA: THE FIRST SPACE NATION Asgardia is the first 'space nation'. The name comes from the city of the skies ruled by Odin from Valhalla in Norse mythology. It is described as 'a fully-fledged and independent nation, and a future member of the United Nations'. The Asgardia Project Team is made up of experts from around the globe. The project team is being led by Dr Igor Ashurbeyli, a Russian scientist and founder of the Aerospace International Research Center (AIRC) in Vienna. Last month, he became chairman of UNESCO's 'Science of Space' committee. By creating a new space nation, the experts behind the project hope to be able to develop future space technology free from the restrictions of state control. The first Asgardia satellite is planned to be launched in autumn 2017. One of Asgardia's first projects will be the creation of a protective shield to protect humankind from space debris, including asteroids. The project will involve members of the public by running competitions to help design the nation's flag and insignia. Asgardia's website will allow the first 100,000 people to register to become citizens of the new space nation. Advertisement One of the early developments planned by the team will be the creation of a state-of-the-art protective shield for all humankind. This will protect the world from cosmic threats, both man-made and natural, to life on earth. This includes space debris, solar flares and asteroid collisions, the researchers say. There are estimated to be more than 20,000 traceable objects of man-made space junk, including old spacecraft, upper-stage rockets and final stage vehicles in near-Earth orbits. People can sign up to become a citizen on the Asgardia project website . Asgardia's website will allow the first 100,000 people to register to become citizens of the new space nation Natural objects in space also pose a threat to life on the planet. For example. the impact of the Chelyabinsk meteorite which crashed over a major Russian town in 2013, injuring 1,100 people and damaging 4,000 buildings. 'The project's concept comprises three parts philosophical, legal and scientific/technological,' said Dr Igor Ashurbeyli. 'Asgardia is a fully-fledged and independent nation, and a future member of the United Nations - with all the attributes this status entails.' 'The essence of Asgardia is Peace in Space, and the prevention of Earth's conflicts being transferred into space,' Dr Ashurbeyli said. The launch of the first Asgardia satellite is planned for 2017, and the scientists hope the project will develop from there. When it is launched, the satellite will enter a low-earth orbit. The name comes from the city of the skies ruled by Odin from Valhalla in Norse mythology. Asgard is also the name of a fictional realm and its capital city within the Marvel Comics universe The Norse city of Asgard, from the film Thor is pictured. 'As low-earth orbit becomes more accessible, what's often called the 'democratisation'of space, a pathway is opening up to new ideas and approaches from a rich diversity of participants,' said Professor David Alexander, Director of the Rice Space Institute at Rice University, Houston, Texas. The team is led by Dr Igor Ashurbeyli, pictured, founder of the Aerospace International Research Center 'The mission of Asgardia to create opportunities for broader access to space, enabling non-traditional space nations to realise their scientific aspirations is exciting.' The researchers hope by creating this 'space nation', they will start a new framework for ownership and nationhood in space. 'An appropriate and unique global space legal regime is indispensable for governing outer space in order to ensure it is explored on a sustainable basis for exclusively peaceful purposes and to the benefit of all humanity, including future generations living on planet earth and in outer space,' said Professor Ram Jakhu, Director, Institute of Air and Space Law at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. When it is launched into space it will be able to peer back 3.5 billion years It is set to go through a series of tests to make sure it can cope in space The primary mirror, the telescope's main component, is now complete The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the largest space telescope ever built. When it is launched into space it will be able to peer back in time 3.5 billion years, teaching us more than ever before about the start of the universe. Now it stands, completed and almost ready to go to space, in an enormous clean room at Nasa's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. Scroll down for video The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the largest space telescope ever constructed. When it is launched into space it will be able to peer back in time 3.5 billion years, teaching us more than ever before about the start of the universe JAMES WEBB TELESCOPE The James Webb telescope has been described as a 'time machine' that could help unravel the secrets of our universe. The telescope will be used to look back to the first galaxies born in the early universe more than 13.5 billion years ago, and observe the sources of stars, exoplanets, and even the moons and planets of our solar system. When it is launched in 2018, it will be the world's biggest and most powerful telescope, capable of peering back 200 million years after the Big Bang. Advertisement The telescope is be 100 times more potent than its predecessor, Hubble, and three times larger. For this reason, it has been nicknamed 'Super Hubble'. The telescope is set to go through a series of tests to make sure it can stand up to the conditions during lift off and the frigid conditions of space, ahead of its launch in 2018. 'Thousands of people, for almost two decades, accomplished the construction of the telescope element of the largest space telescope ever created,' said a new video, on Nasa Goddard's YouTube channel. 'The optical and science segment of the James Webb Space Telescope stands complete in one of the largest cleanrooms in the world, located at Nasa's Goddard Space Flight Center.' The tests will including shaking and noise tests to simulate launch conditions, and cryogenic tests to simulate the cold in space. The main component of the telescope is the primary mirror, which consists of 18 hexagonal mirrors and looks like a giant puzzle piece. The massive golden mirror is made up of 18 components which will work together as one structure. Each coffee table-sized mirror segment is made from beryllium and weighs roughly 46 pounds. The parts are each coated with a fine film of vaporized gold to optimise the reflection of infrared light. Combined with the rest of the observatory, the mirrors will help piece together puzzles scientists have been trying to solve throughout the cosmos. The main component of the telescope is the primary mirror (pictured), which consists of 18 hexagonal mirrors and looks like a giant puzzle piece. Combined with the rest of the observatory, the mirrors will help piece together puzzles scientists have been trying to solve The massive golden mirror is made up of 18 hexagonal components which will work together as one structure. Each coffee table-sized mirror segment is made from beryllium and weighs roughly 46 pounds Unlike the Hubble Space Telescope, which circles the Earth, the JWST will go even further, to a place called L2, for LaGrange Point, 930,000 miles (1.5 million km) away in space Building the telescope has taken Nasa two decades, and launch is expected in 2018. Nasa describes the James Webb Space Telescope as a 'time machine' that will peer back over 13.5 billion years, to 200 million years after the Big Bang. 'The Webb telescope segment now stands complete,' the video says. 'After launch-phase environment testing at Goddard this segment will endure more cryogenic testing at the Nasa Johnson Space Center. 'Later the telescope will travel to Northrop Grumman in Los Angeles to be mated to its sunshield and spacecraft bus, thus completing the observatory's assembly.' Yesterday, Nasa engineers took a 'before' measurement of the telescope ready for its testing. Taking a 'before' optical measurement of the telescope's deployed mirror is crucial before the telescope goes into several stages of rigorous mechanical testing. Yesterday, Nasa engineers took a 'before' measurement of the telescope ready for its testing. Taking a 'before' optical measurement of the telescope's deployed mirror is crucial before the telescope goes into several stages of rigorous mechanical testing Nasa describes the telescope as a 'powerful time machine with infrared vision that will peer back over 13.5 billion years to see the first stars and galaxies forming out of the darkness of the early universe' WE COULD FIND ALIEN LIFE IN THE NEXT 10-20 YEARS There at least 200 billion Earth-like planets in our galaxy and now Nasa officials claim we could be on the verge of finding life on one of them. During a talk in Washington earlier this year, the space agency announced that humanity is likely to encounter extra-terrestrials within a decade. 'I believe we are going to have strong indications of life beyond Earth in the next decade and definitive evidence in the next 10 to 20 years,' Ellen Stofan, chief scientist for Nasa, said. 'We know where to look, we know how to look, and in most cases we have the technology.' Jeffery Newmark, interim director of heliophysics at the agency, added: 'It's definitely not an if, it's a when.' 'We are not talking about little green men,' said Stofan. 'We are talking about little microbes.' The announcement has been prompted by the recent discovery of water by Nasa in surprising places. Jim Green, director of planetary science at Nasa, noted that a recent study of the Martian atmosphere found 50 per cent of the planet's northern hemisphere once had oceans a mile deep. Advertisement The tests will simulate the violent sound and vibration environments the telescope will experience inside its rocket on its way out into space. This environment is one of the most stressful structurally and could alter the shape and alignment of Webb's primary mirror, which could degrade or, in the worst case, ruin its performance. 'This is the only test of the entire mirror where we can use the same equipment during a before and after test,' said Ritva Keski-Kuha, the test lead and Nasa's Deputy Telescope Manager for Webb at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. 'This test will show if there are any changes or damages to the optical system.' Webb's primary mirror will collect light for the observatory in the scientific quest to better understand our solar system and beyond. Using these mirrors and Webb's infrared vision scientists will peer back over 13.5 billion years to see the first stars and galaxies forming out of the darkness of the early universe. Unprecedented infrared sensitivity will help astronomers to compare the faintest, earliest galaxies to today's grand spirals and ellipticals, helping us to understand how galaxies assemble over billions of years. It might not be something you think about every day, but you should be grateful for the Earths magnetic field. It protects you from harmful radiation, charged particles and meteorites and causes the spectacular Northern Lights. But a new study has indicated there was a temporary 'crack' in the magnetic field, that allowed dangerous galactic cosmic ray particles into our atmosphere. Scroll down for video A new study has indicated there was a temporary 'crack' in the magnetic field, that allowed dangerous galactic cosmic ray particles into our atmosphere. This was caused by the process of magnetic reconnection, which is visualised above The crack indicates that Earth's magnetic shield is weakening. MAGNETIC RECONNECTION Magnetic reconnection occurs wherever charged gases, called plasma, are present. It's rare on Earth, but plasma makes up 99 per cent of the visible universe, fueling stars and filling the near-vacuum of space. This plasma contains magnetic fields that affects the way charged particles it encounters move. Under normal conditions, the magnetic field lines inside plasmas don't break or merge with other field lines. But sometimes, as field lines get close to each other, the entire pattern changes and everything realign into a new configuration. As they come together, the field lines will cancel and re-form, each performing a sort of U-turn and curving to move off in a perpendicular direction. Magnetic reconnection taps into the stored energy of the magnetic field, converting it into heat and kinetic energy that sends particles streaming out along the field lines. The amount of energy released can be formidable. Advertisement If this continues, it could cause widespread havoc on Earth including power black outs and exposure to harmful UV radiation The GRAPES-3 muon telescope, at TIFR's Cosmic Ray Laboratory in Ooty, in India, recorded a burst of galactic cosmic rays of about 20 GeV, on 22 June 2015, lasting for two hours. 'The simultaneous occurrence of the burst in all nine directions suggests its origin close to Earth,' the authors wrote in the study, published in Physical Review Letters. 'It also indicates a transient weakening of Earths magnetic shield, and may hold clues for a better understanding of future superstorms that could cripple modern technological infrastructure on Earth, and endanger the lives of the astronauts in space.' Numerical simulations indicate the Earth's magnetic shield temporarily cracked due to the occurrence of magnetic reconnection. Magnetic reconnection can occur anywhere there are powerful magnetic fields, such as in the sun's magnetic environment. As field lines get close to each other, the entire pattern changes and everything realign into a new configuration. This allowed the lower energy galactic cosmic ray particles to enter our atmosphere. The burst occurred when a giant cloud of plasma ejected from the solar corona, struck our planet at a speed of about 1.55 million miles (2.5 million kilometres) per hour. This caused a severe compression of Earth's magnetosphere - the region around the planet which holds the magnetic field - from 11 to 4 times the radius of Earth. Earth's magnetosphere extends over a radius of a million kilometres, which acts as the first line of defence, shielding us from the continuous flow of solar and galactic cosmic rays and protecting life on our planet from these high intensity energetic radiation. The magnetic field bent these particles about 180 degree, where they were detected as a burst by the GRAPES-3 muon telescope around mid-night on 22 June 2015. The GRAPES-3 muon telescope, pictured, is the largest and most sensitive cosmic ray monitor. In June last year it recorded a burst of galactic cosmic rays that indicated a crack in the Earth's magnetic shield Solar flares (pictured) and coronal mass ejections explode in the sun's atmosphere, the corona, sending light and high energy particles out into space, along with a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind. Solar wind is a plasma Views of the solar wind from NASA's STEREO spacecraft (left) and after computer processing (right). Scientists used an algorithm to dim the appearance of bright stars and dust in images of the faint solar wind There is a solar storm facing Earth at the moment, The severe geomagnetic storm has generated stunning displays of Northern Lights, like this one pictured on Skye, in Scotland, and radio signal blackouts in many high latitude countries HOW THE SOLAR WIND IS FORMED The sun and its atmosphere are made of plasma a mix of positively and negatively charged particles which have separated at extremely high temperatures, that both carries and travels along magnetic field lines. Material from the corona streams out into space, filling the solar system with the solar wind. But scientists found that as the plasma travels further away from the sun, things change. The sun begins to lose magnetic control, forming the boundary that defines the outer corona the very edge of the sun. The breakup of the rays is similar to the way water shoots out from a squirt gun. First, the water is a smooth and unified stream, but it eventually breaks up into droplets, then smaller drops and eventually a fine, misty spray. The images in a Nasa study capture the plasma at the same stage where a stream of water gradually disintegrates into droplets. If charged particles from solar winds hit Earth's magnectic field, this can cause problems for satellite and communication equipment. Advertisement The data was analysed and interpreted through extensive simulation over several weeks by using the 1280-core computing farm that was built in-house by the GRAPES-3 team of physicists and engineers at the Cosmic Ray Laboratory in Ooty. Solar storms can cause major disruption to human civilization by crippling large electrical power grids, global positioning systems (GPS), satellite operations and communications. There is a solar storm facing Earth at the moment. The severe geomagnetic storm has generated stunning displays of Northern Lights, and radio signal blackouts in many high latitude countries. Geomagnetic storms are more disruptive now than in the past because of our greater dependence on technical systems that can be affected by electric currents. The Earth's magnetic field, so important to life on the planet, has weakened by 15 per cent over the last 200 years and this, scientists claim, could be a sign that the Earths poles are about to flip. Experts believe we are currently overdue a flip, but they are unsure when this could occur. If a switch happens, we would be exposed to solar winds capable of punching holes into the ozone layer. The impact could be devastating for mankind, knocking out power grids, radically changing Earths climate and driving up rates of cancer. This is serious business, Richard Holme, Professor of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences at Liverpool University told MailOnline. Imagine for a moment your electrical power supply was knocked out for a few months very little works without electricity these days. Advertisement Nasa is planning an ambitious mission that will see a robotic spaceship visit an asteroid to create an orbiting base for astronauts. The robot shipwill pluck a large boulder off the space rock and sling it aroundthe moon, becoming a destination to prepare for futurehuman missions to Mars. Nasa also plans to study the asteroid and test deflection techniques that one day may be necessary to save Earth from a potentially catastrophic collision. Now the space agency has created a mock-up of its robot arm and tested it using a mock asteroid boulder. Scroll down for video The robot ship will pluck a large boulder off an asteroid and sling it around the moon, becoming a destination to prepare for future human missions to Mars. Now the space agency has created a mock-up of its robot arm and tested it with a mock asteroid boulder (pictured) NASA'S ASTEROID REDIRECT MISSION Nasa is planning ambitious mission that will see a robotic spaceship visit an asteroid to create an orbiting base for astronauts. The robot shipwill pluck a large boulder off the space rock and sling it aroundthe moon, becoming a destination to prepare for futurehuman missions to Mars. Nasa plans to study the asteroid for about a year and test deflection techniques that one day may be necessary to save Earth from a potentially catastrophic collision. Advertisement At the space agency's Robotic Operations Center in the Goddard Space Flight Center, Maryland, the mock-up helps engineers understand the intricate operations required to collect a multi-ton boulder from an asteroid's surface. The hardware involved here includes three space frame legs with foot pads, two seven degrees of freedom arms that have with microspine gripper 'hands' to grasp onto the boulder. The so-called Asteroid Redirect Mission is estimated to costabout $1.4 billion (1.12 billion) not including launch costs and is targetedfor lift-off in December 2021. Following a key program review, Nasa approved the Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) in August, to proceed to the next phase of design and development for the mission's robotic segment. ARM is a two-part mission that will integrate robotic and crewed spacecraft operations in the proving ground of deep space to demonstrate key capabilities needed for Nasa's journey to Mars. The crewed segment, targeted for launch in 2026, remains in an early mission concept phase, or pre-formulation. 'This is an exciting milestone for the Asteroid Redirect Mission,' said NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot. 'Not only is ARM leveraging agency-wide capabilities, it will test a number of new technologies already in development.' The robotic component of the ARM will demonstrate the world's most advanced and most efficient solar electric propulsion system as it travels to a near-Earth asteroid (NEA). NEAs are asteroids that are fewer than 121 million miles (1.3 AU) from the sun at the closest point in their orbit. In the centre's Robotic Operations Center, the mock-up helps engineers understand the intricate operations required to collect a multi-ton boulder from an asteroid's surface. Nasa plans to pick up a boulder from a large asteroid (shown) using a robotic ship It will then be taken to lunar orbit, where it would be studied by astronauts (artist's impression pictured). Although the target asteroid is not expected to be officially selected until 2020, NASA is using 2008 EV5 as the reference asteroid while the search continues for potential alternatives Although the target asteroid is not expected to be officially selected until 2020, NASA is using 2008 EV5 as the reference asteroid while the search continues for potential alternates. Before beginning its trip to lunar orbit, the ARM spacecraft will demonstrate a widely supported asteroid deflection technique called a gravity tractor. The spacecraft plus the mass of the captured boulder will create a small gravitational attraction to alter the orbit of the large asteroid. After collecting a boulder from the asteroid, the robotic spacecraft will slowly redirect the boulder to an orbit around the moon, using the moon's gravity for an assist, where Nasa plans to conduct a series of proving ground missions in the 2020s. There, astronauts will be able to select, extract, collect, and return samples from the multi-ton asteroid mass, and conduct other human-robotic and spacecraft operations in the proving ground that will validate concepts for Nasa's journey to Mars. SAVING EARTH FROM DISASTER WITH THE ASTEROID REDIRECT MISSION Various techniques for deflecting a potentially hazardous asteroid could be tested on Arm to enable planetary defense capabilities. These techniques include Ion Beam Deflection, Enhanced Gravity Tractor, and kinetic impactors. In Ion Beam Deflection, the plumes from the thrusters would be directed towards the asteroid to gently push on its surface over a wide area. A thruster firing in the opposite direction would be needed to keep the spacecraft at a constant distance from the asteroid. The Ion Beam Deflection approach is independent of the size of the asteroid, and it could be demonstrated on either mission option. In the Enhanced Gravity Tractor approach, the spacecraft would first pick up a boulder from the asteroid's surface as in mission Option B. The spacecraft with the collected boulder would then orbit in a circular halo around the asteroid's velocity vector. The mass of the boulder coupled with the mass of the spacecraft would increase the gravitational attraction between the spacecraft and the asteroid. By flying the spacecraft in close formation with the asteroid for several months the very small gravitational forces would produce a measurable change in the asteroid's trajectory. A kinetic impactor could also be launched as a secondary payload with the spacecraft or on a separate launch vehicle, and it would collide with the target asteroid at high velocity while the spacecraft observed the impact. Advertisement Earlier this year, Nasa updated the target launch date for the robotic mission to December 2021 in order to incorporate acquisition of the industry robotic spacecraft development into the project schedule HOW NASA WILL USE AN ASTEROID AS A STEPPING STONE TO MARS The mission involves astronauts making the journey to their captive space rock by hitching a ride on the next-generation Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. After the Orion and the asteroid are attached, the astronauts take a spacewalk to the captured object. Once the Orion docks with the remote-operated asteroid capture device, the crew performs a spacewalk that sees them climb almost the length of the conjoined vehicles to an exposed section of the asteroid they take photos of and scoop samples from, the video shows. After the mission is complete, Orion returns to Earth on the same path it journeyed out on, loops around the moon included, and splashes down in an ocean - likely the Pacific - 10 days later. The mission is seen as an important step towards eventually sending humans to Mars and returning them safely. Advertisement Nasa also considered bagging a smaller asteroid andrelocating the entire body into a high orbit around the moon. After extensive studies, Nasa opted to collect and move aboulder, a mission that will cost about $100 million (80 million) more, butwhich better prepares the agency for the ultimate goal oflanding astronauts on Mars. 'They're the kind of things that we know we're going to needwhen we go to another planetary body,' Nasa AssociateAdministrator Robert Lightfoot told reporters on a conferencecall in August. An asteroid orcomet smashed into the planet about 65 million years ago,leading to climate changes that killed off dinosaurs and mostother life on Earth then. So far, Nasa has three candidate asteroids, but does notexpect to make a decision about where to fly before 2019. The mission involves flying a robotic spacecraft, powered bysolar electric propulsion, to an asteroid for an extensivesurvey. Once a target boulder was selected, the probe wouldhover down toward the surface and deploy a pair of robot arms tograb hold of a 6.5- to 13-foot (2- to 4 metre) wide boulder. 'I'm going to have multiple targets ... We can assess whichone we want to go after and I then have three- to five tries toget it, or I can move on to a different one,' Lightfoot said. The captured boulder, which would remain attached to theprobe, would then be nudged into an orbit circling high aroundthe moon, a maneuver expected to take about six years. The probe would include a docking ring so a NASA Orionspaceship, carrying two astronauts, could reach the asteroid, amission targeted for around 2025. Nasa's ultimate goal is to send humans to Mars, and they say the Asteroid Redirect Mission (Arm) will be an important stepping stone towards getting there. A number of new spaceflight capabilities will be tested in the 2020s as part of the mission, which will involve redirecting an asteroid to orbit the moon and sending humans to explore it. Nasa plans to launch an Arm robotic spacecraft to rendezvous with, capture and redirect an asteroid by the end of this decade. The spacecraft will redirect it to a stable orbit around the moon called a 'Distant Retrograde Orbit' - one that orbits the moon very widely, coming quite close before extending out much further away. Astronauts aboard Nasa's Orion spacecraft, launched from the upcoming Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, will then explore the asteroid in the mid-2020s at the furthest point in its controlled orbit around the moon. Within the papers, authors explain the current work taking place across the country to examine options for these robotic and crewed missions. This includes advanced Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) - one of the critical technologies needed to send larger payloads into deep space and to the Mars system. Astronauts aboard Nasa's Orion spacecraft, launched from the upcoming Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, will explore the asteroid in the mid-2020s at the furthest point in its controlled orbit around the moon. Artist's impression pictured SEP - or ion propulsion - creates thrust powered by solar arrays, which transforms sunlight into electromagnetic fields that accelerate and expel charged atoms (ions). This is a very efficient way to power a spacecraft and significantly cuts down on the amount of fuel a spacecraft needs to carry, which can be heavy and expensive to launch from Earth. Current studies at Nasa detailed in the papers are examining ways SEP will be used to power the Arm robotic mission. Nasa was also working on a mission concept that would fully enclose a large asteroid using an inflatable system and the other would capture a smaller boulder from of a much larger asteroid using robotic arms. The Arm crewed mission, in which astronauts will explore the redirected asteroid around the moon, provides unique opportunities to test human spaceflight capabilities as well. The papers detail current work underway at Nasa to upgrade spacesuits in preparation for the first spacewalks in deep space since the 1960s and farther from Earth than ever before. Concepts for new hardware to dock the crewed and uncrewed spacecraft together are also in development. This will allow the crew aboard Orion to attach to the Arm robotic spacecraft and study the asteroid. This could be later used to connect Orion with a deep space habitat or 'stepping stone' on its way to Mars, or even station cargo and fuel depots in strategic places such as lunar orbit. CHOOSING AN ASTEROID An asteroid named Itokawa photographed by the Hayabusa probe. The agency plans to announce the specific asteroid selected for the mission no earlier than 2019, approximately a year before launching the robotic spacecraft. NASA has identified three valid candidates for the mission so far: Itokawa, Bennu and 2008 EV5. A target asteroid such as 2008 EV5 is particularly appealing to the scientific, exploration, and industrial communities because it is a primitive, C-type (carbonaceous) asteroid, believed to be rich in volatiles, water, and organic compounds. The ability to extract core samples from the captured boulder will allow us to evaluate how its composition varies with depth and could unlock clues to the origins of our solar system. Astronaut sampling and potential commercial activities could indicate the value of C-type asteroids for commercial mining purposes, which in turn could have significant impacts on how deep space missions are designed in the future. Before an asteroid is considered a valid candidate for the mission, scientists must first determine its characteristics, in addition to size, such as rotation, shape and precise orbit. Advertisement Astronauts returning home with samples from Mars will hold a treasure trove of research scientists will study to unlock new knowledge about Mars and the solar system's history. As well as this, returning asteroid samples will help Nasa develop tools and techniques for future space exploration. This early experience with raw materials could also help advance our ability to make use of natural resources in space. Rocky bodies like asteroids and our moon could hold enough oxygen and hydrogen to create breathable air, drinkable water or even components for rocket fuel. There also is growing interest in the commercial space industry to potentially mine asteroids for resources in the future. But autopsy showed DNA is in 'terrible condition' so cloning is impossible Russia's permafrost has preserved the bodies of two small lion cubs for more than 30,000 years, according to a new study. Autopsies performed showed one of the cubs was in almost pristine condition when discovered. The two mummified cubs - named Uyan and Dina - were just one week old when they died, and were likely crushed by 'extensive collapse of the sediments in the den.' Scroll down for video The two mummified cubs were just one week old when they died, and were likely crushed by 'extensive collapse of the sediments in the den'.The cubs were dug last year from their icy grave 'complete with all their body parts SIBERIAN CAVE LIONS The European or Eurasian cave lion is an extinct species, known from fossils and prehistoric art. It's most closely related to the modern lion and ranged from Europe to Alaska over the Bering land bridge until the late Pleistocene, around 10,000 years ago. An adult European cave lion is thought to have measured 3.9ft (1.2metres) tall and 6.9ft (2.1metres) in length without its tail, based on a skeleton found in Germany. This means it was a similar size to a modern lion. It's thought the lions probably hunted larger herbivorous animals of their time, including horses, deer, reindeer, bison and even injured old or young mammoths. No-one knows why the lions became extinct, but one suggestion is the population of cave bears and deer - one source of prey - caused them to die out. Advertisement Researchers from the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs in South Dakota recently presented the findings at the 2016 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology meeting. The cubs were dug last year from their icy grave 'complete with all their body parts: fur, ears, soft tissue and even whiskers', said Dr Albert Protopopov, head of the mammoth fauna studies department of the Yakutian Academy of Sciences. It was reported earlier this year that South Korean cloning guru Hwang Woo-suk took samples from the cub that would be subjected to the autopsy, and was hoping to clone the animal. But despite the mummies' impressive preservation, their DNA is 'in terrible condition,' and it won't be possible to clone them, co-author Beth Shapiro told Live Science. Researchers came across the lions when a sudden summer rise - then fall - in the level of the Uyandina River led to cracks appearing and local worker Yakov Androsov spotted an ice lens with the lion cubs inside. Dr Protopopov said last year when he unveiled the animals to the media: 'Comparing with modern lion cubs, we think that these two were very small, maybe a week or two old. Despite the mummies' impressive preservation, their DNA is 'in terrible condition,' and it won't be possible to clone them 'The eyes were not quite open, they have baby teeth and not all had appeared.' Uyan's body was found to weigh about 6 pounds (2.8 kilograms) - around 4.6 pounds (2.1 kg) heavier than a modern lion newborn. Because newborn lions don't have any identifiable sex characteristics, it is unclear whether Uyan and Dina were male or female. The cubs were so young, it was unlikely that they could see. On their poster presenting the research, the team wrote: 'Dina's eyelids were tightly closed, while in Uyan, the left eye was closed, but the right eyelids were positioned a little apart.' Because newborn lions don't have any identifiable sex characteristics, it is unclear whether Uyan and Dina were male or female In comparison to this, modern lions can't open their eyes for around three weeks after birth. CT scans showed that although the lions were toothless, their milk and canine teeth were already emerging. The researchers wrote: 'The advanced development of Uyan's dentition indicates that the milk teeth were likely to be shed at a sooner time, possibly at two months.' But because the cubs were still toothless, they were likely to still be fed by suckling milk from their mother. Uyan's stomach was empty, but a CT scan of the gut showed that the cub likely had milk just a few hours before dying. The discovery was made in the Sakha Republic, otherwise known as Yakutia (shaded in red) and scientists believe the two cubs are the best preserved ever found CT scans showed that although the lions were toothless, their milk and canine teeth were already emerging Cloning expert Hwang Woo-Suk visited Yakutsk earlier this year to watch over scientists as they removed samples of skin and muscle tissue from a young cave lion Cave lions - Panthera spelaea (Goldfuss) - lived during Middle and Late Pleistocene times on the Eurasian continent, from the British Isles to Chukotka in the extreme east of Russia, and they also roamed Alaska and northwestern Canada. They lived during Middle and Late Pleistocene times on the Eurasian continent, from Britain to the extreme east of Russia. They also roamed Alaska and north western Canada. Remains are rare, making the find particularly exceptional, and only fragments of carcasses and skeletons have been found before. The discovery will give scientists a better idea of what the animals that once roamed Yakutia looked like. Until now, their impressions were based on a handful of skulls, teeth and bones found in the freezing region. The European or Eurasian cave lion is an extinct species, known from fossils and prehistoric art. Cave lions (remains of one of the cubs is pictured) lived during Middle and Late Pleistocene times on the Eurasian continent, from Britain to the extreme east of Russia The threat from hackers accessing connected smart devices has stepped up recently, with a number of large scale attacks crashing websites and cutting Internet access. But a team of hackers in Israel has shown that even the most mundane, but essential, of household objects the humble light bulb could be vulnerable to attack. In a brazen demonstration on a modern office block, they used a drone to deliver a virus wirelessly to smart lights, taking control and making them flick on and off. Scroll down for video A team of hackers in Israel has shown that even the most mundane, but essential, of household objects the humble light bulb could be vulnerable to attack. They managed to target the Philips Hue smart lighting system (pictured) in an office block in Israel HACKING SMART LIGHTS Researchers in Israel tested the vulnerabilities connected devices, focusing on a popular brand of smart lighting. By flying a drone to the outside of the building, the team was able to deliver malware, in the form of an IoT worm, wirelessly to the lamps. Once one of the lamps was hacked with an over-the-air firmware update, the virus spread from one infected lamp to its neighbour. Advertisement Researchers say the vital flaw in such wireless smart technology could leave everything from locks to lamps vulnerable to attack. Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating Internet connectivity into objects, helping them to communicate with one another via the Internet of Things (IoT). Despite the best intentions of futurists and tech experts, having your fridge, kettle and washing machine talk to your router and your smartphone could prove to be more of a security risk than it seems. A team at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot tested the vulnerabilities of the encryption used by these types of connected devices, focusing on a Philips Hue smart lamp. By flying a drone to the outside of the building, the team was able to deliver malware, in the form of an IoT worm, wirelessly to the lamps. From this they were able to make the lights flash on and off (pictured left and right) Describing their findings in a paper online, the explain the target for the hack was the Philips Hue smart lamp, which enables users to control multiple bulbs through a smartphone or tablet. The lamps connect to their neighbours via a ZigBee wireless connection. By flying a drone to the outside of the building, the team was able to deliver malware, in the form of an IoT worm, wirelessly to the lamps. Once one of the lamps was hacked with an over-the-air firmware update, the virus spread from one infected lamp to its neighbour. MailOnline has contacted Philips for comment. Flashing lights may be little more than an annoyance, but the researchers say with the number of IoT devices set to number in the billions in coming years, such hacks could spread like wildfire by jumping from one device to the next. With a switch to smart lamps in major metropolitan areas roll out smart lighting to increase control, hackers could potentially take control and force a a power surge, potentially knocking out the electric grid in an area. Last month, hackers carried out a huge attack on a US firm which monitors and routes internet traffic, cutting off internet access to millions of users. Hackers used a drone to deliver an over-the-air firmware update, the virus spread from one infected lamp to its neighbour (stock image used) In one of the most substantial attacks in recent months, hackers swamped the servers of a Dynamic Network Services provider called Dyn, preventing people from accessing everything from Netflix to Facebook. It is thought the attackers recruited 100,000 connected devices to send requests to Dyns servers, causing them to buckle under the volume of requests. While most computer users and smartphone owners will keep their passwords under wraps, other connected household devices, such as webcams or kettles, may be over looked with owners forgetting to factory default security settings. WHICH HOUSEHOLD DEVICES ARE AT RISK? Smart devices may be vulnerable to hackers, who can recruit an army of household objects to carry out cyber-attacks Analysts have warned, thanks to malware such as Mirai, millions of vulnerable web-connected devices could be under the control of hackers and used to carry out cyber attacks. Any number of connected devices have been known to have security flaws, where default security settings have not been changed. These include: Baby monitors Webcams Printers Kettles Washing machines Lighting Internet routers CCTV cameras Security experts advise people to use strong passwords and keep security software up to date. Advertisement By using default security settings, they have been able to spread malicious code to vulnerable devices - gaining control of their functions. Recently, web security analysts warned of a flood of online attacks from hackers after code for a bot used to carry out a huge hack was published online. The code, which can turn unsecured devices such as web cameras, routers, phones and other hackable internet-connected devices into bots, could be used to target websites, knocking them offline The malware, called Mirai, is believed to be behind a landmark attack on security website Krebs On Security, which flooded the servers with a huge volume of requests. It is thought the same code is behind the Dyn attack which temporarily robbed people of their Twitter access. Over time the objects collided and broke up, forming what are now rings A new study showed the planets captured smaller objects into their orbit But 4 billion years ago some planets migrated into this dense region When the solar system formed the Kuiper Belt was filled with dwarf planets It is almost impossible to think of Saturn without picturing its signature rings. But new research suggests the clumps of rock and ice that make up the rings we consider almost synonymous with the planet now, actually started out life as different planets altogether. The study suggests the rings of Saturn, along with those surrounding Neptune and Uranus, are made up of pieces of Pluto-like dwarf planets that strayed too close to the giant worlds long ago. It is almost impossible to think of Saturn (pictured) without picturing its signature rings. But new research suggests the clumps of rock and ice that make up the rings almost synonymous with the planet now, actually started out life as different planets themselves LATE HEAVY BOMBARDMENT Just after the solar system formed, thousands of dwarf planets the size of Pluto once orbited in the Kuiper Belt. But 4 billion years ago this changed, in a period known as the 'Late Heavy Bombardment', when the giant planets underwent orbital migration. According to the so-called 'Nice model', at the time of the Late Heavy Bombardment, giant planets could have experienced a significant number of close encounters with bodies scattered from the primordial Kuiper Belt. The new study simulated the migration, and found in many cases fragments comprising 0.1-10 per cent of the initial mass of the passing objects were captured into orbits around the planet. Fragments with an initial size of several kilometres are expected to undergo high-speed collisions repeatedly and are gradually shattered into small pieces. These collisions between fragments are also expected to circularize their orbits and lead to the formation of the rings observed today. Advertisement Researchers at Kobe University, Japan, presented a new model for the origin of Saturns rings based on results of computer simulations. Their study, published in the journal Icarus, also addressed differences between the composition of the rings of Saturn and Uranus. 'The origin of rings around giant planets remains elusive,' Ryuki Hyodo and co-authors wrote in the paper. 'Saturns rings are massive and made of 9095% of water ice...In contrast, the much less massive rings of Uranus and Neptune are dark and likely to have higher rock fraction.' Just after the solar system formed, thousands of dwarf planets the size of Pluto once orbited in the Kuiper Belt. The Kuiper Belt is an icy region of the solar system, far away from the sun in the space beyond Neptune, where Pluto is found. But 4 billion years ago this changed, in a period known as the 'Late Heavy Bombardment', when the giant planets underwent orbital migration. In the new study, the researchers simulated this migration to work out the probability of planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune colliding with the dwarf planets in the Kuiper Belt. Results showed that Saturn, Uranus and Neptune experienced close encounters with the large objects multiple times. Lurking amid Saturns massive rings, Nasas Cassini spacecraft spotted two tiny moons last month. The image (shown) captured roughly 3.4 million miles away from the slower moon, Atlas, reveals the object is being overtaken by Pan, a 17-mile-wide moon with a faster orbit ARE DARK MOONS HIDING IN URANUS' ICY RINGS? 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 think there could be two extra moons lurking within an icy ring surrounding Uranus, orbiting far closer than any moon seen before. The findings, published last month, open 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. Advertisement 'According to the so-called Nice model, at the time of the Late Heavy Bombardment, giant planets could have experienced a significant number of close encounters with bodies scattered from the primordial Kuiper Belt,' the authors said. The new study simulated the migration, and found in many cases fragments comprising 0.1-10 per cent of the initial mass of the passing objects were captured into orbits around the planet. Fragments with an initial size of several kilometres are expected to undergo high-speed collisions repeatedly and are gradually shattered into small pieces. These collisions between fragments are also expected to circularize their orbits and lead to the formation of the rings observed today. The findings show the rings of giant planets are natural by-products of the formation process of the planets in our solar system. This implies giant planets discovered around other stars, like some recently, are likely to have rings formed by a similar process. The authors hope further discoveries of rings and satellites around exoplanets will advance our understanding of their origin. The new study, published in the journal Icarus, also addressed differences between the composition of the rings of Saturn and Uranus (pictured) Orbiting more than 200 miles above Earths surface, the astronauts aboard the International Space Station may seem worlds away from home but, the craft is close enough to be seen with the naked eye, as the third brightest object in the sky. NASA has revealed a new easy to use map as part of its Spot the Station tool to help stargazers find the ISS, providing the best sighting opportunities for each pinned location on the map. According to the agency, the station is best seen at dawn and dusk, and is tracked by more than 300,000 people as it circles our planet. Type your location into the search bar to reveal the best sighting opportunities The International Space Station is the third brightest object in the sky. According to the agency, it is best seen at dawn and dusk. Using the map above, find your location to see how you can spot the ISS HOW TO SPOT THE ISS To spot the space station, the agency says to look out for an object that looks like an airplane or very bright star travelling across the sky. It does not have flashing lights and doesnt change direction, and will be moving much faster than a typical airplane at 17,500 miles per hour. As the ISS orbits with an inclination of 51.6 degrees, however, it only goes as far north or south of the Equator as this latitude. Advertisement The new map tool allows users to type their location into the search bar to reveal the best sighting opportunities. This means each location will provide a breakdown of what time the ISS can be seen and for how long, along with the angles at which the craft will appear and disappear relative to the horizon, and the maximum height it will reach in the sky. In New York City, for example, the ISS will be visible on Friday morning for five minutes starting at 6:11 a.m. The craft will appear at 28 degrees above the West/Southwest horizon and will reach a maximum height of 75 degrees. Then, it will disappear at 11 degrees above the Northeast horizon. NASA has added a new map-based feature to its Spot the Station tool to help stargazers find the ISS, providing the best sighting opportunities for each pinned location on the map The new map tool allows users to type their location into the search bar to reveal the best sighting opportunities. This means each location will provide a breakdown of what time the ISS can be seen and for how long, along with the angle at which the craft will appear Several times a week, Mission Control at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX, determines sighting opportunities for over 6,700 locations worldwide, the agency explains. If your specific city or town isnt listed, pick one that is fairly close to you. The space station is visible for a long distance around each of the listed locations. There are thousands of sighting opportunities in the United States alone, with Houston and Austin Texas topping the list as the most popular locations in the country to look for the ISS. But, the space station can be seen from all around the world. There are thousands of sighting opportunities in the United States alone. Pictured, the ISS flies over Elkton, VA early in the morning on August 1, 2015 As the ISS orbits with an inclination of 51.6 degrees, it only goes as far north or south of the Equator as this latitude. To spot the space station, the agency says to look out for an object that looks like an airplane or very bright star travelling across the sky For international stargazers, locations in the UK and Australia are the most popular for spotting the ISS, with London being the number one city. As the ISS orbits with an inclination of 51.6 degrees, however, it only goes as far north or south of the Equator as this latitude. If you live north or south of 51.6 degrees, the ISS will never go directly over your head this includes places like Alaska, NASA explains. To spot the space station, the agency says to look out for an object that looks like an airplane or very bright star travelling across the sky. Forecasters have predicted an increased chance of a colder-than-usual start to this winter due to a change in Arctic conditions and 'unusual' tropical rainfall patterns. The Met Office said the conditions mean there is a 30 per cent likelihood the mercury will plunge at the beginning of this winter - the highest risk of a cold start since the bitterly cold season of 2010/11. But the agency said it was too early to predict whether it would be a snowy, wet or dry three-month period from November. Forecasters have predicted an increased chance of a colder-than-usual start to this winter due to a change in Arctic conditions and 'unusual' tropical rainfall patterns. A hand-written message is seen in frost on a windscreen of a car in Culgaith, Cumbria, this morning WHAT IS LA NINA? La Nina is characterised by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific, compared to El Nino. When trade winds, blowing from east to west across the Pacific, are strong, equatorial waters are cool, suggesting the arrival of La Nina. The phenomenon tends to occur unpredictably every two to seven years. Severe occurrences have been linked to floods and droughts. La Nina's don't always follow after El Ninos, but based on historical records, it seems there is a chance that a strong El Nino is more likely to generate a La Nina. Advertisement The key factors leading to colder temperatures include 'disturbed' stratospheric Arctic winds known as the polar vortex, which affects the jet stream, and a La Nina, the opposite of an El Nino, bringing lower temperatures in the tropics. The Polar Vortex hit the US hardest in 2014, affecting 200 million people and causing billions of dollars in damages, but climatologists think it won't be as severe this time around. But the Met Office pointed out there was still a 70 per cent chance of milder temperatures and, following a reversal in expected atmospheric patterns in February this year, the prevailing westward winds could increase the chances of warm and wet conditions. Forecasters reached the long-range prediction after feeding their analysis of those factors into a computer model, with the result higher than the expected 20 per cent probability suggested by a 30-year rolling average up to 2010. Professor Adam Scaife, head of long-range prediction at the Met Office Hadley Centre, said: 'The risk of a cold start to winter has increased to 30 per cent this year. 'Statistically, however, it is still more likely that the UK will experience a normal start to winter, but there is an increased risk of cold snaps between now and Christmas.' He added this does not necessarily mean we will get large amounts of snow. 'Several factors, including tropical rainfall, are known to drive UK and European winter conditions: following a strong El Nino last year, the tropics are now influenced by a weak La Nina and unusual rainfall conditions in the Indian Ocean. 'Historical weather observations and our latest computer model simulations agree that these factors are increasing the risk of a cold start to winter for the UK, but this is unlikely to persist through winter as a whole.' As many parts of Britain woke to the first taste of winter, with white-frosted lawns and car windscreens needing de-icing this morning, the cold weather looks set to continue Meanwhile, a study published in October suggested warming in the Arctic is influencing the jet stream, a high-altitude corridor of fast-moving air. It is thought this could have caused severe cold snaps such as the record snowfall in New York during the winter of 2014/15, and unusually cold winters in the UK in 2009/10 and 2010/11. WINTER IS COMING: HOW POLAR VORTEX WILL HIT US For more than 30 years, the polar vortex has been weakening because of this sea-ice loss in the Arctic, which is linked to human induced climate change. When this happens, a piece of the vortex can surge to the southern part of the globe, which it then pushes Arctic cold into areas of North America and Europe. This is the event that happened in early 2014 and 2015, and some experts say the polar vortex is already on the move this year which could be very troubling later on. According to a study out last week, North America is expected to experience bitter temperatures beginning in the late winter and lasting until the early spring - from February to Mach. Advertisement The winter of 2010 saw the UK's coldest December in records stretching back 100 years. Studies have shown that when the jet stream follows a 'wavy' irregular path there are more cold weather fronts plunging south from the Arctic into mid-latitudes, bringing freezing conditions that persist for weeks at a time. The Climate Prediction Centre (CPC), an agency of the National Weather Service in the US, in a monthly forecast pegged the chance of La Nina developing this autumn at 70 per cent. The Met Office said the conditions mean there is a 30 per cent likelihood the mercury will plunge at the beginning of this winter The conditions are slightly favored to persist into the winter, CPC said, pegging the chances at 55 per cent. The emergence of La Nina would follow a strong El Nino that has dissipated in recent months after wreaking havoc on global crops. This new forecast goes in contrast to the neutral conditions predicted last month, which claimed that the onset of such an event would be unlikely. An animation from the CPC shows how temperatures in the equatorial Pacific have recently begun to cool to levels that are uncharacteristically low. The Polar Vortex is on the move unusually early this year, forecasters revealed last week - and say it could strike the US in January. A recent study claimed Arctic sea-ice loss is causing the Polar Vortex to shift and as a result, winters are expected to get longer and more bitter. Last week forecasters said it is 'unprecedentedly early'. The Polar Vortex hit the US hardest in 2014 , affecting 200 million people and causing billions of dollars in damages, but climatologists told MailOnline last week that, thankfully, it won't be as severe this time around. 'The winter of 2014 was a really extreme case, as the cold was so persistent and it was focused on one area, which makes it very hard to reproduce,' Judah Cohen, a climatologist at Atmospheric and Environmental Research (AER), a Verisk Analytics Business said. It might look like a small UFO, or even a large robotic vacuum, but this device could be the next big breakthrough in urban commuting. Called Carr-E, this electric rideable platform is capable of carrying 265 pounds, tops speeds of 11 mph and travels for 14 miles on a single charge. This innovative personal transportation system fits neatly in the trunk, allowing users to grab the device and finish the last few miles of their journey. Scroll down for videos Carr-E is an electric rideable platform that can carry 265lbs, tops speeds of 11 mph and travels for 14 miles on a single charge. This innovative personal transportation system fits neatly in the trunk, allowing users to grab the device and finish the last few miles of their journey THE CARR-E SPECS Carr-E is a electric rideable platform can carry 265 pounds, tops speeds of 11 mph and travels for 14 miles on a single charge. It aims at to make transportation better in areas where vehicles are not permitted or practical. Users can also use it to carry items and prompt the device to follow them with an electric transmitter. Ultrasonic sensors are on the front that gives it obstacle-avoidance capability. There are also functioning lights in the front and back, and a built-in GPS. Advertisement 'The inspiration of the Carr-E was really to offer a flexible way of transportation,' said Kilian Vas, a Ford systems engineer and creator of Carr-E, in a video. 'I really wanted to create a device that is more than just a hoverboard or just a ride on device, but also a device that can carry your stuff and fits neatly into the truck of your car.' Although the design looks like a small UFO or a Roomba, Carr-E was among 633 proposals for personal mobility solutions submitted by Ford employees as part of the company's Last Mile Mobility Challenge. The competition challenges employees to develop electric personal assistant devices to make transportation better in areas where vehicles are not permitted or practical helping commuters reach their destination. The Segway-like vehicle doesn't just transport humans, but can also carry objects from point A to point B. Users prompt the device to follow close behind them using a paired electric transmitter. This function is great for city dwellers who struggle to carry groceries home or loads of laundry to the laundromat. Ultrasonic sensors are fitted on the front of Carr-E that give it obstacle-avoidance capability. There are also functioning lights in the front and back that allow others to see you riding during the night, and it even has a built-in GPS Although the design looks like a small UFO or a Roomba, Carr-E was among 633 proposals for personal mobility solutions submitted by Ford employees as part of the company's Last Mile Mobility Challenge Ultrasonic sensors are fitted on the front of Carr-E that give it obstacle-avoidance capability, reports New Atlas. There are also functioning lights in the front and back that allow others to see you riding during the night, and it even has a built-in GPS. 'We really need to reinvent the wheel, to find new approaches to mobility,' said Vas. 'When developing the Carr-E, I was inspired by Ford's expansion into both an auto and a mobility company, but I'm also aware of how rapidly cities are growing and how getting around urban areas will become progressively more complicated. The competition challenges employees to develop electric personal assistant devices to make transportation better in areas where vehicles are not permitted or practical, which is the sole focus of Carr-E 'I really wanted to create a device that makes commuting easier and more fun.' Another inventor also believes personal transportation systems are the wave of the future. Daniel Huang, the former CEO of battery phone case maker Mophie, has unveiled a 3-wheel electric scooter that is powered by a 'Super Battery' with its own operating system. The Segway-like vehicle doesn't just transport humans, but can also carry objects from point A to point B. Users prompt the device to follow close behind them using a paired electric transmitter Called Immotor Go, this foldable scooter tops out at 20 mph and has a range of 20 miles on a single charge there also a smartphone mount that lets riders play music, take videos and snap selfies without using their hands. It comes with LED headlights, GPS tracking, cruise control, a digital accelerator and brake controls at your fingertips. ELECTRIC SCOOTERS BANNED IN CHINESE CITIES Beijing and Shanghai, China's two largest cities, have banned residents from using electric scooters and Segways on roads amid safety concerns this past August. Traffic authorities in Beijing said violators will be fined 10 Yuan (1) starting on August 29; while the Shanghai police launched a crackdown last week on the popular modes of transport, reported the People's Daily Online. Electric scooters and Segways are getting increasingly popular among residents in large Chinese cities as a way to cope with traffic congestion. The ban applies to two-wheeled scooters as well as one-wheeled self-balancing scooters. Anyone who disobeys the law can be fined up to 50 Yuan (5.7). According to Beijing Daily, the city's consumers association had tested more than 20 brands of electric scooters and found most of their brakes did not meet the national standard of safety. The test discovered that the braking distance of the electric scooters could be as far as 9.9 meters (32 feet). Only one brand could come to a full stop in less than four meters (13 feet), which is the Chinese national standard. In terms of Segways, they could take as long as nine seconds to stop after the riders lean backwards to slow down. Advertisement And because most people travel more than 20 miles to work, each unit includes a swappable 'Super Battery The horn, cruise-control, headlight buttons and brakes are controlled by your thumbs that are firmly positioned on the handlebars. Utah's Great Salt Lake could soon be no more, shocking pictures have revealed. These shocking NASA images show that largest water body in the United States after the Great Lakes in shrinking dramatically. Experts say 150 years of man removing water from the basin, along with the unprecedented drought conditions, have left the future of the millions of birds and shrimp in it in jeopardy. Scroll down for video Slide me Before-and-after images taken in 2011 and 2016 show dramatic reductions in the Farmington Bay basin of Great Salt Lake. the images were released by NASA, which warned 'Both nature and man have a hand in the change'. THE GREAT SALT LAKE The Great Salt Lake is a terminal basin, which means the water that pours into the lake from rivers and streams has no outlet other than evaporation. This allows salts and minerals to concentrate in the lake such that it is three to five times saltier than the ocean. In October 2016, the Great Salt Lake reached its lowest recorded level: 1277.5 meters (4,191.2 feet), averaged between the lake's north and south arms. It is the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River. Advertisement The Great Salt Lake is drying up and shrinking. According to scientists' estimates, more than three-quarters of the lake bed is now exposed in Farmington Bay. 'Farmington Bay has been nearly desiccated as the result of the combined effects of drought and water withdrawals from the rivers feeding the lake,' said Wayne Wurtsbaugh, who studies watershed sciences at Utah State University. who led the latest study. 'Farmington Bay is an immensely important feeding area for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. 'Even at the low level we have now, it is still important, but the greatly reduced size has diminished its value.' In October 2016, the Great Salt Lake reached its lowest recorded level: 1277.5 meters (4,191.2 feet), averaged between the lake's north and south arms. The volume of water in Great Salt Lake has shrunk by 48 percent and the lake level has fallen 3.4 meters (11 feet) since 1847, NASA said. Both nature and man have a hand in the change. For more than 150 years, humans have been taking more water out of the Salt Lake watershed than is flowing into it. They are now diverting about 40 percent of the river water (which would normally fill the lake) and using it for farming, industry, and human consumption. Five years of drought in the American West have contributed to the recent drop in the water line, as have higher-than-normal temperatures. NASA Earth Observatory images by Joshua Stevens, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Caption by Michael Carlowicz. Five years of drought in the American West have contributed to the recent drop in the water line, as have higher-than-normal temperatures. But the region has seen dry cycles before, and according to scientists, there has not been a significant long-term change in precipitation in the basin. It is a terminal basin, which means the water that pours into the lake from rivers and streams has no outlet other than evaporation. This allows salts and minerals to concentrate in the lake such that it is three to five times saltier than the ocean. And yet this briny lake is a haven for more than 250 species of migratory birds who feast on the brine shrimp and flies that thrive there. But now the millions of birds and shrimpand the people who harvest the shrimp and extract salts and recreational fun from the lakeare faced with a problem. HOW DID THE LAKE FORM? Great Salt Lake is the remnant of Lake Bonneville; a great ice age lake that rose dramatically from a small saline lake 30,000 years ago. The most conspicuous reminders of Lake Bonneville are the ancient terraces etched into the landscape along the lake's former shorelines. The terraces were eroded by wave action and are relatively flat areas that follow a contour line. Look south from Buffalo Point for an outstanding view of Lake Bonneville terraces carved into the island as high as a thousand feet above the Great Salt Lake's surface. After the ice age the earth's climate became drier and Lake Bonneville gradually receded to form Great Salt Lake. Advertisement 'The solution to the water issue is greater conservation, particularly for agricultural irrigation,' said Wurtsbaugh. The state has been promoting water conservation for urban and suburban areas, but this is only about 8 percent of water use. And while per person water use is down by 18 percent, those gains are offset by a growing population that is increasing overall water use. Low water forced owners to pull their sailboats from the slips at the dock last year. Many left the state The hardest work lies in convincing farmers to do more with less, as approximately 63 percent of the water usage goes to agriculture. Researchers and conservationists are also concerned about future plans for development along Bear River, the largest tributary flowing to the lake. So much salt is dissolved in the northern part of Utah's Great Salt Lake that its edges can become encrusted with crystals that give the lake and its salt crust a distinctive pink hue The loss of water in Great Salt Lake has led to more and larger dust storms in the area, while making it harder for companies to get the water they need for extracting salt and other minerals, a key piece of the local economy. Marinas and other water recreation operations are also struggling with the moving shoreline. 'A wildcard for the fate of the lake is what global climate change may do to the basin,' said Wurtsbaugh. 'Warmer air temperatures are projected to lower runoff, but our data shown in the white paper suggests there haven't been climate change effects on the runoff yet.' In October 2016, the Great Salt Lake reached its lowest recorded level: 1277.5 meters (4,191.2 feet), averaged between the lake's north and south arms. Earlier this year, shocking pictures revealed that on the southern shore of Utah's Great Salt Lake, more than 100 boats are sitting high and dry in a parking lot, unable to sail the shallow, drought-stricken sea. North of the nearly empty marina, salt-loving bacteria thriving in the low water has turned the liquid pink. The rosy color of the lake's northern waters is the result of pigmented, salt-loving microbes A bison crosses the beach on the shore of Antelope Island, the largest of several islands on Utah's Great Salt Lake The massive lake, key to the state's economy and identity, is skirting record-low levels after years of below-average precipitation and record heat. A few dozen lawmakers took a road trip on Thursday to see the problems firsthand and learn how they can help besides praying for more rain and snow this winter. Satellite image from 1987 shows how full the Great Salt Lake is. The lake, about 75 miles long and 30 miles wide. Water levels have always fluctuated, but they have never been so low More than a quarter of a century later, the picture of the later from space in 2011 is almost unrecognizable with levels have retreated from all areas of the lake leaving some high and dry The levels of the lake have continued to decline with more shoreline and dry land visible than ever before. The portion of the lake on the far left of the picture has completely dried up The lake, about 75 miles long and 30 miles wide is America's largest outside the Great Lakes. Water levels have always fluctuated, but they have been dropping steadily since 2011. 'If this continues ... the ecosystem as a whole is under a pretty significant threat,' said Jason Curry, a spokesman for Utah's Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. The state estimates that the Great Salt Lake's ecosystem has a $1.32 billion economic effect. It is a home or major resting place for more than 250 species of birds. Salt and other minerals are mined from the lake and used for fertilizer, melting snow on roadways and other products. Its waters are credited with helping produce dry, powdery snow that attracts skiers worldwide to the nearby mountains. The massive lake, key to the Utah's economy and identity, is skirting record low levels after years of below-average participation and record heat Signs of the Great Salt Lake's low water level is evident at the Great Salt Lake Marina. Sailboats were lifted by crane from the harbor and placed in the parking lot last Spring Levels of the Great Salt Lake will dip so low that the national park's search and rescue boat will be prevented from any rescues It's hoped winter storms will help the drying lake replenish its waters It's generally three to five times saltier than the ocean, allowing swimmers to float easily. The lake is an unforgiving environment for most creatures, but a prime habitat for brine flies and brine shrimp tiny, clear crustaceans once sold as 'sea monkeys' in the back of comic books, whose eggs are harvested and sold worldwide as food for other shrimp, crab and fish. As lake levels drop and the water becomes saltier, even those creatures are threatened. 'Brine shrimp are very resilient to salt but even they have a limit, and we're reaching that limit,' said Don Leonard, CEO of the Great Salt Lake Brine Shrimp Cooperative, a group of companies that harvest and sell the eggs. The low water levels stress the shrimp in a way that produces fewer eggs, Leonard said. Last year, the cooperative had a below-average harvest and had to pay to dredge its harbor just to get its boats on the water. The boats are parked on concrete, with water lovers hoping that Mother Nature will turn on the tap this winter and let it snow so the waters will flow once again Boaters are frustrated because they are anxious to get back out on the water. More than 100 boats are sitting high and dry in a parking lot on the southern shore Low water on Utah's Great Salt Lake have left behind cracked mud where boats were once docked at a marina He declined to say how much it affected the industry but said dredging has become a yearly, expensive endeavor to dig out a deeper path for boats. Lawmakers on Thursday took a quick tour of a storage area at a factory that harvests the eggs and visited a plant that extracts minerals from the lake. Joe Havasi of Compass Minerals said the company had to extend its canals that pull brine from the water by about 2 miles because the shoreline has receded by 6 miles. He said the company is eager for a planned breach of a railroad causeway later this year that's expected to allow some water from the southern half of the lake to flow north, where its operations are. Small variations in the water level greatly affect the extent of the shoreline. The water level can rise dramatically in wet years and fall during dry years The trouble is, as far as lakes go, this one has a lot of moving parts, from industry to recreation and the fragile environment. Solutions aren't simple Pouring rain caused lawmakers to scrap much of their tour, which will pick up Friday. Legislative staffer Ivan Djambov joked that it was the downpour they hoped for all summer. 'It's the wrong day for us, but we're grateful it's coming, right?' he said. Last year, legislators approved spending $1.5 million to dredge the lake, which will add an additional 6 to 8 feet and create a passable channel for boats. Officials said they hope to start that project early next year. Republican state Rep. Mike McKell said lawmakers also will be looking at whether Utah should step up efforts to remove an invasive weed that sucks up tens of thousands of acre-feet of water every year. Lynn de Freitas, executive director of the conservation group Friends of Great Salt Lake, said Utah needs to look at how major water pipeline projects may divert fresh water from rivers that normally flow into the lake. Researchers are pulling inspiration from the Wright brothers' twisted wood-and-canvas wings in order to make today's flying more efficient. MIT and NASA have designed a new kind of bendable, 'morphing wing' system that is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and assembled by small robots. The new structure could simplify the manufacturing process and greatly reduce fuel consumption by improving the wing's aerodynamics. MIT and NASA teamed up to create a new kind of bendable, 'morphing wing' system made of tiny, lightweight 'digital materials' and assembled by a team of small robots HOW WAS THE WING MADE? MIT and NASA created a new kind of bendable, 'morphing wing' system of carbon fiber reinforced plastic that are assembled by a team of small robots. Miniature robots crawl along or inside the wing structure as it takes shape. An inspection robot find where the broken part is and replace it, and keep the aircraft 100 percent healthy at all times The new wings are cloaked in a 'skin' made over overlapping pieces that look very similar to scales or feathers. The flexible skin lets the pieces are free to move across each other as the wing flexes, while still providing a smooth outer surface. The entire wing can be modified and twisted uniformly along its length, by activating two small motors that apply a twisting pressure to each wingtip. Advertisement Wilbur and Orville Wright, the fathers of aviation, began their work by watching birds angle their wings for balance and control. In 1903, the duo designed the 'Flyer 1', which used wires and pulleys that bent and twisted the wooden-and-canvas wings. But now, thanks to some of the engineers at MIT and NASA, aircrafts may be returning to their roots in order to make flying more efficient, reports David Chandler with MIT News. The new wings are cloaked in a 'skin' made over overlapping pieces that look very similar to scales or feathers, which makes the structure flexible and smoother aerodynamic surface. The skin is made from 0.127 mm-thick Kapton (polyimide film), cut into strips with hole patterns on a CO2 laser cutter. And although the team is focused on the wing, they say the system could one day be used for the entire frame. For years, many experts have attempted to create a reliable way of deforming wings as a substitute for the conventional, separate, moving surfaces, but all those efforts 'have had little practical impact,' said Neil Gershenfeld, director of MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms. It was the use of mechanical control structures within the wing that caused researchers to fail these structures are very heavy and cancel out any efficiency advantages produced by the smoother aerodynamic surfaces. 'We make the whole wing the mechanism,' said Gershenfeld. 'It's not something we put into the wing.' With this new approach, the team designed a system in which the entire wing can be modified and twisted uniformly along its length, by activating two small motors that apply a twisting pressure to each wingtip. The new wings are cloaked in a 'skin' made over overlapping pieces that look very similar to scales or feathers, which makes the structure flexible and smoother aerodynamic surface. The team says the system could one day be used for the entire frame The skin is made from 0.127 mm-thick Kapton (polyimide film), cut into strips with hole patterns on a CO2 laser cutter. 'I think we can say it is a philosophical revolution, opening the gate to disruptive innovation,' says Vincent Loubiere, a lead technologist for emerging technologies and concepts at Airbus, who was not directly involved in this research. 'The perspectives and fields this approach opens are thrilling.' The key to this new concept was the array of tiny carbon fiber reinforced plastics, which Gershenfeld calls 'digital materials' that are used to to build the wings - these subunits can be put together into an infinite variety of shapes like Lego blocks. The key to this new concept was the array of tiny lightweight structural pieces, which researches call 'digital materials' that are used to to build the wings - these subunits can be put together into an infinite variety of shapes like Lego blocks FATHERS OF AVIATION: THE WRIGHT BROTHERS Aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright were two American brothers credited with inventing the world's first successful airplane. They made the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight on 17 December, 1903, four miles south of Kitty Hawk in North Carolina. Researchers are pulling inspiration from the Wright brothers' twisted wood-and-canvas wings in order to make today's flying more efficient. the duo designed the 'Flyer 1' (pictured) , which used wires and pulleys that bent and twisted wings The brothers applied for their famous 'flying machine' patent based on their successful 1902 glider. Between 1904 and 1905, they developed their flying machine into the first practical fixed-wing aircraft and were the first to invent aircraft controls that made fixed-wing powered flight possible. Their breakthough was the advent of a three-axis control, which let a pilot steer the aircraft effectively to maintain an equilibrium. The method is still used on fixed-wing aircraft of all kinds. Advertisement This research, said Kenneth Cheung, a NASA scientists, 'presents a general strategy for increasing the performance of highly compliant that is, 'soft' robots and mechanisms,' by replacing conventional flexible materials with new cellular materials 'that are much lower weight, more tunable, and can be made to dissipate energy at much lower rates' while having equivalent stiffness. Gershenfeld and his team met with NASA engineers and others looking for new ways to improve manufacturing and flight. The team conducted wind-tunnel tests with the new wing system, which shows it compares to the aerodynamic properties of traditional airplane wings- but at one-tenth of the weight. And adding a layer of 'skin' to the design was found to enhance its overall performance They learned that 'the idea that you could continuously deform a wing shape to do pure lift and roll has been a holy grail in the field, for both efficiency and agility,' he said. The team conducted wind-tunnel tests with the new wing system, which shows it compares to the aerodynamic properties of traditional airplane wings- but at one-tenth of the weight. And adding a layer of 'skin' to the design was found to enhance its overall performance. With this new approach, the team designed a system in which the entire wing can be modified and twisted uniformly along its length, by activating two small motors that apply a twisting pressure to each wingtip Since it is layered with flexible material that resembles feathers or fish scales, the pieces are free to move across each other as the wing flexes, while still providing a smooth outer surface. One of the greatest achievements, Gershenfeld said, is that this system can be easily taken apart and the pieces reused in something completely different. The system is also much easier to maintain as 'an inspection robot could just find where the broken part is and replace it, and keep the aircraft 100 percent healthy at all times,' says Jenett. 'Ultralight, tunable, aeroelastic structures and flight controls open up whole new frontiers for flight,' says Gonzalo Rey, chief technology officer for Moog Inc. Advertisement Walking on water is traditionally a trick performed by deities - but soon visitors to Florida will be able to do the same, thanks to a futuristic submerged plaza. A futuristic-looking plaza will be transforming the waterfront at West Palm Beach from 2018 and to reach it, you have to walk into the sea. But fortunately, you won't get wet as the whole complex will be set on a floating base that's inspired by the technology used on submarines. A futuristic-looking plaza (pictured above) will be transforming the Florida waterfront from 2018 and to reach it, you have to walk into the sea You won't get wet however, as the floating complex will be connect to the centre of the city via two 'leafy ramblas' The huge complex will feature restaurants (above) and shopping areas as well as entertainment and leisure spaces Currie Park will occupy a 19-hectare vacant area off the coast of Lake Worth Lagoon. As well as featuring restaurants and shopping areas, the huge complex will also provide apartment blocks with a real view. In their spare time, residents can attend events at the auditorium or relax in the circular pool that overlooks the sea. To get there, you have to walk down a pair of 'leafy ramblas' that take you from West Palm Beach's city centre right into the lagoon. The design has been created by Carlo Ratti Associati, an architectural firm with bases in Torino, Italy, London and Boston. Its created a unique floating base, sitting partially under water, that incorporates technology was that created for submarines. For the lucky few, there will also be residential blocks that give their owners incredible views of the waterfront Currie Park will occupy a 19-hectare vacant area off the coast of Lake Worth Lagoon in West Palm Beach. Above, a diagram of the proposed layout The entire plaza is surrounded by water and the submarine technology incorporated into the design will allow it to float up and down according to how many people are using the space Part of its floatation system is a series of air chambers. They are designed to automatically open and close, taking on and expelling water as needed depending on the number of people walking on the plaza. Carlo Ratti told Dezeen: 'Architecture usually conceives of buildings as separate, autonomous entities, but in this case, the plaza inhabits the water as if it was carved right into it. 'The water becomes a moving element that harmoniously accommodates the new public space.' The project has already been commissioned by Palm Beach billionaire Jeff Greene, who owns a number of developments in the area, according to a spokesperson for the architectural firm. Work for the ambitious project is scheduled to start this month and will be complete by 2018. The cost of the entire complex has been kept under wraps but Greene's other projects in the area have all been in the millions. The company has now agreed to cover the medical costs after all A woman who believes she caught pneumonia from a filthy apartment on a Club 18-30 holiday was shocked to be hit with a 3,300 medical bill - despite claiming she was insured. Amy Evans, a 21-year-old McDonald's worker from Aberdeen returned home in a wheelchair from her 'nightmare' 780 holiday in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, after a four-night stay in a Cypriot hospital. She booked the trip through Thomas Cook and took out an insurance policy with them, but says she was stunned to be told she wasn't covered because she failed to disclose her asthma in her insurance application - despite insisting she'd informed them of her condition prior to departure. Amy Evans, 21, pictured, spent four days in a Cypriot hospital at a cost of 3,300 and says doctors told her she'd contracted pneumonia as a result of her filthy holiday accommodation In response to MailOnline's request for comment, a representative for Thomas Cook confirmed that they had 'looked again at the circumstances and agreed to cover her medical expenses' after all. Ms Evans believes she contracted her illness as a direct result of sleeping in a bedroom allegedly covered in mould, dried blood and vomit. She and four pals had paid 780 each for the week-long girls' holiday in August, but Ms Evans had to take six weeks off work after returning and now faces a struggle to foot the hospital bill. She said: 'As if it wasn't enough to ruin my holiday, I've been seriously ill for the last three months and now they're claiming my insurance didn't cover me. 'Before I went away I was healthy and now I'm in hospital every other week and I need to take six different inhalers because my breathing is so bad. 'I showed doctors pictures of our apartment and they said that was the reason I'd become ill. It was just disgusting. The room was absolutely vile and no matter how much we complained, nothing was done.' Ms Evans, pictured, returned home in a wheelchair from her 'nightmare' Club 18-30 holiday in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, which cost her 780 for the week and was booked through Thomas Cook She believes she contracted her illness as a direct result of sleeping in a bedroom allegedly covered in mould, dried blood and vomit - pictured Despite her complaints to reception about the room's condition and there being cockroaches in the wardrobe, Ms Evans said she was 'fobbed off' She added: 'One of the girls just booked a flight and went home after two days. It was that bad. We stayed on to try to make the best of a bad situation, and I ended up in hospital. 'When we arrived at night there were only two lightbulbs working in the room so we couldn't see the extent of the mould until the next day. 'We went straight to reception and asked to be moved but they said it was a matter for the Thomas Cook reps because that's who we used to book it. We just kept getting fobbed off.' Ms Evans booked the holiday last year through the Thomas Cook office at the Bon Accord Centre in Aberdeen along with friends Jessica Logue, 21, Bethany Allen, 20, Sophie Watt, 20, and Daria Lichodziejewska, 21. They flew from Glasgow to Larnaca on August 3 but said their stay was marred by problems with the apartment and Thomas Cook staff. Ms Evans, left, booked the holiday last year along with her friends, pictured second left to right, Jessica Logue, 21, Bethany Allen, 20, Sophie Watt, 20, and Daria Lichodziejewska, 21 She said: 'Our welcome meeting was basically just the reps demanding money off us. We tried to talk to them about the room but all they wanted was 260 (232) for a ticket to some party. 'They just ignored us and tried to bully us into buying them. They were very forceful. They called one of my friends "too manly" and made fun of us for being Scottish. 'They could see the condition of the room but they didn't care. One of them was in our room for 35 minutes and I can honestly say it was the worst 35 minutes of my life. 'We asked to speak to the manager but nobody would take responsibility. On the third day, Jess left as she was the only one who could afford to book new flights home.' Ms Evans, pictured in hospital, says she has been poorly since her return and had to miss six weeks of work as a business manager for McDonald's Last month, Thomas Cook's insurers, White Horse Insurance Ireland, sent her an itemised bill, pictured, from a Cypriot hospital asking her to pay 3,647 (3,377) Ms Evans said that she felt 'sickened' by the invoice, which included costs for monitoring, X-rays and medicine She added: 'I developed cold and flu symptoms and it was really stressful. By the point Jess left I was really ill and had to go to hospital. 'The doctors said I had pneumonia from breathing in the mould spores and bacteria from the blood and sick. I stayed there until two hours before our flight back to Scotland. The doctors said I had pneumonia from breathing in the mould spores and bacteria from the blood and sick 'I phoned the apartment reception and told them it was their room that brought on the pneumonia. It was as if it hadn't been cleaned since the last people had stayed there, possibly longer. There were cockroaches crawling out of the wardrobe. 'It was only after that that the other girls got a new room. The entire holiday was awful and I'm very upset. 'My breathing was so weak they had to put me on the flight home in a wheelchair with special assistance.' Ms Evans claims her asthma was cited as the reason she wasn't covered yet says when she took out the insurance policy with Thomas Cook she told them of her asthma numerous times Ms Evans complained to Thomas Cook and received 1,500 compensation on September 9 - 1,000 for her illness and 100 per person for the group's accommodation problems. But on October 31, Thomas Cook's insurers White Horse Insurance Ireland sent her an itemised bill from a Cypriot hospital asking her to pay 3,647 (3,377). Ms Evans claims that her asthma was cited as the reason she wasn't covered yet says when she took out the insurance policy with Thomas Cook she informed them of her asthma numerous times. She said she was 'sickened' by the demand. Thomas Cook has now reversed its decision, however, telling MailOnline: 'Nothing is more important to us than the safety and wellbeing of our customers. 'In light of Miss Evans illness claim weve looked again at the circumstances and agreed to cover her medical expenses.' Advertisement Its not just the cinema where youll find bizarre creatures this season. While you may think that colourful and ghoulish animals such as a thorny dragon or pink fairy armadillo must only originate in the imagination of JK Rowling, youd be wrong. To celebrate the launch of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the spinoff film based in the fantastical Wizarding World, an infographic showcasing 17 baffling animals extant on Earth has been created. From the resplendent golden tortoise beetle found in the Americas to the Australian lyre bird which can imitate virtually any sound, Pokies.net.au has created an infographic to reveal where holidaymakers can discover these rare species If you're heading to Madagascar it's worth looking out for the Aye Aye after sunset (right) and intrepid travellers who venture to the Canadian Arctic, Greenland or Russia may be lucky enough to encounter the prehistoric looking narwhal (left) From the resplendent golden tortoise beetle found in the Americas to the Australian lyre bird which can imitate virtually any sound, Pokies.net.au has created an infographic to reveal where holidaymakers can discover these rare species. Intrepid travellers who venture to the Canadian Arctic, Greenland or Russia may be lucky enough to encounter the prehistoric looking narwhal, known as the unicorn of the sea, which has tusks that can grow over 10ft long. If you're heading to Madagascar it's worth looking out for the Aye Aye after sunset. Despite their wide-eyed stare and adorable appearance, the nocturnal primate is deemed a bad omen by locals, which has led to its decline in numbers. If you go wandering the Gobi desert you may see a jumping rodent known as gobi jerboa. But youll have to trust that 2,200m deep underwater in the hydrothermal vents of the South Pacific ocean lives a recently discovered crustacean called the kiwa hirsuta On the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi, Togian, Sula and Buru, you might just spot an endangered babirusa, a pig with curled tusks that never stop growing and eventually pierce the animal's skull To mark the launch of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the spinoff film based in the fantastical Wizarding World, an infographic showcasing 17 baffling animals extant on Earth has been created Some creatures are the stuff of nightmares and nature documentaries and the ordinary tourist may struggle to find them on their vacation excursions. For instance if you go wandering the Gobi desert you may see a jumping rodent known as gobi jerboa. But youll have to trust that 2,200m deep underwater in the hydrothermal vents of the South Pacific ocean lives a recently discovered crustacean called the kiwa hirsuta. However, on the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi, Togian, Sula and Buru, you might just spot an endangered babirusa, a pig with curled tusks that never stop growing and eventually pierce the animal's skull. The turritopsis dohrnii, or immortal jellyfish, found in Japan and the Mediterranean, folds back on itself at the end of its life and reverts back to its polyp stage re-growing into an adult jellyfish over and over The Mexican walking fish, which is actually a salamander and not a fish, can regrow its limbs and regenerate its organs should they become damaged (right). Male tufted deers have fangs and a patch of hair and can be found in mainland China (left) Thought immortality was the stuff of fantasy? Think again. The turritopsis dohrnii, or immortal jellyfish, found in Japan and the Mediterranean, folds back on itself at the end of its life and reverts back to its polyp stage re-growing into an adult jellyfish over and over. Another creature with superhero powers is the Mexican walking fish which is actually a salamander and not a fish can regrow its limbs and regenerate its organs should they become damaged. Some creatures are the stuff of nightmares and nature documentaries and the ordinary tourist may struggle to find them on their vacation excursions The thorny dragon found in Australia has a false head which it uses to deceive predators (left) and the okapi, seen in the Congo looks like it's part zebra but is actually related to the giraffe Falling firmly into the camp of creatures which could otherwise be magical, the thorny dragon found in Australia has a false head which it uses to deceive predators. Likewise, the lyre birds mythical gift enables it to imitate almost any sound, including music. To see such an awe-inspiring creature, its almost worth a trip to Australia. She described her boyfriend as a leg-man on Wednesday. And that afternoon Heidi Klum was ready to put a smile on 30-year-old Vito Schnabel's face, as she attended the launch of her eponymous swim collection at Bloomingdale's in New York City in a thigh-skimming leather mini-skirt. The 43-year-old model showcased her long-toned legs in the sexy garb, which also showed off her bra, as she posed up a storm at the launch of Heidi Klum Swim. Legs eleven! Heidi Klum was ready to put a smile on 30-year-old Vito Schnabel's face, as she attended the launch of her eponymous swim collection at Bloomingdale's in New York City on Wednesday in a thigh-skimming leather mini-skirt The Project Runway host put her best foot forward as she slipped her fishnet encased pins into vertiginous black stilettos. The wrap-front skirt went perilously high, and was teamed with a see-through grey turtle-neck. She kept warm with a swinging wool coat, and added a pair of reflective aviators. Head turner! The Project Runway host put her best foot forward as she slipped her fishnet encased pins into vertiginous black stilettos Surf's up: The starlet modeled playfully with a life ring Bikini babes: The catwalk queen grinned from ear-to-ear beside the other models Leggy display: Klum stepped out in a thigh-skimming leather mini-skirt in NYC The star told People magazine on Wednesday that she chooses outfits which showcase her boyfriend's favourite part of her body. 'My boyfriend likes legs, so I like wearing minidresses and fishnet stockings' she told them. She also explained she loves any excuse to look glamorous. Looking good: The 43-year-old model showcased her long-toned legs in the sexy garb, which also showed off her bra, as she headed out solo in the West Village Sexy: The Project Runway host put her best foot forward as she slipped her fishnet encased pins into vertiginous black stilettos Check her out: She got an appreciative look as the wrap-front skirt went perilously high Thigh-high: She kept warm with a swinging wool coat, and added a pair of reflective aviators 'I love making an effort, even when I go to dinner with my boyfriend or my friends. I like to step it up,' she told the publication. The busy mother-of-four pulled off an original outfit for her highly-anticipated Halloween party on Monday. She hit the red carpet of her 17th bash in NYC, accompanied by five clones. Leg-man: The star told People magazine on Wednesday that she chooses outfits which showcase her boyfriend Vito Schnabel's favourite part of her body No doubt a lot of careful planning went into the reveal as each of the other women had prosthetics put on their faces to look just like the German-born beauty at the gala event, held at the Vandal restaurant. The man behind the multiple faces, Mike Marino of Prosthetic Renaissance, told TooFab that a master cast of the America' Got Talent judge's face was taken, then a special mask was made for each of the girls chosen to appear as the model. He claimed her elaborate prank cost '10 million dollars,' and was 'tonnes of work, it's like doing Heidi 5 times.' She's expecting her second child in just a matter of weeks. But Teresa Palmer has shown no signs of slowing down, with the actress continuing to work throughout her pregnancy. The 30-year-old stars in Mel Gibson's latest film Hacksaw Ridge and she recently gushed to Who magazine about working alongside the Hollywood director. Scroll down for video 'He has this beautiful childlike nature': Teresa Palmer, 30, revealed to Who magazine what it was like to work alongside director Mel Gibson, 60, in Australian production Hacksaw Ridge, adding that he's simply 'the best' 'He's the best. He is so jovial and he has this beautiful childlike nature and this infectious quality that just draws you in,' she began. 'I mean, he does not see himself on a pedestal at all, even though people try to put him on one.' Teresa also shared details on her private life, revealing she wants 'six children' with husband Mark Webber. Latest venture: Mel Gibson took on the directorial role for film Hacksaw Ridge, which is based on the life of WWII objector Desmond Doss 'Everyone who knows me knows I want six children,' she gushed. Teresa plays the love interest of lead character Desmond Doss, a renowned WWII conscientious objector, played by Andrew Garfield in the war movie. Desmond saved 75 men in the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa in WWII, without ever firing a gun. Famous faces: Hacksaw Ridge also stars Hugo Weaving, Vince Vaughn (left), Sam Worthington and Luke Bracey (centre) The star-studded cast also includes Hugo Weaving, Vince Vaughn, Sam Worthington and Luke Bracey. This is not the first time Teresa has been very complimentary towards Mel, revealing to 2DAY FM's Rove and Sam last month that the star would eat lunch with the whole crew. 'I have worked with a lot of actors who will go and do their thing and then at lunchtime they typically go into their trailer and have an assistant get them lunch or whatever,' she began. 'Mel would sit and eat with the whole cast, the whole crew, knew everyone's name. We had a crew of 200 plus. Constantly be engaging with people,' the Los Angeles-based star continued. Only complimentary: 'Mel would sit and eat with the whole cast, the whole crew, knew everyone's name,' Teresa shared with 2DAY FM's Rove and Sam last month '[He is] just the most regular guy you can imagine, and that to me was refreshing. So that speaks to his spirit, that's really cool,' Teresa added. At 32 weeks pregnant, Teresa is just moments away from giving birth to her second child with 36-year-old actor Mark. The couple already share a two-year-old son Bodhi Rain, as well as Mark's son Isaac, from a previous relationship. Not slowing down: Despite being 32 weeks pregnant, Teresa Palmer has certainly showed no signs of taking it easy. Pictured in a Halloween costume with two-year-old son Bodhi Rain (centre), whom she shares with Mark Webber Precious: Teresa often shares sweet snaps of husband Mark (pictured) and Bodhi Rain to Instagram She's taking on a role similar to George Clooney's in the former Ocean's films. And clearly Sandra Bullock's star power will dominate the big screen for her highly-anticipated crime drama Ocean's Eight. The 52-year-old commanded attention on Wednesday as she headed to the New York set of her film dressed casually in a pair of skintight jeans. Casual chic: Sandra Bullock was stylish as always on the New York set of her upcoming film Ocean's Eight on Wednesday The Academy Award-winning actress donned the distressed cropped denims which highlighted her long and slender limbs. A gold and royal blue floral top with textured navy sweater teamed well with her light wash bottoms. Sandra stepped out in a chic black leather wedge ankle boots and a pair of dark shades sat neatly on her nose. Lean limbs! A pair of light wash cropped distressed denims encased the Oscar winner's endless legs Fancy footwear! The brunette beauty stepped out in a chic black leather wedge ankle boots Sandra's natural beauty was prominent as the award-winning actress wore minimal makeup, with a touch of rosy blush. And while the Speed starlet showed off her usual stylish prowess, earlier in the day she was nearly covered head to toe. Braving the morning cold, she bundled up in a full-length puffer coat while trying to shield herself from the chilly temperatures. Undercover: Earlier in the day the Speed star bundled up in a full-length puffer coat while trying to shield herself from the chilly temperatures The actress maintained a low-profile and kept her head down while keeping warm with a hot coffee. Also spotted on set was Cate Blanchett, 47, who looked sexy in a pair of figure-hugging black leather pants. The platinum blonde beauty looked radiant is a plush blue fitted blazer and vintage tee. Leggy blonde! Also spotted on set was Cate Blanchett, 47, who looked sexy in a pair of figure-hugging black leather pants Rocker vibe: The platinum blonde beauty looked radiant is a plush blue fitted blazer and vintage tee Chic! Cate looked sexy in the skintight trousers which she teamed with leather taupe ankle boots Helena Bonham Carter, 50, sipped a glass of water while strolling across the set in a red floral skirt and a lilac top. She also tucked into a snack while on the move, before changing into a buttoned down white shirt, black skirt and chunky platforms as she got into character. Sandra and Cate have similar roles to those played by George Clooney and Brad Pitt in the Ocean's films. The two seem to be the master minds behind their heist. It has been claimed that Bullock is the sister of Clooney's Danny Ocean character and that he will have a supporting part, serving as a mentor for the ladies. He is also a producer on the film with his Smokehouse Pictures company he runs with Grant Heslov. Keeping hydrated: Helena Bonham Carter, 50, sipped a glass of water while strolling across the set Non-stop: Helena tucked into a snack while on the move Sandra and George worked together on the 2013 sci-fi film Gravity. The ladies join an all-female powerhouse line-up also including Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, Mindy Kaling and rapper Awkwafina. The Gary Ross-directed film is set to be released on June 8, 2018. Costume change: The actress swapped into a buttoned down white shirt and black skirt as she got into character She is a Victoria's Secret Angel. But Izabel Goulart was showing off her biker chic side as she headed to fittings for the brand's upcoming fashion show in New York City on Wednesday. The 32-year-old rocked a black leather jacket, skin tight jeans, and a pair of super sexy ankle boots. Heaven on earth! Izabel Goulart rocked jeans and a leather jacket as she headed to fittings for the upcoming Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in New York City on The model wore her hair down in lush and luxurious waves as she also sported a black top. She accessorized the look up with stylish sunnies and left her natural beauty shine through with pink blush and little else. Izabel was of course not the only model to make her way to fittings. Adriana Lima headed out in a pair of super sexy knee high boots, red shorts, and a sophisticated black blazer. Picture perfect: She accessorized the look up with stylish sunnies and left her natural beauty shine through with pink blush and little else Working it! Lily Aldridge and Adriana Lima hit their stride in sexy footwear The model scraped her jet black locks back into a stylish high ponytail while also getting a caffeine boost as she headed inside with a cup of coffee in her hands. Lily Aldridge was also spotted out in New York, rocking a camouflage print shirt, jeans, stiletto boots, and a glossy black jacket. She wore her brunette tresses down and shaded her stunning brown eyes with a pair of straight edge sunglasses. Pep in her step: The model scraped her jet black locks back into a stylish high ponytail while also getting a caffeine boost as she headed inside with a cup of coffee in her hands Hard to miss! Aldridge looked incredible in her camouflage print shirt and skin tight jeans Martha Hunt, meanwhile, stopped traffic in a super chic beige coat paired with dark jeans and a pair of stiletto boots. The star wore her blonde hair down and she also accessorized with clear sunglasses. Gigi Hadid was spotted heading to fittings in a pair of very eye-catching blue ankle boots along with a flirty black mini skirt. Looking good! Martha Hunt, meanwhile, stopped traffic in a super chic beige coat paired with dark jeans and a pair of stiletto boots The roster of Angels for the 2016 show also includes: Alessandra Ambrosio, Elsa Hosk, Jasmine Tookes, Josephine Skriver, Lais Ribeiro, Romee Strijd, Sara Sampaio, Stella Maxwell, Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, and Taylor Hill. The fashion show will air on television in the US on December 5 on CBS. It will take place in Paris on November 30, after previously being held in New York in 2015. Hitting her stride: Gigi Hadid was also spotted in a pair of super eye-catching ankle boots Since returning to the shores of Britain after a sun-soaked trip to the Maldives, Elizabeth Hurley has been a fixture on London's glamorous social circuit. And it was business as usual for the actress on Wednesday night, when she put in an appearance at the London Poppy Day Dinner hosted by the City Veterans' Network. The Royals star, 51, looked undeniably stunning as she made her way into the English capital's Hurlingham Club wearing a sleeveless golden gown, complete with glittering embellishments. Scroll down for video Another night on the town: Elizabeth Hurley attended the 2016 London Poppy Day Dinner hosted by the City Veterans' Network at The Hurlingham Club on Wednesday night British beauty Liz oozed glamour as she entered the dinner party in the head-turning number, which accentuated her taut curves and glowing tan. Her lustrous brown locks rested about her shoulders in voluminous waves, while shining chandelier diamond earrings gave her look an extra touch of panache. The star's choice of natural-looking makeup further accentuated her natural beauty, as she mingled with a host of guests, including Patrick Cox, and members of the military. Stunning: The star wowed in an enbellished gown as she made her way into the patriotic event Good cause: She was joined at the annual dinner party by her shoe designer pal Patrick Cox We're having a laugh: The friends laughed as they in the venue's grand and imposing ballroom On Monday night, she proved to be the star attraction once again, when she attended the Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards. The actress stunned in a pink lace midi dress that effortlessly hugged her lithe figure as she arrived at London's plush Claridge's hotel. The mother-of-one looked chic in the fuchsia dress which featured a handkerchief hem and a semi-sheer high neckline. Sticking to a pink theme, she toted a heavily embellished pink clutch with a heart motif on it. Style squad: They were joined at the event by fashion and make-over advisor Trinny Woodall Meeting the lads: At the bash, they chatted with veterans and active members of the military Injecting a dose of sparkle, the Bedazzled actress rocked a pair of metallic barely there sandals that offset her deep tan. Her glossy chestnut locks were styled in her signature middle parting, with loose waves gently framing her face. Looking as youthful as ever, Elizabeth opted for a dewy pink blusher to complement her dress and heavy eyeliner. Beaming as she strode along with designer Patrick Cox, the Austin Powers star seemed to be in high spirits as she made her way to the awards. Intrigued: Mother-of-one Elizabeth looked intrigued as she inspected some combat gear Bubbly: She held a a glass of champagne as she and Trinny chatted away with the men Elizabeth looked to be enjoying a post-holiday glow - no doubt from her time spent in the idyllic Maldives with her teenage son Damien. During her exotic getaway, the brunette beauty shared a number of steamy snaps with her 431,000 Instagram followers - including in a series of tiny bikinis. Another showed her relaxing in a bathtub - with just the bubbles strategically covering her modesty. Social: On Monday, she attended the Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards in London She co-hosted the 50th annual CMA Awards with Brad Paisley in Nashville, Tennessee,on Wednesday night. And Carrie Underwood stunned on the red carpet as she arrived for the show in an intricately beaded pink ball gown that made her look as pretty as a princess. She flashed a little cleavage thanks to the v-neckline and halter straps, and a train spread out behind her as she walked the red carpet. Scroll down for video Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert and Nicole Kidman all brought the wow factor to the red carpet at the CMA Awards on Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee Carrie wore her blonde shoulder-length hair simply styled with a side parting and swept away from her face is curls. She accentuated her eyes with plenty of kohl and mascara but kept her blusher and lip color light and matching the pale pink of her gown. The country music star, 33, paired the gorgeous dress with enormous drop diamond earrings. The country music star, 33, paired the gorgeous dress with enormous drop diamond earrings and flashed some cleavage thanks to the v-neckline and halter straps The fairytale dress also had a train that spread out behind her as she walked and posed for the cameras Carrie wore her blonde shoulder-length hair simply styled with a side parting and swept away from her face is curls The surprise news for the CMA Awards is that R&B and pop star Beyonce is not only attending the event; she's also expected to take the stage and perform. The Country Music Association honors its own with the awards show that is being aired live on ABC. Nominee Miranda Lambert, 32, cuddled up to boyfriend Anderson East, 28, as she posed for photos in a very revealing black dress. The country star showed off plenty of cleavage in the floaty number that featured feathery detailing on a semi-sheer bodice with plunging neckline, and a full skirt with a front slit. She completed the look with black and embellished heels and diamond bracelets. Miranda Lambert, 32, cuddled up to boyfriend Anderson East, 28, as she posed for photos in a very revealing black dress The country star showed off plenty of cleavage in the floaty number that featured feathery detailing on a semi-sheer bodice with plunging neckline, and a full skirt with a front slit Keith Urban brought along wife Nicole Kidman with the couple cutting a fashionable dash. Nicole, 49, wore a dusky rose dress with bell sleeves and a pleated skirt, cinched at the waist with a contrasting velvet ribbon. The statuesque star left her blonde hair loose and tumbling in curls down over her shoulders. Country star Keith, 49, had on a bespoke suit with white dress shirt and black bow tie. Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman cut a fashionable dash on the red carpet as the Hollywood star supported her musician husband at the awards show Nicole, 49, wore a dusky rose dress with bell sleeves and a pleated skirt, cinched at the waist with a contrasting velvet ribbon and left her long blonde hair loose down around her shoulders Among the celebrities showing up for the show was for Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe. The Canadian reality star was without fiance Shawn Booth to whom she proposed on the ABC show's July 27 finale last year. Kaitlyn, 31, turned heads in a lace crop top paired with a semi-sheer ball gown skirt. The ensemble showed off her super slim midriff and she wore her hair in an updo with a few tendrils left loose to frame her pretty face. The Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe, 31, turned heads in a lace crop top paired with a semi-sheer ball gown skirt. The reality star showed off her super slim midriff in the ensemble and wore her hair in an updo with a few tendrils left loose to frame her pretty face Jamie Lynn Spears, 25, also opted for black, arriving on the red carpet in a plunging black dress slit to the thigh on both sides. Singer Jessie James Decker, 26, showed off her hour-glass figure in a full-length black dress with side cutouts that she paired with a silver clutch and soft ringlets. Meanwhile, veteran songstress Martina McBride, 50, wrapped herself in black and silver in a long-sleeved two-tone ball gown with train and lace detailing at the bust. Jamie Lynn Spears, 25, also opted for black, arriving on the red carpet in a plunging black dress slit to the thigh on both sides and strappy black heels Little Big Town vocalist Karen Fairchhild, 47, opted for a western-themed outfit of a teal dress with a fringed hem and tassles at the shoulder and matching platform shoes Country songstress Martina McBride, 50, wrapped herself in black and silver in a long-sleeved two-tone ball gown with train and lace detailing at the bust Singer Jessie James Decker, 26, showed off her hour-glass figure in a full-length black dress with side cutouts that she paired with a silver clutch and soft ringlets Exs and Ohs singer Elle King, 27, made sure to stand out from the crowd with a matador-themed ensemble. The daughter of comedian Rob Schneider and former model London King put on a busty show in a a low-cut black corset with gold fringe. Her custom red pants were also fringed with gold detailing and she covered her eyelids with matching gold shimmer. The blonde star, who added a cropped black jacket, was accompanied on the red carpet by her Scottish fiance Andrew 'Fergie' Ferguson who was more low-key in a black suit with matching fedora. Exs and Ohs singer Elle King, 27, put on a busty show in a a low-cut black corset with gold fringe paired with a black matador jacket and fringed red pants with gold detailing Elle proudly posed up a storm with Scottish fiance Andrew 'Fergie' Ferguson who was more low-key but no less dapper in a black suit with matching fedora Another singer determined to make her mark at the big event was Kacey Musgraves, 28, who opted for a multi-tiered pale purple gown. The tulle number was strapless and belted at the waist with a black band. The voluminous layers then fell to the ground in ever wider circles fanning out on the ground around her feet. Kacey Musgraves opted for a pale purple multi-tiered tulle gown that fanned out around her The 28-year-old singer and songwriter took up most of the carpet with the very wide outfit that was strapless and belted under the bust with a black band Actress Jennifer Garner, 44, and Brad Paisley's actress wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley, 45, happily posed together before the awards show got started Jennifer wore a black strapless gown with a gold embroidered bodice that flattered her gym-honed figure and left her hair loose with a center parting Kimberly chose an emerald teal strapless gown with a heart-shape neckline and side slit. She added a statement diamond pendant necklace and silver buckled pumps Jennifer Garner and Sharon Stone brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to the proceedings. Jennifer, 44, wore a black strapless gown with a gold embroidered bodice that flattered her gym-honed figure and left her hair loose with a center parting, adding some earrings and bangles for good measure. Sharon, 58, knocked it out of the ballpark in a super-stylish black sparkly gown that hugged her every curve. The Basic Instinct beauty revealed lots of cleavage thanks to the plunging neckline. She wore her blonde hair tousled and accessorized with enormous chandelier earrings. Sharon Stone, 58, knocked it out of the ballpark in a super-stylish black sparkly gown that hugged her every curve and revealed plenty of cleavage The Basic Instinct beauty wore her blonde hair tousled and accessorized with enormous chandelier earrings The Hollywood star's date for the eveing was her sister Kelly Stone who also wore black opting for a semi-sheer frock and matching sheer wrap Country couple Garth Brooks, 54, and Trisha Yearwood, 52, naturally showed their support for the CMA Awards. The singers were scheduled to perform a medley of duets on stage during the telecast. Garth, of course, wore his signature stetson paired with an open-neck white shirt and tuxedo jacket, while Trisha opted for a long-sleeved two-tone gown with sparkly embellishments down the front. Country couple Garth Brooks, 54, and Trisha Yearwood, 52, showed their support for the CMA Awards with the singers scheduled to perform a medley of duets on stage during the telecast Another country music power couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill looked super stylish in their color-coordinated outfits Tim McGraw and Faith Hill had clearly color coordinated their outfits. The very stylish powerhouse country couple, both 49, looked stunning as they posed together. Faith nailed her couture gown that had a puff skirt over a long one and a sparkly long-sleeve top, while Tim rocked a tuxedo and black stetson. Billy Ray Cyrus made no bones about his country affiliation, showing up in western-themed garb complete with studded stetson and bespoke suit. Billy Ray Cyrus made no bones about his country affiliation, showing up in western-themed garb complete with studded stetson and bespoke suit Singer and actress Jennifer Nettles, 42, looked fabulous in a bright red dress with a patterned bodice and high collar paired with electric blue sandal heels Kelsea Ballerini, 23, chose an eye-catching floral-patterned gown with plunging neckline and spaghetti straps The pretty blonde puckered up for a kiss with musician boyfriend Morgan Evans, who wore a Hickey Freeman wool burgundy tuxedo with David Yurman Cufflinks and watch Reba McEntire, 61, shimmered in a long-sleeved, full-length dress The U.S. Olympic gymnasts were among those invited to the award show and they embraced the occasion to dress up with gusto. Laurie Hernandez, Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Madison Kocian and Gabby Douglas walked the red carpet together in their designer outfits. U.S. Olympic gymnasts Laurie Hernandez, Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Madison Kocian and Gabby Douglas walked the red carpet together in their designer outfits Aly, 22, was pretty in pink, wearing a backless body suit with matching sheer patterned sleeves and full skirt Laurie, 16, showed of her toned physique in a pretty floral-patterned frock and fancy black heels Gabby, 20, went full-on glam in a strapless frock with wide knee-length skirt and a train, while Simone, 19, rocked a metallic shiny halter-neck full-length sleeveless number They've just returned from a romantic getaway in Dubai. But the glamorous outings were ongoing for Emma McVey and Gaz Beadle as they attended the Anna Lous Swimwear launch party in London on Wednesday. Hand in hand as they strode into the venue, the lovebirds - who have been dating since August - seemed in great spirits on the night. Scroll down for video Cute couple: Glamorous outings were ongoing for Emma McVey and Gaz Beadle as they attended the Anna Lous Swimwear launch party in London on Wednesday Emma - who has modelled for the brand in the past - showed off her incredible figure on the night in a plunging tuxedo style dress. Flashing her perky cleavage, the garment featured a daringly low-cut neckline, whilst the split hem grazed her tanned and toned thighs. Teetering along in barely there black heels, Emma kept her accessories simple with just a small cross body bag. Perfect pair: Hand in hand as they strode into the venue, the lovebirds - who have been dating since August - seemed in great spirits on the night Coordinating couple: The pair complemented each other in monochrome ensembles at the bash Chest a glimpse! Emma - who has modelled for the brand in the past - showed off her incredible figure on the night in a plunging tuxedo style dress Bronzed and buffed, the brunette bombshell finished off the look with a slick of peachy gloss and lined her defined cheekbones with bronzer. Meanwhile, Gaz, 28, kept things causal in a white bomber jacket and distressed skinny jeans. Beaming broadly, the star seemed to be sticking by his recent admission that he would happily settle down with his current girlfriend. In a flap-per: Zara Holland wowed in a busty vintage style gown that was reminiscent of a 1920s style flapper dress and showed off her slender curves Here come the girls: Zara was joined by Lauryn Goodman, Lizzie Cundy and Chloe Paige Three of a kind: Zara stood out in her silver feathered dress as she posed with her pals Making moves: Highlighting her ample assets, the garment nipped in at her tiny waist before flaring out to a feathered hem that grazed her thighs as she walked with Lizzie Close friends: Zara seemed delighted to run into Lizzie, who wowed in leather trousers and a matching peplum hem top that flared out at her small waist Bae-watch: Lizzie seemed in great spirits as she posed with two hunky lifeguards The thigh's the limit! Lauryn Goodman also showcased her enviable physique in a skintight black bodysuit that she teamed with knee high leather boots The notorious lothario made the revelation during a drunken games of Snog, Marry Avoid for a Facebook Live chat with The Sun, where he surprised everyone by revealing he'd marry Emma, snog ex Charlotte Crosby and avoid another ex Lillie Lexie Gregg. And despite garnering a reputation as quite the lothario during his Geordie Shore days, Gaz seemed to only have eyes for his lady, despite being surrounded by a bevvy of beauties at the bash. One of the stunning stars who shockingly failed to turn his head was Love Island's Zara Holland, who wowed in a busty vintage style gown that showed off her slender curves. Dainty and demure: TOWIE's Chloe Lewis opted for a more demure ensemble in a black blazer and grey T-shirt that she teamed with skinny jeans and patent ankle boots Feeling the chill: Denise Van Outen also dressed appropriately for the weather in a cosy camel coat and leopard print trousers that she tucked into suede ankle boots Call the guard! Denise seemed chirpy as she posed with the models on the red carpet Here come the girls: TOWIE's Chloe Lewis ditched her co-stars for her posse On-trend: Gaz was sporting his favourite ripped jeans for his outing Changed man: Gaz is hoping to stay faithful to Emma following a string of romances Hell for leather: Lizzie Cundy and Lauryn Goodman went all out in PVC ensembles Walk on the wild side: Denise Van Outen opted for high-rise leopard print trousers Highlighting her ample assets, the garment nipped in at her tiny waist before flaring out to a feathered hem that grazed her thighs. Meanwhile, Lauryn Goodman also showcased her enviable physique in a skintight black bodysuit that she teamed with knee high leather boots. TOWIE's Chloe Lewis opted for a more demure ensemble in a black blazer and grey T-shirt, whilst Denise Van Outen also dressed appropriately for the weather in a cosy camel coat and leopard print trousers. Lovely ladies: X Factor star Chloe Paige wowed in a black one sleeved dress, whilst Danielle Mason highlighted her stunning figure in a multicoloured striped dress Pop diva: The X Factor's Soheila Clifford put on an eye-popping display in a plunging lace black dress that showed off her red bra and ample cleavage Need a lift: The star was hoiked up by two models on the red carpet with near disastrous results as her skimpy dress threatened to expose too much Firm friends: She was joined by the equally chirpy TayTay Starhz After a weekend of non-stop partying, this star decided to slow things down a little on Wednesday. Sofia Richie stopped into her favourite West Hollywood eatery for a spot of lunch with a pal. The 18-year-old stopped in Mauro's Cafe at Fred Segal and brought along her little dog Flynn. Scroll down for video Pit stop: Sofia Richie stopped into her favourite West Hollywood eatery for a spot of lunch with a pal on Wednesday After enjoying some lunch in the sunshine of the Melrose Avenue restaurant, the model, her friend and her pup made their way back to the car. For her lunch break, the clothes horse wore a conformable but fashionable look. Sofia wore a baggy oversized sweater from Kanye West's Saint Pablo merch collection that read 'Let me crash here for a moment' with some leggings which featured a patterned made by what looked like little red and white pills. The model accessorized the look with just some beat up Nike sneakers, a Dolce & Gabbana python handbag and round lens sunglasses. Dog day: The 18-year-old stopped in Mauro's Cafe at Fred Segal and brought along her little dog Flynn Keeping it casual: Sofia wore a baggy oversized sweater from Kanye West's Saint Pablo merch collection that read 'Let me crash here for a moment' with some leggings which featured a patterned made by what looked like little red and white pills Lionel Richie's daughter wore no make-up and threw hair up into a bun unstyled. Sofia no doubted wanted to be a little more low key after a weekend of Halloween parties. One of those events saw her partying with big sister Nicole's former bestie Paris Hilton. Johnny Depp has received tons of backlash on social media for his recent casting in the Fantastic Beasts sequel. According to a Warner Bros. representative on Tuesday, the 53-year-old actor would be part of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in a secretive role. As Depp was accused of domestic violence during a recent bitter divorce battle with Amber Heard, many Potterheads did not appreciate the decision. Ouch: It was recently revealed that Johnny Depp was cast in the Fantaastic Beasts and Where to Find Them sequel but Harry Potter fans are not too happy about the news Juxtaposition: One user pointed out that the Harry Potter universe was about fighting abuse of power as she brought up domestic abuse allegations against the actor Several fans took to Twitter to personally message the movie franchise's official account as well as author of the original novels JK Rowling to express their distaste. One user named @wednesdaydreams wrote: 'hello @jk_rowling @FantasticBeasts the Harry Potter universe is all about being against the abuse of power and yet you cast a known abuser?' Another microblogger @annalikestweets wrote: 'hey @jk_rowling many harry potter fans are survivors, and this hurts them so much!' Several even pointed out the double standards in showbiz and complained about Depp continuing on with a successful career. Not happy: Twitter has been flooded with unhappy posts about the casting User @amberhearrds commented: 'Winona Ryder stole something once and her career plummeted. Johnny Depp abused his wife & he continues to get roles. i love double standards' Depp will appear in a cameo in the first film, which opens on November 18, and have a bigger role alongside star Eddie Redmayne in the sequel in 2018. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is based on Rowling's book of the same name and set 60 years earlier than Harry Potter in 1926 New York. There are five films planned in the Warner Bros. franchise. Spoiler! Depp will appear in a cameo in the first film, which opens on November 18, and have a bigger role alongside star Eddie Redmayne in the sequel in 2018 The new franchise will trace the rise of a powerful wizard named Gellert Grindelwald and his eventual 1945 duel with Albus Dumbledore, the popular wizard headmaster from the Potter stories. Depp married the 30-year-old actress, his Rum Diary co-star, in Ferbuary 2015 following his split from longtime love Vanessa Paradis, with whom he has two children Lily-Rose and Jack. Heard filed for divorce in May, appearing in court in Los Angeles with a bruised face to seek a temporary restraining order against the Hollywood star whom she accused of abuse. The former spouses reached a settlement on August 16 in which the restraining order was dismissed and Heard received $7 million, which she then donated to charity. Being on set is clearly thirsty work. And Jessica Biel was carrying not one but two caffeine hits as she arrived to film her latest movie in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Wednesday. The 34-year-old actress clutched a hot brew and an iced-tea, in anticipation of a busy day at work on Shock and Awe. Thirsty work! Jessica Biel was carrying not one but two caffeine hits as she arrived to film her latest movie in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Wednesday The wife of Justin Timberlake looked effortlessly stylish as she showcased her slim figure in tightly fitted blue denim jeans. She added a pale striped top and beige cardigan, as she stepped out into the sunshine. The brunette brunette wore her wavy locks loose and with her bangs framing her flawless face. Ready for work: The 34-year-old actress - rocking Steven Alan Optical sunglasses - clutched a hot brew and an iced-tea, in anticipation of a busy day at work on Shock and Awe She covered her eyes with nude-framed, dark Steven Alan Optical sunglasses and appeared to be make-up free. The mother-of-one has a starring role in Shock And Awe, which is about a group of journalists covering the planned invasion of Iraq in 2003, who are skeptical of the Bush administration's claims that Saddam Hussein has 'weapons of mass destruction'. The film is being directed and co-produced by 69-year-old Hollywood legend Rob Reiner. His past directing credits include Stand By Me, A Few Good Men, The Princess Bride and This Is Spinal Tap. Smooch: Her husband Justin Timberlake received a really warm welcome on Tuesday while visiting her on the New Orleans film set Shock And Awe also stars James Marsden, Milla Jovovich, Woody Harrelson and Tommy Lee Jones. Jessica recently made her return to the small screen in a recurring role, as she has been busy filming The Sinner in South Carolina. She portrays Cora Tanner in the new series which centers around a young mother who commits a very public act of violence but has no clue why she did so. The show - which is based on Petra Hammesfahrs best-selling book of the same name - will co-star Bill Pullman, Christopher Abbott and Abby Miller. It has been nearly 15 years since the award-winning actress has had a regular role on television; after leaving 7th Heaven at the end of the sixth season, she only ever made guest appearances on the small screen. Her husband Justin Timberlake received a really warm welcome on Tuesday while visiting her on the New Orleans film set. The star recently told Variety magazine that his priorities have changed since he and Jessica welcomed their son Silas. He said: 'My life has changed and is changing. So it's important to discover that there's work you can do where you get more time with your family. I wouldn't go on tour next week because I wanna be with my son. I wanna be with my wife.' They're two of Australia's most in-demand models. And it's no surprise that ambassadors Jesinta Campbell and Jessica Gomes were on-hand to celebrate the official opening of the David Jones store at Barangaroo on Thursday. Sporting a strapless white cocktail dress complete with a thigh-high split, Jesinta, 25, cut a chic figure as she flashed her trim pins and slender frame. Scroll down for video Celebration: Ambassadors Jesinta Campbell (left), Jason Dundas (centre) and Jessica Gomes (right) were on-hand to celebrate the official opening of the David Jones store at Barangaroo on Thursday The former Miss Universe Australia paired the look with pointed-toe nude pumps while accessorising with her diamond engagement ring. Her luscious brunette locks were worn loosely and neatly parted, while styled in romance curls. She opted for evening makeup consisting of foundation, smokey eyes and pink lips. Chic: The brunette beauties looked every inch the glamorous models as they represented the department store Stunning: Sporting a strapless white cocktail dress complete with a thigh-high split, Jesinta, 25, cut a chic figure as she flashed her trim pins and slender frame Poser: The beauty looked elegant as she showed off her back Looking all-white: Jesinta, who is engaged to AFL star Buddy Franklin, flashed her diamond sparkler Fellow model Jessica, 32, looked equally as glamorous in a multicoloured A-line dress that featured long sleeves and a pleated skirt. The exotic beauty completed the look with open-toe burgundy stilettos. Her flawless makeup consisted of bronzer and a bold red lip, which added an element of glamour to the stunning look. Striking: Fellow model Jessica, 32, looked equally as glamorous in a multicoloured A-line dress that featured long sleeves and a pleated skirt Twirl: The exotic beauty completed the look with open-toe burgundy stilettos as she playfully posed for snaps Flawless: Her flawless makeup consisted of bronzer and a bold red lip, which added an element of glamour to the stunning look Her brunette mane was swept up in a sleek up-do and the stunner beamed as she posed for photographers. Also at the event was fellow fellow ambassador Jason Dundas, 34, who looked dapper in a navy suit and grey shirt paired with brown shoes. The X Factor host embraced both Jesinta and Jessica as the trio posed for snaps before the ribbon cutting. Group shot: David Jones CEO John Dixon (far right) was pictured with the store ambassadors Special moment: Jessica had the honour of cutting the ribbon Oozing glamour: The group looked polished as they posed outside the new store Contrast: Jason and Jesinta appeared much friendlier three months after they were pictured in a tense exchange during a runway show in Sydney Jason and Jesinta appeared much friendlier three months after they were pictured in a tense exchange during a runway show in Sydney. Jesinta previously laughed off feud reports, claiming they were not arguing and actually having a simple conversation about food. 'The funniest thing was we had a media call at the end of our show rehearsals and there was probably 35 people there when that was happening and we were just having a laugh together,' she previously told Novas Fitzy & Wippa. ' ... Backstage we were on the ground almost wetting our pants laughing because we were like 'what were we actually talking about?' And I think it was about how big the burger was we were going to eat after the show.' Saying a few words: Jason briefly addressed the crowd as the models watched on Proud: CEO John gave a special thanks to the team as he said a few words Classy: Jessica and Jesinta looked sensational at the VIP launch Sharon Stone had herself a girls night out at the CMA Awards on Wednesday. The 58-year-old was joined by her sister, Kelly Stone, at the star-studded event held in Nashville. The Basic Instinct star oozed glamour in an extremely stunning black gown that had a plunging neckline to flash some major cleavage. Scroll down for video Sister act! Sharon Stone was joined at the CMA Awards by her sister, Kelly Stone, in Nashville on Wednesday Sharon teamed the extremely eye-catching number with a dramatic pair of silver chandelier style earrings and a large black ring. The star styled her blonde hair into loose and romantic ringlets, while injecting even more drama to the look with her bold slick of jet black eye liner. She also wore a tint of pink lipstick and blush. Sharon's sister, meanwhile, dazzled in an elegant black dress with sheer sleeves and a see-through maxi skirt. Drop dead gorgeous! Sharon teamed the extremely eye-catching number with a dramatic pair of silver chandelier style earrings and a large black ring Kelly styled her hair in voluminous waves while accessorizing the look up with large silver hoop earrings. No doubt the awards show was a welcome break for Sharon as she walked the red carpet with her sister. The actress was busy lately filming A Little Something For Your Birthday in Los Angeles last week. Having a hoot! The sisters were clearly having a blast on the red carpet Stopping them in their tracks! The star styled her blonde hair into loose and romantic ringlets, while injecting even more drama to the look with her bold slick of jet black eye liner A Little Something For Your Birthday stars Stone opposite Ellen Burstyn, who plays her excessively involved mother. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Stone character will wind up falling for a suave lawyer played by Tony Goldwyn. Other cast members include Famke Janssen, Caitlin Fitzgerald and, in a small role, none other than Ryan Lochte. All that glitters: Sharon looked way younger than her years as she took to the stage in her glittering gown Handshake: Chris Stapleton won Male Vocalist of the Year and received his award from the megastar She's the provocative runway model who set tongues wagging earlier this week when she posed in very revealing lingerie on Instagram. And on Thursday, Catherine McNeil was back at it again as she sported a sheer top with a small black bar across the breast area in an image shared to social media. The 27-year-old could be seen partying with a drink in hand in the photo, risking a serious wardrobe malfunction in the process. Scroll down for video Daring to bare! Catherine McNeil risked a wardrobe malfunction in a racy sheer top in a photo shared to Instagram On Tuesday, the Australian model left very little to the imagination as she took to Instagram in sheer lingerie and black nipple tape. The bombshell showed off her slender figure while dressed in the revealing top, which featured black lace straps and bralet and a sheer panel across her torso. She tucked the underwear garment into her matching black high-waisted hot pants. Racy: Catherine McNeil covered her nipples with black tape as she stripped down to her sheer lace lingerie and hot pants in her latest social media post To finish off her racy look, which revealed her many tattoos, Catherine added a pair of thigh-high socks and leather ankle boots. Despite cutting out a portion of her head in the frame, she showed her light brunette hair falling down her shoulders while styled straight. Earlier in the week, she again posed in black lace lingerie on social media. On show: Earlier in the week, she again posed in black lace lingerie on social media, wearing nothing but a sheer bra and lace panties In the shared photo, Catherine lifted herself by the elbow as she laid across a lounge, wearing nothing but a sheer bra and lace panties. She again covered her nipples with two bold stars, which had been edited on-top of the photo. Weeks earlier, she shared another raunchy image of herself while laying stretched across the wooden ground. Raunchy: Weeks earlier, the model shared another raunchy image of herself laying stretched across the wooden ground dressed in a black bra and a leather harness In the image, Catherine showed off her bare torso as she dressed in a tiny black bra, which was covered with a leather harness. The bizarre piece fell over her body to her belly button and buckled tightly around her neck. She's the former Miss Universe Australia with a penchant for always getting it right in the style stakes. And Jennifer Hawkins was back at it again, stunning in a chic pastel body-hugging frock as she arrived at Melbourne's Oaks Day 2016 on Thursday. The 32-year-old highlighted her flawless figure in the designer ensemble, that offered a glimpse of cleavage and drew attention to her statuesque frame. Scroll down for video Blue belle! Jennifer Hawkins, 32, showed off her cleavage as she stunned in an off-the-shoulder lace dress at Oaks Day 2016 in Melbourne on Thursday Making a stylish arrival, Jennifer sported an elegant dress by Talulah. An off-the-shoulder design drew attention to her decolletage, while the bodice accentuated her slender waist. Fabric that flared out from the knees down added a feminine touch, as she made heads turn at race day. She's flawless! The pastel blue frock by label Talulah accentuated the star's enviably svelte frame Wow! Jen gave onlookers a glimpse from the back Incredible: She showed off her flawless visage Elongating her already statuesque frame with a pair of strappy black Giambattista Valli heels, Jennifer accessorised further with a Nina Ricci black clutch and jewelled headpiece by Natalie Bikicki. Styling her blonde locks in loose waves around her shoulders, the television presenter allowed several strands to frame her striking face. Assisting the services of celebrity makeup artist Liz Kelsh, Jennifer enhanced her facial features with a flawless complexion, defined brows, lashings of mascara and a nude lip. Dazzling: A view of her dress from behind revealed her naturally cinched waist Details: Earlier in the day, Jennifer took to Instagram to share with her fans her accessories, including a pair of black strappy Giambattista Valli heels and a Nina Ricci clutch Beaming beauty: The model flashed her pearly whites for photographers The sighting comes shortly after Jennifer spoke candidly about plastic surgery. 'Each to their own,' the budding entrepreneur told The Daily Telegraph. Jennifer has been subject to ongoing rumours due to her altering appearance over the years. Back in 2010, she credited the difference to healthy eating and 'makeup.' 'I just eat healthy and I exercise a lot,' she said on the Kyle and Jackie 'O' show. They are the stars of the latest film to feature Hollywood legend Warren Beatty. So it was only appropriate Lily Collins cuddled up to Alden Ehrenreich at the Museum Of The Moving Image 30th Annual Salute event honouring the actor in New York on Wednesday. The dynamic duo looked every inch the glamour couple as they stood on the red carpet. On-screen lovers: Lily Collins cuddled up to Alden Ehrenreich at the Museum Of The Moving Image 30th Annual Salute in New York on Wednesday Lily, daughter of legendary rocker Phil Collins, showcased her feminine form in an opulent black and grey gown which boasted a thigh high split that showcased her stunning stalks. The 27-year-old completed her look with adventurous stacked heels, and had her hair raked back in a tight bun. Alden, who is playing Han Solo in the forthcoming prequel film centred around the popular Star Wars character, looked dashing in a tuxedo and smart leather shoes. However he will soon be hitting screens in the slightly less anticipated Rules Don't Apply alongside Lily and Warren. One more night: The daughter of rocker Phil Collins seemed to be enjoying her evening out There's something in the air tonight: She looked fabulous in her gothic splendour True colours: She looked wonderful after taking a risk with an edgy make-up job But seriously: The slender actress showcased her stunning stalks with a thigh high split Nice to meet you: Lily and Sarah greeted each other with a warm handshake Gal pals: Lily and Sarah appeared to hit it off right away and soon posed for snaps Acting royalty: Lily looked thrilled to be pictured with Hollywood legend Warren Beatty Body-confident: Lily confidently modelled her attention-stealing frock on the red carpet The picture follows an unconventional love story of an aspiring actress, her determined driver, and the eccentric billionaire who they work for. Warren is playing infamous Howard Hughes in the feature. Other big names appearing in the movie, which comes out on November 23, include Alec Baldwin, Matthew Broderick and Martin Sheen. Speaking of Matthew, the bespectacled 54-year-old actor, whose career reached its zenith with 1983's War Games, took great delighting in showing off his glamorous other half Sarah Jessica Parker, who looked as good as ever in a green gown. But all eyes were on Shampoo star Warren when he took to the red carpet with his wife of 24 years Annette Bening, who looked in fine form in a white trouser suit. It's curtains: Matthew Broderick grinned as wife Sarah Jessica Parker flaunted a gown that appeared to have been made from her favourite drapes Bonnie And Clyde: Honoree Warren Beatty was there with wife Annette Bening Oh Mandy: Patinkin was hosting the thrilling evening's festivities It's her party and she'll get adventurous if she wants to. Mischa Barton ensured all eyes were on her in more ways than one in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. The 30-year-old celebrated her first big job in a while in a rather unexpected look. Red-y, set, go: Mischa Barton ensured all eyes were on her in more ways than one in Los Angeles on Wednesday night for a celebration of her new show Joyride Mischa is the new host of Joyride for the Esquire Network, so was the star of the red carpet at the event. Even if she was not the host, The OC star would have got her fair share of attention in a plunging red romper. The onesie featured cropped pants and daringly low neckline with an unusual lace-up corset at the front. Fortunately for Mischa, the corset kept the romper firmly against her body and it was the only thing that stood between the actress and a wardrobe malfunction. Eye-catching: Even if she was not the host, The OC star would have got her fair share of attention in a plunging red romper All for one: The onesie featured cropped pants and daringly low neckline with an unusual lace-up corset at the front Careful there: Fortunately for Mischa, the corset kept the romper firmly against her body and it was the only thing that stood between the actress and a wardrobe malfunction Bending over to fix her shoe, the new host almost bared all but fortunately the romper's material stayed put. Mischa was joined at the event by her fellow co-host T-Pain, who also wore red. In the show, the duo joins professional race car driver Brian Vickers and actor Oliver Trevena as they compete against each other to find the best new and vintage cars in a number of different categories. The six half-hour episodes will include Best Classic Truck, Best British Car, Best 80s Car, Best Car for a First Time Driver, Best Muscle Car of the 1960s and Best Midlife Crisis Car. They are both Victoria's Secret Angels. And Karlie Kloss and Martha Hunt were certain to bring the glamour as they attended the WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards in New York on Wednesday. The blonde beauties opted to flash the flesh in elegant ensembles as they took centre stage at the event. Dueling beauties: Karlie Kloss and Martha Hunt were certain to bring the glamour as they attended the WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards in New York on Wednesday Karlie, 24, wore a sheer gown that showed off her black underwear while sporting drop earrings. Martha, 27, opted for a crop top and ankle skimming trousers as she let her golden locks fall in waves over her shoulders. Also in attendance was Naomi Campbell, who certainly stole her share of attention. Sheerly amazing! Karlie, 24, wore a sheer gown that showed off her black underwear while sporting drop earrings Sheerly amazing! The sheer nature of her frock allowed the stunning model to flash a tantalizing amount of skin Stunner: Martha, 27, opted for a crop top and ankle skimming trousers as she let her golden locks fall in waves over her shoulders Simply stunning: Karlie looked to be in high spirits at the bash Selfie time: Karlie and Jennifer Katharine Gate snapped a selfie together over dinner Ageless beauty: Naomi Campbell appears to have barely aged a day, as she dazzled on the red-carpet The 46-year-old supermodel left little to the imagination as she stepped out in a revealing cutaway dress. She showcased her impressive physique in the floor length gown, which had strategically placed panels to protect her modesty. Her taut and toned tummy was on display, as the The Face beauty strutted her stuff. Where's Bella: The Weeknd arrived to the party Honoree Melinda Gates arrived in an elegant gown Smart: Colin Firth made a dashing arrival In good company: Colin sat beside WSJ editor-in-chief Kristina O'Neill during the ceremony Dapper: The British actor did plenty of mingling, catching up with Anthony Cenname Suave: The star tucked his hand in the pocket of his navy suit VIPs: The Weekend and Naomi Campbell looked to be seated in prime position on table one Glasses off: The hitmaker removed his trendy shades for a second snap Star-studded: Derek Blasberg and Naomi looked relaxed as they chatted away Living the dream: The Weekend clutched his award in one hand and Naomi in the other Congratulations! Naomi looked to be showering the singer with compliments She was uncharacteristically joyful, beaming as she flaunted her flawless skin - seemingly free of any signs of aging. Meanwhile, Karlie recently chatted with The Hollywood Reporter. While Karlie predictably spoke of her love of fashion, she also spoke about her love of coding. The star shared: 'When I started to learn how to code, I had no idea really what it is, but I just knew it was this giant, mysterious puzzle and this very elusive idea. What is this thing coding that everyone is talking about? Fashionistas: Designer Alexander Wang and Anna Ewers out on a close display for the camera Laughing out loud: Alexander burst into laughter over dinner Radiant: Karlie Kloss emanated beauty at the dinner table Glamour girls: Karlie dazzled in her semi-sheer gown, while Anna Ewers smouldered in her halter-neck jumpsuit and Italian-Brazilian socilalite Bianca Brandolini looked vibrant in a red dress Standing tall: Anna Ewers teetering heels elongated her enviable limbs Little and large: Karlie towered over Kristina as they posed for a pic Everything ok? Karlie looked concerned as she caught up with Bianca All smiles: Julie Taymor and Es Devlin grinned brightly for their snap Eye-catching: Lily Aldridge's stunning dress included a pineapple and snake print Sitting comfortably: Lily rested her cheek on Derek Blasberg's shoulder Having a blast: Lily smiled enthusiastically as she conversed at her table Shining bright: Martha Hunt radiated a healthy glow and her face lit up even more when she smiled Model material: Naomi showed off her taut tum in her bondage-style dress, while Karlie turned to the side to showcase her elegant frame 'Tech companies are built using code and they are transforming industries whether it's fashion or communications of healthcare. The world that we live in is being totally transformed by technology.' Karlie also told THR that it is possible to be nice in fashion: 'Fashion is a very competitive world, but at the same time it is a family network of people who are all incredibly passionate about creativity and creating. Inspiring the world and inspiring one another.' Karlie was not done yet however, with the star then heading down to Laguna Beach to be part of the WSJDLive. The event brought together top CEOs, tech and business pioneers and celebs to 'explore the most exciting tech opportunities emerging around the world'. Taking an interest: Kristina looked enthused as she chatted with Tom Ford Classy: Liya Kebede dressed in a sophisticated black trouser suit, while Lauren Bush sported a reserved taupe dress with a pleated skirt Range of styles: Tao Okamoto donned a striking black dress embellished with chunky detailing, Dasha Zhukova looked classy in a ankle-lenght green dress and Dree Hemingway rocked a monochrome ensemble Wide-eyed: Stuart Vevers gazed into the lens with his piercing blue eyes, while Imaan Hammam produced a subtle smile Tucking in: Alberto 'Tico' Mugrabi only had eyes for his dinner as Giovanna Battaglia Englebert smiled on Quirky: Giovanna made a statement with her unique dress as she joined husband Oscar There are few things more joyous for a mother than a night out with her daughters,. So no wonder Demi Moore looked so happy as she attended the opening of a musical in Los Angeles with two of her girls on Wednesday. She looked like she was having a ball as she posed up with Tallulah and Scout on the red carpet before they took in' Hedwig and the Angry Inch' at the Pantages Theatre opening night starring actor Darren Criss as Hedwig and Tony Award Winner Lena Hall as Yitzhak. Scroll down for video Family night out: Demi Moore looked overjoyed to be out with two of her daughters at a musical opening in Los Angeles on Wednesday Demi, 53, looked absolutely fantastic in a pair of wine-coloured dungarees, yellow polo neck, denim jacket and trainers. And the silver screen beauty highlighted her youthful looks by wearing a floral headband in her hair. Tallulah, 22, looked in fine form indeed in a long woollen jacket, blouse and chequered trousers. Flower girl: The actress underlined her youthful appearance with a floral headpiece Star of the show: Darren Criss on stage during the performance at the Pantages Theatre Directed by Tony Award-winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening) and winner of four 2014 Tony Awards, 'Hedwig and the angry inch' played to record-breaking sell-out crowds on Broadway and promises to take North America by storm with what Time Magazine proclaims is the most exciting rock score written for the theatre since, oh, ever! David Binder, who first produced 'Hedwig and the angry inch' in 1997, produced the musical on Broadway with Jayne Baron Sherman, Barbara Whitman, Latitude Link, Patrick Catullo, Raise The Roof, Paula Marie Black, Colin Callender, Ruth Hendel, Sharon Karmazin, Martian Entertainment, Stacey Mindich, Eric Schnall, and The Shubert Organization. 101 Productions, Ltd were the executive producers. The record-breaking production ran for over 500 performances at the Belasco Theatre. Musical to her ears: She looked like she could hardly wait to see Hedwig and the Angry Inch Giving them what they want: Eventually the Ghost star posed solo Scout, 25, meanwhile opted for a more colourful stylistic mode of silk shawl, revealing top, denims and silver boots. Demi's other daughter with second husband Bruce Willis, 28-year-old musician Rumer, had a more pressing engagement to attend to, as she is currently on tour. The Ghost star's outing came just days after she turned heads as she posed on the red carpet with fellow old warhorse Salma Hayek at the gala honouring Robert Irwin And Kathryn Bigelow at LACMA on Sunday. Daring daughters: Tallulah (Far left), 22, looked in fine form indeed in a long woollen jacket, blouse and chequered trousers. Broadway Star: Darren Criss in the poster for 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' at the Pantages Theatre Man of the Moment: Actor Darren Criss star of 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' and Lena Hall let their wigs down at the After Party Rockin' up: Courtney Love wore an eye-catching maxi dress to the event, which depicted the volcano erupting Grunge-factor: The Hole frontwoman, 52, wore her long blonde hair in tumbling waves down past her shoulders The Boys are Back: Designer Jeremy Scott and Taylor Lautner showed their support Demi was married to Bruce Willis from 1987 until 2000, though they separated two years earlier. Speaking about the split, the Die Hard star said: 'I felt I had failed as a father and a husband by not being able to make it work.' He moved on, and is now married to Emma Hemming, who he has two daughters with, while Demi is currently dating 28-year-old drummer Sean Friday. Glamour girl: She was turning heads alongside Salma Hayek at an LA gala on Sunday Happy family: She had three children with Bruce Willis before they divorced in 2000 The performance schedule for HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH is Tuesday through Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm and Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm. There are added 2pm weekday matinees on Wednesday, November 23rd and Friday, November 25th. There are no performances on Thursday, November 24th and there is no evening performance on Sunday, November 27th. Lena Hall will appear as Hedwig, and Shannon Conley will appear as Yitzhak, at the following performances: Sunday, November 6 at 6:30 pm, Sunday, November 13 at 6:30 pm, Sunday, November 20 at 6:30 pm, and Friday, November 25 at 8:00 pm. Showing some skin: Actress Vanessa Lengies made a show-stealing arrival at the launch, wearing form-fitting dress with cut-out detailing Chiseled: John Stamos cut a dapper figure in an all black ensemble It was her big sister's night to shine as she finally turned of drinking age in the US. But Kylie Jenner couldn't help but steal the show from Kendall as they hit the town to celebrate the supermodel's 21st birthday. The whole Kardashian klan and their squad headed to LA hotspot Delilah on Wednesday night to celebrate in style. Scroll down for video Showstopper: Kylie Jenner coulnd't help but steal the show from Kendall as they hit the town to celebrate the supermodel's 21st birthday While birthday girl Kendall shone in a very revealing silver mesh dress, it was 19-year-old Kylie who seriously turned heads as she emerged from her car with boyfriend Tyga. The reality starlet poured her famous figure into a seriously risque ensemble, flashing her amble assets in just a bra worn underneath a mesh top. She upped the ante with a pair of curve-hugging leather trousers featuring criss-cross ties up the legs. The hair-piece aficionado swapped her natural raven locks for a long platinum wig, which added an extra edge to her bombshell look. Stiff competition: While birthday girl Kendall shone in a very revealing silver mesh dress, it was 19-year-old Kylie who seriously turned heads in a very racy outfit Stepping out: Kylie stole the show as she emerged from her car with boyfriend Tyga Hot mesh: The reality starlet poured her famous figure into a seriously risque ensemble, flashing her amble assets in just a bra worn underneath a mesh top Hell for leather: She upped the ante with a pair of curve-hugging leather trousers featuring criss-cross ties up the legs Wigging out: The hair-piece aficionado swapped her natural raven locks for a long platinum wig, which added an extra edge to her bombshell look Snap happy: Kylie couldn't resist showing off her racy look to fans on Snapchat Up front: The star panned down to her sheer top to show off her cleavage Bum deal: The star then treated followers to a glimpse of her rear It's my party: The supermodel looked sensational in a silver dress, but had to try hard not to suffer a wardrobe malfunction Alongside the Jenner sisters, the Kardashian girls were also out in force - apart from, of course, Kim, who has retreated from the spotlight after she was robbed at gunpoint in Paris earlier this month. Kourtney and Khloe stunned in figure-flashing black while they were joined by momager Kris Jenner. Other stars to attend the bash included Kendall's father, Caitlyn Jenner, her model pal Hailey Baldwin, and family friend Cindy Crawford and her kids Kaia and Presley. They've been busy adapting to life with two tiny bundles of joy. But Ronnie Wood and Sally Humphreys managed to snatch a break from their parental duties on Wednesday evening as the couple headed to the Q Awards. Making their first red carpet appearance together since the birth of their twin daughter, The Rolling Stones guitarist, 69, and his wife, 38, were all smiles. Scroll down for video A rare night out: Ronnie Wood and Sally Humphreys managed to snatch a break from their parental duties on Wednesday evening as the couple headed to the Q Awards Heading to the Roundhouse in Camden for the star-studded ceremony, Ronnie and Sally appeared to be enjoying a rare night off from their roles as parents to their six-month-old girls, Gracie and Alice. Ronnie, who was presenting the Gibson Les Paul award rocked his usual quirky yet classic look thanks to his black two piece suit and white printed shirt. He rounded things off with a pair of flamboyant trainers, which lent the former Faces axe man a relaxed air. Sally looked effortlessly stylish in a black floral-print dress, which featured sparkling sequinned detailing. Out of the house: Making their first red carpet appearance together since the birth of their twin daughter, The Rolling Stones guitarist, 69, and his wife, 38, were all smiles On the town: Heading to the Roundhouse in Camden, Ronnie and Sally appeared to be enjoying a night off from their roles as parents The theatre director - who married the rock icon in 2012 - showcased her trim post-baby body in the fitted number, though she kept a demure air about her by opting for a long-sleeved, high-necked number. Teaming the thigh-length mini with a pair of champagne coloured stilettos, Sally showcased her toned legs. Wearing her long dark locks teased into tousled waves which brushed her shoulders, the new mother allowed her tresses to frame her striking features. A classic look: Ronnie, who was presenting the Gibson Les Paul award rocked his usual quirky yet classic look thanks to his black two piece suit and white printed shirt Pretty petal: Sally (pictured with Ronnie, The Edge and Adam Clayton) looked effortlessly stylish in a black floral-print dress, which featured sparkling sequinned detailing Up in the style stakes: Teaming the thigh-length mini with a pair of champagne coloured stilettos, Sally (pictured with James Bay and Ronnie) showcased her toned legs Brunetted beauty: Wearing her long dark locks (pictured with James Bay and Ronnie) teased into tousled waves which brushed her shoulders Keeping her make-up to a minimum, Sally chose to pick out her eyes with a flash of mascara while a slick of red lipstick plumped up her lips. The couple, who welcomed their daughters in May, were all smiles as they mingled with guests at the ceremony. Later on in the evening Ronnie headed up on stage to present U2's guitarist, The Edge, with the Gibson Les Paul award for his unique musical style as a guitarist. The two rock icons were on good form and following an impromptu drum solo from Ronnie, The Edge accepted his award. A classic look: Ronnie, who was presenting the Gibson Les Paul award rocked his usual quirky yet classic look thanks to his black two piece suit and white printed shirt Later on in the evening Ronnie headed up on stage to present U2's guitarist, The Edge, with the Gibson Les Paul award for his unique musical style as a guitarist Good to see you: The two rock icons were on good form and following an impromptu drum solo from Ronnie, The Edge accepted his award 'Thank you, Mr. Barbarian Wood!' He joked, before adding. 'This is the man. He's the man.' Accepting the award the Irish musician, 55, made a plea to his fellow rocker to 'lay off the party tricks' and 'bring back guitar sounds'. Ronnie and Sally joined The Edge for a chat following the ceremony in the winner's box. During a chat with Q Magazine at the show Ronnie said of his fellow rocker: 'I was honoured to get the call to come and present him. I would get out of bed to present him, so I did.' Honoured: During a chat with Q at the show Ronnie said of his fellow rocker: 'I was honoured to get the call to come and present him. I would get out of bed to present him, so I did' A sweet surprise: He also revealed he's got a sweet plan for his twins' first Christmas: 'Im gonna dress up the little twins as Christmas puddings, they are gonna look fantastic. I love it!' THE STUBHUB Q AWARDS 2016 - FULL LIST OF WINNERS Q Breakthrough Act Jack Garratt Q Best Track Bastille (Good Grief) Q Best Video PJ Harvey (The Community of Hope) Q Best Album The 1975 (I Like It When You Sleep) Q Best Live U2 Q Best Solo James Bay Q Best Act in the World Today Muse Q Innovation in Sound Award MIA Q Hero Meat Loaf Q Classic Songwriter Ray Davies Q Hall of Fame Madness Q Classic Album The Charlatans (Tellin Stories) Q Gibson Les Paul Award The Edge Q Outstanding Contribution to Music Blondie Advertisement And he also revealed he's got a sweet plan for the twins' first Christmas: 'Im gonna dress up the little twins as Christmas puddings, and they are gonna look fantastic. I love it!' Ronnie and Sally, who seemed to be enjoying the night thoroughly, welcomed their twins in May. The Rolling Stone and his wife are devoted parents to the adorable tots, and often post pictures of their babies to their Instagram accounts. Sally is Ronnie's third wife, with the rocker having been previously married to Krissy Findlay and Jo Wood. On Monday, The Bachelorette's Georgia Love confirmed the death of her mother Belinda after her battle with pancreatic cancer. And on Thursday, the 28-year-old returned to social media to share another touching post about her family's heartbreak, sharing a photo of them together in happier times. Describing the loss of her 60-year-old mother as 'gut wrenching', Georgia said she hopes to raise awareness of the disease, noting: 'One thing my mum taught me was to believe in paying it forward and that from every negative can come even the slightest positive.' Scroll down for video 'Mum taught me to pay it forward': The Bachelorette's Georgia Love (second L) shifts her attention to raising awareness of pancreatic cancer after the 'gut wrenching loss' of her mother Belinda to the disease on Saturday (R) 'So I hope my family's gut wrenching loss can create some awareness of the brutal disease that is pancreatic cancer and hopefully do some good in helping to find a cure,' Georgia said. Noting that November is pancreatic cancer awareness month, the reality TV starlet urged people to donate to finding a cure for the cause. Thanking everyone who has reached out to her and her family with condolences, from all around the world, the 27-year-old added: 'This is an absolutely awful time in our lives and we know the hurt will continue for a long time'. 'I am so overwhelmed by the huge outpouring of love, support and condolences from all over the world since announcing the devastating news of my beautiful mum's passing,' she wrote in part of her post. Devastating: The reality TV star took to Instagram on Monday to reveal her heart is utterly broken after Belinda passed away on Saturday The reality TV star took to Instagram on Monday to reveal her heart is utterly broken after Belinda passed away on Saturday. Sharing a collage of photos of their pair together in happier times, Georgia said: 7 weeks ago we were sipping cocktails in Italy. 7 months ago you werent even sick. How is it possible youre no longer here? The former journalist, who often spoke fondly of her mother on the show, described the nurse as: 'my first friend and my best friend, my rock, the one who knew me better than anyone in the world'. She told her 91,000 social media followers the 60-year-old has supported and backed 'every single thing' she did. Sweet: The former journalist, who often spoke fondly of her mother on the show, described the nurse as: 'my first friend and my best friend, my rock, the one who knew me better than anyone in the world' 'There is so much more I need and want to share with you,' she wrote. 'I have no idea how to even begin to say goodbye.' Loving tributes shared with the Herald Sun described Belinda as an outgoing mother and friend whose life was 'cut way too short'. Speaking to TV Week magazine on Monday, Georgia gushed about the moment she was able to introduce her Bachelorette winner boyfriend Lee Elliott to her mother. 'It was amazing to see how much he perked her up,' she told, adding: 'She was sitting up talking and laughing with him, which she hadn't been able to do all day. 'It was obviously an awful place and reason to be meeting.' 'She perked up': Speaking to TV Week magazine on Monday, Georgia gushed about the moment she was able to introduce her Bachelorette winner boyfriend Lee Elliott (seen) to her mother Lee also revealed in an interview with The Daily Telegraph, he met Georgia's mother for the first time in hospital straight after the finale aired on Thursday evening and received the seal of approval from her. The mother-of-two is reported to have been shocked at the mechanical plumber's victory, to which he responded: 'That doesn't sound good!' But it's understood Belinda put him at ease insisting she was her pick to win, saying: 'No, you were my favourite and that's why I didn't think Georgia would choose you.' The 35-year-old commented on Georgia's touching tribute to her mother with a commonly used poem. Tough time: Lee revealed he met Georgia's mother for the first time in hospital straight after the finale aired on Thursday evening and received the seal of approval from her 'Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed & very dear,' he wrote. Last week, ahead of the series finale, Channel Ten confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that Belinda had been admitted to palliative care. She was receiving chemotherapy while Georgia filmed season two of the popular reality TV series. Georgia recently revealed she, unlike other contestants, had been given permission to speak to her mother while she filmed the show due to Belinda's ill health. Her battle: Belinda was receiving chemotherapy while Georgia filmed season two of the popular reality TV series She found herself unceremoniously stripped of her Miss Great Britain title after enjoying a TV romp during her stint on dating show, Love Island, this summer. But Zara Holland looked pleased with the latest development in her love life as she hit the town for a girls' night out at the ShowReal dating app party at London's DSTRKT nightclub on Wednesday. Stepping out after hinting she has a new man over the weekend, the disgraced beauty queen, 21, dressed to impress in a low-cut feather-hemmed dress as she enjoyed her evening with her gal pals. Scroll down for video Flying solo: Zara Holland hit the town for a girls' night out at the ShowReal dating app party at London's DSTRKT nightclub on Wednesday The Love Island star made sure her cleavage was centre of attention as she worked her magic in front of the cameras in her quirky dress, which featured gun-metal floral embellishment. Zara added height to her petite frame with a pair of nude patent peep-toe shoes and wore her ash blonde locks in a bouncy blow-dry. The reality star and her friends seemed to be having a ball during their night out at the launch of the video-based match-making app. Zara was also seen at the Anna Lous Swimwear collection launch party at Kanaloa Bar earlier in the evening, joined by the likes of Lauryn Goodman, Lizzie Cundy and Chloe Paige. Dressed to impress: Stepping out after hinting she has a new man over the weekend, the disgraced beauty queen, 21, dressed to impress in a low-cut feather-hemmed dress Busty: The Love Island star made sure her cleavage was centre of attention as she worked her magic in front of the cameras in her quirky dress, which featured floral embellishment Elegant: Zara added height to her petite frame with a pair of nude patent peep-toe shoes and wore her ash blonde locks in a bouncy blow-dry Lizzie, 48, sported a black leather top and trousers, finished off with a dark choker, while Lauryn and Chloe opted for fierce all-black ensembles. There was no sign of Zara's Instagram companion from over the weekend during her night out on the town. Taking to the social network on Sunday, the former Miss Great Britain shared a snap alongside a mystery man, seeming to confirm the end of her single status. She captioned the photo with three love heart emojis and the words: 'Happiest girl alive'. Fancy seeing you here: Zara and former WAG Lizzie Cundy bumped into each other at Wednesday's event Standing out: Zara certainly stood out from the crowd as she posed outside with Lizzie, Lauryn Goodman and Chloe Paige Pals: Lizzie, 48, sported a black leather top and trousers, finished off with a dark choker The post suggested that Zara has found love after a turbulent summer, which saw her lose her Miss Great Britain crown after having a televised romp on ITV2. The disgraced beauty queen branded told MailOnline she does not actually regret having sex with Love Island hunk Alex Bowen, despite thousands of viewers seeing her escapades live on TV. She told MailOnline: 'Women like to have sex. I just personally have never had a one night stand before and a lot of women have one night stands and there's nothing wrong with sex and if you wake up in the morning and it makes you feel good. 'Sex is nothing to be ashamed of. We're all women but I just don't regret my actions, I just regret doing it on TV.' Tuck in: Zara was sure to enjoy the snacks on offer at the celeb-laden event on Wednesday Hostess: Charlotte Crosby was hosting the event to launch new dating app ShowReal 'Yes I did it on national TV, yes it's a different story to if it was behind closed doors but it was in the hideaway it wasn't in the communal bedroom. I'm not making it right or any better but you didn't see anything.' Many have accused viewers and critics of 'slut-shaming' - yet Zara is adamant this is not the case: 'I don't feel like it's (slut-shaming). 'I think everybody makes a mistake and if you learn from it every one deserves a second chance in life. I made a mistake.' She endeared herself to a legion of fans as columnist and fashionista Carrie Bradshaw in Sex And The City. And Sarah Jessica Parker, 51, wore an outfit her fictional counterpart would be proud of when she attended a gala to honour Hollywood star Warren Beatty at 583 Park Avenue, New York, on Wednesday night. The actress wore a leafy green gown with elaborate sleeves and plenty of frills to the 30th annual Museum of the Moving Image event, which she attended along with husband Matthew Broderick, 54. Scroll down for video Dressed to impress: Sarah Jessica Parker, 51, wore an outfit her fictional counterpart Carrie Bradshaw would be proud of when she attended a gala to honour Hollywood star Warren Beatty at 583 Park Avenue, New York, on Wednesday night The Hocus Pocus star showed off her cleavage with a sweetheart neckline, and a dainty silver necklace drew the eye to her chest. She wore a pair of black peep-toe heels, tights and a black fascinator for a lavish finishing touch. Sarah's blonde locks fell in loose waves over shoulders, and she decorated her piercing blue peepers with a glittery pale green shadow, while her pout was given a slick of glossy pink lipstick. Loved-up: The actress put on a close display on the red carpet with Matthew, 54, who looked dapper in a traditional black suit with a bow tie and a smart pair of glasses Inspired by nature: The actress wore a leafy green gown with elaborate sleeves and plenty of frills to the 30th annual Museum of the Moving Image event The actress put on a close display on the red carpet with Matthew, who looked dapper in a traditional black suit with a bow tie and a smart pair of glasses. Sarah looked delighted to meet Lily Collins, 27, the daughter of music legend Phil Collins, greeting the star with a warm handshake. They then posed for a series of snaps having seemingly struck up a good rapport. Nice to meet you: Sarah looked delighted to meet Lily Collins, 27, the daughter of music legend Phil Collins, greeting the star with a warm handshake Meanwhile, Sarah recently told shock jock Howard Stern how she was gutted to be booted from the cast of animated classic Antz. She explained: 'I was fired from Antz, that animated movie. Apparently I was a bad ant. 'I had my own (voice) but then they brought in Sharon Stone, so I was like, Oh, you really did go a different (direction). She's down here, she's like old movie star vixen, you know. 'What was upsetting was that they even called me the week before they fired me, they called me to tell me how great I was. 'Which I felt, like, was like a set-up, but I think they meant it at that time.' Glam: Sarah decorated her piercing blue peepers with a glittery pale green shadow, and her pout was given a slick of glossy pink lipstick Georgia Love has emerged for the first time since losing her mother to pancreatic cancer. The Bachelorette star appeared pensive as she stepped out in Melbourne, just days after announcing her 60-year-old mother, Belinda, died on Saturday. Hiding her eyes behind a pair of over-sized reflective sunglasses, the 28-year-old strolled the streets of Melbourne appearing to run errands, with shopping bags seen in hand. Scroll down for video Downcast: Georgia Love has emerged for the first time since losing her mother to pancreatic cancer Visibly downcast, the brunette beauty parted her long brunette locks at the middle, struggling to keep them away from her face. She sported an orange mini dress, paired with boots and a chic black jacket for the outing. The Bachelorette's chosen one, Lee Elliott, appeared equally as sombre, carrying a suit bag as he headed to a car on the quiet Melbourne street. Georgia's father and husband of Belinda, Dr. Christopher Love, was also seen in low spirits as he shopped at local hardware store. Devastated: Georgia's boyfriend Lee Elliott appeared equally as sombre, carrying a suitbag as he headed into a car on the quiet Melbourne street 'Overwhelmed': Georgia thanked the hundrends of fans who had sent their condolences since her mother's passing Georgia took to Instagram on Monday to reveal her heart was 'utterly broken' after her mother lost a six-month with the disease. Hundreds of fans have since flooded The Bachelorette's social media pages to send their condolences. On Thursday, the 28-year-old shared another touching post about her family's heartbreak, while thanking her fans for their support. Heartbroken: Georgia's father and husband of Belinda, Dr. Christopher Love, was also seen in low spirits as he shopped at local hardware store 'I am so overwhelmed by the huge outpouring of love, support and condolences from all over the world since announcing the devastating news of my beautiful mum's passing,' she wrote in part of her post. Describing the loss of her 60-year-old mother as 'gut wrenching', Georgia said she hopes to raise awareness of the disease. 'One thing my mum taught me was to believe in paying it forward and that from every negative can come even the slightest positive. Sad news: On Monday, Georgia announced her mother lost had her battle with pancreatic cancer 'Mum taught me to pay it forward': Georgia described the loss of her mother as 'gut wrenching' in a heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday 'So I hope my family's gut wrenching loss can create some awareness of the brutal disease that is pancreatic cancer and hopefully do some good in helping to find a cure,' Georgia said. Noting that November is pancreatic cancer awareness month, the reality TV starlet urged people to donate to finding a cure for the cause. 'Let's hope the sobering statistic of a 7 per cent survival rate for this awful cancer can be changed,' she wrote. She's been unwinding with her boys in the family's favourite holiday hotspot: Barbados. But Coleen Rooney, 30, took some time for herself when she stepped out on the Caribbean island wearing a fluorescent orange bikini. The mother-of-three looked great in the vibrant halter-neck swimwear, which she teamed with a pair of mirrored aviators. Scroll down for video Bikini babe: Coleen Rooney, 30, took some time for herself when she stepped out in Barbados wearing a fluorescent orange bikini Coleen's curves were enviably bronzed as she sauntered barefoot along a walkway. She momentarily stopped and turned to face the cameras, flashing a bright smile while clutching her phone and an item of clothing. The WAG's arms and legs had plenty of definition, suggesting she's been putting in the time at the gym. Sunkissed: Coleen momentarily stopped and turned to face the cameras, flashing a bright smile while clutching her phone and an item of clothing It looked like Coleen had gone makeup free, while her locks cascaded over her shoulders in beachy waves. Despite the conditions on the island appearing to be overcast, Coleen looked like her skin was beginning to turn a shade of red. The wife of England star Wayne Rooney previously discussed her body with NOW magazine. Cheeky! Coleens's locks cascaded over her shoulders in beachy waves She explained: 'The more children Ive had, Ive been in less of a rush to get back into shape because after three births your body going to change. I think once you have kids theyre more important than how you look. 'No ones perfect and Ive always said there are certain things about myself Id like to be different but theres no way of changing them. 'If I had longer legs. . . but Im never gonna get that. So youve just got to get on with it and try to dress the best way you can to emphasise your figure. After having kids, if youve got a bit of a wobbly belly thats just part and parcel of who you are.' Model, brand ambassador, entrepreneur, TV presenter and beauty queen - Jennifer Hawkins has a lot going for her. And after selling one of her Sydney homes for an estimated $5 million at auction on Thursday evening, according to Domain, the 32-year-old can add property tycoon to her list of titles. Working alongside property developer hubby Jake Wall, Jennifer helped turn a tidy profit on the North Curl Curl property they purchased for $1.66 million in 2013. Scroll down for video Done deal: Jennifer Hawkins and husband Jake Wall sold their North Curl Curl property for an estimated $5 million at auction on Thursday While the home was listed with a guide of $4.8 million to $5 million, strict confidentiality orders prevented any disclosure of the exact result. After the couple purchased the home, a complete rebuild, orchestrated by Koichi Takada Architects, followed and the result was a stunning five bedroom home with breathtaking beach views. Spread over two floors and featuring walls of glass to maximise the views, the home's showstopping feature is a master suite with a designer dressing room. Solid foundations: The pair rebuilt the property from scratch after purchasing it for $1.66 million in 2013 Outdoor space: The new layout, masterminded by architect Koichi Takada, offers a large outdoor terrace and lawn Not a bad view: Stunning views of the beach are given full exposure by massive glass walls throughout the house The state-of-the-art property also boasts three bathrooms, a heated outdoor swimming pool and expansive living and kitchen areas. This isn't the first time Jennifer and Jake, who owns property development company J Group Projects, have had success in the real estate market. In 2010, the former Miss Universe and her husband paid just under $1.4 million for a 700-square-metre block in the exclusive gated community of Windy Dropdown in Curl Curl. Main attraction: The home's massive designer dressing room met the needs of the 32-year-old model and her clothes Dinner with a view: Large living spaces and kitchen area gives the property an open-plan feel Sold: The new owner will inherit a heated swimming pool, five bedrooms, three bathrooms and two car parking spots After commissioning the same architect to build a luxury four bedroom home, the couple parted with the property two years later for $4.1 million. The duo are currently overseeing the building of a residence which is believed to become their permanent residence. Domain report neighbours noting a 'monolithic' property is taking shape at the Jacaranda Cottage plot in Newport, which they purchased for $4 million in 2014. According to Jake's construction costs list, made to the council for the development, it will cost $350,000 alone for landscaping, including the pool. Business partners: Jake, who owns property development company J Group Projects, worked in tandem with his wife to build their Pitt Road property Racing ahead: The couple attended Derby Day together on Saturday before Jennifer sported a red jump suit for the Melbourne Cup A further $300,000 is expected to be spent on concrete footings, slabs and retaining roofs as well as $160,000 for electrical and $200,000 for plumbing. The Myer ambassador previously commented on her and Jake's working dynamic, telling The Morning Show: 'It's kind of a side project for me, but Jake's main gig - so it kind of works well.' The sale caps a busy week for the couple, who were spotted taking in the action at Melbourne's Spring Racing Carnival. They were snapped together on Derby Day before Jennifer put in solo appearances for the Melbourne Cup and Oaks Day. Kendall Jenner celebrated her 21st birthday on Wednesday evening. And the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star appeared to be enjoying her first cocktail as well during her after party at Delilah in West Hollywood (her first party was at Catch). Her younger sister Kylie shared a Snapchat video from inside the bash. The Vogue model was holding what appeared to be a vodka tonic with a lime in her hand. People also reported that Kendall had plenty of men around, including Harry Styles, Jordan Clarkson and Travis Scott. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West also made a 'low key' appearance, according to the site. The 36-year-old has been out in public few times since her October 3 robbery in Paris. 'They were chill all night,' said a source that noted the couple arrive just before midnight. Scroll down for video... Cheers: Kendall Jenner celebrated her 21st birthday on Wednesday evening at Catch in West Hollywood then later moved to Delilah. And the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star appeared to be enjoying her first cocktail Good choice: Her younger sister Kylie shared a Snapchat video of the Vogue model with what looked like a vodka tonic with a lime in her hand Longtime link: Harry Styles, seen here in London in October, has often spent time with the supermodel 'Kim got on the mic at one point and said something funny and that was about it. She seemed pretty upbeat,' added the source. In the state of California the legal drinking age is 21. A source told DailyMail.com that there were 21 bottles of Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Champagne (which sell for $500 a bottle) at the event. The star was also presented with a cake 'featuring a throwback photo of her in a purple tutu and a massive jewel-studded Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Methusaleh with her name on it.' It was added: 'Kim and Kris sang Happy Birthday to Kendall at midnight.' Drinking is new for Kendall, it appears. In July her sister Khloe told Elle.com that the Calvin Klein spokesperson will not hit the bar. 'Kendall isn't into it,' Khloe, 32, said. Clear liquid: The E! star was also seen putting the glass down on the table then picking it up again. It could have also just been a glass of water New thing? Drinking is new for Kendall, it appears. In July her sister Khloe told Elle.com 'Kendall isn't into it, even when Kendall goes to Europe where the drinking age is 18, she's never Kendall's really focused and determined' 'Even when Kendall goes to Europe where the drinking age is 18, she's never Kendall's really focused and determined.' But on Thursday, Kendall wrote on her website kendallj.com that she had a signature cocktail already, 'I'm not really a person "who hits the club" regularly and I don't see that changing now that I'm 21,' she wrote. 'I'm looking forward to ordering drinks at dinner, though, and 1942 on the rocks with a slice of orange is what I'll be sipping! Tequila is surprisingly easy to drink throughout the night (as long as you don't overdo it)!' Shiny siren: The stunning model wore a skimpy silver mesh dress With her closest pals: The birthday girl arrived with fellow model Hailey Baldwin, in black Mob scene! There were dozens of people around the pal of Karl Lagerfeld and it looked also like the KUWTK cameras were taking it all in Khloe then added on her site khloewithak: 'My little Kendall is all grown up! I could not be more proud of the amazing (not to mention fierce AF!!!!) young woman that you have become. Your first legal drink is on me, boo! Happy birthday!' Kylie wrote on kyliejenner.com: 'Happy 21st birthday to my partner in crime since Day 1literally! You've always been by my side and I'm glad we are still so close today. I hope you have the best birthday ever, Kendall!!! ' In the past, Kendall has said she stays away from most vices overall. She wrote on her website kendallj.com that she doesn't like coffee and has never smoked. New wheels: In this Snapchat video shared by Khloe, Kendall was gifted a Rolls-Royce The star has also complained that she suffers from sleep issues which would suggest she is careful with her health. In a clip from an upcoming episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashian she tells her mother Kris she can't move when she wakes up in the middle of the night. The leggy wonder looked as healthy as can be as she sipped out of the small tumbler glass while mingling with pals at Delilah. She was also seen putting the glass down on the table then picking it up again. People reported that Styles, Clarkson and Scott all flocked around Kendall at her after party. Plenty of decorations: This image of pink balloons was shared at 2:22 am Popped: A deflated balloon can be seen on Kendall's leg Flashy: A source said Kendall did not want a big bash in Las Vegas Kendall arrived at Delilah at around 11 pm then hung out with the boys. 'She worked the room and spent a lot of time with Travis in the beginning, then went to Harry for a while. 'Jordan showed up late in the evening and she was super excited to see him. She ran over to greet him and kept looking for him.' One of her men: Travis Scott could be seen entering the fete. He also reportedly sang Heels and wheels: Kylie Jenner was also there in a net top and leather slacks On display: The girlfriend of rapper Tyga showed off her bra and her thighs in the racy look The plus one: Tyga was seen arriving with some of Kylie's friends In the video shared by Kylie, the siren made the camera go up and down to get a full look at the catwalker's toned figure. The daughter of Kris and Caitlyn had on a very skimpy silver mesh dress that plunged in the front and the back and was very short. The Estee Lauder spokesperson seemed to be in great spirits as she took in the party. It also appears as if she was gifted a car for her birthday. In a Snapchat video shared by Khloe, Kendall is seen receiving a Rolls-Royce with a bow on it. The others: Khloe and Kourtney arrived with KUWTK guest star Jonathan Cheban at Catch Le look is chic: Kourtney stunned in a silver and black lace mini dress with lace up heels Never looked better KoKo: Khloe flaunted her fit figure in a super tight black dress Why didn't she arrive with Disick? It seems as if Kourtney is not back together with her ex Wild look! Cheban wore a paint-splattered motorcycle jacket with a T-shirt and jeans 'The party was totally her style,' a source told People. It was added Jenner did not want a big party in Las Vegas because 'thats just not who she is.' Guests at Catch included Khloe, Kourtney, Kris and Caitlyn. People also added that Kim, who is still reeling from a scary October 3 robbery in Paris, made the splashy shindig, though she is not pictured. Kanye was there too. Other guests included top models Hailey Baldwin, Cara Delevingne and Taylor Hill. Justin Bieber's friend Madison Beer stunned in a tight red mini dress. Kris' friend Melanie Griffith also turned up as did rapper Fetty Wap. Not a bad looking bunch: Cindy Crawford left Rande Gerber at home but brought her two model kids Presley, 17, and Kaia, 15 A carbon copy: Kaia was glammed to the max and almost looked like a dead ringer for Selena Gomez as well as a mini Cindy Cindy Crawford left Rande Gerber at home but brought her two model kids Presley, 17, and Kaia, 15. All three looked ready for the catwalk in their gussied up attire. Kaia was glammed to the max and almost looked like a dead ringer for Selena Gomez. Keeping Up With The Kardashians guest stars Jonathan Cheban and Scott Disick arrived separately. Mama bear: Kris Jenner, 60, held hands with beau Corey Gamble More extras: Caitlyn wore a long gown and Scott Disick had on Yeezys Red hot mama: Madison Beer was a headturner when she arrived solo Though Kendall had a silver dress on at her after party, she wore something very different to Catch. The mannequin flaunted her very trim and toned figure in a plunging black leotard that was laced up the front. Sheer leggings and lace up black heels looked just right. Her bestie Hailey wore a sheer black tank crop top over her bra. Another look: Kendall wore a black outfit when she arrived at Catch with Hailey Baldwin Not an ugly lady in the crowd: The models were followed by more pretty people Nicole Kidman stars as the devoted mother of an adopted son in upcoming Lion. It's a fitting role for the 49-year-old star, who adopted two children with her ex Tom Cruise, as she explains in a new interview with Town and Country magazine. 'I can see now, for Lion, that it was important to me because Im a mother with adopted children,' she says.'This movie is a love letter to my children.' 'This movie is a love letter to my children': Nicole Kidman talks about her new role in movie Lion as an adoptive mother in a new interview with Town and Country While it might seem like an obvious choice for the Oscar-winning star, she explains that she doesn't always know why she chooses a particular movie role, sometimes only figuring it out once the project is complete. 'I call myself the wild card, because I have no idea what it is. I'm so spontaneoussometimes to my detriment and sometimes my benefitbut it's how I've always been.' The actress admits she can't even explain to her husband Keith Urban why she's picked one role over another. 'My husband never knows what I'm going to choose. And then he'll ask me to explain why and I can't!' she admits. 'I call myself the wild card': The 49-year-old Oscar-winner admits that she is not strategic when picking which roles she'll do and often can't explain why she's drawn to a particular movie Describing herself a bit of a risk-taker, Kidman says: 'My whole thing is I'm going to try it. I think that's probably frustrating to people who wish for me to be more strategic. 'But I've been the same way since I was 14. I don't conform,' she says. 'That's just my nature. ' Kidman shares adoptive children Isabella, 23, and Connor, 21 with Cruise and also has two daughters with Urban, Sunday Rose, eight, and Faith Margaret, five. It makes the actress happy to see her daughters enjoying time in Australia, the country she grew up in. 'They played with wallabies and kangaroos. Now it's one of their favorite places, Cover star: The December issue is out on newsstands November 15 Kidman shares adoptive children Isabella, 23, and Connor, 21 with ex husband Tom Cruise. They are seen with Cruise in 2010 along with his daughter Suri with ex-wife Katie Holmes 'And they've been a lot of places. They're very well traveled. My daughter can go to school and say, "I've been to Paris. I've been to Morocco. I've been to Italy and China and India."' Lion is based on the story of Saroo (played by Dev Patel), who as a young boy became accidentally separated from his birth family in India. Kidman plays Sue Brierley, the woman who adopts Saroo. The young man tries to find his birth family using Google Earth to search for his home village. The movie is based on Saroo Brierleys personal story in book A Long Way Home and premiered earlier this year at the Toronto International Film Festival. With two Oscars and a string of blockbuster movies on his CV, Ben Affleck could be considered Hollywood royalty. But during his most recent trip to Britain, the Argo star revealed that his youngest son had a brush with two real-life royals. Appearing on the Graham Norton show, the 44-year-old joked that his youngest son, Samuel, had caught a cold after playing with Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Scroll down for video A regal encounter: During his most recent trip to Britain, Ben Affleck revealed that his youngest son had a brush with two real-life royals In Friday night's installment of the chat show, the actor recalls how during a trip to London he took his son to an indoor play park that was being frequented by the two young royals. Recalling one very wet day during the trip, Ben said: 'When it was raining I took my youngest to one of those kids indoor play parks. 'It was pretty empty and then I noticed this weird vibe from the other grownups. They were all very well dressed and they had earpieces and I thought, "For a kids place this is tight security!"' 'I can tell him he got a cold from the King!': The 44-year-old joked that his youngest son, Samuel, had caught a cold after playing with Prince George and Princess Charlotte Sheer luck: The actor recall the story during his appearance on Friday's Graham Norton show, revealing a trip to a indoor play park resulted in the royal playdate Laughing at the thought, he added: 'I was the very last person to realise that Prince George and Princess Charlotte were in there playing with my kid.' Though it was a truly memorable moment it seems that the impromptu royal play day left Samuel a little worse for wear, with Ben adding: 'I can now tell him that he got a cold from the King of England!' Samuel is Ben's youngest child with his estranged wife Jennifer Garner; the film star's also have two daughters: Violet, 10, and seven-year-old Seraphina. He said: 'I noticed this weird vibe from the other grownups. They were all very well dressed and they had earpieces and I thought, "For a kids place this is tight security!"' Was it really them? Laughing at the thought, he added: 'I was the very last person to realise that Prince George and Princess Charlotte were in there playing with my kid.' 'I can now tell him that he got a cold from the King of England!': Though it was a memorable moment it seems that the impromptu royal play day left Samuel a little worse for wear The Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice star and the Alias actress split in June 2015, but have remained cordial. The couple have even prompted rumours of a reconciliation during recent months, after Jennifer headed to England at the same time as Ben. A source told TMZ: 'Jennifer followed Ben to England and the trip has given her a whole new outlook on their future. The family: Samuel is Ben's youngest child with his estranged wife Jennifer Garner; the film star's also have two daughters: Violet, 10, and seven-year-old Seraphina 'She still feels conflicted, and she's only telling close friends that she's started to open up to the idea that they could get back together. She thinks they have a long road ahead of them, but Ben is already proving to her that he's committed to changing.' And while he's busy promoting his new film, The Accountant, which sees him play a math savant on the wrong side of the law, Ben revealed he's terrible with numbers. The star explained he found himself lost when it came to helping out with his daughter's maths homework, saying: In good company: while he's busy promoting his new film, The Accountant, which sees him play a math savant on the wrong side of the law, Ben revealed he's terrible with numbers. 'No, not at all. Im pushing my luck with my daughters 5th grade homework. 'The director insisted the numbers were exactly right and I defy any one person to solve the maths in that movie!' Fans can see the whole of Ben's chat on The Graham Norton Show, BBC One, Friday at 10.35pm. What Shadows, by Chris Hannan, Birmingham Rep Rating: At Birmingham Rep they have come up with a play about Enoch Powell, mainly about his 1968 'rivers of blood' speech which caused such a stink. The theatre may have commissioned the piece with an eye to the EU referendum and renewed public discussion of immigration, yet the chief impression it left on me was that playwright Chris Hannan was chewing on some pretty dry old bones. Powell is played by Ian McDiarmid. Physically, he half-gets him. What Shadows: Ian McDiarmid as Enoch Powell at the Birmingham Rep Ian McDiarmid and George Costigan as Clem Jones star in the play about Enoch Powell's 1968 'rivers of blood' speech which caused such a stink There are moments when, in black hat and with his clipped hair and moustache, he looks very like the old man. The voice is less convincingly captured. Is playwright Chris Hannan more successful in bottling a parliamentarian who was in private so fastidiously correct yet in public was accused of dabbling in demagoguery? His Powell is duly pedantic, polite, at points fired by an almost messianic anger. As a political anorak I am always intrigued to see politicians re-created on the stage. Yet Mr Hannan is let down by his plot. The action opens in 1992, with a black Oxford don called Rose (Rebecca Scroggs) visiting a remote shore in Scotland to try to persuade a former colleague (Brid Brennan) to collaborate on a book. Only after this delayed beginning do we get to the 1960s and see Powell and his wife Pam (Miss Brennan again). They are with their friends Clem and Marjorie Jones. As a political anorak I am always intrigued to see politicians re-created on the stage. Yet Mr Hannan is let down by his plot Is playwright Chris Hannan more successful in bottling a parliamentarian who was in private so fastidiously correct yet in public was accused of dabbling in demagoguery? The theatre commissioned the piece with an eye to the EU referendum and renewed public discussion of immigration Clem edited the local newspaper in Powell's Wolverhampton constituency. The play never quite knits the two eras. The Joneses (George Costigan and Paula Wilcox) fall out with their friend Enoch after concluding he is racist. To allow us to come to our own conclusion, Mr McDiarmid delivers that speech at length. At the back of the stage stand some silver birches, perhaps to convey a Chekhovian sense of nostalgia. Weaved in with the interesting stuff about the Joneses there is the sub-plot about Oxford don Rose and her family background. These passages reek of inauthenticity. It all ends with a Socratic dialogue between Powell and Rose, Powell proudly declaring that he was once an uncontrollable storm. Kendall Jenner has a new set of wheels. The model was given a Rolls-Royce worth well over $250,000 during her 21st birthday after party at Delilah in West Hollywood on Wednesday evening. The car had a green bow on it and sister Khloe Kardashian captured the moment the Keeping Up With The Kardashian star first saw the vehicle. She's loved: Kendall Jenner was gifted a Rolls-Royce during her 21st birthday party in West Hollywood on Wednesday New wheels: In this Snapchat video shared by Khloe, the car is seen with a bow In the clip, Kendall is seen walking outside the venue. The Vogue model appears shocked when she sees the import which is parked with the passenger door open. At one point she covers her mouth and appears to say, 'Oh my God!' With her closest pals: The birthday girl arrived with fellow model Hailey Baldwin, in black In the best shape of her life: Earlier Jenner was seen in a black outfit at Catch A mob scene: There were dozens of guests at both events Kendall already has a Range Rover and a $100,000 classic blue Chevrolet. Her mother Kris Jenner owns a white Rolls-Royce, which was recently replaced after a Prius slammed into it this summer in Calabasas. Sister Kylie has a red Rolls. And Kim, Khloe, Rob and Scott Disick all seem to have their own too. There seemed to me many surprised at the young star's birthday bash. People also reported that Kendall had plenty of men around, including Harry Styles, Jordan Clarkson and Travis Scott. There Kim Kardashian and Kanye West also made a 'low key' appearance, according to the site. The 36-year-old has been out in public few times since her October 3 robbery in Paris. 'They were chill all night,' said a source that noted the couple arrive just before midnight. Cheers: Jenner appeared to be enjoying her first cocktail Longtime link: Harry Styles, seen here in London in October, has often spent time with the supermodel 'Kim got on the mic at one point and said something funny and that was about it. She seemed pretty upbeat,' added the source. In the state of California the legal drinking age is 21. A source told DailyMail.com that there were 21 bottles of Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Champagne (which sell for $500 a bottle) at the event. The star was also presented with a cake 'featuring a throwback photo of her in a purple tutu and a massive jewel-studded Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Methusaleh with her name on it.' It was added: 'Kim and Kris sang Happy Birthday to Kendall at midnight.' Drinking is new for Kendall, it appears. In July her sister Khloe told Elle.com that the Calvin Klein spokesperson will not hit the bar. 'Kendall isn't into it,' Khloe, 32, said. Plenty of decorations: This image of pink balloons was shared at 2:22 am Popped: A deflated balloon can be seen on Kendall's leg 'Even when Kendall goes to Europe where the drinking age is 18, she's never Kendall's really focused and determined.' But on Thursday, Kendall wrote on her website kendallj.com that she had a signature cocktail already, 'I'm not really a person "who hits the club" regularly and I don't see that changing now that I'm 21,' she wrote. 'I'm looking forward to ordering drinks at dinner, though, and 1942 on the rocks with a slice of orange is what I'll be sipping! Tequila is surprisingly easy to drink throughout the night (as long as you don't overdo it)!' Flashy: A source said Kendall did not want a big bash in Las Vegas One of her men: Travis Scott could be seen entering the fete. He also reportedly sang Khloe then added on her site khloewithak: 'My little Kendall is all grown up! I could not be more proud of the amazing (not to mention fierce AF!!!!) young woman that you have become. Your first legal drink is on me, boo! Happy birthday!' Kylie wrote on kyliejenner.com: 'Happy 21st birthday to my partner in crime since Day 1literally! You've always been by my side and I'm glad we are still so close today. I hope you have the best birthday ever, Kendall!!! ' In the past, Kendall has said she stays away from most vices overall. She wrote on her website kendallj.com that she doesn't like coffee and has never smoked. Her little sis: Kyle Jenner shared this photo on her website to wish her sister a happy bday The star has also complained that she suffers from sleep issues which would suggest she is careful with her health. In a clip from an upcoming episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashian she tells her mother Kris she can't move when she wakes up in the middle of the night. The leggy wonder looked as healthy as can be as she sipped out of the small tumbler glass while mingling with pals at Delilah. She was also seen putting the glass down on the table then picking it up again. Heels and wheels: Kylie Jenner was also there in a net top and leather slacks On display: The girlfriend of rapper Tyga showed off her bra and her thighs in the racy look People reported that Styles, Clarkson and Scott all flocked around Kendall at her after party. Kendall arrived at Delilah at around 11 pm then hung out with the boys. 'She worked the room and spent a lot of time with Travis in the beginning, then went to Harry for a while. 'Jordan showed up late in the evening and she was super excited to see him. She ran over to greet him and kept looking for him.' The plus one: Tyga was seen arriving with some of Kylie's friends In the video shared by Kylie, the siren made the camera go up and down to get a full look at the catwalker's toned figure. The daughter of Kris and Caitlyn had on a very skimpy silver mesh dress that plunged in the front and the back and was very short. The Estee Lauder spokesperson seemed to be in great spirits as she took in the party. The others: Khloe and Kourtney arrived with KUWTK guest star Jonathan Cheban at Catch Le look is chic: Kourtney stunned in a silver and black lace mini dress with lace up heels Never looked better KoKo: Khloe flaunted her fit figure in a super tight black dress Why didn't she arrive with Disick? It seems as if Kourtney is not back together with her ex Wild look! Cheban wore a paint-splattered motorcycle jacket with a T-shirt and jeans She made it too: Grandmother MJ drove up from San Diego to attend the bash 'The party was totally her style,' a source told People. It was added Jenner did not want a big party in Las Vegas because 'thats just not who she is.' Guests at Catch included Khloe, Kourtney, Kris and Caitlyn. Other guests included top models Hailey Baldwin, Cara Delevingne and Taylor Hill. Justin Bieber's friend Madison Beer stunned in a tight red mini dress. Kris' friend Melanie Griffith also turned up as did rapper Fetty Wap. Not a bad looking bunch: Cindy Crawford left Rande Gerber at home but brought her two model kids Presley, 17, and Kaia, 15 A carbon copy: Kaia was glammed to the max and almost looked like a dead ringer for Selena Gomez as well as a mini Cindy Cindy Crawford left Rande Gerber at home but brought her two model kids Presley, 17, and Kaia, 15. All three looked ready for the catwalk in their gussied up attire. Kaia was glammed to the max and almost looked like a dead ringer for Selena Gomez. Keeping Up With The Kardashians guest stars Jonathan Cheban and Scott Disick arrived separately. Mama bear: Kris Jenner, 60, held hands with beau Corey Gamble More extras: Caitlyn wore a long gown and Scott Disick had on Yeezys Red hot mama: Madison Beer was a headturner when she arrived solo More models: Dutch fashion model Romee Strijd and Taylor Hill made the scene Though Kendall had a silver dress on at her after party, she wore something very different to Catch. The mannequin flaunted her very trim and toned figure in a plunging black leotard that was laced up the front. Sheer leggings and lace up black heels looked just right. Her bestie Hailey wore a sheer black tank crop top over her bra. She's worked with some of the biggest names in showbusiness. But Joanne Frogatt was sharing the red carpet with a feline friend for the A Street Cat Named Bob premiere in London on Thursday. Looking every inch the glamourpuss herself, the 36-year-old actress oozed elegance in a plunging burgundy gown with risque sheer panels, but struggled to retain her modesty as the winds picked up. Scroll down for video Glamourpuss! Joanne Frogatt was sharing the red carpet with a feline friend for the A Street Cat Named Bob premiere in London on Thursday Showing off her perky assets, the Downton Abbey star opted to go braless beneath the plunging neckline which tied up in a elegant bow at the nape of her neck. Cinching in at her small waist, the garment flared out to full length, with the material gradually becoming more translucent until her lean legs were on display. Adorned with ruffled detailing, the dress accentuated her hourglass curves, trailing behind her as she walked to reveal a pair of satin platform heels. A catastrophe! The 36-year-old actress oozed elegance in a plunging burgundy gown with risque sheer panels, but struggled to retain her modesty as the winds picked up Just look at me meow! Bob also dressed up for the occasion in a bid to outdress Joanne Adding to the glamour, she carried a small matching clutch bag, whilst her fingers were adorned with dazzling rings. In keeping with the elegant nature of her look, she wore her golden tresses in an intricate up-do, sweeping her glossy tresses into french braids, whilst loose tendrils framed her glittering diamond earrings. Contoured to perfection, the blonde bombshell lined her baby blue peepers with a sweep of smokey eye shadow, whilst her plump pout bore a slick of nude gloss. Sex kitten: Showing off her perky assets, the Downton Abbey star opted to go braless beneath the plunging neckline which tied up in a elegant bow at the nape of her neck Sartorial scup-purr: Cinching in at her small waist, the garment flared out to full length, with the material gradually becoming more translucent until her lean legs were on display Purrfect pair: Joanne was joined by her husband James Cannon at the premiere, who looked sophisticated and suave in a navy checkered suit that complemented her gown Clawsome! In keeping with the elegant nature of her look, she wore her golden tresses in an intricate up-do, sweeping her glossy tresses into french braids Meowtral beauty: Contoured to perfection, the blonde bombshell lined her baby blue peepers with a sweep of smokey eye shadow, whilst her plump pout bore a slick of nude gloss Joanne Frogcat: The star expertly worked her angles as she stormed the red carpet Feline good! The pretty blonde beamed broadly as she walked the red carpet Joanne plays Val a drug support worker in A Street Cat Named Bob, which tells the story of homeless busker James Bowen whose life was turned around by a stray ginger cat. Bob - who plays himself in the film - enters the busker's life when he appears, injured, and curled up in the hallway of his sheltered accommodation. James was living a hand to mouth existence on the streets of London and the last thing he needed was a pet, but he decided to nurse the intelligent tomcat and the pair soon become inseparable. Look what the cat dragged in: Bob arrived perched on the shoulder of James Bowen Cat's the way to do it! Bob was the star of the show at the film's premiere, dressed smartly for the occasion in a knitted red scarf whilst James donned a fitted navy suit Very amewsed: Bob proved to be very photogenic as he walked the red carpet with James Having a (fur) ball! Bob seemed chirpy as he patiently waited on top of James' shoulders Fit for a purrincess: The Duchess Of Cambridge dazzled in a cream full skirted gown with a lace long-sleeved top whilst she injected some colour with burgundy heels and a clutch She's no sourpuss! Kate was all-smiles as she strolled along the red carpet at the premiere Bob was the star of the show at the film's premiere, dressed smartly for the occasion in a knitted red scarf. He arrived perched on the shoulder of James Bowen, who donned a fitted navy suit. Meanwhile, his on-screen persona, Luke Treadway, also cut a dapper figure on the red carpet. Meeting the mewsuicians: A Street Cat Named Bob which tells the story of homeless busker James Bowen whose life was turned around by a stray ginger cat lovingly dubbed Bob No cattiness here! James was joined at the premiere not just by Bob but his on-screen persona Luke Treadway, who also cut a dapper figure on the red carpet Twice as mice: Luke posed alongside the stunning Ruta Gedmintas who also stars in the film as Belle, Bowen's animal loving neighbour Ruta Gedmintas - who also stars in the film, opted for a classic yet chic ensemble consisting of a high necked white dress that skimmed her enviable figure and fell to the ankle. Flashing a hint of her tanned and toned pins - which were elongated by nude heels - the garment featured a risque thigh split. She finished off the look by styling her chestnut coloured tresses in loose waves that she tucked behind one ear to reveal a pair of elegant gold hoops. The cat who got the cream: Ruta opted for a classic yet chic ensemble consisting of a high necked white dress that skimmed her lithe frame The cat's whiskers: Flashing a hint of her tanned and toned pins - which were elongated by nude heels - the garment featured a risque thigh split Cat got your tongue? Anthony Head - who plays Alex's father in the flick let out a coy smile as he posed on the red carpet in a black suit and tie Cool cats: Director Roger Spottiswoode posed for snaps with Luke Treadaway, Ruta Gedmintas, Anthony Head Joanne Froggatt and Adam Rolston on the red carpet And cat's your lot! The cast posed alongside James before heading inside for the bash No room to swing a cat: Joanne and husband James cuddled up close at the crowded afterparty She stars in Burberry's stunning festive film The Tale of Thomas Burberry. So Lily James was the perfect candidate to perform the luxury brand's Christmas tree lights switch on at Harrods in London, beaming as she descended upon the iconic London venue on Thursday evening. The 27-year-old Cinderella actress, who was accompanied by her actor boyfriend Matt Smith, looked beautiful in a black dress with a keyhole cutout at the bust, from the fashion house's exclusive collection at Harrods. Scroll down for video Elegant as ever: Lily James was the perfect candidate to perform the luxury brand's Christmas tree lights switch on at Harrods in London on on Thursday evening Support: She was supported by her boyfriend Matt Smith, who accompanied her to the event Lily's elegant number featured lace sleeves, a subtle side split and a coordinating hemline. She draped a smart cream coat over her shoulders for extra warmth and sported silver strappy heels on her feet. The star wore her blonde locks pinned back in a glamorous updo, with loose tendrils framing her face. Chic cover up: She draped a smart cream coat over her shoulders for extra warmth Beaming: Lily, who stars in Burberry's new festive film, was getting into the Christmas spirit Gorgeous: The star wore her blonde locks pinned back in a glamorous updo, with loose tendrils framing her face Taking a back seat: Actor Matt kept a low profile as he watched his belle soak up the spotlight Classic look: The 27-year-old Cinderella actress looked beautiful in a black dress with a keyhole cutout at the bust Dressed in a stylish dark ensemble, Lily's beau Matt kept a low profile as he let his girlfriend soak up the spotlight on her big night out on the town. Burberry's new holiday campaign, titled The Tale of Thomas Burberry, also stars in Domhnall Gleeson, Sienna Miller and Dominic West. The stunning three-minute cinematic trailer focuses on the fashion house's founder Thomas Burberry. 'What he created has stood the test of time and influenced those who came after him his work had such an impact and legacy after he was gone', Domnhall said. Jovial: Lily appeared to be in jovial spirits as she walked ahead of her famous boyfriend Patriotic: Matt displayed his patriotic side as he donned a poppy for Remembrance Day Poster girl: Burberry's new holiday campaign, titled The Tale of Thomas Burberry, also stars in Domhnall Gleeson, Sienna Miller and Dominic West Big budget ad: The stunning three-minute cinematic trailer focuses on the fashion house's founder Thomas Burberry Festive treat: The brand new Christmas ad is a star-studded affair Christmas carols: A choir was in attendance to serenade the proceedings 'I found that inspiring its what most artists dream of.' During an interview on Lorriane this week, Lily revealed she would like to reprise her role as Lady Rose Aldridge (MacClare) in a big screen adaptation of Downton Abbey. Asked if she'd be returning anytime soon from New York to get to work on the hoped-for movie, Lily shied away from confirming anything. 'I hope so,' she replied when asked if she would turn her back on the Big Apple to film Downton in England, where the period drama was based and shot. Round of applause: The Cinderella star gave the singers some encouragement Reprising her role: During an interview on Lorriane this week, Lily revealed she would like to play Lady Rose Aldridge (MacClare) in a big screen adaptation of Downton Abbey Back on her home turf: 'I hope so,' she replied when asked if she would turn her back on the Big Apple to film Downton in England Action shot: The star performed the sought after task of turning on the festive display The talk of a movie came about when the stunning Wrath of the Titans star began reminiscing about her time on the set of the period drama. Lily cited her time playing Lady Rose as 'incredible', revealing she missed her costume - in particular the accessories. Viewers were thrown into mourning last Christmas when Downton came to a dramatic end following five years on screen, but creator Julian Fellowes has always shared his burning desire to turn the drama into a film one day. Though the 67-year-old director hinted that he was waiting on vital cast members - believed to be Hugh Bonneville and Michelle Dockery - to free up their schedules. Stunning: Lily looked incredible in the lace gown, featuring a side split running up her left leg Show of support: Lily proudly displayed her poppy pin on her coat lapel British beauty: The blonde highlighted her beaming smile with a slick of red lipstick On Wednesday night she worked all out glamour at a red carpet event. So on Thursday Lily Collins enjoyed a well-deserved break from dressing up, in a more casual ensemble. The 27-year-old actress looked effortlessly elegant as she stepped out of her New York hotel in a monochrome ensemble, enjoying the sunny autumnal day. Scroll down for video Casual chic: On Thursday Lily Collins enjoyed a well-deserved break from dressing up, in a more casual ensemble Showing off her slender physique she rocked black cropped jeans teamed with a stylish high-neck frilly white shirt. Accessorising with a black loose neck-tie, she fended off the winter chill in an oversized camel coat. And in line with her black and white theme she accessorised with white trainers and a 'love' embellished clutch. Camel-ing along nicely: The 27-year-old actress looked effortlessly elegant as she stepped out of her New York hotel in a monochrome ensemble, enjoying the sunny autumnal day Showing off her natural beauty and porcelain complexion the brunette beauty went for minimal make-up. And leaving her glossy bob loose, she looked in good spirits as she headed out for the day. On Wednesday night she made an appearance alongside her Rules Don't Apply co-star Alden Ehrenreich at the Museum Of The Moving Image 30th Annual Salute event honouring the actor in New York. The dynamic duo looked every inch the glamour couple as they stood on the red carpet. 'Beautiful night has me losing my train of thought. Goodnight, New York...': Lily wrote on Wednesday night On-screen lovers: Lily cuddled up to Alden Ehrenreich at the Museum Of The Moving Image 30th Annual Salute in New York on Wednesday Lily, daughter of legendary rocker Phil Collins, showcased her feminine form in an opulent black and grey gown which boasted a thigh high split that showcased her stunning stalks. The actress completed her look with adventurous stacked heels, and had her hair raked back in a tight bun. Alden, who is playing Han Solo in the forthcoming prequel film centred around the popular Star Wars character, looked dashing in a tuxedo and smart leather shoes. However he will soon be hitting screens in the slightly less anticipated Rules Don't Apply alongside Lily and Warren. One more night: The daughter of rocker Phil Collins seemed to be enjoying her evening out The picture follows an unconventional love story of an aspiring actress, her determined driver, and the eccentric billionaire who they work for. Warren is playing infamous Howard Hughes in the feature. Other big names appearing in the movie, which comes out on November 23, include Alec Baldwin, Matthew Broderick and Martin Sheen. Speaking of Matthew, the bespectacled 54-year-old actor, whose career reached its zenith with 1983's War Games, took great delighting in showing off his glamorous other half Sarah Jessica Parker, who looked as good as ever in a green gown. It's curtains: Matthew Broderick grinned as wife Sarah Jessica Parker flaunted a gown that appeared to have been made from her favourite drapes It was the Kim Kardashian selfie that drew well over a million likes. And perhaps Jennifer Lopez is hoping lightning will strike twice, as the hit-maker took to Instagram on Thursday to share a very seductive selfie of herself clad in a bathing suit that bore a resemblance to the one Kim wore in her iconic mirror snap from 2013. The 47-year-old hit maker wore a black, high cut bathing suit that flashed plenty of side boob and her posterior. Booty-ful! On Thursday, Jennifer Lopez shared a very seductive mirror selfie that bore a striking resemblance to one Kim Kardashian posted three years ago White hot! Just months after giving birth to daughter North in 2013, Kim shared this super sexy mirror selfie '#loveyourselffirst #feelingempowered #healthybodyhealthymind,' Jennifer wrote in the caption of the image. The image was of Jennifer perched on her bed as she took a mirror selfie of her curvy hourglass figure. Her hair was scraped back into a high ponytail, and she polished on bold red lipstick to complete her makeup. It was an image that bore a striking resemblance to the one Kim posted three years ago. Back at it! Jennifer has been busy lately filming the second season of her cop drama, Shades Of Blue (pictured on set of the show last week in New York) Kim, who had just given birth to daughter North at the time, shared a stunning mirror selfie of herself clad in a white bathing suit that put her curves on full display. The image has racked up over a million likes on Instagram ever since it was posted. Jennifer has been busy lately filming the second season of her cop drama, Shades Of Blue. Jam-packed schedule: Not only is JLo (pictured in Los Angeles in July) shooting the cop drama in New York City, but she is also recording a new Spanish language record with ex husband, Marc Anthony Not only is she shooting the cop drama in New York City, but she is also recording a new Spanish language record with ex husband, Marc Anthony. They have made music together for years and even performed side by side in Manhattan this summer at Radio City Music Hall. The curvy star will also return to her All I Have show in Las Vegas in December and next year will shoot a dance reality show as well as a movie about Griselda Blanco, the notorious Colombian drug lord who was assassinated in 2012. This summer Lopez split from dancer Casper Smart after five years together. People reported he had cheated on her, but she has yet to comment on the break up. She may have missed out on a spot in the coveted Victoria's Secret lineup this year. But Shanina Shaik, 25, looked every inch the catwalk queen as she attended Kendall Jenner's 21st birthday celebrations in West Hollywood on Wednesday. With her fiance DJ Rukus in tow, the Australian beauty paraded her endless legs in a nightgown-inspired silk mini dress in dusty rose and a pair of silver sandal stilettos. Model moment! Shanina Shaik, 25, looked every inch the catwalk queen as she attended Kendall Jenner's 21st birthday celebration with fiance DJ Rukus in West Hollywood on Wednesday Her slinky ensemble was compete with a black choker necklace, large hoop earrings and a Glomesh handbag in glittering gold. Enhancing her complexion, the smouldering stunner donned a feminine makeup look with caramel-toned eye-shadow and blush-contoured cheeks. Her husband-to-be looked typically handsome, clad in a pair of black jeans, a white T-shirt and leather jacket. Sultry: The Australian beauty paraded her endless legs in a nightgown-inspired silk mini dress in dusty rose and a pair of silver sandal stilettos Also attending the star-studded bash was Kendall's sisters Kourtney, Khloe and Kylie, as well as Kylie's beau Tyga and Kourtney's ex-Scott Disick. A low-profile Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are said to have made an appearance at around midnight but were not photographed at the event. While Shanaina, unlike Kendall, missed out on a spot in the Victoria's Secret runway show this year, she has several other exciting projects in the works. Primped to perfection: Enhancing her exotic complexion, the smouldering stunner donned a feminine makeup look with caramel-toned eye-shadow and blush-contoured cheeks She's a lucky lady! Her husband-to-be looked typically handsome, clad in a pair of black jeans, a white T-shirt and leather jacket She recently confirmed her role in the upcoming reboot of 1999 film The Mummy, telling InStyle: 'It was a small part, but it was exciting to get the role and be part of such an amazing movie with amazing actors and actors.' 'I am a real action girl, so I would love to be in action movies,' she said. The film stars Hollywood heavyweights Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe. Not to be sneezed at! While Shanaina, unlike Kendall, missed out on a spot in the Victoria's Secret runway show this year, she has several other exciting projects in the works She's been playing dress-up in glamorous wedding dresses. And Sam Faiers continued to up the glamour as she arrived at STK London on Thursday night. The former TOWIE star, 25, showed off her curvaceous figure in a low-cut sequin-encrusted jumpsuit. Scroll down for video All that glitters! Sam Faiers continued to up the glamour as she arrived at STK London on Thursday night Sam, who was at the restaurant to host an intimate blogger dinner to celebrate her party line with Rare London, flaunted her eye-popping cleavage in the glamorous silver one piece. Adding height to her stature in white strappy sandals, she covered up against the autumnal chill in white floor-length trench coat with a pretty waterfall collar. Rocking statement lashes and light make-up, the reality star added a touch of blush and lipgloss and wore her blonde tresses blow-dried to perfection. Racy! The former TOWIE star, 25, showed off her curvaceous figure in a low-cut sequin-encrusted jumpsuit Keeping her ensemble simple, she opted for a delicate necklace and wore a ring-pointedly on her right ring finger. Smiling at photographers as she arrived, the mother-of-one looked in good spirits. Sam welcomed her first child with boyfriend Paul Knightley fourteen months after they met. Heavy hints! Sam is now angling to take her relationship with boyfriend Paul Knightley a step further, after they welcomed their first child fourteen months after they met And now she has revealed she is now angling to take her relationship with boyfriend Paul Knightley a step further, after they welcomed their first child fourteen months after they met. On Wednesday's episode of The Mummy Diaries she admitted to 'always dropping hints' about marriage to her beau. As her words weren't enough, the former TOWIE star proved just how determined she is to get a ring on her finger as she tried on wedding dresses during, despite the fact she's not engaged yet. Bit of all white! Sam tried on wedding dresses during Wednesday's episode of The Mummy Diaries despite the fact she's not engaged yet 'It is a bit creepy I know,' she admitted when discussing the hints she had been dropping her beau, but continued: 'I vision myself getting married on a beach. I'd love to wear something that's still a wedding dress but has a sleeve like Kate Middleton. 'I want it to be really low-key and small, that's just how i picture it - like a 2/3 day thing.' Her pleas did not go unnoticed, with sister Billie remarking: 'She's going about it the wrong way - she needs to be more subtle.' Twice as nice: Sam dropped the most extreme hint of all when she tried on wedding dresses whilst Billie was looking at gowns ahead of her wedding to fiance Greg Shepherd 'It might inspire him': Sam decided to slip into a wedding dress after being persuaded that wearing a gown could encourage Paul to pop the question Sam and Billie's mother Sue added: 'She's desperate to get married,' whilst their father Dave remarked there was 'no way in hell' the pair would tie the knot before Billie - who has been engaged to fiance Greg Shepherd for more than two years. But in another bid to get herself down the aisle, Sam dropped the most extreme hint of all as she tried on wedding dresses after surprising Billie with a trip to a bridal boutique. 'If he saw you in a dress it might inspire him,' the shop owner explained to Sam, as she admitted: 'I told him I might and he said "I knew you would"'. Not getting it: Despite several big hints dropped by Sam, her boyfriend Paul Knightley has yet to pop the question to her, although he admitted he 'knew' she'd try on wedding dresses She reasoned: 'I'm not going to go all that way and not try a dress on! It just feels amazing, you feel like a princess.' Giggling at the cheeky nature of the event, she sighed: 'I'm not even engaged, but I hope it won't be too long.' And mum Sue also got caught up in the emotion of it all as she watched her daughters try on the gown, as she admitted: 'I've got a lump in my throat. I'm proud of them!' Snap happy: Sam happily posed for snaps in a wedding gown as she documented the moment - no doubt to show boyfriend Paul later on Here comes the real bride! Billie - who has been engaged to fiance Greg Shepherd for more than two years - dazzled in a series of stunning wedding dresses on the shopping trip The scenes divided viewers, with one posting: 'I can't deal with Sam trying on wedding dresses when she's not even engaged #whatareyouthinking #mummydiaries.' Another user was in agreement, tweeting: 'Trying on wedding dresses before your engaged isn't normal.' However, not everyone was shocked by the scenes, with one fan posting: 'Sorry but can @SamanthaFaiers and @BillieFaiers be anymore gorgeous in those wedding dresses!' Confused: The scenes divided viewers with one unsure how to feel after the scenes Not a fan: Another viewer couldn't grasp what had just happened Loving it: One fan was enjoying the scenes immensely as they watched the show Sam continued to drop yet more hints about marriage on a family holiday with Paul and their son, Paul Jnr, as she remarked at the vineyard they visited: 'I don't think I'd have my wedding here, I think its an acquired taste.' Despite being met with silence, Sam was undeterred as she continued to discuss their fabled big day. Whilst performing the iconic lift from Dirty Dancing together, Sam teased: 'I vision myself at our wedding doing the lift.' Not the time or place: Sam was undeterred as she continued to discuss their fabled big day. and teased: 'I vision myself at our wedding doing the lift', after they performed it She reportedly gave birth to a second son just a few weeks ago. And Lara Worthington (nee Bingle) was spotted enjoying a walk in New York City with her first child, Rocket Zot, on Thursday. The 29-year-old wife of actor Sam Worthington, covered her svelte post-pregnancy body in a chic black coat while she doted on her firstborn. Scroll down for video Doting: Lara Worthington (nee Bingle), 29, was spotted enjoying a walk with her firstborn Rocket Zot, one, in New York on Thursday, covering her post-pregnancy body in a chic black coat Lara cut a chic figure in the overcoat that finished just at her calves. Button detailing cinched in at her slender waist, highlighting her svelte post-pregnancy frame. Teaming the look with a pair of skinny-leg jeans and black ankle boots, the entrepreneur shielded her eyes behind a pair of Celine sunglasses. Looking good, Lara! Button detailing cinched in at her slender waist, highlighting her svelte post-pregnancy frame Lara's short cropped locks were swept over one side of her face, drawing attention to a minimal makeup palette of a flawless complexion, a touch of bronzer on the apples of her cheeks and a coat of nude lipstick over her plump pout. One-year-old son Rocket Zot, looked cute as a button in a vibrant camouflage sweater, teamed with a pair of loose-fitting black pants. Rocket's famous mother accessorised his look with a pair of simple black trainers and a green beanie. Precious: While out and about in New York, Lara appeared every inch the doting mother, holding onto Rocket's hand, and at one stage crouching down to check in on him While out and about in New York, Lara appeared every inch the doting mother, holding onto his hand, and at one stage crouching down to check in on him. The sighting comes shortly after a close friend told OK! magazine that the model and her husband Sam Worthington are 'just focused on enjoying this special time together, and settling into a new routine,' as they juggle their newborn with son Rocket Zot. OK! magazine also claimed that Lara's mother Sharon traveled to New York to assist Lara and Sam during the baby's first few days before jetting back to Australia on October 27. Support: OK! magazine recently claimed that Lara's mother Sharon (pictured) traveled to New York to assist Lara and Sam during the baby's first few days before jetting back to Australia on October 27 Taking to Instagram upon her arrival Down Under, Sharon proudly shared a selfie on Instagram picturing herself and Lara, accompanied by the telling caption: 'Happy days @laraworthington #ncy#huge.' Meanwhile, Lara and Sam have remained tight-lipped on the baby's name and gender, despite many publications claiming that they were expecting another boy. Back to the normal routine: The entrepreneur has been spotted out and about in New York, attending to firstborn Rocket Zot's needs 'Lara was telling some friends from early on that she's having a boy,' a source told Who magazine. 'She was quite open, saying how happy she is,' they added. In June, the former reality TV star confirmed that she and her actor husband Sam Worthington were expecting their second child together. She suffered the tragic loss of her mother Belinda to pancreatic cancer on Saturday. But Georgia Love put on a brave face as she enjoyed a dinner out with her Bachelorette winner boyfriend Lee Elliott, as well as her father Chris and relatives. Despite the recent loss, the couple tried their best to be upbeat as they shared a toast with their party during the Thursday night outing in Melbourne. Scroll down for video Out and about: Lee Elliott and Georgia Love were spotted at dinner with family in one of the very first sightings since the Bachelorette lost her mother Belinda Lee, 35, drank a glass of red wine while Georgia, 28, sipped on some bubbles for the occasion. Cutting a casual figure in a black T-shirt, the handsome mechanical plumber was seen raising his glass with the rest of the dinner guests at one point. Former newsreader Georgia meanwhile, was seen smiling as she chatted with the table. Putting on a brave face: The couple looked upbeat as they sipped drinks with their relatives and Georgia's father Chris Cheers to Love! 35-year-old plumber Lee was seen raising his glass to share a toast with his girlfriend's family at one stage Her emotions were different from earlier in the day, when she was spotted emerging with Lee for the first time since tragedy struck. On Thursday morning, the Melbourne native took to Instagram to thank her fans for the overwhelming support in the wake of her family's heartbreak. 'I am so overwhelmed by the huge outpouring of love, support and condolences from all over the world since announcing the devastating news of my beautiful mum's passing,' she wrote in part of her post. Chatty: The couple seemed cheerful as they enjoyed each other's company, following the tragic loss Casual: Both reality stars cut casual figures in black as they sat down for dinner Family time: Georgia's father Chris was at the head of the table and appeared downcast during the outing Describing the loss of her 60-year-old mother as 'gut wrenching', Georgia said she hopes to raise awareness of the disease. 'One thing my mum taught me was to believe in paying it forward and that from every negative can come even the slightest positive. 'So I hope my family's gut wrenching loss can create some awareness of the brutal disease that is pancreatic cancer and hopefully do some good in helping to find a cure,' Georgia said. Animated: Former newsreader Georgia looked to be locked in an animated conversation with her new beau By her side: Georgia appeared happy to have her man supporting her through her heartbreaking loss Overwhelming support: The outing comes after Georgia took to Instagram on Thursday to thank fans for their outpouring of love and support for her family Noting that November is pancreatic cancer awareness month, the reality TV starlet urged people to donate to finding a cure for the cause. 'Let's hope the sobering statistic of a 7 per cent survival rate for this awful cancer can be changed,' she wrote. The reality TV star took to Instagram on Monday to reveal her 'heart is utterly broken' after Belinda passed away on Saturday. 'Utterly broken': On Monday, the reality star shared photos of her with her mum in happier times as she confirmed the death of the 60-year-old nurse Sharing a collage of photos of their pair together in happier times, Georgia said: 7 weeks ago we were sipping cocktails in Italy. 7 months ago you werent even sick. How is it possible youre no longer here? The former journalist, who often spoke fondly of her mother on the show, described the nurse as: 'my first friend and my best friend, my rock, the one who knew me better than anyone in the world'. She told her 91,000 social media followers the former nurse has supported and backed 'every single thing' she did. 'My first friend and my best friend': Georgia described her mother as her 'rock' and someone who 'knew me better than anyone in the world' 'There is so much more I need and want to share with you,' she wrote. 'I have no idea how to even begin to say goodbye.' Speaking to TV Week magazine on Monday, Georgia gushed about the moment she was able to introduce her Bachelorette winner boyfriend Lee to her mother. 'It was amazing to see how much he perked her up,' she told, adding: 'She was sitting up talking and laughing with him, which she hadn't been able to do all day. 'It was obviously an awful place and reason to be meeting.' Black church defaced by Trump graffiti was destroyed by arson Arson was blamed for a blaze that destroyed an African-American church in Mississippi where a slogan for Donald Trump had been spray-painted on the exterior. A person of interest was being interrogated, officials said, after the historically black Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, a city of 35,000 people, burned Tuesday night. "The church was vandalized with the words 'Vote Trump' on the side," said mayor Errick Simmons at a press conference, describing the blaze as "a hateful and cowardly act." An investigation into the fire as a possible hate crime is under way by local, state and federal officials Bryan R. Smith (AFP/File) Fire officials said the century-old church was fully engulfed in flames, and sustained heavy heat, smoke and water damage, according to Greenville fire chief Ruben Brown, Sr. "The fire was intentionally set," Brown told AFP. An investigation into the fire as a possible hate crime was under way by local, state and federal officials. "This matter is a direct assault on people's right to freely worship," said Simmons. Police chief Delando Wilson said investigators are "currently interviewing one person of interest," to see if he had any involvement. Wilson declined to give any further details in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation. "We are still in the preliminary stages to try and determine the motive of this crime," Wilson added. "We want to investigate every angle to determine why this act was committed." Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, described the church as "a cornerstone of this majority-Black community located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta." She also expressed concern that the church was vandalized so close to the November 8 presidential election. "The toxic rhetoric of this election cycle continues to cast a dark cloud over this election cycle," Clarke said. Lawmakers push to block Chinese takeover of US aluminum firm A group of US senators called on the government to block the Chinese metals giant Zhongwang's takeover of a US aluminum processor for the auto and aerospace industries. Writing in a letter to Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, the 12 senators said the China Zhongwang Holdings group, already reportedly under investigation over alleged import tariff avoidance, should be blocked from the $1.1 billion purchase of Cleveland-based Aleris Corp on national security grounds. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), chaired by Lew to review foreign investments in sensitive US businesses, should review and reject the deal, they said. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, seen in October 2016, 12 US senators said the China Zhongwang Holdings group should be blocked from the $1.1 bilion purchase of Cleveland-based Aleris Crop on national security grounds Alex Wong (Getty/AFP/File) "Zhongwang's purchase of Aleris would directly undermine our national security, including by jeopardizing the US manufacturing base for sensitive technologies in an industry already devastated by the effects of China's market distorting policies," they wrote. The deal would create "serious risk that sensitive technologies and knowhow will be transferred to China, further imperiling US defense interests." Zhongwang, China's largest aluminum processor, announced the deal to buy Aleris in August. Aleris processes aluminum for numerous industries, particularly the auto and aerospace sectors. It has an auto industry plant in Duffel, Belgium and is building a new one in the southern US state of Kentucky. Aleris also makes aluminum parts for aircraft bodies and wings in plants in Koblenz, Germany and Zhenjiang, China. The company also makes aluminum protective plating for military vehicles in Germany, a point on which the senators focused in their letter to Lew. "Aleris's defense production demonstrates the type of specialized expertise and capabilities that provide the foundation for our defense industrial base," they said. "Aleris' R&D and technology are critical to current and long-term US economic and national security interests." The company denied the deal would threaten national security, saying it represents "continued investment in the future of American jobs." "Less than one percent of our sales go into defense applications, and none of those goods are produced in the United States," spokesman Jason Saragian said in a statement sent to AFP. "The technology to produce aluminum plate, which is used in some military applications, is standard production technology widely used in the aluminum industry." The senators also argued that China's huge overcapacity in the aluminum industry has led to the decimation of the US industry and "contributed to the hollowing of our nation's industrial base." Zhongwang has already courted controversy in the United States. The company is under federal probes over alleged smuggling of aluminum into the country disguised as pallets in order to avoid steep punitive tariffs on the company, the Wall Street Journal reported. Russia revamping Cold War-era military bases in annexed Crimea, setting up further tensions with the West (NationalSecurity.news) Russias annexation of Crimea now appears to be a fait accompli and America as well as the Ukraine, for the time being appear willing to let it happen. As reported by Reuters, the Russian military is now revamping several Cold War-era military bases that it will use as a sort of strategic defensive ring against naval attack. In addition to revitalizing the former Soviet bases, new ones are also being built: The missile bunkers that dot the verdant hills along Crimeas southern coast are known locally as Object 100. Until recently, tourists paid $50 to visit the crumbling and abandoned former Soviet sites, which served during the Cold War as a defence against naval attack from the Black Sea. Now the bunkers are coming back online. After Russia took control of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, signs went up in the woods around the sites warning visitors against entering a forbidden zone of the Russian Ministry of Defence. A resident of a nearby village who said he was employed at the base last year said Russian soldiers had re-occupied the sites and blocked roads leading into the area. He was unable to say when the Russian soldiers arrived. It is a functioning military base with an anti-ship missile system, the villager told a Reuters reporter who visited the area in July. The bunkers are just one small part of a new Russian programme to militarise the Crimean peninsula. Based on recent site observations by Reuters, accounts from locals, media reports and official Russian data, Moscow has reanimated multiple Soviet-built facilities in the region, built new bases and stationed soldiers there. Meanwhile, NATO is also beefing up military assets in its neck of the woods. Poland and the Baltic States are seeing rises in military preparedness, with NATO in general led by the U.S. conducting more drills. In one way a new cold war may be preferable to many insiders who crave the good ol days of actually knowing who your enemy was. And in the modern age of terrorism, where practically every Western nation in and out of NATO has a personal stake, cooperation may even be more practical (the Syrian mess aside). Then again, this new militarism on the part of Russia and NATO cant really be good, either. The threat of nuclear annihilation was real back in those Cold War days, and now there are even more players, including an advancing (and belligerent China) as well as a nuclear-armed North Korea (and soon Iran, thanks to Obama). More: (c) 2016 USA Features Media. DR Congo pro-democracy activists released Six pro-democracy activists arrested in connection with a protest against Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila were released on Wednesday, but have to report back to police next week, their organisation said. "We were all freed this evening. We have to report back on November 9... the investigations will continue," Carbonne Beni wa Beya, one of five members of the Filimbi movement detained Saturday along with their driver, told AFP. The six were arrested after a demonstration against any moves to extend Kabila's presidential mandate, which ends on December 20. In all about a dozen were initially detained, but the others were not kept in custody. Joseph Kabila first took office in 2001, and in 2006 a new constitutional provision limited the presidency to two terms Junior Kannah (AFP/File) Their release came a few hours after that of another activist, Arciel Beni, arrested on Monday and accused of espionnage while he was filming the arrest of the six others. The arrests were the latest sign of rising tensions in the vast central African nation, where the opposition does not want Kabila's grip on power to continue beyond the expiry of his term. On Saturday some 30 activists affiliated to Filimbi, whose name means "whistle" in Swahili, called on Kabila to step down in a protest at the African Union headquarters in Kinshasa. Kabila first took office in 2001, and in 2006 a new constitutional provision limited the presidency to two terms. Last month, DR Congo's main opposition party firmly rejected a deal to keep Kabila in power by postponing this year's presidential vote until April 2018. Palau presidential family fight goes to the wire Palau's election -- pitting President Tommy Remengesau against his brother-in-law Surangel Whipps -- will be decided by postal votes after results released Thursday gave the incumbent a wafer-thin lead of just 78. The official tally after all the votes cast Tuesday at ballot boxes in the tiny Pacific nation were counted puts Remengesau on 4,108 and Whipps 4,030. It leaves the election on a knife edge, with 2,900 absentee ballots not due to be counted until next Tuesday. Palau's President Tommy Remengesau holds the slimmest of leads - just 78 votes - over brother-in-law Surangel Whipps in the 2016 election Jewel Samad (AFP/File) Whipps is married to Remengesau's sister but has not let family ties constrain his campaign as he seeks to end his rival's 12 years in office. The challenger has campaigned on a platform of change, pointing to social problems in the nation of 22,000, which lies about 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) east of the Philippines. Hong Kong rebel lawmakers in court over oath battle Two Hong Kong lawmakers who advocate a split from China should be banned from taking up their seats, government lawyers argued in court Thursday, as concerns grow Beijing will wade into the escalating row. Widespread fears that China is tightening its grip on the semi-autonomous city are fuelling an independence movement in Hong Kong. At a judicial review seeking to disqualify Yau Wai-ching and Baggio Leung from the legislature at Hong Kong's High Court Thursday, the government's counsel insisted authorities had not asked Beijing to step in. A judicial review seeking to disqualify Yau Wai-ching (L) and Baggio Leung from the legislature kicked off at Hong Kong's High Court on October 26, 2016 Anthony Wallace (AFP/File) "The issues... should be solved in the judicial system," said lawyer Benjamin Yu. The city's leader Leung Chun-ying, who brought the case against the pair, said earlier this week he could not rule out the possibility that Beijing might get involved. Local media reports say China's top legislative body, the National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC), could issue an "interpretation" of Hong Kong's constitution on Monday relating to the case. But Yu said the Hong Kong government had not received any confirmation of that happening. He argued Baggio and Yau should not be allowed to take up their seats in the Legislative Council (Legco) -- the city's lawmaking body -- because they failed to swear allegiance to Hong Kong as an "inalienable part of China" at an oath-taking ceremony three weeks ago. Instead, they draped themselves in "Hong Kong is not China" flags and altered the wording of their oaths, including derogatory terms and expletives. "Our case is that Leung and Yau have been duly requested to take the Legco oath on October 12 this year and they have declined," Yu told the court. "If you do not believe Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China then you have no business in Legco," he added. - 'Severe blow' - Yau and Baggio won seats in citywide polls last month, in which a number of new lawmakers advocating self-determination or independence swept to victory. Legco president Andrew Leung initially agreed to give them a second chance at taking their oath. But that decision is being challenged in court by city leader Leung and the justice secretary Rimsky Yuen, a move which critics say shows the executive branch riding roughshod over the legislature. The Legco president, a pro-Beijing lawmaker, is a defendant in the case, alongside Baggio and Yau. His lawyer argued Thursday that he had been "unnecessarily and wrongly" brought into the proceedings. Lawyers for Yau and Baggio said the Legco should be able to make an independent decision about their oath. "(It is) not a matter for the court, it is a matter entirely within the walls of Legco," said Hectar Pun, representing Baggio. The hearing finished Thursday afternoon and judge Thomas Au said he would hand down his judgement as soon as possible. Hong Kong's Bar Association has warned against any interference in the court process by Beijing, saying it would "deal a severe blow to the independence of the judiciary". But China's state-run newspaper Global Times on Thursday cited legal experts expressing support for the move. An interpretation by Beijing would "end the constitutional crisis and paralysis within the Legco, giving clear and stable guidance on (the implementation of) the Basic Law (Hong Kong's constitution)," it quoted Tian Feilong, a legal expert at Beihang University, as saying. The Legco descended into chaos for the third consecutive week Wednesday after Yau and Baggio tried to force their way into the chamber to take their oaths, having been temporarily barred pending the judicial review. Six security staff were injured during the clashes. HSBC should stand trial in tax fraud case: French prosecutor A French prosecutor has called for British banking giant HSBC to stand trial for enabling French clients to hide at least 1.67 billion euros ($1.84 billion) from the taxman, a source close to the probe said Thursday. The recommendation also names the former chief executive of the bank's Swiss private banking arm, Peter Braunwalder, and another executive, Judah Elmaleh. If the case goes to trial, HSBC would face charges that its private banking division offered its customers several ways of hiding assets from the French taxman, notably via the use of offshore tax havens. A French prosecutor has called for British banking giant HSBC to stand trial for enabling French clients to hide at least 1.67 billion euros ($1.84 billion) from the taxman, a source says Fabrice Coffrini (AFP/File) The banking giant was accused of failing in its supervisory role over its private banking division, but further investigation led to suspicions that HSBC "participated actively in the fraudulent practices", the source close to the investigation said. An HSBC spokesman told AFP: "The conclusions of the national financial prosecutor are duly noted, and we will continue our strong defence of our interests." The case began when French authorities in late 2008 received files stolen by Herve Falciani, a former HSBC employee, whose disclosures sparked the so-called "Swissleaks" scandal on bank-supported tax evasion. The French-Italian national -- dubbed by some media as "The Edward Snowden of banking" -- leaked a cache of documents allegedly indicating that HSBC helped more than 120,000 clients of a number of nationalities to hide 180.6 billion euros from tax authorities between November 2006 and March 2007. He was sentenced in absentia in November in Switzerland to five years in prison. The leaked files led to investigations by tax authorities in several European countries, including Spain and Belgium besides France. US Marines in new helicopter strikes in Libya US Marines are using Super Cobra attack helicopters to mount close-range airstrikes against Islamic State militants in the Libyan city of Sirte, the US navy said Thursday. The gunship attacks, the first of their kind to be confirmed in over two months, were launched overnight from the USS San Antonio, an amphibious transport dock ship deployed off the North African state. A statement from the US navy's base at Naples in southern Italy said the Cobras were carrying out "precision airstrikes" during combat operations in Sirte, a coastal city where IS loyalists established a base in 2015. Hundreds of airstrikes have been unleashed by the US on Islamic State jihadists in Libya but the only previously confirmed deployment of the Cobra gunships came at the end of August Odd Andersen (AFP/File) The US Naval Forces in Europe base did not immediately provide further details of the scope, objectives or impact of the attacks. They were part of a sea-borne air operation launched by President Barack Obama in August in support of Libya's fledgling national unity government's attempt to drive IS out of Sirte. Hundreds of airstrikes have been unleashed but the only previously confirmed deployment of the Cobra gunships came at the end of August. At the time, the Pentagon was predicting that US involvement in the battle for Sirte would last "weeks not months". Forces loyal to Libya's Government of National Accord launched their offensive on Sirte in May. They claimed last month to be closing in on the complete liberation of the city from the jihadists. The Pentagon said in August that it estimated that there were around 1,000 hardened fighters in Libya who were loyal to IS. The US attacks involved forces from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), a 2,500-strong task force comprised of elements from both the elite Marine Corps and the US Navy. Cambodia bans booming commercial surrogacy industry Cambodia has become the latest country to issue a ban on commercial surrogacy after curbs on the industry in other parts of the globe sparked a local boom in the unregulated baby business. Surrogacy agencies started springing up in the Southeast Asian nation after former hubs like Thailand and India blocked foreigners from the services following a flurry of scandals and concerns about exploitation. With cheap medical costs and no laws excluding gay couples or single parents, Cambodia quickly absorbed much of the demand. Surrogacy agencies started springing up in the Southeast Asian nation after former hubs like Thailand and India blocked foreigners from the services Jean Ayissi (AFP/File) But a government edict sent to Cambodian fertility clinics and seen by AFP on Thursday said that surrogacy was now "absolutely banned". The proclamation, signed by the health minister last week, asked all medical professionals to comply with the injunction, though it did not spell out a legal punishment. Phon Puthborey, spokesman for the Ministry of Women's Affairs, said the government was working on other regulatory schemes to prevent rights abuses in the controversial industry, which is outlawed is most countries. "This is a transitional period because we have not had a law on surrogacy," he told AFP. "We are looking for (other) possible measures to respond to the matter effectively. It could be a surrogacy law that includes protections for women and children so that they would not become victims of trafficking," he added. Sam Everingham, global director of the consultancy Families Through Surrogacy, slammed the "abrupt" ban and said it would likely trigger panic among expectant parents and surrogates now facing an uncertain future. "This sudden change does no favours to surrogates or children given the lack of information and lack of clarity," he told AFP. Cambodia now boasts some 50 surrogacy agents, a number of which cropped up in the past year, according to Everingham. "It was an industry that grew very quickly," he said, adding that Cambodia had become the "last hope" for many couples that would have previously sought services in neighbouring Thailand. Bangkok's military government passed a law banning foreign couples from using Thai women as surrogates last year after a series of controversies -- including tussles over custody -- tainted the lucrative industry. Syria's Kurds say to 'lead' Raqa fight, reject Turkish role A US-backed alliance of Syrian Kurds and Arabs will lead the assault on the Islamic State group's stronghold of Raqa, but rejects any Turkish role, its spokesman said Thursday. "We will see a campaign led by the Syrian Democratic Forces to liberate Raqa city," SDF spokesman Talal Sello said. Raqa will be the last major city under the jihadists' control if forces in neighbouring Iraq win the battle now under way for Mosul. The Islamic State group took control of the Syrian city of Raqa after pushing out government troops in 2013 - (Welayat Raqa/AFP/File) Backed by US-led coalition air strikes, the SDF has flushed IS out of swathes of territory in northern Syria, most recently the flashpoint town of Manbij. It is dominated by the powerful Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG). The United States and Britain said in late October they expected an assault on Raqa -- IS's de facto capital in Syria -- within weeks. "We are ready. We have the sufficient numbers for this campaign and we will start it soon," Sello told AFP, without specifying a timetable. But he insisted that the fight would not include Turkey, which views the YPG as linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), considered by Ankara as a "terrorist" group. "The topic of Turkey's participation was settled with the (US-led anti-IS) coalition definitively. No Turkish participation," he said. US air strikes kill 30 Afghan civilians, officials say US air strikes early Thursday killed at least 30 Afghan civilians, including women and children, in the volatile northern province of Kunduz, officials said, after a Taliban assault left two American soldiers dead. The strike triggered emotionally charged protests in the provincial capital, with the victims' relatives parading mutilated bodies of dead children piled into open trucks through the streets of Kunduz city. The carnage underscores worsening insecurity after the Taliban last month overran the city for the second time in a year, as NATO-backed Afghan forces struggle to rein in the insurgents. Thirty Afghan civilians were killed and 25 others were wounded in the airstrike on Kunduz, provincial spokesman Mahmood Danish told AFP Marwan Naamani (AFP/File) US-backed Afghan special operations forces were conducting an operation against the Taliban on the outskirts of the city when they came under insurgent fire, prompting calls for air support. "In the bombardment, 30 Afghan civilians were martyred and 25 others were wounded," provincial spokesman Mahmood Danish told AFP. Police spokesman Mahmoodullah Akbari gave the same toll, adding that the dead included infants aged as young as three months and other children. Taza Gul, a 55-year-old laborer, was among dozens of angry protesters outside the Kunduz governor's office, bringing with him the bodies of seven dead family members in a motorized tricycle. "I am devastated. I want to know why these innocent children were killed. Were they Taliban?" said Gul, breaking down in tears. "No, they were innocent children." NATO said on Twitter that the air strikes were conducted by US aircraft. "As part of an Afghan operation, friendly forces received direct fire and air strikes were conducted to defend themselves," Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, a senior spokesman for the NATO mission, said in a statement. "We take all allegations of civilian casualties very seriously," he added, noting that NATO would help the Afghans investigate the incident, but he stressed it was an Afghan operation overall. A US defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said "multiple" manned US planes were involved in the strikes, and they were targeted by small-arms fire from the ground. Civilian casualties caused by NATO forces have been one of the most contentious issues in the 15-year campaign against the insurgents, prompting strong public and government criticism. Errant air strikes contributed to a 42 percent jump this year in casualties caused by pro-government forces compared to last year, according to the UN. "Previous violations of international humanitarian law by US/NATO troops still remain uninvestigated and unpunished," Amnesty International said, condemning the Kunduz strikes. "This cannot be another example of inaction in the face of such loss of life." US State Department spokesman Mark Toner described the incident as a "terrible event." - America's longest war - Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was "deeply saddened" by the Kunduz killings, adding that insurgents were using civilians as human shields. The strikes occurred after a firefight with insurgents killed two US soldiers and wounded four more. Three Afghan special forces were also killed during the anti-Taliban operation in Kunduz. "On behalf of all of US Forces -- Afghanistan, today's loss is heartbreaking and we offer our deepest condolences," General John Nicholson, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, said of the military losses. "Despite today's tragic event, we are steadfast in our commitment to help our Afghan partners defend their nation," he added, without disclosing the names of the dead soldiers. The killings come just days before the US presidential election. During three lengthy debates between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Afghanistan got scarcely a passing mention -- even though the situation there will be an urgent matter for the new president. Either one will inherit America's longest war with no end in sight. The US military, which leads a NATO mission to train and assist local forces after their combat mission ended in 2014, often gives upbeat assessments about Afghan military performance. But as Afghan military forces near the end of a second year leading security operations without full NATO assistance, they are sustaining record casualties. The Taliban's apparent strategic goal in 2016 is to seize another provincial capital like they briefly did in Kunduz last year, in a stinging blow to Afghan forces. They have launched multiple assaults in recent months including in Kunduz, Lashkar Gar in poppy-growing Helmand province and Tarinkot, the capital of Uruzgan province. The worsening conflict has prompted US forces to step up airstrikes to support their struggling Afghan counterparts, fueling the perception that they are increasingly being drawn back into the conflict. Map locating the Afghan city of Kunduz, where dozens of civilians were killed in a NATO air strike Morocco's oases fight back creeping desert sands On the edge of the southwestern town of Rissani, Abdelrahman Ahmidani sighs as he reflects on the state of the Moroccan oasis, endangered by drought and climate change. "Whoever lives here," he says, "is condemned to a life of poverty." In Rissani, the sinuous mountain oasis of Tafilalet gradually disappears into the Sahara desert, after snaking green for dozens of kilometres (miles) down the Ziz valley. A man stands overlooking the Tafilalet oasis on October 27, 2016 Fadel Senna (AFP) The town, the tourist pamphlets say, was where Morocco's ruling family established itself in the 17th century and was once a major crossroads -- famous for gold trade -- on ancient merchant routes to Senegal and Sudan. But since the 1980s, the sands have been advancing on the town. On the outskirts of Rissani, hundreds of palm tree trunks rot away on cracked ochre soil shot through with parched irrigation channels. "When I was a child, the oasis was green and thriving. In one generation, it has become almost completely dry and sterile," says 37-year-old Ahmidani, who grew up in Rissani and now works as an official in town. The late 20th century brought long periods of drought, leading farmers to flee the area abandoning their earthen houses to dissolve whipped up in sandy winds. - Palms against the desert - "Oases are part of Morocco's natural resources," Ahmidani says of the green sanctuaries that for centuries have formed a shield against desertification. But mismanagement of surface water and overexploitation of groundwater -- notably due to urbanisation -- has led to increasing drought. Morocco has lost a third of its oases in a century. Twenty kilometres outside Rissani, Hassan Sadok has been working on rehabilitating seven hectares (around 17 acres) of land for the past 15 years. "Date palms are a natural barrier against desertification," says the former hotel owner turned farmer for lack of tourists. "In the beginning everyone laughed at me," he said. "The land was dry and sterile, and growing anything in it was very difficult. "Look over there. Those lands are dead. "But on my farm, thanks to my date palms, the land is fertile. My farm turns a profit and is environmentally friendly." Sadok rears sheep for their dung and refuses to use industrial fertilisers. He also pumps groundwater using solar power and tries not to overconsume it. Clear water runs between his 1,800 date palms, while plaited reed barriers hold back the desert beyond. - 'Sustainable oasis' - "Oases withstand drought much better with these ancient methods," says Ali Oubarhou, who is in charge of oasis areas at the agriculture ministry. Rabat launched an ambitious project to revive its oases in 2008 as part of the "Green Morocco" plan, he says. After the number of date palms dropped nationwide from 15 million a century ago to just 4.8 million, it has now increased back to 6.6 million trees -- with a goal of eight million date palms in 2020. Oases are the most vulnerable ecosystems to climate change, according to the UN intergovernmental panel on climate change, and their disappearance comes at heavy environmental, economic, social and cultural cost. Rabat will be presenting an action plan to save the world's oases at an international climate conference it is hosting this month. It will unveil a proposal for a "sustainable oasis" at the COP22 climate talks to run in Marrakesh from November 7 to 18. Bringing back date cultivation means "generating wealth to create areas that are attractive to people, all the while preserving natural heritage through a rational use of resources and preserving biodiversity". "But we have to be realistic," Oubarhou says, explaining action at local level will not be enough. "We will need international cooperation to save the oases, and we're expecting a lot out of COP22." A man walks past dying palm trees in the Tafilalet oasis on October 27, 2016 Fadel Senna (AFP) A man walks through a dried out area, that used to be part of the Tafilalet oasis, on October 27, 2016 Fadel Senna (AFP) Yemenis protest UN peace roadmap Thousands of Yemenis protested Thursday against a new UN plan to end the devastating conflict between rebels and the Saudi-backed government, saying it would legitimise the insurgents' power grab. The demonstrations in the southern city of Aden and other locations took place shortly before UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed arrived in Sanaa for peace talks with the Iran-backed Huthi rebels. "We reject the plan of Ould Cheikh (Ahmed)," read one of the banners carried by protesters in Aden -- the government's temporary base -- who responded to a call by authorities in the city to rally. Thousands of Yemenis demonstrate in of Aden against a new UN plan to end the devastating conflict between rebels and the Saudi-backed government, on November 3, 2016 Saleh Al-Obeidi (AFP) "No to an initiative that legitimises the coup," said another. President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi on Saturday rejected the envoy's peace plan, saying it would reward the Huthis for seizing the capital and "opens a door towards more suffering and war". Hadi enjoys the backing of a Saudi-led Arab coalition that launched a military campaign in March 2015 after the rebels closed in on his refuge in Aden, forcing him to flee to Riyadh. The contents of the roadmap, which the envoy presented to the rebels last week, have not been made public. But informed sources say it calls for agreement on naming a new vice president after the rebels withdraw from the capital Sanaa and other cities and hand over heavy weapons to a third party. Hadi would then transfer power to the vice president who would appoint a new prime minister to form a government in which the north and south of Yemen would have equal representation. - Attack on military camp - Hundreds of people also rallied against the plan Thursday in Marib, east of Sanaa, and in the southeastern province of Hadramawt, witnesses said. Hadi has described the new proposal as an "explicit departure" from the UN Security Council's resolution 2216, which calls on rebels to withdraw from territory they have captured since 2014. The Huthis have called the plan a "basis for discussion" despite containing "fundamental flaws". The conflict has killed nearly 7,000 people since the coalition launched its campaign, according to the United Nations. On Thursday, a military official said eight rebels and five pro-Hadi soldiers had been killed in clashes in central Taez province over the past 24 hours. Eleven rebels were wounded in the fighting in Salo, which has forced most of the district's 5,000 residents to flee, the official said. In Mukalla, the provincial capital of Hadramawt, a suicide attacker crashed his bomb-laden truck into the fence of a military camp for naval forces, a security source said. The refrigerated truck, used to transport fresh fish, exploded at the fence, wounding three soldiers and two civilians, the source said. Hadi's troops, backed by the coalition, recaptured Mukalla in April from Al-Qaeda militants who had ruled the city for one year. Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group have exploited the conflict in Yemen to expand their presence across the south and southeast, carrying out frequent attacks against pro-Hadi forces and government officials. Israel army says knife-wielding Palestinian killed Israeli troops on Thursday shot dead a Palestinian who tried to stab a soldier near the West Bank settlement of Ofra, the army said. "Palestinian assailant armed with a knife attempted to stab an Israel Defence Forces soldier guarding a bus stop near the community of Ofra," a statement in English said. "Responding to threat, forces at the scene shot the assailant, resulting in his death," it said. Israeli troops shot dead a Palestinian who attempted to stab a soldier near the West Bank settlement of Ofra, the army said Ahmad Gharabli (AFP/File) The Palestinian health ministry named him as Maen Abu Qaraa, 23, from an area northwest of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. On Thursday night "a Palestinian gunman opened fire" at soldiers near the northern West Bank town of Tulkarem, lightly wounding one of them, an army statement said. "Forces are searching the area for the perpetrator, who fled the scene," the military said. A wave of Palestinian knife, gun and car-ramming attacks began a year ago, but the violence has significantly declined in recent months. Since October last year, the violence has claimed the lives of 238 Palestinians, 36 Israelis, two Americans, a Jordanian, an Eritrean and a Sudanese, according to an AFP count. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out attacks, according to Israeli authorities. Others were shot dead during protests and clashes, while some were killed in air strikes in the Gaza Strip. Nigerian firms linked to ex-president guilty of money laundering A Nigerian court has convicted four firms allegedly used by a former aide of ex-president Goodluck Jonathan to launder $15.5 million in suspected stolen funds. Federal high court judge Babs Kuewumi said the conviction of the property and investment companies -- Pluto, Seagate, Transoceanic and Avalon -- on Wednesday in Lagos came after they pleaded guilty to money laundering in September. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had in July frozen the accounts of the companies and seized $15.5 million (14 million euros) while investigating Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, Jonathan's former domestic assistant, over money laundering. Goodluck Jonathan presided over Nigeria between 2010 and 2015 but was ousted by Muhammadu Buhari Pius Utomi Ekpei (AFP/File) But then Patience Jonathan, the wife of the former Nigerian leader, sued the EFCC, claiming ownership of the money found in several accounts in local banks. Jonathan, who has not been charged over the money laundering, said she had been withdrawing the money from the accounts to pay for her overseas health expenses. Directors of the indicted companies had in September pleaded guilty to money laundering but Dudafa and two others, lawyer Azubike Briggs and banker Adedamola Bolodeoku, pleaded not guilty. EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo asked the court to order that the money be forfeited to the government but that was refused by the judge, who deferred his ruling until the trial of Dudafa and the other suspects, which he adjourned to mid-December. President Muhammadu Buhari, who defeated Jonathan in the 2015 vote, has launched a wide-ranging campaign against corruption targeting key members of the previous administration. Former ministers, prominent party chiefs, media owners and relations of the former president are in court over similar charges. Wells Fargo probed by SEC over bogus accounts scandal Wells Fargo hiked its estimates for potential legal costs from its bogus accounts scandal Thursday as it disclosed that US securities regulators are probing the bank over the issue. The big US bank, which has been under fire since news of the scandal broke in September, lifted its estimate for the maximum cost for litigation costs to $1.7 billion from $1.0 billion at the end of June. Wells Fargo also added the US Securities and Exchange Commission to the growing list of entities that are probing the scandal, which resulted in $185 million in fines after the bank was found to have opened some two million deposit and credit card accounts in customers' names without their approval. Wells Fargo lifted its estimate for the maximum cost for litigation costs to $1.7 billion from $1.0 billion at the end of June Justin Sullivan (Getty/AFP/File) Others investigating the bank include the US Department of Justice, various states attorneys general and a number of congressional panels. Since news of the scandal broke, Wells Fargo has replaced its chief executive, eliminated the use of product sales goals for retail staff and promised to make whole customers who lost money or had their credit score lowered because of the chicanery. Renault to open plant in Pakistan by 2018: Govt French carmaker Renault is set to break into Pakistan's rapidly growing car market with a manufacturing plant to open there by 2018, the government announced Thursday. Pakistan's car market has for decades been dominated by Japan's Suzuki, Toyota and Honda who have been accused of colluding to fix prices for lower-quality versions of their models. "Renault has decided to invest in Pakistan. They will start assembling cars in Pakistan by 2018," the country's Board of Investment said in a statement. French carmaker Renault is set to break into the Pakistan's rapidly growing car market Loic Venance (AFP/File) Board chairman Miftah Ismail had been in talks with Volkswagen, Peugeot, Renault, Fiat and Nissan, the statement said. In September the chairman took Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to France, where he persuaded Renault to invest in Pakistan. Renault confirmed the development on Twitter, describing an "exclusive nego(tiation) to develop our brand in Pakistan, incl. a manufacturing plant". "Groupe Renault confirms it has entered into exclusive negotiations with Ghandhara and Al Futtaim Groups to develop the Renault brand in Pakistan, including a manufacturing plant on the Ghandara site in Karachi," Renault told AFP. Since coming to power in 2013, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's government has been wooing new players into the car manufacturing sector due to rising demand. Customers in the South Asian nation of 200 million people have to wait up to four months for a new car after making a full payment because demand outstrips supply -- as economic growth reaches its fastest pace since 2008. The government announced in March that foreign carmakers seeking to enter the market could import machinery for their plants duty-free, in an attempt to boost competition and cut prices for local drivers. VW makes progress towards 3.0 l diesel settlement: judge A California judge said Thursday that Volkswagen had made "substantial progress" towards settling charges over illegal pollution cheat devices installed on 3.0 liter diesel cars. Three months after rejecting VW's proposed resolution of civil complaints and owner lawsuits as "incomplete" and "substantially deficient," district court judge Charles Breyer said a deal was nearer. That would follow on the German automaker's $15 billion settlement over the largest part of the emissions scandal, its 2.0 liter diesel cars, finalized on October 25. Lawyers for VW and car owners and states suing it are aiming to reach a deal over the company having installed emissions-test cheating software on some 80,000 3.0 liter diesel-engine Volkswagens, Audis and Porsches sold in the country Josh Edelson (AFP/File) "I am very pleased to advise you that there has been substantial progress among the parties in reaching an resolution," Breyer said in his San Francisco courtroom Thursday. "I am very optimistic that we will achieve a resolution," he added, setting a December 1 deadline for an update. Lawyers for VW and car owners and states suing it are aiming to reach a deal over the company having installed emissions-test cheating software on some 80,000 3.0 liter diesel-engine Volkswagens, Audis and Porsches sold in the country. The previous deal over the 480,000 2.0 liter Volkswagens in the United States with the same problem, set $10 billion for compensation to owners, $2.7 billion for a fund for environmental remediation, and $2 billion to promote the use of zero emissions vehicles. Kerry calls ties to Manila 'ironclad' despite 'differences' The historic alliance between the United States and the Philippines remains "ironclad" despite recent differences, Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday, alluding to the anti-American rhetoric of populist President Rodrigo Duterte. "The United States continues to place high value on the close ties that exist between our countries," Kerry said during a swearing-in ceremony for the new US ambassador to Manila, the Korean-born diplomat Sung Kim. "We continue to recognize our ironclad commitment to the sovereignty, independence and security of the Philippines." "The United States continues to place high value on the close ties that exist between our countries," US Secretary of State John Kerry said during a swearing-in ceremony for the new US ambassador to Manila Nicholas Kamm (AFP/File) In August, Duterte said in a speech that Kim's predecessor in Manila, Philip Goldberg, was a "son of a bitch" -- a comment that prompted the State Department to demand an official explanation. Duterte, who accused Goldberg of meddling in Philippine elections, then issued a stream of insults toward the former colonial power, going so far as to refer to President Barack Obama as a "son of a whore." The fiery Filipino leader later said his comment was "nothing personal" and that he regretted that it had caused such controversy. But Kerry, who met with Duterte in Manila in late July and said he hopes to return there before the Obama presidency ends in January, struck a diplomatic tone in his remarks Thursday. "I am confident about the future of our bilateral relationship, notwithstanding the difference here or there about one thing or another," he said. "I am absolutely confident about the ties between our peoples." Facing the extraordinary insults of the Philippine president, American diplomats have been wary of adding fuel to the fire. "Democratic elections bring change and we must all have the wisdom to recognize and to adjust to that change," Kerry said. He added that "the logic of our alliance" -- built around a military partnership forged after World War II and cemented by a mutual defense treaty in 1951 -- remained "as compelling today" as it had ever been. Until Duterte came to power in June, Manila was one of the closest US allies in Asia, and it was viewed as a vital link in the political "pivot" or "rebalancing" of US policy toward the Asia-Pacific region under Obama. But late last month Duterte announced his country's "separation" from the United States and called for an end within two years to the presence of "foreign military troops" -- a clear reference to American forces. Duterte later struck a more conciliatory tone, saying there would be no "severance of ties" with Washington; Manila, he added, would simply pursue a more independent line in foreign affairs while improving its ties to Beijing. Until the early 1990s, when the Manila government ordered them out, the United States kept thousands of troops at major bases in the Philippines. South Carolina cops's trial for killing black, unarmed man begins A former South Carolina police officer went on trial for murder Thursday for shooting to death an unarmed black man, Walter Scott, as he fled from a traffic stop. Hit by five bullets, the 50-year-old Scott fell to the ground and quickly died in the April 4, 2015 encounter -- one of a series of police shootings of unarmed black males that stoked a national outcry over police tactics. In opening arguments before a largely white jury, prosecutor Scarlett Wilson said Michael Slager had shirked his duty when he opened fire on Scott as he ran away. A sign reading, "Walter we all have your back", is seen on April 12, 2015 in North Charleston, South Carolina Joe Raedle (Getty/AFP/File) Defense lawyer Andy Savage countered that Scott provoked Slager, now 34, first by fleeing from the traffic stop, initiating a chase, and then by resisting the policeman "to the extent they were both fighting on the ground." Savage said the presence of Scott's DNA on Slager's Taser indicated he was trying to wrest the weapon away from the police officer, while the prosecution said Scott was instinctively trying to push away the weapon that Slager was painfully discharging into his body. Slager came upon Scott while on routine patrol in North Charleston, South Carolina, a city with a history of strained race relations between the citys police department and large black community. Slager, who is white, pulled over Scott, who is black, that Saturday morning because one of the taillights on Scotts 1991 Mercedes automobile was not functioning. Scott soon fled from the car, leading Slager to pursue the suspect. A bystander recorded a portion of their interaction, showing Scott and Slager scuffling briefly before Scott turns again to flee as Slager shoots him numerous times. Within days of the shooting and the emergence of the video Slager was charged with murder and fired from the North Charleston Police Department. The incident became national news, viewed by some as part of a pattern of unjustified fatal police shootings of unarmed black men in the United States. North Charleston Police Chief Eddie Driggers said he was "sickened" by what he saw in the video. To emphasize the prosecution's contention that the shooting was unlawful, Wilson on Thursday walked across the small courtroom, away from the jurors, approximating the distance at which Scott was shot by Slager. Later she mentioned these shots came as Scott was first 17 feet away from Slager, then 35 feet, and finally 50 feet, where he fell and died. She then cast suspicion on Slager's actions following the shooting, when he allegedly moved the Taser in an effort to support his version of the fatal encounter, which Wilson claimed was untruthful. "Michael Slager's first instinct wasn't to give CPR, it wasn't to give first aid, it was to stage (the scene)," said Wilson, Charleston Countys solicitor, or lead prosecutor. "What Michael Slager did to Walter Scott was wrong" said Wilson. "It was flat out wrong." Savage claimed Slager acted responsibly as a police officer in pursuing the suspect and did not know Scott had no weapon. "How would he know that he was unarmed? He never had a chance to pat him down," said Savage. The defense lawyer then ridiculed the prosecutions assertion that Scott fled the traffic stop because he was wary of being arrested for failing to make child support payments. "They claim to know what was in Walter Scott's mind," said Savage. "How do they know that?" After opening arguments the prosecution called their first witnesses, all family members or acquaintances of Scott. The case is being heard by a jury of six white men, five white women and one black man. Kenya accuses UN of bowing to pressure in South Sudan probe Kenya on Thursday accused the United Nations of bowing to pressure from other countries by setting up an investigation that pinned the blame for peacekeeping failures in South Sudan on the Kenyan force commander. Ambassador Macharia Kamau charged that "certain current and future members of the Security Council" had pushed for a probe with a "pre-ordained outcome" that targeted the Kenyan general as the "fall guy." UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday sacked Lieutenant General Johnson Ondieki after the investigation showed that peacekeepers failed to protect civilians during heavy fighting in Juba in July. China's peacekeepers in South Sudan, seen in October, 2016, were among those criticised in the UN report that found peacekeepers failed to protect civilians during heavy fighting in Juba in July 2016 Albert Gonzalez Farran (AFP/File) "The United Nations acquiesced to undertake the investigation with skewed terms of reference meant to target one individual," said Kamau, who slammed the report as "shameful, unfair and an exercise in scapegoating." The ambassador did not name the countries involved, but China's peacekeepers in South Sudan were criticized in the report, and Ethiopia, which has troops in the mission, is due to join the council in January. Ondieki has been replaced as force commander by Major-General Chaoying Yang of China. After learning that the report would recommend the dismissal of Ondieki, Kenya sought to intervene with Ban to defend the general, who had been in the post for three weeks. "The secretary-general in his lame-duck season seems to have found the courage that has eluded him throughout his tenure by choosing to ignore Kenya's plea," said Kamau in pointed criticism of the UN chief. - Systemic failure - Kenya responded to the UN decision by announcing that it will pull its 1,050 troops out of South Sudan and dropped plans to contribute soldiers to a planned UN regional force for Juba. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric defended the sacking of the force commander, saying it was based on "leadership command decisions" taken by Ondieki during the fighting in July. "There was no pre-ordained conclusion to Mister Cammaert's work," he said. Retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert led the investigation. The report found that a lack of leadership in the UN mission culminated in a "chaotic and ineffective response" during heavy fighting in the capital from July 8 to 11. Peacekeepers abandoned their posts and failed to respond to pleas for help from aid workers under attack in a nearby hotel compound. The fierce fighting in Juba involved helicopter gunships and tanks pitting President Salva Kiir's government forces against those loyal to ex-rebel chief Riek Machar. Russian Deputy Ambassador Petr Iliichev criticized the decision to sack Ondieki as "premature" and said it should be reconsidered. But UN peackeeping chief Herve Ladsous told reporters after a council meeting that the report's "conclusions were irrefutable" in detailing the force commander's failings. The Kenyan ambassador insisted there was a "systemic failure" at the United Nations and that responsibility lay also with the department of peacekeeping in New York and the joint command of the UN mission in Juba. The UN spokesman however said in response that Ban has "full confidence" in Ladsous, of France. The 16,000-strong UN mission known as UNMISS has been deployed in South Sudan since its independence in 2011 and it has been sheltering civilians at designated sites since the war broke out December 2013. UN pledges more to protect Central African civilians The United Nations will do "everything in its power" to prevent further atrocities in the Central African Republic, a top UN official said on Thursday at the end of a three-day visit. UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson was addressing lawmakers in the capital Bangui a day after Human Rights Watch called on the UN to do more to protect civilians caught up in fighting between armed groups or being targeted by them. "October was particularly violent," Eliasson said in parliament on Wednesday, referring to attacks in which over 70 people died. According to the Human Rights Watch, witnesses to an October 12 attack that in the Central African Republic said 200 UN peacekeepers "failed to stop at least 60 (rebel) Seleka forces from crossing a UN-guarded bridge and attacking civilians" Issouf Sanogo (AFP/File) "We have learnt lessons from these dreadful events and will do everything in our power to prevent such atrocities," he said. On Monday, France withdrew its own military mission which it deployed in CAR in December 2013, leaving the UN's 12,500-strong MINUSCA peacekeeping mission to protect civilians from armed groups. On Tuesday, Human Rights Watch said the UN "should urgently deploy more of the mission's forces to the volatile central region, expand their patrols and, consistent with the mission's mandate, use appropriate force to protect civilians under imminent threat". According to HRW, witnesses to an October 12 attack in the town of Kaga-Bandoro said 200 UN peacekeepers "failed to stop at least 60 (rebel) Seleka forces from crossing a UN-guarded bridge and attacking civilians". Thirty-seven people died. On Wednesday, Eliasson said the CAR government, the European Union, the UN and the World Bank had drawn up a "national recovery plan" that would be presented to a donors' conference in Brussels on November 17. Visiting the scene of Sunday's clashes, in a district of the capital called PK5, he told residents, "I have come to hear your grievances so as to present them in Brussels." One of the world's poorest countries, CAR has scarcely emerged from the chaos of civil war which erupted in 2013 following the overthrow of former president Francois Bozize, a Christian, by Muslim rebels from the Seleka coalition. Armed groups have flourished over the years given the weakness of the state. Among the main culprits are factions from the mostly Muslim former Seleka rebel force, and the Christian "anti-Balaka" (anti-machete) militias, a reference to the rebels who use machetes. Drugmaker shares plunge on report of price-fixing probe Shares of leading generic drugmakers plummeted Thursday following a report that US antitrust investigators could unveil criminal charges of price-fixing by the industry before year-end. The Department of Justice is probing whether executives from different companies colluded on drug prices, said a Bloomberg News report, citing unnamed people familiar with the probe. The probe covers more than a dozen companies and about two dozen drugs, Bloomberg said. Activists rally during a protest against the price of EpiPens on August 30, 2016 in New York City Drew Angerer (Getty/AFP/File) Shares of several of the companies named in the article fell sharply including Mylan, down 7.0 percent, Teva, down 10.9 percent, Endo International, down 17.3 percent and Impax Laboratories, down 13.4 percent. The investigation represents another cloud hanging over the pharmaceutical industry, which has been battered by criticism over runaway drug prices. Mylan, in particular, has been under fire for hiking the price of its EpiPen allergy medication from $100 in 2007 to more than $600 for a two-pack. Bloomberg said the probe may resemble a Department of Justice crackdown on the auto parts industry dating back more than a decade, which resulted in $2.8 billion in fines and charges against 46 companies. Melania Trump makes solo pitch for 'fantastic' husband Melania Trump, the Slovenian-born former model who could become America's first foreign-born first lady in two centuries, appealed to her husband's soft side in the battleground state of Pennsylvania Thursday. Dressed in a filmy pink blouse and white skirt, it was the 46-year-old's first solo campaign appearance -- the third wife of Donald Trump she is a full-time mother to the mogul's youngest child, Barron. "He will make a fantastic president," Melania told voters in Berwyn, an area outside Philadelphia where Trump dipped in the polls over vulgar remarks about groping women and after women accused him of sexual impropriety. Melania Trump, the wife of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, speaks during a rally for her husband on November 3, 2016 in Berwyn, Pennsylvania Mandel Ngan (AFP) Her husband, with whom she lives in opulence beyond most people's wildest dreams, was running to improve the lives of suffering workers and struggling parents, she said. "Every time my husband learned of a factory closing in Ohio or North Carolina or here in Pennsylvania I saw him get very upset," she said, reeling off three vital swing states in the November 8 ballot. "He certainly knows how to shake things up, doesn't he?" she said in a remark that opponents might think an understatement after his inflammatory campaign insulting women, Mexicans, Muslims and the handicapped. "Our culture has gotten too mean and too rough," she added in what could have been another shot across the bow for her husband's insult-heavy campaign. The model and entrepreneur, who formerly worked in Milan and Paris, said it would be an "honor and privilege" to serve as first lady, saying she would like advocate against Internet bullying and help women in poverty. She spoke of her "beautiful" childhood in small-town Slovenia, then under communist rule, and evoked the might that America once projected overseas. - Plagiarism row - "We always knew about the incredible place called America," she said, calling the presidency of Republican hero Ronald Reagan "morning around the world." As befits the wife of a man campaigning against illegal immigration, she said becoming a citizen had been "the greatest privilege in the world." Pennsylvania is a crucial state for her Republican husband, where Hillary Clinton holds an average 3.4 percent lead according to RealClearPolitics. Although rarely in the spotlight, it has been a turbulent campaign for Melania who ignited a plagiarism row with her speech at the Republican National Convention in July that cribbed passages from Michelle Obama. A Trump staffer apologized and to Melania's embarrassment her husband cracked a joke about the incident at a white-tie dinner in New York last month. She was also forced to deny working illegally, had racy photographs from her modeling days published in a tabloid and deleted her professional website over wording about her education. Her speech came after Trump appeared to surprise his wife in a television interview by saying that she would give two or three speeches. "We'll see about that," campaign manager Kellyanne Conway told CNN on Wednesday when asked if she would do more. Melania would be America's first foreign-born first lady in nearly two centuries since Louisa Adams, wife of John Quincy Adams, who was president from 1825-1829. Adams was born in England. Canada minister heads to Africa to set peacekeeping mission As Canada considers where to send troops as part of a commitment to boost UN peacekeeping efforts, its defense minister will visit Mali and Senegal starting Saturday, the government said Thursday. Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan will spend four days in the two countries to assess local security challenges and concerns. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters a decision on where to deploy Canadian peacekeepers would be announced "in the coming weeks, probably." Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan, seen in September 2016, will travel to Senegal and Mali to check out local security needs as Canada prepares to spend Can$450 million and 600 troops for UN peacekeeping operations Daniel Leal-Olivas (AFP/File) In August, Trudeau pledged Can$450 million (US$350 million) and 600 troops for UN peacekeeping operations around the world. At the time, only 31 Canadians were deployed in a handful of locations -- Haiti, the Jerusalem region, South Sudan, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Korea. That was down from a reported peak of 3,000 in 1993. While in Mali and Senegal, Sajjan will meet with government officials, UN representatives and nongovernmental organizations. Jihadist attacks in Mali, once concentrated in the north, expanded last year to all parts of the country. The United Nations has expressed interest in having Canadian tactical helicopters deployed in the region once Dutch aircraft leave in January. Sajjan, a former intelligence officer with the Canadian military, traveled recently to Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo. "As we look at all aspects of conflict in Africa, we will be selecting a place where Canada can play a meaningful contribution," Sajjan told Parliament on Wednesday. Trudeau said Canada had much to offer beyond "stopping people from shooting at each other." "Of course, (that) is important and one of the first things that we want to do in terms of peacekeeping engagement. But to limit it to that is to not understand all of the ways that Canada can and must be there to work in the world," he said. Fashion designer James Galanos dies; dressed Nancy Reagan WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (AP) James Galanos, the California fashion designer who was known for his elegant, meticulously constructed dresses and created both of first lady Nancy Reagan's inaugural gowns, has died. He was 92. Galanos died Sunday in West Hollywood, said fellow fashion designer Ralph Rucci, a longtime admirer and friend of Galanos. "I loved him very much," Rucci said. "There could never have been a Ralph Rucci without Galanos." FILE--In this Oct. 18, 2007, file photo, fashion designer James Galanos, left, appears with former first lady Nancy Reagan, as he is honored with the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Award in Beverly Hills, Calif. Galanos, known for his elegant, meticulously constructed dresses who created both of first lady Nancy Reagan's inaugural gowns, died Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, in West Hollywood at the age of 92. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, file) Galanos trained in Paris in the 1940s in the fashion house of Robert Piguet, and the French couture tradition of bringing the best materials and highest-quality handwork to the making of garments stayed with him all his life. "It's what's inside a dress that counts," he told The New York Times in 1981. "If you can turn a dress inside out and see that the workmanship is clean as a whistle, that's quality. ... Quality is more important than wildly innovative styles." Such handwork didn't come cheap, and the designer's well-heeled customers among them stars such as Rosalind Russell and Diana Ross got used to paying $2,000 or more for a blouse. He had nothing good to say about the fashions he saw in public in later years. "We're living in a blue-jean world with itty-bitty tops," he told the San Francisco Chronicle in 2006. "What a bore. These women look dirty. They look unkempt. The masses are a mess. Whoever perpetuated the bare-belly look ought to be hanged." He had garnered notice quickly after he opened his first shop in Beverly Hills, California, in 1951. A collection he brought to New York in 1953 "immediately attracted the attention of the connoisseurs in the fashion field. His styles had individuality and freshness," according to The New York Times. In 1954, he moved his business into larger quarters and at the tender age of 30 won the prestigious Coty American Fashion Critics Award. Reagan liked other designers, too, including Adolfo, Jean Louis and Bill Blass. But it was no surprise that the incoming first lady would select Galanos to design her 1981 inaugural gown. He had designed her inaugural gown when she became first lady of California 14 years earlier. Reagan requested a one-shoulder style, and Galanos complied, coming up with a white lace over silk gown with elaborate embroidery and beading that Galanos said took workers several weeks to apply. "I wouldn't ask anybody else but Jimmy," she told the San Francisco Chronicle in 2006. "It was just a natural. I don't know of any clothes that were made as well as Jimmy's." As is the custom, the 1981 gown was donated to the Smithsonian Institution. "I really shy away from all the hullabaloo," Galanos told The Philadelphia Inquirer shortly after the inauguration. "I just don't take to it. ... It's nice to get the extra attention, but my reputation was made a long time ago." Reagan was back in Galanos at the 1985 inauguration, this time in a long-sleeved, beaded white gown with art deco-inspired details. In 1986, she attended the wedding of Britain's Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson in a sea-green Galanos silk dress and matching coat. Such costly clothes raised comments from critics, but like other first ladies, Reagan was able to borrow outfits or get discounts from designers happy with the publicity that a White House connection brought. With his attention to detail and high prices, Galanos never commanded the big following of contemporaries such as Blass. He did bring out a line of fragrances, but he largely remained aloof from mass production. "I established myself on my own and I've avoided becoming part of a conglomerate the way many designers do," he told The New York Times in 1981. "I do my own selling, designing, and I deal with all the buyers. I inspect every garment before it goes out. I don't care what other designers say, when you have 15 factories making your clothes, you lose control. "I'm not in this for the money. You can't drive two cars at once and you can't live in five homes at once. I choose to live in two rooms, but I make sure they are the most comfortable two rooms around." He officially retired in 1998. But, finding himself somewhat bored after a couple of years of traveling, took up photography and art, particularly collages. "It's my salvation for the moment," he told the San Francisco Chronicle in 2006. "I manipulate color. I invent things. It gives me pleasure." In 1984, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He was added to New York's Fashion Walk of Fame in 2001. Galanos was born in Philadelphia in 1924 to Greek immigrant parents and said he knew from a young age that he wanted to be a designer. He studied for a time in New York before moving to Paris and his internship with Piguet. Reagan told the San Francisco Chronicle her first Galanos "was a short black dress it sounds so simple with a white collar and white cuffs. I think it was $125. I was so thrilled to have a dress by him." Tulsa police begin field testing body-worn cameras TULSA, Okla. (AP) Tulsa police are testing dozens of body cameras and plan to distribute them early next year after facing scrutiny for not already having done so when a white officer fatally shot an unarmed black man in September. Police received nearly $600,000 last year from the U.S. Department of Justice to begin buying equipment. Responding officers didn't have the equipment when Officer Betty Jo Shelby shot Terence Crutcher on Sept. 16, after officers encountered Crutcher near his stalled SUV. Shelby has pleaded not guilty to first-degree manslaughter. Spokesman Sgt. Shane Tuell said Wednesday that police at the time were developing needed technology infrastructure for field testing. No quick ruling on claim about GOP watchers at Nevada polls LAS VEGAS (AP) Democrats in Nevada are citing memories of post-Civil War voter intimidation by the Ku Klux Klan in a bid to get a federal judge to order people supporting Donald Trump not to harass voters at polls next Tuesday. But U.S. District Judge Richard Boulware in Las Vegas focused during a lengthy hearing Wednesday on a much more narrow question: Whether Trump campaign officials fully notified volunteer poll-watchers about state laws they have to follow, and whether the campaign shared strategy with the Nevada Republican Party. The judge scheduled testimony Thursday from a former state GOP official-turned-Trump campaign official, Jesse Law, about whether training for poll-watchers was "confusing or misleading" about rules they need to follow if they challenge a voter at the polls. Boulware told attorneys for the Democratic and Republican parties that he wasn't convinced there was a firm link between the Trump and a named defendant, party official Roger Stone Jr., or between the campaign and the state party. "We haven't established that Mr. Trump and Mr. Stone have sent people to the polls here in Nevada ... for the purpose of voter intimidation and coercion," the judge said. But he said that if he finds evidence of intentional omissions in training he might order email reminders to be issued to poll-watchers. Boulware declared also that he intends to rule by the weekend. "If it's not done before then, it's not going to happen," he said. The hearing in Nevada was the first after four similar lawsuits were filed in recent days in four presidential battleground states also including Arizona, Ohio and Pennsylvania. A hearing in the Arizona case was scheduled Thursday before a federal judge in Phoenix. In Nevada, Democrats accuse the Trump campaign, Stone and his group called "Stop the Steal" of a "coordinated campaign of vigilante voter intimidation." "Stone and Stop the Steal Inc. are actively recruiting Trump supporters for 'exit polling' specifically targeting nine Democratic-leaning cities with large minority populations, including Las Vegas," attorney Bradley Schrager said in a request for a temporary restraining order. However, attorney Bruce Spiva, a Washington, D.C.-based lawyer for a firm that does work for the Democratic National Committee, conceded in court that the plaintiffs didn't know if Stone had been served with the Nevada lawsuit. Stone didn't immediately respond to emails Wednesday about the case. He said in a statement after the Nevada lawsuit was filed on Sunday that his group conducts neutral interviews to detect any deviance between voting machine results and exit poll results. "We seek only to determine if the election is honestly and fairly conducted and to provide ... an evidentiary basis for a challenge to the election if that is not the case," the statement said. In court filings, the Nevada State Democratic Party declares the suggestion of widespread voter fraud in modern American politics "itself a fraud." The lawsuit cites provisions of the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that prohibit intimidating or threatening voters. Woman gets 3 years for damaging penis during illegal surgery MIAMI (AP) A South Florida woman has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for damaging a man's penis during an illegal surgery. The Miami Herald (https://goo.gl/fZY3cc) reports that 39-year-old Nery Carvajal Gonzalez was sentenced to 40 months in prison Wednesday after pleading guilty to her part in two botched surgeries. Court records show the victim a man in his 50s initially went to Gonzalez for facials but eventually agreed to illegal cosmetic surgeries. In early 2014, authorities say Gonzalez performed the penis enhancement on the man at a Hialeah warehouse. The man reportedly suffered extreme pain and the inability to have an erection. Authorities say Gonzalez eventually turned to a former plastic surgeon, Mark Schreiber, to help repair the damage. That surgery was also a failure. Schreiber is awaiting trial. ___ The Latest: SEPTA calls on union to engage in negotiations PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Latest on strike by about 4,700 transit workers in Philadelphia (all times local): 10:45 p.m. Philadelphia's transit agency is calling on the union representing about 4,700 workers to engage in good-faith negotiations to bring an end to the strike. A pedestrian passes a locked rail station in west Philadelphia Tuesday Nov. 1, 2016. Commuters scrambled Tuesday to find alternate ways to travel as transit workers in Philadelphia hit the picket lines after the city's main transit agency and a union representing about 4,700 workers failed to reach a contract agreement. The union went on strike at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, shutting down Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority buses, trolleys and subways that provide about 900,000 rides a day. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma) The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority said in a statement late Wednesday night that it's clear the strike is "causing severe hardship" for residents. SEPTA Board Chairman Pasquale T. Deon Sr. says on several occasions this week, SEPTA negotiators believed progress was being made, but Deon says the union "brought a halt to negotiations." Deon also is asking the union to assure residents that they will suspend the strike on Election day if no agreement is reached. The union calls SEPTA's statement "outrageous" and is expected to issue an official statement Wednesday night. The strike began at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, shutting down buses, trolleys and subways that provide about 900,000 rides a day. ____ 5:25 p.m. Commuters are dealing with another chaotic evening rush hour in Philadelphia as a strike by city transit workers nears the end of a second day. Highways and city streets remain jammed as a result of a big jump in the number of people driving to work. Regional rail lines also are experiencing delays as a result of increased demand caused by the idling of city buses, trolleys and subways. A spokesman for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority said late Wednesday that negotiations were continuing. The union representing about 4,700 striking transit workers had no immediate comment. The city transit system typically provides about 900,000 rides a day. ____ 12:15 a.m. Commuters in Philadelphia are facing another day of transportation woes Wednesday as a transit strike enters its second day. The strike began early Tuesday after the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and a union representing about 4,700 workers failed to reach a contract agreement. Buses, trolleys and subways that provide about 900,000 rides a day have been shut down. The strike wasn't supposed to affect commuter rail lines and service in areas outside the city. But the transit agency says striking workers on Tuesday blocked some regional train crews from reporting to work, prompting the cancellation of a significant number of trains to the suburbs during the evening rush hour. SEPTA says it has since obtained an injunction to bar picketers from blocking such access A pedestrian outside a locked rail station in west Philadelphia Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016. Commuters scrambled Tuesday to find alternate ways to travel as transit workers in Philadelphia hit the picket lines after the city's main transit agency and a union representing about 4,700 workers failed to reach a contract agreement. The union went on strike at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, shutting down Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority buses, trolleys and subways that provide about 900,000 rides a day. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma) Market-Frankford line trains remain idle at a Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) station Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016 in Upper Darby, Pa., just outside Philadelphia. Commuters scrambled Tuesday to find alternate ways to travel as transit workers in Philadelphia and around hit the picket lines after the city's main transit agency and a union representing about 4,700 workers failed to reach a contract agreement. The union went on strike at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, shutting down Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority buses, trolleys and subways that provide about 900,000 rides a day. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma) A commuter waits on the platform at Temple Univerty station during the first day of the SEPTA strike in Philadelphia, Pa., Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016. A union representing about 4,700 workers walked off the job at midnight after being unable to reach a contract agreement with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. The strike is shutting down bus, trolley and subways that provide about 900,000 rides a day. (David Maialetti/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) Early morning outbound commuters at East Falls Regional Rail Station cope with the first day of the SEPTA strike Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, in the city of Philadelphia. ( Alejandro A. Alvarez/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) Commuters wait on the platform of Temple University station during the first day of the SEPTA strike in Philadelphia, Pa., on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016. A union representing about 4,700 workers walked off the job at midnight after being unable to reach a contract agreement with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. The strike is shutting down bus, trolley and subways that provide about 900,000 rides a day. (David Maialetti/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) Passengers board a train at Temple University station during the first day of the SEPTA strike in Philadelphia, Pa., on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016. A union representing about 4,700 workers walked off the job at midnight after being unable to reach a contract agreement with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. The strike is shutting down bus, trolley and subways that provide about 900,000 rides a day. (David Maialetti/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) Signs hang on a telephone pole as workers picket across from the Callowhill SEPTA Depot Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, in Philadelphia. Commuters scrambled Tuesday to find alternate ways to travel as transit workers in Philadelphia hit the picket lines after the city's main transit agency and a union representing about 4,700 workers failed to reach a contract agreement. The union went on strike at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, shutting down Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority buses, trolleys and subways that provide about 900,000 rides a day. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma) Transport workers man a picket line near the 69th Street Terminal on Tuesday Nov. 1, 2016 in Upper Darby, Pa. Commuters scrambled Tuesday to find alternate ways to travel as transit workers in Philadelphia and around hit the picket lines after the city's main transit agency and a union representing about 4,700 workers failed to reach a contract agreement. The union went on strike at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, shutting down Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority buses, trolleys and subways that provide about 900,000 rides a day. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma) The Latest: Jury selections in drug trial of 2 Venezuelans NEW YORK (AP) The Latest on drug trial of two nephews of Venezuela's first lady (all times local): 5 p.m. Jury selection has begun in the New York drug trial of two nephews of Venezuela's first lady. FILE - In a Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015 file photo, Venezuela's first lady Cilia Flores arrives to the National Pantheon for a ceremony marking the anniversary of the death of independence hero Simon Bolivar in Caracas, Venezuela. Two nephews of Venezuela's first lady are set to go on trial on drug charges in New York City. Jury selection begins Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, with opening statements not expected until Monday in the trial of Efrain Campo, 29, and Francisco Flores, 30. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano, File) The selection of a dozen jurors to decide whether Efrain Campo and Francisco Flores conspired to import 800 kilograms of cocaine into the United States is expected to end Thursday. Opening statements are slated for Monday. The men, nephews of first lady Cilia Flores, have pleaded not guilty. They were arrested in Haiti last November and flown to New York. Judge Paul Crotty says he'll allow jurors to hear tape recordings of the men talking to U.S. government informants as prosecutors built their case. Defense attorneys wanted them excluded, saying informants instigated "highly politicized statements." The statements suggest the men had hoped to generate millions of dollars to help their family oppose enemies before elections. __ 12:18 a.m. Two nephews of Venezuela's first lady are set to go on trial on drug charges in New York City. Jury selection begins Wednesday for the nephews of first lady Cilia Flores. Twenty-nine-year-old Efrain Campo and 30-year-old Francisco Flores have pleaded not guilty to conspiring to import 800 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. The men were arrested in Haiti last November and flown to New York. Prosecutors are seeking to introduce evidence suggesting that the men had hoped to generate large amounts of cash through drug deals to help their family oppose enemies including the United States before elections last December. The Latest: Air Force: Wastewater likely evaporated from pit DENVER (AP) The Latest on the investigation into the disappearance of tainted wastewater from an Air Force base in Colorado Springs (all times local): 3:30 p.m. The Air Force doesn't think wastewater tainted with toxic chemicals was released from a base in Colorado after all. Col. Douglas Schiess (Shess) said Wednesday that 20,000 gallons of wastewater held in an open pit disappeared, but evaporation in hot weather was determined to be the likely culprit, rather than a discharge. Officials originally said that 150,000 gallons of water contaminated by chemicals used in firefighting foam disappeared from Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, flowed into the city's wastewater treatment system but didn't get into drinking water. Schiess says that firefighters overestimated how much wastewater was in a storage tank and that, along with miscommunications, led commanders to believe that 150,000 gallons were missing. The water is moved back and forth between a tank and an open pit as part of fire training. _____ 2 a.m. Military and civilian authorities are investigating whether any laws were broken in the unexplained discharge of 150,000 gallons of wastewater tainted with toxic chemicals at an Air Force base in Colorado. Officials said Tuesday the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are looking into the release of the contaminated wastewater at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs. Officials said the chemicals flowed into the city's wastewater treatment system but didn't get into its drinking water. The discharge was discovered on Oct. 12 and announced six days later. Air Force officials have scheduled a news conference Wednesday to discuss the incident and other issues surrounding the chemicals, called perfluorinated compounds or PFCs. Police shoot, wound man suspected of killing wife, son MIAMI (AP) Miami-Dade County police say officers shot and wounded a man suspected of fatally shooting his wife and son and wounding an attorney he did business with. The Miami Herald (https://goo.gl/Bolf7T ) reports that 54-year-old Fadel Jabado was shot Wednesday afternoon following a nearly three-hour standoff. It wasn't immediately clear why police fired at Jabado, who they had surrounded inside a vehicle. It also was unclear how many officers fired weapons. Police said they believe Jabado killed his wife Bessima and their oldest son at their southwest Miami-Dade home and wounded real estate attorney Larry Harshman at his Kendall office. Three public schools were briefly locked down to secure Jabado's other children. The conditions of Jabado and Harshman weren't immediately known. The race of Jabado and the officers involved wasn't immediately reported. ___ Detention Center The inmate count at the Platte County Detention Facility Wednesday was 82, with 57 from Platte County and 25 from out of county. Police Oct. 15 2:50 p.m. - At 110 S. Parkway, Michael Bender, 51, 2221 22nd St., was cited for third-degree assault. Oct. 28 2:29 p.m. - At the intersection of 26th Avenue and 19th Street, Robert George, 69, 1871 25th Ave., was cited for failure to yield right of way. Oct. 30 1:11 a.m. - At the intersection of 26th Avenue and 11th Street, Brandy Atherton, 39, 1404 14th St., was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. 5:32 a.m. In the 4600 block of 18th Street, an unknown vehicle struck a parked vehicle owned by Zachary and Abby Busler, 1853 46th Ave., and left the scene. 2:34 p.m. In a parking lot at 818 E. 23rd St., traffic accident. Drivers were Kathleen Dinslage, 60, Clarkson, and Gary Sharman, 58, 3272 37th Ave. Oct. 31 8:22 a.m. In a parking lot at 3318 23rd St., traffic accident. Drivers were Verona Gehring, 82, 3574 29th Ave., and Travis Johnson, 33, 3519 35th St. Nov. 1 6:28 p.m. - Theft at Kat's Car Wash & Gas, 3309 Eighth St., tools stolen, no loss amount. Sheriff Oct. 20 7:50 a.m. At the intersection of Highway 22 and 325th Avenue, three miles east of Monroe, a vehicle driven by Laura Wicht, 60, Monroe, struck a deer. Oct. 23 3:37 p.m. - At the Loup River Bridge on U.S. Highway 81, traffic accident. Drivers were Michael Kopejtka, 54, Duncan, and Ronda Thomson, 55, 46 Ernst Lake. Oct. 24 7:10 a.m. On 115th Avenue, -mile north of 325th Street, a vehicle driven by Aaron Brodecky, 25, 32818 126th Ave., struck a deer. 7:55 a.m. At the intersection of Highway 81 and 287th Street, a vehicle driven by Crystal Foor, 43, Humphrey, struck a deer. 5:51 p.m. - At the intersection of East Eighth Street and East 29th Avenue, traffic accident. Drivers were Leopoldo Alvarado-Adame, 35, 3507 15th St., and Dillon Petrzilka, 26, Brainard. Oct. 31 4:25 a.m. Traffic violation on 36th Avenue south of Howard Boulevard, David Miller of Columbus jailed for driving during revocation, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, and cited for no valid registration. 6:22 a.m. Traffic violation at the intersection of East 14th Avenue and East Eighth Street, Daniel Vasallo of Columbus cited for speeding and a passing violation. 1:26 p.m. Wanted person at the Platte County Detention Facility, 1125 E. 17th St., Abigail Coe turned self in on a Platte County warrant. 6:37 p.m. Traffic violation on 18th Avenue north of Lakeview Lane, Brandon Steffensmeier of Clarkson cited for speeding. 8:05 p.m. Traffic violation at the intersection of U.S. Highway 30 and 250th Avenue, Jose Colon of Omaha cited for speeding. Nov. 1 12:56 a.m. - Wanted person at Castner's Crossing on 48th Avenue, near the intersection with 83rd Street, Wyatt Jensen of Howells jailed on a Platte County warrant. 10:23 a.m. - Wanted person at the county jail, Leonard Burge and Carla Burge of Columbus jailed on a Platte County warrant. 12:42 p.m. - Theft from a building at 4018 W. Highway 30, $1,025 cash and $1,000 in checks stolen. Fire Oct. 30 4:42 p.m. Silent fire alarm at 173 S. Sixth Ave., smoke in home from pan left on stove. 10:35 p.m. In the 2500 block of 16th Street, medical. Oct. 31 3:13 p.m. - In the 2400 block of Fourth Avenue, medical. 9:04 p.m. - In the 400 block of Fifth Street, medical. Nov. 1 1:56 a.m. - Silent fire alarm in the 3100 block of 19th Street, smoke smell, no fire. 5:19 p.m. -In the 1400 block of 34th Avenue, medical. 5-year-old male Tasmanian devil dies at an Albuquerque zoo ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) An Albuquerque zoo says a 5-year-old male Tasmanian devil on loan from Australia has died. Sylar was one of four Tasmanian devils loaned to the ABQ BioPark in 2013 from Australia's Healesville Sanctuary as part of an ambassador program. Zoo officials say Sylar's keepers noticed last Friday that he was lethargic and coughing and a medical treatment plan was started. Early indications from a necropsy are that Sylar died Saturday of natural causes. Test results will be completed within a few weeks. The average lifespan of Tasmanian devils in the wild is 5 to 7 years. Tasmanian devils are carnivorous marsupials found in the wild only on the Australian island state of Tasmania. Arizona man charged in email attacks against over 75 schools NEW YORK (AP) An Arizona man has been charged with trying to hack into email accounts at over 75 universities nationwide. Jonathan Powell, of Phoenix, was arrested Wednesday and held for arraignment in Phoenix federal court. New York prosecutors allege Powell successfully mined accounts for private information at a New York school from his work computer at a Phoenix business. Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara (buh-RAH'-ruh) says the prosecution should be a wakeup call for educational institutions across the country. He says Powell targeted dozens of schools and successfully hacked into student email accounts at the New York school and one in Pennsylvania. He says Powell stole students' personal information and searched photos for potentially embarrassing content. Prosecutors didn't name the schools. Opera fan sorry for 'sweet gesture' that ended performance NEW YORK (AP) The opera lover who sparked a terrorism scare by scattering a friend's ashes at New York's Metropolitan Opera apologized Wednesday for his operatic gesture. Dallas resident Roger Kaiser said in a letter to Met general manager Peter Gelb and "the entire Metropolitan Opera community" that he promised a cancer-stricken friend in 2012 that he would scatter the friend's ashes at various opera houses after his death. Kaiser said he told his friend that "he would be there forever enjoying all the beautiful music." He said his "sweet gesture to a dying friend" went "completely and utterly wrong." The Met halted a performance of Rossini's "Guillaume Tell" Saturday after some musicians reported seeing Kaiser sprinkle a powdery substance into the orchestra pit during the second intermission. A later performance of another opera also was canceled as police investigated. Police contacted Kaiser after learning his identity but he has not been charged with a crime. Kaiser apologized for inadvertently creating a disturbance. "As a devoted opera enthusiast, the reality of the situation weighs heavily on me," he said. Gelb responded that he appreciated the sincerity of Kaiser's apology even though his actions caused the Met anxious hours, disappointed the audiences of both operas and cost thousands of dollars. Hassan, Ayotte paint each other as weak on cyber security CONCORD, N.H. (AP) New Hampshire's Republican U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte on Wednesday turned a debate question about cyber attacks into one of her most aggressive critiques of her Democratic challenger, Gov. Maggie Hassan. During a one-hour televised debate on WMUR-TV, Ayotte didn't directly answer a question about whether Russia has succeeded in trying to influence U.S. elections. Instead, she said the real cyber security issue is Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server while serving as secretary of state. "You want to talk about cyber security?" she said. "She set up a private server transferring classified information." Then, about Hassan, she said, "If she's not going to break with Hillary Clinton on this, when is she ever going to break with Hillary Clinton?" Hassan has said Clinton's use of the email server was a mistake. She accused Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump of inviting Russia to attack the U.S. election system and called Ayotte's pas support for him troubling. "It is concerning to me that the Republican nominee ... has showered praise on (Russian President) Vladimir Putin, and in some ways invited him to make an attack of some sorts on our electoral system," Hassan said. "That's one of the reasons I'm so concerned that Sen. Ayotte spent so much time supporting her nominee." Ayotte and Hassan are in a tight race that will help determine control of the Senate, and Hassan has frequently made Ayotte's former support for Trump an issue. After months of saying she supported him but wouldn't endorse him, Ayotte said last month that on Election Day she'll write in GOP vice presidential nominee Mike Pence instead. That followed the release of recordings from 2005 in which Trump boasted about using his fame to force himself on women. Asked about those Trump's comments earlier Wednesday, Ayotte told a WNTK radio host that she wouldn't want her 12-year-old daughter in a room with either Trump or former President Bill Clinton. During the debate, both Ayotte and Hassan accused the other of embracing gridlock over progress. Hassan criticized Ayotte for helping block a vote on President Barack Obama's nominee to the Supreme Court, voting to defund Planned Parenthood and other measures she said would have helped New Hampshire. "Sen. Ayotte and her party decided to bring gridlock as they have to their work in Congress to the court," Hassan said. "She has been highly partisan, and she has stood with her party and its backers at very critical times where she could've broken with them and really helped people and small businesses in New Hampshire." Ayotte said she blocked the court vote because she wanted to give voters a say by electing a new president. She repeated her criticism of Hassan's handling of the latest state budget. Hassan has said she vetoed the budget because the numbers didn't add up but backed the version that eventually passed because it included important financial safeguards. Authorities seize $45M worth of cocaine in Puerto Rico SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) U.S. authorities say they confiscated nearly 4,000 pounds (1,800 kilograms) of cocaine in Puerto Rico discovered when officers served an arrest warrant. Officials describe it as the largest seizure of cocaine in the U.S. territory, but have given no details on previous drug hauls. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Wednesday that the seized cocaine is worth about $45 million. Authorities said the drugs were found when agents arrived at a home in the capital of San Juan to serve a federal arrest warrant for a drug-trafficking charge. Hawaii warden: Violent sex films used in "shame therapy" HONOLULU (AP) The warden of a Hawaii jail testified Wednesday that he showed inmates violent sexual films as part of a program he created that includes what he calls "shame therapy." Kauai Community Correctional Center Warden Neal Wagatsuma began testifying in a trial for a lawsuit that accuses him of retaliating against a former jail social worker who alleged he subjected female inmates to sexual humiliation and discrimination. Ever since the mid-1990s there have been rumors that he shows inmates pornography, but the videos aren't porn, he said: "I would never do that." Kauai Community Correctional Center Warden Neal Wagatsuma, left, uses a cellphone while walking out of U.S. District Court in Honolulu on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, with Hawaii Deputy Attorney General Nelson Nabeta. Trial has started in a lawsuit that alleges Wagatsuma subjected female inmates to sexual humiliation and discrimination. (AP Photo/Jennifer Sinco Kelleher) The warden showed films such as "Finding Mr. Goodbar," according to court documents. "Finding Mr. Goodbar" is a 1970s American drama in which the female protagonist is raped and murdered at its conclusion. Hawaii Deputy Attorney General Bosko Petricevic told jurors the films were shown to discourage male inmates from committing rape and to teach female inmates how to lower the risks of becoming victims. Former jail social worker Carolyn Ritchie's 2014 lawsuit says female inmates complained to her about Wagatsuma forcing them to watch rape videos and to divulge their sexual pasts while being filmed. "Shame therapy is talking about things that are deep within a person," Wagatsuma said on the witness stand of a Honolulu federal courtroom. "It's just talking about their lives, talking about anything that's bothering them." Wagatsuma said he yells and uses profanity during so-called "shame therapy" sessions. Words such as "whore" and "batuna," a Hawaii slang term for a woman who trades sex for crystal meth, were used in appropriate contexts, he said. "I don't yell at them for no reason," said Wagatsuma, who became acting warden in 1992 and the permanent warden in 1995. "It's about chastising. It's a good thing ... you want to confront them when they're wrong." No one was forced to talk about anything at daily meetings, Petricevic said. Wagatsuma said he created the program without any experience or background in psychology but by drawing on his own life experiences. "Before I came into government, I had a really hard life," he said calling himself a "social misfit." Ritchie's lawsuit also alleges the warden denied women the same work release opportunities as men. Not all women could participate in a program that allows inmates to work in the community and then return to jail at the end of the day because there weren't enough female guards to strip-search them when they returned, he said. Still, he insisted that he provided women and men equal work opportunities by ensuring that eligible female inmates could participate in a less-restrictive program that allowed them to also live in the community. Wagatsuma's testimony is scheduled to continue next week. ___ Trials for killings of blacks by police unfold in 2 cities CINCINNATI (AP) With the nation focused on the closing days of the long, heated race for the presidency, two trials related to the country's continued racial divisions have just begun. Juries in Cincinnati and Charleston, South Carolina, will decide the fates of white former police officers charged with murder in the shootings of black men. The cases are among a series of deaths of blacks in police encounters over the past two years that have raised attention to how police deal with black people. There have been widespread protests, some violent, in cities such as Baltimore; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago; and Ferguson, Missouri. Former University of Cincinnati police officer Ray Tensing walks into the courtroom of Common Pleas Judge Megan Shanahan at the Hamilton County Courthouse, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, in Cincinnati. Tensing is charged with murder of Sam DuBose while on duty during a routine traffic stop on July 19, 2015. (Cara Owsley/The Cincinnati Enquirer via AP, Pool) A summary of key aspects of the two cases that will be decided in the days after Tuesday's election: ___ THE SHOOTINGS Both shootings followed traffic stops in what defense attorneys say were crime-plagued areas. In South Carolina, former North Charleston officer Michael Slager is charged with murder in the April 2015 shooting death of Walter Scott as he ran from a traffic stop for a broken taillight. Relatives have said Scott, 50, fled because he feared arrest for being behind on child support payments. Slager told investigators he fired because Scott grabbed his Taser and pointed the stun gun at him as they fought on the ground. Scott was shot multiple times in the back and buttocks. If convicted, Slager, who is white and 34 years old, faces 30 years to life imprisonment. In Ohio, former University of Cincinnati officer Ray Tensing is charged with murder and voluntary manslaughter for the July 2015 fatal shooting of Sam DuBose after a traffic stop for a missing front license plate near campus. Tensing's attorney has said he feared for his life as DuBose tried to drive away, using his car as "a weapon." DuBose, 43, was shot once in the head. The defense attorney also told jurors that DuBose was desperate to get away because he had enough marijuana in his car to face a felony conviction. DuBose had a long history of traffic and marijuana-related convictions, but his family says he wouldn't have been a threat to a police officer. If convicted of murder, Tensing, who is white and 26, faces 15 years to life in prison. ___ THE ROLE OF VIDEO Video could be pivotal evidence in both trials, with the two sides in each case disputing what can be concluded from it. The North Charleston shooting was captured on video by a bystander and seen widely via the internet. It shows Scott being shot eight times in the back. Prosecutor Scarlett Wilson has said the video of Scott's death is helpful because it "depicts the crime, and we aren't having to rely just on people's perceptions." But she added it isn't the "be-all and end-all and the case is over. The jury will be able to make up their own mind after seeing the video and hearing the testimony." Slager's attorneys say there is far more to the story than the much-viewed short clip of the shooting. They say it doesn't show the entire struggle between the two men, doesn't show what the officer was seeing and is blurry and confusing. Slager's attorney Andy Savage opposed its use in trial, calling the video "prejudicial, inflammatory and factually deficient." The two sides in the Ohio trial clashed over video in their opening statements Tuesday. Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters told jurors the video from the officer's body-worn camera shows that Tensing violated police procedures and training in shooting an unarmed man who did nothing other than try to drive away. He said in his opening statement that Tensing grabbed DuBose's seat belt with his left hand and fired his pistol directly at his head with his right and that there was no threat to him. "Thank God we have a body cam," said Deters, who released the video publicly last year after Tensing was indicted. He told jurors the video shows that Tensing lied when he claimed he was going to be dragged under the car. Defense attorney Stewart Mathews countered that the video supports Tensing's contention that he was under serious threat. He says DuBose pulled his door shut, started the ignition and then pinned Tensing's forearm when the officer tried to grab the keys out of the ignition. Mathews also told jurors the body-cam video doesn't have Tensing's eye-level view and can't capture what he was feeling and what his instincts were telling him. ___ DO JURIES CONVICT POLICE? Jurors tend to want to give police the benefit of the doubt, recognizing they have dangerous jobs that often require split-second decisions, legal experts say. But convictions do happen. Former Tulsa County volunteer sheriff's deputy Robert Bates, age 74, was sentenced in June to four years in prison on a second-degree manslaughter conviction in the April 2015 death of Eric Harris, an unarmed and restrained black man, during a sting operation. Bates, who is appealing, has said he confused his stun gun with his handgun. Former Portsmouth, Virginia, Police Officer Stephen Rankin was sentenced Oct. 12 to 2 years in prison for fatally shooting 18-year-old William Chapman II. Rankin shot the unarmed Chapman in April 2015 after responding to a shoplifting call outside a Wal-Mart store. Philip Stinson, of Bowling Green State University in Ohio, has been tracking on-duty police fatal shooting cases around the country since 2005. Of 77 U.S. police officers charged with murder or manslaughter in that time, 27 have been convicted, 14 in jury trials, he said. Thirteen others pleaded guilty, in some cases to reduced charges. Fifteen officers have been acquitted by juries, with six acquitted in nonjury bench trials, and charges dismissed in seven others. In one case, a grand jury declined to indict an officer who had been arrested. The Tensing and Slager cases are among 21 pending outcomes. They include three that ended in mistrials, and prosecutors haven't decided yet on new trials. ___ Associated Press writer Bruce Smith in Charleston contributed to this report. Police to lock down Indonesian capital for blasphemy protest JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Indonesian police are planning a show of force in the capital Jakarta on Friday to contain a much-hyped protest by Muslim hard-liners against the city's popular governor that threatens to ignite religious and racial flashpoints. An accusation of blasphemy against Jakarta Gov. Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, an ethnic Chinese and minority Christian who is an ally of the country's president, has galvanized his political opponents in the Muslim-majority nation of 250 million and given a notorious group of hard-liners a national stage. National Police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar said 16,000 police will be deployed along with 2,000 soldiers and 2,000 of Jakarta's public order officers for the protest that is expected to begin in the early afternoon following Friday prayers. Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, chief of Indonesia's powerful military, has said it "will be in the front line against any movement aimed at disrupting the unity and integrity of the nation." In this Oct. 14, 2016 photo. Muslim protesters gather with a banner calling for the arrest of Jakarta's ethic Chinese and Christian Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, popularly known as "Ahok," outside the City Hall. Indonesian police are planning a massive show of force in the capital Jakarta on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, to contain a much-hyped protest by Muslim hardliners against the city's popular governor that threatens to ignite the country's religious and racial flashpoints. The banner reads: "Arrest and Jail Ahok." (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) Indonesians are already fighting on social media over the blasphemy claim and the protest, which organizers optimistically boast will attract half a million people to Jakarta's traffic clogged streets. Police have said it might draw up to 100,000 people based on communications with Muslim groups involved in its planning. Blasphemy is a criminal offense in Indonesia and prosecutions have increased in the past decade. Amnesty International documented 106 convictions between 2004 and 2014 with some individuals imprisoned for up to five years. Ahok, who is seeking a second term as Jakarta governor and is a possible running mate for President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in the 2019 presidential elections, is popular with Jakarta's middle class. He is adored as a blunt speaker who doesn't tolerate corruption and articulates a vision to make the chaotic, dysfunctional city more like clean, orderly and efficient Singapore. But the anti-corruption stance has made him enemies and the evictions of thousands of the city's poorest people to make way for urban improvement has stoked anger and resentment and played to a stereotype of Chinese as exploiters of Indonesia's poor Muslim masses. On the national stage, Ahok is ranged against former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, whose son is a candidate for Jakarta governor, a role that is a stepping stone to national leadership. The simmering political climate has provided an opening for the Islamic Defenders Front, a vigilante group that wants to impose Shariah law, to burnish its credentials as protector of Indonesia's majority faith at the expense of mainstream Muslim groups. The main organizer of the protest, the Front is demanding Ahok's arrest for blasphemy after a video circulated online in which he joked to an audience about a passage in the Quran that could be interpreted as prohibiting Muslims from accepting non-Muslims as leaders. The governor has apologized for the comment and met with police. "Ahok was clearly desecrating the holy Quran," said Munarman, a spokesman for the Front and a coordinator of Friday's rally. "We will protest on the streets with people power until Ahok is arrested." Munarman, who like many Indonesians uses one name, denied the protest would be racially charged or that it aimed to influence the outcome of Jakarta's election in February. "We remind the government and anybody else that we will not keep silent before this injustice, because everyone is equal before the law in this country," he said. But the anti-Ahok movement, which has attracted moderates as well as hard-line elements as the city election approached, has overflowed with slurs based on race and religion. And local media have reported an uptick in public order offenses with an anti-Chinese motivation. The vulnerability of Indonesia's ethnic Chinese minority remains a raw issue in the country. In the chaos that engulfed Indonesia in May 1998 amid the Asian financial crisis, mobs in Jakarta and other cities targeted Chinese businesses and individuals, killing many. Mississippi probe of church arson advances amid secrecy JACKSON, Miss. (AP) A police chief in the Mississippi Delta says a "person of interest" is talking to investigators about the torching of an African-American church that was spray-painted with the words "Vote Trump." Greenville Police Chief Delando Wilson said the man voluntarily went to the police department, without an attorney, and spoke to detectives Wednesday and Thursday. Wilson stopped short of calling him a suspect and would not release his name, saying Thursday: "We just want to ensure the integrity of the investigation." Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church was about 80 percent destroyed in the fire set intentionally Tuesday night, Greenville Fire Chief Ruben Brown Sr. said. "Vote Trump" is spray painted on the side of the fire damaged Hopewell M.B. Baptist Church in Greenville, Miss., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. Fire Chief Ruben Brown tells The Associated Press that firefighters found flames and smoke pouring from the sanctuary of the church just after 9 p.m. Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) Investigators found evidence of arson and sent samples of an accelerant to the state crime lab for testing, Brown said. He said there were no signs that any explosive device had been used. Gov. Phil Bryant, a Republican who has been campaigning for GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, said Wednesday that "anyone who burns a place of worship will answer to almighty God" and "should also answer to man's law." Greenville is a Mississippi River port city of about 32,100 people, and about 78 percent of its residents are African-American. The FBI is conducting a civil rights investigation and spokesman Brett Carr has said it's too early to determine whether the incident can be considered a hate crime. U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, whose district includes Greenville, is the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee. He told The Associated Press on Thursday that a member of his staff spoke to the head of the Department of Homeland Security's intelligence and analysis division about the church fire. Thompson said the department has jurisdiction to investigate cases that might be considered "domestic terrorism." "If there is something like the Ku Klux Klan or the Aryan Nation ... we look at that as domestic terrorism," Thompson said. The Hopewell congregation is 111 years old and uses a building that has been expanded but still included part of its original structure, Brown said. The pulpit and pews were burned, and soot stained the beige brick around some windows. Water from hoses and heat from the fire also damaged the church's kitchen and the pastor's study. Pastor Carilyn Hudson promised that the congregation of about 200 members will rebuild. A GoFundMe page, where online donations can be made to pay for repairs to the church, raised about $188,000 by Thursday evening, organizers said. An $11,000 reward was offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever set the fire. Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons said a racial reconciliation service that had been planned long before the fire will be held in the city Sunday. He said a diverse group of people took part in an ecumenical prayer service in response to the fire Wednesday night by the Mississippi River waterfront, about four miles from the church. It ended with people hugging and singing, "This Little Light of Mine." "Everyone left there peacefully," Simmons said. ____ Follow Emily Wagster Pettus on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EWagsterPettus . An ATF agent clears out debris in the fire damaged Hopewell M.B. Baptist Church in Greenville, Miss., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. "Vote Trump" was spray-painted on an outside wall of the black member church. Fire Chief Ruben Brown tells The Associated Press that firefighters found flames and smoke pouring from the sanctuary of the church just after 9 p.m. Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) ATF agents collect paint samples from the spray-painted "Vote Trump" slogan outside fire damaged Hopewell M.B. Baptist Church in Greenville, Miss., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. Fire Chief Ruben Brown tells The Associated Press that firefighters found flames and smoke pouring from the sanctuary of the church just after 9 p.m. Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) A state fire marshal and his arson dog enter the fire damaged Hopewell M.B. Baptist Church in Greenville, Miss., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. "Vote Trump" was spray-painted on an outside wall of the black member church. Fire Chief Ruben Brown tells The Associated Press that firefighters found flames and smoke pouring from the sanctuary of the church just after 9 p.m. Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) A state fire marshal, right, and an ATF agent collect evidence as they investigate the fire damaged Hopewell M.B. Baptist Church in Greenville, Miss., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. "Vote Trump" was spray-painted on an outside wall of the black member church. Fire Chief Ruben Brown tells The Associated Press that firefighters found flames and smoke pouring from the sanctuary of the church just after 9 p.m. Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) A state fire marshal investigates the fire damaged Hopewell M.B. Baptist Church in Greenville, Miss., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. "Vote Trump" was spray-painted on an outside wall of the black member church. Fire Chief Ruben Brown tells The Associated Press that firefighters found flames and smoke pouring from the sanctuary of the church just after 9 p.m. Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) ATF agents gather outside the fire damaged Hopewell M.B. Baptist Church in Greenville, Miss., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. "Vote Trump" was spray-painted on an outside wall of the black member church. Fire Chief Ruben Brown tells The Associated Press that firefighters found flames and smoke pouring from the sanctuary of the church just after 9 p.m. Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) Area residents and church members observe as authorities investigate the fire damaged Hopewell M.B. Baptist Church in Greenville, Miss., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. "Vote Trump" was spray-painted on an outside wall of the black member church. Fire Chief Ruben Brown tells The Associated Press that firefighters found flames and smoke pouring from the sanctuary of the church just after 9 p.m. Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) ATF agents gather outside the fire damaged Hopewell M.B. Baptist Church in Greenville, Miss., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. "Vote Trump" was spray-painted on an outside wall of the black member church. Fire Chief Ruben Brown tells The Associated Press that firefighters found flames and smoke pouring from the sanctuary of the church just after 9 p.m. Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) A state fire marshal, right, and a ATF agent collect evidence as they investigate the fire damaged Hopewell M.B. Baptist Church in Greenville, Miss., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. "Vote Trump" was spray-painted on an outside wall of the black member church. Fire Chief Ruben Brown tells The Associated Press that firefighters found flames and smoke pouring from the sanctuary of the church just after 9 p.m. Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) Bishop Clarence Green stands outside his fire damaged 200-member Hopewell M.B. Baptist Church in Greenville, Miss., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. A Mississippi mayor is calling it a hate crime as arson investigators collect evidence at a black church that was heavily damaged by fire and tagged with "Vote Trump" in silver spray paint. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) COLUMBUS A record number of Nebraskans are expected to vote in Tuesday's general election, but some are more excited than others about their choices on the ballot. According to Secretary of State John Gale, 1.21 million Nebraskans are registered to vote, 46,000 of whom signed up after the 2016 primary election. During this years primary, there were 19,656 registered voters in Platte County, according to Election Commissioner Diane Olmer. On Friday, the last day to register for the general election, Platte County had 20,301 registered voters, an increase of 645. Scott Herrmann, 43, and his wife Laralee Herrmann, 39, said this is the closest they've ever followed an election. The local couple are voting for Republican Donald Trump. I definitely like that hes straightforward, said Scott. Doesnt sugarcoat anything at all. The Herrmanns also said Trump has their vote because of his promises to lower taxes and reform health care. Others are supporting the Republican nominee, though they're not sold on Trump himself. Cliff Schroeder, 86, of Columbus said this election is different than in years past. Im going against (Democrat Hillary Clinton), said Schroeder. This time its voting against someone, not voting for someone. Linda Driscoll, 71, is in the process of finding housing, so shes not registered to vote here. She likely wouldn't vote anyway. Ive never seen anything so awful, said Driscoll. They ought to be ashamed of themselves. Scott Taylor said hes never missed voting in a presidential election before, but hes skipping this one. Not much there to vote for, the 54-year-old said. We dont have much of a selection there with either one of them. Taylor isn't alone. A handful of people interviewed for this story said they don't plan on voting because of their dissatisfaction or disinterest with the political process and presidential candidates. So far, Olmers office has received 2,483 early votes, on track to match the figure of about 3,000 from the 2008 election. Generally, Olmer said, presidential races where there is not an incumbent have a greater draw than other elections. In 2008, 70 percent of eligible Platte County residents voted, on par with the statewide average. Olmer predicted this years race between Clinton and Trump will have the same impact. Platte Countys registered voters break down to 12,186 Republicans, 4,917 Democrats, 3,051 independents and 147 Libertarians. In Colfax County, those numbers are 2,361 Republicans, 2,039 Democrats, 714 independents and 24 Libertarians. Colfax County Election Commissioner Rita Mundil said 152 additional people registered to vote there after this years primary election. I think online registration was a plus, Mundil said. It was easier for people to register to vote. Mundil predicts around 61 percent of Colfax Countys 5,138 registered voters will cast a ballot, the same percentage as 2012. I think there is a lot of interest in this election, but previous ones were (interesting), too, said Mundil. So Im expecting the same kind of turnout in Colfax County. 10 Things to Know for Today - 3 November 2016 Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. NO MORE BILLY GOAT, NO MORE BARTMAN, NO MORE BLACK-CAT CURSES Ending more than a century of flops, futility and frustration, the Chicago Cubs won their first World Series title since 1908, outlasting Cleveland 8-7 in 10 innings in Game 7. Chicago Cubs fans celebrate during a watch party, after Game 7 of the baseball World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Cubs, outside Progressive Field early Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, in Cleveland. The Cubs won 8-7 to win the series. (AP Photo/David Dermer) 2. EARLY VOTING: TIGHTER RACE, BUT STILL GOOD SIGNS FOR CLINTON AP data show she maintains an apparent advantage over Trump, with roughly one-fourth of all ballots already cast. 3. HOW ISLAMIC STATE GROUP LEADER RALLIES FIGHTERS IN IRAQ Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi releases a new message ordering the militants to "make their blood flow like rivers" in the fight for Mosul against Iraqi government forces. 4. AP: CHINA CARFENTANIL TRADE THRIVING The weapons-grade chemical is suspected in hundreds of drug overdoses in the United States and Canada. 5. CDC: PROGRESS REDUCING UNINSURED RATE MAY STALL The study suggests Obama's health care law may be reaching a limit to its effectiveness in a nation politically divided over the government's role in guaranteeing coverage. 6. CHILEAN CHILDREN'S CARE IN CRISIS The government says that 865 youths have died in an agency's care the past 11 years and the country has now committed $ 3.7 million for an overhaul. 7. OFFICIALS: BLAZE AT MISSISSIPPI BLACK CHURCH WAS ARSON The FBI has opened a civil rights investigation after someone torched Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church and spray-painted "Vote Trump" on an outside wall. 8. WHO THINKS HE CAN BEAT NETANYAHU Political newcomer Yair Lapid believes he has the moderate formula that will allow him to do something that has eluded Israeli politicians for nearly a decade. 9. IN AFRICA, WHAT HAS SIZEABLE VALUE Some entrepreneurial Senegalese hope to create a new business model for the secondhand clothing trade to give more local people jobs. 10. QUEEN B BUZZES INTO CMAs Beyonce helps celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Country Music Awards' with a secret performance of her song "Daddy Lessons" with the Dixie Chicks. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton implores her supporters to vote at a campaign rally Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) The Latest: Hungary rejects claims migrants were abused CALAIS, France (AP) The Latest on the influx of migrants and asylum-seekers into Europe (all times local): 4:00 p.m. A Hungarian minister has rejected a report by the Council of Europe that includes claims by detained migrants alleging they were mistreated by Hungarian police. FILE - This Sept. 30, 2015 photo shows migrants facing Italian police officers in riot gear after the evacuation of a tent camp at the Franco-Italian border in Ventimiglia, Italy. In a report by human rights watchdog Amnesty International published Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, the organization alleges that Italian police have beaten and abused migrants and unlawfully expelled some, under pressure to implement new European Union rules to process arrivals. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau, files) Prime Minister Viktor Orban's chief of staff, Janos Lazar, called the claims "a lie" and said their inclusion in the report issued Thursday by the Council of Europe's anti-torture committee "can only be the result of political prejudice, nothing else." The report says that while a majority of the migrants interviewed in Hungary last year said they had been treated properly by police, a "considerable number" complained of ill treatment. The government also rejected the committee's recommendation to remind police that any mistreatment of migrants is unacceptable, saying that would "present a false and negative image" of the police. The council works to promote human rights and democracy in Europe. ___ 1:30 p.m. The U.N. refugee agency says survivor accounts indicate as many as 240 people have died in two shipwrecks off Libya. No bodies have been recovered. The UNHCR spokeswoman in Italy, Carlotta Sami, says 31 survivors of two shipwrecks who arrived Thursday on the Italian island of Lampedusa reported that their boats capsized in heavy seas. Sami said 29 people survived the first wreck, reporting that about 120 people had gone missing. And in a separate operation, two women found swimming at sea told rescuers another 120 people had died in that wreck. In both cases, most of the people on board appeared to have been sub-Saharan Africans, but Sami said aid workers were still ascertaining details. Sami said the latest reported deaths bring to over 4,220 the number of people dead or missing in the Mediterranean this year, the highest toll on record. ___ 12 p.m. Turkey's foreign minister is renewing a threat to scrap an agreement with the European Union to stem the migrant flow if Brussels doesn't grant Turks visa-free entry, saying that Ankara won't wait until the end of the year. The visa waiver is part of a package of incentives the EU offered Turkey to stop migrants heading to Europe. The main sticking point is an EU demand for Turkey to change the way it defines terrorism. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted Thursday as telling Swiss daily Neue Zuercher Zeitung: "Our patience is approaching an end." He added that Ankara is upholding agreements and expects the EU to do the same. Asked when the migrant deal might be suspended, Cavusoglu replied: "We won't wait until the end of the year." ___ 11:15 a.m. Human rights watchdog Amnesty International alleges that Italian police have beaten and abused migrants and unlawfully expelled some, under pressure to implement new European Union rules to process arrivals. In a report published Thursday, the organization cites 24 claims of abuse including beatings, electric shocks and sexual humiliation, to force the migrants to get fingerprinted in Italy. Under new EU rules, migrants must get fingerprinted in the first EU country they arrive in, so that they can be processed and, if granted asylum, relocated to another EU state. Many migrants, however, want to travel to a specific country, often to reach relatives, and resist fingerprinting. The report alleges mistreatment has grown since the new EU rules were adopted last year. The Italian interior ministry declined repeated requests for comment. ___ 9:50 a.m. The last residents of Calais' sprawling migrant camp are being evacuated up to 400 women and children being transferred to family centers around France so the government can shut the camp for good. The migrants had been housed in a municipal building near the English Channel shore that became the anchor of the camp, also known as the "jungle." The families are being bused Thursday to processing centers where they can seek asylum in France or Britain, regional administration spokesman Steve Barbet said. Over the past 10 days, authorities have moved nearly 7,000 people out of the camp to sites around France. Migrants fleeing fighting and poverty in the Mideast and Africa converged on Calais to try to sneak to Britain by hiding out in freight trucks. FILE - This Sept. 30, 2015 photo shows a migrant facing Italian police officers in riot gear after the evacuation of a tent camp at the Franco-Italian border in Ventimiglia, Italy. In a report by human rights watchdog Amnesty International published Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, the organization alleges that Italian police have beaten and abused migrants and unlawfully expelled some, under pressure to implement new European Union rules to process arrivals. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau, files) FILE - In this June 8, 2015 file photo, police monitor rescued migrants standing in a line after they were disembarked from the British Royal Navy ship HMS Bulwark at Catania harbor, Italy. In a report by human rights watchdog Amnesty International published Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, the organization alleges that Italian police have beaten and abused migrants and unlawfully expelled some, under pressure to implement new European Union rules to process arrivals. (AP Photo/Carmelo Imbesi, files) A migrant looks at the remains of a shop burnt in the makeshift migrant camp near Calais, northern France, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016. Firefighters have doused several dozen fires set by migrants as they left the makeshift camp where they have been living near the northern French city of Calais. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) VW asks historian to research role under Brazil dictatorship BERLIN (AP) German automaker Volkswagen AG says it has commissioned a historian to research its role during Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship. Volkswagen has faced accusations that it collaborated with the military regime and drew up black lists on employees. The company said in a statement Thursday that Christopher Kopper, a history professor at Bielefeld University in Germany, has been commissioned to "clarify" what role it played. It said that Kopper will start "as soon as possible" and will travel to Brazil. The project should take about a year and VW said the findings will be made public. Government recommends cutting ex-Detroit mayor's restitution DETROIT (AP) The federal government is recommending that former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's restitution in his corruption case be reduced from $4.5 million to $1.6 million. This week's U.S. District Court filing came after a federal appeals court ruled that Kilpatrick's restitution calculation "was erroneous" and should be based more on Detroit's losses. Specifically, the order noted money from water and sewer contracts. Kilpatrick was found guilty of tax evasion and bribery in 2013. He resigned as mayor in another scandal in 2008, and is currently in federal prison. National Geographic's 'Afghan Girl' hospitalized in Pakistan ISLAMABAD (AP) Pakistan's foreign ministry says an Afghan woman who gained fame in 1984 after a photograph of her as a refugee girl was published on the cover of National Geographic has been hospitalized after falling ill while in custody. Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said Thursday that Sharbat Gulla is being treated at a hospital in Peshawar. He didn't provide details but authorities say the famed green-eyed 'Afghan Girl' was arrested for holding a fake Pakistani identity card. FILE - In this file photo taken on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, the owner of a book shop shows a copy of a magazine with the photograph of Afghan refugee woman Sharbat Gulla, from his rare collection in Islamabad, Pakistan. A Pakistani prosecutor said Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016 that a court has dismissed a bail plea from National Geographic's famed green-eyed 'Afghan Girl,' arrested a week ago over allegedly forged ID papers. (AP Photo/B.K. Bangash, File) She has denied the charges but a Pakistani court on Wednesday dismissed a bail plea for Gulla. Turkish leader slams Germany for wavering on extraditions ISTANBUL (AP) Turkey's president harshly criticized Germany on Thursday, accusing the country of supporting terrorism and slamming comments by Germany's justice minister suggesting that Berlin may not extradite suspects wanted by Turkey in cases it considers politically motivated. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attacked comments by German Justice Minister Heiko Maas, who said Berlin could refuse to extradite cases related to the "so-called (post-coup) cleansing that is taking place." Maas was referring to the mass arrests, firings of civil servants and news media closures that have accompanied Turkey's clampdown on the movement led by U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen. Turkey accuses Gulen of masterminding a failed coup in July that left over 270 people dead. Gulen has denied knowledge of the coup attempt. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses a meeting at his palace in Ankara, Turkey, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. Erdogan has harshly criticized Germany, accusing it of supporting terrorism and slamming comments suggesting Berlin may not extradite suspects wanted by Turkey if it considers the case is politically motivated.(Murat Cetinmuhurdar/Pool photo via AP) Slamming Germany's hesitation to return prosecutors suspected of being members of the Gulen movement, Erdogan accused Germany of having "become a shelter" for terrorists and for having no regard for other countries' national security issues. "You will forever go down in history for supporting terrorism," he declared. Erdogan also blasted German criticism of the post-coup crackdown. "The German minister said they were watching the operations against terrorism-supporting newspapers with alarm," he said. "Well, we are watching Germany's stance and its subsequent policies with alarm no, with horror." Erdogan's comments come a day after German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticized Turkey's detention Monday of senior staff at the opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper, saying the situation was "highly alarming." German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he did not "at all" understand Erdogan's comments about Germany supporting terrorism. Speaking Thursday in Berlin, he said Germany's desire to maintain close relations with Turkey "cannot lead us to be shy of speaking our minds if, from our point of view, there is a danger to freedom of the press and opinion." In addition to demanding the extradition of suspects abroad, Turkey has arrested almost 37,000 people and dismissed or suspended over 100,000 personnel from government jobs. Opposition parties, human rights groups and international allies have all criticized Ankara for using the failed coup to clamp down not only on alleged coup plotters, but on all government critics including pro-Kurdish and left-wing individuals and media outlets. Erdogan invited German officials to tour the Turkish Parliament, which was hit by jets on the night of the coup. "I wonder what they would do if their Parliament had been bombed," he said. ___ Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed. Strict law pushes Polish women to have abortions abroad PRENZLAU, Germany (AP) While the streets of Warsaw have been engulfed by vehement protests over the government's plan to further restrict abortion, individual Polish women are struggling daily to find ways of ending their unwanted pregnancies. Monika, 19, had recently split up with her boyfriend when she realized with horror that she was pregnant. With no partner, no money and years of education ahead, she felt an abortion was her only option. But abortion in Poland is illegal in most cases and even when she tracked down a doctor rumored to bend the rules, he refused. So Monika did what many Polish women before her have done packed a bag, crossed the border into Germany and had an abortion in a place where it is safe and legal. Many have also gone to the Czech Republic, Slovakia or the Netherlands. In this photo taken on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016 a doctor prepares to carry out abortion procedure in the operating room in the hospital in Prenzlau, Germany. Up to 20 women from Poland come to the hospital every week to terminate pregnancy because Poland's law, one of the most restrictive in Europe, bans abortion except for cases when the woman's health or life is in danger, the pregnancy results from crime like rape or the fetus is incurably damaged. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) "I feel good now," she told The Associated Press from her hospital bed after ending her 7-week pregnancy in Prenzlau, Germany. "I would have had no one to leave the baby with and would not have coped financially. I was not ready to face this." Poland, like the United States, is a society deeply divided over abortion. The Central European nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe and a government loyal to the Catholic church that wants to further restrict abortions. But a recent attempt to impose a total ban on abortion outraged many Polish women who held street protests that forced lawmakers to abandon that idea. Now the ruling party is pushing for a near-total ban a move that seems to be creating new support for abortion rights. Another Polish woman having an abortion in Prenzlau, 22-year-old Ewa, said the recent protests made her aware that abortion was possible abroad. "Other women who wrote on the internet about their experience helped me take the decision," she said. "I thought it would be worse, but it's OK now. I feel fine." Both women refused to give their full names or hometowns, afraid of being identified and condemned back home in the heavily Catholic nation. In Poland, abortion is only allowed through the 12th week in cases of rape or incest, if the woman's life or health is in danger or if the fetus is irreparably damaged. Poland had 1,040 legal abortions last year, but experts say the true number of abortions is at about 150,000 per year in the nation of 38 million. Women import banned abortion pills from elsewhere, travel abroad for the procedure or resort to secret, unsafe abortions by non-medical people looking to earn money. Reproductive rights activists are denouncing the Polish government's plans for an even more restrictive abortion law. The proposed change would also ban abortions in cases of fetuses with genetic defects like Down syndrome or even if they have no chances of survival upon birth. This way the born child can be "baptized, buried (and) have a name," ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski said. In fact, even abortions allowed by law are often denied to women due to a large number of doctors who declare themselves "conscientious objectors." "The current law does not work in practice," said Krystyna Kacpura, the executive director of the Federation for Women and Family Planning. "Women are clever and always find a way to avoid government obstacles. We are in the center of Europe; it's easy to go by train, plane, bus and car to another country." Karina Walinowicz, a lawyer with Ordo Iuris, a Catholic group that has pushed unsuccessfully for a total abortion ban, said the law plays an important role in teaching people right from wrong. "Abortion is homicide performed on a person at a pre-natal stage when the person is weakest, incapable of defense," Walinowicz said. A leading polling institute in Warsaw, CBOS, estimates that at least one in four Polish women have probably had an abortion, but very few will admit to it. Several young men speaking Polish were in the waiting room at Prenzlau hospital, but denied their partners were there for abortions. Monika was given an appointment within a week of calling Dr. Janusz Rudzinski, a Pole who lives in Germany and heads the hospital's Department of Gynecological Oncology, Special Operating Gynecology and Aesthetic Surgery. During two hours that he spent with AP reporters, Rudzinski answered at least eight calls in Polish. Each time he assured the caller that abortion is legal in Germany through the 12th week. He said the hospital performs about 20 abortions a week on Polish women. "This is not the most pleasant procedure, but the thing is, that if you have demand for them for some reason or other, then someone must perform them," Rudzinski said, sitting by an ultrasound machine. In one case, a woman called from Poland's southeastern region of Rzeszow, saying she had tried an abortion on herself using a wire and had a high fever and acute abdominal pain. Rudzinski suspected she was developing life-threatening sepsis and told her to go immediately to a hospital. Rudzinski also said a network called "the abortion underground" has developed in Poland, so the number of foreign abortions is falling. "Three out of four (illegal) abortions are now done in Poland, but not by doctors. Tailors, shoemakers, artisans are performing them to make money," he said. Since abortion pills are banned in Poland, Rudzinski said some Polish women take pills for stomach ulcers, which can provoke an abortion but can also damage the fetus' nervous system if the pregnancy continues. Those pills can also be fake. "My patients sometimes tell me they have taken 50 pills, which is an almost lethal dose, but they are doing fine, and the pregnancies are continuing," Rudzinski said. Those who can afford it seek real abortion pills from the Dutch organization Women on Web through the internet, but they can be confiscated by customs authorities. "Nobody draws pleasure from having an abortion. There are always some reasons for it, bigger or smaller," Rudzinski said. ___ Vanessa Gera in Warsaw contributed to this report. In this Oct. 27, 2016 photo 22-year-old Ewa from southwestern Poland talks to The Associated Press about why she has just had an abortion at the town hospital in Prenzlau, Germany. Polish women come to Germany and to other countries to have abortions because Poland's abortion law allows termination of pregnancy only if the woman's health or life is in danger, the pregnancy results from rape or incest or the fetus is irreparably damaged. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) In this Oct. 27, 2016 photo gynecologist, doctor Janusz Rudzinski, a Pole who has lived and worked in Germany for 35 years, listens to a call of a Polish speaker asking about a possibility to have an abortion in his surgery at the city hospital in Prenzlau, Germany. Up to 20 women from Poland come to the hospital every week to terminate pregnancy because Poland's law, one of the most restrictive in Europe, bans abortion except for cases when the woman's health or life is in danger, the pregnancy results from crime like rape or the fetus is incurably damaged. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) In this Oct. 27, 2016 photo doctors and nurses prepare an abortion procedure in the operating room in the hospital in Prenzlau, Germany. Up to 20 women from Poland come to the hospital every week to terminate pregnancy because Poland's law, one of the most restrictive in Europe, bans abortion except for cases when the woman's health or life is in danger, the pregnancy results from crime like rape or the fetus is incurably damaged. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) In this photo Oct. 27, 2016 photo a woman walks in front of the city hospital in Prenzlau, Germany. Up to 20 women from Poland come to the hospital every week to terminate pregnancy because Poland's law, one of the most restrictive in Europe, bans abortion except for cases when the woman's health or life is in danger, the pregnancy results from crime like rape or the fetus is incurably damaged. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) In this photo taken Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, gynecologist, doctor Janusz Rudzinski, a Pole who has lived and worked in Germany for 35 years, is pictured in his surgery at the city hospital in Prenzlau, Germany. Up to 20 women from Poland come to the hospital every week to terminate pregnancy because Poland's law, one of the most restrictive in Europe, bans abortion except for cases when the woman's health or life is in danger, the pregnancy results from crime like rape or the fetus is incurably damaged. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) FILE - In this Oct. 3, 206 file photo a sea of thousands of umbrellas of women and men participating in a nationwide "Black Monday" strike in protest of a legislative proposal for a total ban on abortion in Warsaw. The massive protests that were held in the rain in many cities across the largely Catholic nation have led the conservative government to abandon the new legislation. Poland already has a restrictive abortion law that forces many women to travel to Germany and other countries to terminate unwanted pregnancies. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) In this Oct. 27, 2016 photo gynecologist, doctor Janusz Rudzinski, a Pole who has lived and worked in Germany for 35 years, speaks during an interview in his surgery at the city hospital in Prenzlau, Germany. Up to 20 women from Poland come to the hospital every week to terminate pregnancy because Poland's law, one of the most restrictive in Europe, bans abortion except for cases when the woman's health or life is in danger, the pregnancy results from crime like rape or the fetus is incurably damaged. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) FILE - In this Oct.1, 2016 file picture angered women and men hold a protest in front of the Parliament building against conservative government's plans for a total ban on abortion in Warsaw. The massive protests that were held in many cities across the largely Catholic nation have led the government to abandon the new legislation. Poland already has a restrictive abortion law that forces many women to travel to Germany and other countries to terminate unwanted pregnancies. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski,file) The Latest: Bill Clinton stumps for Hillary at Vegas concert WASHINGTON (AP) The Latest on the U.S. presidential race (all times EDT): 10:15 p.m. Former President Bill Clinton praised his wife's policies on college debt relief in Las Vegas Thursday before kicking off a campaign concert featuring attendees wearing glow sticks and jumping up and down to throbbing electronic music. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., accompanied by performer Pharrell Williams, right, appear on stage at a rally at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Supporters danced while strobe lights lit up a sign reading "Stronger Together," Hillary Clinton's campaign slogan. The concert featured DJ Steve Aoki at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The Thursday evening show is part of the campaign's "Love Trumps Hate" concert series that's enlisted stars like Katy Perry and Jon Bon Jovi to energize younger voters for Clinton and down-ballot Democrats. Clinton is locked in a tight race with Donald Trump in battleground Nevada and has brought out celebrities to urge voters to get to the polls before early voting ends on Friday. ___ 9:50 p.m. Tim Kaine is telling Democratic supporters in Arizona that "it drives a few people kind of batty" that they've helped make the state competitive this presidential year. Speaking at a rally in Tucson Thursday evening, the vice presidential nominee praised Arizona Democrats for their "energy" and "sprit" in making a once-reliable Republican state in play this year. In Phoenix earlier in the day, Kaine delivered what may have been the first presidential campaign speech entirely in Spanish. Only one Democratic presidential candidate, Bill Clinton in 1996, has won the Arizona since 1948. Nearly a third of the state is Hispanic, and it's home to 11 electoral votes. ___ 8:50 p.m. Hillary Clinton says voters should take seriously the notion that Donald Trump's election would lead to "normalizing discrimination." Clinton says she knows a lot of people are upset by what's gone on during the presidential campaign. She says people have told her they can't sleep or their stomachs hurt because of the election. She says those reactions underscore what's at stake. Clinton is campaigning in North Carolina alongside primary rival Bernie Sanders. She says the election is "a lot more fun" now that she and Sanders "are on the same side." ___ 8:23 p.m. Donald Trump is delivering a defense-themed speech in battleground North Carolina, saying he can't picture Hillary Clinton being commander in chief. Trump saluted a dozen veterans on stage with him in Selma and asked of Clinton, "to think of her being their boss?" Trump answered himself, saying: "I don't think so." He also praised the veterans by saying they are "so much more brave than me. I'm brave in other ways. I'm financially brave, big deal!" The Republican nominee also vowed to outfit the military with the best equipment and to modernize the armed forces. Trump is trying to court the sizeable military vote in North Carolina, one of the most hotly contested battleground states. ___ 8:16 p.m. Hillary Clinton is getting a boost in North Carolina from formal rival Bernie Sanders and artist Pharrell Williams. The trio is headlining a nighttime rally in Raleigh. Williams said he's never been involved in politics before but believes this election is too important. He said he "couldn't sit on the sidelines." Sanders vouched for Clinton's policy positions, including her support for overturning the Citizens' United campaign finance decision. ___ 6:51 p.m. Hillary Clinton and artist Pharrell Williams are greeting college students in North Carolina. Clinton and Williams made a surprise stop at North Carolina Central University, historically black university in Durham. Students mobbed the pair as they arrived outside the school's cafeteria. Clinton and Williams are appearing together at a rally later Thursday. ___ 4:55 p.m. Hillary Clinton is rushing to secure Michigan and bolster the Democratic Party's blue wall of upper Midwestern states that have backed the party's presidential nominee for two decades. She's sending in reinforcements as Donald Trump aims to upend her path to a winning 270 electoral votes. Clinton is rallying Democrats on Friday in Detroit, where a large turnout of black voters has long been crucial to success. Former President Bill Clinton met with black ministers there on Wednesday night. Clinton's campaign notes both Michigan and Pennsylvania do not have in-person early voting, requiring them to intensify turnout efforts in the days leading up to the election. But it shows some concerns by Democrats that Trump could break through there. ___ 4:25 p.m. Hillary Clinton is linking Donald Trump to white supremacists. She says Trump has spent his campaign "offering a dog whistle to his most hateful supporters." She highlighted his endorsement by the official newspaper of the Ku Klux Klan. Trump's campaign has denounced the newspaper. Clinton is campaigning Thursday in North Carolina, where she's trying to rally black voters. She singled out in particular Trump's comments about the Central Park Five, a group of young black men wrongfully convicted in a racially charged 1989 rape case. While the men were cleared by DNA evidence and another person confessed to the crime, Trump has suggested he still believes they're guilty. Clinton said that to Trump, "those kids will still and always be guilty, no matter what the evidence says." ____ 4:15 p.m. President Barack Obama had to do one thing before launching into his second Florida campaign rally of the day for Hillary Clinton. It's called the "swoop." It's a tradition at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, where Obama headlined the early-vote rally, and it mimics the movement of an osprey. The university's sports teams are called Ospreys. Before criticizing Republican Donald Trump as someone who would "do damage to our democracy," Obama took a few steps back from the lectern and motioned his arms as if they were bird wings. He said he'd been practicing the move backstage. Obama told Clinton's supporters they "have five days to decide the future of America" and urged them to not wait until Election Day to vote. Florida has early voting. ___ 4 p.m. Hillary Clinton says that on the heels of her hometown Chicago Cubs World Series victory, "maybe we'll see even more history made in a few days." Clinton is campaigning Thursday in North Carolina on one of the final days of the 2016 presidential campaign. Clinton, who grew up in the Chicago suburbs, noted that women couldn't vote the last time the Cubs won in 1908. But she said "women are making up for that in this election." The Democratic nominee is seeking to become America's first female president. Clinton is in North Carolina to encourage early voting, particularly among black voters. ___ 3 p.m. Melania Trump says that, if she becomes first lady, she'd focus on combatting online bullying as part of her work as an advocate for women and children. The wife of Donald Trump said Thursday in a rare appearance on the campaign trail that, "Our culture has gotten too mean and too rough, especially to children and teenagers." She spoke at a rally outside Philadelphia. She said that it's "absolutely unacceptable" when children are mocked, bullied and attacked online anonymously. Mrs. Trump's goals may seem at odds with her husband, who has a long history of using Twitter to insult people. Mrs Trump said: "We have to find a better way to talk to each other, to disagree with each other, to respect each other." ___ 2:45 p.m. Melania Trump is celebrating her immigrant story as she delivers a rare speech on the campaign trail in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Trump says that, growing up in her native Slovenia, "America was the word for freedom and opportunity." Speaking Thursday outside Philadelphia, Mrs. Trump described her decision to move to the United States and eventually earn citizenship "as the greatest privilege in the world." Mrs. Trump was introduced by her husband's running mate's wife, Karen Pence, who praised Mrs. Trump as "amazing" and "strong" She said: "I know that America will fall in love with her, just as much as she loves the American people." ___ 2:15 p.m. Ivanka Trump says issues such as jobs and security are just as important to women as specific "women's issues." Donald Trump's daughter is campaigning in New Hampshire on behalf of her father. She is a powerful voice for Trump when it comes to softening his image with women. She is talking up his plans to make child care more affordable and promising he'll make "radical leaps" toward eliminating wage inequality. But she says there are few specific "women's issues." She said "women's issues are jobs, women's issues are security, women's issues are the major issues affecting this country." Ivanka Trump's Thursday stop in New Hampshire is her first since the presidential primary. ___ 1:40 p.m. Ted Cruz isn't mentioning Donald Trump as he campaigns in Iowa with Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence. The Texas senator appeared Thursday with Pence at a rally outside Des Moines. He lauded Pence and pushed for the re-election of Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley. But the onetime bitter rival of Trump never mentioned the Republican nominee by name in a 14-minute speech. He did say though that "we're going to defeat Hillary Clinton in the presidential election." Cruz's remarks echoed the speeches he gave when he ran for Republican nomination. He called for taking "the boot off the back of the necks of small businesses" and repealing "every word" of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. Cruz won the Iowa caucuses. ___ 1:25 p.m. Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine says he has "really despaired" over recent comments from Republicans about impeaching running mate Hillary Clinton if she becomes president. Some Republican lawmakers are threatening to block Clinton's Supreme Court nominees, investigate her endlessly, or even impeach her should she win the White House. Kaine said Republican lawmakers making those kinds of comments think their party will do poorly on Election Day and don't understand the proper role of legislators. The Virginia senator made the remarks in an interview on Fox News Radio set to air Thursday evening. He also said that if he becomes vice president, he would view Joe Biden as a role model. Biden beat out Kaine to be Barack Obama's running mate in the 2008 presidential election. ___ 12:55 p.m. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi says Republicans should stop talking about moving to impeach Hillary Clinton if she is elected president. In a statement Thursday, Pelosi said any effort to impeach Clinton "would be a brazen attempt to nullify the vote of the American people" and would be a waste of time and taxpayers' money. Pelosi's comments came after some Republicans threatened to block Clinton's Supreme Court nominees, investigate her endlessly or even impeach her over her use of private emails as secretary of state. Pelosi said that instead of spending resources on "years of frivolous investigations," Republicans should work with Clinton and other Democrats to create jobs by investing in infrastructure, education and innovation. ___ 12:45 p.m. Donald Trump is once again criticizing President Barack Obama for campaigning for Hillary Clinton. Trump said that as he was boarding his aircraft at Miami International Airport on Thursday, he spotted Air Force One across the tarmac. Trump said he asked himself "I wonder who that could be?'" He added "it's our president and he's down here campaigning for Crooked Hillary." Trump asked: "Shouldn't he be back at work?" Trump was speaking at a rally in Jacksonville, Florida. Obama was campaigning for Clinton in both Miami and Jacksonville on Thursday. He is expected to campaign for the Democratic nominee most days before Tuesday's election. ___ 12:40 p.m. Donald Trump is saying that questions surrounding Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server would follow her into the White House and she would "be under investigation for many years." Speaking Thursday in Florida, Trump said: "Here we go again with the Clintons you remember the impeachment and the problems." The Republican presidential candidate added, "That's not what we need in our country, folks. We need someone who is ready to go to work." Trump, was campaigning in Jacksonville as part of a two-day Florida swing. He has relentlessly attacked Clinton in recent days after FBI Director James Comey announced that the bureau was looking into emails that may be connected to Clinton's private server. Over the summer, Comey declined to recommend criminal charges against the Democratic nominee. ___ Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gestures after speaking at a campaign rally Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, in Selma, N.C. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) President Barack Obama stops to do "The Swoop" before speaking at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, during a rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. "The Swoop" is a tradition in University of North Florida. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Ivanka Trump signs a hat during a campaign stop for her father, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, at the Founders Academy, a public chartered school in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Jim Cole) People wait for the start of a Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump campaign stop at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) President Barack Obama waves to supporters at Florida International University in Miami, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, during a campaign rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally in Concord, N.C., Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Karen Pence, left, wife of Republican vice presidential candidate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, and Melania Trump, wife of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, wave to supporters before Trump spoke at the Main Line Sports Center in Berwyn, Pa., Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) Republican vice presidential candidate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, walks on stage with Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas during a campaign rally, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, in Prole, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Republican vice presidential candidate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, talks with Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas during a campaign rally, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, in Prole, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Former President Bill Clinton speaks at a rally as he campaigns for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) President Barack Obama shakes hand at a campaign rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at the University of North Florida Arena in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016.(AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser) GOP call for statewide Pennsylvania poll watchers is denied PHILADELPHIA (AP) In a scathing rebuke, a federal judge on Thursday denied the Pennsylvania Republican Party's effort to allow poll watchers from anywhere in the state monitor precincts on Election Day. Eastern District of Pennsylvania Judge Gerald J. Pappert said the state GOP's request was "unreasonably delayed," is not in the public interest and does not meet the standard for a last-minute intervention from the court. "Any intervention at this point risks practical concerns including disruption, confusion or other unforeseen deleterious effects," Pappert wrote. "Plaintiffs waited until eighteen days before the election to bring this case. ... Were the Court to enter the requested injunction, poll watchers would be allowed to roam the Commonwealth on election day for the first time in the Election Code's seventy-nine year history giving the Commonwealth and county election officials all of five days' notice to prepare for the change." Congressman Bob Brady, who is also chairman of the Philadelphia Democratic Party, said he was happy with the ruling. "We don't need out-of-county people," Brady said. "They're just trying to suppress the vote and cause confusion. It's totally ridiculous." The state Republican Party filed for a temporary restraining order Oct. 21, claiming that the current Pennsylvania law regarding poll watchers is unconstitutional. State law allows poll watchers to monitor locations only within the county in which they are registered to vote. The challenge came as polls showed a tight race between Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Trump has warned of "rigged elections" in "other communities" including cities like Philadelphia and has encouraged supporters to monitor the polls. State Republican Party spokeswoman Megan Sweeney called the ruling "a blow to openness and transparency in our electoral system" and said the party would review its legal options. In his ruling, Pappert said a decision to intervene could have disproportionately burdened Philadelphia election officials on the eve of the election. "To the extent that the Party wishes to allocate newly available poll watchers on election day, it will of course send them to Philadelphia," Pappert wrote. "The poll watchers will all need to be properly credentialed in Philadelphia County and they will all seek those credentials between now and election day. ... As county workers focus on myriad critical tasks in the final days before the election, an injunction's likely effect of increasing their workload (perhaps to the point of impossibility) weighs strongly against granting it." The lawsuit also claimed that the law violates voters' free speech an argument Pappert characterized as weak, adding that poll watching is not a fundamental right under the First Amendment. The Latest: Supreme Court halts execution of Alabama inmate ATMORE, Ala. (AP) The Latest on the scheduled execution of Alabama inmate Tommy Arthur (all times local): 11:15 p.m. The U.S. Supreme Court has stopped the execution of an Alabama inmate convicted in a 1982 murder-for-hire. FILE - This undated photo, provided by the Alabama Department of Corrections, shows Tommy Arthur, in a photo taken at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Ala. An appellate court on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, refused to halt the execution of Alabama inmate Arthur, who was convicted in the 1982 killing of a man in a murder-for-hire arrangement. In a split decision, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a federal judge's decision that dismissed Arthur's lawsuit challenging the state's death penalty procedure as unconstitutional. (Alabama Department of Corrections via AP, File) Five justices voted to grant the stay late Thursday night for inmate Tommy Arthur as the high court considers whether to review Arthur's appeals. The decision was handed down about an hour before Arthur's death warrant expired. Seventy-four-year-old Arthur had been scheduled to be executed Thursday evening by lethal injection at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore. He was convicted of killing Troy Wicker. Police on Feb. 1, 1982, found Wicker shot to death in bed in his Muscle Shoals home. Wicker's wife initially said she had been raped and an intruder killed her husband. She later testified that she had sex with Arthur and promised him $10,000 to kill her husband. The Supreme Court said the stay will expire if it declines to take up Arthur's case. ___ 9:25 p.m. The U.S. Supreme Court has stayed the execution of an Alabama inmate convicted in a 1982 murder-for-hire. The court on Thursday night stayed the execution of Tommy Arthur without comment, until further order of the court. Seventh-four-year-old Arthur had been scheduled to be executed Thursday evening by lethal injection at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore. Prison system spokesman Bob Horton said the state will wait until Arthur's death warrant expires at midnight to see if the execution can proceed. He was convicted of killing Troy Wicker. Police on Feb. 1, 1982 found Wicker shot to death in his bed. Wicker's wife initially said she had been raped and an intruder killed her husband. She later testified that she had sex with Arthur and promised him $10,000 to kill her husband. This is the seventh time Arthur, who has waged a lengthy legal battle challenging his conviction and the death penalty, has been granted an execution stay. ___ 5:22 p.m. A correction's official says the planned execution of an Alabama inmate is being delayed by two hours while the U.S. Supreme Court reviews the man's appeal. Tommy Arthur, 74, was originally scheduled to be executed at 6 p.m. CDT for the shooting death of a man in a 1982 murder-for-hire arrangement. Alabama Corrections Department Bob Horton said the execution is now planned for 8 p.m. Thursday after a verbal request by the court. Horton says the state prison commissioner agreed to the delay to avoid the issuance of a temporary stay. Arthur was convicted of killing Troy Wicker in 1982. Wicker's wife initially said an intruder killed her husband. She later testified that she promised Arthur $10,000 to kill her husband. Earlier Thursday, Arthur's attorneys filed two requests for a stay with the U.S. Supreme Court. They argue that the Alabama death penalty sentencing structure is unconstitutional and that a judge prematurely dismissed the inmate's lawsuit challenging Alabama's lethal injection procedure as unconstitutional. ___ 3:23 p.m. An Alabama inmate convicted in a 1982 contract killing has filed a second request with the U.S. Supreme Court to stop his pending execution. Lawyers for 74-year-old Tommy Arthur asked the court to stay the lethal injection procedure set for 6 p.m. CDT Thursday. Arthur's attorneys say a federal judge prematurely dismissed his lawsuit challenging Alabama's lethal injection procedure as cruel and unusual punishment. Arthur was convicted of killing Troy Wicker in 1982. Wicker's wife initially said an intruder killed her husband. She later testified that she promised Arthur $10,000 to kill her husband. Arthur's attorneys argued a federal judge misapplied a requirement for inmates to name an alternate execution method and prevented Arthur's lawsuit from moving forward. ___ 9:30 a.m. An Alabama inmate is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to stop his pending execution. Lawyers for Tommy Arthur asked the court to stay his execution scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday. Arthur, 74, was convicted of murdering Troy Wicker in 1982. Wicker's wife testified that she promised Arthur $10,000 to kill her husband. His attorneys argued Arthur was sentenced under a similar structure that was ruled unconstitutional in Florida because it put too much power in the hands of judges. A judge sentenced Arthur to die after a jury recommended a death sentence by an 11-1 vote. The Alabama Supreme Court has ruled that there were enough differences to make Alabama's method constitutional. Arthur is expected to file another stay request to the court based on a challenge to Alabama's lethal injection process. ___ 3:30 a.m. Alabama is preparing to execute an inmate who was convicted in the 1982 killing of a man in a murder-for-hire arrangement. Tommy Arthur, 74, is scheduled to receive a lethal injection at 6 p.m. Thursday. Arthur was convicted of murdering Troy Wicker in 1982 as the man slept inside his Muscle Shoals home. Investigators said Arthur was having an affair with Wicker's wife and she later testified that she promised him $10,000 to kill her husband. The Alabama Supreme Court has set an execution date six times for Arthur, but he has won a reprieve each time. Arthur has maintained his innocence. COLUMBUS Donna Winig jokes that she could write a book about her experiences in Columbus. Shes chased a wild turkey, captured a sheep on the run from the sale barn, tracked down a rogue goat and wrangled cattle over the years. And those encounters dont even top the list when the citys lead animal control officer is asked to share some crazy stories. That honor belongs to the alligator she confiscated from a young boy who purchased the reptile from Florida using his mothers credit card. Weve had our share of snakes and lizards, Winig added while discussing the quirkiness of her job. There are two things Winig has learned since starting as a Columbus animal control officer in August 1999 every day is unpredictable and animals are pretty darn elusive. Weve chased down some three-legged dogs, and a three-legged dog can sometimes run faster than a person, she said. Winig took the city job after moving to Columbus with her husband Paul, an Air Force veteran who worked for Minnesota Corn Processors (now Archer Daniels Midland) after retiring from the military. She wanted to be a prosecutor when she was younger and had an attraction to careers in the law enforcement field. And I love animals, she said. The job was a new adventure for Winig, who worked under Jeannie Warnke for years before taking over as lead animal control officer shortly after Warnke resigned in late 2009. Just like other jobs, Winig said the position came with both good and bad days. Shes been bitten by cats and dogs mostly cats and threatened by angry pet owners wielding a log chain, hedge clippers and other items. Her East Coast upbringing helped her deal with the people and the love of animals got her through the rest. Its either for you or its not. It can be a hard job to do. I think each day youve got to take it with a sense of humor, said Winig, who took joy in reuniting families with lost pets and witnessed equally emotional cases of animal abuse. Shes dealt with mountains of paperwork and permits, and worked hard to change animal controls image in the community. They arent the bad guys with oversize nets looking to scoop up everyones beloved pooch, she said. Winig said her goal is to educate community members about city ordinances and proper pet care, not to take away their animals. People have learned to respect that. A lot of those people will come back and say, You know what, you were fair. You wrote me a ticket, you were fair, she said. I have never treated anybody any different than anyone else. Her efforts were recognized in 2012 when Winig was named Columbus Police Departments employee of the year. Shes done a good job for us, Columbus Police Chief William Gumm said. Shes done everything weve asked her to do. That includes completing exotic animal investigations and ensuring dangerous dogs are handled properly. Winig, who is leaving her animal control position next week, credits the local police officers, dispatchers and Platte Valley Humane Society for making her job easier. The Humane Societys adoption center replaced the city-run animal shelter in 2008. That agreement was the most impactful change Winig has seen in her 17 years since it allowed city officers to focus on enforcement issues instead of providing everyday care for animals. Hopefully that will continue over the years, she said. Winig, who turns 55 on Tuesday, is stepping down from her position Wednesday. Later this month shell move to Florida with her husband and 16-year-old son to be closer to her parents and a daughter who works for Walt Disney World. Another daughter lives in Columbus with her husband and two children. Its time for the next chapter in my life, said Winig, who isnt planning a full retirement just yet. Shell work security at Disney World, ensuring Goofy stays on his best behavior. The Latest: Ads feature Harry Caray giving Cubs play-by-play CHICAGO (AP) The Latest on the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series for the first time in 108 years. (all times local): ____ 3:20 p.m. FILE - In this undated photo, Chicago Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray sings "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during a Chicago Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field. Brewer Anheuser-Busch honored the legendary sportscaster, who died in 1998 having not seen his beloved Cubbies make it to the World Series, with a video that had him calling the end of Game 7, with the Cubs defeating the Cleveland Indians in an extra-inning 8-7 nail biter. The brewer also resuscitated 1984 Budweiser ad in which the Bud pitch man, and consumer, caught a cold one launched into the Wrigley Field bleachers using a net. (AP Photo) An Anheuser-Busch video features the voice of the late Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray predicting that "sure as God made green apples" the Cubs would someday win the World Series. It intersperses his play-by-play as if he were calling Game 7 of the Cubs win over the Cleveland Indians for the title. The ad shows the statue of Caray outside Wrigley Field and tense fans in bars, his deep voice intoning, "Boy, if you have a weak heart, turn the set off. The rest of you, stay with us!" Then it cuts to fans celebrating, and Carey saying "Holy Cow! You talk about a mass of happy humanity. How about those Cubbies? Now our lives are complete!" Caray, a pitchman for Bud, died in 1998 without seeing his beloved Cubs make it to the World Series. Nike ran an ad after the final out of Game 7. It showed a boy on a ball field, joyfully playing several positions and hitting a home run to the play-by-play of Caray and a song by Willie Nelson. ____ 2 p.m. President Barack Obama has invited the World Series champion Chicago Cubs to visit him at the White House. The president tweeted the invitation early Thursday, shortly after the Cubs beat Cleveland to win the World Series. "It happened: @Cubs win World Series. That's change even this South Sider can believe in. Want to come to the White House before I leave?" Obama previously lived in Chicago and rooted for the White Sox, who won the World Series in 2005. But since they didn't make the postseason, Obama cheered for the Cubs. ____ 1:30 p.m. Chicago officials say hundreds of thousands Cubs fans had a "largely peaceful" celebration on Wednesday night after the team's historic win. Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications spokeswoman Melissa Stratton says there were 14 arrests, mostly for disorderly and reckless conduct. Fans poured into Wrigleyville and throughout the city to celebrate the Cubs' 8-7 win in 10 innings. The Cubs overcame a rain delay and late surge by the Cleveland Indians for the team's first World Series title since 1908. ____ 1:20 p.m. Fans will line the streets Friday for a parade to honor the World Series champion Chicago Cubs. A spokesman for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says the parade will be Friday, two days after the Cubs broke a 108-year championship drought. Spokesman Adam Collins says more details will be available later in the day. The Chicago Tribune reports Emanuel is calling it "a parade to stand the test of time." ____ 1 p.m. Chicago fans are writing their names in chalk on the Wrigley Field brick wall. Lashawn Bennett, a fan since 1976 and a throat cancer survivor, borrowed chalk from Katie Compton to write his name. Compton, a special education teaching assistant, wrote a dozen names of living and departed fans and some for her co-workers. Writer Peggy Herrington says she hid under a blanket during an "emotional roller coaster" as the Cubs blew a 5-1 lead and needed 10 innings to secure the win against Cleveland. She says Chicago fans are used to being slightly disappointed, but this season the team shed the label of lovable losers. Artist Donna Drapeau says the victory showed "the fight" and "grit" of the fans and the city. She says she's fine with the new identity as winners. ____ 11:20 a.m. Hillary Clinton cheered her hometown Chicago Cubs on to victory in the World Series. With the game going to extra innings, Clinton saw the final moments on an aide's iPad after finishing a presidential campaign rally in Arizona. Reporters in vans behind the motorcade could hear cheers from the direction of Clinton's vehicle after the final out. An aide says Clinton staffer and Cubs fan Connolly Keigher pulled one of the Cubs' signature "W'' flags from her purse. Clinton and the staffer held it up in celebration after the 10-inning game. ___ 11 a.m. Fans are gathering in Wrigleyville to snap selfies in front of the iconic marquee on the stadium that declares the Chicago Cubs "World Series Champions." Long-suffering Cubs fans are reveling in the epic win over the Cleveland Indians, ending a 108-year-old drought. Chicago resident and native of the Philippines Ian Bajamunde held up a newspaper with the joyous headlines and asked a passerby to take a picture of him in front of the stadium. A fan since 1996, he says it's "surreal" that the Cubs won. He chose the Cubs over the White Sox when he moved to city because he called the team "more lovable." Fans also are adding their names in chalk to the back brick wall of Wrigley Field. ____ 9:05 a.m. The Cubs have returned to sweet home Chicago hours after knocking off the Indians in Cleveland to win their first World Series in 108 years. A caravan of team buses was welcomed by a raucous crowd outside Wrigley Field early Thursday morning. Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo showed off the World Series trophy for the cheering fans. Players took turns passing the hardware around on their way back from Cleveland. Numerous Cubs players can be seen on Twitter posing with the trophy on the team plane, including Dexter Fowler, Jorge Soler and John Lackey. Catcher David Ross, who homered in the final game of his career, shared his picture with the trophy and quipped, "Look what the boys got me for my retirement." Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo displays the Commissioner's Trophy as the team arrives at Wrigley Field in Chicago early Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, after the Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in Game 7 of the baseball World Series in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Matt Marton) Fans celebrate outside Wrigley Field as buses carrying the Chicago Cubs baseball team arrive in Chicago early Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, after the Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in Game 7 of the World Series in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Matt Marton) Carlisle Herbert looks over hats at Wrigleyville Sports near Wrigley Field in Chicago, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. The Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians in Game 7 to win the World Series Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Matt Marton) Fans wait to get into Clark Street Sports near Wrigley Field in Chicago, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. The Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians in Game 7 to win the World Series Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Matt Marton) As she sits in her vehicle, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton holds a 'W' banner as the Chicago Cubs win the World Series baseball Game 7 against the Cleveland Indians after her final campaign rally of the day at Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Chicago Cubs fans celebrate during a watch party, after Game 7 of the baseball World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Cubs, outside Progressive Field early Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, in Cleveland. The Cubs won 8-7 to win the series. (AP Photo/David Dermer) Belgium willing to extradite terror suspect to France BRUSSELS (AP) Belgium has given approval in principle for the eventual extradition of a suspect in the 2014 attack on the Brussels Jewish museum to France, where he is wanted in another case. A Brussels court said Mehdi Nemmouche, who is accused of killing four people in the Jewish museum attack and is expected to go on trial next year, could be sent to France after that. Nemmouche has been accused of being a jailer for the Islamic State group, and the Paris prosecutor's office said Nemmouche is wanted for allegedly being one of the captors of four French journalists held hostage in Syria in 2013-2014. Clergy join Dakota Access pipeline protesters for ceremony CANNON BALL, N.D. (AP) Hundreds of clergy of various faiths joined protests Thursday against the Dakota Access oil pipeline in southern North Dakota, singing hymns, marching and ceremonially burning a copy of a 600-year-old document. The interfaith event was organized to draw attention to the concerns of the Standing Rock Sioux and push elected officials to call for a halt to construction of the $3.8 billion pipeline that's to carry North Dakota oil through South Dakota and Iowa to a shipping point in Illinois. The tribe believes the pipeline that will skirt its reservation threatens its drinking water and cultural sites. The pipeline "is a textbook case of marginalizing minority communities in the drive to increase fossil fuel supplies," the Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, said in a statement. Morales' group sent more than 30 clergy to the event. Members of the clergy join protesters against the Dakota Access oil pipeline in southern North Dakota near Cannon Ball on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, to draw attention to the concerns of the Standing Rock Sioux and push elected officials to call for a halt to construction. The tribe says the $3.8 billion, four-state pipeline threatens its drinking water and cultural sites. (AP Photo/James MacPherson) More than 500 clergy from around the world gathered with protesters on Thursday at a campfire at the main protest camp to burn a copy of a religious document from the 1400s sanctioning the taking of land from indigenous peoples. About 200 people then sang hymns while they marched to a bridge that was the site of a recent clash between protesters and law officers. Some held signs that read, "Clergy for Standing Rock." "It's amazing the spirituality going around this place," said Joe Gangone, who came with an Episcopalian church group from South Dakota's Rosebud Sioux Reservation. The Rev. Tet Gallardo, a Unitarian Universalist minister from the Philippines, said she was "moved to come" to the gathering. "Water is the subject of concern also in the Philippines," she said. "How can this happen to people who are so faithful to God?" The group sang and prayed while gathered in a semicircle at the still-closed bridge while law officers monitored from vehicles at a barricade on the other side, from surrounding hillsides and from a helicopter flying overhead. John Floberg, an Episcopalian minister from the Standing Rock Reservation who organized the event, called for "peaceful, prayerful, nonviolent and lawful activity here." There were no immediate confrontations between group members and authorities, and no arrests, Morton County sheriff's spokesman Rob Keller said. Later Thursday, 14 protesters were arrested in the judicial wing of the Capitol in Bismarck. Highway Patrol Lt. Tom Iverson said the protesters were sitting, chanting and singing and refused orders to leave. Three other people who refused orders to leave the governor's residence on the Capitol grounds were also arrested. Iverson said the 17 individuals face criminal trespass charges in Burleigh County. Their protest followed an interfaith day of prayer in the southern part of the state near the small town of Cannon Ball. Hundreds of clergy sang hymns and marched near the route of the pipeline. Members of the Standing Rock Sioux have demonstrated against the pipeline for months, saying they fear it could harm drinking water and construction could damage sacred sites. Opponents of the pipeline project have been camped near the route in southern North Dakota for months in an effort to stop construction. Clashes between protesters and police have resulted in more than 400 arrests since August. The most recent incident came Wednesday, when law officers in riot gear used pepper spray to deter dozens of protesters who tried to cross a frigid stream to access property owned by the pipeline developer. Two people were arrested. About 140 people were arrested on the property last week in a law enforcement operation that cleared the encampment that protesters had established on the land. Texas-based developer Energy Transfer Partners has said the 1,200-mile pipeline is largely complete outside of the area in south central North Dakota where it will go under Lake Oahe, a large Missouri River reservoir and the source of the tribe's drinking water. The federal government in September ordered a temporary halt to construction on Army Corps of Engineers land around and beneath the lake while the agency reviews its permitting of the project. There's no timetable for a decision. ___ This story has been corrected to show that John Floberg, an Episcopalian minister from Standing Rock, organized the interfaith event rather than the Unitarian Universalist Association. Dakota Access Pipeline protesters stand in the foreground and in the waist-deep water of the Cantapeta Creek, northeast of the Oceti Sakowin Camp, near Cannon Ball, N.D., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. Officers in riot gear clashed again Wednesday with protesters near the Dakota Access pipeline, hitting dozens with pepper spray as they waded through waist-deep water in an attempt to reach property owned by the pipeline's developer. (Mike Mccleary/The Bismarck Tribune via AP) Dakota Access Pipeline protesters stand waist deep in the Cantapeta Creek, northeast of the Oceti Sakowin Camp, near Cannon Ball, N.D., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. Officers in riot gear clashed again Wednesday with protesters near the Dakota Access pipeline, hitting dozens with pepper spray as they waded through waist-deep water in an attempt to reach property owned by the pipeline's developer. (Mike Mccleary/The Bismarck Tribune via AP) Supreme Court stays execution of Alabama inmate ATMORE, Ala. (AP) A condemned Alabama inmate has survived the seventh attempt to execute him by lethal injection thanks to a last-minute stay from the U.S. Supreme Court. In a split decision, five justices voted late Thursday to stay the execution of Tommy Arthur as the high court considers whether to take up his challenge to the state's lethal injection procedure. The reprieve came shortly before 11 p.m. as Arthur, 74, was waiting in a holding cell outside the execution chamber at a south Alabama prison. His death warrant expired an hour later, and Arthur was returned to death row to await the next development in his 3-decade-old case. "We are greatly relieved by the Supreme Court's decision granting a stay and now hope for the opportunity to present the merits of Mr. Arthur's claims to the Court," Arthur's attorney Suhana Han said in a statement. FILE - This undated photo, provided by the Alabama Department of Corrections, shows Tommy Arthur, in a photo taken at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Ala. An appellate court on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, refused to halt the execution of Alabama inmate Arthur, who was convicted in the 1982 killing of a man in a murder-for-hire arrangement. In a split decision, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a federal judge's decision that dismissed Arthur's lawsuit challenging the state's death penalty procedure as unconstitutional. (Alabama Department of Corrections via AP, File) Arthur was convicted in 1982 for the murder-for-hire killing of Troy Wicker. Police found Wicker shot through the eye as he slept in his Muscle Shoals home. Wicker's wife initially told authorities she had been raped and that an intruder killed her husband, but she later testified she had sex with Arthur and promised him $10,000 to kill her husband. Arthur, who maintains his innocence, has waged a lengthy legal battle challenging both his conviction and the constitutionality of the death penalty. An execution date has been set seven times for Arthur, but each time he has won a reprieve from the courts or other means. Alabama's attorney general criticized the last-minute stay. "In my view, there is no 'courtesy' in voting to deny justice to the victims of a notorious and cold-blooded killer," Luther Strange said in a statement. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote Thursday that he did not think the case merited a stay, but voted to grant it as a courtesy to the four justices who wanted to "more fully consider the suitability of this case for review." The execution stay will expire if the court does not take up Arthur's case. Arthur spoke with his son and others by telephone during the evening and did not request a final meal as he waited to find out if his execution would move forward after decades of legal battles, said Alabama Department of Corrections spokesman Bob Horton. His latest appeal largely centers on a requirement that condemned inmates challenging their method of execution must name a feasible alternate method. Arthur filed a lawsuit challenging the state's lethal injection procedure as cruel and unusual punishment. He suggested a firing squad and another lethal injection drug, but the judge said Arthur had not identified a source for alternate drugs and noted that Alabama law does not explicitly name the firing squad as an allowed form of execution. Arthur's attorney argued the judge's interpretation makes it virtually impossible for death-row inmates to challenge death penalty procedures in states that use lethal injection. Juries twice convicted Arthur, but those convictions were overturned on appeal. During his third trial in 1991, Arthur ignored the advice of his attorneys and asked the jury to sentence him to death. He said at the time that he didn't have a death wish, but that a death sentence offered more avenues of appeal. Arthur also sent Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley a four-page handwritten letter requesting a stay of execution, arguing he had never had a fair trial and that potential DNA evidence in the case had not been reviewed. Bentley did not intervene in the case. "I'm not guilty and did not have a fair trial in 1991," Arthur wrote. Wicker's wife, Judy Wicker, served 10 years in prison for her part in the killing. Albania stops Turkish-owned schools from using its flag TIRANA, Albania (AP) Albania's Education Ministry says it has told Turkish schools funded by U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen to stop using Turkey's flag and other symbols. There are a number of Turkish-owned educational institutions from preschool to university level operating in post-communist Albania, the tiny Western Balkan country with a predominantly Muslim population and strong ties with Ankara. Television station Top Channel reported Thursday that Ministry General Secretary Plarent Ndreca cited a complaint from Turkey's embassy in Tirana as prompting the government's order. Ndreca says the ministry sent a letter ordering licensed schools to stop using the Turkish symbols unless they have authorization from the diplomatic mission. Ex-police commander from Mexico arrested for wife's slaying HOUSTON (AP) A man accused of killing his wife in the Houston area has been identified as a former high-ranking police commander in a Mexican border state. The Houston Chronicle reports (http://bit.ly/2fgfDmD ) 55-year-old Rogelio Homero Flores, who was arrested Monday in Victoria as he headed south toward Mexico on U.S. Highway 59, served for about five years until 2010 as head of police operations for the Mexican state of Tamaulipas (Tah-mah-ooh-LEE'-paz). Flores' brother called 911 saying Flores had called him, said he shot his own wife and was headed to Mexico with their 12-year-old son. Harris County deputies found the body of 35-year-old Silvia Munoz Vazquez at the couple's home outside Houston. Flores was arrested within hours. Authorities say he's expected to be extradited to Harris County as early as Friday. ___ 4 high school students killed in Mexico MEXICO CITY (AP) Officials say four high school students have been found slain south of Mexico City. The state prosecutor's office says the four were found on a dirt road in the town of Yautepec, but gives few details. It says all had been stabbed and none was shot. It says its preliminary investigation indicates organized crime is not involved. The Autonomous University of Morelos State confirms the deaths in a statement and demands the case be solved. The university statement demands that officials refrain from jumping to the conclusion the victims found Wednesday were involved in crime a common suggestion made by Mexican authorities about murder victims. University student testifies about torture during kidnapping ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) A former University of Rochester student testified Thursday about the torture he and a classmate endured while they were held hostage in a home last year. Nicholas Kollias testified at the trial of four people charged with kidnapping them in December. He said he was shot in his legs and tortured along with Ani Okeke Ewo after they were lured to a house in Rochester by a woman who contacted one of them online and said she wanted to meet them. Kollias, of Northbrook, Illinois, and Ewo, of Aurora, Illinois, were seniors at the time but are no longer enrolled at the university. Kollias said the 40-hour-long ordeal began when masked assailants armed with guns, knives, bats and pipes burst into a room where he was sitting on a couch. He said he was shot in the leg once trying to escape and again while being beaten and tortured to reveal personal financial information. "They put flammable liquids on us, saying they were going to light us on fire," said Kollias, who's 22 years old. Authorities have said the students were abducted in a case of mistaken identity related to a drug robbery and were rescued by a police SWAT team after an extensive search. Defendants Lydell Strickland, David Alcaraz-Ubiles, Inalia Rolldan and Ruth Lora face kidnapping charges. Strickland also is charged with gang assault, and Alcaraz-Ubiles is charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon. Lora and Rolldan also face weapon possession charges. They have all denied the allegations against them. Five other people have pleaded guilty for their roles in the abduction. The Latest: $3M bail for man charged in girl's death LOS ANGELES (AP) The Latest on the stabbing death of a 3-year-old girl at a downtown Los Angeles clothing factory (all times local): 5:15 p.m. A man charged with the stabbing death of a 3-year-old girl in a downtown Los Angeles factory in what police say was a random attack has been ordered held on $3 million bail. Ricardo Utuy was charged Thursday with murder and attempted murder. His arraignment had been set for the same day, but it was postponed until Dec. 7. It's unclear whether he has an attorney. The girl was with her parents Monday at the clothing factory where they and Utuy work. She had left her mother to give her father a cookie, and that's when prosecutors say Utuy attacked the girl, stabbing her multiple times with a knife. The attempted-murder charge stems from a separate attack on a woman at another factory in March. Prosecutors say Utuy stabbed the woman and fled. Utuy faces life in prison if convicted. ___ 12:10 p.m. A man has been charged with the stabbing death of a 3-year-old girl in a downtown Los Angeles factory in what police say was a random attack. Ricardo Utuy was charged Thursday with murder and attempted murder. His arraignment is set for later in the day. The girl was with her parents Monday at the clothing factory where they and Utuy work and had left her mother to give her father a cookie. That's when prosecutors say Utuy attacked the girl, stabbing her multiple times with a knife. The attempted-murder charge stems from a separate attack on a woman at another factory in March. Prosecutors say Utuy stabbed the woman and fled. It's unclear if Utuy has an attorney. He faces life in prison if convicted. ___ 11:30 a.m. Police say they've connected a man being held on suspicion of fatally stabbing a 3-year-old girl in downtown Los Angeles with another attack. The Los Angeles Police Department says an additional victim came forward after detectives released a photo of 34-year-old Ricardo Utuy. Utuy was arrested Monday after a 3-year-old girl was fatally stabbed at a garment factory where her parents worked. Police say the attack was random and that Utuy had only recently begun working at the facility. It's unclear if Utuy has an attorney. Detectives didn't provide details of the other alleged attack connected to Utuy, but said they're looking for additional victims. Man charged in toddler's random stabbing death, 2nd attack LOS ANGELES (AP) A Los Angeles man was charged Thursday with the stabbing death of a 3-year-old girl randomly attacked just steps from her parents at their workplace. Ricardo Utuy, 34, was charged with murder in the girl's death and attempted murder a separate attack on a woman in March. He was ordered held on $3 million bail. Utuy's arraignment had been set for Thursday, but it was postponed until Dec. 7. It's unclear if he has an attorney. This undated photo released by the Los Angeles Police Department shows Ricardo Augusto Utuy. Utuy was arrested on suspicion of fatally stabbing his co-worker's 3-year-old daughter at their workplace in downtown Los Angeles. (Los Angeles Police Department via AP) The 3-year-old girl, whom police called "Baby Ruby," was with her parents Monday at the clothing factory where they and Utuy work when she left her mother's side to give her father a cookie. That's when prosecutors say Utuy attacked the girl, stabbing her multiple times with a knife. The wounded girl made it back to her mother with Utuy close behind her before he fled, prosecutors said. Although 911 was called, the girl's mother flagged down an ambulance faster, and the girl was rushed to the hospital, where she died of her injuries, Los Angeles Police Capt. Julian Melendez said. He said Utuy had been working at the factory for a couple weeks and hadn't interacted much with the girl's parents. The attempted-murder charge against Utuy stems from an attack on a woman at another factory in March. Prosecutors said Utuy stabbed the woman and fled. Melendez said the woman reported the stabbing to police at the time, but investigators had very few details about Utuy and were unable to track him down. Although the woman came forward after police released a photo of Utuy, Melendez said Utuy separately told investigators he had previously stabbed a female co-worker and a man named Alex. Detectives are looking for the man. "It's a win to get somebody like this off the streets," Melendez said. As for the motive in the girl's stabbing, investigators have said Utuy was acting strangely beforehand, talking and laughing to himself, but they didn't immediately know why. Afghan officials: blast kills 9 people on way to wedding KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Afghan officials say a roadside blast has killed at least nine civilians on their way to a wedding in the northern Faryab province. Javed Dedar, a spokesman for the provincial governor, says the roadside explosion killed 11 people and wounded 12 others on Thursday, among them women and children. He says it is unclear if the civilians, who were travelling to a wedding, hit a roadside mine or were targeted by mortar fire. Dedar says the bride was wounded. Lawmaker Ahmad Tahyanj says nine people were killed and 11 were wounded in the blast, which took place at 2 p.m. Mohammad Tahir Rahmani of the Faryab provincial council puts the toll at 10 people killed, nine wounded. 4 presidential contests haven't produced a winner right away Four presidential elections dating back to 1800 failed to produce a clear winner after an initial count of the votes. Regardless of the national popular vote tally, it takes a majority of the Electoral College now 270 votes to elect a president. Here's what happened when no candidate appeared to have a majority after Election Day: ___ 1800 The Constitution did not initially provide for separate Electoral College votes for president and vice president. Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr were running on the Democratic-Republican party ticket for president and vice president, and tied with 73 electoral votes each. The responsibility for choosing the president shifted to the House of Representatives, where each state delegation cast one vote. It took 36 ballots and much intrigue before Delaware abstained from the vote and allowed Jefferson to muster a bare majority to become president. The 12th Amendment would be ratified in time for the 1804 election, requiring electors to cast two votes one for president and the other for vice president. 1824 Andrew Jackson had a popular-vote plurality and the lead in electoral votes, but no majority, after the ballots were counted. Under the 12th Amendment, the House again was to make the final choice among the top three candidates Jackson, John Quincy Adams and William Crawford, then the treasury secretary. Jackson and his supporters thought that as the leading vote-getter, the hero of the Battle of New Orleans should be elected. But House Speaker Henry Clay, who was no fan of Jackson, threw his support to Adams and ensured his election. Clay became Adams' secretary of state, drawing bitter complaints that they had struck a "corrupt bargain." 1876 This was the second election in which the popular-vote winner, and the leader in the Electoral College, did not become president. Democrat Samuel Tilden topped Republican Rutherford Hayes and was one vote shy of an Electoral College majority. Twenty electoral votes were in dispute and not awarded to either man. The controversy, wrapped in race and Reconstruction politics, dragged on. Congress created an electoral commission made up of five senators, five representatives and five Supreme Court justices to determine the winner. The commission, though, had eight Republicans and seven Democrats, and ultimately awarded the contested votes to Hayes as part of an informal compromise that led to the withdrawal of troops from the South and the end of Reconstruction. Fending off Trump, Clinton tries to secure Midwest blue wall WASHINGTON (AP) Hillary Clinton is rushing to secure Michigan and bolster the Democrats' vaunted blue wall of upper Midwestern states that have backed the party's presidential nominee for two decades, sending in reinforcements as Donald Trump aims to blow up the former secretary of state's path to 270 electoral votes. Clinton on Friday planned to rally Democrats in Detroit, where a large turnout of black voters have long been crucial to success, following up on a last-minute meeting by former President Bill Clinton with black ministers on Wednesday night. Clinton's campaign has noted that both Michigan and Pennsylvania do not have in-person early voting, requiring them to intensify turnout efforts in the days leading up to Tuesday's election. But the late focus on Michigan, which has not received extensive attention from Clinton during the campaign, underscored Democratic concerns that Trump was gaining in a state that hasn't backed a Republican presidential candidate since 1988. Former President Bill Clinton talks with Eastern Market Brewing Co. co-founders Dayne Bartscht, left, of Ann Arbor, and Paul Hoskin, of Detroit, inside the Germack Coffee Roasting Co., Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, prior to his wifes campaign visit Friday afternoon. (Todd McInturf/The Detroit News via AP) Trailing in several battleground states, Trump's fortunes have improved since FBI Director James Comey's stunning announcement that the bureau was looking into emails that may be related to the investigation into Clinton's use of a private server. The GOP nominee still faces a treacherous path to the White House. Given the current state of the political map, even victories in ultra swing states like Ohio and Florida would not guarantee Trump the presidency. In order to overtake Clinton, Trump would need to win several battleground states if he fails to pick off a blue-collar state like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Combined, those three states account for 46 electoral votes. But if Trump managed to win one of these states, it opens more pathways for him to overtake Clinton, who would need to rely more heavily on swing states. In addition to Detroit, Clinton was campaigning Friday in Pittsburgh and Cleveland while Trump planned a campaign stop in Hershey, Pennsylvania on Friday night. In a sign of the urgency, the candidates and outside groups have shuffled advertising money in the final few days to emphasize Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and Michigan places with only same-day voting. Clinton and the main super PAC helping her are spending at least $8 million in Pennsylvania, while Trump and super PACs aiding him have about $2.5 million on the air. In Michigan, a state that had seen no major advertising during the general election, both candidates' buys are approaching $1 million. Clinton's team roughly doubles Trump's ad spending this week in New Hampshire. In Detroit, Bill Clinton met privately with black ministers, community leaders, members of the state's congressional delegation and the city's Democratic mayor, Mike Duggan, "to galvanize support for Hillary and Democrats up and down the ballot," Clinton's campaign said. Voter turnout in Detroit, especially among African-Americans, is pivotal to Democrats in the state. Detroit's metropolitan region typically accounts for nearly half of the Democratic vote in statewide elections. While Obama carried Michigan by comfortable margins in both 2008 and 2012, polls have shown Clinton with a single-digit lead over Trump. Hillary Clinton's trip to Michigan will be the latest by a Democratic nominee since 2004, when John Kerry visited Detroit the day before the election. Kerry won the state by 3 percentage points. In his two campaigns, President Barack Obama easily carried Michigan twice, by 16 points in 2008 and nearly 10 points in 2012. Republicans said the race has tightened in suburban Detroit, especially Oakland County, home to thousands of traditional Republicans, and Macomb County, home to working-class white voters who were known as "Reagan Democrats" in the 1980s. "Michigan is definitely in play," said Dan Pero, chief of staff to former Michigan Gov. John Engler, a Republican. "You began to see Republican movement this week. And the Trump message plays very well in rural and working-class Michigan. We're seeing state numbers showing the race in low single digits." The race was never expected to be a landslide, said Amy Chapman, a senior adviser to Obama's two statewide races. Clinton has advertised very little in Michigan, but has revived her ad campaign, as any campaign with the fundraising advantage the Democratic nominee would, Chapman said. "They wouldn't put all the resources into the state that they have," Chapman said, referring to the staff Clinton has assembled there. "You don't do that in a state where you don't think you're going to have to run a robust campaign." __ Beaumont reported from Prole, Iowa. Associated Press writers David Eggert in Lansing, Michigan, and Julie Bykowicz in Washington contributed to this report. Former President Bill Clinton hugs an a shy Jordan Queen, left, 12, and her mother, Patrice Brown, 36, both of Detroit, inside the Germack Coffee Roasting Co., Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, prior to his wifes campaign visit, Friday afternoon in Detroit. (Todd McInturf/The Detroit News via AP) Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci) Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Pitt Community College in Winterville, N.C., Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Man convicted of killing Marine's wife in California SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) A former Marine who confessed to strangling a 19-year-old woman and tossing her body into a California desert mine shaft has been convicted of first-degree murder. Twenty-seven-year-old Christopher Brandon Lee was convicted Thursday in San Bernardino. He's facing life in prison without chance of parole. Lee pleaded not guilty to killing Erin Corwin, the wife of another Marine, in June of 2014. But a few days ago at trial, Lee said he strangled Corwin in a fit of anger and threw the body down a 140-foot-deep abandoned mineshaft near Joshua Tree National Park. Friends told investigators that Corwin believed she was pregnant and Lee might be the father. Authorities say Lee wanted to hide the affair. Pension reforms 'will leave most people worse off in long-term' Pension reforms introduced this year will leave most people worse off in the long-term, according to the public spending watchdog. The new system, which was introduced in April, does away with pension top ups in favour of a flat rate. But the reforms mean that in 2060 three quarters of claimants will receive 15 a week less on average, the National Audit Office said. Pension reforms introduced this year will leave most people worse off in the long-term, according to the public spending watchdog Groups that lose out from the reforms have not been contacted directly to alert them to the financial hit they will take, its report warned. Despite hopes that the new system will allow people to plan more for their retirement by giving them certainty about their support from the state, the Department for Work and Pensions has had "limited success" in improving understanding and there is no evidence that it has encouraged extra savings, according to the NAO. When the changes came in, just 25% of working age people knew how they would be affected and just 18% knew what their state pension was likely to be, it added. Meg Hillier, who chairs the Public Accounts Committee, said: " The success of the new state pension depends on people being clear about how much they should expect when they stop working, so they can plan properly for their retirement. "Yet in spite of the department's communication campaign, over half of people who will be pensioners in the next ten years do not know how much their state pension is likely to be. "Some of these people are going to be surprised to find they do not qualify for the full flat rate." The new state pension covers men born on or after April 6 1951 and women born on or after April 6 1953. The previous system has been made up of two parts - the basic state pension as well as the additional state pension, which is extra money on top of the basic state pension. It has a single-tier rate, of 155.65 a week. Usually people will need at least 10 years of qualifying National Insurance (NI) contributions to get any state pension - and 35 years of contributions to get the full amount. The new system was brought in a year earlier than planned and its introduction was successfully managed by the DWP, the watchdog said. But it found that it initially took longer to process claims and digital systems have been delayed. DWP is now expecting to make much smaller operational savings than originally planned down from 341 million to 73 million. Around 407,000 people are expected to claim the new state pension this financial year and the system cost 89bn last year, according to the NAO. Amyas Morse, head of the National Audit Office, said: "The department's implementation of the new state pension so far represents value for money. Reforming pensions is, however, a long-term endeavour. "The department has yet to reintroduce its plans for the digital administration of pensions, and achieving the longer-term objectives of the new state pension will depend on how it interacts with wider reform of the pensions system. Both these key areas will need to be tackled to achieve value for money as the reforms develop." A DWP spokesman said: "As this report makes clear, we've successfully delivered the new state pension on time and on budget. We're committed to helping people plan better for retirement which is why we widely communicated changes to the state pension - almost 80% of people have said they were fully aware of any changes ten years before reaching state pension age. "We've also prioritised digital pension statements to coincide with the implementation of the new state pension and encourage people to start planning early for retirement." Liberal Democrat pensions spokeswoman Cathy Bakewell said: "We have seem time again that the Government is failing to give people decent information about their retirement, from women who were unaware their pension age had gone up to retirees receiving far less than they anticipated from their pensions. "The flat rate pension reforms put in place by Liberal Democrat Steve Webb in Coalition have helped simplify the system, but far more work needs to be done to ensure people plan properly for their retirement. "The Government should start by ensuring that anyone within 10 years of their retirement is given a clear guide to how much they can expect from the State Pension, and are signposted to advice that can help them manage their savings, enabling them to plan for later life." Paul Green from Saga said: "The new state pension was hailed as both simplifying the system to enable people to plan for their retirement, but also as a better pension upon which people could rely. Kate wows in white as she walks red carpet for A Street Cat Named Bob premiere The Duchess of Cambridge has walked the red carpet for the world premiere of a heartfelt film about two friends - a man and his cat - who have transformed each other's lives. A Street Cat Named Bob dramatises the lives of former homeless busker James Bowen and Bob the cat - familiar characters around central London - who helped each other back on to the road to a better life. Their story was turned into a book by Bowen and became an international hit, selling more than three million copies, and now a film - starring Bob as himself - is being released about their journey. The Duchess of Cambridge attending the world premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob Kate, who wore an outfit by Self Portrait, met the pair and members of the cast and crew before the premiere at Curzon Mayfair cinema - in one of London's most exclusive areas. Waiting at the end of the line of guests were Bowen and Bob, sat on a red cushion on a plinth, and as Kate gently stroked the cat's head she chatted to his owner. When she bent down to look at the cat, who appeared more interested in the flashes coming from the photographers' camera, she turned to Bowen and asked "is he growling or purring" and he joked that he did not know. Bowen's story began in 2007 when the recovering drug addict found a stray ginger tomcat injured and sick and curled up in the hallway of his sheltered accommodation in Tottenham, north London. Bowen was living a hand-to-mouth existence on the streets of London and the last thing he needed was a pet, but he decided to nurse the intelligent tomcat, whom he quickly christened Bob. The cat followed him everywhere, as he does to this day, sitting on his shoulders with his trademark scarf, and they soon became inseparable. But Bob, thought to be 11 years old, was also good for his busking in Covent Garden, with the public stopping to stroke the cat, chat and listen to the music. Taking on the cat was more than just a gesture of compassion, as the former rough sleeper believes it was a turning point in his life. He said: "He showed me that everybody has a second chance if they want to take it. "He made me feel, instead of just existing, it was worth changing my life and getting clean because I had to take care of him and in turn it made me take care of myself." Speaking about the success of his book, which has led to children's spin-offs and now the film, he added: "It's wonderful to be an advocate for things like homelessness charities like the Big Issue Foundation and animal things like the Blue Cross and the Cats Protection League - raising money for all of these things and awareness." Ewan McGregor chooses life again in trailer for Trainspotting sequel The trailer for the long-awaited Trainspotting sequel has been released, 20 years after the original film was in cinemas. The preview of T2 Trainspotting, which reunites director Danny Boyle with stars Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle and Ewen Bremner, opens with McGregor's Mark Renton returning to Edinburgh to see his friends again. Over the strains of Underworld's hit Born Slippy, which featured prominently in the 1996 film, Renton revives his bitter "choose life" motto but with modern references - "Choose Facebook, choose Twitter, choose Instagram and hope that someone, somewhere, cares". T2 Trainspotting will be released in UK cinemas on January 27 (Sony Pictures Releasing/PA) He also refers to choosing reality TV, slut-shaming, revenge porn and zero-hour contracts, before saying: "Choose to smother the pain with an unknown dose of an unknown drug." The first film, which followed a group of heroin addicts and explored urban poverty, was based on the novel of the same name by Irvine Welsh, while the sequel is based on his book Porno. In the trailer for the sequel, Renton tells his former love interest Diane Coulston, played by Kelly Macdonald, that he does not take heroin any more, but there are multiple scenes of drug use in the trailer, as well as fighting and dancing. Renton's narration ends with: " You're an addict so be addicted, just be addicted to something else. Choose the ones you love, choose your future, choose life." Sir Philip Green 'offers 250m for BHS pension deficit' Sir Philip Green is thought to have offered 250 million to help plug BHS's pension deficit, 100 million less than the Pensions Regulator has demanded. On Wednesday, the pensions watchdog began enforcement action against Sir Philip and serial bankrupt Dominic Chappell, to whom the retail tycoon sold the firm for 1, "to seek redress on behalf of the BHS pension schemes". When BHS collapsed in April, it was left with a 571 million pension deficit and the scheme has fallen into the Pension Protection Fund (PPF). Sir Philip Green pledged to MPs in June that he would "sort" the retailer's pension problem The Pensions Regulator is reportedly pursuing a payment of 350 million, while the billionaire is only willing to part with 250 million, according to the BBC. Sir Philip pledged to MPs in June that he would "sort" the retailer's pension problem, but no deal between the Topshop tycoon and the Pensions Regulator has emerged. In a statement, the watchdog said it has started enforcement action because it has yet to receive a "sufficiently credible and comprehensive offer" from Sir Philip. It sent warning notices to Sir Philip and his holding company Taveta, as well as Mr Chappell and his firm Retail Acquisitions Ltd. Sir Philip immediately rebuffed the claims. He said: "I have provided the regulator with what I believe to be a credible and substantial proposal, with evidence and bank confirmation of cash availability, which would prevent the scheme from entering the Pension Protection Fund. "This is in order to achieve a better outcome for the BHS pensioners." However, Commons Work and Pensions Committee chairman Frank Field, who has led the charge against Sir Philip, demanded that he "make his proposal public". Relationship between Heathrow and Government borders on corrupt, says Goldsmith Former Tory MP Zac Goldsmith has accused the Government and Heathrow Airport of having a relationship that "borders on the corrupt". Mr Goldsmith, who resigned last week as an MP in protest at the Government's Heathrow expansion plans, forcing a by-election which he is fighting on a campaign of opposition to the move, said the interaction between the airport and Whitehall was "rotten". He told LBC: "I think the relationship between Heathrow and Government is bordering on the corrupt. Zac Goldsmith quit as an MP in protest at the Government's Heathrow expansion plans "And I'll put it into context. "A year ago I was lobbying the infrastructure minister Lord Deighton, and I was lobbying him on this issue of Heathrow expansion, and he responded very politely and took a few notes. "A few months later he was the chairman of Heathrow. "And that is true all the way through. "You've got the former head of comms at Number 10, now the head of comms at Heathrow. "Former head of comms at Heathrow now the head of comms at the Department for Transport, and I could spend an hour giving you other examples. "I think there is a problem. It's not a Conservative Party problem. This was true under Gordon Brown, and the Tony Blair government before that. The relationship between the two is rotten. "The revolving door is spinning wildly, and sometimes it is hard to know where Heathrow ends and Government begins. "And that's why you've always had this default position in favour of Heathrow. "Why is it that we have this institutional obsession with a solution that is a non-solution and can't be delivered? It's very hard to explain, except through the lens of corrupted relationships." Asked about Mr Goldsmith's allegation of corruption, a Downing Street spokesman said: "We reject that entirely." The Number 10 spokesman added: "The Airports Commission was absolutely clear that Heathrow is the best option for airport expansion in the South East. "We took our time to look at that report, we commissioned extra work to go alongside that. "That has been very carefully scrutinised and we are absolutely of the opinion that Heathrow is the place where airport expansion should take place." A spokeswoman for Heathrow Airport said: "This is absolutely untrue. "The Government's decision follows the most in-depth study of aviation expansion in a generation, the independent experts of the Airports Commission unanimously and unambiguously supported Heathrow's plans for expansion. Merkel says Swiss, British need separate deals on EU ties BERLIN/ZURICH, Nov 2 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that European Union talks with Switzerland on the free movement of people should not be linked in any way to the negotiations with Britain over its exit from the EU. Her comments after talks with visiting Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann put the neighbours on the same page in seeking a tailor-made solution for Switzerland as it seeks to curb immigration from the EU, a hot button topic in Britain too. Any concessions the EU grants non-member Switzerland will be closely watched for clues of what Britain might expect as it prepares to renegotiate its ties with the bloc following its June 23 referendum vote to leave. "If I tried to put myself in the shoes of a Swiss citizen, I wouldn't be pleased if it was suddenly cast in a new light because of another decision in another country," Merkel told a joint news conference in Berlin. "That's why we should conduct these talks with Switzerland as if the Great Britain issue never existed. I can only say that the German position hasn't changed with Great Britain's decision. These are two completely different issues." Schneider-Ammann said he hoped a deal on free movement could emerge this year. The president had staked out a hard line before the meeting, insisting in a radio interview that the free movement dossier could not be linked to a broader treaty that Brussels wants to conclude with Bern. He said Switzerland would not be pressured into sacrificing its sovereignty. The EU wants to replace around 120 sector-specific bilateral treaties with a new "framework agreement" that would make the Swiss automatically adopt many new EU laws. Merkel said a comprehensive accord was needed at least in the medium term. Switzerland must implement next year the result of a 2014 referendum in which voters demanded quotas on EU workers. Such limits would violate bilateral treaties that give the Swiss enhanced access to the EU single market, their largest trading partner, in return for citizens' freedom of movement. Last month, the lower house of parliament passed a plan that includes hiring preferences but no quotas for workers already in Switzerland. The upper house is likely to take a similar line. If so, Schneider-Ammann said the upshot "could be that we are compatible with the EU's freedom of movement rules already". UK pensions regulator targets Green for BHS redress By James Davey LONDON, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Britain's Pensions Regulator on Wednesday formally began "enforcement action" against Philip Green, the former owner of BHS, to plug a hole in the collapsed department store's pension fund, saying the billionaire had failed to provide a credible offer. Green, 64, owned BHS for 15 years before he sold the loss-making 180-store chain to Dominic Chappell, a serial bankrupt with no retail experience, for one pound last year. BHS went into administration in April and the last of its stores closed in August. Some 11,000 jobs were lost. Green, whose Arcadia group owns a string of fashion chains including Topshop, sold BHS with a hole in its pension fund which had ballooned to 571 million pounds ($702 million) by the time it went into administration. If not filled, this will leave 20,000 BHS pensioners facing significant cuts to their income. Green told lawmakers in June he would resolve the pensions issue and in an interview with ITV News last month said there was some "light in the tunnel to a solution". However, the Pensions Regulator's Chief Executive Lesley Titcomb said on Wednesday: "We are yet to receive a sufficiently credible and comprehensive offer in respect of the BHS schemes." Green countered Titcomb's claim, saying he had made a decent offer. "I have provided the regulator with what I believe to be a credible and substantial proposal, with evidence and bank confirmation of cash availability, which would prevent the scheme from entering the Pension Protection Fund," he said. Green added he had also spoken to the chairman of the BHS pension trustees who was supportive of the proposal. Following its investigation the regulator has now sent 'Warning Notices' - statements of its case - to Green, his holding companies, Taveta Investments Limited and Taveta Investments (No. 2) Limited, to Chappell and to his vehicle Retail Acquisitions Limited. Each notice runs to more than 300 pages and sets out the arguments and evidence as to why the regulator believes the respondent should be liable to support the BHS pension schemes. The notices set out evidence to support the use of both the regulator's Contribution Notice (CN) and Financial Support Direction (FSD) powers. A CN demands a specified sum of money and an FSD requires respondents to put ongoing support in place for a pension scheme, which must first be agreed with the regulator. "Our decision to launch enforcement action is an important milestone in our work to attain redress for the thousands of members of BHS schemes who have been placed in this position through no fault of their own," said Titcomb. "If parties wish to approach us with settlement offers, that course remains open to them," she added. The regulator's move will likely rekindle the debate over whether Green should retain his knighthood, awarded in 2006 for services to retail. Philippine fishermen put Duterte diplomacy to test, visit disputed shoal By Karen Lema SUBIC, Philippines, Nov 2 (Reuters) - On his first voyage as captain, Philippine fisherman Joel Banila was more worried about being battered by Chinese coastguard ships than he was about the impending storm on the horizon in the South China Sea. His was one of the first boats to gamble on the big catches on offer in and around the disputed Scarborough Shoal since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made surprise overtures towards China, which sees the area as its sovereign territory. For four years, Chinese ships have blockaded the tranquil lagoon rich in fish stocks and forced fishermen from the Philippines to travel further for smaller catches, reflecting tensions in the South China Sea where several countries have overlapping claims. Frosty relations between China and the Philippines have improved markedly, however, as Duterte shifts away from traditional ally the United States and closer to Beijing, and some fishermen have decided to take a calculated risk. "I felt a bit nervous because it was my first time serving as captain," 32-year-old Banila told Reuters, a day after making the 10-hour, 124-mile journey back to the shores of the northwest Philippines. "We heard what happened before, that they (Chinese ships) ram the boats, so I was moving slowly around the shoal but nothing happened." There has been considerable confusion at sea since Duterte's diplomatic shift, with China's foreign ministry saying this week that the situation at Scarborough Shoal "has not changed and will not change". Philippine officials said fishermen could return, but confirmed no agreement had been reached when Duterte visited Beijing two weeks ago in search of investment, trade, and unimpeded access to the shoal. Duterte's outreach has stunned the region, coming just months after an arbitration tribunal in The Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines in a case it lodged in 2013 to challenge not only China's control of the rocky outcrop, but the legality of its manmade islands and vast maritime claims. "We heard there was a (Philippine) boat there, so we also tried go to Scarborough," Banila said. MIXED MESSAGES The situation is far from certain at the shoal, which the arbitral ruling said should be shared by all claimants, and no one country had sovereign rights to it. China has rejected the tribunal's findings. The Philippine defence minister and the president's spokesman on Friday said Chinese ships had withdrawn from the area. Within two days, defence and coastguard officials said Chinese were still there, but had scaled back their presence since Duterte's visit. Some fishermen have returned with big smiles and bountiful catches, reporting no interference from the Chinese as they accessed the lagoon. Among them was Cornel Garnel, a shirtless fishermen who got back last week. "Before, when fishermen tried to fish there, they were driven away by water cannon," he said. Satellite imagery taken on Saturday by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative and The Center for Strategic and International Studies, however, showed fishermen were not entering the shoal itself and were working on its periphery, with China's coastguard still present. Banila said he spotted four Chinese ships, one at the mouth of the lagoon and three circling the area. His boat stayed outside, following the advice of other fishermen. "We were close enough for us to see them, but we can't go inside, only outside," he added. Laureano Artagame, a senior fisheries management official in Subic, said it was "unacceptable" that Chinese ships had let Filipinos shelter at the shoal during a typhoon, but made them leave afterwards. "There is already a decision by the international arbitral court... so why are the Chinese still there?" he said. "Yes, there's some leniency now, there's no more harassment. But there is still anxiety, they still worry." Artagame said the blockade meant fishermen had to be at sea three times longer to catch the kind of volumes of fish they would at Scarborough. He said fishermen were unhappy with the diplomatic ambiguity and he planned to meet representatives of Duterte's government soon to push for answers. "One of the things we will talk about ... is to really ask the government, is there a clear agreement opening the Scarborough?" he said. "And why are they still blocking the entrance?" France's Engie to shut Australia's dirtiest power plant By Sonali Paul MELBOURNE, Nov 3 (Reuters) - France's Engie said it will close Australia's dirtiest coal-fired power station in March 2017 as further investments in the ageing Hazelwood plant cannot be justified, and will look to sell two other Australian power plants. The long-anticipated move to close Hazelwood is the latest in a string of closures of coal-fired power stations in Australia amid a push toward cleaner energy and a drop in demand that has driven down electricity prices. "We have now reached the point where it is no longer economic to operate," Engie's Australian Chief Executive Alex Keisser said in a statement. Engie said it had considered a range of options to revamp the 52-year-old power station in southern Victoria state, including refueling it with natural gas, but that would have cost the company hundreds of millions of dollars. "Unfortunately, the power price today in Australia didn't make these options viable," Keisser told reporters. Engie said it was also putting its Loy Yang B coal-fired plant in Victoria and its Kwinana gas-fired plant in Western Australia up for sale as part of an effort to get out of fossil fuel-fired power. Hazelwood, Loy Yang B and Kwinana are all co-owned by Japan's Mitsui, which said in an emailed statement that it was also considering selling its stakes in Loy Yang B and Kwinana. Kwinana is also 30 percent owned by Thailand's Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding. The company was not immediately available to comment on its plans. An analyst estimated Loy Yang B, a 953-megawatt plant that is Victoria's newest and most efficient coal-fired generator, could fetch up to A$1.5 billion ($1.15 billion), while Kwinana, a 122-MW plant, could sell for around A$150 million. SECURITY CONCERNS The Hazelwood shutdown comes amid concern about secure power supplies following a statewide blackout in September in neighbouring South Australia state, triggered by a freak storm that led to the shutdown of wind farms and an interstate power link. Hazelwood provides up to 5 percent of electricity for Australia's national market. Australia's energy and environment minister Josh Frydenberg said he had been reassured by the country's energy market operator that "the reliability of the national electricity market will continue despite the closure of Hazelwood". "We're not worried about a security issue in Victoria, but we're wary about what it will do with prices," said Andrew Richards, chief executive of the Energy Users Association of Australia, which represents big businesses and industry. Modeling done for the state government found that retail power prices would rise by about 4 percent with the closure of Hazelwood. The power station burns brown coal, the dirtiest form of coal, dug from an open pit next to the plant which the company plans to turn into a lake, a process that will take around 12 years, Keisser said. In its most recent estimate, Engie expected rehabilitation of the mine would cost A$73 million, but Keisser said that it would take around two years to work out a rehabilitation plan and total cost. That will come on top of the A$150 million in redundancy costs that Engie and Mitsui have agreed to pay the 750 workers losing their jobs. An independent consultant estimated mine rehabilitation would cost between A$264 million and A$357 million, in a report to the government after a massive fire at the mine in 2014. Australia dominate opening day in Perth PERTH, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Australia ripped through South Africa's top order in the first hour, dismissed the tourists for 242 by tea and reached 105 without loss at close on the back of some Dave Warner fireworks on the opening day of the first test on Thursday. Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma scored battling half centuries for South Africa after they were reduced to 32-4 but there was no doubt the standout performers on the first day of the Australian cricketing summer were wearing baggy green caps. Left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, playing with an open wound on his leg after a nasty training accident that disrupted his preparations, struck in the first over and ended up with figures of 4-71. Fellow pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood pitched in with 3-70 and the Marsh brothers, Mitchell and Shaun, both took spectacular catches on their home ground. Warner, who provided some of the few highlights of Australia's recent one-day international series humiliation at the hands of the South Africans, then took the fight to the tourists with the bat. After a reprieve when he was lbw off a Vernon Philander no-ball, the pugnacious opener smashed the South African bowlers around the WACA, the ground where he announced his arrival as a test batsman with a brilliant 180 against India in 2012. The 30-year-old lefthander brought up his 21st test half century when he slashed the ball through extra cover for his 10th four off the 39th delivery he had faced and will resume on 73 alongside Shaun Marsh, unbeaten on 29. South Africa had arrived for the three-test series full of confidence after their limited-overs triumph and having emerged victorious on their last two visits to Australia with both trips featuring big wins at the WACA. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, they were soon reeling as Starc, Hazlewood and later Peter Siddle illustrated the WACA pitch was going to offer the traditional pace and bounce noticeably absent last year when West Indies visited. Opener Stephen Cook and Hashim Amla both departed without a run on the board, while Dean Elgar eked out 12 runs and JP Duminy 11 before they were sent packing. Faf du Plessis scored 37 in a partnership of 49 with Bavuma, who then put together another of 71 with De Kock after his captain had been dismissed in the second over after lunch. The diminutive Bavuma hit seven fours before he was dismissed by spinner Nathan Lyon for 51 two deliveries after reaching his third test half century, a diving Shaun Marsh diving low to scoop up the bat-pad catch. Romania - Factors to watch on Nov. 3 Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Romanian financial markets on Thursday. BOND TENDER Debt managers plan to sell 400 million lei ($98.73 million) worth of December 2022 treasury bonds series RO1522DBN056. UNEMPLOYMENT Romania's National Statistics Board will release September unemployment data. PPI Romanian industrial producer prices fell 1.5 percent on the year and edged up 0.2 percent on the month in September, data from the National Statistics Board showed on Wednesday. CEE MARKETS Central European currencies and stocks eased early on Wednesday as a tightening presidential race in the United States forced money out of riskier assets, while purchasing manager indices in Hungary and Poland both dropped. For the long-term Romanian diary, click on For emerging markets economic events, click on For an index of all diaries, click on PRESS DIGEST - Bulgaria - Nov 3 SOFIA, Nov 3 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. -- Bulgarian police and secret services officers raided Lesovo checkpoint on the border with Turkey, arresting 31 Bulgarian customs officers on suspicion of regularly taking bribes, prosecutors said. (Monitor, Standart, 24 Chasa, Trud) CAPITAL DAILY - Bulgaria's state energy firm NEK decreased its loss in the first nine months by 40 percent to 154 million levs ($87.54 million) when compared with the same period a year ago, but its dues to Russia's Rosatom over a canceled nuclear project are still weighing on the company, its 9-mo results report showed. Hong Kong can handle politicians' legal case without Beijing - lawyer By Venus Wu HONG KONG, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Hong Kong can handle an unprecedented city government legal attempt to bar two newly elected legislators promoting independence from China, a government lawyer said on Thursday, amid growing speculation Beijing would intervene in the case. The case of the pro-independence politicians who won seats in the city legislature in a September election has highlighted worries about Beijing's intervention in the former British colony despite promises of autonomy. The two politicians - Yau Wai-ching, 25, and Baggio Leung, 30 - displayed a "Hong Kong is not China" banner and used a derogatory word for China during a swearing in ceremony as Legislative Council members last month. They were not sworn in and the city's chief executive filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction against them getting another chance. Hong Kong's High Court struck down that request but approved a judicial review hearing over the pair's membership of the legislature, which began on Thursday. Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying signalled on Tuesday that Beijing might use a rarely invoked power to interpret the city's mini-constitution, known as the Basic Law, in the case. But government lawyer Benjamin Yu told the court Hong Kong could handle it. "It is the stance of the government  that the issue in question can and should be resolved within the Hong Kong SAR judicial system," Yu said, referring to Hong Kong by its official designation as a special administrative region of China. Media has reported the standing committee of China's National People's Congress, or parliament, would take up the issue when it meets in Beijing over coming days. The Standing Committee has interpreted the Basic Law four times since the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997, including once when neither the city government nor its courts requested it. Yu said authorities had sought confirmation from Beijing on whether an interpretation might happen, but they had not got a reply. "The Hong Kong SAR government has not requested the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to exercise its power of interpretation." Any intervention by Beijing in the case would increase concern about the financial hub's autonomy and vaunted legal system, legal officials say privately. The long-taboo issue of Hong Kong's independence began gaining momentum after Beijing refused to give any concessions during street protests in 2014 for full democracy. Yu said the two politicians used the swearing in ceremony "to advocate for Hong Kong independence" and did not comply with certain articles in the mini constitution. "If you do not believe Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China, you have no business in the Legislative Council," Yu said. The Basic law says Hong Kong is an "inalienable part" of China. Dozens of Afghan civilians, two US service members killed in clashes in north By Sardar Razmal KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Dozens of Afghan civilians were killed on Thursday in air strikes called in when U.S. and local troops came under heavy fire during an operation in the north of the country in which two American service members also died. Afghan officials said there was heavy fighting overnight in the village of Buz Kandahari, about 5 km (3 miles) from the centre of the city of Kunduz, which Afghan Taliban fighters succeeded in entering as recently as last month. Air strikes called in to protect U.S. and Afghan special forces conducting the operation caused heavy casualties. "Unfortunately more than 30 civilians, including women and children, were killed during the fighting. This was a horrible incident," said Asadullah Amarkhil, the governor of Kunduz, adding that dozens had been wounded. There were angry protests by civilians who brought the bodies of many of the dead into Kunduz, which saw major battles in early October. "These bodies you see here are either children or women, they are not Taliban. All innocent children and women killed here - look at the bodies there," said Gull Ahmad, pointing to the bodies of relatives who were killed in the strikes. In a statement, the U.S. military said the troops came under attack while working with Afghan partners to clear a Taliban militant position and disrupt the group's operations in the district around the city. "As part of an Afghan operation, friendly forces received direct fire and air strikes were conducted to defend themselves," said Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, of the NATO-led Resolute Support mission. "We take all allegations of civilian casualties very seriously." In a statement, the Taliban said American forces were involved in a raid to capture three militant fighters when they came under heavy fire. An air strike hit the village where the fighting was taking place, killing many civilians. U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said he was "deeply saddened" to learn that two U.S. service members had been killed and four injured in Afghanistan. "Our service members were doing their part to help the Afghans secure their own country while protecting our homeland from those who would do us harm," he said in a statement. According to Pentagon data, 1,832 other U.S. service members have been killed in action in Afghanistan since 2001, when U.S.-backed forces toppled the Taliban regime. KUNDUZ SECURITY IN PERIL The violence underlines the precarious security situation around Kunduz, which Taliban fighters came close to over-running last month, a year after briefly capturing it in their biggest success of the 15-year-long war. While the city itself was secured, the insurgents control large surrounding areas. The U.S. military gave no details of the identity of the two personnel killed, their units or the circumstances of their deaths. Although U.S. combat operations against the Taliban largely ended in 2014, special forces units have repeatedly engaged in fighting while assisting Afghan troops. Masoom Hashemi, deputy police chief in Kunduz province, said police were checking if any of the dead had Taliban links. Thousands of U.S. soldiers remain in Afghanistan as part of the Resolute Support training and assistance mission and a separate counterterrorism mission. The deaths come a month after another U.S. service member was killed on an operation against Islamic State fighters in the eastern province of Nangarhar. Islamic State leader says "no retreat" from Mosul assault By Stephen Kalin and Dominic Evans KOKJALI/BAGHDAD, Iraq, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi told his followers on Thursday there could be no retreat in a "total war" against the forces arrayed against them, as advancing soldiers battled into their northern Iraqi stronghold of Mosul. Expressing confidence that his Islamic State fighters would prevail against Shi'ite Muslims, Western "crusaders" and Sunni "apostate" countries Turkey and Saudi Arabia, Baghdadi called on the jihadists fighting in Mosul to "wreak havoc". "This raging battle and total war, and the great jihad that the state of Islam is fighting today only increases our firm belief, God willing, and our conviction that all this is a prelude to victory," Baghdadi said in an audio recording released online by supporters. Iraqi regular troops and special forces, Shi'ite militias, Kurdish peshmerga fighters and other groups backed by U.S.-led air strikes launched a campaign two weeks ago to retake Mosul. Winning back the city would signal the defeat of the Iraqi half of a crossborder caliphate which Baghdadi declared from the pulpit of a Mosul mosque two years ago. Islamic State also holds large parts of neighbouring Syria. In his first audio message released in nearly a year, Baghdadi called on the population of Mosul's Nineveh province "not to weaken in the jihad" against the "enemies of God". He also called on the group's suicide fighters to "turn the nights of the unbelievers into days, to wreak havoc in their land and make their blood flow as rivers". Those tempted to flee should "know that the value of staying on your land with honour is a thousand times better than the price of retreating with shame". ROCKET FIRE Shortly after Baghdadi's speech was released at around 2 a.m., residents said heavy explosions shook eastern Mosul. One said the militants fired dozens of rockets towards the Intisar, Quds and Samah districts where soldiers have been closing in. "We heard the sounds of rockets firing one after the other and saw them flashing through the air. The house was shaking and we were terrified, not knowing what was taking place." Fighters were on the street, unusually showing their faces, he said. "They were saying 'We will fight till death. The caliph gave us a morale boost to fight the infidels'," he said. nL8N1D42Y1] Another witness from the Hadba neighbourhood of north Mosul said that Islamic State vehicles patrolled the area and blasted out Baghdadi's speech, urging fighters to hold their positions. Outside the city's eastern limits, hundreds of civilians streamed out, packed into cars, pickups and trucks, waving white flags and hooting horns. Cows and sheep also filled the road from Kokjali, on the eastern edge of Mosul. Fleeing residents said there had been heavy mortar fire launched by retreating Islamic State fighters. By mid-morning, a Reuters correspondent in Kokjali saw smoke rising from inside Mosul but there were no sounds of fighting. After special forces broke through Islamic State defensive lines in the east this week, troops from the army's Ninth Armoured Division breached the southeastern perimeter of the city on Thursday, advancing towards the Mithaq and Intisar neighbourhoods, a colonel in the division said. Four soldiers were killed when two armoured personnel carriers were hit by rocket and mortar fire, he said. Despite the heavy resistance, the soldiers made advances during the day, according to a military statement later on Thursday. A senior special forces commander said troops were fighting in four neighbourhoods in the east, and if they made further progress they might try to sweep through the eastern half of the city all the way to the River Tigris, bypassing some districts. "If I want to speed up the operation, we may not take some areas and instead isolate them to prevent movement. That would reduce the time needed to reach the right bank," Lieutenant-General Abdul Ghani al-Assadi, commander of Iraq's elite Counter Terrorism Service (CTS), told Reuters. The exact location of Baghdadi, an Iraqi whose real name is Ibrahim al-Samarrai, is not clear. Reports have said he may be in Mosul itself, or in Islamic State-held land to the west of the city, close to the border with Syria. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said intelligence suggested that Baghdadi had "vacated the scene", but he did not say where the Islamic State leader had gone to. Mosul still has a population of 1.5 million people, much more than any of the other cities captured by Islamic State two years ago in Iraq and Syria. Iraqi troops and Kurdish peshmerga fighters have closed in on it for two weeks from the north, from the eastern Nineveh plains and up the River Tigris from the south. The Hashid Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) forces of mainly Shi'ite militias joined the campaign on Saturday, launching an offensive to cut off any supply or escape to the west. The leader of the Badr Organisation, the largest of the Popular Mobilisation militias, said his forces would cut off the main western supply route on Thursday, leaving Islamic State surrounded. A spokesman for the militias later said they had made progress but had not closed off the western flank, and had seen from a distance some cars leaving Mosul. Senior Kurdish politician Hoshiyar Zebari said that Islamic State blew up parts of a bridge over the Tigris linking the two sides of Mosul, to try to prevent fighters abandoning the eastern districts. "It's the most important bridge for them because it leads to their headquarters and residential areas (on the western side)," he told Reuters. Residents said there had been two explosion at the bridge, stopping traffic in both directions. TARGETING TURKEY AND SAUDI In his speech, Baghdadi called for attacks on Turkey and Saudi Arabia, saying the Sunni countries had both sided with the enemy in a war targeting Sunni Islam. Islamic State fighters should "unleash the fire of their anger" on Turkish troops fighting them in Syria, and take the battle into Turkey. "Turkey entered the zone of your operations, so attack it, destroy its security, and sow horror within it. Put it on your list of battlefields. Turkey entered the war with the Islamic State with cover and protection from Crusader jets," he said referring to the U.S.-led air coalition. Baghdadi also told his followers to launch "attack after attack" in Saudi Arabia, targeting security forces, government officials, members of the ruling Al Saud family and media outlets, for "siding with the infidel nations in the war on Islam and the Sunna (Sunni Muslims) in Iraq and Syria". Islamic State has been on the retreat since last year in both Iraq and Syria, in the face of a myriad of different forces seeking to crush the hardline group. Lebanon's Berri signals to cooperate with new govt formation BEIRUT, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri indicated on Thursday he was ready to cooperate in efforts to set up a new government expected to be led by Sunni politician Saad al-Hariri, softening earlier objections that threatened to hold up its formation. Berri, head of the Amal Movement, is one of the most influential figures in Lebanon and his previous opposition to the deal that saw Michel Aoun elected head of state this week was seen as an obstacle to forming the new government. Norwegian police to release Hexagon CEO Rollen from custody OSLO, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Norwegian police will release the chief executive of Swedish measurement technology firm Hexagon from custody no later than Saturday, Senior Public Prosecutor Marianne Bender said on Thursday. CEO Ola Rollen was detained in Sweden on Oct. 26 on suspicion of insider trading and was transferred to Norway at the request of authorities. He denies wrongdoing and has not been charged. Bender told Reuters: "The investigation will go on at full strength after the release ... it's too early to say how long the investigation will continue." Rollen said in a statement he plans to resume his position as head of Hexagon. "I feel confident that I am not guilty of any illegal insider trading. Going forward, I will fully cooperate with the Norwegian authorities in their investigations, and I hope for a swift conclusion. I am looking forward to resuming my duties as CEO of Hexagon AB," he said. Hexagon's shares fell by 10 percent on the day the news was announced, and had fallen further since. By 1329 GMT on Thursday the share traded 2 percent higher for the day. Rollen, one of Sweden's most successful chief executives, is accused of insider trading in connection with an investment in Norwegian company Next Biometrics ASA in October last year, a transaction that did not involve Hexagon. Rollen's Norwegian lawyer Erik Keiserud said he saw no grounds for suspicion against his client. Earlier on Thursday, an appeals court rejected a request by Rollen for an immediate release, saying the police evidence gave cause for suspecting that a crime had been committed. Hexagon Chairman Melker Schorling reiterated his support for Rollen in a separate statement. The company also said Rollen would resume his duties as CEO as soon as possible and that Hexagon in the coming days would announce a date and time when Rollen would "address stakeholders". Swiss attorney general halts Iran talks political espionage case ZURICH, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Switzerland's attorney general has halted an investigation into suspected political espionage at a Geneva hotel, which was opened a month after talks on Iran's nuclear plans took place. There was a lack of evidence about the people behind the spying, the Office of the Attorney (OAG, said. It opened criminal proceedings in May 2015 after malware was discovered on computers in the hotel. "Investigations revealed that a significant number of computers (servers and clients) at a hotel in Geneva had been infected with a form of malware," OAG said in a statement on Thursday. "This malware was developed for the purposes of espionage, and is basically used to gather data from the computers infected." A source said the malware was discovered on computers at the Hotel President Wilson, where talks on Iran's nuclear work had taken place a month before, following a tip off from the Swiss intelligence services. Canada allows more foreign investment in airlines, wants competition By Allison Lampert MONTREAL, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Canada will lift foreign investment limits for Canadian airlines to 49 percent from 25 percent, a change that should spur competition and lower fares by encouraging the launch of low-cost airlines, its transport minister said on Thursday. Air Canada shares fell 3.2 percent while WestJet Airlines Ltd slipped 1.4 percent following the news, though analysts said a flood of new low-cost competitors is unlikely given the country's high aviation taxes and charges. Consumer advocates have long complained that limited competition, high fares and airport fees make Canada a comparatively expensive country for air travel. "I expect fares to go down because of competition, and I expect more destination choices for Canadians," Transport Minister Marc Garneau said in Montreal. The rules still prohibit a foreign individual or single group of international investors from owning more than 25 percent of a Canadian carrier. WestJet Chief Executive Gregg Saretsky said the airline was disappointed the Canadian government had not done more to review aviation taxation and aviation infrastructure costs. Air Canada also called on the government to address high Canadian ticket taxes and other fees. Garneau told reporters he would look at airport rents and security fees but made no commitments. STARTUPS WELCOME CHANGE Although the new rules had not yet taken effect, Garneau will allow startups Canada Jetlines and Enerjet to seek additional foreign investment immediately. Enerjet Chief Commercial Officer Darcy Morgan said this will help in its talks with Arizona-based Indigo Partners LLC, whose managing partner Bill Franke is considered one of the most influential investors in low-cost airlines. Indigo was not immediately available for comment. "Enerjet has just found the lift it needs to fly," said aviation industry consultant Robert Mann. Jim Scott, Chief Executive of B.C.-based Canada Jetlines, said the change will help his talks with Asian and European investors to attract an estimated C$50 million ($37.35 million)to start and expand airline service in 2017. "Now we're able to go back and engage with them seriously," he said. The startups, however, must still contend with the challenges of a higher-cost market in which many carriers have failed. "The difficulty start-ups have had in getting off the ground is not for lack of capital but rather, concerns about the risks of a new ultra low-cost carrier business model," wrote RBC Dominion analyst Walter Spracklin in a note to clients. Delta Air Lines declined to comment on the changes. The U.S. airline has previously expressed interest in Canada, fueling speculation that it could take a stake in WestJet. Kenya's Equity Bank sees mobile banking growth offsetting rate cap By George Obulutsa NAIROBI, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Kenya's Equity Bank Group said on Thursday strong growth in its mobile banking business would help offset the country's cap on lending rates, after posting an 18 percent rise in its January-September pretax profits. The government in the East African nation capped commercial lending rates at 4 percentage points above the central bank's lending rate in September, spooking foreign investors, who sold off bank shares. Equity's pretax profit rose to 21.5 billion shillings ($211.8 million) in the first nine months of this year as net interest income surged by a third. Equity also offers mobile phone banking, including lending, through its subsidiary Equitel. Chief Executive Officer James Mwangi told an investor briefing the volume of loans disbursed on its mobile platform had leapt to 30 billion shillings at the end of September from 1.6 billion shillings in the same period in 2015. "I think that it has had significant reward (for) the bank," Mwangi said. The bank also said it expected growth in deposits to continue at a double digit percentage rate. "Digitisation and launch of Eazzy pay and Eazzy Biz are likely to have current account and transaction floats (volumes) increase significantly," it said in a statement, referring to its mobile phone and internet based services. Mwangi said while demand for private sector credit in Kenya could grow, banks may prefer to invest in government securities. "What we have done is reduced the risk premium in the market place such that lending and investment in government bonds are having the same yields," Mwangi said. Equity, which also operates in Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan and Rwanda, focuses on the low income segment of the market, marked by small individual deposits in many accounts. The lender, the biggest in Kenya by the number of depositors, said net interest income rose to 32.3 billion shillings from 25.6 billion in the year-earlier period. Total assets rose to 468 billion shillings, from 445.75 billion at the same time last year South Africa's Zuma faces no-confidence vote in corruption crisis By Wendell Roelf CAPE TOWN, Nov 3 (Reuters) - South Africa's Jacob Zuma faces a no-confidence vote in parliament next week with his presidency mired in crisis, after investigators documented allegations of government corruption and thousands of people took to the streets to demand he resign. The vote was called by the main opposition on Thursday following a report by the country's anti-corruption watchdog calling for a judicial inquiry into allegations of influence-peddling in the ANC government. The report was finally released after the president withdrew a court bid to delay its publication in the face of mass public protests. Police used stun grenades and water cannon to disperse protesters in Pretoria carrying "Zuma must go" placards. Mmusi Maimane, leader of the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), told a news briefing in Cape Town that the no-confidence debate and vote was scheduled for Nov. 10. "This motion should not be viewed as a partisan motion - we do not see it as a DA motion," he said. "I know there are ANC MPs and cabinet ministers who have had enough. They have an opportunity to actually do something about their anger next week Thursday." Zuma has survived his two previous no-confidence votes this year, largely backed by the support of his ANC (African National Congress) which controls about two-thirds of the assembly. A senior party official told Reuters that ANC lawmakers were unlikely to break ranks and support the motion this time round. But there have been widening fissures in the ruling party this year and growing discontent with the scandals that have plagued Zuma's presidency and played a role in the ANC suffering its worst electoral losses since the end of apartheid in municipal polls in August. The ANC's chief whip in parliament, Jackson Mthembu, last month urged Zuma to lead senior party officials in quitting their posts, saying fraud charges levelled against Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan were an abuse of power. The charges against Gordhan have since been dropped. Since taking office in 2009, Zuma has survived several corruption scandals. But the watchdog's report, public protests and no-confidence vote pile more pressure on the 74-year-old to resign than at any other time - and if he stays in power, they could embolden his rivals within the ANC to challenge him. The ANC said in a statement the report was a basis for the country to discuss the allegations and deal with its outcomes. GUPTA FAMILY The 355-page report by the constitutionally mandated watchdog - the Public Protector - is titled "State of Capture. It focused on allegations that the Gupta family of business tycoons influenced the appointment of ministers, and called for an investigation into whether Zuma, some of his cabinet members and some state companies acted improperly. It stopped short of saying crimes had been committed, saying it lacked the resources to reach such conclusions. But it said a judge must investigate a scandal that has rattled markets in Africa's most industrialised economy and increased the risk of ratings downgrades. Zuma denies granting undue influence to the brothers, who run a business empire from media to mining, or anyone else. His office has said he is considering the report and reserves the right to challenge its findings in court. The Guptas have denied seeking influence. They are studying the report and will defend themselves at the planned judicial inquiry, said their lawyer Gert van de Merwe. "We will participate and we will participate comprehensively," he told eNCA television, adding that the family had not been given the chance to give evidence to the Public Protector. The report raised questions over coal deals between South Africa's sole power utility Eskom and a Gupta-owned firm. The chief executive of Eskom, who was adversely mentioned in the report, said he was not given an opportunity by the watchdog to give his version of events. "I was never given an opportunity to explain myself by the Public Protector," said an emotional CEO Brian Molefe, adding that the anti-graft watchdog had painted him "with a corruption brush" without any basis for the allegations against him. U.S. deputy U.N. envoy to head Clooney Foundation for Justice By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS, Nov 3 (Reuters) - U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations David Pressman is set to become executive director of the new Clooney Foundation for Justice, set up by George and Amal Clooney, as well as a partner at the Boies, Schiller & Flexner law firm. After some two years as deputy to U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power, Pressman said he would leave on Friday and start his new roles on Monday. Before his role at the world body, he served as assistant secretary of homeland security, on the National Security Council and on U.S. President Barack Obama's Atrocity Prevention Board. Pressman said he looked forward to help building a foundation "focused on serving individuals who are being persecuted and individuals who are, by virtue of their circumstance, being denied the opportunity to access basic things like an education." "One of the things that both the Clooneys bring to the table is an ability to attract a lot of interested people and attention and resources to issues, individuals and causes the might not otherwise have it," Pressman told Reuters. The first project of the foundation is to help educate Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Pressman said the foundation would also look to "find a way of monitoring trials around the world in situations where individuals are being persecuted." Amal Clooney is an international human rights lawyer, who is currently representing Nadia Murad, a young Yazidi woman held captive and raped by Islamic State militants. Pressman previously worked with actor and activist George Clooney as co-founders of human rights advocacy group Not On Our Watch. During his time at the United Nations, Pressman said achievements included securing robust sanctions against North Korea in March after Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test and getting the issue of human rights in North Korea on the U.N. Security Council agenda. He also cited being able to convince the 15-member Security Council to denounce the mass shooting at a Florida gay nightclub as "targeting persons as a result of their sexual orientation," overcoming standard resistance to such language by African and Muslim states, as well as Russia. Boies, Schiller & Flexner said Pressman's work at the firm would focus on complex international disputes, litigation and arbitration, white-collar defense and crisis management. Boies, Schiller & Flexner Chairman David Boies has represented such high-profile clients as former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, the late New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and hedge fund billionaire Steven Cohen. Iran commands 25,000 Shi'ite fighters in Syria - Israeli official By Luke Baker JERUSALEM, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Iran now commands a force of around 25,000 Shi'ite Muslim militants in Syria, mostly made up of recruits from Afghanistan and Pakistan, the former head of Israel's domestic intelligence agency has told a visiting Swiss delegation. Avi Dichter, chair of Israel's foreign affairs and defence committee, told members of the Swiss parliament the Iranian-backed force was focused on fighting Sunni rebels opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, not Islamic State. "This is a foreign legion of some 25,000 militants, most of whom have come from Afghanistan and Pakistan," Dichter told the delegation during the briefing on Wednesday, according to details provided by his office. "They are fighting in Syria only against the rebels and not against ISIS." It was not clear what the source of Dichter's information was, but he receives intelligence briefings in his role. In Syria, Iran also has the support of the Lebanese militia Hezbollah, which has long experience in the region, particularly against Israel. It is not clear how many Hezbollah fighters are in Syria, but Dichter said 1,600 had been killed. "The Iranians enlisted Hezbollah ... to fight in Syria because the Iranian army is better suited to fight as an army against another army, while the Hezbollah militants are adept at fighting against terror groups," he said. "The fighting has made (Hezbollah) a better fighting force and more adept in conventional military warfare." The briefing covered the fallout from the conflict, including the flow of migrants and refugees to Europe. Dichter cautioned that European states should not be naive about who was attempting to enter their borders. Israel has long seen Iran as its greatest threat and campaigned hard against U.S.-led efforts to strike a nuclear deal with Tehran. At the same time, Israel frequently plays up the improving relations it has with some Sunni Arab states in the region, including Egypt and, to an extent, Saudi Arabia. Dichter told the delegation that Iran's "dream" was to rule the Islamic holy sites of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. "Everybody should ask themselves why the Iranians are building missiles with a range of 2,000 km, twice the distance (from their territory) to Israel," he said. "Egypt is also within their range, as is Saudi Arabia. Two thousands years ago, Iran was an empire and now it wants to recreate that." Myanmar to resume humanitarian aid to northern Rakhine-diplomats By Simon Lewis and Wa Lone SITTWE, Myanmar, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Myanmar has agreed to allow aid to resume to the troubled north of Rakhine state and permit international observers to monitor whether help is reaching people displaced by violence, diplomats on a mission to the area told reporters on Thursday. The diplomats, including the ambassadors of the United States and Britain and the top United Nations representative to the country, also called for an "independent and credible investigation" into attacks on security forces on Oct. 9 and the army operation launched in their aftermath. The mission spent two days in northern Rakhine, closed to aid workers and observers for more than three weeks, and visited several villages, but were not taken to the scene of some of the most serious allegations of abuses by troops against civilians. "There are four villages where people had apparently fled," U.S. Ambassador Scot Marciel told reporters. "We talked to two groups of villagers who haven't had any food for a while. So the government has agreed to restoring humanitarian assistance to them, which is a good step." Troops have flooded northern Rakhine since Oct. 9, when militants believed to be Rohingya Muslims attacked police border posts, killing nine officers. The government says five soldiers and at least 33 alleged insurgents have been killed in the military operation since then. Residents and human rights advocates have accused security forces of summary executions, rapes and setting fire to homes. The government of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi has denied any abuses have taken place. During a visit to Japan, Suu Kyi was quoted as saying that Myanmar was responding to the "delicate" conflict based on the rule of law. Renata Lok-Dessallien, the U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, said the government assured the visiting diplomats that humanitarian support would be provided to up to 15,000 people believed to have been displaced since Oct. 9. "We asked that international observation of the provision of the assistance be agreed to and the government agreed to this. The government also agreed to allow the programmes that were halted on the 9th of October to resume," she said, adding that the details of that resumption of aid were being worked out. The violence in recent weeks is the most serious to hit Rakhine since hundreds were killed in communal clashes in 2012. Myanmar's 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims are denied citizenship, with many majority Buddhists regarding them as illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh, and face severe travel restrictions. They form the majority in northern Rakhine. CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION Marciel said the group was able to visit many villages it wanted to see, talk to the residents, and see how people lived. They had seen some burned-down homes, he said. But the diplomats said the purpose of the mission - which was not accompanied by humanitarian staff, technical experts or independent journalists - was to stress the importance of access and transparency, not investigate reported abuses. "There's no way we have that capability," said Marciel. "That's why we said how important it is for Myanmar to have an independent, credible investigation that can look into these things more deeply." That contrasted with the portrayal of the mission by the state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar daily, which on Thursday ran a front-page story on the trip story headlined: "False accusations on violating human rights exposed to the world." A separate opinion piece in the newspaper criticised local and foreign media reporting of the allegations of abuses by the military for "working hand-in-glove with the perpetrators" of attacks on security forces and publishing "fabricated news". Some villagers on Wednesday crowded around the delegation and were able to independently talk to the members, handing over letters and electronic memory cards with testimonies, residents, monitors and delegation members told Reuters. Following the meeting the crowd was detained temporarily by security forces, the residents said. A local authority official said the diplomats had not been taken to U Shey Kya, a village where eight women have told Reuters they and dozens of others were raped or sexually assaulted by soldiers. A resident of U Shey Kya contacted by telephone said the villagers had waited for the delegation on Wednesday, but it did not arrive. The account was corroborated by Chris Lewa from Arakan Project, a monitoring group with a network of Rohingya sources in the villages. GRAINS-Wheat drops, soy edges up after U.S. export sales data By Michael Hirtzer CHICAGO, Nov 3 (Reuters) - U.S. wheat futures fell more than 1 percent and soybean prices rose slightly on Thursday, with each market taking cues from U.S. Department of Agriculture export sales data, traders said. Export sales of 2.5 million tonnes of U.S. soybeans and 1.47 million tonnes of corn were above analyst estimates. Wheat export sales of 234,900 tonnes fell below expectations and were the lowest so far during the marketing year that started June 1. Chicago Board of Trade December wheat eased 7 cents to $4.10-1/2 per bushel, further pressured by technical selling and abundant global grain supplies. CBOT January soybeans gained 1 cent to $9.87-1/2 per bushel, rebounding from a roughly two-week low, while CBOT December corn edged 3/4 cent lower to $3.45-1/2 as of 11:23 a.m. CDT (1723 GMT). "Soybeans are trading higher this morning, taking support from light fund buying and export sales data," Karl Setzer, analyst at MaxYield Cooperative, said in a note to clients. "One would think soybean sales at this level would give the commodity more support than it has, but the fact sales have been announced every day of the week, it's really not that surprising," Setzer added. USDA releases weekly sales data every Thursday, but also announces daily grain and oilseed sales when they are larger than 100,000 tonnes. The agency said a total of 120,000 tonnes of U.S. soybeans were sold to unknown destinations within the past 24 hours and 136,000 tonnes of corn was sold to South Korea and 432,000 tonnes of corn to Mexico. Traders during the past few days have evened positions to minimize risk ahead of Tuesday's U.S. presidential election and Wednesday's monthly USDA supply and demand report. "Expectations of higher yields in the USDA report have already been priced in," said Ole Houe, an analyst with brokerage IKON Commodities in Sydney, referring to the agency's monthly supply-demand report. "For soybeans we continue to see U.S. farmer selling and Chinese buying, it will be a surprise to see if there is more downside to the market." A drop in the U.S. dollar, as investors have been unsettled by a recovery in poll ratings for Republican Donald Trump against Democrat front runner Hillary Clinton, could also boost exports by making U.S. grain cheaper overseas. U.S. envoy chides Malaysia's Najib, says rhetoric sounded like Mahathir By David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON, Nov 3 (Reuters) - The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia chided Malaysia's prime minister on Thursday for reported comments critical of the West that "sounded a little bit more like" his predecessor Mahathir Mohamad, but said he did not see evidence of a tilt towards China. In an editorial published in the state-run China Daily newspaper on Wednesday, Malaysian premier Najib Razak said former colonial powers should not lecture nations they once exploited. The comments were seen as a veiled attack on the West as Najib looked to strengthen ties with China after the U.S. Justice Department filed lawsuits in July implicating him in a money laundering scandal. Asked about signs of Malaysia seeking a closer military relationship with China after Najib agreed in Beijing on Tuesday to buy four Chinese naval vessels, Daniel Russel, U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asia, told a news briefing: "I read something attributed to the prime minister in the People's Daily that sounded a little bit more like former prime minister Mahathir than current Prime Minister Najib, but OK, there may be some special circumstances. "As far as Malaysian purchases from China - that's not tilting to China, that making a commercial deal. Everybody does it. The very idea that third-country cooperation with China is somehow a bad thing, is adverse to our interests, it's ridiculous." Mahathir, known for his outspoken, anti-Western rhetoric, was once Najib's patron but turned against him in 2013 by criticizing the government's economic policies and friendliness with the West. Russel said U.S. ties with Malaysia had improved under President Barack Obama and noted that Obama's visit there in 2014 was the first by a U.S. president in 50 years. Russel said Washington welcomed improved relations between Southeast Asian countries and China, and this went too for the Philippines, which has been going through a period of strained ties with Washington under its new president, Rodrigo Duterte. Cabinet reshaped by Spain's Rajoy draws strong opposition criticism By Adrian Croft and Jesus Aguado MADRID, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy brought six new ministers into his cabinet on Thursday but opposition leaders said his new team showed no sign of being open to the dialogue his minority government will need to survive. The conservative Rajoy named a new, younger 13-member cabinet, including five women, for his second term after he won a parliamentary confidence vote on Saturday, ending 10 months of political paralysis that included two inconclusive elections. But Rajoy's lineup was strongly criticised by opposition parties, which said it would pursue the same austerity policies as before and seemed disinclined to negotiations Rajoy has promised to win support for his legislation. "It is a government that is not qualified for dialogue," Socialist spokesman Mario Jimenez told reporters. Rajoy retained trusted confidants like Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria, who will take charge of relations with Spain's autonomous regions at a time when the wealthy northeastern Catalonia region plans an independence referendum. He gave an expanded role to Economy Minister Luis de Guindos, handing him the industry portfolio as well, but kept Cristobal Montoro as budget minister, dashing expectations that he might create one powerful economy and finance ministry. The cabinet is drawn mainly from Rajoy's Popular Party (PP), with no gesture to rivals such as appointing a true independent. Unless it can get parties such as the Socialists on board, Rajoy's government will have problems passing its budget and other laws, and analysts say it might not survive a full term. Anti-austerity Podemos, the third biggest party in parliament, also condemned the cabinet, predicting it would push through more public spending cuts. "With this government, the cuts, insecurity and social suffering are going to continue," said Rafa Mayoral, a Podemos legislator. QUESTIONS ABOUT POLICY COORDINATION Political risk consultants Teneo Intelligence said the continued split between the budget and economy portfolios "bodes badly for the coordination of economic policy and fiscal consolidation." Rajoy, 61, governed with an absolute majority between 2011 and 2015, a period when unemployment peaked at 27 percent and Spain's banks needed a 41 billion euro ($45 billion) European bailout, but he must now adapt to a new political reality. The PP won two elections in December 2015 and June but without a majority. De Guindos is generally respected by his counterparts abroad after steering Spain out of recession and into a strong recovery during Rajoy's first term. The 2017 budget will be one of the new government's top priorities. Spain, the euro zone's fourth biggest economy, needs to shrink its budget deficit to 3.1 percent of output in 2017 from an expected 4.6 percent this year to meet targets agreed with Brussels. That may require 5 billion euros of spending cuts or higher taxes. PP Secretary-General Maria Dolores de Cospedal was given a cabinet post for the first time, as defence minister. Rajoy replaced 72-year-old Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo with Alfonso Dastis, Spain's ambassador to the EU, reflecting Madrid's wish to play a more prominent role on the European stage at a time when there will be negotiations on Britain's exit from the bloc. Canada court deals blow to spy agency, says it kept data illegally By David Ljunggren OTTAWA, Nov 3 (Reuters) - A court dealt Canada's spy agency a blow on Thursday, declaring it had illegally kept data collected during investigations over the past decade and threatening sanctions if the issue occurred again. Although judges have previously criticized the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, or CSIS, for a lack of openness about its operations, the ruling was particularly uncompromising. Federal Court Judge Simon Noel said CSIS secretly set up a special data analysis center in 2006 to help track potential terrorism suspects. The agency stored electronic information from people not linked to particular threats, which is referred to as associated data. "CSIS has a limited mandate which does not permit the retention of associated data ... as it has done so since 2006. Therefore this retention of associated data is illegal," Noel said in the judgment. CSIS Director Michel Coulombe told a news conference shortly after the ruling that the agency would immediately stop sharing and analyzing associated data until it could "assess potential operational and legal impacts." Canada belongs to the so-called Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network, along with Britain, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Critics said the ruling reinforced their belief that CSIS was largely unaccountable. "The fact that CSIS could go 10 years retaining large quantities of our sensitive private information, yet we're only finding out about this now, and only as a result of a court judgment, is deeply concerning," said David Christopher of OpenMedia, an advocacy group. The case came to light in early 2016 after CSIS applied for amendments to the court warrants it needs to launch probes. At the same time, the court learned independently about the data center and launched an investigation. Noel said CSIS broke its duty of candor toward the court by not disclosing the existence of the data analysis center. Noting that judges had twice previously concluded the agency improperly obscured details of its operations, Noel suggested CSIS could be charged with contempt of court. Federal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, who has overall responsibility for law enforcement agencies, welcomed the ruling and said the government would not appeal it. "I also take very seriously the explicit finding by Justice Noel that CSIS had failed in its duty to be candid with the court. I will be pursuing this criticism with the executive management of the Service," Goodale said in a statement. Most Canadian security agencies have small individual review bodies, which OpenMedia and others complain are impotent and can only look at old cases. Oversight is more robust in other nations such as Britain and the United States, where special legislative committees monitor the work of security and intelligence agencies. Goodale, acting amid global concerns about the reach of security agencies, promised in June to create a similar oversight committee as part of a comprehensive probe into how national security is handled. A scandal erupted this week in the province of Quebec when it emerged that police had secretly tracked phone calls received and made by six reporters. Appe Lanka is a rural development project, which is initiated by Awakening Lanka endorsed by the Sri Lankan Governments Ministry of Rehabilitation and Resettlement. The project strives to positively impact and uplift the people of Poonakary, who have been severely affected by the civil war and are still struggling to regain a sense of normalcy in their lives. From December 2016 onwards, a two-year fundraising drive will be initiated by Appe Lanka to support and sustain its work in the north of Sri Lanka. Appe Lanka primarily strives to provide renewable electricity and social services to households in villages recovering from the civil war. Additionally,the project offers psycho-social support to the youth of the community, by counselling school children and encouraging them to embrace an attitude of perseverance and strength. A total of 20 counsellors have been trained and deployed in Poonakary, to address important issues that are related to reconciliation and healing, such as how to overcome the loss of family and friends, abuse, bullying, fear and peer pressure. To date, Appe Lanka has completed a pilot project that has provided solar home systems to 28 homes in Poonakary, and a further 1000 homes have been identified for future development.In addition to providing power, the project also supports education initiatives in the village, and recentlyraised funds to donate 38 computers, to 23 village schools. Commenting on the project, Shaan Corea Founder, Appe Lanka said: The village of Poonakary is located in the heart of the Kilinochchi District, which was ravaged by Sri Lankas civil war. Poonakaryis at present home to a total of 20,000 residents, who are struggling to rebuild their lives after the devastation and anguish that they were subject to when living in the midst of a combat zone. The people of Poonakaryare now faced with the new challenge of movingon with their lives and they need access to opportunities that will enable them to improve their quality of life. Through Appe Lanka and our diverse empowerment and development initiatives, we hope to foster healing in Poonakary and restore this village into a thriving hub for hope and reconciliation, so that its residents may once again arise and enjoy a new era of peace and prosperity. All fundraising initiatives in the future, will be facilitated to help Appe Lanka achieve its long-term project goals and vision. Going forward, Appe Lanka will be using all funds raised towork towards building an educational training and retirement centre, that will create sustainable economic development and employment opportunities for the people of Poonakary. Other plans in the pipeline to support the people of Poonakary include the introduction of livelihood development programmes, where tailor-made training programmes will be conducted by specialists to help community members tap into the economic and business opportunities available in each village. The youth in the village will also be trained on how to install and maintain solar power systems in the area, enabling them to be self-reliant whilst supporting the needs of their community. A BPO (business process outsourcing) training programme will also be implemented to give youth the chance to live and work within Poonakary itself. To increase English proficiency in the village, a large-scale English language training initiative featuring multiple learning tools and methods will be facilitated to ensure that all children, youth, business owners and interested members of the community are able to communicate confidently in English. Appe Lanka, which operates under the banner of Awakening Lanka, was founded by ShaanCorea in 2015 and the project is further supported by its network of partners which includes Michael Ondaatje(Patron of the project), the Ministry of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs, Sampath Bank, Murad Ismail, D.L & F. De Saram and Olivia BonnalSansoni. To sponsor or support Appe Lanka and its efforts to empower the people of Poonakary, kindly call +94 (11) 2582103 / +94 77 2872056 or e-mail info@awakeninglanka.com. President Maithripala Sirisena said today the investigations into the Central Bank issue should be free of political interference and he would forward it for an impartial and independent judicial process. He expressed these views while participating at the launch of an SLFP membership drive at Maharagama. President Sirisena said he came out of the previous government and became the President with the support of everyone, not to punish those who committed wrongs while allowing the others to do wrong. My policy regarding this bond issue is all politicians should stay away from the investigations and it should be forwarded to the courts for an impartial and independent legal action. This is not an issue that the politicians can resolve, he said. The COPE has presented a report according to the standing orders in Parliament and our constitution. People have different opinions on this report. Some say it is wrong while some others say it if right. It is the politicians who say so. They may be wrong or right. We should look at them carefully, he said. The President said he would take legal advice and forward the report to the court for an impartial probe and a verdict. Then we can see who is wrong? Who is right? Who is clean and who is not, he said. (Muditha Dayananda) Video by Janaka Northern Province Chief Minister C.V.Wigneswaran has complained to the European Union (EU) human rights inspection team that the Sri Lankan army is running hundreds of schools in his province when it has no right to do so under the 13th amendment of the constitution, New Indian Express reported today. Quoting the Tamil daily Thinakkural, it said Wigneswaran had complained that in Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts, the armys Civil Defense Unit is running 344 primary schools, employing 689 Tamil women as teachers at good salaries, when as per the constitution, school education is a devolved subject and schools in the province are to be run by the provincial ministry of education. The number of teachers in the army-run primary schools is the same as the number of teachers working in the provincial council-run primary schools, the Chief Minister pointed out in his interaction with the EU headed by Jean Lambert MEP last Saturday. He also said that in the schools run by the army, teachers are made to wear a uniform which has raised concerns among the people as to whether they are being recruited to the army. Wigneswaran strongly opposed a suggestion by former President Chandrika Kumaratunga that Tamil women employees of the provincial administration be posted in police stations to deal with cases involving women. He said that Tamil women do not want to work in police stations. As an alternative, he suggested that educated Tamil women be recruited to the provincial administration to liaise between women supplicants and the police. But no action has been taken on his suggestion, the Chief Minister told the EU team. The team was in Sri Lanka until Tuesday to assess Sri Lankas eligibility to get back the GSP-plus trade concessions in terms of its human rights record. Sri Lanka had lost the concessions in 2010 on account of its poor rights record at that time. Wigneswarans objection to Tamil women working in police stations stems from the fear that their security might be at stake, given the fact that the Sri Lankan police force is almost completely uni-ethnic with Sinhalese having an overwhelming presence and thirty years of war has colored the Tamils perception of the police. The CM complained about the army using 50,000 acres of land in the Northern Province to cultivate crops and trade in them, while the original Tamil owners of the lands are looking to others to give them food. Sinhalese fishermen from the South fish in Northern waters even using illegal methods with the help of the armed forces while local Tamil fishermen are denied the right, and even taken into custody for alleged illegal fishing. The CM asked the EU delegation to press the Sri Lankan government to withdraw the army from the North since the war had ended seven years ago. In his estimation, 100,000 troops are still stationed in his province. De-militarization of the North is one of the 15 stipulations of the EU for restoring GSP-Plus trade concessions. An academic with a strong national bent Dr. Nalin De Silva, who has done extensive research and studies into history , speaks about the origin of what is called national question , the way forward to address it and the chronology of events that led to the present situation. The excerpts of the interview are as follows Q In your view, what is the root cause that led to the emergence of what is called ethnic problem in the country? There is no root cause as such. If you say root cause, it implies that there is a problem. There is no problem here. What really happens is this. When the Portuguese came to Sri Lanka, the majority in what is known as the Jaffna peninsula was Sinhala. This has been recorded by Father Queroz who is a Catholic priest and a historian. That was somewhere in the early 15th century. There were some Tamil castes. There were some Malayalam people who came from Kerala. They were brought down by the Sinhala kings. After the Dutch came, they started their tobacco plantations in Jaffna .For that, they got labourers from the Coromandel Coast. Coromandel is a corruption of Cora Manadal. That is the present Tamil Nadu. There was no Tamil Nadu. In fact there was no Tamil identity even in India. When these people were brought, they were from the Vellalar caste. Then, these Vellalars, according to the North Indian Vedic caste system, were Ksudras. There are four castes according to the Vedic system-Brahmana, Kshatriya, Waishya and Ksudra. Ksudra was the lowest. People of the southern part of India were called Ksudras. These people were brought here as agricultural labourers. The Dutch brought such people here. Also, these people were taken to South Africa. In Natal, South Africa too, Vellalar caste people are there. After these people came to Sri Lanka, the Dutch gave them prominence. The Tamil castes that were there were maltreated by the Dutch. Then, the Vellalars became the dominant people among the Tamils castes in the Jaffna peninsula at that time. Then, something else also happened. The Sinhala people who were living there were absorbed into the Tamil society. They were made the so called low castes in Jaffna; that is Karaiwar, Nalavar. Actually, such low caste people in Jaffna are descendants of Sinhala people who were living there at that time. The Dutch got Mudliyars to write a book even called Yalpanam Waippamalai. That is not a history book. It is a myth. After that, the British gave them preferential treatment again. For some reasons or other, the American missions went there and started schools. In fact, there were more English educated people in Jaffna than in the rest of the country. Jaffna Tamils always looked down upon the Batticaloa Tamils who were brought by the British. Q Then, how valid is the homeland concept? You can see all these people, whether in Jaffna, Batticaloa or in the estate sector of the hill country, were brought either by the Dutch or the British. It is not there homeland. The homeland of an ethnic group or a nation is the place where the culture associated with that ethnic group came into existence. The Tamil culture did not come into existence either in Jaffna or the eastern province. There has been no homeland here. Their homeland is in Chennai or Madurai. Ethnic groups are associated with some culture. It can be a religious culture or anything. Today, ethnic cultures are mostly associated with religions. The homeland of an ethnic group is the place where the culture associated with that group was born and came into existence. Q Then, how can the Sinhala people claim their right to this land as they originated from elsewhere in India? There are only two groups that can say this as their homeland. One group is Sinhala. The Sinhala culture was born here not anywhere else. If you say the Sinhala people are the descendants of King Vijeya and all, then there is no Sinhala culture prevailing in any part of India today, be it Bengal or Oddissa. That culture was born here. The other culture that was born here is that of Veddahs. Veddahs have now become Sinhalized. These people brought here were referred to as Malabars right throughout. In the latter part of the 20thcentury, they were called Ceylon Tamils. Until then, they were called Malabars. That implies that there was no ethnic Tamil identity not only here but also in so called India. The Tamil ethnic identity only came in India in the 19th century, not before that. Before that, there were many ethnic communities such as Cholas, Pandyas etc. But, there was no Tamil identity as such. There were Cholas. They would have spoken Tamil. Speaking a language does not give them identity. For example, English is spoken in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States of America. Yet, they are not called English. Even in the US, they are not called English. That is a different concept. After the Tamil identity was established in South India, these people were also called Tamils. To differentiate them from Indians, they were called Ceylon Tamils. These are interesting facts. People do not analyze these facts. Q Actually, how did this problem originate then? The so called ethnic problem started here in 1831, not in 1956 or any other time. I have explained it for more than 25 years. In 1831, the Legislative Assembly was established by the British. The British had nine official members and six unofficial members in it. The unofficial members consisted of three Europeans, one to represent the Sinhala people, one to represent the Ceylon Tamils and one to represent Burghers. Burghers were a small minority even then. That is when this so called ethnic problem started. The Sinhala people had a history of at least 2000 years. They were the majority, accounting for at least 75 percent of the population. The Ceylon Tamils accounted for less than ten percent. The Ceylon Tamils only had a history up to 1650. I challenge anybody to disprove me. I base my arguments not only on the thesis by Prof. Kartikesu Indrapalan but also on Dutch records. More importantly, we cannot notice the difference of the Tamil language spoken here and parts of Tamil Nadu. The linguists have a way of identifying the year in which these two branches of the Tamil language started. Linguists will tell you the language spoken in in Jaffna is not more than 350 years. Any linguist can tell. I was told by a linguist. He is dead now. My ancestors also came from India. I can trace back my ancestry to the 12th century at least. We were assimilated into the Sinhala culture People like Ponnambalam Ramanathan and Ponnambalam Arunachalam also came after 1650. But, they were not assimilated into the Sinhala culture. If they were assimilated, there would have been no problem. But the Dutch prevented it. The Dutch, in fact, got Sinhala people living in Jaffna converted to Tamil. Now, Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran who is related to Arunachalam is also a descendent of those who came after 1650. Mr. Wigneswaran calls Jaffna as his homeland for two things. His hometown is Colombo. But, his homeland is somewhere in Tamil Nadu. Towards the end of the 19thcentury, the Sinhala and Tamil people were made equals by the English in 1831. To equate 75 percent of the people with just ten percent of the population, to equate a history of 2000 years with a history of 350 years, what is the democracy there? Human rights of the Sinhala people were not respected by the English. That was the beginning of the problem. English speaking Tamils were a majority. The English speaking Tamils considered themselves either equal or better than the English speaking Sinhala people. Whenever the English wanted to increase the number of representations in the Legislative Assembly, the English speaking Tamil Vellalars of Christian origin. English speaking Tamils always wanted their representatives to be equal or more than the representation of Sinhala people. People like Ramanathan and Arunachalam vehemently opposed any attempt to increase the representation of the Sinhalese in the Legislative Assembly. Ramanathan, I consider, is the first Tamil racist in this country. Unfortunately, there was some division among the English speaking Sinhalese as well. In the case of English speaking Tamils, they overwhelmingly belonged to Vellalars. But, there was infighting among English speaking Sinhala people over caste issues. In 1912, the English gave limited franchise only to the English speaking people- landed proprietors. When the elections were held for the newly constituted seats, two people contested- Markes Fernando and Ramanathan. The English educated Sinhala people, among Govigama caste, voted for Ramanathan because Markes Fernando was from Karawa caste. In 1871, the State Councils were formed. G.G. Ponnambalam fought for fifty- fifty. What is fifty-fifty? It means fifty percent of representation should be for the non-Sinhala people and the remainder for the Sinhala people. It meant less representation for the Sinhala people. Who started racism then? English speaking Tamils started this with the blessings of the English. It is the Sinhala people who fought against the English rule. English wanted to suppress Sinhala people and punish them. The English, then, wanted to give universal franchise. Finally, the majority representation was from the Sinhalese. You cannot prevent that. When the Soulbury commission came in, these English speaking Tamil Vellalars went before it. They did not want the universal franchise to be given. They wanted to demarcate the parliamentary seats in a manner that the Sinhala people would never get the majority. That was why, the so called multi-member constituencies were created. Even after the1947 elections, the English speaking Tamils wanted to become prominent and dominant people in Sri Lanka. But, S.J.V. Chelvanayagam, a member of the South Indian Anglican church, realized that Tamils cannot become leaders because of universal franchise. He started Ilankai Tamil Arachu Katchi (ITAK). He established his party in the GCSU building. That is to create a Tamil estate. That time, there was no Tamil homeland concept. It came after 1976. ITAK was created long before 1983, 1972 and 1956. How can you blame the Sinhala people for creating the problem? Q However, there is an issue with Tamils in the north and the east asking for a solution. What is the approach you propose then? You cannot say the problem is there. Of course, Prabhakaran appeared. Prabhakarans mindset was that of the English speaking Tamils. Prabhakaran was not an English speaking Tamil. So, the problem is now in the hands of non English speaking Tamils. Prabhakaran was influenced by the JVP as well. He used JVP tactics. His ideology was of Ramanathan and Chelvanayakam. The problem was divided into two. They say Tamils are discriminated against. Their argument is that Tamils should be given more powers devolved to the north and the east. That is the problem these people try to solve. I have asked this question for more than 25 years. What are the injustices caused to the Tamils simply because they are Tamils? Nobody has answered that question. Now, Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Devasiri answered it recently after 25 years. What is his answer? Finally he has said that the problem of Tamils is that they do not have a state of theirs. It is ridiculous. If they want a state, it has to be found in India. The northern and eastern provinces are not Tamil homelands. Also, what are they trying to solve? Are they trying to solve the problems of the Tamils in the north and the east? These two provinces were demarcated by the English only in 1889. Does it mean that only in 1889, these so called homelands came into existence? When the English demarcated this country first into five provinces, even Anuradhapura belonged to the Northern Province. They could claim that even Anuradhapura was their homeland. Had they continued to maintain five provinces, the Sinhalese would have lost Anuradhapura as well. If devolution is going to solve the problem of the Tamils in the North and the East, what about the Colombo Tamils and those elsewhere in the country? If there are injustices, it should be to all. Arent you going to solve problems of the Colombo Tamils? If not so, you are discriminating against them. In the country, more than 50 percent of Tamils live outside the north and the east. Q What do you propose to do to address these matters? I have a different proposition altogether. There is no ethnic problem as such. Unfortunately, most of the Tamils in Jaffna do not know that they are descendants of Sinhala people. My position is that non -Vellalar Tamils should be made free of Vellalars. Unfortunately, the Sinhala people do not know the history of the problem. Sinhala people should be educated about it. I have been trying to educate them, but they do not understand. Thirdly, I do not believe in development in a western sense. I believe the whole country should be developed without giving any preferential treatment to any district, not even to Hambantota or Polonnaruwa. In the case of Mahinda Rajapaksa as the then President, Jaffna was developed. Jaffna got the lions share. Then, administrative powers should be devolved to the districts. The districts were introduced by the British for their convenience. I say it is better to divide the country into districts for our convenience so that the Governments Agents continue to look after the affairs. I am proposing to establish the district councils as the unit of administrative power, not the political power. Out of over 325 complaints received by the much debated probing body Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) since its inception in early 2015, about 60 completed cases have already been referred to the Attorney General for legal action, sources said. From these cases referred to the Attorney Generals Department, about 11 cases had been indicted in High Courts in Colombo and outstations, which are being heard at present. According to FCID sources, seven politicians including top guns of the previous regime Basil Rajapaksa, Namal Rajapaksa, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, Johnston Fernando as well as Mohamed Muzammil of the National Freedom Front, Ananda Sarath Kumara Ratnayake of the North Central Provincial Council and Jayantha Samaraweera of NFF have been remanded in connection with various cases. Also over 20 senior state officials including former Chairman and Director General of Securities Exchange Commission Nalaka Godahewa and Dammika Perera, former Presidential Coordinating Secretary Champika Karunaratne, former Presidential Media Coordinating Secretary Rohan Weliwita, former CWE Chairman Nalin Ruwanjeewa Fernando, CWE Coordinating Secretary Raja Mohideen, CEO CSN Nishantha Ranatunga and three others, former Chairman Divineguma Department Nihal Jayathilaka, its former DG Kithsiri Ranawaka with Willie Gamage and former senior banker Ariyathilaka Dahanayake have been remanded. Meanwhile, cases have been filed against former Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, former DG Telecommunications Regulations Commission Anusha Pelpita and former Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga in the High Courts for separate cases. They have prevented themselves being arrested by the FCID and being remanded by obtaining injunction orders, the sources said. Some of the major cases being indicted in the High Courts are the Divineguma case, Tharumyata Hetak misappropriation case, CWE case and three cases against the Peoples Leasing. Infamous deals like the Hedging Deal with Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and the MiG 27 Aircraft deal are still in the pending list with the AG. All these probes are being conducted with only a handful of officials of 80 policemen at the FCID whereas the law enforcement agencies such as the Criminal Investigation Department and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption are armed with over 500 investigating officials in their respective bodies. (Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana) By Chandeepa Wettasinghe Sri Lanka is now setting standards for fishing practices in the Indian Ocean, compared to its situation just a few years ago, the European Union (EU) Delegation in Sri Lanka and the Maldives said recently. Sri Lanka has now moved from being a bad pupil in the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission to now being the champion through practice. It has not only adopted the rules but actually gone into a different league, where it is actually setting standards, Political, Trade and Communications Counsellor for EU Delegation in Sri Lanka and the Maldives Paul Godfrey said. He noted that this was the reason why the fish import ban from Sri Lanka, which was enforced in October 2014, was lifted this April. The decision to lift the ban was a reflection of Sri Lankas exemplary commitment to implementing the regulations of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission. These arent EU regulations. Its the Indian Ocean body which sets the regulations, Godfrey said. The Sri Lankan government had to install a vessel monitoring system in all of the countrys fishing boats that exit Sri Lankas exclusive economic zone and enter into international waters. The fishing ban was imposed due to a complaint from the British government. Originally, the fishing ban was imposed because of a complaint made by the British Indian Ocean Territory that Sri Lankan vessels were illegally fishing in their waters, Godfrey said. The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) or the Chagos Archipelago, is uninhabited, except for a US military base in the largest island Diego Garcia, and the Sri Lankan fishing boats had entered the BIOT waters on several occasions. The British government provided the use of Diego Garcia to the US in return for receiving discounts on deploying US-made nuclear weapons. In the 1960s, the UK drove out over 1,500 natives living in the Chagos Archipelago in order to isolate the base from the rest of the world. When asked if the EU will take part in the issue of fishermen crossing the boundaries between India and Sri Lanka, Godfrey said that such issues should be resolved bilaterally. Minister Harin Fernando, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Yi Xianliang and CEO of Huawei Sri Lanka Shunli Wang with the 10 students who were selected to visit the Huawei Campus. Pic by Waruna Wanniarachchi By Supun Dias Chinese tech giant, Huawei has selected 10 undergraduates to visit their campus in Shenzhen, China to attend a workshop in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), as part of the Seeds for the future programme in collaboration with the Prime Ministers Office and Ministry of Communications and Digital Infrastructure. The students will visit China from November 5th to 19th, and these undergraduates were selected from eight universities across the country. Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure Harin Fernando said that this is a great opportunity for our future. A seed has been planted now. When we visited the Huawei Campus, we saw how much they invest on Research and Development, something that our country should do more, and I was told that more than 48 percent of Huawei revenue is invested back on R&D. Students attending the programme can enhance their abilities to adapt to the ICT industry as they learn more about state-of-the-art technologies and skills, as well as the innovation needs of Sri Lankan market, he added. Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Yi Xianliang said that this is one of the MoUs that was signed between Sri Lanka and China during Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghes visit. He was speaking at the event at Prime Ministers Office to brief the media about the programme. This is an area where China can help Sri Lanka in a bigger way. Sri Lanka lacks an industry system, and ICT could be a new industry that the country can focus on by looking at the future. We can help the country to finalize the much needed industry process, he stressed. ICT could be used towards the betterment of any other industry as well. Sri Lanka wants to become the financial hub through Port City, a logistics hub and now it can become an ICT hub as well. China is ready to help as always, he added. Speaking at the event, CEO of Huawei Sri Lanka Shunli Wang said that ICT is the growth engine for many industries and for Sri Lanka it would make a big impact. Globally Huawei focuses on educating the future on ICT, and every year we select 1000 students from all over the world to visit our campus and learn about ICT. Sri Lanka ranks high in our list, he added. Huawei began its operations in Sri Lanka in 2005. At present, Huawei works with Sri Lankan operators to provide network services for about 70 percent of the population of Sri Lanka. A 34-year-old Sri Lankan is accused of attacking his ex-girlfriend and biting off a part of her ear, the UAE National reported today. On April 28, the woman said she was walking to work in Al Satwa, Dubai when the accused attacked her from behind, restrained her arms and tried to snatch her purse. When she tried to break free, he bit off a bit of her ear, she said. "We were in a relationship about three years ago but we broke up and since then he has been stalking me and attacking me and even stealing my money," said the 36-year-old woman. Prosecutors had charged the suspect with theft and causing a 5 per cent permanent disability. He was not present at Dubai Criminal Court on Thursday to enter a plea. The next hearing will be on November 21. Lanka Hydraulic Institute Ltd (LHI), cherishing its over 30 years of continuing service in the countrys export sector, has won Gold in the recently concluded 24th annual NCE Export Awards Ceremony. Being a major player in the consultancy business in the services export sector, LHI has continuously been honoured with Silver and Bronze for last seven years and this is the first time the company has achieved the coveted Gold. In honouring LHIs outstanding accomplishments in the engineering field, the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) also conferred LHI the Engineering Excellence Award in the past. LHI specializes in coastal engineering, inland water and urban water and drainage services. Equipped with a state-of-the-art hydraulics laboratory and a wide variety of in-house expertise, LHI provides consultancy services in port planning and design, field investigations and numerical and physical modelling of coastal/inland water structures, etc. Since its inception, LHI has conducted over 350 projects in Sri Lanka and overseas. All its processes are streamlined, quality assured and in accordance with ISO 9001:2008. LHIs services are proudly relied upon by a number of international clients in Algeria, Bangladesh, Belize, Bhutan, Brunei, Eritrea, France, India, Iran, the Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Senegal, South Korea and the UAE. During the fiscal year 2015/16, LHI has successfully completed several foreign projects including: resort development in North Male Atoll (Maldives), shore protection in East of Mostaganem Port (Algeria), physical model studies of six fishery harbours (Oman), numerical modelling for artificial resort island project (Maldives) and hydraulic model studies for a pleasure port development in Tlemcen (Algeria). Prioritising its commitment to local projects, LHI currently proceeds with more than 10 consultancy projects including, proposed fishery harbour in Wellamankara, salinity barrier across Kalu Ganga, flood study in Deduru Oya, conceptual design of sewerage sea outfall in the DMMC area, etc. LHI also provides its services on field and modelling investigations for the much focussed Colombo Port City Development Project. In addition, LHIs long-standing partner Hydro Marine Ingenierie (HMI) of Algeria has yet again entrusted LHI for a comprehensive numerical and physical modelling campaign for a fishery harbour project in Sidi Ladjel (Algeria). LHI, with its unique potential for export of services, continues to excel in the global market in coastal and inland water sectors. LHIs key for success is its unmatched technical capabilities coupled with greater flexibility it offers to the clientele. A group of Sri Lanka Thawheed Jama'ath (SLTJ) Organisation members today staged a protest march in Maligawatta, Maradana against the move to amend the Muslim Marriage Act as a requirement to regain GSP+ from the European Union. The protestors said as long as other customary laws such as Thesawalamai and Kandyan laws remained unchanged, Muslim law should also not be altered. Some of the placards said that setting up of a minimum age for marriage was not practical. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana The final rites of Pandit Amaradeva will be held at the Independence Square in Colombo on Saturday evening with full state honours. The remains will be taken in procession from the Jayaratne Funeral Parlour in Borella today (4) at 9 am to the Independence Square where it will lie until Saturday, with the cremation scheduled at 6 pm. The funeral ceremony will be held at 3.30pm on Saturday at the Independence Square. The joint oppositions economic research unit yesterday urged the government to cancel the primary dealer licence of Perpetual Treasuries Limited allegedly connected to the Central Bank bond scam. Addressing a media briefing, joint opposition member Prof. G.L. Peiris said the first step which would be taken after the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) report was to cancel the primary dealer licence of this company as it had been proved that it was directly connected to the Central Bank bond scam. Prof. Peiris also said it was surprising that Central Bank Governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy had complained to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) regarding the disclose of a secret document belonging to the Central Bank under the supervision of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Mr. Coomaraswamy has complained the CID to investigate this matter which had disclosed information related to the Central Bank bond sale scam. The government is attempting to find out those who had disclosed it instead of penalizing the wrongdoers, he added. Meanwhile, joint opposition MP Bandula Gunewardena said apparently there was a loss of Rs. 1, 000 billion incurred by the government from the Central Bank bond sale scam through the Perpetual Treasuries Limited which had being taken place between February 27, 2015 and March 2016. (Kalathma Jayawardhane) Video by Buddhi Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived Hong Kong this morning with seven a member delegation to take part in the fifteenth Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business 2016. The premier was welcomed by the Sri Lankan Ambassador in China Dr Karunasena Koddithuwakku and officials of the Sri Lankan embassy at the airport. Mr. Wickremesinge is expecting to address the 15th Asia Pacific Conference on German Business which is to be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today. The Prime minister will engage in a working breakfast with Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gaberiel earlier today. This meeting will be attended by nearly 40 persons including ministers from Indonesia, Australia and Hong Kong. The premier is to hold bilateral meetings with Vice Chancellor Gabreial where bilateral economic relations and current economic situation in Sri Lanka will be discussed. The delegation was accompanied by Professor Maithri Wickremasinghe, Sri Lankan Ambassador in China Dr. Karunasena Koddithuwakku, Additional Secretary to Prime Minister Saman Attaudahetti and National Policies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama. Video courtesy PM Media The 16th International Insurance Congress was organized by the Sri Lanka Insurance Institute and was held recently at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo. The SLII Insurance Congress is a prestigious and a much-anticipated annual event in the Sri Lankan insurance calendar. The ceremonial inauguration of the conference took place on 17th October whilst the technical sessions were held on 18th October. The main sponsors of the event was Munich Re India Services. The theme of this years congress was Challenges in the Asian Economy and its impact to the insurance industry. The Chief Guest at the inauguration was Prof. Ravindra Fernando - Senior Professor of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo whilst the Guest of Honour was Indrani Sugathadasa, Chairperson- Insurance Board of Sri Lanka. The CEOs of insurance companies and broker companies in Sri Lanka and many overseas reinsurers and reinsurance brokers participated for this event. Amongst other distinguished invitees were the past Presidents of the Institute, Mayantha Dissanayake, Member of Parliament, and Dr. Wickrema Weeerasooria Insurance Ombudsman to name a few. The insurance legend Chandra Schaffter and senior insurance personality Sunil Siyasena were inducted to the Hall of fame. Those who completed Chartered Insurance Institute (UK) qualifications, were awarded their certificates and the Indian Insurance Institute presented certificates to students who made outstanding performances at their exams. The Congress dealt with five important topics for discussion with key insights from eminent local and international speakers on what and how Sri Lanka would face the challenges of the Asian economy and they included Infrastructure growth in Asia and insurance opportunities, Emerging lifestyles and digital innovation in Asia, enhancing insurance penetration, Challenges for the re-insurers in the Asian market andInsurance Solutions for an Aging Population Challenges for Insurers. The sessions also included a motivational session presented by the first Sri Lankan and the first Sri Lankan woman to summit Mount EverestJayanthi Kuru-Uthumpala. Rising beyond political or other differences, Sri Lanka yesterday bade farewell to Pandit W.D. Amaradeva, whom the equally famous cinema legend, Dr. Lester James Peris described as a man whose magic voice was the greatest musical instrument we have ever produced. The magic of his voice, the exquisite permutations and combinations of notes that comprise his melodic creations, the pristine perfection of his pitch and his impeccable phrasing added up to make him the greatest of Sri Lankas vocal artistes, said the founder of Sri Lankas modern cinema. Pandit Amaradeva passed away around 11 am yesterday at the Sri Jayewardenapura Hospital in the historic city of Kotte after he suffered a heart attack around 6.30 am. Though he will not be present among us physically, Sri Lanka will always be alive with the sound of his music and the songs he has sung for the next thousand years. He will fill our hearts with the songs of his music and our hearts will long to hear every song that he sang. We will go to Pandit Amaradeva when our hearts are lonely, knowing that we will hear what we heard before. Our hearts will be blessed with the sound of his music or songs and we will sing once more, as in the words of an immortal song. Pandit Amaradeva in heart and mind was closely linked to our culture and civilization, our nature and our character. For instance we believe he would have listened to the ocean that surrounded our country, he would have heard the echoes of a million sea shells forever in motion, and moving to a rhythmic, unwritten music that is played eternally. Philosopher and medical specialist, Professor Carlo Fonseka, a close friend and admirer of Dr. Amaradeva, wrote recently that in the Kingdom of Sinhala Music and Song, Pandit Amaradeva was the anointed sovereign. It is true to say that the more we know him the more we love him; but the more we know of him, the less there is that is both original and significant we have to say about him. So all one can do now is to ask rhetorically: When comes such another? and answer: Never, says Prof. Carlo Fonseka. When honouring Dr. Amaradeva with the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in the field of Creative Communication Arts in 2001, the Foundation recognized His life of dazzling creativity in the expression of the rich heritage and protean vitality of Sri Lankan Music. Prof. Carlo says that to pay tribute to Pandit Amaradeva as the anointed sovereign of Sinhala music and song would be in Shakespearean language: To guard a title that was rich before, to gild refined gold, to paint the lily, to throw perfume on the violet, to smooth the ice or to add another hue unto the rainbow According to Prof. Carlo, there cannot be any doubt about Pandit Amaradevas role in uniting the nation to which he and we belong by the magic of his music. The melody he created for Dalton Alwiss lyrics, Sasara Wasana Thuru and the exquisite style with which he performed it vocally made Dr. Amaradeva the noblest promoter of patriotism in our nation. His song, Rathna Deepa Janma Bhumi has assumed the unofficial status of Sri Lankas national song. Amaradeva says: I routinely sing it as the last item in my musical concerts; and audiences invariably, spontaneously and enthusiastically join in as I sing it. On such occasions I feel one with them. My golden island, my birth place, my victorious land, my great motherland Our patriots are like gems in the treasures of our land Our rivers ripple with echoes of gold and silver With an abundance of blooming flowers The songs they sing of our nation reach the skies. For these and other songs Sri Lanka today says thank you Dr. Amaradeva for all your songs that we will be singing for ages or generations to come and for the joy they will be bringing. Once again thank you for the music and the songs, thank you for giving it to us. UK Minister for the UN and Commonwealth Baroness Anelay will visit Colombo and Jaffna from November 6 to 9 on her first official visit to Sri Lanka, the British High Commission in Colombo announced today. It said the minister will reiterate the UKs commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in strengthening democracy and human rights (including tackling gender based and sexual violence), delivering reconciliation and combating corruption during her visit. The Minister will discuss these issues with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera and Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan. The most unfortunate outcome of the November 8 election for the White House is that one of the candidates is going to win. As Election Day nears, the establishment, which includes the embedded media, has begun to take Donald Trump seriously after getting feedback that a Trump victory is not an improbability, despite his broadsides against women, the Afro-Americans and the Hispanics. With just four days to go for d-day, the Clinton camp, which only a week or two ago was enjoying a double digit lead in some opinion polls, appears to be jittery. With opinion polls now forecasting a tight race in the wake of FBI chief James Cameys announcement that the agency has launched a fresh inquiry into Clinton emails, the election is turning out to be a thriller. But for those who fear a Trump victory, it could even be a nightmare in waiting. But this is not a battle between good and evil. Whatever it is, it is not a battle between two holy candidates. Usually, the American presidential election is a battle between two establishment candidates candidates supported by the Oligarchy comprising, among others, the party elites, the so-called one percent representing Wall Street, the war lobby and, of course, the Corporate Media. The establishment has its own agenda power and profits. It controls the candidates. There were rare exceptions, however. John F Kennedy, though he appeared an establishment candidate, challenged the Oligarchy, the enemy of peace, after his election. Barack Obama was thought to be another Kennedy, but he seemed to have surrendered to the Oligarchy, realising, perhaps, that he could achieve little or nothing by antagonising the powers behind the scenes. Perhaps, for the first time since Kennedy, we see an anti-establishment candidate in maverick Trump. His own party stalwarts, the loyal servants of the Oligarchy, oppose him. Perhaps, like Obama, if elected, he would learn the extra-constitutional limitations to the Presidents power. But Trump is neither a Kennedy nor an Obama. Trump is Trump and dangerous. The presidential powers are too sacred to be handed to a man with fear-evoking policies. Reckless -- the real estate tycoon questions why the United States has not used nuclear weapons to finish off ISIS. Outlandish -- he seems to advocate a policy of killing millions of civilians to destroy a few thousand extremists. Scoffed at by his opponents as a laughable buffoon with a funny hairstyle and destructive viewpoints, Trump called the Mexican immigrants rapists and criminals and vowed to build a wall along the US-Mexico border at Mexicos expense. To make the United States safe, he vows to impose a blanket ban on Muslims entering the country. He plays to the gallery the middle class people, who believe they are being economically victimised and who are angry with the establishment. But his supporters also include the white supremacists, the anti-immigrant and the anti-Muslim. The combination stokes fear of a Hitler in the making. The US electorate was perhaps not fortunate enough to have a candidate like Bernie Sanders in the fray. The man who lost the partys candidacy to Clinton is anti-establishment, but certainly not as stupid as Trump. To the Oligarchy, Sanders with his progressive policies appeared more dangerous than Trump. It is now open secret that the party leadership conspired or worked against Sanders to enable Clinton to clinch the partys nomination. Will Sanders supporters vote for Clinton or stay away from voting? In the latter case, it would be advantageous to Trump. In comparison to Clinton, Trump appears to be more focused in offering solutions to the peoples problems, however aghast they may be. He says he will stop China from stealing US jobs, renegotiate NAFTA, cut unneeded regulations and make America the best place in the world to do business. On the foreign policy front, Trump wants to work with Russia and China to find solutions to global problems. He wants to restructure NATO and the United States Defence pacts with allies such as Japan and South Korea. With Trump espousing such views, the United States traditional allies are waiting with bated breath to see the outcome of the election. Fearing a victory for the Russians and the Syrians under a Trump presidency, some Middle Eastern nations have even sent millions of dollars to the Clinton campaign. But is Clinton the deliverer the US has been waiting for? In her victory, we can only be happy that, at last, the United States has got its woman president. But the US election is not a gender war. It is about making America economically strong and globally a peacemaker, not a war monger. This is where Clinton, the establishment candidate, fails miserably. With apologies to the bard, she can add colours to the Chameleon. When the Monica Lewinsky episode dogged her husbands presidency, she described the issue as a vast right wing conspiracy. But today, she is the right wings favourite candidate. To appease Sanders supporters, the good Democrats who stand up for justice and equality, she promised to pursue his progressive policies. She declares she is an enemy of Wall Street and says she will do whatever it takes to rein in Wall Street. But Wikileaks revealed last month that Clinton held fund raising speeches at Goldman Sachs, one of the institutions which precipitated the 2008 financial crisis. Wall Street thinks that she is its candidate, whatever she says on political platforms. Wall Street bankers have contributed more than $56 million to Clintons presidential campaign. Trumps campaign received just $243,000 from donors in the same sector, according to data from the Center for Responsive Politics. With regard to world peace, Clinton appears to have little interest. Commenting on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, Clinton, according to an email leaked by Wikileaks, believes a Potemkin peace process was better than no peace process at all. A staunch supporter of Israel, she confirms that the US-led peace pushes are nothing but deception and helped prolong the Palestinian suffering and helped Israel to perpetuate its oppression in the occupied territories. On regime change, she appears to have a fetish for it. We came, we saw, he died, was Conqueror Clintons much celebrated quote on the killing of Muammar Gaddafi by US-supported rebels. In what could be a direct confrontation with Russia, Clinton, who pushed Obama into the Libyan war, wants to impose a no-fly zone over Syria. In Honduras, one of the poorest countries in America, she justified a 2009 military coup that removed President Manuel Zelaya, who had begun to implement progressive land reforms. His pro-peasant policies were not to the liking of the transnational agribusinesses. He needed to be removed and was removed. Clinton justified this undemocratic exercise and preposterously supported the coup. Yet she is tipped to be the winner, with a 75 percent victory chance. It is unlikely that the world will be a better place than it is today whichever candidate wins. Since 1947, Pakistan has served the US-led West as a geostrategic asset. Over the decades it has degenerated into a terrorist state. Pakistan's army is an Islamist force that fights in the manner of jihadis. It ambushes and beheads Indian soldiers instead of fighting them on the battlefield. The West has suffered enormous casualties as a result of the war on terror by the US-led NATO troops in Afghanistan since 2001. Why then does the West still back Pakistan with money, arms and diplomatic cover? The US imposed harsh sanctions on Iran for daring to even attempt building a nuclear device. It imposed sanctions on Russia for annexing Crimea and invading eastern Ukraine, both with strong Russian ethnic ties. It has designated Sudan, Syria and Iran as "state sponsors of terrorism" for crimes a fraction as malignant as Pakistan's. Indispensable Why then does Pakistan receive special treatment? The conventional wisdom is that Pakistan's geostrategic location makes it indispensible. It is the gateway to both Central Asia and West Asia and controls access to landlocked Afghanistan. Pakistan, moreover, is a bulwark against Russian expansionism from the Caucasus. These Cold War arguments still carry weight in Washington and London. But they are wearing thin. The real reason the West continues to back Pakistan is hidden beneath self-serving cliches. The US foreign policy has long been driven by the military-industrial complex (MIC). America emerged from its decade-long Great Depression in 1939 following World War II. American factory production, mired in recession, began humming again. The war on terror in Afghanistan following the 9/11 terror attack dramatically changed the US-Pakistan dynamic. (Photo credit: Reuters) It is war that has sustained US manufacturing growth ever since - Korea (1950-53), Vietnam (1965-75), Iran-Iraq (1980-88), Kuwait (1990-91), the Balkans (1999), Afghanistan (2001-16), Iraq (2003-16) and Syria (2011-16). America thrives on war. Its defence budget ($570 billion) is larger than the combined defence budgets of China, Russia, France and Britain (the other four permanent members of the United Nations Security Council). This does not mean the US goes to war merely to feed its military-industrial complex. It does so to preserve its global hegemony. Washington spent more than 40 years in an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation with the then Soviet Union. The US-led NATO forces and the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact powers were locked for decades at flashpoints across Eastern Europe. With the collapse of the Soviet Union 25 years ago, the Cold War against communism has been replaced in US strategic thinking by a battle against two implacable enemies: Islamist terrorism and the rise of China. America sees Islamist terrorism as the biggest threat to global security. It is the principal reason it tolerates a terrorist state like Pakistan. In 1993, President Bill Clinton came within a hair's breadth of declaring Pakistan a terrorist state. Islamabad, which hires the most expensive lobbying firms in Washington, escaped unscathed. The war on terror in Afghanistan following the 9/11 terror attack dramatically changed the US-Pakistan dynamic. After President George W Bush threatened President Pervez Musharraf to "bomb Pakistan into the stone age" if it didn't cooperate in hunting down the terrorists who had killed nearly 3,000 Americans in the September 11, 2001, terror attack, Islamabad slipped effortlessly into its new role as a "partner in the war on terror" rather than the perpetrator of terror that it clearly was. Self-serving The subterfuge has served both Pakistan and the West. Islamabad's single-point agenda is gaining assymetrical parity with India through proxy terrorism. Pakistan's economy, just a tenth of India's, won't give it parity: the chasm is too wide and growing. Its overstretched military won't give it parity either. Hence, the periodic nuclear bluster by Pakistani policymakers to feign equivalence. Pakistan's self-created terror infrastructure has forged a failed state. Its army, like ISIS, has a business model that uses terror to extract revenue. ISIS extorts taxes and steals oil in the territories it controls in Iraq and Syria. The Pakistani army runs benami businesses in real estate, mining, manufacturing and smuggling. It uses criminals like Dawood Ibrahim to run some of these illegal businesses and protects them in return. It allows terrorists like Hafiz Saeed to front charities and schools as a cover while he plans terror strikes in India through Punjab-based jihadi groups. Renegade Despite the fact that the West has lost over 4,000 soldiers in the war on terror in AfPak since 2001 - many to attacks by terrorist groups sponsored by Islamabad - Washington continues to back Pakistan. Islamabad is the classic example of a renegade gambler holding three aces: One, Islamist terrorists whom it controls and directs; two, China, whom the West fears will replace it if it antagonises Pakistan; and three, a geostrategic location that keeps a resurgent Russia, Washington's increasingly volatile rival, at bay. Besides, if Pakistan breaks up into Balochistan, Pashtunistan and Sindh (as it eventually might), leaving the rump of Punjabistan as the new Pakistan with a population of 110 million (half of Uttar Pradesh), Islamist terrorists will be freed from Islamabad's protective embrace. That, Washington feels, is a cure worse that the disease. Pakistan plays on America's paranoia. It is confident it can continue chasing with the Haqqani terror hounds and running with the Punjab-based terror hares. The West though has read the sectarian writing on the walls of Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi. Pakistan is damaged goods but for the present serves the West's limited purpose as a frontline state to quarantine terror. The West also knows that when you unleash the terror genie, it's impossible to push it back into the bottle. In the end, it consumes you. Pakistan is nearing that moment. A paid FieldWorks LLC worker canvasses for registered voters. State police raided the Norwood office of FieldWorks, a national organization that often does street work for Democrats, looking for signs of voter fraud. Days after state agents raided its Delaware County office, a national grassroots organization that works mostly for Democrats is facing increasing scrutiny over voter registration efforts in Pennsylvania. A source with knowledge of the inquiry said Wednesday the probe of FieldWorks LLC is likely to expand to other spots in the state. At the same time, Delaware County officials are preparing to challenge thousands of voter registration forms submitted by the group, questioning if they were filed on time. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Friday. Both developments came after Pennsylvania state police searched FieldWorks' Norwood office last week seeking, among other things, forms that could be used to "construct fraudulent voter registration forms," according to court records. The Attorney General's Office has declined to discuss its investigation, or say if evidence suggests a plot to cast fraudulent ballots or just attempts by paid canvassers to artificially inflate voter registration numbers. Officials say it would be difficult for new registrants who used a false name to cast a fraudulent ballot, because such voters must also provide identification that matches registration information. FieldWorks calls itself a grassroots political firm founded in 2001 to work with "progressive advocacy organizations, federal and state Democratic campaigns, Democratic Party organizations, labor unions, and ballot initiative campaigns." In ads, it recruits hourly workers for field work. It has said only that it is cooperating with investigators in Pennsylvania and has "zero tolerance for fraud."In 2012, FieldWorks' voter registration efforts in Ohio sparked controversy when election officials flagged hundreds of dubious registration forms filed in Hamilton County, including one from a voter registered as "John Adolf Hitler." Cincinnati police that year also arrested a former Ohio University student working for FieldWorks on charges of forging 22 signatures on a petition drive. Police at the time said FieldWorks played no role in the man's scheme to pad his list. The dispute now bubbling in Delaware County has less to do with the authenticity of voter registration forms than when they were filed. On Friday, the Delaware County Voter Registration Commission - a bipartisan board - will hold a hearing to determine if thousands of forms, many from FieldWorks, were submitted after the state's Oct. 11 deadline to register to vote. According to Delaware County Solicitor Michael Maddren, the county received thousands of voter registration forms from the Pennsylvania Department of State on Oct. 14 and 17 that had no dates or postmarks. "We don't have any indication that they were timely receipts," Maddren said. A spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of State said that when the state forwards any registration applications to the county, "we attest to the fact that they were either postmarked or delivered in person by the deadline." "If they were not timely received here, we would not send them to any county," Wanda Murren, the spokeswoman, said in an email. A FieldWorks spokesman on Wednesday said the organization is also confident the forms - in packages with tracking numbers - were delivered to the Department of State before the deadline closed. The questions about the forms extend beyond their timeliness, Maddren says. County election officials who surveyed the forms, he said, also discovered some applications where individuals were registered to multiple addresses or where registrants' Social Security numbers did not match their driver's license numbers. But Friday's hearing will focus exclusively on the timeliness issue, Maddren said. Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier Those who habitually put items in their recycling bins that don't belong there are the target of the ordinance amendment, not those who make an occasional, accidental mistake, said Public Works Director Jeff Demers. Calix, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides cloud and software platforms, and systems and services in the United States, rest of Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company's cloud and software platforms, and systems and services enable broadband service providers (BSPs) to provide a range of services. It provides Calix Cloud platform, a role-based analytics platform comprising Calix Marketing Cloud, Calix Support Cloud, and Calix Operations Cloud, which are configurable to display role-based insights and enable BSPs to anticipate and target new revenue-generating services and applications through mobile application. The company also offers EXOS, a carrier class premises operating system and fully integrated with its GigaSpire family of systems to be ready for deployment as a complete subscriber experience solutions for BSP's residential and business subscribers; and AXOS, a software platform to access edge of the network by its architecture and operations. It offers its products through its direct sales force and resellers. Calix, Inc. was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in San Jose, California. Oppenheimer Holdings Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as a middle-market investment bank and full-service broker-dealer in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The company offers brokerage services covering exchange-traded and over-the-counter corporate equity and debt securities, money market instruments, exchange-traded options and futures contracts, municipal bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and unit investment trusts; financial and wealth planning services; and margin lending services. It also provides asset management services, including separately managed accounts, mutual fund managed accounts, discretionary portfolio management programs, non-discretionary investment advisory and consultation services, alternative investments, portfolio enhancement programs, and institutional taxable fixed income portfolio management strategies and solutions, as well as taxable and non-taxable fixed income portfolios and strategies. In addition, the company offers investment banking services, such as strategic advisory services and capital markets products; merger and acquisition, equities capital market, and debt capital market products and services; and institutional equity sales and trading, equity research, equity derivatives and index options, convertible bonds, and trading services. Further, it provides institutional fixed income sales and trading, fixed income research, public finance, and municipal trading services; repurchase agreements and securities lending services; and proprietary trading and investment activities. Additionally, the company offers underwritings, market-making, trust, and discount services. It serves high-net-worth individuals and families, corporate executives, public and private businesses, institutions and corporations, governments, financial sponsors, and domestic and international investors. Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. was founded in 1881 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Phase Ii Financial Inc. Suncor Energy Inc. operates as an integrated energy company. The company primarily focuses on developing petroleum resource basins in Canada's Athabasca oil sands; explores, acquires, develops, produces, transports, refines, and markets crude oil in Canada and internationally; markets petroleum and petrochemical products under the Petro-Canada name primarily in Canada. It operates through Oil Sands; Exploration and Production; Refining and Marketing; and Corporate and Eliminations segments. The Oil Sands segment recovers bitumen from mining and in situ operations, and upgrades it into refinery feedstock and diesel fuel, or blends the bitumen with diluent for direct sale to market. The Exploration and Production segment is involved in offshore operations off the east coast of Canada and in the North Sea; and operating onshore assets in Libya and Syria. The Refining and Marketing segment refines crude oil and intermediate feedstock into various petroleum and petrochemical products; and markets refined petroleum products to retail, commercial, and industrial customers through its other retail sellers. The Corporate and Eliminations segment operates four wind farms in Ontario and Western Canada. The company also markets and trades in crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products, and power. The company was formerly known as Suncor Inc. and changed its name to Suncor Energy Inc. in April 1997. Suncor Energy Inc. was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Telefonica Brasil S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides mobile and fixed telecommunications services to residential and corporate customers in Brazil. Its fixed line services portfolio includes local, domestic long-distance, and international long-distance calls; and mobile portfolio comprises voice and broadband internet access through 3G, 4G, 4.5G, and 5G as well as mobile value-added services and wireless roaming services. The company also offers data services, including broadband and mobile data services. In addition, it provides pay TV services through direct to home satellite technology, IPTV, and cable, as well as pay-per-view and video on demand services; network services, such as rental of facilities; other services comprising internet access, private network connectivity, computer equipment leasing, extended service, caller identification, voice mail, cellular blocker, and others; wholesale services, including interconnection services to users of other network providers; and digital services, such as entertainment, cloud, and security and financial services. Further, the company offers multimedia communication services, which include audio, data, voice and other sounds, images, texts, and other information, as well as sells devices, such as smartphones, broadband USB modems, and other devices. Additionally, it provides telecommunications solutions and IT support to various industries, such as retail, manufacturing, services, financial institutions, government, etc. It markets and sells its solutions through own stores, dealers, retail and distribution channels, door-to-door sales, and outbound tele sales. The company was formerly known as Telecomunicacoes de Sao Paulo S.A. - TELESP and changed its name to Telefonica Brasil S.A. in October 2011. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil. RingCentral, Inc. provides software-as-a-service solutions that enable businesses to communicate, collaborate, and connect in North America. The company offers business cloud communications and contact center solutions based on its Message Video Phone? platform. Its products include RingCentral Office that provides communication and collaboration across various modes, including high-definition voice, video, SMS, messaging and collaboration, conferencing, online meetings, and fax; RingCentral Contact Center, a collaborative contact center solution that delivers omni-channel; and RingCentral Engage Digital, a digital customer engagement platform that allows enterprises to interact with their customers. The company's products also comprise RingCentral Engage Voice, a cloud-based outbound/blended customer engagement platform for midsize and enterprise companies; RingCentral Video, a video meeting service which includes our RCV video and team messaging capabilities and offers video and audio conferencing, file sharing, contact, task, and calendar management. In addition, it offers RingCentral Professional, a cloud based virtual telephone service that provides inbound call answering and management services for professionals; and RingCentral Fax that provides online fax capabilities. The company serves a range of industries, including financial services, education, healthcare, legal services, real estate, retail, technology, insurance, construction, hospitality, and state and local government, as well as others. It sells its products through a network of direct sales representatives, as well as sales agents, resellers, and channel partners. RingCentral, Inc. has strategic partnerships with Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise; and Vodafone Business. The company was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Belmont, California. An attorney for Sharon Love asked a Charlottesville judge Wednesday to postpone the trial date of her $29.45 million wrongful death lawsuit against George Huguely V. Love filed the suit after Huguely was convicted in 2012 of second-degree murder in the slaying of his girlfriend Yeardley Love, a University of Virginia womens lacrosse player who was found dead in her apartment in May 2010. The now-28-year-old Huguely is currently serving a 23-year sentence at the Augusta Correctional Center for the slaying and has continued to fight his criminal conviction, even after the U.S. Supreme Court in October 2015 denied a request to review his case. Huguely also is involved in a 2013 court case in Maryland, brought by Chartis Property Casualty Co., a holding company of insurance giant AIG. According to the original complaint, Huguely sought insurance coverage from Chartis as part of two policies held by his mother. If granted, the insurance policy can cover Huguelys legal defense and cover up to $6 million of any monetary sum awarded in favor of Sharon Love, according to Huguelys attorney, Matthew Green. In court Wednesday, Loves attorney, Jeffrey Stedman, asked Charlottesville Circuit Judge Richard Moore to postpone the March trial date until a Maryland court makes a decision in the insurance case. If the court decides Huguely acted intentionally, the insurance company would not have to pay up, said Stedman, who argued it needed to be resolved before the wrongful death lawsuit could move forward. The purpose of this litigation is for [Huguely] to compensate for the plaintiffs loss, Stedman said in court. Money is always a poor substitute for the loss of a loved one, but it is the only remedy in this case. Arguing to keep the trial date as is, Green said the Maryland court has had plenty of time to come to a decision and it has caused the case to drag on long enough. By waiting, he said, there also is prejudice against Huguely in the form of significant legal expenses. After hearing both sides, Moore said the biggest issue is determining how long to wait for the Maryland court to make a decision. Because both sides have received only radio silence from the court, Moore said he was inclined to deny the motion to postpone the case. However, he said he would take a few days to read additional case law and make a decision within the next week or so. Im not going to rush, but I am inclined to deny the motion, Moore said. We havent heard anything to indicate Maryland will make a decision any time soon. If we heard from Maryland in the next week or two, that will affect my decision. Following the hearing, Green said he and his team have done a lot of groundwork in the case and expect to present a significant amount of evidence at trial. He said its important that the case move forward to help both sides heal. As George has said all along, hes legally responsible for this, and Sharon Love Yeardleys mother is entitled to monetary compensation; we dont contest that, Green said. I think this needs a resolution at this point. Its very unusual for a civil case to drag on like this certainly this is a very unusual case for a number of reasons, but the sooner we can get all of this done, the community can heal a little bit and George can get on with his life. Love's request to continue the trial date comes after a hearing last month in which her attorneys asked Moore to suspend the lawsuit until the Maryland court made a decision. At that hearing, Moore made similar observations about the uncertainty of the insurance case status and denied the request. In the request heard Wednesday, Love's attorney's returned with a motion to push the trial date further into the future to provide more time for a verdict from the Maryland court. It remains to be seen whether the jury in a $7.5 million defamation lawsuit will decide in favor of University of Virginia administrator Nicole Eramo or Rolling Stone magazine. Eramo claims her reputation, career and health were damaged by the magazines now-retracted November 2014 article A Rape on Campus. The articles centerpiece story of a brutal gang rape at a UVa fraternity house was debunked soon after publishing, leading to its retraction and multiple lawsuits. In the 14th day of trial in Charlottesvilles federal court, jurors accepted instructions early in the morning before going into more than six hours of deliberations. They asked Judge Glen Conrad to conclude at 5 p.m., with a plan of returning Thursday morning. Just before jurors adjourned, they asked to see a Dec. 1, 2014, article from The Washington Post that first outlined major gaps in the storys reporting. Conrad denied the request, saying the article was not part of the cases extensive evidence. Wednesday morning, Conrad instructed the jurors that theyd be judging each of Eramos defamation claims by two standards: first, whether the statements were actionable as defamation, and then if they were made with actual malice. Per the instructions handed to the jury, actual malice means that a statement is made with knowledge of the statements falsity or with reckless disregard of whether or not it is false. In this instance, reckless disregard means that Rolling Stone and Erdely had a high degree of awareness of the probable falsity or must have in fact entertained serious doubts as to the truth of the publication. If the jury finds in Eramos favor, the trial will then enter a damages phase, in which the jury will hear further evidence and decide on the monetary reparations Eramo is due. The trial is expected to pick up at 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, when clocks should be set back an hour. With the time change, the Virginia Department of Fire Programs is urging people to take the opportunity to also check their smoke alarms. Home fires are one of the biggest disaster threats in the United States, with roughly three out of five fire deaths occurring in homes without working smoke alarms, according to the fire association. Authorities recommend testing smoke alarms monthly, changing batteries at least once per year and replacing the entire alarm unit every eight to 10 years. For more information, visit vafire.com. STAUNTON The superintendent of Staunton City Schools says no one has complained directly to her office about a high school secretary dressing up as Hillary Clinton in an orange prison jumpsuit for Halloween. However, several people have taken to social media to express concern about the costume after a picture of the secretary appeared on Robert E. Lee High Schools website. The photo also showed the school principal, who was dressed as Donald Trump. The News Leader of Staunton reported that the photo of Principal Mark Rowicki and secretary Stephanie Corbett was taken down from the website Wednesday afternoon. Superintendent Linda Reviea says she contacted Rowicki and the picture was taken down. She would not say whether the incident would lead to any disciplinary action, saying it was a personnel matter. Offer a personal message of sympathy... You'll find individual Guest Books on the page with each obituary notice. By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. . From a Guest Book, you may log in with your Google, Facebook, Yahoo or AOL account to leave a message. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that. Otherwise, it's simple to create a new one by clicking on the Create "Sign up" button and following the simple steps on the Sign Up page. Are you ready to surrender your political power? Or to cede the power that future Virginians might have to change the direction of the commonwealth, including your childrens or grandchildrens influence? We think Virginians already are losing too much of their political power. Thats why we recommend voting against the constitutional amendments that will be on next weeks ballot. Its not that the issues covered by the amendments are defective. They are sound. And they already exist in the State Code. One repurposes Virginias existing law prohibiting workplaces from requiring labor union membership as a condition for employment. The other restates localities existing option to provide tax relief for the spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty. As we said, good programs both. But they already are covered by statuteand that is where they belong. Constitutions are intended to contain guiding principles of government. They should be fundamental, basic, even elegantly simple. They should focus on core beliefs and provide a central foundation for future decision-making. Statutes are supposed to implement those principles. Statutes deal in specifics. They are intended to translate fundamental beliefs into practical forms for everyday life. But Virginia has failed to honor that tradition. Instead, it has allowed a system to evolve by which its Constitutionsupposedly its set of core beliefscan be endlessly tweaked and altered and amended. Since adoption of the current Constitution in 1971, the state has embraced some 50 amendments. By contrast, the U.S. Constitution has adopted only 27 amendments since 1789. Every time an amendment is added that deals with a detail more appropriate to statute, the Constitutions purpose as a fundamental document is compromised. Statutes, meanwhile, are much more responsive to the electorate than are constitutional amendments. Of course, statutes are not necessarily a snap to change; voters have to persuade their elected representatives to act on their behalf. But voters still have more power over statutes than over amendments, which are fully within the authority of the legislature and over which voters have little control except to vote them up or down. Voters do not have the power to propose amendments by grassroots initiative, an opportunity that is provided by some states and that tends to balance the control held by lawmakers. All of this is why we question the impetus to cede voter power by elevating statutes into the state Constitution. If the current laws are working well, then there is no need to constitutionalize them. If they are not working well, then moving them into the Constitution takes away voters ability to revise and improve them. Why would voters give away that power, now and for the future? LONDON - England - The High Court decision today to deny the EU Referendum result is a sign that we are not living in a democracy or a sovereign country. Today is a very sad day for democracy within the UK, and Theresa May a Remain supporter is instrumental in denying the will of the British people to leave the EU. Dithering and Delaying Tactics Through numerous delaying tactics, and the installation of key government posts of Remain campaign MPs, the Brexit referendum was thwarted. If the government had repealed the 1972 European Communities Act immediately the EU referendum result would be well on the way to materialising. The total nonchalance and denial of the EU referendum result is firmly on Theresa Mays head and her appointment of Hammond as Chancellor of the Exchequer was a further sign that May was not serious about the EU referendum result. Injustice The High Court ruling today which is intrusive and false, as well as being undemocratic is a further signal that we are currently not living in a sovereign nation and it is totally controlled by Brussels. During the EU Referendum, MPs had their say, MPs campaigned, and when it came to vote in the referendum, they voted. Therefore, parliament has already had a say in the EU referendum, and by going to the High Court, these traitors have sought to annul a democratic vote which was held on June 23 2016. This ruling is a shameful reminder that Britain has lost all sovereign status to the EU entity, it is a sad day for democracy, for the will of the people and ultimately for the country. 17.5 Million People Will Vote on Election Day In these circumstances, we must as a people show our displeasure at being circumvented by not voting during the next election for any MP or party who is EU centric. This is not over. Never Forget. Never Give up. LONDON - England - The High Court decision today is a betrayal of the will of the people cast on June 23 2016 in the EU referendum. Britain as a nation is now on the verge of being lost, and all it has worked for for centuries are now but a memory. We are now living in a Stasi EU zone with no sovereign rights, we are ordered about by the unelected eurocrats in the EU Commission, and many within parliament are now servants to the European Union. Contempt This great betrayal of the people who voted in a democratically held EU referendum will not be forgotten, and those who are accountable in parliament to thwart the democratic vote will feel the wrath of the voters when it comes to election time. Its Them Against 17.5 Million People Who Voted Brexit They will not be elected again, they will be despised and as they are traitorous scum, they shall be left to the dung heap of history, a forgotten note under a morass of festering putrid excrement. True Britons never give up, and they will not, they will fight against the duplicitous forces within this nation that seek to commit High Treason against the Crown. As much as the ground that has been lost today by the criminal treasonous High Court decision to overstep the voters, there will never be an end to the fight for sovereign status from those who wish the UK to be ruled by the Soviet EU entity. No doubt, Brussels has the law courts firmly within their grasp, but the Remain traitors, lickspittle vile treasonous vermin will one day get their comeuppance. And in other news, the pound spiked, so we have further proof of who else is behind all of this. LONDON - England - The real referendum will be the next general election when the people who voted for Brexit (52% of the electorate) will make their voices heard once again. The multiple scenarios and variables are too many to discuss in one article, however it is fair to say that any MP who is a Remainer will not be in office after the election. With this in mind, the currently unelected PM, Theresa May, will most certainly lose her position chiefly because of her dilly dallying regarding the Brexit process and her choice in putting key Remain MPs in high government positions and Brexit committees which undermined everything. Because of the unjust corrupt court ruling today conducted by biased judges, there are calls for a general election to be held before 2020. If this happens, there will be a bloodbath at the polling booths however under the current circumstances, if a general election occurs in 2020, there will still be a bloodbath. It does not matter when the next election is held, there will be a bloodbath of Remain MPs. Your days of parliament are numbered, so count them well. It is probably in Theresa Mays interest to never hold a general election in Britain ever again. Certainly, this choice will suit the undemocratic Remain contingent, such is their allegiance to the undemocratic EU. LONDON - England - When it comes to low information voters who do not have much knowledge of what they are voting for, or the EU, Remain voters and supporters fit the bill very succinctly. These Remain people are more concerned about roaming charges on their mobile phones in the continent than any serious issues that the EU is forcing on Britain. Brainwashed Remain voters are easily led sheep who would willingly go over a cliff because of their entrenched EU programming and their devout hatred of Britain. Jean Claude Junckers EU army is already on a roll, and the Remain supporters are unknowingly bringing forth this fascistic monster into plain sight. Not only is an EU army a threat to NATO but is seen as a direct threat by Russia right on their doorstep. By staying in the EU, the UKs armed forces would be forced to cede control to a Brussels high command. The EU army already has an advanced control structure developed and is ready to go to the next level where all EU nations would be forced to commit their armed forces under a single EU military force. So when your sons and daughters are called up to have their limbs blown off on the battlefield, you can stop your Remoaning you fully supported remaining in the EU. Manufacturer of Dost LCV managed to sale 2,959 vehicles in October, which is a mere 232 more in comparison to 2,627 LCVs sold October 2015. Ashok Leyland has sold 12,533 commercial vehicles in October 2016. The number of sales reported in the BSE filling is 2,730 vehicles more in comparison to what the CV manufacturer had sold in October 2015. The number is inclusive of LCV, M&HCV segment and denotes 28 percent growth in sales figure. Though one reason behind the increase in sales figures could be the CV manufacturer's increased presence in News and Media, factors like Dhanteras and Diwali falling in October cannot be neglected. It is a proven fact that vehicle sales usually skyrocket during the holy month of Deepawali and Dhanteras. Ashok Leyland has sold 9,574 vehicles in the M&HCV segment in October 2016 as compared to the 7,176 vehicles sold in October 2015. However the growth in number of sales in the LCV segment has not been that phenomenal as the manufacturer of Dost LCV managed to sale 2,959 vehicles in October, which is a mere 232 more in comparison to 2,627 LCVs sold October 2015. The reputed home grown commercial vehicle manufacturer has quite recently signed a whopping INR 1,140 crore agreement with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania. The deal requires Ashok Leyland to facilitate Tanzania Home Ministry with vehicles, gensets, spare and equipment. This deal was also announced by the truck and bus manufacturer in a BSE filling earlier in October. Source: TruckDekho.com CV manufacturers in the country have been struggling in selling their products for the last three months. CV manufacturers in the country have been struggling in selling their products for the last three months. Factors including GST bill and BS-IV implications were noticed as the main reasons behind the downfall. But Diwali and Dhanteras falling in October may have just ended the worries of the CV manufacturers in India. Many M&HCV manufacturers in India have surpassed their own October 2015 sales records, and it seems that the commercial vehicles industry is back on the track. We look at how the major CV players faired in the month of October 2016. Tata Motors Tata Motors has been leading the M&HCV segment in India for consecutive years. The amount of commercial vehicles that Tata sold in October 2016 surpassed its closest competition by over 10,000 vehicles. The automobile giant from India, famous for Tata 407, sold 4,050 more vehicles in October 2016, in comparison to what it had sold in the same month in 2015. Tata has witnessed a growth of 15.51 per cent. Mahindra It may come as a shock to may commercial vehicle experts in the country but Mahindra and Mahindra has failed to impress with the number of sales. The automobile heavyweight managed to sell only 18,059 commercial vehicles in October 2016, whereas the same company had sold 18,756 commercial vehicles in October 2015. Mahindra has come a long way in the CV industry and is considered as Tatas closest competitor. But the current poor show will not only question the reliability of its products, but also help other CV brands rejoice for a while. Ashok Leyland Experts in the industry agree that this home grown M&HCV automaker is turning the CV industry in India. It has become famous for its aggressive approach in the media. In fact, the CV giant has managed to become the talk of the town every second day, and this newly acquired ability has certainly helped Ashok Leyland make some serious cash. The CV brand witnessed a growth of 27.85 per cent in number of CV sales in October 2016. Ashok Leyland has sold 12,533 units in October 2016 which is a staggering 2,730 more units than 9,803 in October 2015. Eicher VECV The collaboration between Eicher and Volvo seems to be working wonders for both. The joint venture has managed to file 11.19 per cent growth in number of sales. The duo had sold 3,466 commercial vehicles in October 2015, whereas managed to sell 3,854 in 2016. CV manufacturers will have to move with caution as vehicle sales during Diwali and Dhanteras are generally higher than normal, and may not denote the complete revival of the industry. Moreover, with GST and BS-IV lined up, one can expect a lot of sharp turns in the future for CV industry. Source: TrucksDekho.com New Delhi: A day after the resignation of S Ramadorai as the Chairman of NSDC, the skill development body's board met and expressed "deep appreciation" for his immense contribution in nurturing the country's skill ecosystem for the last few years. The National Skill Development Corporation's (NSDC) Board also acknowledged his pro-active role in garnering industry support for the Skill India Mission and championing some key reforms which were vital for the sector, a release said. On Tuesday, Tata veteran S Ramadorai had put in his papers as Chairman of the government's skill development agencies NSDA and NSDC sparking speculation that he might be headed back to India's largest conglomerate. The NSDC board, which met yesterday, said: "During Ramadorai's chairmanship, NSDC registered an impressive growth by way of its Training Partners, Training Centres, Sector Skill Councils, occupation standards, training delivery and employment generation." The former Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) chief was appointed as the chairman of skill development agencies in May 2013 with a Cabinet rank. He is also the chairman of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and AirAsia India. His resignation triggered talk that he might be headed back to the Tata Group where a search committee is looking for a full-time Chairman after the board of Tata Sons ousted its first non-family chairman, Cyrus Mistry, last month. The NSDC Board also requested for his continued patronage for the Skill India Mission. Rohit Nandan, Vice-Chairman of the governing body and Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has been appointed interim head of the National Skill Development Agency till a full-time chairman is appointed. Crisil said the external environment is far less conducive to trade, and the country cannot do a repeat of the Asian tigers in the pre-1990s and China who successfully adopted an exports-led strategy to boost manufacturing. Mumbai: Stressing on the need to focus on the domestic market to boost manufacturing, rating agency Crisil on November 3 said the country needs to do a lot more to encourage the high-employment sector. "India can nurture growth in its manufacturing sector only if it strikes a balance between export-led and domestic demand-led growth. And that will require relentless efforts on improving the competitiveness of our manufacturing sector," it said in a report. The report, which comes days after India was ranked low in the global ease of doing business rankings, said manufacturing sector cannot be competitive in face of difficulties. These include inadequate physical infrastructure like reliable power and water, inflexible labour laws and an "opaque" land acquisition system, it said. Even after the goods are produced, they face problems because of the inefficiencies in the system like logistical bottlenecks which results in higher costs, the report said. It said the government will also have to ensure purchasing power across all sections for pushing the domestic consumption as well. "Policy measures that ensure distribution of income growth to all sections will sustain domestic demand-led growth. This need not be achieved by merely subsiding the poor, but also by empowering them to participate in the growth process," Crisil said. The report by Crisil's research wing comes nearly two years after the then Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan stressed on the need to address the domestic opportunity and not focus on the exports alone as part of the 'Make in India' programme. "The maximum possible growth for manufacturing sector can only be realised if it strikes a balance between export-led and domestic-demand led growth," the report said. It said domestic firms will have to ensure that their goods are competitive in the global market, failing which there can also be a rise in imports as India is open to international trade. Crisil said the external environment is far less conducive to trade, and the country cannot do a repeat of the Asian tigers in the pre-1990s and China who successfully adopted an exports-led strategy to boost manufacturing. It also said that the country has not been able to seize the opportunities in the global arena, pointing out that countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh have been able to increase their share in global exports even as the overall trade is falling. Stating that China is ceding space in the low-end manufacturing, Crisil said the country can target this segment but is lagging behind both Vietnam and Bangladesh in the race. The Department of Revenue in a notification yesterday said anti-dumping duty is being imposed for six months on import of wire road of alloy or non-alloy steel from China. New Delhi: Centre has imposed anti-dumping duty on imports of steel wire rods from China to protect domestic manufacturers from cheap in-bound shipments. The Department of Revenue in a notification yesterday said anti-dumping duty is being imposed for six months on import of wire road of alloy or non-alloy steel from China. The measure follows recommendation by the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) that steel wire road was being exported by China "below the normal value" and "the domestic industry has suffered material injury" because of such imports. In its September 27 finding, the DGAD also stated that "the injury has been caused by the dumped imports of the subject goods" from China. An anti-dumping duty equivalent to the difference between the landed value of steel products and USD 499 per tonne will be imposed on products exported by Minmetals Yingkou Medium Plate Co Ltd. In case of other producers, the anti-dumping duty would be the difference between the landed value and USD 538 per tonne, the notification said. "The anti-dumping duty imposed under this notification shall be effective for a period not exceeding six months (unless revoked, superseded or amended earlier) from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette and shall be paid in Indian currency," the November 2 notification said. The 'landed value' of imports was defined as the assessable value as determined by the customs and includes all duties of customs. Wire rod of alloy or non-alloy steel finds applications in many sectors such as automotive components, welding electrodes, fasteners, including nuts and bolts, nails, railway sleepers, general engineering, binding wires for construction industry and armoured cables. State-owned Steel Authority of India, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam, Usha Martin and JSW Steel had jointly filed the application to probe the dumping of these products from China. In its findings, DGAD concluded that the product has been exported to India at "below the normal value" due to which "the domestic industry has suffered material injury". "The authority recommends imposition of provisional anti-dumping duty... so as to remove the injury to the domestic industry," DGAD had said. Imports of these steel products have drastically increased to 4,95,732 tonnes during the period of investigation (July-December 2015) from 1,60,582 tonnes in 2012-13. India has already slapped anti-dumping duty on certain cold-rolled flat steel products from four nations, including China and South Korea. While the DGAD recommends the duty to be levied, the finance ministry imposes it. Anti-dumping measures are taken to ensure fair trade and provide a level-playing field to the domestic industry. They are not a measure to restrict imports or cause an unjustified increase in cost of products. India has initiated maximum anti-dumping cases against "below-cost" imports from China. Mumbai: Fawad Khan might have come under a lot of scrutiny for his involvement in Karan Johars Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, but all of the controversy got smoothened out and the film had an unhampered release. Though his extended cameo got considerably chopped off, the film is running successfully at the box-office. And, Fawad has more reasons to smile besides that! The Pakistani actor, who had been blessed with a baby girl with his wife Sadaf, has finally named his princess. The Khoobsoorat actor, who also has a son Aayaan, with his childhood sweetheart and wife of 11 years, has named his bundle of joy, Elayna. Fawads fan page sprung a surprise for his gazillion fans on Instagram, by sharing a picture of a cake, with the babys Date of Birth revealed beside the cake. Fans might be desperate for his return to the big-screen but this is reason enough to rejoice, we are sure! Mumbai: The response to his debut film Mirzya has been underwhelming. But leading man Harshvardhan Kapoor has already moved on to his next which is an out and out commercial venture. According to Harshavradhan , Vikramditya Motwanes Bhavesh Joshi where the young actor plays a vigilante, is a completely different world from that of Mirzya. Mirzya is surreal, poetic. Bhavesh Joshi is set in contemporary times . The issues it addresses concern all Indians very deeply, says Harshvardhan, who sees this film as his political education, and also his initiation into the world of street action, as Bhavesh Joshi contains some raw gritty fight scenes shot on the streets of Mumbai. The entire film is shot on real locations in Mumbai. It is the opposite of a fantasy, says Harshvardhan who says he is very proud of Mirzya. Its a script I surrendered to completely because I completely believed in my directors vision. When I look back on the film I feel theres nothing Id change in it. He sees a parallel between his sisters debut and his own. After Mirzya I am at a situation and place where Sonam was after her first film Saawariya. The young fiercely dedicated actor feels the audience is missing some of layers and nuances in the storytelling. We as people are in a hurry. And in this hurry we tend to miss out on the finer points. Thats okay. I am confident my film will find its audience eventually. Some of my fathers best films Parinda, 1942: A Love Story, Pukar and Lamhe got a mixed response on release. And Naayak which is one of his most popular films today was not a success when released. Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan has a trick up his sleeve to stay way ahead of his contemporaries in this business of showbiz- contagious charm! SRK knows his wit and charm always works on us and may be thats the reason why he plays these two cards in every interview leaving us wanting for more! So when Anupama Chopra visited SRK in Lisbon for her new show Beneath the surface, the ever-energetic superstar poured his heart out to her as he never lies in interviews. When Chopra asked him if his understanding of love and its portrayal in Hindi cinema has changed in last 25 years, King Khan boastfully admitted to falling in love with women who are taken but thanks to his innate charm and goodness, he wins them over. To begin with, I have made an art and profession out of loving women who are going to get married to someone or already married or are engaged and I run after them and I get them from wherever they are from any corner sometimes with charm, sometimes with goodness, sometimes I throw them off the buildingBut yeah I have a problem (laughs)I have accepted it, its a problem and its chronic. The only solution is to keep doing it again and again.., said SRK. Talking about love, SRK, at the risk of sounding pompous and knowing, claimed to know all the facets of love. It will sound a little pompous and all knowing, but I know all facets of lovehowever strange it may sound me saying it you may find a person who knows all the theorems you may find a person who knows all the plays of Shakespeare and you wil find someone who has all the knowledge about films and I am a lot like thatI am beautiful not only physical but in a different way, I am unpredictable, I am charming, I make you glow, I make you sad, I destroy you, I distress you, I create longing for you, I create belonging in youI could be thew best thing that happened to you..i could be the best thing that happened to youso I genuinely am like that and I believe in love like that..I know Love very well, explained SRK. Yes Shah Rukh, we all know that you are adorably unpredictable and agree that you have destroyed us all with your charm and wit. Mumbai: I have known Kamal Haasan long enough to be considered a part of his inner circle. Ive seen him go through several crises in life, blows delivered by fate that would have left us ordinary mortals devastated and writhing on the ground. But Kamalji (we address each other as ji as he insists on doing with everyone including his own children) has picked himself up each time and gathered together all his strength to emerge a champion survivor. A born fighter, a cogent thinker, an intellectual and an atheist; Kamalji is all of this, and more. Some day soon I hope to put together my biography on this fascinating man who loves cinema more than his own life. And loves his daughters more than even cinema. The latest blow, and the one that was least expected, came this week, just days ahead of his 62nd birthday, when his soul-mate Gautami decided to leave him. Kamalji didnt want out. She did. He tried to reason, protest, cajole, plead and pacify, but she was adamant. He then gave in to her wish and let her go. He insisted that she wait until she finds a proper accommodation for herself and her daughter Subbulaxmi whom Kamalji dotes on like he does on his other two daughters Shruti and Akshara. From the time Gautami came into his life Kamalji took charge of her daughter. I know the bond that Kamalji shares with Subbu is precious. The girl is grieved by the breach in her mothers bonding with the man who was father to her for 13 years. Kamalji has ensured her doors to his home and heart is always open to Subbu. She can walk in any time. So can Gautami. As I watch him struggle with yet another trauma, I wonder why some are chosen for special bumps from the powers above. Time and time again, Kamalji has been walloped on his heart. When his second wife Sarika and he parted ways, he was shattered and battling the bottle to get over his grief. This time he is stronger, perhaps wiser. There are rumours that Gautami got tired of Kamal Haasans womanising ways. Oh, please! Spare us these simplistic solutions to complex problems of the heart that have no clear demarcations and definitions. Its easy to pin some easily identifiable transgression on a man when a woman walks out. But every broken relationship is not about infidelity. Sometimes a partner outgrows a relationship to the extent that it doesnt matter how much the break would affect the other partner. As Kamalji faces stretches of loneliness in the months ahead I can only extend a hand of empathy, hoping that the wound would once again heal. It is a tall order. At the moment he needs to heal both physically (after a massive accident that left him with multi-fractures in his leg) and emotionally. He needs to get to work. But cant until December. The spirit is willing. The flesh is not. He also needs his privacy. On Tuesday he spoke extensively to me on the sudden emotional trauma in his life .We decided to put out a few lines only about the break with Gautami. A few hours later, an angry fan of Kamalji put out a nasty letter in Tamil lashing out at Gautamiji in Kamal Hasans name. Kamalji was shocked and he reacted on twitter against the indecent violation of a very sensitive space in his life by an overzealous, abusive fan. Jumping on his words, a section of the media presumed he was reacting to his quotes on the break put out by me. Let it be stated once and for all that I would never need to manufacture quotes from Kamalji. I am an integral part of his life. I have unlimited access to his life and words. Explains Kamalji, That was in reply to a long indecent letter in Tamil addressed to Gautami ji in my name. The letter tried pitifully to sound like me and used coarse language hooded in archaic Tamil. My twitter reaction was to that letter. I tweeted in Tamil. You are a friend and yes. I spoke to you. And so you shall do in future too. I hope at least a bit of the hurt would be healed on November 7 when you turn a year older and a lot wiser. Mumbai: Bollywood has often been accused of being unabashedly nepotistic and preferential when it comes to star-kids. Outside talents are often shown the door while star-kids are given multiple chances despite frequent failures or evident inadequacies. Parineeti Chopra, who despite of being a relative outsider (shes Priyanka Chopras cousin), could hold her own the industry fairly well, feels that kids from the industry have it easier because they understand the business better. They understand the business more because they have either parents, brothers or sisters who are film-makers, actors, etc. They have been around scripts all their lives. Plus, they know how a movie set functions and, in fact, they get to visit many of them, she told Hindustan Times. While commenting on outsiders like herself, she confessed, Thats the only advantage (they have) but the beauty of the industry is that talent and to some extent luck, are the only things that work. So, wherein its easy to get the first break, its the audiences liking that decides the rest. Its a catch-22 situation. But when queried on the nepotism in the industry, she chose to be diplomatic by saying for every talented outsiders have made it big like Sushant Singh Rajput, Ranveer Singh and Sidharth Malhotra, there are equally talented star kids like Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. "Actors like me, who are from outside, have reached a position due to our hard-work and because audiences have accepted us. So, ultimately somewhere the equation ends up getting equalised, she adds. Mumbai: If news of her getting hitched to entrepreneur Dino Lalvani made you happy, this piece of news will leave you ecstatic. Yes, Lisa Haydon is a family person and will go to any extent to protect her loved ones from anyone who tries to malign them. In a recent article, a well-known newspaper insinuated that its time for her to say goodbye to Bollywood as she is married to a Pakistani now. That, naturally, did not go down too well with Lisa, who took to Twitter to clarify that her in-laws are just as Indians as anyone else. She wrote: Dear (newspapers name) my husband is Indian. My father in law Gulu Lalvani, was born in pre partition India and was thrown out of what is today called Pakistan- to call someone who has gone through the struggles of partition non Indian is absurd. And Lisa did not stop there! If you thought this response was befitting, wait till you read this: Sad this article are the good wishes you would give a girl on the day she begins a new & exciting chapter in her life, wrote Haydon in another tweet. Days after announcing her engagement on social media, Lisa got married to London-based entrepreneur Dino Lalvani in a private ceremony in Thailand on October 30. Professionally, Lisa was last seen in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil playing Ranbir Kapoors girlfriend and will soon be seen in tv series The Trip. Mumbai: All is not well between Pakistani actor Ali Zafar and the makers of Dear Zindagi. Speculations are rife that Ali, who is rumoured to be one of Alias suitors in the movie, has been dropped owing to heightening tension circling around Pakistani actors working in India. The film will see psychiatrist Shah Rukh Khan imparting life lessons to a much perplexed Alia Kaira Bhatt and Zafar was supposed to be one of the reasons behind her confused state of mind. But the ban on Pakistani actors has sealed Zafars fate. Maharashtra Namvnirman Sena (MNS), after threatening to stop the release of films with Pakistani actors in them, have finally given their nod to those movies that have already been shot with a condition that the makers contribute 5 Cr to National Defence Fund as a mark of respect. While Karan Johar obliged to MNSs demand for a smooth release of his film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Farhan Akhtar has refused to pay anything to Indian Army for his film Raees starring Pakistani actress Mahira Khan. But unlike Farhan, the makers of Dear Zindagi have made up their minds to take the safest route and drop Ali. Ali Zafar has already been replaced in the film and he has been replaced with Tahir Raj Bhasin, Rani Mukerjis nemesis from Mardaani, confirmed a source to a leading daily. Yesterday, a dance shoot was underway of the film with Alia Bhatt and Tahir. Its an Arijit Singh number, added the source. With Zafar losing this big banner film to political crisis, chances of his younger brother Danyal Zafar debuting in Bollywood are also very slim. Rumours are that Karan Johar was planning on launching Danyal in one of his upcoming films. But, with the way things are going, even that looks like a far-fetched dream. Mumbai: Be prepared to watch some Hollywood-like love scenes in this new video which is supposedly about celebrating Life & Love. Except for a couple of brief appearances, Sana Khan, who is romancing Rajneesh Duggal in this movie, is no where to be seen. But, do not be upset because we have got Sherlyn Chopra in the house in a never-seen-before ultra bold avatar. The song kick-starts with Sherlyn taking off her clothes and never wearing them back till the very end. And a bare bodied Rajneesh is nothing but a visual treat for your eyes. From kissing passionately leaning against walls to those sensuous touches by the pool, this video begins and ends with one central theme- Sex! Craving for more? You got it! Towards the end of the song, Sherlyn and Rajneesh do what they were visibly pining for throughout the video. Yes, they hump like no ones watching! Just like the trailer, this song is no different in terms of sensuousness. The film will hit the screens on December 2. Watch the raunchy video here: This is actor Kamal Haasans third break-up and each time, he has remained silent choosing not to comment. But, this time, hes hopping mad because barely hours after the news of his and Gautami Tadimallas split rocked tinsel town, a message on Whatsapp attributed to Kamal himself started going viral. The forward which is in poetic form when roughly translated from Tamil reads, If you think, going apart will make you stronger, and if that is your decision, then stand at a distance as a shadow. And I wont consider this as a punishment, which I inflicted on myself. There is no pride in telling that a part of me has, today, left me alone. However, after being bombarded with calls and messages all day, Kamal was quick to issue a statement that the poem was not his and that someone was playing an indecent game by making remarks under his name. He also added that at this point, he was not going to comment anything on the matter of the break-up. His daughter, Shruti Haasan, who has also been linked as one of the reasons behind the split, immediately followed suit, with a press release of her own, that was rather impassionate, stating that she has never commented on anyones personal life and their decisions. For her, what matters most is standing by, loving and respecting her family her parents and her sister no matter what. After the success of Oopiri, a Telugu-Tamil bilingual, Karthi was offered a couple of other bilinguals. Bilinguals may be easy for producers, but not for directors and actors. Although the sensibilities of both Telugu and Tamil audiences are the same, each language has to be approached differently, he explains, talking about why didnt take up the offers. Oopiri worked because the Tamil version was treated as a separate entity. We translated the dialogues first and then a fresh draft was made. I had approached director Raja Murugan for the same, he reveals. Baahubali, Karthi says, worked because it was different. It was a visual experience and something new for the audiences. It wont work for dramas. The actor admits, I am no writer and Tamil cinema doesnt have strong writers. Thats why I havent gone ahead with anything. ndic mythologies - Hindu, Buddhist and Jain - do not follow the linear structure that Greek storytellers (from chaos to cosmos) or Greek philosophers (from faith to reason). (Photo: Pixabay) New Delhi: Europeans and Americans have retold Indic mythologies umpteen times but now mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik attempts to reverse the gaze by retelling Greek myths. "Olympus: An Indian Retelling of the Greek Myths" tries to decode the Greek mythology. In the process he wants to show the difference between Greek and Hindu mythologies. "Indic mythologies - Hindu, Buddhist and Jain - do not follow the linear structure that Greek storytellers (from chaos to cosmos) or Greek philosophers (from faith to reason) or Christian missionaries (from many gods to one God) or scientists and activists (from unjust feudal faith to fair egalitarian development) prefer. It has its own structure: a cyclical one," the author says. Western mythology, according to him, propagates the idea that the world is in need of changing, either by Greek heroes, or by Abrahamic prophets and kings, or by scientists, activists and capitalists. "Indic mythology presents the idea that the world is constantly changing, human intervention notwithstanding. There are no heroes or villains, no oppressor or oppressed, no saviour or martyr, just different ways of looking at reality. That is why the West sees itself as masculine, active, decisive, violent and straightforward, and qualifies Indic ideas as feminine, passive, ambiguous, non-violent yet cunning," he says. "The West dismisses the Indic worldview as chaos, thus closing its mind to any new possibility but its own. Not surprisingly, there are many books by Western scholars that 'explain' Hindu mythology, but very few by Indian scholars that bother to 'observe' Western mythology. This book is an attempt to bridge that gap," Pattanaik says. He also says that modern Greek worldview force-fits Hindu mythology into Greek or Christianity templates. "Thus Hindu devas become 'phallic' like Hermes, and 'rapists' like Zeus, and asuras are explained as Christian demons, or Greek Titans. So the worldview establishes that India is in the shadows and in need of sunlight. It dismisses all talk of rebirth as mere superstition, failing to see the impact of this idea on the Indic mind," he says. Pattanaik says he has simply presented his "truth of Greek myths" in his book, published by Penguin Random House. "I do not claim objectivity; I am comfortable withsubjectivity and well aware of my Indian gaze," he says. A job racketeer was arrested for cheated over 80 people of Rs 50 lakh after promising them jobs in the Gulf countries. (Representational image) Hyderabad: A man pretending to be a manpower consultant cheated over 80 people of Rs 50 lakh after promising them jobs in the Gulf countries. Police said Md. Khaled collected money from semi-skilled workers by promising them jobs as electricians, plumbers and in construction companies. According to the police, Khaled had been City Star Travels at Mehdipatnam crossroads for three years without permission from the Protector General of Emigration of the Union labour ministry. He convinced his victims that his agency was licensed and he was an authorised agent working for several overseas companies. Police said he collected Rs 50,000 to Rs 1.6 lakh from each candidate. Apart from jobs, he also promised them a salary of Rs 1 lakh. In order to convince the victims, he collected their passports, senior police official from the Task Force said. The police raided the office after receiving a tip-off from his victims. Three women brick-klin workers were allegedly gangraped by six robbers in Greater Noida. (Representational image) Greater Noida: Three women brick-klin workers were allegedly gangraped by six robbers who looted their houses in Noida's Karoli village and stole their chicken, police said on Thursday. An FIR has been registered in the matter, Greater Noida Superintendent of Police Sujata Singh said, adding medical examination of the victims have been conducted. The robbers stormed the houses around 12.30 am in the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. The assailants, posing as policemen, told the labourers that they had come to check if there was any illicit liquor at their homes, according to reports. They then tied up the male members of the families, looted their belongings, ate at their homes, raped three women and stole six chickens. The men were armed with country-made weapons, one of the rape victims' husband said. The accused looted all their valuables and about Rs 20,000. The workers said they were saving the money for their children, but now they will have to start from scratch. Police said they suspect the involvement of locals in the incident and have formed teams to arrest the assailants. Srikanth and his friends met Shivani again on Monday and threatened that they would kill her and her brother if she does not accept his proposal. Unable to bear the torture she hanged herself on Tuesday. (Representational image) Warangal Urban: Two youths were arrested by the Kamalapur police after Intermediate student Shivarathri Shivani, 17, hanged herself to death on Tuesday. Localaveni Ganesh and Kanukula Srikanth were arrested after the girls family alleged that they had been harassing her. Shivani, who lived with her parents Venkanna and Komuramma in Desarajupalli village, was studying Intermediate second year at the Kamalapur government junior college. She complained to her parents about the harassment by Srikanth who kept stalking her. Following this, the family warned him. Shivanis brother Kumaraswamy went to Kamalapur on October 30 along with elders and asked Srikanth to stay away from his sister. My sister told us that the boy and his friends used to misbehave with her. We warned him that we will complain to the police. But he continued harassing her and drove her to death, he said. Srikanth and his friends met Shivani again on Monday and threatened that they would kill her and her brother if she does not accept his proposal. Unable to bear the torture she hanged herself on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Shivanis friends and other students held a dharna demanding punishment for the culprits. Warangal police commissioner G. Sudheer Babu said the culprits will not be let off. He said that SHE teams would be deployed in colleges and bus stops to identify miscreants. He asked girls to complain to the police on WhatsApp number 9491089257 if they encounter eve teasers. Four labourers died and 13 others were injured following leakage of poisonous phosgene gas at a chemical plant in Bharuch, Gujarat. (Photo: ANI/Twitter) Bharuch: Four labourers died and 13 others were injured following leakage of poisonous phosgene gas at a chemical plant of state PSU Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd (GNFC) in a village in Bharuch. "Four persons have been killed due to poisonous gas leakage from reactor gasket at GNFC plant at Rahiad village in Dahej taluka," District Collector Sandip Sagale said. The mishap took place on Wednesday night when mechanical failure in a chemical reactor at the company's TDI (Toluene Di-Isocyanate) plant caused leakage of poisonous phosgene gas, he said. The deceased have been identified as - Khurshid Rai, Wasi Ahmed, Mohammad Jamimuddin and Mohammad Taiba. "We have launched an investigation into the matter with officials of industrial safety from the district and the state inspecting the site. The company has also formed a high-level technical committee to investigate the accident," Sagale said. A company official said the leakage took place when around 13-15 contract labourers working in nearby units were exposed to the poisonous gas due to leakage in the reactor gasket. "Contractual labourers who often work till late in different shifts were affected. We rushed some of them to our own hospital at the company, while those critically affected were rushed to private hospitals in Bharuch," the official said. The 13 injured were admitted to a hospital in Bharuch. Of them, two have been referred to government hospital in Vadodara. Three workers were discharged, Bharuch Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh said. A team of Forensic Science Laboratory will visit the site later in the day, he added. Bodies of SIMI terrorists who were killed in an encounter after they escaped from Central Jail, being handed over to their relatives and family members after post-mortem in Bhopal. (Photo: PTI) Aligarh (UP): Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) students' union staged a demonstration against the killing of eight SIMI activists after a jail break in Bhopal and demanded a judicial probe into the matter. In a memorandum to President Pranab Mukerjee, AMU students' union demanded a Supreme Court-monitored judicial probe into the Bhopal encounter, an AMU office bearer said. Anger had been brewing on the campus since the news broke out in the media on Monday but the authorities managed to prevent any public display of the mounting resentment in view of the annual convocation on Tuesday. However, slogan-shouting students took out a procession on Wednesday which culminated into rally at the Sir Syed Gate. Addressing the protestors, the students' union President Faizul Hasan charged that ever since the NDA government came to power "Muslims were being wrongly targeted" . "We are all against terrorists but the battle against terror has to be fought by uniting all sections and not by selectively targeting only a particular section of the people", he said. He said that by targeting "innocents" the present government was "weakening the fight against terror". Hasan said that if the present trend continues the Modi government would ultimately be held accountable for fostering religious extremism and hatred the country. AMU students believe the best way to fight terror "was to take a stand against injustice wherever it takes place", he said while offering his sympathies to the family of the police constable who was also killed in the Bhopal jail break. Eight SIMI activists were killed in an alleged encounter with police on Monday after they escaped from the Bhopal jail. New Delhi: Continuing his attack on the Centre a day after he was detained by the Delhi Police for trying to meet the family member of the ex-serviceman who allegedly committed suicide, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday lashed out at the BJP for polarising in the name of votes, adding that its leaders were not even loyal to their own blood. "The BJP does not belong to anyone. They don't even belong to their father. BJP have the greed of power and money, and if needed they will even sell their father," said Kejriwal at a solidarity meeting organised JNU students for the missing student Najeeb Ahmed. Kejriwal further asserted that the BJP is trying to polarise the society and is dividing it between Hindu and Muslims. "Message is clear from the way the matter is being investigated, that now the hooliganism of BJP, RSS and ABVP will work and whoever will raise their voice against them will not be spared," he said. On Wednesday, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal were detained by police in Delhi for several hours Gandhi twice in an apparent bid to prevent them from meeting the bereaved family. Several leaders of Congress and AAP including Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia were also held by the police even as Rahul and Kejriwal tore into Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Last month, a student of the School of Biotechnology, Najeeb Ahmed, allegedly went missing following a brawl on the campus the night before. Till now the police have not been able to find the whereabouts of Najeeb. Former Mumbai Police Commissioner turned-politician Satyapal Singh on Thursday said Delhi Police had mishandled the protest that took place after ex-servicemans suicide. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Former Mumbai Police Commissioner turned-politician Satyapal Singh on Thursday said Delhi Police had mishandled the protest that took place after the suicide by ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal over delay in the implementation of the One Rank, One Pension (OROP). "I think Delhi Police should have handled the situation better, as they completely mishandled it," he said. "Opposition parties have nothing to do with the victim or with the army. Same people were questioning the army over the surgical strike and they just want to score their political browny points," he added. "There is no harm in letting anyone meet the family of the ex-serviceman but Delhi Police should have managed it in a better way," the BJP MP from Baghpat said. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal were on Wednesday detained by police in Delhi for several hours -- Gandhi twice -- in an apparent bid to prevent them from meeting the bereaved family. Several leaders of Congress and AAP including Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia were also held by the police even as Rahul and Kejriwal tore into Prime Minister Narendra Modi. New Delhi: The suicide case of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal which triggered a political row has been handed over to the Crime Branch of Delhi Police, considering "the sensitivity of the matter". Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Taj Hassan confirmed the development and said the Crime Branch has initiated inquest proceedings in the case. The 70-year-old ex-serviceman from Haryana's Bhiwani district consumed poison in the lawns behind Jawahar Bhavan, which houses some offices of the Ministry of External Affairs, on November 1. He was rushed to RML Hospital where he died later. Grewal's suicide had on Wednesday snowballed into a huge political showdown in the capital with Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi being detained twice by Delhi Police amid high drama and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also being detained by the policemen. "The case has been transferred from New Delhi district to Crime Branch keeping in mind the sensitivity of the matter. District police, especially the New Delhi district police, is usually busy with law and order duties. The New Delhi district is a sensitive area since it houses the residences of MPs and important landmarks," said another senior police officer. Grewal, along with three of his companions, had come to the city apparently to submit a memorandum to the Defence Ministry over the issue of OROP. Srinagar: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday asked the army personnel posted along the Line of Control to remain alert and give a befitting response to any "misadventure" from the across the border. Parrikar, who arrived in Srinagar on a two-day visit, visited Uri frontier area in Baramulla district where militants last month had staged a deadly attack on an army base, killing 19 soldiers and injuring several others, an army official said. The official said the Defence Minister, accompanied by Army Chief General Dalbir Singh, was briefed by the local commanders about the situation prevailing in the area. The Minister also interacted with soldiers posted in forward areas. "While complimenting their valour and fortitude, which Parrikar said was the entire nation's pride, he also impressed upon the soldiers to remain in a very high state of alert to give a befitting response to any misadventure from across," the official said. Militants attacked an army base in Uri on September 18, killing 19 soldiers and injuring several others. The attack led to army carrying out surgical strikes against militant positions in Pakistan occupied Kashmir on September 29. Later, the Defence Minister and Army Chief were briefed at Badamibagh Cantonment here on the latest internal security situation and all the security measures initiated by the army and other security agencies along the Line of Control as well as the hinterland, the official said. Parrikar is scheduled to pay homage to the country's first Param Vir Chakra, highest military honour, recipient Major Somnath Sharma on his 69th death anniversary on Thursday. The Defence Minister will join senior army officers and other ranks in paying tribute to Major Somnath Sharma near the Srinagar Airport in Budgam district, the official said. Major Sharma was awarded the medal posthumously for his bravery in the Kashmir operations in November 1947. He down his life while evicting Pakistani raiders from Srinagar Airport during the war with Pakistan in 1947 48 in Kashmir. He belonged to the 4th Kumaon Regiment. New Delhi: The government is "severely beginning" to limit the notion of liberty that is mentioned in the Constitution by "intruding into people's bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms", says Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. "It is wrong for the government to intrude into people's bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms. "It is actually severely beginning to limit the notion of liberty that is mentioned in our Constitution as one of its first purposes," the Lok Sabha member from Thiruvananthapuram told PTI in an interview. On the surgical strikes, the former Minister of State for External Affairs said these have "relieved a lot of pent-up frustration that had been mounting about the perception that Pakistan was repeatedly hitting us getting away with impunity". He, however, termed as an "unfortunate" aspect the "chest thumping and triumphalism from the ruling party" on the strikes. He also said that under this government "we are hearing of a version of nationalism that seeks to promote a narrow-minded form of bigotry as a form of nationalism that is actually a betrayal of the sense of the nation as one that incorporates everyone". "We are told that we must take pride in certain things. But I take pride in an India that absorbs, embraces and that is inclusive and not an India that is narrow-minded, divisive and that which excludes others," he said. In such a scenario, he said, it won't be long before the Narendra Modi government loses its mandate. "People want actual results on the ground. They have been promised jobs and acche din, which are not coming. There is a clear message coming to the government that its days are numbered," he said. On the prospects of Congress, he said, "I see Congress coming back to power in 2019 perhaps not alone but with others. "It is very clear that this government is not fulfilling the promises that led to it being elected." According to Tharoor, the Indian voters are getting more and more impatient with "slogans and speeches". "Just as the Bible says man cannot live by bread alone, the Indian voters are saying 'we cannot live by slogans, speeches or sound bites alone'," he said. New Delhi: As a crucial meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group next week in Vienna is set to deliberate on admitting non-NPT members, India today hoped China will see the "logic" in its entry into the 48-nation grouping. When asked about the upcoming NSG meeting, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said it was for members of the grouping to take a call on India's application. NSG special envoy Rafael Grossi is likely to place a proposal for admitting non-NPT members into the bloc during the grouping's meeting in Vienna on November 11-12. "It is not really for us to comment as we are not inside the room. However, after the NSG Plenary in Seoul we have had continued conversations with NSG members and remain engaged in the process. We have lodged our application. Now it is for the NSG members to consider it and take a decision," Swarup said. Asked about China's position on India's membership bid, he said both sides had "fruitful talks" recently and hoped that China will eventually support India's bid. Joint Secretary (Disarmament and International Security) Amandeep Singh Gill and his Chinese counterpart Wang Qun had held talks on the NSG issue in Beijing last week. After the talks, China had said it will first find a solution that applies to all non-NPT countries seeking entry into NSG and will then discuss India's application. "As far as Chinese position is concerned, as you know we had second round of fruitful talks between the head of our disarmament and international security affairs division and Chinese lead negotiator on the NSG issue. "Both sides have very freely and frankly discussed their positions and had agreed to continue the engagement. So we remain hopeful that eventually China will see the logic of India being inside the NSG which ultimately benefit the global non-proliferation regime," Swarup said. Asked about tomorrow's meeting between India's NSA and China's State Counsellor in Hyderabad, he said a range of bilateral, regional and global issues are likely to be discussed. Itanagar: In a major boost to the country's rapid airlift capability in Arunachal Pradesh, the mighty C-17 Globemaster aircraft today made its first landing at Mechuka Advanced Landing Ground, just 29 km from Sino-Indian border. At an elevation of 6,200 ft with a landing surface only 4,200 ft long, the plane landed, validating its short field landing performance at high altitude. The ALG at Mechuka in the Yargyap river valley of West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh had been upgraded recently. Situated along the international border, Mechuka was one of the strategic locations during the India-China war in 1962. The IAF had started its operations with Dakota and Otter in 1962 in the area and subsequently the Antonov-32, popularly known as AN-32, was operated till October 2013 before the upgrade work was started. The road connectivity to the nearest air/rail head at Dibrugarh, about 500 km away, is generally two days of travel, unless the roads get damaged due to frequent landslides. "This is a quantum jump from the existing capability of An-32 and C-130J aircraft. Such airlift capability facilitates speedy transfer of men and material in this rugged terrain, interspersed with valleys and high mountain ranges that inhibit road connectivity," a statement by the IAF said. In the event of a disaster in the region, C-17 operations to the remote ALG can enhance the speed and quantum of national relief effort. IAF has plans to validate airlift operations to and from various ALGs in the region that would usher in a new dimension in enhanced disaster response. This trial landing is expected to pave the way for operation of civil flights operating to and from the newly upgraded ALGs, which has an enormous potential to boost tourism by improving connectivity to remote locations in the North East. New Delhi: India is likely to raise its concerns over problems being faced by Indian students in the UK due to visa curbs during British Prime Minister Theresa May's three-day visit to New Delhi beginning November 6 her first trip outside Europe after assuming office in July. In their talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and May are expected to deliberate on the impact of Brexit on bilateral ties and ways to boost trade and investment, besides expanding cooperation in some other key areas. "We expect mobility issues to be raised during the visit," said External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup when asked whether the issue of Indian students will be taken up during the talks. "Yes, it is true that in the last 5 years or so, the number of Indian students enrolling in UK universities have gone down by almost 50 per cent; from around 40,000 to about 20,000 now. This has happened because of restrictions on post-study stay in the UK," he said. He said Indian students and people-to-people relations are important pillars of India-UK ties and that India has raisedits concerns already with UK on the difficulties being faced by its students there. Asked about Congress's Shashi Tharoor suggestion that Britain's prime minister should seek an apology for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the MEA Spokesperson did not respond. Both Modi and May are likely to deliberate on boosting trade ties considering the huge potential. The volume of bilateral trade in goods was USD 14 billion in 2015-16 and India is the third largest investor in UK. UK also happens to the third largest investor in India and the leading investor among the G-20 countries. May along with Modi will inaugurate the India-UK Tech Summit on November 7 in New Delhi. The decision to hold the Tech Summit was taken during Modi's visit to UK in November 2015. At the Summit, government officials, business leaders and scientists will engage together to explore ways to enhance cooperation in science and technology sector and how collaboration could open up new opportunities for trade and investment. A slew of new initiatives on deepening bilateral science and technology collaboration will be announced at the Summit under which four summits -- Higher Education Summit, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit, Design Summit and Intellectual Property Rights Summit - are being hosted. A meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee chaired by MOS for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman and UK Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox will be held during the visit. A meeting of India-UK CEOs Forum will also be held. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal attends the cremation ceremony of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal at his village Bamla in Bhiwani, Haryana. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Hitting out at Union Minister V.K. Singh's comment on his deceased father, Dilwar Singh Grewal, son of the ex-serviceman who reportedly committed suicide on Tuesday said that his father did not sacrifice his life for his own benefit, but did it for the welfare of the army veterans across the nation. Singh had also alleged that Grewal had fought the Sarpanch elections on a ticket from Congress. "Sarpanch election is different than regular national elections .He was not from any party, he was just working for the people. He sacrificed his life not for the family but for his co workers," said ex-serviceman son. On Wednesday, Singh made a controversial statement as he questioned the mental health status of the Ram Kishan Grewal adding that that very issue of OROP should be kept away from politics. "Most aspects of the OROP have been covered and that if someone complains over a few pennies and the delay of a few years, he should not be indulged," Singh said. "It was a demand made 40 years ago and this government has fulfilled those demands. Some money was to be given, which the Reddy Commission is rectifying. If you cannot wait for that, then it is definitely wrong," he added. Earlier today, Singh yet again gave fodder to the opposition saying that the deceased veteran was a Congress worker. "He was a Congress worker and who fought Sarpanch election on Congress ticket. His suicide is unfortunate," he said. The minister also raised questions about the manner in which Grewal committed suicide saying, "Also, how did he procure Sulpha tablets and who gave it to him?" In response, the Congress asserted that the Centre is hard at work to tarnish the memory of the ex-serviceman. "Modiji has unleashed the full might of Gen V.K.Singh, M.L.Khattar, Anil Vij & Co. to tarnish the memory of Subedar Ramkishan. Utterly deplorable," Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said. One Rank One Pension, a longstanding demand of ex-servicemen, grants retired armed forces personnel pension parity with officers and jawans of the same rank who are retiring now. The ex-serviceman had participated in protests over OROP and his fellow-protesters today asked leaders not to politicise the issue. A group of ex-servicemen say the OROP scheme implemented by the government last year fails to meet key expectations. Grewal consumed poison on Tuesday. However, the cause behind his suicide is yet to be ascertained. The 69-year-old former jawan was protesting over the OROP issue at Jantar Mantar in Delhi when he committed suicide on Tuesday. Earlier in the day mortal remains of Grewal, who committed suicide over the OROP issue were consigned to flames as his last rites were perfumed at his native village in Bhiwani, Haryana. Hyderabad: Top naxalite leader Rama Krishna is not in the custody of Andhra Pradesh Police, the Hyderabad High Court was informed on Thursday by the police. Following submission from the state police, the court asked the petitioner, who is Krishna alias RK's wife, to produce before it any material with regard to him and gave her two weeks. A division bench of justices C V Nagarjuna Reddy and M S K Jaiswal had earlier directed the Andhra Pradesh government to file counter affidavit informing the court whether RK was in police custody or not, by today while hearing a habeas corpus plea filed last week by RK's wife Kandula Sirisha. In the wake of an exchange of fire on Andhra-Odisha border on October 24 in which 24 Maoists were killed, doubts were expressed by RK's wife and relatives and party comrades that he might be in police custody. In the habeas corpus petition, RKs wife Sirisha sought directions to the state government to produce the outlaw before the court and to record his statement for appropriate action. Responding to the petition, Visakhapatnam Rural District Superintendent of Police Rahul Dev Sharma filed an affidavit before the court that the husband is not in the custody of police. "In fact the records reveal that the husband of the petitioner is a member of the Central Committee of CPI (ML), which is a banned Organisation and there are around 40 cases registered against RK at various police stations of Andhra Pradesh. "The police could not apprehend the husband of the petitioner till date in connection with those pending criminal cases," the SP submitted. The senior police officer further submitted that the incident of exchange of fire has occurred in the territory of Odisha state and requested the court to dismiss the petition. Referring to the affidavit of AP Police that RK is not in their custody, the court told the petitioner, "In absence of material, if you (petitioner) have any material produce it," after which the petitioner sought time to file reply. The court then posted the matter after two weeks to enable the petitioner to file material, if any with regard to RK. AP Police had yesterday informed the High Court that joint teams of AP and Odisha police had to "fire in self-defence", which resulted in the death of 24 Maoists in Malkangiri district of Odisha area on October 24. New Delhi: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday headed to Haryana for the funeral of retired serviceman Ram Kishen Grewal, who committed suicide over non-payment of One Rank One Pension (OROP) on Tuesday. Grewal's funeral is currently underway in his village in Bhiwani, a little over a 100 km from Delhi. Meanwhile, facing flak for the way it handled the episode, the ruling BJP in Haryana announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the family of Ram Kishan Grewal and a job to one family member. The AAP government in Delhi on the other hand announced that Rs 1 crore would be paid to the kith and kin. Rahul Gandhi reached the village at 10:30 am. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O Brien drove all night to reach Bhiwani early morning on Thursday. Along with Rahul, Kamal Nath and some other Congress politicians have also travelled to Bhiwani. Rahul walked to the cremation ground with the friends and relatives of Grewal. Addressing the media, Congress leader Deependra Hooda said that the UPA had passed OROP that the Army sought, but the BJP diluted its provisions. At Grewals residence in Bhiwani, O Brien said that, "If Rahul Gandhi or Kejriwal wanted to meet the family they should have been allowed." He added that VK Singh's statement calling for a mental health examination of the deceased was 'sickening'. The Delhi CM on the other hand tweeted that the Opposition was playing politics over the suicide (as alleged by BJP) because they wanted to give soldiers their rights. Speaking to reporters later, he said the Prime Minister should also meet the family of the serviceman. Son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Robert Vadra urged for a sincere probe into the suicide case of Grewal. Vadra took to Facebook and expressed his grief over the demise of the ex-serviceman, who allegedly committed suicide over the delay of One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme. The funeral of Ram Kishen Grewal underway in Bhiwani (Photo: Twitter/ANI) "Saddened to learn of the suicide of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal. Being so desperate to end his life, and further the family being detained by authorities, and not being able to complete the last rights, really needs to be probed," said Vadra on Facebook. The subedar, who served in the Army for 30 years, ate sulpha tablets on Tuesday afternoon in the lawns of a government building, and died in Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) hospital on Wednesday. Forensic experts on Wednesday night conducted the postmortem of the body of Grewal. The body was sent to Lady Hardinge Hospital early this morning from RML Hospital. His suicide caused Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal to make attempts to meet his family at Ram Manohar Lohia hospital on Wednesday. Both were detained -- Rahul twice -- before being let off. Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia was also kept in detention by the police, who refused to allow entry of political leaders into the hospital for 'safety reasons'. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi attends the cremation ceremony of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal at hius village Bamla in Bhiwani, Haryana on Thursday. (Photo: PTI) Bhiwani: Amid tight security, ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal, whose alleged suicide over 'one rank, one pension' triggered a political storm, was on Thursday cremated in his native village in Haryana which was flocked by political leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Grewal's eldest son Dilawar lit the pyre at around noon in the presence of a large number of people who had gathered from nearby areas in Bamla, 20 kms away from here. The 70-year-old ex-serviceman, who was a former sarpanch of his village, committed suicide by consuming poison at a park in New Delhi on Tuesday evening. The AAP government in Delhi announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family of the deceased. The Haryana government also granted Rs 10 lakhs to the ex-serviceman's family. The incident snowballed into a political row on Wednesday with the Congress Vice President, Kejriwal and other opposition leaders attacking the Modi government on the issue while there was high drama that continued late into the night after police detained and prevented them from entering a hospital in Delhi where Grewal's body was kept. Tight security arrangements were made on Thursday in view of the events in New Delhi. Read: 1 lakh ex-servicemen yet to be benefited under OROP, admits Parrikar Rahul, who travelled by road, spent a few minutes with the grieving family members of Grewal. He had to jostle with the crowd to reach the family members of Grewal as slogans of "Ram Kishan amar rahe" rented the air. Other Congress leaders including former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Haryana Congress President Ashok Tanwar, Leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Kiran Chaudhary, Selja and Kuldip Bishnoi were also present. Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Randeep Singh Surjewala and TMC's Derek O'Brien also reached the village. While stating that he did not wish to make any political statements at the funeral, Derek O'Brien said that central minister VK Singh's assertion that a mental check up of the deceased army man was necessary, was 'disgusting'. Kejriwal, who was detained for four hours by Delhi Police last night from Lady Hardinge Hospital when he tried to meet the kin of ex-serviceman, was also among those present at the cremation of Grewal. While traveling to the venue, the Delhi CM told reporters that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should also have visited the deceased's family. He admitted that the Opposition was playing politics over the suicide, but said it was doing so to assure soldiers of their rights. BJP MPs Rattan Lal Kataria and Dharambir Singh and Haryana minister Krishna Lal Panwar were among those who spent some time with the family members of the deceased and later left the venue. Police said Grewal along with some other ex-servicemen were in the process of submitting a memorandum to the Defence Ministry over the issue of OROP. According to his friends, Grewal had been upset over the issue for some time. Grewal had gone to Delhi with three of his friends from Bhiwani in the intervening night of October 31 and November 1. On Tuesday evening, he allegedly consumed poisonous tablets. One of his friends called the police on 100 and the police personnel immediately took him to RML hospital. Unfortunately, he died after a few hours, police said. In his last phone conversation with his son Pradeep, Grewal said "injustice" is being done with jawans. "I wanted to fight this (OROP) battle...now it is up to the jawans what they do," he said. Subedar Grewal's suicide has been used by the opposition parties to accuse the Modi government of failing to implement the OROP, an issue which remained pending for about 40 years during the Congress regime. Grewal is survived by his widow, five sons and two daughters. He served in the Army for six years in the Infantry Battalion and then served the Defence Security Force for 31 years. New Delhi: Ex-servicemen Ram Krishan Grewal, who committed suicide on Tuesday after allegedly not receiving the money through One Rank One Pension (OROP), may have been encouraged to take his life. According to a report in NDTV, Grewal made a last phone call to his son Jaswant Grewal before he committed suicide. In the phone call, recorded by his son, he could be heard saying, "I have consumed poison, I am at Jawahar Bhawan". NDTV reports that sources in the Ministry of Defence feel circumstances of his death merit thorough investigation. It needs to be found who was with Grewal when he took the extreme step, who provided the poison and if anyone took advantage of his troubled mind to provoke him to take the extreme step, the MoD source is quoted as saying. Grewal said his suicide was a sacrifice for the jawans and for his country. His family has claimed that Grewal was trying to meet Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar with a petition to demand an increase in pension that was promised under the OROP scheme. However, the ministry has not received any request for appointment, said the report. Grewal was one of the recipients of benefits under the revised pension scheme, Defence Ministry had said on Wednesday. However, Ministry sources said Grewal had received a lesser amount as part of the One Rank-One Pension scheme under the 6th pay commission due to an error in calculation by the SBI bank branch in Bhiwani district of Haryana. On Wednesday, minister VK Singh had begun a controversy by claiming that Grewal's mental health status had to be examined before conclusions could be drawn about his suicide. The ex-serviceman's suicide has become a hot political issue with Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal attempting to visit the deceased's family at Ram Manohar Lohia hospital on Wednesday. Both were let off after detention by the police, but family members of Grewal were arrested. New Delhi: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who was detained on Thursday and prevented from marching to India Gate to protest the suicide of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal, was released after two hours. Rahul was leading a candle light march organised by the Delhi Congress unit from Jantar Mantar to India Gate when police personnel restrained him and whisked him away on a van. "They (police) have kept me in this car for more than half an hour and are not letting me go," Gandhi said. Further stating that the police detained him after invoking Section 144, which empowers a magistrate to prohibit an assembly of more than four people in an area, Gandhi added that he has not been informed as to what the police intends to do. "Yesterday the family of the deceased veteran were treated miserably right in front of me. They were dragged and abused I am outraged by that as this affects the morale of our soldier protecting us on the borders. I want the Centre to apologise to the family," he added. A police official said the action was taken keeping Rahul's security in mind as the crowd at Jantar Mantar was swelling by the minute. "All we can say is that this is no democracy," said Congress leader Manish Tewari. "Day by day the Modi government is showing its true face. All Rahul Gandhi and other Congress party workers did today was lead a peaceful march. This is the third time he has been detained in two days. We had given a notice to Delhi Police informing them about the march. This is nothing but a clear case of bullying," Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said. On Wednesday, Gandhi was detained twice and taken to different police stations as he tried meeting Grewals family. 70-year-old Grewal, an ex-serviceman from Haryana's Bhiwani district, ended his life on Tuesday by allegedly consuming poison on the lawns behind a government building in Janpath, the central area of the capital. Earlier in the day mortal remains of Grewal, who committed suicide over the OROP issue, were consigned to flames as his last rites were perfumed at his native village in Bhiwani, Haryana. OROP scheme has been a long-standing demand of nearly three-million ex-servicemen and war widows in the country. It seeks to ensure that a uniform pension is paid to defence personnel, who retire at the same rank with the same length of service irrespective of their date of retirement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while celebrating the Diwali with the army and ITBP personnel in Kinnaur, had said that the first instalment of nearly Rs 5,500 crore has been paid for implementing the OROP scheme. New Delhi: India on Thursday completely rejected as "baseless and unsubstantiated" allegations levelled by Pakistan against eight officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and strongly protested the manner in which their names and photos were published, compromising their security. In a sharp reaction, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the allegations against Indian officials represent an "after-thought" and a "crude attempt" to target them for no fault of theirs, after a Pakistan High Commission staffer was caught red handed here last week while indulging in anti-India activities. Pakistan today claimed that the Indian High Commission officials were involved in "espionage, subversion and supporting terrorist activities in Balochistan and Sindh, especially Karachi, sabotaging China Pakistan Economic Corridor, and fuelling instability in the two provinces." Asked whether the Indian officials are being recalled, Swarup said it is procedural matter and government will take necessary steps keeping in view all aspects of the situation. "We completely reject the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations made by Pakistan against certain officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The Government categorically denies those allegations. "It is especially regrettable that Pakistani authorities have chosen to level these allegations after deciding to recall, on their own, six officials of the Pakistan High Commission, some of whom may have been named to Indian authorities by Mehmood Akhtar - Pakistan High Commission official caught red handed," Swarup said. It is learnt that India will withdraw the eight diplomats as their security have been compromised. Swarup said the Indian officials "falsely implicated" were working in the fields of promoting people-to-people and trade and economic contacts between the two countries. "Pakistan's false allegations against them have the potential to adversely affect the corresponding activities of the High Commission," he said. He said the Government "protests strongly the manner in which names and photos of the eight Indian officials, - four of them holders of diplomatic passport - have been published. This is against basic norms of diplomatic practice and courtesy." The MEA Spokesperson said the allegations against the Indian official are prejudicial to their safety and security. "We expect the Government of Pakistan to take all necessary steps to ensure the security and safety of not only these eight diplomats and officials but all other members of the High Commission and their families while they are in Pakistan," he said. Pakistan had yesterday pulled out six of its officials in the wake of a spy scandal involving staffers of its High Commission. Swarup said Pakistan's baseless allegations add to the "risks to peace and security in the region emanating from Pakistan's support to cross-border terrorism against its neighbours." He said Pakistan was in complete denial of the problem and deflecting its responsibility by resorting to "fanciful accusations". On Pakistan's allegations of ceasefire violations by India along the LoC, he said they neither do Indian forces initiate ceasefire violation nor do they target civilians. "They retaliate in a very calibrated and restrained manner when either their defensive posts or personnel are targeted or cover fire is provided by the Pakistani army to allow infiltrators to cross the Line of Control. "We completely reject Pakistan's allegations of any unprovoked firing by our forces. I would like to remind you that that we have lodged a strong protest with Pakistan on killing of our civilians in shelling by Pakistan forces," he said. The MEA spokesperson said approximately two-thirds of the ceasefire violations this year by Pakistan have taken place in the last five weeks. "In fact in several districts along the International Border and Line of Control, normal life has been affected, people have been displaced and over 100 schools have been closed," he said. On Tuesday, Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad was summoned by the Pakistan Foreign Office for the fourth time in just over a week alleging "unprovoked ceasefire violations" by Indian security forces. India yesterday summoned Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner here and conveyed its "grave concern" as well as strong protest at the recent escalation in incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan on border which have resulted in several fatalities on Indian side. New Delhi: The India-Pakistan standoff has left a bride-to-be dejected as her best friend's visa application to New Delhi has been "rejected", prompting her to knock External Affairs Sushma Swaraj's doors. Purvi Thacker, a journalist, vented her ire on social media and tagged Swaraj's official Twitter handle on Wednesday, hoping for a response. However, Swaraj, who is popular for her prompt interventions in such cases, is yet to respond. "Counting on @SushmaSwaraj to untangle the red tape. Some1 who has visited India twice already can't be a risk. All the best for your wedding!," senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor tweeted. "For all those who know mine and Sarah Munir's friendship, you will understand how heartbroken we are that her visa application to India for my wedding in December was denied. That my best friend cannot be there for what will be my biggest day is something that I cannot come to terms with. Forget the hustling, the paperwork, the months of coordination and prayers- we didnt know that it would end with a rejection," Thacker's Facebook post read. Thacker said borders should not come in the way of human relationships, while acknowledging the fractious history of the two neighbours. "Being friends and being there for each other should not be this hard just because we were born on different sides of the borders. We understand that our countries shared history has huge economic and political implications, but it also takes a toll on normal mundane things like human relationships and connections. Nobody thinks about that," she wrote. Several party workers have been reported to sustain injuries during the scuffle. (Photo: Twitter) Lucknow: Ugly scenes were witnessed at the venue of Samajwadi Party's "Vikas Rath Yatra" function in Lucknow as party workers clashed with each other just before the start of the road-show. Several party workers have been reported to sustain injuries during the scuffle. Billed as 'Vikas se Vijay tak' (from development to victory), the 'rath yatra' would start from La Martiniere College ground for Unnao. The 'Vikas Rath Yatra', which is organised to convey a message of unity in the ruling party and to discuss the agenda of development and other social welfare schemes ahead of the state assembly elections, will be flagged off by Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav in Lucknow. Senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav will attend the silver jubilee celebrations of Samajwadi Party in Lucknow on November 5. (Photo: PTI) Patna : Senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav will attend the silver jubilee celebrations of Samajwadi Party in Lucknow on November 5, in what is being seen as a step towards bringing in renewed unity in the socialist camp ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. "After our president Nitish Kumar had wide consultations with other leaders, the JD(U) has decided that Sharad Yadav will be present in the Samajwadi Party foundation day function along with Ajit Singh of RLD," JD(U) Secretary General K. C. Tyagi said. The decision to participate in the SP event was taken after talks with RLD chief Ajit Singh, with whom Janata Dal (United) has formed a grouping for the 2017 UP Assembly polls, Tyagi said. Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) President Nitish Kumar had said on Wednesday that he would not be able to attend the SP event due to Chhath festival. The JD(U) Secretary General said the party would respond "positively" to any proposal for seat-adjustment, formation of a front or an alliance from Samajwadi Party President Mulayam Singh Yadav with regard to the UP polls. JD(U)'s decision to send its representative to SP function would come as a booster for the beleaguered ruling party in UP, which has invited prominent leaders of socialist and secular leanings for the November 5 rally at Lucknow. The move may also pave way for formation of a strong coalition against BJP in the northern state. RJD President Lalu Prasad has already confirmed his participation in the SP function. Prasad who is related to Mulayam Singh Yadav as his daughter is married to Tej Pratap Singh Yadav, SP MP from Mainpuri and grandson of SP chief, has already made it clear that RJD would not field any candidate in the neighbouring state and that he would campaign in support of SP. Sharad Yadav, former JD(U) President, had earlier been active in bringing about a merger of six parties of Janata Parivar which did not succeed ultimately. SP leader Shivpal Yadav had recently said Lohiaites and followers of Charan Singh should join hands to beat BJP in UP. Nitish Kumar had said that the abortive bid of the merger of splinter parties of Janata Parivar does not mean that no such efforts would be made in future and that it would not succeed again. Separate investigations into the jailbreak by the SIMI activists and the encounter began on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI) Bhopal: Relatives of two of the SIMI terror accused, killed in an alleged encounter in Bhopal on Monday, have claimed that hours before the encounter they were blindfolded and handcuffed and taken to an undisclosed location near Indore. The relatives allege they were then forced to make false confessions. According to a report in the Indian Express, Mohammed Jaleel, 22, son of Akeel Khilji, one of the deceased, claimed that plain-clothed men came to their house around 4.30 am on Monday and asked him to join them. He claimed he was not told about the jailbreak, or why he was being detained. Jaleel alleged that he was detained for 10 hours. Only at 10:30 pm, I was informed of my fathers killing, he was quoted as saying. According to Jaleel, he was repeatedly questioned about some code words he has spoken to his father in jail. But Jaleel denied using the code language. Mehmood Feroze, 28, a scrap dealer and brother-in-law of another deceased, Amjad Khan, claimed that he was also picked up, blindfolded and handcuffed after morning prayers and taken to an undisclosed location by Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) officers. Feroze claimed that the ATS officers picked up him because in their own words, he was a sympathiser of Khan. Feroze, who had met Amjad in jail about a month-and-half ago, said the ATS accused him of transferring some weapons to his brother-in-law. According to relatives, Feroze was released when they mounted pressure on the police that Amjads body would be buried only after he was released. The post-mortem reports of the deceased showed they were shot multiple times from different directions. Three videos released on social media seemed to indicate that the police officers shot the men even after they were seriously injured or dead. There was also disagreement between the MP government and the ATS on Wednesday over whether the terror accused were armed. While the ATS chief said they carried no arms, the MP Home Minister has contradicted this claim. The officials believe that the plan of the great escapade was hatched when the inmates were treated together in the prison hospital. (Photo: PTI) Bhopal: Investigation into the prison break incident by 8 SIMI terror accused at Bhopal Central Jail has revealed that the radicals were planning to set free all the 29 SIMI members lodged in the prison. According to a report in the Hindustan Times, the jail break was meticulously planned over months, and the eight men, who escaped from Block B of the prison, proceeded to Block A to liberate the other under trials lodged there, including the self-styled SIMI chief of Madhya Pradesh, Abu Faisal. The attempt was however prevented by the two jail guards on duty, one of whom was killed in the struggle that followed. The officials believe that the plan of the great escape was hatched when the inmates were treated together in the prison hospital. The investigation team looking into the case found two notes written in Hindi and English which said Hum Diwali par aa rahe hai (We are coming on Diwali) among other notes in Urdu. The team also found soap bars, which they believe must have been used as cast to duplicate the keys. In addition, small pieces of paper that had sketches of a region resembling a hillock and a cave, with notes in Urdu, were also found from a cell. It is assumed that the undertrails planned to camp here after their escape. The attorney representing the SIMI men, on the other hand, claims that they did not escape the prison, but were taken out by the officials and shot in cold blood. People attend the funeral of Mujeeb Sheikh, one of the eight Simi members who were killed in the police encounter, in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI) Bhopal: The counsel for the slain Simi members on Wednesday suspected that the eight accused might have been killed in a staged encounter. The events leading to the so-called encounter killing of the eight suspected members of Simi who escaped from the Bhopal Central Jail on Monday sparked suspicion on the claim by the police about the details of the encounter on the outskirts of the city hours later, advocate Parvez Alam told reporters here. He apprehended that the eight accused might not have escaped from jail at all and might have been killed in cold blood and later shown as shot dead in an encounter. How come the eight accused could not leave Bhopal eight hours after they escaped from the jail? How could they go in same direction after their escape, instead of going in different directions in separate groups to avoid police attention and found together in one place during encounter, Mr Alam questioned. Similarly, he questioned why the shots were fired above their waist though the police was supposed to fire shots at the accused below the waist. He further suspected the police version that the accused escaped by knotting 35 bed-sheets to use it as a ladder to scale the 32-ft high prison boundary wall, saying that bed-sheets were not provided to the under-trials or convicts in the jail. He demanded a probe either by a sitting judge of Supreme Court or a HC judge into the killing of the accused and said he did not expect a fair investigation. Meanwhile, autopsy reports of the slain terror suspects suggested that the number of bullet injuries ranged from two to five. Each body has at least two bullet injuries, the forensic medicine department of the Gandhi Medical College here said. The directions in which bullets were lodged in the body suggests that some shots were fired from behind and some from front, said the report. Kill them all, ordered senior cop An audio bringing to the fore purported wireless communication among the policemen when the alleged encounter was going on between the eight suspected Students Islamic Movement of India (Simi) activists and security forces on the city outskirt on October 31 leading to their killing, has gone viral in social media, landing the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government here in acute embarrassment. A senior police officer was heard in the audio directing his subordinates to kill the eight terror suspects who escaped from the city jail early on Monday morning, instead of capturing them. However, the authenticity of the audio was yet to be confirmed by the MP Police. Police officers were heard communicating, to what appears to their higher authorities, on the number of the eight escapees killed at the time of relaying the wireless message. Five men were killed, a voice was heard saying in the audio.The purported audio fuelled further the suspicion raised in several quarters if the encounter in which the eight accused were killed was genuine. Batting for fast-track courts to try terror cases, Mr Chouhan, who has vehemently defended police role in the killing of eight Simi activists in an alleged encounter, has said the accused stay in jail for years before they are sentenced and keep eating chicken biryani. It takes years to sentence them. They keep eating chicken biryani (in jail)... they escape and indulge in more crimes and attacks.... If we can have fast track courts for corruption cases, why can't we have fast track courts for sentencing terrorists?, Chouhan said addressing a function on Tuesday. Chennai: Ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday said party supremo and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, hospitalised here for more than a month, has "progressed well" and "started living a normal life" as it exuded confidence that she will soon resume her public service. Party spokesperson Panrutty S Ramachandran said 68-year old Jayalalithaa, undergoing treatment at the Apollo Hospital since September 22, has "progressed well" and expressed confidence that she will return to work for the poor people. "The people are confident (of her return) and their prayers are yielding results," he told reporters. Another party spokesperson, C R Saraswathy said the doctors said that Jayalalithaa was "very well" but wanted her to be under their watch for some time. "She is very well and is consuming normal food. She has started living a normal life. she will return soon and resume public service," Saraswathy said. The divine blessings were on Jayalalithaa as scores of party workers were holding prayers for her speedy recovery, she added. Jayalalithaa was admitted to the Apollo Hospital on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration. Later the hospital said she was being treated for infection with respiratory support among others. Specialists from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and from London among others have treated Jayalalithaa. In its last medical bulletin on October 21, the hospital had said the Chief Minister was interacting and progressing gradually. Around 55 Chinese troops arrived at the scene and halted the work in an aggressive manner, prompting the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel to rush to the spot and stop the high-handedness of Chinese troops, sources said. (Representational image) NEW DELHI: Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a standoff at Demchok on Wednesday, a disputed area in central Ladakh, after about 55 Chinese soldiers objected to an irrigation canal being built by Indian workers. Around 55 Chinese troops arrived at the scene and halted the work in an aggressive manner, prompting the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel to rush to the spot and stop the high-handedness of Chinese troops, sources said. A joint team of about 60 ITBP personnel and the Army is engaged in the face-off with the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army troops. Demchok, located about 250 km east of Ladakh's capital Leh, was the scene of an earlier standoff in 2013 when Chinese troops objected to a similar construction under a rural employment guarantee scheme. The construction work was later dismantled in 2015. Official sources said the Demchok issue could be resolved after a flag meeting between the two sides. A date for the flag meeting has not been decided yet till reports last came in. The Chinese troops took positions on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and demanded that work be stopped as either side needs to take permission before undertaking any work, a claim disputed by India. While the LAC is the effective border between India and China, the border is largely un-demarcated. The face-off also comes after a joint Indo-Chinese military exercise in eastern Ladakh on October 19, which was a sequel to an exercise on February 6 in eastern Ladakhs Chushul Garrison. BENGALURU: A day after questioning the state government over celebrating Tipu Sultan jayanti and orally observing that Tipu was not a freedom fighter but a monarch who fought to safeguard his interests, the High Court on Thursday disposed of the plea against the celebrations. The division bench, headed by Chief Justice S.K. Mukherjee, also directed the petitioner (K.P. Manjunath) to make a representation to the state's Chief Secretary, who in-turn is directed to take a decision by November 8 on the matter. Earlier, the state counsel strongly defended its action and cited that it was the state cabinet's decision to observe Tipu Jayanti and questioned the maintainability of the petition. It further argued that the Jayanti was celebrated last year too. As for the alleged law and order issue, the state argued that it is for the administration to take care of. The petitioner's advocate, Sajan Poovayya, submitted that two people had died during the previous years celebrations and the state was using public funds to celebrate the birth anniversary of a monarch. Celebrating the birth anniversary of a monarch was against Article 16 of the Indian Constitution (abolition of titles). Tipu Sultan was a prince and celebrating his birth anniversary is against the ethos of the constitution. The State Government, despite knowing the fact that two people were killed in Kodagu last year, still want to celebrate using the state exchequer. Tipu has killed more than 80,000 people and had encouraged forced conversions. Any celebration in his name hurts the sentiments of the people of Kodagu, Poovayya argued. The petitioner, Manjunath K.P., had approached the court filing the PIL, seeking directions to the authorities, not to celebrate the proposed Tipu Jayanti in his home district, and avoid organising functions in the name of those rulers, which hurt religious sentiments of a particular section and endanger peace and communal harmony. Relief to Katta, son In a relief to former minister Katta Subramanya Naidu and eight others, including his son Katta Jagdish, the High Court on Thursday quashed proceedings against them in the Lokayukta court in connection with the multi crore KIADB scam. They had sought discharge from Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) land scam case. Bhubaneswar: Axel, a specially trained sniffer dog engaged in the anti-bomb disposal squad of the Central Reserve Police Force, saved many lives on Thursday as he successfully detected an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by suspected Maoists at Hatamuniguda on the Rayagada-Muniguda road in Odishas Rayagada district, nearly 450 km from here. The male dog, however, sustained grievous inju-ries to his legs and lower part of the eye while locating the IED. Bomb disposal experts defused the device once it was located. According to sources, had the IED, weighing about five kg, not been detected early in the morning, the rebels would have triggered it off later in the day, inflicting heavy casualties on paramilitary personnel and equipment. CRPF and Odisha police personnel were to use that route for combing operations in Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Rayagada districts. Seven-year-old Axel has been with the sniffer squad of the CRPF for four years now. His trainer, Shambhu Prasad, is taking care of him. Meanwhile, the one-day bandh call given by the rebels in five states to protest the October 24 encounter in which 30 of their colleagues were eliminated in Malkangiri district, threw life out of gear in southern and western districts of Odisha. Reports from Rayagada, Kandhamal Kalahandi, Koraput, Malkangiri and Nowrangpur districts said vehicular movement came to a halt, and attendance was thin at government and private offices. The rebels blocked roads at several areas by felling trees. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi attends the cremation of veteran Ram Kishan Grewal at his village Bamla in Haryana on Thursday. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi was on Thursday detained for the third time in two days, with Delhi Police picking him up from Jantar Mantar to prevent him from leading a protest over the suicide of an ex-serviceman, allegedly due to his grievances over the implementation of OROP. Around 7 pm, Mr Rahul was whisked away by police, first to 5 Firoz Shah Road and later to Tughlak Road Police Station where he was kept for over one hour. The police action triggered sharp reactions from the Congress leadership which accused the Narendra Modi government of making a mockery of democracy and likened the situation to an undeclared emergency. Speaking to reporters after his release, Mr Rahul claimed police refused to lodge his complaint over his detention. If police refuses to accept the complaint of an MP, imagine the plight of the common man. How will they accept their complaints? Yeh Modi ji ka naya Hindustan hai (This is the new India of Modi), he said. Police sources claimed that Mr Rahul wanted to lodge a complaint of kidnapping against it, however, he later changed his mind. Police also claimed that Mr Rahul refused to get off the police vehicle at Firoz Shah Road, forcing them to take him to Tughlak Road Police Station. Rahul Gandhi was detained at Tolstoy Marg when he continued his candle march towards India Gate in spite of repeated requests not to proceed. He along with other leaders was brought to the police station, Tuglak Road, and were released, police said. The police action enraged Congress leadership, prompting former Union minister Salman Khurshid, former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala and DPCC chief Ajay Maken to hit out at the Centre, under which the Delhi Police functions. Earlier, confusion prevailed on whether Mr Rahul was detained or not as police kept on claiming that the Congress leader was not detained but merely taken away from the protest site keeping his security in mind. Mr Rahul, however, claimed in a tweet: Was detained by Delhi police and taken away from Jantar Mantar. New Delhi: Delhi government has deputed 176 teaching staff for court work instead of teaching students, especially when there is a massive shortage of teachers in schools run by it and municipal corporations, Delhi High Court was told on Thursday. The allegation was made in an application filed by the NGO before Justice Manmohan who issued notice to the Delhi government and sought its response before the next date of hearing on December 8. The application was filed in NGO Social Jurist's contempt petition alleging "wilful disobedience" of a 2001 court order to ensure 'zero vacancy' at the commencement of each academic year in the city schools. In its contempt plea, the NGO had contended that there were 26,031 posts of teachers, including special educators for differently-abled children, lying vacant in municipal and Delhi government run schools. It has said that despite the huge number of vacancies, which came to almost half of the total required strength of teachers, Delhi government had recently created 9,000 additional teaching posts. Through its application, the NGO has sought to bring on record additional issues which include vacant Principal posts in 80 per cent Delhi government schools, apart from 7463 posts of post-graduate teachers and 13623 posts of trained graduate teachers. "Due to non-recruitment of teachers, the education of as many as 15,40,691 students studying in 1011 schools is badly affected," the NGO has alleged in its application filed through advocate Ashok Aggarwal. Despite so much shortage of teachers, as many as 176 teaching staff have been deployed for court work for the last several years and have not at all attended their teaching duties, Aggarwal claimed in the court. In response, Delhi government submitted that it was compiling all the data and would file a reply by the next date of hearing. On October 17 when the contempt petition was taken up for hearing, the court had asked the government and the municipal corporations where the budget for recruitment of teachers was going if there still was 50 per cent vacancy in teaching positions in the schools run by them. The court had also termed the huge number of vacancy of 26,031 posts as "startling". The NGO in its contempt plea has sought action against the AAP government and the 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 Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board, 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 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. They have been in love since 2008 and they also moved to Chennai together in 2011. Chennai: A 27-year-old techie, who is from Kottayam, was arrested on Tuesday by the City Police after his jilted lover preferred a police complaint against him stating he had finalised his marriage with another woman. M. Manish, who is employed by an IT major in Sholinganallur, began avoiding the complainant, Bindhu (name changed) (27), after his recent trips to Kottayam. The couple had known each other since their schooldays and have been in love since 2008 and they also moved to Chennai together in 2011. They had been living together as a couple for quite some time until the recent rift forced by Manish. Things fell apart between the live-in couple after they moved to Teynampet from St. Thomas Mount. Mahesh blocked Bindhu from reaching him on his mobile phone while moving out to a hostel. In the meantime, Bindhu got a call from her school friend who broke the news of Manishs wedding plan and wondered as to whether she had received an invitation. She learnt that Manishs recent visits to Kottayam were linked to the engagement and other preparations ahead of the event. As Bindhu, who is employed in a private firm, came to know the wedding was scheduled for November 13, she attempted to talk Manish out of it, but in vain. She preferred a complaint with Teynampet Police on Tuesday and the cops summoned Manish for interrogation. Preliminary investigations revealed that Manish was in a physical relationship with Bindhu after promising to marry her. However, he refused to marry her since he was more inclined to wed the bride arranged for him by his family back in Kottayam. Manish was booked on charges of breach-of-trust and arrested before being remanded to judicial custody. The 11-storey Moulivakkam building collapses at 6.52 pm on Wednesday. Implosive methodology which involves using chemicals like gun powder and lignite was adopted. While the building gets demolished, the neighbourhood of Moulivakkam is filled with thick dust. (Photo: DC) Chennai: A loud implosion and a thick blanket of black smoke are what remained of the twin tower of Prime Trust Heights in Moulivakkam, which was demolished at 6.52 pm on Wednesday. About 70 kg of explosives, including RDX and ammonium nitrate, were planted in the basement and all the floors of the building. It was demolished using a remote control device. Explosives were planted after drilling holes in the pillars and they were inter-connected using wires. The demolition that had been scheduled for 4 pm was later postponed to 5 pm and was not carried out even by 6 pm, making the crowds that had assembled on terraces and rooftops restless. Eleven ambulances, two fire engines, and two animal ambulances lined the main street along with numerous police vehicles and barricades. Over 500 policemen were deployed and also towing vehicles for two and four-wheelers. While terraces of some of the houses beyond 100 metres from the building were taken up by families to witness the building falling to dust, some were taken up by journalists and photographers to get the perfect shots. Sporadic rain was no deterrent. I have an umbrella, cooling glasses, binoculars, water bottle, and I am all set to take a selfie when the building comes down, said Ananth, a class 10 student. His extended family had assembled on the rooftop to witness the falling of the structure that stood as a reminder of gory deaths more than two years ago. Residents in the 100-meter radius of the building were waiting for the power to be restored and to return to their homes after the demolition was carried out. A little after dusk, the gigantic building was brought down in a little over three seconds. Pon Lingam, Chief Executive Officer of Maglink Infra Project Ltd, which bagged the contract to demolish the building, said on Tuesday the building would be brought down in less than 10 seconds. The reason the demolition took longer to begin was the inclement weather. The contractor wanted more time to test and see that the rain doesnt play spoilsport, Kanchipuram collector, R Gajalakshmi said after the demolition. New Delhi: An Inter-ministerial committee of the I and B ministry has recommended that a leading Hindi news channel be taken off air for a day after it concluded that the broadcaster had revealed "strategically-sensitive" details while covering the Pathankot terrorist attack. The ministry may now ask the channel NDTV India to be taken off air for a day on November 9, according to sources, in what would be the first order against a broadcaster over its coverage of terrorist attacks. Efforts to reach the channel for its comments could not fructify. The matter pertains to the coverage of the Pathankot terror attack by the channel where the committee felt that "such crucial information" could have been readily picked by terrorist handlers and had the potential to "cause massive harm not only to the national security, but also to lives of civilians and defence personnel." When the operation was on in January this year, it allegedly revealed information on the ammunition stockpiled in the airbase, MIGs, fighter-planes, rocket-launchers, mortars, helicopters, fuel-tanks etc. "which was likely to be used by the terrorists or their handlers to cause massive harm, the sources said. Official sources said that as the content appeared to be violative of the programming norms, a show cause notice was issued to the channel. In its reply, the channel replied that it was a case of "subjective interpretation" and the most of the information they had put out was already in public domain in print, electronic and social media. The committee, in its order, however observed that the channel "appeared to give out the exact location of the remaining terrorists with regard to the sensitive assets in their vicinity" when they telecast in real time. The panel expressed "grave concern" that this was a matter of national security and that the channel had revealed sensitive details like location of ammunition depot viz-a-viz the space where the terrorists were holed up, location of school and residential areas. "Such crucial information could have been readily picked by their handlers, which had the potential to cause massive harm not only to the national security, but also to lives of civilians and defence personnel," the committee said disagreeing with the channel's contention that similar content was carried by newspapers. The television as an audio visual medium has a far wider and instantaneous impact, the order said. "The IMC recommends that at least a token penalty of one day's off-air needed to be awarded to the TV channel so that they do not get away completely for this huge indiscretion and violation of specific rule or guideline relating to national security concerns," the I&B ministry order in this regard says. The committee has observed that the violation stood proven beyond doubt, the order said and added that it could even attract a penalty of taking the channel off-air for 30 days. However, it was factored that a rule in this regard had been introduced in June 2015 and this was the first such case where it was being applied to and not make the penalty harsh, it is learnt. "The ministry has issued advisories and sensitised channels regarding coverage of anti-terror operations. There have been oral warnings also. It is hoped that strategically sensitive details will not be revealed when such an operation is underway," a senior official said. Though the effect of Indias recent surgical strikes on Pakistan remains to be seen if they will impose greater degree of caution in terms of future terror attacks on out country, a full-fledged war between the two countries which will be difficult to both, may not be imminent, claims Srinath Raghavan, senior fellow at Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. This former Indian Army officer, author and historian was in the city on Wednesday to deliver a special lecture at Madras Institute of Development Studies (MIDS). He speaks to J.V. Siva Prasanna Kumar on tackling crisis brewing across the Indo-Pak border, handling China and other issues. The excerpts. Q Despite Indias surgical strikes on Pakistan, shelling continues unabated. Will the brewing crisis escalate into full-fledged war? Answer: As to the effect of surgical strikes, it remains to be seen if they will impose greater degree of caution on Pakistan in terms of future terrorist attacks. There is no stopping Pakistaneveryday there is shelling, civilians and soldiers are killed. The ceasefire there appears to be notional. Surgical strikes are a proactive posture taken by the government. Only time will tell if this will stop terrorism. Full-fledged wall will be difficult for both the countries as they have nuclear weapons. Q What will be your prescription to end conflict with an aggressive Pakistan? A: If you hit them like the way the surgical strikes are done very limited kind of operation that may not lead to change in Pakistani behaviour. Its a difficulty problem to solve. India should step up its diplomatic campaign to isolate Pakistan. Use of force alone cannot be a solution. China, facing separatist activity in its western territory, and has taken up an ambitious one belt, one road project through Pakistan, should be diplomatically coerced to take an open stance. Q How do you think the Narendra Modi government is tackling the conflict with China? A: Problems with China are of different kind - dissimilar to that of Pakistan. Both India and China complain of incursions. Nobody knows where the line is. We need to have other capabilities to deal with Chinese like having maritime-based military capabilities in Andaman and Nicobar islands. This is very crucial as bulk of Chinas import of oil and other goods are shipped through this route, which gives access to the entry point of south China Sea and is also close to Indonesia. Perhaps, we can checkmate them in times of crisis. Q Will the Governments decision to declassify Netaji files help to throw more light? A: These files are more of sensational value. In my opinion the Government should declassify all official records once in 25 years. Q What is your next project? A: I am working on two books: US involvement in South Asia and another on history of India in 1970s. Hafsaths husband Aboobacker claimed that he lived by the principles of Koya Thangal, a Muslim religious leader, who had advised that a baby should not be fed until five prayers were called after its birth. (Photo: Video grab) Kochi: A 24-year-old woman from Omassery in Keralas Kozhikode district defied the doctors requests to breastfeed her new born baby, after her husband forbid her to do so citing religious reasons. According to a report, Hafsath, who delivered her second child at EMS Co-operative Hospital, Kozhikode, feared that her husband would divorce her if she refused to follow her order. Hafsaths husband Aboobacker claimed that he lived by the principles of Koya Thangal, a Muslim religious leader, who had advised that a baby should not be fed until five prayers were called after its birth. Aboobacker even went on to claim that, in a similar way, he had prevented his wife from his breastfeeding his first child, and that nothing had happened. I had not allowed my wife to breastfeed our first child also for 24 hours. That hospital made me give an undertaking that I would be responsible if my child died. Nothing happened to my child. The preacher had told us to give the infant honey and some water from Mecca, he was quoted as saying. The hospital authorities, pleaded, coaxed and threatened him, but to no avail, eventually forcing them to approach the police. The police officer said that Aboobacker stood by his ground, and prevented the mother from breastfeeding the child, and added that the preacher had told him about a cord from the belly button of the child that will provide nutrition to the baby. The family eventually left the hospital after Aboobacker forcefully sought discharge. The hospital authorities have decided to file a complaint against Aboobacker for preventing them from discharging their duties, and also for endangering the childs life. "We asked them to get admitted at the medical college, but we are unaware of their whereabouts now. He has not been responding to our repeated calls. He denied a babys right and has put the childs life in danger. We will soon file a complaint with the police, the nurse who had attended to Hafzath said. An inquiry has been initiated against the accused policemen, who are posted at the Hazratganj police station. (Photo: PTI) Lucknow: An FIR has been lodged against two policemen for allegedly beating-up members of Rihai Manch, who were staging a protest against the encounter of SIMI activists in Bhopal, on Tuesday at the Hazratganj crossing. Rihai Manch members in their FIR accused Sub-inspectors Omkarnath Yadav and Vijay Kumar Pandey of beating up their activists while they were staging the protest in front of the Gandhi statue, police sources said. Manch members claimed Rajiv Yadav was severely injured in the police action and had to be admitted to the Trauma Centre, police said. An inquiry has been initiated against the accused policemen, who are posted at the Hazratganj police station, they said. The Sri Lankan people who overwhelmingly voted the President Maithripala Sirisena-Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe alliance to power expecting it to fulfil their promise of yahapalana (good governance) have been shocked by President Sirisenas strident comments questioning the integrity of the agencies carrying out investigations into cases of corruption, bribery, criminal and financial misconduct. The Lankan President, speaking at a function at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, warned that he would take action against Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for working to political agendas at the cost of justice. He seems to have been irked at the agencies giving cause to the opposition to accuse him of a political witch hunt; obviously, this referred to the large number of corruption and criminal investigations now going against politicians and armed forces officers. Sirisena accused those in charge of investigations of misleading him. Referring to the indefinite custody of members of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) held in connection with the disappearance of cartoonist Ekneligoda and the killing of Sunday Leader editor Lasantha Wickrematunga, he said the courts should be moved to get them released or given bail pending court proceedings. It is significant that soon after his tirade, the court released on bail Udalagam, an army intelligence officer accused of assassinating Lasantha Wickrmetunge. Sirisenas reference to cases connected with armed forces was perhaps made to reaffirm his support to the armed forces which have been perturbed ever since Sri Lanka agreed to conduct a judicial probe into alleged war crimes committed during the Eelam war. The issue of war crimes issue would again come up at the UN Human Rights Council meeting in March 2017. Sirisena said though the government had successfully promoted reconciliation between the communities to create an environment that strengthens inter-communal harmony during the last one and half years, certain groups and organisations ideologically in favour of separatism have not been destroyed. And they were waiting for an opportunity to create trouble for Sri Lanka and people must be on guard. Sirisenas statement was in direct contradiction of his own stand in the past on corruption and financial misappropriation; other leaders of the ruling alliance including Ranil Wickremesinghe have been plugging the line of corruption free governance. The civil society and anti-Rajapaksa leaders have already been peeved at the slow progress in bringing to book scam-tainted leaders who thrived during the previous regime. They see the Lankan Presidents strident statement as an effort to cover up his cronies in SLFP involved in scams. This could also test durability of the cohabitation rule of the SLFP and the UNP unity government. Serious doubts have been raised about the government sincerity in cleaning up governance where corruption has become part of life, in keeping with what seems to be South Asian tradition. In another shocking incident, the Presidents claim of good governance and successfully promoting ethnic reconciliation to strengthens inter-communal harmony has come under serious threat after the police shot and killed two Jaffna youth undergraduates riding a motorcycle in Kokkuvil (Jaffna peninsula). According to the police, they opened fire when the youth did not obey their order to stop. The incident triggered protests not only in Northern Province, but in the whole nation which has been living with police excesses for long. University students all over the island protested in solidarity with Jaffna university students who went on a strike, indicating the issue was beyond the ethnic divide. Though the five Tamil policemen involved in the incident were remanded to custody, the crude police attempts initially to cover up the criminal act indicated that police reforms are still a work in progress. PM Wickremesinghe has promised an impartial inquiry would be carried out. Unless the government swiftly takes follow up action the incident could provide yet another opportunity for separatist elements to build up their support among Tamils. Sirisena, as a shrewd politician, had probably made his statement with a lot of deliberation to reinforce his constituency within the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and to retain the support of some of the political leaders targeted in various investigations. He also appears to be on the move to rebuild his fractured relations with the army, which had been under stress for some time. In a bid to put at rest speculations about the survival of the cohabitation government, Wickremesinghe reiterated its importance to complete the reforms process as agreed upon by the leaders. In any case, the SLFP and UNP - the two major cohabitation partners - have internal as well as external compulsions to maintain their cohabitation. Any crack could provide an opening for former president Mahinda Rajapaksa to stage a political comeback. Unity would also help Sri Lankas cause to face the international community with confidence at the UNHRC. It could also enable the European Union to favourably consider Sri Lankas request now under consideration for restoration of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) scheme for duty waiver to Sri Lankan exports. The EU had cancelled the GSP+ concession to Sri Lanka for aberrations in governance during the Rajapaksa regime. (The writer is a retired MI officer, served as the head of Intelligence of the Indian Peace Keeping Force from 1987 to 90. He is associated with the Chennai Centre for China Studies and the South Asia Analysis Group. email: haridirect@gmail.com Blog: http://col.hariharan.info) The taxes on tobacco products were being increased every budget keeping in mind the health hazards. Bengaluru: The smuggling of foreign cigarettes into the city has increased following a steep rise in prices of tobacco products announced in the budgets over the last couple of years. The taxes on tobacco products were being increased every budget keeping in mind the health hazards. As a result Gold Flake Kings, a prominent Indian brand, now costs around Rs 12 per stick, while smuggled foreign cigarettes are sold as cheap as Rs 5 per stick. A 20-unit pack of a foreign brand costs around Rs 100, whereas regular Indian ones are sold at Rs 250. These foreign brands are also easily available in most places. Foreign cigarette brands such as Gudang Garam, Esse Lights and Dunhill are smuggled through air routes as well, but the smugglers prefer sea route, said a custom official. It might be recalled that in January this year, the customs officials at Kempegowda International airport destroyed confiscated cigarettes weighing 2.70 tonnes, valued at Rs 4.49 crore, seized during several occasions from passengers. Officials make regular seizure of cigarettes which are attempted to be smuggled into the city by passengers. It was also stated that during the financial year (Apr 2015 - March 2016) customs officers of the Kempegowda International Airport destroyed seized cigarette consignments weighing 7.27 tonnes, valued at Rs 7.41 crore. Officials from the customs stated that Gulf destinations such as Dubai and Muscat continue to be the main source of cigarette smuggling along with Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Majority of cigarette smuggling happens through sea route, as air passengers are allowed to carry only a carton of 200 sticks per head. Most of the consignments are sourced to Mumbai port, from where they are ferried to different parts of the country, including Bengaluru, an official stated. The highest number of cigarette hauls is reported from Mumbai ports, the official added. In one of the cases, cigarettes were concealed behind gypsum slabs that were used as false ceiling in a container. Customs officials at the port suspected something amiss and checked it to find smuggled foreign cigarettes. With the government frequently increasing taxes on locally made cigarettes the price of imported and the local varieties are almost the same, said an official. Taxation on local cigarettes is directly proportional to the smuggling of foreign cigarettes, he added. Smokers too prefer foreign cigarettes for their quality, reduced prices and easy availability. Hyderabad: A campaign to boycott popcorn in cinema halls is being taken up by a few Hyderabadis due to its exorbitant pricing. Apart from movie tickets and parking, popcorn rates have been increased at multiplexes. A medium sized pack is Rs 190 and a tub Rs 270. Vendors say that GHMC cannot fix rates in multiplexes. Ms Lumin Jain of Begumpet said, On November 2, moviegoers had argued with a popcorn vendor at PVR Cinemas. He was selling a small pack for Rs 210 and a tub for Rs 260. That is very expensive. Theatres dont allow anything inside, not even water. During a two-three hour movie, it is obvious to have food, and popcorn is the basic snack during movies. Henceforth, we have planned to have a meal and then watch a movie. The `210 for a medium pack is almost Re 1 for a single corn. It is the vendors who decide the price. "It is no less than a mafia, the actual cost of these packs of popcorn should be not more than Rs 50, that includes various other costs involved, and vendors can charge Rs 20 or Rs 30 more, but they are charging 300 per cent of the cost. One average show at one screen has at least 200 people and if 100 people buy this popcorn, they easily make Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 in one show; vendors are earning in lakhs per day, added Mr Shashank Agarwal, a chartered accountant. When the matter was taken up with the vendors, Mr Anup Soni, a vendor said, "As long as we have takers, we will charge. Messages are being sent across social network platforms, asking moviegoers to stop purchasing popcorn unless the vendors bring down the prices. The GHMC has no role in fixing the prices of eatables and parking at multiplexes. It is purely between the owner of the building and the contractor. Kochi: Kochi city police on Thursday registered a case against a group of lawyers for verbally abusing and detaining a woman journalist at Ernakulam district court complex. Manju Kuttikrishnan, senior reporter with Desabhimani daily, had registered a complaint with the Central police station. The complaint said that the group of lawyers obstructed five journalists-three of them women, including Ms. Manju on Wednesday when they reached the court to report Perumbavoor rape and murder case. They also showered abuses at them, the complaint said. The cops registered the case under 294 (B) (whoever recites or utters any obscene song, ballad or words, in or near any public place) and 506 (1) (punishment for criminal intimidation) and other relevant sections. Though the Kerala High Court and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had repeatedly assured the journalists that they would be able to work safely and freely at courts, a section of lawyers is still objecting to the entry of reporters to the courts. Dealers will not purchase fuel from OMCs for two days on Thursday and Friday and will sell fuel only till stocks last. (Representational image) Hyderabad: Petrol pumps in TS and AP went on a no oil purchase strike on Thursday as part of a two-day nation-wide agitation programme demanding increase in dealers commissions. The announcement of the strike triggered panic buying in both states and several petrol pumps, especially in the districts, went dry by Thursday evening, causing severe inconvenience to the motorists. The situation is likely to worsen on Friday as dealers will not purchase fuel from OMCs for the second consecutive day. OMC officials, meanwhile, have assured that there will not be any fuel shortage since the existing stocks available with petrol pumps will cater to the demand for two days and urged motorists not to go for panic buying. Fuel sales at bunks only till stocks last Dealers will not purchase fuel from OMCs for two days on Thursday and Friday and will sell fuel only till stocks last. In addition, the dealers will run bunks in single shifts, from 9 am to 6 pm, from November 5. If the Centre fails to respond to their demands, they have threatened to shut down petrol pumps on November 15. The dealers have decided to observe holidays on Sunday and bank holidays from November 6. General secretary of Telangana Petroleum Dealers Association G. Vinay Kumar said, We are forced to go on strike since there is no response from the Centre on our demands. We have been waiting since 2011. Oil marketing company officials said talks with dealers were on. There is no need for panic buying. Talks are going on and the issue will be resolved very soon. The existing stocks can last for two days, said a senior OMC official. Hyderabad: Separate agencies individually paid a private consultant to prepare a detailed project report on Musi River cleaning and submitted the same to the Centre for funds approval. The Centre rejected the reports, stating that it needed an integrated and workable DPR that included all the corresponding agencies. Agencies such as the Metro Water and Sewerage Board, GHMC and HMDA approached a single agency, Aarvee Consultants, for a report on the Musi. Mr M. Padmanabha Red-dy, secretary for Forum for Good Governance, who had filed an RTI application, said, In 2011, a DPR by Aarvee Consultants for the `750-crore Musi Phase II project was sent to the Centre by Metro Water and Sewerage Board. The government directed the state government to prepare an integrated and workable plan involving various agencies like the Water Board, GHMC, HMDA, horticulture department and the Pollution Control Board. Instead of an integrated plan, the Water Board, GHMC and HMDA again engaged Aarvee Consultants and prepared separate DPRs. He added that the consultant had quoted different estimates for different works. For example for the HMWS&SB work, the estimate was `825.87 crore, while for the GHMC proposal it was `752.25 crore and for HMDAs proposal `15,551.86 crore. Following the funds not being approved by the Centre, the TS government is now contemplating loan assistance from a Korean firm. In 2001, the Water Board had engaged Aarvee Consultants to prepare a project report on Abate-ment of Pollution of River Musi and had submitted it to the National River Conservation Directorate of the Centre. The project envisaged diversion of flows of 18 nalas carrying sewerage from the Musi to sewerage treatment plants and and for release into the river after treatment. The estimated cost was Rs 344 crore of which 70 per cent was provided by the Centre and the balance by the state government. Work started in 2001 and completed in 2008. The GHMC took up construction of the rubber dam on Musi near the High Court complex at a cost of Rs 50 crore. Within six months of constructions of the dam, the area started stinking and the dam had to be dismantled, a waste of Rs 50 crore. Sabarmati project ideal example of river cleanup In spite of the Centre repeatedly cautioning the state government to send integrated and workable project reports so that funds under different schemes can be allocated, the HMDAs detailed project report on the Musi could not win approval. The Sabarmati River in Gujarat is an example wherein an integrated approach saved the river. Pollution levels of Musi have reached alarming proportions. The Central Pollution Control Board has reported Musi as one of the most polluted rivers in the country. Hyderabad: Slamming the TRS government's proposal of constructing a new secretariat complex after demolishing the existing one, Telangana Congress today demanded the move be dropped forthwith as it would lead to wastage of "hundreds of crores" of tax payers' money. State Congress chief N Uttam Kumar Reddy wrote a letter to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao opposing construction of any new structure to house the headquarters of the administration. "As the President of Telangana Pradesh Congress, I wish to convey that your government's decision to demolish the present secretariat complex and construct a new complex at a huge cost of hundreds of crores of rupees is not a judicious decision and is a mere wastage of hundreds of crores of precious tax payers money," Reddy said in the letter. Several blocks in the present structure have been built in the recent times, he said. Reddy found fault with the state government allegedly citing 'vastu' defects as the reason for reportedly deciding to demolish the existing complex. "It is really unfortunate that you have cited 'vastu defects' as the reason for demolishing a fully functional secretariat with all buildings having many decades of life left and planning a plush building at a cost of Rs 350 crore. "In this age and time, spending hundreds of crores of rupees of precious public money because of vastu reason is not justified," he said. The state Congress chief said it is "astonishing" that the Advocate General has submitted to the High Court that the present secretariat complex doesn't meet fire safety regulations. "How come the secretariat have defects now when Chief Ministers in undivided Andhra Pradesh functioned from the same secretariat complex if the buildings did not meet fire safety standards?" he asked. It is sad the TRS government has not released funds for farmers' loan waiver and students' tuition fee reimbursements, but wants to waste public money on a new secretariat, Reddy alleged. DHARMAPURI: The leader of the opposition in the Assembly and DMK treasurer, M K Stalin on Wednesday expressed his displeasure with the functioning of the present government in Tamil Nadu. Mr Stalin, who was here to attend the marriage of a party functionary, S Thamaraiselvan, son of Dharmapuri DMK MLA, P. Subramani, criticised the AIADMKs rule as virtually non-functional. Referring to the Cauvery issue, Mr. Stalin recalled his demand to the AIADMK leader to take the initiative to convene an all-party meeting like Karnataka, where all political parties forgetting differences joined to fight for their interests in the river water sharing issue. Expressing concern about the slide in the States industrial growth, as revealed by a new ranking by the Central government, Mr. Stalin said though the AIADMK regime conducted the global investors meet last year to bring more foreign investors to invest in the State, no new industry has been started till now as promised by the rulers after the global investors meet. Bhiwani: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced a compensation of Rs one crore for the family of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal who had allegedly committed suicide over the issue of 'One Rank, One Pension' (OROP). Kejriwal made the announcement at Grewal's village Bamla near here where he attended the army veteran's cremation. Amid high drama, the Chief Minister had been detained by Delhi Police yesterday when he ried to meet the family of Grewal. "I want the people to take his fight forward. We will fight till our last breath and snatch OROP from the Centre. Our soldiers deserve what is their due," Kejriwal told reporters here. On allegations that AAP was politicising the issue, Kejriwal said, "Yes, we are doing politics. We are doing politics to grant our soldiers their rights while Modiji is doing politics to take those rights away." Under the AAP government's compensation policy, the families of martyrs who are residents of Delhi are given Rs one crore. Kejriwal has been repeatedly urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement the same across the country. Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi and other political leaders also reached the native village of Grewal, who had committed suicide by consuming poison at a park in New Delhi area on Tuesday evening. Lucknow: Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said he is "not aware" of any attempt at forming a coalition with other parties ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, a final decision on which would be taken by Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav. "National president will decide what is to be done. He will take decision after giving due thoughts. I am not aware if coalition has started or not. I also don't know what is being discussed. If a coalition is formed, political parties have to decide themselves who will lose or gain," he told reporters after starting his "vikas se vijay ki ore" rath yatra. Congress election strategist Prashant Kishore had recently met Mulayam in Delhi, triggering speculation of a "maha-gathbandhan". "We are open to alliance with any party to form a secular government in the state but a final decision will be taken by 'netaji' (Mulayam)," Akhilesh said. SP's silver jubilee celebration on November 5 is likely to be attended by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, RJD chief Lalu Prasad, RLD chief Ajit Singh and some others. Pointing out the presence of Mulayam and state party president Shivpal Yadav at the yatra flag-off, Akhilesh said, "Though (minister) Azam Khan and (expelled SP leader) Ramgopal Yadav, were not present today, their blessings are with me." On differences in the party, the chief minister said, "As yatra will continue, all differences will sink and all samajwadis will come together." "I am not angry with anyone and I think no one is angry with me too," Akhilesh said when asked about his strained relations with Shivpal. He also exuded confidence that the minority community would support the SP and help it come to power. The CM's wife, who was present with him in the 'rath', said Akhilesh who was labelled as a "trainee" has done tremendous work in the state. "If a 'trainee' CM could initiate a number of development projects, people should think what he could do when he becomes CM for the second time," she said, adding the support of youths for the yatra is "overwhelming". Once upon a time, it was said that anyone who ruled Uttar Pradesh also exercised control over India. Not any more. Now even being chief minister provides no assurance of being the boss of his/her party. Since the advent of the coalition era, electors in the state during Assembly polls repeatedly voted parties that were marginal stakeholders at the Centre. For a decade and a half, their choice at the state level differed with the parliamentary preference despite the two elections being held within a couple of years of each other. Citing how the electorate has behaved, the BJP will adopt an air of nonchalance and contend that failure to secure a majority or emerge as the single-largest party in the forthcoming edition will have no bearing on the Central government and the public image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The argument, however, will not hold much water because ruling parties at the Centre in the past did not have a clear majority like the BJP has. After its spectacular performance in 2014, the BJPs failure to secure a majority will be undeniably analysed in conjunction with the rout last year in Bihar and depicted as indication that Mr Modi has lost his ability to win polls. This will have a direct bearing on his government because failure to win UP will undermine the Prime Ministers political authority and undermine his position within the Sangh Parivar. Moreover, because his party faces an unprecedented challenge in Gujarat, Mr Modi will be well aware that defeat in UP can have a cascading impact. The BJPs chances in UP depend on two factors: one that it can attempt to shape, but has no control on the other. Its success in reviving the atmosphere of social animosity and rampant polarisation it fashioned in 2014 will significantly improve the chances for a BJP victory. Party leaders are aware that chances to form a government in the state after a gap of 15 years are negligible unless they are able to successfully market a combination of jingoistic nationalism, communal polarisation and a small portion of development chatter. For several months, the BJP has attempted to use every occasion to sharpen communal cleavages. The party took a shot at reviving the Dadri issue and made a serious bid to portray alleged migration of Hindu families from Kairana as an instance of growing aggression of minority communalism. None of these attempts was successful, forcing the BJP to explore alternatives. No credible analyst will argue that surgical strikes in Pakistan were undertaken with the objective of securing domestic benefit. But it would be unwise to expect Mr Modi not to try gaining from his strategic offensive against Pakistan during the elections. The campaign waged by Mr Modi, his Cabinet colleagues and party leaders is indicative that the strategic offensive will be milked to the utmost in UP. The BJP is hamstrung because in the past, support for it peaked only in the wake of articulation of aggressive Hindutva. The BJP is further handicapped as in India there is no demographic majority because Hindus are divided into several castes at times antagonistic and the party can electorally benefit only by cobbling an artificial majority. This has been done mainly by spreading prejudice against minorities and raising the fear of being outnumbered or out-leveraged because of adversaries appeasing Muslims. Hindu consolidation is possible only by forging a coalition of groups, mostly at each others throats, by raising the spectre of the other. This time the raising of a political majority is being attempted by infusing hyper-nationalism into anti-minorityism. The party hopes that such a campaign will neutralise the absence of a chief ministerial face in a presidential-style contest. The other factor on which the BJPs fortunes will rest but over which it has little control except by dubious means, is the manner in which developments within the Samajwadi Party unravel and whether attempts to cobble up a Mahagathbandhan succeed. If Akhilesh Yadav buries the hatchet with Shivpal Yadav and a grand alliance is put together, it would undoubtedly make it a credible force in the elections. Regardless of where it finishes in the race, the BJP is undoubtedly the fulcrum of the contest. The emergence of a SP-led alliance as a reliable group will likely force split in the anti-BJP vote and improve the BJPs prospects while stymieing the Bahujan Samaj Partys. If he plans to branch out on his own, time is running out for the UP Chief Minister. Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav has revived the idea of Mahagathband-han not because he overnight rediscovered benefits of strategic alliances. Rather, he is pursuing the grouping because he sees in it a ploy to minimise the dominance of his son in the party. The presence of Opposition stalwarts on the same stage will force Mr Akhilesh Yadav to share the spotlight and deflect attention from the presidential-style campaign. With uncertainty prevailing over whether the BJP strategy to force social polarisation will succeed or not, and with little assurance that the SP narrative will not have many more postscripts, the present favourite to emerge at the top of the table with a majority or as single-largest party is undoubtedly the BSP. Currently, the two most insecure communities in India dalits and Muslims appear veering towards the BSP. Since they jointly account for almost 40 per cent of voters, the BSP has a head start over others. The BJPs anti-dalit policies since Rohith Vemulas suicide, events in Una, Dayashankar Singhs abusive comments and the appointment of his wife as chief of its womens wing, has alienated the community. The BJP initially hoped that non-Jatav dalits would not rally behind the BSP, but this can no longer be certain. The BSP too faced its share of turbulence, the result of desertions by several leaders. Ms Mayawati also must infuse her campaign with greater positivity. In 2012, after being elected Chief Minister, Mr Akhilesh Yadav said: Victories and defeats are part of elections this time it was our turn to win. Unless the chief minister and his party find new wind and the elders overcome the death wish that has gripped them, the race will primarily remain a two-horse race with the BSP continuing to enjoy pole position. The people will undoubtedly monitor developments before making up their mind. The Made-in-China phobia that has come to affect some Indians is both a cause of concern and amusement. It is a cause of concern as the campaign to boycott Chinese goods has the potential to vitiate the atmosphere to the extent of Chinese manufacturers shying away from heeding Prime Minister Narendra Modis Make-in-India call and give up the idea of setting up shop in India. And it is amusing as India, according to official Chinese figures, accounts for only two per cent of total exports by China, that by the way is the worlds largest goods trading nation. Its total exports in 2015 were $2276.5 billion. Therefore, if some Indians stop buying Chinese toys, ribbons, fairy lights or pyrotechnics, China is not going to be affected, economically or politically, a point Beijing has been trying to emphasise in the past few weeks. One would assume that the movement for boycott of Chinese goods is actually symbolic, rather than a serious attempt at hurting Chinas economy. Those who are pushing the boycott are obviously motivated by their desire to teach Beijing a lesson for its refusal to back New Delhis case for declaring Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar a UN-designated terrorist, and for blocking Indias entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Such people may be fired up by the spirit of nationalism, which is fine, but letting someone cross the line and veer towards jingoism can cause problems. It is all right if the Prime Minister has decided not to comment on the issue, but his government needs to clarify New Delhis position on the matter. Of course, minister of state for commerce and industry Nirmala Sitharaman made a highly sensible remark, saying a complete ban on Chinese products demanded by sections of Indians is not feasible. She, however, said it was possible to introduce anti-dumping duties and safeguard mechanisms on certain products to protect producers and consumers based on evidence. Her bid to clear the air has come a little too late and enough damage has already been done as far as the investment climate is concerned. Can India afford to lose sight of the broad picture while letting some people heighten anti-China sentiments? Pakistan could be Chinas all-weather friend, but New Delhi, despite the long-standing border dispute and other contentious issues, is trying to keep differences aside and forge ahead in reducing the legendary trust deficit between the two nations and build a good working relationship. In fact, trade is seen as a dominant tool that can call the shots to keep the differences away, even reduce them, and bind the two great economies. New Delhis challenges are immense as a look at some of these figures would suggest: trade between India and China declined from over $72 billion in 2014-15 to $70.7 billion in 2015-16, and Indias trade deficit with China rose to $52.68 billion from $48.48 billion in 2014-15. The trade deficit with China is almost half of Indias total trade deficit. Efforts to reverse the trend are visible. For instance, even as the boycott call was becoming shriller, Ms Sitharaman held intense bilateral negotiations with her Chinese counterpart. She pushed China to allow Indian IT and pharma companies to access Chinese markets, which she stressed can go a long way in addressing the trade imbalance between the two Asian giants. The Chinese are actually interested in generic drugs from Indian producers but are continuing with conditions that make it tough for Indian firms to operate there. Indian pharma firms have been recognised by the US FDA and the EU, but the Chinese have as yet not given them the green signal. This discourse leads us to the question on whether India has the necessary bargaining power. China in 2015-16 accounted for only 19.3 per cent of Indias imports, but Indias exports to China was a paltry 3.6 per cent in that period. If we are to look at the current so-called ban on Chinese products, it is mainly on items that are most visible crackers, kite strings, toys, ribbons, etc. These items are, however, way down in the list of products India imports from China. The import items from China that top the list includes nuclear reactors, telecommunication equipment, electrical machinery, plastics, organic chemicals, iron and steel, optical apparatus, fertilisers, inorganic chemicals, vehicles other than railway rolling stock, and boats and ships. Recently, an India-China business meeting was held in the eastern Chinese city of Huzhou, near Shanghai. At that event, India was represented by several Shanghai-based companies which called for the flow of Chinese investment to the Prime Ministers Make in India initiative. But a cursory look at Huzhous trade with India presents a picture of the imbalance in overall trade between the two countries. In 2015, Huzhous trade with India was around $370 million, while its imports from India was around $37.81 million. Therefore, there is a lesson to be learnt of keeping the broad picture in mind while dealing with contentious issues. All eyes will now be on the meeting that is coming up in a few days between national security adviser Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. New Delhi would like to achieve a breakthrough in enlisting Beijings support for Indias bid to join the NSG, something that is not impossible. India would also try and convince China to lend its weight on the plea to get JeM commander Masood Azhar declared a terrorist by the UN. If New Delhi manages to get Beijings support on either of these two sensitive issues, the case for the boycott of Chinese goods would certainly weaken. As Indians, we should leave foreign policy to our government and to members of our diplomatic corps. One has no doubt they would have the national interest foremost in their minds. Powell attempted to change the password for 2,054 accounts, succeeding with 1,035 of them. (Representational image) An Arizona man was arrested on Wednesday on charges that he hacked into over 1,000 email accounts for students and others at two universities and tried to do the same at 75 other higher-education institutions throughout the country. Jonathan Powell, a 29-year-old Phoenix resident, was arrested based on a criminal complaint filed in federal court in Manhattan charging him with fraud in connection with computers, according to prosecutors. According to the complaint, Powell used password reset tools try to access thousands of email accounts at two universities in New York and Pennsylvania, successfully changing the passwords for 1,050 accounts. Prosecutors said he went on to compromise social media and other accounts at online services such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Google that were linked to the university email accounts, and mined those accounts for users' confidential information. Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bharara said Powell also searched their photos for "potentially embarrassing content." In one instance, he searched a students' Gmail account using the key words "naked" and "horny," the complaint said. "This case should serve as a wakeup call for universities and educational institutions around the country," Bharara said in a statement. A lawyer for Powell could not be immediately identified. He was expected to be presented in a federal court in Phoenix later on Wednesday. Neither Bharara's office nor the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which investigated the incidents, identified the universities at issue. The biggest victim appeared to be the unnamed New York university, where since at least October 2015, Powell attempted to change the password for 2,054 accounts, succeeding with 1,035 of them, prosecutors said. In September, he tried to change email passwords for 220 of the Pennsylvania university's accounts, succeeding with 15, prosecutors said. He also accessed student directories and login portals for more than 75 other colleges, they said. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Slack took out a full page ad in the New York Times on Wednesday, addressing the entry of Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Corp launched a messaging system for businesses, Microsoft Teams, on Wednesday, putting it in direct competition with fast-growing startup Slack and Facebook Inc's Workplace product. The new software will be part of Microsoft's Office 365 services, a cloud-based software suite that has more than 85 million monthly active commercial users. Slack, whose customers include CBS Corp, BuzzFeed, universities and the US government, had over 4 million daily active users in October. San Francisco-based Slack took out a full page ad in the New York Times on Wednesday, addressing the entry of Microsoft Teams. "We're genuinely excited to have some competition," Slack said in the ad. Microsoft said a preview of Teams will be available to Office 365 commercial customers with enterprise or business plans, starting Wednesday. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Bengaluru: Through a MoU which would be signed with 200 blood banks across the State, Bengaluru-based firm, iRelief services, have launched a mobile application which would inform patients and their relatives of the availability of blood when they tap their mobile phones. Bengaluru being the pilot city, the firm has already signed an MoU with seven blood banks in the city, among the ten blood banks that have tied up with the service provider. It is going to make emergency services as easily available as an Uber or Ola -- with just a click. We are working along with the Government, which will provide us with all the data to be made accessible to the patients any time through this user-friendly interface, says the Chief Operating Officer of iRelief, Raghavendra Prasad. He says that they intend to reach out to other cities and districts across Karnataka in a phased manner. The application would provide location-based emergency services and the families can track the movement of the ambulance as well. The application would also provide pre-arrival instructions to the casualty department of the hospital. The application will indicate real-time availability of blood components with the optional delivery of blood units. The first-of-its kind in the state, the app provides location-based information integrated with all the vendors. Other apps have a donor database who may or may not agree, but here the main thing is the real-time availability at all the blood banks, informs Raghavendra Prasad, COO of the iRelief. People need to download the iRelief app from the Google play store and install it on their mobile phone. Apart from giving you information about the blood availability, the app also allows you to put in a demand for a specific type/group of blood, which will be delivered to you at your residence. The app also has a databank of blood donors. The moment you place an order for a unit of blood, iRelief alerts the voluntary donors. The identity and privacy of the donors are guarded while giving you the service, he adds. The health department has shared the database of 200 Blood banks (both government and private) which is available on www.drugnic.in and the Jeev Sanjeevani website to iRelief to help increase its reach to patients in need. It has fixed a cost of only `30 for connecting and confirming the supply of blood to the patient in the hospital in question. The app, however, can be downloaded for free, said Dr Shalini Rajneesh, Principal Secretary, Department of Health, at the launch. The Blood banks would be given a provider app and when a customer taps the home screen seeking information, the nearest blood banks will be visible and the 'PUSH' notification would go to the Bloodbank, who can respond with a 'Yes' and ask the patients to collect the said component. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Nairobi: President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday accused the United Nations of "scapegoating" Kenyan soldiers for the failings of the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. He followed up on Wednesday's announcement, when Kenya, angered at the dismissal of the Kenyan head of the force, declared it would withdraw its soldiers from South Sudan and disengage from its mediation role in the peace process. "We know that the people of this region want peace in South Sudan. But we also know that peace will not come to South Sudan by blaming a Kenyan commander for the wider failings of the mission to South Sudan," Kenyatta said. Lieutenant-General Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki, was sacked on Tuesday as head of the UNMISS force after a UN probe found he had presided over a "chaotic and ineffective response" to fighting in the South Sudan capital in July. The violence saw soldiers kill civilians, loot warehouses and rape women, including foreign aid workers. Ondieki is the only official to be held to account so far. Kenya, which provides 1,050 of the 13,500 troops deployed as part of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), plans to begin the withdrawal immediately. "We will no longer contribute to a mission that has failed to meet its mandate, and which has now resorted to scapegoating Kenyans," Kenyatta said. "Serving does not come at the expense of the country's dignity," he added. In Wednesday's angrily-worded statement, Kenya's foreign ministry announced the withdrawal of its existing peacekeepers. It added it would no longer contribute to a proposed 4,000-strong "regional protection force" intended to bolster the UN mission and would also "disengage" from the peace process that has so far failed to end fighting since December 2013. A UN official in South Sudan said discussions would begin on the troop withdrawal. "This is the prerogative of the Kenyan government and we respect it," the official said. "We will now consult with the Kenyan government regarding the modalities of withdrawal of its contingent." Johannesburg: South African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday faced increasing calls to resign after a damaging probe unearthed further evidence of alleged corruption at the top of the ANC government. The country's anti-graft watchdog ordered a judicial inquiry into possible criminal activity in Zuma's relationship with the Guptas, a wealthy Indian family accused of wielding undue political influence. Zuma, 74, has weathered a series of major scandals since coming to power in 2009, but rapidly declining support for the African National Congress (ANC) party has threatened his presidency. Fears have grown that South Africa has thrown away the optimistic legacy of Nelson Mandela's post-apartheid era -- with Zuma's alleged misconduct at the heart of public discontent. "The mood of the people has become more and more angry," said a statement from Save South Africa, a new umbrella group of anti-apartheid veterans, civil activists, business leaders and churches. "(The ANC) must stop putting the interests of Jacob Zuma before the interests of South Africa," it said. "The president must step down now." Criticism of Zuma has spread in recent months, with calls for him to step down emerging from influential trade unions, corporate bosses and even senior ANC figures, as well as from opposition parties. New Voices Speak Out "The individuals who are now joining the chorus are not only the usual suspects, but, until very recently, staunch backers of Zuma's ANC," the Times daily said in its editorial on Thursday. "Voices expressing dissatisfaction with his leadership are getting louder as more damning evidence of his misgovernance emerges." The probe released by the Public Protector watchdog detailed allegations that Zuma ensured the Gupta family won huge preferential contracts with state companies and were able to choose cabinet ministers. Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas told the investigation he was taken by Zuma to the Guptas' home in Johannesburg where Ajay Gupta said he would be appointed finance minister. When Jonas refused, Ajay allegedly offered him 600 million rand ($44 million) and asked if Jonas had a bag to take away 600,000 rand in cash immediately. The report also unveiled phone evidence that David Van Rooyen, then a little-known Zuma loyalist, was regularly in touch with the Guptas before he was briefly appointed finance minister last year. The Guptas have denied all wrongdoing, and on Thursday welcomed an official inquiry. "Now we have opportunity to... present our facts to a judge," family lawyer Gert van der Merwe told the eNCA news channel. Election Setback Zuma, who travelled to Zimbabwe on Thursday, said that he was studying the Public Protector's report and considering a court challenge. The president, who under apartheid was jailed on Robben Island with Mandela, has been dogged by scandals, including being found guilty of violating the constitution after he refused to repay taxpayers money used to refurbish his private rural house. But he retains deep loyalty in large sections of the ANC, especially in rural areas, and has built up a strong patronage network of supporters. The ANC is due to choose a new leader at the end of next year, with the selected leader then running as president in national elections in 2019, when Zuma cannot stand for a third term in office. Municipal elections in August produced the ANC's worst-ever poll performance, though it remains easily South Africa's biggest party. Public frustration has been fanned by the government's failure to tackle soaring unemployment, low growth and limited change for many of the poorest since the end of white-minority rule in 1994. Washington: Danney Williams, 30, who claims to be the biological son of Bill Clinton has appealed to borrow Monica Lewinskys notorious stained dress to conduct DNA testing. Williams has since 1992 claimed that he is the son of Clinton who met his prostitute mother, Bobbie Ann, while she was working on the streets of Little Rock, Arkansas. But a DNA test had proved that Williams could not be Clintons son but there were questions regarding the test. Now Williams hopes to be able to borrow Lewinskys dress to compare his DNA to that of Clinton, the Daily Mail reported. Lewinsky testified during Clintons impeachment inquiry, that the stain on her dress resulted from a sex act that she performed on the former president while she was an intern at the White House in 1997. Earlier raising the issue of Kashmir, Pakistan's envoy to the UN Maleeha Lodhi said peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without "urgent" solution to the Kashmir dispute. (Photo: AP/ Representational Image) United Nations: Hitting back strongly at Pakistan, India on Thursday said its citizens have faced repeated "inhuman" terror attacks by "proxies" of Pakistan, which continues to abuse the concept of self-determination to bolster territorial aggrandizement against it. "Pakistan, whose own people have been deprived of their democratic rights for most of its history and which continues to illegally occupy a part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and rules it as a virtual colony, repeatedly indulges in the abuse of the concept of self-determination to bolster its agenda of territorial aggrandizement through terrorism against India," Counsellor in the Permanent Mission of India to the UN Mayank Joshi said at a General Assembly session on the 'Right of people to self-determination'. Strongly rejecting Pakistan's "ritual propaganda" on the right to self-determination and the "baseless allegations" made by it, Joshi said India is the world's largest democracy and free and fair elections are held regularly in Jammu and Kashmir meeting the aspiration of its people. "The truth is that thousands of innocent citizens of India, including women and children, continue to fall victim to the repeated inhuman terrorist attacks committed by proxies of the State of Pakistan in our region," Joshi said. He stressed that India has repeatedly pointed out that Pakistan would serve its people better if only it could introspect about the challenges faced by its society "instead of setting sights on territories of their neighbours in flagrant violation of all international norms of behaviour". "By now the international community has seen through these misleading attempts by Pakistan. We therefore do not intend to engage any further on this issue," he said. Joshi asserted that the right to self-determination has been recognised for long as applicable to the peoples of non-self-governing colonies and trust territories. "This concept cannot become an instrument to promote subversion and erode the political cohesion or territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Member states of the UN," Joshi said. He emphasised that Palestine remains the "unfinished task" in the realization of the right of peoples to self-determination and reiterated India's "unwavering solidarity" for the people of Palestine to attain their inalienable rights, including the right to self-determination. "My delegation has reiterated its full support for the Peace Process and the Qaurtet Roadmap which would realise the dream of the peoples of both Palestine and Israel to live in peace, side by side within recognised and secure borders," he said. He said escalation of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance continues to lead to gross violations of human rights of national, ethnic, cultural and religious minorities, and of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. Earlier raising the issue of Kashmir, Pakistan's envoy to the UN Maleeha Lodhi said peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without "urgent" solution to the Kashmir dispute. Los Angeles: The woman, who had accused Republican candidate Donald Trump of raping her at a party when she was only 13-years-old, cancelled her plans of giving a public statement in a press conference, claiming that she was receiving terrible threats. According to reports, the woman who is known as Jane Doe, said that she was in great fear of her life following threats over her accusations against Trump. Does lawyer Lisa Bloom told the media that she was "unable ultimately to do this" because of the threats. However, she added that Doe may reschedule another conference to give her statement on the matter. Doe had claimed that Donald Trump had forced himself upon her in 1994, at a party which was hosted by his billionaire friend Jeffrey Epstein in a New York apartment. "Jane Doe has received numerous threats today, as have all the Trump accusers that I have represented," Bloom told the media. "She is living in fear. She has decided that she is too afraid to show her face. She has been here all day, ready to do it, but unfortunately, shes in terrible fear." Trump on the other hand, had rubbished all the claims made against him, claiming that all allegations against him were a conspiracy by his democrat rival Hillary Clinton. Under South Korean law, prosecutors have 48 hours to seek an arrest warrant from a court. (Representational image) Seoul: South Korean prosecutors have detained a former aide to President Park Geun-hye, a prosecution official said on Thursday, the second person to be held in an influence peddling scandal that has rocked the countrys presidency. Prosecutors have said they are looking into allegations that the former senior adviser, An Chong-bum, and Choi Soon-sil, a long-time friend of the president, forced South Korean conglomerates to donate funds to non-profit foundations using their connections with the president. An, who was a senior presidential advisor in policy coordination until he stepped down late last month amid the growing political crisis, was detained late on Wednesday. He earlier told reporters outside prosecution offices that he would take responsibility for his actions but declined to elaborate. Ans lawyers were not immediately available for comment early on Thursday. Prosecutors placed him under emergency detention, worried that he could destroy evidence, the prosecution official said. Under South Korean law, prosecutors have 48 hours to seek an arrest warrant from a court. On Wednesday, Park replaced her prime minister and finance minister, a reshuffle denounced by political opponents as a bid to divert attention from a crisis that has pushed her approval rating to an all-time low. Members of opposition parties have called for prosecutors to investigate Park. She has also faced calls from political opponents and a growing number of South Koreans to step down, although the main opposition parties have not raised the idea of launching impeachment proceedings. Last weekend, Park accepted the resignations of eight of her top presidential aides, and on Thursday her office announced nominees for a new chief of staff and senior secretary for political affairs. Prosecutors on Wednesday asked a court for a warrant to arrest Choi, Parks friend at the centre of the scandal, and are seeking to charge her with abuse of power and attempted fraud, court and prosecution officials said. Choi was detained late on Monday. Choi, who has been a friend of Parks for decades but held no formal government role, is alleged to have used her proximity to the president to meddle in state affairs, and her lawyer has said he expects prosecutors to look into whether she inappropriately received classified documents. Choi, 60, told South Koreas Segye Ilbo newspaper last week that she received drafts of Parks speeches after Parks election victory but denied she had access to other official material, influenced state affairs or benefited financially. Seoul: A snowballing political scandal moved closer to embattled South Korean President Park Geun-Hye on Thursday, with her newly nominated prime minister warning she could face a probe, hours after prosecutors detained a former presidential aide. Ahn Jong-Beom was taken into custody late Wednesday over suspicions he helped Park's friend Choi Soon-Sil coerce companies into donating large sums to dubious non-profit foundations that she then used for personal gains, Yonhap said. Ahn, who was dismissed on Sunday, is the second person to be taken into emergency detention after Choi was held Monday for questioning in the influence-peddling scandal. Park is scrambling to deflect rising public anger over suggestions that Choi -- the daughter of a shadowy religious figure -- vetted presidential speeches, had access to classified documents, and used her influence for personal enrichment. "Everyone including the president is equal before the law," new prime minister nominee Kim Byong-Joon declared at a press conference. "My position is that it is (legally) possible to interrogate and investigate a sitting president," he said. Under South Korea's constitution, the incumbent president may not be charged with a criminal offence except insurrection or treason. But many argue the sitting president can be probed by prosecutors and then charged after leaving office. Justice Minister Kim Hyun-Woong also told parliament Thursday that prosecutors could question Park, if the ongoing investigation required it. The probe also targets firms -- including Samsung and SK -- that offered donations to foundations favoured by Choi, and a Samsung executive was questioned by prosecutors Thursday, Yonhap added. Samsung -- by far the South's largest business conglomerate -- also faces allegations that it separately offered millions of euros to Choi to bankroll her daughter's equestrian training in Germany. The scandal has shaken the presidency, exposing Park to public outrage and ridicule and, with just over a year left in office, seen her approval ratings plunge into single digits. In an effort to deflect rising public criticism, Park had been urged to create a neutral cabinet by bringing in members from outside her ruling conservative Saenuri Party. Rasputin-like figure She has reached across the traditional political divide with a host of new appointments, including tapping the liberal Kim Byong-Joon as her new prime minister, a largely symbolic post. She announced Thursday her pick for chief of staff, Han Gwang-Ok, a former aide to late President Kim Dae-Jung in an appointment the presidential Blue House said would help get the rattled administration back on track. But the opposition has dismissed the reshuffle as a smokescreen. They have called for a full investigation of Park's relationship with Choi, vowing to block the new prime minister's nomination by wielding their combined parliamentary majority. The media has portrayed the 60-year-old Choi as a Rasputin-like figure, who wielded an unhealthy influence over Park that continued after her presidential election victory in December 2012. Choi is the daughter of late religious leader Choi Tae-Min, who was married six times, had multiple pseudonyms and set up his own cult-like group known as the Church of Eternal Life. He befriended a traumatised Park after the 1974 assassination of her mother -- who he said had appeared to him in a dream. Park treated him as a mentor and subsequently formed a close bond with his daughter. Choi flew back to Seoul from Germany on Sunday to submit to herself for questioning, saying after she fought her way through a scrum of press and protesters that she had "committed a deadly sin", Yonhap reported. Prosecutors are seeking a warrant to formally arrest Choi -- who they have deemed a flight risk and "unstable" -- before the emergency detention period expires. The scandal comes as South Korea, Asia's fourth largest economy, faces slumping exports and high unemployment amid rising nuclear and missile threats from North Korea. Seoul: South Korean President Park Geun-Hye is set to address the nation Friday over a snowballing political scandal that saw her close friend arrested for corruption and sparked calls for her resignation. Park will deliver the public address -- her second since the scandal broke last month -- on Friday morning, her spokesman said. The announcement came shortly after a Seoul court formally approved an arrest warrant for Choi Soon-Sil, Park's close friend facing charges of fraud and abuse of power. Choi, who has been held in emergency detention since Monday, is accused of coercing local firms to donate large sums to dubious non-profit foundations that she then used for personal gain. Prosecutors had deemed her a flight risk and "unstable". Choi, daughter of a late religious figure who was a longtime mentor for Park, also faces allegations that she meddled with state affairs including nomination of senior officials. The shock scandal sparked nationwide protests urging Park's resignation, with prosecutors mulling launching a formal probe. If realised it would be the country's first investigation of an incumbent president. Under South Korea's constitution, the incumbent president may not be charged with a criminal offence except insurrection or treason. But many argue the sitting president can be probed by prosecutors and then charged after leaving office. Justice Minister Kim Hyun-Woong also told parliament Thursday that prosecutors could question Park, if the ongoing investigation required it. The ongoing probe also targets firms -- including Samsung and SK -- that offered donations to foundations favoured by Choi, and a Samsung executive was questioned by prosecutors Thursday, Yonhap added. Samsung -- by far the South's largest business conglomerate -- faces allegations that it separately offered millions of euros to Choi to bankroll her daughter's equestrian training in Germany. The scandal has shaken the presidency, exposing Park to public outrage and ridicule and, with just over a year left in office, seen her approval ratings plunge into single digits. In an effort to deflect rising public criticism, Park had been urged to create a neutral cabinet by bringing in members from outside her ruling conservative Saenuri Party. Rasputin-like figure She has reached across the traditional political divide with a host of new appointments, including tapping the liberal Kim Byong-Joon as her new prime minister, a largely symbolic post. She announced Thursday her pick for chief of staff, Han Gwang-Ok, a former aide to late President Kim Dae-Jung in an appointment the presidential Blue House said would help get the rattled administration back on track. But the opposition has dismissed the reshuffle as a smokescreen. They have called for a full investigation of Park's relationship with Choi, vowing to block the new prime minister's nomination by wielding their combined parliamentary majority. The media has portrayed the 60-year-old Choi as a Rasputin-like figure, who wielded an unhealthy influence over Park that continued after her presidential election victory in December 2012. Choi is the daughter of late religious leader Choi Tae-Min, who was married six times, had multiple pseudonyms and set up his own cult-like group known as the Church of Eternal Life. He befriended a traumatised Park after the 1974 assassination of her mother -- who he said had appeared to him in a dream. Park treated him as a mentor and subsequently formed a close bond with his daughter. Choi flew back to Seoul from Germany on Sunday to submit to herself for questioning, saying after she fought her way through a scrum of press and protesters that she had "committed a deadly sin", Yonhap reported. The scandal comes as South Korea, Asia's fourth largest economy, faces slumping exports and high unemployment amid rising nuclear and missile threats from North Korea. May wants to use royal prerogative, historic powers officially held by the queen, to trigger Article 50 of the EU's treaty, which starts two years of talks before Britain's departure from the EU. (Photo: AFP/Representational Image) London: In a major blow for Britain's government, the High Court ruled Thursday that the Prime Minister can't trigger the UK's exit from the European Union without approval from Parliament. The government is likely to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. Several claimants challenged plans for Brexit in a case with major constitutional implications, hinging on the balance of power between Parliament and the government. Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will launch exit negotiations with the EU by March 31. She is relying on a power called the royal prerogative that lets the government withdraw from international treaties. Claimants argue that leaving the EU will remove rights, including free movement within the bloc, and say that can't be done without Parliament's approval. Three senior judges ruled that "the government does not have the power under the Crown's prerogative" to start EU exit talks. The case is considered the most important constitutional matter in a generation. Underscoring the importance of the case, May put Attorney General Jeremy Wright in charge of the legal team fighting the claim. Wright argued that the lawsuit is an attempt to put a legal obstacle in the way of enacting the result of the June 23 referendum to leave the EU. May wants to use royal prerogative, historic powers officially held by the queen, to trigger Article 50 of the EU's treaty, which starts two years of talks before Britain's departure from the EU. The powers, which have in reality passed to politicians, enable decisions to be made without a vote of Parliament and cover matters as grave as declaring war or as basic as issuing passports. Historically, royal prerogative has also applied to foreign affairs and the negotiation of treaties. The case is considered the most important constitutional matter in a generation. (Representational image) London: Britain's High Court is set to rule Thursday on whether the government can trigger the UK's exit from the European Union without approval from Parliament. The case is considered the most important constitutional matter in a generation. It centers on whether Prime Minister Theresa May can start negotiating Britain's exit from the EU without a vote in the House of Commons. At the core of the matter is the balance of power between Parliament and the government. Financial entrepreneur Gina Miller, who supported the campaign to stay in the EU, brought the case. She argued that leaving the EU would deny her fundamental rights, such as the right to free movement and freedom of services across Europe. Underscoring the importance of the case, May put Attorney General Jeremy Wright in charge of the legal team fighting the claim. Wright has argued that the lawsuit is an attempt to put a legal obstacle in the way of enacting the result of the June 23 referendum to leave the EU. May wants to use Royal Prerogative, historic powers officially held by the queen, to trigger Article 50, which signals Britain's departure from the EU. The powers, which have in reality passed to politicians, enable decisions to be made without a vote of Parliament and cover matters as grave as declaring war or as basic as issuing passports. Historically, Royal Prerogative has also applied to foreign affairs and the negotiation of treaties. Regardless of the victor, the case will likely be immediately appealed to the Supreme Court. May has said she will invoke Article 50 of the EU treaty - triggering two years of official exit talks - by March 31. During interrogation, the accused told police that he groped the girl when he was alone with her. (Representational image) Dubai: A 43-year-old Arabic language teacher has been arrested for sexually abusing an 11-year-old student during a private learning session in UAE's Dubai. According to a report in the Khaleej Times, the accused pleaded guilty to groping the victim and even threatening her to fail her in exams unless she allowed him to touch her. During interrogation, the accused told police that he groped the girl when he was alone with her. However, he was caught red-handed by the victim's mother, who then reported the matter to Al Rafaa police station. In her statement to the police, the victim said that she was scared of her teacher who often tried to touch her. Whenever she tried to push his hands away, he threatened to flunk her. When asked about how she came to know of the accused's actions, the victim's mother said, "I went to my bedroom. But I came back to check on her when I did not hear her voice for a while. He was lifting her shirt. I shouted at him to stop." The accused has been detained and police are carrying out further investigation. Jerusalem: Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will lead a high-profile delegation on a six-day visit to India in mid-November to boost cooperation in the field of security, education, cyber, energy, water and agriculture. Informed sources said Rivlin will meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan among others during his visit. Rivlin would be only the second Israeli President to visit India since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1992 and his visit comes almost after a gap of 20 years since former President Ezer Weizmann visited India in 1996-97. Rivlin will lead a high-profile delegation of business leaders and academics during the six-day visit to India. Expressing his interest in visiting India following the historic visit of Mukherjee last year to Israel, he had earlier said that the cooperation between the two countries is something that is said all over. The cooperation is not only in innovation but you know very well that we are trying our very best to address problems of agriculture, water, energy, cyber and every need of security that we have to work out in order to be prepared for the kind of burden of security that is imposed on both people. I would like to see your Prime Minister here, he had said. Speculation is rife that the Israeli Presidents visit would pave the way for Modis visit to Jerusalem, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, and is likely to take place next year when the two countries celebrate 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who on Sunday during a cabinet meeting mentioned about Rivlins forthcoming visit of Rivlin to India, is also likely to visit New Delhi next year. Israel is also very keen on strengthening ties between academic institutions in the two countries. The Israeli President in the past has complimented the Indian students in Israel, saying they are among the best of the lot. Israel has consistently remained the second largest supplier of defence equipment to India for many years and its timely supply of Indian requirements during the Kargil War has earned it the tag of a reliable partner. The Indo-Israel bilateral trade has also registered a remarkable growth reaching a figure of almost USD 5 billion starting from a humble USD 200 million in 1992. Newly-assigned Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri speaks to journalists at the presidential palace in Baabda. (Photo: AP) Beirut: Former prime minister Saad Hariri was nominated Thursday to form Lebanon's next government but the process is likely to be hampered by deep differences with the powerful Hezbollah movement. Hariri's nomination and the election of a president after a vacuum of more than two years have raised hopes that Lebanon can begin tackling challenges including a stagnant economy, a moribund political class and the influx of over a million Syrian refugees. It is also something of a comeback for Hariri, a Western-backed Sunni politician who had been left in the political cold in recent years. Experts have cautioned that Hariri may be hamstrung from the start because of ongoing divisions in the country's complex political scene. Hariri is a fierce opponent of Lebanon's influential Shiite Hezbollah movement, and has sharply criticised its role in bolstering Syria's government against an uprising. But he was forced to throw his support behind their candidate for the presidency, Michel Aoun, in order to secure his return to power as prime minister. In a sign that the task ahead will not be easy, Hezbollah's MPs declined to endorse Hariri for the prime minister's post, even though his nomination was all-but-assured. Analysts said Hariri, who has seen his family fortune decline along with his influence in Lebanon's Sunni community, will have little leverage in the formation of his cabinet. "Hariri is in a tough position," said Hilal Khashan, head of the political science department at the American University in Beirut. "Given the economic straits he is experiencing and his declining popularity, he was determined to become prime minister, and will therefore be obliged to make concessions to preserve his interests," he told AFP. Months of horsetrading Hariri, 46, served as prime minister under former president Michel Sleiman between 2009 and 2011, heading a unity government that was brought down by Hezbollah and its allies. In his new term, he is likely to struggle with his government's policy statement, which will have to make reference to Israel, as well as the war in Syria, both potential flashpoints with Hezbollah. The powerful militant group has rejected attempts to disarm it, saying it serves as the "resistance" against Israel, with which Lebanon technically remains at war. And it has also rejected criticism of its involvement in the war in Syria, saying its forces are protecting Lebanon by fighting extremists next door. Hariri has long opposed Hezbollah, members of which have been accused by an international court of involvement in his father's 2005 assassination. He also led calls for the withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon, some 30 years after their arrival, following his father's murder. The process of forming a government could take months, with horsetrading likely to revolve around the distribution of key posts like the interior, defence and energy ministries. "Traditionally the formation of government in Lebanon takes a long time, up to 10 months sometimes," said Khashan. "Today there are differences between the various political currents on the issue of the key ministries," he added. Despite the uphill battle ahead, Lebanese are hoping the breakthrough in their country's lengthy political stalemate will revitalise the economy and solve problems like a trash collection crisis. The country is also still reeling from the effects of the arrival of more than a million Syrian refugees, who have tested the limited resources of a nation with just four million citizens. Khashan cautioned that Lebanon would remain fragile, but central bank governor Riad Salameh sounded a note of optimism at a conference in Beirut on Thursday. "The election of Michel Aoun should lead to the normal activity of the constitutional institutions, thus increasing confidence in economy," he said. "The formation of a government will help in attracting foreign aid and mitigating the cost of the Syrian presence in Lebanon, which we estimate at five percent of GDP," he added. He was also convicted of "chanting anti-state slogans and sympathising with the deceased Nimr", as well as helping to block roads and burn tyres, it said. (Representational Image) Riyadh: A court in Riyadh has sentenced a Saudi national to 15 years in prison for supporting executed Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr, local media reported on Thursday. Nimr and three other members of the kingdom's minority Shiite community were among 47 people convicted of terrorism and executed on a single day in January. The executions provoked anger among Shiites and concern in the West, and raised tensions between Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran. Nimr was a driving force behind protests among Shiites that began in 2011. Those protests later developed into a call for equality in the kingdom where Shiites, most of whom live in the kingdom's east, complain of marginalisation. Al-Riyadh newspaper did not name the convicted man, who it said took part "in rallies and marches" in the Shiite-dominated Gulf coast district of Qatif. He was also convicted of "chanting anti-state slogans and sympathising with the deceased Nimr", as well as helping to block roads and burn tyres, it said. Among other accusations, the newspaper said he was willing to provide "the materials needed to make explosives" for attacks in the kingdom. Nimr's Qatif-area hometown of Awamiya has been the scene of repeated security incidents since 2011. After the protests started, police issued a list of 23 wanted people. Many suspects on that list have already been detained or killed in shootouts. Irbil, Iraq: The shadowy leader of the Islamic State group has released a new message urging his followers to keep up the fight for Mosul as they defend the city against a major offensive aimed at routing the militants from their last urban stronghold in Iraq. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadis rallying cry came in a sermon-like recording, more than half an hour long, distributed by the militant groups al-Furqan media arm. It was not clear when the recording was produced. Al-Baghdadis whereabouts are unknown. Iraqi special forces stormed into Mosuls eastern outskirts on Tuesday after two weeks of advances through surrounding IS-held territory. They continued to consolidate their foothold in the eastern district of Gogjali despite a pair of attempted car bomb attacks on their positions on Thursday. The city of more than one million people and the surrounding territory fell to IS fighters during the militant groups surprise attack in June 2014. Kunduz: A joint raid by US and Afghan forces targeting senior Taliban commanders killed two American service members and 26 Afghan civilians on Thursday, authorities said, rare combat deaths for Western forces who handed over the task of securing Afghanistan to local troops some two years ago. NATO described the Americans killed and two other Americans wounded in the assault as being part of "a train, advise and assist mission" in Afghanistan's Kunduz province. Meanwhile, Afghan officials said they were still investigating the attack and its civilian casualties, some of which may have been caused by an airstrike. "Today's loss is heartbreaking and we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of our service members who lost their lives today," Gen. John W. Nicholson, commander of U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, said in a statement. NATO declined to identify those killed, pending notification of the next of kin. NATO and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press to further clarify the American troops' mission in the area. The target of the raid appeared to be two senior Taliban commanders killed in the fighting among 65 insurgents, Kunduz police chief Gen. Qasim Jangalbagh said. He said Afghan special forces carried out the raid and that he did not have any information about NATO involvement in the assault. Jangalbagh said 26 civilians, including members of the Taliban fighters' families, were killed in the assault. Kunduz official Mohammad Yousf Ayoubi and parliament member Malim Chari both also told the AP that civilians were killed in the fighting, though they had few details Dr. Mohammad Naim Mangal, the director of a Kunduz hospital, said his facility received the bodies of a dead man and a child and treated 30 people, including children, wounded in the fighting. NATO and the Pentagon also did not immediately respond to questions about the civilian casualties. A Taliban statement also said there were civilian casualties while claiming its fighters killed 16 US troops. The insurgents often exaggerate their battlefield successes. Taliban fighters briefly overran the city of Kunduz, the provincial capital with the same name, in early October, a show of strength by the insurgents that also highlighted the troubles facing local Afghan forces 15 years after the U.S.-led invasion of the country. The Taliban captured and held parts of Kunduz a year earlier as well before the city was fully liberated weeks later with the help of U.S. airstrikes. Those 2015 airstrikes also saw a U.S. Air Force special operations AC-130 gunship attack a Kunduz hospital run by the medical charity Doctors Without Borders, killing 42 people. Sixteen US military personnel, including a two-star general, later were disciplined for what American officials described as mistakes that led the strike. Doctors Without Borders has called the attack a war crime and demanded an independent investigation. NATO's combat operations ended in Afghanistan at the end of 2014, a move that put Afghan forces in charge of the country's security. Since then, Afghan forces have suffered heavy casualties battling the Taliban, who have at times overrun provincial capitals before being pushed back. Meanwhile, NATO and US casualties have been few. There have been at least other four combat deaths among American forces in Afghanistan in 2016. In October, a US soldier was killed by a bomb in Nangarhar province while another was shot dead by a man wearing an Afghan army uniform in Kabul. In August, an American soldier was killed and another wounded by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan' southern Helmand province. In January, a US soldier was killed by small arms fire in Helmand. The fight in Afghanistan - American's longest war - began after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks as the Taliban harbored al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. The Taliban and Afghan government recently held secret talks to see if they could start peace negotiations to end the fighting, though questions remain over which faction of the insurgency is doing the talking. Calls for boycotting Chinese goods in India were made following China's opposition to a UN ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar. (Representational Image) Beijing: China on Thursday sharply criticised calls for boycott of Chinese goods in India, saying it can only satisfy "personal vendettas" of some politicians at the cost of close bilateral ties and called on India to take measures to minimise any "repercussions". The products that China exports to India fulfill the needs of the local market, Shen Danyang, the spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce was quoted as saying by state-run People's Daily online. "Thus, a boycott of Chinese products would only satisfy some politicians' personal vendettas at the cost of close ties between the two countries," he said. As two rapidly growing economies, China and India must cooperate on economy and trade, he said. "China hopes India will take the necessary actions to minimise any repercussions of this incident for the mutual benefit of both nations," he said. Shen pointed out that China and India are each others major trade partners. By 2015, the total trade volume between the two countries had reached USD 71.62 billion, indicating that trade between China and India was increasing despite downward pressure from global trade. Bilateral trade added up to USD 52.31 billion between January and September 2016, which indicates that the momentum is being maintained, he said. Calls for boycotting Chinese goods in India were made following China's opposition to a UN ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar and Indias entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Islamabad: Accusing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of corruption and financial wrong doings, Pakistan' opposition leader Imran Khan on Thursday said he was "eagerly" waiting to see the premier and his younger brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif behind bars. Addressing thousands of his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supporters at Parade Ground here, Khan accused Sharif of transferring corruption money out of the country to let his children buy properties abroad which they manage through offshore companies as mentioned in the Panama leaks. Three of Sharif's four children are said to be owners of offshore companies, according to the Panama Papers. Khan had yesterday turned his proposed million men protest march in capital to force Sharif to step-down to a thank-giving gathering after Supreme Court agreed to hear petitions against Sharif in the corruption cases. "I am eagerly waiting for the day when Nawaz (Sharif) and his brother (Shahbaz) are put behind bars (for corruption)," he said to the applause of his workers. He said the Supreme Court has started the accountability of Sharif and hopefully his fate will be sealed soon. Sharif and his family have dismissed the allegations of money laundering and denied any wrongdoing but the opposition is demanding an independent probe. Khan also blasted Sharif's government for using police to stop workers from coming to his protest and alleged that even women supporters were beaten by the police. He said that it was the people's right under a democracy to stage a protest against corruption. President Pranab Mukherjee with Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Ranjit Rae during a reception hosted in his honour in Kathmandu on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI) Kathmandu: President Pranab Mukherjee has underlined the need to involve every section of the Nepalese society as "equal stakeholders" in the process of building democracy, in an apparent reference to the political upheaval over the new Constitution that had strained Indo-Nepal ties. As a close neighbour, India is interested in peace, stability and progress of Nepal, said Mukherjee, who is the first Indian President to visit Nepal in 18 years. "We have learnt from our own experience that sustainable socio-economic development can only be achieved in an environment of peace, stability and a participatory democracy, and where every section of the society is an equal stakeholder in political processes and the outcomes. "These lessons could be of benefit to Nepal as it embarks on its own path of building democracy," he told Nepalese dailies Kantipur and The Kathmandu Post in an interview. Like any relationship of "this depth and intensity, there are times when we may have differing perceptions on certain aspects," he said on questions about India's position on the Madhesi protests that led to a blockade of border checkpoints and caused shortage of essential commodities in the landlocked country, effectively nosediving the bilateral ties briefly. Madhesis, the inhabitants of southern plains who share close ties with Indians, had launched months-long agitation demanding more political representation and had alleged the Constitution Nepal adopted in September last year was discriminatory to their interest. Mukherjee said because of the shared border, developments within Nepal "can impact on the flows across it." "But we do manage any such differences with sensitivity, goodwill and utmost understanding of each other's vital interests. This has been the case throughout the history of India-Nepal relations," he said. "(And) let us not forget that ours is a unique partnership, which is driven by extensive contacts between our two peoples... As close friends, we, therefore, welcome all efforts that lead to enduring peace and stability in Nepal," he said. Mukherjee said India's engagement with Nepal will always be guided by the long-term interests of both the countries. "Going forward, I firmly believe that India and Nepal need to do more to work together for our common goal of development, peace, economic prosperity and well being of our two peoples," he said. Asked if India has reservations on exploring trilateral relations between India, Nepal and China, Mukherjee said India has an age-old, multi-faceted and time-tested ties with Nepal. "Our ties with Nepal have their own natural logic. The open border is its most unique characteristic. We remain open to any ideas, which will be mutually advantageous and enable economic development and well-being of the people of Nepal," he said without commenting of the possibility of a trilateral engagement. Mukherjee said both the countries have tremendous untapped potential to boost cooperation in hydropower and connectivity. "An essential dimension of 'neighbourhood-first' policy is enhancing connectivity in the region physical connectivity, digital connectivity, trade and transit facilitation, and exchange of ideas," he said. "With economic transformation underway in India, new opportunities are opening up for cooperation between India and Nepal in particular, given our open border and national treatment accorded to each other's citizens," he said. Talking about regional groupings like SAARC and BIMSTEC, he made it clear that there is no possibility of cooperation among SAARC member-states under the shadow of terrorrism. "India continues to attach importance to cooperation within the framework of SAARC. However, no cooperation can take place in an environment of terror," Mukherjee said. Asked why India seems to be giving greater priority to alternative regional forums like the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) over SAARC, he said "our interests lie in fast growth and development. We do not want to get bogged down by the processes or formats." "Also, we do not see any competition between cooperation under the rubric of different regional and sub-regional organisations," he said, responding to questions BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal; Pakistan, a member of SAARC, is not included. The 19th SAARC Summit scheduled in Islamabad this month had to be cancelled after India opted out following an attack on an army base in Uri in September by terrorists backed by Pakistan. 19 Indian soldiers were killed in the attack. On Nepal's request to India to allow the Visakhapatnam Port for transport of its goods, Mukherjee said the facility has already been made available to Nepal. "We have also taken new measures to facilitate movement of goods between Nepal and Bangladesh through India," he said. Islamabad/New Delhi: Pakistan on Thursday named eight Indian High Commission officials alleging that they were members of Indian intelligence agencies and involved in "subversive activities", in the latest tit-for-tat action amid raging Indo-Pak tensions. However India denied Pakistans charges and accused it of compromising the identities of the diplomats. We completely reject allegations against Indian officials by Pakistan; these are crude attempts to target these officials, said MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup. Pakistans Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria had read out a statement at his weekly briefing saying that a number of Indian diplomats and staffers were involved in "coordinating terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan under the garb of diplomatic assignments". "Their names and designations are: Research and Analysis Wing's operatives -- RAW's station chief Anurag Singh, first secretary Commercial; Commercial Counsellor Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri; Amerdeep Singh Bhatti, attache visa; Dharmendra Sodhi, staff; Vijay Kumar Verma, staff; and Madhavan Nanda Kumar, staff," he said. "Indian Intelligence Bureau's operatives are Balbir Singh, first secretary press and information and IB station chief and Jayabalan Senthil, assistant personnel welfare officer," Zakaria said. He claimed that Surjeet Singh, who was declared persona non-grata by Pakistan a few days back, was also an IB operative. Surjeet was using a fake identity pretending to be telecom company Warid's employee, he claimed. Pakistan had declared Surjeet persona non-grata after India's action against Pakistan High Commission official Mehmood Akhtar following Indian police's busting of an ISI-run spy ring. "We are disappointed that India has not only been found involved in promoting terrorist activities and terror financing as was disclosed by Kulbhushan Jadhav and further confirmed by the statements at the highest political level on August 15 and earlier during (Prime Minister Narendra Modi's) visit to Dhaka, but India has also been using its diplomatic mission for its nefarious designs," he alleged. Zakaria claimed that the High Commission officials were involved in "espionage, subversion and supporting terrorist activities in Balochistan and Sindh, especially Karachi, sabotaging China Pakistan Economic Corridor, and fuelling instability in the two provinces." The officials also were damaging Pakistan-Afghanistan relations with a variety of activities, Zakaria alleged. He claimed that the officials also handled factions of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), instigated religious minorities, fuelled sectarianism and maligned Pakistan with propaganda on human rights issues. Zakaria also accused India of violating the diplomatic norms and code of conduct of maintaining relations between two sovereign states. He claimed that Indian security agencies knew that Akhtar was a High Commission official but they chose to violate the Vienna convention. He alleged that India deliberately released the names of six other Pakistani diplomats falsely accusing them, which endangered their and their families' lives. "Consequently, we had to recall them for their safety. These highly regrettable acts were also part of their desperation to divert world's attention from atrocities" in Kashmir, he claimed. Citing delay in distribution of compensation to shops that were razed by the authorities due to mistaken identity, the court had issued orders to seize the furniture and other equipment at the Tahsildars office in Hassan on Wednesday. As per the order of the District Principal Civil Court, table, chairs, computer and other equipment were seized in the presence of advocate A A Chinnaswamy and complainants Gopalakrishna and Ramachandra. Gopalakrishna was running a printing press and Ramachandra a grocery store near Gopalakrishna Swami Temple Road at Devigere in the city. Both the shops were razed on May 1, 2010, without issuing prior notices. The shop owners had filed a case explaining that they had been running the shops legally following the tender by the Muzrai department. They had also sought compensation for the loss. After hearing the case, the court directed the authorities concerned to pay a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to Gopalakrishna and Rs 3 lakh to Ramachandra. Advocate A V Chinnaswamy told reporters, The duo were in business legally since 30 years. On May 1, 2010, the shops were razed without issuing notices or warning. The printing machine worth Rs 15 lakh of Gopalakrishna and Rs 5 lakh worth grocery of Ramachandra were destroyed during the demolition drive. So, the duo had approached the court, which issued orders to disburse a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to Gopalakrishna and Rs 3 lakh to Ramachandra. As the previous tahsildars had not taken the issue seriously, since six years, the furniture and equipment at the tahsildars office were seized as per courts order on Wednesday, he added. Tahsildar B C Shivashan- karappa said, The laxity on part of the previous officers has landed me in trouble. I will appear before the court on November 5 and explain, he said. He assured to solve the problem and sought a weeks time. However, the advocate did not heed to his plea and seized the furniture and equipment. The FBI operates on "concrete decisions" and not on incomplete information or leaks, US President Barack Obama has said as he spoke for the first time on the reopened investigation against Hillary Clinton's alleged email scandal by the country's top domestic intelligence agency. Obama appeared to be critical of FBI director James B Comey in his remarks even though the White House refuted that the president's statement gave any such impression. "I do think that there is a norm that, you know, when there are investigations, we don't operate on innuendo. We don't operate on incomplete information. We don't operate on leaks. We operate based on concrete decisions that are made," he said yesterday. Declaring that he had made a deliberate effort to make sure that it did not look like he was "meddling" in what are supposed to be independent processes for making these assessments, Obama also expressed his confidence in Hillary. "Setting aside the particulars of this case. I know that she is somebody who has always looked out for the interest of America and the American people first," Obama told NowThis in an interview. Citing the conclusions of FBI, Justice Department and repeated congressional investigations he said, Hillary had made some "mistakes" but there was not anything there that was prosecutable. The White House, however, refuted that the Obama's weighing in on the issues reflected that he was critical of the FBI's decision in this regard. "Nothing changed. If you read the full transcript of the President's remarks, you will see that the President went out of his way that he wasn't going to comment on any specific investigation. The President said that a couple of times," White House Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz told reporters travelling with the President. "We are not going to be in a position to defend or criticise the FBI Director. That is our view. But what is also true, and what Josh said on Monday and what the President reiterated yesterday, is that we do take seriously these longstanding norms and customs that historically limit the sort of public speculation and public discussion of facts and materials that are collected in the context of a law enforcement investigation," Schultz said. What the President was talking about was the importance of adhering to those norms and practices that have governed the rule of law for a long time now, he stressed. "I'll also say that the President believes these customs shouldn't only apply to someone who's famous or if an election is around the corner, but these are principles worth upholding no matter the circumstances surrounding any particular investigation," he asserted. Obama arrived in Miami, Florida yesterday evening for addressing several election rallies scheduled for today. Outlining a 10-point agenda for renewing efforts for disaster risk reduction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today stressed on encouraging involvement of women volunteers and sought greater cohesion in international response to deal with all kinds of calamities. Inaugurating the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) here, he emphasised on working towards risk coverage for all, starting from poor households to small and medium enterprises and multi-national corporations to nation states. He said all development sectors must imbibe the principles of disaster risk management and encourage involvement and leadership of women as they are the biggest sufferers of any disaster. ""Women are disproportionately affected by disasters. They also have unique strengths and insights. We must train a large number of women volunteers to support special needs of women affected by disasters. "We need women engineers, masons and building artisans supporting reconstruction, and women self help groups assisting livelihood recovery," he said. The Prime Minister said there should be investment in risk mapping globally, leveraging of technology to enhance the efficiency of the disaster risk management efforts and utilising the opportunities provided by social media and mobile technologies. He also spoke of building on local capacity and initiative, ensuring that the opportunity to learn from a disaster is not wasted and bringing about greater cohesion in international response to disasters. Modi said a fully functional Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System has become operational and along with its Australian and Indonesian counterparts, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services is mandated to issue regional tsunami bulletins. "The same goes for improvements in cyclone early warning. In India, if we compare the impact of cyclone events in 1999 and 2013, we can see the progress we have made.... It led to a significant reduction in loss of lives from cyclones. It is now recognised as a global best practice," he said. The Prime Minister said disaster risk reduction has a pivotal role in supporting adaptation to climate change as well as sustainable development and it is in this context that this conference becomes timely and relevant. As many as 61 countries from Asia and Pacific region with 1,100 delegates, besides around 2,900 domestic representatives are participating the three-day conference. The meeting will pave the way for implementation of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Asian region and will also devise a mechanism for monitoring its progress. Modi said over the last two decades, the world, and especially Asia-Pacific region, has undergone many changes most of them positive. "Many countries in our region have transformed their economies and become engines of global economic growth. Hundreds of millions of our people have been lifted out of poverty. The Asia-Pacific region has been a global leader in more ways than one. "But we must not take this progress for granted. There are challenges as well. Over the last twenty years, more than eight hundred and fifty thousand people died from disasters in the Asia-Pacific. Seven of the top ten countries in the world in terms of number of deaths due to disasters are in the Asia-Pacific," he said. Modi also shared his personal experience during the 2001 Gujarat quake and said as Chief Minister of the state, he had worked with the people to support post-earthquake recovery. The Prime Minister said there are daunting challenges ahead as the Asia-Pacific region is rapidly urbanising and perhaps within a decade more people in the region will live in cities than in villages. "Urbanisation will pose greater challenges for disaster risk management by concentrating people, property and economic activity in smaller areas, many of them in disaster prone locations. "If we do not manage this growth, in terms of both planning and execution, the risk of economic and human losses from disasters will be higher than ever before," he said. Modi said India is ready to make its space capabilities available to any country for purposes of disaster risk management. In November 2015, India organised the first-ever South Asian Annual Disaster Management Exercise and in the spirit of regional cooperation, India will soon launch the South Asia Satellite, he said. "The capabilities of this satellite and other space-based technologies can support the full disaster risk management cycle risk assessment, risk mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. India is ready to make its space capabilities available to any country for purposes of disaster risk management," the PM said. Modi said armed forces protect nation states against external security threats, but to deal with disasters, there is a need to equip society with the right education. "We have to wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of Sendai, which calls for an all-of-society approach to disaster risk management," he said. In India, the Prime Minister said, government is committed to walk the talk on the implementation of Sendai Framework. In June this year, India's National Disaster Management Plan was released which is aligned with the priorities set out in the Sendai Framework. "In our effort to build disaster resilience, we stand shoulder to shoulder with all the nations of the region. Regional and International Cooperation has an important role in providing an added push to our efforts," he said. "As we implement the Sendai Framework, we would welcome new opportunities for regional and international collaboration. I am sure, this conference will energise our efforts and the outcomes of the conference will provide a solid blueprint for collective action," he said. Four workers were killed and 13 sustained injuries in a gas leakage at the TDI unit of Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd (GNFC) in Dahej in neighbouring Bharuch district, police said today. Four workers were killed and as many as 13 others were injured due to leakage of phosgene gas at the TDI unit last night, Bharuch Superintendent of Police, Sandeep Singh told PTI. Prima facie, it looks the mishap took place due to mechanical failure, he said. The 13 injured were admitted to a hospital in the district, out of which two have been referred to government hospital in Baroda. Three workers were discharged, Singh said. A team of Forensic Science Laboratory will visit the site later in the day, he added. Meanwhile, district Collector Sandeep Kumar Sagale said, "We have asked Director of Industrial Safety and Health to investigate the mishap. The management of GNFC has also appointed a technical committee to probe the matter." Jihadist leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi called on his fighters to resist as Iraqi forces were poised today to enter the city of Mosul where he declared a "caliphate" two years ago. The appeal was made in an audio recording released on the Internet and purported to be by the elusive leader of the Islamic State group, his first message this year. "Do not retreat," he said. "Holding your ground with honour is a thousand times easier than retreating in shame." "To all the people of Nineveh, especially the fighters, beware of any weakness in facing your enemy," Baghdadi said, referring to the northern Iraqi province of which Mosul is the capital. In June 2014, days after jihadist fighters swept across swathes of Iraq, he made a rare public appearance in Mosul and announced the creation of an Islamic "state" straddling Iraq and Syria. The "caliphate" has been shrinking steadily since last year and Iraqi forces earlier this week reached Mosul, the jihadists' last major stronghold in Iraq. Tens of thousands of Iraqi forces, backed by the US-led coalition and its warplanes, launched a massive offensive on Mosul on October 17. It was not immediately possible for AFP to authenticate the recording, entitled "This is what God and his messenger have promised us", but leading experts of the jihadist organisation did not appear to doubt it. Rumours have abounded about the Iraqi jihadist leader's health and movements but his whereabouts are unclear. IS has had a tendency to fall back when massively outnumbered lately, giving up some of its emblematic bastions - such as Fallujah in Iraq and Dabiq in Syria - without following its own apocalyptic ideology of fighting to the bitter end. In his latest message, which is undated but makes references to events that are at most a few weeks old, Baghdadi calls for attacks against Saudi Arabia - a favourite target of his - and Turkey. Ankara has troops stationed at a base just outside Mosul and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's escalating rhetoric has raised fears of a unilateral Turkish intervention in Iraq. Baghdadi also said that his followers who could not travel to Syria or Iraq should aim for Libya and urged all IS fighters to remain united in adversity. He attempted to stir up sectarian resentment by referring to religious flags and slogans of Shiite fighters among the Iraqi forces and by accusing the country's Sunni politicians of treason. The recapture of Mosul by Iraqi forces could spell the end of the group's days as a land-holding force in Iraq and deal a death blow to the "caliphate". The US-led coalition estimates the number of IS fighters holed up in Mosul at 3,000 to 5,000 and has warned the battle of Mosul could be long and difficult. Amid tight security, ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal, whose alleged suicide over 'one rank, one pension' triggered a political storm, was today cremated in his native village in Haryana which was flocked by political leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Grewal's eldest son Dilawar lit the pyre at around noon in the presence of a large number of people who had gathered from nearby areas in Bamla, 20 kms away from here. The 70-year-old ex-serviceman, who was a former sarpanch of his village, committed suicide by consuming poison at a park in New Delhi on Tuesday evening. The incident snowballed into a political row yesterday with the Congress Vice President, Kejriwal and other opposition leaders attacking the Modi government on the issue while there was high drama that continued late into the night after police detained and prevented them from entering a hospital in Delhi where Grewal's body was kept. Tight security arrangements were made today in view of the events in New Delhi. Rahul, who travelled by road, spent a few minutes with the grieving family members of Grewal. He had to jostle with the crowd to reach the family members of Grewal as slogans of "Ram Kishan amar rahe" rented the air. Other Congress leaders including former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Haryana Congress President Ashok Tanwar, Leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Kiran Chaudhary, Selja and Kuldip Bishnoi werea also present. Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Randeep Singh Surjewala and TMC's Derek O Brien also reached the village. Kejriwal, who was detained for four hours by Delhi Police last night from Lady Hardinge Hospital when he tried to meet the kin of ex-serviceman, was also among those present at the cremation of Grewal. BJP MPs Rattan Lal Kataria and Dharambir Singh and Haryana minister Krishna Lal Panwar were among those who spent some time with the family members of the deceased and later left the venue. Police said Grewal along with some other ex-servicemen was in the process of submitting a memorandum to the Defence Ministry over the issue of OROP. According to his friends, Grewal had been upset over the issue for some time. Grewal had gone to Delhi with three of his friends from Bhiwani in the intervening night of October 31 and November 1. On Tuesday evening, he allegedly consumed poisonous tablets. One of his friends called the police at 100 and the police personnel immediately took him to RML hospital. Unfortunately, he died after a few hours, police said. In his last phone conversation with his son Pradeep, Grewal said "injustice" is being done with jawans. "I wanted to fight this (OROP) battle...now it is up to the jawans what they do," he said. Subedar Grewal's suicide has been used by the opposition parties to accuse the Modi government of failing to implement the OROP, an issue which remained pending for about 40 years during the Congress regime. Grewal is survived by his widow, five sons and two daughters. He served in the Army for six years in the Infantry Battalion and then served the Defence Security Force for 31 years. He retired in 2004 after attaining Subedar rank. He became Sarpanch of the village in 2006. One of his sons is Havildar in army and the eldest son is in Haryana police. More than six months after the Union Environment Ministry declared monkeys vermins in Himachal Pradesh, not one monkey has been killed in the hill state, sources said. Now, the state government has finalised a new plan wherein monkeys from HP will be relocated to faraway states in the north-east in a bid to minimise the menace within its bounds. States of Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur have reportedly agreed to the plan, albeit with a rider. The entire cost of transportation of monkeys from HP to these states will be borne by the HP government, which is working out modalities to relocate the monkeys. The relocated monkeys will be released in forested and semi-forested areas of the north eastern states once exported. The move may involve heavy cost of transportation which can come in way of implementing the plan. The Environment Ministry this May had issued a notification to declare the Rhesus Macaque monkeys in HP vermin for a period of one year. This meant that monkeys could be killed in certain areas of the hill state, including state capital Shimla, to check their population. The state government had moved the proposal to kill monkeys in the wake of large scale damage to life and property, agriculture and horticulture plantation in HP. But the plan to kill monkeys has so far remained a non-starter for various reasons. In September, the state government even added cash incentives to kill monkeys with the hope to involve more people in the culling process. The government had announced Rs 300 in cash for every monkey killed. Many farmers were reluctant to shoot down monkeys because of a lack of weapons and expertise. Besides, the mythological significance attached to monkeys in Hindu scriptures were also a deterrent. The authorities in HP are also not engaging themselves in the killing of monkeys. They would only act as supervising authority, maintaining count of the dead monkeys. Union Minister Maneka Gandhi has been opposed to the plan of killing monkeys, maintaining there was lust for killing in the Environment Ministry. Besides monkeys, the Centre has allowed killing of Neelgai in Bihar, elephants in West Bengal and wild boars in Chandrapur. Patients at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on Wednesday suffered as politicians made a beeline to meet the family of an ex-serviceman, who allegedly committed suicide over One Rank One Pension. The entry to the main gates of the hospital were restricted due to the political activists accompanying Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Deputy Chief minister Manish Sisodia and AAP legislator Surinder Singh, who arrived in separate batches and were detained. Gandhi was detained for a second time in the evening near Gole Dak Khana police station. The closure of the gates put the patients and their attendants into inconvenience, as there was no official word about the reason behind the move. Vehicles carrying patients to the Emergency were forced to take a longer route due to traffic congestion. Haryana-based ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal, 70, allegedly consumed poison and ended his life on the lawns behind a government building in Janpath on Tuesday night. The police said that the cause of death will be confirmed only after post mortem. Police and paramilitary forces turned the hospital into a fortress and many vehicles carrying patients were asked to divert their vehicles to the hospitals back gates. I have been waiting for nearly half-an-hour now. It is so chaotic. The traffic police and the hospital guards made us run here and there, complained a patient. A man carrying his critically ill infant was forced to walk almost half-a-kilometre to enter through the rear gates. Every moment is crucial for me. But is the police concerned? Will these protestors politicise my pain too?, complained the aggrieved father. An elderly couple said that they come from Uttrakhand to visit their daughter, who is battling a heart disease at the hospital. They are not letting us in. First, they wanted to see our identity cards, then they wanted us to show us a prescription. I dont understand, complained the mother. Roadside vendors outside the hospital had shut shop, fearing damage due to any potential vandalism. Id rather shut shop than see my stock ruined by these protesters. We have to stop our business whenever a big leader comes to visit, said Pappu, one of the vendors. Similar scenes of chaos were also seen at the nearby Lady Hardinge Hospital in the evening when Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal went there while Grewals post mortem was being conducted. But he was not allowed to enter the hospital. Later, he tweeted, My vehicle surrounded by police. Not allowing me to leave. Delhi minister Kapil Mishra eventually tweeted, Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal detained by the Delhi Police. Kejriwal had earlier tweeted and criticised the detention of Sisodia. Manish Sisodia detained? He had gone to meet family of deceased Ram Kishan ji. He is elected Dy CM. Whats wrong wid u Modiji? So insecure? Is a Deputy Chief Minister arrested when he goes to a family of deceased, Kejriwal tweeted. In the afternoon, Special Commissioner Mukesh Kumar Meena justified the restricted entry into the hospital and said that the police will not tolerate any political activity. A hospital is not a place to meet people at the cost of inconveniencing patients, said Meena and added that democracy does not mean disruption. A tense face-off is on between Indian and Chinese troops since yesterday in Demchok area on the Line of Actual Control after the People's Liberation Army (PLA) objected to civilian work being undertaken by the Indian army engineers under MNREGA scheme. The Chinese troops raised objections yesterday when Indian army engineers were constructing an irrigation canal linking 'Hot Spring' waters for the villagers in Demchok, located 250 km east of Leh, under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). According to official sources, at around 1055 hours yesterday, there was a face-off between Indian army and PLA at 'Hot Spring' place, located in general area of Demchok which continued till night. In the morning, the Chinese troops again came to the LAC as soon as the Indian engineers started laying the water pipes and the face-off was continuing, the sources said. Around 55 PLA soldiers arrived on the scene and halted the work in an "aggressive manner", prompting the army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP) personnel to rush to the spot and stop the "high-handedness" of Chinese troops, they said. The Chinese troops took positions on the perceived Line of Actual Control (LAC) and demanded that work be stopped as either side needs to take permission from each other before undertaking any construction work, a claim disputed by the India which says that as per the agreement between the two countries, information about construction needed to be shared only if it was meant for defence purposes. Both sides pulled out banners and have been stationed on the ground, the sources said, adding the Army and ITBP troopers were not allowing the Chinese "to move an inch" ahead despite the PLA claiming that the area belonged to China. The area had witnessed a similar incident in 2014 after it was decided to construct a small irrigation canal at Nilung Nalla under the MNREGA scheme which had been a sore point with the Chinese. The PLA had mobilised villagers from Tashigong to pitch Rebos (tents) at Charding-Ninglung Nallah (CNN) Track Junction to protest Indian action. The 'Hot Spring' is different from the one in Chashool where Police Day is observed in the memory of 10 CRPF men killed in 1959 by Chinese troops. Meanwhile, in Delhi, senior Army officers insisted that there was no face-off and the issue is being resolved through established procedures. They added that such objections by either side are not uncommon and situations like these are resolved amicably. Bengaluru Development Authority today gave an undertaking to the Karnataka High Court that it would not go ahead with construction of a steel flyover here "as of now" after the National Green Tribunal had granted an interim stay on the controversial project. The southern bench of NGT had recently restrained the BDA from proceeding with the project for four weeks and posted the matter to November 25 for further hearing. The tribunal had granted interim stay on petitions from Neelaiah, Citizen Action Forum and others, which opposed the project on environmental grounds. The Rs 1,761-crore project of BDA is to construct a 6.72-km-long, six-lane steel flyover between Basaveshwara Circle and Hebbal to decongest traffic, but it has run into rough weather as it involved felling of an estimated over 800 trees. Namma Bengaluru Foundation (NBF) had filed a petition before the high court, seeking a stay on the construction after raising questions about the constitutionality of the project. NBF also claimed that the tender for the project was called in March, but a public consultation was held only in June. As protests mounted against the project, Bengaluru Development Minister K J George had dismissed it as a 'political gimmick' and said the government had taken the decision after consultations with experts and due diligence. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had defended the proposed construction of the steel flyover, calling it "totally transparent" and claimed the project was proposed in 2010 and announced in the 2014-15 budget. The project has also come in for resistance from social activists and several civic groups, mostly on environmental concerns. Walking amidst the exhibition, The Dolls of Japan at the Japan Foundation, it almost feels like you are Gulliver from Gullivers Travels/ Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World surrounded by tiny people of Lilliput. Such is the detailing of the dolls that it feels as if they will start walking or talking to you any minute. The doll that depicts a woman from Edo period lying on her stomach, reading a book in her leisure time is so inviting, you want to join her in the book reading session. The decorative dresses of maidens, royal ladies, and young women in pursuit of their lovers, dancers and courtesans have beautiful and meticulous embroidery on their clothes. Children playing games, traditional string instruments like the biwa, and men in their traditional clothes paint a beautiful picture and take the viewer away from reality. All the work that has gone into making these dolls reflects Japans cultural heritage and love for dolls. The Japanese traditional dolls originate from Jomon period, a time in prehistoric Japan from about 14,000 BC to about 300 BC known as Dogu dolls, which were made up of clay. Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto and Chubu were the regions where these dolls first originated until the final Jomon period. They represented gods and were used to perform rituals in the ancient Jomon period, explains Misako Futsuki, director of arts and culture at the Japan Foundation. The dolls reflect the culture, traditions, textiles, distinct regional attributes, customs and everyday life of Japanese people over the ages. There is no concept of new dolls in the modern Japanese period, since these dolls are of various kinds, the evolution started after Edo era, between 1603 and 1868, in the history of Japan. The dolls were then displayed in houses and temples, he says. Traditional Japanese dolls are of various kinds and are made up of fine crafts and paper material. Kimekomi dolls the crafting dolls are made of wood base and are used in designing. Daruma dolls are based on Bodhidharmas memory, also known as Daruma-Daishi in Japan, a sage monk who lived in the 5th-6th century. These dolls are used for good luck and fortune. Hina Matsuri dolls are used for girls festival in Japan, he adds. Talking about the process of making this exhibition possible, Futsuki says, It was not difficult but it took time for the curation and displaying, as the dolls have a lot of accessories and they are very fragile. We tried to categorise and display them nicely so people in India would understand and enjoy the beauty of Japanese dolls as well. The exhibition is travelling across the world. After Delhi, it will travel to Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Laos. The exhibition is on at The Japan Foundation, Lajpat Nagar IV, till November 4. In a major setback to British Prime Minister Theresa May, the High Court today ruled that the UK government must seek parliament's approval before officially starting process to exit from the 28-member European Union. Three senior judges of the High Court in London ruled that Prime Minister May did not have the right to use her executive power to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty. "The government does not have power under the Crown's prerogative to give notice pursuant to Article 50 for the UK to withdraw from the European Union," the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, Lord Thomas, ruled. Calling the case "a pure question of law", he said, "The court is not concerned with and does not express any view about the merits of leaving the European Union: that is a political issue." The judges ruled that Parliament must vote on whether the UK can start the process of leaving the European Union (EU). This effectively means May cannot trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to begin formal discussions with the EU without getting the approval of House of Commons MPs. May had argued the public referendum in favour of Brexit on June 23 and ministerial powers mean MPs do not need to vote, but campaigners had argued this was unconstitutional. The government said it would challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court, likely to take place on December 7, with speculation the case could end up at the European Court of Justice. "The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by Act of Parliament. And the government is determined to respect the result of the referendum. We will appeal this judgement," a government spokesperson said. Describing the decision as disappointing, international trade minister Liam Fox told the House of Commons: "There will be numerous opportunities for the House to examine and discuss what the government is negotiating. "When we are clear about the position we will adopt, then Article 50 will be triggered but, given the nature of the judgement this morning, we will now have to await the government's appeal to the Supreme Court." The challenge had been brought by a group of businesses led by investment manager Gina Miller, whose lawyers argued that the government cannot trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty unilaterally despite a public referendum in favour of leaving the European Union (EU). "The result today is about all of us. It's not about me or my team. It's about our United Kingdom and all our futures," Miller said after the judgement. "We have a Parliament that is sovereign. We have a functioning democracy. Are we now saying that we can go back to 19th-century, 18th-century politics where governments can overrule Parliaments and take away people's rights, which will happen when we leave the EU. For me that is a very dangerous place to go," she had said earlier. Ministers had argued they can act under ancient powers of Royal Prerogative, the preserve of monarchies. A four-day orientation camp for BJP legislators and functionaries which commenced on Thursday witnessed party leaders putting their heads together to strengthen the organisation and also working out its strategy for the 2018 Assembly polls. As many as 750 party workers, including MPs, MLAs, MLCs, office-bearers, state executive committees, morcha leaders, are attending the orientation camp which also doubles up as a strategy meeting for the party. The camp is being held at a star hotel on Hosur Road. BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa, Union Minister Ananth Kumar and other senior leaders, including Jagadish Shettar, R Ashoka and Shobha Karandlaje, are camping at the event venue and participating in all the deliberations. The itinerary includes sessions on ideology of the party, its history, role of the party workers, use of social media and the Internet, among others. Party sources said it is for the first time that a camp of such large scale is being organised by the state unit. Ananth Kumar set the ball rolling by stating that the event marked the countdown for the 2018 Assembly polls for the state unit of the BJP. There are 450 days to go for the polls. Our aim should be to come back to power in Karnataka and make Yeddyurappa the chief minister once again, he said. Kumar said the success of Narendra Modi model of governance would help the party win over the confidence of the voters. At the same time, the party should introspect on its ideological journey, organisational structure and challenges in the field of development. Yeddyurappa said the party needs to strengthen its base and work towards coming back to power. Arrogant government BJP leaders on Thursday dubbed the Siddaramaiah government as arrogant by deciding to go ahead with Tipu Jayanti celebrations and the steel flyover project in Bengaluru, despite protests. The party, along with Sangh Parivar, will hold protests in all the district headquarters on November 8, to protest against Tipu Jayanti. B S Yeddyurappa said Siddaramaiah has been constantly taking anti-people decisions, while Ananth Kumar said the governments decisions to go ahead with the division of the BBMP was another indication of its arrogance. Eshwarappa absent Most of the state leaders are attending the camp. However, senior leader K S Eshwarappa, who had been associating himself with the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade, was not present. When contacted by DH, Eshwarappa said, There are several family events lined up for the next three days in my home district Shivamogga. I have taken permission from the party leadership for not attending the camp. Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda had not made it to the programme as he has gone abroad. Minister of State for External Affairs Gen (retd) V K Singh on Thursday sparked a new controversy after he hinted at a conspiracy behind the suicide of ex-serviceman Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal. Gen Singh termed Grewal a Congress worker. Grewal had committed suicide on Tuesday, citing delay in the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP). Gen Singhs remark came as the remains of 69-year-old Grewal were cremated at his native village Baamla on Thursday. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal were among the political leaders who attended the funeral along with a large number of senior leaders and workers from their parties. Gen Singh told reporters, He was a Congress worker who fought the Sarpanch elections on a Congress ticket. His suicide is unfortunate. We want to know how Grewal procured sulphas tablets or who gave it to him? Also, it needs to be probed how a man can have a conversation with his son over a cell phone after consuming poison, Singh said. "Would a son listen so patiently to a father as he commits suicide, the minister asked, Would any person who has taken sulphas (poison) be able to talk like this? His issue was with the bank and not with OROP. If he had reached out to us and didnt get help, then it was our fault, Gen Singh added. The bank had asked him to show paperwork and that they would rectify the issue. Had he produced the paperwork, all his backlog would have been cleared, Gen Singh said. He also rejected reports about Grewal being a prominent face of the OROP agitation, saying ex-servicemen protesting at Jantar Mantar for its implementation had on Wednesday said that they had seen the former armyman at the protest venue for the first time before he committed suicide. The minister had landed himself in a controversy on Wednesday when he said that the mental state of Grewal needed to be probed before drawing conclusions about his extreme action. It is a standard practice to probe the mind of the soldier if he commits suicide, he said. Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that Grewal cannot be termed a martyr as he had committed suicide. Martyrs are those who lay down their lives at the border, not who commit suicide, Khattar told reporters. The High Court, on Thursday, directed the petitioner challenging the celebration of Tipu Jayanti to make a representation to the chief secretary by November 4, regarding the grievance against the celebration, slated for November 10. A division bench comprising Chief Justice S K Mukherjee and Justice R B Budihal, disposing of the PIL, directed the government to consider the representation by November 8, after giving an opportunity to the petitioner to make his submission. The petitioner, Manjunath K P, a resident of Kodagu district, had approached the high court, seeking directions to the state government not to celebrate Tipu Jayanti in the district and not to organise any function in the name of the erstwhile ruler of Mysuru. The bench asked Advocate General (AG) Madhusudan R Naik if there was a cabinet decision made to celebrate the Jayanti, to which the AG said that there was a cabinet decision taken long back and it was a policy decision of the government. The AG said that the media was exaggerating the issue by airing depictions of courtroom proceedings on news channels. Against Article 16 Senior counsel Sajan Poovayya, appearing for the petitioner, said that celebrating the birth anniversary of a monarch was against Article 16 of the Constitution (abolition of titles). Tipu was a prince and celebrating his birth anniversary was against the ethos of the Constitution, the counsel said. The government, despite the fact that two persons were killed in Kodagu during Tipu Jayanti last year, wants to celebrate it this year using funds from the exchequer, Poovayya said. Tipu killed more than 80,000 people, encouraged forced conversions and any celebration in his name would hurt the sentiments of the people of Kodagu, he said. DH News Service Soon, people from across the state can have access to real-time data on emergency services. Information on blood availability, ambulance and home care services will all be available on a single mobile phone application. With just a tap of the phone, one will get information on the availability of blood components, location of ambulance and more. The state government signed an MoU in this regard with Bengaluru-based firm iRelief services on Thursday. After the MoU was signed, Chief Operating Officer of iRelief, Raghavendra, said data would be made available through a user-friendly interface. Over 200 blood banks from across the state would get linked on a single platform, which could in turn address the constant shortage of blood. Real-time data on availability of blood components in each of these blood banks would be available. Comprising the data of voluntary donors, the app will also alert a donor once a request is placed. To begin with, blood banks in Bengaluru would be roped in. Location-based services Besides, the family members of patients can keep track of the ambulance movement. The application would provide location-based emergency services and also pre-arrival instructions to the casualty department of the hospital to keep the staff prepared to attend to the case immediately. Users can download iRelief application from Google Play Store. Dr Shalini Rajneesh, Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, said, The Health department has shared the database of 200 blood banks (both government and private) which is available on http://www.drugs.kar.nic.in/ and the Jeeva Sanjeevani website, with iRelief to help increase its reach to patients in need. The department has fixed Rs 30 for connecting and confirming supply of blood to the patient in respective hospital. The app, however, can be downloaded for free. The blood banks would be given a provider app and when a customer taps the homescreen seeking information, data on the nearest blood banks would be visible. Besides, a 'PUSH' notification would go to blood bank who can respond with a 'Yes' and ask the patients to collect the said component if available. DH News Service Dismissing Islamabads allegations of espionage against eight officials of the High Commission of India in Pakistan as baseless and unsubstantiated, New Delhi on Thursday said such moves would further worsen bilateral relations. New Delhi started the process of bringing the eight officials back home as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Pakistan government named them and accused them of working for intelligence agencies of India. The details of the eight officials and their pictures, along with the allegations against them, earlier appeared in newspapers in Pakistan as well as on social media platforms. New Delhi noted that the Indian officials falsely implicated by Pakistan were working to promote people-to-people and trade and economic contacts between the two countries. Pakistans false allegations against them have the potential to adversely affect the corresponding activities of the High Commission (of India in Islamabad), Vikas Swarup, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, told journalists in New Delhi. Islamabad alleged that the eight officials of the High Commission of India (HCI) had been found involved in coordinating terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan under the garb of diplomatic assignments. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Pakistan government named Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri, Commercial Counsellor of the HCI in Islamabad, as the Station Chief of Research and Analysis Wing or RAW the external intelligence agency of India. Five other officials of the HCI in Islamabad Anurag Singh (First Secretary Commercial), Amerdeep Singh Bhatti (Attache Visa), Dharmendra Sodhi (Staff Member), Vijay Kumar Verma, (Staff Member) and Madhavan Nanda Kumar (Staff Member) were accused of being operatives of RAW. Balbir Singh (First Secretary Press and Information) was named by the Pakistan government as the Station Chief of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) another spy agency of India. Jayabalan Senthil, Assistant Personnel Welfare Officer, was also accused of working for IB. New Delhi conveyed to Islamabad its strong protest over the manner in which the names and photos of the eight HCI officials, including four having diplomatic passports, had been published. This is against the basic norms of diplomatic practice and courtesy, said Swarup. Islamabads move came after some of its own officials posted in the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi were found to be part of the espionage network that was busted by the police last week. On October 27, New Delhi expelled Mehmood Akhtar who was working as an assistant to commercial counsellor Syed Furrukh Habib at the High Commission of Pakistan in Delhi. The allegations against the Indian officials represent an afterthought and a crude attempt to target these officials for no fault of theirs, said Swarup. Akhtar was declared persona non grata after the police caught him red-handed spying for a military intelligence agency of the neighbouring country. Raw deal New Delhi started the process of bringing its eight High Commission officials back home after Islamabad named them and accused them of working for intelligence agencies of India New Delhi conveys to Islamabad its strong protest over the manner in which the names and photos of the eight HCI officials had been published in Pakistani newspapers Pakistans false allegations against the officials will further worsen bilateral relations, says New Delhi Indian and Chinese forces are facing off since Wednesday evening, when the Chinese tried to stop the construction of a canal on Indian soil. The fracas took place in the cold Ladakh division along the Line of Actual Control, but Delhi downplayed it. India is building an irrigation canal under a rural employment scheme at Demchok, 250 km east of Leh. On Thursday, the village was experiencing sub-zero temperature. About 60 members of the Peoples Liberation Army---as the Chinese army is called---arrived on Wednesday and aggressively sought to halt the work, but there was no violence, an Indian official said. Soon after the incident, about 60 army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel rushed to the spot to counter the Chinese. The Chinese took positions on the LAC and demanded that work be stopped. They are sitting on Zero Line. Our personnel are also there. Both are displaying banners, a senior official said. The Chinese say it is necessary for both sides to take permission before embarking on any construction, a claim the Indian side describes as erroneous. Information has to be shared only if the construction is defence-related, the official said. In Delhi, the Indian government said a system was in place to cool tempers. I am not specifically aware of any such incident. But even if something has happened, there are established mechanisms to handle such situations, as a result of which in the recent past at least our border with China has been free from any major incident. So lets not sensationalise things out of context, Vikas Swaroop, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said. Meeting today The latest stand-off comes just ahead of a meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and State Counsellor Yang Jiechi, both Special Representatives for negotiations, in Hyderabad on Friday. While the boundary dispute is not on the agenda, counter-terrorism co-operation is expected to dominate the deliberations. Officials say the Chinese action brings to mind their moves whenever important meetings are to take place. The areahad witnessed a similar incident in 2014 when India began building a small irrigation canal at Nilung Nalla under MGNREGA scheme. The compensation of Rs 1 crore announced by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal cannot be given to his Haryana-based family, according to the rules approved by his own cabinet, said sources in Raj Niwas. The compensation can only be given to Delhi residents. The policy approved by the Delhi Cabinet approved payment of Rs 1 crore compensation to kin of martyrs belonging to Delhi Police, fire service, armed forces, paramilitary forces and other uniformed forces killed on duty, said sources. The announcement will face problems in financial approval, said an official, citing the problems that arose for paying compensation to Rajasthan farmer Gajendra Singh who committed suicide during an AAP agitation at Jantar Mantar last year. In Singhs case it was the ruling party and not the Delhi government which finally offered Rs 10 lakh compensation, he said. Kejriwal made the announcement on the Rs 1 crore relief at Grewals village in Haryana where he attended the army veterans cremation. Grewal reportedly committed suicide on Tuesday by consuming poison in central Delhi over the issue of one-rank one-pension. The Opposition BJP lashed out at Kejriwals allegedly hollow promise of paying Rs 1 crore compensation to the ex-servicemans family. The entire nation is standing behind the bereaved family in this hour of deep sorrow. But we condemn the way Kejriwal is exploiting the tragedy for his political ends, said Vijender Gupta, leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly. According to the policy, Delhi-based families of personnel killed on duty outside the city are also eligible for the Rs 1 crore compensation. Thursdays No Purchase move of the Karnataka State Federation of Petroleum Dealers caused hardship to people in some parts of the city as fuel stations went dry by evening. However, this move did not completely affect people as many had filled their fuel tanks on Wednesday night soon after the announcement was made by the dealers. Wednesday night saw a huge rush of consumers at fuel stations. On the other hand, several private players who are not part of the association continued their purchases as usual. According to Sanaulla Anees, Vice President, Karnataka State Federation of Petroleum Dealers, the situation might turn grim on Friday as most fuel stations would have exhausted their stocks by Thursday night. The protest by dealers is in support of the agitation call given by the All India Petroleum Dealers Association in connection with the poor revision in dealer margin prices announced recently by Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Bharat petroleum Corporation Limited. Bengaluru Development Minister K J George on Thursday said the state government may soon come out with an attractive policy on Transfer of Development Rights (TDR). George was speaking to reporters during the city rounds to inspect the development works. He said the new TDR policy will help in acquiring private properties for infrastructure projects like road widening in the city and ease traffic congestion. Accompanied by city legislators, Mayor G Padmavathi and top officials of BDA and the BBMP, George inspected various development activities. BBMP officials drew his attention towards the pathetic condition of Chikkalalbagh, which lost 83 trees due to the Metro Rail project. They apprised him that the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited has acquired three-fourth of the park land for their project. To this, George said he will ask the BMRCL to restore the park. At Mallathahalli lake in West Bengaluru, George took note of sewage polluting the lake. Padmavathi informed him that the state government has sanctioned Rs 37 crore for a sewage treatment plant there, but the money has not been released yet. George said, We will call a meeting soon and ensure that the STP comes up by next year. He also visited places like Tulasi Thota, BTM Layout, Ullala, Binnipet, Yeshwantpur and parts of Gandhinagar Assembly constituency, where residents poured out their woes to him. Residents of Ullala urged the minister to direct the BDA to rejuvenate the lake. The minister also visited Mestripalya Lake in BTM Layout, which has been revived recently. At KP Agrahara, the minister directed the Palike officials to asphalt the pothole-ridden road. He directed the officials to speed up work on the proposed Rs 204-crore flyover at Ejipura, announced in the budget. Exercise Solidifies Japans Security Relations with Britain The page you requested is only available to subscribers. 1. If you are a Premium Service subscriber, please log in here to access this story: Log-in : Password : 2. If you are not a subcriber, you can: -- buy access to this page: unlimited access for seven days costs 3.00 EUR + VAT (at 20%) if applicable. Clicking on the "Ok" button below will place the item in your shopping cart and return you to our home page, where you will be able to select additional stories. -- select additional stories and services from our home page and pay for them at the same time. -- see your shopping cart. You can also see the contents of your shopping cart at any time by clicking on the "Order" tab on the navigation bar at the top of any page, or by clicking on the "Your order" light blue link in the top right-hand corner of our home page, immediately under the log-on box. Friends and customers already knew that Encinitas resident Niki Grandics the 27-year-old owner of ENJI Studio Jewelry has a successful, socially-responsible business with beautiful handmade merchandise. Last month, she was officially recognized with the 11th annual Halstead Grant, which is awarded for jewelry design excellence and business strategy acumen amongst enterprising new jewelers. I had been debating applying for it, Grandics told the Encinitas Advocate. But I met (Halstead President Hilary Halstead Scott) at a conference in Boston she came over to my booth at a show and bought a pair of earrings and said Hey I really like your stuff. That stuff, jewelry Grandics describes as a mix of geometric and minimal elements with a raw edge to it, has been influenced by her interesting life growing up. Grandics was born in Hungary and moved to the U.S. with her parents when she was 8, living first in L.A. and moving to Carlsbad a year later. After growing up in North County, in 2014 Grandics moved back to Encinitas, close enough to Cardiff Beach to take her dog Dio to run in the surf. When the family first moved to the U.S., Grandics parents still had business in Hungary so she was back there often and spent most summers there until high school. She also took a year off between high school and college at San Diego State, and spent that year in Hungary. Especially when I was a kid, it was very much a different world in each place. Southern California was so different than Hungary, which was just getting out of communism. That definitely had an influence Im drawn to contrast even in a design sense. And throughout that childhood, Grandics was making art, up to and including her college years at San Diego State. Ive been drawing since I could pick up a pencil and then I was also doing glass blowing before I started jewelry, Grandics said. While focusing on wearable glass art in her early years at SDSU, she needed to learn jewelry-making techniques to make them truly wearable, and that got her hooked on making jewelry. One thing led to the next and then I sat down on the (jewelry-making) bench and said This is where I need to be, Grandics explained. It was always more serious than just something to do for fun. Thinking she would continue as an artist, Grandics worked in a few galleries before deciding that wasnt for her. After committing to make and sell her own jewelry line for a living, Grandics got her first break when she earned the Windgate Fellowship Award from the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design, which recognizes innovative upcoming talent in the fields of jewelry, glass, furniture and textile arts. This honor came right after she graduated from SDSU in 2014 with degrees in applied design and marketing and the grant money allowed her to travel to Europe to learn her craft, as well as get her business started when she returned to the U.S. I was able to do a workshop with a really well-known Dutch goldsmith and then another internship over there (in the Netherlands), Grandics said. Then once I came back, I was able to use the money to set up my shop, go to conferences and exhibit at some trade shows. She also went back to school, getting a scholarship to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) graduate jewelry program, completing the preparation she needed for ENJI to take off. One of the most important parts of Grandics business is its commitment to giving back to the community. In addition to using high-quality, nickel-free materials as well as recycled and sustainable silver, recycled or Fairmined Gold and recycled or lab grown diamonds whenever possible as a member of the Ethical Metalsmiths organization ENJI works with local charities such as the San Diego Family Justice Centers Voices program, Camp Hope and Patheways for Hope. Grandics will design pieces that raise money for specific charities and also donates a portion of sales. Its all part of an overall business model that Halstead recognized as a finalist in 2015 and the 2016 winner. Niki has all the right tools plus a distinct gift for design, Halstead Scott said in a news release. Its amazing to see how much entries have changed in the decade (plus) that we have been sponsoring the grant. New jewelers are using their social media savvy to learn about their customers and engage with them in exciting ways to grow their businesses. The Halstead Grant competition began in 2006 as a way to bring the business plan concept to the jewelry community and encourage makers to establish clear goals and measurable steps towards self-sufficiency, according to a release. Grandics jewelry is available online and in some stores, and her work is on display at www.nikigrandics.com. Blackberry has signed an agreement with Ford Motor Co. for incorporating its software into Ford vehicles Blackberry has signed an agreement with Ford Motor Co. under which there will be an increased use of Blackberrys QNX software in Ford automobiles. This is Blackberrys first direct pact with any automobile manufacturer, though it already provides software to several automobile parts suppliers. Until 2014, Microsoft was the chief vendor for the Sync infotainment platform on Ford vehicles. QNX software does not compete with Apple or Android devices and acts as platform to connect the systems. John Wall, Senior Vice President and Head, QNX Software Systems revealed the pact on Monday 31 October. He stated, Software is becoming such an important piece... that the OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] dont want to rely on the tier-1s to provide these systems, but actually wants to develop systems themselves, said Mr. Wall, who expects to sign more deals like this with other auto makers in the future. I talk about this being an inflection in the industry ... theres several that feel softwares going to be a differentiator in the coming years, and as such they see it as important as a transmission and an engine. Its something they very much feel is central to their brand, he added. The future of the automobile is all about embedded intelligence, I believe our expertise in secure embedded software makes us the preferred technology provider to put the smart in the car," read a statement from John Chen, CEO, BlackBerry. Under the agreement a team of QNX engineers will be constituted with the sole objective of incorporating QNX a sit of software such as QNX Neutrino Operating System, Certicom encryption technology, QNX audio processing software, and QNX hypervisor (a heads-up display system for windshields) into Ford automobiles. QNX will continue to produce standardized systems suitable for all auto makers. Mr. Wall did not disclose the duration, the value of the agreement or when the collaboration's products would be available for the public. Once a giant of the mobile industry, Blackberry has been outpaced by Samsung and Apple in the recent past. The companies last two smartphones the BlackBerry Priv and the DTEK50 failed to generate adequate sales. Instead Blackberry has earned a larger share of its revenue through software. For Q3 2016 the company registered a 111-per-cent yearly increase in non-GAAP revenue for software and services against the same time last year. Ford too has self driving car ambitions. The automobile major recently announced its plans to build driverless cars for ride-sharing services like Uber by 2021. AIM-listed professional services company Christie Group s business, Christie & Co, a provider of agency and advisory services, announced it had brokered the acquisition of the Chapman Group by Dominion Hospitality. Dominion Hospitality, an affiliate of private equity company Stellex Capital Management, invests in middle market companies in North America and Europe and bought the hotel and pub company, in order to expand its presence in the UK. Chris and Delia Chapman, who owned the portfolio of 28 hotels and pubs in the south of England have previously worked with Stellex for over the terms of the transaction. Neil Morgan, managing director, pubs and restaurants at Christie & Co said: "Since entering the pub trade in 1977, the Chapman family has continually sought to acquire sites which have been neglected and are then redeveloped to create presentable and profitable businesses. "Over the last 15 years, we have been advising and working with the Chapman Group to create an estate that was previously highly focused on wet-led outlets, some with late licences, has been shifted to create a more balanced portfolio with letting accommodation becoming a major factor. Since 2001 all new acquisitions have had hotel bedrooms and facilities have also been added to those where space permitted." Stellex partnered with Ted Kennedy, who owns Pebble Hotels and was previously a managing director in Whitbread's managed pub division, and Billy Buchanan, chief executive of LT Management Services, to assist with the acquisition. Shares in Christie Group were down 2.4% to 89.30p at 1124 GMT. AIM-listed Earthport has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India for operating cross-border payment services for banks as it expands in the country. Earthport could already make inbound payments into India for its overseas clients, and now with the central banks approval it will also process outbound cross-border payments for banks on the sub-continent. India is one of the fastest growing markets for cross border payments, reporting $266bn in exports and $396bn in imports for 2015-16, and received about $69bn of inward remittances. Mohan Tanksale, chief executive of Indian Bank's Association said he believes that innovative business models with high levels of compliance and governance standards will play a key role in achieving the countrys economic development agenda. With its unique business model, and a proven track record with some of the largest global financial institutions, I believe that Earthport can effectively contribute to India's fast evolving payments ecosystem." Earthport chief executive, Hank Uberoi said it was engaged with several Indian banks in light of approval from the central bank and the Indian Banks Association. Earthport enables financial institutions, money transfer organisations and e-commerce businesses can make payments in the companys network of over 60 countries. Meanwhile, the company's chief commercial officer Sajeev Viswanathan has decided to step down to pursue other interests and was replaced by Michael Steinhart on Thursday. The company said Viswanathan has agreed to stay on with the company to launch and build its presence in India for the next several months. Steinhart has over 20 years experience selling to the financial services sector at IBM with significant management responsibility in New York, London, and Sydney, and was also president of Reuters America and built a financial services practice at Computer Sciences Corporation. Shares in Earthport were up 2.86% to 18p at 1202 GMT. Group net fee income (NFI) in the UK is forecast to fall by 3% in the first quarter of 2017. The group reported a 23% rise in revenue to 617.6m for the year ended 31 July 2016. Net fee income rose 33% to 73m. Profits were in line with expectations with profit before tax rising 34% to 15.1m. Performance was strong in engineering with net fee income (NFI) growth of 6% while technology NFI was down by 6%. Growth was good in Telecom at 9% but was offset by underperformance in IT at a 17% decline. The companys integration of synergies is near completion, with 3.1m synergies identified. It expects to realise them by the full year 2017 with concrete sales synergies already realised. The newly created engineering technology division, which combined existing networkers and Matchtech skill sets and targets the Internet of Things, is already one of the company's fastest growing businesses. Net debt at the end of the period fell to 25m from 33.6m in the previous period. The board is continuing to invest in overseas operations to mitigate the uncertainty around the UK economy in the medium term. A total of 1.8m of synergies are being reinvested to strengthen the international headcount to support and drive forward growth outside the UK. Chief executive Brian Wilkinson said: "Looking forward, uncertainty about the future of the British economy raises concerns for companies like ours, operating in what is seen as a highly cyclical sector. Nevertheless, our well established approach of partnering with our clients on long-term public and private infrastructure projects mitigates this risk to some extent, as does our increasing geographic diversification. Basic earnings per share rose 4% to 32.1p. Final dividend rose 4% to 17p. The share price fell 10.10% to 307p at 1033 GMT on Thursday. Coca-Cola HBC posted a drop in third-quarter sales volumes on the back of unfavourable weather compared to the same period last year but said it was on track to meet expectations for the year. In the three months to the end of September, volumes declined 1% as the company expected against very tough comparatives in the prior-year quarter, when the exceptionally hot summer in some of its countries boosted demand, mainly for water. In the third quarter of 2015, group volumes had risen 5.4%. Total revenue was down 1.9% in the quarter, with net sales revenue per unit case down 0.7%. Chief executive officer Dimitris Lois said: Performance in the third quarter was as expected, with lower volume reflecting the exceptional growth we saw in the third quarter of 2015. We are pleased with our commercial initiatives, which delivered an improvement in currency-neutral net sales revenue per case. The business is trading well and we remain confident in meeting our expectations for the full year." Volumes in established markets fell 2.5% in the quarter compared to a 7.4% jump in the same period a year ago, driven by water in Italy and Austria and tough comparatives due to a hot summer in 2015. A good performance from Coke Zero and Energy along with successful Coke Life launches in Austria and Italy partly offset declines led by water, the company said. Net sales revenue in established markets declined by 3.6% in the quarter. In developing markets, volume was down 4.2% compared to a 10.4% increase in the third quarter a year ago, with the majority of the countries in the segment seeing declines due to tough prior-year comparatives driven by demand for water. Net sales revenue in the developing markets dropped by 2.3% in the quarter. In emerging markets, volume growth improved to 1.3% in the period following a stable performance in the first half of the year, with Nigeria and Romania continuing to grow, while the rates of decline in Russia moderated. A former head of the North-Atlantic Treaty Organisation has called on the United States to resume its role as a force of law and order in global affairs. Anders Fogh Rasmussen served as Secretary General of the organisation for five years during two terms of Barack Obama's presidency, and criticised him for his lack of intervention in foreign policy matters. In an interview with Sky News, Rasmussen cited various examples of world conflicts in which the US should act. "Superpowers don't get to retire," he said. "Look around you will see a world on fire: Syria torn by war and conflict; Iraq on the brink of collapse; Libya a failed state in north Africa; Russia attacking Ukraine and destabilising eastern Europe; China flexing its muscles; the rogue state North Korea threatening nuclear attacks. "All that requires a world policeman to restore international law and order." Obama will leave office in January after two terms in the White House, to be replaced either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. "I think President Obama has been too reluctant to use military force or threaten to use military force to prevent conflicts in the world." The former Danish premier's successor Jens Stoltenberg has adopted a much more liberal approach than that of Rasmussen, who also told Sky News of the risk posed by a Trump victory next week. "It might be very dangerous, of course," he told Sky News. "We don't know what will be the concrete policies of a Trump administration but if his statements were to be taken at face value it could be very dangerous for the world." Regulators have fired the opening shot in a battle that could force Sir Philip Green to hand over a chunk of his fortune to pay the pensions of former workers at the retail chain that made him a billionaire. Sir Philip promised in June to sort the 571m pension deficit left behind by BHS, which collapsed in April barely a year after the Topshop tycoon sold the department store for 1. He said on Wednesday night he had offered regulators a deal, along with bank documents proving he had access to the required cash. Financial Times The UKs food industry is facing the worst labour shortage for at least 12 years as farmers, manufacturers and processors struggle to find enough workers to prepare for the Christmas rush. The warning comes amid fears of a shortage of truck and van drivers to deliver goods to shops and homes. Guardian Germanys leading economists have urged the EU and Germany to try to halt Brexit or at least contain its fallout, saying the best outcome of the divorce talks would be for it not to happen. The German governments independent council of economic advisers said in its annual report the worst of the impact of Brexit on both Germany and the EU would be political rather than economic. Guardian The John Lewis Partnership, one of the UKs most progressive companies, has led criticism of Theresa Mays plan to put workers on boards. The Prime Minister used a keynote speech at last months Conservative Party conference to pledge that employees will join directors in boardrooms and be given a say in how businesses operate. - Telegraph Britain may revert to a closed economy that shuts itself off from the world because the battle has yet to be won for an open trading policy after Brexit, George Osborne has warned. Speaking at the launch of the London School of Economics growth commission, he said there would be a real contest between free traders in government and those who want to assert sovereignty at the expense of a more dynamic economy. The Times Britain is turning into a digital couch potato economy, with four in five of us subscribing to at least one streaming service. One of the biggest dramas on television this year is expected to be The Crown, a 100 million production about the young Queen Elizabeth that begins tomorrow and comes not from the producers of Downton Abbey or Poldark but Netflix. The Times Fund manager Schroders reported flat profits in the first nine months of the year as its assets under management increased despite a fall in net inflows. For the nine months ended 30 September, the FTSE 100 company had 375bn assets under management, a 27% increase from last year, helped by a 38.6bn benefit from the weakening of sterling since 1 January 2016. Pre-tax profit fell slightly by 0.6% to 436.2m, whereas profit before tax and exceptional items was up 0.4% to 455.3m. Chief executive Peter Harrison said the company delivered solid results as its diversified business model generated 2.7bn of net new business. This was a 67% fall from last year in the amount of new money raised. He added that the company had made progress against our strategic objectives, particularly in North America." For the asset management business, operating revenue increased by 3.8% to 1.07bn, which included performance fees of 13.3m. Profit before tax was down 1.15% to 386.8m. Net inflows for the nine months was 3.2bn, comprising of inflows of 5.4bn in Institutional and net outflows of 2.2bn in Intermediary. Assets under management were 339.4bn, up from 263.9bn. For wealth management operating revenue rose 3% to 162.6m, while profit before tax fell 10% to 42.7m. There were net outflows of 0.5bn and assets under management were 35.6bn, up from 30.9bn. Randgold Resources announced a new focus on three new projects over the next five years on Thursday, as it reported a strong third quarter performance keeping it on track to meet its 2016 guidance. The FTSE 250 firm said forecast cash flows generated from operations were expected to support funding for the three new projects the company has set, as well as increasing dividends. Results for the quarter showed profit of $77.3m in the three months to 30 September, up 32% on the previous quarter and 58% on Q3 2015, while earnings per share increased by 35% quarter on quarter and 17% on 2015. Production of 301,163 ounces was up 7% quarter on quarter and in line with the previous year, and total cash cost per ounce of $663 was 9% lower quarter on quarter and 5% down on the prior year's corresponding quarter. Net cash generated by the operations increased by 18% quarter-on-quarter, leading to a cash balance of $361.1m at period end. Chief executive Mark Bristow said Kibali and Tongon had bounced back well from the technical issues that had plagued them in the first half of the year, while the flagship Loulo-Gounkoto complex continued on its steady course. He said it was worth noting that despite the high level of activity, there had been zero lost-time injuries across the group during the quarter. Sweeteners and food ingredients producer Tate & Lyle said its full year profits were likely to be higher than first thought after profits were lifted 83% in the first half of the year by a tasty mix of organic growth and currency fluctuations. The FTSE 250 group, which takes less than 2% of its revenues from the UK, enjoyed a 15m increase in earnings during the six months to 30 September from movements in currencies, particularly the collapse of the pound, and if current rates prevail it estimated full year earnings would be inflated by a total of around 40m. This helped sales increase 13% to 1.3bn in the half, when otherwise they would have been up just 1%. Adjusted profit before tax was up 37% to 140m, 22% stronger without currency benefits, with reported PBT up 83% to 128m. The profit growth was driven by strong performance in both divisions, with a 12% increase in speciality food ingredients from all regions apart from North America and 18% increase in sales from New Products to US$51m. Bulk ingredients delivered a 36% increase in profits thanks to solid demand in the key summer beverage season and margins, strong manufacturing performance and a benefit from the one-off sell-down of excess inventory in Sucralose. AIM-listed Rosslyn Data Technologies business Rosslyn Analytics has won a two-year $400,000 contract with a US global media company to use its cloud analytics platform. About $257,500 (200,000) will be paid in the first year and $150,000 (125,000) in the second, with an option to extend the contract or add additional services to it. South32 has agreed to acquire the Metropolitan Colliery, an underground metallurgical coal operation and associated interest in a nearby port terminal, for US$200m from beleaguered US giant Peabody Energy. As well as the cash payment, the two companies agreed a mechanism where they will both share commodity price upside in the first year of production, or on a minimum 1.3m tonnes, should metallurgical coal prices exceed an agreed forward curve. Energy investment company Plutus PowerGens first power generation site in Plymouth has been brought into operation. Attune Energy is now operating at full output and the AIM-listed company said that is part of its strategy to become a predominant player in the flexible energy generation market. AIM-listed professional services company Christie Groups business, Christie & Co, a provider of agency and advisory services, announced it had brokered the acquisition of the Chapman Group by Dominion Hospitality. Dominion Hospitality, an affiliate of private equity company Stellex Capital Management, invests in middle market companies in North America and Europe and bought the hotel and pub company, in order to expand its presence in the UK. Budget currency payments service FairFX breaks the 10m barrier for monthly loads while turnover for the quarter increased. The companys overall performance remains in line with market expectations as for the quarter ended 31 October, turnover climbed 45% year-on-year to 314m, while turnover for the year rose 24% to 656m. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Decker: Developers know Columbus won't take away tax breaks What we might see as "required" is "optional" to others. How else to explain the attitude of developers receiving tax breaks from Columbus? Traffic shift at Smithland Bridge construction zone A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) plans a traffic shift and an traffic diversion near the U.S. 60 Cumberland River... Lady Rockets play in regional semis tonight After dispatching Christian County in five sets on Monday, the Lady Rockets volleyball team (19-14) will be taking on Madisonville (27-10) t... Local businesses prepare for Trick or Treat on Main Click Image to Enlarge About 45 local businesses and entities are participating in Trick or Treat on Main Monday. Children can pass through ... Job Corps Center seeks employees Click Image to Enlarge The Earle C. Clements Job Corps Center now has a $15 minimum wage. The Union County center is seeking employees at a ... Via The Globe and Mail: Regulatory body investigates 86 Ontario doctors for prescribing high doses of opioids. Excerpt: The self-regulatory body that governs physicians in Ontario has launched investigations into 86 doctors who prescribed extraordinarily high doses of opioids to their patients, The Globe and Mail has learned. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) began notifying doctors of the probes last month after the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care scoured a narcotics monitoring database for two categories of high-dose prescribers and handed their names to the college, two sources confirmed. The investigations are the strongest signal yet that the Ontario government is prepared to crack down on physicians who provide their patients with large quantities of powerful pills or patches that can trigger addictions, and which have helped fuel a crisis of opioid abuse. News of the probes comes just weeks after the province unveiled its first comprehensive opioid strategy aimed at curbing an overdose epidemic that killed more than 700 people in Ontario alone in 2015. But the move has also sparked fears that the threat of disciplinary action could lead pain doctors to swiftly ratchet down their opioid prescribing or cut people off, leaving patients to grapple with withdrawal sickness or turn to the street for illicit opioids. Subscriber content preview At U.S. factories, more jobs go to robots Research shows that automation of U.S. factories is a much bigger factor than foreign trade in the loss of factory jobs. By PAUL WISEMAN AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON Donald Trump blames Mexico and China for stealing millions of jobs from the United States. He might want to bash the robots instead. . . . login or purchase a To read this story in fullor purchase a subscription. Subscriber content preview BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) President Barack Obama says the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is examining whether the four-state Dakota Access oil pipeline can be rerouted in southern North Dakota to alleviate the concerns of American Indians. Obama told the online news outlet NowThis that his administration is monitoring the situation closely but will let it play out for several more weeks. . . . Loreto Secondary School in Letterkenny has informed parents that it is not possible to re-open the school after mid-term break until appropriate health and safety and child protection provisions can be in place, stemming from the planned ASTI industrial action. The Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland (ASTI) voted to withdraw supervision and substitution duties from Nov. 7th. In a letter to parents dated October 28th, Noel OConnell, chairperson of the Loreto Letterkenny board of management, said, While the Board of Management wishes to keep the school open it is not, regrettably, possible to re-open the school after mid-term break until appropriate health and safety and child protection provisions can be established. He said the board will keep the situation under review and parents will be notified of relevant developments as soon as feasible. As a result of the action, ASTI members will not be available to carry out essential supervision duties before school starts in the morning, during break times, at lunch and at the end of the school day, the chairperson said. In addition, ASTI members will not be available to substitute for absent colleagues. Due to this action, the board of management will not be in a position to ensure the safety of pupils in its care from that date, Mr OConnell said. In the letter, he said it was the position of JMB, the management body for the school, and the board of management that teachers are best placed to undertake supervision and substitution duties. Mr OConnell said that even if there were full co-operation from ASTI on any contingency plans, the Nov. 7th deadline does not allow enough time to put supervisors in place, with the recruitment and vetting procedures that would require. He said the likely timeframe is not less than six weeks. Eleven Donegal schools closed last month during the one day of ASTI strike action to date, including schools represented by ASTI and schools with members of ASTI and Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) on staff. TUI has advised members not to take on work normally done by ASTI members involved in dispute action, both in relation to strike days and to supervision and substitution. ASTI and the government are engaging in fresh talks this week. On the eve of a pending strike by members of An Garda Siochana, a former Donegal Garda Sergeant has said that the low wages and conditions of gardai could leave them open to compromise. Former Garda Sergeant Iggy Larkin told the Democrat, Young gardai are joining the force straight from their Leaving Cert and being paid a salary of 23K. With todays costs, especially in the more urban centres like Dublin, they would be very hard pressed to have a decent quality of life. I am not saying or even suggesting that this is happening, but if we are being realistic there are people out there who would try and take advantage of them in terms of bribery, he said. There has been no evidence in my time that this has been happening but the threat is always there. The Garda Representative Association (GRA) and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) agreed to attend the Labour Court this week in an attempt to avert the unprecedented strike action planned for tomorrow, Friday. Both bodies had rejected pay proposals the government put forward in recent days. The GRA was to attend the Labour Court yesterday and the AGSI is to attend this morning, Thursday. Former Garda sergeant Larkin, who retired this year, said gardai need proper resources. If gardai are to do their jobs they must have the proper tools - we have all been told about their new fleet - they may look good but regrettably are just small family cars compared to some of the high-powered vehicles that some of the top criminals use, he said. Uniforms are uncomfortable and do nothing to boost the morale of the force and on top of that we are dealing with an IT system that is at least 10 years out of date. The gardai in this country area dedicated bunch of people who enjoy the trust of the vast amount of the population of this country. They should be afforded the proper conditions to carry out their jobs, he said. As a former Garda I can honestly say that I enjoyed my time in the force and I think that if this action does materialise It is a sad day for both Ireland and a force that has served this country since 1922, he said. The GRA, the representative body for rank-and-file gardai, last month voted for industrial action, up to and including a withdrawal of services, on four dates this month, the first set for tomorrow. The ASGI has engaged in action that saw members on select days refuse to use Pulse and not carry out any administrative duties, such as detailing members for duty, processing files or responding to correspondence from management in relation to returns or other matters. The chairperson of the Leghowney Community Alert Scheme said members support the gardai. "We're disappointed that the guards have to strike, if it comes to that but we support them, James Canavan, chairman of the Leghowney scheme, said. We have a good relationship between the community and the gardai here. We are very fortunate, as well, to have an excellent community liaison officer in Sgt. Paul Leape." Mr Canavan said the group had been assured that 999 emergency calls will be responded to and dealt with. "We would, as always, encourage anyone who notices any suspicious activity to contact their designated Community Alert Scheme liaison member, he said. We would have provided all the relevant information and contact details to older people in the area and we will be sending out a Community Alert to everyone this evening regarding what to do if the strike goes ahead." Fridays card provides a little bit of everything, with a pair of tough, extremely wide-open 2-year-old turf events, Dortmund finally getting away from California Chrome, Songbirds attempt to remain unbeaten against the toughest field shes ever faced by far, and the continuing rivalry between champions Beholder and Stellar Wind. If California Chrome should get beat in the Classic on Saturday, a victory by Songbird against this talented a field could earn her Horse of the Year honors. JUVENILE TURF Aidan OBrien has done very well in this race and he has two exceptional colts in Lancaster Bomber and Intelligence Cross, both of whom are coming off good efforts in group I stakes. Lancaster Bomber was in the Dewhurst Stakes to set the pace for OBriens big 2-year-old Churchill, and while did his job, he surprisingly kept going after Churchill passed him and managed to finish second at odds of 66-1. The American horses are a salty group, with every one of them having the credentials to win. The two most talented look to be the undefeated Summer Stakes winner Good Samaritan, who turned in an absolutely sensational half-mile work in :47 2/5 over the Santa Anita turf course, the only horse working on the turf course that morning, and the brilliant Pilgrim Stakes winner Oscar Performance, who has devastated his opponents in his last two starts and looks to be something special. Oscar Performance did not have the best of luck at the draw, coming out of the 13-post, which means Jose Ortiz will have to use him to get position, most likely right off the quick sprinter Wellabled. But I still believe this is an enormously gifted colt, who could prove a bargain at 4-1. Good Samaritan also drew toward the outside in post 11, and based on his work and the way he handled this turf course, he is going to be very tough to beat, probably sitting somewhere in midpack. If these two colts break well and get a good trip, Im not sure anyone can beat them. I am also intrigued by Favorable Outcome, even though he has never run on grass; or maybe because hes never run on grass and brings an unknown factor into the race. I actually would have given him a decent shot in the Juvenile, and it's possible he could win this race mostly on talent. I believe's just a good horse. His six-length maiden romp in 1:09 4/5 at Saratoga was as impressive as any 2-year-old seen at the Spa. In the grade I Champagne Stakes, only his second career start, he got up in Syndergaards ridiculously fast pace (:44 3/5 and 1:08 3/5) and still held on for third. This is a colt bred for two turns, being by Flatter, out of an Eltish mare, and he could actually improve going two turns on grass. Eltish, who ran third behind Cigar in the Arlington Citation Challenge and was second in the Breeders Cup Juvenile and Iselin Handicap, did begin his career in Europe, placing in the Dewhurst, Royal Lodge, and Prince of Waless Stakes, so there is turf close up in his pedigree. Hes a guess, but at 15-1, he could fit nicely in the exotics with Oscar Performance, my main selection, and Good Samaritan. I would put a few bucks on him to win just in case, and at 8-1 I like Big Score, who has a stakes win over the course, winning the Zuma Beach Stakes from the 11-post and racing some three-wide without cover the whole race, while coming home his last quarter in :24 flat. I loved his five-furlong work in 1:00 2/5 on dirt the other day and the acceleration he showed nearing the wire. There are plenty of others to choose from, such as With Anticipation winner Made You Look, and Bourbon Stakes 1-2 finishers Keep Quiet and Ticonderoga. But then these juvenile turf races are always a crap shoot and you just have to get lucky. Exacta and trifecta box Its dangerous leaving out the Europeans, but Ill go with Oscar Performance, Good Samaritan, Favorable Outcome, and Big Score. Even with his bad post, I still believe Oscar Performance could be something special and will find a way to overcome it. Maybe his post will keep his odds up a little. DIRT MILE The chalk looks pretty strong here, with Dortmund, Gun Runner, and Runhappy. Dortmund will appreciate getting away from California Chrome and dropping back in distance, as Bob Baffert appears to have him very sharp. At 6-5, hes certainly no bargain at the windows. Gun Runner also will appreciate a cut back in distance with a two-turn mile and always runs a good race. Runhappy is a grade I winner at seven furlongs, and he should improve off his fourth-place finish in the Ack Ack, a tough spot going a flat mile at Churchill Downs off a nine-month layoff. Another who could easily hit the board is Tamarkuz, but he hasnt won since taking the Godolphin Mile in March of 2015. But he is rounding into top form, improving with every race. But my win selection here at a price is good old Vyjack, who, even at age 6, has been very sharp in his last two starts, having run the fastest Beyer speed figure of his career in his last start. He sort of reminds me of another V for Victory horse, Volponi, as both horses were warriors who ran big races at all distances and on grass and dirt. Vyjack showed his ability at a mile by winning the Kelso Handicap at Belmont in 1:34 flat in 2014. And he was on the Kentucky Derby trail, winning the Jerome and Gotham Stakes, and finishing a close third in the Wood Memorial. Since being sent to Phil DAmato in California he has been reborn, finishing second in the seven-furlong Pat OBrien Stakes at Del Mar in a blistering 1:20 1/5 behind Masochistic, arguably the fastest sprinter in California and one of the favorites for the Sprint. He then went back on grass and came from far back to win the grade II City of Hope Mile equaling the course record of 1:31 3/5. Relegated to the also-eligible list for the Mile for some reason, he nonetheless is in a good position here going back to the dirt. Flavien Prat seems to fit him well, getting him to relax off the pace, and I can see him closing fast to either pick up a piece of it or winning it all. Exacta and trifecta box Vyjack, Dortmund, Runhappy, and Gun Runner. But I may be tempted at the last minute to replace Runhappy with Tamarkuz depending on how the track is playing for speed. I have to bet Vyjack to win as well. JUVENILE FILLIES TURF Good luck coming up with the winner of this race. This is a total crap shoot, especially with the exciting La Coronel, who looks to be the most gifted filly in the race, drawing post 14. Her only two turf starts were so impressive and so explosive, Im not sure anyone could beat her. But now she will have to work out a decent trip from the far outside, which wont be easy. But, at 9-2, maybe this is the time to bet her, figuring shell be longer odds than she should. The Europeans look to be an evenly matched and talented group, dominated by the ubiquitous OBrien family two trained by Aidan and one trained by his son and former jockey Joseph, who will give a leg up to his younger brother, Donnacha. Aidans pair, Hydrangea and Roly Poly, both have big chances, but the latter is stuck out in post 13. Joseph will saddle Intricately, who nosed out Hydrangea in the group I Moyglare Stud Stakes at odds 25-1 in her last start. Also from Europe is the recent U.S. purchase Spain Burg, who really impressed me with her late turn of foot, blowing by the 1-2 favorite Fair Eva in the seven-furlong Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket at 14-1. This was a huge effort and a big step up for this French-trained filly coming off three victories and a second in the provinces. She now is owned partly by Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and is trained by Kathy Ritvo, the team who brought you BC Classic winner Mucho Macho Man. The great Frankie Dettori, who rode her at Newmarket and has won his share of Breeders Cup races, will be back aboard. With all this going for her, she is my main selection at 5-1. But there are so many fillies who can with this race, including the Chad Brown pair of New Money Honey and Rymska, one-two in the Miss Grillo Stakes. At odds of 10-1 and 20-1, respectively, both these fillies look like big overlays. And I havent even mentioned the Natalma winner Victory to Victory, from Mark Casses barn, and two other dangerous Europeans, group III winner Madam Dancealot and a real sneaky 15-1 shot from France named Cavale Doree, winner of the Prix du Calvados at Deauville and a decent fifth of 11 in the recent group I Prix Marcel Boussac at Chantilly. You always have to beware of the French invaders, especially when they are overlooked. There is also the second- and third-place finsishers in the Surfer Girl Stakes at Santa Anita, Happy Mesa and La Force, an Italian-trained filly, who was making her U.S. debut. So, good luck sorting all this out. Exacta and trifecta box Going bombs away except for one. Spain Burg, Cavale Doree, La Corenel, and Rymska. And Ill place a win bet on Spain Burg, and for a big price, Cavale Doree. But like the Juvenile Turf, we have one horse who could be special, bad post or no bad post. DISTAFF This one is pretty simple. Is Songbird the super horse many believe she is? If she is and is truly one of the great ones, then she can zip to the lead from the rail and just keep going, wiring her field once again. But if she is not and is no more than a sensational filly who has dominated her fellow 3-year-olds, then she is in for a rude awakening, running against a field far superior to anything she has faced so far. I can honestly say I have no idea which is the case. Songbird looks to be something out of the ordinary, sort of like a female version of American Pharoah. But the question is, can she take the pace pressure she is likely going to get at different points in the race from the likes of older fillies and mares Beholder, Im a Chatterbox, and Curalina, turn them all aside, and then still have enough to hold off Stellar Wind and Forever Unbridled? With one or more of the three pace fillies likely to test her from the half-mile pole and keep up the pressure around the far turn, it does look like a good setup for Stellar Wind, who is a champion herself, with the versatility to stalk and wear down Beholder or make a big late run as she did on several occasions as a 3-year-old. Her 5-2 morning line odds compared to 6-5 for Songbird is mighty enticing. And lets not forget Beholder, also at 5-2, who has maintained her form at age 6 and who only last year turned in one of the most spectacular performances seen in a long time, crushing the boys in the Pacific Classic with devastating move on the turn. She was forced to go to the lead in her two narrow defeats to Stellar Wind, but now, breaking from the outside post, will be able to run her race. Im just going to sit back and enjoy this one. How can you not root for Songbird? But there are many still loyal to Beholder. If I was forced to put my money on someone, and try to make some kind of decent profit, I guess it would have to be Stellar Wind because of the way the race sets up, and as highly regarded as she is, she may actually be better than we think. I also think Forever Unbridled could run big enough to pick up a piece of it, or even win it at a pretty big price coming off a sneaky impressive score in the Beldame Stakes. But lets just hope for a fantastic race and to see greatness on display. The eagerly anticipated re-development of the Sheil Hospital in Ballyshannon moved a step forward this week with the publication of the planning notice for the 19m project. Former Ballyshannon Mayor John Meehan told the Democrat, It's a positive story for health care provision in Ballyshannon and south Donegal. The new 80-bed unit will provide a state of the art facility in the town. I look forward to its completion and opening. The Health Services Executive and The Sheil Hospital Trust are working together to deliver this new centre, which will see the merging of the Rock Nursing Home and the Sheil Hospital. It's the second phase of an even bigger project, with the the opening last October of the HSE's 8m new health care campus the site the former St Catherine's Convent. That facility brings together general practitioners, public health nurses, and support services such as physiotherapy, dental, mental health and more, as well as housing several HSE departments. The new 80 bed centre at the Sheil site will will consist of 66 single bedrooms and seven twin bedrooms in a combination of long stay, short stay and dementia sards. The project also includes the upgrade of the existing Sheil building to accommodate a Day hospital amongst other ancillary services. Delighted with project John Hayes Chief Officer for Community Health Care Organisation Area 1, welcomed this week's progress. He told the Democrat, I am delighted that this project has progressed to the planning stage. Mr Hayes noted, however, that the project will take some years to complete and said services at the Rock and Sheil will continue as normal for the time being. Michael Martin HSE Estates explained that once planning permission is obtained, approval will be sought to proceed to detailed design, preparation of tender documents and construction. Fr OFearrai of the Sheil Hospital Trust also welcomed the progress. He also said yesterday that the trust will continue to work closely in partnership with the HSE to ensure that this new 80 bed unit will maintain and enhance patient services into the future. Thousands of euros worth of tools, building equipment and laptops donated by a the Donegal and Irish Diaspora in London have been presented to a charity that is helping educate and rehome trafficked children in Africa. The special shipment came from many Donegal business figures in London and was coordinated by well-known charity worker Brendan Tiny Vaughan. On Friday Brendan presented the collection of equipment, which included hand tools, power tools and computers to Highland Radio presenter Shaun Doherty who collected them on behalf of the Ray of Sunshine charity. The equipment will now be shipped to Kenya where the Ray of Sunshine will be building a new schools for boys who have been rescued from sex traffickers. The equipment donation drive also secured ten laptops that will be used for teenagers based in another school founded by the charity a number of years ago This will help with their education and give them skills that can help them find employment and a better life in the future. Olive Halpin from the Ray of Sunshine charity says the contribution of tools and laptops was like winning the lotto. She explains that one of the problems they have faced in the past when they build a centre for girl in 2016 was securing proper tools for the volunteers to use when they travel from Ireland to Mombasa to help build the facilities. This donation will now mean they have modern tools to get the work done more efficiently when building their next centre. Olive stated: The Ray of Sunshine is building a rescue home for boys that have been used in the sex trafficking industry. We have just completed a girls rescue home and we built it with difficulty but we got the job done. What would have made it easier was if we had proper tools and equipment. Shaun Doherty was present at the project when we were building it and he brought his expertise to the charity by letting people know the things we need in the charity that will help us make a difference in Africa. This will make an enormous difference because it is such a primitive area we are working in and tools are not easily got there unless the volunteers carry them out. But we are delighted with these donations. The equipment is now with the charity who are arranging transport to Kenya. Up to 30 Donegal volunteers took part in their last project and they are appealing for anyone interested in joining their 2018 campaign to build the boys centre The whole thing that makes this happen is volunteers. We need trades people and the cost is 3000 per person. That includes your flight and accommodation but more importantly 1,700 of the money buys all the material. To learn more visit www.rayofsunshine.ie Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Which prominent Dundalk family once owned Rockview Farm? This substantial land holding in South Marsh, between the Rock Road and the Sea Rampart, was farmed by the Cox family of Lisnawilly, seed merchants in Clanbrassil Street for over a century and racehorse owners and trainers. They also held the lease of the 170 acres that was formerly part of Lord Roden's Demesne west of the Dublin-Belfast railway which was sold to the Dundalk Urban District Council in 1950 for the development of housing in that part of Dundalk. The Rockview Farm lands included the Army Rifle Range and stretched over to the Loakers. It was once one of the best kept agricultural holdings in the urban area and included a tree plantation that was cut down for fuel during the World War 11 Emergency. The substantial house and farm buildings were badly damaged by disastrous fire about 70 years ago and the farm declined afterwards. Where is St. Margaret's House? This is the large house at Cambrickville, off the Ardee Road, which once was the home of Edward Henry MacArdle who founded the Macardle, Moore Brewery, along with his cousin Alderman Andrew T. Moore, Dublin, in 1863. It was subsequently where senior members of the staff of the Brewery resided. Where is Carlton House? This is the large house on the right-hand side of the entrance to the Byrne & Maguire garage in Dublin Street which was used by the company as offices until it became an estate agent's office. The name can still bee seen in the fan-light of the front door. In the late nineteenth century it was the home of Edward Manisty, an English railway engineer who came to Dundalk in the 1860s in connection with the building of the railway line between Newry and Greenore and became involved in a number of local business enterprises. In 1878 he purchased the Sheckleton Foundry at the Market Square which was to become famous under his management for manufacturing engineering machinery. He was also involved in the shipbuilding slipway at Soldiers Point and a brickworks at Castletown. Where was Murphy's Court? This was one of many cul-de-sacs off Dundalk's main streets in the nineteenth century where a large proportion of the town's population dwelt. The houses in them were mainly single storey, two roomed, houses, demolished by the Dundalk Urban Council in the first half of the twentieth century as part of 'slum clearance'. Murphy's Court was one of the smallest of these streets, with only four or five houses along it. The narrow entrance to it was off Bridge Street, about opposite the top of the Castletown Road, until it was closed about 1908. When was the first railway company formed in Dundalk? The first railway company was formed at a meeting on May 17, 1836 'to discuss the propriety of establishing a railway from Dundalk to Cavan'. This company had a venture capital of 330,000 and aimed 'To connect the Western and North-Western Counties of Ireland with the Port of Dundalk'. The first list of subscribers was published in March 1837, by order of the House of Commons, with shares valued at 50 each purchased. One of the biggest subscribers was civil engineer John MacNeill of Mountpleasent, who held 50 shares. What was the name of this company? Called the 'Dundalk Western Railway' it later became the Dundalk and Enniskillen Railway Company, with its head office at Jocelyn Street. They built a terminus off Barrack Street where the present H.S.E. Health Centre is located. When did the first passenger train service from Drogheda reach Dundalk? This first train carrying railway officials and local dignitaries from the Newfoundwell Station, on the north side of the River Boyne, arrived in Dundalk, amid scenes of great excitement, on the morning of February 15, 1849. Its arrival co-coincided with the first train service from the Barrack Street terminus to Castleblayney by the Dundalk-Enniskillen company. Who built the line between Drogheda and Dundalk? This was the work of the great railway engineer William Dargan, son of a farmer from Graighuecullen, County Laois. Dargan constructed over 1,000 miles of rail track throughout Ireland and became known as 'The Founder of Irish Railways'. Dargan had co-operated with John MacNeill in the building of the line between Dublin and Drogheda, completed in May 1944. The line to Dundalk was commenced at Dunleer in April 1846 with two gangs working south to Drogheda and north to Dundalk. The line was completed just before the first train ran in February 1849. It was reputed to have cost over 0.75 million, an enormous amount for the time but it gave invaluable a employment to thousands and probably saved many from death by starvation during the Great Famine! Where was the town's first railway station? This was built off the Ardee Road while the line from Drogheda was being constructed, at a place that was to become known as Traffic Place. At the same time the track bed through Marshes Lower was being constructed for the Dundalk-Enniskillen company to their station at Barrack Street. The Traffic Place Station was the property of the Dublin and Belfast Junction Railway but shared by both companies. Where did the De la Salle Brothers reside when they first came to Dundalk? Michael and Albert, the first De la Salle Brothers to arrive in Dundalk, stayed in a house in St. Mary's Road owned by the Marist Fathers. They had come here from Rome and were known to the Marist Fathers, as both orders had originated in France. As their community increased, they moved to St. Leonard's at Chapel Lane and then, in 1902, moved to the monastery that had been built for them behind the Castletown Schools. When did Dundalk Technical Schools move to Hoey's Lane? This secondary school, the first such sex integrated institution in Dundalk, moved from Chapel Street to the site behind the Dundalk Regional College in 1971. It became O Fiaich College in 1990, named in honour of Cardinal Tomas O Fiaich, the Archbishop of Armagh who died in May of that year. When did the Battle of Courtbane take place? This engagement between the British Army and the I.R.A. was sparked off by the crossing of the Border between Armagh and Louth near Sheelagh Church by two British armoured scout cars around noon on Sunday August 29. 1971. Young men returning from last Mass in the Church attacked the vehicles and set them alight. The soldiers manning the cars got out and, when British Army re-enforcements turned up, they were fired on by, from a near-by hill, by a unit of the I.R.A. who had left Belfast earlier that month because of the Internment Without Trial order by the Northern Ireland administration. Two British soldiers died as a result and the incident was only prevented from becoming a much larger engagement by the arrival of an Irish Army unit from the Dundalk Military Barracks. The incident became international news and led to a deterioration of relations between the U.K. and Irish Governments. When was the Battle of Dungooley fought? This was a much larger engagement than the incident at Courtbane just five months earlier. It began around 8 am on the morning of Thursday January 27, 1972 and lasted for about three hours. In fact it was the largest engagement between the Provisional I.R.A. and the British Army during the course of the Troubles along the Border. It was estimated that over 3,500 rounds of ammunition, from a variety of weapons, were exchanged between the two factions but, surprisingly, there were no reported casualties, except to livestock belonging to local farmers, hit by stray bullets. Where was Moyle Castle? This was a fortification built by Sir Richard Bellew of Castletown in the late 15th century in the Lower Seatown area. While it appears on a number of early maps of the town its exact location is unknown but it probably stood somewhere near the Mill Stream which is now the Rampart River. Paul Gosling, using a Robert Richardson map from about 1600, places it on the west bank of the Mill Stream near the present Windmill licensed premises but, as this stream changed its course several times, it could have been located anywhere between the old Windmill stump and the Military Barracks Gate at the end of Barrack Street. The Castle was destroyed during the rebellion of 1641 and the stones from the ruin were used by Lord Limerick for Harbour works in the mid-eighteenth century. Where was the business premises known as the 'Hibernian House'? This was a men's drapery shop at 9, Clanbrassil Street, opposite the General Post Office, owned by Frank McParland, from Newry, during the first half of the 20th Century. A great nationalist, he had his name inscribed in the old Gaelic scrip over the premises as 'Prionsios MacParthalon' and displayed his goods with notices in Irish. In the Nineteen Forties his opposition to the Border earned the premises the nickname 'The Anti-Partition House'. Where was the Hesse shirt factory in Dundalk? James Hesse from Armagh City, established his shirt factory at St. Helena Quay, at the end of the then Quay Road (now St. Mary's Road) in 1852. He had a considerable export business of hand-made shirts to England and employed a staff of both men and women. The business was taken over by his son Max and he also had a drapery shop in Crowe Street run by a daughter for the firm of P. & P. Campbell, dryers and cleaners of Perth Scotland. Where was the Hesse Laundry? This was a dry cleaning business that was set up by Max Hesse when the shirt making enterprise declined with advent mechanical sewing machines. This business, latterly known as the 'Dundalk Steam Laundry', lasted for over 100 years in a re-brick building in Castle Road, beside McDonald's builder's yard. Readers may remember the name 'Hesse Laundry' engraved in stone over the front of the building. These premises became a shoe factory, owned by a workers' co-operative, for a short while after the laundry closed in about 1960. Where in Dundalk can you find a monument sculpted by the father of the 1916 Pearse Brothers? This is a headstone which marks the grave of the Collins family in old Castletown Cemetery at the side of the Castleblayney Road. James Pearse (or Pearce) father of the 1916 Rising executed leaders Padraig and Willie, was born in London in 1839 and came to Dublin in 1860s where he married and established a monumental sculpture business in Great Brunswick Street, renamed in honour of his sons after the establishment of the Irish State. The monument was commissioned by James Collins, a prominent victualler in Clanbrassil Street. The marble headstone is an elaborate crucifixion scene erected as a memorial to ''Maggie', his wife, who died in in November 1881, aged just 24 years. She was a daughter John and Mary Connick, who died in 1904 and 1905 and are also interred in the same plot. Where in Dundalk was the 'French Church'? This was the local name of a hall that was acquired by the Wesleyan Methodist congregation in about 1800. It got its name from the fact that Methodists loaned this place of worship to the Huguenot weavers and their families came to Dundalk in the late eighteenth century to escape religious persecution in France. They established a cambric factory at Parliament Square which was later to become the site of the Dundalk Military Barrack. The ruin of the old 'church' remained until the late 1950s. Where was the Wesleyan 'Primitive' Chapel in Dundalk? This was small chapel that was built by the Methodists congregation at Wellington Place in the late eighteenth century. It was acquired by the Marist Fathers in the 1960s and the building still stands at the St. Mary's Road entrance to the new College buildings. The hall was known as the 'Gospel Shop' to students of St. Mary's and those living in the area as the Methodists continued to hold Sunday School there after they moved their place of worship to Jocelyn Street in the 1830s. How is Richard Fitzralph known locally? The was a pre-Reformation Archbishop of Armagh who became famous as St. Richard of Dundalk. He was a Norman cleric who is reputed to have been born in Dundalk shortly before the Edward Bruce invasion of Ireland. He studied at Oxford and became Chancellor of the famous University where he was consecrated Archbishop of Armagh in 1346. He died at Avignon in France in 1460 while on a visit to Pope Innocent VI who resided there at the time. His body was brought back to Dundalk in 1370 and his tomb in St. Nicholas Cemetery was a place of pilgrimage up to the time of the Reformation. A chapel in the Green Church was dedicated to his memory in 1954. The death has occurred of Margaret (Peggy) Murphy (nee Campbell) of Chapel Road, Haggardstown, Dundalk Peacefully at home. 3rd November 2016. Peggy beloved wife of the late Hugh (Publican) and dear mother of Geraldine Hyland, Margaret Byrne, David, and the late Paul and Jackie. Deeply regretted by her daughters, son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Funeral Mass on Saturday at 12 noon in St. Fursey's Church, Haggardstown. Burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery. House private. May She Rest in Peace The death has occurred of Patrick (Pat) Carpenter Analog, Ardee Sadly missed by his loving wife Mary daughters Ann, Margaret, Marie and Paula, son-in-law Peter, brother Fr Matt, sisters Bridie and Peggy grandchildren, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, relatives and friends. Reposing at Byrne's Funeral Home on Thursday from 4pm until 8pm. Funeral Mass at 11am on Friday in St Catherine's Church, Ballapousta. Burrial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. May He Rest in Peace The death has occurred of Oonagh Coleman (Short) Rassan, Hackballscross, Dundalk Peacefully at home surrounded by her family. 2nd November 2016. Oonagh beloved wife of Frank and devoted mother of Fionnuala, Eabha and Cormac. Deeply regretted by her husband, son, daughters, brothers Paul and Shane, sisters Maeve Ahern and Eilish Eagers, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives and many friends. Reposing at her home from 7pm on Wednesday. Removal on Friday at 10.30am to Church of the Sacred Heart, Shelagh arriving for Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery. May She Rest in Peace The death has occurred of Danny (Daniel) Kelly of Rose Cottage, Sportsmans Hall, Armagh Road, Dundalk Peacefully, in the Louth County Hospital, Surrounded by his loving family. Danny will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his sister Bernadette, family, neighbours and a large circle of friends. Reposing at his home today Wednesday, between 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock and from 12 o'clock tomorrow Thursday, with removal at 5.30 to St. Nicholas' Church arriving for Reception Prayers at 6 oclock. Funeral Mass on Friday morning at 11 oclock followed by burial in St. Patricks Cemetery. Family flowers only, donations if desired to The Missions. Enquiries to Dixons Funeral Directors, Tel 042 93 34240. May He Rest In Peace. The death has occurred of Rose McAleen (nee Duggan) Newcastle, Down / Dundalk Formerly Ballymaginithy. Peacefully at Marie Currie Hospice Belfast,Surrounded by her loving family, Rose, dearly beloved wife of James and much loved mother of Damian, Garry, Declan, Aidan, Fiona and Judith R.I.P. Roses remains will leave her late home 40 Tullybrannigan Road Newcastle on Saturday at 12.00 to arrive at The Church of The Immaculate Conception Leitrim for 1.00pm Requiem Mass. Burial afterward in adjoining Cemetery, On her soul sweet Jesus have mercy. Deeply regretted by her sorrowing husband, sons, daughters, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers, sisters and entire family circle. In the shitfan of this election, one maddening thing Donald Trump has been doing almost daily for 15 months is finally getting a little attention after he singled out NBC reporter Katy Tur for harassment of his enraged fans again on Wednesday. Really amazing reflection by @KatyTurNBC about what it was like to be taunted by Trump today in FL. Worth a watch, from @11thHour tonight pic.twitter.com/21a5IITzOg Chris Golden (@chrisgolden) November 3, 2016 He knows the pool camera cant move yet he inspires rage at the media for not moving it. The cynicism and disrespect for his biggest fans in this scam are astounding, but Trump is doing something here than thats even worse than the casual evil implicit in his effortless bullying and misogyny. Its amazing melodrama. The pure showmanship of this thrilling act reveals how hes been able to exploit decades of conservatives ginning up anger at the mainstream media and turn it into his custom blend of pro wrestling fascism. Bloombergs Francis Wilkinson in a great new post The Moral Foundations of Trumpism describes how effective Trump has been able at eroding the norms that work to maintain morality in a civilized society. Morality is easily perverted. Thats why norms are so important. They help us distinguish between the loyalty of mobsters who commit murder together and the loyalty of parents who raise children together. Norms police behavior; they keep us coloring inside the lines. Once those lines are crossed, norms become more difficult to safeguard and maintain, and society risks losing important moral contours. Trumps contempt for norms is not new, or exclusively political. He engaged in flagrantly unfair business practices, refusing to pay small contractors for their work because he was rich enough, and bully enough, to cheat them. For decades he trampled both liberal and conservative notions of sanctity. (Is there any corner of the culture war where its OK to call your daughter a piece?) Trumps pitch is that he must break eggs dispense with political correctness to impose order on a political culture spinning out of control. Hell reassert traditional sexual and racial hierarchies while imposing a gruff authoritarian discipline on national politics and restoring the lost economy of the mid-20th century. But his camera stunt suggests theres a greater danger to what Trump is doing the sort of dehumanization that makes ordinary people commit extraordinary acts of inhumanity. For philosopher Hanna Arendt, radical evil involves making human beings as human beings superfluous. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy goes on: This is accomplished when human beings are made into living corpses who lack any spontaneity or freedom. According to Arendt a distinctive feature of radical evil is that it isnt done for humanly understandable motives such as self-interest, but merely to reinforce totalitarian control and the idea that everything is possible (Arendt 1951, 437459; Bernstein 2002, 203224). Arendts developed her thinking to explain how desk murderers such as [Adolph] Eichmann were not motivated by demonic or monstrous motives. Vast amounts of work have to go into making the monstrous into something banal. It starts with destroying the norms that make us civil and its weaponized when destroying those norms just becomes part of the show. The Obama administration on Tuesday indicated it was considering a proportional response to retaliate against Russia for its efforts to influence the United States election process. The administration last week officially linked Russian operatives to a series of cyberattacks against the Democratic National Committee and other organizations, which apparently were designed to influence the November presidential race. White House press secretary Josh Earnest confirmed that leaks to WikiLeaks, DCLeaks and Guccifer 2.0 were consistent with methods and motivations of Russian efforts during a press gaggle on board Air Force One on Tuesday, when President Obama was en route to Greensboro, North Carolina. The intelligence community has assessed that the theft of this information and its disclosure is an attempt to interfere with the U.S. political system, Earnest said. Russia has used similar tactics in the past to try to destabilize democracies in other parts of the world, but those other countries were not as durable and resilient as the U.S., he added. Any U.S. response would be proportional, Earnest said, noting that it was unlikely that our response would be announced in advance, and that President Obama might choose options that would not be disclosed. Asked by a reporter whether those options would include sanctions or retaliatory activity against Russia, Earnest said he would not be specific in terms of foreshadowing potential responses, but that a range of options, including the two mentioned, were on the table. Battening Hatches The Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence last week issued a joint statement saying they were confident that the Russian government was behind various hacks designed to interfere with the U.S. election. The hacks included scanning and probing of election-related systems in Illinois and Arizona. Based on the hack attacks scope and sensitivity, it appears they were authorized by senior-level officials in the Russian government, the joint statement says. DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson earlier this week said that 33 states and 11 county or local agencies had requested cybersecurity services from DHS to defend against further hacks. The services range from cyberhygiene scans on Internet-facing systems to risk and vulnerability assessments, DHS officials said. The hygiene scans are done remotely, and state and local officials are given a report showing vulnerable areas, along with recommendations for improving online voter registration systems, election night reporting systems, and other systems connected to the Internet. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. who joined Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., in pushing the Obama administration to go public with the allegations praised the official release of the evidence linking Russia to the hacks. We should now work with our European allies who have been the victim of similar and even more malicious cyber interference by Russia to develop a concerted response that protects our institutions and deters further meddling, he said in a statement. Hold Fire The process of naming Russia as the culprit has become heavily politicized, observed Martin Libicki, an adjunct management scientist at the RAND Corporation and a distinguished visiting professor at the U.S. Naval Academy. One side of the U.S. political aisle is calling out the Russians, while the other side is disputing the level of certainty. A U.S. administration response cannot help but play into the election season with the other side screaming bloody murder, Libicki told TechNewsWorld. It might make sense to wait until after the election to respond, he suggested. However, the Russians might then lose interest until the next presidential cycle. Its difficult to know definitively what specific evidence points directly at the Russian government, but its unlikely the hacks will change the outcome of the race, said Troy Hunt, a Microsoft regional director. However, theres certainly something to be said about a foreign power attempting to influence a nations democratic process, he told TechNewsWorld, and theyve attempted to do so using the same mainstream techniques that everyday cybercriminals would use. Snap, owner of the Snapchat app, this week hired Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Group to manage its initial public offering, according to multiple reports citing people familiar with the matter. JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, Allen & Co., Barclays and Credit Suisse Group reportedly also will play a role. The IPO, expected as early as this spring, could result in a valuation of $25 billion or more. That would make Snap one of the highest-profile IPOs in years. It also would make it the biggest company to go public on an exchange in the United States since 2014, when Alibabas debut on the New York Stock Exchange placed its value at $168 billion. At its most recent private funding round this spring, Snaps value was pegged at $17.8 billion. The company has projected $250 million to $350 million in revenue for this year and a possible $1 billion in 2017. It appears it already has passed the $350 million revenue mark, however. Last year, Snap reported revenue of $60 million. An IPO could make sense for Snap and its investors, given the still favorable stock market conditions, said Andreas Scherer, managing partner at Salto Partners. Facebooks Footprints Comparisons to Facebook, which owns competitor Instagram, are inevitable, Scherer told the E-Commerce Times, but this is where Snap falls short. Facebook was a profitable business with an established revenue model based on its ad sales business, and a growth story that promised more traction in the mobile space, he noted. On both of these fronts, Facebook delivered. On the other hand, Snap is a VC-backed company thats still losing money, Scherer pointed out. Some might say that this IPO is the best way for the private equity companies to get their money back before its too late. An IPO often is inevitable for two reasons, according to a McKinsey report published this spring. First, a company might be forced to go public if it should exceed the maximum number of 2,000 shareholders allowed as a private entity. Second, it might face pressure from shareholders seeking liquidity. IPOs can be effective strategic tools to accelerate growth, the McKinsey report notes. An IPO can provide financing to scale up a business, improve brand credibility, and attract and retain key talent. Assessing Snaps Worth More than 100 million people were accessing Snapchat daily as of this June, according to a Mediakix report, and 8 million videos were published daily on the app. Among the reports other findings: More than 60 percent of smartphone users in the United States aged 13 to 34 used Snapchat in June; Seven out of 10 users were millennials; 85 percent of Snapchats monthly U.S. users were between 13 and 34 years old; More than 50 percent of new users were 25 years or older; The percentage growth of those 35 years and older was greater than the penetration rate for 18-to-24 year-olds; More than half of Snapchats users were on the platform daily; 30 percent of teen users considered Snapchat their most important social network; and 60 percent of college-student users said they would purchase from a brand if sent a coupon on Snapchat. All that translates to a great demographic for advertisers, so Snapchat in essence is selling its future promise. Snapchat earlier this year announced Snapchat Partners, its long-awaited ad API that allows third parties to sell ad space on its app. It launched a pilot run with 10 brands. Snap expanded its pilot to more companies this summer. Bad Timing Still, this is an ugly time to file an IPO, according to Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group, because of Brexit and the U.S. presidential elections. Both are likely to cause a lot of fallout, he told the E-Commerce Times, and the market might not settle until 2018. A successful IPO would likely uplift the social media segment if it wasnt offset by a problem, say Twitters failure, in the same period, Enderle suggested. Theres too much volatility in the market right now, he said. Any IPO is a crap shoot, but social media properties, thanks largely to Twitter, are at even greater risk. 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The issue was particularly pertinent for the host country, Pakistan, where 94 per cent of water withdrawals are for use in agriculture. Since last Thursdays violent police raid, which established a militarized zone around Dakota Access Pipeline construction areas, the Morton County Sheriff and supporting agencies have fanned out into the area surrounding the Oceti Sakowin camp. [facebook https://www.facebook.com/EcoWatch/videos/1333980263281574/ expand=1] Groups of police vehicles have parked in several areas to monitor the activity at the camp. One such area is a hill behind the main resistance camp, directly across part of the Cannonball river, known as Cantapeta Creek. The original people of the area describe this hill as a sacred site, one that contains ancient burial grounds, which police are desecrating by parking their vehicles on it. On Wednesday morning, a group of water protectors attempted to cross the Cannonball to establish a prayer camp on the sacred hill near Cantapeta Creek. They built a wooden footbridge so that people could cross the water. Law enforcement responded to the footbridge by firing less-lethal projectiles at people attempting to cross. SWAT officers in a boat tore the footbridge away with rope. NEW VIDEO: Police used chemical weapons & fired less-lethal rounds at unarmed #NoDAPL water protectors. Triage overflowing ~100 injured. pic.twitter.com/eufN4GvATk Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 2, 2016 Several people, including a journalist, said they were shot in the back by police with less-lethal rounds at point blank range. I was just shot. Militarized police fired at me from pointblank range with a rubber bullet at #StandingRock. #NoDAPL https://t.co/hUXigAF6u4 pic.twitter.com/Kygia3xIEp Erin Schrode (@ErinSchrode) November 2, 2016 Medics reported that some of these individuals were coughing up blood from internal bleeding. After the footbridge was broken up by police, people remained in the water on the shore of the sacred site. Morton County Sheriff, North Dakota Highway Patrol and unidentified out-of-state law enforcement personnel repeatedly used chemical weapons (pepper spray, OC gas and what we believe was a concussion grenade) on the water protectors who simply stayed standing or sitting in the river. More chemical weapons deployed directly into the Cannonball river by North Dakota law enforcement protecting DAPL land seizure. #NoDAPL pic.twitter.com/RnXNXNlhLB Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 2, 2016 A boat with several heavily armed SWAT officers repeatedly tried to maneuver behind the group of water protectors near the shore. Water protectors used logs and rope to prevent their advance, and ferried people and supplies back and forth across the water using rope lines attached to canoes. SWAT in boats, unknown out-of-state police & chemical weapons deployed against #NoDAPL water protectors swimming across Cannonball river pic.twitter.com/fhgoPShUaX Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 2, 2016 Law enforcement who were occupying the sacred site repeatedly threatened water protectors with arrest and said that the Army Corps of Engineers had authorized them to make arrests on Army Corps land. Unicorn Riot has reached out to both the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Justice to confirm or deny this claim by Morton County and as of yet have received no answer. Eventually, all the water protectors returned to the Oceti Sakowin camp side of the river without arrest. One person was later reported to have been arrested on conspiracy charges for transporting canoes around the time of the river crossing. After all water protectors had left the river, drummers led many back to camp while others stayed behind to re-gather #NoDAPL supplies. pic.twitter.com/ECjOOIvCT0 Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) November 2, 2016 On Tuesday, when asked about the Dakota Access Pipeline, President Obama said in an interview with Now This, that, Were gonna let it play out for several more few weeks and mentioned that the Army Corps of Engineers may consider re-routing the pipeline. In the meantime, the Dakota Access Pipeline continues to aggressively build, guarded by large force of private mercenaries as well as local and state police, including dozens from surrounding states. On Tuesday, an emergency commission met in the office of North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple and voted to borrow an additional $4 million to fund law enforcement deployments to protect the Dakota Access Pipeline against water protectors, saying that the original $6 million in funding had run out. This brings the total line of credit extended to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services to $10 million. Officials say at least $8 million in costs have been incurred so far. Reposted with permission from our media associate Unicorn Riot. By Erin Schrode I never wanted to be a politician. I am an activist, an educator, a social entrepreneura citizen who is committed to environmental action, public health and equal justice. Erin Schrode is running for United States Congress to represent Californias District 2. Photo credit: Erin Schrode Grassroots community organizing is hardwired into my DNA, nurtured by a cadre of doers in Marin County, California. When it was revealed that Marin despite its unparalleled natural beauty, high concentration of organic farms and protected lands had the highest breast, prostate and melanoma cancer rates in the world, my mother sprung into action. As a young girl, I watched her deftly orchestrate her first campaign to unite boots-on-the-ground vigor, compelling storytelling and sound scientific research. The question was clear: Why had cancer rates skyrocketed? Why? Why gets to the root causes of an issue, rather than address supposed symptoms, which can be more costly, dangerous and short-lived. Why, then, am I running today? Broken policy is failing us all, as fear and vitriol permeate politics. I can no longer watch as partisan gridlock threatens our future and that of communities around the country. We need commonsense reformand we need it en masse, yesterday. Clean water is a human right. Women add value to society. Mental health is a veritable illness. Black lives matter. Affordable healthcare helps families. Education can be an economic engine. Its time to deliver on the promise of my generation. Amid a massive demographic shift and immersed in culture of innovation, my digital native peers are rising to positions of leadership, shaping social norms and revolutionizing every vertical. From media to agriculture to infrastructure, no industry will remain untouched by technological advancements. Most create new business models or lead cutting edge non-profit work to affect positive change, deliberately working around the political arena. In addition to passion and energy, we ask different questions and prioritize collaborative solutions. Not daunted by failure, beholden to special interests or settled in the status quo, we seize the moment to take informed risks bringing to the table a wild range of experience, diverse skill set and nuanced fresh perspective. I seek to redefine civic engagement, reinvigorate a culture of public service, expand the definition of who can be a politician and infuse meaning into the very act of running. Call me crazy, but I still believe in the institution of government. We have the knowhow and tools to shape a future we are proud of, in terms of global and environmental health, learning and work, and human rights domestically and abroadand cannot afford to wait. It is not enough to mitigate further environmental degradation. We must employ new and existing technologies to reverse damage, plan for increasingly common climate-related disasters or hazards and ensure sustainable resource management, responsible consumption and businesses that deliver profit on financial, ecological and social levels. Without an environment, there can be no justice. We are all entitled to take a deep breath and sip clean water and should be able to trust our leaders to defend those rights. Our health and safety is tied to that of our planet. We both benefit and pay the price of mismanagement and destruction of the commons. It is not enough to denounce the current education system.We need a new, dynamic approach to learning and working. The antiquated frameworks of schools and jobs fail amid todays changing landscape. Students of all ages need access to relevant, fluid curriculum that fosters creativity, imparts transferable skills and sparks entrepreneurship. Crippling debt thwarts growth, hinders independence and burdens families. Loan forgiveness for hardworking citizens is essential, as is remedial training for professional pivots when current jobs disappear. You once got an education in order to earn a livelihood. Now we struggle to earn a livelihood to pay off loans from graduation. Education is not only the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world, but also the basis for personal and global growth, prosperity and progress. We must prepare our people for the future of work and solidify the pipeline to fair wage employment. It is not enough to lament the lack of inclusion or imbalance in access. We need all segments of the population granted equal opportunity and encouraged to develop competitive skills, which provides an actual chance to contribute and succeed. Discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion and ethnicity must stop. Progressive female voices equate to progressive policieson equal pay, childcare, paid leave and reproductive health, as well as immigration, criminal justice, guns and foreign policy. Empowering women and girls, respecting underrepresented populations and fighting for reduced inequality is not a choice, but a moral imperative with lasting positive impacts. Eco awareness illuminates interdependence to inform decision-making. Knowledge allows for improved systems, institutions and quality of life. Unique perspectives offer wider frames of reference to improve policy and our cultural fabric. I believe that democracy should be representative, but 51 percent of our population is women and 35 percent of our population is under 30, yet there has NEVER been a woman under 30 elected to United States Congress. We need diversity and representation in a democracy, people who have the courage to challenge convention and establishment with new ideas, energy and integrity. Millennial and female participation will shape the nation. Progressive thinkers are disrupting with intention. Historically marginalized voices are uniting in chorus. The largest voting demographic of present and future will not stop short of change. The best qualified person is not necessarily an older, white male. We must stop making that the default, for young does not mean less capable of critical thought. Our Constitution was written by people without grand accomplishments, individuals like you and me who shared a vision. My generation is better connected, well-informed, and more open to debate than ever before all of which leads to stronger, practical solutions. By harnessing the power of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and collaboration across silos, our world can be more just, connected and equitable; our business more competitive, prosperous and open; our infrastructure more environmentally-sound, capable and durable; and our government more effective, efficient and transparent. A country where a young woman is dissuaded from running for office because she is young or because she is a woman is not one in which I desire to live. May we truly be of the people (representative of the electorate), by the people (with ongoing accountability, not only at election time) and for the people (not for lobbyists or donors) where all are encouraged to add value to society by running and serving. If I were to listen to political pragmatists, I would never take this step, particularly at 24-years-old. I do not have tens of thousands of dollars in the bank or family wealth, have not spent decades in law or business, dont self-edit to put forth an image of some squeaky clean conservative life and was never president of any young political organization. But doom is not an element of this campaign, nor is any notion of entitlement. Change will not roll in on the heels of inevitability, as Martin Luther King Jr. so wisely told us. If we want to build a new paradigm, we need people to be brave and actively choose a lesser worn path, but one with rich possibility. Think: how can we create a country of togetherness, inclusion and love, rather than send a message of division, hatred and fear? How can we elevate discourse? How can we drive real policy reform that is felt in the day-to-day? Once upon a time, a young girl was born in Northern California. Her parents, of different faiths, divorced when she was but a year old, yet remained fiercely committed to their only child, each working multiple jobs to provide her with healthy food and a safe home, the priorities of so many mothers and fathers across America. With the help of scholarships, she attended schools that challenged her to think critically and to dream. She went on to co-found a non-profit, focus on youth and environmental issues, fight for equity and access, raise up the importance of humanity and dignity, work in disaster and conflict zones, urge corporations toward better practices and gain invaluable experience in dozens of nations around the world. An informed global citizen who has forged an unconventional path, she has now returned home to take responsibility for her corner of the world. Four weeks ago, I gave a speech in my hometown in Northern California, the through line of which was if not Marin, where? My surroundings have fundamentally shaped my personal identity, career path and values. The region where I live is world renown as an incubator, catalyst and pioneer. Last week, I announced my run for United States Congress to represent Californias District 2. This is about purpose, not position and I have dedicated my life to civic dialogue and action, a fervor which will not cease. I believe that moral authority can carry more weight than formal authority, for one should earn respect and trust for expertise, integrity and judgmentbased upon behavior and track-recordrather than assume or be allotted a title. But when too many of us are being ignored, excluded and discriminated against, it is our time to not only mobilize on the streets of our hometowns, but also in Washington. This is about peoplefor there is nothing that we, as committed citizens, cannot accomplish together. How exciting is that? I am honored to embark on this next chapter of service, to learn from, share with and co-create around messages with relevance and accessibility that are actionable. The issues matterand I look forward to earning your vote, as we unite to deliver for all who have come before us, all who walk beside us, and all who are yet to come in Northern California and beyond. I have faith in humanity. I trust in the power of community. And I maintain hope in the promise of our generation and nation. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE Worlds First Plastic Fishing Company Wants to Rid the Oceans of Plastic Pollution Elon Musk Unveils Tesla Model 3: Accelerating Sustainable Transport Is Important for the Future of the World Stanford Scientists Find Fracking Linked to Groundwater Contamination in Pavillion, Wyoming This Must-See Documentary Shows the Future of Solar Power Is Here Today Elon Musk doesnt just want to put solar tiles on top of your house, he also wants to put them on top of your car. According to Futurism, shortly after the enigmatic Tesla CEO unveiled his companys latest twist on rooftop solarglass tiles integrated with solar cellshe said on a Tuesday conference call that the technology will also be used for the Model 3, the companys mass market electric sedan. It is using a lot of techniques used in automotive glass business. In case it wasnt obvious with the announcement, Tesla has created a glass technology groupwith some really phenomenal people, Musk said on the call, basically confirming Teslas top secret glass division. The Model 3s all-glass roof not only allows for more headroom, its integrated solar cells also generate heat and energy. Tesla Electrek reported that Musk will be producing Tesla Glass in volume since it is fairly cheap, so it makes sense to it use extensively. The publication also noted that one member of the Tesla Glass group is director Mike Pilliod, a former materials engineer for Apple who was behind innovations like the glass touchscreen. While Musk didnt give specific details about how the solar glass would work on a car, he later tweeted that the tiles would feature heating elements that can defrost a windshield or melt snow on the car roof all while generating energy at the same time. Solar glass tiles can also incorporate heating elements, like rear defroster on a car, to clear roof of snow and keep generating energy Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 29, 2016 When asked by a Twitter user whether the tiles would be working overtime as a defroster and a generator, Musk replied that the process will be strongly net positive, or that it will use minimal energy. strongly net positive Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 29, 2016 Musk has long advocated for a sustainable transportation future, and is trying to do this with his proposed acquisition of sister company SolarCity. As if he wasnt already all over the place, Musk made an appearance in Leonardo DiCaprios new climate change documentary Before The Flood, and told the actor and environmental activist how we must transition from dirty energy. The fossil fuel industry is the biggest industry in the world, Musk told DiCaprio on the floor of his Nevada Gigafactory. They have more money and more influence than any other sector. The more that there can be a sort of popular uprising against that, the better, but I think the scientific fact of the matter is we are unavoidably headed towards some level of harm. The vision behind the massive battery factory is to help the world transition to sustainable energy. In a blog post on Tuesday, the Tesla team elaborated on its mission of creating the worlds only integrated sustainable energy company, from energy generation to storage to transportation. This is our vision for the futureone that is sustainable, less expensive and just better, the post states. We hope you agree that this is a future we should all want. Germany will soon launch the world first hydrogen-powered, zero-emission passenger train. The Coradia iLint, developed by French rail transport company Alstom, was presented last month at InnoTrans, the railway industrys largest trade fair. The hydrogen, aka hydrail, train is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and emits nothing but steam and condensed water, making it a much quieter and eco-friendly alternative to the 4,000 diesel trains currently in circulation in the country, according to a company press release. The train claims speeds of up to 87 miles per hour and a hydrogen storage capacity for a 497-mile range. Excess energy is stored with onboard lithium batteries. As CityLab pointed out, the trains fuel source is effectively carbon neutral since the hydrogen used by the train actually came from waste byproducts from the chemical industry and other manufacturers. Typically, this hydrogen is simply burned, so using it to power trains would not place any new, additional burden on the environment, CityLab wrote. Admittedly, the production of such chemicals is itself not always carbon-neutral, but given that these substances are already being manufactured, the train project will at least ensure that this process is more productive. Alstom Twitter According to German publication Die Welt, testing will be carried out by the end of the year. Pending successful results, the 300-passenger train will be open for the public on the Buxtehude-Bremervorde-Bremerhaven-Cuxhaven line in the German state of Lower Saxony in December 2017. Its likely that other German states will host these trains. Letters of intent to use the model were also signed back in 2014 with North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Wurttemberg and the Public Transportation Authorities of Hesse. Netherlands, Denmark and Norway have expressed interest in the trains as well, the Independent reported. Alstom is proud to launch a breakthrough innovation in the field of clean transportation which will complete its Coradia range of regional trains. It shows our ability to work in close collaboration with our customers and develop a train in only two years, said Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Alstom chairman and CEO in a statement. Watch here to learn more about the Coradia iLinit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3bUE9uHkqM (Photo: Peter Kenny)Women's praying area to the right of that for men at the Western Wall in Jerusalem Feb. 11, 2016. Tussles broke out at the Western Wall on Nov. 2, during the first of a series of events planned by liberal Jewish groups for a day in protest of ongoing restrictions on non-Orthodox worship at the foot of Judaism's holiest site. Video footage appeared to show at least 100 people joining the march and prayer service. The Times of Israel reported. The Israeli Reform movement said in a press release that "dozens" of Torah scrolls were carried into the women's section. Security guards from the Western Wall Heritage Foundation tried to forcibly prevent the protest prayer group of some 200 people from entering the main site with the Torah scrolls, but were unable to hold back the momentum of the crowd, the Jerusalem Post reported. The demonstration had been called over the failure of the Israeli government to provide a promised egalitarian prayer space at the Western Wall, which was agreed in January after three years of negotiations. Before Wednesday's protest the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, accused by protesters of reneging on a commitment to regularize a liberalized prayer space, called on Jews living outside Israel to show "patience and tolerance" over the issue, The Guardian reported. "We have one people and one wall it's our wall," he said. "The less publicly we talk about it, the better chance we have to resolve it. The last thing we need is more friction, as that will make a solution more difficult." The prayer and protest came at the start of the new month on the Hebrew calendar, a day after Netanyahu urged liberal Jewish movements to refrain from voicing protest over the enduring status quo on worship at the Western Wall. Social media video showed scuffles as some ultra-Orthodox onlookers and Western Wall officials lunged for the Torah scrolls carried by the protesters and attempted to physically bar them from entering the prayer area. Anat Hoffman, chair of Women of the Wall, a group campaigning for pluralistic prayer services at the holy site, was elated at her group's success at holding its morning prayers at the Wall, said The Ttimes of Israel. "I feel this day is Simhat Torah, a little late," she told Israel Radio. Simhat Torah is a holiday that celebrates the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings. It fell on October 24 this year. "For the first time in history," Hoffman added, "a Torah scroll is in the women's section. It's a historic day. Every day, women should be allowed to read from the Torah if they're interested. And at bat mitzvot. The time has come." While segregation of the sexes during prayer is long established within the Orthodox tradition, Conservative, Reform and other liberal forms of Judaism allow men and women to pray together. Members of the Women of the Wall carry a Torah scroll after prayers in the women's section of the Western Wall. HARRISBURG State lawmakers on Monday moved closer to an election season showdown with Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf over a bill designed to make it easier for gun owners and organizations like the National Rifle Association to challenge cities firearms ordinances in court. The Republican-controlled state Senate approved the bill, 30-19, in an effort to revive a law thrown out by the state Supreme Court in June on technical grounds. The heaviest opposition came from urban and suburban lawmakers in Philadelphia and its suburbs. Approval from the Republican-controlled state House is still required, but Wolf has said he opposes the bill and the Senate did not muster a veto-proof two-thirds majority to pass it. Then-Republican Gov. Tom Corbett signed the original law in 2014, and the NRAs lobbying arm at the time called it the strongest firearms pre-emption statute in the country. Wolfs press secretary Jeff Sheridan said in a one-sentence statement Wolf does not believe the state should be taking away a municipalitys right to pass its own gun ordinance. In general, Pennsylvania bars its municipalities from enforcing firearms ordinances that are stronger than state law. But gun rights proponents complain that courts throw out legal challenges by plaintiffs who cannot prove that a firearms ordinance harmed them, leaving dozens on the books and unchallenged. Under the bill, the definition of who has standing to file legal challenges to local gun ordinances would expand to include any gun owner or membership organization, such as the NRA. All but four Republicans supported it, including leaders of the Senates Republican majority, while all but four Democrats opposed it. After the first law took effect in January 2015, the NRA seized on it to challenge gun measures in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Lancaster. Harrisburg also fought a lawsuit, while other municipalities repealed their gun laws rather than face lawsuits. Several Democratic lawmakers sued, along with Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Lancaster. The justices permanently blocked the measure, agreeing with a lower courts ruling that packaging the measure into a bill on criminal penalties for theft of secondary metals, like wire or cable, violated a constitutional requirement that bills must be confined to one subject. New Products Date: 03/11/2016 MCU with IEEE 802.15.4 and Bluetooth LE target mutiple IoT apps NXP semiconductors new Kinetis KW41Z wireless microcontroller trigger the trend of using multi-protocol wireless MCUs in the embedded IoT market. The use of IEEE 802.15.4 and Bluetooth low energy v4.2 is becoming essential for the latest IoT applications such as smart homes, building automation, medical electronics, wearable devices and to some extent in devices such as computer keyboards, mouse, gaming controllers. It can even be extended to security systems which can be part of your smart home systems. IEEE 802.15.4 standard is the latest physical layer and media access control specifications for low-rate wireless personal area networks (LR-WPANs). IEEE 802.15 is referred as basis for the ZigBee, ISA100.11a, WirelessHART, MiWi, and Thread short range wireless data communication specs. There are a wide range of applications where both LR-WPAN and Bluetooth are required. This device KW41Z Kinetis microcontrollers from NXP semiconductors addresses this requirement by having both the transceivers in a single chip. The Bluetooth part of the IP is from India based design service company Mindtree. Mindtrees BlueLitE, Bluetooth Smart Semiconductor IP is incorporated into this latest Kinetis KW41Z MCU. BlueLitE from Mindtree is designed to take lesser footprint and lesser power consumption. BlueLitE supports optional features of the of the Bluetooth low energy specifications making it versatile and targeting multiple industry segments. BlueLite also integrates advanced power management features and can be portable across multiple MCU architectures and different RF interfaces and OS. The KW41Z has 2.4 GHz transceiver supporting FSK/GFSK and O-QPSK modulations powered by ARM Cortex-M0+ CPU with 512 KB Flash and up to 128 KB SRAM. It also has 802.15.4 packet processor, hardware security and peripherals. The security features available in MCU include AES 128 and true random number generator. It also has analog support of 16-bit ADC and 12-bit DAC. The communication interfaces include 2 I2C, 2 SPI and Low power UART. To know further on this KW41Z visit the NXP website: http://www.nxp.com/products/microcontrollers-and-processors/arm-processors/kinetis-cortex-m-mcus/w-series-wireless-m0-plus-m4/kinetis-kw41z-2.4-ghz-dual-mode-ble-and-802.15.4-wireless-radio-microcontroller-mcu-based-on-arm-cortex-m0-plus-core:KW41Z Tweet Follow @eeherald David Watkins had never spoken of it before in public. The emotional scars he carried from the Vietnam War were buried deep for years as memories he only shared with his wife and fellow veterans. Yet when the call came, he agreed to tell his story as one of 50 veterans profiled over the past year in the Voices of Service series published in The Sentinel newspaper. The series will end next Saturday, Nov. 12. It was a healing experience, said Watkins recalling his interview with Jeffrey Hawks, education director of the Army Heritage Center Foundation. Hawks was the chief content writer for the foundation, which shared the responsibility of writing the stories with The Sentinel staff. While Hawks focused on Army veterans, the newspaper sought out the first-hand accounts of veterans from the other service branches. It was very emotional, Watkins said. But Ive learned over the last 15 years the more I talk about it, the easier it is for me to lay it down and yet it is so hard to talk about it. I did not ask to be in Vietnam, he added. But I had a grandfather who served during World War I. I had a father who served in World War II. I had uncles who served in Korea. What am I going to say? No, Im not going to go. I love my country and I would go again for my country. Watkins was among the Vietnam veterans honored Wednesday during a reception at the Carlisle Regional Medical Center, which had sponsored the Voices of Service series with the newspaper and the foundation. Each veteran was given a commemorative pin in salute of the 50th anniversary of the war that defined a generation. It was a conflict ever present on TV news shows that Sentinel publisher Gary Adkisson used to watch growing up as the son of a Baptist minister. I did not serve in Vietnam, he told the veterans Wednesday. But my life was impacted at different stages by stories of service and by people who gave the ultimate for our country. Adkisson recalled a memory from when he was a 9-year-old boy living in California. His father had been summoned to the home of a family friend where Adkisson played with the other children outside. Years later Adkisson learned his purpose for being there that day was to distract the other children while the adults grappled with the emotion of loss. The family had just been told their son had died in Vietnam. Fast forward to a few weeks after Adkisson had graduated from high school in Jackson, Missouri. It was June 16, 1975 his 18th birthday and Adkisson felt duty bound to report to the courthouse in nearby Cape Girardeau. He admits he was not as well informed. I was nervous. I was sweaty. My heart was pounding, Adkisson recalled. This was the big moment when I had to register for the draft. When I finally found the office where I needed to go, the lady told me Honey, the draft ended almost two years ago. I was relieved. I ran out of the place and hopped in my car. We hear how World War II veterans are referred to as the Greatest Generation, Adkisson said during an interview earlier in the day. My father-in-law was one of them. I have the greatest respect for those people, but I think we have under-valued what other service people have done. The guys who served in Vietnam were no less noble, valiant or heroic. Seated among the honored veterans was Tom Foor who was in the Army artillery in Vietnam from December 1968 to December 1969. Though it was emotionally draining for him to share his memories, he thought the series was a good idea. Everyone needs to tell their story and point out the problems that we had being over there, Foor said. It was not all guts and glory. It was not all worth it. Too many guys lost their lives and look at what has happened since then, but I would not trade the memories for a million dollars. I served with a lot of good men. Gregory Pace of South Middleton Township was a Navy corpsman assigned to render medical aid to Marines in the field. I thought the series was done very well, Pace said. I read all the articles every Saturday. Its about time Vietnam veterans get recognized for what they did. It seems that they were ignored in that time in history. With all the demonstrations going on in the U.S., it just sort of got pushed aside. Periodically over the course of three years, Air Force veteran Don Bruce flew aerial refueling missions in a KC-135 tanker plane in support of fighter missions over Vietnam. The stories gave the public a better perspective of the Vietnam experience, Bruce said Wednesday. Back then, nobody cared so much for the veterans. You were almost reluctant to wear your uniform in public places. But people have come to appreciate that it was not the military, it was the civilian leadership that was mishandling the war. The veterans Jeffrey Hawks interviewed included an Army nurse, intelligence specialists, military advisers and helicopter pilots. Their experiences ranged from the beginning of the war to the middle stage, when US forces were ramping up, to the end. The list of veterans profiled in the series included draftees, career military and those who enlisted to carry on a family tradition of service or because they had surrendered to the inevitable. While every story was unique, Hawks and The Sentinel staff encountered several overarching themes. There was a general pride in service to country. There was a dedication to the job at hand. There was the feeling that while not everyone served in combat, everyone was pulling together to do their part. All service is honorable, Hawks said. Everybody made their contribution. It was an honor and privilege to meet so many veterans and to help them share their stories. The sheer number of those not willing or able to share really demonstrates that the story of Vietnam is still largely untold. David Steitz also spoke during the reception as the chief executive officer of the Carlisle Regional Medical Center. When he was approached by The Sentinel to sponsor the series, he thought it was a great idea. We know how important the military is to this community, Steitz said. We want to keep that in the forefront of everybody and to celebrate all of our veterans here in the Cumberland County area. The word of the weekend was protocol. In deciding to tell Congress about a new trove of emails that may or may not contain classified information and may or may not relate to Hillary Clinton, FBI Director James Comey broke Justice Department protocol both by releasing information close to an election and by revealing details of an ongoing investigation. It was a stunning breach of protocol, former Attorney General Eric Holder dutifully insisted. Tim Kaine invoked protocol more than a half-dozen times Sunday in his interview with ABCs George Stephanopoulos. It is just extremely puzzling, the Democratic vice presidential nominee said. Why would you break these two protocols? Puzzled was the runner-up word of the weekend; Kaine used it repeatedly, as did Clintons campaign manager Robby Mook. We are so puzzled right now, Mook told NBCs Chuck Todd. Well, lets try to solve this riddle. Comeys regrettable decision is much easier to understand once you realize it is one small piece of the larger puzzle. He made a bad choice though probably the least bad choice of those available to him precisely because all of the relevant actors in this sordid mess have been breaking protocol for years. Clinton broke all kinds of protocol by setting up her stealth server and then lying about it not only in public but also, I would argue, to Congress. She broke protocol when her aides smashed phones with a hammer and erased emails official government records after they were subject to a congressional subpoena. Bill Clinton broke protocol when he met with Attorney General Loretta Lynch in secret while his wife was still under investigation by the FBI. Lynch, smarting from her breach of protocol with the former president, widened the breach by refusing to recuse herself and investing instead in the FBI director the authority to decide whether or not to prosecute Hillary Clinton. President Obama broke protocol when he told 60 Minutes that Clinton with whom he had corresponded over an unsecure email channel did nothing to endanger national security long before the investigation was even concluded. And, of course, the Democratic Party broke not a formal protocol but one hell of a rule of thumb by nominating a woman who carries more baggage than the cargo hold of the Queen Mary. There is a very good argument I would say, an irrefutable argument that Comey should never have pronounced that the Clinton emails investigation was closed (in fact, it would have been appropriate if he had made no public statement about the investigation at all), Andrew McCarthy, a former federal prosecutor, writes in National Review. But having made that pronouncement which, again, Mrs. Clinton was thankful to have and which she has ceaselessly exploited he was obliged by law-enforcement principles to amend it when it was no longer true. And that gets to the heart of it. Comey by his own hand, as well as with the encouragement of the Obama administration, the media and the Clinton Industrial Complex, found himself perched atop an enormous mountain of crap. Any effort to get off the fetid summit was bound to leave him soiled. That is what Clintons do. They do not care about the breach of protocol, only the reach of protocol. Everyone should be sticklers for the rules, except the Clintons and their henchmen. That was the story of the Bill Clinton administration, from the firing of the White House travel office through the numerous money-raising scandals, the impeachment drama and the presidents disastrous last-minute pardons. They force their allies to sell off bits and pieces of their credibility defending the indefensible, while insisting their critics are the only ones with bad motives. Already, the word has gone forth that Comeys reputation must be destroyed to protect whats left of Clintons, even though she is the author of her own travails. We knew it was coming when Clinton said Friday night that Comey sent his letter to the Republican members of the House. That was a distortion. He sent it to the relevant chairs, plus the relevant ranking Democrats. But that is standard protocol in Clinton world: Destroy the messenger. Union Government appoints Bindheswar Pathak as brand ambassador of Swachh Rail Mission Published: November 3, 2016 The Union Ministry of Railways has appointed Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak (73), the founder of Sulabh International as a Brand Ambassador for Swachh Rail Mission of Indian Railway. Indian Railways had tied up with Sulabh International to clean some important railway stations across the country as part of the mission with an aim to promote cleanliness at rail premises/ As a pilot project, Sulabh International had started cleaning and maintenance of five important railway stations Gorakhpur, Old Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Gwalior from September 2016. About Bindheswar Pathak Born on April 2, 1943 in Rampur, Bihar. He is sociologist and founder of Sulabh International. His work is considered pioneering in social reform, especially in the field of sanitation and hygiene. He received various national and international awards for his work with this organization. Sulabh International: It is a social service organization which works to promote environmental sanitation, human rights, non-conventional sources of energy, waste management and social reforms through education. Month: Current Affairs - November, 2016 Topics: Bindheswar Pathak National Persons in News Swachh Rail Mission Latest E-Books My sefer Yad Moshe has been unavailable in seforim stores. However it was recently reprinted and shipped to New York There are two distrubu... Netziv (Shemos 34:10) We need to explicate the manner of Divine Providence. There are two types which four. 1) there are two by means of ... Rashbam (Shemos 4:10): It is inconceivable that a prophet who spoke with G d face to face and received the Torah from Him should have a sp... Shemos Rabbah (52:03) The story is told of R. Simeon b. Halafta, that he once came home just before the Sabbath and found that he had no fo... Important!! email - yadmoshe@gmail.com After an intense season 4, "Orange Is The New Black" will be back with a bang for Season 5. Rumors are circulating that a war might happen inside Litchfield Prison and a major character might not survive in the end. According to GameNGuide, the war might be the result of Poussey's (Samira Wiley) death. Taystee (Danielle Brooks) won't be taking her death lightly and there is a huge chance that she will do everything in her power to avenge her friend's death. Brooks revealed in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter that there will be a war inside the prison when "Orange Is The New Black" returns for Season 5. She added that her character will not sit down and do nothing while life inside the prison continues just like nothing has happened. She is also mad at Caputo (Nick Sandow) for not honoring Poussey's death. Christian Daily reported that the upcoming war might have a number of casualties and that will include Piper (Taylor Schilling). There were rumors that she will die in the hands of her ex-lover Alex (Laura Prepon) while others claim that she will die in the hands of Stella (Ruby Rose).Stella was sent to maximum security prison because of Piper. There were speculations that claim that Stella might be plotting revenge against Piper. Schilling mentioned in an earlier interview that things will be difficult for Piper in the upcoming "Orange Is The New Black" Season 5. Fans will have to wait and see if Piper will survive all the challenges that come her way in the new season. Elsewhere, there will also be rough times for the other prisoners as Dayanara (Dasha Poland) may face an unfortunate situation in Season 5. Based on how Season 4 ended, she was seen holding a gun oven a correctional officer. The consequences of her actions will be seen in the new season. As of writing Netflix is yet to release the official release date of "Orange Is The New Black" Season 5 but it is expected to be available for streaming sometime next year. Looks like Anna Duggar and Josh Duggar might be the latest addition to the ever-growing list of 2016 breakups. In Touch reports that Anna, 28, has had enough of her husband and is visiting a divorce lawyer in the next few weeks to get papers drawn up for a divorce. While she stuck with him through every scandal thus far, now is prime time to finally leave. "New friends" have been reminding Anna that she's being used as "a puppet" on Counting On, being used to give Josh's image a bit of a much-needed boost. Sources say she'd be looking to have full custody of their four children and be with her family in Florida or her sister in Texas. Additionally, Josh is currently in the middle of a lawsuit for using photos of photographer and DJ Matthew McCarthy as his online dating profile photos, which could prove an opportune moment for Anna and her divorce filings. In perhaps one of the most ironic moments of the 2016 election season, Melania Trump has given a speech in Pennsylvania encouraging voters to support her husband, by discussing the way social media has led to too much online bullying-something her husband has been known for. In the speech, the potential next FLOTUS said that social media has changed things, but sometimes it is done in a wrong way, and she called on everyone to start treating one another with more kind words and thoughts. "...As we know now social media is a centerpiece of our lives...technology has changed our universe, but like anything that is powerful it can have a bad side...as adults many of us are able to handle bad words...children and even teenagers can be fragile...they can be made to feel less in looks and intelligence...our culture has gotten too mean and too rough, especially to children and teenagers...We must treat each other with respect and kindness, even when we disagree," she said. Of course, the irony of her words aren't really lost on those who criticize her husband, who has made a case for himself when it comes to the very kinds of attacks on social media which his wife was speaking out against. Melania Trump: "We need to teach our youth values: kindness, honesty, respect, compassion, charity. Our culture has gotten too mean & rough" pic.twitter.com/L0ZRZNdBLe Scott Wooledge (@Clarknt67) November 3, 2016 How can anyone praise "Melania Trump", who condemns anonymous bullying, but stands by one of the most hateful & abusive trolls in the world? Ron Brynaert (@ronbryn) November 3, 2016 Melania Trump giving an anti-bullying speech is like a KKK member's wife speaking up against racism. Nasty Woman (@xplora) November 3, 2016 See 10 of Trump's biggest insults on Twitter below: .@secupp, who can't believe that her candidate has bombed so badly, is one of the dumber pundits on T.V. Hard to watch, zero talent! @CNN Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 10, 2015 Did Crooked Hillary help disgusting (check out sex tape and past) Alicia M become a U.S. citizen so she could use her in the debate? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2016 Word is that crying @GlennBeck left the GOP and doesn't have the right to vote in the Republican primary. Dumb as a rock. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 24, 2016 I hear that dopey political pundit, Lawrence O'Donnell, one of the dumber people on television, is about to lose his show-no ratings?Too bad Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 25, 2015 .@RichLowry is truly one of the dumbest of the talking heads - he doesn't have a clue! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 22, 2015 Just watched the very incompetent Mitt Romney Campaign Strategist, Stuart Stevens. Now I know why Mitt lost so badly. Stevens is a clown! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 23, 2016 .@GovernorPerry failed on the border. He should be forced to take an IQ test before being allowed to enter the GOP debate. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 16, 2015 .@JRubinBlogger one of the dumber bloggers @washingtonpost only writes purposely inaccurate pieces on me. She is in love with Marco Rubio? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 4, 2015 .@ariannahuff is unattractive both inside and out. I fully understand why her former husband left her for a man- he made a good decision. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 28, 2012 Catherine Rampell (link): Yesterday saw the release of a letter, signed by 370 economists, denouncing Donald Trump and his tendency to promote magical thinking and conspiracy theories over sober assessments of feasible economic policy options. Several weeks earlier, a group of 305 economists had signed a separate letter denouncing Hillary Clintons ill-advised economic agenda. I was curious about the overlap between these lists, and economists endorsements from prior elections. For example, how many of the 673 economists who endorsed Mitt Romney in 2012 were now turning against the 2016 Republican nominee? A few findings: Of the 673 economists who signed a letter endorsing Romney in 2012, about 200 have signed onto the anti-Clinton letter this time around. Of the 673 economists who endorsed Romney in 2012, exactly one signed yesterdays anti-Trump letter. That is Mario Rizzo, of New York University. In a separate letter signed only by Nobel laureates, however, Robert Lucas Jr. of the University of Chicago affirmatively endorsed Hillary Clinton; he had signed the pro-Romney letter in 2012. In August, the Wall Street Journal also reported on the candidate preferences of previous Council of Economic Advisers members. Several of those who said they oppose Trump had previously signed the 2012 pro-Romney letter (Martin Feldstein, William Poole, Jerry Jordan, Greg Mankiw). Thanks to readers who pointed out these omissions who hadnt been on the anti-Trump letter. Let me know if there are other prominent pro-Romney/anti-Trump names Ive missed, and Ill continue to update the post. There is also exactly one person who signed both the anti-Trump letter and the anti-Clinton letter this year. That is also Mario Rizzo, of New York University. ... By the way, Ive so far been unable to find a similar, comprehensive list of economists endorsing Barack Obama in 2012, so am unable to see how many Obama endorsers signed either the anti-Trump or anti-Clinton letters. ... In early October, the Mumbai High Court ruled that it is the duty of every company to ensure that proper safeguards are provided to protect women from sexual and other harassment at work. It is about time that every organization makes a list of dos and donts for male employees vis-a-vis their conduct towards women colleagues, said a bench, headed by Justice V M Kanade (Times of India 2016). The complainant had alleged that her superior had not only made sexual advances towards her but even threatened to scuttle her career growth, if she refused. The bench, however, held that the findings of the internal complaints committee (ICC) and disciplinary committee showed that they had examined all allegations and held the officer guilty of misconduct. The bench said sexual misconduct cannot be viewed casually and must be dealt with firmly and there should be an inbuilt internal mechanism so that instances of harassment can be conveyed confidentially to a senior woman officer. Internal committees should be constituted to ensure that such instances are nipped at the inception itself. It also pointed out that while Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act was passed in 2013, most firms have not set up complaints panels and must do so expeditiously (Times of India 2016). The right to liberty for Adivasi communities is expressed in terms of territoriality--homelands that could be mobile or fixed, which confer a particular identity on its people, enabling distinct livelihood practices. Relations of land have been at the core of the Adivasi engagement with the law and the Constitution--both in the case of the peasant and non-peasant communities-- engagements that have signalled major victories through taking struggles into courts of law. This paper explores the fields of constitutionalism and human rights with specific reference to tribes/Adivasis in India. In doing this, the attempt has been to trace some connections that emerge from collective engagements with the Constitution and law with respect to Adivasi rights in India. Popular sovereignty has given voice to practices of sustainability, environmental protection, the nurturing of ecological systems, traditional knowledge systems and the indispensable right "to stay put"--to refuse to move. : , 10 5 Younited Italia, Nicola Manzari e il nuovo Coo, Luca Faccini e Head of Growth e Domenico Petraroli e General Counsel In response to the increasing violence in West Aleppo over the past 72 hours, High Representative and Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides issued a joint statement calling for all sides to refrain from indiscriminate violence against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Both EU leaders reiterated that shelling civilian targets is unacceptable and, if proven deliberate, may constitute a war crime. Before the weekend, rebels attack to break the siege of Aleppo slowed down amid resistance from regime forces. The United Nations said it was appalled by the opposition forces fire on civilians. Rebels launched a major attack, backed by car bombs and rocket fire, to break through government lines and reach the 250,000 people besieged in the eastern part of the city. Any escalation of the conflict puts the lives of hundreds of thousands of Syrians in further danger and is hindering the efforts of the international community to provide humanitarian aid, as well as to support a political solution to the conflict, the statement says. Brussels says that stopping the violence and allowing humanitarian workers access to help the affected civilians is the priority in Aleppo and in the rest of Syria. The EU is working with the United Nations to let humanitarian aid inside Aleppo and to evacuate the sick and wounded. The EU is a major donor and a leader in the international response to the crisis. So far, EU28 have provided 5 billion for relief and recovery assistance to Syrians in the country and to refugees and their host communities in neighboring Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey and Egypt. Moreover, the EU has promised 3 billion at the Supporting Syria conference held in London in February 2016. Mrs Mogherini and Mr Stylianides also reminded that the civil war in Syria has no military solution and every escalation of the conflict only increases the suffering of the Syrian people. In order to receive a patent, the subject of the protection must be a human invention. Some want to change that and allow computers to receive patents. From the Science Daily story: 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. Baloney. If a computers programming is so sophisticated that it can invent, the patent should go to the copyrighted software designer or the owner of the machine. After all, it would be their inventions (or property) that actually enabled the patentable discovery to be made. Beyond that, allowing computers to receive patents would be destructive of human exceptionalism by transforming inanimate things owned objects, if you will into legally recognized subjects, perhaps even persons. Maintaining the strict requirement that only human beings can be granted a patent would maintain the important concept of human uniqueness, permit us to unleash all of the creative power of computing, and without transforming inanimate things into rights-possessing entities. Photo credit: Tomasz Zajda stock.adobe.com. Cross-posted at The Corner. Editors note: In celebration of the 20th anniversary of biochemist Michael Behes pathbreaking book Darwins Black Box and the release of the new documentary Revolutionary: Michael Behe and the Mystery of Molecular Machines, we are highlighting some of Behes greatest hits. The following was published by Discovery Institute on July 31, 2000. Remember to get your copy of Revolutionary now! See the trailer here. I. Summary Although several persons have cited numerous references from the scientific literature purporting to show that the problem of irreducible complexity I pointed out in Darwins Black Box is being seriously addressed, the references show no such thing. Invariably the cited papers or books either deal with non-irreducibly complex biochemical systems, or do not deal with them in enough detail for critical evaluation. I strongly emphasize, however, that I do not prefer it that way. I would sincerely welcome much more serious, sustained research in the area of irreducible complexity. I fully expect such research would heighten awareness of the difficulties of Darwinian evolution. II. Web Spinners The necessary starting point of Darwins Black Box was the contention that, despite the common assumption that natural selection accounts for adaptive complexity, the origins of many intricate cellular systems have not yet been explained in Darwinian terms. After all, if the systems have already been explained, then theres no need to write. While most scientist-reviewers disagreed (often emphatically) with my proposal of intelligent design, most also admitted to a lack of Darwinian explanations. For example, microbiologist James Shapiro of the University of Chicago declared in National Review that There are no detailed Darwinian accounts for the evolution of any fundamental biochemical or cellular system, only a variety of wishful speculations. (Shapiro 1996) In Nature University of Chicago evolutionary biologist Jerry Coyne stated, There is no doubt that the pathways described by Behe are dauntingly complex, and their evolution will be hard to unravel. . . . [W]e may forever be unable to envisage the first proto-pathways. (Coyne 1996) In a particularly scathing review in Trends in Ecology and Evolution Tom Cavalier-Smith, an evolutionary biologist at the University of British Columbia, nonetheless wrote, For none of the cases mentioned by Behe is there yet a comprehensive and detailed explanation of the probable steps in the evolution of the observed complexity. The problems have indeed been sorely neglected though Behe repeatedly exaggerates this neglect with such hyperboles as an eerie and complete silence.' (Cavalier-Smith 1997) Evolutionary biologist Andrew Pomiankowski agreed in New Scientist, Pick up any biochemistry textbook, and you will find perhaps two or three references to evolution. Turn to one of these and you will be lucky to find anything better than evolution selects the fittest molecules for their biological function.' (Pomiankowski 1996) In American Scientist Yale molecular biologist Robert Dorit averred, In a narrow sense, Behe is correct when he argues that we do not yet fully understand the evolution of the flagellar motor or the blood clotting cascade. (Dorit 1997) A prominent claim I made in Darwins Black Box is that, not only are irreducibly complex biochemical systems unexplained, there have been very few published attempts even to try to explain them. This contention has been vigorously disputed not so much by scientists in the relevant fields as by Darwinian enthusiasts on the Internet. Several web-savvy fans of natural selection have set up extensive, sophisticated sites that appear to receive a significant amount of notice. They influence college students, reporters, and, sometimes, academic reviewers of my book such as Cal State-Fullerton biochemist Bruce Weber, who lists the addresses of the websites in his review in Biology and Philosophy as summaries of the current research that Behe either missed or misrepresented (Weber 1999), and Oxford physical chemist Peter Atkins, who writes: Dr. Behe claims that science is largely silent on the details of molecular evolution, the emergence of complex biochemical pathways and processes that underlie the more traditional manifestations of evolution at the level of organisms. Tosh! There are hundreds, possibly thousands, of scientific papers that deal with this very subject. For an entry into this important and flourishing field, and an idea of the intense scientific effort that it represents (see the first link above) [sic]. (Atkins 1998) The link Atkins refers to is a website called Behes Empty Box that has been set up by a man named John Catalano, an admirer of Oxford biologist Richard Dawkins (his larger site is devoted to Dawkins work, schedule, etc.). The Empty Box site is, I think, actually a valuable resource, containing links to many reviews, comments and other material, both critical and favorable, related to my book. One subsection of the site is entitled Alive and Published, and contains citations to a large number of papers and books which Catalano believes belie my claim that There has never been a meeting, or a book, or a paper on details of the evolution of complex biochemical systems. (Behe 1996) (p. 179) The citations were solicited on the web from anyone who had a suggestion, and then compiled by Catalano. Something, however, seems to be amiss. The assertion here that very many papers have been published clashes with statements of the reviews I quoted earlier which say, for example, that The problems have indeed been sorely neglected. (Cavalier-Smith 1997) Would reviewers such as Jerry Coyne and Tom Cavalier-Smith both antagonistic to my proposal of intelligent design be unaware of the hundreds, possibly thousands, of scientific papers that deal with this very subject? Both claims that the problems have been neglected and that the problems are being actively investigated cannot be correct. Either one set of reviewers is wrong, or there is some confusion about which publications to count. Which is it? In the context of my book it is easy to realize that I meant there has been little work on the details of the evolution of irreducibly complex biochemical systems by Darwinian means. I had clearly noted that of course a large amount of work in many books and journals was done under the general topic of molecular evolution, but that, overwhelmingly, it was either limited to comparing sequences (which, again, does not concern the mechanism of evolution) or did not propose sufficiently detailed routes to justify a Darwinian conclusion. Yet the Catalano site lists virtually any work on evolution, whether it pertains to irreducible complexity or not. For example it lists semi-popular books such as Patterns in Evolution: The New Molecular View by Roger Lewin, and general textbooks on molecular evolution such as Molecular Evolution by Wen-Hsiung Li. Such books simply dont address the problems I raise. Molecular Evolution by Wen-Hsiung Li (Li 1997) is a fine textbook which does an admirable job of explicating current knowledge of how genes change with time. That knowledge, however, does not include how specific, irreducibly-complex biochemical systems were built. The text contains chapters on the molecular clock, molecular phylogenetics, and other topics which essentially are studies in comparing gene sequences. As I explained in Darwins Black Box, comparing sequences is interesting but cannot explain how molecular machines arose. Lis book also contains chapters on the mechanisms (such as gene duplication, domain shuffling, and concerted evolution of multigene families) that are thought to be involved in evolution at the molecular level. Again, however, no specific system is justified in Darwinian terms. Here is an illustration of the problem. Li spends several pages discussing domain shuffling in the proteins of the blood-clotting cascade (Li 1997). However, Li himself has not done work on understanding how the obstacles to the evolution of the clotting cascade may have been circumvented. Since those investigators who do work in that area have not yet published a detailed Darwinian pathway in the primary literature1, we can conclude that the answer will not be found in a more general text. We can further assume that the processes that text describes (gene duplication, etc.), although very significant, are not by themselves sufficient to understand how clotting, or by extension any complex biochemical system, may have arisen by Darwinian means. Catalanos site lists other books that I specifically discussed in Darwins Black Box, where I noted that, while they present mathematical models or brief general descriptions, they do not present detailed biochemical studies of specific irreducibly complex systems. (Gillespie 1991; Selander et al. 1991) There is no explanation on Catalanos website of why he thinks they address the questions I raised. The site also points to papers with intriguing titles, but which are studies in sequence analysis, such as Molecular evolution of the vertebrate immune system (Hughes and Yeager 1997) and Evolution of chordate actin genes: evidence from genomic organization and amino acid sequences. (Kusakabe et al. 1997) As I explained in Darwins Black Box, sequence studies by themselves cant answer the question of what the mechanism of evolution is. Catalanos compendium also contains citations to papers concerning the evolution of non-irreducibly complex systems, such as hemoglobin and metabolic pathways, which I specifically said may have evolved by natural selection. (Behe 1996) (pp. 150-151; 206-207) III. Equivocal Terms Another website that has drawn attention (as evidenced from the inquiries I receive soliciting my reaction to it) is authored by David Ussery (Ussery 1999), associate research professor of biotechnology at The Technical University of Denmark. One of his main goals is to refute my claim concerning the dearth of literature investigating the evolution of irreducibly complex systems. For example, in a section on intracellular vesicular transport he notes that I stated in Darwins Black Box that a search of a computer database to see what titles have both evolution and vesicle in them comes up completely empty. (Behe 1996) (p. 114) My search criterion, of having both words in the title, was meant to be a rough way to show that nothing much has been published on the subject. Ussery, however, writes that, on the contrary, a search of the PubMed database using the words evolution and vesicle identifies well over a hundred papers. Confident of his position, he urges his audience, But, please, dont just take my word for it have a look for yourself! (Ussery 1999) The problem is that, as I stated in the book, I had restricted my search to the titles of papers, where occurrence of both words would probably mean they concerned the same subject. Usserys search used the default PubMed setting, which also looks in abstracts.2 By doing so he picked up papers such as Outbreak of nosocomial diarrhea by Clostridium difficile in a department of internal medicine. (Ramos et al. 1998) This paper discusses the clinical evolution (i.e., course of development) of diarrhea in hospitalized patients, who also had vesicle catherization. Not only do the words evolution and vesicle in this paper not refer to each other, the paper does not even use the words evolution and vesicle in the same sense as I did. Since the word evolution has many meanings, and since the word vesicle can mean just a container (like the word box), Ussery picked up equivocal meanings. The paper cited above shows Usserys misstep in an obvious way. However, there are other papers resulting from an Ussery-style search where, although they do not address the question I raised, the unrelatedness is not so obvious to someone outside the field. An example of a paper that is harder for someone outside the field to evaluate is Evolution of the trappin multigene family in the Suidae. (Furutani et al. 1998) The authors examine the protein and gene sequences for a group of secretory proteins (the trappin family) which have undergone rapid evolution and are similar to seminal vesicle clotting proteins. The results may be interesting, but the seminal vesicle is a pouch in the male reproductive tract for storing semen not at all the same thing as the vesicle in which intracellular transport occurs. And trappins are not involved in intracellular transport. A second example is Syntaxin-16, a putative Golgi t-SNARE. (Simonsen et al. 1998) This paper actually does concern a protein involved in intracellular vesicular transport. However, as the abstract states, Database searches identified putative yeast, plant and nematode homologues of syntaxin-16, indicating that this protein is conserved through evolution. The database searches are sequence comparisons. Once again I reiterate, sequence comparisons by themselves cannot tell us how a complex system might have arisen by Darwinian means. Instead of listing further examples let me just say that I have not seen a paper using Usserys search criteria that addresses the Darwinian evolution of intracellular vesicular transport in a detailed manner, as I had originally asserted in my book. It is impossible for me to individually address the hundreds, possibly thousands of papers listed in these websites. But perhaps I dont have to. If competent scientists who are not friendly to the idea of intelligent design nonetheless say that There are no detailed Darwinian accounts for the evolution of any fundamental biochemical or cellular system, only a variety of wishful speculations, (Shapiro 1996) and that We may forever be unable to envisage the first proto-pathways (Coyne 1996), then it is unlikely that much literature exists on these problems. So after considering the contents of the websites, we can reconcile the review of Peter Atkins with those of other reviewers. Yes, there are a lot of papers published on molecular evolution, as I had clearly acknowledged in Darwins Black Box. But very few of them concern Darwinian details of irreducibly complex systems, which is exactly the point I was making. IV. Kenneth Miller In Finding Darwins God (Miller 1999) Kenneth Miller is also anxious to show my claims about the literature are not true (or at least are not true now, since the handful of papers he cites in his section The Sound of Silence were published after my book appeared). Yet none of the papers he cites deals with irreducibly complex systems. The first paper Miller discusses concerns two structurally-similar enzymes, both called isocitrate dehydrogenase. The main difference between the two is simply that one uses the organic cofactor NAD while the other uses NADP. The two cofactors are very similar, differing only in the presence or absence of a phosphate group. The authors of the study show that by mutating several residues in either enzyme, they can change the specificity for NAD or NADP. (Dean and Golding 1997) Although the study is very interesting, at the very best it is microevolution of a single protein, not an irreducibly complex system. The next paper Miller cites concerns antifreeze proteins. (Logsdon and Doolittle 1997) Again, these are single proteins that do not interact with other components; they are not irreducibly complex. In fact, they are great examples of what I agree evolution can indeed do start with a protein that accidentally binds something (ice nuclei in this case, maybe antibiotics in another case) and select for mutations that improve that property. But they dont shed light on irreducibly complex systems. Another paper Miller cites concerns the cytochrome c oxidase proton pump (Musser and Chan 1998), which is involved in electron transfer. In humans six proteins take part in the function; in some bacteria fewer proteins are involved. While quite interesting, the mechanism of the system is not known in enough detail to understand whats going on; it remains in large part a black box. Further, the function of electron transfer does not necessarily require multiple protein components, so it is not necessarily irreducibly complex. Finally, the study is not detailed enough to criticize, saying things such as It makes evolutionary sense that the cytochrome bc1and cytochrome c oxidase complexes arose from a primitive quinol terminal oxidase complex via a series of beneficial mutations. In order to judge whether natural selection could do the job, we have to know what the series of beneficial mutations is. Otherwise its like saying that a five-part mousetrap arose from a one-part mousetrap by a series of beneficial mutations.3 Finally Miller discusses a paper which works out a scheme for how the organic-chemical components of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, a central metabolic pathway, may have arisen gradually. (Melendez-Hevia et al. 1996) There are several points to make about it. First, the paper deals with the chemical interconversion of organic molecules, not the enzymes of the pathway or their regulation. As an analogy, suppose someone described how petroleum is refined step by step, beginning with crude oil, passing through intermediate grades, and ending with, say, gasoline. He shows that the chemistry of the processes is smooth and continuous, yet says nothing about the actual machinery of the refinery or its regulation, nothing about valves or switches. Clearly that is inadequate to show refining of petroleum developed step by step. Analogously, someone who is seriously interested in showing that a metabolic pathway could evolve by Darwinian means has to deal with the enzymic machinery and its regulation. The second and more important point is that, while the paper is very interesting, it doesnt address irreducible complexity. Either Miller hasnt read what I said in my book about metabolic pathways, or he is deliberately ignoring it. I clearly stated in Darwins Black Box metabolic pathways are not irreducibly complex (Behe 1996) (pp. 141-142; 150-151), because components can be gradually added to a previous pathway. Thus metabolic pathways simply arent in the same category as the blood clotting cascade or the bacterial flagellum. Although Miller somehow misses the distinction, other scientists do not. In a recent paper Thornhill and Ussery write that something they call serial-direct-Darwinian-evolution cannot generate irreducibly complex structures. But they think it may be able to generate a reducible structure, such as the TCA cycle (Behe, 1996 a, b). (Thornhill and Ussery 2000) In other words Thornhill and Ussery acknowledge the TCA cycle is not irreducibly complex, as I wrote in my book. Miller seems unable or unwilling to grasp that point. V. A Plea for More Research In pointing out that not much research has been done on the Darwinian evolution of irreducibly complex biochemical systems I should emphasize that I do not prefer it that way. I would sincerely welcome more research (especially experimental research, such as done by Barry Hall see my discussion of Halls work in the essay on the acid test at this website) into the supposed Darwinian origins of the complex systems I described in my book. I fully expect that, as in the field of origin-of-life studies, the more we know, the more difficult the problem will be recognized to be. References: Atkins, P. W. (1998). Review of Michael Behe, Darwins Black Box. http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/peter_atkins/behe.html. Behe, M. J. (1996). Darwins black box: the biochemical challenge to evolution. (The Free Press: New York.) Cavalier-Smith, T. (1997). The blind biochemist. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 12, 162-163. Coyne, J. A. (1996). God in the details. Nature 383, 227-228. Dean, A. M. and Golding, G. B. (1997). Protein engineering reveals ancient adaptive replacements in isocitrate dehydrogenase. Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.U.S.A 94, 3104-3109. Dorit, R. (1997). Molecular evolution and scientific inquiry, misperceived. American Scientist 85, 474-475. Furutani, Y., Kato, A., Yasue, H., Alexander, L. J., Beattie, C. W., and Hirose, S. (1998). Evolution of the trappin multigene family in the Suidae. J.Biochem. (Tokyo) 124, 491-502. Gillespie, J. H. (1991). The causes of molecular evolution. (Oxford University Press: New York.) Hughes, A. L. and Yeager, M. (1997). Molecular evolution of the vertebrate immune system. Bioessays 19, 777-786. Kusakabe, T., Araki, I., Satoh, N., and Jeffery, W. R. (1997). Evolution of chordate actin genes: evidence from genomic organization and amino acid sequences. Journal of Molecular Evolution 44, 289-298. Li, W. H. (1997). Molecular evolution. (Sinauer Associates: Sunderland, Mass.) Logsdon, J. M., Jr. and Doolittle, W. F. (1997). Origin of antifreeze protein genes: a cool tale in molecular evolution. Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.U.S.A 94, 3485-3487. Melendez-Hevia, E., Waddell, T. G., and Cascante, M. (1996). The puzzle of the Krebs citric acid cycle: assembling the pieces of chemically feasible reactions, and opportunism in the design of metabolic pathways during evolution. Journal of Molecular Evolution 43 , 293-303. Miller, K. R. (1999). Finding Darwins God: a scientists search for common ground between God and evolution. (Cliff Street Books: New York.) Musser, S. M. and Chan, S. I. (1998). Evolution of the cytochrome c oxidase proton pump. Journal of Molecular Evolution 46, 508-520. Pomiankowski, A. The God of the tiny gaps. New Scientist. 9-14-1996. Ramos, A., Gazapo, T., Murillas, J., Portero, J. L., Valle, A., and Martin, F. (1998). Outbreak of nosocomial diarrhea by Clostridium difficile in a department of internal medicine. Enfermedades Infecciosas Y Microbiologia Clinica 16, 66-69. Selander, R. K., Clark, A. G., and Whittam, T. S. (1991). Evolution at the molecular level. (Sinauer Associates: Sunderland, Mass.) Shapiro, J. In the details . . . what? National Review, 62-65. 9-16-1996. Simonsen, A., Bremnes, B., Ronning, E., Aasland, R., and Stenmark, H. (1998). Syntaxin-16, a putative Golgi t-SNARE. European Journal of Cell Biology 75, 223-231. Thornhill, R. H. and Ussery, D. W. (2000). A classification of possible routes of Darwinian evolution. Journal of Theoretical Biology 203, 111-116. Ussery, David (1999). A biochemists response to The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution. http://www.indiana.edu/~ensiweb/behe.rev.html. Weber, Bruce (1999). Irreducible complexity and the problem of biochemical emergence. Biology & Philosophy 14, 593-605. Notes: (1) See my essay on blood clotting on this website. (2) In a later version of his review (the website has been updated several times, making it a moving target that is hard to pin down precisely), Ussery did note explicitly that one needed to search abstracts as well as titles to come up with the total of 130 papers. He then noted that a total of just four papers have both words in the title. These papers were not picked up in my search because they either were published after my search was completed in 1995, or because the papers were published before the mid 1980s (which is outside the scope of a CARL search). None of the papers affects the questions discussed in this manuscript. (3) See my discussion of mousetrap evolution on this website. Photo credit: TGoeller (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons. After marshaling evidence against the theory of evolution, skeptics sometimes throw Darwin a bone so as not to seem churlish. Hey, we say in essence, natural selection does accomplish things like spreading antibiotic resistance, and Charles Darwin deserves credit for discovering the principle of natural selection even if it isnt the bauplan-building wunderkind he made it out to be. Yet this gives Darwin too much credit. Natural Selection Comes to Edinburgh Before Darwin Long before Darwin (or Alfred Russel Wallace), James Hutton, the father of modern geology, propounded the idea of evolution by natural selection. And at least two other men followed on his heels, doing the same well before Darwin articulated the idea. A retrospect by Paul N. Pearson in the journal Nature reports: Following the publication of On the Origin of Species in 1859, Charles Darwin learned (and duly acknowledged) that two previous authors had anticipated the theory of evolution by natural selection. The first account to come to light was by Patrick Matthew, who had briefly outlined the mechanism in an appendix to his 1831 book On Naval Timber and Arboriculture. The second was by the physician William Wells, who had speculated on selection and human evolution in 1818. But some 50 years ago, E. B. Bailey described a still older version of the selection theory from a 1797 manuscript by the geologist James Hutton now chiefly famous for his early appreciation of geological time. Unfortunately, this work, entitled the Elements of Agriculture, never appeared in print. Now a more complete, published account has come to light from 1794. The account appears in a 1794 tome, An Investigation of the Principles of Knowledge. There Hutton wrote the following: If an organised body is not in the situation and circumstances best adapted to its sustenance and propagation, then, in conceiving an indefinite variety among the individuals of that species, we must be assured, that, on the one hand, those which depart most from the best adapted constitution, will be most liable to perish, while, on the other hand, those organised bodies, which most approach to the best constitution for the present circumstances, will be best adapted to continue, in preserving themselves and multiplying the individuals of their race. After quoting the passage, Pearson continues: For example, Hutton describes that in dogs that relied on nothing but swiftness of foot and quickness of sight for survival, the most defective in respect of those necessary qualities, would be the most subject to perish, and that those who employed them in greatest perfection would be best preserved, consequently, would be those who would remain, to preserve themselves, and to continue the race. But if an acute sense of smell was more necessary to the sustenance of the animal, then the natural tendency of the race, acting upon the same principle of seminal variation, would be to change the qualities of the animal, and to produce a race of well scented hounds, instead of those who catch their prey by swiftness. The same principle of variation must also influence every species of plant, whether growing in a forest or a meadow. One might object that this was buried deep in a long book and mostly forgotten. Perhaps, but Hutton was a major scientific figure, and he disseminated his ideas not just by book but also by lecture and conversation. And as Pearson also notes, Wells and Matthew the other two men known to have articulated the idea of evolution of natural selection before Darwin had just so happen to have been educated in Huttons home town of Edinburgh, a place famous for its scientific clubs and societies. So heres the lay of the land: Hutton was born, and died, in Edinburgh, attended the University of Edinburgh, and returned to live in the city as an adult, where he was a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and a leading figure in the Scottish Enlightenment. This man, the father of modern geology and a fixture of Edinburgh scientific society, propounds a theory of natural selection, and a generation later two other scientists educated in that same scientific community articulate the same idea in their works. (See a post at Genomicron by T. Ryan Gregory for more on Wellss and Matthews early musing about natural selection.) Darwin, keep in mind, was also educated at the University of Edinburgh. So four of the earliest articulations of the idea of natural selection are by Edinburgh men, and Darwin is the last of the four. Darwin Rediscovers Pearson generously reconstructs this eyebrow-raising coincidence: It may be more than coincidence that Wells, Matthew and Darwin were all educated in Huttons home town of Edinburgh. Studies of Darwins private notebooks have shown that he came to the selection principle independently of earlier authors, as he always maintained. But it seems possible that a half-forgotten concept from his student days resurfaced afresh in his mind as he struggled to explain the observations of species and varieties compiled on the voyage of the Beagle. I suspect thats about right. I have a hard time believing that Darwin knowingly and fiendishly stole Huttons idea and then, even in his notebooks, carefully pretended hed never heard it before. And I find it hard to believe that the idea of natural selection was not in the air of Edinburgh when Darwin was there as a student, at least in the scientific community. Hutton was too towering a scientific figure, and the idea of natural selection popping up three times in the written works of three separate Edinburgh-trained scientists following in his wake is surely more than coincidence. In any case, Darwin didnt discover the idea of natural selection. He either resurfaced the idea on his Beagle voyage and didnt realize he was remembering rather than discovering it; or he came upon the idea independently after three other Edinburgh men had articulated it. And No, Darwin Doesnt Get Points for Theatrical Overstatement But wasnt it Darwin who first realized the full power of natural selection? In his Nature article, Paul Pearson is careful to note that Hutton did not extend the idea in the way Darwin had. Hutton thought natural selections effects were limited to generating different races or breeds within a species. Also, neither William Wells in 1818, nor Patrick Matthew in 1831, applied the idea of natural selection beyond the species level. So the common defense of Darwin at this stage is to remind readers that its the Victorian gentleman of Down House who gets the credit for discovering the full power and import of natural selection. But if natural selection actually cannot produce all the biological variety we see around us, if it can only produce variety within species and just a bit beyond the species level (see Michael Behes The Edge of Evolution), then Darwin was most original precisely where he was wrong. Darwin did galvanize attention on the process of natural selection, but he did so in much the way those who started the legend of the Seven Cities of Gold encouraged exploration of the American Southwest. In both cases, a tall tale spurred attention and exploration. And in both cases, some worthwhile things were discovered. But the gold? Not so much. Image: James Hutton, by Sir Henry Raeburn [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons. A recent analysis by research firm Meltwater says that during this year's festive season, Flipkart had nearly 50 per cent share of voice on social media as compared to Amazon and Snapdeal. The analysis says that 48 per cent of social chatter comprised of conversations discussing experiences and purchases through Flipkart with Amazon accounting for 24 per cent and Snapdeal accounting for 28 per cent. In terms of news coverage, Flipkart had an overwhelming 53 per cent of share of voice as opposed to Amazon's 19 per cent and Snapdeal's 28 per cent. However, Meltwater also said that despite its much lower share of voice, Amazon saw proportionately higher sales than Flipkart and Snapdeal, a fact that the research agency attributes to the success of Amazon Prime. Meltwater says that Amazon could have accounted for 36 per cent of units sold in comparison to Flipkart's 37 per cent and Snapdeal's 27 per cent. The analysis is based on the initial weeks of October at the time when Diwali campaigns and sales were at their peak. Interestingly, according to Meltwater's research, Amazon dominates the North and West region of the country, while Flipkart is more dominant in the East and the South. "On monitoring what people were talking about Diwali on social media, it was noted that the three most popular themes associated with Diwali were e-commerce followed by sales, discounts and shopping. Even cars, jewellery and to our surprise crackers were a part of the social chatter. In-depth analysis into the conversations, revealed electronics, mobile phones and used cars were other popular search terms," said Adele Coelho, Head of Marketing at Meltwater India, Middle East & Africa. The big three marked the start of the Diwali sale season by launching creative campaigns to derive a generous RoI of more than Rs 1,000 crore within the first few days, said Coelho. "Each platform offered distinctive value propositions like 24X7 customer service and 1 day installation of gadgets by Snapdeal, Amazon Prime ensuring that 1 in 3 sales was by a Prime consumer, Flipkart focussing attention on mobile phones and gadgets that led to huge numbers without eating into the competitors share," she further informed. With every passing year, marketing and social media campaigns are becoming better and more innovative especially around the festive season. As the competition in digital and social increases for not only creating awareness but also in generating revenues, brands often save the best for last and in India for the most awaited Diwali season. There were some exceptional campaigns and strategies- with Snapdeals re-branding to Unbox Zindagi and Unbox Diwali Sale to Flipkarts #BigBillionsale to Amazons #GreatIndianShopping festival. Besides elaborate campaigns we have come across some innovative adverts especially from smaller e-commerce players such as Jabong, Pepperfry , Urban Ladder, Myntra that became the talk of the town. "E-commerce being a preferred shopping choice this Diwali, the infographic benchmarks the three dominant players in the start of the sale season for the initial months of October to derive on a census related to the industry trends and consumer preferences. All three brands have seen exceptional growth patterns in the Indian market with Flipkart recently reaching its 100 million customers to Amazon revealing a 5x growth in new customer base to 2015 and Snapdeal going in for a total brand re-vamp. In the coming years, retailers will need to understand the consumer buying patterns in the online space as this market is growing at an exponential rate," said Coelho. Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India) The Pound Swiss Franc (GBP CHF) exchange rate surged on Thursday as markets grew more optimistic about Article 50. The Pounds continued to trend flatly against the Swiss Franc on Friday afternoon despite Sterling extending its gains versus other currency rivals, as increasing demand for safe haven currencies bolstered the Francs defences considerably. With the US Presidential election only 4 days away and only two trade-days away, market jitters will intensify regardless of Clintons polling numbers, leaving the Swiss Franc in a good position until at least Tuesday. As markets continue to price in higher odds of a Donald Trump presidency the Swiss Franc has seen a further increase in demand, benefiting from the general rush towards safe-haven assets. This saw the GBP/CHF exchange rate fall back, with the initial surge of Pound strength that followed the BoEs November policy meeting and quarterly Inflation Report diminishing. The Pound to Swiss Franc exchange rate today (04/11/16): +0.07pct at 1.2156. The Swiss Franc to Pound exchange rate today: -0.07% at 0.82264. The US Dollar to Swiss Franc exchange rate today (04/11/16): -0.41pct at 0.9706. The GBP remained over 1% above the days opening levels on Thursday afternoon despite slipping slightly from its highs. Some investors returned to the US Dollar during Thursdays American session despite poor US data. This position readjustment weakened the Franc slightly, making it easier for the Pound to hold its ground. Markets have reacted positively to the Bank of Englands decision to leave interest rates on hold, with the tone of policymakers appearing decidedly less dovish at this juncture. Thus, even though the BoEs inflation forecast was revised higher, the GBP/CHF exchange rate remained on a bullish run. GBP/CHF fell to a multi-year-low of 1.1906 on Wednesday morning, but has since recovered from its worst levels. On Thursday morning, the High Courts decision sent the Pound Swiss Franc exchange rate soaring by over 1%, taking it above the weeks opening levels for the first time since Tuesday. Latest Pound / Swiss Franc Exchange Rates On Tuesday the Pound to British Pound exchange rate (GBP/GBP) converts at 1 Today finds the pound to pound spot exchange rate priced at 1. At time of writing the pound to euro exchange rate is quoted at 1.161. FX markets see the pound vs us dollar exchange rate converting at 1.146. NB: the forex rates mentioned above, revised as of 1st Nov 2022, are inter-bank prices that will require a margin from your bank. Foreign exchange brokers can save up to 5% on international payments in comparison to the banks. Pound (GBP) Exchange Rates Surge as Markets Hope for MP Vote on Article 50 Pound Sterling (GBP) exchange rates have put on a mixed performance this week. Until Thursday GBP had trended weakly, seeing limited support from UK ecostats. However, Thursday morning saw the UK High Court make its ruling on the legality of the government activating Article 50 without some kind of Parliamentary process or vote. The government lost the court battle, and Sterling soared across the board as a result. The Court ruled that it would be unconstitutional for the UK government to vote for Article 50 without the input of Parliament. While this opened up possibilities of delaying Article 50, the government is expected to make an appeal at the Supreme Court which means there is still a chance for the government to win the case. Swiss Franc (CHF) Exchange Rates Hold Strong as Demand for Safe Havens Soars High market volatility is expected by most economists and analysts over the next week all because of the US Presidential election on the 8th of November. While status quo Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton had performed well in October polls, her lead has narrowed significantly over the last week, causing markets to grow concerned about a Trump presidency. The economic uncertainty of Trumps policies are cause for concern for traders around the globe. This has influenced investors to flock towards safe haven investments like the Swiss Franc. Another popular safe-haven is the commodity gold, which is often correlated with CHF movement due to Switzerlands vast gold reserves. Despite this, Sterlings bullishness on Thursday allowed GBP/CHF to advance. GBP/CHF Exchange Rate Forecast: Sterling Highs Unlikely to Hold as Safe-Haven Demand Increases The US Presidential election is now under a week away. Due to be held next Tuesday, increasingly close polling numbers between Clinton and Trump will send markets into a panic of uncertainty that is unlikely to stop in the next week unless Clinton is elected. If Trump is elected, uncertainty could last a little while longer and could even unsettle December Federal Reserve rate hike bets. This could mean an extended period of demand for safe haven investments like the Franc. UK investors will likely remain bullish on Thursdays High Court ruling for the next few trade days, but it is unlikely the currency will be able to hold against increasing market-wide demand for safe havens. This means GBP/CHF is likely to drop from its current highs in the coming days, whether that be as soon as Friday or during Monday and Tuesday trade. Well, this goes back over a decade, and I'm sure you'll get far more recent recommendations from others, but when I moved from Paris to Honolulu in 2005, I used these folks: A.S.M. TRANS EUROPEAN Departement Homeship B.P. 360 93616 AULNAY S/S BOIS CEDEX I found a number for them in my old document files (01 48 65 21 61). as well as a fax # (01 48 65 29 59), but to be honest, I don't even know if they're still in business. The contact was a Monsieur Berger, and the guys they sent to pack up my studio were just lovely, as well as competent - not so much as a broken wine glass in the whole shipment, and my pallet had to make its way from France to New Zealand to Hawaii. If I recall correctly, my friend who helped me research movers found them through an in FUSAC. Good luck with your relocation. Hey guys, I am currently in a visa process but have to leave to my home country. My old visa's expiry date says 2018 but because I stopped working for my employer last year it is of course officially not valid anymore. I just would like to know if there is still a chance to travel out of the country with that visa. Are they scanning the visa at the airport or just the passport and only looking on the expiry date of your visa and you can move on? I have to go to a funeral in my home country and can't await the outcome of my current visa, if they only look on the expiry date of a visa then there is a chance that I won't get declared undesirable at the airport. Anyone experience with that recently what they exactly do at the airport? ** Editor's note - The details contained in this story came from official sources and documents. That said, we have learned that two of the people listed initially, Mike Clubb of Fredericktown, and Donald Rusan Jr. of Bonne Terre, were not arrested as part of the drug roundup. Clubb had appeared at the St. Francois County Courthouse on charges of felony DWI persistent offender and driving while revoked. He was remanded to the Missouri Department of Corrections and was taken into custody at the courthouse, transported to the county jail and booked. He was taken into custody and processed at the same time those from the drug roundup were being processed. Rusan was picked up during the time of the raid but on one felony count of driving while revoked and probation violation. He was arrested at the Probation and Parole office in Farmington. After receiving calls, the Daily Journal further checked records and learned that Clubb and Rusan were booked at the same time, but were not part of the drug roundup arrests. The St. Francois County Sheriffs Department, along with several other departments executed a drug roundup early Wednesday morning arresting 22 people. St. Francois County Sheriff Dan Bullock said they had 55 to 60 officers from the Mineral Area Drug Task Force (MADTF), Missouri State Highway Patrol, and St. Francois County Sheriffs Department, Iron County Sheriffs Department, and several cities throughout the county including Farmington, Desloge, Park Hills, and Bismarck. Kathleen Wood of Annapolis was picked up on felony distribute, deliver, and manufacture/produce a controlled substance. Albert Baker of Park Hills was picked up on felony distribute, deliver heroin/cocaine on or near a park, felony distribute, deliver, and manufacture/produce a controlled substance. William Lester of Lesterville was picked up on two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance. Thomas Wallace of Farmington was picked up on felony possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. Roger Straut of Desloge area was picked up on a felony distribute, deliver, and manufacture or produce a controlled substance. Aaron Spala of Park Hills was picked up on a felony distribute, deliver, and manufacture or produce a controlled substance, felony distributing or delivering not more than five grams of marijuana, felony unlawful transfer of a weapon, felony unlawful possession of a firearm and a felony distribute, deliver, and manufacture or produce a controlled substance. Amanda Smith of Park Hills was picked up on a felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor warrant for DWI drug intoxication. Shaun Parson of Park Hills was picked up on one felony count of distribute, deliver, and manufacture or produce a controlled substance, one felony count possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor count of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. Ashley Parson of Park Hills was picked up on felony count of possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. Justin Orrick of Park Hills was picked up on one felony count of distribute, deliver, and manufacture or produce a controlled substance. Tamara Reece of Farmington was picked up on five felony counts of distribute, deliver, and manufacture or produce a controlled substance. Ricky D. McEntire II of Park Hills was picked up on four counts manufacture, produce or attempt to manufacture or produce a controlled substance, one felony count of possession of a controlled substance, six counts of possession of a chemical with the intent to manufacture or produce a controlled substance. Cassandra Kathcart of Farmington was picked up during the raid for a felony warrant from Jefferson County for failure to appear on a drug charge. Tabatha Jones of Farmington was picked up at a residence during the raid and had a warrant for parole violation. James C. Kelley of Bonne Terre was picked up on felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. Paula Blake of Farmington was picked up on two counts of distribute, deliver, and manufacture a controlled substance. Jessica Casteel of Park Hills was picked up on four counts of manufacture/produce or attempt to manufacture a controlled substance, possession of controlled substance, six counts of possession of a chemical to manufacture or produce controlled substance. Richard Clark of Farmington was picked up on one count of trafficking drugs, five counts of possession of chemical to manufacture, one count of possession. Mark B. Anderson of Doe Run was picked up on one count of distribute, deliver, and manufacture a controlled substance. Jason D. Allen of Farmington was picked up on two counts of distribute, deliver, and manufacture a controlled substance. Michael Driemeier of Bismarck was picked up on a felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate San Antonio furniture maker KLN Steel Products Co. has sought bankruptcy protection from creditors for the second time in five years. KLN and its Dallas-based parent company, AGS Enterprises Inc., each filed Chapter 11 petitions Wednesday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Dallas. Dallas-based AGS does business as Avteq Inc., which bought KLN out of bankruptcy in a 2012 transaction valued at about $11 million. Wednesdays emergency filing didnt shed any light on what triggered the return to bankruptcy for KLN, a maker of furniture for military barracks and college dorms. KLN President Kelly ODonnell and the companies Dallas bankruptcy lawyer, Frank Wright, didnt return calls. But the bankruptcy comes as KLN, Avteq and officers face allegations in a whistleblower lawsuit that they defrauded the federal government out of several millions of dollars. The complaint, initiated by Indiana-based rival University Loft Co. in 2014 in San Antonio federal court, accuses the defendants of bid-rigging, artificially inflating costs and falsely certifying that products were made in the U.S. when in actuality they were made in Colombia, among other charges. ODonnell, who is a defendant in the suit along with her father, John ODonnell, an executive with the companies, previously has said the allegations are untrue. The lawsuit states Avteq and its companies have been awarded more than $400 million in government contracts since 2006. The bankruptcy filings essentially put the litigation on hold for the time being. Under different ownership, KLN and two sister companies filed for bankruptcy protection in November 2011 after a lender reportedly refused to fund payroll. In 2008, KLN was awarded a combined $900,000 in grants and tax abatements from the state and city of San Antonio for pledging to create 500 jobs and to invest $25 million in its operations. But it never came close to delivering on its hiring target before entering bankruptcy for the first time. Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot. At the time KLN announced its expansion plans, it recorded about $48 million in annual revenue and was consolidating operations from elsewhere in the country to San Antonio. It was owned by the Herman family of Chicago. This isnt the first time that KLN and University Loft have crossed paths. During the 2011 bankruptcy, University Loft said it was thwarted in an effort to participate in the bidding process for KLN and its sister companies Dehler Manufacturing of San Antonio and California-based Furniture by Thurston. A bankruptcy judge disagreed with University Loft, however. KLN has operated a manufacturing facility at 2 Winnco Drive, where it employed 130 people as of August 2015. Kelly ODonnell has described KLN as a woman-owned small business that manufactures furniture in San Antonio. KLN reported assets and liabilities in the range of $1 million to $10 million each. pdanner@express-news.net Twitter: @AlamoPD This article has been updated to correct when KLN Steel Products Co. entered bankruptcy for the first time. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate We reduce the great nations of the world to the singularities of their foods. Italy gets pizza, like it or not. Sushi for Japan. Germany, schnitzel. And France? Lets not get started with France. So whats left for Canada? One of the great bar foods of the world: poutine. French fries, gravy, cheese curds. Perfect. But here in the United States of Hamburgers, the great foods of the globe get no respect. So pizza gets pineapple and sushi gets cream cheese. In San Antonio, poutine gets duck. And carne guisada. And cauliflower. And queso. Welcome to the great state of poutine. Its showing up on restaurant menus across San Antonio: Humble versions at the hot dog temple Frank and the all-day brunch place Eggspectation, juiced-up versions at Cured and Smoke, off-the-wall versions at Einsteins Kitchen (with duck) and Stone Werks (carne guisada). What they all share is the American knack for taking liberties. More Information Nine places for poutine in San Antonio Cured: Chef Steve McHugh brings together the cheese curds of his Midwestern youth with fries, pig cheeks, gravy and pickled cauliflower in an iron pot for a colorful poutine that transcends its humble origins. 306 Pearl Parkway, No. 101, 210-314-3929, curedatpearl.com Eggspectation: Quebec knows poutine. This brunch chain started in Quebec. Trust the Montreal poutine to deliver hot fries, brown gravy, white cheese curds and something extra: corned beef. 402 N. Loop 1604 W., 210-545-3199, eggspectation.com Einstein's Kitchen at Doc Brown's bar: Duck confit, pan gravy and cheese over hand-cut fries might be more hybrid pretender than hard-core poutine. We're OK with that. 6511 W. Loop 1604 N., 210-973-7090, docbrowns1985.com Frank: Brown gravy: check. White cheese curds: check. Waffle fries? This Austin export proves that even the humble poutine french fry base can be tweaked. 1150 S Alamo St., 210-265-5292, hotdogscoldbeer.com Mad Pecker Brewing Co.: Poutine is practically a major food group for a place that brews its own beer. Wash down Texas poutine fries - sausage gravy, mozzarella, bacon and spicy ranch - with Ridge Creek Blonde Ale. 6025 Tezel Road, 210-562-3059, madpeckerbrewing.com Moses Rose's Hideout: They call this pile of potatoes, bacon, gravy and cheese Damn Good Fries, but in a world where anything with fries and gravy gets a poutine hall pass, we'll let it slide. 516 E. Houston St., 210-775-1808, mosesroseshideout.com Oak Hills Tavern: Variety is the key at this neighborhood bar, where a pseudo-poutine base of fries, spicy crema, cheese and jalapenos gets a choice of carne guisada, duck confit, barbecued pork or chile-braised puerco adobado. 7920 Fredericksburg Road, 210-614-8855, Facebook: Oak Hills Tavern Smoke: The Restaurant: Is poutine really poutine without gravy? Maybe not, but tater tots with brisket, a fried egg and chipotle mayo are only $5 in the bar all day long. 1170 E. Commerce St., 210-253-9919, and 700 E. Sonterra Blvd., 210-474-0175, smoketherestaurant.com Stone Werks Big Rock Grille: The San Antonio spirit abides in a poutine built with carne guisada, scrambled eggs, queso and pico de gallo. Sounds less like poutine and more like breakfast nachos with fries in place of chips, but who are we to judge? 999 E. Basse Road, No. 130, 210-828-3508; 5807 Worth Parkway, 210-558-9898; 1201 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 101, 210-764-0400; stonewerks.com Recipe: Poutine See More Collapse Back to the cauliflower. Its more than a bit player in the poutine from Cureds chef/owner Steve McHugh. His relationship with poutine began when the Wisconsin farm boy who grew up on fried cheese curds, ranch dressing and the blue-collar beers of the Midwest visited the birthplace of the delicacy: Quebec. My wife and I were in Montreal, and we just kind of fell in love with the idea of it, McHugh said. From there, he created a version suited to the higher aspirations of Cured. His interpretation features skin-on hand-cut fries, braised pig cheeks and a gravy made from that braise. Of course, it also includes cheese curds, those dumpling-sized nuggets of fallout from the cheesemaking process that are childhood comfort food in parts of the upper Midwest and Canada. My mom said if they dont squeak, theyre not right, McHugh said. He scatters them around the iron pan. Then McHugh adds the thing that makes the dish his own: pickled cauliflower, radiating a turmeric yellow glow. You need something to cut the fat, McHugh said. And it does. At Smoke: The Restaurant, its all about the fat. Smoke builds its poutine with tater tots, bite-size pieces of fatty brisket, a fried egg and a zigzag of chipotle mayo. Its poutine in name only, but it showcases the barbecue that Texas does so well. Because like politics, all food is local, right? Wrong, says Tim McDiarmid. Shes the force behind the culinary services company Tim the Girl and the upcoming cafe, carry-out and meal delivery shop called The Good Kind at The Pearl. She also happens to be a Canadian. I cant think of anywhere Ive had it in America where its right, she said. Its very rare to find true poutine outside of Quebec. McDiarmids had plenty of time to look, having moved to New York from Canada more than half her life ago, then coming to San Antonio. What a long, strange trip its been. The poutine part, anyway. I saw it once with foie gras and marmalade. In poutine? she said. But I dont like culinary trends like that for anything. Some things should stay just simple. Simple means getting the little things right. And little things matter to this Canadian expat. We have so few things to call our own, I mean food-wise, she said. A proper cheese curd is at the top of the list. Someone is producing fake cheese curds, she said. A ball of cheese is not a cheese curd. The Canadian brunch chain Eggspectation would agree. Its San Antonio location opened this summer, with the Benedicts and berry pancakes youd expect, but also Montreal-style poutine. It does what a good poutine should do. It leaves the fries half-crunchy and half-soggy from the gravy, which also half-melts the cheese curds and keeps the whole dish warm as a ski vest. Then it adds a Quebec twist of its own: Montreal smoked meat, similar to corned beef. Daniel Northcutt understands the twist part. The poutine at the San Antonio outpost of his Austin-based Frank uses waffle fries. Theyre great for scooping and catching flavors, he said. Theyre little edible plates. Frank fills those plates with white cheddar curds and what Northcutt calls good old-fashioned mashed-potato gravy. Its our version of chili cheese fries, Northcutt said of the culinary crossover. For him, poutine continues the theme of loaded fries. And Frank does almost as many versions of loaded fries as it does hot dogs: Chili cheese fries, and Reuben fries, and queso fries with pico. We like to get our hands dirty, he said. For aspirational home cooks looking to get their hands dirty with poutine, H-E-B Central Market sells white or yellow cheese curds for $7.99 a pound. What liberties you take with them is up to you. Because last we checked, this is still America. msutter@express-news.net Twitter: @fedmanwalking This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Visiting Catherine Lee involves one of those journeys that has one cursing the GPS and wondering which turn was missed. From Wimberley, the journey involves narrow roads with confusing signage through the country. But upon arrival, all that stress evaporates. Lee has built a sort of artists Eden for herself on 10 acres hugging a slow turn in the Blanco River. What I love about Catherines compound in Wimberley is the way it seamlessly integrates her personal life with her professional life living spaces, studio, working spaces, gathering space, said Rene Paul Barilleaux, the chief curator at the McNay Art Museum, which purchased a 2003 bronze sculpture of Lees titled Lewis (Hebrides 3) for its collection in 2012. There is a great synergy among all of the elements art, dogs, buildings, landscape. Lee, 66, emerges from the house a nondescript, low-slung ranch model built of limestone in the 70s in bare feet, a tinge of lavender in her white hair pulled back in a messy ponytail. Lola, a gray-whiskered black Lab mix, greets visitors as the artist them in a soft voice. and invites you into what she calls a former hunting lodge. Its certainly no architectural feat, Lee says of what she calls a former hunting lodge. Its not anywhere near where I want it to be its sort of an ongoing project. But I love it. It helps me to think, in a way. My idea was that I wanted an antidote to New York City. Where there was a dark entry hall, Lee has broken out a wall and made a front bedroom into a small sitting room that opens onto what is one big L-shaped living space. A remodeled black-and-white kitchen with an island is off to the right, opening onto a screened porch overlooking a lap pool and grassy fields leading down to the tree-lined river. Its one of my favorite places in the house, she says of her reading porch. A living/dining room is down three saltillo tile steps to the left. I love the idea of a sunken living room, she says. Its so 70s. But when I got here, there were these fake Tudor beams and orange shag carpeting. I couldnt live with that. The best thing about this place is its on the Blanco River. The shiny saltillo is everywhere; the white stone walls are interrupted by narrow strip windows that let in muted light. The ceiling is slightly vaulted, and theres a fireplace beyond the dining table, flanked by a well-engineered, floor-to-ceiling bookshelf full of heavy art books. Lee recently reorganized her library and is proud of the fact that she can now find things more easily when she wants them, like a big book open on the table titled The Language of Sculpture. It is a seminal work by eminent British artist and scholar William Tucker, a friend whos now in his 80s. It sits next to a small bronze study for a much larger Tucker work called Promise. When I think of Catherines home I always think of her book wall and her extensive art collection, said her ex-husband, clay artist Billy Ray Mangham, who runs the Eye of the Dog Art Center near San Marcos. I can spend hours poring over the books; its Portlands Powells Books condensed on a huge wall. Two of my favorite artists in her collection are Jared Theis and Ken Little. Im also proud to be a part of that group. Artwork is everywhere in Lees home, and none of it is hers. She enjoys giving a quick tour of works in the house, including a large office/guest room, added off the side of the house a few years ago. The artwork, by friends and artists she admires, is showcased, but not spotlighted, integrated into the lived-in decor. Lee points out a prized 2002 drawing by groundbreaking French artist Louise Bourgeois, whom she calls an idol of mine, as well as works by English wood sculptor David Nash, German painter Georg Baselitz and San Antonio sculptor Little. Lee has an eclectic collection of works by prominent contemporary artists such as Margaret Meehan, Theis, Walerija Peters, Bodo Korsig, James Tisdale, Stephen Westfall, Anna Katrin Krause, Steve Wiman, McKay Otto, Cordy Ryman, and Mangham and his wife Beverly. Even though I am a totally abstract artist, you can see I have room in my life for a lot of other things, she says. But when it comes down to it, I do like the abstract. Lee bought the place, a sort of pizza-slice-shaped property with the crust end opening onto the river, in 1994, after working in New York for 20 years, building an international reputation as an artist. Lee has exhibited her work at respected galleries and museums all over the world, including a retrospective at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin in 2005. Selected works are part of some of the worlds great art collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Londons Tate Gallery, the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh, the Museum of Fine Art in Boston and in the IBM Corp. headquarters in New York. Shes the real thing, says Little. Catherine adds a dimension to the art community just by being here. She raises the bar in San Antonio. Her work is exquisite and also very beautiful. I have tremendous respect for her, and shes just a delightful person, incredibly intelligent and amazingly talented. A Pampa native, Lee went west after high school, earning an art degree from San Jose State University in 1974. Everyone I went to school with in the Bay Area just wanted to go to the beach, recalls Lee, who has the poetic soul of Patti Smith and the work ethic of Rosie the Riveter. I was really into art, so I wanted to go where it was. I realized that was not the climate I needed to be in, so I went to New York. I never got my masters, but I got a hell of an education in other ways. I learned that if youre hungry and you need it, and youre out there, it can happen. About a hundred yards down a trail from the house is Lees studio, a big, airy metal building. She she built that before touching the house, which was formerly a guest house on a larger ranch. I built the studio immediately after I bought the property, she said. It took nine months. Its a big studio, but its not fancy. There are no bells and whistles, just a big, open box with lots of skylights. Its very functional for me. I think I was trying to re-create a New York loft. As a sculptor, Lee works in a variety of materials, from raku (a kind of Japanese pottery), lead, copper and bronze to fiberglass resin, creating an elemental vocabulary of abstract forms that could have been unearthed at an archaeological dig. These are multifaceted works that often seem to relate to masks, tools or weapons. Lee long has dealt with repetitive forms in both her sculpture and painting. Her contemplative quanta paintings named for the the smallest possible particles of radiant energy are gridded works built up of multiple layers of color. Theyre all about perception and light, she says. Lee has completed more than 75 quanta works over the last five years in various sizes, from 6-inch paintings with 256 squares to 28,224 squares in an 84-inch painting, her most recent one. It is hard work, but the mark making has always been the thing for me, and the grid is the most useful vehicle for the mark making, Lee said. The process is the main thing, the act of doing it, the act of creating. Lee walks down to her truck from the studio and drives down to the river, trying to paint a picture of what her land was like before the destructive Memorial Day flood of 2015. I had a little house down there on a concrete slab that we called the river house, and it was just completely swept away, she said. I lost over 70 cypress trees and some big pecans. It was a huge graveyard of trees, just devastating. We spent months cleaning it up. Were planting new trees all the time, so were doing all we can to bring the land back to its glory, but its a big job. I felt lucky, though, that nobody was hurt or killed here. Its an iconic business in the Farmington community and has been the source of hometown news for Farmington readers for most of the past century. It will continue to be, but from a different location in the historic downtown district. Signs showing the building is for sale will go up on the longtime Daily Journal/Farmington Press building at 218 North Washington Street as early as today. After years of considering the idea, the decision was made recently to sell the large, under-utilized space and relocate the editorial and customer service staff to a more fitting, updated location. We are excited to move into a new location to allow us to keep a footprint in Farmington for another 100 years, explained Daily Journal Publisher Eugene Jackson, who also serves as publisher of the Farmington Press and Democrat News. This will allow us to have a new building with modern amenities for our staff. Also when our customers come in to our office theyll find it in the condition they deserve. The building at 218 North Washington Street is a remodeled grocery store which for years housed Hecks IGA. In the late 1990s the building was remodeled to become home of the Daily Journal printing operation and house offices for editorial, circulation and customer services of the Farmington Press and Daily Journal. The Daily Journal has its main operations at 1513 St. Joe Drive in Park Hills, but has staff in place at both the Farmington and Fredericktown offices to handle any customer needs regarding any of the three different newspapers, as well as a weekly real estate guide, free weekly shopper and other niche publications. The community deserves to have a building that brings us up and beautifies our area. Nothing will change as far as our committed focus to great journalism in Farmington. We are also remodeling our Park Hills Daily Journal building this fall, Jackson said. For several years the existing Farmington Press/Daily Journal building has been an improper fit for the services being provided there. The actual printing of both papers, as well as the Democrat News and non-company owned papers in Ironton and Ste. Genevieve and other periodicals and sales inserts ceased and those operations were moved to other locations. Even the office space at the Farmington location was far more area to heat and cool than was being utilized. Such was also the case for a large parking lot which for the most part sat empty but still required upkeep. For a time the Farmington Chamber of Commerce leased office space in the building while building a new office next door. In recent years the office has housed the Farmington Press editorial staff, a receptionist and distribution operations which included three employees, room for papers to be dropped off and picked up by carriers, and an assortment of outdated printing press equipment. Work began to clean up the interior of the building and remove the old printing presses in recent months. We will be relocating our distribution operation to Park Hills in a few weeks, explained Jackson. At that point the carriers will pick up their papers for delivery at the warehouse space there. All the services customers are used to utilizing at the Farmington office at 218 North Washington will be available at the new office location, to be announced in coming weeks. A new location has already been chosen and will require some remodeling from its current use to become a welcoming and efficient newspaper office. Farmington Press Editor Shawnna Robinson, reporter Craig Vaughn and front desk receptionist Marsha Nicholson will all work in the new location once the remodeling is complete anticipated to be in early January. Advertising sales staff will also have a space in the new location. Customers will be able to purchase the latest issue or back copies of all of the companys papers, as well as place classifieds, drop off community calendar items or other notices, and handle any other services currently available at the Farmington location. I am excited for this new chapter of the Farmington Press, said Robinson. Weve played a vital role in the community since the founding of the Farmington Evening Press by Cecil W. and John Roberts in 1929. I look forward to our readers visiting us in our new location, reliving the history and celebrating what lies ahead. We cannot wait for the changes to take place and thank you so much for your support and patience through the exciting changes. This will align us to be in Farmington for many years to come. During the time we are moving and remodeling the new facility in downtown Farmington please visit our Daily Journal or Democrat news offices in Park Hills or Fredericktown, respectively. We will still have our publications available in front of our buildings and throughout the community at retail businesses and rack locations. Customers wishing to reach the office by phone or email for editorial, circulation or advertising issues can use the same phone numbers and email addresses as always. Even during the transition period the contact numbers and email addresses will remain the same. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The poet Brian Turner walked up in his black boots to the podium at the Holt Center in Trinity University Friday night. He was soft-spoken, his voice almost gentle as he introduced himself. He remarked to the twenty or so attendees that the space around them looked like a church. Then he began reading his poem, Here, Bullet, and his voice turned aggressive and bitter: ... Here is the adrenaline rush you crave, the inexorable flight, that insane puncture into heat and blood .... The poem demanded a certain energy, Turner said afterward, back in his usual soft-spoken tone. For seven years, he played the role of U.S. Army Sgt. Turner of the infantry, on deployments to Iraq and Bosnia. His poems, essays, and his memoir My Life as a Foreign Country won him awards and praise from the New York Times, the National Endowment for the Arts, and others. Words were his vehicle toward making sense of what happened at war, Turner said. He had been a poet coming into the military, and he wrote poetry while on deployment. Turner has many poems about the pain war confers to the soldier, such as The Hurt Locker, which is probably his most famous poem. He remarked that many poems about war begin with the image of a man looking through the sight of a gun. Still, Turner often shifts perspective in his poetry away from the perspective of the soldier to those around them, even if how they feel is unknowable.This is what happened with his poem, AB Negative (The Surgeons Song). ....she doesnt hear, except perhaps as music-- that faraway music of peoples voices when they speak gently and with care, a comfort to her on a stretcher in a flying hospital en route to Landstuhl The poem was based on someone he knew, Turner said, someone he gave the name Thalia Fields, because someone growing up had the name Thalia and he thought it was a beautiful name. From the podium, Turner spoke about the real-life death behind the poem. It was a sad death. In his poem, the perspective is from Thalia as she dies, which he had no way of knowing what this felt like. Turner also read from 2000 lbs., about the moments before a suicide bomber detonated his payload in a traffic circle. The poems camera pans from one person to another, all people affected by the violence: the bomber, the National Guard soldier, an old woman and her grandson. In the beginning, Turner highlights the cab driver, Sefwan: He thinks again of summer 1974, lifting Pitchforks of grain high in the air, The slow drift of it like the fall of Shathas hair And although it was decades ago, he still loves her It was important to understand that everyone in war has their own summer of 1974, Turner explained. To do so is to expand empathy from the soldier to the enemy, who Turner said is often reduced to a symbol. He referenced a poem by a veteran of World War II, Keith Douglas, whose poem How to Kill, is of the genre of men gazing down the barrel of a gun and meditating on mans capacity to make ghosts. But in a key section of the poem, the man with the gun considers his enemy: Now in my dial of glass appears The soldier who is going to die. He smiles, and moves about in ways His mother knows, habits of his. That phrase ways his mother knows, and the difficulty of understanding the impact of war, was something Turner highlighted, both at the podium at the Holt Center at Trinity and at a Gemini Ink writing workshop the following day. There were students from Trinity in attendance at the reading Friday night. Turner called out to them, asked them if any had been born before 1991. They hadnt been. Youve been at war your whole life, and you dont even know of it, he remarked. First in Iraq there had been the Gulf War, then years of sanctions and bombing raids during the no-fly zone era, and then the second Gulf War and occupation. For this country, war is automatic, Turner said. How much do we learn from the wars we're fighting? The next day, the writing workshop, Turner had two writers act out a scene. One writer had to pass a vase of peacock feathers to the other. Turner instructed the other writers to take notes, and then to take the place of each actor, first the one giving the vase, and then the one receiving it. He wanted them to think of how it felt to play one role, and then another role. It was part of a search for empathy, even if full understanding was unreachable. We poets do not answer questions, Turner said, we ramble around them. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The abruptly shuttered Career Point College has struck a deal for a South Dakota school to teach some or all of the 1,400 students that the bankrupt institution left in the lurch. The teach-out agreement, signed this week with the for-profit National American University of Rapid City, South Dakota, needs the approval of Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Ronald King. He will hear a request to approve it Wednesday in San Antonio. Under the agreement, filed with the bankruptcy court Wednesday, the university would accept Career Point students en masse, expedite the enrollment process, give them credit for courses already completed and teach them using a majority of (Career Points) teachers and offering the same or similar courses for the students. Career Point closed its campuses in San Antonio, Austin and Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Oct. 16. The U.S. Department of Education had cut its access to federal funding in response to the college reporting that three longtime employees had collaborated to violate the rules related to student aid funds, according to an email the college sent to students. Most of the students were enrolled in Career Points nursing program. Two groups of students sued the school and its principals in state district court and federal court here. Those proceedings were moved to bankruptcy court when Dickinson of San Antonio Inc., which operated under the name Career Point College, sought bankruptcy protection Monday in an emergency filing. Career Point entered into the deal with NAU officials the same day. The San Antonio school has been working diligently to find another entity to step in and perform a Teach-Out agreement with (its) students to allow them to complete their educational process, Dickinsons attorneys stated in Wednesdays filing. Told about the agreement Thursday, some ex-students and instructors here were skeptical. To Jennifer Espiricueta, 35, who had 12 weeks left to go in Career Points nursing program, NAU sounded like a similarly sketchy for-profit school. She had questions about her student loans and whether her nursing license would ultimately be viewed as legitimate. Ive never even heard of this school from South Dakota, she said. Leilani Hagan, a former Career Point instructor, said she was glad the school was trying to help the students but if she were offered her job back, she said she likely would turn it down. I dont know that anyone can trust anyone whos doing business with them, said Hagan, a registered nurse. Its not like I dont need a job. I just dont know if I could work for that company. National American University had 37 campuses in 10 states as of May 31. Nine of those campuses were in Texas, including in Austin and Houston, according to a regulatory filing. The NAU enrollment of nearly 8,200 students, primarily undergraduates, was down 14 percent from May 2015. The NAU parent company, National American University Holdings Inc., is publicly traded and its outstanding shares have a market value of $44.7 million. The shares closed at $1.85 Thursday. It has virtually no following from Wall Street analysts. Company CEO and President Ronald Shape said in an email that multiple regulatory agencies must first review and approve the terms of the teach-out agreement and certain conditions must be met before a teach-out can begin. Negotiations between the two schools have included input from the U.S. Department of Education, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Board of Nursing and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, among others, the filing states. It adds the schools are pursuing the approval of the teach-out agreement by these entities, which have indicated their willingness to approve the agreement and move forward. Shape noted NAU has been educating students for 75 years and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. William Dick Davis Jr., Career Points bankruptcy lawyer, said he didnt know the specifics when asked if tuition paid to Career Point would be applied to NAU. I know that its being looked into if there are any overcharges on their loans, Davis said. Its my understanding is those amounts are in the process of being credited and adjusted. Students involved in the litigation have accused Career Point of inducing them into obtaining high-interest loans to attend the college, and some said they never received federal grant money that the school was supposed to distribute to them. National American University Holdings posted a $5.3 million loss on $96.1 million in revenue in its most recent fiscal year. By comparison, it earned $6.7 million on $117.9 million in revenue in the previous year. The company attributed the slide in revenue to the drop in enrollment, which it blamed on the current improving economic climate, in which many working adults have chosen not to attend school. pdanner@express-news.net Twitter: @AlamoPD Staff Writer Lauren Caruba contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Google Fibers initial foray into San Antonio ruffled some residential feathers, but City Council members say theyve worked with the company and neighborhood groups to smooth things out and pledge that the rest of the rollout will be better. Officials acknowledged Wednesday that the California-based internet-search companys initial construction efforts here started off down a bumpy path largely because of a failure to adequately communicate with those living in neighborhoods where work was taking place. City staffers briefed the council on progress made by Google, AT&T and others during a Wednesday meeting. Google Fiber has begun the process of laying some 4,000 miles of fiber-optic cable, building network rings known as the backbone of the system and constructing so-called fiber huts, which house the communication equipment that makes the system work. The 17 huts, being built across the city, have caused consternation among some residents. One of the things that happened at our little bitty Haskin Park we put in one of those huts, and there were some neighbors really upset about it, Councilman Mike Gallagher said. He said his office has worked with city departments to calm concerns, partly by landscaping around the structure. Gallagher warned his council colleagues to be prepared when Google Fiber begins working in their districts. Similarly, Councilman Cris Medina said he had animated residents who discovered that a planned fiber hut violated the restrictive covenants of a park. The city has since changed the site. Officials say they have a plan to ensure a smoother rollout in a process that could take several years, still. Meanwhile, AT&T continues to expand its gigabit-speed network, which is already available to about 150,000 residents within Bexar County, said Mike Frisbie, director of the citys Transportation and Capital Improvements Department, which is now overseeing the fiber-optic deployment in San Antonio. Frisbie said AT&T will likely continue to expand its network over the next few years. Before Google can begin connecting homes, it must build the rings, laying fiber between the 17 huts scattered across the city. The company has largely completed the construction of two of the 17 huts and will begin piloting micro-trenching in January a procedure that is less invasive than traditional utility installation. Rather than digging up large trenches and boring beneath driveways, the company will use a large saw to cut an inches-wide gash near the curb along streets. The fiber lines fit snugly into the cut, which is subsequently covered with epoxy, Frisbie said. The company is loath to estimate when homes might begin receiving service. Frisbie told the council it could be 12 to 18 months after the fiber rings are built out. Theres no official date, yet, for completion of that work. The city now has a team of 12 employees overseeing the deployment by Google, AT&T and a couple of other smaller companies. One of their main duties is to ensure communication plans are executed, according to city documents. City Manager Sheryl Sculley noted that when the council adopted an ordinance allowing the internet providers to install their huts and hubs on city property, there was much fanfare about San Antonio getting what will be some of the fastest internet in the country. In the excitement about bringing high-speed fiber, Im not sure there was a focus on size and location of the fiber huts, Sculley said. Theres still a lot of work to do as we talk about those locations. At about 10 feet by 30 feet, the fiber huts are larger than many were expecting, she said. To me, the word hut construes something small, Sculley said. The city will work to ensure the huts are screened and placed in the appropriate areas, Sculley said, noting that not everyone will be happy with their locations. Some are slated for local parks while others will be in the parking lots of libraries and public-safety facilities. A representative from Google Fiber told the council Wednesday that despite news of layoffs from the company and a massive scaling back on Google Fiber deployments, San Antonio will not be impacted. Mayor Ivy Taylor said the fiber deployment will drive further economic development in San Antonio one of the key priorities for her administration. Everybody is looking forward to the end product, she said. jbaugh@express-news.net Twitter: @jbaugh AUSTIN Democratic women are capitalizing on state Agriculture Commissioner Sid Millers crude tweet about Hillary Clinton, urging Texans to send a message against vulgar sexism by voting against Republicans. To hear a state official call our Democratic nominee for president a word that is vile, that is vulgar, that is hateful and that is, most importantly, disrespectful its degrading, its embarrassing, and Ive had enough, said Diana Arevalo, the Democratic nominee for Bexar Countys House District 116, pronouncing herself frustrated with the Republican leadership of this state. We need to get our people to the polls and vote, said Arevalo, who doesnt have a Republican opponent. Ya basta! (Enough already!) Miller has apologized for the tweet, which used the C-word to refer to Clinton, offering conflicting explanations before settling on it being a staffers mistake. The tweet quickly was deleted after it was posted Tuesday. But the women who gathered Wednesday at a Texas Democratic Party news conference pointed out that GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump has used highly offensive language about women and that top Republican statewide leaders largely back him even if they frown on such comments. Trump, who came under particular fire when a 2005 video surfaced in which he bragged about grabbing womens genitals , this week praised Miller, one of his staunchest supporters. Women are under attack in this campaign, said Rep. Celia Israel, D-Austin, adding in a remark directed at Miller, Like your hero and political mentor Donald Trump, you are killing your party, sir, and that makes me sad. Crystal K. Perkins, Texas Democratic Party executive director, urged voters to cast ballots against the Texas Trumps who put the GOP nominees values into action in Texas. Top Republicans who back Trump distanced themselves from Millers comments as they have from the nominees crudest remarks. Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday of Millers tweet, The language is reprehensible and is an embarrassment. No true Texas gentleman would ever talk this way. We completely agree with Gov. Abbott, Republican Party of Texas spokesman Mike Joyce said Wednesday when asked about the Democratic effort. A spokesman for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who heads Trumps Texas campaign, criticized Millers tweet Wednesday but said Democrats have their own issues, including fresh attention on Clintons handling of her emails while secretary of state. A federal look at Clintons use of a private email server brought no charges in July, but the FBI director last week said freshly discovered emails of a top Clinton aide might have bearing on the matter. Clinton has said she is confident the emails wont change the July decision. The tweet on Millers account was outrageously crude and unacceptable, but he said it was a mistake which he quickly corrected and apologized for, said Patrick spokesman Allen Blakemore. The Democrats are clearly scrambling to distract voters away from Hillary Clintons career of corrupt practices and the ongoing FBI investigation. Clinton has defended her record of public service and her team has questioned the FBI directors decision to disclose the discovery of the additional emails so close to the election, since their importance is unclear. pfikac@express-news.net Twitter: @pfikac Bright bouquets of flowers, some with small pendants or little notes attached, dotted Holy Cross Cemetery on Wednesday morning. Denise Krohn and Osvaldo Vela, her cousin and godfather, stood among them. Krohn had a large bag with her flowers she would place at a gravestone in the cemeterys babyland, for the baby she miscarried this year. Today is the day to stop and reflect, to take time out and to appreciate the little things in life the quietness. To connect not only with those that you knew but also just to see life. All the lives, each person here, has a story, Krohn said. More than 100 people gathered for a Mass, one of three held at local cemeteries for All Souls Day. Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller celebrated Mass as usual, acknowledging the remembrances and prayers for deceased loved ones and later blessing the newly finished Stations of the Cross. All Souls Day, celebrated principally by the Catholic Church, is a chance for people to remember their loved ones who have died, often through prayer and by placing gifts to the dead near their gravestones. Its a common Catholic belief that those in purgatory can move to heaven if their living friends and family pray for them. The tradition is also considered reciprocal All Souls Day is a chance for those who have died to pray for those who still live. Velas mother, who is also Krohns godmother, died Sept. 4, 2014, in San Antonio and is buried at Holy Cross. If it wasnt for my faith tradition I wouldnt have given thought to a final resting place, and the ability to be here on a solemn occasion to remember my mom, kind of reminisce and pray for her. She will take my prayers and take them to God. Because Im here on earth, on a journey, Vela said. The day is also known as Day of the Dead, and many will set up altars, or ofrendas, in their homes, dedicated to deceased friends and families. Theyre decorated with items specific to the deceased as well as typical Dia de los Muertos decorations like sugar skulls, incense, flowers and pan de muerto. The purpose of All Souls Day and having the liturgies at the cemetery site is just from the earliest days of the church, said Jordan McMorrough, spokesman for the archdiocese of San Antonio. The people have been encouraged to pray for everyone whos died, not just the people we think of as saints. Tuesday was All Saints Day, honoring children and saints. Krohn named her boy Vivian because of its relation to the word vivir, or life, in Spanish. She said on her drive over to the Mass she felt lonely, but after seeing her baby surrounded by others in babyland, and surrounded by other interred family members beyond that, she felt a sense of community. Regardless of what your background is, every once in a while, it doesnt have to be necessarily a particular day, but take time to stop and appreciate life and death, Krohn said. My mom always tells me, You should be happy when you die, because then you know the ending of your story. sfosterfrau@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Sandra Blands mother has reached a final settlement in the lawsuit over her daughters arrest and suicide at the Waller County Jail, ending a 16-month quest for answers in a case that brought international attention to allegations of disparate treatment of African Americans by police. A federal judge this week dismissed the civil case after the parties agreed to a $1.9 million settlement, clearing the way for a misdemeanor perjury charge to proceed against the state trooper who stopped Bland on a rural roadway for failing to signal a lane change. In a terse one-page ruling, U.S. District Judge David Hittner accepted the mediated agreement Blands mothers lawyers hammered out with the attorneys for 11 Waller County officials and the trooper who arrested her on allegations she was combative after the traffic stop. The trooper, Brian Encinia, was fired by Texas Department of Public Safety. His criminal case on allegations he lied during the investigation is pending in state court. In mid-September, Blands mother announced the parties had arrived at a monetary settlement and county officials agreed to improve how inmates are booked and supervised at the jail. They also agreed to remediate how rural jails handle medical and mental health needs when they dont have on-site providers. Waller County has budgeted for next year to hire a jailer with EMT qualifications and has already implemented a system that automates cell checks, making it impossible for guards to falsify that theyve checked on an inmate if they havent. The jail has increased its training for jailers on how to handle mental health assessment and suicide risks during intake. Elton Mathis, the district attorney for Waller County, said One of the positive things to come out of this is theres a dialogue being had in the corridors of power that its OK to talk about mental health issues, theres nothing to be ashamed of. They are conversations that need to be had by those in government so the laws and the resources are there for us to care for people. County Judge Trey Duhon said too heavy a burden had been placed on jailers who had hours of training to deal with mental health issues they were not equipped to handle. In addition DPS has implemented de-escalation training for state troopers and troopers in training -- to help prevent incidents from becoming contentious -- prior to the settlement. The state attorney general could not be reached for comment. In Austin, state Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, has been advocating for a Sandra Bland Act in the upcoming legislative session. The reforms he has discussed would include a provision that would prohibit police from stopping vehicles under petty pretexts when their intent is to execute a random search. Coleman and many Black Lives Matter activists have said they believe Bland was stopped under such a pretext. Mathis, the Waller County DA said he and the county judge will advocate in the legislature that the state fund telemedicine, so rural jails can have a psychiatrist on call 24 hours. Its inexcusable in this day and age that we have cell phones and FaceTime and Skype that rural counties cant each have a medical doctor available by Skype, Mathis said. When she announced a settlement was in the works, Blands mother, Geneva Reed-Veal, stated the resolution would have a rippling effect across the country. Im hopeful there wont be any more unlawful arrests. Im hopeful with this spotlight and this settlement that others dont have to receive a call from 1,000 miles away that their child is on the way to the morgue, she said. She could not be reached on Wednesday, but her lawyer, Thomas Rhodes reiterated Reed-Veals previous statement the emphasis was never on money. The driving force for the family was always to make changes to hopefully prevent needless deaths like this in the future, Rhodes said. Duhon said jail improvements began in the county before the Blands death: Theres no doubt weve been painted with a very broad brush in a way that doesnt reflect what Waller County really is about here and now. In other words, this is not your grandfathers Waller County. He added, There will be positive things that will come about as a result of the Sandra Bland incident, absolutely. No doubt. Bland, who was from a suburb of Chicago, had recently relocated to Waller County and was about to begin a job at her alma mater, Prairie View A&M University, when Encinia pulled her over July 10, 2015. In a dash-cam video that went viral after Blands death, Encinia drew his Taser and told Bland he would light her up if she did not extinguish her cigarette. He ordered Bland to exit her car and after a scuffle off camera, arrested her. A Prairie View patrolman who arrived to assist the trooper after Bland had been detained in the back of a squad car, told the Houston Chronicle he overheard Encinia verbally debating what charge he should file against Bland. Bland told officials at the jail she had previously attempted suicide but was not suicidal. A former jailer said in a sworn deposition that he had falsified records to indicate he had checked on Bland shortly before she was found in her cell three days after she was booked, with a noose fashioned from a garbage bag. Her family in Illinois said communications broke down over the weekend and they were unable to get her bonded out. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate In a rare move, Councilman Joe Krier is seeking to rescind a contract that the city signed in September that allowed a private business to use the citys logo to solicit residents here. With the program set to launch next week, Krier on Wednesday said he could circulate a request that council reconsider its Sept. 29 vote in favor of the deal with Utility Service Partners Inc., a Connecticut-based home-service repair company. Spurred by Councilman Ron Nirenberg, the city agreed to endorse USP and its water and sewer line warranties in exchange for a fee and monthly royalties. The corporate sponsorship marked the first time the city has endorsed a companys product. I reported in a column last week that USPs parent company, HomeServe USA, has been accused of deceptive advertising in at least six states. Since 2010, HomeServe has paid more than $400,000 to settle allegations that it misled consumers in Maryland, New York, Kentucky, Ohio, Massachusetts and Georgia. Last week, city spokesman Jeff Coyle said city officials were not aware that HomeServe had acquired USP in July when they recommended council approve the deal. Coyle corrected that on Wednesday: The city was notified in August that HomeServe acquired the company, but there was not another due diligence done at that point, he said. The city signed its contract with USP on Sept. 30, the day after council voted in favor of the agreement. On Wednesday, Nirenberg criticized the city for doing a poor job of vetting the company, which is doing business here as Service Line Warranties of America. But he stopped short of reversing his support for the program, which would earn the city at least $2.4 million over the next five years. Council members have to trust in the citys contracting process, which is intended to vet all of the companies that we do business with, Nirenberg said. The information thats been brought to light regarding HomeServe concerns me, but it has now resulted in a vetting process and a program that will be more closely scrutinized by the public, city staff and myself. To be clear, any business that acts in a predatory manner toward the citizens of San Antonio will not be welcomed here. Krier wants the city to back out of the program entirely. I am one who is very concerned about people getting stuff in the mail with the citys implied imprimatur on it, he told me. A lot of people, particularly poor people, will interpret it as, You need to get insurance. And we should not do that. Although the product has nothing to do with the city-owned San Antonio Water System or the city, residents here would receive notices in the mail from SLWA marked by the citys official logo, warning them that SAWS does not maintain water or sewer lines on their properties. The ads would urge homeowners to spend up to $200 a year on warranties to ensure against breaks in sewer, water and in-home plumbing lines. Consumer advocates warn that such warranties rarely come through. In this case, the warranty doesnt cover damages to a line caused, directly or indirectly, by you (the homeowner), third parties, natural disasters, acts of God, or other insurable causes, or any consequential damages. SAWS already had rejected a partnership with USP before the city embraced its deal and city officials knew it, according to emails obtained through an open records request. On Sept. 26, Morris Harris in the citys finance department sent an email to Cristina Hernandez at SAWS. We are looking for a statement as to why SAWS did not participate/provide the warranties themselves? Harris wrote. Hernandez replied on Sept. 28, the day before council was scheduled to vote on the deal. SAWS was created to provide water and sewer utility services to its customers and we cannot provide warranties on private property, she wrote. SLWA is a private enterprise that provides such warranties SAWS does not feel it is prudent to allow private enterprise to use our billing systems or corporate identity to further that enterprise. If only the city felt the same way. bchasnoff@express-news.net Funds raised from a 5k Family Fun Run taking place this weekend in memory of a young woman who was brutally murdered almost six years ago, will be donated to the Shriners Hospital for Children in St. Louis for the sponsorship of a room in her name. The 5th Annual Ericka Wade Foundation 5k Family Fun Run will take place beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday at the El Tapatio restaurant, located at 605 Walton Drive in Farmington. Same day registration opens at 8 a.m. According to foundation officer and Wade's brother, Brian Bates, there will be door prizes, raffle items and awards for the top finishers. "All of the proceeds raised that day will benefit children with medical needs through our sponsorship of the Ericka Wade Foundation Inpatient Room at the hospital," Bates said. "The reason we decided to support the Shriners Hospital when we started the foundation back in 2012 was because Ericka was a patient there when she was young. "She was born with a club foot and so the first five years of her life, they took many trips up to Shriners Hospital. Ericka had multiple surgeries there and they treated her and our family so well that we decided that this was a cause that we would love to support." Erickas life was taken from her on Nov. 30, 2010 just two weeks after her 20th birthday when she was lured from her home and brutally murdered. The Ericka Wade Foundation was started by the young woman's family to affect a positive impact on the lives of others in her name. "In 2015, EWF pledged to raise $50,000 in support of the new facility and Shriners commitment to pediatric orthopedics," Bates said. "As a result of the foundation's commitment, during its new facilities dedication on May 17, 2015, Shriners christened one of the six new inpatient rooms as the Ericka Wade Foundation Inpatient Room. Over the last four years, our runs have raised over $35,000 for Shriners thanks to our loyal supporters. "We raised about $20,000 from our first three 5k Family Fun Runs. That wasn't bad for a small non-profit and we were thrilled with that. In 2014 we had the opportunity to sponsor the room because the Shriners were building the brand new hospital in the city. Basically the deal is that you have to pledge to raise $50,000 over a six-year period to sponsor a room. "Through the race, some raffles and a fundraiser held at El Tapatio on the Thursday before last year's race, we raised about $12,500. Because Shriners Hospital also let us apply the money we had raised the previous year to our total, we're just about halfway to our total for the room." According to Bates, the Wade family is anticipating this weekend's race to be the best they've ever sponsored. "We're expecting a big crowd this year," he said. "The pre-registrations are up this year and we're really excited about it. We just want to raise another good amount of money for Shriners Hospital." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate City Council voted unanimously Thursday to begin the process of issuing $52 million of debt to buy the Frost Bank Tower in order to turn it into a new central administrative building for the city. The vote puts in motion an intricate deal that the city inked last year with Frost Bank and downtown developer Weston Urban as part of an effort to rejuvenate a dreary area of west downtown. The deal will result in a state-of-the-art new headquarters for Frost Bank downtowns first new office tower in more than 25 years. Specifically, Thursdays vote allows the city to notify financial institutions that it will issue the debt so they can bid on it. Council will decide on Dec. 8 which bids to accept, according to the council agenda. We look forward to many more great things coming, District 1 Councilman Roberto Trevino said before the vote Thursday. RELATED: See a PDF of Frost Tower's high-tech and 'green' features here. Under the deal, the city and Frost Bank will sell 9.1 acres in west downtown to Weston Urban, including the Municipal Plaza Building where council meetings are held. Weston Urban will develop the 23-story new Frost Tower, which would rejuvenate the downtown office market with 400,000 square feet of new class A office space. The city expects to pay $51 million for the current 22-story headquarters of Frost Bank and its parking garage, the citys deputy chief financial officer, Troy Elliott, said in a phone interview. The Bexar Appraisal District assessed the property for a total of $47.6 million this year. The city wont have to increase its budget to pay off the debt, Elliott said. Part of it will be paid with revenue from leasing out space in the Frost Bank Tower and with savings from city departments no longer having to pay rent in other buildings, he said. The city also will make $6.4 million from selling properties to Weston Urban as part of the deal. Renovations to the Frost Bank Tower are expected to cost the city $32 million and will be funded with another debt issue, Elliott said. The city expects to complete its purchase of the Frost Bank Tower on Dec. 22, he said. It would then lease it back to Frost Bank for about 30 months until Weston Urban completes the new Frost Tower. RELATED: See San Antonio office space trends below. rwebner@express-news.net @rwebner 6 p.m. UPDATE: Sheriff Gary Stolzer said this is still an ongoing investigation and they do believe the skeletal remains found are those of Lynn Messer, but they will not know 100 percent for sure for a few days until all their tests are performed. Stolzer also said they do not know the cause of death at this time. Kerry Messer told the Daily Journal that there were artificial hips and glasses found near the remains. "If there had not been artificial hips then we would have known immediately it was not Lynn," said Kerry. "It's about as obvious as it can be until we can get scientific data. From my understanding those artificial hip parts have serial numbers in them that will have to be crossed referenced with medical records." 2 p.m. UPDATE: The Ste. Genevieve County Sheriffs Department and the FBI are still out at the Messer farm located off Route DD near Dry Fork Road in Bloomsdale processing the scene where skeletal remains were found Tuesday evening. Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff Gary Stolzer said they are still investigating the area and havent made any determinations at this time. The FBI is helping us collect and handle the scene right now, said Stolzer. Also they are helping us collect everything we can collect and then they will turn it over to us, the coroner and the pathologist. Stolzer said the remains will most likely remain local, but he isnt sure where they will be going at this time. Its not a small area we are processing and we are being very thorough, explained Stolzer. It will take time. The skeletal remains were found by a family member who was scouting the area for a hunting location approximately a mile from the rural home. Lynn Messer went missing on July 8, 2014 and a large scale search was underway within hours of being reported missing. During the initial search by law enforcement, they searched approximately 400 acres on the farm and surrounding the farm. In an earlier interview Kerry Messer said there were some details, location and some articles that were found, that makes them believe it very likely it could be Lynn. There has been no confirmation on whether or not the remains could be Lynn or someone else at this point. Lynn is the only reported missing person in Ste. Genevieve County at this time. Sheriff Stolzer agreed to keep the Daily Journal updated as information is available. ORIGINAL STORY: Skeletal remains were found on the Messer farm at the junction of Route DD and Dry Fork Road in Ste. Genevieve County early Tuesday evening around dusk by a hunter scouting the area in preparation for deer hunting. Lynn Messer went missing just over two years ago. Her husband Kerry Messer, 57, a conservative Jefferson City lobbyist, told investigators he woke up in the early morning hours on July 8, 2014, at his rural home to find his then 52-year-old wife missing. An intense investigation started that morning once the authorities were notified. Kerry reportedly searched the common areas around their 250 acre farm where she would normally be found before filing a report. The Messer farm soon became a flurry of activity when the St. Louis Regional Command Post, Eureka Search and Rescue, along with area K-9 search teams, local fire departments and volunteers converged and began searching. As days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, the search parties eventually slowed and dwindled. In the two years since volunteer searchers had searched approximately 5,000 acres. The initial search by law enforcement comprised approximately 400 acres including and surrounding the farm. Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff Gary Stolzer said this morning that the FBI has been called in to process the entire scene. He reminded that it's too early to confirm for sure that the remains are that of Lynn Messer. We were called last night and it was discovered by a hunter in the woods who was scouting out hunting locations, said Stolzer. When we got there it was dark so we didnt do anything with the scene. We just identified it was in fact skeletal remains and contacted the FBI. They will be here shortly. Stolzer said the remains were located approximately a mile from the house and that no media would be allowed on the property. Kerry wants no media there and no one will be able to reach the area, said Stolzer. We are no further today on this case, other than we have a body. We dont know if there was foul play, we dont know if she just walked off, we dont know (anything) right now. Kerry Messer said this morning that they have to wait for confirmation. It was a hunter who found something and there are some details there that makes us think it very likely it could be Lynn, explained Kerry. The location and some articles that were found. I have no absolute confirmation on anything and the sheriffs department hasnt touched anything from what I understand. "I cant confirm whether there were artificial hips. (Lynn Messer had undergone two hip replacement surgeries over the years.) The FBI is supposed to show up later this morning to start processing the scene. Kerry added he is not sure how long he will have to wait to find anything out and stressed this is why they need all hunters everywhere to be vigilant and not to assume anything. Ironically, Kerry started a dedicated campaign last year to have hunters everywhere pay close attention for such things as small personal items that might otherwise just appear to be trash, but that might be significant in any missing person investigation. Missouri hunters urged to support hurting families With the main firearms deer season in Missouri in full swing, Support the Hurting, a newly f Right now we are trying to hold ourselves together while we wait for the confirmation, which we suspect is going to be what we fear, said Kerry. This was an area that was searched before and I dont understand that. Over the last two plus years I have seen numerous stories of the remains of missing persons being found in the exact same spots where they searched with dogs years before. This is going to possibly be one of those cases. Kerry said this may not be Lynn, this may be someone else, but Lynn is the only reported missing person in the immediate area. Sheriff Stolzer agreed to keep the Daily Journal updated as information is available. Hello, Most weekends in the fall, as all the people traipse through orchards and buy apples, and cider, and chase the kids through the straw mazes and corn mazes, while picking out pumpkins, and just spending the last few beautiful Saturdays of fall enjoying all the hard work of our specialty farmers. Those same farmers are completing their harvest and are hard at work with the planning phase for next year. Much like grain farmers, those that produce specialty crops such as fruits and vegetables are busy planning for the coming year as well. NAP November is a busy month for the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program or NAP as we like to call it here at FSA. NAP is available to crops and agricultural commodities for which CAT or additional coverage under normal crop insurance, is not available. NAP is designed to reduce financial losses that occur when natural disasters cause a loss of production, loss of value, or prevented planting of an eligible crop. NAP provides similar security to producers of specialty crops as standard insurance provides for grain farmers, with many of the same requirements. The most common of those being production reporting. All producers, including producers of hand-harvested crops, are required to provide acceptable and verifiable production records for production that is harvested by the later of the subsequent year acreage reporting date or 60 calendar days after the normal harvest date. In addition, for producers who have not yet enrolled in 2017 NAP program, Nov. 20, 2016 is the last day to apply for NAP coverage for 2017 apples, asparagus, blueberries, cranberries, cherries, chestnuts, forage for hay and pasture, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, strawberries, honey, maple sap and hops. Much like standard crop insurance you hope that it will not be necessary but in the event you have a year that is not so favorable the NAP can be a good safety net, we invite anyone who has not inquired about NAP before to visit the local county office and review the costs and advantages of this program. Producers who have not yet provided the necessary documentation for production reporting are encouraged to contact the local office for an appointment. Thats all for now, FSA Andy Recently, a bakers dozen of old farm and food friends got together with a group of young farm and food friends to discuss everything from yesterdays disappointments to tomorrows hopes. The difference in our age (mid-20s to early 80s), vocation (farmers to poets), education (undergraduate degrees to Ph.Ds.), and experience (beekeeper to university dean) fueled warm and sometimes, hot conversations about the future of farms, farmers and food. One topic, Building Community, surprised me in the diverse emotions it generated and the depth of intellect it minded. No one mentioned the words city or town during the discussion because the community we seemed to be searching for wasnt a hard spot on any map but a soft spot in our hearts. Soft but not too soft Just as neighbor and friend may have defined community two generations ago, today we hear words never before used in describing community; words like imbalance and irresponsibility, one presenter offered. These changes in vocabulary, explained one old friend, a university official, changes how community-building institutions like land grant universities, say, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture approach their tasks now. Many struggle because they are unsure of whats being asked of them. Those struggles, observed this old friend, can be seen in the first step institutions take in addressing community problems. Some begin from a culture of un-helpfulness: I dont know what you want but I cant do it, while others start from a culture of helpfulness: What do you want; Ill try to find out. In this administrators experience, institutions can help build and rebuild communities but they must take care to be riders, not drivers. They are there to facilitate, not dominate. Today Facilitate who exactly, asked another old friend; just what is community today? That simple question generated the conversations hardest examination of just who we are and where we fit in todays capital intensive, less-populated farm community and more-populated, question-intensive food community. In short, the old friend asked, are we now a community of cool-headed accountants whose critical measures of success are bushels, acres, and dollars or are we a community of mutual need like, say, a threshing ring of the past, where neighbor helped neighbor with no thought of any accounting? No accounting Ideally, replied yet another old friend, its the latter; a community is where no one is done until everyone is done. Done is done. Theres no accounting. That definition of community, this friend continued, was given to him by an Amish farmer friend after a day of plowing. The story, he related, went like this: The Amish farmer and a young friend were plowing one fine fall day when it came time to give the horses a rest. After tending the livestock, the two walked up a small, nearby hill so they, too, could rest. Once there the farmer and his young friend looked out on the small valley below and counted 13 other farmers plowing. The sight of all those plowmen and teams, the Amish farmer told the young friend, meant that if anything happened to prevent him from finishing his work he knew his neighbors would complete it for him. And that would happen not out of charity, my old friend said in his retelling. It would happen out of culture and community. My youth That small slice of that mornings very detailed conversation resonated deeply with me because that too was the way it was on the southern Illinois dairy farm of my youth. My father and our neighbors often shared machinery and labor without any accounting whatsoever over who owed what to whom. Done was done and that was that. Now, 50 years later, the community of my youth no longer exists because all those farms and farmers, save one, are as long gone as their six-row corn planters and one-row silage choppers. Whats left, Im left to wonder, and whatever that is, is it a community? BANNOCKBURN, Ill. TDI Farms of Westphalia, Michigan has signed an agreement to purchase 24 DeLaval Voluntary Milking System robots citing advantages in animal welfare, employee development and the farms longevity as main catalysts for the project. Owners Frank, Paul and Bryant Treirweiler expect to milk 1,500 cows at the new site. TDI Farms selected DeLaval in part due to their long-standing relationship with the local dealer, DeLaval Dairy Service in Michigan. The family trusts the support they will receive as the project moves forward. They also cite add-on technologies, such as Herd Navigator, DelPro Software, Smart Pulsation and Body Condition Scoring, which they expect to add value once the VMS robots come online. In addition to the 24 milking robots, TDI Farms has also agreed to purchase DeLaval activity monitoring tags for the entire herd, 24 swinging cow brushes, and teat dips and detergents developed by DeLaval specifically for VMS farms. The new facility will also use DelPro farm management software to record, for example quarter milk yields, robot visits and heats, helping TDI Farms make accurate and timely decisions to maintain the health of their herd. As the development of shale energy continues, pipelines and related infrastructure are spreading across farmland. New gathering lines now extend out to wells that have come on line in recent years. In addition, intrastate and interstate transmission pipelines are being built so that more natural gas can move from settings where it is extracted to distribution networks serving homes, businesses, and other end-users. Though much of this infrastructure is constructed to the satisfaction of rural landowners, complete with restoration of pastures and crop fields, complaints are registered from time to time. Without help In some cases, dissatisfaction can be traced to landowners attempts to negotiate with pipeline companies on their own, without legal counsel. Based on observations in Guernsey County and the surrounding region, there are items one can do to avoid needless conflict. It is important that the landowner understand the total number of pipelines, depth of pipeline burial, appurtenances, future uses which the pipeline company desires for the right-of-way area, and what uses the company may want to grant to other utilities. Before signing any sort of an agreement with a pipeline company, a landowner should insist on pinpointing the pipeline and temporary work area. A good option is to ask the company for a plat showing the areas location and dimensions. Work dates Beginning and ending dates for construction and installation can and should be negotiated and written into the agreement. Also to be spelled out are entry and exit points for the landowners fields, types of gates to be utilized, as well as who is responsible for maintaining gates and fences. Unless agricultural operations are suspended entirely during pipeline installation, a specific place for farm equipment to cross through the construction area needs to be identified. It is also possible that springs, ponds, and streams may be affected, in which case an appropriate remedy must be identified. As with other points of agreement with the pipeline company, anything not put in writing will be difficult to enforce. The companys activities may have an impact on farming operations and therefore can be described and limited in the right-of-way grant. For example, if hunting, fishing, loitering, lodging, camping, or similar activities by the company or its contractors or guests ought to be prohibited, the landowners attorney should make this restriction clear. Construction equipment Parking of vehicles, trucks or other equipment necessary for construction may also be limited to the period of construction, if likewise described in the agreement. For some farms, preserving esthetics is important. If a landowner does not want the easement area to be used as a storage area or staging area, for example, this should be agreed to in writing. In addition, permanent fencing around pipeline structures may be needed. Identify all fencing issues in the contract, what type, if it is permanent or temporary, and who will maintain it. Some farmers will lose forage production and need additional forage for livestock. Do not forget to include these damages in the contract and beware that damages may extend beyond one year. Land restoration Agreements with a pipeline company need to clearly define the companys responsibilities for land restoration. A landowner may want to describe what locations are to be replanted, seeding method to be used, as well as what forage cultivars, seeding rates and even mulch type to be used. It may be helpful to provide a description of what water diversion practices should be employed. Practices such as silt fences and water bars can be an obstacle when a field needs to be mowed or clipped, so the contract must identify when obstacles should be removed and when and whom is to restore the land. The Soil and Water Conservation at the Ohio Department of Agriculture has published a document titled Pipeline Standard and Construction Specification, that addresses restoration issues in detail. In the process of pipeline installation, large rocks will be unearthed. Some landowners have elected to have boulders placed in a location for their use or sale. When pipelines go through timber, a landowner will need compensation for damages. There are several successful means to handle these losses. Probably the simplest is to agree upon a price per foot of pipeline through the woodlot. Landowners should be paid for the damaged marketable timber and any hardwood of pole size which would have been marketable within the next twenty years. It may also be possible for the landowner to retain possession of this timber and have it placed at a specific location on the farm which should be accessible even after pipeline installation. It may be helpful for landowners to hire a consulting forester when negotiating timber issues. A list of consulting foresters can be provided by the local OSU Extension office or the ODNR Service Forester. It is prudent to soil test the pipeline area after installation, as lime and fertilizer needs will change significantly after soil disturbance. Landowner attorneys will need statements written into the contract which require pipeline installers to follow the fertilizer and seeding recommendations of the landowner. The landowner may want to stipulate in writing that he or she, not the firm building the pipeline, has the final say about the completeness of restoration. The landowner will probably have the need for a company contact and telephone number used for the sake of regular consultation as reseeding and other kinds of reclamation are happening. Landowners should discuss consequences for non- compliance of the right-of- way contract with their attorney. It is possible for a right-of-way to become infested with weeds or to experience soil erosion. If this outcome occurs, what procedure is to be followed and for how many years after construction do the companys responsibilities for remediation last? If the landowner negotiates for additional items to be placed on the farm such as drips, valves, and metering equipment, how will these me maintained? Planning ahead All of these measures may require fencing, some kind of reseeding, and long-term plans for weed control. Another issue landowners should seriously consider is contract described limitations on their use of the right-of- way. For example, it may be important to reserve the right to install drainage ditches, tiles, or to put in a road across the easement. In addition, PVC pipe conduit may be needed for water and electric either in support of current farm operations or in anticipation of expanded operations. If the property has been enrolled in a USDA government program it is important to have protection in the agreement for the possibility of recoupment of program payments. Finally, nothing lasts forever. Some landowners may want to describe what triggers the end of an agreement, and what procedures must be followed to clear the farm title of encumbrances. Consider all language Any language that appears to give rights to the company, exclusively needs to be considered carefully by the landowner and their attorney. More information about pipelines may be found at http://serc.osu.edu. Property owners need to keep in mind that the items in an offer for a right-of- way are negotiable, and it is advisable to never attempt to negotiate without the assistance of an attorney. Flooding has become a serious problem for the UK in recent years, with episodes of severe flooding, formerly rare events, now increasingly commonplace. In response, substantial effort has been invested into research to determine the factors contributing to this effect to allow suitable management strategies to be implemented. The principal factors which are accepted to increase the risk of flooding in the UK are climate change and current agricultural land management approaches, writes Dr William Stiles from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University. Dr Stiles says projections for environmental change in the UK indicate that extreme weather events are likely to increase in frequency. Rainfall patterns in particular are expected to change, with high deluge events predicted to become more regular and more severe, leading to increased chance of flood events. In addition to this, land management changes as part of the drive towards agricultural intensification in the latter half of the 20th century, has driven increases in land drainage, livestock stocking densities, and the removal of hedgerows, to create larger more simplified field systems. This in turn has resulted in substantial modification of the UK landscape. The causes of flooding Reduced water infiltration and increased surface runoff rates can occur in instances where there are high livestock stocking densities. Planting trees and hedgerows can significantly increase water infiltration rate into soil and storage thereafter... Local surface runoff rates are higher as a consequence of decreases in soil infiltration rate, porosity, and hydraulic conductivity, alongside increases in soil bulk density, driven by the effects of compaction. In addition, where grazing rate is high, reduced surface vegetation structure can limit the canopy interception storage rate (when water lands on the surface of leaves, which for broadleaf trees can be as much as 10-25% of gross precipitation) and the absence of deep or large rooting species may limit the ability of natural processes to reduce the effects of compaction. Land drainage may heavily influence the rates at which water enters river systems. In the context of intensive grassland production, sub-surface field drains can alter natural hydrological processes and may enhance the magnitude of peak flows, due to a faster rate of delivery from land to river. A similar effect has also been noted for moorland drainage, which has been linked to increases in flood frequency. However, this influence is less certain as there is some disagreement in results between different studies, which are likely to be due to differences in soil type between locations and initial soil moisture levels. In general, woodland resources (a term which when used here, also includes small scale tree planting such as shelterbelts) across the UK have increased since the early 1900s. From a low of about 5% coverage, tree cover is now estimated to be in the region of 14% and 13% for Wales and the UK as a whole respectively. Even though woodland and tree cover has increased in the last century, Wales and the UK remain among the least forested countries in Europe, where the average tree cover is 37%. ... This reduces the potential for surface runoff and overland flow, which is key factor in reducing flood peaks In addition to the losses of woodlands and hedgerows, numbers of in-field large or veteran trees have also declined as there has been little or no replacement after loss and limited potential for natural recruitment. The loss of large vegetation across agricultural systems, and the influence this can have on hydrology, is perhaps the principal agent influencing the potential for flooding. How do hedgerows and woodland resources reduce the effects of flooding? The presence of woodlands and hedgerows can significantly reduce peak water flows through several mechanisms including increased evaporation loses (particularly after canopy interception), increased water storage capacity of soils under tree cover, increased water infiltration potential, and decreased soil bulk density from the influence of root growth. This has been comprehensively demonstrated by research undertaken at the Pontbren catchment in Wales, in a comparison study which has focussed on a landscape traditionally managed by sheep grazing, with and without tree presence. Here, the planting of a shelterbelt of trees was shown to reduce flood peak magnitude by 40%, by increasing the rate of water infiltration which was shown to be sixty times greater where the shelterbelt was planted, thus decreasing overland flow rate which is considered to be key in lowering flood peaks. Hedgerow planting also offers similar benefits for potential flood mitigation. Hedgerows are known to be efficient in the storage and slow release of water during heavy rainfall events, with 50 metres of hedge in a 1 ha field able to store between 150 and 375 cubic metres of water. Hedgerows and trees can reduce soil water content from across a field system regardless of slope, by virtue of reducing the ground water content in the immediate vicinity of a hedge or shelter belt. This leads to water being drawn in from the surrounding soil, initiating a gradient of flow towards the hedgerow or tree plantation. Management and design are highly important for effective tree planting projects. Tree planting configuration can have a significant effect on the infiltration rate, soil bulk density, and canopy interception rate. Research has shown that clumping trees together in a thicket of 5-10 trees may positively influence infiltration rate when compared to evenly spaced single trees. The presence of livestock can also influence the size of effect in terms of flood mitigation, due to the compaction effects caused when animals gather around the base of trees for shelter and shade. This behaviour may reduce or even eliminate any beneficial effect of the increased tree presence, as where sheep were present, infiltration rates and soil bulk density were shown to be similar to areas without tree cover. This therefore indicates the need to fence around trees, either when planted in clumps or individually, to exclude livestock. Omitting this as part of any tree planting project for the purposes of flood management may significantly limit the benefits which would otherwise be expected. This of course may limit the benefit to livestock of shelter from sun and rain, but may continue to provide shelter from the effects of wind chill. Future management The planting of shelterbelts and hedgerows has real potential to offer a land management approach which can reduce the impact of flooding whilst offering limited impact to agricultural production, as the planting scale required to achieve the results highlighted above is relatively small. In addition, planting shelterbelts and hedgerows can also offer several associated benefits in both production and environmental terms, which could also be considered advantageous. These results are also likely to be realised quickly as changes in the rate of infiltration have been observed to act in the short term (2-6 years of vegetation growth), thus rapidly buffering catchments against future high volume rain events. In addition to this approach, strategies which incorporate the planting of trees with complementary planting of grass species such as Festulolium (a hybrid grass with a large root system developed by IBERS and Rothamsted Research, effective at reducing runoff by improving water infiltration rate), may have even greater potential to limit the effects of predicted environmental change in the future. Summary Research to date has provided positive indications of the influence of tree and hedgerow planting on factors such as water infiltration rate and overland flow potential, which are considered key factors in flood events. This could form an effective part of a wider approach to flood risk management which utilises alternative approaches to land management and natural ecosystem characteristics to reduce the potential for flooding. Whilst this presents one very promising approach for future flood risk management, further work is necessary to completely determine the broader influence on hydrology at the landscape or catchment scale. This will require much cooperation with farmers and landowners working together with public and private sector stakeholders on catchment scale projects, to trial large-scale management approaches designed to reduce flood risk over the wider river catchment. Dr William Stiles is a Knowledge Exchange Fellow from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University Prime Minister Theresa May told parliament on Wednesday that the government will be doing everything possible to get the best deal for the farming sector once the country leaves the EU. "We're very conscious of the importance of the food and agricultural sector across the United Kingdom but particularly of that sector to Northern Ireland and we will be doing everything we can ... to ensure we get the best deal possible for the agri-food sector," she told parliament at Prime Minister's Questions. Despite the early commitments from the Treasury supporting agriculture, farming unions still remain concerned around the uncertainties of financial support leading up to Brexit and beyond. The government statement guaranteeing support levels for structural and investment fund projects after Brexit was announced at the Conservative Party conference. Despite the early commitments from the Treasury supporting agriculture, farming unions still remain concerned 'Ambiguity not welcome' "We were very pleased to hear of early commitments from the Treasury to support agriculture," said Glyn Roberts, the Farmers Union of Wales President. "However, we are worried about the detail to support the statements. "For example, a commitment to 2020 for CAP Pillar 1 funding could be read as March 2020 as part of the financial year 2019/20 or it could mean to the end of the financial year almost 12 months later. "The announcement of CAP pillar 2 support until possibly 2022, which was made by the Chancellor at the Conservative Party Conference, whilst welcome, is also adding to the confusion. "Such ambiguity is not welcome and does not help individuals plan their businesses. Careful and precise statements are needed now more than ever," added Mr Roberts. Defra Secretary Andrea Leadsom has sought to reassure pig farmers their concerns will be fully taken on board as the UK carves out a new future outside the EU. During a visit to the AHDB Pork stand at the SIAL trade show in Paris, Mrs Leadsom was questioned by leading exporters and industry representatives on two of the big Brexit trade questions. What guarantees can the government give that it will successfully re-negotiate free access to the EU Single Market? And what steps will the government take to ensure the UK is not exposed to a flood of cheap, lower standard meat imports? Afterwards, Mrs Leadsom told Pig World, without providing any firm guarantees, that the government is listening. Free trade She said: "It is certainly our intention to make sure that UK companies will be able to trade as freely as before with their EU counterparts. "As things stand, we are looking at all the negotiating positions. It is perfectly true to say, economically, it will be in all of our interests to continue with zero or low tariffs and we are working very hard to make the best possible deal we can for the UK." She used her visit to the Paris trade show to launch a new drive to promote British food exports and ram home the message the UK intends to be a positive and powerful force for free trade in the rest of the world. But she insisted this did not mean free trade at any cost. "Negotiating more free trade will be a priority for us," she said. "Every opportunity that presents itself, we want to seize. We want to see much more Great British food being exported." But Ministers were absolutely aware of the potential threat to the pig industry posed by cheaper, low tariff, lower-welfare imports, Mrs Leadsom added. Centre of discussions "I can assure all your readers food and farming will be at the centre of all of these discussions and negotiations. Some people have said it will be given away in return for something else but that is absolutely not the case. "The food and farming sectors contribute 108 billion a year to the economy and it employs one in eight of us. It is incredibly important and will be at the forefront of everything as we negotiate to leave the EU and negotiate free trade elsewhere," she said. "I absolutely value our high animal welfare, food and traceability standards and I will be very careful to ensure we dont water that down in any way." Muller Milk & Ingredients is proposing to invest 60m to upgrade capabilities and efficiencies, in a move to secure a 'sustainable and vibrant future'. The investment, to be pumped into the dairy organisation's processing facilities at Severnside and Foston, with further enhancements to dairies at Droitwich, Manchester and Bridgwater, will create up to 180 new jobs. The investment is part of a total of more than 100m which will be spent by Muller in the UK in the next 18 months to improve operational, innovation and marketing capabilities. MMI has already confirmed a major investment at its dairy at Bellshill in Scotland and reversed the decision taken by Dairy Crest prior to the sale of its dairies to Muller to close a dairy at Hanworth in South West London, securing 170 jobs at the site. Chadwell Heath dairy closure "It is clear that the dairy at Chadwell Heath is no longer economically viable," Andrew McInnes, Managing Director of Muller Milk & Ingredients said However, the business is now proposing to commence a phased wind down of the Chadwell Heath dairy in North East London over an 18 month period with the potential loss of 389 permanent posts. MMIs distribution network in the South East is unaffected by this proposal and will be maintained and developed to meet current and future customer requirements. MMI will begin a 45 day consultation on 10 November 2016 and will work with affected employees and their representatives to look at all options including offering alternative roles within the business. In the event that a decision is taken to wind down processing operations at Chadwell Heath, Muller will work with dairy farmers who supply the site to review their options with the intention that wherever possible, they will not be disadvantaged. Andrew McInnes, Managing Director of Muller Milk & Ingredients said: We are pleased to confirm proposals to invest in the capabilities of our dairies at Severnside, Foston, Droitwich, Manchester and Bridgwater having already confirmed plans to upgrade our dairy at Bellshill. Regrettably, it is clear that the dairy at Chadwell Heath is no longer economically viable. It requires complete overhaul and modernisation and in an industry which has struggled for many years with excess and inefficient processing capacity, we cannot justify committing the level of investment which would be required to bring this site to an acceptable and sustainable level of performance. Our proposal is to maintain and develop our distribution footprint in the South East of England, but to wind down processing operations at Chadwell Heath over an 18 month period. We will enter the consultation with an open mind and a determination to listen to our colleagues and rigorously assess the situation in Chadwell Heath before arriving at a decision. Northern Ireland's agricultural industry is today embarking on a major agri-food trade mission to China. The Agriculture Minister Michelle McIlveen will undertake a series of high profile meetings and visits to build on and further strengthen the existing trade and knowledge sharing links between Northern Ireland and China. Speaking as she departed for her week-long visit, Miss McIlveen said: There is no doubt that China is an increasingly important export market for Northern Ireland food producers. Miss McIlveen will be visiting the Shaanxi Province There are also many cultural and historic links between our two countries that are continuing to grow. My visit will help cement these mutually beneficial ties and further propel the overall image of Northern Ireland in what is the most populous country in the world. I recently had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from Chinas Jiangxi Province to Stormont, and have had valuable meetings with Chinese Consul General Madam Wang Shuying in Belfast. In return, I will be giving a keynote opening speech to the opening ceremony of the highly prestigious China Yangling Agricultural Hi-Tech Fair and visit local companies participating in the major Food Hotel China exhibition in Shanghai. I want to maximise this opportunity to convey Northern Irelands commitment to the production of high quality, safe and wholesome food from our unique local environment, while exploring new and existing areas for exchanging knowledge, ideas and experience in the field of research and technology. While in Shaanxi Province, the Minister will lead a senior UK delegation in a formal meeting with the Governor Mr Hu Heping, and she will also meet the UK Consul General, John Edwards, in Shanghai. The farming industry has pledged to work closely with the seed potato sector and the government to ensure that the industry maintains a low level of the fungal disease blackleg. Speaking at the Seed Industry event in St Andrews, Scotland, AHDB Potatoes Strategy Director Rob Clayton said that while there are no easy answers when it comes to blackleg, the key to maintaining the high health status of the industry is collective responsibility. The event saw a national stocktake of current management practices regarding blackleg which will be used to drive future research and best practice recommendations. Blackleg is a disease caused by the bacterium Pectobacterium atrosepticum. It is one of the earliest potato diseases to appear, and many growers see symptoms as early as June, especially in wet years. The disease causes black rotting at the stem base Mr Clayton also stressed that British seed is still very attractive to foreign markets. He said: Freedom from key notifiable diseases such as ring rot and brown rot along with excellent low-virus status, continue to make GB-produced seed attractive under the Safe Haven scheme. Our 2012 plant health strategy has a clear focus on reputation and long term sustainability always trump risky short term commercial gains. Today we have asked every single delegate to commit to reviewing and improving their management of disease risk and were confident that our reputation as a high health seed producer will be maintained. AHDB Head of Exports Peter Hardwick, AHDB Head of Crops Export Trade Development Rob Burns and AHDB Potatoes Strategy Director Rob Clayton 'Record levels of UK seed exports' This was echoed by Head of Crop Exports Trade Development Rob Burns who said that there could be record levels of UK seed exported this year. Mr Burns said: The harvest looks to have a good seed fraction. This means we could see a higher volume of seed potatoes exported from the UK, up from 80,000 tonnes last export season. Once more Egypt will be a key market for exports; we are likely to see in excess of 50,000 tonnes sent over there. AHDB is also exploring other untapped markets interested in UK seed. Rob and his team will be welcoming a delegation from Russia next month to showcase the British sector and increase trade with what is a potentially a very large market. Rob Burns said: While the Russian market has been open to seed potatoes for the last few years there has been very little British seed exported. This is partly because there are other markets closer and so transport costs are lower, and partly because there is quite a complicated process to gain access. However, it is a huge potential market and the fall in the value of the pound could make our seed an even more attractive proposition. Importance of trade The importance of trade was also highlighted by AHDBs Head of Exports Peter Hardwick, who spoke to the 200 delegates at the event about Brexit and the threats and opportunities for the seed potato sector. He noted while only a small proportion of our seed exports go to the EU, its not only EU-based trade relationships which could be impacted by Brexit. We could find other trade deals interrupted where they rely on EU trade agreements and are based on EU regulations, Peter explained. For example consider our relationship with Egypt where we export large volumes of seed. We have an Association Agreement there which is based on being within the EU, therefore we need to ensure that something else replaces it when we leave. This is of course entirely possible but does require focus and resource to make sure it happens. The last thing an industry heavily reliant on exports needs is unexpected obstacles stopping our goods from getting to key markets. The Seed Industry Event is a biennial event which focuses on the issues that matter for those involved in seed potatoes and the supply chain, from research to marketing. National Grid looks set to spare the Lake District National Park from the prospect of 50 metre tall pylons being built through 24km of the park. As part of its North West Coast Connections project, National Grid plans to run 400kV cables around the west of Cumbria from Carlisle in the north to Heysham in the south to provide connections from the proposed Moorside power station to the electricity grid. It has now confirmed that it plans to look at putting 14.5 miles of new line underground through the entire western section of the Lake District National Park. This could also see the existing lines there being removed completely, leaving this part of the park free of pylons for the first time in 50 years. Farming has a special place in the Lake District National Park at the heart of its communities, a core part of the economy and shaping the landscape over centuries. Farmers feared the tall pylons would blight the rural landscape around them. Landscape protection charity Friends of the Lake District has been running a national campaign to stop the construction of pylons within the Lake District and has welcomed the news. Douglas Chalmers, Chief Executive at Friends of the Lake District said: We have fought a long and well-supported campaign to stop these giant pylons being built within the Lake District National Park and were delighted that the stunning landscape within the park has been spared from a line of 50 metre tall pylons. National Grid should be congratulated for listening to public opinion and respecting the designation of national park status which affords the Lake District landscape the highest level of protection in the UK. Kim Hagen, Senior Energy Campaigner at the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: It's brilliant news that National Grid proposes to underground all of the planned cables through the National Park. This would be a great victory for one of our most cherished landscapes. It would mean the character and beauty of the Lake District is protected for generations to come. Let's hope this sets new standards for the future. Convert 10% of arable land to agroforestry, Woodland Trust says Your digital subscription includes access to all content on our agricultural websites across the nation. Access unlimited content and the digital versions of our print editions - This Week's Paper. Fayetteville woman says anti-abortion laws hurt her mom, then herself Judy Pittard said her and her mother's pregnancy complications that required abortions were made worse by the decisions of "old men in big buildings." Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. The FCPA Blog is the granddaddy of all the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act blogging. It was founded nearly 10 years ago by Dick Cassin and is recognized as one of the top sources for all things FCPA and compliance related. The FCPA Blog has had more than 350 individual contributors over that time and as a Contributing Editor to the site, I am proud to have been one of that number. It is as vibrant today as it has ever been. I thought about all of this when I attended, the inaugural FCPA Blog NYC Conference last week in New York City. It was a great tribute to Dick Cassin, the founder and editor-in-chief of the FCPA Blog, and to his son Harry Cassin, the CEO of the organization. The metaphor that Dick Cassin used in his opening remarks was that he envisioned the FCPA Blog as an international bulletin board for all persons wanting to comment upon or learn about the FCPA and compliance and ethics. Cassin has certainly succeeded in creating a community space where people can post their ideas and learn about a wide variety of compliance topics, multiple times a day. He was not only the first but he is the most generous person in allowing others to write and speak about compliance. It was Dick Cassin who gave me the first opportunity to guest post on the FCPA Blog and it was Dick Cassin, who after seeing my guest posts, encouraged me to begin my own blog. Finally, it was Dick Cassin who encouraged me to take my career a step further by publishing my first book and providing me the forum to do so. And I am far from alone among those Dick Cassin has helped, encouraged, and supported over these past 10 years. The FCPA Blog NYC Conference was a great event and a great way for many of us to thank Dick Cassin. I am sure that under his editorial direction and Harry Cassins CEO tenure, the FCPA Blog will continue to be one of the leading lights in the compliance space. ____ Tom Fox has practiced law in Houston for 30 years. He is now the Compliance Ambassador for the Red Flag Group. Hes the creator of the award winning FCPA Compliance and Ethics website. His best-selling seminal book, Best Practices Under the FCPA and Bribery Act: How to Create a First Class Compliance Program (available from Amazon here) is widely viewed as one of the top volumes on the nuts and bolts of compliance. Two former executives of a Singapore-based defense contractor have been extradited to the United States in the massive bribes-for-secrets scandal that has rocked the U.S. Navys Pacific Command. Neil Peterson, 38, and Linda Raja, 43, both of Singapore, appeared Monday in federal court in San Diego. They were denied bail pending trial. Peterson and Raja worked for Glenn Defense Marine Asia. Peterson was the vice president for global operations and Raja served as general manager for Singapore, Australia, and the Pacific Isles. Police in Singapore arrested them in September at the request of the United States. The DOJ said they plotted with the owner of Glenn Defense, Leonard Glenn Francis also known as Fat Leonard to cheat the U.S. Navy out of more than $5 million. They allegedly submitted false price quotes from non-existent companies on letterhead created from graphics cut and pasted from the internet, the DOJ said. Francis, 51, has already pleaded guilty to bribing scores of U.S. Navy officials with luxury travel, meals, cash, electronics, parties, and prostitutes. His company provided Navy ships with food, water, cleaning, and other port services in Asia. Federal agents arrested the Malaysian citizen after luring him to San Diego last year to talk about new Navy contracts. Hes waiting to be sentenced. So far, sixteen defendants have been charged in the case. Of those, 11 are current or former U.S. Navy officials. Most of the Navy personnel have been charged with taking bribes from Francis in exchange for sensitive information about ship movements and schedules. Some were charged with lying to investigators about their relationship with Francis and his company. Nine defendants have pleaded guilty. Five have been sentenced. Last month a former NCIS supervisory special agent was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in the case. John Beliveau, 47, of York, Pennsylvania, took cash, luxury travel, and the services of prostitutes from Fat Leonard. In exchange, Beliveau told Francis about investigations into Glenn Defense, including the names of confidential witnesses helping investigators. The highest-ranking officer charged in the case is Rear Admiral Robert Gilbeau. He pleaded guilty in June to lying to investigators and destroying evidence about his relationship with Francis. Three other rear admirals including the commander of naval forces in Japan retired last year after the Secretary of the Navy censured them for the Fat Leonard scandal. ___ Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. Hulk Hogan has reached a $31 million settlement with Gawker. Hulk Hogan The 63-year-old wrestler will receive the sum from the news outlet on top of the $140 million he was already awarded after the website posted a sex tape, which was taken in 2006, of him and Bubba The Love Sponge's then-wife Heather Clem, the New York Times reports. In a blog post on his website, Nick Denton, the founder of Gawker, wrote: "After four years of litigation funded by a billionaire with a grudge going back even further, a settlement has been reached. The saga is over. As the most unpalatable part of the deal, three true stories - about Hulk Hogan, the claim by Shiva Ayyadurai that he invented email and the feud between the founders of Tinder - are being removed from the web. "Yes, we were confident the appeals court would reduce or eliminate the runaway Florida judgment against Gawker, the writer of the Hogan story and myself personally. And we expected to prevail in those other two lawsuits by clients of Charles Harder, the lawyer backed by Peter Thiel. "But all-out legal war with Thiel would have cost too much, and hurt too many people, and there was no end in sight ... That motivated a settlement that allows us all to move on, and focus on activities more productive than endless litigation. Life is short, for most of us." Whilst David Houston, a lawyer for Mr. Hogan, added: "As with any negotiation for resolution, all parties have agreed it is time to move on." Hulk was previously in receipt of $140 million from Gawker after a court found they had invaded the wrestler's privacy by publishing the video online. Prince Harry has allegedly spent the past week in Canada with new girlfriend Meghan Markle. Prince Harry The 32-year-old royal has reportedly been inseparable from the 'Suits' actress after he arrived in Toronto, Canada, on Thursday (27.10.16) to stay with his new flame at her home where they reportedly enjoyed quality time cooking for one another, according to Mail Online. It has also been reported the pair attended a Halloween party at Soho House on Saturday (29.10.16), and have been enjoyed playing with Meghan's rescue dogs Bogart and Guy. The red-haired hunk is believed to still be in the American city with the brunette beauty after having no public engagements for another week until next Thursday (10.11.16). However, Kensington Palace representatives have refused to comment on their romance. Meanwhile, Harry - who met Meghan in May - is reportedly "besotted" with the 35 year old. Speaking previously about the romance, a source said: "He's happier than he's been for many years. "He's in a very relaxed period of his life and Meghan has come along at the right time. "They are taking each week as it comes and just enjoying each others company but it's fair to say that they love seeing each other and there's a definite chemistry between them." And Harry has already introduced Meghan to brother Prince William and sister-in-law Duchess Catherine, who approve of her. A source explained: "William and Kate really liked her and she fitted in straight away." Harry - who has dated Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas in the past - has previously spoken about his desire to settle down but knows it's not easy because of the position he is in. He said: "If or when I do find a girlfriend, I will do my utmost... to ensure that me and her can get to the point where we're actually comfortable with each other before the massive invasion that is inevitably going to happen into her privacy." UK government is interested for a separate special economic zone (SEZ) in Bangladesh, said David Kennedy, director general for economic development of the department for international development (DFID). In a bid to improve its trade and investment relations with Bangladesh, UK government has shown interest to invest in the SEZs of Bangladesh. UK wants to invest directly in readymade garments, Bangladesh commerce minister Tofail Ahmed told media after the meet with five-member DFID delegation led by Kennedy. Ahmed added that Bangladesh government is willing to provide the essential infrastructure for investment in SEZs by UK companies. According to Kennedy, the United Kingdom is focusing on improving its business ties with key allies in the world and Bangladesh is its key partner. I came from London to learn about the Bangladesh-UK trade partnership and about the work we are doing together as a whole range from SEZ to improve investment climate to attract investment, Kennedy said. If the British investors are interested in investing in the SEZs, we will allocate a separate zone for them, as UK has been Bangladesh's development partner for a long time now, said Ahmed. He further told the delegation that Bangladesh has adopted a liberal policy where foreign investment firms can invest 100 per cent capital and take back their capital and profit. Bangladesh government has taken initiative to establish 100 SEZs to boost its foreign direct investment. The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority is allocating SEZs to private companies and different countries such as Japan, India and China. More than 200 UK companies currently operate in Bangladesh. UK is also the third largest export destination for Bangladesh. Last year, garment items accounted for around 80 per cent of Bangladesh's total exports to UK. Ahmed said that UK brands like Tesco and Marks and Spencer purchase garments from Bangladesh on the basis of trade relationship. Since UK is a trusted trade partner of Bangladesh and also a close friend since the independence, I hope the trade benefits would remain unchanged even after the Brexit, he added. (RR) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India With an aim to help increase textile exports, the Central government has extended duty drawback facility on all textile items for one year. It has also increased duty drawback rate on home textiles from 7.3 per cent to 7.5 per cent. Likewise, blankets and other cotton products will enjoy duty drawback of 8 per cent now compared to 7.2 per cent earlier. With an aim to help increase textile exports, the Central government has extended duty drawback facility on all textile items for one year. It has also increased duty drawback rate on home textiles from 7.3 per cent to 7.5 per cent. Likewise, blankets and other cotton products will enjoy duty drawback of 8 per cent now compared to 7.2 per cent earlier.# The duty drawback rates for cotton yarn during 2015-16 were 3 per cent for counts less than 50s, 2.7 per cent for counts 50s to 100s and 2.5 per cent for counts 100s. For counts 50s to 100s, the rate has now been increased to 2.8 per cent while there is a marginal reduction in the value cap. With an aim to help increase textile exports, the Central government has extended duty drawback facility on all textile items for one year. It has also increased duty drawback rate on home textiles from 7.3 per cent to 7.5 per cent. Likewise, blankets and other cotton products will enjoy duty drawback of 8 per cent now compared to 7.2 per cent earlier.# The duty drawback rate for grey fabric has been retained with a marginal increase in value cap and for dyed fabric there is a marginal increase in duty drawback rate up to Rs 7.00 per kg in the value cap. With an aim to help increase textile exports, the Central government has extended duty drawback facility on all textile items for one year. It has also increased duty drawback rate on home textiles from 7.3 per cent to 7.5 per cent. Likewise, blankets and other cotton products will enjoy duty drawback of 8 per cent now compared to 7.2 per cent earlier.# In the case of apparel, though the rates have been retained at the same level (cotton garments 7.7 per cent, blended 9.5 per cent, man-made fibre 9.8 per cent), the value cap for cotton garments has been increased from Rs 103 per kg to Rs.146 per kg while the same value caps of Rs 110 per kg and Rs 150 per kg have been retained for blended and man-made fibre garments. With an aim to help increase textile exports, the Central government has extended duty drawback facility on all textile items for one year. It has also increased duty drawback rate on home textiles from 7.3 per cent to 7.5 per cent. Likewise, blankets and other cotton products will enjoy duty drawback of 8 per cent now compared to 7.2 per cent earlier.# For made-up textiles, the drawback rate has been increased from 7.3 per cent to 7.5 per cent and the value cap per kilogram has been increased from Rs 70 to Rs 75. With an aim to help increase textile exports, the Central government has extended duty drawback facility on all textile items for one year. It has also increased duty drawback rate on home textiles from 7.3 per cent to 7.5 per cent. Likewise, blankets and other cotton products will enjoy duty drawback of 8 per cent now compared to 7.2 per cent earlier.# The revised duty drawback rates encourage value addition, M Senthilkumar, chairman, The Southern India Mills Association (SIMA), said in a press release. With an aim to help increase textile exports, the Central government has extended duty drawback facility on all textile items for one year. It has also increased duty drawback rate on home textiles from 7.3 per cent to 7.5 per cent. Likewise, blankets and other cotton products will enjoy duty drawback of 8 per cent now compared to 7.2 per cent earlier.# Welcoming the announcement, The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) chairman RK Dalmia said, The revised drawback rates will certainly give a boost to exports of cotton textiles as they will provide adequate neutralisation of the incidence of duties and taxes on the export goods and make them more competitive in the international markets. With an aim to help increase textile exports, the Central government has extended duty drawback facility on all textile items for one year. It has also increased duty drawback rate on home textiles from 7.3 per cent to 7.5 per cent. Likewise, blankets and other cotton products will enjoy duty drawback of 8 per cent now compared to 7.2 per cent earlier.# The drawback rates and caps have been increased for made-ups both made of cotton, as well as cotton blended with man-made fibre. This is a step in the right direction as it will promote exports of value-added products in line with the stated policy of the government, Dalmia said. With an aim to help increase textile exports, the Central government has extended duty drawback facility on all textile items for one year. It has also increased duty drawback rate on home textiles from 7.3 per cent to 7.5 per cent. Likewise, blankets and other cotton products will enjoy duty drawback of 8 per cent now compared to 7.2 per cent earlier.# He urged the government to also refund un-rebated state levies through the drawback route for yarns, fabrics and made-ups as in the case of apparel. (RKS) With an aim to help increase textile exports, the Central government has extended duty drawback facility on all textile items for one year. It has also increased duty drawback rate on home textiles from 7.3 per cent to 7.5 per cent. Likewise, blankets and other cotton products will enjoy duty drawback of 8 per cent now compared to 7.2 per cent earlier.# Fibre2Fashion News Desk India A panel of scientists and researchers presented various ways to ensure efficient use of water during cotton cultivation at the third open session - 'Reducing the Water Footprint of Cotton', of the International Cotton Advisory Committee's (ICAC) ongoing 75plenary meeting. The meeting currently underway in Islamabad ends on November 4. Rising population and the growth in the economy are considered as the major reasons for the increase in the use of water in cotton cultivation. About 71 per cent of water withdrawals are used in agriculture globally. However, the figure reaches 94 per cent in Pakistan where cotton is the predominant crop, making it a pressing issue for the country, according to ICAC. Dr. S Hassan Ahmed from Sudan presented various methods for reducing the usage of water during irrigation. Ahmed was also of the opinion that water should be priced according to quantity used and not area. He said that free or nominal water prices do not encourage efficient use of water. A panel of scientists and researchers presented various ways to ensure efficient use of water during cotton cultivation at the third open session - 'Reducing the Water Footprint of Cotton', of the International Cotton Advisory Committee's (ICAC) ongoing 75th plenary meeting. The meeting currently underway in Islamabad ends on November 4. # Arif Makhdum from World Wildlife Fund, Pakistan presented the sustainable agriculture programme, which is already implemented in seven regions in the country. The water footprint assessment held in Pakistan helped in identifying potential and important cotton production zones and indicating ways to increase water use efficiency, while reducing contaminants in water caused by fertilizer/pesticide applications. The assessment programmes resulted in 25 per cent reduction in water usage, 31 per cent reduction in pesticide use, 27 per cent less synthetic fertilizer use and an increase in net profit of 24 per cent. Danilar Andakulov from Helvetas, Kyrgyzstan, reported on the implementation of six projects in four countries (India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan) in rice and cotton. He said that improved methods of irrigation resulted in 33 per cent decrease in water use and 35 per cent better yield compared with traditional methods. Innovative methods of irrigation led to substantially higher income per hectare of production. Another challenge for the cotton sector of the country is energy shortage, which needs to be addressed for the growth of its textile industry, said Jose Sette, executive director, ICAC. He added that efforts adopted by the government to overcome this shortage can help revive the country's textile sector. (KD) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India His Excellency the President Major-General Jioji Konrote paid a courtesy call on the President of South Sudan, His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit. This was the first visit for any Fijian Head of State to South Sudan which became an independent nation in 2011.President Mayardit welcomed President Konrote and his delegation and took the opportunity to praise all the Fijian servicemen and women who are part of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). This included the current officers and those who served in previous years.President Mayardit expressed South Sudan''s wishes to strengthen diplomatic relations with Fiji. He is looking forward to receiving the credentials from Fiji's Ambassador in Ethiopia, Ambassador Mosese Tikoitoga, who is also accredited to South Sudan.President Konrote thanked President Mayardit, the Government and people of South Sudan for accommodating all the Fijian servicemen and women over the years. He reassured President Mayardit that Fiji will continue to commit itself to serving humanity through peacekeeping duties in countries that needed such service.Following the call on President Mayardit, President Konrote met and was briefed by the Special Represenrative of the UN Secretary-General in South Sudan, Ellen Magrethe Loj.He also met with the Fijian servicemen and women over a talanoa session.President Konrote is on the final leg of his visit to all of Fiji's peacekeeping troops in the Middle East and Africa.This is the first time for any of Fiji's serving Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Military Forces to successfully complete visiting all the peacekeepers in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Israel, Egypt and South Sudan in one round of visit.The President's visits have served to reassure the servicemen and women that the Government and the people of Fiji continue to place a high priority on their welfare. The visits also affirmed to the international community of Fiji's commitment to contributing to world peace.The President was accompanied in his visits by the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Rear Admiral Admiral Viliame Naupoto, Ambassador Tikoitoga and the Director of the RFMF's Peacekeeping Operations Commander Humphrey Tawake. The First Lady Sarote Konrote and five support staff from the Office of the President, RFMF and the Department of Information were also part of the President's delegation.-Ends- The President of Ethiopia, His Excellency Mulatu Teshome reaffirmed his nation's support to Fiji at both the bilateral and multilateral level following a meeting this afternoon with the Fijian President, His Excellency Major General (Retd) Jioji Konrote, at the Presidential Palace in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During the meeting, President Teshome welcomed President Konrote to Ethiopia and extended the greetings of the Government and the Ethiopian people.The two heads of state discussed the impact of climate change on Small Islands Developing States and the adverse effects of El Nino in Ethiopia. Both leaders agreed that a collective voice on the international stage was crucial to address the growing threat posed by climate change.President Konrote thanked his Ethiopian counterpart for welcoming him to Ethiopia and for the assistance and courtesies extended to him since he arrived in Addis Ababa. He also thanked the Government and people of Ethiopia for the establishment of Fiji's new chancery in Addis Ababa.His Excellency is visiting Fijian peacekeepers in his capacity as Commander in Chief of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). En route he is visiting different Fijian diplomatic missions before he returns to Fiji.-ENDS- The Minister for Defence and National Security Hon. Ratu Inoke Kubuabola recently paid a courtesy call to the Chief of the Indonesian National Police, General Tito Karnavian at the Police Headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia. Hon. Ratu Inoke is in Indonesia for the 7th Indo Defence Expo and congratulated General Karnavian for his assumption to the post lately.He acknowledged Indonesias assistance towards the establishment of the Regional Police Academy including other assistance rendered.He also noted that Fiji and Indonesia have enjoyed over 40 years of bilateral relations that were further strengthened by the Fiji-Indonesia Police Cooperation MOU signed in 2011.Ratu Inoke also thanked the Indonesian National Police for the spirit of mutual cooperation and understanding and look forward to deepening Police relations through more technical training and exchanges.General Karnavian also explained that the Indonesian Police is always happy to assist the Fiji Police Force, as it is part of their bilateral assistance package. The duo then discussed further areas of assistance under the Fiji Indonesia Security Cooperation signed in 2011.General Karnavian also assured Minister Kubuabola that more technical assistance will be rendered in the future that would meet Fijis policing needs.Ratu Inoke concluded his visit by extending an invitation to General Karnavian to make an official visit to Fiji in the near future.-ENDS- Hrithik Roshan's Kaabil still has some time remaining to hit the big screens but it looks like apart from acting in films, Duggu already has made some other plans for the future. Reportedly the handsome hunk is also gearing up for direction. His dad Rakesh Roshan confirmed this piece of news and was quoted saying, "Hrithik surely will direct a film, although I can't say when. He has assisted me on several of my films before he was launched as a hero in Kaho Na... Pyar Hai. So you could say he has been training for direction for a very long time." He further added, "I went to the sets only on the first day to give the first 'clap'. After that it was Sanjay Gupta's baby. But yes, our involvement was there throughout, as Sanjay, Hrithik and I were on the same page. There were no ego issues among us." He even said that he is quite proud of Hrithik's achievement as an actor in this film. Meanwhile, the father-son duo had recently announced that Krrish 4 is on the cards. Pavan Wadeyar, who is looking forward for the release of Nataraja Service this month, has silently started work for another film Ira, which he is producing under his banner Wadeyar Film Factory. The meaning of Ira is Goddess; also it is also the other name of Saraswathi. The film with this unique title is directed by Harikrishnan, he is making his directorial debut apart from writing script and screenplay. Rajavardhan, son of veteran comedy artist Dingri Nagaraj, Krishi Thapanda of Akira fame and Vashista N Simha play the lead roles in this film. The team had simple Muhurtha on Deepavali day. Hero Rajavardhan broke the news on social media first along with sharing the pics from muhurtha - "Very happy to announce my next project #IRA Very excited to work wid Director #HariKrishan & Producer #PawanWadeyar Costars #vasista & #krishi" Krishi Thapanda posted - "Here I'm announcing my new project *Ira* Cast: Rajvardhan, vasista, Krishi Thapanda. Director: Hari Krishna Producer: Pawan Wadeyar" The team also completed photo shoot featuring the lead actors and pics from the photo shoot will be released shortly. Rajavardhan is shooting for Noorondu Nenapu now, and he will join the sets of Ira, once he finishes his commitment for the former. He is also looking forward for the release of his debut film Fly, which has been in the making for some time now. Krishi is busy shooting simultaneously for multiple films - Alpa Virama and Kanndakkagi Ondu Otti. She is also looking forward for the release of Kahi on November 4 and Vijay Raghavendra starrer Eradu Kanasu in the second half on November. The Great Father, the Mammootty starrer is one of the most anticipated projects of the year. The filming of the movie, which is directed by newcomer Haneef Adeni, has been progressing in Kochi. According to the latest updates, media is banned on the sets of The Great Father. Reportedly, the team has decided not to allow media representatives on the location, to maintain the suspense factor. The makers fear that frequent media visits may result in the leakage of exclusive stills or the movie plot. Another reason for the team's decision is said to be the leading lady, Sneha and Baby Sara. If the reports are to be true, the team wants to keep Sneha and Sara's roles in the movie under the wraps. Sources suggest that they are playing the characters with lots of surprise elements in The Great Father. Interestingly, the team has also stopped sharing the location pictures on social media platforms, after Sneha joined the project. Well, all these activities are surely raising the expectations upon the movie. The Great Father, which is written by director Haneef, himself is produced by Prithviraj, Santhosh Sivan, Shaji Nadesan, and Arya, for August Cinema. The movie will hit the theatres for Christmas 2016. Prithviraj and RS Vimal, the popular actor-director duo is all set to team up once again, for the epic drama Karnan. As per the reports, the shooting of Karnan will begin in March 2017. Director Vimal recently revealed that the team is currently busy with the pre-production activities of the movie. The team has reportedly decided not to reveal much about the project. According to the director, certain groups from the movie industry have been trying their level best to spoil the project. It is the reason behind the team's decision to keep things under the wrap. However, the 200-plus team members, including the lead actor Prithviraj have offered their complete support to director Vimal and producer Venu Kunnappally. It is a highly ambitious project for both Vimal and Prithviraj. The actor essays the title character Karnan in the movie which narrates the inner conflicts of the great warrior. It also portrays his strained relationship with the estranged mother Kunthi and siblings. Baahubali cinematographer KK Senthil Kumar has been roped in as the director of photography of Karnan. Most popular technicians of Indian cinema are expected to associate with the movie. HATFIELD, England, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Halaven(eribulin) for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in a Final Appraisal Determination published today. Eribulin is the first breast cancer treatment to be recommended by NICE in nearly a decade.[1] Eribulin is indicated in the European Union for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have progressed after at least one chemotherapeutic regimen for advanced disease. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline and a taxane in either the adjuvant or metastatic setting, unless patients were not suitable for these treatments.[2]NICE has today recommended Eribulin for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have progressed after at least two chemotherapeutic regimen for advanced disease. Prior therapy may have included an anthracycline or a taxane, and capecitabine.[3] "Eribulin was approved in March 2011 and after years of uncertainty for patients and poor management of the Cancer Drugs Fund, people with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in England will finally now have routine access to eribulin. Over a period of more than five years Eisai has shown great flexibility in pricing to maintain patient access to eribulin both in the CDF and with NICE and would like the same opportunity to enable access to our newer cancer drug lenvatinib for radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer patients, however so far an unacceptable process has again taken precedence over patients," comments Gary Hendler, Chairman & CEO Eisai EMEA. Approximately 44,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in England each year,[4]of whom one third subsequently develop metastatic disease.[5]Only 15% of women with metastatic breast cancer will survive beyond five years.[6] Eribulin is one of the most prescribed treatments within the CDF and to date approximately 4,000 patients have been able to access eribulin in the UK since 2011.[7] "I am delighted that women in England with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer will continue to be able to access eribulin, and that the future of this treatment within the NHS is secure. Eribulin significantly improves overall survival in women with this disease and it is therefore an important option against breast cancer," comments Dr Mark Harries, Consultant Medical Oncologist. Eribulin was first approved and launched in the UK in 2011 and marketing authorisation was extended for earlier use in advanced breast cancer from the European Commission on 3 July 2014. Eribulin is currently approved in more than 60 countries around the world including all of the European Union, Canada, United States, Russia, Switzerland, South Korea, Japan and Singapore. Eisai is dedicated to the discovery, development and production of innovative oncology therapies that can make a difference and impact the lives of patients and their families. This passion for people is part of Eisai'shuman health care (hhc)mission, which strives to better understand the needs of patients and their families to increase the benefits health care provides. Notes to Editors Halaven(eribulin) Eribulin is the first in the halichondrin class of microtubule dynamics inhibitors with a novel mechanism of action. Structurally eribulin is a simplified and synthetically produced version of halichondrin B, a natural product isolated from the marine spongeHalichondria okadai. Eribulin is believed to work by inhibiting the growth phase of microtubule dynamics which prevents cell division. Metastatic Breast Cancer Over 300,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Europe every year,[8]of whom about one third subsequently develop metastatic disease.[5]Metastatic disease is an advanced stage of the disease that occurs when cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body. About Eisai EMEA in Oncology Eisai is committed to the development and delivery of highly beneficial new treatments for people with cancer. The development of therapeutic options in oncology is a major strategic area for Eisai inEurope, theMiddle East,Africa,Russiaand Oceania (EMEA). In the European Union, Eisai currently has three marketed treatments across four indications: Lenvima (lenvatinib) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with progressive locally advanced or metastatic, differentiated (papillary, follicular, Hurthle cell) thyroid carcinoma (DTC) refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI). (lenvatinib) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with progressive locally advanced or metastatic, differentiated (papillary, follicular, Hurthle cell) thyroid carcinoma (DTC) refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI). Kisplyx (lenvatinib) is indicated in combination with everolimus for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following one prior vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy. (lenvatinib) is indicated in combination with everolimus for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following one prior vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy. Halaven(eribulin) is indicated for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have received at least one chemotherapeutic regimen for advanced disease. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline and a taxane in either the adjuvant or metastatic setting, unless patients were not suitable for these treatments. Halaven(eribulin) is also indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable liposarcomas who have received prior anthracycline containing therapy (unless unsuitable) for advanced or metastatic disease. About Eisai Co., Ltd. Eisai Co., Ltd. is a leading global research and development-based pharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan. We define our corporate mission as "giving first thought to patients and their families and to increasing the benefits health care provides," which we call ourhuman health care(hhc) philosophy. With over 10,000 employees working across our global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to realise ourhhcphilosophy by delivering innovative products in multiple therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs, including Oncology and Neurology. As a global pharmaceutical company, our mission extends to patients around the world through our investment and participation in partnership-based initiatives to improve access to medicines in developing and emerging countries. For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visit. References 1. NICE:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/cancer/breast-cancerAccessed: November 2016 2. Halaven (eribulin) SPC (updated August 2016). Available at:https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/24382/SPC/Halaven+0.44+mg+ml+solution+for+injection/Accessed: November 2016 3. NICE:https://www.nice.org.uk/newsAccessed: November 2016 4. Cancer Research UK. Breast cancer incidence by sex and UK region. Available at: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/breast-cancer/incidence-invasiveheading-Zero. Accessed: November 2016 5. O'Shaughnessy J. Extending survival with chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer. The Oncologist. 2005;10(Suppl 3):20-29. 6. Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer - Outlook by Grade - Available at:http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/breast-cancer/treatment/statistics-and-outlook-for-breast-canceroverallAccessed November 2016 7. Eisai Data on File (ERI-219) 8. World Health Organization. Atlas of Health in Europe. 2003. World Health Organization, Regional Office of Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark. Eribulin-UK2217 November 2016 REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN -- (Marketwired) -- 11/02/16 -- Information Services Corporation (TSX: ISV) ("ISC" or the "Company") today reported on the company's financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016. Third Quarter 2016 Highlights -- Revenue of $22.9 million compared to $19.7 million in Q3 2015. The increase was largely driven by ESC, our Services segment; -- EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of $7.3 million compared to $8.2 million in Q3 2015; -- EBITDA margin of 32.1 per cent compared to 41.5 per cent in Q3 2015; -- EBITDA and EBITDA margin were reduced by a $1.0 million adjustment in the third quarter of 2016 to the contingent purchase price consideration related to the purchase of ESC Corporate Services; -- Net income of $3.8 million or $0.22 per basic and per diluted share compared to $4.7 million or $0.27 per basic and per diluted share in Q3 2015; -- On July 11, 2016, ISC launched its new system for the Corporate Registry, providing a more convenient service to search, register and maintain corporate entities in Saskatchewan; and -- On July 25, 2016, ISC announced that the membership of the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union Local 2214 ratified a new collective agreement with respect to its in-scope employees. The new four-year agreement, ending September 30, 2019, includes annual wage increases effective October 1 of each year, consisting of 2.0 per cent retroactive to 2015, 1.75 per cent in 2016, 1.75 per cent in 2017 and 2.0 per cent in 2018. Financial Position as at September 30, 2016 -- Cash of $38.3 million -- Free cash flow of $5.6 million -- Total debt of $23.4 million Commenting on ISC's results, Jeff Stusek, President and CEO stated, "This has been another steady quarter with continued resilience shown by our Registry business, which is supported strongly by our Services segment." Stusek continued, "I have been pleased with our performance overall and as we move towards the end of the year, I expect that we are on course to meet our EBITDA guidance for 2016." Management's Discussion of ISC's Summary of Third Quarter 2016 Financial Results ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Three Nine Nine Months Months Months Months (thousands of CAD dollars; Ended Sep Ended Sep Ended Sep Ended Sep except earnings per share 30, 30, 30, 30, and where noted) 2016 2015 2016 2015 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue - Registries Land Registry $ 15,015 $ 15,053 $ 41,882 $ 42,055 Personal Property Registry 2,670 2,769 7,675 7,574 Corporate Registry 1,860 1,846 6,828 6,095 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 19,545 $ 19,668 $ 56,385 $ 55,724 Revenue - Services 3,316 - 10,211 - Revenue - Other 33 7 578 16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL Revenue $ 22,894 $ 19,675 $ 67,174 $ 55,740 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expenses $ 16,854 $ 12,830 $ 49,681 $ 39,512 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA(1) $ 7,338 $ 8,165 $ 22,697 $ 20,176 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA margin(1) (% of revenue) 32.1% 41.5% 33.8% 36.2% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted EBITDA(1) $ 9,512 $ 9,570 $ 26,117 $ 21,762 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted EBITDA margin(1) 41.5% 48.6% 38.9% 39.0% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income and total comprehensive income $ 3,810 $ 4,656 $ 12,584 $ 11,350 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share (basic)(2) $ 0.22 $ 0.27 $ 0.72 $ 0.65 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share, (diluted)(2) $ 0.22 $ 0.27 $ 0.71 $ 0.65 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Free cash flow(1) $ 5,641 $ 5,606 $ 15,254 $ 14,800 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. EBITDA, EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin and free cash flow are not recognized as measures under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore, are not comparable to similar measures by other corporations. See section name "Non-IFRS Measures" in the Management's Discussion & Analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. 2. The calculation of earnings per share is based on net income after tax and the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Third Quarter 2016 Results of Operations -- Revenue was $22.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, a $3.2 million increase compared to the same period in 2015. The increase was driven by ESC, which is included in our Services segment. -- Revenue for all registries was $19.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 a decrease of $0.1 million, or 0.6 per cent, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2015. Our results were higher mainly due to increased revenues from the Corporate Registry and the Personal Property Registry respectively. -- Land Registry revenue was comparatively flat for the first three quarters of 2016. Revenue was $15.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 a slight decrease of 0.2 per cent compared to the three months ended September 30, 2015. -- Revenue for the Personal Property Registry for the three months ended September 30, 2016, was $2.7 million, which represents a decrease of 3.6 per cent or $0.1 million from the same period in 2015. -- Revenue for the Corporate Registry for the three months ended September 30, 2016, was $1.9 million, flat compared to the third quarter 2015. -- The revenue in our Services segment for the second quarter, which consists of revenue earned by our wholly owned subsidiary ESC, was $3.3 million. This is a decrease of $0.3 million or 8.4 per cent, compared to the second quarter of 2016. -- For the three months ended September 30, 2016, consolidated expenses (all segments) were $16.9 million, an increase of 31.4 per cent, compared to $12.8 million for the same period of 2015. -- Capital expenditures for the three months ended September 30, 2016, were $0.5 million compared to $1.1 million for the same period in 2015. Capital expenditures were focused on the renewal and enhancement of technology supporting the Corporate Registry. -- As at September 30, 2016, the Company held $38.3 million in cash compared to $36.6 million as at December 31, 2015, an increase of $1.7 million. -- The Company had $23.4 million of long-term debt as at September 30, 2016. For more details, see section named "9.3 Long-term debt" in the Management's Discussion & Analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. Outlook The following section includes forward-looking statements, including statements related to prices charged for services, the anticipated revenue outlook, changes in the economic conditions in Canada and, in particular, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec, real gross domestic product, economic impact of energy and resource sectors, changes in transaction volumes, changes in high-value property registrations, changes in motor vehicle sales volume, steady growth of active business entities, expected level and composition of capital expenditures, consolidated EBITDA margin, continued focus and impact of cost management efforts, key drivers of expenses, anticipated modest growth of active business entities in Saskatchewan, impact of pricing adjustment to our Core Registry Services, anticipate growth of our Services segment and maintaining margins through cost efficiencies. Refer to the section "Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements". The majority of ISC's revenue is linked to registry transaction volumes and values which are driven by economic conditions in Saskatchewan. The remaining portion of our revenue is linked to overall economic conditions in Ontario and Quebec. At present, the Company continues to expect the Saskatchewan economy to be comparable to 2015, while moderate growth is anticipated for the central Canadian markets. As a result, ISC reiterates that its expected consolidated EBITDA margin for fiscal 2016 will be in the range of 32.0 to 34.0 per cent. For the Registries segment, we expect the Saskatchewan economy to continue on a relatively flat trajectory. According to several external forecasts, Saskatchewan's 2016 real gross domestic product growth will be flat and may even dip below zero. The province continues to experience some headwinds on growth, and as such, the Company currently expects that the last quarter of 2016 and early 2017 will follow the trend observed in the first three quarters of the 2016. We continue to expect overall transaction volumes in the Land Titles Registry for 2016 to be close to 2015 levels, with regular land transfers, mortgage registrations and title searches to be lower than compared to 2015. We predict high-value property registrations will be lower than in 2015, down to more normalized levels. For the Personal Property Registry, we forecast an overall increase, with revenues from search volumes offsetting anticipated decline from lower new motor vehicle sales in Saskatchewan and reduced property security registration setups. For the Corporate Registry, we continue to anticipate modest growth of active business entities will contribute to stabilized revenue. Pricing for the Registries segment is outlined in the MSA and related Registry Operating Agreements which specify the maximum fees allowed to be charged to the public for particular Registry services. Consistent with 2014 and 2015, we completed pricing adjustments to our Core Registry Services, which became effective in July 2016, based on the Saskatchewan Consumer Price Index. To improve customer satisfaction, we applied adjustments differently than in past years, resulting in whole-number pricing that is easier to understand, apply and process. As a result, some fees increased while others decreased, with the overall revenue increase remaining consistent with the previous per-fee formula. In our Services segment, we expect the growth of that business to continue in specific categories relating to the financial services and legal sectors in both its core markets of Ontario and Quebec. The expectation is that the growing base of new customers, as well as new mandates from existing customers, should continue to support overall revenue growth. The key drivers of expenses will continue to be wages, salaries and information technology costs. The Company will continue to manage its costs prudently while balancing re-investment in the business in order to maintain or improve the customer experience. We expect a continued focus on cost efficiencies to maintain margins. Management expects capital expenditures in 2016 to be in the range of $5.0 million to $6.0 million, funded from operating cash flow. These expenditures include the completion of the renewal and enhancement of our Corporate Registry technology, enhancement and upgrades to core technology components and enterprise systems, additions to intangible assets and general office improvements. Note to Readers This news release provides a general summary of Information Services Corporation's results for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. Readers are encouraged to download the Company's complete financial disclosures. Links to ISC's financial statements and related notes and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the period are available on ISC's website in the Investor section at company.isc.ca. Copies can also be obtained at www.sedar.com by searching Information Services Corporation's profile or by contacting Information Services Corporation at investor.relations@isc.ca. All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. Conference Call and Webcast An investor conference call will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 11 a.m. Eastern Time (9 a.m. Saskatchewan/MDT) to discuss the results. Participants may join the call by dialing toll-free 1-844- 419-1765 or 1-216-562-0470 for calls outside North America. Simultaneously, an audio webcast of the conference call will also be available at the following link http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/5ofuzc8f. Media are invited to attend on a listen-only basis. A recording of the webcast will be available 24 hours after the event on our website. About ISC Headquartered in Canada, ISC is the leading provider of registry and information management services for public data and records. Throughout our history we have delivered value to our clients by providing solutions to manage, secure and administer information through our registry and services segments. ISC is focused on sustaining its core business while pursuing new growth opportunities. The Class A Shares of ISC trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ISV. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including management's expectations and certain assumptions with respect to our registry services and products, the other services we provide, our competitive landscape, economic conditions in Canada and in particular, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec, real estate market in Saskatchewan, economic impact of energy and resource sectors, transaction volumes, statements regarding the future financial position or results of ISC, customer growth and diversification, dividend expectations, creation of shareholder value, growth opportunities, capital and operating expectations, real gross domestic product, changes that impact our registry services, such as changes in high-value property registrations, motor vehicle sales volume and the number of active business entities, consolidated EBITDA margin, income taxes, our ability to attract and retain skilled staff, the compensation and benefits that will be paid or provided to employees and our level of customer service, as well as goodwill and intangibles are material factors in preparing forward-looking statements. In addition, the words "may", "will", "would", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "trend", "indicate", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "project", "targets", "strive", "strategy", "continue", "likely" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although ISC believes the forward-looking information contained in this release is based upon reasonable assumptions, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as it is inherently uncertain and no assurance can be given that the expectations reflected in such information will prove to be correct. Many factors and risks could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking information including those detailed in ISC's Annual Information Form, dated March 15, 2016, ISC's Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, as well as other documents filed by ISC with Canadian securities regulators through SEDAR at www.sedar.com from time to time. Investors and others should carefully consider the above-noted factors and risks and other uncertainties and potential events. The forward-looking information in this release is made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, ISC assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances. Contacts: Investor Contact Jonathan Hackshaw Director, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications 306-798-2136 investor.relations@isc.ca Pamela Keck Manager, Investor Relations Toll Free: 1-855-341-8363 in North America or 1-306-798-1137 investor.relations@isc.ca CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/02/16 -- Pulse Seismic Inc. ("Pulse" or "the Company") (TSX: PSD)(OTCQX: PLSDF) reports its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and management's discussion and analysis will be filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and will be available on Pulse's website (www.pulseseismic.com). HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 Financial highlights for the three and nine-month periods are: -- Seismic data library sales for the third quarter of 2016 increased to $5.6 million from $4.7 million for the comparable period in 2015. Seismic data library sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $10.2 million compared to $12.5 million for the comparable period of 2015; -- Total seismic revenue, consisting strictly of data library sales, was $10.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $15.7 million, which included $3.2 million of participation survey revenue, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015; -- The net loss was $302,000 ($0.01 per share basic and diluted) for the third quarter of 2016 compared to a net loss of $1.6 million ($0.03 per share basic and diluted) for the same period in 2015. The net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $6.2 million ($0.11 per share basic and diluted) compared to a net loss of $6.0 million ($0.10 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months of 2015; -- Cash EBITDA(a) was $4.4 million ($0.08 per share basic and diluted) for the third quarter of 2016 compared to $3.3 million ($0.06 per share basic and diluted) for the third quarter of 2015. Cash EBITDA was $6.1 million ($0.11 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $8.1 million ($0.14 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015; -- Shareholder free cash flow(a) was $4.3 million ($0.08 per share basic and diluted) for the third quarter of 2016 compared to $3.2 million ($0.06 per share basic and diluted) for the comparable period in 2015. Shareholder free cash flow was $6.0 million ($0.11 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $7.8 million ($0.14 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015; -- The Company did not buy any shares during the third quarter of 2016. In the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016 Pulse purchased and cancelled, through its normal course issuer bid, a total of 100,900 common shares at a total cost of approximately $231,000 (average cost of $2.29 per common share including commissions); and -- At September 30, 2016 Pulse was debt-free and had a cash balance of $3.9 million. The Company's $30.0 million revolving credit facility is undrawn and fully available. SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Year ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 December 31, (thousands of dollars except per share data, number of shares and kilometres of seismic data) (unaudited) (unaudited) 2015 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue Data library sales 5,613 4,678 10,163 12,455 21,214 Participation surveys - - - 3,220 3,220 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total revenue 5,613 4,678 10,163 15,675 24,434 Amortization of seismic data library 4,701 5,262 14,316 17,857 22,836 Impairment loss - - - - 937 Net loss (302) (1,579) (6,237) (5,966) (5,308) Per share basic and diluted (0.01) (0.03) (0.11) (0.10) (0.09) Cash provided by operating activities 2,265 7,832 6,954 14,193 17,094 Per share basic and diluted 0.04 0.14 0.12 0.25 0.30 Cash EBITDA (a) 4,353 3,332 6,123 8,078 15,121 Per share basic and diluted (a) 0.08 0.06 0.11 0.14 0.27 Shareholder free cash flow (a) 4,336 3,249 6,026 7,773 14,745 Per share basic and diluted (a) 0.08 0.06 0.11 0.14 0.26 Capital expenditures Participation surveys (cost reduction) - (9) - 3,959 3,959 Seismic data purchases, digitization and related costs 165 - 2,380 183 933 Property and equipment - - 6 14 14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total capital expenditures 165 (9) 2,386 4,156 4,906 Weighted average shares outstanding Basic and diluted 56,161,432 56,618,252 56,126,720 56,826,409 56,628,524 Shares outstanding at period-end 56,161,432 56,352,989 55,592,689 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seismic library 2D in kilometres 447,000 339,991 339,991 3D in square kilometres 28,642 28,409 28,555 FINANCIAL POSITION AND RATIOS (thousands of dollars except September 30, September 30, December 31, ratios) 2016 2015 2015 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Working capital 8,008 1,988 4,996 Working capital ratio 9.56:1 2.76:1 4.44:1 Total assets 46,782 56,496 54,618 Long-term debt - 1,456 - Trailing twelve-month (TTM) cash EBITDA (b) 13,166 14,739 15,121 Shareholders' equity 40,406 46,396 45,389 Long-term debt to TTM cash EBITDA ratio 0.00:1 0.10:1 0.00:1 Long-term debt to equity ratio 0.00:1 0.03:1 0.00:1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (a) The Company's continuous disclosure documents provide discussion and analysis of "cash EBITDA", "cash EBITDA per share", "shareholder free cash flow" and "shareholder free cash flow per share". These non-GAAP financial measures do not have standard definitions prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies. The Company has included these non-GAAP financial measures because management, investors, analysts and others use them as measures of the Company's financial performance. The Company's definition of cash EBITDA is cash available for interest payments, cash taxes if applicable, repayment of debt, purchase of its shares, discretionary capital expenditures and the payment of dividends (if applicable), and is calculated as earnings (loss) from operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization less participation survey revenue, plus any non-cash and non-recurring expenses. Cash EBITDA excludes participation survey revenue as these funds are directly used to fund specific participation surveys and this revenue is not available for discretionary capital expenditures. The Company believes cash EBITDA assists investors in comparing Pulse's results on a consistent basis without regard to participation survey revenue and non-cash items, such as depreciation and amortization, which can vary significantly depending on accounting methods or non- operating factors such as historical cost. Cash EBITDA per share is defined as cash EBITDA divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Shareholder free cash flow further refines the calculation of capital available to invest in growing the Company's 2D and 3D seismic data library, to repay debt, to purchase its common shares and to pay dividends (if applicable) by deducting non- discretionary expenditures from cash EBITDA. Non-discretionary expenditures are defined as debt financing costs (net of deferred financing expenses amortized in the current period) and current tax provisions. Shareholder free cash flow per share is defined as shareholder free cash flow divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. (b) TTM cash EBITDA is defined as the sum of the trailing 12 months' cash EBITDA and is used to provide a comparable annualized measure. OUTLOOK The Company is observing a number of positive signs that, although individually modest, collectively point towards a strengthened oil and natural gas industry outlook. Pulse's improved seismic data library sales in the third quarter made up some of the ground lost in the weak second quarter. Pulse continues to have poor visibility regarding both traditional and transaction-based data library sales for the remainder of the year and, accordingly, overall data library sales for 2016 could be lower year-over-year. Industry merger and acquisition activity, the primary source of Pulse's transaction-based sales, has been lower than expected to date this year. Although many producing asset packages and companies continue to be marketed, bid-ask spreads remain high and some management teams appear to be attempting to "hold on" until better times. Mineral lease auctions across western Canada have remained extremely low, as has oil and natural gas drilling activity. The Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors' revised 2016 drilling forecast, issued in late September, calls for only 3,562 wells to be drilled in 2016, down by 25 percent from the organization's original forecast of 4,728 wells and down from 5,300 wells drilled in 2015. Drilling rig utilization was only 17 percent in the third quarter compared to 24 percent utilization of a larger drilling fleet in the same months of 2015. These figures mainly confirm, however, that 2016 will be a weak year for the industry and suggest low field activity for the short term. Certain other forward-looking indicators appear to be improving. In mid-October crude oil prices did briefly climb above US$50 per barrel WTI amidst indicators that the growth in crude oil inventories has halted and may begin to decline. Natural gas prices have improved markedly. The Alberta benchmark AECO price closed at $3.25 per mcf on October 20. This was up from $2.61 per mcf one year earlier and is significantly higher than the year-to-date average price of $1.95 per mcf. Natural gas storage volumes in the United States, though high, are now tracking the upper end of the five-year weekly range. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently predicted robust growth in U.S. residential natural gas consumption over the winter. Meanwhile, with barely 100 rigs drilling for natural gas in the U.S., production from unconventional shale reservoirs is continuing its decline. Pipeline exports to Mexico continue to grow, while Cheniere Energy's Sabine Pass project, North America's first large-scale LNG export operation, now has two liquefaction trains licensed for commercial operations. The EIA forecasts that U.S. LNG exports will average 1.3 billion cubic feet per day in 2017, marking the country's first material export volumes spanning an entire year. In Canada, federal approval (with numerous conditions) of the Pacific Northwest LNG export facility is a positive step towards a final investment decision for this landmark project. Together, these factors suggest potential for a supply-demand rebalancing to take hold in North America. For western Canada's upstream oil and gas sector, low to negative cash flows, typically heavy debt loads, low share prices and investor caution are likely to delay by a number of months or quarters a noticeable supply response in the form of greater field capital expenditures, land acquisitions and drilling. The price-related trends for both major hydrocarbon commodities are, however, generally positive for the first time in at least two years. Higher industry capital spending historically has been associated with higher data library sales. For this reason, Pulse remains very cautious about the short term, but is becoming more optimistic regarding the medium term. Due to its low cost structure, Pulse is a high-margin business under even modestly positive levels of data library sales, and creates significant leverage for cash EBITDA and shareholder free cash flow under a significant rebound in data library sales. In the meantime, Pulse will remain financially prudent. With zero long-term debt and cash of $3.9 million at September 30, the Company's balance sheet is even stronger than at the end of the first or second quarters. The Company's ability to generate cash EBITDA and shareholder free cash flow in all three quarters underscores the benefits of the Company's cash-focused business model. Pulse's long-term goal continues to be growing into Western Canada's largest licensable seismic data library. CONFERENCE CALL The Company's next conference call will be held after the release of its year-end 2016 results, in March 2017. Should investors or analysts wish to contact the Company, please feel free to contact Neal Coleman or Pamela Wicks at the e-mail address or telephone number provided below. CORPORATE PROFILE Pulse is a market leader in the acquisition, marketing and licensing of 2D and 3D seismic data to the western Canadian energy sector. Pulse owns the second-largest licensable seismic data library in Canada, currently consisting of approximately 28,600 square kilometres of 3D seismic and 447,000 kilometres of 2D seismic. The library extensively covers the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin where most of Canada's oil and natural gas exploration and development occur. This news release contains information that constitutes "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation which includes, among other things, statements regarding: -- Pulse continues to have poor visibility regarding both traditional and transaction-based data library sales for the reminder of the year; -- Overall data library sales for 2016 could be lower year-over-year; -- Pulse remains very cautious about the short term but is becoming more optimistic regarding the medium term; -- Oil and natural gas prices; -- Oil and natural gas drilling activity and land sales activity; -- Oil and natural gas company capital budgets; -- Future demand for seismic data; -- Future seismic data sales; -- Future demand for participation surveys; -- Pulse's business and growth strategy; and -- Other expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions, information and statements about possible future events, conditions, results and performance. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to vary and in some instances to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Pulse does not publish specific financial goals or otherwise provide guidance, due to the inherently poor visibility of seismic revenue. The material risk factors include, without limitation: -- Oil and natural gas prices; -- Seismic industry cycles and seasonality; -- The demand for seismic data and participation surveys; -- The pricing of data library licensing sales; -- Relicensing (change-of-control) fees, partner copy sales and asset disposition-related sales; -- The level of pre-funding of participation surveys, and the Company's ability to make subsequent data library sales from such participation surveys; -- The Company's ability to complete participation surveys on time and within budget; -- Environmental, health and safety risks; -- The effect of seasonality and weather conditions on participation surveys; -- Federal and provincial government laws and regulations, including those pertaining to taxation, royalty rates, environmental protection and safety; -- Competition; -- Dependence on qualified seismic field contractors; -- Dependence on key management, operations and marketing personnel; -- The loss of seismic data; -- Cybersecurity threats; -- Protection of intellectual property rights; and -- The introduction of new products. The foregoing list is not exhaustive. Additional information on these risks and other factors which could affect the Company's operations and financial results is included under "Risk Factors" for the most recently completed financial year and interim periods. Forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, expectations, estimates and opinions of the Company's management at the time the information is presented. Contacts: Pulse Seismic Inc. Neal Coleman President and CEO 403-237-5559 or Toll Free: 1-877-460-5559 Pulse Seismic Inc. Pamela Wicks VP Finance and CFO 403-237-5559 or Toll Free: 1-877-460-5559 info@pulseseismic.com www.pulseseismic.com SAN JOSE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/02/16 -- OneSpin Solutions, provider of innovative formal verification solutions for error-free digital integrated circuits (ICs), will travel to Japan for IEEE Asian Solid-State Circuits Conference (IEEE A-SSCC) November 8 and Israel November 15 for SemIsrael Expo 2016, demonstrating its range of formal verification solutions. Additionally, OneSpin's Joerg Grosse, Safety Critical Solution product manager, will present, "Formal Fault Analysis for ISO 26262 Fault Metrics on Real-World Designs," during Design Verification Club (DVClub) November 29, an event dedicated to the topic of safety. The event, organized by Test and Verification Solutions (T&VS), will be broadcast simultaneously in various locations in the U.K. and France or via worldwide remote access. Registration information can be found at: http://bit.ly/2eIA3Cv OneSpin will exhibit at IEEE A-SSCC Tuesday, November 8, and Wednesday, November 9, at the Toyama International Conference Center in Toyama, Japan. For details, visit the website at: http://bit.ly/2eOPDMp OneSpin will have a booth at SemIsrael, a one-day event for the Israeli Semiconductor Community to be held Tuesday, November 15, at the Avenue Convention Center in Airport City, Israel. To learn more, visit: http://bit.ly/2fcL5CJ About OneSpin Solutions Electronic design automation (EDA) supplier OneSpin Solutions demonstrates formal verification leadership through a range of advanced, leading-edge verification solutions for reliable digital integrated circuits (ICs). Its comprehensive product line improves verification quality and coverage while accelerating and simplifying development processes through automated and advanced verification techniques. Leading semiconductor and electronic system companies across all industry sectors rely on OneSpin in their innovative product development to achieve the highest possible product quality while reducing time-to-market pressures. Its United States headquarters is located in San Jose, Calif. Corporate headquarters is in Munich, Germany. Email: info@onspin.com. Website: www.onespin.com Follow OneSpin on Twitter @OneSpinSolution OneSpin, OneSpin Solutions, OneSpin 360, and the OneSpin logo are trademarks of OneSpin Solutions GmbH. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information, contact: Nanette Collins Public Relations for OneSpin Solutions (617) 437-1822 Email Contact Annette Bley Public Relations for OneSpin Solutions +44 (0)20 7482 4800 Email Contact TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Pasinex Resources Limited (CSE: PSE)(CSE: PSE.CN)(FRANKFURT: PNX) (the "Company" or "Pasinex") today announced its first sale of direct shipping (DSO) high-grade zinc sulphide material from its 50%-owned Pinargozu zinc mine in Turkey. The joint venture company Horzum AS reported a sale of 991 tonnes averaging 46.82% Zn. The approximate value of the product realized was over US$700 per tonne. Steve Williams, President and CEO of Pasinex Resources Limited said, "Direct shipping of sulphide mineralization is virtually unheard of in the world, which is why we are so excited. This is another important step forward for Pasinex and the growth of our Pinargozu zinc mine. This is the first sulphide sale from our newly opened third adit at Pinargozu. It is also direct shipping sulphide mineralization which confirms the high grade material delineated from drilling. This sale represents just a portion of our DSO recently mined and sold. Mining is ongoing and we will be reporting our total production quarterly." Pinargozu Zinc Mine Mining at 120 tonnes per day, predominantly exploiting non-sulphide high grade zinc carbonate mineralization from two adits, the new third adit is mining sulphide-zinc-rich material. The grade of the mined non sulphide material consistently exceeds the 25% zinc threshold for direct shipping to zinc processing plants and the sulphide zinc material is averaging over the required 45% zinc threshold. Pinargozu is one of several exploration targets along the Horzum Zinc Trend (HZT). The HZT controls a series of Carbonate-Replacement-Deposit (CRD) mineral occurrences. The HZT extends north of the old Horzum mine, currently operated by our joint venture partner, Akmetal Madencilik San ve Tic. AS (Akmetal AS), for at least 8 kilometres. The HZT is completely under-explored. Pasinex is the first to apply advanced exploration technology and CRD exploration concepts and models to the HZT. Qualified Person EurGeol, P.Geo. John Barry, a qualified person (QP) as defined by NI 43-101. Mr Barry has inspected the original paid sales invoice issued by the JV for the shipment of zinc sulphides specified in this news release. Mr. Barry is a director of the Company. About Pasinex Pasinex Resources Limited (CSE: PSE)(CSE: PSE.CN)(FRANKFURT: PNX) is a metals company which is a 50% owner of the high grade Pinargozu zinc mine which is in production and, under its DSO Program, is shipping directly to zinc smelter / refiners from its mine site in Turkey. The Company has a strong technical management team with many years of experience in mineral exploration and mining project development. The mission of Pasinex is to build a mid-tier zinc company based on building a large land within a productive CRD district in Turkey. The Pinargozu Mine is included in the 50-50 company, Horzum Arama Isletme AS (Horzum AS), which is a corporate joint venture between Pasinex and Turkish mining house, Akmetal Madencilik San ve Tic. AS (Akmetal AS). Akmetal AS is one of Turkey's largest family-owned conglomerates with the nearby past-producing Horzum zinc mine. Visit our web site at: www.pasinex.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors PASINEX RESOURCES LIMITED "Steve Williams" The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from the historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although Pasinex Resources Limited 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 forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, exploration results, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Contacts: Pasinex Resources Limited Steve Williams President/CEO 416.861.9659 info@pasinex.com www.pasinex.com Cathy Hume CHF Investor Relations 416.868.1079 ext. 231 cathy@chfir.com CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Japanese yen strengthened against the other major currencies in the Asian session on Thursday. The yen rose to a 1-week high of 114.03 against the euro, nearly a 2-week high of 126.49 against the pound and a 3-day high of 105.73 against the Swiss franc, from yesterday's closing quotes of 114.65, 127.07 and 106.13, respectively. Against the U.S., the Australian and the Canadian dollars, the yen advanced to a 1-month high of 102.55, nearly a 3-week high of 78.48 and nearly a 5-week high of 76.64 from yesterday's closing quotes of 103.29, 79.11 and 77.12, respectively. The yen edged up to 74.84 against the NZ dollar, from yesterday's closing value of 75.28. If the yen extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 113.00 against the euro, 124.00 against the pound, 104.00 against the franc, 100.00 against the greenback, 77.00 against the aussie, 75.00 against the loonie and 73.00 against the kiwi. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. dollar weakened against the other major currencies in the Asian session on Thursday. The U.S. dollar fell to nearly a 4-week low of 1.1126 against the euro and a 1-month low of 102.55 against the yen, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.1097 and 103.29, respectively. Against the Australian and the New Zealand dollars, the greenback dropped to a 2-day low of 0.7683 and more than a 5-week low of 0.7311 from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.7659 and 0.7288, respectively. The greenback edged down to 1.2340 against the pound, 0.9696 against the Swiss franc and 1.3371 against the Canadian dollar, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.2303, 0.9733 and 1.3393, respectively. If the greenback extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.12 against the euro, 100.00 against the greenback, 0.78 against the aussie, 0.74 against the kiwi, 1.27 against the pound, 0.96 against the franc and 1.31 against the loonie. 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. Robust organic growth of 4.7% Regulatory News: Sopra Steria Group (Paris:SOP) generated revenue of 875.0 million in the third quarter of 2016, representing growth of 3.5%. Growth at constant scope and exchange rates was robust, amounting to 4.7%. Sopra Steria: Consolidated revenue Q3 2016 m % Q3 2016 Q3 2015 Reported Organic growth* Total growth Revenue 875.0 845.8 4.7% 3.5% *Alternative performance measures are defined in the glossary at the end of this document Comments on Q3 2016 business activity In line with the first half of 2016, Sopra Steria had a buoyant third quarter of 2016, with robust organic growth of 4.7%. Currency fluctuations had a negative 43.9 million impact, mainly due to the drop in the British pound. Changes in scope had a positive impact of 33.7 million. Overall, total revenue growth for the third quarter was 3.5%. In France, third-quarter revenue came to 356.9 million, representing organic growth of 5.4%. Consulting Systems Integration remained very buoyant, with revenue of 309.5 million, representing organic growth of 6.6%, despite an unfavourable calendar effect of one day over the quarter with respect to financial year 2015. As was the case since the beginning of the year, this momentum was driven by the growth in strategic key accounts (up 7%) and in Consulting (up 12%). Defence, aeronautics and transport were particularly dynamic sectors. remained very buoyant, with revenue of 309.5 million, representing organic growth of 6.6%, despite an unfavourable calendar effect of one day over the quarter with respect to financial year 2015. As was the case since the beginning of the year, this momentum was driven by the growth in strategic key accounts (up 7%) and in Consulting (up 12%). Defence, aeronautics and transport were particularly dynamic sectors. I2S (Infrastructure Security Services) recorded revenue of 47.5 million for the quarter. Continuing its recovery and its realignment toward higher-added-value offerings, the IT infrastructure management business recorded slightly negative organic growth of 2.1% (versus negative growth of 3.0% in the first half of 2016). Cybersecurity (10% of the entity's revenue) achieved strong sales performance and high organic growth of 13.2%. In the United Kingdom, to date sales have not been affected by the 23 June vote in favour of Brexit. However, the British pound fell by an average of 15.8% against the euro with respect to Q3 2015, generating a translation loss of 41.8 million in quarterly revenue. As a result, total revenue for the quarter was down by 15.3% to 217.4 million. Nonetheless, at constant exchange rates and scope, the region posted revenue growth of 1.1%. Public-sector activities achieved organic growth of 0.5%. It should be noted that the SSCL business process outsourcing platform, launched in 2013, has entered a mature phase, which, as planned, could affect the volume of business after three years of exceptional growth recorded during the programme's initial phase. In the Private-sector the organic revenue growth was 2.4%. In Other Europe, Q3 2016 revenue came to 172.0 million, representing strong organic growth of 6.4%. Revenue grew in almost all the countries in this region. Growth was particularly strong in Italy and the Benelux (Belgium/Netherlands/Luxembourg) region, with organic growth of over 20%. Germany continued to recover, posting organic growth of 2.2%. In line with Q2 2016, Sopra Banking Software recorded healthy organic growth of 8.9%, bringing its revenue to 80.7 million. This increase was essentially driven by services, with solid performance in France, Benelux and the Africa and Middle East region. There were many sales opportunities, particularly compliance-related. Investments in research and development also continued for the "Platform" product, as part of the roadmap drawn up with La Banque Postale, and for the "Amplitude" product. Lastly, the integration of Cassiopae in which Sopra Banking Software acquired a 75% stake in April 2016 got off to a good start and augurs well for the future. Other Solutions (HR and Property solutions) posted revenue of 48.0 million for Q3 2016, representing organic growth of 4.3%. For Sopra HR Software, the highlights of the quarter were the signing of a significant outsourcing contract enabling it to surpass the 500,000 mark for payslips managed, and the launch of a new generation of HR 3.0 solutions. In Property Management, the Group consolidated its leading position in France with the acquisition of Active 3D, a start-up that develops innovative technical and energy management solutions for buildings, featuring native integration of digital blueprints using Building Information Modelling (BIM) techniques. Workforce At 30 September 2016, Sopra Steria Group's total workforce comprised 39,397 people (38,450 people as of 31 December 2015), with 17.9% in X-Shore zones. Changes in scope The Group acquired 3 companies in the third quarter: Active 3D, a start-up which posted revenue of around 1 million in 2015, was consolidated in Q3 2016. Solid, a Norwegian company specialising in SAP integration which posted around 1 million in revenue in 2015, will be consolidated in Q4 2016. LASCE Associates (already announced on the 3rd of May), a consulting firm specialising in operational excellence for industry and logistics which posted revenue of 8 million in 2015, was consolidated for the first time in Q3 2016. Outlook At the end of Q3 2016, Sopra Steria Group confirmed its 2016 targets: Organic revenue growth towards the top end of the initial guidance range of between 3% and 5% An operating margin on business activity of more than 7.5% A strong increase in free cash flow Upcoming event Monday, 27 February 2017: Publication of 2016 annual results (before market) and presentation meeting. Glossary Restated revenue : Revenue for the prior year, expressed on the basis of the scope and exchange rates for the current year. : Revenue for the prior year, expressed on the basis of the scope and exchange rates for the current year. Organic revenue growth : Increase in revenue between the period under review and the restated revenue for the same period in the prior financial year. : Increase in revenue between the period under review and the restated revenue for the same period in the prior financial year. EBITDA : This measure, as defined in the Registration Document, is equal to the consolidated operating profit on business activity adding back depreciation and amortisation and current provisions. : This measure, as defined in the Registration Document, is equal to the consolidated operating profit on business activity adding back depreciation and amortisation and current provisions. Operating profit on business activity : This measure, as defined in the Registration Document, is equal to profit from recurring operations adjusted to exclude the expense relating to the cost of services rendered by the grantees of stock options and free shares and additions to the amortisation of allocated intangible assets. : This measure, as defined in the Registration Document, is equal to profit from recurring operations adjusted to exclude the expense relating to the cost of services rendered by the grantees of stock options and free shares and additions to the amortisation of allocated intangible assets. Profit from recurring operations : This measure is equal to operating profit before other operating income and expenses, which contains any particularly significant items of operating income and expense that are unusual, abnormal, infrequent or not predictive, presented separately in order to give a clearer picture of performance based on ordinary activities. : This measure is equal to operating profit before other operating income and expenses, which contains any particularly significant items of operating income and expense that are unusual, abnormal, infrequent or not predictive, presented separately in order to give a clearer picture of performance based on ordinary activities. Free cash flow : Free cash flow is defined as the net cash from operating activities (as described in the consolidated cash flow statement in the Registration Document), less investments (net of disposals) in tangible and intangible fixed assets, adjusted for net interest and less additional contributions to address any deficits in defined-benefit pension plans. Disclaimer This presentation contains forward-looking information subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may affect the Group's future growth and financial results. Readers are reminded that licence agreements, which often represent investments for clients, are signed in greater numbers in the second half of the year, with varying impacts on end-of-year performance. Actual outcomes and results may differ from those described in this document due to operational risks and uncertainties. More detailed information on the potential risks that may affect the Group's financial results are available in the 2015 Registration Document filed with the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF) on 22 April 2016 (see pages 33 and following in particular). Sopra Steria does not undertake any obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this document beyond what is required by current laws and regulations. The distribution of this document in certain countries may be subject to certain laws and regulations. Persons physically present in countries where this document is released, published or distributed should inquire as to any applicable restrictions and should comply with those restrictions. About Sopra Steria Sopra Steria, a European leader in digital transformation, provides one of the most comprehensive portfolios of end-to-end service offerings on the market: consulting, systems integration, software development, infrastructure management and business process services. Sopra Steria is trusted by leading private and public-sector organisations to deliver successful transformation programmes that address their most complex and critical business challenges. Combining high quality and performance services, added value and innovation, Sopra Steria enables its clients to make the best use of digital technology. With over 38,000 employees in more than 20 countries, Sopra Steria had revenue of 3.6 billion in 2015. Sopra Steria (SOP) is listed on Euronext Paris (Compartment A) ISIN: FR0000050809 For more information, please visit our website: www.soprasteria.com Annexes Sopra Steria: Impact on revenue of changes in scope and exchange rates 9M 2016 m % 9M 2016 9M 2015 Growth Consolidated revenue 2,753.8 2,613.9 5.4% Change in scope 88.6 Change in exchange rates -83.7 Restated revenue* 2,753.8 2,618.6 5.2% * Revenue at 2016 scope and exchange rates Sopra Steria: Changes in exchange rates 9M 2016 For 1 % Average rate 9M 2016 Average rate 9M 2015 Change Pound sterling 0.803 0.727 -9.4% Norwegian krone 9.375 8.817 -5.9% Swedish krona 9.373 9.371 0.0% Danish krone 7.447 7.458 0.1% Swiss franc 1.094 1.062 -2.9% Sopra Steria: Revenue by reporting unit 9M 2016 m % 9M 2016 9M 2015 Restated* 9M 2015 Reported Organic growth Total growth France 1,135.7 1,049.7 983.7 8.2% 15.5% United Kingdom 700.9 702.6 775.0 -0.2% -9.6% Other Europe 527.6 498.0 508.3 5.9% 3.8% Sopra Banking Software 241.0 223.3 202.1 7.9% 19.2% Other Solutions 148.7 145.0 144.7 2.6% 2.8% Total 2,753.8 2,618.6 2,613.9 5.2% 5.4% Sopra Steria: Revenue by reporting unit Q3 2016 m % Q3 2016 Q3 2015 Restated* Q3 2015 Reported Organic growth Total growth France 356.9 338.6 317.6 5.4% 12.4% United Kingdom 217.4 215.0 256.7 1.1% -15.3% Other Europe 172.0 161.7 162.0 6.4% 6.2% Sopra Banking Software 80.7 74.1 63.8 8.9% 26.5% Other Solutions 48.0 46.0 45.7 4.3% 5.0% Total 875.0 835.4 845.8 4.7% 3.5% * Revenue at 2016 scope and exchange rates View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161102006377/en/ Contacts: Sopra Steria Group Investor Relations Olivier Psaume +33 (0)1 40 67 68 16 olivier.psaume@soprasteria.com or Press Relations Simon Zaks (Image 7), +33 (0)1 53 70 74 63 szaks@image7.fr Copenhagen, 2016-11-03 07:00 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- -- GN delivered 13% revenue growth in Q3 2016, organic growth was 6%, driven by strong performance in GN Hearing and GN Audio -- Earnings per share (EPS) increased 21% compared to Q3 2015 and reached DKK 1.51 -- Free cash flow excl. M&A increased by DKK 183 million leading to a cash conversion of 105% in Q3 2016, compared to 59% in Q3 2015 -- The overall financial guidance for 2016 is confirmed -- On its Capital Markets Day in September 2016, GN launched its 2017-2019 strategy, with continued attractive financial targets for the coming three years. The strategy, called "Hear more, do more, be more", focuses on Innovation, Commercial and People Excellence -- GN Hearing's revenue increased 16% in Q3 2016, fueled by the acquisition of Audigy. Organic growth was 5%, despite a tough comparison base -- EBITA increased to DKK 237 million after transaction related costs of DKK 13 million related to the divestment of Otometrics. Before transaction related costs, EBITA was DKK 250 million, compared to DKK 230 million in Q3 2015 -- Free cash flow excl. M&A increased by DKK 109 million, leading to a cash conversion of 114% -- GN Audio delivered 9% organic growth in Q3 2016 driven by very strong performance especially in North America -- EBITA increased 23% and reached DKK 139 million in Q3 2016. The EBITA margin increased 1.9 percentage points compared to Q3 2015 and reached 16.7% -- Free cash flow excl. M&A increased by DKK 57 million, leading to a cash conversion of 92% -- In October 2016, GN Audio strengthened its position in North America further with the acquisition of VXi Corporation, a leading professional headset providerQuotes from the executive managementAnders Hedegaard, CEO of GN Hearing: "In Q3 2016, I am pleased to deliver results exceeding the strong performance in the same period last year and to see the organic revenue growth translating into solid cash generation. Also, with the announcement of the divestment of Otometrics, GN Hearing further strengthens its position as a dedicated hearing instrument company"Rene Svendsen-Tune, CEO of GN Audio: "In Q3 2016, we continued to improve our very strong momentum in our CC&O business. It is satisfying to see the strong focus on professional execution within the organization - the driver behind our continued market share gains and strengthened leadership in the attractive CC&O market. I am also very pleased with our ability to continuously improve our cash generation"Teleconference GN will host a teleconference at 11.00 am CET today. Please visit www.gn.com/investor to access the teleconference. Presentation material will be available on the website approximately one hour prior to the teleconference.For further information please contact:Peter Justesen VP - Investor Relations & Treasury GN Store Nord A/S Tel: +45 45 75 87 16orMichael Nass Nielsen Manager - Investor Relations GN Store Nord A/S Tel: +45 45 75 02 40Attachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=602787 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The Food and Drug Administration is seeking information on Nutella's reasonable serving size on the request of its maker Ferrero SpA, reports said, citing a document posted online. The Italian company, which markets the chocolate-hazelnut spread as a breakfast replacement for butter and syrup on pancakes, had petitioned the FDA in 2014 to put Nutella in the same regulatory class as jam, that will change its serving size to one tablespoon. Currently, Nutella is classified as a dessert topping, with serving size of two tablespoon. The amount of calories and fat for Nutella's current serving size stand at 200 and 11 grams, respectively, and a favorable decision by FDA would reduce to half the fat and calories consumers see on the label. Ferrero informed FDA that the current two-tablespoon serving size on the U.S. label would confuse consumers when compared with other spreads that have a smaller serving size. Ferrero in its petition said, 'Because Nutella is used in the same manner as jams and jellies, uniformity in RACC values among Nutella, jams, and jellies would enable consumers to make informed nutritional comparisons of these similar products.' The company also noted that the U.K., France and Australia, among other countries, use the one-tablespoon serving size. According to the document, the FDA is gathering information on flavored nut-butter spreads, their intended use and typical consumption amounts. The FDA in 1993 had ruled Nutella to be in the product category called 'other dessert toppings.' At that time, most Americans were using the product on their ice cream, rather than as a spread. The company also pointed out that in 2012, 74 percent of Nutella in U.S. was used on bread, compared with 2 percent on ice cream. This is in comparison to 1991's use of 8 percent of Nutella on bread and 27 percent on ice cream. According to market researcher Euromonitor, Nutella held a 70 percent market share for chocolate spreads in the U.S. in 2013. In the U.S., the FDA is responsible for establishing 'reference amounts customarily consumed,' or RACC, for 139 food-product categories, and to determine a serving size. The categories include cookies, egg rolls, coffee, dry pasta, butter, and canned fruits, among others. A positive decision by FDA is said to help other cocoa-based spread makers, including Hershey Co. and J.M. Smucker Co., as well. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Regulatory News: Pharnext SA (Paris:ALPHA) (FR00111911287 - ALPHA), a French biopharmaceuticals company developing an advanced portfolio of products in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, announces today its participation at the Jefferies 2016 London Healthcare Conference taking place November 16-17 at the Waldorf Hotel in London, UK. This Conference is the largest healthcare meeting in Europe dedicated to companies from around the world: biotechnologies, pharmaceuticals, generics, medtechs and healthcare services. Last year, the Jefferies conference hosted over 300 participating companies, 1,200 attendees and 3,700 B2B and investor meetings. ABOUT PHARNEXT Pharnext is an advanced clinical stage biopharmaceutical company founded by renowned scientists and entrepreneurs including Professor Daniel Cohen, a pioneer in modern genomics. Pharnext focuses on neurodegenerative diseases and has two lead products in clinical development: PXT3003 is currently in an international Phase 3 trial for the treatment of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A and benefits from orphan drug status in Europe and the United States. Pharnext is the pioneer of a new drug discovery paradigm: PLEOTHERAPIE. Pharnext identifies and develops synergetic combinations of drugs that are already being used for other diseases. These PLEOMEDICAMENT are developed at new lower doses and repositioned into new indications. The PLEOMEDICAMENT offer several key advantages: efficacy, safety, and intellectual property including several composition of matter patents already granted. The Company is supported by a world-class scientific team. The company Pharnext is listed on Euronext Alternext Stock Exchange in Paris (ISIN code: FR00111911287). For more information, visit www.pharnext.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005151/en/ Contacts: Pharnext Pierre Schwich, +33 (0)1 41 09 22 30 Directeur Financier investors@pharnext.com or NewCap Relations Investisseurs Julie Coulot, +33 (0)1 44 71 20 40 pharnext@newcap.eu or Media Relations (Europe) Alize RP Caroline Carmagnol Margaux Pronost +33 (0)1 44 54 36 64 pharnext@alizerp.com or Media Relations (US) Russo Partners Tony Russo, Ph.D. Matt Middleman, M.D. +1 212-845-4272 matt.middleman@russopartnersllc.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Medgold Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE: MED) (the "Company" or "Medgold") is pleased to announce that it has been granted five exploration licences for precious and base metal mineralization in the Republic of Serbia. A block of three contiguous licences totalling 300 km2 is located in the southeast of the country, bordering Macedonia and Bulgaria. Two licences, each of 100 km2, are located approximately 50 km to the north of the southern licence block. A licence location map can be found on Medgold's website. Exploration activities on these licences will be fully funded through Medgold's Strategic Alliance with Fortuna Silver Mines (see news release dated 13th June, 2016). Dan James, President of Medgold, commented: "We are very pleased to have received our first exploration licences in Serbia. They cover large areas of highly prospective ground and are under-explored for gold and silver. The licences are the result of a prolonged period of target generation, working with our partner, Fortuna Silver Mines, and a number of consultants, including Dr. Richard Sillitoe. We're looking forward to commencing field work immediately, to ground-truth a series of prospective targets." The licences are located in the Serbo-Macedonian Massif ("SMM"), a belt of crustal rocks that runs through Serbia along a north-south axis, extending southwards through Macedonia and Bulgaria and into Greece. In Serbia, the SMM is west of, but parallel to, the Timok Belt which hosts a number of copper-gold porphyry-epithermal deposits. The SMM is under-explored when compared to the Timok Belt, having seen lead and zinc exploration work by the Yugoslav government in the 1960s and 70s, but far less exploration post-2000 than the Timok Belt. In Greece, the SMM hosts several well-known gold deposits including Skouries, Olympias and Perama Hill, all of which are owned by Eldorado Gold. The three contiguous licences are located along the Macedonian and Bulgarian borders, approximately 40 km southeast of the city of Vranje, in southeast Serbia. They cover areas of Palaeozoic metasediments, including calcareous schists and marbles, which have been intruded by a series of Cenozoic porphyritic felsic igneous dykes, and locally covered with recent alluvial sediments. Contact zones between dykes and favourable country rock are responsible for many of the known base and precious metal showings within the licence areas. Fairly extensive exploration was completed by the Yugoslav government in the 1960s and 1970s for lead and zinc. Precious metals are often referenced in the historical and archival exploration documentation, but were not the focus of any exploration efforts, nor systematically documented. Today, it is recognized that these mineralized systems are intermediate-sulphidation epithermal in nature, and their lack of historical precious metal exploration presents significant upside for Medgold. The two other licences are located approximately 25 km due east of the city of Leskovac. These cover a series of flysch units comprised of limestones and shales which have been intruded by a series of Cenozoic porphyritic rocks. Almost no previous exploration has been undertaken in these areas. Recently, Medgold purchased an exploration dataset from Dundee Precious Metals, which had in previous years conducted regional exploration campaigns over parts of these licence areas. The data include regional stream sediment sampling results and a number of fairly detailed soil sampling grids over historical showings and gold-anomalous stream sediment and rock chip results. The data are currently being reviewed and will be followed-up with a series of ground-truthing and quality-control exercises. In the coming months, field crews will be undertaking licence-wide reconnaissance over all licences, as well as commencing a series of systematic soil and stream sediment sampling programs and a detailed review of the historical data. About Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. Fortuna is a growth oriented, precious and base metal producer focused on mining opportunities in Latin America. Its primary assets are the Caylloma silver Mine in southern Peru, the San Jose silver-gold Mine in Mexico, and the Lindero gold Project in Argentina. The company is selectively pursuing acquisition opportunities throughout the Americas and in select other areas. For more information, please visit its website at www.fortunasilver.com. About Medgold Medgold is a European-focused, TSX-V listed exploration and development company targeting gold properties in northwest Iberia and the under-explored gold provinces of southern Europe. Run by a highly experienced management team with a successful track record of building value in resource companies, Medgold is aiming to become a leading European gold company. Qualified Person Mr. David Clark, M.Sc., P.Geo., is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Clark prepared the technical information contained in this news release and has approved its disclosure. Additional information on Medgold can be found on the Company's website at www.medgoldresources.com and by reviewing the Company's page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Daniel P. James, President & Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and include, without limitation, statements about the proposed exploration work on the Serbia properties and the funding thereof by Fortuna. Often, but not always, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "estimates", "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "upgraded", "offset", "limited", "contained", "reflecting", "containing", "remaining", "to be", "periodically", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, the completion of exploration work on the Serbia properties as planned and the funding thereof by Fortuna; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the Company or any joint venture partner not having the financial ability to meet its exploration and development goals; risks associated with the results of exploration and development activities, estimation of mineral resources and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to: that the proposed exploration work on the Serbia properties will be completed as planned and funded by Fortuna; that the Company's stated goals and planned exploration and development activities will be achieved; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Contacts: Medgold Resources Corp. Dan James (UK) President +44 7972 579188 dj@medgoldresources.com www.medgoldresources.com VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - Tate & Lyle Plc (TATE.L, TATYY.PK) reported profit before tax from continuing operations of 128 million pounds for the six months to 30 September 2016 compared to 70 million pounds, previous year. Profit for the period from continuing operations increased to 129 million pounds from 67 million pounds. Earnings per share from continuing operations was 27.4 pence compared to 14.3 pence. First-half adjusted profit before tax from continuing operations increased to 140 million pounds from 103 million pounds, a year ago. Adjusted earnings per share on continuing operations increased by 34% (or 19% in constant currency) to 24.3 pence. First-half sales from continuing operations were 1.32 billion pounds compared to 1.17 billion pounds, prior year. Sales from continuing operations were up 1% in constant currency. Tate & Lyle expects adjusted profit before tax in constant currency for the full year to be higher than it anticipated coming into the year driven by the strong first half performance, with performance in the second half remaining in line with expectations. The Board of Tate & Lyle has approved an unchanged interim dividend for the six months to 30 September 2016 of 8.2 pence. This will be paid on 3 January 2017 to all shareholders on the Register of Members on 25 November 2016. In addition to the cash dividend option, shareholders will continue to be offered a Dividend Reinvestment Plan alternative. 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. SKF (STO:SKFB) (STO:SKFA) (Pink Sheets:SKFRY) (LSE:SKFB) is investing SEK 150 million in modernizing its cylindrical roller bearing (CRB) manufacturing in Schweinfurt, Germany. This is the third significant manufacturing investment announced by SKF in the last 18 months, following the announcement of similar investments in Gothenburg, Sweden and Flowery Branch, USA. The investment in Schweinfurt will involve the implementation of the latest technologies within machining, assembly and packaging and will result in older production channels being replaced by largely automated, world-class technologies. Luc Graux, President, Bearing Operations, says: "We are very excited to be ramping up our investments in developing world-class manufacturing within SKF. The automated assembly and zero reset-time of the channel will greatly improve our flexibility and lead-times for medium- and small-size lots of standard CRB products. Our ambition is to launch pilot projects such as these across all of our main product lines, before replicating them across other manufacturing sites." "Together with our projects in Gothenburg and Flowery Branch, we have now announced almost SEK 500 million of investments in upgrading and digitalising our factories during the last 18 months. Ensuring we develop flexible and modern manufacturing processes is essential in supporting SKF's growth and profitability ambitions." The investments announced today are expected to be completed by the middle of 2018. Aktiebolaget SKF (publ) SKF is a leading global supplier of bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems, and services which include technical support, maintenance and reliability services, engineering consulting and training. SKF is represented in more than 130 countries and has around 17,000 distributor locations worldwide. Annual sales in 2015 were SEK 75 997 million and the number of employees was 46 635. www.skf.com SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005583/en/ Contacts: SKF PRESS: Theo Kjellberg, Director, Press Relations tel: +46 31 337 6576 mobile: +46 725-776576 e-mail: theo.kjellberg@skf.com or INVESTOR RELATIONS: Patrik Stenberg, Head of Investor Relations +46 31-337 2104; +46 705-472 104 patrik.stenberg@skf.com JZ CAPITAL PARTNERS LIMITED (a closed-end investment company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 48761) Q3 2016 Interim Management Statement 19 December 2016 JZ Capital Partners Limited (LSE: JZCP.L, the "Company" or "JZCP"), the London listed fund that invests in US and European micro-cap companies and US real estate, today releases its Interim Management Statement for the period 1 September 2016 to 30 November 2016. Results Highlights Net Asset Value ("NAV") of $849.6 million (31/08/16: $873.0 million ) (31/08/16: ) Pre-dividend NAV per share of $10.28 (31/08/16: $10.40 ) (31/08/16: ) Net valuation uplift across US and European micro-cap and US real estate portfolios before expenses, finance costs and foreign exchange effects Semi-annual dividend of 15.5 cents per share paid on 25 November 2016 Including previously paid dividend of 15 cents in June 2016 , implied dividend yield of approximately 4.8%, based on the stock price at 30 November 2016 per share paid on $36.7 million invested, including: $7.5 million further investment in Peaceable Street Capital $12.9 million to acquire a prime development site in the Wynwood neighbourhood of Miami, Florida $9.6 million invested in two properties located in Brooklyn, New York invested, including: $27.1 million realised, including: $8.4 million from the sale of Southern Petroleum Laboratories $10.1 million from the refinancing of our US micro-cap water vertical $3.1 million from the refinancing of Metpar realised, including: At the end of the period, the portfolio consisted of 35 micro-cap investments across nine industries and four major real estate "assemblages" (59 total properties) located in New York and South Florida David Zalaznick, Founder and Investment Advisor of JZCP said: "We are pleased with the steady underlying performance of the portfolio, which provided an increase in NAV before finance costs, expenses and foreign exchange movements. The greatest contributor to the decline in our overall NAV was the dividend payment for the quarter. Our strong balance sheet provides us with a robust platform to source investments with compelling value-add opportunities and we remain confident in the outlook for our diversified portfolio." Net Asset Value Pre-dividend NAV per share for the quarter decreased from $10.40 to $10.28 as finance costs, expenses and foreign exchange movements exceeded portfolio write-ups. In addition, JZCP paid a dividend of 15.5 cents per share on 25 November 2016. For the past twelve-month period, including a previously paid dividend of 15 cents in June 2016, the implied dividend yield, based on our stock price at 30 November 2016 is approximately 4.8%. NAV Returns Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share as of 1 September 2016 $10.40 Increase/(decrease) in NAV per share due to Capital Gains and Income received/accrued on Investments + US Micro-cap 0.08 + European Micro-cap 0.03 - Real Estate (0.06) - Other Investments (0.03) Other increases/(decreases) in NAV per share - Change in CULS fair value (0.02) - Finance Costs (0.05) - Foreign exchange effect (0.02) - Expenses (0.05) Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share (before dividends paid) $10.28 - Dividends Paid (25 November 2016) (0.155) Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share as of 30 November 2016 $10.13 The US micro-cap portfolio had a net increase of 8 cents, primarily due to a write-up at our healthcare revenue cycle management vertical (12 cents) and co-investment Salter Labs (1 cent). Offsetting these uplifts in valuation were decreases in value at: co-investment Medplast, which was written down to match sale proceeds received post-period (3 cents), our legacy Nationwide Studios business (1 cent) and our ISS vertical (3 cents). The European micro-cap portfolio had a net increase of 3 cents, primarily due to write-ups at JZI Fund III, L.P. portfolio companies Petrocorner (1 cent) and S.A.C (1 cent). The real estate portfolio had a net decrease of 6 cents, primarily due to a new mortgage encumbering both the Williamsburg Retail and Bedford Avenue assemblages, which exceeded the value created, causing a reduction in unrealized gain. Finally, our other investments had a net decrease of 3 cents, primarily due to: a write-up at Metpar to match refinancing proceeds received (3 cents) offset by a write-down at Spruceview (6 cents). The chart below summarises the cumulative total NAV returns and total shareholder returns for the most recent three-month, twelve-month, three-year and five-year period. Total NAV returns for the one, three and five-year periods are diluted by the issue of Ordinary Shares (September 2015) at a discount to NAV. 30/11/2016 Since 31/08/2016 Since 30/11/2015 Since 30/11/2013 Since 30/11/2011 Share price (in GBP) 5.07 4.53 3.93 4.45 3.38 Dividends paid (in USD) - $0.155 $0.305 $0.95 $1.57 Total Shareholders' return (GBP)1 - 14.7% 35.7% 31.8% 90.4% NAV per share (in USD) $10.13 $10.40 $9.51 $9.94 $9.08 Implied dividend yield2 4.8% 5.2% 5.7% 4.1% 3.1% NAV per share total returns 1 - (1.1)% 9.7% 12.0% 30.8% NAV to market price discount 37% 43% 38% 27% 42% ______________ Total returns are cumulative and assume that dividends were reinvested For 30/11 dates in 2016, 2015 and 2013, implied dividend yield is calculated as the addition of the dividend paid in November and June of each respective year, divided by the stock price at such 30/11 date. For 30/11/11, implied dividend yield is calculated as the addition of the dividend paid in November 2011 and July 2011 , divided by the stock price at 30/11/11. For 31/08/16, implied dividend yield is calculated as the addition of the dividend paid in June 2016 and November 2015 , divided by the stock price at 31/08/16. RECENT ACTIVITIES On 25 November 2016, JZCP paid a semi-annual dividend of $13 million, or 15.5 cents per share. Significant Investments and Realisations US Micro-cap Investments - Verticals Industrial Services Solutions ("ISS") Vertical During the period, JZCP's ISS vertical completed the add-on acquisition of Control Products Louisiana, which required no cash from JZCP. Since inception, ISS has made 26 acquisitions. US Micro-cap Investments - Co-investments In October 2016, JZCP invested a further $1.8 million in Tech Industries, to fund the acquisition of a manufacturer of complex aviation components. In September 2016, JZCP invested a further $7.5 million in Peaceable Street Capital, a specialty real estate finance platform. European Micro-cap Investments - JZI Fund III, L.P. In November 2016, JZCP (through its commitment to JZI Fund III, L.P.) acquired ERSIndustries, a one-stop shop providing engineering expertise, steel procurement, local manufacturing and on-site assembly of pre-fabricated, reinforced steel modules for major international infrastructure projects. Real Estate Investments In September 2016, JZCP invested $12.9 million to acquire a prime development site in the Wynwood neighbourhood of Miami, Florida. In September 2016, JZCP invested $3.6 million to acquire another building on the Fulton Mall in Downtown Brooklyn, New York, adjacent to our other properties on the Fulton Mall. Also in September 2016, JZCP invested $6.0 million to acquire another building on North 6th Street in the Williamsburg neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York, adjacent to our other properties on that block. Realisations In November 2016, JZCP received net proceeds of $10.1 million from the refinancing of our US micro-cap water vertical. Also in November 2016, JZCP received further proceeds of $1.4 million from the refinancing of our original property in the Williamsburg neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York. In September 2016, JZCP received proceeds of $8.4 million from the sale of SPL, a leader in oil & gas measurement and laboratory services. In September 2016, JZCP received proceeds of $3.1 million from the refinancing of Metpar, a manufacturer of restroom partitions, which was a significant uplift to the company's carrying value of $0.8 million. In December 2016 (post-period), JZCP received net proceeds of $25.6 million from the sale below carrying value of US co-investment, Medplast. PORTFOLIO SUMMARY At 30 November 2016, the Company's portfolio consisted of 35 micro-cap investments across nine major industries and four major real estate "assemblages" (59 total properties) located in New York and South Florida. ($'000) At 30/11/16 At 29/02/16 % Gross Assets 30/11/2016 US Micro-cap Portfolio 434,652 386,173 39.3% European Micro-cap Portfolio 152,790 168,797 13.8% Real Estate Portfolio 454,704 366,158 41.1% Other Portfolio 21,482 64,320 1.9% Total Private Investments 1,063,628 985,448 96.1% Listed Corporate Bonds 12,734 13,036 1.2% UK Treasury Gilts - 45,608 0.0% Cash 28,694 91,937 2.6% Total Listed Investments (and Cash) 41,428 150,581 3.8% Total Investments (and Cash) 1,105,056 1,136,029 99.9% Other Current Assets 546 3,551 0.1% Total Investments (and Cash) 1,105,602 1,139,580 100.0% At 30 November 2016, 3.8% of gross assets was invested in "liquid" assets, which consists of cash and corporate bonds. These asset classes are valued at prices quoted by third parties. The remaining portion of the portfolio was invested in private investments in US or European micro-cap companies or real estate. These investments are valued at fair value by JZCP's directors each quarter. We value our privately held businesses carefully. Our average multiple used for our US micro-cap businesses is 8.3x trailing EBITDA. In addition, we do not have substantial debt in these businesses. The multiple of debt senior to JZCP's position is approximately 3.3x EBITDA. Top Ten Investments Our ten largest investments as of 30 November 2016 are summarised below: ($000's) Asset Category Valuation 30/11/2016 % Gross Assets 30/11/2016 Design District Assemblage Real Estate 90,214 8.2% Industrial Services Solutions Vertical US Micro-cap 82,619 7.5% Fulton Assemblage Real Estate 68,281 6.2% Williamsburg Retail Assemblage Real Estate 66,388 6.0% Factor Energia European 61,399 5.6% Greenpoint Real Estate 56,981 5.2% Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management Vertical US Micro-cap 51,964 4.7% TierPoint US Micro-cap 46,813 4.2% RedBridge Bedford Real Estate 39,778 3.6% Roebling Portfolio Real Estate 34,177 3.1% Top Ten Investments 598,614 54.3% Remaining Assets 506,988 45.7% Gross Assets 1,105,602 100.0% Balance Sheet Below is a summary of JZCP's balance sheet as of the relevant dates: ($000's) 30/11/2016 29/02/2016 Cash and cash equivalents 28,694 150,581 Investments & other assets 1,076,906 988,999 (-) Other net liabilities (202,502) (185,771) (-) ZDPs due 2016 - (44,217) (-) ZDPs due 2022 (53,459) (57,854) Net Asset Value 849,639 851,738 At 30 November 2016, "other net liabilities" includes $56.3 million from the issuance of Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock ("CULS") in July 2014, which carries an interest rate of 6%, and $97.2 million from a six-year term loan with Guggenheim Partners, which carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus 5.75%. For further information: Ed Berry / Kit Dunford +44 (0) 20 3727 1046 / 1143 FTI Consulting David Zalaznick +1 212 485 9410 Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc. Teresa Le Couteur-Tembo +44 (0) 1481 745741 JZ Capital Partners, Ltd. About JZCP JZCP is a London listed fund which invests in US and European micro-cap companies and US real estate. Its objective is to achieve an overall return comprised of a current yield and capital appreciation. JZCP receives investment advice from Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc. ("JZAI") which is led by David Zalaznick and Jay Jordan. They have worked together for 30 years and are supported by teams of investment professionals in New York, Chicago, London and Madrid. JZAI's experts work with the existing management of micro-cap companies to help build better businesses, create value and deliver strong returns for investors. JZCP also invests in mezzanine loans, first and second lien investments and other publicly traded securities. For more information please visit www.jzcp.com. DURHAM, England, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research from Atom, the UK's first bank built exclusively for mobile, uncovers Brits' difficult relationship with their earnings. Nearly a quarter of people (24%) feel the onset of financial fear, just after getting paid 85% of people don't know exactly how much money is in their account Two in five Brits would prefer to be caught in a socially embarrassing situation than for a stranger to know their bank balance More than 3 million Brits admit lying to their partner about the state of their finances 29% of adults have felt nervous or physically sick when checking their account balance Over half of people (56%) don't make or stick to a monthly budget 76% of 18-24 year olds don't understand banking terms including ATM and Direct Debit The survey reveals the often strange emotional relationship that people in the UK have with their personal finances. The findings show that the week the nation is most flush with cash is also the week the nation starts getting financially stressed, with nearly a quarter (24%) starting to worry about their bank balance straight after payday. Extraordinarily, over one in seven (14%) cited payday itself as the day they begin to worry about their finances for the month ahead. When it comes to revealing personal wealth, the nation is similarly emotionally eccentric, with nearly two fifths of us (39%) preferring to be caught by a stranger in an embarrassing situation such as being caught with our flies down or falling asleep in an important meeting, than a stranger being privy to how much money is in our bank account. And it's not just strangers we're shy of talking truthfully to about our finances: over 3 million Brits admit to having lied to a partner about their finances in the last three years. The study was commissioned by Atom, the UK's first digital bank, in association with charity The Stress Management Society and You Gov. Chief Executive of Atom Bank, Mark Mullen, said: "It's clear from the research that the UK's relationship with money is in need of some couples' therapy. Fortunately, banking apps like Atom will hopefully help reduce the stress when we launch Current Account in 2017. Our products and services are designed to fit around our customers and the way they live their lives, however eccentric. It's why we're a digital-only bank, on a mission to help UK customers take back control of their money." With 85% of people unaware of the amount in their current account at any given time, and over a third (34%) of people feeling stressed, worried or anxious when thinking about budgeting, the UK is definitely in need of a new way of managing its money. ANKARA (dpa-AFX) - Yogurt giant Chobani's founder Hamdi Ulukaya has received threats and calls to boycott his products for employing refugees, reports said. The Chairman and CEO of Chobani, Ulukaya, himself a Turkish immigrant, has welcomed refugees into his two factories, located in upstate New York and Idaho. The latest criticism, which included death threats, is said to be driven mainly by members of the extreme right. Meanwhile, Ulukaya has been helping immigrants for a long time now, and has hired some 300 refugees over the years. He has also started a refugee advocacy foundation, Tent. Through this, he enlists other companies to employ struggling migrants. When Ulukaya came to the United States, he made a modest living selling homemade feta cheese, and later became a self-made billionaire with the founding of Chobani 2007. In an earlier editorial, he wrote, 'The private sector has a powerful incentive to find new solutions to a crisis that cannot be solved by governments and goodwill alone.' Meanwhile, the local communities where Chobani operates its two plants, such as New Berlin, New York; and Twin Falls, Idaho, people has overwhelmingly positive response towards the yogurt giant. Twin Falls Mayor Shawn Barigar has also raised his support for Chobani. As part of his broader campaign to treat employees well, Ulukaya reportedly pays his refugees above minimum wage. Last month, Chobani announced that it would give six weeks of 100 percent paid parental leave to both mothers and fathers. Ulukaya also said in April that he was giving employees a 10 percent stake in the company when it goes public or is sold. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. DUBLIN, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- FlowForma, the leading provider of BPM tools for Microsoft Office 365 is pleased to announce its upcoming webinar focusing on the benefits of deploying a low code approach to BPM, featuring Forrester Vice President and Principal Analyst,John Rymer. Digital business means different things to different organizational leaders. But all agree that speedy, iterative delivery of business process software helps separate digital leaders from digital laggards. Speed is crucial in introducing new disruptive products, engaging and responding to customers across different channels, and adapting existing services based on shifting competitive drivers. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435267 ) (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160908/823123 ) Join FlowForma's guest Forrester Vice President and Principal Analyst,John Rymerat this upcoming webinar, as he discusses how these market forces have led to a step change in the BPM landscape, and how this relentless focus on "digital speed" is forcing leaders to reach for new approaches and platforms that enable delivery of new apps in days and weeks, instead of months. Imagine having a process management platform that can deliverrapid benefits without requiring hefty upfront investmentsin training, governance, and platforms. To fully contribute to digital transformation efforts, BPM teams must cast off legacy practices and platforms in favor ofnew, low code approaches that accelerate digital process innovation. Webinar Details When: 8th November 2016 @ 11am EDT / 4pm GMT Where: Online. Register for free today. Who: COOs, Operations Managers, Business Analysts, Process Analysts, CIOs, CTOs, System Architects, Performance Analysts, IT Managers, Project Managers, Delivery Managers and IT Consultants. Hear from Neil Young, CEO, FlowForma on how organizations today are embracing three new practices to get the most out of low code platforms. These practices focus on test and learn development, lightweight governance, and designing low code apps for future scale. Secure your complementary place at this upcoming webinar. Supporting Resources To learn more about FlowForma ' s upcoming webinar featuring Forrester visit: https://www.flowforma.com/allevents/webinar-waking-up-the-sleepy-world-of-bpm-with-a-low-code-approach-featuring-john-rymer To find out how the FlowForma Cloud BPM tool works visit: http://www.flowforma.com/howitworks Watch a demo video of FlowForma BPM 5.0: https://www.flowforma.com/flowforma-latest-update-5.0-demo-video To download a free trial of FlowForma visit: http://www.flowforma.com/trial About FlowForma FlowForma, the leading provider of Business Process Management (BPM) tools for Microsoft Office 365 has been revolutionizing the traditional BPM space with an innovative approach to developing award winning BPM products that empower users to create and streamline processes smarter and faster, utilizing the familiar SharePoint platform, without any coding. FlowForma is a Microsoft Partner, with over 60 customers and 75,000 users across Europe, South Africa and North America. The company is headquartered in Dublin with offices in London and Lithuania and is motivated by its values to innovate, evolve and achieve with employees, customers and partners. For further information, visit http://www.flowforma.com About Forrester Inc Forrester is one of the most influential research and advisory firms in the world. Forrester's unique insights are grounded in annual surveys of more than 500,000 consumers and business leaders worldwide, rigorous and objective methodologies, and the shared wisdom of most innovative organizations. Through proprietary research, data, custom consulting, exclusive executive peer groups, and events, the Forrester experience is about a singular and powerful purpose: to challenge thinking and to help lead change in organizations. READING, England, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- One year after the Paris Agreement, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) launches its most powerful global climate monitoring tool to date, ERA5. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435664 ) (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435665 ) The publication of the first data from ERA5, representing a two-month period, marks a milestone for climate reanalysis at ECMWF. Produced by the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service operated by ECMWF, this latest development in the ERA series improves on its predecessors through: Offering a much improved spat ial resolution Providing hourly estimates of atmospheric variables Providing a consistent representation of uncertainties Using more satellite observations Giving access to all input observations Global climate reanalysis provides critical resources for understanding and monitoring the processes associated with climate change, and for informing scenarios of future climate change. Reanalysis combines information from past and present meteorological observations with modern forecast models, using data assimilation techniques originally developed for numerical weather prediction. ERA5 provides a new numerical description of the recent climate and contains estimates of atmospheric parameters such as air temperature, pressure and wind at different altitudes, and surface parameters such as rainfall, soil moisture content and ocean wave height. The Head of the Copernicus Climate Change Service at ECMWF, Jean-Noel Thepaut, said: "With better use of observations, an improved description of physical processes and a considerably higher spatial and temporal resolution, ERA5 creates new global datasets to monitor climate change, for research, education, and for commercial applications. For the first time, users will have access to hourly estimates of atmospheric variables at a horizontal resolution of 31 km, and on 137 levels from the surface up to 1 Pa (around 80 km)." Another novelty of ERA5 is that it will produce a 10-member ensemble of climate reconstructions for all parameters and levels. This new feature is based on the Ensemble of Data Assimilations (EDA) system developed at ECMWF, which explicitly accounts for errors in the observations and in the forecast model. Users will be able to access data that will allow them to assess the confidence they can have in the analysis for various parameters, at different times and places. ERA5 is the fifth generation of ECMWF atmospheric reanalyses of the global climate. ECMWF climate reanalyses started with the FGGE reanalyses produced in the 1980s, followed by ERA-15, ERA-40 and most recently ERA-Interim. As a first step in the transition from ERA-Interim to ERA5, an ERA5 dataset covering two months is now available to enable users to adapt their systems to replace ERA-Interim. This release is an important milestone: it marks the beginning of a two-year journey which will progressively allow users to look back in time at the weather of the past 40 years. All ERA5 data products are open access and free to download. They are hosted in ECMWF's main archiving repository for meteorological data, MARS (Meteorological Archival and Retrieval System), and are available to the public through the ECMWF Web API. Notes for editors All ERA5 data products, which are open access and free to download, will include information about uncertainties, which will be provided for each parameter at 3-hourly intervals and at a horizontal resolution of 62 km. Compared with ERA-Interim, many new parameters, such as 100-metre wind components, will be available as part of the output. A database containing all input observations, together with detailed information about how they are used, will be available to users. Altogether, the entire ERA5 production will generate roughly 5 petabytes of data. Please note that the ERA5 preview data published today are provisional and may be superseded in the final release of ERA5 data. More information about ERA5 is available at: https://climate.copernicus.eu/climate-reanalysis The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is an intergovernmental organisation, developing and producing global weather predictions. It is supported by 34 Member and Co-operating States. ECMWF operates the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service and Copernicus Climate Change Service on behalf of the European Commission and contributes to the Copernicus Emergency Management Service. Academic and environmental institutions from across Europe, including national meteorological services, play an integral role in making Copernicus a success. Media contact Silke Zollinger Press and Events Manager Copernicus Communication European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Shinfield Park, Reading, RG2 9AX, UK Email: silke.zollinger@ecmwf.int Phone: +44 (0)118 9499 778 Mobile: +44 (0) 755 477 3973 Web: ecmwf.int | atmosphere.copernicus.eu | climate.copernicus.eu EAGLE POINT, OR -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 --Grow Condos, Inc. (OTCQB: GRWC), a fully reporting publicly traded company specialized in cannabis industry related "Condo" style real estate and turn-key grow facilities, is pleased to announce that the Company has incorporated a new division designed to capitalize on Oregon's growing level of recreational acceptance through the development of turn-key real-estate solutions for Marijuana-friendly campgrounds and resorts. The company's strategy is to build out and brand "Smoke on the Water" as a stand-alone company which could potentially be spun out as an independent entity. Plans call for the company to initially develop the property through acquisition, subsequently rebranding the existing RV business to represent the Smoke on the Water brand. The company is currently actively looking for RV parks for sale to begin the operational launch of the brand. Also slated for release is "SmokeOnTheWater.Club," where travelers can join a membership based environment designed to inform as well as reward like-minded consumers through a gratifying loyalty program. According to a recent report on the DenverPost.com, "For the fifth year in a row, Colorado hosted a record number of tourists who have left a record amount of cash in their wake. The Colorado Tourism Office on Wednesday reported that 77.7 million visitors to the state in 2015 spent an all-time high of $19.1 billion, generating $1.13 billion in state and local taxes, an increase of almost 7 percent from 2014." Although there are no official numbers distinguishing the reason for the increase, according to MarketWatch.com in 2014 "...one travel booking site saw searches for Denver jump nearly 75% year-over-year months after recreational marijuana use was legalized in Colorado." "Being in the real-estate industry, we see how this growing paradigm shift is permeating the various sectors, and have discovered that there is a strong and growing demand for Marijuana friendly vacationing," stated Wayne Zallen, Chief Executive Officer. "We believe that 'Smoke on the Water Resorts' is going to be a real win-win situation for campground owners, not only by virtue of the revenue sharing structure, but because hassle-free lodging that caters to this sector is expected to draw vacationers from far and wide." As the Company mobilizes to facilitate another thriving sector of this budding industry, Grow Condos sets an advantageous strategy in motion to build out branded RV campground and resort accommodations. Upon project launch, the Company plans to provide fully functional vacationing solutions to campground operators and owners seeking to fill the growing demand for stress free and acceptable vacationing for the pro-personal choice and marijuana smoking community. About: Grow Condos, Inc.: Grow Condos is a fully reporting publicly traded company listed under the symbol GRWC: Pink Sheets. It is a real estate purchaser, developer & manager of specific use industrial properties providing "condo" style turn-key grow facilities to support the cannabis industry. We own, lease, sell and manage multi-tenant properties. Like during the Gold Rush days in California, Grow Condos is focused on a pick-and-shovel approach to participating in the exploding marijuana industry. We finance the purchase and/or development of properties by offering to investors private placement sponsorships, debt instruments, or limited partnerships. We believe there is a significant investor demand for such opportunities. Currently we own and manage a 15,000 square foot warehouse in Eagle Point, Oregon, own and developing a property in Eugene Oregon and are currently looking into other acquisitions in Oregon, Colorado, Washington, California and Nevada with like-minded investors who want to share in the growth of this dynamic new industry. Safe Harbor: This release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements 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. These statements appear in a number of places in this release and include all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Grow Condos, Inc, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) financing plans; (ii) trends affecting its financial condition or results of operations; (iii) growth strategy and operating strategy. The words "may," "would," "will," "expect," "estimate," "can," "believe," "potential" and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Grow Condos, Inc. ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. More information about the potential factors that could affect the business and financial results is and will be included in Grow Condos, Inc. filings with the OTC Markets, Securities and Exchange Commission and/or the company's website. CONTACT: Grow Condos, Inc. Corporate: www.growcondos.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowCondosInc Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrowCondosInc Investor Relations: ir@growcondos.com RENO, NEVADA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- NuLegacy Gold Corporation (TSX VENTURE: NUG)(OTCQX: NULGF) reports assays from recently drilled reverse circulation holes in the Iceberg gold deposit within the Red Hill project. NuLegacy's flagship project, the 38-sq. mile/98-sq. kilometer Red Hill property in Nevada's famed Cortez trend, hosts multiple Carlin-type gold systems with multiple gold-bearing horizons in one of the world's premier gold mining jurisdictions. NuLegacy's present focus is delineating the shallow Carlin-style oxidized gold mineralization within the Iceberg gold deposit, exploring the newly discovered Avocado deposit and testing the VIO and Jasperoid Basin prospects. "The gold mineralization in the Iceberg deposit has been encouraging through most of the drilling since 2012, and the newly discovered Avocado deposit looks to become a game changing addition to the project," commented Chairman Albert Matter. Highlights from the Iceberg deposit infill and step-out drilling include: Central zone of the Iceberg: -- Holes RHB-91 and 93 continue to expand the Central zone towards the 'western gravity/geochemical anomaly' (now being tested by Hole RHB-110) with RHB-91 reporting 33.5 meters of 0.51 grams gold/t and RHB-93 returning 29.3 meters of 0.32 grams gold/t. North zone of the Iceberg: -- Holes RHB-98 with 21.3 meters of 0.99 grams gold/t, including 9.1m of 1.27 grams gold/t and RHB-97 with 25.9 meters of 0.36 grams gold/t continue to expand the North zone to the south and west. Complete table of assays provided below. The Avocado discovery: Drilling of the next hole in the Avocado deposit (core hole AV-4) is underway. Based on the results from the two wildcat holes drilled into the Avocado (reported Sept. 13, and 20, 2016 - 199.7m of 0.26 grams/t in AV-2 and 25.9m of 1.05 grams/t in AV-3) and a review of the geo-physical data, the initial target depth is approx. 2,500-foot/760-meter. This will provide important stratigraphic information to help guide the vectoring of the next set of holes designed to test for the origination of the massive 655 foot/200 meter 'bloom of 1/4 gram gold' reported in AV-2. Boart Longyear was contracted to drill this hole and expects to complete it early December; thus, we expect the assay results early in the New Year in time to utilize them to select sites and commence a three to five-hole Avocado exploration program in the spring of 2017. Table of current assays: Note that RHB drill holes 87, 89, 100, and 103 did not reach their intended target depth due to difficult drilling conditions or sample recovery was inadequate to assay the gold bearing horizons. Drilling continues in the Iceberg, more assays pending. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assay details ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hole From To Length Grade ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- number zone (m) (m) (m) (ft.) (g/t) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RHB-90 South no significant values ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RHB-91 Central 102.1 135.6 33.5 110 0.51 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RHB-92 61.0 80.8 19.8 65 0.20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RHB-93 Central 32.0 45.7 13.7 45 0.32 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- and " 158.5 190.5 32.0 105 0.32 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RHB-94 Central 48.8 57.9 9.1 30 0.33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RHB-95 Central no significant values ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RHB-96 - C North assays pending ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RHB-97 North 67.1 93.0 25.9 85 0.36 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RHB-98 North 65.5 86.9 21.3 70 0.99 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- including 68.6 77.7 9.1 30 1.27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RHB-99 North no significant values ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RHB 101 North no significant values ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RHB-102 North assays pending ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- RHB-104 North 68.6 71.6 3.0 10 0.47 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- These intercepts are not necessarily true widths as there is insufficient data at this time with respect to the shape of mineralization to calculate its true orientation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please follow this link http://nulegacygold.com/s/2016-Drill-Program.asp to the plan map. About NuLegacy: NuLegacy Gold Corporation is an advanced stage Nevada exploration company focused on expanding its Carlin-style near-surface Iceberg oxide gold deposit with an established exploration target of 90-110 million tonnes of 0.9 to 1.1 grams of gold per tonne(i), and exploring for additional gold deposits on the 38-sq. mile (98-sq. km) Red Hill property located in the Cortez gold trend of Nevada. The Iceberg gold deposit has similar geology to that of Barrick Gold's multi-million-ounce Pipeline deposit the discovery of which is credited to NuLegacy's Chief Geoscience Officer, Dr. Roger Steininger. The Iceberg is located on trend and adjacent(ii) to three of Barrick Gold's multi-million ounce Carlin-type gold deposits (the Pipeline, Cortez Hills and Goldrush deposits) that are amongst Barrick's lowest cost and politically safest gold assets(iii). (i) These figures are conceptual in nature and derived from a compilation of 149 historic and 34 NuLegacy drill holes in and around the Iceberg deposit. To date, there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource. (ii) The similarity and close proximity of these deposits in the Cortez Trend is not necessarily indicative of the gold mineralization in the Iceberg deposit. (iii) As extracted from Barrick's Q4-2013 and Q1-2014 reports. On Behalf Of NuLegacy Gold Corporation James E Anderson, Chief Executive Officer Sampling Methodology, Chain of Custody, Quality Control and Quality Assurance: Reverse circulation drilling was conducted by AK Drilling of Butte, Montana under the supervision of Thomas Roman, Exploration Manager, and Dr. Roger Steininger, CGO (CPG 7417) and the chain of custody from the project to the sample preparation facility was continuously monitored. The samples were analyzed by American Assay Labs of Sparks, NV and sufficient commercially prepared standards, blanks, and duplicates were inserted to assure quality analytical results. Data verification of the analytical results included a statistical analysis of the duplicates, standards and blanks that must pass certain parameters for acceptance to ensure accurate and verifiable results. The reported gold intervals may or may not represent true thicknesses and/or widths as there is insufficient data at this time with respect to the shape of mineralization to calculate its true orientation. Dr. Roger Steininger, NuLegacy's Chief Geoscience Officer is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG 7417) and the qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects responsible for preparing and reviewing the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. 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 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. Readers 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. There are no known resources or reserves in the Iceberg deposit and the proposed exploration programs are exploratory searches for commercial bodies of ore. In addition, the presence of gold deposits on properties adjacent or in close proximity to the Iceberg Deposit is not necessarily indicative of the gold mineralization on the Iceberg Deposit. All of the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com including our annual management's discussion and analysis dated July 28, 2016 for the year ended March 31, 2016. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required under applicable securities legislation. Contacts: NuLegacy Gold Corporation James Anderson CEO 604-639-3640 james@nuggold.com NuLegacy Gold Corporation Albert Matter Chairman 604-639-3640 albert@nuggold.com NuLegacy Gold Corporation Roger Steininger CGO 604-639-3640 roger@nuggold.com NuLegacy Gold Corporation Frank Lagiglia Investor Com Mgr 604-639-3640 frank@nuggold.com www.nulegacygold.com LendingCrowd meets FCA's "rigorous statutory standards" FCA authorisation paves way for ISA product LendingCrowd, one of the UK's fastest-growing alternative finance lenders to the SME market, has received full authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) making it the UK's second P2P platform and first P2P lender to SMEs to move from interim to full authorisation status. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005629/en/ Stuart Lunn, CEO and co-founder, LendingCrowd (Photo: Business Wire) Effective as of 1st November 2016, authorisation translates to LendingCrowd meeting the stipulated "rigorous statutory standards" required by the FCA and paves the way for the launch of an ISA product. Stuart Lunn, CEO and co-founder of LendingCrowd, said: "Peer-to-peer investing is growing in popularity every day, we are supportive of industry regulation and we're extremely pleased that LendingCrowd has reached this milestone. Unquestionably, it adds credibility and trust in a relatively young marketplace in which our aim is to be a major player. It also means that we can look to launch our ISA product both directly to investors and through investment platforms, several of which we are already engaged with." Since launching in 2014, LendingCrowd, Scotland's only headquartered peer-to-peer lender, has facilitated loans totalling 8m and has over 2000 investors signed up to its platform. Deals range in size from 20,000 to over 1m, and in 2015 LendingCrowd helped Diet Chef complete one of the biggest ever peer-to-business deals seen in the UK in a 1.5m debt finance transaction. Alternative and innovative new sources of funding have emerged over recent years in response to changing market dynamics. The UK Alternative Finance sector provided 3.2 billion worth of loans, investments and donations in 2015, up 84% compared to 2014. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005629/en/ Contacts: For LendingCrowd Nick Freer +44 (0) 7841571871 nick@freerconsultancy.com Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "United Kingdom Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Market Outlook to 2022" report to their offering. Summary Our new report, provides key market data on the United Kingdom Multiparameter Patient Monitoring market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars, volume (in units) and average price data (in US dollars), within market segments High Acuity Monitors, Mid Acuity Monitors, Low Acuity Monitors and Multiparameter Central Stations. The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for the market category, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants. Based on the availability of data for the particular category 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. We use 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. Scope Market size for Multiparameter Patient Monitoring market segments High Acuity Monitors, Mid Acuity Monitors, Low Acuity Monitors and Multiparameter Central Stations. Annualized market revenues (USD million), volume (units) and average selling price ($) 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 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring market. Key Topics Covered: 1 Tables Figures 2 Introduction 2.1 What Is This Report About? 2.2 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Market Segmentation 2.3 Definitions of Markets Covered in the Report 3 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Market, United Kingdom 4 Overview of Key Companies in United Kingdom, Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Market 5 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Market Pipeline Products 6 Recent Developments 7 Appendix Companies Mentioned Philips Healthcare GE Healthcare Limited Draegerwerk AG Co. KGaA Mindray Medical International Limited Nihon Kohden Corporation OSI Systems, Inc. Fukuda Denshi Co., Ltd. Schiller AG For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/f5jf87/united_kingdom View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005643/en/ Contacts: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T. Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Related Topics: Medical Devices, Patient Monitoring Equipment BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 6:00 am ET Thursday, Eurostat releases euro area unemployment figures for September. The jobless rate is expected to be at 10.0 percent in September, compared to 10.1 percent August. Ahead of the data, the euro showed mixed trading against its major rivals. While the euro fell against the pound and the U.S. dollar, it held steady against the Swiss franc and the yen. As of 5:55 am ET, the euro was trading at 0.8978 against the pound, 1.0786 against the Swiss franc, 1.1099 against the U.S. dollar and 114.18 against the yen. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. BEIJING, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hainan Airlines signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Brussels Airport at the signing ceremony for the China-Belgium Economic and Trade Cooperation held in Beijing on October 31, in the presence of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. During the ceremony, the two companies announced the launch of new Shanghai-Brussels flight service, scheduled to commence in 2017. Zhang Ling, chairman of HNA Tourism Group, and Sun Jianfeng, a member of the executive management team at Hainan Airlines, attended the event along with Brussels Airport CEO Arnaud Feist. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435258 In 2006, Hainan Airlines launched Beijing-Brussels service, creating an air bridge for friendly exchanges between China and Brussels, headquarters for the vast majority of the European Union's institutions. In 2015, 114,000 passengers took the flight, an increase nearing five times the number that flew the route during its first year of service. In March 2016, Hainan Airlines held a "Remembrance at 10,000 Meters" ceremony to convey its support for the people affected by the Brussels terrorism attack. Hainan Airlines' executive Sun Jianfeng said the airline is committed to supporting China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative, the Chinese government's program to develop trade through and with the countries that lie along the ancient Silk Road overland and seaborne trade routes, by providing an air bridge linking China and countries across Eurasia. The exchanges between China and other Eurasian countries, as well as the connection between Chinese and world markets, play a key role in implementing the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. The air bridge being put in place by the aviation industry now replaces the camels and horses that were once used for transportation along the ancient Silk Road trade routes. Hainan Airlines now operates eight European routes, including the Beijing-Brussels, Beijing-Berlin, Beijing-Moscow, Beijing-Saint Petersburg, Hangzhou-Xi'an-Paris, Chongqing-Rome, Beijing-Prague and Beijing- Manchester routes. By the end of 2015, Hainan Airlines' passenger loads to and from European destinations accounted for over 30 percent of the international total. In 2015, the company increased its capacity servicing Europe by 41 percent from the prior year. The airline has, to date, launched over 700 inbound and outbound routes connecting passengers to more than 100 cities around the world, with comprehensive coverage extending into Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. Hainan Airlines has been named as a SKYTRAX five-star airline for six consecutive years and has safely operated its fleet for 23 years. The airline was ranked fifth in Airline Safety Ranking 2016 by JACDEC, a German airline safety data evaluation firm. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Newmarket Gold Inc. ("Newmarket Gold" or the "Company") (TSX: NMI)(OTCQX: NMKTF) is pleased to announce financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. Full Financial Statements and Management Discussion & Analysis documents can be found at www.sedar.com and the Company's website, www.newmarketgoldinc.com. All figures are in United States ("U.S") dollars, unless otherwise stated. 2016 Third Quarter & Year-to-Date "YTD" Highlights -- Business Combination with Kirkland Lake Gold: Creation of a new mid-tier gold producer with annual production of over 500,000 ounces in Tier 1 mining jurisdictions. The transaction provides a superior valuation opportunity for shareholders of both companies, delivering high-quality, low-cost production, an attractive growth profile, industry leading financial strength and superior cash flow generation. -- Record YTD Production: Quarterly consolidated gold production of 55,794 ounces with record YTD 2016 consolidated gold production of 175,041 ounces. -- Continued Improving Cash Position: Cash balance of $82.5 million (equivalent to C$108 million), an increase of 126% from $36.5 million at Q4 2015. Working capital position of $64.4 million. The Company is essentially debt-free with only $5.9 million in capital lease obligations and other loans. -- Generating Free Cash Flow: Operating cash flow for Q3 2016 of $25.4 million or $0.14 per basic share based on revenue of $71.9 million. Q3 2016 free cash flow of $11.9 million based on operating cash flow less capital expenditures of $13.5 million, after investing $3.3 million into growth programs. YTD free cash flow of $38.2 million after investing $10.7 million in growth programs. -- Record YTD Mine Operating Income: Q3 2016 Mine Operating Income of $22.1 million, up 75.5% from Q3 2015 as a result of a higher average realized gold price. Record YTD mine operating income of $67.7 million was the result of increased ounces sold and a higher gold price environment. -- Fosterville Achieves Strong Quarterly Performance: Gold production of 36,967 ounces based on average mill grade of 6.91 g/t Au and quarterly recovery of 89.7%. Fosterville attained productivity improvements through increased mine tonnage rates and mill throughput rates. -- Fosterville Achieves Low Quarter Operating Cost & Low AISC: Q3 2016 Operating cash cost per ounce sold of $471 and All-in-sustaining costs ("AISC") per ounce sold of $765. -- Consolidated YTD Operating Cash Cost & Low AISC: YTD 2016 Operating cash costs per ounce sold of $714 and AISC per ounce sold of $971. -- Net Income: $7.1 million or $0.04 Basic EPS in Q3 2016 and $30.3 million or $0.18 Basic EPS YTD, with the current quarter impacted by a higher total tax expense resulting mainly from the exceptional performance at Fosterville in a strong Australian gold price environment, accounting for a loss of $0.05 per basic share. Douglas Forster, President & CEO, Newmarket Gold commented: "Based on record consolidated production in the first nine months of 2016, Newmarket Gold is on track to meet the Company's improved guidance of 225,000 - 235,000 ounces of gold as announced in Q2 2016. The business combination with Kirkland Lake Gold is expected to close during Q4, more than doubling 2016 pro-forma gold production to over 500,000 ounces from a new operating platform of 7 underground mines in Tier 1 mining jurisdictions. In addition, the combined company will generate superior free cash flow and have strong financial and technical capabilities to exploit its pipeline of exploration and development opportunities to fuel future organic growth. We believe the combined entity will be a preferred investment among mid-tier gold producers, commanding an increased capital market profile and enhanced shareholder value." "Newmarket Gold achieved record production of 175,041 ounces of gold for the first nine months of 2016, led by high grade, low cost ounces from our flagship Fosterville Mine which produced 107,350 ounces of gold with YTD AISC per ounce sold of $743. Productivity improvements at Fosterville were achieved through increased mine production utilizing new higher capacity haul trucks and the opening of new production levels in the Lower Phoenix area, as well as increased mill throughput rates, all of which contributed to favorable third quarter operating cash costs per ounce of $471 and an AISC per ounce sold of $765. Newmarket's liquidity position continues to improve, supporting our overriding objective to grow free cash flow which totaled $11.9 million in Q3 2016 and $38.2 million YTD. Since the start of 2016, we have generated cash flow from operations of $74.7 million and ended the third quarter with $82.5 million in cash, a 126% increase from the start of the year." CONSOLIDATED RESULTS SUMMARY - For the period ended September 30, 2016 Financial Results (in thousands, except per share and per ounce amounts) Q3 2016 Q3 2015 YTD 2016 YTD 2015 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue ($) 71,940 60,664 216,034 199,605 Cost of operations, including depletion and depreciation ($) (49,861) (48,082) (148,316) (147,743) Mine operating income ($) 22,079 12,582 67,718 51,862 Net income (loss) ($) 7,069 (10,325) 30,292 17,450 Net income (loss) per share ($/share) - basic (i) 0.04 (0.08) 0.18 0.14 Net income (loss) per share ($/share) - diluted (i) 0.04 (0.08) 0.17 0.14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash generated from operating activities ($) 25,438 11,345 74,740 65,903 Capital investment in mine development, property, plant and equipment ($) 13,508 13,794 36,586 44,412 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average realized gold price per ounce ($) 1,329 1,109 1,240 1,164 Operating cash costs per ounce sold ($) 777 715 714 693 All-in sustaining cash costs per ounce sold ($) 1,076 1,011 971 984 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (i) Refer to Note 2 of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, pre- Arrangement net income per share is presented after giving effect to the Arrangement share exchange ratio of 0.2456. Operational Results Q3 2016 Q3 2015 YTD 2016 YTD 2015 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ore Milled (t) 542,574 565,254 1,679,426 1,739,356 Grade (g/t Au) 3.58 3.32 3.66 3.40 Recovery (%) 89.1 86.5 88.7 87.1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gold Oz Produced 55,794 53,817 175,041 169,491 Gold Oz Sold 54,053 54,521 174,072 170,968 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- THIRD QUARTER 2016 FINANCIAL REVIEW Newmarket Gold produced 55,794 ounces during the third quarter of 2016, and has achieved record production of 175,041 ounces for the first nine months of 2016. Fosterville achieved third quarter production of 36,967 ounces, only 1% off the record performance achieved in Q2 2016, accounting for 66% of consolidated production. Cosmo achieved a record recovery rate of 95.3%, up from its record of 94.2% in the previous quarter, contributing 10,677 ounces of production during Q3 2016, with Stawell contributing 8,150 ounces. Revenue for Q3 2016 was $71.9 million based on 54,053 ounces of gold sold at an average realized gold price of $1,329 per ounce, an increase in revenue of 19% compared to Q3 2015, predominantly the result of a nearly 20% increase in the average realized gold price. On a year to date basis, revenue has increased 8% compared to the first nine months of 2015 due to a 1.8% increase in gold ounces sold in a higher gold price environment. Operating expenses for the third quarter of $41.1 million marked a 7.4% increase over Q3 2015, driven by a 4.7% appreciation in the Australian dollar over the comparative period, and higher operating costs at Stawell. On a consolidated basis, operating cash costs per ounce for the third quarter were $777 per ounce, an 8.7% increase over Q3 2015. Fosterville achieved operating cash costs per ounce of $471, a decrease of 2.1% compared to Q3 2015, as a result of increased productivity, the focus on total extraction mining methods, and the resulting higher grades, which more than offset the impact of the stronger currency. Fosterville's improved productivity and consequent increase in throughput compared to Q2 2016, resulted in a 10% decrease in the operating cost per tonne milled to A$112 from Q2 2016. Operating costs in absolute terms for Cosmo for Q3 2016 were consistent with Q3 2015, impacted in US dollar terms mainly by the appreciation of the Australian dollar. However, operating cash costs of $1,317 per ounce sold were significantly higher due to a combination of lower throughput due to mine sequencing issues and constraints associated with unfavorable ground conditions and dilution, and resultant lower grades. Going forward, mining location flexibility and ground conditions will improve as recent drilling at Cosmo has identified additional potential ore sources near existing infrastructure. These new ore sources will enable multiple mining areas to be established and be incorporated in the mine plan in the near term. Operating cash costs at Stawell increased from the prior year to $1,402 per ounce sold in Q3 2016, as reduced throughput resulted in 10.1% less gold ounces sold compared to Q3 2015. The Company continues to focus on the new Aurora B gold discovery at Stawell with drill results highlighting the potential to build Mineral Resources on the expansive East Flank of the Stawell gold system. As a result of the challenges at Cosmo in the third quarter, the Company expects to be at the upper end of its full year guidance range of $650 - $725 per ounce. Further, as a resulting consequence of the impact of lower ounce production at Cosmo during the third quarter, all-in sustaining costs per ounce have increased on a consolidated basis to $1,076 per ounce, offset by continued strong performance at Fosterville which achieved all-in sustaining costs per ounce sold of $765 in the third quarter. The mining challenges at Cosmo during the third quarter, and to a lesser extent at Stawell, will put pressure on the all-in sustaining cost guidance of $900-$975 per ounce with year-to-date all-in-sustaining costs per ounce sold of $971. Royalty expense increased 24% compared to the third quarter of 2015 and 32% for the first nine months of 2016, due to the impact of strong production and gold price on revenues, and the commencement of a 1% NSR royalty at Stawell as of January 1, 2016. Depletion and depreciation was lower on both a quarterly and year-to-date basis compared to 2015, the result of lower book values at Cosmo and a longer mine life at Fosterville, which was partially offset by the appreciation of the average Australian dollar over those periods. Mine operating income for the third quarter of 2016 was $22.1 million, a 75.5% increase over the corresponding quarter of 2015 as a result of the significantly higher average realized gold price, with the 7.4% increase in operating expenses largely offset by lower depletion and depreciation. Mine operating income for the first nine months of 2016 was a record $67.7 million, an increase of 31% over 2015, mainly due to increased ounces sold in a significantly higher gold price environment. Net income for the third quarter of 2016 was $7.1 million or $0.04 per share (basic), compared to a net loss of $10.3 million or $0.08 loss per share in Q3 2015. The prior year quarterly result was impacted by transaction costs of $15.1 million associated with the amalgamation of Newmarket Gold and Crocodile Gold, which accounted for a per share loss of $0.11 during Q3 2015. Per share amounts in the most recent quarter reflect higher weighted average number of shares outstanding (basic), as a result of the conversion and redemption of Debentures and the exercise of warrants during the first quarter of 2016. Net income for the first nine months of 2016 was $30.3 million or $0.18 per share, an increase of over 73% compared to net income of $17.5 million, or $0.14 per share, during the same period in 2015, which was impacted by the aforementioned transaction costs. Net income for the third quarter of 2016 includes $3.3 million of exploration and evaluation expenditures, bringing year-to-date expenditures to $10.7 million, tracking to the upper end of the Company's guidance of $10.0 - $15.0 million. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, was also impacted by share based compensation of $4.3 million, largely due to the vesting of three tranches of the Company's performance share units, whose share-performance vesting terms were triggered as a result of the significant increase in the Company's share price on the TSX during the first half of the year. The current quarter net income was also impacted by a higher total tax expense relating mainly to the exceptional performance at Fosterville in a strong Australian gold price environment, accounting for a loss of $0.05 per basic share. The Company recognized a deferred tax expense of $7.5 million during the third quarter, totaling $12.7 million on a year-to-date basis, mainly reflecting the estimated use of non-capital losses relating to its Victorian operations, particularly Fosterville. Based on expected performance for the remaining part of 2016 and the continued strong Australian dollar gold price, the Company's Victorian operations are expected to be cash taxable by the end of the year, and as a result the Company has booked a current income tax expense of $0.6 million during the third quarter. Cash Flow Newmarket Gold generated operating cash flow of $25.4 million in Q3 2016, or $0.14 per share (basic), a significant increase over the same period of 2015, due to a 20% higher average realized gold price. Operating cash flow in the third quarter is down from $31.0 million in Q2 2016, due to 13% less gold ounces sold in the most recent quarter. On a year to date basis, the Company has generated $74.7 million in cash flow from operations in 2016 compared to $65.9 million in 2015. Cash flow from operations in 2016 also reflects $10.7 million in exploration and evaluation spending compared to $7.2 million for the first nine months of 2015, as the Company continues to invest in growth programs to drive near-term resource growth. Newmarket invested $11.2 million in mine development during the third quarter of 2016, which includes underground development and resource definition. Development was focused at Fosterville, which accounted for 74% of the total expenditure in the third quarter. After comparatively low mine development expenditures in the first two quarters of 2016, Cosmo incurred $2.3 million during the third quarter of 2016. Property, plant and equipment expenditure in the quarter was $2.3 million and $6.8 million for the first nine months of 2016, down for both comparative periods in 2015, however noting $4.3 million in upgrades to the Fosterville truck fleet to improve productivity were financed through capital lease obligations. The Company achieved consolidated all-in sustaining costs per ounce sold of $1,076 during the third quarter of 2016, with higher cash costs per ounce at Cosmo and Stawell being offset by continued strong performance from Fosterville, which achieved all-in sustaining costs of $765 per ounce sold. YTD consolidated AISC per ounce sold of $971. Financial Position At September 30, 2016, the Company had a cash balance of $82.5 million, a significant increase from $36.5 million as at December 31, 2015 representing real cash flow generation of $12.7 million during Q3 2016 and $46.0 million during the first nine months of 2016. Newmarket Gold's working capital position at the end of Q3 2016 was $64.4 million, a significant increase from $22.3 million at December 31, 2015, reflecting positive net cash flow from mine operations, the receipt of proceeds on the exercise of share purchase warrants and stock options, and the reduction of current debt relating to the Debentures. With the full conversion and redemption of the Debentures, the Company is essentially debt-free with only $5.9 million in capital lease obligations and other loans. Third Quarter 2016 Financial Earnings Conference Call Details In connection with our third quarter 2016 financial results, Douglas Forster, President and Chief Executive Officer, Darren Hall, Chief Operating Officer and Robert Dufour, Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call to discuss the results on Thursday, November 3, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. (EDT). Participants may listen to the call by dialing toll free 1 (877) 648-7976 at approximately 10:50 a.m. (EDT) and ask to join the Newmarket Gold conference call. International or local callers should dial 1 (617) 826-1698 at approximately 10:50 a.m. (EDT) and ask to join the Newmarket Gold conference call. The call will be webcast live at http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/dwwuctx9 and at www.newmarketgoldinc.com in the Events and Webcast section under the Investor Relations tab. The live audio webcast will be archived and made available for replay at www.newmarketgoldinc.com. Presentation slides which accompany the conference call will be made available in the Investors section of the Newmarket Gold website, under Presentations, prior to the conference call. Qualified Person Simon Hitchman, FAusIMM (CP), MAIG, Principal Geologist, Newmarket Gold, is a "qualified person" as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information and data included in this news release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Douglas Forster" Douglas Forster, M.Sc., P.Geo., President & Chief Executive Officer About Newmarket Gold Inc. Newmarket Gold is a Canadian listed gold producer with three 100% owned underground operating mines in Australia. The flagship operation, Fosterville Gold Mine, and the Stawell Gold Mine are located in the state of Victoria, and the Cosmo Gold Mine is located in the Northern Territory. In addition, Newmarket has a pipeline of growth projects within Australia, including The Maud Creek Gold Project in the Northern Territory and the Big Hill Gold Project in the state of Victoria. The Company is based on a strong foundation of quality gold production from its three Australian mines, producing over 220,000 ounces of gold annually. Newmarket Gold is dedicated to the development of its resources, targeted exploration, and prudent cost management practices, while continuing to generate free cash flow and maintaining a large resource base with reserve upside. Newmarket strives to enhance shareholder value through a disciplined approach to growth focused on organic exploration success on near mine targets and accretive acquisition opportunities in stable mining jurisdictions. NON-IFRS MEASURES Newmarket Gold has included in this MD&A certain non-IFRS performance measures as detailed below. In the gold mining industry, these are common performance measures but do not have any standardized meaning. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flow. Accordingly, it is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Operating Cash Costs per Ounce of Gold - Newmarket Gold calculates operating cash costs per ounce by deducting silver sales revenue as a by-product from operating expenses per the consolidated statement of operations, then dividing by the gold ounces sold during the applicable period. Operating expenses include mine site operating costs such as mining, processing and administration as well as royalties, however excludes depletion and depreciation, share-based payments and rehabilitation costs. All-In Sustaining Costs per Ounce of Gold - Newmarket Gold has adopted an all-in sustaining cost performance measure that reflects all of the expenditures that are required to produce an ounce of gold from current operations. While there is no standardized meaning of the measure across the industry, the Company's definition conforms to the all-in sustaining cost definition as set out by the World Gold Council in its guidance dated June 27, 2013. The World Gold Council is a non-regulatory, non-profit organization established in 1987 whose members include global senior mining companies. The Company believes that this measure will be useful to external users in assessing operating performance and the ability to generate free cash flow from current operations. The Company defines all-in sustaining costs as the sum of operating cash costs (per above), sustaining capital (capital required to maintain current operations at existing levels), capital lease repayments, corporate general and administrative expenses, mine exploration within the known resource, and rehabilitation accretion and amortization related to current operations. All-in sustaining costs excludes capital expenditures for significant improvements at existing operations deemed to be expansionary in nature, exploration and evaluation related to growth projects, rehabilitation accretion and amortization not related to current operations, financing costs, debt repayments, share-based compensation not related to operations, and taxes. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information Certain information set forth in this news release contains "forward-looking statements", and "forward-looking information under applicable securities laws. Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements, which include the Company's expectations about its business and operations, and are based on the Company's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs, which may prove to be incorrect. Some of the forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "projects", "plans", and similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes and undue reliance should not be placed on them. 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. 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 are included in this press release or incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Contacts: Ryan King Vice President, Investor Relations Newmarket Gold, Inc. 778.372.5611 rking@newmarketgoldinc.com www.newmarketgoldinc.com LONDON, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Britain faces at least two years of economic "turbulence" and a period of "fiscal uncertainty" as the country prepares for Brexit in 2019 and the prospect of a clean break with the EU, the Chancellor, Philip Hammond has warned. Lord Redesdale, CEO of the Energy Managers Association warns businesses to act now and reduce their energy demand. Energy prices will rise by an estimated 50% over the next 5 years while demand will exceed current grid capacity this winter. Also, UK's commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 2020 will impose tighter regulations on commercial properties and create new laws on business energy efficiency taxation. Energy Management is essential to any business if you want to control costs, be fully compliant with legislation and enhance the organisation's reputation. EMEX (www.emexlondon.com) and its community are returning to the ExCeL Centre inLondonon 16th and 17th November with a packed programme spread across 4 free-to-attend CPD-accredited seminar theatres. This content, curated by the Energy Managers Association and its Board of major energy users, will include the opportunity to meet with top industry experts, peers and numerous leading suppliers that will unveil the latest technology and energy efficiency strategies available right now. Organisations like Network Rail, Land Securities, Local Councils, Ministry of Defence, National Grid, E.ON, Unite Students, Servest Group, Bourne Leisure, British Sugar, Costa Express, Port of Milford Haven, Water Plus, University College London, Bank of England, Skanska, BIFM, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), House of Commons, The Body Shop International, Pets At Home, Total Gas & Power, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Greater London Authority, Broad gate Estates, Queen Mary University of London, Lloyds Banking Group, and Regent Street Management Direct are confirmed to speak at EMEX 2016. 1. Saving Energy through People One of the mostimportant energy efficiency measures is training. You could save up to 30% on your utility bills.The latest developments in behavioural change can help your business to engage with your staff so they become active players in reducing operating costs while improving sustainability credentials, all this with no capital outlay and no interruption of day-to-day business. Experts, such as the Operations Improvement Manager at British Sugar, the Senior Sustainability Manager at Skanska, the Energy and Environmental Manager at the Bank ofEngland, the Energy and Utilities Advisor at the House of Commons and the Energy and Sustainability Manager at University College London, all specialists in behaviour change, to name just a few, will share their experience. Their presentations, in the Siemens theatre, will leave you better equipped to deliver energy efficiency in your organisation from one-off projects to a strategy that is embedded in staff culture. See seminars in Saving Energy Through People Track. 2. Reducing Energy Use in the Built Environment. About half of CO2 emissions in the UK come from energy used in our homes and buildings leading the UK Government to implement tougher regulations in the built environment. Get on top of new Government energy standards, assess risks and, where necessary, act now to make improvements that ensure buildings exceed the minimum energy efficiency standard or face the prospect of the value of your assets decreasing significantly. By April 2018,it will be unlawful to renew or grant new leases for residential, or commercial property with an EPC rating below "E" unless registered as an exemption. By April 2020,the regulation will be extended to apply to ALL residential lettings (both new AND existing). By simply commissioning or upgrading existing systems, you can expect energy savings of 20-40%, which typically represent a simple payback of less than 3 years. With over 120 exhibitors ranging from major utilities to brokers and consultants, equipment manufacturers to training companies and showcasing a broad range of energy efficient solutions and services under one roof, EMEX has become a unique opportunity to learn about the new technology, systems and services available in this fast changing environment. There are a number of talks about Energy Use in the Built Environment. 3.Optimising Costs Through Sustainable Operations One area of operational expenditure that has been largely overlooked, but which has substantial potential to deliver savings, is the cost and use of indirect materials and resources, such as water, energy, maintenance and hidden value in assets. Beyond price, there are further financial considerations associated with buying and using these key resources. Energy efficiency is already a well-established part of the corporate and social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability agenda. Businesses committed to safeguarding their reputation for corporate responsibility - and the commercial value attached to that - have no option but to meet the challenge of developing sustainable operations. Applying silo thinking to operational management rarely delivers the maximum savings possible. A far more effective approach is to focus on the whole operation and identify the interdependencies between each function. With this broader view, it is possible to develop and implement solutions that deliver greater cost reductions by achieving the following results: Increase energy efficiency across multiple facilities; reduce maintenance costs; reduce water consumption; decrease production downtime; remove supply chain costs; deliver a return on investment; increase business assets value; enhance workplace productivity. Start implementing all the necessary improvements by mapping out the opportunities and building a solid business case to get a sign-off from board of directors and company executives. There are a number of informative seminars here. 4.Capturing the Full Benefits of Demand Flexibility The UK is entering a period of energy transition. The main forces driving this transition are a growing consensus about the scale and importance of climate change, the need to ensure secure energy supplies for the UK in the face of rising global demand and an ageing and centralised grid. There is an urgent imperative to re-shape policy in order to decarbonise the energy that we use, evolve infrastructures and to secure sustainable local generation supplies for the long term. The UK's energy market mix is already fast changing with a fast growing interest in flexible strategies that empower end-users to manage their consumption, mitigate intermittency in supply, lower their costs and generate new revenue. At EMEX, National Grid will present Power Responsive, a stakeholder-led programme of work to stimulate increased participation in the different forms of flexible technology inBritain'senergy markets. They also plan to facilitate the rapid growth of demand-side solutions. Demand Reduction is a key areafor policy makers and companies this year, as this winter will see a very tight margin between supply and demand. The EMA will be launching Dynamic Response, which will offer a new solution to this problem - flexible load shifting through battery storage from off-peak to peak periods. This system will help you reduce costs through reduction in expensive peak time pricing, reduce transmission charges and deal with security of supply issues. This new technology will be rolled out in the next couple of years. Seminars on how you could incorporate this system into your business and actually make a profit will be explored in the presentations found in the DONG Energy theatre. With the deployment of demand-side response systems and energy storage, renewables will play a central part of generation on the grid. How the electricity codes will need to be amended will be covered, and the work of the EMA in lobbying for these changes will also be highlighted. 5. Increasing Renewables in your Energy Mix Renewables now account for 25% of the UK electricity generation, which is up from 9% in 2011. Switching to renewables and green-tech is a substantial and yet untapped opportunity for most businesses to reduce costs and meet carbon emission targets rapidly. At EMEX, Good Energy will launch their new web platform for business customers to enhance transparency and control of their energy supply with the ability to match with local renewable power generators. DONG Energy is leading the way in the development of sophisticated tools that enable businesses to be more flexible in the way that energy is consumed. It has come up with a unique way to help balance its own generation at times when the wind doesn't blow. Corona Energy, a leading independent energy supplier to UK businesses will offer expert advice on energy efficiency, with a fresh approach to managing your energy usage presented at the show. Alternatively, instead of buying all of your energy from suppliers, you can install renewables technology, also known as micro generation, and low-carbon technology to generate your own. ENERCON UK, Emergya Wind Technologies, Lightsource Renewable Energy, Norvento Wind Energy and others will present the latest technologies to generate energy from wind, sun and biomass fuel. Also presenting at the show, Origami Energy is an ambitious new technology company, created with the objective of developing the technology and financial systems that are required to connect, control and actively manage a large network of existing energy generating / energy using / energy storing assets connected to the electricity grid. Learn about all of these in the Renewable Power Generation track. 6. Get ready for the UK water market de-regulation Businesses need to start planning now for the most radical changes in the water industry for a generation. FromApril 2017, over 1.2 million eligible businesses and other non-household customers inEnglandwill be able to choose their supplier of water and wastewater retail services. The smallest high street shops to the largest public authorities will be able to shop around and choose their retailer or renegotiate the existing deal. If you prepare well for the changes in advance, deregulation of the water industry presents a fresh opportunity for your company to make significant savings when it comes to managing your utility costs. Companies operating in multiple locations can use just one supplier rather than several, which allows them to negotiate price on a much larger volume and to simplify the billing process. Some retailers will work with such clients to reduce their water bill through the introduction of water efficient kit and metering, in order to form the basis of a Water Performance Contract in which water efficiency savings will be shared by the client and the retailer. InScotland, where competition was introduced in 2008, Business Stream achieved more than 35 million in Water Efficiency savings, experienced a 26% increase in customer satisfaction, made available more than 30m worth of discounts, saved public sector customers more than 20m and helped customers save 16 billion litres of water and more than 28,000 tons of CO2 in the first 3 years. Early birds in the market will snap the best deals, so don't wait untilApril 2017to do your benchmarking. Business Stream, SES Business Water, Source for Business, Water Plus (a new joint venture between Severn Trent and United Utilities), The Water Retail Company, Waterscan and Water 2 Business to name a few will be presenting their offerings at EMEX. Check all the free-to-attend seminars and training sessions in the Water Retail Market Opening track. EMEX is over 3,000 visitors, 120 exhibitors, 100 speakers and 80 training and seminars. More info, visit www.emexlondon.com OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - EnCana (ECA, ECA.TO) Thursday said it remains on target to meet or exceed its 2016 guidance. In its third quarter, net earnings were $317 million or $0.37 per share, compared to last year's loss of $1.24 billion. Operating earnings were $32 million or $0.04 per share, compared to loss of $24 million or $0.03 per share a year ago. On average, 17 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected loss of $0.04 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. The company generated cash flow of $252 million or $0.29 per share, compared to prior year's $371 million or $0.44 per share. The company's core four assets contributed 104,500 bbls/d, or 89 percent, of third quarter liquids production and 830 MMcf/d, or 63 percent, of third quarter natural gas production. Total liquids production averaged 117,000 bbls/d, down 17 percent from last year. Natural gas production averaged 1,326 Mmcf/d, down 14 percent from the previous year. Combined production from the core four assets was 242,800 BOE/d, representing more than 70 percent of the company's total 338,000 BOE/d production. On November 2, the Board declared a dividend of $0.015 per share payable on December 30, 2016 to common shareholders of record as of December 15, 2016. 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. STOCKHOLM (dpa-AFX) - Sweden's industrial production rebounded in September, defying economists' expectations for a further decline, figures from Statistics Sweden showed Thursday. Industrial production climbed a calendar adjusted 1.5 percent year-over-year in September, reversing a 5.0 percent fall in August. Meanwhile, it was forecast to drop by 2.0 percent. On a monthly basis, industrial output grew 6.8 percent in September, in contrast to a 5.0 percent decrease in the prior month. That was much faster than the 2.9 percent gain expected by economists. Most of the industry sub-sectors showed an increase in September, and the wood industry was the sub-sector that had the largest increase by 19.4 percent, the agency said. The statistical office also revealed that industrial orders plunged 16.4 percent yearly in September, which was worse than the 6.3 percent fall a month earlier. Month-on-month, industrial orders rose 7.3 percent from August, when it tumbled by 10.2 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. ORLANDO, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Having an updated and modern website can help physicians educate patients and give people access to tools that can aid them in their medical decisions. With this goal in mind, Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani, an Orlando plastic surgeon and founder of the Aesthetic Surgery Centre, reached out to Rosemont Media to help him build a state-of-the-art website for his practice. Based on his direction, the medical marketing firm developed a clean, user-friendly site featuring a selection of sophisticated, forward-thinking details and responsive capabilities. To better connect with visitors to the website, patient photos are used in lieu of the stock model images common to other sites. A before-and-after gallery continues this theme, where users can see the real, untouched outcomes of many of the treatments Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani offers. Full-width pages are another benefit. Visitors can easily review the comprehensive medical content, which serves as a helpful resource on today's most popular surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. For current and prospective patients who use smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, the responsive website design will be an added convenience. This characteristic automatically adjusts the website to fit within the confines of virtually any size or type of screen -- no panning or zooming necessary. Like the responsive formatting, many of the design elements are subtle and smart, favoring an elegant simplicity over eye-catching gimmickry. Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani indicates that this clutter-free approach closely mirrors his "form-follows-function" philosophy that also influences the look of his brick-and-mortar practice. He says the new site can reinforce patient confidence in his practice while maintaining a focus on what's important -- the individual's needs and goals. About The Aesthetic Surgery Centre Located in the Maitland and Orlando, Florida area, the Aesthetic Surgery Centre is a state-of-the-art plastic surgery office. Comprised of Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani, a board certified plastic surgeon, and a team of experienced medical professionals, the practice offers an expansive collection of non-surgical and surgical cosmetic treatments for the face, breasts, body, and skin. Alongside conveniences like an online store and downloadable patient forms, the Aesthetic Surgery Centre includes a fully accredited (AAAASF) on-site surgical facility. To learn more about the Aesthetic Surgery Centre, please visit jptrev.com and facebook.com/DrJonTrevisani. To view the original source of this press release, click here: https://www.rosemontmedia.com/surgeons-blog/orlando-plastic-surgeon-debuts-user-focused-responsive-website/ Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3075950 The Aesthetic Surgery Centre 413 Lake Howell Rd. Maitland, FL 32751 (407) 677-8999 Rosemont Media (858) 200-0044 www.rosemontmedia.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Highlights: -- Environmental Invoice received for mining operations at Esaase and overland conveyor to the existing processing facility, clearing the final hurdle for the Phase 2 environmental permit. -- Board of Directors approves commencement of Phase 2A expansion. -- Phase 2A designed to expand mill throughput from 3.6Mtpa to 5Mtpa with mill feed from both Esaase and the Phase 1 deposits; targeting 300,000 ounces of gold in 2018. -- Combined Phase 2A and Phase 2B Definitive Feasibility Study due to be published in Q4 2016. Asanko Gold Inc. ("Asanko" or the "Company") (TSX: AKG)(NYSE MKT: AKG) is pleased to announce it has received the Environmental Invoice from the Ghananian Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") for mining operations at the Esaase deposit and the overland conveyor connecting the Esaase pit to the existing processing facility, which forms part of the staged Phase 2 expansion of the Asanko Gold Mine ("AGM"), located in Ghana, West Africa. The Board has approved the commencement of the Phase 2A expansion, with Front End Engineering Design ("FEED") to start immediately. Phase 2A envisions mining operations at Esaase, the construction of a 27 kilometer overland conveyor and the expansion of the existing processing facilities from 3.6 million tonnes per annum ("Mtpa") to 5Mtpa to produce approximately 300,000 ounces of gold in 2018. Ore will be mined from Nkran pit and the Phase 1 satellite deposits as well as the large Esaase pit. Phase 2B is expected to double plant throughput from 5Mtpa to 10Mtpa using an additional carbon-in-leach ("CIL") plant at the existing processing facilities to produce approximately 450,000 ounces per annum from 2020 onwards. Peter Breese, President and CEO, commented, "Within three quarters of pouring first gold, our Phase 1 project is delivering ahead of feasibility in the key metrics of production and costs. The time is right to proceed with the Phase 2A expansion, which will establish mining at our Esaase pit and provide vital infrastructure between Esaase and the existing processing plant for future expansion projects. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Ghanaian regulatory authorities, the Minerals Commission and the EPA in particular, for their efficient handling of the Phase 2 permit application and our local stakeholders for their positive engagement and support. This collaborative and proactive approach between Asanko and our stakeholders provides a strong platform for future investment in our host country which will create more jobs and deliver higher levels of foreign direct investment, royalties and tax generation. Looking ahead, this is the start of a two-staged expansion which will ultimately deliver around 450,000 ounces of low cost gold production per annum, making the Asanko Gold Mine a centerpiece in our vision to become a mid-tier gold producer." Overview of Phase 2A Phase 2A has two components to its development plan. The first is the development of an open pit mine and the construction of mining and crushing infrastructure at Esaase and the construction of a 27km overland conveyor belt, capable of handling ore for Phases 2A and 2B, to transport ore to the existing processing facility. The second component involves a brownfield modification to the existing CIL process facility to increase the plant's capacity from 3.6Mtpa to 5Mtpa. The upgraded processing facility will process a blend of 2Mtpa of ore from Esaase and 3Mtpa of ore from the Nkran pit and surrounding satellite deposits. Extensive metallurgical test work, undertaken at ALS laboratories in Perth, Australia, together with operational experience gained from Phase 1 to date has confirmed that metallurgical recovery from blending the Esaase and Nkran ores will be in-line with the PFS1 recovery estimates of 90.9%. The technical and financial details of the new mine at Esaase, the conveyor belt and the plant modifications will be outlined in the Phase 2 DFS which is expected in Q4 2016. The Phase 2A capital cost is expected to be approximately US$125 million (see press release dated May 2, 2016). FEED for the new mine, conveyor and plant upgrades will commence immediately, with bulk earthworks at Esaase targeted to commence in early Q1 2017. The recently received Environmental Invoice, issued by the EPA, is the final step in the Phase 2A permitting process and the pre-cursor to receiving a final environmental permit for the Esaase mine and the conveyor linking Esaase with the existing Phase 1 operations. The Esaase Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") will be finalized to incorporate the review comments made by the EPA on the draft EIS and the final permit is expected to be received shortly. In addition to the Environmental permit, Asanko already holds a temporary mining permit for Esaase which will be updated to a full mining permit once the final EIS is received. Overview of Phase 2B The second stage of the project, Phase 2B, will further expand the processing facility at Phase 1 with the construction of an additional 5Mtpa CIL circuit for a total processing capacity of 10Mtpa (3Mtpa from Nkran & associated satellite pits and 7Mtpa from Esaase) to produce approximately 450,000 ounces of gold per annum. The conveyor belt envisioned for Phase 2A will be designed and constructed with sufficient capacity to deliver the required ore for both phases of the project. Update on Phase 2 Definitive Feasibility Study The Company expects to publish the Phase 2 DFS in Q4 2016, which will contain the capital and operating costs for the staged Phase 2A and Phase 2B expansions, as well as production and cost guidance for the existing Phase 1 operations for 2017 and 2018. (1) Based on Phase 2 PFS published on SEDAR June 29, 2015 Enquiries: For further information please visit: www.asanko.com, email: info@asanko.com. About Asanko Gold Inc. Asanko's vision is to become a mid-tier gold mining company that maximizes value for all its stakeholders. The Company's flagship project is the multi-million ounce Asanko Gold Mine located in Ghana, West Africa. The mine is being developed in phases. Phase 1 commenced gold production in January 2016 and declared commercial production on April 1, 2016. Ramp-up to steady state production of 190,000 ounces per annum was achieved in Q2 2016. Asanko is managed by highly skilled and successful technical, operational and financial professionals. The Company is strongly committed to the highest standards for environmental management, social responsibility, and health and safety for its employees and neighbouring communities. Forward-Looking and other Cautionary Information This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address estimated resource quantities, grades and contained metals, possible future mining, exploration and development activities, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as 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 market prices for metals, the conclusions of detailed feasibility and technical analyses, the timely renewal of key permits, lower than expected grades and quantities of resources, mining rates and recovery rates and the lack of availability of necessary capital, which may not be available to the Company on terms acceptable to it or at all. The Company is subject to the specific risks inherent in the mining business as well as general economic and business conditions. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's annual Form 20-F filing with the United States Securities Commission and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedar.com. Neither Toronto Stock Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: Asanko Gold Inc. Alex Buck Manager, Investor and Media Relations Toll-Free (N.America): 1-855-246-7341 +44-7932-740-452 alex.buck@asanko.com Asanko Gold Inc. Wayne Drier Executive, Corporate Development +1-778-729-0614 wayne.drier@asanko.com Asanko Gold Inc. info@asanko.com www.asanko.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Lithium Americas Corp. (the "Company" or "LAC") (TSX: LAC)(OTCQX: LACDF) is pleased to provide an update on the Cauchari-Olaroz Lithium Project (the "Project") joint venture with Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. ("SQM") in Jujuy Province, Argentina. Further to the Company's news release dated August 26, 2016, the Board of the joint venture company, Minera Exar S.A. ("Minera Exar"), has been authorized to proceed with development planning for the Project based on the following parameters: (i) a two stage development consisting of an initial phase at 25,000 tpa LCE capacity, followed by a second stage at 25,000 tpa LCE capacity; and (ii) an accelerated path to production, with a target for commencement of construction in early 2017 and stage one production in 2019. Detailed engineering is advanced on the layout of ponds and the chemical plant flow sheet process has been defined by SQM and Hatch Canada. The Company has been advised that an update of the NI 43-101 compliant feasibility study for stage one is anticipated to be completed by year end. The exploration program is rapidly advancing the Project to the pre-construction phase. Testing of liner materials and trials of earth moving equipment is on-going and is scheduled for completion by the end of November. Various combinations of different materials and liner configurations are being tested in ten ponds to optimize the technical and economic design and performance. Earth moving trials are underway to finalize the optimal construction methodology. Final topographical reports have been completed defining materials characteristics in different areas of the project. A second series of tests in soil mechanics are underway to determine the most efficient area to build. Construction of the project roads and 14 drill platforms is expected to be completed by the end of November. The Project campsite is being expanded with the addition of modular accommodations for 52 people. The Company is also advancing the discussions to raise the project capital with both financial institutions and potential industry offtake partners for long-term supply contracts. Tom Hodgson, Chief Executive Officer of LAC, commented, "We wanted to provide this update to our stakeholders and make them aware of our significant progress in developing the Project. This progress demonstrates the strong confidence of the Company's management and our 50/50 joint venture partner SQM, as well as a high level of cooperation between our management teams. The Minera Exar joint venture is committed to advancing the Cauchari-Olaroz Project to bring new lithium supply to the market in a timely manner to meet the increasing demand." About the Company The Company is developing the Cauchari-Olaroz Lithium Project, located in Jujuy Province, Argentina, and the Lithium Nevada project (formerly Kings Valley project) in Nevada, USA, with the intent to become a major supplier of lithium products. In addition, Lithium Americas is a supplier of specialty drilling additives, Hectatone and other organoclay products for the oil and gas and other industries. Forward-looking statements Statements in this release that are forward-looking information are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking information in this news release includes: timing and results of the development plan at the Cauchari-Olaroz project; timing for release of a NI 43-101 technical report on the Cauchari-Olaroz project; timing and terms of the capital raising process; timing and results of current development work on the Cauchari-Olaroz Project. When used in this document, the words such as "anticipate", "explore," "believe", "intent", "schedule", and similar expressions is forward-looking information. Information provided in this document is necessarily summarized and may not contain all available material information. All such forward-looking information and statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Lithium Americas management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. These statements, however, are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information or statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements include those described under the heading "Risks Factors" in the Lithium America's most recently filed Annual Information Form and other continuous disclosure filings. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Contacts: Lithium Americas Corp. Investor Relations 778-656-5820 ir@lithiumamericas.com Lithium Americas Corp. Suite 1100 - 355 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 2G8 www.lithiumamericas.com DENVER, CO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- CEO of Ubiquitech Software Corp. (OTC PINK: UBQU), with pending symbol and name change to HempLife Today, and the management of HempLife Today are announcing the Company's new instant shipping system that will see orders of its popular CannazALL CBD products shipped same day or within 24 hours based on the time of day the order is placed. With this new instant shipping system the internal company data shows this will result in up to a 20% increase in new and repeat orders. Internal Company data shows that faster turnaround of orders is the most important factor to new and repeat purchases, after product quality. The company has been working on this new shipping system for over six months and has now streamlined the shipping and built up its inventory in order to implement and announce this new shipping policy. With the new Rapid Ship order processing system customer orders will be shipped within 6-24 hours depending on the time of day the order is shipped. In addition, all packages are sent via US Postal Service Priority Mail with 1-3 days delivery at no charge to the consumer. With the Rapid Ship system the company expects to be able to have product in the hands of customers within 3-4 days from the date of order. Of course there are mitigating circumstances as to the accuracy of the new Rapid Ship processing system and some incidents could affect delivery, like weather, postal service, rural routes, and other factors, and all of this information will be available on the Website @ www.HempLifeToday.com. However, the company will get orders out the door in the Rapid Ship time-frame of 6-24 hours. In addition, the Rapid Ship processing system will be on the company Website and will include an estimated time of delivery for all orders placed. The company data shows that rapid shipping is the number one reason to order, as a first time customer, or as a repeat customer, after "quality of product" is considered. Based on this data the company believes the new Rapid Ship processing system will result in an additional increase of 20% for new customers, and 20%, or more, for existing customers. "With our new rapid ship system it's pick and pack," said Tim Zorn, President and shipping manager. "An order comes in, it gets processed immediately, and then immediately gets sent over to our shipping department to fulfill and ship via the USPS priority mail service. Out the door in the shortest possible turnaround time daily." "As a company, our goal is to constantly improve what we are doing in order to create a better experience for our customers and create additional profit centers from existing platforms. This is yet again, another one of those circumstances," said James Ballas, CEO. "We will be getting an increase in new customers and existing customers just by creating a system to ship within hours. While this does take capital to implement and keep running, it is only a fraction of what the advertising would cost to capture these new sales." The company has already implemented the Rapid Ship processing system and customers ordering today will enjoy this rapid shipping. The company will have all pertinent information on the Website, along with terms and conditions, by Friday, November 11th. About Ubiquitech (HempLife Today) Ubiquitech Software Corp, through its subsidiaries is a dynamic multi-media, multi-faceted corporation utilizing state-of-the-art global internet marketing, Direct Response (DRTV) Television, Radio, and traditional marketing, to drive traffic to the new and emerging multi-billion dollar industries like its subsidiary HempLifeToday.com HempLifeToday focuses on the exciting and dynamic new thinking in the world today that recognizes the important health and life enriching enhancement that CBD Oil from the Hemp plant can bring. Through its network of quality USA growers HempLifeToday.com has developed multiple and proprietary CannazALL CBD oil products that include; It's popular CBD Tinctures, Oils, GelCaps, CBD Powder, Skin Salve, Wax Crumble, and e-liquid, all offered @ www.HempLifeToday.com This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects", "intends', "believes', and similar expressions reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the timely development and market acceptance of products and technologies, the ability to secure additional sources of finance, the ability to reduce operating expenses, and other factors described in the Company's filings with the OTC Markets Group. The actual results that the Company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statement due to such risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward- looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release. Contact: Investor Relations E-mail: Investors@UbiquitechSoftware.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Akorn Inc. (AKRX) Thursday reported a slight decline in third quarter net income to $47.909 million from $47.967 million in the previous year. On a per share basis, earnings were $0.38 from $0.39 in the prior year. Revenue for the quarter increased to $284.095 million from $256.801 million in the previous year. Looking ahead to the full year 2016, the company said it expects earnings of $1.65 per share, while its previously expected range was $1.56 to $1.66 per share. On a per share basis, earnings raised its earnings outlook to $2.25 per share, from its previous outlook range of $2.10 to $2.20 per share. Adjusted EBITDA is raised to $515 million from its prior projection range of $485 to $505 million. Net revenue of $1.125 billion, while its earlier outlook was in a range of $1.060 to $1.080 billion. Raj Rai, CEO of the company said, 'Rai further added, 'We expect to finish the year with strong results and momentum, despite the regulatory challenges and industry headwinds. We completed a $25 million share buyback in the third quarter, however, our focus for capital deployment is on business development opportunities to further enhance our long-term growth prospects.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. TORONTO, ONTARIO and NUCLA, COLORADO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Western Uranium Corporation (CSE: WUC)(CSE: WUC.CN)(OTCQX: WSTRF) ("Western" or the "Company") announces that it has entered into a letter of intent ("LOI") with Pinon Ridge Corporation for use of its ablation mining technology at the permitted uranium recovery facilities at the Pinon Ridge Mill site. The LOI provides for the processing of all of Western's ore produced by its mines in the region at the mill site to produce U308 and vanadium utilizing both the application of ablation mining technology and traditional milling techniques. The Pinon Ridge Mill license is held by Pinon Ridge Resources Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pinon Ridge Corporation. The LOI is subject to the signing of a definitive agreement between the parties which is contemplated to be completed on or before March 1, 2017. Pinon Ridge Corporation is a Colorado corporation which was founded and is controlled by George Glasier, the President and CEO and a director of Western, and Baobab Asset Management LLC. Recently, a letter was received by the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment ("CDPHE") dated October 16, 2016 from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the "NRC"). The NRC letter purports to address the CDPHE's June 20, 2016 request for the NRC's opinion as to whether waste produced from the ablation process is considered by-product material if the waste does not contain hazardous materials or radioactive materials at concentrations above background and whether the CDPHE can enact new regulations for uranium ablation technology and remain compatible with the NRC's regulatory program. Western assumes that the NRC has reviewed the latest detailed technical and regulatory analysis provided to CDPHE by Black Range Minerals ("Black Range"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Western, and other information related to uranium ablation previously provided to the NRC. Apparently as a result of this process, the NRC has now provided an unsupported advisory opinion (the "Advisory Opinion") on the requested matters relating to the production of U308 utilizing ablation mining technology - an Advisory Opinion with which Western's expert regulatory counsel do not agree. NRC's unsupported advisory opinion recommends that ablation technology, when used at a conventional uranium mining site for the purpose of recovering uranium source material should be regulated as a "milling" operation, which carries its own set of regulatory requirements under NRC and CDPHE regulations but are well-understood by the uranium recovery industry. The Advisory Opinion tries to distinguish between recovery of source material primarily for the source material content which generates by-product material and side-stream recovery of source material - that is recovery of source material while pursuing some other purpose. Accordingly, this Advisory Opinion does not address the potential application of ablation technology to mine remediation for the primary purpose of cleanup of abandoned ore stockpiles, mine waste or other materials containing uranium. Nevertheless, this Advisory Opinion also recognizes that exemptions to certain "milling" regulatory requirements could be appropriate due to the benign nature of the non-uranium bearing sands produced after ablation is completed on uranium-bearing ores. A final determination will be made by the CDPHE considering the NRC Advisory Opinion, the Colorado public meeting process, and the CDPHE regulatory and evaluation framework. Notice of the determination by the CDPHE is expected in due course. This process was initiated in July 2015, by Black Range's submission of information and request that the CDPHE make a regulatory determination. Black Range subsequently was acquired by Western in September 2015. George Glasier made the following statement in respect of the CDPHE evaluation process of ablation mining technology: "The Western team appreciates the advancement of the ablation mining technology through the CDPHE regulatory process. Western now has some regulatory certainty as to how it must proceed to fully leverage the multiple potential applications of this technology to uranium recovery operations, site remediation, and other applications. Given this certainty, Western is now in a position to construct a development plan to move forward with its envisioned commercial operations. Western is committed to ensuring that it is in compliance with the applicable regulatory regimes as it advances this new environmentally-friendly ablation technology. Entering into the LOI provides Western with flexibility to begin production expeditiously when market conditions for production of U308 and vanadium are favorable. Western remains committed to the development of ablation mining technology whether it is deployed in conjunction with an existing uranium mill license, at a uranium mine site with a mobile mill pursuant to an amendment to an existing uranium mill license, or used for the primary purpose of the environmental clean-up of accumulations of waste-rock, protore, and low grade stockpiles." About Western Uranium Corporation Western Uranium Corporation is a Colorado based uranium and vanadium conventional mining company focused on low cost near-term production of uranium and vanadium in the western United States. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AND CAUTIONARY NOTE This news release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's expectations, estimates and projections regarding its business and the economic environment in which it operates which include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the estimation of the timing and amount of estimated future production and the cost of production. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. Statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Contacts: Western Uranium Corporation George Glasier President and CEO Office: 970-864-2125 gglasier@western-uranium.com Western Uranium Corporation Michael Skutezky Chairman of the Board Office: 416-564-2870 mskutezky@western-uranium.com HKTDC Communication and Public Affairs Department (Dubai) Sarah Al Jundi Tel: +971 4 3298915 Email: sarah.al.jundi@hktdc.org (Hong Kong) Joe Kainz Tel: +852 2584 4216 Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org HONG KONG, Nov 3, 2016 - (ACN Newswire) - The fourth Lifestyle Expo in Dubai will take place from 6 to 7 November at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Deira, showcasing a wide range of consumer electronics and ICT products, gifts & premium, household products & electrical appliances, fashion and fashion accessories, and watches and clocks from more than 100 Hong Kong and mainland exhibitors.The expo is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province. Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Tsang, who leads a high-level business delegation to Dubai, will officiate at the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote speech at the Hong Kong Networking Luncheon.Hub to Hub StrategySpeaking at the press conference, HKTDC Regional Director for Middle East and Africa Perry Fung, said: "This annual sourcing event is the perfect setting for realising the hub-to-hub synergy and potential business opportunities that exist between the UAE and Hong Kong. Both locations are at the doorstep to important markets in the Middle East and Africa region and Asia respectively."He added that the HKTDC will organise the second Hub-to-Hub Business Networking Forum during the expo to generate greater business synergy between exhibitors and buyers.Global successThe Lifestyle Expo is one of the HKTDC's signature international promotion events and has a successful track record in fostering trade between companies from Hong Kong and emerging markets worldwide including Russia, Poland, Turkey, India and Indonesia.In Dubai, the HKTDC will arrange one-to-one business matching services during the expo to connect Hong Kong business people with those from the mainland, the United Arab Emirates and nearby countries, creating new partnership opportunities.Seize sourcing opportunities at the expoHong Kong's position as a lifestyle trendsetter in Asia will be highlighted at the expo's two theme zones: the Style zone and the Home and Living zone, both of which will feature products from home-grown and mainland brands known for their quality and style.Regional buyers can take advantage of customised business matching services provided by the HKTDC to connect with exhibitors from Hong Kong and the mainland. The "reverse exhibition" featuring several e-tailers and importers in the region will allow exhibitors extra opportunities to explore cooperation.Big on small ordersApart from the 100 Hong Kong and Chinese mainland exhibitors, another 20 companies will take part in the hktdc.com Small Orders showcase, where buyers can place orders of between five and 1,000 pieces. Around 1,000 importers, distributors, mass retailers, mail-order houses, department stores and specialised stores from the UAE, Africa and other neighbouring countries and regions are expected to take part in the two-day Lifestyle Expo in Dubai.Belt and Road opportunitiesThe HKTDC Lifestyle Expo in Dubai highlights the enormous business opportunities emerging from China's Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect markets spanning Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. With strategic locations and sophisticated economies, both Hong Kong and Dubai are well positioned to benefit from the Initiative.The HKTDC is committed to exploring business opportunities in the Middle East for Hong Kong SMEs while helping those from the Middle East and Africa to expand their business in Asia through the Hong Kong platform.Reinforcing Hong Kong-UAE trade linksThe UAE is Hong Kong's largest export market in the Middle East, and trade between the two presents an excellent opportunity to build new B2B (business-to-business) links along the Belt and Road.Last year Hong Kong's exports to the UAE amounted to US$6 billion. Major Hong Kong exports to the UAE in 2015 included pearls, precious and semi-precious stones (50.6% of total, up 85.4% year-on-year) and telecom equipment and parts (22% of total), and jewellery (4.7% of total).Photo Download: http://bit.ly/2e4FrChTo view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tcAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and services providers. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in overseas markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Google+, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.Google+: https://plus.google.com/+hktdcTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/hktdcLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-trade-development-councilSource: HKTDCContact:Copyright 2016 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. LONDON and CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hypergiant, the debut album from Cape Town Afrotronica duo Original Swimming Party (OSP), features over an hour of music ranging from gentle ambient and field recording pieces to seven-minute-long kwaito/dance tracks. The album was released on 3 March 2017. SoundCloud: http://ospband.link/hypergiantsc Album & lyric booklet download (press use only): http://ospband.link/hypergiantgd Hypergiant is available on Spotify, Apple Music and all other major music services. ALBUM CONTENT Hypergiant is influenced by experimental electronica, shoegaze, ambient and drone, South African music genres including gqom and kwaito, and music from the wider African continent. The album discusses themes of politics and war ('Weeping Song II'); privilege, colonialism and the band's own complicity in the divided state of their country ('Life In The Colony', 'Camissa'). Soaring chord patterns meander through tales of the joys and sorrows of human existence, getting older and the power of letting go ('Chords'); loneliness and celibacy ('Skin Upon Skin') and having a good time amidst existential doubt ('Darkest Hour'). An overarching theme of life in a time of impending apocalypse - both ecologically and sociologically - is tempered by themes of celebration, healing and redemption. The album features South African guest artists Greg Abrahams (guitar), Keenan Ahrends (guitar), Gene Kierman (French horn) and Ryan McArthur (bass guitar). Woven through the music are field recordings from the band's everyday lives around the City Of Cape Town, including unique binaural recordings of the hidden water tunnels underneath the Cape Town CBD (featured in the track 'Camissa', 'Camissa' being an ancient Khoena pre-colonial name for Cape Town). The album features artwork by Boston-based visual artist Kevin Townsend http://www.kevin-townsend.com HISTORY Original Swimming Party, founded by Jeremy de Tolly and Thomas Glendinning in 2011, are an audiovisual group from Cape Town. The band draws influences from an African tradition of rhythms and harmony merged with elements of left-field electronica. They have played at several of South Africa's biggest festivals including Oppikoppi (2014, 2015), Fakugesi / Alight and Rocking The Daisies (2016). Full bio and EPK: http://ospband.link/epk Web: http://www.originalswimmingparty.com/ Facebook: http://ospband.link/facebook Instagram: http://ospband.link/instagram Bandcamp: http://ospband.link/bandcamp Zurich - SAS, einer der weltgrossten Softwarehersteller, ist jetzt Teil der Intel Security Innovation Alliance. Im Rahmen der neuen Kooperation stellt SAS seine Security-Analytics-Plattform SAS Cybersecurity bereit, mit der die Alliance ihre Palette an integrierten Sicherheitsangeboten erweitert. Die Zusammenarbeit basiert auf einer langjahrigen Partnerschaft zwischen SAS und Intel mit dem Ziel, Analytics zu modernisieren. Hier wird die weltweit bewahrte Advanced-Analytics-Plattform von SAS mit Intels Rechenpower zusammengebracht - eine Kombination, die es Unternehmen ermoglicht, das volle Potenzial aus ihrer stetig wachsenden Anzahl an Datenquellen zu schopfen. Die aktuelle Partnerschaft mit Intel Security gibt Kunden fuhrende praskriptive und pradiktive Analytics an die Hand, mit der sie ihre Assets und Infrastrukturen vor immer raffinierter werdenden Cyberbedrohungen schutzen konnen. "Analytics wird zu einer Basiskomponente fur Sicherheitsarchitekturen. Deshalb ist es fur Unternehmen sehr wichtig, sich fur den richtigen Analytics-Partner zu entscheiden. Ein wichtiges Kriterium ist dabei, dass sie mit der Losung den gesamten Analytics-Lifecycle managen konnen", erklart Allan Russell, Head of EMEA Cyber Business Unit bei SAS, "SAS bringt jahrelange Erfahrung in Analytics in die Intel Security Innovation Alliance und erganzt damit die eng miteinander verzahnten Sicherheitslosungen der Partner um Advanced-Analytics-Software zur Aufdeckung und Reduzierung von Cyberrisiken." Das Analystenhaus IDC hatte in seinem ersten Worldwide Semiannual Security Spending Guide ... Den vollstandigen Artikel lesen ... LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Smith & Nephew Plc. (SN.L, SNN), a medical technology company, Thursday said its third-quarter consolidated revenue totaled $1.12 billion, up 1 percent from last year's $1.11 billion. Revenue grew 2 percent on an underlying basis. Reported revenue reflected the effect of 1 percent adverse impact from acquisitions/disposals. According to the company, Emerging Markets revenue growth was 6 percent, as China returned to growth. Looking ahead, the company said it expects second-half trading profit margin to exceed that delivered in the first half, as usual, although held back by negative operational gearing reflecting sales growth levels. During the third quarter, the company reached agreement with the IRS on a US tax issue. As a result, the company expects a one-off benefit from a tax provision release and, hence, its tax rate on trading results for the full year 2016 to be around 24.5 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. BANGALORE and SANTA CLARA, California, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ALTEN Calsoft Labs, an Oracle Gold Partner, has been included in Forrester's October 2016 "Vendor Landscape: Oracle Services Providers Aggressively Pivot to Cloud Solutions" report, published on October 19, 2016. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160302/792192 ) Oracle puts cloud at core of their strategy and comes out with more cloud-based solutions. Oracle's cloud strategy provides an opportunity for enterprises to transform their business by leveraging modern technologies that can support the changing need of their customers. Thus, Oracle customers shall look for a partner who has a consultative approach and strong cloud background. As an Oracle Gold Partner and Co-Development Partner, ALTEN Calsoft Labs isdedicated in delivering innovative and leading-edge solutions based on Oracle cloud solutions, including Oracle Fusion Applications and platform, and Supporting Oracle in the market.They are already helping their key customers in their cloud journey by providing cloud readiness assessment, cloud strategy, cloud migration and maintenance services for their Oracle ERP support and other business applications like HCM, CRM, and CX. "We believe our inclusion in Forrester's landscape report further underscores ALTEN Calsoft Labs' strong presence in - and commitment to - Oracle Service Provider market. Through our Cloud expertise, product understanding, and strong domain and functional knowledge, we look forward to continue providing the services required by Enterprises in their adoption of Oracle cloud solutions. Our Oracle solutions certainly reflect end users' expectations at a reasonable cost and hence continues to be the client's first choice," annotates Ramandeep Singh, CEO, ALTEN Calsoft Labs. About ALTEN Calsoft Labs: ALTEN Calsoft Labs is a next gen digital transformation, enterprise IT and product engineering services provider. The company enables clients innovate, integrate, and transform their business by leveraging disruptive technologies like mobility, big data, analytics, cloud, IoT and software-defined networking (SDN/NFV). ALTEN Calsoft Labs provides concept to market offerings for industry verticals like education, healthcare, networking & telecom, hi- tech, ISV and retail. Headquartered in Bangalore, India, the company has offices in US, Europe and Singapore. ALTEN Calsoft Labs is a part of ALTEN group, a leader in technology consulting and engineering services. To know more about ALTEN Calsoft Labs, visit http://www.altencalsoftlabs.com/ Media Contacts: Amit Gupta Associate Director, ALTEN Calsoft Labs +91-9632767347 amitkumar.g@altencalsoftlabs.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Select Sands Corp. ("Select Sands" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: SNS)(OTC: CLICF) announced today that it has amended its previously disclosed (See press release dated October 4, 2016) agreement with Tutle Holding, LLC and Steve Hackmann, Ozark Premium Sand, LLC ("OPS") pursuant to which Select Sands' wholly owned subsidiary, American Select Corp., will purchase certain of OPS's equipment and shall have the option to purchase OPS's dry processing plant, operating equipment, saleable inventory, and customer lists amongst other miscellaneous assets owned by OPS. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Select Sands paid $500,000 upon signing of the agreement to the vendors in respect of the purchase of certain heavy equipment. Select Sands has taken title to these assets. In addition, the agreement provided Select Sands with 60 days to complete its due diligence on the remaining assets that are subject to the agreement. If Select Sands is satisfied with its due diligence, then before the end of the due diligence period it must pay an additional USD$250,000 to the vendors for certain specified additional heavy equipment and USD$250,000 as a payment for the option to acquire the remaining assets within the period expiring on the one year anniversary of the date of payment of the above referenced USD$250,000 option payment. The purchase price for the remaining assets subject to the option will be USD$3,317,000, after deducting the USD$250,000 option payment. If the option is exercised and the transaction is completed by December 19, 2016 of this USD$3,317,000 USD$400,000 may be satisfied through the issuance of (i) common shares of the Company at a deemed issue price of Cdn$0.97 and (ii) 270,270 common share purchase warrants with each warrant being exercisable into one common share of the Company at a price of Cdn$0.97 for a period of two years from the date of issue. Mark Horan, P.Eng. of Tetra Tech, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this News Release. About Select Sands Corp. Select Sands' Sandtown property, located in northeast Arkansas, USA, is underlain by the Ordovician St. Peter sandstone formation, which is a major source of Northern White Silica Sand.'). Compared to competitive sand mines located in Wisconsin owned by the largest US frac sand producers, Sandtown has a competitive location advantage as it is approximately 650 rail miles closer to the Texas/Louisiana oil/gas plays as well as the Houston port and industrial hub. The Company has acquired a wet processing plant to produce Northern White 40/70 and 100 mesh silica sand products with daily capacity of up to 1,500 tons per day (see August 23, 2016 News Release). The wet processing plant includes feed hopper, conveyor, classifiers, cyclones, and control building and is optimized to increase its daily capacity at minimal cost as needed. The Company continues to seek additional opportunities in the region to secure strategic assets that will continue to optimize production. The Company has acquired 20 million common shares of Comstock Metals Ltd. pursuant to its sale of its gold assets to Comstock as set forth in the Company's press release issued on Sept. 14, 2016. The 20 million shares were issued at a deemed price of 29 cents per share for total deemed consideration of CAD$5.8 million. After giving effect to the acquisition by the Company of the 20 million common shares, the Company has ownership or control over approximately 35.4 percent of the issued and outstanding common shares of Comstock. As per the June 2015 PEA report by Tetra Tech of Golden, Colorado, USA and Vancouver, BC, Canada, the Sandtown property has a pre-tax net present value of US$160 million and a post-tax net present value of US$92 million. The PEA was completed on a portion of the current silica sand mineral resources (see the Select Sands' June 10, 2015 News Release). Select Sands would like to remind investors that mineral resources for the Sandtown Property are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability and there is no certainty that this PEA will be realized. The PEA is preliminary in nature that it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that the resources development, production, and economic forecasts on which this PEA is based will be realized. Subsequent to the completion of the 2015 PEA, Select Sands announced an updated mineral resource estimate for the Sandtown property totaling 41.98 Million Tons of Indicated silica sand mineral resources (see the Select Sands February 10, 2016 news release). Forward Looking Statements This news release includes forward-looking information and statements, which may include, but are not limited to, information and statements regarding or inferring the future business, operations, financial performance, prospects, and other plans, intentions, expectations, estimates, and beliefs of the Company. Such statements include statements regarding the ability to complete the Offering, targets and future exploration on the Company's properties. Information and statements which are not purely historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information and statements involve and are subject to assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual events, results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future events, results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information and statements herein. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking information and statements herein are reasonable, in light of the use of assumptions and the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in such information and statements, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance upon such forward-looking information and statements. Any forward-looking information and statements herein are made as of the date hereof, and except as required by applicable laws, the Company assumes no obligation and disclaims any intention to update or revise any forward-looking information and statements herein or to update the reasons that actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in any forward looking information and statements herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws. For more information about Select Sands Corp., please visit www.selectsandscorp.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: Select Sands Corp. Rasool Mohammad, B.Sc. (Mining) President & CEO (604) 639-4533 Investor Relations Arlen Hansen SNS@kincommunications.com (604) 684-6730 OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. ("TetraBio" or the "Company") (CSE: TBP) through its subsidiary, PhytoPain Pharma Inc. ("PPP"), is pleased to announce that it has signed a Supply Agreement with Access to Cannabis for Medical Purpose Regulations ("ACMPR") licensed producer Aphria Inc. ("Aphria") (TSX VENTURE: APH)(OTCQB: APHQF) for the supply of dried medical cannabis as an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) for PPP's inhalation cannabis product PPP001. PPP001 is a medical marijuana product that the company is developing as a prescription controlled drug for inhalation using a fully assembled titanium pipe. Aphria is a Licensed Producer under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations. Under this supply agreement with Aphria, PPP shall pursue the development of a prescription controlled inhalation drug product of medical marijuana and seek marketing approval across the world either directly or indirectly through partnerships or licensing agreements. Aphria will be the exclusive supplier of this API to PPP for the development and commercialisation of PP001. PPP is granted an exclusive, non-transferrable, royalty free, licence to use the API in the development of PPP001. The agreement defines a purchase price during the clinical development and a volume rebate once a target volume is reached. Both Canadian and USA prescription drug regulations impose rigorous quality systems for the manufacturing of both the API and finished drug product. These requirements include conformance to pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practice regulations ("GMP") as well as demonstrating the ability of the manufacturer to ensure lot-to-lot consistency in the quality and safety of the prescription drug. Dr. Guy Chamberland, M.Sc., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Regulatory Affairs, PhytoPain Pharma Inc., commented, "We are very pleased and excited to be working with Aphria in the development of PPP001. Developing prescription botanical based pharmaceuticals requires a high quality GMP system and well-established product specifications to ensure consistent efficacy and ultimately protect the safety of patients. Based on our assessment of Aphria, we are confident that their high quality GMP medical cannabis production facility and impressive quality assurance team will meet or exceed the expectations of both the Canadian and USA prescription drug authorities." "With this agreement in place, PPP is now in a solid position to submit its Clinical Trial Application (CTA) for its planned Phase I trial in healthy volunteers. The company is also on track for submitting its Pre-IND Information Package for its upcoming meeting the US FDA," stated Dr. Chamberland. "Aphria is excited and proud to be an integral part of advancing the scientific research being led by Dr. Chamberland and the team at Tetra Bio-Pharma. Using our proprietary and high quality medical cannabis blend supported by high calibre research is exactly what professional healthcare practitioners require to gain the confidence to prescribe medical cannabis as a pharmaceutical," said Vic Neufeld, Chief Executive Officer, Aphria Inc. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed this news release and does not accept responsibility for its adequacy or accuracy. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements Some statements in this release may contain forward-looking information. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding potential acquisitions and financings) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, the inability of the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, GrowPros MMP Inc., to obtain a licence for the production of medical marijuana; failure to obtain sufficient financing to execute the Company's business plan; competition; regulation and anticipated and unanticipated costs and delays, and other risks disclosed in the Company's public disclosure record on file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities legislation. Contacts: Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. Andre Rancourt Chief Executive Officer Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. Ryan Brown VP Business Development and Communications Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. Andre Audet Executive Chairman (613) 421-8402 Aphria Inc. Vic Neufeld 1-844-427-4742 PHOENIX, AZ -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Enghouse Interactive today announced that Sify Technologies, a leading Indian information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, has selected Contact Center Service Provider 7.2 (CCSP 7.2) as the new platform for the next generation of its contact center as-a-service (CCaaS) offering. CCSP is a multi-tenant cloud contact center solution designed specifically for service providers, carriers and operators. "Enghouse Interactive's CCSP 7.2 is a perfect match for our diverse customer base who have an increasing appetite for business applications as a service," said Arvind Gautam, Executive Vice President, Sify Technologies. "Demand for cloud contact center is growing, and it is imperative that our portfolio evolves in tandem with continued shifts in the marketplace. In aligning technology with our growth ambitions, CCSP 7.2 stood out as the clear choice for our partnership." "Since its inception, Sify has earned a reputation as one of the foremost pioneers in its market," said Jacki Tessmer, Vice President of Service Provider and Cloud Strategy, Enghouse Interactive. "Competition for business clientele in search of an innovative partner who can meet contact center, network and services needs have escalated to unprecedented levels. We are honored to have been selected as the trusted partner to help Sify deliver cutting edge cloud contact center solutions, as well as expand both its leadership position and footprint." Enghouse Interactive's highly regarded platform brings an unmatched level of customer interaction and contact center functionality, scalability, convenience and lower total cost of ownership (TCO), with a strong emphasis on streamlining the user experience. Built on multi-tenant architecture, CCSP 7.2 is a true cloud CCaaS offering that replaces budget prohibitive capital expenditures with an operating expense-based pricing model best suited for scalability and flexibility. CCSP 7.2, the latest iteration of the widely deployed platform, features several noteworthy advancements. Enghouse Interactive's TouchPoint provides an updated and intuitive interface developed for today's multi-tasking agents. Creating new application gadgets for specific integrations is straightforward, enabling service providers to deliver tailored offerings for each customer while still maintaining the low TCO of running a multi-tenant platform. CCSP 7.2 also features a Skype for Business connector, which provides status synchronization and the ability for the agent to see Skype for Business contact presence directly in TouchPoint. This functionality empowers agents to engage Skype for Business enterprise users on calls, facilitating greater collaboration between the customer, the agent and back office resources. About Enghouse Interactive Enghouse Interactive (www.enghouseinteractive.com) delivers technology and expertise to maximize the value of every customer interaction. The company develops a comprehensive portfolio of customer interaction management solutions. Core technologies include contact center, attendant console, predictive outbound dialer, knowledge management, IVR and call recording solutions that support any telephony environment, on premise or in the cloud. Enghouse Interactive has thousands of customers worldwide, supported by a global network of partners and more than 700 dedicated staff across the company's international operations. Enghouse Interactive is a subsidiary of Enghouse Systems Limited, a software and services company traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol "ENGH." Founded in 1984, Enghouse Systems is a consistently profitable company, which has grown both organically and through the acquisition of well-regarded specialists including AndTek, Arc, CosmoCom, Datapulse, IAT, IT Sonix, Reitek, Safeharbor, Syntellect, Telrex, Trio, Voxtron and Zeacom. Learn more at http://www.enghouseinteractive.com/. About Sify Sify is among the largest integrated ICT Solutions & Services companies in India, offering end-to-end solutions with a comprehensive product range delivered over a common telecom data network infrastructure, reaching more than 1300 Indian cities & towns in India. This telecom network today connects 43 Data Centers across India including Sify's 6 Tier III Data Centers across the cities of Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. A significant part of the company's revenue is derived from Enterprise Services, comprising of Telecom services, Data Centre services, Cloud and Managed services, Applications Integration services and Technology Integration services. Sify also provides services that cater to the burgeoning demands of the SMB community, much of it on its Cloud services platform. Sify has a unified license to operate NLD (National Long Distance), ILD (International Long Distance) services and ISP services and offers VoIP backhaul for international carriers. With the Sify Cable landing station and partnerships with submarine cable companies globally, Sify is present in almost all the spheres of the ICT eco system. Sify has an expanding base of Managed Services customers, both in India and overseas, and is India's first enterprise managed services provider to launch a Security Operations Center (SOC) to deliver managed security services. The software team develops applications and offers services to improve business efficiencies of its current and prospective client bases. Sify also offers services in the specialized domains of eLearning, both in India and globally. For more information about Sify, visit www.sifycorp.com Contacts: For Enghouse Interactive Mostafa Razzak JMRConnect 202-904-2048 m.razzak@jmrconnect.net For Sify Technologies Limited Mr. Praveen Krishna Investor Relations & Public Relations +91 44 22540777 (ext.2055) praveen.krishna@sifycorp.com Grayling Investor Relations Shiwei Yin +1-646-284-9474 Shiwei.Yin@grayling.com 20:20 Media Nikhila Kesavan +91 9840124036 nikhila.kesavan@2020msl.com MARKHAM, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Enghouse Systems Limited (TSX: ENGH) today announced that Sify Technologies, a leading information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider in India, has selected the Enghouse Interactive Contact Center Service Provider 7.2 (CCSP 7.2) as the new platform for the next generation of its contact center as-a-service (CCaaS) offering. CCSP is a multi-tenant cloud contact center solution designed specifically for service providers, carriers and operators. "Enghouse Interactive's CCSP 7.2 is a perfect match for our diverse customer base who have an increasing appetite for business applications as a service," said Arvind Gautam, Executive Vice President, Sify Technologies. "Demand for cloud contact center is growing, and it is imperative that our portfolio evolves in tandem with continued shifts in the marketplace. In aligning technology with our growth ambitions, CCSP 7.2 stood out as the clear choice for our partnership." "Since its inception, Sify has earned a reputation as one of the foremost pioneers in its market," said Jacki Tessmer, Vice President of Service Provider and Cloud Strategy, Enghouse Interactive. "Competition for business clientele in search of an innovative partner who can meet contact center, network and services needs have escalated to unprecedented levels. We are honored to have been selected as the trusted partner to help Sify deliver cutting edge cloud contact center solutions, as well as expand both its leadership position and footprint." Enghouse Interactive's highly regarded platform brings an unmatched level of customer interaction and contact center functionality, scalability, convenience and lower total cost of ownership (TCO), with a strong emphasis on streamlining the user experience. Built on multi-tenant architecture, CCSP 7.2 is a true cloud CCaaS offering that replaces budget prohibitive capital expenditures with an operating expense-based pricing model best suited for scalability and flexibility. CCSP 7.2, the latest iteration of the widely deployed platform, features several noteworthy advancements. Enghouse Interactive's TouchPoint provides an updated and intuitive interface developed for today's multi-tasking agents. Creating new application gadgets for specific integrations is straightforward, enabling service providers to deliver tailored offerings for each customer while still maintaining the low TCO of running a multi-tenant platform. CCSP 7.2 also features a Skype for Business connector, which provides status synchronization and the ability for the agent to see Skype for Business contact presence directly in TouchPoint. This functionality empowers agents to engage Skype for Business enterprise users on calls, facilitating greater collaboration between the customer, the agent and back office resources. About Enghouse Interactive Enghouse Interactive delivers technology and expertise to maximize the value of every customer interaction. The company develops a comprehensive portfolio of customer interaction management solutions. Core technologies include contact center, attendant console, predictive outbound dialer, knowledge management, IVR and call recording solutions that support any telephony environment, on premise or in the cloud. Enghouse Interactive has thousands of customers worldwide, supported by a global network of partners and more than 700 dedicated staff across the company's international operations. Enghouse Interactive is a subsidiary of Enghouse Systems Limited, a software and services company traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol ENGH. Founded in 1984, Enghouse Systems is a consistently profitable company that has grown both organically and through the acquisition of well-regarded specialists including AndTek, Arc, CosmoCom, Datapulse, IAT, IT Sonix, Reitek, Safeharbor, Syntellect, Telrex, Trio, Voxtron and Zeacom. Learn more at www.enghouseinteractive.com. About Sify Sify is among the largest integrated ICT Solutions & Services companies in India, offering end-to-end solutions with a comprehensive product range delivered over a common telecom data network infrastructure, reaching more than 1300 Indian cities & towns in India. This telecom network today connects 43 Data Centers across India including Sify's 6 Tier III Data Centers across the cities of Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. A significant part of the company's revenue is derived from Enterprise Services, comprising of Telecom services, Data Centre services, Cloud and Managed services, Applications Integration services and Technology Integration services. Sify also provides services that cater to the burgeoning demands of the SMB community, much of it on its Cloud services platform. Sify has a unified license to operate NLD (National Long Distance), ILD (International Long Distance) services and ISP services and offers VoIP backhaul for international carriers. With the Sify Cable landing station and partnerships with submarine cable companies globally, Sify is present in almost all the spheres of the ICT eco system. Sify has an expanding base of Managed Services customers, both in India and overseas, and is India's first enterprise managed services provider to launch a Security Operations Center (SOC) to deliver managed security services. The software team develops applications and offers services to improve business efficiencies of its current and prospective client bases. Sify also offers services in the specialized domains of eLearning, both in India and globally. For more information about Sify, visit www.sifycorp.com. Contacts: Enghouse Systems Limited Sam Anidjar Vice President, Corporate Development (905) 946-3200 investor@enghouse.com Sify Technologies Limited Mr. Praveen Krishna Investor Relations & Public Relations +91 44 22540777 (ext.2055) praveen.krishna@sifycorp.com Grayling Investor Relations Shiwei Yin +1-646-284-9474 Shiwei.Yin@grayling.com 20:20 Media Nikhila Kesavan +91 9840124036 nikhila.kesavan@2020msl.com PARIS, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Tikehau IM, a leading independent European Asset Manager, today announced it has arranged a 30 million add-on to the existing senior facilities provided by Goldman Sachs Specialty Lending Group (GSSLG) for OASIS Group. This add-on will be used by OASIS Group to finance its external growth strategy mostly focused on Western Europe. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160420/357828LOGO ) Founded in 1999, OASIS is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic companies in the records and information management (RIM) industry. Based in Dublin, with offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, and a team of 300 employees, OASIS offers a complete RIM service platform enabling its clients to harness the power of information. OASIS serves 4,700 clients, mostly in the financial, legal, health, public administration and education sectors. The Oasis management team led by Dennis Barnedt is supported by two US private mid-market funds, Housatonic and Sverica Capital, and is pursuing a strategy to further consolidate the highly fragmented RIM market in Europe by acquisitions. Their aim is to replicate with the same stakeholders the success they achieved in the US with the emergence of Access. About Tikehau Capital: Tikehau Capital manages 9.8 billion (as of 25 October 2016) for institutional and private investors in various asset classes (listed and private equity, credit, private debt, special situations and real estate), through its asset management subsidiary, Tikehau IM, its listed minority equity investment company, Salvepar, and its long term investment company, Tikehau Capital Partners. Majority-held by its managers alongside first-tier institutional partners, Tikehau Capital has more than 170 employees in offices in Paris, Brussels, London, Milan and Singapore. http://www.tikehaucapital.com Press Contacts: OASIS Group: +353-1-866-6317 Barbara Ellis - bellis@oasisgroup.com TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/02/17 -- Alexandria Minerals Corporation (TSX VENTURE: AZX)(FRANKFURT: A9D)(OTC PINK: ALXDF) ("AZX" or the "Company") is pleased to report on changes to the Company's Board of Directors. Subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, Mr. Peter Gundy has been appointed to the Board. Mr. Gundy brings extensive experience in business, finance, and governance of private and publicly-traded companies, focused within but not limited to, the mining industry. He began his career as a Mergers and Acquisitions lawyer in Montreal. He subsequently co-founded Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan (now PotashCorp), where he served as Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer. He went on to become Vice President, Corporate Finance, at Dominion Securities, before founding Neo Material Technologies Inc., a high-tech magnet manufacturing company in China and Southeast Asia, which was subsequently acquired by Molycorp for $1.3 billion. Mr. Gundy has also served on the boards of a number of junior and mid-tier mining-related companies. Eric Owens, President and CEO of Alexandria Minerals, states "We are pleased with the appointment of Peter to our Board. We are in a very exciting growth period, and he will add further operational strength and considerable business experience to a very sound and diverse Board. On behalf of the Board, we at Alexandria Minerals welcome Peter." Mr. Gundy completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Western Ontario, a Bachelor of Civil Law degree at McGill University, and a Master of Science (Economics) degree at the London School of Economics. In other matters, management, on behalf of the Board, wishes to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Michael Pesner, who has tendered his resignation from Alexandria's Board of Directors. As a member of the Audit Committee and the former Chairman of the Audit Committee, Michael's diligence and knowledge contributed extensively to the reporting and transparency of Alexandria's financial statements, thereby providing rigor and accuracy to management's operations and reports. The Board wishes Michael well in his future endeavors. Further information about the Company is available on the Company's website, www.azx.ca, or our social media sites listed below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexandriaMinerals Twitter: https://twitter.com/azxmineralscorp YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/AlexandriaMinerals Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/alexandriaminerals/ About Alexandria Minerals Corporation Alexandria Minerals Corporation is a Toronto-based junior gold exploration and development company with strategic properties located in the world-class mining districts of Val d'Or, Quebec, Red Lake, Ontario and Snow Lake-Flin Flon, Manitoba. Alexandria's focus is on its flagship property, the large Cadillac Break Property package in Val d'Or, which hosts important, near-surface, gold resources along the prolific, gold-producing Cadillac Break, all of which have significant growth potential. WARNING: This News Release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing of completion of the Private Placement, the use of proceeds of the Private Placement and receipt of regulatory approval of the Private Placement. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Alexandria Minerals Corporation relies upon litigation protection for forward-looking statements. 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: Mary Vorvis Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations (416) 305-4999 Eric Owens President/CEO 416-363-9372 info@azx.ca www.azx.ca VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/21/17 -- Anfield Gold Corp. ("Anfield" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: ANF) is pleased to report on progress at its 100% owned Coringa Gold Project (the "Project") in Para State, Brazil. The Company has made significant progress towards the goal of advancing the Project into production. The disassembly and relocation of the Andorinhas Plant purchased from Troy Resources has been completed. The majority of the plant and mining equipment has been moved to the Project. Major plant components such as crushers, compressors, ball mills and mining equipment have been refurbished and are ready for installation. A detailed CIL plant design for construction is well advanced, and the tailings storage facility final design is near completion. Procurement of long lead time and critical components of the plant has been initiated. In support of this work and towards completion of the Project feasibility study, site characterization, metallurgical, geotechnical, hydrogeologic and condemnation drilling has been completed. In addition, site infrastructure and ancillary facility construction is well advanced including: construction of project camp, office and maintenance facilities, upgrading and improvement of Project access roads including construction of storm water control structures. The 20,000 metre infill drilling program has been expanded to approximately 26,500 metres and, to date, the Company has completed 23,417m of this drilling. The infill drilling program is expected to be completed in March and results will be used to finalize the feasibility study resource model, mine design and schedule. The company has also completed other types of drilling at the project in support of the feasibility study and these are summarized in Table 1. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diamond Reverse- Number of Drill Holes Circulation Drilling Purpose drill holes (m) Holes (m) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Infill Resource Drilling 154 15,207 8,210 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Geotechnical Drilling 24 1,491 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Condemnation Drilling 4 743 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Water Well Drilling 14 - 617 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Metallurgical sampling drilling 4 285 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL 186 18,343 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table 1. Breakdown of Anfield's drilling at the Project by purpose. The Company expects to complete the Project feasibility study in the second quarter of 2017. Geology, engineering, environmental and social studies supporting the study are ongoing. Reassembly of the plant and mine development at the Project will begin once detailed engineering is complete and the required permits are obtained. The Company has applied for trial mining licenses to allow for initial construction and installation of the plant at the Project, underground mine development, pilot scale mining and the sale of gold, and expects to receive the licenses shortly. In addition, permitting efforts are ongoing to obtain the mining concession license and related operating licenses for the Project. These will allow for the planned full scale production rate of 750 tonnes of mineral reserve per day. Anfield Gold Corp. Marshall Koval, Chairman & CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. The foregoing information contains forward-looking statements regarding Anfield's future plans. In making the forward-looking statements in this release, Anfield has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on information currently available to Anfield as well as Anfield's current beliefs and assumptions. Although Anfield considers these beliefs and assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking statements in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, among others, risks associated with the business of Anfield, risks related to reliance on technical information provided by Magellan Minerals Ltd. as related to the Coringa project; risks relating to exploration and potential development of Magellan Minerals Ltd.'s projects; risks related to obtaining the permits and approvals necessary to develop and commission the Coringa project on terms that are acceptable to Anfield; risks related to Anfield identifying suitable acquisition targets; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; prices for commodities to be produced and changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; and changes to business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally. Although Anfield has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in 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 information 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 information. Anfield does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Contacts: Anfield Gold Corp. Martin Rip + 604 646-1884 + 604 687-7041 (FAX) VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/16/17 -- Finning International Inc. (TSX: FTT) ("Finning" or the "Company") reported fourth quarter and annual 2016 results today. All monetary amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. HIGHLIGHTS -- Q4 basic EPS(1) was $0.05 per share; Adjusted EPS(2)(3) was $0.28 per share. -- Q4 revenue was up 12% from Q3 2016, driven by higher new equipment sales in Canada and South America, and stronger product support in Canada. -- Canada's annual fixed SG&A(1) costs were down 22% from 2014, excluding significant items and the Saskatchewan operations acquired in 2015. Q4 2016 total SG&A, excluding severance and restructuring costs, was down 7% from Q4 2015 on flat revenues. -- New equipment inventory was down $155 million from December 2015, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, driven by $175 million reduction in Canada. -- Strong annual free cash flow(3) of $370 million, including $113 million in Q4, reflects improved working capital(3) management. "Our fourth quarter results provide a solid end to a year marked by continued progress towards reshaping Finning into a stronger, more agile company. We enter 2017 with a significantly reduced cost structure, optimized facility footprint, efficient parts supply chain, and improved service profitability. Our resilient business model and capital discipline have enabled us to generate strong free cash flow, which has contributed to strengthening our financial position despite challenging market conditions," said Scott Thomson, president and CEO, Finning International. "The changes we have made to our business position us well for the year ahead. We expect a modest increase in product support to be offset by ongoing weakness in equipment demand due to prevalent uncertain market conditions in our territories. Going forward, we have clear plans in place to build on the significant operational improvements made with continued focus on safety and people. We will also increase our emphasis on leveraging technology to improve performance and deliver greater customer value. Importantly, our business has been repositioned to support our objective of delivering improved profitability in a capital efficient fashion," concluded Mr. Thomson. Q4 2016 FINANCIAL SUMMARY ------------------------------------ Q4 2015 $ millions, except per share amounts Q4 2016 (restated)(4) % change ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue 1,491 1,537 (3) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBIT(1) 18 (349) 105 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBIT margin 1.3% (22.7)% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA(1)(3) 65 (282) 123 EBITDA margin(3) 4.3% (18.4)% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income 9 (309) 103 Basic EPS 0.05 (1.82) 103 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Free cash flow 113 347 (67) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Included in Q4 2016 and Q4 2015 results are the following significant items that management does not consider indicative of operational and financial trends either by nature or amount. These significant items are summarized below and described in more detail on page 18 of the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A"). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q4 2016 EBIT and EBITDA by Operation $ millions, except South UK & Corporate Finning per share amounts Canada America Ireland & Other Total EPS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBIT / EPS (3) 27 8 (14) 18 0.05 Severance costs 15 - - - 15 0.06 Facility closures and restructuring costs 32 - - - 32 0.15 Estimated loss on alleged fraud by a customer - 10 - - 10 0.04 Gain on investment - - - (5) (5) (0.02) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted EBIT(2)(3) / Adjusted EPS 44 37 8 (19) 70 0.28 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted EBITDA(2)(3) 68 53 15 (19) 117 -------------------------------------------------------------------- EBIT margin (0.3)% 5.0% 3.3% - 1.3% -------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted EBIT margin(2)(3) 6.2% 7.0% 3.3% - 4.8% -------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted EBITDA margin(2)(3) 9.5% 9.9% 6.1% - 7.9% -------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q4 2015 EBIT and EBITDA by Operation $ millions, except South UK & Corporate Finning per share amounts Canada America Ireland & Other Total EPS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBIT / EPS (17) (303) (31) 2 (349) (1.82) Distribution network and goodwill impairment - 324 14 - 338 1.56 Facility closure and restructuring costs 40 3 2 - 45 0.19 Inventory and other asset impairments 16 10 16 - 42 0.19 FX & tax impact on Argentine peso devaluation - 12 - - 12 0.14 Severance costs - - 2 - 2 0.01 Gain on sale of Uruguay business - - - (8) (8) (0.04) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted EBIT / Adjusted EPS 39 46 3 (6) 82 0.23 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted EBITDA 70 65 10 (6) 139 --------------------------------------------------------------------- EBIT margin (2.4)% (57.3)% (10.6)% - (22.7)% --------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted EBIT margin 5.5% 9.0% 0.8% - 5.3% --------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted EBITDA margin 9.8% 12.4% 3.2% - 9.0% --------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Revenues were down 3% in Q4 2016 due to lower revenues in the UK & Ireland as a result of an unfavourable translation impact from a stronger Canadian dollar relative to the British Pound compared to Q4 2015. Product support revenues declined by 3%, reflecting lower product support in South America which offset an increase in product support revenues in Canada. New equipment sales were down 2%, with higher sales in South America being more than offset by lower new equipment sales in the UK & Ireland when translated into Canadian dollars. -- Gross profit was up 3% compared to Q4 2015 due to higher margins. However, excluding the impairment of inventory and other assets recorded in Q4 2015, gross profit margin of 25.4% was 100 basis points below Q4 2015, reflecting increased competitive pressures in all markets and lower margins on certain equipment sales in Canada and South America. -- Adjusted EBIT improved in Canada (up $5 million) and the UK & Ireland (up $5 million) from Q4 2015, reflecting lower SG&A costs. However, consolidated Adjusted EBIT was down $12 million mostly as a result of: -- the negative performance of a specific mining contract in South America, which reduced Adjusted EBIT by $7 million ($0.03 per share); -- higher costs for the Company's long-term incentive plan, which were $8 million ($0.04 per share) in the quarter, an increase of $10 million ($0.04 per share) over Q4 2015; and -- $4 million ($0.02 per share) higher corporate costs related to strategic digital initiatives in Q4 2016. -- Adjusted EPS of $0.28 per share for the quarter benefited from a tax recovery of which approximately $0.05 per share offset higher tax expenses in the prior quarters of 2016. This tax recovery is the outcome of qualifying for an adjustment to reduce taxable income in Argentina to compensate for inflation. -- Q4 free cash flow was $113 million, with strong cash flow generated by all operations. For the full year 2016, free cash flow of $370 million was above $325 million in 2015, reflecting improved working capital management. -- The Company has a strong balance sheet: net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio(2)(3) was 1.9 and net debt to invested capital ratio(3) was 32.0% at the end of Q4 2016. Q4 2016 INVESTED CAPITAL --------------------------------- Q4 2016 Q3 2016 Q4 2015 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Invested capital(3)($ millions) Consolidated 2,797 2,917 3,240 Canada 1,595 1,650 1,760 South America (U.S. dollars) 741 778 811 UK & Ireland (U.K. pound sterling) 130 148 157 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Invested capital turnover(3)(4)(times) 1.90 1.85 1.78 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted ROIC(1)(2)(3)(%) Consolidated 9.3 9.2 10.9 Canada 9.3 8.7 10.6 South America 15.0 15.6 14.0 UK & Ireland 5.9 3.4 9.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, invested capital decreased by nearly $365 million from December 2015, driven by improved management of working capital across the organization, including a $175 million reduction in new equipment inventory in Canada which was partly offset by investment in Argentina to support increased sales activity. Lower rental and capital assets in Canada also contributed to a decrease in invested capital from December 2015. -- Despite reduced invested capital levels, consolidated Adjusted ROIC of 9.3% was below Q4 2015 as difficult market conditions impacted earnings in all operations. Q4 2016 HIGHLIGHTS BY OPERATION Canada -- Revenue was comparable to Q4 2015, with higher product support (up 5%) offsetting lower new equipment sales (down 4%) and rental revenues (down 24%). Compared to Q3 2016, new equipment sales increased by 26% and included a shovel delivery in the oil sands, while product support was up 11% with the oil sands volumes returning to the pre-wildfire levels. For the full year 2016, the 3% decline in product support was attributable to the impact of Alberta wildfires, as well as lower demand from construction and power systems customers, primarily in Alberta's resource sectors. Mining product support in 2016 was flat compared to 2015 despite the impact of Alberta wildfires in Q2 and Q3 2016. -- Adjusted EBIT of $44 million was the highest in 2016 and up 13% from Q4 2015. The Canadian cost structure was reduced substantially over the last two years. Excluding significant items and the Saskatchewan operations acquired in 2015, fixed annual SG&A costs were down 22% from 2014. Q4 2016 total SG&A, excluding severance and restructuring costs, was down 7% from Q4 2015 on flat revenues. Despite increased pressure on gross profit from a competitive pricing environment, the Canadian operations exited 2016 with an Adjusted EBIT margin of 6.2%, up from 5.5% in Q4 2015 and 5.9% in Q3 2016. South America -- Revenues were up slightly compared to Q4 2015, both in Canadian dollars and functional currency (US dollars), as stronger new equipment sales (up 25%) offset lower product support revenues (down 8%). New equipment sales were the highest over the last two years, driven by improved construction activity in Argentina where the Company is successfully building market share. While product support revenues were below 2015, mining product support activity has stabilized and quarterly revenues remained relatively flat throughout the year. -- Adjusted EBIT of $37 million and Adjusted EBIT margin of 7.0% were below Q4 2015 primarily due to the negative performance of a specific mining contract. SG&A costs were down 2% from Q4 2015, excluding significant items in both quarters. The recent recovery in the price of copper strengthened the Chilean peso relative to the US dollar, which has increased the Company's labour costs without an immediate corresponding benefit to revenues. United Kingdom & Ireland -- In functional currency (UK Pound Sterling), revenues were similar to Q4 2015. However, due to the negative translation impact of a weaker UK Pound Sterling to Canadian dollar, reported revenues decreased by 19%. Product support revenues continued to be impacted by lower activity in mining, marine and oil & gas sectors, and were down 5% in functional currency. This was offset by higher rental revenues and used equipment sales. -- EBIT of $8 million and EBIT margin of 3.3% improved significantly from reported and Adjusted EBIT results in Q4 2015, driven by a lower cost structure and a successful execution of the turnaround plan. Management continues to transform the UK's business model to deliver sustainable results in an extremely competitive environment and with a lower proportion of product support in the revenue mix. CORPORATE AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS Dividend The Board of Directors has approved a quarterly dividend of $0.1825 per share, payable on March 16, 2017 to shareholders of record on March 2, 2017. This dividend will be considered an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax purposes. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- $ millions, except per share amounts Three months ended Dec 31 Twelve months ended Dec 31 ---------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- 2015 2015 (restated) % (restated) % 2016 (4) change 2016 (4) change ---------------------------------------------------------- New equipment 519 531 (2) 1,838 2,190 (16) Used equipment 96 91 4 367 341 7 Equipment rental 56 70 (20) 226 294 (23) Product support 816 841 (3) 3,182 3,434 (7) Other 4 4 - 15 16 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total revenue 1,491 1,537 (3) 5,628 6,275 (10) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross profit 380 370 3 1,473 1,641 (10) Gross profit margin 25.4% 24.0% 26.2% 26.1% SG&A (333) (347) 4 (1,280) (1,369) 7 SG&A as a percentage of revenue (22.3)% (22.6)% (22.7)% (21.8)% Equity earnings (loss) of joint venture and associate (1) 1 5 5 Other expenses (28) (373) (33) (382) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBIT 18 (349) 105 165 (105) 257 EBIT margin 1.3% (22.7)% 2.9% (1.7)% Adjusted EBIT 70 82 (13) 273 383 (28) Adjusted EBIT margin 4.8% 5.3% 4.9% 6.1% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income 9 (309) 103 65 (161) 140 Basic EPS 0.05 (1.82) 103 0.38 (0.94) 141 Adjusted basic EPS 0.28 0.23 20 0.88 1.29 (32) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA 65 (282) 123 357 126 184 EBITDA margin 4.3% (18.4)% 6.3% 2.0% Adjusted EBITDA 117 139 (15) 465 604 (23) Adjusted EBITDA margin 7.9% 9.0% 8.3% 9.6% Free cash flow 113 347 (67) 370 325 14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 --------------------------- Invested capital 2,797 3,240 Invested capital turnover (times) 1.90 1.78 Net debt to invested capital 32.0% 36.7% ROIC 5.6% (3.0)% Adjusted ROIC 9.3% 10.9% --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- To download Finning's complete Q4 and annual 2016 results in PDF, please open the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/FinningQ416results.pdf Q4 2016 INVESTOR CALL The Company will hold an investor call on February 16 at 11:00 am Eastern Time. Dial-in numbers: 1-800-319-4610 (Canada and US), 1-416-915-3239 (Toronto area), 1-604-638-5340 (international). The call will be webcast live and subsequently archived at www.finning.com. Playback recording will be available at 1-855-669-9658 (access code 1112) until February 23, 2017. ABOUT FINNING Finning International Inc. (TSX: FTT) is the world's largest Caterpillar equipment dealer delivering unrivalled service to customers for over 80 years. Finning sells, rents, and provides parts and services for equipment and engines to help customers maximize productivity. Headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., the Company operates in Western Canada, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, the United Kingdom and Ireland. FOOTNOTES (1) Earnings Before Finance Costs and Income Taxes (EBIT); Earnings per Share (EPS); Earnings Before Finance Costs, Income Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA); Selling, General & Administrative Expenses (SG&A); Return on Invested Capital (ROIC). (2) Certain 2016 and 2015 financial metrics were impacted by significant items management does not consider indicative of operational and financial trends either by nature or amount; these significant items are summarized on page 2 of this news release and described on pages 3, 4, and 18 of the Company's MD&A, and the financial metrics that have been adjusted to take these items into account are referred to as "Adjusted" metrics. (3) These financial metrics, referred to as "non-GAAP financial measures" do not have a standardized meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which are also referred to herein as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For additional information regarding these financial metrics, including definitions and reconciliations from each of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable measure under GAAP, see the heading "Description of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations" in the Company's MD&A. Management believes that providing certain non-GAAP financial measures provides users of the Company's consolidated financial statements with important information regarding the operational performance and related trends of the Company's business. By considering these measures in combination with the comparable IFRS measures set out in this MD&A, management believes that users are provided a better overall understanding of the Company's business and its financial performance during the relevant period than if they simply considered the IFRS measures alone. (4) As previously disclosed, management has voluntarily changed its presentation of certain expenses to provide reliable and more relevant information to users of the financial statements and better align with industry comparable companies. In addition and as previously disclosed, management has concluded that certain cost recoveries are better reflected as revenues. Certain line items have been restated in the comparative 2015 periods but the impact of restatement is not significant. For more information on the impact to financial statements, please refer to note 2 of the Company's annual consolidated financial statements. FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER This report contains statements about the Company's business outlook, objectives, plans, strategic priorities and other statements that are not historical facts. A statement Finning makes is forward-looking when it uses what the Company knows and expects today to make a statement about the future. Forward-looking statements may include words such as aim, anticipate, assumption, believe, could, expect, goal, guidance, intend, may, objective, outlook, plan, project, seek, should, strategy, strive, target, and will. Forward-looking statements in this report include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: expectations about the economy, market conditions and the competitive environment and the associated impact on the Company's financial results; expected revenue; expected free cash flow; expectations of a modest increase in product support that is expected to be offset by ongoing weakness in equipment demand due to prevalent uncertain market conditions; plans to build on operational improvements and focus on safety and people; leveraging technology to improve performance and deliver greater customer value; repositioning of Finning's business; delivering improved profitability in a capital efficient fashion; market share growth; stabilization of mining product support activity in South America; execution of the turnaround plan in the UK and Ireland and transformation of the UK's business model to deliver sustainable results with a lower proportion of product support in the revenue mix. All such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the 'safe harbour' provisions of applicable Canadian securities laws. Unless otherwise indicated by us, forward-looking statements in this report reflect Finning's expectations as at the date of this report. Except as may be required by Canadian securities laws, Finning does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions which give rise to the possibility that actual results could differ materially from the expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements and that Finning's business outlook, objectives, plans, strategic priorities and other statements that are not historical facts may not be achieved. As a result, Finning cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements include: general economic and market conditions; foreign exchange rates; commodity prices; the level of customer confidence and spending, and the demand for, and prices of, Finning's products and services; Finning's ability to maintain its relationship with Caterpillar Inc.; Finning's dependence on the continued market acceptance of its products, including Caterpillar products, and the timely supply of parts and equipment; Finning's ability to continue to improve productivity and operational efficiencies while continuing to maintain customer service; Finning's ability to manage cost pressures as growth in revenue occurs; Finning's ability to reduce costs in response to slowing activity levels; Finning's ability to attract sufficient skilled labour resources as market conditions, business strategy or technologies change; Finning's ability to negotiate and renew collective bargaining agreements with satisfactory terms for Finning's employees and the Company; the intensity of competitive activity; Finning's ability to raise the capital needed to implement its business plan; regulatory initiatives or proceedings, litigation and changes in laws or regulations; stock market volatility; changes in political and economic environments for operations; the integrity, reliability and availability of, and benefits from information technology and the data processed by that technology; and Finning's ability to protect itself from cybersecurity threats or incidents. Forward-looking statements are provided in this report for the purpose of giving information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of Finning's operating environment. However, readers are cautioned that it may not be appropriate to use such forward-looking statements for any other purpose. Forward-looking statements made in this report are based on a number of assumptions that Finning believed were reasonable on the day the Company made the forward-looking statements. Refer in particular to the Outlook section of the MD&A for forward-looking statements. Some of the assumptions, risks, and other factors which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained in this report are discussed in Section 4 of the Company's current AIF and in the annual MD&A for the financial risks. Finning cautions readers that the risks described in the MD&A and the AIF are not the only ones that could impact the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company or that are currently deemed to be immaterial may also have a material adverse effect on Finning's business, financial condition, or results of operations. Except as otherwise indicated, forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any non-recurring or other unusual items or of any dispositions, mergers, acquisitions, other business combinations or other transactions that may be announced or that may occur after the date of this report. The financial impact of these transactions and non-recurring and other unusual items can be complex and depends on the facts particular to each of them. Finning therefore cannot describe the expected impact in a meaningful way or in the same way Finning presents known risks affecting its business. Contacts: Finning International Inc. Mauk Breukels Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs (604) 331-4934 mauk.breukels@finning.com www.finning.com Regulatory News: International Flavors Fragrances Inc. (NYSE:IFF) (Euronext Paris:IFF), a leading innovator of sensory experiences that move the world, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Fragrance Resources. Founded in 1987, Fragrance Resources is a privately-held, family-owned fragrance company. For almost 30 years, it has distinguished itself with exceptional creative talent and quality service to faster-growing regional customers. The company has facilities in Germany, North America, France, and China. "IFF's Vision 2020 business strategy is well-served with this highly-complementary bolt-on acquisition, helping us to win where we compete in key fragrance markets and categories as we look to accelerate growth," said IFF Chairman and CEO Andreas Fibig. "With our shared values and a passion for our people, products, and customers, Fragrance Resources will be a strong addition to IFF." Nicolas Mirzayantz, Group President, Fragrances, added "Since 1987, the Fragrance Resources team has been a key player in faster-growing specialty fine fragrances an important growth category. The addition of this outstanding company into the IFF family will help us strengthen our position in strategic areas and further penetrate the critical and accelerating regional customer base that we see as the engine of growth. We look forward to welcoming the Fragrance Resources family into ours." The transaction, funded from existing resources, is expected to add approximately $75 million in revenue and be modestly EPS accretive-both in 2017-excluding transaction costs. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. The completion of this transaction is subject to clearance by the relevant regulatory authorities and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Until the transaction closes, which is expected to occur during January 2017, Fragrance Resources and IFF will operate as separate companies. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements 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. All statements regarding IFF's expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, budgets, capital expenditures, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management and statements containing the words such as "anticipate," "approximate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "project," "could," "should," "will," "intend," "may" and other similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Statements in this press release concerning IFF's business outlook or future economic performance, anticipated profitability, revenues, expenses or other financial items, and product or services line growth, together with other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements that are estimates reflecting the best judgment of IFF based upon currently available information. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and stockholders and other potential investors must recognize that actual results may differ materially from IFF's expectations as a result of a variety of factors, including, without limitation, those discussed below. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and stockholders and other potential investors must recognize that actual results may differ materially from IFF's expectations as a result of a variety of factors, including, without limitation, those discussed below. Such forward-looking statements are based upon management's current expectations and include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which IFF is unable to predict or control, that may cause IFF's actual results, performance or plans to differ materially from any future results, performance or plans expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed below and detailed from time to time in IFF's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Risks and uncertainties related to IFF's acquisition of Fragrance Resources include, but are not limited to, uncertainties as to whether the acquisition will have the accretive effect on IFF's earnings or cash flows that it expects, the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining, cost savings and synergies from the acquisition, costs and difficulties related to the integration of Fragrance Resources' businesses and operations with IFF businesses and operations, unexpected costs, liabilities, charges or expenses resulting from the acquisition, adverse effects on IFF's stock price resulting from the acquisition, the inability to retain key personnel, and potential adverse reactions, changes to business relationships or competitive responses resulting from the acquisition. In addition to the factors set forth above, other factors that may affect IFF's plans, results or stock price are set forth in IFF's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Many of these factors are beyond IFF's control and IFF cautions investors that any forward-looking statements made by IFF are not guarantees of future performance. IFF disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to announce publicly the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments. Meet IFF International Flavors Fragrances Inc. (NYSE:IFF) (Euronext Paris:IFF) is a leading innovator of sensorial experiences that move the world. At the heart of our company, we are fueled by a sense of discovery, constantly asking "what if?". That passion for exploration drives us to co-create unique products that consumers taste, smell, or feel in fine fragrances and beauty, detergents and household goods, as well as beloved foods and beverages. Our 6,700 team members globally take advantage of leading consumer insights, research and development, creative expertise, and customer intimacy to develop differentiated offerings for consumer products. Learn more at www.iff.com, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005890/en/ Contacts: IFF Michael DeVeau, 212-708-7164 VP, Global Corporate Communications Investor Relations Michael.DeVeau@iff.com NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --Deloitte announced today that Forrester has named it a leader in Next-Generation Oracle Application Projects in their recent report entitled The Forrester Wave': Services Providers for Next-Gen Oracle Application Projects, Q3 2016. Deloitte was included among the vendors in the 17 criteria evaluation which is based on strategy, current offering and market presence. Specifically for Deloitte, Forrester notes, "Oracle's recent pivot to the cloud has been a boon for Deloitte, as Oracle customers' needs for cloud deployment align well with Deloitte's strengths in business transformation, strategy consulting, change management, and systems integration work." "When Oracle pivoted to cloud, we recognized the opportunity for clients to start achieving business value faster," explained Jeffrey Davis, Deloitte U.S. principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP, and global Oracle leader. "Deloitte has made major investments in cloud including training and tools so our practitioners are prepared to help clients understand the digital opportunities before them, and assist them in moving swiftly to transform their businesses." The Forrester Wave identifies and analyzes the 13 most significant global partners that are leading the move to the cloud. This report details the findings by showing "how each provider measures up in today's cloud-centric Oracle application world to help application development and delivery (AD&D) professionals make the best choice for their needs." Additional Findings "Deloitte brings strong business acumen and has impressive cloud experience. It has been a top provider of Oracle application consulting and implementation services for years." "Deloitte was the first provider to achieve Global Cloud Elite status -and the only one to have done so by the time of our evaluation." "Deloitte is one of the only top global Oracle partners that brings a full portfolio of risk, tax, and compliance services to its clients." "Deloitte's clients praise it for bringing business innovation and for being a relationship-oriented partner." About Deloitte Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. Deloitte provides audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax and related services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. Deloitte serves four out of five Fortune Global 500 companies through a globally connected network of member firms in more than 150 countries bringing world-class capabilities, insights, and high-quality service to address clients' most complex business challenges. To learn more about how Deloitte's approximately 245,000 professionals make an impact that matters, please connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter. TORONTO, CANADA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- BacTech Environmental Corporation ("BacTech" or the "Company"), (CSE: BAC)(OTC PINK: BCCEF) today announced that it has engaged the services of Laurentian University ("Laurentian"), specifically, the Vale Living with Lakes Centre located in Sudbury, Ontario, to provide bioleach test work for concentrates collected in Ecuador. BacTech is investigating the use of bioleaching to process high arsenic/high gold concentrates produced at flotation plants in the Ponce Enrique area of southern Ecuador. The use of flotation eliminates the need for artisanal miners to use mercury to recover precious metals. The area is known for its abundance of arsenopyrite ore. Under the current study, BacTech will obtain from concentrate producers in the area, 150 kg of what would be considered a representative sample of the current production. In addition, BacTech will also seek to obtain 3 separate samples of 20 kg each consisting of low, medium, and high levels of arsenic. The study at Laurentian will be conducted under the guidance of Dr. Paul Miller (Ph.D. Chem. Eng. C.Eng. MIMM), the Company's Vice President of Metallurgy and a leading expert in bioleaching. Dr. Nadia Mykytczuk of Laurentian will work in concert with BacTech, as well as oversee the work on behalf of the University. Dr. Mykytczuk's research group and collaborators recently received several grants totaling over CAD$1 million from both federal and provincial funding agencies to assist with research being done at the school with respect to biomining as a means of reclaiming historic tailings. The end result of the test work will be to prove that bioleaching can not only liberate the gold from the refractory ore, but also stabilize the high levels of arsenic as ferric arsenate (U.S. EPA approved for landfill). Work will also be contracted out to a well-recognized, external metallurgical laboratory to independently verify the improvement in gold recovery obtained from the bioleach study. It is anticipated the study will take between 4 - 6 months, with the results providing valuable information and input for the design of a bioleach plant in Ponce Enrique. Given the fact that the area has a number of concentrators, BacTech will only be obliged to build a bioleach circuit. To put this in perspective, if the plant to be built is to treat 40 tpd of concentrate, the need for a nominal 200 tpd ore treatment plant incorporating crush grind and flotation would be eliminated, saving considerable capital. A 40 tpd bioleach plant is estimated to cost approximately USD$10 million. Dr. Mykytczuk is a Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation Industrial Research Chair in Biomining, Bioremediation and Science Communication. She is an Assistant Professor in the School of the Environment at Laurentian University. Her research focuses on using molecular tools for developing and optimizing bioleaching technologies for improved metal recovery and remediation of mine wastes. "This is a very exciting new area for the Company. Using bioleaching, we hope to carve out a new niche in the gold processing market that has the potential to offer very real environmental advantages compared to current practices. We will be processing material in Ecuador instead of exporting jobs to other countries, creating employment and a new tax base for the government. The test work to be completed at Laurentian is critical to the development of this project," said Ross Orr, President and CEO of BacTech. Company Profile BacTech Environmental Corporation holds the perpetual, exclusive, royalty-free rights to use the patented BACOX bioleaching technology for the reclamation of tailings and mining waste materials. The Company's principle focus is a high- grade silver/copper tailings project called Telamayu, located in Atocha, Bolivia, in association with COMIBOL, the state mining group. The Company signed an MOU with Duran Ventures Inc. to explore the viability of building a BACOX plant in Peru to treat high-grade gold/arsenic ores. Investigation has begun to identify similar opportunities in Ecuador. The Company continues to field enquiries globally with respect to additional opportunities for remediation, including licensing transactions for the technology. Follow us on: Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BacTechGreen Twitter http://twitter.com/BacTechGreen LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/company/1613873 Vimeo http://vimeo.com/bactechgreen YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/bactechgreen Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information", which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to future tailings sites, sampling or other investigations of tailing sites, the Company's ability to make use of infrastructure around tailings sites or operating performance of the Company and its projects. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward- looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Shares outstanding 55,618,944 The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of the contents of this release. Contacts: BacTech Environmental Corporation Ross Orr President & CEO 416-813-0303 ext 222 borr@bactechgreen.com www.bactechgreen.com Bill Mitoulas Investor Relations 416-837-7147 billm@venturenorthcapital.com DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES -- (Marketwired) -- 03/08/17 -- Global Equity International, Inc. (OTCQB: GEQU) and its fully-owned subsidiaries GEP Equity Holdings Limited and Global Equity Partners Plc. (http://www.globalequityinternational.com/), a specialist consultancy firm with offices located in Dubai and London, are proud to announce that its Human Resources division in Dubai, Kingsman James (http://kingsmanjames.com/), is now in the final stages of signing three large scale recruitment projects across the Middle East, potentially totaling US$3.5 million of revenue over the next nine months. What began as a hard fought battle between nineteen firms circa ten months ago, Kingsman James is now down to the final two firms tendering for these valuable and lucrative contracts. The projects are split across three separate cities and clients. The project in Muscat (Oman) is for a leading Chinese Oil & Gas company and will equate to 60% of the US$3.5 Million. The final 40% is equally spilt between two projects in Dubai & Abu Dhabi. Dubai will see a UK based Engineering Consultancy Firm set up a Middle East HQ. The Abu Dhabi project is for a US based Construction & Engineering Company with a rich history across the MENA region. A look back at 2016... Economic turmoil in the Region, coupled with hiring freezes, made 2016 a tough year for headhunting firms. With close relationships and beating the competition on the projects that were approved in the year, Kingsman James fared well and ended the year as a revenue positive and profitable division of Global Equity. A look ahead to 2017 and beyond... The Construction industry continues to thrive in the MENA region, with more than US$500 billion worth of future projects that were announced in 2016 alone and in excess of 146 large-scale projects coming to completion in 2017 across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Internally, we have decided to make the Construction & Engineering division of Kingsman James the business anchor which will be accountable for no less than US$5 million (18.3 million AED) worth of business over the next 3 years. To help us achieve this growth, we have brought on board a new member of the team, Mr. Jon Yew (Co-Founder of Paradigm International), a market leader in Construction, Oil & Gas and Rail recruitment. Through Jon's 15 years' experience in Europe and the Middle East, he has a proven history of accelerating business growth rapidly in a very short period of time. Over the coming months, the Kingsman James team will work closely with James Payne, (Managing Partner), to identify new revenue streams for the business. One such will be the introduction of "Contract" recruitment to our portfolio of clients in the Middle East region. Much educating is needed around this proposition for businesses and the unparalleled advantages it can have for Construction, Engineering and Oil & Gas clients. Our recently created "Aerospace and Defense Division," headed up by Miss Claire Hopkin, currently shows a pipeline value of US$1.1 million (4 million AED), with US$136,000 of already confirmed income to the business. As outlined in our previous press release, we continue to see Legal and Finance recruitment in the MENA region as a buoyant market and will look to add more personnel to our team again within the next six months. Jon Yew, Partner of Kingsman James, said, "I chose Kingsman James as I believe the direction James and the other Partners are aiming for is both achievable and realistic. The business model they have in place supersedes other companies that I have been in discussions with and this alone is definitively the start of good things to come with Kingsman James in 2017. Personally, I will look to expand our operations throughout the GCC area and grow this division of the business into revenues in excess of US$5 million over the next three years, with the run up to Expo 2020." James Payne, Managing Partner of Kingsman James, said, "2016 was a tough year for the UAE, with many companies making large cuts to their headcount. Today, we are seeing that 2017 has started off really well with US$1.3 million worth of business in the pipeline and we are 'tendering' for a further US$3.5 million over the next 12 weeks; it seems this year will be the pinnacle year for Kingsman James, with forecasted revenues already well above our expectations. Solid foundations have been laid over the past 18 months, now it is time to build our castle as high as we can." About Global Equity International Inc. and Subsidiaries Global Equity International Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiaries GEP Equity Holdings Limited and Global Equity Partners Plc., advises worldwide business leaders with their most critical decisions and opportunities pertaining to growth, capital needs, structure and the development of a global presence and HR requirements. With offices in Dubai and London, Global Equity has developed significant relationships in the US, UK, Central Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia to assist clients in realizing their full value and potential by bringing them to external capital and resources that place an emphasis on collaborative thinking. Furthermore, because Global Equity has offices in key financial centers of the world, they are able to introduce their clients to a unique opportunity of listing their shares on any one of the many stock exchanges worldwide. Safe Harbour Statement This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements related to anticipated revenues, expenses, earnings, operating cash flows, the outlook for markets and the demand for products. Forward-looking statements are no guarantees of future performance and are inherently subject to uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon, among other things, assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management, including management's own knowledge and assessment of the Company's industry and competition. The Company refers interested persons to its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and its other SEC filings for a description of additional uncertainties and factors, which may affect forward-looking statements. The company assumes no duty to update its forward-looking statements. Mr. James R. Payne Managing Partner Kingsman James Tel. + 971 42 76 75 76 Email: james@kingsmanjames.com Mr. Enzo Taddei CFO Global Equity International Inc. Tel. + 1 321 200 0142 Email: enzo@gepartnersplc.com Mr. Bruce A. Haase RedChip Companies Inc. Tel: +1 407-644-4256 X131 Email: bruce@redchip.com Web: www.redchip.com Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. PUNE, India, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report "Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) Market by Enforcement Point (Controller, Gateway, and End Point), Component (Solution and Service), Deployment Mode (Cloud and on-Premises), Organization Size, End User, and Region - Global Forecast to 2021", published by MarketsandMarkets, the SDP Market is estimated to grow from USD 992.8 Million in 2016 to USD 4,396.1 Million by 2021, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 34.7%. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 ) Browse 97 market data Tables and 47 Figures spread through 185 Pages and in-depth TOC on"Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) Market" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/software-defined-perimeter-market-141863014.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. The major forces driving the SDP market are need for security mechanisms that can protect dispersed enterprise applications. The SDP solutions make security infrastructure easy to configure, manage, and control through policy-driven, scalable, and programmable security architecture without requiring high level of expertise, which increases the demand for SDP solutions. Cloud service providers to have the largest market size in 2016 and highest growth rate from 2016 to 2021 The cloud-based services are becoming increasingly popular day by day due to their various features such as cost effectiveness and centralized nature. Security of the customers' cloud-based applications is the prime objective of the cloud service providers, as it is one of the key factors to build trust among the customers. Cloud service providers require complex networks to deliver business applications and other content at high transfer rates and detect & avoid bottlenecks in networks. Control automation and orchestration solution to grow at the highest CAGR from 2016 to 2021 In the solutions segment, control automation and orchestration solution is expected to witness the highest CAGR in the global SDP market during 2016-2021. The solution enables organizations to minimize human intervention in the security functionalities and enable improved synchronization between security policies and enterprises' dynamic computing environment. North America is expected to dominate the security testing market in 2016 North America is expected to hold the largest share of the SDP market in 2016 due to the technological advancements and early adoption of SDP in the region. The market in APAC is expected to be a potential market with high growth opportunities between 2016 and 2021. The major driving forces for this growth are the presence of a large number of small and medium enterprises that mostly prefer cloud-based applications. The Software Defined Perimeter (SDP) Market report also encompasses different strategies, new product launches, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, and business expansions, adopted by major players to increase their market share. Some of the leading technology vendors include Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (Tel Aviv, Israel), Cisco Systems, Inc. (California, U.S.), Intel Corporation (California, U.S.), Symantec Corporation (California, U.S.), EMC RSA (Massachusetts, U.S.), Fortinet, Inc. (California, U.S.), Juniper Networks, Inc. (California, U.S.), Palo Alto Networks (California, U.S.), Certes Networks, Inc. (Pennsylvania, U.S.), and Catbird, Inc. (California, U.S.). Vidder, Inc. (California, U.S.), Cryptzone North America Inc. (Massachusetts, U.S.), TrustedPassage (California, U.S.), and VeloCloud Networks, Inc. (California, U.S.) are identified as key innovators in the SDP market. Ask for Sample Pages @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsample.asp?id=141863014 Browse Related Reports Software-Defined Security Market by Component (Solution and Services), Enforcement Point (Virtual Machines, Network Security Gateway), Deployment Mode (Cloud and On-Premise), End User (Enterprise, Telecom/Cloud Service Provider) - Global Forecast to 2021 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/software-defined-security-market-146062541.html Data Center Security Market by Application Solutions (Logical Security Solutions and Physical Security Solutions), Service (Consulting, Integration and Deployment, and Managed Services), Data Center Type, Vertical, and Region - Global Forecast to 2021 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/datacenter-security-market-920.html Know More About our Knowledge Store @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Knowledgestore.asp About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers. We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository. Contact: Mr. Rohan MarketsandMarkets 701 Pike Street, Suite 2175, Seattle, WA 98101, United States Tel: 1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit MarketsandMarkets Blog @ http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/telecom-it Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets The world leading IoT conference will arrive in London on January 23-24th, with keynote speakers from the likes of Shell, Rolls-Royce, SSE, Maersk, Thyssenkrupp, Sky, Nest, Ford, Heathrow Airport and more. The 2-day event will cover a range of industries from manufacturing to healthcare, transportation to government, logistics to retail, with a total of 7 conference tracks covering the entire Internet of Things ecosystem. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005834/en/ Keynote speakers announced for the leading IoT conference; IoT Tech Expo Global in London, 23-24 January 2017 (Photo: Business Wire) The conferences are: Connected Industry, Developing & IoT Technologies, Smart Cities, Connected Services, Data & Security, Connected Living and IoTInnovations. A recent study by Machina Research predicts the total number of IoT connections to grow from 6 billion in 2015 to 27 billion in 2025, a CAGR of 16%. Cellular connections will grow from 334 million at the end of 2015 to 2.2 billion by 2025, with 45% of those within the 'Connected Car' sector. With this in mind, the event will feature speakers from Rolls-Royce, Ford and Jaguar Land Rover who will be discussing the future of connected vehicles. Keynote speakers include: Paul Stein, Director of Research and Technology, Rolls-Royce David Bunch, Global VP, Retail Marketing Chairman of Shell Brands International, Shell Michael Jary, Director of Connected Homes, SSE plc Peter Virk, Head of Connected Technologies and Apps, Jaguar Land Rover Joseph Valente, Apprentice 2015 Winner Managing Director, Impra-Gas Francois Girodolle, Head of European Product Partnerships, Nest Henrik Jorring, Senior IT Manager, Liner Operations, Maersk Line IT Blaine Tookey, Technology Principal, BP Scott Lyons, Connected Vehicle and Services, Ford Andreas Schierenbeck, Chairman of the Executive Board, Thyssenkrupp Elevator AG Steven Woodward, Senior Solution Architect, Astra Zeneca Colin Mair, Head of Innovation and Trials, IT Futures, Heathrow Airport Sudhi Sinha, VP, Product Development, Building Technology Services, Johnson Controls Julia Bonder-LeBerre, Senior Privacy Data Protection Counsel, MasterCard Worldwide Christian Deilmann, Managing Director, tado Gustaf Landahl, Head of Department Grow Smarter Coordinator, City of Stockholm Kalman Tiboldi, Chief Business Innovation Officer, TVH Group To see all of the above speakers and more at the IoT Tech Expo Global please visit the website to register your pass. Advanced prices end Friday 4th November so register now to save up to 450 on your all-access gold pass! To learn more about the IoT Tech Expo World Series, visit the corresponding sites: IoT Tech Expo Global: 23-24 th January 2017, Olympia, London January 2017, Olympia, London IoT Tech Expo Europe: 1-2nd June 2017, Estrel, Berlin For speaking, sponsorship and exhibitor enquiries please contact the team at enquiries@iottechexpo.com or call on +44 (0) 117 980 9023. https://machinaresearch.com/news/press-release-global-internet-of-things-market-to-grow-to-27-billion-devices-generating-usd3-trillion-revenue-in-2025/ NOTES FOR EDITORS About IoT Tech Expo The IoT Tech Expo World Series (www.iottechexpo.com) hosts top level content and discussion, introducing and exploring the latest innovations in the Internet of Things arena. It bringstogether key industries including Manufacturing, Transport, Health, Logistics, Government, Energy and Automotive. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005834/en/ Contacts: IoT Tech Expo Sarah Wheeler +44117 980 9023 sarah@iottechexpo.com Privacy Overview This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. CONYERS, GA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- GeckoSystems Intl. Corp. (OTC PINK: GOSY) (http://www.GeckoSystems.com) announced today that the linchpin Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), has been signed to form their first joint venture with a prominent, international commercial security firm. For over nineteen years, GeckoSystems has dedicated itself to development of "AI Mobile Robot Solutions for Safety, Security and Service." "Last month, in response to their unsolicited, but gracious and complimentary inquiry, we indicated our sincere interest in working with this commercial security company, but if and only if, they agreed to our required Safety Clause NDA. To that end, they immediately signed our Safety Clause NDA such that our discussions became of sufficient substance for us to effectuate our second agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), clearly revealing that both parties believe significant manufacturing and distribution synergies appropriate for the commercial security markets would be garnered by each firm," stated Martin Spencer, CEO, GeckoSystems Intl. Corp. This is the Safety Clause that GeckoSystems requires of all potential joint venture partners prior to any substantive discussions: Both parties understand and agree with the legitimacy of GSIC's concerns that mobile robot solutions may be used to lethally harm persons, other living things, property, and a country's infrastructure if terrorists, criminals, or other private or public enemies of peace, security, and tranquility were to secure access to and/or use of them. Therefore, both parties completely and wholeheartedly agree that MSR safety is of the greatest importance in the utilization of MSR technologies. In summary, all MSR technologies shared by the undersigned parties in any manner will be treated with the utmost secrecy and respect due to that reality and potential. Artificial intelligence technologies and applications span Big Data, Predictive Analytics, Statistics, Mobile Robots, Service Robotics, Drones, Self-driving Cars, Driverless Cars, Driver Assisted Cars, Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Homes, UGV's, UAV's, USV's, AGV's, Forward and/or Backward Chaining Expert Systems, Savants, AI Assistants, Sensor Fusion, Subsumption, etc. GeckoSystems' new mobile robot concept is of probable interest to most, if not all, commercial security firms. It is for better, lower cost public safety and commercial security. All of those affiliated with the Company share the abject horror that most Americans are now still trying to process regarding the recent, indoor (and outdoor) mass shooting and murdering of tens of innocent victims. To better manage those 21st century mass shootings around the world, the Company is offering to prototype and deploy the GeckoNED, a new type of mobile security robot. It is a Non-violent Enforcement Device with a high level of independent mobile autonomy, sensor rich for enhanced situational awareness, and ease of teleoperation by designated public safety personnel nearly instantly during the onset of "shooter in play" events. The following was written by Spencer shortly after the Sandy Hook mayhem, but not updated since the Pulse nightclub carnage. Safety for our children is a moral imperative for all enlightened civilizations. The present proliferation of lethal weaponry in the form of readily obtainable semi- and full automatic pistols and rifles has brought increased child safety to nearly blinding visibility that requires new thinking and solutions for this long overdue, poorly addressed need in our culture. Mobile robots could be the most proximate and final deterrent to those that would harm our children in public schools and other venues. GeckoSystems has named the mobile robot concept that would provide yet another barrier between our children and those immoral individuals intent on doing them significant harm the GeckoNEDa. "NED" stands for Non-violent (or non-lethal) Enforcement Device. Fundamentally, the GeckoNED (or "NED") is a new type of mobile sentry robot that would deter, detect, and contain those that would violently harm our children in their schools. The NED would be a new type of school mascot that could be customized by the children, teachers and staff to be a daily part of their school time lives. The NED would be able to automatically patrol all wheelchair accessible areas in any school without human oversight or intervention using GeckoSystems' proven SafePatha mobile robot AI navigation software. What does? Deters, Detects, and Contains to provide better Protection- 1. Marquee deterrent video and audio surveillance systems 2. Quick detection using sensor fusion 3. Deployable multiple non-lethal containment systems 4. Ready mobile protection systems that are fully tele-operable remotely The NED would be a marquee deterrent due to its robust audio and video surveillance systems employing WiFi LAN data communications to connect to the school's Internet access. The primary, high-resolution pan/tilt zoom video camera and professional quality microphones would be selected such that their features and benefits are appropriate for the expanses to be "sight and sound" monitored in the school. Further enhancing the marquee deterrence, the NED would be available for direct human tele-operation almost instantly when direct human control was appropriate and timely due to a clear and present danger to the children having been identified with a high level of confidence by the NED's AI enhanced sensor systems. In addition, cell phone and police band communication capability could be included using the voice synthesis ability of GeckoChat. The NED would: Enable prompt intruder detection using multiple, different sensor systems (sight, sound and smell) AI fused to produce a one plus one equals three synergy. This metaphor describes the common result for GeckoSystems' sensor fusion competencies. The NED's AI's would sensor fuse: Augmented Vision These would include machine vision, including that visible to the human eye, and that invisible, such as infra-red (IR) due to body heat, heat from fired weapons, etc. and AI software Extended Hearing Frequency response range widened beyond human hearing, into the ultrasonic using multiple microphones (omni directional and directional) and AI software Enhanced Smell Odor detection systems for appropriate gas detection, whether odorless to human sense of smell or not with intelligent inhalation system and AI software Singly, and in concert, the preceding systems would detect unwanted intruders by: Video surveillance enhanced by AI object recognition machine vision In both visible and invisible IR light spectrums Audio surveillance enhanced by AI expert systems Within and outside human hearing range, atypical sounds such as Gun shots Breaking glass Doors being broken down Students and/or staff stressed voices; screams Odor and odorless gas surveillance Smoke, carbon monoxide, and natural gas Potentially odors from: Handguns, long guns, rifles Guns in lockers Explosives, gun ammunition in lockers The NED would pre-position ready mobile protection that is fully tele-operable remotely when atypical situations arise. It would immediately alert pre-designated parties for human intervention and direct human control of the NED and its various containment systems. The NED's exterior size would be about thirty inches in diameter and forty-eight inches tall Cannot be readily disabled by small arms fire thus affording cover for students and staff when the NED places itself between the intruder and all others. The NED's shroud could be bulletproof covering using a combination of Kevlar, ceramic armor, and/or aluminum plates sufficient for absorbing small arms fire. Immediate intervention after detection resulting from a top speed, in obstacle free hallways, of up to 20 mph SafePath technologies with obstacle avoidance five to six times faster than a person preclude NED hitting anything, even when under teleoperation (direct human) control. Bull horns, sirens, high power speaker system and/or other sound projection systems capable of hitting the threshold of pain The NED would have readily deployed, multiple non-lethal containment systems solely under the control of a designated, responsible party such as a "watch commander" at the local police station. The non-violent and/or non-lethal containment capabilities would consist of: Targeted, high volume water spray Sleeping gas with directed dispersement Irritant sprays, such as pepper spray, tear gas, etc. with directed dispersement Acoustical stunners, flash-bangs, "stun bombs" Targeted net guns, "projectile nets" Targeted sticky foam, an extremely tacky material carried in compressed form with a propellant Targeted electrical stunners (Tasers) Recently, an internationally renowned market research firm, Research and Markets, again named GeckoSystems as one of the key market players in the AI service robotics industry. "GeckoSystems has been recognized by Research and Markets for several years now and it is the most comprehensive report of the global service robotics industry to my knowledge. I am pleased that their experienced market researchers are sufficiently astute to accept that small service robot firms, such as GeckoSystems, can nonetheless develop advanced technologies and products as well, or better, as much larger, multi-billion dollar corporations such as AB Electrolux, etc. "It is an honor that they recognize the value of the over 100 man-years we have invested in our proprietary AI robotics Intellectual Properties and my full-time work for nearly 20 years now. Our suite of AI mobile robot solutions is well tested, portable, and extensible. It is a reality that we could partner with any other company on that list and provide them with high-level autonomy for collision free navigation at the lowest possible cost to manufacture. "This MOU portends well for us and our shareholders. We are definitively on path to consummate our first EU joint venture licensing agreement. It comes as no surprise, that a long established commercial security company understands the market potential of our suite of AI mobile robot solutions due to the significant ROI that enables full payback in less than one year. "We continue to have numerous ongoing joint venture and/or licensing discussions, not only in the US, but also in the EU, as revealed in this press release. I am also pleased that as the Service Robotics industry begins to offer real products to eager markets our capabilities are being recognized. One final note, we remain completely committed to providing our 1300+ shareholders the ROI they deserve. This singular JV opportunity, in a new marketplace for us, could garner the company significant revenues in the near term. Our investors can continue to be confident that we expect to be signing numerous multi-million-dollar licensing agreements to further substantiate and delineate the reality that GeckoSystems will earn additional licensing revenues to further increase shareholder value," concluded Spencer. About Research and Markets: Research and Markets is the leading source for international market research and market data. They hold '000's of major research publications from most of the leading publishers, consultants and analysts. They provide their clients with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Research and Markets Guinness Centre, Taylors Lane, Dublin 8, Ireland. http://www.researchandmarkets.com/ About GeckoSystems: GeckoSystems has been developing innovative robotic technologies for nineteen years. It is CEO Martin Spencer's dream to make people's lives better through AI robotic technologies. The safety requirement for human quick WCET reflex time in all forms of mobile robots: In order to understand the importance of GeckoSystems' breakthrough, proprietary, and exclusive AI software and why another Japanese robotics company desires a business relationship with GeckoSystems, it's key to acknowledge some basic realities for all forms of automatic, non-human intervention, vehicular locomotion and steering. 1. Laws of Physics such as Conservation of Energy, inertia, and momentum, limit a vehicle's ability to stop or maneuver. If, for instance, a car's braking system design cannot generate enough friction for a given road surface to stop the car in 100 feet after brake application, that's a real limitation. If a car cannot corner at more than .9g due to a combination of suspension design and road conditions, that, also, is reality. Regardless how talented a NASCAR driver may be, if his race car is inadequate, he's not going to win races. 2. At the same time, if a car driver (or pilot) is tired, drugged, distracted, etc. their reflex time becomes too slow to react in a timely fashion to unexpected direction changes of moving obstacles, or the sudden appearance of fixed obstacles. Many car "accidents" result from drunk driving due to reflex time and/or judgment impairment. Average reflex time takes between 150 & 300ms. http://tinyurl.com/nsrx75n 3. In robotic systems, "human reflex time" is known as Worst Case Execution Time (WCET). Historically, in computer systems engineering, WCET of a computational task is the maximum length of time the task could take to execute on a specific hardware platform. In big data, this is the time to load up the data to be processed, processed, and then outputted into useful distillations, summaries, or common sense insights. GeckoSystems' basic AI self-guidance navigation system processes 147 megabytes of data per second using low cost, Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Single Board Computers (SBC's). 4. Highly trained and skilled jet fighter pilots have a reflex time (WCET) of less than 120ms. Their "eye to hand" coordination time is a fundamental criterion for them to be successful jet fighter pilots. The same holds true for all high performance forms of transportation that are sufficiently pushing the limits of the Laws of Physics to require the quickest possible reaction time for safe human control and/or usage. 5. GeckoSystems' WCET is less than 100ms, or as quick, or quicker than most gifted jet fighter pilots, NASCAR race car drivers, etc. while using low cost COTS and SBC's 6. In mobile robotic guidance systems, WCET has 3 fundamental components. a. Sufficient Field of View (FOV) with appropriate granularity, accuracy, and update rate. b. Rapid processing of that contextual data such that common sense responses are generated. c. Timely physical execution of those common-sense responses. In order for any companion robot to be utilitarian for family care, it must be a "three legged milk stool." (1) Human quick reflex time to avoid moving and/or unmapped obstacles, (GeckoNav: http://tinyurl.com/le8a39r) (2) Verbal interaction (GeckoChat: http://tinyurl.com/nnupuw7) with a sense of date and time (GeckoScheduler: http://tinyurl.com/kojzgbx), and (3) Ability to automatically find and follow designated parties (GeckoTrak: http://tinyurl.com/mton9uh) such that verbal interaction can occur routinely with video and audio monitoring of the care receiver is uninterrupted. An earlier third party verification of GeckoSystems' AI centric, human quick sense and avoidance of moving and/or unmapped obstacles by one of their mobile robots can be viewed here: http://t.co/NqqM22TbKN An overview of GeckoSystems' progress containing over 700 pictures and 120 videos can be found at http://www.geckosystems.com/timeline/. These videos illustrate the development of the technology that makes GeckoSystems a world leader in Service Robotics development. Early CareBot prototypes were slower and frequently pivoted in order to avoid a static or dynamic obstacle; later prototypes avoided obstacles without pivoting. Current CareBots avoid obstacles with a graceful "bicycle smooth" motion. The latest videos also depict the CareBot's ability to automatically go faster or slower depending on the amount of clutter (number of obstacles) within its field of view. This is especially important when avoiding moving obstacles in "loose crowd" situations like a mall or an exhibit area. In addition to the timeline videos, GeckoSystems has numerous YouTube videos. The most popular of which are the ones showing room-to-room automatic self-navigation of the CareBot through narrow doorways and a hallway of an old 1954 home. You will see the CareBot slow down when going through the doorways because of their narrow width and then speed up as it goes across the relatively open kitchen area. There are also videos of the SafePath wheelchair, which is a migration of the CareBot AI centric navigation system to a standard power wheelchair, and recently developed cost effective depth cameras were used in this recent configuration. SafePath navigation is now available to OEM licensees and these videos show the versatility of GeckoSystems' fully autonomous navigation solution. GeckoSystems, Star Wars Technology http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYwQBUXXc3g The company has successfully completed an Alpha trial of its CareBot personal assistance robot for the elderly. It was tested in a home care setting and received enthusiastic support from both caregivers and care receivers. The company believes that the CareBot will increase the safety and well-being of its elderly charges while decreasing stress on the caregiver and the family. GeckoSystems is preparing for Beta testing of the CareBot prior to full-scale production and marketing. CareBot has recently incorporated Microsoft Kinect depth cameras that result in a significant cost reduction. Kinect Enabled Personal Robot video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn93BS44Das Above, the CareBot demonstrates static and dynamic obstacle avoidance as it backs in and out of a narrow and cluttered alley. There is no joystick control or programmed path; movements are smoother that those achieved using a joystick control. GeckoNav creates three low levels of obstacle avoidance: reactive, proactive, and contemplative. Subsumptive AI behavior within GeckoNav enables the CareBot to reach its target destination after engaging in obstacle avoidance. More information on the CareBot personal assistance robot: http://www.geckosystems.com/markets/CareBot.php GeckoSystems stock is quoted in the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) markets under the ticker symbol GOSY. http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/GOSY/quote GeckoSystems uses http://www.LinkedIn.com as its primary social media site for investor updates. Here is Spencer's LinkedIn.com profile: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/martin-spencer/11/b2a/580 Safe Harbor: Statements regarding financial matters in this press release other than historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company intends that such statements about the Company's future expectations, including future revenues and earnings, technology efficacy and all other forward-looking statements be subject to the Safe Harbors created thereby. The Company is a development stage firm that continues to be dependent upon outside capital to sustain its existence. Since these statements (future operational results and sales) involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, the Company's actual results may differ materially from expected results. GeckoSystems Intl. Corp. Main number: +1 678-413-9236 Fax: +1 678-413-9247 Website: http://www.geckosystems.com/ KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Fleurette Group ("Fleurette") is pleased to announce the third quarter operating results for Mutanda Mining SARL ("MUMI"). Mutanda continues to operate above nameplate capacity, testament to the considerable investment in the asset by the shareholders over a long period of time. Highlights Copper production of 53,400 tonnes consistent with prior periods since commissioning in plant in 2014 Copper production at the end of the first nine months of 2016 162.3kt, up 1% from the same period last year (2015: 161.0kt) Cobalt production of 7,300 tonnes, up 22% from Q2 2016 and 49% from Q3 2015 following completion of plant optimisation Production 2015 2016 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Year Q1 Q2 Q3 YtD Copper metal Kt 51.6 53.9 55.5 55.1 216.1 54.7 54.2 53.4 162.3 Cobalt contained Kt 2.6 3.7 4.9 5.3 16.5 4.9 6.0 7.3 18.2 During the third quarter MUMI produced 53,400 tonnes of copper (Q2 54,200 tonnes) and 7,300 tonnes of cobalt (Q2 6,000 tonnes), a decrease in copper of 1% and an increase in cobalt of 22% respectively on the second quarter of 2016. Total copper production in the first nine months of 2016 was 162.3kt, up 1% from the same period last year (2015: 161.0kt). The plant consistently produced above nameplate capacity. Cobalt production of 18,200 tonnes YTD was 7,000 tonnes (63%) higher than the comparable period, due to the completion of plant optimisation projects during 2016 and improved cobalt grades in the material processed. Dan Gertler, Senior Advisor to Fleurette Group commented: "Mutanda is a stand-out asset in the DRC mining sector, and continues to reap the benefits of a prolonged period of investment. Mutanda remains one of the largest contributors to the DRC fiscal authorities and a major employer in the region. I am also pleased with the continued progress on the mine's CSR programme which is delivering real benefits to the surrounding community in the form of access to fresh water, education facilities, investment in better healthcare and a growing agricultural sector." Social Investment Update In 2016 Q3 MUMI's main social investments included: Sustainable rural livelihoods - Cultivation of 300 hectares of crops. MUMI assisted with donation of inputs, training of cooperatives members and preparation of the soil - Cultivation of 300 hectares of crops. MUMI assisted with donation of inputs, training of cooperatives members and preparation of the soil Health - Support to Lualaba health zone for awareness on malaria - Support to Lualaba health zone for awareness on malaria Water - Installation of 11 hand pumps to community wells - Installation of 11 hand pumps to community wells Education - Support to summer camps and soccer tournaments in communities. MUMI provided school supplies for participating children, educational material for activities and gifts MUMI comprises the Mutanda and Kansuki concessions in the Katanga province of theDemocratic Republic of Congowhich were merged inJuly 2013. MUMI is jointly owned by Glencore (69% ownership) and Fleurette (31% ownership). MUMI is managed by Glencore who also have a 100% offtake contract for all copper and cobalt production. Fleurette has invested $440 millionin acquiring and developing the asset in partnership with Glencore. This has driven production from 100,000 to the current run rate of 200,000 tonnes of copper per annum. The total investment in MUMI isover $1.8 billion. MUMI employs over 3,500 Congolese at the current design capacity, and as further investment is made into the asset, we would expect this number to increase. -Ends- Media enquiries: Powerscourt +44(0)20 7250 1446 fleurette@powerscourt-group.com BEVERLY HILLS, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Thursday, November 3, 2016) -Announced today, The Central Europe Genomics Center (CEGC) who will provide the 100M Central Europe Market with whole genome sequencing (WGS) technologies, access to other, integrated OMIC technologies, and extended bioinformatics capabilities, as well as a construct a unique Civic Ecosystem to enable the adoption of precision medicine in emerging clinical and consumer markets has been presented a 10 figure plus term sheet under the Senior Advisory of Agent Alan Morell, Creative Management Partners LLC. Said Geoffrey Folkerth, Founder/Managing Partner: "When our associates recommended Alan Morell, (who after months of trying to get their venture renegotiated with a Fortune 50 company unsuccessfully, Alan did it in two phone calls), we vetted and then engaged Alan as Senior Advisor. Alan has brought us to several A-list Pharma Venture groups and we received in short order, a 10 figure plus term sheet thereafter. As I have stated before, Alan's hat is deep with magic!" Said Alan Morell: "Geoffrey and Piotr are International integrity driven respected executives, whose needs were ideal for participation with my financial contacts in Washington DC and beyond, understanding the European Model for Whole Genome Sequencing. Additionally, for the U.S. Audience, to support CEGC initiatives, our Agency is actively exploring a Docudrama for television in connection with the development, production and distribution of a reality television project with a working title Precision Medicine." Implementation Phase 1 The CEGC will establish Europe's first and only CLIA certified lab capable of providing a WGS for under $1000, thus enabling population-level national and regional sequencing programs, in a manner analogous to Macrogen (www.macrogen.com), a Korean based private, for-profit company offering sequencing services to Asian clinical and R&D market and Genomics England initiative: http://www.genomicsengland.co.uk, but with more than just sequencing capability in order to add value (e.g., bioinformatics capabilities; complementary assays such as proteomics and molecular and clinical phenotyping). To achieve this, CEGC has obtained exclusivity for Poland for Illumina's XTEN sequencing platform capable of providing an entire genome sequence for under $1000. http://www.illumina.com/systems/hiseq-x-sequencing-system/system.html. Phase 2 The CEGC, in partnership with the Medical University of Bialystok, Poland, will develop integrated infrastructure -- a "Civic Ecosystem" engaging all stakeholders with an interest in clinical medicine and public health to allow personalized medicine products and strategies to be developed, vetted and adopted. To do so the CEGC will, e.g., develop a commercial incubator and engage governmental and regulatory agencies to determine best practices for moving products and practices through the approval processes. This CEGC Civic Ecosystem will also initially leverage a 1,500 patient Community hospital in Poland as a clinical testing ground. Sales & Marketing CEGC will continue incubate similar projects across the CE region by identifying KOL in genomics and science, creating sequencing projects and assisting in grant applications. Team CEGC has assembled a team of renowned scientists and life science professionals dedicated to realizing the company's vision and business plan. Key team members include: Dr. Nicholas Schork, Ph.D.: CEO | leading statistical geneticist and applied biomedical researcher; helped set up first two XTEN's at Craig Venter's Human Longevity Institute (HLI) Geoffrey Folkerth, MBA: President | 16 years creating & managing life science investments (Biobank Technology Ventures, Pathway Genomics) Piotr Staniszewski: Supervisory Board | 15 years C-level experience working with industry and government to build successful Polish business Jacek Wojciechowicz, Ph.D.: Supervisory Board | CEO of publically traded Polish genetic testing company http://www.genomicsengland.co.uk, www.creativemanagementpartners.com Contact Information: THE CREATIVE MANAGEMENT AGENCY 508-292-7900 Creative Management Partners LLC 433 North Camden Drive, 6th Floor Beverly Hills, Ca. 90210 Results generated using Cantargia AB's ("Cantargia") antibodies, including the product candidate CAN04, are to be presented by Dr Helena Agerstam of Lund University in an oral session at the American Society of Hematology's (ASH) 58th annual meeting in San Diego on 3-6 December 2016. The presentation focuses on studies in preclinical models of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Cantargia develops the humanised antibody CAN04 against the target molecule Interleukin-1 Receptor Associated Protein (IL1RAP) for the treatment of cancer. Cantargia has previously shown that antibodies targeted against IL1RAP are able to stimulate the killing of tumour cells in various preclinical cancer models. The data presented are based on the study that was published in September 2016 in the scientific journal Blood (http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/early/2016/09/12/blood-2015-11-679985). Data show that IL1RAP is an interesting and relevant target for antibody treatment of CML and also adds important knowledge that can be used in CAN04 treatment of other cancer forms characterised by IL1RAP overexpression. "We are very pleased that the results from studies involving Cantargia's antibodies have attracted so much attention and thus have been selected for an oral presentation at a leading scientific conference in the field of haematology", says Goran Forsberg, CEO at Cantargia. "It confirms that our project is being followed with interest and have raised the profile of Cantargia at an international level." The results are being presented on December 5th at 2.45 p.m. local time. An abstract is available at http://www.hematology.org/Annual-Meeting. This information is of such a nature that Cantargia is obliged to publish it in accordance with the EU's regulation on market abuse. Information has been provided, through the agency of the above contact person, for publication on 3 November 2016 at 15.00. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103006034/en/ Contacts: Cantargia Goran Forsberg, CEO Tel.: +46 (0)046-275 62 60 E-mail: goran.forsberg@cantargia.com Certified Adviser: Sedermera Fondkommission Bei der US-Prasidentschaftswahl hat die Kandidatin der Demokraten, Hillary Clinton, den Bundesstaat New York fur sich gewonnen. Das meldete der US-Nachrichtensender CNN auf Basis von Nachwahlbefragungen. Fur den Bundesstaat Texas, der traditionell republikanisch wahlt, sah sich der Sender nach Schlieen der Wahllokale noch nicht in der Lage, eine Prognose abzugeben. Der republikanische Kandidat Trump gewann dafur sicher die Bundesstaaten Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, North Dakota und South Dakota. Im vielbeachteten Bundesstaat Florida lag Trump nach Auszahlen von 92 Prozent der Stimmen mit 49,2 Prozent vor Clinton, die auf 47,7 Prozent kommt. Auch im Bundesstaat Ohio, der ebenfalls als entscheidend gilt, lag Trump nach Auszahlen von 45 Prozent der Stimmen mit 51,0 Prozent vor Clinton, die dort auf 44,9 Prozent kommt. AMSTERDAM (dpa-AFX) - Shares of Credit Suisse Group AG (CS) were losing around 6 percent in the mid-day trading after the Swiss banking giant reported Thursday a sharp decline in third-quarter profit. Meanwhile, Dutch banking firm ING Group NV's (ING) stock gained 4 percent, as third-quarter profit climbed on solid commercial momentum. French lender Societe Generale SA's (SCGLF.PK, SCGLY.PK) shares were also gaining around 7 percent, despite recording weak net profit in the quarter. Looking ahead, Credit Suisse said it expects market activity to continue to be influenced by geopolitical and macro-economic uncertainty over the next several quarters and the outlook to remain challenging. It believes that it is on the right path and are making progress on implementing strategy. Meanwhile, Societe Generale said it is confident about its outlook and determined to pursue the challenge of its transformation process. In the third quarter, Credit Suisse reported that net income attributable to shareholders fell 95 percent to 41 million Swiss francs from 779 million francs last year. Quarterly net revenues decreased 10 percent year-over-year to 5.396 billion francs, primarily reflecting lower net revenues in Corporate Center and Global Markets. These were partially offset by higher net revenues in Swiss Universal Bank mainly due to the gains on the sale of real estate. Core Results net revenues were 5.561 billion francs, down 8 percent from the prior year. The company said it remained focused on reducing cost base. Total adjusted operating cost base at constant FX rates decreased 2 percent. At constant FX rates, adjusted non-compensation expenses decreased 12 percent, reflecting restructuring efforts beyond straight headcount reductions. The company noted that as of November 3, headcount was reduced by 5,400, of the 6000 cuts targeted for 2016. For ING, third-quarter group net result climbed 26.8 percent to 1.349 billion euros from last year's 1.064 billion euros. ING Bank's net result grew 23.9 percent to 1.336 billion euros, reflecting solid commercial momentum. The total underlying result before tax was 1.878 billion euros, compared to 1.495 billion euros a year ago. The results reflected continued loan growth at healthy margins, effective cost control and a relatively low level of risk costs. Total underlying income was 4.36 billion euros, 9 percent higher than last year's 4 billion euros. The company noted that ING Bank recorded 3.6 billion euros of net core lending growth and attracted 2.0 billion euros of net customer deposits in the third quarter. The quarterly performance reflected continued loan growth at healthy margins, as well as higher commission and fee income. Societe Generale's third-quarter reported group net income declined 2.4 percent to 1.10 billion euros from last year's 1.13 billion euros. However, Group net income, adjusted for revaluation of own financial liabilities and DVA, climbed 39 percent to 1.26 billion euros from 904 million euros a year ago. The company noted that International Retail Banking & Financial Services' earnings grew 30.6 percent, and earnings of Global Banking & Investor Solutions climbed 42.1 percent. French Retail Banking's contribution to earnings were lower than last year. Operating income declined 13.1 percent from last year to 1.58 billion euros. Book net banking income dropped 5.6 percent to 6.01 billion euros from 6.36 billion euros last year. Net banking income, excluding non-economic items, totaled 6.251 billion euros, up 3.7 percent from last year. In Zurich, Credit Suisse shares were trading at 12.53 francs, down 5.51 percent. In Amsterdam, ING shares were at 12.06 euros, up 4.28 percent. In Paris, Societe Generale shares were trading at 36.44 euros, up 6.60 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "United Kingdom Remote Patient Monitoring Market Outlook to 2022" report to their offering. The report provides company shares and distribution shares data for the market category, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants. Based on the availability of data for the particular category 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. We use 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. Scope Market size for Remote Patient Monitoring market segments Implantable Remote Patient Monitoring Devices and External Remote Patient Monitoring Devices. Annualized market revenues (USD million), volume (units) and average selling price ($) 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 Remote Patient Monitoring market. Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the United Kingdom Remote Patient Monitoring market. Key players covered include Biotronik SE Co. KG, Medtronic plc, St. Jude Medical, Inc., GE Healthcare Limited and Others. Key Topics Covered: 1 Tables Figures 2 Introduction 3 Remote Patient Monitoring Market, United Kingdom 4 Overview of Key Companies in United Kingdom, Remote Patient Monitoring Market 5 Remote Patient Monitoring Market Pipeline Products 6 Recent Developments 7 Appendix Companies Mentioned Biotronik SE Co. KG Medtronic plc St. Jude Medical, Inc. Honeywell Hommed LLC GE Healthcare Limited Boston Scientific Corporation Philips Healthcare Nihon Kohden Corporation For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/g35t8n/united_kingdom View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103006099/en/ Contacts: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Related Topics: Patient Monitoring Equipment WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A 94-year-old Santa Rosa Beach woman walks one mile every day in support of Donald Trump. US media reported about Arlene Borges, and Trump thanked his die-hard fan for her great effort. 'Thank you Arlene! We will make America safe and great again!,' the Republican candidate wrote on Twitter with reproducing a story of her. Arlene has voted in so many presidential elections for the Democratic candidate, but now she is an ardent Trump fan. It has become a morning routine for the Santa Rosa Beach resident to walk a mile every day in her quiet neighborhood while wearing a Trump T-shirt. Arlene has become something of a celebrity in the neighborhood now, that when she walks, passing motorists stop to ask for a photo. 'I liked Trump even before he thought about being president. I think he's a very smart man,' said Arlene, who already exercised her franchise utilizing the early voting facility on Saturday with the help of her son. Arlene doesn't believe all of the bad things people are saying about the septuagenarian, whom, according her, is a good man. 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. ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- PolyMet Mining Corp. (TSX: POM)(NYSE MKT: PLM) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Poly Met Mining, Inc. (together "PolyMet" or the "Company") submitted its Permit to Mine application to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Permit to Mine is one of several major permits required to construct and operate the NorthMet copper-nickel-precious metals project located in northeastern Minnesota. The application is the last of the major permit applications, following submission of water-related and air quality permit applications to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (PCA) and DNR during the summer. The more than 15,000-page Permit to Mine application details the methods and controls PolyMet proposes to use to mine and process ore in an environmentally responsible and safe manner, plans to mitigate environmental impacts, and financial assurance to cover the costs of reclamation, closure and post-closure in compliance with state law. "This application is the product of more than a decade of independent and peer-reviewed scientific studies and analysis. It reflects the culmination of thousands of hours of meticulous work by the PolyMet team and our consultants and advisors," said Jon Cherry, president and CEO. "It demonstrates in detail the numerous steps we would take to ensure the mine operates in an environmentally responsible and safe manner, meets the high standards and expectations we and others have set for the project, and that there will be funds set aside to ensure that taxpayer dollars will not be needed for reclamation." In conjunction with the air- and water-related permit applications that were submitted during the summer, the Permit to Mine application provides details of various aspects of the construction, mining, processing, and ultimate closure. The NorthMet Project is estimated to require approximately two million hours of construction labor and would create approximately 360 long-term jobs. An independent economic impact analysis has estimated an annual impact of $515 million in St. Louis County. Before the formal permit application process started in April 2016, the NorthMet Project underwent more than a decade of environmental review, culminating in the state's EIS adequacy decision in March 2016. There are three main areas of focus of the Permit to Mine application: - Mine waste management: the application explains how PolyMet would design, manage, and monitor mining, waste rock and tailings facilities throughout active mine operations and closure. It details the robust engineering controls PolyMet developed based on more than ten years of extensive analysis and modeling. These controls include stockpile liners, containment systems, drainage and dust control systems, water treatment facilities and other means for ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. - Wetlands protection and replacement: the application provides plans to protect wetlands as well as replacement and mitigation for the wetlands the project would directly impact. This includes plans for restoring, maintaining and monitoring wetlands, as well as monitoring all wetlands near the project that could be indirectly affected by operations. - Financial assurance: the application outlines bankruptcy-proof financial assurance that PolyMet would provide to ensure the state can close and reclaim the site even if, for any reason, the company were unable to do so. State law requires an annually updated contingency reclamation plan and cost estimate that describes closure and post-closure activities that would be necessary if operations were to cease within the next year. The NorthMet Project's first year of activity is construction, for which the reclamation cost estimate is $12 million. PolyMet also provided projections for the second year of construction and first year of operation, which are $44 million and $197 million, respectively. The projections reflect progressively greater reclamation cost as the project footprint expands and the need for long-term water treatment becomes necessary for the project. PolyMet proposes to use a mix of financial assurance instruments comprising surety bonding, irrevocable letters of credit, and a trust fund in accordance with Minnesota Rules. The mix would evolve over time, and would be supplemented by PolyMet with environmental insurance as necessary. In aggregate, the total amount of financial assurance available at any time would equal the estimated cost of the reclamation plan, applicable at that time, in compliance with state law. This would include water treatment. Following the process laid out in the April 19, 2016 pre-application public meeting in Aurora, Minnesota, permit applications will be posted on www.mn.gov/polymet. The website also provides information about the permitting process for the DNR and the PCA. PolyMet also announced the retirement of William Murray from PolyMet's board of directors. Bill joined PolyMet as a director and CEO in early 2003. He served as executive chairman from February 2008 until December 2010 and chaired and held positions on several board committees. One of his most significant contributions was targeting the acquisition of the Erie Plant, which was incorporated into the definitive feasibility study in 2006 and continues to be the cornerstone to the development of the project and Company. "It has been an instructive and rewarding experience working with Willi over the last 13 years. The Company would not be where it is today without his guidance and leadership. On behalf of the board of directors and the Company, we express our sincere appreciation for his many years of service and wish him well in his retirement," said Ian Forrest, chairman of the board. Cherry added, "The foresight and strategic vision that Bill identified many years ago of repurposing existing taconite processing facilities in northern Minnesota for the state's first copper-nickel mine has laid the groundwork for the future of mining in Minnesota. We are proud to be moving forward on this vision and look forward to responsibly developing and producing the metals that we use every day." About PolyMet PolyMet Mining Corp. (www.polymetmining.com) is a publicly-traded mine development company that owns 100 percent of Poly Met Mining, Inc., a Minnesota corporation that controls 100 percent of the NorthMet copper-nickel-precious metals ore body through a long-term lease and owns 100 percent of the Erie Plant, a large processing facility located approximately six miles from the ore body in the established mining district of the Mesabi Iron Range in northeastern Minnesota. Poly Met Mining, Inc. has completed its Definitive Feasibility Study. The NorthMet Final EIS was published in November 2015, preparing the way for decisions on permit applications. NorthMet is expected to require approximately two million hours of construction labor, creating approximately 360 long-term jobs, a level of activity that will have a significant multiplier effect in the local economy. PolyMet Disclosures This news release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning anticipated developments in PolyMet's operations in the future. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "potential," "possible," "projects," "plans," and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will," "may," "could," or "should" occur or be achieved or their negatives or other comparable words. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding the ability and timeline to receive environmental and operating permits, job creation, and the effect on the local economy, or other statements that are not a statement of fact. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements due to risks facing PolyMet or due to actual facts differing from the assumptions underlying its predictions. PolyMet's forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and PolyMet does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations and opinions should change. Specific reference is made to PolyMet's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016 and in our other filings with Canadian securities authorities and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Report on Form 6-K providing information with respect to our operations for the three and six months ended July 31, 2016, for a discussion of some of the risk factors and other considerations underlying forward-looking statements. The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: Media PolyMet Mining Corp. Bruce Richardson Corporate Communications +1 (651) 389-4111 brichardson@polymetmining.com Investor Relations PolyMet Mining Corp. Jenny Knudson Investor Relations +1 (651) 389-4110 jknudson@polymetmining.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Judicial Watch has announced that a hearing will be held on Friday regarding its lawsuit challenging the failure of Secretary of State John Kerry to comply with the Federal Records Act (FRA) in seeking to recover the emails of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other high level State Department officials who used non-'state.gov' email accounts to conduct official business. The hearing will be held at U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Washington, DC. In May 2015 Judicial Watch filed the lawsuit after the State Department failed to take action following a letter to Kerry 'notifying him of the unlawful removal of the Clinton emails and requesting that he initiate enforcement action pursuant to the FRA,' including working through the Attorney General to recover the emails. Judicial Watch's lawsuit subsequently was consolidated with a later lawsuit by Cause of Action Institute. Both organizations now are appealing a January 2016 decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia dismissing the case. 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. STAMFORD, Connecticut and LUCCA, Italy, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Company Continued Profitability Streak; Recognized by Major Research Firm for Modern Financial Disclosure and Compliance Reporting Required by Complex Businesses Tagetik , a leader in global performance management software solutions, announced that its third quarter for 2016 saw a 134% increase in cloud-based annual recurring revenue (YoY). Globally, 45% of new customers acquired in Q3 2016 chose Tagetik's cloud-based solutions; in North America, 85% of new Q3 customers chose to implement in the cloud. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140625/694014 ) "Tagetik Cloud fits in with our end-to-end cloud tech stack and our philosophy of using scalable, cloud-based services. We are a fast-growing technology startup and need our systems to scale without having to maintain on-premise infrastructure," said Teddy Collins, manager of financial operations for SeatGeek, the creator of a mobile-focused platform that enables fans to buy and sell tickets for sports, concert, and theater events and a new Tagetik customer. The quarter results also continued Tagetik's profitability streak, with the North American and DACH regions exceeding revenue projections. Tagetik's direct operation in Benelux further confirmed its leadership position in the insurance market. In all, the company acquired 42 new customers during the quarter, including Continental Grain Company, Colas, Endurance Services, Aludium, Mundipharma Australia, Falken Tire Corporation, and RBC Bearing Company of America. In early October, Tagetik was positioned as a leader, the highest of four categories, in The Forrester Wave': Enterprise Performance Management, Q4 2016. According to the research report, "Tagetik is best suited for multinational enterprises with complex planning, financial consolidation, and compliance reporting needs.It is also a good choice for SAP ERP customers based on its ability to run on SAP HANA." "The fact that a significant majority of new North American customers have chosen to implement our cloud solution demonstrates our ability to successfully compete against the 'pure-cloud' corporate performance management vendors," said Manuel Vellutini, co-CEO of Tagetik. "All signs point to a stellar 2016 for Tagetik, with an expected global growth of at least 25%." "The growth in cloud adoption we've seen reflects the continued increase in cloud-related spending reported by IDC, Gartner, and other research firms," said Marco Pierallini, co-CEO of Tagetik. "And for those companies who are not yet ready for the cloud, the fact that we offer customers a deployment choice - on the cloud or on premise with no compromise in functionality -- makes us a safe choice. These customers know they can migrate to the cloud at any time without disrupting their financial processes." In other third-quarter news, Tagetik hosted its first "Tagetik Insurance Day" conference, September 8 - 9. More than 150 finance executives representing insurance providers in six European countries met to discuss new and upcoming regulatory requirements and reporting changes and the role of technology in meeting these and other disruptive forces that will impact the Office of Finance. Also in September, Tagetik opened a new office in Brussels, a major insurance and financial services center, to support the complex financial requirements and operations of companies throughout Belgium and Luxembourg. About Tagetik Tagetik understands the complex challenges that face the Office of Finance and translates that knowledge into intuitive, enterprise-scale performance management software solutions that drive business results. With Tagetik, companies get the simplicity of the Cloud and the power to unify financial and operational planning; shorten the consolidation and close process; immediately analyze results, model and compare full financial statement impact of business scenarios; adjust strategic plans; seamlessly update rolling forecasts; produce formatted and auditable financial statements and management reports; collaborate on business reviews, and automate disclosure and board reporting. Tagetik has built-in financial intelligence so that CFOs, finance managers, and operations executives can orchestrate multiple or all processes in one software solution. More than 850 customers across 35 countries count on Tagetik to improve efficiency, reduce risk, save money and deliver results. For more information, visit www.tagetik.com. We get Finance. You get results. Follow us on social media: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Google+ YouTube Blog ### Media Contacts: Corporate and EMEA: Linda Galloway insidHR Communications +1 303 863 8620 office +1 203 733 7446 mobile lgalloway@insidhr.com North America: Courtly Stevens Courtly & Company +1 415 640 0188 office cstevens@courtlyandco.com PICKERING, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Automodular Corporation ("Automodular") (TSX VENTURE: AM.H) reports a net loss of $(0.1) million or $(0.01) per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 compared to a net loss of $(0.3) million or $(0.02) per share in the same period in 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, Automodular reports a net loss of $(0.8) million and a net loss of $(2.1) million or $(0.06) and $(0.11) per share, respectively. The results for the nine months of the year are summarized below (all figures in '000s except per share amounts): Three months ended Nine months ended September 30 September 30 2016 2015 2016 2015 $ $ $ $ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales - - - - Net earnings (loss) (129) (331) (764) (2,050) Per share (basic) (0.01) (0.02) (0.06) (0.11) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- With respect to the GM litigation, counsel for the parties attended at trial scheduling court in Toronto in October. Based on the trial dates offered by the court, we have sought a transfer of this matter to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice's Commercial List in order to seek an earlier trial date. Automodular will continue to pursue the earliest possible pre-trial and trial dates and will communicate with its stakeholders when it has something material to share. There can be no assurance that the claim will be successful or that Automodular will recover any amounts from GM. Automodular's interim consolidated financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis for the period ended September 30, 2016 will be filed on SEDAR on or about November 8, 2016. 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: Automodular Corporation Christopher S. Nutt President and CEO (905) 420-0200 invest@automodular.com FREEHOLD, NJ -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- MEDIFIRST SOLUTIONS, INC. (OTCQB: MFST) (the "Company" or "Medifirst") would like to update shareholders regarding recent company developments for international sales for its FDA cleared Infrared Time Machine TTML-8102000 Laser Thermal Therapeutic Device. Medifirst recently announced that it has hired a Sales Director to set up operations for sales in international markets. We are pleased to announce that Medifirst has met with medical representatives and buyers in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Morocco and Spain. Providing pain relief to patients to reduce reliance on prescription medications is a top priority for these buyers and all representatives expressed very strong interest in acquiring The Time Machine Laser for their hospitals and clinics. Currently, Medifirst is setting up demonstrations and providing due diligence regarding the laser certifications, protocols and treatments. Additionally, the Company is pleased to announce that it has completed setting up its FDA mandated internal controls and compliance procedures that are required before initiating sales. Commented President Bruce J. Schoengood, "We are on track to initiating sales, and we are very excited at the opportunity to provide our Time Machine Laser to the international markets. Providing an alternative treatment for pain related ailments can provide substantial saving to the healthcare providers who absorb the cost of expensive pain medications for patients who have to live everyday in pain." The Company appreciates the patience of its shareholders and supporters during this exciting time and will continue to provide updates in the upcoming days and weeks. About Medifirst Solutions, Inc. Medifirst Solutions, Inc., in response to its Premarket Notification 510(k) submission for "The Time Machine" Series Laser, received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") to market its infrared Time Machine TTML-8102000 Laser Thermal Therapeutic Device. The Time Machine Series Lasers Model TTML-8102000 - 810/830nm is intended for use in temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain, stiffness, minor arthritis pain, muscle spasm, temporary increase in local blood circulation and temporary relaxation of muscles by means of topical elevated tissue temperature from infrared spectral emissions. Due to the decrease of inflammation, patients have seen immediate aesthetic improvements as well, such as in scar and incision healing. The hand-held laser device, with pinpoint accuracy, often gives patients immediate results with no redness, swelling or down-time. This unique laser device offers medical professionals an affordable and effective tool to enhance their treatment protocols for their patients and provide new revenue streams for their practice. The laser division will be operated out of Medifirst's wholly owned subsidiary, Medical Lasers Manufacturer. Visit www.medifirstsolutions.com for more information. Forward-Looking Statements: The statements in this press release that relate to the company's expectations with regard to the future impact on the company's results from new products in development are forward-looking statements, and may involve risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. Such risks and uncertainties are described in greater detail in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Since the information in this press release may contain statements that involve risk and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, the company's actual results may differ materially from expected results. We make no commitment to disclose any subsequent revisions to forward-looking statements. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of offers to buy any securities of any entity. Medifirst Solutions, Inc. Investor Relations (732) 786-8044 admin@medifirstsolutions.com www.medifirstsolutions.com PUNE, India, November 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The report"Wireline Services Marketby Application (Onshore & Offshore), Type (Electricline & Slickline), Services (Completion, Intervention, & Logging), Hole Type (Cased Hole & Open Hole), and Region - Global Forecasts to 2021" published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is expected to grow from an estimated USD 8.26 Billion in 2016 to USD 9.15 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 2.1%. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 ) Browse 60 market data Tables and 51 Figures spread through 154 Pages and in-depth TOC on"Wireline Services Market" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/wireline-services-market-219892196.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. The global market is set to witness growth, due to the aging reservoirs, increasing oil production, and lifting of Iranian oil export sanctions. Also, oil export sanctions on Iran were lifted in January 2016, allowing the country to export oil. This has led to an increase in E&P investments in the country, leading to a rise in oil production. The onshore segment is expected to hold the largest share of the wireline service market, by application, during the forecast period The onshore segment led the Wireline Services Market in 2015, owing to the increasing demand for wireline services across the globe. This segment is primarily driven by high number of maturing fields in onshore regions. Moreover, the ease of mobility is high in onshore regions which allows for multiple usages of wireline services, and is expected to create new revenue pockets for the Wireline Services Market during the forecast period. Cased-Hole to be the largest segment in theWireline Services Market With regard to the hole type segment, cased-hole is expected to be the largest market in 2016. When a portion of a well has a metal casing placed and cemented to protect from pressures, fluids etc., it is called as cased-hole and these cased-hole services increases wellbore stability. The cased-hole applications further includes electricline and slickline. The electricline is estimated to be the largest sub-segment within the cased-hole wireline services due to advantages such as real time data collection, versatility, and accuracy. Make an Enquiry: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=219892196 North America: The leading market for wireline services In this report, the Wireline Services Market has been analyzed with respect to six regions, namely, North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. North America is expected to dominate the global Wireline Services Market, given the increasing shale gas production in U.S. and the offshore production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. To enable an in-depth understanding of the competitive landscape, the report includes profiles of some of the top players in the Wireline Services Market. These players include Schlumberger Limited (U.S.), Halliburton Company (U.S.), Baker Hughes Incorporated (U.S.), Weatherford International PLC (Switzerland), and Superior Energy Services (U.S.). Leading players are trying to penetrate the markets in developing economies, and are adopting various strategies to increase their market share. Browse Related Reports: Wireline Logging Services Market by Hole Type (Cased Hole, Open Hole), by Wireline Type (Electricline, Slickline) & Geography (Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa, North America, South America) - Global Trends & Forecast to 2019 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/wireline-logging-services-market-259356422.html Oilfield Services Market by Type (Coiled Tubing, Well Completion, Well Intervention, Pressure Pumping, OCTG, Drilling Waste Management, Drilling & Completion Fluids, and Wireline ), & by Region - Global trends & Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/oilfield-services-market-263907746.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers. We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository. Contact: Mr. Rohan MarketsandMarkets 701 Pike Street, Suite 2175, Seattle, WA 98101, United States Tel: 1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit MarketsandMarkets Blog @ http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/energy-and-power Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets Subscribe Reports from Energy & Power Domain @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Knowledgestore.asp MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Qeexo, developer of user interaction solutions for touch-enabled devices, today announces that its FingerSense next generation touch platform is available on the just-released Huawei Mate 9 smartphone. Huawei made the announcement today during its Mate 9 launch in Munich, Germany. "Qeexo FingerSense is becoming in touch technology on Android, and we're excited about the growing partnership with Huawei that has put FingerSense into the hands of tens of millions of consumers," said Sang Won Lee, CEO of Qeexo. "With FingerSense, users of the Mate 9 will have access to the world's most advanced touch technology and enjoy a far more delightful and engaging user experience." Huawei, the world's third largest smartphone manufacturer, uses Qeexo FingerSense technology (rebranding it "Knuckle Sense" or "Knuckle Gestures") for many of it its flagship smartphones, including the Mate 9. FingerSense enables users to quickly access powerful functions, simply by using a knuckle to draw or knock on the screen. For example, users can use a knuckle to knock twice on the display to take a screenshot, or to draw letters such as "m" and "c" to launch the Mate's 9's music player and camera respectively. FingerSense is the next generation touch platform from Qeexo and the world's first software-only solution that can distinguish between touchscreen inputs such as fingertip, knuckle, nail and stylus. With FingerSense, smartphone OEMs can offer a range of new capabilities to delight users and make it easier for users to perform smartphone tasks. Using simple gestures, FingerSense enables: enhanced screenshot capabilities, more robust live screen-recording tools and quick-launch of applications via letter gestures. To watch a demo of Qeexo's FingerSense technology, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCE8FYwQjz8. About Qeexo By bringing machine intelligence to human input, Qeexo develops innovative solutions to advance the field of human-computer interaction. The company's technologies elevate the user experience of touch-enabled devices, making them more intelligent, more powerful and easier to use. Qeexo works with the world's top mobile companies and its technology is deployed on tens of millions of devices worldwide. Spun out of Carnegie Mellon University, Qeexo is venture-backed and headquartered in Mountain View, Calif. To learn more, visit www.qeexo.com. Contact: Lisa Langsdorf Email Contact DENVER, COLORADO and VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Sandspring Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: SSP)(OTCQX: SSPXF) ("Sandspring" or the "Company") is pleased to announce initial results from its 2016 Core Drill Resource Definition Program (the "2016 Program") on the Sona Hill Prospect. The Company has received assay results from the first 20 core holes (2,776 meters) drilled within the northern half of the Sona Hill prospect. Highlights of the drill results received to date include 30.4 m of 3.56 g/t gold from 64.5 to 95 m drill depth, including 9.4 m of 9.85 g/t gold from 73.6 to 83 m in Sona Hill Drill Hole (SOD) 058; 6 m of 5.91 g/t gold from 44.0 to 50.0 m drill depth, including 1.5 m of 14.1 g/t gold from 48.5 to 50 m in SOD0057; and 8.6 m of 4.05 g/t gold from 76.6 to 85.2 m drill depth in SOD046 are presented in Table 1. Sona Hill is a potential high-grade satellite gold deposit located 5km southeast from the 6.9 million ounce Toroparu Gold Deposit ("Toroparu")1 (see Exhibit 1 Location Map). Drilling continues to support Management's belief that the Sona Hill anomaly hosts higher-grade, shallow mineralization that could complement the existing Toroparu and SE Zone Satellite deposits and improve project economics. Hard rock mineralization was discovered at Sona Hill in 2012 during exploration of the cluster of ten gold features surrounding Toroparu. A 3,700-meter drill program in 2015 over an area of 800 m x 200 m intercepted high-grade mineralization within the hanging wall of a north-south oriented low angle shear structure, demonstrating the potential for a high-grade satellite gold deposit (see Sandspring press release dated February 3, 2016). To view Exhibit 1 - Location Map, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1075109a.pdf Table 1: Drill Intercept Highlights Hole-ID From To Width (i) Weighted Avg. Gold Grade ------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- SOD043 0.0 3.0 3.0 7.82 ------------------------------------------------------- SOD044 52.0 58.9 6.9 1.85 incl. 53.0 56.3 3.2 3.21 ------------------------------------------------------- SOD046 76.6 85.2 8.6 4.85 incl. 76.6 77.3 0.7 13.90 incl. 78.4 79.4 0.9 8.73 incl. 80.8 82.3 1.5 8.19 ------------------------------------------------------- SOD047 3.5 9.5 6.0 2.07 incl. 3.5 5.0 1.5 6.25 ------------------------------------------------------- SOD048 139.5 145.1 5.6 2.61 ------------------------------------------------------- SOD051 0.0 2.6 2.6 6.65 incl. 1.7 2.6 0.9 10.90 ------------------------------------------------------- SOD056 6.5 8.0 1.5 6.00 ------------------------------------------------------- SOD057 44.0 50.0 6.0 5.91 incl. 44.0 45.2 1.2 4.93 incl. 47.3 48.5 1.2 6.59 incl. 48.5 50.0 1.5 14.10 ------------------------------------------------------- SOD058 47.0 57.3 10.3 1.05 incl. 52.7 54.2 1.5 1.85 ------------------------------------------------------- SOD058 64.6 95.0 30.4 3.56 incl. 73.6 83.0 9.4 9.85 ------------------------------------------------------- SOD060 0.0 2.0 2.0 6.28 ------------------------------------------------------- SOD061 2.0 17.0 15.0 1.14 ------------------------------------------------------- SOD061 21.5 32.0 10.5 1.30 incl. 26.0 27.5 1.5 5.99 (cut-off grade 0.5 g/t; no grade capping applied) A complete list of gold drill intercepts are attached as Exhibit 1. (i) The width as defined in Table 1 and the complete list of drill intercepts accompanying this release are the length of core and not the true width of mineralization as the true width of mineralization cannot be determined with the data and information available at this stage of the drill program. To further support the continuity of mineralization between existing drill holes, Sandspring is completing a 7,000-meter infill drilling program in 75 diamond drill holes on 50m x 50m spacing. This drill density is designed to allow the Company to model and estimate a resource for the Sona Hill anomaly that can be incorporated into the mine plan for Toroparu. Rich Munson, CEO states: "The drill results of this campaign confirm last year's intercepts and are very encouraging. Sona Hill is a "gold only" deposit with high-grade shallow mineralization. We are hopeful that mineralization at Sona Hill could be fed into the Toroparu processing plant in the early mine years, expediting payback and further bolstering the project's economics. "The success to date at Sona Hill also underscores the potential for further resource growth in the Toroparu district. Sona Hill is just one of ten high-priority gold features surrounding the Toroparu deposit, each of which has the potential to bring additional resources to the project." The reported holes, SOD042-SOD061, represent a total of 2,776 meters of diamond core drilling (drilled July to August 2016) within the Sona Hill Area shown below. To view Exhibit 2: SONA HILL PROSPECT - Drill Plan Map, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1075109b.pdf Drill core logging indicates high to medium grade gold-pyrite mineralization is carried by sets of late staged tourmaline-feldspar bearing quartz veins, surrounded by strong hydrothermal bleaching and alteration. The veins form a network within intrusives of intermediate composition above an intensely altered low angle shearzone. The Sona Hill mineralized system remains open at depth and along strike, and the Sona Hill drilling results underline the potential to develop additional resources within the 20 km by 7 km regional hydrothermal alteration halo surrounding Toroparu. Concurrent with the drill program, the Company is also conducting a soil geochemistry and IP geophysical survey west of the Sona Hill prospect, with the objective of identifying new zones of gold mineralization and finding the geological link with the main Toroparu area. Otomung Concession Exploration Further geochemical investigation is also ongoing in the prospective Otomung Concession, northwest of Toroparu (please see Location Map above), where last year's regional geochemical survey indicated anomalous zones located within or close to a feature interpreted as a granitoid intrusion, which indicates a geological setting like Toroparu. Infill sampling on a 100m x 50m grid over several anomalous features identified during the 2015 regional sampling program within the Otomung area is underway, with results expected in early 2017. Analytical testing and reporting of quantitative assays for the results reported in this press release was performed independently by Bureau Veritas Mineral Laboratories Vancouver, Canada. Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd. is an ISO9001: 2008 accredited laboratory. A system of blanks, standards and duplicates were added to the Toroparu sample stream by the Company to verify accuracy and precision of assay results, supplementing a variety of internal quality assurance/quality control ("QA/QC") tests performed by Bureau Veritas Mineral Laboratories. The technical information in this document has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Lucas W. Claessens, P.Geo. and Pascal van Osta" P.Geo., both Senior Exploration Consultants for Sandspring Resources Ltd., who have experience with the style of mineralization under consideration and are Qualified Persons under National Instrument 43-101. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Sandspring Resources Richard A. Munson, Director and Chief Executive Officer About Sandspring Resources Ltd. Sandspring Resources Ltd. is a Canadian junior mining company currently moving toward a feasibility study for the multi-million ounce Toroparu Project in the Guyana, South America. A prefeasibility study completed in May 2013 (NI 43-101 Technical Report, Prefeasibility Study, Toroparu Gold Project, Upper Puruni River Area, Guyana, dated May 24, 2013 completed by SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc., available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com) outlined the design of an open-pit mine producing more than 200,000 ounces of gold annually over an initial 16-year mine life. Sandspring and Silver Wheaton have entered a gold and silver purchase agreement for the Toroparu Project. Additional information is available at www.sandspringresources.com or by email at info@sandspringresources.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 release. Quality Assurance / Quality Control The drill program and sampling protocol is managed by Sandspring under the supervision of Lucas W. Claessens, P.Geo. and Pascal Van Osta, P.Geo. The diamond drill holes are drilled at HQ and NQ sizes and core recovery to date has averaged 94%. Half core is cut by rock saw and is generally sampled using 1.5 m meter intervals. Analytical testing and reporting of quantitative assays for the results reported in this press release was performed independently by Bureau Veritas Mineral Laboratories in Vancouver, Canada. Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd. is an ISO9001: 2008 accredited laboratory. Gold analyses reported in this release were performed by standard fire assay (FA450) using a 50-gram charge with atomic absorption finish and a gravimetric finish for assays greater than 10 grams per tonne. Samples from the geochemical survey were submitted for analysis of ICP 37 elements (including gold) AQ252 30 gram (Aqua Regia digestion - Ultratrace ICP-MS analyses). A system of blanks, standards and duplicates were added by the Company to the sample streams to verify accuracy and precision of assay results, supplementing a variety of internal QA/QC tests performed by Bureau Veritas Mineral Laboratories. The half core samples were securely transported by Sandspring personnel from the project site to the Bureau Veritas sample preparation facility in Georgetown, Guyana. Forward-looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "potential", "suggesting", "indicating", "will", "plans" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information and/or statements. Forward-looking statements and/or information are based on several material factors, expectations and/or assumptions that Sandspring has used to develop such statements and/or information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Sandspring believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and/or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements since Sandspring can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such information and/or statements, including the assumptions made in respect thereof, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and/or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information and/or statements including, without limitation: the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; risks associated with the uncertainty of exploration results and estimates; results from drilling and exploration activities and Sandspring's ability to identify additional gold mineralization; Sandspring's ability to successfully advance the Toroparu Gold Project toward feasibility; Sandspring's future plans; the availability of financing and/or cash flow to fund current and future plans and expenditures; the impact of increasing competition; fluctuating commodity prices; the general stability of applicable economic and political environments; the general continuance of current industry conditions; uncertainty regarding the market price for gold, silver and copper; uncertainty of conducting operations under a foreign regime; uncertainty of obtaining all applicable regulatory approvals and related timing matters; Sandspring's dependence on management personnel; and/or certain other risks detailed from time-to-time in Sandspring's public disclosure documents. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligations to publicly update and/or revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether because of additional information, future events and/or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. EXHIBIT 3 Weighted Gold Hole-ID From To Width (i) Grade Average SOD042 1.0 2.5 1.5 0.58 SOD042 83.5 84.7 1.3 0.79 SOD043 0.0 3.0 3.0 7.82 SOD043 37.2 38.5 1.3 1.63 SOD044 1.0 2.5 1.5 0.98 SOD044 40.5 42.0 1.5 1.48 SOD044 52.0 58.9 6.9 1.85 incl. 53.0 56.3 3.2 3.21 SOD044 64.4 65.9 1.5 1.10 SOD044 75.0 76.5 1.5 1.66 SOD044 134.4 135.8 1.4 0.89 SOD045 46.5 48.0 1.5 3.06 SOD045 50.0 51.1 1.1 0.90 SOD045 105.7 106.5 0.8 6.81 SOD045 148.8 150.0 1.3 1.42 SOD046 76.6 85.2 8.6 4.85 incl. 76.6 77.3 0.7 13.90 incl. 78.4 79.4 0.9 8.73 incl. 80.8 82.3 1.5 8.19 SOD046 89.8 90.9 1.2 1.50 SOD047 3.5 9.5 6.0 2.07 incl. 3.5 5.0 1.5 6.25 SOD047 117.4 118.7 1.3 0.89 SOD047 127.7 128.6 1.0 3.54 SOD048 42.0 42.8 0.8 0.84 SOD048 51.5 53.0 1.5 2.07 SOD048 132.5 134.0 1.5 3.47 SOD048 139.5 145.1 5.6 2.61 incl. 139.5 140.0 0.5 2.67 incl. 144.5 145.1 0.6 9.22 SOD049 69.9 71.0 1.1 0.62 SOD049 73.5 74.9 1.4 0.63 SOD049 78.1 82.0 3.9 0.63 SOD049 88.7 92.4 3.7 0.67 SOD049 111.5 113.0 1.5 0.64 SOD049 127.1 128.7 1.6 2.43 SOD049 156.5 158.0 1.5 1.23 SOD049 160.5 161.6 1.0 1.42 SOD050 40.8 42.0 1.2 1.10 SOD050 46.3 47.4 1.2 0.53 SOD051 0.0 2.6 2.6 6.65 incl. 1.7 2.6 0.9 10.90 SOD051 9.5 11.0 1.5 1.90 SOD051 33.5 34.4 0.9 0.56 SOD052 0.0 2.0 2.0 0.81 SOD052 3.5 5.0 1.5 0.55 SOD052 41.8 42.5 0.7 1.12 SOD052 45.4 47.0 1.6 3.05 SOD052 79.5 81.0 1.4 1.00 SOD052 82.6 83.9 1.3 1.78 SOD052 91.6 92.9 1.3 0.67 SOD053 77.0 78.5 1.5 0.69 SOD053 82.8 84.0 1.2 3.00 SOD053 111.5 113.0 1.5 0.63 SOD053 116.0 119.0 3.0 1.24 SOD053 119.0 120.5 1.5 0.35 SOD053 121.4 122.7 1.3 2.58 SOD054 30.5 32.0 1.5 1.35 SOD054 63.7 65.2 4.3 1.07 SOD054 104.0 105.5 1.5 1.37 SOD054 110.0 112.4 2.4 3.69 incl. 110.0 111.2 7.02 SOD054 121.9 123.1 1.2 0.63 SOD054 123.1 124.6 1.5 1.31 SOD055 0.0 9.5 9.5 1.58 incl. 0.0 2.0 2.0 4.42 SOD055 14.0 15.5 1.5 0.60 SOD055 20.0 24.5 4.5 0.70 SOD055 71.0 72.5 1.5 0.54 SOD056 0.0 3.5 3.5 2.07 incl. 0.0 2.0 2.0 2.99 SOD056 6.5 8.0 1.5 6.00 SOD056 18.5 20.0 1.5 0.92 SOD056 24.5 29.0 4.5 0.53 SOD056 39.5 40.3 0.8 0.94 SOD056 60.5 62.0 1.5 0.63 SOD056 63.5 65.0 1.5 0.54 SOD056 88.6 89.7 1.1 1.39 SOD056 102.5 104.0 1.5 1.40 SOD057 0.0 2.0 2.0 2.44 SOD057 15.5 20.0 4.5 0.64 SOD057 38.0 39.5 1.5 3.59 SOD057 44.0 50.0 6.0 5.91 incl. 44.0 45.2 1.2 4.93 incl. 47.3 48.5 1.2 6.59 incl. 48.5 50.0 1.5 14.10 SOD057 54.5 56.0 1.5 0.75 SOD057 87.5 89.0 1.5 2.33 SOD057 96.5 98.0 3.0 0.60 SOD057 102.5 104.0 1.5 0.55 SOD058 0.0 2.0 2.0 0.63 SOD058 47.0 57.3 10.3 1.05 incl. 52.7 54.2 1.5 1.85 SOD058 64.6 95.0 30.4 3.56 incl. 66.0 67.2 1.2 2.60 incl. 69.4 70.8 1.5 4.87 incl. 73.6 83.0 9.4 9.85 SOD059 0.0 2.0 2.0 1.24 SOD059 53.0 54.7 1.7 0.87 SOD059 77.0 78.5 1.5 1.12 SOD059 81.5 83.0 1.5 0.76 SOD059 98.0 99.6 1.6 2.98 SOD059 108.5 110.0 1.5 1.07 SOD059 144.5 146.0 1.5 0.56 SOD059 159.3 160.9 1.6 1.68 SOD059 160.9 162.4 1.5 0.12 SOD059 162.4 163.9 1.5 0.66 SOD060 0.0 2.0 2.0 6.28 SOD060 3.5 5.0 1.8 1.67 SOD060 9.5 14.0 4.5 0.92 SOD060 18.5 20.0 1.5 0.56 SOD060 21.5 23.0 1.5 4.10 SOD060 71.0 72.5 1.5 5.51 SOD060 72.5 74.0 1.5 1.14 SOD061 0.0 2.0 2.0 4.41 SOD061 2.0 17.0 15.0 1.14 incl. 11.0 12.5 1.5 3.43 incl. 15.5 17.0 1.5 2.56 SOD061 21.5 32.0 10.5 1.30 incl. 26.0 27.5 1.5 5.99 SOD061 41.0 44.0 3.0 2.61 SOD061 48.0 50.0 2.0 0.52 (i) The width as defined in the list of drill intercepts above are the length of core and not the true width of mineralization as the true width of mineralization cannot be determined with the data and information available at this stage of the drill Contacts: Sandspring Resources Ltd. Richard A Munson Chief Executive Officer 720-991-5669 info@sandspringresources.com SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- (Marketwired) -- 11/17/16 --The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (OTCQB: WTER) (the "Company"), developers of an innovative state of the art proprietary electrolysis beverage process packaged and sold in 500ml, 700ml, 1-liter, 3-liter and 1-gallon sizes under the trade name Alkaline88, is pleased to announce acceptance for product placement in the one (1) gallon size at Food Depot. All American Quality Foods, doing business as Food Depot, operates forty (40) supermarkets throughout the state of Georgia and was named one of the Supermarkets News 2012 Top 50 Small Chains and Independents. "This is another great chain in another great town," states Ricky Wright, Alkaline Water Company's COO. "Food Depot serves mainly the Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding communities. With the expansion of our co-packer's capacity in Arlington., Georgia, we can expect accelerated growth to continue in the southeastern USA," added Wright. About The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (OTCQB: WTER): The Alkaline Water Company Inc. has developed an innovative, state of the art, proprietary electrolysis process that produces healthy alkaline water for a balanced lifestyle. The company is focused on the business of distributing and marketing the retail sale of its cost-effective packaged Alkaline88 water beverage products. The Alkaline Water Company Inc. is currently in the midst of a national mass-market expansion program and is available for consumer sales at major retail locations across the United States. Learn more about The Alkaline Water Company Inc. by visiting: www.thealkalinewaterco.com. About Alkaline88: Alkaline88 is a premier bottled alkaline drinking water with an 8.8-pH balance. Enhanced with trace minerals and electrolytes, the product offers consumers the unique opportunity to purchase alkaline water in conveniently packaged 500ml, 700ml, and 1-liter, 3-liter and 1-gallon sizes. Learn more about the science of Alkaline88 at www.alkaline88.com. About All American Quality Foods Inc. DBA Food Depot All American Quality Foods was founded in 1973 in Stockbridge Georgia. The Food Depot name and concept arrived in 1988 and has grown rapidly with forty (40) supermarkets that offer consumers in their marketplace great value and quality. In 2001, SUPERVALU selected All American Quality Foods as their Southeast Region Retailer of the year and they have continued to expand at a profitable pace. Learn more about All American Quality Foods at http://www.myfooddepot.com Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, The Alkaline Water Company Inc.'s expectations for continued growth and expansion of the Alkaline88 brand over the next fiscal year. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with developing new products and operating as a development stage company, our ability to raise the additional funding will need to continue to pursue our business and product development plans, competition in the industry in which we operate and market conditions. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States of America. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions will prove to be accurate, investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in the reports and other documents we file with the SEC, available at www.sec.gov. Contact: The Alkaline Water Company Inc. WTER Investor Relations (480) 708-8181 investors@thealkalinewaterco.com or IRTH Communications Robert Haag Managing Partner 866-976-4784 SHANGHAI, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The winners of the 2016 CBME AWARDS were unveiled at a ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Shanghai Harbour City, China, on Oct. 27, 2016. 400 industry experts and professionals witnessed the announcements of the CBME AWARDS 2016. Organized by UBM Asia, in conjunction with CBME Industry Consortium, the CBME AWARDS, is China's children, baby and maternity industry's most anticipated awards. The CBME AWARDS comprises Innovative Products Awards, Top Brands and more. Nominations were open to the public and a specially formed 100-person judging panelmade upof notable experts in the industry, professionals and the media. Winners were finally picked and proclaimed by the 100-person judging panel, together with votes by CBME China 2016 visitors including distributors, wholesalers, retailers, professional buyers and a simultaneous online vote. Innovative Products Awards Winners: Best Baby Bedding and Furniture: Cocoonababy ( RED CASTLE ) and Furniture: Cocoonababy ( ) Best Baby Feeding Products: Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Two-way Bottle (THERMOS) Best Baby Travel Gear: Adapt 3 Position Baby Carrier (ERGOBABY) Best Educational Products: Quadrilla Space City (Hape) Best Car Seats: Trifix Black Edition (Britax) Best Baby Care Products: OKBABY Onda slim (OKBABY) Top Brands Awards Winners: Top Brand for Milk Powder: Wyeth (also Consumers' Choice Award & Industry Award) Top Brand for Baby Travel Gear: Goodbaby (also Consumers' Choice Award & Industry's Award) Top Brand for Baby Feeding Products: Pigeon (also Industry's Award) Consumers' Choice Award: NUK Top Brand for Diapers: Merries (also Consumers' Choice Award & Industry's Award) Top Brand for Toys: Lego (also Consumers' Choice Award) Industry's Award: Fisher Price Top Brand for Car Seats: Goodbaby (also Consumers' Choice Award & Industry's Award) Top Brand for Maternity Clothing: octmami (also Consumers' Choice Award & Industry's Award) Top Brand for Children's Clothing: Disney (also Consumers' Choice Award) Industry's Award: Yeehoo Top Brand for Baby Footwear: Nike Kids (also Consumers' Choice Award & Industry's Award) Top Brand for Baby Bedding and Furniture: Goodbaby (also Industry's Award) Consumers' Choice Award: Happy Dino Top Brand for Baby Care Products: Pigeon Consumers' Choice Award: mom face Industry's Award: sebamed Top Retailer Awards winners: Beijing Lijiababy Infants & Children Supplies Co., Ltd. Kidswant Children Products Co., Ltd. Kunming Dengkang Infant & Toddler Product Co., Ltd. Entrepreneur of the Year Awards winners: Chao Hu , Founder & CEO of Leyou International Business Group Co., Ltd. , Founder & CEO of Leyou International Business Group Co., Ltd. Detlef Britzke , Managing Director of Medela ( Beijing ) Medical Technology Co., Ltd. , Managing Director of Medela ( ) Medical Technology Co., Ltd. Hongfeng Mi, General Manager of MSH's Pregnant Woman and Baby Health Management Co., Ltd. James Wang , Chairman/General Manager of Hangzhou Z-shine Industrial Co., Ltd. , Chairman/General Manager of Hangzhou Z-shine Industrial Co., Ltd. Judy Ye , Vice President of China Business Division, Pigeon ( Shanghai ) Co., Ltd. , Vice President of China Business Division, Pigeon ( ) Co., Ltd. Nengcai Luo, Chairman of Kunming Dengkang Infant & Toddler Product Co., Ltd. Tao Jiang, General Manager of Lijiababy Infants & Children Supplies Co., Ltd. Weihong Xu , CEO of Kidswant Children Products Co., Ltd. Best Baby Products Store Sales Contest Awards Winners: Gold Award: Qinhuangdao Haomama Maternity and Baby Products Co., Ltd. Silver Award: Yancheng Aixin Tianshi Maternity and Baby Products Chain Co., Ltd. Bronze Award: Yiwu Aiyinbao Maternity and Baby Products Co., Ltd. and MSH's Pregnant Woman and Baby Health Management Co., Ltd. ( Jilin Branch ) Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Nengcai Luo Chairman of Kunming Dengkang Infant & Toddler Product Co., Ltd. For more information, visit www.cbmexpo.com/en/awards For press enquiries, please contact: Louise Kathryn Yu Marketing Director Tel: (+852) 2585 6101 louise.yu@ubm.com About CBME China (www.cbmexpo.com/en) Held annually in Shanghai, CBME China is the world's largest sourcing event for baby, child and maternity products. This is the perfect venue for you to meet buyers, manufacturers, distributors and suppliers in the industry. About UBM Asia (www.ubmasia.com) Owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is Asia's leading exhibition organiser and the biggest commercial organiser in mainland China, India and Malaysia. UBM Asia has a strong global network of 30 offices and 1,300 staff in 24 major cities. We operate in 20 market sectors with 230 exhibitions and conferences, 23 trade publications, 20 online products for over 1,000,000 quality exhibitors, visitors, conference delegates, advertisers and subscribers from all over the world. Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20161101/0861611478 Regulatory News: TxCell SA (Paris:TXCL) (FR0010127662 TXCL), a biotechnology company developing innovative, personalized cellular immunotherapies using regulatory T-cells to treat severe chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, today reports the monthly information regarding the total number of voting rights and the total number of shares. Pursuant to the article 223-16 of the AMF General Regulation, the total number of shares comprising the share capital and the total number of voting rights as of October 31, 2016, is presented as follow: Date Total number of shares of the Company Total number of voting rights Total gross (1) Total net (2) 10/31/2016 13,213,032 13,213,032 13,166,038 (1) Pursuant to the article 223-11 of the AMF General Regulation, the total number of gross voting rights is calculated on the basis of all shares to which voting rights are attached, including shares whose voting rights have been suspended. The number of gross voting rights (or theoretical voting rights) is used as the basis for calculating the crossing of shareholding thresholds. (2) The total number of net voting rights (or exercisable voting rights) is calculated without taking into account the shares with suspended voting rights, in this case, shares held by the Company in the context of a liquidity agreement. It is released so as to ensure that the market is adequately informed, in accordance with the recommendation made by the AMF on July 17, 2007. About TxCell - www.txcell.com TxCell is a biotechnology company that develops platforms for innovative, personalized T cell immunotherapies for the treatment of severe chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases with high unmet medical need. TxCell is targeting a range of autoimmune diseases (both T-cell and B-cell-mediated) including Crohn's disease, lupus nephritis, bullous pemphigoid and multiple sclerosis, as well as transplantation-related inflammatory disorders. TxCell is the only clinical-stage cellular therapy company fully dedicated to the science of regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs). Tregs are a recently discovered T cell population for which anti-inflammatory properties have been demonstrated. Contrary to conventional approaches based on non-specific polyclonal Tregs, TxCell is exclusively developing antigen-specific Tregs. This antigen specificity may either come from pre-existing Treg cell T-Cell Receptor (TCR) or from genetic modifications with Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR). TxCell is developing two proprietary technology platforms, ASTrIA, which is composed of non-modified naturally antigen-specific Tregs, and ENTrIA, which is composed of genetically-engineered Tregs. Based in Sophia-Antipolis, France, TxCell is listed on Euronext Paris and currently has 49 employees. Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to the business of TxCell, which shall not be considered per se as historical facts, including TxCell's ability to develop, market, commercialize and achieve market acceptance for specific products, estimates for future performance and estimates regarding anticipated operating losses, future revenues, capital requirements, needs for additional financing. In addition, even if the actual results or development of TxCell are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, those results or developments of TxCell may not be indicative of their in the future. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as "could," "should," "may," "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "aims," "targets," or similar words. Although the management of TxCell believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonably made, they are based largely on the current expectations of TxCell as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In particular, the expectations of TxCell could be affected by, among other things, uncertainties involved in the development of the Company's products, which may not succeed, or in the delivery of TxCell's products marketing authorizations by the relevant regulatory authorities and, in general, any factor that could affects TxCell capacity to commercialize the products it develops, as well as, any other risk and uncertainties developed or identified in any public documents filed by TxCell with the AMF, included those listed in chapter 4 "Risk factors" of the 2015 document de reference approved by the AMF on May 24, 2016 under number R.16-048. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements made in this press release will in fact be realized. Notwithstanding the compliance with article 223-1 of the General Regulation of the AMF (the information disclosed must be "accurate, precise and fairly presented"), TxCell is providing the information in these materials as of this press release, and disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103005707/en/ Contacts: TxCell Caroline Courme, Tel: +33(0) 4 97 21 83 00 IR Communication Director caroline.courme@txcell.com or Image Box Press relations Neil Hunter Michelle Boxall Tel: +44(0) 20 8943 4685 neil.hunter@imageboxpr.co.uk michelle.boxall@imageboxpr.co.uk or NewCap - Investor relations Julien Perez Pierre Laurent Tel: +33 (0)1 44 71 98 52 txcell@newcap.eu Regulatory News: Vicat group (Paris:VCT): Growth of +3.4% in the Vicat group's sales over the first nine months of the year and +1.7% in the third quarter at constant scope and exchange rates* Solid growth in the Group's sales at constant scope and exchange rates across all geographical regions except Europe (excl. France) Very strong currency headwinds: on a reported basis, nine-month sales were almost stable (-0.9%) and fell -1.7% in the third quarter The Vicat group (Euronext Paris: FR0000031775 VCT) today reported its nine-month 2016 sales, which came to 1,867 million, up +3.4% at constant scope and exchange rates compared with the same period of the previous year. On a reported basis, the Group's sales fell -0.9% compared with the same period of 2015. In the third quarter, sales grew +1.7% at constant scope and exchange rates and contracted -1.7% on a reported basis. Consolidated sales by business segment ( million) Nine-months 2016 Nine-months 2015 Change (%) Reported At constant scope and exchange rates* Cement 951 978 -2.8% +4.1% Concrete Aggregates 680 666 +2.2% +3.9% Other Products Services 236 240 -1.7% -0.5% Total 1,867 1,883 -0.9% +3.4% Commenting on these figures, the Group's Chairman and CEO said: "Over the first nine months of the year, our sales performance at constant scope and exchange rates was solid. On a reported basis, the negative impact of currency effects was particularly strong. Excluding currency effects, our sales during the period were boosted by further growth in the United States, improvement in the French market, and a rebound in the markets in India, Egypt and Kazakhstan. In Turkey, business trends remained brisk in spite of recent events. In West Africa, the strong performance recorded in Senegal helped to partly offset the decline in Mauritania. Lastly, the temporary slowdown in our business in Switzerland held back the Europe (excluding France) region. Against this backdrop, Vicat continues to pursue its strategy and remains focused on its objectives of maximizing its cash flow and reducing its debt." * A definition of the alternative performance measures (APMs), such as "at constant scope and exchange rates", "operational sales", "EBITDA", "net debt", "gearing" and "leverage" is provided in the appendix to this press release. Consolidated sales in the first nine months of 2016 came to 1,867 million, representing a decrease of -0.9% on a reported basis and an increase of +3.4% at constant scope and exchange rates compared with the same period of 2015. Operational sales fell back -0.3% on a reported basis, but rose +3.8% at constant scope and exchange rates. Analysed by business segment, operational sales at constant scope and exchange rates show: growth in the Cement business of +4.2% (-1.9% on a reported basis) an increase of +4.1% in the Concrete Aggregates business (+2.3% on a reported basis) a rise of +1.6% in the Other Products Services business (stable on a reported basis at -0.1%). An analysis of operational sales on a reported basis generated by the Group's various businesses shows a very small decrease in the contribution from Cement, which stood at 53.1% of operational sales, down from 53.9% in the first nine months of 2015. Concrete Aggregates contributed 32.6% of operational sales, compared with 31.8% in the first nine months of 2015. Lastly, the contribution from Other Products Services remained stable at 14.3% of operational sales. In the third quarter of 2016, consolidated sales totalled 629 million, up +1.7% at constant scope and exchange rates, but down -1.7% on a reported basis compared with the same period of 2015. Third-quarter operational sales also advanced +1.3% at constant scope and exchange rates compared with the same period of 2015, but declined -1.9% on a reported basis. Analysed by business segment, this overall trend at constant scope and exchange rates reflects: growth in the Cement business of +2.7% (-2.6% on a reported basis) a small increase of +0.9% in the Concrete Aggregates business (+0.2% on a reported basis) a -3.0% contraction in Other Products Services (-3.9% on a reported basis). In this press release, and unless indicated otherwise, all changes are calculated based on the first nine months of 2016 by comparison with the first nine months of 2015 and are stated at constant scope and exchange rates. 1. Analysis of consolidated sales in the nine months to 30 September 2016 by geographical region 1.1. France ( million) Nine-months 2016 Nine-months 2015 Change (%) Reported At constant scope Consolidated sales 604 581 +4.0% +4.0% Consolidated sales recorded in France in the nine months to 30 September 2016 totalled 604 million. They grew +4.0% at constant scope, reflecting the gradual improvement in economic and industry conditions. After the very strong improvement in the first quarter (+8.9%) owing to supportive weather conditions, and a very small increase in the second quarter (+0.9%) despite the unsettled labour climate in France and less favourable weather conditions, consolidated sales came to 199 million, representing an increase of +3.1% in the third quarter. In the Cement business , operational sales rose +3.5% over the period as a whole (consolidated sales up +2.9%). Volumes sold in the domestic market and to export markets rose by over +8% during the period. Selling prices edged slightly lower in the domestic market throughout the period. Operational sales recorded by the Cement business in the third quarter rose +0.7% (+4.2% on a consolidated basis) supported by volume growth (over +5%) in the third quarter, particularly in export markets. Average selling prices edged down in the domestic market compared with the third quarter of 2015. , operational sales rose +3.5% over the period as a whole (consolidated sales up +2.9%). Volumes sold in the domestic market and to export markets rose by over +8% during the period. Selling prices edged slightly lower in the domestic market throughout the period. The Concrete Aggregates business recorded a +3.4% increase in its operational sales and a +3.1% rise in its consolidated sales on the back of volume growth of over +7% in Concrete and near-stability in Aggregates. Selling prices again headed lower in Concrete, while remaining almost stable in Aggregates. Operational sales recorded by the business grew +0.9% in the third quarter (+0.4% on a consolidated basis). During the quarter, volumes rose close to +2% in Concrete and declined around -3% in Aggregates. Selling prices were quasi-stable in Concrete, but dropped lower in Aggregates. On a sequential basis (third quarter of 2016 compared with the second quarter of 2016), Concrete prices recorded a significant improvement. recorded a +3.4% increase in its operational sales and a +3.1% rise in its consolidated sales on the back of volume growth of over +7% in Concrete and near-stability in Aggregates. Selling prices again headed lower in Concrete, while remaining almost stable in Aggregates. In the Other Products Services business, operational sales advanced +8.0% (+7.3% on a consolidated basis). 1.2. Europe (excluding France) ( million) Nine-months 2016 Nine-months 2015 Change (%) Reported At constant scope and exchange rates Consolidated sales 310 328 -5.5% -2.8% Nine-month 2016 sales in Europe excluding France contracted -5.5% on a reported basis and -2.8% at constant scope and exchange rates compared with the same period of 2015. During the third quarter, sales came to 112 million, down -6.5% at constant scope and exchange rates (-8.0% on a reported basis). In Switzerland, the Group's consolidated sales over the first nine months of 2016 declined -3.0% at constant scope and exchange rates (-5.8% on a reported basis). The Group's sales performance in Switzerland was held back by the end of deliveries to a number of large projects and lower average selling prices as a result of the fiercer competitive pressures in the second half of 2015. Consolidated sales in the third quarter declined -6.4% at constant scope and exchange rates (-8.0% on a reported basis). In the Cement business , operational sales declined -4.3% at constant scope and exchange rates (-7.1% on a reported basis). Consolidated sales fell -7.4% at constant scope and exchange rates (-10.1% on a reported basis). Over the period as a whole, volumes fell close to -2%, primarily as a result of the end of deliveries to a number of major projects. Selling prices declined owing to the fierce competitive pressures in the third quarter of 2015. Operational sales recorded by the business in the third quarter moved down -3.3% at constant scope and exchange rates and -4.9% on a reported basis. Consolidated sales dropped -5.3% at constant scope and exchange rates and -6.9% on a reported basis. Volumes rose by more than +3% during the period, reflecting the improvement in the industry environment and the resumption of certain projects. Average selling prices were lower than in the third quarter of 2015, but less so given the base of comparison effect. , operational sales declined -4.3% at constant scope and exchange rates (-7.1% on a reported basis). Consolidated sales fell -7.4% at constant scope and exchange rates (-10.1% on a reported basis). Over the period as a whole, volumes fell close to -2%, primarily as a result of the end of deliveries to a number of major projects. Selling prices declined owing to the fierce competitive pressures in the third quarter of 2015. In the Concrete Aggregates business , operational sales rose +5.4% at constant scope and exchange rates (+2.3% on a reported basis) in the first nine months of 2016. Consolidated sales moved up +5.6% at constant scope and exchange rates and +2.5% on a reported basis. Concrete volumes dipped around -1% as certain major projects were completed and the start-up of others was delayed. This contraction in Concrete volumes was fully offset by an increase in Aggregates volumes, supported by a very strong increase in the landfill business. As a result, ex-works prices dipped lower in Concrete, while market prices in Aggregates were supported by brisk trends in the "landfill" business. In the third quarter, operational sales were almost stable (-0.9%) at constant scope and exchange rates, but declined -2.5% on a reported basis. Consolidated sales fell back -1.3% at constant scope and exchange rates (-2.9% on a reported basis). In the third quarter, volumes started moving higher again in Concrete, but declined in Aggregates. Lastly, average selling prices declined very slightly in Concrete and were almost stable in Aggregates. , operational sales rose +5.4% at constant scope and exchange rates (+2.3% on a reported basis) in the first nine months of 2016. Consolidated sales moved up +5.6% at constant scope and exchange rates and +2.5% on a reported basis. Concrete volumes dipped around -1% as certain major projects were completed and the start-up of others was delayed. This contraction in Concrete volumes was fully offset by an increase in Aggregates volumes, supported by a very strong increase in the landfill business. As a result, ex-works prices dipped lower in Concrete, while market prices in Aggregates were supported by brisk trends in the "landfill" business. The Precast business posted a decline in its operational and consolidated sales of -9.5% at constant scope and exchange rates (-12.1% on a reported basis). The bulk of this decline was attributable to lower sales of rail sleepers after the start of projects was postponed until 2017. Stronger pricing pressures prefabricated products also contributed to the decline. Operational sales recorded by the business in the third quarter contracted -13.1% at constant scope and exchange rates and by -14.6% on a reported basis. Consolidated sales dropped back -13.2% at constant scope and exchange rates and -14.7% on a reported basis. posted a decline in its operational and consolidated sales of -9.5% at constant scope and exchange rates (-12.1% on a reported basis). The bulk of this decline was attributable to lower sales of rail sleepers after the start of projects was postponed until 2017. Stronger pricing pressures prefabricated products also contributed to the decline. In Italy, consolidated sales rose +2.8% owing to growth in sales volumes of over +4% in a domestic market still marked by tough macroeconomic and industry conditions. Selling prices headed lower over the period. Consolidated sales in Italy moved down -7.9% in the third quarter owing to a contraction of close to -7% in volumes delivered over the period. Selling prices were again lower than in the third quarter of 2015, but moved higher on a sequential basis (by comparison with the second quarter of 2016). 1.3. United States ( million) Nine-months 2016 Nine-months 2015 Change (%) Reported At constant scope and exchange rates Consolidated sales 276 260 +5.8% +6.0% Business in the United States maintained its growth momentum in a still upbeat macroeconomic environment that was supportive for the construction sector. Against this backdrop, in spite of highly unfavourable weather conditions since the beginning of the year in California, the Group's consolidated sales moved up +6.0% at constant scope and exchange rates (+5.8% on a reported basis). In the third quarter, the Group's business remained firm. Its consolidated sales totalled 100 million, up +3.1% at constant scope and exchange rates (+2.7% on a reported basis). In the Cement business , operational sales grew +12.3% at constant scope and exchange rates (+12.2% on a reported basis). Consolidated sales soared +19.6% higher (+19.5% on a reported basis). Volumes continued to grow (over +4%) on the back of upbeat trends in the South-East region (over +15%), which fully offset the volume contraction in California (close to -7%) largely caused by the very poor weather conditions throughout the period. Selling prices rose significantly across both areas as a result of the hikes introduced in 2015 and those announced during the first half of 2016. Operational sales recorded by the business in the third quarter rose +5.1% at constant scope and exchange rates and +4.7% on a reported basis. Consolidated sales moved up +5.9% at constant scope and exchange rates and +5.5% on a reported basis. This smaller increase than in previous quarters reflected a volume contraction of around -5%. Volume growth in the South-East region (over +5%) failed to offset the strong contraction (close to -16%) in California caused largely by unfavourable weather conditions. Selling prices continued to move significantly higher in both regions during the quarter. , operational sales grew +12.3% at constant scope and exchange rates (+12.2% on a reported basis). Consolidated sales soared +19.6% higher (+19.5% on a reported basis). Volumes continued to grow (over +4%) on the back of upbeat trends in the South-East region (over +15%), which fully offset the volume contraction in California (close to -7%) largely caused by the very poor weather conditions throughout the period. Selling prices rose significantly across both areas as a result of the hikes introduced in 2015 and those announced during the first half of 2016. In the Concrete business , operational sales and consolidated sales were almost stable (-0.3%) at constant scope and exchange rates (-0.4% on a reported basis). Volumes contracted close to -6% during the period, with the very brisk trends in the South-East region (+10%) not fully offsetting the steep volume contraction in California (-11%) mainly attributable to the poor weather conditions. Prices recorded a healthy increase in both regions. Operational (and consolidated) sales recorded by the business in the third quarter rose +1.7% at constant scope and exchange rates (+1.3% on a reported basis). In line with the trends in the Cement business, the solid increase in volumes in the South-East region (over +11%) was not sufficient to offset entirely the decline of close to -8% in California. All in all, volumes contracted by over -2% during the quarter, while prices continued to firm up. , operational sales and consolidated sales were almost stable (-0.3%) at constant scope and exchange rates (-0.4% on a reported basis). Volumes contracted close to -6% during the period, with the very brisk trends in the South-East region (+10%) not fully offsetting the steep volume contraction in California (-11%) mainly attributable to the poor weather conditions. Prices recorded a healthy increase in both regions. 1.4. Asia (Turkey, India and Kazakhstan) ( million) Nine-months 2016 Nine-months 2015 Change (%) Reported At constant scope and exchange rates Consolidated sales 407 442 -7.9% +5.1% Sales across Asia as a whole came to 407 million in the first nine months of 2016, rising +5.1% at constant scope and exchange rates, but declining -7.9% on a reported basis. Third-quarter consolidated sales in the region totalled 139 million, down -1.4% at constant scope and exchange rates (-11.2% on a reported basis). In Turkey, consolidated sales came to 164 million, up +5.1% at constant scope and exchange rates, but down -4.8% on a reported basis. In the third quarter, sales decreased -6.9% at constant scope and exchange rates (-10.0% on a reported basis) amid a macroeconomic and industry environment disrupted by the political events over the period. In the Cement business , operational sales rose +2.9% at constant scope and exchange rates, but declined -6.7% on a reported basis. Consolidated sales remained stable over the period (+0.6%) at constant scope and exchange rates (but declined -8.8% on a reported basis) on the back of higher volumes. Operations were boosted by the restart of the first kiln at its Bastas plant in Ankara, which offset the impact of lower volumes in the Konya market. Selling prices recorded a sharp fall over the period given the impact of recent political events on the macroeconomic environment and fiercer competition. Operational sales recorded by the business in the third quarter dropped -8.5% at constant scope and exchange rates (-11.9% on a reported basis). Consolidated sales fell -6.9% at constant scope and exchange rates (-10.4% on a reported basis). Given the political events in July and the related delays to certain projects, delivery volumes over the period were quasi-stable and growth seen in the Ankara market almost completely offset the contraction in the Konya market. Selling prices moved lower in both the Ankara and Konya markets. Even so, despite the macroeconomic and political turbulence during the period, selling prices dipped only very slightly compared with the second quarter of 2016. , operational sales rose +2.9% at constant scope and exchange rates, but declined -6.7% on a reported basis. Consolidated sales remained stable over the period (+0.6%) at constant scope and exchange rates (but declined -8.8% on a reported basis) on the back of higher volumes. Operations were boosted by the restart of the first kiln at its Bastas plant in Ankara, which offset the impact of lower volumes in the Konya market. Selling prices recorded a sharp fall over the period given the impact of recent political events on the macroeconomic environment and fiercer competition. The operational sales recorded by the Concrete Aggregates business surged +12.7% higher at constant scope and exchange rates (+2.1% on a reported basis). Consolidated sales also grew +12.6% at constant scope and exchange rates (+2.0% on a reported basis). Over the first half as a whole, volumes rose in Concrete and in Aggregates, as the momentum of the Ankara market offset the decline recorded in the Konya region. In this environment, despite fiercer competition in the Konya market, selling prices remained quasi-stable in Concrete and moved higher in Aggregates. Operational sales recorded by the business in the third quarter dropped -4.8% at constant scope and exchange rates (-7.5% on a reported basis). Consolidated sales fell -6.8% at constant scope and exchange rates (-9.3% on a reported basis). As in Cement, this business was affected by political events and the related delays to certain projects during the period, and the increase in volumes in the Ankara market was not sufficient to offset the contraction in the Konya region. As a result, selling prices edged slightly lower in Concrete but picked up slightly in Aggregates. surged +12.7% higher at constant scope and exchange rates (+2.1% on a reported basis). Consolidated sales also grew +12.6% at constant scope and exchange rates (+2.0% on a reported basis). Over the first half as a whole, volumes rose in Concrete and in Aggregates, as the momentum of the Ankara market offset the decline recorded in the Konya region. In this environment, despite fiercer competition in the Konya market, selling prices remained quasi-stable in Concrete and moved higher in Aggregates. In India, the Group posted consolidated sales of 205 million in the first nine months of 2016, up +5.2% at constant scope and exchange rates (-0.5% on a reported basis). This performance was driven by strong volume growth over the period of close to +21%, with almost 3.7 million tonnes sold. This reflected the strategy implemented by the Group since year-end 2015 of seizing opportunities arising as the macroeconomic and industry environment improves, with a number of major projects starting up. Selling prices fell away sharply owing to fiercer competition at the beginning of the year and a far less favourable geographical mix. In the third quarter, consolidated sales in India fell -1.9% at constant scope and exchange rates (-4.9% on a reported basis). This slight contraction reflected slower volume growth by comparison with previous quarters. Nonetheless, but nevertheless at close to +8%. Selling prices improved gradually over the period, recording a sequential increase (compared with the second quarter of 2016), while remaining below the levels seen in the same period of 2015. Against this backdrop, the Group decided to prioritise selling price increases over higher delivery volumes. In Kazakhstan, the Group posted consolidated sales of 38 million, up +5.0% at constant scope and exchange rates. On a reported basis, sales sank -40.2% on account of the very steep devaluation in the Kazakhstani tenge in the second half of 2015. Volumes rose close to +4% and selling prices moved higher throughout the period. Consolidated sales generated in Kazakhstan in the third quarter rose +13.0% at constant scope and exchange rates (-30.8% on a reported basis). This solid business growth was due to significant volume growth (close to +7%) and by a clear rebound in selling prices. 1.5. Africa and Middle East ( million) Nine-months 2016 Nine-months 2015 Change (%) Reported At constant scope and exchange rates Consolidated sales 271 272 -0.6% +4.6% In the Africa and Middle East region, consolidated sales came to 271 million, up +4.6% at constant scope and exchange rates and almost stable (-0.6%) on a reported basis. The Group's performance in the region was characterized by a healthy top-line increase in Egypt, which completely offset the impact of weaker sales in West Africa.Consolidated sales during the third quarter in the region came to 80 million, representing an increase of +16.7% at constant scope and exchange rates (+10.2% on a reported basis). The Group reaped the benefit during the period of firmer trends in West Africa and a clear pick-up in business in Egypt. In Egypt , consolidated sales totalled 97 million, up +18.3% at constant scope and exchange rates (+5.0% on a reported basis). This performance reflected volume growth of close to +19% over the period as a whole. Selling prices continued to decline on a year-on-year basis owing mainly to the heavy pressures observed in 2015. Consolidated sales generated in Egypt during the third quarter surged +36.2% at constant scope and exchange rates (+19.2% on a reported basis). Volumes grew +27% in the quarter, a clear acceleration driven by supportive weather conditions and the reduced impact of Ramadan, which this year fell entirely in the second quarter. Selling prices remained below the levels recorded in the same period of 2015. That said, prices picked up in September. , consolidated sales totalled 97 million, up +18.3% at constant scope and exchange rates (+5.0% on a reported basis). This performance reflected volume growth of close to +19% over the period as a whole. Selling prices continued to decline on a year-on-year basis owing mainly to the heavy pressures observed in 2015. In West Africa , consolidated sales declined -2.4% at constant scope and exchange rates (-3.4% on a reported basis) as the healthy increase in Senegal offset only partially the contraction in Mauritania. Cement volumes grew throughout the period (by over +3%), with an increase in Senegal and Mali offsetting the steep decline recorded in Mauritania. Selling prices edged lower in Senegal over the first nine months of the year. They fell further in Mali and Mauritania. Consolidated sales generated in West Africa during the third quarter rose +6.3% at constant scope and exchange rates (+5.3% on a reported basis) on the back of strong growth in volumes (of over +11%), especially in Senegal given a more supportive base of comparison, with selling prices improving there very slightly on levels in the third quarter of 2015. , consolidated sales declined -2.4% at constant scope and exchange rates (-3.4% on a reported basis) as the healthy increase in Senegal offset only partially the contraction in Mauritania. Cement volumes grew throughout the period (by over +3%), with an increase in Senegal and Mali offsetting the steep decline recorded in Mauritania. Selling prices edged lower in Senegal over the first nine months of the year. They fell further in Mali and Mauritania. 2. Breakdown of nine-month 2016 sales by business segment 2.1. Cement ( million) Nine-months 2016 Nine-months 2015 Change (%) Reported At constant scope and exchange rates Volume (thousands of tonnes) 16,637 15,127 +10.0% Operational sales 1,136 1,157 -1.9% +4.2% Eliminations (184) (179) Consolidated sales 951 978 -2.8% +4.1% Operational sales in the Cement business fell -1.9% on a reported basis, but rose +4.2% at constant scope and exchange rates. Volumes posted strong growth of +10.0% over the period. During the third quarter, operational sales came to 375 million, representing a decline of -2.6% on a reported basis, but an increase of +2.7% at constant scope and exchange rates. Third-quarter cement volumes grew +5.9%. 2.2. Concrete Aggregates ( million) Nine-months 2016 Nine-months 2015 Change (%) Reported At constant scope and exchange rates Concrete volumes (thousands of m3 6,564 6,258 +4.9% Aggregates volumes (thousands of tonnes) 16,320 15,430 +5.8% Operational sales 698 682 +2.3% +4.1% Eliminations (18) (16) Consolidated sales 680 666 +2.2% +3.9% The Concrete Aggregates business recorded operational sales up +2.3% on a reported basis and up +4.1% at constant scope and exchange rates. Delivery volumes rose +4.9% in Concrete and +5.8% in Aggregates. In the third quarter, operational sales came to 242 million, stable compared with the third quarter of 2015 (+0.2% on a reported basis and +0.9% at constant scope and exchange rates). Volumes were down in Concrete (-1.1%) and stable (-0.1%) in Aggregates. 2.3. Other Products Services ( million) Nine-months 2016 Nine-months 2015 Change (%) Reported At constant scope and exchange rates Operational sales 306 306 -0.1% +1.6% Eliminations (75) (66) Consolidated sales 236 240 -1.7% -0.5% The operational sales recorded by the Other Products Services division were quasi-stable (-0.1%) on a reported basis and rose +1.6% at constant scope and exchange rates. In the third quarter, operational sales declined -3.9% or -3.0% at constant scope and exchange rates to reach 105 million. 3. Trends in financial structure Financial position at 30 September 2016 Vicat's financial position remains very healthy. Gearing (net debt/equity) stood at 40.0% at 30 September 2016, versus 43.8% at 30 September 2015. Its leverage ratio (net debt/EBITDA) was 2.18x at 30 September 2016 vs. 2.44x at 30 September 2015. Bank covenants do not pose a threat to either the Group's financial position or its balance sheet liquidity. Vicat meets all the ratios laid down in the covenants stipulated in the financing agreements. 4. 2016 Outlook In 2016, the Group expects a progression in performance, capitalizing on an activity increase at constant scope and exchange rates on its main markets and an improvement in its industrial performance, due notably to globally lower energy costs. On this basis, the Group expects, at constant rates, a tangible improvement in its EBITDA. In light of the strong negative impact of exchange rate variations this year, notably the Kazakh tenge, the Turkish pound, the Egyptian pound, devalued by -14% early in the year and devalued by around -48% today, the Indian Rupee and, to a lesser extent, the Swiss franc, EBITDA on a reported basis should improve slightly year-on-year. In this context, the Group should be in a position to confirm in 2016 the success of its policy of optimizing cash flows and reducing its level of debt. 5. Financial reporting calendar In the next few weeks, the Group will publish its full reporting schedule for 2017.Please note that the Group will now report its full-year sales and results at the same time. Therefore its 2016 sales and results will be released on 27 February 2017 after the market close. 6. Conference call To accompany the publication of its nine-month 2016 sales, the Vicat group is organising a conference call in English that will take place on Friday 4 November 2016 at 3pm Paris time (2pm London time and 9am New York time). To take part in the conference call live, dial one of the following numbers: France: +33 (0)1 76 77 22 57 United Kingdom: +44 (0) 20 7026 5967 United States: +1 719 325 4746 To listen to a playback of the conference call, which will be available until 9 November 2016, dial one of the following numbers: France: +33 (0) 1 70 48 00 94 United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7984 7568 United States: +1 719 457 0820 Access code: 2835190# 7. Next publication: 2016 sales and results on 27 February 2017 after the market close. ABOUT VICAT The Vicat Group has close to 7,900 employees working in three core divisions, Cement, Concrete Aggregates and Other Products Services, which generated consolidated sales of 2,458 million in 2015. The Group operates in eleven countries: France, Switzerland, Italy, the United States, Turkey, Egypt, Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, Kazakhstan and India. Over 68% of its sales are generated outside France. The Vicat Group is the heir to an industrial tradition dating back to 1817, when Louis Vicat invented artificial cement. Founded in 1853, the Vicat Group now operates three core lines of business: Cement, Ready-Mixed Concrete and Aggregates, as well as related activities. Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements do not constitute forecasts regarding results or any other performance indicator, but rather trends or targets. These statements are by their nature subject to risks and uncertainties as described in the Company's annual report available on its website (www.vicat.fr). These statements do not reflect the future performance of the Company, which may differ significantly. The Company does not undertake to provide updates of these statements. Further information about Vicat is available from its website www.vicat.fr. 8. Vicat group Financial data Appendix 8.1 Definition of alternative performance measures (APMs): Performance at constant scope and exchange rates is used to determine the organic growth trend in P&L items between two periods and to compare them by eliminating the impact of exchange rate fluctuations and changes in the scope of consolidation. It is calculated by applying exchange rates and the scope of consolidation from the prior period to figures for the current period. is used to determine the organic growth trend in P&L items between two periods and to compare them by eliminating the impact of exchange rate fluctuations and changes in the scope of consolidation. It is calculated by applying exchange rates and the scope of consolidation from the prior period to figures for the current period. A geographical (or a business) segment's operational sales are the sales posted by the geographical (or business) segment in question less intra-region (or intra-segment) sales. are the sales posted by the geographical (or business) segment in question less intra-region (or intra-segment) sales. Value-added : value of production less consumption of materials used in the production process. : value of production less consumption of materials used in the production process. Gross operating income : value-added, less staff costs, taxes and duties (other than on income and deferred taxes) plus operating subsidies : value-added, less staff costs, taxes and duties (other than on income and deferred taxes) plus operating subsidies EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization): sum of gross operating income and other income and expenses on ongoing business. (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization): sum of gross operating income and other income and expenses on ongoing business. EBIT: (earnings before interest and tax): EBITDA less net depreciation, amortization, additions to provisions and impairment losses on ongoing business. (earnings before interest and tax): EBITDA less net depreciation, amortization, additions to provisions and impairment losses on ongoing business. Cash flow : net income before net non-cash expenses (i.e. predominantly depreciation, amortization, additions to provisions and impairment losses, deferred taxes, gains and losses on disposals and fair value adjustments) : net income before net non-cash expenses (i.e. predominantly depreciation, amortization, additions to provisions and impairment losses, deferred taxes, gains and losses on disposals and fair value adjustments) Net debt represents gross debt (consisting of the outstanding amount of borrowings from investors and credit institutions, residual financial liabilities under finance leases, any other borrowings and financial liabilities excluding options to sell and bank overdrafts), net of cash and cash equivalents, including remeasured hedging derivatives and debt. represents gross debt (consisting of the outstanding amount of borrowings from investors and credit institutions, residual financial liabilities under finance leases, any other borrowings and financial liabilities excluding options to sell and bank overdrafts), net of cash and cash equivalents, including remeasured hedging derivatives and debt. Gearing is a ratio reflecting a company's financial structure calculated as net debt/consolidated equity. is a ratio reflecting a company's financial structure calculated as net debt/consolidated equity. Leverage is a ratio reflecting a company's profitability, which calculated as net debt/consolidated EBITDA. 8.2 Breakdown of nine-month sales to 30 September 2016 by business segment geographical region Cement Concrete Aggregates Other Products Services Inter-segment eliminations Consolidated sales France 265 286 186 (134) 604 Europe (excluding France) 123 135 93 (41) 310 United States 144 178 (47) 276 Asia 354 78 27 (52) 407 Africa and Middle East 250 21 271 Operational sales 1,136 698 306 (274) 1,867 Inter-segment eliminations (185) (18) (71) 274 Consolidated sales 951 680 236 1,867 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103006202/en/ Contacts: VICAT Investor relations contact: Stephane Bisseuil, Tel.: +33 (0) 1 58 86 86 14 stephane.bisseuil@vicat.fr or Press contacts: Marion Guerin, Tel.: +33 (0)1 58 86 86 26 marion.guerin@tbwa.com PHOENIX, AZ -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Avella Specialty Pharmacy has announced that it is now the fourth largest privately-held company in the state, moving up from its previous ranking as the seventh, according to the Arizona Corporate Excellence (ACE) Awards. Avella was also recognized as the second fastest-growing company in Arizona. Developed by the Phoenix Business Journal, ACE has recognized excellence in private corporations and within individuals in business for more than two decades. According to the publication, the goal of this award program is to increase knowledge-sharing among these companies in Arizona. ACE recognition ranges from the fastest-growing and largest companies to "CEO of the Year" and other individual honors such as "Innovator of the Year." According to the Business Journal, the largest privately-held companies in Arizona generate combined revenue of more than $15 billion per year. These organizations also employ more than 40,000 workers in the state. As a result, companies like Avella are vital to the health of the state's economy and continued job growth. "Avella started as a single neighborhood pharmacy and has since grown into a leading provider of specialty and compounded drugs nationwide," said Rebecca M. Shanahan, CEO of Avella. "What hasn't changed over the years is our commitment to delivering the same personalized service and clinical excellence to the patients, physicians and hospitals we serve." This award is another milestone in Avella's continued growth. The company recently announced its agreement to purchase Advanced Pharma, a Texas-based facility offering sterile compounded drugs to hospitals nationwide. Avella also continues to be recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing private companies across the country, maintaining a place on this prestigious list every year over the past decade. About Avella Specialty Pharmacy Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Avella Specialty Pharmacy is a National Accredited Specialty Pharmacy, providing individualized care and support to patients since 1996. Avella's clinical pharmacists and staff members are experts in managing complex disease states and providing compassionate care. The company offers a nationwide distribution service to complement its retail locations. In 2016, Avella was named Specialty Pharmacy of the Year by NASP, a nationally recognized pharmacy trade committee. Inc. Magazine's 2016 list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the country included Avella for the tenth consecutive year and also recognized Avella as the fastest-growing woman-led company in 2015. In addition, the Arizona Corporate Excellence Awards named Avella Specialty Pharmacy as the second fastest-growing private company based in the state in 2015. For more information, please visit www.avella.com. Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3076474 Contact: Todd Speranzo Vice President, Marketing todd.speranzo@avella.com Technavio has announced the top six leading vendors in their recentglobal extruded snacks marketreport. This research report also lists 9 other prominent vendors that are expected to impact the market during the forecast period. The main attributes that are significantly driving the market are growing demand for healthy snacks and rapidly changing consumer habits. Furthermore, increasing demand from emerging economies such as APAC is expected to fuel the global extruded snacks market during the forecast period. In addition, the growing demand for snacks, which are low in fat and salt, is influencing manufacturers to launch healthy extruded snacks. Competitive vendor landscape The extruded snacks industry is subject to rapidly changing consumer demands and preferences. Vendor performance in the global extruded snacks market may be impacted by the changing consumer spending pattern. It may also be affected by consumer tastes, regional, national, and local economic conditions, and demographic trends. The changing economic conditions are affecting customers' living standards and could also affect vendors' businesses. "The global extruded snacks market is highly fragmented because of the presence of numerous small and large vendors. The vendors in the market compete on the basis of numerous factors such as price, quality, innovation, service, reputation, distribution, and promotion," says Arushi Thakur, an industry expert in foodfrom Technavio. The increasing vendor competition may lead them to reduce their product prices, which could negatively affect vendor margins and market growth. Furthermore, any technological advances by any player in the market could render other vendor products, which are being sold currently or future products, obsolete or uneconomical. The current market includes companies of varying sizes; some are also more specialized than others with respect to commodities. Request a sample report: http://www.technavio.com/request-a-sample?report=48613 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. Top six extruded snacks market vendors Calbee The company operates in the processed food sector through the potato chips segment. Potato chips are processed with different flavors and sold through various retail stores under different brand names. The company accounted for a share of 53.9% of the market in Japan in 2014. On an average, it produces more than 1.9 billion packs annually. The total quantity of potatoes procured are more than 359,000 tons. The company follows growth strategy through developing new business in different segments, expansions, acquisitions, or expansions of its domestic share. Diamond Foods Diamond Foods operates in the processed food sector through its offerings such as potato chips, snack nuts, in-shell nuts, and culinary nuts. Potato chips are sold under the Kettle brand name in the US and the UK. Snack nuts are sold under the Emerald brand name, whereas in-shell nuts and culinary nuts are sold under the Diamond of California brand name. Potato chips are cooked with a natural seasoning and healthy oils and are available in more than 28 flavors. Potato chips are distributed through supermarkets, club stores, mass merchandisers, and food services. Frito-Lay The company offers processed foods and snacks through labels like Smartfood, Fritos, Oven Baked, Tostitos, Classic Mix, and Sabritones. It accounted for 21% of the revenue of the parent company. Frito-Lay sells its products through food services, grocery stores, mass merchandisers, convenience stores, and authorized independent bottlers. ITC ITC was incorporated on August 4, 1910, and is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The company operates in various business verticals such as FMCG, hotels, paperboards and specialty papers, packaging, agri-business, and IT. In 1974, the company changed its name from Imperial Tobacco Company of India Limited to India Tobacco Company Limited, and in 1974, the name was again changed to ITC. In 2015, the company had an employee base of 25,787. Kellogg's The company provides a wide variety of processed food products across the globe, which include ready-to-eat cereals and convenience foods such as cookies, savory snacks, crackers, fruit-flavored snacks, cereal bars, frozen waffles, and veggie foods. Kellogg's manufactures its products in 20 countries and sells in over 180 countries. Old Dutch Foods The company provides processed food products such as potato, corn chips, tortilla chips, puffcorns, popcorns, and pretzels under different brands names. Potato chips are available in flavors such as barbeque, onion and garlic, and cheddar and sour cream. All product names, brands and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Browse Related Reports: Global Processed Snacks Market 2016-2020 Global Meat Snacks Market 2016-2020 Global Savory Snacks Market 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/20161103006474/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 630 333 9501 UK: +44 208 123 1770 www.technavio.com TORONTO, ON -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Whether it's to calm nerves, pass the time during a flight delay, or celebrate the start of a vacation, Canadians like to raise a glass at the airport -- or in the air. And some of us like to do both (go figure)! Fully 70 per cent of Canadians drink en route to their destinations with 60 per cent saying they get started early by drinking at the airport bar, according to a survey of over 1,000 Canadians by Cheapflights.ca, the champions of simple travel search. In the airport and in the air Half of men surveyed who grab a drink at the airport bar view a beer as their top drink of choice. Wine (18 per cent) and hard liquor (14 per cent) run a distant second and third, and only 10 per cent of men opt for a cocktail. Of the women who stop in for a beverage, 30 per cent choose wine at the airport bar though almost as many select a cocktail (27 per cent) suggesting a celebratory mood pre-flight. And the time they are most likely to belly up to the bar is when they have a long layover (26 per cent), followed closely by a delayed flight (24 per cent) and when headed out to their destination (22 per cent). In-fight beverages are also a big part of travel for many. Fifty eight per cent of Canadians say they imbibe mid flight, including 13 per cent who do so on every trip. For 32 per cent, though, it's free booze that entices them to partake on a plane. Perhaps because of time zone changes and crazy departure times, an early start to drinking seems to be part of travel, with 37 per cent of those who drink when they travel admitting they start earlier than usual on flying days. The top reason these respondents cite for drinking is celebrating getting away (27 per cent), followed by boredom (17 per cent), socializing with travel companions (15 per cent), and being anxious about flying (11 per cent). The excitement of a vacation can lead some travellers to overindulge. About 18% of men (and 8% of women) who tipple when they travel report feeling intoxicated in the airport or on a flight, and 21% of all those surveyed report seeing other passengers who are disruptively intoxicated. Vacation celebration The survey also revealed that 41 per cent of all Canadians stick to their usual drink when on vacation, while 28 per cent switch to a drink more in keeping with their destination. Tequila might be in order if jetting off on a Mexican sun holiday, or a mojito for those vacationing in Havana. Vacation is also an excuse for many to throw schedules out the window. About a third of Canucks have downed their first cocktail or beer before noon on vacation, with 15 per cent saying they have gotten started before 10 am (Bloody Caesar anyone?) And taking the holiday spirit to its obvious conclusion are those who admit spending more on booze than food while on vacation: 18 per cent of men and 15 per cent of women. Age and alcohol If you think the younger travellers are the biggest drinkers, you would be right: 78 per cent of those ages 25-35 will make a stop at the airport bar, with 21 per cent saying they do so every time they pass through the airport. This age group is also most likely to drink on the plane with 68 per cent reporting they do so, including 17 per cent who drink on all their flights. But it's the under-25 set who throw off the drinking shackles and opt for a more adventurous approach to drinking when they travel. Only 28 per cent of that age group say they would drink the usual type and amount when on vacation. Instead 31 per cent would opt for something more in keeping with their destination, and 26 per cent saying they view a trip as the time to drink whatever, whenever. No other age group had more than 20 per cent taking the "all bets are off" approach to imbibing. Makes sense since millennials are reportedly more likely to collect experiences than souvenirs while travelling (even if the experience they collect is a hangover). For more details on what, when, where and how Canadians like to drink while jetting around the globe, check out the full results of Cheapflights.ca's latest travel habits survey here: Bottoms up: Drinking habits of Canadians while travelling. Findings are based on an online survey of 1,004 Canadians conducted in a 48-hour period between October 26 and 27, 2016. About Cheapflights.ca, part of the Momondo Group Founded in 1996, Cheapflights is a leading global flight comparison and deals publishing platform dedicated to taking the complexity out of finding the best value flights through the application of innovative, intuitive technologies: Smart search. Made simple. It is now a market leader in the UK, US, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand generating more than C$4 billion in global downstream revenue for its partners as it expands into numerous other territories. More than 120 million users visit its websites and apps each year, receiving more than two billion search results a month from across 900,000 routes. The 10 million strong opt-in subscribers to the Cheapflights newsletter receive the best deals from more than 120 travel businesses -- for whom it has driven more than C$80 million in revenue this year. Together, the Cheapflights platforms generate enough bookings for its partners to fill a Boeing 747 every five minutes. In 2011, Cheapflights became part of the privately owned online travel search and inspiration network, Momondo Group. Follow us on: Twitter: twitter.com/cheapflights Facebook: facebook.com/cheapflights Instagram: instagram.com/cheapflights Pinterest: pinterest.com/cheapflights Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3076459 Contact Information: Cheapflights.ca Tel: +1 416-788-4573 E-mail: Email Contact Website: www.cheapflights.ca VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- Search Minerals Inc. ("Search" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: SMY), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Alterra Resources Inc. ("Alterra"), are pleased to report channel assay results from the Fox Meadow (Critical Rare Earth Element) ("CREE") prospect located in the Port Hope Simpson CREE District in southeastern Labrador (the "District"). Preliminary field and geochemical results prepared by the Company indicate that the Fox Meadow CREE prospect is very similar to the nearby Foxtrot Project resource. The Company holds a 100% interest in the Fox Meadow prospect. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FOX MEADOW PROSPECT -- Assays highlights include: 244 ppm Dy (280 ppm Dy2O3), 1109 ppm Y (1408 ppmY2O3), 1478 ppm Nd (1724 ppm Nd2O3) and 41.2 ppm Tb (48.5 ppm Tb4O7) over 3.48m; and, 198 ppm Dy (227 ppm Dy2O3), 830 ppm Y (1054 ppm Y2O3), 1089 ppm Nd (1270 ppm Nd2O3) and 33 ppm Tb (38.8 ppm Tb4O7) over 7.61m; -- CREE assay results at Fox Meadow are similar to those at Foxtrot; -- Fox Meadow has similar or greater surface dimensions than the Foxtrot deposit and the Deepwater Fox prospect; and -- Fox Meadow is the third large Foxtrot-like mineralized zone discovered in the District. Greg Andrews, President and CEO comments: "The Fox Meadow prospect is very significant as it, along with the Deepwater Fox prospect, helps validate our belief that in addition to the Foxtrot Project, Search is defining a prolific, strategically significant District in this easily accessible region of southeastern Labrador. The preliminary economic assessment of the Foxtrot Project, our first major discovery in this region, points to an excellent project that can be developed as a stand-alone project at relatively low cost. The addition of Deepwater Fox and now Fox Meadow, has the potential to add to our source feed and could present potential new open pit development options. Our patented metallurgical technology and scalable processing facility design can accommodate multiple sources of material and future expansion without sunk costs. Each additional project and prospect extends the life of the District and provides more options with respect to how soon the Company would have to consider major capital investment in higher cost underground mining." He also adds: "Our current financing, which has been increased to support the demand, allows Search to continue to advance the District and initiate the environmental application submissions. The bench scale work of the Pilot Plant has been completed with the data used to procure the equipment and initiate construction of the Pilot Plant. The Pilot Plant will provide key engineering data and a mixed rare earth concentrate to provide to refineries and other separation facilities to produce the individual rare earth oxides along with pricing. With these advancements to the District and the Pilot Plant, we feel the Company is well positioned to attract strategic and offtake partners." The Fox Meadow prospect (see Search Minerals news releases October 30, 2013 and August 30, 2016) occurs about 11 km west of Port Hope Simpson and 1 km from a gravelled forest access road. Geological mapping and channelling prepared by the Company indicates that the mineralization occurs in two bands. The northerly band is sampled by four sections of channels that indicate it is at least 39m wide and over 425m long; outcrop mapping extends this zone by an additional 200m. One channel, 5.11m long, cuts the southerly band, which is approximately 100m south of the northerly band; outcrop indicates that this band is at least 200m long. Forest and overburden cover obscure the bedrock geology between the southerly and northerly bands. Weighted averages of REE and selected incompatible elements for both the northerly (column 1-5) and southerly (column 6) mineralized units are listed in Table 1. Analytical techniques, sample preparation, and channel sampling procedures are outlined in Search's July 27, 2010 and September 8, 2010 news releases. The observed surface dimensions of higher grade mineralization at Fox Meadow are similar to the Foxtrot Deposit (10-14m wide and 400m long) and Deepwater Fox Prospect (up to 34m wide and 500m long - See Search' news release January 27, 2015). A comparison between Fox Meadow, Deepwater Fox and Foxtrot CREE values (Table 2) indicates that CREE values at Fox Meadow are very similar to those at Foxtrot. The Fox Meadow prospect appears to be a third Foxtrot-like mineralized zone in the District. Follow-up geological mapping, trenching and channelling programs are planned to further evaluate and extend the two mineralized bands and to explore the relationship between these two bands at Fox Meadow in 2017. TABLE 1 - FOX MEADOW PROSPECT 2016 CHANNEL HIGHLIGHTS FMCC-16-01 FMCC-16-02 FMCC-16-03 FMCC-16-03 FMCC-16-04 SLNS-13-30 (Channel) (Channel) (Channel) (Channel) (Channel) (Channel) From (m) 0.21 16.40 1.94 14.70 21.74 0.00 To (m) 6.05 19.88 7.00 22.27 29.35 5.11 Interval (m) 5.84 3.48 5.06 7.57 7.61 5.11 Y 627 1,109 959 757 830 733 Zr 13,465 14,878 13,854 13,360 14,637 16,933 Nb 308 372 358 300 317 320 La 760 1,090 1,062 852 889 767 Ce 1,778 2,746 2,542 1,980 2,092 1,718 Pr 224 363 335 266 284 224 Nd 892 1,478 1,304 1,018 1,089 899 Sm 180 307 255 202 223 191 Eu 9.0 14.9 12.8 10.6 11.7 10.0 Gd 142 234 200 170 191 156 Tb 25 41.2 32.8 29.2 32.5 26.8 Dy 151 244 198 175 197 164 Ho 31 48.3 39.2 33.6 39.2 32.9 Er 88 138 110 96 112 97 Tm 14 20.9 16.2 13.5 16.0 15.0 Yb 86 124 101 88 104 95 Lu 12.4 17.5 14.2 13.0 15.6 13.7 LREE 3833 5984 5498 4318 4577 3799 HREE 558 884 724 628 719 611 HREE + Y 1185 1993 1683 1385 1549 1344 TREE 4391 6867 6223 4947 5296 4409 TREE + Y 5018 7977 7181 5703 6126 5142 % TREE 0.44% 0.69% 0.62% 0.49% 0.53% 0.44% % TREE + Y 0.50% 0.80% 0.72% 0.57% 0.61% 0.51% % HREE 12.70% 12.87% 11.64% 12.70% 13.57% 13.85% % HREE + Y 23.61% 24.99% 23.44% 24.29% 25.28% 26.13% TABLE - 2 - FOX MEADOW VS FOXTROT & DEEPWATER FOX FOXTROT RESOURCE DEEPWATER FOX FOX MEADOW FOXTROT HGC FDC-14-01 FDC-14-01 FMCC-16-02 FMCC-16-04 INDICATED INDICATED (Channel) (Channel) (Channel) (Channel) From (m) 0.00 18.20 16.40 21.74 To (m) 17.50 24.16 19.88 29.35 Interval (m) 17.50 5.96 3.48 7.61 Y 1040 1230 1,284 1,433 1,109 830 Zr 9619 11681 11,368 14,724 14,878 14,637 Nb 626 669 850 721 372 317 La 1646 1936 2,243 2,301 1,090 889 Ce 3337 3942 4,491 4,861 2,746 2,092 Pr 384 454 507 567 363 284 Nd 1442 1704 1,893 2,156 1,478 1,089 Sm 262 310 352 413 307 223 Eu 13.0 16.0 17.3 20.3 14.9 12 Gd 205 244 264 311 234 191 Tb 33.0 39.0 41 48 41 33 Dy 189 226 241 286 244 197 Ho 37.0 44.0 47 55 48 39 Er 103 123 133 155 138 112 Tm 15.0 18.0 18 21 21 16 Yb 92 110 111 128 124 104 Lu 14.0 16.0 16.2 18.6 17.5 15.6 LREE 7071 8346 9486 10298 5984 4577 HREE 701 836 888 1044 884 719 HREE + Y 1741 2066 2172 2477 1993 1549 TREE 7772 9182 10374 11343 6867 5296 TREE + Y 8812 10412 11658 12776 7977 6126 % TREE 0.78% 0.92% 1.04% 1.13% 0.69% 0.53% % TREE + Y 0.88% 1.04% 1.17% 1.28% 0.80% 0.61% % HREE 9.02% 9.10% 8.56% 9.21% 12.87% 13.57% % HREE + Y 19.76% 19.84% 18.63% 19.39% 24.99% 25.28% Note: All amounts parts per million (ppm). 10,000 ppm = 1% = 10 kg/tonne REE Rare Earth Elements: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu (Lanthanide Series). TREE Total Rare Earth Elements: Add La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu. LREE Light Rare Earth Elements: Add La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm. HREE Heavy Rare Earth Elements: Add Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu. Y Y not included in HREE due to relatively low value compared to most Lanthanide series HREE. %HREE+Y %(HREE+Y)/( TREE+Y) %HREE %( HREE/ TREE) HGC High Grade Core (higher grade resource at Foxtrot) Qualified Person(s): Dr. Randy Miller, Ph.D., P.Geo, is the Company's Vice President, Exploration, and Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101) who has supervised the preparation of and approved the technical information reported herein. The company will endeavour to meet high standards of integrity, transparency, and consistency in reporting technical content, including geological and assay (e.g., REE) data. About Search Minerals Inc. Led by a proven management team and board of directors, Search is focused on finding and developing resources within the emerging Port Hope Simpson Critical Rare Earth Element (CREE) District of SE Labrador. The Company controls a belt 70 km long and 8 km wide including its 100% interest in the FOXTROT Project which is road accessible and at tidewater. Exploration efforts have advanced "Deepwater Fox" and "Fox Meadow" as significant new CREE prospects very similar and in close proximity to the FOXTROT discovery. While the Company has identified more than 20 other prospects in the District, its primary objective remains development of FOXTROT by confirming proprietary processing technology at the pilot plant level (in progress) and delineation of prospects that will ensure competitive-low cost production beyond the 14-year mine life contemplated in the preliminary economic assessment of FOXTROT completed in April 2016. The FOXTROT Project has a low capital cost to bring the initial project into production ($152 M), a short payback period, and is scalable due to Search's proprietary processing technology. All material information on the Company may be found on its website at www.searchminerals.ca and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. About CREE's Identified as Neodymium (Nd), Europium (Eu), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy) and Yttrium (Y), this valuable subset of the complete series of seventeen rare earth elements is considered critical due to high demand and/or constrained domestic supply. Containing unique properties which enhance the performance of a range of innovative technologies, CREE's are essential components in the development of permanent magnets and a variety of other components used in renewable energy, green technology automobiles, medical devices, electronics and agricultural production. 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 Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information. This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things future events or the Company's future performance, business prospects or opportunities. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, general business, economic and social uncertainties; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; and those additional risks set out in Search's public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although Search believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, Search disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Contacts: Greg Andrews President and CEO 604 998-3432 info@searchminerals.ca Paul Snow Investor Relations 709 753-0794 psnow@pilotcom.ca VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - November 03, 2016) - I-Minerals Inc. (TSX VENTURE: IMA) (OTCQB: IMAHF) ("I-Minerals" or the "Company") announces that it has retained Small Cap Invest Ltd, of Frankfurt, Germany ("Small Cap"), to provide the Company with business development and public relations activities in Germany and continental Europe. The agreement is for an initial period of three months and may be further extended by agreement of the parties. In consideration for providing the services I-Minerals will pay Small Cap an initial fee of C$45,000 and C$5,000 per month for each month after the initial three month period and grant Small Cap options to purchase 400,000 shares at an exercise price of C$0.30 pursuant to the Company's option plan and the policies of the TSX.V. Small Cap is headed by Alexander Friedrich, a business development and public relations specialist. Neither Small Cap, nor any of its owners or employees has any direct or indirect interest in the securities of the Company or any right or intent to acquire such securities other than the above noted options. The appointment of Small Cap is subject to the Company making the required filings with the TSX Venture Exchange as provided for in its Policy 3.4. Thomas M. Conway, President and CEO of I-Minerals Inc., commented: "I-Minerals Bovill Kaolin deposit hosts reserves of some of the highest aspect ratio halloysite known and this halloysite is the preferred product for a range of life science applications -- many of which are being developed in Germany. Undertaking public relations within the most active market for our most exciting mineral product seems like a natural fit." About I-Minerals Inc. I-Minerals is developing multiple deposits of high purity, high value halloysite, quartz, potassium feldspar and kaolin at its strategically located Helmer-Bovill property in north central Idaho. A 2016 Feasibility Study on the Bovill Kaolin Deposit led by led by GBM Engineers LLC, who were responsible for overall project management and the process plant and infrastructure design, including OPEX and CAPEX calculated an After Tax NPV of US$249.8 million with a 25.8% After Tax IRR of 25.8%. Iniital CAPEX was estimated at $108.3 million with a 3.7 year After Tax payback. Other engineering services were provided by HDR Engineering, Inc. (all environmental components; hydrology / hydrogeology; road design); Tetra Tech, Inc. (tailings storage facility design); Mine Development Associates (mine modelling; ore scheduling; mineral reserve estimation); and SRK Consulting (U.S.) Inc. (mineral resource estimation). Permitting work with the State of Idaho is well underway. I-Minerals Inc. per: "Thomas M. Conway" Thomas M. Conway, President & CEO 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 includes certain "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and resources, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward looking statements that involve various risks. Actual results could differ materially from those projected as a result of the following factors, among others: changes in the world wide price of mineral market conditions, risks inherent in mineral exploration, risk associated with development, construction and mining operations, the uncertainty of future profitability and uncertainty of access to additional capital. Contact: I-Minerals Inc. Barry Girling 877-303-6573 or 604-303-6573 x 102 Email: info@imineralsinc.com Or visit our website at www.imineralsinc.com Paul Searle 877-303-6573 or 604-303-6573 x 113 Email: PSearle@imineralsinc.com TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/16 -- North Sea Energy Inc. ("NSE" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: NUK) announces its unaudited financial results for the period ended September 30, 2016. The summary of the selected financial information should be read in conjunction with the Company's Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) and the related Management Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 dated November 3, 2016, which have been filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Highlights and subsequent events for the three months ended September 30, 2016: Financial Highlights: -- The Company reported a net profit of $4,348 for three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to a net loss of $(161,647) in three months ended September 30, 2015. -- The compensation and consulting fees decreased by 56% in the three months ended September 30, 2016 (3m 2016: $79,992; 3m 2015: $180,231) -- The general and administrative expenses for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 decreased by 32% (3m 2016: $30,116; 3m 2015: $44,503) Statoil Bottom Hole Agreement: -- During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the company received $86,000 (US$65,250) from Premier Oil UK Limited ("Premier") pursuant to the 'Bottom Hole Contribution Agreement' between Statoil (U.K.) Limited ("Statoil") and Premier, in its capacity as the P.1943 Operator as agent for the P.1943 Group in respect of the Well. This income was included as other income in the "Interest, Finance and Other Income" of the Interim Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss. -- Under the agreement, Statoil would pay up to US$260,000 ($338,234) for data recovered from drilling and up to an additional US$175,000 ($227,658) for data from testing of the Bagpuss well under certain conditions. Within 90 days of completion of the drilling and testing operations, Premier is to provide the final actual costs incurred to Statoil and any credits resulting of the reconciliation will be repaid back to Statoil. Bagpuss Well Results Update: -- The geotechnical report has taken longer than expected to complete with the final results expected in November, 2016. Furthermore, all other JV partners must elect whether they will continue with the Bagpuss and Blofeld licence into the next 4 year term by the end of November 2016. Gemini Negotiations: -- Subsequent to the period end, the Company and Gemini have intensified their discussions to reach a settlement agreement pertaining to the current $8,163,060 outstanding amount as a result of the Arbitration decision. The Drilling and Results of the Bagpuss Well: -- The spudding of the 13/25-1 Bagpuss well ("the Well") occurred on July 18th, shortly after the Ocean Valiant offshore drilling rig arrived on site at the Bagpuss prospect. -- On August 5, 2016, NSE announced that the Well which was targeting the Bagpuss prospect on the Halibut Horst in the Outer Moray Firth reached a total depth of 1,532 feet (TVDSS) in granite basement. The Well was drilled approximately 2 km from the 1981 Amoco well in the same structure. -- The Well encountered 41 feet of hydrocarbon-bearing sands within a 68 feet hydrocarbon column. This is in line with pre-drill estimates. The sands have between 25%-33% porosity and initial indications were that the oil is heavy which was expected. The Well was plugged and abandoned in accordance to the drilling plan. For further information on the Bagpuss and Blofeld Prospects in our Independent Prospective Resource Assessment, please refer to the press release dated June 27, 2013 posted on www.sedar.com. -- The Bagpuss Well, a vertical well, was always planned to be an informational well only and in accordance with the original Well Plan it was plugged and abandoned upon completion. -- Premier's Director of Exploration commented:"The Bagpuss well has successfully proven a significant volume of oil in place." -- NSE's costs relating to the Well have been carried by Maersk Oil UK. The Company is also funded for 50% of its costs on a Bagpuss subsequent well, should one be drilled, subject to a cap, through its farm-in agreement with Maersk Oil UK. To date, Maersk Oil has paid approximately $3,600,000 on behalf of NSE for past costs, site survey costs and the initial Bagpuss well planning costs. -- On August 19, 2016, NSE provided a further update on the Bagpuss drilling results (see full release dated August 19, 2016 filed on www.sedar.com). -- On September 29, 2016, NSE announced that Premier have informed the Bagpuss joint-venture ("JV") partnership that they are resigning as Operator of the Bagpuss joint-venture (Licence P.1943) with the effective date of December 31, 2016. In addition, Premier stated they have agreed in principle to sell their 40.1% working interest in the Bagpuss JV to Reach Halibut Limited subject to approval by the JV partners and regulatory consent from the OGA. SELECTED QUARTERLY INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the three months ended For the nine months ended ------------------------------------------------------------ September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) CAD ($) CAD ($) CAD ($) CAD ($) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues 0 0 0 49 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income/ (loss) 4,348 (161,647) (481,217) (201,864) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic and diluted net loss per share 0.0001 (0.003) (0.008) (0.003) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total comprehensive loss (152,780) (734,864) (76,268) (1,316,016) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- As at --------------------------------------------- September 30, December 31, September 30, 2016 2015 2015 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) CAD ($) CAD ($) CAD ($) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assets 982,636 1,191,540 2,244,105 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term liabilities 10,276 31,076 53,700 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shareholders' Deficit (7,588,801) (7,512,533) (6,094,540) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The above noted financial data should be read in conjunction with the period ended September 30, 2016 condensed interim consolidated financial statements. The condensed interim consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards ("IAS") 34 - Interim Financial Reporting. About NSE: The Company, founded in February 2007, is a UK focused oil and gas exploration and appraisal company quoted on the TSX-V. NSE, along with its wholly owned subsidiary, North Sea Energy (UK NO2) Limited, holds two high impact opportunities in the UK North Sea. These opportunities are the Bagpuss and Blofeld prospects located in blocks 13/24c and 13/25 of the UKCS. 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", "forecast", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is 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 information. In particular, there can be no certainty that analysis of the hydrocarbons and reservoir will result in commerciality being established. Factors which may cause commerciality not to be established include risks and uncertainties such as analysis concluding that the hydrocarbons are not of a commercially interesting grade, logistical challenges associated with extracting in the North Sea, oil prices, access to financing (for a full list of risks please refer to our financial statements and management discussion and analysis filed on www.sedar.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 release. Contacts: North Sea Energy Inc. J. Craig Anderson Chairman & CEO 416-366-4700 canderson@northseaenergy.ca www.northseaenergy.ca AinFin, a London, UK-based banking service operating in challenging markets, raises 200k in seed funding. The backers remained undisclosed. The company based at Level39, intends to use the funds to enter in the African market starting with Uganda. Led by Dr. Joy Braun, Chief Executive and Co-Founder, and Dr. Linus Etube, Chief Operations Officer and co- founder, AinFin provides Swifin, an e-money mobile product which is network agnostic, multi-channel, cross-border and allows flexible design of financial instruments to be executed, in collaboration with regulated financial institutional and local banking partners. Through its dedicated subsidiary, Swifin Ltd, AinFin has signed partnership with pan-African bank Ecobank to roll out digital transaction services across the African continent, starting in Uganda. Amongst the joint priorities of the banking partnership is a major project that aims to deliver aid money to thousands in the far flung areas of Uganda. FinSMEs 03/11/2016 Anghami, a Dubai, UAE-based music streaming company working in the MENA region, raised an undisclosed amount in a Series B funding round. The round was led by private equity firm Samena Capital with participation from UAE-based telecommunications service provider du, which also entered into a commercial agreement with Anghami in the UAE to bundle the music streaming service with its products. The company intends to use the funds for further user acquisition and regional expansion, to grow the companys 20 million song library, which includes the largest catalogue of digital Arabic music globally, and to enhance its music video platform among other new features. Founded by Lebanese entrepreneurs Eddy Maroun (CEO) and Elie Habib, Anghami has secured exclusive access to the music libraries and artist pre-releases of Arabic music labels such as Rotana, Platinum Records, Mazzika, Watary and leading aggregators, as well as major international music labels such as Universal, Sony, Warner. Through its partnership with MBC, the company entered into a flagship marketing agreement which sperheaded its media presence in the MENA region, particularly through exclusive integration into TV formats such as Arab Idol, The Voice and The X-factor. In parallel, Anghami built a portfolio of bundling agreements with more than 15 telco companies across the Arab world. It currently has a subscriber base of 30 million users, with a monthly active user base of 6 million users streaming at least 500 million songs. FinSMEs 03/11/2016 Independent private investment company Ardian signed an agreement with Cinven to acquire SLV, a Ubach-Palenberg, Germany-based provider of lighting fixtures for the residential and commercial space. The amount of the deal whose completion is subject to the approval of the responsible antitrust authorities was not discloses. Founded in 1979, SLV provides residential and commercial luminaires for interior and exterior use operating subsidiaries and associated companies in Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Hong Kong, North America and Russia. Cinven acquired SLV in May 2011 from its founder and HgCapital and strengthened SLVs management team with the appointment of a new CEO, Robert Fellner-Feldegg, in February 2014 and the appointment of Jens Aertgeerts as new CSO. With the support of Ardian, SLV intends to continuously innovate its diversified product portfolio, strengthen its market leading position in Germany, further develop its international presence and exploit the opportunities of digitalization and online sales channels. The companys growth is aimed to be realized both organically as well as through selected acquisition opportunities in its fragmented market. FinSMEs 03/11/2016 Catchpoint, a NYC-based digital experience intelligence company, completed a $22.5m Series C funding round. The round was led by new investor Sapphire Ventures with participation from existing investor Battery Ventures. In conjunction with the funding, Rajeev Dham of Sapphire Ventures will join Catchpoints board of directors. The company intends to use the funds for expanded product development and global go-to-market strategies. Led by CEO and co-founder Mehdi Daoudi, Catchpoint provides a SaaS based performance monitoring platform that delivers integrated synthetic and real user monitoring, comprehensive test types, real-time analytics, and a diverse node network to help users continuously preempt performance issues and optimize service delivery. It is used by more than 380 customers in over 30 countries including Morningstar, GAIN Capital, LOreal Group, Comcast, Honeywell, TripAdvisor and LinkedIn. The company employs 190 people in six global offices. FinSMEs 03/11/2016 Lime and Leaf, an Alexandria, Va.-based new line of home decor, has launched its online store, backed by seed funding from Nigel Morris, co-founder of Capital One. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. The company is using the funds to launch the online store and expand operations. Co-founded in 2016 by Lori Morris and Kari LePage, Lime and Leaf is an online home decor company selling American-made textiles and additional decorative accessories. It currently offers a wide range of products from linens and throws to table top items through www.limeandleaf.com, which can be shipped nationwide. FinSMEs 03/11/2016 Toronto, Canada and Menlo Park, CA-based venture capital firm Relay Ventures has raised its third US$150MM (C$200MM) fund. Limited Partners in the new fund include Northleaf Capital Partners, Kensington Capital Partners, Generation Capital, La Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, EDC, AEC, and Royal Bank of Canada. Relay Ventures III is focused on early-stage investments in mobile software, services, content, and technology startups in Canada and the United States. It has already invested in: FreshGrade, a Kelowna-based provider of classroom communication and assessments for K-12 education; 7shifts, a Saskatoon-based startup that provides workforce scheduling solutions for the restaurant industry; Automat.ai, a Montreal-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) messaging and bot company; Carrot Insights, a Toronto, Canada-based wellness rewards and loyalty startup; Kwik Commerce, a Sunnyvale and Tel-Aviv based one-touch commerce company; and UJet, a San Francisco, CA-based next generation mobile-first customer service technology company. Led by co-founders and managing partners John Albright and Kevin Talbot, Relay Ventures Relay Ventures has invested C$355MM into 76 companies (24 of which have exited) that have collectively raised over C$1.3B and employ 3,398 people. FinSMEs 03/11/2016 Third Rock Ventures, LLC, a Boston, MA-based healthcare venture capital firm, closed fund IV, at $616m. With Third Rock Ventures IV, LP, the firm will continue to execute on its strategy of creating innovative healthcare companies. Since launching in 2007, Third Rock has raised $1.9 billion including Fund IV for building innovative companies with a particular focus on areas such as oncology, immunology, neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease and rare genetic diseases. To date, the firm has launched more than 40 companies, which have delivered four products and one device to the market and advanced more than 40 programs in clinical development. Third Rock also announced today that industry veteran Abbie Celniker, Ph.D., is joining the firm as a partner. Charles Homcy, M.D., previously a venture partner, is becoming a partner. Frank Gentile, Ph.D., Stephen Sherwin, M.D., and Barbara Weber, M.D., who have served as entrepreneurs-in-residence for the firm, are becoming venture partners. Other partners includes Robert Tepper, Alexis Borisy, Neil Exter, Kevin Gillis, Mark Levin, Craig Muir, Cary Pfeffer, M.D., and Kevin Starr. FinSMEs 03/11/2016 While Benedict Cumberbatch's claim to worldwide fame is his role as Sir Arthur Conan Dolye's detective mastermind Sherlock, he will now be adding a Marvel superhero tag to his name with his MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) debut in Doctor Strange which opens in cinemas on Friday, 4 November 2016. But what did Cumberbatch do before he ran across London with Watson to solve cases or join the league of superheroes with Ironman and Thor? Here's a rundown of Cumberbatch's awesome roles before he got busy solving murders and learning magic from the ancient one: Doctor House and Sherlock are a father-son duo Fortysomethings is a midlife crisis comedy-drama aired in 2003 and was Hugh Laurie's last project before House made him a superstar and one of the highest-paid actors in US television. Not only does this forgotten jewel star Laurie as Dr Paul, it also stars Sherlock (sorry, Cumberbatch) as Rory, his sex-obsessed son. Benedict Cumberbatch is famous for playing Sherlock, and Laurie's Dr House character is inspired by the detective. Very meta! Cumberbatch as Stephen Hawking A decade before his pal Eddie Redymayne walked away with an Oscar for his performance as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything, Cumberbatch played the genius physicist in the first ever portrayal of Hawking on-screen for the TV film Hawking. Cumberbatch as Van Gogh First broadcast in 2011, this award-winning drama starred Cumberbatch as the tortured Dutch painter in Van Gogh: Painted with words. Alan Yentob and director Andrew Hutton adapted the film's dialogue from real letters sent by Van Gogh to his brother Theo; which translated into a pure work of art. Cumberbatch in the periodical Cumberbatch starred in a period piece To the Ends of the Earth as Edmund Talbot, who sails from England to Australia in the early 19th century. Set in 1812 during the last months of the war between Britain and France, the story encapsulates life on board an aging warship as a microcosm of English society, with its sharp-clawed class distinctions lurking beneath a veneer of civility and is a three-part, four-and-a-half-hour adaptation of William Goldings To the Ends of the Earth. Sherlock Vs Sherlock in Frankenstein Danny Boyle's production of Frankenstein for the National Theatre in 2011 had Cumberbatch co-starring with Jonny Lee Miller (who play another contemporary version of Sherlock in Elementary). BONUS: Benedict Cumberbatch can't pronounce the word 'penguins' The BBC/Discovery Channel documentary series South Pacific (known as Wild Pacific to U.S. viewers), narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch and concerned itself with the fauna and flora of several remote Pacific locations, including: the Solomon Islands, Banks Islands, French Frigate Shoals, Papua New Guinea, Caroline Islands and Tanna Island in Vanuatu. One episode in particular shows penguins that have travelled all the way up to the Galapagos Islands, some 8,000 miles from Antarctica, on a cold water current. And its here that the fun lies. For some reason, Benedicts voiceover never quite manages to get the word 'penguin' out, the way you or I might expect it. 'Pengwing,' yes. 'Pengling,' uhuh. But never 'penguin'. The concept of radio shows of yore is being revived by podcasting company Gimlet Media. It has acquired the thriller documentary series The Jinx, and listeners might also be treated to a fictional audio series Homecoming that will bring back memories of an old-fashioned radio serial. Featuring the voices of Oscar winning Star Wars: The Force Awakens actor Oscar Isaac and David Schwimmer (Ross from Friends) the series will be a six-episode psychological thriller that takes place at an experimental facility. The show will also feature David Cross (Arrested Development), Catherine Keener, and Amy Sedaris. Isaac is a soldier looking to readjust to civilian life, with Keener as his caseworker and Schwimmer as the ambitious supervisor at the facility. The story is told through phone calls and therapy sessions, plus 'overheard' conversations. Homecoming is written by bestselling author Eli Horowitz and Micah Bloomberg, with sound design by Mark Phillips and will premiere on 9 November, with one episode debuting every week. Gimlets other non-fiction series include Crimetown, from two of the producers of HBOs The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst, which is set in Providence, Rhode Island, a town so steeped in organised crime that its mayor, Vincent 'Buddy' Cianci, resigned from office after kidnapping and torturing the man his wife was having an affair with and then won his mayorship back. The series premieres 20 November. Another interesting series is Undone which looks at the aftermath of the biggest news stories of yesterday, when the news crews rolled away. The first season will delve into what happened after a group of black men 'Deacons for Defense and Justice' faced the Klu Klux Klan in one of the Souths biggest Klan strongholds in 1965. New Delhi: Amid a growing number of industry leaders expressing anguish over policy paralysis, top banker Chanda Kochhar has said that people are talking more about challenges while taking the positives for granted. Kochhar's mentor and ICICI Bank Chairman KV Kamath has also sounded an optimistic note. In his latest letter to ICICI Bank shareholders, Kamath said he is confident about a "robust and sustained (economic) growth over the medium to long term". Stressing that the reality is a little better than the sentiments, Kochhar, CEO and Managing Director of ICICI Bank, has said that global scenario was not the "big reason" for the current situation and "a lot of it is in our own hands." "... but we all tend to talk more about challenges and take the positives for granted," Kochhar said in an interview published by global investment banking giant Morgan Stanley. Incidentally, in another interview published by Morgan Stanley, top business leader and IT giant Infosys' co-founder and former chief NR Narayana Murthy said that India's image has suffered over the past 3-4 months and the country was suffering from challenges that were "self-inflicted." A growing list of corporate leaders have been expressing anguish over lack of policy initiatives by the government. They include IT major Wipro's Chairman Azim Premji, top banker Deepak Parekh and Aditya Birla group's Kumar Mangalam Birla. Standard and Poor's has already warned that India risks losing its 'investment grade' rating due to "slowing GDP growth and political roadblocks to economic policy making". HDFC's chairman Deepak Parekh has also said in his annual letter to shareholders that it is the "lack of political will" that was holding India back and investors can no longer be placated by talks of "long-term fundamentals". Parekh had said that most of the recent problems "have been self induced - lack of fiscal rectitude, uncompromising coalition partners, inability to gain consensus on crucial legislation, stalled reforms, corruption scandals and a sense of apathy towards foreign investment." Kumar Mangalam Birla in his message to Idea Cellular shareholders has said that the "the biggest overhang (for the telecom sector) is the regulatory environment in the sector which are detrimental to the sector's future". Kochhar, however, has said the "investment driver is there for the long term and appears to be structurally strong because every investment that we are talking about comes from the need for that particular capacity. "If we give confidence about the investment climate and on the fiscal path, investments will start coming in and then that takes care of the exchange rate, liquidity and equity flows - it starts a nice virtuous cycle but these are two enabling factors." The ICICI Bank chief said that there could be a slowdown in the pace of investments in immediate term, but long term potential is intact and "therefore the long-term story continues to be strong." She further said that India could easily grow at 9-10 percent level over the next 5-10 years. "What we are achieving currently is mainly driven by consumption. If investment comes back, there is easily another 3 percentage points or so that we can add to the growth rate. We have the potential to get there, provided we do things right," she noted. Asked about most of the people not sharing her optimism, Kochhar said: "We have to remember that our sentiments are driven by the immediate factors, whereas when we talk about countries and their long-term stories, we have to look at the long-term structural factors. "If you look at the current sentiment, and assume that the current sentiment and pace of investment will continue to stay with us, then we cannot get to 8-10 percent growth. What I am saying is that we have the potential to get there. If we do things right we can get there." PTI Mumbai: To encourage banks to ensure genuine requirements of the public for Rs 100 banknotes are met, RBI on Wednesday said it has been decided to conduct a pilot under which 10 percent of ATMs in the country will be calibrated to dispense such notes exclusively. "In keeping with the objectives of the Clean Note Policy and to ensure genuine requirements of members of the public for Rs 100 denomination banknotes are met, the banks should increase dispensation of Rs 100 banknotes through ATMs which are widely used for distribution of banknotes for retail use," the central bank said in a notification. "With a view to encouraging the banks in that direction, it has been decided to conduct a pilot project wherein 10 percent of the ATMs in the country will be calibrated to dispense Rs 100 banknotes exclusively." The Reserve Bank further said banks are, therefore, advised to configure/calibrate 10 percent of ATMs to facilitate this arrangement. The central bank recently had conducted a review of steps taken by banks for installing ATMs dispensing lower denomination banknotes. Noting that the process of configuring the requisite number of machines is not complex, RBI said the banks are required to complete the exercise within 15 days from the date of the circular and report compliance. "For this purpose, banks are free to select the branches with the sample covering relatively large number of centres/ states," it said. India's ecommerce sector shrouded with controversy over the alleged practice of offering steep discounts on products sold online has become an accepted practice for everyone who shops online. For the last couple of years, domestic online majors such as Flipkart, Amazon India and Snapdeal, armed with billion of dollars of funding from deep-pocketed overseas investors, are engaged in a huge discount game to woo customers and capture market share. Several industry experts assert that the online business model seems to be flawed and these players would soon run out of cash to carry out such discount offers for a longer time. For a sustainable business model, it's necessary that the incentive and discount wars be done away with soon. The question is: When will India's ecommerce companies end the discount game and focus on becoming profitable? Experts feel it will take another 2-3 years before online companies give up on discounts and focus on business viability. This is because, India's internet users continue to be attracted by pricing against the convenience factor, said a Economic Times report. Maturity among the current internet users is poor due to lower internet penetration, which currently stands at 25 percent. With an internet user base likely to exceed 40 percent by 2019, matured internet users would rather prefer convenience over pricing, the report said. "Generally, for users who have been on the internet for less than five years, pricing is an attraction to come online. [After that] convenience starts outstripping attractive pricing. Based on our research we see that happening by (in India) by 2019 when over 40 percent of India's total internet users would have matured. Today that number is about 25 percent," the ET report said quoting Parag Gupta, the executive director who leads the technology, internet and media practice for Morgan Stanley India. According to Gupta, India's ecommerce firms can focus on turning profitable and shouldn't be dependent on overseas funds to carry out their discount schemes. "It's important to always think about unit economics because funding can close and start at different points as it is governed by global events," added Gupta. In the past, Flipkart, the country's number one home-grown ecommerce company, was marred by frequent markdowns by several of its key investors due to its lack of focus on profitability. A host of its investors had marked down their valuation estimates by up to 39 percent in the recent past. In May, Morgan Stanley Mutual Fund Trust, an investor in the company, lowered its estimate of the valuation of the Bengaluru-based e-commerce company by 15.5 percent to $9.39 billion. At its peak, Flipkart was valued at over $15 billion. Besides this, Fidelity Rutland Square Trust II, Valic Co., and T. Rowe Price also each lowered the value once. In last month's big festive online shopping war, the top three ecommerce companies claimed to have registered record sales mainly on the back of steep discounts being offered on electronics and several other products. Earlier this week, the Indian arm of US ecommerce giant Amazon said its total sales in October were three times more than sales seen in the same month of festival sale in the previous year. The Bengaluru-headquartered Flipkart also countered by claiming that the company sold 70 percent to 80 percent more than Amazon (India) by value in the festive month of October. These numbers also include sales by its subsidiaries Myntra and Jabong. During the Diwali offer sale, Flipkart said it sold about 15.5 million units while Amazon India sold about 15 million units. According to research firm RedSeer, e-commerce companies are expected to register transactions worth Rs 11,000-13,000 crore ($1.7-1.9 billion) in October, driven by festive offers and discounts on their platforms. Although, the top three etailers attracted millions of customers to transact products online over last 24 months, challenges continue at their end. With discount war raging, brick-and-mortar retail players are complaining that online players are breaking the FDI rules by offering huge discounts on products sold online. However, ecommerce players maintain that they are not violating FDI rules and instead are putting out a disclaimer in newspapers suggesting that discounts are being extended by the sellers, who use their marketplace model to sell products. The government, too, has lend their support to the online players, indicating that FDI rules are not flouted by them. We had a meeting with e-commerce companies following complaints made by brick-and-mortar retailers on the discounts being offered online as FDI rules do not allow this. We told them that if indeed the discount is being offered by the vendors and not them, it should be spelt out in their advertisements. Now they have started doing so, a recent BusinessLine report said quoting an official from the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. Even as the online and offline tussle will not end in a hurry, India's ecommerce sector would continue to run the discount game to ratchet up their valuation and attract more funds. WASHINGTON The U.S. Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) ended negotiations on their ninth contract for F-35 fighter jets after 14 months of negotiations on the more than $6.1 billion deal, people familiar with the talks said on Wednesday. The unilateral agreement is for 57 of the new war planes in the F-35 programme, the Pentagon's costliest arms programme. The people spoke under condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the negotiations on the record. Representatives for the Pentagon and Lockheed did not immediately return requests for comment. (Reporting by Mike Stone; Editing by Bernard Orr) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Kay Johnson and Laurence Frost | ISLAMABAD/PARIS ISLAMABAD/PARIS Pakistan's government said on Thursday that French carmaker Renault is planning to invest in a local assembly plant with first production due to start by 2018. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar met with Renault executives in France in September as a part of a wider efforts to attract more foreign players to its automobile sector, a statement from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's office said."As a result of the Finance Minister's efforts and persuasion, Renault has decided to invest in Pakistan," the statement said."They will start assembling cars in Pakistan by 2018."A Renault spokesman in Paris confirmed the plans, saying the company "has entered into exclusive negotiations with Ghandhara and Al Futtaim Groups to develop the Renault brand in Pakistan, including a manufacturing plant on the Ghandara site in Karachi". Neither side gave a figure for the planned investment.Pakistan has been seeking to attract several foreign car makers with generous offers on import duties, but has faced challenges given fears about the country's long-term political stability and security given attacks by the Taliban and other militants. Aside from Renault, Dar and other Pakistani officials have met with executives from Volkswagen, PSA Peugeot , Fiat and Nissan.The country wants to shake up its Japanese-dominated car market and loosen the grip of Toyota, Honda and Suzuki, whose locally assembled cars are sold at relatively high prices but lag behind imported vehicles in terms of quality and specifications.Pakistan has a potential market of nearly 200 million people, but just 180,000 cars were sold in the 2014/2015 fiscal year. That compares with more than 2 million passenger vehicles a year in neighbouring India. Officials have been touting a new car industry policy, skewed in favour of new entrants, that includes offering foreign car manufacturers lower duties as an incentive to set up plants in Pakistan or re-open old sites.The incentives have angered existing market players, some of whom have said publicly they should get similar terms. (Writing by Kay Johnson; Editing by Greg Mahlich) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. As burning of schools continues, the Jammu and Kashmir government has issued a circular asking its lower-rung employees and even teachers to safeguard educational institutes after arsonists set ablaze 27 schools in the Kashmir Valley in the last few weeks. The Ministry of Education led by Naeem Akhtar has come under harsh criticism for failing to protect the school buildings, recently burned down by arsonists in south and central Kashmir. The separatist leadership has even accused them of "plotting conspiracy to malign the ongoing movement in Kashmir". A circular, issued by the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) on Wednesday, said the head of the institutes have been asked to prepare a duty roster of night watchmen, existing Contingent Paid Workers (CPWs) and local teachers (day time) to ensure that one employee is physically present in a school round the clock. Since the uprising, 27 schools across Kashmir Valley have been burnt by unknown arsonists. Majority of these buildings were set on fire in the middle of the night and the latest incident to take place was at Ganderbal area in central Kashmir, but timely intervention of the residents saved the school building. The state government passed this directive after the high court issued directives to the state government to safeguard the schools and take immediate steps to prevent further loss and the recurrence of such incidents. Now the government has also directed Chief Education Officers of all the districts to profile all schools falling in their jurisdiction based on their vulnerability. On Wednesday, all the school heads were directed by the concerned Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to submit the list of employees, including teaching and non-teaching staff, besides the class IV and orderly employees for their night duty in schools. The CEOs have asked the school heads to prepare a daily roster of chowkidars and other lower rung employees for the night duty in their respective schools. As per the roster, the teachers have been assigned to monitor and ensure chowkidars are present in the school. School heads have been asked to depute laboratory and library bearers for the job in case chowkidars are not available in schools, the officials said. Though the schools heads have opposed the move, given the location of educational institutions in sensitive and hypertensive areas, the CEOs have asked them to ensure safety of schools and take responsibility. Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Ajaz Ahmad Bhat said the women teachers will be exempted from the duty roster. Moreover, the government will ensure police patrolling in hyper-sensitive areas. We have talked to police. They will patrol in hyper-sensitive and sensitive areas to keep a vigil and protect schools, he said. MLA Langate Sheikh Abdul Rashid, who was a civil engineer before joining politics, on Wednesday, expressed deep anger over the orders issued by the government that teachers along with chowkidars will have to stay during night in the schools to protect them from burning. In a statement, Rashid said, It is condemnable and insulting that teachers have been reduced to the level of chowkidars. He added that it puts lives of teachers at risk and people should protest against the move. The message has not arrived. The Maoists do not yet know if their top commander Ramakrishna is alive or dead. Or is he arrested, injured or just plain missing? It is rather unusual for him not to contact a courier to inform of his well-being. The Maoists have called for a bandh on 3 November but it is the outlaws who are getting shut out. It is 10 days since the security forces gunned down 30 Maoists inside a land-locked patch in Odisha, close to the Andhra and Chhattisgarh borders. It is referred to as the cut off area and was the theatre of action between the security forces and the Maoists on 24 October. It was touted as one of the biggest successes in recent years, a revenge for the 2008 ambush in which 38 elite anti-naxal Greyhounds personnel were killed in the same area. Maoists understand the need to move on when they lose foot soldiers in the battle which they have waged against the state since the late 1960s. The concern now is about Ramakrishna. The top Maoist, whose son Munna was killed in the encounter, has been missing ever since. Civil liberties activists allege the police know where he is. "We are not saying he is in police custody but the cops know where he and the nine tribals who are also missing, are," says Varavara Rao, revolutionary poet and a Maoist sympathiser. Rao alleges that all registered medical practitioners in the area have been picked up and a vigil kept on all medical shops. If this is true, it strengthens their suspicion that RK is injured and needs treatment. Their hunch is based on the fact that if he was not on the police radar, he would have established contact with the party by now. The Andhra police deny that Ramakrishna is in its custody. It has also denied having any information on RK, claiming that he is perhaps not able to reach out because of poor mobile connectivity in the area. The Hyderabad High Court, where a petition was filed, has not bought that argument saying the Maoists have their own courier system of passing on information. I have met Ramakrishna twice, in 2001 inside Nallamalla forests (where he first made the offer of peace talks in an interview) and in 2004 when he came to Hyderabad for the peace talks. Very professorial in his looks, he is one of the sharpest tactical minds in the Maoist outfit. Which is why this soft-spoken Maoist led the group when YS Rajasekhara Reddy government invited them to sit across the table in October 2004. When the talks failed and the police turned on the heat, he was moved out of united Andhra Pradesh post 2006 to Chhattisgarh and Andhra-Odisha border zone. Age has now caught up with him and the 60-something Maoist leader is said to have health issues now. Which is why the Maoists are so tense about RK. Losing him either by way of getting killed or arrested, would be a body blow. It would mean losing the psychological edge as much of their top ranking leadership is already neutralised. As it is, the outlaws are finding it tough to get new recruits and their numbers and area of domination has been shrinking. Privately the police admit there would be little use having RK in custody because he is a hard nut to crack, unlikely to sing during an interrogation. Killing him in an encounter can possibly have the effect of the Maoist sympathisers projecting him as a martyr. Making him go through the judicial process, they argue, is the best way forward by cutting off all communication with the outside world. "RK in jail is as good as dead. He cannot lead the party from prison,'' says a senior officer. Officers in the Andhra Pradesh establishment rue that they did not finish off the RK story a decade ago. An officer recalls how in February 2005, soon after the collapse of the peace talks, the Greyhounds had surrounded 30 top Maoist leaders, including RK, inside the Nallamalla forest in Andhra Pradesh. But pressure was immediately mounted on the then Congress regime by their sympathisers to let them off. Home Minister Jana Reddy reportedly took the call to ask the Greyhounds who had RK, just a trigger away, to move back. Maoist sympathisers are apprehensive that if the police have RK in its sight, another encounter is imminent. They already accuse the 24 October encounter was fake, alleging many of the bodies recovered from the site were mutilated, with heads and other body parts chopped off. It is clear the Andhra and Odisha police are fighting this battle, keeping its cards close to its chest. Staying in denial mode also helps them ensure against a repeat of the 2005 episode when political orders from the top undid their efforts. Auto refresh feeds "Democracy does not mean causing obstruction at the hospital," he said. "Despite all our advice, Rahul Gandhi came to the hospital. He, along with other Congress leaders, has been detained," he added. Delhi Police official MK Meena confirmed that Rahul Gandhi has been detained. "First, AAP leaders came. AAP leaders were detained because there was a lot of disturbance. Congress leaders were not allowed," Meena said. Singh also reiterated what Kejriwal said in his video message earlier about the government reducing the disability pension for the army personnel. "This is an attitude of the goondagardi of the government," he said. "There were told lies by the government on the OROP issue," he said. "The Delhi Deputy CM cannot go to express sadness over an incident in the nation." "This is an example of tanashahi by the Narendra Modi government. The people who gave 30 years of their life for the nation have been sitting on a dharna for the last year and a half," said AAP's Sanjay Singh. This is an attitude of goondagardi by the government: AAP Rahul also spoke to the family members who were detained with him in the police station. "You have arrested the family members of a martyr. Do you have no shame?" Rahul Gandhi told a Delhi police official in the Mandir Marg police station. "What kind of work are you doing?" he said. "We were beaten up. Police officials abused us and beat us up," he added. "My family members were arrested," Ram Grewal's son said in the police station. Ram Grewal's son says his family members were beaten up in the police station "Should the police arrest those who have been detained? We had to delay our cabinet meeting because of this. This is goondagardi being done by the government," he said. "I have come to meet the family members (of Grewal). They are indulging in politics," he said. "The army is being misused politically," Kejriwal said. "Surgical strikes were conducted. But instead of rewarding the army, the government reduced the disability pension and downgraded their ranks," he said, repeating what he said in his video message. "This is very unfortunate that a veteran had to commit suicide inside our country," said Arvind Kejriwal. "PM Modi is traveling across the nation and lying to the people. If OROP had really been implemented, why would Ram Grewal need to commit suicide?" he added. "Under which law do you have to take permission to meet the families?" "Do we have a right to meet our ex-servicemen, their families? You don't need permission to go to a hospital. We are not living in a police state," he further said. "In the police station, the police have used force against the family members. His family has been treated in a very cruel manner," he said. "This shows the kind of attitude the government has. They are abusing their authority." "His family had called Rahul Gandhi. They wanted to meet him. They were dragged from the parking lot in the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. It is illegal detention," said Congress leader Anand Sharma. We are not living in a police state: Congress The way things unfolded outside the hospital today has no precedence. The Congress vice-president, Delhi chief minister and deputy chief minister of Delhi were detained by Delhi police when they were trying to enter the hospital to meet the family of Ram Kishan Grewal, who committed suicide on Tuesday. After Rahul Gandhi and Manish Sisodia, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was detained by the Delhi police at Lady Hardinge Hospital. "Na police station le ja rahein hain, na andar jane de rahein hain. Aadhe ghante se yahin baithe hain. Mujhe bataya ki Section 144 ki wajah se detain kiya hai humein. (They are neither taking me to the police station nor letting me go to the protest site. We have been sitting here for half an hour. They told you security reasons, and they told me Section 144 is behind my detention). The way the police behaved with Subedar Grewal's family - they kicked them, slapped them, beat them up, abused them - this affects the morale of the Army. I just want the government to apologise to the family of Ram Kishan Grewal for all the ill-treatment. Mera kya hai, main toh yahin baitha rahunga. (I have nothing else to do, I will keep sitting here)" TV footage shows that quite a drama is unfolding at the protest site in Delhi at Jantar Mantar. An ANI reporter speaking to Rahul Gandhi asked the Congress vice-president why was he not allowed inside, was it because of security reasons? Here is what Rahul said: We had given notice to Delhi police for this march, this was a peaceful march: R Surjewala #OROPDeathPolitics Congress Rahul Gandhi has been detained, R Surjewala says the party strongly condemn the detention #OROPDeathPolitics Its almost half an hour and we are still here in the car. Way the family was treated and dragged, Govt should apologise for it: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/o1mp4tNE67 Have been inside car for past half an hour, not letting us out; nt even taking us to PS; was told we were removed bcz of Sec144:Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/NAaNonBvIT We are asked to remain in the car by police, they are not telling where are they going to take us now: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/B3ao1HB0SG "Na police station le ja rahein hain, na andar jane de rahein hain. Aadhe ghante se yahin baithe hain. Mujhe bataya ki Section 144 ki wajah se detain kiya hai humein. (They are neither taking me to the police station nor letting me go to the protest site. We have been sitting here for half an hour. They told you security reasons, and they told me Section 144 is behind my detention). The way the police behaved with Subedar Grewal's family - they kicked them, slapped them, beat them up, abused them - this affects the morale of the Army. I just want the government to apologise to the family of Ram Kishan Grewal for all the ill-treatment. Mera kya hai, main toh yahin baitha rahunga. (I have nothing else to do, I will keep sitting here)" TV footage shows that quite a drama is unfolding at the protest site in Delhi at Jantar Mantar. An ANI reporter speaking to Rahul Gandhi asked the Congress vice-president why was he not allowed inside, was it because of security reasons? Here is what Rahul said: #WATCH : Rahul Gandhi speaks to ANI after detention from protest site,says 'have been in car for past half an hour,police not letting us out' pic.twitter.com/sCBt2XNmDG Its almost half an hour and we are still here in the car. Way the family was treated and dragged, Govt should apologise for it: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/o1mp4tNE67 Have been inside car for past half an hour, not letting us out; nt even taking us to PS; was told we were removed bcz of Sec144:Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/NAaNonBvIT Clash between police and Congress workers protesting over Rahul Gandhi's detention in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/RRxEuHucb6 Congress workers stage a protest against the detention of party VP Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/QKFLSImOGr Congress workers stage a protest against the detention of Rahul Gandhi in Delhi Delhi: Rahul Gandhi taken from Feroz Shah Road in the PCR van pic.twitter.com/0CPcpxL7Mu Senior Congress leader Raj Babbar slammed the Centre for its crackdown on "peaceful" protesters and said that Rahul Gandhi's detention is a good indicator of which way the country is going. JUST IN | Rahul Gandhi taken to Tughlak Road police station #OROPDeathPolitics I want the PM to assure me that he will address concerns on OROP: Rahul Gandhi to @_pallavighosh #OROPDeathPolitics An ex-serviceman allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison over the issue of One Rank One Pension scheme (OROP) in New Delhi. The 70-year-old ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal from Haryana's Bhiwani district ended his life in the lawns behind the Jawahar Bhavan, which houses the Ministry of External Affairs, on Tuesday evening. Police said he along with three of his companions had come to the city apparently to submit a memorandum to the Defence Ministry over the issue of OROP. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said he was saddened over the death of Grewal. "Saddened by the death of subedar Ram Kishen Grewal. I express my heartfelt condolences. I have asked officials to provide me with details," Parrikar said in a tweet. According to his friends, Grewal, who served in the Army and the Defence Security Corps for 30 years, had been upset over the issue for sometime. Defence Ministry sources said as per records, no request for appointment with Parrikar was made. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the suicide of an ex-serviceman here, saying both farmers and soldiers were ending their lives in his regime. Kejriwal, a bitter critic of Modi, also alleged that the Prime Minister was "lying" that the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme was being implemented by the Centre, contending that ex-serviceman, Ram Kishan Grewal, would not have committed suicide if the scheme was being executed by the Centre. A group of ex-servicemen led by Major General Satbir Singh (Retd) have been protesting against the OROP scheme introduced by the government. He is now an advisor to a new political party, Fauji Janta Party, which will fight in the upcoming Punjab Assembly Polls. The alleged suicide came just days after a one-man judicial committee on OROP submitted its report to Parrikar. The Centre, which has implemented the OROP, a demand which had been pending for decades, had appointed the committee under the Chairmanship of Justice L Narasimha Reddy, retired Chief Justice of Patna High Court to look into the anomalies, if any, arising out of implementation of OROP. The Ministry is currently studying the report and sources had said it will take a decision soon. The ex-serviceman have been holding protests at Jantar Mantar, Delhi's designated site for protests, to demand changes in OROP. Protesters say four of their primary conditions have not been met by the government. The main demands are revision of pension every year rather than the five years as decided by the government and OROP being extended to pre-mature retirees. Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar said he is anguished by the suicide of Grewal of 105 Infantry Btn (TA) and DSC. "He died at Jantar Mantar where veterans have protested in the past and some continue to protest despite my calls to call off the protest. My deepest condolences to his family and his friends," he said in a statement. The MP urged Parrikar to urgently resolve the outstanding issues/anomalies of OROP and also the 7th Central Pay Commission that continue to agitate and worry those serving and the veterans. "I urge him, as I have done repeatedly, to involve direct representation from the armed forces in resolving these issues and not leave it only to the bureaucrats and to do so urgently," he said. With inputs from PTI The political degradation of the India was once again on display in the capital of the country politicising the death of the Late Subedar Ram Kishen Grewal who was also Sarpanch of Bamla Village of Haryana. As per media reports, Ram Kishen Grewal, an ex-serviceman protesting against the anomalies in the One Rank One Pension (Orop) scheme, allegedly committed suicide in New Delhi late Tuesday night. He has purportedly left a suicide note saying that he is taking his life due to the delay in meeting the demands of the army veterans. He is reported to have consumed poison in the lawns behind Jawahar Bhawan. Another media report says Ram Kishen Grewal, 65 allegedly poisoned himself on the lawns of a government building in Delhi on Tuesday afternoon. In a suicide note, he said he still had not received the increased pension promised by the government under its one-rank-one pension scheme. Police reportedly told PTI that Ram Kishen Grewal, along with some other ex-servicemen, was in the process of submitting a memorandum to the Defence Ministry over the issue of Orop. According to his friends, Grewal had been upset over the issue for some time. The ironic part is the manner in which the suicide has been politicised; Congress VP, Delhi CM, Delhi CM all in Dharna outside Ram Manohar Lohia hospital. The mobs accompanied them forced the police to close the gates of the hospital, which automatically denied entry to patients who needed to come to the hospital but that is India. Delhi CM tweeted, Both farmers and soldiers are committing suicide in Modi Raj. That means the Prime Minister is lying that Orop has been implemented. Why would Ram Kishan ji have committed suicide if Orop was being implemented? Kejriwal is expected to visit the Grewal family in Haryana. It is not the smirk and smile of the politicians while being interviewed on TV was noticeable, but the quick-time manner in which they made a beeline to the hospital scene can hardly rule out something more to the episode. Has any one of these politicians merrily politicising a soldiers suicide bothered to lay a single flower on the bodies of martyred soldiers that arrive by air in Delhi periodically and are honoured by the army before being ceremonially dispatched to their native places? Did these politicians, or for that matter any politician, ever send even one of their representatives to do so if it is too inconvenient for their lifestyles? Has any politician ever seen the dilapidated corner at Delhi Airport with hustle-bustle of vehicles and other activities in close proximity, where bodies of martyred soldiers are honoured by the army after being taken down from aircraft? Are any of these politicians aware that earlier the spot where the bodies of army martyrs were laid at Delhi airport was most appropriate but was shifted arbitrarily without reference to the army? Will any of these politicians visit the said spot now and ensure its relocation as earlier? Not a chance, one can assume. Now let us look at the suicide of Ram Kishen Grewal. When the agitation at Jantar Mantar began in 2015, there were reportedly veterans at that venue who were worked up. Even then veterans did not resort to violence, leave aside attempt suicide. Much has happened since then. Orop was sanctioned but not in full because the definition of Orop as accepted by two Parliaments was misread by design or default. There has been much heartburn on the issue but the anomalies were brought to the notice of the government that led to the appointment of the single member Reddy Commission. This commission was given extension and finally submitted its recommendations to the government last week. Ram Jethmalani took up the veterans cause for grant of full Orop at with the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the FM stuck to his guns and stated on the floor of the Parliament there are many definitions of Orop, which is his definition. On 29 October, the government letter for revised pension as per 7th CPC was also issued that instructed pension disbursing authority to implement revised pension without awaiting any further instructions. Most banks have confirmed that the revised pension and arrears will be credited to account of veterans latest by 8 November. Ram Kishen Grewal was a veteran Junior Commissioned Officer. He was educated, and also Sarpanch of his village. No doubt the matter of grant of full Orop remains but it really should not have been the cause of him taking his life. Didnt he celebrate Diwali with his family and why did he commit the act immediately after Diwali? There certainly would be other veterans and serving soldiers in his village. If he was agitated past few days, was it on the issue of Orop? Did he discuss it with other veterans and serving soldiers? Did he approach the Zila Sainik Welfare Officer and the State administration? Did he meet the MLA under whose jurisdiction his village fell and if he did, did she, being from the opposition party, motivate him for such an act? Isnt it quite possible that his suicide was motivated to draw political mileage from it? Nothing really can be ruled out; he could have been depressed for other reasons and the breaking point could have been fuelled by certain forces. Did he buy the poison himself or was he supplied with something and told that it would be possible to revive him eventually? Did he take the poison himself or did someone administer it to him? The suicide note itself raises numerous questions. Did he write it himself and carried it along with the poison for use in the event he could not meet MoD authorities. Whom did he expect to meet in the government building? Why would he commit suicide on the lawns of a government building? Or, was the suicide note planted on him? These are issues that the police sleuths surely would need to look at. But with all said and done, the bottom-line is that politicising a dead soldier amounts to Dance of the Barbarians. The author is veteran Lieutenant General of the Indian Army. New findings indicate that the Bhopal Jail break had been planned for months to free not just the 8 Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) members, but all 29, according to a Hindustan Times report. The SIMI members were killed on the city outskirts at Malikheda following their escape from the high-security jail after slitting the throat of a security guard and scaling the 32-feet wall using bedsheets in the wee hours of 31 October. This encounter has come under scanner with opposition parties and the lawyer of the slain SIMI activists pointing to several alleged smoking guns to claim that it was fake. According to a PTI report, on Wednesday, an SIT formed by Madhya Pradesh Police inspected the site of alleged encounter where the eight SIMI men were gunned down while a separate investigation began into the jailbreak by extremists by recreating the scene. The CID team led by SP Anurag Sharma also examined some people about the encounter. Former Director General of Police Nandan Dubey, assigned by the state government with the task of investigating the daring jail break, visited the Central Jail in Bhopal. Asked about the lapses that led to the SIMI activists' escape, he said it was too early to jump to any conclusion. "We are coming on Deepawali," read notes found by the investigation team on the case, two in English and Hindi and several others in Urdu during a sweep of the nine cells of Block B that housed other SIMI members who failed to escape. Officials think the plan must have been plotted in the hospital, when the inmates were treated together. Additionally, they have also found soap bars with key imprints that, it is said, may have been used to duplicate as many as 17 keys, says the article by India TV. A report by The Financial Express claims that the eight SIMI suspects who escaped from Block B had planned to rush to Block A to free the others including SIMI chief of Madhya Pradesh, Abu Faisal. However their plan was foiled by two prison guards on duty which led to a struggle in which one was killed. According to a Free Press Journal report, it is suspected that the eight men knew that 78 CCTV cameras behind the barracks on the premises were out of order, and that they could have received help from someone on the inside. Where Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had earlier said that NIA would probe the case, in New Delhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh did not specify when the National Investigation Agency would conduct a probe into the case. "We have not yet received anything (from the state). The Madhya Pradesh government has already ordered an investigation," he said. Meanwhile, however, the lawyer of the eight SIMI activists, Parvez Alam alleged that the activists had sustained gun shots in the head and chest, after saying that he had seen the autopsy reports of the slain men. Repeating his claim that it was a fake encounter, he said that according to a Supreme Court ruling, police should fire below the waist. With inputs from PTI Encounter killings affect all citizens living in a free democracy. Even more so in situations where the police have to use lethal force while pursuing the people who have managed to escape from their custody. Recently, the Madhya Pradesh Police shot down eight under-trial Students' Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) activists, who had escaped from the Bhopal Central Jail on Monday after killing a police constable. All of them were fired upon from the front and over the waist, making it look like an encounter. While the environment in the country is charged as encounter killings in India are often celebrated by certain sections as a form of quick and efficient justice this time around, it has become rather worrisome. Especially, with the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kirren Rijju, publicly asking people to stop questioning the police for their actions. Encounter killings need to be subjected to the highest level of scrutiny by the public. Especially an encounter like this, where official support is lent to the Madhya Pradesh police for their unofficial 'shoot to kill' approach. The chief of the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) has even gone on record saying that the SIMI under-trials shot dead were unarmed, adding that he did not see the shooting as a problem. In a quote to NDTV, he said, "It is well settled in law when police can use force and take a life. These men were dreaded criminals. If the police sees the possibility that such men can escape, they can use maximum force." While it is unfortunate that a police constable had to die in the process, it is even more unfortunate that the actions of the police are being condoned by the highest offices of the Central and the state governments involved. An encounter killing is no laughing matter and is not something that should be taken lightly. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan went on record and said: "Wish the opposition had said a few words on the guard. They have nothing to say for martyrs...these men were dreaded terrorists. We have no idea what terror they would have spread. Yet for them, so much fuss (sic)." That is, however, the precise reason why the MP police did the nation a disservice by killing them instead of arresting them. Due process is a double edged sword. Along with protecting the civil liberties of an individual, it also enables the state machinery to completely and thoroughly investigate a matter. Now all that is left are the dead bodies of eight under-trials who were jailed for charges ranging from dacoity to murder. If they were arrested alive right now, these eight could have been in an National Investigation Agency (NIA) interrogation room. But for that to have happened, the MP police would have had to show restraint by shooting below the waist, to wound and not to kill. Further, if the police were so ill equipped that they had to use lethal force to overpower eight unarmed under-trials, then it clearly shows that they are in dire need for better equipment, or training, or both. Mourning the brave police constable, who had to take on the prisoners without backup, and asking why an arrest could not be made without all eight under-trials dying, does not have to be mutually exclusive. We can do both at the same time and both we must do. A review needs to be conducted to ascertain what possible intelligence has been lost as a result of the under-trials death. While the security at our prisons also needs to be stepped up at the same time. What is perhaps one of the worst outcomes of this entire episode is that human rights defenders are being accused of defending "terrorists". Human rights and anti-terrorism operations are not at war with each other. In fact, they often can and do work hand in hand. Fundamental human rights and due process may not look good on an election campaign poster in Uttar Pradesh, but are often an effective tool that can be deployed by intelligence agencies to solicit cooperation from members of existing terrorist groups. They can help the agencies to get them to defect and provide intelligence on active networks and plots and turn over evidence on their co-conspirators to secure convictions. What is the war on terror for? We are fighting to defend our civilised way of life against an enemy that seeks to take away our democratic principles. If we surrender these very democratic principles, there is literally nothing left to fight for. Chouhan needs to go pick up a civics textbook from school. In a democracy, security forces do not match with the justice courts. The job of the security forces is to arrest people and produce them before courts, so that justice can be delivered; no matter what the circumstances. There was a lot of uproar in the nation following the prison break on 31 October by eight members of SIMI (Students Islamic Movement of India) from Bhopal Central Jail after slitting the throat of the jail guard. However, eight hours after their escape, all the eight activists were killed a few kilometres away from the city in a shootout with the police. In the wake of Bhopal prison break, let's take a look at the prison statistics of 2015 recently published by National Crime Records Bureau. The 21st edition of prison statistics data reveals that Madhya Pradesh is the second state with highest number of inmates (38,458), highest being Uttar Pradesh (88,747). Furthermore, out of the 59.6 percent of the total murder convicts, 15.8 percent were reported from Madhya Pradesh and of the 26.5 percent of total undertrials charged with murder under IPC crimes MP accounts to about 8.5 percent. In an analysis done by The Indian Express, the data for Madhya Pradesh reveals wide gaps between the share of Muslims in their population and the share of Muslims in its jails. In MP, with a share of 7 percent in population, Muslims made up 13 percent of undertrials and 10 percent of convicts. Religion-wise distribution of inmates In a religion-wise distribution of inmates at the end of 2015, the data reveals that 72.6 percent (97,471 out of 1,34,168) of convicts lodged in jails profess Hindu religion while 15.8 percent (21,220) were from the Muslim community and the remaining were from other religions. While that under the classification of undertrial prisoners (total of 67.2 percent), people following Hindu religion account for 69.8 percent (1,96,814 out of 2,82,076), while people from Muslim community (59,053) accounted for 20.9 percent and the rest belonged to other religions. Of the 74.2 percent of the total detainees, 67.1 percent belong to the Hindu community while 23.8 percent belong to the Muslim community. Sydney: The discovery of a human settlement in Australia dating back 49,000 years has challenged theories about when the world's oldest continued civilisation came to the country, the archaeologist who made the find said on Thursday. Sophisticated tools and bone fragments from the largest ever marsupial were found in a cave high on a cliff in Flinders Ranges, in South Australia, according to archaeologist Giles Hamm. Scientists working with Hamm's team had determined the age of the site at 49,000 years. Aboriginal Australians are the oldest continued civilisation in the world, descending from the first people to leave Africa, according to a genetic study published by the University of Copenhagen in September. But the time of arrival of the first Australians is debated among researchers. The consensus view has been that they had arrived 50,000 years ago. But Hamm said their presence 49,000 years ago at a site at in southern Australia suggested they must have reached northern parts far earlier. "If people did come 50,000 years ago, it doesn't give them much time to move so far south," said Hamm, referring to evidence of settlement 49,000 years ago. "There could have been colonisation much earlier than the accepted time frame of 50,000 years ago. It could be 55,000 maybe 60,000 years ago." The site also contained evidence of human interaction with mega fauna, namely the Diprotodon optatum a marsupial measuring 2 metres in height and weighing more than 2,500 kilograms.Austr Scientists have previously puzzled over how humans had interacted with them. But the presence of bones from juvenile animals in a cave on a cliff suggests they had been hunted, said Gavin Prideaux, palaeontologist, at Flinders University in South Australia. "Those animals weren't built to climb up a cliff into the settlement, the only way they could have got there was through human agency," said Prideaux. Lucknow: If Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence in Gurugram, Haryana, on Tuesday brought the city to a standstill and several MNCs declared the day off, Uttar Prdesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's Vikas Rath Yatra is set to create a similar chaos on Thursday. Akhilesh is set to embark on the yatra atop a modified Mercedes bus from Lucknow. All schools in the state capital and Unnao have been shut owing to the "VVIP movement", which is all set to bring the state capital and the Lucknow-Kanpur highway to a grinding halt. Elaborate arrangements are in place on the routes that the chief minister's Rath will roll on. The yatra is being seen as his first show of strength after the turf war with his father Mulayam Singh Yadav and uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav. The District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) of Lucknow has asked all schools to remain shut in view of the traffic diversions in the state capital, as the convoy of the Chief Minister criss-crosses the city and other nearby places. "We have been told to declare it a holiday as children might get stuck in long traffic snarl-ups," a school principal told IANS ruing the development, as the schools opened only on Wednesday after a four-day-long Diwali break. Close aides of the chief minister, however, brush aside the criticism, saying in the "poll season" all this is bound to happen. Traffic police have been put on standby to handle the large volumes of traffic on Thursday, as thousands of vehicles are likely to join the 43-year-old chief minister during his Vikas Se Vijay ki Ore (from development to victory) yatra. Moreover, since the yatra is happening amid a power struggle between Mulayam-Shivpal on one side and Akhilesh and the young leaders on the other, a major show of strength is lately on the cards, leading to huge chaos. "We expect more than 20,000 small and big vehicles to tail the Rath of our dear Bhaiyya ji (as Akhilesh is fondly called by his supporters) and the convoy could be more than 35-km long," said his enthusiastic supporters. Thursday being a working day, it is certain to create problems for the office-goers and other commuters. More than two dozen diversions have been announced by the traffic department. While the red-colour Mercedes bus has the images of SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Chief Minister himself, socialist ideologues Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia and Jnaneshwar Mishra, his uncle Shivpal's picture is seen neither on the vehicle nor elsewhere. The bus also has pictures of the flagship schemes of the state government Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Free Laptop Scheme and 1090 Women helpline. The 37-foot-long and 15-foot tall bus has all the facilities like Wi-Fi connection, telephone connectivity, a small wash room, a mini-war room and a motorised platform, which will be propelled up by a hydraulic shaft that will bring Akhilesh out of the bus, face to face with the people. In the first phase, he will venture out from the La Martinere Boys College in Lucknow, and after covering more than 75 km will conclude at the stadium in Shuklaganj, Unnao. The chief minister will end the Vikas Yatra the same evening and return to Lucknow. He will restart his Rath Yatra again on 7 November, after attending the silver jubilee gala of the Samajwadi Party on 5 November. The GST Council's proposal on 20 October 2016 for 26 percent GST rate on tobacco will be seriously injurious to health. Fixation of sin tax at less than 40 percent would amount to making some tobacco products cheaper in the post-GST era. It is the only consumer product in the world that hasnt got a single good use. It is exclusively grown and produced for human consumption and kills every 3rd of its users prematurely. It contains nearly 3,000 toxic chemicals and 25 confirmed carcinogens. India has the second largest number of tobacco users (275 million or 35 percent of all adults in India) in the world. A study estimated that nearly 10 percent of minors use tobacco primarily because tobacco industry targets children as their new consumer base! Every year we lose 10 lakh people in India due to tobacco-related diseases. As per estimates, the total money spent on diseases attributable to tobacco use alone is in the region of over Rs 1 lakh crore (approximately $17 billion) or 1.16 percent of India's GDP. This enormous public health cost is substantially borne by the public health system. Being a cancer surgeon at a government-run premier cancer centre in Mumbai, I am witness to ever increasing number of patients with unbelievably horrific cancers - nearly 40 percent of them are attributable to tobacco, a cash crop. India has earned the dubious distinction of harbouring worlds highest number of mouth cancers. As per WHO, Tobacco Addiction is a disease and not a mere habit. Therefore, every 3rd adult Indian is suffering from a serious and largely incurable illness that turns fatal in one-third of the users. There is literally no successful treatment available for cessation. In India only 2 percent of tobacco users are able to quit that too after getting fatal illnesses. As per the UN Declaration 2011, convened to tackle the issue of non-communicable diseases, the interest of Tobacco Industry is in conflict with the public health. It will be pertinent to quote the message of prime minister Narendra Modi on 31 May 2014: Let us pledge to spread awareness on the risks of tobacco and work to reduce tobacco consumption in India. Tobacco not only affects those consuming it but also people around. By saying no to tobacco, let us lay the foundation of a healthier India." In another message on 31 May 2015, he said: World No Tobacco Day reminds us of the harms associated with tobacco consumption & a day to reaffirm our commitment to reduce this menace. Despite plethora of logic against it, a blanket ban on tobacco is unlikely. It is an important exportable commodity that offers livelihood, brings revenue and foreign exchange. Tobacco lobby uses the names of "farmers" and "bidi rollers" to oppose tax hike. It is proven beyond doubt that tobacco cultivation and rolling itself is a serious occupational hazard. While women constitute up to 95% of workforce in bidi industry , nearly 2.5 lakh children are illegally engaged in this hazardous business for earning a pittance. Similarly tobacco cultivation is proven to be harmful to the farmers, their family and their environment. It is a pity that their leaders (read politicians) want them (read vote banks) to continue with their misery rather than fight for dignified alternatives. Pan masala is the cousin of chewing tobacco that is another proven carcinogen by virtue of having betel nut in it. One can imagine the profit being made by this surrogate of tobacco by the fact that they rope in Pierce Brosnan apart from top bollywood celebs for their advertisements. Nearly three-fourth of Indias tobacco products are out of tax purview or brazenly indulging in tax evasion. Ideally there should be no classification for tobacco/pan masala products under the GST regime and should attract the highest possible rate of tax. Based on the principal of elasticity, the impact of tax hike will be more pronounced in low income settings where a recent survey showed that households spend four times more money on tobacco (Rs 196) than health (Rs 56) every month. It is an irony that a product that requires horrible statutory graphic warning is being considered for tax sops. It is a paradox to offer subsidy to a product, whose sale to minors is punishable by 7 years of rigorous imprisonment. As India inches closer to a historical tax reform, it gives an opportunity for the government to use its conscience in ensuring that tobacco and pan masala are taxed the highest. All exemptions being offered to incentivise this industry whether large or small should be done away as the government policy should not seem to encourage this factory of disease and death. (The author is surgeon with Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, and is leading campaigner against tobacco usage.) After holding more than 28 silent morchas across Maharashtra, now the Maratha Kranti silent morcha has entered Mumbai, the country's commercial capital. But this time to warm up the Marathas, the organisers have planned a bike rally that will take place this Sunday (6 November) from KJ Somaiya ground, Ghatkopar. The rally will start from Ghatkopar at 9 am and end up at Azad Maidan, CST. This is the first time in Mumbai that any street activity is taking place in the form of a bike rally and more than 10,000 bikers participated in it, claimed the organiser. The rally will also see bikers from Thane district. Talking to Firstpost, one of the organisers, Viren Pawar, said that it is a warm-up rally, adding that a large number of Maratha supporters have been regularly asking for a Maratha morcha in Mumbai. He further said that on 14 December, there will be a huge morcha at Nagpur during the winter session of the state legislature. Pawar said that if their demands were not agreed upon by the state government, then they will be prepared for a grand silent morcha in Mumbai. The bike rally starts on Sunday at 9 am from Somaiya ground and will proceed to Sion Circle, Matunga Circle, Dadar, Lalbaug, Byculla and end at CST. Pawar mentioned that they aren't using any flyover and that it will be held without disturbing Mumbai traffic, in the same way the silent bike rally was held in Mumbai. Like other morchas, this too will follow the same rules of the silent march wherein girls walk first, followed by women, senior citizens, men and political leaders in last phase of rally, Pawar added. Pawar also said that those supporting demands like reservation for the Maratha community in education and jobs, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission, the amendment in the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and bringing to justice the accused of Kopardi incident will happen within three months. Like the silent morcha, there will be no slogan or speech and will help the police. A senior police official told Firstpost that similar to the earlier morcha there is no pressure on them. To ensure large number of participants in the bike rally, organisers are using social media to reach bikers. The first silent march took place at Aurangabad on 9 August, and the next morcha was in Delhi on 20 November. The convenor of the Delhi Morcha is handing the demands of the community to President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The next morcha will take place at Nagpur on 14 December. Talking to Firstpost, Congress MLA Nitesh Rane alleged that after BJP-led government came to power in Maharashtra, the Maratha community has been facing a lot of injustice. "CM Fadnavis is not serious in giving reservation to the Maratha community. How many silent morchas do they want," he questioned. "They are just wasting time and patience of the community, which is now silent. If anything happens, then the CM is responsible," said Rane, adding "I categorically said that CM Fadnavis is only sitting on the demands of Maratha Morcha." Talking to Firstpost, CM Devendra Fadnavis said that they have received the demands of the Maratha community. "We are already increasing the creamy layer limit upto Rs 6 lakhs. It will benefit students who are economically backward. My government will give reservation to the Maratha community. The Opposition is doing petty politics. What have they done in the last 15 years when they were in power," asked CM Fadnavis. Ram Kishan Grewal did not die in a secluded corner of his village because of some personal problem. He killed himself at Jantar Mantar to draw attention to the grievances of soldiers over the implementation of One Rank One Pension (Orop) by the government. Before he died, Grewal reportedly wrote a note saying that he was "sacrificing his life for the soldiers and the country." After consuming poisonous pills, he reportedly told his family that his death was in protest against the government's failure to implement its promise. What does this tell us about Grewal's death? It tells us that he did not die to be given a quiet cremation in his village. He sacrificed his life to draw attention to the fact that army veterans are being denied benefits they want, the pension they were promised. He killed himself to expose the half-truths being peddled by politicians on Orop amidst the din of rousing declarations of love for our Army. So, what is wrong if his death has led to a political storm across the country? What is wrong if politicians are rushing to his funeral, talking about Orop, listening to the voice of soldiers instead of the empty slogans reverberating in their echo chambers? Let us give it to the ex-veteran: In death, he won a battle that he couldn't win in life. He has achieved what Rajeev Goswami did when he set himself afire during the anti-Mandal protests, what Rohith Vemula did when he died in his hostel room light up a flame that has turned into an inferno nobody can ignore. The BJP's discomfiture, with the hungama his death has created, is understandable. For the past few weeks, it has been trying to hard-sell itself as a party that cares for soldiers, holds them in high esteem and weeps tears of blood on their sacrifices. Like the Ram Temple in the past and the cow till recently, the BJP has been trying to use the Army as an emotive issue, creating the usual deshbhakt (patriot) vs deshdrohi (traitor) binary. The truth, of course, is contrary to perception. Just when BJP workers were putting up posters across UP to claim credit for Army's surgical strikes along the LoC, the defence ministry was busy devaluing the status of officers vis-a-vis civil servants, facing charges of cutting down their disability pension. The fallout of Grewal's suicide has the potential to inflict incalculable harm on the government and the BJP. Orop is a complex financial muddle, it has nuances that a common man would find difficult to understand. But, if the government acquires the image of only paying lip service to the Army, using its achievements for political gains on the one hand but ignoring the demands of soldiers, its plan to benefit from positioning itself as a the only well-wisher of soldiers gets countered by uncomfortable questions. Unfortunately, in its bid to contain the fallout, BJP is repeating the mistakes it made in Vemula's death. By questioning his mental state and intent, by insinuating that Grewal was a Congress worker and his death was a political conspiracy, BJP is coming across as insensitive and full of the kind of hubris that led to the decline of the UPA two years ago. Thankfully, so far, nobody has argued that Grewal was not an Army veteran and set up a commission to probe his antecedents, caste and family background. But, since it has not learned from the Vemula episode, nothing can be ruled out. Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal are, like immaculate political scavengers, trying to benefit from the controversy. Both of have them have the nauseating habit of turning up next to dead bodies with a half-grin and contemptuous smirk. They have become known practitioners of the theory that every death gives birth to a new political dream. Gandhi's hypocrisy is even more deplorable. After castigating the government for indulging in "khoon ki dalali", he has shamelessly embraced rajneeti of funerals. In a few weeks, Gandhi would forget Grewal's death and embrace some other cause, exposing his shallow and opportunistic politics. Unfortunately, hypocrisy is a tribute all Indian politicians pay to their own past. And the BJP, with its history of taking out gaurav (pride) yatras after the Gujarat riots, giving public funerals to kar sevaks killed in Ayodhya and rushing to reward martyrs even when security forces were battling the 26/11 terrorists in Mumbai, just evokes mirth and laughter when it castigates Gandhi and Kejriwal for doing today what it had done in the past. Make no mistake. Had the alleged suicide of Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal happened at his village, Bhiwani in Haryana, the high drama staged on Wednesday at RML hospital compound in Delhi would not have happened in this magnitude. But, the retired solider chose to end his life at the heart of the national capital, only a few minutes of drive for OB vans of most television channels. That changed the whole narrative. The grief of the family of the dead solider and the difficulties faced by scores of other patients at the hospital were overshadowed by the political ruckus. For politicians, it was an irresistible opportunity to score a brownie point by ensuring their images were adequately captured in television cameras at the expense of the dead solider. For them, it didnt really matter whether their entourage created chaos at the hospital premises, disrupted its functions and caused difficulties to patients. Going by reports, it would have been difficult for any patient or their aides to make their way in or out of the hospital for most part of the day. All that mattered for the politicians was to wind up their day on a strong note (read marking their presence on TV screens). No one can blame the Delhi police if they resorted to detain Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi CM Kejriwal or his deputy Manish Sisodia. The commotion and ruckus created by the politicians there was such. Like the politician on the prowl, the policeman too has to do what he has to do. In the first place, one wonders why Grewal resorted to the extreme step. The reported reason for Grewals act was that he wasnt yet given the increased pension amount under the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme. But, the subsequent clarification, going by reports from the government, shows that Grewal's pension had not been held back. "The problem arose at the bank end," government sources said, adding that of more than 20 lakh pensioners, only one lakh are still to get full disbursement of funds. If this statement is true, i.e. if the delay to transfer the increased pension amount was on account of a procedural delay at the bank end, there wasnt reason for the retired solider to terminate his life in this manner. One could only wish that Grewal had approached the relevant organisations or courts to seek justice, instead of terminating his life in a manner not befitting a veteran solider. Of course, the actual reasons that prompted him to take this extreme step and whether there was anyone who encouraged him with political motives, need to be investigated. But the political circus that followed Grewals alleged suicide was even more deplorable. The likes of Gandhi and Kejriwal could have waited for a few more hours till the body of the dead former solider was taken out of the hospital compound to avoid creating difficulties for other patients in the hospital. (In fact, certain reports say Grewals body had already been moved to another hospital by the time politicians reached RML and the entire drama unfolded.) A symbolic gesture to offer their condolences like making a phone call to Grewal's family or using social media would have sufficed. This would have also spared the family the torture of being deprived their privacy. But, the political meter doesnt detect human emotions, only political opportunities, even at the cost of a soldiers life. It was a golden opportunity for opposition parties to make a move against the political rivals, hence the commotion. Even a kid would understand that the long queue of high-profile politicians outside RML wasnt prompted by their heartfelt sorrow post the soldiers demise. We dont normally see any national-level politician visiting the families of soldiers, who are killed by enemy fire almost every month while guarding the border or killed during terrorist attacks. Arent their sacrifices important enough for a visit to the family? Instead, the solider is often used for political gains, for which we have a recent example in the aftermath of the 29 September surgical attacks across LoC, when the sacrifice of the solider who staked his life in the enemy soil was politicised heavily to win voters in poll bound states. This is not to say that the dead soldiers family didnt deserve any sympathy from political leaders, be it of any political party. But, had there been any sincerity in the approach of our politicians to solve the concerns of the retired soldiers, they would not have been forced to take their protests to the streets in the first place. The soldier who has spent his entire life guarding the nation deserved to be treated with dignity. Also, in the case of Grewal, political leaders should have respected the privacy and grief of the surviving members of the family, instead of doubling their pain with the ruckus. According to reports, some family members of Grewal too were detained by the police, following the ruckus and Grewal's family has alleged that the cops beat them up when they emerged from the hospital. Of course, the police confronted with a situation of breach of order wouldnt care to see to which side the people before them belonged. The onus here undoubtedly lies on the politicians, not the police. As mentioned above, the real reasons and circumstances that led to Grewals suicide needs to be probed, including the source of the poison he allegedly consumed and the fact that whether he was pushed by anyone to commit this act. Nevertheless, the political drama unveiled at RML on Wednesday was unwarranted. It served no purpose other than adding to the pain of the family of the dead solider and only tells us that our politicians live a big lie. Jurors in the insider-trading trial of former Goldman Sachs director Rajat Gupta ended their first day of deliberations without reaching a verdict after the defence sought a not-guilty verdict for the Indian-American, saying "whatever you decide here will mark whatever future he has left." The 12-member jury in Manhattan federal court will resume on Friday discussion of the evidence from the four-week-long trial in Wall Street's biggest insider trading case. During their deliberations, the jurors asked for transcripts of the testimony of an ex-Galleon trader and sought clarification on the legal definition of conspiracy. The prosecution and defence had presented their closing arguments on Wednesday after which the case had gone to the jury, a group of eight women and four men. In his 24-page charging document to the jury, Judge Jed Rakoff said, "Your duty is to decide the fact issues in the case and arrive, if you can, at a verdict. You are to perform your final duty in an attitude of complete fairness and impartiality." The jury will have to come up with a guilty or not-guilty verdict on the five counts of securities fraud and one count of conspiracy charge that Gupta faces. Rakoff said the jurors "must consider each individual charge separately and evaluate each on the proof or lack of proof that relates to that charge." The defense said in its closing arguments that there is no "direct, real and hard evidence" against 63-year-old Gupta and that the government's case is circumstantial. Gupta's lawyer Gary Naftalis urged the jury to give Gupta a not-guilty verdict if they have even the slightest doubt that he committed any crime. "For Gupta, this is the case in which whatever you decide here will mark whatever future he has left," Naftalis had said in a low tone during summations. The prosecution has said the evidence against Gupta is "overwhelming and devastating." The government has accused Gupta of abusing his position and violating his duties when he tipped his business friend, the now-jailed hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam with confidential boardroom information about Goldman Sachs and Proctor and Gamble. If convicted, Gupta faces a maximum possible prison sentence of 25 years. Earlier on Thursday, the jury asked for transcripts of the testimony of former Galleon trader Michael Cardillo, who had appeared as a government witness in the trial. Cardillo has pleaded guilty to criminal charges and is cooperating with the government. He had testified that Galleon bought 180,000 P&G shares on January 29, 2009 after Rajaratnam's "guy on the board" of the consumer giant shared information about its quarterly earnings. In a second note sent to Rakoff the jury said, "Dear Your Honor, we could use some clarification on the legal definition of conspiracy." Rakoff then conferred with the prosecutors and defense lawyers and sent a note to the jury explaining that conspiracy is an agreement "entered into knowingly and willfully between any two or more persons." Giving the example of an "overt act" in a conspiracy, Rakoff said, "if two persons conspire to commit a fraud and one of them makes a telephone call to start the fraud going, the overt act requirement is met even if the fraud is never otherwise carried out." The jury, which comprises a retired librarian, a freelance beauty consultant, a nonprofit organisation executive and a school counselor, began its deliberations Thursday morning. Gupta was present in court with his wife and four daughters as he awaited the verdict. He sat with his lawyers and occasionally went to sit with his family in the spectators' bench while the attorneys worked on the jurors' notes. PTI A 70-year-old Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal has turned into a celebrity in his death. In his life, he was not known to have any clear political affiliations, but at his funeral hordes of politicians from the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party from Delhi and neighbouring Haryana landed there to play their last respects. The motive of these politicians was also to make their presence felt in the process. From the public spectacle that was created by Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal since Wednesday till Thursday afternoon, from Delhi to Bamla village in Bhiwani, Haryana, it was more than clear that these two political leaders and their party colleagues were using Subedar Grewal's death to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. This is, of course, an attempt to reclaim a bit of their lost nationalist credentials in the aftermath of the surgical strike against Pakistan by the present government at the Centre. Rahul had lost the plot with his khoon ki dalali (broker of blood) remark against Modi about a month ago and Kejriwal had faced severe criticism after he became some kind of a hero in Pakistan for questioning the Modi government on the surgical strikes. The Delhi chief minister even sought proof of the strikes in public. Till the time he committed suicide on Wednesday, all Subedar Grewal had wished for himself was an increase of about Rs 5,000 in his pension, which he thought he was legitimately entitled to as per the recommendations of Orop and Seventh Pay Commission. In his death, his family would be richer by hundreds of lakhs of rupees probably much more than an increase of 10-12 percent Orop would have given him through the post-retirement monthly pension. Soon after the former soldier's death, Kejriwal hit the headlines with his frenzied suicide politics by announcing on the spot Rs 1 crore exgratia payment to the family members of the deceased Subedar. Kejriwal's announcement surprised everyone for Subedar Grewal had nothing to do with Delhi and the fact that he chose to commit suicide in the Jawahar Bhawan premises, which houses the Ministry of External Affairs and has nothing to do with the Delhi government. But then in his death, Grewal seemed to have breached all such barriers. Following Kejriwal's Rs 1 crore exgratia move, the BJP-led Haryana government followed suit and announced an exgratia payment of Rs 10 lakh. The Congress party so far has not announced any such relief. That may come later, either by the party or by a state government ruled by the Congress. It may not be the best occasion to this question but it is still pertinent to raise it -- should somebody be given the status of a "martyr" if he commits suicide not because he was dealt with a heavy hand by the state but just because he felt that he deserved more pension after his retirement. He died by consuming poisonous substance at his own will and before he died he called up his son to tell him that he was about to die. That conversation was recorded, either by the son or by Grewal and released to the media after his death. It also raises a question that in this situation of extreme distress when a person is about to die, or a son who heard that his father is about to die cared to first put that conversation on record so that it could be used later to whip up passion. Committing suicide is a crime according to the Indian law. But the two state governments Kejriwal's Delhi government and Manoharlal Khattar's in Haryana in an apparent game of political upmanship, announced a hefty financial reward for committing suicide. What kind of governance is that? By committing suicide Subedar Grewal didn't do what he was trained to do, be a fighter. He didn't lay his life on the line of duty, or while trying to the save honour and prestige of his village, state or nation, or while doing something which would have brought some laurels to the place where he lived. But he chose to die for a few thousands of rupees which he thought was his and the government was not paying. More so, he didn't do when the successive governments had turned deaf ears to the issue. Subedar Grewal ended his life at a time when the Orop issue had made some progress. The present government had negotiated with the veterans and made an announcement. Some enterprising persons had filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the recommendations made by the government and the matter is pending at the apex court. Subedar Grewal would surely have known that. Though his death shocks the nation and is a matter of deep regret but should that mean that the 70-year-old retired Subedar who had also been the village sarpanch be eulogised as a hero, just because it suits politics of Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal. Chennai: Social activist Traffic K Ramaswamy on Thursday filed a petition in the Madras High Court, seeking to declare as "illegal and ultra vires of the Constitution" Chief Minister Jayalalithaa affixing her left thumb impression on poll papers. He claimed that affixing the thumb impression was a violation of the election code. The petition is, however, yet to be taken up by the court. AIADMK candidates in Aravakurichi, Thanjavur and Thirupparankundram assembly segments had filed Forms A and B, featuring the left thumb impression of hospitalised party general secretary Jayalalithaa, instead of her signature. All three constituencies go to the polls on 19 November. AIADMK had sought permission from Election Commission, allowing Jayalalithaa to put her thumb impression in view of her health and the poll body had given its nod. Her thumb impression was attested by Professor of Minimal Access Surgery, Madras Medical College, Dr P Balaji and Dr Babu K Abraham of Apollo Hospitals who had signed the papers as a witness. Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on 22 September after she complained of fever and dehydration. Later the hospital said she was being treated for infection with respiratory support, among others. Akhilesh Yadav's rath yatra has reinforced an old rule of Indian politics: In the end, Bairam Khan always gets sidelined and Akbar gets to control his father's legacy. Akhilesh does not like being compared to Aurangzeb. Comparisons with a monarch who usurps the throne from his father and banishes him to a prison, hurt him. But Akhilesh might not mind being his story being compared to Akbar's. Like the Mughal emperor, Akhilesh became a ruler at a young age, though in more fortuitous circumstances. And, like Akbar, during the early years of his government, he too was dominated by his powerful regent his uncle Shivpal. But, Bairam Khans rarely last in politics once the ruler grows in age, stature and experience; once they start yearning for independence and greater control. On Thursday, as Akhilesh launched his rath yatra from Lucknow, it became evident that he had got rid of his Bairam Khan to emerge as the undisputed leader of the Samajwadi Party and undisputed heir to his father's legacy. The signs of his complete dominance were evident. Setting aside the recent acrimony within the family, father Mulayam Singh smiled beatifically as the son announced his plans to vanquish the BJP and return to power. Chacha Shivpal, who, till a few days ago, was vying with Akhilesh to control the party and the government stood alongside, telling workers to unite behind the chief minister. On the stage was a bevy of youth leaders who had been sacked by Shivpal a fortnight ago. And his pet peeve, the perceived villain of the opera Amar Singh was nowhere in sight. It is obvious that the family has resigned to the fait accompli of Akhilesh being the face and future of the Samajwadi Parivar. And Shivpal will henceforth walk under Akhilesh's flag for some time and, when the time is right, like Bairam Khan, be sent on a pilgrimage. The denouement is on expected lines. Such are the established ethos of Indian society that a father rarely passes on his inheritance to a brother if he has an eligible son. If Shivpal was expecting Mulayam to banish Akhilesh, he was ignoring hundreds of years of traditional wisdom. Shivpal's other problem, to use a dart Mulayam threw at Akhilesh during the public brawl at the party's silver jubilee celebrations, was that he had no political haisiyat (standing). Shivpal was reminded of his lack of stature several times over the past few days when his efforts to reach out to the Congress, Nitish Kumar and other anti-BJP parties were cruelly snubbed. Shivpal's failure to get even a single party to ally with the divided Samajwadis must have reminded Mulayam of the futility of stoking the ambitions of his brother. The successful launch of Akhilesh rath yatra is definitely the end of Shivpal's dream of ruling Uttar Pradesh. He may henceforth sulk and rebel, but will find himself tethered to Akhilesh's destiny, unless, of course, he decides to do a Ramkripal and join the BJP or some other party. Ironically, the unified Yadav parivar would be a source of relief for the very party they have vowed to defeat in the next election--the BJP. Shivpal and Mulayam's apparent surrender has ensured that the Samajwadi Party will not split before the elections. It will remain a viable political force and ensure that elections become a triangular fight, a scenario that suits the BJP. The SP will not split. But the anti-BJP vote will. That's where the similarities with Akbar may end for Akhilesh. Like Bairam Khan, he too may be forced to proceed on a political hajj for a few years. By Stephen Kalin and Dominic Evans | KOKJALI/BAGHDAD, Iraq KOKJALI/BAGHDAD, Iraq Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi told his followers on Thursday there could be no retreat in a "total war" against the forces arrayed against them, as advancing soldiers battled the militants inside their northern Iraqi stronghold.Expressing confidence that his Islamic State fighters would prevail against Shi'ite Islam, Western "crusaders" and the Sunni "apostate" countries of Turkey and Saudi Arabia, Baghdadi called on the jihadists fighting in the city of Mosul to "wreak havoc". "This raging battle and total war, and the great jihad that the state of Islam is fighting today only increases our firm belief, God willing, and our conviction that all this is a prelude to victory," Baghdadi said in an audio recording released online by supporters on Thursday.Iraqi regular troops and special forces, Shi'ite militias, Kurdish peshmerga fighters and other groups backed by U.S.-led air strikes launched a campaign two weeks ago to retake Mosul.Winning back the city would mark the defeat of the Iraqi half of a crossborder caliphate which Baghdadi declared from the pulpit of a Mosul mosque two years ago. Islamic State also holds large parts of neighbouring Syria.In his first audio message released in nearly a year, Baghdadi called on the population of Mosul's Nineveh province "not to weaken in the jihad" against the "enemies of God".He also called on the group's suicide fighters to "turn the nights of the unbelievers into days, to wreak havoc in their land and make their blood flow as rivers".Those tempted to flee should "know that the value of staying on your land with honour is a thousand times better than the price of retreating with shame".ROCKET FIRE Shortly after Baghdadi's speech was released at around 2 a.m., residents said heavy explosions shook eastern Mosul. One said the militants fired dozens of rockets towards the Intisar, Quds and Samah districts where soldiers have been closing in."We heard the sounds of rockets firing one after the other and saw them flashing through the air. The house was shaking and we were terrified, not knowing what was taking place."Fighters were on the street, unusually showing their faces, he said. "They were saying 'We will fight till death. The caliph gave us a morale boost to fight the infidels'," he said. nL8N1D42Y1] Another witness from the Hadba neighbourhood of north Mosul said that Islamic State vehicles patrolled the area and blasted out Baghdadis speech, urging fighters to hold their positions.Outside the city's eastern limits, hundreds of civilians streamed away from the conflict, packed into cars, pickups and trucks, waving white flags and hooting horns. Cows and sheep also filled the road from Kokjali, on the eastern edge of Mosul.Many were from Kokjali itself, which was cleared of Islamic State fighters by Iraq's elite Counter Terrorism Service troops earlier this week.Fleeing residents said there had been heavy mortar fire launched by retreating Islamic State fighters.By mid-morning, a Reuters correspondent in Kokjali saw smoke rising from inside Mosul but there were no sounds of fighting.A colonel in the army's Ninth Armoured Division said troops had managed to break through the southeastern perimeter of Mosul on Thursday, towards the Mithaq and Intisar neighbourhoods. Four soldiers were killed when two armoured personnel carriers were hit by rocket and mortar fire, he said. "They managed to enter the edge of the neighbourhoods, they still haven't ventured inside due to the heavy resistance encountered," he said.The exact location of Baghdadi, an Iraqi whose real name is Ibrahim al-Samarrai, is not clear. Reports have said he may be in Mosul itself, or in Islamic State-held land to the west of the city, close to the border with Syria.British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said intelligence suggested that Baghdadi had "vacated the scene", but he did not say where the Islamic State leader might be. Mosul still has a population of 1.5 million people, much more than any of the other cities captured by Islamic State two years ago in Iraq and Syria.Iraqi troops and Kurdish peshmerga fighters have been advancing on Mosul for two weeks from the north, from the eastern Nineveh plains and up the Tigris river from the south.The Hashid Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) forces of mainly Shi'ite militias joined the campaign on Saturday, launching an offensive to cut off any supply or escape to the west.The leader of the Badr Organisation, the largest of the Popular Mobilisation militias, said his forces would cut off the main western supply route on Thursday, leaving Islamic State surrounded. Senior Kurdish politician Hoshiyar Zebari said that Islamic State blew up parts of a bridge over the Tigris linking the two sides of Mosul, to try to prevent fighters abandoning the eastern districts. "It's the most important bridge for them because it leads to their headquarters and residential areas (on the western side)," he told Reuters. Residents said there had been two explosion at the bridge, stopping traffic in both directions.TARGETING TURKEY AND SAUDI In his speech, Baghdadi called for attacks on Turkey and Saudi Arabia, saying the Sunni countries had both sided with the enemy in a war targeting Sunni Islam.Islamic State fighters should "unleash the fire of their anger" on Turkish troops fighting them in Syria, and take the battle into Turkey."Turkey entered the zone of your operations, so attack it, destroy its security, and sow horror within it. Put it on your list of battlefields. Turkey entered the war with the Islamic State with cover and protection from Crusader jets," he said referring to the U.S.-led air coalition. Baghdadi also told his followers to launch "attack after attack" in Saudi Arabia, targeting security forces, government officials, members of the ruling Al Saud family and media outlets, for "siding with the infidel nations in the war on Islam and the Sunna (Sunni Muslims) in Iraq and Syria".Islamic State has been on the retreat since last year in both Iraq and Syria, in the face of a myriad of different forces seeking to crush the hardline group.Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said the conflict with Islamic State had caused colossal damage to the country, already struggling to cope with low oil prices. He said infrastructure losses alone amounted to $35 billion. (Additional reporting by Ahmed Tolba and Mostafa Hashem in Cairo, and Maher Chmaytell, Ahmed Rasheed and Saif Hameed in Baghdad; editing by David Stamp and Giles Elgood) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Adrian Croft and Jesus Aguado | MADRID MADRID Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy brought six new ministers into his cabinet on Thursday but opposition leaders said his new team showed no sign of being open to the dialogue his minority government will need to survive.The conservative Rajoy named a new, younger 13-member cabinet, including five women, for his second term after he won a parliamentary confidence vote on Saturday, ending 10 months of political paralysis that included two inconclusive elections.But Rajoy's lineup was strongly criticised by opposition parties, which said it would pursue the same austerity policies as before and seemed disinclined to negotiations Rajoy has promised to win support for his legislation."It is a government that is not qualified for dialogue," Socialist spokesman Mario Jimenez told reporters. Rajoy retained trusted confidants like Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria, who will take charge of relations with Spain's autonomous regions at a time when the wealthy northeastern Catalonia region plans an independence referendum.He gave an expanded role to Economy Minister Luis de Guindos, handing him the industry portfolio as well, but kept Cristobal Montoro as budget minister, dashing expectations that he might create one powerful economy and finance ministry.The cabinet is drawn mainly from Rajoy's Popular Party (PP), with no gesture to rivals such as appointing a true independent. Unless it can get parties such as the Socialists on board, Rajoy's government will have problems passing its budget and other laws, and analysts say it might not survive a full term.Anti-austerity Podemos, the third biggest party in parliament, also condemned the cabinet, predicting it would push through more public spending cuts. "With this government, the cuts, insecurity and social suffering are going to continue," said Rafa Mayoral, a Podemos legislator.QUESTIONS ABOUT POLICY COORDINATION Political risk consultants Teneo Intelligence said the continued split between the budget and economy portfolios "bodes badly for the coordination of economic policy and fiscal consolidation."Rajoy, 61, governed with an absolute majority between 2011 and 2015, a period when unemployment peaked at 27 percent and Spain's banks needed a 41 billion euro ($45 billion) European bailout, but he must now adapt to a new political reality.The PP won two elections in December 2015 and June but without a majority.De Guindos is generally respected by his counterparts abroad after steering Spain out of recession and into a strong recovery during Rajoy's first term. The 2017 budget will be one of the new government's top priorities.Spain, the euro zone's fourth biggest economy, needs to shrink its budget deficit to 3.1 percent of output in 2017 from an expected 4.6 percent this year to meet targets agreed with Brussels. That may require 5 billion euros of spending cuts or higher taxes.PP Secretary-General Maria Dolores de Cospedal was given a cabinet post for the first time, as defence minister.Rajoy replaced 72-year-old Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo with Alfonso Dastis, Spain's ambassador to the EU, reflecting Madrid's wish to play a more prominent role on the European stage at a time when there will be negotiations on Britain's exit from the bloc.Rajoy will be able to count on backing from the liberal Ciudadanos (Citizens) party, the fourth-largest group in parliament, on 150 previously agreed measures to tackle political corruption and reform the electoral system. But even with Ciudadanos' backing, Rajoy's PP lacks a majority. (Additional reporting by Sarah White, Inmaculada Sanz, Carlos Ruano and Rodrigo de Miguel; Editing by Mark Heinrich) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Emily Stephenson and Amanda Becker | MIAMI/PHOENIX MIAMI/PHOENIX Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump head to North Carolina on Thursday in a final effort to shore up support in the swing state as two polls showed Clinton maintaining a narrow lead nationally just days ahead of the Nov. 8 presidential election.The surveys by the New York Times/CBS and the Washington Post/ABC echoed other national polls that have shown Clinton with a slimmer lead over Trump since the re-emergence last week of a controversy over her use of a private email server while secretary of state. Clinton led by 3 percentage points among 1,333 registered voters in the Times/CBS poll taken Oct. 28-Nov. 1. The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced on Oct. 28 that it was reviewing a new batch of emails that might be related to her email practices.The survey, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points, showed Clinton with 45 percent support compared to 42 percent for Trump, according to the Times. "About six in 10 voters over all said that the 11th-hour disclosures about each candidate would make no real difference in their vote," the Times said.There were also strong differences by gender, with more women supporting Clinton and Trump leading among men. More detailed results from the poll were expected later on Thursday.Separately, a Washington Post/ABC poll showed Clinton 2 percentage points ahead among 1,767 likely voters surveyed Oct. 29 - Nov. 1, 47 percent to Trump's 45 percent. It also had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.A Reuters/Ipsos poll on Wednesday found Clinton leading Trump by 6 percentage points, the same advantage she held before FBI Director James Comey released his letter. An average of polls compiled by RealClearPolitics website showed Clinton ahead by 1.7 percentage points on Thursday, well down from the solid lead she had until late last month.The tightening White House race has rattled financial markets as investors weigh a possible Trump victory. Investors have generally seen Clinton as the candidate who would maintain the status quo, while there is more market uncertainty over what a Trump presidency might mean in terms of economic policy, free trade and geopolitics.Market nerves over the U.S. election were eclipsed on Thursday by a UK court ruling that parliament must approve a government decision to trigger Brexit, or the exit from the European Union.NORTH CAROLINA COUNTS Clinton, a former secretary of state hoping to become the first woman to be elected U.S. president, was in Arizona on Wednesday evening, addressing one of her largest rallies to date. She called on a crowd of about 15,000 at Arizona State University to imagine life with a Trump presidency, particularly for women, Latinos and Muslims.Trump, a New York businessman who has never previously run for political office, has caused frequent offence during his unorthodox campaign, while winning support for his promises to upend politics as usual in Washington."What would your life be like if he were in the White House?" Clinton said. "And the truth is we really dont have to guess. We just have to look at everything he has said and done in his career and this campaign, its a good preview of what would likely happen, she said. If you add up all of the people and all the groups of people he has insulted and demeaned it makes way more than half of America, Clinton added. She and Trump are focused heavily on states where the race is close, given the White House is decided by the Electoral College system of tallying wins on a state-by-state basis.On Thursday, Clinton holds two events on Thursday in North Carolina, where early voting has already started in the race for the southern state's 15 electoral votes. Trump also has three events scheduled in the state after urging supporters at a rally in Miami on Wednesday to turn out and vote. Florida, like North Carolina, is considered a must-win state for the presidential contenders. President Barack Obama has scheduled a stop in Jacksonville later on Thursday to stump for Clinton as part of his campaign swing this week that also included stops in North Carolina and Ohio. A RealClearPolitics average of polls in the Florida, which carries 29 electoral votes, put Trump 0.7 point ahead of Clinton. In North Carolina, the race is tied with both Clinton and Trump at 46 percent, the RealClearPolitics average showed. Polls of other key battleground states also show a tight race in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Nevada, among others. (Additional reporting by David Alexander in Washington; Writing by Susan Heavey; Editing by Frances Kerry) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Leh/New Delhi: A tense face-off is on between Indian and Chinese troops since Wednesday in Demchok area on the Line of Actual Control after the People's Liberation Army (PLA) objected to civilian work being undertaken by the Indian Army engineers under MNREGA scheme. The Chinese troops raised objections when the Indian Army engineers were constructing an irrigation canal linking 'Hot Spring' waters for the villagers in Demchok, located 250 km east of Leh, under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). According to official sources, at around 1055 hours on Wednesday, there was a face-off between Indian Army and PLA at 'Hot Spring' place, located in general area of Demchok which continued till night. In the morning, the Chinese troops again came to the LAC as soon as the Indian engineers started laying the water pipes and the face-off was continuing, the sources said. Around 55 PLA soldiers arrived on the scene and halted the work in an "aggressive manner", prompting the army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel to rush to the spot and stop the "high-handedness" of Chinese troops, they said. The Chinese troops took positions on the perceived Line of Actual Control (LAC) and demanded that work be stopped as either side needs to take permission from each other before undertaking any construction work, a claim disputed by the India which says that as per the agreement between the two countries, information about construction needed to be shared only if it was meant for defence purposes. Both sides pulled out banners and have been stationed on the ground, the sources said, adding the Army and ITBP troopers were not allowing the Chinese "to move an inch" ahead despite the PLA claiming that the area belonged to China. The area had witnessed a similar incident in 2014 after it was decided to construct a small irrigation canal at Nilung Nalla under the MNREGA scheme which had been a sore point with the Chinese. The PLA had mobilised villagers from Tashigong to pitch Rebos (tents) at Charding-Ninglung Nallah (CNN) Track Junction to protest Indian action. The 'Hot Spring' is different from the one in Chashool where Police Day is observed in the memory of 10 CRPF men killed in 1959 by Chinese troops. Meanwhile, in Delhi, senior Army officers insisted that there was no face-off and the issue is being resolved through established procedures. They added that such objections by either side are not uncommon and situations like these are resolved amicably. BERLIN German police have arrested a Syrian man in Berlin on suspicion of being a member of a foreign terrorist organisation, local police tweeted.The man, who officers said had given his age as 27, had been living in Germany since 2015, police said.He was arrested in an apartment in the Schoeneberg district and an investigation has begun. German security services, fearing Islamist attacks, are on high alert. In October, a Syrian refugee was arrested on suspicion of planning a major attack in Berlin after police discovered explosives in his apartment.Almost 900,000 migrants arrived in Germany last year and while many Germans initially welcomed them, security concerns have since increased, especially after migrants carried out several violent attacks on civilians over the summer, two of which were claimed by Islamic State. There have also been attacks on asylum seekers and their accommodation facilities. On Tuesday suspected far-right extremists threatened asylum seekers in the town of Bautzen. (Reporting by Michelle Martin; Editing by Louise Ireland) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Kanupriya Kapoor | JAKARTA JAKARTA Thousands of hardline Muslims are expected to take to the streets on Friday to protest against the governor of Jakarta, a Christian and the first ethnic Chinese in the job, over claims he insulted the Koran.Jakarta police said dozens of social media accounts were discovered "publishing provocative statements and images" and urging people to take violent action in the name of Islam against governor Basuki Tjahja Purnama, better known by his nickname "Ahok", including calls to kill him."We have seen racially and ethnically divisive statements being spread online and there are indications many of them are anti-Chinese," said Jakarta police spokesman Awi Setiyono.He added police are stepping up patrols and online monitoring in a "show of force" ahead of Friday's rally. About 18,000 police and military personnel will be deployed on the day of the protest. Critics, however, slammed Indonesia's government for doing little to contain the hardline Muslim groups that have fuelled religious and ethnic tensions ahead of next year's election for Jakarta's governor, which Ahok is contesting."Indonesia's spineless political leaders have allowed extremists to seize the momentum and foment religious hatred against the governor...for more than a month without challenging the substance or methods of their arguments," security expert Sidney Jones said in an online column. Police are investigating Ahok for alleged religious defamation, after he said his opponents had deceived voters by attacking him using a verse from the Koran. Ahok has apologised for the remarks.A spiritual leader for the protest organiser, the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), insisted its actions on Friday would be peaceful."This is not anti-Christian or anti-Chinese action," Habib Riziek said. The group has had a history of vigilante attacks against religious minorities since it was formed in 1999. It has also frequently protested against Ahok.ANTI-CHINESE SENTIMENT Indonesia's population of 250 million people includes 3 million ethnic Chinese, many of whom are Christian. The community has faced persecution and violence in the past, most recently during the political and social turmoil that gripped the capital as authoritarian ruler Suharto was toppled in 1998.Hundreds of people were killed and thousands of ethnic Chinese fled the country as mobs rampaged through Jakarta, looting and burning Chinese-owned shops and houses. Some fear anti-Chinese sentiment and religious tensions are once again on the rise ahead of the Jakarta governor election in February.The government has shied away from addressing the rising tensions head on, saying instead it is committed to protecting freedom of expression and assembly alongside Indonesia's diversity. Earlier this week, President Joko Widodo, whose ruling party backs Ahok, met with party leaders backing the two other candidates in the race, whose camps have been accused of using hardline Muslim groups to fan tensions.In joint statements, these political and religious leaders urged protesters to demonstrate peacefully. Communications Minister Rudiantara said the government is working to counter the online "hate speech"."Indeed, social media is contributing to the current situation," he said. "The president has made it clear Indonesia's unity is non-negotiable."The race to lead the sprawling capital of 10 million is often hotly contested, with top political parties jostling to get their candidates elected to a job that is seen as a stepping stone to higher political office. President Widodo served as Jakarta governor for 1-1/2 years before running for, and winning, the presidency in 2014. His rise brought back to power the Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which had spent a decade in opposition.One of his rivals in the governor's race is the son of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.Ahok, who took over from Widodo as governor, has gained a reputation as a tough reformer, and remains a frontrunner in opinion polls. (Additional reporting by Agustinus Beo da Costa.; Editing by Bill Tarrant.) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Ju-min Park | SEOUL SEOUL South Korean prosecutors detained a former presidential aide late on Wednesday, Yonhap News Agency reported early on Thursday, the second person to be held in an influence peddling scandal that has rocked the country's presidency.Prosecutors have said they are looking into allegations that the former senior advisor, Ahn Jong-beom, and a long-time friend of President Park Geun-hye forced South Korean conglomerates to donate funds to non-profit foundations using their connections with the president.Ahn, who was a senior presidential advisor in policy coordination until he stepped down late last month amid the growing political crisis, told reporters outside prosecution offices on Wednesday afternoon that he would take responsibility for his actions but declined to elaborate. Prosecutors and Ahn's lawyer were not immediately available for comment early on Thursday. Ahn was placed under emergency detention, Yonhap and other South Korean media reported, citing prosecutors, who under South Korean law have 48 hours to seek an arrest warrant from a court.On Wednesday, Park replaced her prime minister and finance minister, a reshuffle denounced by political opponents as a bid to divert attention from a crisis that has pushed her approval rating to an all-time low. Members of opposition parties have called for prosecutors to investigate Park. Prosecutors on Wednesday asked a court for a warrant to arrest Choi Soon-sil, Park's old friend at the centre of the scandal, and are seeking to charge her with abuse of power and attempted fraud, court and prosecution officials said. Choi was detained late on Monday. Choi told South Korea's Segye Ilbo newspaper last week that she received drafts of Park's speeches after Park's election victory but denied she had access to other official material, influenced state affairs or benefited financially. (Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Tony Munroe and Jonathan Oatis) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. GENEVA At least 239 migrants, believed to be from West Africa, have died in two shipwrecks off Libya, a spokesman for the United Nations migration agency, said on Thursday. One group of migrants, including about 20 women and six children, set off in a rubber dinghy from Libya around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, but their boat collapsed after a few hours, said Flavio di Giacomo, a spokesman for the U.N.'s International Organisation for Migration, who cited accounts by survivors.By the time rescuers arrived, most had drowned. Twelve bodies were recovered, including three babies. About 27 survived.Another two women reported surviving a separate disaster that happened at about the same time. Their rubber dinghy was carrying about 130 people. The International Organization for Migration said the latest deaths meant 4,220 lives had been lost in the Mediterranean so far this year, compared with 3,777 in the whole of 2015. October saw a surge in migrant arrivals in Italy, with 27,388 arriving, more than the two previous Octobers combined, and bringing this year's total arrivals to over 158,000, di Giacomo said. The smugglers who arrange the journeys have told migrants that European training of Libyan coastguards means the rescue missions will soon be handed over to Libya and any rescued migrants will be taken ashore in Libya rather than Italy, di Giacomo said. That was possibly causing the rush to board boats now, he said, although the information, gleaned from rescued migrants, was not confirmed. (Reporting by Tom Miles, editing by Larry King) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Tom Miles and Marina Depetris | GENEVA GENEVA At least 240 migrants have drowned off the coast of Libya within the last 48 hours, possibly as an unintended consequence of European efforts to stop people-smugglers and to train Libyan coastguards, the U.N.'s migration agency said. Five rescue ships, coordinated by the Italian coastguard, were within sight of the migrants but, despite attempts to rescue them, most died, the International Organization for Migration's (IOM) chief spokesman, Leonard Doyle, said."Two rubber dinghies, which is what they are, rubber dinghies, packed with migrants, totalling over 300 we think in all ... have succumbed to the the waves off Libya in very bad weather," he said. Migrant arrivals in Italy surged to 27,388 in October, more than the two previous Octobers combined, and bringing this year's total to more than 158,000, IOM's Italy spokesman, Flavio di Giacomo, said. Migrants have told the IOM that smugglers say European training of Libyan coastguards means that rescue missions will soon be handed over to Libya and so any rescued migrants will be taken ashore in Libya rather than in Italy, Giacomo said. That might be causing the rush, despite the bad weather, he said.According to Doyle, the use of dinghies, especially unsuitable for the long sea crossing in bad weather, was partly due to European navies capturing and destroying many of the fishing boats that smugglers had been using. "In the absence of those boats and with the migrants determined to leave, and the smugglers interested in making money off them, they have been putting them in completely unsafe rubber dinghies," he said. Survivors from one dinghy, whose passengers included about 20 women and six children, all believed to be from West Africa, said they set off from Libya at about 3 a.m. (0500 GMT) on Wednesday, but the boat sank after a few hours. Twelve bodies were recovered, including three babies, and about 27 survived, di Giacomo said. Another two women said they had survived the sinking of a second dinghy at about the same time. Theirs was carrying about 130 people, they said. The IOM said the latest deaths meant 4,220 migrants had died in the Mediterranean so far this year, compared with 3,777 in the whole of 2015. Separately, Italy's coastguard said rescuers pulled about 766 people to safety from boats in difficulty in the central Mediterranean on Thursday, and found the dead body of one woman. (Additional reporting by Isla Binnie in Rome; Editing by Louise Ireland) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Editor's Note: As the US Presidential Election draws near and the battle between Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump gains more teeth, it might prove instructive to examine the constituency at which the twin campaigns are directed; to understand what America means to its citizens and what these men and women seek from their politicians. To do this Firstpost assembled profiles of a broad section of people, each telling a story that speaks of the (anticipated) state of the union. In the second part, 24-year-old Amanda Toth talks about America and the generation of convenience. She is originally from New York, but lives in New Orleans. She works with a culinary institute and helps manage a bed and breakfast. What do you make of Americas past and where do you see it going? Where would you like to see it go? I see America as a big melting pot. And even in a closer sense, I see that in New Orleans because its such a diverse city. So many different people coming from so many different countries, so many different cultures melding together and thats what my view of America has always been. Im native to New York, grew up outside New York City. I was used to seeing every religion, every colour, every possible variety of human beings, and thats what I love about America. I see that as an attribute that were not fully taking into account and were not providing for and in the future, I would like to see us concentrate more on civil rights. We love to go over to Africa and the Middle East and butt our noses into stuff that it doesnt belong in and do it under the pretense of civil rights when we cant even get our civil rights in our own country under control. I would like to see a non-violent revolt of some sorts. I think its gotten so extreme that the tension between races in our nation has come to the forefront and now its a major political issue as it should be, but it needs to be more than that. How long have you been in New Orleans and why did you decide to move here? Ive been in New Orleans a little over three years. I decided to move here right after college, packed my car up, drove down here and never went back. Id never been here before but I never really see myself leaving. Its kind of a perfect fit. I originally moved here because I was working for Habitat for Humanity at the time and I figured, where could I transfer affiliates and be most useful? New Orleans. But I ended up being consumed by the food, the music. I worked at a jazz club, I worked at a culinary institute, I did things that didnt pertain whatsoever to what I had studied in college. But thats kind of what this city is about. You get here and everything youve learned in the past all kind of goes to s**t and its a whole new world. Its not like any other city in America, or even like any other city in the world that Ive been to. We have a huge Vietnamese population, we have a huge Honduran population, a huge West African population. The French and the Spanish and the Portuguese and the Germans. I mean, its as diverse as New York City, but its only 400,000 people, so its kind of the best of both worlds. You come from the north like me. Could you talk a little bit about your perceptions of the south before you moved down here and maybe how theyve changed or not changed? So I come from a very liberal little bubble in New York. originally from Mount Vernon and then moved to Mamaroneck and then went to SUNY Albany, a state school in New York. And before moving down here, I really didnt have any idea what New Orleans was or what to expect, I had never been here before, but I did have a perception of Once you cross the Mason-Dixon line, there is kind of an inherent sense of racism and a completely different culture that youll experience, and that was a stereotype that Id grown up assuming to be correct and it is in certain situations correct, but is also incorrect in some. New Orleans in particular, I feel like, although is geographically located in the south, is not a southern city in mentality. New Orleans is extremely socially liberal. I never really listened to the other side of the policy issues, the more conservative sides of the issues because they were never at the forefront. I think that people in the south, as much as they tend to be more conservative, theyre also more open to discussing on a person by person basis what your opinion is and why you feel that way. Ive had many candid discussions down here about political ideology, which way do you lean, why do you feel that way on a particular policy issue, whereas in New York, that is a big no-no. You dont talk about it. If you can avoid it, you do. And I always assumed that the south would be like a no sex talk or religion or politics place, but in the south and in New Orleans in particular, I think people like to hear what you believe and why you think that way. Can you think of one quintessentially American object or symbol? Sad to say, but money. You know, we live to work and work to live and just try and make more money. Its just a capitalistic place that is getting worse by the hour. Were losing grasp of human to human connections. If youre travelling, what do you miss about home? Again, a very American thing, but when I was studying abroad, the thing I missed most was convenience. Everything in America is at your fingertips. I mean there are cities that you can have a drone deliver things directly to you, which still blows my mind and Im not a fan of, but there really is just the ultimate convenience of everything being at your fingertips, its so accessible. I guess I miss that, but its also something that I could easily do without. Its nice to be away from constant accessibility and to actually have to spend time doing things. How would you characterise this generation of Americans? I dont know if theres a particular word to characterise them, but I think its significant that this generation has 9/11 in their textbooks, when weve lived it. This is the first generation where they dont remember what its like to not have a cell phone and dont have to use an atlas to look anything up. Its the generation of convenience. Everything is readily available and I think the lack of effort is really affecting the current generation negatively. Because everything is so accessible, I dont think everything that theyre accessing is what they need to be accessing. Is there anything that you would like to say? In general, I like to believe that our country can bounce back from this election and our terrible candidates. Im not terribly inclined towards either of them, I think one of them is the lesser of two evils, but I think that our country really needs to remember that we need to rely on local elections. Judicial, school board, memorandums, anything and everything that has to do with local elections and state elections. Even in Louisiana, we have six House members and one Senate member that are up for election in November. The ability to completely wipe out your Congress and start afresh and representative of that population which is ever growing and changing is possible, and I think people need to remember that even if were not happy with the presidential candidates, its really the local candidates who are going to push forward the initiatives that we care about, not the President. The President doesnt give a s**t about the individuals. Its the local and state representatives. So I guess, have faith that it can still pull through and still work out. With less than a week to go for Election Day, it seems that Donald Trump has sort of reined himself in. From being a total twit, he has become relatively sober; largely achieved by keeping his mouth shut and stomping the Democrat hunting grounds, or the so-called blue states, in Colorado, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Michigan, to name a few. But Trump's sobering act has gained the most attention in Wisconsin, a state that has voted Democrat since 1988. Trumps people are aware that the Republican strongholds alone will not add up to 270 electoral votes needed to secure presidency and that they would need to break into the Democratic territory. After being clearly told to zip it by his campaign managers, it seems that Trump is going for that backslapping bonhomie, which rings false but does not make headlines. A recent chat show, featuring him and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, went by without a single brick being dropped. But, all this has come a bit too late as even at a time when Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is desperately trying to blow some wind into her dead sails, she might have enough inertia left from her previous successes to cross the finish line, when a disenchanted electorate goes to vote on 8 November. Speaking to NowThisNews in an interview on Wednesday, President Barrack Obama attempted to take a stand in support of Hillary, but in the end it was weak and lacked panache. Even his castigation of the FBI was more generic than specific. Meanwhile, Bill Clinton is missing from the frontlines. Traditionally, when men have stood in the Presidential elections, they have brought their wives to the battle Jackie, Pat, Nancy, Barbara, Michelle, and even Hillary herself. His absence does raise a point to ponder upon. Reversing the roles should not mean that Bill goes MIA (missing in action), especially since he is a regular on the speech circuit. Not unless she is holding him back as a silver bullet for the final push, which should be anytime now since there are only five days left. It is inexplicable that Hillary's lead over Trump is now whittling and that they, the two most unpopular candidates ever to contest the race to the White House, are now in for a photo finish. All this, sans the usual excitement of a race, because no one really cares. But there has been a mild tectonic shift in favour of Trump. No survey or political pundit is able to exactly put his finger on it, but both Florida and Nevada, that were supposedly in the bag for Hillary, are showing a marked shift. Also, Hillary seems to be unable to inject any enthusiasm amongst the African-American vote bank. And the fact that the Latinos will back her has already been factored into the equation, when Trump decided to build a wall on the Mexican border, so that cannot be counted on to add to her lead. If it is not charm, grace under fire or any great aspiration for leadership, what then can explain how Trump is still kicking and alive? Hillarys frumpiness cannot be the only fuel. The most generous reason one can offer is that the silent flock are ready to try an anti-vote. Maybe they are anti-women, anti-minorities (just had a black president), pro-misogyny, pro-that deep west machismo, pro-want a white male figure to head their government, feel a clean slate is necessary and a liar is worse than a philanderer. Americans will accept anything except being caught in a web of deceit, the operative word being caught'. Current status: Trump 48 percent | Clinton 47.5 percent States experiencing a momentum shift: Nevada, Florida, Wisconsin. States hanging in there: Michigan and Colorado. Tommy Arthur Alabama death row inmate Tommy Arthur on Tuesday was still waiting for the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to rule on whether it will grant a stay of execution. Alabama death row inmate Tommy Arthur on Tuesday was still waiting for the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to rule on whether it will grant a stay of execution. Arthur is set to die by lethal injection at 6 p.m. on Thursday [November 3, 2016]. If the appeal is granted, it would be the 7th time the 74-year-old's execution has been halted. 6 other times, within days or hours of the appointed time, his execution was stopped. And other than a month on the lam after shooting a jailer in a 1986 escape, the 2nd oldest inmate on death row has spent the better part of his last 33 years in a small cell on death row. Arthur denies he was paid to kill a sleeping Muscle Shoals man, Troy Wicker, in 1982. "I didn't no more kill Troy Wicker than you did," Arthur told AL.com in a recent telephone interview from his cell. 3 different juries in trials in 1983, 1987 and 1991, however, thought otherwise and found him guilty. The victim's wife, Judy Wicker, was also convicted of the murder and spent a decade in prison. She testified at one trial she paid Arthur $10,000 of the insurance money for the killing. Judy Wicker and Arthur, who was on work release at the time, were in a romantic relationship, court records show. Wicker's family has always felt Arthur was guilty, Janette Grantham, executive director of the group Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL) said this week. "There's no doubt he's guilty," Grantham said. "He deserves to be held accountable." "They all called him 'Houdini' because he always seems to slip away. But hopefully he won't this time," Grantham said. Efforts to reach members of Wicker's family were unsuccessful. Grantham, who once worked with victims in the Alabama Attorney General's Office, said one of Wicker's sisters, Peggy Jones, who had closely followed the case won't be at the execution because she is dealing with breast cancer. "They waited so long for this ... I just hope they can all find some kind of peace," Grantham said. Besides seeking a stay of execution, Arthur's legal team is also appealing to the 11th Circuit to overturn a federal judge's ruling that denied his claims challenging Alabama's new 3-drug lethal injection combination. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley also has not said whether he would grant clemency to Arthur, although the governor has yet to grant clemency for an inmate in the past. Arthur recently wrote Bentley seeking a stay of his execution, help in getting a new hearing, and a moratorium on all executions. Arthur, spared execution 6 times since he was convicted in a 1983 contract killing, is asking the governor to stay his execution because he says he is an innocent man. If the 11th Circuit denies his request for a stay of execution, then he could appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Arthur was moved Tuesday into a holding cell by the execution chamber. Here are the highlights of Arthur's case: -- On Feb. 1, 1982, police found Troy Wicker of Muscle Shoals shot to death in his bed - a gunshot wound to his right eye. -- Arthur was convicted of capital murder in 1983. -- At the time of the Wicker murder, Arthur was serving at a Decatur work release center for a conviction in the 1977 murder of his sister-in-law, Eloise West, in Marion County. Having 2 murder convictions in that short a span made him eligible for the death penalty. -- In 1985, Arthur's conviction in the Wicker case was overturned because details of the earlier murder had been introduced at his trial. -- On Jan. 27, 1986, while awaiting retrial, Arthur escaped from the Colbert County jail by shooting a jailer in the neck with a .25 caliber pistol and forcing another jailer to open his cell. He was caught a month later by FBI agents in Knoxville, Tenn., after robbing a bank. -- Arthur was retried for the Wicker murder in 1987, with the case moved to Jefferson County because of publicity. He was convicted, but the conviction was again overturned. -- Arthur was tried again in Jefferson County and convicted in 1991. That verdict was upheld. -- Before he was sentenced, Arthur asked jurors to recommend the death penalty. He said that he did not have a death wish, but that the sentence would provide more access to appeals. A lawyer for the state at that time said Arthur "knows how to work the system." -- Tuscumbia attorney William Hovater, who was appointed to defend Arthur after he fired his first two attorneys and later escaped from the Colbert County Jail, told a reporter after one trial that he had worked a plea agreement for Arthur to be sentenced to life without parole, if he pleaded guilty. Arthur declined. "He never admitted that he did it," Hovater told a reporter. Arthur has come close to execution 6 previous times - within days or even hours. They include: -- April 27, 2001. A federal court issued a stay 2 days before the scheduled execution because of an appeal that was later dismissed. -- Sept. 27, 2007. The day of the planned execution Gov. Bob Riley granted a 45-day reprieve so that the state could develop an assessment of whether inmates are unconscious after the 1st drug in the 3-drug protocol is given. -- Dec. 6, 2007. One day before, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay pending its decision in a case challenging Kentucky's method of lethal injection. The court later upheld Kentucky's method as constitutional. -- July 31, 2008. 2 days before, Arthur filed a petition that he was innocent based on an affidavit from another inmate that asserted that the inmate, not Arthur, had killed Wicker. The Alabama Supreme Court issued a stay to allow investigation of the claim. A Jefferson County judge later found that Arthur had helped the other inmate to make the claim and said the 2 inmates had tried to defraud the court. -- March 31, 2012. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay March 28 and ordered the district court to hear Arthur's claims that Alabama's lethal injection method violated his right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment and his due process rights. Alabama later changed its drug combination because one of the drugs was no longer available. -- Feb. 19, 2015. Watkins ruled 2 days before the scheduled execution that the 2012 stay remains in place and allowed Arthur to file an amended complaint challenging the new drug protocol. Current appeal Arthur's current appeal to the 11th Circuit says the district court judge improperly denied Arthur's request to amend his complaint to request the firing squad as an alternative execution method. When challenging a method of execution, inmates must suggest another form of execution under a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Arthur's attorneys argue that the judge erroneously ruled that the alternative method must be expressly permitted by state law. The judge also rejected Arthur's claim that pentobarbital is a feasible and readily implemented alternative execution drug. An Alabama Department of Corrections official testified at Arthur's hearing earlier this year that the state couldn't find a supply of that drug. Among the other arguments, Arthur's attorneys claim that the judge erroneously rejected their arguments that the first drug in the lethal injection protocol - midazolam - would cause him to suffer a painful heart attack before being sedated. Arthur and his attorneys have also said there was never any physical evidence, such as fingerprints or DNA, linking him to Wicker's death. Arthur said that not all the evidence has been tested that might point to another person. Arthur also points to Judy Wicker's testimony at her murder trial in which she claimed a burglar raped her and killed her husband. Wicker, after her conviction, testified at one of Arthur's later trials that she had given Arthur $10,000 - part of the insurance money - to kill her husband. Arthur and his attorneys say the rape kit performed on Judy Wicker is missing. Arthur in June asked AL.com to conduct a videotaped in-person interview at Holman prison. But prison officials said that is not allowed under the law. Arthur claimed prison officials and the Attorney General's Office didn't want publicity. "They don't want a face, they don't want a personality to reach the public. They want to portray me as a mad dog foaming-at-the-mouth heathen killer," Arthur said in one interview. "They don't want the public to see that I'm a human being, that I'm not an idiot. They don't want to put what I'm saying with a voice where the general public can see." Efforts to reach Arthur's daughter, Sherrie Author Stone, who at one time had a website for her father to support his appeals, were unsuccessful for this story. But she did talk to reporters with the Times Daily newspaper in Florence for a story on Sunday. "My heart goes out to the families of those he killed and to the families of those he injured in some way. I am so sorry for your loss and pain. I pray you find peace if you have not been able to. There are probably many others we do not know about," Stone told the Times Daily. Stone, who has a brother, also talked to the newspaper about how abusive her father was to their mother. "He beat and shot my 1st stepmother. He beat my 2nd stepmother, and shot and killed her sister and almost killed her cousin," Stone told the Times Daily. Source: al.com, November 2, 2016 | 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 Carl Peis OnePlus entered the smartphone market in style, two years ago and showed other flagship smartphones manufacturers on how its done. Soon after, the company has launched two more flagships OnePlus 2 and OnePlus 3 and garnered positive reviews as well. Currently, if you think OnePlus 3 is the best flagship smartphone, I beg to differ! As per the new report from Weibo, the popular Chinese leaker i ice universe has posted the rumored hardware and release date information of the next OnePlus smartphone, purportedly called as OnePlus 4. According to the leaked report, the so-called OnePlus 4 is expected to come equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 830 processor and will be launched either in June or July next year. As the OnePlus 4 is expected to come with Snapdragon 830 SoC, it might be manufactured using the highly efficient 10nm process by Samsung. It is worth mentioning that the South Korean giant Samsung has inked a deal with the chipset maker Qualcomm to be the exclusive manufacturer for next years Snapdragon 830 SoC using a new Samsung 10nm process. Furthermore, the Snapdragon 830 SoC on OnePlus 4 is said to be clocked at 3GHz, coupled with Adreno 620 GPU under the hood. Moreover, the yet-to-be-launched OnePlus 4 might come shipped with Android Nougat and 4000mAh battery out-of-the-box. However, OnePlus is keeping mum about its future plans, so were to a great extent oblivious, about what the OnePlus 4 will resemble. As the above information is just an educated guess, we advise you to take it with a pinch of salt. Source Samsung unveiled its Gear S3 smartwatches during IFA trade show in September. After the U.K and Canada release last month, it will now be made available in the United States from November 18. To remind you, Samsung Gear S3 smartwatches comes in two models the Gear S3 classic and Gear S3 frontier. Both these have a 1.3-inch (360360 pixels) Circular Super AMOLED Always On Display with the latest Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ protection and has rotating bezel. These run on Tizen-based Wearable Platform 2.3.2. The Gear S3 frontier includes LTE connectivity and offers a rugged outdoor look, while the Gear S3 classic offers minimalist, elegant look. Consumers are increasingly recognizing the benefits of a smartwatch that operates even without their phone, said Gary Riding, senior vice president of Product Marketing at Samsung Electronics America. With the LTE capability of Gear S3 it is easy to make or receive phone calls and read or reply to texts and notifications, so they can stay connected while leaving their phone behind. Samsung will start taking pre-orders for both variants of the Gear S3 classic and frontier from Sunday, November 6th and the sale will start from Friday, November 18. Both are priced at $349.99. These will be made available through Samsung.com as well as Amazon, Best Buy, and Macys. The LTE version of the Gear S3 frontier will be available from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. The pricing and availability will be provided by respective carriers separately. Check our hands videos of the Samsung Gear S3 classic and Samsung Gear S3 frontier. Lenovo-owned Motorola is asking for your help, if you are a developer and can design new Moto Mods for the Moto Z and Z Play. The company has collaborated with crowd-funding platform Indiegogo and will be hosting Moto Mods Developer contest for new interesting ideas for its modular accessories that it introduced alongside Moto Z in September. We know we cant come up with every Moto Mods idea on our own, and real innovation doesnt just happen behind closed doors. Thats why we shared the Moto Mods Development Kit (MDK) with the world, allowing people everywhere to contribute to the ecosystem by bringing their own Moto Mods to life. The contest registration will go from November 3rd to January 31st, 2017. Finalists with best Moto Mods idea will stand a chance to win an MDK and a Moto Z. The winners will receive a trip to Chicago to meet Moto Mods executive development team, where theyll discuss how to bring their idea to life and the best working prototypes will receive $1 million investment from Lenovo Capital. Additionally, the company is also hosting Moto Mods hackathons in the United states. The first hackathon will take place in New York in December followed by second hackathon in San Francisco in January 2017. Winners of these hackathons will be pre-qualified to receive a trip to Chicago. The Indiegogo Moto Mods Developer contest registrations can be done here and details of the Hackathon can be found on modthefuture.com. In the past five years, shareholders of Domino's (DPZ -0.43%) have seen the stock rise well over 400%, and Papa John's investors have enjoyed similar gains. In this video, the Market Foolery cast discuss the international pizza chain, its most recent earnings report, and some of the primary drivers behind its incredible success. A full transcript follows the video. This podcast was recorded on Oct.18, 2016. Chris Hill: Let's wrap up with Domino's Pizza. Third quarter profits rose 25%, and same-store sales were up 13%. Jason Moser: Pizza, man. Hill: 13%. Moser: What was that Leno said that even bad pizza is still pizza? Is that what he said? Hill: Yeah. Moser: Is that what he said? I think there's something to that. Domino's is one of those ones that just seem so obvious, and then you look at it and you see what it's done over the past five years. It's been phenomenal. It's actually right up there with Papa John's. Papa John's and Domino's together in the last five years, you can retire off of those pizza. Hill: You've done well. Moser: The weird thing is we're talking about before taping is that the pizza itself -- no offense, everybody's got their own thing -- it's not the most compelling pizza in the world, is it? Hill: It's not, although, I remember years ago, Matt Koppenheffer, our colleague who's now over in Germany, was in the studio. We were talking about pizza. I said, "What's your go-to pizza?" He said, "Domino's." Moser: Really? Hill: I was like, "Really? Are you kidding me?" In the U.S., the most dominant pizza chain is independents if you're just looking at a pie chart. Moser: No pun intended. Hill: No pun intended. But Koppenheffer said, "It's reliable. I know what I'm getting. I don't have to think twice." I agree. I think there are people who feel that way about ... isn't that why chain restaurants succeed to the extent that they do, is because you know what you're getting? Moser: You know what you're getting. Hill: Is Domino's the best pizza? I don't think so, but I also know it's not the worst pizza. Moser: No, it's not. I think that your point is spot-on. It's reliable. You know what you're getting, and they've done a good job with that. I can just testify to something it's maybe 2004, 2005, when we were living in Cairo, Egypt, and we actually got Domino's there in Cairo. It was very much in line with what you would normally get here. I think they've been able to roll this out on a global scale, which has worked out very well for them. I think that one thing that they've done very well, and Papa John's has also done very well with, is the convenience factor, the mobile factor, because I think oftentimes, it does boil down to just trying to get it done quickly and easily. Most of these mom-and-pop joints don't have apps. Or if they do have apps, they're not typically very well-designed. They're not so user-friendly. With Domino's and with Papa John's, they have built out some really, really good mobile apps. They make ordering very simple. Then because of their scale, they're able to offer pretty easy deals. If you're a family, like we are, then you've got the family deal. You'll get a couple pizzas and something to drink, or whatever. It's simple. I think the other under-the-radar move that Domino's did really well that has worked out pretty well for them is the rebranding away from Domino's Pizza. Now, it's just Domino's. That's subtle, but it matters because you don't go to Domino's now just to get pizza. I think they've run a pretty genius little ad campaign here recently kind of making fun of people who like salads where they're saying, "Hey, you've got everybody in your family wants pizza except for that one person who wants a salad. They ruin the whole night because you can't have pizza because you got to have a salad." Now, they're making the ad campaign, "Hey, you can get the salad, too, at Domino's." I think they're doing a really good job of going just beyond pizza and being a restaurant with a lot of different things. Hill: Let me go back to the app for a second, because I think it's worth noting. Part of what has worked for Domino's, for the business of Domino's with this app, is it's enabled them to lower their cost structure. Moser: Oh, easily. Hill: I think if you're an investor, and you're looking at any sort of business like this in the fast-casual space, fast food, whatever, that's what you're rooting for, to the extent that a company you own shares of is rolling out a new app. You want it to succeed for a lot of reasons. One of which is something that the company probably won't talk about, and you won't think about as a consumer, and that is, it enables them to lower their cost. Moser: With most things, technology can have that effect. We were talking yesterday about Hasbro, and how Hasbro has done such a good job by investors in taking what is relatively modest sales growth and really bringing it down to impressive bottom-line growth. Domino's has done very much the same thing. If you look over the last five years, revenue has grown 40% from year one to year five. Net income is up 85%. Earnings per share are up 118%. That is just really bringing out that profitability. There's some share buy-acks there, of course, that helped the cause, but the bottom line is, they are really managing the cost out of the business well. Am I going to go home and have Domino's Pizza and wanting celebrate this? No. I'm not. As a matter of fact, I promised ... in going back to my ordeal last night with the stupid HOA meeting, it took up most of my time. I had to bring my daughters to this thing, by the way. Now, they're sitting there at this meeting and they're outside. They're doing their own work like champs. They were really great. I promised them actually though to take them out for a nice dinner tonight. My wife is out of town. I'll take them out for a nice dinner, and then fro-yo after. We're going to a local mom-and-pop dining joint and that will be great. What I have found ultimately ... we're on the topic of pizza. I can talk about this all day long. There is no pizza like pizza you make yourself. I think I am really close to having mastered this process. I know you probably can't believe that. Hill: I want to get to that in a second. I got to back to the ... something that we've touched on with Domino's, we got to mention the CEO. Patrick Doyle, who's overseeing everything we've been talking about here. Patrick Doyle became CEO in March of 2010. Domino's Pizza was trading at $13 a share. This is six and a half years ago. It's now in the $160's. Holy cow. Moser: To give one more shout-out, I think we have to call out our own Ron Gross, here, because Ron has been on board with Domino's as an investment for a long time. He's been behind this one from a very long time. Whether it was on the radio show, or stuff that we were doing, our services, and any investors who followed Ron's lead, they have done very well as well. Hey, that's what you call firing on all cylinders. Hill: Exactly. A federal judge Monday denied a group of death row inmates' challenge to the state's use of lethal injection in executions. But then Chief U.S. District Judge Keith Watkins turned to medical professionals. In a critique at the end of a 29-page opinion - titled "Alternative Method Evidence: Hippocrates and Hypocrites" - the judge accused the medical community of using the American Medical Association's prohibition on physicians assisting in executions to prevent testimony on execution methods that would "compassionately ensure no measurable possibility of feeling pain during execution." "The medical profession may choose," Watkins wrote. "It could continue on the side of guerrilla tactics against a clearly constitutional right of the state to execute criminals convicted of vile human desecration and death; or, it could choose to become part of a compassionate solution to perceived human suffering by rendering assistance to inmates facing the final human judgment, with 'great humbleness and awareness of [one's] own frailty.'" The American Medical Association's Code of Medical Ethics for physicians prohibits doctors from participating in or assisting with executions. "As a member of a profession dedicated to preserving life when there is hope of doing so, a physician must not participate in a legally authorized execution," the code states. The code does allow testimony on a person's medical history; relieving pain or anxiety at the anticipation of an execution by a condemned person or intervening to mitigate extreme suffering by an incompetent prisoner suffering psychosis or any other illness. Messages seeking comment were sent to the American Medical Association Tuesday afternoon. John Palombi, a federal defender representing the inmates, said Tuesday afternoon they were "very disappointed" in the decision and had filed an appeal with the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Joy Patterson, a spokeswoman for the Alabama attorney general's office, which represented the Alabama Department of Corrections in the case, said they had no comment Tuesday. The case involves 10 death row inmates who claim that midazolam, a sedative used in the state's 3-drug execution protocol, would be unlikely to render them unconscious before the administration of rocuronium bromide, a paralytic, and potassium chloride, which stops the heart. Following U.S. Supreme Court rulings that condemned inmates objecting to the method of execution must propose alternatives, the inmates proposed single-drug methods of execution, using injections of midazolam; pentobarbital or sodium thiopental. The state in the past used pentobarbital and sodium thiopental as sedatives in the lethal injection process. Hospira, the manufacturer of sodium thiopental, stopped making it in the United States in 2011 over concerns with its use in executions. Alabama switched to pentobarbital afterward but ran out of the drug by early 2014. The state implemented its current protocol using midazolam in September of that year. Noting the absence of the drugs, the Department of Corrections argued that using compounded pentobarbital or sodium thiopental was not workable. DOC also said the plaintiffs failed to show that a single large injection of midazolam would result in less pain than Alabama's current 3-drug procedure. Watkins sided with the state, writing that witnesses failed to identify sources of sodium thiopental or pentobarbital the DOC could get. The judge also wrote that the plaintiffs failed to show "scientific evidence of record" to support their arguments that midazolam alone would be a safer, less painful, alternative to the state's current method. Following that discussion, Watkins accused "modern medical ethicists" of selectively reading the Hippocratic Oath to find "pure magic in unleashing the genies of physician-assisted suicide, medical marijuana, drug and alcohol use - even abuse - during pregnancy and without personal responsibility, all in the name of liberty, self-determination, and choice." The American Medical Association's current position on physician-assisted suicide is that it is "fundamentally incompatible with the physician's role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control, and would pose serious societal risks." The AMA has called for more studies of the impact of medical marijuana but has not endorsed its use. Watkins also said that the AMA's opposition to physician participation in executions was "playing at Hippocrates and God in the same breath," and unfavorably compared deaths resulting from medical errors - estimated by one Johns Hopkins study at 250,000 a year - to the 57 executions that have taken place in Alabama since 1983. The judge also attacked the U.S. Supreme Court's 1958 decision in Trop v. Dulles, where the majority held that the Eighth Amendment's prohibitions against cruel and unusual punishment "must draw its meaning from the evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society." Watkins favorably quoted the late Justice Antonin Scalia's opinion that it was "a task for which we are imminently ill suited." "The hollow arguments from a debased medical community in death penalty cases are both the progeny of, and prompted by, just such standardless Trop jurisprudence as applied to the death penalty," Watkins wrote. Robert Dunham, the director of the Washington, D.C.-based Death Penalty Information Center, which opposes capital punishment, said Tuesday Watkins' criticism reflects "the inherent problem with lethal injections." "It is a process by its nature that requires medical professionals to violate their ethical codes," he said. "It's not a surprise they would be reluctant to do that." The state plans to execute death row inmate Thomas Arthur on Thursday. Arthur has an appeal pending in the federal courts, arguing in part that the courts should allow him to argue for a single-dose injection of pentobarbital or a firing squad as an alternative method of execution. | 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 Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! : Montgomery Advertiser, November 2, 2016 Hillary will need much more than a tissue to mop up after this criminal investigation unearths all the ill that lie just below the surface. Already Huma is off the campaign trail. Hillary is distancing herslf from the crime that has already been uncovered. Build a wall. Revolving door. Kick them all out. We have heard the wild claims and outrageous rumors swirl around Hillary Clinton and Donald Trumps immigration policies. So where do they really stand on the issue? We here at FOXBusiness.com took a look at their speeches, debates and Tweets in our special series, He Said, She Said immigration edition. I want to build the wall. We need the wall. And the Border Patrol, ICE, they all want the wall. We stop the drugs. We shore up the border. One of my first acts will be to get all of the drug lords, all of the bad ones -- we have some bad, bad people in this country that have to go out Trump, Oct. 19, 2016 " If Congress won't act, I'll defend President Obamas executive actionsand I'll go even further to keep families together. I'll end family detention, close private immigrant detention centers, and help more eligible people become naturalized." - Clinton, Jan. 6. 2016 "I have been for border security for years. I voted for border security in the United States Senate. And my comprehensive immigration reform plan of course includes border security. But I want to put our resources where I think they're most needed: Getting rid of any violent person. Anybody who should be deported, we should deport them Clinton, Oct. 19, 2016 "Comprehensive immigration reform will grow our economy and keep families together, and its the right thing to do." Hillary Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 29, 2016 "I will end forever the use of the H-1B as a cheap labor program, and institute an absolute requirement to hire American workers first for every visa and immigration program. No exceptions."- Trump, March 4, 2016 This is the fourth edition of our "He Said, She Said" series. Be sure to check FOXBusiness.com for more ahead of Election Day. Donald Trump is seen as the hawk of the 2016 presidential campaign, promising to expand Americaas military and increase defense spending. As a result, a Trump presidency should be a welcome sign for the companies that supply the U.S. military with weaponry, technology and more, analysts say. The U.S. trails other nations that spend more on the military, based on a percentage of national economic activity. Under President Barack Obama, Americaas defense budget equates to about 3% of GDP. By comparison, Saudi Arabia (14%), Israel (5%) and Russia (5%) spend more, while South Korea (3%) is keeping pace with the U.S. On the campaign trail, Trump has said he would lift spending and increase the size of the military to prior levels. The Republican nominee plans to ask Congress to scrap the budget cuts mandated by sequestration, which took effect in 2013. The real-estate mogul also intends to have an active Army of 540,000 troops, among other gains in personnel, and invest in missile defense systems. The numbers were presented during a September speech focusing on national security policies. CFRA Research analyst Jim Corridore said Trump would likely pursue more investments in surveillance, but his primary focus will be military firepower. That means contractors building armored vehicles, tanks, ships and aircraft would fare better if Trump wins. aUnder a Trump administration, we see the more traditional heavy-equipment defense companies benefiting,a Corridore wrote in a July report originally produced by S&P Global Market Intelligence, which CFRA recently acquired. One company that stands to benefit is the largest military supplier in the world, Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), which booked sales of $46 billion in 2015. CFRA noted that Lockheed Martin, the primary contractor working on the F-35 fighter jet, managed to limit the damage from budget cuts. The company posted higher earnings over the last five years despite lower revenue. Northrup Grumman (NYSE:NOC), the third-largest defense contractor worldwide, would also see more contract opportunities with Trump in the White House. Trump could lead to a windfall for shipbuilders including General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) and Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII), given his pledge to oversee an expansion of the Navyas fleet, according to a report from Capital Alpha Partners cited by the Washington Examiner. Capital Alpha Partners, a D.C.-based research firm, also mentioned security consultant Booz Allen (NYSE:BAH) and CACI, an IT and intelligence contractor, as potential beneficiaries from a broad-based increase in the U.S. militaryas budget. Ticker Security Last Change Change % LMT LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP. 486.68 +1.81 +0.37% NOC NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORP. 549.01 +0.90 +0.16% GD GENERAL DYNAMICS CORP. 249.80 -0.92 -0.37% HII HUNTINGTON INGALLS INDUSTRIES INC. 257.07 -0.29 -0.11% BAH BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON 108.85 +0.17 +0.16% Trump is calling for allies to commit more funding for military services, particularly those provided by the U.S. The move would perhaps offset some of the growth in Americaas defense budget under a Trump administration. Just five of NATOas 28 members currently follow the allianceas guidelines for military spending at 2% of GDP. International firms that might be better off with Trump winning the Nov. 8 election include Germanyas Rheinmetall and Israel-based Elbit Systems (NASDAQ:ESLT). CFRA noted that Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee, is also seen as aquite hawkish.a Her primary focus would likely be on different areas of defense, such as drones, surveillance and intelligence. Still, Clintonas pursuit of other domestic programs would mean overall defense spending is unlikely to increase significantly, CFRA surmised. Image source: Getty Images. All high-yield dividend stocks aren't created equal. There are plenty of stocks available that sport above-average yields, but there aren't many that also feature a low risk of a dividend cut and the potential to grow the dividend over time. Buying a stock for the yield only to have the dividend slashed is no fun. We asked three of our contributors to each discuss a high-yield dividend stock that investors should consider buying in November. They came up with Kohl's (NYSE: KSS), GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK), and Energy Transfer Partners (NYSE: ETP). Here are the details. A beaten-down department store stock Tim Green: In all of retail, the department store sector may be the gloomiest. Finding a department store that isn't struggling to attract customers is tough. Macy's is shutting down a big fraction of its stores, the once-hot Nordstrom is suffering from falling comparable sales, and Kohl's is facing declining sales and slumping profits. The entire sector is drowning in pessimism, and I think that creates a buying opportunity. Kohl's is my favorite of the bunch, in part because only a small fraction of its stores are located in shopping malls. The company continues to generate plenty of cash despite a fairly prolonged earnings decline, fueling a 4.5% dividend yield and substantial share buybacks. Kohl's stock trades for around 11 times the company's earnings guidance. Of course, if earnings continue to decline, this low PE ratio doesn't mean much. But some progress is being made. During the second quarter, adjusted EPS jumped 14% year over year, driven by lower costs and plenty of share buybacks. Kohl's reports its third-quarter results on Nov. 10. I'm not expecting great news, but if Kohl's can report decent numbers and maintain profitability, that may convince the market that the company isn't in the kind of shape its bargain valuation suggests. If you're looking for a cheap, high-dividend stock for November, and you're willing to be patient, look no further than Kohl's. Buy this big pharma for the dividend, stay for the pending comeback George Budwell: Among large-cap pharma stocks, GlaxoSmithKline's4.5% yield easily sits at the top of the mountain. However, the drugmaker's attractive yield is unfortunately a by-product of its lagging share price over the past 34 months -- combined with management's decision to sit tight on a major reduction in the company's quarterly payout over this period: GSK data by YCharts. Glaxo's faltering share price stems from a variety of factors, including several high-profile clinical failures, a pivot away from oncology to less-profitable vaccines, its bribery scandal in the all-important Chinese market, and perhaps most importantly, reimbursement issues surrounding the drugmaker's key respiratory franchise. Despite this laundry list of significant headwinds, Glaxo is actually a compelling buy right now, especially for investors looking for above-average opportunities on the dividend front. The heart of the matter is that Glaxo appears to have put most, if not all, of these problems behind it for the most part -- although the scandal in China is continuing to negatively impact its sales in that key emerging market. The drugmaker, for instance, recently filed abiologics license application with the Food and Drug Administration for its experimental shingle vaccine that could be its next blockbuster product. And its newer respiratory medicines likeAnora Ellipta and Relvar/Breo Ellipta have started to gain traction commercially thanks to more favorable reimbursement terms from major payers. The key takeaway is that Glaxo is set to return to growth next year with a healthy 6.2% rise in its top line, perhaps indicating that the worst is finally behind this top pharma company. The high-risk, high-reward high-yield stock Matt DiLallo: With a current yield of 12%, midstream MLPEnergy Transfer Partners unquestionably qualifies as a high-yield stock. However, as with most yields that high, there's a greater degree of risk. In Energy Transfer's case, the risk is whether or not the pipeline company can maintain its lofty payout through its currently ambitious growth phase. If it can, then investors buying today will be richly rewarded once those growth projects come online. On one hand, there are clear concerns surrounding Energy Transfer Partners' ability to maintain its lucrative distribution. First of all, the company paid out more than it brought in during the first two quarters of the year, averaging a 0.89 times coverage ratio. That's partially due to weakness in its midstream segment, which is feeling the impact of weak commodity prices. Further, the weak oil market is making it very tough for highly leveraged energy companies to raise capital at favorable rates. The tight financial markets could become aproblem for Energy Transfer Partners because it has to fund the roughly $10 billion in growth projects it has under development. That said, its parent company,Energy Transfer Equity, is providing it with more than $1.1 billion of support by relinquishing an increasing amount of its incentive distribution rights. Meanwhile, Energy Transfer Partners continues to find innovative ways to access capital, including asset sales, joint ventures, and project-level financing. As a result, it remains on pace to bring a boatload of fee-based projects online over the next year. Those projects should significantly boost the company's cash flow and strengthen its ability to maintain, and possiblygrow the payout. Energy Transfer Partners is not for the faint of heart. The company is walking a tightrope right now as it works to complete its major growth projects to boost cash flow. However, thanks to the support of Energy Transfer Equity, and its ability to creatively raise capital, the company has the capability to deliver an even more lucrative income stream to investors if everything goes according to plan. The $15,834 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known Social Security secrets could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $15,834 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after.Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies. George Budwell has no position in any stocks mentioned. Matt DiLallo has no position in any stocks mentioned. Timothy Green owns shares of Kohl's. The Motley Fool recommends Nordstrom. 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: Getty Images. Sin stocks include companies that operate in the gambling, tobacco, alcohol, and weapons industries and are so called because they deal in products and services that are seen as harmful or dangerous to their customers. While these businesses put off some investors, sin stocks have historically had reliable customer bases and tend to be resilient in times of a downturn because of the natures of their products. Owning these types of companies isn't for everyone, but for investors undeterred by the accompanying stigmas, the right sin stocks can have a positive impact on a portfolio. Here's why Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD), Philip Morris (NYSE: PM), and Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) are top sin stocks to buy in 2016. Las Vegas Sands Casino companies have faced turbulence in recent years because of declining overall traffic and economic and regulatory pressures in the crucial Chinese market. Despite this Las Vegas Sands looks like a stock with long-term turnaround potential. In Macau, a city in southern China that functions as a tourist and gambling hub, there have recently been some positive indicators that bode well for Las Vegas Sands' stock. Revenue for August posted 1.1% year-over-year growth and snapped a 24-month streak of declining sales, and performance in September was once again positive, with 7.4% year-over-year growth. Las Vegas Sands derives roughly half of its operating profits from Macau-region resorts and is down more than 30% from its 2014 pricing high before China's gambling crackdown. An ongoing recovery in this crucial Chinese territory would probably be accompanied by meaningful share-performance boosts. For income investors, Las Vegas Sands is especially worthy of attention, as it offers a substantial payout that yields roughly 5% -- well above the 2.1% average yield of dividend-paying S&P 500 companies. Las Vegas Sands has raised its payout for three years running and is likely to continue to make its yield a substantial component of owning its stock. However, investors should be wary of expecting the company to maintain its payout or deliver increases unless it manages to improve cash flow in coming years. The company's current dividend sees it paying out roughly 135% of trailing-12-month earnings, so investors should recognize the possibility of dividend cuts if the situation in China worsens rather than improves. Las Vegas Sands is well positioned in the China market to capitalize on a rebound in the region, that fact plus the stocks dividend performance make this company a potenitally strong option for income investors who are bullish on an ongoing recovery in the space. Phillip Morris With awareness growing of the deleterious effects of cigarettes, Philip Morris has seen American market sales slip in recent years, but challenges in its core market are far from a death knell for the company. Philip Morris still has growth avenues in developing markets, where increasing populations and rising incomes look to boost consumption of its tobacco products, as well as its reduced-risk products. Pressure on the company's core cigarette products are causing it to innovate, and luckily for Philip Morris investors, the tobacco giant seems to be making real progress in developing and marketing new alternatives. The company's iQOS Heatsticks take a novel approach to delivering a nicotine kick, with tobacco being heated as opposed to burned, for an experience that manages to be similar to smoking while also potentially less hazardous to consumer health. While projects like iQOS are increasing the company's research-and-development expenditures, early results have been promising, with iQOS already posting roughly 3% market share in Japan -- the only country in which they're available countrywide. Like the other stocks on this list, Philip Morris stock also has a strong returned income component that adds to its attractiveness as a long-term, buy-to-hold prospect. The stock's yield sits at roughly 4.2%, and the company has delivered payout increases for eight years running -- which is every year since its split with Altria. With reduced-risk cigarettes expected to achieve breakeven in 2017 and profitability in 2018, and a non-capex-intensive business, Philip Morris' payout ratio of nearly 90% shouldn't present an obstacle to payout increases. Anheuser-Busch InBev While tobacco and gambling companies are facing pressures that are threatening demand, there appears to be little in the way of comparable factors inhibiting the growth of beer consumption. For investors looking for a stake in the beer market, Anheuser-Busch InBev's scale advantages and policy of shareholder enrichment through returned income make it a top stock in the space. The company is the largest beer brewing company in the world by production volume and distributes popular alcoholic beverage brands, including Budweiser, Busch, Becks, Corona, Stella Artois, and many others. All told, the company's portfolio of alcoholic beverages includes more than 200 brands, with 19 of them each generating more than $1 billion in annual retail sales. With AB Inbev's merger with SABMillerhaving recently been approved by shareholders, the resulting company will be by far the largest beer company in the world and create infrastructure advantages that would help improve profitability and facilitate ongoing expansion in Asian and African markets. Looking at the stock's returned income component, AB InBev boasts a substantial 3.6% yield and has raised its payout for six years running. While the stock's roughly 113% payout ratio raises some concern about the sustainability of its dividend, the company's strong position in a recession-proof industry and potential for growth in emerging markets means that its current payout is far from the only reason to own the stock, even as it trades at roughly 26 times forward earnings projections. 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. Keith Noonan 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. FOCUS ON DEFENSE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND OCEANIA Image source: The Boston Beer Company. Sam Adams Lager maker Boston Beer Company (NYSE: SAM) still hasn't figured out that it isn't a "craft" brewer anymore. It continues to take the artist's high road and create new craft offerings in-house. Meanwhile, micro-brewers and neighborhood pubs are capturing enthusiasts' interests, and big brewers such as AB InBev (NYSE: BUD) are gobbling up the mass market through acquisitions ofSAB Miller, other regional brewers, and, more recently, a home-brew purchase. Sales are fizzling out Boston Beer shares are now half the price they were in early 2015, and it still doesn't look like a bargain, with the company's most recent quarter showing another drop in beer shipments of 12% and revenue falling 14% from the same quarter last year. Depletions, or beer shipped from distributors to end consumers or retailers, also fell 6% during the quarter. SAM data by YCharts The decreases were led by the Samuel Adams, Angry Orchard,and Traveler beer brands. Partially offsetting craft drinkers' disinterest were increases in the newer Twisted Tea and Truly Spiked & Sparkling brands. The bad news comes on the heels of reported losses for the better part of a year now. Nevertheless, shares nudged up anyway as management stated that a review of brand strategies is under way, as well as an increased focus on cutting costs. Not exactly what you want to hear from a company with high growth expectations priced into shares, but it was a much-needed scrap for investors to chew on. Consumer trends on the move In the 1970s, the number of total U.S. brewers numbered as few as 100. At the end of 2015, that number had skyrocketed to more than 4,200. That's impressive growth, and the totals are still increasing. The numbers underline the resurging American interest in the hometown, or even home-neighborhood, brewpub or taproom, as many of the upstarts operate as local hangouts and gathering places. Boston Beer management has admitted that the explosion of small competition is indicative of changing consumer trends. Beer drinkers have been trending toward smaller brewers in search of new and creative drinks. Management has also acknowledged the Brewers Association, a non-profit economic organization that represents the craft-beer industry, which says trends are shifting toward smaller and local consumption. Big non-craft companies have noticed the changes in consumer preference and have taken action. Consolidation and acquisitions have been the big news for the past few years now. Budweiser maker AB InBev completed its merger with SABMiller and has also purchased eight craft brands in the past five years. Not content with the mass market, AB InBev also recently purchased DIY-brew supplier Northern Brewer. While AB InBev's move to buy up market share and control distribution of beer was something regulators partially addressed during the SABMiller deal, the moves in recent years still put the world's biggest brewer in the driver's seat of the mass market. However, Boston Beer management attributes lost market share to increased distribution from smaller players, citing that distribution for small brewers has been tightening as of late and that it will eventually stall. I disagree, as this assumption doesn't account for bigger brewers that are buying out smaller ones and inserting them into their large existing distribution networks. Add to that the continuing interest in local consumption at taprooms, brewpubs, and DIY homebrews. Boston Beer is stuck in the middle of a two-front war, and it's currently losing. Time to shift gears It's time for the Boston Beer Company to shift gears. The company's internal efforts to generate growth aren't cutting it. I can understand the desire to stay true to "craft" beer roots, but the company opted to play the perpetual growth game and went public years ago, and shareholders demand profitable growth.It might be time to purchase a small rivalbrewer or two and plug them into the existing Sam Adams family. The good news is that management said it was doing a review of its strategy during the last earnings report. But until the company comes up with a plan, I'm not interested in buying. 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. Nicholas Rossolillo has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Anheuser-Busch InBev NV and Boston Beer. 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. This podcast was recorded on Oct.18, 2016. Chris Hill:Let's wrap up with Domino's Pizza. Third quarter profits rose 25%, and same-store sales were up 13%. Jason Moser:Pizza, man. Hill:13%. Moser:What was that Leno said that even bad pizza is still pizza? Is that what he said? Hill:Yeah. Moser:Is that what he said? I think there's something to that. Domino's is one of those ones that just seem so obvious, and then you look at it and you see what it's done over the past five years. It's been phenomenal. It's actually right up there with Papa John's. Papa John's and Domino's together in the last five years, you can retire off of those pizza. Hill:You've done well. Moser:The weird thing is we're talking about before taping is that the pizza itself -- no offense, everybody's got their own thing -- it's not the most compelling pizza in the world, is it? Hill:It's not, although, I remember years ago, Matt Koppenheffer, our colleague who's now over in Germany, was in the studio. We were talking about pizza. I said, "What's your go-to pizza?" He said, "Domino's." Moser:Really? Hill:I was like, "Really? Are you kidding me?" In the U.S., the most dominant pizza chain is independents if you're just looking at a pie chart. Moser:No pun intended. Hill:No pun intended. But Koppenheffer said, "It's reliable. I know what I'm getting. I don't have to think twice." I agree. I think there are people who feel that way about ... isn't that why chain restaurants succeed to the extent that they do, is because you know what you're getting? Moser:You know what you're getting. Hill:Is Domino's the best pizza? I don't think so, but I also know it's not the worst pizza. Moser:No, it's not. I think that your point is spot-on. It's reliable. You know what you're getting, and they've done a good job with that. I can just testify to something it's maybe 2004, 2005, when we were living in Cairo, Egypt, and we actually got Domino's there in Cairo. It was very much in line with what you would normally get here. I think they've been able to roll this out on a global scale, which has worked out very well for them. I think that one thing that they've done very well, and Papa John's has also done very well with, is the convenience factor, the mobile factor, because I think oftentimes, it does boil down to just trying to get it done quickly and easily. Most of these mom-and-pop joints don't have apps. Or if they do have apps, they're not typically very well-designed. They're not so user-friendly. With Domino's and with Papa John's, they have built out some really, really good mobile apps. They make ordering very simple. Then because of their scale, they're able to offer pretty easy deals. If you're a family, like we are, then you've got the family deal. You'll get a couple pizzas and something to drink, or whatever. It's simple. I think the other under-the-radar move that Domino's did really well that has worked out pretty well for them is the rebranding away from Domino's Pizza. Now, it's just Domino's. That's subtle, but it matters because you don't go to Domino's now just to get pizza. I think they've run a pretty genius little ad campaign here recently kind of making fun of people who like salads where they're saying, "Hey, you've got everybody in your family wants pizza except for that one person who wants a salad. They ruin the whole night because you can't have pizza because you got to have a salad." Now, they're making the ad campaign, "Hey, you can get the salad, too, at Domino's." I think they're doing a really good job of going just beyond pizza and being a restaurant with a lot of different things. Hill:Let me go back to the app for a second, because I think it's worth noting. Part of what has worked for Domino's, for the business of Domino's with this app, is it's enabled them to lower their cost structure. Moser:Oh, easily. Hill:I think if you're an investor, and you're looking at any sort of business like this in the fast-casual space, fast food, whatever, that's what you're rooting for, to the extent that a company you own shares of is rolling out a new app. You want it to succeed for a lot of reasons. One of which is something that the company probably won't talk about, and you won't think about as a consumer, and that is, it enables them to lower their cost. Moser:With most things, technology can have that effect. We were talking yesterday about Hasbro, and how Hasbro has done such a good job by investors in taking what is relatively modest sales growth and really bringing it down to impressive bottom-line growth. Domino's has done very much the same thing. If you look over the last five years, revenue has grown 40% from year one to year five. Net income is up 85%. Earnings per share are up 118%. That is just really bringing out that profitability. There's some share buy-acks there, of course, that helped the cause, but the bottom line is, they are really managing the cost out of the business well. Am I going to go home and have Domino's Pizza and wanting celebrate this? No. I'm not. As a matter of fact, I promised ... in going back to my ordeal last night with the stupid HOA meeting, it took up most of my time. I had to bring my daughters to this thing, by the way. Now, they're sitting there at this meeting and they're outside. They're doing their own work like champs. They were really great. I promised them actually though to take them out for a nice dinner tonight. My wife is out of town. I'll take them out for a nice dinner, and then fro-yo after. We're going to a local mom-and-pop dining joint and that will be great. What I have found ultimately ... we're on the topic of pizza. I can talk about this all day long. There is no pizza like pizza you make yourself. I think I am really close to having mastered this process. I know you probably can't believe that. Hill:I want to get to that in a second. I got to back to the ... something that we've touched on with Domino's, we got to mention the CEO. Patrick Doyle, who's overseeing everything we've been talking about here. Patrick Doyle became CEO in March of 2010. Domino's Pizza was trading at $13 a share. This is six and a half years ago. It's now in the $160's. Holy cow. Moser:To give one more shout-out, I think we have to call out our own Ron Gross, here, because Ron has been on board with Domino's as an investment for a long time. He's been behind this one from a very long time. Whether it was on the radio show, or stuff that we were doing, our services, and any investors who followed Ron's lead, they have done very well as well. Hey, that's what you call firing on all cylinders. Hill:Exactly. Chris HillJason Moserfree for 30 daysconsidering a diverse range of insightsdisclosure policy Iran's second-largest carrier, Mahan Air, is flying commercial routes to more than a dozen European and Asian countries in spite of U.S. terror-related sanctions. Backed by the country's notorious Revolutionary Guard, the airline is sanctioned by the U.S. for providing "transportation, funds transfers and personnel travel services" to the Revolutionary Guard's elite Quds Forces, flying them and weapons to Syria to train Hezbollah militants, Syrian army troops and others. Many countries honored the U.S. terror sanctions and blocked Mahan Air. But weeks before the nuclear deal was signed in July 2015, Mahan announced it was launching a route to Munich its second German destination. A wave of new routes followed to more than a dozen countries, including France, Russia, Thailand and Denmark. A look at the countries that have granted landing rights to Mahan Air commercial flights or are home to companies affiliated with the airline. ___ ARMENIA In May 2014, Mahan Air announced a new, twice-weekly service to the Armenian capital, Yerevan. That service commenced a month later. ___ GREECE Mahan Air launched in June 2014 a flight from Shanghai, China, to Athens, with a stopover in Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport. ___ GERMANY Mahan said in September 2014 that it has been "serving" Dusseldorf "for more than a decade" and announced Munich as its second German destination. The "flight will be operated twice weekly on Sundays and Wednesdays" and began in March 2015. On its website, it also lists the Air Cargo Agency GmbH in Dusseldorf as one of its third-party affiliates. ___ CHINA Mahan announced in late 2014 that it was expanding its network to Beijing, its third destination in China. Mahan has been flying to Shanghai and Guangzhou since 2011. ___ THAILAND A route between Tehran and the Thai capital, Bangkok, was launched in October 2016. Iran has been courting Thai tourists, and Mahan Air announced an agreement this year for closer tourism ties with Thailand. My Aviation Co. Ltd in Bangkok is among the third party companies listed on Mahan's website. __ ITALY Mahan launched its flights to Milan in June 2015, announcing twice-weekly service, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. ___ DENMARK Copenhagen was one of two European Union destinations added in June 2016. A month later it celebrated its Copenhagen route with a press release that highlighted "Chinese staff helping our many Chinese passengers in Copenhagen Airport." ___ FRANCE A June 19 press release announced Mahan's "10th destination in Europe" Paris. The airline said it would fly from Tehran to Charles de Gaulle Airport on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays. ___ RUSSIA Mahan announced a new route to Moscow, its second in Russia, in January 2016 and teased to expanding service with "some direct flights to several European and Asian countries that will be launched gradually in the late spring and summer." The airline announced a route to its first Russian destination, St. Petersburg, in 2013. ___ UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Mahan has long flown to the Emirate of Dubai. On its website the airline lists the Gate Wick Freight & Cargo Company as a third-party affiliate. ___ IRAQ In 2012, Mahan announced a flight to the northern city of Irbil and the Shiite holy city of Najaf. The Treasury Department sanctioned Al-Naser Airlines, an Iraq-based company that, in 2015, transferred at least eight Airbus A340 and one Airbus A320 aircraft to Mahan. The Treasury designation said that Al-Naser procured "the Airbus aircraft from unwitting European vendors, for which Mahan Air paid tens of millions of dollars each." ___ UKRAINE In March 2016, Kiev was added to Mahan's list of European routes. The Treasury Department in 2013 sanctioned Ukraine-based Ukrainian-Mediterranean Airlines (Um Air) and Bukovyna Airlines for "leasing and selling aircraft to Mahan Air" as it attempts "to circumvent sanctions and support Iran's worldwide illicit activities." ___ TURKEY Mahan has long flown to the Turkish cities of Ankara and Istanbul. In December, a Mahan flight failed to stop on a runway at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul due to a brake malfunction, a press release said. The Airbus 310 hit a vacant bus as well as the guard rail and stopped. There were no injuries. AIRMARK Airline Marketing & Services in Istanbul is listed as a third-party company on Mahan's website. It also lists sales offices in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. ___ INDIA Mahan has long flown to New Delhi and, this week, Mahan plans to launch a second daily flight to the Indian city. ___ AFGHANISTAN Mahan has flown to the Afghan capital, Kabul, since 2002. ___ MALAYSIA In 2012, Mahan announced nonstop service to Kuala Lumpur. The airline also lists Icargo Sdn Bhd in Kuala Lumpur as a third-party affiliate. Wells Fargo & Co's CEO Tim Sloan said on Thursday a comprehensive review of the bank's sales practices would be done 'relatively quickly' and unveiled a series of immediate changes at the bank's retail unit under new division boss Mary Mack. Management is reaching out to employees who were wrongly fired, while continuing to review sales practices across the bank, and changing compensation plans to avoid incentivizing bad behavior. It is also ramping up marketing efforts after having slowed them in the wake of the problems, Mack told an industry conference in Boston, her first with analysts since taking over the retail business. The bank, which earlier said in a regulatory filing that legal costs could exceed reserves by $1.7 billion, has also hired an outside consultant to guide changes to the retail business. The retail unit's new risk chief now reports into the broader company's risk chief, rather than to Mack. The bank also said it created a new 'Change Leader' position in the unit to focus on 'what great customer experience looks like,' according to Mack and Sloan's presentation. "We're going to leave no stone unturned," said Sloan. "I don't want there to be a question about how we interact with customers at Wells Fargo," he added. "We're going to put that to rest. That's going to be done in a very comprehensive way and it's going to be done relatively quickly, but it's going to be done right." An independent consultant is now reviewing sales practices across the whole bank, Sloan said, without identifying the company. Because most of Wells Fargo's senior leadership has been at the bank for a long time, they may have inadvertently contributed to some of its problems, he said. Wells Fargo's period of atonement follows a $185 million settlement on Sept. 8 with federal regulators and a Los Angeles prosecutor regarding its opening as many as 2 million accounts in retail customers' names without their permission. At the time, the bank said it fired 5,300 employees for improper sales practices over a period of five years, but since then reports have surfaced of employees also being fired for raising red flags or not meeting aggressive sales quotas imposed by their managers. Wells Fargo welcomes back employees fired 'inappropriately' if they would like to return, Sloan said. He took the reins on Oct. 12 from former CEO John Stumpf, who abruptly left the bank under harsh scrutiny for its practices. Mack became head of the retail unit in July, before the scandal came to light. She replaced Carrie Tolstedt, who forfeited $19 million in stock in September following a public uproar over the sales issues. Stumpf gave up $41 million. Even with the settlement, the management shakeup and the steps is taking to improve, Wells Fargo's problems are not over. The bank faces probes from several other regulators and authorities, including the U.S. Department of Justice and congressional committees. The Securities and Exchange Commission is also examining the bank, Wells said in its filing on Thursday. Wells' $1.7 billion estimate of its potential legal expense shortfall is up from a $1 billion estimate in August. (Reporting by Dan Freed in New York; Additional reporting by Sruthi Shankar in Bengaluru and David Henry in New York; Writing by Lauren Tara LaCapra; Editing by Nick Zieminski) Image source: TreeHouse Foods. What happened Shares of TreeHouse Foods Inc.(NYSE: THS) were falling today after the private-label food and beverage supplier reported third-quarter earnings, cut its profit forecast, and said it would close a plant. As of 11:10 a.m. EDT, the stock was off 20.4%. So what It was an all-around ugly quarter for TreeHouse, whose adjusted earnings per share fell from $0.86 a year ago to $0.70, missing estimates of $0.77. Revenue increased by 98.7%, to $1.59 billion, thanks to its acquisition earlier this year ofConAgra's private-label business, but that figure was also short of expectations of $1.64 billion. While its retail grocery segment saw a volume increase of 2.8%, volume sales fell by 3.7% at food away from home and 7.1% in industrial and export. CEO Sam Reed noted the discrepancy, saying that private brands fell short of expectations. Separately, the company revealed a new CFO and said it would close a Canadian facility in 2018 and downsize one in Michigan. Now what The company's guidance was uninspiring as it said it would lower its full-year forecast due to continuing weakness in the private-brands segment. CEO Sam Reed said he believes "this is a short-term situation" and said the company's go-to-market sales structure should help restore it to original expectations. Management now expects full-year EPS of $2.80-$2.85, well below the analyst consensus at $3.07. The results above seem to indicate that TreeHouse is struggling to integrate the ConAgra acquisition. While it should eventually return to growth, today's plunge is well deserved. 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. Jeremy Bowman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The killing of two Iowa police officers in an ambush style attack mere days before the presidential election brought violence against police to the forefront of the political debate. Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik weighed in on the political fallout from the string of attacks on police officers. If you watch the Donald Trump statement about the two Iowa cops and you read the presidents statement, its completely different. You know, Donald Trump made it very clear, an attack on those two cops, the executions of those two cops is an attack on society, Kerik told the FOX Business Networks Stuart Varney. On the other hand, Kerik viewed President Obama as having a very different take on what is an attack on society. The only time I hear the president say anything about an attack on society is when theres a questionable police incident. According to Kerik, law enforcement in America needs a stronger ally in the White House. We need somebody in the White House that supports the cops, gives them the benefit of the doubt when theres a question, and makes sure they have resources and the manpower they need to do the job and secure this country. Kerik viewed a lack of leadership in America from the president down to city mayors as partly to blame for the low morale among police across the country. The cops in this country feel like theyre not being supported by the leadership. And thats from the president on down: you know, you have governors, you have the president, you have mayors that have gone against the police, they support hate groups like Black Lives Matter and all these other groups. You know, its not good for the cops, they need to be supported. As national polls tighten, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is growing confident enough that he can win the race for the White House that he has begun the process of assembling a Cabinet, including who he wants as his Treasury Secretary, the Fox Business Network has learned. Trump is telling senior officials inside his campaign that he wants his campaign finance chair, Steve Mnuchin, as his Treasury Secretary, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter. The Trump campaign is also weighing the possibility of appointing New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a former federal prosecutor, as his Attorney General, and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, as his Homeland Security Secretary, these sources say. Despite the improving poll numbers for Trump, he still faces an uphill battle to defeat Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton in Tuesdays presidential contest. According to national polls, Clinton maintains a slim lead over Trump, but a more decisive lead in the all-important Electoral College. Trump faces a difficultthough not impossibletask of obtaining the 270 electoral votes necessary to win the Oval Office given Clintons strength in so-called battleground states like Virginia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. Still Trumps chances have improved markedly after last Fridays bombshell announcement that the FBI has reopened its investigation into Clintons use of a private email server during her days as President Obamas Secretary of State, as well as disclosures about a government probe into her involvement in the controversial Clinton Foundation private charity. As Trumps favorability increases, people inside the Trump campaign have been scrambling to cobble together a list of people to serve in a possible Trump Cabinet. Much of the list, these people say, is in flux. While Christie is at the top of the list for a possible Trump Attorney General, he might not make the cut depending on the outcome of the current Bridgegate trial, where two former underlings of his are facing federal criminal charges for closing lanes on the George Washington Bridge. The alleged retaliatory move against one of Christies political opponents, the mayor of Fort Lee, NJ, which suffered massive traffic jams, could result in long prison sentences for both of the accused. Christie has said he had no knowledge of the activities and hasnt been charged. Still the resulting controversy might make Christies involvement in a Trump Administration, particularly in such a sensitive position, difficult, Trump campaign officials concede. With that, Giuliani, himself a former federal prosecutor, might emerge as the top choice for Attorney General, these people say. Hope Hicks, Trump campaign spokeswoman said, Mr. Trump is totally focused on the remainder of the campaign and all of the amazing people supporting him around the country. Spokesmen for Christie and Giuliani didnt return calls for comment. Trump is known for changing his mind at the last minute when it comes to prepared speeches and even key appointments. When deciding on a vice presidential running mate, he wavered until the last minute before selecting Indiana Governor Mike Pence. But one appointment Trump appears settled on is his choice of Mnuchin as Treasury Secretary. Trump has told people in recent days that the campaign manager is his top choice for the job. A veteran in the world of finance, Mnunchin spent 17 years at the Wall Street firm, Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), where he earned the coveted and lucrative title of partner at the big investment bank while running the firms mortgage department and serving as Goldmans chief information officer in 1999. In 2004, with two other ex-Goldman Sachs partners, he formed Dune Capital Management, a hedge fund that acquired a piece of the failed lender Indy Mac from the Federal Insurance Deposit Corp., for $1.55 billion. Mnuchins name has been mentioned as Treasury Secretary for months, along with other financial executives, such as former Bear Stearns economist David Malpass, television commentator and former Reagan administration budget official Larry Kudlow and Steve Moore of the Heritage Foundation. In July, Anthony Scaramucci, a hedge fund executive working closely with the Trump campaign (and Fox Business contributor) told Fortune that Mnuchin was the odds-on favorite given his largely successful effort raising money for the Trump campaign, which began taking donations relatively late into the election season, after Trump had already attacked many GOP establishment players who are part of the donor class. But choosing Mnuchin could also be controversial precisely because of his Wall Street connections, which runs counter to Trumps anti-establishment campaign themes. That said, Trump and Mnuchin have grown close during the hard fought election. Since Mnuchin joined the Trump campaign in April, hes been one of his most loyal deputies; aside from his fundraising efforts, he has also played a key role in developing Trumps economic policies, which would both reduce regulations and cut taxes. Americans are taking global warming more seriously than ever before. According to a Gallup poll conducted this year, 64% percent of U.S. adults say theyare worried about climate change and environmental issues, which is up from 55% in 2015, and the overall highest reading since 2008. So, as voters head to the polls, the big question isawhich candidate is better when it comes to preserving our environment? aWhile Clintonas stated positions on climate change and environmental issues are better than Trumpas, thatas kind of like saying death by strangulation is better than death by gunshot, because even if she follows through on her pledges Clinton will not come close to preventing climate meltdown,a Jill Stein, Green Party nominee tells FOXBusiness.com. Stein has been very vocal about her concerns regarding climate change throughout her campaign, even calling it the agreatest existential threat humanity has ever faced.a She says both the Democrats and the Republicans put the issue on the backburner because theyare both funded by certain corporate interest groups. aFollow the money funding with their parties, and itas easy to understand why both Clinton and Trump pretend that maintaining a relative handful of insecure jobs in the fossil fuel industry is somehow better for our country than creating millions of jobs to transition our society to a sustainable future where we can survive and thrive,a she adds. And, the candidatesa positions on environmental issues couldnat be more different either. Clinton calls climate change an aurgent threata and wants to uphold the Paris Agreement, which is a global commitment to reduce the emission of pollutants that contribute to global warming. She has also pledged to voters that she will invest in clean energy, cut energy waste by implementing more robust efficiency and pollution standards, and cut subsidies on oil and gas. Donald Trump, on the other hand, said in a tweet in 2012, aThe concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.a He has said on countless other occasions that he does not accept the overwhelming scientific evidence that climate change is real and thinks the abiggest form of climate change we should worry about is nuclear weapons.a He also wants to dismantle the Paris Agreement, saying it gives aforeign bureaucrats control over how much energy we use right here in America.a aThese actions have denied millions of Americans access to the energy wealth sitting under our feet,a Trump said during a speech at the North Dakota Petroleum Council in May. Chinaas top climate negotiator, Xie Zhenhua, told reporters Tuesday that pulling out of it would be a huge mistake for a potential Trump administration. "If they resist this trend I don't think they'll win the support of their people, and their country's economic and social progress will also be affected,a Xie said of the Trump campaign. The one thing Trump and Clinton both agree on is the need for clean water. Trump has said it is the amost important issue we face as a nation for the next generation,a and Clinton vows to establish a Western Water Partnership to coordinate water use among agencies and states. Stein says while Clinton has an aall-of-the-abovea energy strategy, her apromotion of fracking will continue to drive our world toward the climate cliff.a Stein adds that change needs to happen now and urges Congress to enact an emergency Green New Deal; a WWII-scale national mobilization to turn the tide on climate change, revive the economy and make wars for oil obsolete. aThe Green New Deal will not only solve the crises of climate change and unemployment, it will tackle our other environmental crises that we now see in places like Flint, Michigan. We will clean up America by investing in clean air, water, food and soil for everyone, and enacting stronger environmental justice laws. We will also take strong measures to protect our public lands, water supplies, biological diversity, parks, and pollinators,a she adds. Like many die-hard Cubs fans, Bill Murray has finally been rewarded for his allegiance to Chicago's lovable losers with the team's first World Series title since 1908. The Chicago native has served as a sort of team mascot, following the Cubs though their playoff run. The actor threw his arm in the air as the Cubs notched the final out in the 10th inning to beat Cleveland 8-7 in Wednesday's deciding Game 7. His reactions and interviews following the game quickly went viral. Bill Murray's reaction to the final out. https://t.co/9WP5Gsxlku SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 3, 2016 He later celebrated by swigging champagne with players in the Cubs' clubhouse and telling reporters trying to interview him to "relax a bit" before dousing the group with bubbly. Murray tells ESPN that Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel will give the city's school kids the rest of the week off "if he's as good a mayor as he wants to be." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Gigi Hadid may be the "It" girl of the modeling world, but according to Tommy Hilfiger, there was a time when she wasn't allowed to show any skin during a runway show. While speaking with Yahoo! Style, the legendary fashion designer revealed the real reason why he and his team dressed Hadid in an oversized poncho during his Fall 2015 New York Fashion Week show last February. WATCH: Gigi Hadid Takes Command in New Tommy Hilfiger Fragrance Campaign "Our casting director said, 'She doesn't really fit because, you know, she's not quite as tall as the other girls, she's not quite as thin," Hilfiger explained. "So they put a red, white and blue poncho on her -- it covered a lot of her body unfortunately, but it received millions of hits." "So I said, you know, why don't we ask her to design a line with us," he continued. "So I said, 'Gigi, come design this with me, we'll do a Gigi x Tommy couture line.'" Now, Hilfiger couldn't be more proud of the 21-year-old California native for breaking down those beauty standards. Not only did he let her flaunt her petite figure in his Spring 2016 show a few months later, but he also kept his promise. Hilfiger collaborated with Hadid -- whom he calls an "All-American girl next door with an exotic twist to her look" -- on an adorably chic nautical collection that made its debut at New York Fashion Week in September. To show off their Tommy X Gigi collection, the two put on a carnival-themed fashion show. ET was backstage with Hilfiger moments before the models rocked the runway, where he simply couldn't contain his excitement over the partnership. WATCH: Tommy Hilfiger Gushes Over NYFW Collaboration With Gigi Hadid "I can't wait to see all the models in the Gigi collection because these are girls Gigi cast for us, the clothes she designed for us and with us, and we've been working on them for almost a year," he gushed. Real Housewives of Orange County star Vicki Gunvalson is allegedly at the center of an FBI investigation due to a topless snap, but a legal expert said the investigation will most likely lead to a dead end. TMZ reported that fellow Orange County star Tamra Judge allegedly sent around a racy snap of Gunvalson taken during filming. According to a complaint filed by a woman, the uncensored pic, snapped in Ireland, was sent to a 15-year-old girl who shared the picture on Twitter. "[Judge] asked [the girl] to distribute it online in an effort to harass and humiliate one Vicki Gunvalson," the complaint alleges. Mila Kunis reveals producer told her she'd 'never work again' unless she posed semi-nude for magazine The woman who filed the complaint writes she did so with the FBI because the photo was allegedly shared on social media. The FBI said they cannot comment, confirm or deny any investigation. Manhattan Defense Attorney Lance Fletcher said he expects nothing will come from the complaint. There are a number of federal laws designed to protect children from sexually explicit material through the Internet, explained Fletcher. It is illegal to knowingly use computer services to make obscene material available to a minor under 18 years old. Vogue blasted for declaring cleavage is out of style However, Fletcher said a claim of that nature is difficult to prove. There is merit to claim but this type of thing happens on the Internet so often that enforcement is somewhat rare, Fletcher said. Bravo declined FOX411s request for comment. Reps for Vicki Gunvalson and Tamra Judge did not return our requests for comment. A South Florida mother says shes being charged thousands of dollars in delivery charges even though she gave birth in a car in the hospital parking lot. Paula DAmore tells WSVN-TV that wasnt how she expected to deliver her daughter, Daniella, who was born in the fire lane at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. DAmores husband caught the babys head as nurses ran out of the hospital to help with the rest of the delivery. Seven months later, the hospital sent DAmore a bill for $7,000, which is the full delivery fee. She says she planned for the birthing costs prior to delivery but since she never made it to the delivery room, she thought the hospital would adjust her bill. The hospital did not immediately comment on the case. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 David Dakake wasnt able to go trick-or-treating Monday because he was hospitalized, but he was still able to partake in the holidays festivities. Thats all thanks to dozens of strangers and neighbors who rallied to throw the 12-year-old special needs boy a Halloween do-over on Wednesday, after David was discharged, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. Davids mother, Leann Dakake, of Paulding County, Georgia, said her son was heartbroken when she told him hed have to miss Halloween. The Dakakes adopted David from Latvia in 2007 when he was a toddler. David was born premature, and suffers from deafness and a mild form of cerebral palsy, which affects his movement, the news station reported. These needs sometimes require extra care. Moved by her sons reaction, Leann shared news of their predicament on social media and reached out to a neighbor. Although the Dakakes only moved to their new neighborhood of Seven Hills a few days ago, Leann said the outpouring of support was overwhelming, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Dozens of neighbors agreed to open their doors with candy for David. Next, another person proposed a trunk-or-treat idea, which the community organized Tuesday. On Wednesday, mere hours after David was discharged from the hospital, the boy got to fill up his bag with Halloween treats just as he wanted. He wore a Batman costume that his mom bought him only Tuesday. "People will come together when there's something that touches their heart," Leann told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Researchers working to target the protein plaques associated with Alzheimers disease say their latest approach has shown promise in animal and early human trials. In a study published Wednesday in Science Transitional Medicine, Merck Research Laboratories researchers aimed to block an enzyme involved in producing amyloid beta, a protein that clumps together to form the plaques typically known as a hallmark of Alzheimers disease. The drug, called verubecestat, is a BACE1 inhibitor. The drug works by attaching to the enzyme BACE1 and preventing it from cleaving amyloid precursor protein (APP), which decreases the production of amyloid, The Scientific American reported. While previous studies have taken a similar approach, researchers have not been able to find the right combination of molecules without concern over potential side effects. Current trials involving verubecestat appear to have averted these challenges, as tests on animals found the therapy significantly reduced levels of amyloid and another protein called sAPP beta in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid and brain, The Scientific American reported. Researchers also said there were no signs of toxicity after six months of treatment in rats, and none after nine months of treatment in monkeys. One researcher hypothesized to the news outlet its possible no side effects have been reported because the dosage does not fully inhibit BACE1 activity. Researchers noted a loss of fur pigmentation in mice and rabbits, but not in monkeys. However, in humans, they successfully began early-stage trials to assess safety and tolerability. After one week, the therapy reduced amyloid and sAPP beta in the cerebrospinal fluid of human adults with mild to moderate Alzheimers, researchers reported. They saw the same effect in healthy adults who underwent two weeks of treatment. Experts not involved in the current study say these early results may offer promise. This is the first detailed report of what a BACE inhibitor does in humans, Dennis Selkoe, The Vincent and Stella Coates Professor of Neurologic Diseases at Harvard Medical School, and co-director for the Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Womens Hospital, who was involved in the study, told The Scientific American. The good news is they didnt see any evidence so far of any of the side effects were concerned about with BACE inhibition. The drug has entered phase III trials, which is the first BACE1 inhibitor to reach this stage. Researchers are currently conducting two trials to determine dosage safety and the effects of long-term usage. The first trial involves about 2,000 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimers, and will last 18 months. The second study involves 1,500 patients with early signs of Alzheimers and will last two years, The Scientific American reported. The big issue is: What will the long-term safety of these drugs be? Robert Vasser, a molecular biologist who discovered BACE1 in 1999 and also was not involved in the current study, told the news outlet. People may have to take these drugs for the rest of their lives, the trials are two years at most; what happens beyond that, as people get older, we have no idea. Researchers expect to have results in 2017 and 2019, respectively. While the streets of Warsaw have been engulfed by vehement protests over the government's plan to further restrict abortion, individual Polish women are struggling daily to find ways of ending their unwanted pregnancies. Monika, 19, had recently split up with her boyfriend when she realized with horror that she was pregnant. With no partner, no money and years of education ahead, she felt an abortion was her only option. But abortion in Poland is illegal in most cases and even when she tracked down a doctor rumored to bend the rules, he refused. So Monika did what many Polish women before her have done - packed a bag, crossed the border into Germany and had an abortion in a place where it is safe and legal. Many have also gone to the Czech Republic, Slovakia or the Netherlands. "I feel good now," she told The Associated Press from her hospital bed after ending her 7-week pregnancy in Prenzlau, Germany. "I would have had no one to leave the baby with and would not have coped financially. I was not ready to face this." Poland, like the United States, is a society deeply divided over abortion. The Central European nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe and a government loyal to the Catholic church that wants to further restrict abortions. But a recent attempt to impose a total ban on abortion outraged many Polish women who held street protests that forced lawmakers to abandon that idea. Now the ruling party is pushing for a near-total ban - a move that seems to be creating new support for abortion rights. Another Polish woman having an abortion in Prenzlau, 22-year-old Ewa, said the recent protests made her aware that abortion was possible abroad. "Other women who wrote on the internet about their experience helped me take the decision," she said. "I thought it would be worse, but it's OK now. I feel fine." Both women refused to give their full names or hometowns, afraid of being identified and condemned back home in the heavily Catholic nation. In Poland, abortion is only allowed through the 12th week in cases of rape or incest, if the woman's life or health is in danger or if the fetus is irreparably damaged. Poland had 1,040 legal abortions last year, but experts say the true number of abortions is at about 150,000 per year in the nation of 38 million. Women import banned abortion pills from elsewhere, travel abroad for the procedure or resort to secret, unsafe abortions by non-medical people looking to earn money. Reproductive rights activists are denouncing the Polish government's plans for an even more restrictive abortion law. The proposed change would also ban abortions in cases of fetuses with genetic defects like Down syndrome or even if they have no chances of survival upon birth. This way the born child can be "baptized, buried (and) have a name," ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski said. In fact, even abortions allowed by law are often denied to women due to a large number of doctors who declare themselves "conscientious objectors." "The current law does not work in practice," said Krystyna Kacpura, the executive director of the Federation for Women and Family Planning. "Women are clever and always find a way to avoid government obstacles. We are in the center of Europe; it's easy to go by train, plane, bus and car to another country." Karina Walinowicz, a lawyer with Ordo Iuris, a Catholic group that has pushed unsuccessfully for a total abortion ban, said the law plays an important role in teaching people right from wrong. "Abortion is homicide performed on a person at a pre-natal stage when the person is weakest, incapable of defense," Walinowicz said. A leading polling institute in Warsaw, CBOS, estimates that at least one in four Polish women have probably had an abortion, but very few will admit to it. Several young men speaking Polish were in the waiting room at Prenzlau hospital, but denied their partners were there for abortions. Monika was given an appointment within a week of calling Dr. Janusz Rudzinski, a Pole who lives in Germany and heads the hospital's Department of Gynecological Oncology, Special Operating Gynecology and Aesthetic Surgery. During two hours that he spent with AP reporters, Rudzinski answered at least eight calls in Polish. Each time he assured the caller that abortion is legal in Germany through the 12th week. He said the hospital performs about 20 abortions a week on Polish women. "This is not the most pleasant procedure, but the thing is, that if you have demand for them for some reason or other, then someone must perform them," Rudzinski said, sitting by an ultrasound machine. In one case, a woman called from Poland's southeastern region of Rzeszow, saying she had tried an abortion on herself using a wire and had a high fever and acute abdominal pain. Rudzinski suspected she was developing life-threatening sepsis and told her to go immediately to a hospital. Rudzinski also said a network called "the abortion underground" has developed in Poland, so the number of foreign abortions is falling. "Three out of four (illegal) abortions are now done in Poland, but not by doctors. Tailors, shoemakers, artisans are performing them to make money," he said. Since abortion pills are banned in Poland, Rudzinski said some Polish women take pills for stomach ulcers, which can provoke an abortion but can also damage the fetus' nervous system if the pregnancy continues. Those pills can also be fake. "My patients sometimes tell me they have taken 50 pills, which is an almost lethal dose, but they are doing fine, and the pregnancies are continuing," Rudzinski said. Those who can afford it seek real abortion pills from the Dutch organization Women on Web through the internet, but they can be confiscated by customs authorities. "Nobody draws pleasure from having an abortion. There are always some reasons for it, bigger or smaller," Rudzinski said. Like so many breast cancer patients, Melissa Rabe was devastated when she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in January 2015. She had already lost her sister to the disease 25 years ago. Since this is in my family history, I was discouraged, Rabe, who lives in New York City, told FoxNews.com. But I also felt that I had to find a better way to combat this diagnosis. Treatments for women vary from case to case, but Dr. Vincent Ansanelli, a breast cancer surgeon at Laser Breast Cancer Surgery in Long Island, New York, offered an option Rabe was unfamiliar with laser treatment in breast cancer surgery. Instead of using a scalpel to cut and remove a cancer tumor, doctors use a carbon dioxide laser. When the intense beam of light touches tissue breast or otherwise it causes the tissue to vaporize. Im dissecting by means of vaporization, Ansanell told FoxNews.com. Ansanelli, who pioneered the laser technique, said it has benefits over traditional scalpel surgery "Im vaporizing the tissue in order to make my incision like a knife would, but [at the same time] its sealing little lymphatics and blood vessels so there's little to no bleeding and little to no spreading if any," Ansanelli said. Rabe had a highly aggressive diagnosis and feared traditional surgery could potentially cause her cancer to spread. According to the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, the chance of cancerous cells spreading to other parts of the body via scalpel is extremely low. Not wanting to take the risk, Rabe scheduled laser surgery with Ansanelli in May 2015. During the procedure, the laser also sanitizes the area in order to reduce the potential spread of cancerous cells. The laser isnt just dissecting, its destroying tumor cells, Ansanelli said. In animal studies, the local recurrence rate following tumor resection done with a carbon dioxide laser was about 30 percent less than normal, he added. However, not all doctors are convinced by the procedures effectiveness. Usually you would want to see some studies that show human-based benefits, Dr. Beth Anglin, the medical director of The Breast Center with Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at The Medical Center of Plano in Plano, Texas, told FoxNews.com. I would think [universities and cancer centers] would be using it as wellthey have used newer technologies like other radio frequency modalities and Cryoablation but I havent heard anything at all about laser treatments. In contrast to scalpel surgery, the laser procedure requires only local anesthesia and doesnt require hospitalization or post-operative medication. After Ansanelli performed a mastectomy on Nikki Rash, 51 a stage 4 breast cancer patient from Lakeland, Florida, she was ready to go home within the hour. "I feel pretty good, obviously Im a little sore there, but, I feel good," Rash told FoxNews.com, speaking immediately after the procedure. Ansanelli usually recommends an extra strength Tylenol for patients who feel any discomfort or fatigue after surgery. There are some patients that do require anesthesia, but other than that it does sound very interesting, Dr. Laura Kruper, chief of breast surgery service at City of Hope in Duarte, California, told FoxNews.com. As long as we have more data, it could be something that we should all try to offer Im curious and want to learn more. In 2016, almost 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to BreastCancer.org. "When I received my diagnosis, I made a promise to my parents that they would not bury two daughters in their lifetime," Rabe said. After removal, Ansanelli sends the tumors to a lab for complete analysis to determine if further treatment is needed. Typically, some form of systemic therapy like radiation or chemotherapy is recommended. This tool has been around for decades and it should be a choice, Rabe said. When you have treatment choices you feel empowered, and you feel strong and ready, willing and able to address this diagnosis. Today, Rabe is in complete remission. The carbon dioxide laser method was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has been used to treat head and neck, tongue and vocal cord cancer. Insurance does cover some of the costs of surgery. For more information visit LaserBreastCancerSurgery.com. The World Health Organization's battle to eradicate Guinea worm is being hampered by conflict and infections in dogs but cases have fallen to just 17 so far in 2016, the doctor leading the fight told Reuters on Wednesday. The debilitating parasite afflicted 3.5 million people 30 years ago but is now endemic in only four countries: South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia and Mali. "Globally we have never been so close to Guinea worm eradication as now," Dieudonn Sankara said. "It will be a colossal achievement." Victory over the worm, which grows up to a meter long before emerging through the skin and which lays its eggs in water, has been repeatedly delayed. But Mali has had no cases this year, while South Sudan has had five, Ethiopia two and Chad 10. Although the decline in the global number of cases has leveled off, one worm can cause 80 new cases after its incubation period of 10-14 months, so keeping cases low signals the battle is being won. But the security situation in the endemic countries is a complicating factor, as health workers and volunteers often venture hundreds of kilometers into lawless areas, said Ashok Moloo, a WHO information officer. Another challenge was the discovery that dogs - mainly around the Chari river in Chad, but also in the other countries - were picking up Guinea worm infections too. That required a new fight, to control the disease among the dog population. In 2015, more than 500 dogs in Chad, 13 in Ethiopia, and one each in Mali and South Sudan, were reported with emerging Guinea worms. Moloo said WHO was optimistic that the dog problem had peaked, although the incubation period meant it was premature to be sure, and the new challenges were unexpected. "People warned us a few years ago: 'You're moving fast, but you will see'," said Sankara. "And now we are seeing." Americans who lived through the nightmares of both the Watergate and Lewinsky scandals recall vividly how every day seemed to produce new evidence of wrongdoing. The drip, drip of deceptions and lies finally overflowed into a cascading pool of criminality and disgust. The first scandal culminated in Articles of Impeachment. The other an impeachment trial. Is America now hurtling toward the same political abyss? It looks like it. So, fasten your seat belts and brace for impact. Sources tell Fox Newss Bret Baier that the FBI has uncovered an avalanche of evidence in the Clinton Foundation investigation. Agents are actively and aggressively pursuing this case, calling it a very high priority. Armed with newly discovered email evidence and additional documents revealed by WikiLeaks, these sources say that agents will likely try to get Huma Abedin and others to cooperate in an effort to bring criminal charges against Hillary Clinton. It is a stunning development. But thats how avalanches happen. Suddenly, youre buried before you know it. If this is true, and if Clinton is elected president in a few days but thereafter indicted, several scenarios could unfold. She could resign before or after inauguration, leaving President Tim Kaine sitting behind a desk in the Oval Office. President Obama could pardon her before he departs that same office. Clinton, as president, could try to invoke broad constitutional immunity from prosecution, delaying her criminal trial until after she leaves office. Or she could pardon herself. However, all of that may not matter much if a Republican House of Representatives moves to impeach her. Neither immunity nor pardons apply to the ultimate constitutional remedy of impeachment. Thus, Americans will again be forced to suffer through another impeachment horror show. But Hillary may not be able to beat the rap the way her husband did back in 1999 when he was impeached for perjury and obstruction of justice. What began as an investigation into the mishandling of classified documents has now morphed into suspicions of rampant corruption involving Clintons charity. Specifically, that she used her position as Secretary of State to confer benefits to donors who lavished money on her foundation and personally enriched the Clintons. And the case against her is accelerating. It was inevitable, I suppose, that her emails would intersect somehow with the incredible wealth amassed by the Clintons since they left the White House. Theres always a paper trail. Or pesky emails. Or, in the case of Richard Nixon, those damnable tapes. Two Investigations Merge Hillary Clinton used her unauthorized, private email server not only to conduct State Department business involving thousands of classified documents, but it appears she also used the server for some of her foundations communications. The FBI has devoted more than a year to investigating whether the Clintons illegally leveraged their foundation for personal gain -- that is into tens of millions of dollars in potential self-dealing and so-called pay-to-play. As I pointed out in a previous column, all of this, if proved, could constitute bribery, fraud, and illegal use of a non-profit charity which smacks of racketeering. Whats that? Operating a criminal enterprise. It is often associated with organized crime. (See mafia) There is also the related matter of perjury. And obstruction of justice. The same charges that were leveled against Bill Clinton back in the day. Importantly, the newly discovered Weiner/Abedin electronic devices appear to contain email evidence relevant to both the classified documents case and the Clinton Foundation case. In addition, sources confirm that laptops belonging to Clintons top aides, Cheryl Mills and Heather Samuelson, are now in the possession of the FBI and are being exploited for more evidence. The floodgates are open. While the foundation probe is now center stage, a reinvigorated look at whether Clinton mishandled classified documents has obviously been resurrected. It is possible that FBI Director Comey could reconsider his opinion of Clintons legal intent under the Espionage Act and reverse himself in his recommendation on prosecuting Clinton. Sources say there is a 99 percent chance that up to 5 foreign intelligence agencies may have accessed Clintons emails and stolen them, putting a lie to President Obamas claim that Clinton did not jeopardize national security. The Clinton Foundation As "Fox News Sunday" anchor Chris Wallace pointed out in the final debate, emails show that donors got special access to Clinton while Secretary of State. While that is surely unseemly or improper, it is illegal only if Clinton used her position to confer a benefit in exchange for money. That is, if donors rewarded Clinton with cash. So, here is an example of what might be illegal. It has been reported that Clinton helped UBS avoid the IRS. Bill then got paid $ 1.5 million dollars and their foundation received a ten-fold increase in donations by the bank. If the money was a reward for Clintons work on behalf of UBS, then that could be considered bribery under federal law. And racketeering. Another example: it has been reported that Clintons state department approved billions of dollars in arms sales to several nations whose governments gave money to the Clinton Foundation. Again, if it can be proven there was a quid-pro-quo, it would be illegal. This is where the WikiLeaks hacked emails come into play. Messages show that charity official Doug Band, while raising money for the foundation, also steered millions of dollars to Bill Clinton. The cash came from foundation donors who had business before Hillarys state department. Bands emails, in which he brags about his prowess in funneling up to $66 million to Bill, make explicit how the Clintons appear to have used their foundation for personal profit. Organized crime and Illegal syndicates tend to use legitimate-looking businesses as a front to try to fool law enforcement. Often, they devise a dual purpose company -- one which operates lawfully from the front door, but unlawfully out the backdoor. There is little doubt that the Clinton Foundation operated as a charity. But if there was a secondary, hidden purpose devoted to self-dealing and personal enrichment, and if the foundation was merely a conduit, then prosecution could be pursued under federal anti-corruption statutes. Did DOJ Obstruct The FBI? Its beginning to look that way. Even after Comey announced in July that he would not recommend prosecuting Clinton, the investigation into her foundation was still being actively pursued by some agents within the FBI. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Justice Department became angry over this and agents were told to stand down. Whether that happened is disputed. However, it appears that FBI agents wanted to examine emails on non-government laptops that were part of the Clinton classified documents case. They felt there might be evidence that the foundation was being used illegally by the Clintons, as noted above. But Justice Department prosecutors allegedly stopped them from doing it. Why? Was Justice protecting Clinton? Can we be assured that the renewed investigation of Clinton wont be obstructed by an attorney general with allegiances to both Hillary and Bill Clinton? Time For an Independent Counsel Given these reports of DOJs interference, there are serious and legitimate doubts about the integrity of the governments ability to investigation Clinton. Attorney General Loretta Lynch was compromised from the beginning. She was first elevated to the position of U.S. Attorney by Bill Clinton. She met privately with him just days before a decision was made as to whether his wife would be prosecuted. As if that were not enough, Lynchs boss, President Obama, defended Clinton publicly last April on "Fox News Sunday" by declaring, in essence, she did not break the law. He made the same argument during an earlier 60 Minutes interview. He prejudged the outcome of the case. This sent a pretty clear message to those in charge of just how the president wanted the question of prosecution to turn out. Now, it appears that Lynchs Department is heeding that message by actively obstructing the FBIs investigation. The attorney general has failed or refused to appoint a Special Prosecutor to ensure that these investigations are fair and impartial. President Obama could demand one, as well. He likely will not. His conflict of interest is as glaring as Lynchs. After all, the president has been campaigning vigorously for Clinton to succeed him. Why would he now jeopardize the chance of preserving or even burnishing his legacy? Donald Trump is vowing, if elected, to unwind much of what Mr. Obama has accomplished. Therefore, it is up to Congress to reauthorize the Independent Counsel Act to accomplish the same. It would direct the attorney general to petition the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to appoint one. No choice. Sadly, this may be the only way the publics trust can be restored. With only five days to go until November 8, the whole world wants to know who will be the next president of the United States. During the 2016 campaign we've seen headlines that say Donald Trump used disparaging comments to single out an entire group of people. According to The Daily Beast, he repeatedly called Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin retarded when she was on his show, Celebrity Apprentice, in 2011. Matlin, who is deaf, responded by tweeting a statement: Its not about insults or taking each other down. As a person who is Deaf, as a woman, as a mom, as a wife, as an actor, I have a voice. And Im using that voice to make myself heard and vote. As well she should. And so should every American. But for some, its not so simple. People with disabilities in America, 20 percent of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, often have a hard time casting their ballots. "People with disabilities in the U.S. regularly struggle to exercise their right to vote despite a patchwork of pieces of legislation that ensure their access to the electoral process, the Ruderman Family Foundation, a disability advocacy group, recently said in a white paper on the issue. The foundation cited a Government Accountability Office study that found 73 percent of polling stations in 2008 had a potential impediment to voting for the disabled. Also cited was a study from Rutgers University and Syracuse University that found if voters with disabilities went to the polls at the same rate as those without disabilities, 3 million more people would have voted in the 2012 election. Elections are run differently in each state. The Ruderman Family Foundation points to a list by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law that shows roughly 27 states can bar people with mental or developmental disabilities from even casting their ballots. And only eight states have constitutions or electoral statutes that do not disqualify people from voting on the basis of mental illness or intellectual disability. The foundation found five recurring barriers to voting for people with disabilities. Insufficient training of poll workers; barriers to poll access; barriers to election and registration material; stigma and a lack of resources available to election officials. There is a higher participation among blind and deaf voters, Michelle Bishop of the National Disability Rights Network told the Ruderman Family Foundation. But those are issues weve been more willing to solve. On the other end of the spectrum are people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and with mental illness. We are less willing to make the vote accessible to people with certain types of disabilities. Bishop says its outdated to think people with intellectual disabilities cant vote. They can decide who to vote for and their reasons are no better or worse than non-disabled people. But non-disabled people are never questioned. We are holding certain people with disabilities to a higher standard than any other American when a non-disabled person can just register. So what to do about it? The Ruderman Family Foundation suggests ensuring standardized poll worker training, including hiring poll workers with disabilities; building relationships with the disability community to `raise awareness; ensuring accessible ballot options and that information is easily found on all types of devices; using social media to raise awareness; and revisiting state laws that disenfranchise people whose voices need to be heard. Especially now. President Obama blames sexism for Hillary Clintons tight presidential race. But thats not the ism thats holding her back. Donald Trump has opened an eight-point advantage over Clinton on which candidate is honest and trustworthy, according to the latest Washington Post-ABC News Tracking Poll. Truthism defined as the voters preference for candidates who tell the truth and obey the law is interfering with Hillarys plan to become the first woman president. Obama suggests its time. No argument there. But Hillarys not the one to make history. Voters need to remember her history. Shes gotten where she is by riding her husbands coattails and by lying. Electing Hillary Clinton would validate the wrong ways to get ahead. It would endanger our nations precious heritage: the rule of law. Hillary resembles Eva Peron more than a pioneering feminist like Susan B. Anthony or Elizabeth Cady Stanton. On the campaign trail, as Hillary vows to crack every last glass ceiling and win equality for women, she often invokes her supposed struggles to become the first female partner at the Rose Law Firm in Arkansas. Whats the real story? She got that law job in surprise 1977, just after hubby Bill Clinton was sworn in as the states attorney general. She was catapulted to partner two years later, when Bill was sworn in as governor. Electing Hillary Clinton would validate the wrong ways to get ahead. It would endanger our nations precious heritage: the rule of law. Fast forward to 1993. Newly inaugurated President Bill Clinton announced a Task Force on National Health Care Reform and made Hillary the chair. This was his wifes big moment, but she insisted on keeping secret the names of her advisers, barred the public and press from her task force meetings and presented an entire revamp of the nations health care system to Congress without even getting the lawmakers input. Her arrogance set back the cause of health reform for many years. Then, in 2000, Hillary spotted another chance to capitalize on her husbands position. She moved to New York, where she had never lived or worked, and ran for the U.S. Senate, rolling over any locals who might have sought the nomination. Chuck Schumer took pains to deny the obvious on election night, declaring she won this election not because she was first lady, but because she worked hard. Right. After an unremarkable stint as New Yorks senator and a failed presidential bid in 2008, Hillary took the consolation prize of secretary of state in 2009. Four years later, she left the State Department in shambles, according to numerous Inspector General reports, with diplomatic posts unsecured, $6 billion unaccounted for and the departments official records missing. Hillary is in hot water with the FBI because, as secretary of state, she conducted all her business on a private email system, shunning the government system that is subject to oversight and Freedom of Information Act requests. She even sent and received classified information on that private, easily hacked system, which put the nations security at risk. And after leaving office, she dodged requests for her records. Instead, she destroyed thousands of emails and smashed as many as 13 computers and handheld devices. The details of the FBIs ongoing investigation of her private email system are complex, but everybody whos ever worked knows that when you leave a job, you dont destroy the records and smash your computer. Honest people dont have to do that. Why did she? Some have speculated that she was hiding a pay-to-play scheme where the Clintons raked in multimillion-dollar gifts to their foundation and megabucks speaking fees for Bill Clinton in return for access to the secretary of state. News leaked this week that the FBI is conducting an extensive investigation into the Clinton Foundation. Hillary is also under investigation for perjury and obstruction of justice by the House of Representatives. Shes even in legal hot water in her new hometown, Chappaqua, N.Y., for renovating her house without getting the required permits from town hall. Just one more example of why shes surrounded by scandal. She thinks laws are for the little people. She doesnt have to obey them. Clintons disdain for the law and her sense of entitlement are finally catching up with her. Women who make it on their own know that these attitudes can torpedo a career. President Obama is trying to tell voters that sexism is to blame for their reluctance to vote for Hillary. Dont believe it. Republican nominee Donald Trump turned his attention to the battleground state of Florida Wednesday, making three campaign stops across the Sunshine State. Trump visited Miami, Orlando and Pensacola, and was scheduled to stop in Jacksonville Thursday. "'Stay on point, Donald, stay on point,"' Trump teasingly quoted his staff as saying at an evening rally in Pensacola. "No sidetracks, Donald. Nice and easy. Nice and easy."' A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday showed Trump in a virtual tie in Florida with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Both sides agree the New York businessman has virtually no chance to win the presidency without the state's trove of 29 electoral votes. 5 days to #2016election, polls tighten: 9 states (118 electoral votes) within 3.5 pts (RCP avg), 44% of what's needed to win. #FoxNews2016 Fox News Research (@FoxNewsResearch) November 3, 2016 "We don't want to blow this," Trump told rowdy supporters in Miami. "We gotta win. We gotta win big." Conceding nothing in the state, Clinton has also been a frequent visitor. She posed for pictures and shook hands during a surprise visit to a South Florida Caribbean-American neighborhood Wednesday morning. The Democratic nominee has built a powerful ground game, backed by a dominant media presence, that dwarfs her opponent's. Clinton has more than doubled Trump's investment in Florida television ads. Overall, the state has been deluged with $125 million in general election advertising -- by far the most of any state. Later Wednesday, Clinton addressed a boisterous crowd of around 15,000 in Arizona, a traditionally Republican state that she has tried to pluck away from Trump. "This state is in play for the first time in years," said Clinton, whose husband Bill won Arizona in his successful 1996 re-election bid. Clinton also waded into a local sheriff's race getting national attention, backing Democrat Paul Penzone in the race for Maricopa County sheriff, a post held by immigration hardliner Joe Arpaio. "I think it's time you had a new sheriff in town, don't you?" she asked the crowd at Arizona State University. Trump lashed out at "Crooked Hillary" in Miami, predicting that a Clinton victory would trigger an "unprecedented and protracted constitutional crisis" as federal investigators probe the former secretary of state's email practices. But Trump did not take the bait dangled by the Clinton campaign about his treatment of women. In Pensacola, Trump turned his criticism to President Barack Obama, who had spent Wednesday rallying Clinton supporters in North Carolina. "He's gotta stop campaigning for Crooked Hillary," Trump said of Obama. "He's gotta go back -- go to the office ... I mean this guy, all he wants to do is campaign for Hillary. It's unbelievable." Democrats acknowledge that the FBI's renewed attention to her has helped rally reluctant Republicans behind their nominee. That's given Trump an enthusiasm boost in Florida and across Midwestern battlegrounds long considered reliably blue territory. "I'm definitely nervous," said former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, a Democrat. "Democrats in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, if you heard it was over, if you thought those states were in the bag, don't believe it." Perhaps heeding Rendell's warning, Clinton's team is devoting new resources to states like Michigan, which last voted for a Republican nominee in 1988. The Associated Press contributed to this report. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange insisted that the thousands of emails from Hillary Clinton, her State Department staff, close allies and the Democratic Party that the website has published didnt come from the Russian government. Assange spoke to Russia Today on Thursday and firmly denied Clintons assertions that the hacked emails came from Russia. Clinton and her campaign have repeatedly claimed the Russia was the culprit in the hacking scandal, while the White House has blamed Russia for allegedly hacking political sites and email accounts. The Clinton camp has been able to project a neo-McCarthyist hysteria that Russia is responsible for everything, Assange said. Hillary Clinton has stated multiple times, falsely, that 17 US intelligence agencies had assessed that Russia was the source of our publications. Thats false we can say that the Russian government is not the source. Assange, speaking to Russia Today from the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, said that he felt bad for Clinton as a person because he sees someone who is eaten alive by their ambitions, tormented literally to the point where they become sick for example faint as a result of going on, and going with their ambitions. The WikiLeaks email dumps have shared the spotlight in the election with Clinton, her private server scandal, the Clinton Foundation scandal and rival Donald Trump. The initial email dump in July showed the Democratic Partys disdain for Bernie Sanders and led to the eventual ouster of former chair Debbie Wasserman- Schultz. Fast forward months later and days before the election, the FBI is investigating emails found on former New York Rep. Anthony Weiners computer that apparently contains emails from Clintons homebrew server during her tenure at the State Department. WikiLeaks has also published a series of emails from John Podesta, detailing his ties to the Clintons. As WikiLeaks gets ready to inevitably release more emails, sources told Fox News on Wednesday that the probe into the Clinton Foundation was now a very high priority. "There is an avalanche of new information coming in every day," one source told Fox News, who added some of the new information is coming from the WikiLeaks documents and new emails. FBI agents are "actively and aggressively pursuing this case," and will be going back and interviewing the same people again, some for the third time, sources said. WikiLeaks has released more than 30,000 emails from Clintons private server, about 20,000 emails from the Democratic National Committee and more than 50,000 emails from Podesta. If Donald Trump wins the White House next week, it will be without the support of the last two presidents named Bush. That, at least, is what George W. Bushs nephew told a Republican rally in Texas. And while George P. Bush, a budding politician himself, later told the AP he was just speculating that the two family members would potentially vote for Hillary Clinton, its pretty clear, given the clans tight-knit nature, that this was meant to be a signal. We already knew, based on a conversation leaked by Democrat Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, that George H.W. Bush plans to vote for Clinton. Its a stark reminder that Trump not only clobbered the Republican establishment in winning the nomination, but that as he tries to capture the last few states that would get him to 270, he is doing it despite the opposition of the party poohbahs. John Kasich announced that he had written in the name of John McCain. Paul Ryan said tersely he had voted for Trump, but in recent weeks has followed a self-imposed policy of talking only about House candidates. If Mitch McConnell has had much to say about Trump lately, I havent seen it. Jason Chaffetz endorsed Trump, un-endorsed him and then re-endorsed him, not exactly a ringing affirmation. The same for Nevada congressman Joe Heck. Kelly Ayotte retracted her debate comment that Trump was a good role model for children. Ted Cruz bombastically refused to endorse Trump in Cleveland, telling people to vote their conscience, before quietly getting back in line. Clinton is touting the prominent Republicans who are backing her, including Colin Powell, Hank Paulson, Richard Armitage, Michael Chertoff and Brent Scowcroft. But the truth is that Trump doesnt really need their support. He is running as a different kind of Republican and assembling a very different kind of coalition. The very essence of his candidacy, in fact, is to break with the GOP orthodoxy of the past. The media have made much of the fact that Trump is in danger of losing such reliably red states as Utah and North Carolina. But the fact that he has some hope of snatching away Wisconsin, Michigan or even Pennsylvaniawhere hes down 4 points in a poll yesterday--shows that Trump has an appeal to white working-class voters that typical GOP nominees do not. He is a populist outsider and former Democrat who is more interested in shaking up the system than in meeting an ideological litmus test. So much of the race has turned on Trumps persona, and controversial comments, that issues other than immigration have often been overshadowed. But its clear that on subjects like trade, entitlements and Russia, he is far from a Ryan Republican. Of course the regular Republicans would rather have had Jeb Bush or Marco Rubio or even Cruz. Trump doesnt owe them anything. His relations with the RNC have been strained. Its hardly surprising that the Bush family isnt on the Trump bandwagon. Trump eviscerated low energy Jeb during the primaries. He also ripped Bushs brother for invading Iraq and kept noting that 9/11 happen on his watch. Whats more, Trumps build-a-wall platform is the polar opposite of Bush 43s failed effort at immigration reform. And his insistence on protecting Social Security benefits is a far cry from Bushs attempt to privatize the program. Trump often casts the GOP as part of the problem. His drain the swamp rallying cry doesnt exactly distinguish between the two parties that dwell in Washington. Win or lose, Trump is creating a movement that will either change the Republican Party or break away from the party the Bushes helped build. Donald Trump denies he is interested in launching a new conservative news venture, but somebody sure is. What's being billed as an "up-and-coming conservative media network currently in development" is now scouring for hosts, reporters and right-leaning, well-spoken panelists, according to a brand new casting notice obtained Wednesday evening by Fox News. The notice goes on to say the on-air talent the network wants "must be knowledgeable about conservative viewpoints, current events and the presidential election," adding applicants must also "look upscale and intelligent," and should be "outspoken and energetic." Auditions are being held at an undisclosed New York City studio on Nov. 7, the eve of Election Day. While the casting call doesn't identify any specific employer, it does suggest initial programming will be streamed on the internet, infrastructure the Trump campaign has already set up through its Facebook live feed where aides have been broadcasting events and counter news programming. Fox News reached out to the Trump campaign for comment, but none was given as of late Wednesday. In June, Vanity Fair first reported that Trump was considering creating his own media business. In September, The Financial Times reported that Trump's son in law Jared Kushner had started exploring the idea of launching a video-based media company after the election to capitalize on the Trump political movement. Trump himself shot down the idea, telling the Washington Post last month, "I want to win the presidency and I want to make America great again. It's very simple. I have no interest in a media company." Newly released emails appear to show a State Department official coordinating with Hillary Clintons presidential campaign before her use of a private email to conduct government business was revealed. Emails from campaign chairman John Podesta show that the state official provided Clinton aides with the agencys official response to a New York Times reporter in advance of the papers March 2015 report that Clinton had used a private email account to conduct business while serving as secretary of state. WikiLeaks released the hacked emails Wednesday in part of a massive trove of emails disclosed by the whistleblowing website. The site has released new Podesta emails on a daily basis since October. WikiLeaks has indicated it intends to leak emails stolen from Podesta's account every day through the election. In a March 1, 2015 email, State Department press aide Lauren Hickey told Clinton's spokesman Nick Merrill and two other advisers that then-State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki had "just cleared" a reply to the Times. Hickey provided the agency's response to the Clinton aides and also appeared to agree to a change requested by the campaign, saying: "Yes on your point re records - done below." It is not clear what specific change was requested and made. State Department spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday that the department would not comment on alleged leaked documents. But he said the department's effort to "provide accurate information to the media" about Clinton's tenure at the agency has "at times required communicating with her representatives to ensure accuracy." The Clinton campaign has repeatedly warned that WikiLeaks has exploited emails stolen by hackers who may be working for the Russian government. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange denied those claims in an interview with Russia Today on Wednesday. The Clinton camp has been able to project a neo-McCarthyist hysteria that Russia is responsible for everything, Assange said. Hillary Clinton has stated multiple times, falsely, that 17 US intelligence agencies had assessed that Russia was the source of our publications. Thats false we can say that the Russian government is not the source. The Podesta emails follow a string of notable illicit caches released during the 2016 election campaign, including thousands of messages stolen from the Democratic National Committee and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. The FBI has opened a criminal investigation into the DNC thefts, but U.S. intelligence agencies have blamed the Russian government. In a hacked email chain from March 17, 2015, Clinton's campaign advisers discussed how to respond to a request by a Times reporter for comment on an upcoming story about how top State Department aides used private email accounts to communicate with Clinton. Clinton aide Philippe Reines wrote: "There's a lot to respond to here, but first and foremost the premise is wrong. There is nothing wrong with anyone having personal email addresses or her emailing someone's private account or vice versa. Maybe she was wishing (longtime aide) Jake (Sullivan) a happy birthday. Or I was sending her a note about her mom. ... We're allowed to have personal lives." Campaign spokeswoman Jennifer Palmieri wrote: "Strikes me as a big problem that the NYT is having selected emails leaked to them and I think we should do a call to discuss the proper way to handle." The email exchange occurred about a month before Clinton officially launched her presidential bid in a video released in April 2015. In an August 2015 email exchange, Clinton aide Huma Abedin points out that Clinton wasn't prepared for all of the questions surrounding the use of her private email and asks for a longer list of questions and answers "so at least it's out there and maybe she won't have to do it verbally again?" Separately, a Justice Department official with close ties to Podesta sent him a heads up last year to warn might question witnesses about the presidential candidate's private emails. Assistant Attorney General Peter Kadzik, the official now in charge of informing Congress about the revived Clinton email probe, gave a personal status update to the Clinton campaign in the email sent May 19, 2015. The message from his Gmail account to Podesta was titled: Heads up. There is a [House Judiciary Committee] oversight hearing today where the head of our Civil Division will testify, Kadzik wrote. Likely to get questions on State Department emails. The warning came just two weeks after Kadziks son had written to Podesta asking for a job on Clintons presidential campaign. Clinton spokesman Glen Caplin told Fox News that Kadzik's son did not ever work for the campaign. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Trump Organization Executive Vice President Eric Trump said Wednesday night that the idea of a presidential candidate being under FBI investigation was "unthinkable." "We have so many problems as a nation. The last thing that we need is this distraction," Trump told Fox News' Sean Hannity on "Hannity." Eric Trump, the second son of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, added that the release of hacked emails by Wikileaks had exposed "how corrupt our government truly is." "You see these games going on You see Donna Brazile giving Hillary Clinton the debate questions. You see these people behind the scenes making fun of Christians and evangelicals," Trump said. "You see the president emailing back and forth on a private server to Hillary and the cover-ups ... You really see the corruption of the Clinton campaign." Trump also said the hacked emails exposed a lack of attention to cybersecurity in the U.S. government. "Cybersecurity ... is something that plagues every single major company. You see them hit Home Depot. You see them hit Target," Trump said. "The first time the president ever talks about cyber security is when the DNC is hacked. I find that deplorable." Americans arent the only ones motivated by Tuesdays election. The presidential race has immigrants from around the world racing to the U.S.-Mexican border, as the cartels exploit a powerful narrative: get into the U.S. while you still can. Smugglers are telling them that they need to come across now while theres a chance, said Art Del Cueto, a Border Patrol agent in Tucson, Ariz., whose views were echoed by another agent in Texas. People think if one candidate wins, certain things will happen, like a giant wall being built and then they can never get through, said Chris Cabrera, an agent in the Rio Grande Valley. Another faction believes that if the other candidate wins, theyll get amnesty if theyre here by a certain date. Those two competing narratives triggered by the rhetoric of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, respectively -- are driving immigration numbers the Border Patrol hasnt seen in years in some sectors. We are overwhelmed, said a veteran agent in McAllen, Texas. We are seeing 800 to 1,000 apprehensions every night. In fiscal 2016, the Border Patrol apprehended 117,200 immigrants from Central America, almost one-third of all apprehensions border-wide -- and 5,000 more than during the so-called surge of 2014. The agency also apprehended 5,000 Haitians, up from just 700 last year. The number of immigrants claiming to be from Africa and Asia also is up. "There are always going to be push and pull factors that influence an individuals decision to make that trek," said Tucson Border Patrol Sector Chief Paul Beeson. The poverty and violence plaguing many of these countries helps push immigrants north, Beeson said. Pull factors include available and good-paying jobs in the U.S. and immigration policy that provides work permits and freedom for immigrants while the courts adjudicate their asylum claim. When you stop somebody, you ask their name and the first thing they tell you is Im here for asylum, I cant go home because theyll kill me. When it takes a good five or six minutes just to get their name out of them, they have a rehearsed story, said Cabrera. Once they get those papers saying they can pass through our checkpoint, well never see them again. Del Cueto said the agents are not getting any backing from D.C. and we need to start enforcing every single immigration law we have on the books. Del Cueto and Cabrera belong to the National Border Patrol Council, which represents the Border Patrols 18,000 field agents who are prohibited from talking openly to the media. While Central American immigrants have posed the biggest resource challenge for Texas, they say a surge of Haitians are pouring into ports of entry in California and Arizona. Last year, the U.S. saw a 500 percent increase of Haitians admitted to the U.S., double that in San Diego where right now 2,000 are waiting outside the port in San Ysidro. According to Homeland Security sources, another 2,000 are in Mexicali and several hundred are in San Luis, just south of Yuma where Del Cueto says immigrants are sleeping in a church parking lot. Further east in Nogales, Mexico, 150 are waiting to cross into the U.S. They are camped next to the border fence, waiting for Customs and Border Protection officers to process them as refugees. Some had jewelry and one woman had an iPad. The men surrounded the women, who huddled around a pile of boxes containing water and food. Weve been in Nogales 20 days, said one middle-aged man in a striped shirt in broken English. We need help crossing the border. He said each immigrant paid a $4,000 to $6,000 smuggling fee. Once here, he said the Mexican government had given each a number based on their arrival. We are seeing an uptick in the number of Haitians that are looking for an immigration benefit, said Beeson, who admits the surge is taking agents off the front lines. Following the earthquake several years ago, Haitians were allowed to immigrate and stay in the U.S. under a program known as Temporary Protected Status. Earlier this year, the U.S. ended that protection, leaving some Haitians in the pipeline traveling through Mexico, where according to officials there, roughly 8,000 are on their way to the border. While Trump and Clinton have very different visions of immigration reform and border security, Stratfors Scott Stewart doesnt see the border threat changing until conditions do south of the border. Theres really no easy answer to it because there are just deeper issues, said Stewart, from the defense and security think tank. You have pervasive corruption where you see all levels of government are involved in, you know, drug dealing and other criminal activity. So these things all tie together and make it a very difficult place for people to live and survive and because of that its very understandable why people would want to migrate from those conditions up to the United States. Marshal Josip Broz Tito led the former Yugoslavia for decades before dying in 1980. Balkan scholars argue Tito unified the ethnically diverse country. After his passing, his country held together for 11 years before rupturing amid bloody civil wars in 1991. Former House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and current Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., dont have a lot in common with Marshal Tito. But there is at least one relevant parallel. Not much unifies House Republicans these days. But for a while, Boehner, and lately, Ryan, served as a tenuous adhesive to cement unity. Republicans were frantic last fall when Boehner abruptly retired. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., was on track to succeed Boehner until his bid imploded barely before it started. House Republicans were on the verge of balkanization had Ryan not stepped into the void as speaker. Theres a reason the Balkans are, well, called the Balkans. It sometimes takes a charismatic figure to ally diverse factions. Boehner was that leader for a while among House GOPers. And last fall, Ryan was certainly the only person on whom House Republicans could agree. Without Ryan, House Republicans are balkanized. Questions now percolate as to whether the Wisconsin Republican can command the votes to continue as speaker should the GOP retain control of the House, albeit with a diminished majority next year. Republicans may have postponed a grisly, internecine, leadership brawl last fall when Ryan reluctantly took the job -- after initially declining. Without a figure like Ryan to claim the gavel, House Republicans may have devolved into chaos as they scrounged for a leader. On Wednesday, key members of the House Freedom Caucus huddled in the Washington, D.C., apartment of Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., to discuss tactics in upcoming, internal GOP leadership elections scheduled for November 15. Some Freedom Caucus members and conservatives want to depose Ryan. But no one can match the votes Ryan could muster in a contested race. So does the Freedom Caucus field a candidate? Please do, muttered one Ryan loyalist. Then theyll be exposed for how little support they have. It all comes down to mathematics: 236 House Republicans voted on the House floor to propel Ryan to the speakers suite last October. Nine GOPers defected from Ryan. Not all Republicans admire the tactics Ryan used to approve an interim spending bill to avoid a government shutdown in late September. The House okayed the plan 342-85 170 GOPers voted yea. But 75 Republicans voted no. The governments funded through early December. A December gambit by Ryan to avoid a shutdown which mirrors Septembers effort could only further infuriate Republicans who oppose Ryan. Dont forget issues Ryan now has with some pro-Donald Trump lawmakers. If the GOP nominee loses, will Trump himself and other Trump allies excoriate Ryan? Could that make it tougher for some Republicans to support Ryan if their phones melt down with anti-Ryan, Trump-driven vitriol? The general election falls next week followed by the internal GOP Conference election on November 15. House Republicans are expected to lose seats. A net loss of 12 Republicans is a good night for the GOP. A bad night is 20 or more losses. Either way, the House Republican Conference will likely be smaller next year. In the GOP Conference vote, a successful candidate for speaker only needs half of the membership plus one. But in January, the speaker must secure 218 votes on the floor, an absolute majority of the entire House. Lets say House Republicans lose 15 seats next week. House Republicans hold 246 seats with one vacancy. The vacant seat will likely return to Republican hands after the election. Thus, the real number of House Republicans is 247. A 15 seat GOP loss puts the conference at 232 Republican seats. Then, factor in defectors. If that number is nine like last fall, Ryan may only record 223 votes for speaker. Thats five more than needed to win. But its a thin margin. Now consider the chances for Republicans to lose more than 15 seats to say nothing of more than nine defections. If past is prologue, Ryan or any GOP candidate for speaker could be short of the 218 vote benchmark to win. Would Ryan even attempt to stay on if hes not guaranteed a win? Could a no confidence vote damage a future Ryan presidential bid? This explains why some Republicans discreetly laid groundwork for potential leadership campaigns should the dominoes fall. Possible Ryan successors? Is Kevin McCarthy viable after his aborted speaker run last year? Could House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., gain traction? There would be chatter about Jason Chaffetz or Mike Conaway. Some invoked House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop, R-Utah, who served as speaker of the Utah House. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, commands applause from House Republicans for efforts to reform the tax code for the first time in 30 years. It took a while for Yugoslavia to break up. Outside forces simply delayed the battle. The same could be true for House Republicans. A fratricidal altercation awaited the GOP in 2015 had Ryan not run for speaker. And if Ryan faces trouble, we may discover that the party only postponed that family melee. Capitol Attitude is a weekly column written by members of the Fox News Capitol Hill team. Their articles take you inside the halls of Congress, and cover the spectrum of policy issues being introduced, debated and voted on there. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made comments at a rally on Wednesday about Republican nominee Donald Trump saying, "we need a new president, Donald Trump, to be the most powerful Republican in America." His comments while speaking at a tractor dealership in central Kentucky are the strongest hes made yet on the Republican nominee, going all in for Trump saying, "If America votes like Kentucky, we'll be fine." McConnell has warned Republicans could potentially lose control of the Senate this year as they have to defend a handful of seats in swing states across the country. McConnell has been mostly silent about the nominee so that vulnerable incumbents like New Hampshire's Kelly Ayotte could distance themselves from Trump and his increasingly erratic comments. McConnell recently told people at a speech he made that if they wanted to hear him discuss Trump they "might has well go ahead and leave." Despite McConnells lack of Trump talk, he has had plenty to say about Democrats. His decision to block Obama's Supreme Court nominee encouraged other party members. Sens. John McCain, Ted Cruz, among others have vowed they would not confirm any Democratic nominees, leaving the court with eight members. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Melania Trump and Ted Cruz both made their post-convention debut as Donald Trump surrogates on the campaign trail Thursday -- though the Texas senator and former primary contender did so without mentioning the GOP nominee by name at his initial appearance. Cruz joined Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence on the campaign trail in Prole, Iowa, a month and a half after he posted a tepid endorsement of Trump on Facebook. This election has been one wild ride, but the stakes in this election have never been higher, Cruz told the audience. He noted that maintaining GOP control of Congress and putting a Republican in the White House amounted to the whole enchilada. Standing at a podium with a Trump-Pence logo, Cruz praised several Iowa Republicans, including Rep. Steve King and Sen. Charles Grassley, but did not name Trump. Cruz did mention Trump at a later stop in Michigan, telling the crowd in Portage, "You oughta vote for Donald Trump and Mike Pence and Republicans up and down the ticket." In Iowa and Michigan, Cruz delivered his pitch to the base, while Melania Trump made her first solo appearance in suburban Philadelphia, where Donald Trump is trailing Clinton. He knows how to make real change. Make America great again is not just a slogan, she said, adding that as first lady she would be an advocate for women and children. Despite her husbands reputation for frank, sometimes crude talk, the native of Slovenia focused on family issues saying that the culture has gotten too mean and rough. Prior to her address, the Pennsylvania state Democratic Party sent out a copy of an old Michelle Obama speech that was labeled as an advanced copy of Melanias speech, a reference to allegations of plagiarism that emerged after her Republican National Convention speech. Cruz and Melania Trump are the latest in a growing pool of surrogates campaigning for Trump, as Hillary Clinton deploys influential Democrats ranging from President Obama to Bernie Sanders to the trail. Surrogates can be very helpful in the final days of the campaign when it is far more important to energize and excite voters than to persuade them, Republican campaign strategist Chris Jankowski told FoxNews.com. I think it would have been wiser to have heard more from Ivanka and Melania all throughout September and October. This speech may have some impact ... but I am doubtful that it will have enough of an impact, Sarah Lenti, a Colorado-based Republican consultant, added. In battleground states where the margins are narrowing, the surrogates are making the biggest showing. Michigan, which has not voted for a Republican candidate for president since President George H. W. Bush in 1988, is such a case. A Fox2/Mitchell poll released on Wednesday showed Clintons lead in the Great Lakes state has narrowed to 3 percent. The week began with Trump rallying on Monday, while Donald Trump Jr. arrived mid-week to make stops at Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University. Ivanka Trump appealed to suburban women voters during a Michigan Women in Business Roundtable event. Not new to the role of surrogate, Obama fired up a Florida crowd with a feisty speech that went off-script as much as Trump. This is the guy who spent 70 years -- his whole life -- born with a silver spoon, showing no respect for working people. Hes spent a lot of time with celebrities, Obama told the audience in Miami. But Trump, the president said, does not hang out with working people unless theyre cleaning his room or mowing the fairways. Youre going to make this guy your champion if youre a working person? he asked the crowd. FoxNews.com's Jennifer Hickey and Dan Gallo contributed to this report. John Podesta was willing to discuss sensitive information with future boss Hillary Clinton while he worked for President Obama and she was a private citizen in August 2014 but he knew better than to send the intel over Clintons private server from his Gmail account, emails released Thursday by WikiLeaks show. In the exchange, Clinton, who had resigned as secretary of state 18 months earlier, asked then-Obama counselor Podesta if he knew who was responsible for an Aug. 18 airstrike in Tripoli, in which unidentified bombers blew up an Islamist-controlled arms depot in the Libyan capital. Yes and interesting but not for this channel, Podesta replied in the Aug. 19, 2014 message to Clintons hrod17@clintonemail.com account. DOJ OFFICIAL GAVE CLINTON CAMP 'HEADS UP' The conversation appears to show that Podesta, now Clintons campaign chairman, was willing to provide Clinton information that had not been made public. Reports from The New York Times and The Associated Press at the time included denials of involvement from the U.S., France, Italy and Egypt and debunked claims of responsibility from a rogue Libyan general. Podesta, in his email response, indicated he had his own sources. But he also apparently recognized he shouldnt share the information over their personal accounts. It's unclear if he was concerned more about the security on her clintonemail.com account or his Gmail account -- which would be hacked months later, in turn exposing the email chain Thursday. And in 2015, the discussion of sensitive and now-classified information on the Clinton server would be at the heart of the FBI probe. Further, FBI Director James Comey's decision in July not to pursue charges for the transmission of classified material on the server was rooted in a determination that Clinton did not intend to break the law. Podestas concern could show that at least one close Clinton ally was aware of the risk of sharing sensitive or classified information over the unsecured server. Two sources told Fox News on Thursday that authorities believed there was a 99 percent chance that as many as five foreign intelligence agencies had hacked the secret server Clintons email account was hosted on. Judicial Watch on Tuesday also released documents showing that State Department IT official Bryan Pagliano told Clinton aide Justin Cooper in 2010 that Clintons server had likely been the target of an injection attack and the system was susceptible to such an attack. The FBI on Friday announced it had reactivated the Clinton email investigation, after discovering new emails. Podestas August 2014 correspondence with Clinton was part of a trove hacked from his Gmail account and posted by WikiLeaks. Also included among those messages was an email from Jennifer Palmieri, who later became Clintons communications director, showing coordination with the White House press office regarding Clintons private email account just seven days after the story broke. In an email to future Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook on March 9, 2015, Palmieri, who previously served as White House communications director, noted she had not personally had any communication with the White House about emails. Think that is cleaner for both sides, she wrote. However, Palmieri advocated others within Clintons unofficial campaign team make contact. Told Eric he should call [longtime Clinton aide] Philippe [Reines] to help with prepping Josh, Palmieri wrote, ostensibly referring to White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest. The coordination between the White House and Clintons team doesnt appear to be an isolated incident. Podesta emails released earlier this week also showed at least two instances of officials within the Justice Department tipping off the Clinton camp about court filings and congressional hearings. Other emails revealed apparent coordination between Team Clinton and the State Department. State Department spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday that in an effort to provide accurate information to the media about Clinton, the department at times required communicating with her representatives to ensure accuracy. A Justice Department spokesman on Wednesday downplayed the significance of that departments leaks, saying it was about public information and at least one of the emails was sent in a personal capacity, not during work hours. An ongoing transit strike in Philadelphia is raising concerns among some Democrats that the stand-off could depress voter turnout in the battleground state's deep-blue stronghold but union officials say the agency is using Election Day as a scare tactic and unfair bargaining chip. Thursday marked Day 3 of the strike thats crippled the commute for thousands of people working in and around Philadelphia. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority said in a statement that if the strike looks like it will continue through Nov. 8, the agency will pursue legal action to force the union to lift it for Election Day. If we foresee an agreement will not come to pass, SEPTA intends to seek to enjoin the strike for November 8th to ensure that the strike does not prevent any voters from getting to the polls and exercising their right to vote, the agency said in a written statement Tuesday. Spokeswoman Carla Showell-Lee says too much is at stake for either side to not fully engage in negotiations. But union sources told FoxNews.com they arent taking the bait and say they dont believe a judge at the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas will sign off on an injunction ordering them back on the job. They talk a good game but they are focused on next Tuesday, Jamie Horwitz, spokesman for Transport Workers Union Local 234, told FoxNews.com. We never heard from them for the first 16 hours of the strike. The worry among some Democrats is that if voters have a tough time getting to the polls, it could hurt Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, who is banking on a big win in the city to help her carry the state. Pennsylvania has 20 electoral votes up for grabs and is included on almost every list of important swing states. A Democrat has won the state every election since 1992 when her husband, former President Bill Clinton, ended a GOP winning streak. Pennsylvania also is key in the battle for control of the Senate, being among five states where the contest is within 2 percentage points, according to the FiveThirtyEight election analysis site. Democrats need to win five Senate races to win outright control of the upper chamber of Congress. Those hopes rest in part on Democrat Katie McGinty beating incumbent GOP Sen. Pat Toomey. The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania told The Christian Science Monitor that they are concerned about how the strike will affect turnout. Some voters will have difficulty getting to the polls, particularly seniors and people with disabilities, Sara Mullen, associate director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, said. U.S. Rep. Robert Brady, D-Pa., has been acting as a go-between with the union and SEPTA. He told the local ABC affiliate that hes discussed the strike and possible resolution with the governor, mayor and transportation chairman. Theres no money there, he said, adding that any settlement will come with budget constraints. As for Election Day, he says the worry is real. They should be concerned. Im concerned. Im party chairman. Im real concerned, Brady said. The TWU went on a similar strike near Election Day in 2009. Another was narrowly avoided before the 2014 election. In that case, both sides agreed to a temporary deal one day before voters went to the polls. Authorities in Louisiana were forced to use pepper spray on a crowd of nearly 70 protesters during a U.S. Senate debate at one of the states historically black universities Wednesday night, which featured white supremacist David Duke. Dillard University police used pepper spray twice to try and disperse the protesters who were ttrying to get into the building as the debate started. Police also forcibly separated a group that linked arms at a gate to the campus so a police unit believed to be carrying Duke could exit. At least one person was detained during the debate and police were seen escorting several away from one of the campus gates but it was unclear if anyone was charged. There were six candidates on stage, but the focal point of the debate was the former Ku Klux Klan leader even though he lagged in the polls and hasnt made a big enough splash in politics this time around. Democratic lawyer Caroline Fayard called Duke a "snake." Republican state Treasurer John Kennedy called Duke a liar. Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell said Fayard has been lying about him as she tried to connect him to Duke. Campbell said he has nothing in common with Duke except both men were "breathing." Republican U.S. Reps. Charles Boustany and John Fleming largely tried to ignore Duke as they sought to distinguish themselves from the major competitors, but the debate turned time and again to Duke, who narrowly reached the 5 percent polling benchmark set by Raycom Media for participation in the debate broadcast across most of Louisiana. Duke suggested Kennedy, the race's front-runner, tried to raise taxes on homeowners and that all five of his competitors on the stage were "beholden to big money." In response, Kennedy cited Duke's prison number. Duke spent a year in federal prison after pleading guilty in 2002 to bilking his supporters and cheating on his taxes. Duke claimed he was "targeted by the government." When moderator John Snell of WVUE-TV interrupted Duke to explain he pleaded guilty to the crime, Duke yelled: "You're a typical media hack!" Two dozen people are vying Republican David Vitter's seat. He isn't seeking re-election. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Alaska can be an afterthought in presidential elections, a frigid electoral landscape that often sees the race decided before its polls even close. But this time, volunteers from the deep-red state with its three Electoral College votes started campaigning for Donald Trump long before the campaign kicked in staff members and without the help of the state or national Republican Party. I woke up one day and said, I have to do something. I was losing sleep over it, said Mike Robbins of Anchorage, who owns several radio stations. That was back in January. Robbins went on to hold fundraisers to buy shirts and signs, enlist hundreds of volunteers and wage a social media blitz on Trumps behalf. He became an alternate delegate for the national convention, blanketed Anchorage with Trump signs and bumper stickers and welcomed the campaigns Alaska director in August with a highly organized machine already in place. This scenario has played out in states across the country. Despite tensions between Republican leaders and Trump and concerns that the GOP nominees campaign lags Hillary Clintons in raw organizational strength one factor Trump has going for him is an army of volunteers who began boosting his ground game, in some cases, before the professionals got heavily involved. FoxNews.com talked to volunteers in five western states who were among Trumps main source of on-the-ground support at a time when neither the Trump campaign nor the RNC had dedicated staff. This is in marked contrast to Clinton, who had early support from the Democratic National Committee and a huge volunteer network already in place due to highly organized state Democratic committees. "We have 80 offices throughout the state that we activated last fall, all with volunteers ready to go," said Michael Soller, communications director for the California Democratic Committee. Five days before Election Day, Clinton still maintains the clear advantage in most assessments of the electoral map. A Democratic National Committee spokesman said field organizers are updating their robust voter file, an important election tool. We dont take any vote for granted. We have a robust ground game focused on making sure all of our voters get to the polls, not just for Hillary Clinton but for Democrats up-and-down the ticket, the spokesman said. But voter enthusiasm is a factor and the Trump campaign points to the energy of its supporters. We recognize that were running a grassroots movement, said Jessica Ditto, Trumps deputy communications director. People are fired up about it. They feel like they are enlisted in the campaign. For the most part, Trumps campaign did not assign a paid staff member to organize volunteers in individual states until March or later. By then, many supporters were hosting their own fundraisers, call centers and speeches. When I was first hired in April and word got out, within 24 hours I had 1,000 emails -- how these folks found me and got to me, I dont know, said Tim Clark, California director of the Trump campaign. The next day it was another 1,000 [emails] and its been that way ever since. Im not recruiting volunteers because our volunteers are self-recruited. Clark says he was thankful to have a relatively easy job: pockets of Trump supporters already existed across the state, formed through Meetup and Facebook groups. He just stitched them together into a bigger statewide group. They were already talking to each other online, putting up their own signs and training each other, he said. Across the West Over in southern Texas, Miriam Cepeda has been a one-woman Trump operation since March. Back then, everywhere she went people were supporting Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. Trump only really had a presence in Austin, Houston and Dallas. I appointed myself to take care of Rio Grande area, said Cepeda. No one was speaking on behalf of his campaign or encouraging people [in south Texas]. I took the bull by the horns and ran with it. A 25-year-old graduate student, Cepeda crisscrossed cities across the Rio Grande Valley, marketing Trump until the campaign noticed her and made her an official part of its network. I posted signs, started a list of volunteers, sent out emails, located donors, started Facebook and Instagram pages, she said. In New Mexico, Cecilia DeBaca, 63, decided she wanted to support Trump when she heard him talk last year about the restrictions of political correctness. You cant say Merry Christmas, cant sing Christmas carols, DeBaca said. You cant say anything anymore. So she started talking to everyone she could about Trump at Walmart, gas stations, grocery stores and the pharmacy. DeBaca also went to the Trump website and found out how to start making phone calls for the campaign. Then she contacted her local Republican Women chapter and led efforts to set up booths at public events to lead voter drives and engage bigger audiences. Undeterred that her state has been blue since President Obama took office, DeBaca said she has had almost a perfect record convincing strangers to vote Trump. She and her husband both became state and national delegates. Up the West Coast in the northern Seattle area, business strategy consultant Luis Valdes has put up signs, held fundraisers -- anything to help Mr. Trump. He started campaigning after the national convention. Back then, Valdes didnt see any Trump presence in the historically blue state. Valdes said he started going to festivals, events and job sites where he could talk to large groups of Hispanic voters. A refugee from Cuba, Valdes is now an American citizen and understands oppression. I explain, Dont try to make this country into the one you just left, Valdes said. Trump has been to Washington state three times, more than any other GOP candidate in recent history. While the state is still considered to favor Clinton heavily, Trump backers may have made some inroads. During a recent drive from Portland to Seattle, Trump signs dotted the freeway, Valdes recalled. Right now Im driving up I-5 and I just passed an overpass with about 15 people who were holding Trump Pence signs and waving flags, he said. Along the whole way I only saw a few Hillary signs. Liberation through superior robotics Robots dont experience fear. They dont experience any emotions at all, really, but on the battlefield, its the lack of fear that stands out. When ISIS captured Mosul in 2014, they did so with just 2,000 fighters, taking a city of 2 million from a defensive force of 30,000 Iraqi Security Forces. ISIS took Mosul with speed, and they took it with fear. Iraqs armed forces in 2014, especially those guarding Mosul, were under-trained and ill-equipped, and nowhere near as strong as a 15-to-1 numerical advantage suggests. Troops never trained to fire a gun fled, fearing what reprisal from a victorious ISIS insurgent state would mean to themselves and their families. After ISIS used suicide car bombs in attacks on the outskirts of the city, the Iraqi Security Forces abandoned the city. More than two years later, Iraq is in the process of retaking Mosul from its radical occupiers. After two years of grinding war against ISIS with support from the United States and others, Iraqs military began the long, hard fight for the city. Joining that fight is a new, Iraqi-designed and Iraqi-built war robot. Dubbed Alrobot, we first saw the machine demonstrated in August. It appears the war machine made its combat debut in Mosul yesterday: The robot is armed with rockets. In earlier demonstrations the 'thermal optic gun' looked like a heavy machine gun paired with an infrared camera so the bot can fight at night. That gun seems missing from this model, but future models will likely include a gun and better cameras for targeting in battle. Reports Motherboard: This war robot is still a human-piloted, remotely controlled machine. We dont know the range of the connection, but its safe to say based on other robots that the human still has to be nearby. But those humans can remain safely out of sight, while the rocket-armed robot faces down suicide car-bombers or other, terrifying threats. In the effort to retake Mosul, the robot is just one part of an Iraqi military thats rebuilt itself for the fight over the past two years. Well see if the robot plays any role in the fight beyond novelty, but the potential is certainly there. Heres video of it on display earlier this year. More than 120 images of ancient Egyptian boats have been discovered adorning the inside of a building in Abydos, Egypt. The building dates back more than 3,800 years and was built near the tomb of pharaoh Senwosret III, archaeologists reported. The tableau, as the series of images is called, would have looked upon a real wooden boat said Josef Wegner, a curator at the Penn Museum at the University of Pennsylvania, who led the excavation. Only a few planks remain of the wooden boat, which would have been constructed at Abydos or dragged across the desert, Wegner said. In ancient Egypt, boats were sometimes buried near a pharaoh's tomb. [In Photos: Tomb Painting Discovered Near Great Pyramid of Giza] Etchings and a boat Archaeologists found that the tableau was incised on the white plaster walls of the building. The largest images are nearly 5 feet in length and show "large, well-rendered boats depicted with masts, sails, rigging, deckhouses/cabins, rudders, oars and in some cases rowers," wrote Wegner in an article published in the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology. Some images are small and simple, the smallest reaching only about 4 inches in length, wrote Wegner. Though 120 boat images survive today, there would have been more incised on the building walls in ancient times, Wegner wrote. In addition to the boats, the tableau contains incised images of gazelle, cattle and flowers, he noted. Near the entranceway of the building whose interior is about 68 feet by 13 feet archaeologists discovered more than 145 pottery vessels, many of which are buried with their necks facing toward the building's entrance. "The vessels are necked, liquid-storage jars, usually termed 'beer jars' although probably used for storage and transport of a variety of liquids," wrote Wegner in the journal article. The existence of the building was first noted in a 1904 report by an Egypt Exploration Fund (EEF) team that worked at Abydos between 1901 and 1903. However, that team didn't have time to excavate the building and didn't know what was in it; "they came down on the very top of the boat building. They saw the vault of it but abandoned work," Wegner said. Many mysteries The discoveries leave archaeologists with a series of mysteries that future excavations may help solve. [7 Amazing Archaeological Discoveries from Egypt] The archaeologists don't know who drew the tableau or why they created it. "We can't conclusively answer that on the basis of what's preserved," Wegner told Live Science. However, the researchers think multiple people created the tableau within a short period of time, he added. One possibility is that the people who built the boat also created the tableau, he said. Or, perhaps, a group of people taking part in a funerary ceremony after the death of pharaoh Senwosret III etched the images onto the building walls. Yet another possibility is that a group of people gained access to the building after the pharaoh died and created the tableau. Archaeologists found that a group of individuals entered the building at some point after the pharaoh's death and took the boat apart, reusing the planks. Archaeologists are also puzzled over the purpose of all the pottery found near the entrance of the building. It's possible that those attending a funerary ceremony could have spilled liquid from the pots on the ground on purpose. "Potentially a massive decanting of liquid, likely predominantly water, at the entrance of the building was a way of magically floating the boat," Wegner wrote in the paper. The boat would not have been literally floated if this ceremony took place. Another possibility is that the wooden boat was transported on a wooden sledge across the desert. In that case, "water and other liquids may have been used to lubricate and solidify the ground along the path of the boat as it was pulled from the floodplain to its desert resting place," wrote Wegner, adding that "the ceramic vessels used in this journey may themselves have taken on a ritual significance, and both boat and jars were then buried together as ceremonial interment of objects associated with royal mortuary rites." The team plans to carry out excavations in the future that may help solve the various mysteries, he said. Wegner's team, in cooperation with Egypt's Ministry of State for Antiquities, carried out the excavations of the building between 2014 and 2016. Original article on Live Science. The Los Angeles Basin has the reputation of being a dangerous place when it comes to earthquakes, but a new study suggests that reputation might be overstated. Two scientists with the US Geological Survey looked at the region's biggest quakes between 1900 and 1935 and found that we humans might be more to blame than natural fault lines, reports the Los Angeles Times. The reason? Oil production. In the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, researchers Susan Hough and Morgan Page show that big quakes of that era often occurred near oil wells not long after production started, reports Scientific American. That includes the magnitude 6.4 Long Beach quake of 1933 that killed 120 people, though the study merely shows a link, not proof the drilling was to blame. It was kind of more of a Wild West industry back a hundred years ago, and the technology wasnt as sophisticated, says Hough. People would just pump oil, and in some cases the ground would subsidefairly dramatically. The scientists say their study shouldn't be used in the modern debate over fracking, which involves an entirely different process. They also note that today's oil-drilling practices are safer, including the use of water to replace oil, and thus their results "do not necessarily imply a high likelihood of induced earthquakes at the present time," per NPR. The LAT sees good and bad news: The study suggests the region isn't as prone to natural quakes as believed, but it also suggests that humans play a greater role in inducing them than thought. (Are the Sierras overdue for a big one?) This article originally appeared on Newser: Old California Earthquakes May Have Been Man-Made More From Newser SWEET HOME Oliver Mercer, the 58-year-old Lebanon man who disappeared Monday during a mushroom-picking trip near Rocky Top Bridge, east of Sweet Home, is out of the woods and safe, Linn County Sheriff Bruce Riley reports. Riley said Mercer flagged down a fishing boat at about 10 a.m. Thursday. The fisherman gave Mercer a ride back to the boat dock where he was reunited with his friends. He told rescue workers that he got turned around after picking mushrooms all day on Oct. 31. He said he traveled over 2 miles south down to the Green Peter Reservoir, where he traveled over five miles along the water's edge in hopes of getting back to Rocky Top Bridge. Mercer said that although he was unable to start any fires, the evening temperatures never got too cold and he was able to make a bed out of fir boughs. The Lane County Sheriff's Office, Marion County Sheriff's Office, Oregon Army National Guard, REACH, US Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, Polk County Sheriff's Office ATV Team and the Civil Air Patrol assisted LCSO rescue personnel. The entire team consisted of 90 volunteers and two dogs, contributing more than 750 man hours. Sheriff Riley wanted to thank all the search and rescue personnel and agencies involved in the search. "Successful searches such as this could not be made possible without the collaborative and professional relationship shared by all the agencies involved." Riley also reminds citizens who venture into the forest to always be prepared to spend the night. He advises always carrying the following items: Map of the area, compass or GPS, extra dry clothes (no cotton), flashlight, first-aid kit, fire starter or matches, knife, extra food and water. Also a Spot Locator or similar device is ideal and can help searchers locate you in time of need. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 There are wonderful idealistic films about American politics, warm with optimism and belief in Washington's system. None of them resemble this election season. Yet for a presidential campaign that has felt more like "Mad Max: Fury Road" than "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," there are still plenty of films that suit the moment and may just offer a desperately needed break from television news in the final days before Tuesday. There are a lot of ways one could program a pre-election movie night, some of them drawn along party lines. Supporters of Hillary Clinton, for instance, might enjoy screening Mike Judge's prescient "Idiocracy" or, to see a less-than-presidential cameo from Donald Trump, Ben Stiller's "Zoolander." Voters for Trump, on the other hand, might want to, with tongues in cheek, turn on "You've Got Mail." But before the real ballots are in, let's cast votes for 10 of the best political films, many of which shine all the brighter with relevance this month: 1. "Weiner." In many ways the movie of the year is Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg's documentary about Anthony Weiner, the woebegone former New York congressman who has proven an unexpectedly central figure ahead of the election. "Weiner" chronicles his initially promising but ultimately doomed 2013 mayoral campaign, with his wife and top Clinton aide, Huma Abedin, by his side. Beware: This is politics as horror film. Watch with your eyes half-covered. 2. "A Face in the Crowd." Elia Kazan's 1957 classic about a populist fraud has proven salient in more elections than one. In arguably his greatest performance, Andy Griffith stars as an Arkansas drifter, Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes, who rises from a small radio station to great heights of national television and power, only to be brought down by his womanizing and disgust for common people. "I'm not just an entertainer," he declares. "I'm an influence, a wielder of opinion, a force!" 3. "Election." An ambitious, uber-prepared blonde woman running for president is nearly thwarted by those who innately detest her. No, Reese Witherspoon's high school president-to-be Tracy Flick isn't Clinton. But in Alexander Payne's darkly comic satire, there are some striking similarities between the two, and the extreme reactions they provoke. 4. "All the President's Men." The keystrokes are sounded with the oomph of canon blasts in Alan Pakula's Fourth Estate classic, with Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. The excellent "Spotlight" drew deserved comparisons to this 1976 film, but "All the President's Men" reigns supreme as a procedural portrait of journalism and American democracy. 5. "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Learning and Love the Bomb." Who should have their finger on the button? In Stanley Kubrick's classic farce, not only were the fears of nuclear command and control satirically undressed, so was a war-crazy, sex-obsessed all-male government. 6. "Bulworth." Warren Beatty is now returning with his first film as writer-director since this 1998 comedy. Still fresh today, it's about a disillusioned California senator (Beatty) who, with plans to commit suicide, decides to tell the truth. The political system, as if coming in contact with a toxic foreign substance for the first time, recoils in disgust. 7. "Advise and Consent." The title, pulled from the clause in the Constitution, refers to the nomination process of Supreme Court judges and other president-appointed positions. Otto Preminger's dense and dark 1962 film set on Capitol Hill is about a Secretary of State nominee (Henry Fonda) with a hidden past. Of course, Congress's advising and consenting of such positions, like Supreme Court judges, has ever since gone absolutely smoothly and has had little bearing on the election. OK, maybe not. 8. "In the Loop." Before there was "Veep," there was "In the Loop" (and the equally sharp BBC series "The Thick of It"). No one has pulled back the curtain on politics quite like Armando Iannucci, whose foul-mouthed, aide-surrounded officials sway comically, desperately with the winds of daily news cycles. 9. "Lincoln." The biopic-like title, in a way, distracts from the point of Steven Spielberg's 2012 drama. No other film has more fully captured the dirty, horse-trading business of the legislative process, in all its colorful and compromising sweep. To get anything done, a politician must say one thing to one set of people, and another to another set. "Two-faced," that common slur of elected officials, is the nature of the business. 10. "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance." There's perhaps no greater political truth in all of movies than that famous line from John Ford's 1962 film: "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend." Ford's film was a Western, the genre in which we work out what America is, plus horses. In "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance," a more complicated truth lies behind the rise of James Stewart's respected senator. The newspaper of the film might not print it, but Ford does. Honorable mentions: "Wag the Dog," ''The Manchurian Candidate," ''Milk," ''Charlie Wilson's War," ''The Great McGinty," ''No." ___ Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP Authorities say three young children were killed in an Arkansas house fire. One adult was also seriously injured in the fire early Wednesday at a home in Cash, about 100 miles northeast of Little Rock. The Craighead County Sheriff's Office says emergency responders found the bodies of two dead toddlers in the home and later found a dead infant. Investigator Justin Rolland told Jonesboro television station KAIT that the severely injured woman was airlifted to a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Authorities initially said nine people were in the home when the fire broke out, but they later raised that number to 11. The cause of the blaze is unknown. The expected arrival in Nevada of two of rancher Cliven Bundy's sons following their acquittal on federal charges in Oregon comes amid behind-the-scenes activity ahead of a scheduled February trial in Las Vegas. Ammon Bundy's attorney in Las Vegas, Daniel Hill, said Wednesday his client and his client's brother, Ryan Bundy, were in transit in custody from Portland, Oregon. AMMON BUNDY: 'WE WILL CONTINUE TO STAND' U.S. marshals in Nevada aren't commenting. Hill said he plans to ask a federal magistrate judge to free Ammon Bundy pending trial. Four Bundy brothers, their father and 12 co-defendants are due for trial Feb. 6 for allegedly wielding assault-style rifles and other weapons during a 2014 standoff with federal Bureau of Land Management agents near the Bundy ranch outside Bunkerville. MARINE SEEN IN VIDEOS DURING OREGON WILDLIFE REFUGE TAKEOVER PLEADS GUILTY Federal agents and contract cowboys had been rounding up cattle that the government contends Bundy was grazing illegally. In other developments: -- Cliven Bundy has a new lawyer, Las Vegas attorney and rancher Bret Whipple, after Bundy's primary lawyer, Joel Hansen, withdrew last week for health reasons. At the same time, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal in San Francisco rejected Bundy's bid to be represented by lawyer and conservative activist Larry Klayman. Klayman said he'll seek a rehearing by the full 9th Circuit court and, if he loses, will seek U.S. Supreme Court review. -- Gerald "Jerry" DeLemus of Rochester, New Hampshire, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and interstate travel in aid of extortion, will ask to withdraw his plea, his attorney Brian Smith said. Alief, Texas, Independent School District teacher Lisa Allison has been charged with injury to a child Wednesday following allegations that she struck a second grade student at Landis Elementary School. Alief ISD Police led the investigation and say they were able to find surveillance video of the incident. According to a court document statement by Alief ISD Officer R. Julian, the video shows Allison approaching the child who was sitting on the floor in a hallway. Julian said Allison said something to the child, who then picked up his backpack, stood up, and started walking down the hall. The officer said Allison was then seen grabbing the childs hand as he struggled to get away from her. According the document, the teacher can be seen grabbing the student near the back of his neck. Julian said Allison is then seen striking the student with a closed fist on the right side of his face before forcing him to the ground and holding him there. According to the document, the video then showed administrators arriving to the scene and telling Allison to get off of the child. The officer said Allison said she didnt remember hitting the student but admitted to pinning him down on the floor. Click for more from Fox 26. A federal grand jury on Wednesday night indicted a Virginia man on terror charges after investigators said he joined, then quit, the Islamic State. Mohamad Khweis faced charges including providing material support to ISIS. Kurdish Peshmarga fighters in northern Iraq captured the 26-year-old in March before he was extradited to the U.S. He was believed to be the first American charged with ISIS-related crimes who was caught on the battlefield. Khweis said after traveling from the United States to London, Amsterdam and Turkey, he met an Iraqi woman who arranged his travel through Syria and finally to the terrorists' Iraqi hub of Mosul. "I didn't agree with their ideology," he said, explaining why he decided to escape a few weeks after arriving. Back in June, a judge in Alexandria, Virginia, denied bail for Khweis. Defense lawyer John Zwerling had emphasized his client's apparent change in heart. Judge Ivan Davis sided with prosecutors who argued that Khweis represented a continuing threat. Davis said anyone who knowingly joined an organization that decapitates and burns its captives alive poses a danger. Fox News' Matt Dean and The Associated Press contributed to this report. The mayor of a city in Arkansas called for an investigation after dashcam video showed an officer pulling over the police chief, saying he was driving over 100 mph -- and then letting him go. The video, released Monday, showed Brinkley Police Chief Edward Randle stopping his pickup truck on the side of State Highway 302. It did not show the truck's speed, but one of two officers who walked up to him said, I had you locked in at 107. Randle was heard responding, It wont do 107. Itll only do 95. FLORIDA COP GIVES HIMSELF TICKET AFTER REVIEWING TRAFFIC VIDEO They laughed, and the officer said he was going 90 mph and Randle was pulling away. The officers eventually laughed and walked back to their patrol car, saying, See you later, chief. Randle has denied any wrongdoing, but critics cried foul. Benjamin Martin, a business owner in nearby Clarendon who told THV11.com that he saw the traffic stop on Oct. 21, said he found it disheartening that a public official or not, would show such blatant disregard for the speed limit, and put the lives of innocent others at risk. OFF-DUTY DEPUTY JUMPS INTO LAKE TO SAVE TODDLER, GREAT-GRANDMOTHER Randle told THV11 that he worked in law enforcement for nearly three decades and said the interaction should not be a public issue. He told KATV that he did not deserve the ticket because the officer who reportedly spotted him was outside city jurisdiction. KATV noted that the dash cam did not register the traveling speed. My truck is governed to 95 mph, so when I go past 95 mphI wasnt near close to 95 mph as I was traveling, he told KATV.com. I might have been a little bit over the speed limit, but it wasnt that much. All of our employees in this city are a role model on the job and theyre a role model off the job, and thats what we must maintain, Brinkley Mayor Billy Hankins responded. FoxNews.com reached out to Baxter Sharp III, the prosecuting attorney in Monroe County, to inquire about any further investigation into the video. Brinkley is about 80 miles east of Little Rock. The search for a South Carolina couple who vanished in August led to a dramatic discovery Thursday when investigators found the missing woman alive, chained by her neck in a metal storage container on a property some 50 miles from her home, FoxCarolina.com reported. Kala Brown, 30, was freed, and the owner of the overgrown property in the Woodruff area -- reportedly a convicted kidnapper and sex offender -- was arrested. MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN STOMPING DEATH OF PREGNANT GIRLFRIEND Brown, from Anderson, was discovered chained up like a dog, Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright said. Her captor reportedly was feeding her in the container. Its all by Gods grace we found that little girl alive, Wright added. The property owner was listed as Todd Kohlhepp, the report said, citing tax records. Kohlhepp was arrested Thursday morning, according to the sheriff. MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING TEENS BEHIND SUPERMARKET INDICTED Kohlhepp, a real estate agent, was also reportedly a convicted sex offender listed on the states registry. He was convicted of kidnapping in Arizona in 1987, the website reported. Brown worked for Kohlhepp, The Greenville News reported. Brown, 30, and her boyfriend Charlie Carver, 32, disappeared in late August. Carver's whereabouts remain unknown, but the sheriff warned there may be as many as four bodies on the property. Brown and Carver had been together for several months and moved in together in the summer. Carver was in the middle of getting a divorce from his wife, according to Fox Carolina. The search for the couple made headlines last month when new posts mysteriously appeared on Carvers Facebook account. Carver's profile picture changed on Sept. 6. A message appeared saying they just packed up and left and that they were fine. According to the station, the couple's families believe Carvers account was hacked because the posts were uncharacteristic of ones typically made by Charlie. Click for more from Fox Carolina. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 Thailand's top court has dismissed a criminal defamation case against British labor activist Andy Hall brought by a local fruit canning company and the attorney general. The Supreme Court said Thursday it was throwing out an appeal by the attorney general and Natural Fruit Co. Ltd. against a decision by lower courts exonerating Hall. The case relates to an interview that Hall gave to Al-Jazeera television network in Myanmar in April 2013 about his earlier criminal prosecution by Natural Fruit. The Supreme Court said the appeal has no legs to stand on because the allegedly defamatory act was committed in Myanmar where Thai courts have no jurisdiction. Hall said he will now sue the attorney general, the police, the prosecutor and the fruit company for unlawful prosecution. Three people were arrested Wednesday morning after the Linn County Sheriff's Office served a narcotics-related search warrant in the 34000 block of Brewster Road near Lebanon. According to a news release, the arrests were the result of a nine-month investigation. Three adults and three minors, who all lived at the location, were present when the warrant was served. The Oregon Department of Human Services removed the children and placed them in protective custody. Seized items included three ounces of methamphetamine, user amounts of heroin, more than one ounce of marijuana extract, four ounces of marijuana, packaging material, digital scales, surveillance equipment, drug paraphernalia, two firearms and $2,690 in cash. The marijuana and marijuana extract were seized, as they were illegally possessed by the children. Investigators also seized more than 300 unlawfully possessed prescription pills. Caroline Jean Smith, 44, was arrested and charged with unlawful delivery and possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of heroin, unlawful possession of a schedule II controlled substance, and four counts of first-degree child neglect. Joseph William Smith, 45, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Jacob Buddy Hamilton, 19, was arrested and charged with unlawful delivery of oxycodone to a minor, unlawful possession of oxycodone, unlawful delivery of a schedule II controlled substance, unlawful possession of a schedule II controlled substance, and endangering the welfare of a minor. The Linn County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Albany, Lebanon and Sweet Home police departments. When Syrian terror suspect Jaber Albakr escaped a police raid in the Eastern German town of Chemnitz in October, authorities posted an Arabic version of their wanted notice online 30 hours later. By then, hundreds of Syrians had already shared their own translation on social media. Two days later, it was three Syrian refugees who captured and turned in the suspect. REFUGEE GANGS BRAWL IN PARIS WITH WOODEN STICKS I came from a place where many people were killed; I dont want anyone to die here, said Abdalaziz al-Hamza, one of the first Syrians to post his translation of the notice on Facebook. Refugees from the war-torn Middle East have been banding together to hound suspected terrorists and war criminals hiding among the nearly two million who have settled in Europe over the last two years, most of them in Germany. The help, which ranges from tipoffs in immigration interviews to networks of amateur investigators, has been both a blessing and a burden for officials. MORE THAN 200 REPORTED DEAD AFTER 2 BOATS PACKED WITH REFUGEES CAPSIZE In Frankfurt, a Syrian human rights activist is collecting files on suspected war criminals and Islamists. In Bavaria, a refugee is sharing information on his former Islamic State captors. Online, refugees are posting pictures of suspected war criminals at a pace authorities can barely keep up with. Some of the information from refugees is invaluable, security officials said, given authorities are often investigating crimes rooted in distant and inaccessible countries. But many of the tips are vague or unsubstantiated, evidence that is too thin to justify an investigation let alone a trial. And some have been found to be false alarms based on personal agendas, leading at times to a fruitless strain on already tight resources, the officials said. The patchy effectiveness of the efforts has frustrated both the refugees offering the help, and officials still figuring out how to best use it. We have to be careful, we cant simply go after someone just because one person thinks he did something, said Jochen Hollmann, head of the state intelligence agency in Saxony-Anhalt. In Germany, authorities have received 445 tips on potential terror and Islamist supporters over the past 18 months, and another 1,250 on suspected war criminals alone this year, according to the federal criminal agency BKA. Of the 445, 80 have led to in-depth investigations, the BKA said. Click for more from The Wall Street Journal. Germany's European Union commissioner has apologized for making a derogatory reference to Chinese people and for mocking gay marriage. Early this week, remarks surfaced from Guenther Oettinger, a member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative party, referring to "slanty eyes" and also to "obligatory gay marriage" in Germany. On Thursday, Oettinger said "I would like to apologize for any remark that was not as respectful as it should have been." Oettinger said his remarks "have created bad feelings and may even have hurt people." Oettinger had come under increasing criticism, even though the German government and the EU Commission stood by him. The Iranian former prosecutor who was known by Human Rights Watch to be a serial human rights abuser was sentenced Wednesday to 135 lashes on charges stemming from a corruption trial, Reuters reported. IRAN CLAIMS IT'S SENDING ELITE FIGHTERS TO INFILTRATE USA, EUROPE Saeed Mortazavi, 49, an ally of former hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was convicted of wasting public funds while in leadership of the Social Security Organization, which provides insurance for those in the country with financial hardship, the report said. The punishment, however, is not a result of the abuse allegations that made Mortazavi internationally famous. PROSECUTORS: 2 AMERICANS TRIED TO EXPORT MILITARY PARTS TO IRAN A parliament investigation in 2011 found Mortazavi responsible in the torturing to death of at least three anti-government protesters detained during mass demonstrations in the wake of Ahmadinejad's re-election in 2009. At the time, Mortazavi was responsible for the Kahrizak prison in the Iranian capital, Tehran. Reformists have dubbed Mortazavi, the prosecutor general of Tehran from 2003 to 2009, the "butcher of the press" for jailing dozens of journalists and activists and working to shutter more than 120 newspapers. The Canadian government claimed Mortazavi was directly involved in the torture of Iranian-Canadian photo-journalist Zahra Kazemi, who died in an Iran prison in 2003 during the countrys crackdown on the news media. Mortazavi is set to receive 70 lashes for seizing public funds and another 65 for negligence, The Guardian reported, citing Irib, the state-run news website. The Guardian reported that the punishment was not confirmed by judicial authorities. This sentence is yet another example of rampant impunity in Iran. No justice is being delivered here, given the extent of graft and corruption committed by Mortazavi, and his involvement in the torture and deaths of protesters in custody in 2009. Also, sentencing him to flogging, if meant to demonstrate a serious punishment, is just physical barbarity that does nothing to hold him accountable in any meaningful way, Hadi Ghaemi, the executive director of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, responded. The Associated Press contributed to this report The head of the Islamic State released a message encouraging forces in the fight for Mosul, which they are defending against Iraqi forces, according to a U.S. organization that monitors militant activity online said Thursday. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi spoke in a more than half an hour long audio recording released on Wednesday. According to Reuters, the recording showed his confidence in a victory. Supporters released the message online. Reuters reported that the authenticity could not be verified. "This raging battle and total war, and the great jihad that the state of Islam is fighting today only increases our firm belief, God willing, and our conviction that all this is a prelude to victory," al-Baghdadi reportedly said in the recording. In the recording, al-Baghdadi rallies his fighters and is calling on them to obey orders while remaining resilient and steadfast. He urges others to carry out attacks in Saudi Arabia and Turkey. "Oh you who seek martyrdom! Start your actions! Turn the night of the disbelievers into day," al-Baghdadi says, adding, "totally decimate their territories, and make their blood flow like rivers!" Reuters reported that this battle is starting to look like the biggest in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. "Turkey today entered your range of action and the aim of your jihad ... invade it and turn its safety into fear.'' al-Baghdadi said. He also called on fighters to "respond to all attacks," and to "target all in their media and forces, and all who belong to them." Reuters added that al-Baghdadi told supporters to launch "attack after attack'' in Saudi Arabia, targeting those who are "siding with the infidel nations in the war on Islam and the (Sunni Muslims) in Iraq and Syria.'' The city of more than one million people and surrounding territory fell to ISIS fighters during a surprise attack in June 2014. Al-Baghdadi visited the city after the takeover, and from inside Mosul, declared an Islamic caliphate that at one point covered nearly a third of Iraq and Syria. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Click here for more from Reuters. As bullets fly in Mosul, the rural roads leading west are choked with traffic much of which is believed to be ISIS fighters fleeing to the terrorist armys Syrian stronghold some 275 miles away in Raqqa. On a late morning this week, FoxNews.com observed through binoculars and from atop Shengal Mountain, also known as Sinjar, hundreds of cars crawling along dusty roads linking Iraq and Syria. To Kurdish military intelligence officials, the cause of the congestion was clear. "I haven't seen anything like this. They are running away massively," a Kurdish military intelligence source told FoxNews.com, even as he spoke by phone to an ISIS informant traversing the distant road. "Ten minutes ago, the airstrikes hit a bomb factory in Bulayj," the official repeated. "ISIS fighters came to Bulayj and arrested all the tribal sheiks and accused them of spying. Families are both willingly and being forced to go to Raqqa." ISIS loyalists and victims alike appear to be using every means possible to flee, making the trip in pickup trucks, tractor-trailers and small vehicles. When the exodus was still a trickle earlier in the week, ISIS sought to hide the escape route by burning tires along the roadside. But as FoxNews.com watched, only the dust from dirt roads provided scant cover in the distance as the convoys chugged westward. The terror armys escape now depends on a different sort of cover. "ISIS often has many different things they do to block vision, another Peshmerga officer said. But even so, we can't attack them [when they are] loading cars with kids and women. How could we attack kids? They have no part in this fight." Similarly, the U.S.-led coalition won't unleash airpower with civilians in harms way, giving ISIS -- and likely its leadership -- free passage to its Syrian base. "ISIS is moving more and more of its families to Raqqa, they are kicking civilians out of their homes and occupying them," one source connected to Iraqi Forces intelligence explained. "Then, only the men return to Mosul to keep fighting." According to multiple insiders familiar with the Mosul-to-Raqqa route and ISIS tactics, the group takes abandoned roads and moves through friendly, Sunni-populated villages that provide not only cover, but potential safe haven. The journey is typically completed in three legs, first going from Mosul to the Syrian and ISIS-controlled city of Abukamal, with one more stop in the town of Shadiya before the journey to Raqqa is completed. Another route stretches from Mosul to the Iraqi ISIS stronghold of Tel Afar, then along dirt tracks to the border town of Ba'aj before Raqqa. In the coming weeks, Kurdish officials predict the path will only get busier as ISIS prepares to surrender Mosul and retrenches in its last bastion. Pentagon officials have made clear that a move on Raqqa could quickly follow a successful operation in Mosul, where Kurds, Iraqi military, Shia militias and U.S. advisers are pushing inward to retake a city ISIS overran more than two years ago. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said last week the move to free the Syrian stronghold could commence in a matter "of weeks." With Raqqa poised to be the bloodiest battle yet, U.S commanders have expressed concern that it may not be enough to effectively do the job. "The U.S. will maintain an advice-and-assist role, and provide air support," a Pentagon spokesperson for Operation Inherent Resolve, the name given to the anti-ISIS mission, told FoxNews.com. Activists from Raqqa told FoxNews.com that ISIS is bolstering checkpoints throughout the city, searching houses, rooting out suspected spies and sending a renewed wave of fear through the embattled city. "ISIS is afraid -- arresting people every day, raiding Internet cafes," noted his colleague Tim Ramadan, a nom de guerre for the Raqqa native and activist who fled the fighting and now works documenting Assad regime and extremist atrocities. ISIS is also spreading fear about the Iranian-backed Shia militias, which are sworn enemies not only of ISIS, but also all Sunni Muslims and U.S. troops as well. Derisively dubbed the popular crowd, the militias are so vicious and volatile that the Iraqi government forbade them from entering Mosul out of fear they would commit atrocities. "ISIS is telling the people that 'the popular crowd' is coming to fight you, not just us," Ramadan said. Experts say the U.S. will have to follow through to help instill stability if and when Mosul and Raqqa fall and ISIS is vanquished. Some blame a premature pullout of U.S. troops for giving rise to the black-clad jihadist army now seen moving along the backroads that span its twin strongholds. "I don't think the U.S., after declaring itself the leader in the fight against ISIS, can now step back without being seen in a similar light as post-Iraq 2010," added Clint Watts, Middle East expert at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. "Clearing the fight, but not being able to restore governance, leaving behind a broken country." The mother of an American journalist who vanished in Syria in 2012 is urging everyone to encourage and remind President Obama of his obligation to bring her son home. Austin Tice, a Marine and Georgetown Law student from Houston, disappeared in August 2012. A video released a month later showed the journalist blindfolded and held by armed men. He has not been heard from since. It helps tremendously when people pray for Austin, pray for his release, pray for us to continue to have the strength to work and wait for him to come home, his mother Debra told Fox News' Happening Now on Thursday. She also urged Americans to continue to encourage and remind our president of his obligation to bring Austin home. Debra Tice said she never expected to hear the news of her sons disappearance and that the ordeal would last 1,543 days and counting. Relatives have said it was unlikely Syrian rebels, the government or the Islamic State terror group were holding him hostage. The Newseum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday unveiled a special 24-foot-long banner displaying a large photo of Tice, saying that the banner would remain on display until he comes home. The 43-second video released of Tice shows him blindfolded and with his hands bound, being led up a rocky hillside by a group of heavily armed men chanting in Arabic, "God is great." "Its mysterious and very inconclusive," Tice's father, Marc, had said of the film. "We've had a lot of people look at it and no one has been able to say definitively who the people are and where they're from." A jealous Russian teenager hacked off the head of his love rival, then took it to show his distraught girlfriend to prove his love for her, police have said. The 16-year-old kickboxer is reported to have asked to meet Artyom Shustov, 19, in a park in the eastern Russian city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur, where the pair got into a furious row. The younger teen accused the older one of forcing himself on his girlfriend, 17, at a party. SUSPECT IN KILLINGS OF 2 IOWA POLICE OFFICERS HAD QUIT JOB Shustov insisted the girl had started pestering him at the party, and he was drunk and could not resist her, according to Russian newspapers which cited police sources and witnesses. The pair began fighting and the younger teen took out a kitchen knife from his backpack and twice stabbed his rival in the back and abdomen, it is claimed. With Shustov still alive but badly wounded, the younger teen is said to have then started to cut off his head with the knife. Read more at The New York Post. Feb. 20, 1935 Oct. 31, 2016 Howard McGill, 81, of Albany went to be with the Lord this past Monday. He passed peacefully at Samaritan Albany General Hospital. Born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Mervin and Yvonne McGill, he was raised in Jefferson along with two brothers, Don and Dan, and sister Carol. Upon his graduation from Jefferson High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and shortly thereafter married his beloved wife, Janice Aarnes, ultimately raising five children during their 61 year marriage. After leaving the Navy, he tried his hand at a number of different occupations before beginning a life-long career in the paper making industry. This industry allowed him and his family to travel to Canada to ply his trade and experience a different culture and country. Howard retired from paper making in 1994 after achieving the position of production supervisor. Howard was preceded in passing by his daughter, Debra. He is survived by his wife, Janice; daughter Rebecca; and three sons, Martin, Timothy and Darren. Howard was blessed with 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4, at Riverside Baptist Church in Albany. Private entombment will be in the Willamette Memorial Park Mausoleum. Contributions may be made to the AWANA Program at Riverside Baptist Church. Online condolences for the family may be posted at www.fisherfuneralhome.com. Dec. 23, 1943 Nov. 1, 2016 Marcia Stutzman Byers passed away Tuesday at home with loved ones at her side. She was born to Daniel and Rachel Stutzman on Dec. 23, 1943, in the "old library" hospital in Lebanon. Marcia lived a large life, one full of service and adventure. After graduating from Western Mennonite High School and nurses training at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland she spent three years in service as an RN at the Mennonite Hospital in Aibonito, Puerto Rico. After her service in Puerto Rico she traveled and volunteered many places in the world including Tanzania, Kenya, Central and South America often performing medical service in short term make-shift clinics. Wherever she traveled she had a treasury of interesting and descriptive photographs. Many times her travel companion was her dear friend and fellow RN, Ruby Newcomer of Ohio. More locally, she worked at Lebanon Community Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis as well as owning and managing Willamette Manor Assisted Living Center in Lebanon for a number of years. She served on the Lebanon Hospital board for some time. After retiring she was the camp nurse for many summers. In 1982 she met the love of her life, landscaper Rodney L. Byers at a fishing retreat at Drift Creek Camp in the Oregon Coast Range. They married Sept. 21, 1985, at Lebanon Mennonite Church. They lived on Post Street in Lebanon before moving to Keizer. They retired to a little farm on Lucky Way near Lebanon. Most recently Rodney and Marcia lived at Ashwood Court and Quail Run at the Mennonite Village, then Holly's Haven in Lebanon. As a young child, Marcia attended Price School. She rode her big green girls bike the two miles to school on the gravel roads. In the summer she was a farm hand, sewing and throwing 100-pound burlap bags of annual ryegrass, stacking them five high. During those farming years she drove tractor and combine, milked cows and bucked hay bales. After retirement both Marcia and Rodney worked for Whims Watercolor Quilts, owned by her sister-in-law for a number of years. She very much enjoyed joining her friends at her nursing school 50th class reunion last summer. Marcia accepted Christ at age 9. All throughout her life she remained faithful to God and to the Mennonite Church. Marcia was a valued member of both the Stutzman and Byers families, always interested in the happenings of everyone's life. She loved and kept track of her nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews just as if they were her own grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Rodney; sister Erna King (Don) of Albany; brothers Jerry Stutzman (Sharon) of Salem and Ellis Stutzman(Susan)of Spicer; Miriam Schlabach (Dennis) of Lebanon; and many nieces and nephews. A viewing will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, at AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home. A public memorial service will be at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at Lebanon Mennonite Church. All are welcome. Memorial gifts may be made to either Drift Creek Camp or Maranatha Ministries (a Mexican outreach begun by Rodney's brother and sister-in-law) and sent to PO Box 2422, Lebanon, OR 97355 or left at the church. The family wants to thank so many people for their prayers and support during these difficult months. A special thanks to Pastor Brent Kauffman and the staff at Quail Run and Holly's Haven. July 26, 1935 Nov. 1, 2016 Robert Bob Lee Allen was born July 26, 1935, in Limon, Colorado, to Edward and Iva Althea (West) Allen. He moved from Limon to Salem in 1939. Edward was born in Oklahoma and Iva was born in Nebraska. Bob attended school at Highland Elementary and Parrish Junior High in Salem and then went on to Cascade Union in Turner. He joined the United States Marine Corps on Oct. 15, 1952 and was honorably discharged on Feb. 15, 1959. Bob married Betty Jacobson on June 18, 1988, in Brownsville and accepted Bettys daughter, Donna Jo, as his own. He was employed as a truck driver, welder and heavy equipment operator and ultimately retired from Target Distribution Center in 2000, but continued to drive limo until his health forced him to retire in 2003. Bob was a long standing member of Linn County Sheriffs Mounted Posse, being captain in 1990 and was the president of the Oregon Association of Mounted Posse in 1999. Bobs life revolved around the posse and was very well respected by the members of the posse as well as the OAMP. Bob loved the outdoors and spending time with his horses, Tory and Boomer. He really enjoyed his family and friends and truly had a zest for life. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, Holly, Taylor and Cooper. He always had a sense of humor about everything and always said, Life is too short. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward; mother Iva; brother Kenneth; and sister Eva Mae Eckstein. He is survived by his wife, Betty Allen; stepdaughter Donna Jo Merrifield and husband Eddie Merrifield; grandkids Taylor Campbell, Cooper Merrifield, and Holly Kidwell and husband Derek Kidwell; mother-in-law Violet Vollmer; three sons from a previous marriage, Robert Lee, Anthony Lee and Victor Lee; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob wanted to pay special recognition to Jerry Mentzer, For giving me many more years of life! Thank you! A viewing will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at Fisher Funeral Home. A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at Fisher Funeral Home. Any donations can be directed to the Linn County Mounted Posse in care of Fisher Funeral Home, 306 Washington St. S.W., Albany, OR 97321. Condolences may be posted online at www.fisherfuneralhome.com. William Dickerson Bill Newell, age 79, of Orange, Va., formerly of Alexandria, died October 31, 2016 at Dogwood Village in Orange. Bill was born March 25, 1937 at the Old Alexandria Hospital VA, the son of the late William Samuel and Edna Brown Newell. He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas R. Newell, and by his wife, Sandra Slade Newell. Bill and Sandra Lee Slade were married on November 23, 1963, the day after President John F Kennedys assassination. They were quite the dashing couple, and resembled President and Mrs. Kennedy. When they would visit Georgetown, people would come up to them thinking they were the Kennedys. He is survived by his son, Jonathan Patrick Newell, and his wife, Amy Eudy Newell; grandsons Andrew J Redel and Jonathan (Jack) P. Newell Jr.; and his faithful basset hound, Todd. Bill was a graduate of George Washington High School in Alexandria, and then attended the University of Richmond Divinity School. He realized there that Art History was his passion and he transferred and graduated from American University. Bill continued his passion for art history by becoming a devoted teacher in the Prince William County Public School system. For over 30 years he taught at such schools as Occoquan, Fred Lynn and several others. He was admired and loved by generations of students. Bill was a long-time member of Christ Episcopal Church in Alexandria and a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Orange. He was a former member of Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria and many other organizations. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Art Center of Orange, 129 E Main Street, Orange, VA 22960. Services will be Saturday November 5, 2016 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Orange, officiated by Pastor Linda Hutton. Burial will be private in Graham Cemetery. As an avid follower of politics, this election fascinated him and he kept up with the news reports until right before he died. One of his final requests was that he would urge everyone to vote and vote for Donald J. Trump. Thermalabs Launches Its Samana Art Professional Airbrush Set Kit Thermalabs has released its Samana Art Professional Airbrush Set Kit. November 3, 2016 (FPRC) -- Cosmetics manufacturer Thermalabs has just launched its Samana Art professional airbrush set kit. The Samana is an advanced system thats designed to address all a users airbrushing system. This is the 16th product that the American company has introduced into the market this year, making 2016 perhaps the busiest year for its research and development department. Thermalabs is a US-based cosmetics maker that runs various production facilities in other parts of the world. Thermalabs main factory is located in Galilee, Israel. The company opened its doors in 2013, starting out as a non-profit organization that created awareness on skin cancer and other serious ailments. Thermalabs first product was launched towards the end of 2013, after the then startup enlisted investors and apparently gathered enough funds to kickstart a production operation. The firm has today furnished the global cosmetics market with at least 30 different products. Most of the companys releases are premium tanning lotions and tanning accessories. The cosmetics space is usually characterized by stiff competition and big-brand dominance. But Thermalabs has somewhat been able to withstand the barriers to entry and establish a foothold in the market. Based on critic observations, the firms focus on organic and natural ingredients can be said to be one of its strongest points. According to Thermalabs, its new product is equipped with a 3-speed turbine and heated air function to make it easier for users to apply self-tanners. The set can be operated at the click of a button. It works quietly and is lightweight for travel purposes. The company has also said that itll be offering technical assistance and a 100% money back guarantee on this system. Samana Art professional airbrush set kit will now compete with similar products from renowned brands such as Master Airbrush, Paasche Airbrush, and PointZero Airbrush. Alex Howard, Thermalabs coordinator in charge of marketing and product launches, said, Thermalabs has launched yet another new product in a busy production year. The Samana Art professional airbrush set kit is the 16th product to be introduced by the company this year. This will be a comprehensive set that will make it easier for our customers to spray-tan. The system has been designed with a one click button for easier operation. It leverages a 3-speed turbine guide, as well as heated air for a fluid operation. Our Samana Art professional airbrush system is a superior product that was particularly designed to address rampant user needs. It can be used with any of Thermalabs spray tan tents, as well as spray tan tents from any other brands. Customers can now get a look at precise details of this system on Amazon.com. Stay tuned to Thermalabs. Send an email to Alex Howard of r (877) 266-6257 Recent Press Releases By The Same User Kenyas First Business Directory for Service Providers, Nisort, Launches (Wed 8th Nov 17) Mentalizer.com Introduces How to Become a Mentalist Program (Sat 14th Oct 17) Thermalabs Glow2Go is Now Available in the German Market (Thu 12th Oct 17) Thermalabs Gold Standard Tanner Available Back in the Market (Thu 12th Oct 17) The Ultimitt Tan Applicator Mitt Now Available in France (Thu 12th Oct 17) Supremasea Working on More Skincare Formulations (Thu 12th Oct 17) My Little Bee Launch Bandana Bibs For Babies On Dedicated New Website My Little Bee have experienced strong sales on Amazon, and have now created a website to offer a more comprehensive understanding of their products, including their best-selling Bandana Bibs. -- Mothers are always looking for ways to keep their babies dry, clean and comfortable. Having the right clothing and accessories can go a long way to making babies healthier and happier. Fortunately for mothers, Amazon is a haven of great products available at affordable prices. My Little Bee is a brand that has been selling successfully on Amazon, with a new 'bandana bib' product that helps keep children's clothes dry from drool and food spills while looking attractive and feeling great. The company has experienced such a positive response that they have now created a dedicated website to showcase their products in more detail. The Bandana Bibs (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZRWJU8) are made from a soft and durable 100% cotton front, and each pack comes with four bibs to keep moms going until laundry day. The 100% cotton front provides moisture absorbency, while the polyester fleece rear prevents the moisture getting through to the clothes. The new website has been created to provide detailed information on the company and their products, with high quality imagery, detailed descriptions and even video content. To celebrate the launch, the company is offering a unique discount code through the website (http://www.mylittlebeestore.com/bandana-bibs-coupon/) to encourage visitors, offering an amazing 40% off to all new customers during the first week of release. A spokesperson for My Little Bee explained, "Bandana Bibs are a unique product, and they have been selling well on Amazon. This gave us the confidence to expand into our own little corner of the web, to tell our story and to help people find out more about this product. We have plans to expand our product line, and this will give us the perfect place to do it. We will of course continue to sell through the Amazon marketplace to give consumers utmost confidence in the quality of service and speed of delivery they will receive. These bibs will help babies stay cleaner and more comfortable, reducing stress for moms everywhere." About My Little Bee: My Little Bee is a new company founded to provide outstanding quality products affordably for babies. Their focus has been to solve problems encountered by parents and improve conditions for babies through innovative products that increase comfort and joy for newborns and infants. For more information, please visit http://www.mylittlebeestore.com/ Contact Info: Name: PRWhirlWind Email: contact@mylittlebeestore.com Organization: My Little Bee Address: 2950 NW 29th Ave STE A534896 Portland, Oregon, 97210, USA Phone: 503-568-1586 Video URL: https://youtu.be/BAoEfM8VR88 Source: http://marketersmedia.com/my-little-bee-launch-bandana-bibs-for-babies-on-dedicated-new-website/142892 Release ID: 142892 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Free Freightnet Membership List your company in the Freightnet directory. It's Free, it's Easy and your company can be displayed in front of potential freight buyers within 24 hours. Its nearly 10 years since the Environment Agency gave the green light to biobeds for treating sprayer washings. There are now an estimated 450 in the UK, helping reduce the risk of pesticides reaching water. Globally, only France, Sweden and Guatemala have more than the UK, with France leading the way with 4,500, encouraged by generous grants. See also: Two farmers give their tips for building the perfect sprayer filling area However, given that there are about 20,000 registered sprayer operators and more than 16,000 sprayers were tested in the UK last year, independent consultant Bill Basford suggests many more farmers could benefit. Patrick Goldsworthy of the Voluntary Initiative agrees, saying biobeds and biofilters are being underused in the UK. However, he points out that they are not the only choice for handling washings. Many farmers do a lot of their washing (and filling) in the field and/or on a grassy/cropped area. Others have a dedicated concrete filling area and collect washings in a sump and then spray out on to an area with groundwater approval. Some pay for professional disposal, which is expensive. However, Mr Goldsworthy says there are a number of farmers who may just wash down on a hardstanding and havent got around to sorting out their handling area. They especially need to consider upgrading their facilities. What are biobeds? Lined biobeds are essentially pits of mixed straw, compost and soil that can degrade pesticides and stop them getting into watercourses. A biofilter is a more compact version, consisting of three interconnected boxes stacked on top of each other filled with the soil mix. They treat smaller volumes than biobeds. In an ideal set-up, biobeds are coupled with a bunded-concrete filling area, but the latest trend, according to Mr Basford, is to have a roofed filling area with a biofilter. Rainfall can account for 22-42cu m of water for a filling area, so with a roof, you are only talking about 5cu m annually. A biofilter will cope with this volume. Flat-packs are available, making installation even easier for both. Biofilters cost about 990 and a biobed about 2,250. Role of biobeds Biobeds can have a valuable role given that losses from filling areas can in some cases account for more than 80% of detections in a catchment, while at a national scale, it is nearer 40%. Katherine Filby of Severn Trent Waters catchment team points to two examples of how pesticides have had a significant cost to the business. The first is Draycote reservoir, where the oilseed rape herbicide active quinmerac was found at 0.2ppb. The water treatment plant had to close and water was sourced from elsewhere. In another example in Derbyshire, grassland herbicides 2,4-D and MCPA levels were above EU standards for three months and it was a waiting game for levels to fall through dilution, says Dr Kilby. Treatment will remove certain pesticides, but some, such as quinmerac, are difficult to remove from water. On top of this, EU legislation requires that investment in treatment to remove pesticides in water should decline, which is why water companies are focusing on reducing levels in surface water so it needs less treatment. Teresa Meadows of Essex and Suffolk Water explains that the company has built four demo sites (three biobeds and one biofilter) and held more than 70 events. To date, it has resulted in more than 50 installations within its catchments. The water company has also researched how effective biobeds and one biofilters are and put together advice on how farmers can get the most from them (see below). How to get the most out of your biobed/filter To help existing users, Essex and Suffolk Water has put together advice gained through on-farm research work with both biobeds and biofilters. Wash the sprayer and associated equipment in the field wherever possible, away from watercourses and land drains. Keep the concrete sprayer filling area pad as clean from mud as possible. This will help prevent the drip irrigation pipes from blocking. Keep the biomix (50% straw, 25% soil, 25% compost) topped up to a minimum depth of 1m. Avoid overloading the biobed or biofilter with large volumes of water at any one time. Where this is necessary (such as when pressure washing the sprayer), aim to regulate the flow to allow small volumes at a time for example, include a timer linked to the pump in the first collection tank. Manage the levels of input to the biobed or biofilter during particularly cold temperatures. The biomix can be less effective during these times and so distribution of water during this period should be minimised, where possible. Ensure the final irrigation water is to a vegetated area, away from land drains and watercourses. Alternatively, recirculate through the system particularly useful for biofilters to keep the biomix moist and functioning well. Sampling results have confirmed their effectiveness, with 93% of propyzamide removed. Other actives have also seen good removal, including 98% of MCPA, 99% of carbetamide and 86% bentazone. However, clopyralid removal was less effective, with an average of 51% removed. We think what is happening is that it attaches to the mixture and then slowly leaches off over time. This highlights the importance of irrigation [of the final discharge water] on these sites, she says. For more information on irrigation specs, consult the Voluntary Initiatives Biobed and Biofilter Manual. This outlines the standards which installations must meet. Rick Moranis and John Goodman, the stars of The Flintstones Amblin Universal/REX/Shutterstock I recently attended the 25th birthday event for Leaf, the farming charity founded by my friend and fellow columnist David Richardson. Leafs success promoting sustainable agriculture and educating the public is a testament to that early vision from David and Caroline Drummond, Leafs chief executive. It has done more than any other organisation to improve the image of British farmers. At the event, the BBC presenter Tom Heap proposed Caroline should be given an immediate peerage and made a farming minister: a suggestion I heartily endorse. The good sense of this view was clear to see when she shared a vision for farming over the next quarter century. Matthew Naylor is the managing director of Naylor Flowers, a business that grows cut flowers and potatoes for supermarkets. is the managing director of Naylor Flowers, a business that grows cut flowers and potatoes for supermarkets. She believes agriculture should now be focused on public health. We think carefully about its impact on the natural environment, but not necessarily how it influences the nations well-being. See also: 25 pieces of advice for 25-year-old farmers Caroline thinks farmers should think of themselves as part of the health service and this idea should inform our new national agricultural policy. This is very timely for me. Good service Each winter the machinery on our farm goes through the workshop to be serviced. This maintenance programme includes my body; arguably the single most impressive piece of kit on the farm. By the time you are reading this, I will be detoxing at a health retreat on a vegan diet of vegetable juice with three hours of daily yoga. OK, so youve just spat out your coffee (milk and two sugars) at that heretic declaration. Most farmers consider a vegan diet and the foregoing of gluten, lactose and processed sugar to be an act of treason. They are entitled to that view; of course they are. Advice Personally, I dont take guidance on physical or mental health from people who de-stress by eating red meat, drinking claret and shooting flying birds out of the sky but we are all different. I know farmers are expected to have a red face, an angry demeanour and constipation, but personally I would prefer to reach the age of 60 even if it does mean I have to wear some Lycra and mix with the occasional hippy. Ive never understood why farmers see vegans as the enemy anyway they still eat food. Maybe its us farmers who are the problem. We have been so good at increasing production that consumers now have access to more processed meat and factory-made pastry than their bodies can handle. Unpleasant views The average human body in the UK is so disgusting pasty, bloated and tattooed that I refuse to visit a built-up area during August. If Neolithic man wanted to eat some meat, he had to run after it. The 21st century caveman rides up to the counter of McDonalds on an obesity scooter to have it presented to him in a convenient easy-to-throw-out-the-car-window paper bag. This minimal effort singularly fails to reflect the environmental or human cost of the transaction. Farmers now have an opportunity to redress this. A lot of our healthy food is imported and our unhealthy food home-grown. Meat, milk, sugar, salt and wheat are so abundant and over-consumed that they are not treated as the luxuries they should be. An exercise in fitness Perhaps we should be devoting more lowland to fruit and vegetables and more upland to space for exercising townies. I know that this is mind-blowing for some readers and you might need to have a lie down once you have cleaned up that coffee. However, as with Baroness Drummonds earlier premonitions, it could be a vision that you are daft to ignore. Police and fire crews have issued a warning after a spate of arson attacks across farmland in Shropshire. The most recent suspected arson attack took place on farmland in Wistanswick, Market Drayton, shortly before 4am on Tuesday (1 November). Police believe a barn, which contained 600t of straw and two stacks of straw in a field were deliberately set alight. Twelve firefighters from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to tackle the fires. See also: 7 tips to foil farm arsonists Detectives from West Mercia Police are also investigating other suspected arson attacks on farms in the area over the past three months. On Friday 28 October, 6t of silage was torched on farmland in Cheswardine, Market Drayton. Two stacks of straw were set on fire at a farm in Rosehill, Market Drayton on Saturday 22 October. And three large stacks of straw were torched in Uffington, Shrewsbury on Sunday 16 October. In September, 800t of baled straw went up in smoke on a farm in Crudgington and 300t of straw were torched at Hodnet, near Market Drayton. This followed straw fires in the Market Drayton area in late August. Detectives believe the incidents may be linked and they are seeking information to catch those responsible. Patrols increased PC Nick Peacock, from Market Drayton, said: West Mercia Police take incidents of arson extremely seriously. We have increased patrols in the area and are thoroughly investigating these offences. We would urge anyone thinking about starting a fire to think about the consequences before lighting a match. NFU West Midlands spokesman Oliver Cartwright said the union was very concerned about the rise in deliberate incidents of arson over the past couple of months. He added: Arson is lethal and puts farmers and their stock at great risk as well as destroying buildings, feedstuffs and machinery, which can bring a farm business to a standstill causing many thousands of pounds worth of damage and leaving a huge clear-up operation. The potential losses are significant and we would urge the rural community to be on their guard and report suspicious vehicles and incidents to the proper authorities. Mr Cartwright encouraged farmers to join farm and rural watch schemes to circulate information on rural crime. Anyone witnessed these incidents or has seen any suspicious behaviour in the area, should call West Mercia Police on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress. 'Madam Secretary' Season 3 News & Update: French Dinner & McCord's Stalker Story Arc, Calls For Season 4 Renewal In The Offing? "Madam Secretary" Season 3 is currently reeling on the small screen with plots and twists that keep the viewers locked in to CBS. The enormous following by the avid fans since its return in October 2016 has triggered questions on its future whether there will be a season 4. Looking back at episode 4 of "Madam Secretary" Season 3, Elizabeth McCord (Tea Leoni) had to deal with the election - related conflicts in Angola. The unconventionally confident Secretary of State had to run counter to the condemning criticisms thrown to the US President. According to Mobileapps, Elizabeth did carry out an eloquent task of juggling domestic concerns and international diplomatic issues in "Madam Secretary" Season 3. She had to ensure that Dalton lands on top of the Ohio ballots as he runs for President. Meanwhile, Henry McCord (Tim Daly) had got some leads towards the Hizb-al-Shahid antique looters. Episode 5 of "Madam Secretary" Season 3 will give focus on the McCords, on how the family has been handling the stalking incident. The episode titled "The French Revolution" will give light on the computer hacker suspect as the McCords continue to uncover leads on their unknown enemy. According to Premieredate "Madam Secretary" Season 3, episode 5 will portray Elizabeth hosting a state dinner for the French political elite. This time around, the US Secretary has to do some skilful manoeuvrings to ease clashes of interest between the US and France. "Madam Secretary" Season 3, episode 5 is set to be shown on CBS on November 6, 2016. There have been clamors for a Season 4, but until this time there are no words yet for the series renewal. 'Stranger Things Season 2' Release Date, Latest News & Updates: Eleven Will Return; New Actors To Join The Show? The television series "Stranger Things" has become well-loved by a multitude of viewers in a quick time. Even the network Netflix did not expect the warm response of television viewers. The hype is strong among fans as a lot of rumours and speculations are already circulating about what could happen in the upcoming season. In a recent report by TVLine, sources suggest that a major character will return in "Stranger Things Season 2." Sources firmly believe that Millie Brown will return as Eleven even without Netflix validating the rumour. According to Gamespot, the first season of "Stranger Things" concluded with Eleven being able to defeat the monster. However, it was evident that Eleven was losing her life in the process. The speculation that Eleven will be returning in "Stranger Things Season 2" stemmed from a certain scene where a Police Chief hopper dropped off Eggo waffles in a container in the woods. The fans really presumed that it was for Eleven. Aside from a major character return, Netflix has already made announcements about the other new people who will join the television show. The fans can expect actors from "American Odyssey" and "Power Rangers" to appear in "Stranger Things Season 2." The plot has always been a mysterious one for "Stranger Things." "Stranger Things" became the third most watched property of Netflix. This is maybe due to the thrill that it gives its audience. It seems that things will be more interesting in "Stranger Things Season 2" as creator Ross Duffer said that it will be weirder and darker than the first season. "Stranger Things Season 2" is set to premiere in 2017. No exact date has been released but the anticipation of fans for the upcoming season is indeed overwhelming. Described as "darker" and "weirder," the fans should ready themselves for an esxciting "Stranger Things Season 2." Johnny Depp Will Star in 'Fantastic Beasts' and Fans Are Not Happy With It On Wednesday, Deadline announced that Johnny Depp will have a main role in J.K. Rowling's 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' installments. Yet unlike other Johnny Depp movie announcements, this was not met with much positive fanfare. Early this year, news about Johnny Depp's abusive stance toward his wife Amber Heard broke out. This was exacerbated by the photos released showing proof of the alleged abuse. The court granted Amber Heard a temporary restraining order against Johnny Depp. The court documents states that Heard suffered many instances of violence during the duration of her four-year relationship with the Pirates of the Caribbean star. In a sworn declaration Heard stated the following, "During the entirety of our relationship, Johnny Depp has been verbally and physically abusive to me," "He has a short fuse. He is often paranoid and his temper is exceptionally scary for me." Due to these allegations, Harry Potter fans were quick to express their disappointment over Johnny Depp's appointment as one of the leading characters of the Fantastic Beasts. Amidst the negative feedback, Disney's CEO Bob Iger said that he was not "worried" regarding the actor's "personal problems". Johnny Depp is also set to star in the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie, a highly lucrative franchise for the company. Many are crying foul over this show of profits over accountability attitude of Hollywood companies and that men are easily forgiven for abusive behaviour when the price is right. Johnny Depp's role in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts movie is still not disclosed but rumor has it that he will be playing as the dark wizard Gellet Grindelwart, the one-time owner of the Elder Wand and Dumbledore's first love. The film is said to be in the same period when Grindelwald terrorized Europe. One of the film's stars, Ezra Miller, hinted that the character may play a role in the spinoff of Harry Potter. Kate Middleton, Prince William Divorce: Queen Elizabeth Sends Duchess Out Of Palace, Away From George, Charlotte? Prince Harrys Brother Blames Pippa Middleton? Kate Middleton and Prince William are reportedly considering to break up very soon after facing countless challenges in their marriage. Now, new reports are claiming that Queen Elizabeth has cast Prince George and Princess Charlotte's mom out of the palace after defying her protocol to join Pippa Middleton's Bachelorette Party in Las Vegas. Kate Middleton, Prince William Divorce: Queen Elizabeth Prevents Duchess To Become The Next Ruler? Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Split Caused By Pippa Middleton? Rumors are rife that Kate Middleton and Prince William's grandmother are not in good terms right now. Sources have claimed that Queen Elizabeth has decided to send the Duchess of Cambridge home. According to reports, Queen Elizabeth was enraged after learning that Kate Middleton has agreed to throw Pippa Middleton a raunchy Bachelorette part in Las Vegas. Though this is actually not a big issue, informants have claimed that Her Majesty thinks the wife of Prince William is again using this opportunity to escape from her Royal responsibilities. Reports have claimed that Kate Middleton is very desperate to bring back her wild days via Pippa Middleton's Bachelorette Party alongside her sister's 20 closest friends, Celeb Dirty Laundry reports. However, it seems like Prince William's granny, Queen Elizabeth, does not think that it is an appropriate thing to do for a Duchess. Insiders have claimed that Queen Elizabeth has already demanded Prince William to dump Kate Middleton after sending the Duchess out of the palace. There are also claims stating that Her Majesty has prevented Prince George and Princess Charlotte from seeing their mom and the rest of the Middletons. Though these reports could possibly be true, neither Kate Middleton nor Prince William has confirmed anything as of yet. Hence, fans 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 Thinks Prince George, Princess Charlotte's Parents Unfit to Take over Throne? Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Might End Up In Streets? Meanwhile, GamenGuide has previously reported that Queen Elizabeth does not think Kate Middleton and Prince William are now ready to rule the kingdom. Sources have stated that Her Majesty was not impressed by the Royal couple's performance in all things they do. Speculations have it that Queen Elizabeth does not like the rumors stating that Kate Middleton and Prince William are using Prince George and Princess Charlotte to escape Royal responsibilities and charity events. Aside from that, Her Majesty is not happy with the fact that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are acting more like commoners than a respected Royal. Both Kate Middleton and Prince William are yet to comment on these reports. Stay tuned to GamenGuide for the latest news and updates about the alleged Kate Middleton and Prince William divorce. The Duggar Family Latest News & Update: Josh Duggar Fails Getting Anna Pregnant? Anna Files Divorce From 19 Kids & Counting Star? Anna Duggar is rumored to finally file a divorce against husband Josh Duggar. After a year of admitting his numerous count of molestations and sexual addiction, his wife Anna is planning to end their marriage after failing to get her pregnant with their fifth child. Could another baby truly save their marriage? Anna Duggar Files Divorce From Josh The "19 Kids & Counting" star Josh Duggar is still surrounded with bad publicity even after a year of exposing his scandals to the public. Ever since Josh got out from the Christian rehabilitation in March, the couple has been surrounded by divorce rumors. In fact, GameNGuide previously reported that Anna Duggar may file a divorce as her fans urge her to do so. It seems that 28-year-old mother of four finally heeded fans' advice. Anna Duggar is reportedly ready to divorce "19 Kids & Counting" star Josh Duggar, per Daily Mail UK. To recall, Anna has been supportive and accepting of Josh ever since his sexual addictions were made public. Anna even agreed for Josh to undergo rehabilitation in the hopes of changing his sexual addiction. However, it appears that the scar is too deep for Anna Duggar to forgive or give Josh Duggar another chance. Announcing the arrival of Meredith Grace Duggar! 7lbs 14 ozs, 20-1/2in -- Anna and Meredith are resting & doing well! pic.twitter.com/HfnuoZcSN7 Josh Duggar (@joshduggar) July 19, 2015 An insider tells the publication that Anna Duggar is now preparing to divorce her husband of eight years. More so, she wants the divorce process to start as soon as possible. The insider revealed that in a few weeks time, Anna will meet a lawyer so she can finally be freed of Josh. Anna Duggar & Her Faith The news isn't all too surprising despite the religious views Anna and Josh have. She previously expressed her plans of staying with Josh to US Weekly. However, Anna is simply human after all: capable of getting tired and moving on. More so, her new-found friends had convinced her that the Duggar family is creating toxic in her life. Furthermore, Anna and Josh Duggar has been rumored to get pregnant for the fifth time to no success. She believes that this could be a sign to cut her ties with Josh and the rest of the Duggar family. Rotary got started in Long Beach in 1917 when seven local businessmen met with a New York Rotarian who talked about his club there. Early in the second act of the production of A Wrinkle in Time at Corvallis High School, the protagonists encounter the shows villain: a being telepathically dominating an entire planet. They speak to it through a possessed man, silhouetted in red light, with glowing red eyes in front of a background of red stars. Dakota Jans, a Crescent Valley High School senior who plays Calvin O'Keefe, one of the show's three leads, described the scene as an overwhelming pool of red light. Its so evil and so intimidating to even be on stage, covered in that light, he said. Creating fantastic scenes like this is one of the major challenges of Wrinkle, a science fantasy story about three children warping between Earth and several alien worlds to try to rescue the father of two of the protagonists. So the show, which opens at 7 p.m. tonight at the Corvallis High School theater at 1400 N.W. Buchanan Ave., uses three digital projectors to display scenery and special effects on a series of screens on the stage. Laura Beck-Ard, the shows director, said this is the first time a Corvallis School District show has employed projectors in this way. Beck-Ard said the production crew and actors have worked hard to create an atmosphere for the fantastical worlds that will seem alien, not just through lights and visuals, but through soundscapes in the background. This is the story of three children who travel through space on a rescue mission. How you do that is always the question, she said. After tonights opening, A Wrinkle in Time, has 7 p.m. performances Fridays and Saturdays continuing through Nov. 19 and 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 20. Opening night tickets are $5. For the rest of the run, tickets are $10 for seniors and adults and $8 for youths and students up to age 19. Beck-Ard said this version of A Wrinkle in Time, based on the Madeleine L'Engle novel, has never been performed in Oregon before. Although the Oregon Shakespeare Festival performed a different adaptation of the novel in 2014, Beck-Ard said its version assumed the audience knew the story in advance. The Jamie Sie adaptation Corvallis High School is using is more accessible to people unfamiliar with the novel. She said she chose the show in part because teenagers can relate to the story: Meg, the protagonist, dislikes herself and the character Jans plays, Calvin, is popular but feels like an outsider. One of the reasons I chose this play is this play represents kids, she said. The show, with its complex technical effects, comes at a challenging time for the Corvallis School District theater program, which graduated 18 seniors last school year. The program for Wrinkle said this is the largest number of theater students to graduate the districts program all at once. The result, Beck-Ard said, is not just a relatively younger group of actors on stage (one of the leads for this show is in fifth grade and another is a freshmen), but a young crew at work backstage and running the light and sound boards. Everybody is learning a new job right now, she said. Beck-Ard said the shows seniors, including Jans, have stepped into leadership roles to help guide the younger cast and crew members. Jans, who has been leading warm-up exercises at the beginning of rehearsals, said having such a technical show means the actors on stage have a big challenge. We have to step up to make sure we are still the most interesting thing on stage, he said. That means the actors need to go big with their performances, said Jans, a 17-year-old who has been in the districts productions of Music Man, The Crucible, and Mary Poppins. But the effects are cool, said Elise Steinberg, a 14-year-old Crescent Valley freshman who plays the leading role as Meg, and they make the show stand out. The technical effects make it special because they enhance everything, she said. Steinberg said her biggest challenge has been learning to embody the character of Meg, who is struggling in school and grappling with her fathers mysterious disappearance, which occurs a year before the show begins. You cant just act like the character, you have to be the character, she said. She added that the show is worth seeing because it is fun and has themes that other kids and teenagers will understand. If youre a teenager, even though were going to other planets, theres a lot to relate to, she said. For information about performances or to purchase tickets, visit www.corvallistheaters.com or call 541-750-7990. SWEET HOME Oliver Mercer, the 58-year-old Lebanon man who disappeared Monday during a mushroom-picking trip near Rocky Top Bridge, east of Sweet Home, is out of the woods and safe, Linn County Sheriff Bruce Riley reports. Riley said Mercer flagged down a fishing boat at about 10 a.m. Thursday. The fisherman gave mercer a ride back to the boat dock where he was reunited with his friends. He told rescue workers that he got turned around after picking mushrooms all day on Oct. 31. He said he traveled over 2 miles south down to the Green Peter Reservoir, where he traveled over five miles along the water's edge in hopes of getting back to Rocky Top Bridge. Mercer said that although he was unable to start any fires, the evening temperatures never got too cold and he was able to make a bed out of fur boughs. The Lane County Sheriff's Office, Marion County Sheriff's Office, Oregon Army National Guard, REACH, US Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, Polk County Sheriff's Office ATV Team and the Civil Air Patrol assisted LCSO rescue personnel. The entire team consisted of 90 volunteers and two dogs, contributing more than 750 man hours. Sheriff Riley wanted to thank all the search and rescue personnel and agencies involved in the search. "Successful searches such as this could not be made possible without the collaborative and professional relationship shared by all the agencies involved." Riley also reminds citizens who venture into the forest to always be prepared to spend the night. He advises always carrying the following items: Map of the area, compass or GPS, extra dry clothes (no cotton), flashlight, first-aid kit, fire starter or matches, knife, extra food and water. Also a Spot Locator or similar device is ideal and can help searchers locate you in time of need. This log includes incidents in which there might have been a public disturbance or a risk to the public. Information comes from the Corvallis Police Department, the Benton County Sheriffs Office and Oregon State Police. It does not include all calls for service. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate. People arrested or suspected in crimes are considered innocent until proven otherwise. Corvallis Police Department TUESDAY, NOV. 1 CRIMINAL TRESPASS: 9:20 a.m., 2600 block of Northwest Highland Drive. A woman reported that she arrived home and found the front door was open. An officer searching the residence reported locating Patricia Terri Compton, 36, no address listed, underneath a pile of clothes and blankets on the couch. Compton was arrested and charged with first-degree criminal trespass and booked in the Benton County Jail. DISORDERLY CONDUCT: 1:07 a.m., 1425 N.W. Monroe Ave. Security at Impulse bar reported that a man had threatened to shoot them with a gun. Security declined to prosecute the man after he paid for his bill at the bar. DUII: 1:38 a.m., Northwest Van Buren Avenue and Fourth Street. An officer arrested and charged Ignacio Andres Zanetta, 20, of Beaverton, with DUII, minor in possession of alcohol and minor in possession of marijuana following a traffic stop. Zanetta's reported blood alcohol content was 0.13 percent. MONDAY, OCT. 31 STOLEN CAR: 11:30 p.m., 700 block of Southwest 11th Street. A man reported that his mother's car was stolen between 11 and 11:30 p.m. The man reported that he left the keys in the car. The car is a light green Toyota Camry with license plate 167DAZ. STOLEN CAR: 10 p.m., Northwest Hobart Avenue and Division Street. A man reported that his black 1996 Honda Civic EX was stolen from where it was parked. The man reported that he had the only set of keys. Bonn Players Theater : Neighbourhood Watch coming up The English theater group Bonn Players have been busily rehearsing for their November production. Foto: Bonn Players Heiderhof The Bonn Players English theater group are at it once again. In Novembers performances, a neighbourhood watch group will spin out of control. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken The English theater group Bonn Players have been busily rehearsing for their November production, Neighbourhood Watch. When the children have left Independent Bonn International School (IBIS) for the day, the group uses school space to practice in the evenings. Their first show will premiere on November 15 and run through November 19. Carrying a political theme, the story comes from Alan Ayckbourn, a well-known contemporary drama writer. Its about a brother and sister who move into a middle-class suburb, and proceed to set up a neighbourhood watch group. There have been petty crimes in the social housing nearby and they set up the watch group to keep the neighbourhood safe. Although the siblings start the group with good intentions, the whole thing spins out of control. Ayckbourn uses comedy and drama to illustrate prejudice and show how we fear those who are different than ourselves. The piece addresses topics that are totally relevant today, says director Chris Wilde. Kathleen Schroers, who plays the sister, said, We had a lot of fun at the rehearsals and I think the audience will also have lots of fun. Most of the actors and actresses have been with the theater troupe for many years and they bring valuable experience. Eye virus at school : People with symptoms urged to see eye doctor right away Bonn Anyone displaying symptoms of the eye virus is asked to visit an eye doctor immediately and infected persons should stay home. One case has been reported at a secondary school in Bad Godesberg. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Anyone who suspects they may have viral conjunctivitis is urged to see an eye doctor at once, and children should stay home from kindergarten or school if they exhibit any of the symptoms. A new case has been reported at Amos-Comenius-Gymnasium (secondary school) in Bad Godesberg. We were informed on Monday that a student had become infected with the eye virus, said School Director Christoph Weigeldt. Parents and students were informed, disinfectant distributed and the school cleaners have been instructed to pay special attention to things like door handles and railings. The adenovirus is spread mostly through hands coming in contact with the virus left behind on things touched by infected persons. Weigeldt had been in touch with public health authorities and an eye doctor about measures the school was taking. Whats important is that those who get the virus, stay home, he said. It is highly contagious and very resistant. Professor G. Holz, Director of the Bonn University Ophthalmology Clinic said the virus is different than an ordinary pink eye because both eyes are affected. Its also marked by heavy tearing, a burning sensation and irritation to light. After reports surfaced about the eye virus spreading around Bonn, patients have also come in to the University Clinic. On Wednesday, Holz told GA, We have had several suspicious cases, but not any that have proven positive. Patients who are suspected of having the virus are separated into a separate waiting room and examination rooms are disinfected after every use. Its too early to tell if anyone has picked up the virus at recent Halloween parties as the incubation period can be many days. Symptoms include redness and irritation beginning in one eye and this may spread to the other eye in a few days. There may also be a burning sensation or a feeling of having something in the eye. Many have a watery discharge from the eye and the lid can become red and swollen. Anyone who is carrying the virus should disinfect the hands regularly and avoid sharing towels or cosmetics with others. Like a flu virus, there is no special medicine that actually gets rid of the virus. Usually, one can heal without a problem, says Holz. 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. Samsung Galaxy C7 Pro: 5 Things to Expect From the UPCOMING Mid-Range Flagship Smartphone Features oi -Prajith Samsungs Galaxy C5 and C7 may soon be available in Pro versions. Samsung unveiled the all new C series lineup earlier this year with an intention to bring almost flagship-level hardware to smartphones at budget prices. And of course to save its own share of market, which Chinese smartphone manufacturers like OnePlus and Huawei appear to seize. After five months of the launch of the Samsung Galaxy C5 and C7, rumours are abuzz that both the smartphones will receive a hardware upgrade claiming that Pro variants of the same will be launched anytime soon. SEE ALSO: Here's How You Can Get Your Reliance Jio SIM Delivered to Your Home Corroborating the existence of the device, recently, the Samsung Galaxy C7 Pro (SM-C7010) has been spotted paying a visit to Zauba, an India export import website for testing purposes. SEE ALSO: 5 Easy Fixes to "This Video is Not Available in Your Country" Error on YouTube There's not much information available about the device as of now but here are 5 things you can expect from the upcoming Samsung Galaxy C7 Pro. Snapdragon 626 SoC? The Samsung Galaxy C7 was launched with an octa-core Snapdragon 625 processor with 4GB of RAM. So, the Galaxy C7 Pro is likely to get an upgrade to the recently launched Snapdragon 626 chipset. It may retain the same 4GB of RAM, though. Likely to retain the C7s footprint Although there's no word on the resolution yet, the Zauba listing revealed that the Galaxy C7 Pro will sport a 5.7-inch display. Considering the fact that it is likely to come equipped with the Snapdragon 626 SoC, it may receive a bump in resolution from Full HD to QHD to offer support for Google's DayDream VR tech. Improved cameras It's become quite obvious that every upgrade to a smartphone will bring an improved camera. And stating the obvious, the Galaxy C7 may come with an improved camera sensor or perhaps a dual-camera setup given the fact that Snapdragon 626 chipset offers support for it. Android 7.0 Nougat? Given Samsung's history, it's very unlikely that the Galaxy C7 Pro will come with Android 7.0 Nougat out-of-the-box. So, users should expect Android 6.0 Marshmallow of course, with a layer of Samsung's very own TouchWiz UI atop. Price and launch date As far as pricing is concerned, the Zauba listing claims a price tag of Rs. 13,645. However, this has to be taken with a pinch of salt as the prices may vary to a large extent when the smartphones make it to the brick and mortar stores. Although no solid information is available on the launch date given the fact that the device is already in the testing stage, the smartphone should be unveiled anytime soon. Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals Best Mobiles in India UK Snoopers' Charter Dubbed 'Hackers' Honeypot' Passes Last Hurdle Sputnik News 17:49 02.11.2016 The UK Investigatory Powers bill - aka the Snoopers' Charter - passed its last stage through the House of Lords Tuesday (November 1) on its way to becoming law, despite critics saying that it still allows for virtually uninhibited mass surveillance by intelligence agencies. The UK Government has been attempting to bring in a new law, allowing for the controlled and supervised interception of data communications email, telephone, Internet browser and social media usage ever since former CIA operative Edward Snowden revealed the extent of mass surveillance being carried out by British and US intelligence agencies. First, after 2010, the UK Government tried to introduce the Communications Data Bill, which would force Internet and telephone communications companies to retain all communications data for a period of 12 months, so that the law enforcement agencies could access them in the aftermath of a terrorist attack or other crime. Although promoted by then-interior minister Theresa May, a Conservative, it was not supported by her coalition partners, the Liberal Democrats and failed. This was followed by a temporary measure the Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Act 2014 (Dripa) hurriedly brought in to allow the police and intelligence agencies to continue to collect data following a ruling by the European Court of Justice that previous data collection had been unlawful. 'Tick Boxes' The latest piece of legislation the Investigatory Powers Bill (soon to be Act) claims to have check and balances that prevent to bulk collection of data without proper independent oversight, using a "double lock" system that will require a judge to authorize the use of surveillance powers. However, critics say this is purely a "tick box" exercise. "When it comes into law, the Snoopers' Charter will provide the intelligence services with mass surveillance powers, allowing them to listen in on our communications and hack our devices on an industrial scale," Sara Ogilvie, policy officer for human rights group Liberty said. "The Home Office has boasted that its 'double lock' system will require a judge to authorize the use of surveillance powers. But in reality the judge will simply check correct procedures were followed, rather than come to their own independent decision. "The power to decide whether to spy on a member of the public or, more realistically, on all members of the public all of the time will lie firmly with the Home Secretary." "Communications companies will be forced to store every person's internet browsing history. These logs will be made available to a huge number of public authorities, creating vast databases of private information a honeypot for hackers," she said. Liberty believes that the proposed legislation still falls short of the requirements of the European Court of Justice ruling of July 2015, which said that courts must "rigorously verify" that there is no other less intrusive measure such as targeted retention that can be as effective in fighting serious crime. Critics say it will not be long before the Snoopers' Charter faces another legal challenge. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Military Strikes Target ISIL in Iraq From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 2, 2016 U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Strikes in Iraq Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft and rocket artillery conducted eight strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq's government: -- Near Bashir, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit. -- Near Beiji, a strike destroyed an ISIL supply boat and a weapons cache. -- Near Mosul, three strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units; destroyed four vehicles, a mortar system and a fighting position; damaged two fighting positions; and suppressed three tactical units, two heavy machine guns and a mortar system. -- Near Rawah, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two front-end loaders. -- Near Sinjar, a strike destroyed an ISIL fighting position. Task force officials define a strike as one or more kinetic events that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single, sometimes cumulative, effect. Therefore, officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIL vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against buildings, vehicles and weapon systems in a compound, for example, having the cumulative effect of making those targets harder or impossible for ISIL to use. Accordingly, officials said, they do not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target. 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, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S.-Japan Self-Defense Forces to Conduct Combined Amphibious Operations off Guam, Tinian Navy News Service Story Number: NNS161102-05 Release Date: 11/2/2016 10:10:00 AM From Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Public Affairs PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- U.S. forces are set to partner with the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) in amphibious operations off Guam and Tinian as part of Keen Sword 17, Nov. 1-11. Keen Sword is a joint and bilateral exercise held between the U.S. military and JSDF in an effort to increase operational readiness and interoperability to enhance the Japan-U.S. alliance. U.S. Navy and Marine Corps units and personnel will combine with JSDF units to conduct a range of amphibious missions for the first time since the inception of Keen Sword. Accompanying surface ships will conduct live-fire exercises and other maritime missions to simulate protecting the amphibious task force, and providing supporting fires to ground forces ashore. "We're honored to work together with our Japanese Self-Defense Force counterparts and learn from each other," said Rear Adm. Marc H. Dalton, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet. "By improving our bilateral amphibious capability, we increase interoperability and readiness as part of our deep and longstanding military cooperation in support of the U.S.-Japan defense alliance." Personnel assigned to Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and 3rd Marine Division have embarked on Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH-181) to assist in integration of U.S. forces into the amphibious task force and overall build on bilateral relationships. Hyuga will be the flagship for a four-ship Japanese amphibious task force, complimented by amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) and embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit Marines. A platoon of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment based out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and forward-deployed under 3rd Marine Division are embarked on tank landing ship JS Osumi (LST-4001) and integrate with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) forces there to conduct bilateral amphibious operations. The culminating amphibious landing will include an insertion of ground forces via combat rubber raid craft and a helicopter-borne assault. Conducting bilateral amphibious operations in a training environment increases proficiencies in mobilizing people and equipment from a sea base to shore, enhancing bilateral capability to jointly respond within the framework of the U.S.-Japan alliance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kenya to withdraw troops from UN mission in South Sudan Iran Press TV Wed Nov 2, 2016 7:21PM Kenya says it will withdraw from the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan after UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon dismissed the Kenyan commander of the mission over its failure to protect civilians. The Kenyan Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that the country would "withdraw, immediately" its forces from South Sudan in reaction to Ban's decision. On Tuesday, the UN secretary general dismissed and called for the immediate replacement of Lieutenant General Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki in reaction to a damning report that showed the failure of the mission to protect civilians and the UN staff during the deadly violence that erupted in the capital Juba in July. The ministry said it had been informed "with dismay" of Ban's decision, adding, "The continued deployment of (Kenya's) troops in South Sudan is no longer tenable and is inimical to their safety and well-being." It also accused the UN of failing to address the shortcomings of the peacekeeping mission, known as UNMISS. An independent UN inquiry released on Tuesday found that UNMISS had failed to respond to repeated pleas for help from aid workers under attack just a few minutes' drive away. According to the summary of the report, General Ondieki lacked the proper leadership of the mission that "culminated in a chaotic and ineffective response to the violence." Kenya rebuked the dismissal as lacking transparency and consultation. "This action is not only wrong but also insulates the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) from the hard questions it needs to answer, and the responsibility it must shoulder to facilitate the proper management of UNMISS," the Kenyan Foreign Ministry said. Kenya contributed about 1,000 troops to UNMISS, which is composed of nearly 16,000 soldiers. The ministry added that Kenya would also "discontinue plans to contribute to the Regional Protection Force, and ... disengage from the South Sudan peace process." South Sudan gained independence in July 2011, but descended into war in December 2013, after President Salva Kiir accused the former vice president, Riek Machar, of plotting a coup to usurp power. Numerous international attempts to reach a truce between the warring sides have failed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India, Pakistan withdraw diplomats amid tensions Iran Press TV Wed Nov 2, 2016 4:56PM India and Pakistan have decided to withdraw diplomats as tensions between the two nuclear powers of the South Asia region keep escalating. Vikas Swarup, the spokesman of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed on Wednesday that New Delhi had decided to withdraw eight diplomats stationed in Islamabad. The Indian official said the main reason for the withdrawal was their identification in the local media as suspected spies. "They have put in the public domain eight names and six of these people went today. We will eventually withdraw all eight," Swarup said, adding that the diplomats had been "completely compromised" after their names and pictures were put in the public domain. The decision came hours after reports said Pakistan had been planning the expulsion of five Indian diplomats on suspicion of espionage. They said Pakistani authorities had uncovered an alleged "network of Indian spy agencies" working at the Indian embassy in Islamabad and that they were awaiting an approval by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to expel a number of Indian diplomats. Sources in Islamabad and New Delhi said on Wednesday that Pakistan had also withdrawn six of its diplomats from India. Swarup confirmed that the Pakistani diplomats had left the Indian capital earlier in the day, rejecting claims in the media that they were expelled. The diplomatic tension began last week when India ordered one employee of the Pakistani High Commission out of the country, saying he was a suspected spy. Islamabad reacted in a tit-for-tat move and expelled one of India's envoys. The two countries have also been at odds over the past months regarding the conflict in Indian-controlled Kashmir. The heavily-guarded area saw a protest by the majority Muslim population in July, when a popular pro-independence fighter was killed by Indian forces. India blamed the surge in unrest on Pakistan, saying Islamabad sent militants to the Himalayan region to trigger more violence. Cross-border clashes then unfolded between the two sides, resulting in dozens of casualties. The latest of such clashes beginning last weekend left nearly 20 people dead from the two sides. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Report released on corruption allegations against Zuma Iran Press TV Wed Nov 2, 2016 4:31PM South Africa's corruption watchdog has released the findings of a probe into corruption allegations against President Jacob Zuma. The investigation probed accusations that Zuma allowed a wealthy Indian business family to influence some cabinet post selections to benefit its own business interests. The 355-page report provided evidence showing that David van Rooyen had visited the Johannesburg neighborhood, where the Guptas wealthy family lives, on the day before he was appointed finance minister. It "brings to the notice of the National Prosecuting Authority... those matters identified in this report where it appears crimes have been committed," the Public Protector said in the report. Zuma had sought to block the release of the report, but his lawyers surprisingly dropped the legal appeal earlier on Wednesday. Prior to the release of the report, police engaged in clashes with protesters calling for Zuma's resignation over what they called poor leadership. Police fired rubber bullets, stun grenades and water cannon to disperse thousands of protesters in the administrative capital of Pretoria, including outside Zuma's offices, and other cities. The demonstrators carried signs that read "Zuma Must Go!" and chanted slogans against the 74-year-old leader. Separate rallies were also held in Pretoria by the two biggest opposition parties, the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters. The supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters party reportedly tried to storm the Union Buildings, the official seat of the government. Some protesters also chanted outside the court where Zuma's application to delay the release of the state watchdog report against his corruption allegations was due to be heard. Zuma has been embroiled in different corruption allegations for more than a decade, He has, however, repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN gives commanders of South Sudan peacekeepers the axe Iran Press TV Wed Nov 2, 2016 8:29AM United Nations' Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has dismissed and called for the immediate replacement of the commander of peacekeeping forces in South Sudan, in reaction to a damning report which shows the failure of the mission to protect civilians and UN staff during a deadly violence that erupted in the capital Juba earlier this year. An independent UN inquiry released on Tuesday suggested that civilians in the Terrain Camp in Juba had been subjected to gross human rights violations including murder, intimidation and sexual abuse. The special investigation also found that the UN peacekeeping mission, known as UNMISS, had failed to respond to repeated pleas for help from the aid workers under attack just a few minutes' drive away. According to the summary of the report, UNMISS Commander, Kenyan Lieutenant General Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki, was found to have displayed a lack of leadership that "culminated in a chaotic and ineffective response to the violence." Based on the inquiry, the peacekeepers abandoned their positions on a few occasions and at other times, they showed poor crowd control. It also says UNMISS soldiers refused to conduct foot patrols near UN bases and instead would "peer out from the tiny windows of armored personnel carriers, an approach ill-suited to detecting perpetrators of sexual violence and engaging with communities to provide a sense of security." Back in July, South Sudanese troops, following intense fighting with opposition forces in the capital, went on a rampage through the residential compound popular with foreigners. The attacks also targeted the adjacent UN shelter for 27,000 displaced civilians. The violence left at least 73 people dead. South Sudan gained independence in July 2011, but descended into war in December 2013, after President Salva Kiir accused his vice president Riek Machar of plotting a coup to usurp power. Numerous international attempts to strike a truce between the warring sides have failed. South Sudan civil war: A timeline of events July 2011: Machar is appointed first vice president after South Sudan's independence. February 2013: Machar and his entire cabinet are dismissed over coup plot charges. December 2013: Fighting erupts after Kiir accuses Machar of plotting to overthrow him. January 2014: A ceasefire is signed between the government and the opposition. August 2014: The first round of talks begins in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, as fighting continues in violation of the peace deal. February 2015: The government calls off general elections due in a few months because of the ongoing conflict. August 2015: The president signs an internationally-mediated peace deal under which, Machar would return as vice president. April 2016: Machar returns to Juba and is sworn in as first vice president in a new unity government. July 2016: Kiir sacks Machar again after a new wave of fighting erupts. Machar leaves Juba with his troops. August 2016: The opposition figure flees the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni forces shoot down Saudi reconnaissance aircraft: Report Iran Press TV Wed Nov 2, 2016 8:8AM The Yemeni army, backed by fighters from allied Popular Committees, has reportedly shot down a Saudi unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on an espionage mission near the country's airspace. According to a report by Yemen's al-Masirah television, the Saudi spy drone was downed by Yemeni forces over Alab border region in the kingdom's Asir Province Tuesday night. In another development, Yemeni army forces destroyed the positions of Saudi mercenaries in Salo region in the southwestern province of Ta'izz, killing an unspecified number of them. Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah fighters also took control over Seid region and Hasab village in Salo. Elsewhere in Sana'a Province, Yemeni armed forces targeted vehicles belonging to Saudi mercenaries with missile attacks in the Nehm district. No let-up in Saudi assaults Separately, reports said Saudi warplanes pounded the international airport in the western province of Hudaydah as well as Razeh district in the northwestern province of Sa'ada. Saudi mercenaries' sniper fire also killed two women in Sabr district of Ta'izz on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia has been incessantly pounding Yemen since March 2015, with the UN putting the toll at 10,000. The offensive was launched to reinstate the former president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, and undermine Ansarullah. International alarm has been growing over airstrikes that have hit civilian targets, including a recent one that hit a funeral in Sana'a and killed over 140 people last month. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNSC urges formation of 'unity government' in Lebanon Iran Press TV Wed Nov 2, 2016 5:13AM The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has expressed optimism about the recent election of Michel Aoun as the new Lebanese president, voicing hope that the development would help resolve the political crises in the Mediterranean country. The 15-member UNSC on Tuesday urged the new Lebanese president and other members of the political elite to swiftly form a new "unity government" and work constructively to promote peace and stability in Lebanon. The 81-year-old Michel Aoun, who is a strong ally of Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement, was elected president by the Lebanese parliament on Monday. The UNSC insisted that creating a unity government and holding general elections for a legislative assembly by May 2017 were two vital developments that had to be addressed for establishing stability in the country. The UNSC invited the Lebanese political parties to act in harmony to ensure the government's ability to address the growing security, economic, social and humanitarian challenges facing the country. The UN body also reiterated its support for the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Sigrid Kaag. The UNSC then called on the international community to continue extending their support to the Lebanese government to tackle the economic, security and humanitarian challenges it is confronted with. Lebanon had been without a president from April 23, 2014 to October 31, 2016. After the election, Aoun vowed in a speech to the parliament that he would spare no effort in trying to bring about the liberation of Lebanese territories occupied by Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Lawmaker Says No Talks Under Way To Hand Kuriles To Japan November 02, 2016 Russia will never give the disputed Kurile Islands to Japan and no talks are under way for a possible handover, the head of Russia's upper chamber of parliament said. "Russia's sovereignty over the islands is certified by a certain international document. Russia cannot just give up that sovereignty," Valentina Matviyenko said as she visited Tokyo on November 1. "There is no discussion going on at all on things like the handover of the islands," she said. Her remarks suggest Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made little headway in his efforts to resolve the decades-old territorial dispute with Moscow. The western Pacific island chain was seized by Soviet troops at the end of the World War II, but Japan still claims the islands, which it calls the Northern Territories. The unresolved dispute has prevented the two nations from ever signing a peace treaty. Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin talked about trying to end the dispute in recent meetings, with Abe holding out the incentive of greater Japanese investment in Russia's underdeveloped Far East. But Matviyenko, a close ally of Putin, said any joint economic activities on the islands will need to stay within the framework of Russian law and sovereignty. Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, Interfax, and TASS Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/russian-house- speaker-matviyenko-no-talks-underway-hand-kuriles-islands- japan-russian-sovereignty/28089883.html Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rewards Offered For Capture Of North Caucasus Insurgency Leaders Liz Fuller November 02, 2016 The Chechen Interior Ministry and the Federal Security Service (FSB) directorate for Chechnya have posted rewards of up to 5 million rubles (approximately $80,000) for information leading to the capture of two North Caucasus militant leaders, neither of whom has shown any sign of life for at least a year. The two men are Chechen Aslan Byutukayev, 42, and Rustam Aselderov, 35, a Dargin. Byutukayev (aka Emir Khamzat) emerged as second in command to self-styled "Caucasus Emirate" head Doku Umarov in late 2010 and by his own admission mentored the young Ingush who perpetrated the suicide bombing at Moscow's Domodedovo airport in January 2011 in which 37 people were killed and a further 180 injured. Chechen fighters who participated in the December 2014 attack on Grozny were quoted as saying Byutukayev masterminded that attack. In June 2015, Byutukayev was reported to have pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State (IS) extremist group. Aselderov (nom de guerre Abu-Mukhammad al-Kadari) was born in Kalmykia but grew up in Daghestan in Karamakhi, a village notorious as a hotbed of militant Islam. He reportedly joined the insurgency after being tried and acquitted in 2007 on a charge of illegal possession of weapons. Umarov named him in August 2012 as head of the insurgency wing in Daghestan. Two years later, in December 2014, Aselderov retracted his oath of allegiance to Umarov's successor as Caucasus Emirate head, the Avar theologian Aliaskhab Kebekov, and became one of the first North Caucasus insurgency commanders to swear loyalty to IS. In the summer of 2015, it was reported that Baghdadi had named Aselderov to head the IS wing in the Caucasus. Others Sought The more modest sum of 3 million rubles was offered by the Chechen Interior Ministry and FSB for the capture of any one of seven other fighters, four of them Chechens, two from Daghestan, and one Ingush. The best-known is veteran Chechen fighter Makhran Saidov (aka Emir Yakub), one of three mid-level commanders who led the attacks in late August 2010 on Chechen Republic head Ramzan Kadyrov's home village of Khosi-Yurt. At that time, Kadyrov offered a reward of $10 million for the death or capture of the organizers of that attack. The other three Chechens, about whom little is known, are Usam Yakubov, Sharip Soldayev, and Valid Motsayev. Yakubov, together with Saidov, was among 12 Chechen fighters who Kadyrov said in July had taken refuge in Turkey and whose extradition he demanded. Also on that list was veteran Chechen commander Aslambek Vadalov, the mastermind behind the August 2010 attack on Khosi-Yurt and the suicide attack two months later on the Chechen parliament. The fact that Vadalov does not figure among the eight fighters for whom the most recent rewards are offered suggests that he may indeed be in Turkey. Alternatively, RFE/RL's North Caucasus Service suggests that he may have been killed, but his death has not been formally announced either by his comrades in arms or by the Russian security services. The Daghestanis are Ibragim Amirov, identified as a relative of Kebekov, and a suspect in the killing in August of Ubaydula Magomedov, a judge in Daghestan's southwestern Shamil district; and Gadzhi Mirzayev; the Ingush is Bekkhan Soltukayev, a suspect in the shooting three years ago of Republic of Ingushetia Security Council Secretary Akhmed Kotiyev. Less Money, Wider Scope Two points with regard to the announcement of the rewards are worthy of note. The first is that the sums offered are paltry in comparison with analogous incentives offered a decade ago. In the wake of the Beslan hostage-taking in September 2004, the Russian government offered $10 million for the death or capture of then-Chechen resistance leader Aslan Maskhadov and renegade field commander Shamil Basayev. (Basayev planned but did not participate in that operation, and later said he never believed for one moment that Russian President Vladimir Putin would sacrifice the lives of so many innocent civilians, many of them children, rather than agree to the Chechens' demand for the withdrawal of Russian forces from Chechnya.) The second is the fact that the Chechen "force" agencies are offering incentives for the capture of fighters based outside Chechnya, some of whom are not ethnic Chechens. That disregard for formal administrative boundaries reflects Kadyrov's unofficial status as ruler over the entire North Caucasus. In early April, RIA Novosti quoted Kadyrov as saying as there were no militants left in Chechnya. The Russian daily Kommersant on October 28 similarly quoted an unnamed security official as saying that "there are practically no well-known field commanders left in Chechnya," as some have been killed (including Vadalov?) and others are on the run. Kadyrov also claimed that the eight fighters killed in a shoot-out with security forces on October 8 in Gudermes district east of Grozny had entered Chechnya from Daghestan. (Only one of the eight has been identified; to judge by his name, Ali Demilkhanov, he was a Chechen.) That raises the question whether Byutukayev and his men are currently operating out of Daghestan, given that the Chechen authorities have in recent years brought under their control swaths of the southern mountains where the resistance maintained a network of bases from 2000-12. Republic of Daghestan Deputy Prime Minister Ramazan Dzhafarov told TASS last month that there were only a few scattered groups of fighters in Daghestan, totaling no more than 30-40 men, without a common commander. This suggests that Byutukayev and his fighters are based in the northwestern district of Khasavyurt that borders on Chechnya, while Aselderov maintains a base much further south. Most shoot-outs in recent month between militants and security forces have taken place in and around the Caspian town of Derbent and in the Tabasaran, Magerramkent, and Suleyman Stalsky districts to the south, close to the border with Azerbaijan. Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/north -caucasus-insurgent-leaders -rewards/28091381.html Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Clinton Campaign Calls On FBI To Disclose Inquiry On Possible Russia-Trump Ties November 02, 2016 U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign manager has called on the FBI to disclose what it learned in an inquiry into ties between Russia and Republican candidate Donald Trump. In an interview on CNN, Robby Mook questioned why FBI Director James Comey, who last week upset the presidential race by disclosing his agency is investigating a new batch of e-mails that may relate to Clinton's use of a private e-mail server, has not released any information about the agency's inquiry into possible Russia-Trump ties. Reuters is reporting that the FBI opened a preliminary inquiry several months ago into allegations that Trump or his associates might have had questionable dealings with Russian people or businesses, but found no evidence to warrant opening a full investigation. The agency has not publicly discussed the probe. Reuters said the FBI reviewed whether Trump or his associates might have violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or engaged in contacts or commerce with people in Russia who are subject to U.S. or European sanctions over Russia's aggression in Ukraine. "If you're in the business of releasing information about investigations on presidential candidates, release everything you have on Donald Trump. Release the information on his connections to the Russians," Mook told CNN. Based on reporting by CNN and Reuters Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/clinton-presidential -campaign-calls-on-fbi-disclose-inquiry-on- russia-trump-ties/28089886.html Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bulgarian Government Approves Additional $8.7Mln Spending to Upgrade MiG-29 Jets Sputnik News 23:58 02.11.2016 Bulgaria's government announced on Wednesday it had approved an extra 15.4 million levs spending ($8.7 million) to ensure the airworthiness of its Air Force's MiG-29 fighter aircraft, media reported. MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to The Sofia Globe, the additional funding would create necessary conditions to maintain and develop the capabilities of the Bulgarian Air Force, ensure air sovereignty, implement mechanisms of NATO's collective defense policy and the EU common security and defense policy. In March, the Bulgarian government approved a 2.4 billion levs ($1.3bln) plan to improve the state's defense capabilities. In October, the Defense Ministry said it would hold direct talks with Sofia-based Aviostart company on the delivery of 10 aircraft engines for MiG-29s for a total price of 30 million levs ($16.68mln). According to EU Defense Information, there are 20 MiG-29 fighter aircraft in service of the Bulgarian Air Force. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Western Saharan refugees face looming food shortage, UN agencies warn in appeal for donor support 2 November 2016 Three United Nations agencies operating in Algeria appealed today for continued donor support for refugees from Western Sahara, warning that insufficient funding makes imminent a cut in basic food rations. "For more than 40 years, the Sahrawi refugees have been living under extremely harsh conditions in the Sahara desert in south-western Algeria. Hosted in five camps close to the town of Tindouf, they remain heavily dependent on external humanitarian assistance," the UN World Food Programme (WFP), together with the Office of the UN Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said in a joint news release. According to the release, WFP represents the most important source of food in the camps. The UN agencies caution that the halt or reduction of that assistance would have a severe impact on the refugees' food security and nutritional status especially young children, pregnant and nursing women, the elderly and the sick. "At the [UN Summit which] recently adopted the New York Declaration, States committed to providing additional and predictable humanitarian funding and development support for refugees," said UNHCR Representative in Algeria Hamdi Bukhari. "We badly need this for our humanitarian activities in support of the Sahrawis," he continued. "Chronic underfunding has affected the provision of health, shelter, food and water." In June last year, the three agencies raised the alarm over the lack of funding for food. Today they are elevating their warning that "food assistance is critical." The joint statement explained that WFP faces a funding shortfall of $10 million for the next six months. While the UN food relief agency was forced to suspend part of its assistance in October, November threatens reduced rations by half. Stocks have already been depleted to cover the last few months and the three staple products of wheat flour, vegetable oil, and rice are quickly running out. WFP has informed donors, stakeholders and local partners including the Algerian and Sahrawi Red Crescent of possible cuts. "Cost-cutting measures, such as the replacement of some commodities by cheaper ones, have so far allowed WFP to extend resources to cover requirements," said WFP Representative Romain Sirois. "However," he continued "if new funding is not available soon, WFP will be forced to reduce food rations. This is bound to hurt the nutritional status of refugees." On 19 September, WFP, UNHCR, UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as non-governmental organizations providing humanitarian assistance to Sahrawi refugees, called on donors in Algiers for funds to provide food, shelter, health and education in the camps. The appeal will be re-issued soon at a donor meeting in Geneva. "Sahrawi refugee children living in camps in Tindouf are highly dependent on food distributions, and anxiety among families about further reduction is high," said UNICEF Representative in Algeria Marc Lucet. "Children's nutritional and health status could be at risk," he continued. "Together with UN agencies working in the camps, we call upon donors to maintain their support to refugees so their basic humanitarian needs continue to be covered." Since 1986, WFP has been supporting refugees from Western Sahara in Algeria. All of its assistance there is carried out and monitored in collaboration with national and international organizations to make sure the support reaches the people for whom it is intended. The Sahrawi crisis is the UN's oldest protracted operation and the second longest-running refugee situation worldwide, said the agencies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Demands Afghanistan End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists By Ayaz Gul November 02, 2016 Media defenders in Afghanistan say at least 11 journalists have died and hundreds more forced to flee from fighting in the first 10 months of 2016, making it the deadliest year for the country. The Afghan Journalists Safety Committee, a local media watchdog, says more than 60 journalists have been killed in the country in the past 16 years and authorities never investigated those deaths. "The cycle of violence and impunity in Afghanistan has been a longstanding challenge, but has been particularly troubling for journalists over the course of the last year," says Pernille Dahler Kardel of the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). She told a seminar Wednesday in Kabul that local watchdogs have reported to UNAMA that hundreds of Afghan male and female reporters have been forced to flee the conflict zone in the past year. But Kardel asserted that conflict-related situations are not the only real threat to journalists, citing intimidation and harassment as other sources, particularly in cases in which journalists tried to tell corruption stories. "Impunity emboldens perpetrators and feeds into a vicious cycle. Fear and self-censorship among the media are real issues that end up denying the public the right to information and diminishing confidence in the rule of law." The UNAMA official praised the Afghan government for issuing new legislation and declaring its commitment to fight impunity for crimes against journalists. But she echoed demands by local media monitors for addressing the culture of impunity through effective implementation of laws. Kardel was speaking to mark the U.N. International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kenya Angry at UN, Will Pull its Peacekeepers From South Sudan By Margaret Besheer November 02, 2016 Kenya says it will pull its peacekeepers from South Sudan, a day after the U.N. secretary-general fired the Kenyan general who is the force commander of the U.N. mission there. An internal U.N. investigation blamed "a lack of leadership on the part of key senior mission personnel" for the chaotic and ineffective response to fighting that killed some 300 people in July in the South Sudanese capital, Juba. On Tuesday, when those findings were released, the U.N. said it would "immediately replace" Lieutenant General Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki of Kenya, the force commander of the U.N. mission in South Sudan, known as UNMISS. Ban Ki-moon appointed Ondieki in May and he took up his post in mid-June. The violence that erupted around Juba's presidential palace began on July 8. In a statement Wednesday, Kenya's foreign ministry rejected the general's dismissal and the U.N.'s offer to nominate a replacement. The ministry said they would immediately withdraw all Kenyan troops serving in the U.N. mission in South Sudan of which there are about 1,000. Kenya also said it will discontinue plans to contribute troops to a Regional Protection Force in South Sudan and will disengage from the peace process. U.N. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the U.N. has not yet received official notice from the Kenyan government, but said that their contribution to peacekeeping is "valued." The deputy force commander, who is Chinese, is currently serving as interim commander. China also came in for criticism in the investigation, for the actions of one of its commanders and a battalion that at least twice abandoned its position protecting civilians in Juba. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Sudan Analysts: Firing UNMISS Commander Long Overdue By Michael Atit November 02, 2016 United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's decision Tuesday to fire the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) force commander is long overdue, say South Sudanese analysts. Ban fired UNMISS Force Commander Lieutenant General Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki of Kenya following a U.N. report released Tuesday that concluded its peacekeeping force in South Sudan failed to protect civilians and aid workers when fighting broke out in Juba in early July. Ban had appointed Ondieki in May and he took up his post in mid-June. Political analyst Jacob Chol said UNMISS has weaknesses that hinder it from effectively carrying out its mandate. Chol said the international community must ensure that UNMISS undergoes critical reforms in the way it conducts peacekeeping operations in South Sudan. "This basically has to do with commanding, logistics, and troops, contributing countries, etc., so the report basically brought out what exactly has been the cry for the South Sudanese that there should be a strong United Nations Mission in South Sudan that should protect civilians at the critical time of the violence," Chol said. He said the U.N. chief should have sacked junior commanders earlier in states like Jonglei, Upper Nile and Unity, which witnessed massive violence against civilians in 2013. He said the incoming Regional Protection Force leadership should strive to understand the history that led to South Sudan's conflict and its ethnic differences in order to play a meaningful role. "You need a leader who is very strong, a leader who understands the violence in South Sudan and violence in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially the great Horn of Africa." Chol said. "You need a leader who has troops together with him from his or her country. So that now when the critical time comes like what happened [on] 8th July, his own troops from his mother country will not be able to leave him when he commands." Zachariah Diing Akol, a policy analyst at the Juba-based Sudd Institute, said the primary responsibility of protecting civilians lies with the government. "We know the relationship between the government and the U.N. has not been very good for some time," said Akol. "There is an issue of trust that the two sides have to overcome. If the U.N. tries to continue to behave as if it has the primary responsibility to provide protection in the country, that will not work." Juba resident Magdoline Auma, 52, said she does not understand why the UNMISS force commander was removed. Auma believes if the U.N. peacekeepers had intervened, they would have clashed with government soldiers and that would have worsened the conflict. "If he were to react to fight back, it would have been even worse because if he would have to fight even those who are inside, they would have run away. But those who were running, looking for help inside, they were saved," Auma said. Franco Riek Atem, a second year student of economics at the University of Juba, who says he lost family members during the July fighting, commends the U.N. Secretary-General's decision to fire Lieutenant General Ondieki. "If it is their mandate, they should have to do it, because they have not come here. If they got something very dangerous, they run away. Like the one who has been removed, he failed to do his mandate," Atem said. South Sudan's Deputy Information Minister Akol Paul Kordit declined to be interviewed regarding the U.N. report, saying he could not comment on the U.N.'s internal matters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Unrest in Pretoria as Zuma Corruption Report Released By VOA News November 02, 2016 Police in South Africa's capital fired rubber bullets Wednesday to disperse protesters who gathered near President Jacob Zuma's office, demanding that he resign. Journalist Thuso Khumalo, reporting for VOA, says thousands of protesters from the left-wing Economic Freedom Fighters party smashed cars and building windows as they marched toward the Union Buildings, South Africa's seat of government. The protests took place shortly before South Africa's anti-corruption watchdog released a report on alleged corruption in the Zuma administration. A judge ordered the release of the report Wednesday after Zuma dropped a legal bid to keep it out of the public eye. The report examines accusations that Zuma allowed the wealthy Gupta family to choose cabinet members to serve their business interests. The author, former public protector Thuli Madonsela, calls for Zuma to appoint a commission of inquiry within 30 days to further study allegations of improper relationships and influence. The report was originally due to be released last month before Zuma blocked it. Zuma has faced corruption allegations before, and was fiercely criticized for using about $20 million in public funds for upgrades to his private rural home. He later apologized and agreed to repay a fraction of the money. Journalist Thuso Khumalo contributed to this report from Pretoria. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 35 Leaders, Groups Listed as 'Predators of Press Freedom' By VOA News November 02, 2016 Turkish President Erdogan, Saudi Arabia's King Salman, and the Islamic State Terror Group are recent additions to the list of "Predators of Press Freedom" released by Reporters without Borders to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists Wednesday. Reporters Without Borders listed 35 politicians, religious leaders, militias, and criminal organizations in a unique online gallery with "hunting permits" for each, detailing how and to what extent they "prey" on the media. Some leaders, such as Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, are accused of "carefully orchestrated censorship and economic asphyxiation" of the press, while others, such as Islamic State and a number of African dictators, are outright accused of murdering journalists. But beyond literal murders, the "kill tally" listed on each predator's profile also documents how many media outlets they have shut down. For example, the state of emergency declared in Turkey after the military coup in July gave President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the power to shut down more than 100 newspapers, magazines, TV channels, and radio stations, in addition to arresting more than 200 journalists. China's Xi Jinping also makes the list, having been declared a predator since 2013. One hundred journalists and bloggers are currently jailed, making China "the world's biggest prison for media personnel", according to Reporters without Borders. Though Reporters without Borders only tallies four journalists currently imprisoned in Russia, Vladimir Putin has also been on the list since 2000, and the report claims there is currently less freedom of expression in Russia than any time since the fall of the Soviet Union. Burundi's Pierre Nkurunziza was only listed a predator in the past year, but has shut down all independent media and put over 100 journalists in exile since a coup attempt in May 2015. Non-governmental groups such as al-Shabab in Somalia, which has murdered "several dozen" journalists, the Los Zetas criminal cartel in Mexico charged with the killings or disappearances of dozens of journalists, the Ansarullah Bangla Team a radical Islamist movement in Bangladesh that killed four bloggers in 2015 are listed. As well as Pakistan's Intelligence Agencies that have murdered at least three journalists, Yemen's Houthi rebels who have held at least 13 media workers hostage in Sanaa, the Taliban that has killed seven journalists in 2016 in Afghanistan, and Islamic State, which has beheaded at least three journalists in Syria in addition to murdering dozens of journalists and media workers in Iraq and Syria. "These predators are the ones who most trample on media freedom and commit the worst atrocities against journalists without being held to account," RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said. "The way to break the vicious cycle of impunity is to appoint a United Nations special representative for protecting journalists." The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is recognized by the United Nations every November 2nd. "I pay tribute to the courage of all media personnel who put their lives on the line for the sake of truth," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon said in a statement. "And I call for immediate action to secure justice in cases where journalists were attacked, harassed or killed." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Counter-ISIL Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 3, 2016 U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Strikes in Syria Attack and remotely piloted aircraft and rocket artillery conducted eight strikes in Syria: -- Near Abu Kamal, a strike engaged an ISIL supply route. -- Near Raqqah, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an oil pumpjack and a vehicle. -- Near Dayr Az Zawr, a strike destroyed two ISIL oil wellheads and an oil tanker truck. -- Near Idlib, two strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed five vehicles and two fighting positions. -- Near Mara, two 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 and rocket artillery conducted 12 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of the Iraqi government: -- Near Bashir, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL headquarters building and a tunnel entrance, and suppressed two mortar systems. -- Near Haditha, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle and a weapons cache. -- Near Mosul, seven strikes engaged two tactical units; destroyed an ISIL headquarters building, five storage containers, two mortar systems, two fighting positions, an improvised explosive device factory, a supply cache, a sniper position, an observation post and a culvert; and damaged two tunnels, a bridge and a supply route. -- Near Rawah, a strike destroyed an ISIL vehicle bomb factory. -- Near Sinjar, a strike suppressed an ISIL mortar system. 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 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kenya censures UN for blaming others for failure in South Sudan Iran Press TV Thu Nov 3, 2016 3:59PM Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta has accused the United Nations of covering up its failure to establish peace in South Sudan by blaming a Kenyan commander in charge of the UN forces in the conflict-stricken country. Kenyatta said on Thursday that the UN was "scapegoating" Kenyan forces deployed to South Sudan for the failings of its mission in the country, known as UNMISS. "We know that the people of this region want peace in South Sudan. But we also know that peace will not come to South Sudan by blaming a Kenyan commander for the wider failings of the mission to South Sudan," said Kenyatta. The harsh criticism came two days after the UN sacked Lieutenant General Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki as the head of UNMISS, saying the results of a probe into his response to the fighting in South Sudan in July were "chaotic and ineffective". The UN said soldiers killed civilians, looted warehouses and raped women, including foreign aid workers, during the escalated wave of violence in the capital, Juba. Kenyatta, however, rejected the findings and said that Kenya would pull out its troops from South Sudan in protest at the UN statements. "We will no longer contribute to a mission that has failed to meet its mandate, and which has now resorted to scapegoating Kenyans," Kenyatta said, adding, "Serving does not come at the expense of the country's dignity." Kenyatta's angry remarks followed a Wednesday statement by the Kenyan Foreign Ministry which announced Ondieki's dismissal but said soldiers would be withdrawn and Kenya would disengage from its mediator role in the peace process for South Sudan. Kenya has more than 1,000 troops in South Sudan. The troops are part of the 13,000-strong force of UN Mission in South Sudan. It had also agreed to contribute to a proposed 4,000-strong "regional protection force" intended to bolster UNMISS. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO-Russia war not likely in 2017, Fallon says, downplaying MI5 chief's warning Iran Press TV Thu Nov 3, 2016 1:9AM A war between Russia and members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is "not likely" in 2017, says the UK defense chief, playing down an earlier warning by MI5 chief Andrew Parker. Sir Michael Fallon made the remarks in an address to the House of Commons Defense Committee, when asked if the plot of 2017 War With Russia, written by NATO's former deputy allied commander in Europe, General Sir Richard Shirreff, was realistic. Fallon, however, disagreed that the two were on a collision course in the next year, downplaying the book and earlier warnings by Parker in an unprecedented interview with the Guardian. "Well, there are a lot of people writing books and trying to sell them, and his is a very good one. However, I don't agree that war with Russia is likely next year. I think that is too extreme," he said. Citing the Russian forces' support for the Syrian government against the Daesh Takfiri terrorists as well as the recent cruise of Russian nuclear-powered warships and fighter jets through UK territorial waters, Fallon admitted that there has already been "much greater Russian aggression this year, and in previous years." The Russian flotilla, including the flagship aircraft carrier the Admiral Kuznetsov, sailed down the English Channel late last month, wreaking havoc in the British media. "And I hope that General Shirreff would and I think he does this recognize that NATO is now responding. So, NATO is waking up to the challenge," the British defense chief added. This is while, Parker had warned of "increasingly aggressive ways," to which Moscow was resorting against Britain. "It is using its whole range of state organs and powers to push its foreign policy abroad in increasingly aggressive ways involving propaganda, espionage, subversion and cyber-attacks. Russia is at work across Europe and in the UK today. It is MI5's job to get in the way of that," Parker said in the interview, released on Monday. He added that Russia has been threatening the UK covertly for decades, but "what's different these days is that there are more and more methods available." Moscow, however, strongly rejected claims by the director-general of the British Security Service, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying that Russia seeks to "promote and defend its interests abroad" but in line with international laws and based on "good and mutually beneficial relations with all partners." Relations between Russia and the West soured after people in Ukraine's Black Sea peninsula of Crimea voted for rejoining the Russian Federation in a referendum in March 2014. The ties became further unfriendly over the crisis in Syria, where Russia has been conducting an air campaign at the request of the Syrian government to fight Daesh since September 30, 2015. Russia's military campaign has helped the government of President Bashar al-Assad defeat the Takfiri terrorists in many regions across the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kenya Removes Peacekeeping Forces From S. Sudan Protesting Commander's Sacking Sputnik News 00:37 03.11.2016 Nairobi is pulling out its troops stationed in South Sudan as part of the UN peacekeeping mission after UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon fired its Kenyan commander, local media reported on Wednesday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Kenyan Lt. Gen. Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki was fired shortly after a publication of an independent investigation report on Tuesday, criticizing UN peacekeeping mission's (UNMISS) response to a July bomb attack on civilians at a hotel in South Sudan's capital, Juba. According to the Daily Nation Newspaper, Kenya rejected the dismissal of Ondieki and announced the withdrawal of its contingent from the UN peacekeeping forces in South Sudan. Kenyan Foreign Ministry accused the United Nations of lack of transparency as it acted without formally consulting Nairobi in sacking the commander, the newspaper said. The civil war broke out in South Sudan in 2013 after the state's President Salva Kiir Mayardiit dismissed the cabinet and accused Vice-President Riek Machar of planning a failed coup. After a short period of a fragile ceasefire and attempts to normalize the situation via signing a truce in 2015, new violence erupted in July 2016. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saad Hariri Appointed New Lebanese Prime Minister - Presidential Decree Sputnik News 13:25 03.11.2016(updated 13:51 03.11.2016) Country's presidential administration said that Saad Hariri, the chairman of Lebanon's Future Movement, has been appointed the new Lebanese prime minister. BEIRUT (Sputnik) Saad Hariri, the chairman of Lebanon's Future Movement, has been appointed the new Lebanese prime minister, the country's presidential administration said Thursday. "Lebanon's President Michel Aoun has issued a decree on November 3, 12:00 PM, on appointing Saad Hariri for the post the prime minister of the country," a presidential administration representative told reporters. The resolution of Lebanon's power vacuum and political stalemate has seen significant progress over recent weeks. On Monday, Lebanese lawmakers voted for former Lebanese army commander Michel Aoun to become the new president of the Middle Eastern republic. Aoun's election ended a power vacuum that lasted for over two years since former President Michel Suleiman's term expired in 2014 and a rift between political forces emerged. Major moves to end the stalemate were made in late October, when the Shiite-dominated Hezbollah party announced its support for Aoun. A few days earlier, Hariri, a Sunni politician, also voiced his backing of the president. The president in Lebanon is always chosen from Christian candidates, according to an unwritten agreement, which also stipulates that the prime minister must always be a Sunni Muslim and the speaker of the parliament must be a Shiite. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. John McCrae, May 1915 11-11-11 - Armistice Day The fighting ceased at a time easy to remember in future years the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, in the year 1918. Americans fell in the last hour in the last fifteen minutes, while tidings of peace were being flashed around the globe to thrill the people of every land. The brave fellows who went to graves and hospitals in the closing hours were the greatest martyrs of them all. New England units were among those ordered to attack that morning. I saw the victims buried next day. It was one of the saddest spectacles of the war. A few minutes more and they might have joined their comrades in celebrating the armistice as their relatives and friends did in a delirium of joy at home. But orders had come to straighten the lines and some units attacked and gained small strips of ground. Before others could obey, orders were rescinded, renewed and rescinded. Obviously there had been a confusion of orders somewhere. On 01 July 1918 Count von Roon, a member of the Prussian House of Nobles, had delivered himself unofficially of an ultimatum of terms upon which Germany would consent to peace. Until its conditions were realized, he said, there should be no armistice and no cessation of submarine warfare. The conditions in detail were: the annexation by Germany of Belgium, including the Channel coast as far as Calais; the annexation of the Briey and Longwy Basins and the Toul, Belfort, and Verdun regions eastward; the restitution to Germany of all her colonies, including Kiaochow; Great Britain to cede to Germany such naval bases and coaling stations as Germany desired; Great Britain to cede her war fleet to Germany, to restore Egypt to Turkey, and the Suez Canal to Turkey; Greece to be reestablished under the former King Constantine; Austria and Bulgaria to divide Serbia and Montenegro; Great Britain, France, and the United States to pay all of Germany's war costs. The soldiers and people of the European countries had fought and endured for more than four years. The United States had been in the conflict something more than a year and a half. With Turkish forces in Palestine virtually annihilated, Americans and French pressing on victoriously in the Champagne and the Argonne, and British advancing in the direction of Cambrai, Prussianism everywhere on the defensive, or in retreat, President Wilson could have desired no more suitable opportunity for giving, as in October 1918, in his armistice correspondence with Germany, point and emphasis to the great doctrine that this was a people's war which could be ended only by a people's peace. Official Germany had as yet no conception of that truth. It was still living in the days of the Congress of Vienna when nationalities and peoples were bartered about like cattle. It still believed possible a negotiated peace, in which diplomatists would adjust the differences of governments, arrange the strategic requirements of great powers and begin a new game of imperialism under the rules of the old. Bulgaria signed an armistice on 29 September 1918, accepting unconditionally all the terms the Allies laid dowm which virtually rendered her incapable of any further operations. Three days later Prince Maximilian of Baden was announced as the new German Chancellor. Prince Max being from Baden, was from one of the liberal strongholds of Germany. He had made moderate speeches, and was known as a wealthy Junker who had begun to see the ruin of his class through further prolongation of the war. The Hohenzollern monarchy was threatened with a crisis such as it had never known before. It faced the anger of a weary and desperate people, a people it had misled and betrayed. Only six months before, exponents of German opinion had been talking in terms of huge indemnities and large territorial acquisitions. Vanquished nations were to be bled white and Germany was to vault easily, and inevitably, into a position of world-supremacy. Germany, on 05 October 1918, sought peace. The text of a note forwarded by the new Chancellor, Prince Maximilian, to President Wilson through the Swiss Government was as follows: "The German Government requests the President of the United States to take in hand the restoration of peace, acquaint all the belligerent states of this request and invite them to send plenipotentiaries for the purpose of opening, negotiations. It accepts the program set forth by the President of the United States in his message to Congress on January 8th and in his later pronouncements, especially his speech of September 27th, as a basis for peace negotiations. With a view to avoiding further bloodshed, the German Government requests the immediate conclusion of an armistice on land and water and in the air." "Victory first, then peace," was the way French civilians, returning to their shell-wrecked homes in northern France, exprest themselves on the subject. The same idea ran through the Allied armies, where men who had seen their comrades die felt that they would have died in vain unless victory became absolute. President Wilson on October 14 informed Germany that it "must be clearly understood that the process of evacuation and the conditions of an armistice are matters which must be left to the judgment and advice of the military advisers of the Government of the United States and the Allied Governments, and the President feels it his duty to say that no arrangement can be accepted by the Government of the United States which does not provide absolutely satisfactory safeguards and guaranties of the maintenance of the present military supremacy of the armies of the United States and of the Allies in the field." It became known on 19 October 1918 that the German decision to reply affirmatively to President Wilson's note was taken at a dramatic meeting of the Crown Council in Berlin, where Ludendorff made a gloomy report on the military situationthe situation being such that Germany might be invaded within a few weeks. Germany's three allies, Bulgaria, Turkey, and AustriaHungary, had now laid down their arms, ceased hostilities and accepted terms which made it impossible for them to renew the war. History was being made with such lightning-speed that people failed to comprehend the full significance of changes, any one of which would have startled the world five years before. The terms granted to Turkey had almost automatically called into being an independent Arabia, an autonomous Armenia, a free Palestine, with Syria and Mesopotamia as French and British protectorates, and Persia liberated forever from the pressure of German intrigue and Turkish penetration. Germany also knew that another offensive would be launched on the Lorraine front on 14 November 1918 by 600,000 men under Castelnau. American and French troops had been concentrated between Briey and ChateauSalins, supported by 3,000 guns of all calibers and 300 tanks on a front of forty-five miles. The German commander on this front had available approximately only 160,000 men, with 1.000 guns. The Allied attack" would have carried the war into German Lorraine and Rhenish Prussia and threatened to cut from its base the German army in Belgium and the Ardennes. The German command had averted that catastrophe by pleading for an armistice. On November 8 the nervous tension of years of war was suddenly broken in America by a false report that Germany had that day signed the armistice. Joyful enthusiasm pent up through the long ordeal broke forth only to be lost on a 'fake." All over the country sirens, whistles and bells ro-e in a resounding clamor about one o'clock in the afternoon, carrying news of the supposed signing and the cessation of hostilities. Men and women of all ages and all stations, in every part of New York and many other cities, with unspoken accord, suddenly stopt business and poured out into streets to join all that afternoon and until midnight in a delirious carnival of joy beyond comparison with anything ever seen before. The false report went to villages, small towns and great cities, where celebrations as enthusiastic as those in New York took place. Afternoon papers which carried the false news were snatched off the stands by eager crowds. No attention meanwhile was paid to the less romantic reports of a steady advance of Allied armies, of the taking of Sedan by French and Americans, or of the outbreak of a revolution in Germany. It was not till late afternoon that papers declared the report false. Even then the celebrating went on just the same until far into the night. The United States had got into the war last, and now it was getting out first. Paris on November the eleventh, 1918, was the stage of such scenes as occur once in the history of the world. They had no rehearsal and they can have no repetition. The Armistice came to France as it could come to no other nation, for no other nation had so suffered. It came as a great revivifying stream bringing new life, new hope, new strength and relief from the heaviest burdens and the deepest sorrows that a people had ever borne. The sun burst radiantly upon a nation that for four years has lived in darkness; a great mass of humanity was lifted in the twinkling of an eye from distress and mourning to a state of joy so elated, so overwhelming as to be actually painful. Within a few days the American Third Army, otherwise known as the Army of Occupation, crossed the German lines and advanced unmolested through the Duchy of Luxembourg, along the valley of the Moselle and across the Rhine at the heels of the retreating German forces. But the Armistice was a cease fire, not an end to the war, which only came with the Versailles Treaty, signed 28 June 1919. November 11th was celebrated as Armistice Day starting in 1919 and became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. After World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day in the United States. November 11 is still celebrated as Armistice Day in France and Belgium, but is called Remembrance Day today in the British Commonwealth of Nations, and is known as the Day of Peace in the Flanders Fields. While Veterans Day is typically a tribute to Americas living veterans, it is always appropriate to include a moment of silence in respect for those who gave their lives for their country. Honor veterans past and present by pausing for a minute of silence at 11am on 11/11, the eleventh hour on the eleventh day on the eleventh month. Armistice Day is also called Remembrance Day and they both refer to November 11th, which the US chose to call Veterans Day. In Britain, it is tradition to pause for a two minute silence at 11am on November 11 to remember those killed in the two world wars and the British servicemen killed or injured since 1945. Poppies became the symbol of the Royal British Legion when it was formed in 1921. King George V issued a proclamation calling for a two minute silence, it said: "All locomotion should cease, so that, in perfect stillness, the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead." To celebrate the centenary of the outbreak of war, the Tower of London was adorned by a monumental work composed of 888,246 ceramic poppies - one for each soldier of the Crown who fell during the Great War. The suggested donation is 1 per poppy. The British public usually buy nearly 45 million poppies each year. While the red poppy is worn in specifically in honour of the armed forces and is distributed by the Royal British Legion, the white poppy, given out by the Peace Pledge Union (PPU), a pacifist organisation, serves as an alternative. James McLean, the West Brom winger, received death threats in 2014 for playing a match without an embroidered poppy on his shirt, but has continued to avoid the symbol, saying: The poppy is used to remember victims of other conflicts since 1945 and this is where the problem starts for me. The Peace Pledge Union stated, The white poppy was not intended as an insult to those who died in the First World War a war in which many of the white poppy supporters lost husbands, brothers, sons and lovers but a challenge to the continuing drive to war. The Cornflower of France [Bleuet de France], national symbol of Remembrance and Solidarity, helps veterans and their younger brothers in arms, their wives, children and families in the event of injury or death as well as victims of attacks. Besides the symbol of life that continues despite the shelling, "blueberries" was the nickname that gave the hairy new soldiers, arriving with their uniform of blue still pristine horizon. It was in 1925 that the appellation becomes a badge, at the initiative of two nurses: Charlotte Malleterre and Suzanne Leenhardt create the "Bleuet de France" , which aims to collect funds to come in help the mutilated the Great War. Resident Invalides can create their own blueberries tissue then sold for profit. The National Office for Veterans and Victims of War (ONACVG) is the major operator of the Ministry of Defences policy for the remembrance of veterans. It is responsible for local actions in respect of the topics associated with the commemorative calendar. Since its creation, the National Office for Veterans and Victims of War (ONACVG) has had the task demonstrating the Nations gratitude to persons affected by war through the allocation of entitlements and cards. The flower of the field has become a symbol of solidarity towards all generations of soldiers left for the front whatsoever. The "poppy" of the tradition persists, particularly in the UK, where it would be frowned upon if a politician made an appearance during the week before November 11 without wear his poppy. Proof of its popularity: the money collected in Britain graze each year to 50 million euros, against just over a million in France. Both wild flowers continued to grow in the land ravaged by the battles of the First World War. And both echo a poem, the "Bleuets of France" and "In Flanders fields". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Belarus Signs Over 20 Arms Delivery, Upgrade Deals With Russia in 2016 Sputnik News 14:43 02.11.2016(updated 14:44 02.11.2016) Minsk has inked over 20 contracts in the supply and upgrades of Russian weapons in 2016. MINSK (Sputnik) Belarus has signed more than 20 agreements on the delivery and upgrades of Russian weapons this year, Belarusian Minister of Defense Andrei Ravkov said Wednesday. "In 2016 alone, we signed more than 20 contracts for the supply and modernization of military equipment. Dozens more contracts are either under negotiations or development," Ravkov said at a joint defense ministerial board meeting. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea to launch missile in three days: US sources Iran Press TV Tue Nov 1, 2016 9:56PM North Korea is gearing up for launching an intermediate-range ballistic missile in the next three days, US sources say. Citing two unidentified US officials, Fox Business Network reported on Tuesday that Pyongyang has planned the launch for between 24 and 72 hours. The launch, which is to be the latest in a series of previous attempts, comes following two other failed launches in the past month. 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 considered a threat by 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 the US forces in the region. Pyongyang says it will not abandon its nuclear military program unless Washington ends its hostile policy toward North Korea and dissolves the US-led command in South Korea. Thousands of US soldiers are stationed in South Korea and Japan. 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. The UN has adopted five rounds of crippling sanctions on Pyongyang since it first tested an atomic device in 2006. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany Extends Involvement in UN Missions in Sudan, S. Sudan Until 2018 Sputnik News 17:46 02.11.2016 Bundeswehr's involvement in the United NationsAfrican Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), and the UN Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) will be extended until the end of 2017, maintaining a regular level of staff, up to 50 soldiers at each point, according to government spokesman Steffen Seibert. BERLIN (Sputnik) The German Cabinet has decided to extend the Bundeswehr's involvement in the United NationsAfrican Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), and the UN Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) until the end of 2017, government spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Wednesday. Earlier this week, an independent inquiry revealed that the UN peacekeeping mission had certain shortcomings in South Sudan, and failed to properly protect hundreds of civilians. Following the inquiry's publication, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki moon pledged to introduce additional measures to improve the mission and bolster its protection capabilities. "In both cases, the German part amounted largely to guiding and advising tasks, in both cases it will be extended until the end of 2017, maintaining a regular level of staff, up to 50 soldiers at each point," Seibert said. According to him, the Bundeswehr mission in Sudan would remain part of long-term efforts for "a lasting settlement of the conflict and stabilization of peace consolidation in the region." UNAMID was deployed to Sudan's western region of Darfur in 2007, which has been engaged in an armed conflict between rebel groups and the government of Sudan since 2003. The rebels accused authorities of oppressing Darfur's non-Arab population, to which the government initially responded by ethnic cleansing. South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, has been engaged in an armed ethnic conflict since 2013, when President Salva Kiir said that a military coup had been planned in the country, pointing the blame squarely at rebel leader Rijek Mashar. Apart from killing scores of people, the conflict has put the country on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe. UNMISS was deployed to South Sudan in July 2011, initially for a year, but its deployment was later extended. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address As J-20 Takes Flight, India Yet to Firm-up its Plan on Next Gen Stealth Aircraft Sputnik News 20:15 02.11.2016(updated 20:21 02.11.2016) India watched with anxious interest the much awaited appearance of J-20 which is expected to provide long range, hard to detect strike capacity to the Chinese Air Force from 2018. New Delhi (Sputnik) Against the backdrop of soured relations with China, India's conundrum related to development of fifth generation fighter aircraft has deepened after Beijing exhibited its fifth generation stealth fighter aircraft J-20 to the world on Tuesday. Analysts believe that the J-20 is best suited for the Asia Pacific region because of its large size that can enable it to carry more internal fuel. Capability to hit air bases and aircraft carriers without detection are a threat to a country like India. "The J 20 is the China's twin-jet, fifth-generation fighter aircraft which is their second stealth fighter program. It is expected to be operational in 2018. China is pulling ahead in military aircraft production. It is of concern to India and India must accelerate its Advanced Medium Combat Stealth Aircraft (AMCSA) program with foreign help," said Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retired). The Indian Air Force has proposed building an indigenous fifth generation stealth aircraft, the AMCSA, but it still remains at the conceptual stage. Sweden's SAAB has offered to help in development of AMCSA but is yet to receive a response from the Indian establishment. Meanwhile, India is still deliberating over the joint development of a fifth generation fighter aircraft with Russia. Sources from Ministry of Defense said that India had sought some more clarity from the Russian side during a meeting held between defense ministers of both sides in New Delhi last week. India wants specific details pertaining to technology transfer and distribution of work in the joint venture. "We have already committed to the FGFA, but we have only 15% of the work share and are paying 50% of development cost. With Russians and Chinese opting for SU-35 and many others too, and India carrying on with FGFA in which Russia has lost interest is not a very good idea," said Chopra. Both countries had signed a primary agreement in 2013 but due to some differences, a research and development (R&D) contract for the FGFA has yet to take shape. Currently, the Indian Air Force has 33 squadrons of fighter jets against the mandated 42 squadrons required for a simultaneous war scenario with China and Pakistan. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Supreme Leader: Iran will steer clear of US, talks with US bring nothing IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Nov 2, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that Iran will steer clear of the US and that negotiations with the United States brought nothing. The Supreme Leader made the remarks in a meeting with Iranian pupils and university students to mark November 4, 1979, the Student Day on which students proclaimed followers of Imam Khomeini captured the den of spies in Tehran (the US Embassy). The Supreme Leader said that US never hesitates to show its enmity towards Iran and opening dialogue with them does not help remove the country's economic bottlenecks. The Supreme Leader made clear that US administration aims to prevent Iran's growth and economic development, saying that negotiations with the United States will get nowhere in light of the practical experience on the ground. The Supreme Leader said that the US officials are liar and deceitful, break their promise and strike the stab on the back. On the other hand, the United States is driven to mayhem citing the non-sense remarks of the presidential candidates and the commonplace dialogue between the two rivals. Citing the substandard and commonplace behavior of the two US presidential candidates, the Supreme Leader said that the US senior officials lack the moral criteria, they do not observe morality and are not trustworthy. On national politics, the Supreme Leader advised the political parties to follow the revolutionary values to salvage national economy. The Supreme Leader said that some individuals say that negotiations with the United States will help remove the hurdles Washington put in the way of Iranian economic development, but, experience of the nuclear talks indicated that they do not honor their commitments and they are not trustworthy. A revolutionary thought means trust in God, self-reliance, courage to take timely action, insights, carrying out the will of the late Imam Khomeini, taking initiatives, hope for future and not being afraid of the enemies and not to surrender to them, Ayatollah Khamenei said. The Supreme Leader recalled the capture of the den of spies in Tehran, saying that the documents obtained in seizure of the US embassy including stockpiles of torn papers that were stuck later by the young students indicated depth of conspiracies and enmity of the US against Iranian nation. The Supreme Leader advised the education ministry to put parts of the documents obtained from the den of spies in Tehran to the textbooks of the students at the high schools or make part of the the university curriculums. The seizure of the US embassy in fact was a natural reaction to the plots and enmities of the then superpower responsible for plundering the country's wealth and natural resources for several decades but the triumph of the Islamic Revolution salvaged the country from US hands, the Supreme Leader said. The Supreme Leader said that the anti-imperialist remarks of the late Imam Khomeini rooted in recognition of the US nature and not for the radical character of the late Imam Khomeini or prejudice. The late Imam Khomeini stood against US to defend the high morality values as the US administration is far away from humanitarian values, the Supreme Leader said. Trampling upon the humanitarian values and human rights, discrimination and racism are among realties in US society, the Supreme Leader said. The Supreme Leader recalled statement of a US official from negotiating team in nuclear talks who said, 'We imposed sanctions on Iran even after implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).' The resistance of the Iranian nation during the late Imam Khomeini era and their mottos against United States is based on a firm logic, the Supreme Leader said. There is a wrong and dangerous belief that some try to spread it to the society that reconciliation with the US help resolve the country's problems, Ayatollah Khamenei said, adding that the JCPOA and the US conduct about the nuclear talks showed that such an idea is totally wrong. Now, the country's officials and the negotiating team who spared no efforts in negotiations speak about the US disloyalty, the Supreme Leader said. On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Iran's foreign minister raised a long list of US disloyalties which remained unaccounted by the United States, the Supreme Leader said. This is the reality of the US and now some people say to sit at the negotiating table with the US on Syria, Lebanese Hezbollah, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen and even the country's interior issues, the Supreme Leader said. The well-known international centers and even the Americans themselves admit to the US economic, political, international and ethical crisis, the Supreme Leader adding that the US debts have taken over their GDP and based on global criterions it is an indication of economic crisis of the United States. Such a trouble-stricken country seeks to resolve its economic crisis by looting Iran's natural resources and wealth, the Supreme Leader said. The current status of the US in the current developments in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and North Africa are good indication of crisis the United States is suffering from, the Supreme Leader said. With reliance on Almighty God, the courage Iranian nation through practicing insight and resistance, they tolerated the problems and turned to a brilliant pattern in west of Asia and Persian Gulf region, the Supreme Leader said. The exchange of disgusting words between the two US presidential nominees in recent weeks on unethical issues is good enough to defame the Americans, the Supreme Leader said. 1430**1416 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daesh gathers Mosul residents to be used as human shields: Locals Iran Press TV Wed Nov 2, 2016 6:58PM Residents of the Daesh-held Iraqi city of Mosul say the Takfiri terrorist group is forcibly gathering civilians for possible use as human shields against the Iraqi forces conducting a major operation to liberate the city. Mosul fell to Daesh in 2014, the year the terror group began its campaign of death and destruction in northern and western Iraq. On October 17, Iraqi army, volunteer Shia and Sunni fighters as well as Kurdish Peshmerga forces launched a long-awaited operation to retake Mosul, the last stronghold of Daesh in the Arab country. Abu Yunis, a resident of eastern Mosul, said Daesh had asked the locals, "especially the young people, to gather in the area's schools, and bring their identity papers with them." However, most people had refused the order for fear of being used as human shields, he added. Abu Mohammed, a western Mosul resident, also confirmed that the militant group had "gathered people from areas south of Mosul and forced them to move further north to the city." The extremists try to hide among the civilians and flee from Mosul, he noted, adding that most Daesh militants were "deployed on the right bank [of the Tigris River] ready to fight, after they prepared car bombs and snipers, as well as rigging streets and bridges" with explosives. Mosul is split by the Tigris River, with the western half of the city known as the right bank. The remarks came a day after the United Nations warned that it had received reports of Daesh terrorists forcing thousands of civilians into Mosul, possibly to be used as human shields. Ravina Shamdasani, the spokeswoman for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said there was "a pattern" of the extremists surrounding their bases in Mosul with civilians. "We have grave concerns for these and tens of thousands of other civilians who have reportedly been forcibly relocated by Daesh in the past two weeks," she said. Daesh has been committing crimes against all ethnic and religious communities in Iraq, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds and Christians over the past two years. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Over 100 Daesh terrorists killed amid Iraq push to retake Mosul Iran Press TV Wed Nov 2, 2016 6:43AM More than 100 Daesh terrorists have been killed as Iraqi forces, backed by army air power, keep fighting their way into the northern city of Mosul, the last Daesh stronghold in the Arab country. According to reports, Iraqi F-16 fighter jets bombed a gathering of senior Daesh figures at a hotel in Mosul on Tuesday, leaving some 67 of the terrorists dead. Iraqi aircraft also destroyed Daesh tunnels linking the villages of Najmouk, Tal Yabis and Abbas near Mosul. Meanwhile, reports said forces of the Popular Mobilization Units, known as Hashed al-Sha'abi, managed to liberate Abu Edham village southwest of Mosul after engaging Daesh terrorists there and killing an unspecified number of them. As many as 29 Daesh terrorists also died in clashes with Iraqi soldiers in the al-Qabat district in the same area. Elsewhere, in Shalalat area, located about 7 kilometers northeast of Mosul, Iraqi soldiers discovered a Daesh munitions warehouse. On another front west of Mosul, Hashed al-Sha'abi forces took back the villages of Khabirat, Umm al-Shanin and al-Hawish from Daesh Takfiris. Reports further said US-led airstrikes killed 10 militants at an arms depot in Mosul, which was used by the Takfiri group for making bombs. Iraq launched an operation to retake Mosul, the capital of Nineveh Province, over two weeks ago. The battle has seen the army join forces with other Iraqi military forces, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds and Christians. Some 4,000 to 7,000 Takfiri terrorists are believed to be in and around Mosul, which fell to Daesh in 2014, the year Daesh began its campaign of death and destruction in northern and western Iraq. On Tuesday, the Iraqi military announced its forces had managed to enter "the Judaidat al-Mufti area, within the left bank of the city of Mosul." The city is split by Tigris River, with the eastern half of Mosul known as the left bank. "Now is the beginning of the true liberation of the city of Mosul," Staff General Taleb Sheghati al-Kenani, the commander of Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service. Reports say Daesh has executed hundreds of people and seized tens of thousands of others to use them as human shields to slow the advance of Iraqi forces. The Iraqi army is now trying to open humanitarian corridors to help the civilians caught up there escape to safe zones. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We don't want war with Turkey but are ready for it: Iraq Iran Press TV Tue Nov 1, 2016 11:59PM Baghdad says it will dismantle Turkey if it invades Iraq after Ankara deploys tanks and heavy artillery on its border. On Tuesday, Turkish military sources announced that a convoy of around 30 tanks and artillery has been deployed to the country's southeastern town of Silopi, located on the border with Iraq. Turkey's Defense Minister Fikri Isik said the measures were part of Ankara's preparation for "important developments in the region." "Turkey is preparing in advance for whatever happens (and) this is one element of that," he noted. Photos provided by the sources showed a long column of vehicles, including tanks, tank rescue vehicles, and construction vehicles in single file on a dual carriageway. Following the remarks, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi warned Ankara over provoking confrontation with Baghdad. "The invasion of Iraq will lead to Turkey being dismantled," said Abadi. "We do not want war with Turkey, and we do not want a confrontation with Turkey... But if a confrontation happens, we are ready for it. We will consider (Turkey) an enemy and we will deal with it as an enemy." The latest developments are part of a dispute between Iraq and Turkey in which Ankara insists on taking part in the battle to liberate Mosul from Daesh, while Baghdad rejects the need for its help. Latest on the battle for Mosul Meanwhile, members of the Iraqi army's elite forces, the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS), have recaptured a village and a television station in Mosul's eastern district, in their latest push to liberate the northern city from the grip of Daesh terrorists. Earlier, Iraqi special forces advanced towards the more urban center of Mosul after entering the outskirts of the city in a bid to retake it from the Takfiri terrorists. More than two weeks ago, the Iraqi army, volunteer Shia and Sunni fighters as well as Kurdish Peshmerga forces launched a long-awaited operation to wrest control of Mosul, the last stronghold of Daesh in the Arab country. Since then, the Iraqi forces have been advancing on the city on multiple fronts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 10,000 Displaced Iraqis Return to Nineveh As Battle for Mosul Rages Sputnik News 23:57 02.11.2016(updated 00:37 03.11.2016) An Iraqi parliament member reported Wednesday that ten thousand Nineveh residents had returned to their villages, having left briefly due to conflicts taking place to take back Mosul from Daesh militants. During a news conference Abdel Rahim al-Shemari, a Nineveh native said "A segment of displaced Nineveh residents, amounting to nearly 10,000, left homes at 15 villages for a few days and returned after liberationAnother segment left the province since the start of battles in October 17th, and those stand at 9000 persons." according to Iraqi News. The US State Department estimated in September that there would be over a million migrants from Mosul as battles in the area intensified, and the United Nations reported similar numbers on Tuesday. The effort to liberate Mosul, Daesh's last Iraqi holdout, is being fought by about 50,000 Kurdish Peshmerga soldiers, international US-led air forces and Iraqi government forces with the support of al-Hashd al-Shaabi otherwise known as Popular Mobilization Units, a coalition of Shia militia groups. According to the BBC between 3,000 and 5,000 are currently in Mosul, and on Monday Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told the jihadists that they could "either surrender or die." On the same day Bazwaya, the last occupied village in Mosul was retaken by units from the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS). Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi State-Sponsored Militia Ready to Fight Daesh Terrorists in Syria Sputnik News 22:34 02.11.2016 PMF commander of the Turkmen unit said that the armed forces of the Popular Mobilization Forces, an Iraqi state-sponsored militia organization, are ready to fight Daesh terrorists not only in Iraq, but also in Syria. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The armed forces of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an Iraqi state-sponsored militia organization, are ready to fight Islamic State (Daesh) terrorists not only in Iraq, but also in Syria, PMF commander of the Turkmen unit told Sputnik on Wednesday. "The PMF forces are fighting against terrorists for the sake of their country and people. We are ready to confront Daesh (Arabic acronym for ISIL) also in Syria, if there is such a proposal from official sources. We are ready to fight against the jihadists everywhere, no matter where they are," Ahmet Arslan said. He added that the militia currently sought to break the connection between the Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria. "Our forces are currently moving from the area of Geyyara toward Tal-Afar [Mosul province]. We have already managed to make significant progress. The main goal of the operation is to prevent the Daesh militants from retreating from Tal-Afar to Syria," Arslan said. The strengths of PMF is believed to be around 120,000 armed men, including Shiites, Alawites, Sunnis, Kurds, Turkmens and Arabs. PMF militia has been fighting against Daesh terrorists in Iraq for 2.5 years. Mosul has been occupied by Daesh, a jihadist group outlawed in many countries, since 2014. The operation to retake the city from the terrorists began on October 17. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Closing in on Mosul, Iraqi Army Finds Wake of Destruction By Heather Murdock November 02, 2016 Soldiers say the Iraqi army is closing in on Mosul, fighting less than a kilometer from the city limits as it battles Islamic State militants in Iraq. But in cities and villages outside the front lines, some locals say they fear as long as militants control the provincial capital nowhere in the area is safe. "We can't go back until Mosul is freed," said Bashir Salam Shama, who came back to his city to find his house destroyed on Wednesday. "We are Christians and it will not be safe." Islamic State militants target all minorities, government workers, security forces and other groups. Families fleeing the group recently said they are threatening to kill anyone who tries to escape. Soldiers say civilians are trapped in the battle zones, and they are fighting IS militants on the streets. The next phase of the struggle for Mosul is coming soon, it is expected to be long and dangerous for everyone involved, they said. "IS techniques are suicide bombs and explosive cars," explained Lt. Col. Atheer Jasim of the Iraqi army in Bartella. "They are dangerous for everyone, but we want to liberate Mosul, and our soldiers are well trained." As towns and villages surrounding Mosul are recaptured, a world of destruction is revealed. Shops and homes are in rubble, windows are shattered, and shell casings are scattered on the streets. There is no running water or electricity in Bartella, but residents trickle in to see what has become of their homes. "It has been two years since we have seen our homes and our city, and we are tired of being refugees," said Hasina Slyo Pitros, another resident who returned Wednesday to find her home devastated. "It is not just our house that was destroyed, it is the whole city." Outside the battle zones, vehicles with white flags are appearing at refugee camps, carrying fleeing families. The International Organization for Migration says more than 20,000 people have been displaced since the offensive began more than two weeks ago, and as many as a million more are expected. But many displaced families say if their suffering is necessary to destroy IS, they have no choice but to pay the price. "There will be a lot of victims because there are a lot of civilians in there," said Ahmed, an 18-year-old student living at the Debaga camp in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq. "But the Iraqi Army and the Peshmerga have the experience. They will do it." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 10,000 Police Forces Deployed in Islamabad as Opposition Rally Kicks Off Sputnik News 18:47 02.11.2016(updated 18:53 02.11.2016) A total of 10,000 police personnel has been deployed in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad to ensure security at a rally held by the Pakistani Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) opposition movement, local media reported Wednesday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) On Tuesday, hundreds of PTI supporters attempted to enter Islamabad to join a major anti-government meeting, due to be held the following day. According to media reports, PTI head Imran Khan demanded that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif step down, as he had allegedly been engaged in rigging the elections and corruption. As the protesters were preparing the rally, the Supreme Court ordered a probe into the Panama Papers scandal involving corruption allegations against Sharif's family, which made the opposition transform the planned protest into what they called a celebratory rally. According to the Dawn broadcaster, there are three entry points to the rally one for media, one for VIPs and one for general public. Khan and other senior PTI members arrived at the rally and are expected to address the public later in the day. According to other media reports, the rally is expected to finish at 10 p.m. local time (17:00 GMT). In late October, media reported that the Pakistani government banned all political meetings and protests in the capital, Islamabad, ahead of the November 2 planned opposition march. As PTI tried to enter Islamabad to join the rally, some of its members clashed with police, which resulted in the deaths if two opposition members. According to media report, up to 2,000 opposition members were detained, but the police released them earlier on Wednesday. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Korea coast guard opens fire on Chinese fishing boats Iran Press TV Wed Nov 2, 2016 1:38PM South Korean coast guard vessels have opened fire on Chinese trawlers allegedly fishing illegally off South Korea's coast, prompting Beijing to censure Seoul. On Wednesday, senior coast guard official Kim Jung-shik said the order to fire machine guns had been given during a confrontation with some 30 Chinese fishing boats. The Chinese vessels had been allegedly operating illegally near South Korea's Yellow Sea border with North Korea on Tuesday. "They tried to ram our ships although we repeatedly warned them," Yonhap news agency quoted Kim as saying. The South Korean coast guard forces initially fired into the air but were later ordered to fire on the bows of the trawlers. "I thought our officers would be in danger if I allowed any more resistance so we ended up using the crew service weapon," Kim said. Two Chinese boats were seized in the incident, which reportedly caused no casualties. The machine gun shootout is the first of its kind since the South Korean coast guard declared in September that it would apply a "more aggressive" firearms policy with Chinese boats. The shooting left Beijing "strongly dissatisfied" with China's Foreign Ministry calling on Seoul to "discipline" its coast guard. "Using destructive weapons can easily hurt fishermen and we urge the ROK (South Korea) side to ... avoid using any excessive or extreme tools in their law enforcement activities," said China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying. Numerous incidents have occurred in recent years between South Korea's coast guard and Chinese fishing boats venturing across international waters in search of fish. On October 10, Seoul said it had lodged a formal complaint with Beijing over the alleged sinking of a South Korean coast guard vessel by Chinese fishermen on October 7. On September 29, three Chinese fishermen died after their fishing boat was set on fire by South Korean coast guard members who threw grenades into their vessel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Korean president's confidante faces detention Iran Press TV Wed Nov 2, 2016 9:7AM Prosecutors in South Korea have requested an arrest warrant for Choi Soon-sil, President Park Geun-hye's long-time friend, as Park's popularity plunges over allegations of favoritism. The Seoul prosecutor's office on Wednesday asked the Seoul Central District Court to approve an arrest warrant for Choi, according to court spokesman Shin Jae-hwan. Prosecutors accused Choi of abuse of authority and attempted fraud, Shin said. The charge of abuse of power comes even as Choi had no official position, which is why her alleged role in influencing policies has come under fire. Shin said the court will likely determine whether to approve the arrest warrant by Friday morning. Last week, 64-year-old Park acknowledged that Choi, 60, had edited some of her speeches and provided public relations help. Choi had previously said that she had received some of Park's speeches and other documents; however, she had said that she was not aware if the material she was seeing contained confidential information. South Korean media have reported allegations that Choi pulled government strings from the shadows and pushed businesses to donate millions of dollars to two foundations she controlled to obtain money for her personal use and for Park's post-retirement activities. It was not still clear how much influence, in any, Choi had on state matters. South Korean media reported that some of the documents transferred to Choi included confidential information like secret military talks with North Korea. One TV station aired footage showing Choi picking up the clothes Park would wear. With Park's approval rating nosediving over the scandal, some opposition politicians have called for her resignation, though none has taken any concrete action to prepare for her impeachment. The latest public surveys put Park's approval rating at about 10 percent, the lowest since her inauguration in February 2013. Polls also showed that about half of the respondents thought Park should resign or be impeached by the National Assembly. Park has replaced her prime minister and two other top officials in a bid to restore public confidence amid the scandal. She has also fired eight presidential aides. It was not clear how the dismissed officials were connected to the scandal around Choi. South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party immediately criticized Park's reshuffles, saying the changes were an attempt to divert attention away from the scandal. It said Park must reveal the whole truth about her ties with Choi. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Korea 'Shaman Gate': President's State Policy Decided by Cult Sputnik News 19:03 02.11.2016(updated 19:09 02.11.2016) The unprecedented political scandal threatening to unseat South Korea's President Park Geun-hye is gathering pace. It has emerged than Park Geun-hye was influenced by a group of close friends with no political experience. In fact these friends were a mix of fortune-tellers and cult members, and were not simply consulting Park Geun-hye, but in many cases were literally dictating key political decisions. They also had access to secret government documents. Choi Soon-sil even made drafts of presidential speeches. Sputnik Japan asked Georgy Toloraya, an expert on Korea, how it was possible for a cult to dictate presidential policy in this day and age. Toloraya has called the scandal unprecedented. "Choi Soon-sil was also involved in corruption. But corruption scandals are nothing new to South Korea. The surprising thing is that state policy was built from Choi Soon-sil's predictions. Referring to supernatural forces this woman promised, for example, that North Korea will collapse in two years, and so on." However the expert is somewhat dismissive of any impending impeachment. "The public is callings for impeachment, but the thing is that the leading political forces of the country are not interested in that now. They are planning for presidential elections to be next year, and right; but now neither the ruling party or the opposition have a worthy candidate," Toloraya said. The expert expects that Park Geun-hye will nominally continue her presidency, but will lose all power over making political decisions, which will be made instead by her office. Nobody knows if one of the most important steps made by Park Geun-hye, the deployment of the US THAAD missile defense system, was made on the advice of her controversial circle of friends, but it is well known that this decision sparked outrage in the local communities where THAAD is to be deployed. It was also condemned by Russia and China. Toloraya doubts the possibility of revising this decision by a new president. "Some consequences are practically irreversible," the expert warns. "As we know now, Kaeson Park was closed under the advice of Choi Soon-sil. But it is not easy to restart its operation. THHAD systems are not yet deployed yet, but I guess that the next president will have to confirm Park Geun-hye's decision just on the strength of recent developments in the geopolitical situation which followed this decision." As public fury grows, Park Geun-hye's approval rating has dived dramatically, reaching 14%. It is likely to soon fall to the level of her predecessor Roh Moo-hyun, who committed suicide after a corruption scandal which saw his rating plunge to 5%. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Korean Coast Guard Fires Machine Guns Toward Chinese Fishing Boats Sputnik News 00:04 03.11.2016(updated 00:37 03.11.2016) In a sign of its increasingly aggressive posture, South Korea fired toward Chinese fishing vessels off the Korean Peninsula. Last month, Seoul announced that it would use firearms if necessary against Chinese vessels illegally fishing in Korean waters. "We will actively respond to Chinese fishing boats that obstruct justice by using all possible means if needed such as directly hitting and gaining control of those Chinese fishing boats as well as firing common weapons," South Korea's deputy coast guard chief, Lee Choon-jae, told reporters. On Wednesday, coast guard officials confirmed it had made good on that threat, according to Asia Times. Senior official Kim Jung-Shik told Yonhap news agency that the order was given to fire machine guns on 30 Chinese fishing boats in the Yellow Sea. "They tried to ram our ships although we repeatedly warned them," Kim said. "I thought our officers would be in danger if I allowed any more resistance so we ended up using the crew service weapon." Shots were initially fired into the air before the coastguard targeted the bows of the vessels. The coastguard also seized two Chinese fishing boats. No one is injured in the incident. The Chinese ministry of foreign affairs released a statement expressing "strong dissatisfaction" over the incident. "We have lodged multiple solemn representations to Korea on its coast guards' violent enforcement techniques," the statement reads, according to the Financial Times. Last month, three Chinese fishermen were killed in a fire on their boat after a South Korean coast guard crew threw flash grenades into their vessel, according to a South Korean official. "We hope South Korea can start from the perspective of the broader situation in bilateral relations and calmly and rationally handle the relevant issue," spokesman Geng Shuang told a news briefing in Beijing. While small wooden Chinese ships have been tolerated in the past, officials claim that these have been replaced with larger steel boats that allegedly engage in massive bottom-trawling operations. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Moscow Authorities Seal Off Amnesty International's Russia Office Tom Balmforth November 02, 2016 MOSCOW -- Moscow authorities abruptly sealed off the office of Amnesty International (AI), barring staff from entry in what the head of the rights watchdog's Russian representation called an "unfriendly and even violent action." AI and city authorities offered conflicting reasons for the move, with AI saying it was up to date on rent and that the lockout came without warning or explanation, and the Moscow property department reportedly saying that the property was shuttered due to unpaid debt. The incident has raised eyebrows, coming amid what Western governments, Kremlin foes, and activist groups, including AI itself, say has been a persistent clampdown on civil society organizations -- particularly those with foreign ties -- during President Vladimir Putin's third term. Sergei Nikitin, head of AI's office in Russia, told RFE/RL outside the sealed office in central Moscow that, when his colleagues arrived for work on November 2, they found that the door had been forced open during the night and the locks changed. At the time AI had received no explanation for what happened. "We have to work out what the reasons for this were," said Nikitin, who said AI has leased the premises from the Russian capital's State Property Department for more than 20 years and has always paid rent on time. "Because this is the style of bandits -- when they change your locks and seal your office even though you've paid," he said. "We need to get to the bottom of this. Maybe it was all a mistake." The press section of the Moscow property department later indicated there was no mistake, telling the RBK media holding company that officials had sealed off the property due to "considerable violations of the conditions of rent payment." The department told RBK, without specifying when, that Amnesty had been warned that it must pay a debt within a month or face termination of the lease contract. The warning was ignored, according to the department. The lockout, it added, is in keeping with a lease extension worked out in 2008 under which each party had the right to cancel the lease if three months' notice was given. The RBK report, as well as others on the Russian Internet and TV channel Dozhd, cited the property department as saying that the premises were now "free of contract relations." The old lock lay on the floor next to other small pieces of debris and there was chipped paint and scrape marks next to the door handle. A paper seal on the office door bearing a stamp and the symbol of Moscow St. George slaying a dragon -- gave no explanation. The seal on the door warned against "unsanctioned entry," instructed staff to contact the owner, and included a phone number. "We tried to call the number on the seal. However, we have not been able to get through. We have now been trying for three hours, if not more. No one is picking up the phone," Nikitin said. 'Other Reasons At Play' "This is not a question of debt or not paying. There are other reasons at play here," Nikitin added. "And we can only guess at the motivations for what I would call unfriendly and even violent action on the part of the Russian authorities." "Given the current climate for civil society work in Russia, there are clearly any number of plausible explanations, but it's too early to draw any conclusions," John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International's Europe Director, said in a statement. "We are working to resolve the situation as swiftly as possible and very much hope there is a simple administrative explanation for this setback to our work." Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told journalists on November 2 that he was unaware that Amnesty International's office had been sealed. Moscow city officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Kremlin critics have accused Putin of a carrying out a campaign of pressure against civil society and human rights organizations in recent years, frequently targeting groups that are foreign or receive funding from abroad. Putin, in power as president or prime minister since 1999, has long accused Western governments of using rights groups to spy on Russia and undermine his rule. 'Foreign Agents' Putin has stepped up criticism of the West since returning to the Kremlin for a third term in 2012, after he weathered street protests that he accused the United States of fomenting. Since then, he has signed laws authorizing the government to brand foreign-funded organizations "foreign agents" and to blacklist foreign-based groups as unwelcome in Russia. The AI office was raided by tax police in 2013, in what the authorities said was an "audit," but Nikitin told RFE/RL on November 2 that the organization has not faced overt government pressure recently. "I cannot remember any serious signs of enmity at all," he said. However, AI frequently criticizes Russia's treatment of activists, dissenters, and prisoners. On November 1, the organization called for the immediate release of Ildar Dadin, an imprisoned activist who alleged that he and other inmates have been tortured. Nikitin said in a statement that Dadin's allegations were "just the latest in a string of credible reports indicating that torture and other ill-treatment are being widely used in the Russian penal system with impunity, with the aim of silencing any form of dissent." In its annual report on human rights worldwide, released in February, it said that freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly continued to be severely curtailed in Russia in 2015, and that attempts to silence civil society were made with the aid of the repressive use of vague national security and anti-extremism laws. "We have seen more crackdowns on the freedom of expression, on the freedom of peaceful assembly, on the freedom of association," Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty's deputy program director for Europe and Central Asia, told RFE/RL at the time. "NGOs have been under pressure for a number of years and [the pressure] has massively increased over the last year." Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/amnesty- international-moscow-office-sealed- rights-watchdog/28090444.html Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Lower House Ratifies Agreement to Combine Forces With Abkhazia Sputnik News 12:38 02.11.2016(updated 12:39 02.11.2016) The Russian lower house of parliament adopted a bill ratifying an agreement to combine the Russian Armed Forces with those of Abkhazia, according to background documentation published Wednesday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The Russian government issued an enactment on July 11 to approve and submit for President Vladimir Putin's ratification of the combined forces agreement signed on November 21, 2015. "In peacetime, a task force comprised of the sides' representatives undertake the organization of interoperability between the military departments included in the combined forces," the text of the documentation reads. The combined forces include a Russian military base in Abkhazia and the Caucasus republic's two motor rifle battalions, an artillery and aviation groups, as well as a special-purpose detachment. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Four Ships of Russian Pacific Fleet Arrive in Jakarta Sputnik News 04:01 02.11.2016(updated 04:12 02.11.2016) Four ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet arrived in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta's port of Tanjung Priok. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Four ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet arrived in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta's port of Tanjung Priok to take part in the Indo Defence 2016 Expo & Forum, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement. "Pacific Fleet detachment entered the Tanjung Priok port in Indonesia to participate in the Indo Defence Expo & Forum. The detachment consists of Admiral Tributs major ASW [anti-submarine warfare] ship, Bystriy destroyer, Boris Butoma large tanker, and Alatau tug boat," the statement said on Tuesday. The Indo Defence 2016 Expo & Forum will be held on November 2-5 in Jakarta. Russian delegation, headed by the Deputy Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) Mikhail Petukhov, is expected to meet with the Indonesian military and security forces officials. Russian defense industry complex will demonstrate models of multi-purpose super-maneuverable fighter SU-35, T-90S tank, anti-aircraft missile complex Buk-M2E and BMP-3M infantry combat vehicle among others. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Human Rights Group Says Moscow Office Sealed By VOA News November 02, 2016 Amnesty International says staff of its Moscow branch arrived at work Wednesday morning to find their office sealed with a notice from municipal authorities warning people not to enter. The international rights group said the locks on the doors of its office in the Russian capital had been changed and that no explanation had been given. "We do not know what prompted Moscow authorities to prevent our staff from accessing our offices an unwelcome surprise for which we received no prior warning," Amnesty International Europe Director John Dalhuisen said in a statement. "Given the current climate for civil society work in Russia, there are clearly any number of plausible explanations, but it's too early to draw any conclusions." Dalhuisen said he hoped there was "a simple administrative explanation for this setback to our work" and that the group had "fulfilled all our obligations as tenants." Amnesty International rents its Moscow office from the city authorities, whom the group says it has been unable to reach to resolve the situation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he knew nothing about the closure of Amnesty International's Moscow office. On Tuesday, Amnesty International called on Russian authorities to investigate allegations made by Ildar Dadin, a jailed anti-Kremlin protester, that he had been beaten and tortured in prison. The group demanded that Dadin be immediately and unconditionally released. Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service said in a statement Wednesday that a "commission of independent doctors" had physically examined Dadin at the northwestern Russian prison where he is incarcerated and found no evidence he had been beaten or "signs of previous injuries," Russia's Tass state news agency reported. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin's Push for Law on 'Russian Nation' Gets Mixed Reviews By Svetlana Cunningham November 02, 2016 President Vladimir Putin has urged Russia's parliament to develop and implement federal legislation on "the Russian nation" to clarify and further regulate ethnic relations in the country. While the proposal has not been fleshed out, it is receiving mixed reviews. "What we really absolutely can and must work on what we should think about and start practical work on is a law on the Russian nation," Putin said at a meeting Monday of Russia's Council for Interethnic Relations in the southern Russian city of Astrakhan. Asked for details about the proposed law, Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said it was an "idea" supported by the president and that he did not want to "go into details." "Let's wait for the experts to work on this issue," Peskov added. Despite the lack of details, Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar praised Putin's proposal. He told the Interfax news agency that it is "a symbol of a new stage of Russia's development," the country's transformation from one divided between ethnic groups to one based "on the principle of the civic nation, uniting all people in the country, regardless of their nationality, color or faith." Kremlin critics, however, are less impressed. "Putin's nation aspires to world importance; it fights in Syria, worries about the American elections and even, rumor has it, wants to stage something in Montenegro," wrote journalist and blogger Oleg Kashin. "My nation has more modest tastes. ... My nation, one of many post-imperial nations in Eastern Europe, consists of millions of people who are often unsettled, unhappy, poor, with outdoor toilets and instant noodles in the saucepan. I believe it is immoral to involve this nation in all kinds of megalomaniacal projects while the primary right, the right to a human life, has not yet been implemented." Xenophobia, racism and nationalism are on the rise across Europe, and Russia has seen particularly extreme manifestations of these trends. A "Russian March" held by nationalists in Moscow annually has increasingly featured xenophobic, racist and anti-LGBT rhetoric, including the slogan "Russia for Russians." In 2013, 20 people were killed in Russian in racist and neo-Nazi attacks. Advertisements for apartment rentals often include such requirements for potential tenants as "must be of Slavic appearance," "only ethnic Russians are eligible to apply" or "whites only." Danila Galperovich in Moscow contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian foreign minister: Sooner Syria crisis ends the better Iran Press TV Wed Nov 2, 2016 3:42PM Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has underlined the necessity of finding a swift political solution to the deadly conflict gripping Syria, particularly the divided city of Aleppo. Speaking at the start of an official visit to Greece on Wednesday, Lavrov expressed hope that Moscow's partners would draw the necessary conclusions aimed at "honest cooperation... for a political process involving both the government and opposition forces" in Syria. "We must come to an agreement, the sooner the better," he added. The top Russian diplomat further warned that support for extremists fighting to topple the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is hindering attempts to settle the crisis. "Unfortunately... there is sabotage carried out against efforts for a political solution, [and] against the UN Security Council resolution, because some support the extremists who seek to oust" the Damascus government, Lavrov said The 15-member council unanimously passed Resolution 2249 last November, condemning terrorist attacks and calling on member states to act against al-Qaeda-affiliated militants and the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group wreaking havoc mainly in Syria and Iraq. Additionally, Lavrov accused Washington of not doing enough to implement the motion. At the time of adopting the resolution, US Secretary of State John Kerry urged severing links with terrorists, but "almost a year has passed and we await these words to be carried out," he said. The Russian foreign minister also accused the United States of repeatedly "withdrawing" from peace efforts in Syria's battered Aleppo. "For a few months now we are trying to solve the problems in the city of Aleppo. There were specific Russian-American agreements, but as soon as the agreements were adopted, the United States withdrew from them," he said. A week-long ceasefire in Aleppo, brokered by Russia and the US, came to an end on September 19. Damascus refused to extend the deal after US-led warplanes carried out deadly raids on its military base near the eastern city of Dayr al-Zawr in violation of the agreement. Since March 2011, Syria has been hit by militancy it blames on some Western states and their regional allies. Moscow and Washington support opposing sides in the conflict. Turkish, Russian army chiefs exchange views on Syria In another development on Wednesday, the head of the Turkish armed forces held talks with his Russian counterpart in Moscow on the situation in Aleppo and the fight against Daesh. According to a statement released by the Turkish military, the negotiations between Turkish General Hulusi Akar and Russian General Valery Gerasimov were held "in a constructive atmosphere." "The subjects taken up in the talks were a settlement to the clashes in Syria and normalization of the situation in Aleppo as well as continuing to develop coordination between the two countries with the aim of... ending the threat from Daesh," the statement said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian president orders humanitarian pause in Syria's Aleppo Iran Press TV Wed Nov 2, 2016 8:27AM Russia's President Vladimir Putin has ordered a 10-hour humanitarian pause in Aleppo on Friday, calling on the militants operating there to stop fighting and leave the embattled Syrian city. The humanitarian pause in Aleppo will begin from 9:00 to 19:00 local time on November 4, RT cited the Russian General Staff as saying on Wednesday. Head of the military's General Staff Valery Gerasimov said the new pause comes after the militants failed to break through the blockade around the northwestern city last week, and refused to accept Moscow's proposal to leave eastern Aleppo through two corridors set up for their exit. The Russian official said that since the Americans failed to separate terrorist groups from the so-called moderate opposition, "we are addressing all militant leaders directly, urging them to cease hostilities and leave Aleppo with their arms." "Two corridors will be opened, from which Syrian troops and weapons would be pulled back," he said. The Russian general said that one of the corridors for the militants leads to the Turkish-Syrian border and another one to the northwestern province of Idlib. During Friday's pause, six additional corridors will be opened for civilians wishing to leave the city, he said. A previous attempt to evacuate residents from the besieged city was derailed by militants who shelled the corridor to prevent people from leaving. A UN-led attempt to provide medical evacuations also failed. Washington's failure to separate terrorist groups from what it calls moderate opposition had also allowed the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham terrorist group, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, to "hide behind other armed groups of the opposition with which Washington is cooperating," according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Aleppo, Syria's second largest city, has been divided between government forces and foreign-backed militants since 2012. The Syrian army launched operations to reunite the government-held western part and the militant-held eastern section of Aleppo on September 22, with the support of the Russian Air Force. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daesh Terrorists Pushed Away From Northern Region of Aleppo After Clashes Sputnik News 19:08 02.11.2016(updated 19:49 02.11.2016) The Daesh armed groups were pushed from the northern region of Syria's Aleppo by the Free Syrian Army, according to the statement of the FSA command. DAMASCUS (Sputnik) The opposition Free Syrian Army (FSA) chased away the Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) militants from the northern region of Syria's Aleppo following violent clashes, the FSA command said on Wednesday. "The IS armed groups took advantage of a cloudy weather and the absence of aviation in order to slip into the neighborhood of the Akhtarin town north of Aleppo. However, the FSA managed to chase them away by destroying a part of manpower in violent clashes," the FSA commander said as quoted by the Al-Wasat newspaper. The so-called Arab Spring protests in Syria that took place in 2011 resulted in clashes between the government forces and opposition. Since then, the Middle Eastern country has been mired in a war between authorities in Damascus, numerous opposition factions, as well as terrorist groups, including the Daesh and Jabhat Fatah al Sham, which are prohibited in many countries, including Russia. Fighting in Aleppo escalated in the past days after militants in the eastern neighborhoods announced an offensive and fired missiles on the government-held western part of the city. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian Army Eliminates Almost All al-Nusra Front Jihadists in Southern Daraa Sputnik News 17:17 02.11.2016(updated 18:00 02.11.2016) Syrian government forces have eliminated nearly all militants belonging to the Jabhat Fatah al Sham (also known as al-Nusra Front, or Jabhat al-Nusra) terrorist group in southern parts of Daraa city in southwestern Syria, local SANA reported Wednesday, citing a military source. DAMASCUS (Sputnik) According to the SANA news agency, dozens of Daesh militants were killed by the army in the Deir ez-Zor province. The army also targeted a number of Daesh dens and destroyed arms and ammunition stored there, the media reported. Several terrorists were also killed during Damascus forces' operations in the Latakia province. The so-called Arab Spring protests in Syria that took place in 2011 resulted in clashes between the government forces and opposition. Since then, the Middle Eastern country has been mired in a war between authorities in Damascus, numerous opposition factions, as well as terrorist groups, including Daesh and Jabhat Fatah al Sham, which are prohibited in many countries, including Russia. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Plans Halt in Aleppo Airstrikes By VOA News November 02, 2016 The Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday that it would observe a 'humanitarian pause' on Friday to allow both rebels and civilians to leave the embattled city. "A decision was made to introduce a 'humanitarian pause' in Aleppo on November 4 from 9:00 to 19:00," the chief of Russia's General Staff Valery Gerasimov said in a statement. He said the moratorium, which was also approved by Syrian officials, was intended to "avoid pointless casualties." He also said rebels would be allowed to leave the city via two new corridors, one leading to the Turkish border and the other to the city of Idlib. The rebels will not be required to surrender their weapons. Six other exits will be available to civilians who wish to evacuate. Offer dismissed Rebel groups in Aleppo have dismissed Russia's offer, accusing them of lying and calling it a media stunt for "public consumption." Similar humanitarian pauses have been organized by Moscow and Damascus before but have largely failed. The most recent was just in mid-October, when U.N. and Red Cross aid trucks sat at the Turkish border for weeks, awaiting confirmation that it was safe for them to pass. The United Nations said about 250,000 civilians are in desperate need of supplies on Aleppo's eastern side and hundreds of others who urgently need of medical care also need to be evacuated. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S., Turkey Discuss Strategy For Retaking Raqqa From Islamic State RFE/RL November 03, 2016 The United States is talking with Turkey about taking an eventual role in the campaign to regain control of the Syrian city of Raqqa from the Islamic State extremist group, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter has said. "We'll continue to talk with Turkey about its role in the eventual seizure of Raqqa, but we're proceeding now with the operation according to our plan," Carter said at a news conference on November 2. "We intend to go there soon with the force that is capable of doing that and enveloping the city of Raqqa. ... The final seizure of Raqqa, we continue to talk to Turkey about that and a possible role for Turkey in that further down the road," Carter said. Carter has said that Kurdish YPG militia fighters will be part of the force charged with surrounding and isolating IS in its most important stronghold in Syria. But Arab forces are expected to be the ones to take the city itself, U.S. officials say, to avoid potential ethnic conflicts. A similar strategy has been followed in the operation to retake Iraq's Mosul from IS to avoid igniting ethnic and sectarian conflicts. The role of the Kurds in the battle has emerged as a major sticking point with Turkey. The United States regards the YPG as its most capable Syrian ally in the fight against IS, but Turkey regards it as a terrorist organization because of its links with Kurdish militants fighting a three-decade insurgency in Turkey. Turkey's concern has grown as the Syrian Kurds, with strong U.S. backing, have taken control of much of the Syria-Turkey border from the militants. Turkey has said that the Raqqa operation should be carried out by local forces and the Kurdish YPG militia should not be included. But U.S. officials have privately warned Turkey that it must stand aside and let the coalition-backed operation proceed, The Washington Post reported. Carter's comments on November 2 suggest that the United States will try to involve Turkey in the final takeover of the city after Kurdish YPG forces have helped to surround and isolate it. With reporting by Reuters and The Washington Post Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/us-turkey-discuss- strategy-retaking-raqqa-syria-islamic-state- kurdish-ypg-forces/28092362.html Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Defense minister gives assurances on U.S. arms sold to Taiwan ROC Central News Agency 2016/11/02 12:24:52 Taipei, Nov. 2 (CNA) Facing lawmakers' doubts that the United States might have sold Taiwan weapons of poor quality, Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan () gave assurances Wednesday that all of the weapons supplied met Taiwan's requirements. "Having served as a military attache in the United States, I can give my assurance" that all the weapons and equipment the U.S. has sold to Taiwan met the country's functional requirements, Feng said at a hearing of the Legislature's Foreign and National Defense Committee. The minister was at the Legislative Yuan to present the Ministry of National Defense's annual budget and administration plan for 2017. During the hearing, lawmakers questioned whether the MND had inflated its budgets for weaponry purchases, citing recent media reports that the balance due for the 30 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters Taiwan bought from the U.S. had been cut by NT$4.9 billion (US$155 million). Feng responded that his ministry held five meetings with the U.S. to discuss and review the management of the Apache program, and the negotiations ended with the U.S. agreeing to a cut in the yearly payment for the helicopters. "It was a good result, but turned to be bad when people talked about the case in this way," Feng said. As for the reported concerns that Taiwan has bought weapons and equipment of poor quality, he described that scenario as "impossible." Since it started to do business with Taiwan, the U.S. has never sold bad weaponry to Taiwan, Feng said, noting that every weapons system or piece of equipment sold by the U.S. had met all of Taiwan's requirements in terms of functions and specifications. He said he was qualified to give the assurance because he had served as a military attache in the U.S., the minister added. The sale of 30 AH-64E Apache helicopters, which cost Taiwan nearly NT$60 billion, was announced by the George W. Bush government in 2008. Delivery was completed in 2014. (By Wang Cheng-chung and Elizabeth Hsu) ENDITEM/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address KMT-CPC forum opens in Beijing ROC Central News Agency 2016/11/02 18:26:54 Beijing, Nov. 2 (CNA) The 11th meeting between Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) and the Communist Party of China (CPC) opened in Beijing on Wednesday, with more than 200 people in attendance, including KMT Chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu (). Hung did not attend the opening ceremony in the morning, choosing instead to take part in afternoon discussions at two out of the forum's five panels which focussed on the subjects of politics, economics, culture, society and youth affairs. Hung attended the panels on economics and youth affairs. The two-day KMT-CPC forum, which has been held every year since 2006, was this year renamed the Cross-Strait Peace Development Forum. It was also organized by civic groups, a change to earlier years when it was dominated by the two political parties. Hung deliberately chose not to attend the forum's opening ceremony and will not be present at the official closing of the event on Thursday, in line with the reduced role played by politics at the 2016 forum, according to the KMT, which lost power in Taiwan's presidential and legislative elections in January to the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party. Before the forum opened, KMT Vice Chairman Steve Chan (), who heads the Taiwan delegation for the high-profile cross-strait event, met with Yu Zhengsheng (), chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. (By Yin Chun-chieh and Elizabeth Hsu) ENDITEM/ AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey's Foreign Minister Calls Iraq's Prime Minister 'Weak Politician' Sputnik News 20:01 02.11.2016(updated 20:09 02.11.2016) Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Wednesday called Iraqi Prime Minister Haydar Abadi "a weak politician" unable to fight Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants, outlawed in Turkey. ANKARA (Sputnik) On Tuesday, Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik confirmed reports about the deployment of additional troops and military equipment near the border with Iraq to "prepare for possible developments in the region." Later in the day, Iraqi prime minister warned that the Turkish military invasion on Iraq's territory would lead to the breakup of Turkey itself. He stressed that Iraq did not want war with Turkey, however, Baghdad was ready for it in case of Turkish provocation. "If you [Abadi] have the power, why did you leave Mosul to terrorists in the first place? Why has the PKK been invading your lands for years? You are weak but trying to bully and being rhetorical," Cavusoglu told journalists. He added that Turkish officials had repeatedly declared Turkey would take measures to ensure its security, and Ankara was taking these measures now. According to Cavusoglu, Iraq's security was the same important for Turkey as its own as Iraq remained Ankara's "friend and brother." Turkey has been seeking an active role in the Iraqi military operation to recapture the Daesh stronghold of Mosul in northern Iraq. Turkey sent troops across the border late last year to allegedly train Sunni fighters at a base near the Daesh-held Iraqi town of Bashiqa, prompting protests from Baghdad. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey Moving Armored Vehicles to Kilis on Syrian Border Sputnik News 18:36 02.11.2016 Turkish armored personnel carriers and other military vehicles were transfered to the border town of Kilis, near Syria, according to local media. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Turkey is moving armored personnel carriers and other military vehicles to the border town of Kilis, near Syria, local media reported Wednesday. The Anadolu news agency reported citing the Turkish Chief of Staff that the move was motivated by the necessity to increase the size of the army group at the Turkish-Syrian border. On August 24, the Turkish army with the support of US-led coalition aircraft launched the Euphrates Shield operation to clear Jarabulus and the surrounding area of the Daesh, outlawed in Russia and many other countries. The operation has been widely criticized both by the Syrian Kurds and Damascus accusing Ankara of violating Syria's territorial integrity. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed his commitment to Syria's territorial integrity, stressing the military operation in its north only aimed to bring peace to the region. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Hopes Law to Reveal Lawmakers' Wealth Will Aid EU Path By Henry Ridgwell November 02, 2016 A new law in Ukraine forcing senior officials to declare their wealth has revealed the scale of riches held by those in power. Members of the Cabinet alone hold $7 million in cash. Other lawmakers declared luxury cars, expensive watches and artwork. Analysts say the revelations show how far Ukraine still has to go to eradicate corruption. The 2014 uprising and subsequent ouster of then-president Viktor Yanukovich was meant to usher in a new generation of clean politics in Ukraine. But the scale of the wealth revealed to be held by current lawmakers and senior officials has left many of those who manned the barricades in Kiev's Independence Square disillusioned like Olexandra Ustinova of non-governmental organization the Anti-Corruption Action Center. "Basically, we had hundreds of people die on Maidan for the new people to be elected and to come to power," said Ustinova. "And basically looking now on the new declarations you realize that these people are not new. The majority of these people are still there to make money." Ukraine's prime minister, Volodymyr Groysman, declared that he kept $1.6 million in cash alone at his house. Most Ukrainians knew their lawmakers were hugely wealthy and some kind of amnesty could be agreed to, says Orysia Lutsevych of British policy group Chatham House. "I think this will be a benchmark in a way to make sure in the future some of these people don't declare again the massive increase in their wealth," said Lutsevych. There are suspicions some lawmakers may have overstated their wealth to allow for future corrupt profits. Ukraine's prosecution service must be strengthened to eradicate such corruption, argues Lutsevych. "One of the reasons these people were able to amass such wealth is that the judiciary was not working, and Ukraine has over 50 judges that are millionaires. And the system is like longs roots, it's going everywhere, it's not just one body of the government," said Lutsevych. The European Union insisted on the declarations as a condition of financial assistance and potential visa-free travel to the EU. "The EU should not stop, because it's maybe two or three steps that Ukraine made out of ten or twenty, in order to ensure the change of the system," said Lutsevych. Ukraine's anti-corruption agency will now attempt to verify the declarations with over 100,000 forms to assess. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hackers Release More E-Mails They Say Tie Putin Aide To Ukraine Crisis Christopher Miller November 03, 2016 KYIV -- Ukrainian hackers claim to have broken into a second e-mail account linked to Vladislav Surkov, a senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, releasing documents they say add to mounting evidence of the Kremlin meddling in Kyiv's affairs. The new e-mails were obtained by RFE/RL from the hackers in advance of their public release on November 3. If authentic, they provide detail about the extent to which Surkov's office worked to set up separatist enclaves in eastern Ukraine in 2014. The e-mails include plans that ostensibly show how associates of Surkov plotted to destabilize Ukraine's eastern Kharkiv region, researched Ukrainian politicians who openly supported weakening central power in a bid to exploit the country's political divisions, and helped establish the leadership of separatist groups in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. They indicate that, in one case, a draft law on an economic zone in eastern Ukraine purportedly written by Surkov himself was sent to the office of an opposition lawmaker and later introduced in the Ukrainian parliament. The new release comes one week after an initial batch of e-mails from an inbox allegedly associated with Surkov, a longtime Putin aide who is the point man for Ukraine in his administration. Analysts say they demonstrate careful planning by Russia ahead of the forcible annexation of Crimea in March 2014 and a direct Russian role in fomenting anti-Kyiv actions in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which led to a war that has killed more than 9,600 people since that April and persists despite Western-brokered cease-fire deals. In both cases, the e-mails were released by a group of Ukrainian "hacktivists" who call themselves the Cyber Alliance. On November 3, the Cyber Alliance posted a video on YouTube in which a character in a trademark mask of the hacker group Anonymous takes credit for hacking accounts in Surkov's office and warns, "This is just the beginning." Independent international analysts and Ukraine's domestic Security Service, the SBU, have said many of the e-mails in the first group appear authentic, but there were doubts about some of the documents. Several people whose correspondence with Surkov was included in the leak have confirmed they sent the messages to Surkov released by the hackers. The Kremlin has not explicitly called the e-mails or attached material fraudulent but has sought to cast doubt on their authenticity. Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said of one unspecified text that Surkov "doesn't use electronic mail...so someone must have sweated quite a bit to compose this document." Surkov himself has not commented on the matter. The e-mails released on November 3 were hacked from pochta_mg@mail.ru, a private e-mail account that uses the digital signature "Ivan Ivanov" but appears to have been managed by Surkov assistants Maria Vinogradova and Yevgenia Kudryavtseva, to whom many of the letters are directly addressed. Vinogradova and Kudryavtseva also handled the e-mail account from the first leak. Contacted by RFE/RL's Russian Service, both declined to comment. The pochta_mg@mail.ru account, reviewed by RFE/RL, includes 340 megabytes of data from 336 incoming messages, many addressed to Surkov himself, and 87 outgoing messages, including some that appear to have been signed by Surkov, between November 28, 2014, and September 21, 2016. The authenticity of the newly released e-mails and documents has not yet been fully established, but Aric Toler of the open-source investigation unit Bellingcat and the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Lab told RFE/RL that the metadata and other aspects of the e-mails appeared genuine. An e-mail sent to Surkov's office on April 29, 2015, by Anna Makharinskaya, an assistant to Mikhail Markelov, a State Duma member from the ruling United Russia party at the time, included a detailed plan to destabilize Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, with 1.4 million people. Neither Makharinskaya nor Markelov, who the document indicates authored the plan, could be reached for comment. The plan -- titled Package Of Measures X -- says that "the majority of the population of the Kharkiv region adheres to opposition views toward Kyiv" and includes a proposal to create an organization called Civil Initiative that would "develop and implement a set of...actions in order to mobilize dissent [and] criticism of Kyiv authorities," as well as promoting "autonomy" for the region and establishing "a dialogue in this regard between Kharkiv and Kyiv." But the plan appears to have fizzled if it ever got under way, according to a June 4 e-mail identified as being from Markelov. "'The Kharkov, rise up!' movement and 'destabilization rallies and actions' have become "irrelevant," the author wrote, using the Russian spelling for the city name. Among Kharkiv's youth there is growing support for the ideas "'Ukraine is Europe,' 'Russia invaded Ukraine,' 'Kharkiv is Ukraine,' etc.," the author continued, adding that among pro-Russian activists it is believed that "Russia has abandoned us." The developments described in those e-mails seems to align with events and attitudes in Kharkiv in 2015. In the months following the pro-Western Euromaidan protests in Kyiv, which drove Russia-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych from power in February 2014, Russia-backed separatists rallied for a "Kharkiv People's Republic," storming government offices like their counterparts in Donetsk and Luhansk, and a group calling itself Kharkiv Partisans targeted pro-Kyiv groups in a bombing campaign that killed several people, according to Ukrainian authorities. Ultimately, the uprising in Kharkiv failed and the city remains under Ukrainian control today -- while Donetsk and Luhansk are held by the Russia-backed separatists. Other e-mails included in the November 3 release indicate that Surkov's associates devoted time to researching Ukrainian federalization -- a process for granting more power to the regions, weakening the central government in Kyiv. Many of the e-mails in the account contain what appear to be briefings from his assistants on legislation in Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, and news reports about the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The e-mails suggest Vinogradova and Kudryavtseva were used to pass correspondence between Surkov and leaders of the separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk. Russian Aleksandr Kazakov, an aide to Donetsk separatist leader Aleksandr Zakharchenko, features prominently in the e-mails, writing to Vinogradova with several requests to pass on messages to Surkov. In one, addressed directly to Surkov, an author identified as Kazakov begs for a meeting to ask about Surkov placing him on "unpaid leave." On December 15, 2015, an unidentified sender sent a list with proposed replacements for the heads of so-called "ministries" in what separatists describe as the "Luhansk People's Republic." It included the names and resumes of possible candidates to replace 13 officials but not the the self-declared "prime minister," Igor Plotnitsky. There is also correspondence apparently involving European officials. In a series of e-mails that appear to have been sent from official government e-mail accounts between May 14, 2015, and April 2, 2015, an author identified as Steffen Thomas, who is listed on the official German Bundestag website as state secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance, discusses with Russian Deputy Finance Minister Aleksei Moiseyev the possible resumption of banking services in the separatist-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk. Banking services in those parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions remain cut off today. With reporting by Mark Krutov of RFE/RL's Russian Service Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/hackers-russia- ukraine-surkov-emails/28092794.html Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address November 2016 by Marc Jacob Arbor Networks Inc., the security division of NETSCOUT, announced that Taiwan Mobile Business Solution has introduced a multi-layer DDoS protection service for their enterprise customers that is powered by Arbors DDoS mitigation technology. Taiwan Mobile is a leading telecommunications company in Taiwan offering mobile, fixed-line, cable TV and broadband services. Enterprises under DDoS attacks are flooded with an overwhelming flux of packets. Not only is the network bandwidth oversaturated and the server resource depleted, in some cases, the overloaded network protection equipment is also forced to shut down, allowing the attacker to break into the system and to latently prepare a targeted attack. Arbors multi-layer DDoS protection solutions enable us to give our customers full network visibility, actionable security intelligence, and broad-based DDoS attack detection and mitigation, said Chuan-Hui Wu, chief operating officer of Taiwan Mobiles Business Solution. Taiwan Mobile Business Solution customers will benefit from an integrated on-demand solution that delivers protection from the full spectrum of modern DDoS attacks that target bandwidth, applications and infrastructure, often at the same time. Arbor has been a proponent of multi-layer protection for many years and we are gratified that Taiwan Mobile Business Solution has decided to launch a service for their customers that follows best practice defence, said Alex Chin, Taiwan Country Manager for Arbor Networks. The Need for Multi-Layer Protection Todays complex DDoS attacks are the number one threat to the availability of networks, applications and online services. Volumetric attacks are growing. The increasing popularity of amplification/reflection attacks together with massive Internet of Things botnets is adding a new layer of complexity. Modern day DDoS attacks now employ a combination of volumetric, TCP-state exhaustion and application-layer attack vectors. Taiwan Mobile Business Solution is now able to provide cloud-based traffic scrubbing services tightly integrated with on-premise DDoS mitigation defence. This multi-layered, hybrid approach represents the most comprehensive DDoS program an enterprise can deploy to mitigate todays full spectrum of DDoS threats. The Arbor Solution The cloud-based protection is delivered via the integrated Arbor SP and Arbor TMS solutions. Arbor SP combines network-wide anomaly detection and traffic engineering with Arbor TMS carrier-class threat management, which automatically detects and surgically removes only attack traffic, while maintaining other business traffic. With the ability to mitigate only the attack traffic, customer-facing services remain available while providers actively mitigate attacks. More than 60 global ISPs rely on the integrated Arbor SP and Arbor TMS solutions to offer DDoS a managed service to their customers. The on-premise protection comes via the Arbor APS solution, the first on-premise security product focused on securing the network perimeter from threats against availability specifically application-layer DDoS attacks. Purpose-built for the enterprise, Arbor APS delivers out-of-the-box, proven attack identification and mitigation capabilities that can be deployed with little configuration, even during an attack. Arbors patented Cloud Signaling capability ensures the tightest integration possible between on-premise and cloud-based mitigation. French English THIS ANNOUCEMENT IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURIDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW IRVINE, CA, and HERSTAL, BELGIUM - November 3, 2016 - MDxHealth SA (Euronext Brussels: MDXH), announced today that it has successfully raised EUR 20,371,329.00 (or USD 22,608,100.92) in gross proceeds by means of a private placement of 4,526,962 new shares at an issue price of EUR 4.50 (or USD 4.991) per share. The closing price of the MDxHealth share on Euronext Brussels on November 2, 2016, before the launch of the private placement, was EUR 4.625 per share. Bank Degroof Petercam SA/NV acted as Sole Lead Manager and Bookrunner for the private placement. "We are delighted to have raised this additional funding from a mix of investors who share our belief in the commercial potential of our world leading DNA methylation platform," said Jan Groen, chief executive officer of MDxHealth. "In combination with our existing cash position, these funds allow us to support and scale-up our U.S.-based managed care and related healthcare reimbursement efforts, the sales and marketing efforts in the U.S. for ConfirmMDx and SelectMDx, and the sales and marketing and related commercialization efforts in Europe and the rest of the world for SelectMDx. In addition, it will allow us to accelerate the product development of the AssureMDx bladder cancer test, and to finance general corporate purposes." The payment and delivery of the new shares is expected to take place on November 7, 2016, and an application will be made to admit the new shares to trading on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels at the same time. The new shares to be issued will have the same rights and benefits as, and rank pari passu in all respects with, the existing and outstanding shares of MDxHealth at the moment of their issuance and will be entitled to distributions in respect of which the relevant record date or due date falls on or after the date of issue of the new shares. As a result of the issuance of new shares, the company's share capital will increase from EUR 36,111,083.86 to EUR 39,722,241.45 and its issued and outstanding shares will increase from 45,269,633 to 49,796,595 ordinary shares. About MDxHealth MDxHealth is a multinational healthcare company that provides actionable molecular diagnostic information to personalize the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The company's tests are based on proprietary gene methylation (epigenetic) and other molecular technologies and assist physicians with the diagnosis of cancer, prognosis of recurrence risk, and prediction of response to a specific therapy. For more information visit mdxhealth.com and follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/mdxhealth. For more information: Dr. Jan Groen, CEO MDxHealth US: +1 949 812 6979 BE: +32 4 364 20 70 info@mdxhealth.com Jonathan Birt, Chris Welsh, Hendrik Thys (PR & IR) Consilium Strategic Communications UK: +44 20 3709 5701 US: +1 917 322 2571 (Rx Communications Group LLC) mdxhealth@consilium-comms.com Important information The MDxHealth logo, MDxHealth, ConfirmMDx, SelectMDx, AssureMDx and PredictMDx are trademarks or registered trademarks of MDxHealth SA (the "Company" or "MDxHealth"). All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. The person making the present notification is MDxHealth SA, represented by Dr. Jan Groen, CEO. This press release contains forward-looking statements and estimates with respect to the anticipated future performance of MDxHealth and the market in which it operates. Such statements and estimates are based on various assumptions and assessments of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which were deemed reasonable but may not prove to be correct. Actual events are difficult to predict, may depend upon factors that are beyond the Company's control, and may turn out to be materially different. No representations are made as to the accuracy or fairness of such forward-looking statements and estimates. Furthermore, forward-looking statements and estimates only speak as of the date of the publication of this document. MDxHealth expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this release to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based unless required by law or regulation. This announcement is for general information only and does not purport to be full or complete. This announcement does not constitute, or form part of, an offer to sell or issue, or any solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for shares. This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa or any other jurisdiction where to do so would be prohibited by applicable law. Any persons reading this announcement should inform themselves of and observe any such restrictions. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and the securities may not be offered or sold in the United States (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless these securities are registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act is available. The Company and its affiliates have not registered, and do not intend to register, any portion of the offering of the securities concerned in the United States, and do not intend to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States. Any offer of securities to which this announcement relates is only addressed to and directed at persons in member states of the European Economic Area ("EEA") who are "qualified investors" within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive (Directive 2003/71/EC and amendments thereto, including Directive 2010/73/EU, to the extent implemented in the relevant Member State of the EEA) and any implementing measure in each relevant Member State of the EEA (the "Prospectus Directive") ("Qualified Investors"), or such other investors as shall not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of Article 3.1 of the Prospectus Directive. In addition, any offer of securities to which this announcement relates is in the United Kingdom, being distributed only to, and is directed only at, Qualified Investors (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order") and Qualified Investors falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, and (ii) to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The offering will only be available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe for, purchase, or otherwise acquire securities will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents. This communication is not a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus Directive. This communication cannot be used as basis for any investment agreement or decision. Acquiring investments to which this announcement relates may expose an investor to a significant risk of losing the entire amount invested. Persons considering making such investments should consult an authorised person specialising in advising on such investments. This announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning the securities referred to herein. Bank Degroof Petercam NV, authorised as a stock broker company supervised by the National Bank of Belgium, is acting for the Company only in connection with the offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections offered to their respective clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the transaction or any matters referred to in this announcement. No announcement or information regarding the offering, listing or securities of the Company referred to above may be disseminated to the public in jurisdictions where a prior registration or approval is required for such purpose. No steps have been taken, or will be taken, for the offering, listing or securities of the Company in any jurisdiction outside of Belgium where such steps would be required. The issue, exercise, or sale of, the subscription for or purchase of securities of the Company are subject to special legal or statutory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. The Company is not liable if the aforementioned restrictions are not complied with by any person. Facing declining enrollment and a loss of about $1.1 million in per-pupil revenues, Danville School Board and Danville City Council members pledged to work together to solve budget, discipline and capital needs issues in the coming months. What we want to do is make our schools better, said Danville Mayor John Gilstrap. The school board and City Council held one of the first joint meetings of the 2017 budget cycle Wednesday at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. Danville Superintendent Stanley Jones first presented a breakdown of the expected enrollment decline for the 2016-17 school year. A few weeks ago, student data revealed a drop in enrollment of about 246 students, and 181 less than the district had budgeted. Jones said students did not return to the school district for a variety of reasons the two biggest were the 161 who moved out of the state and the 126 who enrolled in Pittsylvania County Schools. Danville Public Schools will manage the loss of funding this year by using unencumbered and carryover funds, and will not have to ask City Council for more, Jones said. Jones also presented the timeline for a long-term programming and facility review for each of the schools in the district. The work which began in January will continue until summer of 2017 and includes a planned precision machining program at George Washington High School. This should align our programs, Jones said. I think investment in our facilities is critical. Jones also fired back on questions about the new discipline programs in place at schools, saying new intervention systems and community supports were helping to find the roots of behavior problems. He noted Virginia was the No.1 referrer of students into the juvenile justice program, and said he hoped the school district could prevent adding students to the prison pipeline. It means that we have systems that result in our young folks being in the prison pipeline, Jones said. So, why dont we do something about it? City Council member Sherman Saunders asked Jones about the accountability measures like Standards of Learning tests, and how much it factors into how well a school is doing. Jones said the accreditation measures are just one of many ways to tell how a school is progressing. It means all children are not learning at the pace we want them to, Jones said about partial accreditation results. School board vice chairman Steven Gould said he hoped council members would direct more residents with school district questions to the school board in the future. School board and council members also tentatively planned to hold a joint retreat later this budget cycle. Virginias public universities will likely have to budget for a 7.5 percent decrease in state funding in the next fiscal year, according to a Tuesday letter sent from the governors office to public university presidents and chancellors. The letter from Gov. Terry McAuliffes Chief of Staff Paul Reagan obtained by The Roanoke Times through the Virginia Freedom of Information Act instructs universities to begin preparing for a reduction in state funding, which mostly pays for personnel and general functions of a university. The cuts will come from the general funds appropriation, but will be adjusted so financial aid from the state will not be impacted. The reduction would amount to close to $12.9 million for Tech and $3.8 million for Radford, according to the governors office. Techs total budget is $1.5 billion, Radfords is $206 million. State funds represent a sizable, but shrinking, fraction of university budgets. Much of Tech and Radfords budgets are paid for through tuition, fees and grants. The move comes after the state experienced an approximately $1.5 billion budget shortfall this year. Executive branch agencies were instructed to prepare savings plans equal to 7.5 percent, of their expected funds from the state, according to the letter. Many of those agencies experienced cuts this year. Despite the shortfall this year, state appropriations at public universities had been protected. McAuliffe doesnt want the decrease in state support to represent a hike in student cost, according to the letter. Tuition and fee increases beyond what was already being proposed in an institutions six-year plan should not be considered as a mechanism to offset these reductions, the letter said. Dan Hix, finance policy director for the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, wrote in a prepared statement the cuts weren't surprising given the budget shortfall, but pledged that the state agency would work with higher education officials around Virginia. "During this period of belt-tightening we will work with all parties to protect as much as possible the investments in higher education made by the governor and the General Assembly, particularly the investments in access and affordability that have made it possible for many Virginians to pursue their educations," Hix wrote. Radford University President Brian Hemphill addressed the shortfall with the university community in an email sent to faculty, staff and students Tuesday. He wrote that university officials will soon begin meeting with leadership teams of various business units across campus to meet the governors guidelines. This budgetary development will not deter our strategic focus on excellence, nor will it deter our vision to transform Radford into an innovative, premier university within the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond, with a focus on teaching, research and service, Hemphill wrote. Spokespeople at Virginia Tech did not respond Wednesday to requests for comment. Energy efficiency is more than just lowering the heat or reducing air conditioning, said a consultant during an energy meeting for industries held by Danville Utilities on Wednesday. Its not just turning down your thermostat, said Jeff Bartels, certified energy manager with Nexant, a management and technology consulting firm headquartered in San Francisco. About 40-50 people from area industries, commercial companies and local government attended the 2016 Key Accounts meeting held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. Conservation is about trying to use the least amount of energy possible, but a workplace that is too hot or cold will hamper productivity, Bartels said. Companies and industries can minimize non-beneficial energy uses by investing in system improvements that reduce energy costs, Bartels said. Energy efficiency decreases the costs of making a product, he said. Ways to reduce usage include shutting off lights when theyre not in use, installing a controlled system that shuts off lighting at appropriate times, and upgrading fixtures with lights that consume less energy, Bartels said. Companies can minimize system loads by repairing air leaks and installing insulation, he added. Businesses can also upgrade to energy-efficient LED lighting and install a high-efficiency air-conditioning unit to reduce costs. Besides being good for the environment, energy efficiency increases profitability and improves process control within the operating environment, Bartels said. Its good business, he said. It saves you money. A company or industry can see as much as 40 percent in cost reduction, Bartels said. In addition, energy conservation is good marketing because it shows the success of energy efficiency projects, he added. Replacing metal halide lights with LEDs can add up to 55 to 75 percent in savings, Bartels said. It also improves lighting quality and the work environment, he said. Installing occupancy sensors can result in savings of 20 to 50 percent, Bartels said. Replacing air-powered equipment with electrical can save 65 to 90 percent in costs, he said. Danville Utilities holds its Key Accounts meeting every fall to provide information for the citys customers, said Key Accounts Manager Meagan Baker. Its just to provide information to keep them in the loop of whats going on in the power and gas industries to keep them updated on recent technologies and make their businesses more energy efficient, Baker said of Wednesdays meeting. NYSE-MKT: ASM TSX-V: ASM FSE: GV6 VANCOUVER, Nov. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (ASM: TSX-V, ASM: NYSE-MKT; "Avino" or "the Company") has revised the release date of its Third Quarter 2016 financial results. The results will now be released after the market closes on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. In addition, the Company has revised the date of the financial results conference call to Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 8:00 am Pacific Standard Time (11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time). Conference Call Numbers: Toll Free in Canada and USA: 1-800-319-4610 Outside of Canada and USA: 1-604-638-5340 No pass-code is necessary to participate in the conference call; participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the Q&A portion of the call. Participants should dial in 10 minutes prior to the conference call. The conference call will be recorded and the replay will be available on the Company's website within one hour following the conclusion of the call. About Avino Avino is a low-cost primary silver producer. Avino's mission is to create shareholder value through profitable organic growth at the Avino property near the city of Durango, Mexico, and the Bralorne property in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. We are committed to managing all business activities in an environmentally responsible and cost-effective manner while contributing to the well-being of the communities in which we operate. For more information, please visit Avino's website at www.avino.com On Behalf of the Board "David Wolfin" ________________________________ David Wolfin President & CEO Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. Safe Harbor Statement - This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (together, the "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including our belief as to the extent and timing of various studies, and exploration results, the potential tonnage, grades and content of deposits, and timing, establishment, and extent of resource estimates. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and the dates of technical reports, as applicable. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the future circumstances, outcomes or results anticipated in or implied by such forward-looking statements will occur or that plans, intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking statements are based will occur. While we have based these forward-looking statements on our expectations about future events as at the date that such statements were prepared, the statements are not a guarantee that such future events will occur and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which could cause events or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Further details concerning the risk factors applicable to Avino and its business are discussed in Avino's Form 20-F dated April 7, 2016 under the heading "Item 3.D.:Key Information Risk Factors", and filed on SEDAR at ww.sedar.com under Avino's profile, as well as on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. Toronto - PJX Resources Inc. (PJX or the Company) is pleased to announce an update to the previously announced non-brokered private placement of Flow Through (Flow Through Units) and Non-flow Through Units (Units) at a price of $0.17 per Flow Through Unit and $0.15 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $1,950,000 (the Private Placement). The Private Placement has been fully subscribed and the Company will make provision for an over-allotment option to allow the Company to increase the size of the Private Placement by up to 30% to issue a combination of Flow-Through Units and Units at a price of $0.17 per Flow Through Unit and $0.15 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $2,550,000 (the Increased Offering). As disclosed in the Company's news release dated October 31, 2016, the Company has closed the first tranche of the Increased Offering. All other terms and conditions of the Private Placement previously announced by the Company in its news releases dated October 26 and 28, 2016 will remain the same in the Increased Offering.>PJX is a mineral exploration company focused on building shareholder value and community opportunity through the exploration and development of mineral resources with a focus on gold. PJXs primary properties are located in the historical mining area of Cranbrook and Kimberley, British Columbia.Please refer to our web site http://www.pjxresources.com for additional information.Linda Brennan, Chief Financial Officer(416) 799-9205info@pjxresources.comForward-Looking Information: This News Release contains forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements which relate to future events. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to exploration results, the success of exploration activities, mine development prospects, completion of economic assessments, and future gold production. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as may, should, expects, plans, anticipates, believes, estimates, predicts, potential, or continue or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking-statements. Although PJX has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. 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. CZN-TSX CZICF-OTCQB Preliminary Test Results Confirm Production of Selective Zinc, Lead and Copper Concentrates at Marketable Grades Using Common Flotation Flowsheet Ground Geophysical Surveys Underway on Priority Exploration Target Areas VANCOUVER, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - Canadian Zinc Corporation (TSX: CZN; OTCQB: CZICF) ("the Company" or "Canadian Zinc") provides an update from the ongoing process development research program on a centralized milling facility for its Newfoundland Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag-Au deposits and on its 2016 exploration programs in Newfoundland. Central Milling Facility Research Project Canadian Zinc and Buchans Minerals Corp. ("Buchans"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Minco Plc (AIM: MIO), are jointly undertaking a metallurgical test program aimed at investigating the technical viability of processing their respective central Newfoundland Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag-Au deposits through a centralized processing facility. The metallurgical test program completed by Thibault & Associates Inc. of Fredericton, New Brunswick was based on an assessment of pre-concentrating the ore prior to flotation using Dense Media Separation ("DMS") technology and the development of a process relative to the metallurgical characteristics of five deposits under development. The results of the bench scale test program have indicated an improved grade and recovery relationship for the production of Cu-Pb-Zn concentrates using a sequential flotation flowsheet. The preliminary test results confirm that selective zinc, lead and copper concentrates at marketable grades can be produced using a common flotation flowsheet. The positive results from the metallurgical test program strongly support the development of the sequential flotation technology for processing of the deposits using a centralized processing facility. The research project was focused on four key NI43-101 compliant Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag-Au volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") deposits located on the south side of Red Indian Lake in the Victoria Lake district of central Newfoundland (see attached map). Two of the deposits are held by Canadian Zinc (Lemarchant, Boomerang-Domino) and two of the deposits are held by BMC (Bobbys Pond, Daniels Pond). In June 2016, the research program was extended to include the Lundberg Cu-Pb-Zn-Ag deposit (100% held by Buchans). The Lundberg deposit is a large, near-surface and potentially open-pitable resource located on the north side of Red Indian Lake near the town of Buchans, NL. The key rational to include the Lundberg deposit was to fully assess all the known deposits in the district and to determine if it could enhance the economics of a central milling facility and the future development of this region's mineral resources. The additional tonnage contribution from the Lundberg deposit to a central milling facility could add considerably to the life of mine in central Newfoundland. Highlights of the Metallurgical Test Program Dense Media Separation - The bench scale DMS test program was completed to assess the amenability of mineralized samples from the deposits to physical upgrading (pre-concentration) at each site. Use of DMS processing technology would provide a potential means of reducing transportation costs from mine site to the milling facility and to maximize head grade and reduce downstream processing costs. Results from pre-concentration of the samples by DMS (prior to flotation) was determined to be technically viable for semi-massive and stringer sulphide samples from the Lemarchant FW, Bobbys Pond samples and Lundberg deposit. An economic assessment of processing ores with DMS technology is in progress to determine if there is a net benefit in reducing the mass of ore to be processed compared to the loss of payable metals to the waste product. Results of the DMS testing are provided below. Dense Media Separation Results Sample Overall Metal Recovery to Sinks + Fines at 70% Mass Recovery Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%) Au (%) Ag (%) Lemarchant FW 94.6 97.7 95.4 97.4 96.4 Bobbys Pond SMS Comp 98.3 98.6 99.1 95.6 95.6 Lundberg Y1-3 98.3 96.6 96.5 89.6 95.3 Lundberg Y4-8 94.7 94.2 93.9 84.8 90.1 Sample Overall Upgrade Ratio (Sinks + Fines Relative to Feed) Cu Pb Zn Au Ag Lemarchant FW 1.35 1.4 1.36 1.39 1.38 Bobbys Pond SMS Comp 1.40 1.41 1.42 1.37 1.37 Lundberg Y1-3 1.40 1.38 1.38 1.28 1.36 Lundberg Y4-8 1.35 1.35 1.34 1.21 1.29 Common Flotation Flowsheet - Initial bench scale batch flotation tests were designed to compare two flowsheet options: 1) a bulk Cu/Pb-Zn flotation flowsheet and 2) a sequential Cu-Pb-Zn flotation flowsheet using various reagent schemes and alternative grind specifications. Results from the initial bench scale testing indicate the sequential Cu-Pb-Zn flowsheet provided the best overall performance for the four deposits tested. Subsequent testing of the Lundberg Deposit samples indicates it is also amenable to the sequential Cu-Pb-Zn flotation flowsheet with improved grade and recoveries over previous Lundberg metallurgical testing. Results from the initial bench scale testing indicate the sequential Cu-Pb-Zn flowsheet provided the best overall performance for the four deposits tested. Subsequent testing of the Lundberg Deposit samples indicates it is also amenable to the sequential Cu-Pb-Zn flotation flowsheet with improved grade and recoveries over previous Lundberg metallurgical testing. Bench Scale Batch Flotation Testing - the bench scale metallurgical test work was aimed at assessing the amenability of the mineralized samples from the five deposits to a common flotation flowsheet. The test work serves as a first stage evaluation of developing a common process flowsheet. The preliminary results from the bench scale batch flotation tests confirmed the production of selective zinc, lead and copper concentrates at marketable grades. The grade and recovery of concentrates for each deposit have been defined in the following table. These are based on bench scale batch flotation tests (as an open circuit without recycle) and process simulation of the sequential flowsheet mass balance relative to the test program, and are not representative of lock cycle or pilot testing of the proposed flowsheet. Flotation Test Results Deposit Cu Concentrate Pb Concentrate Zn Concentrate (Grade/Recovery) (Grade /Recovery) (Grade /Recovery) Boomerang 25.7% / 63.4% 55.4% / 71.2% 49.8% / 91.7% Lemarchant MS 33.7% / 78.1% 69.4% / 82.4% 60.8% / 90.7% Lemarchant FW 31.0% / 90.1% No concentrate 59.8% / 96.9% Bobbys Pond 30.9% / 83.8% 76.5% / 69.3% 1 64.8% / 93.1% Daniels Pond 18.1% / 54.6% 74.0% / 76.8% 1 61.0% / 90.1% Lundberg Y1-3 30.1% / 86.2% 72.1% / 83.1% 61.1% / 78.7% 1 Lead grade defined by the test program with added cleaning of the lead concentrate to reduce zinc and iron. Economic Assessment The metallurgical test programs are being followed-up with a Process Simulation and Cost Assessment model (AACE Class V order of magnitude / conceptual assessment) to evaluate and identify the key factors impacting the operating economics of a centralized processing concept for the production of the base metal concentrates from the various base metal deposits in central Newfoundland. Results from the conceptual economic assessment will be used to help optimize future exploration and development plans, by focusing on key factors that are critical to assessing the economic potential and viability of developing the central Newfoundland deposits through a centralized milling facility. The overall research programs are partially funded by the Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador ("RDC") through the GeoEXPLORE Industry-led program and are scheduled to be completed in December, 2016. Central Newfoundland Exploration Work As part of its 2016 exploration program, Canadian Zinc is undertaking ground geophysical surveys including magnetics, gravity, electromagnetics ("EM") and borehole EM on a number of high priority Cu-Pb-Zn-Ag-Au target areas on its South Tally Pond and Tulks South properties. At the South Tally Pond property, five priority targets in the Lemarchant Deposit area are being evaluated by ground and borehole EM and two priority targets are being evaluated at the Lost Lake prospect located 6 kilometres northeast of the Lemarchant Deposit. At the Tulks South property, a ground gravity survey is focused on the Tulks West and Dragon Pond copper prospects, where surface massive sulphide boulders containing up to 10.3% copper have been located. The ground geophysical surveys are aimed at defining priority drill targets in each of the areas and are expected to be completed by the end of November. Based on successful results, a winter drill program will be undertaken to further explore selected priority targets. The central Newfoundland exploration work is being funded by flow through funding raised in the financing completed in July 2016. About Canadian Zinc Canadian Zinc is a TSX-listed exploration and development company trading under the symbol "CZN". Canadian Zinc owns an extensive land package in central Newfoundland that it is exploring for copper-lead-zinc-silver-gold deposits. These include the South Tally Pond project (Lemarchant deposit); Tulks South project (Boomerang-Domino and Tulks East deposits) and Long Lake project (Long Lake deposit). The Company's exploration strategy in central Newfoundland is to continue to build on its existing polymetallic resource base with the aim of developing either a stand-alone mine, similar to the past-producing mines at Buchans and Duck Pond, or a number of smaller deposits that could be developed simultaneously and processed in a central milling facility. The Company's key project is the 100%-owned Prairie Creek Project, a fully permitted, advanced-stage zinc-lead-silver property, located in the Northwest Territories. Cautionary Statement Forward-Looking Information This press release contains certain forward-looking information, including, among other things, the expected completion of acquisitions and the advancement of mineral properties. This forward looking information includes, or may be based upon, estimates, forecasts, and statements as to management's expectations with respect to, among other things, the completion of transactions, the issue of permits, the size and quality of mineral resources, future trends for the company, progress in development of mineral properties, future production and sales volumes, capital costs, mine production costs, demand and market outlook for metals, future metal prices and treatment and refining charges, the outcome of legal proceedings, the timing of exploration, development and mining activities, acquisition of shares in other companies and the financial results of the company. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that mineral resources will be converted into mineral reserves. Michael J. Vande Guchte, P.Geo., Vice President of Canadian Zinc Corp. is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release. J. Dean Thibault, P.Eng., Senior Process Chemical Engineer of Thibault & Associates Inc. is a qualified person for this release and has reviewed the contents for accuracy and approved this release. Thibault & Associates Inc. are a process chemical engineering firm specializing in process flowsheet development, plant design and process intensification assessments. Cautionary Note to United States Investors The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") permits U.S. mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. We use certain terms in this press release, such as "measured," "indicated," and "inferred" "resources," which the SEC guidelines prohibit U.S. registered companies from including in their filings with the SEC. SOURCE Canadian Zinc Corp. TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov 3, 2016) - (All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise stated) Torex Gold Resources Inc. (the "Company" or "Torex") (TSX:TXG) announced today its financial and operational results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. This release should be read in conjunction with the Company's third quarter 2016 Financial Statements and MD&A on the Company's website or on SEDAR. Fred Stanford, President & CEO of Torex stated: "We are pleased to announce that we finished our second quarter of commercial production with continued solid earnings of $0.30 per share, cash flow from operations of $50.2 million, cash costs of $517 per ounce, and AISC of $699 per ounce. Production remains on track to achieve our 'guidance' of 275,000 ounces in our first year of production. The ramp up continues ahead of schedule, notwithstanding a rainy season that delivered 68% more rainfall than an average year. Mining came through the rainy season well and stripping of El Limon tracks ahead of schedule. We are working on optimizing the tailings filtration circuit, and the RopeCon continues to impress. Grade reconciliation is back to being just slightly ahead of plan, copper is being managed with reagents and recoveries are ahead of plan. Exploration drilling 'under the sill' started up ahead of schedule and we should have results to report by year end or early next year. Exciting times on a number of fronts." The ELG Mine achieved commercial production in late March 2016, ahead of schedule and under budget. For accounting purposes, commercial production commenced April 1, 2016. As this is the Company's second quarter in the production stage, comparative figures for certain measures or data are not available or are not meaningful. THIRD QUARTER 2016 HIGHLIGHTS Net income for the third quarter of 2016 totalled $23.6 million, or $0.30 per share, on a basic and diluted basis. Adjusted net earnings (1) , which excludes, amongst other items, derivative and foreign exchange losses, totalled $24.8 million, or $0.31 per share for the third quarter of 2016. , which excludes, amongst other items, derivative and foreign exchange losses, totalled $24.8 million, or $0.31 per share for the third quarter of 2016. Earnings from mine operations for the third quarter of 2016 totalled $44.4 million. Cash flow from operations totalled $50.2 million and $115.7 million for the three and nine month periods. Revenue totalled $108.1 million and cost of sales totalled $63.7 million for the third quarter of 2016. Gold sold in the third quarter of 2016 totalled 80,064 ounces for total proceeds of $104.7 million. Total ounces sold year-to-date in 2016 were 192,354 ounces for total proceeds of $244.7 million. The average realized gold price (1) for the third quarter was $1,308 per ounce. for the third quarter was $1,308 per ounce. Cash balances as at September 30, 2016 totalled $112 million (including cash and cash equivalents of $93.7 million and restricted cash of $18.3 million). During the third quarter, the Company met the conditions necessary to release the remaining $12.9 million from the cash restricted in the Sponsor Reserve Account. Gold production totalled 77,915 ounces for the third quarter of 2016, for a total of 198,982 ounces year-to-date. Total cash costs (1) of $517 per ounce sold for the third quarter of 2016. of $517 per ounce sold for the third quarter of 2016. All-in sustaining costs (1) of $699 per ounce sold for the third quarter of 2016. of $699 per ounce sold for the third quarter of 2016. Plant throughput averaged 10,134 tpd in the third quarter of 2016, or 72% of design capacity of 14,000 tpd. Average gold grade processed was 3.13 gpt for the third quarter of 2016. Average gold recovery rate for the third quarter was 89%, exceeding the Life of Mine design recovery of 87%. Positive grade reconciliation, from start of mining at the Guajes Pit, shows 4% more ounces produced than was predicted by the reserve model (3% more tonnes and 1% higher grade). Ore in stockpile as at September 30, 2016 was 0.8 million tonnes at an average estimated grade of 2.34 gpt. (1) Total cash costs, all-in sustaining costs, average realized gold price and adjusted net earnings are financial performance measures with no standard meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). Refer to "Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures" in the Company's third quarter 2016 Management's Discussion and Analysis for further information and a detailed reconciliation. As the transition to the production phase commenced April 1, 2016, year-to-date amounts for these measures only include data starting April 1, 2016. The following table summarized key operating and financial highlights for the third quarter of 2016: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended In thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted September 30, 2016 June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 Operating Data(1) Mining Ore tonnes mined kt 869 684 516 2,069 Waste tonnes mined kt 5,648 3,933 3,418 12,999 Total tonnes mined kt 6,517 4,617 3,934 15,068 Strip ratio waste:ore 6.5 5.8 6.6 6.3 Average gold grade of ore mined gpt 3.08 3.18 2.60 3.00 Ore in stockpile mt 0.8 0.8 1.1 0.8 Processing Average plant throughput tpd 10,134 10,168 7,361 9,224 Average gold recovery % 89 82 76 83 Production and sales Gold produced oz 77,915 83,256 37,811 198,982 Gold sold oz 80,064 80,772 31,518 192,354 Financial Data(1) Revenue (2) $ 108,061 102,132 - 210,193 Cost of sales $ 63,657 60,396 - 124,053 Earnings from mining operations $ 44,404 41,736 - 86,140 Net income (loss) $ 23,615 6,666 (37,831 ) (7,550 ) Per share - Basic (3) $/share 0.30 0.08 (0.48 ) (0.10 ) Per share - Diluted (3) $/share 0.30 0.08 (0.48 ) (0.10 ) Adjusted net earnings (4) $ 24,763 22,115 - 46,878 Per share - Basic (3), (4) $/share 0.31 0.28 - 0.59 Per share - Diluted (3), (4) $/share 0.31 0.28 - 0.59 Total cash costs (4) $/oz 517 571 - 545 All-in sustaining costs (4) $/oz 699 754 - 727 Average realized gold price (2), (4), (5) $/oz 1,308 1,252 - 1,280 Cash and cash equivalents $ 93,658 74,079 30,481 93,658 Restricted cash $ 18,250 27,896 34,619 18,250 Working capital $ 120,245 82,442 3,715 120,245 Total debt $ 405,900 401,887 376,690 405,900 Total assets $ 1,167,132 1,154,256 1,106,246 1,167,132 Total liabilities $ 495,394 511,473 473,359 495,394 (1) For accounting purposes, the transition to the production phase commenced on April 1, 2016. As such, comparative figures for certain measures or data are not available or are not meaningful. Further, data that relate to the pre-production period may not be representative. (2) Proceeds from sales of gold and silver prior to achieving commercial production of $38.9 million were offset against the construction costs for the ELG Mine (as defined herein). (3) Effective June 30, 2016, the Company implemented a consolidation of its outstanding common shares on the basis of one post-consolidation share for every ten pre-consolidation shares (the "Consolidation"). Per share data reflects the Consolidation. Comparatives were restated. (4) Adjusted net earnings, total cash costs, all-in sustaining costs, and average realized gold price are financial performance measures with no standard meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). Refer to "Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures" for further information and a detailed reconciliation. As transition to the production phase commenced April 1, 2016, year-to-date amounts for these measures only include data starting April 1, 2016. (5) Average realized gold price includes realized losses from gold derivative contracts of $31.5 per ounce for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and $20.4 per ounce for the period from April 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016. Refer to "Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures" for further information and a detailed reconciliation. Qualified Persons Scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dawson Proudfoot, P.Eng., Vice President, Engineering of Torex Gold Resources Inc. and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Conference Call The Company will host a conference call today at 9:00 am (EST) where senior management will discuss the third quarter operational and financial results. Access the conference call as follows: Webcast access: A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's website at www.torexgold.com. Telephone access: Please call the numbers below approximately ten minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. Toronto local or international 1 (416) 915-3239 Toll-Free (North America) 1 800-319-4610 Toll-Free (France) 0 800-900-351 Toll-Free (Switzerland) 0-800-802-457 Toll-Free (United Kingdom) 0 808-101-2791 The webcast will be archived on the Company's website. About Torex Torex is an emerging intermediate gold producer based in Canada, engaged in the exploration, development and operation of its 100% owned Morelos Gold Property, an area of 29,000 hectares in the highly prospective Guerrero Gold Belt located 180 kilometers southwest of Mexico City. Within this property, Torex has the El Limon Guajes Mine, which announced commercial production in March of 2016 and the Media Luna Project, which is in an advanced stage of exploration, and for which the Company issued a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) in 2015. The property remains 75% unexplored. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Notwithstanding the Company's efforts, there can be no guarantee that the Company will not face unforeseen delays or disruptions. Forward-looking information also includes, but is not limited to, completing the remaining construction and commissioning of the mine and processing facilities of the ELG Mine, achieving full production, expected metal recoveries, gold production (including without limitation the estimated gold sales by year) and revenues from operations, the ability to mine and process estimated mineral reserves, the positive grade reconciliation as more gold ounces were produced year to date than was predicted by the reserve model, if required, the further advances of funds pursuant to the Finance Lease Arrangement and the VAT loan transaction (each which are subject to certain customary conditions precedent), expected timing and receipt of VAT refunds, future exploration, safety and security, and access to the ELG Mine. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" 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", or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is 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 information, including those risk factors identified in the Company's annual information form and management's discussion and analysis. Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. VANCOUVER, Nov 3, 2016 - Newmarket Gold Inc. ("Newmarket Gold" or the "Company") (TSX:NMI) (OTCQX:NMKTF) is pleased to announce financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. Full Financial Statements and Management Discussion & Analysis documents can be found at www.sedar.com and the Company's website, www.newmarketgoldinc.com. All figures are in United States ("U.S") dollars, unless otherwise stated. 2016 Third Quarter & Year-to-Date "YTD" Highlights Business Combination with Kirkland Lake Gold: Creation of a new mid-tier gold producer with annual production of over 500,000 ounces in Tier 1 mining jurisdictions. The transaction provides a superior valuation opportunity for shareholders of both companies, delivering high-quality, low-cost production, an attractive growth profile, industry leading financial strength and superior cash flow generation. Record YTD Production: Quarterly consolidated gold production of 55,794 ounces with record YTD 2016 consolidated gold production of 175,041 ounces. Continued Improving Cash Position: Cash balance of $82.5 million (equivalent to C$108 million), an increase of 126% from $36.5 million at Q4 2015. Working capital position of $64.4 million. The Company is essentially debt-free with only $5.9 million in capital lease obligations and other loans. Generating Free Cash Flow: Operating cash flow for Q3 2016 of $25.4 million or $0.14 per basic share based on revenue of $71.9 million. Q3 2016 free cash flow of $11.9 million based on operating cash flow less capital expenditures of $13.5 million, after investing $3.3 million into growth programs. YTD free cash flow of $38.2 million after investing $10.7 million in growth programs. Record YTD Mine Operating Income: Q3 2016 Mine Operating Income of $22.1 million, up 75.5% from Q3 2015 as a result of a higher average realized gold price. Record YTD mine operating income of $67.7 million was the result of increased ounces sold and a higher gold price environment. Fosterville Achieves Strong Quarterly Performance: Gold production of 36,967 ounces based on average mill grade of 6.91 g/t Au and quarterly recovery of 89.7%. Fosterville attained productivity improvements through increased mine tonnage rates and mill throughput rates. Fosterville Achieves Low Quarter Operating Cost & Low AISC: Q3 2016 Operating cash cost per ounce sold of $471 and All-in-sustaining costs ("AISC") per ounce sold of $765. Consolidated YTD Operating Cash Cost & Low AISC: YTD 2016 Operating cash costs per ounce sold of $714 and AISC per ounce sold of $971. Net Income: $7.1 million or $0.04 Basic EPS in Q3 2016 and $30.3 million or $0.18 Basic EPS YTD, with the current quarter impacted by a higher total tax expense resulting mainly from the exceptional performance at Fosterville in a strong Australian gold price environment, accounting for a loss of $0.05 per basic share. Douglas Forster, President & CEO, Newmarket Gold commented: "Based on record consolidated production in the first nine months of 2016, Newmarket Gold is on track to meet the Company's improved guidance of 225,000 - 235,000 ounces of gold as announced in Q2 2016. The business combination with Kirkland Lake Gold is expected to close during Q4, more than doubling 2016 pro-forma gold production to over 500,000 ounces from a new operating platform of 7 underground mines in Tier 1 mining jurisdictions. In addition, the combined company will generate superior free cash flow and have strong financial and technical capabilities to exploit its pipeline of exploration and development opportunities to fuel future organic growth. We believe the combined entity will be a preferred investment among mid-tier gold producers, commanding an increased capital market profile and enhanced shareholder value." "Newmarket Gold achieved record production of 175,041 ounces of gold for the first nine months of 2016, led by high grade, low cost ounces from our flagship Fosterville Mine which produced 107,350 ounces of gold with YTD AISC per ounce sold of $743. Productivity improvements at Fosterville were achieved through increased mine production utilizing new higher capacity haul trucks and the opening of new production levels in the Lower Phoenix area, as well as increased mill throughput rates, all of which contributed to favorable third quarter operating cash costs per ounce of $471 and an AISC per ounce sold of $765. Newmarket's liquidity position continues to improve, supporting our overriding objective to grow free cash flow which totaled $11.9 million in Q3 2016 and $38.2 million YTD. Since the start of 2016, we have generated cash flow from operations of $74.7 million and ended the third quarter with $82.5 million in cash, a 126% increase from the start of the year." CONSOLIDATED RESULTS SUMMARY - For the period ended September 30, 2016 Financial Results (in thousands, except per share and per ounce amounts) Q3 2016 Q3 2015 YTD 2016 YTD 2015 Revenue ($) 71,940 60,664 216,034 199,605 Cost of operations, including depletion and depreciation ($) (49,861 ) (48,082 ) (148,316 ) (147,743 ) Mine operating income ($) 22,079 12,582 67,718 51,862 Net income (loss) ($) 7,069 (10,325 ) 30,292 17,450 Net income (loss) per share ($/share) - basic * 0.04 (0.08 ) 0.18 0.14 Net income (loss) per share ($/share) - diluted * 0.04 (0.08 ) 0.17 0.14 Cash generated from operating activities ($) 25,438 11,345 74,740 65,903 Capital investment in mine development, property, plant and equipment ($) 13,508 13,794 36,586 44,412 Average realized gold price per ounce ($) 1,329 1,109 1,240 1,164 Operating cash costs per ounce sold ($) 777 715 714 693 All-in sustaining cash costs per ounce sold ($) 1,076 1,011 971 984 * Refer to Note 2 of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, pre-Arrangement net income per share is presented after giving effect to the Arrangement share exchange ratio of 0.2456. Operational Results Q3 2016 Q3 2015 YTD 2016 YTD 2015 Ore Milled (t) 542,574 565,254 1,679,426 1,739,356 Grade (g/t Au) 3.58 3.32 3.66 3.40 Recovery (%) 89.1 86.5 88.7 87.1 Gold Oz Produced 55,794 53,817 175,041 169,491 Gold Oz Sold 54,053 54,521 174,072 170,968 THIRD QUARTER 2016 FINANCIAL REVIEW Newmarket Gold produced 55,794 ounces during the third quarter of 2016, and has achieved record production of 175,041 ounces for the first nine months of 2016. Fosterville achieved third quarter production of 36,967 ounces, only 1% off the record performance achieved in Q2 2016, accounting for 66% of consolidated production. Cosmo achieved a record recovery rate of 95.3%, up from its record of 94.2% in the previous quarter, contributing 10,677 ounces of production during Q3 2016, with Stawell contributing 8,150 ounces. Revenue for Q3 2016 was $71.9 million based on 54,053 ounces of gold sold at an average realized gold price of $1,329 per ounce, an increase in revenue of 19% compared to Q3 2015, predominantly the result of a nearly 20% increase in the average realized gold price. On a year to date basis, revenue has increased 8% compared to the first nine months of 2015 due to a 1.8% increase in gold ounces sold in a higher gold price environment. Operating expenses for the third quarter of $41.1 million marked a 7.4% increase over Q3 2015, driven by a 4.7% appreciation in the Australian dollar over the comparative period, and higher operating costs at Stawell. On a consolidated basis, operating cash costs per ounce for the third quarter were $777 per ounce, an 8.7% increase over Q3 2015. Fosterville achieved operating cash costs per ounce of $471, a decrease of 2.1% compared to Q3 2015, as a result of increased productivity, the focus on total extraction mining methods, and the resulting higher grades, which more than offset the impact of the stronger currency. Fosterville's improved productivity and consequent increase in throughput compared to Q2 2016, resulted in a 10% decrease in the operating cost per tonne milled to A$112 from Q2 2016. Operating costs in absolute terms for Cosmo for Q3 2016 were consistent with Q3 2015, impacted in US dollar terms mainly by the appreciation of the Australian dollar. However, operating cash costs of $1,317 per ounce sold were significantly higher due to a combination of lower throughput due to mine sequencing issues and constraints associated with unfavorable ground conditions and dilution, and resultant lower grades. Going forward, mining location flexibility and ground conditions will improve as recent drilling at Cosmo has identified additional potential ore sources near existing infrastructure. These new ore sources will enable multiple mining areas to be established and be incorporated in the mine plan in the near term. Operating cash costs at Stawell increased from the prior year to $1,402 per ounce sold in Q3 2016, as reduced throughput resulted in 10.1% less gold ounces sold compared to Q3 2015. The Company continues to focus on the new Aurora B gold discovery at Stawell with drill results highlighting the potential to build Mineral Resources on the expansive East Flank of the Stawell gold system. As a result of the challenges at Cosmo in the third quarter, the Company expects to be at the upper end of its full year guidance range of $650 - $725 per ounce. Further, as a resulting consequence of the impact of lower ounce production at Cosmo during the third quarter, all-in sustaining costs per ounce have increased on a consolidated basis to $1,076 per ounce, offset by continued strong performance at Fosterville which achieved all-in sustaining costs per ounce sold of $765 in the third quarter. The mining challenges at Cosmo during the third quarter, and to a lesser extent at Stawell, will put pressure on the all-in sustaining cost guidance of $900-$975 per ounce with year-to-date all-in-sustaining costs per ounce sold of $971. Royalty expense increased 24% compared to the third quarter of 2015 and 32% for the first nine months of 2016, due to the impact of strong production and gold price on revenues, and the commencement of a 1% NSR royalty at Stawell as of January 1, 2016. Depletion and depreciation was lower on both a quarterly and year-to-date basis compared to 2015, the result of lower book values at Cosmo and a longer mine life at Fosterville, which was partially offset by the appreciation of the average Australian dollar over those periods. Mine operating income for the third quarter of 2016 was $22.1 million, a 75.5% increase over the corresponding quarter of 2015 as a result of the significantly higher average realized gold price, with the 7.4% increase in operating expenses largely offset by lower depletion and depreciation. Mine operating income for the first nine months of 2016 was a record $67.7 million, an increase of 31% over 2015, mainly due to increased ounces sold in a significantly higher gold price environment. Net income for the third quarter of 2016 was $7.1 million or $0.04 per share (basic), compared to a net loss of $10.3 million or $0.08 loss per share in Q3 2015. The prior year quarterly result was impacted by transaction costs of $15.1 million associated with the amalgamation of Newmarket Gold and Crocodile Gold, which accounted for a per share loss of $0.11 during Q3 2015. Per share amounts in the most recent quarter reflect higher weighted average number of shares outstanding (basic), as a result of the conversion and redemption of Debentures and the exercise of warrants during the first quarter of 2016. Net income for the first nine months of 2016 was $30.3 million or $0.18 per share, an increase of over 73% compared to net income of $17.5 million, or $0.14 per share, during the same period in 2015, which was impacted by the aforementioned transaction costs. Net income for the third quarter of 2016 includes $3.3 million of exploration and evaluation expenditures, bringing year-to-date expenditures to $10.7 million, tracking to the upper end of the Company's guidance of $10.0 - $15.0 million. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, was also impacted by share based compensation of $4.3 million, largely due to the vesting of three tranches of the Company's performance share units, whose share-performance vesting terms were triggered as a result of the significant increase in the Company's share price on the TSX during the first half of the year. The current quarter net income was also impacted by a higher total tax expense relating mainly to the exceptional performance at Fosterville in a strong Australian gold price environment, accounting for a loss of $0.05 per basic share. The Company recognized a deferred tax expense of $7.5 million during the third quarter, totaling $12.7 million on a year-to-date basis, mainly reflecting the estimated use of non-capital losses relating to its Victorian operations, particularly Fosterville. Based on expected performance for the remaining part of 2016 and the continued strong Australian dollar gold price, the Company's Victorian operations are expected to be cash taxable by the end of the year, and as a result the Company has booked a current income tax expense of $0.6 million during the third quarter. Cash Flow Newmarket Gold generated operating cash flow of $25.4 million in Q3 2016, or $0.14 per share (basic), a significant increase over the same period of 2015, due to a 20% higher average realized gold price. Operating cash flow in the third quarter is down from $31.0 million in Q2 2016, due to 13% less gold ounces sold in the most recent quarter. On a year to date basis, the Company has generated $74.7 million in cash flow from operations in 2016 compared to $65.9 million in 2015. Cash flow from operations in 2016 also reflects $10.7 million in exploration and evaluation spending compared to $7.2 million for the first nine months of 2015, as the Company continues to invest in growth programs to drive near-term resource growth. Newmarket invested $11.2 million in mine development during the third quarter of 2016, which includes underground development and resource definition. Development was focused at Fosterville, which accounted for 74% of the total expenditure in the third quarter. After comparatively low mine development expenditures in the first two quarters of 2016, Cosmo incurred $2.3 million during the third quarter of 2016. Property, plant and equipment expenditure in the quarter was $2.3 million and $6.8 million for the first nine months of 2016, down for both comparative periods in 2015, however noting $4.3 million in upgrades to the Fosterville truck fleet to improve productivity were financed through capital lease obligations. The Company achieved consolidated all-in sustaining costs per ounce sold of $1,076 during the third quarter of 2016, with higher cash costs per ounce at Cosmo and Stawell being offset by continued strong performance from Fosterville, which achieved all-in sustaining costs of $765 per ounce sold. YTD consolidated AISC per ounce sold of $971. Financial Position At September 30, 2016, the Company had a cash balance of $82.5 million, a significant increase from $36.5 million as at December 31, 2015 representing real cash flow generation of $12.7 million during Q3 2016 and $46.0 million during the first nine months of 2016. Newmarket Gold's working capital position at the end of Q3 2016 was $64.4 million, a significant increase from $22.3 million at December 31, 2015, reflecting positive net cash flow from mine operations, the receipt of proceeds on the exercise of share purchase warrants and stock options, and the reduction of current debt relating to the Debentures. With the full conversion and redemption of the Debentures, the Company is essentially debt-free with only $5.9 million in capital lease obligations and other loans. Third Quarter 2016 Financial Earnings Conference Call Details In connection with our third quarter 2016 financial results, Douglas Forster, President and Chief Executive Officer, Darren Hall, Chief Operating Officer and Robert Dufour, Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call to discuss the results on Thursday, November 3, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. (EDT). Participants may listen to the call by dialing toll free 1 (877) 648-7976 at approximately 10:50 a.m. (EDT) and ask to join the Newmarket Gold conference call. International or local callers should dial 1 (617) 826-1698 at approximately 10:50 a.m. (EDT) and ask to join the Newmarket Gold conference call. The call will be webcast live at http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/dwwuctx9 and at www.newmarketgoldinc.com in the Events and Webcast section under the Investor Relations tab. The live audio webcast will be archived and made available for replay at www.newmarketgoldinc.com. Presentation slides which accompany the conference call will be made available in the Investors section of the Newmarket Gold website, under Presentations, prior to the conference call. Qualified Person Simon Hitchman, FAusIMM (CP), MAIG, Principal Geologist, Newmarket Gold, is a "qualified person" as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information and data included in this news release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Douglas Forster" Douglas Forster, M.Sc., P.Geo., President & Chief Executive Officer About Newmarket Gold Inc. Newmarket Gold is a Canadian listed gold producer with three 100% owned underground operating mines in Australia. The flagship operation, Fosterville Gold Mine, and the Stawell Gold Mine are located in the state of Victoria, and the Cosmo Gold Mine is located in the Northern Territory. In addition, Newmarket has a pipeline of growth projects within Australia, including The Maud Creek Gold Project in the Northern Territory and the Big Hill Gold Project in the state of Victoria. The Company is based on a strong foundation of quality gold production from its three Australian mines, producing over 220,000 ounces of gold annually. Newmarket Gold is dedicated to the development of its resources, targeted exploration, and prudent cost management practices, while continuing to generate free cash flow and maintaining a large resource base with reserve upside. Newmarket strives to enhance shareholder value through a disciplined approach to growth focused on organic exploration success on near mine targets and accretive acquisition opportunities in stable mining jurisdictions. NON-IFRS MEASURES Newmarket Gold has included in this MD&A certain non-IFRS performance measures as detailed below. In the gold mining industry, these are common performance measures but do not have any standardized meaning. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flow. Accordingly, it is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Operating Cash Costs per Ounce of Gold - Newmarket Gold calculates operating cash costs per ounce by deducting silver sales revenue as a by-product from operating expenses per the consolidated statement of operations, then dividing by the gold ounces sold during the applicable period. Operating expenses include mine site operating costs such as mining, processing and administration as well as royalties, however excludes depletion and depreciation, share-based payments and rehabilitation costs. All-In Sustaining Costs per Ounce of Gold - Newmarket Gold has adopted an all-in sustaining cost performance measure that reflects all of the expenditures that are required to produce an ounce of gold from current operations. While there is no standardized meaning of the measure across the industry, the Company's definition conforms to the all-in sustaining cost definition as set out by the World Gold Council in its guidance dated June 27, 2013. The World Gold Council is a non-regulatory, non-profit organization established in 1987 whose members include global senior mining companies. The Company believes that this measure will be useful to external users in assessing operating performance and the ability to generate free cash flow from current operations. The Company defines all-in sustaining costs as the sum of operating cash costs (per above), sustaining capital (capital required to maintain current operations at existing levels), capital lease repayments, corporate general and administrative expenses, mine exploration within the known resource, and rehabilitation accretion and amortization related to current operations. All-in sustaining costs excludes capital expenditures for significant improvements at existing operations deemed to be expansionary in nature, exploration and evaluation related to growth projects, rehabilitation accretion and amortization not related to current operations, financing costs, debt repayments, share-based compensation not related to operations, and taxes. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information Certain information set forth in this news release contains "forward-looking statements", and "forward-looking information under applicable securities laws. Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements, which include the Company's expectations about its business and operations, and are based on the Company's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs, which may prove to be incorrect. Some of the forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "projects", "plans", and similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes and undue reliance should not be placed on them. 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. 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 are included in this press release or incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. TMAC Resources Inc. (TSX:TMR) (TMAC or the Company) is pleased to provide drilling results from the Madrid North Naartok gold zone (Naartok), situated in TMACs Hope Bay Property, Nunavut, Canada. Naartok is approximately eight km south of the Companys Doris processing plant which is in the final stages of construction and expected to begin producing gold early in 2017 and achieve commercial production in the first quarter of 2017. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103006020/en/ FIGURE 1 - MADRID NORTH NAARTOK ZONE PLAN SECTION AT THE -50 MRSL LEVEL (Graphic: Business Wire) Drilling Highlights Naartok: TM00352 Madrid North - Naartok 2.9 g/t Au over 24.1 metres Including 13.3 g/t Au over 3.0 metres And 15.3 g/t Au over 6.0 metres TM00365 Madrid North - Naartok 10.5 g/t Au over 12.0 metres Including 15.5 g/t Au over 6.0 metres Dr. Catharine Farrow, Chief Executive Officer stated, We are very pleased with this years drill results at Hope Bay. Earlier this year, we reported drill results that extended the known gold mineralization at the Doris deposit and also reported numerous very high-grade gold intersections in the Doris BTD zone below the known Doris gold reserves. The drill results at Naartok, which is within trucking distance of the Doris processing plant, are also very encouraging and demonstrate the significant upside potential of the Madrid gold trend not currently captured in our Mineral Resource base. These results have enabled us to make step-changes in our understanding of host breccia internal morphology, alteration and structure, all of which interact as high-grade ore controls. These results also demonstrate the excellent prospectivity of the entire Hope Bay Belt and provides further encouragement for us to continue to advance the other known Hope Bay deposits towards development. The Naartok drill program successfully defined a wide zone of lower grade breccia-hosted gold mineralization that hosts high-grade gold domains, similar to the existing Naartok Mineral Reserves. This new Naartok gold target trends to the north and is oriented orthogonally to the Naartok West Mineral Resource (see Figure 1). The primary objective of the 2016 exploration program has been to support the advancement of Hope Bay through detailed geological modelling and definition diamond drilling within the Doris trend and thereby add significantly to the gold resource inventory. A secondary objective of the 2016 exploration program has been to further refine the geological understanding of the Madrid North Deposits and continue to upgrade and expand the Naartok Mineral Resource inventories. The existing Mineral Resources at Naartok (Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 6.44 million tonnes grading 8.4 g/t Au and containing 1.73 million Au oz.) are currently defined in the Naartok East and Naartok West zones. The 2016 drilling program was focused on following up on historical, near surface intersections, extending north-east from the Naartok West zone, but not included in the current resource base (Figure 1). Wider spaced historical drilling had intersected a similar style of gold mineralization over a strike length of approximately 250 metres extending from surface to a depth of approximately 200 metres (Figure 2). Gold mineralization at Naartok is hosted within a brecciated mafic volcanic domain and is associated with elevated intensity of silicification, sericite alteration and pyrite mineralization. Gold mineralization within the brecciated mafic volcanic domain is characterized by broad zones of low to moderate grade mineralization within a weakly brecciated matrix, whereas higher grade gold mineralization is associated with more intensely brecciated volcanic and intercalated sedimentary rocks. For example, 2016 drillhole TM00352 intersected 24.1 metres grading 2.9 g/t Au including 3.0 metres of 13.3 g/t Au and 6.0 metres of 15.3 g/t Au. Results of initial drilling in 2015 were encouraging (TMAC news release, February 25, 2016) and the 2016 program intersected significant gold mineralization outside of areas of known Mineral Resources. Interpretation of the results has facilitated further refinement of the geological model and controls on gold mineralization and highlighted the potential to add significant gold ounces to the Madrid North resource base with focused diamond drilling. FIGURE 1: MADRID NORTH NAARTOK ZONE PLAN SECTION AT THE -50 MRSL LEVEL SHOWING THE LOCAL GEOLOGY AS WELL AS THE NAARTOK EAST AND NAARTOK WEST MINERAL RESOURCE ENVELOPES (RED). THE 2016 DIAMOND DRILLING WAS FOCUSED TO THE NORTH OF THE NAARTOK WEST ZONE IN THE AREA OUTLINED IN DASHED RED LINES. FIGURE 2: MADRID NORTH NAARTOK ZONE 3D OBLIQUE VIEW LOOKING SOUTHEAST: NAARTOK EAST AND NAARTOK WEST MINERAL RESOURCE ENVELOPES (RED) AND THE NAARTOK EXPLORATION TARGET (PURPLE). TMACS 2016 DRILLHOLE INTERSECTIONS ALONG THE NAARTOK EXPLORATION TREND ARE SHOWN AS GREEN CIRCLES AND HISTORIC DRILLHOLE INTERSECTIONS AS YELLOW CIRCLES. INSET IMAGE 3D OBLIQUE VIEW LOOKING NORTHWEST AT A PLUNGE OF 50 DEGREES. Table 1 is a summary of the assay results for all 2016 diamond drilling on the Naartok zone. New data will be incorporated into the Naartok geological model and reflected in TMACs updated annual Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve statement in 2017. TABLE 1: NAARTOK DEPOSIT 2016 DIAMOND DRILLING RESULTS. Naartok - TMAC 2016 Intersections DRILL HOLE ZONE AZIMUTH (degrees) DIP (degrees) Inclusion FROM (m) TO (m) CORE LENGTH (m)1 ASSAY (Au g/t)2 TM00343 Naartok 107.7 -51.5 114.25 115.75 1.50 6.52 and 334.55 337.00 2.45 8.74 TM00344 Naartok 107.9 -62.5 206.00 207.50 1.50 28.90 and 266.00 269.00 3.00 5.30 and 281.00 284.00 3.00 5.03 and 290.00 296.00 6.00 5.18 and 356.00 357.50 1.50 7.13 and 365.00 368.11 3.11 5.23 TM00345 Naartok 108.8 -70.4 325.00 328.00 3.00 5.07 TM00346A Naartok 108.4 -52.9 18.10 19.50 1.40 14.80 and 25.85 27.50 1.65 5.59 and 32.00 35.00 3.00 7.96 TM00348 Naartok 108.5 -57.1 27.79 28.60 0.81 9.14 and 141.50 143.00 1.50 5.18 and 165.50 167.00 1.50 35.30 and 209.00 210.50 1.50 14.75 TM00350 Naartok 119.0 -52.1 No Significant Assays TM00352 Naartok 119.1 -60.6 184.92 209.00 24.08 2.92 Including 206.00 209.00 3.00 13.27 and 254.00 260.00 6.00 15.29 TM00358 Naartok 266.2 -53.9 No Significant Assays TM00359A Naartok 266.0 -63.3 104.50 107.50 3.00 22.00 and 116.50 118.00 1.50 13.45 and 124.00 126.00 2.00 5.93 TM00360 Naartok 263.0 -52.2 80.68 81.88 1.20 14.00 TM00361 Naartok 275.0 -68.6 No Significant Assays TM00362 Naartok 275.0 -52.7 100.00 101.50 1.50 5.30 TM00363 Naartok 275.0 -78.3 279.00 282.44 3.44 15.68 Including 279.00 280.50 1.50 21.70 TM00364 Naartok 87.0 -52.7 72.50 76.50 4.00 15.04 Including 75.00 76.50 1.50 34.00 and 143.70 145.60 1.90 31.48 TM00365 Naartok 87.0 -60.3 162.00 174.00 12.00 10.49 Including 166.00 172.00 6.00 15.52 and 177.00 178.00 1.00 11.15 and 184.00 190.00 6.00 6.90 and 202.00 204.93 2.93 7.11 and 235.00 239.00 4.00 5.17 and 260.15 262.65 2.50 8.00 TM00366 Naartok 272.0 -63.4 121.50 122.15 0.65 13.60 TM00367 Naartok 272.0 -48.8 139.50 139.97 0.47 48.90 1 Down-hole thickness; true width varies depending on dip of the drill hole. Drill holes were designed to intersect structures at as close to a perpendicular orientation as possible, therefore, true widths are approximately 50% to 85% of down hole widths. Composite intervals are based on geological observations. 2 Reported composite intervals >4.5 g/t Au / 1.5m. SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSIS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL For a complete description of TMACs sample preparation, analytical methods and QA/QC procedures refer to the technical report for the Hope Bay Project dated May 28, 2015 entitled Technical Report On The Hope Bay Project, Nunavut, Canada, which has an effective date of March 31, 2015 (the Hope Bay Technical Report), as filed on TMACs profile at www.sedar.com. SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION Information of a scientific or technical nature in respect of the Hope Bay Project, other than new information related to Doris mine development, is based upon the Hope Bay Technical Report, as filed on TMACs profile at www.sedar.com. Scientific and technical information contained in this document was reviewed and approved by David King, P.Geo., the Vice President, Exploration and Geoscience of TMAC who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. ABOUT TMAC RESOURCES TMAC holds a 100% interest in the Hope Bay Project located in Nunavut, Canada. TMAC is a fully financed, gold development company on target to achieve its Path to Production plan, beginning with the Doris Deposit, by the end of 2016. The Company has a board of directors with depth of experience and market credibility and an exploration and development team with an extensive track record of developing high grade, profitable underground mines. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This release contains "forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws that is intended to be covered by the safe harbours created by those laws. Forward-looking information includes statements that use forward-looking terminology such as may, will, expect, anticipate, believe, continue, potential or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking information includes, without limitation, bringing the Hope Bay Project into production, beginning with the timing of the construction of the Processing Plant, the commissioning of the Processing Plant at Doris by the end of 2016, the availability of funds under the Debt Facility, and that the cash on hand and drawdowns under the Debt Facility will be sufficient to fully fund the Hope Bay Project and the objectives of the exploration program. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made, Furthermore, such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. See Risk Factors in the Companys AIF dated February 25, 2016 filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for a discussion of these risks. The Company cautions that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161103006020/en/ Contact TMAC Resources Inc. Catharine Farrow, 416-628-0216 Chief Executive Officer or Ann Wilkinson, 416-628-0216 Vice President, Investor Relations www.tmacresources.com or Renmark Financial Communications Inc. Daniel Gordon, 416-644-2020 514-939-3989 dgordon@renmarkfinancial.com www.renmarkfinancial.com The Best Gold Intersection Has a Grade of 3.3g/t Over 22 Meters With Drill Cuttings Averaging 11.0g/t Cut to 31.1g/t TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov 3, 2016) - Claim Post Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE:CPS) ("Claim Post" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Claim Post has expanded its Main Timmins Camp gold exploration land in Deloro Township by acquiring 23 claim units for $5,000 cash plus 400,000 CPS common shares and no royalty. The new property is parallel to the 100% owned Dayton Racetrack Property that consists of 165 patented and staked claims; about 10 square miles. The new 23 unit property was historically part of the "Dictore Porcupine Property" which was patented in 1910.* This property was explored by SGX Minerals as the LYNX Project in 2010. The Dictore diamond drilled 5 holes in the 1940s; several articles were published on the drill program in the Toronto Globe and Mail newspaper. The western 4 holes drilled an iron formation-quartz vein which is on strike to the Dayton Porcupine Zone. (See Claim Post 2012 Press Releases on SEDAR.) The Dictore DDH #5 was drilled 1.5km to the east, below an outcrop of andesite and porphyry intersected 3 gold zones. See attached Table of the drill log with assays expressed at $35 per ounce gold converted to grams/tonne. The upper gold zone averaged 2.2g/t over 11.0m, the center zone 1.8 g/t over 12.2m, and the third zone 3.3g/t over 22 meters. Drill cuttings for the entire 22m section were also sampled. The cuttings averaged 16.3g/t gold or 11.0g/t cut to 31.1g/t over the entire 22m of core length. The true width of the gold zone is unknown as there is only 1 drill hole. The cuttings come from the area cut by the diamond drill bit plus ground core. Cuttings assays cannot be used for NI 43-101 type calculations; they are used only to indicate that the drill core assays may be low. DDH #5 ended in mineralization. The SGX LX-10-2 hole passed about 75m south of the DDH #5 mineralization; intersected 2.23g/t gold over 1 meter, then the next 45 meters assayed, very anomalous 0.15g/t gold in both the porphyry and volcanic rock units. Charles Gryba, President of Claim Post, stated: "From an exploration gold discovery viewpoint, DDH #5 is equivalent to the 420m deep Holmer hole that discovered the high grade Lakeshore/Tahoe gold system. The SGX drilling supports the same geology as DDH #5 with gold values on the opposite, south side of an E-W mag low anomaly. Our next step will be to twin DDH #5. It will take 4 to 6 holes to map the direction of this very exciting good grade gold mineralization which starts less than 90m below surface and may outcrop. The gold grades in DDH #5 core assays are 2 to 3 times higher than the 1.07g/t, 4.5 million ounce, 130.6 million tonne Dome Mine Century Open Pit expansion just announced by Goldcorp, 8km to the north**." The two major historical gold systems in the Timmins Camp, the Hollinger system and the Dome to Delnite gold systems, both stop abruptly and then restart 10km further west as the Tahoe and Teck series of gold zones. Claim Post is focused on finding the "missing" 10 km sections of gold mineralization. The Dome gold system stops in Deloro Township where the gold system turns south and then runs directly into the main Porcupine Destor Fault System. DDH#5 is located only 8 claims or 2 miles directly south of the Delnite mine site which is at the south end of the system. There are a number of factors that contributed to DDH #5 being overlooked for 75 years. The principal reasons include: DDH#5 was drilled in 1940 just as the mobilization of WW2 began, corporate infighting during the original drill program (described in a series of Globe and Mail articles) and the fact that the gold mineralization is not accompanied by quartz veining. Historically, quartz veining was viewed as a critical indicator of an extensive gold system in the Timmins Camp; this has since been disproved with the discovery of the West Timmins deposits. Further, exploration in this part of Deloro Township is difficult with modern geophysics. There are at least 30 kilometers of 1 to 5m wide, oxide/magnetic/sulphide facies iron formations weaving back and forth through the area. Variable iron formations distort ground geophysics and cause so many "false positive" anomalies that geologists are totally discouraged from drilling any anomaly. Finally, the patchwork of old patented claims in Deloro Township means that some of the ground has been explored numerous times but adjoining blocks may not have been explored since 1910. The claims covering DDH #5 have had 2 modern programs of outcrop stripping, line cutting, magnetic, VLF, and IP ground surveys. SGX also drilled 4 holes in the general area. (2012, SGX Diamond Drilling Assessment Report on the LYNX Project in MNDM files.) Claim Post Going Forward: Based on the extensive corroborating evidence, it is management's opinion that there is a very high probability that DDH #5 is a "discovery hole" that has identified a major gold system in Deloro Township. The drill hole will anchor further exploration of the gold system with geophysics and drilling. The SGX drill program only targeted shallow IP anomalies. SGX drill holes intersected all of the Timmins Camp gold pathfinders - mineralized porphyry, green carbonate zones, ankerite alteration, visible amounts of pyrite, pyrrotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and most importantly 45 meters of very anomalous .15g/t gold; 75m south and at the same depth and geology as DDH #5. The geology in this part of Deloro Township runs east west. DDH#5 is on the north side of a magnetic low anomaly whereas the SGX #2 drill hole intersected gold values on the south side of the same anomaly. The mag anomaly runs east west for 2 to 3 km. Claim Post has a very simple plan going forward. Setup and re-drill DDH #5; modern diamond drills with NQ sized core, gets close to 100% core recovery thus core assays are much more accurate. DDH #5 terminated in gold mineralized volcanic rock thus the hole will be drilled to a minimum 400m depth. At the same drill setup, steepen the drill to 60 degrees and drill a second hole. Based on those results - a drill program of appropriate scope will be designed to confirm the size and shape of the high grade gold mineralized zones indicated by DDH #5.*** * Historic drill intercepts and mining data from the Dictore Property were sourced from historic files and assay logs - Assessment File 444 of Deloro Township; Timmins MNDM Office. QA/QC procedures and processes have not been audited by Claim Post. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of future results. ** The Dome gold system is continuous from the Dome Mine south through the historical Paymaster/ Buffalo Ankerite/Aunor to the Delnite Mine. The Dome system has mined about 25 million ounces to date. The Century Pit plus Lexam's mineralization around the historical Buffalo Ankerite mine will add at least 5m ounces to the system total. DDH #5 has indicated that there are reasonably wide, 2-3g/t gold intersections in DDH #5 on the south side of the PDFZ. The intersections in no way suggest a mineral resource and/or mineral reserve of a similar size will be hosted on the Company's property. *** Further drilling would be required to upgrade or verify the historical assay results. Claim Post is unaware of the existence of any technical report prepared in connection with the scientific and technical information in this news release. A Qualified Person (within the meaning of NI 43-101) has not done sufficient work to confirm the historical assay results reported. Claim Post Resources Inc. Is a Canadian based mineral exploration company and a reporting issuer in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Claim Post has focused on acquiring land and exploring for gold in the Main Timmins gold camp; targeting only the western extension of both the Dome and Hollinger gold systems. Claim Post is the third largest land holder in the main camp after Goldcorp and Tahoe. To offset the market risks of solely focusing on Timmins gold exploration, Claim Post purchased 100% interest in a frack sand project located 200km NE of Winnipeg, Manitoba subject only to the final payment for the Gossan Resources leases which is currently being re-negotiated. In 2014, a NI 43 101 Report and a positive PEA were published on the Seymourville Tier 1 Frack sand deposit indicating an after tax ROI of 21% and an after tax NPV of $151,000,000 (SEDAR, June 20th, 2014). There are 125,583,908 common shares of the Company currently issued and outstanding. Charles Gryba, President, P. Eng. is the Qualified Person that prepared the content of the news release in compliance with National Instrument 43-101 with respect to this release. Statements in this release that are forward-looking reflect the Company's current views and expectations with respect to its performance, business, and future events. Such statements are subject to various risks and assumptions, some, but not necessarily all, are disclosed elsewhere in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Such statements and information contained herein represent management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on the information currently available; however actual results and events may vary significantly. The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement. 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. 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. Report all errors to DonSurber@GMail.com Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Michigan Mississippi Montana New Mexico North Carolina Ohio Washington state It looks like 2016 will be another record-breaking year for spending on judicial races.Already $14 million has been spent by outside groups on TV ads during the 2015-2016 state supreme court election cycle, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. That tops the $13.5 million spent by outside groups in the 2011-2012 cycle.Meanwhile, the combined spending by outside groups and candidates has nearly reached $30 million this year. Thats short of the 2011-2012 record of $35.5 million, but theres still a strong likelihood that late campaign finance disclosures will push this years expenditures past the record.These developments underscore the growing importance of state courts in national politics and the expanding influence of secret money, the group said in its analysis.Judicial races are relatively low-profile affairs, and even the record-setting dollar amounts were seeing today amount to a drop in the bucket compared to what's spent on presidential and congressional races. But rulings by state supreme courts can have vast influence on policy matters in states, from education to criminal justice to business regulation.Heres a rundown of 10 states with the races attracting the most attention, listed in alphabetical order.Kansas holds retention elections six years after a judge is appointed. Two years ago, a pair of Kansas judges almost became the first to be denied retention since the law went into effect in 1958. This year, five of Kansas seven supreme court justices are up for retention.This has set off a prolonged battle between Democrats and moderate Republicans on one side and conservative Republicans and Gov. Sam Brownback on the other.The justices facing retention are the focal point," according to Ballotpedia, a politics site that tracks races and ballot initiatives, "of both a statewide school funding battle and dissatisfaction with the court's decisions in several recent death penalty cases. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the state court's decisions in these cases.The most controversial ruling was four justices decision to vacate the death sentence of brothers Jonathan and Reginald Carr in 2014 after their conviction in a grisly multiple homicide. Chief Justice Lawton Nuss and associate justices Carol Beier, Dan Biles and Marla Luckert voted to vacate the sentence; Caleb Stegall, the fifth justice up for retention this year, was appointed to the court by Brownback after that decision was made.Polling in the races is nonexistent, but the pro-retention side can take comfort in successes by anti-Brownback forces in the August primaries.In Kentucky, one seat on the Supreme Court is being contested this year, and its been a relatively quiet race.The race to succeed retiring Justice Mary Noble is proceeding largely along nonpartisan lines, but the two candidates -- Glenn Acree and Larry VanMeter -- are a registered Democrat and a registered Republican, respectively. Both have served on the Kentucky Court of Appeals, but Van Meter has a bigger warchest. In Louisiana, Justice Jeannette Knoll is retiring. The candidates to succeed her are Jimmy Genovese and Marilyn Castle -- both experienced judges and Republicans.Combined, the candidates have raised upwards of $1.5 million, and outside groups have spent nearly another $1 million on TV ads. While the sources of funding are not exactly transparent,newspaper concluded that though each campaign has a varied base of support, Castle seems the favorite of the business community while Genovese has strong backing from plaintiff attorneys and personal injury firms.Michigan has one of the more eccentric systems for electing supreme court justices. Candidates are nominated by the political parties but then run as nonpartisans" on the general election ballot.Currently, the court has five Republican-nominated justices and two Democratic-nominated justices. Two seats are up this year, both held by Republicans seeking re-election.Incumbent David Viviano is being challenged by Wayne County Circuit Judge Frank Szymanski, while incumbent Joan Larsen is being challenged by Wayne County Circuit Judge Deborah Thomas.The incumbents are favored, but the more notable aspect of the 2016 campaign is that the judicial races are taking a lower profile than usual, with significantly reduced spending , in part because the previous Democratic Party chairman, Mark Brewer, placed a higher priority on judicial contests.In Mississippi, incumbent Supreme Court Justice Jim Kitchens faces a challenge from appeals court Judge Kenny Griffis, one of only two moderate justices to have survived an onslaught of pro-business spending in recent election cycles.Gov. Phil Bryant and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, both Republicans, are backing Griffis. While the office is officially nonpartisan, Griffis' slogan is "Stop Liberal Politics," and ads by outside groups supporting him charge that Kitchens sides with child abusers and murderers over crime victims. The candidates themselves are approaching $1 million in spending.Montanas contested supreme court race may be the states second-most important this year after the gubernatorial contest.The open-seat contest on the closely divided, seven-member court pits District Judge Dirk Sandefur, who has the support of Democrats, against former law professor Kristen Juras, supported by Republicans, though the election is technically nonpartisan.The race is on track to become the states most expensive ever, with spending between $1.5 million and $2 million.Sandefur is being attacked as soft on crime and for being in the pocket of trial lawyers. Critics of Juras, meanwhile, are focusing on her socially conservative views.Currently, the court has two reliably conservative justices, two moderates and three reliably liberal justices, one of whom is retiring, so the winner has the potential to tilt the courts ideological balance.In New Mexico, incumbent Judith Nakamura, who was appointed by GOP Gov. Susana Martinez from a shortlist assembled by the bipartisan Judicial Nomination Commission, is facing a challenge from Democrat Michael Vigil, the chief judge of the New Mexico Court of Appeals.Vigils candidacy is notable for being the first in the state to reserve space for TV ads for the general election.On the crowded list of races in North Carolina this year, the supreme court race -- between incumbent Justice Bob Edmunds, a registered Republican, and his challenger, Superior Court Judge Michael Morgan, a registered Democrat -- is far down the list. But its attracting attention anyway.President Obama went out of his way to endorse Morgan. Officially, the justices are nonpartisan and are not listed on the ballot with a party affiliation. But the court currently has a one-seat advantage for conservatives, and if Morgan wins, he would swing it in the Democrats' direction.In addition to the usual differences over criminal and commercial law, the court could play a key role in the once-a-decade redistricting that follows the 2020 Census.Neither candidate is well known, and the race is expected to be close.Six of the seven seats on the Ohio Supreme Court are held by Republicans.One seat is up for re-election: Republican Maureen OConnor is seeking another six-year term as chief justice and is unopposed.Two other sears are open this year due to retirements by Republicans Paul Pfeifer and Judith Ann Lanzinger. Republican Pat DeWine, an appellate judge and the son of state Attorney General Mike DeWine, faces Democrat Cynthia Westcott Rice, an appellate judge. Meanwhile, Republican Pat Fischer faces Democrat John P. ODonnell, a common pleas court judge.Finally, in Washington state, several court decisions -- including rulings that backed a $15 minimum wage and that struck down public funding for charter schools -- have put three incumbent justices in the hot seat.The three -- Mary Yu, Charles Wiggins and Chief Justice Barbara Madsen -- are facing active opposition. Most notable is a late ad campaign seeking to unseat Wiggins by backing Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Dave Larson. The effort is being supported by such local business figures as Bill Gates, Paul Allen and Steve Ballmer of Microsoft, who are worried about the courts anti-business drift and its stance against charter schools. Michael Davis of Enterprise Washington, a pro-business group directing the effort, told thethat Larson would bring moderation to the court.The court right now is just simply too divisive, too extreme and too polarizing in its decisions, he said. A separate outside group is airing hard-hitting ads that portray Wiggins as soft on crime. Should victims of crime have their own bill of rights?Voters in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota all answered in the affirmative, amending their state's constitutions.The near-identical ballot measures are part of a national campaign bankrolled by California tech billionaire Henry Nicholas. Despite opposition from a diverse coalition of defense attorneys, criminal prosecutors, judges and civil rights advocates, all three initiatives passed with at least 60 percent of the vote.Proponents dubbed the measures as "Marsys Law," referring to Nicholas sister who was stalked and murdered in 1983 by a former boyfriend. A week after the murder, Nicholas and his mother encountered her killer out on bail and shopping at the grocery store. They didn't even know he was out of jail.A central idea of the Marsys Law proposals is that victims and their families would be informed of developments in a criminal case, including when courts release a suspect on bail."The whole point of this is to give victims equal level in the constitution to people accused or convicted of a crime," said Gail Gitcho, senior adviser for the national Marsys Law campaign. Neither the U.S. Constitution nor 15 state constitutions address the rights of crime victims, but they do take into account the rights of people accused and convicted of a crime.The measures had support from elected officials in both parties, including U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana and more than 30 state legislators, county commissioners and county sheriffs.Voters in California and Illinois had passed versions of Marsys Law, and efforts are underway to put it on the ballot in Georgia, Kentucky and Nevada. Last year, proponents tried to get Marsy's Law passed in Hawaii, but it died in the legislature after both the state attorney general and the Department of Public Safety opposed it. Eventually, Nicholas hopes to amend the U.S. Constitution with the same bill of rights for crime victims.Nicholas invested at least $4 million for this year's campaigns, and proponents formed political action committees in all three states. Though there was widespread opposition from the legal community, few groups raised money to defeat the measures.Polls conducted in Montana North Dakota and South Dakota found at least 70 percent of respondents supported the measures. "It really doesnt surprise me that its polling well," said Caitlin Borgmann, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana, which opposed Marsy's Law. "Its difficult to take a position against it because it sounds like youre opposing victims."Opponents did exist, though.In general, opponents warned that these measures could result in unintended consequences. In North Dakota, several victims advocacy groups joined state's attorneys and public defenders to criticize Marsy's Law as an unfunded mandate that could clog the legal system. According to the North Dakota Legislative Council, the new requirements would cost state and local governments $5.2 million through 2019. The South Dakota State's Attorneys Association, the South Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Minnehaha County Commission -- which represents the most populous locality in the state -- all opposed Marsy's Law for the same reasons.Critics in all three states raised concerns about the measures' definitions of "crime" and "victim." The ballot language put a violent crime on the same level as low-level property crime and expanded the definition of a victim to include family members of the victim as well as other people "with a relationship to the victim that is substantially similar" to that of a family member.Those definitions, critics argued, could result in courts having to communicate more often with a broader range of people about a wider range of cases -- or else face the possibility of litigation by the victims.In an op-ed for, Jim Nelson, a retired state Supreme Court Justice in Montana, called Marsys Law a solution in search of a problem. He noted that the state already had laws that covered most of what was in the ballot measure.Nelson also took issue with the common assertion by Marsy's Law advocates that the legal system neglected crime victims and failed to treat them with dignity and respect.It is wrong to assume that police officers, prosecutors and judges, among others, presently ignore the plight of crime victims, he wrote. They dont, based on my 40-plus years of experience as a former prosecutor working with state and federal law enforcement and as Supreme Court justice. When she votes this fall, veteran Miami Republican lawmaker Anitere Flores might not be able to vote for herself.Because if she votes in her current precinct, the ballot she receives will have neither her name nor her District 39 Florida Senate race on it. It will list the District 40 race instead.The same goes for House District 103 candidate Ivette Gonzalez Petkovich, a Doral Democrat in her first bid for public office. Rather than seeing her own name on a ballot for the first time, she'll see candidates for House District 116 if she votes in the precinct she's assigned to now.That's because Flores and Gonzalez Petkovich -- along with five other legislative candidates in Miami-Dade -- don't currently live in and aren't registered to vote in the district that they're seeking to represent.The Herald/Times identified the seven candidates -- one Republican (Flores) and six Democrats -- through an analysis of current voter registration records. These candidates make up 20 percent of the 34 candidates competing for Miami-Dade legislative seats this fall.The five other candidates are:--Carlos Puentes Sr., a Democrat registered to vote in House District 111 and challenging Republican Rep. Jose Oliva in District 110;--Sevi Miyar, a Democrat registered in House District 110 and challenging Republican Rep. Bryan Avila in District 111;--Daisy Baez, a Democrat registered in House District 112 and running against Republican John Couriel for the open District 114 seat;--Dan Horton, a Democrat registered in House District 105 and challenging Republican Rep. Holly Raschein in District 120;--Phillip Brutus, a Democrat registered in Senate District 35 and running as a no-party affiliated candidate against Democratic Rep. Daphne Campbell in District 38.Legislative candidates can run in a district they don't live in, so long as they move in to the correct district upon being elected. Registered voters can update their registration at any time, so there's still time for these candidates to move before Election Day and vote in their associated districts.Both Flores' and Gonzalez Petkovich's lack of residency in their respective districts has been known for months. Each woman has vowed to move if elected and has dismissed criticism from opponents about not already living in the district they're seeking to represent.Flores this summer ran a TV ad that called her a "lifelong resident of District 39," although her Miami residence is actually in District 40. That's still where she's registered to vote, according to county records.Flores said in a statement Wednesday, though, that she is making the "necessary adjustments" to move and will be living in District 39 by Election Day. Democrat Debbie Mucarsel- Powell, of Islamorada, is running against her for the seat.After new Florida Senate district boundaries were settled in January, Flores said she would move to District 39 so that she and fellow incumbent Dwight Bullard, a Miami Democrat, wouldn't have to compete against one another for the same seat. Bullard is running in District 40.For her part, Gonzalez Petkovich lives less than a half-mile outside of House District 103, where she's trying to unseat influential Republican Rep. Manny Diaz Jr. The Republican Party of Florida and Diaz himself have attacked her for not living in the district -- jabs she's brushed off because, she says, she was born and raised there and still frequents it in her daily activities.Her only comment Wednesday was that she is "in the process" of moving, but for now, "I'm just focused on this campaign."She told the Miami Herald's editorial board in September it was "really no coincidence" that she lives where she does -- which is in House District 116, records show. She said she moved in with her in-laws as "a very conscientious decision that I made so I can really put my heart and soul into this race" against Diaz.Baez, through a spokesman, said she's already moved into District 114 and Horton said in a text message he has signed a lease for a residence in District 120. They both said they plan to update their voter registration before casting their ballots by Nov. 8 in what will be their new precincts.Miyar said she intends to move after the election, meaning she won't be able to vote for herself. She said that "doesn't matter," though."The issues are important to me and not where I run," she said.When Brutus was asked whether he was making plans to move, he said only: "I will be in compliance with state law.""By law you don't have to live in the district while you're running; you have to be in when you're sworn in, so I'm in compliance with the law," he said.Efforts to reach Puentes were unsuccessful.The Florida Constitution requires lawmakers to be "an elector and resident" of the district that elects them. A Joint Rule governing the House and Senate adds the requirement that it be "at the time of election."But spokespersons for the House and Senate leadership offices said it's up to each respective chamber to determine and enforce compliance with the residency mandate. That is based on a number of factors listed in the Joint Rule -- including that lawmakers affirm residency inside their district before the Legislature's organizational session after Election Day, which is Nov. 22 this year. On Wednesday, in the afternoon, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Mrs Kaye de Jersey returned to Brisbane from Regional Government House operations in Longreach. A road between Ha Tinh and Quang Binh provinces disappears one meter under water. Photo by VnExpress Heavy rains are moving south and threatening to flood Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An. At least eight people have died and two more are reported missing in central Vietnam after flooding returned to the region over the past few days, according to official figures. Reports from the National Search and Rescue Committee and the Ministry of National Defense show that flooding has killed six people in Quang Binh Province and two others in its southern neighbor Quang Tri. Two people from Quang Binh are reported missing and seven others have been injured. Torrential rains triggered by a cold spell on Sunday had flooded around 20,000 houses in Ha Tinh, Quang Binh and Quang Tri by up to three meters as of Tuesday afternoon. Ha Tinh neighbors Quang Binh to the north. The water has receded in some parts, but nearly 7,000 houses in the provinces were still under water on Wednesday. Soldiers have been deployed to evacuate low-lying areas that are home to 485 families in the provinces. The cold spell is forecast to continue causing heavy rains further south in the provinces of Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam and Quang Ngai, as well as the coastal city of Da Nang. Rainfall of up to 400mm is expected to cause flooding in these areas on Wednesday and Thursday. A hydropower dam in Quang Nam Province discharges water on Wednesday. Photo by VnExpress/Trong Y Six hydropower dams in Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam started discharging water to avoid dam breaches on Tuesday night. In Vietnam, dam operators are not held responsible for any damage they cause providing they inform authorities before they release water. Many streets in Quang Nam's popular tourist town Hoi An were submerged on Wednesday after three dams discharged a combined 4,800 cubic meters per second. The floods are the second to hit central Vietnam in two weeks. Two weeks ago, a tropical depression triggered non-stop rains that killed 31 people and flooded 92,000 houses in Quang Binh and 5,000 houses in Ha Tinh. Related news: > Vietnamese race against the clock to save what they can from flood > 2 men die in central Vietnam floods > Multiple dam discharges soak Vietnam's ancient town Description GIS - 03 November, 2016: Discussions with UK officials as regards the Chagos Archipelago sovereignty dispute will start on 9 November 2016 in Port Louis at the request of the United Kingdom. Mauritius will insist at a later stage for a meeting at Prime ministers level. If no substantial progress would have been achieved, in June 2017 Mauritius will move for the United Nations to request for an Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice. Discussions with UK officials as regards the Chagos Archipelago sovereignty dispute will start on 9 November 2016 in Port Louis at the request of the United Kingdom. Mauritius will insist at a later stage for a meeting at Prime ministers level. If no substantial progress would have been achieved, in June 2017 Mauritius will move for the United Nations to request for an Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice. This statement was made this morning by the Prime Minister, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, at the wreath laying ceremony at Quay C in Port Louis to commemorate the deportation of the Chagossian Community. The ceremony was organised by the Prime Ministers Office and the Chagossian Welfare Fund. The Prime Minister expressed hope for the discussions to be fruitful and for good faith to prevail. He said that the territory is precious and that the people are the greatest asset, hence his drive to combat this injustice towards the Chagossian community and the Mauritian nation. Sir Anerood Jugnauth stressed that according to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514 "any attempt aimed at the partial or total disruption of the national unity and the territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations". This clearly prohibits the dismemberment of any colonial territory prior to independence. In addition to excising this integral part of our territory, the Mauritians living in the Chagos Archipelago were forcibly evicted from their home and moved to the main island of Mauritius in total disregard of their human rights, he said. He also recalled that in the fight against the illegal excision of the Chagos Archipelago, Mauritius has got the support of the African Union, the African Caribbean and Pacific States, the Non-Aligned Group, amongst others. For his part, the Chairman of the Chagossian Welfare Fund Board, Mr Olivier Bancoult, recalled that the 3rd November is a dark day in the history of the Chagossian community since it commemorates the forced exile of the people from their territory. He highlighted the deep sufferings and ordeal faced by Chagossians from 1965 to 1973 when they were deported. Mr Bancoult appealed to all Mauritians, the civil society, Government and the NGOs to work together to help resolve this dispute. He also expressed his gratitude to the Government for its support while paying tribute to Chagossian women who have always played an important role in this fight. Chagos Archipelago Sovereignty Dispute The stand of Mauritius throughout has been, and is, that the Chagos Archipelago is part of its territory and that the United Kingdom (UK) claim is a violation of United Nations resolutions banning the dismemberment of colonial territories before independence. The UK has repeatedly said that the Chagos will be returned to Mauritius once the islands are no longer required for defence purposes, with the argumentation always changing. Given the absence of any progress with the UK, Mauritius has decided to "internationalise" the dispute and take up the matter at all appropriate legal and political forums. Description GIS 03 November 2016 : Mauritius has become the 46th African nation to join the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA), which is an initiative of the African Union. CARMMA was initiated in May 2009 to trigger concerted and increased action towards improving maternal and new-born health, and survival across the continent. CARMMA was launched this morning at the Hilton Mauritius Resort and Spa in Flic en Flac during the opening ceremony of a conference being held in the context of the celebration of the CARMMA Week 2016 on the theme: Celebrating progress in implementing CARMMA in the Island States of Africa: No Woman Should Die while Giving Life. The Minister of Health and Quality of Life, Mr Anil Gayan, the Minister of Health and Social Security of Cape Verde, Dr Arlindo do Rosario, and other personalities were present at the event. The objectives of the two-day CARMMA Conference are to showcase the success achieved in improving maternal and child health in the Island States as well as across the continent, and to share experiences on maternal, new-born and child health issues. A round 40 foreign participants from the Island States namely Cape Verde, Comoros, Madagascar, Sao Tome and Principe, and Seychelles, together with other African Union Member States such as Kenya and Equatorial Guinea are participating. In his keynote address, the Minister of Health and Quality of Life, Mr Anil Gayan, stressed that motherhood must remain a positive and fulfilling experience for any woman. No woman should suffer or should die while giving birth, he affirmed. Sharing the Mauritian experiences with the participants, Mr Gayan underlined the quality of care and the resilience of the local health system. He recalled that the main features of the country maternal health care strategy which include a comprehensive antenatal health programme that is accessible to all women, well qualified health personnel, preventive medicine, promoting breastfeeding, and investments in vaccines. Mr Gayan pointed out that in 2015 and 2016, the Ministry introduced pneumococcal, rotavirus and human papillomavirus vaccinations respectively. Regarding child health, the Minister outlined that all children in Mauritius are vaccinated against measles, and that they have medical card to record their vaccines history. He also spoke of the health card launched in schools with information on the health of students including any ailment or allergy and designed to monitor continually the provision of medical services to them. We must be prepared to walk the extra mile and spend the extra dollar to save the lives of our children, said Mr Gayan. The Minister, however expressed concerns over the high rate of birth by caesarean section in the country. We are conducting a study to determine whether the gynaecologists are adopting the best practices regarding natural birth or whether there are other considerations which are causing the high rate of caesarean section, he said. Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa CARMMA aims at expanding the availability and use of universally accessible quality health services, including those related to sexual and reproductive health that are critical for the reduction of maternal mortality. Its activities comprise mobilising the necessary political will to make the lives of women count, coordinating and harmonising interventions around country-led plans/roadmaps and supporting ongoing efforts and initiatives to improve maternal, new-born and child health. Description GIS 03 November, 2016: The Prime Minister, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, exhorted the youth to adopt the values transmitted by our ancestors and follow their steps, by living a life with dignity, respect and humility for a better future which will eventually help the country prosper. The Prime Minister, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, exhorted the youth to adopt the values transmitted by our ancestors and follow their steps, by living a life with dignity, respect and humility for a better future which will eventually help the country prosper. He was speaking yesterday in the context of the celebrations of the 182nd anniversary of the arrival of indentured labourers in Mauritius at the Aapravasi Ghat, World Heritage Site, Trou Fanfaron Wharf, Port-Louis, in the presence of the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Santaram Baboo and other eminent personalities. Sir Anerood Jugnauth paid tribute to the immigrants who through perseverance, resilience and fortitude contributed significantly to make of Mauritius where it stands today. He further underscored that despite the huge sacrifices and moments of hardships, our ancestors persevered, and did not let go of their culture, which he said, should serve as example for the younger generation. He recalled that the Aapravasi Ghat, formerly known as the Coolie Ghat, represents a cornerstone of our Mauritian National Cultural Heritage which got international recognition through its inscription as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2006. The Prime Minister concluded by expressing his optimism with regard the possible inscription of the Mauritius Bhojpuri folk songs Geet Gawai on the UNESCO Representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage which he said encapsulates the intangible cultural heritage brought to Mauritius by the Girmitias, Indentured labourers some 182 years ago. For his part, the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Santaram Baboo, spoke of the roles of the immigrants and our forefathers who through their hard work and dedication have contributed in laying the foundation of the Mauritian nation among others. He also called for the preservation and valorisation of the heritage sites which according to him are essential for the construction of a common Mauritian identity and the development of deeper knowledge of our history. He recalled that Mauritius is the only country in the world that has a UNESCO World Heritage Site, namely the Aapravasi Ghat, dedicated to Indentured Labour. The Chairperson of the Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund(AGTF), Mr Dharam Dhuny, highlighted the various development phases of the Aapravasi Ghat which he said mark the beginning of the Indentured era with the migration of over two million Indentured labourers between the year 1834 and 1920 who brought along with them their culture hence contributing into making Mauritius a multi-cultural society. The Aapravasi Ghat, he stated, is among the earliest explicit manifestations of what was to become one of the greatest migrations in history, he concluded. To commemorate the day, various activities were organised by the Ministry of Arts and Culture in collaboration with the AGTF namely, a wreath laying ceremony, launching of a coffee table book entitled Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site as well as a cultural programme by local artists and an exhibition. This year also marked the 10th anniversary of the inscription of the Aapravasi Ghat on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Aapravasi Ghat formerly known as the Coolie Ghat, was listed in 1985 among the National Monuments of the island and was renamed Aapravasi Ghat in 1987 as the landing place of immigrants. It was inscribed on the World Heritage Sites List of the UNESCO in 2006. It is also the first site chosen by the British Government in 1834 for the great experiment in the use of indentured labour. Less than half a year ago, news broke that the biggest name in government data publishing, Socrata, was trying to expand its customer base to larger public entities.Today, OpenGov is officially competing with Socrata for the smaller customers. And Denton, Texas, has become the first city to launch OpenGovs open data solution, with a few more slated to announce adoption soon as well.From the get-go, OpenGov is looking to differentiate itself from Socrata when it comes to serving those smaller customers. Probably the biggest difference is that OpenGovs answer is based on open-source code from the Comprehensive Knowledge Archive Network (CKAN). OpenGov's open data offering was made possible by their April 2016 acquisition of Ontodia, a company with hundreds of public-sector open data clients.That means a base of developers around the world works on the code base on which OpenGovs solution is founded. It means that Denton can develop its own extensions to make the platform work better for its own purposes, and it means the city can share those solutions with other cities and use other government extensions.OpenGov also thinks it fits in better with the ethos of transparency that drives a governments desire to look for a data publishing platform in the first place. In fact, it was one of the main reasons Denton chose OpenGov above other vendors.We saw several open data vendors. I think what we really prefer with OpenGov is that theyre based on an open source platform, said Melissa Kraft, chief technology officer of Denton.It also helped that OpenGov was less expensive proprietary models like Socratas tend to cost more, and some local government officials have complained that its too much for a city that doesnt have the resources of New York or San Francisco.The company is also banking on integration as a means of differentiating itself. OpenGov has worked with smaller local governments from the beginning its first customer was Palo Alto, Calif. on services that tie into open data such as budget planning. So the idea isnt just to sell an open data platform to local governments, but also to build a whole host of services that tie into open data. Denton, for example, is offering residents a performance dashboard where the metrics used to track how well the city is doing in each area are linked back to open data sets.It's a far cry from what Denton used to do with its open data efforts. Before, the data the city released was in PDF form. So a resident, businessperson or civic hacker looking for data might have to scour the citys comprehensive annual financial report, for example, to find what theyre looking for.Thats like 100 pages of stuff, Kraft said. Most people arent going to take the time to go through that.Its challenges like that that can make it tough to work with smaller government clients, according to OpenGov Chief Executive Officer Zac Bookman. Many rely on legacy systems, they can have small IT staffs and they might not have big budgets to work with.Its the hardest work in the world, Bookman said. And I think our customers would say the same thing.So it is, perhaps, a bit of a business gamble to take on open data needs in that market after one company already decided it didnt want to do it. Thats why Bookman says a key part of the companys move into the space is being responsive to customers. The hope is to work closely with cities to meet unique needs and evolve the product over time as Bookman puts it, to shower them with love.One of the things I liked about OpenGov is we can be more agile as were making changes, Kraft said. Its not a set it and forget it, but how do we optimize it for the target audience were trying to reach?Such a model is part and parcel of a shift in the government technology business market, which has served as an incubator for a proliferation of startups in recent years. While government entities in the past often paid big money to established companies for solutions they planned on using for a long time, many are now seeking agile work from smaller firms . As governments move work to the cloud, much of what used to be disk-based software is now a product sold as a service. Meanwhile, people like the digital service consultants at 18F are pushing for more governments to use modular contracts where a solution might come piecemeal from different vendors.And in places like Denton, even the proprietary model of tech services might be shifting toward open source.Its exciting I think of it as us being a catalyst for change, Kraft said. You think of open data and you think of San Francisco and New York [City], and were much smaller, but were able to do that with OpenGov. (TNS) -- U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal is calling on federal rail regulators to re-examine exemptions that allow commuter railroads such as Metro-North to skip installing positive train control at passenger terminals.He maintains that the life-saving system could have prevented the recent New Jersey platform crash that killed a woman and injured 110 commuters.This catastrophe raises many questions, including whether PTC could have prevented such needless death and destruction, and whether the Federal Rail Administration should continue to allow an exemption from the PTC mandate for passenger terminals, Blumenthal said Tuesday.Metro-North is now exempt from installing PTC at end-of-the line terminals in Waterbury, New Canaan, South Norwalk, Danbury and Grand Central Terminal PTC can halt a speeding train and prevent trains from entering work sites or veering onto the wrong track.The Sept. 29 crash in Hoboken, N.J., was blamed on a train traveling 21 mph as it entered the terminal, far above the posted speed limit. The nations railroads, including Metro-North, have until Dec 31, 2018, to fully install PTC systems.FRA officials on Tuesday acknowledged exemptions are allowed for end-of-line terminals such as Hoboken and those in Connecticut, and said its up to Congress to change the rules.If Congress wishes, it can expand that requirement to more areas, said Matt Lehner , an FRA spokesman.Many commuter railroads continue to struggle to meet Congress original PTC requirement due to a lack of funding, Lehner said. As Congress completes legislation that funds the government in the coming weeks, we hope that it funds the presidents $1.25 billion request to help commuter railroads implement PTC.FRA officials said terminals will receive a speed control component that relies on an onboard computer to slow or stop a train entering at improper speeds.Those officials said full PTC does not work at end of the line terminals, where are trains are turned around and coupled together. The process of joining cars, for example, is interpreted by PTC sensors as a crash that must be prevented, they said.In a letter to FRA Administrator Sarah Feinberg , Blumenthal asked FRA to take another look at the exemption, noting it was put in place seven years ago and technology may have improved.I urge your inquiry to begin immediately, Blumenthal wrote. In light of the Hoboken crash, I write to ask whether the exemption for passenger stations remains sensible policy. The crash has indicated that this reasoning warrants re-examination Blumenthal said FRA justified the exemption with several reasons, including a contention that terminal stations are too complicated for PTC technology and technical solutions are not presently available to ensure PTC can be deployed in a terminal environment. (TNS) Georgia is investigating more reports of voting machines flipping voters presidential choices , although the problems remain isolated amid what may be a record turnout during the states early voting period ahead of Tuesdays presidential election The Georgia Secretary of States Office confirmed to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that it has opened investigations into four additional counties: Baldwin, Clayton, Cobb and Coweta. In each instance, the office received notice from state Democratic officials of an individual voter in each of those counties who reported a problem with an individual machine. Officials removed a machine in Bryan County last week after the AJC reported a similar problem, and that original investigation remains open.The decision comes as the AJC obtained a letter sent Tuesday by Georgia Democrats in Congress to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch. Citing the AJC report last week , the letter urges the Justice Department to consider sending poll monitors or any other election monitoring resource to Georgia on Election Day. State officials, however, said voters should be confident in an election system that a vast majority of voters have used without a hiccup.Out of nearly 2 million votes cast, there have only been a few isolated issues reported, said David Dove, the chief of staff and legal counsel in the Secretary of States Office. We are currently investigating those incidents. There is no evidence of any widespread problems.Officials said the Bryan County malfunction was likely due to a calibration issue involving the touch screen . Dove said last week that the county did not properly conduct testing on the machine to confirm it could accurately capture a voters choice. Problems with other machines would likely also be caused by a similar issue, although state officials will be looking to see whether they can replicate the problem reported by voters.The instances now being investigated by the state all involve voters who said the machines initially switched their votes from Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton to Republican hopeful Donald Trump. All indicated, however, that they were able to correct the problem and properly record their votes. While isolated problems are bound to happen in every election, the problems this fall are coming during a time of heightened rhetoric over Trumps claim of a rigged election and national concern over the security of the nations voting system. The Georgia NAACP said last week that it had also heard of isolated, unconfirmed issues in a handful of counties including Putnam, where state officials sent an investigator who could not replicate the problem. The state is looking into whether local election officials in Putnam properly tested their machines.Dove whose boss, Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp, is a Republican said the state views the issue as nonpartisan and is committed to making sure every vote cast is accurate. The offices top priority, he said, was to ensure secure, accessible and fair elections in Georgia.Voters should trust the local elections officials and their county elections boards, which are made up of Democrats and Republicans, Dove said.When they call our office reporting these issues, he added, the reports are treated as real and not politics.In the meantime, state officials are encouraging voters to double-check their choices on the summary screen of the machines they vote on to make sure everything is correct before they officially cast their ballot. If voters have any questions or concerns while voting, they are encouraged to speak up and ask poll workers for help.Early voting continues through Friday. Polls will be closed through the weekend and Monday. They will be open 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. Tuesday, Election Day. Confidence in security (TNS) -- With Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump complaining about a rigged election and online hackers reportedly attacking at least 20 state voter registration rolls, Hawaii election officials are stepping up their vigilance against possible voter shenanigans.While Hawaiis election system has yet to be hacked, the state Office of Elections has been in contact with the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI about additional security procedures, said Nedielyn Bueno, the offices voter services section head.Bueno wouldnt say what measures were recommended by the federal authorities only that some of the advice is already being followed here.She said officials are confident that the appropriate security is in place to prevent any manipulation, disruption or fraud.Is there no voter fraud? state Elections Commission Chairman F.M. Scotty Anderson said. There isnt a state that can make that claim.But Anderson said the reality is theres little chance of election sabotage here.No voting machines are connected to the internet, he said, and ballots cast on Election Day are scanned and stored on memory cards, which are in turn transmitted at the end of the day to the Statewide Counting Center at the state Capitol.Bueno said the state works with the political parties to allow observers to man each poll, as well as the Statewide Counting Center, to guard against fraud.In addition, the states more than 900 voting machines were tested by election officials with political party observers earlier this month to see whether they were functioning correctly, she said, while the absentee vote counting scanners, which tabulate the mail-in ballots, will be tested this week.Meanwhile, each mail-in ballot is checked manually to make sure signatures match the ones on file for each voter. Cross-checking Social Security numbers, identification and signatures at the polls adds to the security, officials said.As for the states online voter registration list, it has received an extra layer of security with recent upgrades to the state computer network, said Keith DeMello, spokesman for the state Office of Enterprise Technology Services.More upgrades are on the way, DeMello said, as the state Legislature approved the hiring of three new cybersecurity positions, including a chief information security officer responsible for making sure the state stays current with best practices in security, and two support positions that, among other things, will search out vulnerabilities in the network.Election security has become a hot topic nationally following a series of suspected Russian hacks of Democratic groups, party officials and at least two state election networks.The FBI in August issued a nationwide alert warning states of possible hacking of state election offices following cyber-penetrations in Illinois and Arizona, and attempts on 18 other state systems. Some federal officials have implicated Russia in the attacks.Trump has elevated the national conversation with a recent drumbeat of assertions that the election will be rigged.However, many experts say its next to impossible to manipulate a presidential election, given the wide-ranging electoral systems employed across the United States, most of them with voting machines that are not connected to the internet.The reality, they say, is that it would take a vast and coordinated effort by an entity within the country to generate a bogus election outcome.Fritz Rohlfing, chairman of the Republican Party of Hawaii, said that with procedures and protocols in place, hes confident in the integrity of Hawaiis voting system and as long as we do our job monitoring the event.We always have to be vigilant, and we put a lot of effort into it, he said.Rohlfing said the partys goal is to have one volunteer at every polling place, and three or four people watching the proceedings at the main counting center in Honolulu.Rohlfing said a bigger concern may be whether enough ballots will be available at the polls. He pointed out that the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled against the Elections Office in July, saying the issue deserves to be addressed by formal public rule-making rather than internal decision-making.The Green Party of Hawaii sued Chief Election Officer Scott Nago following the 2012 general election, asking for new rules to prevent a replay of what happened when 24 precincts ran out of ballots on Election Day, resulting in long lines and some who walked away without voting.Despite attempts to rush additional ballots to the precincts, at least 57 voters were denied the right to vote, according to the suit.The minority party always has to pay attention and be alert at every level, Rohlfing said.Although formal rule-making has yet to occur, Bueno said there should be plenty of ballots this year as about a million of them have been printed out.Kelii Akina, president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, said his organization has seen no evidence of widespread voter fraud in Hawaii.However, he said that does not negate the need for vigilance and measures to ensure that only those entitled to vote do so.What citizens should be aware of is the problem that arises from the lack of balance between political parties, said Akina, who is also seeking election to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Because this is virtually a one-party state, there is less capacity for second and third parties to play a watchdog role. The lack of balance invites corruption and complacency, both of which can influence the electoral process.Anderson, the Election Commission chairman, said he plans to lobby state lawmakers to switch to all mail-in voting. Not only will it save $800,000 each year, but it will enhance election security by allowing officials to check signatures to ensure authenticity, he said.But Rohlfing said he doesnt believe election security will be served by all mail-in, adding that too many dirty tricks and manipulation can happen when the voting takes place away from the polling place.I have more faith in Election Day balloting, he said. Xong Tong Xo was arrested on November 1, 2016 for allegedly attempting to smuggle methamphetamine tablets from Laos. Photo courtesy of Cong an Thanh pho Ho Chi Minh (Ho Chi Minh City Police) news site 3,600 methamphetamine tablets were seized during the bust. Border guards in the central province of Ha Tinh have arrested a Vietnamese man for attempting to smuggle methamphetamine tablets from Laos. Xong Tong Xo, 38, from Ky Son District, was caught with 3,600 meth tablets on Tuesday, the Voice of Vietnam news site reported Wednesday. Xo said he bought the drug from an unidentified man in Laos. In March of this year, a bilateral taskforce arrested three Laotian men in the central province of Quang Tri. The men were caught with 42,000 meth tablets and over a kilogram of heroin. Vietnam has some of the worlds toughest drug laws. Those convicted of possessing or smuggling more than 600 grams of heroin or more than 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine face the death penalty. The production or sale of 100 grams of heroin or 300 grams of other illegal narcotics is also punishable by death. Despite numerous state executions of drug runners, trafficking continues in border areas. Related news: > Meth-smuggling Cambodians arrested in Vietnam > Three Vietnamese face death for trafficking meth > Six Malaysians, eight Chinese arrested in A$200 mln Australian meth bust Italian motor racing official Ivan Capelli hopes the latest delay over a contract for next year's grand prix at Monza ends soon. At the historic race in September, a long period of uncertainty apparently ended when Bernie Ecclestone and Monza officials announced a new deal. However, the F1 supremo said the actual contract had to be signed in the days that followed -- but pen was never put to paper, according to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. "Ecclestone is elusive," the newspaper quotes Milan automobile club president Capelli as saying. "We hope to get out of this impasse as soon as possible," he added. Notwithstanding the uncertainty, only Canada, Germany and Brazil were given asterisks and provisional status on the 2017 race calendar that was published in late September. (GMM) Ross Brawn has denied reports he is set to replace Bernie Ecclestone as F1 supremo. It emerged this week that the former Ferrari and Mercedes chief has been lined up by new F1 owners Liberty to be the sporting CEO, in a role that seemingly clashes with Ecclestone's job. Brawn denies it. "I'm doing a little consulting to help them better understand F1 but that's all," he told the BBC. Brawn also said the future "all depends" on 86-year-old Ecclestone. For his part, Ecclestone does not seem willing to go. According to Auto Motor und Sport, it may be significant that in Mexico last weekend, the FOM pavilion was actually labelled "Mr. E". And Ecclestone sounds lukewarm about Brawn having a job in the area of F1's commercial rights. But "I would be very pleased if he went to the FIA," he told Germany's Auto Bild. And Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda also played down the idea that Brawn could 'replace' Ecclestone. "Ross is an excellent engineer," he told the German newspaper Bild, "but a gifted businessman like Bernie Ecclestone cannot be replaced." Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost agrees that it will not be a case of Ecclestone simply being replaced by someone. "I think the taking-over process takes time," he said. "I assume that next year and also the year after it will be a combination of Bernie and Liberty together." And Force India chief Bob Fernley also said it would not be wise for F1 to transition too quickly. "We need Bernie to help the transition into the new ownership," he said. (GMM) Police rescued the man but seized five dead dogs and bait. Police in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai rescued a suspected dog thief from an angry mob after he was beaten unconscious on Wednesday. The 26-year-old man is being treated in hospital. Officers received a tip-off and arrived in Ia Kenh Commune in the provincial capital Pleiku on Wednesday where they found several locals dragging the unconscious man from a stream. Police also seized his motorbike, five dead dogs and dog bait. Locals said they noticed five dogs were missing and that two strangers were in town carrying a suspicious bag, so they decided to chase after them. The men abandoned their bike during the chase and jumped into the stream. Locals caught up with one of them and beat him heavily, while the other man escaped. Police are investigating the case. Dog theft has become common in Vietnam, fueling a market that consumes around 5 million dogs per year, second only to China, which consumes roughly 20 million. However, dog thieves are rarely punished, and nor are the people who buy and sell stolen meat. Vietnam's law only treats theft as a criminal offense if the object's value exceeds VND2 million, less than $100. Due to rising pressure from both inside and outside of the country, legislators are considering a provision that would criminalize the theft of a pet. Vigilante mobs often justify their actions, which sometimes prove fatal, due to the lack of legal repercussions for the crime. In September, five men in the northern province of Quang Ninh were arrested for beating a suspected dog thief to death. Related news: >Vietnams nascent network of animal rescue volunteers seeks coalition >5 Vietnamese arrested for beating dog theft suspect to dead Police have accused him of spreading distorted information designed to damage public trust in the government. Police in Ho Chi Minh City arrested a man for disseminating information designed to undermine the government on Wednesday. Ho Van Hai who is known by his Facebook name Ho Hai was arrested Wednesday night for distributing documents and information designed to undermine the state from a house in Thu Duc District. Colonel Nguyen Sy Quang, a spokesman of the HCMC police force, said Hai had used distorted information to cause the public to lose trust in the government. The 52-year-old doctor shows signs of having violated a Penal Code provision prohibiting propaganda against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Quang said, adding that police have been monitoring Hai's online activities for some time and only arrested him after they caught him in the act. Facebooker Ho Van Hai in a file photo. The city police said they will investigate further to clarify his violations. Hai is the second Facebook blogger Vietnam has arrested in a month. On October 10, police in the central province of Khanh Hoa arrested Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, 37, after accusing her of publishing distorted posts and videos designed to denigrate the government and the Communist Party on a blog and Facebook page she has run since 2012. In March, the Peoples Court of Hanoi sentenced blogger Nguyen Huu Vinh and his assistant Nguyen Thi Minh Thuy to five and three years in prison each for blogging against the state. An appeals court upheld the sentences in September. Related news: >Vietnam arrests Facebooker accused of distorting facts, defaming police >Blogger sentenced to five years in prison for 'smearing' state Unable to leave hospital wing A serial killer suspected of a 1977 murder in Sweetwater County wont be extradited to face charges here. Last week, Sweetwater County Attorney Daniel Erramouspe announced Rodney Alcala wont be extradited from California due to his health. Alcala is in the hospital wing of Corcoran Penitentiary in Corcoran, Calif., and is unable to leave without medical support. Alcala is accused of the 1977 murder of 28-year-old Christine Ruth Thornton, of San Antonio, Texas. Thorntons remains were found northeast of Granger in 1982 by a rancher. While evidence had deteriorated in the years betwee... The rift between the county commissioners and the board of trustees at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County appears to be closing. Through a joint media release, the county commissioners and hospital board announced making a number of agreements in regards to the interpretations of state statutes the two groups have argued over. According to the release, the hospital board will transfer ownership of the former College Hill Womens Health Center at 1200 College Drive in Rock Springs to the county. The hospital purchased the building earlier this year, which led to concerns from the count... Since November 2016 marks another election year, this months artifact of the month comes from political advertising for elections. This artifact is a matchbook advertisement from John Warden Opies re-election campaign for County Coroner around the 1940s. The matchbook reads, Lets all vote for & support your present County Coroner J. Warden Opie, Democratic Candidate, The Logical Man For The Office. Opie originally hailed from Oroville, Wash., where he started his career in the funeral business. He moved around to other towns such as Wenatchee and Spokane, Wash., working for... The Internet is not the latest, greatest thing to come along and threaten to upend the newspaper industry. In 1927, Charles Lindberghs historic flight across the Atlantic Ocean was covered by Fox Movietone News. It sparked rumors and fears of the end of the newspaper industry. The advent of radio news and later, television broadcasts, led to the more rumors that newspapers were done as an industry. But ink and pulp have persevered. Not every newspaper from 100 years ago is still around, but many of the ones that are left are stalwarts of what good journalism should be. Journal... Investigators have yet to identify those responsible for the hack. Vietnamworks.com - one of Vietnams top online recruitment and job search sites was attacked by unidentified hackers on Wednesday, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC). The attackers gained access to the unencrypted usernames and passwords of possibly thousands of registered accounts, according to a representative from the ministry's Information Security Department. Our department is analyzing the threat as well as the consequences of the attack," the representative said. "We are currently trying to work out how many users were affected by this incident. The department noted that many Vietnamworks.com users employed the same passwords for their accounts as they did to access email and e-banking. The department has urged all users of the website to change their passwords immediately. The department has also asked banks to work with the authorities and Vietnamworks.com to prevent hackers from exploiting the leaked customer information. In August, a Chinese hacking group called 1937CN allegedly launched cyberattacks on Vietnams two largest airports and the nations flagship carrier, Vietnam Airlines. They briefly hijacked flight boards and sound systems inside Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airports in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, respectively. The attack mimicked thousands of similar assaults on Vietnamese websites in recent years, particularly sites with the domain .gov.vn. Vietnam has remained a hotspot for cybercrime since 2014. Related news: > Hackers attack Vietnamese cyber security company > Cyber-terrorists attack flight info screens at Vietnam's 2 major airports > Vietnam Airlines under cyber-attack since 2014: security group Carmen Tune dances at a Golden Hour Senior Center event. Tune was one of many children who struggled with Polio in her youth. For a Green River resident, all it took to bring a few memories of a terrible disease she had was looking at an old newspaper clipping. Carmen (Trujillo) Tune, recently received a letter in the mail from her brother Pat Trujillo, who lives in New Jersey. In the letter was a newspaper clipping from 1946. This newspaper clipping was a photo of Carmen and her brother Pat. The clipping read "There's good reason why Pat and Carmelita Trujillo of Rock Springs are contributing their pennies to the March of Dimes fund this year. The two youngsters, children of Mr. and Mrs. Patricia Trujillo, were p... The Sweetwater County Library System is currently displaying the annual Sweetwater Quilters Exhibit. This is an open show in which local quilters are encouraged to submit their work for the public to enjoy. This exhibit consists of 10 quilts designed as wall hangings and can be seen at the White Mountain Library now through November. The participating quilters are Jeanne Allen, Nancy Vase, Becky Morrison, Mary Jane Matthews and Debbie Wolfe. As members of the local group Sweetwater Piecemakers last year they celebrated 25 years of quilting together. The group meets several Saturda... ORGANIK Photography by Andres Acosta / Contributed photo The Drowsy Chaperone will be performed this month at the Visual and Performing Arts Center on the westside campus of Danburys Western Connecticut State University. The show tells the tale of a celebrity bride and her uproarious wedding day. Among the actors are Shaylen Harger as the Drowsy Chaperone, and Jillian Caillouette as Janet van de Graaf, a Broadway star planning to give up her career to marry an oil tycoon. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GREENWICH A band of Donald Trump supporters took to the streets of central Greenwich Thursday to rally support for their candidate in the waning days of the election season. The reception was often enthusiastic. But there were some frosty looks among strollers and commuters in downtown Greenwich, even a bit of trash talk, as a dozen or so Trump volunteers under the direction of a veteran Connecticut political operative Joe Visconti made the rounds. The appearance of a 1956 Chevy station wagon emblazoned with Trump signs parked on the Avenue lent a theatrical air to the 90-minute promotional tour for Trump by his supporters. Visconti, a former town council member from West Hartford who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2008 and governor in 2014, came away impressed with what he saw as signs of Trump support in Greenwich. A truck-load of Metro-North Railroad workers honked and waved. Thats a big voting bloc, working class guys in pick-up trucks, Visconti noted, returning the wave. Some friendly shouts from inside a Greenwich fire truck also gave Visconti a smile, as did the number of passers-by who stopped on the Avenue to take a picture of the Chevy Trump-mobile and get some campaign materials. Down at the Greenwich train station, an African-American woman getting off the train said go Trump, and took a palm card. Visconti said that a large portion of the likely Trump voters he encountered in Greenwich were women. More than 50 precent of them were women, thats big, said Visconti. A few of the encounters with the Trump band of volunteers were not so positive. A young father pushing a small child in a stroller made a disparaging comment about IQ and the Trump team, and a woman walking down the Avenue criticized what she called the Republican nominee's narcissistic behavior and unfit temperament within their earshot. A handful of mildly hostile encounters were all in days work for Visconti, who was also hitting the streets of Darien and Milford on Thursday. Unofficially connected to the Trump campaign, Visconti is an ardent volunteer for the cause whose enthusiasm captivated a number of other local Trump fans. Im kind of obsessed with Donald Trump, said Tina Terenzio of Fairfield, stopping by to chat with the Trump volunteers. I love that hes not a politician and that hes running for the well-being of the country. A Greenwich resident, Louise Barnes, said, He was the first one, among Republican candidates, to say we need to seal the border, that its a problem. Im for lawful immigration, not people pouring over the border, not knowing who they are. Visconti said voters he comes across on the streets are much more animated and talkative about the election than they had been a few weeks ago. Right now, Ive never seen people so vocal. Their boiling point has been reached, and now theyre ready, he said. Jeff Ramer, the head of the Greenwich town Democrats, said there was plenty of passion on his side of the political divide for Hillary Clinton in the final days before Nov. 8. Enthusiastic? You bet. This is the most highly qualified and extensively trained candidate as has ever run for the presidency, he wrote in an email. She starts her presidency as a known and admired player on the world stage. Who is Hillary? She excels at everything she does. Bright. Worldly. Measured. Disciplined. Yes, we are enthusiastic. As to the Republican nominee being promoted in Greenwich, Ramer said he had little to add. I didn't need to. He has made a perfectly complete display of himself already, the Democratic chairman said. Robert.Marchant@scni.com We envy and sympathize with the options Greenwich, Stamford and New Canaan voters have in the race for the 36th state senate district this November. L. Scott Frantz has remained a potent voice for the minority Republican Party throughout his four terms in Hartford. He has led the drumbeat for fiscal responsibility at a time when few people in the state would suggest the state is thriving. Democratic hopeful John Blankley, meanwhile, has been dismissive of rhetoric from Republicans such as Frantz that the sky is falling everywhere in Connecticut. Pound for pound, they are among the strongest candidates on the ballots this fall, while offering a model campaign of civility we only wish could be emulated elsewhere. Blankley is raising his hand against a popular incumbent in a year when some races for state offices are unopposed. He also is back after defeats in his campaigns for first selectman in 2011 and state representative in 2012. He calls it idealistic and a fervor to give back. We call it admirable resiliency that would serve the office well should he claim victory. Already an active member of the Greenwich Board of Estimate and Taxation, Blankley has experience with union contracts and business restructuring as a former executive with BP North America and Stolt Tankers. Hes not wrong when he suggests it would be the right time for someone of his experience to take this office, as Connecticut needs considerably restructuring, and a tougher look at generous and outdated union deals that are becoming an anchor keeping the state from moving forward. He also displays a welcome sense of humor among candidates, jesting that if he loses, he hopes some of his messages will nevertheless resonate and inspire people to opine that Blankley did have a few notions we should look into more. His ideas deserve a closer look, but thats not quite enough for us to dismiss Frantzs efforts to retain his office for a fifth term. As Democrats have maintained a stranglehold on state offices, Frantz hasnt been timid about raising his voice to object to what he perceives as weak bills or inappropriate taxes. His own business experience as head of a private investment capital firm continues to bring welcome business experience to the General Assembly ranks. Even when weve disagreed with him, he has presented reasonable arguments. While seizing opportunities to challenge the status quo, Frantz also has shown an appreciation for serving his constituents. I love the job, he says. Voters would do well with whichever candidate they choose, but we endorse L. Scott Frantz for state senator in the 36th district. Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen (C) arrives before a plenary session at the National Assembly of Cambodia, in central Phnom Penh. Photo by Reuters/Samrang Pring 'If Trump wins, the world will change and may be in a good situation because Trump is a businessman so he doesn't want war.' Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Thursday he wanted U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump to win next week's election because Trump would reduce tension with Russia and be good for world peace. Hun Sen is a self-styled strongman whose has ruled for three decades. He has at times reacted angrily to U.S. concerns about the state of human rights and corruption in Cambodia. Most recently, the United States, European Union and United Nations have expressed concern about rising tension between Hun Sen's government and the opposition ahead of a general election in 2018. "I really want Trump to win," Hun Sen said in a speech to thousands of police officers at police academy ceremony. "If Trump wins, the world will change and may be in a good situation because Trump is a businessman so he doesn't want war ... there can be friendship between Trump and Putin," he said, referring to Russia's President Vladimir Putin. Putin has praised Trump as "very talented", while the Republican candidate has said the Kremlin boss is a better leader than U.S. President Barack Obama. Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton has accused Trump of being too cozy with Putin and questioned his business interests in Russia. Hun Sen, who has met Clinton on several occasions including twice when she visited Cambodia as Secretary of State, criticised the Democrat candidate saying she had advised Obama to launch attacks in Syria. He said the relationship between the United States and Russia may worsen if Hillary won next Tuesday. The then Soviet Union supported Cambodia for a decade after the Chinese-backed Khmer Rouge were driven from power by Vietnamese forces in early 1979. The two countries have recently improved their relationship as Russia has taken steps to re-build ties in Southeast Asia. Related news: > Facebook criticisms of Cambodian PM are 'personal opinions': Vietnam's foreign ministry > Trump edges ahead of Clinton, poll finds NEW CANAAN With a pair roof tops resembling witch hats, the home that peers out underneath large windows personify the body of the house quietly overlooks a bend in the Noroton River. Tucked away at the end of a private road that ends on a rocky knoll amid the treetops, the home at 122 Woods End Road blends seamlessly into the bright orange, red and yellow of fall thats overtaken the 4-acre property. Inside, the main floor is perched high above the river below, creating a tree house-like atmosphere. The natural landscape while on vivid display is welcomed into the home without overpowering it. Its not a glass box typical of the mid-century, but its organic ... it blends in and lives beautifully with its surroundings, listing agent Susan Blabey said. Every owner has been a family. Its a family home. Even so, aspects like the large windows, floor plan that builds down rather than up and seamless integration with nature make it clear this is a mid-century modern through and through. The home was the first ever designed by noted New Canaan architect Richard Bergmann. He designed the home for the Latham family for whom the home is named in a house-for-house trade. Bergmann and his wife were renting a home in Silvermine from the Latham family, and the Lathams offered to give him the home he was renting if he designed and built their new house at 122 Woods End Road. The house, originally constructed in 1968 at the tail end of the mid-century movement, is now listed on the New Canaan Historical Societys Modern Homes Survey. At the time, Bergmann was working at the firm of Harvard Five architect Eliot Noyes. Due to Noyes high-profile clientele he had a no moonlighting policy prohibiting everyone in his firm from taking on outside projects. Unable to pass up the opportunity for a free house, Bergmann approached Noyes with his predicament. I went to him and said, I have an unusual opportunity to acquire a house without paying for it, and he understood the opportunity so he said to take a leave of absence while I designed it and then he would guarantee a job back at his firm when I finished, Bergmann said. Six months later, Noyes called Bergmann and asked him to design an expansion for an IBM executive who lived in the area. Bergmann took the job as the first project in his own firm and never returned to work for Noyes. He gave me the job, Bergmann said. So he really started my practice for me. He was a nice guy. A gentleman architect. He never yelled, never shouted ... I was only there 6 months or so but apparently he thought enough of me to recommend me for the addition. Bergmann went on to design mid-century modern homes throughout Fairfield County, including Stew Leonards house in Westport, as well as homes in the rest of Connecticut and upstate New York. With his own twist, of course. I like working in the modern style but I like pitched roofs so Ive never done a flat roof box, Bergmann said. To me, water runs downhill so a roof needs to be pitched to get rid of it. I like a lot of glass and detailing and what not, thats all there, but the flat roof isnt so my designs are a little different than most moderns. Nearly 50 years after his leave of absence, Bergmann was given a rare opportunity to return to the Latham House and complete his original vision for the home. He said when the Lathams built the house in 1968 they couldnt afford to construct the entire design. The home passed through the hands of four different owners and remained virtually unchanged until 2006 when the current owner contacted Bergmann and asked him to complete the home. It was the original intention to have a bigger house, Bergmann said. This was the original design. It was great. It was a lot of fun to return to and I was pleased to have an owner who recognized that and wanted to do it. It doesnt happen very often. To be clear, a mid-century modern architect returning to an original design half a century later to complete an expansion is so rare that neither Bergmann nor Blabey, a mid-century expert, could name another example. Its very unique to have the original architect still living in the area 50 years later, Blabey said. This was not just a tweak. He added one-third more to the house. Its very significant that he was able to fully expand in the perfect way his original architectural design. The result was a seamless expansion both inside and out that opened up the kitchen, created a large living area with stunning views of the wooded land behind the home and a three-tiered exterior that was in line with Bergmanns original vision. Now, a decade after his career came full circle, Bergmann is ready to retire. Hes selling his own home, the Maxwell Perkins House, in New Canaan which also serves as his office. The Greek-revival home was once owned by Maxwell Perkins, the famed editor and publisher, and was the location where he edited the manuscripts of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Wolfe, Ernest Hemingway and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. The property is listed by William Pitt Sothebys International Realty agent Inger Stringfellow for $3 million. Blabey, also of Sothebys New Canaan office, is the lead agent on the Latham House, listed for $2.7 million. Im 81 now so it seems time to hang it up, Bergmann said. Architecture has changed a lot. Its not the same as it used to be. It was a lot easier back in the old days when it didnt have as many regulations. You get tired of dealing with building departments and zoning and all that stuff. KKrasselt@scni.com; 203-354-1021; @kaitlynkrasselt Legal in some states, life imprisonment in others By: Scott Sumner Defenders of the War on Drug Using Americans often tell me that people almost never go to jail for mere possession, rather it is the evil dealers who are imprisoned. (I must admit that I dont see why one side of a voluntary transaction is more evil than the other.) Tyler Cowen linked to this Wonkblog post: Police arrest more people for marijuana use than for all violent crimes combined On any given day in the United States, at least 137,000 people sit behind bars on simple drug-possession charges, according to a report released Wednesday by the American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights Watch. Nearly two-thirds of them are in local jails. The report says that most of these jailed inmates have not been convicted of any crime: Theyre sitting in a cell, awaiting a day in court, an appearance that may be months or even years off, because they cant afford to post bail. And as in so many areas of our society, there are racial disparities: The report finds that the laws are enforced unequally, too. Over their lifetimes, black and white Americans use illicit drugs at similar rates, according to federal data. But black adults were more than 2 times as likely to be arrested for drug possession. Many of the prison sentences seem ridiculous: The report reinforces its point by noting the lengthy sentences handed down in some states for possession of small amounts of drugs. For example, it sketches the history of Corey J. Ladd, who was arrested for possessing half an ounce of marijuana during a 2011 traffic stop in New Orleans. Because he had convictions for two prior offenses involving the possession of small amounts of hydrocodone and LSD, he was sentenced in 2013 to 17 years in prison as a habitual offender. He is currently appealing the sentence to Louisianas Supreme Court. And it gets even worse: But Ladds treatment is far from the harshest drug-possession sentence uncovered by ACLU and Human Rights Watch researchers, who conducted analyses of arrest and incarceration data from Florida, New York and Texas. In Texas, for instance, 116 people are currently serving life sentences on charges of simple drug possession. Seven of those people earned their sentences for possessing quantities of drugs weighing between 1 gram and 4 grams, or less than a typical sugar packet. Thats because Texas also has a habitual-offender law, allowing prosecutors to seek longer-than-normal sentences for people who have two prior felonies. In 2015, more than 78 percent of people sentenced to incarceration for felony drug possession in Texas possessed under a gram, the report found. Both Trump and Clinton support the war on drugs, which is why neither will get my vote. And thats probably why it doesnt come up in the debate. But the voters have other ideas, as both selling pot and possessing pot is now legal in Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Alaska, and will likely be legalized soon in many other states, including California. Canada is also expected to follow suit. Meanwhile taxpayer money is spent destroying lives in places like Texas, for possessing a single gram of illegal drugs. And yet despite these horrific statistics, the War on Drugs gets less attention in the media than the question of which bathrooms various genders should be using. PS. This source suggests that 12.4% of federal drug prisoners are in for marijuana violations, and 44.3% of those had minimal criminal histories (no previous time in prison.) About 85% were not carrying a firearm. PPS. I will be a a panel at Boston University on Saturday, discussing marijuana legalization. My state is voting on the issue on Tuesdaythe only ballot question where a good outcome is even feasible. The info is below. Buy 12 kombuchas, get one free! Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images As further evidence that Whole Foods plan for beating budget grocery chains like Costco and Aldi is to become more like them, the organic grocer announced in an earnings call Wednesday that it will roll out a nationwide rewards program next year. The companys been running tests for several years in Philly and since July in Dallas, and feels the program will be ready for prime time in 2017. Members will receive a number of rewards, among them 10 percent off their first purchase, a coupon good for 15 percent off any department, and product giveaways throughout the year. The more a customer buys, the more rewards theyll unlock, although CEO John Mackey says that while freebies and other promos are an integral part of our conversation, Whole Foods is not interested in participating in a race to the bottom. Maybe not, but hey, he didnt directly shoot down plans to offer double coupons or accept their competitors either. The other big development from Wednesdays call was new details on Whole Foods foray into meal kits. More ready-made meal solutions are on the horizon, Mackey told investors, and shoppers will be able to buy them in stores or have them delivered to your door. This comes in addition to a partnership that started last week with Purple Carrot, sort of a vegan Blue Apron. For its trial at a Massachusetts store, Whole Foods is selling Purple Carrot kits singly, rather than as part of a subscription service which has proven to be a dismayingly tough business model for these start-ups to maintain. These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. 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The bill creates civil penalties of up to $7,500 for using a platform to advertise a whole apartment that rents for less than 30 days. I have argued that this legislation is nothing more than a giveaway to the hotel industry, demonstrating that New York policymakers are joking when they claim that their state is Open for Business! Yet Governor Andrew Cuomos signature of the bill was celebrated by unions, hotels, and another interest group that opposes Airbnbsome New York City residents. James Hirsch, a New Yorker who wrote a letter to the editor for the Wall Street Journal this week, worries that The presence of unauthorized and unsupervised transients in apartment buildings degrades the security and quality of life of legitimate residents. Hirschs arguments are on more solid ground than the absurd claim that Airbnb is responsible for New York Citys high rents. After all, there is no way that an online platform that did not launch until 2008 can be blamed for the citys decades-long struggle with high rents. Airbnb has about 41,000 active listings in New York City each night, which come out to just over one percent of the citys three million housing units. Additionally, 90 percent of Airbnb posts are for residents permanent homes. Simply put, it is impossible to argue that taking 0.1 percent of New York Citys residential units off the market by using them exclusively for short-term rentals is what drives rent increases. Yet, though Hirschs concerns are valid, his reasoning is still flawed. Nuisance laws are well established in New York City, and they offer a less draconian way to enforce quality of life problems. While there are undoubtedly some disrespectful Airbnb guests, there are also countless rude full-time neighbors. The same enforcement mechanisms that hold residents accountable for actions such as holding late-night parties or playing loud music can easily be applied to short-term rental guests. Additionally, many apartments and condos prohibit short-term rentals. But enforcement of these limitations should fall to landlords or building managementnot the government. If short-term rental guests bother building residents, then these residents can report violations to the individuals who are in charge. But breaking rules in a lease or building agreement is not grounds for a $7,500 fine from the state. Hirsch concludes by writing, I have lived for years with an Airbnb guest infestation in my building, and Im glad that our legislators have finally done something to help stop it. Hirsch credits lawmakers with solving a problem for which there is already a solution. If Airbnb guests were causing problems, he could alert authorities using existing nuisance law, similar to how he would respond to full-time residents being loud or disruptive. If Hirsch does not want to live somewhere that allows Airbnb guests, he could find a building that prohibits short-term rentals, and then speak to his landlord or building management if neighbors violate the buildings rules. In the absence of actual problems, celebrating government involvement in the short-term rental market is a lazy way to limit other New Yorkers ability to earn some extra money. Jared Meyer is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research and the author of Uber-Positive: Why Americans Love the Sharing Economy. Interested in real economic insights? Want to stay ahead of the competition? Each weekday morning, E21 delivers a short email that includes E21 exclusive commentaries and the latest market news and updates from Washington. Sign up for the E21 Morning Ebrief. Haiti - Security : The Ministry of Interior calls for calm The Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Communities is "concerned by the scenes of violent protests, looting of public and private property as well as serious offenses against the public order" that prevailed Tuesday in Les Cayes. "It deplores the fatal shooting, in mysterious circumstances of a teenager on the morning of 1st November and the casualties recorded during the day, in the Capital of the South Department." Also, the relevant State bodies were seized and immediately instructed to ensure their responsibilities in this situation, which raised the anger within the population of the 3rd largest city. "The Ministry condemns in the strongest terms the obstacles and pressures of Mayors and the South Departmental Delegate, direct State representatives, and the premeditated attacks against their persons and their property. These acts, which were guilty some individuals, some wearing balaclavas and were armed with sticks and machetes, are intolerable." https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19111-haiti-flash-an-aid-distribution-goes-wrong-in-les-cayes-1-dead.html The Interior Ministry, "launches to citizens and notables of the city of Les Cayes, a call to dialogue, serenity and calm, conditions necessary to continue to provide an effective post-Matthew accompaniment of the State to the population." See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19117-haiti-justice-the-minister-edouard-deplores-and-condemns-the-incident-of-les-cayes.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19111-haiti-flash-an-aid-distribution-goes-wrong-in-les-cayes-1-dead.html HL/ S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Canada : A Canadian of Haitian origin in the Senate Wednesday, Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, proceeded with the appointment of six independent senators whose Dr. Marie-Francoise Megie, family physician and professor of Haitian origin (Jacmel). The Deputy Emmanuel Dubourg (Bourassa District), arrived in Haiti to Canada in 1974 paid gher a warm tribute : "My heartiest congratulations to Dr. Marie-Francoise Megie, Today, the Right Honourable Mr. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada has chosen you to be a senator. This honor reflects on all of us in the community. More than 2,700 nominations from across the country were submitted. You have been selected through a new open appointment process based on merit. This new process is designed to ensure independent Senate, at the image of Canada's diversity and able to confront the many challenges and opportunities that the country faces. You now occupy important functions in a modern democracy. Once appointed by the Governor General and convened to the Senate, I will be happy to call you with respect and pride 'Honorable Marie-Francoise Megie'" Learn more about Marie-Francoise Megie : Dr. Marie-Francoise Megies professional career comprises over 35 years as a family physician and nearly 30 years as a university professor. She arrived in Quebec in 1976, from Haiti, and rose through the ranks of the medical profession and university teaching, becoming a clinical associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the Universite de Montreal. Her university involvement enabled her to participate in the seniors care committee and to work on the curriculum review committee of the Department of Family Medicine of the Universite de Montreal. Her medical practice includes providing home health care services for seniors, persons with severe disabilities, and end-of-life patients. She is the medical director of the Maison de soins palliatifs de Laval. Since 2001 she has been a guest speaker at various conferences and symposia at the international, national and provincial levels. She is a member of a number of professional associations, has chaired the Association of Haitian Physicians Abroad, and currently chairs the Association Medecins Francophones du Canada. Since 2006 she has been the editor-in chief of the Newsletter of the Association Medecins Francophones du Canada. Dr. Megie has received a number of awards for her professional, volunteer and personal contributions. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping politics... Fear of not participation of voters The former President of CEP (2006), Max Mathurin feared because of the situation on the ground, a not participation of voters of zones most affected by Matthew, on 20 November, particularly in the Great Southwhich represents more than 600,000 voters... 159 prisoners on the run In Saint Michel de l'Attalaye, the National Police of Haiti (PNH) announced the arrest of 7 individuals who escaped from a the civil prison of Arcahaie. Note that since the escape of 172 prisoners from the prison of Arcahaie, 22 October, 10 prisoners were taken the same day and only 3 since. 159 prisoners are on the run and actively sought... See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19049-haiti-flash-the-pnh-capture-two-escapees.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-19045-haiti-justice-dr-alongside-haiti-in-tracking-down-escapees.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19037-haiti-flash-escape-of-172-detainees-official-version-of-the-pnh.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19015-haiti-flash-mutiny-in-arcahaie-172-escaped-many-victims.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19023-haiti-prison-break-rd-strengthens-the-military-border-controls.html Jovenel Moise still committed to the affected Jovenel Moise presidential candidate under the banner of PHTK, has delegated a team Tuesday in Grand'Anse to provide support to the victims of Hurricane Matthew. A distribution of humanitarian aid (hygiene kits, food, water, sheets and others) was particularly taken place without problems, in the commune of Bonbon, under the supervision of Deputy for the constituency of Bonbon and Abricots, Jean Chavenet Clerjous. Recall that Jovenel Moses, who had ended his campaign with the approach of the storm, before the official closing date to lend a hand to his countrymen, is committed to continue its support in other affected areas. D-18 launch of the repair campaign of CV Wednesday, November 2, 18 days before the election, the General Directorate of Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) has finalized preparations to launch the repair campaign in the host of Voting Centres (CV) in the South, announced earlier this week https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19105-haiti-elections-the-rehabilitation-of-the-voting-centres-will-begin.html To this end, Lucien Francoeur, General Director of FAES invited representatives of 13 firmls in the South to attend a meeting to receive instructions of FAES who asks them to promote the put in place of tarpaulins as temporary roofing. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19105-haiti-elections-the-rehabilitation-of-the-voting-centres-will-begin.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19099-haiti-flash-the-election-date-becomes-uncertain.html Privert met a delegation of FENAM This week at the National Palace, the de facto President Jocelerme Privert, met a delegation of the National Federation of Mayors (FENAM) around topics directly touching the enhancement of community management. CEP recycles staff Currently, CEP organizes a new training session to recycle members of temporary staff whose Electoral Security Agents (ESA), Members of Polling Stations (MBV) and supervisors. HL/ HaitiLibre Login or sign up to follow actresses, movies & dramas and get specific updates and news Login Sign Up New Ad-free Subscriber Login Email Password Password Username Your E-mail will only be used to retrieve a lost password. Stay logged in Help Waddie Mitchell brought national attention to Elko through his poetry and stories of life as a cowboy and ranching. For over 30 years, Waddies cowboy poetry helped the growth of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering while entertaining audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Bruce Douglas Mitchell was born in 1950 to Douglas and Barbara Mitchell. He grew up on the Horseshoe Ranch 30 miles south of Elko, working alongside cowboys and hired hands. He was given the nickname Waddie, a synonym for cowhand. At 16, Waddie left school to work on ranches full-time and served in the U.S. Army breaking and training horses for the U.S. Cavalry. He also began to recite stories he heard from his childhood and work on his own poetry. I cant ever remember finding cowboy poetry, Mitchell said in an interview recalling his start in reciting poetry. It was always there. Waddie began to make appearances at various poetry and storytelling festivals around the country telling audiences humorous and poignant stories about life as a cowboy on the ranch. In 1984, he and Hal Cannon organized the first Cowboy Poetry Gathering held in Elko. A year later, he was invited to perform on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, his first network television appearance. Throughout his career, Waddie has been featured in various TV programs and profiled in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and National Geographic. Mitchells work was also noticed by many organizations, including the Smithsonian Institution, which invited him to their Annual Festival of American Folklife in 1985. He received the Governors Arts Award for Literature that same year. Mitchell has also been commissioned to write poems commemorating special events. That No Quit Attitude was used throughout the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games while Dame Nevada was written in honor of Nevadas 150th anniversary. Nov. 2 Michael D. Belcher, 24, of Carlin was arrested at 852 Tuscarora for grand larceny of an item worth $3,500 or more. Bail: $20,000 Brandon J. Blunt, 36, of Elko was arrested in Walmart for petit larceny, and nuisance in building, trespass upon grounds or disturbing assembly. Bail: $1,495 Amanda C. Etheridge, 39, of Elko was arrested at Errecart and Lamoille Highway for operating an unregistered vehicle, trailer or semi, and driving with a suspended, revoked or canceled drivers license. Bail: $470 Javier Hernandez, 41, of Elko was arrested on West Sage Street for driving with a suspended drivers license, operating a vehicle with expired registration or plates, owner proof of insurance required, and possession of a controlled substance. Bail: $6,450 Andrew J. Roth, 25, of Florence, Arizona, was arrested at the Florence Prison on a warrant for two counts of burglary. Bail: $20,000 Brennon R. Sirotek, 30, of Elko was arrested in Carlin for DUI. Bail: $1,140 DAVID KROSERS TOP TECH TIPS 1. Ease of use and flexibility: Each industry has vastly different requirements in the way they manage employees. Compare, for example, retail to hospitality. At the core they all need to be able to do the same things but in different ways. If you dont make it as simple as an Excel spreadsheet to use, managers wont use it. 2. Accessibility: Cloud-based centralised systems that are accessible to employees via mobile devices are critical. Theres a lot of older technology still around where the vendor has prettied up the front end to make it look good, but deep down its old technology. Cloud-based technology can provide real-time insights and a single point of truth. 3. Analytical functionality: Once our clients get beyond the transactional part of implementation, it comes down to the analysis of the data being generated. You need strong data science that is able to take that data and present it in a format that is actionable. Data for the sake of data is a waste; actionable data is really important. RITEQ RITEQ exists to inform and enable optimum workforce performance across all industries. From humble beginnings in Sydney in 2001, RITEQ has established itself as a significant force in the world of human capital management. With more than 350 clients and 15,000 locations globally using its solutions, RITEQs offering includes workforce management and people analytics software coupled with education and consulting. For further information on RITEQ, click here s your CEO (or CFO) still believe that labour force optimisation is simply about operational matters such as knowing who shows up for work and how many hours they do? The retail sector specifically the case of Boost Juice Bars might provide food for thought. Boost uses RITEQ workforce management technology to look at the weather forecast for the coming week and will then look at historical sales data going back 240 weeks. A complex set of algorithms can then determine how many people need to be rostered in each store at half-hourly intervals each day in order to meet the probable demand for the companys products.Boost Juice provides just one example of how time and attendance data can form the foundations of more sophisticated workforce management strategies.Workforce planning is very much a strategic HR function requiring the analysis of data in order to plan your workforce of the future, says David Kroser, Managing Director of RITEQ. It makes absolute sense that in order to plan effectively, you must have a foundation of accurate data to work with that relates to your current workforce position.For Kroser its about more than simply gaining insight from data; its a way for C-level executives to identify and continuously improve workforce performance and business contribution by actively engaging with their HR teams in building and delivering effective intervention strategies. When properly developed and executed, people analytics provide the opportunity for every HR department to transform itself from an operational support role to that of valueadded business partner, he says.RITEQ maintains that it is in the interests of both parties to recognise the value of the data that can be extracted from workforce management systems. This data can provide insights into issues such as labour force productivity and optimisation, absenteeism rates, and the deployment of the workforce.The workforce planning process can be broken into three key areas. It all starts with the labour demand planning: what is required based on the business plan? The second area is workforce labour supply planning, and the third is labour sustainability planning.Where time and attendance fits in is primarily with labour demand planning, Kroser says. For example, the sort of data that becomes really important is your employee mix FTEs, casuals, part-timers and how optimised that mix is. How much overtime are you incurring? For example, could you have three FTEs replace a handful of casuals working overtime? Youll also be looking at absence trends. Its all the metrics that feed into the demand process and thinking about what youll need for the future.Effective workforce management planning also consists of several essential operational elements:How many people will need to be rostered in X location to meet a certain level of demand at a certain time of day? This is labour demand in the context of having the right people in the right place at the right time, says Kroser.Referring back to the Boost Juice example, what are the impacting factors that will determine how many people are needed to run a store, for example?Scheduling staff based on the above demands and ensuring employees are notified of their schedules or rosters. Technology has allowed for greater mobility, says Kroser. You can now notify employees of their shifts and allow them to bid for shifts. That extends into what we call dynamic rostering, whereby the system can automatically build a roster for you based on the best fit to meet a particular cost, or remain compliant with EBA or Award rules.This covers what actually happens every day. Do employees clock on/off, or do they fill in a timesheet that goes to their manager? In an automated system this can be referenced against the shift the employee was rostered to work. The system will then approve the shift ready for payment, or use its Award interpretation engine to determine the correct rates of pay for example, David worked seven hours of normal time, two hours at time and a half, and three hours of double time. It will then move it into the payroll system. Alternatively, if it falls outside the threshold and exceptions range for example if the employee was late for work a manager is notified and they will deal with the exception. In the RITEQ system this occurs in real time.Kroser reiterates that incorrect foundations at the demand-planning stage will result in incorrect long-term outcomes for the business. For this reason, he believes that workforce management system/application integration is critical to success. Each disparate system needs to be able to talk to the others. It must be integrated as part of an ecosystem because application integration is really business integration; with the amount of data being processed by various systems you cannot operate without having really strong integration. In this day and age its not practical or feasible to manage data in Excel spreadsheets, Kroser says. He adds that having workforce management data fully integrated into workforce planning analytics eliminates a significant amount of manual intervention, and ensures accuracy.With HR today more prepared to embrace data and analytics as an essential part of decision-making and planning, its no surprise that RITEQ has taken steps to add analytical tools to its technology suite. We already had a fantastic transactional tool in RITEQ WFM, but it was operational in nature; we wanted to build its reporting capabilities and offer analytical tools for more effective workforce management, Kroser says.Clients increasingly want to go beyond just the workforce management metrics relating to time and attendance or rostering systems. They want to see more information around workforce efficiency, effectiveness, capability and engagement. We hold a lot of data within our workforce management system and we were looking to obtain more effective insights from that data.To that end, in September 2015 the company acquired SeeMoreData, the creators of business intelligence and analytics platform BI Plus. The RITEQ Analytics solution was integrated into RITEQ Workforce Manager as a module in early 2016. It offers out-ofthe- box dashboard analytics on all workforce management data within RITEQ. Clients are also able to feed other data sources into the analytics tool to combine workforce data with data from other key sources such as point of sale, payroll, HR, financial, traffic counting and other relevant systems.RITEQ further added to its people analytics capabilities in October this year with the acquisition of Optimum Performance. The companys founder, Stephen Moore, will add valuable knowledge to the RITEQ team.Its been a long-standing mission to use our existing workforce management platform as the foundation for future growth, says Kroser. The acquisition of Optimum Performance brings with it unique and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of human capital metrics and analysis.With the annual labour bill in most organisations meeting or exceeding 60% of total operating expenditure, Kroser says this level of insight will be vital to HRs ongoing evolution as a strategic business partner. He cites just one example of how data analytics can help move HR from being reactive to proactive. When youre managing labour costs, looking at the data after the fact is too late, he says. A system like ours is able to alert you in real time when an employee is about to go into overtime hours. It allows you to then be proactive in making a decision about clocking off that employee because otherwise theyll cost you money. The return on investment is significant. Its not just about improved efficiencies, more accurate data and better compliance; its about proactive labour management where you can make decisions on things before they happen, because you have the insights to do so. ing ambitious corporate incentive schemes and performance goals might seem like a fail-safe strategy for getting the very best out of employees.However, they can actually cause anxious employees to lie about outcomes and result in a negative impact on productivity, according to the University of Sydney Business Schools Professor of Accounting, Wai Fong Chua.For example, consider how Nokia suffered financially because of the fear that it imposed amongst middle and senior managers.Shared fear was so strong amongst Nokias middle managers that they withheld important information about the viability of its technology from senior managers, said Chua.The company suffered significant losses as a result and was forced to exit the smartphone market.Moreover, Chuas research relating to the Australian subsidiary of a global computer company looked at the need to better understand affective technologies.This includes processes, information systems, and performance/financial goals that have an emotional impact and economic consequences.Take for example, a billion dollar revenue target that is to be achieved within 18 months, this tends to produce an affective outcome, she said.It could be anxiety, it could be fear, it could be excitement, it could be all of these things. And that, in turn, affects the way people work in an organisation.Chua believes there is considerable fear and anxiety in todays corporations, particularly those facing financial hardships.When corporate distress is not well handled it can have quite adverse consequences, said Chua.She added that financial managers today play a key role in designing performance management systems.Were fundamentally interested in ensuring that the systems we design and the goals that are set enable people to develop their potential and achieve to the best of their ability.Stretch goals can motivate staff. But, when tied to incentive schemes that operate in unsupportive corporate cultures, this can prompt fraud, said Chua.Indeed, investigations are currently underway into the incentive schemes at the Wells Fargo bank in the United States. Approximately 5000 employees are believed to have created fictitious customers in order to meet or exceed their performance targets.Chua concluded that companies need to be aware of levels of anxiety and fear and enable folks to discuss processes and goals without being so afraid that they fabricate an answer.Organisations are emotional arenas, not just economic entities, she said. There are significant differences in the priorities of Australian employees and employers when it comes to workplace health and wellness, according to a workplace study by leading life insurer MetLife. The study found employers dont place as much importance on health issues such as depression (6% employer v 32% employee ranking) and stress and anxiety (11% employer v 29% employee ranking) even though these are all key concerns for employees. The Employee Benefit Trends Study (EBTS) involved 300 Australian company managers and over 500 Australian full-time employees towards key employee benefit trends and issues. Australian employers were asked what the greatest health fears for their staff were and they responded by ranking medical problems (88%) over their emotional health (69%) and lifestyle issues (62%). This contrasted with the fact that 84% of Australian workers worry more about their emotional wellbeing, compared with 70% who are concerned with medical issues. MetLife Australia CEO, Deanne Stewart said it was crucial for employers to align their benefits with employee interest and identify ways to create a more inclusive, human-centred work environment. As working hours grow longer, and associated stress and anxiety is on the rise, employers need to acknowledge employees mental health concerns and address these head on, said Stewart. While its encouraging to see more employers offering health and wellness programs, our research shows that these are often misaligned to staff needs. The results also found employers recognise the benefits of offering wellness programs to staff, include increased staff retention, employee engagement and improved productivity. However, the most widely offered health and wellness programs, such as flu shots (42%) and employee assistance programs (42%), did not have a high correlation with what employees are interested in (21% and 23%, respectively). Offering solutions to improve mental health and overall wellbeing could be a major opportunity for Australian employers, according to the research. Second only to salary, a reduction in work stress is an important motivator (31%) for Australians looking for a new job. Stewart added that in a fiercely competitive employment market, companies need to stand out and do all they can to attract and retain top talent. This might mean considering benefit solutions that focus on improving staff resilience, relieving work stress and providing mental health programs that offer support in the workplace, Stewart. These types of initiatives can help to build a more positive workplace which can in turn boost staff satisfaction and overall productivity. By Jesse Wood The Harvest House hosted Republican candidates, N.C. Sen. Deanna Ballard and N.C. Rep. Jonathan Jordan, on Wednesday evening. The event was co-sponsored by the N.C. Homeowners Alliance and the High Country Association of Realtors. Jordan, an attorney in Ashe County is again facing Democrat Sue Counts, former Watauga County Cooperative Extension director. Jordan has represented Ashe and Watauga counties in the N.C. House since 2010. Ballard is a Republican residing in Blowing Rock and an employee of Samaritans Purse. She was appointed to the N.C. Senate by Gov. Pat McCrory after former Sen. Dan Soucek, another employee of Samaritans Purse, abruptly resigned in April, several months before his term was set to end. After winning the Republican primary, Ballard is running against Art Sherwood, a Democrat from Caldwell during the general election. After introductions, the candidates took a first question from the moderator regarding expectations for continued tax reform, where state Republicans have been favoring consumption taxes and moving towards the elimination of the state income tax for the past several years. The two-part question also addressed the future of mortgage-interest deduction, which was capped at $20,000 during Jordans current term in the N.C. House. Tax reform on the scale of what weve seen on the past four years probably will not continue. There will be smaller changes There are a lot of states [around us] that are competitive with us that have no income tax, Jordan said. Plus, I tell people if you get a sales tax in place for majority of state revenue, you are going to catch tourists, you are going to catch illegal aliens, you are going to catch students. You are going to catch a lot of people that otherwise wouldnt be paying if it was all income tax. As for mortgage-interest deduction, Jordan said that a compromise of the $20,000 cap was reached because others in the N.C. House didnt favor an unlimited deduction. He suggested that the audience contact colleagues in other districts to persuade their legislators to at least not lower the $20,000 cap. Ballard, who has only been serving since April, said as a homeowner it was important to preserve the mortgage-interest deduction for as long as we can. She added that shes not sure what the future holds on that front. I am not sure where things will go each session, Ballard said. Both acknowledged that deductions would automatically disappear with the elimination of the states income tax. There are some benefits to whats been going on as far as tax reform. As far as this one in particular [mortgage-deduction interest] I do think if we go this route it will be the last thing that gets discussed or gets to that point. I just know from our conversations its been a key point, Ballard said. See more photos from forum below: Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket The following information is provided by local law enforcement agencies. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Compiled by Jessica Isaacs The following were provided by the Watauga County Sheriffs Office. Oct. 18 INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 1469 U.S. Highway 421 N 101 in Boone. INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at D&B Mini Mart in Zionville. INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 351 Burl Lawrence Road in Vilas. Oct. 19 INCIDENT: Fraud and communicating threats were reported at 123 Smith Isaacs Road in Zionville. INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 316 Clyde Townsend Road in Boone. INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 118 Margot Road in Boone. INCIDENT: Breaking and entering was reported at 210 Bennick Place in Sugar Grove. ARREST: A male suspect, 22, of 5 Bear Drive in Blowing Rock, was charged with two counts of felony financial card theft. Secured bond: $4,500. Trial date: Nov. 22. ARREST: A male suspect, 27, of 310 Martin Lane in Boone, was charged with vandalism. Secured bond: $750. Trial date: Nov. 22. ARREST: A male suspect, 23, of 1215 Bray Road in Walnut Cove, was charged with all traffic. Secured bond: $300. Trial date: Nov. 1. Oct. 20 INCIDENT: Drug violations were reported at 2163 Junaluska Road in Boone. INCIDENT: Larceny from buildings was reported at 133 N Water St. INCIDENT: Simple physical assault was reported at 1466 Sampson Road in Blowing Rock. ARREST: A male suspect, 18, of 211 Cranberry Creek in Boone, was charged with underage consumption. ARREST: A male suspect, 55, of 236 Stewart Hamby Lane in Deep Gap, was charged with OFA FTA. Secured bond: $1,000. Trial date: Nov. 2. Oct. 21 INCIDENT: DWI was reported on West King Street. INCIDENT: Trafficking meth was reported at Dollar General in Zionville. INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 223 Blair Court in Boone. INCIDENT: Larceny of a firearm was reported at 123 Perry St. in Boone. INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 381 Replogle Drive in Boone. INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 113 Valle Crest Drive in Banner Elk. INCIDENT: Simple physical assault was reported at 1105 Vanderpool Road in Vilas. ARREST: A female suspect, 22, of 112 Hub Brown Road in Boone, was charged with DWI. Trial date: Dec. 13. Oct. 22 INCIDENT: Unauthorized use of motor vehicle was reported at 320 Navidad Lane in Vilas. INCIDENT: Vandalism was reported at 166 Lylas Way in Deep Gap. ARREST: A male suspect, 23, of 1505 Walt Arney Road in Lenoir, was charged with DWI. Trial date: Dec. 13. ARREST: A male suspect, 24, of 206 Porter St. in Millers Creek, was charged with DWI. Trial date: Dec. 13. Oct. 23 INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 200 Parkwood Circle in Boone. INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 214 Keeth Drive in Banner Elk. INCIDENT: Trespassing, vandalism and larceny were reported at 537 Georges Gap Road in Vilas. ARREST: A female suspect, 20, of 151 Crest View Drive in Elizabethton, was charged with felony FTA. Secured bond: $10,000. Trial date: Nov. 15. Oct. 24 INCIDENT: Larceny from buildings was reported at 140 William Hunt Road in Boone. INCIDENT: Burglary forcible entry was reported at 7112 Rominger Road Unit 1 in Sugar Grove. ARREST: A male suspect, 26, of 258 Elk Lane in Deep Gap, was charged with OFA FTA unsupervised probation violation. Secured bond: $788. Trial date: Nov. 4. ARREST: A female suspect, 38, of 5671 S Roberts Ave. in Lumberton, was charged with felony WFA obtaining property by false pretense. Trial date: Nov. 16. Oct. 25 INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 4869 U.S. Highway 421 N in Vilas. INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 8943 Elk Creek Road in Deep Gap. INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 141 Health Center Drive in Boone. INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 328 Martin Lane in Boone. INCIDENT: Vandalism was reported at 225 Tater Hill Estates Dr. Apt. 9 in Boone. ARREST: A female suspect, 20, of 159 Boone Circle Unit 1 in Boone, was charged with communicating threats and cyberstalking. Trial date: Nov. 8. Oct. 26 INCIDENT: Interfering with 911 communication was reported at 295 Orchard Creek Road in Deep Gap. ARREST: A male suspect, 27, of 222 Clyde Miller Road in Mountain City, was charged with interfere with emergency communication. Secured bond: $1,000. Trial date: Nov. 22. ARARREST: A female suspect, 23, of 136 Ivy Drive in Boone, was charged with criminal summons for worthless check. Trial date: Nov. 16. ARREST: A female suspect, 66, of 311 Laurel Fork Road Apt. 1 in Vilas, was charged with OFA FTA. Secured bond: $1,000. Trial date: Nov. 22. Oct. 27 INCIDENT: Assault and battery, assault on a female and damage to personal property was reported at 555 Grassy Creek Lane in Boone. INCIDENT: Breaking and entering was reported at 692 Fallview Lane Unit 1 in Boone. INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 585 Georges Gap Road in Vilas. ARREST: A female suspect, 23, of 392 Fallview Lane Unit 1 in Boone, was charged with breaking and entering. Trial date: Nov. 15. ARREST: A male suspect, 40, of 1841 Bairds Creek Road in Vilas, was charged with criminal summons for worthless check. Trial date: Nov. 16. ARREST: A female suspect, 28, of 11036 N.C. Highway 105 S in Banner Elk, was charged with injury to personal property. Trial date: Nov. 22. ARREST: A male suspect, 27, of 555 Grassy Creek Lane in Boone, was charged with assault and battery, assault on a female, communicating threats, resist/obstruct/delay, damage to real property and damage to personal property. Secured bond: $15,000. Trial date: Dec. 13. Oct. 29 INCIDENT: Breaking and entering and vandalism were reported at 334 George Wilson Road in Boone. INCIDENT: Vandalism was reported at 253 N Kinsale in Boone. INCIDENT: Breaking and entering, assault with a deadly weapon and assault on a female were reported at 310 Martin Lane in Boone. INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 4304 Bamboo Road in Boone. Oct. 30 INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 1500 Presnell School Road in Banner Elk. ARREST: A male suspect, 18, was charged with breaking and entering building and trespassing. Secured bond: $750. Trial date: Dec. 13. Oct. 31 INCIDENT: Stolen mail was reported at 288 Lynn Hill Road in Boone. INCIDENT: Larceny and trespassing were reported at 3081 Deerfield Road in Boone. INCIDENT: Larceny from buildings was reported at 197 Shook Road in Banner Elk. INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 400 State Farm Road in Boone. INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 9591 U.S. Highway 421 N in Zionville. ELKO Nearly one-third of Elko County voters have already cast their ballots in Tuesdays general election, according to data from the Nevada Secretary of States office. Friday is the final day of early voting in Nevada. A total of 7,375 Elko County residents had cast ballots by the end of the day Wednesday, out of 23,768 active voters. Republicans topped the list of early voters with 4,603 ballots cast, compared with 1,302 Democrats and 1,470 other. There are only two local contested races on the ballot for voters living in Elko. Andrew M. Mierins and Elias Choch Goicoechea are running for the newly created Elko township justice of the peace Department B. Mierins reported $6,475 in campaign contributions and $3,533 in expenses through Oct. 14, while Goicoechea reported $3,050 in contributions and $3,934 in expenses for the same period. Elko City Council incumbents Mandy Simons and Robert Schmidtlein face a challenge from Pedro Marin Jr. Schmidtlein led the race in fundraising while incumbent Mandy Simons led in spending. Schmidtlein listed $2,300 in contributions and $1,709 in expenses through Oct. 14. Simons listed $1,000 in contributions and $1,727 in expenses. Challenger Pedro Marin Jr. listed zero contributions and zero expenses. In the 2012 election these three candidates received the most votes in a six-way race. Simons received the most at 2,346, followed by Schmidtlein with 1,698 and Marin with 1,590. There will be two school board candidates on the ballot, but Mike Ayala has since moved out of town. Candidate Tammie Cracraft-Dickenson was recently appointed to the vacant seat. Elsewhere in the county, there is a three-way contest for Carlin City Council between Dana Holbrook, Margaret Johnston and Karla Jones; and West Wendover Mayor Emily Carter faces a challenge from Daniel Corona. (HITC Business) Mark Lyttleton, a former high-profile BlackRock portfolio manager, pleaded guilty to two counts of insider trading in a London court..Insider dealing carries a maximum prison term of seven years in the U.K.. To read this article: Supo suspects that the properties acquired by foreign nationals, namely Russians, could be used in the event of a crisis to, for example, accommodate unmarked military troops. The Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo) has drawn attention to suspicious land and property transactions made by foreign nationals in Finland in a report presented to the Administration Committee of the Parliament, reports Iltalehti . The report states according to the daily newspaper that the transactions are seemingly not motivated by conventional business or ownership interests and can therefore be interpreted as indications of preparing to have an influence in the event of a crisis. Measures that may be about preparing to have an influence in the event of a future crisis are detected constantly, Supo reminds according to Iltalehti. Land owners working on behalf of a foreign power can build structures on their properties that can be utilised to, for example, shut down transport routes or accommodate unmarked troops in crisis conditions. Supo also reminds that an atypically high number of foreign intelligence officers are stationed in Finland, thus echoing the concerns of the Administration Committee. The Administration Committee highlighted in its statement on the Government's Foreign and Security Policy Report that in relation to population the number of foreign intelligence officers stationed in the country is among the highest in the West. Supo must in the years to come be able to step up investments in technological systems, personnel and special expertise in order to combat illegal intelligence activities, it said in its report. The Administration Committee has also pointed out that all Russian citizens, regardless of whether or not they have obtained dual citizenship, are obliged to assist their national security officials under the laws of Russia. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Markku Ulander Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi Olli Rehn (Centre), the Minister of Economic Affairs, revealed in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat on Wednesday that the energy and climate strategy currently under preparation recommends that the use of coal be stopped by 2030 possibly by means of a statutory prohibition. The Finnish Government has announced that it is mulling over prohibiting the use of coal in energy production by 2030. The Government is to present its new energy and climate strategy to the Parliament in March, 2017. Finland would thereby become the first country in the world to resort to a statutory prohibition to stop the use of coal in energy production. Coal is a particularly emissions-intensive source of energy, and countries around the world are seeking to reduce its use in electricity production. Statutory prohibitions, however, have only been adopted at the regional level, such as in Oregon, the United States, and Ontario, Canada, according to Helsingin Sanomat. Rehn estimates in an interview with the daily that the prohibition would be comparable to the granting of voting rights to women. It would also allow the country to establish itself as the home country of cleantech, he envisions. The Finnish Energy (ET) has expressed its dismay with the proposal. The discussion about prohibiting the use of coal under law is inexplicable. Such an effort would not succeed without offering substantial compensation [to energy producers]. I fail to understand how the central administration can spend so recklessly and be so unappreciative of the situation in the energy markets, says Jukka Leskela, the managing director of ET. Comparing the proposed prohibition to the granting of voting rights to women is justifiable only from a constitutional perspective, he adds. The protection of property would be one of the most important questions. The Government is toying with it in a way that jeopardises the entire investment climate in the energy sector, he explains. Leskela believes a statutory prohibition would only damage the current energy system. The use of coal has already been reduced to a fraction of what it was previously with the current system of steering and corporate investments, and the trend will remain the same in the future, he says. Coal accounted for approximately eight per cent of the electricity produced in Finland in 2015, according to ET. ET instead urges the country to use the resources at its disposal to ensure it is able to take advantage of the business opportunities presented by global energy trends, such as smart grids and electronic transport. The Government, it says, should at the very least refrain from raising the feed-in tariffs designed to promote the use of renewable energy sources in electricity production. Energy producers do not want the tariffs, nor are they justifiable in light of the energy sector objectives of the Government or the EU, says Leskela. Hopefully reason will prevail and we will move towards a modern, smart system of steering that encourages Finland to take advantage of its share of mega-trends in the energy sector instead of using public funds to stage expensive publicity stunts. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Antti Aimo-Koivisto Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi Early voting ends at 1 p.m. Saturday Jessica Allison, 25, of Hendersonville, makes a selfie after voting at the Board of Elections on Tuesday. Female voters outnumbered male voters by 3,159 after 10 days of early voting in Henderson County, election figures show, and more Republicans had voted than Democrats and independents. Through mid-morning on Tuesday, 27,712 Henderson County voters had cast ballots either by absentee mail-in or at one-stop polling places in the county. The breakdown was 15,290 women and 11,998 men, or 55 percent female. That was slightly ahead of the womens advantage in registration, which is 53.6 to 46.4 percent. Republicans were outvoting Democrats and unaffiliated voters, 11,318 to 6,666 to 9,654, respectively. I hope to vote 30 to 35,000 before Election Day, said Elections Director Beverly Cunningham. Wed like to get as many voted beforehand as we can. In 2012, 30,137 Henderson County voters cast ballots before Election Day. The county appears to be on a pace to exceed that this year. It ought not surprise that voters are fired up and turnout is high. North Carolina is among a handful of swing states both presidential candidates are fighting for to the end. Its home to perhaps the most closely watched gubernatorial election in the nation and the U.S. Senate race could decide the balance of power in that body. Cunningham reminded voters that they can check the county Board of Elections website to find out where to vote (go to hendersoncountync.org/elections/ and click Search Statewide Voter Registration in the left-hand column and type in your name to see your precinct). Well have 300 people show up here on Election Day and swear this is where they voted last time, Cunningham predicted. While they may have voted at the Board of Elections office in the last election they did not vote there on Election Day. Although its a one-stop voting site, the Board of Elections has never been a polling place on Election Day. Dont wait till Election Day to find out where youre going to vote, Cunningham added. Look it up now or call us now. The elections office is keeping up with peoples desire to document their lives in the age of social media. While photographs are not allowed in a voting booth, the Board of Elections set up a selfie photo area complete with props voters can use to make their own picture after theyve voted. One-stop voting sites One-stop voting ends at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Henderson County Board of Elections office, 75 East Central St., off Spartanburg Highway; Etowah Library, 101 Brickyard Road, Etowah; Flat Rock Village Hall, 110 Village Center Drive, Flat Rock; and Fletcher Library, 120 Library Road, Fletcher. Same-day registration is allowed during one-stop voting but not on Election Day. One-stop voting hours at the Henderson County Board of Elections office: Oct. 31-Nov. 4: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday: Nov. 5: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. One-stop voting hours at Etowah Library, Flat Rock Village Hall and Fletcher Library: Oct. 31-Nov. 4: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Polls are open on Election Day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters dont need a photo ID to vote; that requirement in state law was struck down by a federal appeals court. Memers of the Garda Technical Bureau at the sealed off road in Knockadoon outside Tom and Kitty Fitzgerald's home where their bodies were discovered. Gardai are satisfied that the answers to the death of an elderly couple and the serious injuries sustained by their son lie within the family home. Tom Fitzgerald (75) and his wife Kitty (72) were found dead at their home in Irishtown, Mayo, on Tuesday afternoon. Expand Close A relative kneels and prays at the sealed off road in Knockadoon outside Tom and Kitty Fitzgerald's home where their bodies were discovered. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A relative kneels and prays at the sealed off road in Knockadoon outside Tom and Kitty Fitzgerald's home where their bodies were discovered. Their son, Paul (37), was rushed to hospital in Galway with serious head injuries. He has since been taken to Beaumont Hospital for further treatment. Blood It is understood Kitty's body was found lying in a pool of blood inside the house, while Tom was found lying in a trough outside. A blunt instrument, which appears to be a metal bar, may have been used to kill the couple. The couple and their son were discovered by a family friend, who had been visiting. Expand Close Flowers left by relatives at the sealed off road in Knockadoon outside Tom and Kitty Fitzgerald's home where their bodies were discovered. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Flowers left by relatives at the sealed off road in Knockadoon outside Tom and Kitty Fitzgerald's home where their bodies were discovered. Garda Chief Superintendent Pat Diskin said an operation room has been set up at Claremorris Garda Station and a team of investigators are in place. "While this is a very serious incident, and is being fully investigated, I'll be satisfied that the answers to our inquiries lie within the location of the incident," he said. "A full team from the technical bureau carried out a full examination. "We have a full incident room set up. We're at a very early stage of the investigation and our various teams are doing serious work in relation to this matter and we're obviously trying to establish the full facts surrounding the tragedy." Chief Supt Diskin said that a much clearer picture of what exactly happened at the house will become apparent to investigators when assistant state pathologist Marie Cassidy conducts a post-mortem today. "When the post-mortems are completed, it will certainly give us an indication into what direction the investigation will take," he added. Mr Diskin said that the situation came to their attention at 3pm on Tuesday. Suspicious However, gardai are still unsure of the exact timeframe of the incident, and are asking anyone that may have seen anything suspicious around the property between Sunday night and Tuesday afternoon to get in touch with them. Adopted by Kitty and Tom at a young age, Paul was described as being "cheerful, very involved in the community and very artistic" when he was in secondary school. Despite living in Galway, he was regularly in the area, working as a painter alongside his father. They are understood to have painted a house together as recently as last week, with Paul even taking the lead to help his father, who had injured his leg recently and was struggling to work at heights. Meanwhile, his parents have been remembered as active community members. A community group met last night to help put together plans for the coming days and for the funeral, which is expected will be very large. However, funeral details have not yet been released and are not expected until this evening at the earliest. Joe Reapy, of the local Davitts GAA club, said: "Tom had a great spirit when it came to community matters. If anything was going on, Tom was sure to have a hand in it. "It's shocking and hard to believe this lovely couple are gone," he added. Garda forensic scientists from the regional crime scene investigation unit arrived on scene at the house in Knockadoon, just outside the village of Irishtown, shortly after 11am yesterday. Family members, including Tom's brothers Vincent and Frank, arrived at the scene but - with garda tape stopping anyone getting within 300 metres of the house - could not get close. The bodies of the two victims were taken from the home yesterday afternoon. The hearse was followed by a number of close relatives and some neighbours and family friends, who wished to pay their respects. This is the music teacher who harassed a former student by sending her insulting and violent letters and text messages over a 16-month period - and continued to teach. Sean Creed (39), who teaches at Malahide School of Music, in North County Dublin, admitted buying phones to send the abusive text messages, which were full of "vile and abusive, full of foul language" to make the teenager feel "the way he felt". He has escaped jail with a four-month sentence suspended for 12 months and has been ordered to have no contact with the victim and her family for five years. Despite the fact that he pleaded guilty to harassment early last month, his employer said it was unaware of the case. In a statement the school said: "Malahide School of Music is a voluntary cooperative organisation that offers facilities for self-employed music teachers. "The organisation was not aware of the court case until contacted [this week]. Immediate action has been taken, and Mr Creed is no longer associated with the organisation." At a previous court hearing, Judge Grainne O'Neill was told Creed had 15,000 in compensation to give to his victim. However, when the case was finalised this week at Blanchardstown District Court, Creed's barrister said the money was not available. "He went to Bank of Ireland last week but could not secure a loan for 10,000," she said. However, he did have 6,000 in court with him to offer to his victim, but she refused to accept it. Speaking on behalf of the victim, the State solicitor said: "She feels there was no reality to the money. "She has been in court three times in relation to the compensation and is anxious the case is finalised today. She has no interest in the 6,000." Creed admitted his behaviour was "despicable" and apologises profusely to the former student. The teenager started to receive the letters and text messages in February 2014 after finishing lessons with Creed. Stared She continued to receive the letters and text messages, which were "vile and abusive, full of foul language" in April and December 2014, and January and February last year. Garda Des Martin told the court that on one occasion, Creed was in the same railway carriage as the teenager. He later followed her from the station and "stared forcefully" at her while she waited for her mother to collect her. He said that one of the letters the teenager received in February 2015 was handed, unopened, to gardai. The letter read: "Don't bother studying for your Leaving Certificate. You won't be around for it. It's a waste of time. Welcome to your nightmare." Creed had pleaded guilty to harassing the teenager on various dates between February, 2014 and June 17, 2015. In a victim impact statement, which the teenager read out at a previous court date, she said she was horrified and very distressed by the letters and texts. "I felt very vulnerable and I was terrified to leave my house. Nothing was made easy by him. The messages were threatening in nature. He was saying he was coming to get me," she said. "He intimidated and frightened me. I am still afraid. I hope he will leave me alone as I am still afraid and panic if I see someone who looks like him. It was an absolutely horrific ordeal for me." After he had pleaded guilty to the offences, Creed, who has no previous convictions, told a previous sitting of the court he "felt relief" when he was arrested. He said it was "despicable behaviour" and apologised. Shame "I am very embarrassed by it all and every day I think about what I did with such shame... I felt so bad at the time that I wanted her to feel the same way I felt. I just hate myself for it," he told the court. On handing down the sentence, Judge O'Neill said Creed's actions ensured "maximum upset to the victim," whom she described as "incredibly resilient". Both the Child and Family Agency Tusla and the Department of Education said they had no role to play in this instance when contacted about what safeguards were in place to ensure people with convictions like Creed's were compelled to let their employers know. In this hyper partisan election cycle, most voters can still agree that our free, fair and transparent election system and history of the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next is the hallmark of our American democracy. Our elections are the gold standard and have been used as a model for budding democracies across the globe. As a former Attorney General and Governor, I have experience in ensuring Nevadas elections are free and fair, and issues of voter fraud are few and far between. That is why Im proud that, in Nevada, we have established an Election Task Force to ensure that all votes are counted fairly. I serve on this task force, along with other members of the Republican party, Democratic party and Nonpartisans. This group was established in September 2015 and has been working since then to make sure we have the best run election process in America. Its important in the final weeks of this election cycle that we work to reassure voters that our systems are secure, and their votes will be accurately counted. Id like to outline the safeguards we have in place and why you can be assured our election results will be accurate. In Nevada, our elections are decentralized, run at the state and local level by officials in our local community, overseen by the Republican Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske. Voting takes place in public settings at our local schools, community centers, churches and firehouses and polling places are staffed by local trained volunteers. The process of vote counting is done under the watchful eyes of representatives from both political parties and usually, members of the press. Its as transparent a system as it can be. To reassure voters this election cycle, Nevada has taken steps to ensure even one off instances of attempted voter fraud are detected and prevented on and before Election Day. Just last week, Attorney General Adam Laxalt and Secretary of State Cegavske formed an election poll monitoring program modeled after a similar program initiated by the U.S. Justice Department during the 1960s to track instances of voter intimidation, voter fraud, inappropriate electioneering or any other nefarious activity. Additionally, both political parties are invited to deploy their own poll watchers to precincts to monitor activities outside of the poll site and can report any instances of concern. Nevadas electoral system has several checks and balances already built in. For example, every vote cast in the Silver State comes with a paper trail, since each machine vote inputted includes a paper printout that voters can review and verify before officially casting their ballot. Thanks to this system, according to the FBI special agent in charge of Nevada Aaron Rouse, audits have never found a single faulty vote since the machines adoption in 2004. Furthermore, since our polling places are decentralized and not connected with the internet, voting machines are safe from virtual hacking attempts. We also have a robust system to review election results. If questions or concerns arise about the integrity of a vote, or if the results are close, any defeated candidate may demand and receive a recount. This process serves as another crucial check against fraud and abuse, ensuring that the winner with the most votes prevails. And after the election, detailed records of who voted and where are kept and can be made available to all interested parties who wish to examine the results. Whether you vote by absentee, choose to vote early or vote on November 8, you can rest assured that your Nevada election officials and our Task Force are working diligently to ensure that each and every vote matters and that the integrity of our system remains strong. A man who stole almost 54,000 in fake Lotto wins from the shop that employed him has been jailed for 18 months. Paul Kavanagh (25) spent the money on take-aways, taxis and cannabis, a court was told. Judge Melanie Greally previously agreed to adjourn the case at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to allow him to repay 1,000 a week to the owner of the Londis shop. He also agreed to pay over 3,600 he had saved up. However, he was unable to follow through on his intention to repay the stolen money in full because he lost his last job in security as a result of the publicity around this case. Tom Neville, defending, said his client had nothing to show for the money, some of which was used to pay for his cannabis habit. Kavanagh, of Belgard Square, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to theft from Ray Sheehan, the owner of the Londis Store in Park Gate Street between 2014 and 2015. Marie Torrens, prosecuting, said Kavanagh, a father of two, began working in the shop in 2014 and started having money troubles. Broken She said he would process lottery wins through the system and pocket the money. The thefts came to light when the owner noticed three 150 lottery payouts on a day when the Lottery machine was broken. Kavanagh was arrested and told gardai that he was experiencing personal and family problems and he thought he could take the money without anyone noticing. Judge Greally said that repayment would have formed a significant mitigating factor. She said that other mitigating factors were Kavanagh's considerable remorse, his lack of previous convictions, and his early plea of guilty. She also noted that Kavanagh was at a low risk of re-offending and had shown considerable insight into the effects of his crimes. She said very few businesses could absorb a loss of such an amount. She noted that Kavanagh had a good work history and had found himself in very challenging personal circumstances. A convicted sex offender has been jailed for 14 years for raping a boy and sexually abusing another child 20 years later. Associates of the victims told Kenneth Cooke (53) to "enjoy his time in prison" and to "rot in there" as he was led away to begin the sentence. Cooke is already serving a nine-year sentence imposed in 2014 for the sexual abuse of a female victim 20 years ago. Cooke, of Limekiln Green, Walkinstown, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 21 counts of sexually assaulting a boy from January 2000 to July 2003, when the victim was aged between 11 and 13. He had pleaded not guilty to 56 counts of indecent assault of another boy between December 1980 and December 1985 but was convicted by a jury. Yesterday, Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a nine-year sentence with four suspended for the abuse of the boy that began in 1980. She also imposed an 11-year sentence with two suspended for the later abuse. These will run consecutive to each other but alongside his existing sentence, meaning an effective prison term of 14 years from yesterday. The judge took the unusual move of imposing consecutive terms because of the "very, very, very serious" nature of the offending. Cooke has 30 previous convictions, 29 of which are for non-sexual offences. Vulnerable The judge noted that the abuse of the boy in the 1980s began when the nine-year-old victim was in a vulnerable state after a family tragedy. It involved molesting and raping him. The child began suffering from nightmares because of the abuse, including one so frightening that he tried to jump out of a window in his sleep. Cooke finally stopped abusing him when the boy got strong enough to fight him off. A garda told Roisin Lacey, prosecuting, that the victim contacted gardai in 2014 and Cooke was arrested in July of that year. He denied all the allegations and told gardai the victim was "telling lies, a pack of filthy Jesus lies". In a victim impact statement, the victim described feeling ashamed and filthy as a child. He said the abuse defined his childhood but he was determined not to let it define his life. "It will always stay with me. I have survived, lived, to get justice for that vulnerable little boy," he said. In 2000, Cooke began abusing another child he had access to who was in fifth class. The abuse ended in 2003, when the boy fashioned a lock for his door to keep Cooke out. The victim did not report the abuse until last year. "He wanted to tell someone but was afraid of [Cooke]," Ms Lacey said. Cooke initially denied the allegations but he now wished to apologise to his victim, defence barrister Tara Burns said. Ms Burns said Cooke was supported by family members, including a wife and four-year-old child. He was in poor health and had a stroke recently. Thompson is being questioned over the murder of Douglas Detectives are continuing to question gangland figure 'Fat' Freddie Thompson on suspicion he played a 'logistics' role in a feud murder. Thompson (35) was detained by armed detectives in north county Dublin as he returned from the UK. He is currently being questioned in relation to the murder of David 'Daithi' Douglas (55), who was shot dead on Bridgefoot Street on July 1. Sources have said that 'Fat' Freddie is suspected of having a logistical involvement in the gun killing but is not suspected of pulling the trigger. "A lengthy investigation has ensured that a lot of evidence has been gathered by detectives, which includes CCTV footage and mobile phone usage," a source said. Strike Sources have also revealed that, if the criminal is still detained on Friday - when an all-out garda strike is planned - that the industrial action will not jeopardise the investigation. "If the strikes go ahead there are still superintendents who can take over questioning, as well as the Emergency Response Unit (ERU), who are exempt from striking, and probation garda if needs be," a source said. Thompson was arrested on Tuesday afternoon by gardai as he was driven by car from Newry. He had earlier boarded a flight to Belfast and made his way to the border town by bus, before being picked up in a car by an associate. The Kinahan cartel associate is being held at Kilmainham Garda Station, where he can be detained for a period of up to seven days from the time of his arrest. Father-of-one David 'Daithi' Douglas was shot six times outside a shop which is run by his wife. Douglas was connected to the Provisional IRA in the 1980s and took part in a post office robbery in Tallaght, during which he fired a rifle at a garda. He received a 12-year sentence for attempted murder. Douglas survived an attempt on his life last year, when he was shot several times while walking his dog. Gardai suspect that a notorious hitman for the Kinahan cartel was used in Douglas' killing. The thug, who is in his late 20s, is suspected of pulling the trigger before fleeing the scene in a Mercedes car. Murders A close associate of former druglord Martin "Marlo" Hyland, the hitman is suspected of involvement in a number of other murders, including innocent mother-of-two Baiba Saulite and feud victim Eddie 'Neddie' Hutch (59). Detectives are investigating whether Douglas became a target for the cartel after he was wrongly blamed for being involved in a plot to kill cartel associate Liam Roe outside the Red Cow Hotel on the night of November 6 last year. However, Douglas was not at the Red Cow as he was involved in a pub brawl in Phibsborough. Across Nevada, county election officials have resigned at notable rates in the past two years. Its a trend seen across the country, yet amplified in this Western swing state where toss-up races across the ballot feature GOP candidates who have cast doubt on election security and vote-counting. An Associated Press tally shows there has been turnover with 10 of Nevadas 17 county clerk or voter registrar positions from the 2020 election through the midterms. In the secretary of states elections department only three of 11 employees have remained since the 2020 election. Five additional employees have come and gone from the elections department since the 2020 election. Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo (l) at the Foreign Ministry. Mariscal (EFE) Spanish Congress has implicitly rebuked the actions of its acting foreign minister over the issue of Gibraltar, describing them as unilateral. On Wednesday, the lower chambers Foreign Affairs Committee approved a non-binding resolution asking the government to establish an institutional framework on a state strategy for Gibraltar that should be reached by consensus. Margallo predicted that Gibraltar will see the benefits of remaining part of the EU through a deal with Spain The motion is backed by the Socialist Party (PSOE), the Popular Party (PP) and Ciudadanos, who want to establish a common parliamentary position on the disputed British Overseas Territory. The text specifically asks the government to avoid actions which, in a unilateral way, could condition Spains negotiating position in future with regard to the Brexit vote. The motion fails to express any support for acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallos recent offer of joint SpanishBritish sovereignty for Gibraltar. An offer that cannot be refused? Shortly after Britain voted to leave the European Union a move that residents of The Rock overwhelmingly opposed the Spanish minister predicted that Gibraltar would soon see the benefits of remaining part of the EU through an association with Spain. Margallo offered Gibraltarians dual nationality, broad powers of self-rule, special tax benefits and shared power between Madrid and London on matters of defense and foreign affairs. It is unclear how Gibraltar will be affected by the British decision to leave the EU. Ricardo Gutierrez He made his proposal at the meeting of the Fourth Commission of the United Nations General Assembly, which deals with decolonization. On Wednesday, Socialist deputy Salvador de la Encina said that Margallos decision to present this offer at a world body without first telling his own parliament about it was a very serious unilateral act. He also suggested that reappointing Margallo as the new official foreign minister, now that Spain has a new government, would not help the process of finding a solution to the longstanding dispute over Gibraltar, which Spain ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. Foreign Ministry sources said that Margallo discussed his position with party speakers at a lunch event on September 16 in Bratislava, Slovakia. The PSOE retorted that this event was not the proper place to talk about the issue. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is expected to announce his new cabinet later on Thursday. English version by Susana Urra. Popular Will deputy Freddy Guevara. CRISTIAN HERNANDEZ (EFE) More information El partido de Leopoldo Lopez encabeza el rechazo al dialogo en Venezuela On Monday, the Vaticans representative overseeing the talks between Venezuelas opposition and government, Claudio Maria Celli, called on both sides to moderate their language and the tone of their comments when speaking to the media. His request has had little effect. On Wednesday evening, President Nicolas Maduro launched a scathing attack on television against the Popular Will party, which is boycotting the talks. Referring to Freddy Guevara, a Popular Will deputy in the opposition-controlled National Assembly, Maduro said: He is a coward. He thinks parliamentary immunity will save him from being locked up in jail. The president went on to describe Popular Will as a terrorist organization, calling on the police and security forces to act against what he called the threat it represents. It is very worrying that after the first meeting everything is now paralyzed Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado Popular Will, whose leaders Leopoldo Lopez and Carlos Vecchio are in jail and exile respectively, is part of the so-called G4, which controls the MUD opposition round table that brings together some 12 parties and groups. The other three parties in the G4 are Democratic Action, led by Henry Ramos Allup, the president of the National Assembly; A New Time, led by former presidential candidate Manuel Rosales; and Justice First, led by another presidential candidate, Henrique Capriles. By attacking Freddy Guevara and Popular Will, the president is attacking the dialog and ridiculing the word of Pope Francis, tweeted MUD secretary general Jesus Torrealba, dismissing President Maduros attacks as an attempt to divide the oppositions approach to the talks, which are also being mediated by former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and the ex-presidents of Panama and the Dominican Republic, Martin Torrijos and Leonel Fernandez. The Vatican has played a key role in bringing the opposition and the government to the negotiating table for the first time in 18 months. Popular Will, which was behind the street protests of spring 2014 that led to the deaths of 43 people, for which Leopoldo Lopez is serving a jail term of nearly 14 years, has the support of many in MUD, who also believe that the decision to postpone a symbolic impeachment of Maduro in the National Assembly, along with a march planned for today, Thursday, on the Miraflores presidential palace, has simply given an unpopular government under increasing pressure from an electorate battered by years of economic crisis a breathing space. Popular Will insists that the government is stalling for time and has no intention of conceding to any of the oppositions demands, notably a recall referendum on Maduros mandate, along with international humanitarian aid and the release of political prisoners. Come on Venezuela, the party led by former parliamentarian Maria Corina Machada, supports Popular Wills stance. I think this is a mistake, because with the parliaments agenda, a country united on the streets, and international pressure would force the government to enter into genuine negotiations. It is very worrying that after the first meeting everything is now paralyzed, Machado told EL PAIS. The MUD opposition brings together some 12 parties and groups The situation changes quickly in Venezuela, and the opposition seems increasingly divided over recent decisions taken by MUDs leadership. There have been accusations on social networks that some within MUD want to ease up the pressure on the government. At the same time, there is mounting doubt among the international mediators as to whether an opposition united in its desire to remove Maduro would be capable of working together to lead the country once he is out of the picture. English version by Nick Lyne. Madrid has consistently exceeded the EU's limits for NO2. Kike Para Madrid City Hall has unveiled new measures aimed at combating chronic pollution in the Spanish capital. Under a new 30-point draft plan announced on Wednesday, the city center would be converted into a pedestrian priority zone (see here) with restrictions on private vehicles that would limit traffic along the citys iconic Gran Via. Residents and non-resident drivers would have free access into the city center only if they were traveling directly to a private or public parking space under the draft Quality of Air and Climate Change plan, put together by the citys leftist government. Other measures on the table include a 70km/h speed limit on city access roads, including the all-important M-30 ring road, where the current speed limit is 90km/h. Non-residents would be barred from the city center if all car parks were full This is a European Union requirement imposed on Madrid for systematically exceeding [pollution] limits and exposing people [to potential health risks], said environment councilor Ines Sabanes. Madrid has been exceeding the nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) threshold set by the European Union since the creation of the monitoring system in 2010. Besides the serious health issues this raises, the city could also face a hefty fine from Brussels if it fails to address the problem. Nitrogen dioxide, which originates chiefly in diesel engine emissions, had been decreasing in Madrid for a couple of years, then spiked again in 2015 due to a rise in traffic (itself, presumably, the effect of Spains improving economy). City residents have become used to pollution-control measures, with speed limits and parking bans in metered areas imposed during a period of heavy smog in the fall of 2015. Earlier this year, the city council approved stringent new anti-pollution rules, which could see all vehicles banned from entering the downtown area on days of persistent and acute air pollution. Madrid City Hall wants major roads redesigned to become more bike friendly. Jaime Villanueva Such restrictions could become normal under the plans, with one proposal being the removal of blue (visitor parking) zones in the city center in favor of green (resident only) zones. The new parking rules would mean non-residents could only use public parking garages, with access to the city center cut off once those locations were full. Exceptions would be made, however, for vehicles using greener technologies. Madrid City Hall is also looking at extending its new parking meter system (SER) beyond the M-30 ring road and creating a network of parking garages in the greater metropolitan area to discourage people from parking in the center. A scheme criticized by the conservative Popular Party, which believes it would lead to greater traffic volumes and increased parking costs, but supported by other opposition groups, would see a redesign of major arterial roads around the capital to discourage car use and promote bicycles and public transport. English version by George Mills. Who were the top Washington County football performers in Week 9? Big plays and turnovers were plenty as the winners overwhelmed the losers in the final week of Washington County's regular season. This is how robber gangs hold up passenger buses in Mexico More information Asi se atraca un autobus de pasajeros en Mexico It takes Mexicos latter-day highwaymen just 10 minutes to relieve bus passengers of their belongings. Victims say they rarely bother lodging a complaint to the police, believing the authorities will never launch an investigation, meaning that these criminals enjoy impunity. The thieves typically climb aboard the buses covering the route between Mexico City and Toluca, and then disembark once they have staged their hold-up. In mid-June, a robber was lynched inside a bus Footage obtained by security cameras inside the vehicles shows armed robbers first subduing the driver and then assaulting the passengers. In some cases, women are sexually abused. One video available on social media shows three robbers attacking a bus on March 14 after pretending to be passengers. One of them approaches the driver with a gun in his hand and tells him to keep driving. He then addresses the passengers. From now on, you will all cooperate, and no pretending to be asleep, he says, shooting at the floor. While he watches the driver, his accomplices start walking up and down the aisle, demanding people hand over their possessions. The booty is placed inside a backpack. Once they have fleeced the passengers, the robbers tell the driver to stop the bus, and they simply get off and walk away. The bodies of four bus robbers were found on October 31 near the Mexican town of Lerma. .... (EFE) News outlet Imagen Noticias has aired a similar video recorded on September 23. In it, the robbers overpower the driver and tell passengers to hand over their money and cellphones. This is a hold-up! yells one of the criminals. Nine minutes later, the gang members step off the bus. These images are part of the evidence presented by the National Chamber of Passenger Transportation and Tourism (CANAPAT) in action it is bringing against thieves. Vigilante turns the tables But the discovery this week of four bodies on a stretch of road near Mexico City shows that some victims of these muggings are prepared to fight back. Mexican prosecutors have identified the dead as members of a gang that had carried out a robbery that morning. As they were getting off the bus, one of the passengers stood up and shot them one by one. The bodies were found face down by the roadside a few hours later. The president of CANAPAT, Odilon Lopez Nava, said that the dead men had committed other robberies, as confirmed by video footage. This is not the first time that passengers have taken the law into their own hands. In mid-June, a robber was lynched inside a bus. The police reported that three criminals were involved in the robbery and that several passengers resisted the attack. During the scuffle one of the robbers accidentally shot an accomplice. The passengers then lynched him, nearly killing the third robber, who was rescued by the police. English version by Susana Urra. Theres just one thing I have to remember: dont forget the future. Nothing else matters, says Shimon Peres, who makes it clear he has no time for looking back over his 90 years, not even the 65 years he has spent serving the State of Israel, twice as prime minister and since 2007 as president. Israeli President Shimon Peres. Ariel Jerozolimski At home, he is credited with turning Israel into a nuclear power as well as stabilizing and strengthening the economy during the 1980s. Globally, he is recognized as the figure behind the Oslo agreements and the backbone of the peace process with the Palestinians. But the past appears of little interest to Peres. I dont waste time looking back and remembering, he says. I hope my proudest moment is still to come, when there is peace in my country. We would prefer to see how the economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure on Iran play out, but all the options are on the table In the last few months, Peres has become Israels conscience. Most Israeli politicians, particularly those in Benjamin Netanyahus coalition government, appear to have turned their backs on the situation in the West Bank and the shame of its apartheid wall, not to mention the blockade of the Gaza Strip and general prospects for peace. But the president is an exception. When asked what he wishes for on his 90th birthday, he replies: Only peace, adding with a frown: Its more of a psychological problem than a political one. Its about overcoming the skepticism. Peace is something Peres is genuinely passionate about, and that is why he has decided to put all his weight behind US Secretary of State John Kerrys attempt to engineer an unconditional return to the negotiating table by both parties. Do you share Kerrys sense of urgency? I dont think Bashar al-Assad can stay in power a leader who has killed so many of his own people cant continue to serve them We should always have a sense of urgency when it comes to peace; we should never waste time putting an end to conflict or war. I believe that we have a chance to reestablish the negotiations and it shouldnt be missed. Theres no alternative to a two-state solution. His birthday is on August 2, but Peres will be celebrating this week with a conference in Jerusalem entitled Facing Tomorrow, with Bill Clinton and Tony Blair speaking alongside a number of peace brokers. Simon Peres recibe a Barack Obama cuando era candidato a la presidencia de EE UU, en 2008. Ariel Jerozolimski Peres is now six years through a seven-year presidential mandate that has spanned both Ehud Olmerts spell in office as prime minister, and then Netanyahus. In the first few years of Netanyahus term, Peres acted as a counterbalance a sort of peacemaker between the prime minister and the international community and, above all, a buffer between Israel and the White House when relations with Barack Obama soured. Last year, he used his 89th birthday celebrations to introduce a note of calm when Netanyahu was raising the war cry against Iran and its nuclear threat. There was no way we could achieve this alone, says Peres, who provoked Netanyahus wrath by triggering dissent. According to his supporters, Peres relationship with Netanyahu is today greatly improved. What other options does the international community have when it comes to Iran? Iran is a serious threat, not just to Israel, but to the entire world. Its ambition is to control the Middle East and terrorize the world. The first to be victimized by the Iranian regime are the Iranians themselves who are seeing their human rights depleted from one day to the next. In its eagerness for a nuclear weapon, it ignores its duty to its people whose needs are for food and employment not enriched uranium. President Obama is heading up a global coalition dedicated to peace and stability in the region. None of us wants to use force; we would prefer to see how the economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure [on Iran] play out, but all the options are on the table. Have relations between Netanyahu and Obama improved since his last visit to Israel three months ago? You need to ask them; but what I can say is that relations between Israel and the US are excellent. Obamas visit was a breath of fresh air and highlighted the depth of the friendship and the strength of Americas commitment to Israel. With the Syrian conflict now taking precedence, Peres warns against the danger of Israels involvement. So far this year, the Israeli air force has made three attacks on military targets near Damascus. US Intelligence thinks that they were targeting Iranian missiles being sent to Lebanon. Our involvement in the Syrian conflict can only have negative repercussions, says Peres. I dont see how we can save Syria or promote peace in this way. I dont think Bashar al-Assad can stay in power a leader who has killed so many of his own people cant continue to serve them. I propose that the Arab League creates an Arab force in blue helmets with the support of the UN and puts an end to the bloodletting to allow an interim government to be set up. Despite his age, Peres continues to be the soul of eloquence. He has always been a great orator, a talent that helped him to become a force to be reckoned with in Israeli politics but also the reason he has proved more popular on the international stage as foreign minister than at home. As Israels founding father Ben Gurions protege, he became Director General of Defense in 1953, a post that enabled him to strengthen the countrys relations with France, which subsequently helped Israel build a nuclear reactor in the Negev desert. Peres went on to become a labor party politician and joined the ranks of Israels parliament in 1959. Twenty-five years later, he was voted in as prime minister for the first time, heading up a coalition of Labor and the right-wing party, Likud. Following Isaac Rabins assassination in 1995, he became prime minister for a second term. Of all the dreams and aspirations he has harbored for Israel since he first set foot in the British Mandate of Palestine in 1934, Peres never envisaged that the state would end up becoming home to six million Jews the same number that perished in the Holocaust that killed so many of his family. This number was topped last March when Israel overtook the Jewish population in the US. Its bigger than my dream, says Peres. I regret not having dreamed big enough. English version by Heather Galloway. Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders Google Ad PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol Armenia and Azerbaijan to do so without delay An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan". UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT Google Ad The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022 Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh EEU is beneficial for agriculture Today at the NA during the discussion of 2017 state budget, at the joint session of Standing Committee on European Integration and Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs, Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) lawmaker Mikayel Melkumyan, addressing a question to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Karen Nazaryan, inquired how many Syrian Armenian there are now in Armenia and how many Syrian Armenians left Armenia, I also want to know clearly, expressed in numbers, which are the benefits and losses we sustained after joining the EEU, and where does the vector lead? Deputy Minister Karen Nazaryan noted that there are 20 000 Syrian Armenians in Armenia, though 3000 of them consider Armenia to be a transit country, As for the benefits of the EEU membership, there are positive shifts in the agricultural sphere, especially in the exportation market. And in the political terms, the dialogue with the EU will give an opportunity to make the reforms more realistic. As for Visa Center, Mr Melkumyan has an extreme approach; it should be closed for if it provides service, it should be only high quality. Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol Armenia and Azerbaijan to do so without delay An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan". UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT Google Ad The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022 Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh HICKORY -- With early voting coming to a close and Election Day approaching, politicians and election officials are preparing for the final stretch of the 2016 election. Data released so far indicates election officials' expectations for robust early voting have been borne out. As of Tuesday, 35,474 early votes had been cast at the five early voting sites in Catawba County, data from the board of elections shows. Republicans held a lead in early votes cast, with 17,268 by registered Republicans. Registered Democrats cast 9,068 votes. A significant portion of early votes were casts by unaffiliated voters (9,051 as of Tuesday). Catawba County Board of Elections Director Amanda Duncan said she was pleased with the early voting turnout, and officials were also expecting significant turnout on Election Day. For those voting on Election Day, the most important thing to remember is to vote at the correct precinct, Duncan said. Voters outside their precincts would have the option of casting a provisional ballot, which would be researched by election officials after Election Day to see if it counts. A list of the 41 Catawba County precincts is available at http://www.catawbacountync.gov/elections/_docs/precinct.pdf . Voters can find their precinct online by entering their information in the North Carolina State Board of Elections polling place search athttps://enr.ncsbe.gov/pollingplace_search . Those with questions regarding the election can call the Catawba County Board of Elections at (828)464-2424. Early voting continues through Saturday. Almost over Some elected officials running for office are making their final pitches to voters in the days before the election. Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry, running for his sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolinas 10 th District, was outside the Highland Recreation Center voting site to speak with voters on Wednesday afternoon. In his conversations with voters, McHenry has heard a great deal of dissatisfaction with both major party candidates. You know, voters are frustrated by a lack of substance in the presidential contest," McHenry said. "We should be debating big ideas to put the country on the right course, and Ive spent a lot of time talking about policy and substance, on what we need to do in order to make the country, better, safer and more secure. McHenry sees the economy as among the most important issues facing this region. I think for us in Western North Carolina, its getting the economy moving again," McHenry said. "And that means that we need to ensure that folks have the skills they need in order to compete for jobs." McHenry said he has been encouraged by the interest he has seen voters take in the election. "And the most encouraging part is that it's almost over," McHenry said. Voter reaction Early voters who ended up voting for both major party candidates expressed their displeasure with the choice between the two major party presidential candidates. Kenney Baker, an unaffiliated voter who voted for Donald Trump, said he saw weaknesses in both candidates. We really dont have a good strong candidate on either side, I dont think, as far as the presidency goes, Baker said. "It seems both of them, there is so much corruption with them that it kinda outweighs all the stuff either one of them said they were going to do." Seeing the need for a big change in government, Baker said he voted for Trump because he believed Hillary Clinton would bring more baggage in terms of corruption. David Hedrick, another Trump voter who voted for candidates of both parties, echoed Bakers thoughts on corruption with the candidates, in addition to saying the candidates should focus more on policy. They need to talk more about what they can help the country do, instead of just what each one of them is doing at the time, Hedrick said. In evaluating the campaign, Hedrick said he liked things both Trump and Clinton said, but Clinton's position on taxpayer-funded abortion was a dealbreaker for him. Hazel Jolly, who voted for Clinton, expressed dislike for Trump but saw flaws in both candidates. "I don't really like either one," she said. "Both of them got problems, and well, one is just a little better than the other. Donald Trump, he just don't treat people like human beings. " Both of them are on there talking about each other, so you really ain't going to have a good idea of who is right and who is wrong." CLAREMONT The last six years, Oxford Elementary School has taken the time to celebrate the traditional Dia de los Muertos -- Day of the Dead -- a holiday that originated in Mexico. The goal every year is to help teach the students and staff more about the different cultures represented at the school. The holiday was celebrated on Wednesday and was organized by Oxford Elementary English Language Learners (ELL) tutors Gina Smith and Zorayah Kinson. The first thing students learn is nothing about the holiday is meant to be scary, unlike Halloween, and is more about remembering family and friends who have passed away. Although marked throughout Latin America, Dia de los Muertos is most strongly associated with Mexico, where the tradition originated, nationalgeographic.org says. Dia de los Muertos honors the dead with festivals and lively celebrations, a typically Latin American custom that combines indigenous Aztec ritual with Catholicism, brought to the region by the Spanish. The most familiar symbol of Dia de los Muertos may be the calacas and Calaveras (skeletons and skulls) that appear everywhere during the holiday: in art, candied sweets, as parade masks and as dolls. The event at Oxford Elementary focused on how Day of the Dead is celebrated in several different countries including Mexico, Brazil, Haiti and the Philippines. We celebrate this once a year and we got famous because of the parental support and the kids who all get dressed up, Kinson said. We want to celebrate our students cultures. Most of our students are from Mexico, but every now and then we get someone from Puerto Rico or Columbia. Whats so special is were all one so the Day of the Day is celebrated by the Hmong, by the American kids and by our Hispanic kids and everybody is proud of their culture today. The students literally showed a unified public face with many of them participating in the traditional face painting associated with the Day of the Dead celebration by Oxford third grade teacher Katie Rink and volunteer Francisco Santoyo. Honestly, it goes back for years, before this there were other things, Smith said. We always tried to do something. It may not have been to this scale. We always had a heritage week or Hmong New Year week international parades. Were a very diverse school. The most important piece of the event for Kinson is seeing students celebrate their cultures with their classmates and teachers who may not be familiar with the different heritages at the school. Oxford Elementary is also a Leader in Me school, so the station for each nation was manned and the heritage explained by students, first to sixth grade. It meant a lot to Elizabeth Sanchez, seeing the school celebrate diversity in this way. She has children attending first and fifth grade at Oxford Elementary. Im from Mexico and I grew up with this tradition," Sanchez said. "My grandmother taught me. We would start days before with the preparations cooking special meals that our ancestors or loved ones who passed away, their favorite meals. For more information visit catawbaschools.net/oxford. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Donald Trump warned on Thursday that a cloud of investigation would follow Hillary Clinton into the White House, evoking the bitter impeachment battle of the 1990s in a closing campaign argument meant to bring wayward Republicans home. Clinton and her allies, led by President Barack Obama, told voters to get serious about the alternative. Fiercely negative exchanges between the Republican businessman and his Democratic rival signaled the long-slog campaign was likely to end on a low note, as polls show Trump closing in on Clinton in key battleground states. Clinton's shrinking lead has given Trump's campaign a glimmer of hope, one he's trying to broaden into breakthrough before time runs out. That means courting the moderate Republicans and independents who have been the holdouts of his campaign, voters turned off by Trump's controversies but equally repelled by the possible return of the Clintons. Trump directed his message at those voters at a rally in Jacksonville, where he zeroed in on questions of Clinton's trustworthiness and a new FBI review of an aide's emails. "Here we go again with the Clintons you remember the impeachment and the problems." Trump said. "That's not what we need in our country, folks. We need someone who is ready to go to work." Obama and allies, meanwhile, are seeking to keep the spotlight on Trump, charging that his disparaging comments about women and minorities make him unfit for office. The stakes are higher than a typical election and Americans need to get serious about the choice, Obama told students at Florida International University in Miami. "This isn't a joke. This isn't 'Survivor.' This isn't 'The Bachelorette.'" Obama said. "This counts. Obama openly taunted the former reality-TV star, zig-zagging from mockery to dire warnings to boasting about his own record in office. And he repeatedly returned to his new campaign catchphrase capturing his disbelief in the unpredictable race to replace him. "C'mon, man," he said, to cheers. The president's mission in the final push before Tuesday is to fire up the Democratic base and bait the Republican into veering off message. Democrats are counting on Trump not to have the discipline or the ground game to capitalize on a late surge. But the famously unconventional Trump has so far hewed closer to convention, running some upbeat ads, bringing out his wife for a rare campaign appearance and even talking publicly about trying not to get distracted. "We don't want to blow it on Nov. 8," Trump said Thursday in Jacksonville. Trump's path to victory remains narrow. He must win Florida to win the White House, no easy feat. Still, his campaign has been buoyed by tightening polls there and in other key battlegrounds, as well as by signs that African-American turnout for Clinton may be lagging. Clinton's team will try to drive up enthusiasm in the final weekend, capping its efforts by bringing Clinton and Obama together, along with their spouses, for a final pre-election rally in Philadelphia on Monday evening. Trump's wife, Melania Trump, was to campaign in a suburb of Philadelphia on Thursday, her first turn on the trail since the Republican convention in July. The former model is trying to counter the Clinton campaign's pounding attacks on her husband as anti-woman. In excerpts of Melania Trump's prepared remarks, distributed by the campaign, she said, "I come here today to talk about my husband, Donald, and his deep love and respect for this country and all of its people." Donald Trump isn't the first Republican to raise warnings of a new cycle of scandal and investigation. Republicans lawmakers have recently threatened to block Clinton's Supreme Court nominees, investigate her endlessly or even impeach her over her use of private emails as secretary of state. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi on Thursday hit back, saying any effort to impeach Clinton "would be a brazen attempt to nullify the vote of the American people" and would be a waste of time and taxpayers' money. Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine said he was "really despaired" by the talk. This domain has expired. If you owned this domain, contact your domain registration service provider for further assistance. If you need help identifying your provider, visit https://www.tucowsdomains.com/ Brutal moments. Personal moments. There is no person who has not suffered those, in different degrees. Some of us bury them. Until, yes until, a trigger reminds you of it and then a spiral of agony scorches through you. This is what I felt when I watched Deepa Mehtas film An Anatomy of Violence. In Patrick Mullens review of the film, he wrote, Is it true crime, mockumentary, hybrid film, or docu-drama? Anatomy of Violence is all of these forms and none. Lets call it Mehta-fiction. Producers Trudie Styler and Celine Rattray spoke to Mehta about making a film about Jyoti Singhs rape on December 16, 2012. Mehta, not wanting to dwell on the act itself, chose to make a film about the rapists. In an interview to The Globe and Mail, Mehta explained, It was too convenient for them just to be evil, because we dont become who we are in isolation. I really believe in that, looking at where they come from, to find some root cause. Maybe just get a glimpse of what it might be, because somehow I feel that were complicit in it. Read | Indie films score at Toronto fest but mainstream Bollywood is a no show Mehta used the re-enactment technique in an acting workshop in Chandigarh as research for a feature film. During the workshop, she took a decision to not make the feature film but use the workshop footage as the film. Adult actors played the imagined childhood of the rapists. This includes poverty, sodomy, rape, abject loneliness and violence. There were threads from an imagined past which were woven into resent moments. These actors were not slum kids brought up in poverty. Can there be any verifiability of this imagined life of the rapists? Do their horrific imagined histories then mean that they had no existential choice but to become brutes? Jyoti Singhs barbaric rape has become a brutal, personal moment for Indians. I feel I own it. It is my personal pain. In that, no one should touch it. Leave it alone. Enough. But the film triggers all that you dont want triggered. It devastates you. It questions that in our furious anger, we let slip the layers that led to such a merciless act. Predictably, we will respond with the film practically blames Jyotis rape on the grinding poverty and cruel society the rapists grew up in and lightens their guilt. At the core, for some of us, it is impossible to be understanding and forgiving. We are all the father whose four-year-old has been raped; who in his rage wants to kill the rapist. Ill admit to similar thoughts after Jyotis rape and death, thinking somebody might just do it. The anger in my core reduced me momentarily to a revenge-seeking rabid fiend. Read | Fighting gender violence: Acid attack survivors get a graphic novel But we need to look at the larger picture, howsoever distasteful it is to us. There is a presumption in the imagined lives of the rapists that they must have been poverty-stricken, sexually violated and repressed. Can we accept the authenticity of this presumption and projection? Why did these men become rapists when millions in similar circumstances did not? The book on Phoolan Devi by the late Mala Sen and Shekhar Kapurs film Bandit Queen showed the bone chilling rapes Phoolan Devi suffered and the ruthless revenge she took. Phoolan Devi was considered a heroine by some feminists for killing her rapists. Others pointed out, not every woman who is raped becomes a serial killer. There have been similar rapes of young girls, some as horrific as what Jyoti Singh suffered and we did not give them the same attention or vent the same fury. The Justice Verma Committee did change many crucial aspects of the law. Has it stopped women from being raped? We will never know how many potential rapists it stopped. We can never get the statistics of how many more women are likely to report rape than they did before. And, we will never know how many still go unreported. Read | A bold woman is often prone to sexual harassment: Kiran Mazumdar Shaw In anthropologist Jean Rouchs experimental film The Human Pyramid he had students in a racially mixed school in the Ivory Coast act out their own lives. In Rithy Panhs The Missing Picture, he uses clay figures and archival footage to recreate the atrocities of his experiences in Khmer Rouge labour camps. Their stories are not imagined. The fusion of non-fiction and fiction is difficult and will create debate, which seems to be Mehtas intention. It forces us to look at our lack of engagement with the discrepancies, economic divide and injustice that surround us. It surely raises the question: How responsible are we for the kind of human beings we have become? When an anthropologist studies a tribe, the premise is that those observed are exotic and different, almost alien, from the observer. When Anatomy of Violence is shown in international festivals, we will feel judged. I predict there will be resentment. How dare she tell our story her way? Yet, we learn from how others view us. Madhu Trehan is editor-in-chief, www.newslaundry.com The views expressed are personal In contrast to Bihar, UP is still what it was May 2014, an open field with individual parties holding out on their own and no visible signs of an alliance. It is in this context that the suggestion of Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who had taken the initiative of forming the winning alliance in his state, that there should be a similar one in UP to take on the BJP is important. Read: SP should first join hands with BSP for grand alliance: Nitish to Mulayam There are many variables and obstacles in this, as Mr Kumar has himself indicated. First, he has made a distinction between a gatbandhan and mahagatbandha. By gatbandhan he meant a broad alliance between the Samjawadi Party and the Congress, with the JD(U) and RJD thrown in, though the last two are bit players in UP. And second, a mahagatbandhan is one in which the SP and BSP join hands, as they did in 1993 but fell apart with one-and-a-half years. Since then the two parties have had bitter rivalries, and their leaders never meet even at a personal level. Their vote constituencies, even though they do not overlap, have common grounds. And the Muslim vote is something that both vie for, and in this they seem evenly matched. But one thing is common to both the parties. They have had an easy commerce with the Congress. And it is here that Mr Kumar has made the most telling comment it is the Congress that has to take the initiative. What are then the difficulties before the Congress? First, it has already announced a chief ministerial candidate, somewhat on the basis of caste considerations without stating it, and in process lost a senior leader to its biggest rival, the BJP. Second, it has so far said itd contest the elections alone. Thirdly, its slogan of UP behaal in 27 years, implying its period of being out of power since 1989, rubs on both the BSP and the SP, both of which had been in the saddle during these years. The party is treating poverty, deprivation, migration and unemployment as being emblematic of the failure of governance in the state. Any alliance with any one of these two one would mean it has to reorient the strategy. Read: Mayawati against interference in Muslim personal law, slams BJP It should be noted that it is more the RJD and JD(U) that are talking of an alliance in UP. The Samajwadi Party has not yet made a pitch for it. One cannot help recall in this that the Samajwadi Party walked out of the Bihar alliance last year because it was peeved at the small number of seats given to it to contest from. Will the same party be well-disposed towards the JD(U) and RJD, like-minded though they may be in many respects? But still there is hope for a gatbandhan, if not a mahagatbandhan. This is evident in the friendly gestures of Congress V-P Rahul Gandhi and UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav towards each other. And also Congress strategist Prashant Kishor meeting SP president Mulayam Singh Yadav suggests some move is afoot. If a deal comes through, watch the next step from the BJP and RLD. An alliance between the Congress and the BSP? Its more logical because the BSP had lent support to the Congress during the Uttaranchal crisis. But whether Mayawati is willing to cede ground to the Congress in UP is a moot question. There is no precedent here. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Miffed over curtailed facilities, 21 Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) operatives have stopped taking food in the Bhopal central jail. The basic facilities allowed in jail included proper food, bed sheets and blankets. Also, the inmates were allowed to meet their kin and use home-made stuff inside the jail, but all of that is being now denied to them, said advocate Parvez Alam, who is representing 15 of the remaining 21 SIMI operatives in the jail. He added that his clients were not being allowed to fetch food from the jail canteen post the October 31 morning alleged jailbreak by eight SIMI men. Alam alleged that the jail authorities give his clients newspapers with portions after trimming portions that talk about the jailbreak. I will seek permission from the jail administration to meet my clients and personally see the facilities and arrangements they are entitled to. I will also request the jail administration to render them necessary stuff, which they are entitled to get as jail inmates. If I dont get relief for my clients from the jail administration, Ill petition the court for the same, said Alam. Director general (jail) Sanjay Choudhary denied any hunger strike by any of the jail inmates and said if ever such a thing happens it will be dealt according to the jail manual. The ban on general mulaqat of jail inmates with their kin was lifted on Wednesday. Alam, the lawyer for seven of the eight slain SIMI men, is planning to move court for police protection. I have become a target after this incident I have to look after my safety and also look after the interest of other undertrials lodged in the jail, he told HT. Alam said he was moving a petition with the jail authorities to meet other members of the banned outfit lodged in Bhopal jail. Operatives lived life king-size According to sources in Bhopal Central Jail, all 29 SIMI men in Block A and Block B lived life king size. They enjoyed the food of their choice, used the open space in their block for gym and even used their own clothes and towels as curtains to steal eye from the jail officials. While all the cells of the non-SIMI inmates were checked routinely, the cells housing the SIMI men in the two high security barracks were seldom checked from inside. A key source at the jail informed that the a few weeks ago, a jail official was also threatened by the SIMI men, when he tried to enter there for a routine check. The regular staff and the newly recruited guards were told by jail officials not to react to provocations by the jailed SIMI men. Taking a leaf out of Maruti Suzuki Indias book, Hyundai Motor India, the countrys second largest carmaker, plans to reduce the weight of its cars by 5% by 2020 to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emission. In 2008, Maruti, whose volume market share is three times that of Hyundai, started a programme, one component one gram, to reduce a gram of weight from every component of its car to make it more fuel efficient. The programme, which was more relevant in India, was first launched in Japan by Osamu Suzuki, then chairman and chief executive officer, Suzuki Motor Corporation. The Korean auto major has made a global commitment to improve the fuel efficiency of its vehicle by 25% by 2020. We are looking to make cars lighter by decreasing the weight of the components, said Rakesh Srivsatava, head of sales and marketing at Hyundai India. But, Srivastava said, with the current set of engines Hyundai could achieve only 5% to 10% efficiency by changing gear ratio, which it was working on at its research and development unit in Chennai. The headquarters will introduce new engines and bring about a dramatic change. In India, the change will be incremental, he said. According to Hyundais internal estimates, 70% of all Hyundai car engines will have to be upgraded. It will make Hyundai more competitive in the market, making it a technology leader, said Anil Sharma, analyst at IHS World Markets Automotive. Hyundais move will help the firm bring down CO2 emissions of its vehicles and make them more safe. The Indian auto industry is going through its biggest transition with the introduction of unified tax regime (GST), new safety norms and crash tests. Earlier this year, the Narendra Modi government advanced the implementation of the BS-VI emission standard to 2020. In addition, carmakers will have to declare their star ratings for mileage, forcing every company to examine their engines performance , Srivastava said. Hyundai, Sharma said, was not the only carmaker that was trying to introduce new engines. SUV manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra introduced the 1.99 litre diesel engine after the ban on such engines above 2 litres. It is also working on a new 1.5 litre diesel engine. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Paytms founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma will invest his personal money in startups working on environment sustainability. I would like to start off by investing Rs 10 crore of my personal money in startups that are interested in working on environments sustainability, Sharma told HT. Not just startups, Sharma also plans to invest in any ongoing government or private initiative working on the protection of the environment. We need to take a holistic approach towards curbing pollution. Alarming pollution level is not limited to the National Capital Region. It is a national phenomenon, Sharma says. On November 2, moved by alarming pollution levels after Diwali, Sharma, in a series of five tweets talked about his first encounter with smog (a mix of smoke and fog), the emergency to save the nature and his interest to support startups working towards environment sustainability. In his first tweet, Sharma said: 5 years back, I saw Beijing smog first time, I asked myself: why do people live in such polluted city? Today: same moment and Q for Delhi. He went on to say, Developing economy pay price. In early Industrial age, even in few US cities, people use to change shirts two times in day due to pollution!, in his next tweet. His third tweet gave the startup community, especially those working on environment-friendly initiatives, something to cheer about. He tweeted: I am ready to fund and build network of startups/labs for environment sustainability in India. Today 5 cities tomorrow 50 cities problem. In his fourth one, he urged people to join in by saying, I call upon fellow countrymen to take environment sustainability as key agenda to contribute. Will build and contribute all possible. The fifth tweet read: We may win our battles of ambitions, but will definitely loose this war with nature. No it is not DELvsBLRvsBOM. Sadly it is us vs nature. Sharmas tweets received a lot of responses from the startup community within hours. GOQii CEO and founder Vishal Gondal was quick to react to Sharmas tweet. Offering to join hands with Sharma on his mission, Gondal replied: lets do this together happy to pitch-in. Talking to HT, Sharma said that he is already in talks with investors and fellow entrepreneurs to join hands in recognising and funding initiatives. We are yet to structure the application and funding process. However, my investment will not be for return, Sharma adds. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Akali Dal campaign for power is always rich in religious symbolism. The difference this time is that theyre mixing with it a heavy dose of Punjabi pride to co-opt communities other than their core Jat Sikh vote-base. Yet, the path ahead seems uphill for the party that has ruled Punjab for ten years in tandem with the BJP. That despite some very visible and tangible development work done to improve road connectivityand spruce up the vicinity of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The facelift the PS Badal regime has given the Harmandir Sahibdaily visited by thousands of devotees from abroad and across the state is at the centre of his claim of promoting Sikhism with development. Also being restored is the Jallianwala Bagh, a stones throw from the Temple and the citys another milestone, the Durgiana Mandir. Its against this backdrop that one needs to decode politically Tuesdays lavish celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of the Punjabi Suba euphemism for the creation in 1966 of the Punjab that we know. Interestingly, a sound and light show recapitulating the movement for the Suba focused as much on Master Tara Singh as on Sant Fateh Singh. A Khatri Sikh, Tara Singhs legacy was downsized by Akalis the way Sardar Patels was by the Congress. Never before had they put him on the same pedestal as Sant Fateh Singh, a Jat Sikh. The rethink obviously is about expanding the partys religious appeal to urban sections beyond the Jats who dominate rural Punjab. Of significance also is the Congresss negative portrayal in the Dals Suba narrative. Punjabi Suba would be over my dead body, Badal quoted Pandit Nehru in his speech at Amritsars beautifully restored Town Hall that leads to Harmandir Sahib. And while honouring eminent Punjabis he conveniently forgot former premier Manmohan Singh. It was left to finance minister Arun Jaitley to complete the Akali-BJP script. Recalling Operation Blue Star that saw troops marching into the Temple to flush out Khalistani separatists, he said: If 1984 is remembered as the year of destruction, 2016 will be commemorated as the year of reconstruction. It remains to be seen whether Badal and his son and deputy CM Sukhbir Badal can ride triumphant on the religious fervour theyre trying to whip up? Theyve set up in recent years several memorials and museums evoking Sikh sacrifices and valour: celebrating 350 years of the founder of the Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh around election time next year, memorial to Banda Bahadur who fought the Moguls in Sirhind; massacre (ghallughara) of Sikhs by Ahmed Shah Abdali in Malerkotla and Gurdaspur and a theme museum on the Partition in Amritsar. The other prong of their strategy is to revive the Akali spirit to take the focus away from the Badal family. The senior Badal stoked as much the sentiment when he recalled his days as an ordinary Akali worker whom the party made the CM. He evidently realises that anti-incumbency is directed mostly at his family. The best antidote for him is the Akali lure steeped in history, conceded a college professor. But he wasnt sure whether the cracked panthic vote would coagulate. Or which way would the 40 per cent Hindu go? The unseasonal haze that has engulfed Delhi is not only choking the city, it is driving its residents towards an early grave. Delhis worst smog in 17 years, which has pushed pollution to levels higher than on Diwali night, is making children wheeze, giving the otherwise healthy a chronic cough, and risking 17 million people to asthma, heart disease, stroke, and even cancer. All this while authorities be it the state government or the Centre are either mouthing platitudes or promising action plans that are not being implemented. Read | As Delhi chokes yet again on Diwali, who is to blame for its toxic air? Instead of implementing severe measures such as declaring a red alert and shutting down schools, construction activities and non-essential businesses, the Delhi government, the Centre and pollution-control agencies are busy passing the buck to each other. Two days after deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia belatedly promised a slew of measures to curb pollution, a Delhi government spokesperson suggested on Thursday that unchecked pollution was the Centres fault. The government had proposed a dedicated bus lane which is still awaiting the L-Gs nod. For crop burning, environment minister Imran Hussain wrote to the Centre in September, seeking its intervention, he said, abdicating responsibility. Meanwhile, Union environment minister Anil Madhav Dave, while saying that the air pollution situation in the Capital was grave and the governments needed to act, admitted to Hindustan Times that he was helpless. In a federal structure we have limitations. We cannot put pressure on the governments, we can only advise the states to act, he said. A senior Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) official, who was not willing to be quoted, also washed his hands of the issue, saying it is only an advisory body. What can we do if the states dont implement our directions issued under law (air act)? he asked. Read | Odd-even missing in Delhi govts latest plan to combat air pollution On Thursday evening, the National Green Tribunal directed Delhi chief secretary KK Sharma to hold an urgent meeting on pollution with authorities concerned and file a status report by Friday. In the middle of this political jugglery and bureaucratic red tape, PM 2.5 particulate matter on Thursday was at 955 umg/m3, more than 16 times the safe limit, and PM10 particulate matter was at 1,333 umg/m3 as against the maximum limit of 100 set by the CPCB. What has made matters worse this year is that pollution from unchecked crop stubble burning in neighbouring states and emissions from firecrackers during Diwali have been heightened by poor weather conditions. Polluted air is unable to escape because low temperatures and low wind speeds are keeping it trapped near the surface. Experts warn that things will only get worse in the next three days. Doctors argue that while conditions are poorer than usual, this is not a new problem. If youre born and have grown up in Delhi, you develop smokers lungs and are likely to have asthma, respiratory distress, and frequent throat, airway and lung infections, said Dr Krishan Chugh, director of paediatrics at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon. Apart from air pollution, many of its individual components such as particulate matter, diesel engine exhaust, solvents, metals and soot are also on the IARCs hazardous list, which make falling air quality a public health emergency that needs immediate action, says Dr Harit Chaturvedi, chairman, institute of oncology, Max Healthcare. But the lack of planning and poor response from the authorities, tantamount to dereliction of duty, is taking a heavy toll on a city that is struggling to inhale even as it waits to exhale. Also read | Delhi, learn to clear the air: How five world cities got rid of smog Check real-time pollution levels in your city on this map SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal urged students of the Jawharlal Nehru University on Thursday to take their protest over a missing student to India Gate to spur the government into action. Najeeb (Ahmed) will come back only with the help of peoples power. I appeal to all of you that we will have to take this movement out of JNU campus and bring it into the mainstream, he told students at the JNU. Lets sit at India Gate and appeal to the entire country to fight for Najeeb, Kejriwal said, addressing students at the JNU. I am with you and will join you in the protest. An MSc biotechnology student at JNU, Najeeb went missing on the night of October 14-15 after allegedly being beaten up by a mob of 20 students, who had gone campaigning to his room in connection with hostel elections. His attackers were said to be from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which is affiliated to the right-wing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Police say they are doing their best to locate Najeeb but his family and fellow students have accused the authorities of inaction. The day Modiji realises that the vote of youths is slipping away, Najeeb will come back, the Aam Aadmi Party leader said to a huge round of applause from the students. He also accused the BJP of polarising the society. The BJP wants the society to be divided into Hindus and Muslims. We will have to tell people that they (BJP) are not loyal to anyone be it Hindu or Muslim, Kejriwal said. Kejriwal, who this week met Najeebs mother, said he wrote to Home Minister Rajnath Singh about the missing student and promised to meet President Pranab Mukherjee too. The message is very clear. Whoever raises voice against the BJP will either be killed or disappear. None of you are doing a favour by fighting for Najeeb. Delhi recorded its lowest road accident fatality in 25 years this year, but there is very little reason to celebrate. Experts say that with 1,622 people losing their life last year, Delhi still tops the list of maximum road deaths, compared to all other metro cities in the country. Out of these deaths, two-wheeler riders constitute the third most vulnerable category, after pedestrians and cyclists. A major cause for this high fatality, they say, is the lack of coordination between the central government-controlled Delhi Police and the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi. The Delhi Traffic Police, which is the primary traffic enforcement agency in the city, is not answerable to the state government. In such a case, problems are likely to arise. The Delhi governments transport department and the traffic police are working independently, said a senior Delhi police official, on condition of anonymity. He said this was the main reason why no major traffic awareness programmes were launched in the city in the last few years. In every other state, the police is under the state government and so the implementation of awareness drives becomes easy. Kerala and Ranchi recently distributed free helmets to those travelling without it, and Maharashtra implemented theno helmet no fuel policy. No such major drives are possible in Delhi because the traffic police which is the primary enforcement agency, is not under the Delhi government. The roles of the transport department and the traffic police are also not completely demarcated. The lack of coordination was clear during the Delhi governments odd-even road rationing scheme and also during the car-free days, which were introduced every month at different locations in the capital, to discourage people from using private vehicles. These schemes would have worked much better with the police and the government working hand-in-hand. The attempt was commendable but there was a half-hearted effort from the enforcement teams, mainly because they do not report to the state government, said Dr Nilanjan Bhaskar, road safety and policy expert. Senior officials from Delhi traffic police have often said that lack of ample staff has held the department back. At present, the department has a total staff strength of just over 5,000 personnel. The same problem is also plaguing the transport departments enforcement wing. Lack of enough personnel and resources have slowed down operations. The traffic unit of the Delhi Police has, however, conducted several drives to encourage two-wheeler riders to wear helmets. One of the most successful of these is the operation Chakravyuh, which was launched in 2015. We target a location and our personnel surround it from all sides. When violators are spotted, our men form a ring and do not allow them to escape. These violators are also penalised. We have been conducting the operation in different locations. Along with penalties, our teams also educate riders on the effects of not wearing helmets, said joint commissioner of police (traffic) Garima Bhatnagar. The Supreme Courts intervention has also helped enforce traffic rules better. The apex court ordered that all traffic violations likely to cause fatalities will lead to the suspension of the offenders driving license for at least three months, along with the usual penalty. Since December last year, over 1.5 lakh licenses were suspended, and a major chunk of this comprises two-wheeler riders. Delhi has a vehicle population of 8.9 million, of which 5.68 million are just two-wheelers and their number is increasing rapidly. In 2001, Delhi had just 2.26 million two-wheelers, while in 1991, the number stood at just 1.29 million. Delhi has seen a major spike in the number of two wheeler registrations. When you compare it to the numbers in 1971, people had lower incomes and could not afford to buy their own vehicles. But now, the standard of life has improved and the availability of finance is also easy. Delhi also does not have vehicles from the city alone. Vehicles from NCR and other neighbouring states also travel on its roads almost every day, said a senior transport department official. According to section 129 of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, wearing a helmet by bothdriver and pillion rider is mandatory.Today, 27 years later, the number of people following this rule is still a minority. Although adherence to this helmet rule is almost 80-90% within city limits, riders from neighbouring states, where the rule is not so strictly enforced, do not care to wear helmets. Dr Nianjan Bhaskar said it will take time for people to internalise the importance of the helmet and other safety gear while riding a bike. The lack of strict enforcement of rules, along with the lethargic approach of enforcing agencies, a lack of public awareness and no fear of the law among the public, have all resulted in pulling back the system. When it will finally fall into place, only time will tell, he added. This is the concluding part of our series, Say Yes To Helmets. Join the conversation and tell @htTweets what can be done to reduce road fatalities in Delhi. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The air is toxic and children are bearing the brunt. Children breathe faster than adults per unit of body weight and end up inhaling a higher amount of contaminants. They are also more likely to breathe through their mouths, which increases the amount of pollutants they inhale because it bypasses the preliminary filtration in the nasal passages. Children spend more hours per day outdoors than adults, and play closer to the ground, where particulate matter and air toxins are higher, says paediatric pulmonologist Dr Krishan Chugh, director of paediatrics at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon. Air pollutants trigger allergies, cough, viral fever, lung infections, high blood pressure, asthma anxiety, tiredness, diabetes, heart disease and irreversible lung damage. Read| Delhis air pollution bad, other cities not far behind: Pollution watchdog The risk is highest in the morning when they are on the way to or are at school and when they are out at play, when they breathe rapidly and inhale a higher volume of air inhaled that damages their still-developing airways, lungs and immune system, says Dr Anupam Sibal, senior paediatrician and group medical director, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi. Younger children must be kept home and those sent to school must travel in vehicles with the windows rolled up, use masks, stay indoors in the morning and strenuous physical activity that strains lungs should be discouraged till the pollution levels drop, says Dr Chugh. Children who go to school or live within 500 metres of a busy road have under-developed lungs, which remain with them for the rest of their lives, found a study of schoolchildren from Germany, Sweden, the UK and The Netherlands. Apart from causing coughing, laboured breathing, lung and throat irritation and wheezing, ozone lowers immunity and the ability to fight infections. Even short-term exposure causes allergic sensitisation and wheezing, says Dr Sibal. Sulphuric acid inhaled disrupts the working of the lungs mucociliary clearance system that traps particulates and pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi) and moves them towards the mouth, where they are either swallowed or coughed out, which raises risk of infections. The parents of children with existing diseases need to plan ahead. Children with asthma, chronic heart and lung disease, and immune-compromised and malnourished children are at risk of symptoms aggravating and infections such as pneumonia, says Dr Vinod Paul, head of the department of paediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Children with asthma and respiratory conditions must consult their doctor for better medical control of the disease. Children with asthma, for example, should be put on anti-inflammatory drugs for long-term control and rescue medicines such as short-acting beta agonists must be kept handy for quick relief in case of an attack, says Dr Paul. Read| As Delhi chokes yet again on Diwali, who is to blame for its toxic air? Track pollution levels in your city with this real-time air quality map SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Technology has come a long way in the last decade. Whereas traditionally we may have known what job we aspired to do when we grew up, nowadays many of the jobs for the next generation may well not have been created yet. Researchers are at the frontier of this new wave of innovation and we are only just beginning to think about possible applications for these emerging technologiesis what Dr David Halliwell, director of Centre for Regional and Rural Futures (CeRRF) at Deakin University, will dwell on when he delivers the inaugural lecture of the Nalanda-Deakin Annual Lecture Series on November 10 in Delhi and on November 11 in Rajgir. Nalanda University has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Deakin University on the possibilities of having thinkers-in-residence and students, besides academic exchanges between the two varsities. Read more: Nalanda varsity receives $1 mn from NRI couple Dr Halliwell will speak on Industry driven research needs in regional and rural communities, throwing light on how smarter technologies are enhancing regional and rural productivity and what kind of research needs to be encouraged for the development of rural India in general, and Bihar in particular. Recently, Nalanda University also signed an MoU with Bihar Heritage Development Society to conduct Rajgir Archaeological Survey Project (RASP). The project aims to conduct an archaeological survey of Rajgir to better understand the archaeological landscape of this historical city through available antiquarian remains. RASP will examine the multi-phased and multi-layered development of Rajgir as an urban, political and religious centre. NU vice chancellor Gopa Sabharwal said the findings of the project will be documented in the form of a monograph. As part of this, a workshop will be organised on archaeological heritage, community participation and tourism on November, 12-13. Another important event lined up is a seminar on Xuan Zang and China-India Friendly Interactions, which would be held in collaboration with the Chinese Consulate General in Kolkata on November 7. It will focus on the journey of Zang, a Chinese Buddhist monk and scholar, to India during the seventh century and his contribution in Buddhist exchanges between the two neighbours. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Thick smog covered the city on November 2, affecting visibility, and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) marked the air quality as severe as its data showed PM2.5 level reaching 727 micrograms per cubic metre (g/m) by 2pm, up 12 times from the permissible limit of 60 g/m. However, the average concentration of PM2.5 over 24 hours was 427.5 g/m, according to the CPCB that is provided data by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB). PM2.5 is suspended particulate matter 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter and is a major component of what constitutes air pollution. As it is very fine, it can settle in the lungs and worsen asthma and other respiratory problems. The Hindustan Times had on October 31 reported that PM2.5 was at 785g/m on the night of Diwali a day before, 13 times above the permissible limit. At present it still persists around the same level even as smog covers the city and impacts both visibility and health. According to Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director of research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), This happens every year during this time as several factors combine to contribute to the growing air pollution level in the region. The low temperature and calm air cause inversion, which leads to polluted particles remaining trapped near the ground. The toxic smoke mixed with fog causes smog that persists in the atmosphere. Also, smoke from paddy burning and emissions from vehicles add to the pollution level, she said. Roychowdhury, also the head of the air pollution and clean transportation programme at CSE, added that this situation will remain unchanged for a few days as the temperature will reduce further and the pollutants already trapped in the atmosphere will not be able to move up and disperse as the air is thicker. Vijay Chowdhary, senior environmental engineer, HSPCB, said, We are not expecting the air to clear up soon. The sky is covered with smog and visibility will be affected in the region. He added that apart from the suspended particulate matter, gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen compounds comprise most pollutants in the air. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav is set to embark on a Vikas Rath Yatra on Thursday which will be flagged off by Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav in Lucknow. Netaji (Mulayam) with other senior party leaders would flag off the rath yatra, the chief ministers close aide, Rajendra Chowdhary, told HT on Wednesday. According to Chowdhary, over 3,000 vehicles, mostly SUVs, would be part of the entourage. Party MLC Sunil Yadav Sajan, who is also incharge of first leg of the yatra, told PTI that at every second kilometre, the CM will be welcomed and he will also address gatherings at various locations. All roads leading to the venue La Martiniere College ground have been decorated with banners and were choked with people and vehicles on Thursday morning. All schools on the yatra route are closed in view of the large turnout expected for the event. This is Akhileshs third yatra since 2001-2002 but at that time he had covered the constituencies on a cycle, for which he also holds a record, according to Chowdhary. Billed as Vikas se Vijay tak (from development to victory), the rath yatra would start at 9am from La Martiniere College ground for Unnao, which is around 55 kilometres from Lucknow. Apart from two huge receptions that have been planned in the state capital one in Gomti Nagar and another one near the Chaudhary Charan Singh airport the chief minister would address several public meetings along the route. The ruling party is all set to celebrate its silver jubilee on November 5. Samajwadi Party supporters on their way to the venue of CM Akhilesh Yadavs Vikas Rath Yatra in Lucknow on Nov. 3, 2016. (HT Photo ) Traffic police have been put on standby to handle the large volumes of traffic on Thursday, as thousands of vehicles are likely to join the yatra. Moreover, since the yatra is happening amid a power struggle between Mulayam-Shivpal on one side and Akhilesh and the young leaders on the other, a major show of strength is lately on the cards, leading to huge chaos. We expect more than 20,000 small and big vehicles to tail the Rath of our dear Bhaiyya ji (as Akhilesh is fondly called by his supporters) and the convoy could be more than 35-km long, said his enthusiastic supporters. While the red-colour Mercedes bus has the images of SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, chief minister himself, socialist ideologues Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia and Jnaneshwar Mishra, his uncle Shivpals picture is seen neither on the vehicle nor elsewhere. The bus also has pictures of the flagship schemes of the state government -- Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Free Laptop Scheme and 1090 Women helpline. The 37-foot-long and 15-foot tall bus has all the facilities like Wi-Fi connection, telephone connectivity, a small wash room, a mini-war room and a motorised platform, which will be propelled up by a hydraulic shaft that will bring Akhilesh out of the bus, face to face with the people. In the first phase, he will venture out from the La Martinere Boys College in Lucknow, and after covering more than 75 km will conclude at the stadium in Shuklaganj, Unnao. The Chief Minister will end the Vikas Yatra the same evening and return to Lucknow. He will restart his Rath Yatra again on November 7, after attending the silver jubilee gala of the Samajwadi Party on November 5. (With inputs from agencies) Ahead of her visit here, British Prime Minister Theresa May today called up her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during which they agreed that there is substantial scope for further strengthening cooperation in a range of sectors, including defence and security. During the telephonic call, the two Prime Ministers exchanged Diwali greetings, the PMO said. Both leaders agreed that there is substantial scope for further strengthening bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, including Science and Technology, Finance, Trade and Investment, and Defence and Security, it added. Modi told May that he is looking forward to welcoming her next week, which will be her first substantive bilateral visit outside Europe. During Mays visit beginning on November 6, India is likely to raise its concerns over problems being faced by Indian students in the UK due to visa curbs. In their talks, the two Prime Ministers are expected to deliberate on impact of Brexit on the bilateral ties and ways to boost trade and investment, besides expanding cooperation in some other key areas. We expect mobility issues to be raised during the visit, said External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup when asked whether the issue of Indian students will be taken up during the talks. Yes, it is true that in the last 5 years or so, the number of Indian students enrolling in UK Universities have gone down by almost 50 per cent; from around 40,000 to about 20,000 now. This has happened because of restrictions on Post-Study stay in the UK, said Swarup. He said Indian students and people-to-people relations are important pillars of India-UK ties and that India has raised its concerns already with UK on the difficulties being faced by Indian students there. Armed Chinese troops have been marching into the Indian territory in Ladakh and stopping the construction of a canal for the last two days, sources in the security establishment said, but the army on Thursday denied reports of any incursion. The alleged incident took place in Demchok sector, located 250km east of Leh, where the work for linking a village with hot spring is being undertaken under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Demchok lies along the Sino-India border. The hot spring is different from the one in Chashool where Police Day is observed in memory of 10 securitymen killed in 1959 by Chinese troops. Around 50 armed personnel of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) reached there on Wednesday morning and objected to civilian work being carried out there. Almost same number of Indian troops also reached there and sat in front of them, a central security official said on condition of anonymity. The Chinese troops went back on Wednesday evening and came again on Thursday morning. The work on the canal has been stopped in the meanwhile. It seems that the issue will be resolved through a flag meeting between the two armies, the official added. But on Thursday evening, the armys Northern Command said in a tweet: No Chinese incursion across LAC. Issues relating construction projects on both sides of LAC being resolved in BPM (Border Personnel Meetings). The development comes ahead of a meeting between the National Security Advisors (NSA) of the two nations in Hyderabad on Friday. Both sides pulled out banners and have been stationed on the ground, news agency PTI quoted unnamed sources as saying, adding Indian personnel were not allowing the Chinese to move an inch ahead. India and China do not have a properly demarcated border in the Ladakh region and there is difference of perception of the boundary, which is known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC). China says it should be informed about the construction work in the area, but India argues citing a pact that the sharing of information is required only in case of defence-related constructions. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said if an incident had taken place, it will be resolved through established mechanisms. I am not specifically aware of any such incident, but even if something like this has happened, there are, as you know, established mechanisms to handle such situations as a result of which in the recent past at least our border with China has been free of any major incident. I would urge lets not sensationalise things out of context, he said. The area had witnessed a similar incident in 2014 after over the construction of a small irrigation canal at Nilung Nalla under the MNREGA scheme. Sources said the dispute over the canal was resolved through a flag meeting between local army commanders. (With agency inputs) Also read | India, China security advisors to meet next week to discuss bilateral ties SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar accused the Congress on Thursday of playing politics over the alleged suicide by an ex-serviceman, with the party hitting back, terming as black day the death of army veteran in the history of the state which is celebrating its golden jubilee. INLD, the principal opposition in the state, also attacked the Centre for not properly implementing OROP which impelled the ex-serviceman to end his life. The alleged suicide by ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal took political overtones at a time when Haryana was busy in celebrating its golden jubilee. Haryana, carved out of the then joint Punjab on November 1, 1966, turned 50. It is very unfortunate that political parties are playing politics over the body of an ex-serviceman. It should not happen. Whether Congress or AAP is playing politics, it is condemnable, Khattar said while talking to media here today. Khattar slammed Congress for not implementing OROP for a long time, saying when BJP government came to power at the Centre, it implemented it. Rs 5,500 crore has been disbursed under OROP by the Centre while Congress was just sitting on this scheme and had made a provision of just Rs 500 crore, which was a cruel joke with ex-army personnel, he said. Asked, will the Haryana government declare as martyr the army veteran who allegedly committed suicide, Khattar said only those who lay down their lives at the border are declared martyrs. He (Grewal) has committed suicide which even he accepted during conversation with his son. He has committed suicide which is not right. A solider does not commit suicide. Why he ended his life, we should look into this, said Khattar. He further said the state government will provide suitable financial aid to the ex-servicemans family. Asked if he will go to Bhiwani to express his grief with Grewals family, Khattar said state Transport minister, local MP and other leaders had gone there to meet the family of ex-serviceman. We do not want to play any politics on the issue, he noted. Meanwhile, Congress raised the issue of alleged suicide of by Grewal at a function to mark Haryanas golden jubilee, before boycotting it. It is a Kala Diwas (Black Day) in Haryana because our ex-serviceman has committed suicide. Our leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Bhupinder Singh Hooda went to Bhiwani to attend his cremation. It is not a golden jubilee. It is a black day, Congress leader and MLA Geeta Bhukkal said. Asked about the ruling party accusing Congress of playing politics over the death of Grewal, Bhukkal said it was moral duty of an opposition party to raise the issue in a democracy in order to put pressure on the government. Today our farmers are committing suicide, our Jawans are committing suicide. No section of the society is happy with the present regime in the state, she claimed adding that Haryana had moved backward under the Khattar-led government, citing the incidents like Jat agitation. She also demanded that Khattar should go to Bhiwani and meet the family of army veteran. Leader of Opposition in Haryana Assembly and senior INLD leader Abhay Chautala accused the BJP -led government of not implementing OROP properly, saying the party felt great pain with the alleged suicide of Ram Kishan Grewal. We feel pain over the suicide of ex-serviceman as his demand for OROP was not fulfilled. BJP has played only politics over OROP, Chautala said. He also hit out at Congress for scoring brownie points over the suicide by the ex-serviceman For over 40 years, Congress played politics with soldiers. If Rahul feels real pain over the death of Grewal, then he should also have visited the family of Jawan in Kurukshetra who was killed at the border. They are just playing politics, he said. A blanket of fog and haze on the Yamuna Expressway resulted in 20 vehicles crashing into each other at the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura on Thursday morning, injuring 12 people, police said. Mathura superintendent of police Arun Kumar Singh said a vehicle coming from Agra braked suddenly on the expressway, leading to a pile-up. 12 people were injured in the accident and we rushed them to three different hospitals in Mathura and Jewar. After the pile-up we have cleared the vehicles from the carriageway for free vehicular movement, he said. The injured were rushed to District hospital in Mathura, Life Line hospital and Kailash hospital in Jewar. (Pankaj Parashar / HT Photo ) Gautam Budh Nagar district and nearby areas were enveloped by a dense smog since Wednesday morning which has led to visibility dropping to barely 300-400 metres. Visibility of 300-400 metres is considered extraordinarily poor with respect to the current temperature, said RK Jenamani, director in-charge of IGI Airport meteorological department. (Pankaj Parashar / HT Photo ) On Monday, about half a dozen vehicles reportedly collided on the Delhi-Noida-Direct (DND) flyway due to poor visibility, a day post Diwali. No one was injured in the collision. The regional pollution control board said the hazy conditions were due to air pollution. There is a considerable rise in pollution due to obvious reasons (bursting of crackers). Dust particles are also a major reason for the air pollution, said Paras Nath, regional manager, Uttar Pradesh pollution control board, Ghaziabad. The family members of a former soldier who committed suicide over pension issues made Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi wait at the funeral on Thursday because they wanted to hold the rituals in the presence of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. Gandhi waited at the Bhiwani crematorium ground in Haryana for some 30 minutes before the proceedings began --- only after Kejriwals arrival. Political rivals Gandhi and Kejriwal have lent support to the 70-year-old Ram Kishan Grewals family, even as BJP leaders alleged they are politicising the issue. The leaders are protesting against the central governments handling of the controversial pensions programme called One Rank One Pension (OROP), which came into force about a year ago. Grewal, who friends said had unsuccessfully tried to meet defence minister Manohar Parrikar, consumed sulphas tablets in New Delhi on Tuesday and died a day later. He was part of a delegation of ex-servicemen who had travelled from Haryana to the Capital. Read: Ex-soldier who committed suicide was Congress worker: VK Singh Gandhi, Kejriwal and Trinamool Congresss Derek oBrien were among the leaders who visited Bamla village for Grewals last rites. Family members wanted to start the ritual of bathing the body before the funeral, but Congress workers stopped them as Gandhi had not arrived. The Congress leader reached the village around 10.45am. He spent a few minutes at Grewals house, offered condolences to the family and then went to the crematorium ground. Grewals body was brought there. But the family did not want to start the rituals since Kejriwal was still on his way. Gandhi could be seen chatting with his partymen. Kejriwal reached the site around noon. After a few minutes, Grewals eldest son, Dilawar, lit the pyre. Though the leaders appear to be sharing a common cause on attacking the Narendra Modi government, they preferred to maintain distance and stood on the opposite sides. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal meets the family of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal at Bamla village. (PTI) There was no contact between them. Gandhi was about to leave with his supporters after the pyre was lit, but he returned to say his prayers to the family. A senior Congress leader from the state told HT that Gandhi was feeling uneasy. Kejriwal visited Grewals home after the cremation to talk to the ex-soldiers son and wife. Congress national spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, when asked why Gandhi and Kejriwal seemed distant, said: Nobody is apart. The 125 crore people of this country are together when it comes to the rights of our jawans. It is the Modi government who is not able to hear their cries. Gandhi was briefly detained twice on Wednesday during his protest. He was stopped at a protest site in Delhi again on Thursday after returning from Haryana. Kejriwal too said on Wednesday night that he was detained. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi was briefly detained on Thursday by the Delhi Police from Jantar Mantar -- the site of a protest over the suicide of a former serviceman. They are not letting us leave. They are not even taking us to the police station... We are sitting here (in a police car) for 30 minutes, Gandhi told ANI after his detention. Gandhi was leading a candle light march organised by the Delhi Congress unit from Jantar Mantar to India Gate when police personnel restrained him and whisked him away on a van. Soon after, Gandhi posted on his official Twitter handle: Was detained by Delhi Police and taken away from Jantar Mantar. He was later released after being detained for almost two hours. Rahul Gandhi detained by Delhi Police. He is in a police vehicle at 5 Firozeshah Road. pic.twitter.com/ISES7UEgrZ INC India (@INCIndia) November 3, 2016 A former Rajputana Rifles subedar, 70-year-old Ram Kishan Grewal allegedly consumed poison at a Delhi park on Tuesday demanding the immediate implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme - which, among other measures, ensures equal pension to retired soldiers who served with the same rank and for the same duration. The police dragged (Grewals) family and hurled abuses at them. This affects the morale of the army standing at the border. We should respect them. The government should apologise..., Gandhi said. A police official said the action was taken keeping Gandhis security in mind as the crowd at Jantar Mantar was swelling by the minute. Read: Kejriwal announces Rs 1 crore compensation, job for dead soldiers kin Grewal was cremated earlier on Thursday in a Haryana village amid a political slugfest over his suicide. Gandhi and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal joined the mass of people at Grewals Bamla village in Bhiwani district for his cremation. Gandhi met the dead soldiers widow and other family members. On Wednesday, the Delhi Police detained Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, Gandhi and Grewals family members for several hours before releasing them late at night. No charges were filed against any of them. #WATCH: Rahul Gandhi speaks to ANI after detention from protest site,says 'have been in car for past half an hour,police not letting us out' pic.twitter.com/sCBt2XNmDG ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 There was chaos on Thursday at the Grewal residence with many political leaders, including Derek O Brien of the Trinamool, joining the mourners from in and around Bamla. As the political war over the veterans suicide intensified, Delhi Police said it has started inquest proceedings into his death. Read: Ex-soldier who committed suicide was Congress worker: VK Singh The case was handed over to the Crime Branch considering the gravity of the issue, joint commissioner of police Ravindra Yadav said. Grewal was the village head for five years and was associated with a number of development projects in and around Bamla. Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, announcing a grant of Rs 10 lakh to the grieving family, refused to call Grewal a martyr because, he argued, those who commit suicide cannot be called be called so. He committed suicide for personal reasons, Khattar said. Shattered by the suicide, Grewals family demanded a probe into his death. His son Kulwant said the politics over his fathers death should end. For the two national parties the BJP and the Congress the Uttar Pradesh election is crucial not only to make their presence felt in the state where they have been relegated to the margins by regional outfits but also because the outcome will set the tone for the Big One the 2019 general elections. The BJP leaders insist that winning Uttar Pradesh is high on their agenda, but a defeat would be a worry, as the state has been crucial to its sweep of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Of the 80 Lok Sabha seats the highest for any state the BJP won 71. The state is due of elections early in 2017. According to the BJPs assessment, 2019 national election would be easy if it retains its gains in Uttar Pradesh and recovers lost ground in the neighbouring Bihar, where it took a beating in state polls within months of winning 31 of the states 40 Lok Sabha seats. The two states together account for 120 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP leaders are of the view that the Congress is at its weakest as Rahul Gandhi has failed to make an impact, while the opposition is demoralised and fragmented. One big reason for the BJPs loss in the Bihar election was the coming together of the Janata Dal-United (JD-U), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress and smaller parties as the grand alliance. Uttar Pradeshs ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) that walked out of the alliance at the last hour is now desperate for such a tie up and has its reasons to seek partners. First, the party is battling a damaging power struggle in the first family that may cost it the support of Yadavs and Muslims, who have traditionally gone with the SP. Though Yadavs have by and large remained loyal to the party, about 23% deserted Mulayam Singh Yadav in the 2014 polls in favour of Narendra Modi, who went on to be the Prime Minister. Second, anti-incumbency is also staring the SP in its face. The government is battling charges of corruption and questions are also being raised on the law and order situation. Third, Mulayam, who turns 77 later this month, has not as yet given up on his Delhi dream. He knows SP, a regional party, will have little relevance in national politics if it is not part of a coalition. Mulayams brother and confidant Shivpal Singh Yadav recently met JD(U) leader KC Tyagi in Delhi where Congress strategist Prashant Kishor was also present. Kishor, who has been at work in Uttar Pradesh, later met Mulayam. The JD(U) has been a pioneer of anti-BJP politics. We checkmated their growth in Bihar and will repeat our performance in Jharkhand where an alliance between the JD(U), RJD, Congress and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha of Babu Lal Marandi will ensure the BJPs victory march is stopped, Tyagi said. He agreed that dislodging Modi in 2019 would not be possible without defeating the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. Its time the SP took the lead in the state and the Congress joined hands with an open mind, he said. The sticking point, as in the past, in such an arrangement could be the share of seats. Political experts are of the opinion that the Congress should ask for more seats in the Lok Sabha elections and give the SP a larger share in assembly polls, as its main interest lies in ousting Modi and installing party vice-president Rahul at the Centre. But, there is a huge trust deficit between the SP and the Congress. Mulayam, after promising support, left Sonia Gandhi to fend for herself when she staked claim to the government and handed over to the President a list of 272 MPs in 1996. Mulayam fears an erosion of Muslim support if the Congress revives in the state. A senior SP leader, who didnt want to be identified, voiced partys concern quoting former chief minister the late HN Bahuguna: Never transfer your base vote as it will never return to your party fold. Mulayam had even said in the Lok Sabha that the SP could fulfil its wish of ruling the Centre with Congress support. But, two years from 2017 to 2019 -- is a long time. As of now, barring chief ministerial claimants Akhilesh Yadav and his nearest rival Mayawati, all other parties and their leaders are gearing up for the Big One in 2019. India on Friday protested strongly against making public the names and photographs of eight of its high commission staffers in Islamabad. External affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that the charges against them for allegedly fomenting terrorist activities and espionage represent an after-thought and a crude attempt to target the officials for no fault of theirs. In an unusual move, Pakistan foreign office spokesperson on Thursday cited the names of 8 Indian officials and leveled a slew of charges against them at a press briefing. Islamabad claimed that the Indian officials were involved in espionage, subversion and supporting terrorist activities in Balochistan and Sindh, especially Karachi, sabotaging China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and fuelling instability in the two provinces. Islamabads reaction comes after a Pakistan High Commission staffer was caught red-handed here last week indulging in anti-India activities. We completely reject the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations made by Pakistan against certain officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The government categorically denies those allegations. It is especially regrettable that Pakistani authorities have chosen to level these allegations after deciding to recall, on their own, six officials of the Pakistan High Commission, some of whom may have been named to Indian authorities by Mehmood Akhtar Pakistan High Commission official caught red-handed, Swarup said. However, the MEA spokesperson said any move to recall the Indian officials will be procedural and government would take necessary steps keeping in view all aspects of the situation. Swarup said the Indian officials falsely implicated were working to promote people-to-people and trade and economic contacts between the two countries. Pakistans false allegations against them have the potential to adversely affect the corresponding activities of the High Commission, he said. The MEA spokesperson said the allegations against the Indian official are prejudicial to their safety and security. We expect the government of Pakistan to take all necessary steps to ensure the security and safety of not only these eight diplomats and officials but all other members of the High Commission and their families while they are in Pakistan, he said. Pakistan had on Wednesday pulled out six of its officials in the wake of a spy scandal involving staffers of its High Commission. The government has sought to use more water from Indus basin rivers, but within the limitations of a 56-year-old pact with Pakistan that has survived three wars and numerous bilateral bickering between the two neighbours. The prime ministers office set a December deadline for the Central Electricity Authority to complete the techno-economic appraisal pending for more than a year to check the viability of about half-a-dozen hydroelectric projects on the Chenab in consultation with the Central Water Commission. These include the proposed 1,856MW Sawalkote hydel project near the Line of Control, the de facto border between the two countries, and the 540MW Kawar and 990MW Kirthai projects. This will be the first step towards ensuring speedy implementation of these projects, which can produce more than 5,000MW, a senior water resources ministry official said. It generally takes anywhere between one and two years to get the techno-economic appraisal. After that the projects will have to get a host of clearances, including environment and forest. Read | Govt decides to fast-track irrigation projects in Indus basin The move follows a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September on the World Bank-brokered Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. Considered among the most liberal water-sharing pacts, it gives control of Beas, Ravi and Sutlej to India and Indus, Chenab and Jhelum three west-flowing rivers to Pakistan. Modi reviewed the treaty amid escalating tension with Pakistan after militants murdered 19 soldiers in an army base in Jammu and Kashmirs Uri. Speculation swirled that the Indus treaty could become a casualty. But the government indicated India would use only its share of water for power and agriculture. Read| Pakistan warns of action if India breaches Indus Waters Treaty The water allotted to India from the western rivers has the potential to generate 18,569MW of hydropower. But the country has so far developed infrastructure to harness only about 3,500MW. Besides, India can use water to irrigate 13.4 lakh acres. But is irrigating only 8 lakh acres. Developing infrastructure to use what is permissible is more than enough. About 133 million acre feet of water flow in the three western rivers and India can construct reservoirs to store up to 3.6 MAF under the treaty. But no storage facility has been developed so far, said a ministry official. Agencies have been told to coordinate with the Jammu and Kashmir government to identify areas where irrigation canals can be built as well as resolve issues stalling some of the power projects where work had started. The 1,000MW Pakaldul project was languishing because of contractual dispute with the state government. It will be re-tendered now, an official said. Also read | Reclaiming leverage in Indus basin cheaper than war with Pakistan SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a stand-off at the icy heights of Ladakh division since Wednesday after Peoples Liberation Army personnel entered an area where an irrigation canal was being built under the MNREGA scheme and stopped the civilian work. The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon in Demchok sector, located 250km east of Leh, where the work for linking a village with hot spring was being undertaken under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). Around 55 Chinese troops arrived at the scene and halted the work in an aggressive manner, prompting the army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel to rush to the spot and stop the high-handedness of Chinese troops, an official source told PTI on Thursday. NDTV, however, quoted Indian Army as saying there was no stand-off and that the routine objections were being resolved. The Chinese troops took positions on the perceived Line of Actual Control (LAC) and demanded that work be stopped as either side needs to take permission before undertaking any work, a claim disputed by the Indian side which says that as per the agreement between the two countries, information about construction needs to be shared only if it was meant for defence purposes. Both sides pulled out banners and have been stationed on the ground, the sources said, adding the Army and ITBP was not allowing the Chinese to move an inch ahead despite the PLA claiming that the area belonged to China. The area had witnessed a similar incident in 2014 after it was decided to construct a small irrigation canal at Nilung Nalla under the MNREGA scheme that had been a sore point with the Chinese. The PLA had mobilised villagers from Tashigong to pitch Rebos (tents) at Charding-Ninglung Nallah (CNN) Track Junction to protest Indian action. This time, the sources said, there were 55 personnel from the Chinese PLA whereas nearly 70 personnel from ITBP and army had fortified the area and prevented their march deeper into Indian territory, the sources said. The Hot Spring is different from the one in Chashool where Police day is observed in memory of 10 CRPF men killed in 1959 by Chinese troops. Question papers will be in such a manner that any student who has studied even 50% of the syllabus can attempt questions for 100 marks, said Zahoor Ahmad Chatt, chairman, J-K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) in a press conference in Srinagar on Thursday. Board examinations for Class 10 and 12 are less than two weeks away in Kashmir. Students are in a conundrum as the syllabus is incomplete due to shutdown of schools since July. Although the board did not curtail the syllabus by cutting down on specific chapters, it announced that for Class 12 exams, in all subjects barring languages, students have to answer only half the questions in a given type of questionlike long answer, short answer, very short and objective. For language papers, the student has to attempt only 50 marks out of 100. Chatt said although there would be no reduction in syllabus, the question papers have been redesigned to help students. He added that if questions appear with an internal choice (OR), students should treat them as independent questions. Moreover, he announced, the timing of the examinations have been changed to 11am to 2pm from the earlier slot of 1pm to 4pm. We have taken into account all difficulties faced by students and designed the relaxations to be offered and redesigned our question papers, which were made according to the usual pattern, said Chatt. He said if any student injured during the unrest wants to appear in exams, a helper would be provided. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Dasanglu Pul, wife of former chief minister Kalikho Pul, was among the four candidates who filed their nominations on Wednesday for the November 19 by-polls to the Hayuliang Assembly constituency in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. The seat fell vacant after the death of Kalikho Pul, who had allegedly committed suicide on August 9. On the last date of filing papers, Dasanglu filed her nomination from BJP, Lupalum Kri filed his papers as a Congress candidate, state deputy chief electoral officer D J Bhattacharjee said in a release. Dasanglu, wife of former chief minister Kalikho Pul, is the consensus candidate of North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), in which BJP and Peoples Party of Arunachal (PPA) are partners. I convey my best wishes to Smt Dasanglu Pul, wife of late Shri Kalikho Pul, for the by-election to Hayuliang constituency. pic.twitter.com/q5PrNgzlcz Pema Khandu (@CMPemaKhandu) October 27, 2016 Yompi Kri and Konteso Kri filed their papers as independent candidates. Scrutiny of papers would be done tomorrow and the last date of withdrawal of candidature is November 5. Counting of votes would be done on November 22. The constituency, with a total electorate of 11,003, including 5,508 female voters, has 81 polling stations of which three - Kibitho, Aphumna and Taflagam are situated near the international border with China. The highest number of voters are in Hayuliang polling station with 955 listed voters, while the Malogam polling station has only two voters. The Election Commission has appointed one general observer and one expenditure observer for the by-election. The model code of conduct has been strictly enforced in the district and till date an amount of Rs three lakh, opium and several Indian Made Foreign Liquor bottles have been seized, the release said, adding, four check points have been set up in the district to conduct free and fair polls. Jammu and Kashmir police said five people were arrested on Thursday for their alleged involvement in the arson of a government school in Pattan area of north Kashmir. Police said that the accused were wanted in many cases of stone pelting. The government school Tapper Pattan, which was set ablaze on the night of October 26, is one of the 25 schools that were burnt across Kashmir during the ongoing unrest. Read | Education in Kashmir faces another challenge: Almost 20 schools burnt in unrest Separatist leaders and the government blamed each other for the attacks, but the arrest is the first definitive identification of those behind the arson. Police said their investigation into the Pattan school incident revealed a conspiracy between Ajaz Ahmad Parra, a medical shop owner, and three others -- Omar Parra alias Omar Kasaie , Shabir Pandit alias Bulbul and Bashir Ahmad Hajam , all residents of Hamray Pattan. These people arranged petrol from a petrol pump and later on stored that in plastic bottles and gave the same to Naveed Ahmad alias Naba Tension, Adil Ahmad Parra alias Adil Doda and Usman alias Babloo, all resident of residents of Tapper Pattan who, at around 1.30 am, executed their plan and set the school building on fire, a police spokesman said. These individuals, who are known stone pelters and are wanted in many stone pelting cases, kept some of the petrol bottles in an apple orchard for creating panic in future by burning the vehicles and other government buildings, the spokesman said. Read | My heart is set on fire: Burhans father condemns burning of schools The police said that the motive behind the act of these miscreants was to create an atmosphere of fear and to ensure that schools continue to remain closed. Life in the Valley has been at a standstill since July 9, a day after militant commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces. Curfew was imposed as protests erupted, lasting till date, leading to more than 80 civilian deaths and thousands being injured. Schools, among other establishments, have remained closed given the government imposed restrictions and the separatist-called shut downs. However, the government remains adamant about holding the board examinations in mid November, despite protests from students. Police said that Omer Kasaie, one of the arson conspirators, had also threatened school staff. Following the threats, the staff shifted the school records to a safe location without informing police. Based on information from Kasaie and Doda, police recovered petrol bottles from the apple orchard near Tapper. Of the seven accused, police arrested everyone except Naveed and Usman. Further investigation is on and a manhunt has been launched to nab the remaining two, the police spokesman said. Earlier this week, the state high court took cognizance of the attacks on schools and directed police and state officials to ensure these establishments were protected and reopened at the earliest. Also read | Govt should reconsider decision to hold board exams on schedule in Valley Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Thursday Rs 1 crore and a job for the family of a retired soldier who killed himself a day before over alleged glitches in a uniform pension scheme, sparking an ugly political row. He also announced martyr status for 70-year-old Ram Kishan Grewal, who consumed poison in Delhi over alleged problems in implementation of the one rank one pension scheme. The BJP hit back at the Delhi CM over the martyr status to Grewal. Shaheed are those who lay down their lives at the border, not who commit suicide: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar told news agency ANI. The Delhi chief minister went to Bhiwani to attend the funeral of the Grewal also vowed to fight for OROP. Wont let his?(Grewals) death go in vain. Will snatch OROP from the central government, Kejriwal said. Our soldiers deserve what is their due. When asked about the death of Grewal taking a political colour, Kejriwal said, Yes, I do politics..but my politics is to fight for the rights of the defence personnel..while Modi jis is to snatch their entitlements. The Delhi CM was among a bevy of politicians who rushed to Grewals native village of Bamla in Haryana for the former soldiers funeral on Thursday. This came a day after chaotic scenes in the heart of the Capital after the Delhi Police stopped top opposition leaders including Kejriwal and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi from visiting Grewals family in hospital. Many leaders targeted the government after Grewals friends said the soldier had unsuccessfully tried to meet defence minister Manohar Parrikar to sort out his pension problems. The BJP has hit back at the Opposition, accusing them of politicizing the death of a military personnel. But Kejriwal appeared defiant. Yes, we are doing politics. We are doing politics to grant our soldiers their rights while Modiji is doing politics to take those rights away. Kejriwal also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his brawl with the Delhi police on Wednesday. It was neither Del Police nor MHA but PMO, which was handling the situation yesterday. They mishandled it, he tweeted. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Top opposition leaders on Thursday rushed to a Haryana village for the funeral of a retired soldier whose suicide over demands of uniform pensions for military personnel sparked an ugly political brawl in the Capital. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi reached Bhiwani around 10.30am for the last rites of 70-year-old Ram Kishan Grewal. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal also attended the cremation of the deceased Subedar. As it happened: 1:10 pm: Centre made no arrangements for the cremation. We faced many difficulties due to chaos, Ram Kishans son Jaswant tells the media. He slams union minister and former army chief VK Singh, My father served 30 years in security. He served as Sarpanch. But a BJP minister says he was mentally unstable. 12:45 pm: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal meets Ram Kishan Grewals wife Kitabo Devi. He has died for the country. We will offer all our help and make even others help your family, Kejriwal tells Devi. The Aam Aadmi Party leader announces Rs 1 crore assistance to the family of the deceased ex-soldier. Says Delhi government will give martyr status to Ram Kishan. Wont let his (Grewals) death go in vain. Will snatch OROP from the central government says Kejriwal. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal offers his condolence to the Ram Kishans wife Kitabo Devi. (HT Photo) 12:30 pm: Ram Kishan Grewals family is upset with government as martyr status was not granted to the ex-serviceman. Congress national spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tells the media that defence minister Manohar Parrikar should have come to Bhiwani to offer his condolence to the bereaved family. He has also slammed union minister and former Army Chief VK Singh statement about the deceased soldiers mental state. When it comes to demand of justice for soldiers, 125 crore people are united. But this government is not able to see the tears of the soldiers, Surjewala tells media. 12.20 pm: Ex-serviceman Ram Grewals cremation ceremony. (HT Photo) 12:15 pm: Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal has arrived at the deceased Subedars funeral. 12 Noon: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders reached Bhiwani around 10.30 am for the last rites of 70-year-old Ram Kishan Grewal. Rahul Gandhi at the funeral service of ex-soldier Ram Kishan Grewal. (HT Photo) Congress leaders sit at the funeral service of ex-soldier Ram Kishan Grewal. Large crowd present at ex-serviceman Ram Grewals funeral service. Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has opposed interference in Muslim personal laws, including triple talaq, saying the women from the minority community were aware of their rights and capable of fighting their own battles. The practice of triple talaq, which allows a Muslim man to divorce his wife by pronouncing the word talaq thrice, faces multiple legal challenges and has triggered a huge debate. Matters of religion should be left to those practising it. People of one religion should not interfere in another religion. There is a need for consensus. Muslim mahilayen swayam bhi jagaruk hain. Wah apni baat swayam hi rakh sakati hain (Muslim women are well-informed and capable of articulating their views), Mayawati said in an interview to HT. Triple talaq is expected to generate heat in the five state elections due early next year, including in Uttar Pradesh where Muslims can influence the outcome in 100 of the 403 assembly segments. The BJP, the 60-year-old leader said, was resorting to purana raag (old tune) on triple talaq and the Ram temple in Ayodhya as elections were drawing close. Both Hindus and Muslims were aware of the ploy and could see through their chunawi hathkanda (poll gimmicks), Mayawati told HT at her 3, Tyagaraja Marg residence in Delhi. The Modi government has opposed triple talaq in the Supreme Court. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several of his BJP colleagues have criticised the practice, saying it is against gender justice and violated Constitution. The BJP is one of the two main challengers facing Mayawati who is looking to topple the Samajwadi Party to make a comeback in Uttar Pradesh. The split in the SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadavs family would work to BSPs advantage, Mayawati said. Akhilesh and Mulayam have different groups. It was Mulayam who made him the chief minister, aur ab woh apne baap ko bhi kuchh nahin samajhata (Akhilesh doesnt thinks much of his father), she said. If Akhilesh forms a separate party, it will send a message to Muslims and they will not repeat the mistake of voting for the Samajwadi Party. Muslims will vote for whichever party can defeat the BJP and that is the BSP, the four-time Uttar Pradesh CM said. Her remarks are in sync with Uttar Pradesh watchers, who are of the view that a divided SP may push Muslims to go with the BSP. Brushing aside Akhilesh claims of development, Mayawati spelt out her plans for the people of Uttar Pradesh -- cash not kind. Whatever assistance has to be given to the poor, it will be direct financial help and not things like laptops. People want permanent jobs, not unemployment allowance, she said, referring to the two programmes launched by the state government. Mayawati was also dismissive of Mulayams attempt to stitch up a grand alliance with the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Janata Dal (United) and the Rashtriya Lok Dal. Why a need for this? Because they have become weak. They have conceded defeat. The BSP would go it alone. Ours is an ideology based party. There will be no understanding with any other party, she said. Coming back to the BJP, Mayawati said the party was trying to gain political mileage from the surgical strikes carried out by the army. People are losing faith in them (the BJP) because of all this. People know what patriotism actually is, she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday once again pitched for simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, urging media to encourage debate on the matter. The PM had first pitched the idea during an all-party meet this March. If its not suitable, reject it. But at least discuss it, Modi said while speaking at the annual Diwali Milan function organized by the BJP. Read | Shah writes to House panel backing simultaneous LS, assembly polls The PM said leaders of other political parties supported the idea in private talks, but were hesitant to discuss it in public. There will be hesitation for some time. But, despite such dilemma, the public discourse should continue. A decision in this regard cannot be imposed by the government, he insisted, and so it was necessary to give impetus to discussion. To support his argument, he pointed out that frequent elections not only lead to unnecessary expenditure, but also engaged officials in electoral procedure for months, hampering administrative work. Read | One India, One election an interesting concept but its benefits not clear yet Perhaps to elaborate how media could be effective, Modi complimented it for its role in propagating the message on cleanliness. The success of Swachhata Mission can be attributed to the role of the media, he said. Other issue were touched upon at the event, including the surgical strikes. Referring to the army action, BJP president Amit Shah, who was also present, said it lent this Diwali a different kind of environment. (The) Entire country experienced the valour of the army, passion for sacrifice and pride. It also expressed gratitude towards those who attained martyrdom, Shah said. Modi, he said, had spent the festival with jawans at the borders and conveyed Indias sentiment to them. Also read | Simultaneous General and Assembly elections is not a workable idea Facing strong criticism over this weeks killing of SIMI men in an alleged police encounter in Bhopal, the Madhya Pradesh government announced a judicial probe into the reported jailbreak of eight activists of the banned organisation and subsequent events leading to their death. Justice (retd) SK Pandey will head the investigation into the eight mens escape from Bhopal Central Jail early Monday, and their being shot down by the police at the citys outskirts hours later, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said late on Thursday night. Earlier, the CM had agreed to a probe only into the escape of the operatives, not the encounter near Malikheda. Read | Surround, finish them all: Cops alleged conversation on SIMI encounter The eight men were said to have jumped the jail at night on Diwali after killing a warder and overpowering a jail sentry. They allegedly opened the locks of their cells and scaled the wall of the high-security prison with the help of a rope made of bed-sheets given to them for daily use. Within eight hours, they were gunned down at Khijradev village, just outside the capital. The episode has created resentment in the Muslim community. Its members are holding mass prayers on Friday at various places in the state, including in the capital. The government has enhanced security arrangements at the states sensitive towns. These include Khandwa, where five of the eight SIMI men were buried on Tuesday amid tight security. Amzad, Zakir Hussain, Aqueel Khilji, Sheikh Mehboob and Mohd Salik belonged to that town in the states southwest Nimar region. Khandwa is supposed to be a breeding place of the 1977-founded SIMI, which was proscribed in 2001 (shortly after the 9/11 attacks) and then again in 2008 after a brief unban. Read | Doubts swirl but state govt rules out NIA probe into SIMI encounter The governments decision to widen the scope of the October 31 SIMI encounter is seen as a possible bid to placate the minority community and stem a potential snowballing of the situation. Till Thursday, Chouhan committed to institute only an NIA probe it was yet to begin on the killings that made headlines at the international level. The governments flip-flop comes after an apparent non-action by the police. Despite the CMs announcement that the National Investigation Agency will probe the SIMI escape, the police headquarters did not make a request till Thursday to the central government that runs the anti-terror body. Since Monday, demands had been rising from the minority community, the Opposition and human rights activists who dubbed the encounter fake. They had been demanding a judicial probe by a sitting high court justice, not retired. Eighteen Muslim leaders representing various organisations, including Shahar Qazi Bhopal Mustaq Ali Nadvi, demanded a judicial or CBI probe into the encounter. What raised doubts about the authenticity of the encounter was the unlikely small 12-km distance covered by the SIMI men in eight hours after jumping jail and all of them heading in the same direction. Adding to that came differing versions of police officials. Three years ago, when seven SIMI men escaped Khandwa jail, they dispersed and moved in different directions a usual strategy of any fugitive group. After the Monday encounter, Anti-Terror Squad IG Sanjeev Shami said the SIMI operatives carried no firearms, whereas IGP (Bhopal) Yogesh Choudhary claimed firearms were recovered from the men. A day after the episode, Chouhan dubbed the killed operatives as terrorists. The CM, during his Madhya Pradesh foundation day speech on November 1 night, also underlined the crimes committed by them. He attacked the Opposition leaders, particularly AICC general secretary Digvijaya Singh, and human rights activists who raised doubts over the authenticity of the encounter. Read | Why police theories on jailbreak by SIMI operatives ring hollow Imprints of keys on prison toilet soaps, scribbles in the prison register that say We are coming on Deepawali and recovery of 17 duplicate cell keys are among the leads explored by officers probing a jailbreak by eight SIMI men, sources privy to investigations said. The new revelations indicate that the undertrials had meticulously planned their escape for months and aimed to free all 29 Islamist radicals lodged in the jail, police sources claimed. Read | Why police theories on jailbreak by SIMI operatives ring hollow The eight men who first escaped from Block B planned to proceed to the adjacent Block A to free other Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) operatives including self-styled Madhya Pradesh SIMI chief Abu Faisal but their plans were foiled by two jail guards, sources added. Jail sources say the plan may have been hatched when inmates of Block A and B were jointly under treatment at the prison hospital. Soaps were also recovered that may have been used as casts to duplicate jail cell keys, sources added. A sweep of nine cells of B block that housed the other SIMI men who failed to escape have led to at least two registers that mention in Hindi and English Hum Deepawali par aa rahe hain and Were coming on Deepawali along with other notes written in Urdu. Read | From robbing banks to making bombs: What the 8 SIMI men were accused of The jailbreak and subsequent encounter of the eight men made national headlines. Two prison guards, head warder Ramshankar Yadav and warder Chandan Singh, spotted the eight SIMI men coming out of their cells and a fight broke out, in which Yadav was killed. Further, small pieces of paper containing sketches resembling maps of a hillock and some explanation in Urdu were also recovered from a cell in the Central Jails B block. These drawings resemble a cave near a hillock and police think the men planned to hide there for a few days. The investigators also found dried meat and prawns from their cells which suggest the SIMI men planned to consume them after the escape, added sources. But the SIMI mens lawyer rubbished the polices version, saying the men never escaped and were taken out of the jail and shot. Also read | Khandwa: The SIMI hotspot at the centre of MP prisoners encounter Odishas Biju Janata Dal (BJD), widely seen as a supporter of the NDA government, said it was ready to join an anti-BJP grand alliance. BJDs Lok Sabha floor leader, Bhartruhari Mahtab, on Wednesday said that if other parties came together for an alliance, the BJD would take a call on its stance on maintaining a distance from the Congress and BJP. Once the front takes shape, we may reconsider our position, Mahtab said. The BJDs announcement comes at a time when Bihars chief minister, Nitish Kumar, is attempting to cobble up an anti-BJP alliance after mending ties with arch rival Lalu Prasad. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who retained power for a second term, also announced that she was looking to patch together an anti-BJP pact for the next polls. Even Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who earlier flew solo, is maintaining cordial ties with Kumar and Banerjee. The BJD is the fifth largest party in the Lok Sabha, and will keep close tabs on the developments in Uttar Pradesh that goes to polls early next year; the results of these polls will impact the general elections in 2019 . The BJD will take an appropriate decision on joining the front at an appropriate time. But we are not thinking (that) any political party (is) untouchable, Mahtab said. For the past few months, the BJD has increasingly confronted the NDA on many issues, shifting from its earlier role as cushion for the Centre against attacks from the Congress-led opposition. Party leaders claim that Odisha has not benefitted from the NDA government. Given the strong anti-BJP current growing among political parties, the BJD will want to be a part of the alliance if it comes to power in the next election. Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik is in regular touch with several non-BJP chief ministers, including Banerjee and Kumar, sources said. The non-BJP stand will also benefit the party on its home turf, said a BJD leader on the condition of anonymity. The BJP has emerged as the key challenger to the BJD is Odisha. So, being a part of a non-BJP alliance will not adversely affect BJDs poll prospects in the state, the leader said. Regarding an alliance in UP, Kumar, on Wednesday, said that a grand alliance could be possible only if the Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party (SP) came together. The Congress, Kumars ally in Bihar, also seemingly opened talks with the SP when their election strategist Prashant Kishor met SP chief, Mulayam Singh Yadav, on Tuesday. Police detained Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday the third time in two days as a political storm intensified over retired soldier Ram Kishan Grewal who killed himself in protest against an unequal pension policy for military veterans. The detention drama follows a VVIP parade to a Haryana village earlier in the day for the funeral of the 70-year-old decorated soldier. Gandhi and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal met his relatives at Bamla village in Bhiwani district and attended the last rites. Kejriwal promised a Rs 1-crore compensation to the family and a job for a relative of the deceased ex-serviceman. He also announced that his government will grant martyr status to the retired subedar, who served the army for 28 years till 2004. Read: Ex-soldiers family wanted Kejriwal to be present, made Rahul wait at funeral Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said Grewal cannot be called a martyr because brave soldiers do not take their own lives, while Union minister Gen VK Singh called the dead man a Congress worker after doubting his mental stability. On Thursday evening, Gandhi and party colleague Jyotiraditya Scindia were made to sit in a police van, after they walked a little distance during a Congress-organised candle-lit vigil from Jantar Mantar to India Gate. They were detained near Janpath Metro station. The way his family members were dragged and abused in the police station was incorrect. This affects the morale of our soldiers. The government must apologise, Gandhi said as Congress protesters shouted slogans against the Narendra Modi government. Gandhi and Scindia, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia were detained on Wednesday too when they tried to meet relatives of the retired soldier at a central Delhi hospital where the body was kept. Grewals family members were detained too. The Congress leader found support on this count from an unusual quarter BJP ally Shiv Sena, which has been criticising the government on various issues of late. What kind of an attitude is this? The action of Delhi police was condemnable and shameful, Sena leader Arvind Sawant said. Political theatrics overshadowed Grewals death after he took Sulphas tablets at a park in New Delhi on Tuesday evening, allegedly for being denied an audience with defence minister Manohar Parrikar, and died the next day. Wont let his death go in vain. Will snatch OROP from the central government, Kejriwal said in Bhiwani. BJP leaders lashed out at the Congress and Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party for politicising the death. But comments from Khattar and Singh, a retired army chief, were viewed as insensitive and faced criticism. He committed suicide for personal reasons. Our Prime Minister implemented OROP unlike the Congress who failed to do so, the Haryana chief minister said. Read: One lakh ex-servicemen to get OROP benefits in two months: Parrikar For his part, Union minister Singh remarked: He fought sarpanch elections on a Congress ticket. His suicide is unfortunate. Defence minister Manohar Parikkar took a reconciliatory stand, announcing that the government will soon sort out some technical issue to ensure all soldiers get OROP, the one rank one pension programme the government approved last year. Grewal was actively involved in the veterans longstanding demand for OROP, which promises to equalise pension payments for retired military personnel who served at the same rank and for the same amount of time, regardless of the year they retired. Congress national spokesperson Randeep Surjewala called the governments response insensible, saying defence minister Manohar Parrikar should have come to Bhiwani to offer condolences to the bereaved family. When it comes to demand of justice for soldiers, 125 crore people are united. But this government is not able to see the tears of the soldiers, he said. The post-mortem of Ram Kishan Grewal, the army veteran who committed suicide over implementation of one rank one pension policy, was conducted late night on Wednesday, hospital authorities said. Lady Hardinge Medical College Director Jagdish Chandra told IANS that the post-mortem was conducted late night on Wednesday and the body was handed over to the family. Read | Political drama over OROP suicide as Rahul, Kejriwal get temporarily detained Earlier, he had said that the post-mortem could not be done till Wednesday late evening as Grewals family could not be contacted. However, after requisite formalities, the autopsy was done which concluded around 10.30 pm. The body was then handed over to the family of the deceased, he said The body of Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal (retired) was shifted from the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital to Lady Hardinge Hospital for the post-mortem on Wednesday morning. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who went to Lady Hardinge on Wednesday evening, was detained and driven to the R.K. Puram police station in south Delhi along with minister Gopal Rai. He was released around midnight. Earlier, other political leaders, including Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, visited the RML Hospital to meet Grewals relatives but both of them were detained and released later in the evening. Read | HT Explains: What is OROP and why are veterans still unhappy The family of 70-year-old retired subedar Ram Kishan Grewal is finding it hard to believe that a strong man like him committed suicide. Ram Kishans wife Kitabo Devi, 60, wants to know what prompted her husband to take the drastic step. Devis health deteriorated after hearing about her husbands death. She only wants to know what prompted her husband to take the drastic step. He was very passionate about one rank, one pension (OROP). He had been travelling all over to attend every small and big meeting or dharna related to the issue for the past one-and-a-half years. For us, it was quite normal to hear on Monday when he said hes going to attend a dharna in Delhi. He had said he would return the next day, but I received a call from my daughter in Delhi that her father is in hospital, Devi said. We just request the government to at least now implement OROP for which my husband had been fighting. He should be declared a martyr and be cremated with state honours, she said. Read | Ram Kishan Grewal: An ex-serviceman who changed the face of his village Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal served in the Territorial Army for six years before being inducted in Defence Security Corps, where he served for around 24 years. In an audio clip that has surfaced on Wednesday, the ex-serviceman is purportedly heard telling his son, Pradeep, on phone that he has consumed poison because of injustice against jawans. Im a man of principles. I couldnt see this injustice happening with our jawans, he is heard saying. His other family members back home, however, refused any knowledge of the phone call. He was a very emotional person. He considered everyones problems as his own. He was also very empathetic towards war widows. He must have got overwhelmed by his passion to help others by sacrificing his life, Ram Kishans friend and fellow ex-serviceman, Subedar Umer Singh, said. Read | Political drama over OROP suicide as Rahul, Kejriwal get temporarily detained Ram Kishan is survived by his wife, two daughters and five sons. His eldest son Dilawar is a head constable with the Haryana Police in Fatehabad, while the other four are unemployed, despite three of them holding MA degrees. One can imagine his desperate fight for OROP when he has such a large family to support, another friend said. While four of his sons have gone to Delhi to bring back his body, the fifth one, Kulwant, is at home to support his mother. We have no idea when they will bring papa home. We dont want any politics over his death The government should support us instead of making this time more difficult for my family, Kulwant said. Meanwhile, Grewals post-mortem was conducted late night on Wednesday, hospital authorities said. Lady Hardinge Medical College Director Jagdish Chandra told IANS that the post-mortem was conducted late night on Wednesday and the body was handed over to the family. Earlier, he had said that the post-mortem could not be done till Wednesday late evening as Grewals family could not be contacted. (With inputs from IANS) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Pakistani media on Thursday named eight staffers at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and accused them of carrying out anti-Pakistan activities, in the latest tit-for-tit action amid raging Indo-Pak tensions. After Pakistan pulled out six of its officials in the wake of a spy scandal involving staffers of its high commission in New Delhi, sources in the external affairs ministry on Wednesday said India was mulling withdrawal of eight of its diplomats as their security has been completely compromised. Pakistan media had named two Indian officials on Wednesday afternoon. The Dawn reported that the alleged Indian intelligence personnel, whose cover was blown off in the media leak include commercial counsellor Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri, first secretary, press and culture Balbir Singh, first secretary, commercial Anurag Singh, visa attache Amardeep Singh Bhatti, visa assistants Dharmedra, Vijay Kumar Verma and Madhavan Nanda Kumar, and assistant, personnel welfare office Jayabalan Senthil. The media leak claimed that the officials were working for either RAW or for the Indian Intelligence Bureau. The names have, however, not been officially confirmed by the Foreign Office. The Indian agents were found to be involved in subversive activities, including attempts to disrupt the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and create fear and chaos in the country. They are also alleged to have been building a network of informants within Pakistan and fabricating evidence for tarnishing the country. The Dawn said these Indian officials could be declared persona non-grata by Pakistani authorities in the coming days or India might withdraw them. The leak - that has taken the confrontation between the two countries to a new peak -- came after Pakistan was forced to pull out six of its officers and staff posted at the high commission in New Delhi because of Indian claims that four diplomats were working for Pakistani intelligence services. The withdrawn officers and staffers reached Lahore on Wednesday. Last week, Pakistan had declared Indian High Commission official Surjeet Singh persona non grata and given him 48 hours to leave the country. Singhs expulsion followed that of a Pakistani High Commission official in New Delhi, Mehboob Akhtar, on charges of working for Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence agency. In March, Pakistan said it had arrested a serving Indian naval intelligence officer Kulbhushan Jadhav in Balochistan for allegedly working for RAW. Relations between the two rivals have been strained since the past few months, following the January 2 terror attack on the Pathankot air base, which India has blamed on militants from Pakistan, and the long unrest in Kashmir Valley, which India has accused Pakistan of fomenting. The September 18 terror attack on an army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, that left 19 soldiers dead further flared tensions, an attack that India blamed on Pakistan-based militants. India has said it carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan as retribution. Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has a packed schedule on the second day of his state visit to Nepal on Thursday, including a visit to the Pashupati Nath temple on the banks of the Bagmati river. Mukherjee began his three-day visit, the first by an Indian president in 18 years, with meetings with his Nepalese counterpart Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda. He will conduct a special puja at Pashupati Nath temple, the revered Hindu shrine. According to the Pashupati Nath Area Development Trust (PADT), Mukherjee will light 100,000 batti (wicks) and sprinkle Panchamrita (a scared mixture of five ingredients, including milk, curd, honey, sugar and ghee) during the puja. Read | Pranab Mukherjees Nepal visit fulfils personal desire, political objectives Govinda Tondon, member secretary of the PADT, said 108 Bautk or Hindu boys will welcome Mukherjee at the temple premises by chanting Swasti mantras and the Thime Baja and Panchai Baja (traditional Nepali and Newari musical instruments) will be played as he enters the shrine. Thousands of Indian pilgrims visit the temple every year. In the afternoon, the Kathmandu University will confer an honorary DLitt degree on Mukherjee. He will be the third dignitary to receive such a degree after Karan Singh and Satya Mohan Joshi. After this, Mukherjee will be feted at a civic reception organised by Kathmandu Metropolitan City on behalf of the people of the capital. Mukherjee will also address the concluding function of a Nepal-India Dialogue organised by the India Foundation and Nepal Policy Research Organisation. Diplomats and experts from the two countries are taking part in the dialogue to suggest ways to consolidate bilateral ties. The President will also interact with leaders of political parties, including the agitating Madhes-based leaders. Leaders of the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN-Maoist Center will separately call on Mukherjee, who will have an opportunity to listen to their views on various political issues. In the evening, Mukherjee will attend a banquet hosted in his honour by Prime Minister Prachanda. Read | China in mind, India shrinks gap with Nepal in Prez Mukherjees visit The ruling Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab has planned a three-pronged strategy to win next years assembly election, aiming to reach out to Sikhs, Dalits and religious sects with mass appeal. Locked in a close contest with the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to woo the Sikhs, who account for more than 50% of the population, the SAD is desperate to retain its support among Sikhs and Dalits. In the coming days, the party will showcase the Rs200 crore-plus worth facelift to the Golden Temple at Amritsar, a pet project of deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal, as the first significant works at Harmandir Sahib after Maharaja Ranjit Singh carried out gold and marble work in the early 19th century. Plans are afoot to send 10 buses each from every assembly constituency daily to the Golden Temple to let people experience the change. The temple attracts nearly one lakh visitors every day. SAD leader Naresh Gujral says his party will showcase the achievements of the Badal government in sectors such as power, roads, infrastructure and others. A negative campaign was built around the issue of drug menace. Punjab is the only state that is fighting it seriously, he told Hindustan Times. Beyond that, the SAD is also working on its caste arithmetic. The Badal regime is also erecting memorials at Amritsar in the name of Valmiki and Guru Ravidas, two revered figures among Dalits who account for about 32 per cent of Punjabs population. The SAD won majority of the seats in Dalit stronghold areas last time but fears losing grip over them ahead of next years election. It received a shot in the arm last month, when Seth Satpal Mall, a key member of the management of Dera Ballan, and Kabir Das, another pointsman of the Dera, joined SAD. Read | 1984 the darkest chapter, time for Punjab to move forward: Amarinder SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Top opposition leaders on Thursday rushed to a Haryana village to attend the funeral of a retired soldier whose suicide over demands of uniform pensions for military personnel has sparked an ugly political brawl in the Capital. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced Rs 1 crore compensation and a job for a kin of deceased ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal. The Delhi CM, who reached Bhiwani to attend the funeral, also said Grewal will be granted martyr status by the Delhi government. Wont let his (Grewals) death go in vain. Will snatch OROP from the central government, Kejriwal said. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi reached Bhiwani around 10.30am for the last rites of 70-year-old Ram Kishan Grewal. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal also arrived at the funeral ceremony. Congress national spokesperson Randeep Surjewala criticised the governments response saying, union defence minister Manohar Parrikar should have come to Bhiwani to offer his condolence to the bereaved family. When it comes to demand of justice for soldiers, 125 crore people are united. But this government is not able to see the tears of the soldiers, Surjewala told the media. The funeral comes a day after chaotic scenes broke in the Capital after Grewal consumed poison as police stopped top opposition politicians from meeting the family of the deceased Subedar Grewal, who friends said unsuccessfully tried to meet defence minister Manohar Parrikar before killing himself. Grewals death was overshadowed by political theatre, as Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia were detained by police for protesting outside the hospital. Scenes of pandemonium broke out at Mandir Marg police station, forcing police to move Gandhi and Scindia around in a bus, first towards Parliament Street police station and then towards Connaught Place police station before being finally taken to the police station at Tilak Marg, followed for hours by a horde of supporters protesting against the police action. Gandhi, Kejriwal and others have condemned the police action and said the family of an army personnel should have been accorded more respect, especially after his death. Kejriwal also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of dictatorial tendencies Delhi Police reports to the Union home ministry. The government has pushed back, accusing the Opposition of politicisng Grewals death and raising questions about the retired soldiers mental health. The death has sparked a fresh debate over the controversial retiral policy for soldiers, one rank one pension, which came into force a year ago. Grewal was decorated while in service and lauded for his social work post-retirement. Read| Ram Kishan Grewal: An ex-serviceman who changed the face of his village SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Sixty-five-year-old Mara Ram from Rangnoor camp would not have thought as soon as he reaches home for Bhai Dooj he and his entire family would be killed in Pakistan shelling. Villagers narrated their experience of how Pakistan unleashed carnage, killing six of their brethren, four alone from Rams family, in Ramgarh sub-sector on Tuesday. Rams pockmarked house wore testimony to death and destruction unleashed by Pakistan. A tri-cycle with which his two grandchildren (Abhi, 5, or Rishabh, 7) were playing in the verandah, blood-stained tumblers and shards of windowpanes were the tell-tale signs. His three daughters with their husbands and their children, besides Rams son, who is in the army, had come home for Bhai Dooj. There was a big explosion on Tuesday morning followed by screams. Whether I sensed the situation or out of instincts, I rushed to Rams house and saw death and destruction everywhere. One of his grandsonsAbhi or Rishabh, I am not sure, had his arm dangling from his shoulder, recollects 55-year-old Tara Chand, Rams neighbour. I immediately took out my mobike and my wife Kanta Devi held the boy in her arms on the pillion seat. We were rushing to Ramgarh hospital and enroute Camore village, 2 km from here, my wife asked me to give the little boy some water. I stopped for it but he was no more, says a stone-faced Chand. Barely 3 km from Zero Line and virtually at the mouth of Pakistani cannons from four Pakistani posts, Rangoor Camp resembled a ghost village. The deathly silence, however, was shattered around 11 am on Wednesday by shrills, screams and wails when body of Mara Ram was brought to his house. Sixty-five year old Gurdas Lal was furious. There were no ambulances here.none to pick up bodies and rush injured to hospital. This is what Modi (PM) has given us. Now, they (army and BSF) are telling us to look after our cattle and leave immediately to safer places, Lal says. The village has more than 600 families and a population of 3,500. Another Ravi Kumar, 44, says, What could be more ironical. Mara Ram and his daughter (Anju Devi) besides two of his grandsons were killed on Tuesday. Even after 24 hours of the tragedy, none from the Samba district administration and the local BJP MLA Chander Prakash Ganga, who is minister in the state government, has visited the family. Read more| Kids among 8 villagers killed, 22 wounded in Pak shelling along J-K border SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Samajwadi Partys top leadership put up a united show on Thursday at the launch of the partys poll campaign in Uttar Pradesh after weeks of a damaging family power tussle ahead of assembly elections next year. The Vikas Yatra was flagged off in Lucknow by party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, flanked by son Akhilesh and brother Shivpal on either side the first time they have been seen together following a fight for control of the party that erupted two months ago. The tussle that has seen accusations hurled and a string of tit-for-tat sackings is seen to have bruised the partys image especially with the electorally crucial Muslim community. But speaking at a rally in Lucknow to mark the beginning of the yata, Akhilesh dismissed any possibility of a split and said the SP was united to stop communal forces from coming to power in Uttar Pradesh. For live updates son the Rath Yatra, click here As this rath will move , it will unite our party workers as well as netas, Akhilesh told thousands of cheering supporters. This election will change national politics. It is our time to come back to power. The massive road-show headlined by a snazzy 10-wheeler Mercedes rath was aimed at showcasing a message of unity after weeks of fighting between Akhilesh and Shivpal. Read| UP assembly polls: Political parties hit the road with yatras Shivpal congratulated the CM and wished him all success for the yatra and the upcoming polls, where the SP is locked in a close fight with the BJP, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress. The yatra is being taken out under the leadership of Akhilesh. It will give a message to the entire UP and popularise work by our government, he said. But the message of unity was marred somewhat by chaotic scenes that broke out minutes before the yatra was to be flagged off as supporters of Akhilesh and Shivpal came to blows. The much-anticipated yatra was also stopped abruptly after the multi-crore Mercedes bus broke down barely a kilometer into the yatra. Akhilesh stepped out of the bus and continued the rest of the journey in a car. Its election time, parties will take out rath yatras. People will assess on the basis of partys performance and we will emerge winner on the basis of our development works, said Akhilesh. Read| If there is an alliance in UP, the Congress should pitch for it Ek samaaj lavish zindagi jee raha hai, ek samaaj badtar zindagi jee raha hai (One community is living the good life, while another community is living the hard life), says social media coordinator Bhaiya Patil, surveying the Maratha war room in Kohlapur. Patils words echo the angst shared by tens of thousands of Marathas hitting the streets across Maharashtra over the last few months. Though considered a dominant cluster of castes, a majority of the Marathas have come to believe their place is being usurped by other communities. Read | Part one of our series: Why are the countrys farming castes furious? Many such as Patil, 27, want to reverse this trend through a Maratha reawakening. Marathas were blamed for everything that was wrong in Maharashtra. But thats not the case on the ground, he says, in between sending out tweets and WhatsApp messages to get more and more participation in protests seeking quotas for Marathas in jobs and education. The messages he and his team send out are finding a ready audience. The silent Maratha marches have registered sizeable turnouts: nearly 50,000 protesters packed the narrow streets of Kohlapur in mid-October. Binding the protesters is a litany of grievances: from lack of jobs and education to rise in status of Dalits. Every one of these protesters is the child of a farmer, says Patil. Many of them, he adds, come from the same family background as he. Dependent on cotton and sugarcane farming, his parents have suffered losses for three consecutive years. The years were hard on them for another reason too. My brother couldnt get into an IIT, but he had enough marks in JEE to go to Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information Technology in Gujarat. The first year, they charged 60,000 rupees. For next year, it jumped to Rs 1,20,000. We were forced to take a loan. Read | Maratha stir: Dalits fear return to old days In this file photo from October 16, protestors hold a silent protest in Rajwada, demanding reservation for their community and justice for Kopardi rape victim. (Shankar Mourya/ Hindustan Times) According to Pravin Gaikwad, the state president of Maratha Seva Sangh, The basic problem of the Maratha community is we are not getting education. Private colleges charge too much fee, our people cant afford: Rs 12 lakh for engineering, Rs 50 lakh for medical. Government controls 15% share of professional colleges. But total number of seats available are 7,500 in engineering and 1,500 in medical. They have to first consider SCs and STs. And then OBCs, 32% of the state. No space for Maratha youth here. They have to work with their hands. It is something most are not prepared for. These are not people who want to get into manual labour. They want respectable jobs. But there is a demand for labour in the new economy so, thats where the Dalits are coming in, whether in building construction or brick kilns, says Himanshu, an associate professor of economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi. ANATOMY OF THE MARCH On August 9, Maratha organisations held their first silent protest march in Aurangabad On August 9, Maratha organisations held their first silent protest march in Aurangabad 1,000 is the approximate number of volunteers who constitute logistical backbone of the movement 38 lakh 50,000 The volunteers are divided at the district, tehsil and village level as well as a range of smaller sub-groups The protest is kept leaderless to avoid what organisers say are lessons from the Lokpal movement ("personalities hijack movement") and Patidar agitation ("the Maharashtra government canft possibly arrest one lakh Marathas"). The protests are speculated to have the support of nearly every major player in Maharashtra, whether openly or not . from NCP to MNS. The poster designs are created by Marathas employed in advertisement agencies in their free time, claim the organisers. They start being plastered across the city chosen for a rally nearly a month in advance. A variety of local groups pitch in, from Stationery salesmen federation to Jain Samaj. Every aspect of a rally is tightly controlled by a group of senior volunteers: from entry and exit plans . to and from the city . to parking guidelines and strategies for crowd control. Read | The Maratha movement is driven by historical memory According to Himanshu, who goes by his first name, the Dalits are leveraging the new working-class jobs towards upward mobility. They begin by making the most of the transport linkages between villages and cities. Urban economy allows the Dalits both anonymity and autonomy; it also helps them transition to the middle class. A sizeable section of Marathas, therefore, find themselves under siege in Maharashtras cities. Marathas like Patils are seeking education and jobs to fortify their pre-eminence in a social order currently in flux. They also want other castes to be put back in their place, as observers put it. Read | Only employment opportunities can quell Maratha protests According to civil rights activist Anand Teltumbde, the protests sweeping the state have more to do with restoration of Maratha dominance. Marathas, he says, have a lot of pride and would not be ready to give up their superior caste status. For that matter, only a section of the Kunbis identified themselves under the OBC category during the Mandal commission survey, Teltumbde points out. Satish Deshpande, a professor of sociology at the Delhi University, explains, Doing business for yourself is the cultural ideal for these landed communities. A closer look at the set of demands put forth by the agitating Marathas reveals that their movement has restoration of their caste status at its core. On top of the list is an amendment to the SC and the ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, put in place in 1989 to ensure punishment for culprits and compensation to victims through special courts. (HT Photo) WHAT SPARKED PROTESTS The rape and murder of a minor Maratha girl in Marathwadas Kopardi village the accused in the case are three Dalit men is widely seen as a spark for the Maratha frustration with their gradual loss of power over the upwardly mobile Dalits. The Marathas have long blamed the constitutional intervention for tilting the caste dynamics in the favour of Dalits. Among their seven demands, two pertain to installation of a statue of Shivaji in the Arabian Sea and the withdrawal of state honour bestowed on a historian, Babasaheb Purandare, who they accuse of showing Shivaji in a bad light. The Marathas are following the battlefield formula to defeat the new enemies: closing ranks. If 10,000 Jats can shut down Delhi, imagine what will happen if one crore Marathas spill out on the streets of the capital? asks Patil. Gaikwad says, There will be problem if the government doesnt pay attention. The posters plastered across the state echo their intent. Our fathers, forefathers fought for this country. What we must fight for is our community, says one set. If our silence can create so much terror, imagine what our voice can do, states another. The mood at the protest in Kolhapur on October 15 was xenophobic, according to observers. The first speaker at the rally was an 11-year-old girl dressed in all black. Her size did not matter to her audience. Most of them couldnt even see her on the stage, but what they could was a huge statue of Chhatrapati Shahu ji Maharaj, the fourth commander-in-chief of the Maratha empire. The little girl swung her arms in sword-like motions as she thundered into the mic. How can we allow ourselves to be suppressed in this land where Shivaji ruled? The crowd nodded in silent approval. Read | All you need to know about the Maratha silent protests This is Part 2 of our series on the Maratha caste agitation. Look out for the third and final instalment tomorrow which explores the Dalit reaction to the Maratha protest. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Union minister and ex-army chief VK Singh said on Thursday a former soldier, who killed himself allegedly over glitches in a uniform pension scheme, was a Congress worker, a twist to the latest flashpoint between the government and Opposition. He was a Congress worker and who fought Sarpanch election on Congress ticket. His suicide is unfortunate, VK Singh was quoted as saying by ANI. Read | Rahul, Kejriwal attend ex-serviceman Grewals funeral, slam Centre The minister also raised questions about the manner in which Grewal committed suicide: Also, how did he procure Sulpha tablets and who gave it to him? Singh had come under attack from the Opposition on many issues in the past. His comments on the Grewals suicide have also irked the Opposition, which has attacked the Centre over implementation of the one rank one pension (OROP) scheme. The minister, however, also maintained, If he had reached out to us and didnt get help, then it was our fault. Government sources said the ministry had not received any request for appointment with the deceased nor did his letter say any such thing. Read | Ex-serviceman allegedly kills self over One Rank One Pension issue On Wednesday, Singh had reacted in a combative tone to the news of the suicide. The reason for his suicide being reported is OROP. Dont know what is his mental state was, needs investigation. The Congress hit back. The partys Uttar Pradesh chief Raj Babbar said, His (Singh) mental condition needs to be examined, shameful that such a person writes General before his name. A woman who was allegedly raped by her husbands friends was forced to withdraw her complaint as she couldnt put up with the humiliating questions asked by police. Among the four, who gave you the most pleasure? the 32-year-old woman, who spoke to the press here on Thursday, quoted one of the policemen as saying. The mother of two went public about the two-year-old incident a day after popular dubbing artist and actor Bhagyalakshmi posted her story on Facebook. Two years ago, the four men came to their home in Thrissur and said her husband was unwell and they had come to take her to hospital where he was being treated, the woman told mediapersons, with her husband and the actor sitting by her side. The couple had their faces covered. The men took her to a secluded house. They took turns to rape her and video-recorded the assault, she said. They dumped her at her home and left with a warning that the video would be made public and her children killed if she went to police, she alleged. A few days later, the couple decided to report the assault. More ignominy and torture was heaped on her at the police station, the woman said. The men, one of whom was well-connected, threatened that the children would come to harm if she didnt take back her complaint. A police officer even showed her how she could change the affidavit submitted to the magistrate. The men, however, continued to harass her even after she withdrew the compliant. The woman was planning to meet chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to submit a petition for reopening of the case. But she couldnt meet him because of his busy schedule. A Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader named by the woman as one of the rapists denied the charge. She asked us to part with Rs 15 lakh. When we refused, she cooked up a story, he told HT. The partys district committee promised strict action if any of its leaders was involved in the incident. For their part, police said a case has been filed already and investigation has begun. We will not spare anyone, including police officers, director general of police Loknath Behra said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Jamaat- ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh cadres are being segregated in different high security central jails in Bengal coupled with an increase of guards and twenty four hours surveillance on them. The move comes after Bhopal prison break, where six SIMI activists escaped from jail and then were shot down by the police. Intelligence agencies have already alerted the state government that the JMB cadres are more prone to try for a prison break. There are nearly two dozen JMB leaders and cadres in jails arrested for their connection with the Burdwan bomb blasts. On February 23, 2014, gunmen opened fire and tossed bombs at a prison van carrying leaders of JMB to court in Bangladesh, freeing three of their colleagues and killing a policeman in the ambush. The three convicts were leaders of JMB, including the groups explosives expert. Read:Kolkata Police arrest six JMB members from Assam We are not taking any chances. Earlier, they were all placed together in Presidency central jail. But we are now dividing the group and placing them in Alipore central jail and Dumdum central jail, said a senior officer of the state jail department. The state government has been alerted by intelligence agencies that the JMB accused may try escape attempt from jail, helped by cadres outside, said an officer. According to sources, strength of warders keeping an eye after the JMB cadres has been doubled, apart from increasing security. The JMB cadres are also kept under 24 hour surveillance and CCTV glare. Five JMB cadres were transferred from Presidency central jail to Alipore central jail on the day of Bhopal jail break. On Tuesday, a cadre was transferred from Presidency to Dumdum central jail, said an officer of the state jail department. Read:Bangladesh kills 11 Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen members in 3 separate raids Sixteen JMB cadres, arrested after Burdwan blasts, were behind the bars. In September, six more top JMB cadres were arrested from Bengal and Assam, taking their strength in jails to 22. Initially jailed, five of those arrested in September were taken by NIA for questioning. Khagragore blast, which took place in Burdwan on October 2, 2014, blew the lid of JMB network, apart from existence of indoctrination centres and arms making hub in Bengal. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The nine-nation regional investigative support meeting to be held at Bhutans Paro is set to put pressure on China to put barriers on the illegal trade of wildlife products smuggled from different South Asian and Southeast Asian countries. China is believed to the biggest market in the region for wildlife articles smuggled from Asia, mostly through Bhutan and Nepal. The regional investigative support meet organised by the environment crime department of Interpol is bringing countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore on the table to discuss the strategy to curb wildlife crime. As a follow-up meeting of Operation PAWS (Protection of Asian Wildlife Species), also organised by Interpol, the meeting at Paro would start on November 27 and would continue till December 1. Read:Forest officers seize AK-47 from poachers in North Bengal The meeting has come in the wake of the seizure of a large number of illegal wildlife articles including snake venom from different parts of North Bengal which has open and porous border with Bhutan. According to Wild Life Crime Control Bureau under the Union ministry of environment and forests, the Siliguri corridor having close proximity with Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan has emerged as most vulnerable to the smuggling of wildlife articles. The articles are smuggled to China mostly through Bhutan and Nepal where transits are not regularised due to friendly relations with India. Agni Mitra, regional deputy director of Wild Life Crime Control Bureau, eastern region, said, The Paro meeting is likely to come up with operational planning to control the menace in the region. Read:30 rhino poachers shot in northeast last year Of late, Interpol has given much thrust to control environmental crimes all across the globe and the regional coordination is what it feels makes the efforts to fight against the crime effective. Though wildlife skins are mostly used in Tibet, the bones are used in preparing Chinese traditional medicines, senior forest officials said. The meeting aims to set up base of informers so that the transit of wildlife products and poaching is cut off at the ground level. Plans are afoot to tackle and cerate pressure on China so that it puts at least some barrier on such trade, said Mitra. The smuggling of rare species of tortoises by traders of India, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia through Dhaka airport is another concern for the Interpol and it wants all the regional countries to make concerted efforts. The Shivaji Nagar police arrested a 23-year-old drug addict for allegedly sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl from the same neighbourhood on Thursday. Officials said that the accused targeted the girl a day ago by luring her to his residence. On Wednesday night, Sajeed Khan spotted the girl playing outside. He spoke to her and lured her to the mezzanine floor of his residence when nobody was around. After sexually assaulting the girl, he left her at the spot where he had met her. The girl then told her mother about the incident following which a complaint was lodged at the Shivaji Nagar police station. Khan was arrested and was booked for rape and targeting a juvenile as per provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Khan is unemployed and a drug addict. He was produced in a local court, which remanded him in five days police custody, said an officer of Shivaji Nagar police station. The police said that incidents of minor girls being sexually assaulted in Shivaji Nagar area are on the rise. They plan to conduct awareness sessions for parents and underage girls in the areas slum pockets. Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh on Wednesday asked both the state and Union government to ensure that those behind the anti-Sikh riots of 1984 get punished. The jathedar, who participated in the bhog ceremony of Akhand Path held to remember the innocents killed in the riots in and around Delhi, said it was unfortunate that even after 32 years, justice has not been delivered. Terming the riots a well-thought-out conspiracy, the jathedar accused successive governments of failing to provide justice to the victims. Slamming the Congress, the jathedar said now that the BJP is in power at the Centre, the state government must take up the matter strongly. Earlier, prayers were offered in memory of the victims and seeking speedy justice for them during the bhog ceremony at Gurdwara Jhanda Bunga Sahib in the Golden Temple complex. Amarinder accuses AAP, Akalis of raking up 84 riots for votes Chandigarh: Punjab Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) were raking up the 1984 anti-Sikh riots issue with an eye on the upcoming state assembly elections. The Akalis have been ruling Punjab for nearly 10 years, and AAP has been in power in Delhi for two years. But neither party even thought of the issue till elections are round the corner, said Amarinder. The Akalis, in fact, have a history of raising the issue only during election times and forgetting it the moment elections are over, he said, adding that AAPs track record in sensationalising events for promoting its vested interests needs no elaboration. The 1984 riots were the darkest chapter in the Sikh history, said Amarinder, adding that though he had resigned as an MP and the Congress over the issue, it is time to move forward. Chhotepur for time-bound trial Chandigarh: Aapna Punjab Party (APP) president Sucha Singh Chhotepur on Wednesday charged the SAD with indulging in naked and crude politics on anti-Sikh riots. In a statement issued here, Chhotepur questioned the SAD as to what it had done in the past nine years to get justice for the victims. Were they twiddling their thumbs or were their tongues tied because they did not want an early end to their innings? he said. New Book on riots New Delhi: A new anthology seeks to examine all aspects of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots by combining non-fiction pieces with fictional stories. 1984: In Memory and Imagination - Personal Essays and Stories on the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots, edited by Vikram Kapur, examines the human narrative of 1984 with stories, both real and imagined, of men and women whose lives were altered by the events. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has initiated investigations into alleged misappropriation of central government post-matric scholarships for scheduled caste (SC) students by officials of the department of technical education in connivance with private college managements. The VB inquiry follows an anonymous complaint against VMS College, Batala, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBIs discreet investigation found that the college management in connivance with the technical education officials allegedly pocketed the scholarship meant for SC students, many of whom continued to pay the college fee. The college is owned by Congress state legislator from Batala Ashwani Sekhri and is named after his father, Vishwamittar Sekhri. Sekhri is also the All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary and in charge of party affairs in Gujarat. The complaint submitted to the CBI pertains to alleged misappropriation by the college in 2010-2011. Modus operandi The CBI in its inquiry note to the VB has elaborated the alleged modus operandi. It states the college management submits a list of SC students along with details of their bank accounts and the scholarship amount to the department of technical education, Punjab. The scholarship amount is to be sent to the students by the Union ministry of social empowerment and justice through the state department. While giving admissions to the students, the college makes them submit a request that the scholarship amount due to them be deposited to the college managements account, states the note. The CBI found that in several cases, while the scholarship amount was routed to the management, the students were unaware of it and continued to pay the college fee (which is in lieu of the scholarship). The college management, thus, not only pocketed the scholarship amount, but also the fee, found the CBI probe. Majority of these students are pursuing engineering courses, the annual scholarship for which ranges from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Technical education officials under scanner The CBI that is probing the culpability of any central government official has failed to find any role of the bank officials concerned in helping the college in this alleged fraud and has referred the inquiry to the state bureau to look into alleged role of technical education officials. The VB has now asked its Amritsar team to conduct a probe into the complaint against the college and gather details from the department of social welfare about the disbursement of these scholarships to SC students admitted to various technical courses in private colleges in Punjab. Many of these colleges are owned by high-profile people, including politicians. Highly placed officials said other than the complaint against the Batala college, the VB had received complaints regarding misappropriation of the scholarships meant for students undergoing pilot training courses in some other colleges. CBI probe invalid, says Cong MLA Congress MLA Ashwani Sekhri, who owns VMS College, Batala, said the complaint against his institute is false and politically motivated. There are some leaders within the Congress who want to finish the partys Hindu leadership. This is part of that (conspiracy), he said. Calling the CBI probe invalid, Sekhri said it was based on an anonymous complaint and no official from the agency contacted the college for information. He, however, said the VB had got in touch with them for the probe. The working of my college is an open book. I am ready for any inquiry and will cooperate with the VB. However, we have a letter from the Punjab social welfare department (dated September 5), stating that there is no probe pending against us. Our college is giving free education to many students. Regarding the SC scholarship, crores are pending with the state government, said Sekhri. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON All is set for electing the next president and other office-bearers of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) with Amritsar deputy commissioner Varun Roojam forwarding the notification of the Union home ministry to the religious body, calling for a general house meeting of the members elected in 2011, on Saturday. Confirming this, DC Roojam said, I have forwarded the notification to the SGPC so that they can send notice of election to those members who were elected to the SGPC in September 2011. Those elected to the body in 2011 did not get official recognition as SGPC members due to the case filed by the Sehajdhari Sikh Federation, challenging the polls on the grounds that non-Sikhs who believe in Sikhism were not allowed to cast votes. This case was dropped by the Supreme Court after the Union government barred the Sehajdharis from polling in the SGPC polls. The SGPC chief secretary, Harcharan Singh, will convene the meeting of the new SGPC House. Being the first meeting of the new SGPC House, the deputy commissioner is expected to be present in meet on Saturday. However, as the incumbent deputy commissioner in Amritsar is a Hindu, it is likely that he may send a senior Sikh officer as his representative. This stems from the fact that in November 2011 when the meeting of the general house took place after the September elections, the then DC Rajat Aggarwal proceeded on leave two days before the House met to co-opt 15 members. In his place, the then DC of Tarn Taran SS Johal attended the meeting. The SGPC House has 190 members, including the five head priests, who do not have voting rights. Then there are 15 members who were co-opted in November 2011. The remaining 170 were elected through ballot from the states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. In the race Though the names 4-5 senior members of the Shiromani Akali Dal are doing rounds for the top post of the Sikh parliament, but the final call will be taken by the SAD chief and deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who will be in Amritsar on Friday. He will have a closed-door meeting with the SAD SGPC members at the Teja Singh Samundari Hall. Sukhbir probably will follow his fathers (chief minister) policy of handing over a sealed envelope containing name of the new SGPC chief. This envelope will be opened by a senior SGPC member in the meeting on Saturday. The front-runners are current chief Avtar Singh Makkar, former SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar, senior Akali leaders and former ministers Sewa Singh Sekhwan and Sucha Singh Langah. President likely to be chosen unanimously In view of the brute majority of SAD members in the SGPC House, the election to the president, other office-bearers and the 11 executive members is likely to be a mere formality. Of the 170 elected SGPC members, about 160 owe their allegiance to SAD. Moreover, all 15 co-opted members are also likely to support the SAD. Besides the president, the House will also elect the senior vice-president, junior vice-president and the general secretary. All is not well: Faced with shortage of doctors and hamstrung for resources, healthcare is the casualty in Punjab and Haryana. Flourishing private hospitals offer life support to govt institutions in Punjab, while the poor patient has no choice but to pay up. Haryanas villagers are worst-hit Health takes hit due to staff crunch HOBBLING HEALTHCARE: A rush of patients at the medicine distribution counters at Post-graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Rohtak. (HT File ) Government health services in Haryana have remained a work in slow progress for 50 years. In 1967 soon after the state was born, there were 785 government health centres with six general hospitals. Today, there are more than 3,500 health centres, including 58 general hospitals, 119 community health centres (CHCs), 485 primary health centres (PHCs), and 2,630 sub centres. While 30 lakh patients were treated in government health centres in 1966-67, while over 2 crore were attended to in 2015. In the first phase of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) from 2005-12, Haryana was adjudged the best-performing state among non-high focus ones. In the second phase of NRHM (now the national health mission or NHM) from 2012-17, the focus is on maternal and child healthcare. The maternal mortality rate (MMR) of Haryana, which was 186 in 2004-06, was reduced to 127 in 2011-13. The infant mortality rate (IMR), which was 60 for every 1,000 births in 2005, fell to 36 in 2014. Institutional deliveries increased from 43.3% in 2005 to 92% this June. There are 5.5 lakh deliveries in government health centres of the state every year. Dearth of doctors Government health institutions are facing a shortage of medical professionals. The national norm is a doctor for every 1,000 people, while the average ratio in the country is a doctor for 1,700 people. In Haryana, theres only one doctor for 5,100 people. Of the sanctioned strength of 3,150 doctors in the state, only 2,000 are working. Director general, health services, Dr Kamla Singh says there is a shortage of doctors in the government sector across the country. The health department has started higher-level pre-hospital care training for paramedical staff, especially in the rural areas, to overcome the shortage of doctors. Our aim is to train them to provide immediate care (first aid) and stabilise the patient till the intervention of doctors, she says. Requesting anonymity, senior doctors say that not all medical professionals prefer to join government health services. They cite the unprofessional working culture in the government health sector in which doctors are often deputed on duties other than healthcare. The state has seen protests by doctors working in government health centres, demanding better pay scales and promotion avenues. Urban-rural divide The governments focus has been on meeting health infrastructure and staff requirements in the urban areas, while facilities in villages are in a worse state. There is not even a single doctor in 72 public health centres (PHCs) and three community health centres (CHCs). There are 485 PHCs and 112 CHCs in the state. In the alternative system of medicine or Ayush (ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, unani, siddha and homeopathy), Haryana progressed rapidly in the past decade and today it has an institute of Indian system of medicine and research, three ayurvedic hospitals, a unani hospital, six ayurvedic primary health centres, 458 ayurvedic dispensaries and several unani and homoeopathic dispensaries. Govt hospitals ail, pvt sector thrives A bull (below) walks past the cardiac care unit of the Bathinda Civil Hospital. (Sanjeev Kumar/HT) Fifty years ago, a hospital bed was available for 25 paise a day, the price of a cold drink, in Punjab. Today, a surgical indoor patient is charged Rs 1,200 a day in a government hospital. This shows how money has become a key factor in the states healthcare system. With few government hospitals holding credibility, the Punjab government is forced to empanel private hospitals to deliver healthcare through its schemes, particularly in tertiary care. The government health insurance schemes Bhagat Puran Singh and Rashtriya Sehat Bima Yojana have more than 200 private hospitals empanelled across the state. With private hospitals mushrooming in Punjab, healthcare can be described as government for the poor and private for the rich. Healthcare in government institutions became a money game in 1995 when the state government formed the Punjab Health Systems Corporation, taking Rs 422-crore loan from the World Bank to run its hospitals. User charges were imposed on patients for the first time in the state. The healthcare cost escalated, especially for surgical indoor patients who paid Rs 5.25 as fee in 1994 and pay Rs 1,200 today. Tackling staff crunch State principal secretary, health and family, Vini Mahajan, says the last census indicators for Punjab were better than the national average. The human resource is improving in government-run institutions, while the private sector has been a great support in sharing footfall from outside states as well and in implementing the governments health insurance schemes, she says. Mahajan flags cancer treatment and drug de-addiction as key challenges for the health department. The state has come up with a 100-bed advanced cancer institute in Bathinda and a 25-bed Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital at Sangrur in three years. The state health department faces a shortage of specialists, particularly oncologists, anaesthetists and neuro-surgeons. After re-organisation, Punjab had 500 posts of MBBS doctors in 1967 with hardly any vacancy. In contrast, 1,600 of the 4,400 posts regular posts of doctor are vacant. The number of registered doctors in the state has, however, increased six times from 4,332 in 1967 to 26,204 in 2015. The outpatient department (OPD) footfall rose from 53.21 lakh patients in 1967 to 1.52 crore in 2015. Medical education The Government Medical College in Patiala faces 17% faculty shortage and the Medical Council of India has expressed concern over this. The GMC witnessed one of the worst tragedies when five infants were charred to death as their incubators caught fire in January 2009. The faculty at GMC, Amritsar, is also facing a staff crunch, while the private Guru Ramdass Medical College in the same town is doing well. Among the six private medical education institutions, Chintpurni Medical College in Gurdaspur district is on the verge of closure with the MCI set to take a final call after an inspection in December. More than half the medical students have been shifted to other institutions either within or outside the state after the college came under the MCI scanner earlier this year for lack of faculty and infrastructure. Also read | HT Special | Haryana happening, Punjab in progress on industry Tomorrow: Sport In a major breakthrough, Amritsar police cracked a Rs 25 lakh robbery case in which the owner of an automobile showroom was injured with sharp-edged weapons while the crime was committed. The incident has instilled a lot of fear among the residents, thus the police was on job to crack this case at the earliest. The police have claimed that three accused have been arrested, out of six accused, and Rs 13.80 lakh have been recovered from their possession. A former employee of the showroom played a crucial role in this crime. Addressing the media at a press conference, deputy commissioner of police (DCP investigations) Gagan Ajit Singh said, Ever since the incident took place, we were on toes to find clues. Our sources and the CCTV footage zeroed in about the people involved in the crime. In this case, a former employee of the showroom, Lalit Pathak, had given a tip-off as to how money was taken to the bank, he said. Lalit connived with his friend Tikka, who got four more friends involved, to execute the crime. Lalit was not there when the crime was committed, but the other five were present at the scene of crime, he added. Closed Circuit Television footage and intelligence helped us in solving the case. The accused had fled the city, but our teams conducted raids and three accused were arrested, said the The accused nabbed include, Lalit Pathak, Mohit and Kamalbir alias Prince. Three more including Tikka are still absconding, said the deputy commissioner of police. Police further added that apart from money, they have also recovered two pistols and one motorcycle from the three accused. DCP Gagan Ajit Singh said that the gang has been active in the city earlier as well, and was involved in snatching cases in which they have been injuring people with sharp-edged weapons. The three nabbed accused have admitted to 14 such incidents, claimed the deputy commissioner of police . Notably, on October 24, Ashwani Sharma, owner of Aryan Honda Agency, and one of his employees were attacked by the accused and Rs 25 lakh was snatched from them, after inflicting grievous injures. Gautam Sharma, brother of the victim lauded the effort of the police and said, The police have done a remarkable job and ever since the incident took place, they have continuously been working on it. The deputy commissioner of police appreciated the effort of station house officer (SHO) Civil Lines inspector Arun Sharma, assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Manjeet Singh and the entire staff of Amritsar CIA wing. The police lathicharged the protesting employees of the Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant (GNDTP) here when they were marching towards the residence of local MLA Saroop Chand Singla on Wednesday. The employees were protesting against the state governments decision to close thermal plants for six months during the winter season. This is reportedly because of low power demand during these months. The closure started from November 1. They also condemned the management of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) for its decision to terminate services of 48 contractual workers in GNDTP. Anticipating the protest, the police on Wednesday morning had made elaborate arrangements to prevent the protesters from gheraoing Singlas residence. All roads leading to the MLAs residence were sealed as a precautionary measure. However, some employees succeeded to dodge the police and reached Singlas residence. To disperse them, the police resorted to lathicharge. Following this, the protestors sat on a dharna near Singlas residence for an indefinite period. Gursewak Singh, convener of the employees common forum, said they were holding a peaceful march, but police lathicharged the protestors, in which an employee sustained minor injuries. Criticising the government, he said, First the government took our jobs, and now they are using force to suppress our voice. He added that the termination of 48 contractual employees at the GNDTP was totally unjustifiable. He alleged that the government and the PSPCL management were planning to terminate services of other employees too. Singh said, Following the PSPCLs decision, more than 3,500 employees will become jobless due to this decision. HTC The main accused in the June 24 burning of Quran and resultant violence in Muslim-dominated Malerkotla, Vijay Kumar, took a U-turn on Thursday by alleging that the police had forced him to name Aam Aadmi Partys Delhi legislator Naresh Yadav in the case. Earlier, Vijay had said that he had carried out the burning at the behest of Yadav, who was his friend. After this, the Mehrauli MLA was arrested for his suspected role in the alleged desecration, and is currently out on bail. He too claimed to be innocent . I have sufficient evidence to prove myself innocent. All which was said earlier was due to police torture. Also read | Malerkotla Quran desecration: What happened and who said what Delhi-based businessman Vijay Kumar, main accused in the June 24 incident of Quran sacrilege. (HT Photo) Reacting to his statement, senior superintendent of police, Sangrur, Pritpal Singh Thind, however, said: The culprits often claim innocence during the trial. I dont want to make any comment at this stage since the matter is sub judice. Vijay made this statement when he was produced in the local court for a scheduled hearing of the case. He told the media in the court complex that his earlier statement had been recorded under police pressure. I was threatened and tortured by the police to say Yadav was involved, said Vijay. Meanwhile, during the court proceedings, Yadavs advocate, Harpal Singh Cheema, demanded the purported confessional statement of co-accused in this case and the copies of call details of Naresh Yadav and his brother. The case was postponed till December 1 with directions issued to state counsel to provide the details, informed Cheema. Actor Priyanka Chopra has recorded a promotional track in Marathi for her debut Marathi production venture Ventilator. She has dedicated the song, titled Baba, to her late father Ashok Chopra. The actor is currently in the US, busy shooting for the second season of her American TV series, Quantico. The actor says the song is powerful and moving. Ventilator is Priyankas first Marathi venture under her production house Purple Pebble Pictures. The film is written and directed by Rajesh Mapuskar and presented by Zee Studios. From the minute, I heard the song Baba, I loved it. Its so powerful and moving... capturing the relationship between a father and his son, Priyanka said in a statement. #Baba..My first Marathi song.. Forgive me if there are any mistakes...this one is all heart https://t.co/PIUsukXNyK PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) November 3, 2016 The actor will also feature in the promotional track which was shot in New York. Mapuskar along with the team of the family entertainer flew to New York to shoot the video, conceptualised and directed by Maheep Dhillon with an American crew. She said: When the music directors suggested that I sing a female version of this, I was apprehensive and torn between my love for the song and nervousness of singing it in Marathi. But Im so glad I did finally sing it because it was a fun, enriching, terrifying and amazing experience for me and I cant wait to do it all over again. I hope Ive been able to do justice to this beautiful song. Forgive me if there are any mistakes. I sang it with all my heart. Priyanka also shared her excitement about the song on Twitter. She posted: #Baba..My first Marathi song.. Forgive me if there are any mistakes...this one is all heart. The film revolves around an ailing senior member of a family who is being put on the ventilator just days before the Ganapati festival, leading to varied degrees of speculation and panic among the large clan he belongs to. Mapuskar said: When music composers Rohan Rohan came to me with a very simple, warm composition Baba I never thought it would travel across continents to get completed. Its recorded in the ultimate city of the US, New York. Thank you Priyanka for your initiative to make the Baba song sound so wonderful. Ventilator will release on Friday. ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Producer Tagore Madhu has rubbished reports that the set of upcoming yet-untitled Telugu-Tamil bilingual action-thriller starring superstar Mahesh Babu was gutted in fire. We didnt even erect a set for such an incident to happen in the first place. The incident must have happened on someone elses set, Madhu said. Madhu said the films team will continue shooting in Hyderabad till November 14. For their next schedule, the team will shift to Ahmedabad. We have a long schedule planned in Ahmedabad, followed by another brief one in Hyderabad to wrap up the project, he said. Directed by AR Murugadoss, the film also stars Rakul Preet Singh, SJ Suryah, RJ Balaji and Priyadarshi Pullikonda. Harris Jayaraj is composing the tunes for the project, which is simultaneously being shot in Telugu and Tamil. ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop We never thought wed ever say these words but a contestant on Bigg Boss 10 was stabbed last night! Seriously. Yes, we will accept that the stabbing was unintentional but it got your attention, didnt it? Wednesday nights episode was a whirlwind with so much happening, it was difficult to keep a track of all that was actually important. So here is a handy list of all the highlights from the episode. Do take our poll at the end and let us know which one you thought was the most interesting. 1. Bani does not like getting stabbed by knives And we understand. Rohan was playing around with knives, waving them around in the air when he accidentally stabbed Bani a little on the right side of her waist. She started bleeding instantly though not very severely. She got really angry at Rohans stupidity, demanding how he could be so careless with dangerous objects. Of course, Rohan felt extremely sorry and even apologised to Bani. She forgave him soon enough, perhaps sensing genuine guilt in his voice. He even shed a few tears! Aw Rohan dont cry! Your girls fans wont like to see you like this. (COLORS) Even Bigg Boss voice boomed through the house, telling Rohan that what he did was very careless indeed and that everyone should be more careful in the future. 2. Celebrity team wins the secret task Look at them, they are the captains now. (COLORS) The celebrity team successfully completed the secret task and were able to restore power again. They got all the pictures that Bigg Boss asked them to click during the task including the one in which Mona kissed Manu, and the one in which Bani pushed Lokesh into the pool and more. Watch out Lokesh! (COLORS) The other team spent a good, long time wondering how they could have pulled this off. 3. Lopa and Nitibha fight and make up These girls need to calm down. (COLORS) Nitibha and Lopamudra got in a heated war of words when Lopa failed to give the commoner team their food on time. Her explanation for her failure didnt go down well with Nitibha, resulting in yet another fight. Take our poll now : Former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan agreed to accept at least $31 million from Gawker Media to settle his lawsuit over publication of a sex tape on Thursday, court documents showed. The settlement was revealed in court documents in the case which drove the gossip-focused media group into bankruptcy. The case also divided media and press-freedom advocates after it was revealed that Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel had funded Hogans case as part of an effort to drive Gawker out of business. Nick Denton, founder of Gawker, talks with his legal team before Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, testifies in court, in St Petersburg, Florida, United States, March 8, 2016. (REUTERS) Hogan -- whose real name is Terry Bollea -- had been awarded $140 million by a Florida court for invasion of privacy over publication of the video showing him having sex with a friends wife. The settlement calls for him to be paid $31 million plus a share of Gawker assets sold as part of the bankruptcy process, according to documents in the New York bankruptcy court. Nick Denton, the founder of Gawker, said in a blog post the group agreed to the settlement instead of pursuing an appeal, because of Hogans deep-pocketed backing from Thiel. We were confident the appeals court would reduce or eliminate the runaway Florida judgment, Denton wrote. But all-out legal war with Thiel would have cost too much, and hurt too many people, and there was no end in sight. Nick Denton, the founder of Gawker, said in a blog post the group agreed to the settlement instead of pursuing an appeal, because of Hogans deep-pocketed backing from Thiel. (AP) While Gawker has come under fire for its no-holds-barred approach to celebrity coverage, the case raised questions about whether powerful interests can use their resources to silence media for unfavorable coverage. German-born Thiel was a founder of the online payments firm PayPal, and served as its chief executive before it was sold to eBay. He was also an early investor in Facebook and has been active in venture investing in Silicon Valley. In May, Thiel acknowledged funding a legal battle against the gossip website that outed him as a homosexual. Its less about revenge and more about specific deterrence, Thiel said in an interview at the time. Gawker shut its flagship website in August after it agreed to sell most of its assets to Spanish-language television network Univision for $135 million. Some of the former Gawker Media news sites -- Gizmodo, Lifehacker, Deadspin, Jezebel, Kotaku and Jalopnik -- are being operated by Univision. Follow @htshowbiz for more US Republican nominee Donald Trump has been remarkably restrained on the campaign trail lately, happily tethered to the teleprompter, mostly not veering off script. And there have been no insults or boasts tweeted out late in the night or early morning. Has Trump sobered up, spotting a real path to the White House that had seemed obscured by a tape of him boasting about forcing himself upon women, followed by women actually stepping forward with allegations of sexual assault? Trump has caught up with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in some polls, and trails her only by 2.2 points in the RealClearPolitics average of national polls, with 33.4% chance of winning in the FiveThirtyEight forecast, shooting up from around 9% a few days ago. We are going to win the White House. Going to win it. Its feeling like it already, isn't it? Trump said at rally in Pensacola in Florida on Wednesday night. He continued, Just we got to be nice and cool. Nice and cool. Alright? Stay on point, Donald. Stay on point. No sidetracks, Donald. Nice and easy. Niceee And nice and easy he has been. Earlier in the day, he refused to respond to former beauty queen Alicia Machado, who attacked him aggressively at a rally introducing Clinton. The two of them have had a few angry exchanges before, starting with the first presidential debate. Trump has focussed on attacking Clinton on her emails, which were back into the limelight because of fresh FBI investigations announced last week by its director James Comey, WikiLeaks revelations and Clinton Foundation. His advisers, allies and Republicans are happiest when he is focused on the task in hand Clinton and not when he forces himself centrestage as he has in the past, allowing his opponent to escape scrutiny or criticism. As the race for the White House entered the final week on Tuesday, election rhetoric has been dominated by Clintons emails and whether the FBI director overstepped his brief and inserted the agency into the election with his announcement. Democrats, for one, thinks so. President Barack Obama weighed in at an interview to a news site on Wednesday, saying, We dont operate on incomplete information. We dont operate on leaks. We operate based on concrete decisions that are made. Without naming Comey, the president went on to indicate he thought the director, a lifelong Republican he picked to head the agency in 2015, had violated investigative guidelines by alerting the US Congress to an unfinished investigation. The email has clearly put the Clinton campaign on the defensive, forcing it to abandon plans to use the final days of the race to put out a positive message of unity and working together. The campaign is continuing instead with attacking Trump. An ad released by the Clinton campaign on Thursday recalled in Trumps own voice all the offensive remarks he had made about women, veterans, Hispanics, the physically challenged, and about nuclear weapons and wars. It ended with a caption saying, We are not him. And Clinton surrogates, such as President Obama, vice-president Joe Biden and others such as Bernie Sanders, are brainstorming the battleground states with the same key message: Trump is not qualified to be president. Trump is making the same case about Clinton, that she is not fit to be president, without sounding offensive or by insulting anyone. He is being nice and cool, in his own words, and for once, keeping himself away from the crosshairs. A historic black church was set on fire in Greenville, Mississippi, on Tuesday night and an appeal for votes for Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, was found spray-painted on one of its walls. Authorities are investigating the incident as a hate crime. Though no one was injured, the church itself was extensively damaged. Were investigating this as a hate crime, Greenville Police Chief Delando Wilson told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday. We feel that the quote on the church is intimidating. The quote he was referring to was this: Vote Trump. It tries to push your beliefs on someone else, and this is a predominantly black church and no one has a right to try to influence the way someone votes in this election, the police chief added. The FBI said in a statement it was investigating the incident to ascertain if civil rights crimes were committed. Though no one had been arrested, investigators were interviewing a person of interest, according to reports. Though the Republican nominee has denied it repeatedly and strenuously, he has been accused of fanning racism with his remarks and seen as flirting with white supremacists whose support for his campaign he has been slow to denounce or condemn. The Trump campaign condemned the incident. We are deeply saddened for the members of the Hopewell MB Church community and condemn in the strongest terms this terrible act that has no place in our society, it said in a statement. We are grateful that no one was hurt and we urge witnesses with any information to come forward and help bring justice to those who are responsible. Even as the 2016 US Presidential race promises to go down to the wire, Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trumps campaign has announced that it will hold a victory party for friends and supporters in New York on election night, signaling confidence that he will win the race to the White House on November 8. A media advisory sent out from The Donald J Trump for President Campaign said a Victory Party will be held on election night at a posh hotel in Manhattan. The event is invitation-only for friends and supporters of the Trump-Pence campaign, it said. Trumps rival Hillary Clinton will also be holding an election night event in the city but her campaign has not plugged it as a victory party. Hillary Clinton will deliver remarks to supporters and volunteers at the event, the advisory sent from her campaign said. The race for the White House has tightened as the presidential nominees are set to enter the last lap of a long and unprecedented election campaign. Barely five days away from election night, the latest New York Times/CBS News poll said Clinton has an edge over Trump, with 45% of likely voters supporting the Democratic candidate, to 42 per cent for her Republican rival. The poll found that most voters say their minds are made up and late revelations about both candidates made no significant difference to them. More than 22 million Americans have already cast their ballots, and roughly one in five likely voters who participated in the Times/CBS poll said they had already voted. Indias interest is in seeing a united, stable and peaceful Nepal whose people enjoy the fruits of development and peace, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Thursday. India is committed to assist Nepal in achieving aspirations of its people, the President, who on a three-day visit to Nepal said at the conclusion of a two-day bilateral dialogue organised by three think tanks from India and Nepal. He pointed out that mutually beneficial cooperation cannot be promoted under the shadow of cross-border terrorism. We need to act decisively against this scourge on humanity. The international community must work unitedly to thwart and isolate those who use cross border terrorism as an instrument of state policy. No state should be allowed to sponsor or harbour perpetrators of cowardly acts of terror, he said. We must be very vigilant and prevent the misuse of our open border by those who do not have the best interests of India and Nepal at heart. The unique bonds of civilisational linkages between India and Nepal, our time-tested fraternal ties, our open borders and our according national treatment to each others citizens underline our shared belief that we have a common destiny, he said. Protected by the mighty Himalayas and nurtured by its river systems, we have vital stakes in the collective progress and well-being of our two peoples and peace in our region. India-Nepal ties continue to be driven and characterised by the socio-economic and developmental imperatives of our two peoples, he added. Noting that the two countries have maintained steady growth in bilateral trade and mutual investments, he said:But we can do much more to facilitate trade and promote investments. It is important that we encourage our respective private sectors to enhance their engagement. The President said India stands ready to share with Nepal its experience of building strong democratic institutions. India welcomes the ongoing efforts of the Government of Nepal to take on board all sections of its society for effective implementation of its Constitution, he said, wishing the people of Nepal every success in this endeavour. We cannot remain hostage to the political baggage of history and prejudice, nor can we continue to follow policies that have failed to lift our people out of poverty, he said, adding, as sovereign nations, we need to move together to achieve our peoples aspirations for a better life. We welcome Nepal to be part of Indias growth story. As our security interests are inter linked, we must continue to consult and coordinate closely to safeguard our shared security interests, he said. He noted that the two sides have worked out mutually beneficial arrangements for smooth movement of goods from Bangladesh through India to Nepal and Bhutan. The Motor Vehicles Agreement between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal will contribute significantly to the common goal of economic development of the region, he said. India remains committed to promoting regional cooperation in the framework of the BIMSTEC and SAARC, Mukherjee said. A student from Punjab, currently at a college in the Canadian city of Vancouver, has been abandoned by his family in India after he came out as gay. The 21-year-old, identified only as Sukh (an assumed name since he is afraid of further repercussions if his identity is revealed) is studying computer science at a community college in Vancouver in the province of British Columbia. While he is in Canada on a student visa, he was financially dependent on his parents, who live in Punjab, for sustaining him even as he lived with relatives in Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver. When the Sikh youth recently came out as gay, he was quickly disowned by his parents and thrown out of the Surrey home where he was also allegedly physically assaulted by a cousin. After that ordeal, he contacted the support group, Sher Vancouver, and is now temporarily living in a volunteers condo. Relating the story, Sher Vancouvers founder Alex Sangha said, He contacted us about 10 days back. He emailed us from our website and said he was suicidal, he had nowhere to go. Sangha met the student after that, and said, He looked anorexic to me. He wasnt eating, he wasnt sleeping, he was shaking, and he was crying whenever I mentioned family. Since the student still has two semesters to complete, Sher Vancouver has started a GoFundMe campaign to try and raise sufficient funds to meet his tuition expenses and those for immigration paperwork. The page for that campaign states: His family found out he is gay and disowned him and cut off all his financial support. Sukh is now at risk of homelessness and having no income or money to support himself to survive. Sangha said Sher Vancouver was founded to support the South Asian gay community in the region and often encountered episodes of homophobia but nothing this extreme, when someone has no other source of survival here. But, this is why we exist as an organisation. However, Sangha also pointed out that tolerance towards gays within the community had improved in recent years. There are still some who are against gay people, but over the last ten years, theres been a lot of progress. Theres a lot of people who are accepting. This summer, Sangha was a grand marshal at the Vancouver Pride Parade, which also saw Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau marching along. Read more| In a first, Sikh leads gay pride parade in Canada with PM Trudeau SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Morocco-born writer Leila Slimani has won Frances most prestigious literary prize, becoming only the 12th woman to be awarded the Prix Goncourt in 113 years. The prize jury, meeting in a chic Parisian restaurant as per a century-old tradition, rewarded the 35-year-old Franco-Moroccan author and journalist Thursday for her second novel, Chanson Douce. The book, written as a long flashback that starts with the murder of two small children by their nanny in Paris, tells the story leading to the tragic crime. Another female author, Yasmina Reza, won Frances Prix Renaudot literary award Thursday for her thrilling crime novel, Babylone. Reza, a 57-year-old French playwright, novelist and essay writer, has won many other prizes, including two Tony Awards for her plays Art (1998) and God of Carnage (2009). Whenever members of Islamic States Mosul vice squad find a woman without gloves, they pull out a pair of pliers. What follows is just one of a wide range of punishments that the group - known in Arabic by its enemies as Daesh - metes out in its northern Iraqi stronghold. Daesh would squeeze the pliers on the skin of the woman hard, said Firdos, a 15-year-old girl who has fled from the city in the last week. Firdos managed to escape such treatment herself, but she told Reuters that Islamic State has more ways of enforcing one of the many rules of its moral code - that women must not show their bare hands in public. The other penalty was we (women) would be whipped for not wearing gloves, Firdos said in Al-Khazer, a town taken by Kurdish forces as part of an Iraqi offensive to regain Mosul. She, like others who have fled Islamic States grip, declined to give her last name for fear of reprisals against relatives still in Mosul, about 27 km (17 miles) away. When Islamic State captured Iraqs second largest city in 2014, it promised that anyone who joined the Sunni militants cause would eventually earn a place in paradise. It also told the people of predominantly Sunni Mosul it would eliminate Nuri al-Maliki, a Shiite who was then Iraqi prime minister and widely accused of sectarian policies. This message appealed to some Sunnis, members of a minority which had dominated before the fall of dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003 and who now complain they are marginalised by the government led by the majority Shiites. Read| Documents spell out working of IS, include rules on beard length to sex slaves But residents who have recently fled Islamic States last stronghold in Iraq say life quickly became unbearable in the city of about two million. Men had to wear beards to lengths it saw as Islamic. Women had to cover up from head to toe. Sometimes their husbands would be whipped in their place for violations. No one was allowed to leave Mosul without special permission and former residents said they feared being shot if they were caught trying to escape. Republic of Fear None of the people interviewed by Reuters said they had seen public executions by shooting or beheadings, Islamic States favourite method of creating mass terror. But everyone knew they took place because the jihadists spread the word. This appeared to be straight out of the handbook of the Republic of Fear, Saddams former state built on cruelty, retribution and extreme violence. More than a decade after Saddams overthrow by the US-led invasion, some of his former intelligence officers are senior members and strategists for Islamic State, according to Iraqi security officials. Every Friday, the militants force people to go to mosques in Mosul to hear their sermons. Two years ago, Islamic States chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared himself the leader of all Muslims from a pulpit in the city, and the sermons remind residents that his words are sacred. Islamic State also uses mosques to urge people to take up their cause and strike against what it called all enemies of Islam; from Maliki and his fellow Shiites to other Arab leaders, Israel and the United States. Anyone who agreed to wage holy war was sent for training in neighbouring Syria, part of its self-declared caliphate. I spoke to several people who went to Syria. They learned about strapping on suicide belts and beheading people, said Abdul Kadir, one of the escapees who are sheltering in tents at a camp in Al-Khazer. They were there for three months or so. Some were young. Ten-year-old boys. Some were 15. Some of these people rejected all this but they had to pretend they supported Daesh or face consequences. Late one night, Islamic State raided his home, blindfolded him and threw him into a prison once run by Saddams security forces. After four days he appeared in a courtroom overflowing with detainees. His crime was trying to make ends meet by selling cigarettes. The Islamic State judge showed no compassion. He asked me why I sell cigarettes. He said they are against Islam. I told him I was desperate to make a living because there were no jobs, said Abdul Kadir, who was kept blindfolded throughout his ordeal. He said take him away and whip him 55 times. It was with a leather whip ... I could not get out of bed for three days. Pakistans foreign ministry says an Afghan woman who gained fame in 1984 after a photograph of her as a refugee girl was published on the cover of National Geographic has been hospitalized after falling ill while in custody. Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said on Thursday that Sharbat Gulla is being treated at a hospital in Peshawar. He didnt provide details but authorities say the famed green-eyed Afghan Girl was arrested for holding a fake Pakistani identity card. She has denied the charges but a Pakistani court yesterday dismissed a bail plea for Gulla. War photographer Steve McCurry, whose photograph made Gulla famous, found her again in Afghanistan in 2002. She surfaced again in 2014 in Pakistan but went into hiding after authorities accused her of buying a fake ID card. A NATO airstrike killed at least 30 Afghan civilians, including women and children, on Thursday in the volatile northern province of Kunduz, officials said, after a Taliban assault there left two American soldiers dead. The airstrike, which occurred early Thursday, triggered emotionally-charged protests in the provincial capital, with the victims relatives rallying outside the governors office while carrying the bodies of dead children. The carnage underscores worsening insecurity after the Taliban last month overran Kunduz city for the second time in a year, as NATO-backed Afghan forces struggle to beat back the insurgents. Afghan forces and coalition troops conducted a joint operation against the Taliban insurgents, provincial spokesman Mahmood Danish told AFP. In the bombardment 30 Afghan civilians were martyred and 25 others were wounded. Police spokesman Mahmoodullah Akbari gave the same toll to AFP, adding that the dead included infants aged as young as three months and other children. They were asleep when their house came under attack by coalition troops, Akbari said. In a brief statement on Twitter, NATO conceded it was behind the airstrike. Airstrikes were conducted in #Kunduz to defend friendly forces under fire. All civilian casualty claims will be investigated, it said. The strike occurred on the outskirts of the city after a firefight killed two US soldiers and three Afghan special forces during an anti-Taliban operation in Kunduz. It was not immediately clear if the two incidents were related. The firefight occurred as American soldiers were assisting Afghan troops to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the groups operations in Kunduz, US forces said in a separate statement. On behalf of all of US Forces - Afghanistan, todays loss is heartbreaking and we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of our service members who lost their lives today, said John Nicholson, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan. Despite todays tragic event, we are steadfast in our commitment to help our Afghan partners defend their nation, he added, without disclosing the names of the dead soldiers. - Forgotten conflict - The killings come just days before the US presidential election. During three lengthy debates between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Afghanistan got scarcely a passing mention -- even though the situation there will be an urgent matter for the new president. Either one of them will inherit Americas longest war with no end in sight. The US military, which leads a NATO mission to train and assist local forces after their combat mission ended in 2014, often gives upbeat assessments about Afghan military performance. But as Afghan military forces near the end of a second year leading security operations without full NATO assistance, they are sustaining heavy casualties. The Talibans apparent strategic goal in 2016 is to seize another provincial capital like they briefly did in Kunduz last year, in a stinging blow to Afghan forces. They have launched multiple assaults in recent months including in Kunduz, Lashkar Gar in poppy-growing Helmand province and Tarinkot, the capital of Uruzgan province. The worsening conflict has prompted US forces to step up airstrikes to support their struggling Afghan counterparts, fuelling the perception they are increasingly being drawn back into the conflict. Read more: Airstrike in Afghanistan causes civilian casualties In a horrific incident, a womans eyes were gouged out and her feet cut off by her brothers in Pakistans Punjab province after they suspected her of kidnapping one of their daughters. The incident took place on Tuesday in Muzaffarghar, 400 km from Lahore, when the two men allegedly abducted their sister and gouged out her eyes with a sharp knife and cut off her feet, police said. The woman has been shifted to Nishtar Hospital in Multan where her condition is said to be critical. Police said one of the brothers had earlier registered an FIR against the woman, who is in her 40s, for allegedly kidnapping his daughter. The victims daughter told the Express Tribune that her uncle along with one of his brothers committed the heinous crime to take revenge on her mother for the disappearance of his daughter. Police said a case has been registered against the accused but no arrests have been made so far. A Muslim rebel leader emerged Thursday from three years of hiding in the southern Philippines to meet the president, who has reached out to him as part of efforts to tame a decadeslong Muslim rebellion. Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari came out of hiding after a court suspended the serving of an arrest warrant for him for six months so he could hold talks with President Rodrigo Duterte and other officials. A Cabinet official fetched Misuari from southern Jolo island by jet. An elated Duterte spoke on nationwide TV to announce the rebel leaders presence in the presidential palace in Manila. Unaware that he would be asked to speak, Misuari expressed support for the president, his anti-drug crackdown and a government offensive against ransom-seeking Abu Sayyaf militants in a rambling speech. I was already determined to stay put in the mountains were it not for his call, Misuari said, referring to the president. Duterte, who took office in June, has pursued peace talks with Misuaris rebel front and a larger Muslim insurgent group but has ordered the military to destroy the smaller but brutal Abu Sayyaf, which is notorious for kidnappings for ransom, beheadings and bombings. Now in his 70s, Misuari denied what he said were media insinuations that his rebel group is a spent force. His rebels have helped negotiate for the release of some Abu Sayyaf hostages. Misuari said without offering any evidence that some Malaysian officials were involved in the ransom kidnappings. A former university professor, Misuari instigated a Muslim separatist rebellion in the south during dictator Ferdinand Marcoss rule in the 1970s, but accepted limited autonomy for minority Muslims in the south and signed a 1996 peace deal with the government. Many of his rebels, however, refused to lay down their arms and continued on-and-off attacks. Although he has faded into the background and is now sickly, Misuari still commands a sizable armed group mostly on Jolo. Duterte has said he would not dare put him in police detention, where he could die. If he dies for whatever reason, were compomised, Duterte said. There is going to be a conflagration, itll be hard for us. Hes the only known leader who has the influence and the stature. In a bid to attract more tourists from India as also China, to Seychelles, SriLankan Airlines on Thursday launched its inaugural service to the Indian Ocean archipelago nation. SriLankan Flight UL 0707 touched down at Seychelles International Airport shortly after noon on Thursday and was greeted with a water cannon salute amid torrential rains. It is very important for us to reach out to major (tourism) source markets like India and China, Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Alain St Ange said soon after the SriLankan flight from Colombo touched down. SriLankan can play a very important role in this, he said. Tourism contributes to 80% of the Seychelles revenue, exports of tuna fish being the other major source. The country comprises 115 islands of which Mahe, on which capital Victoria is situated, Praslin and La-Digue are the three biggest ones According to the minister, this year, till date, over 7,000 Indian tourists have visited this exotic tropical tourist destination. SriLankans operations will help us reach out to a much larger market as they have operations to much more Indian destinations than Air Seychelles, Ange told IANS. He said Seychelles wanted Indians not only as tourists and for holding weddings but also for film shooting as we provide readymade outdoor shooting sets. According to Siva Ramachandran, Chief Commercial Officer of SriLankan, his airline operates 107 flights to different destinations in India per week, and is planning to increase this number further next year. The idea is to develop Sri Lanka and Seychelles as top tourist destinations and tap the key markets of India and China, he said. We are also looking to increase trade between Sri Lanka and Seychelles as that will increase the business traffic well. Ramachandran said that direct connectivity to a large country like India would help develop the economies of the small island nations of the region as well. We see India as an extended home market for us. We want to work with Air India and Jet Airways in other domestic routes in India as well, he added. Syrian rebels on Thursday launched a new wave of car bombs and rockets on Aleppos western districts, redoubling their efforts to break the governments three-month siege of the city. An AFP photographer said government-held districts had been quiet throughout the night, but that new clashes erupted on Thursday morning. Two car bombs hit Aleppos west to mark the beginning of a fierce offensive by rebel groups in a new attempt to advance, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. The most intense fighting was in Halab al-Jadeedah, where rebels opened a fresh front on Thursday, said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman. The rebels launched their attack from the (nearby village of) Minyan and have entered the edges of Halab al-Jadeedah, he told AFP. Yasser al-Youssef, from the powerful Nureddin al-Zinki rebel brigade, confirmed to AFP that rebels began the offensive with two car bombs. The fighters are now inside Halab al-Jadeedah. Street fighting is raging and ongoing, he said. Rebels and allied jihadists have fired rockets and dispatched more than a dozen car bombs since launching their assault last Friday. They are aiming to break through government lines in the Hamdaniyeh district to reach the estimated 250,000 people besieged in Aleppos east. Syrian state news agency SANA said three people were killed and another 35 wounded in heavy fire by anti-regime groups on several government-held districts, including Hamdaniyeh. And it reported that eight people were being treated for suffocation after terrorists fired poisonous gases on Minyan village. According to the Observatory, rebel rocket fire has killed 56 civilians, including 20 children, since the assault was launched Friday. Once Syrias industrial powerhouse, Aleppo has been ravaged by some of the worst fighting in the countrys five-year war. It now lies divided between rebel forces in the east and government troops in the west. mjg/sah/pg Two Indian students are among top 10 selected for the inaugural Mayor of Londons International Student Innovation Awards 2016 launched to showcase London as a welcoming destination for international students. The two Indian students are Malav Sanghavi and Mustafa Khanwala, who were placed fifth and 10th in the contest to identify and recognise the most innovative international students in London. The top prize went to Lucy Alessandrini, who made a violin from spiders silk. Sanghavi designed a smart amputee socket which can be adjusted via an app to suit the individuals needs, while Khanwala produced an app that stops queuing in shops, allowing one to immediately pay for goods and services. Another Indian student, Surabhi Mittal, was commended for a tea set made from papier-mache. The awards, which attracted 49 entries from 17 universities, were handed out at an event on Wednesday, attended by London mayor Sadiq Khan and Karan Bilimoria, president of the UK Council for International Student Affairs, among others. Sadiq Khan said: The incredible range of talent on show in these awards celebrates the best of the capital and clearly demonstrates that London is open to talent and ideas from across the globe. We need to do all we can to ensure that London remains the best and most welcoming destination for international students. Bilimoria, who has been working to increase student numbers from India declining in recent years added: I can see the huge potential for each of the entries on the shortlist to disrupt commercial industries or save time and money for consumers. It is fantastic that London can help these international students from across the world to showcase their ideas in this way. The awards are devised by London & Partners, the Mayors official promotional company and is also supported by the UK Governments Education is GREAT campaign and the British Council, Cambridge English, IDP Education and The PIE. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The US-led coalition forces supporting the siege of the Islamic States de-facto capital Mosul on Thursday hit residential areas in and around the Iraqi city, the Russian military reported. The US is continuing to carry out airstrikes on residential areas in Mosul and towns in the Nineveh governorate, Lt Gen Sergey Rudosky said, RT online reported. On October 31, the Bazvaia and Gogieli neighborhoods, located 14 km and 19 km east of Mosul, were subjected to massive bombardment by coalition aircraft, Rudosky, head of operations for Russias General Staff, told journalists on Thursday. He added that earlier on October 26, the coalition had attacked residential areas in Hamam el-Elil, damaging a local mosque and causing civilian casualties. A US military base in southern Japan went into a brief lockdown Thursday following reports of gunshots, but declared all clear after finding no evidence that shots were fired. On November 3, 2016, at 9:33 am (0033 GMT) security received a report of gunshots heard inside building 141... The building was evacuated, Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo Japan said in a Facebook post. THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!! the post said. All clear, lockdown has been lifted. No evidence of shots fired or an active shooter, it said shortly afterwards, adding that no injuries had been reported. Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo is an American naval base for logistics located in the southwestern Japanese city of Sasebo, Nagasaki prefecture. Sasebo is located some 950 kilometres (600 miles) southwest of Tokyo. Launching an all-out blitz, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and US President Barack Obama cautioned Americans against a Donald Trump presidency by painting a grim picture of the country under him as the tight White House race entered its final phase. Imagine it is January 20, 2017 and imagine that it is Donald Trump standing in front of the Capitol, Clinton said at a rally in Tempe, Arizona. Imagine that he is taking the oath of office and then imagine that he is in the Oval Office making the decisions that affect your lives and your future, she said. Clinton painted a picture of her Republican nominee as a president who demeans women, aggravates racial divisions and could start a real war instead of a Twitter war. Obama echoed the views of his former secretary of state at an election rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Wednesday. He said Clintons opponent was someone whom his own party leaders in the past had declared a con artist. This choice actually is pretty clear, because the guy that the Republicans nominated -- even though a bunch of them knew they shouldnt nominate him - the guy they nominated who many of the Republicans he is running against said was a con-artist and a know-nothing and wasnt qualified to hold this office, Obama alleged. This guy is temperamentally unfit to be Commander in Chief and he is not equipped to be President. This should not be a controversial claim. It really shouldnt. Its strange how, over time, what is crazy gets normalised and we just kind of assume, well, you know what, he said a hundred crazy things, so the hundred-and-first thing we just dont even notice, he said. Obama said the US could not afford a President who suggests that America should torture people or that it should ban entire religions from the country. We deserve better than a Commander-in-Chief who insults POWs, or attacks a Gold Star mom, or denigrates our troops. This is somebody who vilifies minorities, vilifies immigrants, vilifies people of Muslim faith, makes fun of Americans with disabilities, he said. How is that person going to be your voice? Do you want somebody to be your voice who on tape brags about how being famous allows him to get away with sexual assault? Who calls women pigs, or dogs, or slobs and grades them on a scale of one to ten? That is not the voice of America, Obama asked and the audience responded with a big No. Obama asserted that there is only one candidate in this race who has devoted her entire life to lifting up that better America -- and that is next President of the United States, Hillary Rodham Clinton. Shes the right person. Shes the right person at the right time, Obama said. When Islamic State insurgents fired mortar bombs at Iranian Kurdish women fighters holding a desert position in northern Iraq, the women first hit back by singing through loudspeakers. Then the women opened fire with machineguns. We wanted to make them angry. To tell Daesh that we are not afraid, said Mani Nasrallahpour, 21, one of about 200 female peshmerga fighters who left behind their life in Iran to take on the hardline Sunni militants. A commander said Islamic State -- known to its enemies by the Arabic acronym Daesh -- deliberately targeted the female unit with 20 mortars when the singing began. Islamic State prohibits singing and music. It has also imposed tight restrictions on women and took hundreds of them as sex slaves since sweeping through northern Iraq in 2014 and declaring a caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria. The Kurdish women are part of a larger armed unit of some 600 fighters aligned with the Kurdistan Freedom Party, known by its Kurdish acronym PAK. This group has joined an array of Iraqi and Kurdish forces who are backed by a US-led coalition in an offensive designed to push Islamic State out of their stronghold of Mosul. Read: Dont retreat: Baghdadi to IS fighters as Mosul battle rages An Iranian-Kurdish female fighter holds her weapon during a battle with Islamic State militants in Bashiqa, near Mosul. (Reuters) It also has a far more ambitious goal of creating an independent Kurdish nation that would stretch across Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria -- a concept those nations reject. We fight to protect our soil, whether it is the Kurdistan of Iran or Iraq. It does not matter whether it is Daesh or another group that has occupied our soil, said Nasrallahpour, clutching an AK-47 assault rifle. Their presence is a reminder of the complexities of the battlefield in northern Iraq, where the women recently joined Iraqi male Kurdish fighters in driving Islamic State out of the village of Fadiliya. Avin Vaysi ran into that fight toting a heavy machinegun and battling Islamic State street by street. They are afraid of women, she said. It is true that Daesh is dangerous but we are not afraid of them. So far in the offensive, one woman fighter from the group has been killed. Like the other peshmerga, Vaysi was enraged by news reports of the militants abusing women. She decided to take matters into her own hands. I saw on television that Daesh is torturing women and it made my blood boil, said Vaysi, 32, who has a Kurdish flag painted on her cheek. I decided to go and fight them. Iranian-Kurdish female fighters exchange bullets during a battle with Islamic State militants in Bashiqa, near Mosul. (Reuters) The presence of the PAK in northern Iraq is controversial. Iran has pressured the Kurdistan Regional Government to expel the group. Since the start of 2016, the PAK has clashed with Irans Revolutionary Guards in Iran at least six times, said Hussein Yazdanpanah, military commander of the group. Attempts to reach a Revolutionary Guard media office for comment were unsuccessful. On Thursday afternoon, women fighters were lined up on a dirt berm, their weapons pointed at the frontline with Islamic State about 700 metres away. A woman walked by with a sniper rifled strapped to her shoulder. Nearby were a row of captured homemade Islamic State rockets fitted with propane tanks. Knowing the atrocities Islamic State has carried out against women, Nasrallahpour said the female fighters had made a pact never to allow themselves to be taken captive. We always have a bullet ready to use on ourselves in case we are about to be taken prisoner, she said, rolling a Kalashnikov round between her thumb and forefinger. She and others hope they can get their hands on Islamic State militants. Read:600,000 children among 1.5 million civilians trapped in IS-held Mosul: NGO An Iranian-Kurdish female fighter is seen during a battle with Islamic State militants in Bashiqa, near Mosul. (REUTERS) We will tear them apart. When they have killed our babies in the womb why should we show them mercy, said Nasrallapour. Fighters say they are treated equally by male comrades. We are 100 percent equals. We are proud of the women fighters, said Hajir Bahmani, 27, a male commander. Female fighters go through six weeks of training that includes target practice and learning how to be a sniper. Along with defending our Kurdish land we are also fighting for womens rights. Like a man, I can fight in the mountains and the desert, said Nasrallahpour. Breaking stereotypes like keeping women in the kitchen is something the fighters take pride in. Here the men cook for us, said Nasrallahpour. At the West Point Foundry, an ordnance genius engineered devastating cannons At the beginning of the 19th century, it was unthinkable for a nation to try to wage war or establish a viable national defense without sufficient resources to manufacture cannons. Yet thats the position in which the United States found itself after the War of 1812. The country had only one small operating foundry, located at Georgetown, in Washington, D.C., and was largely dependent on importing foreign artillery. Well aware of the deficit, President James Madison authorized establishing four new arsenals, each with an iron foundry capable of casting heavy guns. Three of themin Richmond, Georgetown and Pittsburghwere federally funded and operated. The fourth, a privately owned concern located across the Hudson River from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, would be instrumental in preserving the Union within the next half-century. The site for the West Point Foundry, owned by wealthy New Yorker Gouverneur Kemble, was part of a huge tract of land seized from a Loyalist family during the Revolution. Aside from being a member of one of New Yorks most affluent families, Kemble had friends in high places: His sister had married the secretary to the Board of Navy Commissioners. Kemble and his partners, calling themselves the West Point Foundry Association, selected what proved to be an ideal spot for the project. A sheltered 90-acre Hudson River inlet, soon dubbed Foundry Cove, offered sand for casting, while water from nearby Margarets Brooksoon to be renamed Foundry Brookpowered the foundry. Thick forests provided timber for fuel and charcoal production, while local quarries supplied iron ore. Most important, the river itself served as a reliable shipping highway. And when the Hudson froze, the Philipstown Turnpike, which ran east into Connecticut, offered overland access. The new foundry first fired up its furnaces in 1817, turning out not only guns and projectiles but also domestic goods. Americas first two steam engines came from the foundrys mills, as did iron boats, benches and fences; lampposts, lighthouses and building facades; beam engines and mills for use in Austria, Canada and the Caribbean; marine engines and boilers for frigates and early steamships; and huge pipes, fixtures, and fittings for the Croton Aqueduct, New York Citys system that conducted water 41 miles from the Croton River to Gotham. And before the Civil War the foundry shipped countless cotton presses to Southern plantations. It was one of Americas first marvels of modern technology, a literally glowing example of a rapidly industrializing North. Artists found it irresistible, invariably portraying it in the halo of smoke and orange and yellow glow that was visible for miles on both sides of the Hudson. In 1836 former physics instructor and West Point graduate Robert Parker Parrott was named inspector of ordnance at the academy and posted at the foundry. Kemble recognized the young mans ability, and within the year Parrott resigned his commission to become foundry superintendent. He also invested heavily in the foundry that he would be running. In 1839 Parrott married Kembles sister, Margaret, a propitious union for both the Parrotts and the foundry. Parrott devoted his considerable talents to improving production. While continuing to stress the use of local materials, he began processing a superior grade of pig iron from the Greenwood Furnace, in nearby Orange County. He imported skilled labor from abroad, mainly Europe and the British Isles, and established an apprenticeship program for teenagers. Parrott also provided housing and clothing for his burgeoning workforce and enlarged the foundry school, where apprentices, workers children andtime permittingthe workers themselves could study. As the factory grew, so did the village of Cold Spring, which had started out as a tiny trading hamlet. But it was in the development of a new type of cannon that Parrott made his mark. Throughout the Civil War, Parrotts operation would turn out various types of artillery, such as Dahlgren and Rodman cannons. At the time, these guns were still traditionally smoothbore and muzzle-loaded. While easier to manufacture than cannons with rifled bores, they were far less accurate, with a markedly shorter range. Riflingthe creation of lands and grooves in the barrel that give spin to the projectileallowed the shells to travel considerably farther, and with greater accuracy, than those fired from the tubes of smoothbore cannons. The West Point Foundry played a major role in defeating the Confederacy because it produced a specific type of rifled cannonor rifle, as they were called. That gun was Robert Parrotts brainchild. Though Parrott was not the first to rifle the barrels of cannons, he made significant improvements to the production system. His contributions, for which he was granted a series of patents, lay in the proprietary process used for wrapping the breech of each gun with a thick band of wrought iron, as well as in the type of projectile the gun would fire. Cannons of his day had a tendency to burst at the breech, destroying the guns and killing or maiming their crews. To reinforce the gun and keep it from exploding, Parrott hot-wrapped a stout iron band around its breech, allowing it to shrink immovably in place as it cooled. He also received patents for a special fuse and sight for his rifles. Parrott guns became the conflicts most commonly used artillery piecesin the words of one historian, available, inexpensive and accurate. So popular was Parrotts innovation that Confederate arsenals copied them religiously. Ironically, several Parrott guns had already been sold to the Southern states prior to the wars outbreak, including some that would be used to bombard Fort Sumter. By the fall of 1861, the demand for artillery was so great that the foundrys forges and furnaces were thundering and blazing around the clock. One area visitor recalled, [W]e could hear the deep breathing of furnaces, and the sullen monotonous pulsations of trip-hammers, busily at work at the West Point Foundry, the most extensive and complete of the iron-works of the United States. The foundry was then turning out 25 rifled Parrott guns and 7,000 projectiles per week, in addition to a range of smoothbore cannons, howitzers and mortarsand the numbers grew with demand. On each muzzle were stamped the letters WPF, for West Point Foundry, and RPP, for Robert Parker Parrott. The guns ranged in size (measured by the weight of the projectile they fired) from 10-pounder field rifles to 300-pounder monsters weighing up to 13 tons. The Parrott guns were conformed for use as fieldpieces (typically 10- and 20-pounders) and larger siege guns for the Army, as well as for service aboard Navy warships. Around 1850, a 600-foot dock had been built, to accommodate deep-draft vessels on the Hudson. Now a constant stream of Parrotts war engines rolled on rails from the foundry buildings down the dock to waiting Union vessels. No gun was shipped for military service without first being test-fired, or proofed. For that purpose, a platform and spotting tower had been built facing west over the Hudson. Each piece was firedsometimes as much as 100 timesat the sides of rocky Crows Nest Peak and Storm King Mountain, looming on the rivers west bank. President Abraham Lincoln got to witness the proofing process firsthand when he traveled to West Point in June 1862 to meet with retired Army commander Winfield Scott. After touring the foundry, Lincoln observed from the spotting tower as Superintendent Parrott oversaw a test-firing of 100- and 200-pounders. The foundrys rifled guns were far superior to earlier versions. But despite Parrotts innovations, no cast-iron cannon of the period was immune to malfunction due to a number of problems, from sand in the barrel to excessive elevation, inadequate lubrication of shells, friction within the projectile itself or excessive overheating from repeat firing. The barrel might simply explode at any point along its unreinforced section, or at the muzzle itself. And although the trademark iron band usually protected the crew from a ruptured breech, blowouts sometimes occurred at reinforced sections. One of Parrotts larger guns suffered such a calamity. In late August 1863, a 200-pounder siege rifle weighing more than eight tons, dubbed the Swamp Angel, had been mounted on a four-ton carriage during the assault on Charleston, S.C. Its crew, from the 11th Maine Infantry, successfully fired 35 massive projectiles10 of which contained the incendiary mixture known as Greek firedoing significant damage to the besieged city from an unheard-of 4 miles away. A platform in marshy earthworks in Charleston Harbor had to be built to elevate the gun, and for the first time in recorded military history a compass reading was taken to target the fire on the city at night. But six other incendiary shells had detonated prematurely inside the cannons tube, causing invisible damage to the gun itself. The all-important wrought-iron breech band grew loose as the barrels integrity was compromised. Aware the gun had taken terrific punishment, the crew lengthened the lanyard, allowing them to fire from a safer position. After each round they would reenter the battery to swab and reload the massive piece. It proved to be a sagacious plan: With the 36th round the gun burst, blowing out the breech and knocking the cannon off its carriage. Four members of the crew were injured, though none seriously. Not all artillerymen were so fortunate. When the U.S. steamer Juniatas 100-pounder Parrott gun burst during a fight off Fort Fisher, N.C., on December 24, 1864, the explosion killed five sailorsincluding two officersand badly injured eight more. A Harpers Weekly illustration depicted the gun blowing the fiery contents of its projectile out at the breech, strewing dead and injured sailors around the deck. In his report, Juniatas surgeon described the effects of the explosion in detail. The injuries listed during Second-Class Fireman Theodore Abos autopsy were typical: left leg, thigh, hip, arm and forearm fractured, soft parts extensively lacerated, killed by hemorrhage and shock. The New York Times later reported that shipboard fatalities alone due to Parrott gun mishaps numbered more than 100. But in the imprecise world of cast-iron weapons, Parrott guns usually worked remarkably well, and provided long and effective service. By wars end, only 19 of the Navys 352 100-pounders had burst. One 30-pounder reportedly fired some 4,600 rounds before finally breaking down. Today its remains are on display at West Point. The foundry, the sole manufactory of Parrott guns throughout the conflict, could not turn them out fast enough. In April 1863, Robert Parrott wrote his brother, who managed the Greenwood Foundry that Parrott now owned, We continue very busy and likely to use all the iron you can make. Two days later he wrote, Guns are ordered by the fifties and all my efforts required to keep up the supply. In June he noted that the calls for guns and projectiles were increasing daily, and in August he exulted, I am over head and ears in business and demand for guns, etc. The demand would not abate until the South surrendered. At the height of the foundrys activity, Parrott employed upward of 1,400 workers. For his time, he seems to have been a remarkably progressive and compassionate boss. He owned a number of the row houses in which his employees lived, charging a modest rent. He also provided widows benefits, and limited compensation for injured workers. But the work was still, by its nature, often dangerous, and in March 1864 several hundred men formed what they called a Laboring Mens Union and went on strike for higher wages and presumably better working conditions. They also kept workers outside the union from reporting for work. Given the Norths need for weapons, the government was not about to allow the strike to continue. Some 120 Federal troops soon appeared. After a brief hiatus, and the arrest of three union leaders, production resumed. The factorys wartime output was staggering. Within four years the West Point Foundry turned out 3,000 Parrott gunsnearly half ordered by the Navyand more than 3 million projectiles, in addition to countless smoothbore cannons and other types of ordnance. Although the foundry filled an order for 200 Parrott guns after the wars end, the demand for cannons evaporated practically overnight. Converting to civilian production wasnt an overnight process, nor were orders for nonmilitary products fast in coming. Parrott, then the vice president and director, terminated his lease in 1867. Eleven years later the owners, with the South Boston Iron Company, unsuccessfully petitioned the War Department for funding to subsidize them in the event of a future war. Even as orders for cast-iron armaments dwindled, another serious blow came in the form of the Bessemer process, an English system for the cheap manufacture of steel. The first U.S. plant to use that new method was built in 1865, and by 1877, 11 Bessemer mills were rapidly producing steel at an affordable rate. The glory days of the nations great iron forges were all but over by that time, since they couldnt compete with the newer, cheaper and better metal being produced. The West Point Forge held on under new owners, enjoying middling success throughout the remainder of the 19th century by casting metal furniture, heavy machinery, structural columns and some ordnance, including a 13-ton coastal defense gun. But in 1911 the fires went out for the last time and the foundry closed its doors. A succession of companies purchased the site, including a silk-dyeing and -processing plant, tearing down some of the buildings and altering others. In 1952 what was left of the old foundry was bought by a battery plant, which would dump chemical waste into the cove for the next two decades. In 1986 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched a 10-year-long Superfund cleanup of the place. Nature eventually reclaimed most of the site. With the exception of a stately 1865 brick office building, the structures either collapsed or were demolished, leaving few traces of the greatest American forge of the Industrial Revolution. Then in 1996 Scenic Hudson, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Hudson River and Hudson River Valley, acquired 87 acres on the original site, in an effort to protect it from development and additionally create an interpretive historic and ecological preserve. After years of serving as a dumping ground for toxic chemicals, the now-pristine Foundry Cove welcomes visitors. Today a sign on Cold Springs picturesque Main Street directs visitors down a side street and along a tree-lined dirt road to the site of what once was the foundry that saved the Union. The West Point Foundry Preserve offers a walking tour of the site that encompasses stabilized ruins, as well as native plantings and sculptural models illustrating the immense scale of the old operation. Scenic Hudson president Ned Sullivan points out: Whats really special about the preserve is that visitors learn so much about the foundrys wartime contribution, while enjoying the natural beauty of a tranquil ravine. The juxtaposition offers an unforgettable experience. Ron Soodalter, who calls Cold Spring, N.Y., home, is the author of Hanging Captain Gordon and The Slave Next Door. A regular contributor to Americas Civil War, he has also written for Smithsonian and The New York Times. Hundreds of beer fans turned out for the Coastside Brewfest, held on the property of the Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. on Saturday. Some of the industrys favorite names were on hand to serve up sample tastings. Bill Murray / Review Veteran comedian Bill Cosby arrived at the Pennsylvania court for the crucial pre-trial hearing in connection with his criminal sexual assault case filed by 13 women. Teams of lawyers will present the arguments to a Montgomery County judge and will battle over crucial evidence issues, which could create a difference whether the trial is fair or not. The Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, prosecutors will also be present in the trial and will show arguments on the issue involving the case. The entertainer's legal team will try to drop the sexual assault charges filed against him. According to ABC News reports, the pre-trial hearing started in the morning. Mr. Cosby arrives a Pennsylvania courthouse earlier for the hearing, wearing a blue suit while holding the arm of someone from his legal team. According to Pennsylvania Courthouse, more than 50 women have accused the comedian of drugging and sexual harassment. Montgomery County Judge, Steven T. O'Neill will be in charge in determining whether the jury will hear the statements of the 13 accusers. Furthermore, he will also decide whether Cosby's deposition in a civil suit will which was brought by Constand in 2005 will be allowed in court. The prosecution had investigated the women who were allegedly victimized by Bill Cosby and asked the court to present evidence from these women as "prior bad acts." Cosby's defense attorney and his legal team are trying their best to keep the accusers out of court. According to his defense attorney, Cosby can no longer defend himself since he can any longer recognize the faces of his accusers. "Compounding the problem are the vague allegations of many of the accusers about the time and place of the alleged incidents," his attorneys, Angela Agrusa and Brian McMonagle, said in their motion, filed last month to attempt once again to dismiss the charges. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Marvel Cinematic Universe rolled its next installment in "Dr. Strange." Following the MCU trend, of interweaving their movies with narrative mid and post credits sequences, Dr. Strange has some pretty shocking revelations in their credit scenes as well. [Warning: Spoiler Alert] It seems like Strange and Thor will share the same screen space sooner than we expected. It is a known fact that Dr. Strange will appear in 2018's "Avengers: Infinity War." But the mid- credit scene hints a high possibility of Strange's cameo in "Thor: Ragnarok," releasing in November 2017. According to Comicbook, the scene features Benedict Cumberbatch as Strange interacting with Chris Hemsworth's Thor. There discussion revolves around Thor's adoptive brother Loki and father Odin. It shows Thor is visiting Sanctum Sanctorum, Strange's New York residence. Thor is seen enjoying a self-filling glass of beer as Strange asks him why Loki is on Earth again. Thor replies that both brothers are on a hunt to find Odin, whom we last saw in Thor: The Dark World. Strange offers to help Thor in his search, if it means that they will immediately return to Asgard afterward, to which Thor agrees. Earlier this year, Slashfilm reported that the cast and crew of Thor: Ragnarok are posting shoot photos on Twitter. In one of the photos by Daley Pearson (Thor's roommate Daryl from short mockumentary about what Thor was doing during Civil War), Thor is holding a card with the address 177A Bleecker Street written on it. Any hardcore Marvel fan will know that it's the address of Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum. Now we know that the photo was a part of the Dr. Strange mid-credit scene shooting. The scene is directed by Thor: Ragnarok's Director,Taika Waititi. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Nokia speculated to release Android smartphones. Sounds like Nokia is all set to give tough competition to the other tech giants. Nokia, the company which was at peak in the tech market earlier, is coming back with the current trends in the smartphone tech market. Other tech giants need to keep an eye on Nokia, it might claim the top spot of the smartphone tech market as it was earlier. Three or four new devices are speculated to boom-in the tech market by end of the year. According to MobilenApps, Nokia's Android smartphone was reveled straight from the Nokia China's president Mike Wang, who spoke to Chinese site The Paper. It is found that that the expectations from the Nokia enthusiasts will be reached by the company. A new company called the HMD is reported to be manufacturing the new devices from Nokia and it won't be Nokia though. Nokia is expected to boom-in the tech market soon with well versed smartphones which the enthusiasts are waiting for. Though, no official reports were found on the specifications of the smartphones to be released by Nokia, earlier rumors like the 5.2 inch and 5.5 -inch displays are likely to feature the Nokia smartphones. Rumors suggest that the Nokia smartphone will feature QHD displays, metal shells 22.6MP camera which is powerful and this feature might help Nokia to stand aside as the top class feature. Also, Nokia smartphones are speculated to feature high-end Snapdragon 820 processors together with water and dust resistance features. Water and dust resistance has been one of the basic requirements by the smartphone enthusiasts and Nokia likely to bring-in this feature into its smartphones. Nokia's earlier experimentations on running the smartphones with Windows OS bought less sales and fame to its smartphones. An introduction of Android OS from the Google might boom the sales of the Nokia smartphones and likely to get the same spot in the tech market as it was found earlier. The Nokia smartphones which are likely to be launched in Q4 2016 are in prototyping phase now, as suggested by rumors. There can be another launch scheduled for Q1 2017 at the MWC depending upon the past launch feedbacks. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Users of Lenovo devices started an online petition calling for an Android 7.1 Nougat update for Lenovo smartphones and tablets. One of the complaints indicated in the petition, which is available at Change.org, is the alleged despicable service of Lenovo. One supporter of the campaign commented, "Lenovo Tab S8-50 is approaching two years without receiving a single update. Lenovo has no consideration for its customers. If they have abandoned these devices, they should be honest and announce it." This situation is true for almost all Lenovo android devices with lagging system updates. As per Neuro Gadget, Lenovo smartphones and tablets are still running under the Android 5.0 Lollipop OS and 32-bit processor versions whereas some of these devices are eligible to run Android 7.1 Nougat OS. As such, the petition has two urgent requests -- that "Lenovo must provide Android 7.1 Nougat as soon as possible for qualifying Lenovo devices," and it "must stop the abandoning of Lenovo mobile devices which lead them devoid of software support." Lenovo users also demand that the company should come out and provide information about the lack of updates. Petitioners further wrote, "We consider it rude to be forgotten and Lenovo must work responsibly to provide timely Android updates." Petitioners further asserted that the update is much needed for security and other vulnerabilities of Lenovo android devices. The Android 7.1 Nougat is the latest android security patch released by Google last month. As for Lenovo, it is yet to release official comment regarding the matter. Stay tuned for more exciting updates! Appearance of UFOs and alien ships in the sky has always been a subject of discussion among conspiracy theorists, who claim that intelligent life may be trying to rule the Earth. However, critics continue to argue that no one has even visited Earth. Recently, a mysteriously green ball was seen hurtling towards Earth and then crashing into it. The picture of the two weird "fireballs" was captured by cameras installed at the Niigata airport in Japan, according to The Express. The team of scientists at the American Meteor Society have not yet released a statement confirming that it was a meteor crashing to Earth. However, they have indicated that if it was a meteor at all, it was extremely rick in nickel. Space rocks highly rich in nickel are known to glow in green upon burning. However, the conspiracy theorists believe that it was actually a UFO that tried to disguise itself as a meteor to enter Earth. Scott C. Waring of the UFO Sightings Daily claims that the UFO tried really well to disguise itself, however, it made certain basic mistakes during the process. First, the object glowed green, which is highly unlikely of a meteor. Secondly, no meteor flies so close too Earth, that too in an horizontal line. In addition, Waring claims that one of the biggest mistakes that the aliens made was to turn off the lights of the main ship for one-tenth of a second. According to Waring, a silver ship detached and moved back from the main ship at that particular moment. This is a huge mistake on the part of the pilot, who believed that the UFO can disguise as a comet and enter Earth's atmosphere. However, people from the scientific community believe that it could actually be space debris or a part of satellite falling from the sky. This is not the first time that Waring has accused aliens of disguising their UFOs. Recently, the conspiracy theorist claimed that alien can also spray some substance around their ships to disguise it as clouds. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Lenovo-owned Motorola has apparently planned a Nougat update for it's latest generation of their mid-range phone segment, the Moto G4 and the G4 plus. According to local reports, Indian users are already into the process of receiving their OTA updates and can enjoy the latest version of Google's Nougat OS very soon. Since the OTA update is dispatched in batches, they're not prioritized in any order. Motorola will soon roll out the update worldwide. A report from Neuro Gadget reveals that the soak test is being finalized in the Brazilian region. The same report also revealed about how it's important for Motorola to make sure the latest updates are being dispatched due to its worldwide popularity making it one of the most essential smartphone manufacturers out there. Android Nougat includes a lot of additions like the new Vulkan API that Google detailed about in their keynote back in May. Alongside the API, there's a new compiler and the app notification system can immediate let users take action of the same. A split-screen feature is now automatically a part of the operating system itself unlike before, where certain manufacturers were offering it as a plus point to buy their devices. Being sold around a price range of 180-200US$, it's one of the most frequently purchased phones in the Indian consumer markets. The device saw its release most recently around may this year. One primary feature of the smartphone is an inclusion of Fingerprint sensor in the 'Plus' variant adding an additional security layer for accessing the phone. It has quickly transformed from one of the best mid-range phone segment devices to one of the most popular smart phones in various markets worldwide. Currently, the Android Nougat 7.0 update is made available for the G4 and G4 Plus alongside their flagship phones. However, there's a pending update for their previous devices like the Moto Droid series and the budget smart phones E series. Motorola are once again staying affirm with their quick update policy to all their devices in much lesser time than their competitors. It's also notable that all Moto devices are free from bloatware except apart from the fact that about a couple of apps are exclusive to their devices. This in turn benefits users from receiving updates much earlier than others due to less time consumed in developing ROMs for the same. The update process is a simple affair for all consumers who have no in-depth knowledge of taking full access of their smart phones. Updates are usually rolled out to all smart phones over the air (OTA) where the process automatically notifies the phone system that an update is pending. Then, it's just an install and enjoy process. For advanced users who have sufficient insight on Android ecosystem about rooting their smart phones and side loading the process, the files will be made available shortly once a stable release is confirmed. However, the latter is not recommended for beginners without proper knowledge since they are at a greater risk of losing permanent access to their smart phones. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Excited for iOS 10 Jailbreak Tool from Pangu? Reports say that Pangu is indeed already working on an iOS 10 Jailbreak Tool for iOS 10.1. However, there are still no official iOS 10 Jailbreak release date from Pangu. It can still take the Chinese hacker team months to work on its iOS 10 Jailbreak Tool. Because an iOS 10 Jailbreak release date is not happening soon, Apple users can try to learn more about Tinyumbrella and iOS 10 Jailbreak Alternatives below. Tinyumbrella The recent and peculiar minor and major updates of Apple are giving hackers hard time making a proper iOS 10 Jailbreak Tool. Especially since once users have already upgraded, downgrade is already not supported by the Cupertino Company. However, this can be solved by Tinyumbrella. Tinyumbrella lets Apple users save SHSH blobs so downgrade in the future will be possible. SHSH blobs are essential in downgrading and these are no longer given once Apple decides not to support a firmware. Nonetheless, Tinyumbrella only lets users save SHSH blobs to let downgrading to an older version of iOS possible. This tool is not an iOS 10 Jailbreak alternative. iOS 10 Jailbreak Alternatives For Apple users who just want to be able to download premium apps that are not available or are paid in the Apple AppStore, iOS 10 Jailbreak alternatives is the best option. The best part is that Apple devices are not required to be jailbroken in order for the alternatives to work. A lot of reports are claiming that vShare is safe and easy to use, even without an Apple ID. Users just need to download the installer using a Windows PC and connect the iPhone or iPad when prompted. After the installations and configurations, users will already have unlimited access to free apps. For those who want the configurations to be done straight from the devices, there is another application called Mojo. Mojo is a great iOS 10 Jailbreak alternative because it can be downloaded and configured straight from the iPhone and iPad. Users just need to follow carefully the step-by-step guide in the website. Apple users should wait for the official announcement of iOS 10 Jailbreak Tool from Pangu and tune in for the latest update and news on official iOS 10 Jailbreak release date. Motorola, currently owned by Lenovo, are all set to release a new smartphone this November. The rumor mill claimed that the device will be named "Moto M", which passed the TENAA listing with product number XT1662. According to the TENAA details, the phone is seen running on Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS on a mediatek Helio P10 chipset along with Mali-T860 GPU in a full-HD resolution. GSM Arena indicated a rear-camera having a 16MP sensor with 8MP front-facing camera. The phone also is seen with 4GB of memory alongside 32GB of onboard storage. This sort of leaves the Moto standards of customizing hardware options which is likely seen on the G4 and the G4 Plus that saw their releases into the markets this year. It also is revealed that the battery storage to be more than 5,000mAh of battery. This is gigantic. Meanwhile, Lenovo, Moto's parent firm, is also set to bring another smartphone under its name branding. The device was first seen at the Chinese trade fair back in July. Phoneradar reported that it had passed a Geekbench test which is a nice application to measure your phone's hardware performance in terms of marks. The name sounds familiar hence making it a point to succeed the Vibe P1. The phone will reportedly have a 5.5inch 1080p display with an AMOLED panel. This is already familiar with its predecessor Vibe P1 with just a new panel for the new phone that'll reportedly be out in a week. The phone will be made out of metal and would have a curved glass on the display. The successor of the Vibe P1 is also assumed to come with a fingerprint sensor which doubles as a 'home button'. Like the Moto M, this device too would carry a massive 5,000mAh battery. However, one change in terms of hardware implementations would be the fact that the Vibe P2 would come with a Snapdragon SoC probably the 600 series of chipsets alongside 4GB of memory again which seems to be the craze in smart phones these days. Android marshmallow again, on this device too. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Edwidge Danticat, whose book Brother, Im Dying is the focus of the community-wide Big Read Holland Area this year, will deliver the programs keynote address on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. in Dimnent Memorial Chapel at Hope College. The public is invited. Admission is free. The event is co-sponsored by the Big Read Holland Area and the colleges Jack Ridl Visiting Writers Series. Brother, Im Dying tells the true story of the authors uncle and father as they work to build a future for themselves and their familiesone brother in Haiti and the other in America. Published in 2007, Brother, Im Dying received the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and was a finalist for the National Book Award. Danticats parents immigrated to the United States from Haiti when she was two. She initially stayed in Haiti, where she was raised by her Uncle Joseph and his wife Tante Denise in the Bel Air neighborhood of Port-au-Prince until she was able to join her parents when she was 12. As described by the readers guide provided by neabigread.org, when Brother, Im Dying opens, the author is a grown woman living in Miami who learns, over the course of a single day, that her father is dying and that she is pregnant with her first child. Just weeks later, her beloved Uncle Joseph seeks asylum in the U.S. and experiences brutal treatment. Told through Danticats singular voice, these events set the stage for a powerful tale of loss and remembrance. Danticat is the author of multiple other books and collections, as well as short works. Her books include Breath, Eyes, Memory; the short-story collection Krik? Krak!; The Farming of Bones; and the illustrated childrens book Mamas Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation. Her awards include a Pushcart Prize for short fiction and an American Book Award, and she has twice been nominated for the National Book Award. Granta named her one of the 20 Best of American Novelists, her books have been selected for Oprahs Book Club and in 2009 Danticat received a MacArthur Genius Grant. She is a graduate of Barnard College, from which her B.A. is in French literature, and holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Brown University. The Big Read Holland Area, developed around the theme An entire community reading one book together, is funded through a grant to the college through the Big Read initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with Arts Midwest. The Big Read initiative is designed to revitalize the role of reading in American culture by exposing citizens to great works of literature and encouraging them to read for pleasure. Hope had also received grants for programs in 2014 and 2015. The Big Read Holland Area is directed by Dr. Deborah Van Duinen, assistant professor of English education at Hope. Area partners with the college include Herrick District Library, Howard Miller Library, Western Theological Seminary, Holland Museum, cultureWorks, Future PREPd Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, and several other area schools, churches, businesses and other community organizations. This years Big Read Holland Area has featured a variety of public events since beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 1, in addition to including book discussions hosted by multiple community organizations. Earlier in the day on Nov. 15, Danticat will also reflect on the writing of Brother, Im Dying, on her family and on her work during a question-and-answer event at Hope that is for students involved in The Big Read Holland Area in their local high school or college classes. The closing event in this years Big Read Holland Area will take place on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. at the Holland Armory and is open to the public. The open-house-style event will showcase hundreds of area students artwork created in response to Brother, Im Dying as well as collaborative projects by the two Big Read Holland Area artists-in-residence, Joel Schoon-Tanis and Barry Elz. The exhibition will also be open to the public on Friday-Wednesday, Nov. 18-23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information about the Big Read Holland Area events and the book, including a complete schedule with street addresses and a list of all partner organizations, is available online through the following locations: blogs.hope.edu/thebigread/, facebook.com/bigreadholland/ and twitter.com/bigreadholland. More information about the Jack Ridl Visiting Writers Series. Dimnent Memorial Chapel is located at 277 College Ave., on College Avenue at 12th Street. It looks like you've reached a page that doesnt exist (anymore). Please use the navigation or search above to find content on Hospitality Net. Go back to home JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You should upgrade or use an You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browser September saw a decline in occupancy and average rates for all categories, with all major areas in France affected. Ile-de-France, the Cote dAzur, and even Regional France, recorded lower RevPAR in all segments, with the exception of Luxury. However, given the solid performances recorded since early 2016, year-to-date results for Regional France are still up on last years performances. Yet given the underlying trend, certain hoteliers have been forced to scale down their Q4 forecasts. Parisian hotels are still suffering, with Q3 finishing on a negative note. RevPAR dropped over the past month, given the absence of international visitors, with the Luxury segment logically the most affected (RevPAR declines of -22% at the end of September). However, some hoteliers operating in business districts or close to major headquarters are starting to see the green shoots of recovery, with the return of loyal corporate guests present at large-scale events (e.g. Maisons et Objets, Salon des Vehicules de Loisirs, La Biennale, Fashion Week, etc.). That said, the events calendar is quieter in an even-numbered year, with performances that are naturally lower. For example, Upscale hotels in La Defense recorded an occupancy rate of 75% in September 2016, compared to 90% over the same period in previous years. The security threat has taken a strong hold, and the tendency for both business and leisure guests to book at the last minute creates uncertainty. As a result, hoteliers are finding it difficult to forecast, but do anticipate deteriorating performances for the end of the year. In contrast to Paris, Luxury hotels in Regional France (excluding the Cote dAzur) achieved encouraging results in September, finishing Q3 with RevPAR growth of +12%. All other categories, however, posted lower rooms revenue in September, but have nonetheless recorded positive RevPAR growth at the end of the quarter. The respectable performance of hotels located on the French coastline can also be noted, with hoteliers making the most of autumn, achieving significantly higher results. On the Cote dAzur, business appears to be slowly getting back to normal, with the return of business visitors who are boosting mid-week occupancy, even if weekend trading is still quieter. Given this, the Luxury segment benefited from several events, notably the Monaco Yacht Show and the Cannes Yachting Festival. The presence of business guests can go some way towards making up for the lack of leisure visitors, and Q4 could finish on a positive note thanks to the events calendar assuming events still go ahead. The opposite complicates the job for hoteliers, as illustrated in Lille, for example, by the cancellation (in early August) of the Grande Braderie. Click here ( Adobe Acrobat PDF file) to download the complete article. The building is located in the very center of Brasov on the north edge of the ancient and attractive old town, and in proximity to the retail commercial and administrative center. The property with 105 rooms is scheduled to welcome the first guests in spring of 2018. Radisson Bl announces the signing of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Brasov, Romania. This newly built hotel will be Carlson Rezidor's third hotel in Romania complementing the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest (opened since 2008) and Park Inn by Radisson Bucharest Hotel & Residence (opened since 2015). The building is located in the very center of Brasov on the north edge of the ancient and attractive old town, and in proximity to the retail commercial and administrative center. The property with 105 rooms is scheduled to welcome the first guests in spring of 2018. The hotel will feature an all-day-dining restaurant, specialty restaurant, 2 bars, meeting space, gym and spa making it an all-encompassing choice for events. "The new Radisson Blu hotel in Brasov, Romania is another strategic addition in Eastern Europe, where we plan to add Radisson Blu in key capital cities and popular tourist destinations. With another Radisson Blu Hotel and a Park Inn by Radisson Residence in Bucharest, we are offering our world-class guests a complete choice of business and leisure venues in Romania. We look forward to a long and successful business partnership with the Tresor Com SRL team, our partners, to bring Europe's largest upper upscale hotel brand to Brasov." said Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer for the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. Mrs. Ramona Neamtu, representative of the group of investors from Tresor Com SRL said: "We are very proud and confident to partner with Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group as they are experienced in operating upscale and successful hotels. We want to bring Radisson Blu's well-known service excellence to this location to contribute the development of the local hotel market and the promotion of Brasov as an interesting destination worldwide." Located in the heart of Romania, Brasov is sometimes called the Romanian Salzburg. The Gothic Quarter of the old city is truly impressive. A special place among the monuments of the city is the famous Biserica Neagra ("The Black Church"), one of the most spacious medieval churches in the Balkans. Brasov is in an ideal location to start exploring several tourist destinations including Transylvania, the Black Sea resorts, the monasteries in northern Moldavia, and the wooden churches of Maramures. "The Radisson Blu Brasov will be the first international hotel brand from the city and a milestone in the service excellence for the local hotel market. It could be the turning point for the future development of the local hotel market", said the project consultant Mircea Draghici from EST Hospitality. Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. (NYSE: AHP) announced yesterday that its Board of Directors has appointed Richard J. Stockton as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective November 14, 2016. Monty J. Bennett, the Company's previous Chief Executive Officer, remains Chairman of the Board of Ashford Prime. Mr. Stockton brings a wealth of real estate experience and accomplishments to Ashford Prime. He spent over 15 years at Morgan Stanley in real estate investment banking where he rose from an Associate to Managing Director and regional group head. Specifically, he was head of EMEA Real Estate Banking in London, executing business across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. As co-head of the Asia Pacific Real Estate Banking Group from 2010-2012, Mr. Stockton was responsible for a team of over 20 real estate investment bankers in Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney and Mumbai. He left the firm in 2013 to become President & CEO-Americas for OUE Limited, a publicly listed Singaporean property company with over $5 billion in assets. While there, Mr. Stockton negotiated and completed the $367.5 million acquisition of the US Bank Tower, implementing an over $50 million repositioning plan that resulted in SkySpace LA the West Coast's tallest observation deck. Most recently, Mr. Stockton served as Global Chief Operating Officer, Real Estate at Carval Investors, a subsidiary of Cargill, which is one of the world's largest privately-owned companies, where he developed a strategic plan for the real estate business with approximately $1 billion in investments and operations in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom and France. He was also a member of the Global Real Estate Investment Committee at Carval, while also overseeing real estate capital formation, marketing, and operations. Mr. Stockton has also served on numerous boards during his career including the Asia Pacific Real Estate Association and Los Angeles Downtown Center BID. Currently, he is serving on the board of Watchfacts, Amazon's exclusive provider of pre-owned luxury watch certifications and warranties. Mr. Stockton received an MBA in Finance and Real Estate from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and a BS from Cornell University, School of Hotel Administration. "We are extremely pleased, following an extensive search process, to have attracted someone of Richard's caliber to join our organization," said Monty J. Bennett, Ashford Prime's Chairman of the Board. "Richard brings over 20 years of experience in investing in and financing real estate, and I am confident that his expertise will be extremely valuable to us as we continue to execute on our strategic initiatives in order to maximize long-term shareholder value." Ashford Hospitality Prime is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on investing in luxury hotels located in resort and gateway markets. The Adidas Ultra Boost was undoubtedly the shoe of the Summer, especially the Triple White joint that was consistently flying off the shelves every time it restocked. With the colder months quickly approaching, Adidas is looking to keep the Ultra Boost momentum rolling with some new seasonal colorways including this Burgundy rendition of the Uncaged Ultra Boost. Dark charcoal accents accompany the burgundy primeknit while that familiar white styrofoam looking Boost midsole sits beneath it all. The burgundy Ultra Boosts will retail for the standard price of $180, though a specific release date has yet to be announced by Adidas it is expected that these Fall-flavored sneakers will be releasing within the month. Burgundy Ultra Boost On Tuesday night, a historic black church in Greenville, Mississippi was set on fire, and found engulfed in flames, with the words Vote Trump tagged in spray paint on one of its exterior walls. According to The Clarion Ledger, the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, a congregation of about 200 people, was attacked around 9 at night when no congregants were inside the building. Thus far, there are no suspects, but witnesses are being interviewed, and the FBI has been notified. There are implications that this might be a retributive act for the firebombing of a Republican headquarters in North Carolina. Mayor Errick D. Simmons referred to the attack as a heinous, hateful and cowardly act, and said, this happened in the 50s and the 60s This should not happen in 2016. In response to the attack, a GoFundMe campaign was started to raise $10,000 to repair the old church. In one day, over $169,000 has been raised. Sometimes humanity actually shines. Donald Trump Jordan Brand still has some surprises in store for sneakerheads this year, including this crazy look pair of Air Jordan 13s which serve as a nod to Chinas Singles Day. Singles Day is a widespread festival among young Chinese people in which they celebrate the fact that theyre not in a relationship. The date it is celebrated on, 11/11, was chosen because the number 1 resembles an individual that is alone. Now that we know about the inspiration behind these new 13s, we can get into the actual sneakers. The red mens pair features a wear-away panda camo overlay, similar to the Wings Air Jordan 12 that dropped earlier this year. Only a few pics have surfaced but judging from the insole shown in the gallery, we can assume thats the design the sneaker will take on once these 13s are worn to the bone. In celebration of the unique holiday, this special pair of Air Jordan 13s, as well as a minty green GS version, will be dropping on November 11th, though its unclear if theyll be a China exclusive or a widespread release in The States as well. Well update this post once more information is revealed but in the meantime let us know what you think about the special edition What Is Love Air Jordan 13 Pack. Chinese Singles Day AJ 13 This morning we gathered at the RDS complex to get a sneak peek of the grounds before they open for the first performances of Metropolis 2016 tonight. Each venue has its own personality, from the library setting which will feature spoken word performers, to the massive art installations. And of course, there is the world's largest disco ball, standing in the middle of it all. There was also a great performance and sing-along with drummer Ralph Rolle from CHIC. It was a great way to get ready for an awesome weekend of Metropolis performances. Check out our photo gallery from the event. click here This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Low prices at the pump could boost convenience store sales in the coming months as operators expand their chains and encourage drivers to spend some of their savings inside the store. Mergers, expansions and merchandise sales are expected to drive much of the growth, according to a Moody's Investors Service report released this week. Larger stores that sell higher-margin goods such as fresh food are projected to see the most improvement. "A bigger footprint gives (stores) a lot more choices in what they can offer, and that's a big driver of profits," said Pete Trombetta, a Moody's analyst who covers the convenience store sector. On average, convenience store operators earn only 3 cents to 5 cents in profit on a gallon of gasoline, while gross margins on merchandise and food average27 percent and 55 percent, respectively, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores. Still, fuel purchases tend to account for the majority of overall convenience store sales, even as operators are work to expand their product offerings. The sector got a boost in 2014, when crude oil prices plunged, because many waited before lowering prices at the pump and reaped higher profit margins as a result, Moody's noted. "What you would see in a time of quickly declining oil prices is that (most stores) can take their time a little bit coming down," Trombetta said. Operators saw little change in fuel profits this year as oil prices stabilized after more than a year of volatility. With less extreme fluctuations in gas prices, Moody's expects companies to bolster their bottom lines with new acquisitions and more profitable sales of food and goods. Low fuel prices have already paid off for some operators. Last year, the convenience store industry set an in-store sales record of $226 billion even as total fuel revenue declined, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores. "The lower gas prices don't necessarily make people hungrier or thirstier, but it gives them permission to satisfy that hunger or thirst on the spot instead of waiting until they get home," said Jeff Lenard, vice president of strategic industry initiatives for the group. Mergers and acquisitions will also boost sales, Moody's noted. The firm expects some of the nation's largest operators to see profits grow as much as 3 percent during the next year. Some large operators are already in the midst of major expansion plans. Earlier this year, Quebec-based Alimentation Couche-Tard agreed to acquire San Antonio-based CST Brands, which runs the Corner Store chain, for $4.4 billion. The move will add more than 2,000 locations to the company's portfolio and usher its entry into the Texas convenience store market, the largest in the country. "Texas fits the convenience store model for two reasons," Lenard said. "It's a very big state, and it has a lot of people who drive." Last year, Sunoco also expanded its footprint with a $1.9 billion acquisition of the Stripes store chain, which has more than 700 locations in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. More than half include the brand's Laredo Taco Co. restaurant, which has become known for its breakfast items. Sunoco, with roots in Pennsylvania, is a subsidiary of Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners. Sunoco is pushing Stripes' expansion throughout Texas. It's hosting a grand opening Monday of its newest location near North Shore in northeast Houston, a 7,000-square foot store with a patio for Laredo Taco Co. diners. "With the outdoor model, that really expands the space for customers to relax and enjoy the food and the whole experience of the store," Sunoco spokesman Jeff Shields said. The Stripes' marriage of food and fuel aligns with a broader trend in the industry. Since 2014, the National Association of Convenience Stores has been encouraging its members to offer healthier and fresher options, which has become more of an expectation in recent years. "The reason to do this is because there's higher margins in restaurant-type items," Lenard said. "People want to be surprised by great food in unusual places." That's where larger stores have an advantage. Most convenience stores are smaller than 3,000 square feet, and Moody's noted that travel centers like Pilot and Flying J, generally larger than 10,000 square feet, are poised to do especially well. "Convenience stores, for the most part, aren't just a place to go in and buy cigarettes and a huge fountain soda anymore," Trombetta said. "They have so many different offerings." Lake Jackson-based Buc-ee's, known for its sprawling stores, is also pushing its Texas expansion with new stores near Katy, Royse City, Denton and Brazoria. Some of its locations are nearly 70,000 square feet and attract travelers from around the country with food, clothes, and Texas-themed decor and trinkets. "Obviously the fuel is a big piece of the business, but merchandise is equally important," said Jeff Nadalo, the company's general counsel. "Without one, you don't have the other." The company's plans to build its first out-of-state center in Louisiana recently fell through, but Nadalo said it is evaluating other states and expects to expand outside Texas within the next three years. SAN AUGUSTINE October put on a perfect day for San Augustine's Sassafras Festival, warm and sunny, with just a slight breeze to keep things cool. Smoke had started to rise from barbecue pits ringing a dignified county courthouse in a historic town square, while a crooner sang old favorites, masking the emptiness of storefronts in between antique shops where sales aren't usually brisk. This sparsely populated stretch of scrubby pine forest near the Louisiana border is one of the poorest in Texas, heavily dependent on government programs like Social Security and Medicaid. The number of people working in San Augustine has dropped from 4,000 in 2003 to about 2,800 today, and the unemployment rate is close to 10 percent, double the state average. It's also a place where support for Donald Trump runs high a tendency that seems to fit with the statistical picture of economic dislocation that polls and political analysts say has driven the Trump phenomenon. But conversations with locals about politics over turkey legs and elephant ears focus far less on feelings of financial insecurity than voter surveys and the media narrative might suggest. Part of it may be because overall, the U.S. economy has been doing well - far better than it was in 2008 and 2012. Recent census data show that 2015 saw the strongest income growth on record in the United States while unemployment is at 5 percent. Although some parts of the country have been hit hard by jobs moving overseas, Texas has kept growing even through the oil bust; the state added more than 38,000 jobs in September, the biggest monthly gain in two years. More Information San Augustine County profile Population: 8,473 Number working: 2,763 Median age: 48.5 Percent in poverty: 23.9 White (non-Hispanic): 67.9 percent Black: 23 percent Latino: 7.5 percent 2016 GOP Primary:45.1% Cruz, 39.6% Trump See More Collapse Instead of pocketbook issues, people here speak of less proximate concerns foreign wars and terrorism, the erosion of religious values, American culture adrift. Related: The empirics of Texas' Trump support Just ask the Republican Party's county chair Arthur Bedford, a compact, muscular Air Force veteran who's doing double duty manning booths for the GOP club and the American Legion. When he retired to San Augustine in 2005, he found an area in political transition: The county was slower to turn red than the rest of Texas, voting for Bill Clinton by large margins in 1992 and 1996. It went for George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004, but San Augustinians were still voting in Democrats for local and state offices as late as 2008. Bedford was confounded, because he felt the population wasn't that liberal, and started recruiting Republicans to run for office. In the 2014 general election, Republicans swept every office, from U.S. senator down to district judge. Rather than economics, Bedford said the turnaround had to do with religion. This is a county with dozens of churches, and the Democratic Party's identification with gay rights and abortion access didn't sit well with them. In recent years, even Republicans didn't seem strong enough on Bedford's core issues, as they voted for bank bailouts and failed to stop President Barack Obama's health care law. The club's banner reads "conservative Republicans," as if to convey that the two words aren't necessarily synonymous. Support from all kinds Texas Sen. Ted Cruz fit that set of preferences. He was ostentatiously Christian, charismatically uncompromising. That's why Bedford and most of the rest of the Republican club's members, many of them relatively comfortable retirees put him over the top in the primary. "We're basically going to hold our nose when we vote for Trump," Bedford said. "But we know the alternative. The alternative is far worse." Still, Trump picked up 40 percent of the vote, about 13 points higher than his statewide margin. (Neighboring Sabine County was the Trump's only pickup outside a few areas on the Mexico border.) So who were all those Trump voters? To Bedford, as well as Sabine County GOP Chairman Roman Griffin, it seems Trump support came from all kinds of people poor and rich, uneducated and those with graduate degrees. "It was a very broad section," says Griffin, who figures the wall-to-wall media coverage is what helped Trump. "I would say it was everybody." It was people like Nancy Mathis, a grandmotherly woman staffing the GOP booth in a sun hat and a bright red "Trump is my President" shirt from Infowars, a website known for spreading conspiracy theories. A retired physician and college instructor, she said she initially supported Cruz, but was leery of stories she'd heard about his father's religious associations. Then she went to a Trump rally, and felt that he'd be able to make deals with America's enemies. "Hillary is more of a warmonger," Mathis says. She now spends five hours a day collecting pro-Trump information and disseminating it on Facebook, and has printed up a sheet of information sources for passers-by that includes far-right wing sites like Breitbart, Drudge and ConstitutionRising.com. Active Democrats Even for those who didn't favor Trump as their first choice, parts of his message resonate. Immigration is the most powerful even if it's not motivated by a sense of economic disenfranchisement. Take former Cruz supporter Dorinda Byley, who sat on the square with a toddler and an array of fried snacks. She works as an admissions processing coordinator at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. She's noticed the high number of international students coming into the university system, and is suspicious of how eager they seem to adopt U.S. customs. "When they're here, it's just a 180. It's like 'OK, I'm just going to jump in and adopt your culture, and everything is going to be kumbaya,'" Byley said. "I just feel like a lot of these groups" - terrorist groups, she means - "are using these students to get into our country." Robert Williams, a Trump supporter who initially favored the evangelical and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, agreed. Osama bin Laden and ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi went to school in the U.S. (which is not true), he said. "They use the things that make our country great against us," said Williams, 47, who works as a contractor. Even immigration doesn't seem personally threatening. Williams sees San Augustine as safe, and the Hispanics who arrive to work in the chicken factories aren't coming after his job. But Trump has framed illegal immigration as a matter of laws, of control, at a time when other parts of the culture seem to change at an alarming rate. "If you're going to be a sovereign country, you have to have borders, they should've been enforced a long time ago," Williams said, echoing a common line from Trump's speeches. "We have a great immigration system; we just need to enforce it." And yet, there's another side to the politics in San Augustine County: An active Democratic Party, largely rooted in the black community that comprises about a quarter of the county's population. Their stubborn liberalism has been a frustration for Bedford, the GOP county chair. He says the Democratic Party has taken African-American votes for granted ever since Lyndon Johnson passed a package of economic support initiatives associated with the War on Poverty. "That's all they're using 'em for," Bedford says. Robert Fitzpatrick, the African-American chair of San Augustine County's Democratic Party chapter, scoffs at Bedford's historical admonition. "Their ideas are not Lincoln's ideas," he said sitting behind a table full of Clinton/Kaine paraphernalia. Most of the festival-goers waved amicably at Fitzpatrick and his partner at the table, John Coffee, a jowly retiree wearing a blue "America is Already Great" cap. Coffee seemed to know everybody, and shouted salutations as they went by. Then, a man in shades and a cowboy hat paused as he passed, shaking his head as he looked over the buttons and stickers. "I can't believe it," he said, chuckling humorlessly. "Let me tell you something. You guys think it's OK to bring all those immigrants in? Truthfully?" Different worldviews Coffee responded jovially, talking about his experience traveling the world as an oil and gas worker, meeting hardworking people who he said benefit America when they come here. The man in shades argued back, talking about the atrocities committed in the Middle East. Fitzpatrick was quiet. He and his wife grew up in a segregated school system in nearby Jefferson, where the school buses were so old and poorly maintained that one turned over while kids were in it. San Augustine was among the few counties in Texas to vote for segregationist presidential candidate George Wallace in 1968. After a minute, he raised his voice to be heard above the chatter. "Are you old enough to have been around in the '60s?" Fitzpatrick asked the man in shades. "Because some of the things that we're accusing foreigners of, Christians were doing here in the South." The man moved on, as people came up behind him. The tension of two totally different world views, though, remained. To Fitzpatrick, the Trumpist criticism of people on welfare and of immigrants, the desire to pull up the drawbridge behind you, just looks like hypocrisy. "So many of these people say 'I deserve it,'" Fitzpatrick said, "'and other people don't.'" This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Falling oil prices may dash the industry's hopes for a steady recovery after energy company executives spent the past few weeks reassuring investors they're on the mend after a crushing downturn. U.S. oil prices tumbled 3 percent Wednesday following a report that the nation's commercial stockpiles of oil jumped by 14.4 million barrels last week, the biggest weekly increase in the 34 years the Energy Department began tracking storage levels. The report added to the market's sense of pessimism amid growing skepticism that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will finalize and execute a deal to trim production when the cartel holds meetings at the end of the month. "With regard to oil prices, we are obviously not out of the woods yet," Scott Sheffield, chief executive of Texas shale driller Pioneer Natural Resources, told investors Wednesday. "I give OPEC a 40 percent chance of reaching an agreement on Nov. 30, and if they do, everyone will cheat. I've seen this over my 42-year career." Oil fell to its lowest level in more than a month Tuesday, losing $1.33 a barrel to settle at $45.34 a barrel in New York. Crude prices are down 12 percent after reach a high for the year on Oct. 19, when they settled at $51.60 a barrel. September climb Oil prices began their climb in September, following OPEC's announcement that it had forged a preliminary agreement to cut production by up to 750,000 barrels and steady decline in U.S. petroleum inventories. In recent weeks, oil companies and oil-equipment suppliers have reported financial losses and layoffs, but many have told investors they believe the worst is over and that 2017 will bring be a transition year between deep cutbacks of the past two years and a return to growth likely in 2018. Sheffield, for one, said his company may increase spending by more than 30 percent next year, and several others, including Occidental Petroleum Corp. and Noble Energy, have signaled they're planning to accelerate drilling in Texas next year. If oil prices hold at $50 a barrel, investment banks Evercore ISI and Cowen & Co. forecast that U.S. oil field spending could rise 25 percent to 45 percent next year, stirring drilling activity and job growth at oil companies. But the industry's relatively upbeat expectations rely, in part, on the market's faith that OPEC will agree to curtail oil production after Nov. 30. Goldman Sachs said crude prices could fall to $40 a barrel if the deal falls apart. A Bloomberg survey released Wednesday showed that the four OPEC nations asking to be exempt from the production agreement, including Iran and Iraq, boosted their combined output by nearly 500,00 barrels a day last month. "The problem the cartel has is their deeds just aren't matching their words," said John Kilduff, an oil-market analyst at Again Capital. "The market is withdrawing the reward it gave the rhetoric. We're going to keep heading lower." The record jump in U.S. crude inventories reversed several week of declines, raising crucial questions for the oil market: Did the falling inventory levels signal the that supply and demand were coming back into balance and the global oil glut is ending? Or was it simply anomalous, tied more to seasonal increases in demand in winter months and weather-related delays in shipping in the Gulf of Mexico? Some oil-market observers traced the 14.4 million-barrel inventory build last week to developments that began in third week of September, when a fleet of OPEC oil tankers fanned out across the globe carrying an unusually large 244 million barrels of crude, said Samir Madani and Lisa Ward, oil traders and founders of the online community of traders known as OOTT. Accounting for time to transport the oil and collect inventory data, the influx of oil would have arrived last week. No quick recovery The theory that the global oil market is realigning supply and demand is still intact, as oil production outside of OPEC, including the United States, is expected to decline this year, even with recent increases in Russian output, said Ann-Louise Hittle, an oil-market analyst at energy research firm Wood Mackenzie. Many analysts, however, don't expect a quick rise in prices; the Energy Department forecasts that U.S. crude will average about $50 a barrel next year. Global inventories are expected to fall in winter months because of seasonal heating demand, but begin to edge up again in the first half of next year, she added. "It could be that the market is anticipating that," Hittle said. "We don't expect prices to be particularly strong in the first half of next year." Wells Fargo's sales scandal has cost the jobs of the chief executive, more than 5,000 rank-and-file workers and the head of the company's community banking unit. But by and large, the faces at the top of the San Francisco-based bank remain the same. And for some, that raises the question of whether new CEO Tim Sloan, a 29-year Wells Fargo veteran, can keep his pledge to overhaul the company's culture. "When companies get into deep trouble financially, or in this case malfeasance, bringing in outside people is a common practice, and that was not done here," said Michael Useem, professor of management at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. "It's unusual given the magnitude of this disaster." Long-simmering populist anger at big banks has flared anew with claims that Wells Fargo employees, rushing to meet sales goals, opened millions of accounts that customers may not have authorized. The lack of prosecution so far of any bankers in connection with the Wells Fargo scandal has also given ammunition to critics who argue that Wall Street executives too often are given a pass for wrongdoing. "It's not a square deal when the people that are fired are the tellers who make 15 bucks, and the senior execs walk off with $100 million," Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., said at a September hearing on the scandal. "These 5,300 tellers, they didn't come up with this scheme on their own." A new Observer analysis has also found more than half of the 60 regional community-banking presidents in place in 2011 - when authorities say the "widespread illegal" account activity began - remain in those roles or other positions in the company. Some of those same people still have oversight in the West and Southwest, which had heavy concentrations of unauthorized customer accounts. Speaking to employees in Charlotte last week, Sloan said the bank still has "weaknesses within it that we must change." He and the bank's senior leadership are personally committed to taking "decisive actions" to prevent a repeat of bad behaviors, he said. Changes at the top and elsewhere could be coming. The bank's board is conducting an investigation, which might result in more departures. Meanwhile, the bank continues to face questions from lawmakers like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the Massachusetts Democrat who signed a letter in October asking the bank's board if it addressed the question of whether Sloan played any role in the scandal. Wells Fargo notes a growing list of changes it has already made to rebuild trust with customers and others - starting with the 5,300 employees it dismissed over five years for the misconduct. The terminations ranged from branch bankers to an area president, ex-CEO John Stumpf testified to Congress in September. Weeks later, the bank announced that Stumpf himself would leave. Also, Wells Fargo in July named Mary Mack, who had been running the brokerage unit, its new head of community banking, replacing San Francisco-based Carrie Tolstedt, who left the company. Other steps the bank has taken included getting rid of product sales goals for retail bankers in branches and call centers. Sloan has also said the bank will use outside "culture experts" to help pinpoint weaknesses. Wells Fargo agreed in September to pay $185 million in government fines to settle allegations over its sales practices. The bank has also said Stumpf will forfeit all of his outstanding unvested equity awards, worth $41 million. He is still expected to walk away with millions in stock, deferred compensation and retirement benefits. Some investors also want new members on the bank's board, even after the board split the chairman and CEO roles and appointed a vice chair in response to the scandal. Nearly half of the 15 members on the bank's board have been in place for a decade or more. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate President Barack Obama, in his first remarks on the standoff over an oil pipeline near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota, called on both sides to show restraint, and revealed that the Army Corps of Engineers was considering an alternative route for the project. In an interview with NowThis News, Obama said: "We are monitoring this closely. I think as a general rule, my view is that there is a way for us to accommodate sacred lands of Native Americans. "I think that right now the Army Corps is examining whether there are ways to reroute this pipeline." Protesters have been gathering since April outside Cannon Ball, a town in the south-central part of the state near the South Dakota border, to rally against the pipeline. Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners, which has been working to finish construction on the 1,170-mile, $3.7 billion pipeline, contends it would be a safer way to transport oil from North Dakota to Illinois. But Native American tribes say it threatens the local water supply, sacred land and a burial ground. David Archambault II, the chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, said in a statement Wednesday that the tribe applauded Obama's "commitment to protect our sacred lands, our water and the water of 17 million others." But he said work on the pipeline should be stopped while the Army Corps examined the issue. "The nation and the world are watching," Archambault said. "The injustices done to Native people in North Dakota and throughout the country must be addressed." The number of protesters has grown to several hundred, many drawn from across the country. On Wednesday, the Morton County Sheriff's Department said in a statement on its Facebook page that officials were in a standoff with protesters across a creek north of the main camp area and had been given orders to arrest anyone who trespassed on private property.The two sides have also accused each other of violent tactics, with law enforcement officials accusing the protesters of attacking contractors working on the pipeline. Obama said in the interview on Tuesday, "We are going to let it play out for several more weeks and determine whether or not this can be resolved in a way that I think is properly attentive to the traditions of the first Americans." Asked to comment on law enforcement tactics, including the use of rubber bullets, Obama said: "It is a challenging situation. I think that my general rule when I talk to governors and state and local officials, whenever they are dealing with protests - including, for example during the Black Lives Matter protests - there is an obligation for protesters to be peaceful, and there is an obligation for authorities to show restraint. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Anheuser-BuschInBev's acquisition of Houston's Karbach Brewing Co. could mark the end of the global giant's craft-beer buying spree, the president of its craft division said Thursday. "Most of that effort, if not all of it, is behind us," division president Felipe Szpigel told the Houston Chronicle. After purchasing Chicago's Goose Island Brewery in 2011, AB-InBev acquired seven other U.S. crafts, including Breckenridge, Elysian and 10 Barrel. On Thursday, it said it was adding Karbach to its craft brewing, or "High End" unit for an undisclosed purchase price. The group, focused on the U.S. market, also includes Stella Artois, Shock Top, a cider company and a hard seltzer company. Szpigel said the High End is now "99.99 percent focused" on organic growth within that portfolio and is not actively seeking more acquisitions. He singled out Karbach's Love Street Kolsch as an example of a lower-alcohol, or "session," beer that will fill a niche in the AB-InBev brands. He said he first visited the Karbach brewery during a site visit to Houston about a year and a half ago and as he talked with the owners and brewers, "I really fell in love with what they are doing." Brewmaster Eric Warner said he is excited about the sale and about the opportunity for him and his team to collaborate with the other craft brewers in the business unit. That could include teaming up on special beers, sharing expertise and brainstorming ideas. "The High End wants to see us innovate," he said. Ken Goodman and longtime business partner Chuck Robertson, who founded Karbach five years ago, said existing management and brewers will remain in place and the company will retain much of its independence while gaining access to the resources of the world's largest beer company. "The financial piece wasn't that important at the end of the day," Goodman said. "It was the resources." "We're fired up," Robertson added. But news of the acquisition was greeted with a storm of protest from fans and some retailers. Social media comments reflected a sense of betrayal from those who have flocked to craft beer in recent years in repudiation of the major players. "It's hard to be mad to someone for their success," said Jake Rainey, partner and chief operating officer of the craft beer bars Liberty Station, Cottonwood and La Grange. "But as a business owner, I get to choose who to support and why. Part of our values is to support local." AB-InBev is "the evil empire in our industry," he said, accusing the company of using its market power to hurt smaller, independently owned craft breweries. He predicted "pushback" from some bar and restaurant owners. He said Karbach products would not get special promotion, although he said he would not immediately drop Karbach products. Kevin Floyd, the fiery owner of Hay Merchant, was less reserved. The bar immediately began a "fire sale" of Karbach products and will not sell them in the future, he said. "We're going to sell everything and move on," he said. Floyd, a frequent critic of Anheuser-BuschInBev in the past, reiterated his belief that the company would prefer to simply put crafts out of business and return to the days when Budweiser and other American light lagers completely dominated the domestic beer scene. Consumer demand, he said, forced the big players' hands as they lost market share to the independents. "These acquisitions are their way of trying to stop the bleeding," he said. The Karbach deal comes three months after MillerCoors announced it would take over the Fort Worth area's Revolver Brewing. To date, more than a dozen deals have been announced involving smaller craft breweries and cider companies and mainstream beer companies like AB-InBev and MillerCoors. The feelings of Floyd and others were heightened during last year's Super Bowl when AB-InBev aired a Budweiser commercial that derided craft beers and said its beer was made "the hard way." Earlier this week, the head of the trade group for the smaller independents offered a tart response to AB-InBev chief Carlos Brito's assertion that "consumers are a bit tired of choice" while calling out the company's "craft brewery shopping spree of late." "While a growing corporate "craft" portfolio of once-independent brands benefits from AB's marketing muscle, the truly small and independent brands not under their ownership get pushed off the shelves and left off of restaurant menus," Brewers Association CEO Bob Pease wrote. "That's reducing choice all right-but not based on beer lover demand. "The shelves and taps belong to beer drinkers and retailers, not the producers. If one mega company tries to manufacture or force demand, consumers will rebel." Szpigel acknowledged that in previous acquisitions fans have had some anxiety at first, but that softens once they see the same product on the shelves and see that it tastes the same. "People get over it," he said. Warner, the Karbach brewmaster, pledged to work maintain the standards that have made Karbach so popular in Houston and beyond. "I look at this almost as a challenge," he said. "We have to make our beer even better." He also said he intends to remain part of the Karbach team. "Like everybody else, I'm here for the long haul," he said. Karbach has grown rapidly since its launch in late summer 2011. Last year, it produced 55,000 barrels of beer and it is on track to make more than 80,000 this year. The AB-InBev investment will push Karbach's annual capacity to 150,000 or more barrels by 2019, the companies said. The immediate focus will be to continue spreading across Texas. Anhueser-Busch claims 45.8 percent share of the U.S. beer market. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Can you imagine having to pay before casting your vote in Texas? In the last few months I've come across a couple of poll tax receipts at estate sales around the area. The little slips of paper about the size of a check are usually tucked away in some junk drawer next to the Green Stamps or in a bug-infested box in a garage. The monetary value of these poll tax receipts, which is minuscule, is outweighed by their historic value. In recent months there's been a lot of debate regarding voter ID laws and its effect on whether it keeps some groups from taking part in the electoral process. Decades ago, critics said the poll tax kept the poor and minorities from voting. You think voting requirements today are confusing? Try voting under a poll tax. Here's how it generally worked. In this example we'll look at a voter's eligibility to cast a ballot in the mid-1950s, according to an explanation at the time by J.C. Davis Jr., assistant Texas attorney general. The poll tax that you now hold bears the year 1955 and was levied against you on January 1, 1955, and was payable between October 1, 1955 and January 31, 1956, and it entitles you to voting privileges from February 1, 1956 to January 31, 1957, both dates inclusive. [...] All tax receipts issued for any year after January 31st, where the application was not made or was not received by the Assessor-Collector until after January 31st shall be issued, but on the face thereof shall be stamped the following: "Holder not entitled to vote"; and what is more, the recipient of such a poll tax shall not be included in the list of qualified voters prepared by the Assessor-Collector for the use of the various election judges in your county. To boil it down, in order to vote in an upcoming election, an eligible voter had to pay the poll tax by a certain time. Want to pay at the polls on Election Day? Forget it. There were some exemptions to paying the poll tax, one being over 60 years of age. So how much did voters have to pay? It varied by county, but in 1950s Harris County, residents paid $1.50, of which $1 went to the state's school fund, 30 cents to the state and 20 cents to the county. This was a not a new concept of voting in Texas. The poll tax here dates back to the days of the Texas republic, when a $1 tax was levied against all white males between the ages of 21 and 55. (Actually the name is kind of a misnomer. In Middle English "poll" means "head," making it a head tax.) J.R. Gonzales For a time in the 19th century, penalties were put on those unable to pay the tax. In 1891, for example, delinquent residents were liable to work for three days on county roads unless they ponied up $3, which would go to the public schools and toward the upkeep of the state's roads and bridges. In 1902 though, state lawmakers made the poll tax a requirement for voting. Its effects on voting were stark. In a 2015 essay on the history of the poll tax in Texas, Joshua Houston said "turnout by whites dropped to 50 percent and turnout by blacks plummeted to 15 percent." Poll tax and jury duty In 1954, changes to the Texas constitution would open the door for women to serve on Texas juries. The following year, Harris County officials noticed a drop in the number of residents paying poll taxes. Why? As the Houston Post reported, "many women are reported unwilling to pay poll taxes because of a fear that they will be called to jury duty." Officials were quick to point out that men and women could still be called to serve on a jury, whether the tax was paid or not. See More Collapse In effect, Houston said, it cut into the voting strength of the Republican Party and shifted power to the Democrats, which was made up of an "establishment of plantation owners, bankers, merchants, and railroads." Getting rid of the poll tax in Texas wasn't easy. There were unsuccessful efforts to repeal it, but they always fell short. The move both in Texas and in Washington, D.C., to do away with it didn't begin to gain steam until the early 1960s. In 1962, Congress passed an anti-poll tax amendment that would prevent the states and federal government from forcing voters to pay a tax to vote in federal elections. By early 1964, enough states had signed on to ratify the 24th Amendment. (Texas wouldn't ratify it until 2009.) Also in 1962, Texans went to the polls in both the Republican and Democratic primaries to have their say on whether the state should abolish the poll tax. It was a non-binding measure meant to send a message to state lawmakers. That May, voters from both parties indicated opposition to the poll tax. OK, so what would happen if the Legislature did away with it? That posed a problem as lawmakers couldn't agree on how to set up a system of registering voters. Would someone be permanently registered? And would the state charge someone to register to vote? State lawmakers eventually worked out these disputes during the 1963 session and put the constitutional amendment abolishing the state's poll tax to a vote that fall. Democrats urged Texans to back the amendment and do away with what Vice President Lyndon Johnson called the "shame of Texas." Sen. Ralph Yarborough and Gov. John Connally joined the effort to do away with it. Even President John F. Kennedy said getting rid of it would "encourage wider voter participation." In a number of editorials leading up to the 1963 vote, the Chronicle warned voters of chaos at the polls should the state keep its poll tax for state and local elections while not requiring payment to vote in federal elections, including the 1964 presidential contest. "A great deal of confusion can be avoided if the poll tax is repealed as a voting requirement," the Chronicle's editorial board wrote on Nov. 7, 1963. "And the cause of fullest possible voter participation in the decisions of government will be served. Only 40 percent of the adult population voted in Texas in 1960, a ratio far below the national average." In a November letter to the Dallas Express, Martin Luther King Jr. said the poll tax "puts a price tag on freedom." So this vote was a no-brainer, right? Nope. Texans rejected calls to end the poll tax: 243,445 voted for repealing it while 330,008 voted against. Harris County voters opted to repeal it 46,382 to 40,135. An Associated Press article said the defeat was a victory for the GOP. "Many Republicans felt repeal would aid President Kennedy in Texas next year. Discarding the $1.50 tax as a voting requirement, many political observers said, would stimulate voting among several minority groups which would be expected to vote liberal and Democratic. Others said a new form of cheaper registration to replace the tax would give political bosses more opportunity to set up voting blocs." Nearly three years later, the courts would be the ones to do away with Texas' poll tax. A three-judge decision at the federal level found that it "infringes on the concept of liberty as protected by the Due Process Clause." A month after that decision, the U.S. Supreme Court extended the 24th Amendment to state elections, effectively putting the final nail in the coffin for the poll tax in Texas and in four other states. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate More people, more density, more heat and less oil: Houston business people who successfully address those challenges will be moguls in 2066. The rest is in our hands. How we prepare for this future will determine whether Houston looks like Los Angeles or Mexico City when it reaches mega-city status. Predicting the future is a fool's errand, and too often our best guesses are a reflection of our current fears and aspirations. But there are self-evident truths about our future that we can address. Houston's population will continue to grow, becoming more diverse and creating greater demands on our infrastructure. The current Greater Houston population is about 6 million people, but as one of the fastest-growing large cities in America, that number could easily approach 15 million by 2066. Accommodating that populace will require building more homes, offices and factories closer together. The Los Angeles area, with a population of 14 million, fits twice as many people into each square mile as Houston. That's a luxury the future will not allow Houston. Since there is little room for expanding roads, the old model of living in the suburbs and driving tens of miles alone to the office will no longer work. Our roads will be crammed with commercial vehicles and self-driving taxis, so the future will require multiple cities within cities, featuring mini-downtowns with high-rise office buildings and condominiums every 10 miles or so. Developers and builders who know how to build affordable, multifamily homes in mixed-use developments will become much more successful than today's tract home specialists. Only the wealthy will have detached, single-family homes with a yard because the land beneath them will become too precious not to build to the sky. More people also means higher demands for health care and schools, making these sectors more important to Houston's economy. When it comes to shopping, what we don't order online will come from small neighborhood retail centers that will replace today's sprawling malls. Those could become fulfillment centers where retailers launch drones on delivery missions. Climate change will bring more heat, humidity and severe weather to Houston, requiring smarter engineering and more sophisticated building materials and techniques. The average summer temperature in Houston today is 3.3 degrees warmer than it was in 1970. That trend will continue over the next 50 years. Houston currently experiences on average five days with temperatures over 100 degrees a year. That could easily triple, according to the federally-funded National Climate Assessment. Companies that develop energy-efficient technologies that keep homes and office cool will certainly profit, because electricity prices will be much higher as demand grows due to higher temperatures. Further, Houston will experience more severe storms that produce higher winds and more flooding. Engineers and builders who can develop storm-resistant buildings, roads and drainage systems will stay busy. After 2040, the world also will decisively move away from oil as a transportation fuel, eliminating 80 percent of the current demand for crude oil. Society will need petroleum for many other purposes, and the petrochemical industry will remain healthy as it develops new materials and coatings, but corner gasoline stations will go the way of livery stables. Energy will continue to undergird the global economy, but whether Houston companies can remain relevant depends on their readiness to embrace and develop new technologies. For example, Houston could become a center for advanced battery manufacturing, shipping massive devices through the ship channel to the world. Whether Houston grows into a prosperous mega-city depends on whether today's Houstonians improve their schools and begin producing a cutting-edge workforce. It depends on whether we invest in making the city more resilient and attractive to the world's best and brightest so that they will move here. The alternative is our current path, with worsening educational achievement, rising poverty levels, growing wealth inequality and the slow decay of our city. Houston will become a mega-city, there is no stopping that. Its level of grandeur, though, depends on making smart decisions right now. Richard Simpson, a health and human performance professor at the University of Houston, is studying how astronauts' immune systems react to long periods of time in space. His NASA-funded research is specifically looking at viruses that stay in your body for life, like herpes and the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis. Q: What health risks exist for astronauts? A: For whatever reason, when astronauts are in space, some viruses reactivate. There's concern that some of these viruses can lead to problems in the astronauts, cause health problems and also jeopardize the success of the mission. Part of the work I do is understanding what immune changes take place that could potentially allow these viruses to reactivate, and then of course can we do anything about it to prevent that from happening. Q: Why will this research change the future? A: It benefits any plans for further exploration of the solar system. If you want to send a human being into orbit, you have to understand what physiological adaptations take place in response to environment in such journeys, and of course what are the potential health ramifications of that and whether we can potentially do anything. The research I'm doing is helping us understand what the effects of microgravity and space flight are on normal body functions and normal physiological systems. We really need to understand that before we can explore further into space. Q: What are your latest findings? A: The analysis is still ongoing. I don't have too much to share. Many of the crew members have had reactivation viruses, but we've known that. What we've been thinking is that there's a certain type of cell called the natural killer cell, which is very important for fighting cancers and for controlling viruses. What we've found in the astronauts is that the natural killer cells are going down. Their ability to kill virus cells and certain cancer cells is impaired when they're in space. That's what we've found so far. After returning, it recovers back to baseline, but the rate of recovery varies from astronaut to astronaut. Text, edited and condensed, by Lindsay Ellis. Photos by Yi-Chin Lee / Houston Chronicle Waller County commissioners on Wednesday cleared the way for the county to apply for routine grant funding for its indigent defense programs from the state, but they made no mention of the possibility of starting a public defender's office, as some area politicians have suggested. The resolution regarding the Indigent Defense Formula Grant Program was approved without discussion. The county has received the grant, which last year amounted to $49,439, since 2003, said Edwin Colfax, grant program manager for the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. The routine vote came amid a discussion over whether a public defender's office should be established. The topic arose in September 2015, when state Sen. Rodney Ellis and state Reps. Senfronia Thompson and Ron Reynolds wrote county commissioners asking them to review Waller County's indigent defense practices, as well as to "assess whether alternative approaches, such as a public defender office, would be feasible and cost-effective for Waller County." In a December letter, Waller County Commissioner Jeron Barnett also called for a review of the indigent defense program. The state commission's executive director traveled to Waller County in February to discuss opportunities, including the possibility for discretionary funding to get a public defender's office off the ground. Sen. Ellis spoke then, too, urging commissioners to take the opportunity as a chance for reform following the death of Sandra Bland, a black woman who was found dead three days after her 2015 arrest stemming from an alleged traffic violation. She had been unable to post the $500 needed for her bail. The death was ruled a suicide. (As it happens, a wrongful death case filed by Bland's family was resolved Tuesday.) Several county commissioners have previously voiced skepticism about the idea of establishing a public defender's office, citing the costs associated with it and the small size of the county -- a sentiment that seems to have remained unchanged even as more information has been released. The commission conducted its review of the county's program and finalized the results in late August. Its findings included that magistrate judges were not handling requests for attorneys in the same way and that not all magistrates were providing defendants with "reasonable assistance" in completing the necessary paperwork at their hearings. Earlier, the commission had also drawn up a feasibility report on whether a public defender's office should be launched, explaining that doing so could "create an institutional resource valuable to the bench, the bar, county officials, and the community." Waller County Judge Trey Duhon noted by phone Wednesday that the audit "came out very positive for the county." The area judges subsequently met to review the results and developed some changes, he said. But plans had not been discussed to look at a public defender's office. "We're nowhere close to being large enough to justify that type of expense," Duhon said of the rural county of more than 45,000 residents that's about an hour's drive northwest of downtown Houston. The county's written response to the report, dated Oct. 28, outlined the policy tweaks. It reiterated a belief that "Waller County is and has been largely in compliance with not only the letter of the law, but the spirit of the laws and regulations dealing with indigent defense." Waller County Commissioner Jeron Barnett, who is up for re-election in November, said he may be a "lone ranger" on the commission pushing for a public defender's office. "When it comes down to our indigent defense, I feel we need to take a stronger approach," Barnett said in a phone interview. "I just feel that there's more we can do." Decisions on the routine grant funding resolved by commissioners Wednesday will be made in December, Colfax said. Requests for applications for the discretionary funding will be released in January, Colfax said. The first component of the application would be due in March and the final is due in May. So far, the commission has heard no indication that Waller County plans to pursue such a grant. As Colfax said, the Austin-based commission aimed simply for them to be aware and informed about the option. Said Colfax, "It's a local decision whether they want to proceed." A man accused of murdering his wife in Atascocita was formerly a high-ranking police commander in a Mexican border state that has for years been wracked by drug-cartel violence and corruption that has pushed people from both sides of the law to seek refuge in Texas. As head of police operations for the state of Tamaulipas, which hugs deep South Texas, Rogelio Homero Flores had ties to disgraced former Gov. Eugenio Hernandez, who remains a fugitive from corruption charges filed by federal prosecutors in Corpus Christi. The current Tamaulipas state police administration Wednesday confirmed Flores' former post, from about 2005 to 2010, and noted he had nothing to due with the current leadership. Flores, 55, is expected to be extradited back to Harris County as soon as Friday after being arrested Monday near Victoria. He was driving his pearl-colored Cadillac SUV along U.S. 59 and was headed south, according to officials. The case began when Flores' brother called 911 to say Flores had called him and said he just shot his own wife at the couple's home. He also said that he had their 12-year-old son and was headed to Mexico. Harris County sheriff's deputies soon pushed open the locked door to the home on Fire Sage Drive, where they found Silvia Munoz Vazquez' body and sent out an alert for officers along the route to Mexico to be on the look out. Munoz Vasquez, 35, had been shot with a handgun. Deputy Thomas Gilliland, of the Harris County Sheriff's Office, praised sheriff's deputies in Victoria for capturing Flores within hours without a shot being fired or anyone being harmed. Multiple officers descended on Flores and ordered him to step out of the car and lie on the ground. "Our most paramount thing was the safety of this 12-year-old," Gilliland said. The couple had a history of arguments loud enough for neighbors to hear, said Gilliland, but there was no known record of physical violence. After his arrest, Flores claimed to be a U.S. citizen who was working as a truck driver. While Flores remains in custody, his wife's family back in Tamaulipas was working Wednesday on getting her body back to Mexico. "This is the most difficult thing a person can live through," said her mother, who is also named Silvia Vasquez. Mike Vigil, a retired chief of international operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration, said that Flores would have been in a tough spot as a state police boss because of endemic corruption. "I personally look at the Mexican state police as nothing more than criminal organizations that extort money, commit murders and engage in transportation and distribution of drugs," said Vigil, author of the recently published novel, "Metal Coffins," about cartel treachery south of the border. "A lot of these corrupt police officers and politicians, if they fall in line with one cartel, they can be killed by a rival cartel to eliminate any protection they provide," Vigil said. "It is a tight rope they have to walk, a very precarious tightrope." Former Gov. Eugenio Hernandez was indicted last year for his alleged role in a scheme to hide bribes paid by cartel figures who sought to operate freely in Tamaulipas. Hernandez' predecessor, Tomas Yarrington Ruvalcaba, is also a fugitive from charges in the U.S. He was indicted by federal authorities in Brownsville for racketeering, money laundering and drug trafficking. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate As Houston-area residents mull over which candidates they'll pick on Tuesday, schools that serve as polling places are preparing for an influx of voters. Nearly 500 schools in Harris County - or about half of the locations where county voters cast ballots - will double as polling stations on Election Day. Some districts, including the Clear Creek, Klein and Spring school districts, made Tuesday a student holiday. Other districts, such as the Pasadena, Houston and Cy-Fair school districts, have modified entryways and exits to avoid traffic jams of voters and parents picking their kids up. While most of the districts that decided to let students stay home on Tuesday did so months in advance, some say the acrimonious tone of the presidential race between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, coupled with a voter turnout expected to shatter records, reinforced their decisions. Sheleah Reed, a spokeswoman for the Spring ISD, said this is the first year that the district will treat Election Day as a student holiday. "We're thankful to have it be a student holiday because so many of our schools are polling sites," Reed said of the district north of Houston. She added that the expected increase in voters "made it a good decision so our kids won't have to worry, (and) our principals won't have to worry about lines or which entries to use." But with the divisiveness surrounding the 2016 race, Reed said "it's like an extra pat on the back that we made the right decision." Around the country, some school districts have cited the tenor of the 2016 campaign as a reason to shutter schools for students on Election Day. Tensions spur decision The school board in Lorain, Ohio, voted in August to cancel classes, according to USA Today. Erin Gadd, a district spokeswoman, told the newspaper that "emotions are running high during this presidential election" and that the bitterness of the campaign "did inform the decision." In Montclair, N.J., the school board voted earlier this month to close schools on Nov. 8 after the district's superintendent was inundated with phone calls and emails from parents concerned about the possibility of Election Day tensions, according to USA Today. Classes have also been canceled in districts in Illinois, Maine, Nebraska, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. But Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart, who supervises county elections, said fears of violence on Election Day are overblown, particularly at schools. "We've never had one incident of a voter ever harming a child in any way," Stanart said. "These are your most responsible citizens, your voters. Most of it is just one person who is overly enthusiastic about their candidate of choice, that's usually what drives little issues." Stanart said an election judge and assistant judge will be at each polling location, including schools, on Tuesday to ensure everything runs smoothly. The clerk's office met with law enforcement officials from across the region months ago to make plans for Tuesday. He said schools are obvious places to put polls. "They are public facilities paid for by taxpayers. People who vote there Election Day are the neighbors and citizens of that local area. So it's very appropriate to use a taxpayer-funded facility," Stanart said. School leaders are tasked with choosing which entrance voters should use, which typically leads to a library, cafeteria or gymnasium. There will also be extra staff at some district schools serving as polling places to ensure voters don't wander into student areas. Some school district police departments will also increase their patrols until polls close. 'All hands on deck' Joel Weckerly, a spokesman for the Cy-Fair ISD, will be at Spillane Middle School helping voters find their way and preventing traffic jams during the beginning and end of the school day. Cy-Fair schools will remain open to students on Election Day. "It's all hands on deck from the administrative perspective," Weckerly said. "This year it's going to be an even bigger turnout (than in previous years). More than likely school leaders are making arrangements for parking and will have extra support staff and security personnel." Alvin ISD is one of few school districts that does not use any of its schools for polling locations. Fort Bend, Conroe, Houston and Pasadena ISDs will continue classes as normal as they have in years past. Representatives of those districts said they have not heard any concerns about student safety due to the election or the tenor of the presidential race. Not an issue Art Del Barrio, spokesman for Pasadena ISD, said media reports about Election Day safety concerns remind him of the kerfuffle surrounding creepy clown threats in September. Online threats, later discovered to be hoaxes, warned that clowns would kidnap students and shoot teachers in posts that circulated on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The more news organizations reported on the threats, the more threats districts would receive. "Everyone wanted comments for the clown incident, but we didn't have any clown issues until the media asked us about the clown issues. We sat here for hours wondering if we should respond because it will fuel (more threats)," Del Barrio said. He had similar qualms answering questions about concerns over student safety on Election Day. "Do we throw a log on the fire and ignite it, or do we sit back?" he said. "We don't have those types of issues in Pasadena." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Six people were arrested Wednesday and a Katy-area home raided as part of an investigation into identity theft, wire fraud and tax fraud, officials said. The six were charged based on a 32-count indictment that alleges wire fraud, theft of public money and aggravated identity theft, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas. All six face "theft of public money" charges for allegedly conspiring to file false tax returns using other people's personal information and stealing the tax refunds the government issued. Several of the people arrested were apprehended in an early morning raid on Lemonmint Meadow Drive. A neighbor, Bud Willoughby, said he heard two small explosions - possibly stun grenades used by law enforcement - about 6 a.m. and heard police shouting for the house's occupants to come out. He said he counted eight adults leaving the house, six men and two women. Willoughby said renters had lived there for about a year and only exchanged greetings in passing. He said he never saw any children there. The U.S. Attorney's Office identified the six people arrested as James Michael Curtis Johnson, 31; Donald Ray Perry, 26; Enitra Shante Pickett, 28; and D'angela Devonne Domio, 26, all of Houston; Joshua Jacquez Britton, 28, of Richmond; and Joseph Edward Johnson, 44, of Katy. James Johnson, Joseph Johnson, Pickett and Britton are also charged with wire fraud for allegedly stealing money from bank accounts. The U.S. Attorney's Office alleges they posed as account holders, created fake bank accounts online and then moved money from victims' bank accounts or home-equity lines of credit. Public records show Joseph Johnson was arrested in 2010 on charges of credit or debit card abuse, and several of the people charged may have worked as tax preparers: Pickett owned two tax-preparing businesses - The Tax Shop HTX of west Houston and Pickett's Tax Service of Fresno - while Perry was listed as an employee at Amnesty Tax Service, Domio was listed as an employee at JDW Tax Services and Britton ownedUplander Taxes. Aside from Pickett's, all the businesses were registered in the past few years and had addresses in west Houston residential areas. A federal grand jury on Oct. 26 approved the indictment, which was unsealed Wednesday after the arrests. If convicted, the six would face up to 10 years in federal prison for the theft of public money plus five years for conspiring and fines up to $250,000. The four also charged with wire fraud would face an additional 20 years if convicted. Investigators from the FBI's Houston Cyber Task Force and the IRS worked with Houston police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. A prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney's Office will try the case. Jon Shapley contributed to this report. The Harris County Housing Authority on Monday will allow residents to apply for housing-choice vouchers for the first time in eight years, reopening a program that helps thousands of needy families annually find affordable housing. The authority, which serves unincorporated parts of Harris County, plans to add 5,000 slots to the waiting list for the so-called Section 8 vouchers. The move comes at a time when rents continue to rise around the Houston region and poverty outside the city limits grows, increasing the need for a critical source of public assistance. It also follows the Houston Housing Authority's reopening of its own voucher waiting list earlier this month after four years. The city has received almost 69,000 applications for 30,000 slots on the waiting list. "It's a big deal," said Harris County Housing Authority spokeswoman Timika Simmons. "We are very excited to open this up." Harris County, like many regions across the country, struggles with meeting affordable housing needs. Both Harris County and Houston in recent years have come under fire for not placing public housing projects in wealthier neighborhoods where families can access top schools, despite federal mandates to do so. Simmons said the waiting list was closed in 2008 after the number of applications on the list reached almost 22,000. As of Friday, about 600 applications remained on that waiting list, prompting the county to start accepting new applications. About 4,600 county residents hold vouchers now compared to about 18,000 in the city of Houston. People routinely drop out of the program at a sporadic pace and for a variety of reasons, from no longer needing assistance to death, Simmons said. Maintaining a waiting list means that vouchers will not go unused if someone drops out, Simmons said. To be eligible for a voucher, applicants must make less than 50 percent of the area's median income. For a single person, that number is $24,250. For a family of four, the income level is $34,600. Vouchers are a federal program administered by local officials, including those at the two housing authorities. Typically, a voucher holder would contribute about 30 percent of his or her income toward a private apartment rental and the voucher covers the remainder. While other programs, such as government-run public housing complexes, exist to promote affordable housing, vouchers help the most people, said Andrew Aurand, vice president for research at the National Low-Income Housing Coalition. He said there are more than 2 million vouchers across the country compared to about 1.1 million public housing units. He said a waiting list that's been closed for eight years, such as Harris County's, is unusual but that closed waiting lists are common across the country. Of more than 300 housing authorities nationwide, more than half of the voucher waiting lists were closed, according to a survey conducted by the coalition. About two-thirds of those had been closed for more than a year. "We just don't invest enough in affordable housing and housing assistance," Aurund said. John Henneberger, co-director of the Texas Low Income Housing Information Service, said vouchers are a largely functional and effective program. "It's an absolute life-line for low-income families who are able to get on it," Henneberger said. But significant challenges remain. Landlords are free to turn away voucher holders. Simmons said a stigma against voucher holders is pervasive, especially in wealthier communities in Houston's suburbs. He said that while Houston and Harris County both have voucher programs, not every jurisdiction in the region does, creating a "hodgepodge" of different housing authorities. He said, for example, that League City does not administer a voucher program. While Henneberger called the opening of the waiting list a positive step, he added, "It doesn't mean that there's any more housing for anybody." "It's just like we're going to start the line again," he said. The waiting list opens at 9 a.m. Monday and will stay open until 5 p.m. on Nov. 2. People can sign up online at www.hchatexas.org and can receive assistance at county libraries or one of the county housing authority's public housing properties. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman is asking the state jail commission to let nearly 200 inmates sleep on plastic cots on the floor of the already overcrowded county jail system, a request challenged by more than a dozen Houston-area lawmakers. The lawmakers note that county officials have not fully followed the advice of their own criminal justice consultants, who since 2009 have advocated increased use of low-cost personal recognizance bonds as well as jail diversion programs for low-level drug offenders and the mentally ill to reduce jail population. Today, the average daily population exceeds 9,400 inmates and nearly 80 percent are awaiting trial, county records show. Hickman and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett are asking the Texas Commission on Jail Standards to extend their existing variance of 580 bunk beds and add another 192 plastic cot-like bunks known as "low riders." Also called "boats," the plastic cots would be used by inmates in both the 1200 Baker St. and 701 San Jacinto jail buildings in downtown Houston, the county's application states. Hickman's request is on the agenda for Thursday's jail commission meeting in Austin, and the sheriff acknowledged that the use of the plastic cots could cause "heightened apprehension" by jail regulators. The sheriff said "low riders" are necessary due to a jail population that has risen dramatically since January from an average daily population of 8,500 to 9,400 last month, as well as the need to do preventative maintenance in various cellblocks. "Harris County and the Sheriff's Office realize variance beds are temporary in duration and not a permanent replacement for sound criminal justice policy or correctional practices," Hickman stated in an Oct. 6 letter to the jail commission. Ryan Sullivan, spokesman for the sheriff's office, stressed late Wednesday: "Sheriff Hickman has been the foremost advocate for reforms of the criminal justice system and bail reform in Harris County. On multiple occasions, the sheriff has testified in the Texas legislature asking the state to bear its burden in criminal justice reform. Likewise, the sheriff has used the full force of his office to advocate for criminal justice and bail reforms locally." In the Oct. 6 letter to the commissioner, Hickman stated: "The department is committed to working with all stakeholders to reduce the jail population and lessen our dependence upon variance beds and we will continue to explore all options and opportunities to mitigate their necessity. Sullivan pointed out "that variances are temporary fixes requiring more permanent solution." 'Better management' The sheriff noted the county is already paying $550,000 each month to house more than 400 inmates in other county jails to avoid exceeding the jail's maximum capacity. The county's jail complex was designed to hold 9,400 inmates, but variances allowed by the jail commission has upped the total capacity to 10,162 inmates, state jail records show. Hickman's request for an additional variance was met with continued objections from local lawmakers and activists, who have decried Harris County's primary reliance on commercial bonding companies to secure an offender's release. "I don't think that until you have better management of the jail, including a serious pre-trial services plan, you should be asking the state for a variance," said state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, a longtime critic of county jail operations. "They are jailing people, nonviolent offenders who are not a public safety threat, simply because they cannot afford a $1,000 bond." Whitmire said other large Texas counties do a better job than Harris County of allowing residents charged with nonviolent crimes to post low-cost personal recognizance bonds. Last year in Harris County, only 5.8 percent of more than 70,000 persons arrested were granted personal bonds and the majority of those were for misdemeanor charges, according to the 2015 report of the Harris County PreTrial Services office. Only judges, however - not the sheriff - determine bond, and local officials are working to change the system to allow more reliance on personal recognizance. 'Wrong-ended approach' Amin Alehashem, staff attorney for the Texas Civil Rights Project in Houston, agreed with lawmakers that variances will not solve jail overcrowding and will increase the dangers faced by the thousands of mentally ill inmates housed in the jail. "It's just the wrong-ended approach to resolving the problem. It's putting a band aid on a gaping wound by granting variances and adding beds," Alehashem said. The nonprofit civil rights center filed suit against the Harris County jail in July 2015 on behalf of the family of Danarian Hawkins, a mentally disturbed inmate who committed suicide in 2014. "There have been about a dozen variances in the last few years, and it raises concerns for issues inside the jail for people with mental disabilities," Alehashem said. "We saw a few months ago they (jail staff ) could not manage keeping a rape victim safe and she was abused." On Monday, a group of 13 Houston-area lawmakers asked the jail commission to closely scrutinize county's variance request, noting there were other alternatives to alleviate overcrowding. "Variances are unnecessary when there are numerous, effective solutions that can be implemented to not only reduce jail population and eliminate the need for variances, but also increase public safety through more effective and efficient crime reduction strategies," the legislators wrote in a Nov. 1 letter to the jail commission. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Sandra Bland's mother has reached a final settlement in the lawsuit over her daughter's arrest and suicide at the Waller County Jail, ending a 16-month quest for answers in a case that brought international attention to allegations of disparate treatment of African Americans by police. A federal judge this week dismissed the civil case after the parties agreed to a $1.9 million settlement, clearing the way for a misdemeanor perjury charge to proceed against the state trooper who stopped Bland on a rural roadway for failing to signal a lane change. In a terse one-page ruling, U.S. District Judge David Hittner accepted the mediated agreement lawyers for Bland's mother hammered out with the attorneys for 11 Waller County officials and the trooper who arrested her on allegations she was combative after the traffic stop. The trooper, Brian Encinia, was fired by Texas Department of Public Safety. His criminal case on allegations he lied during the investigation is pending in state court. In mid-September, Bland's mother announced the parties had arrived at a monetary settlement and county officials agreed to improve how inmates are booked and supervised at the jail. They also agreed to re-mediate how rural jails handle medical and mental health needs when they don't have on-site providers. Waller County has budgeted for next year to hire a jailer with EMT qualifications and has already implemented a system that automates cell checks, making it impossible for guards to falsify that they've checked on an inmate if they haven't. The jail also has increased its training for jailers on how to handle mental health assessment and suicide risks during intake. Elton Mathis, the district attorney for Waller County, said "One of the positive things to come out of this is there's a dialogue being had in the corridors of power that it's OK to talk about mental health issues, there's nothing to be ashamed of. They are conversations that need to be had by those in government so the laws and the resources are there for us to care for people." County Judge Trey Duhon said too heavy a burden had been placed on jailers who had a minimal amount training to deal with mental health issues they were not equipped to handle. In addition, DPS has implemented de-escalation training for state troopers and cadets in training -- to help prevent incidents from becoming contentious -- prior to the settlement. The state Attorney General could not be reached for comment. In Austin, state Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, has been advocating for a Sandra Bland Act in the upcoming legislative session. The reforms he has discussed would include a provision that would prohibit police from stopping vehicles under petty pretexts when their intent is to execute a random search. Coleman and many Black Lives Matter activists have said they believe Bland was stopped under such a pretext. Mathis, the Waller County DA ,said he and the county judge will advocate in the legislature that the state fund telemedicine, so rural jails can have a psychiatrist on call 24 hours. "It's inexcusable in this day and age that we have cell phones and FaceTime and Skype that rural counties can't each have a medical doctor available by Skype," Mathis said. When she announced a settlement was in the works, Bland's mother, Geneva Reed-Veal, stated the resolution would have "a rippling effect across the country." "I'm hopeful there won't be any more unlawful arrests. I'm hopeful with this spotlight and this settlement that others don't have to receive a call from 1,000 miles away that their child is on the way to the morgue," she said. She could not be reached on Wednesday, but her lawyer, Thomas Rhodes reiterated Reed-Veal's previous statement that her emphasis was never on money. "The driving force for the family was always to make changes to hopefully prevent needless deaths like this in the future," Rhodes said. Duhon said jail improvements began in the county before the Bland's death: "There's no doubt we've been painted with a very broad brush in a way that doesn't reflect what Waller County really is about here and now. In other words, this is not your grandfather's Waller County." He added, "There be positive things that will come about as a result of the Sandra Bland incident, absolutely. No doubt." Bland, who was from a suburb of Chicago, had recently relocated to Waller County and was about to begin a job at her alma mater, Prairie View A&M University, when Encinia pulled her over July 10, 2015. In a dash-cam video that went viral after Bland's death, Encinia drew his Taser and told Bland he would "light her up" if she did not extinguish her cigarette. He ordered Bland to exit her car and after a scuffle off camera, arrested her. A Prairie View patrolman who arrived to assist the trooper after Bland had been detained in the back of a squad car, told the Houston Chronicle heoverheard Encinia verbally debating what charge he should file against Bland. Bland told officials at the jail she had previously attempted suicide but was not suicidal. A former jailer said in a sworn deposition that he had falsified records to indicate he had checked on Bland shortly before she was found in her cell three days after she was booked, with a noose fashioned from a garbage bag. Her family in Illinois said communications broke down over the weekend and they were unable to get her bonded out. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate AUSTIN - The Texas Education Agency has agreed to stop auditing school districts that give specialized education to more than 8.5 percent of students, officials announced Wednesday, cheering experts, advocates and lawmakers outraged by the policy. In a letter to the U.S. Department of Education, which had ordered the state to eliminate the arbitrary decade-old enrollment benchmark, officials promised to suspend it and work to eventually end it altogether. "TEA will send a letter to all school districts in the state reminding them of the requirements of IDEA (the federal law on special education)," wrote Penny Schwinn, the agency's Deputy Commissioner of Academics. "In addition, TEA will ... not use (the policy) for the purposes of interventions staging moving forward." But the agency also vigorously defended the policy, saying it was not a "cap" on enrollment, was not meant to save money and did not seriously punish districts for failing to comply. Officials also said they had no evidence that the policy had kept any disabled students out of special education, and they did not offer any plan for identifying and helping children who may have been shut out. As many as 250,000 children with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, epilepsy, mental illnesses, speech impediments, blindness and deafness have been denied needed services, the Houston Chronicle found in an investigation. Texas now has by far the lowest percentage of its students in special education of any state in the country. Some advocates for children with disabilities, who earlier in the day had urged the TEA to respond to the federal government in good faith, expressed disappointment in the TEA's letter. State Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, said he still planned to file legislation to force the state to end the policy. "I think it's preposterous that they refuse to own up to this arbitrary cap," said Menendez. "And if they can't own up to it, how can I trust them when they say they're going to eliminate it? If they can't admit that it was wrong, how can I trust that they'll fix it?" The Chronicle revealed six weeks ago how TEA officials quietly imposed the 8.5 percent target as part of a school district monitoring system while facing a $1.1 billion state budget cut in 2004. The officials did not publicly disclose the target or consult with lawmakers, the federal government or any research. Under the monitoring system, school districts have received a perfect score on one indicator for providing services to 8.5 percent of students or fewer. Serving a higher percentage has led to a worse score. Over the past 12 years, the TEA has aggressively penalized school districts that get low scores on the system, and many districts have been required to write Corrective Action Plans describing how they will lower their special education enrollments. Federal law obligates all public schools to provide special education to all eligible children with disabilities. No other state has ever set an enrollment target. Enrollment plummets When the policy began in 2004, about 12 percent of Texas students received some form of special education services such as tutoring, therapies and counseling. That was close to the longtime national average of roughly 13 percent. In the years since, the Texas percentage has plummeted to exactly 8.5 percent. The rate in the Houston Independent School District was even lower, at 7.3 percent. The national average has remained at 13 percent. Last month the U.S. Department of Education sent the TEA a letter asking for an explanation of the policy. State lawmakers from both political parties also have condemned the benchmark and called for changes. Last week, Texas House Speaker Joe Straus asked the TEA to suspend the policy to give the Legislature time to make changes. The TEA, which responded to the investigation by promising an in-depth review of the target, issued its most complete defense of its special education policies Wednesday. The agency said it believes that the state's special education enrollment has dropped due to federal laws that it said had tightened the evaluation process and prohibited schools from putting students in special education just to exempt them from tests. It said it had sought stakeholder input before implementing the benchmark, listing several dates on which stakeholders were convened. It also said it was not implemented to save money, noting that federal law prohibits states from reducing spending on special education from year to year. Schwinn, the agency official, described the target as an "indicator ... for reporting purposes to provide districts, TEA, and the public with information about the range of performance at the district, region, and state level on all of the PBMAS indicators in both the current year and longitudinally." "If some district staff erroneously viewed the indicator's lowest performance range as a target rather than a data point and felt discouraged to initiate special education referrals, we believe the actions that we outline in this letter will address that," she said. Students were left out Dozens of current and former school officials who were interviewed during the newspaper's investigation said they viewed the 8.5 percent as a strict cap. Many of them admitted that they delayed or denied special education to children who desperately needed services. The investigation also published examples in which districts were penalized for serving too many kids. One district, Laredo ISD, was cited for "potential over-identification" when it was providing services to 11 percent of students - above the state standard, but well below the national average. Administrators in that district responded by ordering speech therapists and other employees to purge the special education rolls, leading more than 700 kids to be removed from services in one school year. Advocates criticized the state's letter, saying that "stakeholder input" is not the same as public input, that the policy still saved money by preventing spending increases as more students have entered the state, and that the state's explanation for the enrollment drop did not make sense because federal laws have affected all states, while only Texas has had a large drop. "Disability Rights Texas is disappointed by the Texas Education Agency's defensive response filed with the U.S. Department of Education today," the group said in a statement. "Students' futures are held in the balance while TEA refuses to claim any responsibility for the dramatic decline in services to children with disabilities." Earlier in the day, 22 national disability advocacy groups wrote to the TEA to say they were "deeply troubled" by the Chronicle's findings. After the TEA released its letter to the federal government, Straus said in a statement that the agency's decision to suspend the target was "good news for Texas families." A spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Education said the department would review the TEA letter. "Texas addressed multiple questions and issues and included a number of attachments," said the spokesman, Jessica Allen. "The Education Department will carefully review the state's response and, after the review is concluded, determine appropriate next steps." CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - President Barack Obama threw the power of the White House behind Hillary Clinton on Wednesday. He faulted how the FBI director, James Comey, handled new emails related to the investigation into Clinton's private server, and then shouted out to college students here in a pivotal battleground state that it was crucial that they vote because the "fate of the world is teetering." Obama's comments about Comey, broadcast early in the day as recent polls showed a tightening race, were striking for a president who has insisted he does not comment on FBI investigations. But Obama appeared to be doing exactly that in implicitly criticizing Comey's decision to send a vague letter last week to Congress - and by extension, the public - informing lawmakers about a discovery of new emails related to Clinton's use of a private server as secretary of state. "We don't operate on incomplete information," Obama said in an interview with NowThis News. "We don't operate on leaks. We operate based on concrete decisions that are made." Without mentioning Comey by name - although it was clear whom he meant - Obama suggested that the FBI had violated investigative guidelines and trafficked in innuendo by alerting Congress last week. Obama's remarks, which followed searing criticism of the FBI director from both parties, make it harder for Comey to defuse the worst crisis of his tenure at the bureau. Put trust in Clinton At the same time, the president expressed confidence in Clinton. "I trust her," Obama said. "I know her. And I wouldn't be supporting her if I didn't have absolute confidence in her integrity and her interest in making sure that young people have a better future." The president's stop later in the day in this liberal college community was aimed at galvanizing two pillars of his political coalition, African-Americans and young voters, who Democrats say are not turning out to vote in the same numbers as they once did for Obama. If Donald Trump loses here and in Florida, where Obama was heading on Thursday, he has virtually no path to the White House. "You, North Carolina, are going to have to make sure that we push it in the right direction," Obama exhorted 16,000 cheering supporters at the University of North Carolina. It was Obama's second stop on a weeklong swing through four pivotal states and demonstrated a new level of urgency among Democrats about the race as well as the personal stakes for Obama, who wants Clinton to carry on his agenda. He was, he made sure to add, not joking. Obama's language, here and in the interview, reflected how determined he was to defeat Trump and betrayed how nervous some in his own party have become over Clinton's prospects. In Washington, Obama's criticism of Comey was only the latest blow to the FBI, where the mood is grim as agents continue to review emails belonging to Huma Abedin, a top aide to Clinton. The emails were discovered in an unrelated investigation into her estranged husband, Anthony Weiner, a former congressman from New York. The FBI is investigating whether Weiner sent illicit text messages to a teenage girl in North Carolina and seized his laptop in early October. The FBI concluded the case into Clinton's private server in July with no charges, but Comey's letter to Congress has renewed an inquiry that Clinton thought was behind her. No easy options For Comey, the short time left before the election now offers no easy options. If, over the next few days, agents find no evidence to change their July conclusion in the emails of Abedin that they are able to review - law enforcement officials say the FBI will not be able to complete the inquiry by Tuesday - publicly saying so would open the FBI to criticism that it was prejudging an investigation. If agents do find potentially damaging evidence, publicly saying so would taint Abedin - and by extension Clinton - before the investigation is complete. Either move would amount to a change in practice for the FBI, which typically says only what it believes it can prove, and only in court. "The risk of harm is greater if he comes out without all the facts," Chris Voss, a former FBI agent, said of Comey. Saying nothing, however, allows suspicion to hang over Clinton's campaign in the final days of the race. Trump has already capitalized on the FBI review at his rallies, calling it evidence of what he calls Clinton's corrupt and criminal behavior. Comey's letter has also put Obama into a delicate position at a crucial time in the race, essentially forcing him to choose between his own institutional imperative to refrain from meddling in a federal law enforcement matter and his political impulse to fiercely defend Clinton. White House officials later played down Obama's remarks about the FBI and insisted he had not meant to criticize Comey. For years, the United States and its allies have struggled to contain China's ambitions in the South China Sea, even as China steadily seeded the waters with artificial islands and military installations. Now, by cutting its own deal with China, the Philippines has suddenly changed the calculus, persuading the Chinese to let its fishermen operate around a disputed shoal but setting a worrying precedent for the United States and its hopes of using regional alliances to preserve its place as the dominant power in the Pacific. What had been a fairly united front against China's expanding maritime claims, stretching from Japan to Malaysia, now has a gap in the southeast corner where the Philippines lies, and could soon have another at the southwestern end, where Malaysia is making noises about shifting its alliances. In both cases, resentment over what is seen as U.S. interference in unrelated problems - a wave of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines and a huge financial scandal in Malaysia - may have contributed to the shift. The Philippine president, Rodrigo Duterte, is angry with the United States over its criticism of his lethal anti-drug program, in which 2,000 people have been killed, mostly by the police. China's leverage In Washington, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland, has vowed to block any sale of assault rifles to the Philippine police, Senate aides confirmed Tuesday. While President Barack Obama has criticized extrajudicial killings in the Philippines, blocking weapons sales would be the first concrete U.S. sanction, and would probably only drive the Philippines further from the U.S. "Nobody wants the U.S. to leave the region to China," said Bilahari Kausikan, ambassador at large for Singapore. "But China is using its economic leverage, its geographic position ... to try and change the balance of influence in a region where the vagaries of American politics are now on stark display." The deal between China and the Philippines became apparent over the last week with reports that China had begun to allow Philippine fishermen to operate in contested waters in the South China Sea for the first time in four years, rewarding Duterte for his friendship with Beijing and his coolness toward the United States. The deal is an informal one, and so far has not been committed to writing, but it seems to give both parties what they want while sidestepping the more contentious issue of sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal, the contested fishing grounds claimed by both China and the Philippines. China has not renounced its claim over the shoal, nor has the Philippines conceded China's claim. But the Philippines' main interest in the territory is fish, and it appears to have gotten that. For China, the concession not only shifts an important U.S. ally into its good graces but also brings it at least partly into compliance with a ruling by a tribunal in The Hague on the dispute. The July ruling, which China rejects, denied Beijing's claim over most of the South China Sea. China's Foreign Ministry said on Monday that it remained opposed to the ruling and that the loosening of its four-year blockade of the shoal was a special "arrangement" for Duterte and "has nothing to do with the so-called award." "Beijing has played a clever diplomatic hand," said Ashley Townshend, a research fellow at the U.S. Studies Center at the University of Sydney in Australia. "It's secured a public relations win by lifting the blockade, without forgoing its sovereignty claims over the shoal or even removing its coast guard vessels." U.S. bases at risk? For Duterte, who has vowed to scale back relations with the United States, including possibly denying U.S. forces access to five military bases in the Philippines, the deal on Scarborough Shoal came with little cost. The United States, a bystander to the deal, gave it a kind of provisional approval. Deputy Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, saying that he had only read reports, said it would be a "positive development" because it showed that China "is acting consistently with the arbitration ruling." But the Philippine public remains pro-American and skeptical of China, opinion polls show. "I think Filipinos are happy to see the fishermen back in their fishing grounds, but I doubt if this meant that there is a significant increase in the 33 percent of Filipinos favorable to China," said Patricio N. Abinales, a professor of Asian studies at the University of Hawaii. The state agency charged with protecting our state's most vulnerable children has operated in a state of crisis for decades. Last year, a federal judge called one aspect of the state's foster care system "institutionalized child abuse." In the past months, children have been sleeping in state offices or hotels because foster-care parents and other housing is unavailable. Now, hundreds of children who have been identified as being of the highest risk of abuse or neglect have not been found - some for weeks or months, according to Chronicle Austin Bureau Chief Mike Ward. The status quo is unacceptable. Our state must do a better job of protecting children who are in harm's way. That's what Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus wrote in an Oct. 12 letter to Henry "Hank" Whitman Jr., commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services. The goal is stellar, but how to get there? When we fly on an airplane, the flight attendant instructs us to first put on our oxygen mask before helping others. The theory is that if we run out of oxygen, we can't assist anyone else. Similarly, lawmakers who want to protect abused and neglected children must first attend to the needs of the agency's workforce. As long as the agency's turnover rate is high - topping 30 percent in some parts of the state - it will be mired in crisis. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, has assigned a five-member Senate panel the task of evaluating the agency's workforce needs. This panel should act swiftly to approve emergency funding for up to another 800 staffers and $1,000-a-month pay raises, as requested by Whitman. Caseworkers are paid significantly less than teachers or police officers. "Not worth beans" was the term used by Whitman to describe their compensation in a hearing Oct. 26 before the Senate Finance Committee, as reported by the Texas Tribune. Yet these jobs are high-stress. If caseworkers make a mistake, lives can be on the line. In making its recommendation, the panel has firm evidence that salary increases make a difference, as pointed out by child advocacy groups. In 2013, the fracking boom increased the cost of living in the Midland area. The Legislature authorized so-called "locality pay" to employees. Since locality pay began, the agency has experienced a 49.7 percent decrease in turnover in a three-year period. Failure to stem the turnover rate is wasteful. It makes no sense to spend at least $54,000 to train employees in a high-turnover environment. State Sen. Kel Seliger R-Amarillo, assailed the high turnover rate as the equivalent of opening a window at the Capitol and throwing out millions of dollars in cash ("160 children at risk of abuse are located" Page A1, Oct. 28). Although the panel should do its due diligence on the appropriate number of new hires, members should eschew half-measures in their overhaul of the agency. A modest pay raise can make a tough job more palatable only if it's combined with bringing in reinforcements so overworked employees don't burn out. In fact, given the high training cost of these employees, a pay increase without a work load adjustment could just mean more of those taxpayer greenbacks blowing out the window. And it must act with urgency. The Senate panel includes State Sens. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury; Lois Kolkorst, R-Brenham; Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown; Kirk Watson, D-Austin, and John Whitmire, D-Houston. While they are deliberating, the backlog of unchecked children is growing. "About 125 new children are the subject of (Priority 1) reports each day. We are contacting less than 100 a day," a spokesman for the agency told Ward. This lag in identifying children violates state law, which requires investigators to make contact with children no later than 72 hours after receiving an initial report. In high-priority cases in which a child's injuries could result in death or serious harm, the deadline is 24 hours. Facing an outcry from angry legislators, Whitman has enlisted the help of a state police task force to find the missing children, and many of the children have been located. Meanwhile, new children are being added to the list. The panel's decision on the emergency funding can't come too soon. New workers can take up to a year to hire and train, delaying relief for existing employees and creating more problems for children. Whitman has a lot to do. But he won't be able to make a start without sufficient staff who are paid a reasonable salary for performing what has to be one of the hardest jobs in the state. Meantime, children remain in peril. Help and protect Regarding "Planned Parenthood: Legacy of Life or Death? (Page A37, Sunday), I'm astounded at the hypocrisy of Ted Cruz and Dan Patrick. They wrote, "children are a God-given blessing who not only bring joy and fulfillment but, perhaps most important, who teach us to love unconditionally." Even worn-out bromides like that are belied by Republican policies that impose incalculable damage on Texas children. Consider the following: Because of Republican funding cuts, public school funding meets only the barest minimum requirements under the Texas constitution; Republican funding limits for Child Protective Services have put thousands of innocent children in physical danger; Hurtful, arbitrary limits on special education services in public schools prevent children from fulfilling their highest potential; and Funding cuts on Early Childhood Intervention prevent children with the most severe mental and physical disabilities from learning to communicate or walk on their own. Where is Republican love and concern for real, live, breathing children who need and deserve public help and support? To Cruz and Patrick I say, forget about your fixation on Planned Parenthood and work to fund programs that will actually help and protect Texas children. Patrick J. Killman, Spring Supporting life As a family physician who cares for underserved patients, I disagree with Cruz and Patrick. Planned Parenthood is a crucial provider of women's health care, particularly for low-income women and women of color. After Texas cut Planned Parenthood funding in 2013, women paid a dear price. Women used contraception less and there was an increase in the rate of childbirth covered by Medicaid. Texas also has the distinction of having the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world. Congress should not waste resources attempting to defund Planned Parenthood. Additionally, Congress should not attempt to pass an abortion ban at 20 weeks. The research Cruz and Patrick cite about fetal pain is based on one poor-quality study. There are many medical reasons why women might need abortions, including high-risk pregnancies that endanger a woman's life. Some of these situations do not arise until late in the second trimester. We need to respect the difficult life decisions that can only be made by a woman and her doctor. A responsible government should focus on reducing the need for abortion by preventing unintended pregnancies, supporting women who choose adoption, and making childbirth safer. It should promote policies like family leave, affordable child care, reasonably priced housing, and strong public education. Supporting the right to life doesn't end when the fetus is born. Bich-May Nguyen, Houston A reflexive refrain is commonly sounded in Mexico to describe the nation's relationship with the United States, and it goes like this: "So far from God, so close to the United States." The quote, attributed to 19th-century Mexican President Porfirio Diaz, is used to underscore what long has been a relationship on uneven footing, with Mexico's fortunes tightly tied to those of the U.S. But rapid technological advancements, a newly liberalized energy industry and a growing economy in Mexico has edged the nation closer to an equal partnership, even as the journey has had its bumps. In the more recent period of history, illegal drugs and the murder of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique Camarena in the 1980s was a historic low, while the North American Free Trade Agreement in the 1990s was a historic high. Surely there will be other ups and downs. But if there is a lesson from the 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign, it is that the relationship cannot be taken for granted, and that there is still much political and diplomatic work to be done. Clearly, depending on the prevailing domestic circumstances in each country, the relationship at any point can be held hostage to political expediency and electoral rhetoric. GOP nominee Donald Trump has made Mexico a centerpiece of his campaign. He has used Mexico to galvanize political support, tapping into the worst fears and prejudices of Americans by promising to build a border wall, deport millions of Mexicans, and revise the North American Free Trade Agreement - which could damage not only our relationship with Mexico for years to come but also the economic circumstances of millions of Americans and Mexicans and possibly endanger the economic recovery in progress in the U.S. There is a pivotal reason that explains why the relationship remains fragile and always subject to revision by politicians: Too few institutions in either country can effectively move the binational agenda outside the political influence of any one actor. As it stands, the long-term U.S.-Mexico relationship rests on only one permanent fulcrum: NAFTA. This does not mean there are no organizations (the International Boundary and Water Commission and the North American Development Bank are examples) or initiatives (the High Level Economic Dialogue and the Merida Initiative, for instance) to address issues relevant to both countries. But binational governance is left to the narrow mandates of a small number of organizations and the decisions of presidents who come and go, like the diplomats who follow their orders. Thus, the reality is that there are too few permanent institutions that are charged with a broader agenda in the binational relationship, or are able to protect it from the swings of political and electoral cycles in both countries, or from specific political figures who may appeal to right-wing or left-wing populism, as we have seen around candidate Trump in the United States or Andres Lopez Obrador in Mexico. The time has come to make a major political and diplomatic push to build the kind of institutions that can steadily address major issues of the binational concern - preferably a true binational organization. Such an organization should have permanent working groups on economic cooperation, human mobility, continental security, law enforcement cooperation, environmental and natural resource management and trilateral infrastructure. Their output should include informed recommendations and coordinating policy for executive and legislative bodies in the U.S. and Mexico. North America has interests that cannot be captured accurately and effectively in larger multilateral organizations such as the Organization of American States or the United Nations. North America needs its own institutions to advance the democratic goals of the region and ensure its prosperity and security. The countries of North America are increasingly interdependent, and the trend will likely continue. For instance, economic integration in the energy sector will deepen now that Mexico has liberalized its energy industry. Labor markets will push ahead, as individuals cross borders to do business, study and participate in leisure activities. And new challenges are on the horizon, including global warming and potentially crippling droughts in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. The institutions that exist today are not enough to deal with these broader issues that will affect the continent in the coming decades. Whoever becomes president of the United States in January 2017 will have to reconsider the binational relationship and move politically and diplomatically to create the right kind of institutions to protect the partnership from populist movements and bitter rhetoric, and to build a dynamic, 21st century North America. This will not be easy, but political leadership is often about addressing the difficult and making the unlikely a reality. Payan is a fellow and director of the Mexico Center at Rice University's James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy. Tobacco companies have funneled more than $18 million into dueling campaigns to raise Missouris lowest-in-the-nation cigarette tax. And most of the money pouring into the state isnt being spent to kill the proposed tax increases. Rather, in a twist for an industry typically averse to tax increases on its products, the makers of cigarette brands such as Camel, Newport, Decade and Exeter are the primary funding sources in support the initiatives on the Nov. 8 ballot. By contrast, for example, Philip Morris USA and the parent company of RJ Reynolds have contributed more than $71 million to fight a proposed cigarette tax increase on the ballot in California, according figures compiled by the California secretary of states office. In all, four states have measures on their ballots asking voters to increase taxes on cigarettes. Ron Leone, executive director of the Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, said the money flow in the Show-Me State was unlikely to stop with less than two weeks to go before voters head to the polls. I wouldnt be surprised if that amount goes up even higher, Leone said. Both tax increase measures have been opposed by groups including the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association, which say neither increase is big enough. One of the proposals, known as Proposition A, would increase the states 17-cents-a-pack tax by 23 cents, with the proceeds going to pay for transportation improvements. It is supported by Leones group. The two big players financing that effort are North Carolina-based Cheyenne International and XCaliber International of Oklahoma. Cheyenne has sent $2.8 million to the fight, while XCaliber has contributed $2.9 million. The other proposal, known as Amendment 3, would phase in a 60-cents-per-pack tax over four years to pay for early childhood programs. Reynolds American Inc., the parent company of tobacco giant RJ Reynolds, has contributed $12.5 million to the cause. RAI spokesman Bryan Hatchell said it was the first time the company had backed a tax increase. We believe Amendment 3 is both fair to our consumers and clearly in the best interests of the people of Missouri, Hatchell said in an email. But there also is a dispute within the dispute. Large tobacco companies such as Reynolds want to change Missouri laws that allow smaller tobacco companies to avoid making payments imposed by a 1998 court settlement. Amendment 3, if approved by voters, would close that loophole and require retailers to impose an additional 67-cents-a-pack tax on small makers such as XCaliber International and Cheyenne International. That would result in the tax on their brands rising by $1.27 per pack. Hatchell said closing the loophole ensures that Missouri will finally receive the millions in revenue that these cigarette companies have evaded paying for years. Proposition A contains no such clause. In essence, money being contributed by the companies has as much to do with supporting their chosen initiative as with killing the one they dont like. Petroleum marketers and convenience store operators, which are being bankrolled largely by the smaller tobacco companies, have enlisted member stores to urge customers to defeat Amendment 3. Along with yard signs, the campaign is relying on TV and radio ads and in-store appeals arguing that the increase sought for early childhood is too high, Leone said. Were hoping to have the resources to educate the voters, Leone said. Big Tobacco is taking Amendment 3 very seriously. Ultimately it crushes their competition. It helps to cement their market share. The largest recipient of money from Reynolds has been the Vote Yes on 3 for Kids campaign committee. During the most recent fundraising quarter, the campaign reported spending $100,000 on digital advertising and $104,000 on ad production. If approved, the 60-cent increase would generate an estimated $300 million for early childhood programs. If the lower, 23-cents-per-pack increase is approved, it would raise an estimated $100 million for transportation improvements. If both are approved by voters, both could go into effect, increasing Missouris tobacco tax by 83 cents a pack. Even with that increase, Missouris tobacco tax would still be lower than that in at least 34 other states. A spokesman for RAI did not immediately return a request for comment. My name is Marie Lasater, and I am running for Texas County Coroner. I live in Licking with my husband Brad North. We are member of Freewill Baptist Church in Licking. Im a Masters prepared Registered nurse, attending undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt in Nashville and obtained my masters degree at the Medical University of South Carolina. The desire to run for coroner was placed on my heart many years ago, and I have spent the past several years acquiring the required training to hit the ground running. I obtained my basic medico-legal death investigation certification at a week long course hosted by the Clark County Coroners office in Nevada. Last year, I attended week long training with the St. Louis County Coroners office, and also have post-graduate credits from St. Louis University in Forensics. I have over 50 POST credits directly related to medicolegal death investigation. Forensic science continues to evolve, and I will continue to become educated on the latest technical advances. I am particularly interested in the forensic analysis of bones. As a registered nurse practicing for over 37 years, mainly in critical care, including Gorgas Army Hospital during the Noriega regime, I have worked with many grieving families at the time of their loved ones death. This is the toughest time in anyones life, and my goal is to provide support and education to families. I am currently the Director of Region G Medical Reserve Corp, and I also serve on the Texas County Health Board. In order to be available on a 24/7 basis, I left my recent clinical position at Salem Hospital to ensure I can respond to calls any time of the day or night. When I am Coroner, I will update our equipment and procedures in order to seek national certification for the Texas County Coroners office. I will also procure equipment grants for the coroners department without relying on the county budget. I am proficient at writing accurate and timely reports. My advanced medicolegal death investigation training stressed cooperation with other agencies, especially law enforcement, and I am aware how the work of the coroner impacts their investigations. I am asking for your vote on Nov. 8th. I will use my energy, training, and fiscal responsibility to serve the citizens of Texas County. You can email me at lasaterforcoroner@gmail.com. Thank you and God Bless. Marie Lasater This is one in a series of profiles of local candidates on the Nov. 8 General Election ballot. I am a Texas County native, born and raised in Cabool, where I attended school and graduated in 1971. I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1972 and graduated from the Naval School of Health Sciences in San Diego, Calif., as a hospital corpsman. I served as a staff corpsman in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Naval Regional Medical Center at San Diego. I attended and graduated from Field Corpsman School at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and was assigned to the First Marine Division until my discharge from active duty in May 1976. I received an honorable discharge in February 1978 having served two years in the ready reserve program. I obtained my California Emergency Medical Technician license while stationed at Camp Pendleton. I returned to Cabool in May 1976 and started as an EMT at Texas County Memorial Hospital in June 1976. I attended the first hospital based paramedic training class in the Missouri and became a paramedic in 1981 and held that position for 20 years. I also worked as a surgical technician at Texas County Memorial Hospital until January 2005. In 1992, I attended and graduated from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Training Academy in Jefferson City. I worked as a reserve deputy for Texas County until 2008. I worked as the attendance officer for the Southern Texas County Safe Schools/Healthy Students program at Cabool Schools in 2005 and remained there during the duration of the grant. I was a member of the Cabool Volunteer Fire Department for more than 20 years and served as fire marshal and assistant chief. I am Firefighter I and Firefighter II certified. I am currently a member of the City of Cabool Board of Adjustments and have been on the board since its inception. I have 20 years experience as a Medico-Legal Death Investigator. I am a 20 member of the Missouri Coroners and Medical Examiners Association. I am a past president of the association and a current board member as the Troop G Coroners Director. I am married to Dala Brill Whittaker (42 years). we have two children, Scott and Sarah and two grandchildren, Grayson Jones and Josie Whittaker. I am a lifelong member of the Cabool First United Methodist Church. Tom Whittaker This is one in a series of profiles of local candidates on the Nov. 8 General Election ballot. JEFFERSON CITY Missouri voters appear poised to snuff out two proposed tobacco tax increases on this years General Election ballot, according to a new poll. In a telephone survey of 625 voters conducted last Monday through Wednesday, the two ballot initiatives calling for raising Missouris lowest-in-the-nation cigarette tax received scant support, despite more than $18 million in contributions to the cause from tobacco companies. By contrast, the poll showed robust support for two other questions on the ballot, including one that would reinstate caps on campaign contributions and a separate GOP-led effort to require voters to present a photo ID before casting a ballot. The poll surveyed voters on four of the six ballot initiatives facing voters this year. Other questions on the ballot include whether to keep a special sales and use tax that benefits state soil and water conservation programs and whether to prohibit the state from imposing taxes on services, such as haircuts and dry cleaning. The negative responses to the cigarette tax increases surprised Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Managing Director Brad Coker. Asked whether they support a 23-cent increase in the 17-cent-per-pack tobacco tax, just 39 percent of the respondents said yes, with 54 percent saying no. Just 43 percent of those polled said they would support a separate cigarette tax increase proposal on the ballot that would phase in a 60-cent-per-pack tax increase to pay for early childhood initiatives. The poll found 49 percent poised to vote no on the proposal. Generally, taxing cigarettes is sort of a popular way of raising money, Coker said. Plus, with smoking rates dropping and fewer than one quarter of Missouri adults using tobacco, it would seem like a no- brainer that a cigarette tax increase would win, he said. If you dont smoke, why do you care about voting for a tax increase on cigarettes? Coker said. Missouri is among four states where voters will decide on Nov. 8 whether to raise cigarette taxes. A Post-Dispatch analysis this week found tobacco companies have contributed $18 million to the initiative. The poll also found significant support for a proposed constitutional amendment establishing limits on campaign contributions. The question was supported by 76 percent of poll respondents, with 15 percent opposed and 9 percent saying they were undecided. It had widespread support among both Democrats and Republicans, although the poll found 14 percent of likely GOP voters were undecided. In a year in which six- and seven-figure campaign contributions from players such as Joplin building products magnate David Humphreys and wealthy ex-financier Rex Sinquefield have become commonplace, the proposal would cap individual contributions at $2,600 per election. Individuals and committees would be able to contribute no more than $25,000 per election cycle to political parties. Missouri last had campaign contribution limits in 2008. The poll also found support for a proposal requiring voters to prove their identification at a polling place by presenting a government-issued photo ID. The statewide numbers show it has support from 68 percent of the respondents, compared with 30 percent in opposition. Republicans, who say it will stop fraud at the polls, back the idea by a 94 percent margin. Among Democrats, who say requiring a photo ID is an attempt by Republicans to suppress voter turnout, the poll found only 38 percent support the change. Coker said voters were not put off by the idea of having to show their ID. You have to show it at so many places now. Showing your drivers license is not something people find offensive, the pollster said. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc shakes hands with ADB Vice President Stephen Groff (Photo: VNA) He made the pledge at a meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Ho Chi Minh city on October 3rd, on the sideline of the Vietnam Summit 2016 on external economic ties. He informed his host that ADB has approved a plan to provide Vietnam with between USD1 and USD1.5 billion for 2016-2019. Of the sum, USD450 million is earmarked for 2016 and 2017 to help Vietnam tackle State budget difficulties, Groff noted, adding that the figure could be increased based on particular requests from the Vietnamese Government. He also spoke highly of the Vietnamese Governments solutions to accelerate economic reform and global integration. The ADB Vice President also hailed Vietnams successful organisation of the 8th Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV 8) Summit, the 7th Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit, and the World Economic Forum on the Mekong region, which he said would boost the countrys image regionally and globally. PM Phuc lauded the participation of the bank in the Vietnam Summit 2016 and the three Mekong sub-region-related events. He stated that ADBs commitment of about USD1 billion as part of its 2016-2020 Country Partnership Strategy with Vietnam will help the country realise its key socio-economic goals set for the period. The PM noted that Vietnam lays stress on the effectiveness of official development assistance and preferential loans, including ADB funds, saying Vietnam is persistently working to stabilize macroeconomics, improve business climate and protect the environment. He asked the ADB to continue supporting Vietnam in economic reform, growth model switch, personnel capacity building, and climate change adaptation. He also hoped the bank will continue aiding Mekong sub-regional cooperation in connecting transport infrastructure, alleviating poverty and fighting climate change./. It's time for Albertans to breathe a sigh of relief. The worst of the oil price collapse may finally be behind them, ATB Financial (ATB) said Wednesday. The company expects oil prices to average around $45 for the rest of the year before they climb to anywhere between $50 and $55 per barrel in 2017. It also said drilling "may begin to pick up and some deferred projects may being to trickle back into sight" after the interruption caused by the Fort McMurray wildfire over the summer. Advertisement ATB added that investment in conventional oil and gas is likely to increase by about five to 10 per cent next year, "but that is starting from a greatly-reduced base." But these projections don't necessarily account for what could happen when the Organization of Petroleum-Exporting Countries (OPEC), which controls much of the world's production, meets in Vienna later this month. OPEC is working on a deal to cut production from 33.2 million barrels per day to anywhere between 32.5 and 33 million barrels per day. Advertisement But there's no certainty that OPEC can finalize an agreement. Iraq is seeking an exemption from the production limit so that it can keep funding its war with ISIS, for example. If OPEC can't make a deal, then oil prices could drop to the low-$40 per barrel range, according to Goldman Sachs. Nevertheless, Alberta can still count on its agriculture sector. The province's three major crops are expected to exceed their average yields over the past two decades. Barley, for example, is set to yield 4,000 kg per hectare, compared to an average of less than 3,300 kg. Advertisement Cattle prices have also remained high, despite sliding over the summer. They were just over $135 per hundredweight in August, down from a record high of $200. That's still above the 10-year average of $106. Alberta's forestry industry has also seen a bump from a low Canadian dollar but the sector could face difficulties as a softwood lumber agreement to the United States has expired. So far, Canada hasn't been able to strike a new deal with its southern neighbour. Also on HuffPost #LashEquality = bold, sexy lashes for ALL. At COVERGIRL, weve always stood for inclusive beauty that supports any and all types from skin types to lash types. We know that whether you have short, straight, light or long lashes, you all crave the same bold end look, so we listened and created #SoLashy mascara: the first mascara designed for any and all lash types. Representing all types of beauty, our #SoLashy fam (and their lashes) have come together to stand for #LashEquality. Bold, sexy lashes for all: are you on board? #Repost, comment, to be a part, and stay tuned for more! A photo posted by COVERGIRL (@covergirl) on Nov 1, 2016 at 9:21am PDT Photo: nhandan.com.vn Vietnam and Laos are close neighbours with a traditional friendly relationship having been fostered for thousands of years of history. After the success of the Vietnams August Revolution, the two Governments signed a cooperation agreement and established the Laos Vietnam allied troops to protect the independence of each country. In October 1949, Vietnam established the force of Vietnamese soldiers operating in Laos as Vietnamese voluntary soldiers. Among voluntary soldiers, over 10,000 cadres and soldiers of Ha Tinh province joined the force struggling bravely on Lao battlefields. Over 1,000 died and 5,000 were injured. The medals and orders presented were precious awards and recognition of the achievements and services by Vietnamese volunteers towards the Lao revolution. Addressing the ceremony, Thongsavanh Phomvihan, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam, and Le Dinh Son, Secretary of the Ha Tinh provincial Party Committee, reviewed the good tradition of the two countries. Ambassador Thongsavanh Phomvihan expressed his thought that the Lao Party, State and people would never forget the assistance of the Vietnamese army for the Lao revolution./. OK, you caught us. We love horoscopes. Who doesn't? We love them so much, in fact, that we check them on the regular to see the week we're about to have and we constantly blame Mercury Retrograde when something goes wrong. Other things we love? Makeup. Obviously. So what happens when you mix the two together? Makeup artist Setareh Hosseini's brilliant horoscope beauty looks on Instagram. Advertisement Over the past few months, the Toronto-based makeup artist, who has always had a fascination with Astrology, has created a stunning series of beauty looks for every star sign in the zodiac. Every look posted by the 24-year-old MUA is accompanied by a caption that explains the zodiac's personality traits and how they influenced the makeup. Advertisement "Astrology has influenced me in many ways. I've studied much about the star signs, mostly because I feel a strong connection with my own star sign, Aquarius," the makeup artist said in an email with HuffPost Canada Style. "My mother is also an Aquarius, she was born a day after me and were very much alike. My name 'Setareh' also means 'Star' in my language of Farsi. In fact, everybody knows me as Star Hosseini." Advertisement When asked what look was her favourite, Setareh said she adored all of her creations, but in particular she loved her Sagittarius look. "My boyfriend is a Sag, and I admire the Sagittarius personality more than any other star sign. Mainly because of his impeccable sense of humor and constant hunger for knowledge," she said. Check out the rest of the looks below! Advertisement For more makeup based on your Astrology sign, check out the video above! Follow Huffington Post Canada Style on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter! Also on HuffPost It's not sibling rivalry or family drama the Duchess of Cambridge has a pretty good reason for not wanting to be sister Pippa Middleton's bridesmaid. Royal experts speculate the 34-year-old mother of two plans on sitting out of her sister's bridal party to avoid stealing all the attention on Pippa's big day, Vogue reports. Advertisement "How can anyone be expected to concentrate on the bride when the future Queen of England is standing by her side at the altar?," Vogue notes. According to the Daily Beast, the 33-year-old author of Celebrate: A Year of Festivities for Families and Friends and her royal sister have a "special bond." "Kate hates being the centre of attention anyway," writer Tom Skyes notes. Advertisement And it is not uncommon for both Prince William and the Duchess to skip out on weddings to avoid being the centre of attention. Earlier this year, the prince attending his ex's wedding in Kenya solo, and last summer, one royal photographer told People magazine the couple often goes to weddings separately for this reason. Middleton and her beau, hedge fund manager James Matthews, got engaged on July 17. The two first dated in 2012, and after breaking up, reconnected in the fall of 2015. Middleton and Matthews are planning to get married in May 2017. Also on HuffPost Kate Middleton's 34 Most Stylish Looks See Gallery With numerous reports claiming Prince Harry courted actress Meghan Markle for weeks via text after they met in May, it's safe to say the "Suits" star is one lucky lady. Something the 35-year-old American admits herself. In her first interview following the revelation of her top secret relationship, Markle told the Vancouver Sun, "My cup runneth over and Im the luckiest girl in the world!" Advertisement Actress Meghan Markle modelling her new MM x Reitmans fashion line. Of course, Markle didn't talk about the prince or her new relationship directly. Instead, the stunning brunette, who lives in Toronto, talked about her new fashion line for Reitmans, spending time with her family during the holidays, travelling to India in January for humanitarian work with World Vision and then returning to the set of "Suits" next March. While neither Markle nor the Prince have addressed the reports surrounding their relationship, a friend of the Prince confirmed the relationship to People magazine on Monday. On the same day, Markle teasingly shared an Instagram image of two cuddling bananas with the simple caption "sleep tight xx." Sleep tight xx A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on Oct 31, 2016 at 7:19pm PDT Advertisement While many speculate the image was a message for the prince (who is said be following the actress under a private account) the Daily Mail reports the 32-year-old royal is still in Toronto with his lady love. Also on HuffPost A rural Wisconsin high school has stirred up controversy after a dramatic distracted-driving awareness exercise last week. Students at the school in Brodhead learned during morning announcements that four of their classmates had died in a car accident, according to WMTV. Advertisement Several minutes later, in a new announcement, students were told the four were alive and well and that the deaths had been faked as part of a drill. But throughout the day, more announcements came, saying that more people had died in car crashes. The "dead" students weren't allowed to use their phones to talk to their classmates. The student council planned the simulation as part of a safe-driving awareness campaign, the school's principal told WMTV. But not everyone was happy. Student Madison Trombley said a lot of people were crying and contacting their parents. Advertisement Brodhead student Madison Trombley did not like the exercise. (Photo: CBS 4 WCCO Minnesota/Screenshot) Sam Bolen texted his mom, he told The Washington Post. They went into detail about how one of them was rushed to the hospital, he said. I was pretty upset. It is a really small school, like, most of the people really knew who they were." Bolen's mother Sarah wasn't pleased either. Even though her son had lost an uncle to drunk driving, she said she thought the exercise was "insulting." I dont feel that you need to go to those kinds of extremes to teach a lesson." Advertisement Brodhead is in rural Wisconsin and one student said the school is pretty small. (Photo: CBS 4 WCCO Minnesota/Screenshot) School district Superintendent Leonard Lueck told the Wisconsin State Journal that there were communication issues with the drill. I would say we are not doing this activity again unless we can do it in a manner that wouldnt offend other students, without providing stress to them," he said. I dont feel that you need to go to those kinds of extremes to teach a lesson." Sarah Bolen, mom of student Sam Bolen But one member of the student council defended the drill on Facebook, saying she'd rather field anger over the exercise then see people upset because their classmates actually died. Advertisement "Many schools NATION WIDE take part in a simulation similar to this," Miranda Ryser wrote. "No one will ever be prepared for the worse (sic) and we're not telling students to be afraid of death." She also said she thought the exercise had to be over the top. "If we did anything like this in another way, no one would listen or pay attention to ANYTHING," she wrote. "Try warning high school students of the dangers they just don't care." Also on HuffPost The Trump International Hotel and Tower is going to be sold after it failed to meet its lofty expectations. The tower went into receivership on Tuesday after building developer and owner Talon International along with several other companies defaulted on a $301-million loan last year, CBC News reported. Advertisement JCF Capital ULC, which owns the debt, filed for receivership so that the company can recover its investment. JCF will trade its debt for ownership if it's not satisfied with any offers from potential buyers. The tower Canada's tallest residential building just hasn't lived up to its projections. People who invested in hotel units were told to expect occupancy rates of around 55 per cent. In reality, rates only ever hit between 15 and 45 per cent, Politico reported. The website added that less than half of the condos have been sold, and average room rates have fallen below expectations. Advertisement The tower has also been marred by structural issues, such as an unstable antenna that had Toronto Mayor John Tory demanding action last year. The sale isn't the only legal matter that has dogged the building. While the Trump Organization has no ownership stake in the tower, Trump Management has a contract with Talon to oversee housekeeping, reservations, and marketing on Talon's behalf. Talon tried to end that relationship amid the U.S. election by removing the Trump name from the tower, The Globe and Mail reported in May. The Trump Organization went to court to stop that from happening, the newspaper said. Also on HuffPost Republicans Who Have Withdrawn Their Support For Donald Trump See Gallery The editors at Vogue magazine seem to be having a love affair with Canada's prairie provinces. In the past two weeks they've published two online articles; one recommending their top picks for dining out in Alberta, and the other a "must-visit" guide to Saskatoon and Winnipeg. "Beginning in Albertas capital in Edmonton and extending through the rural, rolling hills into Calgary, theres a rising food scene thats delicious enough to lure any alpine enthusiast off the slopes and into the restaurants...," they write of Alberta eateries, suggesting that visitors dine at Pigeonhole in Calgary, The Westwood food truck in Turner Valley, and a round of cocktails at Edmonton's North 53. Advertisement They also proclaim that "Saskatoon and Winnipeg are stealthily gathering cred among those in the know." The Saskatoon Farmers' Market gets a shout out, as do the pasta dishes at Little Grouse on the Prairie. In Winnipeg, the magazine recommends a stroll around city's historic Exchange District before stopping in for some pampering at the Thermea spa. Want to know more of what Vogue deems worthy in Western Canada? Check out more of their suggestions in our video above. Photo: VGP According to CII President Naushad Forbes, at present, Indian businesses are investing in and developing infrastructure and thermo-electric projects in Vietnam. He added that through business forums, Vietnamese and Indian businesses sought investment opportunities in Vietnam in alternative energy, information and technology, adaptation to climate change and other areas. Representatives from the CII showed their trust in the good political, economic and trade relations between the two countries, saying that the current two-way trade turnover of USD5 billion did not match the potential, and confirming that they would do their utmost to increase long-term investment and trade cooperation among businesses of the two countries. Indian businesses expressed their hope that the Vietnamese Government would tackle difficulties in cooperation projects in construction and transfer of technologies in some hydro-electric plants, automobile assembly and production, the system to prevent flood in urban areas, pharmacy and traffic infrastructure. Receiving the delegation, Deputy Prime Minister Hue confirmed that Vietnam was always a destination for worlds large businesses. According to the him, Vietnamese laws are creating more favourable business environment for businesses while the Government targets to develop one million businesses by 2020. In that context, Vietnam will make the best conditions for both domestic and foreign investors, and wants to welcome more Indian investors to Vietnam, especially when Vietnam has become a member of 10 free trade agreements of important regions of the world. The Deputy Prime Minister assessed that CII members are strong businesses in India that are participating in areas which are priorities in Vietnam, including electricity, alternative energy and information and technology. He added that Vietnam encouraged Indian investors to cooperate in textile and garment as well as leather footwear areas; transfer technologies and energy saving machines in the automobile manufacturing and construction industries; and promote cooperation in the Build - Operate - Transfer (BOT) and public - private partnership (PPP) forms with foreign partners./. Jon Feingersh via Getty Images Multi-ethnic teenagers in science class Each November for 22 years, The Learning Partnership (TLP) has promoted Take Our Kids to Work Day across Canada and this is the year my child participated in the program. Parents across the country were encouraged to take this "opportunity to prepare children for the future" and that's why neither my husband nor I took him to our places of employment. I arranged for him to spend the day with a community host - a tech start-up called Interaxon - and, as a result, he learned about a wide variety of jobs none of us knew much about instead of learning more about the inner workings of a hospital or a school setting. Advertisement Recently, Federal Finance Minister, Bill Morneau used the term "job churn" to explain the situation many students my son's age may be facing. He described a future that would include multiple career changes and short-term contract employment. And that's why I thought it would be a good idea for my son to learn from the adults at the start-up. From a parental point of view, I think I'd feel much more comfortable if my child secured a traditional job with predictable hours, good benefits and long-term stability. Perhaps that can still happen. However, if that is not in the cards, I want to make sure he has started to consider alternate possibilities. Whatever the future holds, I saw Take Our Kids to Work Day as a chance to look beyond traditional workplaces and a chance to expose him to different career paths in a concrete way. As an educator, I can tell him how much opportunity there is in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) but I knew the same message coming from someone a little closer to his age, starting off in an exciting career (and not his mother) would have more impact. Learning coding might have more appeal if he talked to people who did it for a living and saw the real-life results of their work. Advertisement Sending him to a tech startup was also a chance for him to see a different work environment. He has spent plenty of time in school and hospital settings and was surprised to see a different workplace philosophy and setup. He learned about working on "a hive-like team" and so much more from a friendly, passionate and knowledgeable group. According to TLP, one of the goals of the day for students was to "understand the importance of staying in school by seeing first-hand the skills required in today's workplace" while parents were encouraged to enrich the experience "with career discussions before, during, and after to the workplace visit." We started discussing appropriate questions long before the visit and will have much to talk about now that he has had the experience. So how did I arrange for this to happen? I followed the advice on the permission form my son brought home from school and contacted someone from Interaxon, a business in which my son had previously expressed interest. It turns out they were very enthusiastic to participate and willing to host him and a friend for the day. TLP had helpful information and forms on their website and this allowed us to discuss arrangements and waivers. Maybe my son will pursue a career in medicine or education. If that is what he decides, I'll certainly support his decision in any way I can. Since he's not sure what he wants to do, his experience on Take Our Kids to Work Day will give him more to consider. And that's a good thing. Advertisement Catherine Little is a Toronto-based educator and consultant who writes about education, parenting and diversity issues. Read her thoughts on The importance of "wow" in learning. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Fabrizio Bensch / Reuters Containers with pasta is displayed at the Original Unverpackt (Original Unpacked) zero-waste grocery store in Berlin's Kreuzberg district September 16, 2014. Original Unverpackt doesn't sell foodstuffs packaged in disposable boxes, bags, jars or other containers instead shoppers can buy the likes of muesli, rice and pasta by directly helping themselves from the large store containers, filling their own boxes before getting them weighed at the till. For beer and red wine, 'bring-your-own' bottles are just as fine, even vodka is stored in a big demijohn from which customers can buy a few shots, or more. The shop also sells washing up liquid and toiletries in bulk, with toothpaste sold in tablet form. The environmentally-friendly project, which was financed by crowd funding, also allows customers to buy far smaller quantities to avoid waste and to invest in the store's recyclable goods. Picture taken September 16, 2014 REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch (GERMANY)- Tags: SOCIETY FOOD ENVIRONMENT) What's in your fridge? Perhaps there's bacon. Or the fixings for an omelet with cheese and tomato. But how much is actually edible? How much of it is packaging? Bacon slices are peeled out of a disposable plastic packet, while the eggs stand sentinel in a Styrofoam carton. Tomatoes are locked in a clamshell box, those miniature plastic prisons for produce. Cheese slices come individually wrapped. And that's just what's for breakfast. Canadians send more than nine million tonnes of garbage to landfills every year -- an estimated 35 per cent of that waste is packaging from food and consumer goods. And not all packaging waste makes it to the dump. Scientists have sounded the alarm about pop can holders and grocery bags polluting our waterways and oceans. Advertisement Eco-entrepreneurs like Vancouver's Brianne Miller want to help reduce the rubbish produced by our daily bread. Miller is bringing a new global trend to Canada: the zero-waste grocery store. Shoppers scoop what they want into their own bags, jars and Tupperware, and pay by weight. A marine biologist, Miller often encounters water pollution and its effect on aquatic life around the globe. On a trip to Borneo, an island known as a pristine diver's paradise, she was greeted by a floating carpet of litter atop the waves. Her resolve? Reduce the amount of garbage Canadians produce, and reduce the impact on our oceans. In 2015, she launched the Zero Waste Market, Canada's first waste-free pop-up grocery store. Miller's market began with monthly kiosks that would "pop up" temporarily inside other (non-food) urban stores, like retailer Patagonia. Her sites became so popular that Miller is now working to get the Zero Waste Market a permanent home. Meanwhile, two other zero-waste stores have joined Canada's scene. Green, on BC's Salt Spring Island, launched in June, and Montreal's Mega Vrac opened in September. The idea has been around in other countries for almost a decade. The UK's first zero-waste store opened in 2007. In 2011, the U.S. got its first waste-free outlet in Austin, Texas. Similar stores have sprung up across Europe. Advertisement Miller's kiosks offer fruit and veggies, bread, and a wide array of dried goods like grains and nuts, all displayed in reusable containers. Shoppers scoop what they want into their own bags, jars and Tupperware, and pay by weight. (It's like a bulk food store, but with fresh produce and without the plastic bags and twist ties.) There's even cleaning products like dish soap and laundry detergent in large dispensers. The Zero Waste Market has faced a few challenges. Sourcing locally-grown fruits and veggies supplied without packaging is easy. But for popular items like mangos and avocados that can't survive Canadian winters, Miller had to hunt for suppliers abroad who were willing to ship in reusable bins. And for now, there's no meat on the shelves. Canadian food safety requirements mean that selling meat without packaging is tricky, though Miller is working with regulators to accommodate this. Although the trend is spreading, there isn't a zero-waste store in every Canadian neighbourhood. However, most major chains are trying to reduce waste. They're offering a range of reduced-packaging products (like cheese slices in a single, re-sealable envelope instead of individually wrapped). And of course shoppers are now encouraged to bring their own reusable shopping bags. More ambitious ideas like fully compostable packaging, promoted by the National Zero Waste Council, a Canadian group focused on waste prevention, could help move the needle if consumers pressure big stores. Miller is currently negotiating a lease and hopes to open the full-time Zero Waste Market this fall. When she does, Miller estimates her one store alone will reduce the number of food containers going to landfills by 100,000 a year. Advertisement They say good things come in small packages. Perhaps the best things come in no packages at all. Craig and Marc Kielburger are the co-founders of the WE movement, which includes WE Charity, ME to WE Social Enterprise and WE Day. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: Before I begin, I must state that I have no personal affiliation to Ukraine. My interest in Ukraine only began when I started studying Ukrainian language, history and politics at the University of Saskatchewan. As a Korean, I could find many parallels between Korea and Ukraine. Both had suffered Mongol invasion, imperialism, fascism and communism in the past. In recent years, both have been struggling with corruption and the kleptocracy. My adolescence in Western Canada was a struggle against people who tried to dehumanize me. I lived in a Saskatchewan oil county for a decade. Some memorable moments included people laughing at me on the morning after a break-and-enter at my parents' store; shooting a rifle at their store window at night; vandalizing our signboard with racial slurs; telling me to go back to my country; and the police and the gas thief laughing together at me and my parents for reporting a crime. Advertisement Before I met Ukrainians, I had given up my hope of regaining my humanity. Living in such an inhospitable environment convinced me what many would take for granted -- such as friendship and love -- are a luxury. I could not read novels for a long time because the stories of friendship and love made me to desire what were not available to me. All I did was work, study and worry about who would be the next person to wrong me. I longed to get out of oil country. Ukrainians' hope and aspirations are not much different than mine. Ukrainians wanted normalcy - which is what I, too, have wanted all along. November 2013 -- the beginning of the Euromaidan Revolution -- was a life-changing event for me. Euromaidan represented the Ukrainians' righteous struggle against the corrupt President Viktor Yanukovych. After months of struggle on the cold streets of Kyiv, and more than a hundred lives lost, Ukrainians got their country back. Euromaidan was a moment where history was made not by the cold, calculated decisions of the few, but by the will of the ordinary people. Initially, I was skeptical to Euromaidan. This was not the first time when mayhem occurred in Eastern Europe. But my professor, Dr. Bohdan Kordan, helped me to realize that Ukrainians' hope and aspirations in life are not much different than mine. Advertisement They want to live in a country where there's rule of law and justice. They want to live in a country where people can trust each other, rather than constantly worry about being wronged by others. In other words, Ukrainians wanted normalcy in their life -- which is what I, too, have wanted all along. What truly impressed me was that Ukrainians that I know do not try to hide that Ukraine has problems, and there is lots of work that needs to be done. I have always thought that esprit de corps -- the sense of pride and loyalty for one's group -- is Canada's greatest problem. Not because being loyal to your community or group is bad, but because it could blind your eyes from the truth and make you reluctant from openly speaking about the problems within your community. The significance of the Euromaidan is that the many, who are flawed and imperfect, accomplished what the exceptional few could not. Unfortunately, the Web has become a sea of misinformation and half-truth on Ukraine. While being oblivious to the problems in Russia, Russian media has been shamelessly denouncing Euromaidan as a "coup" and Ukrainians as "fascists." I began to pay closer attention to what people do, not what they say. During the Euromaidan, ordinary people voluntarily came to the streets to fight the injustice and help each other. On the front lines, Ukrainian soldiers provided quarter for Russian POWs. In Kyiv, there is an ongoing reform to bring corruption to an end. But on the other hand, we have people executing the unarmed POWs, and people being condemned to death by Soviet-style martial law. Advertisement No nations are free from their past sins and able to keep their hands clean in a war. But then I ask myself: which one of the two -- Russia or Ukraine -- is making a step towards a better future? Which one of the two is desperately trying to preserve humanity in the worst possible situation? Which people's acts carry more sincerity and integrity? Without a doubt, the answer is Ukraine and Ukrainians. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes Can cigarettes cause lung cancer? A number of studies say NO! Is climate change real? There is no irrefutable proof that humans are causing it. If these statements astonish you, you are completely unaware of agnotology. The word is a neologism, that is, a new word created by a science historian, Robert N. Proctor. The word comes from the Greek agnosis, lack of knowledge, and logos, discourse. It is the study of practices that promote ignorance. It can equally be said that it is the art of deception and lies on a grand scale by industries that have realized that people's ignorance gives the industry power over them. It was a cigarette industry internal report which caught the attention of Mr. Proctor, while he was studying the methods that powerful industries use to sell their wares. Advertisement "Doubt is our product since it is the best means of competing with the 'body of fact' that exists in the mind of the general public. It is also the means of establishing a controversy." Agnotology therefore studies a policy which relies on the ignorance of the population as well as the systematic "doubt" fabricated to sell intellectually untenable positions. This policy has operated for several decades for cigarettes; we see the same tactics from climate change deniers and certain politicians. The 97 per cent unanimity of scientists and the fifth report of the IPPC (International Panel on Climate Change) are systematically cast in doubt by pseudo institutes (or think tanks) like the Heartland Institute, CEPS (Center for European Policy Studies), EPC ( European Policy Center) and ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council)v. And then we know that ExxonMobil will soon face legal suits because it knew since the 1970s that the burning of oil has a negative effect on the climate. But it is not only Donald Trump and his supporters who deliberately ignore the reality of climate change. In its communique announcing its annual conference, the Quebec Oil and Gas Association (QOGA) tells us that the step by step approach will allow the insertion of the suppository of hydrocarbons in the backside of the Quebecois: Advertisement "The emphasis which our industry places on competition intends that persons, local companies and the planet benefit from a local production in Quebec. Our industry is good for these three pillars and we hope that Quebec will rapidly become a producer of these indispensable resources. We should be economically competitive, in environmental matters and in social development..." This industry is as beneficial in environmental matters as cigarettes can be to healthy lungs! More subtly, the Couillard government's Bill 106 serves the same denial of reality. In this bill, there is a little goodie for the ecologists on the subject of energy transition, but the rest of the provisions are so favourable to the industry that one might believe that an industry lobbyist wrote it. Agnotology is to actively promote ignorance in order to promote one's product. However, faced with the power of citizens who take the time to inform themselves accurately, the "suppositories of truth" of the QOGA seem to produce nothing but gas for the biomethanization plants. A poll, published on October 31, revealed that 65 per cent of the Quebecois say they are against the extraction of hydrocarbons. Worse, "...they are 88 per cent for Quebec refusing licenses to oil and gas producers granting the right of access to the property of owners, even the right to expropriate..." For Minister of Natural Resources Pierre Arcand, promoter of Bill 106, who puts the interests of the QOGA before those of the citizens, this reality is very bad news indeed! Advertisement By Nicole Simone Photo credit: Mark Aspland and IHS Volunteers More than half of all homeless dogs in Canada exist in the Northernmost parts of the provinces. Iqaluit is no different. The Iqaluit Humane Society (IHS) faces a lot of unique challenges -- it's not easy running one of the most isolated shelters in the world, with minimal staff, funding and resources. Their volunteers do their best to help dogs, get them care and most of all, find them homes. We got a chance to speak to the IHS and learn what it's like to help the dogs of the great white north. Advertisement How was the IHS founded? The IHS was founded in 2007 with the focus on helping control the stray animal population in a humane way and has grown tremendously since then. Before the existence of the IHS, animals were shot in the dump. That practice no longer takes place and, since coming into existence, the IHS has saved over 5,000 animals that likely would have met a different fate. The Iqaluit Humane Society is a dedicated group of volunteers working every day to shelter animals in Iqaluit and from many Nunavut communities. We provide programs that address animal health & wellbeing, the humane treatment of animals, animal overpopulation, re-homing of abandoned animals, and animal-related public safety issues. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbBv1PyBUKc&feature=youtu.be What is your shelter like? We currently operate out of a bachelor apartment. Currently, the shelter is in need of repairs as we have issues like tiles coming up, fencing that needs work and new cages. We one day dream of opening a new shelter, but that is likely far off as construction costs and purchasing land is very expensive and we still have our operating costs. What types of dogs do you get in the shelter? Here at the IHS, we see all kinds of dogs. Our big dogs are mostly Husky mixes but we get pit bulls, german shepherds, golden retrievers, etc. We also see a huge amount of small dogs come through our doors. We've gotten English Bull Dogs, Corgis, Shih Tzus...you name it, we've seen it all. Some animals that fall into our care require surgeries, are ill or pregnant, etc. This makes our biggest expense (vet bills) go higher. We also see a large amount of puppies who may need foster or special care. It's also important to remember that we also see cats come through our doors as well. Advertisement What is it like being the northernmost shelter in North America? Although we face a lot of challenges, it is also extremely gratifying delivering such crucial services. We strive to be a safe resource for the community where they can receive information, surrender animals, ask for help and more. It is hard for us to get cheap supplies and we do a lot of flying animals to and from Iqaluit! What are your adoption rates like? Our adoption rates are good but there are always more animals in need than homes! We rehome locally when we can and try to find homes for dogs particularly well-suited for Iqaluit and it's weather. A large amount of our animals head to the SPCA of Western Quebec and get adopted out almost immediately. Also, it is important to keep in mind that we are a "no kill" shelter. We've had some animals in our care that often require special circumstances and end up staying with us for two or three years. We strive to make sure that every animal finds it's perfect forever home. Do the dogs get sent to other cities/towns for more adoption exposure? We have an amazing partnership with the SPCA of Western Quebec. Each week we send a certain amount of our animals south on a dog run. Animals are flown down to the rescue in Gatineau to be re-homed. There are actually a large amount of dog owners in the Ottawa/Gatineau area that own Iqaluit dogs--they even have a Facebook meet-up group for doggie playtimes! Advertisement What are the three hardest things your shelter faces? 1. Location: Being located so far north is very costly in terms of purchasing supplies. For example, a roll of paper towels could cost us $20 at the store. If we want to build a new shelter, we can't just go to the Home Depot like down south. We need to ship things north and that drives our costs extremely high. Our resources are limited. 2. Fundraising: We do not get government funding and rely on donations from the community. Our vet bills alone last year were $40,000. We always face the pressure of raising money to keep our doors open. It requires a lot of manpower to not only run the shelter but also raise money. 3. Space: Given our small shelter, it is impossible to provide everything an animal needs. We would love to have more land for safe outdoor spaces rather than keep all of the animals in this small space. Is it difficult getting supplies and health care to the dogs? We are very lucky to have a vet here in Iqaluit and sometimes animals require additional care in the south. Any medical supplies we need we pay for and ship up, which can be costly. This is why we want to one day become the Nunavut SPCA so that we can help other communities even further north like Pangnirtung, Cape Dorset, etc. This summer we may be fortunate enough to have Chinook Project come north. Advertisement What are some educational initiatives that you do with the community? One of our biggest initiatives is our No-Bite Program in the schools. Nunavut has the highest rate of dog bites in the country and we try to educate children about the body language of a dog. For example, observe the ears, tail, etc. We focus on educating the community about the importance of spay/neuter and provide free fixing clinics and vaccines a few times a year. Danita Delimont via Getty Images Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchusnerka) also called red salmon or blueback salmon in the United States is an anadromousspecies of salmon found in the Northern Pacific Ocean and rivers discharging into it. This species is a Pacific salmon that is primarily red in hue during spawning. They can be up to 84 cm in length and weigh anywhere from 2.3 to 7 kg. To understand just how important wild salmon are to the people of BC, consider this: a 2011 public opinion poll showed wild salmon are as culturally important to British Columbians as the French language is to Quebeckers. It is no overstatement. Wild salmon underpin the west coast ecosystem, contribute billions to the economy through fisheries and wildlife tourism, and are central to First Nations culture. Advertisement This year's collapse of the mighty Fraser sockeye -- once the world's largest sockeye run -- is an ominous sign that our wild salmon stand on the brink. So it is out of desperation that we appeal to our fellow Canadians: Please, help us convince our federal government to end its war on wild salmon. The war on wild salmon escalated during the Harper years as wild salmon were viewed as mere complications to environmental assessments of resource development projects. A year into the Trudeau Liberal government, it appears little has changed. Just look no further than the broken promise bonanza that is the approval of the Pacific Northwest LNG mega-project. It backtracks on Liberal climate target promises and offends First Nations who were expecting more after grandiose talk of reconciliation. Scientists also warn that it will likely result in the destruction of BC's second largest sockeye run. Advertisement The latter seems of little concern to the government department traditionally responsible for protecting our fish stocks. In fact, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' (DFO) mission statement no longer includes the protection of Canada's fish, instead, aiming to support the expansion of aquaculture. A big part of this is salmon farming, controlled by three Norwegian-run corporate giants. The salmon farming industry has a long history of 'disappearing' wild salmon wherever it operates. The industry vehemently denies all responsibility, but even insiders say it is no coincidence: the largest shareholder of Norway's Marine Harvest (the largest feedlot operator in BC), broke the industry's code of silence in 2007, stating his concern that salmon farms help kill off wild salmon populations. Our own government has shown much less concern, despite a stockpile of scientific evidence. The rise of salmon farming in BC coincides precisely with the Fraser sockeye's decline. Only those parts of the run that avoid salmon farms on their path out to sea have increased (below). In reality, salmon farms are industrial feedlots with similar problems to land-based factory farms - waste and disease. But while land-based feedlots are isolated from the surrounding environment, open-pen salmon farms purposely use our coastal waters as dumping grounds, using the current to carry away the tonnes of raw sewage each one creates daily. Advertisement Tidal currents also spread fish parasites and disease that thrive in the unnaturally cramped conditions of salmon farms. Sea lice, a parasite amplified by salmon farms, have been implicated in the decline of wild salmon and sea trout around the world. It is a problem the industry can't seem to control - this year, young salmon near salmon farms had the highest levels of sea lice in over a decade. Even a single louse attached to a young salmon can be deadly. The real ticking time bomb, however, are exotic salmon viruses, imported into BC waters, for which our wild salmon have little to no immunity. Only a few months ago, the DFO confirmed the presence of a devastating disease linked to one such virus in BC farmed salmon - piscine reovirus. Non-governmental scientists raised the alarm in 2013, after finding evidence of a Norwegian strain of the virus in most farmed salmon in BC. It was also found in our wild salmon. Piscine reovirus can weaken wild salmon, making them unable to complete the long, difficult upstream journey to their spawning grounds. Advertisement But here's the really diabolical part: salmon farmers have been knowingly putting virus-infected smolts into BC waters for years, while our government turned a blind eye. Incredibly, the Harper government even appealed a court ruling to continue to allow salmon farmers to do so. The Trudeau Liberals appear equally determined. The practice is almost certainly illegal. Section 56 of the Fisheries Act states that the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans must ensure that farmed fish are free of disease before allowing their transfer into our ocean. It will likely take a new lawsuit filed against the Minister by Ecojustice and biologist Alexandra Morton to force the government to follow their own laws and test farmed salmon smolts for piscine reovirus. Clearly the evidence-based policy the Trudeau government promised us has not yet reached the DFO. Responding to the collapse of the Fraser sockeye, the Minister's 'renewed commitment' to our wild salmon didn't stop him from maintaining their commitment to expand salmon farming. Fortunately, not everyone in Ottawa is turning a blind eye to science. This fall, parliament will vote on Port Moody-Coquitlam MP Finn Donnelly's private members Bill C-228. The bill would force all salmon farms to move to a closed containment model, isolated from our coastal waters, preventing the release of parasites and disease that can harm our wild salmon. Closed containment salmon farming is a sustainable, economically viable alternative to the open-pen farms now used in BC. Advertisement The world's largest salmon farming company, Marine Harvest, has begun a shift towards closed containment in Norway. Shouldn't we insist foreign companies show the same respect for our environment as they do in their own countries? Bill C-228 is a common-sense approach that allows the government to pursue its salmon farming agenda, positioning Canada as a leader in sustainable aquaculture, while protecting our wild salmon for generations to come. It is also, quite simply, our best and possibly last hope to save BC's wild salmon. To pass, it will need Canadians to make it clear to MPs across Canada that BC's wild salmon are worth saving. Please, visit http://salmon.advokit.ca to send a letter to your MP asking them to vote 'yes' to Bill C-228. Our orcas, our bears, our fishermen, our children and the First Nations of BC will thank you. Free trade rarely comes cheap, and too often the price is just too high. Unifor members from across Canada are bringing this message to Ottawa this week as they meet with members of Parliament to talk about the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Public consultations on the TPP -- a 12-member trade deal of Pacific Rim nations including Canada, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the U.S. and Vietnam -- were due to end October 31, but have now been extended to the end of January. Advertisement After that, debate on the deal moves to Parliament Hill toward a possible ratification vote in the House of Commons in 2017. Unifor is in Ottawa this week in anticipation of that vote. We are urging the government to live up to another promise and to strengthen electoral democracy by allowing a free vote on the TPP. All MPs should be able to vote their conscience on the TPP, rather than having their votes dictated to them by party leadership. During the last federal election, the Liberals promised more free votes in the House so MPs could more effectively represent their constituents. The TPP is an issue that demands our representation. It will affect every Canadian, but will have specific and diverse impacts on different parts of the country. The only way for MPs to properly represent their ridings is with a free vote. Auto communities will be particularly hard hit by the TPP, but this trade deal will hurt those communities with strong dairy and aerospace industries and others, as well. Advertisement While the TPP's impact on health care and the cost of prescription drugs should be a concern to all Canadians, MPs with large numbers of aging constituents might want to pay particular attention to this issue. Those from ridings where the environment is a key issue, for instance, might want to consider the impact of the TPP's Investor State Disputes Settlement (ISDS) system on Canada's ability to pass new laws. For those concerned about the impact of modern technology in our lives, the concerns raised by Open Media about our digital rights and threats to an open Internet under the TPP might be of interest. With so many distinct and varied ways the TPP might affect constituents, the only way for MPs to properly represent their ridings is with a free vote. Advertisement Despite all the high costs that come with the TPP, the potential payoff is very low. Even the most optimistic projections show only anemic growth from this deal . If the TPP won't boost trade in any meaningful way, there's really no reason to risk its potential high costs. In short, the payoff for ratifying the TPP is insignificant, and the price is too high. It's just too dangerous. We have heard similar concerns coming out of Europe over the past few weeks as the people of Wallonia, a region of Belgium, stood up against Canada's trade deal with the European Union, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). There, the parliament of Wallonia threatened to scuttle the entire CETA, in large part over objections to the deal's investor-state dispute mechanism -- which allows corporations to sue governments if laws hurt their profits, even if those laws are in the public interest. While a compromise was reached allowing the prime minister to fly to Brussels over the weekend to sign the deal, CETA is still a long way from being ratified or implemented. Advertisement Under the Wallonia deal, CETA's investor rights provisions must be sent to the European Court of Justice to test its legality. It is far from certain that these provisions can survive this test. The government should work for us - the residents of Canada. As well, the entire deal must be ratified by all 28 member states of the EU, including 10 regional parliaments, and Canada. Achieving that will be difficult, and could take years. The debate in Wallonia has reawakened opposition across Europe, particularly in Germany and France, where an election next year is expected to focus heavily on CETA. The fact is that people are increasingly recognizing the need for fair trade deals that protect their rights, and not just the rights of corporations. Fair trade is needed to provide and maintain good jobs instead of forcing a race to the bottom. This rings true for CETA, and it's true for the TPP. Both of these trade deals are remnants of the Harper government, which was thrown out of power more than a year ago for failing to hear or address the needs of ordinary Canadians. Unifor is in Ottawa this week to remind MPs that the government should work for us -- the residents of Canada. Our union will continue to urge MPs to be part of the movement for a fair trade future, which begins with voting against the TPP. Advertisement Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: Concerns have been recently raised about the Muslim Toronto police chaplain on his personal views about women and marriage. Officer Musleh Khan's viewpoints come across as strongly patriarchal and infantalizing of women. However, he claims that he does not believe women are second-class citizens and that his words have been taken out of context. Khan is a young officer who seemingly follows a morality shaped by patriarchal values. It is easy to find similar counterparts amongst certain conservative religious communities where women face restrictions and duties of various kinds. As such, instead of trivializing the problem to the viewpoints of one Muslim chaplain, the issue at hand should be one of patriarchy-infused religious morality. Advertisement Can we really expect Khan to espouse liberal views if the type of traditional religious education he may have received could instigate him to reject equality? As such, the concern for conservative Muslims should be aimed at the sort of traditional religious education that is being imparted to young Muslims in less moderate communities, which paralyzes their critical faculties. Silence from @ torontopolice and @marksaunderstps on the outrageous/illegal views of their employee Musleh Khan.https://t.co/tt72T9JS4c Todd Banks (@Banks_Todd) November 2, 2016 The problem is the belief amongst certain groups of conservative Muslim groups that reason must be replaced by taqlid (mindless imitation) in religious affairs. This is perhaps why some individuals are able to read and recite Arabic verses, but are rarely able to explain the meaning of those texts. Khan has expressed that wives should be obedient to their husbands and seek permission before leaving their homes. He also asserts that it would be a major sin to refuse sex to husbands without a proper excuse such as sickness or obligatory fasting. He believes that it is the nature of men to demand sex more than women. Advertisement Had Khan studied the Qur'an based upon tadabbur (reflection) and aql (reason), he would not have fettered the meaning of the texts with patriarchy. Indeed, the idea of seeking permission from husbands before leaving home and the notion of greater sexual desires of men are extraneous to the Qur'an. Such viewpoints can be found in medieval legal manuals, but Muslims are not bound by the opinions of fallible scholars who shaped classical jurisprudence. Reducing a human being to the servitude of another goes against the principal Islamic teaching on submitting to none except Allah. Classical scholars were expounding upon the Qur'an based on their social mores. Their opinions coloured by their cultural constructs are not binding upon later generations of Muslims. Conservative Muslims like Khan will have to explain that if they do not view marriage as a contract in which the husband buys exclusive access to a woman's private parts, then on what basis do they continue to impose restrictions on the mobility of women, which was a feature of such marriage contracts? However, since Muslims like Khan have abandoned legal reasoning for mindless imitation of the texts, they may not be able to appreciate how patriarchy of the legal jurists influenced their viewpoints. Additionally, such Muslims may not be able to answer whether the increasing number of Muslim stay-at-home dads will also have to seek permission from the bread-winning working wife. Advertisement .@CityCristinaH speaks exclusively with Musleh Khan, the new TPS chaplain, defending his comments about women's roles. @CityNewspic.twitter.com/88rz8D8Plt Tony Fera (@tonyfera1) November 1, 2016 There exists a secondary text in which angels curse a woman for refusing sex to the husband. However, this text is also extraneous to the Qur'an. The very idea behind sexual relationships is to engender mawadda (affection), which cannot arise if the wife is obligated to perform sexual acts without regard to her emotional welfare. Moreover, reducing a human being to the servitude of another goes against the principal Islamic teaching on submitting to none except Allah. The whole Khan fiasco will die out when the media loses interest. It will however provide fodder to xenophobes who will stoke their pet peeve of Islam bashing. They will contribute to negativity and hatred, but will not support Muslims like the Canadian Council of Muslim Women who are actually combating patriarchy and bring much-needed change. The need of the hour is for Muslim communities to revive the use of critical reasoning in religion and free Muslims from the stranglehold of popular male celebrity scholars who infuse religious teachings with their unthinking patriarchal biases. In this regard, progressive and Universalist Muslims will continue to assert the truth that patriarchy does not define Islam. Advertisement Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: Forgetting how to speak a language is cute at first. Like the time I was in the library when my mom called. It was dead silent and I didn't want to be that person so I quickly said in Vietnamese, "Sorry mom, I'm in the library. Can't talk right now," and hung up. But instead of saying library, I accidentally said the word for hospital. My mom called back, freaking out. Advertisement "What do you mean you're in the hospital?!" "Oops. I meant I'm in the place with all the books and computers." "You mean a library? Oh my god, child." We laughed about it later. But these gaffes were happening more and more. I was forgetting how to say some really simple words in Vietnamese, like house keys, bathrobe, and even the colour brown. I would sometimes spit out phrases so odd my parents couldn't make sense of what I was saying. Before long, I realized a really depressing fact: I was losing my language. Like many second-generation children, I grew up learning two languages at the same time, Vietnamese and English. My parents rarely spoke a lick of the latter at home, so there was lots of Vietnamese talk growing up. The typical rule that reigned in my house was, "No English at the dinner table!" By the time I was five, I could sing along to all the musical numbers my mom played on Sunday mornings, particularly anything by Lynda Trang Dai, our very own Vietnamese Madonna. It helped that the Halifax suburb I grew up in was thriving with first- and second-generation kids who also spoke another language. We juggled our two languages in more or less the same manner: speaking English at school, speaking our mother tongue at home. "The only times I spoke it was when I called home or when my parents called me. Once, I went two entire weeks without speaking Vietnamese at all." When I was 17, I got accepted to a journalism school in Toronto. I packed several suitcases, said goodbye to my folks, and promised to call every day I was away. I didn't. I could have guessed that other things would take over. School, friends, life. But I never guessed that English would take over too. It was everything I said, read, and wrote. I spent a lot of time learning how to craft the perfect English sentence. And as that became more and more of what I did, the Vietnamese I was once so fluent in became less and less eloquent. The only times I spoke it was when I called home or when my parents called me. Once, I went two entire weeks without speaking Vietnamese at all. I tried to hold on to my Vietnamese skills every chance I got. I joined a Vietnamese students' dance group so I could be around more people like me. I went to pho restaurants and gave my order in Vietnamese, even if the waiter asked in English. I even went to this one hair salon for a while just so I could chat with the Vietnamese hairdresser. Advertisement Still, my Vietnamese sucked and it was most apparent during my Christmas visits home. One night, I was helping my mom cook dinner when she asked me to chop up some toi. I had no idea what that was and I didn't want to ask because it'd be embarrassing. So I grabbed an onion from the pantry. Wrong. So wrong. "Each time I forgot another word, it was like I was a little less Vietnamese." "What are you doing? That's not toi," she said. She walked to the cabinet and got the ingredient I was supposed to get. "This is toi." It was garlic. She teased me and told my dad and siblings and we all had a big laugh about it, like we always do. But it was a disappointing reminder that I'd neglected my Vietnamese for too long that even mere pantry staples befuddled me. A couple of insignificant words shouldn't matter much, but to me, it meant a lot. Forgetting a few words meant having awkward, half-formed conversations with my parents. It meant feeling alienated from an ethnic community that was strongly bound by a common language. Most importantly, it meant losing an inherent part of my Vietnamese identity. Each time I forgot another word, it was like I was a little less Vietnamese. It's been 10 years since I moved out of my parents' house. I still feel a paralytic anxiety whenever I'm summoned to say or grasp something in Vietnamese, like recently when my aunt asked me what I did for a living (it's already hard enough to explain your freelance writing career in English). Advertisement But I'm still trying. I imagine, with good will and practice, that some day someone will ask me if I'm fluent in Vietnamese, and I can actually say, "Yes," instead of a sheepish "sort of." Not so I could impress them, but because it's the kind of answer a second-generation Asian-Canadian kid should be proud to give. I don't imagine the other scenario: losing my grip on the Vietnamese language altogether. I know I can't be expected to have the same level of fluency as my parents, who spoke it exclusively all their lives, but it would be a fundamental loss to have every Vietnamese word I know disappear from my vocabulary. For now, I'll talk in Vietnamese as much as I can even if it means using Google translate on every other word. At least I'll never have to look up garlic again. This story was previously published in Ricepaper Magazine. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook PeopleImages.com via Getty Images A young woman looking anxious and fearful Recently appointed Toronto Police Services Muslim chaplain Musleh Khan has come under scrutiny for statements he made publicly in 2013 about respecting the role and duties of married women in Islam. Those statements have been described as "appalling" by Executive Director Alia Hogben of the Muslim organization the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW). Advertisement In the video uploaded to YouTube (and since made private), Khan said that a woman should be "obedient" to her husband at all times and must not refrain from intimacy without a "valid excuse." (His slideshow provides that sickness and fasting qualify as valid excuses.) If a woman refuses her husband's advances without a valid reason, then she committed a major sin. He also said that wives should seek permission from their husband before leaving the home because they are the guardians of the marital home. Critics wonder how an individual with such views could satisfactorily fulfill the role of the Toronto Police Services' Muslim chaplain. Advertisement Musleh Khan had this as part of his response: "I appreciate the criticism of the choice of my words and will be more mindful in clarifying my steadfast support of women's equality... I remain ready to serve my community as the Muslim Chaplain of the Toronto Police Force." Is this enough? This police chaplain promotes rape culture, domestic servitude and violence. Not when you consider that the role of Muslim chaplain of the Toronto Police Force means that his views (which are anything but supportive of women's equality) may impact the actions of police officers under his influence, not to mention Muslim citizens under his engagement. And this is because in his official capacity, the Toronto Police Services Muslim chaplain must provide both spiritual guidance to Muslim police officers and build bridges between police and the Muslim community. Unfortunately, this police chaplain's view conflicts with Ontario's zero tolerance policy and the Toronto Police Service Priority to combat domestic violence. And it is dangerous if it influences any of the police officers who look to him for spiritual support -- particularly if it interferes with their ability to carry out their mandate. Advertisement Police must exercise appropriate discretion, particularly when attending a call where a woman has indicated that she or the children in her care are in danger due to a domestic dispute. It requires police to lay a charge and ensure offenders do not escape the consequences of their actions and/or in some circumstances, even if a charge is not laid due to the non-violent but escalating nature of the dispute, they are to ask one party, usually the man, to leave the home for a period of time, if that appears to be reasonable. Any police officer who takes into consideration a woman's "obedience" in the determination of such a charge and/or in the decision to not remove an angry individual from his home, in such circumstances, is taking a step back in history and outside that policy. By indicating that women must be obedient, must not leave their homes without their husband's consent and must agree to sexual intercourse if they're without a "valid" excuse, this police chaplain promotes rape culture, domestic servitude and violence. And that is completely in contradiction to the role of a Toronto Police Force member, whose mandate is to serve and protect. Even more problematic is the message it sends to victims of abuse. It interferes with the ability of police to encourage women -- particularly Muslim women -- to tell police their story. And it discourages them from seeking refuge in women's shelters. Advertisement As a lawyer who has worked with victims of domestic violence, I wonder what would the consequences have been in their cases if police had failed to do their job. For example, what if instead of removing a man from the home and issuing a non-contact order, an officer had demanded a woman's obedience over her safety? Or if a woman thought she could not leave home to find safety in a shelter or seek help from the Court? Alia Hogben sums it up: "If his personal opinions are going to interfere with the work he does as a chaplain, that's pretty damaging for not only the police in Toronto but for the women he might counsel." Exactly. Hogben adds that "(the) comments reinforce a stereotype that anti-women views are intrinsic to Islam. It's not the Muslim view." Advertisement And Hogben should know. The Order of Canada recipient has led CCMW in its rally to guard the rights of Muslim women, including a campaign to prevent and end domestic violence in Canada's Muslim communities. In doing so, CCMW has worked with Imams and trained service providers whose clients are Muslim. It has even distributed Islamic resources that provide interpretations of scriptures that serve as alternatives to those followed by some individuals, such as this police chaplain, and that include a description of the household of Prophet Muhammad, whose wives (whom we believe were all adults at the time of marriage) showed autonomy, providing positive role models to Muslim couples. Why were his views not discovered sooner? CCMW is not alone. According to fellow Muslim Renee I.A. Mercuri, a director of the Toronto Unity Mosque who is also an inter-spiritual reverend: "Circulating ideas that subjugate women, under the guise of religion, that women are meant to serve their partners, ask permission to be themselves, used without mutual consideration for the sexual pleasure of their mates, while not submitting is described as 'sinful' -- these are forms of misogyny and patriarchy at its worst, and treat women as sub-human. This is not Islam." It means, additionally, that there are others inside the Muslim community -- right here in Ontario -- who are both qualified to guide Muslim members of the police force and who are sensitive to the needs of Muslim women in crisis. So now we must ask -- not Musleh Khan -- but the Toronto Police Service the following questions: How was this individual determined to be appropriate for the job? Why were his views not discovered sooner? Advertisement For what reason were other applicants rejected? Who determines the legitimacy of an applicant's Islamic qualifications and how? At a time when police are under scrutiny for their treatment of minorities, how could Musleh Khan's views on women have fallen through the cracks? Finally -- what is the Toronto Police Service going to do now? Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: Officials cut the ribbon at the ceremony (Photo: VNA) Located on an area of 400m2, the kindergarten school includes three classrooms for 80 students, a room for teachers and six toilets. The school is also equipped with 84 sets of desks and chairs, along with all necessary school stationery for three classrooms and six sets of outdoor play equipment. Total funding for the construction and equipment is over LAK800 million. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Kim Son, General Director of PVOil in Laos, said his company has done business in Laos for many years and he himself has had the opportunity to go to many provinces of Laos, so he clearly recognizes the difficulties of Lao people in remote areas, especially education facilities for children. Based on the Vietnam Laos special relationship and responsibility of a Vietnamese business for social issues in Laos, the company has cooperated with the Vietnamese Embassy in order to support the school for Phongsaly province. On this occasion, on behalf of all officials and employees of the company, Mr. Nguyen Kim Son thanked the administrations at all levels of Phongsaly province for allowing and creating conditions for the company to make their social responsibilities for poor students in remote areas, to help them have better conditions to study to become useful people to further build and develop the country of Laos. He also hoped that in the future the company will continue to be able to help the people in Laos build useful buildings such as schools, clinics and clean water systems. Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Manh Hung hoped that the management board of the school and the local administration would preserve and use the school effectively, so that preschool children in the locality can go to school to have the best health and knowledge backgrounds before becoming students of primary school. Deputy Governor of Phongsaly province Thongsi Saosouphom thanked the Vietnamese Embassy and PVOil in Laos for the practical and significant gift. He stressed that as a remote province, with more than 90% of its area being mountainous, its infrastructure is extremely difficult while the economic life of the local people is very needy, and so the presentation of the school of Vietnamese Embassy and PVOil have helped alleviate difficulties of the people. It also represents the consistent special solidarity relationship the Party, State and people of Vietnam have always reserved for Laos. It also shows that Vietnamese enterprises doing business in Laos are companies with high social responsibility and want to do long-term investment in Laos./. The five things you need to know on Thursday, November 3 1) TITANIC STRUGGLE Such jolly japes at the Spectators awards last night, not least as Boris did a Boris. The Foreign Secretary declared: Brexit means Brexit, and we're going to make a Titanic, er, colossal success of it. Like lots of Boris gaffes, you cant help thinking it was a deliberate joke. Advertisement But the really Titanic struggle today is in the High Court when three judges will at 10am deliver their historic verdict on whether the government can begin the formal process of leaving the European Union without consulting Parliament. There are conflicting opinions about the mood music coming from the court during its hearing a fortnight ago. Some legal observers felt that the Lord Chief Justices questions to the Governments counsel were sufficiently barbed that he himself may find in favour of those who believe MPs have to be consulted before Article 50 can be triggered. Others thought that was a misreading. Either way, many expect a split decision and that the political parcel will be passed to the Supreme Court, which is ultimately probably the proper place for a ruling of such importance - particularly as a Government defeat could spark the biggest constitutional crisis of our generation. Meanwhile, crossbencher Lord Kerr, who devised the Article 50 clause in the Lisbon Treaty while he was secretary general of the European Convention, has told the BBC that it is not irrevocable. He says the country might want to think again when the detail of Britains new relationship with the EU becomes clearer. You can change your mind while the process is going on. Thats very much not the view of the Brexit Department. Advertisement 2) GEORGIAN ERA In one of the most surreal scenes of a very surreal political year, Theresa May last night dressed in a hi-vis yellow jacket and a hard hat as George Osborne handed her the Politician of the Year award. The former Chancellor was ready with jokes of his own however (hear his speech HERE), declaring When I give out the awards, there won't be much time for chit chat. A bit like when Theresa and I last spoke. May came armed with barbs for her Foreign Secretary revealing how Boris, the Alsatian was put down when it's master didn't need it any more. After the way she dealt with Patrick McLoughlin at PMQs for giving her duff info about Conor McGinns new baby, the sharp yank of Boris's choke-chain was further proof of a Thatcher-like determination to keep her Cabinet in check. And her gag about Camerons former comms chief Craig Oliver was a zinger. Referring to Olivers line in his much-ridiculed instant memoir - that he retched in the street after the Brexit vote - the PM said: Most of us experienced it too. When we saw his name on the resignation honours list." But earlier at the LSE, Osborne had a more serious warning for May on a hard Brexit. He said the suggestion that immigration causes unemployment a key feature of the PMs conference speech - is contradicted by hard data. The claim that EU migration hits wages and jobs doesnt really stack up because of simultaneous record employment and immigration to the UK, he said. The final days of the Osborne era was famously marked by Project Fear in the EU referendum campaign. But The Telegraph reports a backlash against Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood for claiming official warnings about the cost of Brexit were factually correct and objective. They were so correct that the Treasury has, er, quietly ceased using them. Advertisement 3) BLAIR-ED VISION Lots of Tories (and some Labour MPs) think that Tony Blairs decision to allow unlimited Eastern European migration is as much to blame for Brexit as years of tabloid stories about bent bananas. But does the former PM have a wider responsibility too, thanks to Iraq? In a long session before the Liaison Committee yesterday (I watch this stuff so you dont have to, dear reader), Sir John Chilcot was nudged into making some political assessments that he hadnt in his 2.6m word report on the Iraq fiasco. Asked by Andrew Tyrie if public trust in politics had been corroded by the whole WMD claims, Chilcot replied: I think when a government or the leader of a government presents a case with all the powers of advocacy that he or she can command, and in doing so goes beyond what the facts of the case and the basic analysis of that can support, then it does damage politics, yes. But in an interview with me today, another distinguished Knight of the realm, Sir Jeremy Greenstock, goes further and links the public backlash against Blairs conduct with Brexit. Iraq has had a real international effect on the UK. I think it is connected with Brexit. It was one of those things that got people in this country thinking our elite, our toffs, our leaders up there are not listening to us, are not looking after us in the way that we want. Greenstocks words have all the more power because he is not one of those who thinks Blair lied over WMD. But his book Iraq: the Cost of War makes clear he felt TB was subservient to the raw projection of American power that Bush and Cheney wanted in the wake of 9/11. Read my interview HERE. Advertisement BECAUSE YOUVE READ THIS FAR Watch Barack Obama greet kids at the White House Halloween party. Mini-superman says Thats POTUS! 4) HELTER SHELTER The Sun has proved once again how shrewd newspaper campaigns can work if they are eminently winnable. Its Give Me Shelter campaign to reverse the spate of closures of womens domestic violence refuges today sees Communities Secretary Sajid Javid offer a new 20m fund to help councils. Of course, councils will want much more support than this in the face of wider cuts, but it's a start. Whats more of a problem is the Shelter report out today warning of a devastating spike in the number of children facing homelessness - ie living in temporary accommodation - this Christmas. Labours John Healey says the 120,000 figure (the highest since 2007) should make ministers hang their heads in shame. 5) DAME GAME Yvette Coopers tenure at the helm at the Home Affairs Select Committee had its first big moment yesterday with the release of a letter to her from former child sex abuse inquiry chief Dame Lowell Goddard. Goddard hits back at claims about why she quit, saying the team lost their nerve about my ability to continue leading the inquiry But the most intriguing line (spotted by PolHome) was a hint of wider, political forces at work in the stories about her: Our perception was that these personal attacks, which increased in intensity over time, were aimed at undermining me for the wider purpose of undermining the inquiry itself, and more generally for wider political purposes about which one can only speculate. What does she mean? If youre reading this on the web, sign-up HERE to get the WaughZone delivered to your inbox. Kacper Pempel / Reuters Almost weekly, social media and tech companies are criticised for not doing enough to counter radicalisation and terrorist networks using their platforms. Calls for social media networks to be shut down, or for legislation to be put in place to make them more accountable are commonplace. But by making Twitter, Facebook and others solely responsible for radicalisation will not address the fundamentals of the issue. Our preoccupation with social media companies is fogging our vision and preventing us from seeing the wider picture, making society feel that the answer to recruitment and radicalisation is a simple, immediately remedied problem. Advertisement We have always found proxies to blame for societal ills, making them obvious or convenient scapegoats. Whether it be rap music for gang violence or video games for school shootings, we assign responsibility to the obvious because the reality is too difficult or requires more than a cursory glance to understand what is really driving these alien or unimaginable conversations and actions. Human nature wants radicalisation to be a social media problem, not a cultural or societal issue. If we look at the recruitment of fan-boys and foreign terrorist fighters we see that recruitment of vulnerable individuals and thugs continues much as it did before the advent of social media. It always comes back to the same. That's why in Belgium the vast majority of foreign terrorist fighters come from the same few towns, and why in France we can map fighters to the same arrondissements in cities. There will always be outliers, and social media is most definitely a tool manipulated to reach those individuals with no links. But in almost all cases you will find that those travelling to join Daesh for example, know someone who is already there, know someone who is financially supporting terrorist networks, or is part of the franchise that Daesh has created. Foreign fighters are not a new phenomenon. Just look at the Spanish civil war, or more recently Afghanistan, Chechnya or Bosnia. These fighters did not have the use of social media networks. In all of these conflicts it was the cause which mainly drew recruits, but you also had those who joined because of the draw of the fight. The bloodlust. You also had those who wanted to be part of something bigger, whether they really understood it or not. Advertisement This is not to say social media companies do not have a role to play. Radicalising conversations, and the sharing of violent, extremist and disgusting materials are certainly taking place on their platforms and social media undoubtedly makes it easier for conversations to take place, and offers ease and speed. So how can the tech and social media world help? During the Olympics, Twitter was assiduous in its removal of any content that breached or impinged Olympic copyright. As a result some of the criticisms of its removal of terrorist propaganda seem justified and fair. But the way that Twitter focused on removing the content, not the users, is the same way we must approach terrorism in social media. It's redundant taking down twitter handles. We end up in a cycle of endless whack-a-mole which social media companies can never be expected to keep up with. All this does is drive terrorists from public and open platforms by shutting down their accounts, or in the extreme, shutting down these channels in the entire country. It would drive the terrorists and their recruiters underground and on to more encrypted and more difficult-to-track platforms. Intelligence collections rely on the use of more mainstream channels to light up the activities of terrorists, sometimes even highlighting their locations as we've seen with Daesh's geo-locators. Intelligence gathering is key to these groups. Many terrorist organisations and groups within them use different hashtags to communicate. Instead of cracking down on the accounts we should flood their hashtags with counter-narratives - or even better accurate information. If they are claiming success in an area of Iraq where they are pretending to have a stronghold, flood the hashtag with images of the reality showing Iraqi Security Forces in control. At the very least let's flood their hashtag with celebrity chat and other trivia so they find it difficult to unite and gather momentum. Bloomberg via Getty Images The High Court decision this morning ruling that Parliament rather than the Crown has the power to trigger Article 50 has unleashed fevered politicking on all sides. Unsurprisingly, fanatical Brexiters like Suzanne Evans of Ukip - who immediately railed against "activist judges" on Twitter - and the Daily Mail - apparently furious that one of the high court judges might be an "openly gay fencer" - went straight for the judges' jugulars. Advertisement What misleading and dangerous rubbish. This decision in fact bolsters Parliamentary sovereignty against the Executive and is right both constitutionally and morally. And since when in the UK is it appropriate to call for the resignation of judges who are doing their constitutionally appointed duty by calling their motives into question because you don't like their conclusion? The obsession with "judicial activism" was born in the United States and manifested in right-wing campaigns against the abortion rights gained as a result of Roe v Wade. Generally speaking, judicial activism is what happens when a court rules against what you want to happen. It's the same bleat as you hear from hardened cons saying the judge had it in for them. It's a peculiar concept that has particular force in the United States because their Constitution makes the Supreme Court the ultimate arbiter of the constitutionality of decisions taken by the legislature or executive. This is not true in the UK where Parliament is sovereign. It's, I'm afraid, representative of the kind of US-obsessed nonsense we see too much of, for example, in the 'alt right' narrative of betrayal. We're not America, and given what they're going through right now in their Presidential election, we should be grateful for that. All the High Court has done today is reaffirm that Parliament is sovereign and the powers granted to the Executive - Her Majesty's Government - do not extend to making and breaking laws like some absolute monarch while Parliament is sidelined. Advertisement Treaties between nations require approval by the sovereign body - in Britain's case, Parliament. And thus, they have affirmed that to withdraw from a treaty will require Parliament to vote to do so. I am very clear that before Parliament does so, we should require the Government to present in detail the principles against which it will conduct its negotiations. What kind of outcome do they wish to achieve? What is their vision of the most beneficial form of Brexit? Will they guarantee that the worst effects will not fall on the most vulnerable? We should not require information about the Government's negotiating tactics, which understandably they would not want to expose to general view. This is doubly important because, as the judges note, Article 50 cannot be conditional. That is, once it is triggered, our exit from the European Union is not conditional upon certain conditions being met. Once we have triggered it, come what may, in 24 months we will be out. That is especially important for workers and businesses who enjoy certain rights as a result of European law. There is no guarantee that those laws will be incorporated into British law and we have no way of forcing the government to keep to its pledge not to water down our rights. So a sovereign Parliament has a duty to make sure that we've got things squared, that assurances are given and that the government has set the right path for our future. Parliament should also get a vote on the outcome of negotiations too. That is precisely what sovereign Parliaments do. The Crown should abandon their fruitless attempts to arrogate sovereignty to itself and trust in good, old-fashioned, British Parliamentary sovereignty to help them get the best deal. I think it's called 'taking back control'. The Chancellor, Philip Hammond formally launched the government's new National Cyber Security Strategy, which will set out a decisive action to protect the UK economy and the privacy of British citizens, while encouraging industry to up its game to prevent damaging cyber-attacks. Cyber security is recognised as one of the greatest threats to business around the world, with the global cost of crimes in cyberspace estimated at $445 billion, according to the World Economic Forum's 2016 Global Risks Report. One eighth of the UK's GDP comes from the digital economy, that's the highest currently in the G20. Additionally Cyber Security is fundamental to national security. There have been many accusations of nations state sponsored cyber attacks over the past few years. As a result the government announced last year that the security services would be given 1,900 additional staff across MI5, MI6 and GCHQ to keep pace with the digital revolution. Advertisement Therefore, it is clear that the demand is significant and growing due to demand from the Government and Industry. Jobs Data from ITSecurityJobs.co.uk reinforces this demand. Cyber Security Jobs adverts have increased by 70% in the last two years and Security Skills are becoming an increasing proportion of the total IT job vacancies. Average Salary has grown by 30% in this time to 58,000. A report from Cisco puts the global figure at a staggering one million Cyber Security job openings. If you are thinking about a career change in 2017, then you might want to have a look at this market which is expected to grow globally from $75 billion in 2015 to $170 billion by 2020. Therefore the difference between supply and demand quite simply equals skills gap. Government needs to attract skilled Security professionals, yet following the long list of high profile data breaches in industry (Talk Talk, Ashley Madison) this creates a competitive environment where the private sector is often willing to compete for the best. Additionally the industry is so fluid and fast moving that new challenges are constantly emerging and existing ones evolving at a fast pace. Security vulnerabilities, network technologies and software tools are constantly changing. As a result there are also great opportunities in the economy for UK companies and start-ups to provide global security solutions and consultancy. Advertisement So Phillip Hammond sets out the aspiration and the funding - however with the economy short of the skills it is fundamental that national funding is urgently placed in building the UK Cyber Security skill set, for now and the future. To build a booming market for talent, this should include subsidised training for individuals and corporates, apprenticeships and particularly a strong effort or financial incentives to grow the take up and offerings of Cyber Security degrees. Promotion and awareness of the industry and the opportunities available needs to be wide reaching. Getty As the proposal moves forward to open the UK's first drug consumption room (DCR) in Glasgow, here are five key things that naysayers should take note of. DCRs allow people who use drugs to do so in safe environments, with clean equipment, and in the presence of medical professionals who can prevent them from suffering a fatal overdose. They are furthermore well evidenced in preventing the spread of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) such as HIV and hepatitis C. Advertisement Glasgow City Council has said that any such facility must offer "wrap-around services [...] such as primary health care, addictions counselling, and housing and welfare advice" on the premises. Specific details are still being considered for the facility, also, such as the inclusion of an inhalation room for those who smoke drugs. Any DCR in Glasgow could assist the estimated 500 people who publicly inject drugs in the city, and combat HIV rates among this population which have risen considerably in the last year. It would also go some way to combating drug-related deaths in Scotland, which are currently at an all-time high. Despite the evidence of their efficacy, the planned introduction of DCRs in Glasgow has faced significant condemnation from people who are angry their tax money could go toward facilities they believe encourage drug use. Fortunately, even for those without any compassion or interest in the welfare of people who use drugs, there are still many ways in which DCRs will improve society as a whole. Advertisement 1. DCRs ensure safer streets Between 2012 and 2013, almost 2,500 discarded needles were found on the streets of Glasgow, including in parks and near schools. This is primarily the result of people injecting drugs in public places, and being without an immediately accessible place to dispose of the needle. DCRs provide hygienic disposal boxes so this doesn't need to happen. For opponents of DCRs, it would seem that a child being pricked by a dirty needle in the playground is merely the collateral damage of the moral crusade against drug use. The very nature of DCRs improves public safety. By offering a designated facility for people who use drugs to consume safely, there are less likely to be intoxicated people on the streets. 2. DCRs reduce the spread of disease A 2015 report by the UK Government found that "around half of those who inject psychoactive drugs have been infected with hepatitis C". Additionally, in most of the UK, people who have ever injected drugs are around three times more likely to have HIV than those who have not. DCRs provide people with clean needles and syringes in hygienic environments so that there is no risk of acquiring or spreading an infection within the facility. Advertisement Reducing the risk of people who use drugs acquiring an infectious disease reduces the risk for all of society, as such infections can be spread through sex or childbirth. 3. DCRs improve access to emergency services Today, if someone suffers an overdose, gets pricked by a dirty needle, or becomes publicly violent while under the influence, emergency services will be sent to deal with the situation at the taxpayers' expense. If and when the Glasgow DCR is operational, the likelihood of any of these issues arising will decrease. Healthcare and security professionals on-site at the DCR will likely be sufficiently trained to handle such situations, so police and ambulance services will have more time and resources to deal with other emergencies. 4. DCRs can reduce crime Police forces around the UK are over-stretched, with Police Scotland in particular facing significant public criticism for its poor response times to violent crimes. Once the DCR is introduced, police can concentrate on serious crimes; if a house is being burgled, it will be less likely that the closest officers are too busy arresting someone for drug possession. And, as already mentioned, DCRs can reduce the frequency of people under the influence of drugs causing public disturbances. 5. DCRs help people integrate into the legitimate economy DCRs can address issues that go far beyond drug use. They provide a space to address structural inequalities such as poverty or homelessness, and can link people up to broader physical and mental health services, all factors which can and do keep people on the margins. The service link up DCRs provide can contribute positively toward bringing vulnerable people back into society. Advertisement There is nothing about drug use that inherently prevents someone from positively contributing to society. But by forcing stigma upon people who use drugs, we are pushing them to the fringes of society and denying them any stake in its future. --- Although the title says 'Five', there is one last reason for why DCRs must be introduced that cannot be ignored. 6. DCRs save lives Across all ten countries that have implemented them, and all the different models of implementation, not a single person has died of a drug overdose in a DCR. Opponents of DCRs assert that we should focus on approaches of drug-free recovery and rehabilitation, rather than allowing drug use. While successful approaches for some people, recovery and rehabilitation must not be the only options. It is undeniable that some people will use drugs no matter what politicians, police, or health professionals are telling them to do. The best we can do is ensure that they are as safe as possible when they use drugs, and support them if they eventually choose to reduce their use or abstain. Advertisement Route55 via Getty Images Our world can seem confusing, complicated and incoherent. Moral certitude can be hard to come by, we are left malnourished by the simple narratives offered by the political elite and bewildered by the technical jargon of economic and world affairs. Yet here, amongst the maze of moral conundrums in our modern world is a moral certainty, a compulsion to act in a simple and easy manner: we must do better for refugees. Take a moment out of what is sure to be a busy day to read, to understand, to be compelled to act. Read this from Charlotte England in The Independent a few days ago: "The Calais Jungle has become like Lord of the Flies, with 1,500 children left unsupervised, sleeping in bare containers... Taps supplying drinking water to the compound have been turned off, and food for the young refugees, who are mostly boys aged between 10 and 17, is not being supplied by the authorities..." Advertisement Read this from Brownwen Carther of the Guardian: "Children housed in the containers report choking on the smoke that blows in from their burning former homes. They say there is no drinking water, that the toilets are never cleaned and the showers are not working. Food is served only from 3pm to 5pm, and there is only one meal a day." And this from Kim Wilsher, also from the Guardian: "The rough sleepers, many of them from Afghanistan, claimed they had no time to collect their belongings, including tents and sleeping bags, as riot police were drafted in to clear the area. "We are human, not animals. We need help and you're treating us like dogs..."" These small stories are part of a growing, global problem. Nearly 5 million refugees have fled Syria since civil war broke out in 2012, with millions more internally displaced and many more migrating from countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq. It is estimated that close to 200,000 have been killed in Syria by the fighting, that nearly 4,000 refugees died attempting to get into Europe in 2015 alone and that over 1,000 children have been left unaccompanied just in Calais. The response of our press and our government, as well as neighbouring states, will not be treated kindly by history. We spend our time debating which is the best way to catch out any potential hungry and desperate 20-somethings from pretending to be hungry and desperate teenagers (facial recognition, bone x-rays or dental records?), whether someone with a smart phone is destitute enough for our sympathy, and how long the wall should be that we build to keep them out. Advertisement We stand by as commentators describe human beings as cockroaches and advocate a gunship-cure and a major tabloid runs a vicious campaign of hate against a national figure who suggested we react with compassion rather than suspicion. And we stand by as an already-inadequate camp is demolished, with even more inadequate provision put in place, arguing that whilst fellow human beings are being left open to mental health problems, hunger and sexual assault, it's more important that a pensioner in Thurrock feels like they control their own borders than it is to stop this human tragedy. Make no mistake, such rhetoric has formed the basis for some of the darkest chapters in human history. Theorists highlight that a key antecedent to ethnic cleansing and genocide is the exclusion of certain groups from the 'in-group', followed by rhetoric that casts the 'other' as in some way a threat to the physical existence or moral integrity of the in-group. This is why when we repeat myths about being 'too full' or that migrants sponge off our state without contributing, we're not just spreading untruths, we're also laying the ground-work for potentially much worse actions further down the line. We are seeing hints of this already in the explosion in hate crime following the Brexit vote: it is more important than ever to challenge the rhetoric of those that would demonise the 'other', whether they be economic migrants or refugees fleeing war, Seven years-old or 50. Many commentators have rightly identified the deep problems Brexit highlights for the vision of left-wing internationalists and liberal cosmopolitans, but many have claimed this means a retreat from the defence of free movement, and even from the defence of taking in refugees. Labour failed to win in 2015 because of such a tactic: under Miliband they ceded ground very early on to the Tories on austerity, failing to consistently and comprehensively debunk their arguments about the causes of the financial crisis. Six years on, we reap what they sowed, with dwindling public services, exacerbated social and political tensions and many of the most vulnerable in society living in absolute destitution, if living at all. This is the result of refusing to stand up for values, and instead capitulating to popular opinion, of standing by whilst these narratives spread their poison. Failing to stand up for both refugees and migrants now will lead us down an increasingly darker path: history has seen it happen time and again. And it's a winnable fight, with potential political gains for a political party brave enough to take a stand, if the moral compulsions are not enough in our Machiavellian age. Highlighting how immigration is good for the economy, good for public services and good for business can help challenge not just negative immigration rhetoric but also put the 'party of business' credentials of the Tories under the spotlight as they rush to make more unkeepable promises and authoritarian policies on immigration. On its own though such a war of words won't be enough: it needs to be placed within a wider narrative that speaks to people's values and emotions. Winning out over in-group preferences won't be easy: they are deeply ingrained in our psyche's. That said, one of the times I feel closest to being patriotic is when contemplating the multicultural tapestry of communities in my hometown, Coventry, when I consider what opportunities for learning and experience this gives communities, how diversity leads to better decisions and what the presence of these communities has said about Britain's openness and attractiveness in past decades. Here, a brighter version of nationalism might be able to breathe, a version we desperately need. It is not just political parties that need to act though: we all do. You can donate to, or even organise, a local collection for refugees (clothes and food are key, but a lump sum of money is useful if you're unsure what to give)- find out more about this by getting in touch with CalAid, Help Refugees, Refugee Action or a variety of other organisations. You can contact your local MP and demand more action from them in Parliament. You can sign one of the many petitions going around asking for a more substantial response from our government. But if you don't have the time or the money or the energy to do any of these things, we can all do one very simple thing: stand up against the rhetoric that demonises these people, these human beings and instead call for a compassionate, loving response, the response you would hope your mother, your child your loved ones would receive were they in the same situation. Our global world is pushing cultures together as never before. Getting under the skin of other cultures is key to success for both business and political leaders. In his book Cultural DNA, Gurnek Bains, a leading global thinker, presents ground breaking original research and the latest evidence from neuroscience, behavioral genetics, psychology and history to enable people to understand, empathise with and engage people from other cultures in our increasingly connected world. Advertisement Bains argues that much previous work in this area has just scratched the surface and he examines the deepest instincts of eight key global cultures to help readers understand the psychological themes at play in regions such as the U.S., Latin America, Europe, China, India, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa and Australia. Evidence from a range of interdisciplinary sources is backed up by insights from an extensive database of 30,000 leaders. Bains is co-founder and chairman of YSC, one of the world's leading corporate psychology consultancies. YSC has 20 offices around the world and works with 40% of FTSE100 companies, leading U.S. multi-nationals, as well as a host of companies in other regions. He is listed in HR Magazine's Top 100 Most Influential People. With the Government in increasing turmoil following the Brexit vote, I met Gurnek Bains to discuss how applying his framework can help us make sense of the ever-enigmatic Theresa May. Gurnek, was I alone in thinking that Theresa May's arrival in Downing Street meant stability...a safe pair of hands, if you will? Advertisement Not at all. Initially she appeared to bring a much needed Middle-England sense of competence and values to the PM role - a sharp contrast to the free-wheeling, risk taking and somewhat casual style projected by her upper class predecessor. She also showed a strong and sure touch in selecting her cabinet, getting to grips with what the Brexit vote meant, in setting out a One Nation agenda and even in taking control of decisions such as Hinkley Point. When a leader first assumes office, people are inclined to project all kinds of fantasies on to them. This is particularly so in a crisis - when the natural desire for a heroic figure to save the day leads to a suspension of balanced judgement. To some extent, Theresa May is still enjoying the glow of this yearning, but the signs of where and how she might struggle are building and they suggest some deep cause for concern. When did you first start to have concerns about the direction of her leadership? After strong early signs, she rowed back quickly from her earlier strong stance on immigration, as well as slapping down David Davis when he expressed scepticism about the possibility of staying in the single market. "Brexit means Brexit" turned for a while into "Brexit can mean anything for the moment". But at the Conservative party conference, she has pivoted back to the very same that she slapped David Davis down for merely a few weeks ago. On Hinkley Point, she has now allowed it to go through with some face saving caveats. But what was the point of alienating the Chinese and setting hares running? Her One Nation instincts seem strong, but how does she square them with her grammar school stance - which threatens to divide children in the country once more into the chosen and those who will just have to make do. And has she thought about how she will get it through the Commons? Advertisement What does this tell you about Theresa May as an individual? Psychologically these steps and her history suggest that Theresa May is a "sensing" individual whose political success has been underpinned by a capacity to read the mood and adjust to it. Sensing individuals are pragmatic, grounded, detail oriented and visually aware. Her modus operandi, as well as dress sense, mirrors these traits. She played her cards well in preparing for and fighting the leadership election, as well as in reading the mood of the country following the Brexit vote. But when she went to the G20, she read another mood and changed tack on immigration, Brexit and Hinkley Point. Returning to the conference season, her sensing instincts have made her pivot back to what she thinks her party and the country want to see. But isn't that kind of pragmatism helpful to a political leader? At one level, such pragmatism is helpful. However, sensing individuals are reactive, suspicious of overarching ideas and rarely create an integrated vision as leaders. Interestingly, May's stint at the Home Office is most notable for her avoiding banana skins, as well as certain clear concrete achievements, rather than an overarching reforming agenda or sense of mission. What do you make of the inevitable Margaret Thatcher comparisons? Theresa May is often compared to Margaret Thatcher, but the latter surrounded herself with thinkers and operated with clear philosophical underpinnings. May is reportedly very suspicious of blue-sky theorists and has banished them from her close circle. She is Thatcher in form but less so in substance. This spells trouble in the PM role, given the pressing need for all offices of State to march to a coherent drumbeat as well as clear sense of Britain's future place in the world. As her plans hit the wall of external reality, expect the lack of deep philosophical clarity to lead to a sea of troubles. Advertisement What other inherent factors spell difficulty for Theresa May? Another clear problematic theme seems to be her liking of drama and a predilection for making bold or controversial decisions. Getting rid of George Osborne, putting Boris Johnston in the Foreign Office and bringing back grammar schools all fit into this camp. Theresa May has form in this regard. At the Home Office, she seemed to relish reading the riot act to the police, as well as her battles with those opposing her views on a myriad of issues - earning her the reputation of being "difficult". All this suggests that she is both determined, but perhaps also drawn to public displays of bravado. The sense that many of these acts have been chosen - like her shoes - for dramatic impact rather than anything more substantial hangs in the air. She has also shown an extremely tribal approach to relationships, ruthlessly vanquishing the old guard and surrounding herself with acolytes. This can be an effective step by leaders who have a clear agenda, but in others who lack a unifying sense of purpose, it can just exclude potential allies or suggest insecurity and just plain poor skills in managing difference. Disgruntled murmurings have already started and one wonders how such tribal instincts will play out in a world where she has a razor thin majority? Or when she is required to deal tactfully and thoughtfully with the likes of Nicola Sturgeon or Angela Merkel, who will not be easily bent to her agenda? If you could advise her on her leadership, what would be the key factors you would focus on? A crucial dimension when thinking about leaders is the level of control they like to exercise. Already apocryphal stories are circulating in Westminster about May's control freakery and the ghost of Gordon Brown's style once more stalks the corridors of Number 10. A capacity to deal with ambiguity is also critical in today's complex world - something that her clunky style suggests could be somewhat of a challenge. Humour is a powerful signal of a person's intellectual fluidity and this has been singularly lacking in Theresa May's performances to date. At times when the ambiguity she faces has hit home, May has shown worrying signs of stress and uncertainty. Many of her performances at PMQs following the G20 summit, were less than sure footed - a surprising fact given the ongoing crisis engulfing the Labour party. In times of difficulty, instead of providing clarity of direction, she has often chosen to hide behind process. Late nights and the Sisyphean task of staying on top of everything have also made her often look tired and drawn. Advertisement If you could frame your analysis in one paragraph, what are your final thoughts? Politicians who become PM by accident or circumstance rather than through being opposition leader or winning an election (James Callaghan, John Major, Gordon Brown) often end up disappointing the nation. Behind the surface confidence and episodic displays of clarity of purpose, the signs are mounting that Theresa May could be the next addition to that list. Last Monday, Theresa May and the First Ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland met to discuss Brexit negotiations with the European Union. The Government has offered the First Ministers a 'hotline' to consult with Brexit Secretary, David Davis throughout the negotiation process. This doesn't go far enough for Nicola Sturgeon, and it's easy to see why. The Government plans to execute the 'Leave' vote ensuring total control over our borders and trade. This means leaving the Single Market is a necessity. To challenge this, Sturgeon is demanding devolved administrations and the Westminster Parliament vote on the Government's EU negotiation strategy. If she doesn't get what she wants, she's again threatening a second Scottish independence referendum. This has some people fearing for the future of the United Kingdom. If Sturgeon is, in her own words "not bluffing", then 'IndyRef2' may be on the cards. The Government plan is to simply 'consult' Scotland on the negotiating strategy, rather than giving it a veto. This will call Sturgeon's bluff. Whether she is bluffing or not, Sturgeon still wants to win independence for Scotland - come what may - and Brexit is simply an excuse. Somehow, she doesn't seem to acknowledge the anomaly of her bid for independence, and being tied to Brussels by membership of the EU! Advertisement The majority of Scots don't seem to agree with Sturgeon. The latest YouGov poll has found just 37% of Scots back a second independence referendum. In addition, only 37% of Scots want to leave the UK, but remain inside the EU. Brussels has already ruled this out. A briefing note sent by the European Parliamentary Research Service claims part of a Member State "cannot...remain in the EU if the Member State itself withdraws". Scottish independence looks more unlikely after the EU referendum than it did before, but we are sure this will not stop her continually trying! The Government cannot allow the will of the British people to be undermined by one First Minister. What Sturgeon wants is to remain in the Single Market and retain free movement. This directly contradicts what the 52% voted for in the referendum. They voted to 'Leave' the European Union and have total control of borders, laws and trade. It seems difficult to come up with any compromise. Either the will of some of the Scottish people is undermined, or the will of the whole of the UK is undermined. For the sake of democracy, the Government must take the side of all four nations. Some argue 'Leave' voters did not know what kind of Brexit they were voting for. They then argue the Government must vote on the terms of negotiation. Perhaps they suffer from short-term memory loss. It was clear before the Brexit vote - 'taking back control' meant leaving the Single Market, control of our borders as well as control of our laws. This was backed by the most resounding vote in British history. If the Government negotiates Brexit without Sturgeon's intervention, it will honour the vote and strengthen our democracy. The alternative would be a compromised deal which would work for very few. Advertisement Successful negotiation needs simple rules of thumb. You should know what you want, and know how much you are prepared to give to get the best deal. At present, the four UK nations cannot agree on these principles. A compromise looks unhealthy for all parties, and the resulting deal would be poor. These leaders can contribute to the Brexit deal by consulting with the Government, rather than voting on the final package. It will then be up to the Prime Minister to achieve her "bespoke" deal which will work for the whole of the UK, ensuring a successful Brexit when we Get Britain Out of the European Union. Matt Cardy/PA Wire International students are being unjustly targeted in the UK government's current crackdown on immigration. It was recently revealed by The Times that a secret government study completely undermines the rationale behind the crackdown - the number of foreign students apparently overstaying their visas. Inaccurate data collected via the International Passenger Survey (IPS) previously suggested that the number of overstayers was as high as 110,000 a year. However, new analysis puts this figure at 1,500. This doesn't come as a huge surprise. The education sector has always maintained that international students are education tourists, not migrants. They choose to take advantage of our world-class education system, more than pay their way and then leave. What's more, they make up one of the UK's most successful export sectors worth 20 billion a year to UK economy. Advertisement Competition is heating up The UK is the second most popular destination for international students, yet in a competitive global market we risk slipping behind competitors like Canada and Australia. These countries have tight immigration controls in place yet recognise the importance, and economic benefits, of welcoming students from overseas. So much so, that Australia has its very own Minister for Tourism and International Education. With global demand for international education growing at six percent per year, according to OECD data, the Australian government has developed a solid strategy to attract students to its shores. This ten-year roadmap was announced earlier this year and focuses on improving teaching quality, providing superior student support and building partnerships. The country aims to attract 720,000 new enrolments by 2025 and is well on its way to achieving this goal - potentially eclipsing the UK en route. Competition from Europe is hotting up as well. Germany is now offering more courses in English and has mostly abolished tuition fees at its public universities. The Irish government too has announced its plans to encourage overseas student interest. Meanwhile in the UK we are losing valuable market share and the consequences have already been felt. Parthenon/EY research revealed that the decline in international student numbers over the past five years has cost our economy a total of 9 billion. Advertisement Time for change International students also contribute hugely to the UK's soft power: 55 current heads of state across the world were educated in the UK, furthering vital global understanding and communication. Students from all around the world come to study here in the UK and contribute to our culture, communities and economy. And as David Willetts noted in the Observer, the idea of only recruiting the 'brightest and best' misses the point. As long as students meet the English language and academic requirements of their chosen degree, there should be no need to restrict recruitment to the likes of Oxbridge. As Willetts pointed out: "We do not say that the car industry should only sell Bentleys abroad, not Minis." There is no reason why an international student should be treated as anything less than a contributing member of our multicultural society. And the UK public agrees. A recent poll, based on the views of over 2,000 British adults, found that 75% would like to see the same number, or more, of international students in the UK. This number leapt to 87% as soon as the economic and social benefits of international students were discussed. As well it should: overseas students at British universities support 230,000 jobs in communities all over the country and generally pay much higher tuition fees than their fellow UK students. Clearly, policies that aim to lower net migration figures by restricting international student numbers will not actually address public concerns over immigration. What's more, if the Home Office analysis proves to be correct, then a curb on student visas won't actually reduce net migration. Although the chancellor, Philip Hammond, recently seemed to hint that students could be taken out of net migration figures, a spokesman for Downing Street has since confirmed that they are "categorically not reviewing" this policy. Advertisement It would be nice, of course, to be Jehovah but as vacancies do not often arise in the divine sector, perhaps it would be better to go for the rather more modest post of Business Secretary. Not quite as good in the thunderbolt division, admittedly, but still, not bad as far as persuading foreign investors is concerned. There was Nissan, worried about whether to build its new model in Sunderland with the siren voices of EU countries hissing in its ears." You can't trust Britain post Brexit." "You won't be able to make a profit against the tariff barrier." "Build a factory in our country and we will arrange bungabunga parties for your Board and selected clients." You can imagine the sort of thing. Then in zaps Mr Clark, like a financial version of Batman. He arrives in Japan. He meets the Board. Pleasantries are exchanged. Tea is drunk. A letter is drafted. Its terms are agreed. The Board is reassured and the investment can continue. At least at the time of writing, we don't know exactly what is in the letter but it is understood to contain an assurance that the government will keep the car sector competitive; that is presumably code for an undertaking that it will negotiate tariff-free access to the market or, if it cannot do that, that it will make up the difference with some sort of grant or subsidy. Advertisement Obviously the government would rather not have to pay out subsidies if it can be avoided, but the only situation in which it will have to do so is one where there are tariffs both ways between the UK and the EU. That would presumably result in financial shuffling on both sides of the divide with the UK using its tariff receipts to subsidise its exporters while the EU does exactly the same in the opposite direction. How could it be otherwise? German car manufacturers have a large market in the UK. Why would they not insist on their tariffs being covered to create a level playing field? What about French winemakers too, particularly if agreements are made for New World wines to be imported tariff free. What about British Steel? What a complete muddle it would all be. Governments trying to pick the industries important enough to merit protection. Complicated mathematics about who was collecting the most tariffs replacing a system of free trade. A Conservative government running subsidies in defiance of its better instincts. A world where power over subsidies strengthens the state's grip on industry. A world which we all thought we had left behind in 1979. It isn't a great prospect, but then the car industry employs 800,000 people. It is worth compromising a principle or two for that. After all, the practice of persuading businesses to set up in a country by offering financial inducements isn't exactly uncommon. Britain does it openly with a low rate of corporation tax. Luxembourg's financial sector is not based, as you might think, on the extraordinary financial perspicacity of the Luembougeois but rather on a network of double tax treaties and a history of state-sponsored tax avoidance. Everyone has a little subsidy here or there and it is basically a competitive game. In the case of Britain we will be able to pray in excuse that needs must when the Devil drives. In economic terms Brexit is a very big Devil indeed. But there is a soft side to the car deal in addition to any assurances over tariffs. The references to making sure that the sector remains competitive must be read as predicating a general willingness by the government to solve its problems. No one knows exactly what will come out of the Brexit negotiations but no doubt there will be worries and opportunities which we haven't even thought of. A valuable supplement to the comfort on tariffs is the assurance that the industry is valued and that, as the UK goes through the rough water which currently awaits it, the interests of the industry will be consulted. Sushi and meso soup at number 10, perhaps? Advertisement Now all this is anathema to the purer Conservatives. They believe in a free market and an equal treatment for everyone. They don't like subsidies and special interest groups. For them the excellence of the British worker and the predictability of British law should be enough to make the UK an attractive place for overseas multinationals to manufacture their goods. Yes, you can read their words in the tabloids. There are possibly one or two of them in the Cabinet. Feeding on their own political rhetoric has left them (or at least most of them - there are obvious exceptions) with a lean and hungry look. They talk a lot about red lines and discuss negotiating strategy as if there was no other party involved. With a tendency to lecture they refer to themselves as "men of principle" and that indeed is exactly what they are. There are also men out of their time. In prosperous times there is plenty of room for grandstanding, for a devotion to a set of simple principles, for an intolerance of backstairs deals. That isn't so now. The next two years are going to be a scramble, a period of practical solutions, of subsidies and exceptions from rules. The Nissan agreement is only the start of it. It will be a long and difficult scrap in which long-held principles will have to give way to practicalities. How we do in that scrap will depend upon the skills of those who fight for us. They will need to be clever, persuasive, determined, manipulative, cunning and perhaps sometimes even unscrupulous. They will have to be street fighters. They will have to follow the trail that has been blazed by Mr Clark. It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover the There's something about the idea of a support group that can sound off-putting, particularly when it comes to a problem as personal as infertility. I know the first time I ever signed up to go along to a fertility support group, I got cold feet on the doorstep. We'd driven in rush hour traffic across town and it was only my husband's insistence that we weren't going to come all that way for nothing that finally propelled me through the door. I didn't think I was the sort of person who went along to support groups, but the truth is that no one ever feels they are - and the moment I was there, I realised quite how beneficial it could be. For the first time, we were in a room full of people who all understood what we were experiencing, who had all felt that sinking feeling when yet another friend announced a pregnancy, who had all been through the endless clinic visits and who had come together to share tips and advice on getting through fertility tests and treatment. Going along to a support group can seem a bit outdated when so much support is online, but there is still a place for the old-fashioned way of getting together. A survey released for National Fertility Awareness Week by Fertility Network UK and Middlesex University found that just 17% of respondents had attended a support group, but more than half (52%) would have liked to attend one if they'd had the opportunity. Advertisement People often imagine a support group is going to be terribly gloomy and depressing, but in fact most people who do attend groups find it very helpful. There's something very empowering about being with other people who understand what it's like to live with fertility problems, to share experiences and to learn from one another. People are often surprised at how upbeat and cheerful the groups can be. Of course, there is sadness sometimes, but there is also a lot of laughter and many friendships are forged. Fertility Network UK runs groups across the UK in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and there are groups in the Channel Islands too. The groups are free of charge and mainly run by local volunteers or members of Fertility Network UK staff. They usually meet about once a month, often in the evenings or at weekends. Some groups meet in community centres or local halls, others get together at a local cafe or bar. The charity also lists groups run at fertility clinics and others organised by people who have businesses in the fertility field. When we launched the UK's only newspaper for children, First News, (more than ten years ago in May 2006) we were ridiculed. The adult media said, if there had been a need for a children's newspaper, there would already be one. Others commented that, even if the odd child or two were interested in the news, they would read it on the internet. This was the digital generation, after all! When we started to have some success with our printed newspaper, there was still some scoffing. "Our readers were probably only reading the stories about animals or popstars," they said. I knew this wasn't true then. Today, it is even less so. The digital age has made the world a much smaller place and children are passionately engaged with what goes on in it - from climate change, to terrorism and, right now, the refugee crisis. I am convinced that, for the world to become a better place, the next generation needs to be better informed than the last. Advertisement As the responsible adults in children's lives, we need to be sure that they are getting accurate, impartial information that doesn't sensationalise or scaremonger. It needs to be truthful, yet reassuring. Today, the NSPCC and ChildLine charity have said concerns about the state of the world - including, specifically, the US election - are driving a spike in calls to the helpline service. In the year to April 2016, ChildLine received 11,706 contacts - either by telephone or online - in which children mentioned anxiety, up 35 per cent on the previous year. The charity says it has also received significant numbers of calls in which children spoke of concerns related to the Brexit referendum while fears relating to terrorism are also highlighted. With advances in technology, there is so much information literally at children's fingertips but, unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation, too. That is where First News comes in... to decipher the fact from the fiction. Therefore, that is unashamedly, (indeed, proudly) my first tip. Read First News with your children. It talks to children honestly, and unpatronisingly, about national and international events. It helps them to make sense of the world in which they're growing up. First News gives the background to stories and puts them in context. The effect of this is that, nearly always, it makes even frightening news, less scary. Our stories are a really useful platform for parents, teachers and other caring adults to talk to the young people in their lives about the world and their place in it. Advertisement Don't shield children from the news. News is everywhere and it travels fast. Like us all, children will hear about news events on the radio, TV, through the web and they hear about them in the school playground, too. Children may know more than you realise, and this is what can be challenging. Stories can get distorted, confused when out of context, sensationalised or exaggerated. As a parent or grandparent it is almost impossible to censor which stories reach your child or gauge how they are interpreting them. But you can play a key role in helping children properly understand what is going on, and answer their questions. Talk about the main news events on a regular basis. Children need to understand that there are lots of good and bad things going on around them but, in most cases, they don't directly impact on the child's day to day life. This puts the news into perspective and can make some events less frightening. Avoid graphic details about worrying events, unless the child specifically asks. If they do ask, always answer honestly. They are probably asking because they have heard rumours already. It is always better to get worries and fears out into the open, rather than children bottling things up, and being frightened alone. Offer buckets of reassurance. Tell children that things are only in the news because they are unusual or rare events. Discuss good news. There are thousands of good stories each week but they often get less attention in the adult media. Remind children that there are a lot more good people and good things happening in the world, than bad. Remember that what is news is subjective. What is news to children may not always feel like news to you. It may be the next film release or match result. This is valuable knowledge and, if a child to feels up-to-date and informed, they have confidence to join in conversations with their peers. Advertisement Novus welcomes the key principles within the government's prison reform, which Justice Secretary Liz Truss has described as "a blueprint for the biggest overhaul of our prisons in a generation". We support the key messages - a 1.3bn investment in modernising prisons; greater control for prison Governors to control their own budgets, including over education and employment schemes; safer and fit-for-purpose prisons for the 21st century; and statutory rehabilitation. We welcome the investment in prisons and the impact that will have on the rehabilitative regime. More effective rehabilitation makes for a safer society. Advertisement Research we carried out with Manchester Metropolitan University identified five studies which examined the effect of education on employment, and these ultimately determined that those who engaged in prison education are 24% more likely to successfully secure employment than those who have not. As the UK's biggest provider of education, training and employability programmes to offenders, putting education at the heart of the prison regime and championing rehabilitation aligns with our own beliefs. It is clearer than ever that prisoners are much less likely to commit further crimes if they leave prison with the tools to enter the world of work. The more we can do to encourage engagement in education, the more success we will have in securing productive futures for offenders. The government has a vision that offenders come out of prison better able to find work, support their families and turn their lives around. This is a vision we wholeheartedly support. We believe in giving offenders the skills, knowledge and qualifications to successfully find employment upon release and go on to lead lives that are no longer plagued by crime. This has never been more pertinent, given that reoffending costs the UK 15bn a year. Advertisement The proposal for Governor empowerment is one that Novus has also been championing. Creating a learning environment which puts the individual needs of the offender first, and has better aligned and shared performance measures between governors and providers, is one we passionately support. It also allows local flexibility, focusing on the needs of the individual. This will facilitate better regime partnership for the provision of enhanced education, training and employability services. We are also strongly in favour of making prisons fit for purpose and brought in line with 21st century expectations. Giving offenders the opportunity to thrive in a modern environment would represent a boost to their chances of developing the kind of skills that will help them to find work, integrate back into society and make the communities they return to safer in the process. Ah, London. With its Bridge, Tower, Dungeon, parks, palaces and M&M's World, it just might be the most culturally rich city on the planet. The problem is that people have to actually be rich to visit any of these great landmarks. A study from the Telegraph found that London's visitor attractions are the most expensive in the world. The paper surveyed similar attractions in other cities, and found that someone hoping to explore the cultural touchstones of The Big Smoke would have to shell out more cash than they would in New York, Hong Kong or Paris. Landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral theoretically belong to the public, so why are they so expensive? To find out, we need to look at where the revenue from landmarks goes. Advertisement 1 - Paying staff As is the case with running any business, venue, attraction or wizard, a lot of the income goes on the staff. This fact is not lost on the Queen, who recently made headlines for making an actual decision; belatedly catching austerity fever from George "I Was Chancellor Once" Osborne, she fired some Palace employees to save money. While we can't specify the number of workers who were laid off--a non-disclosure agreement is written into all Palace staff contracts--we can get a fairly clear idea of how much they were paid. While some footmen have starting salaries as low as 12,000, the Queen pays Palace workers an average of 44,724 a year, and that doesn't even include the corgis. This is well above the national average income, especially when you factor in the free Buckingham Palace accommodation. Meanwhile, Beefeaters at the Tower of London--all retired servicemen and women--start on 24,000, with some of their wages going to accommodation within the Tower itself. I'm not saying these workers should get paid less (who else would buff the Queen's globus cruciger?) but this is undoubtedly where some of the ticket money goes. As the old saying goes, a buffed globus cruciger alone cannot justify a high ticket price. Advertisement 2 - Maintenance If none of London's landmark attractions were well-maintained, we wouldn't even want to visit them--it took the ancient ruins of Greece and Rome thousands of years to be considered worthy of tourist attention. No wonder Buckingham Palace once cost 150 million to maintain. But let's leave Buckingham behind like when Stevie Nicks released "Edge Of Seventeen", and head to a difference palace. The Palace of Westminster (70 for a family tour - wig not included) is due for renovation over the next six years amounting to 7.1 billion. But again, considering the fact that the public pays for parliament, does this justify the hefty ticket price? 3 - Business rates For the London landmarks not fortunate enough to receive public funding, or those which haven't been part of the city's landscape long enough to achieve hallowed listed status--including some of London's most beloved pubs-- they will have to pay business rates. Business rates recently underwent their first revaluation in nearly a decade, and are set to hit many London landmarks harder than most non-residential buildings. Heathrow Airport's rates have risen by 98 million following the latest revaluation. If the airport offset this revaluation by raising prices, London will be more difficult to access. Not even the beloved Tower of London can escape this rates rise. After the new valuations, the Tower will have to pay 90% higher rates. They were better off as a functioning prison. Advertisement 4 - Straight up corporate profit-making In the room of reasons why landmarks cost so much, this is the elephant. Many London sites of cultural heritage and attraction are run as, or as if they were, businesses. And as anyone who has played Monopoly knows, business is brutal. (Also, build a hotel on Mayfair.) The "Insert Sponsor Here" London Eye (90 for a family) has spun itself as an important part of the London skyline, on par with Big Ben himself, but it's the operators, not the public, that are rolling all the way to the bank. This week the Paris Agreement to address climate change enters into force, just ahead of world leaders reconvening at the COP22 climate talks in Marrakesh. This historic deal legally binds countries that have ratified it to act on the pledges they made last year to limit their greenhouse gas emissions in a bid to keep the global temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius. In that time the UK government - which is due to ratify the Paris Agreement before the year is out - has given the go-ahead to horizontal fracking in Lancashire and to the multibillion pound white elephant that is the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. A third runway at Heathrow Airport - with all the additional carbon emissions that that brings - also looks set to be built. How does any of this sit with the promise that Theresa May made in her maiden speech at the UN in New York that the UK is "determined to play our part in the international effort against climate change"? Advertisement Photo: Andrew Aitchison The International Energy Agency (IEA) was putting it mildly when it said of the UK recently: "While government support for new gas and nuclear capacity is evident, recent policy changes indicate that the role envisioned for renewables is uncertain." The UK is currently lacking a credible plan for making the transition to sustainable energy which will be necessary if we are to meet the UK target of an 80% reduction in emissions from 1990 levels by 2050, as set out in the Climate Change Act. Additionally we are currently not even on track to meet the current carbon budget, largely due to slower than expected progress on renewable heat, low carbon transport and domestic energy efficiency. All of which means that we are missing a huge opportunity to generate new jobs and businesses, reduce costs for existing businesses - by being energy efficient and saving costs on energy bills - and help grow the economy. In more positive news elsewhere in the world, the IEA this month significantly increased its five-year growth forecast for renewables due to strong policy support in countries like China, India and Mexico, and sharp cost reductions. A rapid transformation has taken place in emerging economies that - together with the still untapped potential of renewables - should see clean energy outgrow fossil fuels in the next five years. Advertisement Photo: Martin Wright Five years may not sound all that long but we really don't have time to waste given that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere passed the 400 parts per million mark globally for the first time in 2015 and is likely to set a new record this year. According to experts, the last time CO2 was regularly above this threshold was three to five million years ago. The recent global agreement reached in Kigali to phase out the destructive hydrofluorocarbon gases that are mainly used in air-conditioning systems and refrigerants is a very welcome step but it's critical that countries remain focused on cutting carbon emissions. As well as the need for states to rapidly increase their emissions pledges, we need investors to accelerate investment to end energy poverty through clean energy, and sovereign wealth funds and public sector pension funds to shift away from fossil fuels into renewables and other climate solutions. As a founding member of Europeans for Divest Invest, it's been fantastic to watch over the last couple of years how investors and institutions are starting to build investor confidence and the political mandate for a low carbon economy. And it's not just financial institutions who are helping to lay the groundwork. Recently eleven Catholic organizations on four continents jointly and publicly divested from coal, oil and gas and the Anglican Church of Southern Africa passed a motion during its provincial Synod to divest from fossil fuels. At a Divest Invest meeting that I'll be hosting at COP22 in Marrakesh for faiths, foundations and heads of finance, faith leaders from around the world will present a multi-faith statement calling on states and investors to move quickly beyond fossil fuels and build an energy system that is fair and clean for all. At Ashden, we're now looking for our next crop of Award winners - the class of 2017 - and want to hear from enterprises and programmes in the UK, developing countries and emerging economies that are blazing a trail in increasing access to energy, improving energy use in buildings, promoting more sustainable forms of travel, and driving innovation in the field of sustainable energy. The winners receive up to 20,000 as well as a package of support tailored to their needs, including business advice, help with communications and introductions to investors, together with extensive media exposure. Advertisement With green energy accounting for more than half of net electricity generation capacity added around the world last year, the shift to low carbon is under way. Now is the time to raise our game, pick up the pace and join forces to make the momentum truly unstoppable. There are people who show more courage than others, those that do not give up when they encounter setbacks, but fight on for a higher purpose. Durga Ghimire, founder of ABC Nepal is one of them. She has fought for human rights since her student days, and against human trafficking and sex trafficking over the last twenty years. She sees obstacles, but will work hard to find a way to overcome them. I have had the opportunity to take part in Durga's work over several years, and she is a true inspiration for my family and I. Sharing this story is one way for me to help raise awareness around the global issue of trafficking, and will, I hope, inspire others in the same way I was, to get involved with organisations and individuals around the world like Durga and ABC Nepal. Advertisement Durga Ghimire is a courageous woman fighting against human trafficking, especially child trafficking and child prostitution. She belongs to one of the highest castes in Nepal and, because of this, people listen to what she has to say. She has earned enormous respect amongst the people, as well as the government and the diplomatic world over the years. "At the Indian border, Durga has saved hundreds of girls from being sold to the seedy brothels and the cynical sex industry." As a young student in the 1970s, Durga Ghimire was active in the political movement for the restoration of democracy in Nepal, and protested against the regime in power at the time. She was imprisoned three times and spent thirteen months in prison for her political activities. "But that didn't scare her off" Since then she has devoted almost fifty years of her life to transform the lives of others for the better, especially around human and equal rights. For more information on her outstanding accomplishments see her biography page at: http://abcnepal.org.np/biography-of-mrsdurga-ghimire Advertisement Back in 1987 Durga was the first women to raise the issue of human trafficking in Nepal. She knew it was a critical issue but the government and other agencies paid it no attention at the time. Durga founded the National Network Against Trafficking in Women and Children in 1990. There was no other organisation except ABC Nepal that initiated rescue and rehabilitation in the trafficking sector and had organised the national convention related to trafficking. In June 2013, my family and I made our first trip to Kathmandu to learn more about what steps we could take to prevent human trafficking. We visited ABC Nepal, and this was the first time we met this extraordinary woman in person. Durga introduced us to one of her successful projects, building transit homes for young people who have been victims of human trafficking and sex slavery. These provide safe clean places to live, with water, food and rehabilitation. They offer these children and young adults a fresh start and a chance to have a better life, thanks to Durga and her fantastic crew. Advertisement Previously, we had been involved with fundraising activities remotely to support Durga's initiatives. Actually meeting the children who are now recovering, and walking into the house you sponsored, is a completely different experience to receiving donations and raising funds for an important cause far away, at a luxury gala event in Stockholm, Sweden. In November 2015, we came back to Nepal, Kathmandu and the ABC Nepal transit home. This meeting not only inspired me, but also my daughters Olivia and Denise, who were now a junior and a senior at high school. For Olivia's final school project, she chose to make a documentary about human trafficking and sex slavery in Nepal, and Denise choose to work very closely with the girls in Nepal as a volunteer and also a fundraiser back home, all to help raise awareness and support Durga's work. https://youtu.be/uX_JUpBh2-s We were always welcomed with warm smiles and flowers from women in beautiful, colourful dresses in one of ABC Nepal's transit homes. One of Durga's successful hands-on initiatives. In April 2016 we were back again to visit, and had the opportunity to meet the very brave men and women who work closely with the Nepalese and Indian police to prevent girls from being transported over the open border to India in Brijatnagar. These men are both sponsored with funds raised by my family initiative "DoGoodNow". Advertisement "Imagine that you are ten years old and live in Kathmandu together with your mother, five siblings and your stepfather. One day your parents are persuaded by a "middle-man" to sell you to a textile factory in India, to earn money to send home to your family. The middle-man takes you on a bus with false passport and documentation to cross the open border to India, where he sells you to a brothel." Why India? Because brothels are illegal in Nepal, but not in some places in India. Also, it is so easy to transport people over the border illegally, in trucks, the trunks of cars or by bus and train. The controls at the border are poor, and corruption is widespread. Therefore, it is imperative to be present and disseminate this information around the Nepalese villages, where there is illiteracy, and where news of the outside world rarely reaches. In light of this, Do Good Now sponsors awareness programs through ABC Nepal via information campaigns in schools and 'street dramas', where ABC Nepal staff, together with the police perform theatre in the streets to educate the local population about how easy it is to be tricked and sold into slavery. We also sponsor and try to raise more funds to build more transit houses. Advertisement Fredex8 via Getty Images What is the most important issue in the upcoming U.S Presidential elections? Is it Clinton's email investigation? Perhaps it's cross border migration from Mexico? Or the economy? Or terrorism and national security concerns? In my opinion one of the most important issues is one that's received disproportionately little attention in this election cycle: climate change and energy policy. The world, after all, still faces the very real possibility of irreversible climate change. And historic steps the international community has taken in addressing climate change - like COP21, could potentially be undermined after November 8th - depending on which way the U.S. public votes. Advertisement Inexplicably, there was surprisingly little mention of climate change and energy policy in the Presidential debates. Electoral discourse and analysis has also largely under-represented the issue. Which is precisely why developing an informed understanding of how each candidate could support or thwart one of the most crucial challenges of our generation is so vital and timely. For one, in efforts to stop climate change, it is imperative the positive legacy of the Obama administration is continued. That is not something a Donald Trump presidency is likely to do - it's something a Clinton administration would. The Obama administration has done more for green energies than any previous US government. In the past 8 years the Government invested over $2 billion in green companies. This led to a 94% increase in solar output between 2015-2016 alone. However, these incentives will be coming to an end this year. That's why America must elect a President willing to continue in that same spirit of supporting green goals - if not through subsidies, then through other avenues. Hillary Clinton has already proposed a $60 billion investment to fight climate change. That would represent the most funding the green industry has received in American history (incidentally the fossil fuel industry has itself received far more funding over a much longer period). That fund forms part of Clinton's 10-year plan which would culminate in almost a third of the US' energy requirements coming from renewable sources by 2027. Advertisement However, while this is a hugely positive step and one which should be lauded, that figure could be increased and the goals of the program made even more ambitious provided there is a real attempt to foster strong partnerships with the private sector as part of any clean energy plan. On the other hand, we have in Donald Trump a climate-change denier. He has also expressed his desire to reverse the Paris COP21 climate deal. That's not to say the Republican Party uniformly reflects those same attitudes; in fact, it represents a varied and divided array of perspectives on climate and energy policy, ranging from those who, in the spirit of bipartisanship, have more in common with Hilary Clinton, to those that are climate-change sceptics. The other major consideration when discussing clean energy is its wider implications on the economy. The renewables industry is worth over $22 billion in the U.S.A and employs over 200,000 Americans, having doubled in number between 2010-2016 - though according to Trump, clean energy has been bad for jobs in America. But whatever one's attitudes to clean energy, it is undeniable that of the various energy sectors, it is the renewable industry that has become far more competitive in preceding years - not fossil fuels. Yes, there has been a recent dip in solar investor appetite after the poor performance of some companies, but the removal of subsidies was bound to have some limited impact on certain players within the solar market. The same thing happened to wind energy companies when wind energy subsidies were removed in 2013, only for performance to rebound shortly after. The point is that it's a positive sign when stronger, more competitive players remain and continue to grow after the removal of subsides. And with costs of solar energy production coming down year-on-year and technological innovation making breakthroughs on a consistent basis, renewable (particularly solar) represents a long-term growth industry. Moreover, we are moving towards a new renewable energy infrastructure in major cities, whether it be for energy supply in transport, mobility or other commercial services that technological advances like solar storage is making possible. Fossil fuels on the other hand, have a relatively bleak outlook. Financial returns from fossil fuel investments are at historic lows and America's expensive shale oil experiment has seen it squeezed by the high cost of extraction and historically low oil prices. Advertisement America needs a President that acknowledges the potential the renewable industry offers America- both ecologically and economically. Of the two candidates for Presidency, it is Hilary who best exemplifies such an approach. Energy and climate policy also reflects a deeper divide in the attitudes towards leadership and international engagement. At a time when greater transnational cooperation is needed to forge global cooperation in the fight against irreversible climate change, we are witnessing the emergence of two divergent approaches towards political governance. One approach represents the move towards transnational cooperation, for example by embracing such blocs like NATO or the European Union or indeed major international frameworks like COP21. Indeed, major climate and energy related challenges rely on precisely such broad collaborative frameworks. The other is a reversion to a more insular and singular focus on the nation-state, on borders and protectionism. This election represents each camp being pitted against the other - and given how large a carbon emitter the U.S is, the election outcome could have huge implications for the global effort against climate change. The fight against global climate change only works when there are strong frameworks for collaboration in place. COP21 is a major achievement that won the support of 189 nations. But it is the multilateral nature of the agreement that will help enforce those commitments. Also, let's not forget the huge potential of the Atlantic clean energy vision. Close, historic transatlantic ties form a powerful basis for collaborative action in tackling climate change and supporting mutually beneficial energy policy. In fact, so significant is the potential for transatlantic energy relations, that collaboration could help shift energy's centre of gravity toward the Atlantic Basin and away from the 'Great Crescent' - the traditional energy-exporting world of Central Asia, the Middle East and Russia. That is why it is so important to have a new U.S. President that acknowledges the indispensable role played by inter-governmental frameworks and international collaboration in enhancing energy policy and simultaneously tackling climate change. Advertisement Finally, while there is certainly reason to be optimistic should a Hilary Clinton Presidency lead to the renewed support of a cleaner energy future, there is still much more that could and should be done over the next four years. Efforts to support the growth of clean energy in ways that are congruent with the needs of the U.S. economy can be scaled up far beyond what either candidate's policy vision offers. For example, a clean energy revolution requires more effective cooperation with regulators and financial markets. The U.S should follow the experience of Latin American countries like Brazil, Mexico and Argentina, which have launched "capacity" or forward markets for wind and solar solutions to provide electricity supply at utility scale. Colombia too is following suit. This would enable large utility-scale renewable projects within the USA that take a long time to develop, to secure investment years ahead of when electricity needs to be delivered - enhancing the business and financial viability of major renewable energy initiatives. These are all considerations that ought to bear heavily on the minds of U.S. voters. After all, in just one week, the U.S electorate will vote to choose the leader of the free world. It will be a decision that affects not just America, but the entire world at time of exceptional geopolitical uncertainty. A view of the destruction caused by the tsunami of 26 December 2004 in Galle, a town in southern Sri Lanka, where relief workers and volunteers found another 7,275 bodies while clearing up the debris. UN Photo/Evan Schneider By Robert Glasser* It is 18 months since the world came together in Sendai, Japan, to adopt a comprehensive plan for reducing disaster losses, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. How to implement that plan in Asia will be one of the main outcomes of the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction hosted by the Indian government in Delhi this week. Advertisement The Conference takes place at a critical time, just days before COP22 and will seek ways to enhance coherence between disaster risk management, climate change adaptation and achievement of the sustainable development goals. Implementation of the Sendai Framework received a major boost earlier this year when the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, launched India's first National Disaster Management Plan and based it on the priorities for action outlined in the Sendai Framework with a focus on moving from managing disasters to managing disaster risk. Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the Conference with a major speech on the subject of disaster risk reduction. Among the audience will be some 2,000 local government officials responsible for disaster risk management at district level across India. It was the Prime Minister's idea to invite them and it sends a signal across the world about how important it is to drill down from the national level to the local level if we are to achieve substantial reductions in disaster mortality, numbers of people affected, economic losses and damage to critical infrastructure by 2030. Advertisement Strengthening disaster risk governance is a priority for achievement of these targets so engaging with local government officials who are on the front line of the response to recurring disaster events is a key part of that. This is true everywhere but especially in Asia which accounts for over 80% of those killed and affected by disasters worldwide in any given year; 1.35 million people have died in disasters affecting almost four billion people over the last twenty years. China, Nepal, India and the Philippines all figured in the top ten countries worldwide for economic losses from disasters last year which are now estimated to be running at between US$300 billion to $400 billion worldwide. In the build-up to this Conference there has been a palpable sense of change in the air. Evidence of this can be seen from the pre-conference sessions taking place in New Delhi engaging a wide range of stakeholders including parliamentarians, local governments, the private sector, science and technology, persons living with disability, youth and children, gender groups, the media, UN agencies, and the Red Cross/Red Crescent. There have been a number of successes over the last decade. The decline in flood deaths in Bangladesh, China and Nepal is one example. Both India and Bangladesh continue to perform well in reducing loss of life from cyclones in the Bay of Bengal thanks to improved early warning systems and effective management of "the last mile" when it comes to evacuations. Vietnam saw a drop in storm mortality from 5,120 in 1996-2005 to 1,270 in 2006-2015. Advertisement Many countries are integrating disaster risk reduction into their overall development and investment planning and there is growing understanding of the importance of a risk sensitive approach to major infrastructure investments in both the private and public sectors. Nonetheless, it is clear that economic losses across the region continue to act as a major brake on eradicating poverty and freeing up resources for social expenditure in key areas such as health and education. Nepal provides a vivid example not only of the region's exposure to earthquake risk but the long-term consequences such events have on sustainable development. Last year's earthquakes cost the country one-third of its GDP and a large percentage of its housing stock. Expressed as a proportion of social expenditure, expected annual losses in low-income countries are five times higher than in high-income countries. The countries with the greatest need to invest in social development are those most challenged by disaster risk. This further underlines the importance of good risk governance in the form of strong institutions, planning and regulatory oversight and, above all, political commitment to reducing disaster risk. Advertisement This will be especially important across Asia where 53% of the world's urban population live. Over 60% of the land projected to become urban by 2030 has yet to be developed. Success in building sustainable cities will help reduce disaster losses in the future. Well managed, hazard-resistant cities offer great opportunities for economic development and access to basic services including health and education. In terms of outcomes, this Conference is expected to deliver a robust regional plan for reducing disaster losses and a strong political commitment to reducing disaster risk. By doing so it will send a strong signal that in a warming world where extreme weather events are on the rise and more people are living in hazard-prone locations, the focus needs to be on managing the risks so they do not turn into disasters. War, and specifically, the War on Terror and terrorism of the last 15 years, has killed over 2 million, devastated five Muslim countries, and led to the dangerous erosion of liberty and civil rights in virtually all major democracies, especially our own. I am an anti-war activist. I oppose wars, drones, torture and have marched against their devastating use, sometimes being the only Muslim to do so at rallies. I also believe that war and terror are a connected phenomena. As Dr. Robert Pape, author of Dying to Win: The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism, notes suicide terrorists are responding to the military occupation of a community that they care a lot about. For all of my anti-war friends who do not consider Hillary Clinton an anti-war leader, you are right. She is definitely not. Advertisement However, this year the fight is about preserving our right as equal citizens to oppose war. It is a fight for equality of all citizens, including Muslims and Latinos, the two primary targets of Republican Party nominee Donald Trump's attacks. Through his campaign of bigotry, he is attempting to undermine our right to belong as Americans, and by extension, to have a say in the future of our country. We must continue to fight against the cycle of war-terror-hate. It is going to be a long struggle, one that will liberate America from fear, hate and anger. However, it will be a fight of a generation requiring tremendous sacrifices by all Americans. It will require learning and practicing the art and science of politics, coalition building and thinking out of the box. But wasting your hard-won vote because Clinton is not an anti-war candidate will stop neither warfare nor terrorism. As far as Clinton is concerned, Muslim Americans have the best chance to influence her policies by supporting her campaign. She has been the only one to court and include us as equal citizens. Advertisement She has made concerted efforts to reach out to and include Muslims in a substantial way. She has powerfully defended Muslims as an equal part of America, instead of distancing herself from the Muslim community. Each time Republican nominee Donald Trump attacked Muslims, she came back swinging in our defense. She placed more Muslims on the Democratic National Convention stage than other larger minorities. Eight Muslims spoke, including Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Khizr Khan, and Keith Ellison. Clinton also became the first major presidential candidate to feature Muslims in her advertisements. And all of this is not new, she has a track record of being inclusive to all. Remember, she is the one who started the tradition of Ramadan Iftar in the White House as the First Lady. In terms of the Democratic Party, Muslim Americans have fared far better in terms of being supported as equal citizens, as compared to the Republicans. Republicans have introduced 110 anti-Muslim bills in 35 states over the last few years. Democrats opposed most of those bills. Advertisement Most Islamophobes are Republicans. Most Democrats have stood with the Muslim community. Democrats have two Congressmen who are Muslim. Republicans have none. In the last few years, hundreds of anti-immigration laws have been passed by many states. Most of these laws were presented and voted on by aggressive, right-wing Republicans. Most Democrats fought against these bills. The Democratic Party bylaws require diversity. The Democratic Party allows us to build alliances and coalitions with many other minority communities. We cannot help our nation move forward to justice and goodness if we withdraw our voice. Voting is the most powerful and effective voice we have to work on the change we seek in a positive manner. The letter by FBI Director James Comey last Friday to Congress about additional evidence potentially related to the Clinton email investigation ignited the predictable firestorm of criticism from all sides. Even media and press other than FOX News were obliged to carry the story which is still in its early stages. Almost all of Comey's critics are agreed that the investigation of the matter was unorthodox in virtually every respect and that Comey's recent actions are inconsistent with long-standing Justice Department policy. From what is known, it is fairly clear that Comey was in a most difficult position, facing a mutiny by FBI agents involved with the case who were ready to go public with the fact of this new trove of Clinton-related emails and pressure from "senior Justice Department officials" who wanted him to simply remain silent in the matter, just days before the Presidential election. Author Edward Klein makes a compelling case that in this matter there was a "fix" directed by Valerie Jarett at the White House and her close friend Attorney General Loretta Lynch to keep the case away from prosecution. Others are willing to accept Comey's July statement that there was insufficient evidence to support a criminal indictment at the time. How history ultimately reconciles this conflict remains to be seen. A major question now is what is the nature of this mass of emails discovered by the FBI's New York Field Office on a computer belonging to Anthony Wiener and his estranged wife Huma Abedin - Hillary Clinton's closest advisor. At this point, there is very little that is known, and almost anything said is largely speculation. That said, however, there are a few points where reasonable speculation can begin. Advertisement Various leaks and reports from those involved in the investigation indicate that the sheer number of emails on the computer taken from Weiner and Huma Abedin is huge, with most recent reports indicating that upwards of 600,000 emails are there, based on the preliminary examination of the meta-data (headers) on the emails. This would be an order-of-magnitude greater than the set of emails already turned over by Clinton and her aides to the State Department and the FBI, as well as some 33,000 destroyed by her team and presumed lost forever. It is most likely the case that many of the emails in this "mother lode" as some describe it are in fact duplicates of those already in the FBI's possession. There is no dispute over this. It is also likely the case that among this astronomic number of emails -- there are many that have not already been seen by the FBI, the State Department, or the Intelligence Community -- which do contain classified information. What is also known, from both the prior emails released by the State Department as well as the ongoing flow from WikiLeaks, is that Huma Abedin was copied on virtually every email involving Hillary Clinton; the Clinton Foundation and other elements of Clinton, Inc. Huma herself has already stated that she regularly forwarded many emails from a State Department account to her personal Yahoo account as it was easier to print them for Hillary from that account. She has also stated that she rarely deleted any emails, a practice that may yet serve to be her own undoing, if not Hillary's as well. Until now there has been little more to add to the sad tale of Hillary's private server; unauthorized and illegal handling of classified data; and the related efforts by her aides, lawyers, and contractors to destroy a large volume of her e-mails as well as some 13 devices she used while Secretary of State. Huma Abedin's computer may well turn out to be the "A Bomb" in the ongoing Clinton email scandal. Now in the hands of the FBI and away from Clinton Inc., one can only hope that it won't be wiped, bleached, or destroyed before an honest evaluation of these emails is undertaken. Advertisement The reaction of Hillary and her surrogates to the Comey letter was to demand that the FBI release all of this new information immediately, knowing full well that as part of an ongoing investigation the FBI couldn't legally do that. Calls of Abedin to release these emails are simply absurd since her computer is now in the hands of the FBI. In reality, this is the last thing in the world that the Clinton Campaign would ever want. This would be WikiLeaks on steroids. It is most certainly the case based on prior Clinton emails that many of the emails on this computer contain classified data, as well as other unclassified data about Hillary and Clinton Foundation operations that would be damaging to their case, to say the least. In the best of all possible worlds, for Hillary, none of the emails on Huma's computer will be made public until after the election is over. Huma Abedin herself is not in an enviable position. It is already evident that she has testified falsely, under oath, about the Clinton emails and devices in her possession. In the non-Clinton world she would be facing charges of obstruction of justice as well as charges for classified material in her possession. Whether the Clinton rules of justice apply here, and Huma is granted immunity or simply let off the hook remains to be seen. Whatever happens to her now will not escape media attention. Before last week Huma saw herself on the yellow brick road to the White House with her best friend Hillary. This no longer seems so certain. What happens now with Hillary remains a most serious question. Several experts from both parties view the situation as a constitutional crisis and all agree this is uncharted territory. The U.S. has never had a Presidential candidate under criminal investigation by the FBI before. It is almost certain that this continued or reopened investigation will not be concluded prior to the election. If Hillary Clinton is elected it may be the case that the President-elect could be indicted on criminal charges, or subsequent to the inauguration as the sitting President, a situation that has never occurred in the history of the nation. It is also the case that no matter who wins the Presidential election the matter will not go away, apart from any further action which the FBI and Justice Department may take. At least two Congressional committees - House Oversight and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, will continue to investigate possible violations of mishandling of classified materials by Hillary and her aides for many months to come. At a minimum, Hillary would enter office with the email cloud still hanging over her head. Advertisement For decades the Clintons have operated in a world where the rules, regulations and laws that apply to all other Americans didn't apply to them and have been able to get away with it. They managed to dodge or rise above every scandal as if it didn't exist. They were simply invented by Republicans or hostile press to annoy them unfairly. When Hillary Clinton's email scandal erupted in March 2015 it appeared this would simply be business as usual and it would all go away in short order. Over time her various explanations and excuses for use of a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State were shown to be false and misleading. At best she took refuge in claims that she just couldn't remember. On balance, it didn't seem to matter, other than to some Republican legislators and Fox News. Claims by some reporters and Donald Trump that there was a high-level "fix" in the case fell on mostly deaf ears and largely disregarded by the mainstream media. After the Comey briefing to the nation in July, which scolded Hillary but closed the criminal case the Clintons, the Justice Department and the White House breathed a welcome sigh of relief. Another scandal for Clinton Inc. had been averted. The launch this week in Denmark of a Clio road car labeled the special 'Kevin Magnussen edition' has prompted speculation that the Dane will be remaining with the French manufacturer for next season. But a Renault official has played down the suggestion that, saying that the Clio signature series destined for the Danish market was planned some time ago. "We know as little as you about what will happen with Renault and Kevin Magnussen," said Soren Hyltoft Thomsen, a PR official for Renault Denmark. "We made a deal with Kevin Magnussen in the spring to make the car, but there is no hidden message in it." Renault has yet to confirm the identity of the driver who will partner newly-signed Nico Hulkenberg on next year's lineup. Despite impressing team boss Fred Vasseur in Mexico last weekend, Jolyon Palmer's chances appears to be slim. And Magnussen himself, perhaps unwilling to wait for a decision by his current employer, has initiated talks with US outfit Haas. Mercedes protege Esteban Ocon, who kick started his career in F1 with Manor at the Belgian Grand Prix, is also on Renault's shortlist but Toto Wolff is keen to keep the young hopeful within the Mercedes stable, thus making him a viable candidate for Hulkenberg's vacant seat at Force India. FEATURE: Foul Play or Foul Language Scene at the 2016 Mexican Grand Prix Mexican Grand Prix - Quotes of the week DRIVER RATINGS: Mexican Grand Prix 15 minutes with ... Nico Rosberg Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter Georgetown University recently acknowledged its historical role in slavery, offering preferential admissions status to descendants of 272 slaves it sold in 1838. Along with other measures, Georgetown updated its admissions policy to give the same advantage to the slaves' descendants as it grants alumni, faculty and other "members of the Georgetown community." While it is one of many U.S. institutions that was built and funded -- at least in part -- on the kidnapping, forced labor and sale of Black men and women, according to Richard Cellini, the Georgetown alumnus who spearheaded an independent search for the descendants, the school is one of the first to explore reconciliation beyond nominal changes and lip service. Businessman Talking on Cell Phone Outside Wal-Mart By Al Norman It took a jury one minute to find 57-year-old Vicki Carll not guilty of shoplifting from Wal-Mart. The real crime was what Wal-Mart put her through by seeking prosecution when they knew she was innocent. According to court documents filed in Florida, Vicki Carll, a disabled mother, has retaliated for how Wal-Mart treated her by filing a lawsuit of her own against the retailer over the alleged shoplifting incident at a Wal-Mart in Tampa two years ago. Advertisement On January 2, 2014, Carll went to Wal-Mart to buy dog food. After browsing the aisles, Carll went to the pet food aisle, put a large bag of dog food in her cart, and picked up a box of flea medication to read the instructions. She noticed that this particular box of flea medication had already been opened. It appeared that the contents of the box were still inside and were undisturbed. Carll began walking on for a while with the flea medication in her hand, reading the instructions. She realized that this medication was for dogs much larger than hers, so she returned the box to a nearby shelf. Carll proceeded to the check-out stand to pay for her dog food. She was unaware that a Wal-Mart "floor- walker" had been following her from a distance. According to the lawsuit, the "floor walker's job... is to look out for retail theft." Carll's complaint says the Wal-Mart worker "had an ulterior plan and motive for which Ms. Carll seemed to be the perfect victim." The complaint alleges that the Wal-Mart loss prevention worker had observed Carll "pick up the box of flea and tick medication and watched from hiding as she returned it to the shelf." The floor-walker "secretly followed behind her and surreptitiously grabbed the box of flea and tick medication from the shelf where Ms. Carll had returned it." He then went to the main entrance/exit area of the store and positioned himself on a bench just inside the main doors and waited for Ms. Carll to approach, keeping the box of pet medication concealed from view. Advertisement While Carll was standing in the check-out line, the floor-walker "removed the individual doses from the medication box and laid them on the ground under the bench where he sat in wait for Ms. Carll." "As would soon become clear," the worker's "seemingly inexplicable behavior was actually part of an elaborate plan concocted...to frame an innocent shopper and allow him to make an arrest, or 'stop,' on his very first day on the job, thereby ingratiating himself with his Wal-Mart employer." As she passed by the bench, the floor-walker, "leapt off his bench as soon as she passed and fell in directly behind her." He then "physically accosted" Carll on the sidewalk, and "with his full force and strength, physically took hold of Ms. Carll and began dragging her by force back inside the store to a spot next to the bench." The floor-walker was then joined by a second Wal-Mart employee who also "physically lay hands" on Vicki Carll, and dragged her back inside the store to the bench, and "forcefully threw Ms. Carll to the ground." "The force of being thrown to the ground caused Ms. Carll intense pain, as she had a pre-existing back injury from an automobile accident. The take-down...severely aggravated Ms. Carll's condition and caused her additional injuries." The floor-walker then "reached under the bench and pretended to find the doses of pet medication scattered there beneath the bench. "Feigning surprise," the floor-walker "loudly - and falsely - proclaimed that Ms. Carll had attempted to steal the medicine by hiding it in her sleeve, and that she must have dropped it when she was forced to the ground." The Wal-Mart worker "falsely claimed that he had witnessed Ms. Carll take and conceal the pet medication while inside the store. He said that he had then 'sprung a trap' for her and had caught her in the act of trying to steal the pet medicine doses." "Apparently unbeknownst" to the floor-walker, however, "Wal-Mart maintained security surveillance cameras in the area of the store entrance which recorded the events of that day." The video footage shows the floor-walker himself removing the pet medication doses from its box as he sat on the bench waiting for Carll to check out. According to the lawsuit, the video shows the floor-walker placing the medication doses on the ground underneath the bench. Advertisement Within an hour after the "forced takedown and false arrest scheme," Wal-Mart had available to it the video surveillance footage that "conclusively demonstrated Ms. Carll's innocence and the attempted frame-up by its employee." The complaint charges that Wal-Mart knew "without question" that Carll was innocent, that their own employee "had falsely accused her and planted false evidence to support the false accusations." Yet Wal-Mart "took the almost incomprehensible step of initiating criminal charges and proceedings against Ms. Carll." The lawsuit says that Wal-Mart "intentionally and recklessly forced Ms. Carll to undergo the fear and humiliation of having to face criminal charges and forced her to live for a substantial time with the fear of being wrongfully convicted of a charge on which she was innocent." Carll "had to endure the humiliation of being processed into the criminal justice system all the way through a jury trial," But soon the humiliation flipped. According to Channel 10 News/Tampa, a Hillsborough County jury "found Carll not guilty in less than a minute." Carll's attorney told Channel 10, "I've never seen a case I can think about where the bad guy -- in this case the Wal-Mart employee -- was actually caught on video planting the evidence." The complaint notes that Wal-Mart "allowed its employees to take the witness stand under oath and falsely accuse Ms. Carll of an act of theft which Wal-Mart knew she had not committed." The litigation says Wal-Mart "apparently decided to carry the charade of criminal proceedings to their ultimate conclusion by jury trial just to try to protect itself from civil liability by not admitting the outrageous wrongdoing of its own employees." Carll's attorney says "she has been placed on anti-anxiety medications which she never before had to take and suffers from a fear of being in public and in social situations...Ms. Carll no longer shops at public retail stores unless absolutely necessary and makes her purchases on line whenever possible." Advertisement On Halloween, Carll's attorney filed a petition in the Thirteenth Circuit for Hillsborough County, Florida, seeking a jury trial and damages against defendants Wal-Mart and its two employees. One of the jurors that sat on the panel during Wal-Mart's original prosecution against Carll told Channel 10 News he "couldn't believe the state wasted time and money with this case." After the jury acquitted Carll, Wal-Mart issued a statement which began: "This was an unfortunate event in a number of ways." But the retailer expressed no remorse and accepted no blame for what happened to Vicki Carll. This elaborate entrapment and prosecution was over a bottle of flea medication worth $29, proving once again that Wal-Mart knows the price of everything -- but the value of nothing. Now is the perfect time to create your best holiday playlist ever, songs to accompany all your upcoming dinners and celebrations. "Music is one of the strongest tethers we have to the past," Kenneth Bilby, a former director at the Center for Black Music Research at Columbia College Chicago in Chicago, tells me. "It's a critically important carrier of memory." It's with this notion in mind that I'm revealing a story about my family I've never shared. I hope you find it helpful as you plan your holiday playlist. My uncle dictated a note to me one day before he died. The intention was for me to type it up and email it his closest friends and family after he passed away. And I did. It was one of the most important and joyful notes I've ever written. Richard was my dad's younger brother and he'd been sick for a while. He was 70 and my father had been dead more than a decade by the time I became Richard's primary caretaker. Richie, as our family called him, went to the Peabody Conservatory at The Johns Hopkins University and was a great lover of music throughout his life. He founded Grenadilla, a music label, and his company produced acclaimed discographies and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1978 in the category of Best Arrangement for Voices. He also performed a clarinet recital at Carnegie Hall, the event so large in his memory he often told my brother and me it was the happiest moment of his life. The note was my idea. Sitting at his bedside, feeding him cherry Jell-O and urging him to take even a sip of water, I asked my uncle for a list of his favorite pieces of music. I thought I'd benefit -- indeed all his family and friends could benefit -- from his deep reservoir of knowledge. Advertisement And I knew we'd feel closer to Richie after he died if we could enjoy these songs and arrangements knowing he once took pleasure in them, too. This year, three years after my uncle's death, I pass along his expertly curated list to you: "Some of My Favorite Listening" by Richard Allen Gilbert Artie Shaw -- Begin the Beguine Mozart -- Sinfonia Concertante for Violin/Viola Mozart -- Piano Concerto #21 Mozart and Brahms -- Clarinet Quintet Bach -- Brandenburg Concerto Beethoven -- Violin Concerto Samuel Barber -- Adagio for Strings Hoagy Carmichael -- The Nearness of You Joaquin Rodrigo -- Concierto De Aranjuez Stan Getz -- Focus (entire album) John Lennon - Imagine Brahms -- Piano Concerto #2 Musicals -- Fiddler on the Roof, Sound of Music, West Side Story Throughout the third and final presidential debate, Secretary Clinton and Mr. Trump disagreed on nearly every issue, but they did agree on one thing: the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is not affordable. And that is a huge problem. In the recent Texas Medical Center Nielsen survey, 96 percent of Texans said having health insurance was important, but still about 17 percent remain uninsured, which puts Texas' number of uninsured as highest in the nation. We found that respondents said cost was the major barrier to having health insurance, and 87 percent of uninsured who visited the health marketplace exchange could not afford insurance. For example, an individual making $22,000 per year (200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level) could not afford to purchase a plan in the marketplace that required him or her to pay a $6,400 premium before insurance kicks in. That equals about 28 percent of that individual's income. Estimates of what is considered "affordable health care" vary from two to eight percent of an individual's income, but surely not 28 percent! Advertisement So how do we attack the problem that individuals just don't have the money to pay for health insurance, i.e. without the help of a large employer footing most of the bill? There really is only one way to solve it: decrease the cost of health care. Step one should be dramatically decreasing the waste in health care. In the U.S., one third of our health care dollars are wasted. Shocking, isn't it? When I first heard this number, I was skeptical that it's accurate, until I read how Dr. Donald Berwick, a highly respected health economics expert, analyzed the numbers. Of $3 trillion a year in health care expenditures in the U.S., about $910 billion, or 30 percent, is wasted. Of this, we waste $192 billion on overtreatment, i.e. doing procedures and tests that are unnecessary. In West Virginia, for example, a patient is seven times more likely to have a heart procedure than in San Francisco, but the patients in West Virginia are no sicker and do not have better results, implying that many in West Virginia did not need the procedure in the first place and were "overtreated." There are a number of possible reasons for this overtreatment, but a prominent one is that the doctors doing these procedures are paid per procedure--the so called "fee-for-service" model of health care. The largest payer in the U.S., the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), recognizes this fact and has committed to paying physicians at least 50 percent using a value-based payment. This "value-based health care" model--by very definition not fee-for-service--will reimburse for quality of health care instead of quantity of procedures by the end of 2018. The most sensible way to deliver value-based care is to pay physicians a salary. In some of the best health care systems in the U.S.--Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and Kaiser Permanente--physicians are paid a salary, in most cases with an additional bonus based on quality metrics like patient satisfaction or positive outcomes like reducing readmissions to the hospital. Advertisement The future of health care depends on getting all interested parties on board with a transition to value-based care. Some payers worry that when physicians are paid a salary, they will see fewer patients. The solution here is to pay a quality bonus based on standards set by physicians. The other side of the coin is that physicians worry their incomes will fall. On the contrary, salary can be quite high, even the same as what a physician earns now, in the value-based model. To ensure adequate and fair pay for physicians who are just ramping up their practice, we could develop a compensation system for those in their first years of practice to incrementally increase over five years until it reaches the current salary for that type of physician in the region. The savings reaped to the system from a reduction in unnecessary tests, procedures and hospitalizations (overtreatment) far exceeds what it will take to pay physicians higher salaries and quality bonuses. What needs to happen to make affordable health care a reality? 1.The savings must be monitored and captured, which is no small feat. Paying physicians a salary could cut 10 - 15 percent of the nation's cost of health care, and that savings of $300 million a year could be passed on to individuals in the form of reduced premiums, making the ACA more affordable. 2.The commercial payers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, over the next five years should require that health plans salary their physicians with added quality bonus. This would cover the vast majority of physicians who practice medicine in the U.S. For independent physicians and small group practices, this method may be more difficult to implement and fee-for-service may continue long into the future, though. Why does this matter to patients? The number of unnecessary tests, procedures and hospitalizations--each carrying some risk--will markedly decrease. And by focusing on delivering high quality care instead of high volume of care, physicians will have more time to see patients, and the in-and-out, eight-minute visit with your doctor will be a thing of the past. By Hong Soon-do, Beijing correspondent, AsiaToday - China is a country that has been traumatized by religious cults in the past. This is not an exaggeration considering the fact that many Chinese dynasties have vanished in history due to bloody wars followed by rampant cults over the last five thousand years. And things haven't changed much. It is true since China was thrown into chaos by Falun Gong at the end of the last century. Obviously, China learned a valuable lesson that you should be tough on religious cults and never leave the matter unsettled otherwise the whole country could be in danger. [A religious group recently held a rally at Chaoyang District, Beijing. Police were dispatched to check whether they are cult or not./ Source: Beijing News] Chinese authorities have been working these days to apply the lesson in earnest as religious cult has been rampant in China for the past few years. China Youth Daily and other Chinese media outlets recently revealed that China has at least 20 active cult groups as of October 2016, according to a list of cults released by the Chinese religious authorities. Some cult groups, including Taiwan-based cult "Bloody Holy Spirit" and "Church of the Almighty God", are known to have at least one million members. Advertisement The problem is that these organizations aren't only extorting money from their members but also destroying families and individual spirits, throwing China into chaos. This seems why a powerful crackdown is needed in deed. My life frequently operates in bizarrely unpredictable ways. In 2014, Noor Tagouri was a rising star in the American journalism scene while I was a clueless 2L law student with a HuffPo piece, a Whitehouse.gov petition, and an invite for a radio interview to discuss the now-defunct (at least officially) NYPD surveillance program which broadly targeted Muslim American communities. Two years later, Noor is once again providing an unique and outspoken voice for an embattled faith community, and I recently felt compelled to directly address some of her most spiteful detractors in order to force them to confront their knee-jerk perceptions and reactions. I felt it was the very least I could do as an aspiring activist to show my appreciation for a genuine role model and champion for our generation. A few weeks ago, I actually met her. I did not think that paths could actually cross while her acclaim continues to skyrocket, much less imagine that we would meet for the first time not in the States but in the best city in the world. Advertisement Empowerful 2.0: Inspiring and Unleashing Youth Potential It turned out that Noor was the keynote speaker at "Empowerful 2.0", the second edition of an unique, inspirational seminar-fundraiser organized at University College London by UCLU Friends of Palestine Society, Satifs, and Human Care Syria to raise funds for humanitarian aid operations in Syria. UCL instantly felt a strangely familiar place... ...and I soon learned why: Many of my all-time favorite films were filmed here! After getting over my cinephilic sense of deja vu, I settled in and watched as a large lecture room began filling up. A mass of attendees-overwhelmingly British Muslim students and youth began streaming in. As usual, the sisters killed it with both attendance and enthusiasm... ...but there was a respectable showing from my fellow brothers as well. As we waited for the first speaker, Empowerful organizer Yahya Abu Seido kicked off proceedings: "I grew up reading about transformational figures like Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and Oprah. They had or have amazing talents, but they're no better than us. So why are we on the sidelines?" Thus firmly establishing the theme of the entire event: All of our heroes overcame and achieved-so what's stopping us? Advertisement Leane Mohamad: Defying the Hate "What if I told you that for some children around the world, hide-and-seek is a matter of life and death?" So began Leane Mohamad's acclaimed "Birds, not Bombs" spoken word performance. At just 15 years old, she was a finalist of the prestigious Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge before she was expelled in highly controversial circumstances. Spoken words cannot do justice to her performance, the power of which can only be experienced by watching it in its entirety. Yet one truth is self-evident: When stripping away all of the identify politics and geopolitical baggage we carry, there is objectively nothing that she said which is even remotely objectionable. If relating her personal experiences as a Palestinian, and sharing the collective experiences of a global 12.37 million strong community, suddenly becomes "hate speech", then what prospect is there for a honest discourse and complete dialogue in 21st century democratic societies? What hope is there of peace abroad if civil discourse of those very issues at home is stymied? What was both disheartening and inspiring wasn't the expulsion, but Leanne's vivid descriptions of the vitriolic hatred she endured. The most noxious and blatantly false accusations imagined were hurtled at her and her loved ones. Her experience directly shook me to my core, because it was just a few years ago when a certain ex-SNL comedian-turned-professional-fearmonger called me by name as a terrorist propagandist for a satircal article I wrote on the the nature and role of Muslim Students Organization . Granted this accusation came within weeks of the infamous hate crime-based murders of three young Muslim American students, so I was certainly on edge along with most of the Muslim American community. Yet a relatively minor league right-wing celebrity publicly insinuated that I was a terrorist propagandist, and I freaked out at the possible repercussions for me and my loved ones. Advertisement How 15 year old Leanne was able to endure every time of slander and overcome months of savage bullying by countless cowards and ignoramuses gave me a deeply personal and unique dose of inspiration. As young Leanne stood tall, dressed in her Palestinian garb, it was clear to me that the strength of her character was an immense asset to not just the Palestinian people, but every community struggling for dignity and basic human rights. The Indomitable Spirit of Youth The remaining speakers were no less inspirational. Malaka Mohammad, a Masters student at the University of Sheffield, described the incredible struggles she had to face in order to leave her native Gaza to study in the UK. She described the harrowing experience of waiting at the Rafah border crossing and pleading with the Egyptian border guards: "We don't want our scholarships that we've fought for months or years to be lost." The raw power of her struggles can only be fully experienced by listening to her in-person. Yet the passion of her plight can be felt in her interviews as her words cut across the screen and into your conscience. What young people are willing to endure for education and equality of opportunity is as inspirational as what certain powers are willing to do to crush those opportunities is disheartening and infuriating.. Spoken word artist Lamya Tawfik delivered two riveting performances which demonstrated the power of shaping narratives. The first was dedicated to the refugee experience, and demonstrably debunked so many of the misconceptions and stereotypes that are so commonly attached to refugees. Lamya's second piece addressed the issue of mental health, which is still a rather taboo subject for many communities. While words don't do either performance justice, the refrain of the second piece was a much-needed message for so many youth forced to cope with multiple issues and stressors at once: "Don't give up, don't give in. There's always an answer for everything." Satifs organizer Ismail Jeilani emphasized to the audience the importance of not just holding fast to their dreams, but daring to make them a reality: Advertisement "Ask yourself two questions: One: Who are you? And two: What do you love doing?" From Soul-Searching Seriousness to Hilarity After such relatively heavy topics, a marvelous lunch with cuisine across the Levant followed by a performance by acclaimed British-Nigerian comedian Nabil Abdul Rashid helped lightened the mood. Nabil was intoxicatingly hilarious-again words don't do his performance justice. Uproarious laughter, uncomfortable "should I actually laugh at this?" laughter, and "yup, guilty as charged" laughter...the crowd experienced it all. He seamlessly transitioned across a range of topics from national and international politics to institutional racism and prejudice among various minority communities-all while delivering devastatingly funny zing after zing. Just a taste of the provocative "take no prisoners" hilarity: "A loud minority of people dabble in religion for all the wrong reasons. Some try Islam because they're angry. Others go into Judaism for the bagels and discounted Palestinian land!" It's little wonder why at the age of 22, he was the youngest black comedian to perform at the Hammersmith Apollo-though Nabil himself would probably say that was as much a sad reflection of the diminished opportunities for comedians of color as it was his incredible talent. Or "Hey I was good, but not "the only worthy young black comedian in the entire country" good!", as he would probably put it in his brand of unashamedly defian humor. Not bad for a law student eh? You can bill me the royalties when you perform in the States brother. Noor Tagouri: Badass Muslim-American and Relentless Journalist Extraordinaire "When I was little, I asked the first person I met who also had dark hair if they were Muslim too." So began the keynote speaker's address, as Noor Tagouri candidly shared her life story-the complete journey of both her personal life and her professional career. It was a soul-searching and emotional experience to hear someone bare their entire life in front of such a wide audience; I can only imagine what it must be like to be that courageously open with a room packed full of strangers. Advertisement As one of the most prominent Muslim journalists who also happens to wear the hijab, a lot of attention is thrust on that fact, which Noor addressed in a way that was very deeply esoteric yet real at the same time. For example, she pushed back against many of the stereotypes revolving around women who choose to wear the hijab: "I personally believe the hijab is for the broken, for those looking to find themselves. That's why I put it on.". Noor adamantly identified herself as a feminist, and passionately challenged the audience: "If you hear 'feminist' and think you're not one, you don't know what that word means. If you're Muslim, you should be a feminist too." In addition to her life story and personal perspectives, Noor painted a remarkably complete picture of her professional development from a high schooler working on the school newspaper to one of the increasingly growing yet still relatively few Muslim female journalists in the country. One of my favorite parts was when Noor made an eye-opening revelation about her career at Newsy, and followed it up with an inspiring declaration: Advertisement "Not only am I the only Muslim [at Newsy] , but I'm even the only dark haired person! While that might seem overwhelming, it's also a great asset as a journalist. Because I can go to the different minority communities whose stories I'm sharing and say: I know what it's like for someone to misrepresent your story." An overriding theme was how Noor viewed good journalism as good storytelling, and the importance of faithfully repaying the trust of those individuals and communities who confided in you their stories The seriousness with which she takes her responsibilities as a journalist is as admirable as the raw grit of her perseverance and work ethic is as inspirational. Raising 232,000 Pounds for Syria in Minutes And then came the other main reason we were all here: A shared desire to make a tangible difference for our Syrian sisters and brothers in humanity. Sara Ibrahim of Human Care Syria began by relating her own personal story on why she has dedicated herself to humanitarian public service: When everyone goes home, there are family members who are well off, and family members who are not well off...when I visited my relatives in rural Egypt, they overwhelmed me with their hospitality. They didn't have much, but they gave me whatever they had. Sara then highlighted the range of grassroots, on-the-ground work that HCS has been doing in Syria. They operate a large refugee camp in Azaz where they provide everything from food provisions to medical care and education: Advertisement "We try to provide as normal of a life as possible to the people who are suffering from unimaginable hardships." They also recently launched an orphan sponsorship program, which are desperately needed as the war continues to kill off large numbers of parents and adult guardians. Sara highlighted how remarkable it was to operate these programs, given how charities operating in Syria are "systematically getting shut down." As a Muslim American growing up in a post 9-11 world, that statement set off some bells. Plus like any decent amateur journalist-wannabe, I did a little digging on HCS and could only find an old Telegraph article in which the single allegation involving the HCS (a FBI statement) was questionable and inconclusive at best. When I asked the US Embassy for any update or clarification, the US Embassy informed me that they had no profile on HCS. My inquiries to the US Department of Justice and the British Ministry of Justice went unanswered. It seems apparent that HCS's only crimes are being a relatively small charity rather than its more massive NGO counterparts which operate with differing levels of competence and effectivenesss, and for daring to operate in Syria. When even large NGOs with sterling reputations and visibility are increasingly enduring hurdles on rationales bordering on paranoia, HCS's immense struggles can be viewed in a proper context. Moved by HCS's Herculean humanitarian efforts to alleviate such massive suffering, this audience-dominated by university and "college" (high school) students-leaped at the chance to make a difference. Many signed up to volunteer their time and skills to assist HCS. Although most were broke if not outright in debt, participants also pledged to help raise the funds while both Satifs and HCS vowed to assist them in planning and executing fundraising events. Dozens pledged to raise sums of 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and even 20,000 pounds. Others pledged amounts of 100 pounds in installments or smaller amounts immediately. Advertisement After a frenetic period of sorting the sea of raised hands and tallying all of the pledges, there was a grand total of over 232,000 pounds. If even half of those pledges actually materialize, this room full of youthful idealists united from disparate walks of life will make a huge difference. Participant Reactions What factors of the day's events compelled such an overwhelming response? Three attendees offered three unique perspectives: Noura Alissa, 19, University College London: "When Ismail Jeilani, founder of Satifs, spoke he asked two very important questions; who are you and what do you love. I really took a minute to think about that. What was particularly striking for me about Empowerful was its ability to make me truly question my goals and aspirations and the kind of person I am and want to be. What all the talks had in common was a sense of vision, ambition and real heart. I am very glad I attended because it was a very reflective experience that reorientated me towards thinking about the objectives I want to achieve as a determined student and the ways through which I can achieve them." Ayo Olatunji, 20, University College London medical student: "Looking around the event I was surprised to find I was one of two black African males present at the talk with only a few white European/British people there. This baffled me as a lot of the problems caused that we had been discussing had been due to the actions of the west and the attitudes of white Europeans. This included Islamophobic views and behaviour, conflicts in the middle-east and the situation of refugees around the world namely Syria. I thought to myself surely white Europeans should be making up a lot more the audience here as they need educating the most about all of this since it applies to them. The Empowerful event really touched my heart as I heard the struggles that people have gone through in their countries raided by conflict and the hostility they have dealt with in the west, so much so that I pledged to raise 1000 for Syrian refugees this year." Ghadeer Mansour, London School of Economics: "As an Egyptian-American here in the UK, this event was a breath of fresh air. It amplified the energy of our generation, inspiring us to embody all that we envision in spite of the obstacles we're bound to face. After meeting beautifully humble people wearing their passions, I left with reignited motivation and gratitude for my journey as I aspire to rebuild war-torn cities fter finishing my postgrad studies in City Design and Development." If Empowerful's goal was to raise staggering sums of funds for local resource-strapped charities operating in Syria while inspiring an entire generation of aspiring activists, advocates, professionals, and community leaders-I think it's safe to say mission accomplished. A Look at the Man Behind the Magic Those three attendees weren't the only ones to have such inspiration and awe-soaked reactions. At this point, I can't deny that I felt what they did as well. While there are a range of amazing events organized by different sectors of the American Muslim community, I had never experienced an event quite like Empowerful; nor a youth group like Setif. To know how such an event-an impressive success by all objective measures-was conceived of, I knew I had to sit down with the man who was the main organizer for the day's proceedings: Yahya Abu Seido Noor Tagouri actually did a great on-stage interview with Yahya, in which we got to learn more about the man who led an incredible team which made all of this possible. Yet I had a few questions I was dying to ask-and which Yahya was gracious to answer. Advertisement Q: Did your experience as a med school student inspire you to launch Empowerful? "I don't think it would be fair for me to say that it was my experience as a medical school student that inspired me to launch Empowerful. It most definitely did contribute, but was not the sole source of inspiration. My background, the people I was surrounded with, and my despair at the current situation this world is in, along with my passion for medicine, all played their part in inspiring the creation of Empowerful." Q: As students, how did you and your team find the time and energy to organise such a large and successful event like Empowerful? "There's many answers to that, but I think the first one to mention would be that most of the planning and organising occurred during the summer vacation, so it didn't conflict much with our studies. However, throughout the year this very same team organises a plethora of events, and the answer to how that's possible is found in their enthusiasm and passion. When you have a real thirst to make a difference, you'll find a way to balance your studies." Q: Do you have a message for other Muslim student societies/organisations in Europe, Australia, and North America (esp. in the US)? "They do amazing things, and I believe that the more we continue to inspire one another the more we will achieve as an Ummah. I'd also love to organise an international Muslim student led event one day, the things we could achieve together if we united on one specific objective would be astounding." Q: Do you have a message for the Syrian people who Human Care Syria are assisting? "Sorry. We've let you down. Our governments have let you down. It's embarrassing that humanity has come to this, and I pray that the bloodshed is put to a halt. Just remember that with every hardship comes ease, and this hardship is extremely painful to witness, but I hope when the ease comes it will be one we'll all be in awe of. We, the sane humans of this Earth, will do our best to play our parts in healing the wounds that have been inflicted upon Syria and its people." Yahya's last answer was a sobering reminder that what we accomplished was remarkable-indeed I had never quite witnessed something like that in my life. Yet it was a drop in the bucket to what is ever-desperately needed-and what people suffering in Syria and around the world deserve. Empowerful inspired me to continue my work with The Salaam Games so that it can become a reality one day and drive a nail in the coffin of sectarianism, ethnic strife, and violent nationalism, insha'Allah. Aspire to inspire and perspire to create the world we deserve. Empowerful 2.0 This blog was coauthored by NRDC consultants Freda Fung and Rich Kassel. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) made a historic decision last Thursday, finalizing its plan to dramatically reduce the global sulfur limit of marine fuels by 85 percent in 2020. When the plan is implemented, the global cap in sulfur in marine fuels will drop from the current 3.5% to 0.5%. The outcome of the IMO debate was not guaranteed. There was stiff opposition from some in the shipping industry, oil industry and marine fuel-producing countries, which wanted the IMO to delay the implementation date to 2025. By sticking with the originally-proposed 2020 deadline, the IMO will be preventing an estimated 200,000 premature deaths worldwide. This is a major victory for cleaning up air pollution in port cities and around the world, reflecting the growing global consensus that more aggressive emission cuts are necessary from the shipping sector. Advertisement The need for action is clear: currently, oceangoing ships are allowed to burn a high sulfur residual oil (also called bunker fuel) that has more than 2,500 times as much sulfur as the diesel fuel that is used in vehicles in North America, Europe, and the Chinese coastal provinces. This residual oil also contains high amounts of toxic compounds, such as metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This higher-sulfur fuel produces pollution that is linked to increased asthma emergencies, bronchitis, cancer, and thousands of premature deaths every year. The new global cap will supplement Chinas efforts to combat shipping pollution in two ways. First, China adopted Domestic Emission Control Area (DECA) regulations last December that requires the same low-sulfur fuel to be used at and near the ports in Chinas three busiest port regions. However, the DECA requirements only stretch 12 nautical miles from Chinas coastline, and only in the port regions covered by the DECA regulations. Because air pollution can travel for hundreds of miles, lowering the sulfur content of marine fuel beyond Chinas DECA boundary is an important supplement to Chinas domestic regulation. Second, by setting a global cap, the new IMO commitment removes any risk that other Asian ports might compete with Chinese ports by continuing to allow the cheaper, but highly polluting high-sulfur fuel. With the implementation date now set for 2020, it is time to look at ways to make it most successful. Some shipping companies have raised concerns about effective and robust enforcement of the new global sulfur cap, especially on the high seas. It is important that port and coastal states begin developing their enforcement capacity so they can enforce the cap within their exclusive economic zones. Advertisement China is committed to developing a robust enforcement for DECA, and we have been supporting the countrys efforts through sharing of best practices and facilitating exchanges with regulatory agencies in Europe and the US. We will continue this effort, and are ready to assist other port countries that have not been regulating marine fuel to establish their enforcement programs. In addition to agreeing on the global cap on sulfur, the IMO made two other major decisions at last weeks meeting: it approved the designation of the Baltic Sea and North Sea as NOx Emission Control Areas (NECAs), but delayed setting a greenhouse gas target for shipping until at least 2018. We welcome IMOs approval of the application of the North Sea and Baltic Sea NECAs. However, we are disappointed that the IMO failed to agree on a greenhouse gas reduction target for the shipping industry. A growing number of studies and data have shown the increasingly severe damages caused by climate change (see for example here and here). With shipping being the only sector not subject to a climate change agreement, the IMO should show strong leadership and take more progressive steps in setting a target as early as possible. An analysis by ClimateHome sets forth a number of possible immediate steps that could and should be taken, and explains why improving the energy efficiency of the shipping industry should be an urgent priority. The third presidential debate had the elements of a classic Hollywood western. A robber-baron, Donald Trump, tries to takeover the town; the inhabitants turn, incongruously, to the local "schoolmarm," Hillary Clinton. They meet in an epic "battle" and the good woman forces the bad guy into mistake after mistake. At the end, Hillary walked into the audience, smiling, while Trump remained on stage, petrified. As she'd done in the first debate, Clinton's strategy was to needle Trump and force him to make errors. During the discussion on immigration, Clinton said: "[Donald] used undocumented labor to build the Trump Tower. He underpaid undocumented workers, and when they complained, he basically said what a lot of employers do: 'You complain, I'll get you deported.'" Trump failed to respond. Clinton rattled Trump during an exchange of Russian hacking: "Will Donald Trump admit and condemn that the Russians are doing this and make it clear that he will not have the help of Putin in in this election, that he rejects Russian espionage against Americans, which he actually encouraged in the past?" Trump equivocated, mumbling Putin "has no respect" for Hillary. She replied, "That's because he'd rather have a puppet as president of the United States." Advertisement With the puppet comment, Hillary got under Trump's skin and he got angry. And sloppy. Trump's defense of his economic plan was incoherent. Clinton responded, "Let me translate that..." She noted Trump's praise of the Chinese economy, adding, "One of the biggest problems we have with China is the illegal dumping of steel and aluminum into our markets... In fact, the Trump Hotel right here in Las Vegas was made with Chinese steel. So [Donald] goes around with crocodile tears about how terrible it is, but he has given jobs to Chinese steelworkers, not American steelworkers." Instead of responding, Trump asked a question: What had Clinton accomplished in her thirty years as a public service? Clinton pounced: "You know, back in the 1970s, I worked for the Children's Defense Fund. And I was taking on discrimination against African-American kids in schools. [Donald] was getting sued by the Justice Department for racial discrimination in his apartment buildings. In the 1980s, I was working to reform the schools in Arkansas. He was borrowing $14 million from his father to start his businesses. In the 1990s, I went to Beijing and I said women's rights are human rights. He insulted a former Miss Universe, Alicia Machado... And on the day when I was in the Situation Room, monitoring the raid that brought Osama bin Laden to justice, [Donald] was hosting the 'Celebrity Apprentice.'" By this point, Trump was visibly angry. When asked about allegations of groping women, Trump stammered, "Those stores have been largely debunked... I believe it was her campaign that did it." Advertisement Clinton replied: "Donald thinks belittling women makes him bigger. He goes after their dignity, their self-worth, and I don't think there is a woman anywhere who doesn't know what that feels like. So we now know what Donald thinks and what he says and how he acts toward women." Trump shouted, "Nobody has more respect for women than I do." The audience laughed at him. Trump said, "[Hillary] should never have been allowed to run for the presidency based on what she did with e-mails and so many other things." The moderator asked Trump, "There is a tradition in this country -- in fact, one of the prides of this country -- is the peaceful transition of power and that no matter how hard-fought a campaign is, that at the end of the campaign that the loser concedes to the winner... Are you saying you're not prepared now to commit to that principle?" Trump responded, "I will tell you at the time. I'll keep you in suspense. OK?" Clinton responded: "That's horrifying. You know, every time Donald thinks things are not going in his direction, he claims whatever it is, is rigged against him.The FBI conducted a year-long investigation into my e-mails. They concluded there was no case; he said the FBI was rigged... He lost the Wisconsin primary. He said the Republican primary was rigged against him. Then Trump University gets sued for fraud and racketeering; he claims the court system and the federal judge is rigged against him. There was even a time when he didn't get an Emmy for his TV program three years in a row and he started tweeting that the Emmys were rigged against him." By this point in the debate, Trump was visibly angry. His explanation of his plan for Iraq, after Mosul falls, was incoherent. He began to interrupt Clinton with, "Wrong." Advertisement The concluding debate segment concerned the national debt. Trump was asked to respond to experts who say his economic plan will increase the debt "to 105 percent of GDP over the next 10 years." Trump avoided the entire question. The moderator asked Trump what he would do to save Medicare and Social Security. Again, Trump did not answer the question but instead attacked Obamacare. Clinton responded: "I am on record as saying that we need to put more money into the Social Security Trust Fund. That's part of my commitment to raise taxes on the wealthy. My Social Security payroll contribution will go up, as will Donald's, assuming he can't figure out how to get out of it." Trump lashed out, "Such a nasty woman." What most will remember about this debate is Trump's failure to commit to support the outcome of the election: "I will tell you at the time. I'll keep you in suspense. OK?" But what the debate proved is that Hillary Clinton is tougher than Donald Trump. The robber-baron tried to take over the town and the schoolmarm smacked him down. It really does beg an answer doesn't it? The hatred towards Hillary Clinton does not on its face make sense. If we consider how thoroughly Mrs. Clinton's background has been scrutinized in efforts to discredit her, what is remarkable is how little scandalous material her opponents have found. She is clearly not a "crooked" politician and using a personal email account does not rank up there with the great scandals of Presidential politics. But regardless of how one feels about what her opponents do allege none of it is the kind of stuff that would be expected to generate the intensity of the hatred they express towards her. And yet people so hate Hillary Clinton that almost half of all Americans are voting for a man who is widely considered the most unqualified and even dangerous person ever to run for the Presidency. So just how do we explain it? I was working for the American Psychological Association in Washington DC on health care reform when the Clintons first came to town in 1993. Of course, as a psychologist, I tried as hard as I could to "read" Hillary. She was a young woman in a still very sexist society trying to restructure one-seventh of the nation's economy in what was to me a uniquely open, and free-wheeling deliberative process. She was far smarter than most of us, obviously sincere, and indefatigable in her endurance and perseverance. The fact that these are the very opposites of the areas in which she was at the time sued, and is now being attacked, is not just coincidental. It is actually reflective of the psychological dynamics at play in the hatred that has been directed towards her for decades now. Advertisement As I explained in my book, State of Confusion: Political Manipulation and the Assault on the American Mind (St. Martin's Press, 2008) if we threaten people in the areas of sexual identity, then swamp them with feelings of envy and paranoia we can do a pretty good job of disabling their mental apparatus. They then become irrational and vulnerable to a demagogue who appears strong and promises to deliver them from their panic. This is what has been done to the American political right. The American mind has been under assault in all three of these areas, and Hillary's candidacy has become the perfect lightening rod for the trifecta of sexual confusion, envy, and paranoia that is assaulting it. As a society we are not paying enough attention to the combined impact of these forces especially the impact they are having on the most psychologically vulnerable. Of course, for a nation in which millions of white men are terrified that to lose their gun is to lose their masculine security, having a woman President is very threatening. This is especially true when they have just learned, quite conclusively, that an African American man can make a better President than they can. White men who are hating Hillary so irrationally are terrified that they will lose the significant scaffolding that artificially inflated and discriminatory sexual stereotypes play in their very core self-definition. The more destabilized they feel by this, the worse the problem becomes. Losing special status is painful, unpleasant, and shamefully exposing. Naturally, most men who feel this way do not acknowledge or even understand the feeling. It becomes an inchoate feeling of dislike for Hillary, a feeling-state awaiting explanation. With millions of American males needing to explain their hatred of her to themselves, any alleged flaw will do, real or imagined, to "explain" their visceral reaction. Thus, whatever is thrown against Hillary tends to stick. No politician in our lifetime has had more false or trivial accusations stick against her than Hillary Clinton. Advertisement So Hillary starts out with a strike against her when she deprives white males of that gender-based security. And, in this context, Trump's assaultive posture toward women, while not openly endorsed by white males, does not feel as bad as it should to them. Sadly, for many, it is probably compensatory. But the problem gets worse. To get where she is, Hillary has not had to be just as good as a man. She has had to be better. And she has been. Hillary Clinton cannot merely do the job; she can do it better than most men. And that amps up the already considerable hate caused by the loss of identity support that white males were experiencing from racism and sexism. It ushers in the problem of unrecognized envy. Envy is one of our least recognized psychological phenomena, and it quickly turns into character assassination. What we envy in others we distort and reverse. We do not like to acknowledge our envy, even to ourselves. Thus, we distort our understanding of what we are feeling. They are not really better than us. They have not gotten to where they are because of any special talent they might have. They have cheated. They must be "crooked." Thus, we have "Crooked Hillary." This dynamic that is rampant further justifies and amplifies the hatred. That is why the apparent incompetence of Donald Trump does not seem to bother his supporters as much as one might expect. Hillary's "sin" is not just her feminine status. It is also her competence. That is what drives the envy. Donald is, for all his presumed material goods, a bit of a buffoon and as such does not make people so envious. In fact, his foibles reduce the envy and make him less objectionable to his supporters. But Hillary, in contrast, at the psychological level, first robs them of the scaffolding a sexist culture provides for their identity, and then, when she appears better than they are, the initial resentment is amplified by envy. Strike two. But the hatred grows further. In our dynamic, it is difficult if not impossible for relatively rigid minds to tolerate and constructively channel the accumulating anger and resentment white males, especially, in America feel toward Hillary. Instead, they become paranoid, projecting their own angry feelings onto her and then imaging the vicious things she will do to them if she is elected their President. Major sectors of Middle America are truly terrified of a Hillary Presidency because of their own projections. This is strike three. Advertisement The primary reason Hillary Clinton is so hated is because she is a woman who is exceptionally competent in a world of human minds that have become increasingly sexually perplexed, envious, and paranoid. By Arry Yu Seattle is the hub for Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial innovation. As you walk down the street, you'll see Starbucks, a company founded here. Look up to the sky and you may notice a Boeing plane fly by-- another company founded here. It's no wonder entrepreneurs are flocking to Seattle to find talent, inspiration and a vibrant startup community. Though there were many places I considered building GiftStarter.com, I chose Seattle for the countless resources and benefits it provides entrepreneurs. 1. There's a community of support. If you talk to any startup founder in the Emerald City, they'll tell you about the tight-knit community of entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for feedback on an idea or an introduction to take your business to the next level, you can count on Seattle to be supportive of your endeavor. Every week, you'll find a wide range of networking events and resources to help you build something incredible. Some of my favorites include Startup Poker 2.0 with Startup Haven, New Tech Seattle Meetups and Startup Grind. 2. You can find inspiration in nature. When we embrace the outdoors and our natural surroundings, we often become more creative and have better ideas. In Seattle, we have beautiful lakes and mountains just a quick trip away. I find solace in nature and often use long walks and fresh air to recharge my batteries after a stressful week. You can too by joining Geeks on a Trail, a startup community that goes on weekly nature walks together. Advertisement 3. There's a rich talent pool. Giants like Amazon, Google and Facebook all have offices located in Seattle, and there's a good reason for it. Seattle's rich pool of tech talent makes it a great location to a build a technology product. At GiftStarter.com, we were able to find great talent just through networking and referrals from friends. In fact, we have some great talent-sourcing-related startups in Seattle, like Jobscan and JobWorthy. 4. Investors offer more than just funding. Seattle has a community of angel investors who are not only investing in the future of technology but able to provide great insight to budding entrepreneurs. In Seattle, I've been able to raise funds for my company and learn from so many experts with great advice to share. Some great pitch events you can participate in include Angels, Startups, Pitches & Beers, Seattle Angel Fund, and The Alliance of Angels. Seattle also has some active venture firms, like Maveron, Trilogy Equity Partners, and Founders' Co-op. But beyond funding, you'll find there's a legacy of experience building great companies -- both consumer and enterprise. Along with Starbucks and Boeing, Seattle is the home of Nordstrom, Microsoft, Amazon, Julep, Porch, Clarisonic, butter London, Twilio, Costco and REI. Many early investors placed big bets on these companies; many experts helped build them from the ground up; many early customers were a part of the amazing journey. 5. People always come first. With all of this amazing history and innovation everywhere I turn in Seattle, what I really appreciate about the Seattle startup community is the focus on people, whether they be customers, partners, entrepreneurs, mentors or investors. Here, people bet on people. One of our investors once said, "Reputations are hard to come by but easy to lose." I'd contend that, to date, all of GiftStarter.com's early investors have been 99 percent attributed to the people involved with the company. Most investors, whether early or later stage, are betting on people who they believe in and want to work with. Lasting relationships are an important part of the culture in Seattle. Advertisement I'm proud to be building a business in Seattle, and I recommend the city wholeheartedly for any company looking for a startup hub to be successful in. These are challenging times for all of us. The 24-hour news cycle in which we live forces us to be confronted with stories and images of tragedy, harsh reality and the hard truths of our society. Some advocate for media outlets to self-censor the images they broadcast and share. Others believe that the news of today is a mirror of ourselves. Thankfully, I'm not tackling those issues in this blog. But what I do want to talk about is how we can create future generations of empathetic and compassionate humans. There's no time to dissect how we can build more empathy than in the final throes of a contentious election. Make Kids Aware of Their Own Feelings and then Others' Feelings Too. It will take most kids a few years to develop these skills- what many like to call "self-awareness." For the first years of all of our lives, we rely exclusively on caregivers for everything: food, drink, comfort, everything. Once our children are old enough to start transitioning away from constant care, they begin to understand their own needs and how to fulfill them. Often, parents focus on helping their children understand how to meet their needs: showing them where their food is, how to pour themselves water and of course, how to use the bathroom. It's always good to teach children to acknowledge more than just basic hunger and thirst, to teach them about emotions and what makes them happy. Once they understand these concepts, we can start to ask young people to recognize the needs in others and how, possibly, we can help meet others' basic needs. When you hear a baby crying in the presence of your young one, maybe ask them why they think he or she is crying. Maybe ask them why they think their family members are sad after leaving family gatherings. We can teach empathy by asking questions. Advertisement Model Behavior that Favors Equality and Sameness. This may go without saying, but we as adults are the source of most of our children's knowledge. We are the ones who can show them the way to an empathetic life. When we point out for children the things that make them similar to victims of tragedies, the brunt of insensitive jokes or the targets of bigotry or discrimination, the more we make sure that they understand that fundamentally, we are all the same. Along those lines, we should also set similar expectations for boys and girls: by perpetuating things like the "boy/guy code," the more we endorse systems that don't respect people's feelings and offer cover for bad behavior. Talk about the impacts of choices and behaviors. There is a lot of research that shows that morality can't be built through incentives. If we could simply offer rewards for being good citizens with positive contributions to our communities, then we would probably be living in a different world with low crime rates and many more candy stores. The current research trends show that people display truly "moral" behavior when they have cultivated their own compass, based on a firm understanding of the impact of behaviors and choices on others. The more we can get children to understand that what they say and do can have immediate and big impacts on others, the more they can learn to self-regulate. Key to this is also getting children to understand the cues from others that will tell us how they feel. Marijuana plant America is in the midst of a dramatic shift in public opinion, one which began at least a decade ago and shows no signs of reversing any time soon. The concept of fully legalizing marijuana for adult recreational use must now actually be considered the mainstream opinion in America. The latest nationwide poll (that I have seen) put national support for legalization at a whopping 60 percent -- higher than it has ever previously been. Next Tuesday, five more states will vote on the issue on their ballots. Two of those states are on the East Coast. One of the five is the most populous state in the country, with over 39 million people living in it -- fully one-eighth of the total US population. Polling is sketchy on the issue (it always is), but it certainly looks possible that recreational marijuana legalization has a good shot of winning, in all five states. Advertisement The concept of legalization has now been fully normalized. What I mean by that is that it is no longer considered some laughable proposition that deserves nothing more than ridicule and stoner jokes from the media. You don't hear a lot of Cheech and Chong jokes being made this election cycle, to put it another way (or Harold and Kumar jokes, for a younger generation). In fact, the media stories now mainly focus on the vast amounts of money to be made by legalization -- and not just for the people involved in the trade. Millions and millions of tax dollars are also at stake, which is something national journalists seem to take a lot more seriously. I live in California, so my personal experience should be taken as only anecdotal. California actually became the first state (in recent times) to legalize medicinal marijuana, over 20 years ago. But then it also attempted to become the first state to legalize recreational marijuana, back in 2010, with Proposition 19. It failed. There were many reasons why it failed, chief among them was being placed on an "off-year" ballot (no presidential contest), which liberals are notorious for ignoring (2010 was also the "Year of the Tea Party," please remember). The California marijuana industry was split over Prop 19, with growers up in Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendocino counties (the fabled "Emerald Triangle" of Northern California) coming out against the idea. But one big reason why it failed is that the people against the proposition had better advertising. In fact, the loss in California became a case study for legalization advocates in other states for "what not to do." The anti-Prop 19 faction was headed by none other than Senator Dianne Feinstein. It was pretty well-funded, and the ads were pretty well-designed (mostly playing to suburban women's fears). The pro-Prop 19 side's ads weren't as prevalent, and were nowhere near as effective. This time around, I haven't seen a single television ad either for or against Proposition 64. Now, again, this is purely anecdotal, and while I watch a fair amount of prime-time television (more than I am usually comfortable admitting), perhaps all the ads are running on channels or shows that I don't watch. It's certainly possible. But with less than a week to go, both sides seem rather quiet (there are some ads running on radio and the internet, I should mention, to be fair). Being biased in this matter, I am hoping that this means the pro side is confident of victory, while the anti side just couldn't raise any money for an effort doomed to fail. That's purely subjective, however, and might be utter fantasy. We'll certainly find out next week. And I have no way of knowing what the ads being run are like (and how many of them there are) in Nevada, Arizona, Maine, and Massachusetts -- the other four states who will be voting on the issue this year. Maybe their airwaves are being flooded with pro and con ads -- it's impossible for me to tell, living where I do. Advertisement The California legalization advocates certainly learned their lesson from the Prop 19 loss. First, they got unified -- they brought all the disparate groups together before they drafted their measure, to make sure that everyone's concerns were adequately dealt with, this time around. They also learned from the ads run against Prop 19, and addressed many of the concerns raised in those ads within the text of the measure itself. But the main reason Prop 64 might be successful where Prop 19 failed is the changing attitudes of the public at large. Since 2010, four states have legalized recreational marijuana. Colorado and Washington state were first, followed by Oregon and Alaska (and Washington D.C.). Legalization is not some abstract concept anymore -- it already exists. And the skies have not fallen. All the fearmongering on the issue has been proven either laughably incorrect or (at the very least) misguided. Problems have indeed popped up, but (and this is crucial) because marijuana is now legal, state legislatures can tweak the law to actually address and correct those problems without rejecting legalization itself. Such legislative tweaks have, indeed, happened -- most of them with the full support of the marijuana industry (another crucial difference). The states which have legalized recreational use have also seen a bonanza in windfall tax revenues. Tens of millions of dollars flowing into the state coffers is a powerful motivational force, to put this another way. Now, to be fair, these revenues in the early states might actually decrease over time, to some extent. Two factors are coming into play which might cause this reduction in tax revenues. The first is that prices will decrease over time. Legal marketplaces mean not paying a premium due to the illegal nature of the black market. Consumers are no longer paying for the "risk factor," to put this another way. As more people enter this marketplace, price wars are almost inevitable -- meaning lower prices for the consumer. The second reason tax revenues might go down is really an extension of the first, beyond the state's borders. Colorado and Washington saw a boom in "marijuana tourism" when they became the first states where any adult could walk into a store, buy the marijuana product of his or her choice, and walk out with no fear of being arrested for doing so. This was a novelty, to be sure (at least, for those people who have never been to Amsterdam), and I even noted a few years ago that America has already seen its first "Bowl of Weed" Super Bowl, when the Seattle Seahawks played the Denver Broncos for the title. No matter which team won, I predicted, the celebrations would be a bit different than ever experienced before. Advertisement But that novelty has already been somewhat diluted, and it may be diluted in a much larger way if all five of this year's ballot initiatives pass. Right now, a marijuana tourist has four states to choose from, geographically clumped rather close together. They're all either Mountain West or West Coast states, after all. If the measures in California, Nevada, and Arizona pass, then a large portion of the entire West will have legalized weed (including every state which touches the Pacific Ocean except Hawai'i). Tourists will have a lot more destinations to choose from. Want to get stoned and gamble? Go to Las Vegas, and visit the smoke shop. Want to surf while high? California's beaches await. You'll even be able to see the Grand Canyon after smoking a joint -- what could be more American than that? With this expansion will come ramped-up competition, though. With more destinations to choose from, the effect of marijuana tourism will be diluted further in Colorado and Washington. States will be in direct competition with each other's marketplaces. This has already happened to some extent on the Oregon/Washington border, with some residents choosing to drive to the neighboring state for cheaper prices for the same quality product. Throw California's enormous potential market into that mix and we could see price wars developing all over the West Coast. For the moment, however, each marketplace will remain somewhat isolated, as none of the measures currently allow for interstate commerce (i.e., growers being able to choose which state to sell their product in). That dynamic won't change until federal laws relax. More on this in a moment. The really big news next Tuesday, however, might be the legalization of recreational marijuana in two East Coast states. Washington D.C. has already done so, but because Congress gets to veto District laws they don't like, implementation has been rather schizophrenic, to say the least. But if two New England states decide to fully legalize, then real marijuana tourism becomes possible for tens of millions of East Coast residents -- without even having to cross a time zone. That will be a dramatic shift, and it will mean politicians won't be able to dismiss legalization as some wacky "Left Coast" anomaly. When "Come see the fall foliage -- including the buds!" advertising beings, to entice people to Massachusetts and Maine, the dynamic will shift in a major way -- hitting much closer to home for the rest of the Eastern Seaboard. When other states (Vermont, I am looking in your direction...) see the tax benefits Maine and Massachusetts are reaping, they may decide it's time to jump on board the legalization bandwagon. Advertisement If California votes to legalize -- even if the other four states don't, for some reason -- then it may signal the end of the federal War On Weed. The horse will have left the barn, so squabbling over what lock to install on the barn door is going to appear pretty silly, to stretch a Western metaphor a bit. If all five states pass legalization, then fully one-fourth of all Americans will live in states with legal weed. Half of the United States have already legalized medical marijuana. Throughout all of this, federal law has not changed one iota. President Obama's two attorneys general have reprioritized the Justice Department's guidelines on the marijuana trade, but this liberalization could be abruptly changed by the next person to run the Justice Department. The laws themselves have to change, in order to reflect the new reality. It is beyond incomprehensible for the federal government to continue their Prohibition-inspired War On Weed legal framework when one in four Americans lives where those laws are being blatantly ignored on a daily basis. Indeed, this is the biggest issue where liberals agree with the "states' rights" argument, because they are arguing that the individual states should decide their policies, and the federal government should just throw in the towel and admit defeat. Usually it is conservatives making this particular argument (on a number of separate issues), just to state the obvious. The next president is going to be forced to deal with the War On Weed, even if the national media has completely fallen down on the job of pressing the two major candidates on how they would do so if elected president. Even in Congress, most Democrats are pretty timid on the issue, because the memory of how hard they were slammed during the 1980s and 1990s on the "law and order" issue still resonates. This is going to have to go through a rather abrupt sea-change, in the same way that gay marriage attitudes were forced to "evolve" among Democrats, over the past eight years. Legalizing marijuana use for all adults and controlling it in much the same way alcohol sales are currently controlled is no longer some wild-eyed radical concept. It's no longer just some stoner hippies who advocate this sane and reasonable policy change. The issue has become mainstream. Six out of every ten Americans already support it. It is almost becoming uncontroversial, if the lack of energy the anti side is showing in California is any indicator. The fearmongering no longer holds much water, since we now have living proof that the sky has not actually fallen in Colorado and the other three states with legal marijuana markets. Countering apocalyptic predictions is now fairly easy for the pro side to do: "Well, that hasn't actually happened in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, or Washington." Even the law-and-order types are getting to the point where they're throwing up their hands and saying: "If the stoners want to pay taxes and we can free up police resources to fight serious crime, then why not?" Why should the government waste so much time and money fighting weed growers, when there is an obvious opioid and heroin crisis raging? If the voters want legal weed, then what is the big deal? So far the federal government has played the part of King Canute, ordering the tide to stop advancing. They're going to be just about as successful as he was, in the end. Of course, changing many of the federal laws requires action by Congress -- which is rare, these days. Doing nothing and continuing to ignore the public's growing acceptance of legal weed may continue for years to come. Even if Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada all fully legalize marijuana next Tuesday, we may not reach a tipping point in terms of national politics. There are still plenty of Democrats fighting the tide (including Senator Feinstein, who is once again leading the anti-legalization effort in California). But in seeing this year's national news media coverage of the issue, one thing becomes crystal clear. Attitudes are changing, fast. Legalization is no longer the radical idea it was, as recently as 2010 (in California, no less -- a liberal bastion if ever there was one). It has been mainstreamed. Public opinion is going to continue to change in a big way if more and more states join this movement. In fact, we are already at the point where the concept of legalization has become downright normal. Once the normalization of legalization further sinks in with the public, the arc of history will have already bent. Now all we need are for the politicians in D.C. to realize it. The people are leading, and we're still waiting for most of our political "leaders" to follow. Chris Weigant blogs at: The Nordic Region has long played a leading role in climate finance, helping fund green projects all over the world. In recent years, as the evidence has mounted that green transition has socioeconomic benefits and that preventive climate measures are less expensive than retrospective repairs, climate finance has moved to the top of the agenda, a fact reflected in Nordic policy, in business practices and the financial sector. When UN global climate negotiations resume in Morocco next week, solutions relevant to Africa will be a major topic. In spring 2016, the Nordic Development Fund (NDF) took the strategic decision to acquire a stake in the African Guarantee Fund (AGF), which provides finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The NDF investment will help raise the profile of AGF in green growth and climate-resilient development throughout the continent. By channelling funding via SMEs, NDF and AGF promote sustainable development and makes an impact all over Africa in sectors such as renewable energy and energy efficiency, cleaner production, climate-smart agriculture and sustainable management of natural resources. However, Nordic expertise in green growth is not restricted to financial acumen. The Region has made greater progress than most other parts of the world in the transition from fossil fuels to low-carbon energy sources. The IEA has noted that the Nordic countries are "frontrunners in decisive policy actions towards clear, long-term energy targets - including the establishment of interconnected grids and a common, liberalised power market". The UN has also acknowledged the many innovative Nordic breakthroughs in fields such as solar power, water pumps, irrigation systems and water purification in poor rural areas in low-income countries. Energy is another sector in which Africa has gained from Nordic funding and expertise. They could not be further apart, but the integrated Nordic electricity market, Nord Pool, served as the inspiration for the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), which involves twelve of the member states in the Southern African Development Community. But back to green enterprise. Starting on a small scale is fine - investing in SMEs is an effective and redistributive approach - but it is important to be bold and to think long term. The team behind SAPP found that, even though it cost more to feed renewable energy sources into the system than fossil fuels or nuclear power, the return on investment - in the form of fuel savings, less need for investment in transmission and distribution, etc. - would far exceed the additional investment. This is where development funds like NDF come into the picture. Access to finance remains a critical constraint on growth for African SMEs. When the will is there and the decision already taken, development funds play a significant role in helping companies, communities and countries over the investment threshold. They are also in a position to steer funding in a greener direction. The United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP22, begins on Monday in Marrakech. It is an opportunity for the world community to come together and encourage politicians, ordinary citizens, producers and consumers alike to push for the implementation of the targets set out in the Paris Agreement. For the sake of the planet and humanity, it is my fervent hope that the negotiations will be conducted in a spirit of determination to find solutions and constructive long-term approaches, including for the crucial, long-term role played by development funds. Unless you've been living under a rock (and maybe even still), you know about the lewd, demeaning, and harassing comments Donald Trump has made about women. What has received far less attention, however, are his equally vile comments threatening and encouraging violence. Here's a chronology that shows how Mr. Trump's dangerous rhetoric has not only defined a new low for Presidential elections, but how it has established a tone that others in the GOP have been reluctant to repudiate and even eager to embrace: January 23, 2016: In the run-up to the Republican Iowa Caucus, Donald Trump proclaims, "I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose voters." None of his Republican opponents repudiate his comments. July 19, 2016: During the Republican National Convention, Al Baldasaro, New Hampshire state representative, Trump delegate, and trusted advisor to Mr. Trump takes the violent rhetoric even further in a TV interview, saying "Hillary Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot." To our knowledge, Mr. Trump fails to repudiate this comment, made by one of his surrogates. August 9, 2016: Weeks after becoming the official Republican nominee for President, at a rally in Wilmington North Carolina, Mr. Trump, for all intents and purposes, encourages the assassination of his opponent for President of the United States, saying, "If she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks," then adding, as the crown begins to boo, "Although the Second Amendment people -- maybe there is, I don't know." Mr. Trump never even apologizes for these comments. September 10-11, 2016: At a conservative summit in Washington, D.C., Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin threatens a violent revolution, saying bloodshed would be "necessary" to "reclaim" the country if Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton becomes President. Again, there is no effort on the part of Mr. Trump to distance himself from any of this rhetoric coming from a prominent member of his party. October 26, 2016: In a series of violent tweets in support of Donald Trump, former Republican Congressman and conservative talk show host Joe Walsh basically threatens armed revolution, assassination and racial violence, saying in one tweet, "On November 9th, if Trump loses, I'm grabbing my musket," and in another tweet, "3 Dallas Cops killed, 7 wounded. This is now war. Watch out Obama. Watch out black lives matter punks. Real America is coming after you." Again, neither Mr. Trump nor the GOP repudiates these comments. October 31, 2016: Just eight days before the election, U.S. Senator Richard Burr, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, says at a campaign event, "nothing made me feel better" than seeing a magazine about guns "with a picture of Hillary Clinton on the front of it." Burr continued, "I was a little bit shocked at that -- it didn't have a bullseye on it..." Burr, under the pressure of a close race, offered a weak apology for his comments. Mr. Trump, once again, offers no criticism. In fact, he appears at a campaign event in North Carolina with Senator Burr the very next day. While any one of the statements above would be troubling on its own, taken together they point to a pattern of deliberately using language to incite violence. We know words matter. They inspired the birth of this nation. They have also inspired the birth of political movements that brought about some of the darkest moments in our world's history. And they have certainly inspired acts of violence. In this country we settle our political differences through peaceful discourse and at the ballot box. And suggesting a violent solution to a political problem, as Trump does, undermines the integrity of the democracy we hold dear. There is a lot of talk about how this election is likely to prove to be one of the most important in history, and how it is a "referendum" on many important issues. Perhaps the most fundamental of all is the kind of nation we want to be, whether we are a nation that promotes and rewards hatred and violence or whether we truly believe we are better than that. IORDANI/SHUTTERSTOCK Rape culture exists. It doesn't matter if you believe that or not (though it would certainly be nice). It's just a fact. It's why people laugh at sexist behavior, shrug and say, "Boys will be boys." It's why one in five female college students are sexually assaulted -- and why that number is probably a lot higher. It's why people like Brock Turner exist and why judges give them three-month sentences. It's why Rush Limbaugh mocks the idea of consent and says, "Here come the rape police!" (Which, mind you, are the actual police, just FYI.) I find this unacceptable as a woman and as a human being, and I'll be damned if I'm going to let my children think it's OK to perpetuate this effed-up culture that normalizes sexual violence. So, teaching them how to fight it starts now -- or more accurately, it started before they turned one. Yes, you read that right: I have been teaching this idea to my four-year-old son and one-year-old daughter since they were infants. Advertisement Now, before anyone jumps down my throat -- er, I mean, interjects completely respectfully with their typing fingers -- I am not introducing the idea of rape, per se, to my children. What I am doing is teaching them how to be good human beings who respect themselves and others. And I'm doing it with little lessons that are incorporated into our everyday life. Some of them don't seem directly related to rape culture, but they are laying the groundwork for how my son will treat women when he's an adult, for how my daughter will think of her body and for how they will both be able to protect themselves from unwanted sexual advances. Here are the 13 essential things that I want my kids to know. LESSON #1: No means no -- with everything. The first time I said this phrase to my son -- and, of course, it wasn't about anything sexual -- the power of the words hit me. They were so important, and they were right there at my disposal. How could I say, "I said no. No means no," when I'm really at my wit's end, and then give in? He could end up thinking that whoever says no to him will give in eventually if he throws a tantrum or barges ahead anyway. My no might be about not having an ice pop or not watching another show, but it matters. No means no, end of story. Advertisement LESSON #2: Tickles are great...but only when you want them. Building on the idea above, if we're having the time of our lives during a ticklefest and my son says stop -- even if it's in the middle of hysterical laughter -- I stop. Immediately. I'll ask him if he really wants me to stop, and sometimes he'll tell me to tickle him some more. Sometimes, though, he'll stick to his "stop" directive and I listen to him. By stopping, I'm giving him a very basic lesson about consent and making it clear to him that he is in charge when it comes to his own body and what he says goes. LESSON #3: You never have to hug someone--and that includes a relative, a sibling and me. Relatives and friends mean well. They are so excited to see your little ones, and they want that excitement to be reciprocated. But some days, my kids might not be feeling it, and said adults might be offended. Well, too bad. Psychologists suggest that this is a good way to teach children that they have ownership over their own bodies. Learning those boundaries can help them avoid potentially dangerous situations with other adults -- and peers -- in the future. So, sorry, Great Aunt Mildred: Hands off unless you get explicit permission. LESSON #4: If your baby sister is crying, stop what you're doing immediately. Sure, part of it is that I don't want the baby to get hurt. But the other part of it is that I want my son to learn how to listen, how to be empathetic and how to do the right thing, even when it's in direct opposition to what he wants to do. Maybe she's crying because she wanted a book that he had, and if that's the case, how can we solve that problem? Maybe he can offer her another book, or maybe he can read it with her. Whatever it is, he needs to take into account what is going on with her before he makes his next move. And on the flip side, my daughter needs to know that her protests means something, even if she can't fully articulate them yet. LESSON #5: Learn empathy and learn it well. If you can't think past your own little self-centered bubble, how can you possibly understand how your actions might affect others? Empathy is at the core of what I teach my kids, and of course it's not all about rape culture. If my son has a conflict with a friend, I'll ask him, "How did you feel when so-and-so said that to you?" After hearing his answer (which is usually: "It made me feel sad"), I'll follow up with, "How do you think your friend felt when you said it to him?" A child doesn't have the opportunity to make those deeper connections if you simply stop the behavior and move on. LESSON #6: Feminism is a good thing. I've written about this before, and I truly believe that teaching my son to be a feminist is one of the biggest gifts I can give him. Feminism is not a dirty word. Let me explain it again in really simple terms for all of the naysayers out there: It is not about hating men. It is not about getting special treatment because you're a woman. It is not about playing the victim. It is the not-so-revolutionary concept that all people are equal and should be treated as such. Advertisement LESSON #7: "Boys will be boys" is not a thing in this house. I can't be any clearer about this. My son's behavior will not be chalked up to his gender's perceived stereotypical faults. He is a human being first and a boy second. LESSON #8: If you see someone being bullied, stand up for them. Bullying can start younger than many of us realize. If you are not a part of the solution, you are part of the problem. As my kids grow up, I hope this translates into intervening if they see someone being sexually harassed or assaulted, as well as not engaging in sexism at the workplace -- or in the locker room. LESSON #9: You must explain why you're sorry. A cursory "I'm sorry" when you've done wrong is not enough. They're empty words when a child doesn't understand why he's saying them. Oh, you might think he understands, but more likely than not, he's saying he's sorry because he knows it's expected of him to get back in your good graces and to continue to play. Instead, I insist on having my son explain what he's sorry for: "I'm sorry for yelling at you," or "I'm sorry that I threw my toy and hurt my sister." Whatever his transgression is, I make sure he's clear about it and why that behavior is unacceptable. LESSON #10: You need to respect my body, too. If you've accidentally pulled my hair, you need to apologize. You cannot tug at my arm if I am in the middle of a conversation; you need to say, "Excuse me, I need your attention, Mama." You cannot lash out at me physically if you are frustrated. I am a person, just like everyone else. So, in short: You don't get to pick and choose which people to respect. All people deserve respect. LESSON #11: You are beautiful, yes, but you are also clever and smart. This applies to my son as much as it does to my daughter, though I may be a little more hardcore about it when it comes to her. By teaching them to focus on people's worth beyond their appearances, I hope that they will learn not to objectify others -- as well as take a stand if someone tries to objectify them. Advertisement LESSON #12: We only use real names for body parts. I am a little psychotic about this, I'll admit. My husband said "weiner" one day, our son thought it was hilarious, and I went ballistic. Experts say that using proper names like penis, testicles, vagina and vulva can help keep kids safe from sexual predators. It empowers them, doesn't subconsciously instill a sense of shame about their bodies, and also gives them the right language to talk about abuse if, God forbid, it happens. Plus, I think that using cutesy words for members of the opposite sex's private parts can diminish their significance, leading someone to potentially disrespect them. I'll admit, it's not always easy for me to use the words -- I feel that schoolgirl embarrassment bubbling up occasionally when I do -- but I have never once deviated from this rule. LESSON #13: Be kind. It's the simplest lesson and the most important. If kindness rules your interactions with others, you will be on the right path. It sounds like a lot, I know, but when these teachable moments come up, it's really just basic parenting. If you're having conversations about stranger danger and what to do if someone touches them inappropriately, then you should be having these mini talks, too. After all, you don't want to inadvertently leave your children vulnerable to predators or raise the next Brock Turner, do you? I know I don't. This post originally appeared on Momsanity. Before there was Donald Trump there was Maine Governor Paul LePage. After being elected in 2010 without the majority of votes, LePage promised to tell President Obama to "go to hell" and said the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) can "kiss my butt." At Maine's Republican convention in April he denounced a proposed $12 minimum wage by mocking immigrants. "It's hard to hear what they're saying," he said. "Have you ever tried to say, 'What's the special today?' to somebody from Bulgaria?" Advertisement LePage sees the resemblance. He's called himself ''Donald Trump before Donald Trump became popular," and "Baby Donald." But his harshest trait may be his scorn for society's most vulnerable. LePage wants to privatize one of Maine's welfare programs by handing it over to a nonprofit, Fedcap, which has faced a dozen lawsuits since 2013 alleging workplace discrimination and wage, disability, and personal injury disputes. The program helps the nearly 5,000 Maine families receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) find jobs and other community resources, and has the second highest work participation rate in the country. In the Public Interest's latest report, How privatization increases inequality, describes how, in recent years, a number of states have outsourced important functions related to assisting families at or below the poverty line. Too often, the impact has been tragic. Advertisement Like foster care. In California, where a large percentage of care is privatized, children living in homes run by private agencies are about a third more likely to be the victims of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse than those in state supervised home. And Medicaid. Only seven months after being privatized, Iowa's health care program for low-income and disabled people is struggling. Hundreds of medical providers have said the private insurance companies running the program aren't paying them on time. Earlier this week, the state handed over an additional $33 million to the companies, who were already asking for more money. LePage's love for privatization runs deep. He's received campaign money from the country's largest private prison company; created privately run online and charter schools; put the state's wholesale liquor business in private hands; proposed a privately run mental health hospital; outsourced the operation of a major bridge; and privatized a program that provides transportation to medical appointments. With the U.S. in the final throes of a presidential election, my professional mathematician's mind naturally turned to the decidedly tricky matter of election math. Voting provides a great illustration of how mathematics - which rules supreme, yielding accurate and reliable answers to precise questions, in the natural sciences and engineering - can lead us astray when we try to apply it to human and social activities. A classic example is how we count votes in an election, the topic of an article I wrote for the Mathematical Association of America, back in November 2000. In that essay, I looked at how different ways to tally votes could affect the outcome of the then-imminent Bush v Gore election, at the time blissfully unaware of how chaotic would be the process of counting votes and declaring a winner on that particular occasion. The message there was, particularly in the kinds of tight race we typically see today, the different ways that votes can be tallied can lead to very different results. Everything I said back then remains just as valid and pertinent today (mathematics is like that), so in this essay I will look at another perplexing aspect of election math: Why do we make the effort to vote? After all, while elections are sometimes decided by a small number of votes, it is unlikely in the extreme that an election on the scale of a presidential election will hang on the decision of a single voter, and even if it did, that would be well within the range of procedural error, so it makes no difference if any one individual votes or not. Advertisement To be sure, if a large number of people decide to opt out, that can affect the outcome. But there is no logical argument that takes you from that observation to it being important for a single individual to vote. This state of affairs is known as the Paradox of Voting, or sometimes Downs Paradox, after Anthony Downs, a political economist whose 1957 book An Economic Theory of Democracy examined the conditions under which (mathematical) economic theory could be applied to political decision-making. On the face of it, Downs' analysis does lead to a paradox. Economic theory tells you that rational beings make decisions based on expected benefit (a notion that can be made numerically precise). That approach works well for analyzing, say, why people buy insurance year after year, even though they may never submit a claim. The theory tells you that the expected benefit is greater than the cost; so it is rational to buy insurance. But when you adopt the same approach to an election, you find that, because the chance of exercising the pivotal vote in an election is minute compared to any realistic estimate of the private individual benefits of the different possible outcomes, the expected benefits of voting are less than the cost. So you should opt out. [The same observation had in fact been made much earlier, in 1793, by Nicolas de Condorcet - mentioned in my 2000 MAA essay cited above - but without the theoretical backing that Downs brought to the issue.] Advertisement Yet, many otherwise sane, rational citizens do not opt out. Indeed, society as a whole tends to look down on those who do not vote, saying they are not "doing their part." (In fact, many countries make participation in a national election obligatory, but that is a separate, albeit related, issue.) So why do we (or at least many of us) bother to vote? I can make the question even more stark, and personal. Suppose you have intended to "do your part" and vote. You wake up on election morning with a sore throat, and notice that it is raining heavily. Being numerically able (I will assume), you say to yourself, "It cannot possibly affect the result if I just stay at home and nurse my throat. I was intending to vote, after all. And my changing my mind about voting at the last minute cannot possibly influence anyone else. Especially if I don't tell anyone." The math and the logic, surely, are rock solid. Yet, professional mathematician as I am, I would struggle out and cast my vote. And I am sure many people reading these words would too - perhaps most of them. So what is going on? How is it that people who can do the math and are good logical thinkers do not act according to that reasoning? Must we concede that mathematics actually isn't that useful? The answer is no. Math is useful. But only when applied with a specific purpose in mind, and chosen/designed in a way that makes it appropriate for that purpose. Which brings me to my main point. To make it, let me switch for a moment from elections to an old staple of mathematics writing: the Golden Ratio. In April 2015, the magazine Fast Company Design published an article titled The Golden Ratio: Design's Biggest Myth, pointing out that most of the many claims made about the appearance of that number in art, music, architecture, and even the human body, were in fact outright false - urban legends dating back to the 19th Century. The article quoted me as saying, "Strictly speaking, it's impossible for anything in the real-world to fall into the golden ratio, because it's an irrational number." A high school math teacher wrote to me recently saying he had read the piece, and was sure I had been misquoted. I had not. From what he said, it was clear to me that the teacher had drunk not just Golden Ratio Kool Aid, but Math Kool Aid as well. In the interest of full disclosure, let me admit that, in the early part of my career as a mathematics expositor, I was as guilty as anyone of distributing both Golden Ratio Kool Aid and Math Kool Aid, to whoever would drink it. But, as a committed scientist, when presented with evidence to the contrary, I re-examined my thinking, admitted I had been wrong, and started to push better, more honest products, which I will call Golden Ratio Milk and Mathematical Milk. The Fast Company article actually describes what I am calling Golden Ratio Milk - namely fascinating, yet sensible and valid, facts about the number. (There are plenty, particularly in the botanical world.) But what is Mathematical Milk? The reason why the Golden Ratio's irrationality prevents its use in, say architecture, is that the issue at hand involves measurement. Measurement requires fixing a unit of measure - a scale. It doesn't matter whether it is meters or feet or whatever, but once you have fixed it, that is what you use. When you measure things, you do so to an agreed degree of accuracy. Perhaps one or two decimal places. Almost never to more than maybe twenty decimal places, and that only in a few instances in subatomic physics. So in terms of actual, physical measurement, or manufacturing, or building, you never encounter objects to which a numerical measurement has more than a few decimal places. You simply do not need a number system that has fractions with denominator much greater than, say, 1,000,000, and generally much less than that. Even if you go beyond physical measurement, to the theoretical realm where you imagine having an unlimited number decimal places available, you will still be in the domain of the rational numbers. Which means the Golden Ratio does not arise. Irrational numbers arise to meet mathematical needs, not the requirements of measurement. They live not in the physical world but in the human imagination. (Hence my Fast Company quote.) It is important to keep that distinction clear in our minds. The point is, when we abstract from our experiences of the world around us, to create mathematical models, two important things happen. A huge amount of information is lost; and there is a significant gain in precision. The two are not independent. If we want to increase the precision, we lose more information, which means that our model has less in common with the real world it is intended to represent. Moreover, when we construct a mathematical model, we do so with a particular question, or set of questions in mind. Advertisement In astronomy and physics, and related domains such as engineering, all of this turns out to be not too problematic. For example, the simplistic model of the Solar System as a collection of point-masses orbiting around another, much heavier, point-mass, is extremely useful. We can formulate and solve equations in that model, and they turn out to be very useful. At least they turn out to be useful in terms of the goal questions, initially in this case predicting where the planets will be at different times of the year. The model is not very helpful in telling us what the color of each planet's surface is, or even if it has a surface, both of which are certainly precise, scientific questions. When we adopt a similar approach to model money supply or other economic phenomena, we can obtain results that are, mathematically, just as precise and accurate, but their connection to the real world is far more tenuous and unreliable - as has been demonstrated several times in recent years when those mathematical results have resulted in financial crises, and occasionally disasters. So what of the paradox of voting? The paradox arises when you start by assuming that people vote to choose, say, a president. Yes, we all say that is what we do. But that's just because we have drunk Election Kool Aid. We don't actually behave in accordance with that statement. If we did, then as rational beings we would indeed stay at home on election day. Time then to throw out the Kool Aid and go out to buy a gallon jug of far more beneficial Election Milk: (Presidential) elections are about a society choosing a president. Where that purpose impacts the individual voter is not who we vote for, but in providing social pressure to be an active member of that society. That this is what is actually going on is illustrated by the fact that US society created, and millions of people wear, "I have voted" badges on election day. The focus, and the personal reward, is not "Who I voted for" but "I participated in the process." [For an interesting perspective on this, see the recent article in the Smithsonian magazine, Why Women Bring Their "I Voted" Stickers to Susan B. Anthony's Grave.] Advertisement To be sure, you can develop mathematical models of group activities, like elections, and they will tend to lead to fewer problems (and "paradoxes") than a single-individual model will, but they too will have limitations. All mathematical models do. Mathematics is not reality; it is just a model of reality (or rather, it is a whole, and constantly growing, collection of models). When we develop and/or apply a mathematical model, we need to be clear what questions it is designed to help us answer. If we try to apply it to a different question, we may get lucky and get something useful, but we may also end up with nonsense, perhaps in the form of a "paradox". With both measurement and the election, as is so often the case, one benefit we get from trying to apply mathematics to our world and to our lives is we gain insight into what is really going on. Attempting to use numbers to model the acts of measuring physical objects leads us to recognize the dependency on the physical activity of measurement. Likewise, grappling with Downs paradox leads us to acknowledge what elections are really about - and to recognize that choosing a leader is a societal activity. In a democracy, who each one of us votes for is inconsequential; that we vote is crucial. That's why I did not just spend a couple of hours yesterday making my choices and filling in my ballot and leaving it at that. I also went out earlier today - in light rain as it happens (and without a sore throat) - and put my ballot in the mailbox. Yesterday, I acted as an individual, motivated by my felt societal obligation to participate in the election process. Today I acted as a member of society. Advertisement A combination photo shows Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump (L) and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during their third and final debate at UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. on October 19, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria Back in 1992, when a relatively unknown governor from Arkansas was challenging incumbent George H.W. Bush for the presidency, his lead strategist James Carville hung a sign in the their Little Rock headquarters that read, in part: "The economy, stupid." Although the sign was only meant for internal consumption, "It's the economy, stupid" became the de facto slogan of Bill Clinton's campaign. The rest, as they say, is history. To be sure, the economy is always a major factor in any election, and after rebounding from the Great Recession of 2008, we have been suffering from sluggish growth, which is leaving plenty of Americans behind. That said, the biggest long-term threat to the economy is not what today's presidential candidates have spent their time debating. It is not immigration. It is not gun control. It's not even trade policy. The most significant threat to the economy is climate change. And not just to our economy, but to economies, big and small, around the world. Advertisement Fortunately there are some encouraging signs that Americans increasingly believe we need to address climate change, and soon. Nearly three-quarters of American voters now say they understand that global warming is happening, according to an April 2016 public opinion survey by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. Nearly 70 percent support a carbon tax. More than 40 percent say they are more likely to vote for a presidential candidate who strongly supports taking action to cut carbon emissions. And, given climate change was the topic of the fourth most-popular question submitted to the second "town hall" debate, voters clearly want to hear what the candidates have to say about it. Regardless, the presidential debate moderators avoided the issue, squandering the opportunity to inform tens of millions of Americans about the significant differences between Clinton and Trump on climate. In fact, there are substantial disagreements among them and the other two presidential candidates as well. Because I work for a nonpartisan, tax-exempt organization, I am not at liberty to publicly weigh the merits of their respective positions. But I can tell you how climate change is already affecting each candidate's home state and what scientists project will happen there if we don't dramatically reduce carbon emissions. Suffice it to say, it's not pretty. New York: More Catastrophic Floods Let's start with Clinton and Trump's home state of New York. Annual average temperatures in the Empire State already have gone up about 2.4 degrees F since 1970, with average winter temperatures jumping more than 4.4 degrees F, according to statistics compiled by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. If carbon emissions continue at their current pace, temperatures across the state are expected to rise as much as 3 degrees F by the 2020s, 6 degrees F by the 2050s, and 10 degrees F by the 2080s. These higher temperatures would have a major impact on New York's 36,000 farms, which produced $4.7 billion in products in 2010. Longer growing seasons could increase yields of a number of crops, especially soybeans, according to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), but hotter summers likely would reduce yields of corn, New York's most important crop. Heat stress, meanwhile, would make dairy cows less productive and hamper beef production, which together account for more than half of the state's farm revenues. Advertisement Even more worrisome, sea level along the New York coast has gone up a foot since 1900, according to the state's environmental agency, and the rate of rise -- about 1.2 inches per decade -- is nearly twice the observed global rate, mainly because much of the state's land surface is sinking. Higher water levels are exacerbating flooding, submerging low lands, and eroding beaches. And it's going to get worse. Scientists expect sea level to rise as much as 2.5 feet from its average between 2000 and 2004 by mid-century, and by 2100, it could jump as much as 6 feet. Catastrophic floods will become more likely because higher baseline water levels push storm surges further inland, and if sea level rise reaches 2.5 feet, the floodplain for a hundred-year storm with a 6-foot surge would cover nearly a quarter of New York City. A 6-foot surge may sound like a lot, but keep in mind that the storm surge from Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which caused an estimated $75 billion in damages, was nearly 14 feet high. Massachusetts: Say Goodbye to Atlantic Cod Green Party candidate Jill Stein's home state is Massachusetts, where residents are experiencing earlier springs, hotter summers, and milder winters than they did in 1970, all consistent with climate change. Across the Northeast, annual temperatures have warmed nearly 2 degrees F over the last 35 years, according to a 2011 report by the Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and scientists project that they will go up as much as 5.2 degrees F by 2050 and 9.5 degrees by the end of the century if we don't curb carbon emissions. Temperatures over the next few decades are likely to increase most rapidly in the winter months, spelling trouble for the region's winter recreation industry and maple syrup producers, according to a 2007 Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) study. By mid-century, warmer winters would drive the last of the state's ski resorts out of business, and by late-century, the trees that provide the area's spectacular fall foliage displays -- maple, beech and birch -- would likely disappear. Massachusetts is home to one of the country's biggest commercial fishing industries. Based on current emissions trends, scientists project that ocean temperatures will be too warm by the end of this century to support the historically important Atlantic cod, which is already in decline. Lobsters in coastal waters south of Cape Cod, meanwhile, would be cooked by mid-century. The state also produces a quarter of the nation's cranberries. Heat stress would significantly depress yields for them and other fruit and vegetable crops. Advertisement Global sea level rose about 5.5 inches between 1900 and 2000, according to a February 2016 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, but at the three sites the study tracked in Massachusetts, it rose even more. There was an 11.1-inch increase in Barnstable, a 9.3-inch increase in Revere, and an 8.8-inch increase at Wood Island. Depending on how quickly and dramatically we cut carbon emissions, scientists estimate that sea level along the Massachusetts coast could rise anywhere from 1 foot to 6.5 feet by 2100. That could be quite costly. "In Boston alone," the 2014 U.S. National Climate Assessment report found, "cumulative damage to buildings, building contents, and associated emergency costs could potentially be as high as $94 billion between 2000 and 2100, depending on the sea level rise scenario and which adaptive actions are taken." New Mexico: More Drought and Wildfires Finally, let's consider Libertarian Party nominee Gary Johnson's home state, New Mexico. Since 1970, the average annual temperature in the state has jumped approximately 2.7 degrees F, prompting earlier springs, hotter summers and less predictable winters. According to an April 2016 UCS report, these changes are making life difficult for New Mexico's 23,800 farms and ranches, which cover nearly 44 million acres and produce, among other things, beef cattle, chiles, corn, cotton, hay, pecans and sheep. Snow is a vital source of water in the state, and there's a lot less of it nowadays. In 2015, for the fifth year in a row, New Mexico experienced a drought due to diminished snowfall in the mountains, and scientists warn it likely will get worse. They project that late-winter and spring snow packs will decline, and expect the resulting drop in runoff and soil moisture to further dry up Southwest water supplies. A study published on October 5 in the journal Science Advances is just the latest that concludes future droughts in the Southwest will be hotter and more severe if carbon emissions are not dramatically reduced. Hotter, drier conditions also have led to more frequent, more destructive wildfires, the UCS report found. Forty years ago, New Mexico's fire season lasted about five months a year. It now stretches more than seven months, with twice as many fires covering more than a thousand acres. Two of the largest wildfires in the state's recorded history occurred in the last five years. The Las Conchas Fire burned more than 156,000 acres in 2011, the same year 1,875 fires destroyed more than a million acres. The following year, the Whitewater Baldy Complex Fire torched more than 297,000 acres, making it the largest in New Mexican history. Advertisement It's Enough to Make You Sick Then there's the issue of public health. If temperatures continue to rise, it's going to get a lot more uncomfortable for Bay Staters, New Mexicans and New Yorkers, especially during the summer, and especially for their most vulnerable populations -- children, the elderly, the sick, and the poor. Besides the heat, residents of all three states likely would have to contend with more ground-level ozone, a pollutant that contributes to respiratory problems, according to the EPA. In Massachusetts and New York, the pollen season for ragweed and other sneeze-enhancing plants would last longer and be much more severe. Lyme disease season would last longer, too. And a warmer Northeast would be more hospitable to the Asian tiger mosquito, which can carry the West Nile virus. So, regardless of the presidential candidates' stated positions on the subject, residents in their respective home states -- and the rest of us across the country -- are going to have to contend with the very real climate impacts now underway. In other words, with apologies to Neil deGrasse Tyson, the bad thing about climate change is that it's happening whether or not you believe in it. That's something to consider up and down the ballot on November 8. Greeks invented the atomic theory in the fifth century BCE. Leucippus and Democritus developed the first scientific model of the fundamental unit of the universe: the atom. They imagined matter and the cosmos had two basic ingredients: atoms and the void, both eternal: an infinite number of invisible, impenetrable and indivisible atoms move in the infinite void, creating and destroying countless worlds. The French scientist Pierre Gassendi revived the Greek atomic theory in the seventeenth century. The theory sparked and nourished chemistry and physics. Indeed, in early twentieth century, quantum mechanics studied the atoms and their components: protons, electrons and neutrons. Advertisement Actually, "atomic" scientists in America used their theoretical understanding of the atoms for the construction of the atomic and nuclear bombs. World War II accelerated that process. Physicists at Columbia University dreamed up the atomic bomb. They used the electromagnet of a cyclotron in increasing the speed of atomic particles to 25,000 miles per second. Then on January 25, 1939, they split a uranium atom through fission and chain reaction, the mechanisms for exploding atomic bombs. Physicists understood the military implications of their handiwork. Splitting the uranium atom was leading them to war. They worked day and night in "enriching" uranium, making it ready for fission, chain reaction, and explosion. Starting in 1939, the US moved forcefully but secretly in a race to build an atomic bomb before the Germans did. This was the Manhattan Project. Three out of four physicists in 1941 were working on the bomb. Some 2,000 scientists were doing defense work in secret military towns all over America. The result of this concentrated military effort was the successful manufacturing of the atomic bomb and the atomic bombing of the Japanese cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Advertisement The nuking of Japan caused consternation among some Manhattan Project scientists. One of them at Columbia University, who knew the secrets of the Manhattan Project, but had not worked on the bomb, was Selig Hecht. He was very angry at the dropping of the bomb on Japan, accusing America of moral barbarism. "But of what avail is this knowledge [of the atom] if we use it to destroy cities and people, to devastate the countryside, and to shatter the very structures and men that made possible this knowledge and civilization?" Hecht asked. Democritus would have agreed with Hecht. The Greek atomic theory was subverted. Instead of becoming a key for the understanding of how nature works, its American masters used it to militarize science and create a weapon of colossal killing power. Hecht is cited in "Almighty: Courage, Resistance, and Existential Peril in the Nuclear Age" by Dan Zak (Blue Rider Press, 2016). This is a book of extraordinary importance. It is a timely and riveting story of how and why America built the bomb, and what the bomb did to America, Japan, and the world. Zak, a reporter for the Washington Post, documents the bomb ('godlike force of destruction') had ominous domestic consequences: billions of dollars paid to a handful of unaccountable and irresponsible contractors; deep corruption of Congress, the White house, and the Pentagon; extensive uranium and plutonium pollution of the bomb towns; disease and premature death among workers building the bomb and several thousand deaths among those living downwind from bomb testing. Advertisement He also highlights the lives of three courageous Plowshare protesters who, in July 2012, infiltrated the Fort Knox of Uranium, the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The activists included a Catholic nun, 82 years old, a Vietnam War veteran, age 63; and a housepainter, 57. The anger of these peace activists went all the way to the testing and deployment of the bomb. On July 16, 1945, America exploded the first atomic bomb in the Apache land of New Mexico. The explosion became, first, white light that filled the whole desert sky. Physicist I. I. Rabi, who watched the explosion ten miles away, said the bomb light 'blasted,' 'pounced,' and 'bored its way right through you.' Harvard University president James Conant also observed the explosion at a ten-mile distance from ground zero. The white light of the explosion stunned him. He thought the 'white light' was 'like the end of the world.' An orange fireball followed the white light. General Thomas Farrell got scared. He wrote about the 'strong, sustained, awesome roar which warned of doomsday and made us feel that we puny things were blasphemous to dare tamper with the forces heretofore reserved to The Almighty.' Harvard physicist Kenneth Bainbridge said, 'Now we're all sons of bitches.' Bainbridge is right. Despite the anguish and fear from the explosion of the first bomb, and despite the proof of the genocidal nature of atomic weapons from their explosion over Japan, America let the bomb industrial-military complex shape the country and, eventually, the world. The massive investment in Oak Ridge continued in more than the enrichment of uranium. Oak Ridge became a factory of atomic and nuclear weapons. The mantra after the war was to stay ahead of the Soviets (Russians). The Pentagon made the bomb its sacred symbol. In the early 1960s, Pentagon's "first strike" against the Soviet Union and China would have killed six hundred million people. Advertisement Then the 1962 Cuban missile crisis almost annihilated the world. But this brushing with death did not alter bomb production. In 1963, the US had 28,133 nuclear bombs. America had become, according to Martin Luther King, 'the greatest purveyor of violence in the world.' American leaders to this day want nuclear weapons for "defense." They have budgeted more than $ 1 trillion for their "modernization." General Kevin Chilton, commander, US strategic command, 2007-2011, said guarding nuclear weapons demands perfection. But, he admitted, 'We are not perfect.' Time has come to continue the work of Michael Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan: abolish these weapons from the face of the Earth. New York, NY USA - July 16, 2016: Donald Trump speaks during introduction Governor Mike Pence as running for vice president at Hilton hotel Midtown Manhattan This post originally appeared on fortheloveofwineandcoffee.com One day, years from now, the horror of the 2016 presidential election will appear much more horrible to future generations. I believe the years will progress our country into a more inclusive, diverse and enlightened one. I don't believe history will be kind to Mr. Trump's candidacy and his legacy will be an ugly blemish on the face of modern democracy. I believe after our children learn of the atrocities committed by Trump and the carnage left behind by his vile campaign, they'll then look to us--as survivors of the 2016 election--and want to know how we felt. More than that, what did we do about it? Advertisement When he questioned the sitting President of the United States' birthplace for no conceivable reason, was the stench of prejudice apparent? When Trump mocked a disabled reporter, did we defend the differently abled? When Trump planned to register an entire religious group, did we not see the historical parallels? When Trump boasted about committing sexual assault, did we acknowledge that this is a crime and completely unacceptable behavior? When Trump was accused of raping a 13-year-old child, did we think it seemed that implausible given his history and reputation? When Trump disrespected POWs and veterans with PTSD, did we demand reverence for those who have served? Advertisement When Trump repeatedly bullied women, did we condone his comments? When Trump referred to Hispanics entering the United States as rapists, criminal and drug dealers, did we declare he was wrong? When he won the support of so many white supremacist and hate groups, did we consider why they supported him? When numerous women claimed Trump sexually assaulted them, did we pay more attention to them than a 24-hour news cycle? When former business associates claimed they were wronged by Trump, did we consider maybe he's not such an honorable businessman? When he attacked a fallen soldier's Muslim family, did we catch the Islamophobia in his response? When he instigated violence at his rallies, did we uphold the right to peacefully protest? When he repeatedly censored and sued media outlets, did we see the potential for infringement of our first amendment rights? Advertisement When he openly embraced a conspiracy theorist like Alex Jones and perpetuated myths and conspiracy theories himself, were we relentless in our pursuit of the truth? When he advocated war crimes as a candidate for commander in chief, were we appalled? When he dehumanized refugees in crisis, were we willing to provide aid to those refugees? When he repeatedly spoke of his trigger-happy approach to nuclear war, were we fearful? When he allegedly the campaign was rigged against him before the election even took place, did we defend our democratic process? When we saw how frequently he lied, did we wonder how anyone considered him trustworthy? I picture our children one day asking these questions and sitting in nervous anticipation of the answers, just as we may have asked our parents and grandparents about other tumultuous times in our history. We always want to know that they stood on the right side of history. I imagine our children will one day have the clarity to see Trump's campaign for what it truly has been and they'll be repulsed by the attacks, lies, bigotry and hatred. I think they'll be saddened to hear of the hatred and bigotry he invigorated in the American people. I imagine they'll be disappointed to understand that as the Republican presidential candidate, he had many supporters. They'll come to the sobering realization that they probably know people who supported him. Then I imagine they'll look into our eyes and boldly ask if we supported him. When we tell them we didn't, they'll ask what we did to stop him. Advertisement What did we do to stop Trump? That's what I believe the future will ask of us. Many of Trump's supporters have reveled in the fact that he is not a typical politician and they're right. He's never even held elected office, despite running for our nation's highest office. I struggle to even consider him a Republican, not only because he's flip-flopped on issues and even political parties, but because I believe Republicans are better than him. This is not a matter of politics; it's a matter of human decency. So when we're asked one day what we did to stop Trump, I want to be able to say we united as a nation and told him he was wrong. America is already great. After defeating him, we embraced the diversity, perseverance and kindness that make us great. We refused to allow his bigotry represent us. Despite our embarrassment that someone so despicable got so close to the White House, we learned from the experience and refused to allow it to happen again. And we sure as Hell showed up on Election Day. For good or bad populism is holding sway. Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders both presided over uprisings against the leadership of their respective parties. The same may be said about data. With the advent of Google (which provides the mechanism by which anyone can become a blogger) and Amazon (where anyone can self publish), Thoreau's "mass of men" no longer need "lead lives of quiet desperation"; information has become like a dam which is in danger of overflowing and flooding the farmlands it was formed to irrigate. Take news for example. There was once a news business presided over by respected entities which represented varying poles of the ideological spectrum. Back in the 50's a Hearst publication The Journal American represented the right and Dorothy Schiff's New York Post, the left. In between were The New York Times and The Herald Tribune. You still have major papers, albeit fewer ones, in most areas of the country. But now the populace is no longer ready to defer to Jimmy Olson, the star reporter for The Daily Planet. You join Facebook and suddenly you're a chronicler of the era. The internet is flooded with all kinds of sites that have been created by self-appointed primary sources. Few are ready to stand down or defer to the authority of those with more experience in the field. If you cross the Turkish border and find a way to keep your head on your shoulders (literally), then suddenly you're as good as AP or the old UPI. If you take picture you're Magnum. Who's to stop you? This leveling or democratization of information naturally has its positive side. For instance no recent election has created as much interest as that between these two widely detested candidates. But the downside is that there's no possible way to parse out all the input. The result of everyone having been given a voice is deafening roar. Earlier this month the Public Religion Research Institute released new statistics that chronicle the demographic shifts in religious affiliation. The one group that has grown exponentially is the so-called "Nones," or religiously unaffiliated. The unaffiliated now represent 25 percent of the country, up over 10 percent of their numbers in the 1990s. More troubling for churches are two other findings: One is that the percentage of young American "Nones" (39 percent of those ages 18 to 29) is far larger than that of older American "Nones" (13 percent of adults, 65 and older). The other is the extent to which those numbers have been fed by younger adults who once attended church with their parents. The report observes: "Most Americans who leave their childhood religious identity to become unaffiliated generally do so before they reach their 18th birthday. More than six in ten (62 percent) religiously unaffiliated Americans who were raised in a religion say they abandoned their childhood religion before they turned 18. About three in ten (28 percent) say they were between the ages of 18 and 29. Only five percent say they stopped identifying with their childhood religion between the ages of 30 and 49, and just two percent say age 50 or older." Advertisement The top two reasons that young adults list for leaving the church is that "they stopped believing in the religion's teachings (60 percent)" and their families were "never that religious when they were growing up (32 percent)." The report does not explain in explicit terms why young adults drifted away from their religion's teachings or what left them with the impression that their families were never all that religious, but the rest of the report is suggestive. The vast majority of "Nones" grew up in families parented by adults who lacked unanimity in their religious commitments. 66 percent of the "Nones" reject the conviction that religion provides a foundation for the moral formation of children. 72 percent of the unaffiliated say that they give little or no regular thought to their beliefs about God. Close to two thirds of them believe that religion does more harm than good, and more than three quarters of them believe that there is no necessary connection between a belief in God and their own moral decision-making. There is a great to digest here, but it is hard not to conclude that a great deal of the church's fortunes in this regard has been in our own hands all along: We have failed to take the spiritual formation of children and adolescents seriously. We have not stressed the importance of faith formation in our families, nor have we helped them think in a concerted fashion about how that might be done. Advertisement We have neglected our own formation and the task of examining the relationship between what we believe and the way in which we live our lives. And, quite simply, we haven't offered our children convincing reasons for our participation in the life of the church, which -- of course -- would have only been convincing if they had shaped our own participation. One can only speculate about the reasons for our failure, but it isn't hard to guess. Our fear of being thought of as fundamentalist has kept us from thinking about what it means to be serious about our faith. Our love of civic respectability and importance has prompted us to downplay the particularity of the demands that the Gospel makes upon us. In the absence of faith formation, we have opted instead for "good politics," which signals how little our faith has to say about our politics or about anything else we do. And, quite simply, we have been lazy about rearing our children in the faith -- at church and at home -- neglecting our responsibilities as parents and as religious leaders. We had our reasons, of course. We were at sea about parental and religious authority. We projected adult prerogatives on children, arguing that they should make their own decisions about their faith long before they were capable of making those decisions. What we didn't confront was a simple truth: We teach by omission, just as surely as we do by guiding our children. In the absence of any other guidance, our children have found their mentors in the culture around them. Advertisement Happiness researcher Sean Achor demonstrated through his extensive research that if you perform random acts of kindness for two minutes a day for twenty-one days, you can actually retrain your brain to be more positive. Studies such as his show that when your brain is more positive you are more likely to be creative, intelligent and productive. These attributes can spin into what we perceive as 'quality of life' attributes - job success, wealth, healthy relationships, and better health. This adage, that happiness breeds success, is counterintuitive to what Western society popularly perceives as the opposite, that success lends itself to happiness. Kindness is a simple concept, yet so very impactful. It can make the world a better place by ending suffering at the hands of war, hunger, human rights violations, and injustice. It has the power to drastically improve our own well-being as well as that of our families, friends, acquaintances, and strangers. The very act of expressing graciousness to one another can make us more empathetic of other people's hardships. Within the workforce, kindness towards one another can inspire employees to be more productive and make businesses more profitable. And within our communities, kindness contributes to safer and cleaner schools and neighborhoods. Does the paragraph above sound a bit dramatic? Pay attention to how kindness has the ability to impact your life. Observe those moments when someone does something unexpectedly kind for you. How frequently does it happen? How does it make you feel? Does it transform your outlook on the day? We challenge you to commit a random act of kindness. Spend two minutes a day doing it for just three weeks. How does it make you feel? How does it make your recipients feel? Advertisement Bob Kerry once said, "Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly and most underrated agent in human change." What a profound statement! And yet it is the easiest thing in the world to execute. With very little time (even just two minutes a day) and very minimal effort we can transform a human being's day, week, or even life. The return on investment is off the charts! How can something so simple and so easy have such a tremendous impact on others and ourselves? Every act of kindness creates a ripple effect that spreads from person to person with no end in sight. Kindness is contagious like a disease in which the outcome is divinely beautiful. Jamil Zaki, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University and Director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab recently conducted a series of studies that observe how witnessing kindness inspires kindness, causing it to spread like a virus. He concludes that "by emphasizing empathy-positive norms, we may be able to leverage the power of social influence to combat apathy and conflict in new ways." To start a movement of kindness Kindness & Co created Kindness & Co, Random Act of Kindness Kits. The kits empower an individual to start their own chain reaction of kindness. Each Kit includes a long list of fun and innovative ways in which the recipient can create their own acts of kindness. They found that people increasingly value experiences over material things, Kindness Kits are their way of replacing consumerism in holiday or birthday gift-giving and replacing it with the truly honorable experience of spreading cheer in people's lives. Additionally, businesses and organizations are using Kindness Kits for employee gifts, thank you's, lead generation, and tokens of customer or employee appreciation, to name a few. While it seems inconceivable that benevolence has a place in today's cutthroat, competitive, winner-takes-all business environment, even the most successful companies are recognizing its virtues. Billionaire and entrepreneur Mark Cuban was recently quoted saying "Nice is way undervalued right now. It's one of the most valuable assets out there," when asked about negotiating tips. Advertisement Instead of buying bland, typical gifts again this year for your friends and family, and acquaintances, how about saying and doing something more imaginative and creative that will make a bigger difference to both you and them. And rather than giving your employees a logo-emblazoned chotski that lacks any real value to them, give them the experience of kindness. Give a positive experience that makes the recipient happy and helps the world. In the words of Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you did, they will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel." Every act of kindness creates a ripple effect that spreads with no end in sight. Let's run with it! It's becoming clear why Presidential Candidate Trump and Russian President Putin have been so chummy with each other. Trump has become dependent on Russian oligarchs to fund his real estate ventures since U.S. banks no longer will because of his various bankruptcies and history of failure to pay his debts. One of his sons even admitted so. "Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets," Trump's son, Donald Jr., told a real estate conference in 2008, according to an account posted on the website of eTurboNews, a trade publication. "We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia." And the FBI has nothing to say about the fact that Donald Trump has become so dependent on those Russian oligarchs funding Trumps real estate ventures. Yet what looks like blatant collusion in illegal activity between Trump and Russian oligarchs has been documented in lawsuits, and much more. He has had to depend on Russian oligarch monies, many of them either Russian Mafia figures or close associates of Vladimir Putin, to fund his real estate empire. And he has repaid them by adopting their playbook--discredit NATO and U.S. alliances, call for hacking of Hillary's emails, and lauding Putin as a stronger leader than President Obama. That is why the latest FBI fiasco--Director Comey's refusal to discuss their ongoing investigation into Donald Trump's Russian connections--is so damaging to our national security, even though Comey had no problem discussing their investigation into Hillary Clinton's "extremely careless" use of a private email server. It means the FBI has lost credibility as a transparent and impartial institution. Trump's Russian connections have been well-documented. Let's ignore the possible link to Vladimir Putin, which he claims to never have met, though he did invite him to a meeting when Trump brought his 2013 Miss Universe pageant to Moscow. Advertisement The real connections are with those Russian oligarchs that surround Putin, which number some 120 billionaires that now own most of Russia's assets, according to a former Russian hedge fund manager. Many have invested in Trump properties. The fact that Trump won't disclose his taxes is almost proof in itself that he doesn't want those connections revealed. Why wouldn't Trump want to reveal the extent of those connections, if legal? Because much of it has to be laundered money that Russia's plutocrats have stolen from Russians, and their own government. A Times Magazine article detailed this. As major banks in America stopped lending him money, the Trump organization was forced to seek financing from non-traditional institutions. Several had direct ties to Russian financial interests in ways that have raised eyebrows. What's more, several of Trump's senior advisors have business ties to Russia or its satellite politicians, such as former campaign manager Paul Manafort.. It also explains why Russia has been hacking DNC email accounts, including that of Clinton Campaign Chief of Staff John Podesta. "The Trump-Russia links beneath the surface are even more extensive," Max Boot, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, wrote in the Los Angeles Times. "The Russians have every reason to sabotage the Democratic candidate. Her opponent, Donald Trump, is more pro-Russia than any previous presidential candidate. As far back as 2007, Trump was telling CNN that Russian President Vladimir Putin was doing a "great job." In 2013, Trump tweeted: "Do you think Putin will be going to The Miss Universe Pageant in November in Moscow - if so, will he become my new best friend?" "In 2015, Trump told MSNBC that Putin was a real leader," said Boot, "unlike what we have in this country," and that reports of Putin killing political opponents didn't bother him -- "'Well, I think our country does plenty of killing also," he said.'" Trump has to have become so popular with Russian oligarchs because he is willing to aid and abet the laundering of their money, much from documented criminal activity. Bill Browder, CEO of Hermitage Capital Management, has written and testified extensively how President Putin and his cronies have milked the Russian economy in his best-seller, Red Notice, A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice. In Browder's case, Putin, et. al. were able to obtain a refund of Hermitage Capital's last $230 million tax payment to the Russian Government in 2005 by simply raiding their Moscow offices and changing corporate ownership documents, then altering the corporate tax returns for that year so they would show a loss of $230 million, which was then refunded to the new 'owners', who were revealed to be members of the FSB, Russia's FBI and Secret Service, and government officials that aided in the tax fraud. This was all revealed in testimony before the U.S. Congress and European Parliament, and has resulted in the seizure of foreign assets and travel bans for 38 of those implicated in the scheme. Advertisement We therefore have to ask why the FBI won't reveal details of their ongoing investigation of Donald Trump's Russian connections that have already been so damaging to our election process, and could cause even more damage to our national security in the future? Harlan Green 2016 By James M. Dorsey Two high-level meetings in recent months involving senior military commanders and intelligence officials and/or top-level government representatives spotlight Pakistan's difficulty in coming to grips with domestic and regional political violence resulting from decades of support of militant Islamist and jihadist groups for foreign policy and ideological reasons. Overcoming those difficulties could determine Pakistan's future, the nature of its society and its place in the world. The first of those meeting was a gathering in August of Pakistani military commanders in the wake of a massive bombing in Quetta that killed some 70 people and wiped out a generation of lawyers in the province of Baluchistan. The commanders concluded that the attack constituted a sinister foreign-inspired plot that aimed to thwart their effort to root out political violence. Their analysis stroked with their selective military campaign aimed at confronting specific groups like the Pakistani Taliban and the Sunni-Muslim Lashkar-e-Jhangvi rather than any organization that engages in political violence and/or targets minorities. The commanders' approach failed to acknowledge the real lesson of Quetta: decades of Pakistani military and intelligence support underwritten by funding from Saudi Arabia for sectarian and ultra-conservative groups and religious schools in Pakistan that has divided the country almost irreversibly. Advertisement Generations of religious students have their critical faculties stymied by rote learning and curricula dominated by memorization of exclusionary beliefs and prejudice resulting in bigotry and misogyny woven into the fabric of Pakistani society. "The enemy within is not a fringe... Large sections of society sympathize with these groups. They fund them, directly and indirectly. They provide them recruits. They reject the Constitution and the system. They don't just live in the 'bad lands' but could be our neighbours. The forces have not only to operate in areas in the periphery, along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, but have also to operate in the cities where hundreds, perhaps thousands form sleeper cells, awaiting orders or planning to strike," said Pakistani columnist Ejaz Haider in a recent commentary. Top Pakistani political leaders echoed Mr. Haider's sentiment in a second meeting in October that gathered the country's civilian and military leadership around the table. Reporting in Dawn, Pakistan's foremost English-language newspaper, on differences between the civilian and military components of the state, united politicians and officers in their denials of differences and prompted a government investigation into what it alleged was a false and inaccurate story. Dawn, standing by the accuracy of its story, reported that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and other government ministers had warned their military and intelligence counterparts that key elements of the country's two-year old national action plan to eradicate political violence and sectarianism, including enforcing bans on designated groups, reforming madrassas, and empowering the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) had not been implemented. The 20-point plan was adopted after militants had attacked a military school in Peshawar in December 2014, killing 141 people, including 132 students. Advertisement In a blunt statement during the meeting, Foreign Minister Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry charged, according to Dawn, that Pakistan risked international isolation if it failed to crack down on militant groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba; and the Haqqani network - all designated as terrorist groups by the United Nations. Mr. Chaudhry noted that Pakistan's closest ally, China, with its massive $46 billion investment in Pakistani infrastructure, continued to block UN sanctioning of Jaish-i-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar, but was increasingly questioning the wisdom of doing so. The State Bank of Pakistan announced barely two weeks after the meeting announced that it was freezing the accounts of more than 2,000 people associated with political violence, including the leaders of anti-Shiite and anti-Ahmadi groups supported by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan's military and intelligence agency. Not mentioned in the bank's list of targeted people were those associated with groups such as Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HuM), whose main focus is Kashmir. The absence of those groups signalled the military and intelligence's ability to safeguard the fundamentals of their strategic support of militant groups and the inability of the civilian government to impose its will. The government moreover is divided with some ministers being more supportive of links to militants. And even if there were a unified will to crack down on militants, the bank's measure would at best be a drop in a bucket. Most of the funds available to militant groups are either not in bank deposits or, if they are, not in accounts belonging to the groups' leaders. In many ways, Mr. Sharif's effort to force the military and intelligence's hand has a sense of deja vu. A similar attempt by Mr. Sharif when he was prime minister in the late 1990s ended with his overthrow in a coup, initial imprisonment and ultimate exile for a decade. Mr. Sharif in cohorts with his loyal intelligence chief, Lieutenant General Khawaja Ziauddin, tried to convince Taliban leader Mullah Omar to handover Osama Bin Laden and stop Saudi-backed anti-Shiite militants of Sipah-e-Sabaha from attacking the minority in Pakistan from Afghan territory without consulting the military. In response, Chief of Staff General Mohammed Aziz Khan and Islamist politician Fazl ur Rahman held separate talks with Omar in which they made clear to the Taliban leader who controlled the Pakistani levers of power and persuaded him to ignore Mr, Sharif's request. Mr. Sharif's effort was one reason for the 1999 military coup that led to his initial imprisonment and subsequent decade-long exile. Advertisement Leaders of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, the latest guise of Sipah after it was nominally banned, in a rare set of lengthy interviews prior to the bank's announcement, had little compunction about detailing their close ties to Pakistani state institutions and Saudi Arabia. They were also happy to discuss the fact that both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were pushing them to repackage their sectarian policies in a public relations effort rather than a fundamental shift that would steer Pakistan towards a more tolerant, inclusive society. "The Saudis sent huge amounts often through Pakistani tycoons who had a long-standing presence in Saudi Arabia as well as operations in the UK and Canada and maintained close relations with the Al Saud family and the Saudi business community. One of them gave 100 million rupees a year. We had so much money, it didn't matter what things cost," said a co-founder of Sipah. Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat leader Ahmad Ludhyvani, a meticulously dressed Muslim scholar whose accounts are among those blocked, speaking in his headquarters protected by Pakistani security forces in the city of Jhang, noted that Sipah as the group is still commonly referred to and Saudi Arabia both opposed Shiite Muslim proselytization even if Sipah served Pakistani rather than Saudi national interests. "Some things are natural. It's like when two Pakistanis meet abroad or someone from Jhang meets another person from Jhang in Karachi. It's natural to be closest to the people with whom we have similarities... We are the biggest anti-Shia movement in Pakistan. We don't see Saudi Arabia interfering in Pakistan," Ludhyvani said over a lunch of chicken, vegetables and rice. The soft-spoken politician defended his group's efforts in Parliament to get a law passed that would uphold the dignity of the Prophet Mohammed and his companions. The law would effectively serve as a stepping stone for institutionalization of anti-Shiite sentiment much like a Saudi-inspired Pakistani constitutional amendment in 1974 that declared Ahmadis non-Muslim. As a result, all applicants for a Pakistani passport are forced to sign an anti-Ahmadi oath. Advertisement Sipah officials said a Pakistani cleric resident in Makkah who heads the international arm of Aalmi Majlis Tahaffuz Khatm-e-Nubuwwat (AMTKN), a militant anti-Ahmadi Pakistan-based group, closely affiliated with Sipah, acts as a major fundraiser for the group. Sipah put Pakistani and Saudi support on public display when it last year hosted a dinner in Islamabad's prestigious Marriot Hotel for Abdallah Ben Abdel Mohsen Al-Turki, a former Saudi religious affairs minister and general secretary of the Muslim World League, a major Saudi vehicle for the funding of ultra-conservative and militant groups. Hundreds of guests, including Pakistani ministers and religious leaders designated as terrorists by the United States attended the event at the expense of the Saudi embassy in the Pakistani capital. The corrosive impact of such support for groups preaching intolerance and sectarian hatred is mirrored in recent controversy over the Council of Islamic Ideology, whose offices are ironically located on Islamabad's Ataturk Avenue, that was created to ensure that Pakistani legislation complies with Islamic Law. The Council has condemned co-education in a country whose non-religious public education system fails to impose mandatory school attendance and produces uncritical minds similar to those emerging from thousands of madrasahs run by ultra-conservatives and those advocating jihadist thinking. The Council declared in 2014 that a man did not need his wife's consent to marry a second, third or fourth wife and that DNA of a rape victim did not constitute conclusive evidence. This year, it defended the right of a husband to "lightly beat" his wife. It also forced the withdrawal of a proposal to ban child marriages, declaring the draft bill un-Islamic and blasphemous. Continued official acquiescence and open support for intolerance, misogyny and sectarianism calls into question the sincerity of government and military efforts to curb without exception intolerance and political violence. The result is a country whose social fabric and tradition of tolerance is being fundamentally altered in ways that could take a generation to reverse. The story of Trump's impact on Colorado's election is unfolding in front of us in the strangest ways, with Colorado Republicans going every which way and both ways when it comes to the mogul. A unique approach to Trump has been taken by Arapahoe County Commissioner Nancy Doty, who's running against Democrat Daniel Kagan in a Cherry Hills state-state race that Democrats must win to take control of the chamber. Doty said in June that she'd support Trump, and later called Sarah Palin's endorsement of Trump "spot on." Advertisement But then she told the Aurora Sentinel last month that her vote is a "private decision." The Denver Post reported most Oct. 23 that Doty's not commenting on Trump. But lo, Doty tweeted a photo Saturday from her apparent appearance at the Trump rally in Golden, without comment, as if to say, "Look! I'm still voting for Trump, but a secret is a secret." But in any case, on election night, reporters should reflect on what's worked Trump-wise for Colorado Republicans in tight races. The Doty approach? State Sen. Laura Woods' I-Believe-Trump-Will-"Lead-our-Country-to-Greatness-Once-Again" strategy? U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman's strategery of dodge trump (December), then yes Trump (February), then maybe Trump (May and August), then no Trump (October). And possibly no one (October). Advertisement Or, most likely, no GOP response to Trump was a good response. He hurt them all, regardless. Last year, 197 countries adopted the historic Paris Agreement on climate change. Today (November 4th) it comes into force, in one of the fastest ratifications of any international agreement. A huge global movement has driven this momentum - from enlightened city governments to global leaders to forward-thinking businesses and corporations. But a critical role has been played by ordinary people, who have applied pressure, petitioned their governments and demanded a clean, safe climate. The Paris Agreement is historic not only because of the urgency and the speed of ratification. It is historic because of the degree of international cooperation, and its ambition to tackle the biggest crisis facing this planet in a way that is transparent and measurable. Advertisement The Agreement includes long-term goals to phase out global emissions to zero, to shift finance, to implement and strengthen national action plans which include scaling up of renewables, putting a price on carbon, regulating major sectors and building resilience to the impacts. This radical transformation was demanded by a growing movement of hundreds of thousands of people from around the world. What happened in Paris was a consequence of this momentum and the Agreement can and must continue to accelerate the momentum and drive change. Understanding that this transformation is inevitable is no longer the idea of a group of scientists or campaign groups like Greenpeace. People from different walks of life and from different sectors and industries are ready to work together to tip the balance even further in the right direction. City mayors understand it. In the financial sector, Allianz, Axa, the Norwegian Wealth Fund and now BNDS all understand it, as they divest from coal. Advertisement In the US, the Securities Exchange Commission is investigating how ExxonMobil values its assets in a world of increasing climate-change regulations. Depending on the outcomes of this investigation, there may be far-reaching consequences not just for Exxon, but for the entire oil and gas industry. In the Netherlands, the Urgenda Foundation, together with 900 citizens, filed a case against the Dutch government, winning a lawsuit in June 2015 that forced the State to take more measures against climate change. Inspired by Urgenda, in Switzerland a group of senior women are breaking new legal ground and filed a legal petition demanding independent judicial review of State climate policy. In September 2015, the Philippine Reconstruction Movement and Greenpeace Southeast Asia filed a petition with the Philippines' Commission on Human Rights on behalf of 13 organisation and 20 individuals, requesting that the Commission investigate the role of carbon majors in causing climate change and ocean acidification. The Commission agreed to take up the case and has served a petition on 46 carbon majors. It's not just the people using legal means to bring about transformation; it's also state governments. In the US, state governments are investigating whether fossil fuel companies - including ExxonMobil - may have violated laws pertaining to fraud and deception, by actively undermining the science of climate change, even while they have known about the dangers since as early as 1977. Advertisement But time is not on our side and the pace of the inevitable must be accelerated immediately. Although the political and economic climate is moving against fossil fuels, the impacts of decades of carbon dioxide release from the burning of fossil fuels is rapidly taking its toll on the natural climate. Temperatures have broken records in 2016. Scientists believe that CO2 levels have now permanently passed the threshold of 400 parts per million, compared to 280 ppm in pre-industrial times, much too high to avoid dangerous impacts. We can't negotiate with the atmosphere. To avoid even greater impacts than those we are already experiencing and to have any serious chance of staying below 1.5 degrees, we need to peak global emissions and turn them into a rapid decline towards zero right now. The priority in our action must be in the very near future - the coming 5 to 15 years - to scale up renewable energy and energy efficiency, reduce deforestation and provide sustainable mobility options for people around the world. Fortunately, as outlined above, people understand what is going on and are becoming more active, just like in Paris during the climate negotiations, where people showed up on the streets in large numbers and became increasingly engaged before, during and after the meeting. They showed up not just to pressure their governments to agree to the transformation we need. They showed up in solidarity with those countries for whom climate change is not about profit and loss, it's about life and death. Those countries most at risk are the ones who have done the least to contribute to the crisis. That is why a just transition must be part of future negotiations. Advertisement Governments embraced the transformation, they agreed to accelerate it, they ratified the Paris Agreement in record time and now they have to implement it and overachieve it. There's another part of this inevitable transformation: The clean energy revolution is already underway. Renewable energy is breaking global records while coal is entering a terminal decline. We just need to speed this up. It's about delivering better energy for all. It is now possible for people who are currently without any reliable access to electricity, such as in India or parts of Africa, to gain energy services powered by solar, leapfrogging the carbon-fuelled industrial revolution and avoiding the negative impacts of fossil fuels. There are those who are fighting hard to slow down this inevitable transformation, whether due to self-interest, the loss of short-term profits, or the fear of losing their tenuous grip on "power". We need to hold the carbon majors accountable for the harm they have caused. We want to make them contribute towards the just transition to a better world; a just transition that demands temperature rise stays below 1.5 degrees. Advertisement A profound and inevitable transformation underway. Greenpeace will continue to challenge mindsets and collaborate with those working to create a green and peaceful world. It's not a phone call you get every day. "We were wondering if you might be game to ride on a pedi-bed through the streets of NY, offering sex advice to anyone game to jump in bed with you," said the woman on the other end of the line. Somehow her charming British dialect made the request seem less strange. "Adam Lewis, the founder of sex toy company Hot Octopuss wants to help people open up when it comes to talking about sex and we think this could be just the way to do it." A few weeks later I indeed found myself sitting on a four poster bed being cycled down 5th Avenue and filmed by a crew from Nightline. I was amazed and impressed by how many people were willing to hop onboard to talk to me. To be honest, I think I learned just as much -- if not more -- than the people who stopped by. People were so friendly and willing to share their experiences, questions, fears, and joys. Sex is this universal thing that is constantly thrown in our faces in the most vague and impersonal way. Spending that day in NYC allowed me a tiny peek into the reality of people's attitudes about and experiences with sex. Advertisement I also got the chance to take part in some serious sex ed, which was downright thrilling. I spoke to a teacher and her high school health class about the importance of consent, talking to your partner, and being as safe as possible. I also talked to them about the importance of mutual pleasure and not allowing yourself to fall into the "male orgasm is the center of sex" trap. The teacher told me to, "Go for it" in terms of what I said to them and the language I used, and I most certainly did. If only every teacher in America welcomed such candid conversation... The people who stopped by were a mash-up of ages and races and nationalities. As a queer woman, I was super excited to have a lesbian couple stop by. Ines and Tina were a charming and gorgeous young couple who were super open to talking about how to make things hot and keep them hot when it comes to all things sex. I loved how despite the fact that stopping by to talk to me was not exactly in their schedule that day, they welcomed and relished the opportunity. Ines was running a work errand in Flatiron on her way to the office. Her girlfriend Tina was at work in Flatiron and, "I went down for a quick walk with my baby before heading back to work." That they say, is when they saw it. Ines says she shouted the minute she spotted it. "That bed was put there for us to cuddle!" The two are not originally from the US so I was especially interested to hear their takes on sexuality here and abroad. Advertisement Ines, 27, is French Algerian. But her childhood was an international whirlwind. "I went k-3rd grade in Lyon, France, then moved to Muscat, Oman and graduated high school there. I went to university in Dallas, Texas then transferred to Beirut, Lebanon." Tina, 29, has a background that is equally international. "I am Palestinian-Lebanese by blood, American by right. I went to K-7th grade in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, graduated high school and college in Beirut (American University of Beirut)." The two have been in NYC for 2 years now. The decision to move to NYC was a mutual one. "I always wanted to live in NYC and Ines was the cherry on top," Tina explains. The two live in Harlem. Having gotten her Masters in Industrial and Organizational Psych, Ines currently works in HR. Tina is an ad copywriter. I had the chance to catch up with the pair after their pedi-bed experience. 1. How did you end up joining me for "Pillow Talk"? Ines: We stopped and noticed a "Pillow Talk" sign and then a woman with a British accent approached us. I started asking about the sign and concept and she explained that you, a sexpert, is talking to NYorkers about sex to encourage dialogue. Tina: In truth my mind was scattered. I wasn't in the "now" and was in "15-minutes from now" because I had a meeting to get to. I remember hearing about Jenny Block, sexpert, Nightline? and seeing cameras. Then Ines told me to get in bed. Advertisement 2. What made you agree to jump onboard? Ines: I'm always down to trying new things. I found the concept relevant and engaging. I like discussing what people sometimes consider taboo -- and I wanted to get on a bed in the middle of NYC! Tina: I'm not very comfortable with cameras but I found the topic challenging, so I decided to challenge myself. Plus, Ines was already on the bed. 3. What did you think about the experience? Ines: You eased us into it so I felt comfortable and engaged in a genuine conversation. I loved discussing different perspectives on sex and sexuality from around the world. Tina: Thought it was fun, enlightening, and daring. 4. What if anything did you get out of the experience? Ines: I really enjoyed that you added advice in the end. In fact, I went out and picked up the first Beauty Trilogy book. And I am happy to have met you! Tina: I got Ines to read a chapter of Beauty Trilogy outloud to me every night... 5. Do you think there is a benefit to an experience like this? Tina: Absolutely! It's good to challenge and it was done tastefully. Ines: What she said! 6. What -- if anything -- did you tell family, friends, colleagues about the experience? Ines: I told a few friends about it -- I definitely described it as a positive experience. I, of course, told them about the bed, and the gist of the conversation. Advertisement Tina: I didn't really tell people about it, except my boss as we were in the elevator heading to our meeting. 7. Anything else you'd like to share in terms of the experience? A week ago the election was over. After strong showings in all three debates and the Billy Bush tape falling in Clinton's lap many polls showed Hillary winning by double digits. It was the sensible narrative that most smart people predicted all along. Trump would lose big and everything would be restored to normalcy. This would be like the Sarah Palin debacle, a footnote about this odd moment in American history, where one of the most patently ridiculous media stars in the world ran for president, and set the Republican party back for a decade. Shockingly, one of the most historically accurate polls conducted by the Washington Post and ABC News (you couldn't get more mainstream media) shows Trump is not only edging closer to Hillary, but he's actually winning the race by one or two points. Nate Silver, the election guru who successfully predicted every state but one in the last two elections, looked very stupid predicting Trump could not win the primary without endorsements. Now his formula is giving Trump a 29% chance, up from 9% a few weeks ago. The weakness of Silver's analytics method in such an unconventional race is that it fails to factor in what happened when Brexit passed. Trump supporters like Brexit supporters are much more passionate than liberals (many of whom can barely stomach Hillary and wanted someone who represented real change like Bernie). The right will be getting to the polls with fervor and uniting together to make sure they get to election booths. They will also get the closeted socially conservative voters who secretly want the wall to Mexico, are fed up with Caitlyn Jenner and don't see the point of letting in 55,000 Syrian refugees, which Trump has repeatedly unsubstantiatedly said could be anywhere from 200,000 to 650 million. This is why as I predicted in July and repeated on my Facebook page two weeks ago when people thought I was crazy, Trump would win. Advertisement Half the country is absolutely perplexed how this is happening. How can a pussy-grabbing narcissist with a penchant for lying pathologically be winning the presidential race? While it's spoken about like one of the great mysteries of our day, it's actually very easy to see how Trump does nothing but win. Like Bernie Sanders convinced half of the democratic party, Trump has made the argument that the corporations and banks that support Hillary are destroying America and that the mainstream media is owned and operated by these corporations. The fact corporations and banks do horrible things routinely, with the built in shareholders excuse, does make these conspiracy theories all too plausible to hundreds of millions of Americans. He also repeatedly calls Hillary "Crooked Hillary," to reinforce this point so much that even generally liberal uninformed voters believe Hillary is more corrupt or prone to lie than an average politician, when by the standards of a run of the mill tea party candidate or Donald Trump she's Honest Abe Lincoln. It isn't hard to ask one's self how this came to be. What elevated obvious con artist tactics to the presidential stage? The problem begins with a population that is willfully misinformed. Out of the dust of Watergate, Paddy Chayefsky's vision of a decaying world, the 1976 film Network, alerted us to the dangers of the propaganda machine called television. The film brilliantly illustrates how profit margins and ratings were killing the once pure (at least not driven by profit) news divisions of television networks. It was clear the viewers raised on the tube didn't have the attention span or the desire to keep informed. They craved spectacle, and thus they glued themselves to Howard Beale, a mentally unstable "truth-teller," screaming about the injustices of the world. This ratings bonanza lasted up until Beale began to get to the true crux of the truth, which was that nations, ideologies and individuality were all lies in the service of global banking system that operates everything. The message was too depressing. Beale lost his viewers and to salvage the network the executives planned his execution, which would take place on live television. While the film is highly nuanced and doesn't aim to illustrate a single point, what stuck with me is that most people aren't driven by rational thoughts and figures, but their emotions. They don't want to confront reality head on. When Beale convinced the people to express their anger to be an instrument of change, he gripped them, but when he told them the truth that no matter what they did nothing would change, he was destroyed. Advertisement Today Network almost feels quaint. Not only is all television news done in the Howard Beale mode of commentators expressing fake outrage and distracting us from real issues, but hard news is dying and being replaced by the internet. Newspapers don't have the budgets to cover local politics, which will almost certainly lead to unprecedented corruption. Politicians have been lying to us probably since the beginning of time, but there were once checks and balances. There was this assumption that if politicians lied, the press had the responsibility to confront the liar and find the truth. The internet's vortex of irrational conclusions and conspiracies, along with Trump's dismissal of the media, has made the media irrelevant, and the noble intentions of the originators of the internet to share information has been disproven. The internet became a device to watch porn, listen to music and share misinformation. In the 90s, many charlatans and geniuses alike had grand utopian ideas about the positive consequences of information sharing on a new consumer product called the internet. They sold a lot of Wired Magazines with druggy youthful optimism that information could set us free from tyranny. There would be a truly democratic space for the expansion of thought and exchange of ideas and true equality. While the evolution of the internet has been fascinating, neither wholly good nor bad, it clearly falls short of the noble hopes early adopters had for the information superhighway. It is a purely democratic space, where everyone has the freedom to innovate and share innovations. The problem is that it does exactly what people want and gets much better at this as it evolves. Much like democracy, it is a fair but not necessarily moral system, and as it gets smarter it gets to know what we like, making us more complacent and splintered into subcultures and unaware of the thoughts and groups we disagree with. It divides and weakens us by feeding us exactly what we want. And we frankly don't want to know the truth. It doesn't matter that Trump's statements are mostly false to bald-faced lies 70% of the time to Hillary's 25%, his confidence and tendency to say politically incorrect things without an ounce of apology projects honesty, while Clinton's political expertise and lack of perceived sincerity paints her as a corrupt liar. Facts no longer matter to the majority of voters. It doesn't matter that the economy has grown by leaps and bounds in the last two years, when Trump describes the wasteland of Chicago as he claims Mexico is laughing at us. Trump understands better than anyone that people no longer pick candidates based on reason. Statistics don't matter. People vote in numbers, when they are swayed into the booths by their emotions. This is why Barack Obama was able to destroy the seemingly clear incumbent Hillary in 2008. He extolled hope and change, while Clinton tried to deflate the optimistic message in favor of something more realistic. Hillary knew how government worked, which is something Obama needed to discover in his first term. As Obama described on Marc Maron's podcast WTF last year, the job of the president is to make slow change. "Sometimes the task of government is to make incremental improvements or try to steer the ocean liner two degrees north or south, so that ten years from now, suddenly we are in a very different place than we were at the time. But at the moment, people may feel like we need a 50-degree turn, we don't need a 2-degree turn. And you say to yourself, well if I turn 50 degrees the whole ship turns 50 degrees and you can't turn 50 degrees. It's not just because of corporate lobbies. It's not because of big money. It's because societies don't turn 50 degrees. Democracies certainly don't turn 50 degrees and that's been true on issues of race, issues of the environment, issues of discrimination. As long as we are turning in the right direction and making progress government is working the way it's supposed to." Hillary is promising this form of practical incremental change, and it isn't sexy. Trump is taking his lessons from Obama's first campaign to promise the world. This is the meaning of "Make America Great Again." No matter how impractical his plans and lack of plans are, his supporters and many people from both sides are looking at the recent wave of terror and a country divided by racial lines, and feel the need for a 50 degree change Hillary fails to promise. The sensationalized media on the right does paint a picture of America that is broken and irreparable. The figures do the exact opposite. By invalidating the last vestiges of responsible media and the facts and statistics they trade in, Trump has been able to paint whatever picture of America he chooses. Scarier still, the rallying cry of Trump supporters that Americans are brainwashed by the mainstream liberal media has them disseminating the conspiracy-theory ridden far right diatribes of sites posing as legitimate news sources like Breitbart and The Blaze, as well as straight-up conspiracy theory sites making the misinformed views of crazies not as valid, but more valid than the mainstream media they claim that Hillary controls and the corporations use to brainwash the public so that America's elite can maintain their power. It doesn't matter that Trump plans to cut taxes for these evil corporations from 35% to 15%, because Trump is immune to rational attacks. An uninformed and misinformed population sees reason as an enemy to progress. The tyranny of the majority that Alexis de Tocqueville predicted in his study of Democracy in America in 1835 is becoming a reality, wherein he found that "Social frustration increases as social conditions improve." A majority of voters, with little to complain about as evidenced by the median income of a Trump supporter being above the national average at 70k a year, want to subvert the rights of Mexicans, the LGBT community and Islam, to regain a country they feel they are losing hold of. While there are people expressly advocating hate speech since Trump has lifted the bar on the admittedly overly sacrosanct political correctness of liberals, the majority of Trump's minions I see posting on the internet take cues from their hero attacking Hillary relentlessly. Without a good BS detector, by looking at the comments on my Facebook page it would be clear that Bill Clinton is a serial rapist and child molester, and Hillary has devoted her life to covering this up. Hillary wants to bring millions of refugees without knowing who they are and where they come from. Hillary orchestrated the Iran Deal (though it was enacted years after she resigned as Secretary of State) in order to ensure a nuclear bomb will destroy Israel. She knowingly funded Isis and beyond that, murdered many rivals over the course of her long political career, to hide this, as well as to cover up the bribes she gave and investments she made. While a rational person knows these claims aren't remotely true there is enough misinformation, packaged convincingly enough to prove to many people that Hillary is the devil incarnate. In an investigation last week, The New York Times spent time with Trump supporters so stuck in their bubble that they believe if Trump loses, it means the election is rigged and many were weighing the pros and cons of toting their guns and starting a second Revolutionary War. Hillary, win or lose, should be very afraid for her life. The distrust for institutions that began after the JFK assassination and were confirmed under Nixon, reached a boiling point in 2008, when Wall Street awarded bonuses to many of the men and women who collapsed to the economy. By 2015, the film adaptation of Michael Lewis' The Big Short was a hit and the time to process how hard things were a few years ago in America, made people rightly lose faith in institutions. People seem to forget the idiocy of Ted Cruz filibustering to shut down the Federal Government. This total lack of faith in systems made it possible for Bernie Sanders to nearly win the Democratic nomination by chastising Hillary Clinton for things like her friendship with Lloyd Blankfein, the CEO of Goldman Sachs that many people think should be behind bars. Even though Sanders didn't have a clear plan to reform Wall Street, his desire to spoke to people. While unlike Sanders, Clinton is a politician that weighs corporate interests to ensure her political power, something tells me that she didn't wait this long to ascend into the throne of the presidency to let Lloyd Blankfein make decisions for her. Advertisement As we all know at this point, the 2016 presidential election cycle is unlike any other. The two main candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, have massive differences in their ideology and vision for America, but also in the way they promote and market themselves to the voting public. But as a marketer, I'm especially fascinated by the dramatic differences in how the two candidates go about capturing the hearts, minds, attention and, ultimately, votes of the American people. In a marketing sense, it looks like something straight out of Silicon Valley: the difference between a startup and an established Fortune 500 company. How so? If we just look through the marketing lens, on the one hand you have the disruptive, divisive Donald Trump who runs his campaign like a high growth startup -- act now, ask questions (and, occasionally, for forgiveness later). For the Trump camp, each day presents a new challenge and the entirely unexpected is expected. In the other corner is Hillary Clinton, an experienced politician with the bona fide credentials to back it up. Throughout her storied career, Clinton has earned the respect of politicians and leaders across the globe. But her proclivity for secrecy also draws criticism from her opponents and accusations of ongoing conspiracies -- her camp, often referred to as "The Clinton Machine," operates more like a Fortune 500 company. Advertisement Marketers of all stripes can learn a great deal from the way both candidates are running their campaigns. Let's dive in and take a closer look at the strategies Trump and Clinton are using: Trump the Startup Let's start with the guy who has his name written on a 757 and just about every building he's ever constructed. His actions and views aside, he is a marketer's enigma. Trump's shock and awe techniques have garnered attention throughout his campaign. Much of that attention coming from earned media, a valuable resource. But his general disregard for the facts and his tendency to make bold statements that he cannot back up have hurt his credibility in the public eye. Consider his infamous plan to destroy ISIS followed shortly by his refusal to share any details because it might "tip the bad-guys off." In relation to marketing, it's about being prepared. Early on in your marketing efforts, remember to have a well stocked repository of content to share with customers and prospects. Content related to the subjects you are promoting like blog posts, infographics or webinars create a network of support. You have to be bold in your marketing approach as a startup, but you also must provide the substance to back it up -- interested customers must have access to information that substantiates your claims. Without it, you run the risk of losing legitimacy, having made statements you fail to support. Another interesting lesson to draw from Trump's campaign is his ability to disrupt other established candidates. Remember Jeb? I don't. Trump's anti-establishment approach has earned the praises of his supporters. It's comparable to disruptive startups like Uber and Lyft taking down the taxi industry. He's been able to, whether accurate or not, brand his competitors with monikers they were unable to shake -- calling his Republican rivals as "Lyin' Ted" and Jeb Bush as "Low Energy." He's labeled others "career politicians" to show himself as an outsider set to disrupt the old way of doing things. Undoubtedly, this strategy captures attention and lots earned media, but as a marketer, you have to be sure you're not sacrificing short-term buzz for long-term trust and staying power. Sure, it's possible to get the attention of anyone, but is it the right attention? Are you positioning your company for long-term success? Why is it the right positioning? These are the questions marketers should ask themselves and are easily overlooked by startups desperate for coverage. Advertisement Clinton the Fortune 500 Juggernaut Clinton is like a huge market cap fortune 500 company with deep cash reserves. For Clinton, the bar is higher because of her experience -- it's counter-intuitive, but unlike a startup, a Fortune 500 company can be too big to fail. Her campaign has played things pretty close to the chest, unwilling to make large claims that are subject to unwanted criticism. The campaign is calculated; it's strategy was clear from the beginning and has wavered little. If you're a front-runner like Clinton (a large brand or market dominator), you need to deploy a safer, more conservative strategy. Think Microsoft, IBM, or Apple. A smart, defensive strategy will help maintain the status-quo, which if you are a market leader, is something you want. Like other modern Fortune 500 companies, Clinton's even acquired startups in the past. Remember Bernie? As part of their eventual truce, Clinton made policy concessions to attract Bernie's supporters. It was a lesson in change. Marketer's should stay true to their company's core offerings, but be willing to make amendments as public opinion shifts and new trends emerge. Supporters of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump cheer during a campaign rally at the Bank of Colorado Arena on the campus of University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado on October 30, 2016.A key battleground state, Colorado could determine the outcome of the tightly contested presidential race between Trump and his opponent Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. / AFP / Jason Connolly (Photo credit should read JASON CONNOLLY/AFP/Getty Images) Amidst the 24/7 coverage of the 2016 election in the media, a recent gathering of white supremacists at the Willard Hotel in downtown D.C. went largely unremarked. Press members had to track down the event after it abruptly switched venues, and attendance was low, but the subject material was potentially explosive. The "alt-right" was having a coming out party. The leaders of the alt-right movement -- Richard Spencer, Peter Brimelow and Jared Taylor -- eagerly expounded to members of the press on what the self-styled "radicalists" really want from American politics: basically, a white America. The news made barely a ripple in a media cycle which saw it, amazingly, as simply more of the same type of remarks made all too common over the past year. Advertisement Despite their recent "coming out," the alt-right has been around for quite a while. It's a movement driven by racism, misogyny, and an overwhelming rage against "political correctness." In recent years, the alt-right has bolstered its numbers from the ranks of 4chan and 8chan (the nastiest corners of the internet); certain forums on Reddit; and the horrifying free-for-all that is the YouTube comments section. The alt-right has massive overlap with other groups, notably the Men's Rights Activists (MRAs) and the Klan. The common threads of anti-woman, anti-black, and anti-Semitic sentiment run deep, and over the past 12 months the public expression of such sentiments has become frighteningly acceptable. A video created by Media Matters features some of the highlights of the event in D.C. Even the opening remarks are disconcerting. "When you ask whites to celebrate diversity, you're asking them to celebrate their dwindling numbers," said Spencer, President of the National Policy Institute and the man who coined the term "alt-right." "Race is a foundation of identity. You're a part of something whether you like it or not." Advertisement Taylor, a member of the American Renaissance and a self-described "white advocate" concurred. "I do not want my country to become one in which my children and grandchildren are not only a racial minority, but at the rate things are going now, a hated and despised minority." He later singled out Jews specifically as part of the problem, saying "There's been an overrepresentation by Jews in intellectuals who have tried to undermine the legitimacy of white racial consciousness." Spencer agreed, chiming in, "Jews have their own identity. They're not European." These comments are just the veneer covering the churning anti-Semitism that has been foaming for years below the surface. Weinstein, who represents U.S. service personnel in fights against proselytizing and overt Christian supremacy in the military, gets volumes of anti-Semitic emails and phone calls every day, despite the fact that many of his clients are Christians themselves. A sampling of invective aimed in Weinstein's direction over just the last week includes such gems as: nigger out and jewboy in jail! Stay out of Arizona KIKE. fuck you jewboy mickey wienstein. just as soon as the arab sandnigger is out of the white house you will go to jail with that cunt hillary for stopping bibles from given to veteran hospital soldiers. Stop the word of Christ? Christ will stop you're words jewboy. Your old nasty cunt Hillary is going to prison! You worthless kike! We are many, We are legion, We are Anonymous. This type of hate mail has been coming Mikey and Bonnie's way for years -- there's even an archive on the MRFF website: Spare a Jew from the grave, and he will insult the military that saved him. Spare a nigger the whip, and he'll turn to insult the man who made the whip... the lesser need to understand that they're made that way. Maybe you can help me with my history prep for the GED. Did they really make your grandmother into soap? The anti-Semitic trolling is widespread and mainstream. A few months ago, the "echo parenthesis" appeared yet again in the form of an app designed to identify Jews on social media. The Anti-Defamation League recently analyzed a list of just under 20,000 explicitly anti-Semitic Tweets tagging around 800 reporters and editors. Four fifths of the 45 million generated impressions were directed at just 10 journalists, with vivid imagery of concentration camps and vile language -- and thousands were retweeted by obvious alt-right accounts. Advertisement Medical students are becoming strong advocates all over the country for expanded and improved Medicare for All. Spurred on by their increasing awareness of the restricted access, unaffordability, and inequities keeping many Americans from necessary health care, they are organizing and making their voices heard about the urgency of real health care reform. With the co-sponsorship of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA), White Coats for Black Lives, and many regional and local groups, a good example of their activism was the Halloween Day event in Boston a few days ago, which they dubbed #TreatNotTrick. Donning their white coats, often with Halloween costumes, they staged a public demonstration and call-in asking Rep.Mike Capuano to co-sponsor the single-payer bill in the House, H. R. 676. Their message is that private health insurance is a trick, and that they just want to treat patients in a fair system of universal coverage of health care for all Americans. (Kirchner, E. Let's treat our patients, not trick them with private insurance. Common Dreams, October 27, 2016) The Boston event was part of the Second Annual Medicare-for-All National Day of Action put on by Students for a National Health Program (SNaHP), the student arm of Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP). Similar events were held from California to Minnesota to Tennessee on no fewer than 33 medical campuses. In Ohio, medical students visited Sen. Sherrod Brown's office urging him to sponsor a single-payer bill in the Senate. In Philadelphia, they rallied to memorialize the lives lost because of being uninsured or underinsured. Their message is clear--private health insurance is a trick that erects barriers to care. (Ibid) Advertisement Today's medical students, altruistic as so many are, see a medical profession caught up in a medical-industrial complex controlled by large corporations ranging from the insurance industry to the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. The business model prevails--profits and revenue for corporate CEOs and their shareholders call the tune. Medical students are seeing that almost two-thirds of physicians are now employed by big organizations, mostly expanding hospital systems. They see the decline of small group practice and the professional autonomy of earlier years diminished. They see an increasingly fragmented system with erosion of continuity of care amidst frequent changes of insurance coverage, narrowed and changing networks, and patients losing choice of physicians and hospitals. And they hear about earlier retirements and increasing burnout of physicians trying to keep up with the paperwork and bureaucracy of today's multi-payer, largely for-profit system. Medical students and their colleagues in other health professions are looking for a simplified system with universal access for all Americans to necessary care based on the principle that health care is a human right. That approach has been adopted for many years, in one way or another, by almost all advanced countries, while the U. S. remains by far the most expensive system with worse access and quality of care than most of these countries. A sizable majority of Americans have favored national health insurance for many years, usually including about three of five respondents to national surveys. A 2008 survey of more than 2,200 U. S. physicians in 13 specialties also favored NHI. (Carroll, AE, Ackermann, RT. Support for national health insurance among U. S. physicians: five years later. Ann Intern Med 1481: 566-6-567, 2008). Activist positions for single-payer NHI have been taken in recent years by a growing number of leaders of professional organizations, including prominent members of the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Women's Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, the American Nurses Association, and National Nurses United. Jean Ross, co-president of National Nurses United, recently had this to say about the rapidly increasing insurance premiums in 2017 under the Affordable Care Act: Advertisement The [just announced] premium increases are outrageous and just the most recent sign of a broken, dysfunctional healthcare system. (2) Medical students and other young health professionals are right in calling single-payer national health insurance (NHI), or Medicare for All, an urgent need. They are the future of health care in this country. Those of us in older generations welcome their empathy and caring in leading toward health care reform. NHI, as soon as it is enacted, will deliver a better system for both patients and health professionals--one based on a service ethic that will transition over 15 years to a not-for-profit system. It would have simplified administration allowing physicians and other health professionals more time for direct patient care, the essential purpose of the medical profession. 1. Carroll, AE, Ackermann, RT. Support for national health insurance among U. S. physicians: five years later. Ann Intern Med 1481: 566-6-567, 2008 http://annals.org/aim/article/716921/support-national-health-insurance-among-u-s-physicians-national-survey Advertisement Purple Nation November 1, 2016 Comey's Actions Improper, Irresponsible and Possibly Illegal by Lanny Davis http://thehill.com/opinion/lanny-davis/303427-lanny-davis-comeys-actions-improper-irresponsible-and-possibly-illegal The following are undisputed facts about what FBI director James Comey did on Friday afternoon in a letter to Congressional Republican leaders just less than two weeks before Election Day: 1. Comey's letter stated, in his own words, that he did not know whether any of the newly discovered emails were "significant" in connection with Hillary Clinton. He did not know anything. That is what he wrote. Advertisement 2. He wrote the letter without having seen any of these emails. He also didn't write that any of his investigators have seen any of the emails, read them or deliberated on their legal significance. 3. Despite the absence of any known facts mentioned in the letter (i.e., this controversy is all -- all -- speculation about any improper emails sent to Hillary Clinton's private server), Comey's letter led Donald Trump to compare what Clinton has done to Watergate -- a proven criminal conspiracy and obstruction of justice by President Richard Nixon. 4. Clinton has asked for full 100 percent disclosure -- publication -- of all the emails to which Comey has obliquely referred. 5. Not one Republican member of Congress yet has asked for full disclosure of all the emails, as Clinton did Friday night. Nor did Trump. Nor has Trump or any Republican criticized Comey for sending a letter that is vague, fact-free, and admits that it is possible that none of these emails have any significance, and yet has not yet agreed to Clinton's request to publish all the emails now. Advertisement 6. The FBI director, as a top law enforcement investigator for the federal government, has no legal authority to express an opinion -- as he did when he offered his opinion that Secretary Clinton was "extremely careless" about handling classified emails that were not labeled classified. 7. During public congressional testimony, Comey stated that the little "c" on 3 emails out of more than 30,000 would not have been recognized by experts at classification status of documents -- yet count the number of journalists who fail to report that, and indeed, report the opposite, and the number of Republican pundits on cable TV who do the same. So the record remains that Comey confirms what Clinton has always said -- she never received nor sent any emails labeled "classified" at any level. Yet Comey's Friday afternoon letter failed to correct the record on all the false statements to the contrary by the media and Republican members of Congress. 8. Nor does Comey as FBI director -- an investigative agency, not a prosecution agency -- have any authority to send a report to Congress in the middle of an investigation about the past or present subject of an investigation. He appears to be in violation of the limits on his authority as FBI director by disclosing investigation information -- or possible investigation information -- directly to Congress without obtaining permission from the attorney general or someone else delegated authority by her. His decision to reveal the results of an ongoing investigation, before a published criminal indictment, violates due process principles and pre-indictment secrecy rules and guidelines of the Justice Department. 9. Never has an FBI director gone public (as he knew his letter to Republican leaders would) with suggestions of improper conduct regarding one presidential candidate in the closing days of a presidential campaign -- much less while admitting in the letter that he has no evidence that the subject of the letter ("pertinent" emails) has any "significance" whatsoever. According to a news report on Friday night by NBC's Pete Williams, none of the emails found on Anthony Weiner's computer that triggered Comey to write his letter to the Republicans were from Clinton. Award-winning author and journalist Kurt Eichenwald also reported in a Newsweek post on Friday night that his sources told him that none of the emails at issue on the Weiner computer were sent or received by Clinton. Yet the national news media so far has not widely reported on those two facts, if confirmed as true, and thus, questioned why anyone is suggesting that these emails are in any way damaging to Clinton. Advertisement When Clinton called for the full disclosure of all emails that are the subject of Comey's apparently unlawful and improper letter to Republican members of Congress, Donald Trump not only did not join her in that call for transparency. He jumped to conclusions that this proves she is "corrupt," likened her to Nixon's undisputed criminal obstruction of justice in Watergate, and, naturally, many of his extremists and hateful followers in his audiences, once again, screamed "lock her up" -- without even an indictment, due process or a trial. Why have the cable news anchors and panelists and much of mainstream media virtually ignored all this -- the violations of constitutional protections of due process, the presumption of innocence when it comes to Clinton? Why have they ignored Comey's blatant irresponsible actions during the closing days of a presidential campaign -- and not called for his resignation and investigation by the Justice Department Office of Professional Responsibility for serious breaches of ethical responsibilities and exceeding his lawful authority as a federal investigator? I say what Comey has done, and Trump and his hateful followers have done, and many of the Trump apologists on TV cable stations have done, is nothing less than McCarthyism at its worst. I say, as an attorney, that Comey, by writing this letter that he knew would be made public just 10 days before a presidential election, has acted so improperly and outside the boundaries of law and ethics that he should resign and, after investigation by legal ethical authorities and the Justice Department Office of Professional Responsibility, could be disbarred from law enforcement and the practice of law. I say that Comey has a moral and ethical responsibility to disclose all the emails Clinton has demanded he disclose and hold a press conference to warn all against jumping to conclusions based on his fact-free letter and call out those who have done so. And apologize to the American people for his "extreme carelessness" in writing this letter without facts and without legal or ethical authority. That is what I think. I hope all fair-minded Americans who believe in due process, whether for Trump or Clinton or whatever your preference, will agree and make their opinions known -- especially to the media. Advertisement # # # # Your homeowners and auto insurance policies provide plenty of protection, against everything from wind storms and lightning strikes to that drunk driver who smashes into your parked car. What might not be covered, however, is a terrorist attack that damages your home and property. If you're the victim of terrorism, will your insurance pay out? Will you be able to make a claim if that bomb attack destroyed your home or car? In most cases, yes. But there is an exception: If the terrorist attack is considered an act of war, your homeowners insurance policy won't provide coverage. That's because homeowners policies expressly exclude acts of war from coverage. Advertisement Terrorism and insurance: What's an act of war? The challenge is, how do you define an act of war today? Insurance companies might consider that terrorist bomb an act of war. Or they might define it as a random attack by an individual. If it's the former, your insurance policies whether your home is damaged or car is destroyed wouldn't pay out damage. If it's considered the latter, it would. And even if terrorism is defined as an act of war, there could be cases where your insurance provider pays out. Thomas Simeone, a personal injury attorney with the Washington, D.C.-based law firm of Simeone & Miller, gives the following example: Say a terrorist bombs a building in your neighborhood, an act that the insurance companies label as an act of war. Now say that terrorist is fleeing the scene and negligently but not intentionally smashed his car into your station wagon parked outside your home. If that terrorist did not have insurance, you might be able to collect on a claim for damages under the uninsured motorist portion of your auto insurance policy, even if the bomb was an act of war. Advertisement Perhaps it sound absurd to describe the personal insurance of a terrorist, but it does illustrate a point about coverage. As this example proves, filing an insurance claim related to terrorism, whether you are doing so through your homeowners or auto insurance, is a complex matter. It's not always easy to determine how your insurance provider will respond to your claim. "This is a complicated issue, and there is no easy answer," Simeone says. "It depends on the policy language, how the injuries were sustained and who the claim is brought against." Fear of terrorism where you live Depending on where you live, you might worry about being the victim of a terrorist attack. You might worry more about this, for instance, if you live in downtown New York City and less about it if you live in a small town in Missouri. But the fear of terrorism is a real one for many U.S. residents. Fortunately, homeowners and auto policies typically provide coverage for terrorist attacks. The Insurance Information Institute says that standard policies do not contain exclusions for losses that are a result of such attacks. Advertisement In theory, then, if a terrorist fire bombs your car, your auto insurance policy should pay for its replacement. Or if a terrorist bomb blows up the side of your house, you should be covered. But there are some catches, most of which fall under the "acts of war" exclusion. When you think of acts of war, you probably imagine a country bombing your downtown neighborhood. But certain chemical or biological weapons attacks can also be considered acts of war. That's when coverage gets tricky. Guy DiMartino, an attorney in Leesburg, Florida, says that the exclusions spelled out in insurance policies can be overly broad, giving these insurers more leeway in defining what is and isn't an act of war. "So arguably, if someone goes off the deep end and does something that damages your home or auto, this act-of-war exclusion can take hold," DiMartino says. "The act-of-war exclusion is so big and broad, they could possibly try to use that exclusion to exclude coverage if your car was blown up or a fire was set in your condo building." Can I get insurance to protect against terrorism? Companies do offer terrorism insurance, but it is mostly designed for the owners of commercial properties. The owner of a skyscraper in downtown Chicago, for instance, might purchase a commercial terrorism policy to provide additional protection. Advertisement Terrorism coverage, though, can be complicated if you live in a condominium. The Insurance Information Institute says that your condo insurance policy would provide coverage if your individual unit was damaged by a terrorist attack, say by fire or smoke from an explosion. But the institute says that the damage done to your condo's lobby and common areas would not be covered unless your condo association board paid for separate terrorism coverage. If your condo's lobby is damaged, then, by a fire started by a terrorist, you might have to pay for the repairs in the form of a special assessment. The institute says that the same holds true for renters in an apartment building. If you have a renters insurance policy, you would be covered for damage done to your individual apartment unit. The damage done to the apartment building's common areas such as its lobby, business center or fitness center would only be covered if the owners of the building paid for terrorism coverage. The difference comes down to residential versus commercial insurance. Standard residential insurance policies don't typically exclude acts of terrorism. The same can't be said of most commercial insurance policies. The Insurance Information Institute says that before the terrorist acts of 9/11, commercial insurance generally included coverage for acts of terrorism. After those costly attacks, though, this changed, and terrorism insurance is now offered with an additional price for business owners. Advertisement If you are particularly worried about covering your own home or property from terrorist attacks, you can buy terrorism insurance. But DiMartino recommends against it. Such coverage is expensive, he says. And it generally isn't offered to individuals by most insurance companies. Instead, you'd have to shop for a specialty policy from an insurer like Lloyd's of London. That can be prohibitively expensive. "As a homeowner, you simply can't worry about terrorism attacks," DiMartino says. "It'd be like buying additional insurance for lightning strikes. The odds of you being involved in a terrorist attack are extremely low." This article was originally published on insuranceQuotes.com. U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton takes the stage at a campaign rally in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, U.S. November 1, 2016. REUTERS/Brian Snyder Renita Smith, a school bus driver from Prince George's County, Maryland, was on her regular afternoon route when suddenly she smelled smoke. She pulled over and was about to call her supervisor when she saw flames in her side view mirror. Acting quickly, she hustled the children safely to a neighbor's yard. Then, amazingly, she went back on to the bus, even as the fire intensified, checking every seat and aisle to make sure every child had gotten off. Advertisement Asked later how and why she acted so courageously, she simply said: "I was just doing my job." Renita is one of millions of public service workers dedicated to strengthening communities by cleaning the streets, serving school meals, responding to 911 calls, staffing health clinics and helping people acquire skills and job training, as I used to do as a state employee in Ohio earlier in my career. This fall, America's public service workers are looking to choose a president who not only stands with them on the issues, but who understands what motivates them. Hillary Clinton has proven, throughout several decades in public life, that she shares our values and respects our work. Donald Trump, on the other hand, stands out for his raw contempt for everything public service workers stand for. While nurses help veterans heal, Trump slurs Gold Star families and former POWs. While home care workers feed and clothe people who can't do for themselves, Trump mocks people with disabilities. While corrections officers keep their communities safe, Trump uses "law and order" as a racial dog whistle. While school employees help kids get a good education, Trump runs a Ponzi scheme disguised as a university. When I was working at the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services, I knew every day that what I did mattered. Public service workers devote their lives to helping people, but Donald Trump has no idea what it means to be a part of something larger than himself. He stiffs vendors, busts unions and builds hotels with cheap Chinese steel. His whole business model has been about ripping people off instead of lifting people up. Advertisement Public service workers value service, sacrifice and humility; he celebrates greed, vanity and celebrity. We're too busy worrying about reality -- paying the bills, making a difference in our neighborhoods - to be reality TV stars. And it isn't just that Trump has different values than us. His scorn for public services is so great that he won't help pay for them just like everyone else. Donald Trump has all but admitted skipping out on federal income taxes for several years -- and he's proud of it too. It "makes me smart," he said in the first presidential debate, adding that his money would just be "squandered." Campaign surrogates like Chris Christie and Rudy Giuliani doubled down on this idea, proclaiming Trump's tax avoidance an act of "genius." Paying your fair share, according to Trump and his allies, is apparently for chumps or suckers. He has conveniently excused himself, for example, from investing in body armor for our soldiers. He doesn't want to join his fellow Americans in pitching in so that disadvantaged children can take advantage of Head Start. He doesn't think he should help shoulder the cost of maintaining roads and highways that carry goods across the country. And he didn't just skip out on his tax obligation, he did it by running his business into the ground and declaring a nearly billion-dollar loss. He lost -- in a single year -- what it would take the average public service worker several hundred lifetimes to earn. No wonder he can't understand the challenges facing working families. Advertisement Eleven months ago, high school students Pedro and Jaime were detained by the Department of Homeland Security. They remain locked up indefinitely in privately run immigration prisons deep in rural Georgia, torn from their families, far from their communities, robbed of their opportunity to finish high school and facing deportation. Jaime and Pedro entered the country from Central America when they were children, making the long, harrowing journey to escape unlivable and dangerous conditions. But on January 23, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a series of brutal raids, called "Operation Border Guardian," intended to deter border crossings by Central American refugees. The raids swept up students and terrified communities across the South. Families in North Carolina and Georgia reported seeing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents waiting in unmarked cars near school bus stops, grabbing students on their way to school, entering homes without permission and demanding fingerprints and identification from anyone who "looked like" an immigrant. One mother said she believed her son had been kidnapped; it was hours before she knew DHS had forcibly taken her child and incarcerated him hundreds of miles from home. Imagine how terrified you would be if your loved one went missing with no trace. Such tactics are not only degrading and dehumanizing. They are cruel. And now they are a way of life in North Carolina and Georgia. But the cruelty does not end with overly aggressive and possibly unconstitutional raids; the raids are just the beginning of the nightmare. After being picked up, young people and adults alike are subject to immigration bond amounts that far exceed the national average. That means they are left to languish for months in detention while their families are powerless to help. Nevertheless, DHS, one of the largest jailers in the country, refuses to acknowledge that there is a system-wide problem, especially evident in the South. Corporate immigration prisons, pervasive in the South, are a huge contributor to the mass incarceration of youth of color. North Carolina, Florida and Georgia--among the top destinations for Latino immigrants--are host to several of these prisons, each confining thousands in inhumane, brutal conditions, often without proper food or medical care, casually threatened with solitary confinement and deportation back to the violence they fled. Georgia is one of the five states with the highest number of immigrant detainees. That's where Pedro and Jaime wound up. Educators are rallying for the fairness, justice and opportunity for an education that all these students deserve. They are joining others in demanding the release of the teens and adults who are in immigration prisons, asking for immediate temporary protected status to halt the raids, and calling for an overhaul of our immigration system. Members of the Durham Association of Educators and the North Carolina State Education Association have traveled to Washington with student activists to lobby Congress and meet with DHS officials. They have marched with other activists and human rights organizations, families and legal advocates. Students from North Carolina and Georgia have stood on the frontlines with many of our nation's moral leaders, including Rev. William Barber, president of the North Carolina NAACP, who argues that "snatching kids from bus stops" is violence, another example of the criminalization of black and brown youth. This outcry has helped secure the freedom of some detainees, such as Wildin Acosta, a Durham teenager whose story has been widely chronicled. Wildin's release was followed by the release of a handful of other young men and women: Yefri, Josue, Yosselin, Pascual. Yet, so many more--including Pedro and Jaime--remain unjustly incarcerated. Our immigration system is broken. But we cannot allow it to break our youth. Ending private prisons is a start. Temporary protected status would provide a measure of stability for youth fleeing violence and ensure their education can come first. We must address the failed policies that allow the overreliance on corporate prisons and the devaluation of black and brown bodies. All students--regardless of where they are from or their immigration status--warrant nothing less. As you may have seen before, spiritual direction is commonly referred to in books written by saints. The saint might refer to something that their spiritual director said and it makes you, the reader, wonder if you should also have a spiritual director. After all, if this saint who you are inclined to follow to Christ's kingdom had a spiritual director... shouldn't you? In Matthew 7:14, we can read "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (NIV) Yes, We have rules that have been established for us and Jesus has given us a path to follow to get into Heaven, but that road may look different for each person. Something that worked for St. Francis won't necessarily work for St. Faustina or me or you. God gives each of us different gifts and provides different things in our lives to help us along the way. We should expect that our road to eternal life looks different from our neighbors' road. How do we know if we're walking the road in the right direction? Advertisement I believe that having a spiritual direction is essential to growing in the faith and growing spiritually closer to God. Yes, you can walk the right "road that leads to life" and you can grow closer to God on your own, but there is so much left to uncover -unveil- before our eyes so we can more clearly understand God and His purpose for us in our lives. Spiritual directors can help to lift that cover and help you to glimpse inside of your soul, your actions, and your feelings so that you can mold them better into the image that the Creator desires from you. Saints have had spiritual directors, as well as priests, nuns, and religious sisters and brothers. Why are we, the laypeople, uncertain if we need that as a priority in our prayer life? Do we somehow believe that these religious sisters and brothers are called to a deeper faith than we are? Unfortunately, some people do think that. If a nun devotes her entire life to prayer and service, than it would be only reasonable for her to have a spiritual director, right? How about you, as a mom? Your life is devoted to prayer and service too, right? It could be, if you choose to look at it like that. Our service looks different than a nun's, and our prayers do too, but in the end, essentially we're doing the same type of things: working hard, serving, loving others, and praying. It's the core of what we do as moms, when all those distractions don't get in the way, that is. Advertisement The Catechism of the Catholic Church, when discussing someone seeking spiritual direction, describes the person looking for a spiritual director (added emphasis): "According to St. John of the Cross, the person wishing to advance toward perfection" The Catechism of the Catholic Church (2690) Again: the Catechism describes a person seeking spiritual direction as "the person wishing to advance towards perfection." The Catholic Church doesn't require everyone to seek a spiritual director, but they believe that those who wish to "advance towards perfection" does. Shouldn't everyone want to advance towards perfection and sanctification? So I'm going to say this flat out: I think everyone who is called to deepen their prayer life and wants to grow closer to God should consider a spiritual director of some type. Spiritual direction could look different, just like that path you're on to get into Heaven. Let's delve into the two types: traditional and having an accountability partner. Advertisement Traditional: It could be through contact with a priest in a traditional setting: meetings monthly and confession with your spiritual director. Accountability Partner: This could mean that your best friend, who is faithful and responsible, holds you to the truths of the church and pushes you to grow in faith. That's great! (Here is an article on how to be a good accountability partner to your spouse.) When I asked Father Mike Schmitz, a priest and social media evangelist if he thought mothers needed spiritual directors, he responded, "What I would encourage is spiritual friendship or "disciplining" even. Some form of accountability can be very good." -Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic blogger, Kendra from Catholic All Year, says, "St. John Paul II's first spiritual director was the town tailor. Not because he was a tailor, of course, but because he was a holy man, living out his faith. A good, knowledgeable Catholic, can help you become a good, knowledgeable Catholic. And can give you support and accountability." ( Source Having friends and accountability partners who can walk with you on the journey to heaven are most beneficial. However, you have to be sure that they can and will keep you accountable. You will need to ensure that they can speak the truth into your life regardless, and you have to be open to hearing it. When it comes down to these two options, I lean more towards the traditional form of a spiritual director because of the depth of insight that he could provide, however I can see how many people, especially in smaller communities without access to spiritual directors or those with a tight-knit group of friends, could benefit highly from an accountability partner. And if it is possible, both avenues of spiritual direction at work in your life could be most beneficial to your spiritual life. I love this simple statement describing what spiritual direction is: "Spiritual direction is a discipline, like fasting, prayer and other practices that are meant to lead us to greater intimacy with God." -Julie Paavola, CatholicMom.com contributor ( Source What Julie is really describing here is another way for us to grow in deeper intimacy with God. Spiritual direction could potentially help all people grow in faith, just like other types of prayer and sacrifice can. Finish reading this, pray about it, and listen to what God has to say about this in relation to your own spiritual journey. By Ralph Benko More than a few of my left-of-center friends have expressed anxiety to me about the possibility of street violence should Hillary Clinton win the 2016 election. If that happens Donald Trump certainly will then deride it as "rigged." That's a far cry from insurrection. Others have expressed fear of a perception of illegitimacy. That's not a well-founded fear either. Exhale. My left-leaning friends are not afraid of the ordinary kind of street violence that has the Democratic- controlled Chicago with a body count this year, of, as of this writing, 630. They express worry about the possibility of politically motivated street violence ... like the bombings perpetrated, back in the 1960s by the (leftist) Weather Underground, the bank robberies, murders, and kidnapping perpetrated in the 1970s by the (leftist) Symbionese Liberation Army, or the shows of force by the (leftist) Black Panthers. Exhale. Do not waste perfectly good anxiety on the wildly remote possibility of street violence being perpetrated by disappointed Trump Supporters. Trump's supporters have behaved, consistently, in civilized ways (except for a few who got carried away so as to ungallantly chant "Lock Her Up" at rallies now and then). Trump's supporters are overwhelmingly law-abiding. "Law abiding" is a big part of their narrative. Advertisement Populist is different from conservative. Many of the most influential conservative figures, both commentators and political leaders, have rejected or marginalized Trump. Collapsing the distinction just breeds confusion. Progressives have a hard enough time understanding conservatives. They find it even more daunting to grasp the populist current being adeptly surfed by Donald Trump. Have a couple of Trump supporters over, open up a cold one, and have a living room conversation with them. They don't bite. As to violence, provocative filmmaker James O'Keefe -- the right's Michael Moore -- has confessions on tape that lefties have been infiltrating Trump rallies to project or provoke violence. These videos caused a Democratic Operative to "step back" from Hillary's campaign. This sounds like a near-confession of guilt. That violence was not home grown. The one firebombing of the campaign season has been the Molotov cocktail thrown through the window of a Republican local GOP field office with "A swastika and 'Nazi Republicans get out of town or else' ... spray painted on the side of an adjacent building." This didn't come from the GOP. Advertisement The imaginary hobgoblin of a violent uprising if Clinton is elected is part of the left's prevailing Narrative. There's no evidence supporting it. Exhale. The number of virulently populist nativists ("racists, homophobic, misogynists" etc. etc.) out there is teensy-tiny. So far this faction has proved all bark and no bite. It does not even have a particularly loud bark. Thank a myopic, drama-driven, and borderline hysterical media for amplifying them to spook you and keep your clicks coming! The hatemonger flagship website, a one man show, according to Google Analytics has only about 30,000 regular visitors. That makes it, very roughly speaking, about 300X smaller than Moveon (and much less well organized). Life being short I've never gone there but one gets the impression that it's basically a space for a clique of malcontents to share bilious comments. Considerate of them to do so where the FBI easily can, and surely does, keep tabs! Just for the record, no, Virginia, there is no "alt-right." The evidence shows this imaginary snipe mostly is Breitbart. Breitbart reportedly got an estimated 12.5 million monthly unique visitors by most recent count. Impressive, but to put it in proportion the Huffington Post reportedly got an estimated 110 million for the same period. Exhale. Dear progressives, don't play into the hands of the virulent nativists. Around the year 2000 a community organizer named Ilana Dubester, then head of Hispanic Liaison of Siler City, North Carolina, destroyed David Duke ... by ignoring a rally he staged there. A city official later told me the story about how his mole in the Duke camp relayed how Duke, at the after-party, was fulminating against Ilana's having called all civil rights and ethnic groups to ignore his rally -- thereby taking the drama out of it. Advertisement Thereafter civil rights leaders basically ignored Duke and he collapsed. Duke's money came from his notoriety and his notoriety came from media coverage and media coverage came from the dramatic visuals of the controversy that he stoked. Ignoring him took the wind out of his sails. Duke is slightly back but he was a goner for a long time and now is a much diminished force. Let's keep it that way. If you disapprove of the nativists don't feed them with drama. Saul Alinsky's first rule for radicals? Power is not only what you have, but what the enemy thinks you have. Imagining that your enemy has more power than he has gives your enemy more power than he has. Don't do it. Some people are worried about a less virulent version of the same problem. If Clinton wins Trump is certain to denounce the election as "rigged." Would that withdraw legitimacy from the new president? Not really. Progressives have been denouncing the electoral rules as "rigged" for some time. A recent edition of the New York Review of Books features an essay by David Cole entitled How Voting Rights Are Being Rigged, reviewing two books. Crying "rigged!" is not an outlier stance among progressives. If you are one of these do consult the real supreme law of the land -- the law of karma, or, in nice Judeo-Christian terms, "as ye sow, so shall ye reap" -- and dial it back. More broadly, as I recently wrote at Forbes.com, "Of the 320 million in the United States around 219 million are eligible to vote, 146 million are registered to vote and 126 million voted in 2012. Obama received about 66 million of those votes." That's about 20% of the US population. That does not undermine legitimacy. Nor should it. Advertisement The 2016 loser presumably will receive less than 20%. That's a pretty small base. But wait, there's ... less! Most voters, by far, are casual, not "until the last dog dies," voters. Should Clinton win there might be a single digit percentage of Americans who will go to their graves thinking that the election was rigged. Maybe two or three percent. Since politics consumes a relatively few Americans most of even these irredentists will, well, Censure Clinton and move on. Having a few sore losers hardly threatens legitimacy. So exhale. If you wish to find the spiritual lesson embedded in the mass hysteria currently besetting progressives take to heart Nietzsche's epigram 146 from Beyond Good and Evil: "He who fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby become a monster." image courtesy Wikicommons I don't have to recite the litany of his flaws and failings and sheer ignorance. That has all been well documented over the past year or two. And yet, it would seem, a majority or at least close to a majority (we will all find out Tuesday) of Americans seem ready to go over the precipice, knowing full well what they are doing. Why? Yesterday, the British High Court ruled that only the Parliament could decide on whether the country would leave the EU or not, effectively removing, at least for the moment, the pistol from Britain's head. Disaster has been averted, at least temporarily. In America, there is no High Court to save us from President Trump. In Britain, Brexit was voted upon by a very slim majority of the British population: 52% to 48%. A majority of those voting for Brexit were driven, more than anything else, to vote to leave the EU because of a fear of immigrants. This is the same kind of fear that Donald Trump used to well to break out of the pack of Republican contestants for the nomination, claiming, "I am going to build a wall." Advertisement Brexit found a fertile home in a population that had for years been fed immigrant horror stories by the British tabloid press. Papers like the Sun and the Daily Mail made their living by stirring up the anxieties and fears of the British working class about 'immigrants taking their jobs'. That Britain suffered from the recession of 2008 and austerity is true, but it had nothing to do with immigrants. They just made a simple and ready target. There was nothing new here, that is what the tabloids had always done. But when the national debate over Brexit came along, the mainstream press should have presented a vigorous opposition to the tabloids. They didn't. They felt the need to be 'balanced'. And so, they presented the Brexit argument, most often a tissue of bald-faced lies about 350m a week going to the EU (not true), and so on, as facts. They gave the Brexit case equal time and in doing so, equal value. They gave equal weight to the Pro-Brexit people as to the anti-Brexit people in an attempt to avoid seeming 'biased'. In America, the US press, and particularly television news, did the same thing with Donald Trump. That he was (and remains) a ratings machine for the networks is inarguable. His three debates with Hillary garnered the kind of ratings you only get with the Superbowl, or nearly so - 84m vs 111m. You just don't see these kind of numbers for political TV in America. Face The Nation, the country's #1 Sunday morning political news show gets 3 million viewers - and it's #1! So Trump was (and is) heroin to TV networks. As a result, the networks could not take out their collective knives and slice him to ribbons (which would have been easy to do once). That would have been incredibly self-destructive. Instead, they chose, (as The BBC did with Brexit), to present a 'balanced' view of the two candidates. Trump says the earth is flat. Hillary says it's round. Let's discuss. Good points and bad points on both sides. Advertisement In this kind of balance, they imparted a halo of credibility to someone who would have been, and still remains to many, an incredulous candidate. The networks made Donald Trump real, and, if things go as they might on Tuesday, they will have made him the President of the United States. Where did this notion of 'balance' come from? Many years ago, I took a video camera into Jabalya Refugee Camp in the Gaza Strip and spent a month filming what life was like during the Intifada. I was trying to answer the question of what motivated young people to strap on explosives and walk into Israeli cafes and kill themselves and others. Spend a month in Jabalya, and you'll figure it out. I did the report for the MacNeil/Lehrer Newshour on PBS. When I came back to NY and presented the film to the Newshour, anchor Robin MacNeil demanded a more 'balanced' piece. "Where is the Israeli side of the story", he asked. "For people living in Gaza, there is no Israeli side. The point of this is to show what life is like in Gaza. When you do a story on Soweto (this was the 1990s) do you also show Praetoria's point of view? When you do a story on the Gulags, do you demand the Kremlin perspective?" MacNeil made me screen the piece for a representative of the Israeli government and film and intercut a 'balanced' response. Advertisement They didn't want to alienate any part of their audience. When the networks do a story on Global Warming, they still insist on presenting the 'other side' of the argument. Balance. So now we have had two years of 'balanced' coverage of Donald Trump. He may very well move into the White House because of that 'balance'. No one has been 'alienated', no viewers lost. Ratings have never been better. If Trump gets elected, the journalists and media companies will have no one to blame but themselves. FBI Director James Comey's incredibly reckless and irresponsible letter to several Republican Congressional Chairmen (copied to Democratic Ranking Members) only eleven days before the presidential election, disclosing further investigation of Hillary Clinton's emails after essentially exonerating her in July, has dominated news broadcasts. Director Comey's missive made reference to emails possibly connected to the Clinton brouhaha, found in an unrelated case, emphasizing it wasn't known if anything about them was significant, though ironically it fomented significant bearing on the upcoming race. Despite his department's longstanding policy not to publicize investigations within sixty days of any election, let alone one of this importance, and to do so without knowledge about what was in the emails or whether in fact there was anything germane begs the question as to why this man should be allowed to remain in office. Advertisement His lame excuse, supported by some attorneys, was that his previous public statements acknowledging there was no strong case for prosecution of Hillary Clinton, which was in itself uncharacteristic behavior for an FBI Director, made him honor bound to announce when certain emails were discovered on a laptop of former Congressman Anthony Weiner, whom the FBI was investigating regarding alleged sexual misdeeds. Except there was no admission by Comey that perhaps all the emails were duplicates of emails from Hillary Clinton's server, already dealt with by his staff and that, even if there were some new ones relating to Weiner's estranged wife, Clinton aide Huma Abedin, there was no indication anything earth shattering was discovered. There was also no declaration that any emails were addressed to or came from Hillary. Yet in a closely run race, tightening by the day, Comey sent this letter to high-ranking congressmen without a warning it should be held in the strictest of confidence, lest the congressmen themselves be guilty of spilling secrets of an ongoing FBI investigation. Then the Media jumped on it, notably MSNBC's Chris Matthews, presumably still a Democrat as he'd built his career working alongside former House Speaker Tip O'Neill. Matthews normally is very critical of Donald Trump, though in an attempt to strengthen his journalistic integrity he has from time to time lambasted Hillary as well. In this instance last Friday, he was practically salivating at the thought that a once thought of presidential race in the bag for Hillary was now in doubt. Advertisement His subsequent interview on the same program with GOP vice presidential candidate Mike Pence was noted for his softball questioning in spite of the show's Hardball appellation. He let Pence get away with deflecting the subject at hand to typical talking points about the Clinton Foundation, etc. Not once did Matthews broach the ambiguities in Comey's letter to challenge Pence, nor did he ever ask Pence to explain his right-wing stances as governor of Indiana, notably signing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act to countenance discrimination against gays. There were some commentators on CNN and elsewhere who more correctly analyzed the FBI Director's letter, emphasizing that information specifically about Hillary was not introduced and therefore that the connection was unknown. Indeed, in a later memo to FBI underlings, Comey attempted to explain his actions, walking them back a bit mentioning "At the same time, however, given that we don't know the significance of this newly discovered collection of emails, I don't want to create a misleading impression." Really? Still, Matthews and others pounced on the thought that the election might be turning for Trump, even with no clear evidence to justify it, as opposed to the unmistakable actions Trump exhibited with his Access Hollywood pronouncements. Yes, the parade of women who've come forth with accusations are admittedly not yet proven, but Trump's hostile statements about minorities and women, his ignorance about world happenstance, his lauding of dictators like Putin and others, his failure to pay income taxes and refusal to show his returns, the Trump University lawsuit against him are all existent parts of the record. Oddly, Fox News conservative Trump supporter Jeanine Pirro denounced the FBI Director, equating it to a similar investigation when she ran for New York Attorney General in 2006. However, what might have seemed a bipartisan rant to gain her favor in other circles, morphed into conjecture that, in spite of her distaste for Comey's action, Clinton certainly was guilty of serious stuff and Pirro wondered if she were elected would it lead to impeachment? This is the sort of crap Fox News spewed forth even after Comey's decision not to prosecute, continuing to fan flames about conduct concerning the emails and the Clinton Foundation. So, Pirro played it both ways, seemingly outraged about Comey's action, nonetheless spreading unproven allegations in line with the continuing alliance of the conservative network and Trump's campaign. The Media and government officials must continue to implore Comey to be more illuminating, but meanwhile, since the "scandal" appears to throw a spotlight on Huma Abedin, and it's not the first time, if she is really enamored of Hillary, as Mrs. Clinton seems to be of her, then it would be a very smart thing for her to resign and stay as far away from Clinton as possible. Hillary has a deep affection for the woman, considering her like a second daughter, and it's doubtful she would throw her under the bus. But Abedin should know better and with so much at stake and with Hillary on the verge of winning wouldn't such a voluntary action reduce concerns about Hillary by voters on the fence? If there's even a shred of a thought Hillary may have management issues and is blind when it comes to personal entanglements this would put out a huge conflagration Hillary's campaign doesn't need, inasmuch as what Comey alluded to with innuendo has actually proven nothing. Are Muslims of Europe the new scapegoats of Europe? Are they destined to be a kind of "Ersatz Juden"* or surrogate Jews, such as those at the beginning of 20th century on the eve of Holocaust? In the same way an advertisement serves to commerce, a propaganda serves to politics. It is not strange that in the midst of an intra-European crisis that scapegoats are in high demand. History teaches us that the weakest were always the best candidates for this role. Unfortunately, today this role is reserved for the Muslims of Europe. It seems that spitting in the face of Islam best compensates for political unpopularity! No matter how much Islam and Muslims are perceived as a threat, (and no matter how huge are their own internal problems), in reality both are much more victims than culprits of the dangerous interventionist policy of Euro-Atlantic alliance in the last two decades which created chaos in the Middle East. If we follow the despair in this principal living space of Islam (only in Syria the number of killed has reached almost 500,000 people!), we can easily see that there is a prolonged state of siege, both internal and external. That siege deepens suffering and horrors of the people of the Middle East on a daily basis and further destroys the social tissue and cohesion of its societies. It drives millions of human beings to look for security and safety somewhere outside of the war zone. And recently the most popular destinations for refugees (not immigrants as they are very intentionally misnamed!) were lands of the West. Paradoxically, they seek refugee in the lands of those governments who more or less caused their turmoil by unprincipled interventionism. Today's crisis in Syria has reached its peak and is seriously threatening a major world conflict. Advertisement Recently, French President Francois Holland gave his contribution to the heinous propaganda of satanization of Islam and Muslims. President Hollande told the authors of book that was published under the title "A President Shouldn't Say That..." and authored by two investigative journalists of Le Monde (Gerard Davet and Fabrice Lhomme), that "France has a problem with Islam." The journalists composed the book from their private interviews with Hollande and reported sometimes very open views of Mr. Hollande on various issues both in France and internationally. In the book, as Le Monde reported recently, President Hollande confessed about the problems with Islam and Muslims. He is reported to have said that there are too many immigrants arriving in the country who "should not be there." "It is not that Islam poses a problem in the sense that it is a dangerous religion, but in as far as it wants to affirm itself as a religion of the Republic," reads some of the quotes from the controversial book. "I think there are too many arrivals of immigration that shouldn't be there," Hollande told Davet and Lhomme, the journalists of Le Monde. Probably the biggest problem in Europe today, for which it was claimed that represents the civilization founded on reason, is that it more than ever lacks humanity imbued with emotions. It was the concept of homo sentimentalis that contemporary European philosophers elevated to the level of value. However, this value is obviously loosing itself in the aftermath of the wider crisis of European identity. This is very visible in the highly developed societies of Europe and especially in France currently led by Mr. Hollande. There is an apparent problem of the populist movement that clearly indicates the troubles with identity. We could have seen this in the "unexpected" success of Brexit. What is next? What is the next stumbling of Europe? Advertisement When the protest erupted in the suburbs of Paris ten years ago in which cars and buildings were set on fire, it was intentionally called by some media "French Intifada" framing it in the Arab-Islamic colouring. But these riots were against limitations of integration, specifically against non-economic integration. These were classical Western-style riots, and not the clash between East and the West... Demonstrators demanded for themselves and for their children the same what others already had. There is a general problem in Europe, especially in France with the populist movement, which can cause serious damage to the idea of Europe. For what is the identity of today's Europe and is it possible at all? No one can provide an answer this question right now. That should not be the problem on its own! But, if we consider the cases that all of the problems of Europe are being addressed to the endangered and ghettoized immigrant communities and that these accusations are coming from the most prominent political offices of the Old Continent -- then there could be serious consequences not just for Europe but for the entire world. This can be seen in the announcement of Nicolas Sarkozy (if he gets the nomination of right-centre), who promises very rigorous anti-immigrant policies in France. A year ago, in October of 2015 when Eastern Europe faced thousands of refugees, similarly alarming was the Prime Minister of Hungary, Victor Orban. After waves of refugees who were expelled from their homes in the Middle East, Mr. Orban (ex)claimed that "Islam never belonged to Europe." After the issue calmed a bit and after we all saw that Mr. Orban had a problem with EU immigration policy that was led by Merkel's Germany which Hungary could not follow, we also figured out that the Hungarian Prime Minister actually had reached for the easiest solution: stirring up fear against Islam and Muslims. Did he solve the problem? No! Actually, his statement caused the reaction from Bosnian Grand Mufti Husein Kavazovic who warned Mr. Orban of his ignorance towards the historical fact that Europe for centuries had native Muslim communities. Luckily this debate ended with mutual visits that resulted in opening of cooperation between Hungarian Government and the Islamic Community in Bosnia which aspires to be a role-model for integration of European Muslims. (Bosnian Grand Mufti Husein Kavazovic visited Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in April, 2016 to discuss ways of cooperation between Hungary and Bosnian Islamic Community; Photo: M. Kovac) But after Mr. Orban who eventually showed willingness to open all channels of cooperation, we now have France, a much stronger European nation that relied on the immigrant work-force for more than a century and which now has one fifth of its own population composed by either immigrant or immigrant-born people. The question is where can this dangerous rhetoric lead? Are we witnessing the same propaganda like the one actively promoted against the Jews of Europe at the beginning of the 20th century? We all know where this kind of hatred can lead. Are the Muslims of Europe the new scapegoats of Europe? Are they destined to be a kind of "Ersatz Juden" or surrogate Jews at the beginning of 20th century on the eve of the Holocaust? Unfortunately, Europe has proved more than once that it has the capacity to turn into darkness and that it failed its promise "Never again" in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is very dangerous when current (geo)political problems are being attempted to be resolved by shortcuts and fears, by populism that is the main indicator of the identity crisis. For, what is the identity of today's Europeans? Do I as a native European Muslim have the right to ask this? Is Europe a Christian continent? Does it uphold Christian values? Is secularism a mere separation of state and church or is it a kind of artificial national ideology? Or is it a fake myth? Does anybody actually know what it means? Do "secular values" exist at all? Maybe President Holland should have answered these questions before! Maybe they would have helped him to find a scapegoat for his extremely low popularity. This article was co-written with Jeff Cohen Even now, in the last days of this horrendous campaign, we're amazed by fervent assertions coming from some progressives about Donald Trump. Here are three key myths: Myth #1: "Trump can't win." The popularity of this illusion has waned, but still remains remarkably stubborn. This week the polling has moved in Trump's direction. Several battleground states that were close now seem to be trending toward Trump, including Ohio. A couple weeks ago, the respected forecasters at Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight website gave Trump a 12 or 13 percent chance of becoming president. Now it's a one in three chance. Myth #2: "If Trump becomes president, he'll be blocked from implementing the policies he's been advocating." Some progressives have apparently convinced themselves of this comforting thought. One longtime Green Party activist claimed in an email a few days ago: "Trump would not be allowed by the ruling class or by us to actually implement his retrograde domestic social policies." Such claims from self-described radicals involve a notable faith in the ruling class that we don't share. And let's not have an inflated view of our own power to block the policies of a President Trump. Myth #3: "Trump couldn't do much damage as president." (Variation on Myth #3: "Trump is no more dangerous in the White House than Hillary Clinton.") If progressives watched Fox News a bit more, they'd understand that Trump plans to appoint to the most powerful policy positions of the U.S. government individuals who are as whacked out as he is: Rudy Giuliani, Dr. Ben Carson, war fanatic John Bolton, to name just a few. And hundreds like them to other top posts. (Clinton surrounds herself with corporatists and hawks, but overall they're a less virulent strain.) A Trump presidency -- made possible by his demagogic appeals to racism, misogyny, immigrant-bashing and Islamophobia -- would empower the worst elements of U.S. society. That's why an official Ku Klux Klan newspaper, the Crusader, devoted its latest front page entirely to supporting Trump. These forces are already in motion, as Politico reported on Wednesday with this headline: "White nationalists plot Election Day show of force; KKK, neo-Nazis and militias plan to monitor urban polling places and suppress the black vote." We have no illusions about Hillary Clinton. Neither one of us live in a swing state (we're residents of New York and California where Clinton leads in each state by 20 percent); in our "safe states," we're voting for Jill Stein of the Green Party. But if we lived in a swing state, we would vote for Clinton as the only way to prevent a Trump presidency. Because it's the state-by-state electoral votes, not the popular votes, that determine who will inhabit the White House. As Noam Chomsky said in May, "If Clinton is nominated and it comes to a choice between Clinton and Trump, in a swing state, a state where it's going to matter which way you vote, I would vote against Trump, and by elementary arithmetic, that means you hold your nose and you vote Democrat. I don't think there's any other rational choice. Abstaining from voting or, say, voting for, say, a candidate you prefer, a minority candidate, just amounts to a vote for Donald Trump, which I think is a devastating prospect." Which are the crucial swing states? The latest assessment from FiveThirtyEight points toward these dozen states as potentially decisive: Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. Other pollsters include Arizona, Georgia and Iowa as battleground states. We need clarity and not mythology about the threat of a Trump presidency. _________________________ Jeff Cohen and Norman Solomon are the co-founders of RootsAction.org. US and global politics are no laughing matter. That is, unless you've tuned in to the 2016 presidential election and witnessed the many cringe-worthy moments that have bordered on absurdity. To help make sense of it all (or at least find some humor in it), we've collected this list of books to help us look at politics from a more humorous perspective. I Am America (And So Can You!) by Stephen Colbert Stephen Colbert--that is, the satirical right-wing persona from The Colbert Report--delves into all of today's hot-button issues, from abstinence-only sex education to marriage rights to immigration reform. Rarely has satire been so skillfully executed, and I Am America is perfect for those still mourning the loss of The Colbert Report. Supreme Courtship by Christopher Buckley When an unpopular president finds all his Supreme Court nominees denied, he attempts to get back at the stubborn Senate by nominating a Judge Judy-meets-Sarah Palin daytime TV judge. This premise alone is a testament to the brilliance of Christopher Buckley's humor. Advertisement Jailbird by Kurt Vonnegut A Washington, DC, bureaucrat moves swiftly from Harvard to the Nixon White House to prison. This satire ultimately points a sharp and telling eye toward the greed and lack of remorse from the powers that be. Wag the Dog by Larry Beinhart In the novel that inspired the Oscar-nominated film Wag the Dog, a dying GOP chairman enlists a Hollywood director to create and film a fake war in order to manipulate the public and raise the president's appeal in an effort to get him reelected. Primary Colors by Anonymous with Joe Klein When a naive congressional worker joins the presidential campaign of a Bill Clinton doppelganger, he's increasingly disillusioned by the shady and unethical goings-on behind the scenes of political campaigns. A Conservative Walks Into a Bar by Alison Dagnes In this engaging book, A. Dagnes analyzes modern political satire and dissects how political humor is crafted and consumed by both liberals and conservatives. Well-researched and thoughtfully written, it provides a deeper understanding of why we laugh at politics. Advertisement Good As Gold by Joseph Heller When a middle-aged professor is suddenly offered a chance to be the nation's first-ever Jewish Secretary of State, he is forced to choose between his family and religious ideals and the fame and fortune that await him. Good As Gold is as much a humorous look at marriage and family life as it is at politics. Dogfight by Calvin Trillin In Dogfight, Calvin Trillin artfully explores the 2012 presidential election through an underused medium: poetry. This whip-smart and hilarious book of political verse is sure to turn anyone into a lover of poetry, even if politicians are the subjects. Originally published on Off the Shelf, a daily blog that connects great readers with great books. What makes a healthy city, and can people, from political leaders and parents, help make their homes healthier? At the 9th Global conference on health promotion, being held in Shanghai 21-24 November, there will be a particular focus on taking action to make our cities places that promote health. Mayors clearly play a leading role here. Municipal leaders have the power to improve the lives and wellbeing of millions - if not - billions of people. Half of the world's population already live in urban areas, and this is expected to grow to around two-thirds by 2030. Advertisement The Shanghai conference, and its two major expected outcomes - the Shanghai Declaration and the Mayors Consensus - will serve as clarion calls to city leaders around the world that they have a fundamental role in promoting health for current and future generations. Think global and act local Enlightened, and emboldened, action on health in cities, is key to rescuing people from living in urban deathtraps, where exposure to a multitude of harms - from tobacco smoke and unsafe car driving, to polluted skies and waterways - are needlessly causing untold suffering and lumbering those very cities, and the wider national economies, with avoidable costs and weakened workforces. All of us can play a part. At the World Health Organization, like many international multilateral agencies, we set technical guidance that advise mayors, ministers and many others on how to healthily, and sustainably, regulate and build their societies. But we can do more than just pronounce best practice - we must put policy into practice. At WHO, we are constantly working to transform our own workplaces into healthier places to work. We have made our campuses smoke-free workplaces, in line with the articles of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the first international legally binding treated negotiated under the auspices of the Organization. Advertisement Although it seems obvious today to act against a product that kills 6 million people worldwide every year, the step to make WHO smoke-free sent a loud message when it was implemented that authorities - whether they by WHO management, or mayors and ministers - have the ability, and the obligation, to prevent people being exposed to risks that can impact on their health. Another measure has been to promote physical activity at the work place, including through our Step Up campaign, which encourages people to take the stairs to meetings and offices rather than using elevators. This simple initiative, where sticker-lined stairs carry messages like encouraging to "Take one more step, you are nearly there" can make a real difference to people's lives and health. WHO Walking the Talk These efforts fall under the banner of WHO's Walk the Talk initiative - a staff-led movement to make the Organization a healthier place to work. I believe that the workplace is more than just a place where we meet, plan and support governments to move their health agendas forward. It's a place where we spend much of our lives, where we develop friendships and where we invest both emotional and intellectual energy. Indeed, we could regard our offices as not just as workplace but as a kind of "mini-city". In another effort to have WHO walk its own talk, we marked World Obesity Day by removing sugary drinks from all points of sale on the headquarters campus. The move was in line with new WHO recommendations to keep sugar intake below 10% of total energy needs, and reduce it to less than 5% for additional health benefits. As we know, sugary drinks offer little, or no, nutritional benefit, and are a leading driver in the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. Advertisement Chareau in his Paris apartment at 54 Rue Nollet, c. 1927. On the wall behind him are works by Picasso and Lipchitz. photo by Therese Bonney, The Museum of Modern Art, New York The Jewish Museum retrospective of the work of Pierre Chareau, a 20th -century designer who has been somewhat eclipsed by his design contemporaries (Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Eileen Gray, Marcel Breuer) comes at an interesting time. Pierre Chareau's business card The work of these modernists (and their Italian colleagues) has formed the basis of a serious market in mid-century design. Prices at auction have gone sky high, and dealers like Larry Gagosian have taken them on. But pieces by Chareau are very scarce (a search on First Dibs turned up a few sconces and chairs) and most of his architectural and interior work is not extant. He does not have the same name recognition. The Jewish Museum aims to change all that in a retrospective opening this week. And as in their Roberto Burle Marx exhibition, they have largely succeeded. Advertisement An elegant Chareau vanity set Chareau, who was Jewish and had to flee the Nazis in France in 1940, is primarily known for his sumptuous interiors, the elegant finishes, and in the end, for the home he designed for the Dalsace family, the Maison de Verre, in Paris. The Maison de Verre, Paris But Chareau, who was not a licensed architect (though he did design a few buildings) but primarily an "ensemblier" or interior designer, had other qualities for which we must recognize him. He was the center of a salon that encouraged collaboration in the decorative arts. He revered his fellow artists, and was the first to actually collect and hang work by Leger, Picasso, and Mondrian qua art as more than decor. He was stimulated by many of the same inspirations as they were: Africa, the machine, textiles. Left to right: Pierre Chareau, telephone fan table, c. 1924, wood. Private collection, New York; Pierre Chareau, Two high-backed chauffeuses (fireside armchairs), c. 1925, wood and velours, with tapestry upholstery by Jean Lurcat, reupholstered 1968. Private collection. Photo: Will Ragozzino/SocialShutterbug.com. Even as he was creating marvelously intricate wood pieces, however, he resisted the more opulent ornamental flourishes of the 20's and 30's. Instead, he explored the use of metal and movement in furniture and partitions. He designed film decors and collaborated with some of the leading film directors of the day in addition to his collaborations with architects like Robert Mallet Stevens. Advertisement Ensemble installation view, Chareau furnishings, including Coat and Hat rack designed for the Maison de Verre, 1931Photo: Will Ragozzino/SocialShutterbug.com. Study designed by Chareau for a Lord and Taylor exhibition, 1928 As guest curator Esther da Costa Meyer says in the sumptuously illustrated catalog, "design was never simply a matter of disposing furniture pieces in a given room. Rather it was about shaping space itself..." Chareau sought perfect integration of design and architecture and was a master of contrast: soft/hard, textiles/paintings. In effect, he inhabited some of the schizophrenia of the time--looking back to the hand, and forward to the machine. Louis Dalbet, a virtuoso ironsmith, responsible for the beautiful wrought iron seen in Chareau's furniture and in several interiors, including the Maison de Verre with his sons. Chareau's piece de resistance, (along with even more unsung collaborator, Dutch engineer Bernard Bijvoet), the Maison de Verre,is in the 7th arrondissement of Paris off the Boulevard St Germain. It's notable first for its use of glass block, but inside for its marvelous embrace of exquisite design and technology. It embodies all of the influences Chareau was able to finally synthesize. Chareau was not Le Corbusier. He was not designing machines for living. That's not to say he was not fascinated by the possiblities of new technology. But the house, shoved into the lower part of an old 18th century mansion because they could not get rid of the upstairs tenants became instead became the much admired, well-used, familial center of an intellectual salon and the locus of lectures and concerts and the medical office of its doctor-owner, Jean Dalsace. Glass Plate Negatives of the Maison de Verre, 1932, photos Georges Thiriet This is not the first time that the Maison de Verre has been discovered. Rather it seems to happen generationally. There was a previous retrospective in the 90's at the Pompidou which owns the bulk of his collected archive. But prior to that, Richard Rogers, co-architect of the Pompidou Center, had studied the building and was impressed most of all by its exposed technology which is also expressed in his museum. His wife, chef/restauranteur Ruthie Rogers' ob/gyn, Dr. Pierre Vellay, took over the practice after Dr. Dalsace, and it was here that she was looked after while she was pregnant with her first son. Imagine being in stirrups in the Maison de Verre! Maison de Verre doctor's office, photo by Michael Carapetian 1966 "We were living in Paris where Richard was working on he Pompidou, said Rogers, "when I became pregnant in 1974. Richard had done his thesis at Yale on this building so it became an added incentive to go to the monthly appointments. I remember Dr. Vellay saying ' and now you will hear the heartbeat of your baby ' but Richard had wandered into the next room looking at the ceiling detail." Chareau, who was known to be very sensitive to women, had designed the house to be both a work and a living environment, two distinct spaces, but the features of one certainly bled into the other. I remember exploring the house with Ruthie one night in semi darkness, the sophisticated nooks and hidden crannies in contrast to the rustic bolts and beams. The whole notion of exposure and obstetrics, and really all of daily life, was marvelous and daring. Dr. Dalsace had been a confirmed leftist, an advocate of birth control, a follower of Lacan and Freud, a polymath. It was a marriage of client and designer in the best possible way. Adam Gopnik begins by calling Chareau a "minor French interior decorator" in 1994 in his wonderfully discursive The New Yorker piece (which to my mind gives a better sense of Chareau and the house than the essay in the catalog), and which then goes on to certify him as a genius. The Gopniks were invited by the family to stay in the house but were defeated by it according to Gopnik. In searching for why, he says they felt trapped and cold instead of warm and wonderful; he came slowly to understand the house is neither a machine nor a temple but "theater". Gopnik attributed this to Chareau's longer experience with set design than building buildings. In that way, he suggested, it had fulfilled its destiny best as an empty, cult object. But I understood it differently. As much as I loved crawling around its ambitious and charming spaces, I missed its inhabitants. It needs its players, its intellects, even its fashionable patients. What I craved from the Glass House, indeed what I always crave from domestic architecture, is the ability to contain smart people gathered around a table near a fragrant kitchen communing with each other and with life. My guess is that the Gopniks should have had a dinner party! Advertisement Today a wealthy couple, the Rubins, have bought and are faithfully restoring the Maison de Verre where necessary. They have left the medical suite as is but had to replace the kitchen appliances. In photographs, the house looks burnished but not betrayed. I've been looking at Glass Houses this year, The Farnsworth by Mies van der Rohe outside of Chicago for a spinster doctor who became entangled with it and him emotionally, the Philip Johnson Glass House which he built for himself, and Sanaa's new Grace Farms building/church in Connecticut. Glass towers are still being constructed all over the world as a symbol of wealth, home to corporations and billionaires who value the privacy and security only being high--and still surrounded by glass--can afford them. Motherwell House, Easthampton Chareau spent the last years of his life in exile in New York where he had a apartment that did not rival his art-strewn home in Paris; in fact, it was the art that "saved' them according to his wife Dollie when they had to flee France and had no funds (their collection is partially re-united in the exhibition) and were forced to sell most of it off to survive. Robert Motherwell hired him to build a house in Easthampton and, possibly stimulated by a view of an Oscar Niemeyer house, Chareau kitted out an old Quonset hut for the painter. Motherwell only ended up living there for four years, and then sold his house to 28-year old Barney Rosset, publisher of racy literature through his Grove Press, who then modified it where needed to make it livable. Norman Mailer shot a cult film there which alas contains few views of the house itself. It was then sold in 1980 and torn down a few years later for a Hampton mega-dwelling. Interior, Motherwell House The elegant exhibition has been designed by Liz Diller (is there anyplace that the Diller eye has not been called upon in the last decade?) and her firm Diller, Scofidio, Renfro, and allows an excellent accounting of the areas of new scholarship curator Meyer wished to emphasize: Chareau's Jewish roots; his other persona as a collector with his wife Dollie (whose own role has been undervalued)and the experience of the Chareaus in exile in New York. It makes much out of the precious little of Chareau's work that survives, as Diller herself admits, as one could not replicate the unusual spaces of the Maison de Verre. Instead, Diller, who wanted to remain "neutral", used other more modern technologies to accept the challenge of one architect displaying another, and "lots of things that swing". And she does indeed capture the yin yang, the vintage-meets-tech Chareau aesthetic. She used scrims as exhibition dividers instead of walls and shot footage of actors in domestic spaces onto them to give a sense of life. (Diller says she eventually wants to make a feature film--and you can see that coming) They also used VR, a bit of overkill in my mind as it trusts nothing to the spectator's imagination, but the excellent lighting design does make the furnishings much more dramatic and important. A digital "experience" film of the Maison de Verre mounted on tracks similar to the ones Chareau used in the Maison de Verre is clever and must have been hugely expensive to mount in its very theatrical installation. Advertisement Elizabeth Diller, exhibition designer, Esther da Costa Meyer, exhibition curator, Claudia Gould, Jewish Museum director, the troika that has brought Pierre Chareau to life The Jewish Museum is also to be commended by continuing to bring to our attention the work of 20th century design masters whose impact has largely been far from our own shores. The Jewish Museum exhibit of Pierre Chareau is open until March 28, 2017 The Maison de Verre is now privately owned and can only be visited through special permissions but you can glimpse the outside at 31 rue St Guillaume. If you haven't seen the Mallet Stevens or Le Corbusier's houses in the 16th arrondissment of Paris also put these on your Paris bucket list I am and always have been a political junkie. It began in 2008 when I was a brash young eighth grader with a passion for debate and discussion. This was an election year and so naturally I was interested in the presidential election. I was so invested in politics that I actually went around in the lunchroom cafeteria to ask many of my friends about their support for either John McCain or Barack Obama. Fast forward to the 2016 election and this political junkie just can't get enough. Whether it's been Trumps constant lies to Hillary's email scandal this election has definitely been one of extreme highs and lows. Coming from an LDS background I am proud that so many from my faith tradition have solidly rejected Trump and his ruthless attacks and demeaning language towards every demographic in this country including, but not limited to women, Muslims, Mexicans, people with disabilities, and people of color. Mormons have so solidly rejected Trump that it's actually having real ramifications - Donald Trump might actually lose Utah, the first time a Republican hasn't carried the state in nearly 50+ years. While I am glad so many Mormons have rejected Trump I am also perplexed that they've flocked to the seriously flawed candidate Evan McMullin. Now don't get me wrong, Evan McMullin is far better than Trump. McMullin is not bombastic or divisive; he doesn't brag about sexually assaulting women or call all Mexicans rapists. He is level headed with a calm temperament however, a cool head does little to make up for some serious flaws in his political positions. Mormons have this seriously misguided idea that their faith should and does run in complete agreement with almost all of the Republican party platform. This explains much of hype around why so many Mormons are gravitating towards McMullin. He's not horrific like Trump but he still fits that mold of conservatism that so many Mormons believe in supporting. McMullin may be a more palatable conservative but that does not mean his policies align with actual Mormon values. Advertisement Remember Howard Dean, the former long-time Vermont Governor and single-payer health insurance advocate? These days he's quoted briefly or interviewed in the media for his political observations. But behind the scenes, he has become a wealthy lobbyist for the drug industry. Blandly called a "senior advisor" to the giant corporate law firm Dentons, along with Newt Gingrich, Dean is an all-purpose wheeler-dealer from working to influence state attorneys general, state, regional, municipal and other government bodies, to developing the notoriously wasteful, unaccountable public-private partnerships dominated by profiteering corporatism. Readers of articles containing comments by Mr. Dean are not told of the "other Dean," now opportunistically opposing single payer healthcare or full Medicare for all with free choice of doctor and hospital, that he once called "by far the most economically efficient system." They are led to believe by reporters or editors that Dean is simply a political observer reflecting his experience in state government and as a presidential primary candidate in 2004. Readers would not be aware that he has another profitable agenda when he lambastes Bernie Sanders' single-payer health care plan. The media is derelict in not identifying him as a full-time corporate lobbyist for the interests of the drug and health insurance companies and their trade associations. Law firms like Dentons, which has recently hooked up with Dacheng an influential Chinese law firm provide convenient, velvet glove cover for monetized pitchmen like the turncoat Dean. The media often falls for this misidentity trap and fails to inform its readers, viewers and listeners who the persons being interviewed really are beholden to for their bulging paychecks. For example, lawyer Philip Howard, who writes op-eds for the "Washington Post," "New York Times," and "Wall Street Journal" critical of the law of torts and the civil justice system, is described as founder of the non-profit group The Common Good. Remarkably, he is not identified as a partner in the corporate law firm of Covington and Burling in Washington, D.C. Giant Covington is a no-holds barred law firm for the drug, tobacco, chemical, energy and other big industries that want the courtroom door blocked or difficult to open for wrongfully injured persons seeking their full day in court with a right of trial by jury under our Constitution. A few years ago I challenged Philip Howard to a public debate. He took quite a while to respond. When he did, it had one proviso--that there be no mention of his being a partner at Covington and Burling. I denied his precondition. So, for the mass media identify the occupational affiliations of these camouflaged apologists for corporate and other commercial interests. Your readers, viewers and listeners have a right to know. Moreover, the questions by reporters are likely to improve as a result. In politics, most candidates would probably rather lose in an electoral avalanche than lose by a razor-thin margin. A candidate will always have second thoughts regarding what he/she could have done to win the election. A mishap or day off the campaign trail can haunt candidates for the rest of their lives. Richard M. Nixon is one of the few politicians to have been on both sides of this ledger. In 1960, he blamed his narrow loss in the Presidential election to Democrat John F. Kennedy on a staph infection he suffered after bumping his knee on a car door while campaigning in Greensboro, North Carolina. The malady took Nixon off the campaign trail for two weeks. He was still recovering during the first Presidential debate against John F. Kennedy. Many television viewers thought Nixon appeared ill, which in fact he was. Adding to his problems, Nixon made a public pledge that he would campaign in all 50 states. This proved to be an electoral faux pas due to the fact that he spent too much time campaigning in non-competitive states. To fulfill this dull-witted undertaking, Nixon traveled to electorally-meager Alaska, while his Democratic opponent, John F. Kennedy, campaigned in showdown states. Advertisement Contrariwise, in 1968, Nixon was the victor in a close race. The Democrat Party was split asunder over the Vietnam War. At the Party's national convention that year, a plank calling for a halt to U.S. bombing in Vietnam was defeated. The Democratic Presidential nominee Hubert Humphrey was accosted at almost every campaign stop by protestors indignant at his support of the policies of President Lyndon B. Johnson in continuing the war in Vietnam. However, on September 30th of that year, Humphrey broke with Johnson by announcing that as President he would unilaterally halt the bombing of North Vietnam "as an acceptable risk for peace." Consequently, the Democratic Party began to coalesce around Humphrey, with many war opponents now supporting him. However, Humphrey's chief rival for the nomination, U.S. Senator Eugene McCarthy (D-MN), did not endorse Humphrey until about a week before the election, and he did so in a very snide way, asserting to his devotees: Humphrey made the best of this tepid endorsement, declaring it made him a "happy man." McCarthy's luke warm support for Humphrey coupled with Humphrey's failure to coalesce the support of the party base around his candidacy in the General Election is blamed by some in the Humphrey camp for costing him the election to Nixon. Another factor Humphrey blames for his close loss was his failure to appear on the popular Television program Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. Nixon scored political points by showing his humorous side by declaring: "Sock it to me." This was a catchphrase on the program. Under normal circumstance, the person saying this suffered the fate of having water poured on them. Nixon, however, did not suffer that fate. Humphrey declined to appear on the program and later said it may have cost him the election. Advertisement After Humphrey's break from Johnson, the polls tightened and Humphrey lost the popular vote by less than one percent. Had the election been a week later, Humphrey might have won. In Nixon's victory speech, he proclaimed: "Having lost a close one eight years ago, and having won a close one this year, I can say this-----winning is a lot more fun." Many prominent politicians have been involved in whisker-close campaigns. Like Nixon, Johnson experienced both sides of close elections. In 1941, Johnson lost a special election in Texas to fill the seat of the late U.S. Senator Morris Sheppard by just 1,311 votes out of 988,295 cast. In 1948, Johnson was on the other side of a photo finish, defeating former Governor Coke Stevenson by just 87 votes out of 988,395 cast. Decades later, Louis Salas, who served as an elections judge in Jim Wells County Texas, told author Robert Caro that he had certified 202 fraudulent ballots for Johnson, enough to give him the race. Due to the closeness of this race, Johnson earned the alliterative moniker: "Landslide Lyndon." In 1990, just four years prior to leading the Republican take-over of the U.S. House of Representatives, Newt Gingrich was re-elected in his Georgia Congressional District by just 983 out of more than 155,000 cast. Gingrich would likely be just a footnote in history had the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee put formidable resources in the campaign of his Democratic opponent David Worley. The committee had given Worley's campaign $50,000 when he first challenged Gingrich in 1988, but Worley lost by 18 percentage points. Worley exploited the proliferating belief that Gingrich, then House Minority Whip, was focusing on national issues and ignoring his constituents. Worley's campaign slogan was "Newt's not with us . . . He's got fancy." Advertisement In 1992, Gingrich suffered another scare, defeating Republican Primary opponent Herman Clark by a measly 980 votes. Clark approved an advertisement making fun of Gingrich for having bounced 22 checks from the House Bank. Clark, like Worley before him, excoriated Gingrich for being out of touch with his district. However, Gingrich outspent Worley 8-1. U.S. Senator and former Democratic Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders was once a gadfly in Vermont politics. He ran four times statewide as the nominee of the Liberty Union Party during the 1970's. He never garnered more than 6.1% of the vote. Then in 1981, Sanders sought the Mayorship of his hometown of Burlington as an Independent candidate. He assiduously hit the campaign hustings, evangelizing about income inequality, opposition to hikes in property taxes, and opposition to the cozy relationship between the entrenched political class and private developers. His message struck a resonate chord with disgruntled voters. Sanders stunned the political world by defeating Mayor Gordon Paquette, who was seeking a sixth term. Sanders won by just 10 votes out of 8,660 tabulated. In 1974, a U.S. Senate election in New Hampshire was decided by just two votes out of 223,363 votes cast. On Election Day, Republican Louis Wyman was declared the winner by just 355 votes. His Democratic opponent, John A. Durkin, subsequently requested a recount. The recount showed Durkin had actually won the election by 10 votes. Wyman then asked for another recount. This time it was Wyman who was the winner by a measly two votes. Undeterred, Drukin then appealed the election to the Democratically-controlled U.S. Senate. But the Senate could not resolve the dispute. Finally, after a seven-month deadlock, Wyman asked Durkin to run in a Special election. Durkin agreed. Advertisement The election garnered national attention because it was the only Congressional election during the off year. It became a referendum on the economic policies of President Gerald R. Ford. In fact, Ford participated in a 136-mile motorcade in the state five days prior to the election in a futile attempt to keep the seat in Republican hands. Durkin won the Special election by 27,000 votes. There was actually an election where one vote literally decided the winner of a statewide election. The closest Gubernatorial election ever recorded in U.S. history occurred in Massachusetts in 1839. At the time, a candidate was required to garner a majority of the votes to win the election. Otherwise, the State Legislature would choose the winner. The legislature was controlled by the Whig Party, which would almost assuredly have voted to re-elect incumbent Governor Edward Everett, the Whig nominee. However, his opponent, Democrat Marcus Morton, garnered 51,034 votes of 102,066 votes cast, giving Morton a majority by a single vote margin. Had just one vote switched, Morton would not have won the majority, and thus would have lost the election. Amazingly, the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, H.A.S. Dearborn, a devoted Whig and Everett supporter, did not cast a vote. Neither did some members of the Whig high command, prompting Everett to bemoan: "A better mode of showing [their support] would have been to vote." While there has never been a tie in a statewide race, there is a prominent example of a tie occurring at the State Legislative level in Wyoming. Independent Larry Call and Republican Randall Luthi both mustered 1,941 votes. In accordance with state law, Governor Mike Sullivan drew a ping-pong ball from a hat at the State Canvassing Board with Luthi's name. Luthi declared, "It is Democracy at its best." Luthi went on to serve in the Legislature for 12 years. He rose to the highest level, serving as House Speaker. After George W. Bush was declared the winner of the 2000 Presidential election, despite losing the popular vote, and with questions about whether he really won Florida by 597 votes, Gore averred: "You win some, you lose some, and then there is that little known third category." In elections that are whisker-close, the losing candidates can spend a lifetime agonizing over what he/she could have done to be put over the top. Violence. Darling it is wrong! The for-profit prison industry is in trouble. Bernie Sanders came out against it in the presidential primaries last year, and Hillary Clinton soon joined him. This August the Department of Justice announced that it plans to end all for-profit prison contracts. So executives at the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), the nation's second-largest for-profit prison company, did what any red-blooded American executive would do when confronted with a moral and existential crisis: They called in a marketing team. Advertisement Richard Eskow interviewed "Dee," an anonymous prison strike leader jailed at an undisclosed facility in the Carolinas CCA has renamed itself "CoreCivic." Feel better? Our nation is in the midst a mass incarceration crisis. This crisis carries on the commodification of black bodies which began during slavery. To profit from that commodification is to make yourself the moral heir of slavery's stain. But some corporations believe that anything, even the taint of "our nation's original sin," can be fixed with the right branding. How many Americans know that African Americans are three times more likely to be searched during a traffic stop than whites, according to the Department of Justice? Or that, as the NAACP points out, African Americans are imprisoned for drug offenses at ten times the rate of whites? Or that one in four African-American males born today can expect to be incarcerated at some point during his lifetime? The United States holds one fifth of the world's population but incarcerates 25 percent of the world's prisoners. In all, 2.2 million people are imprisoned in this country. That's a gulag-scale enterprise. It's a massive, racially-based exercise in social and psychological engineering. Advertisement Companies like CCA -- excuse me, like "CoreCivic" -- are making this crisis even worse by lobbying for policies that put even more people in prison. As the Center for Media and Democracy's SourceWatch found, "CCA was a member of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) for over two decades ... While CCA was an ALEC member, ALEC pushed legislation to privatize prisons, and at the same time advanced harsh sentencing bills to put more people in prison for more time ..." And the Washington Post reported in 2015 that, "The two largest for-profit prison companies in the United States - GEO and Corrections Corporation of America - and their associates have funneled more than $10 million to candidates since 1989 and have spent nearly $25 million on lobbying efforts." CCA has spent nearly a million dollars on lobbying so far this year. Prior to its rebranding, CCA laid out what it called its "value proposition" in its 2015 10-K filing: "We believe that we offer a cost-effective alternative to our government partners by reducing their correctional services costs while allowing them to avoid long-term pension obligations for their employees and large capital investments in new prison beds ... Through ongoing company-wide initiatives, we continue to focus on efforts to contain costs and improve operating efficiencies, ensuring continuous delivery over the long- term." English translation: We don't offer decent pay or benefits to our employees like governments do, and we will aggressively cut costs - which is likely to result in even poorer prison conditions. (Reporter Shane Bauer went undercover as a CCA prison guard and wrote about those conditions in Mother Jones.) And let's parse that name, "CoreCivic," for a moment. Merriam-Webster tells us that "core" means "the central or most important part of something." But we are a nation whose most important value is said to be freedom, not its opposite. "Civic" means "of or relating to a citizen, a city, citizenship, or community affairs." But the imprisonment of other human beings for profit can never be a communitarian act. Civic? Incarceration has robbed millions of citizenship's primary privilege and obligation: the vote. According to the Sentencing Project, 6.1 million Americans will be unable to vote this year because of past felony convictions. More than 7 percent of the adult voting age population has been disenfranchised in the states of Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia. It is no coincidence that laws to bar ex-felons from voting began appearing at the time of the Fifteenth Amendment, which gave African Americans the right to vote. Systemic biases have ensured that disenfranchised voters are disproportionately African-American. Their disenfranchisement result could change the outcome of state and local elections around the country. Advertisement This disenfranchisement could even decide who becomes president, since 27 percent of these disenfranchised voters - more than 1.5 million people - reside in the critical presidential state of Florida. By meddling in lawmaking to maximize its own profits, CoreCivic and its peers could be changing the course of political history. And about that name: The neologism "CoreCivic" is so opaque, so devoid of comprehensible meaning, that it might as well be the glyph that once represented the artist known as Prince. CCA has now followed the example of competitors like the "Management & Training Corporation" by adopting a name that obscures the true nature of its work. If you're in an industry you can't even mention in your company's name, it's probably time to find a new line of business. The Justice Department's move was a step in the right direction, but the struggle is far from over. Most incarcerated Americans are not held in federal prisons. For-profit companies will continue to provide food, medical care, and other services throughout America's prison/industrial complex. And prison labor will continue, at minimal or no pay. (Prison labor is a major supplier to the US military, among others.) That's why at least 24,000 incarcerated workers took action in September, initiating hunger strikes and work stoppages under conditions so secretive that we don't even know if they're still going on. Several states have confirmed the presence of inmate protests. The Incarcerated Workers' Organizing Committee said last week that some protests are still taking place, but independent reporting is difficult. (We spoke to "Dee," a strike leader at an undisclosed facility in the Carolinas, last month on The Zero Hour.) Advertisement As long as there is money to be made by robbing others of their freedom, somebody will want to make it - and they'll change the rules to make sure that they can. History teaches us that. That's why it's time to outlaw all profit-making activities behind bars, so that no American ever again has a financial incentive to deprive others of their liberty. And it's to end the mass incarceration crisis that too often, like slavery before it, imprisons people because of the color of their skin. We must put an end to this shameful vestige of our country's worst deeds. Grace is perhaps not the word that most readily comes to mind when describing this election season. Still, all is not lost as the most graceful moment is yet to come. Contrary to what one may think, this moment belongs not to the winner of the election, but to the loser. It is a moment that is reflective of the maturity of a democracy -- one that conservative moderator of the third presidential debate, Chris Wallace, called a great "pride" of our nation: When the defeated candidate humbly concedes to the winner of a free and fair election, and paves the way for a smooth transition of power. In the lead up to November 8th, there has been doubt cast as to whether this golden moment will arrive, at all. Among the many eyebrow-rising pronouncements made by Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, there were two red flags that emerged over the course of the debates that shed light on his fundamental misunderstanding of how a democracy works: 1) During the second debate, in a statement more fitting of a corrupt dictator, Trump threatened to prosecute and jail his political opponent, Hillary Clinton if elected president. (This followed months of the infamous chant, "Lock her up!" -- dubbed the unofficial campaign slogan of this year's Republican National Convention.) Advertisement 2) When asked in the third debate if he would accept the results of the upcoming election, he replied in a startlingly non-committal manner: "I will keep you in suspense, okay?" The next day at a rally in Ohio, he declared he would accept the results of the election -- but only if he wins the election. Bizarre statements that prompted harsh criticism from political scientists on both sides of the aisle, including pulitzer-prize winning conservative columnist, Bret Stephens, who furiously pounded out a tweet, "Trump's answer on accepting the outcome of the vote is the most disgraceful statement by a presidential candidate in 160 years." These two statements, put into the historical context of US presidential elections are unprecedented. No presidential candidate in modern (or historic) memory has ever threatened to jail the candidate of another major political party for office. Authoritarian regimes of Russia, Iran, North Korea, Syria, or Egypt are more likely to be guilty of such repressive actions. Furthermore, the last time the results of a US presidential election were disputed without substantive grounds was back in 1860 when the Southern states seceded from the union in opposition to a Lincoln presidency; a move that ultimately triggered the Civil War. Put simply: Trump is not exactly in good company here; nor is he on the side of accepted democratic norms. Here's why an adherence to these basic principles matter: To threaten a candidate with prosecution is to threaten the democratic process The underlying principle of any democracy is the pluralistic ethic, in which diverse views are given free and unfettered access the national platform for expression. These diverse viewpoints take their physical embodiment in the party's candidate for office -- the legitimate spokesperson for a large segment of society. As long as these views do not incite hate or violence, they are afforded access to the national platform. When a political leader threatens imprisonment of their opposition, the consequences are subversive to the democratic process. Since opposition leaders serve as legitimate representatives of a social vision, they along with their vision get put on trial. Alternative views are thus are disincentivized from engaging in the national dialogue, and legitimate viewpoints that would otherwise find free expression in the marketplace of ideas either dissolve -- or worse -- move underground where they become resentful and prone to radicalization. Advertisement For the democratic marketplace of ideas to thrive and move society forward, political leaders must be allowed to operate without threat of prosecution. The ramifications otherwise, are detrimental, and serve only to destabilize the democratic framework. This is an all too common narrative in many parts of the developing world where despotic regimes intimidate political opposition with draconian measures to ensure their grip on power. It is a tactic employed by weak and insecure "leaders", and their nation ultimately suffers for it. Thankfully, this has not been a significant issue in the US because of its general adherence to pluralist values; and because Federal regulations limit the president's ability to leverage special prosecutions as a political tool. That said, we ought to be vigilant against such threats -- especially when they are made by the candidate of a major US political party running for presidency. A smooth transition of power ensures unity and continuity One of the hallmarks of a mature democracy is the smooth transition of power. Every four years the losing candidate -- whether the incumbent or a presidential hopeful -- graciously acknowledges, and concedes the election to the president-elect. We have, up until the present, taken this for granted. A poignant example was this hand-penned letter from George Bush Sr. to president-elect, Bill Clinton, that has since gone viral. The letter beautifully embodies the spirit of continuity and unity that the transition hopes to achieve, "You will be our President when you read this note...Your success now is our country's success. I am rooting hard for you," it concludes. More recently in 2008, Sen. John McCain took to the national podium in front of an emotionally charged crowd of supporters to concede the historic election to Barack Obama. "Join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together; to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences." These examples are not the exception -- it is the elegance with which the American electoral process generally concludes. At the end of a hard-fought campaign, candidates rise above their platform differences, rally behind the will of the people, and put the unity of the country first. So, when Trump says that may not accept the results of the election, it undermines the critical phase of unification and transition in the following ways: It casts doubt upon the legitimacy of the electoral process; disregards the voice of the people as reflected in the ballot outcome; and foments dangerous political divides that the transition is designed to bridge and overcome. Advertisement The only justifiable reason to question the results of an election is if there is evidence of widespread voter fraud and irregularities that would substantially impact the outcome. Trump has been making this case over the last few weeks, but the facts just don't add up to support his claims. For example, the same 2012 Pew Research study from which he cited voting irregularities, found no evidence that such irregularities contributed to significant voter fraud, and focused its recommendations on more improved and efficient voting processes. Additionally, a 2014 Loyola University study found only 31 cases of impersonation fraud out of 1 billion votes cast over the last 14 years. Let's be clear: If your chances of winning the lottery are significantly higher than finding a single case of voter fraud, then it's safe to say that, however important these findings are, they will not sway the results of the election. Not even in the remotest. Most experts agree here. Despite these assurances that prove otherwise, Trump's claims have resonated with his base: a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that 70 percent of polled Republicans believe a Clinton victory would be the result of vote rigging or illegal voting. Moreover, only half of the surveyed Republicans would accept Clinton as their president. These polarized numbers underscore just why a smooth transition of power is so important at this time. And while there are policies in place to help ease the transition between an outgoing and incoming president (ie the President Transition Act of 1963), there is no legal mandate that forces a candidate to concede the election and support the legitimate outcome; it is generally expected that they simply do so. ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih has paid over UAH 72 million of losses caused to the state in violation of environment protection legislation as it has been prescribed by court. The company said in a press release on Wednesday, the company executed the ruling of Dnipropetrovsk business court of appeals ordering to pay UAH 72.699 million as collection of damage caused to the state in violation of environment protection legislation. "The ruling of the appeal court took effect, and today ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih voluntarily paid the sum, not waiting for the enforcement procedure," the company said. Some UAH 21.81 million or 30% of the sum will be sent to the special fund of Ukraine's national budget, UAH 14.54 million or 20% of the sum will be sent to the special fund of the regional budget of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council and UAH 36.35 million or 50% of the sum will be channeled to the special fund of the local budget of Kryvy Rih City Council. The funds were sent to an account opened in the main department of the State Treasury of Ukraine in Dnipropetrovsk region. "PJSC ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih being law abiding company has fulfilled the decision of the court. The company continues the modernization program directed to reduction of production activity impact on Kryvy Rih city and Dnipropetrovsk region. ArcelorMittal, the largest foreign investor in Ukraine, calls all concerned parties for non-biased attitude to the activity of PJSC ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih and fair evaluation of operation of all large industrial companies in Dnipropetrovsk region in all activity fields," the company said. The United Nations Security Council sit for a high level meeting on Syria at the United Nations in Manhattan, New York, U.S., September 25, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY With the election of a new UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, a fresh administration will shortly be taking power at Turtle Bay -- only to face a familiar problem which the global organization has never resolved, even after the Cold War: namely, how to stop the unlawful infringements on the UN Charter by the three most powerful permanent members of the UN Security Council. Over the last thirteen or so years, the world has watched as all three nations -- the United States, Russia and China, all original sponsors of the UN's establishment -- have, each in turn, acted contrary to the provisions of the Charter by sending in forces to seize territories or overthrow governments without prior approval from the UN Security Council. Advertisement The first instance of this activity began with the decision by the Bush administration to dispatch troops to Iraq in 2003 to oust the regime of the Iraqi strongman, Saddam Hussein. Responding to the Al Qaeda attacks on America, President George W. Bush charged that Iraq had contacts with Al Qaeda and was harboring weapons of mass destruction. Therefore he demanded that the United Nations inspect the country for weapons and, if it was found in "material breach" of its obligations to disarm under previous UN cease-fire resolutions, seek measures to get rid of the weapons. Subsequently, even as the UN was completing its inspections, Bush sought a new resolution in the Security Council authorizing the UN to intervene in Iraq. Two permanent veto-empowered members, France and Russia, opposed the measure, along with other non-veto countries on the Council. Understanding that he could not obtain the Council backing but asserting that he was acting under the umbrella of previous UN dictates on Iraq -- as well as claiming self-defense under Article 51 of the Charter -- Bush ordered American forces into Iraq. Later the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan publicly called the intervention illegal. The second was Russia's takeover of the Crimea in 2014. Following the downfall of Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych in February of that year, Russian President Vladimir Putin secretly moved masked Russian troops without insignia into Crimea that same month and rapidly took over the territory without notifying the UN Security Council or getting its consent -- in ways similar to what it had done in 2008 in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. By March 2014, following a pro-Russian referendum in Crimea sponsored by Moscow -- which the UN later called of "no validity"-- Russia officially annexed the land. In late March 2014, the United Nations General Assembly formally denounced the annexation and the Crimea plebiscite, citing the need to defend the "territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders." Ukraine, for its part, pointed out that the land-grab violated the Helsinki Accords, the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons of 1994, and the 1994 Budapest Memorandum on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine signed by Moscow. World leaders condemned the act and later the West imposed still-extant economic sanctions on Russia. Advertisement The third was China's seizure of the South China islands. Beginning in the new century, the Chinese began to assert control over the islands in the South China seas, in the face of overlapping claims by at least a half-dozen Asian governments. It based its own claim on old official maps marked by a nine-dash line that include the entire watery boundaries. Subsequently the Chinese dumped tons of dirt to transform rocks and reefs into artificial islands, established military outposts and airbases on many of the islands, restricted navigation within this vital conduit for global shipping, barred foreign fishing vessels from the sea, and declared exclusive dominion over the seas' potential reserves of natural gas and minerals. All of this was done without any prior authorization from the UN Security Council. Subsequently the Philippines, which had its own claims over the islands, filed a case against the Chinese government at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. This year that court invalidated China's seizure of these islands. Since then, though, there has been no follow-up on the court's finding, as the new president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, seeks to make peace with China. Yesterday, my son forgot his lunch at home. And instead of rushing around for an hour to retrieve the lunchbox sitting on my kitchen counter, I opted to do what good mothers do: let him eat the school lunch that he dreads, fears and abhors. Why, you ask? Because instead of sending him the message that life is filled with invisible safety nets that protect you from your poor decisions, I'm sending him the message that life is about accountability, consequences, growth, and lessons learned. This realization that "protecting" my kids from the perils of a less-than-perfect life actually means that I'm doing them a significant disservice is a new AHA! for me. I have actually shaped it into a philosophy that I call "counter-parenting." It's like Opposite Day--parenting style, because it's often counterintuitive to what we believe good parenting truly is. Want to teach your kids to remember their lunch? Don't break your neck taking it to them every time they forget it. Advertisement The holidays, of course, will be my true "counter-parenting" test. Each year, I find that I do the holidays "wrong" and I literally feel ill with guilt, disgust, regret, and shame once the wrapping paper has been discarded and the mounds of gifts lay scattered around every room of my home. How many did they actually want? Use? Need? And most importantly, appreciate? How many would other kids have truly valued--in favelas in Bahia or homeless shelters right here in Brooklyn? Modern parenting culture says, "Buy them more to make them happy." Counter-parenting says, "Buy them less and use it as an opportunity to teach them true happiness." As part of my new parenting philosophy, I launched a website, iSow.com, that enables young people to use birthdays and holidays to register for goals instead of goods in 3 big categories: saving for the future, sharing with others, and spending on things that matter to them. Our philosophy at iSow is that young people will be happier and better off in the long-run if we as a community help them to achieve important goals in their lives--and the lives of others--instead of buying them yet another toy that will end up in yet another landfill. So the holidays in our house will undoubtedly look different this year. My kids and I have worked together to fill out their iSow profiles, and are hoping that a portion of the gifts that people give them go towards important causes they are passionate about--kids in Haiti for my daughter, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation for my son. This doesn't mean that they don't want anything for themselves--my daughter wants a computer, and my son wants a bike without training wheels. But it does mean that the holidays will be infused with the spirit of giving, and perhaps just a touch of that spirit will overtake some of the space in our home where tattered wrapping paper once lived. Advertisement W.A Wijewardena is an independent economic analyst. From 2000-2009, Mr. Wijewardena served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. This interview has been edited lightly. What are Sri Lanka's principal economic challenges? The current economic challenge has been to elevate the growth rate to a high and sustained level to uplift the country from the present lower-middle-income country to a higher-middle-income country in the first instance, and then to a high-income country within the next 3 to 4 decades. This could be achieved by Sri Lanka if it can maintain an annual growth rate of 7% or above continuously in the next 3 decades. However, its past performance since independence in 1948 has been highly volatile, recording an average annual growth of about 4.7%. It has peaked the growth rate above 7% only on six occasions and even then in periods way apart from each other. The growth for the next 4-year period has also been projected at around 5%. Thus, the country has to make a jumpstart through a host of supportive policies. They encompass linking Sri Lanka to the rest of the world through trade, converting Sri Lanka's simple technology-based economy to a complex technology-based one, attracting [Foreign Direct Investments] FDIs with high technology, creating a competitive atmosphere within the economy, improving ease of doing business by eliminating hurdles, reforming the public sector and the budget and, above all, selling thrift as a guiding principle to the electorate. These are difficult but not impossible through a proper strategy. In terms of Colombo's economic reform agenda, how much has been accomplished thus far? Advertisement The economic policy to be pursued by the government was announced by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in parliament in November 2015. It was a comprehensive document outlining key reforms the government was planning to introduce during 2016-2020. This was to be followed by a supportive budget to be presented by Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake two weeks later. However, the main budget proposals had been counter to what the premier had announced in the economic policy statement. Hence, the work done to implement the reform agenda in the statement is far from desired. On top of this, the premier made a second policy announcement in parliament in October 2016, but it appeared that it was a fresh statement with no relation whatsoever to the one he made in November last year. There was no assessment of the progress on the previous announcement. Independent analysts therefore feel that the government has not implemented the reform agenda adequately. Regarding tax reform, what specifically would you like to see happen? In the policy statement of November 2015, the premier quite correctly announced that the government should change the tax structure from the current indirect taxes bringing 80% and direct taxes bringing the balance 20% to a structure where indirect taxes would be reduced to 60% and direct taxes increased to 40% -- by 2020. The foundation should have been laid for this right from 2016 but in the budget [for] 2016, indirect taxes were raised to 87%, quite contrary to what the premier had expected. The current reliance on a [Value-Added Tax] VAT has reinforced this. Hence, the tax reform should expand the tax net, get more people to pay income taxes and to encourage them to pay more. Marginal tax rates should be reduced from the current 26% to about 15%. Advertisement Would you talk a little bit about the alleged "bond scandal" (from early 2015) and the role of Perpetual Treasuries Limited? What allegedly occurred and will anyone be held accountable? There was suspicion in the market that Perpetual Treasuries had benefitted from some inside information throughout to superperform in the market, making longstanding and large primary dealers just dwarfs. This was confirmed by the financial results which they had published in terms of the Central Bank requirements. Accordingly, from February 2014 to March 2016, they had made a net after tax profit of about Rs [Sri Lankan Rupees] 6.1 billion (USD $ 41 million) -- when many others had made losses or those who made profits, insignificant amounts of profits. Now the parliamentary watchdog, the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has released its investigation results, agreed by 25 members out of 26, implicating Perpetual Treasuries of improprieties. The COPE report has declared the former Governor Arjuna Mahendran and the Central Bank officers who had supported him as accountable. It has recommended that legal action be taken against Mr. Mahendran, Perpetual Treasuries and the Central Bank officers involved in the scam. What is Mr. Mahendran's current position? What kind of message does his continued role in government send to the public? Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe made a statement in parliament that Mr. Mahendran has left the country to attend a wedding ceremony. He did not say that he would return, but the indication was that he would return. Meanwhile, the opposition has vowed to take him to court if he returns to the country. In fact, one senior minister of the government who represents the president's side on the government has said that they would get Interpol's assistance to bring him down to Sri Lanka. Hence, his continued association with the prime minister would be an eternal rock in the latter's boot. Nearly two years since the new government came to power, we still haven't seen anyone held accountable for high-level corruption. Does this concern you? And, more broadly, will the current government will ever get around to dealing with high-level corruption in a meaningful way? Civil society activists and organisations are concerned about the slow pace of bringing the culprits to justice. They continue to exert pressure on the government to expedite the investigations and judicial processes. The government will be presenting its annual budget soon. What are some things to look out for? It is a very trying era for Sri Lanka requiring some hard choices on its part. But the electorate has not been sufficiently groomed to accept such hard choices. It is better if the finance minister makes a frank announcement and comes out with a program of 'thrift' implemented across the board. In recent years, why has the country's defense spending has continued to rise. And is this a prudent course of action? Defense expenditure in any country is like joining the mafia and once joined, no one can leave it. Hence, defense expenditure had ballooned during the time of war and the government is unable to reduce it even when there is peace. Accordingly, the government will have to live with it forever like a cancer patient who has to live with his cancer without treatment. Chinese influence in Sri Lanka was a hot topic when Maithripala Sirisena campaigned for the presidency. Has Sri Lanka's economic relationship with China truly changed since January 2015? Sri Lanka was a neutral country throughout and, despite what the politicians may have pronounced in election platforms, China has been a friend and will continue to be a friend. Sri Lanka's foreign policy has to make a proper balance between China vs. India and China vs. the West and get the maximum for the country without angering anyone. The Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), a trade deal with India, is expected to be signed soon. What's your view on the agreement? How would ordinary people benefit from the ETCA? Advertisement It all began with Donald Trump sizing up his own swinging dick through the assessment of his most beautiful, yet tiny, hands. That's when Swinging Dicks took control of this election cycle, which has become a full-scale assault on women everywhere. So you'll have to excuse me if what I'm writing seems... dirty. America is choking on swinging dicks. Trump was exposed on an "Access Hollywood" tape admitting that "grabbing them by the pussy" is his preferred handshake for women. That was topped when Trump claimed to have never done anything to women because he respects them so much. The Lie That Would Not Stand has caused Trump's chances of being president to vanish and it's because conservative women don't want this swinging dick in the White House. The latest accusations of Trump's out of control swinging dick has Donald once again caught on tape sexually harassing a woman. Advertisement Then there is Anthony Weiner, a proud member of The Swinging Dick Club who has sullied the storyline for the first woman to come close to the presidency, who is still fighting to be elected. Weiner's swinging dick proved so unwieldy that he also wounded the first woman presidential nominee's top aide. .@BretBaier emails Chris Wallace while he's on air: Weiner has given FBI permission to search computer so no warrant needed. @FoxNewsSunday Josh Rogin (@joshrogin) October 30, 2016 Can we possibly forget to mention William Jefferson Clinton? The only Presidential Swinging Dick, who sauntered onto Attorney General Lynch's plane in the middle of Secretary Clinton's email server investigation. The outcome of which was that Lynch basically abdicated her role in the Clinton email investigation to Comey, saying after the furor erupted that she'd abide by Director Comey's judgment. This led to the most unlikely, and powerful, swinging dick of the moment, James Comey. He not only made a public statement when he said there was no way any prosecutor would indict Clinton; it was a statement which was unprecedented. WJC's penetration of Lynch's plane likely led the Director to ignore the 60-day suggestion in FBI guidelines, but also to act like he was blindfolded, bound and gagged when A.G. Lynch advised him not to send out the letter to congressional leaders about swinging dick Weiner. Advertisement FBI has no idea what is in these emails, Pete Williams says, signing off Sam Stein (@samstein) October 30, 2016 The Swinging Dicks in this election cycle are now legendary. Ask Kellyanne Conway, the first Republican woman campaign manager who's been ignored by her candidate because... She doesn't have a swinging dick. Governor Chris Christie's swinging dick has been rendered limp. Rudy Giuliani, whose jealousy of Clinton's position, and the collapse of his own career, has caused him to upend his own reputation. Serial adulterer Newt Gingrich sent a confirming message to all conservative women, many of whom are rethinking their Republican loyalty and what they've gotten for it, when he insulted and demeaned Megyn Kelly. Trump applauded his performance had the added benefit of reminding all women of how their Republican nominee feels about women. Then there is the swinging dick with the longest reach, Vladimir Putin. With Trump's bromance with this foreign adversary something Ronald Reagan would have been appalled to watch. Putin and his security forces have not only hacked into our election, but Russia and their allies have played such an outsized role in 2016 there are rumblings and reports the Trump campaign has caught the attention of the FBI. Advertisement Remember Paul Manafort, the swinging dick who was caught sucking up to Ukrainian thugs? Can we ever forget Corey Lewandowski, the guy who manhandled a woman reporter while his boss looked the other way? Then there are the Trump crowds, who were so threatening towards NBC's Katy Tur that she had to be escorted from one of Donald's rallies. What we're seeing is the patriarchy of all-white males rise up and revolt over one thing: The possibility of a woman president. To The Swinging Dick, it doesn't matter if Hillary Clinton is the most qualified person to ever get this close to the presidency. The problem is HRC doesn't have a swinging dick. Period. This is the 2016 election in a nut...shell. That's the Republican Party today: swinging dicks and second-class women who support them because they have nowhere else to go. Advertisement That's why this election may cleave away women from the Republican Party for some years to come if the civil war to follow on the right doesn't neuter The Swinging Dicks who are working very hard to keep a woman out of the White House. FBI Director Comey's actions make The Swinging Dick theory of 2016 clear. He ignored his female boss. He ignored fairness towards the first woman to be this close to the presidency, Hillary Clinton, in favor of attempting to cover the FBI's ass so they wouldn't be blamed after the election. Women of all political stripes, including those not crazy about Clinton, are hoping one thing. That we're about to see the very last of The Swinging Dicks of 2016. It cannot come soon enough. The GOP has had a problem with single women voters for years; now married women will likely walk on the party as well. Beyond the election, Republican women will need to decide whether they really want to be Republicans. It's increasingly hard to imagine independent, professional women -- really, any women -- remaining in a party that is so rife with abuse and disrespect, so reminiscent of old-boy networks 30 years out of date. It's not even clear what the party could do to purge itself of the misogyny. - Jennifer Rubin [Washington Post] In recent weeks, protests against the building of the Dakota Access Pipeline across North Dakota have escalated. Native American elders, families and children have set up tipis and tents on a campsite near the pipeline's path in the hope of stopping the pipeline's construction. Dave Archambault Jr., the leader of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe that is leading the efforts to stop the pipeline, summed up what is at the heart of the issue. In a brief two-minute statement before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, he said, "Oil companies are causing deliberate destruction of our sacred places." As a Native American scholar of environmental history and religious studies, I am often asked what Native American leaders mean when they say that certain landscapes are "sacred places" or "sacred sites." Advertisement What makes a mountain, hill or prairie a "sacred" place? Meaning of sacred spaces I learned from my grandparents about the sacred areas within Blackfeet tribal territory in Montana and Alberta, which is not far from Lakota tribal territory in the Dakotas. My grandparents said that sacred areas are places set aside from human presence. They identified two overarching types of sacred place: those set aside for the divine, such as a dwelling place, and those set aside for human remembrance, such as a burial or battle site. In my forthcoming book "Invisible Reality," I contemplate those stories that my grandparents shared about Blackfeet religious concepts and the interconnectedness of the supernatural and natural realms. Steve Gooch/AP Advertisement My grandparents' stories revealed that the Blackfeet believe in a universe where supernatural beings exist within the same time and space as humans and our natural world. The deities could simultaneously exist in both as visible and invisible reality. That is, they could live unseen, but known, within a physical place visible to humans. One such place for the Blackfeet is Ninaiistako or Chief Mountain in Glacier National Park. This mountain is the home of Ksiistsikomm or Thunder, a primordial deity. My grandparents spoke of how this mountain is a liminal space, a place between two realms. Blackfeet tribal citizens can go near this sacred place to perceive the divine, but they cannot go onto the mountain because it is the home of a deity. Elders of the Blackfeet tribe believe that human activity, or changing the physical landscape in these places, disrupts the lives of deities. They view this as sacrilegious and a desecration. A living text Sacred places, however, are not always set aside from humanity's use. Some sacred places are meant for constant human interaction. Anthropologist Keith Basso argued in his seminal work "Wisdom Sits in Places" that one purpose of sacred places was to perfect the human mind. The Western Apache elders with whom Basso worked told him that when someone repeated the names and stories of their sacred places, they were understood as "repeating the speech of our ancestors." Advertisement For these Apache elders, places were not just names and stories - their landscape itself was a living sacred text. As these elders traveled from place to place speaking the names and stories of their sacred text, they told Basso that their minds became more "resilient," more "smooth" and able to withstand adversity. The sacredness of the pipeline site At different national and international venues, Lakota leader Dave Archambault Jr. has stated that the Lakota view the area near the potential construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline as both a "sacred place" and a "burial site," or as both a place set aside from human presence and a place of human reverence. James MacPherson/AP Lakota scholar Vine Deloria Jr. described the "sacred stones" in North Dakota in his book "The World We Used to Live In" as having the ability of "forewarning of events to come." Deloria described how Lakota religious leaders went to these stones in the early morning to read their messages. Deloria shared the experiences of an Episcopal minister from 1919. Advertisement "A rock of this kind was formerly on Medicine Hill near Cannon Ball Sub-station.... Old Indians came to me... and said that the lightning would strike someone in camp that day, for a picture (wowapi) on this holy rock indicated such an event.... And the lightning did strike a tent in camp and nearly killed a woman.... I have known several similar things, equally foretelling events to come, I can not account for it." Deloria explained that it was "birds, directed by the spirit of the place, [that] do the actual sketching of the pictures." The Lakota named this area Inyanwakagapi for the large stones that served as oracles for their people. The Americans renamed it Cannonball. Not just Dakota Historians, anthropologists and religious thinkers continue to learn and write about Native American religious ideas of place. In so doing, they seek to analyze complex religious concepts of transformation and transcendence that these places evoke. However, despite their contributions to the academic interpretation of religion, these understandings do not often translate into protection of Native American places for their religious significance. As legal scholar Stephen Pevar tells us, "there is no federal statue that expressly protects Indian sacred sites.... in fact, the federal government knowingly desecrates sites." Caleb Jones/AP In the past year we have seen protests over the potential desecration of sacred places at Mauna Kea in Hawaii (over the construction of another telescope on a sacred volcano), Oak Flats in Arizona (over a potential copper mine on sacred land) and now at Standing Rock in North Dakota. Lack of understanding of sacredness "Religion... will long continue to be a critical factor in individual, social, and political life around the world, and we need to understand it." The intimate connection between landscape and religion is at the center of Native American societies. It is the reason that thousands of Native Americans from across the United States and Indigenous peoples from around the world have traveled to the windswept prairies of North Dakota. But, despite our 200-plus years of contact, the United States has yet to begin to understand the uniqueness of Native American religions and ties to the land. And until this happens, there will continue to be conflicts over religious ideas of land and landscape, and what makes a place sacred. Advertisement Rosalyn R. LaPier, Visiting Assistant Professor of Women's Studies, Environmental Studies and Native American Religion, Harvard University Setting up an online presence is one thing, but getting noticed is another. Its like the difference between setting up shop somewhere and putting up a signpost. In the former, you have a presence and in the latter, you are noticed. When your target audience notices your business and what you offer, you start building a loyal following and patronage. Because of the importance of being noticed so many strategies have been developed to make this happen. One of the most popular and effective strategies is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). We all know that SEO helps to boost the visibility of your business website on major search engines like Google, Yahoo or Bing. According to Mike Zhmudikov, chief SEO strategist at Seologist LLC "The essential step following a website development is to put it on SEO rails and let the world know about your brand online". Using the right keywords, link structures and Meta tags among others can help you get to the first page of Google's search results. Although SEO is great, it's not the only way to get your business noticed. Advertisement Below are other methods available to make this happen. 1.Create Shareable Content When you create content that your target audience will love to share, it increases your reach. But first, there are a lot of factors that will make your content shareable. One of them is to create valuable content that solves your target audience's problem. People are searching for solutions to their problems all the time, so content that solves their problem will be shared. Content that is easily digestible is more prone to being shared. So content in the form or videos or images like infographics, are ideal forms of content that make it easy to digest valuable information. To help increase the propensity to share, set up your social sharing links in strategic places and have a compelling call to action to your target audience to get them to share your content. 2.Partner With Businesses That Have A Stronger Online Presence If you want your business to get noticed online, then one of the best ways to do this is to work with those who have a stronger presence online. This is just like joining an online mastermind group. You can get really creative with this. This works where you and the other business owner have the same target audience but offer complementary services or products. Advertisement Imagine that you're a videographer who has a course on creating great video ads. You can partner with someone with a strong online presence, who has an online course on marketing, and offer to do a bonus course on using videos and pitch your own course. Such a partnership will make more people online know about you and your business. Strategically mentioning your website and how you can be reached online will make those interested in your business go to your website. 3.Use Social Media There are millions of people who log into social media every day. If you want to be noticed on social media, you need to make sure that you make valuable posts on the social media platforms where your target audience hangs out. Consistency is key. You need to note that aside from posting valuable content on a daily basis, you must also engage with your target audience, create a platform or page for conversations, direct suggestions and complaints. This will make it possible for you to build a solid relationship with your target audience. Once they are satisfied with what you have to offer, they will make sure to talk about your business. Truth? It's not your business that they are struggling to accept, it is you. If they accept you (in your approach to reach them), they would accept what you bring along. Advertisement 4.Build A Community Online communities like Facebook groups are a great way to increase your visibility online. When you work towards building a community online, more and more people will know about you. Building a community is not a strategy that stands on its own. It is something that works with the help of being active online. The idea behind this strategy is that as you reach out to people and encourage them to join your community you are building; a ready audience with whom you can share your content, products or services. One major key to building a vibrant community is engaging them in worthwhile activities and content relevant to them, not your business. 5.Enhance your list building efforts One of the best ways to build your email list is to use a lead magnet. Lead magnets can be in form of PDFs, videos or checklists. The idea behind this strategy is to use your lead magnet as a way to let more people get to know about you. This strategy works when you're offering a lead magnet that will solve your target audience's problems and it gives results. This will make more people attracted to your product and thus more people start to notice you online because they want your opt-in. The fact is that you need a roadmap for your business if you want to really make a buzz online, you need to observe what others are doing and what you need to start doing, you have to be open to the fact that your road map will change frequently as well. Advertisement We'd all like to believe that we are savvy shoppers. Maybe you pride yourself on your on your coupon collection. Or maybe you have a keen eye for finding a flea market and picking up the hottest deals. No matter the case, we'd all like to find the proverbial diamond in the rough. Of course, no matter how savvy you think you are, sometimes finding treasure in another person's rubbish heap is just dumb luck. Below are five astonishing discoveries from garage sales and antique shops that will make you want to rush out and find a flea market near you. #5: A Painting in the Couch Cushions Have you ever lost something between the couch cushions? In 2007, an unnamed German student bought a pullout couch for an affordable $215 from a Berlin flea market. When she opened it at home for the first time, she was surprised to find a 10- by 15-inch oil painting tucked inside. Advertisement The piece, "Preparation to Escape to Egypt," was painted by an unknown Venetian artist close to 17th-Century Baroque painter Carlo Saraceni. After discovering how valuable it was, she sold the painting at auction for $27,630. #4: A Kingly Portrait by Anthony van Dyck During a trip to a Chesire antique shop, Father Jamie McLeod's attention was captured by a stunning gold frame, which he bought for $660. Little did he know that the painting inside was worth far more. More than a decade later, the Catholic priest had the art piece appraised by Antiques Roadshow who confirmed it was a portrait of King Charles I painted by Sir Anthony van Dyck. Estimated value of this insanely lucky find? $660,000! #3: Pop Art Sketch by a Young Andy Warhol It's seems that valuable art can show up in the most unlikely of places. For one fortunate shopper, it appeared at a rummage sale in Las Vegas, Nevada. Advertisement Forty-nine-year-old Andy Fields bought a bundle of rough sketches for $5. It wasn't until later that he noticed Andy Warhol's signature in the bottom-left corner of a cherry-lipped portrait of American entertainer, Rudy Valle. Art experts believe the sketch was created in the 1930s during Warhol's preteen years. Its estimated worth is just under $2 million. #2: An Original Copy of The Declaration Of Independence This next story sounds like it belongs in the National Treasure film series. In 1989, a Philadelphia man bought a painting of a dark and dismal country side for $4 at a local flea market. The painting wasn't particularly well made and appeared to have a tear in the canvas. When the unnamed owner decided to toss the painting and salvage the frame, the whole thing snapped and out fell a small folded document. To his surprise, it was one of 24 surving copies of the original 1776 Declaration of Independence. The piece of American history was in mint condition and sold for $2.4 million. #1: Coca Cola Stock Certificate If the previous purchases were lucky finds, then this one is the jackpot. In 2008, self-proclaimed treasure hunter Tony Marohn bought a box of documents at a California garage sale for $5. As he sifted through the papers, he discovered a promissory note for 1,625 shares of Palmer Union Oil Company. After hiring a lawyer, the now-deceased buyer found that the oil company had merged with another company which later merged with Coca Cola. Due to decades of mergers and stock splits, Marohn was entitled to 1.8 million shares of Coca Cola valued at $130 million making this the most valuable garage sale find of all time! Gurney in hospital corridor. As we get close to the election, it's clear that something should be done, at the federal or state level or both, to address the shortcomings of the Affordable Care Act. The news that premiums on the so-called Obamacare benchmark health plans will be 25 percent higher on average next year came on the heels of earlier reports that people in most states will have considerably fewer health plans to choose from. Advertisement The health care consulting firm Avalere, which tracks insurer participation in the Obamacare exchanges, says the number of insurers offering Obamacare coverage has fallen from an average of more than five last year to just 3.2 next year. While most of the nonprofit health plans are sticking with Obamacare, three of the biggest for-profit insurance corporations -- Unitedhealthcare, Aetna and Humana -- have announced that they're pulling out of many markets. Hillary Clinton has pledged to fix what ails Obamacare while Donald Trump, like just about every other Republican, has pledged to get it repealed. Don't hold your breath Regardless of which one makes it to the White House, don't expect much of anything to actually happen, at least in Washington. Odds that the law will either be repealed or fixed in any meaningful way are very slim. That's because neither party is expected to have a big enough majority in Congress for any legislation of consequence to reach the president's desk. If Clinton becomes president and Democrats regain control of the Senate, it's possible that some fixes could be made during the budget reconciliation process, but there are numerous restrictions on what could be considered. For the record, Clinton says she would address rising premiums by limiting the amount of money Obamacare enrollees have to pay for coverage to no more than 8.5 percent of their income. The current limit is 9.66 percent. Advertisement She also wants Americans to have access to a "public option" -- a government-run health plan that would compete with private insurers. Here Clinton is supporting a proposal that private insurers hate but that was so popular among most Democrats back in 2009 that the House version of Obamacare contained language that would have created such a health plan. But even though the Democrats controlled both the House and Senate back then, the insurance industry called in enough chits to ensure that the public option language was stripped out of the final Senate bill, and it was the Senate version that reached Obama's desk. You can rest assured that the industry would be just as motivated to keep a public option from being born during a Clinton administration as it has been during the Obama administration. Keep in mind that Obama also supported a public option. He still does, but can't get Congress to create one. Magical thinking As for Trump, he says that after he gets Obamacare repealed (that's not going to happen, but let's suspend disbelief for a moment), he would "allow" health insurers to sell policies across state lines, encourage more people to enroll in health savings accounts and change the way Medicaid is administered by giving states almost total control over the program through block grants. Democrats are not keen on any of those ideas, which Republicans have supported for years, and will continue to block them. The only way they'd have a chance of becoming law would be for Republicans to way outnumber Democrats in the next Congress, and that's not expected to happen. Advertisement Even if Republicans do retain control of both the House and Senate next year, don't look for Obamacare to be repealed. That's because, when push comes to shove, Republicans will not vote to strip 20 million Americans of coverage they have gained because of the law. Here's another reason it will not be repealed: the insurance industry won't allow it. Despite the complaints some insurance corporations have made about losing money on their Obamacare enrollees, they have thrived overall under the law. The share price of most of the big for-profit insurers has more than tripled since the law went into effect. Those companies are actually making record profits under Obamacare. Remember that Obamacare makes it illegal for most of us to be uninsured. Without a public option, Americans who are not eligible for a government-run program like Medicare or Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) have no choice but to buy coverage from a private insurer. Look at it this way: If you were a business owner, wouldn't you be delighted if Congress passed a law requiring people to buy the stuff you sell? (That's why I told members of Congress during the health care reform debate that if they passed a law without a public option, they might as well call it "The Health Insurance Profit Protection and Enhancement Act.") But even if Trump could deliver on his campaign promises, "allowing" insurers to sell policies across state lines simply won't work. He would have to force them to do so, and also force state insurance regulators to go along with the idea. Chickens and eggs, eggs and chickens Selling coverage across state lines is already possible, and some states have even tried it. Georgia, for example, formally invited insurers from neighboring states to come in and set up shop a few years ago. There were no takers. Not a single one. That's because the barriers to enter a new health insurance market are incredibly high. Advertisement It's a chicken-and-egg kind of thing. To be able to get people to enroll in their health plans, insurers have to offer competitive premiums and offer a pretty good provider network. To pull that off -- to be able to price their policies competitively -- insurers have to get hospitals and other health care providers to give them decent discounts. But if an insurer doesn't already have a lot of enrollees, health care providers have little if any incentive to offer it much of a discount. Bigger and well-established health plans with a lot of enrollees have much more clout at the negotiating table with doctors and hospital executives than out-of-state plans with no enrollees. It is extremely difficult for a new entrant in any health insurance market to achieve sufficient market share to turn a profit. That's why most of the co-op health plans authorized by the Affordable Care Act have already gone out of business. They couldn't get to the point where they weren't bleeding red ink. Again, the chicken-and-egg thing. Trump would make shady insurers happy and rich The only way insurers would be interested in Trump's idea of "getting rid of the artificial lines around states" would be if Congress got rid of all the consumer protections in the Affordable Care Act and allowed insurers to set up operations in whatever state has the fewest coverage mandates and regulations. Shady, profit-obsessed companies would actually love that. They'd be able to go back to charging women more than men and older folks five to ten times as much as younger folks for the exact same policy. They'd be able to once again charge people with pre-existing conditions more than healthier people. And they be able to sell risky, bare bones policies in every state, even if lawmakers and regulators in the other states objected to insurers being able to sell such junk insurance within their states' borders. In other words, what Trump believes is a good idea is something that insurance regulators in just about every state think is a terrible idea. Great for shady insurers, awful for the rest of us. What all this means is that, unless Democrats and Republicans can set aside their ideological and political differences and agree on how to "fix" Obamacare, which is highly unlikely, we shouldn't expect either Clinton or Trump to get much of anything done. If any progress is to be made in the foreseeable future, it undoubtedly will have to be at the state level. Advertisement "Politics, whatever its professions, had always been the systematic organization of hatreds." Henry Adams 'The Education of Henry Adams' 1918 The line above, one of the more cynical pronouncements in the grandson and great-grandson of Presidents masterpiece of American letters, seems more accurate than ever as we move well into the final week of this most toxic of presidential campaigns. Of course, it's only partly true when America is anywhere near its best. Which we clearly are not. We all know Donald Trump's inimitable contributions. With the race nationally looking like a statistical dead heat, Hillary Clinton is pulling out the stops on negative campaigning. As discussed at the beginning of the week, she has decided against a positive close, quite possibly a grave error with polling indicating that her level of unpopularity now matches Trump's and her credibility has slumped beneath his. Advertisement President Obama, still rather popular, who does have a decided gift for positive uplift and "the vision thing," pushed the panic button campaigning Wednesday afternoon in North Carolina, ripping into Trump over and over again. "The fate of the Republic," he declared, rests on the outcome of this election. Meanwhile, right-wing Vegas/Macau casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson has finally started shoveling megabucks into a pro-Trump super PAC, with an initial $25 million in play already and likely more where that came from. And, with estranged wife/closest Hillary aide Huma Abedin suddenly off the campaign trail and behind closed doors, ex-Congressman Anthony Weiner -- whose sexting habit triggered the renewed FBI investigation when a trove of State Department e-mails was discovered on his laptop -- has disappeared into a clinic for sex addicts. Located, no doubt, in Communicado. That said, the ceiling has not fallen in on the Clintons yet. While there is no "Blue Wall" in the electoral college, there is a picket fence which, if defended, can hold. And Hillary still has an edge there, though it is far more tenuous and vulnerable to actual campaign dynamics than currently trendy statistical models suggest. The air is a bit calmer, at least at the moment. A bit. I continue to think that there has to be at least one more major development for Trump to win. Or, perhaps more accurately, for the Clintons to lose, since Trump has repeatedly stepped on his own message. Though he may at long last be effectively focusing on the deleterious effects of Bill Clinton trade deals, the sort which the Wikileaks/KGB revelations strongly suggest Hillary still supports in private. Advertisement Of course, that certain fateful something may be just around the next bend. If some deleted classified e-mails show up on colossal security risk Weiner's laptop, that will be hard for Hillary to survive. Even if more than a fifth of the vote is already in, due in large part to the convenience of vote-by-mail programs. Something big from Wikileaks and their kindly Russian associates could do it -- assuming that the Kremlin decides it does not want to have a delegitimized Hillary as a dramatic foil to kick around on the world stage -- as could serious developments in an FBI inquiry into the Clinton Foundation. It's obvious now that FBI Director James Comey was responding at least in part to grave displeasure in FBI ranks about the handling of the Hillary private server e-mail investigation. Absent something alone those lines, Hillary has a decent chance of prevailing, given how discredited Trump has become, with the biggest blows usually coming from himself. Unless ... Unless we are seriously underestimating the possibility that live polling is undercounting Trump's support because it is so socially unacceptable to be for him. Trump has been made so socially unacceptable in polite society that this is a possibility. If anything the social unacceptability factor is stronger here than it was with Brexit, where polling undercounted the Leave vote by about four percent. Our mainstream media is in full howl against Trump, late night comedians are resolute in their sniping, and so on. Advertisement We'll know more in the next 36 hours. It happened on a special day. After the Republic Day celebrations, on October 29, Bulent Tezcan, the vice chairman of Turkey's main opposition party, CHP, was sitting at a dinner table together with some friends in Aydn, an Aegean city not far from Izmir. While they were busy discussing politics, somebody rose up from a nearby table, approached him, drew a pistol while shouting and shot him in the leg, before running away. Tezcan was lucky, according to the doctors. 'Had the bullet penetrated an inch closer to a main artery, we would lose him' a doctor said. Advertisement The attacker was caught hours later. He told the police that he became very angry, and explained: 'He was speaking against our president. Then I remembered that he had been to the congress of the (Kurdish) HDP party. I told him that he should mind his tongue when speaking about our chief. He responded harshly and I shot him.' This incident came as no surprise to those who watch with growing concern the explosive polarisation which has been keeping Turkey in its tight grip for years now. Certainly, the failed coup attempt, causing deaths of 240 civilians added to the rage, as demonisation of civilian opposition intensified. Today's Turkey is without a doubt a powder keg, reminiscent of Yugoslavia, which because of Milosevic's divisive nationalist drive, disintegrated after a blood bath. One of the most worrisome aspects of Turkey today is the concrete signals of individual armament as part of a fierce partisanship with the AKP at its epicentre. Advertisement As Erdogan raised the decibel level of his speeches again lately, questioning Turkey's current borders, and the validity of Lausanne Treaty (which as a foundational document established modern Turkey) signed and sealed in 1923, new (or old) maps were visible in Turkish TV channels and newspapers, showing Mosul and northeastern part of Greece, beyond Thessaloniki, as the 'Greater Turkey'. Irredentism, and revanchism that comes along with it, is on the table. No matter what the intentions behind claims of 'revenge of history', whipping up the Turkish masses is a fearsome fact. So, no surprise, then, observers draw parallels between the German resentment of Versailles Treaty, and the rise of an aggressive nationalism, that can't wait to go to war. The horrifying reading of William Sheridan Allen's famous study of Northeim, its evolution as a microcosmos before the WW2, titled 'The Nazi Seizure of Power' explains the most of it. The most striking element was how quickly everything went, before the nightmare began. Needless to say, history insists on repeating itself. The ostrich-like European leaders and the EU Commission may refuse to admit it, many of them mesmerized by the illusion of the realpolitik, but the reality in Turkish ground is filled with similar, worrisome signs, piling up by every day that passes. Irredentism may be a slowly brewing fact, but another most recent development should be paid the outmost attention: the announcement and preparations for the armament of the the AKP members en masse. Advertisement Turning the ruling party into an armed force had already landed on Turkish agenda, some days after the botched coup, which took place July 15. Under the slogan 'never again!' some AKP officials said, that 'civilian preparedness' was necessary to resist new coup attempts. One of them was Seref Malkoc, a Chief Advisor of President Erdogan who announced that 'licenced firearms should be distributed to the people.' Ever since then, such calls echoed strongly. A swift support came from the militia-like organisation, 'Ottoman Units 1453' (Osmanl Ocaklar 1453) - whose date refers to the conquest of Istanbul - that launched the hashtag 'AKArmament' (#AKSilahlanma) on social media. Its leader, Emin Canpolat, wrote, first: 'This one is a call for all the brothers. Arm yourselves for the motherland, for the flag and for Erdogan.' At a later call, he added: 'Erdogan is the motherland; he means the flag for us. We will die, and kill, for Erdogan'. Soon after, the hashtag topped the social media traffic. Messages like 'AKYouth and AKMilitia is getting ready. We stand ready to fight till the last drop of our blood. Matryrdom is our holy goal!' or 'We are ready REIS, tell us to hit, and we shall. Tell us to die and we shall. We shall enter Aleppo and Mosul!' were in intense circulation. Advertisement (The term 'REIS', could be translated as 'the Chief', falling slighly short, or not, of 'Fuhrer'.) 'Ottoman Units' is a relatively new organisation. It was formed in 2009 and was known by its attack and vandalisation of the large-circulation daily, Hurriyet, in the summer of 2015, following the elections in June 7. The organisation declared its objectives as, 'Raising religious generations, reviving a lifestyle based on the teachings of Kuran, working for the re-establishment of Khalifat, re-opening of Haghia Sophia in Istanbul as a mosque' etc etc. The pro-government columns have also been busy to endorse the trend. Abdullah Sanldag, a columnist with the fiercely anti-semitic, anti-west daily, Yeni Akit, wrote: 'Don't fear this nation of ours, don't. They know exactly who to kill.' Just an example of many, almost copy-paste like messages, in circulation. But, these public rants have not remained as outbursts, symbolizing a new trend of political hooliganism. Some days ago, it was transferred to the official rhetoric, and developed into an AKP pledge. It was the newly appointed Minister of Interior, Suleyman Soylu, who broke the news. At a large meeting of the ruling party, in the Anatolian city of Afyon, he said: 'We shall deliver each and every official of our party. We shall also equip them with security guards. We will also see to it that they are protected by long-range weapons.' Advertisement The context of his pledge was, the increasing attacks on the local AKP figures in the mainly Kurdish eastern and southeastern provinces. Most recently, in a series of attacks, several of them were killed or wounded. The PKK also threatened the 'trustees' appointed by the government to take over the administration of the pro-Kurdish HDP municipalities, in a constantly rising tension. The most recent seizure of Diyarbakr municipality adds geometrically to the tension. While the result of such mutual armament in an explosive region is only left to imagination, there were other official statements from elsewhere that confirmed the AKP-launched national trend. In a recent local TV appearance, the governor of the northeastern Black Sea town, Rize, said that licensed weapons were delivered in large numbers to those who 'donate money'. Comparing his time as governor in an Aegean city of Manisa, Erdogan Bektas said: 'I delivered five times more weapons in three months that I had in Manisa in two years.' He added that he would personally provide firearms to people, 'should the coup attempt happen again'. Such statements, not denied so far, indeed reveal a nation-wide pattern. In a most recent news story, daily Cumhuriyet wrote that the government was planning to issue a new emergency decree that will enhance the local governors' authority to approve licenses. But it doesn't end there. In a more spectacular development, Turkey's most powerful state institution - which seems top have taken over the role as the chief tutelary body, from the military - the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), declared that it had launched a project to establish 'Youth Units' in the mosques across Turkey. It was a high-level representative of Diyanet, Yasar Yigit, whho broke the news. 'At the first stage we are now done with the infrastructure in 1.500 mosques' he said. 'We have a total of 85.000 mosques and we intend to establish youth units in 45.000 of them. God willing, we will have it in more than 20.000 of them by 2021.' From every vantage point, it is clear how the pattern is set. There were already reports, in independent newspapers such as Cumhuriyet, that large chunks of the 'private security companies' were affiliated with the AKP. The preparations of armament of AKP-loyal citizens and the politization of the mosque networks in micro-distric level, combined, depicts a new, worrisome picture. Add to this repeated calls by President Erdogan to the elected local neighborhood administrators (muhtar) that they should inform of all 'subversive' activities to the 'center', and the details become even clearer. Two days ago, addressing hundreds of 'muhtars' in the 'palace', Erdogan said: 'I am now the chief muhtar, who controls everything.' With polarisation and social divisions even sharper after July 15 coup attempt, Turkey is not farther away from a civil war scenario. It is a country where the fight for raw power is intensifying, and not otherwise. Advertisement 'Would it be wrong if we say that the AKP is building its own army?' asked politely a colleague, recently in Cumhuriyet. He is not alone in his fear. A prominent lawyer, Celal Ulgen, said: 'What if somebody now comes out and calls for an armament for Kemal Klcdaroglu (leader of the main opposition, CHP)? Where will we end? To call for armament is to propagate for civil war. To whip up unarmed people to armament is a crime. Bandits are running loose in the streets in broad daylight. If an election does not produce a 'desired' result, will these people seize control of the country?' Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Minister Ihor Nasalyk has proposed to put shelf fields seized by Russia to sign product sharing agreements (PSA) with foreign companies, he said at a meeting of the parliamentary energy committee in Kyiv on Wednesday. "I am not a fan of who Naftogaz did [filed a claim over Crimean assets to international arbitration court]: if we let courts hearing all these things, nothing would happen and nothing would be taken from Russia. We have another proposal. I think that it would settle the issue to put these fields up for sale under the law on product sharing. Let foreign firms to enter and they would be able to protect their gas volumes," he said. Nasalyk recalled that annual gas production at shelf fields seized by Russia is around 1.3 billion cubic meters. As reported, Naftogaz Ukrainy announced its plans to achieve resumption of control over assets lost due to the occupation of Crimea by Russia via international court institutions and refunding of all losses caused. Local officials discussed, rejected law enforcement consolidation in past Voters are being asked to consider a constitutional amendment on the Nov. 8 ballot that would enshrine the election of sheriffs into constitution . NBU: Remittances to Ukraine seven times more than remittances abroad in Jan-Sept Remittances to Ukraine using the money transfer systems created by residents and nonresidents came to $1.875 billion in January-September 2016, which is seven times more than remittances sent abroad ($268 million), Director of the payment systems and innovative development department of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) Serhiy Shatsky has said, referring to tentative data, at the ITS Forum held on November 1 through November 3. Shatsky said that remittances inside the country totaled $2.574 billion. The NBU official said that in January-September 2016 37 money transfer systems functioned in Ukraine, including 22 created by residents and 15 by nonresidents. He said that despite sanctions imposed on six Russian payment systems, many money transfer systems continue operating in Ukraine. He said that the number of active payment cards in Ukraine grew by 1.4% over the period under review, to 31.14 million (30.7 million as of early 2016). The number of terminals and traders permitting to pay in cashless form for goods and services grew to 207,300 and 139,000 respectively (166,200 and 125,000 as of early 2016). Shatsky also said that the NBU jointly with the parliamentary profile committee is working on amendments to legislation on payment systems aimed at implementing the European legislation requirements. He said that this would help to create conditions for operation of international online payment providers in Ukraine. He said that the central bank is holding negotiations with some international only payment systems on entering the Ukrainian market. He added that PayPal system does not plan to operate in Ukraine in the coming 12 months. A Major Shift For Music Streamer 8tracks In U.S. Here 8tracks' David Porter takes a moment to explain 8track's shift in a new direction towards their 8tracks+ subscription model and the broader impact this alteration will have the 8tracks community as a whole. Along the way he provides some lessons for all music tech startups. __________________________ Guest post by David Porter of music streamer 8tracks Hey everyone, In the coming weeks, were going to shift our focus in the US to our 8tracks+ subscription model, including the introduction of a listening cap. Id like to take a moment to walk you through the background, our gameplan, and the impact on our community. The problem: the economics of streaming music Streaming music on the internet is expensive. So expensive that, to date, no digital music service is generating a profit. Larger services have raised billions to fund continued losses, but even with our recent crowdfunding, 8tracks has raised only $5m over the last decade. We want to build a sustainable business that doesnt require ongoing VC funding. Weve historically relied primarily on the sale of advertising to generate revenue for 8tracks. The ad model works best for a service with a large audience, as brands and agencies would prefer to work with relatively few apps or websites in a particular category so their efforts arent spread thin. Weve found that when we lose ad deals, its typically because of our audience size. As a result, its been difficult to generate a consistent level of revenues from one month to the next. On the other hand, in the US, we pay a high fixed royalty rate on a per track, per listener basis. (In Canada, this rate is one-tenth that in the US.) Our US royalty is the same rate paid by Pandora, which thanks to its larger audience and sales team brings in four times the ad revenue per hour that 8tracks is able to generate. Over the past four months, our community has rallied behind us, raising $2.5m to help power our future. However, the round is half of our $5m target for crowdfunding, likely not enough to fund the growth necessary to make the economics of a primarily ad-based internet radio model work in the US, given the prevailing royalty rates. Our solution: diversify our revenue base Historically, we havent placed much emphasis on promoting our 8tracks+ subscription, but we believe it represents a big opportunity for revenue growth. Our average revenue per user (ARPU), on a monthly basis in the US, has trended at $0.12; our current 8tracks+ price point is $2.99, a 25X difference. If a meaningful proportion of our listeners subscribe, and we limit the amount of streaming (and thus royalty expense) for ad-based listeners, we can return 8tracks to profitability over the course of the next year. To ensure 8tracks can sustain itself with its current level of funding, well introduce both limits on free listening and benefits for paid listening over the coming year. The cool things in the latter bucket more skips, offline listening, full DJ library access are dependent on our direct deals with labels, and were not yet in a position to offer these as part of 8tracks+. The less cool things in the former bucket more ads, interstitials that stop playback between mixes, weekly limits on the number of hours a free listener can stream will be introduced in early November to encourage listeners who tune in a lot to pay their way directly and to cap our royalty costs for those who do not. How will this affect investors in our crowdfunding round? If youve already contributed cash to 8tracks by investing in our crowdfunding round, you will automatically receive 8tracks+ in perpetuity for life! which well apply to your account within 30 days. How will this affect our DJs? Similarly, if youve contributed your time and passion to 8tracks by creating awesome playlists, we want to ensure your contribution is properly recognized: Any DJ whos earned the equivalent of a Gold certification ( 100 likes ) on a single mix or across multiple mixes, on a cumulative basis gets 2X the normal weekly listening limit Any DJ whos earned the equivalent of a Platinum certification ( 1,000 likes ) on a single mix or across multiple mixes, on a cumulative basis gets 3X the normal weekly listening limit Any DJ whos earned the equivalent of a Diamond certification (10,000 likes) on a single mix or across multiple mixes, on a cumulative basis gets free 8tracks+ in perpetuity (just like an investor) To check in on progress toward these milestones, DJs will be able to view their cumulative like count across all mixes published. Also, DJs will continue to have unlimited, on-demand access to any mixes theyve created solely through personal uploads. How will this affect our listeners? US listeners who do not subscribe to 8tracks+ and who havent invested in our crowdfunding round will be limited to a prescribed number of hours per week. We havent yet finalized the threshold for this listening cap, and well be testing the impact of several different caps for the first few weeks after launch. Of course, a listener can remove the weekly listening cap as well as interstitials that stop playback between mixes and all ads by subscribing to 8tracks+.As a result of substantially lower local royalty rates, listeners in Canada will not be impacted by the listening cap or interstitials but, as before, can subscribe to remove advertising. While we wish we didnt have to introduce limits on ad-based listening, were pleased to be able to offer a better user experience for all investors, many of our DJs, and a growing number of our devoted listeners, all while ensuring a healthy future for the service and community. Thank you for continuing to support 8tracks! Share on: Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has authorized Ukrainian Finance Minister Oleksandr Danyliuk to sign an agreement guaranteeing the repayment of a loan to buy gas between Ukraine and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD, part of the World Bank). The press service of the Finance Ministry reported that the government at a meeting on Wednesday approved a delegation to participate in the negotiations with the IBRD chaired by Deputy Finance Minister Yuriy Butsa. "The decision to provide guarantees for $500 million to support purchase of natural gas by national joint-stock company Naftogaz Ukrainy was approved by the IBRD Board of Directors on October 18, 2016. The funds will be raised under a loan agreement to be signed by Naftogaz Ukrainy and Citibank and Deutsche Bank," the ministry said. The attraction of the IBRD secured loan would help Ukraine to buy enough gas for passing the 2016/17 heating season. The IBRD guarantee is provided on the following conditions: the guaranteed sum is up to $500 million, the guarantee fee is 0.5% per annum (paid each six months as advance payment)l; the reservation fee is 0.25% per annum; single fee 0.25%; the entrance fee 0.15%, and the execution fee 0.10%. All fees are paid by Naftogaz Ukrainy. Facebook has blocked plans by Admiral Insurance to analyse users social media profiles in order to affect their insurance premiums, with the move coming as the app was due to launch this week.Admiral said its firstcarquote app would look at the data from first-time car owners Facebook accounts, such as the language used in posts and pages they had liked, in order to determine whether they would be a safer driver and to potentially reduce premiums.However, amid criticism from privacy campaigners, the launch of the app has now been postponed by Facebook's approval mechanism, the Telegraph reports.Privacy advocates, including the Open Rights Group, have questioned the notion of financial decisions being made based on information from social media accounts.In a statement on the Groups website, it said Admirals app has been found to be in breach of Facebook's Platform Policy section 3.15, adding that it has since disabled the app.Jim Killock, of the Group, said: Such intrusive practices could see decisions being made against certain groups based on biases about race, gender, religion or sexuality or because their posts in some way mark them as unconventional. Ultimately, this could change how people use social media, encouraging self-censorship in anticipation of future decisions.Facebooks Platform Policy, has strict limits on how developers can use information that people share with them, prevents companies making decisions about eligibility, including whether to approve or reject an application or how much interest to charge on a loan.A Facebook spokesman said today that protecting the privacy of the people on Facebook is of the utmost importance to the social media giant.We have clear guidelines that prevent information being obtained from Facebook from being used to make decisions about eligibility, he went on to say.We have made sure anyone using this app is protected by our guidelines and that no Facebook user data is used to assess their eligibility. Facebook accounts will only be used for login and verification purposes.Our understanding is that Admiral will then ask users who sign up to answer questions which will be used to assess their eligibility.Admiral describe the app as a voluntary service which will not increase premiums, but will instead give between 5% and 15% discount to car owners if their Facebook data indicates that they are careful drivers.We want to help make sure safe drivers aren't penalised and get the best price possible. To do this, we'll look at your Facebook profile to help us get a better understanding of the type of driver you are, Admiral said on its website.The insurer has admitted that the apps launch has been delayed and that the company was in discussions with Facebook Europe, but did not say on what grounds, the Telegraph reports.A notice on the company's website says it still has to sort a few final details.Related Stories: Insurance firm Lockton yesterday named three new executives to leadership roles as it moves to boost its position in the market.Rene Van Winden will oversee the firms operations from Houston as senior vice president and national energy property leader. Van Winden previously worked with broker Aon for more than a decade, most recently as a senior vice president for its energy concerns.He has also worked for various other firms in other European locales. He holds a masters degree from Rotterdams Erasmus University and a degree from Ecole De Management in France.(His) commitment, professionalism, and technical acumen make him an ideal leader to serve our energy property clients. He will be in good company, joining an accomplished and highly experienced group of specialists, said Brad Villers, executive vice president and specialty group practice leader for Lockton in Houston.Meanwhile, the company has bumped up two Lockton veterans to strategic broker leader roles, also in Houston.Mike Sorge was named to the position, specifically for the companys risk management practice after 14 years serving in various positions in Lockton. He also worked with CNA Risk Management as regional underwriting manager and pursued undergraduate studies and MBA at the Appalachian State University.His range of expertise covers complex casualty placements for both energy and non-energy accounts, and both complex collateral strategies and complicated umbrella and excess liability insurance programs. In his capacity as leader, he will continue to serve clients to structure and manage these highly specialized placements.Bobby Bierley will occupy the same role, but specific to Locktons Energy and Marine Practice. He spent more than half of his 16 year career at Lockton. He earned his bachelors degree from Samford University, and an MBA in risk management and finance from the University of Georgia.His most recent posting was as team leader of Locktons Multinational Energy and Marine Practice. In addition, he worked as an account executive for the companys major energy and marine clients. Bierley will continue in these lines by providing ongoing support for complex insurance programs.We are pleased to have Mike and Bobby take on these new roles where they can have an even greater influence on technical risk management solutions for our most complex clients, stated Tim Kelly, leader of Locktons property-casualty operations in Texas. Related Stories: Lockton VP and account executive is networked in U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks to design methods for monitoring results of the implementation of the public program to partially compensate the cost of loans for modernization of heating efficiency and increase of energy efficiency in the Ukrainian housing sector (the 'warm loans' program) by the end of 2016. Manager of the USAID Municipal Energy Reform Project in Ukraine Diana Korsakaite said at the eighth Renewable Energy Forum in Kyiv on November 2 said that these methods would be a basis for assessing any energy efficiency crediting program in the housing area and other areas. They would help to calculate not only expenses, but how much money is returned to the country's economy for its restoration, she said. She said that according to a poll of representatives of homeowner associations used the 'warm loans' program it was established that energy consumption by them reduced by 38-46% after introduction of energy efficient measures. The expert said that with comprehensive modernization of heating efficiency in multi-apartment buildings in Ukraine saving of energy could reach 60-77%. Coordinator of housing and utilities programs of NGO Opora Tetiana Boiko said that as of early November 2016 the Ukrainian government has not extended the 'warm loans' program for 2017. The draft 2017 budget did not foresee financing of the program. Head of the council of chairmen of homeowner associations in Lutsk Roman Bondaruk said that the program should be expanded with the help of joining commercial banks. He said that this could have cut credit rates, making the program more affordable for homeowner associations. He said that companies that manage multi-apartment buildings and energy servicing companies should have a chance to use this program. According to Ukraine's State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving, since the start of the program in 2014 as of late October 2016, over 180,000 families became program participants. The total sum of loans raised was over UAH 2.5 billion. Some 452 homeowner associations used the program and took credits worth UAH 57 million. Ukrainian has enough energy at the beginning of winter, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said. "One of the achievements we showed in the past two years is that today the share of gas-consuming energy in the balance of energy consumption is around 60%. At present we have enough coal stocks and enough gas in storage facilities. We do not buy Russian gas," he said at the International Economic Forum in Lviv on Thursday. The head of state informed about plans to participate in a gas well opening ceremony, and it would be one more proof of Ukraine's energy provision. OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic has called on OSCE participating states on International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists to step up their investigations, identify and prosecute those who commit crimes against journalists. "Authorities throughout the OSCE region are failing to take action to reduce the high number of attacks against journalists, and they are failing to confront the issue of impunity. ()"The grim facts are that nine out of every ten murders of journalists are never solved and that the vast majority of physical attacks against journalist are not investigated. These statistics alone show that we can never give up and never give in to the fight for journalists' safety and media freedom," Mijatovic said on the OSCE site on Wednesday. The long list of murdered journalists in the OSCE region in whose cases the perpetrators still remain at large includes, among many others, Slavko Curuvija (1999), Georgy Gongadze (2000), Martin O'Hagan (2001), Milan Pantic (2001), Veronika Cherkasova (2004), Dusko Jovanovic (2004), Paul Klebnikov (2004), Elmar Huseynov (2005), Anna Politkovskaya (2006), Alisher Saipov (2007), Hrant Dink (2007), Natalya Estemirova (2009), Khadzhimurad Kamalov (2011), Akhmednabi Akhmednabiyev (2013), and Pavel Sheremet (2016). "The names of these brave journalists are not only proof of the failure in safeguarding members of the media, they are also evidence of the low or even non-existent political will to tackle the issue of impunity," Mijatovic said. As reported, well-known journalist Sheremet was killed in an explosion of a car downtown Kyiv on July 20. The explosion occurred when Sheremet was driving the car. 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! The issue of granting visa-free regime to Ukraine by the European Union is getting through the last bureaucratic procedures, head of the permanent delegation of the Verkhovna Rada to PACE Volodymyr Ariev has said. "I wouldnt make a big deal due to the absence of the issue on the introduction of visa-free regime with Ukraine in the draft agenda of the European Parliament, because this is not the agenda, but only the project," the press service of Petro Poroshenko Bloc parliamentary faction quoted Ariev on Wednesday. The MP said that Ukraine has fulfilled all obligations for obtaining visa-free regime with the EU and the European MPs confirm this. "Ukraine has done everything and the initiative is on the side of the European Union now. The problem lies in the fact that Europe is experiencing emigration crisis today and suffering because of the invasion of immigrants from Syria and Iraq. Representatives of the European parliament want to calm down their citizens before the introduction of such a system as the suspension of the visa-free regime," Ariev said. According to him, the delay lies in the fact that the European officials can not decide who will be responsible for the action of quitting visa-free regime if the country with which the contract is concluded will not fulfill its obligations. "So, when the European Commission renders the decision on the organization which will be engaged in this process, the Ukrainian issue will be solved very quickly, as Ukraine has no remarks," the politician said. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyArts email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Though the announcement political terms 'Brexit' and 'Trumpism' had been named by Collins English Dictionary as the words of the year may have been entirely expected, it was more surprising to see the term 'hygge' crop up on the list. For those not familiar, 'hygge' refers to the Danish lifestyle craze that's seen something of an international hysteria of late; a concept roughly described as a feeling of comfort and contentment, as well as indulging in all the good things and people in your life. It's one often connected to the idea that the Danes are the happiest people in the world, and that it's 'hygge' that provides the secret to their success. The craze has focused largely on the idea of making the ordinary special, or meaningful, through ritualising everyday activities such as making a cup of coffee or having dinner; that means putting technology to one side, and embracing simple practices such as lighting candles, purchasing flowers, or brewing real tea in china cups. Recommended Collins Dictionary names its 10 words of the year Of course, Denmark's use of 'hygge' is particularly useful in combating the country's harsh winters; with up to 17 hours of darkness a day potentially having deeply adverse effects on the mental health of its citizens. Susanne Nilsson, a Danish lecturer at London's Morley College, expained to the BBC; "We have long, cold winters in Denmark. That influences things. Hygge doesn't have to be a winter-only thing, but the weather isn't that good for much of the year." "Hygge could be families and friends getting together for a meal, with the lighting dimmed, or it could be time spent on your own reading a good book," she adds. "It works best when there's not too large an empty space around the person or people." The word hygge didn't actually originate from the Danish language, but from Norwegian; where the word originally meant something similar to, "well-being". However, it spread to Denmark in the 18th century and has since become an integral part of the country's culture and self-identity. And, if you're wondering, the word is pronounced 'hoo-guh"; you can hear it out loud in the video below. Hygge's international export has seen an explosion of themed cookbooks and lifestyle guides, alongside Scandinavian-themed restaurants, cafes and bars in the UK which boast intimate settings, simple decor, and plenty of comfort food. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The chief executive of Aston Martin has called for the Government to extend assurances provided to Nissan to other carmakers. Andy Palmers comments come after Nissans announcement last week that it would build two new models at its Sunderland plant following government support and assurances. Speaking to Bloomberg, Palmer said carmakers that have factories in the UK, including Honda Ford and Toyota, should benefit from the same deal as Nissan after the UK leaves the EU. Recommended What the High Court Brexit decision did to the pound He said: Any deal thats been done normally that should levelise and everybody should enjoy it. It also follows alarm from Haruki Hayashi, the president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in the UK and chief executive of Mitsubishi in the EU, who urged Britain to give more than general reassurances to Japanese firms or risk putting investment decisions at risk. If Britain failed to conclude a free trade deal with the rest of the EU and was forced to fall back on basic World Trade Organisation rules, British car exporters could face tariffs of up to 10 per cent. Greg Clark, the Business Secretary, last week revealed in a TV interview that the Government told Nissan it would seek a tariff-free deal with the European Union for the car sector in Britain. Production of Nissans next Qashqai model is expected to begin in 2018 or 2019. Theresa May hailed the decision as a vote of confidence in the UK. However, whether the Government will be able to follow through on promises to the likes of Nissan is unclear. Shadow Chancellor John MacDonnell told The Independent that the worrying aspect of the Governments approach is that we are seeing a make it up as they go along strategy delivered in the TV studios and not debated in Parliament. This means that it leaves more questions than answers and puts the UK economy in a position of being hostage to fortune rather than deciding its own destiny, he added. Swati Dhingra, a lecturer at the London School of Economics who specialises in trade, said: The government really cant give them these assurances. 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 Its really a case of the EU having to give this to the UK. Kenichi Ohmae, one of Japans top business strategists, said Nissans decision to build new cars in Britain will not be enough to persuade other businesses to remain in the country following the Brexit vote. He predicted investment in Britain will decline in the wake of the referendum result and said he is advising companies to hold fire on similar decisions. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} City economists predict more with more uncertainy and volatility in currency and stock markets but are struggling to judge what the Article 50 ruling will mean for the economy. After the news that Parliament will get to vote on Brexit, the UK-focused FTSE 250 rose 1.6 per cent, the blue-chip FTSE 100 index of multinationals slid to 6,808 before regaining the days losses, while the pound jumped to a three-week high of $1.24. Number 10 has said the decision will not change the Article 50 timetable but the markets now see a hard Brexit as less likely, giving a short-term boost to the country's economic prospects. Recommended Read more What the High Court Brexit decision did to the pound Most economists agree that uncertainty looks set to looks set to reign as the Government mounts an appeal against the decision. Howard Archer of IHS Markit Insight said: obviously, Brexit is still highly likely to happen. But there is now a lot more uncertainty about what will happen in the near term given that the government is appealing the ruling. A general election in 2017 may now also be more likely, fuelling further uncertainty, he said. However, he added that the decision would be positive for markets. There will be the perception that a parliamentary vote on triggering Article 50 will increase the chances of a less hard Brexit than we had seemingly been increasingly headed for in recent weeks. This may give a lift to business confidence. A lift in business confidence would give a much-needed boost to the pound, he added. Martin Arnold, of ETF Securities agreed that today's ruling would give fresh impetus to the pound. The lessened likelihood of a hard Brexit will be less damaging for the UK economy, leading to more optimistic investors, he said. However, he cautioned that volatility is likely to remain a feature for currency markets, with an appeal by the government likely. Neil Wilson of ETX Capital said the decision would underpin sterling for some time, adding, we could see this create a floor under the pound around $1.25. Politics and uncertainty continue to drive the currency markets, he said. Others saw the boost to the pound as a temporary one. saw, the pound was due some good news, and it has certainly taken advantage of this brief glimmer of hope, Connor Campbell of SpreadEx said. Citigroup agreed that backing out of Brexit still remains unlikely, but markets are pricing in a remote chance of that eventuality: MPs room for manoeuvre at that stage would be constrained by the alternative available, ie. whether rejection means continued EU membership or hard Brexit without any deal at all. The bank welcomed the fact that Brexit could now be less damaging: A final ruling by the Supreme Court that parliament gets to vote on Article 50 would set a precedent and perhaps also lead to more parliamentary involvement and even votes during the negotiation process. For the FTSE 100, which has rallied since the Brexit vote, most see the outlook bleaker as the pound rallies. Zeg Choudhry, managing director at LONTRAD, told Reuters: The potential for the market to fall reasonably sharply has increased. The decision has given another down draft, to the index. Financial Times correspondent Jim Pickard summed up the mood: Judgment: R (Miller) -V- Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union Ambassadors of G7 countries have noted the high compliance rate among Ukrainian high-level officials with the electronic declaration procedure and expressed the hope that e-declarations will become a reliable source of data for law enforcement agencies. "We commend the Government of Ukraine on completing the first phase of submissions to the e-Asset Declaration system. This is a milestone toward increasing transparency and accountability among public officials. We recognize and appreciate broad compliance throughout the government despite technical glitches that initially complicated the process. The high compliance rate among high-level officials demonstrates that the system is functioning as intended and will serve as a reliable source of data for law enforcement authorities," reads a statement by the G7 ambassadors posted on the website of the Japanese Embassy in Ukraine on Thursday. Now, it is crucial Ukrainian authorities continue to ensure the sustainability and independence of the system through external validation and by supporting anti-corruption legislation and bodies, the G7 ambassadors said. "This includes the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (NAPC) having the capacity, resources, and independence to review the declaration data appropriately and administer the e-Asset declaration system. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor (SAPO) should similarly be fully empowered, staffed, and funded to fully investigate and prosecute corruption cases. NAPC, NABU, and SAPO should function as envisioned in Ukrainian law and to meet the expectations of the Ukrainian people," the statement reads. Finally, the G7 ambassador said the establishment of the National Agency for Tracing, Recoving and Management of Crime Assets should be completed as soon as possible. "We will continue to support efforts, by President, Prime Minister, all Ukrainian state bodies and civil society, in the fight against corruption," the ambassadors said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The son of Alton Sterling, a black man fatally shot by a police officer, has spent his birthday with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West. Sterling, who was fatally shot by a police officer while selling CDs in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in July. His death was caught on camera and this, along with the fatal shooting of Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minnesota that same week, sparked a public outcry against the disproportionate levels of police killings against black men and protests across the country. On Tuesday night, Sterling's eldest son Cameron attended West's Saint Pablo tour and was pictured in between the rapper and Kardashian West backstage. Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Show all 10 1 /10 Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Gerald Herbert/AP Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Bryn Stole/Twitter Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Bryn Stole/Twitter Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Bryn Stole/Twitter Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Brittany Weiss/Twitter Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Brittany Weiss/Twitter Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Bryn Stole/Twitter Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Alton Sterling/Facebook Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Google Maps Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Family Handout Camerons lawyer Justin Bamberg shared a picture of the trio on his Twitter page, praising the married couple of two years for showing the young fan birthday love. In the aftermath of Mr Sterlings death, Cameron appeared alongside his mother at a press conference, visibly distressed and sobbing with grief. A week later he later displayed courage and maturity far beyond his 15 years when he addressed a crowd and pleaded for peace following a protest in Dallas which took a violent turn when five police officers were killed. Protest with peace, not guns, alcohol and violence. Everyone needs to protest the right way. Not with violence, he said. I feel that people in general, no matter what their race is, should come together as one family. The photograph of Cameron and the Wests is one of the few instances Kardashian West has been spotted in public since she was the victim of an armed robbery in Paris on October 3. In the wake of the deaths of Sterling and Castile, the 36-year-old pledged allegiance to the Black Lives Matter movement expressing fear that her mixed race children could be victims of police brutality due to the colour of their skin. I want my children to grow up knowing that their lives matter, she wrote in a blog post. I do not ever want to have to teach my son to be scared of the police or tell him that he has to watch his back because the people we are told to trust the people who protect and serve may not be protecting and serving him because of the colour of his skin. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Susan Sarandon has said she will not be voting for Hillary Clinton in the forthcoming presidential elections because she does not vote with her vagina. The 70-year-old oscar-award-winning actor, who is known for her roles in Thelma & Louise and Dead Man Walking, said she wanted the right woman to become President. Sarandon, who has formally endorsed Green Party candidate Jill Stein, explained she would not be voting for either Ms Clinton or Donald Trump. She argued it is imperative to get independent candidates up to the five per cent mark in order to start a new party. I want the right woman. There are great women that I admire that have headed nations, the actor and activist, who was an outspoken Bernie Sanders supporter, told BBC Newsnight on Wednesday. Who are famous people voting for in the US election? Show all 15 1 /15 Who are famous people voting for in the US election? Who are famous people voting for in the US election? George Clooney HILLARY CLINTON Getty Who are famous people voting for in the US election? Leonardo DiCaprio HILLARY CLINTON Getty Who are famous people voting for in the US election? Mike Tyson DONALD TRUMP Getty Who are famous people voting for in the US election? Beyonce HILLARY CLINTON Rex Who are famous people voting for in the US election? Chloe Grace Moretz HILLARY CLINTON Vivien Killilea/Getty Images Who are famous people voting for in the US election? Sarah Jessica Parker HILLARY CLINTON Getty Who are famous people voting for in the US election? Jon Voight DONALD TRUMP Getty Images Who are famous people voting for in the US election? Katy Perry HILLARY CLINTON Getty Images Who are famous people voting for in the US election? Jennifer Lopez HILLARY CLINTON Angela Weiss/Getty Images Who are famous people voting for in the US election? Denis Rodman DONALD TRUMP TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP/Getty Images Who are famous people voting for in the US election? Salma Hayek HILLARY CLINTON Getty Who are famous people voting for in the US election? Le Bron James HILLARY CLINTON Justin Carissimo Who are famous people voting for in the US election? Hulk Hogan DONALD TRUMP Reuters Who are famous people voting for in the US election? Kid Rock DONALD TRUMP Theo Wargo/Getty Images Who are famous people voting for in the US election? Stacey Dash DONALD TRUMP Kevin Winter/Getty Images Youve had a woman, I dont know how you felt about that but I dont vote with my vagina you know? This is bigger than that and I dont want to spend a lot of time talking about Trump and Hillary because thats not why Im here. This is bigger than who wins this election. After the interviewer Evan Davis pressed her about whether it was indulgent not to align herself with either of the main candidates, Sarandon argued that we were in this political situation because the public had been voting for the lesser of two evils for a long period of time. Sarandon maintained it was important to have a new party in America to bring an end to the two-party system. Sarandon also argued it was certain Ms Clinton would win because she had the backing of the neoconservatives, the press and the networks. I am worried about the wars, I am worried about Syria, I am worried about all of these things that actually exist. TTP and Im worried about fracking," Sarandon insisted. "Im worrying about the environment. No matter who gets in they dont address these things because money has taken over our system". For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The deputy leader of Britain First has been found guilty of religiously aggravated harassment afer she hurled abuse at a Muslim woman wearing a hijab. Jayda Fransen, 30, was fined nearly 2,000 for wearing a political uniform and shouting at Sumayyah Sharpe during a "Christian patrol" of Bury Park in Luton, on Saturday 23 January. Fransen admitted telling Ms Sharpe that Muslim men force women to cover up to avoid being raped "because they cannot control their sexual urges", adding "that's why they are coming into my country raping women across the continent". Britain First controversies Show all 8 1 /8 Britain First controversies Britain First controversies 20 November 2014: Britain First claims credit for success of Ukip campaign With the Tory defector Mark Reckless forecast to win the hotly-contested by-election in Rochester and Strood, Britain First suggested they only campaigned to bolster the Ukip campaign. Prior to the start of the vote some bookmakers had Nigel Farages party as huge 1/100 favourites to take the seat, which would make Mr Reckless their second MP at the expense of the Conservative Party. And with things going so smoothly for Ukip, the far right-wing group Britain First has tried to claim some of the credit Britain First controversies 5 November 2014: Britain First accused of hijacking the poppy as Remembrance Day approaches to promote its own agenda The far-right group used the symbol, which is a registered trademark of the Royal British Legion, on its website masthead and in Facebook posts driving more people to its page. It is seen alongside Britain Firsts logo telling people to take our country back and crudely superimposed into the centre of the European Union flag with a message about national sovereignty. Members of opposition group Exposing Britain First believe many Facebook users are sharing poppy posts without realising who it comes from or what they stand for Britain First controversies 28 October 2014: Britain First accuses Ukip of 'playing political game' with snub over Rochester photo Britain First accused Ukip of playing the political game after Nigel Farages party reprimanded its campaigners for posing for a picture with members of the far-right group. A spokesperson for Ukip said the picture, taken while both parties were campaigning for the Rochester by-election on Saturday, was a mistake would not happen again Britain First controversies 25 October 2014: Britain First starts 'direct action' on Mail and Sun journalists over Lynda Bellingham post Britain First encouraged its followers to boycott the Daily Mail and The Sun after it was accused of using actress Lynda Bellingham's death to boost support. The party has threatened to launch "direct action" on the journalists after they said that the group used the cancer victim's death as a way to gain more attention on social media. Britain First posted a photograph to their Facebook subscribers of Mrs Bellingham with co-star Christopher Timothy, above the caption: "RIP actress Lynda Bellingham. Britain First", which garnered more than 6,000 'likes' and 500 shares Britain First controversies 28 July 2014: Britain First founder Jim Dowson quits over mosque invasions and 'racists and extremists' The founder of Britain First resigned from the far-right group over its provocative and counterproductive mosque invasions. James Jim Dowson, a former British National Party (BNP) member and anti-abortion campaigner, announced his departure on 27 July 2014. While Britain First blamed media pressure and family issues for the decision and said he would be missed enormously in a saccharine post, Mr Dowson publicly shamed the groups tactics as unacceptable and unchristian Britain First/Facebook Britain First controversies 15 July 2014: Britain First 'battalion' invades mosque demanding removal of 'sexist' entrance signs A self-styled battalion of the far-right group Britain First invaded a mosque in south London. The stated aim of the altercation was to demand the removal of sexist signs outside the Crayford Mosque. The signs designate separate entrances for men and women, so they can enter for segregated worship as is the custom in most mosques. Men and women also sit apart in Orthodox Jewish synagogues and some Sikh gurdwaras. A film of the encounter was posted on Facebook, set to dramatic drumming music and ending with the slogan: "Britain First Defence Force. No fear. No retreat. No surrender." Britain First/Facebook Britain First controversies 27 June 2014: Britain First's Facebook page taken down for 'hate speech' Britain Firsts Facebook page was taken down for hate speech only to be restored again an hour later. Facebook claimed the extremist groups page was taken down by mistake but a screenshot posted by anti-fascist campaigners Hope Not Hate seemed to show the social media site had removed Britain First in response to a complaint. With almost 500,000 likes Britain Firsts page has a following that far outstrips the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats, arguably making it the UK's biggest political site Britain First controversies 27 April 2014: Inquiry over far-right Britain First party's use of Lee Rigby slogan on voting slip The election watchdog faced an inquiry over its decision to allow a far-right party to use a slogan referencing the murdered soldier Lee Rigby. The Electoral Commission apologised for allowing Britain First to use the description Remember Lee Rigby on voting slips for next months European elections but Jenny Watson, the chair of the commission, said on Sunday that an immediate and full independent investigation would follow to prevent this from ever happening again PA Ms Sharpe was with her four young children at the time. Fransen denied the words were intended to be offensive at a trial in Luton and South bedfordshire Magistrates' Court. "The reason I said them was because from everything I have studied, I understand them to be true," Fransen said in her defence. District Judge Carolyn Mellanby said she believed the group had gone to the area "looking for trouble" - but said Ms Sharpe had been mistaken as an "easy target". "I have no doubt the words used towards her [Ms Sharpe], in her expression, represented everything against her and what she believes in," she said. Donald Trump criticised for Britain First retweets "In other words, offensive, insulting, abusive and, in my judgment, intended to cause offence and alarm and distress to her religion." In a video posted to Facebook after the verdict, Fransen said: "It was just absolutely absurd in the court. It was just a really clear display of Islamic appeasement." She said "we have an establishment that is against anything patriotic in this country and is only concerned with appeasing the Muslim community". Paul Golding, the leader of Britain first, said: "The fact of the matter is, it's one rule of law for Muslims, the protected species in this country, and another for British people." Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} "I will challenge the result of the referendum. In fact I voted for Brexit in the referendum for the sole reason that I wanted power to be returned from Europe to the British parliament. "But I did not think it was right for the government to then just to bypass parliament and try to take away my legal rights without consulting parliament first. "So just four days after the referendum, I started these proceedings. And I am grateful to the court for the result we have had today. This is a victory for parliamentary democracy. High court rules Brexit needs Parliamentary approval "In her speech at the conservative party conference, the prime minister attacked me for bringing these proceedings as a claimant. "She said I was trying just to advert democracy. That was an unwarranted and irresponsible attack. "As is my constitutional right, I sought the protection of the court to stop unlawful government action. "The court has now given me that protection. "I now hope that everyone will respect the courts decision, so that parliament will now make a decision in relation to the service of the article 50 notice. "The government has indicated that they wish to appeal to the supreme court. We would ask them not to do that, but if they do then we will take it there and fight them for this decision to be upheld." Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Businesswoman Gina Miller has been subjected to racist online abuse after her lawsuit forced the Government to put its plans to leave the European Union to a Parliamentary vote. Ms Miller, a philanthropist and investment banker, was targeted by Brexit supporters on social media after the High Court verdict was announced. Many of her detractors made overt reference to her Guyanese heritage, and several said she should leave the UK. One Twitter user addressed the referendum result: "If Gina Miller really doesn't like what the majority voted for on 23rd June then why doesn't she f*** off back where she came from." Ms Miller also received a lot of support from Remain supporters. Ms Miller's lawsuit challenged Theresa May's plan to trigger Article 50 using Royal Prerogative which would have meant it would not require a Parliamentary vote. Lord Chief Justice Thomas and two other senior judges agreed with Ms Miller and said in a statement: "The court is not concerned with, and does not express any view about the merits of leaving the European Union: that is a political issue." Following the High Court ruling, the businesswoman said: "It's about our United Kingdom and all our futures. It's not about how anyone voted. Brexit racism and the fightback Show all 9 1 /9 Brexit racism and the fightback Brexit racism and the fightback Demonstrators protest against an increase in post-ref racism at London's March for Europe in July 2016 PA Brexit racism and the fightback These cards were found near a school in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, the day after the EU referendum Twitter/@howgilb Brexit racism and the fightback Getty Brexit racism and the fightback Romford, Essex, June 25 @diamondgeezer Brexit racism and the fightback A worker at this Romanian food shop was asleep upstairs at the time of this arson attack in Norwich on July 8, but escaped unharmed. Hundreds later participated in a love bombing rally outside the shop to express their opposition to racism and their support of the shop owners. JustGiving/Helen Linehan Brexit racism and the fightback This neo-Nazi sticker was spotted in Glasgow on June 26 Courtesy of Eoin Palmer Brexit racism and the fightback But after news emerged of neo-Nazi stickers appearing in Glasgow, some in the city struck back with slogans of their own. Courtesy of Eoin Palmer Brexit racism and the fightback Getty Brexit racism and the fightback More signs began to appear in some parts of the UK, created by people who wanted to show their opposition to post-referendum racism Courtesy of Bernadette Russell "Every one of us voted for the best country and the best future. "The judgment, I hope when it's read by the Government and they contemplate the full judgment that they will make the wise decision of not appealing but pressing forward and having a proper debate in our sovereign parliament, our mother of parliaments that we are so admired for all over the world." Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Brexit heartlands of Britain have reacted with fury to the High Court ruling that Article 50 could not be triggered without Parliamentary approval, with one senior Ukip councillor warning of riot and revolution if the UK is stopped from leaving the EU. Other grassroots Brexiteers warned of hell on Earth and Ukip on steroids if the elite stopped Brexit from happening. Stephen Raven, a borough councillor in Boston, the town which recorded the UKs biggest Brexit vote, went as far as warning that if Brexit were blocked: Eventually we are going to have a civil riot. Thats my honest opinion. You have got 17 million people [who voted Brexit] who are not going to be very happy at all if the decision gets overturned. If Brexit doesnt go ahead, you are going to get civil uproar. Its not a word I use lightly, but there is going to be a revolution. There will be a revolution. His comments came as Nigel Farage, who led Ukip through the EU referendum campaign, reacted to Thursdays High Court ruling by saying that if the political class make every attempt to block or delay Article 50, they have no idea of the level of public anger they will provoke. Mr Raven, joint deputy leader of the Ukip group on Boston Borough Council, said even before the judgement had been given, the court case about Article 50, which would formally start the Brexit process, had caused anger in a town where 75.6 per cent of people voted for Brexit. They have been saying to me It sounds like Brexit is being overturned. They have been asking Is this a stitch-up? Explaining exactly what form the revolution might take, Mr Raven, 47, who works as a web designer said: I am not saying it will [necessarily] be a revolution as in people walking through the streets [although] it might be. It might be people campaigning for the Government of the day to step down. It could be as controversial as that. You cant have something you believe in so strongly and then suddenly have it ripped away from you. In other parts of the country, grassroots Brexiteers predicted fury while stopping short of following Mr Raven in warning about the possibility of revolution. In Sunderland, where the hefty 61 per cent Brexit vote provided the first clear indication of the way the nation was voting on referendum night, Alan Davies, chair of Houghton and Sunderland South UKIP constituency association, reserved particular anger for those who brought the Article 50 court case. He said: They are not doing what is right for democracy, for the country. They just want to have their own way they dont want the majority to have its way. He added: Its big business, the elite, who want to delay and cancel the Brexit decision. The judges are part of that system, so I am not surprised they have taken the view of the elite and big business but I am pretty peeved about it. The judges decision hasnt cancelled anything, said Mr Davies, 62, the managing director of an electrics and communications company, But if Brexit does get reversed, it will be hell on Earth. We will be shouting from the rooftops, fighting legally to make sure the will of the people is done. And I tell you what, he added, If they do try to stop Brexit, Ukip will become a very, very strong force. Our membership will rocket. His views were echoed by Victoria Ayling, a Ukip county councillor in Lincolnshire, who said that if Brexit was blocked: Ukip will be on steroids. There would be huge support for Ukip, because the establishment parties would be so discredited. Mrs Ayling added that she had already seen anger at the High Court judgement in Lincolnshire, the county containing both Boston and South Holland, the areas which recorded the first and second highest Brexit vote on referendum night. I have seen people talking about an establishment stitch-up. There is a feeling that the Prime Minister, who was in the Remain camp knew what was going to happen all along. I believe the Government has lost a lot of credibility and Ukip is needed more than ever to make sure that Brexit happens and were not just talking about Brexit-lite. We need to be out of the single market. If Brexit was blocked, she said, there might be scenes like the [2002] Countryside March, where rural protesters against the Labour government converged on London from all over the country. Only the existence of Ukip, she added, would stop riot or revolution. It is because people have that outlet the chance to vote Ukip and speak through the ballot box that you will prevent riots and civil unrest. In Thurrock, Essex, which recorded a 72.3 per cent Brexit vote on June 23, the fourth largest in the country, Graham Snell, the leader of the Ukip group on the council, said: The word being used a lot is elite: we knew we couldnt trust them, seems to be the gist of it. Brexit racism and the fightback Show all 9 1 /9 Brexit racism and the fightback Brexit racism and the fightback Demonstrators protest against an increase in post-ref racism at London's March for Europe in July 2016 PA Brexit racism and the fightback These cards were found near a school in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, the day after the EU referendum Twitter/@howgilb Brexit racism and the fightback Getty Brexit racism and the fightback Romford, Essex, June 25 @diamondgeezer Brexit racism and the fightback A worker at this Romanian food shop was asleep upstairs at the time of this arson attack in Norwich on July 8, but escaped unharmed. Hundreds later participated in a love bombing rally outside the shop to express their opposition to racism and their support of the shop owners. JustGiving/Helen Linehan Brexit racism and the fightback This neo-Nazi sticker was spotted in Glasgow on June 26 Courtesy of Eoin Palmer Brexit racism and the fightback But after news emerged of neo-Nazi stickers appearing in Glasgow, some in the city struck back with slogans of their own. Courtesy of Eoin Palmer Brexit racism and the fightback Getty Brexit racism and the fightback More signs began to appear in some parts of the UK, created by people who wanted to show their opposition to post-referendum racism Courtesy of Bernadette Russell Mr Snell, 51, remained confident Thursdays judgement would be overturned on appeal. But if Brexit were stopped by a pro-Remain Parliament, he said, voters would defect to Ukip in droves. It would be the ultimate political hand grenade. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Bookmaker Ladbrokes said Brexit betting markets were in chaos in the wake of the Governments stunning defeat in the High Court. The Brexit court challenge, brought by campaigner Gina Miller, means the Government cannot trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, kicking off the EU exit process, without first winning a parliamentary vote. There will be an appeal. The bookie still makes 2017 the odds-on 2-7 favourite for the date of the trigger, but it has drifted out from as low as 1-5. Betfairs exchange where the odds are set by punters betting against each other also showed a significant move. It has matched 5,929 at as low as 1.15 paying just 15p on the pound on Brexit starting before July 2017. There was money available to match at 1.42 at the time of writing. Prime Minister Theresa May had pledged to trigger Article 50 before the end of March next year but the exchanges market on it not being triggered before July 2017 has come in dramatically. Bets had been matched at as high as 10-1, but the best price at the time of writing was just 2.6-1. Ladbrokess odds on Brexit not happening before 2021, or at all, have collapsed into 2-1. The bookmaker had originally offered 5-1 leaving some punters sitting pretty and able to close out their bets at substantial profits. The odds of an early general election in 2017 have also been cut to 2-1, although 2020 remains the odds-on favourite. But the Betfair exchange now has 2017 as favourite. Its available to back at a little better than evens. Brexit reactions in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Brexit reactions in pictures Brexit reactions in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look at their phones after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall AP Brexit reactions in pictures Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Reuters Brexit reactions in pictures Mr Cameron announces his resignation to supporters Getty Brexit reactions in pictures Donald Tusk proposes that the 27 remaining EU member states start a wider reflection on the future of our union Getty Brexit reactions in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage greets his supporters on College Green in Westminster, after Britain voted to leave the European Union PA Brexit reactions in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as referendum results are announced today Getty Brexit reactions in pictures Boris Johnson leaves his home today to discover a crowd of waiting journalists and police officers Getty Brexit reactions in pictures Leave EU supporters celebrate as they watch the British EU Referendum results being televised at Millbank Tower in London Rex Brexit reactions in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as results of the EU referendum are announced at the Royal Festival Hall Reuters Brexit reactions in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall PA For an early poll to happen the Government would have to either find a way around the fixed term parliaments act, or repeal it. But it could be an option if the political crisis triggered by the court decision deepens. Matthew Shaddock, a spokesman for Ladbrokes, said: This might be bad news for the Government, but punters who took our original odds of 5/1 about nothing happening before 2021 are now sitting pretty. U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch has said that Washington will continue to support the reform and raising the professional level of Ukrainian law enforcement system. Speaking at a briefing after the joint exercises of special purpose units of the National Police and the Dozor mobile detachment of the State Border Service at Boryspil International Airport on Thursday, Yovanovitch said the U.S. is committed to supporting the reform of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies and raising their professional skills. For his part, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman thanked the U.S. for its help. "I want to thank our American partners for their support, the experience that we have today, for the training that the U.S. experts are currently conducting," he said. Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said that members of the special purpose units of the National Police and the Dozor mobile detachment underwent training with U.S. instructors, in particular those from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. According to him, the U.S. has been actively helping in training Ukrainian law enforcers for the past two years. Yovanovitch added that law enforcement agencies are often skeptical about holding joint inter-agency training, but they are important for ensuring public safety. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Her jokes may have bombed at Prime Minister's Questions, but Theresa May pulled off that classic political stunt last night mocking the ever popular George Osborne. At the Spectator awards ceremony last night, the PM accepted an award from the former Chancellor dressed in his trademark attire of hard hat and hi-viz jacket. But she didn't stop there. After Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Britain would make a "Titanic success of Brexit" to cries from the audience of it sank!, the Prime Minister told the Foreign Secretary she would not hesitate in putting him down, as Michael Heseltine had done to his mothers dog. The Prime Minister also took aim at David Camerons former communications chief Craig Oliver, telling the audience: "Im particularly pleased to see that Craig Oliver sorry Sir Craig, is here tonight. In his book he said that when he heard the result of the referendum, he walked out of the office and as he walked into Whitehall started wretching violently. Prime Minister Theresa May who appeared to mock George Osborne by accepting an award from the former chancellor wearing a high-visibility jacket and hard hat (Robbie Gibb/BBC/PA Wire) "I have to say that I think we all understand that feeling, most of us experienced it too when we saw his name on the resignations honours list." But perhaps it was Osborne who had the last laugh. Speaking at the London School of Economics also last night, Mr Osborne slammed his boss's suggestion that immigration causes unemployment noting that the claim is contradicted by hard data. "I dont really buy the argument that theres a big pool of British people who dont have jobs and who need jobs. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Downing Street has moved to dismiss talk of an early general election despite a High Court ruling that Parliament must vote on whether to start the Brexit process. With just a narrow majority in the House of Commons and most MPs having backed Remain the ruling by the court presents a new hurdle to the PM who would be far from certain to get Article 50 through. However, asked about the possibility of an early election to shore up the Conservatives majority, the Prime Minister's official spokesperson said: No. Our position has been clear that there shouldnt be an election until 2020 and that remains the Prime Ministers view. Current polls suggest Ms May would be returned to office with a significantly increased majority as Labour flounders on some of its lowest poll ratings in recent history. Whether a parliamentary vote will take place is not yet certain as the Government has said it will appeal the High Court ruling at the Supreme Court, which will hear the case in December. The refusal to countenance an early contest comes despite Brexit Secretary David Davis warning that the Government would need to pass a bill through both the House of Commons and House of Lords both of which are thought to have a Remain majority. The judges have laid out what we can't do and not exactly what we can do, but we are presuming it requires an Act of Parliament, therefore both Commons and Lords, Mr Davis said on Thursday. Though there were few outright calls for an early election from politicians, a number said they believed the ruling brought one a step closer. 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 Labour MP Mike Gapes said a general election before Article 50 is triggered was now very likely, while bookmakers Ladbrokes slashed its odds on an early contest next year to 2/1. I predicted an early election. I think this court judgment makes it now very likely before Article 50 is triggered, Mr Gapes, a persistent critic of the Labour leadership, tweeted. Dominic Raab, a Conservative MP and former Government minister, said following the ruling that he believed an early election was more likely though he was against holding one. Though the Government is partly constrained by the Fixed Term Parliament Act on when it can hold elections, there are understood to be several workaround to the legislation including repealing it, amending it, or the Government voting no confidence in itself To do so would however require a majority in Parliament that would be susceptible to the same rebellions as any Brexit vote, however. Ms May has said she would trigger Article 50 before the end of March next year; Downing Street has said the High Court ruling would not change this timetable. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The senior judge who vetoed Theresa May's attempt to trigger the European Union withdrawal, without a vote in parliament, fired a string of damning verdicts at the government in court. The Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas branded the governments legal arguments as divorced from reality and flawed at this basic level. He also compared their case to the unlawful legal attempt by the then-Home Secretary to introduce tariffs for criminal injury compensation in 1995. Picture: (NIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP/Getty Images) (Getty) The landmark High Court judgement ruled that Theresa May does not have power to trigger Article 50. Here are seven of the most strongly worded and critical quotes from the 32-page judgement. 1) The Secretary of State (for Exiting the European Union's) submission, in our view, glossed over an important aspect of this starting point for the interpretation of the European Communities Act 1972, and proceeded to a contention that the onus was on the claimants to point to express language in the statute. 2) The Secretary of States submission left out part of the relevant constitutional background. It was omitted. 3) In our view, the Secretary of States submission is flawed at this basic level. 4) The powerful constitutional principle that the Crown has no power to alter the law of the land by use of its prerogative powers is the product of an especially strong constitutional tradition in the United Kingdom. It evolved through the long struggle to assert parliamentary sovereignty and constrain the Crowns prerogative powers. It would be surprising indeed if, in the light of that tradition, parliament, as the sovereign body under our constitution, intended to leave [this] continued existence. 5) The Crown cannot simply make and ratify ancillary treaties in the exercise of its prerogative powers and thereby create legal effects in domestic law. 6) [The Secretary of States interpretation of the evolvement of EU law on other member states for the benefit of British citizens] is a submission which is divorced from reality. 7) In our view, the Secretary of States submission is flawed at this basic level High court rules Brexit needs Parliamentary approval The pound has enjoyed a 1 per cent rise on the dollar, the biggest jump since August, in the aftermath of the judgement. Jeremy Corbyn meanwhile says Labour will push on with the UKs bid to leave the EU, while Nigel Farage says Parliament has no idea what anger they will provoke". Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Labour will continue to push for Britiain to leave the European Union following the ruling by the High Court. Jeremy Corbyn has called on the Government to bring its Brexit negotiating terms to Parliament after the High Court ruled Theresa May cannot bypass MPs and peers when she triggers Article 50. He announced Labour will continue to press for a "Brexit that works for Britain" and has called for greater transparency from the Government. "This ruling underlines the need for the Government to bring its negotiating terms to Parliament without delay, a spokesperson for Jeremy Corbyn said. Labour respects the decision of the British people to leave the European Union. But there must be transparency and accountability to parliament on the terms of Brexit. Labour will be pressing the case for a Brexit that works for Britain, putting jobs, living standards and the economy first." Following the ruling, the Government immediately confirmed it would challenge it and there is speculation the case could be taken to the European Court of Justice. Labour MP and constitutional expert Graham Allen said the Supreme Court now faces "its first historic test" in hearing the appeal. Mr Allen said: "It is the beginning of defining more clearly and honestly a separation of powers in the UK, which has hitherto been shrouded in mystery. Parliament can no longer be the poodle of Government of any political complexion. On fundamental matters of our democracy, Parliament must not only be consulted but, as on Article 50, legislate. 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 "This is not to overturn the decision in principle by the British people but to give it full life. "I welcome the decision of the High Court and now hope the Supreme Court upholds the sovereignty of Parliament which was such a core part of the reason to leave the EU." Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The High Courts decision to rule against the Governments Brexit plans and require Parliaments approval before Article 50 is triggered is a resounding defence of parliamentary democracy, a leading lawyer in the case has told The Independent. In a surprise verdict that represents a major blow for the Governments Brexit plans, the Lord Chief Justice backed a legal challenge brought by a coalition of anti-Brexit challengers. Speaking in court to The Independent following the verdict, John Halford from Bindmans LLP, who represents the Peoples Challenge that took the case against the Government, said: This is a resounding defence of our parliamentary democracy from our unanimous court. It certainly means the Government will need to prepare proper proposals, put those to Parliament and have them debated. They wont be able to move as swiftly as they might have liked [in triggering Article 50]. It will have to move in a democratic manner. He added that he expected the Government to appeal the decision by taking the case to the Supreme Court. Sources have indicated the Supreme Court anticipates such an appeal and has set aside 7 and 8 December preliminarily to hear the case. Judgment: R (Miller) -V- Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union Judgment: R (Miller) -V- Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union Mr Halford said: I think its highly likely there will be an appeal to the Supreme Court and we anticipate that being held in early December. Well be back. My clients will want to defend whats been secured today, which is the principle that parliament is sovereign and that something of this importance demands proper parliamentary supervision, control and oversight. A member of the Peoples Challenge group Fergal McFerran, told The Independent: Today seems to have been a victory for accountability because it means there will have to be some due process now and there has to be an inclusion of voices from across the country and a structure to the process of leaving the European Union. Asked whether those behind the legal challenge are optimistic Brexit could still be stopped, he said: I didnt get involved in this because I wanted to overturn the referendum result. What I was interested in was ensuring... there was accountability throughout. There obviously will be an opportunity now for MPs to block it. I would be surprised if they did. I dont expect them to, but what I do expect them to do is hold the government to account. High court rules Brexit needs Parliamentary approval The Peoples Challenge is a crowd-funded coalition of citizens against Brexit, including members who are ex-pats living abroad, as well as citizens in Gibraltar and Northern Ireland. Investment manager Gina Miller and hairdresser Deir Dos Santos were also chief claimants in the case against the Government. The challengers lawyers argued constitutional law requires Parliament to approve all measures which mean British citizens lose rights. They said that as EU withdrawal will inevitably result in loss of rights, such as the right to travel or live abroad, Parliament must approve Brexit plans. They claimed that for Prime Minister Theresa May to proceed with plans to trigger Article 50 would be an abuse of executive power. 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 In the judgment handed down by the court, the Lord Chief Justice said the Governments attempts to trigger Article 50 without consulting MPs were contrary to the fundamental constitutional principles of the sovereignty of Parliament. The judgment concludes: We decide that the Government does not have the power under the Crowns prerogative to give notice pursuant to Article 50 for the UK to withdraw from the European Union. :: If youre viewing this on Facebook you can read the full judgement here Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Theresa Mays plans for triggering Brexit were plunged into chaos today by a sensational High Court judgment that she cannot bypass Parliament. In a decision that forced Ms May to insist she would not call an early election, three judges ruled the Prime Minister does not have the right to use the Royal Prerogative to invoke the Article 50 notice to leave the EU without involving MPs and peers. The extraordinary development throws into confusion whether Ms May can stick to her timetable to trigger Article 50 by the end of March and leave the EU by spring 2019. Recommended Read more Nigel Farage hints at revolution if parliament blocks Brexit On a turbulent day for Theresa May that was branded by many, including leaders in Europe as "humiliating", Downing Street had to dismiss talk of an early general election. In other developments over the course of a remarkable day: Theresa May told European leaders that the setback will not derail her plan to begin Brexit talks by the end of March 2017 If the judgment leads to the Government being forced to push a Bill through Parliament with numerous chances for it to be amended - there is thought to be virtually no chance of that timetable being achieved. The Government immediately confirmed it would challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court probably on December 7 with speculation the case could end up at the European Court of Justice. Later, Downing Street moved to dismiss talk of an early general election. With just a narrow majority in the House of Commons and most MPs having backed Remain the ruling by the court presents a new hurdle to the PM who would be far from certain to get Article 50 through. However, asked about the possibility of an early election to shore up the Conservatives majority, the Prime Minister's official spokesperson said: No. Our position has been clear that there shouldnt be an election until 2020 and that remains the Prime Ministers view. Current polls suggest Ms May would be returned to office with a significantly increased majority as Labour flounders on some of its lowest poll ratings in recent history. On a remarkable morning, the pound immediately surged on the news, as the markets judged it would make it more difficult at the very least for Ms May to pursue a so-called hard Brexit. And Ladbrokes slashed the odds on a snap general election next year to 2-1, amid a belief that the Prime Minister will turn to the voters if she runs into an impasse at Parliament. Given the huge Conservative lead in the polls, that could hand Ms May a much bigger Commons majority than the slender 12 which she inherited from David Cameron - and greater freedom to deliver Brexit. In a devastating judgment for the Government, the Lord Chief Justice said its arguments had been contrary to fundamental constitutional principles of the sovereignty of Parliament. 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 The ruling said: The court does not accept the argument put forward by the government. There is nothing in the text of the 1972 Act [to join the EU] to support it." Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader, hailed the decision as the chance to say no to an irresponsible hard Brexit that risks our economy and our jobs. He said: It is critical that the government now lay out their negotiating to Parliament, before such a vote is held. So far, Mays team have been all over the place. But a furious Nigel Farage said: I worry that a betrayal may be near at hand. Our political class, who were out in force, do not accept the 23rd of June Referendum result. I now fear that every attempt will be made to block or delay the triggering of Article 50. If this is so, they have no idea of the level of public anger they will provoke. And prominent Conservative Leaver Dominic Raab said: This case is a plain attempt to block Brexit by people who are out of touch with the country and refuse to respect the result. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the party respects the decision of the British people to leave the European Union. But he added: This ruling underlines the need for the Government to bring its negotiating terms to parliament without delay. A delighted Nicky Morgan, a Conservative MP who has demanded that MPs vote on Article 50, said: Democracy has been asserted. But she added: We are very well aware of how people voted 17 million to leave the European Union in June and I expect that Parliament will trigger the approval of the Article 50 notice. It is thought unlikely that MPs will seek to block Brexit, because although a majority were pro-Remain most, especially nervous Labour MPs, now accept the verdict of voters in June. However, MPs - and peers in the House of Lords could be handed the opportunity to challenge, or even delay, the process, if they are not satisfied with the Governments strategy. The ruling is a huge blow to Ms May, who tore into MPs wanting to influence Brexit at the Conservative conference, claiming they are not standing up for democracy, theyre trying to subvert it. Gina Miller gives statement after High Court rules triggering article 50 must go through parliament She said: Theyre not trying to get Brexit right, theyre trying to kill it by delaying it. They are insulting the intelligence of the British people. The challenge was brought by Gina Miller, a London businesswoman, arguing the inevitable consequence of invoking Article 50 was the loss of statutory rights enjoyed by UK and EU citizens. They included the right to refer a legal case to the European Court of Justice, of freedom of movement and to sell services rights which should only be taken away by Parliament. The Attorney General argued, unsuccessfully, that the court challenge was an attempt to invalidate the publics decision, in the June referendum, to leave the EU. In a brief statement, a Government spokesman said: The Government is disappointed by the Courts judgment. The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by Act of Parliament. And the Government is determined to respect the result of the referendum. We will appeal this judgment. Ms Miller herself said: This result today is about all of us - our United Kingdom and our futures. It is not about how any of us voted each of us voted to do what we believed was the right thing for our country. This case is about process, not politics. However you voted on June 23, we all owe it to our country to uphold the highest standards of transparency and democratic accountability that we are admired and respected for around the world. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The British Government has suffered a momentous defeat in a High Court ruling over whether Article 50 can be triggered by law without a parliamentary vote. Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas said on Thursday Theresa May must allow Parliament a vote before formal Brexit proceedings can be invoked in a surprise ruling that complicates the Governments Brexit plans. However, the legal challenge could be overturned within a matter of weeks as the Government has been given the right to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, the UKs highest legal authority. The case is expected to be heard on 7 December after it was fast-tracked following the Prime Ministers pledge to start Brexit negotiations next spring. So who will consider the Government's appeal? The case will be scrutinised by Britains 12 Justices of the Supreme Court, who were appointed by the Queen. Lord David Neuberger (Supreme Court) Lord David Neuberger of Abbotsbury The group is headed by Britains most powerful judge, Lord David Neuberger of Abbotsbury, who was appointed President in 2012. Since 1999 Lord Neuberger has been Chairman of the Advisory Committee on the Spoliation of Art (in the Holocaust) and has previously served on the boards of the University of Arts London and the Schizophrenia Trust. Lady Brenda Hale (Supreme Court) Lady Brenda Hale Deputy president of the Supreme Court is Lady Brenda Hale. Baroness Hale of Richmond became Britain's first female Law Lord in 2004 and is recognised as the UK's most powerful female judge. She has long been a strong advocate for diversity and has criticised all-white, all-male court appointments, calling for a selection committee to help find candidates. Lady Hale and Lord Neuberger are joined by 10 other justices who hear appeals on arguable points of law of the greatest public importance. Lord Jonathan Mance (Supreme Court) Lord Jonathan Mance Lord Jonathan Mance became a Supreme Court judge along with nine other Lords of Appeal in 2009. From 2007 to 2009, he served on the House of Lords European Union Select Committee, chairing a sub-committee which scrutinised proposals concerning European law and institutions. He is married to Lord of Appeal Dame Mary Arden and they are the first couple to serve concurrently. Lord Brian Kerr (Supreme Court) Lord Brian Kerr Lord Brian Kerr is Northern Irelands former Lord Chief Justice. He became the last Law Lord to be appointed before the creation of The Supreme Court in 2009. He served as Junior Crown Counsel from 1978 to 1983, at which point he took silk and served as Senior Crown Counsel from 1988 to 1993 when he was appointed a Judge of the High Court and knighted. He became Lord Chief Justice and joined the Privy Council in 2004. Lord Anthony Clarke (Supreme Court) Lord Anthony Clarke Lord Anthony Clarke spent 27 years at the bar, and was one of the first 11 justices to be appointed to the Supreme Court. During his time at the Court of Appeal he conducted the first Thames Safety Inquiry. In 2005 he was appointed Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice. He was made a life peer in 2009 with the title Baron Clarke of Stone-cum-Ebony. Lord Nicholas Wilson (Supreme Court) Lord Nicholas Wilson Lord Nicholas Wilson served on the Court of Appeal from 2005 to 2011 when he was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court, gaining the courtesy style Lord Wilson of Culworth for life. From 1993 until 2005 he was a judge of the Family Division of the High Court and spent much of his career practising almost exclusively in the field of family law. Lord Jonathan Sumption (Supreme Court) Lord Jonathan Sumption Lord Jonathan Sumption was raised to the Supreme Court bench directly from the bar in 2012. He is a former historian and has written extensively on the Hundred Years War. He was appointed as a Deputy High Court Judge in 1992 and served as a Recorder between 1993 and 2001. He was appointed as a Judge of the Courts of Appeal of Jersey and Guernsey in 1995. Lord Robert Reed (Supreme Court) Lord Robert Reed Lord Robert Reed is a leading human rights authority in Scotland, he also serves as one of the UKs ad hoc judges at the European Court of Human Rights. He was sworn in as a Justice of the Supreme Court in 2012. He served as a senior judge in Scotland for 13 years, being appointed to the Outer House of the Court of Session in 1998 and promoted to the Inner House in January 2008. Lord Robert Carnwath (Supreme Court) Lord Robert Carnwath Lord Robert Carnwath served as Attorney General to the Prince of Wales from 1988 to 1994. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2011 and subsequently styled as Lord Carnwath of Notting Hill. Between 2007 and 2012 he was Senior President of Tribunals and led the planning and implementation of the reforms of the tribunal system following the Leggatt report. Lord Anthony Hughes (Supreme Court) Lord Anthony Hughes Lord Anthony Hughes lectured law at both Durham University and Londons Queen Mary College. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2013 and also sits on the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, the court of final appeal for UK overseas territories, Crown dependencies and certain Commonwealth countries. In 2006, he was appointed a judge of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales, serving as the vice president of its Criminal Division from 2009 until his appointment as Justice of the Supreme Court. Lord Patrick Hodge (Supreme Court) Lord Patrick Hodge Lord Patrick Hodge joined the Supreme Court in 2013, one of two Scottish justices appointed. He has spoken out against Lady Hales calls for diversity quotas in the Supreme Court, saying women wanted genuine equality. Gina Miller, one of the claimants who brought the Article 50 case to the High Court, said in a statement outside the Royal Courts of Justice on Thursday that the Government should accept the ruling and give up its right to appeal to the Supreme Court. However, the Government, which said it was disappointed with the ruling, has confirmed it will push ahead with the appeal. A Downing Street spokesperson said: The Government is disappointed by the Courts judgment. The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by Act of Parliament. And the Government is determined to respect the result of the referendum. We will appeal this judgment. Following the Supreme Court ruling, there is a chance the Government could lodge an appeal to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, the EUs highest court. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Brexit will now be delayed until after the next election if parliament has the guts and integrity to insist on a second referendum, according to a leading lawyer who predicted Theresa May would not be legally allowed to trigger Article 50 without allowing MPs and peers to vote. Geoffrey Robertson QC said the High Courts decision that the Prime Minister could not use the Royal Prerogative to begin the process of leaving the European Union was both correct and obvious, adding he expected the Supreme Court would reject the Governments planned appeal. Ironically, Ms May could then take her case to the European Court of Justice. Mr Robertson said the fact there was a dispute over the mechanism by which the UK could make such an important decision showed why it should have a formal, written constitution. Todays judgement emphasises that democracy means representative democracy and it is for MPs, voting according to their consciences and what they think is good for the country, to take us out of a constitutional arrangement that they took us into 40 years ago, he said, quipping "well, I was right" after earlier insisting parliament would have to be consulted. I expect the Supreme Court will uphold todays decision, which in my view is correct and obvious. If MPs have any guts and integrity, they will vote against Brexit until there has been a second referendum. I expect the House of Lords will certainly do this, so that Brexit, if it ever happens, will be delayed probably until after the 2020 election. According to the law which created the EU referendum, the decision was not binding on parliament. The referendum was merely advisory 37 per cent voted to Leave, 35 per cent to remain and 28 per cent didnt think it important enough to vote at all, Mr Robertson said. They may now be having serious second thoughts as Brexit threatens to ruin the economy and the social structure. 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 He pointed out how unusual the UK was in not having a written constitution. Britain is the only country in the world, other than Saudi Arabia, which does not have a written constitution and this [legal dispute] explains exactly why it should, he said. Nicholas Evans, a partner at Bircham Dyson Bell, said the High Courts ruling would not stop the process of leaving the EU, but it makes clear who has the power to start that process and would at least delay Ms Mays plans. The courts have decided that the Government has no power to start the process without an Act of Parliament, holding that it is not plausible to suppose that the Crown could switch off the direct effect of EU law by its own unilateral action, he said. This finding that a Parliamentary Act is needed to trigger article 50, will seriously jeopardise the Prime Ministers plan to start the process next March. 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 Mr Evans also noted the High Court rulings wider implications. This significant decision fills in another part of our unwritten constitution, he said. Clive Thorne, a partner at law firm Wedlake Bell, echoed that point, saying the ruling was of profound political and constitutional consequence. The application against the Government to the effect that it cannot implement article 50 of the treaty by means of the royal prerogative has been accepted on the basis that the European Communities Act 1972 effectively prevents the Government relying on its prerogative powers to effect withdrawal from the EU treaties and that therefore the Government does not have the power to give notice under article 50 without legislation and amending the 1972 act, he said. The Government is now appealing to the Supreme Court to overrule this decision. If this decision is not overruled, then Parliament will have to pass rapid legislation to amend the 1972 Act and permit the Government to proceed with article 50. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} British nations should be further devolved so that they can get their own deals with the EU, Gordon Brown has said after the Brexit legal challenge. The former prime minister has said that the country is "united in name only" and must be re-arranged so that the strains of the referendum vote can be eased. That would include a complete scrapping of the House of Lords and it being replaced with an elected senate, he said. That could then help represent the different parts of the UK, he told the Fabian Society. 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 Mr Brown called for a constitutional convention to be set up that would look at giving Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the English regions control over areas grabbed back from Brussels, such as agriculture and fisheries, when Britain quits the bloc. It should also look at granting the nations and regions power to deal directly with the EU to determine what links they keep with Brussels in areas like research funding for universities and the European Arrest Warrant. Recommended Read more Majority of people in the UK now want to remain in EU The Brexit vote means further devolution to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should be examined as well as a system of "co-decision making" between the UK's four nations, the former premier said. "This would ensure that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland could not be forced out of the European Convention on Human Rights against their will," he added. "We should agree that if England wishes to leave the ECHR, Scotland should have the ability either to veto that decision or to remain part of it. This would involve recognition that some policy areas should be considered neither fully devolved nor fully reserved, but in fact shared between central and devolved government." The nations and regions should be able to sign up to international organisations that tie in with their devolved powers and they also need a new financial settlement to help cover the impact of Brexit, Mr Brown said. High court rules Brexit needs Parliamentary approval "I want to suggest today that there is now an overwhelming case for a UK-wide people's constitutional convention, mandated with setting a roadmap towards a more federal constitution that empowers all of the nations and regions," he added. "The convention would focus on the areas of concern to people right across the country - jobs, the economy and standards of living - and then ask what constitutional settlement can best meet their needs and aspirations. "We need wholesale reform because today the United Kingdom appears united in name only. "Politically, the strains of Brexit are already showing, as different nations, regions, sectors and companies desperately seek their own opt-outs from a hard Brexit and call for their own a la carte version of Brexit." Additional reporting by Press Association Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has said cash assets listed in e-declarations are not "zero declarations." During an international forum on Thursday in Lviv the Ukrainian president said he is counting on the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures, such as the e-declaration system. "People declared cash assets, thinking it would be tantamount to a "zero declaration" in order to avoid checks. But the aim of the e-declaration system is to put an end to what these people have been doing for the past 25 years, so that they could explain where they got their assets. People have a right to know. And it's necessary not to fight against rich people, as some think, but to fight against criminals," the president said. Poroshenko said criminals are the people who are "acquiring apartments, cars, summer houses, villas, planes while working as public servants." "The first step was taken by the president, who was forced to declare everything, from couch pillows to cups in the kitchen. No president has ever done that. However, if I do this then I have the right to force everyone else to do it. I do not understand why military servicemen with weapons in their hands defending our country should be required to submit e-declarations from January 1. They have better things to do," Porsohenko said. He added, "Government workers are required to open and transparent." Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} George Osborne has rejected Theresa Mays suggestion that immigration causes unemployment noting that the claim is contradicted by hard data. The former chancellor said the claim, included in the Prime Ministers Tory conference speech last month, doesnt really stack up because of simultaneous record employment and immigration to the UK. Ms May claimed to Tory delegates at the start of October that people across Britain found themselves out of work or on lower wages because of low-skilled immigration and that this was a reason for restricting immigration. Recommended Read more Six myths about immigration in the era of Brexit debunked Mr Osborne was speaking on Wednesday evening at the London School of Economics, which is launching a commission on how to spur economic growth despite a looming Brexit. He may have used the event to hint at a possible political retirement, quipping that he was MP for Tatton for the moment, while the seat exists. He remains an MP despite his close ally David Camerons resignation and his sacking from the front bench by Ms May. Asked about immigration, Mr Osborne told the audience of academics: Remember, we are close to full employment in this country, so I think the argument that somehow immigrants are taking jobs that are leaving a load of people unemployment in Britain doesnt really stack up because there arent loads of people unemployed in Britain. Im not saying the quality of work is as good as it could be, you could improve the skills, but the hard data is that the employment rate is the highest in the world, the unemployment roll is the lowest since 1971. So I dont really buy he argument that theres a big pool of British people who dont have jobs and who need jobs. The MP for Tatton also warned against complacency on the part of those who favoured free trade following Brexit, arguing that whether Britain embraced or retreated from globalisation was up for grabs. He also issued a coded warning to Government ministers such as David Davis and Liam Fox who claimed they would make Britain a great free trading nation arguing that they would have failed if Britain lost access to the single market. If you think of Brexit as an alliance between people who saw it as an opportunity for more free trade, less regulation, lower taxes, and other people who said they wanted to retreat from those sort of policies, retreat from globalisation Im siding with the former, but Im not expecting that to be uncontested, I think thats going to be a real contest, he said. Theresa May has sought to exploit anti-foreigner sentiment (Getty) The question about trade thats up for grabs. We shouldnt assume that post-Brexit, thats just accepted. First, there is the place where 40 per cent of our exports go and you cant really pretend to be a free trading nation if you erect trade barriers to that market. And Im all for doing trade deals at the rest of the world but again, I dont see at the moment that thats a universally accepted consensus in our country. I think up for grabs is the kind of new relationship we want, not just with Europe but with the world and the kind of economy we want to offer. Britains rising immigrant stars Show all 8 1 /8 Britains rising immigrant stars Britains rising immigrant stars Sportsman Al Bangura is helping Sport for Freedom and the Premier League raise awareness to stop child trafficking Anna Huix Britains rising immigrant stars Novelist and lm-maker Xiaolu Guo came to London on a scholarship to the UKs national film school and has settled in east London with her partner and child Anna Huix Britains rising immigrant stars Comedian Sajeela Kershi tells her own stories about being a Muslim immigrant Anna Huix Britains rising immigrant stars Campaigner Meltem Avcil says: I want Yarls Wood closed. These people are not criminals Anna Huix Britains rising immigrant stars Fashion designer Marta Marques has launched her own womenswear label with her partner Paulo Almeida Anna Huix Britains rising immigrant stars Scientist Aarti Jagannath won a scholarship from the British Council to study in Britain Anna Huix Britains rising immigrant stars Food entrepreneur Edin Basic started Firezza in 2001 with a friend from Mostad Anna Huix Britains rising immigrant stars Actor Noma Dumezweni will play an adult Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child from July Anna Huix I would champion free markets, free trade, open societies, liberal democracies. They need defending, not just in this country, but around the world. Ms May has been notoriously coy on what her plan for Brexit is but has confirmed she would seek to restrict freedom of movement in some way, and try to get the best trade deal possible following that. European Union leaders have been clear that membership of the single market is not compatible with restrictions on freedom of movement. Mr Osbornes scepticism about immigration and unemployment is backed up by most academic research on the subject. A major 2015 study of local areas by the London School of Economics found that immigration to Britain had not increased unemployment or reduced wages. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Theresa May is braced for guerrilla warfare in Parliament in order to drive through Brexit, after the shattering blow of defeat in the High Court. The Prime Minister accepts an Act of Parliament will be necessary to win the right to trigger the Article 50 exit notice - unless yesterdays judgment can be overturned in the Supreme Court. That would open the door for MPs and peers to challenge and amend and even stall - the Governments strategy for withdrawal if they oppose aspects of it, perhaps in lengthy Parliamentary battles. It means Ms May has lost some control over the perilous process throwing into doubt her timetable for invoking Article 50 by the end of March. The High Court defeat increased the odds against a so-called hard Brexit, because there is a majority in Parliament for retaining close access to the single market. And it raised the prospect of a snap general election, to resolve any stalemate although the Prime Minister tried to stamp on such talk yesterday. The body blow of a likely Act and possible delay to Brexit emerged within hours of the sensational judgment that the Government does not have the right to bypass Parliament. Three judges ruled the Prime Minister could not use the feudal Royal Prerogative to invoke Article 50, thereby excluding MPs and peers. David Davis, the Brexit Secretary, said he accepted the judgment would not allow a simple resolution rather than an Act to be passed by Parliament, to start withdrawal. The Prime Ministers spokeswoman agreed, saying: What David Davis was setting out would be a logical conclusion to draw from the judgment today, although I dont think it was explicit on this point. She added: The key point here is that we are appealing. We dont agree with the courts view, we are appealing it and the next step is for the Supreme Court to hear that appeal. However, the ruling was devastating for the Government - concluding its arguments had been contrary to fundamental constitutional principles of the sovereignty of Parliament. Legal commentators suggested it was odds-on the Government will lose again in the Supreme Court a case pencilled in for December 7, with a judgement in January. Theresa Mays spokeswoman declined to say whether different legal arguments would be put forward or whether the under-fire Attorney General would oversee the case. The Scottish Government could yet join the legal challenge, after SNP First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she "actively consider" becoming involved. Pro-EU Tory grandee Ken Clarke was among MPs who welcomed the prospect of crucial decisions no longer being taken in Cabinet committees of "squabbling colleagues". He condemned that stance as a childish attempt to avoid debate, adding: The vote was we leave the EU - but it was silent on the terms. Former chancellor George Osborne signalled he would fight a hard Brexit in the Commons, saying: I would be arguing for the closest possible trading and economic relationship with Europe, outside of the EU. However, few believe a majority of MPs are ready to block Brexit, after many Remain-supporting MPs conceded they must abide by the verdict of their constituents. Asked if he would back Article 50 if there was a vote now, Hilary Benn, the Labour MP who chairs the Commons Brexit Committee, replied: Yes. Mr Benn said the Commons was only seeking the chance to influence the negotiating stance, adding: This was not a judgment on whether we are leaving the European Union because we are. The public made that choice in the referendum and I think Parliament should uphold that. 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 Meanwhile, Ms May will today seek to convince other European leaders that High Court defeat will not derail her plan to trigger Article 50 by the end of March. She will speak by phone with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker as well as, probably, European Council president Donald Tusk and the leaders of some member states. The Prime Ministers spokeswoman said: She will set out what the process is, which is that we are appealing and that we are carrying ahead and sticking to the timetable we have set out. The spokeswoman added: This judgment is not going to derail that. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Police in Nigeria have vowed to investigate reports that refugees from Boko Haram have been raped and sexually exploited by government officials, including policemen. A report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), an international humanitarian monitor, documented over 40 cases of sexual abuse in refugee camps in Maiduguri, Borno state. The northern Nigerian region has seen extensive violence as the Boko Haram extremist group has waged a bloody insurgency, trying to establish an Islamic state. Recommended Scenes of joy as 21 Chibok girls are reunited with families Federal police chief Ibrahim Idris said the report had caused him "deep concern" and directed a special panel to conduct a "discreet and unbiased investigation". Mr Idris said police commanders had been ordered to increase security at the camps to "ensure adequate safety of all IDPs [internally displaced persons] and... that all perpetrators of any criminal act are decisively dealt with in accordance with the law". "Any act that violates the human dignity of the IDPs" will not be condoned anywhere, he added. The governor of Borno state has also called for undercover police to patrol the camps. However, as policemen among the alleged perpetrators, it is unclear how effective this measure will be. The actions follow an expression of outrage from the countrys president, Muhammadu Buhari, who said the allegations were "distressing" and promised to investigate them. Muhammadu Buhari's comments in response to the Human Rights Watch report (Twitter/screengrab) Boko Harams use of rape as a weapon has been well documented, and the group have also taken thousands of women and girls hostage, sometimes forcing them into marriage. Around 2.5 million people have been displaced by the fighting and many reside in refugee camps. Thousands flee Boko Haram to camps in Niger But the safety of these camps was placed in doubt by the allegations in the HRW report, which said 43 women and girls at seven different sites claimed they were raped by camp leaders, government officials, soldiers and vigilantes. Eight of the victims said they had already escaped from the custody of Boko Haram, where they were forced into marriage with fighters. Most of the women interviewed by HRW were widowed or orphaned, and some said they were coerced into having sex by officials, who would withhold food, clothing or medicine in exchange for intercourse. Others said they were drugged and raped or were falsely promised marriage in exchange for sex. 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 A number of the women said as a result they became pregnant and faced a life of alienation in the camps. It is bad enough that these women and girls are not getting much-needed support for the horrific trauma they suffered at the hands of Boko Haram, said Mausi Segun, senior Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch. It is disgraceful and outrageous that people who should protect these women and girls are attacking and abusing them. More than 10,000 people have died in since the conflict with Boko Haram began in 2009. AFP contributed to this report For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Two teenage girls are to go on trial in Morocco on homosexuality charges after they were caught kissing and reported to police. The girls, identified as 16-year-old Sanaa and 17-year-old Hajar, were detained after being "caught kissing and hugging on the roof of a house" in Marrakesh last week, according to the Moroccan Association of Human Rights. A passer-by photographed them and sent pictures to the families of the girls who informed the police and the two girls were arrested on the same day, activist Omar Arbib told AFP. The girls will be defended by a lawyer appointed by the Moroccan Association of Human Rights, and were due to appear in court on Friday. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Morocco, under article 489 of the penal code which forbids licentious or unnatural acts with an individual of the same sex. Homosexuality can be punished with anything from six months to three years imprisonment, alongside a fine of up to 1200 dirhams (260). Human Rights Watch have previously urged the government to consider repealing the Penal Code, arguing: Repealing the ban on same-sex acts among consenting adults would both affirm Moroccans right to privacy and help to protect people from hate crimes. LGBT+ rights around the globe Show all 9 1 /9 LGBT+ rights around the globe LGBT+ rights around the globe Russia Russias antipathy towards homosexuality has been well established following the efforts of human rights campaigners. However, while it is legal to be homosexual, LGBT couples are offered no protections from discrimination. They are also actively discriminated against by a 2013 law criminalising LGBT propaganda allowing the arrest of numerous Russian LGBT activists. AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Brunei Brunei recently introduced a law to make sodomy punishable by stoning to death. It was already illegal and punishable by up to 10 years in prison AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Mauritania Men who are found having sex with other men face stoning, while lesbians can be imprisoned, under Sharia law. However, the state has reportedly not executed anyone for this crime since 1987 Alamy LGBT+ rights around the globe Sudan Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal under Sudanese law. Men can be executed on their third offence, women on their fourth Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Saudi Arabia Homosexuality and gender realignment is illegal and punishable by death, imprisonment, whipping and chemical castration Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Yemen The official position within the country is that there are no gays. LGBT inviduals, if discovered by the government, are likely to face intense pressure. Punishments range from flogging to the death penalty Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Nigeria Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal and in some northern states punishable with death by stoning. This is not a policy enacted across the entire country, although there is a prevalent anti-LGBT agenda pushed by the government. In 2007 a Pew survey established that 97% of the population felt that homosexuality should not be accepted. It is punishable by 14 years in prison Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Somalia Homosexuality was established as a crime in 1888 and under new Somali Penal Code established in 1973 homosexual sex can be punishable by three years in prison. A person can be put to death for being a homosexual Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Iraq Although same-sex relationships have been decriminalised, much of the population still suffer from intense discrimination. Additionally, in some of the country over-run by the extremist organisation Isis, LGBT individuals can face death by stoning Getty In June this year, a gay couple were jailed for six months in Morocco after being found guilty of having sex in their car on the outskirts of Guelmim. In 2014, Ray Cole from Kent was allowed to return home after spending 20 days in a Marrekesh jail for committing "homosexual acts". Upon landing in Gatwick airport, Mr Cole described the prison he was kept in as "a concentration camp, not a jail". Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Anthony Weiner has reportedly checked in to a rehabilitation facility that treats sex addiction days after the FBI found emails relating to Hillary Clintons misuse of her personal email server on his computer. The former member of congress who ran for mayor of New York City checked in to an unnamed rehab facility on Wednesday, as reported by the Daily Mail. The news comes one month after federal investigators said they were looking into whether he sent sexual messages to a 15-year-old girl. That investigation led to finding emails that were "pertinent" to the now closed investigation of Ms Clintons misuse of top secret and classified information when she was secretary of state. Mr Weiner, 52, recently announced his separation from his wife, top Clinton aide Huma Abedin, after the New York Post discovered he had sent more lewd messages to women online, including sending a photo of his underwear to a woman while his three-year-old son was sleeping beside him. He told the Associated Press in September that he had likely been the subject of a hoax. Democrats have mostly stayed silent on the topic. Vice president Joe Biden said in an interview this week that he did not want to comment as he was "not a fan" of Mr Weiner. Mr Weiner, once a popular and outspoken New York politician, resigned in 2011 after he mistakenly uploaded a lewd picture on twitter. In 2013 he repeated the mistake when he sent explicit photos under the pseudonym "Carlos Danger" to a woman in Indiana. His rise and fall in the public spotlight - to within an inch of mayorship of the largest city in the US - was recorded in a new documentary called Weiner this year. The Daily Mail report could not be immediately verified by The Independent. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} President Barack Obama has said army engineers are looking into whether the controversial oil pipeline in North Dakota could be rerouted after months of protests. Mr Obama said in an interview that he would let the conflict to play out for "several more weeks" to see if the issue could be resolved. The Dakota Access pipeline threatens a Native American reservation. Activists clashed with police in riot gear and armed with pepper spray on Wednesday. Recommended Read more Riot police fire rubber bullets at North Dakota pipeline protest My view is that there is a way for us to accommodate sacred lands of native Americans, Mr Obama told NowThisNews, and I think that right now the Army Corps is examining whether there are ways to re-route this pipeline. A federal judge ruled the pipeline work could go forward, but the US Army Corps and two other agencies said work would not be continued in an area that was particularly sensitive to the tribe until after a review was completed. The pipeline has been rerouted 50 feet so far after the development company dug up native artefacts. The company faces heavy fines from regulators as it did not report the findings for 10 days. Mr Obama said the protests presented a challenging situation and compared it to the Black Lives Matter movement. Earlier that day protesters had been treated for hypothermia after trying to wade across the Cannonball river to access land owned by the pipeline developer. Protesters tried to build a wooden bridge across the river, but it was taken down by Morton County officials. There is an obligation for protesters to be peaceful, and there's an obligation for authorities to show restraint, he said. Hollywood Stars Join Standing Rock Sioux Members to Protest North Dakota Pipeline I want to make sure that as everybody is exercising their constitutional rights to be heard, that both sides are refraining from situations that might result in people being hurt. Chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux, Dave Archambault II, said, We believe President Obama and his administration will do the right thing. Police have arrested nearly 150 activists so far. The first protests were led by Native Americans of the Standing Rock Sioux, who fear the $3.7 billion pipeline could pollute their drinking water and damage their reservation. More than 1.4 million people have checked in to the protest location on Facebook in solidarity and to confuse police. Vicki Granado, spokeswoman for the pipeline company, Energy Transfer Partners, said in a statement, We are not aware that any consideration is being given to a reroute, and we remain confident we will receive our easement in a timely fashion. The easement refers to permission from the Corps to begin construction under the Missouri River. Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Former Ku Klux Klan Imperial Wizard David Duke participated in a university debate for the Louisiana senate, during which he ranted against Jews and said he was not a "bad guy". The sponsored debate, which was closed to public access, allowed the white supremacist to take part after he received 5 per cent of the vote in a statewide poll. Although unlikely to be elected, he has revamped his political ambitions after the likes of Donald Trump have encouraged heated rhetoric against Muslims and immigrants. The moderator asked Duke why he had made repeated references to CNN Jews on his website, as reported by the Huffington Post. He responded that here is a problem in America with a very strong, powerful tribal group that dominates our media and dominates our international banking. He added: Im not opposed to all Jews. Republican state treasurer John Kennedy pointed to Dukes felony conviction of tax charge and fraud in 2002, and told him: "It must be terrible to wake up in the morning with that much hate in your heart." Outside the building, the mostly black student body of Dillard University were not allowed to attend, and protesters were doused with pepper spray by police. The Trump campaign was slow to dismiss endorsement from the KKK in February. He has since disavowed the group, and called a recent endorsement by the KKKs newspaper repulsive. Duke has a long history of dabbling with state politics. He served as a state representative in 1989 and came close to winning the seat of governor. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko believes in the success and the irreversibility of the process of reforming the country. "I am pleased that yesterday the EU mission made the statement and confirmed that over the past two years Ukrainian authorities have made more reforms than in the last 23 years. The effectiveness of the reforms has become irreversible. And these reforms are being implemented despite [Russian] aggression, during a war," the president said during the international economic forum in Lviv on Thursday. The president also expressed confidence in the "fantastic prospects of Ukraine." "Analysis of the experience of many countries shows that the first results of the changes usually appear in three, seven years after their start. The first result in Singapore was in 16 years. But we are not going to wait even for 16 months, we need the results now," he said. Poroshenko also said that the reforms are ongoing in different spheres. "We were told that we mustnt start so many reforms, but they need to be conducted one by one. We are simultaneously reforming the security and defense sector, police, economic reform, reform of public procurement, decentralization ... and everything is being done in conjunction with the public and that is the key to our success. I am convinced of this," the president said. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} An elderly couple who met as teenagers and were married for 74 years died within hours of each other. Leonard and Hazel Cherry, aged 95 and 93 respectively, met a high school in Texas and married in January 1942. They had one son, David, and one grandson, Craig. Mr Cherry served in the US airforce during the Second World War before running a car repair shop, and the couple retired to the town of Woodway. While Mr Cherry had been in the care of a hospice for several weeks, Mrs Cherry remained in good health and lived in a nursing home until the day she died. Mr Cherry died first at 1pm on Thursday last week and his wife passed away at 11pm later that day. It was not immediately clear what had caused her death, CNN reported. They had spent time together in the days leading up to their deaths. Their son David said their love had remained strong until the end and said they were "always smiling" about something. "I feel blessed that Daddy's suffering is over, and I feel blessed that Mom is with him and that she didn't have to live alone," he said. "Mother had been driving around town and still going to the grocery store as recently as two weeks ago, but dad's health had been failing for some years. 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 "It's kind of hard you know, you can't pick up the phone and call them anymore, or call mother and can't go by and see dad. "The more I began to think about it, I began to smile because of how much they loved each other." A memorial service for the couple will be held on Friday in Texas. Thank you for registering Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Following a slew of sexual assault allegations, child rape allegations, locker room banter about grabbing womens genitals and calling women slobs and pigs, voters at a rally in Miami might have expected Donald Trump to be more cautious when addressing women in public. But the Republican, who has vehemently denied the assault and rape allegations, was not going to change his tune towards women journalists so close to the election. Pointing to the media bias against him for not reporting the size of the crowds, he singled out NBC journalist Katy Tur - again - in front of hundreds of people. Recommended Read more Donald Trump senior aide issues sinister threat to Megyn Kelly "There's something happening. They're not reporting it. Katy you're not reporting it, Katy," Mr Trump said. "But there's something happening, Katy. There's something happening, Katy." The last time Mr Trump singled out Ms Tur was in December, when he called her a third rate journalist, causing attendees to shout at her. In a news conference in July, he told her to be quiet. "Try getting it out," he taunted her during a one-on-one interview in the Trump Tower in July, as she attempted to re-word a question. "Try getting it out. I mean i dont know if theyre going to put this on television but you dont even know what youre talking about. Go ahead." Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway said the campaign had always urged supporters to be "civil" and that Mr Trump had not encouraged them to be mean to the journalist. "He obviously didnt mean it in any malicious way," she told MSNBC. Ms Tur has been described as "tough and fair" by her colleagues. She has questioned him on his anti-immigrant stance and his failure to immediately disavow an endorsement from the former KKK imperial wizard David Duke. Mr Trump has previously singled out other journalists, pointing at them during conferences and making remarks. When he spoke about the military veteran charities he donated to in May, he pointed to one journalist at ABC News and called him a sleaze. His biggest feud has been with Megyn Kelly, an anchor from Fox News, who questioned him on his attitude towards women during the primary season debates. He has called her crazy and said her anger meant there was blood coming out of her wherever. Mr Trump's senior aide, Dan Scavino, tweeted that Ms Kelly had "made a fool out of herself" and voters should "watch what happens to her" once the election was over. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Hillary Clinton is rushing to Detroit on Friday amid unexpected nervousness inside her campaign that Michigan, a state they thought they could count on, might fall to Donald Trump. The decision to include Michigan in her schedule in the last few days of the election is another sign that the race for president is tightening in unpredictable ways, with polls showing Mr Trump still at a disadvantage but nonetheless enjoying what could be a final spurt of momentum. Snatching at least one blue-leaning state on election day could significantly widen Mr Trumps options for reaching the magic 270 votes in the electoral college. That said, everything else would have to go right for him too, including bagging Ohio, Florida and North Carolina. On Thursday, both candidates were pouring their energies into North Carolina. Ms Clinton was due to appear at a rally in the state alongside Pharell Williams, the music star, in the hope that his appearance would boost African American turnout. Early voting data has suggested that black support for the Democrats is lagging behind where it was for Barack Obama four years ago. The furious campaigning by both sides comes as new national polls show the Democrat candidate enjoying only the slightest of edges over her Republican foe. The narrowing of the race comes nearly a week after the FBI revealed it had uncovered a huge new trove of emails that it said could end up having a bearing on its previously closed probe into her private email server. Ms Clinton led by 3 percentage points among 1,333 registered voters in a fresh New York Times/CBS poll taken between 28 October and 1 November. The FBI dropped the email bomb on 28 October. The survey showed Ms Clinton with 45 per cent support compared to 42 per cent for Mr Trump. When it comes to the vital swing states, there is no space for complacency for either side. A RealClearPolitics average of polls in Florida, which carries 29 electoral votes, put Trump 0.7 point ahead of Clinton. In North Carolina, it had the race with both candidates at 46 per cent. Both campaigns know that a loss for Mr Trump in Florida alone would essentially block any path he might have to victory, thus ensuring a blizzard of last-minute campaigning and television advertising up and down the Sunshine State before election day on Tuesday. President Barack Obama flew to Miami on Thursday in the south of the state where Democrat support is strong. All of the progress weve made goes out the window if we dont win this election, Mr Obama declared, imploring the crowd to vote Ms Clinton and preclude a Trump presidency. Yet Ms Clinton is also being forced to make last-minute stops elsewhere. On Wednesday night she drew 15,000 supporters one of her biggest crowds yet to a rally in Arizona, a state that has shown some signs of flipping from Republican to Democrat. But while the Arizona appearance suggested some lingering confidence in her campaign, suggestions of just a week ago that she could achieve a landslide have now largely faded away. And the new reality that Mr Trump is now threatening her to a degree not before anticipated is evidenced by the sudden attention being paid to Michigan. On Wednesday night Bill Clinton made an unannounced visit to the Detroit area where he met with black leaders and pastors, again in an effort to energise the African American vote for his wife. Meanwhile one pro-Clinton group said it was spending $1m on additional advertising in Michigan and another $1m in Colorado, where her lead may be even more tenuous. Her supporters have similarly been redirecting resources to Wisconsin and Minnesota, two other upper midwestern states where the Trump campaign believes it could blow holes in her firewall. As election day approaches, there is also concern that the polling may not fully reflect Trump support. That view was rehearsed on CNN by Nigel Farage speaking of what he said was the disjuncture of polling and actual results during the Brexit referendum. On the day of the vote, there was an opinion poll that put us 10 points behind, but we won, he told the news network. Modern polling companies cannot get to non-voters who are re-entering the system, the interim UKIP leader added. The question is, is Trump reaching non-voters? Im told that new registration of voters is quite high. It could be that Hillarys ahead, but maybe by not so much. The Clinton campaign remains haunted by the FBIs actitivites. In addition to it revealing the existence of the new emails, the airwaves on Thursday crackled with reports that the agency spent part of this year jousting with the Justice Department over whether to launch an investigation into the Clinton Foundation and allegations of favours being given to donors. As it grappled this summer with possibly issuing subpoenas in the case, the FBI was drawing in part on content from a highly critical book about the Clinton family, Clinton Cash: The Untold Story of How and Why Foreign Governments and Businesses Helped Make Bill and Hillary Rich, by conservative author Peter Schweizer. According to The Wall Street Journal, agents with the FBI also became convinced that secret recordings of a suspect speaking about the foundation also gave them grounds to open an official probe but the effort was quashed by prosecutors in the Justice Department who did not share their assessment of what the tapes contained. In the final days, Ms Clinton is doubling down on her message that Mr Trump has disqualified himself to be president. Imagine having a president who demeans women, mocks the disabled, insults Latinos, African Americans, the disabled, POWs, who pits people against each other, the Democratic presidential nominee asked the giant crowd on the campus of Arizona State University on Wednesday night. We really dont have to imagine what it would be like, because everything he has said and done both in his career and this campaign is a pretty good preview, she added. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte has suggested he may turn to Russia to provide his country with weapons, after the US government reportedly blocked the sale of assault rifles to police in the Philippines. Thelle US state department recently halted the sale of 26,000 rifles due to concerns over Mr Duterte's violent war on drugs in which thousands have been kid without trial, according to Reuters. "They are blackmailing me, saying that they won't sell weapons? We have lots of explosives here already," Mr Duterte told CNN Philippines. "I remember what the Russian diplomat said: Come to Russia, we have anything you need here." US state department spokesman John Kirby said he could not comment on the arms sale due to federal regulations, while Philippines police chief Ronald dela Rosa told a press conference he had not received official notice the sale had been blocked. In October, Russias ambassador to the Philippines said Moscow was ready to discuss a partnership with the Philippines, after Mr Duterte announced his country was separating from the United States. Formulate your wish list, Igor Khovaev told Mr Duterte according to GMA news agency. Think of what kind of assistance you expect from Russia and we will be ready to sit down with you and discuss what can and should be done. Speaking during a state visit to Beijing last month, Mr Duterte said: "I announce my separation from the United States. Both in military, not maybe social, but economics also. America has lost." 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 The organisation Human Rights Watch estimates as many as 5,000 people have been killed by police in the war on drugs since Mr Duterte was elected president on June 30 this year. Mr Duterte's approach has been repeatedly criticised by the US as tensions continue to grow between the two countries, with the Filipino president responding by telling Barack Obama to "go to hell" and claiming he "doesn't give a s*** about human rights". During his China visit, Mr Duterte announced he believed America has lost and said he would go to Russia to talk to Putin and tell him that there are three of us against the world - China, Philippines and Russia. In early October, Mr Duterte effectively severed 65 years of military ties between the US and the Philippines by ordering US troops out of the country. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A prominent Indian politician has said prime minister Theresa May should bend her knees and beg forgiveness for the sins committed by the British empire in India during 90 years of colonial rule. Shashi Tharoor, an Indian MP and former minister of state, said he believes Britain did irreparable damage to his country between 1858 and 1947, and should particularly apologise for the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre of hundreds of non-violent protesters by British soldiers in 1919. With the centenary of the massacre three years away, Mr Tharoor said it was time for the British prime minister to offer a full and satisfactory apology for the wrongs done by their forebears. He also criticised former prime minister David Camerons mealy-mouthed attempt to apologise for the massacre in 2013, saying it should not be recognised as a formal acknowledgment of the event. It is in a sense an entire society apologising to an entire people. You cannot quantify the wrongs done, Mr Tharoor told PTI news agency. What is far more important than financial reparation would be an apology. Recommended 5 of the worst atrocities carried out by the British Empire People who are not responsible today for the wrongs done by their forebears in the past era should apologise nonetheless to people who are not the ones to whom wrong was done. Following the massacre, the British government said 379 protestors were killed, although other sources in India continue to claim the figure was in fact well over 1,000 casualties. He highlighted German democrat leader Willy Brandt apologising at the Warsaw ghetto for Nazi rule in 1970 and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau recently apologising for the Komagata Maru incident as examples for Mrs May to follow in acknowledging Jallianwala Bagh. 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 These two apologies offer a model for the British prime minister on the centenary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre to come to that site, bend her knees and beg forgiveness for all the sins committed in the past, Mr Tharoor continued. That I think will wash away in many ways the sense that there are wrongs that have not been acknowledged. David Camerons rather mealy-mouthed description of the massacre in 2013 as a deeply shameful event does not, in my view, constitute an apology. Whoever the PM is on the centenary of that awful crime will not have been alive when the atrocity was committed, and certainly no British government of 2019 bears a shred of responsibility for that tragedy, but as a symbol of the nation that once allowed it to happen, the PM could atone for the past sins of his or her nation. During a speech to the Oxford Union in July last year, Mr Tharoor called on Britain to pay reparations to India and other former colonies for decades of imperial rule. The speech went viral on YouTube, and focussed on the economic toll British rule took on India. Mr Tharoor recently published a book entitled An Era of Darkness: The British Empire In India, detailing the full effects of British rule, and claiming Britain should pay up to $3 trillion dollars in reparations to India at todays financial rates. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A picture of a giant spider in Australia has been shared on social media thousands of times. The huntsman spider, named Chartlotte, has been living at an animal rescue farm in Queensland. The picture, showing the spider on a broom, was taken in October of last year and has remerged on Facebook. Barnyard Bettys, the animal sanctuary that is looking after the spider, said Charlotte was living in peace. I'm not sure why now but she is going absolutely viral and become an internet sensation! Barnyard Betty's wrote in a Facebook post. She is a huntsman spider and we are located in Queensland, Australia, and yes she is very real and very large and not photoshopped! She was a beautiful, calm spider, not aggressive in any way and like most spiders she just wanted to go about her business eating bugs and living in peace. She didn't or doesn't need to be killed! Poor spiders are so misunderstood! All creatures great and small are welcome here at Barnyard Betty's Rescue a safe haven no matter how you look!! 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 Although the bite of a huntsman spider is not poisonous, its appearance can be extremely startling. The news of Charlotte's existence comes as a man drove his car into a lake when a huntsman spider somehow landed on his arm, according to Macquarie Port News. The driver, who has not been named, pressed down on the accelerator instead of the brake and drove into Lake Cathie, in Australia. Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission (OSCE SMM) Principal Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug has urged the parties to the conflict in Donbas to adhere to their assumed obligations. If the sides had stuck to their commitments under the Minsk Agreements, there would have been no civilian casualties, he told a briefing in Kyiv on Thursday. Since the start of September, the mission's monitors have been recording the constant rise in ceasefire breaches, Hug said. Now the level of violence surpasses the levels which had been recorded directly before the sides resumed their obligations to observe the ceasefire regime, he said. It looks like that the parties are fully determined to repeat the errors of the past, he said. The breaches are being spotted on both sides of the dividing line, the OSCE SMM principal deputy chief monitor said. In particular, the mission's monitors confirmed the deaths of two civilians in Makiyivka controlled by the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), as well as the injuries of seven people. On the basis of surveillance conducted by the OSCE SMM monitors on the spot, it becomes clear that the applied weapons could not be used at other places, except on the forbidden frontiers seeing breaches of the pullback line, Hug said. He said that the SMM monitors have recorded in Popasna controlled by the Ukrainian authorities the houses of civilians burnt down in fire attacks that, in his words, showed that both sides are breaching the ceasefire. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Three babies are among more than 200 refugees killed in two disasters off the coast of Libya as Europes attention focuses on a landmark legal ruling on Brexit. The tragedies push the known number of asylum seekers who have died attempting to reach Europe this year to more than 4,000, with 2016 now officially the deadliest year on record. Carlotta Sami, a spokesperson for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), announced on Thursday that at least 239 migrants had died in two shipwrecks. She said the information was confirmed by two of the 31 survivors brought ashore on the Italian island of Lampedusa, who said their boats overturned in rough seas. An information bulletin given to search and rescue boats by Italian commanders said one rubber boat capsized off the coast of Libya on Wednesday morning while carrying more than 120 people. Survivors from one dinghy, whose passengers included about 20 women and six children all believed to be from West Africa, said they set off from Libya at about 3am local time (5am GMT) on Wednesday. The boat sank a few hours into its journey. A commercial ship and the Siem Pilot, operated by EU border agency Frontex, were among those deployed and rescued almost 30 survivors but up to 100 passengers were feared to have drowned. Twelve bodies were recovered, including three babies. A female doctor speaks with women aboard the Topaz Responder ship run by Maltese NGO Moas and the Italian Red Cross during a rescue operation of migrants and refugees (Getty) During the search for victims, another vessel operated by Save the Children found two women swimming in the sea who said they had been on another boat that capsized, killing 120 people. Survivors, mostly from Guinea and Nigeria, were transferred to an Italian navy vessel and taken to Lampedusa, with two evacuated for urgent medical treatment. Boats continued to launch from Libya on Thursday after a spell of rough seas delayed departures for several days. More than 760 people were rescued from five rubber boats and a small wooden vessel in a series of operations in the search and rescue zone off Libya's coast. Sasha Nicholl, a spokesperson for Save the Children, told The Independent the discovery of the two women was a rare moment of hope in a horrific 24 hours in the Mediterranean. She said rescuers arrived at an overcrowded dinghy on Thursday to find one of more than 100 passengers had died. Tragically, one mother had already dead when we arrived on the scene, she added. Her two very young children - who have no other relatives with them - are now being looked after by our specialist child protection team. 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. The latest tragedies push the International Organisation for Migrations count of deaths in the Mediterranean Sea to 4,220 so far this year. The Red Cross, which is funding joint search and rescue operations with the Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS), condemned political inaction in Europe. Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross said: This is a humanitarian crisis and regardless of why people are making the journey, no one deserves to die in this way. The Red Cross is present along the entire migratory route and we have seen first-hand the horrors people endure just to get somewhere safe. This will not end until Europes politicians are able to offer better protection, including more legal routes for refugees to reach a place of safety. Until then, all we can do is continue to rescue as many people as we can from a truly horrific and terrifying death. A joint report by British universities and specialists in Malta, Italy and Greece, has found that Europes response to the crisis has failed to tackle people smuggling and possibly worsened deaths. Italian coastguard rescues thousands of refugees off coast of Libya Professor Heaven Crawley, an author from Coventry Universitys Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations (CTPSR), told The Independent that politicians have been wantonly ignoring the reality of the crisis to maintain ill-informed government positions. The problem is theres a huge political agenda around migration, so more pragmatic or effective alternatives are being overridden by political aspirations of leaders across the EU, she said. Theyve backed themselves into a political corner where its very difficult to do anything else. The UK is part of the EUs Operation Sophia mission, seeing ships patrol the Libyan coast for surveillance and rescue any boats in distress. The move has driven a shift towards smaller and less seaworthy boats by people smugglers hoping to evade detection, driving a rise in death rates in the Central Mediterranean now the deadliest sea crossing in the world. Just over a quarter of the 332,000 migrants to have arrived by sea in Europe so far this year are Syrian, followed by Afghans, Iraqis, Nigerians, Eritreans and numerous other nationalities from the Middle East, Africa and Asia. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Thousands of parents in Spain are planning to go on strike against state schools over the unacceptable amount of homework being given to their children. The Spanish Alliance of Parents' Associations (CEAPA) is encouraging parents to take part in a boycott of weekend homework throughout November, with president Jose Luis Pazos claiming the excess of work is detrimental for childrens wellbeing. CEAPA covers around 12,000 state schools, and the boycott is likely to affect both primary and secondary school students. A study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in 2012 found Spanish teenagers have 6.5 hours of homework a week, compared with an average of 4.9 out of 38 countries. Parents in Spain have long criticised the quantity of after-school work given to their children, claiming it can be too much of a burden of their mental health. Weve lost a bit of common sense in this country when it comes to talking about education and weve got a system in which boys and girls free time has disappeared, said Mr Pazos told radio station Onda Cero. Schools are passing on tasks to families that they shouldnt be. Theyve made us into second teachers and left children in the latter stages of secondary children with up to 60 hours of schoolwork a week. It starts with children from the ages of three to six doing half an hours homework every day. For us, thats an unacceptable situation. 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 Pupils at Spanish schools typically start work before 8am, have a long lunch break and finish around 5pm. However, many state schools are now electing to finish studies at 2pm and give children lots of homework in order to bring down costs. In the latest OECD PISA study into educational competency from 2013, Spain came 31st in the list of countries in terms of how good their 15-year-olds are at maths and reading. Mr Pazos argued this is because schools in Spain continue to be heavily reliant on traditional rote-learning memorisation techniques, rather than choosing to adapt to new styles of teaching. "What we have to teach children isn't to memorise everything, but how to manage information, to be critical, to select what is worth it and what isn't, he added. "Society has changed deeply, but the environment in the classroom hasn't." For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Vladimir Putin is learning that embarrassing leaks are a two-way street. Infighting among Putins inner circle has led to a series of disclosures over the past few months that have shined a harsh light on the private dealings of the Kremlin court -- much as Hillary Clinton has endured the airing of thousands of e-mails as a result of what the U.S. calls Russian hacking of her campaign. As the Kremlin gears up for Putins last re-election bid in 18 months, anti-graft crusader Alexei Navalny has emerged as the conduit of choice for rival factions to scoop dirt on each other as they jostle to retain their fiefdoms. While Putin has largely stayed above the fray, anonymous tips and research by Navalnys staff of 30 have led to a string of revelations about the extravagance of some of the Russian leaders closest allies, including a new luxury home for his premier, army contracts for his personal chef and private-jet travel for the show dogs of a top official. Navalnys critics say hes just a pawn in a bigger game, but the 40-year-old lawyer says it doesnt matter where leaks come from as long as they expose officialdom -- and the more strife sown along the way, the better. Theyre starting to devour one another, Navalny said at his foundations office in Moscow, which is paid for through public donations. The latest bout of infighting started in the summer over the largest asset sale of the year -- a controlling stake in Bashneft, a crude producer with more than $10 billion in annual sales. Igor Sechin, who runs state oil champion Rosneft and has worked with Putin since the 1990s, clinched the acquisition this month, but only after a bitter feud with premier Dmitry Medvedev and first deputy premier Igor Shuvalov, both of whom wanted Rosneft excluded from the sale. As the debate intensified in July, Navalny published investigations on his website revealing that Shuvalov had acquired 10 adjoining apartments in a coveted Moscow skyscraper and spent millions to shuttle his dogs around Europe in a private jet. Shuvalovs wife said the corgis -- Queen Elizabeth IIs favorite breed - participate in shows abroad to defend Russias honor. Those disclosures were followed by newspaper reports detailing the use of a luxury yacht by Sechins wife and the Rosneft chiefs construction of an estimated $60 million villa in an exclusive area near Moscow. Sechin won an invasion-of-privacy lawsuit over the property story, but by then Navalny had revealed that Medvedev was building a luxury home of his own with funds from a billionaire buddys charity. The premiers spokeswoman, Natalya Timakova, said the estate in question is owned by the state. Even when the scoops arent his own, Navalny serves as an amplifier by tweeting about them to his 1.68 million Twitter followers. This is what Navalny does -- he collects trash, said Mikhail Leontyev, a spokesman for Rosneft and Sechin. Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the Kremlin has no opinion about Navalny, while a spokesman for Shuvalov, the first deputy prime minister, declined to comment. Putin's 'democracy' is wrapped in an iron fist Show all 2 1 /2 Putin's 'democracy' is wrapped in an iron fist Putin's 'democracy' is wrapped in an iron fist 384451.bin EPA Putin's 'democracy' is wrapped in an iron fist 384452.bin REUTERS For Gleb Pavlovsky, an adviser to Putin during his first decade in power, all of this muckraking just shows that the states campaign against corruption is little more than a diversion from the main event -- the fight for survival among rival groups, one in which Navalny is considered useful. Everyone in this arena is in a state of conflict, Pavlovsky said. Since 2011, when Navalny tried to parlay his popularity as a litigious stockholder in state-run giants like Gazprom and Transneft into a political career, hes been detained numerous times, held for a year under house arrest and been convicted of fraud twice. He says the charges were trumped up to bar him from running for office, like he did 2013, when he nearly forced a run-off in the Moscow mayors race against Putins handpicked incumbent. Navalny said suspended sentences spared him from jail, but his brother, who was also convicted of fraud, is serving two-years like a hostage. Though hailed by fans at home as a Russian Julian Assange, the Wikileaks founder whos bedeviling Clintons campaign, Navalny said that he has no ties to the anti-secrecy group and that his funds work differs in a fundamental way -- it relies on open sources and citizen researchers, not on hacked data. He also rejects domestic critics who accuse him of working on behalf of U.S. interests, as Transneft CEO Nikolay Tokarev did in 2011, after Navalny completed a fellowship at Yale University and then helped lure tens of thousands onto Moscows streets for the biggest anti-Putin protests ever. As for the U.S. claims of Russian collusion with Wikileaks, which the Kremlin denies, the activist said they may be right. A few months ago, such an accusation seemed like an entirely unfounded conspiracy, Navalny said. But now, given how apparently synchronized Wikileaks is with the false propaganda of Russian media like RT and Sputnik, there are reasons to assume that such cooperation is likely. Vice President Joe Biden said Oct. 15 the Obama administration will respond to Russian hacking at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact. Such a threat raises the possibility that the U.S. might have secret details of financial dealings by Putins inner circle that could be more politically damaging than anything Navalny has unearthed, according to Vladimir Rimsky, a corruption expert at the Indem research group in Moscow. It could be a disaster if the U.S. gets a hold of something like that, he said. For now, Navalny said hes happy to continue being a thorn in Putins side. Last week, he published a report on a taboo subject for Russian media -- the presidents family, specifically the flow of millions of dollars from state companies into a foundation run by Putins youngest daughter, Katerina Tikhonova. Reports like that may not show wrongdoing, but theyre embarrassing for a privileged class thats used to operating in the shadows, according to Rimsky. Rule No 1 isnt to come clean, its to avoid getting caught, he said. Everyone would like Navalny to shut up. Bloomberg For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Saudi Arabias most influential advisory council - one that has great sway over the king - has refused to even consider allowing women to drive. The Kingdom is the only country on the planet that still bans women from driving. The proposed inquiry would have contemplated questions such as "What are the difficulties if they start?" and "What is required to allow them to drive?" One male member of the Shura Council - the formal advisory body to King Salman had proposed looking into the possibility, an unnamed member of the council told AFP. But the suggestion failed to get the 50 per cent plus one support required among the 150 members, which includes 30 women. While the Shura council has the power to propose laws to the King, it cannot pass or enforce laws. In April, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud said the country was not ready for female drivers, while its top cleric said women would be exposed to evil if allowed to drive. Activists say women's driving is not technically illegal but that the ban is linked to tradition and custom. A slow expansion of women's rights began under the late King Abdullah, who appointed female advisers to the Shura Council in 2013. He also announced that women could for the first time vote and run in municipal elections. At least 20 women were elected for the 2,106 contested council seats last December. 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Show all 10 1 /10 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In October 2014, three lawyers, Dr Abdulrahman al-Subaihi, Bander al-Nogaithan and Abdulrahman al-Rumaih , were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for using Twitter to criticize the Ministry of Justice. AFP/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2015, Yemens Sunni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced into exile after a Shia-led insurgency. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition has responded with air strikes in order to reinstate Mr Hadi. It has since been accused of committing war crimes in the country. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Women who supported the Women2Drive campaign, launched in 2011 to challenge the ban on women driving vehicles, faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities. The government warned that women drivers would face arrest. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Members of the Kingdoms Shia minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses All public gatherings are prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as inciting people against the authorities. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2014, the Interior Ministry stated that authorities had deported over 370,000 foreign migrants and that 18,000 others were in detention. Thousands of workers were returned to Somalia and other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses, with large numbers also returned to Yemen, in order to open more jobs to Saudi Arabians. Many migrants reported that prior to their deportation they had been packed into overcrowded makeshift detention facilities where they received little food and water and were abused by guards. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organisations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact Amnesty. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison for using his liberal blog to criticise Saudi Arabias clerics. He has already received 50 lashes, which have reportedly left him in poor health. Carsten Koall/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Dawood al-Marhoon was arrested aged 17 for participating in an anti-government protest. After refusing to spy on his fellow protestors, he was tortured and forced to sign a blank document that would later contain his confession. At Dawoods trial, the prosecution requested death by crucifixion while refusing him a lawyer. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in 2012 aged either 16 or 17 for participating in protests during the Arab spring. His sentence includes beheading and crucifixion. The international community has spoken out against the punishment and has called on Saudi Arabia to stop. He is the nephew of a prominent government dissident. Getty Some activists have challenged the driving ban by getting behind the wheel and posting images of themselves online. Other Saudi women, however, believe change cannot be forced - a message the kingdom's powerful Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, 31, gave in April when he unveiled the Vision 2030 plan for economic diversification and social change. "So far the society is not persuaded - and it has negative influence - but we stress that it is up to the Saudi society," he said, commenting on whether women should drive. Additional reporting by AFP Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Each week, The Independent's travel team go head to head to see who can come up with the best version of a particular trip. Today were tackling a New Year's break in the UK. Simons choice: An elegant escape to Brighton Price for two people: 549 The most exotic city in Britain? Liverpool has a fair claim, and even Hull next years UK City of Culture is in with a shout. But Brighton is the clear winner, thanks to its air of grand (and un-British) indulgence combined with a thriving counter-culture. The excellent Hotel du Vin, tucked away from prying eyes (and just inshore from the sea) in The Lanes, has been created from a muddle of buildings that were originally constructed by a wine merchant in 1695. It is distinctive with open, airy public areas even in the depths of winter and discreet. Furthermore, for the last night of the year, it is offering something special. For 31 December a couple will pay a total of 549, including a black-tie New Year's Eve event with champagne, a four-course dinner and breakfast on New Year's Day. Using the hotel as a base, you can explore the city, starting with the new i360 viewing tower. It opens 10am-6pm on New Years Eve, admission 15 (or 13.50 if you book online at least three days ahead). Swish through the Royal Pavilion, call in at the impressive Brighton Museum, then browse and nibble your way along St Jamess Street, the spine of Kemptown. Simon Calder, Travel correspondent The Royal Pavilion, Brighton (Wikimedia Commons) Lauras choice: A cosy cottage in the Peaks Price for two people: 455 Not to be a terrible curmudgeon, but New Years Eve is always a disappointment. Club nights are expensive and crowded, house parties can all too easily turn out damp squibs, and then youve the impossible task of finding a taxi home... None of this spells legendary night. Too much pressure, too much money, not enough pay-off. My advice, then, is to escape to the countryside with your favourite person and hole up for the duration. Toms Barn & Douglass Barn on Orchard Farm, just outside the Derbyshire Dales market town of Ashbourne, currently has availability for 30 December through January 1 for two people, at a splashy but not too flashy 455, through Premier Cottages. Youll be in the Peak District National Park, which means plenty of invigorating wintry walks on the doorstep. Cosy up in front of the wood burner on New Years Eve and make a toast to the fact youre not wandering those mean city streets, weeping silently, with not an Uber in sight. Then greet 2017 with a refreshing hike the next morning, or even a gentle cycle along nearby Tissington Trail, once the railway line between Ashbourne and Buxton. Then drive home, sans hangover and newly exercised, feeling rightly smug. Laura Chubb, deputy head of Travel The UK's National Parks Show all 23 1 /23 The UK's National Parks The UK's National Parks Blea Tarn, Lake District. Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Lake Buttermere, Lake District Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Loch Mallachie, Cairngorms Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Loch an Eilein, Cairngorms Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Loch Lomond Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Littondale, Yorkshire Dales Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Ribblehead Viaduct, Yorkshire Dales Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks North York Moors Hood Hill and Roulston Scar as seen from Sutton Bank Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Dartmoor Sunset over Arm's Tor Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Porlock, Exmoor Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Valley of Rocks, Exmoor Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Hope Valley, Peak District Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Tarr Steps, Exmoor Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks New Forest Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Red deer stags, New Forest Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks South Downs Sunset over Fulking Escarpment Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Stanage Edge Escarpment, Peak District Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Brecon Beacons Sunrise over Llangattock Escarpment Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Snowdonia Mt Tryfan and the Ogwen Valley as seen from Glyder Fach Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Pembrokeshire Coast The view towards Elegug Stack Alamy Stock Photo The UK's National Parks Norfolk Broads Thurne Mill on a misty afternoon Alamy Stock Photo Nicolas choice: 'Avin' it in Manchester Price for two people: 175 Laura may be disdainful of New Years Eve in town, but as a lifelong city dweller I dont mind those little inconveniences so much, as long as youre not putting too much pressure on it to be the best night of your life. With that in mind, Id suggest a couple of days in Manchester. Booking.com has an amazing deal at the moment of 175 four a double room for two nights at Hotel Gotham, arriving on 30 December. To put that in context, its 570 if you book direct. The hotel itself has plenty of character, with Twenties-inspired rooms and a rooftop bar, and its right in the city centre, so no need to worry about expensive cabs or unreliable buses on New Years Eve. For the evenings there are the bars and restaurants of the Northern Quarter, 10 minutes away, while in the daytime you can get yourself down to the citys cultural attractions, such as the Whitworth Art Gallery and the Home arts complex. Nicola Trup, head of Travel Click here to view our latest travel offers with Independent Holidays Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The High Courts ruling that the Government must consult Parliament before triggering the formal Article 50 exit process will raise the hopes of pro-Europeans who still believe that Brexit is a bad dream from which they will soon awake. But they will be disappointed. Brexit will still happen, for two reasons Theresa and May. The Prime Minister will make it happen. She believes that failing to leave the EU would be the ultimate betrayal of the public who voted for it in the referendum many as a protest against the political class, so their sense of betrayal would be even greater if they were ignored. May is probably right to think that any political leader who defied the voters in this way would be punished with the loss of their job. However, the ruling has made Mays already difficult task on Brexit even more problematic. True, the Government may win its appeal in the Supreme Court, which would allow May to trigger Article 50 on her timetable before the end of next March. But no one in Whitehall is taking victory for granted, and so ministers may have to win the backing of the Commons and Lords for starting the withdrawal process. Although a small number of Europhile MPs and peers might seek to scupper the Brexit process by voting against Article 50 being invoked, a majority would almost certainly allow it to go ahead. MPs whose constituents had voted Leave and most unelected peers would be wary of denying the peoples will. 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 But they will feel emboldened by the High Court ruling to have a greater say on the substance of the Brexit talks rather than merely rubber-stamp the start of the process. So the real threat to the Government is that the two Houses attach conditions to their approval of Article 50 to influence the shape of the Brexit deal. There might well be a majority in both the Commons and Lords for remaining in the single market, and making that a greater priority in the negotiations than curbing migration. May, the former Home Secretary, who some ministers say is still doing her old job as well as her day job, has interpreted the referendum as a mandate to put migration ahead of market access. She would not want her hands tied by Parliament on this central trade-off as she enters two years of talks. Recommended Read more The High Court ruling proves we never should have respected Brexit She might try to head off such a nightmarish prospect through Parliamentary game-playing for example, by trying to implement the courts edict to involve Parliament by offering a simple Yes/No vote on a government motion rather than bringing in full-scale legislation (even though it took a 1972 Act to take us into the then European Economic Community). Another prospect looms into view an early general election. If government whips advised May that Parliament could vote for single market membership, she might well seek an election to ask the public for a mandate for her negotiating goals, with cutting migration her number one red line. In effect, May would be asking the voters for the go-ahead to implement their referendum decision, and to stop Parliament thwarting it. That would still be a high risk strategy. First, May might have to engineer a messy vote of no confidence in her own government to get round the Fixed-Term Parliament Act, which says the next election will be in May 2020. Then she would have to win the election. Man who wrote Article 50 says Brexit can still be stopped She would, of course, start as the favourite against Jeremy Corbyns Labour Party, but would not be a normal contest, a choice between two leaders and of which party is trusted on the economy. It would be a Brexit election, and we know the country is split down the middle on that. The Liberal Democrats would fight the election on a Remain ticket and could take votes away from the Conservatives in key marginal seats. The Prime Minister has insisted the election will not be until 2020 and is not someone who likes breaking her word. An election would add to the uncertainty caused by Brexit and there could be turmoil in the financial markets. But the High Court ruling has certainly made it more likely that the circumstances arise in which May changes her mind, and she sees an election as her best chance to deliver the referendum instruction. Recommended Read more The Brexit High Court ruling will have awful consequences for Labour Those who wish to keep the UK in the EU should not get too carried away by the High Courts decision. It is not the end of the legal battle. The High Court in Belfast ruled the other way last Friday. May will be a formidable opponent, whether she wins or loses in the Supreme Court. All the signs are that May will present Parliament with a take-it-or-leave it Brexit agreement in 2019. If MPs and peers judged it a bad one, they would still be under huge pressure to approve it because the only alternative would be no deal, with UK-EU trade covered by the tariffs of the World Trade Organisation. The best strategy for pro-Europeans is not to try to throw a spanner in the Brexit works now by blocking Article 50. It is to put their energy into seeking a proper vote in Parliament or second referendum on the exit deal in 2019, with the option of staying in the EU still on the agenda. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission (OSCE SMM) reports a rise in the number of ceasefire violations in Donbas. The OSCE SMM monitors have recorded 8,264 breaches against 5,976 over the past week, OSCE SMM Principal Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug told at a briefing in Kyiv on Thursday. He also said that this amounted to over 1,000 violations daily on average spotted by the SMM. Shelling attacks near the three areas of the disengagement of forces and equipment also continue, he said. era Twomey, mother of Ava, claims an oil derived from the cannabis plant, and available in a hemp shop, is helping to ease the hundreds of seizures her daughter suffers from the rare drug-resistant Dravet syndrome Health chiefs have been asked to give the Government expert scientific advice on the medical use of cannabis. The review was ordered after the mother of a six-year-old girl with epilepsy began a walk from Cork to Dublin in a bid to get Health Minister Simon Harris to take action. Vera Twomey, mother of Ava, claims an oil derived from the cannabis plant, and available in a hemp shop, is helping to ease the hundreds of seizures her daughter suffers from with the rare drug-resistant Dravet syndrome. Health Minister Simon Harris met Ms Twomey in June before calling for the review by t he Health Products Regulatory Authority. "This is not a discussion about decriminalising cannabis in any way, shape, or form - it is about reviewing our current policy and seeking to inform ourselves of the latest medical and scientific evidence on the potential medical benefits of cannabis for some people with certain medical conditions," he said. Ms Twomey, from Aghabullogue, Co Cork, launched an online petition to raise awareness about CBD oil which contains none or only trace levels of the THC ingredients traditionally associated with using cannabis to get high. She revealed she had called off her walk after speaking to the Health Minister by phone and agreeing to meet him next Wednesday in Dublin. It is understood Ms Twomey has been using Charlotte's Web oil but fears that her daughter will build a resistance to it leaving her with no remedy for repeated seizures. Mr Harris said he understands the very difficulty Ms Twomey is in. "I know that many patients believe cannabis should be a treatment option for their medical condition," he said. "However, cannabis is not currently an authorised medicine and has not gone through the normal regulatory procedures for medicines which are designed to protect patients and ensure treatments are supported by good evidence of their effectiveness." The Oireachtas Health Committee is planning to discuss the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes later this month while People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny proposed legislation in the Dail to legalise it earlier this year. Cannabis for medical purposes is available in several countries including the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Canada, Australia, Malta, Croatia and certain states in the United States. Taoiseach Enda Kenny in conversation with Mairead McGuinness MEP and Vice-President of the European Parliament, at the All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin. Politicians across Ireland need to maintain focus on establishing the island's priorities in the Brexit process despite the High Court decision in London, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has insisted. The premier said the ruling had challenged previous assumptions that his UK counterpart Theresa May was able to trigger an exit from the EU in her own right. "Now clearly the British government have to make a decision as to whether to refer now to the parliament or whether to appeal that case and that's a matter for them," he said. "Irrespective of the decision that they make there we have to concentrate on what our priorities are and work together in the interests of the common benefits of the economies of the people north and south." Mr Kenny was in Belfast to meet political leaders to discuss the on-going fall-out from Brexit. His visit to Stormont came a day after he hosted an all-island forum in Dublin that saw politicians, business leaders and other members of civic society discuss the ramifications of the UK leaving the EU. The Fine Gael leader said his focus was on identifying the priorities for the island in the Brexit negotiations. "Time is short here, we don't have any time to waste," he said. "What we are looking for is cooperation with everybody so we know exactly what it is the priorities we should be following here in order to get the very best result for the people of the north and the people of the island of Ireland as a whole." Stormont First Minister Arlene Foster, a Brexiteer, stayed away from the forum event in Dublin, claiming it would be full of "grandstanding remoaners". The Democratic Unionist leader also used a weekend speech to her party conference to accuse Irish government representatives of trying to play up uncertainty around Brexit to "poach" would-be investors from Northern Ireland. Mr Kenny declined to be drawn on her comments as he arrived at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. "I am not in the business of having any rows created with first minister Foster and this is much too important in the context of the island of Ireland," he said. The first minister was not among the leaders the Taoiseach met at Stormont due to her having other diary commitments Mr Kenny said the pair had a "good working relationship" and said they would be holding a meeting in Dublin on November 15. The absence of unionist politicians at the all-island Brexit talk has been branded a "missed opportunity" by Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan. He said claims made by Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster that Dublin was trying to poach investment and undermine the North's economy were not helpful. "I don't regard her comments as being helpful in the circumstances," Mr Flanagan said. "I believe it's absolutely essential that we work together. This is a most serious challenge. There is the old cliche 'strength in unity'. If we divide, or if we engage in unhelpful activity, we will be the weaker." Mr Flanagan has taken issue with remarks from Ms Foster at the DUP annual conference where she suggested the Republic was trying to poach post-Brexit business from Northern Ireland. Ms Foster blamed this on "fear and political instability". Mr Flanagan said yesterday that an invitation to attend the forum had been sent to all political parties. But Ms Foster has repeatedly said she would not attend, ramping up her comments in recent days ahead of her party conference. Ms Foster branded yesterday's event a grand-standing exercise and said she had better things to do than listen to "remoaners". "I do believe it's a missed opportunity on the part of those who've indicated that they didn't intend being with us here today," Mr Flanagan said. "However, there will be further opportunity, and I refer to the North South Ministerial Council and to a series of dialogues at bilateral level, given the range of institutions under the Good Friday Agreement." Mr Flanagan said he has no plans to meet the first minister ahead of a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council in Armagh on November 18. Northern Ireland First Minister Martin McGuinness, in a curious political twist, tried to downplay Ms Foster's position, saying he did not believe the unionist parties were not listening. "I think they understand the seriousness of the situation that we are all facing, including they as elected representatives for the people that they represent," Mr McGuinness told yesterday's gathering in the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham. "I know for a fact that unionists were shocked by the outcome of the Brexit referendum." Wrapping up the gathering, Mr Flanagan said there would be a further conference early next year, with several sector-specific dialogues held in the interim. Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the All Ireland Civic Dialogue on Brexit at The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham Picture: Colin O'Riordan The Brexit negotiations could get "quite vicious" as some European countries take a "very poor view" of the UK's decision to quit the EU, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has warned. He said Britain could opt to kick off the formal divorce talks as soon as next month. UK Prime Minister Theresa May has said she would trigger Article 50 by the end of March, but Mr Kenny flagged the prospect of the formal exit process starting in December. Mr Kenny was addressing the All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit, where he said the focus was on the questions surrounding this island and the UK. "The other side of this argument may well get quite vicious after a while," he said. "Because there are those around the European table who take a very poor view of the fact that Britain has decided to leave. And that argument will be fought very toughly in a really difficult negotiating sense." The gathering at the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham was attended by politicians, trade unionists, and business and civic society representatives from throughout the island. Northern Ireland unionist politicians declined to attend. Mr Kenny said Brexit was "the most significant economic and social challenge of the last 50 years". "That's why it's so important to have a conversation about what it means," he said. Mr Kenny also said Europe, in the negotiations, needs to decide where it wants to be in the next 50 years. "If it becomes obsessed with what the United Kingdom might or might not get, then Europe itself loses the plot," he said. He warned the triggering of Article 50 could come sooner than the end of March. Read More: Foster's talks snub a 'missed opportunity' "We know that Prime Minister May has said she'll trigger Article 50 before the end of March. That doesn't mean that it mightn't be triggered in December, January or February. So we have no time to waste," he said. His comments came ahead of an expected decision from London's High Court today on whether British politicians, rather than the government, must trigger the formal process of leaving the EU. Meanwhile, in his opening address, Mr Kenny said Ireland and the UK have agreed to preserve the benefits of the common travel area. "Neither I nor the prime minister desire to limit the freedom of people on both sides of the Irish Sea to trade, to live, to work, to travel freely across these islands. Therefore we have agreed that the benefits of the common travel area be preserved." Farming continues to be the most hazardous occupation in Ireland, consistently reporting the highest number of fatalities in comparison to other sectors over the last number of years. In recent years 19 people, on average, have been killed each year in farm related workplace incidents, with 194 farming fatalities in the last decade (2006 2015). There have been 14 deaths to date in 2016. Analysis of fatal accident statistics from the Health and Safety Authority show that farmers are eight times more likely, than those in the general working population, to die in a workplace accident. The Health and Safety Authority and Teagasc, with FBD sponsorship and the support of the Farm Safety Partnership, hosted a National Conference on Farm Safety and Health today at the Mullingar Park Hotel in Co. Westmeath. Expand Close Source: HSA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Source: HSA One of the key themes discussed at the conference was how no one expects an accident to happen to them or their loved ones. Galway farmer, Peter Gohery told the conference how his accident and subsequent extensive injuries are having lifelong consequences for him and his family. He appealed to his fellow farmers to use the safety management systems that have been developed by the HSA and Teagasc, like the Farm Safety Code of Practice and training to manage risks. Minister for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen TD made the opening address with Richard Kennedy, Deputy President of the IFA, John Comer, ICMSA President and Sean Finan, President of Macra Na Feirme chairing various sessions throughout the day. Mental Health Michael Noble from Mental Health Ireland spoke about how farming can be a very stressful occupation and that sadly this stress often resulted in farmers taking their own lives when they felt unable to cope. He spoke about the importance of building resilience and the ability to cope with all aspects of modern life. Attendees also heard about the importance of being aware of the signs of stress, in themselves or others, so that action can be taken in time to reach out and manage the stress. Farmers need to take absolute responsibility Making the opening address, Minister for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen TD said that since becoming Minister and being given the occupational safety and health brief, he has become acutely aware of the huge risks in farming and of the dreadful results of farm accidents. It is a cause of great sadness when notifications of workplace accidents reach my desk, especially when it involves a farm accident, which are more often than not deaths to family members on their own farm. Only by real engagement and taking absolute responsibility can farmers improve safety and health standards and prevent the great loss of life that currently blights the sector. I urge the farming organisations and representative bodies to continue working to raise awareness. I want to use this opportunity to restate my commitment to working with you all to achieve a sustained reduction in accidents, he said. Farm safety and health is no longer new Martin OHalloran, CEO of the HSA told the conference that farm safety and health is no longer new, farmers, sector stakeholders and farming organisations are becoming more aware of the need to manage safety and health like any other element of the farming enterprise. We have produced extensive guidance and information and made it easily accessible to farmers. However this cannot be seen as the end result. We must ensure their use in everyday work by all farmers, once that happens real changes in approach will yield significant improvements. Farmers must make safety and health integral to regular work practices Speaking about the importance of making safety and health integral to regular work practices, Professor Tom Kelly, Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer stated: It is important that everyone is working on improving the engagement of farmers and ensuring that they see safety and health as a critical element of what they need to do in every task. The current Department of Agriculture Food and Marine grant schemes needing Code of Practice training or engagement in a knowledge transfer group provides incentives for farmers to up-skill in farm safety and health management. Professor Jim Phelan, Chairman of the Farm Safety Partnership told the conference that farming technology has come a long way but so has safety and health in farming, it is clear that it is becoming main-stream. We see signs on farm gates, high-vis vests, loads being well secured and safety is fast becoming the norm. Sadly, simple mistakes still cause loss of life or lifelong injury. We will continue to carry out research to find new ways to influence a change of culture so that the risks are managed out of farming practice. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are ready to implement the framework agreement of the Trilateral Contact Group on disengagement of forces and equipment in Donbas; however, the heads of certain areas of the Luhansk region are disrupting it, as is evident from shelling of the positions of the Ukrainian troops with BM21 Grad multiple rocket launcher systems among other weapons near the populated locality of Krymske, the Ukrainian mission to the Joint Center for Coordination and Control (JCCC) said. "Shelling of the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which took place in the early hours of November 1, made it impossible to take measures towards disengagement of forces in the area of Stanytsia Luhanska, which was scheduled for November 2. Repeated shelling of our positions in Stanytsia Luhanska in the evening of November 2 confirmed once again reluctance of the heads of certain areas of the Luhansk region to fulfill the assumed obligations. The armed groups shelled our positions with 82mm mortars (prohibited by the Minsk Agreements), AGS17 mortar launchers, PRG anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade launchers, weapons of infantry fighting vehicles and small arms for approximately four hours," head of the Ukrainian mission to the JCCC Gen. Maj. Borys Kremenetsky said in a statement posted on the Facebook page of JCCC spokesman Taras Hren. Kremenetsky said that further evidence of the failure of agreements is the fact of shelling of the Ukrainian troops' positions with BM21 Grad multiple rocket launcher systems near the populated locality of Krymske. A total of 30 rockets were fired from the vicinity of the populated locality of Smile. He said that a working group of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's mission was informed about all cases of ceasefire violations. Head of the Ukrainian mission to the JCCC said that in accordance with the framework decision of the Contact Group disengagement of forces is only possible after seven days of observance of ceasefire and the Ukrainian military is fulfilling the assumed obligations. Farmers got some much needed relief from a generally wet end to the summer last month with parts of the country experiencing there driest October in 50 years. The dry spell resulted in a hive of activity on Irish farms with tillage farmers in particular busy sowing there crops for next years harvest. Helen Harris is a tillage farmer along with her husband Philip in Co Kildare and she says that after very wet September the few welcome dry weeks in the beginning of October meant they were working 'flat out'. "Every tractor in the parish was out ploughing, sowing and drilling. We were putting in the long hours to try and get harvest finished and as much of the winter crop in as time and weather would allow," she said. The dry spell last month is in stark contrast to scenes on many Irish farms in October causing significant disruption to the grain harvest particularly in western areas. Extremely dry in places; high rainfall event reported in the Southwest: Expand Close Stuck in the Mud. IFA president Joe Healy gets a helping hand from George Anderson on his farm outside Laghey. Mr Healy visited Donegal earlier in September to discuss the weather crisis with local farmers. PHOTO: Clive Wasson / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Stuck in the Mud. IFA president Joe Healy gets a helping hand from George Anderson on his farm outside Laghey. Mr Healy visited Donegal earlier in September to discuss the weather crisis with local farmers. PHOTO: Clive Wasson According to Met Eireann, Octobers weather over Ireland was characterized mainly by 'anticyclonic conditions' extending from Scandinavia, allowing a lot of quite settled weather. However, the month began with an encroachment of a cold front onto western coastal areas which became stationary before retreating westwards. This gave record breaking rainfall for a time in the far southwest. A mainly dry east wind flow then prevailed up until midmonth. Frontal systems pushed northwards from Biscay on the 15th bringing an interlude of unsettled conditions but high pressure had returned by the 19th allowing predominantly dry weather to become established again until the end of the month. Percentage rainfall values were nearly all well below long term averages, with most stations reporting less than half their normal rainfall for October. Percentage values reported in parts of the West, Northwest and Midlands were a third of normal, with the lowest percentage reported at Markree, Co Sligo with 22% (monthly total of 29.1 mm). Met Eireann says over two-thirds of stations reported their driest October conditions in a number of years, with the most notable records reported at Belmullet, Co Mayo and Shannon Airport, Co Clare where they had their driest October in 60 and 51 years, respectively, with monthly rainfall totals of 43.3 mm (33% of average) and 34.7 mm (34% of average). Heavy rain in the Southwest Only one station reported slightly above average rainfall for October, Valentia Observatory, Co Kerry, with 105% of LTA (monthly total of 186.4 mm). Over threequarters of Valentias monthly rainfall total was attributed to a high rainfall event in the Southwest on the 3rd and 4th where the station recorded over 150 mm. The months highest daily rainfall total of 105.5 mm was recorded here on the 3rd, its wettest October day in 77 years, and its wettest day (for any month) since 1980. Solar21 ceo Michael Bradley wants more action from the State The Government is "stupid" for not improving the tax rebate offered to car buyers who opt for electric models by Solar21, according to chief executive Michael Bradley. The solar company described the provision of a State support for vehicles to change to natural gas as a "retrograde" step and also lamented the reduction in budget for cycle paths across the capital. The rebate in place has led to a 0.1pc uptake in electric vehicles across the country. The solar boss criticised the Government for a "lack of effort" in this year's Budget to put climate-change mitigation measures into practice. "Currently, Ireland has a long list of what it doesn't want and a very short list of what it endorses in practice - this list principally comprises of just oil, gas and peat. This needs to change," Mr Bradley said. Ireland is one of only two countries in Europe that will not achieve the targets set for renewable energy and carbon emission reductions by 2020. Solar 21 has urged the Government to build on its Energy White Paper and start putting policies in place, including support for solar energy for residents and communities. "Ireland has only achieved just over half of the target it previously committed to. The target was to derive 16pc of national energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020, but the performance-to-date is just 8.6pc. The 8.6pc will rise by 2020, but we'll still be miles off our target," he said. The calls from Mr Bradley come after new figures from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland point to a major spike in emissions from traffic across the country. Emissions from cars, trucks, and buses are back to boom-time levels after increasing by almost 6pc in 2015. In the last three years emissions from traffic has risen by 14pc. The Government ratified the Paris Agreement last week, which is a UN treaty that aims to reduce emissions and keep global warming at a low level. Ireland's emissions are broken up into four main areas according to the authority. Transport is the biggest contributor with 37pc, followed by residential, which takes up a quarter of the country's emissions, followed by industry, and finally services. Mr Bradley said the Government needs to switch its focus from "the great white hope" that is wind to solar power. "The development of windfarms is being blocked all over the country by planning objections. Solar energy is much less obtrusive and therefore a much more realistic an option." Ryanair's plans for its first-ever flights from Frankfurt have sparked a bitter response from Lufthansa, which has vowed to fight back against the surprise incursion at Germany's biggest hub. While Ryanair will begin Frankfurt services with just two jets and four routes, Europe's top discount airline sees potential for a bigger operation there, David O'Brien, its chief commercial officer, said at the airport yesterday. "We doubled our presence in Germany within three years," O'Brien said at a media briefing. "There is no reason why that pace shouldn't continue. There is great potential for cheap flights from Frankfurt." Lufthansa hit back by pledging to "react as appropriate" to the intrusion. Chief Executive Officer Carsten Spohr said his company's own low-cost Eurowings arm could be drafted in to defend the hub "if there is a need", while warning airport operator Fraport that he expects to pay the same fees secured by the discount giant. Fraport said it's entitled to the saving if it adds new routes. Ryanair's plans for Frankfurt may have blindsided Lufthansa after Michael O'Leary, the Irish company's ceo, ruled out operations from the airport only last year. "Our boss famously said 'We won't fly to Frankfurt',"O'Brien said. "He was wrong." The looming clash pits Europe's biggest no-frills carrier against one of the world's strongest travel brands. Lufthansa's reputation, though, has proved little defense against a squeeze from low-cost carriers at home and fast-expanding Persian Gulf operators on lucrative long-haul routes. Lufthansa has responded by setting up Eurowings as an in-house discounter, though the unit has so far been limited to taking over routes away from Frankfurt, where short-haul flights feed passengers onto longer trips. Services from Munich, the group's second German hub, will start next year. Ryanair will start flying from Frankfurt in March using two Boeing 737-800 jets, according to a joint statement from the Dublin-based airline and Fraport. Initial flights will serve Alicante, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca in Spain and Faro in Portugal on a daily basis, attracting an estimated 400,000 passengers a year. The schedule could be "much bigger" next winter, O'Brien said. O'Leary has been reviewing Ryanair's strategy in the wake of Britain's June 23 vote to quit the European Union, downgrading expansion plans for its biggest market and looking to countries on the mainland for growth. Germany had already gained flights, with the airline opening a base this week in Hamburg, where it has located two planes and added seven routes to take its total to 14. Route cuts at unprofitable Air Berlin, Germany's second-biggest carrier, have encouraged Ryanair to expand, while O'Leary has made it a priority to target major airports as the company seeks to appeal more to business people, who tend to book later and pay more. Frankfurt ranks with London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle as one of Western Europe's three big hubs. Ryanair's previous foothold in the Frankfurt area has been at low-fee Hahn airport, a converted US military airfield about 100km from the city. While it was derided for the distance involved, the airline won the right to advertise its flights as serving Frankfurt-Hahn after a series of court cases. Fraport failed to raise fees this year for carriers using Frankfurt airport after regulators objected in late 2015. It has refiled the application, which includes incentives for airlines starting new routes. Lufthansa has meanwhile curbed capacity growth at Frankfurt, pledging not to add pilots before the Vereinigung Cockpit union agrees productivity improvements. New routes attract a discount of as much as 50pc in the first year, Fraport CEO Stefan Schulte said at the media briefing. That would amount to 300m ($332m) next year if applied to Lufthansa's planned schedule, according to Spohr. (Bloomberg) The minister responsible for responding to climate change has moved to dampen expectations from the solar industry that a flurry of development proposals currently in the works will be backed by the Government. Denis Naughten warned last night that he will not see consumers hit with new levies in order to fund the rollout of solar projects, and even questioned the high number of schemes currently in development. The ESB recently called on the Government to scrap subsidies for wind and solar energy generation, prompting anger from the renewables sector. But the minister appears to share their view. He spoke last night at the Energy Institute annual dinner in Dublin, where he urged stakeholders in the solar industry to bring forward suggestions by mid-2017 that would minimise the potential impact on electricity prices of any new solar plans. "While I do see a place for solar in the energy mix, we cannot have a situation where a new support scheme leads to an excessive increase in people's electricity bills through a higher Public Service Obligation levy," Mr Naughten said. "Large levels of early speculation can send poor signals to society and State bodies that facilitate delivery of projects," he said. "This type of unchecked speculation could, in fact, be significantly damaging to what is an industry in its infancy in this country. "Therefore, I cannot see the significant volume of proposals for solar energy in Ireland being supported in the short term," he said. A quarter of Irish electricity now comes from renewable sources, but that is still 15 percentage points off the European target for 2020. Ireland is one of only two countries in Europe not expected to meet emission reductions by 2020. A significant contribution towards the target came through the Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff scheme, which was supported by the Public Service Obligation that is paid for by all electricity customers. Those schemes closed at the end of 2015 with the minister praising it as a cost-effective way of increasing renewable energy usage. Over 100m has been allocated in Budget 2017 with the aim of saving 116,000 tonnes in carbon emissions annually. Part of next year's funding will be used to establish a new Behavioural Change Unit aimed at getting people to do more to prevent climate change. Q: I NEVER seem to be able to get the right type of staff into my business and I have made a few mistakes in the past in judging people. Could you give me some tips on interview skills? A: At the peak of Superquinn's popularity, when the economy was in a better place, when we would advertise vacancies for a new Superquinn branch we could have had up to 3,000 applications for 300 jobs. While a certain percentage of these would not be suitable, we made a point of running large screening interviews. A team of up to 25 senior personnel from both HR department and our store operation would take up position at desks in a large open-plan space in a hotel that we would have rented in the local area. These screening interviews were largely designed to help us assess the personality of the person applying. First and foremost, we looked to see if the person had the ability to smile and be pleasant. After that it was a bonus if they had some technical skills. Anyone who met the criteria for a good strong personality and was perceived as consumer-friendly, was automatically short-listed for a face-to-face interview with our personnel department. I was often amazed at how few people passed that simple assessment on personality and likeability. Obviously you may have technical requirements for your business and require applicants to have a certain skill base. That is all acceptable, but perhaps you are not placing enough emphasis on the personality and attitude of the person you are employing. You can always upskill someone but you can't give them a personality implant. Q: I RECENTLY opened a speciality food shop and cafe. Around 90pc of my sales come through the cafe and I'm not sure what to do about the shop element of the business? A: There is a great Irish quote "Eist le fuaim na habhann agus gheobhfaidh tu breac" "Listen to the sounds of the river and you will catch the trout". Your customers have decided that in the location you are based, a cafe is more suitable for their needs, rather than a speciality shop. If you had said to me that the sales were split in a different way, perhaps 60/40, I would be encouraging you to work on the retail shop side of the business to grow the sales, however this seems to be a very definitive statement by your customers. I would recommend you look again at the layout of the overall area and condense the shop element in favour of adding in more seating and possibly food counters. By enhancing the cafe element, you will possibly be able to grow sales even further and in addition you can look at increasing your range of "grab and go" products, which would make it easier for those on short lunch breaks. Never be afraid to reverse a decision if your customer feedback is telling you that you have gone in the wrong direction. Send your small business questions to himself@feargalquinn.ie RTE has signed a new international partnership agreement that will bring Irish cultural content to a new European audience. A new content agreement was made between Anne Durupty, Vice President of ARTE GEIE and Chief Executive Officer of ARTE France, and Dee Forbes, Director-General of RTE. Both broadcasters have agreed to contribute a minimum of 250,000 per annum for an initial period of two years for the development of co-productions in 2017 & 2018, particularly in the fields of arts, culture, factual, history and natural history. ARTE is a European culture channel that is available through numerous cable networks in France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Over the next two years audiences across Europe will be able to access participating Irish music events and performances via ARTEs online platforms while audiences in Ireland will be able to access a rich online world of European arts, cultural and historical programming through RTE Players new arts and documentary hubs. Dee Forbes said: This is an important partnership. With this agreement we will enable more Irish programmes and performances to reach new European audiences. As Irelands national media organisation, showcasing the best of Ireland, particularly in the area of arts and culture, is something that RTE takes very seriously. "The online offering is also exciting, with RTE offering for the first time selected arts programming, documentaries and music broadcasts to European audiences through Arte Concert and Arte in English, while audiences in Ireland can avail of a carefully-curated selection of fascinating, compelling and current arts and cultural content from Arte on RTE Player. "We look forward to encouraging audiences everywhere to explore this fantastic resource. RTE now becomes ARTEs ninth European partner. A representative of RTE will sit in a consultative capacity in ARTEs decision-making bodies, including the Programme Committee and the General Assembly of Shareholders. The agreement is for an initial two-year period, after which it may be renewed. A man who blackmailed his sister-in-law for 10,000 with false claims that her husband was having an affair with a pornographic actress has been handed a three-year suspended prison sentence. Pat O'Dwyer (53) hatched the bizarre scheme in an apparent bid to save his own marriage. Judge David Riordan at Cork Circuit Criminal Court warned that the offences had "doubly-victimised" the defendant's innocent sister-in-law, Ria Burgoyne, and her devoted husband. O'Dwyer received a three- year suspended sentence last June for using an article (a sock) in an attempt to hide his fingerprints after planning to collect 10,000 in blackmail money from Mrs Burgoyne in an isolated Cork shed. The father-of-two, from Wolfe Tone Place, Thurles, Co Tipperary, had also pleaded guilty to demanding money, namely 10,000, with menaces from his sister-in-law between October 20 and 23, 2015. He also received a three-year suspended sentence for that offence yesterday. But he was also told that he must have no further contact with his sister-in-law. O'Dwyer had been remanded in custody for the past week awaiting sentencing. He spent his 53rd birthday in prison as a result. Judge Riordan previously queried whether O'Dwyer had anything to say to his sister-in-law and her husband. "I am sorry for what happened," O'Dwyer replied. Judge Riordan said Mr and Mrs Burgoyne had been "doubly-victimised", firstly by the offence itself and secondly by details of it having been aired publicly. He noted that O'Dwyer was described as having "narcissistic" tendencies, with one psychiatrist saying he needed further evaluation for possible chronic psychotic disorder. The judge described the offence as being at the mid to upper range. Judge Riordan was told by Det Sergeant Sean Leahy that O'Dwyer apparently blamed his sister-in-law for the recent failure of his own marriage. Explicit He also hoped that if he managed to get 10,000, it might help him persuade his wife to give their marriage another chance. The judge described Mrs Burgoyne's victim impact statement as "harrowing". The court heard that O'Dwyer sent a package to his sister-in-law who was stunned, on opening it, to discover explicit photos of a pornographic actress and a note falsely claiming that her husband was having an affair. Immediately upon receipt of the shocking package, Mrs Burgoyne contacted the gardai. BUSINESSMAN Denis OBrien cannot call evidence from a US constitutional law expert in his forthcoming case alleging statements by TDs in the Dail about his banking affairs breached his rights, including to a private life, the High Court has ruled. Mr OBrien claims Dail statements by Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy and Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty in May and June 2015 breached his rights in forcing him to concede in the High Court in June 2015 a script which he sought to prevent RTE publishing concerning his banking affairs with IBRC was by then in the public domain. The Dail Committee on procedure and Privileges (CPP), in response to complaints by Mr OBrien, later held neither Deputy had breached the standing orders governing debate in the Dail. Mr OBrien, who will give evidence in the case himself, claims there is no absolute privilege attaching to the TDs statements on grounds including utterances in the House must not usurp the judicial domain. His case is due to open on November 29 and, in a pre-trial application, he sought to call evidence from Professor Laurence Henry Tribe of Harvard Law School, an American constitutional law expert involved in writing the constitutions of South Afrcia and the Czech Republic. The application was opposed by the CPP and the State. On Wednesday (Nov 3), the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Peter Kelly, said Mr O'Brien's case, including claims under the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003, is "rooted exclusively in his alleged entitlements under Irish law". The case will be decided solely under Irish law, no issue of American constitutional law or foreign law arose and Professor Tribe's evidence is inadmissible, the judge ruled. Even if admissible, that evidence was not "reasonably required", within the meaning of new conduct of trial rules, for the court to determine the case, he said. The evidence was "not required at all, much less reasonably required". While Mr O'Brien's side argued this was a "unique and important" case raising issues of Irish law not previously decided, all cases are unique to their own facts and important to the litigants, he said. The case raised "interesting and important" question as and the court may well have to decide issues not adjudicated on before but that was no justification for admitting this evidence which, on principle, was inadmissible. It was open to Mr O'Brien to cite US decisions in his case, an option frequently followed in other cases, he noted. He also awarded costs of the application against Mr O'Brien. Earlier in his decision, the judge noted, on October 14 last, solicitors for Mr O'Brien indicated he intended to call Professor Tribe and a 61 page draft proof of his evidence was provided. Expert evidence is not admissible in any matter of domestic law but, if a question of foreign law has to be decided in Irish court proceedings, the courts can, and do, receive expert testimony from foreign lawyers on that, he said. If an Irish court had to decide an issue of American constitutional law, Prof Tribe would be well qualified to give evidence which would be admissible but there was no issue of American constitutional law for determination in this case. Prof Tribe referred in his draft evidence not just to US cases but also to decisions from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, the judge noted. No issue of law from the other jurisdictions arose here and, if this evidence was admitted, the defence could call counter expert evidence from a US expert and possibly experts from several other jurisdictions which, in the conduct of a trial involving only issues of Irish law, would be "absurd". A strategic cooperation framework agreement was signed between China's Yunnan province and the Nepal-China Executives Council here on Wednesday to strengthen the trade and investment relations between the two sides. The agreement was signed by Yang Hui, Deputy Director at Department of Commerce of Yunnan Province and Rajesh Upadhyay, President of Nepal-China Executives Council. The agreement has been hailed by both Nepali and Chinese businessmen as creating a win-win situation for promoting business ventures. "Kunming is the gateway from China to South and South East Asia under the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative. Since Nepal is also one of the countries en route the OBOR, we foresee more areas of cooperation and opportunities in the days ahead", Upadhyay said while addressing the gathering. This agreement, in addition to events like China-South Asia Expo and China-South Asia Business Forum organized by Yunnan government annually, will pave the way towards deepening the business relations, he said. Most of the Nepali businessmen maintained that it is the right time to invest and undertake mega projects in Nepal by the foreign investors, citing the stable politics situation and conducive business environment. Addressing the ceremony, Yang Hui, Deputy Director at Department of Commerce of Yunnan Province, said, "The agreement will promote economic cooperation in the areas like commerce, industry, energy, agriculture, tourism and socio-cultural exchanges among others." The two sides have also agreed to encourage enterprises and make recommendations for investment in their respective areas. A jury has been told Sean FitzPatrick failed to disclose multi-million euro directors loans used for property investments while he was chief executive and later chairman of Anglo Irish Bank. Sums ranging between 10m and 100m were borrowed by Mr FitzPatrick and people linked to him to invest in hotels, shopping centres and building developments between 2002 and 2007. The allegation was made by prosecution counsel Dominic McGinn SC on the opening day of Mr FitzPatricks trial on charges of making misleading, false or deceptive statements and furnishing false information to Anglos auditors on various dates between 2002 and 2007. Mr McGinn said the case was not about the loans or what they were for, but the failure of Mr FitzPatrick to disclose them. Mr FitzPatrick, of Whitshed Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow, is facing 27 separate charges, all of which he denies. The case against him was outlined in an opening statement by the prosecution at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today. Mr McGinn told a jury of five men and eight women there was a legal obligation on Anglos directors to make an annual statement about any loans they had from the bank. He said the prosecutions case was that Mr FitzPatrick made temporary arrangements around the end of each financial year whereby the loans were refinanced using borrowings from Irish Nationwide Building Society or taken out of Anglo. Mr McGinn said Mr FitzPatrick also used money from savings accounts to temporarily lower his borrowings from Anglo. Usually these arrangements were put in place for a period of two weeks. At this point Irish Nationwide would be paid back and the full size of the loans would be reinstated on Anglos books. But because of the temporary arrangements, Anglos financial statements did not take account of the money which had been transferred out. Mr McGinn said the sums involved included borrowings by Mr FitzPatrick, as well as loans to him and his wife, family members and partnerships he was involved in. The sums rose from around 10m in 2002 to 100m in 2007. The purpose of the borrowings was for investment in hotels, shopping centres and building developments, said Mr McGinn. The barrister said these were the sort of investments being made in the climate at the time. But this case is not about the purpose of the loans. What we are dealing with here is an alleged failure by Mr FitzPatrick to disclose them. He said bank was required to supply its auditors Ernst & Young with a letter or representation, which among other things, was supposed to set out the amount of loans each director had. The letter was supposed to certify that what the auditors had been told about the size of the loans was correct and that there was nothing of any significance which needed to be drawn to their attention. Between 2002 and 2004 Mr FitzPatrick was one of two directors who were responsible for signing these letters. It was his responsibility to ensure they were accurate and true, said Mr McGinn. He told jurors they would hear evidence from two auditors at Ernst & Young, Kieran Kelly and Vincent Bergin, about what was disclosed to them when they audited the bank. The first witness in the case is due to give evidence tomorrow. Mr McGinn told the jury they would have to decide whether Mr FitzPatrick was guilty or innocent of each count against him. He said Mr FitzPatrick had the presumption of innocence and did not have to prove his innocence. Instead it was up to the prosecution to prove his guilt. Mr McGinn told jurors they would have to make their decision based on the evidence put before them and were not to take into account anything they had seen or read elsewhere. The charges against Mr FitzPatrick include 21 counts of making misleading, false or deceptive statements to the auditors of Anglo Irish Bank, contrary to section 197 of the Companies Act 1990. The offences allegedly occurred on dates between 2002 and 2007 and carry a maximum five year jail term. Five counts allege Mr FitzPatrick did not disclose to auditors Ernst & Young arrangements temporarily reducing the balance of loans to him or persons connected to him at the end of the financial year. The reductions cited ranged in size from 4.3m to 88.9m. Six counts allege Mr FitzPatrick failed to advise auditors of the need to revise financial statements after each temporary arrangement concluded. The sums involved in the arrangements cited ranged from 700,000 and 119.8m. Four counts allege Mr FitzPatrick failed to disclose the full extent of loans received by him or persons connected to him from Anglo, ranging in value between 5.5m and 23.8m. Six counts allege Mr FitzPatrick failed to inform auditors of an arrangement between Anglo and Irish Nationwide regarding loans he received from Irish Nationwide. He also faces six charges of giving false information contrary to section 242 of the Companies Act 1990 on dates between 2002 and 2008. The offences carry a maximum jail term of three years. All counts relate to Mr FitzPatrick allegedly producing financial statements giving a false figure for the aggregate value of loans to directors of Anglo. It is alleged the amounts given left out the value of his own loans. The trial resumes tomorrow. A drunk man who caused 40,000 damage when he set fire to a stolen car in frustration after he crashed it into a parked car has received a one year sentence. Gareth Quinn (33) spent about 15 minutes trying to dislodge the crashed BMW X5 vehicle before setting it alight. The fire engulfed the car he had crashed into as well as damaging two other parked cars. Quinn who has 71 previous convictions, will begin the sentence in May 2019 at the end of a current four year sentence for unlawful taking of a car imposed in April by Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court. Quinn of Moorfield Avenue, Clondalkin, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to unlawful use of a BMW X5 SUV and arson of three other vehicles at Reuben Avenue, Rialto on August 9, 2015. Judge Martin Nolan said Quinn had been under the influence when he took and crashed the BMW. He said Quinn had set fire to the vehicle in frustration, causing 40,000 of damage. Judge Nolan said there had to be an extension to Quinn's current stay in prison and imposed a one year jail term consecutive to his current sentence. Garda Peter Mullins told Seamus Clarke BL, prosecuting, that a resident of Reuben Avenue was awoken at about 7.15am by a grinding noise and looked outside to see a black vehicle had crashed into her neighbour's Audi TT car. The driver of the BMW revved the vehicle for at least 10 to 15 minutes trying to dislodge it. He then appeared to be trying to retrieve something from around the car before leaving the area. The BMW went on fire which then spread to a Audi A4 and a Fiat Punto. Quinn was arrested nearby. Gda Mullins said no accelerant was used and gardai believe it was started with a cigarette lighter inside the vehicle. The BMW had been stolen the previous day, the owner reported seeing a fat person stealing it on CCTV at about 6.30am. Gda Mullins agreed with Keith Spencer BL, defending, that Quinn was very drunk when arrested. Quinn said he had been at a party the night before and thought, as he tried to piece things together, that's where things went wrong. Mr Spencer said Quinn's father had spent many years in prison, as had Quinn. He said Quinn was tired of doing drugs and offending and wanted to be a father to his son. He said Quinn had seen the error of his ways in the past and on release from a previous sentence he had taken the correct path for three and a half years. He now wished to stay clean and sober. Counsel said Quinn understood the damage he had done and wished to convey his apologies to the vehicles' owners. A man who acted as a distraction while his accomplices entered the homes of elderly people to steal items has been given a three and a half year sentence. Michael Cawley, now aged 24, was 17-years-old when he took part in the series of burglaries in 2010. The court heard that after the offences Cawley had returned to the UK, where he has spent most of his life. Cawley, now a married father of two, with an address at St Olivers Park, Cloverhill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four burglaries and one attempted burglary at the homes of elderly people at various locations in Dublin on dates between February and May 2010. Cawley has seven other convictions and is currently serving a two year sentence with the final nine months suspended for similar offences which was imposed earlier this week in Cork Circuit Court. Judge Martin Nolan said these were atrocious crimes which had exploited the trusting nature of elderly people and he had no doubt their enjoyment of life had been lessened as a result of the offences. He noted there seemed to be no real violence in the offences and when confronted the men sought to escape. Judge Nolan imposed a three and a half year sentence and told Cawley it would have been more if it were not for his age at the time of the offences. Detective Garda Fergal O'Flaherty told Pieter Le Vert BL, prosecuting, that in February 2010 an 82-year-old man answered the door to Cawley who told him he was putting in a washing machine in the house next door and it was causing some flooding. He asked to check the water pressure in his house. The elderly man lead him into his kitchen where Cawley turned on the tap and then began adjusting something under the sink. He became suspicious of Cawley as he knew there was no water valve under the sink and shouted get out you chancer at him. The man's 88-year-old wife saw a second man coming down their stairs. He pushed her out of the way at the bottom of the stairs. She was uninjured but said she got an awful shock. Her husband tried to keep this man in the house but he managed to get out along with Cawley. The elderly man followed the burglars out and saw them get into a car. Gardai collected CCTV from the area and nominated Cawley as a suspect. Cawley told gardai he had been forced into committing the offence by his accomplice and had not been told why he was going into the house. The court heard that during this period Cawley had played a similar role in burglaries of the homes of an 83-year-old man, a 75-year-old woman, a 63-year-old woman and an 85-year-old woman. Cawley told gardai he had developed a problem with heroin a number of months prior to this offence. Aoife O'Halloran BL, defending, put it to Det Gda O'Flaherty that at the time Cawley was in the care of an uncle who was not the best role model. He replied that Cawley was hanging around with the wrong type of people and some were family members. Ms O'Halloran said Cawley had a turbulent upbringing and had been in the care of his grandparents until his grandfather died. He was then entrusted to the care of an uncle who did not lead him on the right path. She said Cawley found himself indebted and felt an element of pressure to become involved in the offences. Ms O'Halloran asked the court to bear in mind that Cawley was 17 at the time and did not have the most stable footing in life. She said he was now fully clean and was a married father of two. She said he had never been in custody before and had found it an eye opener but was using his time in prison productively. She said if given an opportunity to engage with the probation service on release he would have a chance to become a productive and upstanding member of society. The trial of two men charged with murdering a 41-year-old in Carlow has heard that there had been attempts to burn him after his death following a violent and sustained assault. He died of blunt force trauma to his head and neck, and many of his injuries had a pattern such as from the sole of a shoe, as in stamping. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy was giving evidence today of the post-mortem exam she carried out on the deceased. The Central Criminal Court trial has heard that Latvian man Gints Intembergs was found dead on his kitchen floor on the morning of 16th of September, 2014. Liam Power (52) of no fixed abode, and Dzintars Sackalausks (33) of Barrowvale, Graiguecullen, Co Carlow are charged with murdering him on that or the previous day. Mr Sackalausks has pleaded not guilty to murdering him at the deceased mans home in Graigowen, Tullow. Mr Power has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Each accused has also pleaded not guilty to assaulting another man, Aigar Sildars, causing him harm on the same occasion. Prof Cassidy testified that she attended the scene that afternoon and found the deceased lying face up on a tiled floor, covered with a duvet. He had obvious injuries to his face, she said. There was evidence of attempts to burn his t-shirt and there were cigarette burns on the trunk. She later carried out a post-mortem exam on his body. He had severe and extensive trauma to his face, head, neck and upper chest, she said. She explained that the injuries to his head and neck had a patterned, striped appearance, indicating impact with an object such as the sole of a shoe. She said his nose was swollen and flattened, one of his teeth was broken and he had a fractured rib. She also found evidence of fire damage. There were burns on his body, she said. The pubic hair was singed. She outlined further fire damage to his arm and the base of his penis. She said that an internal exam found a subdural haemorrhage. She explained that this was a massive blood clot inside the skull cavity. The subdural haemorrhage had compressed his brain, causing death, she said. She said the right half of his brain was swollen and there was a haemorrhage to its surface. She explained that this bleeding had been caused by the tearing of blood vessels on the surface of the brain and that this was due to the head trauma. She said that death would likely not have been instant and that he may have lain unconscious, possibly for hours, before his death. She noted that many of the surface injuries had shown a pattern such as from the sole of a shoe, as in stamping. There were seven or eight separate impacts to his head, neck and chest, she said. She said he was considerably intoxicated with alcohol, with a blood ethanol level of 340mg per cent. Death can occur from that level of alcohol alone, she said. However, she said there was evidence of a violent and sustained assault. She added that the attempted burning of his clothing and body appeared to have been peri or post-mortem. She gave his cause of death as subdural haemorrhage due to blunt force trauma to the head and neck. Under cross examination by Patrick Gageby SC, defending Mr Sackalausks, she confirmed that the patterned injuries could have been caused by stamping. She said that any rapid movement of the brain could cause the blood vessels to tear. I cant say which blow, which action, caused his death, she said. She agreed that the fact he was drunk and unprepared could be a factor. Being so drunk increases the likelihood of movement of the head, she explained. Under cross examination by Michael Delaney SC, defending Mr Power, she said that stamping would not generally cause movement of the brain. The trial continues before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury of five men and seven women. Talks continue today in the row that is threatening to keep hundreds of second-level schools closed indefinitely from Monday, but there is no sign of a breakthrough. As the deadline looms, many schools are advising parents that they may not be in a position to reopen, or may only partially reopen after the mid-term break. There is particular confusion in some sectors, with some schools unaffected by Monday's action by the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI), but which will be closed by a one-day ASTI strike on Tuesday. The dispute has its roots in the union's rejection of the Lansdowne Road Agreement (LRA), which has started the process of restoration of austerity-era pay cuts in the public service. The ASTI is seeking a timetable for an end to two-tier pay scales. Up to 500 schools could close on Monday if ASTI members withdraw from supervision and substitution duties. The ASTI has told members to present for work, regardless of whether their school is open, closed or partially open - even if there are no students attending. Poster As well as withdrawing from supervision and substitution, the ASTI is involved in a series of one-day strikes, the second of which is scheduled for Tuesday. Meanwhile, the ASTI has been told that a union poster about junior-cycle reform - with which the union is not co-operating - cannot be posted in classrooms. School managers and TDs were among those who objected to the appearance of the poster in classrooms and a spokesperson for Education Minister Richard Bruton said that it was "not appropriate for a trade union to disseminate materials in respect of an industrial relations dispute in a classroom environment". An ASTI spokesperson said the poster was distributed to members following requests for such information and was aimed at ASTI members. Gardai looking for clues at the scene of the shooting on Raheen Drive in Ballyfermot yesterday. Photo: Gerry Mooney The father of a man shot as he was standing outside a friend's house has said his son is gravely ill following the attack. Gardai are treating the shooting of Jason Williams (42) on Raheen Drive in Ballyfermot as attempted murder. Mr Williams was having a cigarette outside his friend's home when a gunman opened fire at around 9am yesterday. He was hit in the abdomen and shoulder and rushed to St James's Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery and he remains in a serious condition. His father Michael said he spoke to Jason, from nearby Clover Hill Road, after he came out of surgery. Michael Williams told the Irish Independent: "He has a 50/50 chance. One bullet went into his abdomen and out his back. He has kidney damage and the bullet took a chunk out of his spine too. "I was in to see him and he was conscious after his surgery. I don't know why he was shot. "I can't think of a reason why. It could be mistaken identity." Mr Williams added that Jason, also known as 'Jay' was recovering after falling off a ladder when he was shot. He said: "He was still hobbling around. He was just standing outside a friend's house when this happened. We don't know who did it or why." Sources close to the investigation said no immediate suspects or motives had come to light. Gardai are hoping to interview Mr Williams in the coming days. "While Williams had come to some minor garda attention in the past it was many years ago and as such would not be on the radar," said a source. Gardai are keeping an open mind as to the motive for the shooting. The scene was preserved pending a forensic examination by members of the garda technical bureau. Gardai sealed off the house as well as a large van across the road from it. It is suspected the gunman or gunmen may have concealed themselves behind this van, which was innocently parked on Raheen Drive, and shot at Mr Williams from the roadway. Shocked Blood stains could be seen in the driveway of the house as gardai examined the scene yesterday. Neighbours on Raheen Drive and Clover Hill Road where Mr Williams lives said they were shocked at the news that he had been shot. "His family are lovely people, and Jay himself is well known in the area. We can't believe it," said one woman. A Garda spokesman said: "Gardai and emergency services attended the scene where a man, 42 years, suffered apparent gunshot wounds. "He was taken to St James's Hospital where his condition is described as being serious." Gardai are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information is asked to contact them at Ballyfermot garda station on 01 6667200 or telephone the Garda Confidential Line, 1800 666111. The outcome of the High Court case, brought by the HSE to force a woman to have a caesarean section, is of keen interest to other mothers who also felt their voices were over-ruled by doctors (Stock picture) The maternity ward can sometimes be a battleground for pregnant women who complain of being bullied into having interventions such as vacuum delivery or caesarean sections. This is not unique to Ireland and the fight-back is part of an international campaign highlighted by the Freedom for Birth movement, which aims to allow women get more control over how they have their babies. It means the outcome of the High Court case, brought by the HSE to force a woman to have a caesarean section, is of keen interest to other mothers who also felt their voices were over-ruled by doctors. The woman already had given birth to her previous three children by this surgical method and her doctors argued the risks for both mother and baby were too high to grant her request for a natural birth. Inevitably, Article 40.3.3, which protects the right to life of the unborn, was cited. But rather than getting into another hand-wringing session and 'Repeal the Eighth' debate, it is worth noting that the judge ruled in her favour. He evaluated the risks and said the court's view was that its right to intervene in a parent's decision in relation to her unborn child could not be any greater than its right to rule on born children. The case is particularly interesting because it came to court. And these power struggles normally never get that far. They end up with a woman being warned about legal action and agreeing to the procedure, said Krysia Lynch, chair of the Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services Ireland (AIMS) yesterday. "Pregnant women are routinely subjected to treatments and procedures within Irish maternity services that they are unable to refuse. Our support service organisations are full of cases where people report coercion and extreme pressure to agree to procedures which they may feel are harmful to themselves and their baby," she said. She said the HSE's consent policy for pregnant women is informed by Article 40.3.3. The reality is that many women are happy to hand over control to the expertise of the doctor. This woman, thankfully, had a healthy baby by caesarean section, which she consented to. As for doctors, they point out they are practising in a high-risk and highly litigious climate with many pressures, including understaffing. But it can lead sometimes to a "them and us" divide between doctors and patients. A PENSIONER died on a hospital trolley in a busy emergency department 10 hours after being admitted with severe chest pains. James 'Jimmy' Holland (79) was being kept in the emergency department at Cork University Hospital (CUH) overnight because there was no bed available in the specialist cardiology unit. Mr Holland of Glyntown, Glanmire, Co Cork was on a cardiac monitor in the emergency department but its alarm never sounded because he had suffered a type of cardiac incident which cannot be detected by such equipment. In CUH's emergency department, nursing staff are dependent on such audio alarms from cardiac monitors. When nursing staff routinely checked on Mr Holland at 12.45am on April 11, he was unresponsive. He had been fine when checked at 12.10am. While he apparently still had a cardiac electrical read, his heart had stopped pumping blood around his body. Despite desperate efforts to revive Mr Holland, he was pronounced dead at 1.24am. In the specialist cardiology unit, the feeds from all such monitors are constantly checked by a cardiology nurse in the ward and staff are not totally reliant on audio alarms. CUH cardiologist, Dr Ronan Curtin, said Mr Holland had apparently suffered a Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) type cardiac arrest. "There is no technology that can monitor for a PEA arrest," he said. "This type of cardiac arrest won't be detected by a monitor of any description." Such PEA incidents can occur in just a fraction of a second. Father of five Mr Holland had awoken at 1am on April 10 last with a severe pain in his chest. He had suffered a heart attack 20 years before and had unstable angina. He later went to an out of hours GP service and they referred him to CUH. Mr Holland attended CUH's emergency department at 3.22pm and was placed on a trolley. He was formally admitted to CUH at 8.30pm and placed in a cubicle in the emergency department because there was no bed available in the cardiology unit which was full. It was planned to conduct an angiogram on Mr Holland the following day and secure a bed for him in the cardiology unit. Doctors stressed that Mr Holland did not exhibit any of the symptoms of requiring an emergency angiogram. "He was a priority patient. He was awaiting a cardiology bed," Dr Heather Cronin said. Another attending doctor, Dr Susan Harkin, said she cannot recall if CUH was busier than normal that night. "The emergency department in CUH is generally very busy," she said. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster found that Mr Holland suffered a sudden cardiac death due to coronary heart disease and a thrombosis against a background of lung and renal problems. Coroner Philip Comyn returned a verdict of death due to natural causes. The coroner declined a request by the Holland family for the inquest to be adjourned to allow for a more detailed examination of the monitors in CUH's emergency department. From left: businessman Kieran Calnan, RTE director general Dee Forbes and campaigner Nell McCafferty show off their honorary doctorates from UCC yesterday. Photo: Clare Keogh RTE director general Dee Forbes and campaigner Nell McCafferty were among a number of people awarded honorary doctorates at University College Cork (UCC) yesterday. Cork native Ms Forbes, Ms McCafferty, marketing guru Regis McKenna and businessman Kieran Calnan all received awards from university president Dr Michael Murphy. Speaking after the ceremony, Ms McCafferty (72) mischievously hailed her honorary doctorate from UCC, 52 years after her Queen's University BA degree. "God bless the British [State's] free education system and God bless Charlie Haughey for the free travel pass," she said. Ms McCafferty said she was eagerly anticipating events over the next few months. She will be keeping a close eye on the outcome of the US presidential election and Pope Francis's proposed visit to Ireland. "I was there for the first visit by the Pope. The Pope is coming to Ireland again. He will be coming here when we will be in the middle of an abortion referendum. You couldn't make it up," she said. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Tanzanian counterpart John Pombe Magufuli launch the Nairobi Southern Bypass at a ceremony attended by residents and officials from both countries in Nairobi, capital city of Kanya. A new section of roadway, funded and built by China, has opened near Nairobi, Kenya, which is expected to significantly ease traffic in the Kenyan capital. The new section of road, known as the Southern Bypass, is also expected to create regional benefits. The newly-completed project is a roughly 30-kilometer stretch of highway running south of Nairobi. Kenyan Secretary of Health, James Macharia, says the roadway itself is going to do a lot to help ease traffic congestion in the Kenyan capital, as heavy trucks are going to be able to avoid going through the city while transporting goods to other parts of the country, and the larger East African region. "It is very important in terms of not just reducing the congestion of traffic in Nairobi, but also in terms of connecting the countries of East Africa. If you go towards the right on this road, you will be going towards Tanzania; if you go towards the left of this road, you will be going towards Uganda. So, this road is very important in terms of enhancing the regional cooperation and development of the region." Taking nearly 4-years to complete, the Southern Bypass is one of three highway projects the Chinese government has funded to help ease traffic in Nairobi. The Export-Import Bank of China has put up 85-percent of the cost. The China Road and Bridge Construction Corporation built the roadway, employing around 2-thousand locals as part of the process. CRBC deputy General Manager An Aijun says they were careful to take in environmental factors when building the road. "We combined Chinese and Kenyan designs when building this road. It was completed based on the local environment. We used elaborate designs and meticulous construction work in order to ensure smooth and safe traffic." Locals living along the bypass say the new road is also going to save lives. "We are very happy with the road and the community is also very happy. Before it was a very dangerous place; people could not pass [because there was] a lot of traffic. But nowadays, it is very easy, and we are happy about it. Most of us when we are going to the hospitals. It is a very nice way. So we are very happy about the road." There are around 3-thousand traffic-related fatalities per year in Nairobi, and many say the new bypass will help improve road safety. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has issued a statement, saying he believes the new Chinese-backed bypass is going to unleash economic and social benefits in Kenya and in the wider eastern African region. GRA president Ciaran ONeill leads his team from Lansdowne House after an adjournment with the Labour Court. Picture: Frank McGrath A series of unprecedented strikes by rank- and-file gardai is still set to go ahead unless there is a "substantial increase" in the Government's offer of a 2,500 pay rise. The Garda Representative Association (GRA) demanded a substantial pay increase before it would suspend the industrial action as it attended a hearing following a last-minute intervention by the State's industrial relations court of last resort. Arriving back at the Labour Court following a meeting of the association's executive last night, GRA president Ciaran O'Neill said the association was open to discussions and it was hoping for a positive result at talks. But he said tomorrow's strike was set to go ahead without a breakthrough on pay rises. "Until and unless there's a substantial increase, and we mean a substantial increase in the offer, the actions determined by conference are still going ahead," he said. However, Mr O'Neill would not say what this substantial increase would be. The association's negotiating team left the court shortly before 5pm to attend a scheduled meeting of its central executive committee at the Phibsboro HQ, before returning to the court close to 9pm. In a statement issued by the GRA, it emphasised that the decision on industrial action on November 4, 11, 18 and 25 "remains in place". "In order to progress the negotiations the GRA central executive committee has agreed to ballot the membership of the GRA on any non-binding recommendations of the Labour Court," it said. "The Labour Court requires that the distribution of such ballot to the membership be agreed as a prerequisite before it can hear our case. The association remains fully engaged in the negotiation process." GRA sources said the union executive was split 60-40 over the official approach. Sources present said there was particular concern raised about agreeing to ballot the membership on any non-binding recommendation - before such proposals may be assessed in full. The Workplace Relations Commission stepped in last week to advise the Government and Garda associations on an "ad hoc" basis as they drew up draft proposals in a bid to broker a deal. The executives of the GRA and AGSI rejected proposals that were drawn up during discussions with the Department of Justice. Following this, the Workplace Relations Commission referred the dispute to the Labour Court. Read More: Comment: Enormous gulf between undervalued lower ranks and senior managers at the heart of crisis Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan has sent a letter to every member of An Garda Siochana instructing them to turn up for work tomorrow. Ms O'Sullivan warned gardai that if the industrial action took place, it may "irreparably compromise our authority to police the State". The AGSI is due to attend the Labour Court this morning. It has not clarified if it rejected the same proposals as the GRA, but president Antoinette Cunningham said the Government offer was "inequitable". Overtime The GRA has demanded a road-map for the restoration of pay cuts, access to State mediation bodies and the right to strike. It has also sought a 39-hour working week as well as higher overtime rates. The 30.5m deal would have given gardai almost 2,500 extra a year. But some gardai said they would need around 4,000 to back it. Meanwhile, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that both the GRA and the AGSI had received significant offers to halt their planned industrial action. Read More: Comment: The force's biggest duty is not investigating crimes - we need them to save us from ourselves He was responding to Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, who described the situation as "very dangerous" and said "untold damage" could result from the threatened industrial action. He told the Dail that gardai had been "demoralised and ignored" and accused the Department of Justice of being "rudderless". Mr Kenny said there would be "no winners" if more than 12,000 gardai failed to show up for work. Police in Merseyside, Liverpool have issued an appeal for information about the whereabouts of a 29-year-old man. Adam James Wood, from Aigburth in Liverpool, is wanted in relation to an investigation into drugs and firearm offences. It is believed he may have connections to Ireland. They have asked anyone with information to call their gun crime hotline on (+44) 800 230 0600, 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on (+44) 800 555 111. Will the unprecedented happen and will Ireland see An Garda Siochana go on strike? The Floating Voter discusses what might happen without law & enforcement in place. The Floating Voter's, Niall O'Connor, called it the 'biggest decision in trade union history' while fellow INM political correspondent, Philip Ryan, likened the absence of a police force to the US dystopian horror movie, The Purge. While there will be a skeletal police force in situ, the reality is that 80% of law and order enforcement in the State will down tools. Discussing the week that was in Irish politics, the team also asked if the All-island Brexit forum was just another Enda Kenny talking shop and wondered when Mary Mitchell OConnors woes would stop in the wake of her special adviser, former TV3 news anchor, Alan Cantwell, resigning. Each week on the Floating Voter, INM Group Political Editor, Kevin Doyle, is joined by political correspondents, Niall O'Connor and Philip Ryan, as they discuss the main issues affecting Irish politics. The Floating Voter bursts the bubble surrounding Leinster House. New episodes on Independent.ie every Thursday. Click here subscribe to the show on iTunes. One was bubbly, outgoing and the life and soul of the party, the other a quiet gentleman, always willing to lend a hand - both lost their lives in a horrifying manner. Tom Fitzgerald (75) and his wife Kitty (72) died in a violent assault at their rural home in Mayo. The body of popular Kitty was found in a pool of blood in the house, while painter Tom was discovered in a trough outside. Their son Paul is being treated at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, after he was found close to his devoted parents with serious head injuries on Tuesday. Gardai believe the answers to the tragedy lie inside the family home. Friends and neighbours in the small village of Irishtown on the Mayo-Galway border were shocked at the deaths of two pillars of the community. Parish priest Fr Martin O'Connor even described Tom and Kitty as saint-like, such was the esteem they were held in locally. Tom, a former long-term employee at a sugar factory in Galway, turned to painting many years ago, setting up his own business. Local people said there wasn't a building in Irishtown that he hadn't worked on over the years. "People wouldn't dare take their business some place else when they wanted painting done," one family friend said. "Tom was involved in everything good that went on, from Mass to Foroige, to community development, to the GAA." Tom was a familiar figure at the Davitts GAA club, having been involved for decades. He helped sustain and build the community as a director for years with the Irishtown Community Development and before that the community council. His work in the area included getting a care home for the elderly up and running and he was even involved in social housing. "He was easy-going, wouldn't be involved in any aggro and made sure everybody was happy," one local said. "He was the man that would do the door [at a community event], whatever you asked him." Kitty and Tom were described as a perfect match - she was different from her husband, in that she was the more outgoing half of the couple. As a member of the church choir for decades, she knew everybody and was an ever-present at community functions, some of which their son Paul would have attended too, having performed in local plays there as a teenager. Adopted by Kitty and Tom at a young age, Paul was described as being "cheerful, very involved in the community and very artistic" when he was in secondary school. Despite living in Galway, he was regularly in the area, as he would work with his father. They painted a house together as recently as last week. Post-mortems on Tom and Kitty's bodies will take place today and gardai will soon know a lot more about a tragedy which has scarred rural Mayo. Firefighters at the flat in Clongriffin, north Dublin. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin A young mother has told how her home and everything in it were destroyed in a terrifying arson attack. Grainne O'Brien (26) almost choked to death on dangerous fumes when she tried to put out the blaze at her flat in Clongriffin, north Dublin, on Tuesday night. Both she and her six-year-old son managed to escape, but Ms O'Brien told the Irish Indpendent that everything else was destroyed. "I'm just too devastated. Whatever has happened, me and my son never deserved this treatment. Expand Close Firefighters at the flat in Clongriffin, north Dublin. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Firefighters at the flat in Clongriffin, north Dublin. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin "We have been left with absolutely nothing between us," she said. Ms O'Brien said that she had been the victim of an earlier assault and in a follow-up incident the alleged assailant returned to her apartment and set fire to a bed. "I ran out the house with my son when he broke through the door and I ran across to my other friend's apartment. "I really didn't feel very protected. I think he set fire to the bed," she said. Expand Close Grainne OBrien / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Grainne OBrien Ms O'Brien said that she raced back into the apartment to try to put the blaze out. "When I ran back in, the smoke inhalation was so bad that I had to run back out - I couldn't breathe, it was terrifying." The fire brigade was called to the Station Hill apartment block shortly after 5.30pm on Tuesday. Ms O'Brien's apartment was destroyed and adjacent flats were also damaged in the suspected arson attack. One man was arrested by gardai and is currently detained at Coolock Garda station. Ms O'Brien, who works as a makeup artist and tutor, only discovered the full extent of the damage when she returned to the flat yesterday. "My son's Christmas presents are gone, [as is] all my makeup kit, so I cannot work anymore," she said. "Also my father's ashes and every single picture are gone too." Premium John Downing Opinion New British prime minister Rishi Sunaks succession proves an important milestone in British political inclusivity There is an old saying in British politics that goes: The right looks for converts while the left seeks out traitors. It comes to mind when one reflects upon the election of Rishi Sunak as the UKs first non-white prime minister in a party traditionally seen as most opposed to mass immigration and the dilution of national identity via multiculturalism. 'If that's justice then I'm a banana," announced Ian Hislop in 1989, moments after a High Court jury in London had awarded Sonia Sutcliffe, the wife of the Yorkshire Ripper, an astronomical 600,000 (665,000)against Hislop's 'Private Eye' magazine. In recent years, huge awards of damages by juries have also become a common feature of Irish libel law, leaving many defendants looking for space in Hislop's fruit bowl. The highest award was the 10m in damages awarded by a jury in 2010 to businessman Donal Kinsella over a press release issued by his employer that wrongly insinuated that he had made inappropriate advances to a female colleague during a naked sleepwalking incident whilst on a business trip to Africa. Then there was the award of 1.87m made by a High Court jury in 2009 to communications consultant Monica Leech over a series of articles in the 'Evening Herald' that falsely suggested that she was having an extramarital affair with a government minister. This award was subsequently reduced on appeal by the Supreme Court to 1.25m, but has led to the newspaper group challenging Ireland's defamation laws before the European Court of Human Rights, claiming that they have a serious chilling effect on freedom of expression. No one is disputing that both of those cases involved very serious examples of defamation fully deserving of significant damages, but that does not mean that the size of the awards should be free from scrutiny. The very high level of these awards is evident when one studies the revised 'Book of Quantum' that was issued by the Injuries Board last month, which indicates that damages of up to 138,000 are appropriate for the total loss of sight in one eye and that the upper range of general damages for quadriplegia and paraplegia is approximately 450,000. And, of course, an award of damages in a personal injuries action cannot restore a person's sight or general health, in contrast to a libel award which is often a very effective way of vindicating a person's good name and reputation. One possible explanation for these huge awards is the fact that, historically, the trial judge was not allowed to give the jury any assistance as to what award of damages might be appropriate. This led to some very convoluted outcomes. For example, businessman Denis O'Brien was awarded 250,000 against the 'Irish Mirror' by a High Court jury, only to have the award overturned on appeal by the Supreme Court for being disproportionately high. The case was then sent back for reconsideration by a second High Court jury, which could not be given guidelines on damages or even be told that the Supreme Court had set aside an earlier award of 250,000 for being disproportionately high. The second jury decided to award O'Brien 750,000. Following the introduction of the Defamation Act 2009, judges are now allowed to give the jury some guidance on the various factors to consider when awarding damages. However, jury awards in Ireland still remain high by international standards. For example, in England damages are effectively capped at 275,000 (304,000), with the majority of awards being much lower, as Albert Reynolds discovered in 1996 when he was awarded one penny in damages following his successful libel action against the 'Sunday Times'. The review of defamation law that was announced by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald earlier this week is clearly welcome. One possible reform is to remove the jury from the issue of damages completely. After all, in a criminal trial the role of the jury is limited to establishing the guilt or innocence of an accused person. If a guilty verdict is returned, it is the presiding judge who determines what is the proper sentence to hand down. A similar division of responsibilities in libel actions could lead to the jury determining if a person has been defamed, with the judge then deciding what level of damages is appropriate. The judge would be expected to write a judgment showing how they came to this figure, which is much more transparent than a jury simply announcing an amount following secret deliberations. Even more radical would be the removal of juries entirely from High Court libel actions. After all, the vast majority of civil (ie non-criminal) cases are decided without any jury involvement by a trial judge sitting alone. If such a judge can be trusted on their own to resolve often important disputes in areas such as family and asylum law, then it is hard to see why they still require the assistance of a jury in a libel action. Identifying the correct balance between competing Constitutional values, such as a person's right to a good name and a media outlet's freedom of expression, is never easy. In 'Richard II' Shakespeare suggests that "the purest treasure mortal times afford is spotless reputation". In the absence of further legislative reform, the question of how you place a monetary value on this particular treasure may well remain unanswered for years to come. The Duchess of Cambridge has walked the red carpet for the world premiere of a heartfelt film about two friends - a man and his cat - who have transformed each other's lives. A Street Cat Named Bob dramatises the lives of former homeless busker James Bowen and Bob the cat - familiar characters around central London - who helped each other back on to the road to a better life. Their story was turned into a book by Bowen and became an international hit, selling more than three million copies, and now a film - starring Bob as himself - is being released about their journey. Kate, who wore an outfit by Self Portrait, met the pair and members of the cast and crew before the premiere at Curzon Mayfair cinema - in one of London's most exclusive areas. Waiting at the end of the line of guests were Bowen and Bob, sat on a red cushion on a plinth, and as Kate gently stroked the cat's head she chatted to his owner. When she bent down to look at the cat, who appeared more interested in the flashes coming from the photographers' camera, she turned to Bowen and asked "is he growling or purring" and he joked that he did not know. Bowen's story began in 2007 when the recovering drug addict found a stray ginger tomcat injured and sick and curled up in the hallway of his sheltered accommodation in Tottenham, north London. Bowen was living a hand-to-mouth existence on the streets of London and the last thing he needed was a pet, but he decided to nurse the intelligent tomcat, whom he quickly christened Bob. The cat followed him everywhere, as he does to this day, sitting on his shoulders with his trademark scarf, and they soon became inseparable. But Bob, thought to be 11 years old, was also good for his busking in Covent Garden, with the public stopping to stroke the cat, chat and listen to the music. Taking on the cat was more than just a gesture of compassion, as the former rough sleeper believes it was a turning point in his life. He said: "He showed me that everybody has a second chance if they want to take it. Video of the Day "He made me feel, instead of just existing, it was worth changing my life and getting clean because I had to take care of him and in turn it made me take care of myself." Speaking about the success of his book, which has led to children's spin-offs and now the film, he added: "It's wonderful to be an advocate for things like homelessness charities like the Big Issue Foundation and animal things like the Blue Cross and the Cats Protection League - raising money for all of these things and awareness." Bowen joked about the happy ending of their tale, saying: "Bob bought a house and lets me pay the mortgage." Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday met with Kyrgyz president Almazbek Atambayev in Bishkek during his official visit to Kyrgyzstan. Premier Li extended regards from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Almazbek Atambayev, and highly praised the long-time neighboring friendship between the two countries. China would follow the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefits in its way to deepen ties with Kyrgyzstan, said Premier Li. The potential of the China-Kyrgyzstan relationship lies in the cooperation on infrastructure construction and legislation, Li added. President Atambayev expressed his appreciation to China's sincerity in the friendship of the two countries. Kyrgyzstan would work with China to further cooperate in various fields including transportation, tele-communication, and finance. Prime Minister Theresa May who appeared to mock George Osborne by accepting an award from the former chancellor wearing a high-visibility jacket and hard hat (Robbie Gibb/Twitter/PA) The UK will make a "Titanic" success of Brexit, Boris Johnson has said as he picked up an award for political comeback of the year. When ex-chancellor George Osborne pointed out that "the Titanic sank", the Foreign Secretary changed his mind and went with " colossal " instead, prompting riotous laughter from the audience. He was speaking at the annual Spectator Parliamentarian of the Year awards ceremony at Rosewood Hotel, which saw a gathering of current and former Government ministers including Prime Minister Theresa May. Mr Johnson told the audience he was taking the "machete of freedom" to the EU legislation and insisted Brexit plans were going well. He said: "In the words of our great Prime Minister I believe they understand that Brexit means Brexit and we are going to make a Titanic success of it." In a night of in-jokes and fun-poking, Mrs May went on stage dressed in a hard hat and hi-vis jacket to collect her Politician of the Year Award from Mr Osborne, who frequently donned the safety garb for campaign visits to building sites while he was in Number 11. And former deputy prime minister Michael Heseltine was the butt of a running joke. Lord Heseltine was forced to deny killing his mother's pet Alsatian, insisting Kim was still alive after the incident and was put down the following day by the vet because of its violent outburst. On his elevation to Foreign Secretary after a doomed leadership bid, Mr Johnson said: "Like the faithful Alsatian belonging to Michael Heseltine, there have been moments since June 23, when in those very grim days after June 23, I genuinely feared that I might be strangled by a crazed, pop-eyed Europhile Remainer and like Kim the Alsatian therefore I am absolutely thrilled to have had this reprieve. "The dog had a very brief reprieve. I hope that obviously my comeback will be a bit longer than Kim the Alsatian's." Mr Osborne joined in with the good-humoured banter, mocking former justice secretary Michael Gove, his wife Sarah Vine and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. And he also aimed some shots at Mrs May, who sacked him as chancellor in her first reshuffle. Before presenting the award, he said: " There won't be much time for chit chat, a bit like when Theresa and I last spoke." Later, when talking about Mr Corbyn's performance at Prime Minister's Questions pre-Brexit vote, he added: "When evidence emerges of Theresa May's ardent support for the European Union he doesn't mention it, mind you neither did she." Mrs May enjoyed a meteoric, if tumultuous, rise to No 10 in 2016, winning the Tory leadership and becoming PM after her main challenger Andrea Leadsom dropped out of the highly-fraught contest that followed David Cameron's resignation after the Brexit vote. Mr Osborne later hit back at Mrs May's jibes at his expense, tweeting a photo of himself in a hi-vis jacket with the comment: "Back with its rightful owner." Theresa May started laughing along with other MPs as it dawned upon her that she had made an error Theresa May left MPs in stitches after mistakenly congratulating Jeremy Corbyn on the birth of a granddaughter. The Prime Minister blamed a Tory ally for giving her the wrong information which left her laughing at the despatch box. Labour leader Mr Corbyn had praised party colleague Conor McGinn (St Helens North) for delivering his own daughter on the living room floor after his wife gave birth more quickly than expected. Mr McGinn shared his story over the weekend, explaining he was given a "crash course in midwifery over the phone with a 999 call-handler" in order to deliver Neasa Constance. But Mrs May appeared to misunderstand the congratulations extended by Mr Corbyn, resulting in the mix-up. Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Corbyn said: " Could I take this opportunity in welcoming Neasa Constance McGinn and hope that the evidently effective crash course in midwifery undertaken by my honourable friend, the member for St Helens North, isn't a sign to the Government that we believe in downgrading midwifery training." In her reply, Mrs May told Mr Corbyn: "First of all can I congratulate you on the birth, I understand, of your granddaughter. "No? Sorry..." Mrs May then started laughing along with other MPs as it dawned upon her that she had made an error. She added: "In that case can I just say that perhaps one should never trust the former chief whip." Mrs May then turned to Conservative MP Sir Patrick McLoughlin , who held the role for the Tories while in opposition and is now party chairman. Mr Corbyn later replied: "It's a bit unfair to blame a former chief whip for a little bit of confusion - very ungallant. "Can't we just admire the member for St Helens North on his work?" Mrs May referenced the sacking of Dame Rosie Winterton as Labour's chief whip, as she countered: "At least my former chief whip has got a job." Dame Rosie lost her position during Mr Corbyn's latest shadow cabinet reshuffle although she has since been made the party's envoy with responsibility for relations with Labour's international sister parties. Children outside a church in the Haitian city of Jeremie, where 296 people have sought refuge after their homes were destroyed Haiti is in crisis. It is not the first time this nation has been hit by a natural disaster of epic proportions, but that did not protect the 2.1 million people who felt the wrath of Hurricane Matthew when it made landfall in the region on October 4. Unicef Ireland immediately launched an emergency appeal. One month on, I have travelled to Haiti to assess the most urgent needs of the one million children who survived. Sadly, I know the country well. The last time I was here, it was 2010 and an earthquake had ripped through the land. More than six years have passed, but - incredibly - 55,000 people were still displaced after that event when Hurricane Matthew, the most powerful storm in a decade to hit the Caribbean, slammed into Haiti. I felt then as I do today, afraid for children here. Their short lives have been defined by unfair challenges. Their needs are many, but we know how to help and we can do this. As I travel around the worst-affected west, the damage is extreme - 150,000 homes flattened in this region alone. The city of Jeremie is largely in ruins; in Les Cayes - the town now familiar to many from news reports - all of the crops have been destroyed. I am at least thankful that Unicef's long-term team of 89 aid workers managed to pre-position emergency supplies like clean water in many of the areas that were subsequently hit. Our teams were back in the affected areas less than 24 hours after the hurricane. Since then, 170 metric tonnes of emergency supplies have been flown in from our logistics hubs in Panama and Copenhagen. Our teams have been working flat out for weeks to scale up our response, providing emergency packs with blankets and hygiene kits, providing clean water for hundreds of thousands of people, and establishing 14 rapid-response cholera teams. First and foremost, Haitian children need clean water, and the chance to remain cholera-free. Cholera spreads rapidly through cramped and overcrowded conditions. Unicef is working hard to improve hygiene. Our other defence against cholera is vaccination. Parents know cholera can kill a child in hours and there has been a tenfold increase in cholera, so demand is enormous. Hunger is a huge danger. Children under five, and pregnant women, need nutritional protection from malnutrition. We also need to be vigilant in terms of child protection. In times of emergency, children can fall victim to abuse or neglect. The best thing we can do is reunite unaccompanied children with their families. That process isn't always easy - we hear reports of children being left at care centres as their families lose hope that they can provide for them. For the children themselves, we provide play centres and psychosocial supports. These children are traumatised - school and play help them recover. These simple things can help mend a broken childhood, as unbelievable as that may seem. Children need schools to return to. Unfortunately, hundreds of schools in the West have been destroyed, or they are out of commission. For me this is the saddest repercussion of Hurricane Matthew. Unicef is leading a global push to prioritise education during emergencies, not just after normality is beginning to return. That is why among the chartered planeloads of emergency materials we are dispatching, we have packed school-in-a-box kits. These extraordinary trunks contain everything a teacher needs to establish a learning centre for children displaced or affected by emergency. If we can provide an educational environment while the emergency is still happening, we know children can better avoid child trafficking, child marriage, a life as a child combatant, or one of forced labour. Some 106,000 children are currently out of school here, and yet when I do see a glimmer of hope, it is among the groups of children I pass on the street making their way to school, swinging Unicef backpacks. Haitian and World Bank officials say the hurricane caused nearly $2bn (1.8bn) of damage. More than a million children have been affected. Unicef must find $22.5m (20.2bn) to fund its essential work. Behind the figures stand the people of Haiti. This is the second natural disaster many of them have endured in their lifetime - made doubly difficult by the fact their nation lacks the basic infrastructure to cope with existing challenges including malnutrition, disease and drought, not to mind a fresh emergency. Peter Power is Unicef Ireland executive director. Unicef Ireland has launched an emergency appeal for the children of Haiti. Visit www.Unicef.ie or call 01 878 3000. Donald Trump speaks during a campaign stop at the Jacksonville Equestrian Centre (AP) US president Barack Obama and Melania Trump have both joined the campaign trail as Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump try to drum up support with less than a week to go until Election Day. Mr Trump warned that a cloud of investigation would follow Mrs Clinton into the White House, evoking the bitter impeachment battle of the 1990s in a closing campaign argument meant to bring wayward Republicans home. Democrat Mrs Clinton and her allies, led by Mr Obama, told voters to get serious about the dangers of Mr Trump. As polls show Mr Trump closing in on Mrs Clinton in key battleground states, her campaign is rushing to shore up support in some long-standing Democratic strongholds. That includes the campaign's Michigan firewall, a remarkable situation for a candidate who looked to be cruising to an easy win just a week ago. Mrs Clinton's narrowing lead has given Mr Trump's campaign a glimmer of hope, one he is trying to broaden into a breakthrough before time runs out. That means zeroing in on questions of Mrs Clinton's trustworthiness and a new FBI review of an aide's emails. The attack is aimed at appealing to moderate Republicans and independents who have been the holdouts of his campaign, turned off by his behaviour but equally repelled by the possible return of the Clintons. "Here we go again with the Clintons - you remember the impeachment and the problems," Mr Trump said at a rally in Jacksonville. "That's not what we need in our country, folks. We need someone who is ready to go to work." Mrs Clinton and allies, meanwhile, are seeking to keep the spotlight on Mr Trump, claiming that his disparaging comments about women and minorities and his temperament make him unfit for office. "He has spent this entire campaign offering a dog whistle to his most hateful supporters," Mrs Clinton said, singling out Mr Trump's endorsement from the official newspaper of the Ku Klux Klan and noting that he has retweeted messages from white supremacists. "This has never happened to a nominee of a major party," Mrs Clinton said. "If Donald Trump were to win this election we would have a commander in chief who is completely out of his depth and whose ideas are incredibly dangerous," she said at Pitt Community College, outside of Greenville, North Carolina. Mrs Clinton was due to campaign later with former primary opponent Senator Bernie Sanders and pop star Pharrell Williams in Raleigh. Mr Trump's path to victory remains narrow. He must win Florida to win the White House, which is no easy feat. Still, his campaign has been buoyed by tightening polls there and in other key battlegrounds, as well as by signs that African-American turnout for Mrs Clinton may be lagging. Mrs Clinton enlisted Mr Obama's help urging those voters to the polls and lighting a fire under other Democrats, particularly young people, who share some of the wariness about Mrs Clinton. Speaking to students at Florida International University in Miami, Mr Obama told voters now was the time to get serious about the choice. "This isn't a joke. This isn't Survivor. This isn't The Bachelorette," he said, taunting the former reality TV star. "This counts." Relishing one of his last turns on the campaign stage as president, Mr Obama repeatedly returned to his new campaign catchphrase capturing his disbelief in the unpredictable race to replace him. "C'mon, man," he said, to cheers. Mr Obama has been trying to bait Republicans into veering off message - counting on Mr Trump not to have the discipline or the ground game to capitalise on a late surge. But the famously unconventional Mr Trump has been sticking closer to convention, running some upbeat ads, bringing out his wife for a rare campaign appearance and even talking publicly about trying not to get distracted. "We don't want to blow it on November 8," Mr Trump said at the rally in Jacksonville, his fourth in Florida in two days. Mrs Clinton's weekend schedule underscored the Democrats' fresh anxiety in the final stretch. She is due to campaign on Friday in Detroit, where a large turnout of black voters has long been crucial to success, following up on a last-minute meeting by former president Bill Clinton with black ministers on Wednesday night. Mrs Clinton and Mr Obama, along with their spouses, will headline a final pre-election rally in Philadelphia next Monday evening. Mr Trump has had far fewer allies carrying his message. Senator Ted Cruz, his Republican primary foe, did campaign with vice presidential candidate Mike Pence outside Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, but he never mentioned Mr Trump by name in a 14-minute speech. Mr Trump's wife Melania made her first appearance on the trail since the Republican convention in July. At a get-out-the-vote rally in the Philadelphia suburbs, the former model tried to counter the Clinton campaign's pounding attacks on her husband as setting a poor example for children. She told the group that if she becomes first lady she will focus on combating online bullying and working against a culture that has "gotten too mean and too rough" , she said. Mrs Trump made no reference to her husband's regular name-calling on social media. On Twitter, Mr Trump has called Mrs Clinton "crooked", ''pathetic", "liar", ''a fraud" and "very dumb". He has called Mr Cruz a "true lowlife pol" and a "complete and total liar". Mr Trump's daughter Ivanka was campaigning in New Hampshire. AP A roadside blast in Afghanistan has killed at least nine civilians on their way to a wedding in the northern Faryab province. Lawmaker Ahmad Tahyanj says nine people were killed and 11 were injured in the blast, which took place at 2pm on Thursday. However, Javed Dedar, a spokesman for the provincial governor, says the explosion killed 11 people and wounded 12 others on Thursday, among them women and children. He said it is unclear if the civilians, who were travelling to a wedding, hit a roadside mine or were targeted by mortar fire. Mr Dedar says the bride was wounded. Mohammad Tahir Rahmani, of the Faryab provincial council, puts the toll at 10 people killed, nine wounded. The blast occurred in a remote area, making it difficult to verify details. Israeli troops shot dead a Palestinian who tried to stab a soldier near a settlement in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, the military said. The soldier was attacked as he guarded a bus stop near Ofra, the force said. "Responding to threat, forces at the scene shot the assailant, resulting in his death," it added. Over the past year, Palestinians, many acting alone and often using rudimentary weapons and cars, have killed at least 35 Israelis and two visiting Americans in similar attacks. During the same period, at least 226 Palestinians have died in violent incidents in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. Of those, Israel has identified 154 as assailants, while others were killed during clashes and protests. Palestinians have accused Israeli police and soldiers of using excessive force in many such cases. Israel has opened investigations of several incidents. Palestinian leaders say the assailants are acting out of desperation over the collapse in 2014 of peace talks and the expansion of Israeli settlements on occupied land that Palestinians seek for an independent state. George Bush and his father could "potentially" vote for Hillary Clinton. Photo: Reuters George Bush and his father could "potentially" vote for Hillary Clinton, the nephew and grandson of the former US presidents has said. George P Bush, the son of Mr Bush's brother Jeb, said he was the only member of his powerful Republican political dynasty who would be voting for the Grand Old Party (GOP). His remarks came as he was addressing a small Republican rally in San Marcos, Texas. Pressed later to clarify his comments, Mr Bush said of grandfather George HW Bush and uncle George W: "I don't know how they voted. I'm speculating, to be honest." Asked if either could vote for Democratic presidential candidate Mrs Clinton, Mr Bush, a land commissioner, answered: "Potentially. But hard to speculate." Former Florida governor Jeb Bush was defeated by Donald Trump in the Republican presidential primary. Meanwhile, Mr Trump has urged early voters who have had second thoughts about their presidential choice to recall their ballots and change their minds. He told supporters that Wisconsin was one of four states in which someone who voted early could potentially change it at a county clerk's office. He said that voters who "are having a bad case of buyer's remorse" should change their ballot "if you think you made a mistake". Mr Trump said the four states that allowed early ballots to be changed were Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania. A former head of the British Armed Forces has rejected claims a Donald Trump presidency could make the world more dangerous and suggested the Republican candidate could reinvigorate relations with Russia. Lord Richards of Herstmonceux said he was disappointed with the candidates running in the American presidential election next week, but said Mr Trump might make the world ironically safer. The former Chief of the Defence staff also told The House magazine that there is a strong case for allowing Bashar al-Assads forces to retake the Syrian city of Aleppo to alleviate humanitarian suffering from the siege. The crossbench peer said the biggest threats to Western security were from non-state groups like Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (Isil). Expand Close Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump holds a campaign event in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Photo: Reuters / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump holds a campaign event in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Photo: Reuters He said the world had been missing big power politics. He told the magazine: In the Cold War era states coalesced and they had this understanding and it worked even though there was a massive amount at stake, communications and mutual understanding between Russia and America wasn't too bad. Its non-state actors like Isis that are the biggest threat to our security. If countries and states could coalesce better to deal with these people and I think Trumps instinct is to go down that route then I think theres the case for saying that the world certainly won't be any less safe. Its that lack of understanding and empathy with each other as big power players that is a risk to us all at the moment. Therefore I think he would reinvigorate big power relationships, which might make the world ironically safer. He said he was a bit sorry that Mr Trump and Hillary Clinton were the best candidates that can be put up in a country as great and as huge and powerful as America. Expand Close Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photo: Getty / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photo: Getty But he said he thought Mr Trump was wise enough to get good people round him and probably knows that hes got to listen to them, and therefore I think we should not automatically think it will be less safe. Lord Richards, who was Chief of the Defence Staff from 2010 to 2013, spoke as the Foreign Secretary condemned Russia for shielding Mr Assad. Boris Johnson said the dictators forces had repeatedly used poison gas and Britain was pressing for a UN resolution "to hold accountable those who use such horrific weapons in defiance of the rules of war". He said: "If Russia chooses once again to protect Assad by casting its veto then it will be shielding someone whose forces have been found guilty over and over again by a UN investigation, which the Kremlin itself supported, of killing their own people with poison gas. "I say that vetoing such a resolution would be unconscionable. Mr Johnson said Russia could win the acclaim of the world by halting bombing and bringing Mr Assad to the negotiating table. But Lord Richards said if the West was interested mainly in the humanitarian plight of civilians, then I believe there is a strong case for allowing Assad to get in there and take the city back. The opposition groups many of whom are not friends of ours, theyre extremists are now intermingled with the original good opposition groups, are fighting from amongst the people. The only quick way of solving it is to allow Assad to win. Theres no way the opposition groups are going to win. He said Hillary Clinton should not raise the prospect of no-fly zones over Syria to stop air strikes, unless shes prepared to do this properly and go to war with Russia. He said: Unless shes prepared to do this properly and go to war with Russia, she shouldnt talk about no-fly zones and nor should we. We would have to shoot down Russian aircraft in order to impose it. Do we really want to go to a shooting war over Aleppo? We want the humanitarian horror of Aleppo to come to a rapid halt. The best and quickest way of doing that is to encourage the opposition groups to leave. The alternative is for the West to declare a no-fly zone and that means youve got to be prepared to go to war with Russia ultimately. I see no appetite for that and nor, frankly, do I see much sense in it. It sticks in my throat to say it because I have no love for Assad. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Donald Trumps wife Melania, pictured with their daughter Ivanka, is pencilled in to visit Philadelphia later this week. Photo: Evan Vucci/AP It's probably chutzpah for Donald Trump to say he can win Pennsylvania. He has always exerted a kind of 'will to power' - the belief that if he says something will happen, then it will happen. But Pennsylvania is very tough for a Republican presidential candidate to win - especially this one. Good poll numbers among farmers and miners make it look competitive. But like the rest of America, it's a vast, rural, conservative landscape book-ended by two, heavily populated liberal areas - Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The cities control the state because they are so darn big, and they don't like Mr Trump, who delivered a speech in Philly's suburbs on Tuesday, at the unlovely Hilton hotel in the King of Prussia township. Across the road were parked a couple of protesters who have been following Mr Trump around the east coast in a van. It carries a giant plaster nail with the words 'Screw Trump' painted on it. As we spoke, a resident slowed down, stuck her head out of the car window and shouted: "Is that jerk speaking here today?" Back at the hotel, Mr Trump's supporters were enthusiastic. The queue featured businessmen, housewives, students and retired soldiers - all intelligent, good people. I spoke with local woman Monique McLaughlin, a nurse and formerly independent voter, who said - cautiously - that her candidate will win Pennsylvania because "he represents the people and not the political elite". Hillary Clinton's email troubles have raised hopes that Democrats won't bother to vote and that swing voters will go for Mr Trump. Then there's Brexit, which defied similarly unfavourable polls. "Brexit showed that common sense can prevail. What [British] people did was a beautiful thing," Karen Fry, Mrs McLaughlin's friend, said. Thank's for that, Mrs Fry. But it was a very different thing to voting for Donald Trump. The speech he gave was presidential - by which I mean calm and inoffensive - and put an emphasis upon 'Obamacare', which has caused the cost of health insurance to rise. There he has a serious, traditionally conservative issue to exploit. But turn on the television and Mrs Clinton's local campaign is targeting Mr Trump's character rather than his policies. "I've fought in Kosovo and Iraq and I've always voted Republican," said a veteran in one ad. "But I have two daughters" He doesn't have to say any more. Mr Trump's record of comments on women and ethnic minorities push both demographics beyond his reach. Melania, his wife, will be visiting Philadelphia later this week, which suggests that the campaign understands the need for a more nuanced approach in Pennsylvania. But I suspect throwing time and money at Pennsylvania is about projecting a wider image of being on the up, of having momentum. Nevertheless, the economic issues - the class war stuff - probably works against Mr Trump in Philadelphia. We hear a lot about the poorer, post-industrialised parts of America in 2016, as the country comes to terms with the effects of globalisation. But what about those parts of the USA that have benefited from free trade? America is split in two: Pennsylvania illustrates that divide. Here, Mrs Clinton enjoys the support of the larger, richer half. The King of Prussia township was named after a colonial 18th-century inn. Today, it is home to the largest shopping mall in the United States. Where did many of the mall's products come from? Overseas. Mr Trump rightly complains that globalisation has caused a haemorrhage of manufacturing jobs - but the flip side is cheap imports and the expansion of the services economy. For some of its customers, Mr Trump offers not solutions, but embarrassment. When I badgered one woman to ask her opinion of The Donald, she just shook her head. "No," she said, "no, no, no." ( Daily Telegraph, London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Premier Li Keqiang and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov signed on Nov 2 a joint communique between the Chinese and Kyrgyz governments.[Photo/english.gov.cn] China and Kyrgyzstan vowed on Wednesday to fight terrorism, separatism and extremism through strengthened security cooperation as Premier Li Keqiang paid his first visit to the Central Asian neighbor. In the capital, Bishkek, Li and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov signed a joint communique on bilateral cooperation in fields such as security, agriculture and production. The agreement is especially timely since the Chinese embassy in Kyrgyzstan was attacked by a suicide car bomber on the morning of Aug 30. The attack injured three embassy personnel. Li rushed to the embassy upon his arrival in Bishkek, and said the embassy should rebuild damaged buildings as soon as possible. Security should be reinforced for Chinese diplomatic missions, Li said. Such agreements are also key for Central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan, which have been victims of terrorism, separatism and extremism. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, with both countries as founding members, has fought these forces since 2001. Both countries have been part of joint anti-terrorism drills under the SCO framework each year. Xing Guangcheng, an expert on Central Asia and Russian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, suggested boosting two-way information sharing. Security cooperation is the best way to fight terrorism, a cross-border problem in Central Asia, said Xu Tao, an expert on Central Asia studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. Xu said both countries can increase exchanges in intelligence, technology and policy coordination to fight terror. "China and Kyrgyzstan have maintained political trust as strategic partners and have promoted pragmatic cooperation. ... China will do what it can to help Kyrgyzstan," Li told his counterpart. Barack Obama warned America last night that the "fate of the world" was at risk if Donald Trump was elected president, as he publicly criticised the FBI. In his strongest intervention yet in the US presidential election, Mr Obama also rebuked James Comey for the decision to announce just days before the election that new emails linked to Hillary Clinton were being investigated. Mr Obama said the FBI should not "operate on innuendo" in a thinly veiled criticism of Mr Comey's handling of the announcement. "I do think there is a norm that when there are investigations we don't operate on innuendo, we don't operate on incomplete information, we don't operate on leaks," he said. "We operate based on concrete decisions that are made." In a barnstorming address in North Carolina last night - a state he won twice in his presidential campaigns but which is in the balance for Mrs Clinton - President Obama gave a dire warning of a Trump presidency. "I hate to put pressure on you but the fate of the Republic rests in your hands. The fate of the world is teetering," he told voters in Chapel Hill. He called Mr Trump, the Republican candidate, "temperamentally unfit to be commander in chief" and said that we "have to stop thinking that his behaviour is normal". Disrespect Mr Obama said Mr Trump tolerated racists, threatened the press, "stiffed small businesses" and "bragged about getting away with sexual assault". He added: "If you disrespect women before you're in office, you will disrespect women while you're in office. If you accept the support of Klan members, then you will tolerate that support when you're in office." Commenting for the first time about the renewed email scandal, Mr Obama defended his former secretary of state after the FBI's announcement that new messages had been found on a laptop belonging to Anthony Weiner, the estranged husband of Mrs Clinton's top aide, Huma Abedin, as part of a separate investigation into his alleged sexual texts with an under-age girl. Mr Obama said that when taking the unusual step of discussing the FBI's decisions, he had "made a very deliberate effort to make sure that I don't look like I'm meddling in what are supposed to be independent processes for making these assessments". Nonetheless, he immediately suggested that Mrs Clinton, the Democrat presidential candidate, was innocent of wrongdoing. "I trust her. I know her. And I wouldn't be supporting her if I didn't have absolute confidence in her integrity and her interest in making sure that young people have a better future," he said. She had made an "honest mistake" in using a private email server as secretary of state, he said. Mrs Clinton was also put on the backfoot yesterday over the contents of new emails released by WikiLeaks. An assistant attorney general allegedly gave Mrs Clinton's campaign chairman a "heads up" on a congressional hearing and the latest development in litigation over her use of a private email server. "There is a HJC oversight hearing today where the head of our Civil Division will testify," Peter Kadzik, wrote to John Podesta, in May 2015, apparently referring to the House Judiciary Committee. "Likely to get questions on State Department emails." He also updated Mr Podesta, a friend since their law school days, on a new filing - that "went in last night or will go in this am" in a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the State Department that "indicates it will be a while (2016) before the State Department posts the emails". While Mr Kadzik may have simply been alerting Mr Podesta to public events - the Judiciary Committee held an open hearing that day - the email posted online yesterday may contribute to assertions by Republican lawmakers that Justice Department and FBI officials have been too accommodating of Mrs Clinton during their investigation of the private email server she used as secretary of state. Brian Fallon, a Clinton campaign spokesman who previously worked at the Justice Department, also got tips from contacts there about upcoming releases and court filings, according to previously released messages. Spokesmen for the Clinton campaign and the Justice Department didn't immediately respond to requests for comment yesterday. WikiLeaks has posted more than 43,000 purported emails stolen from Mr Podesta's private account, which the Clinton campaign has said was hacked by Russian government agents. They have declined to confirm the contents of individual documents, saying some may have been altered in an attempt to damage the campaign. The WikiLeaks email quickly entered the political debate, when Mr Trump said Mr Kadzik - a "close associate of John Podesta," - was "feeding information" to Mrs Clinton's campaign. Mr Kadzik, in his role as the Justice Department's liaison to Congress, wrote a letter to lawmakers on Monday saying that the department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation would work together "and take appropriate steps as expeditiously as possible" to resolve the revived investigation of Mrs Clinton's emails that FBI Director Comey announced last week. Meanwhile, more than half of those who plan to tick Mr Trump's name at the ballot box say they will be voting against Mrs Clinton, rather than for the Republican nominee. According to a Pew survey released yesterday, 51pc of those lining up behind Mr Trump are doing so because they have rejected Mrs Clinton, rather than because they support the businessman. All votes count the same, but the new data is yet another reminder of just how unpopular both presidential nominees are. The levels of so-called negative voting have no parallels in recent US electoral history, barring the 2004 campaign between then-incumbent George W Bush and John Kerry, when the Iraq War was weighing heavily on voters' minds. Among prospective Clinton voters, the split is 41pc anti-Trump and 57pc pro-Clinton, meaning the former secretary of state has substantially more affirmative support than Mr Trump. That could bode well for Mrs Clinton, as the candidate who had a higher percentage of "for" votes in the Pew survey has won every election since 2000. ( Daily Telegraph, London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] CONCORD- While they might not be old enough to actually vote, Carl A. Furr Elementary students are keeping up with politics. Fourth and fifth-grade AIG students have been studying The Road to the White House which included learning about the voting process, requirements to be president and branches of government. The school also hosted Concord Mayor Scott Padgett earlier this month who helped to answer questions from students about how government works on the local level. Then on Tuesday, Nov. 1 the students used that research and knowledge they gained to participate in a school-wide mock election. CONCORD- A third Central Cabarrus student was also arrested on assault charges during the last week of October. Ethan Workman, who police said is at least 16-years-old, was arrested on Wednesday, Oct. 26 on simple assault and assault and battery or affray charges. According to a report from the Concord Police Department, Tristen Love, 16, of Midland and Daniel Doolin, 17, of Concord were also both arrested on warrants at the school that Wednesday. According to a representative from the Concord Police Department, the students were arrested after private warrants were taken out based on an incident that occurred in Midland. He said the incident may have involved four or five people, but was unsure because the department has not investigated since it was a private warrant. The report says an officer responded to Central Cabarrus High School because the students were wanted on active warrants for simple assault. According to another representative from the police department, these warrants were taken out on the students after a fight that did not occur at the school. All three students were transported to Cabarrus County Jail and released on a written promise to appear in court. China dissatisfied with S. Korea using force against Chinese fishing boats Hua Chunying pictured on Nov. 2. [Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs] China's foreign ministry has expressed its strong dissatisfaction with South Korea's use of force against Chinese fishing boats. The opposition was voiced by Hua Chunying, spokesperson with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a regular press briefing on Wednesday. The foreign ministry is urging South Korea's law enforcement agencies to refrain from the use of force, which could endanger the lives of Chinese fishermen. "China has repeatedly made solemn representations to South Korea concerning its violent law enforcement actions. Under complicated maritime conditions, utilization of lethal weapons can easily result in casualties and property loss," said Hua. On Tuesday, the South Korean Coast Guard fired machine guns at two fishing boats, allegedly due to illegal fishing activities in South Korean waters. No casualties were reported in the incident. Indian equity markets see another green ending Markets saw yet another day in green today. Nifty 50 ended, up by 129.9 points. BSE Sensex ended, up by 374.76 points. Top Gainers today were Adani Enterprises, Divis Lab and NTPC. Top Lo... November 01, 2022 | 4:04 pm Five Star Business Finance IPO will open on November 9th The IPO of Five Star Business Finance will open for subscription on November 9th. The IPO will close on November 11th. The IPO intends to raise Rs 2751.95 crore through sale of existi... November 01, 2022 | 3:32 pm Suzlon Energy board approves allotment of 240 crore partly paid-up equity shares under rights issue Suzlon Energy Limited has informed that the Securities Issue Committee of the Board at its meeting held on October 31, 2022 has approved the allotment of 240,00,00,000 (Two Hundred Forty C... November 01, 2022 | 3:10 pm Markets in green; Nifty 50 around 18,100 level; IT stocks outperform Domestic benchmark indices in the fast lane today led by IT and Metal stocks outperforming. Both the Sensex and Nifty benchmarks were marginally higher amid positive cues from Asian market. ... November 01, 2022 | 2:00 pm SSWL achieves revenue growth of 11% yoy in October 2022 Steel Strips Wheels Ltd (SSWL) has achieved Net turnover of Rs334.42 crore in October 2022 Vs Rs300.58 crore in October 2021, recording a growth of 11% yoy and achieved Gross t... November 01, 2022 | 1:07 pm Yu Xu, one of the female pilots that flew the J-10 fighter aircraft in the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) on November 1, 2016. [Photo: CRI/ Li Jin] The 81st Aerobatics Team of the People's Liberation Army of China, founded in 1962, has amazed the world with their expert flying of the J-10 fighter aircraft in the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) held in Zhuhai city, east China's Guangdong Province on November 1, 2016. Among the pilots, two female pilots have received the attention of the public because of their excellence, accuracy and bravery. Women in the 81st Aerobatics Team receive no special treatment as the training in the team is equally strict for both genders. Yu Xu, Captain of China's Air Force and one of the female pilots said: "Basically, we have no difference from male pilots." The unit has over the years performed more than 500 times for delegations from 166 countries and regions. All women pilots in the 81st Aerobatics Team are capable of flying independently. Across the country, states are reconsidering their requirements for licensing and registration of African-style hair braiders, a move that the Institute for Justice which calls itself the nations only libertarian public-interest law firm is applauding. The IJ released a report in July advocating for fewer restrictions on practitioners who want to provide braiding services. The report, titled Barriers to Braiding: How Job-Killing Licensing Laws Tangle Natural Hair Care in Needless Red Tape, concludes that hair braiding is relatively safe, regardless of licensing policies in place, so licensing laws meant to protect consumers health and safety are not necessary. Beyond being unnecessary, the report says licensing laws are barriers to entry for people wanting to start hair braiding businesses, because the time and money required for licensing can shut people out. Policies are determined at the state level and vary greatly. In Indiana, hair braiding requires a cosmetologist license from the state Professional Licensing Agency. The IJ report says the license requires 1,500 hours of classes. There are 15 other states that require the full cosmetology license, IJ says, though the cost and number of required hours varies. As of July 2016, 18 states do not require braiders to earn licenses or to register, the report says. In the past year, five states Delaware, Iowa, Kentucky, Nebraska and West Virginia have opted to eliminate licensing requirements for braiders. The reports author, Angela Erickson, says licensing requirements are tightly linked to the number of braiders in a state, despite the size of the states Black population. In 2012, Mississippi, which requires zero hours of training, had over 1,200 registered braiders. Neighboring Louisiana, which requires 500 hours, had only 32 licensed braiders despite its larger black population, the report reads. Alizabeth Toles, a natural hairstylist and co-owner of Naturally U Hair Salon with locations on the east and west sides of Indianapolis, said despite the reports claims about the safety of hair braiding, she thinks braiders should still have to be licensed. Although they dont use chemicals, theyre still dealing with peoples hair, Toles said. There are still certain things you have to know, as far as if they have alopecia or psoriasis there are all kinds of things that could go wrong that a licensed hair stylist would know. The IJ report explains that the art of hair braiding is one that is often taught among families and friends, something people learn to do while growing up. But Toles said there are aspects of a formal education that are important for hair braiders to know, such as rules for sanitizing and storing tools. I believe braiders should be licensed, because you never know what might happen or occur, Toles said. Something may go wrong, and they have nothing to back them up in case any legal things happen. For more information about the IJ report, visit braidingfreedom.com. As the sex education offered in private schools for the children of migrant workers often fails to prepare them for adulthood, an NGO project designed to help these students has tried to provide them with comprehensive courses. But due to their limited resources, parental and official resistance and cultural conservatism, their scope is still limited. A school teacher teaches Grade 1 students about their sexual organs. Photo: Courtesy of Han Xuemei China's remarkable economic growth over the last few decades would have been impossible without the hundreds of millions of rural laborers that packed up and headed to cities for work. While most of their children have remained back in their villages, usually being raised by their grandparents, many other have made the journey toward urban life with their parents. But still, due to major cities' strict household registration rules, these children are marginalized in many ways, including being rejected by public schools and missing out on any kind of formal sex education. Just like their left-behind counterparts, many later suffer the effects of unsafe sex and harassment. Some NGOs have started to intervene. In 2015, the New Citizen Program, a Beijing-based NGO dedicated to providing fair, quality and appropriate education for the children of migrant workers, launched the XX XY School project to provide sex education in Beijing. "There is no denying that the scarcity of proper sex education in China's primary and middle schools, especially migrant schools, has become an important social issue and triggered many social problems. In this regard, we need to make enormous efforts to run sex-ed courses for adolescents, in an effort to help them form a systematic understanding of sex and enjoy a happy and comfortable life," said Han Xuemei, 38, who is in charge of the project. The Beijing Statistical Yearbook estimates that there were 687,000 migrant children in the city under 14 years old by the end of 2015. Among these children, about two thirds are in education, including 80,000 studying in over 100 privately-owned "migrant schools." "China's central government as well as local educational administrators stress the significance of sex education. But the reality is that most schools are struggling to run quality sex-ed courses for students. This is especially true in migrant schools where qualified teachers and teaching facilities are extremely rare," Han told the Global Times. Because migrant workers often work long hours, they usually have little time to spend with their children, and because they often lack knowledge about sex themselves they find it hard to teach their kids about the topic, Han explained. "Most migrant parents received little or no sex education when they were young. At that time, Chinese society considered the pursuit of sexual activities to be immoral. These parents feel confused and embarrassed about discussing sex," she noted. A drawing by Grade 2 student Liu Jiarui shows how he was born. Photo: Courtesy of Han Xuemei Efforts and progress Han claims that most migrant schools offer no sex education to students. Even though a few school authorities hold some lectures related to sex, for example, lectures on adolescent health and protecting oneself from sexual harassment, students rarely if ever receive sex education in a comprehensive and systematic way. But what makes the XX XY School project distinctive is that migrant schools which work with it will run dedicated sex-ed classes with specialized sex-ed textbooks and teaching staff. "We have cooperated with some primary schools for migrant children in Beijing on sex-ed courses for them. The pupils take six sex-ed classes every semester from Grade 1 to 6. Our textbooks are designed on the basis of the International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education proposed by UNESCO," Han said. In 2015, the XX XY School project, in collaboration with SEXUALITY, a child sex education research group based at Beijing Normal University, provided 9,405 migrant children with 1,344 sex-education classes in 13 migrant schools. A total of 147 professional teachers and nine qualified voluntary teachers have been involved in this project, its official website revealed. Zhang Xiaojie, an undergraduate at Beijing Foreign Studies University, served as a voluntary teacher in a migrant school earlier this year. She explained that the sex education the project provides does not exclusively deal with reproduction and adolescent health. It involves a variety of aspects. "We strive to offer multiple sex-ed courses for students, not just focusing on sexual behavior and reproductive health like contraception, but infusing children with correct attitudes, concepts and values about sex, such as the difference between a friendship and a sexual relationship, sexual orientation, gender equality and the proper attitude toward marriage," Han said. She added that sex-ed classes should avoid spoon-feeding students as it will bore them. She encourages teachers to adopt participatory teaching methods, such as organizing various activities around sex like discussions and drama performances and encouraging students to share their viewpoints on sexual issues and put what they have learnt into practice. "When it comes to some topics like gender equality, we will hold discussions and students are given opportunities to express their ideas and opinions. We ask them questions like 'Do you agree with gender equality?' 'What do your parents and grandparents think of gender equality?' As for how to refuse sex, we will organize some drama performances for students to judge whether they have learned the correct ways in this regard," said Han. Zhang, also a voluntary teacher with the XX XY School project, said she likes to arrange her teaching content by telling stories in a vivid way, and one of her friends from Tsinghua University sings a different song for students in every class, to stimulate student's minds, catch their attention and keep their focus on teachers. According to Han, all their teachers - volunteers and professionals alike - have to take regular training to ensure they can provide high-quality education to students. Apart from teaching, the XX XY School project runs a public WeChat account which publishes articles for migrant parents about how to educate their children, as a way to provide scientific information on sex and dispel their misconceptions. Han noted most of the migrant children like the sex-ed classes. One student told her that he was quite interested in the sex-ed courses as what he learned was closely related to himself and helped him understand the physical and psychological changes he was experiencing. But Zhang mentioned that students take a long time to internalize what they learn. She said that every semester students need to write some feedback on the classes. From this, she found some students absorbed little of what she taught in class. Even simple concepts like "wash your hands before a meal or after going to the restroom" took some Grade 1 students around three weeks to internalize. A drawing by Grade 3 student Wu Yajing shows her understanding of puberty. Photo: Courtesy of Han Xuemei Challenges still exist Despite the potential benefits that it can bring to migrant students, Han said the XX XY School project is still facing resistance from some parents and school authorities. "Some parents doubt the necessity of sex education because they argue they have succeeded in tackling any problems related to sex on their own and leading a good life. Therefore, they reckon sex education for their children is a waste of time," Han told the Global Times. She added that a few parents are against sex education because they just catch a glimpse of teaching materials, like diagrams of male or female genitals and jump to the conclusion that what the teacher taught is somehow inappropriate. Shen, headmaster of Xingzhi Primary School, a private school for the children of migrant workers in the capital's Daxing district, said the school's resources for its basic curriculum are lacking, let alone material for sex education. She said that her attempts to teach students about sex received protest at the beginning. "A parent asked me face-to-face why I allowed the curriculum, as they believed it was bad and would teach their children to have sex at an early age," Shen told the Global Times, adding that she was eventually able to persuade parents that the course would help, rather than harm, their children. Teachers and school administrators also have mixed feelings toward sex and find it hard to carry out sex education themselves. Zhang noted despite the fact that some migrant schools have already started holding sex-ed lectures for adolescents, they only give a brief introduction to the ideas of health or resisting sexual harassment. But what they teach is just the tip of the iceberg. "Some school heads embrace our cooperation with them in running sex-ed classes, but reaching a consensus on teaching methods and course content is a tough task," Han said. "School authorities have to take advice from parents and teachers into consideration, to avoid a flood of opposition from parents and the general public if they talk about sex too much." As for the further development of sex education in China's migrant schools, Han hopes the XX XY School project will gradually cover more schools inside and outside Beijing, and join hands with local educational authorities in other provinces. "We want our project to be recognized by more people, so we can raise more funds to continue this project. In addition, as sex education remains sensitive in some migrant schools outside Beijing, we need more cooperative partners, especially local administrators. So we can gain trust from school heads and promote this project without much resistance." Han told the Global Times. Zhang said besides efforts made by NGOs, migrant schools should try their best to train qualified teachers to provide sex education. The government officials need to provide financial support, she added. Only if families, schools and governments work together can all of China's adolescents receive adequate sex education, she noted. Under the current administration, theres been a less-than-harmonious relationship between the offices of governor and superintendent of public instruction. Incumbent Superintendent Glenda Ritz and Gov. Mike Pences disagreements over school choice, funding, standardized testing and other issues have been well documented. The chasm created by those disagreements has led many to wonder if there is any hope of repairing the breach that currently exists. Ritz, a Democrat who was elected to the post in 2012, said she intends to advocate on the behalf of students and leave the politics aside. I have spent quite a bit of time at the department (of education) forming outreach efforts for school improvement, and I want to continue expanding those efforts throughout the state, she said, adding that shes held more than 180 meetings (many with Republicans) about her plans. When youre working toward policy, you have to work with everyone. I will continue to be a constant advocate for children in the state. Ritzs Republican opponent Jennifer McCormick, a longtime educator from Yorktown, said a change is needed. The superintendent has had four years to prove herself; weve had issues we have limited tools, resource and guidance, McCormick said. For me, its about providing the guidance needed. One of Ritzs recent moves, leading a bipartisan charge to get rid of the states embattled ISTEP+ test, has come under scrutiny in recent weeks as several school superintendents have voiced their disapproval for the fact that a committee of legislators has yet to review her plan and find a replacement for the statewide exam. Ritz has proposed an individualized test delivered digitally that would self-adjust the difficulty of questions based on students answers. McCormick shared that she is in support of implementing a meaningful and manageable statewide assessment, but she voiced no strong preference on whether the test should be administered manually or digitally. It would be really nice to look at proven reliable assessments that are valid and things that provide results in a timely manner, she said. We need something thats already proven and less costly so that funding can go back to instruction. Regardless of where we go, the past three years show that we struggle with doing something developed by us. While both candidates agree that pre-K is a necessity, they differ on how it should be rolled out. Ritz has been a longtime proponent of universal pre-K and plans to have it available to all 4-year-olds across the state by 2020. McCormick suggests a more prolonged approach that requires analyzing the sustainability factors. When Gov. Pence decided to turn down federal money for pre-K initially, it was very problematic, McCormick said. I am totally in support, but as a state, we need to have a sustainability plan. We need to serve those most at risk. Lets target those children and roll it out as a quality option. Platform summary Glenda Ritz Make pre-K available in every school corporation in the state End A-F grading for school performance Achieve a 91-percent graduation rate for all students Increase participation in post-secondary training More equitable funding for public schools Increase opportunities for professional development for teachers Source: glendaritz.com Jennifer McCormick Work with stakeholders to review school funding-related issues Establish a statewide assessment and accountability system Increase Indianas broadband and network capacity Address teacher retention Close kindergarten readiness gap Source: jennifermccormick.org Indianas U.S. senate race has mirrored the presidential one, due to an overwhelming number of negative ads citing ethical violations, alleged misuse of funds and other issues, some with Democrat Evan Bayh as the culprit. The former senator and governor is accused of meeting with potential Wall Street employers while on official business in Washington and of using taxpayer dollars to fly to New York City for meetings with executives of Apollo Global Management, a private firm he joined in January of 2011. Young, a naval veteran who has served Indianas 9th congressional district since 2011, has come under fire, as well. The South Bend Tribune reported this week that he collected an improper tax deduction on a rental home, bounced a $4,000 check when making a payment on delinquent property taxes and was fined thousands of dollars by the Federal Election Commission for sloppy campaign finance practices. What initially seemed to be a clear-cut victory for Bayh is no more, according to a poll released Monday by Monmouth University that has the Democrat and his Republican opponent tied at 45 percent. Lucy Brenton, the Libertarian candidate, aligns with others in her party, advocating less governmental input in the lives of citizens. Summary of platforms: Bayh For: Reduced funding regulations for small business owners Enhanced domestic intelligence Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Same-sex marriage More stringent background checks for gun ownership Funding Planned Parenthood Providing an earned path to citizenship for undocumented citizens Against: Cutting Social Security and Medicare funding Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Citizens United Photo ID requirements for voters Brenton For: Stricter policy on reducing environmental pollution Second Amendment rights Marijuana decriminalization Abolishing the minimum wage Against: Abortion legislation Corporate taxes Affordable Care Act Young For: Vouchers for school choice Abstinence-only education Decreased government spending Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security reform Has neutral record on same-sex marriage and LGBT rights Against: Abortion Affordable Care Act Higher taxes on the wealthy More restrictive gun control Increasing path to citizenship for illegal immigrants Funding Planned Parenthood Voted to cut Pell Grant funding Voters have heard ad nauseam about Hillary Clintons emails, Donald Trumps misogynist and racist actions and Gary Johnsons Aleppo flub, but as Election Day approaches, its time to talk issues. Following is a rundown of where the candidates stand on just a handful of issues, but the Recorder encourages all voters to go beyond this article and research the issues at length in order to make an informed decision on Nov. 8. CRIMINAL JUSTICE Clinton Clinton has proposed legislation that would help end racial profiling, provide federal matching funds for more police body cameras and overhaul mandatory minimum sentencing. Johnson Johnson pledges to eliminate unnecessary laws that put too many people in jail. He also plans to focus on individuals saddled with criminal records, mandatory minimum sentencing, the seriously frayed relationship between law enforcement and those they serve and the failed War on Drugs. Trump Trump has described himself as the law and order candidate, but has not specifically addressed plans. He has endorsed a former New York City policy called stop and frisk. TAXES Clinton Clinton is proposing tax increases on the rich, including a minimum 30 percent tax on incomes over $1 million and higher taxes on big inheritances. Most taxpayers would see little or no impact on their tax bill, but the government might look different. Shed use the added revenue to expand domestic programs. Johnson Johnson advocates for the elimination of special interest tax loopholes, to get rid of the double-taxation on small businesses, and ultimately, the replacement of all income and payroll taxes with a single consumption tax that determines your tax burden by how much you spend, not how much you earn. Trump Trump is intent on cutting taxes. Hed collapse the current seven income tax brackets, which peak at 39.6 percent, into just three tiers with a top rate of 33 percent, slice the corporate income tax and eliminate the estate tax. Analysts say the wealthy would benefit disproportionately. EDUCATION Clinton Clinton wants to make preschool universal for all 4-year-old children within 10 years by providing new federal dollars to states. She also pledges to support HBCUs. Johnson Johnson believes we should eliminate the federal Department of Education, Common Core and other attempts to impose national standards and requirements on local schools. Trump Trump proposes to spend $20 billion during his first year in office to help states expand school choice programs. He wants states to divert an additional $110 billion of their own education money to help parents who want their children to go to other schools. IMMIGRATION Clinton Clinton would overhaul immigration laws to include a path to citizenship, in addition to defending Obamas amnesty policies, supporting naturalization and integration, closing private detention centers and making sure immigrants receive humane treatment. Johnson Johnson says we should focus on creating a more efficient system of providing work visas, conducting background checks and incentivizing non-citizens to pay their taxes, obtain proof of employment and otherwise assimilate. Trump Trump has a 10-point immigration plan that includes, among other points, building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, detaining illegal immigrants until they can be removed from the country, terminating Obamas amnesty policies and turning off the jobs magnet that draws immigrants to the U.S. JOBS Clinton Clinton says she would spend more on roads, tunnels and other infrastructure and make state colleges and universities tuition-free to most students. Johnson Johnson proposes to get rid of unnecessary laws and taxes that syphon the resources businesses use to create the jobs we need. Trump Trump says he would cut regulations and taxes to spur more hiring, and renegotiate or withdraw from trade agreements to bring jobs back to the U.S. FOREIGN AFFAIRS Clinton Clinton sees international partnerships as essential tools for using U.S. influence and lessening the chances of war and plans to take a firm but wise approach when dealing with rivals. Johnson Johnson says he will move quickly and decisively to cut off the funding on which violent extremist armies depend repair relationships with our allies only send our brave soldiers to war when clearly authorized by Congress after meaningful, transparent deliberation and debate. Trump Trump calls his approach America first, meaning alliances and coalitions would not pass muster unless they produced a net benefit to the U.S. Trump wants to rebuild the military and end the current strategy of nation-building and regime change. Note: Green Party candidate Jill Stein is not on the ballot in Indiana. Sources: Candidates campaign websites, Associated Press reports Learn more More details from each candidates platform can be found on their respective campaign websites: This election cycle has seen its share of interesting narratives and challenges to the status quo, from Donald Trumps role of the political outsider entering the fray to take on the establishment, to Hillary Clintons fight to break through barriers to become the first woman president. While those sagas play out on the national stage, a notable status quo challenge is happening in central Indiana as an African-American lesbian takes on a true lifetime politician. Rep. Brian Bosma, a Republican who currently serves as the states speaker of the house, has represented Indiana House District 88 (which covers some of northeast Marion County, plus parts of Hamilton and Hancock counties) since 1986. In each of his races in the past 10 years, Bosma earned at least 64 percent of his districts votes and easily defeated his Democratic opponent (with the exception of 2014, when he ran unopposed). Dana Black, an IT specialist who works for the City of Indianapolis and has never sought office before, took issue with the lack of challenger for Bosma in 2014. She said she used to be a TV yeller, shouting her political beliefs at unhearing pundits on cable news networks, but the states controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) got her attention. When the statehouse passed RFRA, that woke me up, Black said. And when I wanted to cast a vote against Brian Bosma (in 2014), there was nobody to vote for, because we had nobody running against him. In essence, I felt like my democracy was being taken away from me; I didnt have a choice or a voice in how I was being governed at that point. I realized I had to do something. So Black double-checked that she was eligible to seek her districts seat, and she got to work learning the ins and outs of launching and running a campaign and began looking at the issues beyond RFRA. There are so many areas Ive been awakened to because of this campaign, she said. I see theres a place for someone who cares about people to not be cynical, but to roll their sleeves up and use whatever skills they have to help out. Many of the issues Black brought up education, the environment, infrastructure are also issues that Bosma noted on his list of priorities. Above all else, Bosma said, hes focused on creating a state budget that can address each of those areas. Black has criticized Bosma for being largely absent from the campaign trail, saying its disrespectful to voters to take their support for granted. He doesnt believe he has to earn a vote. Hes been in his seat for over 30 years; he doesnt feel like he has to do anything, she said. But Bosma said voters have the information about him that they need. People know who I am. The district knows where I stand, and due to my very public leadership role, they know my record, he said. Instead of promoting himself, hes been throwing his weight behind other House candidates across the state. Meanwhile, Black has been going door-to-door in District 88. Black says some voters have voiced appreciation for the outreach, and even voters who dont agree with her political stance have been kind. Ive had people say, Im voting for you because youve never run before. Or, Im voting for you because you came and knocked on my door Ive never had a politician knock before, she said. For the most part, almost every door Ive knocked on and someone has come to the door, people have been polite. Even today, I met a guy, he was like, I appreciate you coming by, but youre barking up the wrong tree. Black said she has had some funky encounters on the campaign trail, but she expected that, since shes an African-American campaigning in a district that is 87 percent white. In McCordsville, someone called the police on her. Id anticipated it, so when it happened, I was prepared for it, she said. Instead of being angry, I turned it into an opportunity to earn votes. But Black said she doesnt think her race will keep her from earning votes. I genuinely believe voters in my district couldnt care less about (me being a minority), she said. They want someone who will roll their sleeves up and get the work done. And though being a Democrat canvassing in a Republican stronghold could prove difficult, Black said shes been making it work. What Im finding is that people like knowing theres a candidate speaking about the issues that matter to them, she said. Even Republicans every now and then will go, Hmm. And that hmm means Ive captured their attention about what we should be focusing on. Bosma said hes seen Blacks hard work, and though hes not necessarily concerned about losing his seat, hes also staying vigilant. Its a solid Republican district, he said. I know Ms. Black has done a great job knocking on doors over the summer, and Im comfortable with where the race is, but Im also not taking anything for granted. Criticism and the often-negative connotations that come with being called a lifetime politician dont faze Bosma, who said his decades of experience, combined with the fact that the vast majority of lawmakers in the Indiana House have served for four years or less, is a big plus. I frequently hear from advocates that its very critical to have experienced eyes, particularly in a leadership role, to be able to say, Weve tried this before and it doesnt work, or, We need to try this again, he said. For lifetime politicians who sit on their laurels, he said, its time to go. But Bosma says he is still actively leading in the right direction. Black says her fresh perspective and her experience in IT offer an advantage. When you see a problem in IT, you have to diagnose that problem. You have to be able to look at all angles of that problem. When somebody brings me a computer thats not functioning right, I have to look at, what is it doing now, and what do you want it to do later, she said. Thats the same way we need to look at our infrastructure. What is our infrastructure doing now, and what do we want it to do later? I look at things from a holistic, high-level point of view. Then, you find the experts around you to make it happen. Black is confident in her ability to lead at the Statehouse, but regardless of how the race turns out, Black said her appearance on the ballot is significant in itself. Being an African-American woman, our opinions on many occasions are simply omitted, Black said, adding that one of the only times she can remember when this wasnt the case was during the 2008 Democratic Primary that pitted Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton against one another people wanted to know if African-American women would vote with their race or with their sex. With her place on the ballot, Black said, Id like to think that, as a woman, people will see that you can still be authentic without having to bow down to a male, and as a Black woman, I dont have to adhere to what others describe as beauty. The significance is that we dont have to fit into a specific mold to do whats necessary to move our state forward. We can be ourselves and still serve. You dont have to change who you are. Black has no intention of changing who she is, and she does not plan to return to her previous existence below the radar. Win, lose or draw, this isnt the last time youre going to hear about Dana Black. Minister Tuesday Tate, president and CEO of T. Tate Ministries, will host the 3G Womens Ministry Unite-2-Ignite 2016 Womens Revival and Symposium Nov. 1112 at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis. The event will begin the evening of Friday, Nov. 11, at 6:30 p.m. with a keynote address from Prophetess Marcia Morrison, which is open to everyone. The next days events are for women only and begin at 7:30 a.m. Registered participants will attend a live taping of Tates television show Tuesdays with Tuesday: A Dr. Tuesday Special, which will air on WHMB-40. The show will spotlight young women under age 25 who have been diagnosed with cancer and beat the odds. The rest of the day will include a keynote speaker, catered lunch, age-appropriate discussion sessions for middle school, high school, college and adult women, worship, fellowship, vendors and giveaways. For more information or to register, go to drtuesday3g2016womensrevival.eventbrite.com. John 17:23, 1 Corinthians 12:12 and Psalms 133:1, along with scriptures like Micah 6:8 and Amos 5:24, describe the importance of unity, justice and freedom, which are scriptural guides for the electoral engagement of African-American churches. Although confessional diversity has always been a part of this family of churches, unity in Christ and a vision of freedom have informed the approach of these churches in their election priorities. After a long period of disenfranchisement, Reconstruction brought about voting rights in 1870. This act of Congress deepened these churches resolve to work together for economic and racial justice with the power of the ballot. John Hope Franklin writes that they reorganized their pre-existing coalitions and produced the first generation of political leaders in the Black community during Reconstruction. The early and mid 20th century saw this unity in the founding of such groups as the National Fraternal Council of Negro Churches in 1934 and, later, the civil rights movement. Today, these churches continue to find ways to work together in unity among themselves and with partners in order to further their vision of freedom and justice with the power of the ballot. There are a host of local, state and national organizations, coalitions and movements led by African-American churches and organizations that include African-American church participation in their election work, including Bread for the World. Some of the current issues informing their electoral platforms are aligned with Bread for the Worlds public policy agenda. These issues include issues relative to hunger and poverty. Such issues include criminal justice reform, retaining and increasing funding for food assistance for child and maternal health and nutrition, and increasing the minimum wage. This is evident in a relatively new unity movement called The Freedom Sunday Coalition, which has also developed the Faith Leaders Toolkit for Civil Engagement. The coalition is comprised of leaders from the denominations of African Methodist Episcopal Church, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International, National Baptist Convention USA, National Baptist Convention of America, Church of God In Christ, Progressive National Baptist Convention and independent organizational partners such as PICO National Network, African-American Ministers Leadership Council, Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference Inc., the Global Alliance Interfaith Network and the Global United Fellowship. These leaders represent a network of more than 13 million people of faith across the United States. They are part of this united mission dedicated to year-round voter registration, education and mobilization on issues of importance to communities of color. In 2014, the coalition mobilized more than 3,500 churches, touched more than 1 million faith voters in six weeks leading up to the midterm election, and had an impact in increasing African-American voter turnout by 12 percent in Kentucky and Louisiana. The first Freedom Sunday was held on Sept. 25, 2016, and on Nov. 6, the second Freedom Sunday will be held to help ensure maximum voter participation by African-Americans. Dr. Rev. Angelique Walker-Smith is the senior pastor for Pan African church engagement at Bread for the World in Washington, D.C. Riot Police Spray Praying Water Protectors on the banks of the... This morning on the banks of the Cannon Ball River Water Protectors gathered to pray and were met by OC Spray and less-than-lethal rounds by law enforcement officers. Photos to follow. You can support my continued coverage here! --> GoFundMe.com/RobWilsonPhoto Posted by Rob Wilson Photography on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 A water protection ceremony along the Cannon Ball River in North Dakota was met by another law enforcement action on November 2, 2016. Video by Rob Wilson Photography [GoFundMe] A note from the editor's desk Abuse of Water Protectors by Morton CountyBy Brandon EcoffeyLakota Country Times Editor Dave Chappelle noted once that the easiest way to dismiss the credibility of an argument is to call the person making it a "conspiracy theorist." These days in Indian Country notions that were once called this are becoming realities thanks to Morton County Law Enforcement. I remember in 2004 when pictures of horrors of Abu Gharib surfaced. Most Americans bought into President Bush's claims that this was an isolated incident. This was completely untrue as it became known that the abuse of detainees through the use of attack dogs, water boarding, and suffocation techniques like placing hoods on prisoners were common place. The ones who warned that these same incidents could occur in the U.S. were labeled conspiracy theorists. When Oscar Grant was shot and killed by Oakland Police in 2009 it was called an isolated incident. Now years later we understand that the killing of unarmed minorities by police happens more often than we ever realized. Minorities who claimed they were the targets of police were also labeled conspiracy theorists. For so long we have been told by our government that the practices it has employed against "terrorists" in foreign countries would never find a place on American soil. We were told to never fear the our government's use of drones. We were told that mass surveillance would only be used in the most unique cases where there was a definitive and immediate threat to life. We were told torture like what has occurred all over the world could never be carried out against American citizens. We were told the attack dogs from Abu Gharib would never patrol our lands. These were all lies. Visit the Lakota Country Times and subscribe today Over the course of the last several months the abuse of detainees by Morton County Law Enforcement has overstepped every boundary guaranteed by the American constitution. Water protectors have been seen being bound and hooded by police. People are being stripped searched and abused within their jail for misdemeanor crimes. And police have employed the use of mass surveillance through drones on the protector camps. This isn't a war zone this is North Dakota. What is taking place in North Dakota will be looked at in disgust by future generations who will soon realize that protecting drinking water is not a bad thing. They will also realize that sometimes conspiracy theories are more accurate than we ever realized. (Brandon Ecoffey is the editor of LCT and is an award winning journalist who was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. He can be reached at editor@lakotacountrytimes.com) Join the Conversation Tribal youth at the #NoDAPL encampment in North Dakota. Photo by Joe Brusky We pointed our rental war pony west and rode hard into the sun, stopping only for cheeseburgers. Many cheeseburgers. Thus began my 2,200-mile, week-long journey with my 12-year-old son, Maangozit, from Cincinnati to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation to meet with folks at the water protector camps opposing the Dakota Access oil pipeline (DAPL). Natives from more than 300 tribes had gathered near Standing Rock to speak with one voice, to call for clean water. Surely, this was a far more relevant history lesson than he would ever learn in his sixth-grade class, so I agreed to take him. He was delighted. During a stopover, I caught him talking to his buddy Lucas on Facetime. He held his open mouth close to the screen, tongue out. Ha, ha, haaaa, no school, dude! he gloated. They have school at the water protector camps, I told him. As independent journalist Mary Annette Pember was providing front-line reports from the #NoDAPL encampment in North Dakota, a young family member was there too. She updates readers on the journey: Read More: Mary Annette Pember: Maangozit Cuts His Braidand Leaves a Blessing at Standing Rock (Indian Country Today 11/3) Join the Conversation Related Stories: Tribes remain cautious amid Dakota Access Pipeline uncertainty (11/3) Native Sun News Today: Tribes seek protection amid #NoDAPL crackdown (11/3) Brandon Ecoffey: Authorities step over the line with #NoDAPL crackdown (11/3) Ivan Star Comes Out: #NoDAPL crackdown hinders reconciliation (11/3) Jan Hasselman: Putting the brakes on the Dakota Access Pipeline (11/3) President Obama hints at delay in Dakota Access Pipeline easement (11/2) Standing Rock Sioux Tribe moves to cut ties with pipeline investors (11/2) Open letter to law enforcement and National Guard in North Dakota (11/2) LaDonna Brave Bull Allard: Bundys tried to come to #NoDAPL camp (11/2) Kalamaoka'aina Niheu: Law enforcement become more militarized (11/2) Lakota Country Times: South Dakota a part of #NoDAPL crackdown (11/1) Bureau of Indian Affairs apprehended security worker with rifle (10/31) Democracy Now: Dakota Access security guard had assault rifle (10/31) Tim Giago: Water protectors must continue to remain peaceful (10/31) Mark Trahant: Native candidates make history in North Dakota (10/31) Dina Gilio-Whitaker: #NoDAPL crackdown shows racism lives on (10/31) Steve Russell: Juries might be only hope in #NoDAPL crackdown (10/31) Donna Ennis: Tribes must be included in federal decision-making (10/31) Authorities crack down on #NoDAPL treaty camp in North Dakota (10/28) Mark Trahant: More injustice as police move in at Standing Rock (10/28) Jyl Wheaton-Abraham: Water protector efforts are not in vain (10/28) Native Sun News Today: Sheriff makes biggest #NoDAPL roundup (10/27) Democracy Now: Dakota Access security guards weren't licensed (10/27) Dana Lone Hill: Indian people won't stop fighting for our rights (10/27) Dave Archambault Sr.: Dehumanizing the #NoDAPL movement (10/27) Standing Rock Sioux Tribe sees decline in business at casino (10/27) Republican Donald Trump invested in Dakota Access Pipeline (10/27) Native youth pressure Hillary Clinton to take a #NoDAPL stand (10/26) Dakota Access ramps up spending on lobbying and politicians (10/25) Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe presses Obama on Dakota Access (10/25) Donald Trump embraces big energy projects like Dakota Access (10/24) Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe can pursue own #NoDAPL complaint (10/24) Democracy Now: New resistance in fight against Dakota Access (10/24) Mark Trahant: North Dakota takes #NoDAPL battle to extremes (10/24) Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye backs Hillary Clinton (10/21) Native Sun News Today: Ping-pong continues in #NoDAPL case (10/21) Misty Perkins: Indigenous voices are lost in colonial translation (10/21) Native leaders in Alaska endorse Hillary Clinton in historic move (10/20) Morgan Rodman: Federal agencies work to protect treaty rights (10/20) Mary Annette Pember: First baby born at water protector camp (10/20) Duane Yazzie: Spirituality prevails as #NoDAPL fight continues (10/20) Standing Rock Sioux Tribe opens reservation to #NoDAPL camp (10/20) Vi Waln: Water protector camps overflow with spiritual energy (10/19) Mary Annette Pember: Teaching a new generation of protectors (10/19) Democracy Now: Standing Rock Sioux chair was strip-searched (10/18) Mary Annette Pember: Army Corps on shaky ground with pipeline (10/18) North Dakota sees setback in pursuit of Dakota Access resisters (10/18) Mary Annette Pember: Kitchen serves the #NoDAPL movement (10/17) Gyasi Ross: A 'humbling' #NoDAPL experience for Tito Ybarra (10/14) Indian Country united for full review of Dakota Access Pipeline (10/13) Alex Piechowski-Begay: What water and #NoDAPL mean to me (10/13) Native Sun News Today: Battle continues against Dakota Access (10/13) North Dakota questions legality of Defenders of the Water School (10/12) Jim Kent: Putting a stop to pollution of our waters and our lands (10/12) Standing Rock Sioux Tribe calls for prayer amid additional arrests (10/11) Mark Trahant: Native candidates use #NoDAPL as campaign issue (10/11) Misty Perkins: Continue to stand with Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (10/11) Standing Rock Sioux Tribe sees setback as court lifts injunction (10/10) Army Corps promises answer on Dakota Access easement soon (10/10) Yavapai-Apache Nation News: Hopi boy to run to Standing Rock (10/10) Mary Annette Pember: Pipeline promises jobs but impacts linger (10/10) Doug George-Kanentiio: We all must do our part for Standing Rock (10/7) Gyasi Ross: Interview with founder of Defenders of Water School (10/7) Mary Annette Pember: Police crack down on #NoDAPL protectors (10/7) Native Sun News Today: #NoDAPL movement continues to grow (10/6) Gyasi Ross: Hillary Clinton can't be quiet on #NoDAPL movement (10/6) Mark Trahant: Climate change and the Dakota Access Pipeline (10/6) Mary Annette Pember: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe denied access (10/6) NYT Lens Blog: Photographer documents life at #NoDAPL camps (10/6) Appeals court takes up #NoDAPL case as pipeline remains in limbo (10/5) Standing Rock Sioux Tribe fires back as court hears #NoDAPL case (10/5) Dakota Access tries to sneak in report on eve of critical hearing (10/4) Charles Trimble: Standing on moral high ground in #NoDAPL fight (10/4) Winona LaDuke: Join us and put a stop to the pipeline to nowhere (10/4) Another big week as Standing Rock Sioux Tribe heads back to court (10/3) Brandon Ecoffey: Politicians show their true colors on #NoDAPL (10/3) David Ganje: Tribes can't remain silent about their water rights (10/3) Tim Ballew: Tribal sovereignty finally gets attention it deserves (10/3) Steven Newcomb: Domination system at play in #NoDAPL fight (10/3) Alex Jacobs: Big media continues to ignore indigenous interests (10/3) Native Sun News Today: Standing Rock Sioux in fight for 'our lives' (9/30) Jenni Giovannetti: #NoDAPL inspires mixed-race keyboard warrior (9/30) Dakota Access enlists big name law firm ahead of court hearing (9/29) Dave Archambault Sr.: The roots of the battle at Standing Rock (9/29) Mary Annette Pember: Water protectors rounded up for praying (9/29) Dina Gilio-Whitaker: A model for tribal consultation with UNDRIP (9/29) House approves national water bill without #NoDAPL amendment (9/28) County sheriff announces additional arrests of #NoDAPL resisters (9/28) Mary Annette Pember: Sheriff is looking into reports of 'gunshots' (9/28) Mark Fogarty: Young Native journalists cover historic movement (9/28) Peter d'Errico: Briefcase warriors must defend original nations (9/28) Judge urges tribal coordination on complaint in #NoDAPL case (9/27) Albert Bender: Spill confirms fears on Dakota Access Pipeline (9/27) Sierra Club: More review needed for Dakota Access Pipeline (9/27) Lakota Country Times: #NoDAPL lands before United Nations (9/26) Gyasi Ross: Obama's legacy on the line with Dakota pipeline (9/26) Obama administration asks tribes about infrastructure projects (9/23) Mary Annette Pember: A young boy's journey to Standing Rock (9/23) Harlan McKosato: Obama must keep promise to Indian people (9/23) Appeals court in DC sets stage for October 5 #NoDAPL hearing (9/22) Republican lawmaker eagerly defends Dakota Access Pipeline (9/22) Bureau of Indian Affairs role in #NoDAPL 'task force' in doubt (9/22) Mark Trahant: Politicians can no longer ignore the Native vote (9/22) Native Sun News Today: Nation rallies to #NoDAPL movement (9/22) Dave Archambault Sr.: History unfolds on Standing Rock land (9/22) David Ganje: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe takes stand for water (9/22) Democracy Now: Sacred Stone Camp founder standing ground (9/22) Harold Monteau: #NoDAPL movement draws a line in the sand (9/22) County sheriff leads investigation into #NoDAPL confrontation (9/21) Federal appeals court sets October 5 hearing in #NoDAPL case (9/21) Tribes deliver Wisconsin firewood to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (9/21) Democrats host forum on Dakota Access Pipeline on Capitol Hill (9/21) Leader of Standing Rock Sioux Tribe speaks at United Nations (9/20) Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe tries to revive #NoDAPL complaint (9/20) Tribes clash over new casino but agree on #NoDAPL movement (9/20) Alex Jacobs: Scenes from Standing Rock resemble Selma in 60s (9/20) Another rollercoaster week as #NoDAPL fight enters new phase (9/19) Judge dissolves restraining order against Standing Rock leaders (9/19) Zoltan Grossman: Cowboys are quiet as tribes unite for #NoDAPL (9/19) Dave Archambault: Disaster placed on Standing Rock's doorstep (9/19) David Gipp: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe stands up for life and water (9/19) Terri Miles: That 'information point' at the #NoDAPL encampment (9/19) Peter d'Errico: Be bold in fighting Dakota Access Pipeline in court (9/19) Appeals court halts Dakota Access Pipeline work pending hearing (9/16) Sparring continues in #NoDAPL lawsuit as tribes seek halt to work (9/16) Bronson Koenig hosts basketball clinic for youth at Standing Rock (9/16) Senate passes water bill but fails to include #NoDAPL amendment (9/15) White House to respond to #NoDAPL petition with 203K signatures (9/15) Doug George-Kanentiio: Prophecy and the people at Standing Rock (9/15) Mark Trahant: There is something we can do to help Standing Rock (9/15) Native Sun News Today: #NoDAPL movement forges ahead to win (9/15) Mary Annette Pember: Indigenous women lead prayers for water (9/15) Steve Russell: Legal encounters and the Dakota Access Pipeline (9/15) Emotions run strong as #NoDAPL seeps into debate on lands bill (9/14) Defenders of the Water School is going strong at #NoDAPL camp (9/14) Key House Democrats call for hearing on Dakota Access Pipeline (9/14) Brandon Ecoffey: Pipeline destroys our sacred and cultural sites (9/14) Jori Kaniehtakohe Rourke: Our people unite in #NoDAPL battle (9/14) Hundreds rally at White House to block Dakota Access Pipeline (9/13) Judge won't grant injunction to protect sacred sites in DAPL path (9/12) Democracy Now: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe creates 'awakening' (9/12) Mark Trahant: #NoDAPL movement forces long overdue debate (9/12) Matthew Fletcher: Obama joins tribes on the right side of history (9/12) Steve Russell: Anonymous makes appearance in #NoDAPL fight (9/12) Liz Perez Halperin: Why this warrior stands up for Standing Rock (9/12) Obama steps in with major action halting Dakota Access Pipeline (9/9) Tribes move quickly to protect sacred lands within pipeline path (9/9) Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe thanks Obama for #NoDAPL stance (9/9) Indian Country eagerly anticipates decision in #NoDAPL lawsuit (9/9) Lakota Country Times: Henry Red Cloud takes stand for #NoDAPL (9/9) Ernestine Chasing Hawk: A history of resistance at Standing Rock (9/9) Steve Russell: Legal encounters and the Dakota Access Pipeline (9/9) Obama dodges #NoDAPL query as youth question commitment (9/8) Standing Rock Sioux Tribe urges calm ahead of #NoDAPL ruling (9/8) Mark Trahant: White House must get involved in #NoDAPL fight (9/8) Native Sun News Today: Law clamps down on #NoDAPL resisters (9/8) Ivan Star Comes Out: #NoDAPL movement is about sacred water (9/8) Jim Gray: Mainstream media is missing the major #NoDAPL story (9/8) Gyasi Ross: Doing your part to ensure #NoDAPL keeps on winning (9/8) Sheriff recruiting more law enforcement for #NoDAPL campsites (9/8) #NoDAPL movement takes center stage at North Dakota summit (9/7) Lakota Country Times: School going strong at #NoDAPL campsite (9/7) Mark Charles: The #NoDAPL struggle continues after hearing in DC (9/7) Dave Archambault II: The Dakota Access Pipeline musn't be built (9/7) Eastern Cherokees contribute $50K to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (9/7) Jill Stein of Green Party faces charges for standing with #NoDAPL (9/7) Dave Archambault: Dakota Access Pipeline destroys sacred sites (9/7) Steven Newcomb: Vicious dogs unleashed on #NoDAPL resisters (9/7) Mike Myers: Historic ties between the Haudenosaunee and Sioux (9/7) Standing Rock Sioux Tribe disappointed with ruling in #NoDAPL case (9/6) Dakota Access fires back at tribes ahead of hearing in federal court (9/6) Lakota Country Times: Tribes still united at #NoDAPL encampment (9/6) Native Sun News: Death highlights dangers of Dakota Access work (9/6) Hearing ordered after Standing Rock Sioux Tribe reports destruction (9/5) Army Corps backs restraining order against Dakota Access Pipeline (9/5) Quinault Nation sends Grandfather Canoe to #NoDAPL encampment (9/5) Sarah Sunshine Manning: Dogs attack peaceful #NoDAPL resisters (9/5) LaDonna Brave Bull Allard: We have no choice but to defend water (9/5) Jacqueline Keeler: #NoDAPL resistance is part of something bigger (9/5) Steve Russell: Federal Indian law and the Dakota Access Pipeline (9/5) Standing Rock Sioux Tribe reports cultural finds near pipeline path (9/2) Mark Trahant: #NoDAPL poses test for Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine (9/2) Native Sun News: Cartoonist brings humor to #NoDAPL movement (9/2) Tribal activists cheer demise of controversial pipeline in Minnesota (9/2) United Nations Forum backs Standing Rock Sioux Tribe on #NoDAPL (9/1) Native Sun News: Northern Cheyenne Tribe joins #NoDAPL efforts (9/1) Jim Kent: The real truth about the #NoDAPL resistance movement (9/1) Mark Trahant: Candidate shows support for #NoDAPL movement (9/1) Lakota Country Times: #NoDAPL roadblock remains a major issue (8/31) Brandon Ecoffey: #NoDAPL resistance is the start of a movement (8/31) Dave Archambault: Struggle unfolds on Standing Rock Sioux land (8/31) Terri Miles: Indian Country unites to stare down the black snake (8/31) Joel Heitkamp: Officials in North Dakota need a lesson in respect (8/31) Standing Rock Sioux Tribe confirms lack of easement for pipeline (8/30) Supplies needed for #NoDAPL Defenders of Sacred Water School (8/30) Lakota Country Times: Students witness history at pipeline camp (8/30) Vi Waln: Media distorts peaceful nature of sacred #NoDAPL camp (8/30) Mike Myers: Historic ties between the Haudenosaunee and Sioux (8/30) Mark Anthony Rolo: Tribes remain at mercy of bad federal policies (8/30) Defenders of the Water School opens at pipeline resistance camp (8/29) Lakota Country Times: Resisters dispute emergency declaration (8/29) Dave Archambault: Stopping the desecration of our Mother Earth (8/29) Mark Trahant: State erects roadblock at peaceful #NoDAPL camp (8/29) Latoya Lonelodge: Witnessing history at Camp of Sacred Stones (8/29) Jon Eagle: Land remains sacred to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (8/29) Albert Bender: Tribes join together at Camp of the Sacred Stones (8/29) Steven Newcomb: Law of Christendom at play in #NoDAPL battle (8/29) Arvol Looking Horse: Saving our Earth from energy development (8/29) Tribal Tribune: Unity at Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's #NoDAPL camp (8/26) Winona LaDuke: Corporate interests come to destroy our mother (8/26) Sarah Sunshine Manning: #NoDAPL campaign awakens our people (8/26) Dakota Access Pipeline lacks key approval to build by reservation (8/26) Lummi Nation sends totem pole to #NoDAPL camp in North Dakota (8/26) Dave Archambault: Why the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is fighting (8/25) Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe chair dispels rumors about camp site (8/25) Sen. Bernie Sanders joining opposition to Dakota Access Pipeline (8/25) Native Sun News: Thousands join #NoDAPL resistance movement (8/25) Standing Rock Sioux Tribe sees strong support at pipeline hearing (8/24) Kayla DeVault: Navajo Nation must take a stand on Dakota Access (8/24) Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe seeks prayers ahead of pipeline hearing (8/23) Lakota Country Times: Oglala Sioux Tribe joins fight against pipeline (8/23) Brandon Ecoffey: The Horse Nations prepare for battle over pipeline (8/23) Simon Moya-Smith: Hillary Clinton remains silent amid pipeline feud (8/23) Steven Newcomb: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe challenges domination (8/23) Sheriff mistook sacred pipes for pipe bombs at pipeline protest site (8/23) Tribes prepare for critical hearing in Dakota Access Pipeline lawsuit (8/22) Mark Trahant: Pipeline fight highlights power of political organizing (8/22) Lakota Country Times: Tribes unite to stop Dakota Access Pipeline (8/22) Vi Waln: Our water system is being threatened by energy pipelines (8/22) Winona LaDuke: Bigger problems ahead for Dakota Access Pipeline (8/22) Dallas Goldtooth: Tribes shut out of Dakota Access Pipeline process (8/22) Native Sun News: Resistance grows against Dakota Access Pipeline (08/18) Harold Frazier: Obama must put a stop to Dakota Access Pipeline (08/15) Tribes and Native youth join forces in campaign to stop oil pipeline (08/11) Democrats embrace tribal sovereignty in platform for convention (07/08) Dakota Access Pipeline to go underneath tribal burial site in Iowa (06/22) Native Sun News: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe battles oil pipeline (06/08) Iowa board approves energy pipeline work amid tribal objections (06/07) Native Sun News: Tribes score big in fights against energy projects (05/26) Standing Rock Sioux Tribe seeks halt to construction of pipeline (05/12) Native Sun News: Youth run 500 miles to protest new oil pipeline (05/11) Native Sun News: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe aims to stop pipeline (04/27) Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and Army Corps to discuss oil pipeline (04/26) Native Sun News: Tribes gaining traction in war against pipelines (04/20) Brandon Ecoffey: Tribes continue battle against energy pipelines (04/19) Standing Rock Sioux Tribe sets up sacred camp to oppose pipeline (04/15) Native Sun News: Tribes organize against Dakota Access Pipeline (04/13) Iowa Tribe joins fight against oil pipeline on aboriginal territory (3/24) Native Sun News: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe battles pipeline plan (3/14) Native Sun News: Tribes fight another pipeline through Great Plains (07/07) Meskwaki Tribe opposes oil pipeline through aboriginal territory (03/17) In recent days, a sudden cold spell has swept across northern China, apparently signaling that winter has arrived early. Meteorological experts also predict that China will have a colder winter this year overall. According to Ding Yihui, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a special adviser to China Meteorological Administration, La Nina plays an important role in the early arrival of winter. Statistics from the National Climate Center show that the equatorial Eastern Central Pacific Ocean has been under the influence of La Nina since August. In China, winter temperatures are usually below average in years that are influenced by La Nina. "Temperatures will likely be lower than average in northern China, especially in December. In southern China, the colder periods will be in January and February," explained Ding. As a result of La Nina and chillier winter temperatures, Ding predicts that electricity and transport will be impacted because more energy will be consumed, and rain and ice will influence road conditions. The natural ecosystem, which is used to a warmer climate, will also be affected to some extent. Zheng Fei, a researcher with the Institute of Atmospheric Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that years under the influence of La Nina often see more frequent northern winds, which are conducive to the dispersal of air pollutants. Therefore, the silver lining of a colder winter could be reduced smog over the next few months. If the post-Diwali weather has got you down, you're not the only one. Reports suggest that the particulate matter (PM) levels are more than 10 times higher than the safe limit in the national capital region alone. Respiratory problems and itchy eyes are only some of the side-effects. While travel is always considered as the best way to rejuvenate and a sure-shot therapy to escape a monotonous routine, it's more vital now considering how terrible the smog has got. Here's a list of cities that have cleaner air to offer and a much-needed respite from the choking weather of the metro cities . #1 treehouseresort Syari Valley in Jaipur is home to the green and open Tree House Resort that's easily an ideal escape from the choked air of NCR. There's plenty of peace and quiet here and you can even spot the Aravalli Hills from your window. If you're a nature lover, you couldn't have asked for a better spot than this. #2 Just Nashik At 2,300 ft and at the foothills of Western Ghats, Nashik is as picturesque as it can get. It's no wonder it even connected to Ramayana. If you had any doubts about heading here, the air quality index that rests at 110 and it should be plenty of motivation. #3 Footwa 2km north of Colva, Betalbatim beach in Goa is far away from milling crowds and ideal for introverts looking to escape to serene scapes. Shalom Fernandes, a 21-year-old teacher and student from Mumbai recommends it highly. "People know more about Majorda beach that's next to Betalbatim and that's probably one of the reasons I like it," she said. Wikimapia "The atmosphere is super relaxed with people taking siestas and then lazing on the beach later in the day. An added plus is that you can pretty much wear whatever you want and not worry about unwanted looks," she adds. There are plenty of dolphins in the area and one local boat ride is all that's needed in case you'd love to go meet them. A quick check of the air quality's recommended once there. #4 unravelhimachal Shangarh village is a quaint little village with a population of just over a 1000 people and life moves at a hypnotic pace here. According to the locals, Shangarh came to be 5000 years ago after the Pandavas came here looking to create a staircase to heaven. At 6,300ft, Shangarh is a neighbour to the Great Himalayan National Park which in turn has plenty of treks of its own to offer. Blogarama Sriparna Ghosh, a resident of South Delhi who runs her own communication design studio, recommends this place and says, "My first priority when it comes to getting out of the city is travelling to remote areas. I prefer places that are not crowded, rather places that are not crowded at all, and Shangarh's a favourite." A quick check of the air quality is recommended once here. #5 Nimit Nigam Nimit Nigam, a 26-year-old photographer from Laxmi Nagar in Delhi, finds respite in Spiti. "While I'm none too keen to breathe in polluted air, one of the main reasons why I'd go to Spiti anytime is for my love for photography. Komik is one of the highest villages in Spiti; Hikkim has the highest post office; and Langza has some of the most photographic landscapes," he explains. Nimit Nigam Although at a higher altitude with challenges of its own, a quick break in Spiti Valley is much recommended. It encompasses picturesque valleys and views and is the ideal choice for when you're looking to explore photography, just escape or savour silence. #6 Ruchika Vyas ...or Shimla is what comes to Ruchika Vyas' mind when she thinks of a safe haven to deal with her dust allergies. "I know Shimla's cliched but it's economical, well connected and I know the place well. Also just any place in Himachal Pradesh is an easy favourite for me. Since I have dust allergies, my go-to escape would be to the hills anyday." #7 Sirsi Attractions Guwahati-based traveller Manas travelled to Gokarna a few years back and recommends a trip to Half Moon Beach. "I'm not clear on whether you can do this now or not, but at the time, the sky was clear so at night all the stars showed as if in super HD; some people also camped overnight at the beach in their tents and just the whole atmosphere was really relaxed and a welcome break from all the noise we left back in the city," he explains. "It's almost like your own private beach and I think nothing can beat that feeling." *Air quality index figures are approximate; a quick check is recommended when visiting these places Every year 10 lakh people die in India due to tobacco-related diseases. It is quite sad to know that the Indian government does not seem bothered about the health of its citizens; the GST Councils proposal for 26 per cent GST rate on tobacco is a serious threat to the health. reuters India has the second largest number of tobacco users (275 million or 35 per cent of all adults in India) in the world. A study estimated that nearly 10 percent of minors use tobacco primarily because tobacco industry targets children as their new consumer base! Decision to fix the tax at less than 40 percent would amount to making some tobacco products cheaper in the post-GST era. It is the only consumer product in the world that hasnt got a single good use. It is completely grown and produced for human consumption and kills every 3rd of its users prematurely. It contains nearly 3,000 toxic chemicals and 25 confirmed carcinogens. India has earned the doubtful distinction of harbouring worlds highest number of mouth cancers. As per WHO, Tobacco Addiction is a disease and not a mere habit. Therefore, every 3rd adult Indian is suffering from a serious and largely incurable illness that turns fatal in one-third of the users. www.meentertainment.in Ideally, there should be no classification for tobacco/pan masala products under the GST regime and should attract the highest possible rate of tax. Based on the principal of elasticity, the impact of tax hike will be more pronounced in low income settings where a recent survey showed that households spend four times more money on tobacco (Rs 196) than health (Rs 56) every month. As India inches closer to a historical tax reform, it gives an opportunity for the government to use its ethics in ensuring that tobacco and pan masala are taxed the highest. All exemptions being offered to encourage this industry whether large or small should be done away as the government policy should not seem to support this factory of disease and death. After completing their rigorous training at the BSF-run training unit in Tekanpur, 16 sniffer dogs have been assigned their new duties across the country. They will be joining a team of 25 existing members of the squad who have been working tirelessly to combat crime in India. They will be expected to follow the footsteps of their predecessors who have dedicated their lives in serving the nation. The security forces depend on them for various jobs in difficult terrains across the country. The first among the latest recruits is Rani - West Bengal Forest Department's first sniffer dog who has been stationed at Jaldapara and will prevent poaching incidents in the national park as well as the neighbouring Buxar tiger reserve. Also joining the team are Nero and Jacki who have also been placed on forest duty around Mysuru. When it comes to sniffing out poachers, India's new mascot is Rana. Rana stands with a stash of stolen sandalwood/Facebook Speaking to Indiatimes, Rana's proud handler Prakash Honnakore says, "This December 29, Rana will turn 3 years old. He is my best friend. He has solved 6 cases in the past two years and helped to bring down the wildlife crimes drastically in the region." Rana, Prakash and their assistant are based out of Bandipur and have been invited by various departments to help curb the poaching menace across southern states. Have you met Rex? A member of Prime Minister's protection force BBC Rex is eight-years-old, but he still is the most trust-worthy member of the Prime Minister's special protection force. PM Narendra Modi, it is said, does not go anywhere until Rex, the top sniffer labrador in the K-9 unit of the ITBP, has okayed it. Rex is invited to screen all outstation events that the PM is expected to visit. "At the venue of the India-Africa summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security officials planted five grams (1/10th of an ounce) of RDX explosives under his chair as part of the security drill," a senior police official told the BBC. "Rex found it in two minutes. The PM's security was overjoyed," he said. Sohpia, also deputed by the ITBP, is another star. ITBP_Official/Twitter The three-year-old is a special breed of 'Malinois' German Shepherd dog, who has also helped in securing the perimeter for a number of VVIPs including the Prime Minister. However, she is actually quite friendly. This stands out in sharp contrast with her area of work, deep in the Maoist-ridden areas of Chattisgarh. Last year, she found and alerted her handler about the presence of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near the India Gate lawns which was kept by Delhi Police and other security agencies as part of the drill held on the eve of Yoga Day. The device was hidden under two feet of soil! ALSO READ: ITBP Will Give Special Medals To Canines And Horse Soldiers Meet Jimmy, the femme fatale in the forest Representational image/BCCL The forests of Kanha are no longer a den for poachers, thanks to Jimmy. Recruited last year by the Madhya Pradesh government, Jimmy and her handler have helped in busting the poaching network wide open. Just last week, Jimmy and her handler - Kailash Charar - helped in tracking down six poachers trying to escape. In just two days! Jimmy had led Kailash straight to the carcass of a tiger without alerting the poachers. The officials were then able to snare the poachers - all six of them - who claimed to have killed the tiger by mistake! Watch out for Cheetah while in Madhya Pradesh TRAFFIC India A supersniffer, wildlife sniffer and detector dog, named Cheetah has also won acclaim after helping track down poachers carrying 20 kgs of wild boar meat on October 16. Cheetah is a German Shepherd and his handler Preetam Ahirwal were able to catch the culprit within 30 minutes of being engaged by the forest department. The suspect's house was searched and the dog followed a trail to recover the meat along with an axe and other poaching weapons hidden behind some shrubs. The young guns have a rich legacy to follow like that of of Caesar, Prince, Tiger, Max and Goldy Rediff They may not be with us anymore but Caesar, Prince and Goldy will never be forgotten for their bravery in helping out people during the terrorist attacks on Mumbai on November 26. 2016 has not been an easy year for the heroes of the Mumbai terror attacks. Caesar, the last of the sniffer dogs to have helped in the situation, died last month. Killed by the enemy camp, Scout Representational image/BCCL It was while trying to save the life of Scout, suffering gravely from dehydration, that seven CRPF jawans were killed by a Maoist mine. The members of the CRPF's 230 battalion were trying to transport to help. Had Scout been better he would have helped avoid the tragedy. He had been instrumental in saving the lives of his battalion members on numerous occasions. The legend that was Anuradha Indian Express "Anuradha, a Doberman, was an expert at detecting explosives and narcotics. She was also very efficient while tracking criminals," a handler had told TOI in an interview after her death in 2013. She was relieved of her duties after 10 years of service to the Delhi Police and played a critical role in several investigations during her years. She was fondly called "Anu" by the police personnel who had taken an immense liking to the dog who brought them great honours. The news of her death saddened us all We miss Anu, she was special, a handler had said. India has decided to recall eight officials from its mission in Islamabad, after Pakistan called back six of its officials from its high commission here following the recent expose of an espionage racket. Pakistan also accused Indian officials of spying and Pakistani media flashed their names. dailymail India sees the charge as "retaliation" for its expulsion last week of a Pakistan high commission official, Mehmood Akhtar, after he was caught receiving documents from Indian collaborators. The Pakistani officials, who were named by Akhtar as being part of the spy ring , flew out of Delhi this afternoon. Also Read: Deported Pakistan High Commission Staffer Named Four Officials, Ten Other Spies Soon after the plane left Indian airspace, Pakistan media named two Indian personnel Rajesh Agnihotri and Balbir Singh as "spies" and members of RAW and IB, respectively. A few hours later, Pakistani media was given a list of six other Indian officials, all accused of spying and involvement in terrorism. India will withdraw all eight in the next couple of days. The tit-for-tat expulsions further worsened the chill in India-Pakistan ties, which have been deteriorating since the jihadi attack on an Army camp at Uri and the Indian surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. AFP The Indian personnel returning from Pakistan include one counsellor, two first secretaries, one attache and four assistants. Akhtar , who was held near the Delhi zoo, where he had set up a rendezvous with two Rajasthan residents, had named at least four seniors whom he reported to. The detention last week of Akhtar and a video of his interrogation where he named other officials was deemed by Pakistan to be a provocation. So, while they withdrew six of their officials, Islamabad made sure that India would have to pull out more. The affected officials on both sides belong to the security services so their "outing" would have compromised them. Also Read: Spying Row: Pakistan High Commission Official Asked To Leave India, Two Others Held On Wednesday, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) also called in Pakistan deputy high commissioner Syed Haider Shah. In a statement, the MEA said: "He was conveyed the government's grave concern and strong protest at the recent escalation in the incidents of ceasefire violations by the Pakistan side at the line of control (LoC) and the international border (IB), which have resulted in several fatalities and casualties on the Indian side among civilians and security forces personnel." mea The summoning of Shah came a day after the Indian deputy high commissioner JP Singh was summoned for the same reason by the Pakistan foreign office. On Wednesday afternoon, Pakistani media reported that Rajesh Agnihotri, commercial counsellor at the Indian high commission in Pakistan, has been identified as the station chief of Research & Analysis Wing (RAW), and Balbir Singh, first secretary press information, as an officer of the Indian intelligence bureau (IB). According to Pakistani media, Agnihotri was reportedly running a network of individuals involved in subversive activities in Pakistan, while Singh was found involved in "destabilising the country through a network of IB operatives". The recently expelled Indian diplomat, Surjeet Singh, was reportedly a part of Singh's network. Last week, Pakistan had declared Surjeet persona non grata and asked him to leave the country within 48 hours. The move came after India expelled Akhtar. Diwali has left us shrouded in dark smoke and incessant smog. Isnt it? Its the first week after Diwali, and were waking up to thick grey smog and some of the poorest air quality readings in our memory. All because keeping up with the joneses has got us this far and this bad. npr But unlike us, 8 villages in Tamil Nadu have been celebrating Diwali sans crackers for 14 years. In order to preserve the bird sanctuary thats around the corner, these villagers celebrate Diwali without burning a single cracker. They do not want to scare the winged visitors away, which is what they fear will happen if the birds hear the deafening sounds. Home to a plethora of migrating birds, Vellode bird sanctuary, located in Erode district welcomes birds from the month of October to January mouthshut Close to 750 families live in these villages, that surrounds the sanctuary, and therefore, an initiative like this was much needed. Locals from V Mettupalayam village, which is about 2 km away from the sanctuary decided not to burn crackers because they believe that the noise might scare the birds away for once and all. So all eight villagers surrounding the sanctuary have not burst crackers for the past 14 years, said Manickkam, a 70-year-old farmer. mapsofindia Instead, they wear new clothes and visit the birds in the sanctuary to feed them with grains and fishes. Forest Department officials said more than 2,000 persons visited the sanctuary on Diwali day on Saturday. Ram Kishan Grewa, l who ended his life in New Delhi, demanding One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for the armed forces, which was one of key promises made by the BJP before the 2014 general elections. ANI Grewal (70) who served army for over 37 years, is known as one of most well respected and honest man of Bamla village in Haryana Bhiwani districts, who changed the face of his village when he became Sarpanch of the village 11 years back and won several awards including a President Award. Vipin/BCCL As Sarpanch, Grewal brough School for Girls, water pipeline and toilets in households. Soon after he retired from Defence Security Corps as Subedar in 2004, he started working for the welfare of the village. In 2005 when he came Sarpanch of the village Bamla, well known for producing wrestlers, Grewal played a key role in getting a school for girls in the village. His efforts as Sarpanch soon led the end of crisis of water and sanitation as he as a Sarpanch got water pipeline laid in the village along with the constructed on toilets in various households with the help of government scheme. Vipin/BCCL Due to his efforts, Bamla became one of the first few 'Nirmal Grams' of Haryana The government of India had launched this award for fully sanitised and open defecation-free Gram Panchayats in 2003 and gave away the first awards in 2005 as a component of its flagship scheme Total Sanitation Campaign. Grewal's efforts made Bamla, one of the first Nirmal Grams of Haryana and that's why he recieved received the Shankar Dayal Sharma award for his contribution in social service and a letter of appreciation from General Nirmal Chandra Vij, 21st chief of the Army staff, Indian Army. Vipin/BCCL The school in the village was only till Class 10. My father fought with authorities and got senior secondary unit included. A separate branch was opened for girl students so that they are able to study till class 12, Jaswant, Grewals son was quoted in HT. Grewal received Award from President For his work as Sarpanch and social worker, Grewal was also awarded the Nirmal Gram Puruskar by the then President, Pratibha Patil, in 2008. He also got water to the village for sanitation and agriculture. Earlier there was no water line and the women had to travel for several kilometers just to get drinking water. He got a pipeline laid and got water connections to Bamla. He was a brave man. Always inspired us all to work hard for the society, I cant believe he ended his life, he added. ANI During his tenure as the Sarpanch, he transformed Bamla. He also got the tender of a stadium passed for the children to play and practice. Even after his retirement, he hardly sat at home to rest," Prithvi Singh, one of companions of Grewal in Bamla said. Shifted to Delhi for OROP campaign During the OROP protests last year, Grewal virtually shifted his base to New Delhis Jantar Mantar. He also led the protest as leader of ex servicemen from Haryana. He reportedly reached Delhi on Monday to meet Defence minister. With an application, he wanted to meet Defence minister to tell that the soldiers have not received the increased pension as per the sixth and seventh pay commission along with the due arrears despite the implementation of OROP. Vipin/BCCL Present Sarpanch of the village, Tasveer Singh also acknowledges that Grewal was the man of honour and did alot for the village. "He was an honest man who did commendable job as Sarpanch and changed many things in village," Tasveer Singh told Dainik Bhaskar. An audio clip has emerged in which Ram Kishan Grewal, an army veteran who committed suicide on Wednesday is heard telling his son Pradeep, on phone that he has consumed poison because of injustice against ex-servicemen. Grewal, a 70-year-old ex-serviceman from Haryana, who had campaigned for the implementation of OROP had killed himself by consuming poison. His family and fellow campaigners said Grewal was disappointed over the delay in the implementation of the scheme, which was approved, earlier this year. His family also said that Grewal had tried to meet defence minister Manohar Parrikar over the issues but was not granted permission. PTI As the veteran's suicide became a political battle, minister VK Singh, who incidentally is a former army chief suggested that Grewal's mental state should be examined. On Wednesday, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi were arrested by police after they tried to meet the victim's family in the hospital. Even his son was detained by police on Wednesday. In a video message he alleged that he was manhandled in custody. Shen Danyang, the spokeperson for China's Ministry of Commerce, criticized the proposed boycott of Chinese products by some Indian politicians at a press conference held on Nov. 2. Shen pointed out that China and India are each others major trade partners. By 2015, the total trade volume between the two countries had reached $71.62 billion, indicating that trade between China and India was increasing despite downward pressure from global trade. Bilateral trade added up to $52.31 billion between January and September 2016, which indicates that the momentum is being maintained. The products that China exports to India fulfill the needs of the local market. Thus, a boycott of Chinese products would only satisfy some politicians personal vendettas at the cost of close ties between the two countries. Shen added that as two rapidly growing economies, China and India must cooperate on economy and trade. China hopes India will take the necessary actions to minimize any repercussions of this incident for the mutual benefit of both nations. Following the encounter by the Madhya Pradesh Police of eight under-trials, accused of being operatives of banned outfit Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), the organisation has once again come to the spotlight. Twenty-four years after being founded by Mohammad Ahmadullah Siddiqi, a professor of Journalism and Public Relations at the Western Illinois University in the US, the SIMI was banned in September 2001, shortly after the 9/11 terror attacks in the United States, and described as a terrorist organisation by the Government of India. BCCL It remained banned between September 27, 2001 and September 27, 2003, during which several members of the group were nabbed under several security acts including TADA, the MCOCA and the UAPA. The second ban of SIMI began September 27, 2003 and came to an end on September 27, 2005. The organisation was again banned on February 8, 2006. The third ban on SIMI was lifted by the Delhi High Court Tribunal on August 5, 2008, but banned again by K.G. Balakrishnan, then Chief Justice of India, again on August 6, 2008 on national security grounds. BCCL Many of its senior members were arrested and charged for conspiring and executing various unlawful activities in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states. Indiatimes spoke to one of SIMIs former members who left it after its central leadership changed strategies, sharpened its tone and moved on the path of extremism. I joined SIMI in early 1980s. Its members, at the time, were well-educated Muslim youths, religious in nature but extremely moderate in thinking and outlook. They would study other ideologies and political thoughts including capitalism, socialism and communism to counter it with Islamic teachings and principles. It impressed me a lot and therefore, I decided to join the association, replied a former SIMI member on condition of anonymity. He said everything was smooth till 1986. However, the atmosphere of the country changed and became charged with the unlocking of Babri mosque post assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Hindutva forces started becoming stronger. Several attempts to demolish the mosque had taken place and many innocent Muslims had been killed. This led the SIMI leadership to rethink its strategy to tackle the promoters of Hindutva, he said. BCCL As a result, he added, the leadership decided to go aggressive on Hindutva forces. They began to deliver aggressive speeches during their programs, urging Muslims to save the life of fellow community members being targeted by the hate mongers, and to stop the demolition plan of the Babri mosque. At this juncture, I and other like minded members opposed this route, arguing that the constitution of SIMI does not allow such activities. We brought a resolution to amend the constitution so that lawful activities to counter aggression Hindutva agenda can be tackled in lawful ways. But we were cornered and labelled as cowards. We tried our best to stop the organization propagate extremist Islamic ideology, but unfortunately failed, he added. Many SIMI members were influenced and attracted to the extremist ideology put forward by the central leadership, which continued to maintain the SIMI was the only force that could counter the RSS and the VHP, he said. He along with other then realized that there was no way out and that we could not continue being a part of the SIMI. BCCL We finally left the SIMI in 1992, he added. When asked if he thinks banning SIMI helped the government and its agencies, he replied: Banning any organisation it does not matter how radical it is is not at all a solution. Why? The activities of a functional organization can be monitored and its programs and speeches can be heard and stopped if these are inflammatory. The movements of its leaders can be tracked. But when you ban it, you close all doors of monitoring and force it to operate underground because ideological organisations do not die easily, he explained. I say with conviction that a banned organisation is much more dangerous than the one which functions openly, he said. Although, there are no precise linkages between the SIMI and the Indian Mujahideen (IM), some analysts contend that IM split off from SIMI, attracting those inclined toward militancy, and, thus, that IM is the militant wing of SIMI. Others suggest that SIMI and IM are separate yet inherently linked organisations. At a time when the country is witnessing heated debates over uniform civil code, a woman from Jodhpur has challenged her divorce by submitting an application before the Mahila Thana. AFp/Representational Image Farha Khan, who is seeking the help of counsellors to 'restore' her marriage, has been staging a sit-in outside her in-laws house. Her husband, Irfan Khan, had divorced her under the Muslim personal law by uttering the word talaq' thrice. The 'divorce', which was captured in a video, sees Irfan dissolve his marriage outside his house in front of onlookers. "She has abused and beat me at several occasions. I can prove it. She could not bear a child for years and I had borne 6-7 lakh for her treatment. She became a mother but showed no improvement in her behaviour," Irfan is heard saying in the video. AFP/Representational Image Farha alleged harassment at the hands of her husband. "My husband's family has become indifferent since I gave birth to a girl. I want to live with him and I believe that oral talaq is not Islamic," she says. Racial discrimination toward the people of the east doesn't seem to be simmering down. In a most recent incident, Niyang Pertin from Arunachal Pradesh, was subjected to differential treatment when she and her friends were asked to cough up Rs 300 at Delhi's Jama Masjid. The extra price was imposed upon them at entry gate number 8 for taking mobile phones inside. Twitter At the same venue, other visitors were being allowed to enter with their phones at no extra charge. ndtv Niyang, who's studying law at Delhi University, filmed a video and tagged Home Minister Kiren Rijiju to make him aware of the discrimination she faced. Despite Home Ministry taking various steps to stop discriminations against the North-East people this still happened! I will follow it up. pic.twitter.com/0RASlw797T Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 1, 2016 In the video, Niyang had to prove that she was an Indian and not a tourist. She said, "I and my friends were particularly targeted and asked to pay Rs 300 each to take mobile phones inside the premises of Jama Masjid. When we asked as to why only we are being charged, we were told to mind our own business. Being a member of northeast India, unfortunately, I always have to prove my nationality. Even if I visit a national museum, park or a site, I need to show my identity card to ensure that I am Indian and not an outsider. I don't know when a time will come when we will not be asked to prove our nationality and accepted as an Indian." Kiren Rijiju tweeted the video and promised to investigate the matter. He said, Dear Niyang, I'm following up with local authority, Police, @MinOfCultureGoI & @dr_maheshsharma ji for necessary actions & steps. https://t.co/s34yJb09Xk Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 2, 2016 For reference, entry at Jama Masjid is absolutely free. The charge for photography is Rs 200. According to estimates by online portals which retail adult toys, sales increase exponentially during the wedding season, typically between November and February. Gujarat is the third largest consumer of adult games in India and has been among the top ten markets for sexual wellness products for the past few years. A recent revelation by the foreign post office (FPO) at Shahibaug, being replete with sex toys shipped from abroad, laid bare several truths about the kinky secrets between the sheets. 1. India To Get The Tech To Hack Any Phone In The World iphonedigital flickr A global leader in 'mobile forensics' is set to sell their state-of-the-art capabilities to India's Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). FSL, India's premier forensic institute will soon become a hub for both Indian and international law enforcement agencies to unlock notoriously hard to-crack iPhones and other electronic devices with top-notch encryption. 2. Akhilesh Yadav Gets Mercedes 'Rath', It Breaks Down In Less Than A Km! AP The hi-tech customised 'Rath' of chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday broke down after barely covering a kilometre, forcing him to switch to his official vehicle to continue his state-wide tour. Read more here 3. Bollywood Producer Held With Drugs Worth Rs 4,700 Crore, It's Being Called India's Biggest Drug Bust thehansindia.com The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DIR) claimed to have busted India's biggest drug racket and seized 23,500 kg mandrax tablets (methaqualone), with an estimated worth of Rs 4,700 crore in the international market. A Bollywood producer has been arrested in the connection, an official said on Wednesday. Read more here 4. Who Gave You More Pleasure? Insensitive Cops Asked Kerala Gang Rape Victim Screengrab A shocking case of official apathy and indifference towards a woman who was gang raped by four men two years ago have now come to light in Kerala. The victim, her husband along with well-known Malayalam dubbing artist Bhagyalekshmi held a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, on Thursday, to describe the family's ordeal of two years. Read more here 5. All The 27 Burned Schools In Kashmir Will Be Reopened Soon, Thanks To Sri Sri Ravi Shankar wikipedia I offer to rebuild the 27 schools burnt in Kashmir. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) November 1, 2016 His offer can ease the pain of many distraught lives in the tension-stricken Kashmir. As many as 7 schools became rubble and 10 were damaged tremendously and with this, a lot of students can go about living their normal lives. Read more here Several people were injured after more than 20 vehicles piled-up on Yamuna Expressway due to dense fog. The incident took place early in Mathura on Thursday morning. ANI The injured persons were rushed to hospital and a case was registered in connection with the incident, an official added. ANI This kind of incidents are common during the winter in and around Delhi. However, this time around the region is witnessing dense smog even after three days of Diwali festivities. Cyrus Mistry, the ousted chairman of Tata Sons, holds nearly Rs 1,000-crore worth of stocks of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the crown jewel within the Tata Group, the software major's annual report showed. Mistry also holds small stakes in other group companies Tata Motors, Indian Hotels, Tata Global, Tata Chemicals and Tata Power company filings showed. He's still the chairman of all these and some other group companies. economictimes/representational image The stocks owned by Mistry is in addition to the 18.5% stake that his family, Shapoorji Pallonji (SP) Group, holds in Tata Sons, the Tata Group's holding company. Going by the value of stakes held by Tata Sons in the group's listed entities, and calculating SP group's stake on a pro-rata basis, the worth of SP Group's holding on November 1 was Rs 81,140 crore. Reuters Of this, SP Group's stake in TCS itself is worth Rs 63,158 crore, that is more than three-fourths of the total value. Other companies which contribute substantially to the value of holding by Mistry's family in Tata Sons are Tata Motors (Rs 7,983 crore), Tata Communications (Rs 1,500 crore), Tata Steel (Rs 2,279 crore), Titan (Rs 1,281 crore) and Tata Power (Rs 1,234 crore). Also Read: With Cyrus Mistry Ousted, Ratan Tata Is Said To Be Looking For A Partner To Buy Stake Held By Shapoorji Pallonji Group Other than direct holding in 15 listed companies, Tata Sons has indirect control over several other listed companies in which it holds stakes through group companies. For example, Indian Hotels holds controlling stake in Oriental Hotels and Benares Hotels, while Tata Steel controls Tata Sponge Iron and Tata Chemicals holds majority stake in Rallis India. AmbitionBox Tata Group also holds majority stakes in several unlisted companies through Tata Sons, which have not been valued. These include Tata Teleservices, IPO-bound Tata Sky, Tata AIA Life Insurance, Tata AIG General Insurance, Tata Mutual Fund and Infiniti Retail, the owners of Croma retail chain. Also Read: In Letter To Board, Cyrus Mistry Reveals How TATA Will Lose Without Him A shocking case of official apathy and indifference towards a woman who was gang raped by four men two years ago have now come to light in Kerala. The victim, her husband along with well-known Malayalam dubbing artist Bhagyalekshmi held a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, on Thursday, to describe the family's ordeal of two years. Screengrab The woman who hails from Thrissur, named four men including a local politician for gang raping her in 2014. According to the victim, all the four accused were the friends of her husband and the incident happened in August 2014 when he was admitted in a de-addiction centre. The accused took the victim to an unknown place in the pretext of taking her to the hospital where the husband was admitted and raped her. The victim said they decided to make a formal complaint only two years later as the accused continued to harass and threaten them. After a complaint was registered, the victim said due to the political influence of the accused, there was pressure on them to withdraw the petition. What is even more shocking is the attitude of the Police. The victim said she was asked questions like What all did they do? Who gave you the most pleasure? etc. Addressing the media the victim said when the case came up in the court, under pressure from the police and threats from the accused they changed the statement in front of the magistrate. She said it was the police who "taught" her what to tell the judge when the case came up for hearing. Bhagyalekshmi, who first reported the incident though a Facebook post said the couple had approached her seeking help after they continued to face public harassment and threats to the lives of their children. They also are said to be threatened them with circulating video of the incident. Bhagyalekshmi added that the victim told her that she felt more pain when the police asked her such questions, than being raped by four men. After Bhagyalekshmi's Facebook post created quite a storm in the state the Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijyan intervened and he will meet the victim later today. This year, 36 journalists have died while covering stories across the world so far. 72% of them were covering war and 10 of those deaths occurred in war-torn Syria and two in India till now. However, according to a new UNESCO report, Safety of Journalists and the Danger of Impunity, the last two years were particularly bad for journalists. Altogether in the last decade, 827 journalist have died in efforts to deliver information to people. Reuters Last year, 2015 began with an attack at the Charlie Hebdo office in Paris where eight journalists of the satirical French magazine were shot dead by Islamic extremists. It was the second deadliest year for journalists 115 journalists were killed. The year before that was tougher 213 journalists lost their lives. According to the report, one journalist dies every 4.5 days. newsone Most of the deaths occurred in the Arab region and the on-going conflict in the region can explain this. There were 78 deaths in the region between 2014 and 2015, accounting for 36.5% of all cases. While almost 92% of journalists who died were male, there has been an increase in the deaths of female journalists from nine per year to an average of four in the last year. However, two things must be taken into account here: 1. There are fewer female than male journalists and even fewer go into conflict zones to report. 2. Killings are only tip of the iceberg for women as they are also subjected to sexual violence, harassment and violence, factors that are not reflected in statistics. Female journalist/Reuters What about journalist deaths in India? UNESCOs report said six journalists died in India in 2015, Reporters without Borders (RwB) quoted nine deaths and Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) quoted three deaths. Quoting their figures, RwB said these deaths confirmed Indias position as Asias deadliest country for media personnel, ahead of both Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, Indiatimes research of slain Indian journalists revealed only five names: 1. Hemant Yadav, TV24 on October 3 2015, in Dheena. 2. Akshay Singh, Aaj Tak on July 4 2015, in Meghnagar, Madhya Pradesh. 3. Sandeep Kothari, Freelance on June 19 or 20, 2015, in Wardha District, Maharashtra. 4. Jagendra Singh, Freelance on June 8, in Shahjahanpur, UP. 5. Sanjay Pathak on August 13, Sanjay Pathak in Faridpur District, UP. There could be more journalists deaths in India that might not have been reported. Reuters CPJ notes that murdering is the ultimate form of censorship. Journalists are constantly at risk for exposing corruption, covering conflict and for simply conveying information that people want silenced. November 2 is celebrated as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists and while murder of international journalists that gains the most traction, local journalists are at higher risk than international ones. According to UNESCOs report, 95% of the killings were of local reporters. India is very high on the impunity index, where criminal gangs and government officials are blamed for the murder of journalists. A woman's eyes were gouged out and her limb cut off by her brothers in Pakistan's Punjab province after they suspected her of kidnapping one of their daughters. AFP/ Representative Image The incident took place on Tuesday in Muzaffarghar, 400 km from Lahore, when the two suspects abducted their sister and gouged out her eyes with a sharp knife and also cut off her feet, police said. Police said one of the brother had earlier registered an FIR against the woman, who is in her 40s, for allegedly kidnapping his daughter. Meanwhile, the daughter of the deceased woman told Pakistani media that her uncle along with one of his brother committed the heinous crime to take revenge on her mother for the disappearance of his daughter. Police said a case has been registered against the accused but no arrests have been made so far. Just a week after the demolition began, French authorities began moving as many as 1616 migrant children from the Calais "Jungle" camp. Taking the children out from this sprawling migrant jungle, the authorities decided to move them to special processing centers in one of the final steps to empty the notorious camp in the English Channel city. All this time, these young children had been living in converted shipping containers, hoping that one day theyd get out of this misery. Using 38 busses, these migrants were transferred to another place in a day-long expedition. Especially women and children, who were close to 300 in numbers, were safely moved to family centers, huffingtonpost Then there will be no one at the end of the day, said Steve Barbet, spokesman for the Pas-de-Calais region. Usually, moving migrants from one camp to another is a huge task. One can never tell the kind of challenges that might sweep in. The authorities in charge will now study the documents of every single migrant to check if they have any connections U.K. Upon further scrutiny, they will then see who qualifies for transfer to Britain. The squalid migrant camp at Calais known as the "Jungle" is the biggest slum in France. https://t.co/DhGbJBDvym Robert Kimbell (@RedHotSquirrel) September 11, 2016 France buses 1,616 children out of sprawling migrant slum https://t.co/aMevOUCFN1 StoptheBull (@StoptheBullUSA) November 3, 2016 France buses 1616 children out of sprawling migrant slum - Press Herald via World - Google News - ... https://t.co/AjraFuICdE KevinAlcenaNews (@KevinAlcenaNews) November 3, 2016 Since Oct. 17, Britain has taken in slightly more than 300 Calais migrants. France is pressing Britain to do more. Over the past 18 months, migrants from Middle east and Africa had converged on the Calais Jungle. In fact, several other camps were flooded with 10,000 people two months ago. This instigated Europes migrant crisis and a challenging situation for France. japantimes As of now, the children have been taken to child-care centers until their case is decided by the British government. If at all theyre not accepted by the British authority, they are put under the care of French child welfare services. The UK has so far taken in about 270 of the children who have relatives in the UK or are deemed particularly vulnerable. By Naim-Ul-Karim (Xinhua) 13:24, November 03, 2016 DHAKA, Nov. 3 -- China's anti-corruption drives look set to yield high results for the world's largest economy's efforts to maintain good governance and economic growth, aimed at ensuring a sustainable flow of benefits for its people and countries and regions around the world, political analysts here told Xinhua. They said over the past decades a powerful and consolidated Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership with Xi Jinpingat its core has immensely contributed to steering China to the center stage of global economics and politics by instituting a number of reform campaigns. According to the experts, economic policies that China has been pursuing since 1978 have already yielded optimum results for its people as well as the region and beyond. The recently concluded sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee has also once again sent a strong political signal to the Chinese people, as well as the world, that the CPC is fully capable of governing itself, while also effectively commanding the second-largest economy in the world. "For maintaining robust and stable growth, China must continue its efforts to eliminate corruption," Chairman of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), Munshi Faiz Ahmad, told Xinhua in a recent interview. Not just China's own citizens but China watchers in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world are also applauding the Xi government's good governance which is underpinned by the strengthening of the ongoing anti-corruption drive, said the chairman of the BIISS, a statutory institution established in 1978 by the Bangladeshi government with the aim of undertaking and promoting research and deliberation on international affairs, security and developmental issues. "We are glad to see strong stance taken by President Xi Jinping to stem corruption," he said. Xi and his state machinery really deserve a big round of applause for their efforts to constantly make progresses in the anti-corruption drive to build a clean party and government, said Ahmed, who also served as ambassador of Bangladesh to China. He further said the plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee sent a strong political signal against corruption by adding more stringent anti-corruption measures. After initially catching corrupt bigwigs, Ahmed said the Chinese government has now further broadened its anti-corruption drive and it seems to be yielding huge results for Chinese people and its economy. This is something the Chinese people needed for a long time, he added. "This is something Xi Jinping is doing for the welfare of his people. We must appreciate him and his anti-corruption efforts," Ahmed said. China's ongoing drive to eliminate corruption is both encouraging and inspiring for other countries in the region and beyond which have also been suffering from such social and political maladies, Ashfaqur Rahman, former Bangladesh ambassador to China, told Xinhua Monday. He said a corruption free China will surely benefit not only its own people but also the countries in the region and beyond, which are receiving huge Chinese support for their economic developments. "Measures which have so far been taken by China have already produced impeccable results for its economy and people," he said, adding that China has also managed to further slash poverty over the last few years, to a large extent because of its efforts to rein in corruption. "Anti-corruption drives will immensely contribute to the Chinese government's efforts to further reduce poverty and develop the country as a whole," he said in an interview. Referring to a communique released after the sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee which was held from Monday to Thursday in Beijing, he said, "We should all take lessons from China." Stringent measures which have been adopted during the sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee will really work well to boost the Chinese government's efforts in largely stemming corruption, Rahman said. "Last week I was in China and I noticed the remarkable progress that China has made in recent times," Rahman said. He said, "We (China watchers) highly appreciate the Xi government's ongoing anti-corruption drive which only aims at ensuring people's welfare." Rahman said that China could hasten its development if the stringent anti-corruption measures can be applied properly. "Hopefully China can implement its reform agendas into a well disciplined system at every stage of society." He also expressed hope that the "China Dream" put forth by Xi Jinping as his vision for China's development will be achieved if the drive to root out the corrupt from every level of society is successful. BIISS chairman Ahmed further said Xi Jinping's wide-ranging anti-corruption drive has been admired in Bangladesh as well. "His fighting corruption is something that the world outside China is also closely monitoring." The more China can do to reduce or eliminate its corruption, the better it will be for the emerging world power which is now a role model for many countries around the world, Ahmed said. The government of Bangladeshi's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also been fighting corruption, he said, and added the Chinese anti-corruption efforts come as lessons for countries around the world also fighting corruption. Both Bangladesh and China have been working closely for further economic development, Ahmed said. "Corruption hinders our success and casts shadows over our achievements." Referring to a communique released after the sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee recently, Ahmed said, "We do believe that the stringent measures will help China better fight corruption. The anti-corruption drive also upholds and bolsters China's international image." Even though she has received death threats from the ISIS, Wahida Mohamed Al-Jumaily is most feared by the terrorist organization. Why? Because this 39-year-old Iraqi housewife is known to have beheaded as well as cooked the heads of the ISIS fighters to avenge the deaths of her family members. CNN The ISIS is fearful of being killed by a woman - which means that they will not go to heaven. Last year, the terrorist outfit killed her father and three brothers before killing her second husband earlier this year. "I fought them, I beheaded them, I cooked their heads, I burned their bodies," Wahida told CNN. "Six times they tried to assassinate me," she added. "I have shrapnel in my head and legs, and my ribs were broken." CNN via Facebook But that didn't stop her from taking revenge. Wahida, who describes herself as a "housewife", published a photo on Facebook that showed her holding a severed head. A different photo showed two severed heads inside a cooking pot. A third photo showed her towering over headless and burnt bodies of the ISIS fighters. CNN via Facebook Wahida took up arms against the ISIS in 2004 and has since worked with Iraqi forces and the coalition in their war against ISIS and terror. She lost her family as martyrs. In revenge, she has formed her own force and has even been given weapons by the commander of Iraqi ground forces. By Yang Ting, Yan Lei (Xinhua) 13:26, November 03, 2016 TOKYO, Nov. 3 -- Japanese film director Shunji Iwai, enjoying fame across Asia for his hit films depicting youth and love, told Xinhua recently that he thinks Chinese market poses great opportunities and he is currently working on two films that involve cooperation with Chinese film industry. He made the remarks at the 29th Tokyo International Film Festival, during which he was presented as a representative of contemporary Japanese directors and five of his works were screened, including Fireworks, Love Letter, Swallowtail Butterfly, Vampire, and Rip Van Winkle's Bride. Iwai considered Fireworks, the 1993 TV drama, as his best work for a period of time, which brought him critical praise and the Directors Guild of Japan New Directors Award for his portrayal of a group of children. However, Iwai was surprised that another film Love Letter in 1995, made a great impact in Asian countries, especially in China and South Korea, though the script was written and the film shot within a rather short period of time. "I realized that it was probably my mission to be a bridge between different cultures with my films," Iwai told Xinhua. From Swallowtail Butterfly on, Chinese characters and factors began to make repeated appearances in Iwai's works. The film, both a commercial and critical success in 1996, told the story of a group of immigrants in search of hope and a better life in a fictitious city. "I think the film tells the story of immigrants in Japan in a positive way...I have always been paying attention to the immigrant community, their sufferings and struggle," he said. Iwai started to learn the Chinese language when Swallowtail Butterfly was being shot, and it later paid off. "It was my idea that the main character in the film Hana and Alice should say 'I love you' in Mandarin," he said, referring to his popular 2004 film. Iwai said that he had always been feeling close to the Chinese culture, as his mother was born in China and he often heard stories about China from his mother when he was a little boy. The friendly feeling to China also came from the fact that famous Chinese writer Lu Xun had been a student in Iwai's hometown Sendai in the 1900s and was very famous there, according to Iwai. When talking about Vampire, a rather recent work that marked his English-language film debut, he said that it was also his first "overseas work" in the true sense and he hoped to create more works overseas, including in China. "China has a huge film market, which poses a lot of opportunities," he said, adding that he is currently working on two films that involve cooperation with Chinese film industry. "The storylines of the new films are still a secret, but yes, they involve cooperation with Chinese film industry," he said. The 29th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), kicking off on Oct. 25, is to close on Thursday. The 10-day event, with some 200 films shown at theaters in the Japanese capital, was expected to attract tens of thousands of movie fans and viewers. Theres no political support for a fourth bailout by European institutions to Greece, the financial-economic counselor at the embassy of the Netherlands in Athens told N this week. Moreover, Siwarde J. Sap offered clarifications over a mini-furor that emerged in Athens this week concerning a document sent to the Dutch Parliament in July by Eurogroup chairman and Dutch FinMin Jeroen Dijsselbloem, one regarding the second review of the ongoing Greek bailout program. Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has justified his administrations decision to sack 5,000 teachers employed by the past government, saying most of them were unqualified and in possession of fake employment letters. This is just as he said his administration uncovered the illicit activities of a syndicate that was behind the issuance of fake appointment letters to thousands of unqualified applicants. While warning that his administration was not going to be swayed by sentiments over the sacking of the teachers, Gov. Udom said he would always make the right decisions that are in the interest of the people of the State. The governor in a statement yesterday, said after futile attempts to manage the situation, he found it necessary to cancel the recruitment of the teachers because of the lapses noticed in the foundation of the recruitment process. Even the bible says if the foundation is not right, what can the righteous man do? We have tried to see how we could get something out of that recruitment process, but believe me, the foundation was very faulty. If we are putting people to teach our children, please let us leave sentiments apart and go for the right people. We need to make sure they went through the right process and have the right qualifications, he said. For the affected 5,000 persons, Emmanuel said that they stood a better chance of being employed in the subsequent recruitment exercise should they meet the basic requirements of teaching. It was discovered that the syndicate which had since been apprehended was involved in printing fake letters of appointment and fake school certificates at outrageous amounts ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 naira. We are assuring the 5,000 people that they need not worry, when we are calling for aptitude test, you need not re-apply, just walk into the venue of the exercise with that appointment letter and justify that you are qualified to teach our children, he stated. He maintained that those making the noise over the cancellation were likely those with the fake appointment letters, insisting that anyone qualified with a school certificate would always be ready to defend his qualification. Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, has vowed to destroy his green card if Republican nominee Donald Trump emerges the winner of the US presidential election. Soyinka said this in Good Evening Ghana during an interview with Paul Adom-Otchere, a Ghanaian journalist, on Friday (October 28). When asked about his reading of the American politics presently, the professor expressed his opinion by recalling the event of former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo ripping his PDP membership card in public. Soyinka said, I have a green card. The day Donald Trump becomes president of America, I will call a press conference and cut that card to pieces, and they will never see me in America again. Because I shudder to thin what America will become.. The 82-year-old accused Trump of having a mindset which pushes everybody out and also called him dangerous saying he wants to turn back the hands of the clock at a time humanity was trying to heal some of the global crimes of the past. The Guardian UK also reported Wole Soyinka to have expressed the same opinion while giving a speech to students of Oxford University, England. He said, If in the unlikely event he does win, the first thing hell do is to say [that] all green-card holders must reapply to come back into the US. Well, Im not waiting for that. The moment they announce his victory, I will cut my green card myself and start packing up, said Soyinka, who is scholar-in-residence at New York Universitys Institute of African American Affairs. The internationally-acclaimed playwright and poet described Britains decision to exit the European Union as a ridiculous decision. He said, What is happening in Europe shouldnt surprise any of us It has happened before. We were here when Enoch Powell was leading his thugs out to drive blacks from here. Its a constant fight to try to get a nation to recognise its own noble persuasions, its own persuasions of the loftiness of human possibility. Its for young people like you to say no to them whenever that happens. Wole Soyinka also informed the students that the torch of African literature is being carried by the younger generation. I think we of the older are getting a little bit tired, and I think our production gets thinner and thinner. But fortunately, it doesnt worry any of us, as far as I know, because the body of literature that is coming out [is] varied and liberated. African literature suffered from some kind of ideological spasm in which the younger generation was bombarded by a sense of ideological duty, in other words it was bombarded with a very simplistic notion by leftist radical writers, very reformative revolutionary thinkers, that all literature is ideological and therefore writers must ensure that their writing illustrates progressive ideologies. Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez has been accused by the Barcelona public prosecutor of evading more than 900,000 in tax, according to a report in Spain. Spanish newspaper El Periodico have claimed that the 27-year-old Chilean actively withheld taxes from the Inland Revenue of more than 983,443 over three years, and could face jail time if found guilty. According to prosecutor Miguel Angel Perez de Gregorio, Sanchez had failed to declare the income received from his image rights deal for three years and accused of laundering the money to an offshore account in Malta called Numidia Trading. The Chilean split the money into two and deposited 587,677 in 2012 and a further 395,766 into the Maltese account. The player also failed to declare the existence of the Maltese account for which he is accused of simulating the transfer of those rights. A possible lengthy jail sentence could be the outcome for Alexis if he is found guilty by the prosecutor. Sanchez isnt the first player to be involved in tax fraud allegations while playing for Barcelona. Lionel Messi and his father, Jorge, were found guilty of defrauding Spanish tax authorities of 4.1 million, earning him a 21-month suspended sentence after paying 1.7m in fines and a voluntary repayment of 5.1m in August 2013. Javier Mascherano was given a suspended prison sentence of one year after admitting to two counts of tax fraud. He repaid his debt in full and paid a fine before his punishment. The worlds shortest regular international flight is set to be begun by an Austrian airline. The eight-minute flight across Lake Constance is offered by Peoples Viennaline, and it connects St. Gallen-Altenrhein in Switzerland with Friedrichshafen in southern Germany. Although the flight is part of a route that continues onward to the western German city of Cologne, passengers can book only the short part for 40 euros. The flight which began on Wednesday has however been met with criticism. Environmentalists have been critical of the new route. German news agency DPA reports that a Swiss Green Party politician Meinrad Gschwend said he wants the flights banned. But the airline in its defense says driving around the lake for an hour would produce as much emissions as the short flight. A cook who served Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, a Managing Director at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Abuja, has absconded with cash and pieces of jewelry worth $6million, a source told SaharaReporters on Wednesday. It was gathered that the man, identified as Gabel Segbedji, a national of Benin Republic, took off with the loot in a Toyota Camry car which also belonged to her boss, last Wednesday. Although reportedly devastated by the development, Mrs. Nnamdi-Ogbue did not report the burglary to the police, in the hope of avoiding further attention, as she is already under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Mrs. Nnamdi Ogbue was the Managing Director of the cash-spinning Petroleum Products and Marketing Company (PPMC) before she was moved to Products Retail by then GMD of NNPC, Ibe Kachikwu, in 2015. Segbedji is said to have been recommended for employment to Mrs. Nnamdi-Ogbue by a close friend of hers, Toke Benson. Our source said the NNPC chief obtained the mountain of cash from kickbacks given by oil marketers The theft of the stash is likely to affect plans for the wedding of her daughter scheduled for December in Lagos. Source: SaharaReporters A picture of Dunhuang mural from Mogao Grottoes in Nouthwest China's Gansu province. File Photo. Yokohama International Auction, a Japanese company, has cancelled plans to auction off a number of murals and Buddist manuscripts from Chinas Tang Dynasty (618-907), at the request of the Chinese Administration of Cultural Heritage, Thepaper.cn reported. Business insiders noted that this is the first time China has successfully called off an overseas auction of Chinese relics. The suspended auction items include invaluable Dunhuang murals that were looted by Japanese archaeologist Otani Kozui in the early 1910s. A picture has been widely circulated among Chinese collectors that shows a notice from the Chinese Administration of Cultural Heritage. The notice, issued on Oct. 21, demands that the Japanese auction house respect international treaties, respect Chinese peoples feelings, and cancel the intended auction of Chinese relics. The Chinese administration reserves the right to track the relics, the notice added. The auction house confirmed that it did receive this notice from China, and decided to cancel the auction after an investigation and negotiation with the client. The items have been returned to their owner. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar III, has said that the economic recession currently being experienced in Nigeria and other parts of the world, is ordained by God. The Sultan made the assertion in Sokoto yesterday during activities to mark his 10th coronation anniversary. The only solution to this is for us to show piety and repent. It is ordained by God, Abubakar III, who also doubles as President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said. The 10th coronation anniversary commenced with the distribution of items worth N9 million to 270 widows, orphans and other indigent persons at a ceremony organised by the Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Committee. The Sultan also admonished Christians and Muslims in the country to live their lives according to the dictates of their Holy Scriptures. The Head of Nigerian Muslims, also urged for more proactive measures to prevent the frequent cases of kidnapping. He called for more beneficial measures to be taken by governments at all levels, to cushion the suffering of Nigerians. In his remarks, Governor Aminu Tambuwal described as unprecedented, the 10 years of Sultan Abubakar on the throne, noting that it had been remarkable and historic. He is an epitome of peace, unity and a bridge builder in Nigeria and beyond, Tambuwal pointed out. Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, extolled the existing cordial relations between the Kano Emirate and the Sultanate Council of Sokoto. Sanusi described the Sultan as a father to all Nigerians, both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Committee Chairman, Alhaji Lawal Maidoki, listed the items distributed as 100 bags of rice, 50 grinding machines, 50 sewing machines, 50 freezers and 50 mattresses. A special prayer session presided over by the Sarkin Malaman Sokoto, Sheikh Buhari Sirriddaway for sustainable peace and unity in the state and Nigeria, was conducted at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Sokoto. Nigerians will soon have cause to smile as the Federal Government moves to float a new national carrier next year, the Minister of State (Aviation), Senator Hadi Sirika, has said. To ensure smooth take off of the proposed national carrier, the government will next week appoint a transaction adviser. Addressing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, Sirika, said that between now and Wednesday next week, we will appoint a transaction adviser for the proposed national carrier. Once that is in place, Nigerians will have options, there will be competition, good aircraft and this will bring the prices (fares) down. The minister stressed that the government was looking at starting the national carrier within the next 12 months, adding that unlike in the past when the Federal Government wholly owned the Nigeria Airways, the proposed national airline will be run by the private sector with the government having only a five percent stake. Sirika, who did not name those interested to serve as the transaction advisors, said that we do not want to discourage anybody from participating. We want to make it broad-based and we want as many people as possible on board. We want people to compete. Just wait and at the right time we will let Nigerians know those who will be involved in the new carrier. It would be recalled that a 13-member committee set up by the federal government last year, to come up with a document on the establishment of a national carrier, had since submitted its report. The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State, Mr. Clement Oladele, has said that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, will temporarily close a section of the Ibadan/Lagos corridor by Sagamu Interchange, to effect repair. Oladele, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Abeokuta, the state capital, said that Julius Berger had informed the FRSC that the reason for the closure was to effect repairs on the section from Thursday, November 3 to next Saturday, November 12. There will be temporary closure by Julius Berger Nigeria (JBN) of a section of the Ibadan/Lagos corridor by Sagamu Interchange from Thursday, Nov. 3 to Saturday, November 12 to effect repair, he said. The Ogun FRSC Sector Commander, therefore, urged motorists, especially commercial vehicle operators, to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules. Oladele advised motorists to cooperate with the FRSC and other traffic officers who would be on ground to ensure minimal discomfort of motorists during the period. Motorists should exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules; cooperate with the FRSC and other traffic officers who will ensure minimal discomfort of motorists during the period. Demarcation with traffic signs have been made on appropriate routes to follow and our men will be on the ground to control traffic. Motorists are advised to be patient and obey traffic signs and traffic controllers, he said. The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), yesterday described as a welcome development, President Muhammadu Buharis comment that any Nigerian is free to leave the country if they have another one. The president had on Tuesday, during a meeting with Niger Delta leaders at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, said any Nigerian is free to leave the country if they have another one. He also stated that If anybody has a country to go to, let him go, we will stay here and salvage our country. In its reaction, IPOB, in a statement entitled, IPOB welcomes Muhammadu Buharis declaration on the impending disintegration of Nigeria, but says no to conditions, said that it is delighted with the comment of Mr. President, who it said seems to have bowed to international pressure to consider the inevitable disintegration of Nigeria. The statement signed by signed by the groups spokespersons Emma Nmezu, a lawyer and Clifford Iroanya reads: We, the IPOB are delighted with the comments attributed to retired Maj-Gen Muhammadu Buhari, who seems to have bowed to international pressure to consider the inevitable disintegration of Nigeria, though with conditions we find inconsistent with common sense and logic. It is crystal clear that Buhari has seen the futility of fighting against a determined people who are bent on restoring their God given nation which was unjustly robbed them by slave merchants later turned colonialists. From all indications, Buhari must have consulted with his colonial backers and religious hardliners in Saudi Arabia who perhaps have taken the time to school him on the sanctity of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), the inviolability and irreducibility of the rights of Indigenous People to self-determination. A former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who is presently in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, custody, has returned N100 million to the Nigerian government. This amount was however, rejected by the acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, who asked the PDP chieftain to make additional refunds to the nations coffers. Mr. Obanikoro, who stayed put in America after the EFCC declared him wanted for accepting more than N2billion from the embattled former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, turned himself in to the anti-graft agency on October 17 and has remained in custody ever since. Mr. Magu, sources said, demanded that the former minister sign an undertaking to pay back N600 million within a stipulated time. Mr. Obanikoro reportedly rejected the demands, saying he had no means of raising such an amount. He refused to sign the pledge, saying the money was too much, an EFCC source disclosed. But the source said Mr. Obanikoro, nonetheless, continued to give his cooperation to EFCC investigators. He had really carried himself very well since he got here, really cooperating with everyone Confirming the development, the Head, Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said Sen. Obanikoro had indeed refunded the sum of N100million but the payment was being verified even as the commission was still carrying out investigations. The Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday paid a solidarity visit to Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Senator Bala Mohammed, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and Dr. Reuben Abati, who are all in EFCC custody. The detainees are accused of corruption during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, and each has been held for at least a week. The PDP delegation, which included the National Secretary, Senator Ben Obi; National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, National Organising Secretary, Senator Abdul Ningi; Senator Ughesi and Hajiya Binta Kuraye, arrived the anti-graft commissions headquarters at Wuse II, Abuja around 2:30pm. According to inside sources, the delegation encouraged all four detainees and expressed full solidarity with them. They further said that they were happy to see that despite their challenges and unwarranted detention, they were still strong and in high spirits while urging them to keep the flag flying, the source said. They assured all of them that the whole PDP family was solidly behind them, and urged them to keep their heads held up high and remain strong. In their response, the four detainees reportedly expressed their gratitude to the Makarfi-led delegation for the visit and commended the leadership they demonstrated by coming to see them in EFCC custody. Nigerian newspaper headlines November 3, 2016. Premium Times A former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has returned N100 million to the Nigerian government following his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt. Guardian Elected governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have called for a restructuring of the party to return it to its pre-election status where Nigerians loved it. Vanguard The Southern Nigeria Peoples Mandate, SNPM, a human rights organization has drawn the attention of the Federal Government towards total infrastructural decay of federal roads in the South-east and South-south regions of the country. The Sun The African Development Banks board has approved a $600 million loan for Nigeria on Wednesday aimed at helping the nation to address its budget deficit , a senior bank official said. Punch No fewer than 10 gunmen stormed three courts in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Wednesday, when they held a sitting judge hostage. Leadership Concerned about the series of crisis that have threatened the unity of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in recent times, governors of the party have expressed support for its current leadership. The Nation Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Jimoh Ibrahim has told Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose to be patient as he will soon know who is the partys legitimate candidate. After a two-day emergency meeting that ended in Abuja on Thursday, the National Judicial Council, NJC, have finally agreed that all the judges currently undergoing investigations over allegations of corruption should step down from the Bench pending their trial. The NJC, headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed succumbed to intense pressures from several quarters notably the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), to suspend the judges. A statement by the Acting Director of Information at the NJC, Mr. Soji Oye, disclosed that the Council equally constituted a Transparency and Anti-Corruption Policy Implementation Committee to be headed by a retired Justice of the Supreme Court. The National Judicial Council under the Chairmanship of the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed, GCON, at its 79th Meeting held on the 2nd and 3rd day of November 2016, commenced implementation of specific aspects of the National Judicial Policy which came into force in April 2016 and was launched on Monday 24th October, 2016, the statement reads During the Meeting, Council set-up a Transparency and Anti-Corruption Policy Implementation Committee as follows: Hon Justice E. O. Ayoola, CON (Rtd Justice of the Supreme Court) Chairman. Hon Justice Kashim Zannah, Chief Judge of Borno State Member. A. B. Mahmoud, SAN, President Nigeria Bar Association Member. Section 6 of the National Judicial Policy aims at putting in place multi-faceted strategies and guidelines that will ensure transparency and eliminate corruption in the Judiciary. It seeks, among other measures, to provide a platform and opportunity to citizens who profess factual and credible knowledge of information on the nature and modalities of corruption in the judicial system to ventilate such. Council also decided that Judicial Officers shall not be standing trial for alleged corruption related offences and be performing judicial functions at the same time. Council however decided that it will ensure that Judicial Officers who are being investigated for alleged high profile criminal offences do not perform judicial functions until their cases are concluded. Residents of Ekole Creek in Bayelsa on Wednesday reported a massive oil leak from an oil field operated by Nigeria Agip Oil Company, NAOC, in the state. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ekole Creek is around Agbura and Otuokpoti communities in Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas respectively. They said the spill resulting from the leak destroyed farmlands and aquatic lives in the communities. The residents said that crude oil deposits from the spillage measured about five centimetre thick on the surface of the water. The incident caused some of the residents to troop out to scoop the flowing crude oil. A resident of Otuokpoti community, Cecilia Osain, said the spillage had negatively affected fishing activities in the river. According to her, those who went fishing came back with no catch as the crude oil has scared the fish, crayfish and shrimps away into the high sea beyond the reach of artisanal fishermen. Ms. Osain, who also scooped the crude, said bathing in the river is no longer safe for residents as those who did complained of itching all over their bodies. She said that the community relied on the creek for drinking water and for domestic use. Meanwhile, the people of Otuokpoti community have appealed to the government of Bayelsa to provide relief materials to ameliorate the plight of the people. In a letter signed by their paramount ruler, Cousin Wongo, and Chairman, Community Development Committee, Simpson Isikpi, the community noted that the spillage polluted the entire river. According to the letter, the incident has negatively affected the economic life of the people as the river serves as a major source of income to members of the community. We cannot drink water, we cannot bathe in the river, our aquatic life such as fish and animals are dying. We appeal to the relevant authorities to come to our aid, the letter read in part. They also appealed for the immediate cleanup of the river to enable the people resume their fishing activities. Speaking in the same vein, the spokesperson of the youth wing of the Ogbia Brotherhood, Lamawal Wilfred, called on operators of affected pipeline to send experts to ascertain the cause of the leak. He urged NAOC to prevent further pollution of the river which serves as their major source of water. When a NAN Correspondent visited the community, residents were seen scooping crude into containers, while the whole air was polluted by the gas from crude oil. Officials of NAOC declined comments when contacted for comments. Filippo Cotalinni, Media Relations Manager at Eni, parent company of NAOC has yet to respond to a request for comments on the incident. Source: NAN (Snapshot of the circus festival's official website) The China International Circus Festival once again faces protests from animal protection activists, calling for an end to the circus's animal performances. According to the Beijing-based NGO Freedom for Animal Actors (FAA), this years circus festival has blatantly featured many performances by animals including elephants, lions, sea lions and giraffes. The festival especially promoted its lion performance, featuring a lion from Ukraine, despite several incidents wherein animal performers attacked their human counterparts, said FAA in its open petition letter to the Ministry of Culture (MOC) on Nov. 1. FAA pointed out that more such accidents could happen during the festival, and it is in line with traditional Chinese culture to protect animals, which otherwise endure cruel training to prepare for the show. On the festivals official website, a blonde boy riding a lion occupies a prominent spot in the center of the homepage, while an elephant with a clown can be spotted in one corner. The festival is scheduled to run from Nov. 18 to 26 in Zhuhai, Guangdong province. According to its website, the circus is a State-approved international competition and cultural exchange program, jointly organized by the MOC and Guangdong provincial government. We respect acrobats and other performers, who voluntarily choose to practice traditional skills. However, it is intolerable to see some people force animals to go against their nature and put on performances. This is not at all edifying, the letter criticized, adding that the Ministry of Culture should not endorse such harmful behavior. FAA has already delivered their petition letter to the MOC. On Nov. 2, FAA continued calling for the public to express opposition to animal performances via MOCs website and WeChat account. MOC confirmed that they have received the letter, and promised that a response would be issued within 15 days. (Photo/FAA) Operatives of the Nigerian Army, 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi State, have killed two suspected kidnappers during an exchange of fire at Rafin Gigi village, in the Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state. It was gathered that the operatives also rescued a 16-year-old boy, Muhammad Musa, who was abducted from his house on Friday. While presenting the rescued boy to journalists at the Brigade headquarters in Bauchi on Wednesday, the Platoon Commander, Alkaleri LGA, Captain Harrison Chiagozie, said the incident occurred on Saturday. Chiagozie, who led the operation, informed journalists that N770,000 was recovered from the kidnappers. He said the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N1.650m from the family of the boy, adding that the family raised the N770,000. We got a report of the kidnap of the boy, Muhammad Musa, on Saturday and immediately, we swung into action. It was 10pm when we got to the bush, and as soon as the family exchanged the N770,000 they had with them for their son, our men confronted the kidnappers. An exchange of fire ensued between us and the kidnappers and we killed two of them, while the others escaped. There was no casualty on our side. They used torches to know where we were because it was very dark. Our aim was to rescue the boy alive, Chiagozie said. The platoon commander said the operation was successful because of the teamwork between the Nigerian Army and a vigilance group in the area. A relative of the rescued boy, Ali Umar, said the kidnappers left a letter after abducting the boy, telling them to call the phone number. He said, I have been the one speaking with the kidnappers. They demanded N1.650m from the family before the boy would be released to us, but we raised N770,000. Source: Punch US actor and martial artist Steven Seagal has been granted Russian citizenship on Thursday upon a decree by President Vladimir Putin, reports say. Seagal, who has starred in such Hollywood blockbusters as Hard to Kill and Under Siege, is a seventh-degree black belt in the martial art of aikido and a reputed friend of Putin, who also shares a passion for martial arts. The 64-year-old action movie star has publicly supported Russias annexation of the Crimea region in neighbouring Ukraine, an issue of strong contention between Russia and the West. Russias occupation and subsequent annexation of the peninsula two years ago, in response to Ukraine ousting its pro-Russian president, was met with outcry by Western governments and a series of sanctions against Russia. Seagal told Rossiiskaya Gazeta, a Russian newspaper, shortly after the annexation that it was very reasonable in order to protect the regions Russian-speaking residents and secure a major Russian naval base there. Seagal, who grew up in California, has claimed to have Russian and Mongolian ancestry. He often visits Russia and said on a trip to the far eastern Russian region of Sakhalin in September that he would like to have Russian citizenship to spend more time with his Russian friends. Steven Seagal isnt the only one to be granted Russian citizenship by Putin. French actor Gerard Depardieu and US former world champion boxer Roy Jones Jr, both of whom have support Russias annexation of Crimea, have also been handed citizenship by the Russian leader. Coffee Prices Slip on Dollar Strength Barchart - 17 minutes ago December arabica coffee (KCZ22 ) this morning is down -2.65 (-1.49%), and Jan ICE Robusta coffee (RMF23 ) is down -10 (-0.54%). Coffee prices this morning are moderately lower, with robusta falling to... KCZ22 : 174.80 (-1.63%) RMF23 : 1,841 (-0.65%) Meta ( Facebook ) Perfect Reaction Lower Taking Place Elliott Wave Forecast - 1 hour ago In this technical blog, we will look at the past performance of 4-hour Elliott Wave Charts of META. In which, the decline from 21 July 2022 high unfolded as an impulse sequence and showed a lower low... META : 95.80 (+2.83%) Dips to Buy Monica Kingsley - 1 hour ago S&P 500 indeed entered yesterday in a corrective mode, which turned out to be a shallow downswing. USD and yields moved up a bit too much to my liking, in a move that I saw as fake, especially when... Is McDonalds able to stay bullish ahead? Trade Precise - Tue Nov 1, 9:38AM CDT With the earnings result as catalyst, McDonalds (MCD) price broke above $275 on 28 October. This was followed by a small body almost doji-like bar the next day, suggesting commitment to the upside according... MCD : 272.30 (-0.13%) Ships sail from Ukraine despite Russia suspending grain deal AP - Tue Nov 1, 9:20AM CDT Ships loaded with grain are still departing Ukraine despite Russia suspending its participation in a U.N.-brokered deal that ensures safe wartime passage of critical food supplies $SPX : 3,854.97 (-0.44%) $DOWI : 32,613.03 (-0.37%) $IUXX : 11,304.39 (-0.89%) Valley Storage Co., which operates 15 self-storage facilities in Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, has purchased the two-property A-1 Store It All portfolio in Akron and North Canton, Ohio, for $7.3 million, or $44.25 per net rentable square foot. Situated on 10.7 acres of land collectively, the facilities offer a combined 165,200 net rentable square feet of storage space. Built in 1978, the Akron facility at 1360 Home Ave. consists of 710 storage units in a range of sizes. The North Canton property at 4685 Hossler Drive N.W. was built in 1980 and includes 449 units, 22 of which are climate-controlled. The buyer and the seller were represented in the transaction by Ryan Clark, senior vice president, and Jay J. Crotty, managing partner, of SkyView Advisors. The industry is receiving investment from a diverse and growing buyer pool, looking to acquire self-storage assets of all kinds. Many of the buyers that pursued the offering were based outside of Northeast Ohio, Clark said. Based in Hagerstown, Md., Valley Storage opened its first self-storage location in Williamsport, Md., in 1986. It currently owns more than 1 million square feet of storage space. SkyView is a boutique firm specializing in self-storage acquisition, development, facility expansion and renovation, refinancing, and sales. Based in Tampa, Fla., the firm also has offices in Cleveland and Milwaukee. The FBI directors letter to Congress echoes his time at Bridgewater, insiders say, and the principles Ray Dalio preaches. Ray Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates, famously lives and runs his business by 210 management principles. One of his former employees FBI director James Comey proved he was a diligent student of Dalios controversial doctrine, as the latest bombshell in a scandal-plagued presidential election cycle shows. Comey broke with Justice Department policy and opinion on Friday by informing lawmakers of a cache of new emails relevant to the closed investigation into Hillary Clintons private email server. His disclosure upended the presidential race, drew stinging rebukes from senior officials, and may have violated federal law, according to the Democrats top senator. It also perfectly adhered to several of Dalios principles. Among them: Principle No. 1: Trust in truth. Principle No. 210: Dont try to please everyone. As FBI director, Comey made a breathtakingly rash and irresponsible decision, declared The New York Times editorial board. Yet as a Bridgewater alumnus, his choice to inform Congress reflected Dalios principles. If anything, the hedge funds ex-chief counsel didnt go far enough. The principles are Bridgewaters sacred tenets, its Ten Commandments (give or take a couple hundred). Dalio credits the firms remarkable longevity (40-plus years), assets (roughly $150 billion), and performance (consistently strong) to its equally unusual culture. The firm demands radical transparency in the form of videotaped meetings, open performance reviews, etc., to foster a meritocracy of ideas, Dalio explained to financial elites at the Milken Global Conference last spring. Its been operating this way for 40 years, and its the basis of our success, the billionaire continued. Its not theoretical. Comey spent three years at the Westport, Connecticut-based company, which is the worlds largest hedge fund firm. (Bridgewater chose not to comment for this story.) When he joined in 2010, Comey had previously served as U.S. attorney for New Yorks Southern District (in other words, as Wall Streets top cop), deputy attorney general, and Lockheed Martins general counsel. Bridgewater has a weak track record for integrating senior-level hires (see: Britt Harris, Rick Bookstaber), but Comey proved a better cultural fit than most. I remember one client call; in comes this towering figure from the Department of Justice, and he sits on the floor, recalls Maneesh Shanbhag, who overlapped with Comey during a five-year tenure at Bridgewater. Comeys message was, Im here to learn. The 6-foot-8 former prosecutor is exactly the type of person one would want running the FBI, Shanbhag says. Bridgewater helped shape Shanbhag, too: He now runs an unleveraged risk-parity-type strategy at Greenline Partners. Comey, he says, is a phenomenal guy of the highest integrity, from what little I knew. My first instinct is that political meddling isnt Jim Comey at all. In that view, facing new potential evidence in a case of great public interest, the FBI director made an apolitical choice for transparency, incurring a massive political fallout. For Jim, Shanbhag says, I imagine he had to decide, Do I go with this messy process where I keep people more informed? Abnormal transparency and messiness mark Comeys handling of the Clinton investigation from his chastening, extremely careless remark in July while arguing for no charges to Fridays supplement. Principle No. 4: Be extremely open. Openness leads to truth and trust, Dalios manifesto states. Its simple just dont filter. Last spring the hedge fund titan acknowledged exceptions to this rule, for example, with your wife. But the philosophy applies well beyond company confines to society at large, he continued. And Comey modeled it as a public official, according to Harvard professor and leadership expert Robert Kegan. During the Bush administration, Comey refused to sign off on post-9/11 surveillance programs while acting as attorney general during John Ashcrofts hospitalization. This episode affirmed Comeys bipartisan reputation as the most trustworthy official in Washington, Kegan says. Yet the FBI chief hasnt fully lived up to that reputation in recent months, especially in the last few days, Kegan says. I think he made a mistake, says Kegan, who studied Bridgewater for his latest book, An Everyone Culture. Was Comey actually being transparent in communicating what he did to the House? Did he make clear enough, I dont know anything much about the actual content of these emails? Was he transparent enough that no one should come to any quick conclusions about what they contained? Comeys inscrutable message and silence thereafter wouldnt pass the bar at Bridgewater, Kegan continues. We live in this weird political vortex, where theres no nuance. Good people, with the best of intentions, can still make mistakes. And I think thats what happened. Principle No. 9: Recognize that effective, innovative thinkers are going to make mistakes. Principle No. 17: When you experience pain, remember to reflect. During Comeys confirmation hearing in July 2013, Republican Senator Chuck Grassley asked about Bridgewater. The founder of the firm embraced a philosophy called radical transparency, which means recording a lot of meetings and encouraging junior employees to probe senior staff with checks and balances. As a strong supporter of transparency in the government, Grassley said, how could this philosophy apply to the FBI? Comey smiled. After three years of probing by radically honest 22-year-olds, no U.S. senator was going to ruffle him. I went to Bridgewater in part because of that culture of transparency. Its something thats long been part of me. I think it is incumbent upon every leader to try and foster an atmosphere where people will speak truth to power, Comey said. Bridgewater and the FBI are two different institutions, the soon-to-be director concluded. But I promise you I will carry those values with me and try to spread them as far as I can within the institution. A few weeks later, the U.S. Senate confirmed Comey as director of the FBI, by a vote of 93 to 1. Leanna Orr is Global Content Director of Investor Intelligence Network (IIN), Institutional Investor's private community for asset owners. [File photo] Thailand has postponed the launch of a Chinese-Thai high-speed train project, stressing that no significant progress will be made late this year as originally planned. The start of the joint project, which is a Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima route costing 179 billion Thai baht, will be put off until 2017, but the timeframe will remain the same, Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith was quoted as saying by the Bangkok Post. Three other high-speed projects have also been postponed, including a 382-kilometer Bangkok-Phitsanulok track, which is a joint venture between Thailand and Japan, according to the report. The transnational Thailand-China railway, a high-speed line originally designed to connect southern China to Thailands industrial eastern coast via Laos, has been progressing in fits and starts due to the two countries disagreements over various issues including cost. In September, China and Thailand reached an agreement on the first phase of the project. According to the original plan, Thailand was supposed to bear the full construction costs, with China providing funds for the technical systems. This content is from: Corner Office Some managers pay as much as 13 times more than peers for index services, according to Substantive Research. A couple who let out their Toronto home have gotten more than they bargained for, after a raucous house party ended in numerous arrests and the seizure of guns and crack cocaine.The normally-quiet Merrill Ave. E street was rocked as police, including tactical officers, were called to the house and a crowd of more than 20 partygoers emerged, the Toronto Star reports.The incident, which happened in mid-September, has now come to light, and it has been revealed that police arrested six young men and a teenage girl, all from Toronto, as well as seizing three loaded handguns, a pellet gun and crack cocaine.The three-bedroom house, said to be owned by a young, professional couple, had been rented out through popular home-sharing site Airbnb and the events of that night have stirred up yet more controversy over what some claim is a lack of regulation of the platform.As well as the arrests, the partygoers caused significant damage to the property including drywall damage, kicked-in doors and trashed furniture, the report says.This is a clear example of why we have to regulate short-term rentals, Thorben Wieditz, spokesman for Fairbnb a coalition that includes affordable housing advocates and representatives from labour unions and the regulated hotel industry told the Star.Toronto should restrict Airbnb rentals to peoples primary residence, Wieditz said, adding that there is a risk involved with rentals, not only for hosts and guests, but more importantly, also to those around them who do not use the service or consent to it.Wieditz believes that regulations should stipulate that an owner should ideally be present to share their home with guests, adding that this would eliminate a lot of the issues that arise from folks showing up and inviting their unregistered friends.He also advocated a permit system in which those who wish to rent out their home would have to receive a permit number from the city, proving that the residence is a principle one, with adequate permissions such as consent from the mortgage provider, or landlord and is compliant with zoning, fire and building code requirements.Meanwhile, the owners of the property have said little about the events that have unfolded.Property records show that Madison Dalzell and Jarred Hoo bought the Merrill Ave. house last January, and joined Airbnb in April, according to their profile, the Star reports.Hoo confirmed yesterday that his home had been listed on Airbnb, but declined to comment further, and the listing has since been removed.Airbnbs Nick Shapiro, global head of crisis communications and issues management, said in an email that the platform has no tolerance for this kind of behaviour, adding that it had immediately banned the guest thought not to have been in attendance that night and was cooperating with police.Whilst Hoo did not confirm that the couple would be benefiting from Airbnbs $1 million host guarantee, Shapiro said the company was working to support the host under the guarantee by reimbursing her for damages, income loss, and alternative accommodations until repairs could be completed.Shapiro added that Airbnb uses sophisticated technologies and behavioural analysis techniques to help prevent potentially troublesome hosts or guests from utilizing the platform in the first place, adding that the company also tries to maximize transparency by allowing hosts to require the guests provide government identification. In a meeting earlier this week, the Brazeau County council voted unanimously to declare a state of agricultural disaster.Harvest numbers were so poor that the county council claims it had no choice in the matter.According to some regional information, its around 75% that hasnt been harvested, County Reeve Bart Guyon told CBC News. The crops are actually amazing but they are all flat, and underneath that flattened crop is two inches of water. Weve got guys that are coming in that would never come in and ask for help, and thats kind of whats going on.Guyon underlined that farmers need the perfect scenario to produce favorable crop yields.We need about two weeks of solid warm, dry weather followed by some frost. The quality of the crops is certainly going to go down the longer it stays in the field. But even bad feed is better than no feed, he explained.Conditions were so grim in Brazeau that Guyon commented that standard crop insurance would not cover farmers losses.Theres lots of little quirks with insurance that doesnt necessary work out, detailed Guyon. They sometimes give you a bit of pain with this fall, and then they have to wait until you see what you get harvested in the spring time. And in the meantime, the bills dont stop coming in.This is the second time in just over two years that the county declared an emergency. The last time Brazeau County declared an agricultural state of disaster was last year, in July, due to severe drought.Minister of agriculture and forestry Oneil Carlier pointed out that severe weather has affected farmers across the province.Its been a real heartbreaker of a year, Carlier stated. We understand the wet and snowy conditions are delaying harvest and having an impact on the quality of crops in many parts of Alberta.Carlier said that the provincial government will offer farmers with help through the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, through loans, crop insurance and farm income disaster assistance.Due to the agricultural state of disaster declaration, Brazeau County can ask the provincial and federal governments for disaster recovery funding. Figures compiled by State Farm Insurance show that Pennsylvania drivers are the third most likely of motorists in any state to have a collision with a deer, having a one in 67 chance of a deer-related accident. With this in mind, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller is reminding drivers to be alert for deer, particularly during this time of year when auto crashes involving deer are most likely to happen. Miller also warned drivers that their insurance company cannot add a surcharge to their auto premium for a crash involving a deer. I want to remind drivers that under Pennsylvania law, a crash involving a deer is considered a not-at-fault accident, and insurers cannot add a surcharge to your premium for an accident with a deer, Commissioner Miller said in a press release issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance, adding this exclusion does not apply if the car does not come in contact with the deer. In addition, vehicle damage from deer-related crashes is handled under a drivers comprehensive coverage, and surcharges are prohibited for accidents with animals or fowl. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported more than 3,600 deer involved crashes in 2015, resulting in 639 injuries and six fatalities in Pennsylvania. State Farm Insurance says the average cost of a deer involved collision is just under $4,000. Dawn and dusk are the peak times of day for deer activity, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. With daylight savings time ending November 6, more drivers will be traveling to and from work at these times of day. The fall is breeding season for deer, and they may be less aware of their surroundings, Commissioner Miller said in the release. Deer also often travel in groups, so if you see one deer, there are often more nearby. Source: Pennsylvania Department of Insurance Topics USA Personal Auto Pennsylvania PIA Management Services Inc., the umbrella corporation that manages the Glenmont, New York, based Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) associations, has reached an agreement with PIA National to assume management of the PIA state affiliate in Vermont. Formerly, PIA members were part of a merged association, which included PIA and Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (IIAB) members to comprise the Vermont Insurance Agents Association. Membership in PIAVT will be available to independent agents and insurance-related businesses affiliated with independent agents starting in November. Initial benefits will include: agents E&O and other coverages; education; information; creative services; networking opportunities and advocacy. The Glenmont-based PIA partnership has evolved over more than 75 years, beginning in the 1940s as the Mutual Agents Association. In 1977, the Professional Insurance Agents identity was established at a national level and adopted by each of the respective state affiliates, in response to the expanding markets accessed by member agencies. Source: PIA Management Services Inc. Topics Agencies Vermont New Jersey state officials have fined a utility company $300,000 for safety violations that led to a home explosion and fire last year. The fine against South Jersey Gas was announced Tuesday by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. It culminates the boards investigation into the blast that occurred at a Pennsville home in September of 2015. Officials say the explosion and fire were caused by a buildup of gas in the basement after workers with a construction company punctured a natural gas line nearby. No injuries were reported in the incident. South Jersey Gas did not admit to any wrongdoing. But the utility agreed to make several changes over the next six months to prevent a similar incident from occurring. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics New Jersey A report into missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 by the Australian safety investigator leading the search supports its view that the aircraft descended rapidly after running out of fuel with no human intervention, the agency said on Wednesday. Flight MH370 disappeared in March 2014 en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur with 239 passengers and crew onboard in one of the worlds greatest aviation mysteries. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) report released on Wednesday said analysis of wing flap debris showed the aircraft was not configured for a landing. It also said satellite communications from the aircraft were consistent with it being in a high and increasing rate of descent when it vanished, colloquially known as a death dive. Voice370, a lobby group for the victims families, said it was still hopeful that more countries would step forward to fund an extension and expansion of the search. We are very happy and glad that someone is taking initiative and we hope that the Malaysian and Chinese governments will come on board if they decide to extend the search area, Grace Subathirai Nathan, a lawyer whose mother was on the flight and is a spokeswoman for Voice370. The 28-page report contains new end-of-flight and drift simulations that suggests experts believe the current search area is the most likely to contain the crash site. It coincides with the start of a three-day meeting of international experts to develop potential plans to continue the search. ATSB search director Peter Foley told media on Wednesday that analysis of a wing flap had enhanced certainty at what had happened. It was probably in a non-extended position which means the aircraft wasnt configured for a landing or a ditching, said Foley, referring to the practice of extending wing flaps to allow an aircraft to travel safely at slower speeds in preparation for a landing. You can draw your own conclusions as to whether that means someone was in control or not. The question of whether there was human intervention during the descent is crucial because if the aircraft glided, the debris field could be outside the 120,000 sq km (46,330 sq mile) search zone which has almost been exhausted. Authorities assume the plane had no inputs during its final descent, meaning there was no pilot or no conscious pilot. They believe it was on auto-pilot and spiraled when it ran out of fuel. But the engineering group leading the search, Fugro , has previously raised the prospect someone could have glided the aircraft to explain why it has not been found. Jason Middleton, head of aviation at the University of New South Wales, said the wing flap analysis was of limited benefit. It meant the pilot was not alert, awake or planning a safe landing thats all it means, Middleton told Reuters. He said the new drift simulations only showed the aircraft was in that generic part of the ocean that is being searched and did not help define a new search area in the Indian Ocean. In a separate development, a lawyer for the families of four Australian victims told Reuters that Malaysia Airlines had agreed to release information about the missing plane as part of a compensation case. John Dawson, a partner at Carneys Lawyers, said he had been advised he would receive the information by the end of the month. The information is to include the most recent medical certificates held by the flight crew. If MAS or the insurance company is releasing this information in Australia, either of their own volition or under a court order, then I dont understand why the information shouldnt also be released for the families in Malaysia, Subathirai Nathan said. (Reporting by Jonathan Barrett and Colin Packham. Additional reporting by Rozanna Latiff in KUALA LUMPUR. Writing by Jane Wardell.; Editing by Michael Perry, Nick Macfie and Alison Williams) Topics Aviation Australia Indiana officials are appealing a $31 million judgment awarded to parents falsely blamed for the death of their 14-year-old daughter. A federal court jury in Hammond determined last year that three Department of Child Services employees, an Indiana State Police detective and a doctor violated the constitutional rights of Roman and Lynnette Finnegan and their children by sabotaging investigations into the girls death, the Indianapolis Star reported. The jury ruled that the officials had retaliated against the couple for complaining about how they were treated. The state attorney generals office asked the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review several decisions made in the case, including the jurys verdict and the federal judges denial of motions for summary judgment. The office also asked the court to reduce the amount awarded. U.S. District Judge Rudy Lozano denied the states motion to reduce the amount awarded and said the amount awarded by the jury was rationally connected to the evidence presented. The Finnegans 14-year-old daughter was found dead in their home in 2005. The Indiana Department of Child Services and Indiana State Police suspected the Finnegans caused the girls death. The state took custody of the couples three other children and arrested the couple, said Richard Waples, an attorney for the couple. It was later determined the girl, who had a congenital heart defect and suffered from a seizure disorder, died as a result of her doctor prescribing too much of a medication that caused bleeding in her brain, court records said. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Indiana Federal safety officials have alleged that for at least two years, an Ohio manufacturer of thermoplastic lining systems for truck bodies and trailers exposed workers to the risk of amputation and other serious injury by disabling safety devices to speed production. On Oct. 26, 2016, The U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued one willful, two repeated and six serious citations, and one other-than-serious citation for safety violations to Ridge Corporation. The Pataskala-based manufacturer faces proposed penalties of $214,857. OSHA said that its investigation found the company deactivated light curtains that prevent workers from coming in contact with operating machine parts. Investigators determined Ridge disabled the devices to produce products more quickly. In 2015, OSHA cited the company for a lack of machine safety procedures and for failing to require employees to wear gloves when handling materials at its Frazeyburg facility. OSHAs complaint investigation found Ridge Corporation failed to: Install machine guards on multiple pieces of equipment. Remove defective forklifts from service. Cover exposed electrical connections. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHAs area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Source: OSHA Topics Workers' Compensation Commercial Lines Business Insurance Ohio Manufacturing Property/casualty independent insurance agents are more optimistic this year than they were in 2015. Nearly half (49 percent) of agencies responding to an industry survey say they are very optimistic about the future success of their agency compared to just 29 percent who felt optimistic in 2015. Vertafores third annual report, titled How Independent P&C Insurance Agencies Thrive in 2016s Competitive Marketplace, examined independent P/C agency sectors outlook for 2016 and into the future. The report also looked at agency principal and producer perceptions of investments, threats and opportunities. In 2015, there were several industry events that were cause for concern among independent agents, according to Bruce Winterburn, Vertafore vice president of industry relations. For instance, Google announced entry into the auto insurance rating market, VC (venture capital) funding in the insurtech startups more than tripled, and carriers were, and still are, getting more sophisticated in their use of predictive analytics, Winterburn said. He said that these events were hyped to question the value of the independent insurance agent. Fast-forward to today, Google is no longer dabbling in insurance and agents have doubled down on their use of technology in day-to-day operations to help them compete with new insurtech market entrants, he said. The 2016 findings represent a significant uptick from 2015 survey results, which witnessed a 22 percentage point drop in optimism from the year before (from 51 percent in 2014 to 29 percent in 2015). Growth Plans The survey found that agency growth plans also are recovering. This years survey found 84 percent of agencies planning moderate to aggressive growth over the next three to five years, with 36 percent planning aggressive growth (up from 29 percent in 2015). The year-over-year comparisons show a steady increase in technology budgets and adoption of business software including mobile and customer relationship management (CRM) tools, the survey found. Our year-over-year survey analysis shows agents have remained bullish on mobile and CRM investments, which have helped attract and better service new and existing customers, Winterburn said. The industry activity coupled with revenue increases across both P/C lines have contributed to this renewed sense of optimism. The annual survey is conducted by independent analyst firm, Hanover Research. Vertafore sponsored the survey. Tech Budgets Increase More than half of surveyed agencies (51 percent) say their technology budget has increased over the past 12 months and another 63 percent anticipate additional increases in the next year. In much the same way as other industries, roughly half of IT budgets are allocated towards essential maintenance- based activities such as replacing outdated hardware or software updates, but agencies are also prioritizing investment in new technologies to help them grow their books of business (36 percent) and mobile smart devices (35 percent). Currently, 74 percent of agents rely on their smartphones for work and at least 40 percent of agencies say they conduct business outside or away from the office more than once per week. Additionally, two-thirds of agencies either currently use or plan to invest in mobile- enabled websites to attract new customers, which is up from 40 percent in 2015. CRM Systems In the last 12 months, the majority of agencies of all sizes reported revenue growth in both personal and commercial lines of business. Year-over-year survey findings show agencies consistently prioritize customer service and engagement and credit revenue growth to ongoing investment in these technologies. Specifically, agencies believe adoption of customer portals (65 percent), customer relationship management (CRM) technologies (61 percent), and marketing analytics (58 percent) are moderately or extremely important to achieving sales goals. Today, nearly half of agencies currently use a CRM tool to track and retain clients and another 19 percent of agencies plan to adopt a system in 2017. Disruption The digital disruption of the insurance industry has been driven by several factors and perceived threats to the independent insurance agent including, Generations X and Ys desire to interact directly with insurance agencies (40 percent serious or moderate threat), the commoditization of personal auto insurance (39 percent), and insurance carriers use of predictive analytics that enable them to be more self-sufficient (38 percent). Agents are turning to technology to explore new ways to engage with customers and increase their competitive edge. Nearly half (47 percent) of agencies claim to be experimenting with new marketing tactics, as well as increasing customer self-service capabilities (36 percent). Additionally, almost one-third of agencies (31 percent) reported an increase in customer inquiries on usage-based products last year and view usage-based insurance as an opportunity to grow their customer base. Fewer agents perceive new venture capital (VC) backed insurtech startups to be threatening their agencies. In 2015, more than half (54 percent) of agents surveyed felt moderately to seriously threatened by these competitive newcomers. Fast-forward 12 months, this years study found 76 percent of agencies view these entrants as a small threat or not a threat, even despite VC funding more than tripling to $2.6 billion in 2015. Large agencies are more likely to see positive impacts of certain recent industry developments, like mergers and acquisitions of smaller agencies (62 percent positive impact) and VC investment in insurance technology startups (also 62 percent). Independent agents are acutely aware of the disruption facing the industry and their businesses but theyre not letting it impact their spirits, said Winterburn. He said agencies are doubling down on technology that bolsters customer relationships and continuing to integrate mobile technology into the whole of the business, and the the research shows the investment is paying off. Growth is happening and at an accelerated pace, he added, and thats motivating agents, not deterring them. Its our belief that startups have helped revitalize innovation and infuse a sense of entrepreneurialism in one of the oldest and most established industries, Winterburn said. Where we saw an innovate or die mentality last year, were now seeing an implement and thrive outcome this year. Source: Vertafore Topics Agencies InsurTech Tech Property Casualty (Xinhua) 15:33, November 03, 2016 BEIJING, Nov. 3 -- The State Council, China's cabinet, has named three new deputy directors for the State Administration of Civil Service, according to a circular issued on Thursday. They are Zhu Jianping, Zhang Yiquan and Yang Chunguang. Wu Yunhua and Chen Gang no longer hold the posts. The cabinet decided that Xin Changxing will no longer serve as vice minister of human resources and social security and the administration's director. In addition, Lu Dongfu was removed from the posts of vice minister of transport and head of the National Railway Administration, while Ren Zhengxiao was removed from the post of director of the State Administration of Grain. Enditem Tulsa, Okla., police say a modest number of citations have been issued in the first year after Oklahoma banned texting and driving. The Tulsa World reports 75 citations were issued by the police department between Nov. 1, 2015, and September 2016. The ban, which has a $100 fine, covers texting and sending emails. Drivers are allowed to text while their vehicle is stopped, such as at a red light. Tulsa police Cpl. Steve Wood says the ban is difficult to enforce. He says if a driver denies using a phone for an action forbidden by the law, there isnt much an officer can do. Police Sgt. Shane Tuell says there isnt a proactive way to seek out people breaking the ban other than police happening to see instances of traffic violations, but the law was overdue. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Law Enforcement Personal Auto Oklahoma A Mineral Wells, Texas-based manufacturer is facing more than $224,000 in fines levied by federal safety officials after an investigation found the company failed to protect workers from safety and health hazards. The U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration has reported that while investigating one serious employee injury in May 2016, at PECOFacet a global manufacturer of filtration and containment products inspectors with found themselves investigating a second incident in which another employee was hurt seriously three days after they arrived. The agency opened its initial investigation on May 3, 2016, after an employee suffered a finger amputation on April 26, 2016, when a part of metal plate being fabricated fell on the workers finger while the employee was still in training. On May 6, 2016, a 1,300-pound metal product being fabricated fell on an employees feet causing serious injuries. OSHAs investigation of both incidents found workers operating machinery without point of operation and safety guards and emergency stop switches. The agency issued citations and proposed fines of $224,477. In addition to lacking machine guards and stop switches inspectors found 21 serious violations for: Allowing equipment to operate without safety latches. Permitting the use of non-compliant crane equipment. Failing to address electrical hazards. Not having guard rails on elevated surfaces. Failing to mark emergency exits. Ladders not meeting specification requirements and not maintained. Lock out/tag out procedures not developed or implemented. Horizontal belts and shafts not guarded. Headquartered in Mineral Wells, PECOFacet manufactures filter housings, filter cartridges, water separator systems, sewage water treatments, and has on-site testing facilities. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHAs area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Source: OSHA Topics Texas Workers' Compensation Commercial Lines Business Insurance Manufacturing Authorities say a man and a woman face felony charges after setting their house on fire and then trying to claim insurance for all of their belongings. Police detective Rick Whitfield tells The Birmingham News the couples belongings had been moved elsewhere prior to the blaze. Whitfield says 45-year-old Donna McCullars and 43-year-old Steven Millwood were taken into custody Friday by Adamsville police. Both are charged with second-degree arson and first-degree insurance fraud. He says the fire happened on Feb. 22. There were no injuries, and the house was heavily damaged but not destroyed. Whitfield says investigators discovered a video that indicated the fire was no accident. McCullar and Millwood were released Saturday after posting $25,000 bond. Online jail records do not list an attorney for the couple. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Trends Alabama A former bookkeeper for a Portland nonprofit that worked to help Oregons foster children is suing the organization, alleging she was fired after reporting misspending by her employer. The Oregonian reported that Deborah Muller filed the $375,000 wrongful termination suit last week. Muller alleges she found money from the nonprofit Give Us This Day had been spent at jewelry stores, Victorias Secret and at a plastic surgeons office. The lawsuit says Muller tried to report the spending to her boss, Richard Harris, but he encouraged her to cover up the criminal actions of the groups executive director, Mary Ayala. Harris says the allegations against him have no merit. A 2015 lawsuit filed by the state against Ayala and others accused of misusing state funds remains ongoing. Give Us This Day closed down last year. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Oregon Long considered laggards in the digital economy, the insurance industry is beginning to make up for lost time. The large majority of insurersnearly two-out-of-threeare now investing in digital technology, according to market researcher Strategy Meets Action. And with 85 percent of carriers focused on creating a better customer experience, the core function at the forefront of this new wave of technology investment is claims. For an insurer to remain competitive, it needs a more advanced claims system to deliver higher levels of service to its clients, asserts Brian Mack, vice president of sales and marketing at insurance industry solution provider Systema Software. Mitchell Wein, vice president for research and consulting at Novarica, is even blunter: Without a digital claims solution, he argues a carrier risks becoming irrelevant. One of the chief reasons, Wein says, has to do with lowering the expense portion of a carriers combined ratio. With a digital claims system, an insurer can deploy a straight-through process that begins with the first notice of loss and continues through the adjudication, settlement and payment of a claim. This allows the insurer to eliminate a number of manual operations and reduce its staff and operating costs. The huge scale of this opportunity is expressed in a recent study by McKinsey & Company, which finds that 70 percent of all claims activity is still manual. But a modern claims system also augments a carriers ability to capture information through digital sources, such as mobile devices and third-party data providers. The additional data makes for more accurate claims adjudication, reducing the loss component of the carriers combined ratio as well. A digital system lowers the carriers loss ratio in addition to its expenses, Wein notes, creating a claims-handling advantage for the insurer and a more positive experience for its clients. But while the rationale for going digital is fairly straightforward, the plethora of claims systems on the market makes choosing the right solution for its business a more complex decision. How to Compare Claims Systems For starters, Wein says there are ten primary functions that an insurer needs to consider when evaluating claims systems against one another. These include: Claims submissions Diary and notes capabilities Litigation management tools Reserving Fraud scoring Adjudication and case management tools Tools for setting up workflows and business rules Recoveries and subrogation Payments, and last but not least, The reputation, financial status and service capabilities of the solution provider Before a carrier embarks on a claims system upgrade, however, it should draw up what Wein terms a strategic blueprint as the basis for its modernization efforts. This document should describe the carriers current state as its starting point and go on to articulate the overarching vision, goals, pain points and guiding principles for the business. The blueprint also serves as a reference architecture that the insurer will strive to implement over a number of years, Wein says, and maps out the system capabilities that the insurer will need in order to achieve its key business objectives. These can be grouped into three broad areas: Digital capabilities suchas utilizing apps or web sites that allow field adjusters and case managers to make use of their mobile devices GPS, audio and video features. Another example: Developing a paperless way for clients to submit claims. Data capabilities whichcenter around building predictive models and supporting various types of analytics. Examples include predictive fraud scoring and anomaly detection models. Core capabilities including support for workflow modeling and straight-through processing. For claims, this could mean skills-based routing of incoming cases and triaged straight-through processing. Once completed, the architecture provides a framework for determining how much weight the insurer should give various digital, data and core capabilities when shopping for a new system. The ten primary claims system functions, as described by Wein, should be scored and prioritized according to these determinations. As part of the process of drawing up its blueprint, an insurer should also re-examine its business operations with an eye towards streamlining and reorganizing them in light of the new claims solutions capabilities. Any restructuring should also reflect the insurers top business priorities. For instance, an insurer that needs to emphasize speed of settlement and improving its customers experience would re-engineer its procedures differently than a carrier whose top priority is to reduce its expense base. This is about more than just choosing the right claims solution, declares Karen Furtado, a partner at Strategy Meets Action. The project will be an absolute failure, unless the insurer is prepared to change its business processes to take advantage of the systems new capabilities. Her golden rule for claims system selection, Furtado says, is to enter the process with clear goals for what the business should look like going forward. Buy for your future, not for your past. To help set these goals, she says, insurers should spend time exploring those things that differentiate their business and make it unique. An insurers ultimate selection of a claims system should reinforce and build on these traits. Technical Considerations During the selection process, once the insurers business goals have been established, Furtado says key technical considerations come to the fore. Among the most important are how easily a claims system can be configured to meet the insurers needs; how readily it can be scaled to support growth and expanded business activities, and whether or not it is low-code based, meaning it should require minimal coding effort on the part of the IT staff to add new features and integrate it with the rest of the carriers core systems. A truly flexible system should also support multiple browsers and both the Android and iOS mobile device operating systems, adds Systemas Mack. Central to an insurers efforts to achieve straight-through processing is its ability to empower its adjusters and field agents, who increasingly rely on smart phones and tablets to conduct their investigations and file reports. But some digital claims solutions run better than others on small screen mobile devices, making this an important selection criterion. Another important decision for carriers is whether to deploy the new claims system on premise or in the cloud. An on-premise deployment gives the insurer absolute control, says Mack. The system resides in its own data center, and all the security and system integration are in its own hands. A cloud deployment, on the other hand, allows the insurer to exit the hardware business. That makes it more cost-effective. To some extent, Mack notes, the decision is driven by the size of the insurer. Larger organizations, for example, may be more concerned about system integration issues and have the IT resources to take these on themselves. Smaller carriers with fewer resources are reluctant to spread their IT staffs too thin and are more likely to opt for the more cost-effective solution, although he adds that, depending on their circumstances, insurers of both sizes may choose either approach. Suites vs. Best of Breed Another resource-dependent decision is whether to acquire a claims system thats part of a single vendors integrated suite or to work with a network of solution providers that each offer a core system component that is best of breed. The current trend is towards single suite solutions, Mack observes, in part because a best-of-breed strategy requires an insurer to integrate the different system components and take on the overhead of managing multiple vendors. But choosing a suite may mean more compromise over what features are included. Furtado agrees that suites tend to have a lower cost of ownership, but she notes that by working with an entire community of providers, an insurer may get access to more robust technology over time. Novaricas Wein takes the other side of the argument, maintaining that an insurer should look for the best core system available that meets most of its requirements. The advantage, he says, to buying a claims system that is part of a suite is that even if the insurer doesnt use the other modules initially, they are immediately available once the business is ready to take the next step in its modernization journey. Given that a claims system touches virtually every aspect of an insurers operation, the selection process can have significant political overtones and should be conducted with senior management input from the get-go. Anyone who will interact with the system should be part of the selection process, recommends Furtado, and the CEO and senior management team should be apprised throughout. The best practice is to bring the senior management team into the process very early on, concurs Mack. IT and the project team dont want to get to the end of the process only to discover that management has a different set of requirements. The earlier they are brought in the better, he observes. This leads to the best outcomes. Wein too, agrees, noting that senior management involvement is an integral part of drawing up a strategic blueprint. Comparing the claims system selection process to a plane trip, he quips, You would never get on a jet if you didnt know where its going. After Admiral Insurance quickly scuttled its attempt to leverage social media data to underwrite policies, the insurance industry appears farther away from being able to leverage certain big data sources and analytics in order to radically alter the customer onboarding process. The UK insurer's firstcarquote initiative was aimed at younger drivers in the market, who traditionally have paid much higher rates for auto insurance. Previous attempts to get more accurate views of younger drivers have revolved around using telematics devices, and contributed to a small boom in usage-based insurance in the UK over the past few years. Admiral developed an algorithm that could scan and analyze Facebook posts and refine the much higher quotes young drivers receive without the need to install third-party equipment. However, Facebook rejected the company's app after word spread of its pending launch, citing privacy concerns. Now, firstcarquote will relaunch using only voluntarily data offered by drivers, according to a company spokesperson. Following discussions with Facebook, the product is launching with reduced functionality, the company said, in an e-mail. Admiral does not have access to customers Facebook data and does not hold social media data to set prices for its customers. According to Donald Light, director of Celents North America property/casualty practice, the appetite simply isn't there to allow social network users to turn over broad swaths of data to insurance companies. Each data point being turned over has to come with an explicit opt-in in order to gain market acceptance, he says. Social media as a whole is going to be a fertile field for improving pricing, he said. But the opt-in method has to be the main path forward. There is an ethical and public perception that opt-in [social media discount programs] should be okay. Despite the headwinds, insurers are preparing for a future where social media data is more accessible, Light says, noting advancements in social fraud detection, particularly in workers compensation. But with companies now getting more creative at looking for new kinds of data to make better underwriting decisions, they still must confirm that the data collected is actuarially sound. Early movers will price smarter and subject their competition to adverse selection, Light says. Rating factors should be justified. Insurers cannot go crazy giving away discounts without having statistical justification. In fact, the future may not ever include using social data and other third-party information in the insurance underwriting process, says SMA principal Mark Breading. He says that navigating the regulatory and reputational minefield isn't what insurers should spend their time on. Instead, he suggests, my advice to insurers has been dont use the data for rating. Use smart home, telematics and social data for added services, such as location and risk management, which dont necessarily need regulatory approval. Nathan Golia contributed reporting As president of the United States, Donald Trump was likely the wealthiest individual to inhabit the White House and his net worth remains a topic for debate. In 2015, Donald Trump claimed in a press release that he was worth more than $10 billion, however, his net worth as of 2022 is estimated at $3 billion. Key Takeaways Donald Trump is the founder of The Trump Organization, a private entity. He is required to submit a financial disclosure document each year, although numbers are self-reported and dont provide an accurate estimate of his net worth. Forbes estimates Donald Trump's net worth at $3 billion although Trump has claimed the value at $10 billion. The Trump Organization Since 1976, Donald Trump grew his wealth through global commercial, resort, and residential real estate development under the umbrella of The Trump Organization. As a private entity, The Trump Organization is not required to publish financial statements in the same manner as a publicly-traded company. Donald Trump famously refused to publish his tax returns, which would show his annual income and taxes paid or owed. Although The New York Times published abbreviated information from Trump's tax returns on Sept. 27, 2020, the disclosure failed to provide details about his actual net worth. As a former president, Trump completes a required annual financial disclosure to the U.S. Office of Government Ethics. Government financial disclosures may list assets and investments but in estimates and broad value ranges. In 2021, many of Trump's properties were valued at "over $50 million," however, these estimates are self-reported, unaudited, and also differ from numbers The Trump Organization has reported to state and local tax officials. 71 The number of properties in the portfolio owned and operated by The Trump Organization. This total includes commercial and residential real estate, golf courses, hotels, and personal estates. Assets In May 2022, Forbes estimated Trumps net worth at $3 billion, falling short of the $10 billion estimates that Trump suggested while running for office in 2015. Forbes' numbers marry with the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which placed the former presidents net worth at $2.97 billion in August 2020.Forbes has attempted to break down Trump's net worth by assets. Net Worth The value of all assets minus liabilities. Much of Trumps wealth is tied to multi-use buildings in Manhattan, including retail real estate in the busy Midtown district. His highest value asset is a 30% stake in the office and retail space at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, valued at $2.2 billion, with a debt value of $950 million on the property. The Trump Organization owns several exclusive golf properties estimated at $730 million, including clubs in Scotland and Dubai. Trump's private golf club in Palm Beach, Fla, Mar-a-Lago, is valued at $350 million. Trump holds approximately $275 million in cash and liquid assets. Other personal assets include three Florida homes and his 11,000-square-foot residence in New York City, the Trump Tower penthouse. Residential units throughout the United States and around the globe have an estimated value of $340 million. This includes hotels and residential locations in Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Europe, Asia, and South America. Donald Trump announced in October 2021 that he was creating his own social media platform. Truth Social, held through Trump Media, garnered Donald Trump $430 million from investors. The Donald Trump brand, including his licensing and management business, is valued at just over $50 million. Trump holds roughly $275 million in cash and liquid assets. Other personal assets include three Florida homes and his 11,000-square-foot residence in New York Citythe Trump Tower penthouse. Trumps vast real estate empire includes approximately residential units throughout the United States. This includes hotels and retail locations in Chicago, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. What Are Donald Trump's Estimated Liablities? Trump has a lengthy financial record which includes corporate bankruptcies and lawsuits. In 2021, Trump Organization owed $590 million in debts due within four years by 2025. What Prominent Real Estate Locations in New York City Has Donald Trump Owned? Donald Trump has owned and sold many buildings in New York including the Plaza Hotel, the St. Moritz Hotel, now the Ritz Carlton on Central Park South, and the land under the Empire State Building. What Is Considered One of Trump's Bad Investment Decisions? In 2014, Donald Trump partnered with an Azerbaijani family that U.S. officials called notoriously unethical. The building, a five-star hotel, and residence called the Trump International Hotel & Tower Baku in Azerbaijan has never opened. The Bottom Line Donald Trump's net worth has ranged in estimates from $3 billion to $10 billion. With his private firm, The Trump Organization, and its limited public disclosures, it has been difficult to capture the true net worth of his global commercial, resort, and residential real estate as well as his licensing and social media ventures. The Goldman Sachs Group (GS) is one of Americas largest financial services companies. The company provides diversified investment management through its investment banking, wealth management, and private equity divisions. Goldman Sachs services individuals and corporations with a preference for high-net-worth investors and large enterprises. The company's private equity arm is particularly active andjudging by its portfoliois focused on acquiring some of the most exciting technology, retail, and financing companies in America. In this article, we take a brief look at the company's history as well as four of its notable investments. Key Takeaways Goldman Sachs regularly participates in venture and banking investment. The firm was part of a $1 billion dollar round of funding for African e-commerce platform Jumia in 2016. Goldman Sachs also contributed to Square's $590.5 million funding. Australia's Judo Bank received a $100 million debt facility from Goldman Sachs in April 2019. Goldman Sachs was part of two rounds of funding for Marqeta: $45 million in June 2018 and $260 million in May 2019. Goldman Sachs: A Brief Overview Goldman Sachs is a multinational investment services company based in New York City. The company, founded in 1869, offers a range of services including asset management, brokerage, and investment management. The company serves both institutional and individual clients, as well as corporations and governments in over 30 different countries around the world. As of 2019, Goldman Sachs was one of the leading banks globally by assets. It was also one of the largest asset managers worldwide. The company also holds the distinction of being one of the world's most valuable brands. The company has led or participated in a number of different rounds of funding for a variety of different companies over the years. Financing on the company's part has included both venture and banking investing. Jumia Jumia was founded in 2012 in Lagos, Nigeria, where it is currently based. The company is an e-commerce retailer, logistics service providermuch like Amazon. The company allows local African merchants to join the site to provide their goods and services to consumers. The company was also listed as one of three African unicornscompanies valued at over $1 billionby CB Insights in 2018. More than 81,000 African companies do business through Jumia. Some of the company's highlights include: 1.2 billion consumers Operations in 14 different countries More than 700 million visits in 2018 Since November 2014, the company has raised a total of $823.7 million in a total of five rounds of funding, according to Crunchbase. Part of this funding included $326 million it received in 2016 which included a number of different companies including Goldman Sachs. Considered one of Africa's unicorn companies, Jumia went public on the NYSE in 2019. Jumia Goes Public After months of consideration, Jumia decided to issue its initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Apr. 12, 2019the first African startup to list on a major exchange. Shares opened at $14.50, with 13.5 million shares offered, raising a total of $196 million. Jumia's Future? The company claims plenty of growth potential. That's because, as of May 2020, 60% of Africas 1.34 billion people do not have access to the internet. Alphabets Google and Facebook hope to extend connectivity to populations in remote and poor areas of Africa. Square Square is a financial services company and mobile payment company based in San Francisco. The company produces software and hardware payments products such as Square Contactless and Chip Reader, Square Stand, Square Register, and Square Magstripe Reader. Since launching in 2009, the company also branched off into the financing industry for small businesses. It also operates Cash App, a person-to-person payments service. The company's IPO launched in November 2015 when it was valued at around $2.9 billion, according to Fortune. Shares traded at $9 each, with a total of 27 million shares issued on opening day. Since 2009, Square has raised a total of $590.5 million in financing in nine different rounds of funding. Some of which has come from Goldman Sachs, which participated in the company's Series E-round of financing in October 2014. This round of funding earned Square a total of $150 million. Judo Bank Judo Bank is a more recent addition to Goldman Sachs' portfolio. The company provides financing and banking services to small and mid-sized businesses in Australia. Founded in 2016 with seed money from a series of Australian investors, it carried the name Judo Capital. In 2019, the company entered the retail deposit space. The company's first funding round was in August 2018. Since, then the company has raised $1.5 billion in six founds of funding, according to Crunchbase. In April 2019, Judo secured a $100 million debt facility from Goldman Sachs. In November of 2018, Credit Suisse provided the company a $350 million debt facility, according to Financial Review. Marqeta Marqeta is another payment platform company. Based in Oakland, California, it offers technology and a platform for card issuing and processing. Marqeta has raised a total of $528 million in eight different rounds of funding as of June 2020, according to Crunchbase. Goldman Sachs was part of a $45 million investment round in Marqeta in June 2018 and in another round for $260 million in May 2019. This latest round of funding gives the company a valuation of around $4.3 billion, as of May 2020. According to Reuters, Goldman Sachs is attempting to offset its poor trading results by adding more retail operations and technology startups to its portfolio. An implementation scheme for a new wide-body passenger aircraft has been authored by enterprises from both China and Russia, according to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (CACC). A joint venture will be established before the end of this year in Shanghai, where the aircraft will be assembled. On June 25, CACC signed a deal with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to develop a new wide-body aircraft. The undertaking is a major strategic cooperation project between the two countries in the high-tech industry. The aircraft will boast 280 seats, an advanced aerodynamic design and a new turbine engine. It will offer extraordinary performance that simultaneously offers a much lower operation cost than other comparable aircraft. The plane will be developed in accordance with mainstream international aviation codes. It will likely take seven years for the plane to have its maiden flight, and another three for delivery. The wide-body aircraft project will pick experienced and competitive suppliers from around the world to join the development. The beer industry is made up of companies specializing in the production of beer, although many of them also produce other alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Some of the big names in the industry include Netherlands-based SABMiller International B.V.which is now part of fellow big name Belgium-based Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A./N.V. as well as Japan-based Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd. Demand for beer historically has remained stable throughout economic cycles. As a result, the beer industry is part of the much broader consumer staples sector. According to a report by Technavio, the beer industry in 2022 is seeing increasing demand for premium beers, which continue to drive market growth. The beer industry is expected to continue growing at a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.45% between 2020 and through 2025. Beer stocks, represented by the broad S&P 500 Consumer Staples Sector Index, have outperformed the broader market. The index has provided a total return of 1.8% over the past 12 months, above the -13.1% total return of the Russell 1000 Index. Note that the consumer staples sector is much broader than beer stocks as a category, so the sector's performance compared with beer stocks specifically may diverge. These market performance numbers and the statistics in the tables below are as of Sept. 15, 2022. Here are the top three beer stocks with the best value, the fastest growth, and the best performance. These are the beer stocks with the lowest 12-month trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio. Because profits can be returned to shareholders in the form of dividends and buybacks, a low P/E ratio shows that youre paying less for each dollar of profit generated. Top News - Investor Idea REE Stock News - Defense Metals (TSX-V: DEFN.V) (OTCQB: DFMTF) Drills 113 metres of 2.50% Total Rare Earth Oxide at Wicheeda Vancouver, British Columbia - October 26, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mining / Metals / Green Energy Stock News - Defense Metals Corp. (TSX-V: DEFN / OTCQB: DFMTF/ FSE:35D) is pleased to announce high-grade Rare Earth Element ("REE") assay results from one additional core hole, totalling 383 metres (m), collared within the northern area of Defense Metals' 100% owned Wicheeda REE Deposit. Top EV Stock News - Investor Idea Breaking EV Stock News: Overwhelmingly Positive Reactions Pour in From First Leg of Mullen Automotive's (NASDAQ: MULN) 'Strikingly Different' FIVE EV Crossover Tour BREA, Calif. - October 31, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN), an emerging electric vehicle ("EV") manufacturer, announces today that the Mullen FIVE has received overwhelmingly positive reactions from members of the public, reservation holders and Mullen investors who were able to ride in the vehicle for the very first time on the "Strikingly Different" tour which kicked off last week in Pasadena, California. Top Health and Wellness News - Investor Idea Health and Wellness Stock News - Endexx (OTCBB: EDXC) Secures Third Order for Non-Nicotine Vape Product HYLA Worth Approximately $1.5M in Revenue for First two Fiscal Quarters of 2023 CAVE CREEK, Ariz. - October 27, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Endexx Corporation (OTCBB:EDXC), a provider of innovative, plant-derived, and sustainable health and skincare products, today announces it has secured three key significant orders for its newly acquired, non-nicotine plant-based vape product, HYLA. Top AI Stock News - Investor Idea Breaking AI Stock News: FatBrain (OTCQB: LZGI) Acquires Confidential Computing Platform ZeroTrust to Protect Data Privacy and Accelerate Innovation for Millions of Growth Businesses NEW YORK, NY - October 19, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) FatBrain AI (LZG International, Inc.) (OTCQB: LZGI), the leader in powerful and easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for star enterprises of tomorrow, has acquired the confidential computing and privacy intellectual property (IP) plus software assets of Zero2A PTE LTD ("ZeroTrust Platform"), a software company based in Singapore. Check out our Podcasts for great investor ideas: Get new posts by email: Subscribe Powered by Investorideas.com Newswire: Subscribe to Investor Ideas Newswire The Central Criminal Court has heard that a man accused of stabbing a woman 100 times was convinced he had to kill or be killed at the time. Paul Cuddihy, a former resident of a psychiatric hospital in Waterford, has pleaded not guilty to murdering a fellow patient by reason of insanity. Maria OBrien died on Sept 5, 2014 after being attacked in a home she shared with Paul Cuddihy on the grounds of St Otterans hospital. A staff nurse said she saw him standing over her with a knife. She said she was covered in blood on the kitchen floor. The accused later told Dr Paul OConnell, a forensic psychiatrist at the Central Mental Hospital, that he was crazed out of his head and thought he had to kill her to prevent something bad from happening to him or his family. The court heard he has a history of paranoid schizophrenia going back to when he was 21 when he became convinced that his father had killed his mother. The now 38-year-old has also had delusions about the Holy Ghost and once believed he was chosen as a martyr to die. Both sides believe he was having a psychotic episode when he killed Ms OBrien. The jury will ultimately have to decide whether or not he is not guilty of her murder by reason of insanity. Bill Porter Debates over the necessity of educating Chinese youth in ancient poetry and prose are never-ending. Some question whether reading these sophisticated ancient works really help young people in a tangible way. That's why an American writer's passionate tribute to China's ancient literary tradition has moved many Chinese readers. Bill Porter, better known as Red Pine, spent four years tracing the steps of Chinas 36 most important poets, ranging from Chinas earliest poet Qu Yuan (340278 BC) to prominent poets from the Tang (618-907) and Song (9601279) Dynasties. Porter visited their graves, birthplaces, villages and cities where they once lived, as well as locations they immortalized in their poems. One place Porter visited was a small village in northwestern Chinas Shaanxi province, where an old man guided him through a vast farmland replete with corn, eggplant, onions and green beans. Eventually Porter and his guide arrived at a large cave filled with garbage the less-than-dignified final resting place of great poet Du Mu (803-852 AC) of the Tang Dynasty. Du Mus realistic poems shone during the most prosperous age of Chinese poetry. On top of a mountain range in eastern Chinas Shandong province, Porter set out three small wine cups, filling them with whiskey he brought from the U.S. He then toasted to his two imaginary guests, Li Bai and Du Fu, in the place where the two poets first met, more than 1,000 years ago. Porter said he brought the whiskey on his journey because wine is a recurring image in Chinese poetry, expressing a variety of important sentiments. On a trip to Xian, Porter walked to the top of a tall historical structure in the city center. His vision swept across the modern city and arrived at Zhongnan Mountain, the majesty of which Tang Dynasty poet Wang Wei once described in his brilliant verses. A Chinese edition of Porters book based on his travels, Finding Them Gone: Visiting China's Poets of the Past, was published in September. His passion for Chinas ancient literary tradition has become increasingly recognized among Chinese readers. Bill Porter on his journey on Zhongnan Mountain, Shaanxi, in 1980s. The shell of US celebrity gossip site Gawker has settled with Hulk Hogan for 31 million dollars, ending a long-running court saga over a sex tape which saw Gawker.com shut down. The legal battle with the wrestling star led to the media company's bankruptcy and the sale of Gawker's other sites to Spanish-language broadcaster Univision. Gawker founder Nick Denton said in a blog post said that the "saga is over". Denton filed for personal bankruptcy because of the 140 million dollar verdict won by the former professional wrestler in a Florida court over a sex tape. Denton said that as part of the settlement, three of the company's stories - about Hogan and two others who had also filed suit - are being taken offline. The Gawker vs Hogan invasion-of-privacy case became even more notorious when it emerged that Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel had bankrolled the lawsuit. The settlement instead means Hogan will get 31 million dollars as well as 45% of the proceeds from potential sale of Gawker.com, said Elizabeth Traub, a spokeswoman for Hogan's lawyer, David Houston. Gawker.com is dormant but its archives remain online. Mr Houston said in an emailed statement that "all parties have agreed it is time to move on". Denton said in the Wednesday post that he was confident that an appeals court would have reduced the 140 million dollar verdict, but "an all-out war with Thiel would have cost too much, and hurt too many people, and there was no end in sight... Gawker's nemesis was not going away." Mr Thiel has said he would support Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, "until his final victory". Denton also said on Wednesday that as part of the settlement, three "true stories" - about Hogan and two others who had also filed suit - are being "removed from the web". Univision, which bought Gawker Media's other sites for 135 million dollars, has already deleted several posts from the properties it now owns, which include tech blog Gizmodo and women-oriented site Jezebel, because they were tied to litigation. Denton himself also had to file for personal bankruptcy because of the Florida court's verdict. Court documents filed on Wednesday said there have been settlement talks between Gawker and Denton as well, although they have not reached a final settlement. US president Barack Obama has said army engineers are examining whether the Dakota Access oil pipeline can be rerouted in southern North Dakota to alleviate the concerns of Native Americans. Mr Obama said his administration is monitoring the situation closely but will "let it play out for several more weeks". The Standing Rock Sioux tribe claims that the 3.8 billion dollar pipeline from North Dakota to Illinois will threaten its drinking water and destroy sacred sites. Protests which have included clashes with police have gone on for several months in North Dakota. Mr Obama called it "a challenging situation", saying there is an obligation for protesters to be peaceful and for authorities to show restraint. The 1,200-mile pipeline is largely complete outside of North Dakota. Meanwhile, documents have revealed that Native American artefacts found last month in North Dakota along the route of the pipeline were not reported to state regulators for 10 days. Public service commissioner Julie Fedorchak said she is disappointed regulators were not notified earlier. The matter is to be discussed during a commission meeting later. North Dakota chief archaeologist Paul Picha said he was notified of the discovery in a timely manner but did not report it to the commission because he thought the pipeline company would. He added that the site was properly handled. In an October 27 letter, Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners detailed the finding of stone cairns and other artefacts. Consultants for the pipeline company determined there was "a low likelihood" of buried artefacts, but recommended avoiding the site. A Pole who gave his address as Carrauntoohil, Irelands highest mountain had one of the highest breath- alcohol readings ever to come before Killarney District Court. Arkadiusz Zglinski, aged 39, of Cathirlakes, Killorglin, Co Kerry, was spotted driving erratically by another driver at Knocknahone, Killarney, at about 6pm. Zglinski who is originally from Poland, and was assisted by an interpreter, had pulled into a driveway and told the householder he was living at Carrauntoohil. He was speaking aboard a plane taking him to Rome from Sweden. The freewheeling news conference with reporters has become a tradition of his return flights from foreign trips. A female Swedish reporter noted that the head of the Lutheran Church who welcomed him in Sweden was a woman, and then asked if he thought the Catholic Church could allow women to be ordained as ministers in coming decades. St Pope John Paul II had the last clear word on this and it stands, said Francis. He was referring to a 1994 document by Pope John Paul that closed the door on a female priesthood. The Vatican says this teaching is an infallible part of Catholic tradition. The reporter pressed the Pope, asking: But forever, forever? Never, never? Francis responded: If we read carefully the declaration by St. John Paul II, it is going in that direction. Francis has previously said that the door to womens ordination is closed, but proponents of a female priesthood are hoping that a future pope might overturn the decision, particularly because of the shortage of priests around the world. The Catholic Church teaches that women cannot be ordained priests because Jesus willingly chose only men as his apostles. Those calling for women priests say he was only following the norms of his time. In August, Francis set up a commission to study the role of women deacons in early Christianity, raising hopes among equality campaigners that women could one day have a greater say in the 1.2bn-member Church. Deacons, like priests, are ordained ministers and must be men. They cannot celebrate Mass, but are allowed to preach and teach in the name of the Church, and to baptise and conduct wake and funeral services. The Church barred women from becoming deacons centuries ago. Scholars debate the precise role of women deacons in the early Church. Some say they were ordained to minister only to other women, for instance in baptismal immersion rites. Others believe they were on a par with male deacons. An Irish Examiner/ICMSA opinion poll published in September found the majority of Irish people were in favour of women and married priests. Asked whether Catholic priests should be allowed to marry, 82% of respondents agreed, including 63% who strongly agreed. There was a similar level of support for women priests. Of the respondents, 69% said they attended Mass every week, while 53% said religious services had been cut in their area. Just 7% of respondents said they did not believe priests should be allowed to marry. State spokesman struggles with facts: As the U.S. pivots to Asia, the region turns to China In November 2011, U.S. President Barack Obama announced his pivot to Asia and declared that the U.S. has been and always will be a Pacific nation. His announcement came at the same time China was becoming increasingly powerful. Roughly five years later, on November 1, 2016, the U.S. Department of State held a Daily Press Briefing, at which Spokesperson John Kirby was asked about China and the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific. Kirby stressed two points. First, he said that the rebalance is not about China. Second, he argued against the idea that countries are turning away from the U.S. and turning to China, saying that the idea is just not borne out by the facts. But the rebalance is about China, and the idea that more and more countries are turning away from the U.S. and turning to China is completely borne out by the facts. First, the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific has been and always will be about an increasingly powerful China in a very important part of the world. In 2010, for example, the same year that the Chinese economy expanded by 10.3%, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the U.S. will play a leading role in the Asia Pacific and that America will project its leadership in economic growth, regional security, and enduring values. The timing of the rebalance, not to mention its core strategy of building and strengthening strategic U.S. alliances, sends a clear signal. The rebalance was designed to sustain U.S. global leadership. Second, although the U.S. remains relevant in the region, China is expanding its relevance. In a 2015 Fact Sheet entitled, Advancing the Rebalance to Asia and the Pacific, the U.S. lists a stronger treaty alliance with the Philippines and a deeper partnership with Malaysia as two important accomplishments. One year later, both countries have moved closer to China. For example, Philippines President Dutertes first non-ASEAN state visit was to China and the two sides have worked hard to warm relations. This does not mean that the U.S. is out, but it does mean China is in. Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow with the Malaysia Program at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University, told Peoples Daily Online in October that Duterte is just trying to balance his national interests between two the superpowers. And Malaysian Prime Minster Najib Razak, who believes that China has retaken its place on the world stage as a great power, recently signed numerous agreements with China, including security agreements. The U.S. may still be relevant, but so is China. It is not just the ASEAN nations that are moving closer to China. Americas neighbor to the north, Canada, has been moving closer too. In August 2016, Canada applied to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Chinas version of the World Bank. Other U.S. allies, including Australia and South Korea, are founding members of the China-backed bank. If the U.S. views itself as a Pacific nation, and if regional peace depends on a strong U.S. security presence and its alliances, as the U.S. argues, then the rebalance has everything to do with China. The argument that the rebalance is not about China does not hold much weight. Facts are facts. The U.S. should reflect on the true nature of its rebalance to the Asia-Pacific and try to understand the impact it is having on regional peace and security. Below is part of the transcript of the Daily Press Briefing on November 1, 2016, in Washington, DC QUESTION: Malaysia and China have signed today a kind of defense pact. Whats your take on this? Is it bad news for the rebalance and pivot policy of the U.S. toward the Asia Pacific? ...... MR KIRBY: And this idea that people are turning away from the United States and turning to China I think is just not borne out by the facts. Everywhere we go in the Asia Pacific region its reiterated time and time and time again how important foreign leaders there view American presence, American economic assistance and participation and trade, as well as American leadership. So we dont view it, again, as a binary sort of equation, and we dont view it as a zero-sum game. The whole idea of the rebalance is to foster the kind of dialogue that youre starting to see happening. And so again, we welcome this. QUESTION: And I dont want to get too conceptual here, but what do you mean its not borne out by the facts that countries in greater numbers in Southeast Asia are becoming friendlier with China? I mean, it is completely borne out by the facts. MR KIRBY: Name em. QUESTION: Well, the Philippines, for one. MR KIRBY: Okay, theres one. QUESTION: Well, then you just said that it wasnt true. Thailand, perhaps. Cambodia. MR KIRBY: Perhaps, perhaps. So but you got one. You got one so far. QUESTION: Laos. MR KIRBY: You got one. QUESTION: Laos. MR KIRBY: You got one. Laos? QUESTION: Laos. Cambodia. Malaysia, as weve just seen. MR KIRBY: Okay. So we have two or three, four, whatever. Theres a lot of nations in the Asia Pacific region. My point is that youre -- QUESTION: Theres only 10. MR KIRBY: This idea that theres some sort of -- QUESTION: Theres only 10 in ASEAN. MR KIRBY: This idea that theres some sort of landslide movement towards China and away from the United States is simply not borne out by the facts, especially in so many of those countries where we too have strong and improving bilateral relationships. So again, this is not its not they dont have to be binary choices. And we dont we have nothing to fear from the peaceful, productive rise of China, and we have nothing to fear from nations establishing better and warmer and more productive relationships with China. QUESTION: Okay. But thats that wasnt the that wasnt what you were saying was not true, was not borne out by the facts. The facts are that there are a number of countries in Southeast Asia that are developing better, closer ties with China. MR KIRBY: I dont really I dont want to get into a debate over semantics. QUESTION: Anyway, the other okay. The -- MR KIRBY: The point is the point Im trying to make is that the this idea that by that there are several nations who are reaching out and to develop warmer relations with China Im not disputing that. But the notion behind that, that that is something to be feared, that that is some sort of worrisome trend, that that is something that is not in keeping with the whole idea of the rebalance, that is an inaccurate reading of it. QUESTION: But wasnt the rebalance though designed to keep the United States relevant in an area with tremendous potential, economic growth, which is, as you say, a huge transit spot or an area where lots of the worlds commercial trade goes through? MR KIRBY: It wasnt the United States has been and will remain relevant in the Asia Pacific region. QUESTION: Right. But wasnt the -- MR KIRBY: The rebalance wasnt about trying to shore up relevance. It was about recognizing where the economic future of the globe is going to reside -- QUESTION: Right. MR KIRBY: -- or where its going to be deeply affected and to make sure that we were maintaining our focus on that part of the world. QUESTION: Right. Barrister John Quirke told Judge Terence OSullivan that in March 2012 Jessica Kelty was pushing a two-metre high trolley when the top tray of bread fell off and struck her on the head. Ms Kelty, 23, of Brookfield Drive, Tallaght, Dublin, said the trolley was almost twice as big as she was. She had been knocked to the ground and felt dizzy afterwards. Judge OSullivan was told on March 22, 2012, she had been helping to stock shelves in Dunnes Stores, Tallaght, where she worked as a sales assistant. She had been sent to the stockroom to bring a trolley of bread and pastry and as she pushed it forward the top tray had fallen, striking and cutting her head. Ms Kelty, who was 19 at the date of the accident and who is now a hairdresser, said she had been given first aid by another Dunnes employee before attending at the accident and emergency department in Tallaght Hospital where she had been detained overnight. After the accident, she had suffered headaches as well as neck pain. She had self-medicated with painkillers she bought at a pharmacy but still suffered neck pain. Shane English, counsel for Dunnes, told the court that the company had accepted liability and the court hearing was for the purpose of assessing damages. Mr English told the court the company was challenging Ms Keltys evidence that she had suffered a significant injury which still affected her work. Judge OSullivan said he did not think Ms Kelty had been knocked unconscious and did not think there had been contributory negligence on her part. He said she had a fairly nasty time of it and her medical notes recorded she complained of neck pain subsequently. Judge OSullivan, awarding her 15,000 damages, said she had not been looking after herself and had not gone for physiotherapy. He said she had not attended her doctor for more than three years after the accident. The court concluded she wasnt that badly hurt. Following an application by Mr English for a stay on his order pending consideration of an appeal, the judge said he would allow a stay on terms of an immediate payment of 10,000 to Ms Kelty. The announcement will be made at 10am in London by Chief Justice Lord Thomas, Master of the Rolls Terence Etherton, and Lord Justice Sales. A number of applicants have challenged prime minister Theresa Mays strategy for Brexit in what has been described as one of the most important constitutional cases in generations. They argue that the she has no legal power to trigger article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to leave the EU without the prior authorisation of parliament. Ms May said at the Conservative Party conference she intends doing so by the end of March 2017. The judges heard submissions that the British 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. Businesses detail losses in wake of Brexit decision https://t.co/Ww3eImAo6b pic.twitter.com/P5cBMtSVpK Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) November 2, 2016 British 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 before the end of the year. In final submissions, Britsih government lawyers revealed any new treaty agreement with the EU following Brexit would very likely have to be ratified by parliament. A British Government QC said the view at the moment was ratification was likely if the royal prerogative was used, without prior parliamentary approval, to launch the Brexit process. As efforts continued to avert a national strike by gardai, Mr Kenny faced criticism for his Government only now trying to tackle the issue. He said the dispute must be resolved within the terms of the Lansdowne Road agreement on public sector pay, which lasts until September 2018. He said he hoped garda representatives would listen carefully to the Labour Court, which yesterday held a special hearing on the dispute. Government figures have hinted that a fast-tracking of the successor to the Lansdowne Road deal could be an option to tackle mounting public sector pay demands. Every effort is being made to avoid a strike, said Mr Kenny. It is of the utmost seriousness for the country, for society, and for the members of the Garda Siochana, he said, reminding gardai they had taken an oath and that the Garda commissioner had called on them to turn up tomorrow. The commissioner has directed that gardai would turn up for work on Friday and it is an individual matter and decision for each individual garda. Mr Kenny said garda representatives would now have permanent access to industrial relations mechanisms, such as the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court. The Cabinet this week asked Attorney General Maire Whelan to examine how this can be legislated for in future. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said a garda strike was dangerous and criticised the Government for letting the dispute drag on for so long. Rank-and-file gardai had felt isolated for too long, he said, and the Department of Justice was rudderless with a number of vacancies unfilled. Mr Kenny outlined how the new public pay commission, due to report by the mid-2017, would then feed into talks around a new pay deal. Details on spending for 2018 may be set out before then though, he said. When the Minister for Finance sets out his ceilings for the 2018 budget, the earlier we bring forward a situation to have a successor agreement, the earlier every state department will pull from whatever that pot might be. The intention is to start the discussions and negotiations about a successor to the Lansdowne Road agreement whenever both the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Minister for Finance are in a position to set that ceiling out. As we prepare for the 2018 budget, there will be the spring economic statement and the general economic conference, said Mr Kenny. The Government is now focused on winning the European Medicines Agency (EMA) which will have to relocate as a result of Brexit. However, it comes as Tourism Ireland boss Niall Gibbons warned the number of UK citizens travelling abroad in 2017 was expected to fall by 2.5%. With Britain accounting for more than 40% of all overseas visitors to Ireland, the decrease is likely to have a significant impact here. Speaking at the all-island forum on Brexit, Mr Gibbons said competitiveness is now the key, adding: We all have to work together to inspire people to come here. Minister for Health Simon Harris pointed out that as well as the 900 jobs the EMA would bring to Ireland, having the agency here would also boost the number of weekly visitors to Dublin. There are almost 900 directly working in the EMA, I would imagine that there would be significant spin-off benefits as well in terms of job creation in the pharma industry. Also in terms of our tourism, our hospitality sector, hundreds upon hundreds of people come to the EMA in London each week for international meetings and travel from right across Europe, he said. So the influx of visitors to Dublin on a weekly basis to attend important meetings would be very significant. Mr Harris last week received formal cabinet backing to go ahead with a bid for the EMA to relocate here when Britain leaves the EU. Speaking at the the first all-island civic dialogue on Brexit, Mr Kenny described it as an evolving process but cautioned Europe could lose the plot if it focuses too much on what Britain might do. The forum was attended by around 300 people including members of political parties from North and South of the border, farming, business and tourism organisations as well as community groups, unions, and representatives from the university sector. While Prime Minister Theresa May has repeatedly stated that Article 50, which starts the exit negotiations, will be triggered before the end of March, Mr Kenny said this could happen as soon as December, January, or February. He said that when Article 50 is invoked, negotiations could get vicious because there are those around the European table who take a very poor view of the fact that Britain has decided to leave and that argument will be fought very toughly and in a really difficult negotiating sense. He added: I am not too sure that if we camp in Downing St, sometimes when friends call they are very welcome, but dont overstay the welcome. We have got a very good relationship going and we intend to keep it that way. So this is a very serious matter. Europe has got to decide for itself in these negotiations where it wants to be in the next 50 years and if it becomes obsessed with what the United Kingdom might or might not get, then Europe itself loses the plot. Businesses detail losses in wake of Brexit decision https://t.co/Ww3eImAo6b pic.twitter.com/P5cBMtSVpK Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) November 2, 2016 He said the negotiations would be an evolving process, adding: If all of us here were asked to make a decision on Monday next week on Brexit, we are not in a position to do so because the process is evolving. We know some of the parameters and thats why its very important for the political process here to understand your views, they are really important. While the forum was dubbed as an all-island event, Stormont first minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster declined an invite claiming it would be a talking shop for grandstanding remainers. Sinn Fein, the SDLP, and the Alliance Party did attend. Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said he was disappointed Ms Foster had not accepted the invitation to attend, adding that there is strength in unity. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said Ireland must receive a special deal when negotiations begin. Speaking at the event, he said a different approach is needed, adding that there is an urgent need to quickly move forward. One outcome of the negotiation process has to be the development of a specific package which recognises the unique economic and social impact of Brexit on Ireland, he said. Closing the event, Mr Flanagan said four key outcomes had been reached from the civic dialogue. He said the Government would host another conference in early 2017. Public submissions would also be sought as part of the dialogue process. The girls parents appeared at Letterkenny District Court yesterday for failing to ensure their daughter went to school. The case has been ongoing between the secondary school pupils parents and Tusla, the child and family agency. The solicitor for Tusla said the case has been ongoing for a long time and doesnt appear to be improving. The court was told that the child is suffering from asthma. However, Judge Paul Kelly said he did not accept that such an ailment was an excuse for the girl missing so many days. He instructed solicitor Gordon Curley, representing the girls parents, to consult with members of Tusla. Mr Curley said he agreed that the girl had missed days in the past but the situation was improving. But Judge Kelly asked Mr Curley How does she feel about the prospect of one of her parents going to jail? After a meeting with Tulsa, Mr Curley told the court that an agreement had been reached with the parents that they would ensure their daughter went to and stayed in school. He adjourned the case until December 6 to monitor if the girl is attending school regularly. Associates of the victims told Kenneth Cooke, aged 53, to enjoy his time in prison and to rot in there as he was led away. He is already serving a nine-year sentence imposed in 2014 for the sexual abuse of a female victim 20 years ago. Cooke, of Limekiln Green, Walkinstown, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 21 counts of sexually assaulting a boy between January 2000 and July 2003 when the boy was aged between 11 and 13 . He had pleaded not guilty to 56 counts of indecent assault of another boy between December 1980 and December 1985 and was convicted by a jury. Yesterday, Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a nine-year sentence with four suspended for abuse of the boy which began in 1980. She also imposed an 11-year sentence with two suspended for the abuse of the second boy 13 years ago. These will run consecutive to each other but alongside his existing sentence, meaning an effective prison term of 14 years. Judge Ryan took the unusual move of imposing consecutive terms because of the very, very, very serious nature of the offending. She noted that the abuse of the boy in the 1980s began when the nine-year-old victim was in a very vulnerable state after suffering a family tragedy. It involved molesting the boy before moving on to anally raping him. Cooke finally stopped abusing him when the boy got strong enough to fight him off. A local garda told Roisin Lacey, prosecuting, that the victim contacted gardai in 2014 and Cooke was arrested in July 2014. He denied all the allegations and told gardai the victim was telling lies, a pack of filthy Jesus lies. In a victim impact statement, the victim said in order to survive he tried to block everything out but this meant he also blocked out his happy childhood memories. They are ruined, damaged and gone because of this horrific demon, he said. It will always stay with me. I have survived, lived, to get justice for that vulnerable little boy, he said. In 2000, Cooke began abusing another child he had access to who was in fifth class. The abuse ended in 2003 when the boy used his woodworking skills to fashion a lock for his door to keep Cooke out. The victim did not tell anyone about the abuse until he made a formal complaint to gardai last year. When questioned, Cooke initially denied the allegation, saying the boy was a loner with no friends. He now wished to convey an apology to his victim, Tara Burns, defending, said. Ms Burns said Cooke was supported by family , including a wife and four-year-old child. He was in poor health and had a stroke recently. Paul Kavanagh, aged, 25, spent the money on takeaways, taxis and cannabis, his counsel said. Judge Melanie Greally previously agreed to adjourn the case at Dublin Circuit Criminal court to allow him repay 1,000 a week to the owner of the Londis shop. He also agreed to pay over, within three days, a sum of 3,600 he had saved up. However, he was unable to follow through on his intention to repay the stolen money in full as he lost his last job in security as a result of the publicity around this case. Counsel for Kavanagh, Tom Neville BL, said he has nothing to show for the money, some of which was used to pay for his cannabis habit. Kavanagh of Belgard Square, Tallaght, Dublin pleaded guilty to theft from Ray Sheehan, owner of the Londis Store on Park Gate St between 2014 and 2015. He was also found with a small amount of cannabis at home. Prosecuting counsel Marie Torrens BL said Kavanagh, a father of two, began working in the shop in 2014 and started having money troubles. She said he would process lottery wins through the system and pocket the money. The thefts came to light when the owner noticed three 150 lottery payouts on a day when the lottery machine was broken. Kavanagh was arrested and told gardai he was experiencing family problems. Judge Greally said repayment would have formed a significant mitigating factor. She said other mitigating factors were Kavanaghs considerable remorse, his lack of previous convictions, and his early plea of guilty. Some schools have already written to parents advising them not to send children to school next week due to the health and safety implications of opening without adequate cover for supervision work. But others have advised families to stay in touch with the unfolding situation through the media, as they still hope to be able to re-open after this weeks mid-term. This weeks second day of talks between Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and Department of Education officials broke up at teatime yesterday, and they will reconvene at the department today. More than 370 schools where ASTI members work will close indefinitely if they go ahead with a decision to stop doing supervision and substitution work from Monday, while over 100 others are still in the process of hiring temporary supervisors but may not have them in place for several weeks. The 17-year-old boy denied falsely imprisoning the former tanaiste and her advisor Karen OConnell in two Garda cars for three hours during the demonstration at the Fortunestown Road in Jobstown in Tallaght, on November 15, 2014. He was found guilty last month following his trial at the Dublin Childrens Court but was spared a custodial sentence. Judge John King imposed a conditional discharge providing the youth does not re-offend in the next nine months. The boy came back to the Childrens Court on Wednesday. His solicitor David Thompson told Judge Timothy Lucey that he was lodging a notice of application to state a case and he handed the necessary paperwork into court. This means the defence will bring an appeal to the High Court and contend that the teenager was erroneously convicted on a point of law. The boy was granted 100 bail and spoke briefly to confirm his signature before leaving with his mother and his solicitor. The teens conviction will be stayed pending the outcome of his High Court bid to clear his name. The Dublin West TD and former minister for social protection had been at a graduation ceremony at An Cosan adult education centre and nearby St Thomass Church when a anti-water meter protest took place outside. She and her advisor told the court they were too frightened to get out of Garda cars surrounded by people shouting abuse, throwing missiles and banging on windows. One protester shouted they hoped Burton would die, the trial was told. At one stage, Ms Burton was struck with a water balloon and Ms OConnell was also hit on her back by a protester, the court heard. The boys legal team had asked Judge John King to dismiss the charges, arguing that it was a right-to-protest case and the prosecution was unprecedented and a recipe for totalitarianism. The defence also submitted there was evidence of an agreement with gardai that protesters would march ahead of a Garda car carrying the two women. However, on October 21, the boy was found guilty by Judge King. The trial judge was furnished with a booklet of testimonials about the boy, who has no prior criminal convictions. He had also noted the teenager had medical problems which may have been related to the stress he was under. Judge King complimented the teenager on his realisation of the necessity for social justice. He took into consideration the youths previous good record as well as work he has done in his community and for charities including helping the homeless, for which he has received awards. The judge also noted evidence of gardai, including one who compared the scene to a rugby maul. He said Ms OConnell said gardai had to encircle them in a cocoon and the movement was like a scrum and she began hyperventilating. The defence cited the right to protest and freedom of expression under the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights, but Judge King held that these protections were not unqualified rights and were subject to conditions and penalties as necessary for public safety and disorder, crime prevention and protection of the rights of others. On Nov. 2, an English textbook dating back to Chinas Qing Dynasty was displayed by a Chinese citizen from Chengdu, Sichuan province. The book showed how the Chinese people learned English more than a century ago. The textbook is labeled as being from the "10th year of Emperor Xian Feng's reign"(1851-1861). Experts at the West Document Repair Center in Sichuan pronounced the book authentic after examining its print, typeface and content. However, they are not sure which year it was published. As the pictures show, each page of the book is divided into 12 grids, and each grid contains three sentences: a Chinese sentence on top, an English sentence in the middle and a pinyin transliteration at the bottom. Modern historians confirm that it was common during that period for Chinese people to learn English through pinyin. However, pinyin-guided English lessons mostly appear in non-standard textbooks, according to Professor Lei Hanqing, a linguist at Sichuan University. Iosach O Riain, aged 27, of Mount Eagle Rise, Leopardstown Heights, Dublin 18, pleaded guilty in 2014 to two charges of outraging public decency, contrary to common law. At Tesco, Manor West, Tralee, a public place and within view of members of the public, he had masturbated himself in public, a lewd and obscene act which outraged public decency, on June 26 and June 27, 2013, the charges said. Judge Thomas E ODonnell at the finalisation of the matter at this session of the Circuit Court in Tralee recalled how gardai had been alerted by staff at a store in Manor West on June 26, 2013, and told that a male was masturbating and following customers and children in store. Gardai were in the store on the second occasion, June 27, and they arrested him. CCTV footage was also available. O Riain was a single man, who at the time was not working, had a previous conviction in 2012, for this type of offence. This is a serious matter particularly in the context of a previous conviction, the judge said. However, he was satisfied, following extremely positive reports from the Probation Service , that Mr O Riain had made progress. Brian McInerney, defending, had also told the court his parents were with him in court in Tralee and had supported his rehabilitation efforts. He was going to apply the Probation Act for 18 months and was taking his unusual step in view of the Trojan efforts Mr O Riain had made. The offences were three years old and there had been no difficulties since, Judge ODonnell also said. Best recent book youve read: In Parenthesis, by David Jones. Jones was born in Kent. In 1915, then an art student, he went to war with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, where he fought in the battles of the Somme and Ypres. The book is a prose/poem relating his experiences in WW1 from December, 1915 to July, 1916, when he was wounded during the assault on Mametz Wood one of the most disastrous actions in the battle of the Somme. Of more recent books, I really enjoyed Helen MacDonalds H is for Hawk. Best recent art exhibition youve seen: In Belgium, last September, I went to see the Ghent Altarpiece. It is a large and complex, 15th century Flemish altarpiece, designed and painted by brothers, Hubert and Jan Van Eyck. It is a masterpiece of European art and one of the great treasures of the world. There is not the space here to describe the experience of standing in front this work overwhelming and awesome do not begin to cover it. Closer to home, Dublin-born, Cork-based painter, Patricia Burns Taylors gallery exhibition, earlier this year, was a memorable display of bravura painting, with a well-worked balance between content and process. Best piece of music you have been listening to lately: Loads of Bob Dylan, especially since he became a Nobel Laureate. Highway 61 Revisited has been in the player in the car for the past week. First ever piece of music or art that really moved you: When my brother and I were children, our Dad brought home a gramophone and a number of records, among which were a couple of Elviss RCA singles. When Jailhouse Rock hit the turntable at max volume, the world turned upside down, and nothing has been the same since! TV viewing: Antiques Roadshow and University Challenge are staples, also Gogglebox and Grand Designs I see regularly. Also, I watch rugby. Radio listening and podcasts: I have the podcast of Grayson Perrys 2013 BBC Reith Lectures, Playing to the Gallery. Very funny and full of good ideas and insights into contemporary art. He debunks a lot of myths and says things you wish you had thought of! Youre curating your dream exhibition which three artists are on the bill? The Spanish painter, Antonio Lopez, is definitely in there. Also, the English painter, Michael Andrews, and we should have one of the American realist painters, maybe a few Wyeths or Hoppers or Winslow Homer or Wayne Thiebaud. Actually, the list would change every day! Your best celebrity encounter: One night, in a nightclub in London, my daughter, Rebecca, and I fell in with Vinny Jones and his uncles on the tear. What a night! I also met Paul Simon, at the reception following an event in the National Concert Hall marking a year since the passing of Seamus Heaney. He was really interesting and knew a lot about art. Any interesting ancestors? My great, great grandfather was Canon William Greenwell (1820 -1918), auxillary Bishop of Durham. He invented the Greenwells Glory fishing fly, which is still a popular fly today! Favourite work tool: I have a lovely, Red Sable no.18 watercolour brush, which cost quite a lot of money back in the early 1980s. It is still in use and is in very good condition. Unsung hero individual or group that dont get the praise they deserve: The Jack and Jill Foundation. You are king for a day whats your first decree? Ban the Angelus from RTE. All that bong, bong bonging is really annoying. Anyway, it feels like a throwback to dark old Ireland, when the Church all but ran the country and behaved so badly. Weve seen these delightful creatures with the trademark bushy tail a number of times in recent weeks on the ground and on trees. During the splendid weather, everyone seemed to be talking about the beauty of trees in their varied seasonal hues of brown, orange, bronze and gold, enhanced by squirrels and other wildlife. The Irish red squirrel has some serious survival issues to contend with, but it has been spared the scourge of leprosy which has hit the population in Scotland and England. In Ireland and the UK, the American grey squirrel threatens the survival of the reds for two reasons competition for food and disease from greys, which are carriers of the fatal squirrel pox but immune to it themselves. Other predators include foxes, cats, dogs, and the pine marten. However, most conservationists agree, the biggest danger comes from invasive grey squirrels, which are almost twice the size of the reds. Zoologist Emma Sheehy has found the pine marten, itself a threatened species, may be helping the reds by preying on the greys. Writing in Ecologist magazine, she says the impact in Ireland has been particularly notable. Her four-year study found pine marten recovery in the Midlands was linked to such a significant decline in grey squirrel numbers that the once-beleaguered red squirrel population was able to take back its former range, including woodlands which had been dominated by greys for more than 30 years. Dr Sheehys study provided the first evidence for what foresters and gamekeepers had been saying for years where pine martens had returned to healthy numbers, grey squirrels had all but disappeared. In areas with few or no pine martens, greys persisted. Red squirrels, on the other hand, have coexisted with pine martens throughout much of Europe for tens of thousands of years. The two species evolved together. While pine martens will very occasionally eat red squirrels, they dont seem to have a negative impact on population numbers, Dr Sheehy believes. In the Irish study, the areas reds had recolonised were exclusively those with healthy pine marten populations. Red squirrels are doing well only in parts of Ireland including Laois, Offaly and north Tipperary. Greys are thriving in other areas, including much of the east, and a study by Emily Goldstein, in UCC, has confirmed the grey squirrel is expanding into the south west. The morning of June 24 confirmed the UK had taken one of the most significant decisions in its modern history. For some, the decision to leave the EU was a matter for celebration; for others, regret. Now however, one thing is beyond argument. The people of the UK have given their government a clear command. Whichever side of the argument we were on, we now all need to work together to make this process a success. I am working with the secretary of state for exiting the EU, David Davis, to support the prime minister in preparing for a new relationship between the UK and the EU. We are confident of delivering a good outcome to what will be a complex negotiation. This is a historic moment for our country and it is our responsibility to secure a deal that works not just for the UK, but also for our friends and neighbours in Europe and beyond. For Ireland, one of the biggest questions being posed is what Brexit means for the countrys close and improving relationship with Britain. Businesses detail losses in wake of Brexit decision https://t.co/Ww3eImAo6b pic.twitter.com/P5cBMtSVpK Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) November 2, 2016 On this point I can offer absolute reassurance. The links between our two countries are strong, and they will continue to be strong long after the UK has left the EU. This vote will not change our friendship in fact, I am confident it will only strengthen as we move into a new era of co-operation. A demonstration of this is the commitment by the Irish Government and the UK government to the Belfast agreement. There are unique circumstances that operate on the island of Ireland, such as the Common Travel Area and the single electricity market. We are determined to find the right solutions that serve Northern Ireland well and address all of the all-Ireland issues. Every week, over 1bn worth of trade is conducted between our two islands, sustaining more than 400,000 jobs directly and many more in the supply chain. Dublin to London is one of the busiest international air routes in the world, with almost 2,000 flights a week between our two countries. So its in all our interests to ensure that the links between us are not only sustained but deepened. We have been clear that the UK government will engage with the devolved administrations Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales to deliver a deal that works for the whole of the UK. Just last week, their leaders came together to talk about the priorities of the four nations. We have also committed very clearly to working with our closest friends across the EU to ensure that the new relationship works to our mutual benefit. For that reason, the secretary of state for exiting the EU and I met with the Irish ambassador to the UK yesterday, underlining our commitment to continuing engagement. My first overseas visit as minister for exiting the EU was to Ireland. It was a pleasure to return to Dublin, which I had visited before both on business before entering politics and through the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly. During our recent visit, I joined David Davis in meeting ministers to reiterate our firm commitment to protecting and enhancing the relationship between Britain and Ireland. When I met with the Irish Business Employers Confederation I was clear that the UK government wants to maintain the closest possible economic relationship with Ireland as we look to new horizons beyond Brexit. Mr Davis and I also paid a visit to the British Irish Chamber of Commerce. Relaunched just over five years ago, this unique institution is doing an excellent job of highlighting the huge benefits of two-way trade between our two islands and promoting the interests of businesses in both Britain and Ireland. The chamber is a prime example of our incredibly warm relationship and its role will become even more pivotal going forward, which is why we will continue to engage with it throughout the negotiations. I also look forward to attending the British Irish Council in the coming weeks. This is a dynamic forum for exchange and collaboration. Britain is more open for business than ever, and we want that message to be heard loud and clear by every business in Ireland and beyond. Trade, however, is by no means the only issue. For many here, I know it is much more personal an issue that is rooted in identity and the countrys history: The question of the countrys border with Northern Ireland. We do not want a return to the borders of the past. Theresa May was clear about that when she visited Belfast within days of becoming prime minister: The open border and the Common Travel Area have served people and businesses well and we want that to continue. Long before the UK was a member of the EU, there was an open border between the UK and Ireland. I am confident that the shared determination of the British government, the Irish Government, and the Northern Ireland Executive will ensure that the existing arrangements are protected. Taoiseach: Brexit forum only the 'start of a series of engagements' https://t.co/8qpS7k4Jyq pic.twitter.com/loO6Y981s5 Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) November 2, 2016 Our relationship is, in many ways, unique. Under UK law, Irish citizens are treated just as British citizens are. I know the high value that Irish citizens place on this equal treatment with many of my own constituents originating from Ireland. We do not want this to be impacted by our departure from the EU. Doubtless, we face challenges ahead. But my message is also that this is an exciting time for the UK, an unprecedented opportunity for us to strengthen current relationships and forge new ones. By working together we can be sure that our strong, warm, and productive friendship will continue to flourish in the months and years after Britain leaves the EU. We may be leaving the EU, but we are not leaving Europe. We will continue to trade, co-operate, and work closely with our European neighbours and none more so than Ireland. MP Robin Walker is the parliamentary undersecretary at the Department for Exiting the EU, a former member of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly, and a former parliamentary private secretary to the minister of state for Northern Ireland. Business Gems Emporium Expected to Attract US and EU Traders Attendees examine a jade stone at a 2014 gems emporium, when jade sales hit a record high. / The Irrawaddy RANGOON More Western jade traders are expected to attend to the upcoming Naypyidaw Gems Emporium, after the lifting of US economic sanctions last month. Among the American restrictions which were lifted was a longtime ban on transactions involving jade, gems and jewelry from Burma. The move by the US governmentannounced in Septemberwas criticized by rights groups, who maintain that the Burmese military has not made necessary progress to justify an end to sanctions, which were used as leverage against the former regime. The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Thursday that the policy shift meant that traders from the European Union and the United States would be invited to Burmas 90th such gems emporium, scheduled to be held from Nov. 20-29 in the countrys capital. U Min Thu, deputy director of the Myanmar Gems Enterprise, confirmed to The Irrawaddy that traders from 21 countries had been invited to the event. After the US economic sanctions were lifted, we invited more Western traders for the first time. Normally we invite traders from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and some from Thailand and Singapore, he said. Around 6,000 jade lots and thousands of gem lots will be on display at the event and sold through an open tender process as well as through competitive bidding systems. The number of jade and gem lots will be the same as the July emporium, not less than that, U Min Thu said, even though Novembers emporium is three days shorter than Julys. Originally, prices were to be set in US dollars instead of euros, which is the standard currency of the industry, but U Min Thu said that the shift to dollars was cancelled due to the limited time to prepare banking measures for the event. The government gems committee decided that we would keep the use of euro payments this time, and we will prepare for next year, he said of the transition to dollars. The Myanmar Gems Enterprise reported that it earned around 600 million euros (US$668.3 million) in Julys emporium. It was less than Decembers event, where sales generated around 900 million euros (more than $1 billion). The record high was in July 2014, when the government and private enterprises sold around 2.6 billion euros ($2.9 billion) in jade to foreign traders, up from about 2 billion euros ($2.2 billion) in 2013, according to the (now defunct) Ministry of Mines. Jade sales in Burma have significantly declined in recent years as the government attempts to reduce trade in raw jade. In August, the National League for Democracy government announced that all current jade mining licenses would expire in 2018; licenses will only be considered for renewal after an environmental management plan is completed for jade-rich areas of Kachin State. An October 2015 report published by Global Witness, a London-based NGO, revealed that large revenues from Burmas jade trade had continued to fall into the hands of high-ranking military officials and well-connected crony firms. Entitled Jade: Myanmars Big State Secret, the report estimated that in 2014, Burmas jade industry was valued as high as $31 billion. Burma Burma Business Delegation Heads to Japan State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi accompanied by Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, received an honor guard before their meeting at the state guesthouse in Tokyo on Nov. 2 2016. / Eugene Hosiko / Reuters RANGOON A delegation of 32 business people traveled to Tokyo, Japan Thursday for a week-long trade trip led by finance minister U Kyaw Win and newly-appointed president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) U Zaw Min Win. Representatives from the banking, hotel and tourism, agriculture, electronics, and construction sectors will meet with their Japanese counterparts and attend the Myanmar Business Forum in Tokyo on Nov. 8, according to vice chairman of the UMFCCI Dr. Maung Maung Lay. There will be discussion about the banking sector, infrastructure development projects, manufacturing industry, and the stock exchange, Maung Maung Lay said. Burmas State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi began a five-day state visit to Japan on Tuesday at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Abe pledged to provide almost US$8 billion in aid to Burma over the current governments five-year term, prioritizing the peace process and developing infrastructure. The Japanese government is investing a lot of money in Burma, said Dr. Maung Maung Lay. Local business people related to infrastructure development projects funded by Japanese aid need to know how to work [with Japanese companies]. Thats why they are on the trip. I hope that more business with Japan will follow, he said, also remarking that Japanese counterparts are satisfied working with Burma. Dr. Maung Maung Lay said that the business people joined the trip to Japan at their own expense. Senior managing director of KBZ Group U Nyo Myint joined the trip with two KBZ directorsthe daughters of KBZs chairman U Aung Ko Win. U Nyo Myint told The Irrawaddy that he expected more business with Japanese partners in the banking sector following this trip. According to data from the Directorate of Investment and Companies Administration, Japans investment in Burma reached US$219 million in the 2015-16 fiscal year compared to US$4.4 million in 2011-12. Burma HRW: Peace Process Exposes Farmers to New Glut of Land Seizures Villagers whose land was seized for the expansion of a copper mine project protest in Sagaing Division in March 2013. / Soe Zeya Tun / Reuters Land conflicts in Burma have escalated in recent years, with the military and armed groups driving people from their land, and new laws failing to protect farmers, a rights watchdog said on Thursday. Land disputes are a longstanding problem in Burma, but researchers from New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) documented rising discontent over displacement for agriculture, mining and infrastructure projects. Land confiscation and reprisals against protesters are particularly acute in resource-rich Karen state, which borders wealthier Thailand and is seen as attractive for investment in tourism, mining and agriculture, HRW said in a report. Military and armed groups use intimidation to force people off their land. Government laws and policies are failing to protect farmers, even where land seizures go through proper channels, Caroline Stover, author of the report, The Farmer Becomes the Criminal, said by telephone from Rangoon. Under the Land Acquisition Act, the government can take land for public purposes, but the government has failed to do proper notice and consultation, and provide proper compensation as required by law, she said. For decades, Karen state, also known as Kayin State, has been the site of an armed conflict between ethnic armed groups and Burmas military, causing huge displacement and forcing hundreds of thousands to seek refuge in Thailand and beyond. A peace process in the state and other ethnic areas has opened up access to areas once beyond the reach of Burmas armed forces and military-linked businessmen, HRWs report said. It said peacecombined with the opening of the country to investorshas boosted land value and left farmers vulnerable to powerful interests gaining land through questionable means. As in many parts of the world, the people worst impacted by such projects lack land titles or the knowledge to defend themselves against businessmen and state officials. VILLAGER JAILED, HOUSES BURNED Over eight months last year, HRW researchers interviewed 72 farmers and laborers in Karen state and Thailand. In Hlaingbwe Township of Karen State in May 2015, border guard forces held a man for four days, after they claimed rights to land that the mans family had been working for generations, HRW said. They didnt charge me They just said its because of the land, the man was quoted as saying in the report. In New Ahtet Kawyin village in June 2015, when residents refused to remove their huts from land the government had laid claim to, police cut down all of the houses with chainsaws and they burned the bamboo houses, the report said. In response to a letter from HRW, the Karen State government said it had barred protests against land seizure because there is an attempt to protest against this work by a dishonest person/group who uses simple, local citizens and this can affect the rule of law and stability so it cannot be allowed. Stover of HRW said a key problem is that villagers have been unable to secure documents required under new laws, in some cases because officials have refused to assist them. Some have documents (such as receipts showing they have paid tax on the land they use), but dont have the documents required under current law to protect them against investors who want to buy up the land, she said. Farmers can request local government officials to come to measure their land and provide land documents, and officials have refused to do it. At the same time, we heard land certificates are being provided to businessmen, on land on which farmers were living and farming. To address the problems for farmers and villagers, HRW recommended that the government recognize community land tenure and provide formal documents to farmers and villagers recording existing land use. It called for the government to end arbitrary arrest and detention of land activists for peaceful protest, and to set up a multi-agency task force to investigate alleged abuses by border guard forces connected to land confiscation. Burma International Delegation Set to Wrap Up Arakan State Visit United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Renata Dessallien speaks with Arakan State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu. / RCM / Facebook RANGOON The 10-member international delegation visiting northern Arakan State in relation to allegations of human rights abuses by the Burma Army was continuing its visits to villages in the area on Thursday, Nov. 3. Five villages in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships were due to be visited on the concluding day of the two-day trip, according to Arakan State government secretary U Tin Maung Swe. The delegates observations at five villages on the first day of the visit did not square with allegations by human rights groups of arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, looting, arson and rape of civilians carried out by the army, U Tin Maung Swe said. Referring specifically to allegations of widespread burning of villages in the area, he said of the delegation, now they know the reality. International human rights groups and diplomats requested access to the Muslim-majority area near the border with Bangladesh last week. The region became the site of an ongoing security operation following Oct. 9 when three border guard police posts in Maungdaw and Rathedaung townships were attacked by an estimated 250 assailants, resulting in the deaths of nine police officers and the looting of dozens of firearms. The government has said the attacks were carried out by Islamist militants. Allegations of human rights abuses committed during the security operation were quickly denied by the government, largely through Presidents Office spokesperson U Zaw Htay, who attributed claims of abuse of civilians to extremists and individuals and organizations that support terrorism. Access to the area has been severely restricted for humanitarian agencies and independent media, but this week Burmas foreign affairs ministry allowed the international delegationincluding US ambassador Scot Marciel, British ambassador Andrew Patrick, EU ambassador Roland Kobia, Chinese ambassador Hong Liang, and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Renata Dessalliento embark on a carefully managed visit led by state officials. Only government-controlled media were allowed to accompany the delegates. Arakan State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu and the state Security and Border Affairs Minister Col. Htein Lin arranged on Wednesday for a helicopter to take the delegation from the Arakan State capital Sittwe, where they had arrived by plane from Rangoon, north to Maungdaw Township. The delegation visited Kyee Kan Pyin, Nga Khura, Nga Sa Kyu, Kyein Chaung, and Pyaung Pike villages, all of which allegedly sustained heavy damage during the Burma Armys search for the outpost attackers, said U Tin Maung Swe. He claimed that the delegates were able to meet freely with Muslim residents, and he hoped that the delegation members would take the testimonies of villagers into account as they continue to investigate the recent attacks. The Irrawaddy asked U Tin Maung Swe if his office had received any remarks from the group after returning from Maungdaw to Sittwe on Wednesday evening. Right now we havent received any comments [from the delegation]. I suppose they will release a statement very soon, maybe a joint statement once the visit is over, he said. The Irrawaddy was unable to reach United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Renata Dessallien for comment on Wednesday. US State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a press conference in Washington that the visit was an initial step in what we hope will be a continued assessment of the situation in the area by the government and by the international community, Reuters reported on Thursday. The US ambassador Scot Marciel had taken the opportunity to stress to government officials accompanying the delegation that a thorough investigation into allegations of abuse, protection of all residents, restoration of full humanitarian access are necessary, Kirby told the regular news briefing. A Burmese reporter accompanying the delegationwho has been following coverage of the upheaval in Maungdaw and who asked to remain anonymoussaid that it was unclear during the visit yesterday whether damage to property, including the burning of houses in at least three villages identified by Human Rights Watch via satellite imagery, was carried out by assailants or by authorities. Meanwhile U Tha Aye, a Muslim from Arakan State who currently lives in Rangoon, told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that he had been informed by residents near Kyee Kan Pyi village that authorities took at least 100 people in for questioning after villagers spoke with the international delegation. He was unable to say whether they had been formally arrested. Other reporters in the area said that three suspects in the village were detained by police but were released the same day. One of those released told The Irrawaddy by phone on Thursday morning that he was now in hiding because of fears for his safety. The Irrawaddy sought to phone various sources in the village but was unable to confirm the information on detentions. U Tha Aye said that this could be attributed, at least in part to villagers being afraid to talk with media. Maungdaw resident U Than Soe Naing echoed reports that border police searched Kyee Kan Pyi after the delegation left, but this was denied by a police officer in the village, U Tun Zaw Oo during a phone conversation with The Irrawaddy. How would it be possible to arrest 100 people in such a short amount of time? he said. In a meeting at Sittwe airport on Wednesday, U Nyi Pu reiterated State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyis commitment to humanitarian principles as security operations in Maungdaw continue. The delegates are due to visit Ahlay Than Kyaw, Kaigyee, and Zaw Ma Tet villages in Maungdaw Township and Koe Tan Kaut village in Rathedaung Township today. Meanwhile, police in northern Arakan State are pressing ahead with a plan to train and arm a new corps of regional police, to be recruited among local Buddhist Arakanese and non-Muslim minority groups and deployed only in their home areas. Burma Police Officer Detained for Alleged Rape in Shan State Hsenwi Township, July 2016. / Kyaw Kha / The Irrawaddy RANGOONA police officer on duty at Namatu bridge in Shan States Hsenwi Township who allegedly raped a 16-year-old ethnic Kachin girl on Tuesday night is being detained as a rape case is filed. Pastor Khon Gaung, the secretary of Hsenwi Townships Kachin Baptist Association, said there would be further discussion on how to proceed with the case. Khon Gaung said, The girl was deceived. The officer told her that he would accompany her to her uncles house because it was dark and around 10:30 p.m. He then took her to a hotel room through a back door, restrained her and sexually abused her. The girl was dropped off near her home at around 3 a.m. A police officer from Hsenwi police station told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that the man is being questioned but he did not reveal any further details. The girl comes from a family of ordinary villagers who do not understand legal proceedings or how to file a case, said family member Zaw Lwin. Khon Gaung added that the case needed to be handled with due process in accordance with the law. Sexual assault and domestic violence cases are not uncommon in Burmese society but many cases are neither reported nor receive attention from law enforcement. According to women rights groups, average Burmese citizens are generally unfamiliar with legal processes and do not know who to contact for help in such instances. These groups say that police do not take these cases seriously and instead suggest solving them on a community level. Burma State Counselors Glass Table Designs an Overnight Hit Three-tier glass table designed by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy The Ministry of Industry will mass-produce and sell three types of glass tables designed by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to the public. The Ministry of Industry in Naypyidaw introduced the tables to the media on Wednesday. She [Daw Aung San San Suu Kyi] provided the designs, detailing the length and width of the tables, and the minister shaped [the tables] according to her design. People like them since they are her designs and because they are also attractive. She is gifted. The designs are elegant, Daw Aye Aye Win, director-general of the Directorate of Industrial Supervision and Inspection, told the media. The tables will be sold at shops run by the Ministry of Industry in major cities and orders will also be accepted. Many were already ordered at a recent exhibition organized by the ministry in Naypyidaw. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi contributed three designs, of which two are already being manufactured, and onean end tableis still in the process of having a sample made, deputy director-general U Zaw Lin Tun of the Ministry of Industrys technology department told The Irrawaddy. Prices start at about 100,000 kyats [about $US80]. Tables are available in two-tier or three-tier designs, with lathed or lacquered wooden legs. The legs are made of steamed teak and do not expand or shrink due to temperature variations. The glass is also strong and cannot be broken easily, U Zaw Lin Tun told The Irrawaddy. BEIJING, Nov. 3 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry admitted this week that the U.S. presidential campaign has been "downright embarrassing." "I must tell you bluntly. This election has been difficult for our country's perception abroad," he told an event with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan during a visit to Britain earlier this week. "There are moments when it is downright embarrassing. There are times when it steps out of any norm that I've known -- and I ran for president in 2004," Kerry said. "I could never imagine debates that were not focused on real issues, so it's been a real change." Smeared with sex, corruption, scandals and personal attacks, the race for the White Housethis year has turned increasingly disordered and bottomless. Appearing before supporters at a Wednesday rally in Pensacola, Florida, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump told a crowd about his "plan to end government corruption." "We're only left with one person, crooked Hillary Clinton. We're going to win. We're going to win," the New York real estate billionaire claimed. After the release of a 2005 audio tape about his propensity for "groping women" and the emergence of groping allegations by several women, Trump has been reeling for weeks in his campaign for the White House. However, a renewed FBI review of Democratic presidential candidate Clinton's use of a private email server as secretary of state has helped Trump narrow the race and drew public doubts about Clinton's trustworthiness. Despite Clinton's front runner position in most forecasts, a Tuesday ABC News/Washington Post tracking poll gave Trump a narrow lead. Last month, WikiLeaks started to release thousands of hacked emails of Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta. The emails exposed campaign infighting and raised ethical questions about her family's charitable foundation. Anthony Weiner, a former New York congressman and husband of Clinton aide Huma Abedin, had already been shamed in a cluster of sexting scandals. However, when the FBI opened an investigation into his suspected sending of indecent videos to a 15-year-old girl, the bureau found out emails that FBI Director James Comey said seem related to an already closed email probe on Clinton. Jewel Mathewson from Pennsylvania told Xinhua that it is "a heartbreaking decision" to choose from Trump and Clinton, both of whom she is "sorrowfully disappointed with." She said, "I think the American people are not happy with either person for president." "And the way it's made it difficult for me is that, you know, when you sit down with some foreign minister in another country, or a prime minister of another country, and you say 'hey, you know we really want you to move more authoritatively towards democracy', they look at you," Kerry said. "They're polite but you can see the question in their head and in their eyes and in their expression. It's hard." Take a look at the following responses by two countries to the U.S. presidential election. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that the "catastrophic reality" of the two candidates "goes beyond what even we were saying." In Britain, a giant effigy of Trump wielding the head of his rival Clinton was expected to be burned during traditional Nov. 5 bonfire night celebrations. The 36-foot (11-meter) high model of Trump dressed in shorts decorated with images of Mexicans will be packed with fireworks and set alight in Edenbridge, southeast England, on Saturday as part of the annual Bonfire Night celebrations, AFP reported. "We are literally helping Trump to live out his own catchphrase 'burn it down' by exploding the 11-meter effigy as the opening act for our fireworks display," said Edenbridge Bonfire Society spokesman Jeni Fox. "It only seemed fair that Hillary Clinton took some of the limelight, and we are sure the presidential candidates will be pleased to see they are both featured," she added. Burma Thai Supreme Court Dismisses Case Against Migrant Rights Defender Andy Hall Andy Hall and supporters outside the Thai Supreme Court on Thursday. / MWRN / Facebook CHIANG MAI, Thailand Thailands Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a criminal defamation case brought by the Natural Fruit Co. Ltd. and Thailands attorney general against migrant rights defender Andy Hall, a British national resident in Thailand. The charge was one of a roster of criminal and civil claims brought against him by Natural Fruit for co-authoring a report with Finnish NGO Finnwatch titled Cheap Has a High Price, released in Jan. 2013, which revealed that Burmese migrants workers were suffering conditions of modern slavery at Natural Fruits pineapple processing plant in Thailands Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The case dismissed on Thursday related to an interview Andy Hall gave to the Aljazeera news agency in Burma in April 2013 about the earlier criminal case brought against him by Natural Fruit. The case had already been dismissed twice on account of unlawful police interrogation, because the offending act was committed outside Thailand. The Supreme Court ruling does not overturn the three-year suspended prison sentence handed down to Andy Hall by the Bangkok South Criminal Court in September for defamation and violation of the Computer Crimes Act, for which he was detained briefly prior to paying a 150,000 baht (US$4,300) fine. The conviction is still being appealed. Following Thursdays verdict, Andy Hall told The Irrawaddy that he and his legal team would launch counter litigation against Natural Fruit, the attorney general, the Phra Khanong district prosecutor, police and prosecution witnesses for perjury and unlawful prosecution. I do so with deep regret and not at all in anger or through any desire for personal retribution, he said, explaining the need to defend myself fully against judicial harassment by Natural Fruit that shows no signs of abating. Sonja Vartiala, executive director of Finnwatch, which has been fighting his prosecutions, said she welcomed the Supreme Court ruling but lamented that the campaign of judicial harassment that has been waged against Andy Hall for almost four years now has already sadly been successful. She explained, We have heard from a number of migrant workers and activists how they are now deeply afraid to speak out on abuse workers face from Thai employers after Andy Halls [September] conviction. There are an estimated 3 million Burmese migrants working in Thailand, many of them illegally. They are vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, imprisonment and deportation. Recent months have seen a government crackdown under the nationalist pretext that migrants are stealing jobs from Thais at a time of economic uncertainty. Numerous community-based organizations provide assistance to Burmese migrants in Thailand, including the Migrant Workers Rights Network, based in the port town of Mahachai south of Bangkok, for whom Andy Hall has been an advisor. Burma Upcoming Karen Congress Elections Uncertain KNU chairman Mutu Say Poe speaks at an ethnic armed organization conference in KNU Lay Wah headquarters in January 2014. / Saw Yan Naing / The Irrawaddy An upcoming leadership change of Burmas oldest armed ethnic group the Karen National Union (KNU) is in question as it considers postponing the 16th KNU Congress to retain current Central Standing Committee members who are familiar with the peace process. Top leaders of the KNU and its military wing the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) will this week discuss postponing the congress slated to take place in November, according to sources within the KNU who spoke to The Irrawaddy on the condition of anonymity. Current Central Standing Committee members led by chairman Mutu Say Poe are worried that new leaderswho do not have established relationships with the government and the Burma Armywill disrupt the peace process. He [Mutu Say Poe] said in the KNUs Central Standing Committee meeting in September that he wanted to postpone the Congress, said a KNU leader. But no decision was made, so we will discuss it in our current meeting, Several other sources within the KNU said that Mutu Say Poe wanted to postpone the meeting until after the conclusion of the peace process as new leaders would not understand the process and might change the KNUs approach. The KNU Congress usually takes place once every four years. Representatives from the KNU, the KNLA and Karen civil society organizations are meeting at the partys headquarters in Hpa-ans Lay Wah for the central committee meeting this week. The KNU signed a bilateral ceasefire agreement with the previous government in 2012, signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in 2015, and attended the Union Peace Conferencealso known as the 21st Century Panglong Conferencein late August this year. Karen civil society organizations, rights groups, and intellectuals have criticized members of the central committee for being weak and self-interested in peace process negotiations. There has been division among the KNU leadership since the 15th Congress in 2012 when there was controversy over the elections as ballots were burned before results were announced. Former vice-chairman of the KNU David Tharckabaw, who failed to be elected, demanded a recount as he did not trust the results. Mahn Myo Myint who runs Karen National Media said on Facebook at the time that he burnt the ballots after being asked to do so. A high-ranking official of the KNU who asked not to be named told The Irrawaddy that it was not normal practice to burn ballot papers and that some members of the election commission were unhappy and boycotted the commission. KNU leadership dodged further controversy on Wednesday when the Euro-Burma Office (EBO) executive director strongly refuted claims by writer Roland Watson, who runs a website that follows Burmas ethnic affairs, that Mutu Say Poe had received US$2 million from the EU for quitting the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) and signing the NCA. The allegation cannot be true because our total budget is only $4 million, and we are not allowed to pay individuals or any organization without a full proposal and itemized budget, said EBO director Harn Yawnghwe. Contacted by The Irrawaddy on Wednesday, an EU Delegation to Myanmar spokesperson said the allegation was baseless and absolutely incorrect and that it could warrant a defamation case. Politics NLD Member Detained Under Telecommunications Law U Myo Yan Naung Thein in March 2014 / U Myo Yan Naung Thein / Facebook RANGOON U Myo Yan Naung Thein, a prominent member of the National League of Democracy (NLD) and founder of Bayda Institute, was detained by authorities under Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law of Burma, Hlaing Township police station confirmed Thursday. The Irrawaddy asked an officer at the police station whether the arrest concerned a statement U Myo Yan Naung Thein made on his Facebook page on Oct. 14 that criticized Burma Army commander-in-chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing regarding civil war and the attack on Maungdaw Township border posts. The post also accused border affairs ministers of being incompetent. The reason for his arrest is Article 66(d), the officer said, but declined to provide more information and suggested consulting a higher ranked officer. The Telecommunication Laws Article 66(d) states that whoever is found guilty of extorting, coercing, restraining wrongfully, defaming, disturbing, causing undue influence or threatening any person by using any telecommunications network shall be punished with a maximum three years in prison, or a fine, or both. U Nay Myo Aung, a colleague of U Myo Yan Naung Thein, was with U Myo Yan Naung when he was arrested at a coffee shop near NLD headquarters on Thursday at 3 p.m. U Nay Myo Aung told The Irrawaddy that about six people, some of them in police uniform took U Myo Yan Naung Thein into police custody. U Nay Myo Aung said he speculates that his workmate was detained for spreading criticism of Burma Army Chief Min Aung Hlaing. Thursday, November 3rd, 2016 (9:47 am) - Score 1,270 The Welsh Governments Superfast Cymru contract with BT, which has been working to roll-out fibre broadband (FTTC/P) to 96% of Wales, has been criticised by Assembly Members for failing to deliver on its original promise to bring 30Mbps+ capable networks to all premises by 2015. Back in 2011 the Welsh Government said they would seek to ensure that all residential premises and all businesses in Wales will have access to Next Generation Broadband [defined as 30Mbps+] by 2015, with the ambition that 50 per cent or more have access to 100Mbps (here). However the eventual contract, which was supported by well over 200m in public funding from local authorities and Broadband Delivery UK, ended up only aiming to deliver 96% coverage of world class broadband speeds of up to 80Mbps (this reflected an additional 691,000 premises passed) by the end of 2015 (here). Its important to note that the 96% figure also appeared to reflect the raw fibre footprint (including sub-30Mbps speeds) rather than 30Mbps+ availability and the contract further required that 40% of all premises in the intervention area could take a 100Mbps service. In the end BT completed the original BDUK Phase 1 contract during the end of June 2016 (here) and as a result around 90% of Wales can now access a 30Mbps+ capable fixed line broadband connection (note: roughly 30% can get 100Mbps+, albeit mostly via Virgin Media and Openreachs FTTP). This is as opposed to the 100% that was originally promised in 2015 or even the later 96% figure that was so often touted alongside superfast broadband terminology. Overall 610,000 extra premises have befitted. Russell George, Conservative AM, said (BBC): Its undeniable that the Welsh Government have failed to deliver to ensure all residential businesses will have access to next generation broadband by 2015. We are well off providing universal access. Constituents keep asking me why the Welsh Government just cant let them know when they are getting on with it. The comments were echoed by a number of other AMs and some, such as Plaid Cymrus Dai Lloyd, also appeared to suggest that having a take-up of fewer than one-in-three is a poor outcome. We need to look at the effectiveness of this campaign to ensure more make use of this technology, said Dai Lloyd. At the last count in Q2 2016 the take-up for Wales in related contract areas was 26.4% (here), which is well above the original expectation and has already resulted in clawback / gainshare (public investment) worth around 12.9 million being returned for a future coverage extension. A related consultation on this has already completed (here). In response, Welsh Labours AM Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan), Leader of the House and Chief Whip, succeeded in voting through the following response from the National Assembly for Wales. Agreed National Assembly Statement 1. Welcomes the progress made in implementing the Superfast Cymru scheme which has brought high-speed broadband to over 610,000 premises across Wales and will provide access for an additional 100,000 further premises before project close in 2017. 2. Notes the progress of Access Broadband Cymru and its predecessor project which have provided broadband to over 6,500 premises across Wales using a range of innovative technologies. 3. Recognises the importance of high speed broadband and digital connectivity to businesses, communities and the economy in all parts of Wales and notes the Programme for Government commitment to offer fast reliable broadband to every property in Wales. 4. Notes the Welsh Governments intention to: a) work with Ofcom, the UK Government and network operators, to deliver universal access to high speed broadband and mobile coverage; b) reform Permitted Development Rights in the planning system to promote telecoms infrastructure investment and network deployment; c) reflect on the progress made by the Scottish Government through its mobile action in developing proposals in Wales; and d) publish further information about extending fast reliable broadband access to every property in Wales. Interestingly the above statement replaced a more critical one that had been tabled by opposition Welsh Conservative AM Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire), which would have said that the assembly regrets that the previous Welsh Government failed to deliver on its ambition. Labour are the dominant party in Wales, thus their more positive statement won the vote. In the meantime the Welsh Government has already signed an extension contract, which aims to push the coverage of FTTC/P based fibre broadband services (they still havent clarified a target speed) out to a further 42,000 premises in Wales by June 2017 (here). However some earlier reports have indicated that this might not complete until around October 2017 (here). A further contract is also being developed. Wales suffers somewhat due to its large swathes of rural landscape, where communities can be small and sparse. As such the country presents a significant technical and economic challenge for operators to upgrade and as work progresses the roll-out pace will surely slow down or become harder to accurately predict. Never the less the work is on-going and perhaps one day the original ambition will still be achieved, even if that day is likely to come some years later than originally hoped. One other annoying aspect of all this is that for some reason the Welsh Government has scrapped their dedicated Superfast Cymru website and replaced it with a largely useless and vague information page. UPDATE 3:02pm The Managing Director of Welsh ISP Spectrum Internet, Giles Phelps, has sent us a comment. Giles Phelps said: I think the Superfast Cymru initiative was a cheap and fast method for improving the speed and coverage of broadband in Wales. As this went through a fairly traditional public sector tender process and there was no real precedent for this type of tender, I dont think you could have expected a different result unless more time was spent planning and researching the market. This would have led to significant delays maybe we would only really be starting the upgrade process now. We still dont have answers for the really hard to reach areas in Wales. The only thing we do know is it will cost a lot more money per premise to provide better speeds to the entire nation. The important thing is that we now put more effort into making sure everyone has access to the 30Mb/s speed as a minimum and that we make significant inroads into future proofing our infrastructure to enable speeds of 100Mb/s+. Wireless and other enhanced copper solutions should be looked at as a last resort. We would anticipate that fibre to the premise will cost approximately 1000 2000 per premise to install in the more remote areas, however in some cases the costs will be significantly higher. Although in many households that have access to the Superfast Broadband technology they get less than 15Mb/s (many considerably less) download speed and less than 2Mb/s upload speed. That is barely suitable for an average family now and definitely not suitable for a business. There is no plan to improve the service to these premises unless you are willing to pay up to 10 times more for your broadband service. Phelps believes that the Welsh Government could improve things further by tweaking the existing ABC scheme, such as by boosting the amount of grant funding available to allow for FTTP/H solutions and adding more stringent criteria (e.g. symmetric speeds of at least 100Mbps). (Xinhua) 19:22, November 03, 2016 BEIJING, Nov. 3 -- China on Thursday responded to a question about Japan's economic aid to Myanmar by calling for sincere help for the Southeast Asian country from the international community. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abesaid on Wednesday that Japan will provide 800 billion yen (7.73 billion U.S. dollars) for Myanmar over the next five years to assist the country's peace process and national development. According to Japanese media reports, this assistance also reflects Japan's rivalry with China for economic and political influence in Southeast Asia. "China has never targeted a third party while developing diplomatic relations with countries around the world," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying at a routine press briefing. "We hope relevant countries could also adopt such an open, inclusive and frank attitude in developing ties with other countries," Hua said. As a friendly neighbor to Myanmar, China supports the country in carrying out exchanges and cooperation with all countries, she said, calling for the international community to provide more practical and sincere help for Myanmar's development and stability. Next week's episode in 'NCIS' Los Angeles will focus on graduating student developing an electromagnetic weapon for the navy that is under attack. Parallel Resistors To Air On November 13 Season 8 Episode 8 titled "Parallel Resistors" will be aired on November 13 on CBS Television Network. As mentioned, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service Office of Special Projects already sent their best team to investigate the incident. Little do they know taht this is connected to an International warfare. The team will be engaged with a bloody warfare against the perpetrator of the crime. Kensi's Recovery After Accident; Undergoing Physical Therapy Also, on the new episode, this will show Kensi's recovery after the accident. She is currently undergoing physical therapy for his spinal injury. As seen on the promotional pictures, she is struggling with the recovery process but is getting the hang of it. Episode 7: Crazy Train - Callen On Undercover If you missed episode 7 and you're feeling left out, don't worry we got your back. Episode 7 entitled "Crazy Train" is another action-packed episode where Callen will be the spotlight in leading the investigation. He will be on undercover in a mental asylum or mental hospital, thus the title "Crazy Train". Callen will endure the most difficult task assigned to him and will eventually understand why being in a mental asylum is harder than he initially thought. Rescue Mission A Success; Although Kensi Blye Got Injured From Helicopter Crash The elite team was on a mission to rescue the daughter of former Mossad agent Tobin Shaked. He and his family was an apparent target by an assassin who had some issues with him before. Although they were successful in capturing the assassin, the team had its setback when Kensi Blye got injured Kensi got injured from a helicopter crash causing a major damage on her spinal cord. She already woke up from coma and seems to be recovering perfectly. But the damage done is so severe she needs to go to therapy everyday for a period of four months as recommended by physician. It is without a doubt how Klaus and Caroline's relationship way back in "The Vampire Diaries" has set so many hearts on fire. Thus, it can't be questioned how many of the fans are rooting for them to be the end game for the spin-off, "The Originals" and how they are hoping for Carline to crossover to the series once its predecessor comes to an end. Klaus Indicating That He Wanted To Be Caroline's Last Love, No Matter How Long It Takes There are many reasons to back up speculations on why Klaus and Caroline should end up together in "The Originals," despite the writers giving him another potential romantic storyline. For one, the greatest aspect of their relationship that the fans are holding on to was the scene during Caroline's graduation wherein Klaus tells her he intends to be the last love of her life, no matter how long it takes. Amidst Klaus's gruesome and cruel personality, he has always had a soft heart with Caroline, and only her. They had a connection undeniable to the viewers, which made them love Klaus all the more, thus leading to the success of "The Originals." Klaus Only Showed His Humanity Every Time He Was With Caroline In "The Vampire Diaries" It is no doubt that one of the factors that led to the fans living Klaus's character was his softness with Caroline. He was the big bad wolf of "The Vampire Diaries" and from being the biggest villain of the show, he became his own hero. He showed his humanity because of his love for Caroline. He used to love to make fun of her during their time together in the series, which led to the viewers seeing the lighter side of him; the more humane side. Klaus Wouldn't Be As Loved As He Is Now If It Wasn't For Caroline; From A Villain He Became A Hero Himself Many have doubted that "Klaroline" will be the end game ever since Stefan proposed to Caroline in "The Vampire Diaries," one which she said yes to. However, it can be seen that Stefan is still carrying a lot of baggage within him that it may be hard for them to have their happy ending. Also, Klaus wouldn't be as loved as he is now if it wasn't for the subtle ways he showed how much he was in love with Caroline. He wouldn't be considered a hero, or even human at that if it wasn't for her, thus there is no other salvation and redemption for him other than Caroline. "Klamille" Relationship Is Nothing Compared To The History Of "Klaroline" In "The Originals," a romance between Klaus and Camille was tested into the waters, but the latter was already considered dead during the last season. Although it is still highly possible she survives and becomes a vampire in the upcoming season, they have so many issues within themselves that can't be solved by being with each other. There is too much baggage in that area that will deem impossible for them to work things out, especially that their chemistry is nothing compared to what Klaus has with Caroline. Joseph Morgan Who Plays Klaus Also Ships "Klaroline" Lastly, actor Joseph Morgan who plays Klaus in the series has already said so himself that there is still hope for "Klaroline" to come into the light at some point. If he hasn't lost hope in that ship, neither did the fans. With "The Vampire Diaries" coming to an end, it gives a very big room for Caroline to crossover to "The Originals" and make true of her romance with the Klaus. With "The Vampire Diaries" already coming to an end, the fans of the show are still debating over who will end up together in the series. Prior to the exit of actress Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert, she was madly in love with Damon. However, many of the fans still believe that she should definitely end up with Stefan still. Here are some of the reasons why: Stefan's Love For Elena Is Pure Even Right At The Very Beginning Ever since the show started, at the very first episode of the series, it was already Stefan and Elena who were brought together by fate or destiny. The two were literally destined to be together and have been in so many lives. There are reincarnated versions of themselves in many past lives and they were brought into this world to find their way into each other. As opposed to Damon's love for Elena, Stefan's has always been pure. Granted that they both truly love her, there is still a difference between love that consumes her and one that sanctifies her. Stefan Came To Mystic Falls Just To Be With Elena; Damon's Love Can Be Seen Only As Envy That Turned Into Real Emotions Granted that both men love Elena equally and for the same intent of reality, Stefan's love for her was always what seemed so real. Damon is the kind of guy who can manage to be in love with anyone else. Stefan on the other hand, despite having moved on with Caroline already, it can still be felt beyond the television screens that his love for Elena is still the greatest of them all and couldn't be disregarded so easily. They both equally want to protect and serve Elena for as long as they live, but based on Damon's personality as opposed to Stefan's, he still doesn't seem to be the best option for her. Elena May Have Met Damon First, But She Loved Stefan The Most With All Purity Many of the "Delena" fans are basing their argument on Damon and Elena being meant to be together on the fact that technically, she met him first but was compelled to forget their encounter. However, love is not based on who she met first but who she loved most. Who's to say that if she did not forget meeting Damon at the bridge before her accident that she would love him as much as she loves him now? Elena was always drawn to Stefan, could be because of fate, but it could also be simply because he is the man for her. Elena's Love For Damon Only Amplified Because She Was Sired To Him; Love Should Be Pure And Not Be Brought About By Mystical Reasons Damon may not have meant it to happen, but it did. Elena's feelings for him only got stronger because of the sire bond. Although it was what caused the love to be recognized to what it is now, it still can't be denied that its roots aren't as pure compared to her love for Stefan. With the latter, it happened gradually and naturally. She fell in love with Damon only when she became a vampire and her feelings were amplified. Although it may be hard for Stefan and Elena to end up together now granted that the series only has a few more episodes to go and with Nina Dobrev out of the cast members, the fans have not lost hope. A love like Stelena's can't just be easily overridden because she fell in love with Damon; a love that pure and true can't be so easy to let go of. A group of 79 healthy seniors - 43 women and 36 men averaging 76 years old - were the subject of a recent study to determine levels of amyloid, a protein associated with Alzheimer's Disease. To measure each individual's degree of loneliness, standard psychological exams were used, and imaging scans to detect levels of amyloid. The researchers found out that people with preclinical Alzheimer's were 7.5 times more likely to feel lonely compared to people who did not have any early warning signs of the disease. "We report a novel association of loneliness and cortical amyloid burden in cognitively normal adults and present evidence for loneliness as a neuropsychiatric symptom relevant to pre-clinical Alzheimer's disease," the researchers said. "This work will inform new research into the neurobiology of loneliness and other socio-emotional changes in late life and may enhance early detection and intervention research in Alzheimer's disease." The study, however, was only conducted in a very small group of adults in Boston. To validate these findings, broader studies including different types of people are needed. Dr. Nancy Donovan, of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, said that compared to the general population of about the same age, their study may have been affected by the better mental and physical health of participants of the research. Dr. Clare Walton, research manager at the Alzheimer's Society, said, "This study didn't involve people with Alzheimer's, but it looked at a protein called amyloid in the brain which is known to build up many years before dementia is detected. Those who had high levels of amyloid were much more likely to say they felt lonely, even when the quality of their social environment was taken into account. These findings suggest that loneliness could be an early predictor of developing Alzheimer's disease, but as it was a small study, more research is needed to cement these claims." Apple Inc., manufacturer for the ever so popular iMac, Macbook Pros, iPods and iPads, have been rumored to be developing a new smart car, codenamed Project Titan. Since February of last year, various reports have been leaked about the iCar and fans have been speculating for a while now. These reports vary from Apple hiring Blackberry QNX engineers and possible talks of acquiring supercar maker McLaren. Apple also has allegedly laid off dozens of employees working on the project due to change of plans in the development of the vehicle. As promising as can be, Apple may be in for a lot of challenges as they enter the business of automotive manufacturing. As they venture out to this new line, they will be competing with companies like Tesla, which has been developing green cars for already more than a decade. Tesla Motors While still young in autonomous car technology, the firm has already announced the release of the Model 3, which can be a big challenge for Apple. Rumors suggest that the iCar will be completed on 2019 and will be due for release by 2021, which may be too late for Apple as other manufacturers will have finished and may already be successful with their smart cars by this time. Unless Apple comes up with an innovation that Tesla and other manufacturers have not come up with yet, they may fail in this concept. Technology This can also be a reason for Apple to fail. As they are still conducting alleged research and development for their first vehicle, current autonomous car developers are already using new advancements. NVidia, top processor and GPU producer, already have talks of having tie-ups with Tesla, a move by both companies that can make their lead even further in smart car technology. Corning, the manufacturer of the Gorilla Glass, is contributing in smart car production as well. They are integrating their technology and will be providing the Gorilla glass for smart car windshields. The question here is if companies like Nvidia and Corning will be exclusive to other manufacturers. If they do become exclusive, then Apple really need to step up their game or look for other companies to tie up with. A retina display as a windshield, perhaps? Price Apple, known for its ever-reliable Mac computers and iPhones, are also known for their high-value price tags. Apple products have never been cheap, and this can be a burden for consumers who might consider the iCar upon its release. Current smart car manufacturers are tying up with other companies to maximize efficiency and lower manufacturing cost; Rumors of a tie-up with McLaren, a luxury car manufacturer, may give an impression of a high-costing car. Consumers and Apple fans are still waiting for an official announcement whether the rumors are true or not. However, with the history of Apple, most rumors tend to become real. Such as the rumored Touch ID that was introduced in the iPhone 5s, or even the Touch Bar of the recently announced MacBook Pro. Apple, although one of the best in technological advancements and many firsts, may need to prepare for the worst before they introduce their Apple iCar of the future. A recent study conducted among 276 65-year-old adults show that people who got their flu vaccine between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. have significantly higher antibody levels one month later compared to those who got their shot in the afternoon. The study was conducted by the team of Dr. Anna C. Phillips from University of Birmingham. She said, "this is a free (course of action) that could seriously boost older adults' vaccination response with no adverse effects." The researchers looked at a variation of immune and hormone factors, but could not come up with a definite explanation about what they are seeing. "Don't wait for the definitive trial to check that the increased levels of antibodies relate to decreased disease risk. We know that's what antibodies do . . . so start this now," Phillips advised. However, Director of operations research for Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's International Vaccine Access Center in Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Bruce Y. Lee, said in an email to Reuters, "we should be careful about jumping to conclusions from the study. Many people already struggle to find time to get the flu vaccine. They find it difficult to miss work or take time out of the day to go to a clinic or somewhere else to get the flu vaccine. The afternoon or the evening may be the only time of day that people can get the vaccine. You don't want people thinking that the vaccine is only effective if given in the morning or that people should wait a long while until they have a morning available." Health officials have again emphasized the importance of getting a flu shot. Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 is very deadly, doctors say. It is extremely important to note that there are multiple flu strains that go around annually, so if the common ones are not among the three or four that are typically included in the flu shot, then the timing of the shot will not make a difference at all. In Saskatchewan, Canada, flu shot given contains 4 strains - two influenza A viral components (H1N1 and H3N2) and two influenza B viral components. Morag Granger, Clinical Services Manager with the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region, encouraged The public to take the vaccine as soon as possible. "The best research is done about what is circulating in South America and then we try to match it with the right vaccine. It's pretty much the right vaccine every year but on occasion there's a mismatch. That's why there are four strains in the vaccine to cover off the different types of flu that could be circulating," Granger said. After the Note 7 recall, Samsung faced one of the worst moments in its history, giving the fact that its reputation was being threatened by a failure that no one expected. However, the company is about to release the Galaxy Note 8, which is very likely to be an incredible phone that could represent the companys comeback. Considering this situation, these are a few reasons why the new phablet could save Samsung It Might Be Equipped With An A.I. Assistant As it was reported in a previous article, the Samsungs Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 could be equipped with an AI assistant, considering that the South Korean company will buy Viv Labs, who has been characterized of being extremely good in this feature, as its co-founders created iOSs favorite assistant Siri. Including an AI assistant , the Galaxy Note 8 could easily compete against the iPhone 8 and Google Pixal XL, since this incredible phone will have an option that only a few mobile devices has, and show users that Samsungs return could be bigger than anyone expected after the Note recalls. Galaxy Note 8 Could Have 4K Resolution This has been the year in which 4K resolution became mainstream with companies as Sony or Microsoft emphasizing the 4K capabilities of their new video games consoles. In fact, the Microsoft new Surface Studio desktop also use it, which has been one of the most incredible specs about the halo device. Giving this situation, Samsung could also use the 4K resolution to the Galaxy Note 8, which might be something incredible and necessary to mind blow its users, restore the companys reputation and adapt to the new trending in technology products. Although it is not something particularly easy, Samsung could be betting a lot in this, as reported by Value Walk. The Note 7 Fiasco Could Have The Most Unusual Effect In addition to all the previous reasons, the Note 7 disaster could be - believe it or not - beneficial to Samsungs ambition with the Galaxy Note 8, giving the fact that this smartphone could be bought just because what happened to the previous model. Many users know that this is the companys plan to restore its reputation, and most of them believe that because of that, this is likely to be the best phone to be released. Also, considering the old-school philosophy that there isnt bad publicity, it is a fact that the most famous phone maker in 2016 was Samsung, regardless if it was for the worst reasons possible. This is something that could also make people buy the Galaxy Note 8, although the number of these kinds of users would not be precisely high. It Could Have An Incredible Camera According to Yahoo, the Galaxy Note 8 could be equipped with an incredible camera that will turn taking pictures into a whole new level for the users, since a patent application discovered in South Korea revealed that the company is working on changing the user interface of the camera to provide new touch gestures that would facilitate zoom in an out. Although the iPhone 7 also has this feature, the fact that Samsung is also doing it only shows that the company is looking for an improvement for the Galaxy Note 8 s optical zoom feature, in order to give its users the best, and materialize a historical comeback to restore the companys power in the market, as reported by Enstarz. (Xinhua) 19:26, November 03, 2016 BISHKEK, Nov. 3 -- The 15th prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) opened in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, on Thursday to promote further integration of the six-nation group. Delivering a keynote speech, Kyrgyz acting Prime Minister Sooronbay Zheenbekov spoke highly of the cooperation within the SCO over the past 15 years and vowed to promote more concrete cooperative measures across a number of areas. "The SCO members have achieved remarkable results in all fields and will further develop their cooperative ties regarding the economy, trade, security and culture in the future," said the prime minister. He said that the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China is of great importance and the organization will seek a bigger role in it. According to the organizing committee, the prime ministers will discuss implementing the agreements reached at the SCO Tashkent summit and exchange views on promoting regional economic cooperation and investment. During the one-day meeting, they would pay special attention to the establishment of a SCO free trade zone and a SCO development bank. The leaders are expected to release a joint declaration outlining the achievements of the past year and chart a way forward for the bloc's future development. Regular meetings mechanism among the SCO prime ministers was set up in September 2001. Established in 2001, the SCO is a regional political, economic and security organization that groups China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as full members. India and Pakistansigned the SCO's Memorandum of Obligations in June, kick-starting the process of their accession into the bloc, which also has a number of observers and dialogue partners. Social media has been so important in every days life than it is almost impossible to imagine - or even remember - the world without it. In fact, its significance has ended up being so incredible that many historical events that we have lived all throughout these years feature social media in an important role. Thats why heres top 5 list about the most significant cases. 5. The Tunisian Revolution This was one of the most important political events in this decade, since it represented the end of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali regime, after 23 years ruling the nation with iron fist. The revolution was characterized by several protests in the streets of Tunisia, where people claimed for their right against a government that responded with repression. Although the Tunisian revolution made several political changes in the nation, the most peculiar detail is the role that social media networks played in the event, giving the fact that Facebook and Twitter where the online networks in which people the protest where organized, as reported by CNN. 4. Haiti Earthquake Of every single natural disaster that have occurred in this decade, this was probably one of the most dramatic, considering the incredible damage that the earthquake did to the country and the extremely high number of people who lost their lives and homes, turning this event into a horrible episode that humanity should never forget. The importance of social media in Haiti Earthquake was bigger than any other group and organization, since these networks not only reported the event faster than anyone - people were using it more than TV or radio to get informed - but also because it became the instrument in the fundraising efforts that raised millions of dollars in aid for the nation. 3. Osama Bin Laden's Death The most famous terrorist in the history was killed in a controversial way that started as a lie - which inspired movies like "Zero Dark Thirty" - and was later revealed the whole details of the operation. However, the truth was that Bin Laden was eliminated, and that the information was first revealed to the world through a tweet. The most incredible fact was that far from being posted by an important journalist, the 15-word tweet was made by a little-known former White House staffer named Keith Urban, who previously worked as Chief of Staff for Donald Rumsfeld, the U.S. Secretary of state during George W. Bush administration. 2. Water On Mars This kind of discovery would have been informed several days after, when the astronauts already returned to earth and the emotion was vanished, or by the NASA after the astronauts reported what they discovered. However, social media have been so significance in the world that it has made a huge change even in this feature. Thats how it was informed that there was water on Mars, when the Phoenix Lander announced through its Twitter account the news that made history because of its importance, and the cool way in which it was revealed the awesome discovery made by the astronauts. 1. The Egypt Revolution This event only lasted a month, and it showed how massive protests end up being extremely harmful for government, no matter how powerful they are. The Egypt revolution was incredible both for the people organization and the number of marches against the government that took place in El Cairo and Alexandria and many other cities. However, this historical event was also characterized by the way that social media contributed to the revolution, by the way that online networks such as Facebook and Twitter helped the people to organize the protest and disseminate their claiming. According to Wired, the social media sparked and accelerated peoples actions against Mubarak regime. The radical transparency organization WikiLeaks, published the 23rd batch Hillary Clintons campaign chairman John Podesta, continuing exposing the inner working of the Democratic candidate days before the U.S. presidential election, which has been one of the most controversial in history. The non-profit organization also revealed on Sunday 30 through its Twitter account, that it will start the third phase of the elections coverage this week. Only Against Clinton This way, the Julian Assanges group will keep its mission of revealing every single document regarding this event before November 8. Although the Democratic Party hasn't confirmed the authenticity of John Podestas emails, many people have taken it for granted, to the point where many critics that Clinton has received in the last days are information exposed in the files. However, something that has been questioned to WikiLeaks, is that even when they are revealing significant information to the U.S. voters, it is very suspicious that those are only regarding the Democratic candidate, which feed the claiming of many people who believes that this could be a move to increase Donald Trumps popularity. In fact, the U.S. government announced some weeks ago that Julian Assanges organization was working with Russia in order to interfere with the election, which could be something very difficult to contradict, giving the fact that the group is only exposing one candidates documents, which clearly benefits the other one. WikiLeaks And John Podesta's Emails According to the International Business Times, WikiLeaks has released over 36,000 from John Podestas account so far, and has promised to release a total of more than 50,000 emails before the Election Day. This new batch, in addition to the FBI investigation, could create a whole different outcome in the elections, considering that Trump is closing the distance in the polls. Although it is not known who is going to be the new president, the elections are expected to be more difficult than ever for Hillary Clinton, thanks to her own mistakes, and John Podesta emails. Is WikiLeaks mission is to reveal the truth, or prevent the Democratic nominee for being president? Samsung announced last week that the Blue Coral color model will be available to the Galaxy S7 Edge in some countries internationally, including Taiwan and Singapore. Now, the South Korean company has confirmed that the Blue Coral Galaxy S7 Edge will also be available in the United States. There's no exact word yet on when the Blue Coral S7 Edge will arrive in the U.S., but it will come out sometime later this year according to the Samsung spokesperson. It is believed that it will be available from all the major mobile network carriers, as confirmed by TechCrunch. It's also possible that it will be available unlocked, but there's no confirmation regarding that just yet. Although Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge will be available in a new color, which is blue coral, everything else on the device will stay the same. The handset will still come with the Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The camera of the new colored-Galaxy S8 will still be 12-megapixel on the back and the super AMOLED quad HD 5.5-inch display up front. Lastly, the smartphone will still be IP68 water and dust resistant. So, if you are planning to get this new model, you don't need to worry about major changes. As of the price of the blue coral Samsung Galaxy S8, there's no indication of its price being any different from the previous models that are available on the market nowadays. However, consumers should expect the Blue Coral Galaxy S7 Edge to start at around $700 for the unlocked version. Price should vary depending on where it's being sold, it is just the approximate. The Blue Coral Galaxy S7 Edge is now available in some countries around the world. Consumers in the U.S. should expect it to be available "by the end of the year," according to 9To5Google. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is the next-gen model from the Samsung Note series. It's the successor to the Note 7 which has been made popular by its explosion controversy and total recall. While the Note brand may have been forever stained by the said controversy, many Note fans are still anticipating the Galaxy Note 8's arrival. Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Rumors Samsung is yet to confirm the specs and features of the Galaxy Note 8. But as per an IBTimes report, Samsung's next Note phablet could have an improved S Pen. In fact, rumor has it that the next Samsung stylus will sport speakers of its own, allowing users to maximize the use of the S Pen. Furthermore, the Galaxy Note 8 could also get a boost in the camera department. Aside from the anticipated increase in megapixel count, the Galaxy Note 8 camera is also allegedly getting improved touchscreen gestures. As per a Yahoo report, Samsung might add some zooming-related features to the Galaxy Note 8. Needless to say, these are still rumors as Samsung hasn't confirmed any of this yet. Luckily though, the company has already confirmed that the Galaxy Note 8 is indeed arriving next year, debunking the rumors that say the Note series will be permanently phased out. Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Release Date Samsung has not revealed a release date for the Galaxy Note 8 yet, but thanks to their recently announced upgrade program, the company has subtly confirmed the imminent arrival of the Note 7 successor. As per Samsung's recent announcement for their South Korean market, those who got an S7 or an S7 Edge as a replacement for their recalled Note 7 are all eligible for a big discount in buying either the Galaxy S8 or the Galaxy Note 8. However, since the company didn't exactly say when the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy Note 8 are getting released, fans can just stick to the Samsung's traditional release dates. The company normally releases the Galaxy S phones during February or March. The Galaxy Note phablet on the other hand, normally gets released around August. Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Expectations While most of the rumored features of the Galaxy Note 8 are great additions to the phablet, there are still some things that the Note 8 could come with to make its buyers extra happy. First and foremost, it would be very nice if the Galaxy Note 8 could undergo hundreds or thousands of tests to ensure its level of safety. Also, it would be great if the phablet would come with a removable battery. Not only would this minimize the battery related explosion, removable batteries are always more convenient than non-removable ones. On top of these, a dual camera system would also be a happy addition to the Note phablet. Nevertheless, Samsung is still way too mum about the Galaxy Note 8. It's probably because the device is still far from polished or the company is simply more focused on the Galaxy S8. The S8 will be released sooner than the Note 8, so it would probably be the one to make headlines in the coming days. Nonetheless, the confirmation that the Galaxy Note 8 is coming is enough news for all the Note fans across the globe. Whether it would sport all the latest features or not, it doesn't really matter. What's important is that Samsung doesn't remove the well-loved phablet with stylus from the market. Worried about China's progress in the chip industry, the White House has created the Semiconductor Working Group with the aim to encourage homegrown chip development. U.S. Warns China To Play Fair Nations are competing to build the world's fastest supercomputers and at the center of that race are homegrown chips. Supercomputers can help with scientific simulations, weapons development, scenarios critical to national security and economic projections. Advanced semiconductors are also of crucial importance for the development of satellites, drones, robots and self-driving cars. Most consumer electronics have also semiconductors as their building blocks. According to PC World, the battle between China and the U.S. government is now stepping up in the market for semiconductors. The U.S. claims that China is indulging in unfair trade practices and rigging the semiconductor market in its favor. During a Wednesday event organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Penny Pritzker, U.S. secretary of commerce, said that this unprecedented state-driven interference in the chip industry can undermine the innovation ecosystem and distort the market. According to U.S.' claims, the Chinese government is hurting global competition by using its own resources to artificially reduce chip prices. The U.S. government called on China to play in accordance with "global trading rules," with free and fair trade and healthy competition. According to the American point, state investments can bring distortion on global markets. The U.S.' Push For Homegrown Chip Development In order to maintain leadership in the semiconductors industry, the U.S. government needs to take its own strategic measures. But in a free market economy, the U.S. government is just an enabler for innovation and competiveness in the chip market and not a "driver" like the Chinese government. The U.S. needs tax reform, strong trade policies, and high-skilled immigration reform, according to John Neuffer, president and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association. To meet the challenges from China, the U.S. should also increase its support on research in universities, added Ted Dean, assistant secretary of commerce, industry, and analysis at the U.S. Department of Commerce. A new U.S. government working group has been created with the aim to encourage domestic companies to resist the urge to buy inexpensive Chinese semiconductors and use homegrown chip technology instead. According to Computerworld, the White House has established this week the Semiconductor Working Group, a private-public advisory organization that will create research and policy guidelines for semiconductor development. The ultimate goal of this governmental initiative is to retain American leadership in semiconductor technology. According to the White House's official blog, John Holdren, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy considers that the U.S. economy and even the national security can be significantly affected by an eventual loss of leadership in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing. Holdren is also critical on the policy of some countries that dump inferior chip technology on U.S. companies, while subsidizing their domestic chip development. As a means to ensure the continuation of American leadership in the semiconductors industry, the working group is encouraging the development of new types of computers. Among them are neural chips mimicking the functionality of the human brain, as well as quantum computers that could eventually replace today's chips and PCs. The SpaceX Falcon 9 explosion happened two months ago, and questions still remain unanswered. SpaceX hopes to wrap up the investigation soon as it hopes to resume flights this November. People still ask for the SpaceX explosion reason, and was Elon Musk responsible for it? Much of that speculation is hinged on Elon Musk proposing that the rockets be fueled while the astronauts are onboard. This has major safety concerns and have people worried about it. An accident such as what happened last September 1 could be disastrous especially if people are nearby while the rocket is being fueled. "This is a hazardous operation," said Thomas Stafford, a former astronaut and chairman of the International Space Station Advisory Committee. The committee is said to be apprehensive about this move since it has so many risks involved. Fueling the rockets were done before anyone is onboard. This has been the experience of those who have been in previous manned NASA missions such as Gemini and Apollo, as the Daily Mail reports. This has been the assessment of Stafford as well, who said that nobody was near the rockets while they are being fueled. NASA and SpaceX is still having a dialogue on how launches would be handled, according to Fox News. NASA spokesperson Stephanie Schierholz has confirmed this. NASA has also said in a statement that spacecraft to see if they meet technical requirements before they can have crew onboard. NASA will also review SpaceX's proposal to have rockets fueled while crew is onboard. Along with this review NASA will also add into it the result of the investigation regarding the September 1 explosion. The manned SpaceX missions are being planned together with NASA. The manned missions are being planned to identify potential hazards that might be encountered during its operation. While that is being done, people continue to wonder about the SpaceX explosion reason, and was Elon Musk responsible for it in some way. That remains to be seen, as the investigation on SpaceX will end soon. Phil Schiller, Apple's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, talked about the recent Apple event and the criticisms regarding the changes on the new MacBook Pro. During an interview, Schiller acknowledged that there are a lot of "passionate dialogue and debate" about the new device. He admitted that the backlash caught him by surprise but he believes the negativity surrounding the changes is not shared by all. Touch Bar The new MacBook Pro laptops no longer have the traditional function keys. In its place is the Touch Bar, a strip of touch-sensitive screen. When asked why a Touch Bar, Schiller explained that the company does not want veer from changing the look of the laptop. "Others are trying to turn the notebook into the tablet," Schiller stressed. "The team came up with this idea that you can create a multi-touch surface that's coplanar with the keyboard and the trackpad." 3.5mm Headphone Jack Schiller explained that retaining the 3.5mm headphone jack in the MacBook Pro is necessary even if it is no longer on the iPhone. "Many users have setups with studio monitors, amps, and other pro audio gear that do not have wireless solutions." SD Card Slot Another change that had many up in arms is the disappearance of the SD card slot. Schiller insisted that "there are very fine and fast USB card readers, and then you can use CompactFlash as well as SD". He added that "it's a cumbersome slot". The company is also anticipating the emergence of wireless transfer among cameras. According to the company, its decision to do away with some features has not affected the demand for the new laptops. "We are proud to tell you that so far our online store has had more orders for the new MacBook Pro than any other Pro notebook before," Schiller explained. Tech Crunch also quoted Schiller saying that "there certainly are a lot of people as excited as we are about it." Manga and anime have been very much a part of Japan's culture. It has influence that goes beyond Japan. This popularity is now being used to promote awareness, as the first Japanese rocket with manga art images has been launched. The Japanese rocket is the H-IIA which is carrying with it a weather satellite. The weather satellite is the Himawari-9. Liftoff has been made from the Tanegashima Space Center at 6:20 a.m. GMT. The H-IIA is one of the rockets that has been created by Japan. Manga artwork has been made by Chuya Toyama and has been done to create awareness among kids about space. This is especially for those who aspire to be astronauts in the future. The images were done by making a collage of 30,000 photographs of kids in Japan, according to Digital Trends. The project has been done by the Young Astronauts Club Japan, which has been made to raise awareness and encourage space travel among kids. On one of the images, the art depicts kids jumping around. The two art images measure about three meters tall, as Phys Org reports. Japan is one of the few countries that has a massive space program. There is much interest in space recently, as private companies are gearing to join into a frontier that might prove to be lucrative. So far those who have gone into space are mostly trained to be astronauts, though NASA has sent people with other professions into space as well. Japan's effort to create more awareness among children might, later on, make space an even more crowded place. This is the goal of the Young Astronauts Club Japan, as told by Hirokazu Kosada. He said that the aim of adding the manga art to the rocket is to make children more interested in it. He also said that it is possibly the first time that manga art has been launched into space. As the race into space heats up, the first Japanese rocket with manga art images has been launched. Awareness of the Japanese space program among kids would ensure that its future would continue. Blue Origin has also been reported earlier to be ready for flights by 2017. The Apple iOS 10 was released a couple of months ago and was met with much anticipation. Since then many have been impressed but a few issues have surfaced. Here is a compilation of some of the common problems of the iOS 10 and their possible solutions: Battery Life The battery life of iOS 10 devices is poor, to say the least. The iOS 10.0.2 update didn't do anything to address this problem. While waiting for an iOS that will not drain the battery easily, users can do this technique: Turn off background app and refresh by going to Settings > General > Background and toggle on App Refresh. Check the list for apps you can turn off. Turn WiFi off when outside to prevent the device from using power to look for a connection. When at home or work, connect to WiFi instead of using cellular. iPad's Split View There have been cases that the Split View feature of iPad does not work. To solve this: Check if you're using the Safari browser. Understand that the Split View feature only works on iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, and iPad Mini 4. Restart your iPad. Maps Transit The Maps Transit allows the user to know the schedule of bus and subway routes. If the widget does not work, the user should: Go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Speech and toggle the Speak Screen option. Raise to Wake This feature 'wakes up' the screen when the user picks up the phone. If this doesn't work: Hyundai, one of the most competitive brands in the auto industry is not about to be left behind by other car makers as it didn't came to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show 2016 unprepared. During the event, the car manufacturer introduced the 2017 Hyundai Tucson, which is ready to cross over to the dark side with its limited night edition. Hyundai Joins The Bandwagon Over the years, automakers like GMC and Jeep as well as Mercedes-Benz have introduced night edition models. This year, Hyundai has decided it is time for them to do the same and the 2017 Hyundai Tucson has been selected to cross over to the dark side as its limited night edition was introduced in the Special Equipment Market Association (SEMA) 2016. The 2017 Tucson Night Edition Specs CNET reported that the 2017 Tucson Limited Night Edition comes with a Front-wheel Drive (FWD) 195-lb-ft I4 engine with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, capable of 175 horsepower. It features an exterior with panoramic sunroof, side mirrors with gloss-black covers and a set of matte black 19-inch set of RAYS wheels, complete with black lug nuts. The interior is defined by a perforated steering wheel wrapped in leather, sport pedals in aluminum and LED map lights available both at the rear and the front of the car. Colors And Price Range Consumers can choose between gray, black pearl, white and Caribbean blue as they are the only night compatible colors according to Car and Driver. As for the price, CNET reported that there haven't been any announcements yet but the assumption that it will be close to $29,775 is a safe one given the fact that the Hyundai Tucson sport is at $25,990. The Light Or The Dark Side Whether or not the consumers should go for the Limited Night Edition of the 2017 Tucson or not, just like in all things, the choice is completely up to them. Of course, there are also other options that can be considered such as those introduced by GMC, Jeep or Mercedes-Benz. (Xinhua) 20:03, November 03, 2016 BISHKEK, Nov. 3 -- China stands ready to make joint efforts with other members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to boost regional trade and facilitate investment, Chinese Premier Li Keqiangsaid here Thursday. Speaking at the 15th SCO prime ministers' meeting, he suggested that SCO members enhance cooperation in such fields as customs, inspection and quarantine, as well as certification and accreditation. He called for more efforts to promote the coordination and alignment of economic development strategies of SCO members, citing the growing synergy between the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) as an example. The Belt and Road Initiative comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and aspires to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes. The EEU groups Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. On boosting trade, Li said China is open to the initiative of establishing an SCO free trade zone and is willing to conduct relevant feasibility studies, so as to work towards a more comprehensive, closer and more efficient regional economic cooperation framework. Li arrived in Bishkek on Wednesday for an official visit to the Central Asian country and the SCO meeting. Established in 2001, the SCO is a regional political, economic and security organization that groups China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as full members. India and Pakistansigned the SCO's Memorandum of Obligations in June, kick-starting the process of their accession into the group, which also has a number of observers and dialogue partners. Kyrgyzstan is the first leg of Li's ongoing eight-day four-country tour, which will also take him to Kazakhstan, Latvia and Russia. Webtoons are now commonly sourced as Korean drama plots. Recently, MBC expressed their interest to pick up "Cat and Dog," a rom-com series about a girl who had an arranged marriage with a K-pop idol due to an agreement by their grandparents. It would not be surprising if "Imitation" would be the next to be adapted into a drama series or movie. Aside from the fact that it follows the lives of K-pop idols, here are reasons why you should read this webtoon: Plot Concept "Imitation" written by Park Kyung Ran features Maha Lee, a member of a girl group named Tea Party which debuted from a small company. She had her minutes of fame after she copied a famous idol, La Lima. Ryoc, the leader of one of the most popular boybands SHAX, hated her because of it. One incident led to another and he made Maha cry after insulting her using an adlib while filming a drama. It turns out, Maha is actually a timid girl who barely speaks and her copying La Lima was due to her manager's request. Ryoc couldn't forget her after seeing her crying face and decided to ask for forgiveness. His hate eventually turns to love as he gets to know the real Maha Lee. Maha Lee And Tea Party From the plot summary above, many may picture Maha Lee as a damsel-in-distress type of girl, but it's not the case. Despite her innocence and longing for love (she was not given attention at their patriarchal home just because she is a girl, to the point her parents don't even know she's an idol), she is quite tenacious. She lands a role in the drama because of her photographic memory; she can memorize scripts after reading them once. And it's endearing how she gives her all in reality shows without minding her image while rolling in the mud. She is so cute Ryoc would rather put her in his pocket. Other members of Tea Party also have their strengths. Ria has very good vocals that she can be a solo artist while Hyun Ji is very pretty and good in socializing. It is good how the webtoon also shows the inner thoughts of the characters, like when Hyun Ji is having bad thoughts about Maha. It makes them look more like real persons. Ryoc Won And SHAX Who knew Ryoc's cold heart would melt because of Maha? He is a very cool and unsociable character but it's so funny how he turns to a child when Maha is involved. He gets easily jealous, especially when Tea Party finally gets famous and many guys are approaching her. I agree to this casting idea, BIGBANG's TOP is definitely fit for the role. I like it how SHAX is very similar to some famous K-pop boy bands today. Their maknae Hyuk (he is so short and his features are similar to a girl's) is a real trouble maker to his hyungs. Other Characters The characters are well thought out that there are no annoying ones. Idol dramas just like "Minami Shinaeyo" also known as "He's Beautiful" has Yoo He Yi who always bullies Go Mi Nam/Go Mi Nyu. In "Imitation," La Lima was annoyed at first but became Maha's friend and older sister figure after she discovered her personality. Yujin of Sparkling was pursuing Maha from the start. He was a little childish but his character developed to be mature. There are new characters introduced in the second season who would likely be the villains, and it's exciting to see how their characters will turn out. How do I say it, the series is light-hearted, fun to read yet it is moving (I teared up several times). You will like it especially if you are a K-pop fan as their story is very much similar to your favorite K-pop idols. Currently, "Imitation" is in its second season. You can read this webtoon on Spottoon. WikiLeaks leader Julian Assange ruled out Russia as their sources of the Democrats hacked emails that the radical transparency organization has leaked in the last months, ensuring that there wasn't any state actor involved in its actions. This statement came weeks after the U.S. claimed that Russia was WikiLeaks' source in Hillary Clintons campaign chairman John Podesta dumps. WikiLeaks' Real Sources Are John Podesta And His Correspondents Both the government and the Democratic Party have blamed Kremlin and the non-profit organization of wanting to interfere with the presidential elections. However, Julian Assange explained that far from wanting to do this, the mission is to reveal any single document regarding the election, so voters could know the truth. According to the Daily Mail, Assange explained to a Russian state media that WikiLeaks source is John Podesta and his correspondents, and that the organization has an immaculate record in the accurate authentication of leaked documents. The leader gave the interview in the Ecuadorean embassy, where he has been residing under asylum since 2012. "WikiLeaks' sources for the Podesta emails currently being published are not state parties. We have independently authenticated the emails. WikiLeaks has a decade-long, perfect record in the accurate authentication of leaked documents. The original sources of the Podesta emails are Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta and his correspondents," Assange told. Strong Statements Against Clinton According to the International Business Times, in addition to ruling out the Kremlin as Wikileaks source, Assange also made some strong statements against the Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, in which he explained that she has been eaten alive by her ambitions. "Hillary Clinton is just one person. I actually feel quite sorry for Hillary Clinton as a person, because I see someone who is eaten alive by their ambitions, tormented literally to the point where they become sick - for example faint - as a result of going on, and going with their ambitions. But she represents a whole network of people and a whole network of relationships with particular states." The non-profit organization leader has previously promised that he will release every single document related to the elections before November 8. Although he said whos not Wikileaks source, it is a suspicious coincidence that the leaks are only making damage to Clinton, and that Vladimir Putin has openly shown his support to the Republican candidate Donald Trump. Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang and Russian Deputy Prime Minster Dmitry Rogozin met here Wednesday on bilateral cooperation, and both sides vowed to continue making joint efforts to promote China-Russia relations. At the 20th meeting of the Joint Commission for the Regular Prime Ministers' Meetings of China and Russia, Wang said Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin four times this year, reaching broad consensus on deepening the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination under new circumstances, which has served as the guideline for bilateral cooperation. This meeting, Wang said, was aimed at carrying out the consensus, summarizing the achievements made by the joint commission this year, and preparing for the upcoming 21st Regular Prime Ministers' Meeting between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Russia's second-largest city of St. Petersburg. As this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the joint commission, said Wang, the commission has contributed to the progressive development of all-round cooperation between China and Russia, which have built up mutual trust in all sincerity based on mutual benefits. Meanwhile, Wang called for more joint efforts to consolidate the favorable trend in bilateral trade and further tap the potential in this regard in order to boost cooperation in strategic projects. Rogozin, for his part, said that it is Russia's consistent foreign policy priority to further promote its partnership with China, as the two sides have supported each other in areas of core interests such as sovereignty, territory and security. With a host of agreements clinched at the meeting in the fields of industry, nuclear energy, aviation and outer space, agriculture, finance, environmental protection as well as cross-border transport, Rogozin urged the joint commission to play a stronger role in advancing relevant cooperation. Town sued over denied water service The town council met in executive session last week to discuss its defense after a lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court by a Jamestown homeowner who was denied permission... Scout earns Eagle rank with boardwalk work A local Boy Scout is the latest member of Troop 1 Jamestown to lead an environmental project at a wildlife sanctuary in his mission to attain the Eagle rank. Alex... State: Steer clear while deer breeding As deer begin mating during the rut, public safety officials are urging drivers to be cautious on the roads because herds tend to move around more frequently during this time.... China and Malaysia said bilateral relations are currently at its highest level and will continue to be strengthened, according to a joint press statement released on Thursday. The two sides reiterated their commitment to enhance cooperation in various areas including seaports, air transport, railway, trade, law enforcement and defence, according to the press statement. The two sides agreed to promote cooperation between seaports in Malaysia and China and support the development of China-Malaysia Port Alliance to realize the vision of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Stressing the importance of the ongoing cooperation on Malaysia's South Double Track Railway, China and Malaysia welcomed the proposed East Coast Rail Line project in Malaysia, the press statement said. Based on China's statistics, the total volume of bilateral trade was registered at USD54.28 billion for the first eight months of this year. China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner since 2009 while Malaysia has been China's largest trading partner among ASEAN countries since 2008. China and Malaysia discussed the prospect of strengthening imports of Chinese commodities. Malaysia is ready to increase palm oil export to China and increase its market share there, the press statement said. Speaking positively of the two countries' cooperation in combating telecommunication crime, chasing fugitives overseas and counter-terrorism,China and Malaysia agreed to further strengthen law enforcement and counter-terrorism cooperation, it said. The two sides also attached importance to expanding defense ties and welcomed the signing of the agreement on joint development and construction of the littoral mission ship for the Malaysian navy, it said. Both sides emphasized the need for all sovereign states concerned to resolve their differences by peaceful means, through friendly consultations and negotiations, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, it said. It said both sides further emphasized the need for all parties to exercise self-restraint in the South China Sea. Both sides recognized that the involvement of parties not directly concerned could be counter-productive. Both sides, together with the ASEAN Member States, would work hard to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety, as well as pushing forward consultations to ensure the early establishment of a "Code of Conduct" in the South China Sea on the basis of consensus, it said. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Anakhanum Hidayatova Trend: Azerbaijan and the UK will discuss energy cooperation during UK Prime Ministers Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan Baroness Nicholsons visit to Azerbaijan November 28December 1, the UK embassy in Baku told Trend November 3. According to the message, the Baroness will bring an Oil and Gas Trade Mission to Baku and the possibility of developing partnership between Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR and BP, enhancing oil and gas cooperation, which is part of the UK-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Commissions ongoing joint trade activities, will be discussed as part of the visit. During the visit, Baroness Nicholson is hoping to meet with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and hold meetings with the countrys ministers and senior officials, the message said. According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the UK amounted to 418.06 million manats in January-August 2016, which is 1.5 times more than in the same period of 2015. After years of litigation, Hulk Hogan and Gawker Media have finally arrived at a settlement in the invasion privacy lawsuit that Hogan filed. The "Hulk" whose real name is Terry Bollea, had complained that Gawker published a sex tape starring Bollea and the wife of a former friend. A jury in Florida has decided against Gawker Media last March and awarded $140 million to Hogan which decision forced Gawker to declare bankruptcy, sending its assets to a court-supervised auction. In a New York bankruptcy court settlement, Hogan was awarded $31 million in addition to a portion of the Gawker auction sale. 3 stories, including the one featuring Bollea, will be removed from the internet and Gawker Media will no longer appeal the March judgment. Nick Denton, the founder of Gawker, finally relieved by the decision, blogged: " the saga is over", but what he resented much was the removal of the stories. Court litigations are difficult to go through but in the case of Hogan, he was financed by Peter Thiel, a billionaire from Silicon Valley. Thiel, who was touted as gay by Gawker in 2007, has also financed other lawsuits against Gawker and has promised to continue doing so. Denton explained that he expected that the appeals court would reduce the judgment against him, Gawker Media, and the writer who made the articles and expected favorable decision on the 2 other suits filed by Thiel's lawyer, Charles Harder. Denton was enticed to settle since a protracted legal battle would be costly, entail too much time and affect many people. The legal protagonists seem to agree with him, finally agreeing on the terms of the settlement and wrapping up the lawsuit involving a famous personality like Hulk Hogan. The case was really about the freedom of expression guaranteed to persons by the constitution running against the right to privacy which is equally an important aspect of democracy. A small British town of Edenbridge creates a 360-foot high cartoonish statue of Donald Trump, only to burn it to ashes. This wacky tradition is being organized by the Edenbridge Bonfire Society. The viral frenzy of a much anticipated US election has spilled overseas, and UK participates in their unique manner. According to USA Today, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were chosen as icons due to their global popularity in 2016. Since its establishment in 1928, this small British town has been burning annual global icons every November. Last year, they have chosen FIFA President Sepp Blatter. As described by Truth Revolt, the 36-foot steel-framed and wood-covered effigy depicts the Republican nominee in comically mismatched wardrobe. He wears a blue jacket with an American flag necktie and a pair of boxer shorts adorned with a pattern identical stereotype male Mexican cartoon faces. In light of the cutthroat US presidential election, the Donald Trump statue is seen holding the disembodied head of Democratic rival Hillary Clinton on one hand, while waving his index finger to the public with the other. The creators in the local British town emulate the infamous passion of Donald Trump during his many public speeches. The town of Edenbridge began their earliest bonfire custom in honor of a famous national anarchist named Guy Fawkes. This historical figure is known for the infamous but failed Gunpowder Treason Plot - an attempt to bomb the Parliament in 1605 during the reign of King James I. Curiously, the conclusion of the US election falls exactly on November 5, 2016. It is the same precise date that the Guy Fawkes Night is being celebrated annually in most cities and towns United Kingdom. Hillary Clinton's cartoonish decapitation would aptly describe the feelings of Donald Trump fans, especially in light of her favorable outcome prognosis. Chobani Founder Hamdi Ulukaya, a Turkish immigrant, has helped refugees and immigrants in these trying times. Because of this, Ulukaya is receiving threats, and his company is receiving boycott calls. The New York Times reports that Ulukaya had stepped up his advocacy, employing more than 300 refugees in his factories and starting a foundation to help migrants. He even traveled to the Greek island of Lesbos to see for himself the crisis firsthand. But because of his good deeds, Ulukaya, and his company has become a target for racial attacks in social media and conspiratorial articles. Chobani is also receiving boycott calls. "What's happening with Chobani is one more flashpoint in this battle between the voices of xenophobia and the voices advocating a rational immigration policy," said Cecillia Wang, director of the Immigrants' Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union. Online hate speech has been rising as supporters of Donald Trump show their increasing nationalism. Prior to Ulukaya's talk at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Chobani's work with refugees were hardly noticed. He said in his talk that corporations needed to do more to assist the refugees, which the high-minded rhetoric received well. Cisco, IBM and Salesforce and more companies have already joined in pledging to provide assistance to the refugees. Chobani has pledged to help other companies learn how they can integrate refugees into the workforce. CBC Radio reports that Shawn Barigar, the Mayor of Twin Falls, Idaho, has faced backlash as well for his support to Chobani. He said that he has received threatening voicemails, emails and death threats. Barigar said that the threats and concerns "stem from a case where a young girl was sexually assaulted. Other juveniles were involved in the case who are from refugee families." Barigar adds that they treat this case the same way they treat other similar cases. He also said that the hate reaction could also be attributed to the number of articles that news agency Breitbart has been publishing. Despite the threats and the boycott calls, Mr. Ulakaya is undeterred. Last September he had a roundtable discussion with President Barack Obama and business leaders on how corporations can do more to help the refugees. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 Trend: Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 18 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, said Azerbaijans Defense Ministry Nov. 3. Armenian army was using 60-millimeter mortars, grenade launchers and large-caliber machine guns. The Azerbaijani army positions located in the Bala Jafarli village of Azerbaijans Gazakh district underwent fire from the Armenian army positions located in the Vazashen village of the Ijevan district of Armenia. Meanwhile, positions of the Azerbaijani army located in the Alibayli village of Azerbaijans Tovuz district were also shelled from the Armenian army positions located on nameless heights of Armenias Berd district. The Azerbaijani army positions also underwent fire from the Armenian positions located near the Armenian-occupied Horadiz, Gorgan villages of the Fuzuli district, Mehdili village of the Jabrayil district, as well as from the positions located on nameless heights of the Tartar, Khojavand, Fuzuli 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. Soon after the catastrophic incident of Samsung Note 7, rumors of Samsung's newest flagship phone raved the internet. Obviously, Samsung Galaxy S8 has something to be talked about; The smartphone is supposed to be a bezel-trimmed and accessorized by Samsung's new voice assistant, "Bixby". The Samsung Galaxy S8 will be expected to receive a major overhauled design, it will be the most exciting leading smartphone in the market. Unquestionably, the Korean company will be left behind with the latest non-home button design. More smartphone manufacturers led by Xiaomi already abandoned this feature and promoting a more sleek, bezel-less design. Meanwhile, Apple has also announced a full-body ration phone in its next phone released. The companies opt for functionality, giving a more practical gadget to the users. Techradar reports, a 5.2-inch 2160 x 4096 possible screen-size for Samsung Galaxy S8. Also, curved screen will be an addition to the upcoming model edgy design. Samsung Mobile President Dong-jin Koh said: "Samsung has considered that it would make the edge display the identity of the Galaxy S smartphone lineup." A prediction of two cellphone version is also given by Trusted Reviews, a 5.1 inch and 5.5-inch version could be the possible sizes. Though, more reports surface that immerse use of VR device could derail that. The screen size should offer a visible experience for the users to be able to use the device out most. On the other hand, one more new additional feature creates buzz for Samsung Galaxy S8, it is the incorporation of Samsung's new voice assistant, 'Bixby'. IB Times supported this, they reported that Samsung filed exclusivity for the word. Th filing speculation that the AI assistant will similarly be Apple's 'Siri'. Accordingly, other upgrades include: A dual-lens camera A 30MP rear camera An 8MP front-facing snapper A 4200mAh battery A 3GHz Exynos 8895 processor in some regions A 3.2GHz octa-core Snapdragon 830 chip in the US 6GB of RAM An iris scanner The Viv AI assistant A fingerprint scanner in the screen A mini projector Source: Tech Radar In conclusion, Samsung Galaxy S8 could really be a saving grace to Samsung Note 7 disaster. If the company will push through with the designs, this would a monster smartphone that will eat all its competition. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 Trend: Azerbaijans president, as well as the foreign ministry and other agencies of Azerbaijan constantly keep in focus the issue of releasing Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev, taken hostage by Armenians, said Hikmat Hajiyev, spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. This issue is constantly being discussed with co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and other participants of the negotiations, he told Trend November 3. According to the information obtained from various sources, Asgarov and Guliyev are alive and feel well. Hajiyev added Armenias still holding civilians as hostages, showing such inhumanity, is another example of Yerevans gross violation of international humanitarian legal commitments undertaken under the relevant conventions. Instead of contributing to settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenia imposes negative impact on the negotiations by such provocative actions, Hajiyev added. During an operation in July 2014 in Shaplar village of Azerbaijani Kalbajar district occupied by Armenia, the Armenian special forces killed an Azerbaijani, Hasan Hasanov, and took hostage two other Azerbaijanis, Shahbaz Guliyev and Dilgam Asgarov. A "criminal case" was initiated against them. Afterwards, a "court" sentenced Asgarov to life imprisonment and Guliyev to 22 years in prison. 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. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Anakhanum Hidayatova Trend: An entrepreneurial delegation from Italy, including representatives of Italy's main sectors of business, is to pay a visit to Azerbaijan, Italian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Giampaolo Cutillo told Trend. The entrepreneurs will accompany the Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni who will come to Baku for an official visit November 7-8. The ambassador reminded that the last session of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation took place in Rome June 13, 2016. The diplomat added that the Italian foreign minister will have an intense program of high level meetings with the government of Azerbaijan. A wide range of bilateral and international issues, also in view of Italy's OSCE Presidency in 2018, as well as the incoming G7 Chairmanship (2017) and membership in the UN Security Council (2017), are to be discussed at the meetings. According to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee, trade turnover between Italy and Azerbaijan amounted to $1.444 billion as of January-September 2016. --- Follow the authors on Twitter: @Anahanum, @E_Kosolapova Allison, Mitchell named to N.C. Banking Hall of Fame Two longtime Winston-Salem financial-services executives John Allison IV and Nick Mitchell Jr. were inducted into the N.C. Banking Hall of Fame on Monday. There are now 34 inductees. Allison served as the chairman and chief executive of BB&T Corp. from 1989 to his retirement as chief executive at the end of 2008 and as chairman at the end of 2009. During his tenure, BB&Ts total assets soared from $4.5 billion to $152 billion. Allison was named to the N.C. Business Hall of Fame in 2009. Mitchell served as the chairman, president and chief executive of Piedmont Federal Savings Bank. He retired as president and chief executive in 2009 after 28 years. He also served as chairman of the N.C. Bankers Association. Mitchell died Nov. 14, 2015. The other inductees were Hugh McColl Jr., the former chairman and chief executive of Bank of America Corp., and Thad Woodard, the retired president and chief executive of the bankers association. Richard Craver Reynolds loses appeal in Florida smoking case A Florida appeals court on Thursday upheld an Engle progeny jury verdict against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., with the manufacturer facing $40 million in compensatory and punitive damages, plus interest and fees. In May 2010, a Florida jury awarded Connie Buonomo, the widow of a Hollywood, Fla., man who died at age 80 from of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 2008, a total of $4.1 million in compensatory damages and $25 million in punitive damages. The compensatory award was lowered to $3.18 million because Matthew Buonomo was determined to be 22.5 percent responsible for his illness and death. Buonomos attorney said he started smoking at age 13 and became addicted by age 18. Reynolds declined to comment on the ruling Engle progeny lawsuits sprang from a decision in 2006 by the Florida Supreme Court that decertified a $145 billion class-action lawsuit initially filed by Howard Engle. That ruling limits former class members to filing individual lawsuits stating that cigarettes caused their respective illnesses. Richard Craver Qorvo reports sharp rise in second-quarter profit Qorvo, a Greensboro chip manufacturer, reported Thursday having $11.8 million in net income for its second quarter of fiscal 2017, which ended Oct. 1, up from $4.5 million a year ago. Diluted earnings were 9 cents a share, up 6 cents. Adjusted earnings were $1.29 a share, up 21 cents. The main factors in the adjusted earnings were $119.6 million linked to the amortization of intangible assets, along with $26 million in stock-based compensation expense and nearly $9 million in acquisition and integration costs. Revenue was at $864.7 million, up 22.1 percent. The company projects third-quarter revenue in a range of $800 million to $840 million, and diluted earnings in a range of $1.15 to $1.35. The companys board of directors has authorized spending up to $500 million on a share-repurchase program. The program includes $159 million remaining on the previous program that expires Friday. Richard Craver Wells Fargo & Co. confirmed Thursday that the Securities and Exchange Commission has launched an investigation into its fraudulent customer account practices. The SEC joins federal, state and local government agencies, including the U.S. Justice Department, several state attorneys general offices, and two congressional committees, in conducting formal or informal inquiries into the scandal since it was disclosed publicly Sept. 8. The banks confirmation came in a quarterly regulatory filing Thursday. It is the latest update on a scandal that boiled over with the news that Wells Fargo had agreed to pay a combined $185 million in fines to resolve regulatory complaints about at least 2.1 million fraudulent customer accounts. Wells Fargo also said in the filing it has raised, from $1 billion to $1.7 billion, the amount of money it may need to reserve for potential litigation costs. The scandal led John Stumpf, the banks chairman and chief executive, to enter retirement on Oct. 12. The company has responded, and continues to respond, to requests from a number of the foregoing seeking information regarding these sales practices and the circumstances of the settlements and related matters, the bank said. A number of lawsuits have also been filed by non-governmental parties seeking damages or other remedies related to these sales practices. Analysts say the shadow over the bank will not go away until it discloses more information about the depth of the scandal, and what management and its board of directors knew about it and when they were told. On Oct. 14, new chief executive Timothy Sloan told analysts that the board may not make public the findings of its internal investigation. I do not know the answer to that, the board will decide that, Sloan said. On Thursday, at an industry event in Boston, Sloan told analysts that I dont want there to be a question about how we interact with customers at Wells Fargo. Were going to put that to rest. That (internal review) is going to be done in a very comprehensive way, and its going to be done relatively quickly, and its going to be done right. The bank said that when establishing a liability for contingent litigation losses, the company determines a range of potential losses for each matter that is both probable and estimable. The $1.7 billion figure is considered on the high end of possible losses. Wells Fargo said currently it believes that the eventual outcome of other actions against Wells Fargo and/or its subsidiaries will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on Wells Fargos consolidated financial condition. However, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of a matter, if unfavorable, may be material to Wells Fargos results of operations for any particular period. The bank has acknowledged that since at least Jan. 1, 2011, branch employees and managers opened more than 2.13 million unauthorized checking (1.5 million) and credit-card accounts (623,000) in customers names to meet sales targets. The bank said its internal investigation now goes back to 2009. The bank has told The Charlotte Observer it cannot rule out that 38,722 unauthorized customer accounts were established in North Carolina and 23,327 in South Carolina. Before the settlement was announced, Wells Fargo was outpacing the industry in terms of accounts per customer, with a stated goal of trying to have at least eight per household. At least 5,300 employees, mostly branch workers and their managers, have been fired in relation to their roles with the fraudulent accounts. The bank has said, including by Sloan on Thursday, that some branch workers who were wrongly fired may be rehired. Matt OConner, an analyst with Deutsche Bank, has estimated a $1 billion reduction to pre-tax earnings and $2 billion in fewer share buybacks in 2017. John Shrewsberry, Wells Fargos chief financial officer, said the bank will continue to monitor impacts from the recent sales practice settlements to our business activity levels. We are beginning to try to calculate whether there will be a trend at all related to fewer account openings and mortgage application the latter the bread and butter of Wells Fargos business. The bank reported Oct. 14 that it had a double-digit decline in the number of opened bank accounts during the third quarter as well as an overall decline in customer traffic. Tony Plath, a finance professor at UNC Charlotte, said the consumer and bond revenue impact from the scandal will begin showing up in its fourth-quarter earnings and likely last for several quarters. Wells Fargo released a statement Thursday following the regulatory filing in which it repeated steps that are being taken to restore trust with customers and all of its key shareholders. Those steps include: refunding $2.6 million to customers affected by fees associated with the fraudulent accounts; eliminated the product sales goals in retail banking on Oct. 1; established a dedicated phone number (877) 924-8697 to address customer concerns; and contact affected customers to see if they still want and use the fraudulent checking accounts and credit cards. CHAPEL HILL Speaking at UNC Wednesday afternoon, President Barack Obama called on voters to support Democrats Hillary Clinton and Deborah Ross arguing that a Clinton victory in North Carolina will mean she wins the election. Obama spoke to 16,000 people gathered in the unusual November heat at UNC-Chapel Hills Michael Hooker Fields. Musician James Taylor performed ahead of the presidents speech. Obama noted North Carolinas swing state role in this years election and urged the crowd to vote early, an option thats available through Saturday. The fate of the republic rests on your shoulders, he said. The fate of the world is teetering, and you, North Carolina, are going to have to make sure that we push it in the right direction. The president had criticism for both Republican Donald Trump and GOP Sen. Richard Burr highlighting the importance of Burrs close Senate race with Ross. Obama said he once worked out with Burr while both were senators and he found Burr to be a decent guy, but he finds the Republicans campaign rhetoric troubling. He slammed Burr for joking about a bullseye on Clinton in a leaked recording published this week. Burr has apologized for the comment. You dont talk about violence against public officials, even in a joke, Obama said. This is becoming normal. This is the red meat theyre throwing their audiences, and its not normal, and its not who North Carolina is. Obama also said Burrs promise to keep a Supreme Court seat vacant if Clinton wins is troubling. Eleven years ago, Richard Burr said a Supreme Court without nine justices would not work, he said. What changed? Only Republican presidents get to nominate judges? Is that in the Constitution? Burr later walked back his court comment in a statement to McClatchy, saying he would assess the record of any Supreme Court nominee, but that he had doubts Clinton could put up someone he would support. Obama said hes concerned that Republicans in Congress will try to block Clintons efforts if she becomes president. Gridlock is what happens when Republican politicians like Richard Burr decide ... that they will oppose anything thats good for the country because a Democrat proposes it, he said. Hillary will continue the progress weve made, but shell need allies like Deborah Ross. Burrs campaign said the presidents focus on the Senate race signals trouble for Ross, a former state lawmaker and lobbyist. Its clear by President Obamas speech that national Democrats are pressing the panic button on Deborah Ross campaign now that North Carolina voters are learning about her penchant for protecting sex offenders instead of standing up for victims and their families, Burr spokesman Jesse Hunt said after the speech. He was referring to concerns Ross expressed about the creation of the sex offender registry while leading the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union in the 1990s. Obama also had strong words for Trump, who he said is unfit to be commander-in-chief and brags about how being famous allows him to get away with sexual assault. We have to stop thinking that his behavior is normal, thats its within the bounds of our political discourse, he said. This office, its about who you are and what you are, and it doesnt change after you occupy the office. Trump, Obama said, has been getting help from Republican politicians in this state that have been trying to keep you from voting, citing the states 2013 voter ID law that was recently overturned in federal court. Many of the people attending Wednesdays rally shared the presidents view of Trump. I cant imagine how they can vote for someone who talks about women the way he does, said Anne Goode of Durham. He has no respect for anybody. I just think its a really dark time for this country. The Trump campaign issued a statement during Obamas rally quoting U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, a Republican from Cashiers. Meadows said Obama is campaigning for Clinton because he desperately needs a liberal ally to save the legacy of his Presidency, and Hillary Clinton would represent a third Obama term. The president said Clinton isnt flashy and is sometimes under-appreciated, but shes likely the most qualified candidate to run for president in the countrys history. Ross spoke at the rally shortly before Obama arrived and condemned Burrs bullseye comment. Hes got to go, Ross said. Richard Burr is not a bad guy. Hes just forgotten who he works for. He works for you. Democratic gubernatorial nominee Roy Cooper had similar criticism for his opponent, Gov. Pat McCrory. He said McCrory has turned his back on teachers and that teacher pay should be raised to at least the national average. He also called for a repeal of House Bill 2, the law limiting protections for LGBT people. Obamas visit to Chapel Hill is the latest event in a jam-packed schedule of presidential campaign rallies this week in North Carolina a sign of the states high stakes for the candidates. Polls for the crucial battleground state are tight. The RealClearPolitics average of polls showed a tie between Clinton and Trump Wednesday. If Clinton carries North Carolina, its unlikely Trump will be able to secure enough electoral votes from other states to win the election. On Friday, four days before the election, Obama will return to the state for a 2 p.m. rally at Fayetteville State Universitys Capel Arena and a 6 p.m. Charlotte rally. Vice President Joe Biden was in Charlotte on Tuesday, a day after Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine was in Sanford and Jacksonville. Clinton will be in Raleigh and Winterville today, her campaign announced Wednesday. She will speak at 3:15 p.m. at Pitt Community College and then go to Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek for a 7:45 p.m. rally that also features former primary rival Bernie Sanders and musician Pharrell Williams. Doors open at 4:45 p.m. at Walnut Creek. Trump will rally supporters at 4 p.m. today in Concord and at 7 p.m. today at The Farm in Selma. Doors open at 4 p.m. for the event at The Farm. And Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence will hold a 2 p.m. rally on Friday in Greenville. Clintons daughter, Chelsea, will be holding a series of rallies Saturday in Elizabeth City, Charlotte and Asheville. Rector of Tyumen State Oil and Gas University (TSOGU) Oleg Novoselov, Head of TSOGUs Marketing Department Valery Gut and Russian businessman, Deputy of Tyumen Oblast Duma Eduard Omarov visited Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS). Deputy Head of Environmental Department of SOCAR, professor Aflatun Gasanov also attended the meeting. Welcoming the guests, BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov dwelled on development of BHOS, achievements attained within a short period of time, teaching process and conditions created for education and training of highly qualified specialists for oil and gas industry. He informed the quests about of the BHOS growing international cooperation including partnership with leading companies and universities around the world and invited TSOGU students to visit BHOS. TSOGU Rector Oleg Novoselov expressed his gratitude for the meeting and profound interest towards building mutually beneficial cooperation relationships. He told about history of TSOGU, the university academic programs and TSOGU cooperation with Russian and foreign companies and enterprises operating in the oil and gas sector. At the meeting, Memorandum of Understanding between Baku Higher Oil School and Tyumen State Oil and Gas University was signed. The memorandum implies, among others, joint activities in various fields of education, organization of forums, conferences, scientific and research projects, and exchange of teaching and scientific materials on specific subjects. Tyumen State Oil and Gas University is one of the largest scientific and educational complexes of Russia. It offers all education levels from the general secondary, secondary professional and higher education (specialist program, bachelor's degree, Master's degree program) to postgraduate study and doctoral studies as well as the program of professional development and retraining of personnel. 911 systems back to normal AT&T has solved the hardware issue that affected 911 systems in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County and Guilford County on Wednesday afternoon. Herb Swaim, the Forsyth Countys telecommunications supervisor, said that up to eight of the countys 15 lines were not working. It was never fully down, Swaim said. We had about 800 calls where it would ring and there would be dead air on the line. As far as I know, we havent had anyone unable to get through to us. The problem, which lasted for at least 45 minutes, was resolved around 3 p.m., Winston-Salems Public Safety Communications Director Rebecca Boles said. If you are still unable to reach the Winston Salem police or fire departments via 911, call the non-emergency number, 336-773-7700. If you are unable to reach Forsyth County Emergency Services via 911, call 336-727-2222. Jenny Drabble WSSU marching band to compete in January Winston-Salem State Universitys marching band is headed to the Honda Battle of the Bands in Atlanta, Ga., in January. They are one of eight universities, which include N.C. A&T State University, to be invited to the event, which spotlights premier marching bands from Historically Black College and Universities. The eight bands were selected from 29 finalists through online voting from fans. This will be WSSUs sixth time participating in the event since 2008. We want to thank everyone who voted to send The Red Sea of Sound to the Honda Battle of the Bands, said Dr. Michael Magruder, chair of the Department of Music at WSSU. We have a great group of students this year, and couldnt be more excited that theyll get a chance to represent WSSU in Atlanta. Jenny Drabble Burned GOP office in N.C. re-opens nearby HILLSBOROUGH A local North Carolina Republican Party office that was burned when authorities say a flammable device was thrown through a window has re-opened in a new location just days before Election Day. Party leaders held an open house Wednesday at the Orange County GOP office in Hillsborough. Its a few hundred yards away from the location that investigators say was firebombed a couple of weekends ago. No one was hurt in the incident, and no arrests have been made. Leaders in both major political parties condemned the attack as a threat to democracy. The state GOP also announced that it would match Gov. Pat McCrorys $5,000 state reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the firebombing. The Associated Press Danny Wingo has worked in the jewelry industry since the age of 14. Now, at 51, hes ready to say goodbye to a big part of his business life. Maxwell Jewelers, owned by Wingo and his wife, Ellen, is shutting its doors for good after 30 years in business. While the final closing day depends on how fast his inventory sells, Wingo expects to close his store at 2828 Reynolda Road in Reynolda Manor Shopping Center in February or March. Ive been in this business a long time, Wingo said. Ive got a lot of customers and just appreciate the support that Ive had over the years. At Maxwell Jewelers, a going-out-of-business sale has started, and merchandise is currently half-off. The Wingos also own Wingos Fine Jewelry at 2503 Lewisville-Clemmons Road in Clemmons. That jewelry store will remain open. Im hoping to shut Maxwell down, then just concentrate on the one business, Wingo said. Maxwell Jewelers was founded in 1986 by Ginger and Dick Maxwell, who sold the business to the Wingos in 2006. Vicki and Tim Sellner of Lewisville have been customers since the Maxwells operated the store, and they used to live nearby. They learned of the closing while in the store Monday. I think its a real loss to the community and to this neighborhood, said Vicki Sellner. Theyve always been wonderful to work with. She said the store carries an assortment of pretty jewelry. Tim Sellner said he has always liked the reasonable prices in Maxwell Jewelers and the fact that he could simply wait for a short time in the store for items he brought in for repair. Sign of the times Wingo cited several reasons for closing Maxwell Jewelers. After 2008, business kind of really fell off, and it still hasnt gotten back to where it was pre-2008, he said. The economy has a lot to do with it. He also said that internet purchases have had an effect on small, brick-and-mortar retailers. That all contributes to the small guy being pushed out, Wingo said. When youve got a family-owned business, its just a lot tougher to handle that. He has found that people dont have the money to spend on jewelry as they did in the past. So you rely more on the repairs and the custom work and stuff like that than probably your sales, he said. The local jewelry stores he used to work for years ago are no longer in business. Wingo started out in the jewelry industry in October 1979, cleaning up at the former Towne Jewelers in downtown Winston-Salem. When you start off at 14, you do a little bit of everything, Wingo said. He would work a few hours after school just to make some extra dollars. He recalled being behind the store counter during the busy Christmas holiday season in 1979 when a man asked to see a particular Seiko ladies watch. Because all the salespeople were tied up, Wingo showed the watch to the man, who said, Ill take that. Wingo said to himself, This looks like it could be a pretty easy job. He went on to take classes, including jewelry repair and stone setting, through the Gemological Institute of America. He eventually did repairs on the bench at Towne Jewelers for several years, then worked as a manager for the former Dons Fine Jewelry in Clemmons for about 15 years. My passion is sales, and I like doing custom work, designing rings and stuff like that, Wingo said. For 1 years, he owned a pawn shop with the intention of operating it like a jewelry store. But Wingo found out that they are two totally different animals. In 2006, he contacted Dick and Ginger Maxwell about buying Maxwell Jewelers after finding out they were retiring. He and his wife opened Wingos Fine Jewelry in 2014 in the space formerly occupied by Dons. It saddens him to close Maxwell Jewelers but he said that its end is a sign of the times. Back in the day when I first got into it, birthdays and anniversaries, Christmas, Valentines Day, Mothers Day you would have the same clientele coming in buying at each time, Wingo said. Today its changing, he said. The younger generation is not into the jewelry as much as the older clientele. He said generation millennials tend to just buy for such occasions as engagements. Thats part of the reason he now plans to treat Wingos Fine Jewelry as an engagement-bridal store. You kind of have to draw your little niche, and thats what Im going to try to do concentrate more on the younger people getting engaged and that aspect of it, and be very competitive as far as that goes, Wingo said. Sandra Hughes is returning to WFMY CBS-2 after a six-year absence, helping set the stage for the impending departure of anchor Frank Mickens. Starting Monday, Hughes will join Julie Luck as co-anchor of the channels 6 p.m. weekday newscasts. Hughes, 70, retired from WFMY in 2010 after a 38-year career as a reporter and anchor, all of it spent at the station. She went on to become an adjunct professor of journalism at N.C. A&T University, had various speaking engagements and more recently was host of the N.C. A&T interview program Triad Perspectives, which aired on Time Warner Cable. She was the first African-American woman in the Piedmont to host her own talk show, Sandra & Friends, which began on WFMY in 1974. Hughes received various honors over the years, including an Edward R. Murrow award for news reporting, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and the Chuck Stone Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Black Journalists. She also was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle. Retirements pretty good, but I miss our viewers, Hughes said in a news release from WFMY. I would be honored to be welcomed back into their homes. The move comes as anchor Mickens prepares to leave the station by the end of the year, after accepting an anchor position in a major market, the station said in the news release. Where that market will be has not yet been announced, as details are still being finalized. At her retirement, Hughes handed the WFMY anchor baton to Frank Mickens, who now returns the favor, Kim Ballard, the news director, said in a statement. Mickens will continue to co-anchor the 5 and 11 p.m. newscasts with Luck until the end of the year. Station representatives said they were glad Hughes was able to help out. Sandra is one of the most recognizable, even beloved journalists here because shes everyones neighbor, said Larry Audas, president and general manager at WFMY. The admiration and affection this community has for Sandra is incredible, and its our privilege to welcome her back home. She is not sure how long her un-retirement will last. Sandra and I have agreed to see where this goes, Audas said in an email reply. If she/we find it all works well, well continue. If retirement becomes inviting again, well reassess. With fall colors finally reaching their peak, this weekend might seem like a prime time to head up to Pilot Mountain State Park. Matt Windsor, the superintendent of the park, would like you to reconsider that notion. The blend of reds, yellows and oranges cascading down the mountain is sure to create an exquisite view, but getting to that view will be a challenge, requiring a 30- to 45-minute wait in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the entrance road. Once parked, visitors will find the trails that lead to the most popular overlooks clogged with fellow leaf peepers, who will take in only a quick glimpse of the view before moving along in herded-cattle fashion. In short, Saturday and Sunday at Pilot Mountain, and to a lesser degree, Hanging Rock State Park, are going to feel a little like Black Friday at Hanes Mall, complete with car-honking. With clear skies and mild temperatures forecast for the weekend, expect another madhouse on the knob. It surprises everyone, Windsor said. About 20 miles away at Hanging Rock, larger parking lots mean the traffic flows a little better. But theres still a lot of folks clamoring to get up to the top of Hanging Rock, a craggy peak that can only hold so many people. Park ranger Jason Anthony said the past two weekends were the busiest October weekends in his 13 years on the job. And we werent even at the peak then, he said. Park employees had to direct traffic to a lot by Hanging Rock Lake after the main lot by the visitors center filled up. Were used to doing that on the busier summer holidays, Anthony said. Weve always been busy in the fall, but not busy like that. Local state park staffers are expecting weekends to stay bustling until Thanksgiving. The surge in attendance reflects a booming interest in North Carolinas state parks that started around 2008, when the economy turned sluggish, said Charlie Peek, the public information officer for North Carolina State Parks. Thats typical during economic downturns, he said, as people choose to cut costs by going camping at a nearby state park rather than spend a week at the beach. It hasnt slacked off since the recession, Peek said. Theres more excitement about getting outdoors and there are more things to do (in the parks). There used to be people who wouldnt have considered mountain biking or kayaking, but its approachable to them now. Last year, 17.3 million people visited the states 39 parks, shattering the previous record of 15.6 million set in 2015, which was 10 percent higher than the total attendance in 2013. The parks in the northern Piedmont, particularly Pilot Mountain, Hanging Rock and Lake Norman State Park in Troutman, are among the hottest areas in the entire park system because of their proximity to the Triangle and Charlotte, Peek said. In 2016, Hanging Rocks attendance was 596,819, a 24 percent increase from 2015; and Pilot Mountains attendance of 510,212 was up 35 percent from the previous year. As of late September, 547,000 people had visited Pilot Mountain, with two of its busiest months left. I dont expect to see it slow down, Windsor said of the parks overall attendance. Were close to an urban area that keeps growing. The sale of $75 million in bonds, approved by voters in March, will alleviate some of the problems brought on by surging attendance. Some of the local projects include a new visitors center at Pilot Mountain and renovations to the Vade Mecum property at Hanging Rock, giving people more things to do and places to visit within the park. As it is, folks, especially this time of year, tend to congregate at each parks signature feature. At Pilot Mountain, thats the knob and the trail that circles it, the Jomeokee Trail, which Windsor said, is a continuous stream of people, on weekends during the leaf season. At Hanging Rock, the majority of visitors hike up to the Hanging Rock or to Window Falls, leaving thousands of gorgeous acres mostly empty. How can people best avoid the congestion? For people who live in Winston-Salem, visiting one of the parks during the week might be the best option. Sunset is around 6:30 p.m. this week. If youre able to come during the week this time of the year, Id encourage it, said Anthony, noting he saw just a few cars in the main parking lot at Hanging Rock on Tuesday. If thats not possible, visitors could check out different parts of each park, such as the River Bluffs Trail at Hanging Rock, which can be reached at the Dan River access, away from the parks entrance road. Once in the park, consider a hike up to Moores Wall over Hanging Rock. Its longer and more strenuous but worth it for the solitude. At Pilot Mountain, the Yadkin River section is almost always quiet. One great way to reach that area is at Horne Creek Farm State Historic Site. Hikers who want to piece together a long walk are encouraged to park in one of the lots off the knob. A little planning will save headaches for the park staff and visitors. At Pilot Mountain, for instance, people who get stuck in traffic will have a difficult time trying to back out of the line of cars. Its a narrow one-way-in, one-way-out road on a steep grade. Its more of a last-second decision for people to come up here, Windsor said. And they are not prepared to see it as busy as we are. KABUL, Afghanistan A joint U.S.-Afghan raid Thursday against the Taliban involving NATO airstrikes left 26 civilians, three Afghan troops and two U.S. service members dead, Western and local officials said, as investigators worked to determine what went wrong. NATO and the Pentagon described the Americans killed and four other U.S. troops wounded as being part of "a train, advise and assist mission," rare combat casualties for Western forces who handed over the task of securing Afghanistan to local troops some two years ago. Afghan officials said they were still investigating the attack and its civilian casualties, some of which may have been caused by the airstrikes called in to support Afghan and U.S. troops under fire. Residents later carried over a dozen corpses of the dead, including children, toward the local governor's office in a show of rage a year after American forces attacked an area hospital. NATO declined to identify the Americans killed, pending notification of their next of kin. NATO and the Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press to further clarify the American troops' mission in the area. U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said four Americans were wounded. "Our service members were doing their part to help the Afghans secure their own country while protecting our homeland from those who would do us harm," he said in a statement. The target of the raid were two senior Taliban commanders, who were killed in the fighting along with 63 other insurgents, Kunduz police chief Gen. Qasim Jangalbagh said. He said Afghan special forces carried out the raid and that he did not have any information about NATO involvement in the assault. Jangalbagh said 26 civilians, including members of the Taliban fighters' families, were killed in the assault. Kunduz official Mohammad Yousf Ayoubi and parliament member Malim Chari both also told the AP that civilians were killed in the fighting, though they had few details. Dr. Mohammad Naim Mangal, the director of a Kunduz hospital, said his facility received the bodies of a dead man and a child and treated 30 people, including children, wounded in the fighting. NATO only said it was "aware of the allegations," while the Pentagon did not immediately respond. U.S. Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland, briefing journalists in Brussels during a teleconference, said three Afghan troops were killed in the assault. Mohammad Radmanish, a deputy spokesman at the Afghan Defense Ministry, offered the same figure. In a later statement, Cleveland said that "friendly forces received direct fire and airstrikes were conducted to defend themselves" and an investigation was underway. He earlier described the assault as "not a common event," without elaborating. A Taliban statement also said there were civilian casualties while claiming its fighters killed 16 U.S. troops. The insurgents often exaggerate their battlefield successes. Taliban fighters briefly overran the city of Kunduz, the provincial capital with the same name, in early October, a show of strength by the insurgents that also highlighted the troubles facing local Afghan forces 15 years after the U.S.-led invasion of the country. The Taliban captured and held parts of Kunduz a year earlier as well before the city was fully liberated weeks later with the help of U.S. airstrikes. Those 2015 airstrikes also saw a U.S. Air Force special operations AC-130 gunship attack a Kunduz hospital run by the medical charity Doctors Without Borders, killing 42 people. Sixteen U.S. military personnel, including a two-star general, later were disciplined for what American officials described as mistakes that led the strike. Doctors Without Borders has called the attack a war crime and demanded an independent investigation. Yet another airstrike killing civilians could stoke anger among Afghans, and the country's former President Hamid Karzai repeatedly clashed with NATO over them, straining relations. On Thursday, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani issued a statement criticizing the Taliban for using women and children as "a shield" during the raid. He also announced a local investigation had been started. NATO's combat operations ended in Afghanistan at the end of 2014, a move that put Afghan forces in charge of the country's security. Since then, Afghan forces have suffered heavy casualties battling the Taliban, who have at times overrun provincial capitals before being pushed back. Meanwhile, NATO and U.S. casualties have been few. There have been at least other four combat deaths among American forces in Afghanistan in 2016. In October, a U.S. soldier was killed by a bomb in Nangarhar province while another was shot dead by a man wearing an Afghan army uniform in Kabul. In August, an American soldier was killed and another wounded by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan' southern Helmand province. In January, a U.S. soldier was killed by small arms fire in Helmand. The fight in Afghanistan American's longest war began after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks as the Taliban harbored al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. The Taliban and Afghan government recently held secret talks to see if they could start peace negotiations to end the fighting, though questions remain over which faction of the insurgency is doing the talking. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 Trend: Despite the current background of a growing global instability the multiculturalism and tolerance in Azerbaijan based on the coexistence of different religions and nationalities is a model for everyone, says Peter Tase, political analyst, expert on international relations at the Marquette University. Azerbaijan believes that multiculturalism is the only way for the development of mankind in the future, because in the age of globalization, when the exchange of information and, in general, the processes of integration are active, engaging in self-isolation is simply disastrous, Tase wrote in his article published on the Foreign Policy News website. Taking intercultural dialogue as one of the most pressing challenges of the contemporary world, Azerbaijan has been sponsoring World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku once every two years since 2011, said the article. Azerbaijan also hosted the 7th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations April 25-27, 2016, the author wrote. By using the UN tribune, Azerbaijan has once again demonstrated its multiculturalism traditions, and urged the world countries to fully respect principles of tolerance, intercultural and inter-civilization dialogue, Tase said in his article. In the same vein, the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre will continue to foster intercultural dialogue, peace and stability, promote multicultural values of Azerbaijan and strengthen cultural cooperation among nations, the article said. It is a dire forecast. Gloom and doom. As we enter the last days of the 2016 presidential campaign, Trumpian predictions of what life will be like in a Hillary Clinton administration have turned downright apocalyptic. We are not quite at the point at which the sun turns black, the moon turns to blood and the stars fall from the sky, but were getting close. The abolishment of the Second Amendment has become a staple of Trumps doomsday predictions. Hillary wants to abolish essentially abolish the Second Amendment, he has said on numerous occasions, without offering any reason to believe that is true. The key to his prediction is Clintons choice of Supreme Court justices. They will do her dirty work. If she gets to pick, if she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks, the Donald has said. This prediction has been echoed by surrogate Rudy Giuliani, but the man who 15 years ago was called Americas mayor has gone further. He has predicted that Clintons radicalized Supreme Court appointees would also eliminate free speech and freedom of religion, eviscerating the First Amendment as well as the Second. Loss of two of the great pillars of our Republic. What could be worse? How about the destruction of the entire country? Speaking in Palm Beach, Trump claimed bluntly that the election of Hillary Clinton would lead to the destruction of our country. How would such a calamity happen? Trump has offered two end-time scenarios. First, he claimed that Clinton meets in secret with international banks in order to plot the destruction of U.S. sovereignty, in order to enrich these global financial interests, her special interest friends, and her donors. 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. This election will determine whether we remain a free country in the truest sense of the word or we become a corrupt banana republic controlled by large donors and foreign governments. ... Newt Gingrich expressed the same fear: I am deeply frightened that a Clinton administration would be the end of America as we have known it. The phrase, as we have known it, gives Gingrich a little wiggle room. He can claim that anything up to and including the complete destruction of America is a fulfillment of his prophecy. There is another way a Clinton administration could lead to the destruction of our great country, and as a serious prediction this one is particularly troublesome. In a speech in Ocala, Fla., on Oct. 13, Trump actually predicted that ISIS will not only take over that part of the world, theyll take over this country, theyll take over this part of the world. Never mind that Trump makes no effort to explain how America will be taken over by both terrorist butchers and big-moneyed interests and foreign governments. Presumably, the details will come later. Perhaps the strangest prediction came from the former representative from Minnesota, Michele Bachman. Is anyone surprised? In an interview with the American Pastors Network she said, I believe that Hillary Clinton will set a standard in this country that will lead to even more sexual assaults against women, because she will be setting an anti-biblical agenda. So, theres the choice: either we elect Donald Trump and let him make America great again or we elect Hillary Clinton and witness the downfall one way or another of our nation. If Clinton wins, we will lose not only our freedom of speech and religious liberty, but also the right to carry guns to church or wherever we like; ISIS or perhaps foreign bankers will take over our country; sexual assaults like those celebrated by Donald Trump in his taped conversation with Billy Bush will become commonplace; stacks of firewood will ooze blood; and the sky will roll up like a scroll. Locusts! Greatness or destruction. Those are our options, folks, according to the apocalyptic vision of Donald J. Trump. Of course, there is no way to confirm or refute any of this. We can only wait and see. But while waiting we can apply the biblical test of a prophet: If the thing (predicted) does not take place or prove true ... the prophet has spoken presumptuously; do not be frightened by it. (Deuteronomy 18:22) If the allegations turn out to be true, Wilkesboro is going to have a mess on its hands, in more ways than one. A former Wilkesboro official recently filed a lawsuit in Forsyth Superior Court alleging the town was dumping untreated wastewater into the Yadkin River and falsifying wastewater samples to deceive state environmental authorities, the Journals Michael Hewlett reported last week. Scott D. Church, who worked in the towns wastewater treatment plant from 2000 until August, says in the suit filed by attorneys Robert Elliot and Benjamin Winikoff that, at least twice this year, he saw the plant dump untreated wastewater into the Yadkin River. He says he also saw plant employees falsify water samples. The allegations are compounded by the fact that three-quarters of the waste that goes through the treatment plant comes from Tyson Foods Inc., which is the towns largest employer, Will Scott, the Yadkin riverkeeper, told the Journal. I think what were looking at is a small town under enormous pressure to take on the wasteload of Tyson, Scott told the Journal. Church says he has recorded evidence of the fouled water. He wants more than $25,000 in compensatory damages and he wants his job back. If it turns out Church is right, he should be reinstated and heads should roll. Town Attorney John Willardson said in a statement, Upon hearing those allegations, the town promptly contacted the North Carolina Department of Environmental Resources to request an independent investigation into the practices and procedures of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. That was the right thing to do. We hope the DEQ investigation will get to the bottom of things quickly. Willardson contends Church didnt speak up about illegal dumping and false water samples until after he was fired in August. But Church says he spoke to several officials, including a town councilman and Mayor Mike Inscore, before he was first demoted, then fired. Church says he began talking to the plants utilities director about problems in 2011, soon after he was promoted to plant operator in charge. He says that he called for necessary improvements because of the plants inadequate capacity to handle the increased amount of wastewater, according to the lawsuit. If this is true, Church was either a conscientious public servant, a nuisance or both. Whistleblowers, like the three police officers in Mocksville who spoke up about their wrongful firings in 2011, are necessary in our society. We especially need them when government officials cater to industries that may be concentrating on the bottom line rather than a communitys health. Given how often allegations like this turn out to be true, youd think government might make it easier to report malfeasance rather than placing impediments in the way, like the legislature did with last years ag-gag law, which aims to punish those who conduct undercover investigations of any private entity in North Carolina. If Churchs allegations prove to be true, he will have performed an important service to his community. STEVE HICKS, Winston-Salem He will be missed I went to one of my favorite restaurants on Monday. The lights were on but seemed a lot dimmer; my drink seemed flatter; conversation stalled and laughter seemed so far away. For many was just another day at work and lunch time, but for those of us who knew Nick Doumas, it was the first day eating without the kind soul being there, either at the counter having lunch or behind the counter pitching in (Lighthouse restaurant owner dies in ATV accident, Oct. 31). Nick was not there to ask how I was doing or how the pup was. He was not there. There was only a wreath in the foyer to celebrate his life. Nicholas Doumas will be missed by many people who call The Lighthouse home for lunch and dinner. ****** SCOTT PIPER AND JAMES SHAW, Winston-Salem An everlasting impact The Airport Commission of Forsyth County strongly supports the Forsyth Technical Community College bond that is on the Nov. 8 ballot. A portion of the bond includes approximately $16 million for an aviation center at Smith Reynolds Airport, which will provide hangar, shop and lab space for technology education and training in the aerospace manufacturing and maintenance service industries. Forsyth Tech provides affordable, practical education to people all across our county and is an essential component of our communitys economic growth. It works to prepare young people for the workforce and helps retrain older workers to compete in todays economy. As a result, Forsyth Tech is one of the countys most important economic resources and helps expand the workforce and tax base and improve our ability to compete with other communities. Forsyth County has a rich history in aviation. Companies such as North State Aviation, Piedmont Propulsion and Signature Flight Support are regularly hiring, and the current locally-trained workforce is falling behind the demand. If passed, the bond will allow Forsyth Tech to begin training students for available jobs at Smith Reynolds Airport and beyond. Further, the availability of skilled workers is a big asset in attracting new start-up businesses or existing companies looking to relocate to our area. The ACFC firmly believes the bond will have an everlasting positive impact on the airport and the community at large. Pier is the chairman of the Airport Commission; Shaw is the vice chairman. Several other local officials signed this letter. the editor *** RICHARD LITTELL, Clemmons Ready for challenges Attorney General Roy Cooper will try to convince us that Gov. Pat McCrory has wrecked North Carolinas economy and hurt families across the state. However, that couldnt be further from the truth. Gov. McCrory was recently ranked in the top five by The Cato Institute out of governors across the country in regard to spending and taxing records. Simply put, Gov. McCrory has taken a conservative, common-sense approach to leading the Carolina comeback, and citizens in every region are already recognizing the rewards. First, Gov. McCrory fought to reduce the three-tiered individual income-tax rate to one simple tax rate of 5.5 percent. He believes deeply that when hard-working families can keep more of their paycheck, everyone will benefit. Second, he worked to reduce the business income-tax rate, creating a better environment for companies to grow and invest in communities across North Carolina. Finally, Gov. McCrory was able to do all of this while still generating a surplus with each years budget, ensuring that our state is ready for any difficult challenges we may face. If you want a governor who is focused on the prosperity of every North Carolinian, its Pat McCrory. Election Letters Deadline The deadline to receive letters about the Nov. 8 elections was Oct. 24. When You Write The Journal encourages readers comments. To participate in The Readers Forum, please submit letters online to Letters@wsjournal.com. Please write The Readers Forum in the subject line and include your full name, address and a daytime telephone number. Or you may mail letters to: The Readers Forum, P.O. Box 3159, Winston-Salem, NC 27102. Letters are subject to editing and may be published on journalnow.com. Letters are limited to 250 words. Letter writers are allowed one letter every 30 days. If you would like a photo of yourself included with your letter, send it to us as a .jpg file. For more guidelines and advice on writing letters, go to journalnow.com/opinion/submit_a_letter. The Journal welcomes original submissions for guest columns on local, regional and statewide topics. Essay length should not exceed 750 words. The writer should have some authority for writing about his or her subject. Our email address is: Letters@wsjournal.com. Essays may also be mailed to: The Readers Forum, P.O. Box 3159, Winston-Salem, NC 27102. Please include your name and address and a daytime telephone number. Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders(PG): Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar reprise their roles from the classic 1960s TV series Batman for this new animated film, which is done in the playful style of that series. Batman and Robin face a major threat when their four most enduring foes Joker, The Riddler, Penguin and Catwoman join forces. Extras include interviews with the voice cast. Star Trek Beyond (PG-13): Timed for the 50th anniversary of the franchise, this theatrical film did a great job capturing the spirit of the original Trek. The story takes the crew on a mission where they are scattered on an alien planet and have to rely on their wits to survive as they face a foe (Idris Elba) who has a vendetta against the Federation. The movie includes many homages to the original Trek adventures. Extras include a few deleted scenes, a gag reel, and about an hour of bonus interviews. The digital iTunes copy (included with the Blu-ray) also includes a directors commentary track. 50 Years of Star Trek (Unrated): This 85-minute documentary looks at the history and legacy of the original Trek, with archival footage and cast and crew interviews, including the last full interview filmed with Leonard Nimoy. Bad Moms (R): This raunchy comedy from the writers of The Hangover follows a group of overworked moms (Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn) as they go out on a wild night of partying. Christina Applegate and Jada Pinkett Smith, an alumna of the UNC School of the Arts, play their rivals. Extras include deleted scenes, a gag reel and interviews. Nine Lives (PG): Kevin Spacey takes a comedic turn in this film about a workaholic whose mind is transferred into the body of his young daughters pet cat. Extras include whimsical behind-the-scenes shorts. Carnage Park (Unrated): This thriller is set in 1978, following two bank robbers who take a hostage and go on the run into a remote desert compound, only to end up in the literal crosshairs of a deranged survivalist. Anthropoid (R): Jamie Dornan and Cillian Murphy star in this drama set during World War II. They play Czech soldiers on a mission to assassinate one of Hitlers minions. Extras include a look at the making of the film and storyboard comparisons. Imperium (R): Daniel Radcliffe stars in a thriller about an FBI agent who goes undercover to infiltrate a hate group and stop a bombing plot. Extras include commentary, interviews and behind-the-scenes shorts. Papa: Hemingway in Cuba (R): Giovanni Ribisi and Adrian Sparks star in this film about an aspiring writer in 1959 who travels to Havana to meet his idol. Reign of Assassins and The Lost Bladesman: Two action films set in ancient China come to DVD. Reign stars Michelle Yeoh as an assassin who falls in love with a man whose father was killed by her gang; Bladesman is a lavish historic war epic starring Donnie Yen. Both are in Mandarin with English subtitles. Shout Broadway: This new line features filmed versions of lavish stage productions. Among the first titles being released, out this week, are a West End production of Gypsy with Imelda Staunton and Peter Davison, and a Broadway production of Sweeney Todd with Patti LuPone, George Hearn and Neil Patrick Harris, both of which are currently available on DVD and Blu-ray; and, out Friday, Leonard Bernsteins comedic operetta Candide recorded live at the Lincoln Center, also with LuPone as well as Kristen Chenoweth. Bob Hope: Hope For the Holidays (Unrated): This DVD features clips from the popular entertainers Christmas specials, including guest appearances from such stars as Red Skelton, Redd Foxx, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny and former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze (G): The iconic pulp magazine hero came to life in this campy 1975 action film starring Ron Ely, now on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection, a line of manufacture-on-demand discs not sold in stores but available online at wbshop.com and Amazon.com. Hell on Wheels: The final episodes of AMCs gritty Western drama, about the construction of the trans-continental railroad, come to DVD and Blu-ray in a Season Five, Vol. 2 package. And for those who have not been picking up the show as it went along, theres also a 17-disc boxed set with all five seasons. The cast of the series includes two UNCSA alumni, Jennifer Ferrin and Tim Guinee. The IT Crowd: This fun British comedy followed the antics of social misfit computer experts (Richard Ayoade and Chris ODowd) and the middle manager who has to oversee them (Katherine Parkinson). This five-disc set has all four seasons of the show, with extras including commentaries, deleted scenes, outtakes, interviews and more. As evening approaches in Iraqs northern city of Irbil, TV presenter Bakr Mahmoud Mahdi prepares to go live with a show called Freedom Studio, which he said allows victims of war to vent. His callers and there have been fewer of them lately are civilians living inside the city of Mosul, Iraqs second-largest, and describing what life is like under the rule of the Islamic State group. On a recent broadcast, a woman who identified herself as Umm Nour called in from Mosul. God willing there isnt a lot left and I hope that the watchers can pray for those inside Mosul to overcome Daesh, she said, using the Arabic-language acronym for the IS group. Most of the other callers dial in to complain about life under IS rule, Mahdi said. There is a crisis in terms of food supply, there is a fuel crisis and there is a crisis in the inhumane way the Daesh thugs treat the people of Mosul, he said. Multiple call-in shows like Mahdis have been providing a rare line of communication for some of the estimated 1 million people still living in the Islamic State groups last urban bastion in Iraq. Now as Iraqi forces push closer and the militants begin enforcing a ban on phones and the internet, those voices from inside Mosul are starting to fall silent. This program is like a breath of fresh air for the families of Nineveh, he said, referring to the province that contains Mosul. Through it they can call and through it the families who are trapped in Nineveh can give news to those who are displaced and vice versa. The shows channel, the private Nineveh TV, opened in 2013 and has been airing several such shows per day. Mahdi said his broadcasts can also be viewed inside Mosul, giving residents a taste of the outside world. Mahdi usually goes from one phone call to another very quickly, giving words of encouragement to those calling in. On average he gets about 90 calls during each two-hour show. Mahdi, who is from Ramadi, said he can empathize with the callers struggles since he has been through it himself in his own city. Ramadi was freed from IS militants earlier in the year. While the show receives callers from inside Mosul, those numbers have started to drop because of harsh punishment by IS. On a recent day, most callers were displaced people from Mosul who wanted to send messages of hope to those trapped in the city. There was also a lot of praise for the Iraqi and Kurdish forces. Chuck Leavell started playing keyboards for the Allman Brothers Band when he was 20 years old. But a decade later his career stalled. He told his wife that he was thinking about scaling back his music work to focus on tree farming. I was venting to her a little bit, saying Im never gonna quit music, but nothings happening, the phones not ringing, he said from Las Vegas. I think its best for me to maybe focus on the land here. She listened patiently, and then at the end of all that she said, Well thats interesting, Chuck, but guess what: The Rolling Stones called you today. Working for the Stones and other legendary performers revitalized his career and allowed him to pursue both of his passions: music and tree farming. Leavell, 64, will bring both to Winston-Salem next week, focusing on his environmental work in events at Wake Forest University on Thursday, then playing a solo concert Friday night in The Barn at Reynolda Village. He was in Vegas performing with the Stones in the wake of their appearance at the Desert Trip festival alongside Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Neil Young, the Who and Roger Waters of Pink Floyd. He also played keyboards on the Stones first new studio album in more than a decade, Blue and Lonesome, scheduled for release in December. He performed with the Stones during their first ever concert in Cuba in March. It reminded me very much of when the Stones played in 1990 in the city of Prague, Leavell said. That show in Czechoslovakia took place shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of rule by the Soviet Union in Eastern Europe. Vaclav Havel had recently become president of the country, which was divided in 1993 to form the Czech Republic and Slovakia. We played this amazing concert to 130,000 people, Leavell said. The band played with Vaclav Havel, who had just come into power. I remember the feeling of the people the feeling of freedom, change for the better. The poster in Prague read, Tanks roll out, Stones roll in. Playing Havana was very, very similar to that. Leavell wrote about his music career in Between Rock and a Home Place, a memoir published in 2004. He was born in Birmingham, Ala., learned the basics of piano from his mother and decided to make a career in music after attending a Ray Charles concert at age 13. Hes a fascinating guy, said Andy Tennille, curator of the More Barn concert series. He has played with a lot of rock royalty, and hes also an environmentalist. Stewardship, land conservation, is very important to him. Leavell has reached the peak in both of his professions. On the music side, he has toured and recorded with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, the Black Crowes, Blues Traveler, Train, Martina McBride, John Mayer and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, in addition to the Stones and the Allmans. Any one of these things would have been a great blessing, but to have been able to work with all these different artists thats been the real blessing of my career, Leavell said. It has indeed been a blessing, and I count em every day, man. On the conservation side, Leavell has written several books and won major awards. He and his wife, Rose Lane Leavell, were named National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year in 1999. They started their work on Charlane Plantation in Dry Branch, Ga., in 1981. My wife had inherited this land from her grandmother, and I had shifted my interest to environmental concerns, specifically forestry, Leavell said. His books about the environment are Forever Green: The History and Hope of the American Forest, Growing a Better America: Smart, Strong, Sustainable and The Tree Farmer, written for children. He also co-founded an environmental news website, Mother Nature Network, www.mnn.com. We wanted to be for the environment what WebMD is to health and wellness, Leavell said. He founded the website in 2009 with Joel Babbit, a former advertising executive who now serves as the networks CEO. Weve grown since that time to be the most visited environmental website, getting about six million unique visits a month, somewhere around 20 million page views and growing steadily, Leavell said. He will visit Wake Forest Nov. 10 to plant a tree on campus and participate in a panel discussion about environmental stewardship and land conservation in the Brendle Recital Hall beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tennille, a Wake Forest alumnus, hopes Leavell is the first of several performers who will bring their artistry and other interests to town. Id like to have two or three events and experiences to display the various aspects of what makes them who they are, Tennille said. Miles Silman, a Wake Forest biology professor, will join Leavell on the panel. Silman is a forest ecologist who has done extensive work in South America for almost 30 years on forest ecosystems and the influence of climate change. Hes a fan of Leavells work on stage and off. Hes not someone who just has an interest in planting trees because theyre something to have on the farm, Silman said. He thinks deeply about conservation and the role of forests. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Since July 2016, tourists from 59 countries have received 492,600 manats back via Tax Free system in Azerbaijan, says the article published in the official newspaper of the countrys Tax Ministry. The total price of goods from which VAT was withheld amounted to 4.85 million manats. Currently, Tax Free system operates in all international airports of Azerbaijan. It is expected that in the future, this system will start operating at all check points of the country. As many as 204 various stores are connected to Tax Free system in Azerbaijan. Foreign citizens can benefit from Tax Free system, if the cost of purchased goods per one e-tax invoice is not less than 300 Azerbaijani manats, including VAT. The goods should be taken out of Azerbaijans territory within 90 days from the date of purchase. Standard VAT rate in Azerbaijan is 18 percent. Regardless of the transfer method, foreign citizens will be refunded the amount of VAT paid for the purchased goods after withholding 20 percent service fee. Tax Free doesnt apply to excisable goods, food products, medicines and medical equipment, the goods which are of a special value for preservation of cultural heritage and considered as the countrys cultural and historical valuables, products the sale of which is exempt from VAT in the country, the goods the export of which requires a license, the frameless, raw or unsorted precious stones, precious metals in the form of ingots, the goods exported from Azerbaijan without accompaniment, vehicles and spare parts, the goods exported via mail or internet services. For various reasons local animal shelters are seeing a constant increase in numbers and are, most days, at capacity. Read moreLost or abandoned, numbers climb at animal shelters David Kennard is the executive editor of Summerville Communications, which publishes the Berkeley Independent, Goose Creek Gazette and Summerville Journal Scene. Contact him at dkennard@journalscene.com or 843-873-9424. Follow him on Twitter @davidbkennard. 11/03/2016 Jacksonville Mayor Johnny L. Smith has declared Nov. 14-18 as International Education Week, encouraging all citizens to recognize the importance of international education in our community. Now celebrating its 70th anniversary, JSUs International House and Programs is hosting International Education Week. Events include: International Open House Nov. 14 3-5 p.m. International House Study Abroad Presentation Nov. 15 10 a.m. - Student Session 2 p.m. - Faculty Session International House Faculty & Advisor Session Nov. 16 3-5 p.m. International House Thanksgiving Dinner Nov. 17 4-6 p.m. Houston Cole Library, 11th floor Admission is a non-perishable food item for a canned food drive. International Music Social Nov. 17 8-11 p.m. International House Coffee Hours Nov. 18 2-4 p.m. International House The JSU International Program got its start in 1946 in the wake of World War II and the hatred and brutality of that conflict. The founders of the program, Dr. and Mrs. James H. Jones, sought to create a place where people from different countries and cultures could get to know each other, for the Joneses believed that knowledge and love are the best path to a world without war. What began as an exchange program between Alabama and Paris has evolved into a comprehensive program currently hosting students from 18 different countries. British businessman Jeffrey Smyth lived in the house in 1958-59 and met his Japanese wife, Tomiko, there. For Tomiko and me, living in an international student community prepared us for the rest of our lives, Smyth said. We live easily and comfortably in the worlds most multicultural large city, Toronto, where almost half the residents, including us, were not born in Canada. Learn more about the program here. Reddit Email 0 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | When I trained as a lifeguard they warned us that you have to be very careful how you approach a drowning victim flailing around. They will be so happy to be rescued that they will grab you and pin your arms and freeze up, and then youll both sink to the bottom and drown. You have keep your distance, keep your arm stiff, and pull them out straight on their back, head out of the water, to reassure them. Then you can rescue them. The rescued teenager may not be a saint. Or they may have a bad family situation. Youre not thinking about that when the issue is whether they will live or die. Maybe they can straighten out their lives if they end up having lives. So America is drowning, and voting for Hillary Clinton is the equivalent of rescuing it. It is the stiff arm to deal with a hysteria that will otherwise sink us. I see too many people agonizing over this election. Will they vote for the Greens? Libertarians? Is Hillary as bad as Trump? Did your mother drop you on your head? This is a drowning country were talking about. You dont have the luxury to sit on the beach and decide whether to go in. And maybe youll be delivering the country to someone who is a bad mother. But it will be a live country and maybe the mother could be reformed. Drowned people cant be reformed. Remember when, in Princess Bride, Inigo Montoya brings Westley to Miracle Max (Billy Crystal) to be brought back from the dead? And Miracle Max discovers Westley isnt dead, and so could be revived: Mostly dead is slightly alive. With all dead, well, with all dead theres usually only one thing you can do. Inigo Montoya: Whats that? Miracle Max: Go through his clothes and look for loose change. An America under Trump would be all dead. Donald J. Trump is the greatest danger to American democracy in modern history. He openly menaces journalists, he keeps inquiring about why we have nukes if we cant use them, he wants to steal Iraqs petroleum wealth, he promises to use torture, he courts the KKK, he proposes tax and other policies that will vastly increase inequality and bankrupt the government, and he wants a trade war with China. I could go on with a litany of fatal policies (actually more like wicked quips) all the way down the page (and blog pages dont really have a fixed bottom). All this is not to mention his criminal notion that he has a right to French kiss and fondle any woman he can get hold of with his tiny hands. I think it is entirely possible that if Trump were president, I and other writers and journalists and critics could be targeted for dirty tricks. It happened even under Bush. This is one reason it is so dangerous to have a standing massive domestic surveillance program of our current sort; one election could put it into the hands of a dictator. I get it. Hillary is Wall Street. She will do nothing to rein in the excesses of the financiers (and not all financiers need reining in, but many do). One of our countrys most pressing problems, wealth inequality, will almost certainly get worse in a Clinton presidency. She probably will continue Obamas phony all of the above energy policy, which will mean an overheated climate (we need a Manhattan project to get off oil, coal and gas immediately). She is a foreign policy hawk and seems committed to intervening in Syria. She is in the back pocket of Haim Saban and the AIPAC Israel lobbies and has a virtual love fest with Israeli PM Binyamin Netanyahu. She seems to want to make Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions of Israel illegal, which is a violation of the first amendment (and interfering in BDS has just been forbidden by the European Union). But heres a surprise. We live in a society dominated by corporations the way medieval Britain was dominated by feudal lords. The only difference is that we have a higher standard of living than did the serfs and we get to decide between two Establishment candidates for high office regularly. Over two-thirds of Americas $18.5 trillion economy is generated by Fortune 500 big corporations (in 2014 it was 73%!) When I was a graduate student 36 years ago it was about 50%. (Small business accounted for most of the other half then, and were the source of the vast majority of innovation). Although the corporations and the economists who ultimately actually mostly work for them maintain that this system is efficient and based on competition, in fact there are lots of monopolies or near-monopolies, and it clearly has giant inefficiencies (compare your internet bill to that of people in Europe). They also complain about government regulation, but through lobbying most of them have actually captured the legislators who are supposed to be regulating them. Often they write the laws for the legislators and just have the latter sign them. The corporations dont always get their way. But they most often do. It would have cost them trillions of dollars in profits if the US had moved quickly to green energy in the 1990s when the climate crisis first became apparent, so they waged a PR campaign to smear climate scientists like Michael Mann and pull the wool over the eyes of most consumers to keep them burning coal, gas and oil as long as possible. In the US alone, they managed to put on the order of an extra hundred billion metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in the past 20 years through this dishonest ruse. Its like blowing up billions of atomic bombs, making the earth hotter and hotter. No one has been president who would have stood in their way, and almost nobody has been allowed in Congress who would obstruct them either. They are starting to give up on coal, and Obama did stab them in the back on that fuel, but they still burn as much gas and oil as they like and flare up methane when they frack both, destroying the environment (not to mention water pollution). I say they because there are essentially interlocking directorates. A lot of the Fortune 500 is heavily invested in hyrdocarbons. That is why it is so hard to do environmental investing, because if you buy a bank stock you are buying Exxon-Mobil.There isnt any more pressing issue than addressing climate change, and Im sorry but nothing Hillary has said about the issue is actually ambitious enough to fit the scale of the emergency. So I know. But you arent thinking about this right. The people screwed over by the 1% are hurting and have turned to Trump because he talks like a maverick, even though he will screw them over even harder. They are drowning. You cant rehabilitate the patient if the patient drowned. And America would drown, would be all dead, would be beyond redemption, under 4 years of Trump. Sec. Clinton is from that generation of baby boomer Democrats who decided in the Reagan era that they had to become Eisenhower Republicans ever to hold office. So she surrendered to Wall Street & etc. We know that. But she can be pressured, just as Eisenhower was pressured (if only we could get back to his tax policies!) We can oppose her if she drags her feet on key issues. It will be easier to pressure her from below if we can also take back Congress and can get some liberals on the Supreme Court. We cant oppose Trump because he has made it clear that he will rule as dictator and will brook no opposition. He has lots of goons to sic on his critics already, and would pick up their entire Federal government if he wins. I have made my peace with being a serf who gets to vote for the candidates the two parties (mainly representing the corporations) present me with. (It is a first past the post system, so creating a 3rd party is almost impossible). It is a very corrupt system, maybe the most corrupt on earth. Ill probably never see a president who really represents the mainstream of America, because of voter suppression and big money in politics and the corruption of corporate media. I blow off my frustrations at this blog and maybe I change a few minds here and there. Civil disobedience seems increasingly called for with regard to hydrocarbons. And, many bad features of the system could be changed if only enough people cared. But we cant do that if America is dead. And Clinton wont kill it, however wrongheaded some of her announced policies. We survived Bush, though with a $6 trillion bill, and we can survive Clinton. We cant survive Trump. - Related video: The Daily Show with Trevor Noah from last year: The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Donald Trump: Americas African President Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Pakistan has prepared a five-year trade cooperation plan to enhance exports to $500 million to Azerbaijan, Pakistani online newspaper Dawn reported. Pakistans exports to Azerbaijan were $60 million, while imports stood at $31,000 in 2015-2016, according to the newspaper. The largest export product was rice, the newspaper said. The plan to enhance exports to Azerbaijan was jointly developed by ministries of commerce and defense production of Pakistan following the visit of the countrys prime minister to Azerbaijan in October 2016, according to the newspaper. The plan envisages enhanced market access to Azerbaijan through the preferential trading arrangement, which subsequently will be upgraded into a free trade agreement with mutual consent, the newspaper said. Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has also constituted a committee headed by the countrys commerce minister for enhancing trade and economic relations with Azerbaijan, reads the article in the newspaper. It was also decided that a delegation will be sent to Azerbaijan comprising of prominent businessmen from export-oriented sectors of Pakistan, according to the newspaper. Reddit Email 0 Shares By Hadeel al-Shalchi | (Human Rights Watch) | The small child cries hysterically on the hospital bed, covered in dust and blood. The video, posted by the pro-Syrian government news agency al-Akhbariya, shows scene after scene of civilian men, women, and children injured from what they say were rockets launched by armed opposition groups in the al-Hamdaniya neighborhood of government-held western Aleppo. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported last week that a school in al-Shahbaa neighborhood was hit by munitions launched by rebel groups from eastern Aleppo, killing six children in the school. A tribute to a young boy killed in the attack was published on the schools Facebook page. These are but a few of the abuses reportedly taking place in western Aleppo since rebel groups launched an offensive on October 21 to break the siege on eastern Aleppo. Joint Syrian-Russian military operations in the east have killed thousands of civilians, and the government siege of the city hasnt allowed much-needed aid into the area since July. While the atrocities unfolding in eastern Aleppo have rightly sparked international outrage and media attention, any abuses by rebels against civilians in western Aleppo have largely gone unreported. This is partly due to the challenges that independent observers like Human Rights Watch face in getting visas to the west of the city and other government-held areas, but also because many people in western Aleppo are afraid to talk to human rights groups because they fear government repercussions. Yet rebel groups in eastern Aleppo have given us some indications into what they are doing by publishing videos showing their fighters launching improvised and unguided rocket attacks from east Aleppo into heavily populated areas in the west, and even of preparing suicide bombers to launch attacks. According to the United Nations, more than 30 civilians, including 10 children, were reportedly killed and dozens of others injured as a result of attacks on October 29 and 30 on western Aleppo. These tactics are the same as those that have been used by rebel groups targeting government-held territory in Damascus and Homs resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. Regardless of the injuries inflicted during conflict or while under siege all warring parties, including rebel groups, need to obey the rules of war. That means not deliberately target civilians in attacks; taking care to distinguish between civilians and combatants at all times; and not causing civilian casualties that are disproportionate to the expected military gain. Those who flout these rules could be prosecuted for war crimes. Despite the devastation wrought on civilians in Aleppo, paralysis at the Security Council has failed to protect civilians in the city. Given the Security Councils lamentable failure, its time for UN member states to now request an emergency General Assembly special session on Syria, in which to demand an immediate end to unlawful attacks, and push for a special investigative mechanism on atrocity crimes in Syria, with a view to preparing cases for future criminal prosecutions. All Syrias victims, no matter which side of the war they are stuck in, deserve justice. Via Human Rights Watch Related video added by Juan Cole: Channel 4 News: Inside Aleppo: a grieving family in the West Reddit Email 0 Shares TeleSur | Hopewell Baptist Church is damaged by fire and graffiti in Greenville, Mississippi, U.S., Nov. 2, 2016. An online fundraising campaign was also set up to help the church rebuild and repair the damages and donations have reached almost $60,000 within hours. A Black church in Mississippi was burned and spray-painted with Vote Trump and authorities said Wednesday they were probing the incident as a hate crime committed one week before the U.S. presidential election. No one was injured in the Tuesday evening blaze at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, and the cause of the fire has not been determined, Greenville Fire Chief Ruben Brown Sr. said in a telephone interview. He said the church had been heavily damaged by the fire. The town of some 33,000 people is about 100 miles northwest of Jackson. The act that happened left our hearts broken, Pastor Carolyn Hudson told the news conference, noting that the church has an 111-year history. Were investigating this as a hate crime, Greenville Police Chief Delando Wilson told a news conference. We feel that the quote on the church is intimidating. It tries to push your beliefs on someone else, and this is a predominantly black church and no one has a right to try to influence the way someone votes in this election. Black churches in the U.S. South have long been a base of organizing against racial injustices. During the U.S. civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, southern Black churches were often targets for arson and bombings by white supremacists. The FBI Jackson Division is aware of the situation in Greenville, and we are working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to determine if any civil rights crimes were committed, the agency said in a statement. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign was launched Wednesday morning to help the historic church repair the damage that was done to the building. The goal was set for US$10,000 but within 7 hours, more than US$56,000 was raised. The animus of this election cycle combined with the potent racial history of burning black churches as a political symbol makes this event something we must not ignore, the GoFundMe page read. Last month the historic Black Ashburn Colored School in Virginia was vandalized with racist graffiti, including swastikas and white power slogans. Attacks against Black institutions in the country come amid a heated presidential election season in which Republican nominee Donald Trump has used racist and Islamophobic rhetoric that has gained him the support of many high-profile neo-Nazis and white supremacists. The news also comes amid a heated national debate over racial injustice and biased police killings of Black people which has ignited protests and unrest in several cities over the past few years. Via TeleSur Related video added by Juan Cole: The Young Turks: Black Church Burned In Trumps Name? The Young Turks [JURIST] Several South Sudanese organizations co-authored a letter [text] to the African Union Commission (AUC) [official website] Tuesday concerning the creation of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan. The letter asked Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the AUC, to draft a statute ensuring that the court is enacted through appropriate channels and also to establish a method to preserve evidence. The letter asked that the AUC gather input from experts in the field as a method to determine jurisdiction, witness protection programs, and public outreach among other things. The letter was signed by 34 organizations. Earlier this year Human Rights Watch urged [JURIST report] the African Union to establish a hybrid court to prosecute members of the South Sudan government for war crimes committed in the Western Equatoria region. HRW said that there is evidence that killings, rapes and enforced disappearances have been committed against civilians in the region and that some of the targeting may have been ethnically motivated in a counterinsurgency operation against rebel forces. A federal judge on Wednesday denied [order, PDF] a legal challenge to the states ban on taking personal photos at polling locations, known as ballot selfies on election day. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California [advocacy website] filed the lawsuit [complaint, PDF] on Monday against California Secretary of State Alex Padilla [official profile], arguing that photographing ones ballot is a form of political speech protected under the First Amendment [LII materials] of the US Constitution. The judge dismissed the suit because he believed a change in the law could confuse voters [LAT report] if made close to election day. Padilla stated the decision applies only to the general elections [statement] held this month, as a new law would allow ballot selfies beginning January 1, 2017. Voter rights continue to plague this election cycle, and more courts have examined the issue of ballot selfies approaching the US general election. Last week the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit granted a stay [JURIST report] on the preliminary injunction that had halted Michigans ban on taking ballot selfies. Also last week a New York law prohibiting a person from showing the contents of her prepared voting ballot was challenged as unconstitutional [JURIST report] by state voters for violating their First Amendment rights. The complaint alleges that the law infringes on voters freedom of speech and freedom of expression under the US Constitution as well as the New York state Constitution. In the past month similar laws banning the ballot selfie have been rejected [JURIST report] in Michigan and New Hampshire. [JURIST] There is [n]o hope for a fair election in Gambia due to widespread intimidation and violence towards the opposition, Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] said [report] Wednesday. The report, titled More Fear than Fair, details the increase of violence and detainment of opposition activists following a crackdown on opposition leaders earlier this year, beginning in April with the detention of Solo Sandeng [Jollofonews report], an opposition leader who led a mass protest. Sandeng was beaten to death and his followers were also beaten. This year alone approximately 90 opposition activists have been arrested. The current president, Yahya Jammeh, who has been in power since a successful coup in 1994, has even threatened the opposition with extreme violence being quoted saying [i]f you want to destabilize this country, I will bury you nine-feet deep. This report comes after the Gambian government announced that it will be leaving [JURIST report] the International Criminal Court (ICC). During the televised statement, Information Minister Sheriff Bojang criticized the court for ignoring western atrocities, referring to the ICC as an International Caucasian Court. Gambian President Yahya Jammeh had previously called upon the court to investigate the death of African migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to access Europe. Instead, Gambia alleges, the ICC has been disproportionately scrutinizing African leaders. Gambias intended departure was the third by an African nation. A court in Iran on Tuesday sentenced former prosecutor general Saeed Mortazavi to 135 lashes for corruption, according to the state run media [media website]. Mortazavi was a prosecutor who was accused of human rights abuses during the Arab Spring protests, which resulted in the death of three protesters [BBC report]. An ally of former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Mortazavi e was convicted [Reuters report] of misappropriation of funds while he ran the social security office in 2012 and 2013. He apologized [IHR report] for his behavior in the months leading up to his sentencing. The sentence was criticized [Guardian report] by human rights groups, which called it an example of continued corruption as well as archaic punishment practices. The sentence has not been confirmed by any government official. In August 2015 Mortazavi was acquitted of murder charges [JURIST report] relating to the 2009 killing of three prisoners [JURIST report]. Mortazavi had been named by multiple Iranian news sources as one of three top judicial officials who were suspended in connection with the torture deaths of three detained protesters, multiple Iranian media outlets reported. He was disbarred [BBC report] in 2014 as a result. The High Court of South Africa on Wednesday ordered the release of a report on corruption allegations against President Jacob Zuma. The countrys former Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela, concluded the report into the possibly corrupt relationship between Zuma and an influential family last month, shortly before the expiry of her seven-year term. The report was scheduled to be released in mid-October, but Zumas lawyers made a bid to block the publication of the report. After the bid was dropped on Wednesday, judge Dunstan Mlambo ordered [Al Jazeera report] the Public Protector to publish the report forthwith and by no later than 17:00 hours (15:00 GMT)[.] After publication, Zuma and his lawyers will determine if the contents of the report are subject to further court challenge. The South African president has been embroiled in legal trouble for the past several months. In June a South African court denied Zumas appeal of a prior court ruling [JURIST report] that he should face nearly 800 corruption charges. Zuma evaded impeachment [JURIST report] in April after the African National Congress (ANC) reaffirmed its support for the president. The move to impeach Zuma came from opposition leaders after the Constitutional Court ruled [JURIST report] in March that he had ignored the order of the Public Protector to personally repay the amounts determined by the National Treasury, as they relate to the non-security upgrades to his private residence. The UK High Court of Justice [official website] ruled [order, PDF] Wednesday that the UK government cannot make the decision to enact Article 50 to leave the EU without the approval of Parliament, although the court did not give an opinion on the merits of leaving the EU. Article 50 of the Treaty on the EU [text] governs the process for a nation to withdraw from the EU. The government cannot legally override Parliamentary legislation [order summary, PDF] that affects domestic law. It is, however, up to the government to enact laws and treaties concerning international relations, but this does not extend to issues that can affect domestic law. All the parties agreed that the decision to leave the EU would have significant effects on domestic law. The court ruled that constitutionally, the crown government cannot make the decision alone to withdrawal from the EU, and the Parliament must be involved in the decision. The government said it will appeal [BBC report] the decision to the UK Supreme Court. British citizens voted in a referendum in June, choosing to leave [JURIST report] the EU, a move termed Brexit. The vote, an extension of British discontent with the EU, defied the suggestions of economists and British leaders, leading to the resignation of former Prime Minister David Cameron. The implications of this move extend beyond just immigration, though, as many believe this separation will negatively effect the British economy, which will likely be cut off from the EUs single market, unless an agreement between the two can be reached. Last month, the government of Scotland announced it published [JURIST report] a draft bill for a second referendum that would give the country the opportunity to consider independence from the UK in light of Brexit. Days later, the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland dismissed [JURIST report] a multi-issue legal challenge to Brexit. In October, the High Court of the UK heard arguments [JURIST report] about the constitutionality of the Brexit referendum. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) [official website] said [press release] Tuesday that the governments of France and the UK are failing in their obligation to protect refugee children in the Calais Jungle refugee camp. The UNHCR accused the governments of failing to uphold the Convention on the Rights of the Child [official website] by destroying a refugee camp, which forced unaccompanied minors to seek refuge in shipping containers or become displaced. The committee was especially concerned because the governments were not only aware of the presence of children in the camp but also were given strong warnings to protect them. The UN accused the governments of succumbing to political pressures that subjected the children to trafficking, homelessness and other conditions: The events of the past week have shown clearly that political and other considerations prevailed over the initial promises by both Governments that the situation of unaccompanied children would be their priority. The best interests of the child have been completely disregarded. Disagreements between the French and UK Governments over who should take responsibility for the majority of these children have led to major violations of these childrens rights. Hundreds of children have been subjected to inhumane living conditions, left without adequate shelter, food, medical services and psychosocial support, and in some cases exposed to smugglers and traffickers. The UN was pleased that the France had promised to relocate the children to safer facilities until a final decision is made. The migrant crisis continues to have a huge impact in the international world. An administrative court in Lille, France, last month rejected [JURIST report] requests from almost a dozen aid groups and permitted the closure process of the Jungle migrant camp near Calais to continue. Last week the UNCHR called 2016 the worst year for refugees [JURIST report] crossing the Mediterranean Sea as the death toll reached its highest point. UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, Francois Crepeau commenced [JURIST report] an investigation this week into the human rights of migrants in Australia. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Seba Aghayeva Trend: Three large Hungarian travel companies intend to enter Azerbaijani market, Ambassador of Hungary to Azerbaijan Imre Laszloczki said in an interview with Trend Nov. 3. Hungarys leading travel companies 1000 ut, Robinson Tours, Vedi Tour consider mutual revival of tourist relations between the two countries and studying of Azerbaijani market, the ambassador said. In November 2014, an agreement on cooperation was signed between Hungarys National Economy Ministry and Azerbaijans Culture and Tourism Ministry. Currently, Moscow branch of Hungarian Tourism Agency is responsible for tourism development with Azerbaijan, Laszloczki noted. But considering the fact that Hungarian company Wizz Air has been implementing Baku-Budapest direct flights since March 2016, Hungarian travel companies started to show interest for Azerbaijani market, the diplomat said. He added that large-scale joint touristic presentation of the Visegrad Group countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia) held in April in Baku, which kindled interest of Azerbaijani travel companies, contributed to Hungarian travel companies interest for Azerbaijani market as well. Until recently, Azerbaijani travel companies were associating Hungary with Budapest and Lake Balaton, but currently, the interest for combined tours (for example, Budapest-Vienna), as well as for health and spa tours to Hungary has also arisen, the diplomat added. It is encouraging that Hungarian tourists interest for Azerbaijan increased as well, he noted. In January 2016, BLS International LLC opened a visa center of Hungary in Baku at the initiative of Hungarys Embassy in Azerbaijan. The decision to open the center was made by Hungary in order to strengthen relations between the two countries, establish direct relations between the citizens of Azerbaijan and Hungary, as well as develop tourist relations and meet the needs of the increased tourist and businessmen flow thanks to the direct flights of Wizz Air company. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Asebaa Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Anvar Mammadov Trend: Vice President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Wencai Zhang, who is responsible for operations in the South Asia Department and the Central and West Asia Department of the bank, can visit Baku in mid-November 2016, Azerbaijan Country Director for the ADB Nariman Mannapbekov told Trend Nov. 3. The exact date of the visit and the issues to be discussed within its framework are not revealed for now, but tentatively the visit will take place in mid-November, Mannapbekov said. In addition, we plan to hold a press conference dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the ADB within this visit. ADB was founded in 1966 for reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration and has 67 members. The bank is headquartered in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Azerbaijan became an ADB member on Dec. 22, 1999. The countrys share in the banks capital is 0.5 percent. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Anvar Mammadov Trend: The modernization cost of the Heydar Aliyev Baku Oil Refinery will amount to nearly $1.5-1.7 billion, SOCAR Vice-President for Strategic Development Tofig Gahramanov told reporters in Baku on the sidelines of the Caspian European Club business forum. He said that earlier the projects cost was nearly $1.3 billion. The project will require more expenses than we initially planned, Gahramanov said. In August 2016, we suspended the plants work for a month and held an assessment with involvement of foreign experts. In the end it turned out that its necessary to do more things than it was planned at first, and this will require a bigger volume of investments. He went on to add that $80 million have been invested in the project so far. Modernization of the Heydar Aliyev Baku Oil Refinery is currently being held, and it will be completed by 2020. The refinerys production capacity will increase from 6 million tons to 7.5 million tons per year after the modernization. Azerbaijan produced 5.45 million tons of oil products in 2015, as compared to 5.31 million tons in 2014. The country produced 4.02 million tons of oil products in January-September 2016 as compared to 4.14 million tons in the first nine months of 2015. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov Dallas, 11/03/2016 /SubmitPressRelease123/ With much of the worlds commerce taking place online, credit card fraud has become a serious problem. There were over 1,500 data security breaches online in 2014, which resulted in over one billion compromised accounts. Credit card fraud also costs businesses and consumers $190 billion each year. With the stakes this high, you can be sure that federal prosecutors are serious about prosecuting these cases. Sometimes, they are overzealous about punishing people for alleged white collar crimes. In many cases, a misunderstanding or mistake leads to an in-depth prosecution and years in jail for someone who does not deserve to be there. If you have been charged with credit card fraud or any type of white collar crime, you cant afford to go without an experienced Texas white collar crime and federal criminal defense attorney. Your future is too important to leave to chance. How Credit Card Thieves Work Technology has made it easier than ever before for credit card thieves to steal information. Although some theft happens the old-fashioned way by someone physically taking and using another persons card without permission most credit card theft today occurs electronically. Skimming. Credit card skimming involves setting up a credit card reader at a sale terminal, an ATM machine, or really just about anywhere a person swipes their credit card. These devices are called skimmers, and they look just like any other credit card reader. A single swipe is all it takes for thieves to get their hands on a persons account. To combat this, many banks have begun switching over to embedded chips, which are more secure than traditional swipe cards. Phishing. Phishing scams work by asking for a persons credit card information through email. In recent years, phishing emails have gotten incredibly sophisticated, and many of the emails look like they are from legitimate retailers, banks, and companies. When a consumer receives one, it can be difficult to know its fake. Data security experts say the best way to avoid being duped is to never click on a link inside an email. If you receive an email from what looks like your bank or some other company you do business with, close the email and open a new browser window for that company. That way you know its a legitimate and encrypted website. Discuss Your Case with a Texas Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Have you been charged with credit card theft? Dont move forward without an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer by your side. At Broden & Mickelsen, we are Board Certified in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Receive a free case evaluation from a Texas federal criminal defense lawyer today by calling 214-720-9552. Broden & Mickelsen, LLP 2600 State St Dallas, Texas 75204 Main Phone: (214) 720-9552 Office Direction Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer on Facebook SOURCE: Broden & Mickelsen source: http://www.brodenmickelsen.com/blog/types-of-credit-card-fraud/ Social Media Tags:Credit Card Fraud, Credit Card Fraud Types, Federal Criminal Defense Attorney, Texas Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Newsroom powered by Online Press Release Distribution SubmitMyPressRelease.com Like Us on Facebook It's only fair to share... Pinterest Linkedin email Print Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: Seventy-six billion cubic meters of gas and 19 million tons of condensate have been produced at Azerbaijans biggest gas and condensate field Shah Deniz in the Caspian Sea since the commissioning of the field, said Khoshbakht Yusifzade, the first vice president of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR. Yusifzade made the remarks Nov. 3 during an event in Baku where he was awarded the title of Honorary Professor of Azerbaijans State Oil and Industry University. Daily output at the Shah Deniz field is 28-29 million cubic meters of gas and 6,000 tons of condensate, he noted. A contract for development of the Shah Deniz offshore field was signed on June 4, 1996. The shareholders in the contract are BP (operator - 28.8 percent), AzSD (10 percent), SGC Upstream (6.7 percent), Petronas (15.5 percent), Lukoil (10 percent), NIOC (10 percent) and TPAO (19 percent). As part of the Stage 2 of development of the Shah Deniz field, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline. The reserves of the Shah Deniz field are estimated at 1.2 trillion cubic meters of gas and 240 million tons of condensate. Shah Deniz Stage 2 will add a further 16 billion cubic meters per year of gas production to the approximately 9 billion cubic meters per year, produced by Shah Deniz Stage 1. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: Azerbaijan has produced 412 million tons of oil from the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) block of oil and gas fields in the Caspian Sea since November 1997, said Khoshbakht Yusifzade, first vice president of Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR. Yusifzade made the remarks in Baku Nov. 3 at an event where he was awarded the title of Honorary Professor of Azerbaijans State Oil and Industry University. He added that 229 million tons of the produced oil accounted for profitable oil. As many as 440 million tons of Azerbaijani oil has been exported to global markets so far. Out of this volume 310 million tons of oil was transported via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, Yusifzade said. A contract for developing the ACG field was signed in 1994. The proven oil reserve of the block nears 1 billion tons. The shareholders of the project are BP (operator, 35.78 percent), Chevron (11.27 percent), Inpex (10.96 percent), AzACG (11.65 percent), Statoil (8.55 percent), Exxon (8 percent), TPAO (6.75 percent), Itocu (4.3 percent) and ONGC (2.72 percent). --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: Azerbaijani oil supplies will greatly reduce dependence of Ukraine's oil refining complex on Russian oil, the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry said in a message November 3. The protocol of intent on the supply of Azerbaijani oil to the Kremenchug refinery has been recently signed by Ukrtransnafta OJSC and Ukrtatnafta PJSC. "The cooperation on the oil supply to the Kremenchug refinery will be long term and has become possible due to the bilateral agreements at the interstate level between the governments of Ukraine and Azerbaijan, the message said. "According to the protocol, more than four million tons of Azerbaijani oil will be supplied to the Kremenchug refinery during the next three years. As a result, Ukraine will be able to diversify oil supplies, the message said. Ukrtransnafta will get additional revenues and the country's dependence on imported oil products will be reduced. At least 1.3 million tons are planned to be supplied per year beginning from January 1, 2017." Ukraines Energy Ministry said that Azerbaijani oil supplies will strengthen energy security of the country. According to the message, Azerbaijani oil supplies will also increase the capacity of Ukraines private oil refineries. "It was possible to reach the agreement with Azerbaijan thanks to the efforts of the countrys leadership, the message said. The Ukrainian government and the Ministry of Energy carried out systematic work to attract new oil suppliers for the restoration of the Odessa-Brody and the Odessa-Kremenchug oil pipelines. The agreements on the resumption of Azerbaijani oil supplies to Ukrainian oil refineries were reached at the interstate level during the Ukrainian president's visit to Azerbaijan, the message said. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: The Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romania Interconnector (AGRI) project was mulled by Azerbaijans Energy Minister Natig Aliyev and Romanias ambassador Dan Iancu in Baku, Azerbaijans Energy Ministry said Nov. 3. Important steps are being taken as part of energy cooperation to implement the AGRI project, designed to supply Azerbaijani gas to Europe via Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romania-Hungary route, Minister Aliyev said. The ambassador, in turn, noted that the diversification policy is relevant in the present circumstances. The AGRI project ensures energy security, and Azerbaijan is an important country for Romania in the field of energy cooperation," Iancu added. Aside from the AGRI project, the sides also held discussions on the Azerbaijan-Romania relations, during which Aliyev said these relations are developing based on the strategic partnership. AGRI project envisages transportation of Azerbaijani gas to the Black Sea coast of Georgia via gas pipelines. Azerbaijani gas delivered to Georgia's Black Sea coast will be liquefied at a special terminal and following this, it will be delivered in tankers to a terminal at the Romanian port of Constanta. Further, it will be brought to the gaseous state and sent via Romanian gas infrastructure for meeting the demands of Romania and other European countries. The cost of the project will vary from 1.2 billion euros to 4.5 billion euros, according to the preliminary estimations. The participants of the AGRI project are the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), Georgia's Oil and Gas Corporation, as well as MVM (Hungary) and Romgaz (Romania). The parties established the SC AGRI LNG Project Company SRL in February 2011 for the implementation of the project. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Elena Kosolapova Trend: Kyrgyzstan calls for creation of a development bank and a development fund of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in a short time, Kyrgyz acting Prime Minister Sooronbai Jeenbekov said at the 15th enlarged format meeting of the Council of SCO Heads of Government Nov. 3, Kyrgyz government said. These institutions must become effective instruments of financial support for joint economic projects, he said. SCO member countries agreed to create a development bank and a development fund of SCO at a meeting in 2012. Jeenbekov also noted that it is important to engage SCO business and financial institutions in the implementation of joint projects. Moreover, the acting prime minister said that Kyrgyzstan supports Russian and Chinese initiative on pairing the project activity within the Eurasian Economic Union and the Economic Belt of the Silk Road. We believe that at the moment we need a comprehensive plan of economic cooperation, including the development of infrastructure projects, industry, trade and services, Jeenbekov said. He also noted that Kyrgyzstan is ready to work on deepening of cooperation in culture, education, health, environmental protection and tourism within SCO. Follow the author on Twitter:@E_Kosolapova Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Nov. 3 By Demir Azizov Trend: Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov and Chair of the Delegation of the European Parliament for Cooperation with the countries of Central Asia and Mongolia Iveta Grigule discussed the state and prospects of the interparliamentary cooperation, the press service of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry reported. The delegation of the European Parliament arrived in Tashkent to hold the 12th plenary session of Uzbekistan-EU Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, according to the Uzbek Foreign Ministry. Kamilov and Grigule stressed mutual interest in the enlargement of multifaceted cooperation at the expense of strengthening and expanding contractual basis of mutually beneficial ties in political, trade and economic, investment, humanitarian and other spheres. During the meeting, the sides noted that intensification of interaction of the upper and lower chambers of Uzbekistans Parliament and the European Parliament is an integral and important part of relations between Uzbekistan and the EU. Uzbekistan and the EU signed an agreement on 'Partnership and Cooperation ' in 1996. Diplomatic representation of the EU in Uzbekistan opened in 2012. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Dalga Khatinoglu Trend: Iran has to generate 7 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2020, otherwise it can face fines under the Paris climate deal, the spokesman of Iranian parliaments energy commission Asadollah Gharekhani has told Trend. Iran has committed itself to decrease CO2 emissions by 4 percent in 14 years by investing $17.5 billion. By absorbing further $35 billion of international investments, Iran says it can reduce CO2 emissions by 12 percent, based on the Paris climate deal, known as the COP21, achieved in late 2015. The power sector with a 33-percent share of CO2 emissions is one of the major areas that Iran has a massive plan to optimize, both for curbing CO2 emissions and decreasing energy intensity. So far the COP21 agreement doesnt threaten any country with sanctions, but once it is signed by 55 nations, the major CO2 producers may face punishments in the future. Global carbon dioxide emissions in 2014 were about 35,900 million tons. Iran ranked 10th among the major CO2 producers in the world with 602 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Statistics from Irans Oil Ministry Gharekhani told Trend that Iran plans to generate 5 gigawatts (GW) of electricity from renewables by 2020. Geothermal, wind and solar energy sources have really good potential in Iran. Sun shines for long hours in Iran. We also have wind tunnels in different parts of the country. And some geothermal projects have started. As of now, 13 wells have been dug in Meshkin Shahr (northwest of Iran) and five of them will be operated at 5 megawatts of capacity, said Gharekhani. Irans current nominal power generation capacity stands at about 76 GW, but the actual generation is about 59 GW. The share of renewables is 0.32 percent of nominal capacity. Based on an Energy Ministry document, seen by Trend For the current fiscal year, Iran plans to add 105 MW to its renewables capacity, but the cumulative renewables capacity would reach 3.54 GW by March 2020 and the figure is expected to reach 5 GW by March 2021. Hamid Chitchian, energy minister of Iran, told Trend in August that Iran plans to increase the renewables capacity to 7-10 GW by 2025. Also Gharekhani said Iran plans to increase the generation capacity of the combined-cycle power plants (CCPPs) by 20 GW by 2021. An official document, seen by Trend, also indicates that a huge amount of new power plants (26 GW), projected to be commenced in the next five years, are CCPPs. Currently, CCPPs share 27 percent of Irans total nominal power generation capacity. Irans CCPP power generation capacity is about 19.46 GW. So the share of CCPPs in nominal power generation would stand at 40 percent or even more in 2021, because Iran plans to convert a part of its ordinary thermal power plants to CCPPs as well. Based on Energy Ministrys official statistics Gharekhani also said that Iran plans to increase the efficiency of thermal power plants (currently at 37.2 percent in average) by using F-class turbines. Efficiency of this kind of turbines is over 58 percent, about 25 percent more than the currently installed turbines (E-class) in Irans power plants. Iran recently received its first F-class turbine, made by German Siemens, to be installed at a 1 GW power plant in Bandar Abbas. Thermal power plants share about 84.8 percent of Irans total power generation capacity, which wouldnt change by 2021. Our policy is aimed at building plants which have advanced turbines with increased efficiency. We can save fuel consumption by 26 percent if efficiency of power plants is 58 percent, Gharekhani said. For current year, Iran plans to deliver about 65 billion cubic meters of gas to power sector, which would share 93 percent of total fuel burning in thermal power plants. --- Dalga Khatinoglu is the head of Trend Agency's Iran news service, follow him on Twitter: @dalgakhatinoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Khalid Kazimov Trend: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has extended his congratulations to Michel Aoun on being elected as Lebanons president. President Rouhani through a message on Nov. 2 expressed hope that ties between the two friendly and brotherly countries will witness more developments during Michel Aouns term in office, IRNA news agency reported. Lebanon's parliament elected Michel Aoun as president Oct. 31, ending a political stand-off that has left the post empty for more than two years. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 3 By Orkhan Quluzade Trend: Turkeys leading company of defense industry ASELSAN Electronics Industry and Trade, Inc. will sell Stabilized Advanced Remote Weapon Platform (SARP) to Kazakhstan, Turkeys Public Disclosure Platform (Kamuoyunu Aydnlatma Platformu - KAP) said in a message posted on its website November 3. According to the message, the agreement between Kazakhstan and ASELSAN is worth $3.570 million. The weapon platform will be supplied to Kazakhstan in 2017, the message said. According to the message, no other details of the agreement were reported. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade 3K Shares Share In the last decade, the federal government has undertaken considerable steps to control the way doctors care for their patients. Its goal is to improve healthcare quality and lower costs, but the very regulation tasked with achieving this has created a paperwork nightmare that actually does the opposite: it impedes care and increases costs. Im referring to the Physician Quality Reporting System, or PQRS, which originated with the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006. I doubt youve heard of it, but your doctor surely has, and chances are he or she considers it an expensive and burdensome bureaucratic reporting exercise that does practically nothing to increase quality. Heres how it works. A doctor examines a patient and submits a bill to Medicare. To be fully paid, the doctor must also document that certain tasks were performed. If this is not done correctly, he is penalized with a reduction in payment. While this sounds reasonable, let me explain why its an awful way to measure a doctors quality. For one thing, many of the clinical tasks were bound to report are extremely basic. Like reviewing a patients medications. Or checking blood pressure. And heres one example from my field of ophthalmology: I have to confirm I examined the macula of a patient with macular degeneration which is about as elementary as asking a cardiologist to confirm he listened to the heart. Even the most uninformed doctor would perform these tasks. Medicare is spending tax dollars to scrutinize measures that set the bar so low that the exercise is meaningless. Whats worse is that the program creates situations that defy common sense. For example, a radiation oncologist who specializes in pediatric cancers is penalized for not recommending smoking cessation to his young patientsgenerally children aged 2 to 9. A cardiologist is required to write prescriptions for aspirin, but prefers to simply tell patients to get aspirin over-the-counter because it is less expensive. However, he is penalized unless he also documents a prescription. But doctors fiercest criticism of PQRS is usually reserved for the haphazard way in which the program is administered. Inordinate physician and staff time is devoted to complying with constantly changing rules and requirements time that would be better spent caring for patients and reducing wait times. Mind-numbing data entry and difficulties submitting electronic records to Medicare add to the frustration. Particularly galling is that fact that, for some specialties, the government failed to create enough relevant clinical measures to report upon, making compliance impossible from the outset. The failure of this misguided government initiative is even worse when one considers the costs. A 2016 Health Affairs study showed that physician practices in just four specialties (cardiology, orthopedics, family medicine and internal medicine) spent $15.4 billion annually to comply with quality measure reporting. This translated to $40,069 per physician money that could have improved patient care through investment in medical technology, or helped the economy through hiring of employees. No study has ever shown that this program improves patient care or doctor quality. Quite the opposite: a 2014 study by the Medical Group Management Association showed that 84 percent of doctors practices did not feel quality reporting improved their ability to provide high-quality care, and more than 83 percent felt the program adversely affected practice efficiency, support staff time and physician morale. Why should you care about any of this? For one thing, you might find your doctor seems to spend more time entering data on a computer than actually talking to you. But the most important reason is because you are a taxpayer, and Medicare has already spent hundreds of millions of dollars implementing this program. Their intentions are good, but their experiment has failed. You cant measure physician quality with a system of mindless box-checking. Weve recently learned that Medicare will be doubling down on this strategy and rolling it into a new program called MIPS: Merit-based Incentive Payment System. But changing the name wont make it any more effective. If our goal is to improve healthcare quality, why not instead invest these millions into improving access to pap smears, colonoscopies, early diabetic screening, or in a multitude of other ways that, unlike the PQRS program, are proven to save lives? You might ask, wont this program at least reduce costs simply because it pays doctors less? The answer is no, because the new program is set up as a budget neutral, zero-sum game. Bonuses will be paid to good doctors who comply from a penalty pool funded by bad doctors who fail. Its like a Hunger Games in which the metric is box-checking, and the losers pay the winners. Ive earned PQRS bonuses in the past, and I probably will in the future, but the senselessness of this program, and its societal costs, demand censure. The next time youre with your doctor, and shes busy clicking through a panel of boxes on a computer screen, you might ask what she thinks about Medicares intrusion into the doctor-patient relationship. But be ready, you might just get her to pause, look at you, and tell you all about it. And it might be an earful. Andrew Lam is a retinal surgeon and author of Two Sons of China and Saving Sight: An Eye Surgeons Look at Life Behind the Mask and the Heroes Who Changed the Way We See. He can be reached at his self-titled site, Andrew Lam, MD. Image credit: Shutterstock.com 2K Shares Share Physicians are known to be masters of self-sacrifice, and self-control. They undergo years of training and make substantial emotional and financial sacrifices until they complete their training. The reward at the end of the road is a fulfilling job where he or she can treat people who are in need and enjoy the emotional, personal, and financial fruits of their labor. But is this the reality? At a time when the job satisfaction of physicians is at all time low, and burnout at all-time high, alarming depression rates, and a shocking 400 physicians suicide per year in the United States. One cant help but wonder if physicians have finally joined the working class. The popular belief is that working classes are comprised of those who are paid minimum wage and who cannot make ends meet, while physicians are compensated well financially, relative to those in other professions. However, this income-based classification is misleading. The working class represents workers who have lost control over their means of production, and are in turn controlled by members of another class. With the rapid industrialization and commodification of medicine, an increasing number of doctors are deserting private practice for large heath systems and employment in hospitals. Only one-in-three physicians will remain independent by the end of 2016, and three in four medical residents will start their career as employees of a medical group, hospital, or faculty plan. This trend is not arbitrary; there is a strong movement facilitated by ACA to consolidate doctor networks, and to turn them into salaried employees of hospitals and health plans. The aim, is to control service utilization and make health care delivery more coordinated and efficient. This change would not necessarily be all negative. Consolidating doctors will help to deliver more efficient services at a lower cost. Doing so may provide security and peace of mind to doctors in the current challenging financial and regulatory environment. However, this change is coming at a steep price for providers and patients. Physicians need to be cognizant that they are trading away autonomy, control over decision-making, and at times their ability to influence the work process. Giving up autonomy and means of production results in alienation of physicians from each other, alienation from the work being done, alienation from their patients, and ultimately alienation from themselves. To meet the complex nature of service delivery, health systems have created inflated bureaucracies, with numerous administrators and middle managers to manage the system of production. This has led to two parallel sets of workers in a system, often with broken lines of communication. Over time, a distinctively antagonistic relationship has developed between physicians and the bureaucracy that controls them. A hierarchical bureaucracy now controls the daily work of physicians, and managements power is based on the concentration of decision-making authority and information needed in planning and controlling the system. The oppression of the physician working class is a result of their exclusion from the decision-making process. There have been increasing complaints about the concentration of money and power among the managers of health systems, coupled with the increasing tendency to fill the ranks of administrators and hospital CEOs with people lacking clinical background. The official explanation for this trend is that systems are becoming increasingly complex, and that managing the business of health care necessitates control by business minded people. This has created a clear split between administrators vs. doctors and nurses regarding dealing with clinical protocols and procedures. In this challenging environment, physicians identities are increasingly being changed and molded to fit the chain of production. Physicians are described as a collection of FTEs (full-time equivalents). They are referred to as providers or prescribers, and they are increasingly viewed as workers whose job it is to deliver health care to costumers or consumers. The physician-patient relationship is seen as a business transaction between vendors and purchasers. It is difficult for physicians to take themselves seriously as professionals if patients treat them with the same suspicion as snake oil salesmen. In this system, the ability to work becomes commodified and sold in the marketplace in 15-minute units., and physicians perceive their work as simply executing the checklists and demands that are coming from their employer. In time, there is a sense that patient consultations are closer to mundane processes in a long production line, rather than a fulfilling system for improved health. Given the nature of this situation, it is no wonder that so many patient safety and quality improvement initiatives, checklists, and practice improvement campaigns fail. They fail because often these campaigns are perceived as external demand, as opposed to something physicians freely choose because they believe in it. As a result, physicians are increasingly alienated from their work. Decisions regarding who to take care of, when, where, and what therapy should be administered at what cost are increasingly determined by the employer or the insurer and not the practicing physician. With the quality of the work delivered increasingly determined by process measures that are imposed externally, physicians will eventually be less satisfied by and fulfilled by their work. In order to deal with the frustration of physicians, the employer provides two different types of solutions. The first is based in offering R&R, relaxation workshops, and personal growth retreats to offset the negative impact of the alienation caused by the existing unpleasant work environment. The second to ask physicians to do more training. The CME (continuing medical education) industry is growing at a fast pace especially after the introduction of the maintenance of certification (MOC) requirements, which has encountered much resistance from the medical profession. All of the forgoing suggests that doctors need to identify the problems they face in clear terms, and need to embrace their working class identity. Only then will they be able to identify possible solutions and create a practical plan of action. Andres Barkil-Oteo is a psychiatrist and can be reached on Twitter @andre06511. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Hassan Allaf, deputy governor of Iraqs Nineveh province, said Baghdad was being "pressured" to stop Turkey from playing a role in the ongoing campaign to retake Mosul - Ninevehs regional capital - from the Daesh terrorist group, Anadolu reported. "Neighboring Turkey was -- and still is -- a defender of the people of Nineveh and has helped them prepare for the campaign and deal with the resultant displacement crisis," Allaf, who temporarily resides in Iraqs northern city of Erbil. He added: "And we are grateful for these efforts." Turkey has recently trained some 3,000 local Sunni volunteers in Ninevehs Camp Bashiqa. Allaf went on to express his desire to see Turkish forces participate in the ongoing "liberation" of Nineveh. "We view Turkey as a safety valve in the event of sectarian conflict or civil war," he said. Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi recently called on Turkish troops stationed at Camp Bashiqa to leave Iraq. "I wish there was better coordination on the intervention process [in Mosul]," Allaf asserted. "If Turkey had participated in the campaign from the beginning," he said, "we would be in a better situation and would not need foreign forces to liberate Mosul." He also expressed his wish that the Shia Hashd al-Shaabi militia would refrain from taking part in the Mosul campaign due to what he described as "sectarian" considerations. The deputy governor went on to note that recent statements by Hashd al-Shaabi leaders had sparked fears of imminent demographic changes in Nineveh, which is traditionally known for its religious and ethnic diversity. According to iResearch China, Amazon only holds less than 1 percent in China's lucrative e-commerce market. (Photo : Getty Images) China's potential to be the largest market for Amazon has been spoiled by Alibaba's dominance and the rise of JD.com. On Friday, however, Amazon unveiled its Prime membership service to its Chinese customers. The success of Amazon in India, which has been a critical market for Amazon due to its failure to gain traction in China, has been the company's pivot in the international ground. Advertisement According to Bloomberg, the Chinese Amazon Prime has been offering its free-shipping service on eligible overseas goods with orders south of 200 yuan ($29.58). Annual membership costs 388 yuan ($59), a little more than half the price for U.S. customers, which stands at $99. The launch, however, is not without its limits. Amazon Prime in China does not offer streaming of digital content such as music and video. Moreover, its free two-day shipping of eligible goods without a minimum order size, which is available for new signups in other regions, is not available for Chinese Amazon Prime customers. This move is seen by experts as an attempt by Amazon to start setting foothold in the world's second-largest economy. The Washington-based company shares only an underwhelming 1 percent to 3 percent of China's e-commerce industry--a minuscule figure compared to Alibaba's 47 percent and JD.com's 20 percent market share, according to Business of Fashion. Although not considered a crackdown on China's heavily saturated e-commerce industry, especially with the lack of standout offers, the move might just open doors for other business ventures and diversification of the company in the country. A fraudster who duped people out of their hard-earned cash was sentenced to four years in prison at Kilkenny Circuit Court. Martin Holden, Garrigue, Mullinavat pleaded guilty to 28 counts under Theft and Fraud Offences Act on dates over a five-year period dating from 2007 and 2012. Detective Garda Kevin Nolan told the court that the defendant was advertising heavy plant machinery on various different dates and that the defendant did not have possession of the machinery. The machinery was advertised on a number of websites including mylittlesalesman.ie, donedeal and other sites. Interested customers would make contact and in some cases they would forward either a deposit or the full amount. In total there were 15 injured parties including people from America, Saudi Arabia and Europe and the total value of the money that was stolen amounted to 490,000. One of the injured parties, a Chicago-based businessman managed to retrieve 16,000 but the remainder was not retrieved. The court heard evidence relating to one of the injured parties who had seen machinery advertised in February 2011. The injured party agreed to transfer the money and was told that once this was done he would be able to collect the machinery in Naas. The injured party agreed and came to Ireland to collect the machine. When he arrived at the airport he called the defendant who said that he was out of the country in the Netherlands and would meet him in two days time. The injured party called him two days later and the defendant said that he would meet him that evening. He never met him and the injured party reported the matter to gardai. Another injured party travelled from New York after paying over $8,000 as a deposit for a Caterpillar wheel loader between July and September 2011. When the injured party arrived in Dublin he called the injured party who said he was in the UK. The defendant never met with the injured party. The court heard that the monies were paid into a number of Irish bank accounts and then transferred to a Lithuanian bank account. Holden spent the monies 'maintaining his lifestyle over a five-year period' and told the court that he has no assets. The court also heard that a variety of different emails were used by the defendant. Defence counsel said that his client had defrauded people and that 'when the money was gone there was very little he (Holden) could do apart from plead guilty'. Holden absconded from the jurisdiction in July 2012 after a significant amount of pleas had been entered. It was an erroneous decision to leave the jurisdiction, his counsel said. He asked the judge to consider his client's remorse and his personal circumstances. Judge Cormac Quinn remarked that the 50-year-old had committed fraud on strangers 'peppered across the globe' adding that 'the fraudulent intent is clearly apparent'. The total amount of moeny is now short of half a million. The elephant in the room is where is that money? Judge Quinn remarked that the offences happened after the economy crashed when machinery was been sold cheaply and therefore there was interest from abroad. The defendant has no previous convictions and comes from a reputable family. The court heard that at the time of the offences the defendant 'had fallen on hard times'. There was an element of planning and a system was put in place. He preyed on foreigners and created fake bills and invoices. An aggravating factor is that he continued to offend while he was on bail. A lot of people after the recession fell on hard times but that does not justify this, he added. Judge Quinn stated that he would take into account the early plea and the family circumstances of the defendants as well as a number of reports that were handed into the court. He imposed a prison sentence of four years. My clients often ask what they can do today to avoid financial challenges in the future. They might find themselves with extra income after paying off debt, have a dream to buy a home or need a retirement plan, and they're not sure where to start. If this sounds like you, keep reading so you can avoid these common financial planning mistakes. 1. Not having a plan. In order to accomplish anything, you first need to have a plan. Begin by asking yourself where you want to be financially in five, ten or twenty years. Do you want to own a home? Do you want to be debt-free? (Yes, it is possible!) When do you want to retire? What kind of lifestyle do you want when you retire? These and many other questions are the start of your financial plan. 2. Assuming the financial professional you select today is yours for life. Life changes, and so does your financial plan. If the person you're working with today isn't right for you, ask for referrals from trusted friends and family or the local chamber of commerce. Interview several, and select the person that best suits you, your family and your financial goals. Subscribe to Kiplingers Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. Save up to 74% Sign up for Kiplingers Free E-Newsletters Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplingers expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail. Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplingers expert advice - straight to your e-mail. Sign up 3. Delaying when you start to save. If I had a dollar for every client that came to me saying they wished they had saved for retirement from the time they graduated college, I could retire! Just $50 a month adds up over the years. If you're a parent, encourage your children to save and invest early so they don't have the stress older Americans have when it comes to having enough to buy a home, take a dream vacation or retire. 4. Assuming Social Security is part of your plan. Our parents may be guaranteed Social Security, but don't assume the same for yourself or your children. Rather than having to fill a gap in income when you're getting ready to retire, prepare ahead of time. If Social Security is available, that's added value to your retirement plan, and if not, you've got what you need to live the way you want to live. 5. Forgetting about your ex-spouse's Social Security benefits. If you're close to retirement age and have been divorced, you may be eligible for ex-spouse benefits. Factors such as length of the marriage, age of your ex-spouse, remarriage and current marriage status impact eligibility. The laws are constantly changing, so check with your trusted financial professional to see if you qualify. 6. Lack of communication. Whether it means communicating with your spouse, children, financial professional or estate planning attorney, you can't be the only one who knows your financial and legal information. You might think you're just being private, but if you're incapacitated or die, you leave loved ones stressed not knowing your wishes or where to find your estate plan where you've expressed your wishes. This often leads to family arguments, and it doesn't need to be that way. Make sure loved ones know where to find your bank, investment, retirement account, insurance and estate planning documents in the event they need to act on your behalf. If you've experienced a life change such as marriage, divorce or having children, you need to review beneficiaries on all bank and investment accounts as well as insurance policies. In some states, the person listed as the beneficiary trumps all other documents. That means if you forget to take your ex-spouse off a bank account, and you die, the ex-spouse is the beneficiary of the funds, not your new spouse, children, grandchildren or anyone else you might prefer to designate. That could mean there isn't money for the surviving spouse for expenses such as paying off a car or mortgage. If your employer is sponsoring a retirement plan, find out if they match your investment. For every dollar you contribute, the company may contribute an amount up to a percentage of your salary, which means you're making money simply by participating. Make sure you understand the details before saying yes. 9. Skipping saving while you're paying off debt. It's tempting to put all of your extra money toward paying off debt, but don't forget to save while you're doing it. Establish an emergency fund, and then think about expenses such as car repairs, new car savings and pet bills. If you don't have that money put aside, you're likely to use credit cards to cover those kinds of costs and will never eliminate the cycle of debt. You can begin a plan for your future whether you're a young couple, ready to retire, or somewhere in between. Identifying your goals and finding a trusted financial professional are the first steps to avoiding financial planning mistakes. Shanna Tingom is a Registered Representative, securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC., Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Cambridge and Heritage Financial Strategies are not affiliated. Somali pirates were held under trial in Germany for kidnapping seafarers. (Photo : Getty Images) Somali pirates held hostage crew members of the Taiwan-owned Omani-flagged fishing vessel Naham 3. They were taken captive in the south of the Seychelles in March 2012. The hostage victims included 10 from the Chinese mainland, two from Taiwan, and 17 others from the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Advertisement "It wasn't until I saw the planes that I finally believed that I was going home, really!" Leng Wenbing said. He is a sailor from Sichuan. Hua Chunying, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, said that the 26 crew members were rescued through the cooperation of various groups. She expressed gratitude to "all the organizations and people who had participated in the rescue." A representative of the pirates said that $1.5 million was paid for the release. John Steed, the coordinator of the Hostage Support Partners (H.S.P.) who helped negotiate their release, said, "We are very pleased to announce the release of the Naham 3 crew early this morning." Leng said, "Pirates treated us like babysitters, forcing us to wash clothes, cook dinners and clean their guns." He also said that they were fed rats, snakes, birds and cats. They were given a bowl of water and two main meals a day. They were confined in a 10 square feet room in the middle of the forest, according to Leng. He was also beaten severely when he tried to escape. "When I was in Somalia, I always dreamed of coming home. However, when I woke up, I was still in that place," said Leng. "I could not stop missing home or get rid of my nightmares." Steed echoed Leng's sentiment. He said, "They have spent over four and a half years in deplorable conditions away from their families." Gold Falls On Possible New Brexit Vote (Kitco News) - Gold failed to hold the $1,300 level at close, however, the Asian market bought aggressively at their open to push gold to yesterdays intra-day high of around $1,308. Then around 4 a.m., gold was sold heavily. One could argue that is was profit-taking but I think the catalyst was news out of England. The U.K. High Court announced that the U.K. could not leave the EU without a vote from Parliament. It is unlikely that Parliament will vote against the will of the majority, but it is possible, which then may take a significant unknown (the British exit) off the table. December is now shaping up as the most pivotal month of 2016. We have the Fed, the Italian referendum vote and now a potential new vote on Brexit. Dips should be bought. By Peter Hug, Kitco Metals Global Trading Director; phug@kitco.com 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 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. kitco news HANOI, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official market and indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi at 0052 GMT. Nov 3 Nov 2 USD/VND mid-point 22,018 22,027 USD/VND interbank 22,320/22,324 22,319/22,320 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.20/36.67 35.85/36.11 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) (Recasts with market expectations, company forecasts) Nov 2 (Reuters) - Kinross Gold Corp reported better-than-expected third-quarter earnings on the back of a stronger gold price and slightly higher production. The Toronto-based miner said it was "tracking" toward the lower half of its 2016 production forecast of 2.7 million to 2.9 million gold equivalent ounces. At the same time, its 2016 all-in sustaining costs - the gold industry's cost benchmark - were headed toward the upper half of its forecast range of $890 to $990 per ounce, it said. Kinross, which is the world's fifth-biggest gold miner, said its net earnings were $2.5 million, or zero a share, in the three months through September. That compared with a net loss of $52.7 million, or 5 cents a share, in the same period a year ago. Adjusted earnings of $128.7 million, or 10 cents a share, were ahead of analysts' expectations of 4 cents a share, according to estimates from Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Kinross, which has 10 mines in North and South America, Africa and Russia, produced 684,129 equivalent ounces of gold during the quarter, up from 680,679 ounces in the same period last year. It received an average price of $1,336 an ounce for its gold, up from $1,122 an ounce a year ago. Its all-in sustaining costs rose to $1,001 an ounce from $941 in the year-ago quarter, partly due to a temporary work halt at its Tasiast mine in Mauritania. Kinross revised its capital expenditure forecast down to a range of $650 million to $675 million from $755 million mainly due to lower-than-expected spending on Tasiast's expansion due to delays caused by the work stoppage. (Reporting by Nicole Mordant in Vancouver; editing by G Crosse) (Adds background, market reaction, analyst quote) By Charlotte Greenfield WELLINGTON, Nov 3 (Reuters) - The New Zealand dollar rallied to an almost one-month high in the early hours of Thursday morning buoyed by strong domestic economic data and helped by weakness in the greenback. The Kiwi rose 1.4 percent, its largest daily rise in almost two months, reaching a high of $0.7309 in early Pacific trading on Thursday. "Yesterday's unequivocally strong labor market data and the surge in GDT dairy prices, along with general USD weakness, saw the jump in the Kiwi extended overnight," said Kyle Uerata, economic statistician at ANZ, in a research note. International milk prices rose 11.4 percent in this week's fortnightly auction, underscoring a nascent recovery in prices in good news for New Zealand's largest export earner. Record employment data showing strong jobs growth added to the positive sentiment. "Despite the risk-off mood, the NZD has been the best performer," said BNZ currency strategist Jason Wong in a research note. The Kiwi began to pull back on Thursday morning, slipping just below the resistance level of $0.7300 that it had broken overnight to around $0.7288. The currency also rallied against the Australian dollar , rising 1.3 percent, its strongest daily rise since July, to A$0.9533, before retracing slightly to A$0.9505 in late morning trading. The Kiwi would likely rise higher against the U.S. dollar in the days ahead, and could reach $0.7370, according to Westpac senior market strategist Imre Speizer. (Reporting by Charlotte Greenfield; Editing by Jane Wardell and James Dalgleish) FRANKFURT, Nov 3 (Reuters) - German battery maker Varta plans to raise up to 200 million euros from the sale of new shares in an initial public offering (IPO) in Frankfurt for investments and acquisitions, it said on Thursday. Varta said 50 million would be spent on a new automated assembly plant for small batteries used in portable devices and it is also looking to buy rival makers of energy storage systems, with Australia and Italy identified as growth markets. Reuters reported this week about plans to list the company by late November. Varta specialises in batteries for hearing aids, headphones and wearable consumer electronics, as well as energy storage systems for power generated by solar panels on homes and commercial buildings. Varta's owner, Swiss investor Montana Tech Components , is also offering existing shares worth up to 30 million euros as an over-allotment option, or greenshoe, as part of the IPO. Montana will remain the majority owner after the flotation, which is expected to value the practically debt-free company at more than 400 million euros. Varta is hoping to attract a valuation similar to that of hearing aid makers such as Sonova , William Demant , GN Store or Amplifon , which trade at an average of 13 times their expected core earnings. Varta posted annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation of 21.8 million euros on sales of 161 million in the first nine months of 2016, having grown by more than 10 percent annually since 2013. Varta expects rapid growth in the coming years, particularly in energy storage, which accounts for a fourth of its sales, as German subsidies for renewable energy sales are phased out. The company formerly belonged to German industrial group Varta, which has a dark history of forced labour in World War Two. The group was broken up into three smaller units at the beginning of this century. In 2002, the car battery business was taken over by Johnson Controls and the household batteries unit was merged with U.S. firm Rayovac, now called Spectrum Brands . The Varta microbattery business was snapped up by Montana in 2007. Jefferies and UniCredit are acting as joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners for the IPO while HSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt is acting as a joint bookrunner and Erste Group Bank as a co-lead manager. ($1 = 0.9008 euros) (Reporting by Arno Schuetze and Alexander Hubner; editing by David Clarke) Nov 3 (Reuters) - Activist investor Carl Icahn has raised his stake in Herbalife Ltd to 23.1 percent as of Nov. 3, according to a regulatory filing on Thursday. Icahn had reported a 20.78 percent stake in the company in August. ( ) Herbalife said on Tuesday that Chief Executive Michael Johnson would step down next year and be replaced by Chief Operating Officer Richard Goudis, a choice Icahn said he fully supported. Herbalife's shares were up just over 1 percent in extended trading. (Reporting by Anya George Tharakan in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza) ABIDJAN, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Ivory Coast nickel company Nickel de l'Ouest Cote d'Ivoire (NOCI) will invest up to 220 billion CFA francs ($365 million) in concessions in the country's west, a government spokesman said. The government granted the company a mining permit on Thursday. The concessions include the Sipilou nickel mine, which miner and commodity trader Glencore inherited through its takeover of Xstrata in 2013. Glencore sold Sipilou last year, along with a copper mine in the Philippines and another nickel mine in the Dominican Republic for a total of $290 million. Ivory Coast government spokesman Bruno Kone said the cabinet approved at a meeting on Thursday an exploitation permit for concessions in Touba and Biankouma, along the western border with Guinea. Kone said exploration had identified 60 million tonnes of reserves with nickel content of 1.74 percent. NOCI plans to invest 130 billion CFA in the first phase of the project with another 60 to 90 billion expected in the second phase, creating a total of 700 permanent jobs, Kone said. ($1 = 602.6300 CFA francs) (Reporting by Loucoumane Coulibaly; Editing by Joe Bavier and Susan Fenton) SINGAPORE, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Rigbuilder Keppel Corp on Thursday said it will subscribe to a bond offer by KrisEnergy Ltd , potentially increasing its majority holding and throwing a lifeline to the debt-laden oil and gas explorer. Keppel said it could raise its stake to as much as 67.33 percent from 40 percent via an up to S$140 million ($101 million) preferential offering of zero-coupon secured notes coupled with warrants that KrisEnergy announced earlier on Thursday. Shares of KrisEnergy rose as much as 9 percent in morning trade. Keppel was up 0.4 percent whereas the benchmark Straits Times Index was down by an equal amount. KrisEnergy is among a growing list of Singaporean firms struggling to meet debt commitments due to tumbling global oil prices. On Thursday, it also said it would seek to extend the maturities of its S$130 million bond due in 2017 and S$200 million bond due in 2018 by five years. It proposed reducing the bonds' coupons to 4 percent from 6.25 percent and 5.75 percent respectively. KrisEnergy also said it had agreed with DBS Bank Ltd to amend terms and covenants of its revolving credit facility, including extending the maturity to June 2018. The proposed restructuring, if successful, would yield "a stable and sustainable capital structure, reduced short-term cash debt service obligations and greater liquidity," KrisEnergy said. The firm reported a net loss for the third quarter, compared with a profit a year earlier. ($1 = 1.3833 Singapore dollars) (Reporting by Aradhana Aravindan; Editing by Christopher Cushing) HANOI, Nov 3 (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 0432 GMT. Nov 3 Nov 2 USD/VND mid-point 22,018 22,027 USD/VND interbank 22,325/22,326 22,319/22,320 USD/VND unofficial 22,320/22,335 22,320/22,340 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.45/37.27 35.85/36.11 Interbank offered rates Overnight 0.6-1.2 0.8-1.2 1 week 0.7-1.3 0.8-1.5 1 month 1.5-2.0 1.5-2.0 3 months 3.3-4.2 3.3-4.2 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) (Adds details and background) RABAT, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Morocco's jobless rate fell to 9.6 percent in the third quarter of this year from 10.1 percent in the same period last year, mostly because of new jobs in construction, official figures showed on Thursday. Building activity added 52,000 additional jobs to help offset 125,000 jobs lost mainly in agriculture because of a severe drought, the High Planning Commission added. The government said the 2016 cereal harvest fell sharply to 3.3 million tonnes after last year's record crop of 11 million tonnes due to bad weather. The woes of the farm sector have put further pressure on the Moroccan government, which is already facing protests over austerity measures. The agricultural sector, including forests and fisheries, lost 66,000 jobs, industry lost 44,000 and services lost 15,000 jobs, the data showed. However, jobs created by construction are mostly precarious, the agency warned. The Finance Ministry has forecast the economy will grow this year by less than 2 percent, slowing from 4.4 percent in 2015. However, the planning agency said the drought would drag growth down to 1.3 percent in 2016. Informal labour abounds in Morocco, making it hard to produce reliable employment figures. (Reporting By Aziz El Yaakoubi, editing by Larry King and Elaine Hardcastle) President Obama wants increased U.S. involvement in the Asia-Pacific. (Photo : Getty Images) U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and national security adviser Susan Rice met with Chinese state councilor Yang Jiechi in New York. A White House representative said that that meeting was to "review progress to bring a more durable, stable and productive bilateral relationship." The American officials also wanted to discuss matters with a new administration is about to be formed in the U.S. The presidential elections will commence in a week's time. Advertisement A representative from China's foreign ministry said that both countries decided to steadily maintain cooperation despite differences on various issues. President Barack Obama has been pushing for increased U.S. participation in the Asia-Pacific. Analysts believe that this is an attempt to contain China's military State department spokesperson John Kirby said that there is nothing to worry about the country's relationship with China. He said, "We have nothing to fear from the peaceful, productive rise of China and we have nothing to fear from nations establishing better and warmer and more productive relations with China." Another critical issue will be the enactment of the Paris climate agreement which will be four days after the presidential elections. Xie Zhenhua, special representative on of China for climate change affairs, said, "I don't think ordinary people would agree if you were to reject that trend. I'm convinced, if it's a wise leader--especially a political leader--he ought to know that all his policies should conform to the trends of global development." Presidential candidate Donald Trump is a known critic of the Paris climate change agreement. In a tweet, Trump posted, "The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive." SHARE Conditions for the news workers who cover Donald Trump's campaign have become so bad that some reporters are requesting transfers to Aleppo. Yes, that's a joke, but not by much. Almost every politician in my experience sooner or later blames the media messengers for an unwelcome message. As the polls and various embarrassments such as the "Access Hollywood" tape of his "locker room" talk about molesting women bring more bad news, the media serve as a one-size-fits-all scapegoat for his woes. He calls the media "biased," "dishonest," "corrupt" and "absolute scum," among other choice gems in a constantly escalating scale of invective. Always ignored, by the way, are the tons of free and favorable publicity that he has received from media. But the public has not ignored the enormous favor Trump has received from the media he constantly beats up. Before NBC reporter Katy Tur tweeted that Donald Trump would be attending a ribbon cutting at his D.C. hotel this past week, her Twitter feed was inundated with tweets from followers asking or demanding that she boycott the event. She didn't, but it would have been sweet justice for all the abuse that Trump heaps on "the media." What a delight it would be to say, Sorry, Donald, buy your own ads. I, too, have been asked by readers why the news media that Trump knocks around don't get even with him by simply not covering him. I'm sure he would really miss us if we were gone. He might have to start his own TV news channel, which he is rumored to be considering, just to keep his ego fed. Of course, media boycotts of major newsmakers don't happen, partly because the media are not the vast "conspiracy" that Trump calls us. Sure, Trump in his paranoid desperation may accuse always without evidence news media of collaborating with pollsters, "international bankers" and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's campaign. But it doesn't take long for media workers to realize what a hard time the folks in each medium have organizing themselves, let alone trying to organize for collective action with other media. We are competitors in today's media environment, not collaborators, and that's how we should be. By the way, can everyone please remember that "media" is the plural of "medium," which denotes a form of mass communication, be it newspapers, magazines, books, TV, radio, the Internet or what have you? Let's get it right: Please don't say, "The media is corrupt." Say "The media are corrupt." We can argue whether that statement is true or not later. Tur made news after Secret Service escorted her from a Trump rally in December after singling her out from the stage for what the candidate called her "dishonest" coverage. Trump also has been known to ban reporters from The Washington Post and other media from time to time. But his attitude and the angry atmosphere at his rallies has been turned up in recent weeks according to various reports. October has brought such unsettling headlines as "Trump's Dangerous Game of 'Beat the Press' " (New York magazine), "Press Corps with Trump Now Needs Police Escort as Crowd Shouts 'Whores!' " (People magazine), "Trump Rally-Goers Dismiss His Vulgarities, Offer Their Own for Clinton, News Media" (Wall Street Journal) and "Frenzied Donald Trump Supporters Are Turning On The Media And It's Getting Scary" (Huffington Post). Yes, it is. Having worked a couple of decades as a street reporter before joining the opinion industry, I sympathize with my fellow journalists who still face abuse on the front lines of the news. Yet it is a sign of our healthy press environment that there are some conservative media who can offer an alternative view. Pro-Trump Breitbart News headlined, "Triggered: Journalist Snowflakes Scared Trump Supporters Are 'Turning on the Media." Translation: Journalists are overreacting like "snowflakes," a right-wing nickname for liberals who seek safe zones and "trigger warnings" on campus. Suck it up, says Breitbart. Those hardworking Americans who pivot at The Donald's direction to glare at you in the media pen, some flashing single-finger salutes, and calling names, mean you no harm. No, most of them are just letting off steam. Besides, any media workers who get into this business to be loved probably won't stick around long. But I hope when the dust settles on this election and Trump loses, as is widely expected, that he does buy his own TV news channel. Then we will see, after all of the anti-media abuse that he has dished out, how well he takes it. Clarence Page is a member of the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board. Readers may send him email at cpage@tribune.com. SHARE Hillary Clinton is trying to trick you about the new email investigation and, for the record, Attorney General Loretta Lynch is more responsible for its becoming known than the trashed and weary FBI Director James Comey. It does not follow that there's no reason to criticize Comey, but the reaction has been extreme, leaves out the context and does not sufficiently look at what his letter to Congress actually said. And while Clinton has every right in the world to defend herself, she really ought to hang up the deceptions and corruption that have gotten her into this trouble in the first place. Comey, as we all know, surprised the nation in July when he appeared at a news conference and said Clinton had been "extremely careless" with national security secrets but showed no criminal intent and should not be prosecuted. He said the investigation was being dropped but also said during a congressional hearing that he might well reopen it if new information showed up. It did. While investigating whether Anthony Weiner's laptop in a case concerning sexual communications allegedly with a 15-year-old girl, the FBI found emails possibly in the hundreds of thousands that could be connected with the initial Clinton probe. Weiner, a former congressman who wrecked his career by sending dirty pictures to young women, is married to Huma Abedin, a top Clinton aide, who is now separated from him. Comey sent Congress a letter about all of this simply saying new material had been found and that the FBI was going to look at it, adding that it might not be significant. Many critics said that never before had a government official made such politically explosive information available this close to an election. In a letter to FBI colleagues, Comey said he had led people into thinking Clinton was cleared and it would be unfair not to correct the record. The bigger fact is that he informed Lynch of what he intended to do. She advised against it, but she or her deputy could have ordered him to do no such thing. If she felt strongly, why did she shirk the responsibility? Did it maybe have something to do with her abominable secret airplane meeting with Bill Clinton during the early part of the investigation and fear that it would look as though she is playing political games? Now we get back to Clinton, who has been going around demanding that the FBI release the material it has found on the Weiner computer. That makes it sound as if her sure-enough innocence leaves her unafraid, but releasing the material would be against the law, plain and simple, and Clinton has to know that. This is fraudulent, just as it is fraudulent to say WikiLeaks information does not matter because it may have come from the Russians. Donald Trump has gotten almost everything wrong about the new emails, just as he has on about everything else this year. It remains close to impossible he will win the election even though his poll numbers are improving. But this case, the foundation scandal, the Obamacare mess and a host of other issues provide numerous reasons for voters to put Republicans in control of Congress to control the likely President Clinton and her alarming behavior. Jay Ambrose is an op-ed columnist for Tribune News Service. Readers may email him at speaktojay@aol.com. Stuff reports: Justin Lester has donated his $60,000 Wellington mayoral car budget to the arts. The new mayor has decided to give the cash, provided by Wellington City Council for the role, to the city arts portfolio budget to help up-and-coming artists. The arts budget funds a range of things including community arts and events, music concerts, art exhibitions, plays and cultural festivals. I dont need it, Lester said of his car allowance. We have said we will be a prudent council and these are savings we can make either by redirecting money to projects that directly benefit Wellingtonians or by forgoing payments that fit within the role of being a councillor. Well take every decision on spending, and saving, on a case-by-case basis. You can now donate to Kiwiblog Mr Marriner is the Rotorua LEC Chair. As Whale points out, somewhat more offensive that what Paul Henry said. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr Johnny Depp attends the European premiere of 'Alice Through The Looking Glass' at Odeon Leicester Square on May 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo : Getty Images/Jeff Spicer) Johnny Depp has joined the cast of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" sequel. The "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor will star alongside Eddie Redmayne in the upcoming "Harry Potter" spin-off. Warner Bros., the studio handling the film, has kept details about Depp's character in the film under wraps. However, things will be clearer when "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" hits theaters on Nov. 18, given that Depp will be making a brief appearance in the David Yates-directed film, Deadline reported. Advertisement "Harry Potter" author and "Fantastic Beasts" screenwriter J.K. Rowling recently announced at a London fan event that the "Fantastic Beasts" franchise will comprise of five films, according to Variety. In August, Warner Bros. announced that a sequel was already in development with Redmayne leading the cast as Newt Scamander. For the uninitiated, "Fantastic Beasts" follows the magical adventures of Scamander, a writer belonging to New York's secret community of witches and wizards, who arrives in the city in 1926 in a bid to research and rescue magical creatures but chaos ensues after some of the creatures are inadvertently let loose. The film takes place 70 years before Harry Potter reads his textbook in school. Yates, who helmed the last four "Harry Potter" films, will be back in the director's chair for the sequel with David Heyman on board as producer. At the fan event, Yates revealed that the follow-up will be set in a city other than New York City and promised that it will be "very different." "Fantastic Beasts 2" will start filming next year and is slated to hit theaters on Nov. 16, 2018. Release dates for the remaining three films are not yet known. In addition to Redmayne and Depp, "Fantastic Beasts" also features Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, Colin Farrell and Jon Voight. However, it is not clear whether any of them will be returning for the sequel. Watch the trailer of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" below: Alipay Signs MOU with Commonwealth Bank of Australia to Penetrate Market Down Under Alipay is now available in Australia. (Photo : Getty Images) Chinese internet and e-commerce giant Alibaba and its subsidiary Alipay signed a memorandum of understanding with Commonwealth Bank of Australia to make payments easier for Australian and Chinese tourists. With the new partnership, Australian customers of the bank will find it easier to pay on AliExpress. This ease of access could increase Australian shopping online and on-site. Advertisement Chinese tourists will be able to pay via Alipay using the Australian bank's point-of-sale systems and easily transact with merchants with Alipay. There are 19,000 Chinese tourists per week in Australia that spend roughly $8,000 per person. The partnership between the two financial entities is expected to bring bigger sales and a wider consumer base. The partnership will affect 450 million Chinese users. In the next decade, the growth target is 2 billion users worldwide in the next decade. Other mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay must also remain competitive as Chinese consumers are expected to increase customer loyalty. Alipay and Alibaba's financial arm Ant Financial formed partnerships with big companies like Uber to make transactions on travel easier. Globally, Alipay has more than 450 million daily users. There are 380 million payments done every day. Australia is the fifth largest market for the Chinese company. A big bulk of sales came from the country during Singles' Day, Alibaba's biggest online event. Singles' Day is also considered the biggest online sales event in the world. Alibaba recently announced that the company will be establishing its Australian headquarters in Melbourne. The country is also the first to embrace cashless online transactions. ANZ was the first Australian bank that made Android Pay available and the only bank that transacts Apple Pay. Former Sevier County corrections officer arrested NOVEMBER 2, 2016 at 8:42 p.m. SEVIERVILLE, TN An investigation by Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has led to the indictment of a former Sevier County Corrections Officer. On September 24th, at the request of 4th District Attorney General James Dunn and Sevier County Sheriff Ronald Seals, TBI Agents began investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident that occurred in the Sevier County Jail the previous day. The investigation revealed that Anthony Rendina, an inmate at the jail, was causing a disturbance and was confronted by Corrections Officer Rudolph Guy Hayes. An altercation occurred, which resulted in Rendina being hospitalized. On October 31st, the Sevier County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Hayes, 19, with Aggravated Assault and Official Misconduct. Today, Hayes was located at the home of a relative in Warren, Michigan. He was arrested and booked into the Macomb County Jail in Mt. Clemens, Michigan on charges of assault and official misconduct. Hayes is awaiting extradition to Sevier County. Published November 2, 2016 Microsoft Surface Phone is rumored to be running with Windows 10. (Photo : YouTube/ CTNtechnologynews) Microsoft has yet to confirm the release of the rumored Surface Phone in 2017 as there was no mention of the device at Microsoft's event last week. The company also did not give any hint regarding the release of the Windows 10 Mobile. The rumor mill suggests that the release of the Surface Phone will be sometime this year, but having witnessed Microsoft's October 26 event, it could possibly be in 2017. According to a leak reported by PC Advisor, the Surface Phone may look like a mini Surface tablet. Advertisement The Surface Phone may be equipped with a 5.5 AMOLED display, 64-bit Intel processor, 4GB memory and 64GB/128GB internal storage. Other features include a microSD card slot, 21 Megapixels rear camera, and a smaller Surface Pen. Other reports suggest an 8GB of memory, Qualcomm Snapdragon 830 processor, 512 GB memory and a 5.7 AMOLED display. In an interview, Microsoft executive vice president Terry Myerson told PC World that they will continue to invest in ARM and cellular. "And while I'm not saying what type of device, I think we'll see devices there - Windows devices - that use ARM chips. I think we'll see devices that have cellular connectivity," he added. While it's too early to say that Microsoft's mobile phone product line is dead, Myerson using the word "devices" instead of "phones" have led to people speculating that the supposed Surface Phone will actually be a tablet equipped with an ARM chip and cellular connectivity. Microsoft already has a set of computers, tablets, and smartwatches to date. At first, there was no need for them to release any of these devices; their software was enough to run the world's greatest machines. Over the past years, however, competition has taken control over the computer industry, so Microsoft had to match the competition. With this said, fans are still expecting Microsoft to release a line of smartphones in the near future. While they have introduced heir Nokia Lumia phones in the past, fans have not stopped hoping to see a new line of smartphones th the at will bear the name "Microsoft". Here is a glimpse of the rumored Microsoft Surface Phone: Prime Minister Najib Razak meets with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. (Photo : Getty Images) China and Malaysia intend to deepen naval ties by developing a littoral mission vessel for Malaysia. The deal was signed by Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Najib Razak. Razak said that the two littoral vessels will be purchased by Malaysia but built in China. There will be other naval ships to be purchased but will be under government financing. Advertisement In an article, Razak wrote, "This deal will enhance the Malaysian shipbuilding and defense industry." Reuters reported, "The ships are considered fast patrol vessels primarily used for coastal security, which can be equipped with a helicopter flight deck and missiles." Vice-Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said that the joint cooperation among the two countries aims to strengthen stability in the South China Sea. "Both China and Malaysia are countries surrounding the South China Sea, and the strengthening of their naval cooperation will enhance mutual trust," said Liu. The Malaysian government made pronouncements on social media on the formalization of the partnerships. On a Facebook post, Malaysian defense minister Hishammuddin Hussein said, "On November 5, 2016, the Defence Ministry will sign a contract for the procurement of Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) with SASTIND (the State Administration for Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense), which is an important part of the schedule during the Prime Minister's official visit to China." The Prime Minister will be in China for five days. Malaysia and the U.S have strained relations that were brought about by the lawsuit made by the Department of Justice linked to the state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). The fund was created by the prime minister. China came to the rescue of Razak when it bought assets from the firm amounting to $2.3 billion. By Lee Hyo-sik Chung Ji-sun, chairman of Hyundai Department Store Hyundai Department Store is facing a backlash for exaggerating its recent agreement with the sales agent for Louis Vuitton and other foreign luxury brands here. Its overstatement of the meaning of the deal reflects its desperate bid to get an upper hand in the intensifying race for a new duty free license. Korea's second-largest department store chain has claimed that the agreement guarantees Louis Vuitton will open a shop at its envisioned duty free store in southern Seoul, if it obtains a license from the government in December. But sales agent Bluebell Korea has dismissed Hyundai's claims, saying that it never promised to open a Louis Vuitton shop at the yet-to-be-decided duty free store. On Nov. 1, Hyundai Department Store, headed by Chairman Chung Ji-sun, issued a press release saying that it had signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Bluebell Korea. It said that under the accord, which is nonbinding, the sales agent would ensure that Louis Vuitton set up a shop after a duty free store opens at its department store near COEX. "Once Hyundai Department Duty Free obtains a business license, Louis Vuitton and other luxury brands that have a partnership with Bluebell Korea will open shops," the press release read. However, the release drew protests from Lotte, Shilla, Shinsegae and other duty free stores here, forcing Bluebell Korea to issue a statement later the same day, denying Hyundai's position. The stores reportedly filed a complaint with Bluebell Korea and Louis Vuitton headquarters in France. "Further to the information wrongfully released today in the press regarding the so-called confirmation of bringing the brands under condition of a license being obtained, Bluebell Korea hereby denies such an announcement and the content as part of an LOI entered into with Hyundai Department Duty Free," Bluebell Korea CEO Daniel Mayran said in a letter sent to local duty free store operators. Bluebell Korea, the Korean unit of French-based Bluebell Group, acts as a duty free sales agent for Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi and other high-priced fashion brands. "Bluebell Korea is not entitled in any manner whatsoever to make decisions on behalf of its principals. Should there be any confirmation of a store opening, it can only be decided by the brand itself," the CEO said. There will be no more communication between Bluebell Korea and Hyundai Department Store Duty Free until the government picks locations for three new duty free stores in December, he said. Simple misunderstanding? Against such a backdrop, Hyundai Department Store is scrambling to contain the fallout, worrying that it could have adverse effects on attracting foreign luxury brands after winning a duty free license. "What we were trying to say in the press release is that Hyundai Department Store and Bluebell Korea will cooperate to have luxury brands open shops at our envisioned duty free store," a company spokesman said. "Of course, we know the LOI is not legally binding and Bluebell Korea is a mere sales agent. It is just unfortunate that there has been some misunderstanding about our remarks." A Bluebell Korea official said the company does not care about what Hyundai Department Store says, stressing it has a long-standing partnership with Louis Vuitton and other clients. Wellcom Associates, a PR agent for Louis Vuitton Korea, said Louis Vuitton headquarters in France decides whether to open a shop or not at duty free stores, adding the company has nothing much to say about the matter. By Nam Hyun-woo The National Pension Service (NPS) will invest an additional 1 trillion won ($877.6 billion) into the domestic stock market as early as this month, prompting hopes that the money will become a pump-primer for sluggish stocks. According to the pension operator's investment management department, a committee is reviewing letters of intent submitted by investment management firms since last month. The committee will choose 12 managers who will be in charge of the 1 trillion won. "Up to 1 trillion won will be invested into the domestic stock market through the end of this year," said an NPS official. "After the committee's decision, the NPS will sign contracts with the selected firms. This process will take some time and the timing of the investments will be decided depending on market conditions." The NPS has focused on searching for managers who specialize in value stocks, active quant funds and small- or mid-cap stocks. The NPS has invested 95.5 trillion won, which is 17.8 percent of its overall assets, in domestic markets. Of this, 47.6 percent is being looked after by investment management firms. The NPS's move is prompting hopes that the money will reinvigorate the sluggish domestic stock market, which is plagued by a series of concerns. The looming U.S. presidential election is adding more uncertainty to the market and the ongoing massive political scandal is shaking stock prices of companies believed to have a connection with Choi Soon-sil, the core figure of the influence-peddling scandal. "If there are some turning points for the market, first, it will be the U.S. presidential election and second it will be the NPS and other pension fund operators investing money," said Kim Yong-goo, an analyst at Hana Financial Investment. "Investors should focus on mid-cap value stocks. The benefit of the investment will mostly be focused on stocks which have merits in growth and value," he said. Other pension funds are showing moves to invest in the local stock market. The Teachers' Pension Fund announced Monday that it has selected six asset management firms that will look after 100 billion won of its funds. The firms are IBK Asset Management, Franklin Templeton Investments, DGB Asset Management, Macquarie Investment Management Korea, Vision Asset and Infinity Asset. The Government Employees Pension Service is also searching for eight asset managers. According to an official at the service, each firm will be in charge of up to 20 billion won, though changes can be made depending on the market situation. The Kuwaiti Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, second from left, speaks during a press meeting at Sheraton Hotel in Kuwait City, Kuwait, Monday. / Korea Times photo by Kim Jae-heun By Kim Jae-heun The Kuwaiti Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Homoud Al-Sabah stressed the importance of investing in healthy culture during an interview with The Korea Times at Sheraton Hotel in Kuwait City, Monday. The minister, who is also the President of the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL), said the days have changed and it is no longer effective to tell children what to do and what not to do. He believes that providing cultural spaces like the new Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center will help children learn arts and traditions. Q. Could you introduce Kuwaiti culture? A. Kuwait has a long history and heritage in culture. Kuwait is a mixture, where we have different cultures and immigrants from all over. So that gives us, in Kuwait, an experience about the culture of the sea and trade and the culture of desert. It gives us openness and freedom in this country where we reflect our own arts and music and we are affected with African and Asian music with a special mixture of Kuwaiti composers. Q. What was the primary reason for opening this cultural center? A. The main purpose is to cope up with the challenges in developing our cultural capabilities, build up stronger cultural programs and execute strategies in that side. Kuwait has a lot of cultural utilities, but it is not enough for the growth of Kuwait, especially as we have to build more theaters and more showrooms, museumsso those cultural centers are helping to speed the process of building any project by segments. The process will take a lot of time. Having this cultural center will boost the challenges and efforts to have better culture capabilities. Q. Amir has contributed much time and effort in the new cultural center. What his message? A. Amir is establisher and promoter of the cultural scene in Kuwait. Before the independence of Kuwait, he was in charge of culture and media. And for that reason he always supports efforts to develop our cultural infrastructure. We had, maybe in the last 20 years, been curing ourselves after the invasion of Kuwait in the 1990s. For that reason we need to have such a cultural center. So Amir started to support such idea earlier in the 90s. Now it is done and it will contribute for the sake of our country and youth and the society. Q. Is there significance in opening a new state-of-the art cultural center in the Gulf region? A. Why not? For us, as a moderate country, and Islam is not against having cultural events, it enlightens and contributes for the sake of society. Yes, as an Islamic country, we have our own standard of needs. We like to keep our needs and capabilities as a country. We have freedom to select what we love to see as people. As an Islamic country, we have our certain style and preference. We look forward to being active in the cultural side and such parameters which help us to keep the culture growing and achieving its objectives. Nobody is investing now for culture just for the sake of culture. Culture is the future. Culture is the right investment, where the retail is granted. Although it will take a long time, it will affect your future having culture as the right method and means to build up the right person - in sense of mentality, motivation, productivity, effectiveness and keeping the national identity. All those values cannot be achieved without having a healthy cultural strategy and reality. Q. How important is culture to Kuwait and its development? A. It's very important. As I said, Kuwait, as an open country exposed to many cultures, has all capability to contribute to the international cultural scene. To do that, we are not importing ready-made culture. We have our own cultural richness and contribution. As you saw today, all you saw are Kuwaitis, who are devoted to music, to theater, to arts, all those matters you cannot build easily. It is there, but you need to reshape it and grow it by time by having more youth interaction and involvement. This is our target, to keep youth healthy, mind-wise, motivated, productive. You have to invest in the right culture. Leaving such spaces, now it's very dangerous, not for Arabs, but for the international community that many terrorist groups and fundamentalists and radical ideas can infiltrate the new media and new technology to the minds of children and youths and youngsters. They can implant their seeds for irregular thinking and bad doing. How can you prevent them? This is the right way to prevent. You cannot go direct to children and say don't do this' only. You have to show them indirectly how this will affect them and how avoiding this will give them success and happiness. This is what we can see the real role of having the right investment in culture. Q. We don't have much cultural exchanges between Kuwait and Korea. Is there any plan to change this in the future? A. There are a lot. We had an exhibition at the national museum in Seoul in Korea. I felt how much Koreans adore culture and how much the country is investing in affecting culture and investment. This is the right way to do it. We look forward to have more. Now even our relationships in many sectors are very active in commercial, business and many areas. But also we have to exchange and cooperate in culture. We really appreciate and respect your people. They contributed highly in building our infrastructure and helping Kuwait since a long time ago. A panoramic view of Incheon International Airport / Courtesy of Incheon International Airport Corp. A check-in terminal to open at Gwangmyeong Station for travelers from non-capital area By Jung Min-ho A new airport check-in terminal will open at the Gwangmyeong KTX Station in March to give better access for travelers who live far away from Incheon International Airport, the nation's main gateway. Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC) CEO Chung Il-young and Gwangmyeong Mayor Yang Ki-dae signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Tuesday to cooperate on the project, which is expected to save time and reduce inconvenience for air passengers from non-capital areas. "With the city terminal, more people will be able to use the airport more conveniently. We will closely work with the Gwangmyeong City Government to open it as soon as possible," Chung said after a signing ceremony at Gwangmyeong Cave in the city. According to the IIAC, residents living outside Seoul and Gyeonggi Province account for 27.1 percent, or 11.5 million people a year, of all airport users. Among them, only 11.8 percent take KTX bullet trains mainly due to a shortage of direct trains to the airport. Hence, most of them take cars instead to go to the airport, while some choose to get off at Seoul Station, where they can use check-in services and take the Airport Railroad. The new city terminal at Gwangmyeong Station, through which 103 bullet trains from across the country pass every day, aims to solve the problem by providing direct limousine buses to the airport besides the check-in services. Once completed, as early as March next year, the IIAC believes that 500,000 people will take advantage of the terminal in that year alone, and the number is expected to continue to rise. At the terminal, air passengers can also go through check-in procedures, seat selection and baggage consignment. Incheon International Airport Corp. CEO Chung Il-young, right, and Gwangmyeong Mayor Yang Ki-dae shake hands after signing a memorandum of understanding to build a city airport terminal there, during the signing ceremony at Gwangmyeong Cave, Gyeonggi Province, Tuesday. All this means that they will no longer have to bear tedious hours in a car to go to the airport. Instead, they will be able to take fast and convenient bullet trains to reach Gwangmyeong Station, drop their luggage and hop on the limousine bus to the airport. This new route is expected to save much time. For example, a traveler who sets off from Busan is expected to reach the airport in three hours and 20 minutes through the new route, whereas it takes more than four hours through the fastest route available now, according to the IIAC. From Gwangju, it is expected to take only two hours and 20 minutes. Those who already completed check-in can get on the plane after simple passport checks at the airport. "The terminal is also expected to improve convenience for foreigners who travel outside the capital area," an IIAC PR official said. The IIAC plans to allocate about 2.5 billion won ($2.2 million) to setting up and operating the Gwangmyeong terminal next year. It will be the nation's third city airport terminal after the ones in Seoul Station and Samseong-dong. The bidding process to win the contract for the operations of the terminal has been notified. The IIAC said it will announce the winner by the end of the year after evaluations. Incheon airport has been rated the world's best airport by the Airports Council International every year since 2005, four years after its opening in 2001. It now services nearly 50 million passengers each year. By Park Si-soo Did scandal-mired Choi Soon-sil play a role in sinking Hanjin Shipping? Rumors are rife that the shadowy confidant of President Park Geun-hye was an "invisible hand" blocking creditors' financial aid to the troubled shipping company. Pressed by snowballing debts, the nation's No.1 shipper filed for court receivership in August, triggering chaos in the global maritime cargo transportation network. The company has since been forced to sell its core assets, including vessels that operate on its lucrative Asia-U.S. route, in a desperate effort to stay afloat. There are allegations that decision-makers in the government and Hanjin's key creditor, the state-backed Korea Development Bank, were positive about extending a lifeline to Hanjin with a cash injection or other measures until March. But an "invisible hand" cut in and abruptly stopped the process, according to the Joongang Ilbo daily. The newspaper said Choi, 60, broke the deal because of Hanjin's "lukewarm support" of two nonprofit foundations she controls. The organizations -- Mir and K-Sports -- were allegedly set up with tens of billions of won "donated" by Korea's big companies and Choi siphoned funds from the organizations, like personal ATMs. According to news reports, Hanjin wired a billion won ($877,500) to the organizations, which was less than the amount from other companies with smaller sales than Hanjin. According to Rep. Park Young-sun of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, LS Group handed over 1.5 billion won to the foundations, CJ Group 1.3 billion won and Doosan Group 1.1 billion won, although their sales were less than Hanjin's. And this case led to Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Yang-ho's sudden resignation as president of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics Organizing Committee in May. Government officials strongly deny the allegations, calling them "groundless." By Park Si-soo President Park Geun-hye could be subject to a prosecution investigation because "all people are equal under the law," Prime Minister nominee Kim Byong-joon said Thursday. Kim made the comment while saying he will execute "100 percent of the Constitutional rights given to the Prime Minister" to normalize the government that is mired in an unprecedented political scandal. Earlier in the day, Justice Minister Kim Hyun-woong told the National Assembly: "If deemed necessary to get to the bottom of the issue, we will ask the President to be investigated." No sitting Korean president has been subject to an investigation by prosecutors. The PM nominee said his moves would include the right to carry out a "reshuffle of Cabinet members and control economic, social and other state affairs." Kim said a reshuffled Cabinet will comprise people representing the ruling Saenuri Party and opposition parties. He said "everything," including a Cabinet reshuffle, will be decided through negotiations with the ruling and opposition parties. These decisions, he said, were made after he had "sufficient talks" with President Park Geun-hye. Kim said he would ask Park to relinquish her membership of the conservative ruling Saenuri Party if the issue stands in the way of normalizing the government. Kim was a close aide to late former President Roh Moo-hyun, who was at odds with conservative politicians, including Park, while in office. So Kim's nomination as Prime Minister is widely considered Park's maneuver to placate mounting public anger and a gesture of accepting opposition parties' suggestions that the conservative President form a new Cabinet with her political foes. In another sign for the opposition parties, Park Thursday appointed Han Kwang-ok, a close aide to another liberal former President Kim Dae-jung, as her chief of staff. The PM nominee also made it clear he opposes Park's ambitious plan of teaching students with state-published standardized history textbooks. "I doubt state-published (history) textbooks would be a reasonable and sustainable (policy)," he said. The nominee also said he opposes a Constitutional amendment driven by the President. "The amendment should be driven by people and the National Assembly," he said. Last month, Park proposed a constitutional revision that focused on changing the current five-year, single-term presidential system. By Kim Bo-eun The fate of the state-authored textbooks, set to be unveiled at the end of this month, has become uncertain following public anger toward President Park Geun-hye over a scandal involving her confidant, and a Cabinet reshuffle which has replaced the prime minister with a nominee opposing the plan. "It is questionable whether state-authored textbooks are justifiable and whether it is a sustainable project," Kim Byong-joon, a professor at Kookmin University in Seoul and former close aide to the late President Roh Moo-hyun, said at a press conference in Seoul, Thursday, a day after his nomination. The Park administration announced the publishing of state-written history textbooks last year, saying current textbooks by private publishers are "biased and pro-North Korea." Kim had voiced opposition to the plan in columns published ahead of his nomination. "Instead of imposing a uniform state-authored textbook, the government must strive now to do what's right, which will be recorded in another textbook in the future," Kim wrote in a column in a vernacular daily in October last year. The growing demand to scrap the plan has also come amid suspicions that Choi, who allegedly meddled in state affairs, was also involved in pushing forward with the state-authored textbooks. Suspicions have grown as the former senior presidential secretary for education and culture Kim Sang-ryul, who served when the plans for the state-authored textbooks were finalized, was found to be the uncle of Cha Eun-taek, a close friend of Choi who allegedly exercised influence over key state cultural projects. History and civic groups are again raising their opposition to the state-authored textbooks. "This is the easiest and most efficient way to prevent chaos which will arise when the government pushes forward with the textbook, which many see as Choi Soon-sil's textbooks," a coalition of historians' groups said in a press conference at Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul, Wednesday. The groups added that even if the government scraps the state-authored textbooks now, schools will be able to use existing textbooks as alternatives next year. Progressive civic groups claim the textbooks, authored under the current administration led by the daughter of former dictator Park Chung-hee, are likely to introduce the past military dictatorships in a favorable light, focusing on the industrial economic development Korea achieved during the time rather than human rights abuses. They claim the idea of introducing state-authored textbooks next year was pushed forward by President Park for her father, with 2017 marking the 100th year since his birth. Meanwhile, the education ministry is maintaining that the textbooks will be unveiled on Nov. 28 as planned. "The state-authored textbooks are not published by the administration but by the ministry, so it is difficult to scrap the plan," Minister Lee Joon-sik said at a National Assembly committee meeting earlier this week. The ministry said it will collect opinions from teachers and the public until the end of December, finalize the textbook in January next year and distribute them to schools for the spring semester starting in March. The ministry finalized the plan in November last year, changing the system of allowing multiple publishers to produce textbooks to a system of a single state-authored textbook. Gates for international flights on the third floor of Jeju International Airport teem with rubbish from duty free goods purchased by Chinese tourists. The photo was taken on Oct. 26. / Captured from Jemin Ilbo By Hong Dam-young Jeju airport is grappling with overflowing garbage from Chinese tourists. Gates for international flights on the third floor of Jeju International Airport are teeming with rubbish from duty free goods purchased by Chinese tourists, according to Jeju newspaper Jemin Ilbo. When tourists purchase duty free goods outside the airport, they have to pick them up from a designated area at the departure gate. The problem arises when the tourists rip the wrapping from the items at the gate before boarding, to reduce their size and weight. Then they leave the rubbish on the floor. Staff from duty free shops and cleaners have asked Chinese tourists to use dumpsters, and even gave them garbage bags. The Korea Airports Corporation in Jeju has also taken action by increasing the number of cleaners at the gate from two to three. A group of Koreans living in Los Angeles hold a protest demanding that President Park Geun-hye resign and take responsibility for the influence-peddling scandal involving her confidant, Choi Soon-sil, in front of the Korean Consulate General in the city, Wednesday. / Yonhap By Jun Ji-hye President Park Geun-hye's surprise Cabinet reshuffle, Wednesday, amid the ever expanding Choi Soon-sil scandal added fuel to public calls for her to step down, a local polling agency revealed Thursday. A Realmeter survey conducted Wednesday showed that 55.3 percent of respondents said Park should resign, and if not, the National Assembly should push for her impeachment. The number was up 13 percentage points from last week's 42.3 percent. The latest survey was conducted after Park unexpectedly nominated Kim Byong-joon, a former close aide to the late President Roh Moo-hyun, as prime minister to replace Hwang Kyo-ahn. The embattled President had already appointed two new senior secretaries for civil affairs and public relations, Sunday, as calls for a sweeping personnel reshuffle of both her Cabinet and secretariat increased. However, Park's ability to lead state affairs has been thrown into doubt, while her long-time confidant Choi is facing arrest over allegations that she interfered in state affairs and illegally profited using her relationship with the President. Investigators filed for a warrant to detain Choi Wednesday and a court is reviewing this. In the survey, 20.2 percent supported Park leaving the ruling Saenuri Party and cing most of her power to a prime minister recommended through a bipartisan agreement. The rival parties have been discussing this at the National Assembly as a means to resolve the national crisis caused by the Choi scandal. Only 15.5 percent of respondents said the prime minister nominee tapped by Park should work to overcome the crisis. "Park's nomination of a new prime minister failed to earn much support apparently because of criticism from both conservative and liberal media over the unexpected, unilateral decision that did not involve consultation with the opposition parties," said Realmeter CEO Lee Taek-soo. The opposition parties claimed that Park's unilateral cabinet reshuffle amounted to a virtual rejection of the Assembly's ongoing discussions about a bipartisan Cabinet. Members from the governing party also criticized Park's continuous unilateral behavior, saying she should have sought prior consent from the parties before replacing the prime minister. "By unilaterally tapping Kim, Park gave the opposition parties the ammunition to call for her resignation," said Rep. Choung Byoung-gug from the ruling party. "The fundamental issue in the Choi Soon-sil scandal is that decisions related to state affairs were discussed in unofficial channels. It is not too late for Park to invite the leaders of the rival parties to Cheong Wa Dae and explain her decision about the nomination of a prime minister." Choung added that if the President fails to earn the parties' agreement, she should withdraw the nomination. Among three opposition parties, only the minor opposition Justice Party is openly calling for Park's resignation or impeachment. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea and the second largest opposition People's Party have so far refrained from mentioning the issue openly, apparently wary of any unexpected backlash. But sources noted that some hard-line members from the parties are starting to call for resignation or impeachment, which raises the likelihood that the two could also follow the Justice Party's line. By Jun Ji-hye Marines from South Korea and the United States are conducting their first-ever joint drill to brace for a possible exodus of North Korean refugees in the event of war, officials said Thursday. The drill, which also involved the Navy, is part of a nine-day joint landing exercise that will run until Sunday near the southern port city of Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province. The exercise mobilized 2,600 marines and sailors and 300 pieces of military equipment including K1 battle tanks from South Korea as well as 130 U.S. marines. Some U.S. personnel have had experience in assisting refugees in Afghanistan, according to the Marine Corps. The drill focused on how to accommodate and provide humanitarian support to North Korean refugees in the event of conflict or the sudden collapse of the North Korean regime that could lead to an outflow of its people. For the drill, South Korea's Navy and Marine Corps has formed a new unit tasked with the civil-military operation to house, manage and medically support North Korean refugees. A movable medical tent was mobilized for the drill, during which the soldiers were trained to classify patients and perform emergency surgery. The drill was also carried out by renting a private barge, which is 160 meters in length, on which a 17,000 ton helicopter can land, according to the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps said the drill will help boost capabilities to speedily deploy forces to areas where existing port facilities have been destroyed or where the coastline makes it hard to send in troops and their equipment. "The exercise helped us share experiences with U.S. soldiers in accommodating and helping refugees," said a Marine Corps official, asking not to be named. Heads Up, Extreme Adventurers: High-atmosphere and Space Tourism Possible in the Near Future A literally out-of-this-world escapade is on the way for those who are looking for some extreme adventure. (Photo : Getty Images) The world is such a vast beauty, full of magnificent destinations waiting to be visited by travel enthusiasts. But a literally out-of-this-world escapade is on the way for those who are looking for some extreme adventure. A China Daily report said that ChinaRocket Co. Ltd., a recently established commercial space company in Beijing, is set to start a space tourism in 2020. The plans were revealed by the company's president Han Qingping during the New Power of Space Industry Forum which was held on Monday in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province. Advertisement Han said that the initial offering for the commercial space travel in 2020 includes flying to an altitude of 80 kilometers aboard a 10-metric ton reusable spacecraft which can carry three to five travelers. This distance, which reaches to the upper part of the mesosphere, is higher than that covered by jets and balloons but lower than that of satellites. This is a high-atmosphere travel and allows the passengers to experience weightlessness. According to Han, there will be a preliminary flight in 2018. By 2025, there will be an upgrade to a bigger 100-ton spacecraft which can carry up to 20 travelers and can reach a height of 140 kilometers. This is beyond the 100-kilometer mark set by the International Astronautical Federation as the beginning of space. The cost for this thrilling spatial adventure is not yet disclosed, but travelers who are eager to see the world from a 'highly' different perspective still have some four years to save up. ChinaRocket was founded in mid-October by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, which is in turn a subordinate of the bigger China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, which is the state-owned chief contractor for the China's space program. Four Koreans from Koreatown in Los Angeles hold a protest in front of the Korean consulate general on Tuesday. The protest has been led by a Los Angeles-based civic group called "Political solidarity for the Korea issue." / Courtesy of Political solidarity for the Korea issue By Hong Dam-young Koreans living in major U.S. states are calling on President Park Geun-hye to step down over the political scandal involving her confidant Choi Soon-sil. A small group of Koreans from Koreatown in Los Angeles have been holding a protest in front of the Korean consulate general since Monday. Led by a Los Angeles-based civic group called "Political solidarity for the Korea issue," about seven people are taking turns to participate in the daily one-person protest during lunch hours, as most are office workers. The group initially started with four members, but more have volunteered after the group posted the protest on social media. "I saw even the most conservative people who backed President Park here in Koreatown turning against her," one of the protesters told The Korea Times. Arrest warrant issued for Choi Soon-sil By Jung Min-ho President Park Geun-hye may go down in Korean history as the first incumbent head of state ever to be investigated. And the likelihood of such an unprecedented event is increasing daily. At the National Assembly, Thursday, Justice Minister Kim Hyun-woong shifted his previous stance and said that if necessary he will urge Park to cooperate with the prosecution's investigation into the influence-peddling scandal involving her confidant Choi Soon-sil. Just last week, Kim tried hard to defend her, arguing that it would be unconstitutional to question an incumbent president. Kim Byong-joon, the prime minister nominee appointed by Park, also told reporters Thursday that he believes investigating her would be possible, noting that "all citizens have equal rights and duties before the law." However, the prosecution has yet to disclose its stance if it does investigate Park, it will have to decide how to question her. Experts say any investigation will most likely be conducted in writing; or investigators may be allowed to question Park in her office at Cheong Wa Dae. Yet in any case, they believe that the President won't be questioned in a prosecutor's office like other criminal suspects. Prime Minister nominee Kim Byong-joon sheds tears while speaking about his nomination during a press conference at an institute of the Financial Supervisory Service in Seoul, Thursday. / Yonhap Former secretary to Kim Dae-jung named as new chief of staff By Kang Seung-woo Han Gwang-ok President Park Geun-hye plans to address the nation, today, to possibly express her willingness to face questioning as well as offer another apology over the ever expanding scandal involving her longtime confidant Choi Soon-sil, according to Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday. In addition, she is also expected to detail a plan to delegate part of her executive authority, related to social and economic affairs, to her prime minister nominee, while focusing on security and foreign policies. On Oct. 25, one day after news reports that Choi, who holds no official title in the Park administration, had advance access to her speech drafts and other classified documents, the President apologized over the issue. Since then, there have been a myriad of allegations that Choi significantly intervened in state affairs. Park's address comes as she is under increasing pressure to face questioning over the influence-peddling scandal. Prime minister nominee Kim Byong-joon said Thursday that a criminal investigation into President Park over the scandal was possible. Meeting the press a day after being nominated, Kim said, "There are varying interpretations of whether the head of state can be investigated, but I believe that she can face questioning." "However, she is the head of state, so we should be careful about the procedure and method." Justice Minister Kim Hyun-woong said the same day that he will consider the option of posing questions directly to Park if it is deemed necessary to get to the truth. "Legal experts have made it clear that a president cannot be summoned for questioning, but there will be no limits if Park volunteers to answer questions," the minister told lawmakers. In addition, ruling party lawmakers who are loyal to President Park reportedly shared the view on the need to propose the idea of questioning to her. Previously, the prosecution and Cheong Wa Dae have been negative toward any investigation of the President, stressing that there was no precedent for questioning an incumbent head of state. The prime minister nominee held a press conference, Wednesday, and vowed to form a bipartisan Cabinet in close consultation with the opposition parties, if he takes office. Kim Byong-joon also touched on the issue of revising the Constitution, saying it was a job for the National Assembly and the people, not the President. Regarding the revision, Park proposed amending the Constitution in a parliamentary speech Oct. 24 and expressed her intention to lead the move should parliamentary discussions on the issue falter. Kim's proposals came after the three opposition parties decided to boycott his confirmation hearing, calling him a "puppet" of Park and denouncing the President for "playing a trick" to overcome the political crisis triggered by the scandal. The parties dismissed the nominee's proposals as "meaningless." The opposition is angry about the selection of Kim, who served as a political adviser to the late President Roh Moo-hyun, as President Park did not consult with them about the reshuffle despite ongoing discussions about a neutral Cabinet, under which she will take a back seat to a powerful prime minister. An emotional Kim said, "I plan to meet them and seek understanding, but if they reject me, I will accept it." The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea Chairwoman Choo Mi-ae said, "The President unilaterally named Kim as prime minister, ignoring the National Assembly. Other than this, I have nothing to say about him." Also on Thursday, President Park named a new chief of staff and senior secretary for political affairs in a follow-up reshuffle of key aides to contain the fallout from the scandal. Park appointed Han Gwang-ok, the chairman of the Presidential Committee for National Cohesion, as her new chief of staff, and Hur Won-je, a former journalist-turned-politician, as her senior secretary for political affairs, according to presidential spokesman Jung Youn-kuk. Amid mounting public outcry over the influence-peddling scandal, Park replaced her senior aides for civil affairs and public affairs, Sunday, followed by the selection of a new prime minister and two other Cabinet members, Wednesday. Last Friday, Park ordered her 10 senior secretaries to tender their resignations and fired four of them. Although Han, 74, has worked for President Park since her election campaign in October, 2012, he is better known as a close aide to the late President Kim Dae-jung, who led the country from 1998 to 2003. The former four-term lawmaker served as Kim's presidential chief of staff and the inaugural chairman of the Economic and Social Development Commission, a tripartite committee of government, business and labor representatives. The 74-year-old also headed the Millennium Democratic Party, a predecessor of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). "I will convey public opinions from all walks of life to the President," Han told reporters. Park's new senior political adviser formerly worked as a journalist for several media outlets including local broadcasters, KBS and SBS. He also served as a lawmaker from 2008 to 2012. An increasing number of opposition lawmakers are openly demanding the resignation of President Park Geun-hye, expressing disappointment in her handling of a scandal involving her confidante charged with abuse of authority and attempted fraud. Six lawmakers from the Democratic Party called for Park's resignation, marking the first time that members of the main opposition party openly demanded she step down. The small, progressive Justice Party has been the only political entity at the National Assembly to officially demand the resignation, although Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, a potential candidate for next year's presidential race from the minor People's Party, also called for her to give up her presidency. Other key figures from the opposition bloc often cited as influential contenders in the upcoming election, including Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, have started to demand Park's resignation amid mounting public anger toward Choi Soon-sil. Choi is seen as a behind-the-scene figure who used her long-standing ties to Park to exert power over state affairs. "Park's ability to lead state affairs is now destroyed," the six lawmakers said in a statement. "Park's prolonged rule will bring extreme confusion, leaving the country in a deadlock. The people will become victims," they added. "There will be disaster if Park does not step down and continues to cling to her remaining term in office." Park's single five-year term ends in February 2018. The lawmakers highlighted that South Korea's Constitution will allow the country to hold a presidential election within 60 days of the resignation, which will be helpful in resolving the crisis. "Park should give up her power and authority, before the people fully turn their backs on her," Ahn also said. "This is not an issue of being liberal or conservative. It is about right and wrong." The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea Chairwoman Rep. Choo Mi-ae and fellow lawmakers walk down a corridor at the National Assembly, Thursday, after an emergency party meeting to discuss the influence-peddling scandal involving President Park Geun-hye's longtime confidant Choi Soon-sil. / Yonhap By Kim Hyo-jin The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is in a heated debate over whether to officially demand the resignation of President Park Geun-hye in connection with the Choi Soon-sil scandal. The party is expected to make a decision in a general meeting, Friday. "We are having difficulty in taking an official stance on whether to demand Park's resignation because opinions are divided among our members," a party official said. Analysts viewed that the DPK leadership is being cautious of pushing for the President's resignation as it could be a political burden for the main opposition party. Calls are growing among the public and potential opposition presidential candidates that Park should step down in the fallout of the influence-peddling scandal involving her longtime confidant Choi. Park recently conducted a unilateral partial Cabinet reshuffle without consulting the ruling or opposition parties about it, fueling anger among her dissenters. Moon Jae-in a former party leader said, "If political solutions won't work, we can't help but make a critical decision." Ahn Cheol-soo, ex-Chairman of the People's Party and another potential opposition presidential candidate, also stepped up by saying, "I beg the President to step down from the post before the public completely turns their backs on her." With opposition bigwigs raising the tension, the DPK faced a growing call to raise an all-out war against Park from its supporters. The party has urged Park to voluntarily make herself subject to the prosecutorial investigation and withdraw the unilateral reshuffle, calling it a trick to shun responsibility for the scandal. However, it has remained reluctant to officially call for Park's resignation. Some party officials speculate that this coming weekend could be a turning point for the leadership's cautious attitude. Party's Chairwoman Rep. Choo Mi-ae and other party lawmakers are scheduled to participate in the funeral ceremony at Gwanghwamun Square for the late farmer Baek Nam-ki, who died following a 10-month coma after being knocked over by a police water cannon during protests last year. The ceremony is scheduled to be followed by a massive rally afterwards. The rally to call for Park's resignation has been arranged by civic groups in the same venue. But Hwang Tae-soon, a senior political analyst, expects that the DPK leadership will hardly stretch their call for the President's resignation. "They wouldn't risk holding a presidential election while they are not at all prepared," he said. "When their biggest aim is the change of the government, they must hope the situation will be kept calm and won't cause much backlash from the conservative voters." By Park Si-soo, Kang Seung-woo President Park Geun-hye will offer her second public apology on Friday, as part of effort to placate mounting public anger over the Choi Soon-sil scandal, said the presidential office, Cheon Wa Dae. This will come 10 days after her first public apology over the scandal on Oct. 25, which only fueled public anger and drove her approval rating down to a single digit for the first time since her inauguration in February 2013. During the speech, Park is expected to unveil her plan to delegate part of her executive authority, which is related to social and economic affairs, to new Prime Minister and focus on security and foreign policy. By Nam Sang-so Some 10 billion won has been paid to whistleblowers as award money for information provided to the revenue services on tax evasions in the year 2015. The information confidentially provided by surreptitious informants amounted to 21,088 cases but only 393 have been compensated, a vernacular paper reported quoting the results of a recent National Assembly inspection. The highest reward paid to an individual was 350,000,000 won (about $315,000) and the second and third were paid 270,000,000 won and 235,000,000 won each. The total amount of dodged taxes additionally collected by the tax offices as a result of the whistleblowers' information was 1.65 trillion won last year. The tax offices knew how to collect money, and they are very happy. And those 393 whistleblowers were ecstatic. It's far better than buying Lotto tickets. I was tempted to make a fortune at a stroke from a legitimate reward for which the government encourages people to participate in the movement to clean up of corrupt social evils. So I visited one of the spy schools in Seoul. A large sign said "Hagwon for Public Interest Agents," in the office of a tall building located in the neighborhood of the Public Prosecutions Administration. There were a dozen applicants. The receptionist girl, whose hair was partially breached, smiled at me broadly and said, "Please remove your shoes. Here is a pair of slippers." "I like that. I feel like I'm visiting a real spy school, but I'm not hiding anything in my heels," I said removing my shoes." You would make a good agent," she said. "First, attend a three-hour class to learn the basic rules of being an Agent for Public Service." She meant paparazzi but emphasized it's a public service. And handed me an A-4 size sheet to fill in many questions; name, DOB, resident registration number, phone number, address, job, etc. "It's like I'm applying for my passport. I don't want to reveal all this personal information, you see, I want to be a secret agent," I said and put a false name. "You'll be a member of our family," she said sounding like a Sicilian mobster. Then a sinister looking man in his 50s introduced himself as the director of spying equipment and displayed a box full of various tiny cameras, voice recorders and other small spying gadgets. "They cost somewhere between 500,000 won and 3 million won a piece," he said. "It is worth it to get more than two items as you'd get an astronomical amount of reward." Putting my shoes back on, "Thanks, but let me think about becoming a member of your family," I said and walked out of the office, feeling his steady gaze burning a hole on my back. The term whistleblower comes from the whistle a referee uses to indicate an illegal or foul play. It's a positive term that differs from the negative connotations of other words such as informers or snitches. Most whistleblowers are internal ones, who anonymously report misconduct of usually their CEO or chairman within their organization. External whistleblowers report misconduct to the media, law enforcement or watchdog agencies. Like many other nations the Korean government too encourages paparazzi to get busy by offering monetary rewards. There are two dozen known organizations that specialize in teaching whistleblowing on politicians, business tycoons and high ranking civil servants who take bribes or have slush funds. The newly activated anti-graft law seems it will not only clean up social vices but also create a lot of new jobs. The writer is a translator. His email address is sangsonam@gmail.com By Gordon Brown Supporting the millions of newly displaced people of the Middle East demands resources far beyond the capacity of the United Nations, and is a continuous humanitarian-aid challenge for companies, foundations, and public-sector donors. While UN peacekeepers are financed by a system of "assessed contributions," humanitarian aid depends on voluntary donations. Education, which is prioritized below basic survival needs like food and shelter, all too often gets left behind. This failure is far more dangerous than it might seem at first glance. In fact, we now confront an education crisis that threatens to leave a lost generation of young people without any hope for a better future. The majority of Syria's six million displaced children remain out of school, while around 250,000 young people miss out on a college education. In war-torn Yemen and Iraq, millions more children are also missing out on school. Some may go through all their school-age years without ever entering a classroom. But thanks to the Platform for Education in Emergencies Response, charities, philanthropists, and foundations can unite to help refugee students find higher-education opportunities, and to provide safe havens for lecturers and professors persecuted by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime. PEER will connect college-ready Syrian refugees with refugee-ready colleges, and it will eventually be a web-based higher-education conduit for displaced students at all grade levels worldwide. PEER is being supported by the Institute of International Education and the Catalyst Foundation for Universal Education, an education charity founded by former New York University President John Sexton. Beyond PEER, the Catalyst Foundation is also looking at projects to improve school auditing, spur social-impact investing in the education sector, and introduce curricula to encourage inter-faith coexistence in the Middle East and worldwide. Schools are the first places where we can promote inclusive citizenship in Middle Eastern countries. With this in mind, the Catalyst Foundation is assessing pilot civic-education projects in the region as well as in Eastern Europe, Africa, and the United States to determine how school curricula can best cultivate inter-faith understanding. A large generation of young people growing up in the Middle East and North Africa soon to number 200 million would be well served by an educational model that fosters cultural coexistence, especially during a time when certain politicians in the West deny that coexistence is possible. A model curriculum need not be limited to teaching the Golden Rule or making optimistic appeals to universal religious axioms. It should also support courses that teach pupils that diversity is a strength and a public good for their societies. That is what the Catalyst Foundation hopes to do. The proposal is to work with some half-dozen pilot schools, including a secondary school in the United Arab Emirates, high schools in the US and Europe, and a secondary school in Lebanon that is taking in Syrian refugee students. Lebanon is a particularly important participant in this project. Despite its long history of political, social, and religious divisions, all nine-year-old pupils are introduced to a school curriculum that emphasizes to all children whether Shia, Sunni, or Christian the worth and dignity of all faiths and the common ground between them. The Lebanese model is a good starting point for developing a framework that can be used worldwide. The Catalyst Foundation's curriculum is likely to include universal themes to prompt youths from very different national, religious, and cultural backgrounds to interact with one another, online or in person, by sharing their own insights and experiences. The goal is to foster cultural and religious understanding and dialogue among young people at a critical stage of their education, with the hope that they will grow up to become their countries' and communities' leaders. Indeed, reformers have many opportunities to create new virtuous cycles across the Middle East's education sectors, and they should take a lesson from Sir Ronald Cohen's pioneering work in social-impact investing, and social enterprise as a whole. Education-sector social entrepreneurs now have more financing tools at their disposal than ever before from venture capital to targeted-investment funds and other new asset classes and they can play an important role in bringing the Middle East's classrooms into the twenty-first century. Too many past ideas that have emerged from the nonprofit sector have stalled, owing to a lack of finance. The Catalyst Foundation aims to provide seed capital for education start-ups and to help them scale up successful programs. For anyone who cares about education in the Middle East, our task is clear: to furnish millions of poor and vulnerable young people with the support they need to transform and improve their lives through learning. As the Catalyst Foundation intends to show, a little social enterprise can go a long way. Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom, is United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education and Chair of the International Commission on Financing Global Education Opportunity. He chairs the Advisory Board of the Catalyst Foundation. Copyright belongs to Project Syndicate/Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Initiatives. By Gwynne Dyer Donald Trump may not win the election next week although he is at least going to come close but even if he loses, the wells are poisoned. Either "Crooked Hillary" becomes president, and spends the next four years fighting off legal challenges and fearing assassination by some of Trump's more deranged admirers. Or Trump becomes the 45th US president, and the United States becomes the world's biggest and most dangerous loose cannon. The race was probably always closer than the opinion polls suggested. The last-minute decision of FBI director James Comey to hint publicly that he MIGHT reopen the investigation into Hillary Clinton's "extremely careless" (his words) use of a private email server when she was secretary of state has undoubtedly made it closer. Inevitably, the media took this to mean that he HAD reopened the case, and it is hard to believe that he did not act with malice aforethought. As John Podesta, Clinton's campaign manager, said: "Director Comey's letter (to Congress) refers to emails that have come to light in an unrelated case, but we have no idea what those emails are, and director himself notes they may not even be significant." So what did Comey think he was doing when he sent Congress a letter stating that maybe, when he had the time to look into these emails, and if they turned out to be from or about Mrs Clinton, and if there was new information in them that changed his previous conclusions, then he might consider reopening an investigation against her? It was contrary to FBI policy to publicly trail a possible investigation like that, and both Comey's own staff and the US attorney-general advised against it. But Comey was a lifelong Republican until he let his registration lapse some time after he was appointed to the FBI job three years ago by President Obama. Trump was already claiming that the election was "rigged" against him, and that he might not accept a Clinton victory. Comey has created an equal and opposite likelihood that Democrats will regard a Trump victory as illegitimate, and refuse to accept him as president. Either way, it will be the "birther" conspiracy all over again, but this time in seven-league boots. This is almost entirely Trump's fault. With constant lies and threats and personal abuse, he has brought the entire electoral process into disrepute, and the American media have let him get away with it because he was "entertaining". As Les Moonves, chairman of the CBS television network, admitted eight months ago, when Trump was just starting out: "It may not be good for America, but it's damn good for CBS." Many billions of dollars of free publicity later, this ignorant and bombastic "sociopath" the word that Tony Schwartz, the ghostwriter of Trump's premature autobiography "The Art of the Deal", uses to describe him stands on the threshold of great power. And Schwartz, in an interview with The Observer last weekend, was very frightened about the possibility that he would become president. "Staggeringly dangerous. Worse than I imagined when he began to run....He's way more out of control in the last couple of months than I've ever seen him. He doesn't have any core beliefs beyond his own aggrandisement and power." Schwartz didn't even find it over the top to talk about a Trump presidency in terms of martial law, an end of press freedom, and nuclear war. We must hope that really is over the top, but we should also bear in mind that Tony Schwartz has probably spent more time actually talking to Donald Trump (while writing the book that launched him as a celebrity) than any other non-family adult has done in the past thirty years. But the omens are not good if Trump loses the election either, because that doesn't mean that Clinton wins it. At least not for the very large chunk of the American population who will have voted for The Donald. Hillary Clinton would have to preside over a bitterly divided country in which almost half the population believe she has stolen the presidency and there is a strong possibility that Trump would start sending out coded calls for violence. He already did this once, in August, when he was whipping up a crowd with accusations that Clinton would override the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, which most gun-owners believe enshrines the right of American citizens to own weapons. If Clinton created a majority in favour of gun control on the US Supreme Court, Trump warned the audience, then that's it: "Nothing you can do, folks." The pro-gun crowd started to boo, and after a little hesitation Trump added: "Although the Second Amendment people maybe there is, I don't know." Like most public incitements to violence, it was veiled and oblique, but it was also unmistakable. It would be heroically optimistic to believe that Trump would not serve up more of the same if he loses the election. One way or another, it is going to be an ugly and frightening time in the United States. Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries. Contact gwynne763121476@aol.com. Finding the truth is impossible without testimony There are two arguments concerning whether it is possible to investigate the President as the Choi Soon-sil influence-peddling scandal spreads. One argument is that's impossible under the Constitution that stipulates a president has immunity from criminal prosecution while in office unless he or she commits a crime equivalent to treason or insurrection. The other is that while a president is immune from prosecution, he or she can be subject to an investigation and indicted after stepping down. The prosecution had supported the former, saying the majority of legal experts hold that the President cannot be investigated while in office. But there are signs that such a negative sentiment in the top law enforcement agency is changing as the true picture of the swirling corruption and power abuse scandal has been laid bare. Justice Minister Kim Hyun-woong said in a parliamentary meeting on next year's budget Thursday that he could consider recommending that President Park Geun-hye be questioned ''if it is deemed necessary to reveal the truth.'' In fact, there are ample reasons for prosecutors to begin investigating President Park. The prosecution has asked a local court to issue an arrest warrant for Choi, Park's longtime friend who is at the center of the biggest ever political scandal. The prosecution also put An Chong-bum, former senior presidential secretary for policy coordination, under emergency detention Wednesday night. The two are suspected of collaborating to coerce family-run conglomerates to donate tens of billions of won to two nonprofit foundations, Mir and K-Sports. What's important here is to find out if they acted on Park's instructions. True, there have been news reports on the President's involvement in the fund-raising process. The Dong-A Ilbo reported earlier this week that An told his acquaintances that he got involved in the creation and management of the foundations at Park's behest and that the female head of state and Choi had ''direct business dealings.'' An's claims are hard to verify at the moment. But the former university professor might seek a deal by telling the truth at a time when it is increasingly difficult to conceal his and Park's roles in the fund-raising process. People suspect that Choi might have frequented Cheong Wa Dae and treated presidential aides like slaves. Park is also accused of aiding and abetting Choi's abuse of power in personnel appointments and various state projects. Not surprisingly, the prosecution is feeling greater pressure to question Park amid mounting calls for her to resign. Public opinion has been further aggravated since she announced a surprise cabinet reshuffle Wednesday without consulting the opposition. Given these circumstances, the prosecution's probe of the incumbent _ whether it is direct or not _ seems inevitable. It's all but impossible to find the truth and specify legal punishment without securing her testimony on the scandal. That is why the prosecution should not hesitate to question Park. What's more desirable though is for the embattled President to volunteer to face questioning, as this paper has repeatedly pointed out. www.globaltimes.cn/content/1013486.shtml (Photo : Getty Images) Bai Lings past has caught up on the actress and model born in China, resulting in CCTV removing her promotional photo from an episode about the Long March that the state-owned broadcaster posted on its website. Unlike other models who posed nude or had a sex video, Bai Lings past was her criticisms of her past experience as an art troupe member of the Peoples Liberation Army where she claimed to have been sexually abused repeatedly and forced to have an abortion. Advertisement She is also being vilified for her role as a lawyer who exposed conspiracies and corruption among senior Chinese officials in the 1997 movie Red Corner which was banned in the mainland, BBC reported. On Oct. 22, 55-year-old Bai Ling appeared in episode 6 of the eight-part series Long March Shakes the World. In the promotional photographs, the actress is seen wearing a historical Red Army marchers uniform. The images were shot at key points along the Long March route. Netizens could not believe that the state-owned broadcaster cast Bai Ling in the documentary. A Weibo user, Du Jianguo, said the photo of the actress who migrated to the U.S. did not promote the Long March but instead insulted Chinese. CCTV produced the TV documentary to mark the 80th anniversary of the Long March which occurred from 1934 to 1936, according to Global Times. In response to the criticisms, Bai Ling apologized through an open letter published on Oct. 25 for her previous prejudices against China. She wrote, I am proud of China, and I am proud of our Long March spirit I am apologising because of my love... and my passion for our motherland. Shan Renping, a Global Times commentator, said the incident was a lesson for CCTV which did not comment but removed Bai Lings promotional photo and asked broadcasters to be extra careful in casting actors for their shows. Bai Ling actually has actually bared in the past her body, but it is not her naked images that Chinese are bringing up against the actress, rather her past comments about the PLA. U.S. intelligence officials reacted negatively to calls in South Korea for the country's own nuclear armament, but said it is ultimately up to the country whether to pursue the option or not, according to South Korean lawmakers Tuesday. Reps. Won Yoo-chul of the ruling Saenuri Party and Lee In-young of the Minjoo Party made the remark, saying they met with officials of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). "They said it's basically an issue that South Korea should make a decision on, but questioned whether it would be effective," Lee told South Korean reporters. The North's fifth nuclear test in September has given rise to greater calls in South Korea for the country's own nuclear armament, with not only lawmakers of the conservative ruling Saenuri Party, but also members of liberal opposition parties making the pro-nuclear weapons case. The government of President Park Geun-hye has rejected such an idea as running against the principle of a Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons. Officials also say it would have negative effects on efforts to end the North's nuclear programs. U.S. officials have also expressed staunch opposition to the idea. Earlier this year, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump also came under strong fire after he suggested that South Korea and Japan arm themselves with nuclear weapons so as to reduce U.S. burdens in helping defend the Asian allies. U.S. intelligence officials also talked about the possibility of North Korean undertaking provocations, such as missile launches and skirmishes along the Demilitarized Zone, around the U.S. presidential election or the presidential inauguration, according to the lawmakers. The officials also expressed serious concern about the North's nuclear and missile capabilities, warning that the North's intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities, though not reliable now, could be perfected through trial and error, they said. (Yonhap) By Donald Kirk Hillary Clinton knows President Park Geun-hye pretty well. They met whenever Hillary visited Seoul as secretary of state or Ms. Park went to Washington. They have no doubt talked about what they would do about North Korea. Hillary had to be pledging undying U.S. support "no daylight between us" to show U.S. solidarity ("No daylight between us" is the D.C. equivalent of the Chinese expression, "As close as the lips to the teeth"). You have to wonder, though, if Clinton and Park ever got down to one subject they really have in common. Hillary, when Park knew her, was emailing relatives, friends, colleagues, diplomatic underlings, everyone, on her own private email server. Park was emailing here and there too, notably to a woman no one in Korea outside the ruling circles had heard of. That would be Choi Soon-sil, her sisterly soulmate, the daughter of Choi Tae-min, pastor, shamanist, spiritual adviser to President Park's father, President Park Chung Hee, until the dictator's assassination by his intelligence chief 37 years ago. You might imagine the advice Clinton would have been giving. "Hey, I've got this really neat server or whatever they call that weird gizmo in my basement," she might have boasted. "You ought to try it. Nobody but me has any idea what I'm talking about when I email that awful husband of mine, Bill. You know, you never know what Bill will be up to or into. I've gotta keep track of him all the time." To which Park, no dummy, might have responded: "Oh, I don't have to worry about getting caught out on anything, Hillary. We run a tight ship in the Blue House. I've got this old girlfriend from when we were kids. We keep tabs on everything, security guaranteed. Nobody knows about her outside my staff. They're too scared to talk to outsiders about her. They know I'll fire them if they say a thing." That's not all they might have been talking about. Think of the advice they might have been exchanging about foundations the Clinton Foundation and the two foundations that Choi Soon-sil was running. No doubt Hillary could have helped a lot there. "Look, you have to be careful about gifts from countries like Saudi Arabia," she might have been saying. "Cover your tracks. Act like you don't know who's giving what. Save the favor-giving for when no one remembers the gift." "But Hillary," Park might have asked, "what about Bill? How do you keep your husband from sticking his nose into the foundation? What if it turns out Saudi Arabia gave a bunch of money to the Clinton Foundation and then he got Saudi Arabia to buy stuff from a company that was giving money to you or your campaign or to Bill for making a speech?" Hillary would have had an easy answer. "No problem," she might have advised Park. "Speech-making is an easy way out. You get a few hundred thousand dollars for a speech, and then a little later the company gives money to the foundation, or to Bill, and nobody notices." Park, of course, doesn't own any foundations. Nor does she run the two that prosecutors are asking Choi Soon-sil about. She may have had no clue as to what they were for. In cases like this, ignorance is the best excuse, "I'll pass that advice along to one of my friends," Park might have told Hillary. "I think I know someone who's got a couple of foundations. She would love to hear your wise words about the uses of foundations." Hillary, no fool, might have known Park was referring to Choi Soon-sil. "Are you talking about that fat woman I used to see when calling on you at the Blue House?" she might have blurted. "Oh, you're so fortunate to have someone like that doing your speeches and figuring out policies. I've only got Huma Abedin. Her soon-to-be-ex-husband Anthony Weiner got into all kinds of trouble texting and showing off his abs to lady friends. Embarrassing." Park might have smiled and commiserated with Clinton over Bill's ex-girlfriends. "Oh Hillary, I do feel for you. Bill's old friends all looked so old on TV." That one would really tick Hillary off. "OMG, please don't remind me. Bill is such a cad. I'd almost prefer Donald Trump. I'm worried about our living arrangements after I'm elected. We have to act as if we're both in the White House, just as we were when Bill was president, but what if Bill sneaks off to meet his latest girlfriend and the media find out?" Park might be all sympathy. "I'm so glad I never married," would be her response. "I'm lucky I have nothing like that to worry about. Hillary, you must come to Seoul and have a summit with me after your election. We have so much in common. Forget about North Korea. We have much more important things to talk about." Donald Kirk, www.donaldkirk.com, has been covering the battles for power on the Korean Peninsula for decades. He's at kirkdon4343@gmail.com Cha Kyoung-jin, head of the styrenic foams business at BASF Korea, poses after winning a presidential citation during the 8th Chemical Industry Day ceremony at the 63 Convention Center on Yeouido, Oct. 31. / Courtesy of BASF Korea By Lee Hyo-sik A BASF Korea executive won a presidential award for developing eco-friendly thermal insulation materials and techniques, the Korean unit of the German chemical company said Thursday. Cha Kyoung-jin, head of the styrenic foams business at BASF Korea, won a presidential citation during the 8th Chemical Industry Day ceremony at the 63 Convention Center on Yeouido, Oct. 31. He was recognized for his contribution to introducing innovative, eco-friendly thermal insulation solutions and relevant methods to the Korean market while working in the local expandable polystyrene (EPS) industry over the past 28 years, the company said. In particular, he was credited with the design and dissemination of energy-efficient houses, such as 3L House and Passive House, which significantly reduce energy consumption. "Cha has been highly praised for advancing the domestic chemical industry by initiating the adoption and supply of Neopor, a high-performance eco-friendly insulation," a BASF Korea spokeswoman said. Neopor is about 20 percent thinner than other rigid foam insulations, but achieves the same performance. "He also played a crucial role in attracting investments from the German headquarters for the setup and extension of the manufacturing facility for Neopor in Korea," she said. "Its sales have increased at an explosive pace since we began commercial production in 2007. Some production volumes have been shipped abroad." In 1988, Cha joined Hyosung BASF to head the EPS technical support team. He then served as EPS sales head at BASF Korea, and was also dispatched to BASF India. BASF Korea, set up in 1954, operates seven plants and five technology centers across the country. It employs 1,057 workers here, and established a global sales office for its organic electronics business in Seoul in 2013. The company opened its Asian electronic materials research and development center in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, in 2014. SK Telecom CTO and corporate R&D center head Choi Jin-sung speaks during a summit of the Telecom Infra Project at Facebook headquarters in Silicon Valley in the United States, Wednesday. / Courtesy of SK Telecom By Yoon Sung-won SK Telecom will jointly establish a Facebook Campus, the world's first telecom infrastructure startup incubation center, in Korea with the world's largest social networking service (SNS) provider, the company announced Thursday. The nation's largest telecom company said Facebook's decision to choose Korea as the first location for its telecom infrastructure startup incubation project came because it acknowledges the country's high potential in telecom technology research and development (R&D). The company expects that the incubation center will boost the profile of startups in the telecom technology sector, which has been inclined toward mobile application development and smartphone-related technologies. "Facebook's decision to open the campus in Korea reflects global recognition of the country's achievements in telecom technologies," said Choi Jin-sung, CTO of SK Telecom and head of its corporate R&D center. "We will continue to push for telecom infrastructure innovation in the future." SK Telecom and Facebook held a summit of the Telecom Infrastructure Project (TIP) at the latter's headquarters in Silicon Valley at which they decided to establish the startup incubation center in the first quarter of next year. TIP was founded in February under the leadership of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to research fast and efficient fifth-generation (5G) network technologies and help developing countries improve telecom accessibility. Choi has been named the first chairman of TIP. By operating the incubation center, Facebook will seek out promising telecom infrastructure startups here and help them attract investment from venture capitals in Silicon Valley. SK Telecom will offer workspace, business infrastructure, technology development support and mentoring to the startups. During the summit, TIP set a goal to encourage the startups to push for development of technologies that can be applied to current networks quickly and easily, aiming at vitalizing innovation in the telecom sector. Member companies of TIP agreed to consider introducing the technologies developed by the startups to their commercial networks. In general, new telecom technologies and network equipment are introduced by enterprises after years of testing. But many startups lack the financial background to survive this period. SK Telecom expects that such fostering measures will help startups record fast and sustainable business growth. TIP and Facebook will build more startup incubation centers in other countries to speed up innovation in the telecom sector. Appiness founder Vincent Nedee introduces his business, at the Pangyo Startup Campus in Gyeonggi Province, Wednesday. The company provides an application service, helping users search for and buy products they see in videos. / Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung By Lee Min-hyung The nation's science ministry is strengthening partnerships with overseas startups, in its bid to enhance cross-border ties by building a more symbiotic venture ecosystem here and abroad. The Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (MSIP) on Wednesday introduced a group of foreign startups, sharing their vision and challenges while operating businesses in Korea. The MSIP started the "K-Startup Grand Challenge" competition this year, in an effort to support mutual growth between local companies and overseas venture firms by selecting 40 overseas startups. A total of 2,439 startups from 124 countries applied for the competition, with the ministry selecting the final 40 candidates so far. The ministry conducted overseas interviews in such countries as the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand to invite the 40 firms. Four startup accelerators here, each picking 10 teams, are helping them understand the Korean culture and adjust to the local venture ecosystem. They offer a wide range of supporting activities for them including mentorship, education and fundraising. "As of October, two of them including Vietnam-based Korean beauty products selling platform have established their Korean branches, with seven others in the process of setting up the local subsidiary here," said an MSIP official. "Other 35 firms are also in talks with Korean conglomerates or small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) over expanding partnerships." The ministry plans to select 20 finalists by the end of this month, offering each of them 40 million won ($35,000). Four overseas startups sharing their vision here To promote the Grand Challenge event, the ministry introduced four startups Imagga Technologies, Appiness, Clear Flight Solutions and moonROK at the Pangyo Startup Campus in Gyeonggi Province. Imagga Technologies, a Bulgaria-based image recognition service provider, promoted its platform with which business operators can develop solutions that understand images. Its co-founder and growth engineer Chris Georgiev said the company has teamed up with Kia Motors over developing a recent K5 sedan promotion campaign. In recognition of the partnership, he said the company hopes to raise its profile in more business-to-business (B2B) sectors where image analysis is required. Appiness, a Belgium-based firm, is providing an application-based service, helping users to buy products they see while watching video content. The company decided to tap into the Korean market, citing its sizable media industry scale, which it believes will serve as a foundation before its expansion into other Asian territories. Clear Flight Solutions is a Dutch firm producing unmanned aircraft systems to scare away birds at airports or runways at Air Force bases. The firm said it hopes to supply its robotic falcons for Korea's largest Incheon International Airport or harbor areas. Korean pop, or K-pop, media platform operator moonROK co-founder and CEO Hannah Waitt also expressed strong growth potential of the local music industry. moonROK means a door to the Republic of Korea, as the word moon' refers to a door in Korean. She started the business to spread the Korean music culture across the world in English. "The problem is that there are millions of K-pop fans all across the world, but they cannot speak the Korean language," she said. moonROK offers English information about the country's major K-pop artists and their concerts. Top selling South Korean rockers, FTISLAND is set to return to Singapore after 3 years! Back with their [THE TRUTH] tour, the quintet will be performing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, on the 11th of February 2017. Releasing their 6th full-length studio album, Where's The Truth, in July this year, the highly anticipated album ranked 5th on the Billboard's World Album charts, and became the best-selling K-pop album in the week of its release. Over a period of 9 years, since their debut in 2007, FTISLAND has won numerous awards from Golden Disk Awards, Mnet Asian Music Awards and Seoul Music Awards. They were most recently presented with the Most Popular Asian Band award at the Cool Music Asia Festival Award, held in Beijing, China. Featuring songs from the album, such as the hard rocking "Take Me Now", which blends English/Korean lyrics, [THE TRUTH] tour will include hit songs through their 9 years in the music industry. With their powerful live vocals and stage presence, 2017 FTISLAND LIVE [THE TRUTH] in SINGAPORE guarantees a night of high energy rocking out, as Singapore marks the end of their Asia tour. 2017 FTISLAND LIVE [THE TRUTH] IN SINGAPORE EVENT DETAILS DATE: Saturday, 11 February 2017 TIME: 8pm local time (doors open at 7pm) VENUE: Singapore Indoor Stadium TICKETING DETAILS VIP PACKAGES: $288 (VIP Ticket holders are entitled to entry to VIP sound-check party and 2 official merchandise item) CAT 1 (STANDING): S$228 CAT 1 (SEATING): S$228 CAT 2: S$188 CAT 3: S$158 CAT 4: S$128 CAT 5: S$88 PRIMADONNA SPECIAL SALE: Monday, 7 November 2016, 10am (15% Off Cat 2, Cat 3, and Cat 4 tickets. Sale will end on 11 November, 11:59pm) PUBLIC SALE START DATE: Friday, 11 November 2016, 12am TICKETING WEBSITE: www.sportshubtix.sg TICKETING HOTLINE: +65 3158 7888 Cable channel tvN has finalized the shooting of new drama Goblin last month. The drama will replace The K2 as the Friday and Saturday drama. This week, tvN release the teaser trailer of the drama starring renown actress Kim Go-Eun along with Gong-Yoo and Lee Dong-Wook. Goblin is a fantasy drama about a demon who wanted to end his immortal life by marrying a human. On the other hand, grim reaper whose duty is to become the angel of death suddenly has an amnesia and forget his duty. The drama is aired as special drama to celebrate tvN 10th anniversary according to Korea Daily. Actress Kim Go-Eun is cast to play the Eun-Tak, young woman who is selected to become the goblin mortal bride. While Gong-Yoo will play the goblin and handsome actor Lee Dong-Wook is cast as the grim reaper. Kim is known to play Hong-Seol in the tvN controversial drama Cheese in the Trap with Park Hae-Jin and Seo Kang-Joon. While Gong-Yoos latest project is the Train to Busan as the main character Woo-Jin. For Lee, this will mark his return to tvN drama after 2015 Bubble Gum. After he was confirmed to play the grim reaper, Lee conducted extensive research about the character. The producer acknowledge and praised his effort. His effort to pay attention to the character gives a great confidence for the entire crew, said the producer as quoted by Top Star News. He really transform himself into the character of grim reaper. Goblin began to film in September and some footages were taken in Canada. The story was written by the famous playwright Kim Eun-Sook whose previous works include Descendants of the Sun, The Heirs and Gentlemans Dignity. Director Lee Eung-Bok who worked together with writer Kim in Descendants of the Sun is guaranteed to make Goblin an interesting drama to watch. Watch the teaser trailer of new tvN Drama Goblin below: Protestors joined Ryan Lochte on stage at Dancing With The Stars (Photo : Getty Images/ Eric McCandless) "Dancing With the Stars" Season 23 recently saw the elimination of Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte. Following his departure, the athlete opened up about his whole experience being in the hit ABC reality TV competition. While speaking with Yahoo TV, Lochte said that he didn't anticipate that he will be eliminated on Monday night because he and his partner, Cheryl Burke, in the dance-off round. Advertisement "Last week's scores weren't that good, and this week I definitely thought I could have done better on the individual dance. But then we went out on a high note, because winning the face-off against Derek and Marilu definitely wasn't so bad," he said. Meanwhile, Lochte's first dance this season sparked a major controversy. After his performance, a group of protestors tried to attack him on live television. This is why the Olympian was so pleased to receive a standing ovation after he was eliminated. "When I got the standing ovation after my elimination was announced, that was so cool. It definitely showed how many people out there who are rooting for me and care about me, so it felt really good even though I was sad about leaving," he said. In other news, Lochte is grateful for all of the experiences and people he's met on the show. In fact, after his Rio controversy, Lochte said that he didn't want to get out of the house and meet people because he was bashed everywhere. "But being on this show made me realize more things about myself that I didn't know, and also it made me go back into the public eye and made me feel comfortable and confident in myself," he said. "Dancing With the Stars" Season 23 is still airing on Monday nights at 8. As of late, there are still several pairs in the competition. Next week, two of the contestants will be paired together for a collaborative routine. "The Walking Dead" (Photo : Screen Rant) As shown in AMC's "The Walking Dead", zombies can overrun a city, say the size of Chicago, in matter of days or to be specific in around 60 days. In just two months, a quick spreading virus is able to complete the zombie apocalypse and scientists have an existing model to support such a horrifying scenario. Advertisement Argonne researchers came up with a virus spread model, loosely based on how infectious diseases like Ebola swiftly explode, that predicted how the civilized world is turned into the land of the undead. The forecast: if a zombie virus breaks in a city like Chicago, the zombification will be quick. The model, showcased in a 15-second clip (can be viewed below), indicated that in just 28 days the city will fall and even with active intervention such as vaccine distribution or military actions to eliminate the infected that are beyond saving, a full-blown zombie apocalypse would be in full effect. By day 60, about half a million of Chicago residents will be dead or according to CNET are inanimate zombies provided the virus that hit the city was the same that ravaged Atlanta, which is the setting for The Walking Dead. In the AMC TV series, everyone is infected and becomes zombie after death. At the same time, CNET said there will be two million of the undead or walkers that roam around that will only accelerate the spread of the virus. And not to mention that these walkers are out to satisfy the cravings for human flesh. But to be clear, the zombies to expect are the slow-moving and rotting walkers and not the superfast monsters seen in the Hollywood movie "World War Z". CNET said that in terms of depiction, AMC's take on the zombie apocalypse is more believable and more accurate as far as science is concerned. The report noted too when Rick Grimes woke up after nearly 60 days in coma and found that zombies have taken over the city was just spot on as affirmed by the Argonne report. The Argonne zombie apocalypse model also factored in what chief researcher Chick Macal described as "great promise for countering the zombie apocalypse in Chicago." Mainly, the approach is a mixture of offense and defense to turn back the swarm of the undead. What was left out though, as noted by CNET, is the possible rise of the opposite of Grimes and company - the likes of the Governor and the bat-wielding Negan, who are more concerned for self-preservation than restoring the former state of humanity. Khloe Kardashian posted a home workout routine video. (Photo : Reuters) "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" star Khloe Kardashian is rumored to be pregnant with Tristan Thompson's baby. According to X17 Online, the reality TV star is finally pregnant after several years of trying to have a baby. "After years of rumors we can finally confirm that @khloekardashian is PREGNANT for real this time!" the publication noted. Advertisement The publication also claimed that Kardashian is already in talks with Thompson to move to Cleveland so they could raise their baby together. "Khloe is so happy. The pregnancy came as a surprise, particularly since Tristan's ex-girlfriend is currently pregnant, but Khloe got on board with the idea of having a baby pretty quick," a source told the publication. Meanwhile, it was revealed that Kardashian was spotted wearing an oversized t-shirt. This led some fans to speculate that she's trying to hide her pregnancy. Additionally, the same publication added that Thompson will be flying to Los Angeles this weekend to talk to Kardashian's mom, Kris Jenner. He will also reportedly ask for his girlfriend's hand in marriage. However, the publication is the only one who reported about Kardashian's rumored pregnancy. No other celebrity news sites did the same thing which suggests that it could be false. In other news, Kardashian recently shared her thoughts regarding interracial couples. According to her, she doesn't support racism and discrimination of any kind and is therefore supportive of such unions. "I don't support racism or discrimination of any kind and I especially don't understand why some people are still against interracial relationships. Like, who the f cares anymore? It's so crazy because we're all human beings capable of love, so why does skin color have anything to do with it?" she said. A photo posted by Khloe (@khloekardashian) on Oct 31, 2016 at 7:44am PDT Relatives of a Kashmiri man mourn his violent death. (Photo : Getty Images) India is accusing Pakistan of deliberately shelling civilian areas on its side of the International Border (IB) in Kashmir even as the death toll in the unrelenting exchanges of fire reached about 38 persons on both sides from Oct. 28 to Nov. 2. The rising death toll and the daily bombardments and machine gun fire has greatly increased the possibility of a full scale border war between both nuclear-armed rivals. Some civilians on both sides told media there already is a war. The only thing left is to formally declare one. Advertisement Pakistani border troops are continuing to shell Indian civilian areas along the IB with heavy mortar fire, claims Inspector General D.K. Upadhyay of India's Border Security Force (BSF). He also said the Pakistan Army is lending full support to Pakistan Rangers that are shelling and firing at Indian civilians. "Pakistani forces are firing heavy mortars deliberately towards Indian civilian areas. The BSF never fires towards any Pakistani civilian area. We fire only towards military bunkers from where Pakistani forces fire. We have inflicted heavy damage on 14 Pakistani bunkers," he said. IG Upadhyay showed photos of the BSF firing that targeted military bunkers in Pakistan. Media reports counted eight people, including four women, killed and 22 injured on Nov. 1 as Pakistani troops targeted civilian areas in Jammu. Because of the daily clashes, the Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the closure of all the 400 schools along the IB and the Line of Control (LoC). Eight civilians, including two children, were killed after Pakistani artillery bombarded two areas on Nov. 2, Indian officials said. Pakistan said Indian gunfire killed six civilians on its side on Nov. 1 while India said one of its soldiers and a civilian were killed on the same day. Indian army sources claimed it killed two Pakistani soldiers on Nov. 2. Shelling across the de-facto border has caused a "tragic humanitarian crisis", the Mehbooba Mufti, Chief Minister of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. She called on both sides to calm the violence along the Line of Control (LoC), which has seen intense exchanges of fire between the Indian and Pakistani military. An Indian soldier and civilian were killed Oct. 31, said reports. Six people were killed in Nakyal and Tatta Pani sectors on the Pakistani side on Oct. 28 and 29, said Pakistan. The Arkansas Supreme Court says it won't reconsider its decision to disqualify a medical marijuana proposal from the ballot after thousands of votes had already been cast for next week's election. In a 5-2 ruling Thursday, justices denied a petition to rehear its ruling that blocked state officials from counting any votes cast for the proposal, known as Issue 7. The court ruled last week that the campaign behind the measure did not follow state law regarding paid canvassers. The court's ruling leaves a competing medical marijuana proposal as the only valid one on the ballot. That measure, Issue 6, had not been disqualified. Arkansas voters narrowly rejected legalizing medical marijuana four years ago. A federal grand jury indicted six men from southern Missouri, in separate and unrelated cases, for receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet. The grand jury handed up the charges on Wednesday. Here are the indicted men, their ages, homes, and dates of alleged offenses: -- Sergio Rivera, 25, an active duty service member stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood; Oct. 9, 2015, to May 17, 2016; -- Martin Ellis, 26, Carl Junction; April 24, 2015, to Oct. 17, 2016; -- William Walker, 74, Branson; June 1 to Aug. 10, 2016: -- Casey Caudle, 33, Oronogo; Aug. 19, 2015, to June 22, 2016; -- Brian Long, 38, Oronogo; June 5 to Aug. 31, 2016; and -- Aaron Fletcher, 31, Aurora; Sept. 11 to Oct. 24, 2016. These cases were investigated by various state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, the South Central Missouri Computer Task Force, and the Taney County Sheriffs Department. Theses case were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. More information is available at "Stranger Things" is an American science fiction-horror web television series created by the Duffer Brothers. (Photo : Getty Images/ Maarten De Boer) New details and spoilers for "Stranger Things" season 2 will feaure Eleven's return to the show and the possibility of Will Byers turning evil. It seems that "Stranger Things" season 2 will give a new perspective of Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) role in the show's plot as showrunners Matt and Ross Duffer stated that they have been reading several fan theories and they were surprisingly spot on as Matt provided some hint of where there were going in the second season without giving anything away and think some of the titles will change. However, there were titles they both did not want to put on there because they felt like it would give too much away and the whole season already broke when they did it, The Hollywood Reporter reported. Advertisement The Duffer brothers added that "Stranger Things" season 2 will have nine episodes and tease the effects of the Upside Down world, particularly on Will Byers. Schnapp teased before that Will in season 2 will likely become evil due to his prolonged exposure to that world. Viewers have seen the last episode witness Will seeing hallucinations of the Upside Down world and coughing what appears to be a worm like creature from that world. Schnapp added that Will could go crazy in "Stranger Things" season 2 due to the traumatizing experience as he struggles to be normal, but has a hard time fighting what is going on with him. In other news, it seems that Milli Bobby Brown's character Eleven will return to "Stranger Things" season 2. According to TV Line, their sources confirmed that Eleven will indeed return for season 2, but Netflix did not comment as when she will be back in the story, whether in the premier or the later episodes. Previous reports claimed that Brown's return to "Stranger Things 2" could have some sort of catch as her father Robert "Bobby" Brown made some "outrageous" demands for the show as he wanted to represent her daughter in every negotiation instead of talent agents. Other reports claim that Brown has been asking for more than he should, such as signing fees and expecting payment from the agency for having the privilege of representing his daughter. Moreover, any agency agreeing to do this will open issues with their current talents and change all future arrangements. The price to represent Millie Bobby Brown is said to be at $100,000. Brown explained that his decision for the asking fee is due to the number of financial trials the family is going through, which also made them decide to go back to their home in the United Kingdom. With the success of "Stranger Things, Brown wants to make sure the family will have a normal and stable lifestyle. "Stranger Things" season 2 will premiere sometime in 2017 on Netflix. A former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko, has returned N1,040,000, 000 to the Federal Government, The Punch has learnt. A reliable source within the EFCC told Punch that the suspect had been returning money to the government. The source added, So far, Dikko has returned over N1bn. He returned N1bn and then N4m. He is still expected to return more money. It would be recalled that Dikko served as the head of customs between August, 2009 and August, 2015 and became the subject of an EFCC investigation last year when the commission established that about N40bn was diverted from the coffers of the NCS under his watch. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Millie Brown attends the Premiere of Netflix's 'Stranger Things' at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo : Getty Images/Alberto E. Rodriguez) "Stranger Things" Season 2 will feature the return of a fan-favorite character in the hit Netflix series. Millie Bobby Brown is said to reprise her role as Eleven in the upcoming new season. The science fiction series "Stranger Things" became one of the popular shows on Netflix shortly after it aired its first episode. Released in July, the series received positive reviews as it featured the mysterious events in an Indiana town and the adventures of Will's (Noah Schnapp) friends and a telekinetic girl. Advertisement Portrayed by British child star Brown, the telekinetic girl named Eleven became one of the show's most memorable characters. Many viewers are even expecting to see the said character in the second season of the Netflix series. However, neither Netflix nor the series' showrunners have yet to confirm Brown's appearance in the show. Despite the lack of news about the British actress' involvement in the series, sources told TV Line that Brown will indeed reprise her role in "Stranger Things" Season 2. The young star is expected to have a recurring role in the show's upcoming nine-episode run. Meanwhile, showrunner Shawn Levy gave a candid remark during an interview with io9 where he shared his thoughts on Brown's speculated appearance. He declined to comment on the actress' potential involvement, however, Levy teased that the Netflix series' confirmed cast member list will soon be unveiled. The "Stranger Things" producer also made mention of the show's unexpected success and his apprehensions about the series' new season. He even recounted the time when they pitched the show to Netflix executives without any idea that it would gain a huge fan base shortly after its premiere. The Netflix show's popularity became evident during the recent Halloween holiday where many children dressed up as characters of the series. After participating in an annual Trick or Treat affair, the showrunner admitted that his "mind was blown" when he personally witnessed the dozens of people who emulated Eleven and other characters. "Stranger Things" Season 2 is expected for release in 2017 on Netflix. Watch some of the highlights from Season 1 below: Niger Government today declared a state of emergency on the health sector in order to ensure effective healthcare delivery to the people of the state. Dr. Mustapha Jibrin, Commissioner for Health and Hospital Services, who disclosed this in Minna, said that it was part of decisions taken at the weekly State Executive Council meeting. Jibrin said that the council approved N2 billion for the renovation of Minna, Suleja and Kontagora General Hospitals as part of the effort aimed at restructuring the dilapidated health facilities in the state. He said that though the administration inherited a challenging health sector, it would remedy them for the benefit of the people. He noted that the Minna General Hospital was last renovated in 1972. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Project Alert on Violence Against Women, a Lagos based NGO today held a press conference to address the issue of gender insensitivity and discrimination as well as the highhandedness of the Nigerian Police in handling cases involving women and young girls in Nigeria. According to the release, Project Alert is deeply concerned by some recent cases of violence and abuse of women and girls and the manner the Nigerian police force is responding to and handling the cases. It read: Every life is sacred and every Nigerian, man, woman and child has a right to be protected. No Nigerian nor any gender should be more protected than the other as this leads to impunity. The statement read that particularly worthy of mention are three recent cases that have been widely reported in both the print and social media. The response of the police to these important cases leaves a lot to be desired in 21st century policing. The cases are: Oluchi Onyeabuchi nee Mbonu who was paraded for sending assassins after her ex-husband. Ivie Edobor, whose ex-husband came to her new house with the intent to kill her. The case of 14-year-old Habiba Isiyaku who was married off without her parents consent as a minor. The statement said that in all these three cases, the response of the police has been out rightly discriminatory. According to Mrs. Josphine Effah-Chukwuma, the most recent case of Oluchi Onyeabuchi is pathetic. She was invited to the station very late at night under the guise that the DPO of Ayobo Police Station wanted to her and her father with whom she has been living with since January this years due to domestic violence she suffered at the hands of her estranged husband, Tochukwu Onyeabuchi. He sent her packing. On getting to the station, Oluchi was forced into a waiting car at gun point and whisked away to Ogun State Police Command. Within hours, the very next morning, she was paraded before the press alongside two other men on allegations of hiring them to kill her ex husband. The question is when was investigations carried out and concluded to warrant the police parading her as a criminal within hours of arrest? Are the police just relying on the story given by Tochukwu, an abusive husband with whom she had a date in court with the very day she was paraded? Is this extra-judicial act, a mere coincidence or a deliberate act to blame her for a crime she knows nothing about? Project Alert joins Oluchi Mbonus lawyers in demanding that the case file be transferred to Lagos State where the purported crime actually took place. The Nigerian Police Force should cease to allow itself to be used by some individuals to abuse the fundamental human rights of others because the first person to run to the police to lay a complaint in not necessarily the innocent person. It is only through a thorough investigation on the part of the police that ones innocence or guilty stance will be proved. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Scale model of Sino-Russo wide-body jet. (Photo : COMAC) China and Russia revealed a model of a passenger jet they fervently hope might stand a chance in the marketplace against established airliners from Boeing and Airbus instead of crashing and burning as some analysts expect it to. State-owned aerospace companies Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia presented a scale model of a wide-body jet they plan to jointly develop. The reveal was made at the ongoing Zhuhai Air Show. Advertisement The joint jet making project was first announced in 2014 but progress has hardly been evident since then. COMAC and UAC said they want conduct a maiden flight in 2022 and begin deliveries in 2025 or later. COMAC said it will establish a 50-50 joint venture with UAC based in Shanghai that should start operations this December. Neither company revealed any technical specs of the passenger jet or financing details, however. Some western analysts said the production deadlines are a political stunt. They noted the jet has more chances of failing than succeeding considering the brutal international airline market where China and Russia have practically no experience in. Analysts point out wide-body jets take decades rather than a few years to develop. COMAC and UAC, however, expect to shortcut this incredibly complicated process to as little as nine years. The caption on the scale model showed the partners envision three variants of the aircraft based on a basic version that will seat 280 persons and have a range of up to 12,000 kilometers (7,500 miles). A global effort to search for and assess potential suppliers is now under way, said COMAC. "We will choose suppliers who have rich experience in development, whose products are competitive globally, and who can continually guarantee quality from the development stage until the planes go into operation," said Guo Bozhi, general manager of COMAC's wide-body department. A key decision will be what engines to use and industry sources believe the jet might use Western engines. After a vote Nov. 1 at Golden Hall, where City Council President Sherri Lightners efforts to offer a solution to the short-term vacation rental issue was defeated 2-7, she told constituents, Im sorry, Im really sorry. The termed-out Council President and La Jolla Shores resident, will leave the Council in December. Hundreds of people were attracted to the special City Council meeting at which Lighter hoped to pass what she referred to as a minor change in the municipal code that would allow local authorities to enforce a ban of entire house year-round rentals in single family residential zones. Had it been approved, home sharing, an Airbnb-like rental form where the owner stays on site, would still be allowed citywide, but with a minimum seven-day stay, which many home-sharers indicated would effectively terminate the business. Two hundred people turned in speaker slips, 100 from each side of the issue, many of them from La Jolla. La Jollan Allison Patton spoke against short-term vacation rentals, noting This is 100 percent about shutting down these mini-hotels. Were not getting cooperation from the majority of the City Council or the City Attorney. David Schroedl, a real estate agent who rents out a historic mid-century modern home in the La Jolla Shores area, said he was inspired to join the Airbnb market by living next door to vacation rentals. I have fully enjoyed the people Ive met and there have been no disturbances (to neighbors). We are paying five times the amount of taxes on our property that we would if we had it rented out to a (long-term) tenant. Citizens, which council members patiently listened to for over four hours, were polarized in their arguments. Those wearing green shirts, rallied by San Francisco-based company Airbnb, defended their right to rent out parts of their property (or the property as a whole) and, in many cases, their need for the extra income. Anti-short-time rental neighbors, most of them in orange, organized under Save San Diego Neighborhoods, complained about the noise and the annoyances of living close to one of these establishments. A resident of La Jolla Shores shared that a whole-house rental in her area had been turned into a wedding venue. I do not enjoy them blasting music late at night, she said. La Jollan Joe LaCava spoke in favor of the proposed change in the City code, We have been waiting for the City to protect our neighborhoods with a lack of any action. Something must be done to shut down year-round whole-house rentals. You must protect our single-family residential neighborhoods by shutting down mini-motels. City Council District 1 candidate Barbara Bry (poised to replace Lightner in the Nov. 8 election) added, Many of the communities in the district are greatly impacted by this issue. Im fine if you rent out a room in your house as long as youre onsite to supervise. Im also fine if you rent your house while on vacation or when your kids are with their father. I know living in San Diego is expensive and this can make it more affordable. What Im against is having entire houses turned into mini-hotels. What you vote today is the first step, and only the first step in resolving this neighborhood issue. If Im elected, I will lead a thoughtful reform that will truly protect our neighborhoods. When it came down to a vote, only the council representatives from coastal communities Lightner (District 1) and Lorie Zapf (District 2) voted Yea, with the majority rejecting the measure. Council member Todd Gloria (District 3) put forward a motion calling for new regulations governing the short-term vacation rentals, seeking a thoughtful reform that would ban whole-house, year-round rentals while allowing neighbors to rent out parts of their homes. His motion passed 7-2. Unfortunately, the council has not had an opportunity to consider a thoughtful, well-crafted ordinance that takes into consideration the difference between home sharing, home swapping, whole-house rentals and room rentals. I would hope instead of a blanket ban there would be reasonable regulations to clarify the rules and provide necessary code enforcement and maintain the quality of life in our neighborhoods, Gloria said. Many residents complained of their frustration at trying to get the City code enforcement personnel and the San Diego Police Department to address violations perpetrated by short-term tenants, such as noise. Lightner added, I have tried over time to work with communities in noise complaints, and it just doesnt work. She argued that short-term rentals are already illegal in single-family residential zones, while City Attorney Jan Goldsmith clarified that the current code language is too vague to be enforced. Lightner moved to amend Glorias motion with a clarification that short-term vacation rentals are visitor accommodations, which presumably will allow for immediate enforcement of the prohibition. Gloria denied. Had Lightners proposal been approved, residents in the areas of Bird Rock, Soledad Mountain, The Shores and Hillside, would have seen relief from short-term rental concerns, but the problem would have been far from solved. As a community with its own land-use map, La Jolla has many areas zoned for multi-family use, where whole-house rental was still allowed. These areas of La Jolla are thick with entire-home short-term rentals. According to the website airdna.co, there are 722 active Airbnb rentals in La Jolla; 575 (79 percent) of them entire homes. An easier-than-expected first mammogram experience HUNTERSVILLE Scheduling a cancer screening probably ranks somewhere on your to-do list between "clean out the garage" and "donate those clothes that don't fit." Sure, you'll get to it at... Chamber retreat helps discover strengths in communication The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce has proved that networking can come in many ways. It doesnt have to come at a luncheon or happy hour or Christmas party, but... Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar (Photo : ewrestling.news) Rusev vs Goldberg (Photo : dailywrestlingnews.com) The return of former WCW and WWE legend Goldberg has divided opinion. When The Big Man returned to the WWE ring a few weeks ago to accept the challenge set out to him by Brock Lesnar' advocate Paul Heyman, fever pitch excitement was ensuing around the WWE universe. Fast forward a couple of weeks and the initial excitement that there was with the news of Bill Goldberg's return looks to be fading by the minute, something which must be a cause of concern for the creative of WWE. Advertisement In last week's episode of Raw after another Heyman and Goldberg trying to build up some hype for the clash at Survivor Series, the Bulgarian Brute Rusev who interrupted the promo between two men, was given a jackhammer by the former WCW and WWE champion and much to the delight of the crowd. For a feud that much was expected of (Goldberg and Lesnar) , it can be argued that the feud hasn't caught the imagination of the WWE universe just yet. Last week's episode of Raw, however, was a good example of what can happen with clever booking. Rusev who has just come out of a feud with Roman Reigns, where in my humble opinion he wasn't given justice, fits into the perfect narrative of an over confident "young buck" trying to take on someone who has achieved it all. WWE teased the same narrative with Seth Rollins when The Architect spoke of a potential match with Bill Goldberg on an American talk show. The reason why, in my humble opinion it's a good move to tease potential spin-off rivalries from the on-going Goldberg and Lesnar feud is because the experience of Bill Goldberg needs to be tapped into. For the Raw side of the WWE, things, since the brand split arguably, haven't been great but two very talented wrestlers in the case of Rollins and Rusev are arguably in need of some momentum, who better than to use the WCW and WWE legend to help them in a new push to the main event picture. It appears that the creative team are already thinking ahead and it appears to be that since Goldberg is here, they might as well make use of him in other ways. Rollins worked brilliantly as a heel and so is Rusev, so both men in a feud with Goldberg will smoothly turn into the heels of a feud with The Big Man. As for the feud between Brock Lesnar and Bill Goldberg, it seems that Brock Lesnar looks destined to end Goldberg's streak of 1-0. If this does indeed happen, it would make sense as the WWE creative would want to have something similar to Brock Lesnar and The Undertaker. The WWE made some mistakes again with the Brock Lesnar and Bill Goldberg feud, but they have managed to turn things around by teasing some other feuds that could branch of the main feud of Lesnar and Goldberg. For that point alone, well done WWE and their creative team. The price of LITRO gas cylinders would be further reduced in the first week of November in accordance with the Read more The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary Read more This statement appears in the November 4, 2016 issue of Executive Intelligence Review. Statement by Helga Zepp-LaRouche and Jacques Cheminade Against the Threat of a New World War Let Us Build the Eurasian Train for Peace [Print version of this statement] On the sidelines of the Oct. 21, 2016 Schiller Institute conference in Essen, Germany, on the prospects opened for Europe by the New Silk Road Policy of China, Helga Zepp-LaRouche, president of the German Schiller Institute, and Jacques Cheminade, French Presidential candidate, made the following statement. Never since 1945 has the world been so close to a new world war, which today would be a nuclear conflict. At the same time, however, never have the possibilities for establishing a new world order of peace and development, been so great. The danger of war is coming from an attempt by the Western powers to maintain their hegemony over the world at all costs, despite the fact that they have nothing but wars and financial looting to offer. The great hope is coming from a rising group of countriesRussia, China, India, and the BRICSfighting for a world where all have the right to progress through development in science, advanced technologies, and industry; a world of peace and stability based on the international body of law that emerged from the victory against Nazism, and which is embodied in the UN Charter. The only alternative to the policies of the Washington Consensus, which have led us to the present crisis, is the New Silk Road project proposed by China, as a policy for peace and cooperation worldwide. This project, which is already a reality for the 70 countries that are participating in it, is the biggest project of industrial recovery ever to have existed on the planet, mobilizing close to $1 trillion in scientific research and great infrastructure projects in Eurasia, Ibero-America and Africa. Patriots and world citizens in the tradition of de Gaulles and Adenauers Europe of the Fatherlands and great projects, we call on our governments to immediately join the efforts of these rising powers, and to demand from the United States and Britain that they bury the Empires axe of war. We should immediately respond to three great projects being proposed, all of which are within our reach and directly concern our national interests: 1. France and Germany must start building with China, the Silk Road freight train of the future, coming from China and branching towards different countries in Europe. Convoys exist already, but have great difficulty in crossing all borders. We must envisage now, a Silk Road train which will run in a Eurasian continent which 30 years from now will be as developed as China today. This railway, running on single standard unified tracks and having minimal border controls, must be, in the tradition of Lincolns Transcontinental Railway, and of the Trans-Siberian Railway, a trans-Eurasian railroad, built by a Europe of the Fatherlands and of great projects. An agreement will be necessary from China, Russia, and all the other countries which the train will traverse. 2. France and Germany must respond to the efforts of China and Russia to bring the Middle East wars of destruction, ignited by the Western powers, to an end, and to begin the reconstruction. These policies are the only human response, not only to those countries plight, but also to the ever-increasing flow of immigrants to our countries. 3. France and Germany must work towards joint great projects with China in Africa. A joint framework to that effect was already signed by France and China on June 30th, 2015. The priority must go to large-scale infrastructure projects: dams, railroads, and energy including nuclear power. When the Western elites have no other policies than to impose brutal austerity on populations to save a financial world dead since the 2008 crisis; when the only way for the West to maintain its hegemony is through deployment or toleration of bloody Nazis in Ukraine and hideous jihadists in the Middle Eastclearly, we can say with China, that if the West wants to maintain the mandate of Heaven to govern, it must change. This article appears in the November 4, 2016 issue of Executive Intelligence Review. The BRICS Summit: A Battlefield Report by David Christie and Robert Ingraham [Print version of this article] Oct. 29The 8th BRICS Summit, which was held on Oct. 15-16 in Goa, India, took place under what can only be described as war-time conditions. The final Summit declaration, issued at the conclusion of the discussions, itself identified the character of the current environment, stating that, Geopolitical conflicts, terrorism, refugee flows, illicit financial flows and the outcome of the UK referendum have further added to the uncertainty in the global economy. In his concluding remarks, Chinese President Xi Jinping also pointed to the dangerous problems stemming from the collapse of the trans-Atlantic financial system, describing the present situation as treacherous. Photo: China News Service In reality, the treacherous nature of present world events goes beyond the financial and economic minefield identified by the leadership of the alliance, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. As Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in his October 27 speech to the Valdai Discussion Club, the Obama Administration, together with the elites of London and Wall Street, is now moving openly toward thermonuclear brinkmanship with Russia most specifically, but also with China. This last week alone has seen a dramatic escalation of military support for the terrorists in Syria by the Obama Administration, as well as continued reiterations by Hillary Clinton of her demand for the imposition of a no-fly zone in Syria that may well lead to direct U.S.- Russia military conflict. Thus, it is imperative for the reader to recognize that it is not permissible to discuss the BRICS process as if it existed in an isolated fishbowl, nor to examine its proceedings merely from the standpoint of simple global economic reform. What is at stake, what is being played out, is the imminent question of the very survival of the nations and people of the world. Chinas Vision The accomplishments of the Goa Summit were impressive. In almost all respects the discussions and agreements which took place there continued along the positive path earlier identified by both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G-20 Summit, held in Hangzhou, China on September 4. At that G-20 Summit, Xi Jinping had issued a clarion call for a new economic order to replace the domination of the collapsing and dying trans-Atlantic financial system, and he announced that a new orientation toward scientific and industrial innovation must replace the failed system of the trans-Atlantic conception of monetarism. Xi stated: We can no longer rely on fiscal and monetary policy alone to deal with the crisis. We envision an all-dimensional, multi-tiered and wide-ranging approach to innovation which is driven by innovation in science and technology, but goes beyond it to cover development philosophy, institutional mechanisms and business models, so that the benefits of innovation will be shared by all. To get a sense of what Xi Jinping means by innovation, one must look no further than the Chinese space program, and its interrelated commitment to fusion power, which is clearly resonant with the concepts laid out in the Four Laws paper by Lyndon LaRouche. From the G-20 Summit in Hangzhou, to the BRICS Summit in Goa, India, this rejection of monetarism and a commitment to innovation has been echoed as a commitment to a new world order based on scientific and technological growth. The final Goa Resolution reads, in part, We commend China for the successful hosting of the 11th G-20 Leaders Summit in Hangzhou and its focus on innovation, structural reform and development as drivers of medium and long term economic growth. We recognize the role of the G-20 as the premier forum for international and financial cooperation and emphasize the importance of the implementation of the outcomes of G-20 Hangzhou Summit, that we believe will foster strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth and will contribute to improved global economic governance and enhance the role of developing countries. Monetary policy alone, though, cannot lead to balanced and sustainable growth. From Hangzhou to Goa Since the G-20 Summit in Hangzhou to the BRICS Summit in Goa, there has been a steady march towards a new global economy based on the principled approach outlined by Xi Jinping in Hangzhou. Earlier this year at the G7 Summit in Japan, Shinzo Abe had already expressed this similar sentiment when he said that monetary policy alone cannot lead to a strong, sustainable, and balanced growth. Abe had also warned of a risk of the global economy falling into crisis if appropriate policy responses are not made, which was referred to as a Lehman shock, recalling the collapse of 2008. Days before the G-20 Hangzhou Summit, Abe attended the Eastern Economic Forum, where he and Putin made further commitments to the joint development of the Far East, especially Siberia, indicating that Japan may shift to the collaborative approach in Eurasia around the Silk Road and related projects, rather than be caught in the middle of British geopolitical manipulations that could lead to nuclear war. Following the G-20 Summit, the ASEAN nations met, and in the context of the release of The Hague ruling on the South China Sea dispute between China and the Philippines, made a commitment to resolve their issues without outside manipulation, through mutual development around the Silk Road. Philippine President Dutertes recent remarks indicate a clear and resolute shift on the part of the Philippines, also seen in his recent trip to Japan. In addition to the tectonic changes in policy orientation emanating from both the Philippines and Japan, Turkey has also shifted towards the orientation of the New Silk Road. At the G-20 Summit in Hangzhou, Turkish President Erdogan described the New Silk Road as starting in China and ending in the United Kingdom, referring to Turkeys megaprojects, such as the subsea tunnel project and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, Istanbuls third bridge over the Bosporus, as indicators of future megaprojects which include new railway systems and various other megaprojects in line with Chinas Silk Road policy. Turkey is also working with Russia and Azerbaijan on the North South Corridor, which will bring together Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran, and will ultimately fold into Chinas One Belt, One Road initiative. Perhaps the most striking feature of the G-20 Summit in Hangzhou was the declaration by Xi Jinping that the success of China is a model for the world. Prior to the G-20 Summit, China had issued a call for the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) to evaluate the status of global financial derivatives, which of course were shown to be in abysmal shape, a contagion spreading among the international banks. In this context, Xi Jinping issued an international proposal for a new financial architecture, to facilitate the innovation economy, most clearly seen with Chinas commitment to the New Silk Road, fusion research, and its space program. President Xi also very clearly asserted that the method by which China has pulled 800 million of its people out of poverty is both knowable and replicable. None of this has gone unnoticed in London and Washington, and in an article which appeared in Consortium News, the British specialist Alastair Crooke astutely noted, What was different was that it was distinctly Chinas G-20. China did not simply host the G-20 for America to sweep in, give its leadership and stamp to proceedings, and then to fly off. China, at this G-20, made it very plain that it was leading, and to make it clearer still, it made sure that the world should see that the guest of honor was the Russian president, and not the American president (who regrettably experienced some technical difficulties that marred his ceremonial arrival). There was a deeper purpose here: to underline strategic coordination with Russia in the context of the display of the Chinese leadership. Vladimir Putin also asserted this shift in his press conference after the G-20, stating that while the G-20 does not make legally binding decisions, the value of such discussions and such documents lies elsewhere. Their value is that they set a trend. Putin continued, noting that the Chinese presidency has chosen ensuring sustainable long-term growth through innovation as the key topic, and that if other nations move in a different direction than the trend, then they act contrary to the wish of the global community and violate, as it were, generally accepted norms, even if they are not obligatory. These trends are very important. So there is a certain value in this and it is quite significant. These statements illustrate that it is now Russia and China who are setting the trend, which does not sit well with either Obama or his British masters. At Goa In his statements from the BRICS Summit in Goa, Xi Jinping identified the severe problems stemming from the global instability of the trans-Atlantic financial system, but he also declared that the BRICS nations would collaborate on a basis of mutual benefit, around projects designed to create tangible economic development. He noted that the global economy is in the midst of a treacherous recovery, while adding that despite these difficulties, the potential and strength of the BRICS countries in terms of resources, market and labor force is unchanged, and that the BRICS continues to pursue a positive future. Xi Jinping then affirmed that the BRICS countries indeed have much of which to be proud: The past decade has seen BRICS partnerships expanding with win-win results. We need to deepen our partnerships. We BRICS countries are good friends, brothers and partners that treat each other with sincerity. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi seconded that sentiment, addressing the BRICS Business Council, saying, I think I speak for all when I say that through a common vision and collective action, we will create and sustain deeper bonds among BRICS nations, develop our economies and secure our societies. While our achievements have been substantial, we need to sustain the positive direction and strong momentum of intra-BRICS engagement. View full size PIB, India At the same Business Council meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the importance of establishing contacts and cooperation between the Business Council and the NDB, said, We hope to see relevant recommendations from the business community on expanding project activity with the Bank. Putin noted that the first BRICS Trade Fair held in New Delhi Oct. 12-14 with Business Council support, showed our countries real potential for developing economic cooperation and expanding our work together in industry and technology. Russia will continue efforts to facilitate economic rapprochement among BRICS countries and to lay the groundwork for launching new business projects, he said. In addition to the positive assertion of economic development uniting nations in mutual benefit through the New Development Bank, the BRICS nations also discussed an expanded role in dealing with issues of the global strategic situation. In addition to expanding the outreach of the BRICS by inviting the leaders of the BIMSTEC member countries (comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand), the BRICS also made clear their intent to intervene into the situation in the Middle East and Northern Africa, particularly the situation in Syria, as the Goa declaration states: We are deeply concerned about the situation in the Middle East and North Africa. We support all efforts for finding ways to the settlement of the crises in accordance with international law and in conformity with the principles of independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the countries of the region. On Syria, we call upon all parties involved to work for a comprehensive and peaceful resolution of the conflict taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, through inclusive national dialogue and a Syrian-led political process based on Geneva Communique of 30 June 2012 and in pursuance of the UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and 2268 for their full implementation, while continuing the relentless pursuit against terrorist groups so designated by the UN Security Council including ISIL, Jabhat al-Nusra and other terrorist organizations designated by the UN Security Council. It has not been lost on Barack Obama and his British masters that their influence is waningin the Middle East, Northern Africa and elsewhere, nor that it is now Vladimir Putin who is playing such a decisive role in the former geopolitical sandbox of the British Empire. Reportedly, Putin has now also been invited to play a role in the Israeli Palestinian peace process. Meanwhile, BRICS nations India and China have also been very active in the region; note particularly the role of China in reaching agreements with Middle Eastern nations, even including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for economic development projects integrated into the New Silk Road. Casus Belli for London It is important to understand that the BRICS is not simply a collection of nations. Representing a Community of Principle, its potential goes far beyond the realm of Realpolitik. Lyndon LaRouche has outlined the essence of that principle in his paper entitled The Four Laws to Save the U.S.A. Now! Not an Option: An Immediate Necessity, and he has identified that his Four Laws are essentially a distillation of the four seminal works of Alexander Hamilton that were delivered to the United States Congress: on Public Credit, the Subject of Manufactures, the National Bank, and the Constitutionality of the National Bank. In those four works, Hamilton organized the nation to establish itself on the principles of natural law and renounce the bestiality of the British imperial system that had slavery at its corewhether it was chattel slavery that imposed literal shackles, or the British imperial system of free trade and monetarism that condemned colonies and foreign nations to backwardness and servitude. EIRNS While the expanding role of the BRICS in international affairs is important, their action in asserting the primacy of innovation over the failed monetarist outlook of the trans-Atlantic system is even more important. The BRICS Declaration also refers to the importance of structural reforms, which, for the BRICS, takes on a far different meaning than it does in the Orwellian language of the International Monetary Fund or other agencies of the British Empire. Wall Street and London-dictated structural reforms almost always demand privatization, deregulation, and breaking down trade barriers or protectionist measures, so that the population and governments can be lootedwhereas in the BRICS Goa declaration, they refer to industrial development as a core pillar of structural transformation. That declaration states: Monetary policy alone, though, cannot lead to balanced and sustainable growth. We, in this regard, underscore the essential role of structural reforms. We emphasize that our fiscal policies are equally important to support our common growth objectives. We also take note that the spillover effects of certain policy measures in some systemically important advanced economies can have adverse impact on growth prospects of emerging economies. We recognize that innovation is a key driver for mid- and long-term growth and sustainable development. We stress the importance of industrialization and measures that promote industrial development as a core pillar of structural transformation. The Empires Counterattack The British Empire has specifically targeted the scientific and technological foundation of the innovation based economy, as well as the industrial growth and growth of infrastructure. It has unleashed hysterical psychological warfare operations against these concepts, lying that this type of growth is not sustainable or even desirable. This is clearly evident in two recent pieces by the propaganda outlets of the British Empire: China rethinks developing world largesse as deals sourAn end to risky bets on the red elephants of Beijings global financial diplomacy? from the Financial Times, and Does Infrastructure Investment Lead to Economic Growth or Economic Fragility? Evidence from China, from the Oxford Review of Economic Policy. EIRNS/Stuart Lewis According to the Financial Times article, Chinas huge investments around the world, in some of the most unstable countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia, are now turning sour, and its sources in China assure them that Beijing is now ready to dump the whole project! Yet, in the course of their screed, the Financial Times writers are forced to admit that the China Development Bank and the Ex-Im Bank of China together have about $700 billion in overseas development lending, which is fairly equivalent to the development lending of the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the African Development Bankcombined! China is also clearly taking a leading role in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB). Similarly in the Oxford Review of Economic Policy piece, one of the authors, Dr. Atif Ansar, argues that, From our sample, the evidence suggests that for over half of the infrastructure investments in China made in the last three decades, the costs are larger than the benefits they generate, which means the projects destroy economic value instead of generating it. . . Unless China shifts to fewer and higher-quality infrastructure investments, the country is headed for an infrastructure-led national financial and economic crisis, which is likely to spread to the international economy. The intended target of this article is not hidden: the Oxford University review study concludes, that a massive infrastructure investment program is not a viable development strategy for other developing countries such as Pakistan, Nigeria or Brazil, which may use China as their model for economic development. Quoting from the report: It is a myth that China grew thanks largely to heavy infrastructure investment. It grew due to bold economic liberalization and institutional reforms, and this growth is now threatened by over-investment in low-grade infrastructure. The lesson for other markets is that policy makers should place their attention on software and deep institutional reforms, and exercise far greater caution in diverting scarce resources to large-scale physical infrastructure projects. A splash of cold water is enough to recognize that the assertions made in these articles are nothing other than the desperate flailings of hysterical losers who are now about to lose everything when the insolvent trans-Atlantic banking system comes crashing down, an imminent certainty which might be sparked by almost anything, from the likely fall of Deutsche Bank, to the implosion of the Italian banking system, or the collapse of almost any bank in Wall Street or London for that matter. Two Opposite Outlooks The truth of these matters was actually revealed in the Financial Times article, in a section which quoted from a top unnamed Chinese official. According to the article, when the official was asked about the rate of return on Chinese investments, he stated, We assess risk differently than western agencies because we look at the potential for development of a country. They look backwards, we look forwards. We know that maybe all they need is infrastructure and . . . their economy will grow. This short statement has extraordinary implications, but the simple truth expressed therein seems lost on the mavens of London and Wall Street. If your nation is considering creating a future potential through the growth associated with basic economic infrastructure, in collaboration with other nations, then long term investment is not seen as risk. This disparate view of risk has led the BRICS to discuss setting up their own rating agency. The BRICS Goa declaration said, We welcome experts exploring the possibility of setting up an independent BRICS Rating Agency based on market-oriented principles, in order to further strengthen the global governance architecture. We believe that BRICS institution-building is critical to our shared vision of transforming the global financial architecture to one based on the principles of fairness and equity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said in a statement at the conclusion of the BRICS Summit that, In order to further bridge the gap in the global financial architecture, we agreed to fast track the setting up of a BRICS Rating Agency. Although unnamed in the above, or in any of the other documents from the Goa summit, what is actually being discussed here is Alexander Hamiltons concept of Public Credit, precisely the approach which created the American Republic, and the solution put forward by Lyndon LaRouche to the current crisis. U.S, National Archives The British Empire knows that what Xi Jinping stated with clarity and force at the G20 Summit in Hangzhou sounds its death knell. In order to crush this concept from becoming hegemonic in the BRICS nations and beyond, it is trying to both destroy the nations involved and pit them against each other, as well as destroy the idea that is uniting them, with psychological warfare techniques. The BRICS nations have all been specifically challenged with hybrid warfare in all its formsfrom an attempted impeachment in South Africa, to a coup detat through impeachment in Brazil, to Russia bearing the brunt of the war assault in both Syria and Ukraine, to the threatening of China from Obamas Asia Pivot. The British have even torn open scar tissue in Kashmir in an attempt to pit India against China. In addition to the assault on the nations of the BRICS, the British have also launched a massive psychological warfare campaign to convince the world of the impenetrability of the trans-Atlantic systemand that rather, it is China and the BRICS that are crumbling due to their overextension on infrastructure and foreign investments. This is a global war. It is a war which superficially appears to be between two systems, but in reality is between two diametrically opposed Principles, two antagonistic concepts of humanitys future. The conceptual grasp of that new Principle offered by the BRICS processa Principle fully coherent with the Hamiltonian origins of the American Republicby a growing chorus of leaders, will be the foundation for destroying the British Empire forever. We are now at the edge of that conceptual shift, if we have the courage to provide the intellectual and moral leadership to bring down the British Empire and create that New Paradigm. This editorial appears in the November 4, 2016 issue of Executive Intelligence Review. EDITORIAL Hillar y Clinto n Wil l Star t Worl d Wa r III [Print version of this editorial] Nov. 1Throughout her campaign for President of the United States, Hillary Clinton has seized upon every opportunity to demonize Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin. She has accused him of interfering in the U.S. presidential elections through sophisticated cyber-warfare. She has accused Putin and Russia of plotting an invasion and reconquest of the three Baltic States, which all happen to be members of the NATO Alliance. She has accused Putin and Russia of grabbing the Crimea and of plotting to take over eastern Ukraine, totally ignoring the fact that her longtime protege, Victoria Nuland, oversaw the bloody Maidan coup that installed a Banderist, pro-fascist regime in power in Kiev. She has charged Russia with war crimes and other atrocities in Syria, as the Obama Administration, in which she served, backs jihadists from Al Qaeda and allied foreign terrorist groups in their grab for power in Damascus. Clinton and her campaign surrogates have even accused Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump of being a KGB dupe or asset, simply on the basis of the GOP nominees pledge to negotiate with Russia, and his acknowledgement that Putin is a strong leadersomething that Clinton herself seems to be acknowledging, given her larger-than-life accusations that the Russian leader is out to conquer the world. All of this would be tragi-comic, were it not for the real-world consequences. If Hillary Clinton is elected President on Nov. 8, there is a greatly heightened probability that her actions will rapidly lead to confrontation with Russiaand that will assuredly lead to World War III, a war fought on a global scale with thermonuclear weapons, meaning the end of life on Earth as we know it. Just take the Syria war as a microcosm of Mrs. Clintons policies. During her four-year tenure as Secretary of State under President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton was a leading advocate of the regime change policy first declared by President Obama in early 2011, at the outset of the Syrian war. She pressed for the arming of the Syrian rebels, long before the emergence of the Islamic State, but at a point that the Syrian opposition was already dominated by Salafist fighters, many affiliated with Al Qaeda. As a Presidential candidate, Clinton has doubled down on those demands, calling for the creation of a safe zone inside sovereign Syrian territory. Her leading campaign national security advisers have demanded even more: a no-fly zone and direct attacks on the Syrian Air Forceregardless of the presence of Russian military forces on the ground and in the air over Syria. This all goes well beyond the range of exaggerated campaign rhetoric. For reasons that only her psychiatrist can know for sure, Hillary Clinton has developed a deep, irrational hatred for Russia, and, particularly, for President Putin. Given the intensification of fighting in Syria, and given the NATO deployments to the very western edge of Russiain the Baltics, in Eastern Europe, and along the Black Seasuch an irrational attitude towards the worlds second largest nuclear-weapons state is beyond dangerous. It is a virtual recipe for thermonuclear extinction. There was a time, back during the 2008 Presidential primaries, before Hillary Clinton walked through the Obama trap door, that she could credibly raise the issue of who can be trusted to receive that 3 AM call signaling a major national security crisis, that required calm, experienced judgment from a President and commander-in-chief. If ever she had that temperment and leadership skill-set, she has shown, with her flight-forward, McCarthyite venom towards Russia and Putin, that she no longer has it. PRESS RELEASE China Scholar Warns of Bloodbath If U.S. Launches Preemptive Atack on North Korea Nov. 2, 2016 (EIRNS)John Delury, a China expert at Seouls Yonsei University, writes on the website 38 North that if the United States launches a preemptive strike against North Koreas nuclear facilities, China will honor its defense commitments to North Korea and go to war. On the other hand, Delury writes, China would be a cooperative and helpful partner with the United States. were they to open negotiations with the North. The article is covered in the Korean Herald and other media. Delury assesses the disaster of Obama policy towards North Korea, and makes the assumption that Hillary Clinton will continue and escalate Obamas confrontational policy. He says that the talk of a preemptive strike is gaining support in the Obama administration and will likely be continued by Clinton. Delury says that in addition to those advocating military action, there are those who want to escalate economic sanctions, which he calls "boa constrictors." Both policies will be opposed aggressively by China and risk confrontation between the U.S. and China. "While U.S. officials are consulting intensely with their South Korean counterparts, not enough attention is being paid to Beijings perspective, even though China would figure heavily into any prospective US action toward the North. By examining Beijings role in each of the three main North Korea policy strategies under debate in the United States, the China factor emerges as a decisive one, in ways that policy makers need to weigh carefully," Delury writes. "How might Beijing react to a U.S. pre-emptive or surgical strike on the North? The question is often evaded, perhaps because the answer makes a military solution considerably less attractive. North Korea is, after all, Chinas only defense treaty ally in the world, and [China] is obligated to immediately render military and other assistance by all means at its disposal to defend Pyongyang if attacked. Their 1961 treaty is often overlooked or trivialized, occasionally by Chinese academics themselves. But the agreement remains in force, underscoring North Koreas unique place in Chinese foreign relations. To mark the 55th anniversary of the treatys signing in July, Kim Jong Un sent Xi Jinping a friendly note praising the pact as a firm legal foundation for the bilateral relationship." "To be sure, North Korea would be on its own if it were to attack U.S. allies or assets in the region, let alone US territory. But if the United States launches a pre-emptive strike not to prevent a specific, imminent missile attack, but rather to prevent North Korea from perfecting an intercontinental nuclear strike capability, it is unlikely to meet Beijings standard for jus ad bellum. On the contrary, a strike of this nature could likely drive Beijing to side with the North in accordance with their 1961 treaty. In the furious military retaliation that Pyongyang would muster after a U.S. strike, South Korea and the United States could not count on Beijings support and indeed may face Chinese intervention on the peninsula, as in October 1950. Surgery would rapidly descend into a bloodbath. Pre-emption would start a war." On the other hand, Delury says, China would welcome and cooperate with U.S. negotiations with Pyongyang. Whether its a video clip of your friends dog or a live stream of the presidential debates, you are likely watching more videos on Facebook than ever. And that means youre also more likely to see video ads. Facebooks latest strategy is to grow both user-generated and advertiser-created videos as the company tries to get a firm foothold in this nascent but growing market. The strategy appears to be working. While Madison Avenue is not known for risky experimenting, advertisers are already testing the waters with live video. General Motors, for example, launched its electric Chevy Bolt EV through Facebook Live this year. People are spending more and more time on mobile, especially video, David Wehner, Facebooks chief financial officer, said in an interview. Advertisement He said this has been a big factor in helping drive up overall mobile advertising. It helps on the video front that Facebook had successfully transitioned from desktop to mobile, despite early doubts. Now, when Facebook tries to sell video to its advertisers, it can simply point to past financial results. The percentage of ad revenue that came from mobile has increased every quarter since the company began reporting this figure in 2012. In the July-September quarter, Facebook had $6.8 billion in advertising revenue, a 59% increase from a year earlier. Mobile advertising accounted for 84% of this. Facebook had 1.79 billion monthly users as of Sept. 30, up 16% from a year earlier. Facebook earned $2.38 billion during the third quarter, or 82 cents per share, up sharply from $896 million, or 31 cents, a year earlier. Adjusted earnings were $1.09 per share, above the 97 cents that analysts polled by FactSet had expected. Total revenue rose 56% to $7.01 billion, surpassing analysts expectations of $6.92 billion. Video ads will become more important as Facebook sees a slowdown in how many ads it shows between all the updates from friends, a measure known as ad load. Facebooks stock fell $8.77, or nearly 7%, to $118.20 in extended trading after Wehner told analysts that ad load will play a less significant (role in) driving revenue growth after mid-2017, leading to slower growth overall. In addition, Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said Facebook will invest aggressively to accomplish its goals and will continue hiring, especially engineers, in 2017. Where Twitter failed with the quirky, killed-off video app Vine, Facebook is succeeding with Instagram, not to mention its main service. Users are posting and watching live and recorded videos, thanks to more powerful smartphones and a relentless prodding by Facebook to do so. If you use Facebook, for example, you likely received notifications that your friend is live now or was live that is, broadcasting live video from wherever they happen to be, doing whatever they happen to be doing. Although Facebook does not break out how much money it makes from video advertisements, the Menlo Park, Calif., company needs them to keep growing revenue at impressive rates. Video ads make up a small but growing slice of the overall digital ad market. Research firm EMarketer expects U.S. mobile video ad spending to hit $7.1 billion in 2018, up from $4.5 billion this year. Thats about 10% of the overall money spent on mobile advertisements. Live and prerecorded videos are just one example of the new ways Facebook is finding to show you ads. Down the road, expect ads on the messaging service WhatsApp, or on Oculus Rift, its virtual reality headset. If you are one of the 1 billion people who use Facebook Messenger, you are probably seeing the precursor of ads in the service, in the form of businesses messaging you with automated chatbots. EMarketer estimates that Facebooks global ad revenue will hit $25.9 billion this year, up from $17.1 billion in 2015. The company is the worlds No. 2 digital ad publisher behind Google. Another tidbit: EMarketer estimates that each Facebook user, on average, will generate an estimated $15.83 for the company this year. There have been some hurdles. In September, Facebook disclosed that it overstated the average length of time users watched video ads on its site. The measurement didnt affect how much Facebook charges to run video spots, but analysts say ad agencies may have used the Facebook estimates as a key metric when they plan campaigns and decide how much advertising to place on Facebook or competing sites. Carmen de Lavallade on Wednesday returned to the South L.A. school she graduated from in 1948: Thomas Jefferson High, where she attended with Alvin Ailey and got serious about dance serious enough that both would go on to become world famous, noted for having immense talent and also for breaking racial boundaries that sought to hold them back. Tall, slender and elegant with her hair pulled back in a tight bun and a bright red scarf around her swan-like neck, De Lavallade, now 85, choked up when she first began to speak at a morning assembly. I cant tell you what this means to me, she told students. I was you. Alvin was you. You are a part of that history, and you will be a part of that history, and dont let anybody tell you different. Advertisement When De Lavallade attended Thomas Jefferson, the fourth-oldest school in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the student body was about 80% African American, she said. Now its mostly Latino. By 11 a.m., those students had filed into the aged Art Deco auditorium, backpacks slung on shoulders, earbuds planted firmly in ears. They had to be told to pull down their sweatshirt hoods by their principal, who said he knew they used the hoods to hide their earbuds. We came through times when everybody told us we couldnt do it, and we believed it. Dont you believe it. Carmen de Lavallade De Lavallade would speculate later that they used their hoods to hide themselves. I seem like this person who came from outer space, but they are in the same situation I was in, De Lavallade would later say in an interview. I dont know their backgrounds; I can tell its been rough, she said. But theyre all beautiful. Theyve all got crowns on their heads. She told the students as much, over and over again: You are royalty. She shared with the students an anecdote about how she wasnt allowed to dance with her partner on something called The Ed Sullivan Show because the partner was white. As she talked about making her lifes path as an artist of color, about how the students were part of her history, about how students could make their own history. She asked, Do you understand? Yes maam! hollered a class clown in the center row. A student slept behind him. A few others snickered. It was a tough crowd. But others were listening, watching the dancer before them with guarded interest. De Lavallade kept asking if anybody had questions for her, but no one would raise a hand. Undeterred, she continued. We came through times when everybody told us we couldnt do it, and we believed it, she said. Dont you believe it. She told students that cellphones were tools not toys, that they should look beyond the screens in front of their faces and at the big, wide world around them. She told them about seeing television for the first time, about learning to duck and cover because of the atom bomb, about Hitler and Mussolini, about Gustavo Dudamel and Diego Rivera. People are people all over the world. Dont let anybody tell you who you can be. Do you understand? she asked again. Yes maam! shouted the clown. She asked students to raise their hands if they liked to read. No hands went up. She asked them to raise their hands if they were artists. Only four or five hands went up. She asked about who wanted to be in science. No hands went up. She asked who went to museums. No hands. She asked how many wanted to be dancers. The clown raised his hand. You know me! he said merrily. At the end of her talk, De Lavallade leaned forward and said she wanted to share something that her husband, the actor and dancer Geoffrey Holder, had said. Listen closely, pay attention. Im going to say something that might save your life, she said before carefully feeding them a quote: I walk through doors. If Im not wanted in a place, theres something wrong with the place, not me. De Lavallade, 85, and 9th-grader Brandon Robinson, who said the dancers message touched him at the heart. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times ) After the lunch bell rang and most students filed out into the bright sunshine, two students remained. One was a 14-year-old African American freshman named Brandon Robinson. Small and slight with glasses and a gentle voice, Robinson waited to shake De Lavallades hand and was enveloped in a hug instead. Robinson loves dancing, singing and acting. He said he became business minded about the arts at age 9. He was excited to see De Lavallade speak and said her message held great value to him. She said not to listen to other people, which especially for me, being bullied, it really touched me at the heart, he said. The other remaining student was 16-year-old Reyna Soriano. She had bravely danced a solo as part of an introduction and welcome to De Lavallade, who on Thursday will talk to the kids at another one of her old schools, Vernon City Elementary. Reyna said she is hoping to start a dance team at Jefferson. There is no dance program at the school. Carmen de Lavallade hugs 11th-grader Reyna Soriano, who performed a solo to welcome the dancer to Thomas Jefferson High. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times ) ALSO: New exhibition in Pasadena peeks into Picassos states of mind Inuit throat singer Tanya Tagaq joins feminist performance series at the Broad These rainstorms are made of xylophones and chicken wire but L.A. will take them Hanging in a gallery at L.A.s Getty Center are more than a dozen canvases and other works produced in South America by a key clutch of Modernist artists. This includes a delicate, curling sheet-metal assemblage from the late 1950s by Brazilian abstractionist Lygia Clark, as well as a composition of colorful floating shapes, made in the 40s, by the Argentinean Raul Lozza. But the works are not on public view. At least not yet. Instead, the 17 pieces all owned by prominent Venezuelan collector Patricia Phelps de Cisneros are only on view for study by conservators and historians at the Getty (and beyond). The idea is to better understand how art from this era was made and how it might best be preserved. What we are trying to do is not just have this be science and conservation, says Andrew Perchuk of the Getty Research Institute, one of the Getty branches involved in the project. But its to see what the new types of imaging and analysis also reveal about an artists process and methods. Advertisement Zanna Gilbert and and Andrew Perchuk of the Getty Research Institute gather before Brazilian Modernist paintings of the 1950s. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times ) The research shows the decisions the artists made about paint which often has just as much bearing on a work as the composition. Pia Gottschaller, of the Getty Conservation Institute Next year, the works and some of the findings will be presented to the public in Making Art Concrete: Works From Argentina and Brazil in the Coleccion Patricia Phelps de Cisneros, as part of the Gettys Pacific Standard Time exhibition series devoted to Latino and Latin American art known as PST LA/LA. This intensive scientific research helps build a body of knowledge about work that doesnt often get a lot of airtime in conservation labs. (Works by Jackson Pollock have been studied to death; Argentinean Modernists, not so much.) We have partners in Argentina and Brazil, says Zanna Gilbert, a research specialist working on the project at the Getty Research Institute. We share our findings with them. The project was inspired by other Getty programs that have combined conservation and historical research as was done with Pollocks 1943 canvas Mural, which the museum methodically studied, documented, conserved and exhibited in 2014. This not only helped conservators address problems afflicting the work, it helped determine how Pollock created the piece, providing a better understanding of his development as an artist. Hoping to do something similar for next years PST LA/LA exhibitions, the Getty approached Cisneros, renowned for her holdings in 20th century Latin American art, about studying pieces in her collection. She agreed. Pia Gottschaller, left, Zanna Gilbert and Andrew Perchuk. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times ) The information boom comes at an opportune time since many U.S. institutions have been showing greater interest in acquiring and displaying art from beyond the U.S. and Europe. Cisneros recently donated more than 100 works of Latin American art to New Yorks Museum of Modern Art. The Argentinean and Brazilian paintings and wall sculptures at the Getty by artists representing avant-garde South American movements from the 40s and 50s have been examined under microscopes, with ultraviolet light and infrared reflectography. These methods can reveal obscured layers and long-forgotten retouchings. Conservators have even taken microscopic cross-sections of paint on some pieces, to determine the materials used. Already some interesting discoveries have been made. A 1952 canvas by influential Brazilian painter Geraldo de Barros is made with unusual combinations of paint and urethane a mix you dont get normally, says Pia Gottschaller of the Getty Conservation Institute. The nature of the materials led the group to interview the artists daughter, who told them her father regularly associated with a Hungarian chemist who worked on tints for plastics (he made his money figuring out how to give doll cheeks their rosy hue). This anecdote provided valuable insight into Barros working methods and the ways in which he experimented with industrial and other materials. Likewise, on the small, black-and-white steel sculpture by Clark, titled Casulo No. 2, the team discovered car paint. The piece is from 1959, before car paint was widely used in art in the United States, making Clark an important pioneer. The research helps us show what these groundbreaking works were made from, says Gottschaller, and it shows the decisions the artists made about paint which often has just as much bearing on a work as the composition. The information will be key to preserving these works for future generations. The thing with modern paints is that it can be anything, Gottschaller says. You really have to do this kind of analysis to figure it out. This will ultimately aid in the works conservation. Says Perchuk: Certain solvents will clean one paint and disintegrate another. More significantly, it supports study in little-known areas of art history. I think its fair to say, says Gottschaller, that most of these works have never been examined in this way. Making Art Concrete opens at the Getty Center in August 2017. Sign up for our weekly Essential Arts & Culture newsletter Find me on Twitter @cmonstah. ALSO Artist Marnie Weber reflects on why monsters hold such power for women What happens when two artists move into an unfinished museum for 10 days of Performance Lessons Veterans Make Movies wants us to see an invisible population, the less than 1% of Americans who serve Related Members of committee to review cases of Egyptian youth detainees announced The freedoms committee of Egypt's press syndicate has submitted a list of 29 detained journalists to a new committee that President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi tasked with reviewing the cases of young people held in pretrial detention. The names were also sent to the National Council for Human Rights and the parliament's human rights committee to include them among those entitled to legal pardons, the committee said in a statement on Wednesday. Fourteen of the 29 have been detained without trials, with some having exceeded the maximum two-year pretrial detention period mandated by Egyptian law, the union said. Only ten of the names included are members of the syndicate. Among the names included are Ahmed Naji who was sentenced earlier this year to two years in prison for writing a "sexually explicit' novel, and photojournalist Mahmoud Abo-Zeid -- known as Shawkan -- who was arrested in August 2013 while taking photographs of the government's forced dispersal of a sit-in by supporters of ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi. During a youth conference in Sharm El-Sheikh last week, President El-Sisi hinted at possible pardons for young people imprisoned without conviction and said a committee would be formed to review the cases of young people held in pretrial detention. The committee has two weeks to review the cases, before presenting its findings to the presidency. The president also promised to amend a controversial protest law under which hundreds of young people have been jailed, and which rights groups have condemned as unconstitutional. Search Keywords: Short link: Step into Hollywoods Gavlak gallery and youll find the typical white box transformed into a most surreal chapel. A pair of oversized tree sculptures are crafted from broken bits of stained glass. A large pig meditates before a whooshing waterfall. And a small alcove stuffed with pews displays a film about a witchy gathering in sight of a devil sculpture whose bare bottom hangs through the wall. Welcome to Chapel of the Moon, the latest solo exhibition by Los Angeles artist Marnie Weber, who is known for producing wild multimedia works that often dwell on the ghostly and the monstrous. (Think: Fairy tales gone seriously awry.) It is the first significant solo show in Los Angeles by the artist in six years. Shes been busy with museum exhibitions in Europe, but now Weber is back with a bang. Advertisement Now in its final week, the Gavlak exhibition is also screening the artists first feature film, The Day of Forevermore, a hypnotic coming-of-age tale that stars the artists daughter, Colette Weber Shaw. The actress plays Luna Crimson, a young woman conflicted by the loyalty she feels toward her mother and the desire to leave the devil-infested farm they inhabit. Weber not only directed the film, she wrote it, devised the outlandish costumes and plays the part of Baba Muthra, Lunas alcohol-addled witch mother. Weber closes out Chapel of the Moon with a special performance Saturday that will feature live music and monsters. (The artist is a long-running experimental musician, known for performing with experimental bands such as the Party Boys and the Spirit Girls.) In this lightly edited conversation, Weber talks about why she felt the urge to direct, what it was like to work with her teen daughter and why men and women view monsters so differently. The last time you had a solo exhibition in Los Angeles you were playing a gig at a cemetery. Yes! Emi Fontana at [the arts nonprofit] West of Rome asked me, If you had a dream show anywhere in Los Angeles, where would you want it to be? I said, The mausoleum right up the street from me in Altadena. Thats near where my studio was. I had done research on the graveyard and the people who were buried in the graveyard. I had caretaker guys dressed as gold miners and they took people through the graveyard and pointed out who was buried there. They acted really crazy and drunk. And then the Spirit Girls arrived in an old convertible Cadillac. I made a film, The Eternal Heart, and we projected that in the middle of the mausoleum. The Spirit Girls played the score a bit like a silent movie. About 500 people came. Artist Marnie Weber stands in her installation Chapel of the Moon at Gavlak gallery in Hollywood. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times ) Men dont see the possibility of being a victim of their monsters. The monster is their alter ego. Artist Marnie Weber Youve made video throughout your career. What inspired you to take on a feature? Two years ago, Jack Black invited me to make costumes for Festival Supreme [the annual comedy and art festival held at the Shrine Auditorium]. I made like 21 costumes for monsters and they paraded around the festival. And I had all of these monsters and they were pretty elaborate and I was thinking of these ritual scenes in the [Alejandro] Jodorowsky films and I thought of creating something that was a ritual. Ive also wanted to do something very grand like a dark Wizard of Oz for a long time. Id been making movies for 22 years and they were all short movies. I wanted to do something on a very big scale. I wanted to have a bit of a homecoming. It was intentional. Women were ... the healers and thinkers and artists. But [when] someone would call her a witch ... it was a way of denigrating women ... of manipulating people Marnie Weber What did you learn about the difference between making art videos and making full-length features? You have to be a lot more organized. You have to take on a much stronger personality, a directorial personality. The first day, I showed up with my bullhorn because I dont speak very loudly. And the guy whose property it was said, You cant use a bullhorn. So I was shouting directions all day. I was pretty hoarse. And theres the whole male/female direction thing. We had a lot of technical guys and other guys and they might have taken direction from a woman, but not from someone dressed as an old witch. Its not the most commanding position to be in. This wasnt some big independent movie. Its an art project. There were definitely some rifts, but we pulled it together. A series of stained glass-style collages in Marnie Webers solo show at Gavlak. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times ) How did you come to cast your daughter in the production? I wanted a younger version of myself. And the fact that she was a good actress, I thought that was lucky. Colette nailed the character perfectly. Luna is a born innocent something I hadnt even really thought about. I just gave her a script and she went with it. It was weird and uncanny to see how she tapped into me as a young character. I was always the young and innocent person who would get swept up in things, who would get easily manipulated. How was the working relationship between you two? It was a good working relationship but there was some eyeball-rolling. That might not have happened if Id hired an actress. [Laughs.] I think she developed newfound respect for me. I can come across as a bumbling fool but deep down I know what Im doing. As a director, you have to make split decisions when youre filming. I had studied acting; I had made other films, so I knew what it entailed. In a Q&A we did afterward, she said she initially wasnt aware that there was a big picture in my mind; she thought it was more improvised. But later she realized I had a big picture. I thought it would be interesting for a woman to fully embrace monsters. Monsters have a male energy. Marnie Weber, artist Monster Totem, 2016, by Marnie Weber, made from the costumes she employed in her feature film. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times ) You shot the film on the Zorthian Ranch in Altadena. How did you arrive at that as the ideal location? I had met Jirayr Zorthian when I worked at the gallery at Otis [College of Art and Design in the late 1980s]. I was the coordinator. And he would come into the gallery. He was a huge personality. He was flamboyant. He would dress flamboyantly. Its a weird coincidence, but he had a show at the mausoleum in Altadena right before me. The ranch is this really unique place, with all of these constructions. And the family is constantly dealing with developers and the city and people who would love to have a bunch of condos there. I got to know Alan [Zorthians son]. And I got to know Caroline Zorthian [Alans daughter]. They are a lovely family. She plays the Dirty Bunny in the movie. Caroline said to me, This is the story of my life. Sometimes she wants to get off the ranch, but its her heritage, her place its part of her life. Your work has long occupied this world of spirits and devils. Why are you so intrigued by monsters? And what types of stories do they allow you to tell? I grew up in Connecticut and I had an experience where I was out in the woods by myself. In my mind it was nightfall, but I imagine that they werent letting me run around the woods at night. It must have been dusk. I imagined that I was being chased by someone with a flashlight. It may have been a dream but it stuck with me. This idea of women being chased by monsters, thats something I find interesting. Guys do art about it. Mike Kelley was doing vampires, for example. Its very different for the men. They dont see the possibility of being a victim of their monsters. The monster is their alter ego. But I thought it would be interesting for a woman to fully embrace monsters. Monsters have a male energy even though I do a lot of female monsters. So for me its that idea of befriending what youre afraid of on a metaphorical level. You cant become a victim of the monster if you are their leader. My monsters might come across as scary, but theyre really big babies. They want to be told what to do. Marnie Webers willow tree sculptures, made with bits of broken stained glass. When rattled, they clink. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times ) You also play with the concept of the witch. The whole history of the witch was an untapped thing for me of women just being abused by men. Women were burned at the stake. They were the healers and thinkers and artists. But often someone would call her a witch so they could torture and rape her. I think the designation was a way of denigrating women. It was a way of pitting villagers against each other, of manipulating people. How does the installation in the gallery connect with the film? I was thinking that if Luna were to flee the farm, what would be the next chapter in her life? I thought it might be interesting if she came across a pagan chapel. So I created a place where she could sit and recover from this experience. I thought of many different ways of expressing this. On EBay you can buy boxes of stained glass remnants, so I thought itd be interested to hang them as weeping willows a metaphor of creating something new out of something broken. [Lunas] broken core was torn out by her witch of a mother and she has to reclaim herself. There is also a waterfall. I created a soundscape for it. Instead of real water, its people whispering, Slow down. Devil, from 2016, protrudes from a wall in Webers chapel, observing the pews. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times ) Youve transformed the gallery into something that really feels like a chapel, complete with pews. Do you ever think about doing larger-scale architectural installations? Itd be great to get some land and create an architectural permanent chapel somewhere. As an older artist, I think about what Im leaving behind. Its not so much chasing a carrot anymore. Its about leaving a carrot behind you. ----------- Marnie Weber: Chapel of the Moon Where: Gavlak, 1034 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood When: Ends Saturday, with a special closing-night soundscape performance by Marnie Weber and Daniel Hawkins from 5 to 6 p.m. Info: gavlakgallery.com Sign up for our weekly Essential Arts & Culture newsletter Find me on Twitter @cmonstah. ALSO What happens when two artists move into an unfinished museum for 10 days of Performance Lessons Veterans Make Movies wants us to see an invisible population, the less than 1% of Americans who serve A practical solution to a horrific problem: When even Los Angeles needed havens for black drivers Simultaneously undefinable and familiar, the audacious Indian film CRD would probably charm more if it boggled the mind less. The titles meaning remains head-scratchingly inscrutable even after viewing. Nevertheless, inside filmmaker Kranti Kanades frenzied portrait of a cutthroat college theater program inspired by a real one in India lies healthy doses of sincere artiness, stylistic pop and gritty performance as a way of serving up a fizzy alternative to the predictable pleasures of Bollywood cinema. Kanades protagonist is an ambitious, well-studied young writer named Chetan (Saurabh Saraswat) who joins his new schools intense acting class run by Mayank (Vinay Sharma), a smart but tyrannical professor whose provocative methods spur Chetan to clarify his own purpose and find his inner rebel as an artist. For the record: The photo caption in an earlier version of this review misspelled actor Abhay Mahajans first name as Abhor. Thats the cleanest possible description for a movie thick with fantastical tangents (animation, movie references, actors playing dual roles) and jarring tonal shifts as it wends its way toward a one-act play competition in the final third that pits a renegade troupe, led by Chetan, against Mayank. When the alpha male rivalry gets a little tiresome, Mrinmayee Godbole provides welcome feminine dimension as Chetans strong-willed muse/romantic interest. Advertisement Though theres never a smooth path toward narrative or emotional enlightenment as you watch CRD, Kanades willingness to explore the creative impulse through impish experimentation is amusing and infectious. ------------- CRD In Hindi & English, with English subtitles Not rated 1 hour, 48 minutes Town Center 5, Monica Film Center See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour According to the globetrotting nonfiction thriller The Ivory Game, at the rate that elephants are being slaughtered, theyll be extinct within 15 years. The thought of a world without them is hard to bear, and the investigative film manages to generate a reasonable sliver of hope and will perhaps inspire activism while sounding the alarm of dire emergency. Directors Richard Ladkani and Kief Davidson focus on East Africa, where most of the matriarchal pachyderms live and, increasingly, die at the hands of poachers, and Asia, where a polished and painted tusk can fetch a third of a million dollars. Nail-biting action sequences, some more edifying than others, follow on-the-ground efforts, sometimes in the thick of night, to locate the head of a poaching syndicate. The grim economic realities behind such trafficking are glancingly acknowledged. Theres real impact, though, in the anger and grief of law enforcement officials and conservationists when their tracking leads them to elephant carcasses. The cameras avoid the goriest angles of the mutilated animals, but the horror is amplified as the film moves from the savannas of Kenya and Tanzania to display windows in Hong Kong showcasing carved ivory curios. Advertisement Among the films many heroic figures, a young Chinese journalist, Hongxiang Huang, is particularly affecting as he goes undercover on the black market, risking discovery by triad operatives to document a sickening assortment of luxury items, wolf skins and butterfly wings among the raw materials. Back in Africa, piles of confiscated tusks stand as heartbreaking memorial, and a call to action. ------------- The Ivory Game In English and Swahili with English subtitles Not rated Running time: 1 hour, 52 minutes Playing: Laemmle Playhouse 7, Pasadena See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour The third China Onscreen Biennial, now entering its fourth week in Los Angeles, offers a rich and varied showcase of new Chinese cinema, curated with an eye toward shattering easy assumptions about one of the most complex and rapidly changing countries in the world. On Sunday, the festival will present the North American premiere of De Lan, the latest film from Chinese director Liu Jie (Courthouse on Horseback). Winner of the best film prize at this years Shanghai International Film Festival, the movie tells a simple, resonant story of a young man (Dong Zi-jian, Mountains May Depart) escorting a woman through the mountains to an impoverished village in Chinas Yunnan province, and learning any number of hard truths along the way. The UCLA Film & Television Archive hosts De Lan as part of a double bill with the social satire I Am Not Madame Bovary, the latest collaboration between director Feng Xiaogang and actress Fan Bingbing. Advertisement ------------- China Onscreen Biennial, Billy Wilder Theatre, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 206-8013 www.cinema.ucla.edu/events De Lan (2016). 7 p.m. Sunday. See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers UPDATES: 2:25 p.m.: Article was updated to credit photo to Honghua Arts and Culture Media Inc. A decade or so ago, around the time he landed the role of the villain Le Chiffre in the James Bond film Casino Royale, Mads Mikkelsen made his first trip to Los Angeles to try to find an American agent. Having already established a successful acting career in his native Denmark, he figured it was time to see what the Hollywood thing was all about. It was a different world, Mikkelsen remembered over lunch on a recent afternoon in Beverly Hills. Everywhere I went, it was like, I love everything you do! Its so great! Its awesome! Youre beautiful! Um, whats your name again? It was like, Seriously? Youre using all these words and you dont even know my name? Suffice it to say, with prominent roles in two of the most anticipated films of late 2016 the Marvel comic-book movie Doctor Strange, opening Friday, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in theaters beginning Dec. 16 Mikkelsen has a different experience when he comes to town these days. Long respected among aficionados of European cinema as a versatile, magnetic actor in films like Pusher, The Hunt and A Royal Affair, Mikkelsen, 50, has carved out a somewhat improbable niche in recent years as one of Hollywoods go-to baddies. After breaking out in 2006s Casino Royale, he starred for three seasons as the suave serial killer Hannibal Lecter in NBCs series Hannibal and attracted an intensely devoted fan base no mean feat for someone whose character literally eats people. Advertisement Given Mikkelsens ability to blend cool sophistication and steely menace, it was only a matter of time before the chance to play a comic-book villain presented itself. In Doctor Strange, Mikkelsen portrays Kaecilius, a sorcerer who threatens to unleash a dark supernatural force on the world for what he sees as the greater good of humankind. Benedict Cumberbatch stars in Disneys Doctor Strange. Obviously his means are not the same as people with morals would have, but his goal itself is not stupid, you know? Mikkelsen said. He wants to make the world a better place. Thats a good start for villains. Its no great mystery to Mikkelsen why hes become a magnet for bad-guy roles. Playing the hero, you have to be all-American and Im not, he said. People over here tend to see something they like and they want to copy that. It used to be the Brits who were playing the baddies and now its the Scandies. He shrugged. I can only embrace that, he went on. If the alternative is not to work here, Ill take a bad guy any time. Ive got plenty of opportunities to do other things back home. Indeed, in Denmark, Mikkelsen has played a wide range of characters, including sympathetic ones. In 2012s The Hunt, he portrayed a gentle kindergarten teacher falsely accused of pedophilia in a performance that won him the best actor prize at the Cannes Film Festival. That same year, he starred opposite Alicia Vikander in the sumptuous period drama A Royal Affair, playing 18th century German Danish doctor Johann Friedrich Struensee, who tried to institute political reforms to bring Denmark into the modern age but was brought down by a scandalous affair with the countrys queen. In the deadpan 2015 black comedy Men & Chicken, he was unrecognizable as a nerdy, mustachioed oddball who uncovers some bizarre secrets in his dysfunctional family. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige had been trying to cast Mikkelsen for years. At one point a few years ago, the actor had been in contention to play a villain in Thor: The Dark World before scheduling complications got in the way. When it came time to cast Kaecilius, Mikkelsen was the first and only choice. You look at Mads body of work and, yes, people know Hannibal and the James Bond villain, Feige said. But if you look at his Danish work, hes amazing. He can be funny, he can be romantic. And thats what we want: Actors who, when it comes to villains, can bring pathos to it. Growing up in Copenhagen, Mikkelsen had been a voracious reader of American comic books and European ones, including the The Adventures of Tintin and Blueberry. I was drowning into that universe every day after school, he said. As a young kid, I remember I loved the feel of Doctor Strange. I might have been slightly too young to understand the whole philosophic part. But I loved the color of it and the magic, of course. What ultimately sold him on signing to Doctor Strange, though, was a single tantalizing phrase: flying kung fu. When director Scott Derrickson first approached Mikkelsen about the project, the actor who was a gymnast and ballet dancer before turning to acting in his early 30s instantly zeroed in on the chance to live out a fantasy that dated to his childhood. Scott said something about flying kung fu and I said, Whoa, hold on. Rewind. Flying kung fu? Im in, said Mikkelsen, who, as a youth, haunted the sort of midnight movie theaters in Copenhagen that would show double features of Hong Kong martial-arts flicks and American horror films like Halloween and The Shining. I grew up basically trying to be Bruce Lee. I was just captivated by the man. If you look at his Danish work, hes amazing. He can be funny, he can be romantic. And thats what we want. Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios president Recalling that first conversation, Derrickson said, Mads was suddenly like a kid on the phone. He said, You mean I get to fight in this movie? Ive always wanted to fight in a movie, and no ones ever let me! He was so excited. Until fairly recently, the idea of starring in big Hollywood movies was never on Mikkelsens radar at all. It was never something I was going for 100%, said the actor, who lives with his wife and two children in Copenhagen. It was never a dream. Even as the American film industry has come calling, the actor, who served on the jury at this years Cannes Film Festival, has kept one foot firmly planted in the world of European cinema. Though a film like Doctor Strange, with its CGI-drenched spectacle, couldnt be further removed from Danish cinemas often rigorous adherence to naturalism, Mikkelsen is happy to move back and forth between those extremes. We dont make films like these back home and Im very fortunate to have the chance to do both, he said. Being in the same kind of atmosphere for many years makes you worn out and uninspired. Doing this for five years, I might miss just sitting in a kitchen having a conversation [on-screen] thats very subtle and dramatic. And if Ive done that for five years I might really miss swinging around with a sword in my hand. Or a light saber, as the case may be. For the moment, Mikkelsen is keeping his role in the next Star Wars film the first in a series of planned standalone stories, this one set shortly before the events of 1977s A New Hope under wraps. It has been revealed that Mikkelsens character is the father of Felicity Jones heroine, Jyn Erso, and it has been strongly hinted that he plays some kind of role in the development of the Death Star. Hes not a classical villain but he does bad things or does he? Mikkelsen said coyly. Hes a brilliant man in a situation thats very, very difficult. Its a dilemma no one wants to be in. Hes a very important piece in the puzzle of how the drama of the whole series can escalate. Asked whether his character crosses paths with Darth Vader, Mikkelsen laughed and shook his head. No, no, I cant tell you. Well end up in a lake somewhere. As Mikkelsen continues to gain traction in Hollywood blockbusters, its easy to imagine him eventually landing the lead in some kind of action franchise, a la Liam Neeson in Taken. I wouldnt mind that at all, he said. I was a big fan of Taken. The trick is to find something that makes sense, that isnt just an excuse to do action but has a story thats worthwhile in itself. Lest anyone worry that all this success will go to Mikkelsens head, the actor is quick to point out that there are plenty of people back home in Denmark ready to pull him back down to earth. Vainglory isnt exactly in the Danish nature. Denmark is a funny place, he said. We have what we call the Jante Law, which is an unwritten law that pretty much nails the personality of the Scandinavians generally. The law is just like, Dont fly higher than your wings can bear you. Stay on the ground. Dont think youre anyone. Thats strongly built into our nations character. Its just an approach to life we have. At least now when he comes to L.A., though, people know his name. josh.rottenberg@latimes.com Twitter: @joshrottenberg Loving is an unpretentious film about unassuming real people, but dont let that mislead you. Just as Richard and Mildred Loving ended up overturning the status quo and making American legal history, so this feature on their lives by writer-director Jeff Nichols turns out to be a film of quiet but quite significant strengths. Nichols, responsible for Mud, Take Shelter and the underappreciated humanistic science fiction epic Midnight Special, has gone in a different, more historical direction here. Hes made an involving socially conscious drama about the interracial couple whose marriage, illegal in their home state of Virginia, led to the unanimous 1967 Supreme Court ruling that racist anti-miscegenation laws were unconstitutional. Advertisement But Loving is hardly a legal drama rife with attorney strategies and courtroom scenes. Its concerned not with public lives but private ones, with how it happened that two ordinary people, distraught over being trapped for years in the coils of a pitiless system, came to feel enough was enough. Nichols was born and raised in Arkansas, and his Southern background intensifies his familiarity with the material. Hes also helped greatly by his two stars, a luminous Ruth Negga, memorable in John Ridleys Jimi: All Is by My Side, who is transcendent as Mildred, and Australian actor Joel Edgerton, whose involvement in the role of Richard grows as the film progresses. Loving is based in part on Nancy Buirskis moving 2011 documentary, The Loving Story, which includes potent excerpts from footage shot of the couple by ABC News in 1965 and 1967 as well as expressive black and white photographs taken for Life Magazine by Grey Villet. Villet is played in the film by Michael Shannon, who has been in all of Nichols features. Similarly, the core of the directors team, including but not limited to cinematographer Adam Stone, production designer Chad Keith, costume designer Erin Benach, composer David Wingo and editor Julie Monroe, have reunited here, giving the result an enviable ease and cohesion. Using that earlier documentary as a template, and with physical and emotional authenticity in both acting and look as his goal, Nichols and his team have made Loving as accurate as they could without making it feel like a copy of reality or compromising its considerable emotional impact. That impact starts with the opening scene on a back porch in deeply rural Virginia in 1958, when Mildred tells Richard shes pregnant and he smiles and says good. Neither of these individuals is a big talker, but both actors are expert at conveying feeling with body language and facial expression, and at no point in the film do we doubt that these people love each other very much. The Lovings tiny hamlet of Central Point is something of an anomaly in the Virginia of the time, an area where population patterns have developed in a way that racial equality is taken for granted. Though his burr haircut and blank stare make bricklayer Richard look like an archetypal redneck, scenes of hanging out with Mildreds family and being the mechanic on a drag racing team demonstrate that he is genuinely color blind, someone who fits in with all races because it never occurs to him that he wouldnt. The state of Virginia, however, does not feel that way about race, and a few weeks after the Lovings return from being married in Washington, D.C., they are rousted at home at 2 a.m. by the police and arrested. When Richard points to his marriage license, framed on the wall, hes curtly told by the sheriff, Thats no good here. Sheriff Garnett Brooks (intensely played by Marton Csokas) and others in the Virginia legal system are not portrayed as drooling bigots but rather as individuals who genuinely believe that this dreadful system of racial separation is what God mandated. Richard, baffled and horrified, is imprisoned overnight before he can be bailed out, and his wife spends five terrifying days in prison. (Loving was shot in the same jail in Bowling Green, Va., where the real events took place.) Though the Lovings could have been sentenced to a year in prison for a crime against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth of Virginia, a deal brokered by their lawyer suspends the sentence if they agree to leave the state and not return for 25 years. Feeling they have no choice, the Lovings depart for Washington in January 1959 and move in with Mildreds cousin. Children are born, life takes twists and turns, but raising a family far from her own never sits well with Mildred. Finally, in 1963, after the March on Washington and a pep talk from her cousin telling her you need to get you some civil rights, Mildred writes a letter that results in conversations with two young ACLU lawyers, Bernard Cohen and Philip Hirschkop. As played by Nick Kroll and Jon Bass, respectively, these lawyers are hardly saviors. Very young and without much experience, they barely know how to proceed. And the Lovings, for their part, are not interested in being zealots or martyrs for a cause. Eager to live back home and raise their children, they just want the whole thing to go away of its own accord. Which it will not. Moving without being excessive, Loving makes some of its points by indirection, like a shot of the Lovings watching Neil Armstrong landing on the moon. Though not a word is said, the implication is clear: We can send a man to the moon, but we cant let these people live together in peace. It is a conundrum that is still with us, one that Loving beautifully illuminates. MPAA rating: PG-13 for thematic elements. Running time: 2 hours, 3 minutes. Playing Arclight, Hollywood; Landmark, West Los Angeles. See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers ALSO People are looking for integrity, somewhere: Ruth Negga finds a deeper relevance in her interracial marriage historical drama, Loving #myLovingDay: How the Lovings trials paved the way for todays multiracial families One mans quest for Loving Day, a holiday for multiracial Americans Celebrating the day when the love of an interracial couple conquered centuries of hate #mylovingday: What Loving looks like in 2016 for our readers If nothing else, the comedy Army of One brings back the unself-consciously kooky Nicolas Cage the one who risks being abrasive for the trade-off of being memorable after a string of mumbly, monotone performances, mostly in mediocre action movies. In Army of One, Cage and Borat director Larry Charles (working off a screenplay by Rajiv Joseph and Scott Rothman) riff on the true story of Gary Faulkner, a colorful American civilian who made multiple attempts to sneak into the wilds of Pakistan and capture Osama bin Laden. As portrayed by Cage, Gary is a jovial know-it-all with a good heart and delusions of grandeur, who makes friends and causes trouble everywhere he goes. The motormouthed Gary comes up with a half-baked kidnapping scheme, fails miserably, and starts over, with the cautious support of his girlfriend (well-played by Wendi McLendon-Covey) and the guidance of God (Russell Brand). Advertisement The movies noisy, busy and not that funny. But there is a sweetness and a cockeyed optimism here. At heart, its a salute to American gumption however misguided. More important, Cage is as fun to watch as hes been in a good long while. With his high-pitched voice and wiry energy, he creates a character whos sometimes annoying, sometimes sympathetic and always wholly alive on the screen. ------------- Army of One Rating: R for language and drug use. Running time: 1 hour, 33 minutes Playing: Laemmle NoHo 7, North Hollywood See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Of all the films excerpted in Nancy Buirskis warm, roving documentary By Sidney Lumet, the one that she keeps returning to is the great directors 1957 first feature, 12 Angry Men. It was, as Lumet recalls, a project he landed through sheer luck, after Henry Fonda saw an off-Broadway play he had directed and recommended him for the job. Yet happenstance doesnt account for how thoroughly that film encapsulates so many of Lumets career motifs: a persuasive portrait of a government institution, a fascination with the creaky machinery of law and order and a drama that pits one mans principles against a hostile, uncomprehending majority. From 12 Angry Men onward, through Serpico, Prince of the City, The Verdict and numerous others, Lumets filmography has concerned itself with men forced to act on little more than conscience and nerve, to stand up to the sneering individuals and rotting systems that threaten to swallow them alive. For the record: An earlier version of this review said that By Sidney Lumet director Nancy Buirski conducted an interview with Lumet in 2008. The late filmmaker Daniel Anker conducted the interview. Early on in this PBS American Masters documentary built around an interview that the late filmmaker Daniel Anker conducted with an 83-year-old Lumet in 2008, three years before the latters death the director recalls his own fight-or-flight moment, when he once witnessed a horrific act of violence in Calcutta and failed to intervene. Advertisement But having offered up this confessional moment, Lumet deflects our impulse to read too much into it. While acknowledging the presence of a clear moral sensibility in his work, he notes, Id say its an unconscious choice. I dont pay any attention to it. Or, as he says later: All good work is self-revelatory. True enough. Focusing on the task at hand, allowing deeper meanings to assert themselves naturally, more or less captures this directors working method, and perhaps accounts for his tireless, astonishingly prolific output over his six-decade career. Luck, hard work, discipline, sensitivity, professionalism these are the qualities that he repeatedly highlights as the hallmarks of his success, shunning even the slightest hint of authorial self-indulgence or ego. None of which should be taken to mean that Lumet took an impersonal attitude toward his work, even if some of his critics have suggested as much over the years, mistaking the directors stylistic restraint and clean, direct storytelling for a lack of aesthetic ambition. One of the achievements of Buirskis absorbing documentary is that it allows Lumet to remind us, in his own voice, of the passion in his ostensible dispassion the way he deftly subsumed self-expression within the brisk rhythms of his material and the superb performances of his actors. Not unlike the recent De Palma, a similarly fine portrait of a great American director, By Sidney Lumet pulls us into the hypnotic, cascading flow of its subjects words, with no outside voices on hand to challenge or corroborate them. It will come as little surprise to anyone who has read Lumets 1996 memoir, Making Movies, that he is a supremely eloquent and companionable presence, with a demeanor that suits this focused yet relaxed portrait. Organized thematically rather than chronologically, the film spends some time initially laying out Lumets Depression-era New York childhood and his early start performing in radio and theatrical productions (courtesy of his father, a Yiddish stage actor), an experience that immediately set him on a creative path and established his tireless work ethic. At one point, Buirski (working with editor Anthony Ripoli) intercuts Lumets reminiscences of his hard-working dad with an image of another actor father, James Tyrone (played by Ralph Richardson), in a scene from his 1962 film Long Days Journey Into Night. Its a lovely, intuitive association of a sort that Lumet nonetheless seems to contradict later, when he notes that family, far from holding some unusual significance for him, is simply one of the essential building blocks of drama. Certainly that insight seems to unite films as different as his 2007 tour de force, Before the Devil Knows Youre Dead; his 1968 Chekhov adaptation, The Sea Gull; and Daniel, a 1983 dramatization of the story of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. Despite (or because of) the films critical and commercial failure, Lumet counts Daniel among his finest achievements. He also spares a few affectionate words for Running on Empty, his under-loved 1988 drama about a family of fugitive radicals, and 1978s misbegotten The Wiz, particularly those sequences he wistfully recalls filming at the World Trade Center. Buirski nimbly threads in insights about everything from Lumets love for his chosen city (When I leave New York for anyplace, my nose starts to bleed) to his thoughts on the legacy of the Holocaust, as seen through a detailed look at The Pawnbroker (1964). Lumet recalls his skirmishes with the 1950s Hollywood blacklist, to which he responded by directing an episode of the historical reenactment series You Are There, pointedly focused on the Salem witchcraft trials. Notably, he expresses a measure of sympathy for Elia Kazan, acknowledging the atmosphere of fear and persecution that led him and others to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities. By the time Lumet arrives at the justly celebrated career pinnacles of Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico and Network, his empathy with the outsider and his instinctive distrust for the American establishment whether it took the form of a police force, a TV newsroom or Hollywood itself have come powerfully to the fore. Everything conspires to crush your individuality, he says, even as this documentary touchingly reaffirms this directors own. ------------ By Sidney Lumet Not rated Running time: 1 hour, 43 minutes Playing: Laemmles Royal Theatre See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour There are movies you know will get sequels. There are movies you expect will get sequels. There are movies you wonder might get sequels. Then theres Trainspotting. Danny Boyles heroin-not-so-chic, young-Scots-adrift tale was a classic in 1996, at once exoticizing and sympathizing with its working-class heroes. Based on Irvine Welshs 1993 book, it was so singularly of its time so singularly of its directors time (Boyles second film, before anything Hollywood) that returning to it seems less a head-scratcher than an impossibility. But Welsh in fact did just that himself, publishing the follow-up Porno in 2002. The book picks up on the activities of the gang a decade later, now enmeshed in the porn business. And Boyle, well, after the mixed experience of Steve Jobs you could imagine he might be seeking a return to his own grittier roots. Advertisement And so the creative team and the actors slightly older and, with the likes of Ewan McGregor and Jonny Lee Miller, a lot more successful reunited and shot a movie earlier this year. The first trailer for the film (warning: contains, unsurprisingly, drug use and nudity), which arrives in U.S. theaters from Sony in February, hit Thursday morning. In its slickly edited glory shows Spud, Renton and the rest of the crew together and back to, well, some tricks, if not their old ones. So what you been up to for 20 years, Renton says to Sick Boy at the beginning of the spot as the latter walks in to Rentons (very swish) house. What follows in the (more mood-setting than plot-heavy) spot are plenty of callbacks to the original Renton and Diane in bed, a falling-off-a-building moment (this time backward), even a grimy-bathroom shot. But its clear this is no simple nostalgia exercise. Underworlds Born Slippy, the originals leitmotif, opens the trailer but soon gives way to a new song. Renton and Diane are now in bed engaging in what appears to be a heart-to-heart (and a tidy breakfast their only accessory). Renton has, apparently, chosen life No, he says to an early question of whether he still uses. Oh yes, the Choose speech is cleverly updated too Choose reality TV, slutshamng, revenge porn... Choose Facebook, Choose Twitter, Choose Instagram, and hope that someone somewhere cares. And then, a little hark back to regret Choose looking up old flames wishing youd done it differently. Moving forward doesnt mean you cant look back. There is an essential problem at the heart of a Trainspotting sequel. The original was about people who didnt want to grow up whose raison d'etre was avoiding a certain kind of bourgeois maturity. Following them into their forties would, then, seem like a unique kind of challenge. Because either theyve wandered right into what they said they never would, and then youre just watching every piece of suburban fiction ever written. Or theyre a bunch of walking Peter Pan Complexes reliving their first-film exploits, and who wants to watch that? From the looks of it, though, Boyle and writer John Hodge seem to have found some nuanced middle ground, where the characters are not who they were but not necessarily who they swore theyd never become, either. Core human tendencies dont change in two decades, the trailer suggests. But the context for them does. Youre an addict so be addicted; just be addicted to something else, the updated Choose speech exhorts. The trailer closes with Renton getting upended by a car, a clear homage to the chase scene that bookended the first film. But hes not on the run, hes not with a posse and it looks more like a country road than a crowded Edinburgh street. And when he gets up, he actually smiles, then even laughs, exhilarated and disbelieving he made it here All indications so far are that well feel the same way. See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour On Twitter: @ZeitchikLAT Fashion site Who What Wear is set to open a pop-up shoppable exhibition on Melrose Place Thursday. The company, part of Clique Media Group, is absorbing about 1,500 square feet of space previously occupied by Carolina Herrera for what its named the #WWW10 Experience in a nod to its 10-year anniversary. At our very core, were dedicated to bringing experiences to our consumers, and how better to capture 10 years of fashion trends, celebrity and blogger street style, and informative style reports than in a physical Who What Wear time capsule? said CMG chief executive officer Katherine Power, who cofounded the company with Hillary Kerr. Also, so much of our content is based around beautiful imagery, so coupling those core concepts in an immersive gallery experience was perfect. The space, which does not charge admission, was designed to be similar to a museum with exhibits highlighting popular trends worn by celebrities and influencers among others. Brands on display in the pop-up range from Marc Jacobs Beauty and J Brand Denim to Uggs and Gucci. Most of the product on display, excluding vintage sunglasses loaned from Nicole Richies personal collection, can be purchased on Neiman Marcus online shop. Ipads will be on hand for customers to shop looks. Advertisement Power noted Melrose Places foot traffic, influencers often using the street as a back-drop for photo shoots and its elevated street appeal as reasons for locating on the street, which is also home to brands such as The Row and Vanessa Seward. The pop-up is slated to run through Nov. 13 with the company open to the possibility of then moving the concept to other parts of the country. Wed certainly be open to it, Power said. So many other cities especially New York, Paris and London have been a huge part of our core brand that itd be great to see Who What Wear brought to life in those places as well. Two militants were killed and five others wounded Thursday when security forces raided a suspected militant hideout in Gesr El-Suez district, East Cairo. Three policemen were injured and another militant was apprehended during the security operation, a security source told Al-Ahram Arabic website. The clashes took place for 30 minutes at dawn, after militants opened fire on security forces from an area apartment building. On Sunday, Egypt's interior ministry announced that it arrested five men suspected of carrying out an improvised explosive device (IED) attack on Gesr Al Suez road in Cairo Friday, hours after the explosion killed one civilian. The Ministry of Interior has not yet released a statement on the details of the raid. Attacks against security forces have become common in recent years but are mostly concentrated in North Sinai, where Egypt's army and police are battling an entrenched Islamist insurgency. Search Keywords: Short link: James Galanos, a designer to the stars who kept a profile as low as his clients were high, died Oct. 30 at his home in West Hollywood. He was 92. He died of natural causes Sunday morning peacefully and surrounded by his sister and family, nephew Vincent Polisano, president of the James G. Galanos Foundation, told The Times. Billed by some as Americas couturier, Galanos work was beautiful from afar but dizzyingly delightful up close: silks knife-pleated by hand, precisely positioned crystal beads, enthusiastic sequin play and interior seams so precisely hand-finished that fans of his work often opined that his creations would be equally beautiful worn inside out. Advertisement In a departure from todays designer-as-rock-star, media-saturation model, Galanos was private and somewhat press shy, preferring to let his handiwork speak for itself, which it did loudly thanks to the well-heeled, high-profile clientele that picked his pieces for state dinners, red carpets, television appearances and society events on both coasts. James Gregory Galanos was born Sept. 20, 1924, in Philadelphia, one of four children of Greek immigrants Gregory Galanos and Helen Gorgoliatos, who ran a restaurant. He was raised in Bridgeton, N.J., and, after graduating from high school in 1942 briefly attended the Traphagen School of Fashion in New York City. After a stint as an assistant at Hattie Carnegie, he turned to selling sketches to Seventh Avenue clothing manufacturers. But Galanos real fashion education would come in Paris as an assistant to couturier Robert Piguet where he spent several years before returning to the U.S. in 1948. The designers six-decade-long relationship with Southern California began when he came West in 1951 to work as an apprentice to costume designer Jean Louis at Columbia Pictures. That same year, he sold his first collection to Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills. It was quickly picked up by other stores, including Neiman Marcus, and he incorporated his business under the Galanos Originals name the next year at age 28. Among his early clients was an MGM starlet by the name of Nancy Davis, who would end up shaping his career as much as, if not more than, his couture-level confections shaped her Size 4 frame as future First Lady Nancy Reagan. Reagan wore Galanos gowns on countless occasions but most memorably to her husbands four inaugurations (Ronald Reagans two California gubernatorial inaugurations as well as his two presidential ones). For most of his career, Galanos was the go-to for special occasions. Judy Garland, for example, wore a black leotard and chiffon skirt of his for a 1956 TV special. Diana Ross was clad in a purple-beaded Galanos number at the 1985 Academy Awards. And Grace Kelly, in the run-up to her 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco, had the designer make her a couple of different dresses, including a white silk organdy ball gown embroidered with huge floral bouquets and a more understated blue dress that she was photographed wearing the day before the ceremony. Stars who counted on him included Edie Adams (whose Galanos collection reportedly numbered in the hundreds of pieces), Loretta Young, Dorothy Lamour and Rosalind Russell. Another thing that set Galanos apart was his approach to business. He not only designed the clothes that bore his name, but also picked out the fabrics, arranged sales and called on clients, often with enormous wheeled steamer trunks full of dresses in tow. Likewise, he never leveraged Galanos Originals into a Galanos lifestyle brand with the kind of diffusion lines and product extensions that have been part of fashion brand synergy for the last several decades. He reportedly entered into just two licensing deals in his entire career, one for fragrances and the other for furs. Polisano described his uncle as someone who spent his whole life focused on his career. From the time he was a teenage boy, he would sit in his parents restaurant and draw fashion [sketches] on the back of the customers checks, Polisano said. He always knew that he was going to be a designer, and he knew he wanted to be a designer of beautiful things for special people. And ever since he was a little boy, he tried to stay on course and never deviate from that. That focus earned him not just A-list clientele but just about every plaque, trophy and recognition the fashion industry could throw his way, including Coty American Fashion Critics awards in 1954 and 1956, sidewalk plaques on Seventh Avenues Fashion Walk of Fame in 2001 and on the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style in 2007, and a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1985. He was also the subject of a career retrospective at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1997, just one year before he officially retired from the fashion business at age 74. (A short film created for the LACMA exhibition called Galanos on Galanos can be viewed online.) A testament to the timelessness of his work, Galanos vintage gowns would continue to grace the forms of supermodels and superstars including Heidi Klum, Amber Valletta, Nicole Kidman, Celine Dion and Renee Zellweger. From his retirement in 1998 until his death, Galanos split his time between homes in the Hollywood Hills and Palm Springs, traveling and dabbling in art photography. He is survived by a sister, Dorothy Chrambanis of Langhorne, Pa., who, along with Polisano and his wife, sits on the board of the Philadelphia-based James G. Galanos Foundation, which is working to preserve the designers legacy. One of the things the foundation did and it was one of Mr. Galanos wishes was donate his atelier collection to Drexel University, Polisano told The Times. And theyre going to take the lead in preserving what was left in his archives. Over the last year, the foundation has donated more than 700 garments to the Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection in the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design at Drexel, and future plans include a designated study room for Galanos archives, a book and something that, just maybe, will help the next, rare, Galanos-in-the-making turn a sketch scribbled on the back of a restaurant check into a career-creating wearable art. Were going to give scholarship funds to people who are deserving to help them get careers in the fashion world, Polisano said. Galanos other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews. For more musings on all things fashion and style, follow me @ARTschorn. ALSO: Kobe Bryant marks Day of the Dead by unveiling the Kobe A.D. sneaker Style Appreciation: Former first lady Nancy Reagan Bill Clinton goes true blue with some subtle details for his wifes convention speech Its that time of year again the days shorten and the weather cools, and the first Thursday in November is known among beer lovers as International Stout Day. Its the perfect time to dive into the wide world of dark beers, and as they are often used by brewers to showcase flavorful additives, there is a stout for every taste. Coconut is an increasingly popular flavor in beer, and it fits best alongside the chocolate and roasted flavors of a stout. Here are a few options to try on Stout Day that showcase the richness of coconut. Oskar Blues Death by Coconut Advertisement This cult-favorite from the Colorado brewery is a deeply polarizing brew, but it seems there are far more lovers than haters. Bars and bottle shops post exuberant Instagram photos when shipments of Death by Coconut come in, and the beers fans cant get enough. The can calls the beer an Irish porter, and its worth noting that the line between porter and stout styles is blurry at best. A stout by any other name tastes just as sweet, and this is a dessert-sweet brew. Brewed with Cholaca a mixture of coconut sugar and fair trade cacao nibs Death by Coconut is sticky with residual sugars. The deep brown brew starts off with milk chocolate flavors before the coconut clobbers everything else, and the oily, woodsy coconut essence lingers long on the palate. Even for unabashed coconut lovers, it can be too much the finish in particular can veer into Banana Boat suntan oil territory, but if you didnt get your fill of Almond Joy candy bars this Halloween, then this is the brew for you. Six packs of 12-ounce cans are widely available at beer retailers including Whole Foods, BevMo! and your local craft beer store. Maui Brewing Co. Coconut Hiwa Porter (nee CoCoNut Porter) Hawaiis most recognizable brewery recently rebranded, launching new can designs and new names for some of its longtime favorite brews. The flagship CoCoNut porter is now known as Hiwa Porter, but the subtle toasted coconut flavors that made the beer a favorite are still present. Where the Oskar Blues coconut porter is sweet and intense, Maui Brewings version is subdued and nuanced. You can still taste the roasted malt flavors alongside the toasty coconut, the body is lighter and the finish far drier than Death by Coconut. Back when it was called CoCoNut Porter, the brew was one of the few widely available coconut beers, and it is still one of the signature examples of how toasted coconut is used to add complexity to a roasty dark beer without being overwhelming. Four-packs of the beer are easy to find at major beer retailers, Whole Foods markets and BevMo! Stores, and youll occasionally see the beer on draft at bars and restaurants as well. Barley Forge the Patsy A well executed and locally brewed example of the coconut stout, the Patsy from Costa Mesas Barley Forge Brewing takes the toasted coconut and marries it to a heaping portion of rye grain. Like the examples above, the Patsy is around 6% alcohol, but it splits the difference in weight between the thick-and-heavy Death by Coconut and the comparatively sprightly Hiwa Porter. There is a deep complexity of malt flavors in the brew, and the addition of malted and roasted rye provides a spicy counterpoint to the smoothness of the coconut flavors. Theres a firm bitterness in the finish to bring the beer into balance, and a pint goes down all too easy. Hit up the brewerys beer finder online to track down a six-pack of the Patsy, or visit the Orange County taproom and restaurant. 2957 Randolph Ave, Costa Mesa, (714) 641-2084, www.barleyforge.com. Highland Park Brewery Coco Noche Its the imperial stouts that really get people excited, and L.A.s own Highland Park Brewery makes a coconut-infused heavy hitter called Coco Noche. Imperial stouts are bigger and bolder in flavor than standard strength stouts, not to mention boozier. Coco Noche is 9% alcohol, and its got the big malty flavors to back up it up. Theres a hint of umami richness from the roasted malts along with the smooth chocolate flavors, but the toasted coconut aroma takes center stage in the beer. Each batch uses 75 pounds of coconut that has been hand-toasted in the home ovens of the brewers. Its added after the beer has fermented to maximize the coconut aroma. Only available on draft, youll have to visit the Hermosillo Bar on York Boulevard in Highland Park to get a taste, but if youre a lover of coconut and big stouts, its worth the trip. 5125 York Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 739-6459, https://hpb.la. King Harbor Brewing Coconut IPA Not a big fan of the stout styles but still want to get in on the coconut-flavored brews? King Harbor Brewing in Redondo Beach makes a limited-release Coconut IPA that matches the woodsy and smooth flavor of coconut with tropical hops in a dry and bitter IPA. Its a great change of pace from the malt-forward coconut beers. The beers are available at their tasting rooms. Multiple locations at www.kingharborbrewing.com. ALSO: 14 budget-friendly eats on Jonathan Golds 101 list Taco Tuesday: La Barbacha in Boyle Heights has the lamb tacos you crave Nigerian chef behind the Blackness in America pop-up dinners comes to L.A. Editors note: Anthony Bourdain died Friday, June 8, 2018, at age 61, according to CNN. The Times published this article on Nov. 3, 2016, about his cookbook Appetites. You may be familiar with Anthony Bourdain, the foul-mouthed, sharp-tongued world traveler, chef and TV host who slurped noodles with President Obama in Hanoi. But do you know Anthony Bourdain, the Tolstoy-quoting dad? Bourdain is out with a new cookbook called Appetites, and in it is his version of family life with no-nonsense commentary and recipes for his favorite dishes to make at home, as a dad. This is Bourdain like youve never seen him (literally, there is one photo of him sitting on a toilet, eating a sausage and peppers sandwich). We caught up with Bourdain to talk about the book, his thoughts on the evil club sandwich and his distaste for Asian fusion. Advertisement Its been more than 10 years since you wrote a cookbook. Why this book now? I think its a reflection of the fact that Id never done anything useful as far as my writing. I thought Id write a useful cookbook. I thought Id bring to bear 30 years of professional experience, where my cooking life, for the better part of a decade, revolved around cooking for a little girl and her friends. I noticed some advantages and pathologies that I suffer from when cooking for a little girl and her friends, and thought Id write it all down. You say its not for those looking for culinary genius. Whos your target audience? Its a home cookbook for dysfunctional families everywhere. Its written in a way that I hope gives you reasonable experiences and presents you with the kinds of compromises that professionals have to make all the time. I use risotto as an example. Its a home cookbook for dysfunctional families everywhere. Do you really want to make risotto to order when you have eight guests sitting there? No. It wont work. Most cookbooks wont tell you that. They will say make it and it will come out perfectly. They should tell you youre probably going to screw it up the first 10 times you make it. Talk about the style of the book. These are not pretty food photos. What was the thinking behind that? I didnt want food that looked unapproachable or ridiculously beautiful. At the end of a dinner at my house, my kitchen sink is filled with dishes and theres nothing pretty about the garbage. Halfway through dinner, theres going to be wine spilled, and thats a happy meal. Its not this pristine experience. Im done with that. I wanted it to look like real cooking in someones real home or just so out-of-there bizarre that it would be fun. I wanted it to look like no one elses cookbook. I gave the photographer license to kill. I said, Whatever everyone else has asked you to do or never let you do, and lets do that. My family is very far from normal and I sort of wanted to reflect that as well. Whats going on with Eric Ripert looking very uncomfortable, with gravy dribbling down his chin? He has no understanding of biscuits and gravy. I fed it to him the first time when we were on tour, and the guy just didnt know what to do with it. It made no sense to his French brain. Thats the way he looks when he took his first bite I wanted to capture it again. Of course I love the dish. You know, hes French, so hes confused. Lasagna Bolognese recipe from Anthony Bourdains Appetites: A Cookbook. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times ) Recipe: Lasagna Bolognese What are the one or two recipes in the book you cant stop making or eating? I do the meatball recipe a lot. I think the army stew probably too. Its the most useful dish because it was born out of necessity and poverty and any idiot can make it in 20 minutes on a hot plate. Its cheap and uses readily available commercial ingredients. And its delicious. It should be the great American dish perfect late-night stoner dorm food for college kids on a budget. You say in the book youre a serious egg lover. Anything else youre willing to admit that kind of love for? Cheese. My love of soft, runny cheese its impossible to resist. A good, stinky French cheese or a good Stilton. These are things I really, really love. Dessert I can obviously live without. More cookbooks: 27 of our favorites | Silk Road cookbooks | Dorie Greenspan on cookies | Cookbook industry Why a section on burger rules from Dr. Nathan Myhrvold but no burger recipes? Are the rules more important than any recipe could be? The ingredients of a hamburger seldom vary. Its a percentage of fat to lean meat, add salt and prepare and thats it. It shouldnt need a recipe. Its a structural, textural question that people seem to get wrong so often. So thats why we enlisted Dr. Myhrvold to look at this question. What is the best burger as far as an eating experience and balance? After considerable research, we kind of arrived at the same place: a structurally sound burger held together by commercially available cheese. We looked at the bun question. Im a big proponent for the potato bun. I feel strongly that adding a brioche bun or some thick-cut bacon is not necessarily making that experience better. Americas most beloved burgers are not the $29.95 black label burger, or however much that costs at Minetta Tavern. Which is a great burger, but not something you want to create in your home. A burger is something anyone can do, just follow the rules. You compare the club sandwich to Al Qaeda. Any other food or food trend you cant stand? Im really irritated by that useless middle slice of bread on the club sandwich. Its been there forever; its not a trend. Its lasted for decades and why, when we can so easily dispense with it? I cant get too angry about pumpkin spice because hopefully that will all be over soon, if it isnt already. The misuse of the word Kobe. Theres an absolute relationship between the number of douches in any given establishment and the appearance of a Kobe burger, Kobe meatballs or sliders on the menu. You can be positive youre going to get some gel-headed bros high-fiving at the bar. I love bacon, but I dont think we need it on everything. I think theres a tendency to over-jack and over-umami food these days. Really annoys me any time I see Asian fusion too. Asia is a big place; which Asian are you talking about? You notice its never Uzbek or Tajik food. Its Thai, and its generally insulting. If youd like to see Bourdain in person, he will be speaking at the Pantages Theater Nov. 14. Details can be found at https://anthonybourdainontour.com. Currently craving a BBQ chicken pizza with jalapenos. Follow me on Twitter & Instagram @Jenn_Harris_ ALSO: Where to find the great Oaxacan dish tlayuda in Los Angeles One of Mexicos best chefs is opening a restaurant in West Hollywood Jonathan Gold: Delicious Food Corner is the most Hong Kong place in the San Gabriel Valley Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @Jenn_Harris_ California has the largest milling capacity of any state, but little of what is grown and processed follows a traceable path from field to loaf. A group of farmers, millers and bakers wants to change that. The California Grain Campaign, which launched Oct. 12, asks that all farmers market bakers use 20% locally grown whole grain flour in their products by 2020. This would apply to all foods made with flour, including pasta, cookies and pastries. If New York can do this, California can do this, said Dave Miller, of Millers Bake House, near Chico. For 20 years, he has been sourcing grain in and out of state to make flour for the bread he sells at farmers markets. He and farmer Mai Nguyen, fellow designer of the 20 x 20 campaign, heard about a similar effort to rebuild regional grain systems at a meeting in March. It was that meeting eight months ago, that inspired the new campaign. We set the target for bakers at 15% in 2010 and hoped it would work, Greenmarket/GrowNYCs June Russell told the group of grain growers, millers and bakers who came to the Paicines Ranch in San Benito County to discuss their work. Advertisement Greenmarket/GrowNYC runs farmers markets in New York City. The groundwork for the local flour requirement began more than a decade ago. In order to establish a successful rule, and help align their bakers with the mission to support regional agriculture, the organization couldnt only say use local flour; they had to investigate, and help invent the supply. Theres so much development work to do when it comes to grains because the infrastructure was dismantled. The knowledge base disappeared, and seed varieties for the area vanished, Russell said. Because grain needs intermediate handling facilities for storage, cleaning and milling before a baker can touch the stuff, reinventing the wheel of regional grains and flour is a complicated task. For Greenmarket and Russell, this meant her work in farm inspections branched into inquiries for grain sources and establishing relationships with mills and potential growers. Greenmarkets investment stretched into partnerships with other food and farm advocacy groups and spurred multiple grant projects and other legwork to help build the Northeast Grainshed. The octopus of grains affiliations even includes a beer, launched by Brooklyn Brewery: Brooklyn Greenmarket Wheat, which uses wheat and barley grown and malted nearby. This success inspired Nguyen, Miller and other champions of regional grains, such as Nan Kohler of Grist & Toll, a mill in Pasadena, to shape a parallel lever for farmers markets in California. Most grain farmers are used to a wholesale relationship. Thats how the grain economy has been structured for a long time, said Nguyen, who is working to make this a very grass-roots, participatory movement, and reaching out to farm and food advocacy groups for maximum engagement. Nguyen grows grains and vegetables and also works for the California Center for Cooperative Development. These undertakings give her a broad perspective on how to foster change for growers and consumers. Loaves of spelt, whole wheat and seeded bread sit on the shelves beside the deck oven at Lodge Bread in Culver City. (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times ) In the process of building grain hubs, she said, Farmers markets play a great role, offering opportunities for education that other sales sites cant capture and engaging producers, artisans and customers in a regional grain economy. Monica Spiller will be helping create educational material, which will be tailored to suit an individual markets needs. Spiller is an under-celebrated steward of heritage grains. She began cultivating old styles of wheat in the 1990s, growing out seed samples from the USDA long before there was any interest in non-contemporary grains. The founder of the Whole Grain Connection in Mountain View, in Northern California, Spiller also is a strong voice for the flavors and nutrition of whole grain baking. Kohler is gathering other voices to help speak up for fresh flour, the ingredient that led her to start that rarest of enterprises, an urban flour mill. The miller, a former wine-seller, is excited because the campaign sets another stage for people to discover the flavors of fresh flour. This generates needed exposure and creates a direct dialogue about what were doing, Kohler said. Its wonderful when others are escorted into these flavors. Kohler has been seeking out bakers to enlist them as potential educators for the public and advisers to help guide farmers market bakers when they need help. These flours, whole grain and usually stone-milled, differ vastly from standard refined flour. Los Angeles bakers Roxana Jullapat, Mike Zakowski and Rose Lawrence are signed up to help, as is Clemence Gossett. People are starting to shop at the farmers market in place of the grocery store, and the addition of grains is the perfect entry, said Gossett, whose Gourmandise School in Santa Monica offers classes in grains and flour. Need for this information is so strong among culinary professionals and the general public that the school recently hosted a one-day grains conference. Diana Rodgers, manager of the Mar Vista farmers market, found out about the 20 x 20 campaign from almond and grain grower Nate Siemens of Fat Uncle Farms and was an immediate supporter. Our job as managers is to support farmers, and grain farmers are few and far between at markets, Rodgers said. As a board member of the Assn. of Certified Farmers Markets, shes been able to draw several other Southern California farmers markets on board with the campaign. Rodgers knows the power of markets and market rules. Some California farmers markets are certified by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. There were 300 certified markets in 1999; there are now over 800. With the proliferation of farmers markets, rules ensure integrity and keep the system focused on California growers. Individual farmers markets set their own rules, too, and some of them further encourage local buying. We give preference to food vendors that source food from farmers in the market, Rodgers said. The cheapness and accessibility of other ingredients makes it necessary to spell out a seemingly logical principle in the markets rules. Since flour is readily available as a cheap commodity, making a rule to give bakers a reason to choose the alternative makes sense. If I have five bakers in my market of 90 vendors, this seems like an appropriate thing to ask. Right now, lawyers are vetting language for proposed rules to support the California Grain Campaign at a handful of markets. These, Rodgers said, should be in place in early 2017. Amy Halloran is the author of The New Bread Basket. ALSO: Near the Tehachapi Mountains, a family farm looks to a future without GMOs Culver Citys Lodge Bread Co. bakery gets a bread truck, plans a pizza joint next door Rye is finally having a moment. Taste why in these brownie, cookie and hand pie recipes. A group of clergy members and activists demanded answers Wednesday from the city of Inglewood about why police officers fatally shot a couple found unconscious in their car earlier this year. The citys Police Department has released few details about the Feb. 21 shooting of Kisha Michael, 31, and Marquintan Sandlin, 32, other than to say in a brief news release that officers came across the couple as their car was idling in the middle of the road at the intersection of Inglewood Avenue and Manchester Boulevard shortly after 3 a.m. The officers saw that Michael had a gun and ordered the couple to exit the vehicle before the shooting occurred, the departments statement said. It is troubling when there are more questions than answers, said Guillermo Torres of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice, a grass-roots alliance of faith leaders. Theres no transparency ... when officials that swear to uphold justice cannot give answers. Advertisement A coroners report said the couple appeared unconscious and Michael had a gun in her lap. An unknown exchange occurred between police officers and the couple, according to the coroners report, before police opened fire. Thirteen bullets struck Michael in the head, neck and back. Sandlin was shot seven times, including twice in the head, the autopsy report said. Police have refused to say whether the couple reached for the gun or threatened officers before the shooting, citing an ongoing investigation. Wednesdays news conference took place about two weeks after The Times reported that the citys Civilian Police Oversight Commission rarely meets and has no authority to investigate allegations of police misconduct or police shootings. About 10 activists said they were observing All Souls Day and Day of the Dead on Wednesday by remembering the lives of Michael and Sandlin. They called on the city to release more about the shooting, including why Sandlin was shot if he was unarmed and whether the officers will be disciplined. We are deeply, deeply saddened that nothing has transpired over the last eight months, said the Rev. Francisco Garcia of Holy Faith Episcopal Church in Inglewood. We are here to say that we will not forget. For months, the city refused to reveal the officers names, saying that they had been the subjects of a threat but declining to provide details. In September, after a second public records request from The Times, the assistant city attorney identified the five officers who discharged their guns as Michael Jaen, Richard Parcella, Jason Cantrell, Sean Reidy and Andrew Cohen. Inglewood police Lt. Scott Collins says the officers have been reassigned and are not currently on patrol. Mayor James T. Butts has declined to discuss the shooting, saying it remains under investigation by the Inglewood Police Department. He did not respond to a message seeking comment on Wednesday. The district attorneys office, which will review the shooting to determine whether to file criminal charges against the officers, has yet to be presented with an investigation into the incident, an office spokeswoman said. Cathy Deppe, an Inglewood resident and member of Holy Faith, called for an independent investigation, saying she did not trust the citys Police Department to investigate its own officers. An unresponsive city government adds to the deepening unrest in our community, she said. Torres said he and others in his organization would keep pressing city officials to be transparent. We cannot keep silent when there are no answers from our elected officials, Torres said. angel.jennings@latimes.com @AngelJennings ALSO Mans body found in Costa Mesa after report of hammer attack; suspect arrested A Silicon Valley-style campus in the San Fernando Valley? Bratz doll maker gives it a try KTLA news anchor Lu Parker arrested at LAX on suspicion of petty theft The Los Angeles Police Department is treating three acts of vandalism in the last month targeting art galleries in Boyle Heights, including graffiti at one gallery that attacked white art, as possible hate crimes. The probe comes amid a debate in the predominantly Latino Eastside neighborhood over the growing art scene there and whether its part of a gentrification that some activists fear will push working-class families out. Galleries have been popping up in the area over the last few years as some artists get priced out of downtowns Arts District and other areas. We dont know who actually did [the vandalism], but because it actually made a reference to anti-white art or anti-white, its basically saying that its a hate crime based on that, Det. John Parra of the LAPDs Hollenbeck station said of a vulgar curse against white art that in one of the incidents was spray-painted on the Nicodim Gallery. Advertisement Boyle Heights has become a flashpoint as Los Angeles undergoes a wave of gentrification fueled by rising home prices and a renewed interest in urban neighborhoods by many. Its already transformed once-working-class communities such as Echo Park and Highland Park. But some in Boyle Heights for decades the heart of L.A.'s Mexican American community have vowed to fight the change. In the last three years, more than a dozen galleries have appeared in the area, many in an industrial zone just west of the 101 Freeway. Community activists fear the galleries will inflate property values and push poorer residents out. In September, activists marched through Boyle Heights and posted mock eviction notices for gentrifiers, which included a couple of galleries. LAPD Capt. Rick Stabile, the patrol commanding officer at the station, said that when I saw the number of these and that they were all related to art galleries, just from a common-sense standpoint, I wanted to try and figure out what was going on with the community. Police have not identified a suspect in the recent vandalism, Stabile said. But the three incidents prompted the Hollenbeck Division to call a meeting with gallery owners last week to try to get an understanding of the problem and come up with a plan, including attempting to open a dialogue with the activist group Defend Boyle Heights, which has been a driving force of opposition to the galleries. The reason why I want to facilitate a dialogue with Defend Boyle Heights is because when I started looking into this issue of gentrification and the art galleries, I saw the news articles, I saw the crime reports and I also saw the Defend Boyle Heights website and the videos they posted, Stabile said. On Thursday afternoon, Defend Boyle Heights issued a statement saying it was not responsible for vandalizing the galleries. We dont know who tagged up these galleries, but we ... certainly dont condemn it. It is right to rebel! We are glad to see the community rise up to resist displacement, art washing and gentrification however they see fit! Your anger is justified, the statement read. Gentrification is the true, highest form of hate crime! Activists have demanded that the art galleries leave the neighborhood and allow the community to decide what will take their place. City Councilman Jose Huizar, who represents Boyle Heights, said he was dismayed by the vandalism. I think the issue of gentrification is something that the Boyle Heights community should address, given whats happening throughout the city of L.A., he said. But at the same time, theres a way of doing that. I really dont support the tactics that some of the anti-gentrification groups have used in Boyle Heights. Huizar, who lives and grew up in Boyle Heights, said he does not believe the actions of activists are representative of the type of people who live in the neighborhood, which, he added, has a history of welcoming people of different backgrounds. For now to have this kind of racially based exclusion of people is not right, given the history of Boyle Heights, Huizar said. Its not right on its own, but its even worse when you think about the history of Boyle Heights. Boyle Heights has always been inclusionary. Boyle Heights has not seen nearly as much gentrification as some other areas, but the neighborhood once one of L.A.s true melting pots has long generated strong concerns about its potential for a rapid transformation when it happens. For example, there has long been talk about transforming the 14-story Art Deco Sears, Roebuck & Co. building on Olympic Boulevard into a complex of condos, retail space and restaurants. Some of the change that Boyle Heights has already undergone, particularly closer to downtown L.A., has been called gentefication, incorporating the Spanish word for people, because it is driven substantially by Latinos with roots in the Eastside. Last month, two vandalism incidents involving galleries were reported between Oct. 8 and Oct. 11. A third incident occurred Oct. 15, said Stabile, who declined to provide additional details. He said the crimes are still under investigation. At the subsequent community meeting, police asked gallery workers if there were any other incidents that had gone unreported, Stabile said. Staff from the citys Human Relations Commission also took part, he said. At the meeting, police asked the galleries to inform them when they had events scheduled, because it appeared activists were staging protests to coincide with galleries openings or significant events, Stabile said. Police might consider having extra patrols on those days, he said. From my perspective, whether youve been a resident for 30 years or youve been a resident for five months, you all have the same rights as far as not being the victim of a crime, Stabile said in an interview. When it comes to protesting, absolutely you have a right to protest and theres a legal way of protesting, and then theres an illegal way. If any group crosses that line, thats when they can get in trouble. Francisco Ortega, a human relations advocate, said the commission is open to helping facilitate discussions. Obviously were concerned for the peoples safety, the artists and the people who have a stake in the area in terms of their businesses, but were also concerned with why people are doing this we want to hear them, Ortega said. One gallery owner, who did not want her name used, said only a few owners attended the meeting with police. I think it was a little too late, she said. The gallery owner added that she believed the tagging at the Nicodim Gallery was probably not the work of the neighborhood activists but of overzealous followers who may live elsewhere. These activists have followers, people that are taking up their cause who a) dont even live in the neighborhood, b) dont care and c) theyre just doing it to make it sensationalized, she said. Leonardo Vilchis, a Boyle Heights resident who helped establish Union de Vecinos a nonprofit group that works on housing and other community issues said the incidents being investigated by the LAPD did not strike him as hate crimes. He said that at worse, its an aesthetic critique of a certain cultural expression of art. From the tagging that kills people and promotes gang violence to the political tagging that denounces a process of gentrification Id rather take the latter, Vilchis said Thursday. Do we approve of it or not? I think it depends on the message, it depends on the time, it depends on the conditions. I would not want to denounce it completely or to say its never right. Its part of political speech. Mihai Nicodim, owner of the Nicodim Gallery, said the tagging at his gallery was a sad event but added that he also understands the activists right to protest. I understand gentrification is a real issue, said Nicodim, who is from Romania. But I also think some of these activists, they should maybe go to City Hall to get affordable housing from them. They should protest against developers. He added that that during the course of protests, things have gotten heated, worrying some galleries. Things have escalated and I think they [police] dont want them to escalate further, Nicodim said, because they feel it might get dangerous at some point. Times staff writer Carolina A. Miranda contributed to this report. For more California news, follow @brittny_mejia ALSO Man arrested in fatal stabbing of toddler at mothers workplace is linked to another attack Body found in shallow grave near Sonoma State University parking lot L.A. Unified school bus struck by stray bullet on its way to pick up students, police say UPDATES: 3:45 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from Defend Boyle Heights. 2:55 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from an activist. This article was originally published at 10:15 a.m. A good school is hard to define. That much was clear at Wednesdays State Board of Education meeting. The board has been in the process of overhauling its system for rating schools since the state suspended its old system in 2015. That system included numerical ratings and relied heavily on test scores. Its replacement ultimately will draw from an array of different variables attendance, suspension rates, English language acquisition to try to make ratings better reflect the complexity of Californias schools. In a previous meeting, the group voted to move toward a color-coded system: red for schools that need extra help, green for schools doing well. Advertisement But its been harder to agree on details. On Wednesday, the board delayed a vote on a proposal to define those test scores that would have given a school a green rating for academics. The initial cutoffs were at least 51% of students proficient in math and 60% in English/language arts, with that performance maintained from year to year, on state standardized tests. Samantha Tran, senior managing director of education policy for the advocacy organization Children Now, was one of those who argued that those thresholds were far too low. If half our kids didnt reach a high standard, but their schools are marked as green, that sends the wrong message, she said before the meeting. On Wednesday, Cindy Kazanis, of the education departments Measurement and Accountability Division, said her team wanted to go back to the drawing board to suggest new cutoff points based on an aggregate of scaled scores instead of the percentage of students reaching certain benchmarks, which would be more statistically sound. Scaled scores are raw scores the number of points a student earns adjusted to better reflect individual students levels of accomplishment. We need to come back to what the meaning behind those scores are, said Keric Ashley, deputy superintendent of public instruction and board members agreed. With that complicated decision tabled, the board turned to another major shift in education: the Local Control Funding Formula, passed in 2013, which allots a certain amount of money for each child, plus extra if that child has special needs. The state law was intended not only to make school funding fairer but to give families more input into their schools. To that end, it required that districts write Local Control Accountability Plans describing how they are using Local Control dollars to satisfy the laws priorities, which include a special focus on vulnerable populations such as foster youth. But the planning documents, which were supposed to give families more information, have been criticized as lengthy and impenetrable. On Wednesday, the board voted on an updated template that streamlines descriptions and forces districts to write narratives describing their plans. To show how they are fulfilling the Local Control priorities, districts must perform self-assessments. The board voted Wednesday to approve a few specific assessments for areas including how to determine whether districts are adequately serving foster kids or improving their schools culture. Some who attended the meeting expressed concerns that not all such self-assessments are required to be made public beyond school board meetings. I want to make sure that we dont support a culture of complacency, said Sandy Mendoza, advocacy manager for the nonprofit group Families In Schools. The state also is developing its plan to satisfy the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, which is the less punitive successor to No Child Left Behind. But state officials contend they cant get too far until regulations are finalized and they know the priorities of the new president. On Wednesday, the board gave state schools chief Tom Torlakson and board president Mike Kirst the authority to write a letter opposing the proposed federal guidelines because they disrupt some of the states work on devising its school ratings system. The board also voted to withhold $271,952.56 from Californias $86,419,128 contract with Educational Testing Service, the company that built the states new standardized tests. The money was withheld because of hiccups with technology and score reporting, but officials stressed that the latest round of testing was successful overall. You can reach Joy Resmovits on Twitter @Joy_Resmovits and by email at Joy.Resmovits@LATimes.com. ALSO UC regent apologizes for inappropriate comments about womens breasts Some say San Diego schools are moving too fast to integrate immigrant students into classes Editorial: Is the Los Angeles Unified School District overpromising again? Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of driving under the influence and possessing drugs while driving his Porsche in Napa County, officials said. Chiarello, who appeared on Bravo TVs popular cooking show Top Chef Masters, was stopped at 3:27 a.m. while driving his two-door 2015 Porsche Boxster on Silverado Trail, said Officer Marc Renspurger, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol in Napa. The 54-year-old Emmy Award-winning chef told the officer who stopped him that he was driving from Yountville, where his eatery, Bottega Ristorante, is located. Advertisement At some point during the stop, Chiarello was determined to be under the influence, Renspurger said. Chiarello was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of DUI and possessing a controlled substance, Renspurger said. He was released the same day, according to jail records. Chiarellos spokesman said in a statement that although he was embarrassed and apologized to people close to him, he intends to vigorously challenge the misdemeanor charges filed against him. The arrest came days after a settlement was reached between Chiarello and Katherine Page and Asja Sever, two former servers at his San Francisco restaurant, Coqueta. Page and Sever sued him in March, saying they were sexually harassed and forced to endure a hostile, sexually-charged work environment at the restaurant, according to the lawsuit. They claimed the restaurants management turned a blind eye toward the misconduct. The womens lawsuit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, details explosive and crude statements they say were made by Chiarello, including one in which he compared a new sandwich on the restaurants menu to a womans genitals and urging managers not to hire people they didnt want to sleep with. Page and Sever also filed another lawsuit the same month against Chiarello and restaurant group Gruppo Chiarello, claiming a failure to pay their wages. The court battle continues with the next hearing set in March. Chiarello, who owns several Napa-area businesses, has hosted his own cooking shows on the Food Network, PBS and the Cooking Channel for years. He regularly appears on CBS The Early Show, NBCs Today show and Martha Stewart Living Radio. veronica.rocha@latimes.com For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter. ALSO LAPD investigating Boyle Heights vandalism as possible hate crimes sparked by gentrification fight Californians arent the only ones voting on marijuana, gun sales and the death penalty Man charged in toddlers stabbing death at mothers workplace UPDATES: 3:10 p.m.: This article was updated with a comment from Michael Chiarellos spokeman. This article was originally published at 1:55 p.m. A fire that severely burned a man in a Hollywood Hills apartment early Thursday revealed a honey oil lab for refining marijuana, police said. The rapidly expanding fire was reported about 2:45 a.m. in a second-floor apartment in the 1900 block of North Cahuenga Boulevard, said Lt. Brent McGuyre. When firefighters arrived, they found a man with severe burns to his face, chest and arms, McGuyre said. Paramedics rushed the man to Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition, he said. Advertisement Inside the apartment authorities found a large quantity of marijuana and various types of butane equipment used to process the drug, police said. Arson and narcotics investigators spent Thursday morning combing the scene for evidence. The fire was limited to the apartment but triggered the complexs sprinkler system, flooding neighboring apartments, McGuyre said. No one else was reported injured. joseph.serna@latimes.com For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter. ALSO Activists call for answers about fatal shooting of couple by Inglewood police A Silicon Valley-style campus in the San Fernando Valley? Bratz doll maker gives it a try How, prosecutors say, a DirecTV executive kept cable companies from adding the Dodgers channel The committee to review the cases of Egyptian youth prisoners held a consultation session Wednesday to lay out its organisational procedures, a committee member told Ahram Online. The committee agreed to hold their first meeting next Saturday. "The committee will begin with the cases of students awaiting trial before moving on to other cases, in an effort to save the detained students' futures," Karim El-Sakka, a former member of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's electoral campaign and member of the committee, told Ahram Online Thursday. The committee has not announced the names or number of the prisoners to be reviewed yet; however, members of the National Council for Human Rights are encouraging Egyptian families to fill out applications with the cases of their detained relatives and submit them to the council. The freedoms committee of Egypt's press syndicate announced on Wednesday that it sent a list of 29 detained journalists to the committee, as well as to the National Council for Human Rights and the parliament's human rights committee, to be included on a list of prisoners entitled to legal pardons. The committee was formed last Tuesday upon the recommendation of the National Youth Conference held in Sharm El-Sheikh in October, the committee is tasked with reviewing the cases of young people held in pretrial detention. The initiative comes amid ongoing international criticism of the increasing number of political prisoners in Egypt, and was met with scepticism by some activist groups. The appointment of some committee members known for their stated positions against releasing prisoners drew severe criticism. "In the first phase the committee will deliver a list of detainees pending trial. In the second phase the committee will begin a discussion with the president to include the names of those already sentenced," the committee's head and member of the National Council for Human Rights Mohamed Abdel Aziz told Ahram Online on Sunday. Abdel Aziz said the committee would likely prioritize prisoners with health problems, cases with difficult circumstances such as having two members of the same family in detention and students. Search Keywords: Short link: A man was convicted Thursday of killing a U.S. Marines wife and dumping her body in a 140-foot mine shaft just days after he confessed to the slaying on the witness stand. A San Bernardino County jury found Christopher Brandon Lee, 27, guilty of murder. Jurors also found true a special sentencing enhancement that Lee was lying in wait for his married lover, 19-year-old Erin Corwin, in June 2014, according to the San Bernardino County district attorneys office This was a terrible crime that showed absolutely no regard for the value of human life, District Attorney Mike Ramos said in a statement issued shortly after Lees conviction. Erin Corwin was just a young girl with her entire life ahead of her. And now, all thats left is her memory. Advertisement Lees sentencing was set for Nov. 29. He faces life without the possibility of parole. The conviction comes after Lee admitted to the killing Oct. 27 during questioning by his attorney, David Kaloyanides. According to The Desert Sun newspaper, Lee testified that he killed Corwin because he believed she had molested his daughter. When asked Thursday if there was any truth to Lees claim, district attorney spokesman Christopher Lee said, We just cant talk about any of the testimony at this point. Investigators said Corwin and Lee, who were next-door neighbors at a military base in Twentynine Palms, were having an affair. Corwin was pregnant with his child when she was killed. Corwin was reported missing by her husband on June 28, 2014, when she did not return home from a trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Authorities scoured the desert for weeks before finding her body on Aug. 16, 2014, in the abandoned mine shaft outside of Twentynine Palms. Lee was arrested in Alaska, a day after search crews found Corwins body. He moved to Alaska with his wife and daughter after being discharged from the Marines in July. veronica.rocha@latimes.com For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter. ALSO Massive fire engulfs San Bernardino pallet yard, spreads to neighboring strip mall Central California mother dies three weeks after being shot by her boyfriend LAPD investigating Boyle Heights vandalism as possible hate crimes sparked by gentrification fight UPDATES: 3:30 p.m.: This article was updated with a comment from San Bernardino County District Attorney spokesman Christopher Lee. This article was originally published at 2:50 p.m. Los Angeles County Counsel Mary Wickham has filed a complaint with the State Bar of California against her predecessor, Mark J. Saladino, alleging that he improperly disclosed confidential information in his wrongful termination suit against the county, according to a letter from the state bar. Wickhams complaint also alleged that Saladinos disclosure caused conflict among the Board of Supervisors, said the notice that was sent to Saladino and shared with The Times. The document didnt go into detail about the conflicts or specify what triggered them. The state bar investigates complaints against attorneys and takes disciplinary action. But it doesnt release details of its investigation before imposing discipline, and the county counsels office refused to provide a copy of Wickhams complaint. A lawyer working for the county who had reviewed Wickhams complaint said the state bar had partially misrepresented her allegations. Advertisement Theres no conflict within the Board of Supervisors. None whatsoever, said Skip Miller, a private attorney representing the Board of Supervisors in the Saladino case. The conflict of interest is that the boards former lawyer has publicly disclosed attorney-client confidences. Thats the problem here. Saladino told The Times that Wickhams complaint was retaliation and designed to undermine his wrongful termination case by trying to call my reputation into question, my integrity and my ethics. In his response to the state bar, Saladino said all the information disclosed in his lawsuit was either already public record, a general, nonspecific allegation or permitted to be disclosed under state law. Saladinos lawsuit alleged that supervisors violated the states open meetings law on multiple occasions and attempted to overstep their authority on matters like regulating county jails. The suit also alleged that Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas in particular had resented Saladino because the lawyer had resisted Ridley-Thomas attempts to use taxpayer funds to steer contracts to unqualified law firms, potentially violating conflict-of-interest law. And it claims that Ridley-Thomas had led a purge of county officials seen as too close to former Chief Executive William T Fujioka, including Saladino. Al Naipo, a spokesman for Ridley-Thomas, said Saladinos allegation that he was forced out by Ridley-Thomas or other supervisors has no merit. But he said the supervisor was unable to comment on the matter because there was pending litigation. Shortly after Fujiokas retirement two years ago, supervisors secretly launched a public corruption investigation of Fujioka, using a team from an outside law firm that included a former U.S. attorney and an ex-agent for the FBI. They turned their findings over to the district attorneys office, which found there was no basis for a criminal investigation, according to a district attorney spokeswoman. Miller has in the past dismissed Saladinos allegations as sour grapes. And he said Saladino had ignored the attorney-client privilege with the information he revealed in the suit, violating an obligation attorneys have to their clients. Loyalty and trust are what its all about. Its the opposite of what occurred here, Miller wrote in an email to The Times. Mr. Saladino violated the attorney-client privilege and did so based on concocted, phony allegations to extract a settlement. Miller pointed to an opinion issued by the state bars committee on professional responsibility and conduct that said an attorney is prohibited from disclosing embarrassing or detrimental information if it was learned during the course of the attorney-client relationship, even if the information was publicly available. Saladino countered that the opinion deals with a private case, not with government. His response to the state bar cited a specific section of the states open government meetings law that abrogates the attorney-client privilege, and he noted the states general expectation that government be open and transparent. The general theme in California law is the government should not be keeping secrets, Saladino said. Adam.Elmahrek@latimes.com @adamelmahrek ALSO Activists call for answers about fatal shooting of couple by Inglewood police A Silicon Valley-style campus in the San Fernando Valley? Bratz doll maker gives it a try How, prosecutors say, a DirecTV executive kept cable companies from adding the Dodgers channel A Los Angeles Unified school bus that was just minutes away from picking up its first students of the day was struck by gunfire in South L.A. Thursday morning, district officials said. The bus was at the intersection of South Figueroa Street and West Manchester Boulevard on its way to pick up children at John Muir Middle School, less than three miles away, when its windshield was pierced by a bullet, said LAPD Det. Meghan Aguilar. Someone was shooting at someone else and the bus drove through, Aguilar said. The bus was not the target. Advertisement The bus was still at the intersection an hour after the shooting. LAUSD officials said another bus would take its place on the morning route. Its unusual, but not unheard of for buses to be struck by stray bullets in Los Angeles. In July, a 60-year-old woman riding a bus was grazed in the head by a bullet when a man opened fire at a busy intersection at Slauson and Vermont avenues. In 2014, a Metro bus rear glass was shattered by gunfire near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Vermont, though no one was injured. Police were sweeping the area of Thursday mornings shooting looking for evidence, Aguilar said. Joseph.serna@latimes.com For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter. ALSO Man severely burned in a Hollywood Hills fire that reveals lab for refining marijuana Parents of Ezell Ford, who was fatally shot by LAPD officers, settle lawsuit with city Mans body found in Costa Mesa after report of hammer attack; suspect arrested San Francisco has sued the developer of a sinking and leaning downtown high-rise thats home to professional athletes and venture capitalists, claiming the company did not disclose the issues to prospective tenants before they moved, as the law requires. The lawsuit, announced Thursday by the city attorneys office, seeks unspecified damages from developer Mission Street Development LLC. The company has said it has complied with all state and local laws concerning the disclosure of information to possible homeowners. According to the suit, plans for the 58-story Millennium Tower in San Franciscos South of Market district forecast that the heavy building could sink as much as six inches as it settled into the earth. Advertisement But the tower has sunk 16 inches, and as it sinks, the building has begun to list an estimated two to four inches at the structures base and 14 inches at the top. The story of the sinking tower broke in early August, with a front-page report in the San Francisco Chronicle. Since then, it has been a news staple, playing out along a number of narrative plot lines an engineering whodunit, a slow-motion real estate calamity and also a civic cautionary tale. Fueled by a high-tech boom and a resultant runaway real estate market and following the removal of a double-deck highway that ran along the waterfront but was badly damaged by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake a forest of towers has been rising in San Francisco, especially in the SoMa district, where the Millennium Tower sits. Before they had sold a single condo, Mission Street Development LLC knew their building had sunk more than it was supposed to in its lifetime and that it was still sinking, City Atty. Dennis Herrera said in a news release. Yet they didnt tell the homebuyers, as theyre required to do so under the law. Its that simple. While a paper trail of concern about potential settling dates to early 2009, even before the Millennium Tower was ready for occupancy, most residents of the building knew nothing about any issue with the foundation until they were summoned in early May to a private meeting in a lounge on the towers club level. Identification was checked at the door. Residents were told that what they would hear must be kept a secret. A lawyer introduced a structural engineer who delivered, as resident Pamela Buttery and others recall, a simple statement that startled the packed room: The Millennium building is too heavy for its foundation. Not only had the tower settled by far more than the four to six inches originally forecast for the life of the building, but, most importantly, recalled Jerry Dodson, a retired patent lawyer and a vocal critic of the towers builders, the engineer said it wasnt stopping. Dodson has since heard estimates that the building could sink anywhere from 30 to 48 inches, but nobody really knows. My office has a duty to protect all the taxpayers of San Francisco, Herrera said. We are not going to sit by and allow a developer or anyone else to enrich themselves at the expense of others by hiding crucial information that theyre required by law to disclose. That gave the developer an unfair advantage against competitors, and it cheated homebuyers out of information they needed to make an informed decision. Dodson and several other condo owners in the tower blame Millennium Partners, the tower builders, for not driving foundational piles 200 feet down to bedrock, as was done with a 61-story skyscraper going up across the street. Instead, the builders relied on a concrete foundation attached to piles that were sunk into firmly compacted sand and mud about 60 to 90 feet below. Such foundations are not uncommon in San Francisco, even on land fill although many of the buildings so anchored are constructed with lighter, steel frames. Millennium Partners, in turn, blames a massive construction project underway adjacent to the tower. In preparing to build a multiagency transit center for rail and bus, the tower builders maintain, the Transbay Joint Powers Authority has lowered the underground water table beneath the tower, causing settlement. Millennium Partners and the Transbay authority disagree with equal vigor. A class-action lawsuit by tenants has been filed against both groups. High-rise construction projects also create piles of paperwork, and since the disclosure, no shortage of conflicting engineer studies and internal documents have come to light. Further geological surveys are in the works. The situation has created factions within the vertical neighborhood, interviews reveal. There are those who would have preferred quiet negotiations with Millennium Partners, rather than endless media coverage. And there are those who want to take on the big players Millennium Partners, the Transbay authority or both with legal guns ablaze. ALSO San Franciscos 58-story Millennium Tower is upscale, but literally sinking fast Man charged in toddlers stabbing death at mothers workplace Mexican businessman pleads guilty in 1995 cartel drug trafficking case UPDATES: 2:45 p.m.: This article was updated with staff reporting, including background on the buildings development and tenant reactions. This article was originally published at 12:50 p.m. A Mexican businessman extradited to the U.S. 20 years after being charged with orchestrating shipments for the Sinaloa drug cartel pleaded guilty Wednesday in San Diego federal court to cocaine trafficking charges. Antonio Reynoso Gonzalez, 72, also known as El Ingeniero or the Engineer, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for conspiracy to import cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute. Prosecutors, however, have agreed to recommend a sentence of about eight years, asking the judge to take into consideration Reynosos age, health and acceptance of responsibility, among other factors. Reynoso was one of 23 people named in a 1995 indictment accusing Sinaloa drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman of smuggling cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and into the U.S. via planes, trains, autos and tunnels. Advertisement Reynosos family owned a successful food-importation business in Los Angeles, which Guzman used to add legitimacy to the cartels business, according to the indictment. Reynoso admitted paying for a man to lease a warehouse in Mexico under the company name Distribudores de Basicos in 1993, knowing that the purpose was to store cocaine to be sold across the United States, according to his plea agreement. About 7.3 tons of cocaine was loaded into roughly 400 cases of La Comadre chile pepper cans to be taken to the warehouse, but they were seized by Mexican law enforcement en route, the plea states. Reynoso also admitted arranging a 390-kilogram shipment of cocaine hidden inside a hollowed-out boiler from Los Angeles to Chicago in 1994. The load was seized in Chicago. Reynoso was recorded talking about the shipment, the plea states. The indictment accused Reynosos brothers, Jose and Jesus Reynoso, of obtaining a warehouse property for one of their food businesses in Otay Mesa so a drug tunnel could be built underneath. When Guzman was arrested in 1993, authorities found a map in one of his safe houses that led to the discovery of the nearly complete tunnel. It ended just short of the Otay Mesa warehouse for the Reynoso business. (It came up short because the tunnel builders apparently relied on a faulty county map.) Reynoso was among 13 top targets extradited to the United States a year ago as part of a renewed cooperation with Mexico to target drug trafficking. kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Davis writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune ALSO Defeat is likely for both death penalty measures on California ballot, poll finds Man charged in toddlers stabbing death at mothers workplace LAPD investigating Boyle Heights vandalism as possible hate crimes sparked by gentrification fight Katherine Dittmer has voted for Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio four times since she retired to Arizona, and she guesses nothing can stop her from bubbling-in her ballot for the sheriff yet again. Not federal criminal contempt charges handed down against Arpaio last week, nor an investigation into the wife of a federal judge overseeing his case. And never mind the misspent jail funds, his insistence that President Obama was born in Africa or his departments failure to adequately investigate more than 400 sex-crime cases. Its all a bunch of garbage, Dittmer said. I mean, he may be guilty. But I dont see anybody thats any better. Advertisement Dittmer lives in a mobile home in the Phoenix suburb of Surprise, one of the few remaining strongholds of reliable Arpaio voters, with a significant population of middle-class white retirees. She and her husband have given $250 this election cycle to Arpaios campaign. She would give more if she could. Protesters in Phoenix with an effigy of Maricopa Country Sheriff Joe Arpaio wearing prison clothes. (Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press ) For the first time in his political career, after 24 years in office over six terms, Arpaio is trailing by a significant margin late in the campaign after a series of public missteps, the most consequential of which could land him in jail. Arpaio was charged in mid-October with criminal contempt of court after federal prosecutors said he intentionally defied a judges order to stop targeting Latinos in massive traffic patrols. Federal Judge G. Murray Snow found Arpaio liable for a civil violation concerning the same patrols. During his trial on those issues, Arpaio acknowledged hiring an investigator to look into statements Snows wife made about Arpaio. Arpaio has run a series of negative ads against his opponent, retired Phoenix police Officer Paul Penzone, but Arpaios old bases of support on the outskirts of Phoenix are shrinking as reliably red Arizona is experiencing a rush of young and Latino voters who could give Hillary Clinton more votes than a Democrat could expect in Arizona. Arizona may not be turning blue this cycle, said Thom Reilly of the Morrison Institute for Public Policy, but Arpaio, along with ballot measures that would legalize marijuana and raise the minimum wage, could be drawing an outsized population of liberal voters. I dont know that anyone can say with confidence, if Arpaio is voted out or if Clinton wins in Arizona, whether that really means were a purple or blue state going forward, Reilly said. But his deficit is significant. Regardless, the election marks a signal moment for the city of Phoenix. Republicans are losing ground to Democrats in Maricopa County, the states largest county, and emboldened Latino groups have mounted get-out-the-vote campaigns at a rate unseen so far in the nations sixth-largest city. Rallies against Arpaio have been marked by the presence of a 20-foot-tall inflatable figure of a handcuffed Arpaio in his own jails striped uniform. On election night, anti-Arpaio groups are planning an Arpaio Retirement Party outside of his Phoenix office, complete with a street concert. The group Bazta Arpaio (Stop Arpaio) has a running clock on its website, counting down the minutes until we end Arpaios rule. Even the endorsement of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at a rally in Phoenix could not help Arpaios ailing poll numbers, nor shift the strong unfavorable views voters hold of him. For years, he needed neither national endorsements nor even particularly favorable ratings to succeed at the ballot box. When Arpaio cruised to a 13-point victory in 2008, the strong-borders movement that he embodied was at its apex: Mass workplace immigration raids were ordered by the George W. Bush administration, which Arpaio endorsed in frequent national television interviews. He then conducted dozens of smaller raids within Maricopa County. By 2012, Arpaios opponent, also Penzone, came within six points of Arpaio. But in mid-October a Morrison Institute/Arizona Republic poll had Arpaio trailing Penzone by 15 points. What changed is his unfavorability rating among white voters, now at 53%, Reilly said. In the same poll, respondents overwhelmingly rejected building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border or the mass deportation of immigrants. Arpaio has responded to his low poll numbers by taking his case to the airwaves. The Obama DOJ has been after me since Day One for doing my job, Arpaio says, speaking directly into the camera. This is all politics. Hillary gets a free pass, but theyre coming after me? Long the beneficiary of out-of-state money in financing his elections, outside donors are now lining up against Arpaio. Though Arpaio still maintains a fundraising advantage and far larger war chest than Penzone, liberal billionaire George Soros has poured in more than $2 million to defeat him. Joe Arpaio has put his personal agenda ahead of public safety, costing taxpayers more than $142 million, said an ad from Maricopa Strong, the Soros-backed group sponsoring the anti-Arpaio effort, referring to the total amount Arpaio and the rest of his office have cost taxpayers in legal expenses. Reliable Arpaio voters are confused by the sudden, calamitous storm that has seized their 84-year-old candidate. Hes been so rock solid, said Dittmer, of Surprise. He keeps the law, puts people in that outside jail. Volley Cole, a retiree in Sun Lakes, cannot fathom not returning Arpaio to office. Cole, 85, has given $676 to Arpaio in this election cycle. Like the retirees who live near him, Cole has voted for Arpaio in every election. Inside of their cloister, the thought of Americas Toughest Sheriff losing is either a joke or a conspiracy. And those anti-Arpaio ads? More signs of conspiracy. Im not believing what they put out, Cole said. He is strongly in favor of our country. Men like that win. nigel.duara@latimes.com Twitter: @nigelduara ALSO Californians arent the only ones voting on marijuana, gun sales and the death penalty Trump vs Clinton? Campaign lawyers scramble to ensure fair voting and prepare for any election battles Suspect in the killing of two Iowa officers has a history of racist incidents and clashes with police In the final days before the election, lawyers for the two major political parties are working to make sure voting is fair and free but also readying to do battle if the outcome is in dispute. In Philadelphia, where Democrats enjoy overwhelming majorities in many districts, Republican lawyers are scrambling to make sure they have authorized poll watchers at nearly all of the citys 1,682 polling places. But its not always so simple. Im absolutely concerned when one party controls the precinct, said Linda Kerns, a Republican lawyer in Philadelphia. But its not too easy to find Republicans in some of these precincts. Advertisement In North Carolina and Texas, civil rights lawyers are working to make sure that eligible and registered voters are not blocked from casting ballots because they do not have a specific photo ID card. Earlier this year, federal courts struck down GOP-backed laws in both states that had imposed photo ID rules. Judges determined that the burden of the new rules fell unfairly on minority voters. Its frustrating at this point to hear of county officials or poll workers not complying with the decisions, said Kristen Clarke, president of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Meanwhile, Democratic Party lawyers are going before a federal judge in New Jersey on Friday to seek a court order that would hold officials of the Republican National Committee in contempt if they support or participate in what they call Donald Trumps voter intimidation program. Their legal motion puts a new spotlight on a 34-year-old consent decree that bars the RNC from undertaking any ballot security activities directed at black or Latino voters. Three years ago, the RNC appealed to the Supreme Court and said the consent decree was antiquated and should be ended. But the justices turned down the appeal, leaving the decree intact for another national election. Last week, Democratic Party lawyers went back to court and argued that the GOP, through its presidential nominee, has been violating the decree. Trump has repeatedly urged his supporters to go down to certain areas and watch and make sure other people dont come in and vote five times. Take a look at Philadelphia, whats been going on, take a look at Chicago, take a look at St. Louis, Trump said on Oct. 18. You see things happening that are horrendous. He provided no details or evidence to support his claims. Pennsylvanias aging voting machines could be nightmare scenario in the event of a disputed election In response, the Republican Partys top lawyers insisted the RNC and the Donald J. Trump campaign are separate entities. In a brief filed Monday, John R. Phillippe Jr., the partys general counsel, said he sent a memo to all the partys staff saying the RNC has no role and will not partake in any voter fraud or poll watching activities and will not participate in any ballot security efforts by other organizations, including Mr. Trumps presidential campaign. A federal judge will hold a hearing in Newark, N.J., on Friday to hear from both sides. Meanwhile, both parties have signed up lawyers who have volunteered to help out if problems arise in their area. For many, it simply means being on call on election day so they could spring into action if a state vote count is in dispute. The Republican National Lawyers Assn. says its members are ready to go if requested by the party or its candidates. The RNLA expects to have over 1,000 lawyers trained and active in elections across the country, said Michael Thielen, the groups executive director. In the disputed 2000 election, armies of lawyers descended upon Florida amid questions over the counting of paper card ballots and a razor-close margin. The Supreme Court ultimately decided George W. Bush vs. Al Gore in favor of Bush. At the Washington headquarters of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, a conference room has been buzzing as about 25 lawyers and law students take calls from voters and election workers who report problems and ask questions. The election protection hotline began in 2002, and the call volume has grown with each election cycle. Clarke said the largest numbers of calls have come from Texas, Florida, North Carolina and Georgia, four states that had been under the close scrutiny of the Voting Rights Act until the Supreme Court relaxed the oversight provision in 2013. We are living through the fallout from the courts decision to gut the Voting Rights Act, she said. Lawyers monitoring the calls say so far they have heard of only scattered and minor reports of problems at early voting sites, including people using bull horns to address voters. They will be on full alert on Tuesday. We continue to be very worried about voter intimidation and challenges, particularly given the national rhetoric over rigged elections, said Allison Riggs, a lawyer with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice in Durham, N.C. She was referring to Trumps repeated claims that the race has been rigged for Hillary Clinton by the media and the Washington establishment. Court disputes over voting laws often divide justices along party lines In Philadelphia, Democratic and Republican lawyers say they can usually work together to resolve election-day problems. We have the same basic goal: that every single person who is qualified can vote without being harassed or abused, said Steven Kaplan, a lawyer who works for the Democrats. He said he is not worried by fears that Trumps supporters may come into the citys minority neighborhoods and harass voters. Have you been to Philadelphia?, he asked. So people will come in from the suburbs and cause a problem in the neighborhoods? You would have to very stupid to try that. david.savage@latimes.com On Twitter: DavidGSavage ALSO: Supreme Court grants emergency order to block transgender male student in Virginia from using boys restroom Supreme Court turns down Ohio Democrats bid to restore golden week of early voting Aiming to boost turnout, Clinton warns minority groups they dont have a place in Trumps America (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press) Hillary Clinton cast Donald Trump on Wednesday as indifferent, if not hostile, to minority groups a troubling trait that has no place in the Oval Office, she said as she made a closing pitch to Latino voters. If you dont fit into a very narrow category of people he can relate to, then somehow you dont have a part of Trumps America, she said at a union hall in Las Vegas. That really bothers me. Clinton, trying to both demonstrate confidence and motivate Democrats to vote, acknowledged that the election has posed a difficult choice for many Americans. Though her campaign maintained that it expects to win, Clinton urged supporters to imagine what it would be like to have Trump sworn in as president in January. What kind of change are we going to have? she asked. Someone who demeans women, mocks the disabled, insults Latinos and African Americans. What would it be like to have that person in the most powerful office in the world? That is Clintons final pitch to Latinos a reminder of what her campaign calls Trumps record of insults against minority groups. Clinton reminded voters of how Trump has denigrated the contributions of immigrants and the children of immigrants, such as the Mexican American judge overseeing the Trump University case, whose impartiality Trump repeatedly questioned. In her first general election visit to Arizona later Wednesday, Clinton will also point to elected Republican officials, namely former Gov. Jan Brewer and Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, dismissing the potential clout that Latino voters have in helping to turn the state from red to blue. Clinton also debuted new English- and Spanish-language ads Wednesday. Twenty-seven million are ready to put up a fight, and not be intimidated by hatred and spite, the narrator says in the minute-long English-language spot. Campaign spokeswoman Jennifer Palmieri said it was important in the closing week to contrast Trumps dark vision with Clintons record and experience in national security. She maintained that the campaign continued to see positive trends in early voting in key states such as Nevada and Arizona. Clinton herself noted here that no Democrat had won the state since her husband in 1996. Its close and competitive. And its going to be a great honor to campaign in these last six days across this country. Because this, my friends, is not a normal election, she said. The U.S. governments relationship with Native American tribes has been long, often duplicitous, and generally one-sided which has cast a shadow of history over the weeks-long showdown in North Dakota over the 1,170-mile, $3.7-billion Dakota Access Pipeline. In recent months, protesters from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, as well as their supporters from around the country, have been confronted by private security forces with trained dogs, as well as police and National Guard troops. More than 400 people have been arrested amid allegations of abuse by law enforcement officers and counter-allegations of violence by protesters, who have been accused of heaving Molotov cocktails and torching cars. One report said a female protester fired three gunshots. And the protests are spreading; a dozen people were arrested in San Francisco on Monday. The pipeline designed to transport 470,000 barrels of oil a day from North Dakota to Illinois has become a lightning rod for an array of issues, from historic tribal claims on the privately owned land through which the pipeline will run to the environmental risks of pipeline leaks to the wisdom of expanding the nations fossil-fuel infrastructure when the United States should be weaning itself from carbon-spewing fuels. And there is an underlay of social justice: An early proposal called for the pipeline to run north and upriver of the city of Bismarck, but that was changed in part over fears that a leak could harm the citys water supply. So now the route runs just north and upriver of the Standing Rock reservation, and under a dammed stretch of the Missouri River from which the reservation draws its water threatening the health of a less politically powerful, lower-income population. Complaints that pipeline workers have already plowed up previously unrecognized sacred sites should be taken seriously. Advertisement The tribe sought an injunction against the continued construction of the pipeline, alleging that the federal government failed to follow proper procedures, including consulting with the tribe, before granting permits to let the pipeline cross waterways. But in September, a federal district court judge rejected the injunction, ruling that the tribe wasnt likely to win its case, and that it had been offered ample opportunity to be a part of the planning process but failed to respond to overtures from the government. Left unchallenged in the tribes legal filing were the environmental threats a leak in the pipeline could pose to the water supply. Native American tribes, including the Sioux, have clear historical causes for grievances against the federal government, including treaties that were approved and then violated. Complaints that pipeline workers have already plowed up previously unrecognized sacred sites should be taken seriously. More broadly, though, the environmental costs of continued reliance on fossil fuels are not only real, but the damage is already underway. The pipeline begins at the Bakken Formation in western North Dakota then angles southeastward through South Dakota, Iowa and into southern Illinois before tying into an existing pipeline network. Proponents of the pipeline argue that the oil it will carry will get to market even if the project is scuttled, transported by truck or rail, which they say carry more risk of environmental damage. But data show that while train and truck accidents might occur more often, pipeline breaks spill more oil and generally cause more damage to the environment by fouling groundwater and wilderness areas. Its hard to defend the actions of protesters blocking approved development projects on private property, but its easy to sympathize with their cause. The Army Corps of Engineers issued permits for the Dakota Pipeline despite warnings by the Environmental Protection Agency and two other federal agencies about possible environmental and safety issues. When the tribes request for an injunction was turned down, the Obama administration issued an unusual statement saying that the Army Corps of Engineers would delay granting a permit to cross a strip of federal land and tunnel under the Missouri River until it can determine whether it will need to reconsider any of its previous decisions in approving the project. And Obama said Tuesday that the Army Corps is investigating ways to re-route the pipeline to take into account the tribal concerns. The administration should go further and withhold the permit allowing the pipeline to cross the Missouri River. As the Los Angeles Times noted when President Obama rejected the Keystone XL pipeline, making it easier and cheaper to burn fossil fuels works against the worlds interest in confronting its biggest environmental threat. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook After Western medicine failed me, I went east, Benedict Cumberbatchs character declares portentously in the new Marvel film Doctor Strange. His love interest, Dr. Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams), looks surprised, but she shouldnt be. Would-be white superheroes are always gallivanting off to Tibet or Japan or China to discover enlightenment/martial arts abilities/mystical, magical awesomeness. So has it been, so, apparently, shall it ever be at least as long as we keep rebooting the same boring Western heroes and their same tired narratives. The crowded superhero pilgrimage to points east began almost as soon as heroes began to get super, according to comics scholar Chris Gavaler. Will Eisners early Superman rip-off, Wonder Man, got his powers from a magic Tibetan ring in 1938. The Green Lama and Amazing-Man followed quickly in his footsteps, just about tripping over each other in their rush for Eastern mojo. Stan Lee and Jack Kirbys first superhero, Dr. Droom, was trained in the occult by a Tibetan monk in 1961. Later, Lee and Kirby whooshed supervillain Dr. Doom to the same location. No doubt, the Tibetans were waiting for Doctors Voom, Vroom, Doon and Drool to show up. Instead, they got Thunderbolt, Doctor Strange, Iron Fist and Watchmens Ozymandias, who learns to catch bullets in the mountainous venues. Advertisement From Wonder Man on, the East, in superhero lore, isnt a place where heroes live. Instead, its a giant reservoir of super origin stories for white people. You might think that contemporary superhero films, produced in a supposedly more enlightened age, would find a different, less-cliched, less-stereotypical way to deliver superness to their protagonists. But no; the caped stampede hasnt slowed. Christopher Nolans Batman Begins (2005) had Bruce Wayne head to Bhutan to learn ninja skills because Asia is all the same anyway, and who can remember where ninjas are from, right? Netflixs Daredevil (2015), like its namesake comic, gave its hero ninja training too and now Doctor Strange and the forthcoming Iron Fist series are dipping their white heroes in the familiar Tibetan well. From Wonder Man on, the East, in superhero lore, isnt a place where heroes live. Instead, its a giant reservoir of super origin stories for white people. At best, Asians get to be teachers or servants or helpers, like mystic librarian Wong (Benedict Wong) in Doctor Strange. Batman, Daredevil, Wolverine, Elektra white people are always better Asians than Asians. This is the logic of white supremacy: Take any martial art, any system of knowledge, any skill set and white people will be better at it than anyone else. Folks in Tibet or Japan have knowledge and power in superhero stories, but they cant use that knowledge and power to do heroic things themselves. Instead, its up to the white guy to save them. (Hong Kong in Doctor Strange has no super-team of its own and has to wait around for Cumberbatch to rescue it.) Adding insult to injury, Asian faces often are in remarkably short supply in these Asian locales. Many Asian American writers have criticized Doctor Strange producers for their decision to cast Tilda Swinton, a white woman, as the Ancient One, an all-too-rare Asian character in Marvels universe. Ras al Ghul, who is supposedly from the Middle East, was played by Liam Neeson in Batman Begins. This is why the pop-culture journalist Keith Chows suggestion to cast an Asian American actor as Iron Fist, a.k.a. Danny Rand, resonated so strongly. A martial arts expert who studies in Tibet, Danny Rand was always essentially a whitewashed Asian white only because white audiences and white creators cant imagine anything but white heroes. Tapping a Tibetan American actor, or an Indian American one, who over the course of the story explored his roots, would have been a way to address the characters racist presuppositions. For the same reason, Marvel would have done well to cast an Asian American actor as Doctor Strange. But it didnt. Instead, Marvel did the backward-looking thing and tossed another white guy into Tibet. Forget everything you think you know, Mordo tells Doctor Strange, even as the film recycles the usual tropes, not least in casting Nigerian British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor to play Mordo second banana to the pale-skinned lead. Maybe, instead of tweaking their by-the-numbers scripts, Hollywood could take a risk on something truly different. G. Willow Wilsons Ms. Marvel comic, about a Pakistani American teen with stretching powers, has shown that theres an audience for new heroes, and new Asian American heroes. If they had just a touch of imagination, superhero filmmakers could figure out some fresh paths, rather than sending all their properties to tread in that deep rut, east and back again. Noah Berlatsky is the author of Wonder Woman: Bondage and Feminism in the Marston/Peter Comics and Your Favorite Superhero Sucks. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Thousands of Iranians burned the American flag and chanted anti-U.S. slogans on Thursday as they marked the anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran by militant students 37 years ago. Such protests take place every year outside the compound that once housed the embassy on the anniversary of the 1979 takeover that followed the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Iranians at the rally outside the former embassy building on Thursday chanted "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" and burned the U.S. and Israeli flags. On 4 Nov, 1979, Iranian militant students stormed the U.S. Embassy, taking 52 Americans hostage for 444 days after Washington refused to hand over Iran's toppled shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, for trial in Iran. The two countries have had no diplomatic relations since then. Search Keywords: Short link: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is on a tear. In just the last two weeks, he has expressed a desire to separate his country from the United States, declared his intention to kick U.S. military personnel out of the Philippines, and appeared ready to drop territorial sovereignty claims in the South China Sea in return for investment guarantees from Beijing. Dutertes behavior might be considered brazen, boorish, even occasionally entertaining. But whats worth noting is what it tells us about the state of alliance politics in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. As China has grown in economic, geopolitical and military power, its neighbors have reacted almost uniformly negatively. The specter of Chinese domination in East and Southeast Asia unnerves and in some cases outright terrifies Chinas neighbors. To balance this shift in power, Chinas neighbors can try to increase their own economic and military strength in two ways. First, they can increase their own power internally, for example, by spending more on defense. In fact, there is evidence that Chinas neighbors have begun buying more weapons and building larger militaries. Advertisement What appears to be happening is another phenomenon familiar to political scientists: bandwagoning. Second, countries can increase their power externally through alliances and partnerships. Almost every one of the smaller countries neighboring China has taken this approach, most of them seeking closer ties to the United States. Although the United States is more powerful than China along any number of measures, China represents the greater threat because of its proximity to the countries of East and Southeast Asia. The reestablishment of relations between Myanmar and the United States, Vietnams growing closeness with Washington, Singapores agreement to host U.S. military forces, and even the Philippines 2014 agreement to re-admit U.S. troops to military bases after 25 years are all efforts to balance externally. From a political science perspective, these represent completely normal responses to perceived threats. So what do we make of Dutertes current willingness to throw his relationship with the United States under the bus? What appears to be happening is another phenomenon familiar to political scientists: bandwagoning. In this case, a threatened, less powerful country essentially capitulates perhaps because it cannot afford to build up its military, because there is no other external power with which to ally, or because the extent of domination makes resistance futile. The classic example here is Finland during the Cold War. The extent of Soviet influence on Finlands foreign, economic and military policies was so great that today we refer to such a bandwagoning scenario as Finlandization. In these situations, weaker countries essentially become at best neutral vis--vis their more powerful neighbors or at worst de facto satellites. In the case of the Philippines, Dutertes government seems on the verge of shifting its loyalty to Beijing essentially, of Finlandization. During Dutertes visit to China late last month, he announced not simply his separation from the United States, but he concluded that America has now lost, and as a result he was moving to become dependent on China. In exchange, the Philippines has evidently regained fishing access around the disputed Scarborough Shoal. If the Philippines is realigning its foreign policy, theres not much the United States can do about it. Its foolhardy as well as impractical for Washington to entreat the Philippines to maintain an alliance it doesnt want. The prudent course is for the U.S. to respect the wishes of Manila, scrupulously avoid any interference in Philippine politics and stay ready to reengage. Meantime, the United States must also continue efforts unilaterally if necessary to ensure freedom of navigation in the international waters of the South China Sea. There are plenty of reasons, though, to believe the Philippines is not engaged in a strategic realignment. Duterte has yet to renounce the 65-year-old mutual defense treaty between his country and the United States. More importantly, our two countries have deep economic, political, societal and cultural ties that form the bedrock of the security relationship. A single Philippine president is unlikely to succeed in cutting them overnight. From a broader geopolitical perspective, Washington also probably has little to fear. Throughout its rise, China has proven it has two strategic left feet. For instance, it has often offended the sensibilities, and sometimes the sovereignty, of its neighbors and failed to grasp the security dilemmas it generates throughout the region. As a result, U.S. treaty allies in Asia have tightened their relations with Washington, while nontreaty partners like Vietnam have forged new ties with the United States that seemed highly unlikely a generation ago. Although Dutertes anti-American rants may sound like music to the ears of Chinese leadership, it doesnt make China less threatening to its neighbors. John R. Deni writes about alliances and international relations for the U.S. Army War Colleges Strategic Studies Institute. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook If California approves Proposition 64 next week, it is likely to create significant momentum toward legalizing marijuana throughout the U.S. and beyond. The results of the election may signal the birth of a massive new vice industry along the lines of the tobacco and alcohol behemoths. Marijuana prohibition has a sorry history. Early anti-marijuana laws were based far too much on bigotry and hypocrisy and far too little on evidence and reason. In the past, marijuana sanctions were so severe they were unwarranted under any principled theory of criminal justice. More recently, the laws have been used as a pretext for biased law enforcement, targeting young men of color. And because of prohibition, U.S. marijuana sales have helped to finance brutal drug traffickers who are destabilizing Mexican society. At the same time, legalization will pose its own problems. Legalization is likely to reduce the average harm per dose of marijuana... But [it] can also be expected to increase the number of doses consumed. Advertisement The experiences of Colorado and Washington state where legalization went into effect in 2014 ought to give Californians a preview of what to expect if Proposition 64 passes. Unfortunately, it will be several more years before we have enough data to credibly assess the effects in both those states. In the meantime, we can look to some potentially relevant cases for clues. My colleagues and I have studied Dutch cannabis coffee shops, medical marijuana policies and the decriminalization of possession in various states, and the regulation of tobacco and alcohol around the world. We have built simulation models of the cannabis economy, and tested the effects of various assumptions about how sellers and buyers will behave. Our work cant forecast what will happen after legalization, but it does suggest some of the variables that will be in play. Legalization will have two different kinds of effects and they may push in opposite directions. First, legalization is likely to reduce the average harm per dose of marijuana. Some of these reductions will be pharmacological: the result of better quality control and predictability in the legal production of the drug. Other reductions will be sociological or political: less government intrusion in peoples affairs, fewer arrests, a minimized black market. But legalization can also be expected to increase the number of doses consumed, simply because it will be easier to obtain. In the end, total harm related to marijuana could rise even if the average harm per dose falls. One way legalization will affect use is through aggressive commercial promotion. We are already seeing marijuana-related billboards on California freeways, and Colorado has struggled to discourage the brightly colored marijuana candy shapes and packaging that can be as enticing to children as it is to their parents. It is possible to legalize marijuana without commercialization. Voting for Proposition 64 would be far less consequential if the measure allowed for home cultivation, not retail sales (as in Washington, D.C.), or if consumers had to join nonprofit co-ops in order to purchase marijuana (as in Spain). But those options arent on our ballot 64 establishes commercialized, for-profit marijuana sales in California. Cost will play an important role in legalizations effects. Under prohibition, prices are inflated by artificial scarcity and the need to compensate dealers for their legal risks. With legalization, there will be economies of scale in mass production, and competition could shave profit margins razor thin. Prices will fall, we just dont know how far. Studies show that marijuana users, like consumers of other drugs, are sensitive to cost; they buy more when prices go down, and cheaper marijuana may also attract new users and perhaps younger users. The effect of legalization on potency is another important question. The trend under prohibition has been rising potency. Will cheaper, more readily available marijuana decelerate or accelerate the production of stronger strains? If potency continues to climb, many experts believe it will carry increased public health dangers. Finally, will increased marijuana use lead to reductions in alcohol consumption? If it does and it is a big if from a public health standpoint that might be a fair trade because alcohol impairment carries enormous and well known costs. But if alcohol and marijuana are not substitutes for each other, well just end up with more intoxication than we had before. In general, for states that decide to legalize marijuana, the sky isnt going to fall. Californias already relatively lenient marijuana laws mean the changes brought on by legalization wont be as radical as they might have been otherwise. And the prevalence of marijuana use would have to almost double before we reach the historical peak levels of the late 1970s, and the nation seems to have survived that. Proposition 64 could launch a major new industry, and if mass production, lower prices and aggressive promotion in fact encourage more marijuana users, using more often, and in larger quantities, there will be health and safety consequences we dont yet fully understand. No one should have illusions that this is no big deal. Robert MacCoun is a social psychologist and public policy analyst who is a professor at Stanford Law School. He is co-author (with Peter Reuter) of Drug War Heresies: Learning from Other Vices, Times, and Places. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Raising small children provides a unique lens through which to view an election. I have three boys, two of whom are 4-year-old twins with enough sense to detect the anxiety their mother and father feel over Tuesdays vote. They overhear NPR broadcasts while riding in the back seat of our car and are, by now, familiar with the voices of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump. After all these months theyve gathered that the woman speaks calmly and in more positive terms than the man who shouts and insults. So I cant blame them for forming their first political opinion: Donald Trump is a bad man. This is not a development my wife and I take lightly, not least because our boys love and respect their Trump-supporting relatives as much as their parents do. We want our children to develop their own values and beliefs without feeling they must match ours. So my wife and I refrain from open political discussion in their presence (although we have grown quite adept at speaking in code). But that doesnt mean they live in a vacuum, and its foolish to think they can avoid exposure to a campaign that has persisted for one-third of their lives. Advertisement Below is a partial list of Trump outrages that we felt compelled to put into terms our preschoolers would understand. He hurts women emotionally and, if we are to believe his own boasting, physically. The Access Hollywood tape and the torrent of abuse allegations that followed are what prompted my wife to answer one of my kids with refreshing and forceful moral clarity after holding back for months. When he asked recently what we thought of Trump, I demurred as I had in the past: Im not voting for him, but a lot of people are, and they have their reasons. My wife, apparently having none of it, interrupted: Donald Trump is not a good person, she said, since he has repeatedly and proudly attacked women who arent all that different from Mommy. Other sons would be so lucky to have such an honest mother. He lies. Compulsively, unflinchingly, inexplicably. Yes, Clinton massages the truth too, but not with the cartoonish frequency her critics insist and not in a way that raises questions about her grip on reality. Example: During the third debate she deflected on a question about a speech she gave to bankers by mentioning Trumps soft spot for Russian President Vladimir Putin. This was clumsy and did a disservice to voters concerned about Clintons possible conflicts of interest, but it doesnt come close to matching Trumps reflexive denial of verifiable truths. In that debate alone, Trump shouted wrong when Clinton pointed out, correctly, that he had mocked a New York Times reporter with a physical disability; he bizarrely suggested the operation in Mosul against Islamic State was undertaken to help Clinton; and he again insisted for the umpteenth time in this campaign, and despite clear, irrefutable evidence that consists of his own voice attesting to the contrary that he opposed the 2003 invasion of Iraq before it began. One should not casually accuse another of lying, but my kids face scolding for far less brazen acts of dishonesty. He is a name caller. Such a nasty woman is only Trumps latest highlight in this categorys lengthy reel. Previously, he said the Republican voters of Iowa were stupid when polls suggested he might not win that states caucuses. He has also used the s-word to insult Jeb Bush, Hillary Clinton, President Obama and journalists. He tends to save his most colorful insults thug, rapist, murderer, fat pig, eating machine, you get the idea for people who are not white or male. For my kids, name calling is a punishable offense. When Trump does it, adult voters find it charming. He lacks empathy. This is a big one, as I feel instilling a strong sense of empathy is important for children to develop a good moral compass. Now, my kids dont come to me dismayed by Trumps inability to understand the feelings of others, but they sense a meanness that I can only attribute to the Republicans lack of empathy. Consider: What am I supposed to say to my kids about a man who openly threatens and demeans people of color and women when most of the authority figures in their lives their preschool teachers, babysitters and, God willing, the next president are women and people of color? What should I tell them when he codes his misogynistic attacks on Clinton by questioning her stamina and making fun of her for being sick while they watch their very ill mother summon all the stamina she has to fight and survive cancer? Do I tell them this is all merely politics, a civil disagreement between two equally competent, sober adults who respectfully seek our votes? You can talk about Clintons shortcomings in those terms, but not Trumps. That this election pits a fundamentally decent person against an unempathetic bully might be lost on millions of adult voters, but not my 4-year-old kids. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook A lot of Catholics not all of them women seem to be surprised and disappointed by Pope Francis suggestion the other day that the Roman Catholic Churchs ban on female priests is permanent. The disappointment is understandable, the surprise less so. The popes comments came in a news conference on the plane returning him to Rome from Sweden, where he had joined with Lutheran leaders in commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Noting that among the Lutheran leaders who welcomed him was Archbishop Antje Jackelen of Uppsala, a woman, a Swedish journalist asked the pope whether there might be female priests in the Catholic Church in the next few decades. Advertisement On the ordination of women in the Catholic Church, the last word is clear, Francis replied, citing Pope John Paul IIs 1994 apostolic letter banning the practice. His questioner pressed him further, asking, But really forever? Never? Francis replied: If we read carefully the declaration made by St. John Paul II, it goes in that direction. In a comment on the New York Times story about the popes news conference, Eileen Tess Johnston wrote: It is heartbreaking. Born and raised Roman Catholic, I left the church in 1988 because of its laws on annulment, its refusal to ordain women to the priesthood and its frequent intellectual intolerance. I have long prayed to be able to return and was excited when Pope Francis came into power, but this development will keep me from returning. I am a practicing but homesick Episcopalian. Yet this wasnt the first time Francis had suggested that the ban on female priests was permanent. Johnstons dismay reflects fairly widespread wishful thinking that this liberal pope might repudiate traditional Catholic teachings. There was a time before John Paul IIs apostolic letter Ordinatio Sacerdotalis when you could argue that a reappraisal of the all-male priesthood might be possible. The first article I ever wrote for the New York Times was a piece about how Anglican and Roman Catholic theologians had published an agreement on the definition of the ordained ministry that seemed to undermine some traditional Catholic arguments for an all-male priesthood. But John Paul IIs declaration was categorical. Though he didnt explicitly invoke the doctrine of papal infallibility, the pope (now a saint) wrote: I declare that the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Churchs faithful. And there was a passage in Ordinatio Sacerdotalis that points to another obstacle to admitting women into the Catholic priesthood. John Paul began his letter by observing that the tradition of an all-male priesthood has also been faithfully maintained by the Oriental Churches a reference to Eastern Orthodox and other ancient churches that dont recognize the authority of the pope in Rome. All recent popes, including Francis, aspire to reunite the Roman Catholic church with these sister churches. But, as I wrote last year, that likely would be impossible if Rome ordained women as priests. So does Francis offer any comfort for Catholic women who aspire to play a larger role in the church? The pope has empaneled a commission of theologians to study the question of whether women could serve as deacons, the lowest rung on the clerical ladder below bishops and priests. Deacons may preach, baptize and preside at marriages, but they may not consecrate the bread and wine of the Eucharist. (The Vaticans chief doctrinal official, Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, is skeptical about whether women can be ordained even as deacons.) In the same news conference in which he said no to female priests, he engaged in a form of difference feminism by suggesting that men and women serve different but equally important roles in the church. Male clergy, he said, constitute the Petrine dimension, which is from the Apostle Peter, and the Apostolic College, which is the pastoral activity of the bishops. But he added that the church also has a Marian dimension as in Mary the mother of Jesus which is the feminine dimension of the Church. In other words, the popes answer to the question of women priests is No, but I suspect that but wont satisfy many Catholic women. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook To the editor: In his thought-provoking op-ed article, Jonathan Bronitsky points out that the great majority of Jewish Americans support a given candidate based primarily on her or his advocacy of liberal causes, not merely for backing Israel. (Jewish Americans dont vote with Israel in mind, they vote as liberals, Opinion, Oct. 28) Bronitsky attributes this finding, based on numerous polls and surveys, primarily to the increased assimilation and intermarriage of a younger generation of Jews and the passing of an older generation that fervently supported Israel during the wars of 1948, 1967 and 1973. He might have added one other major reason: the marked rightward shift in Israels political spectrum from the democratic socialism of the nations founders and early leaders to the conservative domestic and muscular foreign policy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the past seven years. Advertisement Tom Tugend, Sherman Oaks .. To the editor: As a nonreligious Jew, I care about Israel. It is a relatively free and good nation, especially compared to its neighbors and considering the provocation it experiences. Mosques and churches are filled with worshipers who pray safely and openly, unlike other countries in the area. There is also more freedom for women, gay people and other minority groups than anywhere else in the region. Second, there is a vibrant cultural, intellectual scene in Israel. Finally, I care for any group threatened with genocide and mass murder. If Portugal were sending rockets into Spain, if France were threatening to bomb Norway with nuclear weapons, if Argentina had tunnels used to transport murder squads into Chile, I would care. Perfect? No. Pretty good? Yes. David Goodwin, Los Angeles .. To the editor: Bronitsky is far off base in describing Reform Judaism as made up of liberals who are not Torah-observant. Knowledgeable Conservative, Reconstructionist and Reform Jews are most definitely Torah-observant. In fact, it is the observance of the Torah, handed down through the generations, that teaches concern for all people, especially those in need, which makes the vast majority of Jews liberal. What is difficult for liberal, Torah-observant Jews to understand is how in the world any Torah-observant Jews can be conservative. Liberal Jews, who feel that people in need can require help, cannot understand the conservative viewpoint that people in need should help themselves. Bronitsky would be amazed at the strong feeling for Israel that exists in Reform congregations. But most thinking Jews realize that as important as the United States is to Israel, when we vote for president, we vote for president of the United States, not for the president of Israel. Martin A. Brower, Corona del Mar Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook California Democrats ask Obama to pardon nearly 750,000 Dreamers, but White House says it wouldnt work The members of Congress who persuaded President Obama to grant temporary legal status to hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought into the country illegally as children are now asking him to use a pardon to prevent those immigrants from being deported by President-elect Donald Trump. The White House, however, promptly batted down the idea. Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Downey) and Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) sent a letter to Obama on Thursday asking him to use his pardon authority to forgive the past and future civil immigration offenses of the nearly 750,000 people granted deportation deferrals under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program. They believe that would keep those people from being deported, and even though it would leave them in legal limbo without work permits or visas, they could more easily apply for legal status from within the U.S. without immigration offenses on their records. They wouldnt have a piece of paper, they wouldnt have work authorization, but they wouldnt have to be living in fear every moment of their lives about deportation, Lofgren said after a news conference Thursday. Lofgren, a former immigration attorney, said the pardons would probably be applied to the civil offenses related to entering and remaining in the country without authorization. But whether a pardon would actually be applicable in the so-called Dreamers situation is unclear. Lawyers disagree over whether the immigrants could be pardoned for civil crimes they havent been formally accused of, and whether such a pardon would actually prevent them from being deported while they seek legal status. A White House official signaled late Thursday that the administration was not considering a pardon for those registered under DACA because it believes a pardon would not allow them legal status. We note that the clemency power could not give legal status to any undocumented individual. As we have repeatedly said for years, only Congress can create legal status for undocumented individuals, an administration official said. After immigration reform efforts stalled in Congress during Obamas first term, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus pressured Obama to act independently to protect from deportation certain immigrants brought into the country illegally when they were children. He then used an executive order to create the DACA program in 2012. The Dreamers, one in three of whom are estimated to live in California, gave the Department of Homeland Security their fingerprints, home addresses and other information to undergo background checks that allowed them to defer deportation under DACA. At the time, advocates and the administration emphasized that providing the information would protect the Dreamers and was worth the risk. But with Trump vowing to deport millions of people who are in the country illegally and many fearing he may let the DACA program expire, Dreamers are worried the information they provided will be used to deport them. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park), whose husband is an immigration attorney, said at the news conference she has been getting a flood of messages from frightened Dreamers. On Tuesday she sent a letter to Obama asking him to keep their information from the Trump administration. We promised these recipients security, and now they are facing a nightmare, she said. Roybal-Allard said those who pushed Obama to create the program and persuaded people to come out of the shadows to register with the government have an obligation to protect them. These are kids. We feel a sense of responsibility. We went out into our districts and we talked to the Dreamers, and they asked us, Is it really OK for us to do this? Roybal-Allard said. And we said, No, dont worry, you need to come forward. Now we are in a situation where all that we said, in fact, could possibly be reversed. Although the presidents pardon power is normally used for individual cases, there is some precedent for the chief executive to pardon a large group of people. President Jimmy Carter pardoned half a million Vietnam War draft evaders in 1977, and at least seven other presidents have issued broad pardons. Congress and the Supreme Court cannot undo a presidential pardon, nor can a new president. Lofgren said if Obama doesnt pardon the Dreamers, she hopes he responds with his own idea to help them. These young people are not alone, they are not going to be abandoned by us, she said. UPDATES 4:59 p.m. This post was updated with additional details throughout. 2:15 p.m. This post was updated with the White Houses response to the proposal. This post was originally published at 11:30 a.m. Public opinion polls and political pundits suggest a tightening race between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, but the way the business community is acting, the election is over. And Hillary Clinton has won. Notwithstanding recent Wall Street jitters, most business and financial indicators are betting on a continuation of the current path, with a President Clinton extending Obama administration policies, kept in check by a GOP-controlled House. The stock market, for example, has been unusually calm for months, especially in light of the ugly campaign and often unpredictable comments and behavior of Trump, who has at various times attacked Federal Reserve Chair Janet L. Yellen, vowed to renegotiate long-standing trade deals and warned of an impending stock market collapse. Advertisement In the final days of the campaign, investors may have started to take notice. Despite a healthy jobs report Friday, stocks ended modestly lower, with the broad S&P 500 index extending its losing streak to nine sessions, the longest since 1980. Even so, both the S&P and the Dow Jones industrial average remain above levels from the start of the year and are down 5% and 4.2%, respectively, from record highs in mid-August. Moreover, an absence of significant financial hedging and stability in other indicators measuring risk and uncertainty suggest that most business leaders and investors are expecting a Clinton victory Tuesday. Behind shrinking middle-class jobs: A surge in outsourcing What you see almost uniformly is this belief in the continuation of the status quo, said Andrew Lowenthal, a principal at Monument Policy, a government relations and public affairs firm in Washington. Given the wild-card nature of Trumps candidacy, Lowenthal said, one would think company executives might be planning for contingencies and giving shareholders some guidance about the future. But theres no discussion, not even lip service to it, he said. You cant jump on the [Trump bandwagon], because youre going to lose in the court of public opinion. Anthony Scaramucci, a member of Trumps economic policy council A few companies, such as Dunkin Donuts, have blamed uncertainty over the election for weakness in sales. And some investors overseas appear to be getting nervous about the closeness of the race in the U.S. But Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford University professor, said that judging by the political uncertainty index that he and fellow economists constructed, no one is putting much weight in his [Trumps] winning. The index based largely on newspaper articles related to the economy and government policy had been averaging about 75 in recent days, compared with the long-term average of around 100. On Friday, it jumped to 167, a reflection the tightening polls since the FBI made its surprise announcement last week that it would look at newly-discovered emails possibly related to Hillary Clinton. But thats still far below its level after the surprising British vote in June to leave the European Union, when the index hit 500. If Trump were likely to win, thered be a massive amount of uncertainty reflected in the index, Bloom said. Markets also point to a Clinton White House. Clinton, for example, has railed against high drug prices and could take a tougher hand with big pharmaceutical firms and analysts say thats reflected in the industrys nearly 10% stock slide in the last year, according to an index by Dow Jones. Meanwhile, theres been a jump in sales recently at gun maker Smith & Wesson, a sign that people expect Clinton will push through tougher rules on gun ownership, said Lowenthal of Monument Policy. These are the 2nd Amendment defenders who are the bedrock of Trumps support, Lowenthal said. You dont do that if you think Trump is going to be president and make it easier to buy a gun. Clintons immigration plan could help economy more than Trumps, most economists say What if things dont turn out the way business leaders expect? Given the lack of stock put in a Trump victory, theres little doubt that such an outcome would trigger an initial shock to financial markets, just as the so-called Brexit vote did. Longer term, the surprise over a Trump victory and uncertainty over what it would mean could translate into less investment and innovation in the economy with negative effects on new jobs and income growth, experts predict. Itd be like a successful coup or revolution, Bloom said. When a new guy storms into the palace, for months nobody knows whats going on. At the same time, a narrow Clinton win that is contested as illegitimate by Trump could inject a potentially dangerous amount of uncertainty that could roil markets and keep businesses from investing and hiring. Or conversely, a huge victory by Clinton, including a Democratic takeover of Congress, might worry businesses and investors as that would remove the check provided by Republicans to block more progressive policies. Bloom estimates that high levels of uncertainty during the Great Recession had such a chilling effect on businesses that it knocked 2 percentage points from economic growth. The uncertainty factor in a Trump win, he predicted, might reduce growth by 1%, or roughly $190 billion. In general, businesses like a more certain economic and political environment, stability so that they can plan, said Joshua Feinman, chief economist and managing director at Deutsche Asset Management in New York. A Clinton win that is accepted and accompanied by the Republicans retaining at least the House would be viewed as an uncertainty-reducing event and one that takes volatility off the table and that keeps us pretty much close to status quo, Feinman said. Feinman did notice investors and markets reacting on Friday when the FBI said it would look at newly discovered emails that might be relevant to the probe into her emails. That news briefly sent the S&P down nearly 1% before it recovered slightly. PredictWise, which generates odds from market-based trades, has Clintons chances of winning at 86%, down from a high of 91% last month. It gives me a little eerie sense -- the markets were very calm, very sanguine going into Brexit. And then it was like, Uh, oh, Feinman recalled of the turmoil in stock and currency markets around the world following the Brexit vote. So maybe that should give us pause. Anthony Scaramucci, a member of Trumps economic policy council, thinks that the polls have it wrong, just as they did with Brexit. Top corporate executives and others, he said, are reluctant to voice support for Trump, even if they secretly want him to win because they like his tax breaks and other pro-business policies. You cant jump on the [Trump bandwagon], because youre going to lose in the court of public opinion, said Scaramucci, founder of the investment firm SkyBridge Capital and author of the book Hopping over the Rabbit Hole. No doubt many business leaders support Trumps plan to more than halve the corporate tax rate to 15%, as well as his pledge to reduce government regulations. At the same time, his views on slowing immigration and scaling back trade worry many businesses, though few are confident that Trump, as president, would be able to easily enact his policies given the partisan rancor that has characterized the last few years in Washington. Either way, with Clinton or Trump, legislative policymaking is still going to be very difficult, said Eric Cantor, the former top Republican and House majority leader. Now with the investment banking firm Moelis & Co., Cantor acknowledged that polls point to a Clinton win, but he added, Its not a done deal yet. For R. Vernon Mangels, chief executive of Anaheim RV Park near Disneyland, the political and economic uncertainty already has cast a huge cloud over his 60-year-old family-owned business. Mangels wants to buy a parcel of land nearby to expand. He has repairs and upgrades to make on sewer pipes, electric and other utilities at his six-acre park. But hes put all that on hold, and is waiting for greater clarity in the economic and political picture. The 55-year-old isnt optimistic. The polls indicate shes got it, he said of Clinton, who Mangels thinks will take a harder line on regulations and and hurt the economy by boosting federal spending. Mangels likes Trump better, but sees huge challenges and uncertainties under him as well. Hes not a politician. I dont think he knows at all how hes going to bring together a divided group of folks to go in one way. Hes either going to have to water down everything hes said or hes going to create impasse. don.lee@latimes.com Follow me at @dleelatimes ALSO: Reality check: Manufacturers returning to U.S. may mean jobs for robots, not people Why this is the perfect time to invest in infrastructure, and why it probably wont happen Median incomes are up and poverty rate is down, surprisingly strong census figures show UPDATES: 2:10 p.m., Nov. 4: This article was updated with Fridays market closing data. This article was originally published Nov. 3 at 3 a.m. In the final days of the 2016 presidential race, Hillary Clintons campaign has a consistent theme: Donald Trump. There was a point at which Clintons advisors had envisioned a more positive ending, but in the final days of a tight race, the Democratic nominee has backed away from emphasizing a sunny message of inclusiveness. Instead, she has dwelled repeatedly on a vision of a dark future of America under her opponent. On Monday, the Democrats launched their version of Lyndon Johnsons Daisy ad from the 1964 campaign, an apocalyptic warning about the dire consequences of turning over Americas nuclear arsenal to an untested and short-tempered leader in this case Trump instead of Barry Goldwater. Advertisement Tuesday brought the campaigns first television ad featuring Trumps graphic boast, caught on an Access Hollywood video, about how he would grope women he found attractive and get away with it because of his fame. And Thursday, at a rally here, Clinton was introduced by Mae Wiggins, whose application years ago to rent an apartment at a development owned by the Trump family was rejected an incident that became part of a racial discrimination case against Trump and his father. Trump, said Clinton, has spent his entire campaign offering a dog whistle to his most hateful supporters. She cited the endorsement of Trump earlier this week by the official newsletter of the Ku Klux Klan as proof those signals were being heard loudly and clearly. They said its about preserving white identity, and they placed their faith and hope in him, she said, noting the endorsement was written under Trumps slogan, Make America great again. You have to ask, she added, do any of us have a place in Trumps America? Trump, for his part, has displayed a concerted effort in recent days to remain disciplined, stick to his stump speech and not veer into the sort of perilous improvisations that often have sidetracked his campaign message. Speaking in a cavernous equestrian center in Jacksonville, Fla., he stayed with a script that combined promises of a muscular economic resurgence with an exaggerated recitation of controversies that have dogged Clinton. He alleged the FBI was investigating how Hillary Clinton put the office of secretary of State up for sale in a violation of federal law an assertion that goes well beyond anything the bureau is known to be doing. And in an effort to appeal to voters memories of scandals during President Bill Clintons tenure, he lamented here we go again with Clinton with the impeachment and the problems. Shes likely to be under investigation for many, many years. By staying on message, Trump avoided overshadowing his wife, Melania, who made her first solo campaign speech since the Republican convention in July. The previous address drew unwanted attention after key passages turned out to be nearly identical to ones in a speech by Michelle Obama. In Thursdays speech, to a small rally in Berwyn, Pa., in the Philadelphia suburbs, Melania Trump said she would devote her energy as first lady to reducing online bullying of children and promoting more civil discourse in American society. Our culture has become too mean and too rough, especially to children and teenagers, she said. We have to find a better way to talk to each other, to disagree with each other, to respect each other. Democrats were quick to say that her plea for civility clashed with her husbands campaign, which has been punctuated by insults directed at opponents and cries of Lock her up aimed at Clinton. A similar dissonance came later in the speech as Trump, a Slovenian immigrant, recounted her personal story of success in America. Im an immigrant, and let me tell you, no one values the freedom and opportunity of America more than me, she said. Her husband has argued for sharp new restrictions on legal immigration, a wall against illegal immigration and a ban on immigration from many majority-Muslim countries. He has also warned that many who enter the country will bring an added risk of crime and terrorism. Those positions are among the ones that Clinton has pointed to all week as she has repeatedly called on supporters to imagine what America would look like under a President Trump. I would frankly rather be here talking about nearly anything else, she said at a rally earlier this week in Florida. But I cant just talk about all the good things we want to do, because people are making up their minds, Clinton said. This is a consequential choice, so weve got to talk about something that frankly is painful. The steely, if reluctant, focus on her rivals flaws rather than her strengths reflects difficult truths that have vexed Clinton throughout the race. She has had limited success in changing negative voter perceptions of her, an effort that was complicated again last week by the FBIs eleventh-hour resuscitation of the email controversy that had dogged her over the summer. That difficulty, combined with Trumps unchallenged ability to dominate public attention, has caused Clinton to accept as inevitable that her best path to victory involves keeping voters focused on her rival. Wednesday night in Arizona, a state where a surge of Latino voter registration has helped create an unexpectedly tight race, Clinton warned that Trumps immigration policy would lead to him literally sending law enforcement officers house to house, school to school, business to business to break up families. Her warnings included the possibility that Trump could appoint Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who has championed controversial immigration policies, as his secretary of Homeland Security to oversee the massive deportation force. Sometimes, sometimes the fate of the greatest nations comes down to single moments in time. This is one of those make-or-break moments for the United States, Clinton said. Clinton aides deny that her focus on the negative has come in reaction to the FBIs announcement of the renewed scrutiny of her emails. And they insist that Clinton will return to making a more affirmative case for her candidacy as election day grows closer. On Thursday they announced that the campaigns closing rally Monday night would feature not only Clinton, her husband and daughter, but President Obama and the first lady. At that rally, in Philadelphia, where she accepted the Democratic nomination in July, Clinton will outline how she intends to keep promoting the American ideals of progress, inclusion, equality and strength that our founders enshrined in our Constitution, the campaign said. The campaign has long believed that Clinton thrives when she can speak directly to the widest possible audience. Those opportunities, though, have been limited to the convention and the three prime-time debates. In the day-to-day media, shes more likely to get attention for attacks on Trump than for policy speeches or calls for more love and kindness in the national dialogue. Asked about the dark tone, the campaigns communications director, Jennifer Palmieri, noted that voters were making up their minds, and in the closing week we want to reestablish for voters what that choice is. The fact is, she said, the choice that Donald Trump represents is pretty dark. Memoli reported from Winterville and Bierman from Washington, D.C. Times staff writer Melanie Mason contributed to this report from Jacksonville, Fla. michael.memoli@latimes.com For more 2016 campaign coverage, follow @mikememoli on Twitter ALSO The polls might seem wild right now, but this election is closing a lot like the last one did Trump proposed poll-monitoring in urban areas, so black voters are fighting back with monitoring of their own Trump vs. Clinton? Campaign lawyers scramble to ensure fair voting and prepare for any election battles Even as Donald Trump assails political correctness, insults opponents in harsh late-night tweets and draws bipartisan rebukes for racially tinged insults, his wife vowed Thursday that she would devote her energy as first lady to reducing online bullying and promoting more civil discourse in American society. Our culture has become too mean and too rough, especially to children and teenagers, Melania Trump said at a small rally in Berwyn, Pa. We have to find a better way to talk to each other, to disagree with each other, to respect each other. Trumps speech, just five days before election day, was her first solo address of the general election campaign. Her speech at the Republican National Convention, initially well-received, came under criticism after it was discovered that portions of it were lifted from a speech given by Michelle Obama in 2008. Advertisement Her message, that children should be protected from bullying on social media and that women should be given greater opportunity, provided a counterpoint to Hillary Clintons campaign against Trump, which has focused heavily on his crude language, particularly toward women and minorities. One of Clintons most prominent ads shows children watching as Trump mocks a disabled person, curses during a speech, speaks approvingly of violence at a rally and makes crude remarks about menstruation. Melania Trump, a former fashion model, has become more well known during the campaign, and the Trump campaign is hoping in the final days of an increasingly tight race that she can soften some of her husbands rough edges. Her tone Thursday was soft-spoken and deliberate, another departure from the frantic energy of her husbands rallies. To win, Trump needs to make up ground with female voters, particularly in suburban counties like the one where his wife spoke, outside Philadelphia. But Melania Trump has little in common with the working- and middle-class voters Trump is trying to lure. She acknowledged as much as she spoke about her life of glamour and privilege. But she assured the audience that she had to work hard in the modeling industry, facing highs and lows, and talked about the shared American values kindness, honesty, respect, compassion she tries to pass on to her son, Barron, regardless of his advantages. Trump also spoke of her own upbringing in communist Slovenia, and the sense of optimism her family felt at the election of Ronald Reagan as U.S. president in 1980. America, she said, was the word for freedom and opportunity in her family. If you could dream it, you could become it. Her tale of immigrant success in a land of opportunity provided another contrast to Donald Trumps policies and rhetoric, which espouse restrictions on legal immigration, a border wall against illegal immigration and warnings that many who enter the country will bring an added risk of crime and terrorism. Melania Trump showed a different face of immigration as she recounted her journey, and her move to become a U.S. citizen a decade ago. It is the greatest privilege in the world, she said. Im an immigrant and let me tell you, no one values the freedom and opportunity of America more than me. noah.bierman@latimes.com Twitter: @noahbierman The polls might seem wild right now, but this election is closing a lot like the last one did Trump proposed poll-monitoring in urban areas, so black voters are fighting back with monitoring of their own The financial world is betting on one election outcome. What if its wrong? Charles Franklin is hardly a household name, but for a few minutes Wednesday, the full spotlight of the 2016 presidential campaign focused on the veteran pollster and political scientist as he unveiled the latest results from his closely followed poll of Wisconsin voters. When he announced the verdict: Hillary Clinton leading Donald Trump 46%-40% almost identical to the margin the poll had found in early October sighs of relief from Democratic activists could be heard from Brooklyn to Santa Monica. For Democrats, who, as a tribe, seem more inclined to election-season night terrors than their Republican foes, these are anxious days. Advertisement After the final presidential debate last month, they had begun to pinch themselves and talk of landslides. No more. In recent days, once high-flying polls for Clinton have come back to earth. Indeed, in an ironic yet, in hindsight, predictable fashion, the 2016 campaign, after all the controversy and twists, is ending in a familiar way, almost identical to the last days of the race four years ago. The Democratic nominee is moving down the final stretch with a small lead while the Republican scrambles to find a way to flip blue states. That scenario is testimony to the tremendous pull that partisanship exerts over presidential elections, almost regardless of the specifics of the candidates. In a closely divided country, it means yet another contest that will leave many voters feeling whiplash. Even though far fewer polls have been conducted this year than in the last election, social media has made them more available and ubiquitous than ever. News headlines highlight the variations from one survey to the next the inevitable product of the laws of probability driving many voters to distraction as they check Twitter for the latest bulletin. But interviews with leading pollsters in both parties Wednesday found widespread agreement on several points: Although Trump seems all but certain to perform better with blue-collar white voters than Mitt Romney did four years ago, those gains are being offset by losses among suburban, college-educated voters, especially women. The lineup of states may shift slightly from 2012 Clinton may win North Carolina, which President Obama lost, but lose Ohio, which Obama carried but Trump, so far, has not been able to break the Democrats hold on the states they need for an electoral majority. Last Fridays news from FBI Director James B. Comey that agents would be examining additional emails that may be related to Clinton has had a small, but mostly transient, influence on the race. And Clinton holds a lead roughly similar to Obamas 4-point margin of victory from four years ago. How to get to 270 electoral votes Some polls, of course, continue to show a path to victory for Trump. A tracking poll by ABC and the Washington Post, which last week showed Clinton holding a double-digit lead, now finds her and Trump tied at 46%. And the USC/Los Angeles Times Daybreak tracking poll, which has consistently shown a better result for Trump than most other surveys, gave him a 5-point lead, 47.8% to 42.4%. In both parties, however, experienced pollsters dont see the race that way. Neil Newhouse, who served as Romneys chief pollster four years ago, said Comeys news put the brakes on what was starting to look like a runaway victory for Clinton, but that she was still ahead by 2 to 4 percentage points. Hillary is still likely to win, Newhouse said, even if that means limping across the finish line. On the Democratic side, Anna Greenberg, whose firm polls for many of the partys Senate and congressional candidates, called the race pretty stable. There has been narrowing, which was to be expected. Trump was always going to consolidate more Republicans, and I dont think Clinton was ever going to win by 10 to 12 points as some surveys had shown in the days after the final presidential debate Oct. 19 she said. The big impact of a tighter race, she and Republican pollsters said, could be to improve the chances of Republicans in down-ballot races by encouraging GOP turnout. Indeed, the Wisconsin poll, released by Marquette University Law School, found that the Senate race between Republican incumbent Ron Johnson and former Sen. Russ Feingold had narrowed to a near tie. Other Senate races, such as those in North Carolina, Indiana and Missouri, also appear headed to extremely close finishes, with control of the chamber up for grabs. Detailed results from the USC Dornsife/LAT daily tracking poll But, as is the case in Wisconsin, Trump appears to be running several points behind the Republican Senate candidates in most key states. In Florida, for example, most polls show Sen. Marco Rubio headed for reelection even as the presidential race in the state remains very close. Data on early voting in Florida shows a strong upsurge among Latinos. That almost certainly benefits Rubio, whose political base is in Miamis Cuban American community. But a high turnout for Rubio among Latinos also seems likely to help Clinton. Strategists in both parties cite polls showing a significant number of Cuban American voters who are Rubio-Clinton crossovers, driven from Trump by what they perceive as animus toward Latinos. The underlying stability of the race, which even big headlines have trouble shifting, stems from the reality that both Clinton and Trump are extremely well-known to voters, who have deeply ingrained opinions about both of them. Both candidates have gained a tiny bit in voters esteem since the start of October, according to surveys by Gallup, which has tracked their standing all year. But public opinion about Trump remains far less favorable than opinions of Clinton. By just short of 2 to 1, 63% to 34%, Americans have an unfavorable view of Trump, Gallup found. For Clinton, the net view is still negative, but closer, 54% to 43%. Just over half of Americans, 51%, say Clinton has the personality and leadership qualities a president should have, Gallup found, while only 32% said so about Trump far lower than the other major-party candidates going back to 2000 about whom Gallup has asked that question. At the same time, approval of Obamas job performance has continued to rise, a fact that boosts his party. At 54% approval, Obamas standing is now almost identical to that of Ronald Reagan just before his vice president, George H.W. Bush, won the 1988 election. One shift in the race clearly has happened: Support for Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson has dropped. Johnson has lost about half his backing since his high point in late August, when some polls had him getting just over 10% of the vote. Whether that drop for Johnson has provided a net benefit for either candidate remains uncertain. Polls indicate that he was drawing roughly equal amounts of support from both sides. Beyond that, however, the big movement shown in some polls in the last week may be nothing more than a mirage, some leading experts on public opinion say. All thats really happened in the past several weeks are phantom swings caused by shifts in which side is more eager to talk to pollsters, Stanford professor Doug Rivers and Benjamin Lauderdale of the London School of Economics wrote in a blog post Tuesday. Using data from the YouGov surveys, which Rivers helps direct, the two found that after the Access Hollywood video surfaced, on which Trump could be heard boasting that he could get away with assaulting women, people who had previously identified themselves as Trump supporters were 4% less likely than Clinton supporters to respond to a poll. The reverse happened after Fridays news about Comeys letter to Congress. Suddenly, it was Clinton supporters who were less likely to respond to a survey, they found. When things are going badly for a candidate, their supporters tend to stop participating in polls, Rivers and Lauderdale wrote. But that doesnt mean theyve decided not to vote. Clinton was never as far ahead as many published polls suggested, they concluded. Equally she has not lost as much by recent events as some published polls suggest. The truth is more boring: Real change mostly happens slowly, and the impact of campaign events is much less than the media makes out. david.lauter@latimes.com For more on politics and policy, follow me on Twitter @DavidLauter. ALSO Trump proposed poll monitoring in urban areas, so black voters are fighting back with monitoring of their own Donald Trump built a political movement. Now what? Updates from the campaign trail Whos winning? Daily track of Trump and Clintons support Several hundred academics, students and union members under the watch of Turkish riot police protested in front of Istanbul University on Thursday against a purge of thousands of education staff since an attempted coup in July. Ankara, which says U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen orchestrated the July 15 putsch, has launched a crackdown in which 110,000 civil servants, judges, prosecutors and police have been suspended or dismissed over suspected links to the preacher. "Shoulder-to-shoulder against fascism", "we will win by resisting", the crowd chanted as dozens of police wearing gas masks looked on. Among those suspended or removed in the purges since July are nearly 50,000 academics, teachers and other education staff. Under the coup investigation, some 37,000 people have also been jailed pending trial. The crackdown has worried rights groups and Western allies. Officials say the measures are justified by the threat posed by the putsch, in which more than 240 people were killed when rogue soldiers commandeered tanks and fighter jets, opening fire on parliament and other key buildings. "We won't surrender", said one banner held up by protesters, echoing a headline in the secularist opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper, whose editor and top staff were detained this week on accusations of coverage precipitating the coup. "We are facing a period worse than the coup," said Tahsin Yesildere, head of a university teaching staff association. "In our country, which is being turned into a one-man regime through the emergency, all opposition resisting to this have become targets," he told Reuters. Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999, has denied involvement in the coup. Search Keywords: Short link: New spending on school construction tends to be reliably popular when proposed in California ballot measures. According to the League of California Cities, voters approve about 80% of bond measures for local school districts even though state rules require 55% support on a measure for it to pass. The last four statewide school bond measures were approved by voters. And nearly 6 out of 10 likely voters back the idea of a new school bond on the ballot, according to an October poll by the Public Policy Institute of California. Yet Proposition 51, the $9-billion school bond measure on next weeks ballot, is struggling, according to PPIC polls from the last two months. In both polls, Proposition 51 stood below majority support, and such numbers put the measure at risk of a rare failure, said Mark Baldassare, PPICs president and CEO. Advertisement Its not where we would expect it would be, Baldassare said. Beyond the general popularity of schools, Proposition 51 has many of the advantages that come alongside successful campaigns. The state Democratic and Republican parties, business and labor groups and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and other major politicians are part of a broad coalition in favor. Those supporters, primarily developers, contractors and others who regularly promote school facility construction, have raised $12 million for the campaign, compared with nothing for opponents. And schools across the state need more money. Schools should be spending between $4 billion and $8 billion a year on building replacement and upgrades, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Analysts Office, and the state pot of money to pay for these fixes has run dry. Still, there are plenty of explanations for Proposition 51s troubles. Most notably, unlike the past, support isnt universal among major interests. Lawmakers put the four previous statewide school bonds on the ballot themselves. This time, after negotiations with Gov. Jerry Brown and legislators failed, backers gathered signatures for an initiative. Brown hasnt spent much time campaigning against Proposition 51, but when asked, hes criticized it as too large and inefficient. This has been a funding area that has had very strong bipartisan support for decades, said Jeff Vincent, deputy director of UC Berkeleys Center for Cities + Schools. We are now at a place in California where that is not the case. Brown and others have questioned how state school bond money gets spent. They argue that the program unfairly benefits larger, more affluent districts. The cash is available to local districts that already have funding to match the state dollars and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Last month, outgoing state Sen. Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley) urged her Facebook followers to vote against Proposition 51, saying that voters should hold out for a better measure sponsored by the Legislature in coming years. Hancock served on the board that hands out the bond money and, in an interview, described the spending process as overly complex and cumbersome. She said she had to fight those rules to get a school in her district funds for earthquake safety. I think we can do a better bond with more money going in a simple, direct way for our schools, Hancock said. PPICs polls show similar drops across voters of all income and education levels and ethnicities when asked about Proposition 51 compared with the generic school bond measure. Proposition 51s official summary, which appears on voters ballots, states that the measure will raise $9 billion and cost $17.6 billion to pay off over 35 years. Those big numbers could be keeping Proposition 51s polling low, Baldassare said. I would have to think it has something to do with the size of the bond and the impact on the budget, he said. Erin Shaw, spokeswoman for the Yes on 51 campaign, said aspects of the PPIC polls look good for her side. The October poll has the measure leading 46% to 41% and there are plenty of undecided voters. Shaw said the campaign expects the results could track with previous state school bond measures, the lowest of which passed with just 50.9% of the vote in 2004. We have had a strong campaign in which we have been able to garner a significant amount of broad and bipartisan support for the measure, Shaw said. She noted that local districts have bond measures of their own on ballots 184 of them that aim to raise $25 billion statewide and believed voters ultimately will link their desire to repair their local schools with money from the state. liam.dillon@latimes.com Follow me at @dillonliam on Twitter ALSO What you need to know about the $9-billion school bond on the ballot Gov. Jerry Brown opposes $9-billion school bond measure School bonds used to be as controversial as mom and apple pie. Not anymore under Gov. Jerry Brown Updates on California politics There are more voters in favor of a ballot measure that would repeal the death penalty in California than one that attempts to speed up executions, but neither proposition has attracted the majority of votes it needs to pass come Tuesday, a new poll finds. Partly, its because some voters seemed confused about what each measure promises, pollsters and strategists said. Mainly, its because voters remain strongly divided on the issue of capital punishment, with a strong core of beliefs driving their decisions. National debate over criminal justice reform and racial disparity in sentencing has not swayed those attitudes, they said, as it has with other crime and punishment measures on the ballot. Advertisement The death penalty is much more controversial, in a sense, said pollster Anna Greenberg of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, the Democratic half of the bipartisan team of polling firms that conducted the latest USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll. People have strong religious or moral opposition on both sides of the issue. They have core values. Proposition 62, which would replace capital punishment with life in prison without parole, received 44% support and 45% opposition among the 1,382 likely voters polled in October across the state through telephone interviews. Ten percent said they did not know how they would vote or refused to answer. The more clearly written measure of the two, pollsters said, it garnered a predictable demographic on both sides: 59% of Democratic voters were in support and 65% of Republican voters were in opposition. The results also reflected national trends, which show public support for the death penalty has declined, though an almost even split of voters still favor the punishment. The latest Pew Research survey, released in September, found 49% of Americans favored the death penalty, the lowest in more than four decades. More confusing to interpret, pollsters said, were the results of Proposition 66, which seeks to speed up the death penalty system through changes and limits on how and how often death row inmates can challenge their convictions and sentences. Thirty-five percent of voters said they would support Proposition 66, 42% said they would oppose it, and 21% said they did not know how they would vote or refused to answer. But only 45% of Democratic voters opposed the measure, while 31% said they would support it. Of Republican voters, 40% were in favor and 36% were against. Interviews with poll participants illustrated the opposing values among California voters. Alan Cheah, 67, a retired technology specialist in the Central Valley, said he strongly opposed the death penalty on moral grounds. A lot of people have been wrongly put to death, he said. The whole justice system is skewed toward disadvantaged people and people of color, and a lot of them have been accused of murder or wrongdoing but have been acquitted some have not been acquitted in time. To Steven Lang, a 56-year-old self-described fine artist, its a sensitive, personal issue. His sister was killed in 1994. The killer was not sentenced to death. This guy has robbed me of memories of my sister, Lang said. You cant take life and whitewash it in gray. Every life has a value, and I believe people who take that life, lose theirs. The ballot box guide to Californias propositions Yet even as the two death penalty propositions are trying to achieve competing aims, opponents of one dont necessarily support the other, mostly due to confusion about 66, said pollster Ben Winston of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research. Voters who supported repealing the death penalty and opposed the competing measure were 21% of the electorate, a mostly Democratic group which also supported Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Will ending the death penalty save California more money than speeding up executions? Voters who opposed repealing the death penalty and favored the measure intended to speed up the process formed 18% of the electorate, a group that leaned Republican and toward Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Another 15% of voters, mostly younger Democrats and Clinton supporters, said they would give their Yes vote to both propositions, while 21% of the electorate said they would oppose both measures. The survey was conducted for USC Dornsife and the Los Angeles Times by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research and American Viewpoint. jazmine.ulloa@latimes.com @jazmineulloa ALSO: Detailed poll results What happens if both death penalty measures are approved by voters on Nov. 8? House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi endorses ballot measure to repeal the death penalty in California I am 25 and still afraid of the dark: Victims families wrestle with grief as they weigh the death penalty on the ballot How MASH actor Mike Farrell became a leading voice against the death penalty in California Why Silicon Valley is pouring money into efforts to repeal Californias death penalty Track news on California ballot measures and campaigns California voters continue to show strong support for Proposition 63, a gun control initiative on next weeks statewide ballot, according to a new statewide USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll. The initiative is supported by 58% of likely voters, while 35% are opposed. Proposition 63 would outlaw large ammunition magazines, mandate background checks for those who buy bullets, levy fines for failing to report when guns are stolen or lost and create a process for taking guns away from people convicted of a felony. Advertisement The ballot measure enjoys its strongest support from minority voters. While 54% of white registered voters favor the measure, support among Latinos is 67%. The demographics of Latino voters appears to play a role. Mike Madrid, a Republican strategist who studies Latino voting trends, said these voters tend to be younger and have more school-age children, so safety issues are always of paramount importance. The measure is proposed by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose campaign has focused on the series of mass shootings in the United States, including attacks in San Bernardino, Orlando, Fla., and at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Newsom says the measure will keep guns out of the hands of criminals. The ballot box guide to Californias propositions Opponents, including the National Rifle Assn., have argued the measure will burden law-abiding citizens who own firearms and divert resources away from law enforcement, but would not stop violent criminals from accessing guns. The poll found that support for the measure among likely voters drops to 52% when they hear the arguments put forward by the two sides, while opposition increases to 39%. The most support came from single women, while the least came from married men. The initiative was backed by 77% of Democrats and just 30% of Republicans. In looking at all registered voters surveyed, the poll found 69% owned no guns, 11% had one or two guns or rifles, 6% had between three and nine and 3% had 10 or more. A slight majority of gun owners (51%) who are likely voters opposed the initiative, while it enjoyed support from 68% of those who dont have firearms. The measure received the most support, 67%, in the San Francisco Bay Area, while 65% of Los Angeles County voters favored it. The least support was in an inland area of Northern California that includes Sacramento, where only 43% of likely voters said they plan to vote for the proposal. Those planning to vote for Proposition 63 include Joseph Speakman, a 50-year-old truck driver from Bakersfield. The less access people have to guns, the less homicides we will have, he said. Kyle Stockard, a retiree from Merced, said he will vote for the measure because he likes the idea of background checks for people buying ammunition. They probably are never going to totally stop the illegal sale of guns and ammunition, but I think you are going to slow it down some if you have checks, said Stockard, 66. Richard Selph, a state corrections officer and gun owner from Blythe, opposes the initiative because he is skeptical it will accomplish what it claims. Its a burden on responsible gun owners, said Selph, 43. The criminals are just not going to buy their ammunition from stores. Marcus Okutsu, an administrator for a home health company, said he has constitutional concerns about Proposition 63. It infringes on our 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms, said Okutsu, a 35-year-old Clovis resident. Anything that would hinder or make us have to jump over hurdles to even purchase ammunition, which is a key and central part of owning a firearm, would be an infringement. The survey of 1,500 registered voters was conducted for USC Dornsife and the Los Angeles Times by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research and American Viewpoint. The margin of error for the overall sample is +/- 2.3 percentage points. patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com @mcgreevy99 Updates on California politics Updates from Sacramento ALSO: Prop. 63 differs from gun control laws passed over summer NRA not putting up much of a fight against California gun control ballot measure California, other states not doing enough to take guns from felons, new study finds Detailed poll results Two diametrically opposed death penalty measures are on the California ballot and voters must choose between them. Or must they? Call me nuts, but they could choose both. Then one might just pass. If both passed, the one with the most votes would become law. Advertisement Either of them passing would be a lot better than if neither did. One would end Californias busted death penalty. The other would mend it, or try to. The absolute worst thing would be if neither proposal passed. Then California would remain stuck with a dysfunctional capital punishment system that gobbles tons of tax dollars while coddling the worst murderers. The current law is the epitome of government waste and abuse. The ballot options, both of them citizen initiatives, are these: Proposition 62: It would abolish Californias phantom death penalty and replace it with a realistic sentence of life without the possibility of parole. Proposition 66: This would expedite executions by limiting the number of appeals and the time allowed for them. More lawyers would be hired to handle the appeals. Both sides agree on one thing: This states death penalty system is broken. The promise of death is illusionary, says former U.S. Atty. Don Heller, who wrote Californias capital punishment law 38 years ago and later turned against it, concluding its too costly and is administered unfairly. But locking up a murderer for life with no possibility of parole, Heller says, is a promise that the state can keep. On the other side, San Bernardino County Dist. Atty. Michael A. Ramos, a Proposition 66 campaign co-chairman, says: I may sound passionate about this, but I cant imagine [murderers] being allowed life without parole, having conjugal visits. Theyre the worst of the worst. He points out that prosecutors seek the death penalty for only roughly 1% of murderers. They must have done more than murdered. They must have also, for example, raped, tortured, kidnapped or killed a cop, or killed several people. And perhaps done lots of gruesome brutalizing you wont read about in a family newspaper. The fact that Californias death penalty is broken is irrefutable. The state has executed only 13 murderers since it enacted the present death penalty in 1978, and none since 2006. Do the math: Each San Quentin execution has cost, on average, about $385 million. Thats a lot of class-size reductions, college tuition, healthcare for the poor and cop hires. Five years ago, a telling study was conducted by a U.S. appellate court judge and a Loyola Law School professor. The study found that the state had spent $4 billion more on capital punishment than what it would have if the condemned killers had been sentenced to life without parole. That figure has since been updated to $5 billion. Updates from Sacramento The state spends about $55 million alone each year on legal challenges for the condemned. The average lag between conviction and execution is 25 years. That is, when there were executions. The execution chamber has been shut down for the last decade because a federal judge ruled that Californias three-drug lethal injection was unconstitutional. The state ostensibly has been working on a replacement. But Gov. Jerry Brown is a lifelong opponent of the death penalty although he hasnt said a peep about these propositions so no one expects a new execution drug protocol any time soon. Natural cause is by far the most prevalent way to die on death row. There are currently about 750 condemned killers awaiting execution. Theyre living better than the roughly 125,000 other California inmates. On death row, theyre housed in single cells with personal TVs. They get generous access to the exercise yard, telephones, unlimited subscriptions and free legal services. And they dont have to work. Just about everyone else whos in a California prison is double-bunked and assigned prison jobs. Under Proposition 62, all the convicted killers would be dispatched to the general prison population. Theyd be forced to work and apply 60% of their chump-change wages to restitution for victims families. The nonpartisan legislative analyst estimates the state eventually would save around $150 million annually. Proposition 66 would require initial appeals to be heard by the trial court, rather than automatically sent to the state Supreme Court. The trial court decision still could be appealed to a higher court. But the entire appeals process would have to be finished in five years. More attorneys would be hired, including those without death penalty experience. This would cost money initially, but save in the long term, proponents contend. Ramos called a meeting of district attorneys last year and lobbied them to create Proposition 66 in anticipation of Proposition 62. He pointed out that voters rejected a similar death penalty repeal by only four percentage points in 2012. Anti-death penalty activists contend that Proposition 66, because of its streamlined appeal process, would increase the possibility of executing an innocent person. Unlike in other states, there is no proof of someone innocent ever being executed in California. Heller calls Proposition 66 another illusion. Theres no speedy way of doing this, he says, unless someone wants to drop a low-level atomic bomb on death row. You wont find me making a moral argument against the death penalty. But it seems foolish to keep dumping money down a rat hole and pampering the rats. Im voting for both measures. george.skelton@latimes.com Follow @LATimesSkelton on Twitter ALSO Will ending the death penalty save California more money than speeding up executions? I am 25 and still afraid of the dark: Victims families wrestle with grief as they weigh the death penalty on the ballot Why Silicon Valley is pouring money into efforts to repeal Californias death penalty A new estimate of the health impact of soda taxes in Mexico sheds some light on whats at stake in ballot measures coming to a vote in three Bay Area cities and Boulder, Colo. next week. In cases of heart disease and diabetes averted, the model suggests that, in Mexico, those levies are on track to save close to a billion dollars and powerfully improve lives. After a tandem run-up in consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and obesity, Mexico has become one of the fattest countries on Earth. In 2014, it adopted a 10% excise tax on the sale of sugary drinks. The beverage producers claimed that soda taxes would do little to reduce consumption. But market surveys show that Mexicans reduced their purchases of sugar-sweetened beverages by an average of 6% in 2014 per household. Advertisement And by December 2014, that drop in purchases was at 12%. If Mexicans sustain this pattern of consuming fewer sweetened beverages, the model developed by researchers predicts that over 10 years, the 10% excise tax could prevent 189,300 new cases of Type 2 diabetes, 20,400 strokes and heart attacks, and 18,900 deaths among adults 35 to 94 years old. From 2013 to 2022, the reductions in diabetes alone could yield savings in projected healthcare costs of $983 million dollars, the researchers concluded. Among the largest beneficiaries of these tax-related health benefits are Mexicos substantial population of younger adults those 35 to 44 whose consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks is the highest. In this group, half of the new diagnoses of diabetes projected for the studys 10-year period could be averted. That same group would see the greatest reductions in coronary heart disease diagnoses as well. On the whole, men who in 2012 consumed close to nine servings per week of sugar-sweetened beverages would see the greatest health gains from the 10% excise tax, the researchers concluded. Women, who consumed about six servings a week before the tax was levied, would see more modest health improvements. The model was devised by a team led by UC San Francisco internal medicine specialist Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo and reported this week in the journal PLoS Medicine. In their projections, the researchers assumed that Mexicans would compensate for their reduced sugary-drink consumption by taking in 39% of those lost calories in some other form, such as milk. Its projections of the health impact of Mexicos soda taxes are likely conservative, the authors of the model write. While the model predicted the taxes effects on adults older than 35, Mexicos fast-growing population and the countrys heaviest citizens also its heaviest consumers of sugary soft drinks are younger than that. As this younger generation ages, the impact of reducing their sugar intake and close to half of added sugars come from sweetened drinks, experts say could dwarf predictions pertaining to their elders. If some combination of excise taxes and other public health measures could drive sugary soda consumption down further by 20% of 2012 consumption levels the model predicted that diabetes diagnoses would drop by 9.5% for a total savings of nearly $1.9 billion dollars. Whether Americans would respond to a tax on their sugary drinks as Mexicans have is open to debate. Unlike in Mexico, where the soda tax is national and consumers cannot travel to neighboring towns to avoid it, Americans have resisted such taxes.The beverage industry and its allies have quashed or defeated many soda-tax proposals at the state or federal level. So soda-tax initiatives have largely been taken up at the local level. Next Tuesday, California voters in San Francisco, Albany and Oakland and those in Boulder, Colo., will vote to levy taxes on the sale of sugar-sweetened drinks. If backers of those initiatives succeed against fierce opposition from the $73-billion soda industry, those cities will join Philadelphia and Berkeley, Calif., in imposing such taxes. According to Healthy Food America, a group that advocates for soda taxes and other anti-obesity measures, soda taxes adopted in the Bay Area could drive down soda consumption by 20%, prompting a 4% drop in new cases of diabetes after a few years. They could reduce cases of obesity by 6,000 by the end of 2025 and yield healthcare savings of $54.9 million over 10 years. melissa.healy@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter @LATMelissaHealy and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook. MORE IN SCIENCE Its more than the rigged election: Voters across the political spectrum believe in conspiracy theories To fight childhood obesity, task force recommends screening all kids starting at age 6 Does the soda industry manipulate research on sugary drinks health effects? Newport Beachs oldest yacht club is a step closer to replacing its 97-year-old clubhouse with a larger, modernized building. The California Coastal Commission last week approved plans for the Newport Harbor Yacht Club to demolish the deteriorating clubhouse to make way for a 23,163-square-foot, two-story structure. The new building is expected to be about 4,000 square feet larger than the current one to comply with modern building requirements for wider hallways, an elevator, more restrooms and a larger food-preparation area. We need to have a facility that looks to the future and addresses changing member expectations and lifestyles, said Staff Commodore Tim Collins. The building will give us better member spaces and better functionality. The foundation of the building is planned to be raised to 9.4 feet above sea level to prevent flooding during king tides. The current clubhouse, at 720 W. Bay Ave., often floods when storms and high tides overwhelm the Balboa Peninsula. The buildings approaching 100 years old and the physical structure has reached the end of its useful life, Collins said. Additional space also will help accommodate the growing junior sailing program at the club. About 60% of the clubs incoming adult members were either junior or skipper members when they first joined, according to Collins. Collins declined to estimate the overall cost of the project. However, the yacht club will fund $350,000 toward public-access improvements elsewhere in Newport Beach as part of the project. The funds could go to help the city pay for a public pier and dock float at the old Central Avenue bridge, according to a Coastal Commission staff report. The Newport Harbor Yacht Club was established in 1916, when the city and county were planning to dredge the harbors sandbars and improve its entrance to create a recreational harbor. The club moved to its current building in 1919. Though it has been remodeled and enlarged, the clubhouse has never been replaced. The club has grappled for years with the issue of how to restore the aging structure. In 2012, it approached the city with plans for the new clubhouse. It asked the city to allow it to build the structure as tall as 36 feet. The city typically limits waterfront buildings to 31 feet. The plans ultimately were approved by the Planning Commission and the City Council. Next, the yacht clubs 770 regular members will have an opportunity to vote on the building design and plans. If the members approve, the club could break ground on the building as early as January. Construction is expected to last about 18 months. At first glance, the Halloween festival at Tivoli Too in Laguna Beach on Sunday seemed like any other community celebration. There were children running around with painted faces, adults sipping firewater, rows of auction items and live music playing in the background. But if you looked closely, you could see something else. And his name was Jon Coutchie. Its been three years since Coutchie, a Laguna Beach motorcycle officer, died while on duty trying to locate a suspect. He was 41. It was the first line-of-duty death that Laguna had experienced since 1953. The festival, meanwhile, started last year as a way to extend Coutchies legacy by supporting some of his favorite causes. For Luciana Coutchie, Jons mom, it has also become a way to move forward. Everybodys grief is different, she said. Originally, I wanted to do something to keep Jons memory alive, but it has evolved. It took Luciana awhile to gain her emotional bearings, and while the event is in its second year, shes willing to feel celebratory. Ive had friends say, how come you didnt go to therapy? she said. For me this is a different road. I live in South Carolina but find comfort coming here to Laguna. She now spends about four months out of the year here, where she has gained friends and supporters. Shed move to Laguna full-time, if she could swing it. The community is the most generous community that I have ever seen, she said. I just cant say enough. They are amazing. People help each other in Laguna and support each other. That is unique. Proceeds from the festival are still being counted but last years donations totaled $18,000, which all went to the Community Service Program (CSP) Youth Shelter. Luciana learned the details of Jons priorities by having to go through his belongings. The former Army Ranger always liked to help children, and the CSP program was a good fit. I found out later that these are children who, for the most part, tried to commit suicide, she said. That became more important to me, to do a job that Jon had done his entire life. Its a celebration of children. I wish I had a magic wand and could make every childs life beautiful so that they could celebrate, but unfortunately, its not reality. On Sunday, there were many community booths, especially from law enforcement and the public sector, including the Orange County Sheriffs and Tustin Police departments and the California Highway Patrol. There were also many childrens activities, such as a bounce house, costume parade, balloon artist and Lord Tubbington, the cat from Glee. The musical bands were Brightside and The Black Tongued Bells. Luciana admitted that she sometimes feels awkward trying to raise money, but she holds fast to the outcome: It benefits others. I feel like if saying Jon Coutchie is going to help these children, then Im going to say Jon Coutchie as long as I can, she said. I hope people dont take that the wrong way, but the priority for me now isnt Jon, necessarily, it has evolved into helping the kids. That is what I feel. We are all here for a short time. No matter how long you live, it is a short time. You cant take anything with you. To that end, she wants to help for as long as she can. Im 70 years old, and I live alone. I dont know how much more time I have left, she said. Its just a very comforting thing to continue Jons mission in life: protecting people and paying it forward. As her grief takes a back seat, Luciana tries to focus on the future. Its now about creating meaning and value out of a senseless accident. If we just live and think of ourselves and dont think of others, then why are we here? We need to contribute something. You cant just always take. You have to contribute to life, and this is one way of doing that. My happiness comes from making a difference in other peoples lives. Is there anything better than that? She will spend the next several days handwriting thank you cards to every donor. During the next few weeks until she returns to South Carolina at the end of November, she will volunteer for every community function she can. The night after the festival, Halloween, Luciana thought about giving out candy to the children but instead she gave out dollar bills. Giving is a selfish thing because you feel so good when you do. she said. So ultimately, the happiness I have is because Im helping someone else. --- DAVID HANSEN is a writer and Laguna Beach resident. He can be reached at hansen.dave@gmail.com. A Glendale Unified piece of property on Magnolia Avenue where school district employees oversee maintenance work for local schools has allegedly diminished the property value of a neighboring residence, whose trustees have sued Glendale Unified for intentionally causing dirt, dust and vibration from noise to encroach on their property, according to court documents. James and Michael ODonnell, who are trustees of the Edith O. McGee Trust and oversee two residential buildings nearby the school districts property, filed the lawsuit against Glendale Unified in Los Angeles County Superior Court in August. NEWSLETTER: Stay up to date with whats going on in your neighborhood >> School board members discussed the litigation during a closed-session meeting last week. The ODonnells allege that Glendale Unified has been operating the Magnolia property in a manner that does not comply with existing planning and zoning ordinances and regulations of the city of Glendale, ultimately making the districts property a nuisance to their property and others, according to court records. Their lawsuit also claims that Glendale Unifieds property at 333. W. Magnolia Ave. is disruptive, and has substantially diminished the quality of life and property values in, around and adjacent to the Magnolia property, including the plaintiffs residence, which is located next door to the back end of the school districts lot and spans from 358 to 362 W. Palmer Ave. Follow us on Twitter >> The ODonnells are seeking a jury trial and financial damages for the lost and diminished rental and/or permanent property values caused by Glendale Unifieds property, according to court records. In the school districts response to the complaint, attorneys deny that the school district violated current codes and acted reasonably, in good faith and without malice, court records state. On information and belief, [Glendale Unifieds] operations at the subject property was compliant with applicable city of Glendale zoning codes when the operations commenced, and have become legal nonconforming due to changes in the city codes, thus prohibiting any recovery by plaintiff in this action, according to the school districts response. The school districts attorneys also state that Glendale Unified does not have to comply with city of Glendale zoning codes due to preemption provisions, court records show. -- Kelly Corrigan, kelly.corrigan@latimes.com Twitter: @kellymcorrigan -- ALSO: Hopefuls for L.A. County supervisor seat speak at Glendale forum Police investigate drive-by shooting in Glendale Toxic gas released as a result of plumbing problem prompts evacuation of Glendale apartment complex Services were held Wednesday in Idaho for Dr. Andrew John Drew Meyer, a former La Canada Unified School District administrator who passed away Oct. 29 after having been in failing health for more than a year, according to his family. He was 72. Meyer served as principal of La Canada High School from 1986 to 1989, then was promoted to assistant superintendent of the district, a role he held until 1994 when he was hired as superintendent of the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School in Santa Cruz County. During his tenure here, Meyer and his family resided in La Canada Flintridge, where he also wore a civic mantle as president of the Kiwanis Club for its 1992-93 club year. He was known for his focus on any task he was assigned. Join the conversation on Facebook >> I was PTSA president at La Canada High School when Drew Meyer was hired as principal, recalls Jeanne Broberg, a former president of the La Canada school board. I worked with Dr. Meyer on the school board when he was assistant superintendent. He was a very energetic, detail oriented, hard-working leader. He will be greatly missed in all the areas where he has served. Meyer and his wife, Suzanne, eventually moved to Idaho Falls, where they lived for the past several years. In June they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. In addition to his wife, Meyer is survived by his son, James and daughter-in-law Mary (Medford) Meyer; son David and daughter-in-law Jenny (Cluff) Meyer, and 11 grandchildren. He also leaves his sister, Mary Nan Meyer. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations to the Andrew J. Meyer Scholarship Fund in care of ISU Federal Credit Union, 2255 E. Sunnyside Road, Idaho Falls, ID 83404. -- Carol Cormaci, carol.cormaci@latimes.com Twitter: @CarolCormaci Whats old is oh so new again in Hawaii. Now, a Honolulu-based company is being honored for the $500 million it has put into restoring four historic hotels in Waikiki, Maui and San Francisco with more investment to come. Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts and its president, Takamasa Osano, are being honored with the Historic Hotels of Americas 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award. It will be presented Thursday evening during a celebration at Waikikis Royal Hawaiian Hotel, which has seen extensive renovations and expansions since opening in 1927. Advertisement Even though its nearly 90, the Royal Hawaiian is only the third oldest of the Kyo-ya properties that continue to be lovingly preserved. San Franciscos Palace Hotel at 2 New Montgomery St. welcomed its first guests in 1875. And Waikikis Moana Surfrider opened in 1901. The relative newcomer to the pack is the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, launched in 1963. Historic Hotels of America, an arm of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said in a news release that Kyo-ya is committed to the stewardship of these iconic landmarks. The organization pointed to the complete restoration of the Moana Surfrider in 1988 and major projects at the Royal Hawaiian in 2009 and 2015. Extensive work has also been done at the Sheraton Maui and the Palace Hotel. Kyo-ya officials has more plans too. So far, the company has spent half of the $1 billion they have pledged to reinvest in their Hawaii and California properties. Nearly 300 properties are members of the Historic Hotels program. To be considered for membership, a property must be at least 50 years old and be listed by the National Park Service as a national historic landmark. ALSO Get those skis out: Early snowfall adding up at Mammoth, other California resorts Colorados ski train takes you from Denver to the slopes in one easy ride This rugged Death Valley road is a white-knuckle challenge for four-wheelers Thousands of Yemenis protested Thursday against a UN plan to end a 19-month conflict between rebels and the government, which the president rejected as "not a map for peace." Protesters in Aden rallied against the plan following a call by authorities in the southern city, witnesses said. "We reject the plan of (UN special envoy Ismail) Ould Cheikh (Ahmed)," read one of the banners carried by demonstrators. "No to an initiative that legitimises the coup," said another. President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi rejected on Saturday the envoy's peace plan, saying it "only opens a door towards more suffering and war". Hadi enjoys the backing of a Saudi-led Arab coalition that launched a military campaign in March 2015 after the rebels closed in on his refuge in Aden, forcing him to flee to Riyadh. The contents of the roadmap, which the envoy presented to the rebels on Tuesday, have not been made public. But informed sources say it calls for agreement on naming a new vice president after the rebels withdraw from the capital Sanaa and other cities and hand over heavy weapons to a third party. Hadi would then transfer power to the vice president who would appoint a new prime minister to form a government in which the north and south of Yemen would have equal representation. Hundreds of people rallied Thursday in Marib, east of Sanaa, and in the southeastern province of Hadramawt, witnesses said. Hadi said the new plan was an "explicit departure" from the UN Security Council's resolution 2216, which calls on rebels to withdraw from territory they have captured since 2014. Iran-backed Huthi rebels said Sunday that a new UN peace plan was a "basis for discussion" despite containing "fundamental flaws". The conflict has killed nearly 7,000 people since the coalition launched military operations in Yemen in March 2015, according to the United Nations. On Thursday, a military official said eight rebels and five pro-Hadi soldiers were killed in clashes in central Taez province. Eleven rebels were wounded in the fighting in Salo district, which forced most its 5,000 residents to flee, the official said. Search Keywords: Short link: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday that hell consider continuing to acquire weapons and defense equipment from treaty ally the United States if his military recommends doing so, despite offers from China and Russia. Duterte made the remark in a speech in which he again railed at the U.S. with expletives for criticizing his deadly anti-drug crackdown, calling American officials monkeys and breaking a promise that he would no longer resort to trash talk. Duterte, who took office in June, has been antagonistic to U.S., EU and U.N. officials who have raised human rights concerns over his brutal crackdown on illegal drug sellers and users and called for an end to extrajudicial killings. Advertisement He has used expletives in responding to their criticisms, telling President Obama to go to hell in an outburst last month. He has declared his intention to scale back his countrys military engagements with Washington, including ending large-scale joint combat exercises and the presence of visiting U.S. forces, while reaching out to expand once-frosty relations with China and Russia. U.S. officials, however, say they have not been formally notified by the Philippines of any change in security relations and activities and stress that Washington wants to continue its decades-long alliance with Manila. Asked about Dutertes latest tirade, State Department spokesman John Kirby said it was inexplicably at odds with the close relationship that the U.S. continues to have with the Philippine government and people. He said that in a democracy, government doesnt rest on the shoulders of just one individual. There are long-standing relationships that we have nurtured over the years with figures in his government, and those relationships are still there, and theyre still vibrant, Kirby told reporters, adding that the U.S. remains committed to developing a good working relationship with Duterte. Duterte said he has asked his defense secretary and military officials to travel to China and Russia to check what weapons and defense equipment they have to offer, but added that the militarys recommendation will be crucial. China is open. Anything you want. They even sent me a brochure, telling me to choose and they will provide, Duterte said. Im just holding off because Im looking at the military, he said. If you want to stick with America, fine, but assess it well and find a balance because we are being ridiculed. The brash president traveled to a wharf in Sual town in the northwestern province of Pangasinan to lead a poignant send-off ceremony for 17 Vietnamese fishermen who were arrested last month for poaching in local waters. The complaints were dropped after the Vietnamese said a typhoon forced their three boats toward the northern Philippines and that they had no intention of poaching. Duterte said his Vietnamese counterpart appealed for the fishermens release and Wednesdays ceremony in which he shook hands with the fishermen and handed each a bag filled with food, a raincoat and toiletries showed how Asians resolve problems. Vietnam drove the Americans away in humiliation, Duterte said, using the ceremony to criticize U.S. actions that he said brought countries like Iraq, Syria and Libya to chaos and civil strife. I have good impressions of America but the problem is I have lost my respect, thats why Im bad-mouthing them, he said. These Americans never learned their lesson with their interventions. Israeli planning authorities issued building permits for 181 new homes in East Jerusalem on Wednesday, drawing a harsh rebuke from the United States. Brachie Sprung, a spokeswoman for Jerusalem, said that plans in the Gilo area were first approved in 2012 and that Wednesdays approvals were for technical details of plot distribution. She said more detailed building permits will be required before the units are built. But the approval nonetheless raised hackles in the U.S. State Department. Advertisement We strongly oppose settlement activity, spokesman John Kirby told reporters, accusing Israel of actions that risk entrenching a one-state reality and raise serious questions about the Jewish states commitment to a negotiated peace settlement with the Palestinians. Israel captured East Jerusalem and the West Bank in 1967. Israel subsequently annexed East Jerusalem and considers areas like Gilo to be neighborhoods of its capital. The Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as their future capital, and most of the world considers settlement construction there and in the West Bank illegal or illegitimate. In October, the State Department lashed out at Israel for approving a new settlement in the West Bank soon after the U.S. agreed to a $38-billion military aid package for Israel. In an annual rite of anti-Americanism in Iran, thousands gathered Thursday at the site of the former U.S. Embassy in Tehran to mark the anniversary of its takeover by student activists in 1979. The demonstrators brought by buses to the former embassy complex included young and old, university students, military staff and employees of state-run companies who voiced opposition to the nuclear deal Iran signed with the United States and world powers. Many echoed Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has intensified his rhetoric against the United States in recent days despite Irans agreement to shelve its uranium enrichment program, which Western countries had worried could lead to a nuclear weapon. Advertisement Almost 1 in every 10 demonstrators at the former embassy now widely dubbed a den of espionage carried placards with Khameneis words: We do not trust America. On Wednesday, Khamenei repeated his criticism that the United States has reneged on the nuclear deal. The U.S. government has lifted some sanctions against Iran under the deal but kept in place certain non-nuclear restrictions that continue to hamper Irans economy. Two Iranian women, one with her face painted in the colors of the national flag, show their hands with writing in Persian that reads, Im ready to sacrifice myself for the Supreme Leader. (Vahid Salemi / Associated Press ) Americans have not honored their promises related to the nuclear deal, and Iranians should rely on their own domestic potential, Khamenei said in remarks that were aired on state television. At the rally Thursday, Hossain Salami, the acting commander of the elite Revolutionary Guards, said: America should know that if they do not honor their agreement in the nuclear deal, we will resume uranium enrichment and send the agreement to the museum. Amir Mohammad Godarzi, 23, an aeronautics student, echoed the hard-liners words. Our nuclear negotiation team has worked hard, but Americans have not honored their commitments, Godarzi said. On Wednesday, banners hung from highways quoted remarks by the Supreme Leader criticizing America and voicing dissatisfaction with the nuclear agreement. In one middle-class neighborhood, a primary school staged a play in which children acted out the roles of angels and Satan and recited poems ridiculing the United States. The annual commemoration of the embassy takeover which launched the hostage crisis that saw 52 Americans held captive for 444 days is a heavily choreographed event among hard-liners in the Islamic Republic. But it took on greater symbolism this year due to deep divisions over the nuclear deal and next years presidential election. Holding anti-U.S. placards, Iranians attend a state-organized annual rally Nov. 3 in front of the former U.S. Embassy in Tehran. (Vahid Salemi / Associated Press ) President Hassan Rouhani, who has staked his three-year-old administration on the nuclear agreement, faces a stiff reelection challenge in May from conservative forces that view the deal as appeasement. While Rouhani is expected to win the theocracy that manages Irans elections prizes stability, and the last four presidents each served two terms his critics say the nuclear deal and the easing of international sanctions have failed to revive Irans economy as the president promised. Since the nuclear deal was signed, many more factories were shut down due to a lack of capital and many more workers laid off, said computer science student Yousef Badiei. But anyway, President Rouhani, unfortunately, will probably be reelected. Iran has sentenced several dual nationals including at least three Americans to lengthy prison terms in recent weeks, sharply undermining Rouhanis appeals to the Iranian diaspora to return home and boost foreign investment. The Iranian military has also continued to back Syrian President Bashar Assad in the civil war against Sunni Muslim militants. As they left the rally Thursday, crowds chanted support for the Syrian government and other Shiite Muslim-led regimes in the Middle East, saying, We will never give it up. Special correspondent Mostaghim reported from Tehran and staff writer Bengali from Mumbai, India. shashank.bengali@latimes.com Follow @SBengali on Twitter for more news from South Asia ALSO The U.S. may be the Great Satan in Iran, but some still want to win the U.S. visa lottery Iran sentences another American, a 46-year-old from San Diego, to prison for collaborating with the U.S. Q&A: What the top U.S. commander in the Middle East says about fighting Islamic State The church bells rang out, a normal occurrence in a community where the sound usually beckoned residents to weddings, funerals or religious services. But the clanging on this morning was different: frenetic, insistent, relentless. The sound signaled an alarm and a call to arms. More than 1,000 armored anti-riot police had begun to move into the outlying Mexico City colonia. Residents, meanwhile, prepared to meet them, armed with rocky projectiles they had created by swinging large hammers into the pavement, sidewalks and planters. More than 100 people were injured, some seriously, in skirmishes that day in late May in the isolated highland community. Most of the badly hurt were police, beaten by angry residents in fighting caught on television cameras. Advertisement The protesters said the government was seeking to steal a rare commodity: fresh volcanic spring water that has fed much of the town since before the Spaniards came. They insist that politicians want to move water to Santa Fe, a nearby wealthy community of gleaming corporate high-rises that grew out of a smelly dump about a generation ago and in many ways represents the way the Mexican government would like the country to be seen as economically ascendant. The conflict underscores the chronic distrust many Mexicans have of their government, and fears that the countrys engines of economic growth may be stalling, even as President Enrique Pena Nieto proclaims this to be Mexicos moment. Places such as Santa Fe international, modern and brimming with wealth are potent symbols of possibilities. But Santa Fe, like much of the Mexican economy, has hit a bit of a wall. Water is one of the problems. Government officials said police were actually sent to safeguard a project that would provide water to thousands of people on the edges of San Bartolo Ameyalco, as well as those who live there. Authorities also say the pipeline would take water from a river and not from the treasured spring. Leonel Luna, the elected leader of the municipal district, said the protest was led by a violent group that has lied about the project. Were talking about the same people who for years have opposed this project and who through misinformation have sought to confuse and manipulate the information, he said. The violent confrontation has left both sides with black eyes. In a democratic country, there is neither a place for beating police savagely, as occurred May 21 in San Bartolo Ameyalco, nor for citizens to be abused by these tools of power, political analyst Alfonso Zarate wrote in the newspaper El Universal. Unfortunately in Mexico the government works in the service of money and power, said Bibiana Perez Linares, 39, whose brother was among five people arrested May 21. Political analyst Jose Antonio Crespo said Mexicans are tired of government inefficiency and an atmosphere of impunity. He said its a reason that some Mexicans have taken the law into their hands, as in Michoacan, where vigilantes rose up against the Knights Templar drug cartel in the last year. It may be untrue that the government wants to take water from San Bartolo Ameyalcos natural spring to Santa Fe, Crespo said. But in Mexico, theres history enough to suggest that it could be the case. Things like that happen a lot in Mexico, he said. The rich are the ones who can impose their way. To drive through Santa Fe is to almost forget that it was once a rank place where trash pickers known as pepenadores scraped together a living. Many of them still live in the community, on a steep hill of ramshackle homes largely segregated from the burnished corporate towers. But its growth is exceeding its ability to manage a host of problems. To many in San Bartolo Ameyalco, a largely poor community, it makes sense despite denials that the government would want to take their water to feed the juggernaut. No political figure in San Bartolo is more polarizing than Luna, whose name is splashed on banners in the central square. As he sat at a long table at the municipal governments headquarters, he spread out maps that he said demonstrated the distance of the water project lines from the natural spring. He said the pipes that would be used were far too small to move that water from San Bartolo to Santa Fe. Luna said the project will soon be resumed. The Mexico City area suffers from chronic water shortages, and conflicts are not uncommon, but the San Bartolo Ameyalco battle in which Molotov cocktails and tear gas were used was especially violent. Luna said the project was first proposed in 1986 and has been opposed since by the same group of people. The lack of progress has resulted in thousands of residents being forced to pay for water, he said, sometimes hundreds of dollars a month. He accused water truck interests of inciting demonstrations. Luna said that without a major police presence May 21, people might have been killed. Its a violent group, he said, and the neighbors who are soliciting the project were going to defend it because they have no water. Opponents said police acted too aggressively, shoving residents, including children. Victor Mejia, 58, said he was trying to keep the peace and that his son, who was arrested, did not attack. Maybe officials wont take water to Santa Fe now, but Mejia said he is suspicious. Next time the bells will be accompanied by fireworks launched into the sky to let them know were serious, he said. Our water is clean. Thats why to us it is a blessing and a curse, he said. Its a blessing because we have it. And its a curse because everyone wants it. Ecuador announced Thursday that it will begin requiring Cubans to get entry visas beginning Tuesday, seeking to discourage the flow of migrants. Deputy Foreign Minister Xavier Lasso said Ecuador wants to curb the flow of migrants who have been using Ecuador as a transit country to reach other nations without permission. He said such migration is risky and puts at risk men, women and children. Advertisement We do not close the door to Cuba, but Ecuador is committed to efforts by the Latin American community to prevent migration without authorization, Lasso said. His announcement came after a weekend meeting in El Salvador where Central American and other officials, including Ecuadors foreign minister, discussed the plight of 3,000 U.S.-bound Cuban migrants who are stranded at the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The vast majority of those Cubans started their journey in Ecuador, which until now has allowed any foreigner to enter without a visa. The year-old detente between the U.S. and Washington has set off a surge in Cuban migrants headed for the United States. They fear the normalization of relations will bring an end to Cold War-era special immigration privileges that give U.S. residency to any Cuban who sets foot on U.S. soil. All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced. 19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc. Argentine Finance Minister Alfonso Prat-Gray announced the results from the first phase of Argentina's tax amnesty program as both countries hope their plans will narrow government budget deficits and stimulate investment Latin American region is one of the most volatile regions in the world. The region is in turmoil for many years. Stretching from Colombian Civil War to recent political turbulence in Brazil, the region is suffering from public turmoil. Latin region was hit hard due to the turmoil in terms of economic prospect. Countries are losing billions of dollars and the companies are also finding it hard to operate under these kinds of circumstances. Recently, Verisk Maplecroft has released the list of Civil Unrest Index (CUI). Maplecroft reported that the Latin American countries, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil are at the risk for extreme public unrest. Mexico ranks 7th, Argentina placed at 15th and Brazil at 21st in the rank. The ranking of 198 countries measures triggers for unrest: the frequency and severity of mass demonstrations and protests: the effects on business; and the mechanisms in place to avert disruption reports, Maplecroft. France tops the rank among western countries with Greece at 25th and Italy at 77th spot. France has a long history and culture of political protest while Italy and Greece are under financial crisis since a long time and under political turmoil too especially Greece. Currently, Another Latin country Venezuela is facing a huge political turmoil. Venezuelans are demanding the president Maduro's resignation. According to The Telegraph, People are protesting on the streets of Caracas. The Fransico Farjardo highway is also shut down by the authorities. Brazilians has protested against the billions of dollars of spending on Olympic Games. In 2014, The Economist has called Mexico, Argentina and Brazil high risk social unstable countries. These often lead to protests and shutdowns making these countries a difficult place the business. During a religious celebration on "All Saints Day" a grotto in Santa Maria had collapsed leaving more than 10 people dead and 6 others injured, more than 50 believers attended the celebration, children were also present among worshippers. The Casa da Pedra grotto is outside the city of Santa Maria and it has always been open to religious gatherings for locals for years as per RT News. The roof of the grotto had collapsed together with victims trapped inside; the incident took place during a traditional mass on "All Saints Day". Though the mass was held outside the cave many people went inside to light candles and pray. The Mayor of the city Helen Ruth de Freitas stated that she never imagined such a tragedy of this magnitude. According to Reuters, it is still not clear what had caused the collapse, some media reports stated that the bodies of the dead have all been recovered. Post the accident the site has been closed and is still pending a full investigation. There have been several instances that occurred in many places around the world, but this incident was unexpected as the religious site was always open to pilgrims for many years and there was no chance of such an accident. "All Saints Day" is celebrated widely in Brazil and its neighboring Country Argentina, it is a Catholic celebration which is always held on November 1st every year followed by "All Souls Day" which is on November 2nd. The crowd was not that much at the grotto but cave was surely a small place to accommodate 50 plus people, the victims did not have time to realize that the roof of the cave was dropping down. It appears that all this had happened in a fraction of a second leaving them no time to run out for safety. Germany's foreign minister says a new Russian offer of a unilateral pause in fighting in Aleppo on Friday is "far from enough" either to evacuate the sick or to bring humanitarian supplies into the city. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his forces to open humanitarian corridors to eastern Aleppo Friday, along with two routes for rebels to leave the city. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier criticized the shortness of the pause after a meeting in Berlin Thursday with Riad Hijab, head of the Syrian opposition's High Negotiations Committee. Steinmeier says it's important to ensure that the upcoming change of U.S. administrations doesn't result in a vacuum, adding that "we now urgently need a new impetus for talks between Moscow and Washington, but also the regional actors." Search Keywords: Short link: Iraqi Shia forces fighting to cut off an Islamic State (IS) supply route west of Mosul made progress on Thursday but several cars were still able to leave the city, a spokesman said. The leader of the Badr Organisation, the largest of the Shia militias that make up the Hashid Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) forces, had said earlier he hoped to seal off Mosul's western flank on Thursday. "We are advancing slowly," Karim Nuri, a spokesman for the Hashid Shaabi told Reuters. "We witnessed some vehicles from a distance, withdrawing (from Mosul)". It was not clear whether the cars were escaping the fighting in Mosul, where Iraqi troops have breached IS militants defences on the eastern side of the city, or seeking to reinforce the IS-held town of Tal Afar to the west. The Iraq army, security forces and Kurdish peshmerga forces have been advancing from the south, east and north of Mosul since launching an offensive on Oct 17 to recapture the city, the biggest city controlled by IS militants in Iraq or Syria. They were joined five days ago by the Popular Mobilisation forces, which launched their offensive towards Tal Afar on Mosul's western flank. Tal Afar lies about 55 km (35 miles) west of Mosul, on the way to IS-controlled regions of neighbouring Syria. Cutting off the western side of the city and the routes to Tal Afar will leave IS enclosed on four axes. Badr leader Hadi al-Amiri said earlier that he hoped to cut off IS main western supply route out of Mosul. "Today, God willing, is the completion of the first stage of the Hashid operations - that is cutting the supply route of the enemy between Tal Afar and the Muhalabiya district, reaching to Mosul," Amiri told Iraqi television. Amiri said the militias also intended ultimately to cut off the main highway between Mosul and Tal Afar, but said that the Muhalabiya route was the priority because it was the one used by the militants since they took over Mosul two years ago. "This is the area Daesh (IS) entered Mosul from," he said. "Severing this road means to completely cut off the enemy's supply lines and surround them." IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi told his fighters in an audio tape on Thursday there would be no retreat from the Mosul assault, and that victory would be theirs in the "total war" with their enemies. Search Keywords: Short link: A German court on Thursday jailed three young German men for up to four and half years for travelling to Syria where they teamed up with Islamist militants. Fadil Rudolf S., 26, who received the longest prison term, had first travelled to Syria to join the Sunni militia group Junud al-Sham and in 2013 joined fighters of the Islamic State (IS) militants. "After his first return to Germany, he once again made himself available as a fighter for the IS over several weeks in July 2014," the court in the western city of Duesseldorf said in a statement. "Later in January and in the summer of 2015, he also sought twice to travel to Syria to join the IS." The other men, 24-year-old Mohamed A. and 26-year-old Mustafa P., were sentenced to two years and nine months for involvement in Junud al-Sham for several months in 2013. "The confessions of the accused had a mitigating effect on their sentences," the court statement said. Separately, prosecutors in the southwestern town of Karlsruhe decided to detain a 27-year-old man, Ashraf Al-T., who they suspect of having contacts with an IS member in Syria who runs the group's foreign operations. The man is thought to have been "authorised to plan an attack in Germany", prosecutors said without elaborating. The man was arrested Wednesday evening in Berlin. He said he was a Syrian asylum seeker who arrived in Germany last year, but prosecutors did not specify his nationality. According to figures released in May by German intelligence services, 820 Islamist militants have left Germany for Syria and Iraq. Almost a third have returned and 140 were killed while abroad, while around 420 are still in Syria or Iraq. Germany has so far been spared large-scale Islamist militant attacks. But it was shaken by two assaults claimed by IS and carried out by asylum seekers -- an axe rampage on a train in Wuerzburg that injured five, and a suicide bombing in Ansbach in which 15 people were hurt. Police said last month they had foiled an alleged plot by a Syrian refugee to bomb one of Berlin's airports. Search Keywords: Short link: Indonesian police are planning a show of force in the capital Jakarta on Friday to contain a much-hyped protest by Muslim hard-liners against the city's popular governor that threatens to ignite religious and racial flashpoints. An accusation of blasphemy against Jakarta Gov. Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, an ethnic Chinese and minority Christian who is an ally of the country's president, has galvanized his political opponents in the Muslim-majority nation of 250 million and given a notorious group of hard-liners a national stage. National Police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar said 16,000 police will be deployed along with 2,000 soldiers and 2,000 of Jakarta's public order officers for the protest that is expected to begin in the early afternoon following Friday prayers. Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, chief of Indonesia's powerful military, has said it "will be in the front line against any movement aimed at disrupting the unity and integrity of the nation." Indonesians are already fighting on social media over the blasphemy claim and the protest, which organizers optimistically boast will attract half a million people to Jakarta's traffic clogged streets. Police have said it might draw up to 100,000 people based on communications with Muslim groups involved in its planning. Blasphemy is a criminal offense in Indonesia and prosecutions have increased in the past decade. Amnesty International documented 106 convictions between 2004 and 2014 with some individuals imprisoned for up to five years. Ahok, who is seeking a second term as Jakarta governor and is a possible running mate for President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in the 2019 presidential elections, is popular with Jakarta's middle class. He is adored as a blunt speaker who doesn't tolerate corruption and articulates a vision to make the chaotic, dysfunctional city more like clean, orderly and efficient Singapore. But the anti-corruption stance has made him enemies and the evictions of thousands of the city's poorest people to make way for urban improvement has stoked anger and resentment and played to a stereotype of Chinese as exploiters of Indonesia's poor Muslim masses. On the national stage, Ahok is ranged against former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, whose son is a candidate for Jakarta governor, a role that is a stepping stone to national leadership. The simmering political climate has provided an opening for the Islamic Defenders Front, a vigilante group that wants to impose Shariah law, to burnish its credentials as protector of Indonesia's majority faith at the expense of mainstream Muslim groups. The main organizer of the protest, the Front is demanding Ahok's arrest for blasphemy after a video circulated online in which he joked to an audience about a passage in the Quran that could be interpreted as prohibiting Muslims from accepting non-Muslims as leaders. The governor has apologized for the comment and met with police. "Ahok was clearly desecrating the holy Quran," said Munarman, a spokesman for the Front and a coordinator of Friday's rally. "We will protest on the streets with people power until Ahok is arrested." Munarman, who like many Indonesians uses one name, denied the protest would be racially charged or that it aimed to influence the outcome of Jakarta's election in February. "We remind the government and anybody else that we will not keep silent before this injustice, because everyone is equal before the law in this country," he said. But the anti-Ahok movement, which has attracted moderates as well as hard-line elements as the city election approached, has overflowed with slurs based on race and religion. And local media have reported an uptick in public order offenses with an anti-Chinese motivation. The vulnerability of Indonesia's ethnic Chinese minority remains a raw issue in the country. In the chaos that engulfed Indonesia in May 1998 amid the Asian financial crisis, mobs in Jakarta and other cities targeted Chinese businesses and individuals, killing many. Amar, the police spokesman, said police have questioned 15 witnesses along with experts in religion and language in connection with the alleged blasphemous remarks but could not yet draw any conclusions. Search Keywords: Short link: North Korea on Thursday said it had appointed a new ambassador to the United Kingdom, more than two months after the embassy's number-two diplomat defected to South Korea, in an embarrassing blow for the regime of leader Kim Jong Un. The North's official KCNA news agency said the new ambassador is Choe Il, whom South Korean media have previously reported was a senior official in the country's foreign ministry. KCNA's one-line statement did not mention a new role for Pyongyang's incumbent ambassador in London, Hak Hyon Bong. In August, South Korea announced that Thae Yong Ho, the number-two official in the North's London embassy, had defected with his family to the South, making him the highest ranking diplomat to flee the isolated regime for the democratic South. Thae has yet to appear in public since his arrival in South Korea. Search Keywords: Short link: Two occupants of a car that struck an SUV broadside Wednesday afternoon in Forks Township ran off as their vehicle caught fire, before they were caught by police. The crash occurred just before 4 p.m. as a Hyundai Elantra headed north on Mitman Road struck a Nissan Pathfinder that was headed west on Arndt Road, according to township police. The intersection is a four-way stop. The driver and passenger, both male, of the Hyundai fled as the car burst into flames, police Cpl. Shawn Hummer said. Responding police emptied five fire extinguishers to try to get it under control before the Forks Township Fire Department arrived, he said. Palmer Township police caught the driver at Penn Pump Park, and Forks police collared the passenger on Bushkill Drive near the park, according to Hummer. The driver exhibited signs of being under the influence of alcohol and was taken into custody for testing, Hummer said. He also faces charges in the crash. The passenger was taken to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries suffered in the crash, and an officer was staying with him as he remained in custody, police said. The lone, female occupant of the Nissan declined medical transport, Hummer said. Police did not immediately have the names of those involved to release. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and on Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Emily Ann Fox Reported missing Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, from her home in Glendon, 13-year-old Emily Ann Fox was found safe the following day, police said. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com) A teenager who went missing from home in Glendon before dawn Wednesday was found safe in Indiana, Pennsylvania State Police confirmed Thursday afternoon. Emily Ann Fox, 13, has diabetes and was considered missing and endangered, state police at Belfast had said late Wednesday afternoon. Her mother, Michelle Fox, said Thursday afternoon on Facebook she was headed to Indiana to pick her up. The family had been circulating fliers in the area in conjunction with police efforts to find Emily. We are continuing our search efforts if you have any info please reach out I know the kiddos came home from school ...maybe someone knows her whereabouts Posted by Fox Shelly on Thursday, November 3, 2016 Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and on Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A Lehigh Valley monsignor accused of having child pornography on his laptops is now facing trial in connection with the case. Rev. John Stephen Mraz, right, arrives for his preliminary on Nov. 3, 2016, in Emmaus. Mraz is accused of having child pornography on two laptops. (Sarah Cassi | lehighvalleylive.com) The Rev. John Stephen Mraz, 66, appeared in court Thursday morning for his preliminary hearing on charges of child pornography, criminal use of a communication facility, and selling obscene materials. Mraz used a walker to make his way into the Emmaus district court, flanked by his attorney John Waldron. Mraz waived the hearing, sending the charges to Lehigh County Court where he now faces possible trial. Mraz, who previously served at at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Emmaus and currently lives at the Holy Family Villa for priests in Bethlehem, has been free on $50,000 unsecured bail. Mraz worked at Reading Central Catholic and Allentown Central Catholic over the years and has held posts in the Allentown Diocese. Following the charges, he was removed from public ministry and cannot present himself as a priest. District Attorney Jim Martin said on July 25, the priest asked a friend and church parishioner to update his laptop, and the person discovered pictures of nude males in the computer's recycle bin but gave the computer back. Mraz then asked the friend to update a second laptop, and the man found files with names that indicated they depicted the sexual abuse of children, Martin said. The man informed the diocese, which then contacted investigators, Martin said. Detectives raided the rectory of St. Ann's church, where Mraz previously lived, and took laptops, cellphones and tablets, authorities said. "Numerous" files of child pornography were found on the laptops, Martin said, and forensic analysis showed that Mraz actively searched for images and videos of underage males engaged in sexual activity. "This was not inadvertent," the district attorney previously said, adding Mraz was interviewed by detectives. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A former New Jersey teacher is again facing accusations that he possessed child porn, more than 10 years after he was convicted on similar charges. Arthur Vespignani, of Blairstown Township, is charged with possession of child pornography, which was allegedly kept on a thumb drive. (Courtesy photo) Arthur W. Vespignani, 42, of the first block of East Avenue in Blairstown Township, had an electronic thumb drive containing multiple photos and video of children engaged in sexual acts, according to a criminal charge dated Sept. 16. Vespignani had his first appearance in court on Thursday. He was released from the Warren County jail after posting $50,000 bail. A voicemail left at his home Thursday afternoon was not immediately returned. In 2002, Vespignani was a music teacher at Stanhope Elementary School in Sussex County when he was accused of trying to lure a 14-year-old girl via the internet to a Bergen County hotel for sex, The Star-Ledger reported at the time of his arrest. He had actually been communicating with an FBI agent. Vespignani also was found to have thousands of images of child pornography on his computer when he was arrested, and he was given a three-year sentence, according to a NorthJersey.com archived report. State education department records show his teaching certification was revoked in 2006. In 2012, he was accused of violating his probation by owning a computer. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Gun safety advocates are pouring tens of millions of dollars into Maine and Nevada to support ballot initiatives that would mandate background checks for gun sales in an effort to clinch state-level victories after years of failed drives in Congress. The avalanche of money spent on supporting such initiatives ahead of the Nov. 8 vote could hand gun control organizations their biggest win since they failed to secure the passage of federal legislation after the massacre of 26 children and educators at a Newtown, Connecticut, elementary school in December 2012. Voters in California and Washington state will also cast ballots on gun control initiatives, and opinion polls show the measures are likely to pass in all four states. Everytown for Gun Safety, the gun control group founded by billionaire former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, has been leading the charge, throwing its financial weight behind three of the four measures. The organization plans to spend $25 million nationwide on the issue, almost as much as the powerful National Rifle Association has spent on television advertising for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The right to own firearms is protected by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and any efforts to restrict that guarantee are fought vehemently by gun rights advocates, who are highly influential within the Republican Party. Victories by gun control groups in Maine and Nevada would mean that half of the U.S. population would live in states with expanded background checks, including private sales not involving a licensed dealer. Gun control supporters say that would be a symbolic and strategically important threshold. Opponents of the measures say the laws are poorly written, would do little to combat crime and would punish law-abiding gun owners. A University of New Hampshire poll in late October found 52 percent of Maine residents support the measure and 43 percent oppose it. In Nevada, two polls in late October found a 16-percentage-point margin and a 25-point margin in favor of the initiative, respectively. The measures come in a year that voters around the United States will weigh in on 71 citizen-submitted ballot initiatives on topics ranging from marijuana legalization to raising the minimum wage, the largest number in a decade, according to Ballotpedia.org, a website that tracks voting data. EXPENSIVE BATTLEGROUND Everytown described its strategy as part of an effort to copy the state-by-state tactic that helped legalize gay marriage across the United States, with Congress unwilling to pass universal background check legislation. "One of the great advantages of going directly to the electorate is that you can go around the legislative bodies and make law," said Zach Silk, a consultant who has worked with Everytown in Nevada and previously helped oversee Washington state's 2014 successful background-check ballot initiative. Nevada in particular has become an expensive battleground. Bloomberg has personally donated nearly $10 million to the effort there, and Nevadans for Background Checks had collected $14.3 million as of Oct. 18. That is nearly triple the $4.8 million that the leading opposition group, NRA Nevadans for Freedom, had received, all from the NRA. In Maine, supporters of background checks have outspent opponents by more than 5-to-1, with the Everytown-backed Mainers for Responsible Gun Ownership Fund reporting $5.3 million in contributions as of last week. The NRA did not respond to a request for comment on its campaign spending decisions. Critics have accused Bloomberg of trying to buy victory. "This law is convoluted and way overregulatory," said David Trahan, the executive director of the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine and a former state legislator. "It reflects the person funding this initiative, Michael Bloomberg. His solutions are overkill, and they border on social engineering." But Everytown's executive director, John Feinblatt, said it was the gun lobby that has tried to take power away from the citizenry. "While the NRA can control legislators and the government, they can't control the people," he said. Search Keywords: Short link: The IDA is confident that its upswing in bringing foreign businesses on visits to Laois, will result in jobs announcements for the county within a year. So far in 2016, it has arranged six visits by multinationals to Laois, to entice them here. Four came in 2015. Laois has less foreign backed jobs than any other county in Ireland but Paul Veale, Midlands Regional Business Developer Manager with IDA Ireland, told Laois County Council that he expects good news next year. I am confident that there will be jobs created. We have to start from somewhere, but when I am back in 12 months, there will be progress, he said. However, he said two major challenges to attracting international companies to Laois, are the lack of rural broadband, and the lack of 30,000 sq ft empty units. We cant market if you dont have broadband. Portlaoise is fine but the residential side is the real issue because many companies offer people opportunities to work from home. Thats an issue throughout the midlands, but I believe the midlands is the first region that will have rural broadband rolled out, he said. He added that another downside is the limited third level access in Laois. The IDA is showing the National Enterprise Park, near Clonminam, as office space. We see the possibilities, for smaller companies in the US who can use An Post to distribute, he said. The recent naming of Ballyfin as Best Hotel in the World, and Electric Picnic's success, will help he said. Companies are looking for locations they can showcase to their customers, as a place to visit. So Ballyfin is very important in terms of positivity and elevating the location, as well as theElectric Picnic, he said. The IDA relies on local businesses to welcome visiting multinationals. We engage with the network here, we rely on them to help sell Laois. We call Andrew Cremin for our property database, and when investors meet with the likes of Seamus and Noel from Internal Solutions, or Aubren or An Post, their confidence and enthusiasm shines through, he said. New businesses opening in Portlaoise are also helping. I can see the difference in main street, that vibrancy, be it the chance to stop in Bull Lane for a coffee, it all helps as part of the sell, he said. He agreed that many people commute from Laois for work and their skills are yet unknown, he stated. We are well aware of the number of commuters, the challenge is to identify who are on the trains, and what is their skillset, he said. Some light has appeared at the end of the tunnel for a soution to the scourge of anti-social behaviour for Portlaoise caused by the town's courthouse. Laois County Councillors have been told that the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Laois County County have met and agreed that a new Courthouse for Portlaoise must be built, but it will be some years before it can be delivered. The council is working with the OPW, which is responsible for courthouses, to find a new location for a four courtroom building. To date a number of vacant sites in Portlaoise have been considered and a full evaluation by the OPW is now underway, Council chief John Mulholland said to councillors at the October meeting. In addition they have sent a quantity surveyor to Portlaoise to assess a number of sites adjacent to the town centre, he said. He alerted the Court Services to problems with the courthouse being on Portlaoise Main St last July, when the Head of Directorate of the Court Services, Paul Burns and his officials visited county hall. I informed Mr Burns that with increasing frequency the business of the court can negatively affect trade on Main Street and that, at times, it can also post threats to members of the public where there is overspill onto the street, Mr Mulholland said. Portlaoise has an exceptionally busy courthouse he said, and the court service accepted this. They indicated that Portlaoise was the fourth busiest District Court in the country, and that there is insufficient space for parking and Garda escorts, Mr Mulholland said. To proceed, a contract will have to be grouped with other new courthouses through a Public Private Partnership. Grouping it makes the contract a more attractive package for a contractor, said Mr Mulholland. There is currently a requirement that a number of courthouses, including that at Portlaoise, be upgraded or relocated, he said. The Court Service has no money to build new courthouses, and so has agreed that a bundled PPP scheme is the only way. This matter will be pursued with government by the Courts Service, Mr Mulholland told councillors. Mr Mulholland said seven courthouses that are almost complete in the current scheme are underway for some time. The next step here is to identify sites, get planning permission and funding. Safe to say this will be underway in 2017, he said. I welcome any moves to find a new site, said Cllr Caroline Dwane. Now they have acknowledged there is no parking, we have got to be proactive and write to the Minister again, and our TDs, we must keep raising this continuously, said Cllr Willie Aird. At least we are in the melting pot, and they have admitted the problem. Thats a positive response, I hope we are included in the next scheme, said Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald. It defies logic, with Portlaoise being the fourth busiest in Ireland, that we were not included in the current scheme. The reuse of that building will have huge benefits to the town, said Cllr Noel Tuohy. A 23-year-old man convicted of drug dealing who failed to attend his appointments with the probation service has been sentenced to ten months in prison. Lucian Belelie (23), 7 Island Lodge, Walsh Island, Co. Offaly, was previously convicted of drug possession, and possession for sale of supply, at Kilnacourt woods, Portarlington, on April 29, 2015. Reading a probation report on the accused at last weeks district court, Judge Catherine Staines noted that Belelie had failed to attend probation and had to be chased for his appointments. The probation report put him at a high risk of reoffending. Defence, Mr Declan Breen acknowledged that his client didnt even go halfway towards meeting his court-appointed obligations. Admitting that his client had missed appointments, Mr Breen said that one reason for this was that Belelie was the chief carer for his mother and father. Judge Staines countered this by saying the accuseds mother was the chief carer for his father, to which Mr Breen replied that Belelie was involved in looking after his father. Mr Breen also admitted that his client had serious drug issues. Judge Staine said the accused had not contacted the Ana Liffey Project for his drug problems, nor had he gone to the Community Alcohol and Drugs Service (CADS). To this, Mr Breen said that a care worker had been on holiday when Belelie had been trying to contact her. Defence concluded by saying that his client had made another appointment and would attend. However, Judge Staines imposed ten months in prison on the accused. Recognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal. Portlaoise's new secondary school, due to open in September 2017, is to offer classes in Irish as well as English. The patron of the new school was announced today, November 3 as Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (ETB), partnered with An Foras Patrunachta. It will include an Irish language unit, Aonad Lan-Gaeilge. The patron was chosen by the Department of Education, with one other submission by the Catholic organisation Ceist, which is already patron of Scoil Chriost Ri and St Mary's CBS. Laois TD and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan, welcomed the announcement. The development of a fourth secondary school marks unprecedented progress in the education sector in Portlaoise and will ensure that Portlaoise will have an excellent suite of first class schools There has been a rapid population increase in Laois which has put severe pressure on the secondary schools in the area. Construction of a further secondary school in Portlaoise will ensure that there are sufficient school places available for pupils in the Portlaoise area. The priority now is to ensure that the school building is commenced without further delay," he said. The school will open in temporary accommodation for first year students, with the location not yet announced. A permanent new building is to be constructed, which once fully operational, will cater for 1000 students. Minister Flanagan noted that many other schools around Laois need repairs. I am acutely aware that a number of schools around the county are in need of repair and upgrade. In addition, it is essential that the new school building for St Francis Special School is progressed without further delay. I am working with the Department of Educationto ensure that these issues are addressed," he said. The patron was chosen by the Department of Education, with one other submission by the Catholic organisation Ceist, patron of Scoil Chriost Ri and St Mary's CBS. A submission was withdrawn by Educate Together following a lack of local support in their proposal. The Garda officer responsible for policing required by the highest security prison in the country. In his capacity as Garda Chief Superintendent for Laois Offaly, John Scanlon in responsible for overseeing policing support for the high security Portlaoise Prison and the medium security Midlands Prison. There are more than 1,100 prisoners currently housed at both prisons. Portlaoise Prison's population includes gang members and paramilitaries. Chief Supt Scanlon said he would not go into detail on what arrangements on what policing back up during the garda action on Friday other than to say that cognisance had been taken of the "unique situation" that pertains to prisons and that "special consideration had been given to the prisons". He commented after the Garda Representative Association issued a statement in which it outlined the various areas of policing that would be provided during the dispute due to take place on Friday, November 4. These are Regional Support Units [RSU] Garda Technical Bureau [Mapping, Fingerprints, Ballistics and Photographic Sections] Critical Incident/Major Emergency response capabilities Communications Rooms Protection & Escort Personnel/Units National Surveillance Unit Static Protection Posts Special Detective Unit Intelligence Sections Witness Security Programme Unit VIP protection Garda Drugs Organised Crime Bureau Special Dedicated Embassy Patrols Immigration Units Forensic Collision Investigators Attend to prosecutions in court Student and Probationer Garda The International Monetary Fund said it welcomes Thursday's decision by Egypt's central bank to float the country's pound. In a statement emailed to Ahram Online, the IMF said the move "would boost competitiveness and attract foreign investment." "We welcome the Central Bank of Egypt's decision to liberalise the foreign exchange system and adopt a flexible exchange rate regime," IMF Mission Chief for Egypt Chris Jarvis said. "This will make more foreign exchange available. The flexible exchange rate regime, where the exchange rate is determined by market forces, will improve Egypt's external competitiveness, support exports and tourism and attract foreign investment," Jarvis added. Egypt is waiting for IMF board approval of a $12 billion loan package to be delivered over three years. Egypt's government says that it is carrying out economic reforms including the introduction of a value-added tax and cuts in energy subsidies. Search Keywords: Short link: The Irish language group that will co-patron Portlaoise's new secondary school say the new school in Portlaoise will provide diversity in being both co-educational and multi-denominational. An Foras Patrunachta and the Laois Offaly Education and Training Board were approved as a trustee partners of a new school by the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD. Caoimhin OhEaghra is General Secretary of An Foras Patrunachta. "We are delighted to have been approved as a trustee partner for this new secondary school in Portlaoise. We look forward to working with Laois Offaly Education and Training Board who have a long history of excellent education provision in this region. Choice is very important to An Foras Patrunachta and we are delighted that parents preferences were considered as part of this patronage selection process. The new school in Portlaoise will provide diversity in being both co-educational and multi-denominational. Our aim is provide Irish-medium education to every child who wants it. The Irish-medium unit will ensure that there is more diversity of language provision and we will use our expertise to grow the Irish-medium unit in the new secondary school into an independent Gaelcholaiste under the co-patronage of the two organisations," he said. The other applicant for patronage was the Catholic Schools body CEIST. Just one Garda Station will open in Laois if the Garda strike goes ahead according to a statement issued by Garda management issued on the eve of the withdrawal of labour. While there are hopes that talks can prevent the action, Garda HQ have advised the public that from 7am November 4 to 7am November 5 2016 arrangements have been put in place to ensure a policing and security service can be provided that meets the most urgent needs of individuals and communities: These include the 999 service will be available for emergency calls only and the opening of 78 stations albeit with limited number of gardai on duty. Portlaoise will be the only station open in Laois. Tullamore and Birr are the other two stations to open in the Laois Offaly Division. Carlow and Athy version will also be open. The telephone number of Portlaoise is 057-8674100 Garda HQ says calls for service will as usual be prioritised to deal with issues of immediate and serious risk. To ensure that phone lines are kept open for emergency calls, we are asking the public to only ring 999 in an emergency and please do not phone or call to Garda stations unless there is an emergency. If you have an emergency, we will be prioritising our activity to respond to it. General administrative functions in Garda stations such as witnessing passport applications will not be facilitated tomorrow. The gardai advise that road users should take personal responsibility to use the road safely, act within the law and be respectful to each other. The speed camera network will operate as normal tomorrow. Garda HQ also says that it It is anticipated that the airports, ports and the Courts will operate as normal tomorrow. The offical launch of a new gift shop, George and Milly, will take place in Castledermot this Friday November 4 and Saturday, November, 5. Pictured above is Ruth Phelan who opened the shop three weeks ago. The launch will include a 'meet the designer' session where customers can meet the designers behind the brands. The shop promotes shopping locally and buying Irish. Ruth has been in retail for 15 years and during that time she has run a variety of different retail spaces. Including a bikini shop in Toronto, a Jewish bakery in Sydney and sold wedding dresses in Vera Wang in Toronto. "I have worked in retail for 15 years and in those 15 years Ive traveled, Ive managed, set up and Ive run a variety of different retail spaces," said Ruth. "Including a Bikini shop in Toronto, a Jewish bakery in Sydney and wedding dresses in Vera Wang in Toronto. Before travelling I studied Textiles in GMIT in Galway and love all things tactile. I always knew I'd settle in Ireland and I also always knew I would have my own business. I came home from Canada five years ago and fell in love. We bought our own house in Kilkea. The time came and I decided it was time to establish my own brand. I started out designing and making my own bespoke squared scarves and from there it all grew." According to Ruth several people have said that she is brave, but she doesn't see it like that. "To me it was just the next step in achieving my goal.I have literally been planning this for 15 years and now that its finally reality I just want to keep going and see what happens. I have always had such a strong connection with the Irish suppliers and designers so when the time came to open my own shop it was an easy decision to choose Irish designers. In reality, I am only as good as my suppliers and their support, creativity and genius are all key to the success of George and Milly. The brands I stock are from every corner of the island if Ireland and range from Janet Byrne Knitwear from Lucan to Bia Beauty skin care in Cork and a little bit of everything in between. I love working with the Irish suppliers, the quality and the huge range of products are impeccable. We live in a nation of extremely talented people and Im so proud to be able to showcase just a small section their products and designs. Im not dealing with big corporations and factories a lot of my suppliers are just like me following their dreams, I love that. That important to me." Ruth loves to promote shopping local and wants to start a trend of doing so. "I opened in The Old Yard just outside Castledermot the summer of 2016 and I was overwhelmed by the positive reaction people had to my carefully selected stock. When the season ended, I decided to keep going with my new venture, so I was Castledermot bound. Castledermot is such I busy little town and such a strong collection of businesses working together to create a destination town which I was delighted to join. The support from both the local community and the established businesses has been so strong and positive. I have noticed a change in how people shop, they are happy to invest in quality and love supporting the Irish suppliers." Kildare anti-wind farm campaigners believe the government is set to reveal a 750m turbine setback distance from homes in the new wind energy guidelines, just 250m more than the current distance. Sources close to Kildare Environmental Awareness Group (KEAG) have revealed the long awaited guidelines will be published in November. This is outrageous and an insult to the dwellers in rural Ireland, declared spokesperson Sheila OBrien of KEAG. We are calling on the Minister for the Environment not to run with the developers, but to stand by the people of rural Ireland and give a much bigger setback as has been done in other countries including Bavaria in Southern Germany and Poland. The group said a very successful public meeting was held onj Tuesday, October 25 in the Hamlet Court Hotel, Johnstownbridge to discuss the refusal by An Bord Pleanala of the Maighne wind farm a 47 wind turbine application by Element Power. Expert speakers gave comments on the report and suggested various alternatives such as deep geothermal and passive housing standards to meet Irelands CO2 reduction targets. The current European renewable energy policy is failing and CO2 emissions continue to rise along with the energy costs both for business and households, said KEAG. It pointed out the current Draft County Development Plan has not, as yet, made amendments to its energy strategy. However, this could change as soon as the new guidelines are published and leave County Kildare open to new applications by the wind developers, it said. It would then be likely that Element Power will submit a new application as they did in North County Meath. The information received by KEAG was not available at the meeting, but judging by the mood in the hall a wind farm will not be accepted in County Kildare by the constituents, and the people will fight any new attempts, it added. Now people are well informed about the impacts of wind farms in their communities and the developers methodology in sneaking around our community. We are all much smarter now and are ready. TDs James Lawless (FF), Bernard Durkin (FG) and Councillors Padraig McEvoy (Ind) and Tim Durkin (FG) were in attendance. Apologies were received from Fiona O Loughlin (FF). The government had given a committment that the new guidelines would be published within six months of the Programme for Government being published. This means they would have to be signed off by the end of November. It is believed former Ministers Alex White and Alan Kelly could not agree on the guidelines, leading to months and months of delays. When asked about the matter, Dep Martin Heydon said; Work is at an advanced stage with drafts being traded between Minister Simon Coveney and Minister Denis Naughten and we are expecting them to be published very soon. Its understood some FG TDs were pushing for the setback distance to be based on the height of the turbines the greater the height, the greater the distance. It is believed they also wanted the setback to vary depending on the location, with less distance between turbines and homes in bogland areas, compared to areas of agricultural land, in a bid to push wind farms into areas with lower populations. It remains to be seen if those TDs will have any influence on the detail of the guidelines, and if the document will go anyway to alleviate the concerns of the local communities. Meanwhile, as part of An Bord Pleanala's decision, it determined the costs associated with the planning application. It awarded itself 52,198, Kildare County Council 16,068 and Meath County Council 4,126. The Board decided not to award costs to the observers (KEAG, Donadea Against Turbines and other objectors) because "the Strategic Infrastructure Development application process has enabled full participation by the observers in the case and there are no particular circumstances arising that would justify the developer having to make a contribution towards the costs of the observers in this case." Some commuters using the train service from Sallins to Dublin will see the cost of travel fall. At the moment the price of a single adult fare from Sallins to Heuston is 8.70 but will fall to 4.60 cash or 3.56 if you use a Leap Card. The Naas and Sallins Rail Users Action Group, which represent commuters, has been campaigning for lower fares for the up to 500 people who use the service on a daily basis. The effect of the changes made by the National Transport Authority is to cut fares by almost 50% and this is because the NTA has now included Sallins in the short hop zone, which embraces all stations in the Dublin area including Greystones, Co. Wicklow. Like Greystones, the stations at Maynooth, Hazelhatch and Celbridge are already within the zone. Fianna Fail TD and Sallins resident James Lawless has said the news will come as a great relief to many commuters. He also said the decision could transform the area with significant footfall as rail fares become cheaper. The Union of Students in Ireland is urging Irish colleges to train their staff on mental health awareness to help the 41% increase in students seeking counselling with staff cutbacks resulting in six month waiting lists to see counsellors, according to new research by AHEAD (the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability) and the National Learning Network (NLN), a division of the Rehab Group. USI said the staff cutbacks during years of austerity has had a negative impact on the most vulnerable, including those experiencing mental illness who cannot access services due to waiting lists. A student in a state of distress being told to wait 183 days until you can get help is insufficient, irresponsible and extremely dangerous. USI President, Annie Hoey, said. There are financial strains specifically on students that impacts on their mental health, for example, USI research conducted in October 2015 shows us that 73.1% of students said the high cost of college causes them anxiety or stress, 72% of students are struggling financially to stay in college, and if fees go up, 63% of students said they wont be able to attend college. This constant worry about financial struggles as well as exam pressures, personal strains and circumstances, can be huge burdens on young people. A third of young people between the ages of eighteen and twenty five experience mental health difficulties (this age bracket covering students) according to the Mental Health Matters report. There has been an increase in the number of students progressing to higher education (60%), which proportionately includes an increase in the number of students experiencing mental health difficulties. The rising number of third level students experiencing mental illness has not been levelled with support services. Hoey said. Full and part-time college staff being trained in mental health awareness will help as an interim measure to help students experiencing mental illness. BT Ireland has announced a record number of entries for the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which takes place in the RDS, Dublin, on 11-14 January 2017. 2,091 project ideas were submitted by secondary students from 375 schools across the island, an increase of 2% from the 2016 exhibition. Of the 550 projects shortlisted to compete at the exhibition, three come from Co. Leitrim secondary schools, with a total of five students from St. Clares Comprehensive heading to the RDS in January. The three St. Clare's entries are: In the Social and Behavioural Sciences Category, 'A study of how students' attendance at school affect their overall grades'. The purpose of the study is to investigate how a student's attendance at school affect their overall grades. In the Biological and Ecological Category, 'Obesity'. A project is about obesity and the difference in food choice between 1st and 6th years. And in the same category, 'A habitat study of Juncacea in North Leitrim'. This project is a habitat study on rushes and the effects that treatment by farmers have on their surrounding habitat. The 2017 entries at a glance: 2,091 entries received 4,591 students 375 schools represented across the island Cork has the highest number of entries from any county, followed by Dublin and Limerick in second and third place Entrants are 61% female, 39% male 1,622 group entries and 469 individual entries Social & Behavioural Sciences was the most popular category (41% of entries), followed by Biological & Ecological Sciences (29%), Technology (16%) and Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences (14%). There are over 140 teacher and pupil awards to be won, including cash prizes, international trips and the overall title of BT Young Scientist & Technologist(s) of the Year. The US midterm elections as seen from my French window In his first daily column on the 2022 midterms, Le Monde's former US correspondent Gilles Paris discusses America's craze for redrawing electoral districts. If there is a genuine intention to revise the protest law, as recommended by the youth summit held in Sharm al-Sheikh last week and attended by the president, then this would be a positive, welcome step But for the initiative to be celebrated, it must involve real, comprehensive changeit cant be simply an attempt to burnish the countrys image. It must be accompanied by a repeal of other laws issued in the past two years that restrict freedoms. And it must demonstrate the states willingness to start fresh in how it approaches these issues. The protest law adopted in November 2013 was presented as necessary to stop the violence and restore calm and stability. In fact, its real goal was to prohibit peaceful demonstrations, block open channels for protest, and gag troublesome youth voices and exclude them from politics. Ordinary criminal law had and still has plenty of provisions to deter violence and sedition without need for an additional statute. Yet the protest law made peaceful protest a crime punishable by up to five years imprisonment, even if it entailed no violence, property destruction, or even blocking of traffic. The law led many Egyptians, especially youth, to withdraw their support from the nascent June 30 state. The law has four primary flaws: 1) it restricts the right of peaceful demonstration by de facto requiring prior permission from the Interior Ministry, in violation of Article 73 of the constitution, which states that demonstrations can be organised after providing notice; 2) it defines a meeting of ten persons in one place as a demonstration punishable under the law, also in violation of constitutional rights upholding the freedom of assembly, association, and expression; 3); it places unrealistic restrictions on the right of peaceful protest, including by limiting demonstrations to certain places; and 4) it carries a penalty of up to five years imprisonment and a fine of LE100,000 for participation in a peaceful demonstration, even absent any violence, harm, or obstruction of the economy, which violates the constitutional principle of proportionality between crime and punishment. Granted, every country regulates demonstrations and prescribes penalties for those who violate the regulations; no one is demanding that Egypt not have such law. But if there is a real intention to rectify this mistake and move forward, these flaws must be all be addressed within a legal framework that balances protection of society with the protection of citizens freedom and right to protest. Thats the protest law. Other statutes that restrict freedoms include those that curb the freedom and activity of civil society, in particular Law 128/2014 (the law of other things) which carries a sentence of life imprisonment for ordinary citizens and death for civil servants who accept money, material, or "any other things" in violation of the law. They also include laws which expand the jurisdiction of military courts to try civilians, in violation of constitutional regulations, and others that define a number of crimes in overly broad terms that do not meet the precision required by criminal statutes. There are other problematic laws as well, such as those restricting freedom of expression on various grounds, most importantly defamation of religion, the protection of social peace, and the need to stop rumors that undermine that the national economy. Limits should also be placed on the increased use of pretrial detention in a way that violates laws on criminal procedure, as well as travel bans, asset freezes, and other measures that have become a means to punish citizens without convictions in court. The initiative should also include a comprehensive amnesty for prisoners of conscience and everyone sentenced to prison because of their participation in peaceful demonstrations or the expression of their opposition to state policies without involvement in violence or terrorism. Most importantly, the state must be willing to change its approach to rights and liberties. It must realize that a reliance on security approaches alone to meet the challenges facing society is inadequate and will not bring security, stability, or economic development. It must open a new page to restore young peoples confidence in the country and their desire to participate, harness wasted energies, and mend the divisions in society. If the state is seriously considering changes to the protest law, its not enough to amend an article here and there. It must have the courage and foresight to fundamentally change course, start fresh, and make a real breakthrough in the political climate. Half measures wont cut it, but will just leave us retreading the same old ground. *The writer holds a PhD in financial law from the London School of Economics. He is former deputy prime minister, former chairman of the Egyptian Financial Supervisory Authority and former chairman of the General Authority for Investment. A version of this article was published in Arabic in El-Shorouq newspaper on Monday, 31 October. Search Keywords: Short link: Continuing the series of articles attacking Egypt, which became rife after the downfall of the Muslim Brotherhood in June 2013, American researcher Steven Cook wrote in the latest issue of Foreign Affairs (November/December 2016) an article entitled Egypts Nightmare: Sisis Dangerous War on Terror. The article launched a heavy attack on Egypt's internal policies and the Egyptian foreign ministry during the last two years. In particular, it criticises Egyptian policy towards the Muslim Brotherhood organisation. The article claims the Egyptian regime is seeking to exterminate the organisation under the pretext that no substantial differences exist between the Muslim Brotherhood and other jihadist takfiri organisations, including the Islamic State group (IS), and that all such terrorist organisations sprang from the Muslim Brotherhood. Cook reiterates the description of what happened in June 2013 as a coup detat, claiming that President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has established an even more harshly authoritarian regime than the one Hosni Mubarak oversaw and that Egyptians regard the January 2011 revolution's slogans as a remote memory, to quote him. Cook elaborates on the internal economic situation, adding that the Egyptian state has become interested in only one thing pursuing the Muslim Brotherhood organisation to eradicate it once and for all, and that the state has reduced all its functions and objectives to this sole purpose. In an extremely strange conclusion. Cook writes that the Egyptian state doesnt care about the consequences, on Egyptian citizens, of achieving this end. Egyptians, he says, began to pay the price of this policy, but they are not alone, Cook claims. Also the Gazans, Syrians and Libyans are paying the price! As a matter of fact, the article raises a number of questions, which raise in turn suspicions regarding the real objectives of the article. The first of these is the timing of its publication. Definitely, the publication of the article at this time, a few days before 11 November, raises a big question about the real objective behind it, and if it consists of foreign operations to mobilise the Egyptian street towards a certain direction for the benefit of certain political currents, or preparing American and international decision-makers in the same direction. These suspicions are linked to strong doubts regarding the relationship between Western academic research and political currents inside Egypt and several Arab countries. These currents continue to seek to employ part of the academic and research community in these countries to serve specific international interests. Apart from Cooks overlooking the June Revolution and its preludes, which is a fallacy weve gotten accustomed to in the frame of political judgments made by many Western researchers and intellectual centres, the article includes many value judgments that do not befit an academic periodical such as Foreign Affairs, or an academic writer who is supposed to be an expert on African and Middle East affairs. Cook must know the difference between a value judgment and political stand, on the one hand, and disciplined research on the other. If it is possible that the first is uttered by a political activist or an ideologue, it is impermissible that an academic researcher engage in this kind of writing. Cooks article includes numerous value judgments, which are unacceptable unless the target audience of the article is political activists or ideologues. Among these value judgments, Cook claims that President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi has established an even more harshly authoritarian regime than the one Mubarak oversaw, without explaining how he reached this conclusion. Is it possible that a certain president succeed in establishing an authoritarian regime exceeding in authoritarianism that which was established by a regime that spanned 30 consecutive years? Did Cook review the structures of the post-June Revolution regime and compare it with that of the Mubarak regime? Did Cook analyse the factors responsible for the weakness of Middle East democracies, especially prevalent cultural, social and economic factors in the countries of the region? Did Cook review the reasons for the weakness of political parties and their responsibility in failing to establish Western-style democracies, in spite of radical changes introduced in the constitutional and legal framework governing the work of these structures in Egypt, for instance? How much is El-Sisi responsible for authoritarian characteristics extant during two years only of his rule, in the view of Western researchers and intellectual centres? That is, if we suppose that El-Sisi is indeed aiming at establishing such an authoritarian regime. These were the approaches the researcher should have relied on before reaching a conclusion that doesnt exceed being a value judgment governed by political objectives. Cook reached another more dangerous conclusion that the political, economic and security costs of the Egyptian state's attack against the Muslim Brotherhood isnt restricted to Egyptian citizens but has extended to include Gazans, Syrians and Libyans, claiming that it contributes in a status of instability in these countries, even in the entire Middle East region. Cook claims here that the Egyptian government's focus on fighting the Muslim Brotherhood made it blind to fundamental differences between Syrias Muslim Brotherhood and Egypts Muslim Brotherhood, claiming that this policy ended up in Egypt siding with the Russia-Iran-Hizbullah axis backing Bashar Al-Assads regime, even if the Egyptian standpoint was confined to political and diplomatic support confronting the US-Emirates-Saudi Arabia-Turkey axis. In the final analysis, according to Cooks claim, this led to dividing the Arab world and the Syrian regime continuing to rule, with Egypt transformed into a force of instability in the Middle East! Cook repeated the same conclusion with the same logic regarding the Libyan case, claiming that Egypt represented a factor of instability in Libya in light of its support for General Haftar, who also adopts an antagonistic stance towards Islamists in Libya. This led Cook claims to Egypt deepening the state of division and decline in national reconciliation opportunities in Libya! He repeats the same charge in the case of Gaza, claiming that Egyptian policy aiming at eliminating the Muslim Brotherhood drove the Egyptian state to seek the elimination of Hamas through destroying the tunnels on Gaza's southern border, isolating Gaza from Sinai. It even reached the extent, Cook claims, of Egypt encouraging Israel during its military operations against Hamas in 2014 to reoccupy Gaza and deal a devastating blow to the organisation. Allegedly Israel refused! What price is Cook talking about? Who is responsible for the hazardous security and humanitarian situation in Syria? Is it international polarisation American-Russian, and the conflict between them over influence and interests without putting into consideration the Syrian people and the Syrian state? Is it regional polarisation, which constitutes an extension of international polarisation and which Egypt was adamant not to be part of? Is it the Syrian regime and its army, which didnt display any consideration for the Syrian people, preferring the defence of the narrow interests of the ruling elite and its regional and international allies, until the last Syrian citizen falls? Or is it all this and Cook ignores it all because he doesnt want to direct any criticism to Western policies in the region and put the blame on them for the current situation and the price the Syrian citizen and Syrian state pay due to these policies? Is it the Muslim Brotherhood project that seeks to control the Syrian state starting with establishing the Syrian National Council and their alliance with the jihadist takfiri organisations? Cook ignores it in order to avoid directing any criticism to Syrias Muslim Brotherhood. Who is responsible for the downfall of the Libyan state? Is it, for instance Western military intervention that didnt rely on any conception or real project for rebuilding Libya after the war? Is it Western insistence on not arming the National Libyan Army and leaving the arena to military and jihadist takfiri militias, including IS and the Muslim Brotherhood? Is it, for instance, refusal to give any effective role for General Haftar in the frame of a national project to extricate Libya from its current political and security situation? Or is it all this, and Cook ignores it all because he doesnt want to direct any criticism to Western policies in the region and put the blame on them for the current situation and the price the Libyan citizen and the Libyan state pay due to these policies? Who is responsible for the deterioration of security in Gaza? Is it, for instance, the Israeli government that refuses any peace initiative? Is it American and European weakness in confronting their Israeli ally and the USs inability to impose a peace project on consecutive Israeli governments? Despite Arab societies and states boredom with repeated American talk about US commitments towards peace in the Middle East and the theory of the two state solution, is it problematic that we only hear the same? Is it all this and Cook ignores it because he doesnt want to direct any criticism to Western policies and put the blame on them for the current situation facing the Palestinian citizen in Gaza and elsewhere? Cook even ignores inter-Palestinian strife in order to avoid directing any criticism to Gazas Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas. Once again, was it required of the Egyptian people to relinquish their country and historical identity for the benefit of the Muslim Brotherhood project in Egypt, in order to be a foundation stone for similar Muslim Brotherhood projects in Gaza, Syria and Libya, so as to avoid paying the prices Cook talks about? Was it required that Egyptian policy identify itself with that of other regional powers, only so as not those citizens pay the prices which Cook talks about, without any consideration for Egyptian national interests or Egyptian national security, so that Egyptian citizens would not pay the prices Cook talks about? What force of instability does Egypt represent in the region? What is the stability that Cook has in mind? Is it the stability that relies on the project of an authoritarian, sectarian religious group, to quote the description Cook himself used concerning the Muslim Brotherhood in his article? What are the distinctions between Syrias Muslim Brotherhood and Egypts Muslim Brotherhood? Did Cook review the relationship between Syrias Muslim Brotherhood and the jihadist takfiri organisations there? Did Cook review the several Western reports that concluded an ideological relationship between the Muslim Brotherhood and the violent the jihadist takfiri organisations exists, including IS and Al-Qaeda? First and foremost comes the report issued by the British government in December 2015 and the International Criminal Law Bureau report issued in the same month. Did Cook make a content analysis study of Egypts Muslim Brotherhood and the leaders of IS and Al-Qaeda, in order to arrive at the truth of the relationship between them and other violent jihadist organisations? Did Cook study the important document titled Jurisprudence of Popular Resistance to the Coup (Fiqh al-Muqawamma al-Shabiyya l-il-Inqilab) which lay the foundations of the transformation of the Muslim Brotherhood to violence? Cooks analysis and feeble connection between Egyptian policy against the Muslim Brotherhood and the situation in Gaza and the Syrian and Libyan crises cant be interpreted except in the context of the continuance of American and Western laments on the fall of the Western project that developed against the backdrop of the beginning of the Arab Spring. This project presented itself in elevating the Muslim Brotherhood and handing over power to them in the countries of the region. This interpretation seemed clear when Cook praised in his article the role that Morsis regime played in defending the Syrian opposition (the Muslim Brotherhood in its heart) and Morsis sympathy with the fighting jihadist groups in Egypt, Gaza and Syria. And when he also warned US Congress against considering the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group on the grounds that this step would drive the El-Sisi regime into taking a more hard-line stance towards the Muslim Brotherhood, with the regional repercussions such a stance would have, according to Cooks vision. While Cook himself admits that Egyptians suffered under the Muslim Brotherhood and that they proved during their rule that they were an authoritarian, sectarian group that has no vision, he denies El-Sisis regime the legitimate right of adopting as an objective eliminating the project of that group forever. His denial relies on his conclusion that this organisation has successfully infiltrated Egyptian society through its social and service networks, and the inability of any previous political regime to eliminate it. Moreover, Cook adds that the organisation has achieved what he describes as legitimacy through its opposition of the Nazism of the 1930s, monarchy in the 1940s, and the British occupation in the 1950s. If we suppose that the Muslim Brotherhood represented a part of the opposition to these regimes, Cooks denial of the Egyptian states right to eliminate this sectarian, authoritarian organisation is baseless. First, is it possible to concede to a sectarian-authoritarian project due to the organisations oldness and the oldness of its project? Does the inability of any previous regime to eliminate it justify keeping and accepting its project? Second, Mr Cook should have distinguished between the objective of eliminating the political, organisational and ideological project of the group, on the one hand, and the groups members, on the other. If it is permissible to eliminate the first, the Egyptian state remained committed to this in the light of the constitution and law, despite the huge prices it pays, including the fall of civilian and military martyrs and in spite of criticisms directed against it by society due to its adherence to trying those involved before ordinary courts and even giving the organisations symbols and leaders legal privileges before the Egyptian judiciary. If Mr Cook implies responsibility for those who fell in the Rabaa and Al-Nahda sit-ins, the real one responsible for their fall is the one who lured them and assembled them by the use of lies in the name of religion. Third, Mr Cook overlooked that the objective of destroying the Muslim Brotherhood project isnt the objective of the Egyptian state only, but has become Egyptian societys objective. If Mr Cook read well the preludes of the June Revolution and its slogans, he would have arrived at the conclusion that a significant transformation has taken place in Egyptian society and the standpoints of its political forces towards the Muslim Brotherhood and their religious project. Last, but not least, if Cook sees Egyptian policy as a factor of instability in the region, reducing all its functions to destroying the Muslim Brotherhood, we wont demand from him anything save reviewing the policies of Western powers in Afghanistan, Iraq and the whole Middle East region since 11 September 2001 until now, in order to find out the truth of those powers responsibility in creating a state of structural instability, and how the war on terror strategy, with its military and non-military aspects, ended up in destroying countries and constructing sectarian regimes and sectarianising regional policies, with the expansion of Al-Qaeda from Afghanistan to the Middle East with strong branches in Iraq, the Levant, the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, Central Asia and South East Asia. All this ended up in a subsequent stage with the emergence of IS and other jihadist takfiri organisations. Do let Mr Cook come and inform us about which countries constitute factors of chaos and instability in the region. The writer is a researcher in Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies Search Keywords: Short link: US Secretary of State John Kerry delighted locals in Boher by dropping into Pa McGrath's pub for lunch on his visit to the region recently. The politician had lunch, pulled a pint behind the bar and posed for photos on his way visit, which was to receive a peace prize in Tipperary last Sunday. Mr Kerry was accompanied on the surprise visit by US Ambassador to Ireland Kevin O'Malley and Senator Gary Hart. "He made an unscheduled stop and we were very pleased to be able to look after them and their entourage - he even pulled a pint the bar," said a delighted Brid Lynch. The Secretary of State flew into Shannon, where he was greeted by Shannon Group chairman Rose Hynes on the tarmac. She said: "It was a great honour for us to welcome Secretary of State John Kerry to Shannon and Ireland last Sunday on his way to collect the Tipperary International Peace Award." Kerry later travelled to The Aherlow House Hotel, Glen of Aherlow for the Tipperary International Peace Awards ceremony, where he received the award. He also met with with Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan and held a joint press conference. A LIMERICK author has been awarded the Luke Bitmead Bursary and a publishing contract with UK publishers Legend Press for his self-published book, Me, Myself and Them: Your Own Worst Enemy. Dan Mooney was chosen over nine other shortlisted finalists and thousands of applicants for the 2,500 bursary, which includes a single-book contract with Legend Press. Mr Mooney, who lives on Joseph Street, said that he was delighted to be chosen for the bursary, which aims to support the work of struggling and new authors. They read out a list of the names and when they called out second place my friends who were there with me started patting me on the back because my name was the only one left to be called, he recalled. It was a complete surprise to me. I did not expect or see it coming at all. Im still shocked and completely stunned. The story follows main character Denis and his struggle with mental health. He thinks that he lives with his four housemates, but in reality he is losing his mind and they are four divisions of his personalities. The 32-year old got the inspiration for the dark and funny story when he overheard two elderly women chatting over coffee. One of them said to the other: We all have our own monsters to deal with. I assume she meant to say demons because thats the common expression, but she said monsters, and that struck me as such a strong image. I started to think about what would happen if our monsters could walk around with us and went where we went. That idea stuck in my head and I started playing with it and expanding on it, he recalled. He now has his sights set on working with the prestigious publishing company to edit and complete the book, but also said that he will be working on other projects during the 18-month contract. I dont see myself working solely on this for the next few months. In between time Ill be working on other projects, he explained, adding that he intends to share more of his work with the publishing company, and he has already started his second book. Me, Myself and Them: Your Own Worst Enemy is expected to be published in June and will appear in bookstores next summer. Mr Mooneys self-published version is still available to buy as an eBook from Amazon. EDUCATION Minister Richard Bruton has confirmed who will run Limericks two new secondary schools. Two new schools are proposed to open in the coming years, both catering for 600 students each. The secondary school proposed for the Monaleen/Castletroy area will be run by Educate Together, while the facility planned for Mungret is to be managed by the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. The Mungret school will open next September to first years, with the facility in Monaleen/Castletroy to follow 12 months later. Educate Together schools are unique in that children are accepted regardless of religious belief, Decisions are sought democratically with the views of teachers, students and parents all carrying an equal weight. It was initially anticipated the group would only apply for the patronage of the Mungret school. But they also announced their intention to seek to run the new Monaleen/Castletroy facility earlier this year. It will be the communitys first secondary school in Limerick City. The Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, meanwhile already run a number of schools across the city, including Gaelcholaiste Luimni and Castletroy College. Senator Kieran ODonnell has offered his congratulations to both parties. This announcement will bring much relief for parents and sixth class primary students looking to fill in their secondary school preference form under the Common Application System, which has to be submitted by January 16 next, he said. With the new secondary school in Mungret due to open next September for first years, this ensures that the newly appointed patrons, Limerick & Clare Education & Training board can now proceed to hold an open night very shortly for prospective students and their parents. Fellow Senator Maria Byrne also welcomed the announcement. Nov 3, 2016, 1 PM The need for higher denominations brought two new Landscape stamps in 1936, a 35-centime yellow-green Balsthal Pass stamp (Scott 235) and a 40c stamp in gray showing the Alpine Lake of Santis (236). In 1948, the latter was reissued in ultramarine (321), a In 1935, the Swiss PTT purchased from the firm of Goebel in Darmstadt, Germany, an SSR 1 intaglio press similar to this press purchased by the Swedish postal administration in 1938. To test its capabilities in various colors and papers, Karl Bickel create Switzerlands Landscape definitives were overprinted for use as Official stamps. Shown are 20-centime Lake Lugano stamps with a 1938 Official Cross overprint (Scott O5), with the 1942-45 script Officiel (O23), with the 1942-43 League of Nations overprin Just because Swiss Landscape coil stamps dont have parallel straight edges as United States coils do doesnt mean you cannot collect them. Shown are the front and back of the 10-stamp 5-centime Mount Pilatus strip; vertical strips have 11 stamps. Countin Close comparison of these 15-centime orange Rhone Glacier stamps from 1934 (left) and 1936 (right) again shows how the finer composition and line weight of engraving can add subtlety and verisimilitude even to a landscape displayed in a single nonrepresen Both the typographed and intaglio 30-centime Rhine Falls Landscape stamps (Scott 225, 234) are perfectly serviceable definitives, but only the latter convincingly conveys the untamed power of the rapids that roil the river. That might be due to the artist Se-tenant printing combinations of the Swiss Landscape definitives are affordable and attractive. All originate from 90-stamp printing sheets created to furnish booklet panes, then cut so that the selvage can bind the booklets. Whether perforated through The perfins on these 20-centime St. Gotthard Railroad stamps were to designate their use as Official stamps. The nine-hole perfin represents the Swiss cross. The typographed version (left) and engraved version (right) were used in 1934 and 1936, respectiv From left to right, eliminating the dark panel behind HELVETIA and the heavily shaded 10 on the 1934 10-centime Chillon Castle stamp (Scott 221) makes its 1936 successor (229) look more balanced, and doesnt overwhelm the scenery. The same design was Photographically cropped from a large sheet, this image of five engraved essays for the 5-centime 1936 Swiss Landscape definitives appeared in Adrian Keppels article Karl Bickel: Of Mountains and Men in the March 2016 issue of Gibbons Stamp Monthly, an Inscribed in the three official languages of Switzerland, this souvenir sheet depicting four Swiss Landscapes definitives was issued Sept. 29, 1934, at the opening of the Swiss National Philatelic Exhibition in Zurich. Just over two years later, these sta Issued in 1934 and designed by Eugen Jordi, the typographically printed 3-centime stamp depicting Staubbach Falls (Scott 219) was replaced two years later by a stamp showing a similar scene (227), but engraved in a strikingly different style by Karl Bicke Many traditional postal patrons and stamp collectors did not care for Bickels first designs for the lower denominations in Switzerlands 1923 airmail issue, including this modernistic 40-centime Pilot (Scott C7) threading his way through the Alps. But so The 5-centime Mount Pilatus stamps in Switzerlands Landscape series show the village of Stanstaad or Stannstad in the foreground, a similar view is shown on this 1890-1900 Photochrom color print. Long before the 1934-48 Landscape definitives, Switzerland had previously replaced unsatisfactory stamps of one design with new stamps showing the same scene and bearing the same denomination. A 1918 3-franc red stamp showing Switzerlands Mythen (Scott 1 From left to right, the crowded complexity of roads, railways, bridges and tunnels in the 1934 20-centime St. Gotthard Railroad stamp (Scott 223) looked a bit better on Bickels 1936 engraved version (232), but it was not a great improvement. In 1938, the Both the 1934 and 1936 25-centime stamps (Scott 224, 233) depicting the gorge at Via Mala, which means bad road in Latin, show a claustrophobically narrow pathway, the sort of obstacle that has helped keep invaders out of Switzerland since 1499. Less th By Fred Baumann When I began this rambling tour of great sets and series of the world eight months ago, I invited Linns readers to let me know which stamps and sets hit the sweet spot in their philatelic souls. What brings a smile to your face and a warm feeling whenever you open your album? One of those who shared his thoughts with a commendable combination of brevity and eloquence was Richard T. Hall of Asheville, N.C.: I would like to nominate the 1936 engraved Landscape definitive set of Switzerland (Scott 227-236) as one of the great sets. Superbly engraved, highlighting some of the great scenic vistas of the country coupled with a long life spanning World War II, it offers philatelic variety as well as a view into an interesting era of modern postal history. Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Thats well said, and its no surprise. Among many accomplishments, Hall has served since the 1990s as secretary and librarian of the American Helvetia Philatelic Society. He also edited the beautifully illustrated Philately of Switzerland: An Introductory Handbook, which has won prizes here and abroad. It is a most appealing, readable and informative outreach tool for the society, available as a 352-page book (2010) or on computer optical disc (2015). Ive spent much time ruminating on Halls suggestion of the Swiss Landscape stamps. In fact, their story is even more engaging than he suggests. It begins in the early 1930s in Switzerland, a nation with impeccable philatelic antecedents. The Swiss cantons of Zurich and Geneva issued their first postage stamps four years before the United States did. The 1845 first issue of Basel, its famous embossed 2-rappen Basel Dove, was the worlds first tricolored postage stamp and one of the most striking designs of the 19th century. However, Switzerland in the 1930s was in need of new definitive stamps. For eight decades, Swiss stamps had depicted the Swiss cross (1849-1924); various images of the nations female allegory Helvetia (1854-1909); and William Tell, the father and son symbols of Swiss prowess and courage (1907-21). After 144 years of combined service, retirement was overdue. Alpine Landscapes Those who chose wisely selected alpine landscapes of Switzerland as fresh subjects for a new definitive series in 1934. Seven typographed monochrome designs by Eugen Jordi were printed on granite paper with large Swiss Cross watermarks: a 3-centime olive Staubbach Falls (Scott 219); 5c emerald Mount Pilatus (220); 10c bright violet Chillon Castle (221); 15c orange Rhone Glacier (222); 20c red St. Gotthard Railroad (223); 25c brown Via Mala Gorge (224); and 20c ultramarine Rhine Falls (225). These stamps were issued July 2, 1934. Youll find all these stamps pictured across the pages of this article, although no single item gives the sense and style of the set as effectively as the Sept. 29 souvenir sheet showing four denominations. Issued at the opening of Naba 1934, the National Stamp Exhibition in Zurich, souvenir sheets were sold for three times their 50c face value, the additional franc going to help fund the show. The print run of 50,000 was readily snapped up, and those who refused to part with 1.50fr to support the hobby then now have an album space that will cost hundreds of dollars to fill. A number of sources I consulted said or implied that the 1934 Landscape stamps were unpopular, or disappointed the PTT (the Swiss postal, telegraph and telephone service), or simply failed to impress the public, though no one offered even an anecdote to back this claim. It may be that any stamps that failed to look exactly as postage had looked for the preceding 80 years were doomed to be derided in an aesthetically conservative country. At any rate, they were not the success the PTT had hoped for; perhaps it was the Depression. New Press and Karl Bickel The following year, in 1935, the PTT acquired a new press for stamp printing, an intaglio SSR 1 from the Goebel firm in Darmstadt, Germany. A quarter-century earlier, Goebel had delivered to Germanys Reichspost the worlds first web-fed intaglio stamp press capable of in-line perforation, and Switzerland was only the latest stamp producer to buy one for its operations. An old promotional photo from the Swedish postal administration nearby shows a similar Goebel stamp press it acquired in 1938. With the new press installed in Bern, it occurred to someone probably Karl Bickels good friend Hans Gaudard, then head of PTT security printing operations to invite Bickel to see if he could give the Landscape stamps a new lease on life. Bickel not only agreed, he also visited Switzerland and sketched many of the sites in person. According to Ernest A. Kehr, writing in Stamps, Bickel was given free rein to adapt Eugen Jordis pictures for recess engraving. [Bickel] not only designed the stamps, but engraved the dies under conditions unusual for this work. Bickel even designed a test stamp to learn the capabilities of the new press and the intaglio process with different colors, line weights and papers, shown near the press. 5-Centime Mount Pilatus Nearby is an unusual strip of five engraved designs for the 5c Mount Pilatus stamp, which are shown with Jordis 1934 stamp below the left end, and the finished 1936 stamp below the right end. Photographically cropped to make comparison easier, this image of engraved essays appeared in Adrian Keppels article Karl Bickel: Of Mountains and Men on page 92 in the March 2016 issue of Gibbons Stamp Monthly, and appears courtesy of that magazines editor, Dean Shepherd. Please take a moment or two and take a good, close look at the strip of five. In the essay on the far left, Bickel does a fairly good job of capturing the feel of Jordis original 1934 definitive (Scott 220). The denomination and inscription are almost identical, and even the coarser, irregular lines of the typographic design are very close to those of that first stamp. This was the benchmark upon which Bickel hoped to improve. The four stamp designs to the right of it are all significantly but not dramatically different essays, though you have to look carefully to recognize all the differences. The sky, the mountains, Lake Lucerne, the castle tower in the foreground, the trees, and the text are different in each of the five designs. Set off slightly to the right, the final essay is in every important detail the same as the 1936 stamp, though it is not the stamps precise design. It is much more heavily shaded than the issued stamp (Scott 228), and some of the lines on it differ slightly from the essay. That little village with the distinctive tower in the foreground is called Stanstaad or Stannstad, and a color view much like it may be found on a rare 1890-1900 Photochrom color print in the public domain in the U.S. Library of Congress archives. The additional detail Bickel was able to include in his stamps because of the on-site sketches he made was significant, and enhances their sense of authenticity. However, there is one prominent object in his 1936 5c stamp that I find no evidence of in images of the village. Its a narrow, rough-hewn vertical structure, rendered as though it grew there, just above the H in HELVETIA. If such an object existed it would be hard to miss; the early 14th-century tower is 60 feet tall, and this column is a third taller, which would approach 90 feet if rendered to scale. Notice, too, that Bickel moved it around and subtly modified its appearance in his essays. Could it have been a creative artifact that existed only in his imagination? There are images on the web of most of Bickels stamp subjects, and I encourage you to search for them, to enhance your appreciation of his achievements and artistry. More Revised Designs Contrasting the designs of the 10c Chillon Castle stamps, it is clear that removing the solid dark panel behind HELVETIA and the heavily shaded 10 on the 1934 stamp (Scott 221) makes its red-brown 1936 successor (229) look more balanced, and doesnt overwhelm the scenery. The same design was reused in different colors throughout the life cycle of the series: dark red-brown in 1939 (230), orange-brown in 1942 (230B) and finally in green in 1948 (317). Similarly, close comparison of the 15c orange Rhone Glacier stamps from 1934 (left, Scott 222) and 1936 (right, 231) again shows how the finer composition and line weight of engraving can add subtlety and realism even to a landscape displayed in a single shade. The ice looks icier, the switchback roads seem more authentic, and the detailed stonework of the roadbed on the left looks far more believable than the jagged teeth on the earlier stamp. Switzerlands St. Gotthard Railway complex, pictured in red on the 20c stamp in 1934 (Scott 223), defied even Bickels formidable skills in the sense that his carmine version in 1936 (232) failed to find any more favor with the public than its predecessor did. The later engraved stamp has much more detail more realistically rendered than the typographic process was capable of, but this massive and important project simply has too much going on to successfully fit onto a definitive. If you dont believe me, consider this: Construction began in 1872 and the final phase will be completed by 2020. The stamp lasted two years, just as long as its predecessor. When a decent opportunity presented itself in 1938, it was replaced with a handsome new 20c red stamp depicting Lake Lugano, printed with smooth gum (Scott 240), with grilled gum (243c), and in a horizontal pair on a granite paper souvenir sheet for the 1938 National Philatelic Exhibition in Aarau (242). Its a far more tranquil scene than St. Gotthard, and was successful enough to be reprinted in 1948 in orange brown (318). Both the 1934 and 1936 25c stamps (Scott 224, 233) depicting the gorge at Via Mala, which means bad road in Latin, show a claustrophobically narrow pathway, the sort of obstacle that has helped keep invaders out of Switzerland since 1499. Less than welcoming to potential tourists, too, this design gave way in 1948 to a 25c carmine stamp (319) showing Grisons National Park, located in the same Swiss canton. The three stamps are shown above. Via Mala seems aptly named, whereas the theoretically more appealing Grisons National Park stamp reminds me of the approaches to volcanic Mount Doom of Mordor, where Tolkiens Lord of the Rings saga reaches its fiery finale. Nearby are the typographed (Scott 225) and the intaglio (234) 30c Rhine Falls Landscape stamps. Both are serviceable definitives, but only Bickels design conveys the untamed power of the rapids that dominate the great river at this point, a frequent subject of tourist snapshots. The need for higher denominations brought two new Landscape stamps in 1936, a 35c yellow-green Balsthal Pass stamp (Scott 235) and a 40c stamp in gray showing the Alpine Lake of Santis (236). In 1948, the latter was reissued in ultramarine (321). Finally, the 5c Mount Pilatus stamp in that most Swiss of shades chocolate also was issued in 1948 (Scott 316) because by then two other green Landscape stamps were in regular use (235 and 317). Varieties Thats all the stamp designs, but it barely opens the book on what is collectible about them. Scott lists a few of the best-known varieties. For example, during 1936-40, all of the engraved Landscapes have smooth gum, although most have inexpensive and collectible counterparts printed on grilled gum as well (227a-2236a). If youre looking for more, youll probably be best served consulting European catalogs: the two-volume Zumstein Spezialkatalog Schweiz, or the Michel Schweiz-/Liechtenstein-Spezial-Katalog. Both are in German, and each has a wealth of information on paper and gum types, plate flaws, re-entries and more, along with the illustrations youll need to make sense of them. Youll also be well-served by the excellent graphic presentation of the engraved 10c by the American Helvetia Philatelic Society in the second edition of its Philately of Switzerland: An Introductory Handbook, available on CD for $10 from the society. For more information, visit the societys website. Precedents When I began this article, It initially struck me as odd that a stamp-issuing nation breaking from tradition would issue stamps unlike almost all those it had previously produced, and then when they fell into ill favor, would get someone else to produce the same scenes. However, I had failed to note the philatelic precedents for such a decision already set by Switzerland. Well before the Landscapes, the Swiss had replaced unsatisfactory stamps of one scenic view with new stamps showing the same scene and denomination. Seen nearby, a 1918 3fr red stamp showing the Mythen (Scott 182), a pair of mountains in central Switzerland, was replaced in 1931 with a re-engraved orange-brown design (209) of the same locale, and a 1914 5fr deep ultramarine stamp depicting the spot where the Old Swiss Confederacy was first formed (183) was superseded by a second issued in 1928 (206). Officials One enjoyable way to collect the Landscape definitives is as overprinted Official stamps for use by the Swiss government and by the League of Nations. The League of Nations was headquartered in Geneva from 1920 to 1946, when it was supplanted by the United Nations. Official stamps for the League of Nations stamps and its member organizations are far more numerous than those of the Swiss government, and most of the 1934-48 Landscapes saw use in that capacity, and all from 1938 on are Scott-listed. For maximum visibility of the often tiny black overprints, I chose the 20c stamps printed in red or carmine for illustration, including the 20c St. Gotthard Railroad stamp both typographed and engraved with the nine-hole Swiss perfin representing the Swiss cross, used in 1934 and 1936 and unlisted in Scott. Also shown are 20c Lake Lugano stamps with a 1938 Official cross overprint (Scott O5), the 1942-45 script Officiel (O23), the 1942-43 League of Nations overprint (2O69), and the 1944 International Bureau of Education Officials (4O5). Coils Though many collectors in North America scarcely know they exist, coil stamps have long been part of Swiss definitive issues. However, they are not as easy to collect as United States or Canadian coil stamps, which are easily identified by their parallel straight edges on two opposite sides. Individual Swiss coil stamps look just like sheet-format stamps, because they are perforated identically, then coiled into rolls. The characteristics that identify them as coils vanish when they are used, so they are collected in mint singles or multiples. Nearby, Ive shown the front and back of two coil strips of the 5c Mount Pilatus stamp to show how they are collected. Vertical strips from complete coil rolls or from dealers who break them down can be collected in 11-stamp strips, which cannot have come from a pane of stamps printed 10 by 10. Similarly, these as well as shorter vertical or horizontal strips or even individual stamps can be collected displaying the counting numbers printed on the gum side of every fifth stamp. In fact, the 10-stamp horizontal strip shown is one on which counting numbers of adjacent coil rolls have been retained together, showing how the stamps are counted, with alphabetical prefixes A through K followed by 7490. Se-Tenant and Tete-Beche Swiss booklet panes from this period are prohibitively expensive to collect. It also seems that exploded booklets carefully disassembled with covers, stamps and interleaving retained for display or exhibit are virtually nonexistent. Even Michel catalogs, which show images of almost all rare German booklet panes, show very few for Switzerland. Even so, se-tenant printing combinations are abundant and affordable, because the panes from which they were taken were sold to collectors by the PTT. Scott lists and values only tete-beche pairs, while the se-tenants with a perforated or printed label between stamps are listed in the European catalogs. Se-tenant printings originate from 90-stamp printing sheets created to furnish booklet panes, which were then cut vertically so that the selvage can be used to bind the booklets, as on this pane of 20c Lake Lugano stamps. Tete-beche pairs can be taken from the third and fourth columns in the sheet, where six-stamp panes were printed back to back to make them easy to recognize and cut. Pairs of stamps with printed or perforated blank labels come from columns six through eight. Whether these are perforated or overprinted with rows of Xs, the purpose was to make sure no stamp-sized piece of usable unprinted stamp paper could fall into fraudulent hands. Which stamps, sets, or series make you glad to be a collector? Which ones do you turn to first when you meet with other collectors, or have occupied your interest and fascination for years? If you have one or more candidates, please write to me in care of Linns Stamp News, or email me at fwtb53@gmail.com. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. Contagious diseases have shaped human history and they remain with us today. As the new coronavirus spreads across mainland China and elsewhere around the globe, such infectious diseases are top of mind for many of us. Here's a look at some of the worst of these infections, from ebola and dengue to the more recent SARS, the new coronavirus and Zika virus. The new coronavirus (Image credit: Shutterstock) (opens in new tab) The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new strain of coronavirus that first appeared in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Though it was only just discovered, 2019-nCoV has already spread rapidly in China and around the world. As of Feb. 10, 2020, the virus has led to more than 40,000 illnesses and 900 deaths in China, as well as more than 400 illnesses and two deaths outside of mainland China. (The vast majority of cases and deaths have occurred in Hubei Province, where Wuhan is located.) Coronaviruses (opens in new tab) are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses. This family includes the viruses that cause SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome). Because 2019-nCoV is so new, many unknowns remain about the virus, including exactly how easily it spreads, how deadly it is and whether it will cause a global pandemic. (The World Health Organization has declared the 2019-nCoV outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern," but has not yet declared it a pandemic.) Studies suggest 2019-nCoV likely originated in bats, but made it's "jump" to people through a yet-to-be-identified animal, which acted as a bridge between bats and humans. Smallpox (Image credit: CDC/ World Health Organization; Stanley O. Foster/ Pierre Claquin) (opens in new tab) Scientists think that smallpox , which causes skin lesions, emerged about 3,000 years ago in India or Egypt, before sweeping across the globe. The Variola virus, which causes smallpox, killed as many as a third of those it infected and left others scarred and blinded, according to the World Health Organization. A photo taken in 1975 shows the village cemetery in the Bangladesh countryside where smallpox victims were buried. The disease is believed to have killed 46 percent of its victims at a hospital in the Dacca, Bangladesh, ravaging the country for centuries. In 1980, the WHO declared the disease officially eradicated, after a decade-long vaccination campaign. The last remaining samples of the virus are being held in facilities in the United States and Russia. Plague (Image credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (opens in new tab) Unlike smallpox, this ancient killer is still with us. Caused by a bacterium carried by fleas, plague has been blamed for decimating societies including 14th-century Europe during the Black Death , when it wiped out roughly a third of the population, including in Basel, Switzerland, depicted in this painting from 1349. The disease comes in three forms, but the best known is bubonic plague, which is marked by buboes, or painfully swollen lymph nodes. Though antibiotics developed in the 1940s can treat the disease, in those who are left untreated, plague can have a fatality rate of 50% to 60%, the WHO said. Malaria (Image credit: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) (opens in new tab) Although it is preventable and curable, malaria has devastated parts of Africa, where the disease accounts for 20 percent of all childhood deaths, according to the World Health Organization. It is present on other continents as well. A parasite carried by blood-sucking mosquitoes causes the disease, which is first characterized by fever, chills and flu-like symptoms before progressing on to more serious complications. By 1951, the disease was eliminated from the U.S. with the help of the pesticide DDT. A subsequent WHO campaign to eradicate malaria was successful only in some places, and the goal was downgraded to reducing transmission of disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The WHO has distributed so-called long-lasting insecticidal nets in order to reduce bites from malaria-carrying mosquitoes, including in Cambodia (shown in image). Influenza (Image credit: CDC/ Doug Jordan, M.A.) (opens in new tab) A seasonal, respiratory infection, flu is responsible for about 3 million to 5 million cases of severe illness, and about 250,000 to 500,000 deaths a year across the globe, according to the World Health Organization. Periodically, however, the viral infection becomes much more devastating: A pandemic in 1918 killed about 50 million people worldwide. As became apparent from "swine flu" and "bird flu" scares in recent years, some influenza viruses can jump between species. Tuberculosis (Image credit: CDC) (opens in new tab) Potentially fatal, tuberculosis or "TB" is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which usually attacks the lungs and causes the signature bloody coughs. In patients suffering from an advanced stage of TB, you can see the effects in a lung X-ray (shown in image). , The bacterium does not make everyone it infects sick, and up to one-third of the world's population currently carries the bacterium without showing symptoms. And among people infected with TB (but not HIV), 5% to 10% become sick or infectious at some time during their lifetimes. HIV/AIDS (Image credit: Image courtesy of Ivan Konstantinov, Yury Stefanov, Aleksander Kovalevsky, Yegor Voronin Visual Science Company) (opens in new tab) At the end of 2018, about 37.9 million people were living with a Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( HIV ) infection worldwide, with 25.7 million of those individuals in Africa. About 770,000 people worldwide died from HIV/AIDS in 2018; 49,000 of those deaths were in the Americas, according to the WHO. While many of the worst offenders on this disease list have a long-standing relationship with humans, HIV is a recent arrival. HIV's decimating effect on certain immune system cells was first documented in 1981. By destroying part of the immune system , HIV leaves its victims vulnerable to all sorts of opportunistic diseases. It is believed to have emerged from Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), which infects apes and monkeys. Cholera (Image credit: CDC) (opens in new tab) Cholera causes acute diarrhea that if left untreated can kill within hours. People catch the disease by eating or drinking substances containing the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The bacteria tend to contaminate food and water through infected feces. Since it can take 12 hours to 5 days to show symptoms, people can unwittingly spread the disease through their feces. Thanks to improved sanitation, cases of cholera have been rare in industrialized nations for the last 100 years, but worldwide it kills between 21,000 and 143,000 individuals every year, the WHO estimates. During the 19th century, however, cholera spread from its home in India, causing six pandemics that killed millions of people on all continents, according to the World Health Organization. During a cholera epidemic in Peru in 1992, a hospital waiting room (shown in image) was converted to an emergency cholera ward. More recently, a cholera outbreak in Haiti, which began after that country's devastating 2010 earthquake, had sickened more than 810000 people and killed nearly 9,000, according to a report published in 2018 in The Journal of Infectious Diseases . Rabies (Image credit: Victoria Antonova / Shutterstock.com) (opens in new tab) No longer a significant threat in the United States, rabies is still a deadly problem in other areas of the world. Rabies causes "tens of thousands" of deaths every year in countries in Africa and Asia, according to the WHO. Approximately two people die yearly in the U.S. from the disease, which is transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals, particularly dogs. The initial symptoms of rabies can be hard to detect in humans, as they mimic that of the flu and include general weakness, discomfort and fever. But as the disease progresses, patients may experience delirium, abnormal behavior, hallucinations and insomnia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To date, fewer than 10 people who have contracted rabies and started to exhibit symptoms have survived. However, a rabies vaccine does exist and is usually very effective in both preventing infection with the virus and treating infected individuals before they begin to show symptoms. Pneumonia (Image credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)) (opens in new tab) Pneumonia might not conjure up the same dread as diseases like rabies or smallpox, but this lung infection can be deadly, especially for those older than 65 or younger than 5. The disease can be caused by bacteria, a virus or a combination of both, according to Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious-disease specialist and a senior associate at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Center for Health Security. A person can also get pneumonia from a fungal infection, parasites or reactions to certain medicines, Adalja told Live Science in September 2016. In 2017, there were 49,157 deaths from pneumonia in the United States, according to the CDC . Infectious diarrhea (Image credit: eldar nurkovic / Shutterstock.com) (opens in new tab) Rotavirus, the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines), is a diarrheal disease that can be deadly. In 2013, rotavirus killed 215,000 children under the age of 5 globally, according to the WHO. About 22 percent of those deaths occurred in India alone; and overall most of the deaths occur in children living in low-income countries. The virus causes dehydration, brought upon by severe, watery diarrhea and vomiting. There are four rotavirus vaccines that are considered highly effective at preventing the disease, the WHO says. Ebola (Image credit: NIAID) (opens in new tab) Though rare, Ebola virus disease (EVD) is an often fatal infection caused by one of the five strains of the Ebola virus. The virus spreads very rapidly, overcoming the body's immune response and causing fever, muscle pain, headaches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Some who contract Ebola also bleed from the nose and mouth in the late stages of the disease a condition known as hemorrhagic syndrome. The Ebola virus is spread from person to person through bodily fluids, and a healthy person can contract the virus by coming into contact with an infected person's blood or secretions or by touching surfaces (like clothing or bedding) containing these fluids. The largest outbreak of Ebola began in West Africa in 2014. When the outbreak ended in 2016, approximately 11,325 people had died in the outbreak, with 28,652 suspected and confirmed cases of the virus reported, according to the CDC. In August 2018, the Democratic Republic of Congo announced an outbreak of Ebola in its northern province of Kivu. That outbreak, which has infected 3,428 people and killed 2,246 as of February 2020, is still ongoing. A vaccination for close contacts of Ebola patients, called rVSV-ZEBOV, was approved in 2019. Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (Image credit: DanVostok / Shutterstock.com) (opens in new tab) Its name is not the only complicated thing about variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, or vCJD. This rare and fatal disease is, as its name implies, a variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). It's classified as a Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) transmissible because it can be spread from cattle to humans and spongiform because it causes a characteristic "spongy" degeneration of brain tissue. Humans can get vCJD when they eat beef from cows with Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), a disease similar to vCJD that occurs in cattle. Between 1996 and March 2011, approximately 225 cases of vCJD were reported in the United Kingdom and several other countries. Before 1996, scientists didn't know that people could acquire CJD from eating meat contaminated with BSE. Most people who had the disease prior to then acquired it sporadically or because of a particular gene mutation linked to the disease. And about 5 percent of all reported cases resulted from accidental transmission of the disease via contaminated surgical equipment or certain eye and brain tissue transplants. Individuals infected with vCJD tend to be younger than those infected with CJD. The median age of people with vCJD is 28, whereas that for CJD patients is 68, according to the WHO. Those with the variant version of the disease tend to exhibit psychiatric symptoms, including depression , apathy or anxiety. Marburg (Image credit: Frederick Murphy) (opens in new tab) Marburg virus belongs to the Filovirus family of viruses, whose defining characteristic are the filamentous shapes of the viral particles. The disease it causes, Marburg virus disease (MVD), is spread from person to person through bodily fluids, much like Ebola. Marburg virus has other things in common with Ebola, as well. It's transferred to humans by fruit bats belonging to the Pteropodidae family, and it can cause viral hemorrhagic fever in some patients. Marburg virus was first identified in Germany in 1967 after lab workers who had handled infected monkeys imported from Uganda became sick with the virus, according to the WHO. Monkeys, like humans, can be infected with Marburg virus. Fruit bats, however, arent sickened by the Marburg virus (or the Ebola virus); they are simply reservoirs or hosts of the virus. Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) (Image credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock.com) (opens in new tab) As if bat-borne diseases like Ebola and Marburg weren't enough, it turns out the flying mammals are also host to another deadly disease: Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS, a viral respiratory disease that was first identified in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. However, though MERs originated in bats, its major reservoir in the Middle East is likely dromedary camels, according to the WHO. The MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is closely related to SARS and the 2019-ncOv coronavirus currently spreading in China. People who contract MERS develop severe respiratory illness, including fever, cough and shortness of breath. As of 2020, 2,494 cases of the illness had been reported, mostly in Saudi Arabia. About 34% of those who contracted the illness died, according to the WHO. Dengue (Image credit: PongMoji / Shutterstock.com) (opens in new tab) Mosquito-borne viruses of which dengue is one of many kill an estimated 50,000 people worldwide every year, according to the WHO and the CDC. (Malaria isn't included in that estimate because it's caused by a parasite, not a virus.) Dengue (pronounced den' gee) is a disease that can be caused by one of four related viruses: DENV 1, DENV 2, DENV 3 and DENV 4. Mosquitos usually the species Aedes aegypti (shown here), but sometimes A. albopictus spread the disease from one person to the next. It's not possible for people to catch dengue from one another. People with the disease typically experience flu-like symptoms. Sometimes the virus leads to a potentially lethal complication known as "severe dengue" or dengue hemorrhagic fever, with symptoms that include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding and trouble breathing, according to the WHO. Yellow fever (Image credit: Hu Laboratory for Biolocomotion, Georgia Tech) (opens in new tab) Like dengue, yellow fever is a member of the Flavivirus family, and it spreads from one person to the next by mosquitos. The disease gets its name from a symptom experienced by a small percentage of infected patients: jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes. However, most people who contract the virus never develop jaundice or any other severe symptoms. The small percentage of patients who do develop such symptoms are those who enter a second, more toxic, phase of the disease that affects their body systems, including the liver and kidneys. Half of the patients who enter the toxic phase of yellow fever die within 7 to 10 days, according to the WHO. Luckily for those living and traveling in one of the 47 countries in Central America, South America and Africa where yellow fever is endemic, there is a highly effective vaccine against the disease. That was not the case in the 17th century, when yellow fever was first transported to North America and Europe, where it caused huge outbreaks and, in some cases, decimated populations, according to the WHO. Hantaviruses The deer mouse is a carrier of the "Sin Nombre" virus, which causes hantavirus. (Image credit: CDC/James Gathany) Hantaviruses are spread to humans by rodents, particularly mice and rats. People can become infected with a hantavirus if they come into direct contact with the bodily secretions of these animals or if they breathe in virus-carrying particles from those secretions that have become aerosolized. The Sin Nombre hantavirus was first identified in the U.S. in 1993 after a mysterious disease killed several young people in the Four Corners region of the Southwest. Half of the 24 patients initially infected with the Sin Nombre virus died from the disease a severe respiratory infection known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, or HPS. Outside of the U.S. in Asia, Europe and some parts of Central and South America hantaviruses can cause another severe illness, known as hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, or HFRS. The initial symptoms of this disease are similar to those of HPS and include fever, vomiting and dizziness; but HFRS can also cause hemorrhaging and kidney failure. Anthrax (Image credit: CDC/ Laura Rose) (opens in new tab) You might be familiar with anthrax from the anthrax attacks in September 2001 in the U.S., which killed five people and sickened 17, and which collectively are considered the worst biological attack in U.S. history. You might be familiar with anthrax from the anthrax attacks in September 2001 in the U.S., which killed five people and sickened 17, and which collectively are considered the worst biological attack in U.S. history. Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which lives in soil and usually infects wild and domestic animals, such as goats, cattle and sheep. Humans usually get the disease when they handle infected livestock or animal products. Though you can get anthrax when bacteria spores enter your skin, those who work with animal hides or wool that may be infected with anthrax are also susceptible to inhaling B. anthracis. This pulmonary method of infection with the disease is more lethal, with 92 percent of reported cases resulting in death. MRSA "superbug" (Image credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)) (opens in new tab) Short for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA is a type of "staph" bacterium that is capable of causing life-threatening skin and bloodstream infections and is resistant to most antibiotics used to treat such infections. MRSA's resistance to antibiotics began in the 1940s, when doctors started treating staph infections with penicillin. The overuse (and misuse) of the drug helped microbes evolve resistance to penicillin within a decade, according to a feature in Harvard Magazine, causing doctors to start treating staph infections with the drug methicillin. But MRSA developed resistance to methicillin, as well. In fact, the superbug is now resistant to many penicillin-like antibiotics, including amoxicillin, oxacillin, dicloxacillin and all others in the beta-lactam class of antibiotics. Staph infections on the skin typically start off as small red bumps but can turn into large abscesses that need to be surgically drained, according to the Mayo Clinic. More serious infections with the bacteria can occur throughout the body, including the blood, heart and bones. Such infections can be deadly. Pertussis (opens in new tab) | Shutterstock (opens in new tab) ) (Image credit: Ilike (opens in new tab) Also known as whooping cough, pertussis is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. As its name suggests, the telltale symptom of whooping cough is severe coughing. Pertussis is particularly dangerous for babies, who can experience apnea, or pauses in breathing, as a result of the prolonged coughing fits brought about by the disease, according to the CDC. About 50 percent of infants who become sick with whooping cough need to be hospitalized, and 25 percent of those who are hospitalized develop lung infections, according to the CDC. Most people who died from whooping cough (87 percent) between 2000 and 2012 were babies less than 3 months old. The best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated, according to the CDC. There are two vaccines for whooping cough, one for children younger than 7, called DTap, and one for older children, teens and adults, called Tdap. Tetanus (Image credit: Devil007 / Shutterstock.com) (opens in new tab) The same vaccine that defends against pertussis (Tdap) can also protect you from tetanus , an infection caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani. Once in the body, C. tetani produces a toxin that causes painful muscle contractions, according to the CDC. The neck and jaw are usually the first parts of the body affected by the disease, leading to tetanus' other name, "lockjaw." The bacteria that cause tetanus enter through the skin but live in dirt or soil (as well as stuff lying around in the dirt, like rusty nails) and on the intestines of animals and people. Meningitis (Image credit: The American Journal of Pathology/Ritter et al.) (opens in new tab) Meningitis refers to inflammation of the meninges, or the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. This infectious disease can be caused by a number of things, including fungi, viruses and bacteria. [Related: 5 Meningitis Facts You Need to Know] Bacterial and viral meningitis are the most common types and can be spread from person to person. Whereas bacterial meningitis is often spread through kissing, viral meningitis is typically spread when someone comes into contact with the feces of an infected person (i.e. when changing a diaper or when a person doesn't wash his or her hands properly after using the toilet), according to the CDC.PLAY SOUND Some people get meningitis after suffering a head injury, having brain surgery or having certain kinds of cancer. This type of meningitis is not contagious, nor is fungal meningitis, which was responsible for a meningitis outbreak in the U.S. in 2012. Some people with meningitis develop meningococcal disease, which is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitides. The disease causes flu-like symptoms, as well as nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and an abnormal or confused mental state, according to the CDC. Syphilis (Image credit: CDC) (opens in new tab) Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that is easily treated but can lead to serious complications if neglected. In the first stage of the disease, sores may appear on a person's genitals or anus. Usually these sores are small and painless, and they heal on their own, leading many people to simply overlook them or confuse them with ingrown hairs or blemishes. The second stage of the disease is more noticeable and usually begins with a rash on one or more parts of the body. Sometimes these rashes can be very faint, and since they don't itch, people infected with the disease might not know they have it. Others may develop more severe symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph glands and muscle aches. If syphilis is left untreated throughout the first and second stages of the illness, it can cause much more severe problems later on, according to the CDC. Some people don't develop symptoms of the late stage of syphilis until 10 to 30 years after they contract the disease. Late-stage symptoms include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, blindness and dementia. The disease can also damage internal organs, which may result in death. SARS (Image credit: CDC/ Dr. Fred Murphy) (opens in new tab) Severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, is the virus behind the 2002 and 2003 pandemic that killed more than 750 people worldwide. SARS is spread to people by bats, much like Ebola viruses, Marburg virus and MERS. The SARS virus likely originated in horseshoe bats in China, according to the National Institutes of Health. SARS is characterized by high fever, dry cough, shortness of breath and pneumonia, according to the WHO. Leprosy (Image credit: Gwen Robbins) (opens in new tab) A contagious, chronic disease, leprosy is caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium leprae. Also called Hansen's disease, after the Norwegian doctor who found the responsible bacterium, leprosy affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract and eyes. If left untreated, it can cause muscle weakness, disfigurement and permanent nerve damage, according to the WHO. [Related: 6 Strange Facts About Leprosy] People with leprosy used to be quarantined to prevent the spread of the disease, but as doctors now know, the condition is not highly contagious. The disease is transmitted through droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Simply touching a person with leprosy will usually not cause infection, and a healthy person's immune system can typically ward of infection with the bacteria that cause the disease, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. However, children are at greater risk of contracting leprosy than adults. Measles (Image credit: CDC/ Cynthia S. Goldsmith; William Bellini, Ph.D.) (opens in new tab) One of the most contagious of all infectious diseases, measles (also called rubeola) causes a characteristic red rash on the skin. Other symptoms of this viral disease are similar to that of the common cold. Measles is so contagious that 90 percent of the people who simply stand near someone with the virus will become infected, according to the CDC. "Near means within 50 feet or entering a room where the measles person had been in even two hours after the infected person left the room," Aileen M. Marty, professor of infectious diseases at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and member of the WHO Advisory Group on Mass Gatherings, told Live Science. Luckily, there's an easy way to defend yourself against the measles virus: Get vaccinated. Out of every 1,000 people vaccinated against measles, 997 will never get the disease. Zika (Image credit: COURTESY OF KUHN AND ROSSMANN RESEARCH GROUPS, PURDUE UNIVERSITY) (opens in new tab) First identified in Africa in 1947, Zika virus is a flavivirus spread by mosquitoes in the Aedes genus. While the disease caused by Zika virus isn't particularly dangerous for most people, it can cause serious complications for fetuses and newborns. Only one in five people infected with the virus becomes ill, according to the CDC. Those who do become ill may have a fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (pink eye), but these symptoms are typically mild and last only a few days. However, serious birth defects, particularly microcephaly, have been linked to the Zika virus, and the virus can also cause miscarriage in pregnant women, according to the Pan American Health Organization. Originally published on Live Science (opens in new tab). You can now toast to the Iron Age with a 2,500-year-old brew. A team of researchers worked with a brewery in Milwaukee to recreate an ancient beer from remnants of the alcoholic beverage that were found at an Iron Age burial site in Germany, reported Milwaukee Public Radio (WUWM). Though the acidic soil had dissolved the skeleton, archaeologists found metal weapons and a cauldron at the burial site. The cauldron, which dates back to between 400 B.C. to 450 B.C., was full of an ancient mead when it was buried, according to study leader Bettina Arnold, an archaeologist and anthropologist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. [Raise Your Glass: 10 Intoxicating Beer Facts] "The dead man in Tumulus 17 Grave 6 had been sent into the afterlife not only with his weapons but with about 14 liters of an alcoholic beverage that he could have used to establish himself as an important person in the next world as he had been in this one," Arnold, who uncovered the cauldron back in 2000, explained in a blog post. Milwaukee's Lakefront Brewery then worked with the researchers' recipe to re-create the brew, which was available to taste during the 6th Annual Wisconsin Science Festival on Oct. 22, where the research was presented. Original article on Live Science. When Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 mysteriously disappeared shortly after takeoff in March 2014, there was probably no one at the aircraft's controls when it crashed, a new analysis suggests. Satellite data contradicts recent claims that pilots were able to steer the aircraft during its final minutes of flight, right before it plunged into the ocean, Time.com reported. According to a statement released Wednesday (Nov. 2) by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), which is leading the search-and-recovery mission for the missing flight, models of the plane's final trajectory and evidence from wreckage linked to the missing flight show that preparations were not made for a controlled ditch, an emergency water landing under a pilot's guidance. [Flight 370: Photos of the Search for Missing Malaysian Plane] Since MH370's disappearance, little evidence has surfaced to confirm what, exactly, took place after air traffic control in Malaysia lost contact with the plane. The ATSB report accompanies the launch of a two-day meeting in Canberra, held from Nov. 2 to 4, by an international team of experts to review progress made in the investigation thus far. The ATSB evaluated data from satellite communications (Satcom), and found that the final signals from MH370 were consistent with "a high and increasing rate of descent" a sign that no one was wrestling with the airplane's controls to pull it into a more controlled glide, officials stated in the report. Wing wreckage provided further evidence that MH370's final descent was out of control, the ATSB report stated. A wing flap identified as part of MH370's right wing had washed ashore on June 20 in Tanzania, and was checked for signs that it had interacted with "mechanisms, supports and surrounding components" in the wing that would suggest the flap was extended into a landing position prior to the crash. But close examination confirmed that the flap was not deployed, the investigation found. By contrast, it likely would have been deployed during a ditching, if the pilot had been in control, officials said. Other pieces of debris thought to belong to the missing flight are described in the ATSB report. To date, more than 20 potential pieces of wreckage have been recovered from Mauritius, Reunion and Rodrigues islands, from the east coast of Madagascar, and from the eastern and southern coasts of Africa. However, the main airplane body and the remains of the 239 people on board the flight have yet to be discovered. More than 42,000 square miles (110,000 square kilometers) of seafloor have been searched so far, and officials will continue to look for MH370 in the 46,000-square-mile (120,000 square km) search zone through early 2017, the ATSB said in a statement. "Ministers went to great lengths to explain this does not mean the termination of the search," the statement said. "Should credible new information emerge that can be used to identify the specific location of the aircraft, consideration will be given to determining next steps." Original article on Live Science. The near-Earth asteroid 2016 VA (central dot), as viewed by the Virtual Telescope Project on Nov. 1, 2016. A small asteroid buzzed Earth last night (Nov. 1), just hours after astronomers first spotted the space rock. The asteroid 2016 VA zoomed within about 48,000 miles (77,000 kilometers) of the planet at 8:32 p.m. EDT (0032 GMT on Nov. 2), according to researchers with the Minor Planet Center (MPC) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. To put that into perspective, the moon orbits Earth at an average distance of 239,000 miles (385,000 km). The space rock, which is thought to be 23 to 72 feet (7 to 22 meters) wide, was traveling about 48,000 mph (77,000 km/h) relative to Earth during the close encounter, MPC scientists said. 2016 VA was discovered just yesterday, by astronomers with the Mt. Lemmon Survey in Arizona. Surprise asteroid encounters like last night's flyby aren't uncommon; millions of space rocks are thought to orbit the sun in Earth's neighborhood, and scientists have discovered just 15,000 of them. Indeed, a previously unknown object famously slammed into Earth's atmosphere above the Russian city of Chelyabinsk in February 2013. This rock exploded in the air, generating a shock wave that shattered thousands of windows in the city below; more than 1,200 people were wounded by shards of flying glass. The Chelyabinsk object was probably about 66 feet (20 m) wide, scientists have said. (Asteroids have to be much bigger to cause damage on a global scale; researchers think impacting space rocks must be at least 0.6 miles, or 1 km, wide to threaten human civilization.) Observations of 2016 VA indicate that the asteroid orbits the sun every 10.5 months, on a path that's much more elliptical than Earth's. 2016 VA gets as close to the sun as 0.43 astronomical units (AU), and as far away as 1.4 AU. (One AU is the average distance from Earth to the sun about 93 million miles, or 150 million km.) You can learn more about 2016 VA at the MPC site here: http://minorplanetcenter.net/db_search/show_object?object_id=2016 VA Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. Records suggest a strange death occurred at St. Anne's Well, which was found on a private farm near Liverpool, in the United Kingdom. A Medieval well that was once believed to wash away sins, while healing eye and skin diseases has been recovered in England. Legend has it that the well was also cursed and records indicate a strange death occurred there. St. Anne's Well was found on the lands of a private farm on the border between the townships of Rainhill and Sutton St Helens, near Liverpool, UK. According to Historic England Heritage, which commissioned the excavation, "the well had become completely filled with earth due to ploughing." "When we first got to the well we found that there was very little indication of it on the surface, but after excavation it was found to be in reasonable condition," Jamie Quartermaine, an archaeologist who supervised the dig, told Discovery News. The well was built of local sandstone blocks and consisted of a shallow square basin with two steps leading down into the bottom. "The fabric of the well is consistent with a Medieval date," Quartermaine said. The archaeologist noted that St. Anne is quite commonly associated with holy wells. "This well was probably a late Medieval foundation as the cult of St. Anne did not become widespread in England until after the end of the 14th century," Quartermaine said. RELATED: Dark Side of Medieval Convent Life Revealed The dating is important. Alexandra Walsham, professor of modern history at Cambridge's Trinity College, told Seeker that "a Medieval past for many healing wells was assumed or even invented by later antiquaries, especially in the 19th century." After descending the steps, pilgrims submerged themselves in the pool, which was about 4 feet deep. Water seeped in from below the floor, while a stone conduit, now lost, took water from the overflow of the well, which measures 6.5 feet by 6.5 feet. According to Historic England Heritage, local legend suggests St. Anne's Well was associated with a nearby priory of about 12 monks, which was lost during Henry VIII's draconian dissolution of the monasteries. The legend said the priory held an extensive estate from which the monks had an income. The story goes that St. Anne had bathed in the well, which was reputed to have healing powers for eye and skin afflictions. "The well attracted numbers of pilgrims, necessitating the building of a small three-roomed structure around the well and the custodianship of two of the monks," Quartermaine said. RELATED: 300-Year-Old 'Magic' Shoe Found in U.K. College Wall According to local folklore, a dispute rose in the 16th century about boundaries and access to the well between the prior, Father Delwaney, and Hugh Darcy, the estate manager of the neighboring landowner. One day, when the two stood nearby the well, Darcy predicted the prior would not be in position for much longer. Two days later the king's commissioners arrived and took possession of the priory and the well. Father Delwaney promptly understood Darcy's role in the action as he was clearly known to the commissioners. "With teeth tightly clenched, and his face white with suppressed passion," the prior hissed out his curse, according to a 1877 report on local legends in the St. Helens Leader. Darcy would be dead within a year and a day, Delwaney predicted. He then collapsed and died himself. A series of disgraces fell on Darcy: three months after the curse, his only son died of a mysterious illness. He suffered financial losses and "plunged recklessly into dissipation," according to the St. Helens Leader. One night, after heavy drinking at a tavern, he disappeared. "The search began. Nothing was seen until they came to the well, in which Darcy was found lying dead, his head crushed in," the St. Helens Leader reported. Despite the grim legend, the well continued to be revered even after the dissolution, and people immersed themselves in the waters until the 19th century. To protect the structure from damage by farm machinery, new wooden edging will be installed. "We have worked with the farmers to ensure this important holy well survives long in to the future," Tamsin Cooke, a Historic England Heritage at Risk representative, said. Original article on Seeker. Perhaps you've heard that you can brighten your mood just by faking a smile. But that idea, which came out of a psychological experiment from the 1980s, may not be true after all, as scientists were not able to repeat the results in a lab setting in a large, rigorous new study. The hypothesis, called the facial-feedback hypothesis, dates back to a 1988 study in which participants rated the humor of cartoons while inadvertently mimicking either a smile or a pout. The participants were simply asked to hold a pen in their mouths, either with their lips (which pushes the face into a frown-like expression) or their teeth (which mimics a smile). The participants who used the pen to mimic a smile rated the cartoons as funnier. Now, a 17-lab effort with 1,894 participants finds no evidence that such an effect exists. It's the latest in a string of failed replications in psychology, including the recent finding that willpower may not be a limited resource, as many psychologists had believed. The failure of an idea to hold up in a replication study, however, rarely settles the question of whether or not a result is valid. The originator of the facial-feedback hypothesis, psychologist Fritz Strack of the University of Wurzburg in Germany, argued that the replication study changed enough of his original experiment so that it no longer was a true replication. [Smile Secrets: 5 Things Your Grin Says About You] "Now, I'm not sure what we've learned [from the new findings] other than the effect is not very strong," Strack told Live Science. "And that, we knew to begin with." Body and brain The facial-feedback hypothesis was a compelling finding, because it suggested that the tail wags the dog, so to speak: Your body's movements can affect your mood, not just the other way around. It's an idea that dates back to at least as far as Charles Darwin, who wrote in "The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals" (John Murray, 1872), "He who gives way to violent gestures will increase his rage: he who does not control the signs of fear will experience fear in a greater degree." Strack's research kicked off a line of research that expanded the findings into new areas, including a 2010 paper that found that in people who were treated with Botox, which paralyzes the facial muscles, the drug impedes the strength of people's emotions. Strack volunteered his work for a replication attempt, expecting it to be confirmed. "In the beginning, when we first did the experiments, I was more skeptical," he told Live Science. "But after it had been replicated many times, I had expected that it would also be replicated in this kind of exercise." These published replications, listed by Strack in an additional document, were typically not direct repeats of the 1988 experiment, however. While they generally used the pen-holding method to prompt the facial expressions, they used different outcomes such as ratings of funny movies, ratings of other people's facial expressions, or creativity. Other psychologists applauded Strack for his willingness to put his study up for a replication experiment that matched the scale of the new study. "Fritz Strack was very brave to put forward his own experiment, because in this game, the people who have originally proposed the experiment do not have a lot to gain," said Eric-Jan Wagenmakers, the lead researcher of the replication attempt and a psychologist at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Strack offered advice to the researchers who conducted the replication study on how to set up the experiment, but was not otherwise involved in the study. Wagenmakers and colleagues in 17 labs around the world recruited participants and repeated Strack's pen-in-mouth experiment. They used the same cartoon series, "The Far Side," that was used in the 1988 experiments, but they selected different cartoon panels, which they tested among outside raters to ensure that the raters reached consensus that each cartoon used in the study was "moderately funny." They created a video with instructions for the participants so that an experimenter giving directions wouldn't inadvertently influence the participants, and they recorded the experiment with cameras to ensure that only those participants who perfectly completed the pen-holding part of the experiment would be included in the data analysis. What's so funny? (opens in new tab) Shutterstock.com (opens in new tab) ) (Image credit: Sergey Furtaev "We wanted to maximize the opportunity of finding the effect," Wagenmakers told Live Science. [25 Weird Things Humans Do Every Day, and Why] The researchers pre-registered their replication attempt, meaning they determined exactly how they'd statistically analyze the data beforehand, to prevent any unconscious temptation they might have had to cherry-pick data among the findings. They even wrote the skeleton of the research paper beforehand, leaving blanks for the yet-uncollected data. Failed replication Wagenmakers said that he was relatively confident that the facial-feedback effect would be confirmed in the study although "relatively confident" for a scientist focused on research methods means that he would have given it a "30 percent shot to work out," he said. [No Duh! The 10 Most Obvious Science Findings] It didn't work out. "None of the experiments yielded a statistically reliable effect individually," Wagenmakers said. "Overall, these are the kind of data you would expect to see if you tried to replicate an effect that doesn't exist or is so small you can't find it with the paradigm you were using." The researchers published their results Oct. 26 in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science. Strack, writing in a separate article that accompanied the study in the journal, criticized some of the methods the researchers used. The participants were drawn from psychology classes in many cases, he said, so they might have known the goal of the research. In addition, "Far Side" cartoons may not be so funny 20 years after their peak in popularity and across different cultures. The cameras in the room might have made participants self-conscious and affected their emotional responses to the cartoons. "This is a subtle procedure, and it's therefore very likely to be affected by changes in the context," Strack told Live Science. Wagenmakers said that the cartoons were pre-tested for their humor value, so there's no evidence that today's participants found them any different than 1988's participants did. The cameras could theoretically alter the results, he said, but sitting across from an experimenter would likely make people feel self-conscious, too. "I would find it remarkable if this effect would disappear completely because of the use of cameras instead of people watching you," he said. Some participants did figure out the aim of the study, Wagenmakers said. But the researchers knew that because they asked, and then those participants were removed from the analysis. Some labs specifically did not recruit psychology students, Wagenmakers said, and those labs didn't find the effect, either. The failed replication doesn't definitively prove that the facial feedback hypothesis doesn't exist, but the ball is in the court of the proponents of the facial-feedback hypothesis, Wagenmakers said. If he were in their shoes, he said, "I wouldn't just argue about how the experiment could have been done differently. I would take action and show [the critics] with data that they were wrong." Strack said he hopes to do that: He's collaborating with researchers in Israel who want to test whether the cameras could explain the nonreplication. But he downplayed the importance of replication for theories like the facial-feedback hypothesis. "If you want to find an applied intervention in education, in therapy, or whatever, then it's really important to find a strong effect," he said. "But if you're doing that with a theory, that's not that necessary. It's kind of necessary that you find it under conditions that you describe, but if it does not replicate under other conditions, that is not that important." Strong effects, Strack said, tend not to be that compelling. "Innovation," he said, "runs the risk of nonreplication." Original article on Live Science. Giant, spike-toothed salmon that weighed almost 400 lbs. (180 kilograms) once made their home in the ancient coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean, according to new research. The now-extinct salmon species spawned in California rivers approximately 11 million to 5 million years ago, the scientists said. The fish measured up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) long, with spike-like teeth that were more than 1 inch (3 centimeters) long. Though its dagger-like teeth could have been deadly for prey, the ancient salmon was probably a filter feeder rather than a predatory species, meaning the fish took in water full of plankton as it swam, as modern Pacific salmon do, they added. The salmon's unusual spiky teeth were likely used to fight, helping them to defend their fertilized eggs, according to researchers from California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock, California. [My, What Sharp Teeth! 12 Living and Extinct Saber-Toothed Animals] The team of researchers, led by vertebrate paleontologist Julia Sankey, studied 51 fossils from the extinct salmon species in both freshwater and saltwater environments. "Scientifically, our research on the giant salmon is filling in a gap in our knowledge about how these salmon lived and, specifically, if they developmentally changed prior to migration upriver like modern salmon do today," Sankey said in a statement. An illustration by Jacob Biewer of what the giant, spike-toothed salmon may have looked like. (Image credit: Society of Vertebrate Paleontology) Modern salmon experience physical changes, especially in their skull, prior to spawning, the scientists said. They noted that modern male salmon will fight to defend their eggs, and their ancient ancestors likely exhibited the same behavior. The new study found that teeth from the giant salmon found in freshwater environments were consistently longer and more sharply curved than those of the salmon found in the saltwater environments, and showed signs of wear. They added that these differences suggest that the salmon experienced changes prior to migrating upriver to spawn. The salmon's spiky teeth also may have been used to display a sign of dominance, the researchers said. "These giant, spike-toothed salmon were amazing fish," Sankey said. "You can picture them getting scooped out of the Proto-Tuolumne River [near Modesto, California] by large bears 5 million years ago." Sankey and her colleagues presented their research Oct. 27 at the annual meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology in Salt Lake City. Original article on Live Science. A Longford hair salon has been shortlisted for one of the most widely-anticipated and attended hairdressing awards ceremonies in Ireland. Axis Hairdressing, located at the N4 Axis Centre, is one of just three salons shortlisted for the 2016 Alfaparf Milano Fantastic Salon Award. Having started business as Sculptures Hair Salon, Axis Hairdressing, led by Proprietor Pauline Duffy, has been to the fore in hair care in Longford for more than ten years. In 2012, the business moved to the Axis Centre and re-branded to Axis Hairdressing, though offering the same quality care and products. Explaining the criteria they had to meet to be considered for the awards, Pauline listed; Its how you run your salon, your customer care and incentives you have for clients. We were thrilled to be shortlisted, she smiled. According to Alfaparf, the award recognises excellence, commercial acumen and overall 'flair' in individual salons. It recognises and rewards the revolutionary strategy, profit-focused and committed teams, delighted customers and unique marketing activities that are at the heart of successful salons. The overall winner of the salon award, as well as the winners of the other categories, will be named on Sunday, November 6 in the Double Tree Hotel, Dublin, and the Axis ladies are looking forward to the occasion. Were all going as a group and were bringing a group of friends as well. If we win, we win and if we dont, we dont, but well have a good night, Pauline concluded. The Department of Agriculture has said there will be no extension to the slurry spreading deadline which passed on October 14 last. Drumlish local area representative, Cllr Paraic Brady (FG) told a local authority meeting last week that there were numerous farmers across Co Longford who were still waiting to spread slurry because ground conditions were too poor to do it prior to now. Speaking to the Leader on Friday, Cllr Brady said that he was told that an extension would not be forthcoming because the rules on nitrates spreading were part and parcel of an EU agricultural directive, and therefore, could not be over-ridden. He did, however, indicate that Animal Welfare has since stepped in, and said that in cases where the welfare of animals was at stake, then an exemption with regard to the spreading of slurry could perhaps be granted. Ground conditions are perfect now for spreading slurry whereas during the summer there was no hope of getting it out because the weather was too bad and ground conditions were so poor, added Cllr Brady who then pointed out that he had been inundated with requests from farmers across north Longford to get the extension implemented because they had not been able to get slurry out as a direct result of the adverse weather conditions this year. The Department of Agriculture has said no to any extension but Animal Welfare are saying now that they may be in a position to assist in cases where the welfare of animals may be at stake because slurry in still in sheds. Animal Welfare has said the farmers who are in difficulty should contact the agency directly and indicate the situation to them. The agency will then turn to the other relevant bodies on the farmers behalf and put forward a case for them. Its far from ideal, said Cllr Brady who is a farmer himself. The irony is that ground conditions are perfect now for spreading slurry but the deadline for spreading it passed two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Fianna Fail TD for Longford/Westmeath Deputy Robert Troys calls for an extension to be granted have proved futile. Farmers across Longford and Westmeath have been badly affected by heavy rain over the summer months and have been unable to get their slurry spreading completed, he said before pointing out that he was extremely concerned that government ministers did not fully appreciate the seriousness of the situation. Farmers in Longford and Westmeath have not had enough time to recover from this summers downpours, with much of the land still waterlogged. They have been unable to get their slurry spreading completed. Hundreds of students currently on their Halloween break are still no nearer to learning when they will return to school as the ongoing teachers' strike intensifies. The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) held a one day work stoppage last Thursday over pay parity for younger staff members. Union members want teachers who began working in 2011 to be given the same conditions as their more senior counterparts. Fresh talks between union chiefs and Department officials had been scheduled for yesterday (Tuesday) in a bid to avert further strike action next week. The ASTI is standing firm in its plans to withdraw supervision and substitution duties following the midterm break, which would leave schools without teachers to supervise breaks or fill in for absent staff. Speaking outside Mercy Secondary School in Ballymahon last week, Dolores McNamara warned the Government that teachers were very much united. Today (Thursday) is only a one-day strike and we are really hoping that it will be resolved as soon as possible and that maybe it will be resolved during the mid-term break, she said. But the government has to meet the ASTI half way for it to be resolved. Over the weekend, union officials recommended that members refrain from signing forms distributed in second level schools asking them if they were available to carry out supervision and substitution duties when schools are due to re-open next Monday (November 7). Members have also been keen this week to hit back at suggestions that there was little sympathy for teachers amid claims of their supposedly shorter working hours and lengthy holidays. All teachers do a full working week," said Jane Glennon, a teacher at Mean Scoil Mhuire in Longford. "We do 40 hours plus a week. We have 22 hours' class contact time, that's the time spent standing in front of your students. But that doesn't take into account the time taken to prepare lessons, correct tests, meet students and if you're a practical teacher you have preparation to do. Local News, Business & Finance, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: November 03 2016 Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Todd Kaminsky met women small business owners and toured downtown Lynbrook in recognition of National Womens Small Business Month. Lt. Govenor Hochul and Senator Kaminsky visited women-owned businesses A la Carte and Doughology, and also stopped by Mur-lees, which will celebrate their 70th anniversary next month. Lynbrook, NY - October 31, 2016 - Today, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Todd Kaminsky met women small business owners and toured downtown Lynbrook in recognition of National Womens Small Business Month. They toured the businesses with Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce President Linda Stephenson. Photo Credit: Office of Senator Todd Kaminsky. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said: As the daughter of a woman small business owner, I know the sacrifices that come along with starting and running your own business. Female entrepreneurs play a crucial role in Lynbrook and in communities across New York State. Governor Cuomo and I will continue to work with our partners in Albany like Sen. Todd Kaminsky to decrease regulatory burdens and remove barriers so more business owners are able to follow their passions while creating jobs and spurring the local economy. Small businesses are the fabric and the backbone of our communities, said Senator Kaminsky. It was a pleasure to visit with some of Lynbrooks women business owners and speak to them about their experiences and daily challenges that they face. I am committed to working with Governor Cuomo and Lt. Governor Hochul to provide expanded opportunities to women-owned businesses, and thank the Lt. Governor for visiting Lynbrook today. Photo Credit: Office of Senator Todd Kaminsky. When you shop locally and keep the money in your community you strengthen your local economy, support community groups like little league, you keep your community unique, provides jobs and you receive great service for being a loyal customer, said Linda Stephenson, President of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce. Photo Credit: Office of Senator Todd Kaminsky. Lt. Govenor Hochul and Senator Kaminsky visited women-owned businesses A la Carte and Doughology, and also stopped by Mur-lees, which will celebrate their 70th anniversary next month. Local News, Business & Finance, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: November 03 2016 The Girl Scouts of Nassau County announced today that three successful women leaders will address attendees during the Golden Flight to Leadership Conference and reception. Hicksville, NY - November 1, 2016 - 2016 - The Girl Scouts of Nassau County announced today that three successful women leaders will address attendees during the Golden Flight to Leadership Conference and reception. Shefali Tsabary, a clinical psychologist and acclaimed author, will serve as the events keynote, self-made entrepreneur Sara Intonato and Silvia Acevedo, an engineer and the interim Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts USA, will speak to volunteers, both current Girl Scouts and Girl Scout alumni, and parents. The Conference is the culminating event celebrating the centennial of the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor achievable by a Girl Scout. We are immensely excited to bring the experiences of these three powerful women to life for the Girl Scouts and young women in the audience of our Conference, said Girl Scouts of Nassau County Chief Executive Officer Donna Ceravolo. We hope to provide positive role models for our attendees while also celebrating the amazaing achievements made by womankind in the reflection of these three speakers. Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D. a clinical psychologist who received her doctorate from Columbia Universityspecializes in Eastern philosophy and Western psychology. Dr. Tsabary will be the Conferences keynote speaker; shell be discussing daily skills and tools to revolutionize families and parenting. An acclaimed author and international speaker who has presented at conferences and workshops around the world, Dr. Tsabary has also collaborated with Goldie Hawns MindUp Foundation, Kids in the House and many educational and transformational centers around the world. Pictured: Sara Intonato. Sara Intonato is an entrepreneur, yoga guru and motivational speaker. As the Conferences lunchtime speaker, she will share her belief that positive change in the world begins on an individual level. Ms. Intonato graduated from Boston University having already completed her 200-hour Hatha Yoga certification; today, she is an authorized Level 2 Ashtanga Yoga Teacher. Conducting workshops across the world, Ms. Intonato spreads a message of living in the moment and finding spiritual peace. Pictured: Silvia Acevedo. A proud Girl Scout, engineer, rocket scientist, and advocate for girls and Girl Scouts, Silvia Acevedo, credits her Girl Scout experience with propelling her to success in the corporate and philanthropic sectors. Ms. Acevedo will open the reception portion of the Conference speaking on the courage, confidence and character her Girl Scouts experience gave her, vital attributed as she entered the engineering field at a time when those of her gender and ethnicity didnt. She earned a masters degree in engineering from Stanford University before serving as president and CEO of CommuniCard, LLC, a firm that used innovative technology to harness market trends. Ms. Acevedo also serves as a strategic consultant to companies that wish to use technology to capitalize on demographic trends and is a fervent supporter of Hispanic girls and womens causes and female involvement in the sciences. The Conference will celebrate the 100 th year of the Gold Award. Gold Award projects have positively impacted girls lives, their communities, and the world for a century. Approximately 1 million Girl Scout alumni have developed Gold Award projects that addressed local or global issues. After identifying an area of interest, a successful Gold Award recipient performs hours of research and prepares a project proposal to be submitted for feedback and approval to the Girl Scouts Council before embarking on her project. The Girl Scout presents her final conclusions as the last step of the journey. Were the Girl Scouts of Nassau County: Were 23,000 strong 23,000 girls and adults who believe every girl from Nassau County can change the world. It began over 100 years ago with one woman, Juliette Gordon Daisy Low, who believed in the power of every girl. Today, we continue her vision of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place by helping them discover their inner strength, passion and talents. And with programs in Nassau County, across Long Island and throughout the United States, theres a chance for every girl to do something amazing. Were the Girl Scouts. To volunteer, reconnect, donate or join, visit www.gsnc.org or contact Donna Rivera-Downey at 516 741-2550. Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases, Seasonal & Current Events By Long Island News & PR Published: November 03 2016 NYRA partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Wednesday, November 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aqueduct Racetrack. To mark the occasion, NYRA will name the first race of the day in honor of the American Red Cross. All donors will be entered to win a $50 VISA gift card and receive a NYRA souvenir. Elmont, NY - November 2, 2016 - The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced today that they are again partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Wednesday, November 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aqueduct Racetrack. The blood drive will take place in the Aqueduct Room, located on the fourth floor of the track. Donors should enter Aqueduct through the main lobby or the clubhouse entrance and take the elevator to the fourth floor. To mark the occasion, NYRA will name the first race of the day in honor of the American Red Cross. All donors will be entered to win a $50 VISA gift card and receive a NYRA souvenir. Donors with all blood types are needed. The Red Cross is asking eligible donors to give before the start of the holiday season, as many regular donors delay giving between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day because of holiday activities. This often causes a drop in donated blood available for patients. Therefore, more donations are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to help ensure the blood supply is sufficient through the winter months. In addition, Hurricane Matthew and its devastating aftermath have forced the cancellation of more than 100 blood drives in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, resulting in thousands of uncollected blood and platelet donations. This has had a major impact on the Red national blood supply. Walk-ins are welcome at the blood drive, but donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or by visiting and using the sponsor code, "NYRA." www.redcrossblood.org and using the sponsor code, "NYRA." "We're proud to partner with the American Red Cross in what has become an important annual event," said NYRA's Manager of Community Relations and Public Affairs Vanessa Rodriguez. "It's another example of NYRA's enduring commitment to the American Red Cross and the community that we call home." Added Patty Corvaia, Red Cross New York-Penn blood services region's communications manager: "When you donate blood, you give the gift of hope to a patient in need," said It's one of the most meaningful and important gifts you can give someone. Without dedicated community partners like NYRA and our blood donors, the Red Cross' life-saving mission would not be possible." About The New York Racing Association The New York Racing Association was founded in 1955 and is franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York's three major tracks (Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park , and Saratoga Race Course) through 2033. With a lineage of nearly 150 years, NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State's thoroughbred industry, which contributes more than $2 billion annually to its urban, suburban and rural economy. School & Education, Local News, Health & Wellness, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: November 03 2016 NYSDOH has received two grants totaling $2.2 million from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to enhance statewide efforts to prevent sexual violence. The CDC grants enhance the Governor Andrew M. Cuomos Enough is Enough initiative, landmark legislation that was signed into law in July 2015 to prevent sexual assault on college campuses. Albany, NY - November 2, 2016 - The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) today announced that it has received two grants totaling $2.2 million from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to enhance statewide efforts to prevent sexual violence. Grant funding will support a partnership between the NYSDOH and Cornell University that will evaluate the effectiveness of a curriculum that promotes healthy relationships and gender roles to adolescent males aged 12-14. The evaluation will assess the curriculums impact on participants perceptions of gender norms, social norms around violence and prosocial behaviors that prevent violence (such as intervening when someone is being bullied). The study will also assess whether the intervention enhances youth-adult connectedness and whether connectedness and family support protect against multiple forms of violence. The goal is ultimately to reduce youths risk for future acts of sexual violence. The research will add to the limited existing literature on effective strategies for the prevention of sexual violence. "New York is a national leader in work in sexual violence prevention and now has the exciting opportunity to work with Cornell University, one of the best universities in the world, said Commissioner of Health Dr. Howard Zucker. Preventing sexual violence requires that we change societal attitudes about what is acceptable behavior and that we start this conversation at a young age. This grant will enable us to evaluate whether our efforts are conveying the right messages to this audience. In addition, the NYSDOH received funding to develop and enhance state-level data systems to track sexual violence and other indicators. Tracking this data will improve the evaluation and monitoring of sexual violence prevention strategies and outcomes. This funding supplements and supports six Regional Centers for Sexual Violence Prevention, serving 17 counties, to implement evidence-based primary prevention strategies. NYSDOH will work collaboratively with state agency partners, including NYS Office of Victim Services, NYS State Police, NYS Division of Criminal Justice, NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, and State University of New York. The CDC grants enhance the Governor Andrew M. Cuomos Enough is Enough initiative, landmark legislation that was signed into law in July 2015 to prevent sexual assault on college campuses. Under the Enough is Enough initiative, NYSDOH supports 56 local rape crisis and sexual violence prevention programs across the state to assist colleges and universities with implementing policies and procedures that address sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking prevention. More specifically, the initiative calls for a uniform definition of affirmative consent, a statewide amnesty policy that gives immunity from campus policy violations to students who report incidents of sexual assault, and expanded access to law enforcement. School & Education, Local News, Business & Finance, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: November 03 2016 Twenty-eight small business owners from NY and LI graduated from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Emerging Leaders program. Ben Sadgrove, of Tradeview Markets, Manhattan, poses with his daughter at the Emerging Leaders graduation ceremony in Hauppauge last week. Hauppauge, NY - November 2, 2016 - Twenty-eight small business owners from New York and Long Island graduated from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Emerging Leaders program, a mini-MBA training initiative for local businesses looking to expand. This is the second cohort to finish the SBA New York District Offices seven-month executive education series. The program focuses on building sustainable businesses and promoting economic development within urban communities. It includes approximately 100 hours of classroom time, connects small business owners with a network of industry experts and peers, and supports the creation of a three-year strategic growth action plan. The SBA Emerging Leaders program is a dynamic initiative supplying entrepreneurs with the tools to expand and strengthen their small businesses, SBA Regional Administrator Kellie LeDet said. The program offers great returns: Every $200 the SBA invests in Emerging Leaders, a new job is created, which builds our region from the bottom on up. Since the SBA started offering the Emerging Leaders program in various locations across the country, graduates have created thousands of new full-time jobs, accessed millions of dollars in new financing, and secured federal, state, local and tribal contracts worth more than $1 billion. More than two-thirds of graduating business increase their annual revenues. New York SBA District Director Beth Goldberg participated in the Emerging Leader graduation ceremony which was held in Hauppauge, Long Island. Goldberg said, Participants had the opportunity to engage in a different, free training module each week. These modules challenged them to see their businesses from a different point of view. Participants learned to work on their businesses rather than in them. Its a really great program which represents what the SBA offers the American workforce: job creation, business knowledge, leadership and initiative. Dr. Jillian Finker of Finker Wellness, Inc. practices Naturopathy medicine in Bellmore, Long Island. She applied to Emerging Leaders to learn more about business management. I knew how to work on the body, but nothing about working on a business, she said. Finker said that after the SBAs mini-MBA, she feels more confident managing the administrative side of her business. The 2016 graduates from the New York City/Long Island class represent the Restaurant and Hospitality, Adult Home Care, Swimming Pool Maintenance, Floral, Public Relations and Media, Real Estate, Green Energy, Wine, Construction, Landscaping and Childcare industries. This program gave me the help I needed to make my business big, said Mary Stetson of Stetson Real Estate, Mamaroneck. We started as masters of our trades. Now we own our own businesses. Our teachers and the SBA gave us a great plan to grow our businesses and succeed. The following are the 2016 SBA Emerging Leaders New York City/Long Island class graduates: New York Class Shamilla Mansingh AHM Contractors Staten Island Richmond Asamoah C&J Mechanical Services LLC - Bronx Fanell Alerte Citi Health Home Care Services, Inc. - Brooklyn Rupavilas Patel Doughnut Plant Long Island City Erica Fite Horvath, Katie Keating Fancy LLC - Manhattan Thomas de los Santos Hawkeye Security - Harlem Jiangyue Lin ICN TV Network - Manhattan Ian Minerve Green Power Associates - Brooklyn Chapman Manzer Manzers Landscape Design & Development - Crugers Carla Tellez Our Children First, Inc. - Bronx Gregory Prato Prato Capital Management White Plains Mary Stetson Stetson Real Estate - Mamaroneck Michelle Huff Elliott - Strategic Heights Media - Manhattan Natalia Postrigan WineZetta - Yonkers Mihail Dragomanov Z-DAR Contracting - Scarsdale Long Island Class Stuart Andrews Shennicock Pools Inc. - Southampton Jillian Finker Finker Wellness Bellmore Linda Karatzas Commack Florist and Gifts - Commack Susan Williams SL Williams & Associates, Inc. - Miller Place Cynthia Leventhal Miro Management LLC - Plainview Lefteri Gjezo Jones Beach Hotel Group - Wantagh Ann-Marie Connor Angel Home Care, Inc. - Farmingville Asgeir Asgeirsson G. Willikers Locust Valley, Inc. Locust Valley Yan Pogorelsky OrthoSnap Corporation - Westbury Nancy Rowe Practive Provider Corp. - Hauppauge Olusoji R. Ojeyemi Reflective Exits, Inc. Central Islip Ben Sadgrove Tradeview Markets Manhattan For more information about the Emerging Leaders initiative including applying for the 2017 class visit online , or email Jennifer Jackson of the New York District SBA Office. About the SBA New York District Office: The SBA New York District Office delivers its programs and services throughout New York City, Long Island and the downstate counties of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. Our Long Island Branch Office Services Long Island. Visit www.sba.gov/ny for more information including resource partners, lenders, workshops, success stories and other resources to help businesses start, grow and succeed. Local News, Business & Finance, Health & Wellness, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: November 03 2016 The Attorney Generals Office began investigating LA Fitness in May 2015, after receiving complaints that the gym would not modify its membership policy to waive fees for aides who were required to accompany individuals with ... Schneiderman: My office is committed to vigorously enforcing The American with Disabilities Act, which promises all New Yorkers the opportunity to live fully and independently regardless of disability status. New York, NY - November 2, 2016 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced an agreement with Fitness International, LLC, the owner and operator of LA Fitness gyms nationwide, that requires the company to revise and strengthen its policies in order to expand access for patrons with disabilities. The Attorney Generals Office began investigating LA Fitness in May 2015, after receiving complaints that the gym would not modify its membership policy to waive fees for aides who were required to accompany individuals with disabilities. Under the agreement, LA Fitness will now afford free access to aides of individuals accompanying disabled patients at its 29 fitness centers throughout New York. My office is committed to vigorously enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act, which promises all New Yorkers the opportunity to live fully and independently regardless of disability status, said Attorney General Schneiderman. Businesses have a responsibility to make reasonable accommodations that increase accessibility for New Yorkers, and I am pleased that LA Fitness has agreed to take important steps to ensure equal access for all at their facilities. Claudia Ciatto, Community Educator at the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island, a complainant in this case, said, My son and I reached out to the Attorney Generals Office because we were frustrated by the unequal treatment he was receiving at LA Fitness. Charging a person with a disability extra fees to participate in an activity is the definition of discrimination. People with disabilities have the right to be treated with the same respect and consideration that any other person is given. No one has the right to lessen a persons worth. This facility clearly discriminated against my son and we couldnt be happier that we have become part of changing its policy. Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as the New York State Human Rights Law, require places of public accommodation to modify policies and procedures to accommodate individuals with disabilities. The Attorney Generals Office found that the refusal of employees at LA Fitness to modify its policies regarding membership fees for individuals with disabilities who required the presence of aides while working out was not in compliance with these statutes. Complainant Claudia Ciatto reported that employees at the Lindenhurst branch of LA Fitness refused entry to her son, who has a disability, unless he paid a guest fee for the licensed practical nurse who was required to accompany him while he worked out. As a result of the fitness centers continued refusal to waive this fee, her son was forced to cancel his gym membership. To address this issue, LA Fitness has agreed to (a) adjust its policies to ensure that membership fees are waived for individuals who require the accompaniment of aides, (b) train its employees to properly implement these policies and handle requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with state and federal laws, (c) submit to three years of monitoring by the Attorney Generals Office, and (d) provide the aforementioned complainant with an 18-month, no-cost membership as well as $5000 in relief. These cases are being handled by Assistant Attorney General Ajay Saini, under the supervision of Civil Rights Bureau Chief Lourdes Rosado and Executive Deputy Attorney General for Social Justice Alvin Bragg. The Civil Rights Bureau of the Attorney General's Office is committed to combating discrimination faced by and promoting accessibility for individuals with disabilities across New York State. To file a complaint, contact the Attorney Generals Office at (212) 416-8250, email or visit www.ag.ny.gov. Looking to stay up to date about all of the news stories and local headlines that are important to Long Islanders? We've rounded up the top coverage for all of the important topics from multiple sources around Long Island, so you can be sure you've got the most recent update on the top stories for Long Island. Have an idea for a news story? Email us at news@longisland.com Columnists Press Releases For the first time in nearly a year, the Islamic State has released an audio message from its leader, Abu Bakr al Baghdadi. The audio file was released online late yesterday by Al Furqan Establishment for Media Production, one of the groups media arms. The speech is titled, This is What Allah and His Messenger Had Promised Us. Baghdadi last addressed the public in December 2015. The so-called caliphate is under siege from all sides. But Baghdadi refuses to blow the horn of retreat, telling his followers that they are waging a grand jihad against all of their many enemies. Speaking in Manichean terms, Baghdadi advises his men that they should not allow Satan to convince them to retreat. Instead, the jihadists should remain at their assigned outposts and hope to persevere in the fight ahead. It is one thousand times better to remain in your land than to retreat in humiliation, Baghdadi says. But the jihadists reward may not come in this life. Baghdadi tells his people that they fight to avoid hellfire and can hope to achieve paradise. But the caliphates foes cannot hope for the same, Baghdadi claims, as hell awaits them. The Islamic State leader portrays the conflict in Iraq as a sectarian conspiracy against Sunnis. Baghdadi claims that various parties fight under the pretext of waging war against his group, but they are really only interested in killing Sunni men and then taking both their women and children prisoner. He alleges that the cities of Iraq are being emptied of Sunnis as part of a Shiite, or Iranian, plan. Still, Baghdadis message hints at the frustration he must have for the Sunnis in Iraq who are not rallying the caliphates cause. At one point, the Islamic States top man even compares Sunni Iraqis to the people of Israel, implying that they have not stayed on the true path. According to Baghdadi, the apostates, atheists, Christians, Jews, Shiites and other infidels have conspired to launch an offensive in Wilayah Nineveh (Province of Nineveh), which is the home of Mosul. But the jihadists should remain patient and guard against weakness, he says. Baghdadi uses this same sectarian framing to discuss the battles being waged outside of Iraq. But he cannot endorse his Sunni jihadi rivals. He even takes a swipe at the groups fighting against Bashar al Assads regime in Aleppo. The anti-Assad forces in Aleppo include jihadist organizations that are part of al Qaedas network, such as Jabhat Fath al Sham (JFS). Even though they are fighting Assad and his allies, Baghdadi refers to them as apostate factions and decries their supposed treachery. This is not surprising as JFS is led by Baghdadis former lieutenant, Abu Muhammad al Julani, and the rivalry between the two men has helped fuel the animosity between the Islamic State and al Qaeda. Despite Baghdadis disdain for JFS and its allies, he warns of the vicious campaign being waged by the Nusayri regime (meaning Assads government), as well as Assads Iranian, Russian and infidel allies. Baghdadi says they hope to establish a new Nusayri presence in Aleppo that ends the rule of Allah in the land, meaning rule according to Sunni Islamic traditions. The Islamic State has been deliberately ambiguous about its responsibility for some high-profile terrorist attacks in Turkey that it has been suspected of carrying out. But Baghdadi makes a clear call for operations against Turkey in his speech. Earlier this year, Turkey launched operation Euphrates Shield, which has successfully claimed territory from the caliphate in northern Syria. Baghdadi claims that Turkey has revealed its true agenda by entering the war. He argues that the Turks have taken advantage of the fact that the Islamic State has been distracted by the war against the infidel nations and has been forced to defend its territory. For these reasons, the so-called Caliph tells his followers to attack Turkey and bring the country into their conflict. Baghdadi also likens infidel Turkish soldiers to dogs and calls on the caliphates soldiers to spill their blood. Baghdadi addresses the caliphates soldiers far outside of Iraq and Syria. He specifically names Algeria, the Arabian Peninsula (meaning Saudi Arabia), Bangladesh, the Caucasus, Egypt, Indonesia, the Khorasan region (which includes Afghanistan and Pakistan), Libya, the Philippines, the Sinai, Somalia, Tunisia, West Africa and Yemen. The Islamic States loyalists operate in each of these areas, sometimes under the banner of official provinces for the group. Baghdadi says they have enraged the infidel nations, just as the formation of the caliphate did. And he praises their supposed unity. They should not worry about losing their leaders, Baghdadi advises, because Allah will provide them with new ones who are just as capable, if not more so. The jihadists in Saudi Arabia should continue their attacks against the Saudi government and its allies inside the country, Baghdadi says, because the Saudis have participated in the war against Sunnis in Iraq and the Levant. He also blasts the Saudis for allegedly seeking to secularize their country. Baghdadi singles out the jihadists fighting in Sirte, Libya for special praise, saying their fierce fight has foiled the designs of the European Crusaders. The Islamic State has lost much ground in Sirte since May, but Baghdadi urges his men to man their posts because their enemies could break. However, while Western-backed Libyan forces have suffered thousands of casualties during the offensive against the stronghold in Sirte, Baghdadis loyalists are not close to achieving victory. The Islamic State has repeatedly called on its followers to migrate to the lands of the caliphate. But if they cannot make it to Iraq and Syria, then they can join the jihad anywhere the groups wilayah, or provinces, operate. Baghdadi repeats this call, saying new recruits have a wide path for migration. Toward the end of his speech, Baghdadi honors the top Islamic State officials who have been killed in recent months, including Abu Muhammad al Adnani and Abu Muhammad al Furqan, both of whom served multiple roles. Baghdadi says their deaths will not end the Islamic States jihad, but were instead necessary sacrifices and the martyrdom of top commanders only serves Allahs will. In that vein, Baghdadi calls on the Islamic States many martyrs to advance on their enemies and make rivers of their blood. Abu Bakr al Baghdadi does not sound triumphant in his new message, but he insists that the Islamic State will not stop fighting any time soon. Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. The Taliban killed two US soldiers and wounded two more in an attack in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz. The US soldiers were operating as part of Resolute Supports train, advise and assist mission. From the Resolute Support press release announcing the soldiers deaths: Two U.S. service members died as a result of wounds sustained during operations in Kunduz district, Kunduz province today. Two other U.S. service members were wounded in the operation The service members came under fire during a train, advise and assist mission with our Afghan partners to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the groups operations in Kunduz district. U.S. Department of Defense policy is to withhold the identity of the service members pending next-of-kin notification. We will release additional information as appropriate. Afghanistans Ministry of Defense noted that three Afghan commandos and two US special forces soldiers were killed in Kunduz, TOLONews reported. As the Resolute Support press release notes, the fighting took place in Kunduz district, which also hosts the provincial capital. Kunduz district is one of 97 districts that are controlled or contested by the Taliban, according to a study by The Long War Journal. The Taliban acknowledged the incident on its Arabic language version of Voice of Jihad, and claimed the US launched airstrikes on civilians after its soldiers were killed. TOLONews said that unconfirmed reports [of civilian casualties] indicate the tally was quite high. Resolute Support noted on its Twitter feed that Airstrikes were conducted in Kunduz to defend friendly forces under fire and All civilian casualty claims will be investigated. Airstrikes were conducted in #Kunduz to defend friendly forces under fire. All civilian casualty claims will be investigated. Resolute Support (@ResoluteSupport) November 3, 2016 The Taliban stormed Kunduz city on Oct. 3 and remained inside for nine days during heavy fighting. Resolute Support insisted Afghan security forces cleared the city within 24 hours of the Taliban entering even while fighting raged outside of the governors compound in the center of the city. Jihadist in Afghanistan have killed three US soldiers in the past month. On Oct. 5, the Islamic State killed a US soldier in an IED attack in Achin district in Nangarhar province. The soldier was on a counter terrorism mission targeting the Islamic State, according to the US military. Seven US servicemen and two Romanian soldiers have been killed in hostile fire in Afghanistan in 2016, according to iCasualties.org. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. Luton is a large town, borough and unitary authority area of Bedfordshire. Luton and its near neighbours, Dunstable and Houghton Regis, form the Luton/Dunstable Urban Area with a population of about 258,000. Luton is home to Championship team Luton Town Football Club, London Luton Airport and The University of Bedfordshire. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter. For all the latest news from Luton sign up to our newsletter here. The USPTO has issued an update to its subject matter eligibility guidance in light of Federal Circuit decisions since the previous update in May 2016 These decisions do not change the basic subject matter eligibility framework explained in the SME guidance and training examples, but provide additional information about finding eligibility for software claims, said the USPTO in a memorandum. Accordingly, the USPTO will be updating its SME guidance in view of these decisions and feedback from patent stakeholders. The memorandum provides a discussion of two of the recent decisions identifying eligible subject matter: McRO dba Planet Blue v Bandai Namco Games America and Bascom Global Internet Services v. AT&T Mobility. The USPTO said that this weeks Federal Circuit decision finding eligibility in Amdocs (Israel) v Openet Telecom will be discussed further in the forthcoming update to the SME guidance, along with McRO, BASCOM, and other recent decisions concerning patent eligibility. The memorandum can be viewed here. New Delhi : Pakistan today pulled out six of its officials in the wake of a spy scandal involving staffers of its High Commission here even as India was mulling withdrawal of eight of its diplomats from Islamabad as their security has been "completely compromised". The six Pakistani officials, including four senior diplomats, named for spying for a High Commission staffer, who was arrested and expelled last week for espionage, left India for home as bilateral ties continued to slide. India was also planning to "eventually" withdraw eight of its diplomats from Pakistan after their names and photographs were published and broadcast in the media there, sources in the External Affairs Ministry said. Pakistan pulled out the six officials days after a mission staffer Mehmood Akhtar was expelled by India over alleged espionage. Though there was no official announcement here about Pakistan withdrawing its diplomats, according to Pakistani sources, six mission officials have returned home. The officials, who left India, included commercial counsellor Syed Furrukh Habib and first secretaries Khadim Hussain, Mudassir Cheema and Shahid Iqbal whose names were referred to by Akhtar during his interrogation in connection with the spying scandal, according to sources in the Pakistan High Commission.The development comes days after India declared Pakistani official Akhtar persona non-grata for espionage activities, triggering a tit for tat action by Islamabad, which also expelled an Indian High Commission official posted there. PTI New Delhi : Rahul Gandhi and top Congress leaders were today detained twice as a high-voltage political drama unfolded here following the alleged suicide by a former soldier over OROP, prompting the party vice president to demand an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The least this government can do is to apologise to the family of the deceased soldier for making them suffer," said an angry Gandhi after being finally released at night amid strong protests by party leaders. At a joint press conference at the AICC headquarters, former Defence Minister A K Antony warned that "things will be difficult" if the government did not implement the OROP in to immediately and remove the pay commission anomalies. Holding the Modi government responsible for the suicide of Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal (70), a resident of Bhiwani district in Haryana, Antony and party chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala demanded that Prime Minister apologise to the nation and the armed forces for "misleading them" that OROP has been implemented. Modi government, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister, is talking for last one year that they have implemented OROP fully, but have not yet done so. They have diluted the OROP as implemented by UPA. Rahul Gandhi after his release said, "The minimum that government should do is to apologise to the family of the deceased ex-serviceman." The family has made a sacrifice and what has happened to them (their detention) is wrong, he added. The Congress immediately latched on to the issue after reports of the suicide came in the morning with party leaders taking to the streets. Rahul Gandhi went to RML Hospital to meet the bereaved family and express his condolences, but was taken into custody and kept at Mandir Marg police station. He was again detained at the Tilak Marg police station and released late at night. PTI Unions are all in on their bets on Hillary Clinton and her organized-labor friendly agenda. Labor unions have made a big bet on Hillary Clinton and her progressive agenda, having given her nearly $12 million about 96% of the money they have donated to all presidential candidates this cycle. Unions have also funneled $64 million to outside, unaffiliated groups backing a liberal/progressive agenda in federal elections, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. But even as they spend heavily to influence Washington, unions are making large political investments to win tax increases and labor-friendly regulation in states. Their tool in many places is initiative and referendum, through which labor hopes to circumvent Republican domination of state capitals and the reluctance of moderate Democrats in some places to sign on to their agenda. The effort, led by public sector employee groups, solidifies their reputation as the most powerful force for bigger, more intrusive government at the state level. Unions and their allies have pledged to focus increasingly on so-called citizen-initiated ballot measures to circumvent unfriendly legislatures Oregon is a bruising battleground, as unions frustrated by a history of compromise by the state's Democratic Party are waging a campaign to win a massive increase in the minimum gross receipts tax a corporation must pay. They're sponsoring Measure 97, which would impose a 2.5% minimum levy on sales above $25 million for businesses. Under the proposed tax, to take one example, a corporation operating in Oregon with $70 million in sales would have to pay a minimum of $1.16 million to state government even if it did not earn profits--a more than $1 million increase over the current minimum tax, according to an analysis by the state's legislative review office. If successful, the referendum would raise some $2.5 billion a year and grow the state's general fund budget by as much as one-third. So far, unions have contributed $8.83 million of the $8.95 million raised by the campaign Yes on 97. The National Education Association has given$1.85 million, and its local affiliate, the Oregon Education Association, has contributed $1.75 million. Various units of the Service Employees International Union have added $3 million, while the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees has kicked in $1.25 million. The most expensive union-backed ballot initiative this year is also the most cynical. In 2012 California Gov. Jerry Brown won support for a referendum to raise taxes by $7 billion when he promised that much of the money would go to education, and that the higher levies would expire in 2018. Voters increased both the state's sales tax and its income tax on those earning more than $250,000 annually. Soon after, the state hit school districts with massive increases in teacher pension contributions, draining away much of the new funding. So unions are backing a measure to extend the 2012 tax on rich Californians to 2030. "There's a reason why we tax the 1%," Brown said. "It's because that's a tax people have shown they are willing to vote for." Not taking anything for granted, California unions have so far contributed $23 million to push the initiative, led by the California Teachers Association, one of the nation's richest public sector union locals, has alone donated $19 million to the effort. Maine has only 3% of California's population, but the East Coast State is the site of one of this election's most tenacious union tax-raising efforts. Frustrated by Republican Gov. Paul LePage's opposition to tax increases, Maine's teachers unions and their allies are looking to impose a 3% tax surcharge on incomes above $200,000 annually. Virtually the entire campaign is being funded by the National Education Association, which has given $1.25 million, and its affiliate, the Maine Education Association, which has contributed about $500,000 in cash and in so-called in-kind contributions. LePage has called the initiative, "Just another attempt to extort more taxes from Maine families and businesses without improving education." Maine is home to another ballot battle that epitomizes this year's union priorities, a campaign to raise the state's minimum wage. Several union-backed national groups have helped kick-start efforts in The Pine Tree State and in Arizona, Washington and Colorado. In Maine, where Question 4 would raise the minimum wage to $12 over four years, the principal contributor to the $1 million campaign is a California group, The Fairness Project, created by the Service Employees International Union to raise wages around the country. Another player in this effort is the New York based Center for Popular Democracy, backed by unions like the AFL-CIO and the National Education Association. In Arizona, virtually all of the $1.5 million in funding so far for Proposition 206, which would raise the minimum wage to $12 and hour by 2020 and require large corporations to guarantee 40 hours a year of paid sick time, comes from The Fairness Project and Living United for Change in Arizona, a local conduit for the Center for Popular Democracy. Similarly, in Colorado, the Center for Popular Democracy and the Fairness Group are the two top funders of Amendment 70, having contributed more than $1 million to the effort to boost the state's minimum wage to $12. Business groups hoping that these campaigns are an exception in 2016 are likely to be disappointed. With Democrats in control of the governorship and legislature of just seven states, compared to 23 for Republicans, unions and their allies have pledged to focus increasingly on so-called citizen-initiated ballot measures to circumvent unfriendly legislatures. These measures represent a powerful tool that labor is likely to employ increasingly in coming years, especially if this year's crop of union-inspired initiatives scores big in November. This piece originally appeared at Investor's Business Daily ______________________ Steven Malanga is the George M. Yeager Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a senior editor at City Journal. US 2016: Fight for Leadership Begins After the Election After the bizarre 2016 election, Washington faces a slate of investigations and a gridlock. Internationally, threats include new Cold War(s). Depending on the outcome, the election could even be contested. If Hillary Clinton wins, she will flash her broad smile like Alice in the Wonderland, with Vice President Tim Kaine, Bill and Chelsea on her side. The conventional story will be that her victory built on her egalitarian economic policy, gender concerns, international relations, strong defense policy and good ties with Europe and Japan. But thats just the facade - a carefully orchestrated result of an estimated $6.6 billion elections, her $700 million campaign financing, good ties with super PACs, skillfully maneuvered electoral college, shrewd PR, collusion with nations leading media organizations, and a long series of political miscalculations by Donald Trump.Americans will vote on November 8. However, the battle will ensue soon thereafter. The winner will face a split Congress, a divided Democratic Party , and badly-fragmented Republican party. To defuse their meltdown, Republicans are likely to challenge Clinton every step of the way. And the election could - and perhaps should - be contested. Lawsuits, investigations, special prosecutors Last July, FBI Director James Comey closed the Clinton probe and decided not to pursue charges, which resulted in broad criticism. Recently, Comey re-opened the case following a discovery of new emails. The disclosure allowed the FBI to reopen a criminal investigation only days before the election. It took place against the stated opposition of the Department of Justice (DOJ) but reflected the frustration of FBI agents over Comeys previous decision not to prosecute Hillary Clinton. Ultimately, the debacle may undermine or boost the Clinton campaign. Yet, the FBI activities are just the latest twist in a bizarre reality show, which has potential for a flood of lawsuits, congressional investigations and special prosecutors. In addition to the Benghazi and FBI debacles, these efforts are likely to include some 50,000 emails from Wikileaks, particularly those of John Podesta, Clinton campaign manager and chair of the Center of American Progress (CAP), which is very close to the White House. The questions will center on Clintons private email server; her special assistant Huma Abedin and her ex-spouse (who is under FBI investigation for sexting with underage girls); the many lucrative pay-for-play allegations about Hillary Clintons office and Bill Clintons speeches; the Clinton Foundation and the alleged coordination between the Democratic National Committee, the Clinton campaign and various big money lobby groups (super PACs), including mega financiers, such as George Soros - and recruited groups, such as the notorious Democracy Partners, to incite violence and chaos in Trump rallies. These events were then recorded by mainstream media, which is now in trouble as well. As a CNN talking head, Donna Brazile, currently DNC chair (her predecessor was fired - though belatedly - for bias against presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and for Clinton), shared questions of the CNN town hall debate with Clinton in advance. Reportedly, her campaign also gave leaks to CNN before other media, which subtle collusion. In turn, Google had a strategic plan to help democrats win the election by tracking voters via smart phones. And other media debacles are under scrutiny as well. The system has been effective. According to a recent Suffolk University/USA Today poll, most Americans believe that the media wants Clinton to win. Washingtons post-election gridlock Republicans want investigations about the role of the State Department, the DOJ and the FBI, even President Obama, due to a cover-up to protect Hillary Clinton, as the Republican National Committee (RNC) chairman Reince Priebus says. Speaker Paul Ryan has promised aggressive oversight work of a quid pro quo deal between the FBI and the State Department over emails. As chair of the House Oversight Committee, Jason Chaffetz is pushing for a slate of new hearings. House Republicans are demanding a special prosecutor to investigate the Clinton Foundation for possible conflicts of interest. There is enough evidence, says former New York City mayor and Trump supporter Rudy Giuliani, for a RICO case against the Foundation as a racketeering enterprise. In the 1970s, RICO was used to prosecute the Mafia and organized crime figures. More recent cases range from Gambino and Lucchese crime families to the 80s junk bond king Michael Milken, Catholic sex abuse cases and Los Angeles Police Department. In the past three months, Republicans have issued some 20 subpoenas and over 50 letters of inquiry probing Clinton. New ones will be fueled by tens of thousands of Clinton emails courtesy of Wikileaks. It doesnt really help that, as Secretary of State, Clinton wanted to silence both Julian Assange and Wikileaks and once stunned her colleagues by asking: Cant we just drone this guy? Assuming that markets perceive a Clinton victory as signal for continuity (which is no longer certain), the Fed is expected to hike rates in December. If not, the ultra-low rates will continue to pave way to asset bubbles. In order to overcome secular stagnation, America needs structural reforms that Clinton is neither willing nor able to execute. In the 1980s, the Congress legislated some 700 laws annually. After three decades of political polarization, that figure has plunged close to 300. Currently, the Senate and the House are under Republican control. The Democrats have a good chance of taking over the Senate. If Congress remains divided after the election, Clinton must rely on limited legislation and executive action. But if Democrats could control the Senate and the House, She could push for immigration reform, and expansion of Social Security. A Democratic Senate could make Chuck Schumer the majority leader; in the House Nancy Pelosi could take over. The former is a trade hawk who favors retaliation; the latter is a human rights advocate who backs liberal social plans; and Hillary Clinton is the architect behind US pivot to Asia. In Beijing, such political consolidation could mean triple pressures in defense, trade and US views of human rights; unless the Congress remains divided,or returns to Republican fold after the 2018 mid-term election. Or, whats now likely, Clinton will fail to achieve any political consolidation and a gridlock is the benign scenario. In economy, Clinton will push for infrastructure spending for some $275 billion in the course of a decade. But the bill should be paid with tax revenues, which could lead to Republican opposition. In the financial sector, Clinton will support greater oversight of shadow banking, moderate enforcement of financial regulation and increasing attention to high drug prices. Since she is for tougher anti-trust policy, America has seen record mergers and acquisitions activities in the past few months - including a record level of Chinese M&As in the US. Clintons economic program will resolve neither Americas income polarization nor its sovereign debt burden, which will soon exceed $20 trillion (107% of GDP). In the absence of bipartisan, credible and medium-term debt program, the challenges are likely to deteriorate in the coming years. Trade policy is the real test of Clintons international engagement. During her campaign, she often said that she would block the US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). I oppose the TPP now, Ill oppose it after the election, and Ill oppose it as president. If she sticks to her stance, it would alienate TPP allies in Asia, particularly Japan and Vietnam. If she could rely on a united Congress, she would be in a better position to flip-flop, again. New sanctions, Cold War(s), nuclear threats Historically, when the White House has failed to united America through economic policy, rearmament has been the second-best option. In Washingtons foreign policy establishment, President Obamas replacement with the more hawkish Hillary Clinton would be welcomed with relief. In contrast to Obama, she has called for stepped-up military action to deter President al-Assads regime and Russian forces in Syria, whereas Obamas advisers warn that you cant pretend you can go to war against Assad and not to go war against the Russians. Yet, Clinton wants new sanctions against Russia, despite increasing nuclear threats. According to Pew research, the confidence of Russians on American media has collapsed. It is now less than 1%. Strategic distrust between the two nations is now far lower than during the Cold War. If Clinton would implement her geopolitical pledges, including a no-fly zone in Syria, it could require the use of 70,000 soldiers and a monthly cost of $1 billion. That would increase the probability of real, perceived or accidental US-Russian friction. Under Hillary Clinton, warns Green Party candidate Jill Stein, America could very quickly slide into nuclear war with Russia. In Southeast and East Asia, Clinton would talk more about currency manipulation, but hold on to existing US alliances, push harder for the US pivot, cooperate more with India and exhibit greater military assertiveness in the contested South China and East Asia seas. Barely a week ago, the Center of American Progress hosted what some saw as a preview of Clintons Midde East policy, concluding that the next president should double down on support for the Gulf States, including Saudi Arabia, but ramp up action against Iran. Former acting CIA Director and Clinton foreign policy advisor Mike Morell called escalation of sanctions. That, in turn, would undermine the nuclear deal between Iran, Obama and the EU - but it would emulate neoconservative objectives that led to the Iraq War. After years of military interventions, the last thing that the Middle East and North Africa need is more destabilization, which economist Jeffrey Sachs attributes in part to Clintons policies. The latter could endanger China-led economic development in the region, add to migration crises and terror threats in the EU and the US - and has already killed jobs and reduced remittance flows to South and Southeast Asia. To Sachs, Clinton is the candidate of the war machine, noting that she supported the regime change act in 1998 that paved way for the Iraq War in 2003, which she also supported. Her record extends from Libya to Syria, Ukraine and Georgia. The interventionism has also resulted in civil wars and famines in Africa. Clinton supports hawkish security policies advocated by both the Democratic liberal internationalists and the Republican neoconservatives. Last summer, the Clintonites Center for a New American Security (CNAS) , a successor of the neoconservatives New Project for the American Century a decade ago, published its report on Extending American Power, as a kind of a transition memo for Clinton. The bipartisan panel of contributors include Victoria Nuland, former adviser of Dick Cheney and Clinton who had a key role in US efforts at regime change in Ukraine; Michele Flournoy, co-founder of CNAS and one potential candidate for the next Secretary of Defense; James Rubin, a Clinton States Department veteran; and Robert Kagan, Nulands husband, a neoconservative visionary and a proponent of a New American Empire. As, the goal would be to rely increasingly on the use and threat of military force, it would require an increase in Pentagon spending of up to $1 trillion over the next decade. Unsurprisingly, the major CNAS donors feature the leading Pentagon contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Boeing, which also support Clintons campaign. Global risk Half a year ago, I warned that, in the absence of appropriate integrity and transparency, the US 2016 election is a global risk, which could undermine US economic rebound and the lingering global economic recovery. That risk prevails and has grown stronger - as evidenced by uneasy volatility indicators, declines of S&P 500 and other harbingers of financial instability. For weeks, both Trump and Clinton have been building legal cases and armies of lawyers for the possibility of a contested election. In spring, this was still a distant theoretical option. Now it is one credible scenario. Whatever happens after the US 2016 election, the struggle of Washington, by Washington and for Washington is about to lead to a new era that will be economically more uncertain, politically more divisive, and strategically risky. Dr. Dan Steinbock is an internationally recognised expert of the nascent multipolar world. He is the CEO of Difference Group and has served as Research Director at the India, China and America Institute (USA) and visiting fellow at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (China) and the EU Centre (Singapore). For more, see www.differencegroup.net 2016 Copyright Dan Steinbock - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Will London Gold Market Self Destruct? Ripe For China Take-over? London Gold Market has been unchallenged for nearly 100 years London Gold Market has been unchallenged for nearly 100 years So opaque that quotes of its $5 trillion size are estimates Five new offerings are set to appear in the market in the next six months Increased fragmentation set to reduce liquidity A share of gold price discovery is ripe to be taken by China Disruption in the London Gold Market gives opportunity to the East to take more control of the market. As markets go the London Gold Market has to be one of the oldest and most unchallenged markets there is. With its roots in the 17th century it has been through a series of makeovers but for much of the last century the OTC market has hardly changed. But now it is having an identity crisis. In the last year we have seen a barrage of news about changes that are coming, and the last few weeks seem to have been busier than ever. For some the $5 trillion London Gold Market is under serious threat and there are a number of reasons as to why including regulation, gold price discovery and a lack of transparency all items that have haunted players in the London gold market. Now, the threats that face it are driving many to address these problems and attempt to disrupt the market. We take a quick look at the new offerings set to arrive in the coming months, and ask if they will weaken, rather than strengthen, the London Gold Market and thereby open up an opportunity for China. The LBMA, a fintech start-up and transparency Right now there is no data on how much gold is traded each day. The LBMA who currently runs the joint have accepted that this lack of transparency has long been a major criticism, by both market participants and the regulators. With this in mind it has seen the light that fintech offers and has opened itself up to disruption before it is disrupted. Earlier this year it announced Boat Services Ltd. and Autilla Inc. had been chosen to create transparency in the market by building a trading platform. The 149 LBMA members will report their trades to the new platform. When the LBMA announced the initiative with Boat Services, it was made clear that the new arrangement would go beyond UK and global regulators demands for data on derivatives trading [and showed] a commitment to transparency. London Metals Exchange, World Gold Council, ICE, CME and blockchain all want in The LME along with the World Gold Council has launched LME Precious as their route to the highly attractive London Gold Market. For this group it is about clearing for spot and managing risk. The new contracts are designed to complement Londons over-the-counter gold and silver market reports Bloomberg. In the first-half of 2017 centrally cleared gold and silver contracts are set to be introduced. The new contracts will include contracts for spot, daily and monthly futures, options and calendar spread contracts. The Intercontinental Exchange took over the London gold auction in 2015, replacing the gold-fixing by phone ritual with an electronic platform. Now it wants to play a further role and announced last month that as of February it would start a new loco London futures contract use this to clear its daily auction. Earlier this week CME Group announced that as of January it will start to offer gold and silver contracts listed on COMEX, to offer a spread between spot prices and benchmark U.S. futures. As you can see from the graph, COMEX and London offer the largest pools of liquidity. The 100 ounces of gold and 5,000 ounces of silver contracts have the potential to create an even stronger link between the worlds two largest pools of precious metals liquidity, Miguel Vias, CMEs head of precious metals, stated upon the announcement. Using transparency to disrupt the gold market Much of the regulation brought in since the financial crisis has called for increased transparency. The move by many of the players looking at changing things up, has this in mind. However for all of the projects mentioned above, there are none that are truly disrupting how gold markets currently work. Costs, efficiencies and current practices are not changing that dramatically. Instead layers are being added either around the sides or on top. In a financial world that is finding itself upended by disruption and fintech startups one would think there is an opportunity here. And were not the only ones who think so. In the first real attempt at disruption in the gold market, blockchain is coming to the fore. Paxos (formerly itBit) is working with both EY and Euroclear on a projects that will bring brings instant settlement and true delivery versus payment (DvP) to the gold market for the first time. The project between Paxos and Euroclear will take Its innovative tokenization process turns physical gold into digital gold tokens, reducing capital charges and opening new opportunities for market participants. reports the EconoTimes. With all this fragmentation will London remain a centre of price discovery? In recent years both London and COMEXs monopoly of the gold market has come under pressure from the East. And, with all this fragmentation revealing itself in the London Gold Market, one wonders if it can keep its crown. To us, it seems the role of price maker is becoming increasingly up for grabs. In April the SGE announced a new benchmark price for gold bullion, modelled on the same process currently used in the London gold market. The base price will fully reflect supply and demandrepresenting the whole Chinese gold market. As we reported at the time, David Marsh as quoted by the official China Daily, Managing Director and Co-Founder of OMFIM, said the yuan-denominated gold benchmark offered by SGE was a necessary addition to the international gold market and should make the pricing of physical gold more open to the play of actual market forces. Will the London Gold Market self-destruct? As Mark OByrne told Bloomberg earlier this year, Its a pretty big moment for London, and its time to choose. Everybody wants to bring more players to the table, but there is a risk that through the failure to work together, liquidity is diluted and the market weakened. Every industry and marketplace faces challenges from time-to-time, more often than not these things shake-themselves out as the market decides what it does and doesnt want. No one wishes to see countless liquidity pools and so it is highly likely the majority of users will focus on one exchange. The question is, in the time it takes for the London gold market to come through its disruptive phase, will the Chinese have taken a bigger piece of the pie for themselves? Without doubt Chinas pricing influence will take time, but it seems the timing is right given the fragmented and disjointed efforts of various parties to take advantage of Londons weak moment. Gold Prices (LBMA AM) 03 Nov: USD 1,293.00, GBP 1,040.61 & EUR 1,165.90 per ounce 02 Nov: USD 1,295.85, GBP 1,056.51 & EUR 1,169.76 per ounce 01 Nov: USD 1,284.40, GBP 1,048.58 & EUR 1,167.52 per ounce 31 Oct: USD 1,274.20, GBP 1,046.25 & EUR 1,163.22 per ounce 28 Oct: USD 1,265.90, GBP 1,042.47 & EUR 1,160.96 per ounce 27 Oct: USD 1,269.30, GBP 1,038.29 & EUR 1,162.93 per ounce 26 Oct: USD 1,273.90, GBP 1,043.45 & EUR 1,166.13 per ounce Silver Prices (LBMA) 03 Nov: USD 18.07, GBP 14.50 & EUR 16.32 per ounce 02 Nov: USD 18.54, GBP 15.05 & EUR 16.70 per ounce 01 Nov: USD 18.24, GBP 14.91 & EUR 16.54 per ounce 31 Oct: USD 17.76, GBP 14.59 & EUR 16.22 per ounce 28 Oct: USD 17.61, GBP 14.51 & EUR 16.13 per ounce 27 Oct: USD 17.66, GBP 14.41 & EUR 16.16 per ounce 26 Oct: USD 17.66, GBP 14.46 & EUR 16.17 per ounce This update can be found on the GoldCore blog here. IRL 63 FITZWILLIAM SQUARE DUBLIN 2 E info@goldcore.com UK NO. 1 CORNHILL LONDON 2 EC3V 3ND IRL +353 (0)1 632 5010 UK +44 (0)203 086 9200 US +1 (302)635 1160 W http://www.goldcore.com/uk/ WINNERS MoneyMate and Investor Magazine Financial Analysts 2006 Disclaimer: The information in this document has been obtained from sources, which we believe to be reliable. We cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. It does not constitute a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any investment. Any person acting on the information contained in this document does so at their own risk. Recommendations in this document may not be suitable for all investors. Individual circumstances should be considered before a decision to invest is taken. Investors should note the following: Past experience is not necessarily a guide to future performance. The value of investments may fall or rise against investors' interests. Income levels from investments may fluctuate. 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The details you are being asked to supply may be used to provide you with information about other products and services either from GoldCore or other group companies or to provide services which any member of the group has arranged for you with a third party. If you do not wish to receive such contact, please write to the Marketing Manager GoldCore, 63 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2 marking the envelope 'data protection' 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. A partner in the Mountain Valley Pipeline that acknowledged last year that some of the natural gas it ships through the pipeline could be exported announced this week that it has acquired a larger stake in the project. WGL Midstream, a subsidiary of WGL Holdings, reported Monday that it has acquired an additional 3 percent interest in the joint venture. WGL Midstream now owns a 10 percent stake in the Mountain Valley project. The company reported that its estimated investment in the pipeline is expected to be about $326 million. Other partners include EQT Corp, NextEra Energy and RGC Midstream, a subsidiary of RGC Resources of Roanoke. WGL Midstream added the 3 percent by acquiring Vega Energys stake in the Mountain Valley joint venture, which hopes to build a 42-inch diameter natural gas transmission pipeline through the region. Two years ago, WGL Midstream and Vega Energy Partners signed a 20-year natural gas sales agreement with a U.S.-based subsidiary of GAIL Ltd., a natural gas company in India, to supply natural gas for export through the Dominion Cove Point liquefied natural gas export facility in Maryland. WGL reported that the majority of the natural gas would be purchased by WGL Midstream through an existing arrangement with Antero Resources Corp. In a June 2015 email, Ruben Rodriguez of WGL affirmed that most of the natural gas for the GAIL agreement would be supplied by Antero but noted that natural gas from the Mountain Valley Pipeline could be part of the remaining GAIL supply portfolio. At the time, Rodriguez added, However, that supply portfolio will be determined at a later time, based on market conditions and other existing supply opportunities. On Thursday, Bernie Tylor, a spokesman for WGL, did not respond directly when asked whether the companys increased stake in the Mountain Valley project might impact plans to export some of the natural gas it ships through the pipeline. The purpose of the MVP project is to deliver natural gas from domestic producing regions of the U.S. to domestic consumer markets in the U.S., most specifically to those in the Mid and South-Atlantic where demand for clean-burning natural gas is rapidly growing for residential, industrial and electric generation needs, Tylor wrote. Both Mountain Valley and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission have consistently dismissed concerns that natural gas transported by the project would end up being exported. The pipeline company and FERC also have said that the gas will serve markets in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast. As an interstate pipeline, the Mountain Valley project needs FERCs approval before construction can begin. As currently routed, the Mountain Valley Pipeline would begin in Wetzel County, West Virginia, and terminate at the Transco pipelines compressor station 165 in Pittsylvania County. In the draft environmental impact statement for the Mountain Valley project, FERC notes, There is no direct connection from the Transco station 165 to the Cove Point [liquefied natural gas] terminal. Yet the Transco pipeline does have an interconnect with the Cove Point pipeline and thus a connection to the Cove Point export terminal, which Dominion hopes to bring online in late 2017. And when EQT Corp. and NextEra Energy first sought customers for the natural gas that the Mountain Valley Pipeline would transport, a related open season document noted that the Transco pipeline system could offer deliveries to Cove Point LNG. Natalie Cox, a spokeswoman for Mountain Valley Pipeline, noted Thursday that open season documents are used to identify and attract shippers in order to fill pipeline transportation capacity. Cox said the natural gas zone associated with the Transco pipeline in the mid-Atlantic is a hub of gas transportation activity and helped us to secure firm transmission capacity commitments, which helped to determine the appropriate sizing of the proposed pipeline. Its important to remember that MVP does not own title to the gas MVP is only transporting the gas, Cox said. The proposed MVP terminates at Transcos station 165, at which time the shippers determine where their portion of the gas will be used. If FERC approves the Mountain Valley project, the joint venture will have access to eminent domain to acquire easements across private properties if negotiations on a payment for the easement fail to yield an acceptable price. Many pipeline opponents have said it would feel especially galling to be forced into hosting an easement if some portion of the natural gas the pipeline transports ends up being exported. A Henry County deputy is in the hospital and charges are pending against a 19-year-old after an incident that happened Wednesday night. Two Henry County deputies and a Virginia State Police trooper were called out to the 3300 block of Kings Mountain Road, after a car collided with a deer. Deputies called in emergency services, as there was a concern the driver had been injured in the crash. That driver turned out to be ok, walking away without any injuries. As the trooper and two Henry County sheriff's deputies were clearing the roadway of debris from the damaged vehicle, one of the responding volunteer firefighters pulled up to the scene, said Corinne Geller, Communications Director for the Virginia State Police. The two deputies were standing on the shoulder when the 2004 Chevrolet Blazer [driven by the firefighter] pulled onto the same shoulder and struck [the deputy]. The deputy rolled up onto the hood of the Blazer and then was thrown off, hitting the guardrail. That happened at about 8:03 p.m. The deputy was flown to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and is being treated for what officials say are serious but not life-threatening injuries. The second deputy and trooper were not struck or injured in the incident. The volunteer firefighter, a 19-year-old Bassett man, was also not injured in the crash. Geller said that charges are pending in the case, as the Virginia State Police have taken over the investigation. As of 10 p.m., the Virginia State Police Salem Division's Crash Reconstruction Team had made their way over to the scene and Geller said they will be helping with the investigation. Brian Carlton is the editor of the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at brian.carlton@martinsvillebulletin.com MARTINSVILLE-Today at noon, tradition has it, the souls of the forgotten and unknown will return. Though the people of St. Joseph Catholic Church dont know who they are, still they honor those deceased strangers with their prayers, decorations, food, drinks and mementos at the altar on this final dia de los muertos (Day of the Dead). An altar during the Days of the Dead is as common in Mexico as a Christmas tree is in America at Christmas. With its photos and mementos, the altar serves an important purpose, Eduardo Guerrero said: It reminds us that our departed loved ones are always with us. A native of Estado de Mexico, Guerrero has been in the United States for 21 years, he said. He and his family have put up an altar at home each year. This year, instead of having it at home, they put their efforts into the one at church. Other members of the congregation helped put it together on Sunday. The traditional belief is that the souls of the departed return to their homes during the first three days of November. The family altar is draped in a large embroidered cloth, or crepe paper cut into designs. On the altar are photographs of the dead, candles and rosary beads. There also is a wide assortment of the favorite food, drinks and items of each person honored at the altar. Cempasuchil (Axtec marigolds), which grow rampant across mountainsides and in fields during these weeks in Mexico, are used to decorate large arcs that curve above the altar from one side of it to the other. The altar at St. Josephs doesnt have them, though, Guerrero said, because they arent available en masse in the local area now. Petals of cempasuchil are dropped to form pathways from each altar out the door of each home, up each yard and sidewalk, joining other petal paths from other homes, up each road and main road leading out of town. The path of petals is said to help guide the souls to their altars. Flor de terciopelo, a large variety of cockscomb or celosia, also is used to decorate altars. That flower is available locally now, so its in vases on the altar at St. Josephs. Decorated sugar skulls usually are on altars, said Guerrero. Shops sell them, and families look for skulls that have the names of each of the deceased members of the family. Since Guerrero couldnt find sugar skulls here, he said, they used large marshmallows instead, which the children of the church decorated. Traditional breads are placed on the altar, said Jesus Sanchez and Cristina Nunez, who were explaining elements of the altar to their 9-year-old godson, Emanuel Caro. The most traditional of them all is pan de muertos (bread of the dead), a sweet bread flavored with anise seed and orange zest. It is said that the souls of deceased children return at midnight on the first day, Nov. 1. The offerings on the altar that day include toys and candy. On the second day, childrens items are replaced with cigarettes, beer, liquor whatever the preference of the departed adult family members and friends. Guerrero pointed out the Corona beer on the altar, which was a favorite of his late father-in-law, whose picture is displayed. The man also liked mescal, an alcoholic drink made from the agave plant that is native to Mexico. Since that isnt available locally, Guerrero and his wife put out a non-alcoholic champagne to represent it. The third day, which is today, honors the forgotten: people who have died without family or friends to mourn them. Out come the toys and candy once again, as well as beer and cigarettes, and meals, and prayers, for the unknown. The third day of unknowns is important, Guerrero said, because its important to remember other people, as a community. Holly Kozelsky reports for the Martinsville Bulletin. She can be reached at holly.kozelsky@martinsvillebulletin.com. The mobilisation of thousands of South African students taking their futures into their own hands has shaken up South African society. This is an extremely significant development. It means the youth are not content to leave their fate to the those politicians and leaders who have adapted themselves to life under capitalism. The youth are now some of the most politically active layers in society and are taking the road of class struggle. Essentially, the struggle of the youth today reflects the crisis of the capitalist system which cannot offer any way forward for the masses. The bitter struggle is a turning point for South African society which has seen class contradictions rising over the past decade. The students and intelligentsia are a sensitive barometer of the mood in society and their struggles today are an anticipation of what is to come. They show that there is deep anger and frustration at the current state of affairs. A crisis of the regime Starting off as a movement against tuition fees and for free education, the movement has gone way beyond these immediate issues. The violent crackdown and the arrogance of the government has politicised and radicalised the movement. The intensity and sweep of the protests, in turn, have captured the attention of all classes. As the situation unfolds on a daily basis, the government seems increasingly paralysed and does not know how to proceed. The ground is shifting beneath its feet and it wields no authority over the movement. This inability to rule in the old way is a signal of an approaching revolutionary crisis. The traditional support base has grown disillusioned with the ANC which has been presiding over all the cuts and attacks against the workers and the youth since taking power in 1994. This is reflected in the violent crackdown of the government against the movement. It shows the increasing inability of the ANC to exercise its traditional function for the ruling class of holding back the mass movement. The bourgeoisie on the other hand, does not have an alternative to the ANC. This has plunged it into a profound crisis. Consumed by infighting, the government is completely out of touch with the situation. This is evident in its latest attempt to resolve the crisis. President Zuma created a task team which initially consisted of ministers of the Security Cluster - Defense, Justice, Police, Correctional Services and State Security. This speaks volumes of the governments approach to the protests. Zuma has belatedly included the ministers of Finance, Communication, Housing and Social Development after a call by the ANC. But this only adds to the inept and clumsy manner in which the government is handling the issue. The militarisation of the campuses is actually having the opposite effect of its intended purpose, because it only pours fuel on the fire. The ruling class is split and lacks the necessary internal cohesion to respond effectively. The regime is in a deep crisis, which has been caused by the rising tide of the class struggle. The student movement is exacerbating this crisis. Social origins The student protests themselves have their roots in the upsurge of the class struggle of the recent period. It is part of a broader process, which has taken place over the last few years, in which the masses have again and again taken to the road of mass struggle in search of solutions to the social and economic crisis they face. Over the last decade there have been waves of mass struggle which have taken various shapes and forms. These struggles, especially in the period between 2009-2012, saw an explosion of strikes which battered the political landscape and ushered in a period of political realignment. The capitalist policies carried out by the African National Congress and the militant response by the workers resulted in the former mass liberation movement beginning to fracture along class lines. The turning point was the Marikana massacre which saw the ANC responsible for apartheid era atrocities against striking poor black workers. Huge class contradictions have since emerged between the ANC leadership which has the joined the ranks of the ruling class, and the working class masses that supported it for decades. The crisis in the Tripartite Alliance, the splits in the trade union movement, the emergence of forces to the left to the ANC, as well as a number of community based organisations, are products of this process.The student protests are the latest phase in this line of development. On the one hand we the leadership of the ANC and its allies, which have joined the capitalist club, mostly backed by the older generation of the former liberation movement. On the other hand, we have the new generation of youth that is bearing the brunt of the capitalist crisis and the consequences of the 1994 transition. The outcome of those negotiations between the leaders of the black elite and the traditional white capitalist class resulted in a deal in which the ANC leaders were allowed to form the government while the economy was kept in the hands of the capitalists. What we are currently witnessing are the natural consequences of that deal. Under capitalism, the great wealth which is created by the South African working class is appropriated by the capitalists. An anarchic and crisis ridden system which relentlessly pursues profits for the few cannot be reconciled with the basic material needs of the masses. This is a generation disillusioned with the results of capitalists democracy, which has not given them much aside from a prospect of a life of unemployment and constant attacks on living standards. And now they are fighting back. A new generation of fighters Protests over tuition fees are not a new phenomenon. As part of the general upsurge in the class struggle, they have been ongoing at the poorer black universities for a number of years. These protests were largely left to fester so long as they were confined to universities such as TUT, UWC, CPUT and Fort Hare. But with the current upheaval at Wits, UCT, Rhodes, etc, the protests have spread to the middle class. This is an indication of the deteriorating material conditions of the masses. The most militant layer of the protests consists of the so-called born free generation, i.e, those born after 1994. This fresh layer of youth is unshackled from the politics of the liberation era and only know the convulsive period we live in now. Outraged by the effects of the crisis of capitalism and galvanised by the local and international fightback by the masses, the youth have taken to the road of struggle. Thrown into the cauldron, the fresh layers show enormous militancy and heroism but the lack of experience also places many obstacles before the movement. In the initial stages it is only natural that the movement goes through a period of confusion. But in order to succeed and to take the struggle to a higher level it necessary to overcome these weaknesses. In their fight against the state for free education, the students have shown enormous bravery and sacrifice. The scenes of daily battles at all the universities across the country show the determination and revolutionary zeal of the youth. But the demands of the students have not been met despite a month of intense struggle. This shows that courage and determination alone are not sufficient to win. Had this been the case, capitalism would have been overthrown decades ago. What is needed is a correct programme, correct tactics and a truly fighting leadership. The student leaders When the student protests erupted in October 2015 they immediately took the form of a mass movement. The key reason for this was the intervention of the South African Students Congress (SASCO) which was involved from the beginning and provided an important national framework for the movement. Within a week, students began to mobilise not only on their own campuses but also between universities. This mobilisation was then coordinated at a national level. Marches and mass demonstrations were held on consecutive days in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria to protest at parliament, Luthuli House and at the Union Buildings respectively. The mass character of the movement came as a shock to the government. Within two weeks the size and increasing militancy of the movement forced the government to announce a freeze in tuition fees in a desperate attempt to put a lid on the protests. This is an important lesson. It was the scale of the protests and the threat it posed to the system that forced the government to retreat. This year, however, the SASCO leadership has scandalously declined to support and organise the students. On many campuses some SASCO leaders have even spoken against the students and have protected the government. This goes against the whole purpose of SASCO, which was set up by the students to represent them and to fight for good quality and free education. Together with another traditional organisation, the South African Union of Students (SAOS), the SASCO leaders are often seen as being in cahoots with the government. Many of the student leaders are seen as using the movement as a stepping stone to advancing their own political careers. It is clear that the aim of the concessions to the movement last year was purely to buy time for the government. But while the government was preparing a counterattack over the past year the student leaders at some universities began to shut the movement down. The mass based character and vital coordination between universities was broken and replaced by an atomised movement wherein the numerous demands were fought on a campus-by-campus basis. This false dichotomy which was created between local and national demands led to the atomisation of the movement. Over the past year, universities across the country have become a hotbed of activity. Protests against a lack of accommodation, financial exclusion, the curriculum, institutional culture and outsourcing of university workers cropped up at almost all universities. But everywhere it lacked the mass character and necessary coordination of last year. Instead of linking up the demands centrally and waging a national struggle against the government and the system as a whole, the movement began to fracture into its different tendencies. The consequence of this was that when the movement erupted again it lacked the nationally coordinated struggle of last year. This has had very serious consequences for the movement. The actions - or rather, the inaction - of the student leaders has only assisted the government in tiring out and isolating the students. This could lead to the defeat of the movement. Apart from exceptional cases such as at Wits University, the protests have by-passed the official Student Representative Councils at universities. Organisation This is a healthy reaction towards the actions of the student leaders, but it does not solve the problems of the movement. The solution to bad leadership is to find better, committed and selfless leaders. The only way to ensure this is to make the leadership structures as democratic and accountable as possible with the right to recall of any leader who fails to carry out the mandates of the students in an acceptable way. The pitfalls of the atomising of the movement have been apparent. Instead of speaking with one voice, the fractured movements began to speak past each other. This has made the protests more disjointed and the demands less clear. The government and the hostile media have used this incoherence to distort and misrepresent the demands of the students. The lack of a national and mass based movement also led to the isolation of different groups from the broader student body. Meanwhile the smaller core of the movement, which was radicalised under the crackdown, began to employ tactics such as the burning of libraries, stoning of cars, and other similar actions. This provided the perfect pretext to the state to further isolate student leaders and crack down on the protests. The disconnection between the advanced layers of the students and the wider student base only serves to isolate and fracture the movement, making it easier for the state to clamp down on the protests. This could open the road for a counter-attack by the ruling class. The lack of national organisations and mass oriented tactics is a clear weakness which the movement must attempt to overcome. It is not possible to fight the centralised capitalist state machine with disunity and disorganisation. The way forward is to build on the best methods of the movement last year: democratic mass student assemblies where everyone is allowed to speak freely and give their opinion. Only in this way can the movement build the necessary momentum and draw in the necessary forces to proceed. These assemblies should choose delegates to a national student congress where all the demands could be taken up on a central basis. The only way to proceed is with maximum unity and organisation. All methods of disunity and atomisation will only mean that it will be easier to isolate the individual groups of protesters and thereby weaken the movement as a whole. A political struggle The lack of a national coordination also leads to a political weakness. While the demand for the abolition of university fees is still at the centre of the struggle, this does not exhaust the question of a programme. Of course, the movement is not uniform but contradictory. The specific conditions and demands vary from one campus to another. The conditions and dynamics at Wits, Rhodes, Stellenbosch and UCT are different from the traditionally black universities like TUT, CPUT, UWC, VUT, etc. This in itself is not a problem. The different layers of society always come to revolutionary conclusions on the basis of their own concrete situations. The key is, however, is to link up the struggles by generalising the local and individual demands into a programme which can unify the struggles on a national scale and draw in new layers. The more localised the coordination of the movement remains, the harder it is to develop such a programme. While the movement was initially sparked by the raising of tuition fees, the demands have gradually expanded to areas such as as tuition funding for poorer students, reduction of the university managers incomes, an end to outsourcing, raising government funding for higher education, cancellation of student debt as well as racial inequality issues. But these demands are not centralised and also don't quite reflect the real stage at which the movement is at. The violent crackdown of the police and the coordinated efforts of the bourgeoisie to crush the movement has pushed the movement far beyond the initial aims and demands towards a direct struggle against the Zuma government. The demand for the fall of the Security Cluster and the Minister of Education would help focus the movement and would find a wide echo amongst wide layers of the working class. But the demands of the movement, insofar as they exist, mainly reflect the initial phases of the movement. The working class While the youth can play an important part in the class struggle, they cannot directly influence economy or the key levers of power in society. As we have stated above, the student protests are part of the broader class struggle, which in turn is a result of the crisis of capitalism. Due to their role in the large scale production process, the workers are central to any action to fight the capitalist system. The limitations of the movement to purely a student strike can be seen in the current protests. While they have succeeded in disrupting the normal functioning of the universities, they have had no effect on the functioning of the economy. The mines, banks, supermarkets and factories are all running normally. It is therefore crucial for the student movement to find ways of linking up with broader layers of the workers and the poor. Last year, the movement led straight to a campaign against outsourcing at the universities. This instinctive turn of the students toward the working class was a huge step forward. Significant victories were won at a number of universities. It is necessary expand this method, broaden the scope of the campaign and raise the level of the movement. The student struggle must be linked up with the struggles of the working class as a whole by developing a systematic approach to the workers. Firstly, the main demands of the workers, including an end to labour brokers, a living wage and an end to service delivery cuts, should be a key part of the students programme. This should be accompanied by student delegations being sent to all the big factories and big enterprises to appeal to the workers. A revolutionary leadership Those who oppose the struggle of the youth on the grounds that they do not have a clear programme should explain where such a programme should come from. It is a fact that of all the organisations which were built to represent the South African masses, none of them has managed to serve their purpose in this struggle. The ANC leadership which dominates the government has been the main perpetrator of attacks against the youth and the working class in the past period. All of its infighting factions are completely out of touch with the daily day life of the masses. The Communists have also joined the government as cabinet ministers and are complicit in the relentless assault on the material conditions of the workers and students. The General Secretary of the Communist party as a Cabinet Minister of Higher Education is actively fighting against the demand for free education! The distance between the mass of youth and the youth wings of organisations such as the ANC Youth League has grown into an abyss. The EFF leaders have been the only ones to support the movement, but Julius Malema has been seen as using the movement for his own narrow means. His recent flirtations with capitalist elements from the DA and the Mantashe wing of the ANC as well as his watered down programme for the latest local elections has undermined the EFF amongst the most advanced youth. The trade unions have also not tried to link up the struggles of workers and students. The right wing leaders of COSATU participated in a low-key march on 14 October to the Chamber of Mines. But they have not provided a clear programme to take the movement forward. In fact, the march was reduced to simply appealing to the mining bosses to provide funds toward higher education! This was a classic example of the COSATU office bearers taking the steam out of the situation and effectively trying to demobilise the students. As for the left wing of the trade union movement - in particular NUMSA - it has only given the minimum of support. Although it has supported the students in words, it has not done anything to help the movement overcome its weaknesses in practice. It has also not mobilised in anyway against the violent crackdown of the security forces and the apartheid era tactics used by the state. For the past three years, NUMSA has talked about setting up a socialist party. Should this materialise, it would change the whole political landscape. Its leaders are missing a golden opportunity. The conditions for launching a fighting party of the working class are extremely favourable. The presence of the most radical layers of the youth on the streets is clear confirmation of this. The South African masses are taking to the road of struggle, but they do not have a revolutionary leadership to unify their struggles and aim them at the real cause of all of their problems - the capitalist system. Fight for Socialism Since 1994 enrolments at universities have more than doubled. In order to offer loans to poor students, the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was established. Since then NSFAS has provided assistance to more than 1.4 million. But while the enrolment at universities has grown exponentially, funding to higher education has decreased as the government has tried to cap a growing budget deficit. In the period from 2000 to 2012 state funding for higher education declined in real terms by 1.1% of GDP. The proportion of GDP spent on higher education in 2015 has dropped to 0.7% which is low by international standards. And in order to mitigate the shortfall, universities have increased tuition fees. At the same time, the burden on students increased from 24% to 31%. At the end of 2012 student debt increased from R2.6 billion to R3.4 billion. The NSFAS also ran into a crisis. The crisis of youth unemployment and the inability to pay back the loans meant that outstanding debt to NSFAS has grown to nearly R20 billion. Youth unemployment increased to 55% which means that many new graduates could not be absorbed into the labour market. The so-called skills shortage which is needed in the economy is therefore the result of the workings of capitalism. Enormous human potential goes to waste because the system cannot make optimal use of it. So what started out as initiatives to reform the system have run into the laws of the capitalist system. The crisis has once again exposed the limits of reformism. The demands of the students and of the working class are in direct conflict with the private ownership of the means of production. All the wealth of society is in the hands of a small minority, the capitalist class. Yet all this wealth is created by the working class. It is therefore a prime necessity for the working class to put an end to this state of affairs by taking the ownership of the economy out of the hands of the capitalist class. The Freedom Charter states: The People must share in the countrys wealth! The mineral wealth beneath the soil, the banks and monopoly industries shall be transferred to the ownership of the people as a whole! Only by expropriating the capitalists will it be possible to put the huge resources of the country to use for the whole of society and not the privilege of the few. (Beijing) The shakeout of China's unruly peer-to-peer (P2P) lending industry has begun. Just two months after regulators started their cleanup of a sector plagued by scandal and fraud, some players have called it quits. HomeFax.cn became the latest casualty on Monday when it stopped matching individual lenders directly with borrowers. The company, a unit of Red Star Macalline, a leading operator of home-improvement and furniture-shopping malls, told customers that despite having lent more than 400 million yuan ($59.2 million) and having a clean bad-debt record, it had decided, after "careful research," to refocus on its core furniture-services business. The number of P2P lending companies in China has fallen steadily this year, figures from data provider Wind Information show. After peaking at 2,612 in November 2015, the number stood at 2,202 as of September this year. Many firms shut down voluntarily; some closed due to management failure; while others, built on fraud, imploded. Analysts expect the decline to continue, as more companies fail to meet tough new requirements laid down by the government on Aug. 24 in an effort to bring to heel an industry that until then was lightly regulated and had mushroomed since P2P emerged on the mainland a decade ago. The era of unchecked expansion seems to have passed amid the regulatory tightening, the effect of scandals and the maturing of the industry. In 2016, a total of 1.7 trillion yuan in loans are expected to be made through P2P lending firms, according to internet business research firm iiMedia Research Group. That's still a whopping 80.7% increase from the previous year, but it's less than a third of the growth rate seen in 2015 from 2014. The firm expects the pace to almost halve to 42.5% next year and slide to 29.5% in 2018. Modeled on British and American peer-to-peer lenders that sprang up in the early 2000s that allowed people to lend directly to each other via the internet, the industry took off in China in the middle of the last decade as it piggybacked on the massive growth in online usage. It provided a lifeline to thousands of small companies and individuals who couldn't get access to bank loans, and it was encouraged by the People's Bank of China for precisely that reason. But subject to far less supervision than the formal banking sector, P2P lending boomed along with the rest of the shadow-banking industry. It morphed from the simple idea of allowing people to borrow money directly from others to pay off their credit cards or go to college, for example, into a channel through which companies could get loans quickly and skirt restrictions imposed by the government as part of its economic policies, such as reining in loans to property developers. While the state could control to whom the banks provided loans, it couldn't control who was raising money in the shadow banking sector through avenues such as P2P. Websites sprang up offering themselves as P2P platforms, and while the majority were genuine, many were fraudulent. Among the most egregious scams was Ezubao, a leading P2P service until it was shut down in December. According to police who investigated the scheme, it milked more than 50 billion yuan out of about 900,000 people in less than two years, using fake companies posing as borrowers. The new regulations, announced by the China Banking Regulatory Commission and three other central government agencies, were part of a range of measures aimed at controlling the growing risks from the online financial sector. They imposed 13 restrictions on P2P platforms, including a ban on accepting deposits from the public; pooling investors' money; the imposition of ceilings on individual loan amounts; and a prohibition on selling financial products. The news was a disaster for Yirendai, the first, and only, Chinese P2P lender to list on the New York Stock Exchange. The firm's share price plunged by over 22%, from $31.44 to $24.52, the day the policy was announced as investors feared for its prospects under the new regulations. The stock continued to slide, dropping as low as $20.40 on Sept. 1, although it has since recovered and was trading at $26.00 on Wednesday. Tang Ning, the firm's founder and chairman, told Caixin in a recent interview that Yirendai had incorporated the regulations long before they were announced, including entrusting all investors' money to a custodian bank a requirement that the majority of existing P2P firms have yet to meet. Tang, who is also founder, chairman and CEO of Yirendai's parent company CreditEase, said he remains optimistic about the outlook for the P2P industry. "Given that China's formal banking sector is much less comprehensively developed than it is in the United States, the P2P industry still holds far more opportunity in China," he said in a recent interview. Nevertheless, after the central bank put the CBRC in charge of making tougher rules for the industry, Tang saw the tide was turning and, like a few other big players in the P2P arena, started to prepare for the new future by embracing financial technology, or Fintech, the use of technology to make financial services more accessible and more efficient. CreditEase set long-term targets last year to develop wealth management services and inclusive finance. The strategy aims to use technology to improve services for consumers at different income levels, offering the super-rich tailored, cross-border portfolio management, and giving ordinary wage-earners an affordable way to make informed investment decisions by using advanced computer programs known as robo-advisers. Already growing rapidly in the United States, robo-advisers are online wealth management services that offer low-cost portfolio management by using computers rather than humans to give advice to customers. Investors fill in a questionnaire, and algorithms then calculate what investment products are the most suitable. They will also adjust the portfolio as the situation of the investor and the markets changes. As someone who has been heavily involved in disruptive technology, Tang is an enthusiastic proponent of the robo-adviser. "What this has done is make it possible, for the first time ever, for ordinary people and the middle classes to enjoy the services of portfolio asset management that were previously reserved exclusively for the rich and ultrarich," he said. "This is a great example of technology improving people's lives." CreditEase isn't alone in the race to offer a robo-adviser service in China, however. Other P2P lenders, including Jimubox and Renrendai, have also jumped in. The concept first appeared in China in 2014, inspired by the automated investment services pioneered by U.S. startups such as Betterment and Wealthfront. It has the potential to solve many difficult problems in the wealth management industry, said Xue Hongyan, a senior research fellow at the Macroeconomics Research Center at Suning Commerce, a think tank affiliated with the financial services arm of home appliance and electronic devices retailer Suning. One of the problems is that humans tend to make irrational decisions when under pressure, which explains phenomena such as panic selling. Robo-advisers, by contrast, are not susceptible to the influence of emotions and are thus superior to human advisers under certain circumstances, Xue said. ToumiRA , a robo-adviser platform CreditEase launched in May, would have generated a nearly 10% annual return for investors had they followed its advice over the past 10 years, based on the performance of the exchange-traded funds in which investors' money is allocated, according to the company's calculations. ToumiRA also outperformed many global index funds and actively managed funds in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote, Tang said. But he admits it's going to be an uphill struggle, at least in the short term, as Chinese investors tend to be more interested in speculation and short-term gains than long-term investment that requires patience. "We are telling the affluent and middle-class investors that their wealth-management targets can only be achieved through long-term investment in the capital markets," he said. "This will require a change of mindset. It will be difficult, but it needs to be done." Contact reporter Wang Yuqian (yuqianwang@caixin.com) DiGrigoli_Shriner.jpg (Photo Provided) WEST SPRINGFIELD - Every Halloween, the students at DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology in West Springfield decorate and donate an array of pumpkins to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield, MA. This year was no different. On Friday, October 28th approximately 40 of the best pumpkins were delivered, painted with artistic designs and familiar characters meant to brighten the day for the children and their families. Dressed in costumes, a group of DiGrigoli students went to the hospital themselves to donate Olaf, Pikachu, Jack Skeleton, a Minion, a Ninja Turtle, and several more characters and designs to the appreciative children. "Patients and families are thrilled to receive a special surprise which helps to make their visit to the hospital less stressful," said Lee Roberts, the Public Relations Specialist for Shriners. "We are all very grateful for DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology's continued support in helping us carry out our mission of improving the lives of children every day." School owner Paul DiGrigoli purchases over 80 pumpkins every year as a part of a Halloween-themed design competition for the students. "We love this!" said DiGrigoli. "Our students and faculty love the children and really enjoy this event. Community is very important to us." SPRINGFIELD -- The Massachusetts Department of Transportation plans to explain the upcoming shift of traffic patterns in the Interstate 91 viaduct work zone at a meeting later this month. The meeting, a regularly scheduled quarterly update on the project, is set for Nov. 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the MassLive Building, 1350 Main St., in the third floor conference room. Workers have been busy on the center lanes of the viaduct. Starting this winter, I-91 northbound and southbound traffic will shift to the newly reconstructed center lanes. Construction will then move to the outside low-speed travel lanes and shoulder portions of the viaduct, along with the I-91 northbound on-ramp to I-291 east, which will be constructed in two phases during this stage. MassDOT also said on its website that the Exit 9 off-ramp from I-91 North to Route 20 will be closed for the first part of Stage 2 when traffic is initially shifted to the center of the viaduct. MassDOT said it will maintain access from I-91 northbound to I-291 east at all times except for possible overnight closures. The work is part of an ongoing $183.3-million reconstruction of Interstate 91 and its viaduct through downtown Springfield. Built in the 1960s, the highway is a major north-south artery through western New England. Contractors have replaced pavement, bridge decks the joints holding bridges to abutments and other structures. The plan is to reopen much of the road to traffic about a year from now in December 2017. To sign up for email alerts and learn more about the project, visit www.mass.gov/massdot/I91ViaductRehab. For questions or concerns, email the project team at I91viaduct@state.ma.us or call 617-454-1839. WILBRAHAM - Real Living Realty Professionals is pleased to welcome Marisol Franco, from Keller Williams, as the newest member of our Wilbraham Office. Marisol brings over 10 years of experience as a Realtor & Broker Associate, plus a background in Mortgage & Commercial Lending. Over the last decade, she has been a consistent multi-million dollar producer, selling homes in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. She is a listing specialist, a first time home buyer instructor, a member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and an expert in new construction. Her financial and customer service background, combined with the outstanding tools and resources Real Living provides, will allow her to deliver even better service, quality and value to her clients. Relocated to Hampden after a successful 17-year run in South Windsor, Conn., Casa Bella operates out of a space Hampden old-timers will remember as once housing that town's general store. It's been a succession of restaurants since. Casa Bella has spiffied up the premises, creating two separate dining experiences - a large pub bar and adjoining trattoria-style spaces. Visitors to Casa Bella get to choose from antipasti options that include Zuppa de Clams ($12), Calamari Fra Diavlo style ($13), and Stuffed Eggplant ($9). Chicken or veal possibilities range from Parmigiana ($18 or $19) to Saltimbocca ($19 or $20) and Marsala-style ($19 or $20). Hand-cut Delmonico Steaks ($23) are available, as are pasta favorites such as Mike's Pasta with Meatballs ($16), Pasta Bolognese ($16), and Spaghetti with Broccoli, Oil, and Garlic ($15). Seafood makes its presence known in menu selections like Baked Sea Scallops ($21), Shrimp Scampi ($19), and Haddock Puttanesca ($19). Our Casa Bella experience with Fried Mozzarella ($8) demonstrated just how tasty this simple dish can be when freshly prepared. Two slabs of mozzarella cheese, egg battered and fried in a crumb crust, are served topped with Casa Bella's house-made marinara. Hearty and full of flavor, the cheese softly stringy rather than rubbery, it was a starter with real plate presence. Lasagna ($16) is one of those Italian kitchen favorites that many attempt but few excel in putting together. The version we tucked into at Casa Bella, liberally layered as it was with ground beef and cheese and lavishly sauced, was definitely superior. The restaurant's standard Italian "gravy," a composition defined by it sassy tomato and garlic tartness, anchored the lasagna's flavor profile. An order of Pazzo Alfredo ($20) proved to be a deliciously hearty choice. A dish that featured meat-filled tortellini tossed with Casa Bella's own-recipe alfredo sauce, the pazzo was supplemented with chicken breast chunks and sausage coins as well as bell pepper strips, sliced mushrooms, onions, and black olives. Finished with a generous sprinkle of crumbled bacon, the pazzo's only shortcoming was the portion size - the kitchen, we grumbled, had dished up enough to feed a small family. Entrees at Casa Bella come with a cup of soup or a salad of mixed greens. A side of pasta is included where appropriate, and freshly baked rolls are provided. Casa Bella's bar dispenses beer and mixed drinks. The restaurant's wine list, though not particularly extensive, offers choices enough to satisfy most patrons inclined to order either a glass or a bottle. The restaurant's dessert selection varies; we sampled two offerings that are typically available. Tiramisu ($5), which comes fancifully decorated with whipped cream, is the requisite lush layering of coffee, cake, and custard. The Cannoli ($4) we enjoyed had a fresh, crisp shell; its chocolate-chip-studded ricotta filling was subtly flavored with vanilla and cinnamon. Casa Bella supplements its regular menu with a selection of specialty pizzas. Pies are prepared in two sizes and finished with a variety of chef-selected toppings, like the Margherita (tomato, basil, and mozzarella -- $13), the Clams Casino ($13), and "Frank's Favorite" ($13), a pie decked out with mozzarella, eggplant, sausage, meatballs, and ricotta. We found that sharing a small (10-inch) "Mikey's Meat Lovers" was a great alternative to an appetizer. The pie's crust was thin and pleasingly lean, with the aromatic quality of a freshly baked loaf. A robust tomato sauce served as understory for the pie's flavor architecture, while thin-sliced meatballs, mild pepperoni, sweet sausage, and plenty of mozzarella topped things off. At lunch Casa Bella features luncheon entrees priced from $11-$15; they're primarily dinner entrees dialed back for midday enjoyment. A selection of panini sandwiches and several "wraps," which supplement the hot dishes, come with fries. Soup or salad can be had instead for a small upcharge. On Saturday evenings the restaurant features prime rib, which is available with either as side of pasta or garlic mashed potatoes. Name: Casa Bella Italian Kitchen Address: 546 Main Street, Hampden Telephone: (413) 566-1466 Website: casabellarestaurant.net Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 9 p.m. Entree prices: $15 - $25 Credit cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa Handicapped access: Tavern area is accessible, but steps up to dining room; rest rooms not equipped for wheelchairs Reservations: Accepted NEW YORK -- Spectacle has often been a part of the CMA Awards, and in the 50th annual installment, this includes plenty of eye-opening attire worn by the celebrities arriving for the show. Wednesday night, critics and fans alike will be tuning in once again to check out and judge the best and worse in fashions at the ceremonies. The 2016 CMA Awards will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. Eastern. Check back here often for the latest photos and other updates from the red carpet at at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Well. I made it. It has been a DAY. But everyone is dressed and the baby is fed hallelujah. Thank you @cswinde2 for being such a fun hang. Thank you @bethlehman for being an absolute lifesaver and thank you @__maaaddy for rocking your first award show! #cma A photo posted by Amber Lehman (@amberlehman) on Nov 2, 2016 at 5:23pm PDT Luke Bryan leads the way as he looks to "three-peat" as entertainer of the year at the Country Music Association Awards. Bryan is nominated for the top prize, which he won the last two consecutive years, besting acts like Garth Brooks, George Strait and Blake Shelton. Bryan's competition this year includes Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton and Keith Urban. Bryan, whose only CMA wins are the two for entertainer of the year, is also nominated for musical event of the year for "Home Alone Tonight," his duet with Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town. Stapleton, Church and newcomer Maren Morris are the overall leaders though, going into the Bridgestone Arena with five nominations each. Stapleton, who cleaned up at last year's show, is also nominated for single, male vocalist, music video and musical event of the year, which he shares with wife Morgane for their performance of "You Are My Sunshine." Church's nominations include album, male vocalist, music video, single and song of the year. Morris, who moved the needle this year with her genre-bending album "Hero," is nominated for album, single, song, female vocalist and new artist of the year. Among those set to perform: Randy Travis, Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Roy Cark, Jason Aldean, Ricky Skaggs, Charlie Daniels, Kacey Musgraves and Charley Pride. Underwood and Brad Paisley, who will both perform, return as hosts of the CMA Awards for the ninth time. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Tea for Three.jpg Elaine Bromka will perform "Tea for Three: Lady Bird, Pat & Betty" at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield on Monday and Tuesday nights Election season attention is traditionally focused on the presidential candidates, but the Majestic Theater is casting the spotlight on three former first ladies. Emmy Award-winning actress Elaine Bromka will perform her one-woman show, "Tea for Three: Lady Bird, Pat & Betty," on Election Day Eve and Election Night, Monday and Tuesday, at the West Springfield theater. Tickets for the 7 p.m. performances are $23 and $25. "This highly polarizing political climate is perfect for the show since it manages to reach across the aisles, something we all need right now, especially on election night. We can make hay with that," Bromka said. Danny Eaton, the Majetsic Theater's founding producer, said he first saw the play staged 10 years ago in Chester. "Elaine and I know one another from our college days. She went to Smith and I was at Amherst College. In those days the boys would go to Smith to be in plays and the girls to Amherst, and that is how I met her," Eaton said. "After we reunited in Chester, I stayed in touch with Elaine who suggested I bring her show to The Majestic. It's really very good, and with the election heating up, I decided to offer it as an alternative to all the craziness going on." Written by Bromka along with Eric H. Weinberger, the witty play is an intimate re-imagining of three women who suddenly found themselves celebrities. It's a "as real as it gets" behind-the-scenes look at Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, and Betty Ford, revealing the personal cost of what Mrs. Nixon called the "hardest unpaid job in the world." Elaine Bromka stars in "Tea for Three: Lady Bird, Pat & Betty." "I'm proud of what we have written... exploring the humanity of these three women in the limelight of the White House," Bromka said. The inspiration for "Tea for Three" came about when Bromka starred opposite Rich Little in "The Presidents", which she performed across the country and on PBS. Called upon to impersonate eight First Ladies, she ended up spending months poring over videotapes of the women. Studying nuances of their body language and speech patterns to explore psychologically why they moved and spoke as they did, she became more and more drawn in by their personalities. It is easy for some to take the first ladies for granted and think only of the teas they hold, Bromka said. "I believe the play serves as a reminder for all of us what these three women contributed, and also what one has to give up for their country. I don't think there's much thought given lately of doing something for your country. If you want to make the country great, then you have to do something. It all goes back to what the late President Kennedy said in his inaugural speech, 'Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country,'" Bromka said. While "Tea for Three" tends to draw more women as an audience, Bromka said there is plenty for men to appreciate in the play. "Many husbands do get dragged to the play by their wives, but a lot of history is woven into the show for those who are history lovers," she said. The playwright and actor said she hopes to hold a talk back each night after the play. "They're fun and I learn a lot from the audiences that way. One night I asked for a show of hands for how many would like to hear about other First Ladies, such as the wives of Presidents Harding, Wilson and Coolidge. Not many hands were raised, and since I had already started some of the writing, they saved me a lot of work," Bromka laughed. Bromka has over 30 years of experience in film, television, Broadway, and off-Broadway. She appeared as the mom in the big-screen movie "Uncle Buck" with John Candy, as Stella on the popular television soap "Days of our Lives," as well as on "E.R.," "The Sopranos" and "Law and Order." As for casting her own vote on Election Day, Bromka said not to worry, that her voice has been heard. "I voted early in my home state of New Jersey," she said. (Beijing) A Chinese state railway builder and the Zambian government have signed a $2.26 billion deal for a new railroad linking two cities in eastern Zambia. The single-track, 388-km railway between Chipata and Serenje highlights China's ongoing effort to expand its commercial interests in Africa. China Civil Engineering Construction Corp., a subsidiary of state-owned China Railway Construction Corp. Ltd. (CRCC), signed the agreement with Zambia's Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications to build the railroad over four years, the CRCC announced on its website Thursday without specifying when it will start the project. Rolling stock will include Chinese-made passenger trains traveling up to 120 kph and freight trains with maximum speeds of 80 kph, the CRCC said. Financing terms were not disclosed. Neither the CRCC statement nor a Zambian embassy representative in Beijing who spoke with Caixin provided financial details. Financing for other Chinese railway projects in Africa including a recently opened $3.4 billion railway linking Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, and the seaport city of Djibouti, and a $13.8 billion railroad now under construction in Kenya has been backed by the government's Export-Import Bank of China, said Tang Xiaoyang, an associate professor at Tsinghua University's Department of International Relations. Chinese investment in Africa has skyrocketed in recent years. Last year, President Xi Jinping announced his country will provide $60 billion in loans and direct aid to help African countries build infrastructure, improve agricultural businesses and reduce poverty. China's total investment in Africa more than tripled to $26 billion between 2007 and 2013, according to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. China is keenly interested in Zambia's natural resources, especially copper. China has long been a key buyer of Zambian copper, which is the country's main export, although demand has cooled in recent years in part due to China's economic slowdown. Chinese railroad builders are no strangers to Zambia. For example, through a China government aid project, Chinese companies in the 1970s built the 1,860-km Tazara Railway that today connects the Zambian city of Kapiri Mposhi and the seaport of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The Tazara Railway helped landlocked Zambia overcome its reliance on South African ports for exporting products overseas. It was at the time of its construction one of China's largest foreign-aid projects. Today, it's still regarded by the Chinese government as the embodiment of Sino-African friendship. According to the Lusaka Times newspaper in Zambia's capital, the country's transport minister said the Chipata-Serenje railway project is aimed at promoting trade between Zambia and neighboring countries. The link will provide "direct economic stimulus in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique," said the minister, Brian Mushimba, at a signing ceremony with Chinese officials in Lusaka. Contact reporter Chen Na (nachen@caixin.com); editor Eric Johnson (ericjohnson@caixin.com) Delores Ojunga-Andrew Delores Ojunga-Andrew, a Springfield resident who returned to college in her 70s to complete her bachelor's degree at Mount Holyoke College. (Michelle Williams / MassLive.com) Every person has a story. Everyday People is a series that seeks to highlight the stories of everyday residents in Massachusetts. _____________ SPRINGFIELD -- For Delores Ojunga-Andrew, her bachelor's degree has been a long time coming. Now in her 70s - more than a half-century after beginning collegiate pursuits - her degree is in reach. Ojunga-Andrew, 72, is a Frances Perkins Scholar at Mount Holyoke College. The program welcomes students of nontraditional age to continue their education following a short - or long - break in studies. As a soon-to-be high school graduate living on the west side of Chicago, Ojunga-Andrew was unsure what she wanted to do as a career. She chose nursing after being reminded by family of her nurturing nature. So, she enrolled in a three-year program to become a professional nurse. On her graduation day, the nursing program director announced to her and other young graduates that soon the requirements for nurses would change and she would need a bachelor's degree to be considered a professional nurse. Ojunga-Andrew needed to begin work so she accepted a position as a registered nurse and promised herself she would return to school and obtain a four-year degree. Soon she married, had children and her life became busier than ever before but she would take classes whenever she could, slowly gathering course credits. She and her family moved to Springfield in the 1980s, where they made a new home for themselves. She found a job as a nurse at Baystate Medical Center where she finished her career after more than four decades in the field. As her three children grew up, they graduated high school and went onto college. And so did she. Ojunga-Andrew took advantage of a tuition waiver program at Massachusetts community colleges which allows seniors to take classes for free. She signed up for several at Springfield Technical Community College. It took adjusting, Ojunga-Andrew said, of being a generation older than other students in the class. And the coursework was difficult after years away from academia. "My kids kept pushing me to continue," she said. She graduated from STCC in 2013 with a 4.0 GPA. With her associate's degree completed, she looked toward obtaining her bachelor's and applied to Mount Holyoke. She was accepted and holds the title of the oldest student on campus. Taking three courses each semester, Ojunga-Andrew has studied such topics as Africana studies, psychology and religion. A devout Christian, Ojunga-Andrew enrolled in a Women and Buddhism course to study the faith others practice locally and internationally. "It was challenging," she said, of the course. "We had to read 13 books in 13 weeks." The most interesting class she has enrolled in so far has been "Black Political Thought," a course in the Africana studies department that asks students to examine the writing of Black political thinkers in America, Africa and Europe and consider the context in which they were written. She began at Mount Holyoke as a religion major but switched to Africana studies to learn more about Black history and culture. Ojunga-Andrew has also learned of culture from her fellow students. She has learned more about the lives of others in Western Massachusetts, especially regarding gender and sexuality. Students who don't identify with their born gender have explained gender fluidity and transitioning to their 72-year-old classmate, as have members of the LGBTQA communities on campus. "Your life expands as you expand," she said. "I'm learning so much from classes and my classmates." Ojunga-Andrew will graduate in 2018 and is looking forward to once again donning a cap and gown. Upon graduation, she plans to write and stay active in her church, St John's Congregational Church in Springfield. AE toys.jpg Thousands of motorcyclists from all over New England are seen here as they manuver their bikes down Memorial Drive in Chicopee during one of the annual toy runs to benefit Brightside for Families and Children. The year's toy run happens on Sunday. (DAVID MOLNAR / THE REPUBLICAN) One of the longest running motorcycle events in Western Massachusetts hits a milestone this year. This will mark the 30th installment of Brightside's Hope for the Holidays Toy Run and Toy Drive. Just to give you a little background history on how this got started, you would have to go back to 1983 when the original members of the Longriders Motorcycle Club had a Toys for Tots run the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Several issues with snow over the years went towards moving the date up by several weeks. Back then they were known as the Longriders Family. This event continued for several years until Brightside for Families and Children became the recipient, starting in 1986. Holyoke's Bill Wohlers also had a hand in this for several years, and the run was sometimes referred to as Mr. Bill's Toy Run. Over the years many people took part in helping organize the Brightside run, culminating in several runs that attracted 2,000 to 3,000 motorcycles. Dan Poirier, of Salty Dog Saloon, fame steered the ship until 2009. Then, for one reason or another (mostly attributed to logistical problems among the communities involved), the ride went away for three years until being revived by the Stone Cutters Chapter of the Widows Sons Masonic Riders group in 2012. Today, the toy run and collection drive are being run by organizers Bruce Rivest, Melvyn Hook and Pete Silvano. "We want to restore the Brightside ride to its previous glory," says Hook. "For many years this was the event that traditional event that ended the motorcycle season. People planned their weekend around this event. We want to bring that back." Rivest, who was actually adopted through Brightside as a child, would like people to know what Brightside for Families and Children (now part of the Mercy Medical Center network of Trinity Health) is all about. "Many people think that it used to be strictly an orphanage for children. Let me tell you they do much more than that. They are able to counsel children whom may have psychiatric, learning or behavioral difficulties or may be in a bad situation in the setting they are in. They try to do all this without disrupting the family," Rivest said. "They work with the families to offer in home counseling and teach them how to cope with problems. Behavioral health care is their forte. They also offer drug and marriage counseling among other things. They do astounding work. We want to help them be able to do as much as possible. This includes providing Christmas presents to those who might otherwise not have them." This year's run will also see the addition of a memory board to honor those who are no longer with us. Says Rivest,"There are so many people that were part of this ride in the past that have gone. Timothy 'Tank' Beaudry, Patrick Rudd, Wayne Chapman, Griz Griswold, Walter Fife and Donnie Perusse are just some of the people we would like to honor. Also if you have a loved one that you would like remembered, you will be able to add their names to the memory board." Hook also adds that this event would be nothing without the many sponsors that have jumped on board. Some of those include Indian Motorcycle of Springfield, Red's Exxon, Rock 102 and Lazer 99.3, and Walmart. The American Legion Riders from Post 275 will also be on hand to help direct traffic and act as road captains. All this kicks off with the toy drive tomorrow and Saturday. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., you can go to the Chicopee Walmart on Memorial Drive to donate an unwrapped toy of your choice. Gift cards will also be accepted. Then, on Sunday, the toy run will happen. Staging begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Chicopee Walmart. Kickstands will be up at 11 a.m. sharp. If possible, please bring an unwrapped toy or gift card to be collected. Following the ride, there will be an after party at the Moose Family Center on Fuller Road in Chicopee. Wrist bands will be available at a cost of $10. There will be food, live music and a host of other things going on there. Please be part of this wonderful event, and let's make this ride one to remember. Until next time, ride safe and ride smart. Tim Aloisio, of Chicopee, has been a recreational motorcycle rider for over 40 years. He is a member of the national Harley Owners Group. He can be reached by email to travelintim@hotmail.com. This story has been updated with comment from the "Yes on 3" campaign. WENDELL -- The one Massachusetts egg farm that could be put out of business if Question 3 passes is pushing back, saying the ballot campaign, which would effectively require all laying hens to live cage-free, is misguided. Birds at Diemand Farm are clean and happy, and by contrast, cage-free poultry operations can be inhumane, said members of the Diemand family and others at an "egg buy-in" event Wednesday. The farm on Mormon Hollow Road is home to nearly 3,000 laying hens. It's the only egg farm in Massachusetts to use a cage system, with each hen residing in a 12-by-18-inch berth that's 18 inches high. The cages also let the birds stick their heads out. Question 3 would require larger cages or none at all. If approved, the ban would be in effect by 2022. Peter, Faith and Annie Diemand -- three of 12 siblings -- are business partners in the poultry farm that got its start in 1936. Now with a diversified income stream, eggs make up 20 to 25 percent of the farm's income. Dozens who attended Wednesday's event sipped cider, spent money at the farm store and heard remarks from opponents of the ballot question, which would ban cages that keep an animal from "lying down, standing up, fully extending its limbs or turning around freely." "We would need to invest a quarter-million dollars to comply with Question 3," Annie Diemand told The Republican. "And at this point in our lives, we're just not going to do that." She said the family "has been vilified" by Question 3 supporters, and that angry people from outside the region have showed up at the farm. "But when they see our operation, they change their minds." The Humane Society of the United States and other groups are behind Citizens for Farm Animal Protection, the coalition backing the 2016 ballot question. While Question 3 would apply to veal or pork, there are no Massachusetts farms that raise calves or pigs in confined cages. In addition to regulating confinement, the ballot question would prohibit grocery stores from selling noncompliant eggs or meat even if they come from out of state. Speakers: Diemand Farm practices are humane Speakers at the "egg buy-in" included an organic agriculture expert, the director of the statewide "No on 3" campaign, and the leader of a national nonprofit that supports farmers' rights. Jonathan von Ranson is former president of the state chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association. He said he recently visited a "cage-free" poultry farm and was appalled by the conditions. "You could barely breathe the air," he said. "You just wanted to get out of there. It was very, very crowded, an endless barn of hens on the floor. There was a lot of mounded-up manure, there was pecking that resulted in bleeding, and the hens were not clean." The Diemand operation is not only breathable and sanitary, but also has happy hens, said von Ranson. "Yes, they are caged, but they are in a much better place, and a much better mental state than in that other facility." Diane Sullivan argued that the proposal would hurt low-income families by raising the price of eggs, an inexpensive protein source. Sullivan is campaign manager for Citizens Against Food Tax Injustice, the "No on 3" effort supported by the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation, New England Brown Egg Council and others. "I got involved through my own experience with hunger, poverty and homelessness," she said. "For the past 15 years, I've been looking at public policy through that lens. When we start to solve a problem that doesn't exist, there will be unintended consequences, and poor people often pay the price." Sullivan said on the campaign trail, she has heard from opponents about "this one farm in Western Massachusetts" where "thousands of chickens were going insane." When she visited Diemand Farm, she said she got a different impression. "These hens are not crammed into cages," she said. "They are happy and healthy. None of the videos we're seeing in these TV ads were recorded in Massachusetts. It's a nonissue." Brian Klipperstein, director of the Missouri organization Protect the Harvest, said the "Yes on 3" coalition has an agenda that goes beyond the confinement of farm animals. "They don't like animal-based protein, but they've got a problem, since 95 percent of Americans still eat meat, eggs or dairy. ... They are trying to win at the ballot what they lost at the checkout counter." "No matter what modern practice or new technology is in place, they will be against it," he said, "and they're going to step on people who are in their way. When it comes to people who are their political opponents, they are ruthless." He said Sullivan has been harassed and bullied on social media for her stance, and that the Diemands have also endured abuse. "People have said Diane Sullivan should be put in a cage," he said. Farmers will have a daunting task in the next 40 years to feed a burgeoning population, Klipperstein said. In the meantime, "there are nearly 900 million people in this world who go to bed hungry, and 2.8 billion who live on less than $2 a day." Klipperstein added that the "No on 3" campaign is being significantly outspent. Records from the state's Office of Campaign and Political Finance show that Citizens for Farm Animal Protection have pulled in more than $2.6 million in receipts over two years, while Citizens Against Food Tax Injustice have received $302,600 over the same period. He said the Humane Society has a state-by-state plan to put similar measures on the ballot, and that the group has "assets over $250 million, annual revenues of $125 million and a $50 million payroll." Protect the Harvest was founded in 2011 by Forrest Lucas, CEO of Lucas Oil Products. Lucas has contributed $250,000 to the "No on 3" campaign in Massachusetts. The Protect the Harvest Action Fund in April disputed Attorney General Maura Healey's approval of the referendum language, but the state's highest court upheld the validity of the ballot question. A measure similar to Question 3 passed in California in 2008, but remains tied up in federal court over an Interstate Commerce Clause challenge. Diemand Farm in recent years started catering, offering chicken barbecues and selling prepared meals to go. Peter Diemand runs a sawmill and sells lumber and firewood. The farm sells hay, compost, grass-fed beef and lamb, Thanksgiving turkeys, roasting chickens and turkey pot pies. "We've taken real steps to diversify. Still, it would be a real blow if we had to shut down the commercial laying operation," said Annie Diemand. "Today, we're just trying to educate people. We're grateful to our neighbors who came out here today to show their support." Yes on 3 spokesperson Stephanie Harris responded Friday, saying the ballot question is a modest effort to ensure humane treatment of farm animals. "Question 3 will simply ensure that farm animals have enough space to turn around and extend their limbs, and require that products sold in Massachusetts -- regardless of where they're produced -- meet that same modest animal welfare and food safety standard. This protects animals from abuse and Massachusetts families from the threat of inhumane, unsafe, and substandard food," said Harris. LOWELL -- A father is facing gun charges after an 8-year-old boy apparently brought a .25 caliber pistol to school and showed it to several third-grade classmates, police said. Lowell police were notified of the incident at the Greenhalge Elementary School on Oct. 25, police said in a statement on Thursday. The boy apparently removed the gun from his backpack, showing it to classmates. One of those students told his parent, who reported it to the school, police said. The child apparently thought the gun was an "Air Soft" gun. The child and his parents met with officers and school personnel. Investigation revealed that the gun was a .25 caliber pistol. Police said that when the father handed it over it was not loaded. He also turned over two live rounds in a magazine. The firearm was apparently in a box that belonged to a relative who was temporarily displaced by a fire, police said. The father is facing charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and improper storage of a firearm. Police said the father is not being named at this time because the department has submitted a complaint application for the charges to Lowell District Court and that complaint/summons has yet to be issued. Police said they will release the information once the summons is issued. The Middlesex District Attorney's office is assisting the Lowell School Department and Lowell police with the investigation. CHICOPEE A maintenance worker employed at the Western Massachusetts Regional Women's Correctional Center, located in Chicopee, may be under investigation as the result of sexual misconduct, according to 22News. When questioned by the news organization about the allegations, the Hampden County District Attorney's Office responded with this statement: "An allegation of staff misconduct has been referred by the Hampden Sheriff's Department to the Hampden District Attorney's Office for investigation by assistant district attorneys and Massachusetts State Police detectives within the office. Because this is an ongoing criminal investigation, no further comment can be made." The correctional facility in question is an all-female institution that opened in 2007. No further information about the accusations has been made available at this time. SPRINGFIELD -- James D. Rubin on Wednesday admitted to a brutal attack on his 85-year-old great-uncle in West Springfield on Oct. 12, 2015. He told Hampden Superior Court Judge John S. Ferrara that he made a mistake by refusing to cooperate when first given a psychological exam as requested by his lawyer. Assistant District Attorney Janine M. Simonian asked Ferrara to sentence Rubin, 24, to five to seven years in state prison followed by three years probation. Defense lawyer Nicholas J. Horgan wanted a sentence of 2 years in the Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow plus probation for his client, whom he said had a long history of heroin addiction. Ferrara said he didn't have enough information to decide on a sentence given Rubin's refusal to cooperate during psychological exam. Rubin quickly told Ferrara it was a mistake not to cooperate and now he wanted the exam. Ferrara said he didn't want to waste resources if Rubin would not cooperate again. Rubin promised he would, so Ferrara permitted a supplemental report to be submitted by the defense after an exam. Ferrara said he would decide on a sentence in a month's time when he gets the report. Rubin pleaded guilty to two counts of assault and battery on a person over 60 years of age, three counts of improper use of a credit card, and a count each of larceny of a motor vehicle, unarmed robbery of a person over 60, and kidnapping. The kidnapping charge is because Rubin would not let his great-uncle leave the house. Simonian said police got a call from the victim, who said his great-nephew had robbed him and stolen his car. She said the victim had been watching a game and fell asleep but woke sometime before 6 p.m. and saw his great-nephew upstairs. Rubin said, "Uncle, I'm not going to leave until I get some money," according to Simonian. Rubin grabbed his great-uncle's shirt and bounced him off walls. The great-uncle was trying to get out but Rubin was holding him. The victim told Rubin he was having a heart attack so Rubin told him to get in a chair. When the victim tried to leave, his great-nephew pulled him down. The great-uncle told Rubin to take his wallet and leave. Rubin took the wallet, which contained a credit card and $38, Simonian said. After the attack the great-uncle found his house phone was dead and that his great-nephew had taken his cellphone. The great-uncle went to a neighbor's house to call police. In the next few days Rubin used the stolen credit card three times, she said. The great-uncle's car was found in Springfield on Oct. 14. Rubin had visited his great-uncle a week prior, asking if he could do work around the home for money. The great-uncle said he didn't need work done but gave Rubin $20, Simonian said. Simonian said although the court sees people with substance abuse problems accused of breaking and entering on a daily basis, here an elderly man had to fake a heart attack to stop an assault. Rubin had been incarcerated on another case until a week before the attack on his great-uncle. She said Rubin had a history of stealing items from his family, friends or neighbors. In one case he told police he was "drug sick." Horgan said mitigating factors for his client were his heroin addiction and untreated psychological problems. He said he was raised by a single mother who had untreated mental health problems, and when he was in his early teens he lost a brother. He said Rubin was using cocaine at 16 and heroin at 20. Rubin has been in detox two or three times, Horgan said. SPRINGFIELD -- In honor of National Adoption Month, Mayor Domenic Sarno hosted a reception Thursday to raise awareness of the growing need to find loving and permanent homes for youth who are in foster care. The event at City Hall featured testimonials from families about their life-changing journeys with adoption and foster care. According to Joseph Sandagato, director of communications and public relations at the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange, families have different pathways they can follow to provide youth with the care they need. "A child gets the benefit of having loving parents who can help to comfort them and guide them (and) give them a sense of permanency," said Sandagato. "The difference is foster care parents are engaging in a relationship with the child where the goal is to help support biological parents in regaining the children, so people doing work on the foster care side typically do it with the mindset that the placements will be shorter and the children will return home. On the adoptive side, parents are entering into the process where the department knows that the children will not be returning home." Sandagato says that, while the end goals may be different, both situations require commitment and a lot of time and involvement with the child. Sarno opened the event by officially proclaiming November Springfield Adoption Month. "You can't put a price tag on how these families not only open up their homes, but more importantly their hearts to these children. I know firsthand with family and friends who have given a second chance to a child to be able to have and pursue a positive life," Sarno said in a press release. The mayor's reception served as a precursor to statewide celebrations of National Adoption Day on Nov. 18. Courthouses throughout Massachusetts will hold ceremonies with remarks from judges, public officials and families who have adopted or will be adopting. According to Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange, some of the goals of National Adoption Day are to raise awareness around adoption, encourage people to adopt and to celebrate families who adopt. "There are children across the state who so desperately need a loving family to call their own, not just in the month of November but all year long," Lisa Funaro, the organization's executive director, said in a press release. "We appreciate Mayor Sarno and his administration for raising awareness about the need right here in the Springfield community." Holyoke District Court Holyoke District Court. (Michelle Williams / MassLive.com) HOLYOKE -- An uncle and his nephew face sexual assault charges after allegedly gang raping a woman in their apartment this week. Holyoke police officers were called to South Holyoke early Tuesday morning for a report that a woman had been sexually assaulted. They found a woman crying on the street who said she was raped by two men. While seeking treatment at Holyoke Medical Center, the alleged victim told police she arrived at the apartment of Jose Antonetty shortly after midnight where she was invited over to play video games. While the pair played, she told police a man who Jose identified as his uncle came over and said in Spanish that she was beautiful and asked if she was married. Authorities said the woman responded, "no". She told officers the uncle exited the room then shortly after came back in and punched her in the face. As she was knocked over, he began to undress her, the woman told police. The woman told officers she has been the victim of sexual assault before and feared that it was going to happen again. Looking to Jose for help, the alleged victim told officers she saw him smile. The older man then penetrated her, according to court documents. After he was finished, the woman said Jose penetrated her as well. While being sexually assaulted, the woman alleges she told the men, "You know you guys are going to go to jail for this," to which she believes Jose responded "OK." She ran out of the Summer Street apartment complex and dialed 911, reporting the alleged attack, then a friend who lived in the area, to ask her for support. In a police narrative, a Holyoke officer noted redness on the left side of the woman's face where she reported being punched. Officers complied two photos arrays based on her description of the men, whom the woman said she could easily identify. Alongside a photo of 30-year-old Jose Antonetty, she identified him as the "one who raped" her. Next to a photo of Angel Antonetty, she identified him as the other man "who raped" her. Less than five hours after she reported being assaulted, a Holyoke police detective and several officers knocked at the door of the apartment the men shared. Both were arrested on the charge of rape. They were arraigned Wednesday in Holyoke District Court. Jose Antonetty was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail or $100,000 surety. Angel Antonetty was ordered held on $25,000 cash bail, $250,000 surety. Should either post bail, they are ordered to stay away from the alleged victim. The uncle and nephew will return to Holyoke District Court on November 7 for a pretrial hearing. SPRINGFIELD -- Assistant District Attorney Janine M. Simonian on Thursday described the conditions of the 92 cats and seven dogs found in a Springfield house occupied by Kathleen McHendry and Ronald Richard. All of the animals found at the 402 Allen St. home on Aug. 11, 2015, were malnourished and dehydradated without food and water, with flea and other parasitic infestations. All were in conditions so filthy and horrific that animal control staff had a hard time breathing in the home, Simonian said. There were open wounds and serious dental disease. Some were much worse off. One cat had a fracture that caused the ankle to be hanging down from the leg. One had an empty eye socket. One had a large open tumor hanging down from its chest. Many had painful eye or uterine infections. "Just because they can't speak doesn't mean they can't feel pain and neglect," Simonian said. Some animals were in crates or cages, others roamed free. There were 280 dead animals at the house, most in freezers. Simonian asked Hampden Superior Court Judge John S. Ferrara to sentence the 52-year-old McHendry to a year in the Western Massachusetts Regional Women's Correctional Center in Chicopee followed by 10 years probation. Ferrara did not give McHendry, who cried throughout the plea session, any jail time. He sentenced her to probation for five years. Simonian had asked for 10 years probation but no jail time for Richard, saying he was less culpable than McHendry, who collected all the animals. Ferrara said he did not consider Richard less culpable than McHendry since he lived in the house with her, saw what was going on, and could have done something about it. Ferrara sentenced Richard, 69, to five years probation, just as he did McHendry. Anthony Bonavita, Richard's lawyer, had asked that the case be continued without a finding so Richard's senior housing would not be endangered. Ferrara entered a guilty finding and did not continue it without a finding. Each pleaded guilty to 15 counts of animal cruelty, 14 of them for specified animals and the 15th for the animals collectively. The two, who no longer live together, can have one specified dog each. The places where they live will be inspected by either the MSPCA or the Probation Department to check on the conditions of the animals. McHendry had her dog while she lived at the 402 Allen St. address with all the sick or dead animals, but treated that dog well, Simonian said. McHendry is living with her mother now, Simonian said. The dog with which Richard can live belongs to a relative. Neither will be allowed to do any kind of work or volunteering with animals under the terms of probation. Dale E. Bass, lawyer for McHendry, said she had been evaluated to see if she could be held criminally responsible. He said the doctor reported she could be held criminally responsible. Bass said the doctor diagnosed McHendry with a major depressive disorder, schizoid personality disorder and a hoarding disorder. McHendry worked for decades as an animal care assistant for a Monson veternarian, Bass said. He said she is now unemployed and collecting disability payments. He said she went to college in a veterinary technician program but did not receive her certification. Ferrara said as part of her probation terms she must continue mental health counseling as determined by the Probation Department. Bass said McHendry felt she was taking care of the animals. Ferrara said, "I don't see either of these persons were acting with malice." Neither had any prior criminal record. Other live, but sick or malnourished, animals found at 402 Allen St. were 13 skunks, 12 raccoons, and one ferret, parrot and fox, Simonian said. All of the live animals were removed by staff from the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center in Springfield. Seven cats and two dogs could not be saved, Simonian said. Simonian said on July 30, 2015, MSPCA investigator Christine Allenberg was notified there was a complaint about animals in the house. On Aug. 11, Allenberg, TJO Executive Director Pam Peebles, city police and a representative from the city code enforcement division went into the home and discovered the animals. On hand for the plea were Peebles and Dr. Lauren Atkins, veterinarian at TJO. SPRINGFIELD Using martial arts as an outlet after he came home from war brought so much peace and joy to Army veteran Eric Rosa, he decided to pay it forward by teaching children the art of Brazilian jujitsu. "As a veteran I found that martial arts was a good outlet and a way to relieve some stress and get out all of the things that were a little difficult based on what I've seen," he said, referring to his two tours in Iraq from 2003 to 2007. Rosa was named the 2016 Veteran of the Year by the Springfield Veterans' Activities Committee Inc. on Wednesday at Springfield City Hall. The veteran, firefighter and business owner was joined by his wife and two daughters as well as public officials and fellow honoree Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, who was named this year's Veterans Day parade marshal. "To stand here with this great honor is remarkable in that I am not a veteran," Gulluni said. "I look at all of our veterans with respect and admiration." He highlighted the work being done in the Western Massachusetts Veterans Treatment Court, which opened in Holyoke District Court last year. It gives veterans who have committed certain offenses an opportunity to rehabilitate and get the services they need. Gulluni said 10 veterans have successfully completed the four stages of the program and none of the vets that have gone through the court have re-offended. "The philosophical foundation of that (court) is that we understand that so many veterans coming back from service are suffering with many scars we can't see," he said. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said both men are exemplary and deserve the recognition. "We have Eric Rosa, a brave and dedicated member of the Springfield Fire Department, and District Attorney Anthony Gulluni -- both these individuals did not look for these accolades. I know for a fact they were very humbled," Sarno said. "They do from the head, heart and gut for our community and exemplify what it is to offer service and respect to our veterans." Rosa said he is proud to represent Springfield veterans. "I'm also proud to represent the Springfield Fire Department and proud to represent my family and friends," he said. Both Rosa and Gulluni will march in this year's Veterans Day parade, to be held Nov. 11. (Beijing) Animal rights activists in China won a small victory as a popular food-delivery company banned from its platforms those restaurants that sell dog meat. Ele.me, one of the country's largest food delivery services and backed by e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., announced on Wednesday that it has removed from its app and website about 300 restaurants that sell dog meat, citing food safety reasons. "The reality is there are no quarantine and slaughter standards for dogs in the country, and the majority of dog meat on the market is untraceable," Ele.me said in a statement on its Sina Weibo account. Dog meat is very likely to carry parasites and the rabies virus, posing a serious food safety risk" to customers. The company also banned restaurants that sell food made of cat and snake meat for the same reason. In addition, Ele.me ended business with restaurants that serve cuisines using ingredients harvested from wild animals, such as shark fin, bear bile and bear's paw. Dog meat hot pot, a common dish in some regions of the country where people believe dog meat has medicinal properties, has come under scrutiny in recent years as images of dogs being beaten and gutted have sparked outrage both nationally and overseas. While Ele.me said it has no position on the moral debate over eating dog meat" and reserved the right to cater to customers with different needs, the ban seems to have been triggered by waves of complaints and protests from animal rights advocates. But not everyone was happy with the decision. So, if Muslims demanded you ban restaurants that serve pork dishes, would you do that too?" one internet user commented on the Ele.me's microblog post. Others showed support for Ele.me's decision. I'm not a big dog-welfare advocate, but most restaurants buy dog meat from people who make a living from stealing dogs and then poisoning them. I don't know how those customers are able to eat this," one internet user said. Recent protests by domestic and international animal rights activists to ban dog meat appear to be having an effect. In 2014, the government of Yulin in the Guangxi autonomous region distanced itself from the annual dog meat festival, saying the festival was staged by private businesspeople and did not have official backing. However, a quick search for dog meat on Baidu's food delivery arm, Baidu Waimai, and Meituan, two major food delivery companies, still show restaurants that sell dog meat dishes. Contact reporter Chen Na (nachen@caixin.com); editor Calum Gordon (calum@caixin.com) SPRINGFIELD - Fire ripped through a three-story apartment building at Sumner Avenue and Pomona Street Thursday afternoon, leaving eight homeless and causing heavy damage to the building, fire officials said. The home at 618 Sumner Ave. was considered condemned according to David Cotter of the Springfield Department of Code Enforcement. No one will be allowed inside until repairs are made, he said. Dennis Leger, aide to Fire Commissioner Joseph Conant, said all eight residents, an adult and three children on the second floor and two adults and two children on the first floor, managed to get out safely. Firefighters did find a dog on the second floor that was chained up in the apartment. It succumbed in the fire, he said. The American Red Cross was called to the scene to help find temporary shelter for the displaced. The cause of the fire is not yet known. It remains under investigation. There is no estimate for the amount of damage is significant, although he said he did not have a precise estimate. The fire is believed to have started on the second floor and worked its way into the third floor and attic. Before it was knocked down, flames were coming through the roof at multiple spots. Firefighters blocked the westbound lane of Sumner Avenue while combatting the fire. Leger said that as of 5 p.m., it was likely the westbound lane would be blocked for at least another two hours. One first floor resident said she was home at the time the fire started. She heard fire alarms and could smelled smoke, so she grabbed her dog and a few possessions and ran outside. "We ran around, I grabbed my dog and we left," she said. The woman declined to give her name. Another first floor resident, Delmarys Soto, said through a translator that she could smell smoke, so they gathered everyone and got outside. She said she was worried about a cat, which she said was still inside. Soto stood across the street with family dressed in a sweater and a pair of shorts. With the temperatures dropping as the sun set, a neighbor volunteered to go to her home and find her some pants. Soto said she lived there for 3 years. Her immediate concern was finding a place to stay. According to the city assessors office, the property is owned by Ma Xiuyu of Springfield and has a total valuation of $128,000 westover sign.JPG CHICOPEE - The two men who were killed after slamming into a security fence and concrete barriers at Westover Air Reserve Base Tuesday night have been identified as city residents. Travis Cerez, 29, and Javier Zengotita, 39, died after the Kia Soul they were traveling in burst into flames after striking the concrete barriers, said James Leydon, spokesman for Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni's. The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Crash Analysis and Reconstruction Section, and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney's Office, he said. Police said on Wednesday that the crash was believed to have been caused by excessive speed. There was no evidence of terrorism. Cerez was driving down Sheridan Street at about 11:30 p.m. when he crashed through the fence, which blocks the end of the road leading to Westover Air Reserve Base. The car went through the fence, struck a concrete barrier and burst into flames, Lt. Col. James Bishop, chief of public affairs for Westover, said. The Westover Fire Department responded immediately and extinguished the fire and tried to assist the two victims. The driver, who was partially ejected, had to be extricated using the Jaws of Life, he said. Westover Security Forces and Massachusetts State Police all responded as well, he said. The two victims are civilians. They have no known connection to Westover, Bishop said. The fence was immediately repaired. Security was never breached especially because of the quick response of Westover personnel, Bishop said. Zengotita's family and friends have set up a gofundme page to raise money to help with funeral expenses. "Very unfortunately and suddenly Javier Zengotita passed away last night. No one plans for something so sad and tragic. We hope everyone can remember the good times with Javier and his smile that could light up the whole room. Anything is greatly appreciated so Javier can lay in peace," the page read. John Cortez John Cortez speaking to Ware Selectmen during the Nov. 1, 2016 meeting (Jim Russell photo) WARE -- Selectmen at Tuesday's meeting unanimously approved John Cortez as the new manager at Snow's Restaurant. The board's action now requires approval by the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, and if the ABCC says yes, selectmen may grant Cortez the new status. The board delayed action on the matter when it came before them last month, saying the Cortez application was incomplete because it did not include an affidavit explaining his 2003 felony drug conviction. Cortez told selectmen on Tuesday that he has turned his life around, learned from his mistakes, has gotten married and hopes to someday be the owner of Snow's, located at 136 Pleasant St. "I think this town is great," Cortez told selectmen. "I got a lot to offer this town." Snow's Restaurant is owned by Daniel Saad, 50, of Spencer. Saad is currently free on $50,000 unsecured bail after being indicted in U.S. District Court in Providence, Rhode Island, earlier this year on four counts, including an allegation he set fire to a restaurant he owns -- Snow's Clam Box Restaurant and Pub in Gloucester, Rhode Island -- to collect insurance money. Saad has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is awaiting trial. Daniel Saad Indictment by The Republican/MassLive.com on Scribd christchurch3.jpg An outdoor prayer vigil will be held Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 35 Chestnut St., Springfield, in conjunction with the call by the state's Episcopal bishops for an intense period of prayer, beginning Nov. 6, for Election Day. (Anne-Gerard Flynn photo) The Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, which includes Worcester County, will hold a number of deacon-led outdoor vigils in conjunction with the upcoming election. A number of Pioneer Valley Episcopal churches will be open all day Nov. 8. The 48 hours of prayer will begin Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. outside the Worcester Town Hall. Vigils Nov. 7 include one in the courtyard at Springfield's Christ Church Cathedral at 7 p.m.; 6:30 p.m. at St. Stephen's, Pittsfield; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. vigil with prayers on the hour, St. John's, Williamstown; and a 7 p.m. ecumenical prayer service, St. Paul's, Stockbridge, among others. Saint James Church, Greenfield, will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 8; the Church of the Atonement, Westfield, from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with Eucharist at 6 p.m.; St. John's, Northampton, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. with Taize prayer at noon; Epiphany - Christ the King, Wilbraham, 8 a.m. prayer and noon Holy Communion at Epiphany; 5:30 p.m. evening prayer and 7:30 p.m. night prayer at Christ the King; St. Andrew's, Longmeadow, ecumenical communion, 7 p.m. The Right Rev. Douglas Fisher, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, is expected to attend the vigils in Worcester, and at Christ Church, the diocesan cathedral. A full list of vigils may be found on the diocesan website. Earlier this month, the state's Episcopal bishops had called for a period of intense prayer for the elections beginning All Saints Sunday, Nov. 6. Their statement quoted from the "Book of Common Prayer": "Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of this land in the election of officials and representatives, that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." A group of over 200 disability rights advocates from ADAPT protested at the Massachusetts State House, seeking to meet with Gov. Charlie Baker this week. ADAPT is a national grass-roots community that is promoting implementing Community First Choice in Massachusetts, which allows states to provide home and community-based attendant services to eligible Medicaid enrollees. In a press release, the group said it would provide "an additional $90 million in funding." The group had met with Baker's health and human services chief Marylou Sudders on Tuesday. Before the meeting, many of the disability rights advocates sang "Free our brothers, free our sisters, free our people now!" in the lobby of the State House. ADAPT also wants some of the $90 million to go towards a program to help transition people with disabilities out of nursing facilities and institutions, specifically out of Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC). The group had protested at JRC on Monday, "calling out that facility's use of electrical shocks and other 'aversives' to control the behavior of people with disabilities," the press release stated. JRC, in Canton, Massachusetts, is the last facility in the United States to use electric shock devices on students. Although, some parents have claimed this is their child's only hope, the method has been widely criticized. In April, the FDA proposed a ban against the devices. But due to a lack of a decision from the FDA, six senators wrote to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf asking to finalize the proposal. And in October, state regulators asked a probate court judge to lift a 30-year court order that has allowed the Judge Rotenberg Center to continue delivering electric shocks to its students, according to WCVB. Pictures and videos on Instagram show the protesters from Monday at JRC chanting things like, "I'd rather go to jail than die in Rotenberg!" #ADAPTMass2016 at the Judge Rotenberg Center in #Boston to protest against shock treatments on people with #disabilities! pic.twitter.com/VD5a0n1B5b Disability Rights (@CDRNYS) November 2, 2016 Several of the demonstrators were issued summons to appear in court on trespassing charges after they entered the building, according to the Patriot Ledger. Maura Healey FILE - In this Monday, Dec. 15, 2014 file photo, Massachusetts Attorney General-elect Maura Healey speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File) (Steven Senne/ AP) Attorney General Maura Healey has called on federal and state campaign finance authorities to investigate a report by the Boston Globe that a Boston law firm reimbursed its partners for the political donations they made. Andrea Estes of the Boston Globe and Viveca Novak of the Center for Responsive Politics reported on Saturday that the Thornton Law Firm had become a powerhouse firm in Democratic political fundraising by paying its partners "bonuses" that were equivalent to the donations they made to political candidates. Former House Assistant Majority Leader Garrett Bradley, D-Hingham, was among those partners. The law firm said its repayment program was vetted by its lawyers and complied with campaign finance laws. But campaign finance experts interviewed by the Globe said reimbursing people for political donations is generally illegal, because it can hide the source of funds. Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, has called for an investigation. Healey, a Democrat, speaking to reporters on Thursday outside the Statehouse, said she also favors an investigation, although not necessarily by her office. She said her office will continue to monitor the situation. "I'm deeply concerned about it," Healey, a Democrat, said. "It needs to be looked at by the appropriate authorities. I've specifically asked that (the Office of Campaign and Political Finance) and the (Federal Election Commission) exercise their authority and begin an investigation, and that's what we understand is happening." Employees of Thornton Law Firm firm have donated around $7,000 to Healey's campaign, according to campaign finance records. Her office has said she will return the money. On a separate topic, Healey was asked whether she was worried that her decision to expand enforcement of the state's ban on copycat assault weapons would jeopardize the nomination of First Assistant Attorney General Christopher Barry-Smith to be an associate justice on the Massachusetts Superior Court. Gun rights groups are protesting Barry-Smith's nomination because he was Healey's top deputy when she decided that new types of weapons would fall under the state's assault weapons ban. Members of the Governor's Council have indicated that they plan to ask Barry-Smith about his role in that decision when they resume questioning him next week. Healey said she is "not at all" worried. "Chris Barry-Smith is an incredible attorney, a wonderful attorney," Healey said. "It's a terrific nomination by the governor, and I hope and expect he'll be confirmed." maura healey.JPG Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey testifies before the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, in Boston earlier this year. ((AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)) BOSTON - Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey called FBI director James Comey's decision to notify Congress that the FBI was reopening its investigation into Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's emails irresponsible and improper. "I think it was improper, I think it was irresponsible," Healey, a Democrat and Clinton supporter, told reporters outside the Statehouse on Thursday, after an unrelated event. "And as we've seen from the fact that a bipartisan group of former senior members of the Justice Department, of the FBI and others in law enforcement say, this is a total break with protocol." Healey added, "I think it's most unfortunate, but it is what it is." Comey sent a letter to Congress last Friday, which made public the fact that the FBI was reviewing additional emails that may relate to the previously closed investigation into Clinton's use of a private email server as secretary of state. The emails were obtained during an investigation into former Democratic Congressman Anthony Weiner for allegedly sending sexually explicit text messages to a teenage girl. Weiner's wife, Huma Abedin, who has since separated from him, is a top aide to Clinton. Clinton and her allies - including Democratic President Barack Obama - have criticized Comey for publicizing an ongoing investigation without providing any additional information a week and a half before Election Day. Politico reported that 36 former state attorneys general, including Democratic former Massachusetts Attorney General Francis Bellotti, signed a letter calling on Comey to provide more details "now that he has injected himself into the electoral process." Some former prosecutors also criticized Comey for speaking about an ongoing investigation about a presidential nominee so close to an election. Healey is a prominent Massachusetts Democrat who is considered a likely future candidate for higher office. She has been a strong supporter of Clinton and has campaigned for her multiple times in New Hampshire. Maura Healey Marijuana.JPG Attorney General Maura Healey joined representatives of Massachusetts health organizations at an anti-marijuana legalization rally outside the Statehouse on Nov. 3, 2016. (Shira Schoenberg/The Republican) BOSTON -- Attorney General Maura Healey joined Massachusetts health professionals on Thursday to warn of a litany of health dangers if voters legalize recreational marijuana on the ballot next week. Marijuana companies, Healey warned, "will always put profits before people. In Massachusetts, we have an obligation to put people first." But Jim Borghesani, a spokesman for the pro-marijuana ballot committee, accused Healey of buying into the "hysteria" of marijuana opponents. "The other states that have legal marijuana are not seeing this type of doomsday scenario that she and the other leaders are expressing," Borghesani said. "It's insulting to Massachusetts consumers to suggest that they are not as responsible as the consumers in other legal states." Representatives of the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Massachusetts Medical Society and American Nurses Association of Massachusetts all attended a Thursday press conference opposing marijuana legalization. They are among several health-related organizations that have come out against the ballot question. Opponents raise a variety of health concerns about marijuana legalization. For example, marijuana generally is far more potent than it was decades ago, and the ballot question does not place any limits on the potency of marijuana products. Supporters of marijuana legalization say the Cannabis Control Commission created by the ballot measure could regulate product potency, although they warn restrictions that are too strict would send people back to the black market. Borghesani added that marijuana is similar to alcohol, where the potency of products is labeled but not restricted. "Right now, if you go into a package store, you see products that have all different types of potency levels, and Massachusetts consumers seem to be doing just fine making sure they know what's in certain products that they buy," Borghesani said. "The key is consumers know exactly what's in every product they purchase, and that will be a vast improvement over what exists now," Borghesani said. Opponents are particularly concerned about edible products, like marijuana-infused sodas, cookies and chocolate bars. They worry that these products could appeal to adolescents or be eaten accidentally by children, resulting in overdoses. In Colorado, which legalized marijuana in 2012, reports have shown an uptick in children visiting emergency rooms after eating marijuana edibles. Law enforcement officers have said it is difficult to distinguish whether a student in school is eating a regular brownie or a pot brownie. But marijuana supporters argue that the law makes it illegal for anyone under 21 to use marijuana, and parents must be responsible for their children. Opponents of legalization cite reports of a growing number of babies in states with legal marijuana being born with THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, in their systems after their mothers used marijuana while pregnant. This can potentially harm a child's development. Dr. James Gessner, president of the Massachusetts Medical Society, said marijuana can be addictive. It is hazardous to pregnant women and their babies and to adolescent brain development. It can impair judgment when someone is driving a car or working. Gessner said there is no money in the ballot question for substance abuse treatment programs. "We believe that preventing addiction, safeguarding public health and safety, and keeping harmful substances away from children and adolescents is infinitely more important than the sale of a drug for recreational purposes," Gessner said. Lynn Nicholas, president of the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, said legalizing marijuana will increase health care costs. She argued that more people, including children, will end up the emergency room for marijuana overdoses, diverting needed resources from other patients. "This has the propensity to ... divert care from people who are critically ill who have no choice but to be in the (emergency department), because of this recreational drug," Nicholas said. Borghesani responded that some of the increase in emergency room visits is the effect of a change in how things are coded by insurers. "All of this is being amplified by opponents," Borghesani said. "It's not a huge concern in states where it's legal." The focus on health concerns, Borghesani said, "is a fiction being promoted by our opponents in an attempt to scare voters away from voting yes on Question 4 and ending criminal domination of the marijuana market." While supporters of marijuana legalization have said legalization will make it easier for medical patients to access marijuana if they find it difficult to go through the existing medical marijuana system, Nicholas said medical marijuana should be dispensed by a doctor, where the dosage can be controlled and the patient can be monitored. If the marijuana ballot question passes, the Cannabis Control Commission will have a year to write regulations. The Legislature could also tweak the law, and lawmakers have said they are likely to do so. Healey argued that it is a "leap of faith" to assume lawmakers will solve any problems with the ballot question, particularly since the marijuana industry is likely to lobby against regulation. "What's proposed is highly dangerous," Healey said. She said she would prefer to have the Legislature spend its time on other issues, such as addressing opioid addiction or improving health care. Two-year colleges in Eastern Montana are seeing enrollment stabilize this year, with increased focus on hallmark programs and dual enrollment. Amid rising tuition costs at traditional four-year institutions, these colleges are looking to attract students as career technical destinations and less-expensive steppingstones to the larger schools. By MATT HUDSON [email protected] Full Story: http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/year-colleges-in-eastern-montana-diversify-class-offerings-to-compete/article_da5dab63-e5e1-572a-91ff-d074facb5a4b.html Some workers at Buttes REC Silicon http://www.recsilicon.com/?gclid=CL-PoKOCi9ACFQqDfgod1z4JwA plant are facing uncertainty as the company announced some 70 layoffs at its Moses Lake, Wash., facility early Wednesday. An official at the companys headquarters in Norway blamed the loss of the Moses Lake jobs on a global trade war with China, resulting in a tariff China has placed on solar-grade polysilicon. Overall, the company reported third-quarter revenues of $50.9 million, compared to $71.1 million in the previous quarter. Susan Dunlap [email protected] Full Story: http://mtstandard.com/news/local/update-butte-potentially-affected-as-rec-silicon-lays-off-moses/article_3dc095ad-9c68-5078-93db-5cb7e8a5a1b1.html The U.S. Air Force has awarded S&K Aerospace, LLC http://www.sktcorp.com a $4.2B contract for the Parts and Repair Ordering System (PROS) V Program. The single award contract is the latest generation of the PROS Program and was won by S&K Aerospace under a full and open competition. S&K Aerospace was competitively awarded the predecessor PROS IV contract in March 2012. As the PROS prime contractor, S&K conducts procurement activities required to provide logistic requirements support to over 90 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. PROS provides allied customers the best value for part support for aging weapon systems and out-of-production/obsolete parts in support of their weapon systems. In addition to S&K Aerospace, our PROS V Team includes Parts and Repair Technical Services, Inc. (P.A.R.T.S. Inc.). P.A.R.T.S. Inc. is a privately-owned company headquartered in Stockbridge, GA with offices located in Warner Robins, GA. They specialize in providing material procurement, training, technical services, logistic support, and export services. The Program is a tri-service (Air Force, Army, Navy) effort supporting FMS customers through procurement of spare parts/supplies and maintenance (repair) support for a wide range of hard to support items as well as providing a contracting vehicle for specialized technical services through task orders. The PROS Program is the U.S. Air Forces solution to providing FMS procurement and repair support long after the support of certain weapons systems is eliminated from the U.S. inventory. "The success of the program relies on our ability to process a significant volume of customer requirements in a relatively short period of time to meet the requirements of the contract," said Tim Horne, Director of PROS Programs. "As well as managing a well-qualified and diverse vendor base to satisfy the wide-range of needs." The PROS V contract includes options which, if exercised, will result in a 15-year period of performance a 5-year base period, 5-one year options, and a 5-year close-out period. Work will be primarily performed out of the S&K Aerospace facilities in Warner Robins, Georgia. The Air Force Security Assistance Center (AFSAC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), Dayton, Ohio, is the contracting and managing activity. "The objectives of the PROS contracts are to provide timely support, competitive pricing, quality service and superior program management to the FMS customer," noted Tom Acevedo, CEO of S&K Technologies, Inc. "As a global leader in supply chain management, our goal is to provide complete defense platform sustainment for our FMS allies." The full range of S&Ks technical support for FMS customers includes supply and procurement service, warehousing, fleet management, maintenance planning, maintenance service, technical and engineering services, obsolescence management, air vehicle integrity, training, and financial/ program management support. About S&K Technologies, Inc. S&K Technologies, Inc. was formed in 1999 with a vision to become one of the preeminent professional services firms in the country and to provide opportunity and prosperity to the people of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT). Since inception, the S&K Technologies, Inc. enterprise has grown into a family of five subsidiary companies that support federal and commercial customers around the world. As a wholly-owned corporation of the CSKT of the Flathead Nation, S&K Technologies is part of an extensive economic development plan established by tribal leadership. Like all tribal businesses, our success has a direct and meaningful impact on our shareholdersthe 7,000 plus members of the Tribes. S&K Aerospace, LLC is the largest subsidiary of S&K Technologies, Inc. and is headquartered on the Flathead Reservation in St. Ignatius, Montana, with multiple operating locations throughout the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Primary Media Contacts: Name: Thomas R. Acevedo Title: CEO, S&K Technologies, Inc. Phone: 406-529-8705 Email: [email protected] Name: Anthony Amadeo Title: President, S&K Aerospace, LLC Phone: 580-579-0037 Email: [email protected] Backup Media Contact: Name: Dermot OHalloran Title: Sr. VP, Corporate Development, SKT Phone: 406-745-5720 Email: [email protected] General Inquiries: [email protected] Brian Tanner Marketing Manager S&K Technologies, Inc. 406-745-5724 Work Phone 360-536-7985 Work Cell One clever tool can turn a fiddly, annoying job into a breeze and the Quadsaw is such a solution for cutting square or rectangular holes in plaster walls. Loz Blain Full Story: http://newatlas.com/quadsaw-square-hole-drill/46261/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&utm_campaign=7347529501-UA-2235360-4&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-7347529501-92465361 The African Union defines youth as someone between the ages of 15 and 35. With 70% of sub-Saharan Africas population under the age of 30, Africa has the youngest population in the world. With such a burgeoning young workforce, the continents economy has a chance to grow exponentially, but only if the next generations are given the tools they need. It is crucial that young people participate in decision-making processes and be provided with numerous possibilities for employment and innovation. Depending on their needs and stage of life, access to financial services can empower young people and improve their well-being in the right circumstances. According to research, children start developing good financial habits as early as age seven. A study done by the OECD for the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion shows that young people are more likely to choose non-traditional financial service providers since they frequently have weak links with the official banking sector, both in sub-Saharan Africa and globally. It should come as no surprise that this generation is driving fintech adoption globally given that they have never known a world without mobile, web, and app-based services. The study further revealed that; one in three internet users worldwide is under the age of 18, and globally, 71% of young people and only 48% of the general population use the internet. Many national governments, including those of Costa Rica, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, and Spain, have explicitly recognized Internet access as a human right since access to online information and services has become so crucial. At Cellulant (www.Cellulant.io), we view fintech collaborations as a vehicle for advancing financial inclusion, business expansion and the overall economic development of Africa. We are daily working towards opening up options for people to become financially autonomous and empowered by giving global, regional, and local enterprises the rails they need to own their financial journeys. We view collaborations with Fintech firms, especially those Founded and Led by the Youth, as a tool to promote financial inclusion and the growth of individual businesses as well as the continent of Africas economy as a whole. As evidenced by some of our recent partnerships, Young African Founders in Africa are making significant steps in a variety of sectors to drive financial inclusion; In the Gig Economy: The one-stop financial platform for Africas gig workers, ImaliPay (www.ImaliPay.com) partnered with Cellulant, for its payments infrastructure and solutions in Kenya and Nigeria. Founded by 2 young Africans, Tatenda Furusa (https://bit.ly/3QoO9tw) & Sanmi Akinmusire (https://bit.ly/3zQi3Q8), ImaliPay is driving financial inclusion by allowing ImaliPay users to access financial services quicker through Cellulants payment rails while at the same time building an ecosystem where gig workers can create a safety net around their work through savings, credit, and insurance that drives their productivity and economic empowerment. Cellulant is also the Payments Processor for Grey (https://bit.ly/3JNRakz), a Y-combinator-backed fintech startup, powering its payouts to thousands of Grey customers. Grey offers a unique international money transfer service that enables its users to send and receive international payments without restrictions quickly. Grey was launched in 2021 by Idorenyin Obong (https://bit.ly/3zK17uE) and Femi Aghedo (https://bit.ly/3zOl1Vr), who wanted to help Nigerians easily exchange to local currency and access the foreign currencies in their accounts. In the Retail Sector: Leveraging Cellulants footprint across the continent, where we are present in 35 countries, MarketForce (https://bit.ly/3AhDfzZ) entered a partnership with Cellulant to offer additional revenue opportunities for informal retailers through empowering them to be agents for major financial services, as well as access payments, savings, investments, insurance and buy-now-pay-later products. Founded in 2018 by Tesh Mbaabu (https://bit.ly/3QmKE6O) and Mesongo Sibuti (https://bit.ly/3C3ZJG8), MarketForce is an all-inclusive B2B commerce platform that empowers informal merchants in Africa to source, order and pay for inventory digitally and conveniently, access financing, collect digital payments and make extra money by reselling digital financial services such as airtime, electricity tokens and bill payments through its RejaReja app. In the Remittances Sector: At Cellulant, our goal is to simplify how payments are made by ensuring they are made in the most seamless manner. This seamlessness is also required in the remittance space hence our partnership with Nala (https://www.Nala.com) to facilitate seamless cross-border payments and significantly reduce the cost of sending money from the UK and the US into Africa. Nala is a Y-Combinator-backed company, founded by Benjamin Fernandes (https://bit.ly/3SGQ7XL), that provides an app for Africans living in the United Kingdom and the United States to send money to the continent seamlessly. Cellulant continues to power payments across the continent, one transaction at a time assisting businesses to explore how the evolution of digital payment solutions may assist job creation, increase efficiency in service delivery, and encourage financial inclusion for our youth population in order to develop Africas payment sector and to boost economic development. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires Le Dr Arvind Boolell a pose sa Private Notice Question au Dr Renganaden Padayachy sur les divers impacts sur leconomie mauricienne depuis le confinement et la couvre-feu. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires Le Board of Racing Stewards du MTC Sports and Leisure Limited, compose de S. de Chalain (Chair), J. Keevy, P. Kalleechurn et A. Rousset, a rendu public le Racing Stewards Report de la sixieme journee hippique de 2021. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires The Catawba Falls trail and parking lot in McDowell County will be temporarily closed beginning Tuesday, November 8, and is expected to reopen Friday, November 11. A contractor will be completing work on the new trail bridge across Chestnut Branch. The Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest has been working to improve access to Catawba Falls this summer and fall. The Catawba Falls Trail is a popular hiking trail near Old Fort, NC. Chestnut Branch is the last creek crossing before visitor reach the lower falls. A new footbridge was installed over the Catawba River in July in partnership with McDowell County, North Carolina State Parks, and a federal Recreational Trails Program grant. The Forest Service and its partners are continuing progress towards making this area more accessible and safe for forest visitors though the route to the upper falls remains dangerous and the public is warned against attempting it. Every month, McDowell County Emergency Management responds to at least one critical rescue at the site from the public seeking access to the upper falls. The best way to enjoy a waterfall is from a safe distance. Stay on established trails and be aware of the extreme danger posed by attempting a closer view of the waterfalls. Never climb on or jump off waterfalls. Don't swim or dive in waterfall pools or wade in streams above waterfalls because of hazardous rocks and currents. For more information contact the Grandfather Ranger District at 828-652-2144. On Saturday, you can do your Christmas shopping early at Historic Carson House and support local crafters, authors and non-profit organizations. Historic Carson House will hold its local market and Christmas shop on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. underneath the Jubilee Arbor. A $5 admission will get you a gift basket to fill with local goods in time for the holiday season. In addition, a wrapping station will be located on site with colored cellophane and ribbons to decorate your gift basket. Amanda Elledge Finn, executive director of Historic Carson House, said the local market and Christmas shop will be a fun way for folks to shop and support local craftspeople, writers and non-profit groups. Here is the list of vendors: Southwest by East - weaving and mixed media art Mikell Bee Farm - honey and beauty products English Farmstead Cheese - delicious local cheese Scott Dee Knives - functional and artisan knives Mr. Bob's Do-Nuts - local donuts and treats Hidden Cove Tree Farm - wreaths Turtle Island Pottery - local pottery First United Methodist Men - peanuts Holly Whitsett - paper designs and stationery sets Historic Carson House - homemade apple butter and Carson House gifts David and Nikki Hoskins - essential oils, knitted goods, and wood-working Julia Nunnally Duncan - author, signing copies of her book Vicki Blake - author, signing copies of her book Holly Weaver - baked and canned goods Rotary Club of Marion coffee from Ingenious Coffee Roasters Poverty Hill Wood Carving - woodcrafts, including Christmas-themed creations Lion's Club of Marion - sturdy brooms Thomas Family Produce - delicious canned goods and local produce In addition to Saturdays event, Historic Carson House will hold a separate holiday-related event later in the month. The historic site will have a luncheon and holiday bazaar on Thursday, Nov. 10 at St. Johns Episcopal Church Parish Hall, located at 315 South Main St. in Marion. The bazaar opens at 10:30 a.m. and closes at 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 a piece and can be purchased from Carson House Partners or bought at the door depending on availability. For more information, contact Historic Carson House at 724-4948. by Erik Sass , Staff Writer @eriksass1, November 2, 2016 The legal battle that bankrupted Gawker Media and its boss, forced the closing of flagship Gawker.com, as well as the sale of its sister sites, and made the moniker Bubba the Love Sponge a household name well outside his usual target audience, is now over. On Wednesday, Gawker Media founder Nick Denton announced in a blog post that the company, which continues to exist solely to settle prior legal matters, has settled the court case brought by Hulk Hogan, as well as lawsuits by several other individuals. Although Denton didnt disclose the size of the settlement in his statement, The Wall Street Journal reported it had agreed to pay Hogan (real name Terry Gene Bollea) $31 million to end the lawsuit. Thats a fraction of the $130 million originally awarded to Bollea by a Florida jury, which found Gawker had violated his right to privacy by publishing part of a sex tape he asserts was made without his knowledge by his friend Todd Alan Clem, better known by his radio DJ handle Bubba the Love Sponge. The judgment forced Gawker Media to declare bankruptcy and sell most of its portfolio of sites to Univision, while Gawker.com itself ceased publication. Denton declared personal bankruptcy in August. By accepting the smaller sum, Bollea heads off any lengthy continuation of the trial in a court of appeals, whose outcome might be unfavorable, especially if the court decided to admit evidence that was ruled out by the judge in the first case. Denton had previously expressed confidence that Gawker would prevail on appeal, citing evidence unheard in the first trial that Hogan was in fact aware that Clem had wired his bedroom to record his own sexual encounters. Plus, that he would be recording Hogans encounter with his wife. Denton also claimed that Hogans lawsuit was actually intended to prevent publication of another video, in which he is heard using racist language. As part of the settlement, Gawker Media has also agreed to permanently remove two other stories from the Web, both concerning subjects who later sued Gawker for defamation, with financial support from Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel, who also backed Hogans lawsuit. Following Hogans initial victory over Gawker earlier this year, it emerged that Thiel had bankrolled the lawsuit because of a longstanding grudge against Gawker Media, whose now-defunct Valleywag blog outed him in 2007. In his blog post, Denton noted that even a victory on appeal would not have ended the saga, given Thiels deep pockets. For Thiel, an investor in Facebook and Palantir, the cost of this exercise is less than 1% of his net worth and a little additional notoriety. The other protagonists including Hulk Hogan and A.J. Daulerio, the author of the Gawker story about him had much more at stake. That motivated a settlement that allows us all to move on, and focus on activities more productive than endless litigation. For his part, Thiel stated: It is a great day for Terry Bollea ,and a great day for everyones right to privacy. by Jess Nelson , November 3, 2016 Adobe unveiled plans to integrate Dreamweaver and Adobe Campaign on Wednesday, offering a sneak peek at the companys Adobe MAX creativity and design conference in San Diego, California. The integration is something of a no-brainer for Adobe, combining the email design capabilities of Dreamweaver with the cross-channel marketing capabilities of Adobe Campaign in the Adobe Marketing Cloud. Dreamweaver is an Adobe-owned Web design and development application -- an HTML editor -- that many email designers use to code their emails. In fact, a recent study by email testing company Litmus displayed how the majority of email designers use Dreamweaver for their designs. Ben Tepfer, product marketing manager at Adobe Campaign, also uses Dreamweaver for design, and talked with Email Marketing Daily about how the integrations will benefit email marketers and designers alike. advertisement advertisement It just makes sense, says Tepfer. We have the tool email designers are using and we have a tool email marketers are using, why not bring that together? Although the release date has not yet been determined -- Adobe is just now beginning to roll out beta testing -- the end result will be a native proprietary integration between the two products. By integrating Adobe Campaign and Dreamweaver, marketers can create and design emails in Dreamweaver that automatically sync to Adobe Campaign. Designers will be able to work as they have been within Dreamweaver, but personalized data from Adobe Campaign can be pulled into the Dreamweaver user-interface for more contextual designs. As the integration will be bi-directional, Adobe Campaign users can also access Dreamweavers editing capabilities from within the Campaign interface. An email designer and email marketer are not often the same person, says Tepfer. He says the integration will shorten the time to creation of email campaigns by allowing email designers and marketers to more easily access the information they need to complete a design and help teams to collaborate and manage campaigns in a more streamlined way. Email marketers and email designers can effectively now work on the same email at the same time, similar to the collaborative capabilities of Google Docs. The latest document will always be saved on the Adobe Campaign server to ensure version control. Tepfer says that design -- and Adobes history within the design community thanks to Photoshop -- is something that differentiates the cloud company. Although pricing has not yet been determined, Tepfer says he believes that like most Adobe product integrations, the integration itself will be free for customers off both Adobe Campaign and Dreamweaver. by Larissa Faw , November 3, 2016 Tres Agaves is launching a multichannel campaign to differentiate the tequila brand by focusing on its distinctive birthplaceTequila, Mexico. Developed with Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners, the Tequila Made in Tequila" campaign launches this month with three original short films shot on location in Tequila, Mexico. The films feature quirky scenes and personalities (not actors) from the Tequila Valley. In December, a new website will introduce Tres TV, a portal that has the feel of a local cable access program to accentuate the actual town experience. Several taped live feeds from the agave fields, the town square and a Tequila tasting room will be shared through social channels to drive viewers to the Tres TV hub. advertisement advertisement Two additional films will be released in early 2017 and an integrated social campaign with unique pieces of content created by BSSP will be activated across Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter. These efforts will be supported with a digital banner campaign through targeted media partners. An in-store component will feature real characters from the videos on physical cards consumers can collect in stores that offer Tres Agaves. The cards will include a number that consumers can text and engage, with an opportunity to win a trip to Tequila, Mexico and other prizes. Research on the millennial consumer by the agency revealed intrigue surrounding the spirit, stated Keith Cartwright, executive creative director, BSSP. We found that the consumer is looking beyond the label to understand how Tequila is made, where it comes from and more. The campaign was developed with these insights in mind. by Erik Sass , Staff Writer @eriksass1, November 3, 2016 The rise of social media triggered concerns that insurance companies might use information volunteered by social media users to set rates, with experts warning that they might raise premiums for people who unwittingly revealed risky behaviors or circumstances online. But what if insurers wanted to use social media data to offer lower rates? Surely no one would object to that, right? Wrong! In the UK Facebook has put the kibosh on plans by Admiral, a British car insurer, to offer lower premiums to new drivers based on their Facebook profiles, the insurance provider revealed this week. Admiral has planed to analyze Facebook profiles of first-time drivers who agreed to share their profiles with an algorithm that would determine whether they have cautious personality traits based on the content they posted. The insurer was going to offer the social media discounts as a feature of its new firstcarquote app on the Facebook platform. Although its not clear what precise personality traits the algorithm was supposed to look for in text updates, Admiral apparently intended to reward responsibility as reflected in qualities like organization, punctuality, attention to details and moderation. advertisement advertisement Previously Admiral data scientist Yossi Borenstein told the Guardian: Our analysis is not based on any one specific model, but rather on thousands of different combinations of likes, words and phrases and is constantly changing with new evidence that we obtain from the data. As such our calculations reflect how drivers generally behave on social media, and how predictive that is, as opposed to fixed assumptions about what a safe driver may look like. However, Facebook forced Admiral to withdraw the social media pricing feature, citing its terms of use agreement, which specifically forbids companies using the platform to make decisions about eligibility, including whether to approve or reject an application or how much interest to charge on a loan. According to Admiral, customers can still log in and verify their identities on the app using Facebook but no other information from the social network will be shared. by Philip Rosenstein , Staff Writer, November 3, 2016 At 3 p.m. PST on Wednesday afternoon, a Jane Doe plaintiff had a planned public event at the Lisa Bloom law firm in Los Angeles. The event never happened. According to court papers filed in the Southern District of New York at the end of September, Jane Doe filed suit against Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein for rape, sexual misconduct, criminal sexual acts, sexual abuse, forcible touching, assault, battery, intentional and reckless infliction of emotional distress, duress, false imprisonment, and defamation. She was 13 years old at the time of the alleged crimes. Yesterdays event was called off after Jane Doe received numerous threats [and] she decided she [was] too afraid to show her face, according to a tweet by Irin Carmon, a reporter at MSNBC and NBC. advertisement advertisement When trying to access Lisa Blooms site around 6 p.m. EST, it was unreachable, due to assumed excessive traffic. Later, Bloom tweeted that her Web site and emails were hacked. A number of reputable news outlets have reported on this story, including Politico, Quartz, The Huffington Post and New York Daily News. The accusations have yet to hit other mainstream outlets. Does sudden disappearance makes it less likely we will hear anything about this case before November 8. Still, key facts in this case are unconditionally true: Jeffrey Epstein, a known paedophile, who pleaded guilty to felony charges of prostitution in 2008 and was sentenced to 18 months in jail, has a long and friendly relationship with Donald Trump. In 2002, Trump told New York magazine, Hes a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it -- Jeffrey enjoys his social life. Two declarations have been submitted in this case from women who were privy to the alleged crimes, one who said she saw the acts take place, and another who was in school with Jane Doe and was told about the events. Both have decided to remain anonymous. The judge assigned to the case in question has set a court date for December 16, 2016, and thus, our potential president elect may be involved in a case where he is accused of raping a 13-year-old girl, with witnesses corroborating Jane Does account. Hillary Clinton may have her own legal troubles, but Ill leave it up to the reader to determine which is more abhorrent. Bloom is the daughter of renowned womens-rights lawyer Gloria Allred. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, November 3, 2016 The company published two deadlines that will affect advertisers using the services. Starting April 3, 2017, advertisers will no longer have the option to upload new Flash video ads into DoubleClick Studio, DoubleClick Campaign Manager, DoubleClick Bid Manager, DoubleClick for Publishers or AdWords. The other deadline is July 3, 2017 -- when Google will stop allowing Flash video ads to run through the DoubleClick Campaign Manager, DoubleClick Bid Manager, DoubleClickAd Exchange, DoubleClick for Publishers or AdWords. Google also warns that Active View and Verification tools for video will no longer work with Flash. Earlier this year, Google said it would stop running display ads in the Adobe Flash format on the Google Display Network or through DoubleClick in favor of HTML5. As of July 2016, advertisers can no longer upload new display ads in the Adobe Flash format. They will need to stop running all ads in the Flash format on the Google Display Network and through DoubleClick in January 2017. Google will replace Adobe Flash with support for HTML5 video across DoubleClick and AdWords. The support includes tools to ensure advertisers and publishers can easily migrate all video ads to HTML5. Google isn't the only tech company dropping support for Adobe Flash in favor of HTML5. Others include Microsoft, Yahoo and Facebook. by Philip Rosenstein , November 3, 2016 What if Americans under the age of 18 could vote? According to Newselas Student Vote 2016, Hillary Clinton would greatly benefit from younger voters. By 57% to 32%, Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump when over 400,000 students across the country cast their ballots with Newsela. Over 16,000 schools participated, representing all 50 states. The highest number of votes cast by students came from Chicago, IL, Portland, OR and San Jose, CA. According to Newsela, younger voters overwhelmingly chose Hillary Clinton, while the high-school vote was much closer. Overall, Clinton won most swing states except for Ohio. She also won over traditionally Republican states of Texas, Georgia and South Carolina. Based on school ethnicity, schools that are over 70% black or Hispanic overwhelmingly voted for Hillary Clinton. The opposite was true for schools that are over 70% white, where Donald Trump came out on top. Rural schools also preferred Trump, with the vote being relatively even in suburban schools. Clinton took the top spot among schools in urban areas. Newsela also noted that more than 1 million students read an election-related article on their site, with an Associated Press article about the first presidential debate as the most-read. There is an urgent need for more effective ways to detect Alzheimers disease in its preclinical stage before memory, confusion, and other cognitive problems appear. During this stage, while people appear symptom-free, abnormal proteins are already depositing throughout the brain. Now, a team has developed and tested a compound that appears able to identify some of these abnormal protein deposits in the preclinical stage more effectively than currently approved compounds. Share on Pinterest In this image, Fluselenamyl has passed from the bloodstream into the brain of a living mouse, where it is detected by a PET scan. The arrows point to clumps of amyloid beta protein. Image credit: Ping Yan, Jin-Moo Lee/Washington University School of Medicine The researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO describe their work in a study published in the journal Scientific Reports. Alzheimers disease accounts for the majority of dementia cases among older adults. Dementia is where due to progressive changes in the brain a persons capacity to think, remember, and reason gradually diminish. At first, the symptoms of dementia are mild and hardly affect daily functioning, but eventually they become so severe that the person cannot live an independent life and must rely on others for help with their most basic daily tasks. Today, there are over 46 million people living with dementia worldwide. Without successful treatment or intervention, this number is expected to rise to 131.5 million by 2050. People who develop Alzheimers usually first experience symptoms in their mid-60s, although there are forms of the disease where they appear earlier. While estimates vary, experts suggest there are over 5 million people in the United States living with Alzheimers disease. Need for preclinical stage diagnosis Scientists are still trying to understand the complex changes that take place in the brains of people who develop Alzheimers disease. However, it seems likely that these start at least 10 years before memory and thinking problems begin. During this preclinical stage when people seem to have no symptoms abnormal deposits of amyloid beta and tau proteins are forming plaques and tangles throughout the brain. Eventually, these clog up brain cells to the point where they stop working, lose connections with each other, and die. In their study report, the authors explain that the failure of drug trials to reverse clinical symptoms of Alzheimers disease suggests that for treatment to be effective, it must start during the preclinical stage. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify and validate biomarkers that are present at preclinical stages, they note. Their study concerns a new compound called Fluselenamyl, which appears to detect amyloid beta protein plaques better than currently approved compounds. The researchers believe attaching a radioactive atom to the compound would allow its location in a living brain to be tracked in positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Senior author Vijay Sharma, a professor of radiology, of neurology, and of biomedical engineering, says : Fluselenamyl is both more sensitive and likely more specific than current agents. Detecting diffuse amyloid beta plaques Amyloid plaques can be either diffuse or compact, say the researchers. The compact form has long been linked to Alzheimers disease, but there is a belief that diffuse plaques are not a sign of disease because they are found in the brains of people with and without Alzheimers disease. However, Prof. Sharma believes that diffuse amyloid plaques may mark the earliest stage of Alzheimers disease. He notes: It is a relatively underexplored area in the development of Alzheimers pathology. Since current approved agents dont detect diffuse plaques, there is no reliable noninvasive imaging tool to investigate this aspect in animal models or in patients. Our compound could be used to study the role of diffuse plaques. In their study, he and his colleagues found Fluselenamyl bound to human amyloid beta proteins 2-10 times more effectively than three other imaging agents approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the detection of amyloid beta protein. This means the compound is more likely to detect the early brain changes associated with Alzheimers disease, because it shows ability to detect smaller clumps of amyloid beta. The researchers also carried out further tests. In one, they used the compound to stain brain slices from patients who had died of Alzheimers disease and also of age-matched patients who had died of other causes (controls) and did not have the disease. The team found Fluselenamyl correctly identified plaques in the brain slices of the Alzheimers patients but not the controls. By analyzing the genes and brain activity of more than 8,000 mice, researchers have identified two genes that control deep sleep and dreaming, opening the door to new treatments for sleep disorders. Share on Pinterest Researchers have discovered two genes that control dreaming and deep sleep. In a study published in the journal Nature, investigators describe the discovery of a gene that regulates the amount of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in mammals, as well as a gene that controls the amount of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, REM is a recurring sleep stage that makes up around 25 percent of a typical nights sleep. REM is described as a period of sleep involving intense brain activity that is comparable to waking-state brain activity. Vivid dreaming is most likely to occur during REM sleep. NREM accounts for the remaining 75 percent of sleep, and it is characterized by a reduction in brain activity. NREM sleep consists of three stages: drowsiness, light sleep, and slow wave sleep the deepest sleep stage, where no eye movement or muscle activity occurs. Understanding the mechanisms behind sleep Both REM and NREM are considered important for health and well-being, aiding tissue growth and repair and ensuring the brain and body are able to function effectively during the day. However, the underlying mechanisms that regulate both of these sleep stages have been unclear. Now, for the first time, researchers have pinpointed two genes that they believe control REM and NREM sleep. For their study , co-author Joseph S. Takahashi, of the ODonnell Brain Institute at the University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, and colleagues introduced random mutations to the genes of more than 8,000 mice. The team them used electroencephalogy (EEG) to monitor the brain waves of the rodents, with the aim of seeing whether any of the genetic mutations they introduced affected their sleep. Two new genes linked to REM, NREM sleep The researchers identified two genes Salt-Inducible Kinase 3 Sik3 (Sik3) and Sodium Leak Channel Non-selective (Nalcn) that appear to play a role in REM and NREM sleep. Mice that had a mutation in the Sik3 gene referred to as Sleepy mice were found to have 50 percent more NREM sleep than mice without this mutation, the team reports. We noticed that Sleepy mutants showed an exaggerated response to sleep deprivation, notes first author Hiromasa Funato, of the University of Tsukuba in Japan. Examining the brains of sleep-deprived mice revealed changes in the phosphorylation of amino acids within the SIK3 protein. These changes were disturbed by the Sik3 mutation in Sleepy mice, which is why they have an increased sleep need. Additionally, they found that mice with a mutation in the Nalcn gene named Dreamless mice were found to have much less REM sleep than mice without a Nalcn gene mutation. The Dreamless mutation causes increased ion conductance through the channel and increased activity of REM-terminating neurons, which is compatible with REM sleep instability, explains co-author Chika Miyoshi, also of the University of Tsukuba. Voluntary reporting by hospital staff of errors and patient safety events are a key source of information for improving patient care. A St. Jude Children's Research Hospital analysis suggests that to increase reporting, hospitals should focus on informing staff about how their previous reports have helped enhance patient safety. "Identifying patient safety opportunities is a fundamental first step to preventing harm and improving patient care, which is why hospitals promote patient safety event reporting," said corresponding author James Hoffman, Pharm.D., an associate member of the St. Jude Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the hospital's chief patient safety officer. Patient safety events include mistakes with the potential to harm patients, even if no one is injured. "Our results suggest that to increase voluntary reporting of all types of errors and patient safety events, regardless of the perceived severity, health care leaders should prioritize establishing feedback mechanisms that demonstrate to staff the value of information learned from the events reported," he said. The research appears online in the Journal of Patient Safety. The data analyzed by Hoffman and his colleagues came from a survey that hundreds of U.S. hospitals use to assess patient safety culture at the institutional and department or unit level. The survey was developed by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The study included 2008-2011 data from 223,412 health care professionals working in 7,816 departments or units at 967 hospitals. The survey asked respondents to indicate the likelihood that three types of patient safety events would be voluntarily reported: those caught before reaching the patient, those with no perceived potential for harm and those with the perceived potential to cause harm. Previous research has shown that the more serious the error, the more likely it is to be reported. To assess patient safety culture, the survey focused on 10 factors shown to reflect and influence the culture of patient safety. The factors include providing feedback to staff who report errors, the sense that past mistakes have led to positive changes, perceived management support for patient safety and the opinion of staff that their mistakes are not held against them. Analytical methods were used to account for perceptions of patient safety culture at the departmental or unit and institutional levels. Researchers reported that providing feedback about reported errors was the aspect of patient safety culture most strongly associated with voluntary reporting of errors, regardless of the perceived severity. Survey respondents were more likely to voluntarily report if they believed the hospital would try to prevent future errors by improving systems and process versus blaming individuals. Respondents were also more likely to report when mistakes lead to positive changes that are evaluated for their effectiveness. "There is some prior research establishing the connection between patient safety culture and voluntary event reporting," said first author Jonathan Burlison, Ph.D., St. Jude patient safety project manager. "In this study, we were the first to consider how patient safety culture manifests itself at the unit/ work area level, as well as the institution overall, using a very large data set." Added Hoffman: "For hospital leaders looking to increase event reporting, it may be as simple as improving mechanisms to increase feedback to staff who report events, such as thanking them for taking time out of their day to file the report and communicating what is being done in response." The other authors are Rebecca Quillivan, Yinmei Zhou and Cheng Cheng, all of St. Jude; and Lisa Kath and Sam Courtney, both of San Diego State University, San Diego, Calif. The research was funded in part by a grant (CA21765) from the National Institutes of Health; and ALSAC. Article: A Multilevel Analysis of U.S. Hospital Patient Safety Culture Relationships with Perceptions of Voluntary Event Reporting, Jonathan Burlison, Rebecca Quillivan, Yinmei Zhou, Cheng Cheng, Lisa Kath, Sam Courtney, Journal of Patient Safety, published online 1 November 2016. Researchers from Tubingen and Munich investigate how different brain regions interact when long-term memories are formed. Our brain has a tough task every time we experience something new - it must be flexible to take in new information instantly, but also stable enough to store it for a long time. And new memories may not be allowed to alter or overwrite old ones. The brain solves this problem by storing new information in two separate places - the hippocampus, a short-term storage site with high plasticity and capacity that can absorb information quickly; and in a part of the cerebral cortex, the neocortex. This is slower to take in the information, but protects it for the long term and does not allow it to be overwritten. Researchers from the Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology at the University of Tubingen have been working with colleagues from Munich to discover how these two systems work together as we learn. Their findings have been published in the latest issue of PNAS. The hippocampus has been the focus of intense scrutiny by memory researchers since the late 1950s, when it was surgically removed from a patient known as H.M. - who was thereafter unable to form new memories. It was largely unknown what role the neocortex played in memory or how the two regions interacted. In their experiments, the Tubingen researchers placed test subjects at a computer screen and into a virtual maze, where they had to find hidden objects. The longer the test persons moved through the maze, the better they became at understanding how it was set out and where the hidden objects were. While the test subjects were carrying out the task, their brain activity was recorded by an MRI scanner. In order to identify the brain region responsible for spatial memory, the researchers had a special trick. During one part of the experiment the maze did not change. This enabled the participants to slowly build up a spatial representation of it in their memories. In another part of the experiment, the maze changed constantly, so that the test subjects could not recognize it or learn a set path around it. "The comparison of the MRI images from the two mazes reveals which brain regions were specifically contributing to the formation of spatial memories," says Svenja Brodt, a doctoral candidate at the Graduate Training Center of Neuroscience and lead author of the study. "We were suprised that the activity of the precuneus, a region at the back of the neocortex, steadily increased, while the activity in the hippocampus steadily fell," Brodt explains. And communication between the two regions also fell during the learning process, according to Brodt. "These results enable us to demonstrate that the long-term, neocortical traces of memory are formed right when the information is first gathered," says Dr. Monika Schonauer, who supervised the study. She said the pace of this process was astounding. Researchers had always assumed that the process took place very slowly, lasting weeks or months. Professor Steffen Gais explains: "The astonishing thing is that the hippocampus ceases to participate in learning after such a short time." The number of repetitions appeared to have a key influence on how quickly a long-term, stable memory was formed in the neocortex. "An independent representation of the memory is formed in the precuneus," according to Brodt. "When the MRI showed activity in the precuneus of a test subject, we could predict whether the per-son would find one of the hidden objects in the maze or not." These latest findings provide important information about which regions store long-term memory. This could help doctors in the future to come up with better treatments for patients with dementia or disorders of the hippocampus. "But even for school situations, these results are important when it comes to learning straightforward material, such as vocab or times tables, both quickly and for the long term. According to our findings, there is no getting around the frequent repetition of material to be learned," Brodt says. Article: Rapid and independent memory formation in the parietal cortex, Svenja Brodt, Dorothee Pohlchen, Virginia L. Flanagin, Stefan Glasauer, Steffen Gais, and Monika Schonauer, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, doi: 10.1073/pnas.1605719113, published online 1 November 2016. Women may be at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder following a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, suggests a new study. The team behind the research, from Imperial College London, say the findings suggest women should be routinely screened for the condition, and receive specific psychological support following pregnancy loss. In the study, published in the journal BMJ Open, the team surveyed 113 women who had recently experienced a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. The majority of the women in the study had suffered a miscarriage in the first three months of pregnancy, while around 20 per cent had suffered an ectopic pregnancy, where the baby starts to grow outside of the womb. The results revealed four in ten women reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) three months after the pregnancy loss. Miscarriage affects one in four pregnancies in the UK, and is defined as the loss of a baby before 24 weeks - although most miscarriages occur before 12 weeks. Ectopic pregnancies are much rarer, affecting around one in 90 pregnancies. The fertilised egg usually implants in the fallopian tubes connected to the womb, where it cannot grow, and so the pregnancy either miscarries or must be ended surgically or with medicine. In the new study, funded by the Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the scientists sent the women questionnaires asking them about their thoughts and feelings after their pregnancy loss. All of the women had attended the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit at Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea hospital, West London. The results revealed that three months after the pregnancy loss, nearly four in ten women (38 per cent) met criteria for probable PTSD. Among the women who suffered a miscarriage, 45 per cent reported PTSD symptoms at this time, compared to 18 per cent of the women who suffered an ectopic pregnancy. Post-traumatic stress disorder is caused by stressful, frightening or distressing events, and causes people to relive the event though nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts or images that appear at unwanted moments. The symptoms can start weeks, months or even years after a traumatic event and can cause sleeping problems, anger, and depression. The women in the study who met the criteria for PTSD reported regularly re-experiencing the feelings associated with the pregnancy loss, and suffering intrusive or unwanted thoughts about their miscarriage. Some women also reported having nightmares or flashbacks, while others avoided anything that may remind them of their loss, or friends and family who are pregnant. Furthermore, nearly a third said their symptoms had impacted on their work life, and around 40 per cent reported their relationships with friends and family had been affected. Dr Jessica Farren, lead author of the research from the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial, said this research suggests women should have an opportunity to discuss their emotions with a medical professional. "We were surprised at the high number of women who experienced symptoms of PTSD after early pregnancy loss. At the moment there is no routine follow-up appointment for women who have suffered a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. We have checks in place for postnatal depression, but we don't have anything in place for the trauma and depression following pregnancy loss. "Yet the symptoms that may be triggered can have a profound effect on all aspects of a woman's everyday life, from her work to her relationships with friends and family." Dr Farren, who is based at Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research at Imperial, explained that previous research has suggested women who experience a stillbirth may develop post-traumatic stress disorder. However this is the first research to only focus on early pregnancy loss. "There is an assumption in our society that you don't tell anyone you are pregnant until after 12 weeks. But this also means that if couples experience a miscarriage in this time, they don't tell people. This may result in the profound psychological effects of early pregnancy loss being brushed under the carpet, and not openly discussed," she said. The team, who conducted their research in collaboration with the University of Leuven in Belgium, also questioned a control group of 50 women with ongoing pregnancies. The study results also revealed around one in five women had symptoms of moderate anxiety at three months after their pregnancy loss. In the control group, one in ten reported symptoms of anxiety. Furthermore, one in 20 women reported symptoms of depression three months after their loss. Professor Tom Bourne, senior author of the study, said the team are now planning larger follow-up studies, to confirm the findings and help identify at-risk women. "Not all women who suffer a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy will go on to develop PTSD or anxiety and depression. Therefore we are now investigating why some women may be more at risk than others, to help medical professionals identify who may need extra support." Jane Brewin, chief executive of the charity Tommy's, who part-funded the research, said: "This study gives a voice to many women who have suffered miscarriage in silence and the often significant consequences that follow. The message is clear: in a civilised society it is not acceptable for women to suffer in this way. Following this study there must now be added impetus to change miscarriage treatment and care; many women need more support following a miscarriage and the NHS needs to rethink how women are treated throughout the experience so they do not suffer from PTSD and other psychological impacts. Tommy's Centre for Early Miscarriage Research was opened this year with the support of many families who want to bring about change and we'd encourage all families to join with us to find answers to miscarriage and help improve care for everyone." Professor Bourne added that in addition to improving diagnosis of psychological disorders following miscarriage, researchers need to assess what treatments may help. "We know that talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, have been successful at treating PTSD. However we need to investigate how this treatment should be tailored to women who have suffered an early pregnancy loss." Ian Lush, chief executive of Imperial College Healthcare Charity, who funded the study, added: "Clearly, losing a baby at any stage is devastating for parents. We recognised early on the potential this piece of research had, and equally, how important the findings would be to patients and clinical staff right across the NHS. The outcomes that are being shared will hopefully mean the effects of early pregnancy loss deservedly get the spotlight shone on them, and women and their partners, thanks to better understanding of those effects, get the extra support they need." Nicole Martin, 42, suffered three miscarriages between 2013 and 2014. Although she didn't take part in the trial, she understands the enormous emotional toll of early pregnancy loss. The PR associate director from London recalled: "We started trying for our second child after my daughter turned one. We became pregnant with twins, but the first baby died five weeks into the pregnancy, and the second at around 10 weeks. We immediately started trying again and I fell pregnant a month or two later. I was crippled with anxiety and took pregnancy tests every day. However, we miscarried again at seven weeks. I became consumed with what happened to us. I returned to work but was a shadow of my former self, and wracked with guilt that I was unable to give my daughter a sibling. I withdrew from social situations, and felt unable to laugh or smile. I also found it very hard to be around or even see people who had more than one child. We were pregnant again within a couple of months, but were thrown into despair and disbelief when we miscarried a third time. Two months later, a few weeks after my 40th birthday, we became pregnant again and our beautiful son Joseph was born in March last year. Although we are now extremely happy, I often say the miscarriages robbed me of my personality. I stopped engaging with life; even with my daughter; and was consumed by my almost compulsive desire to have another baby. I couldn't find joy in anything; and hated the jealousy I felt towards other pregnant women. My relationship with my husband was put under strain but somehow we got through it and, in many ways, it brought us closer together, and I will forever be grateful for the unfailing support he - and many others - gave me during that time." The research was funded by the Imperial College Healthcare Charity, Tommy's, and the National Institute of Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre. Article: Post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression following miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy: a prospective cohort study, Jessica Farren, Maria Jalmbrant, Lieveke Ameye, Karen Joash, Nicola Mitchell-Jones, Sophie Tapp, Dirk Timmerman, Tom Bourne, BMJ Open, doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011864, published 1 November 2016. Beer is one of the world's most popular alcoholic beverages. But, made with barley, brews can contain low levels of mycotoxins, which are produced by fungi that can contaminate grains. Although not a major health threat, the industry needs to minimize the risk of contamination. Now scientists have developed a portable sensor that can help. Their report appears in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Because of its alcohol content and the high temperatures required to make beer, most consumers might assume that contamination by biologically derived compounds is not an issue. But mycotoxins can survive the brewing process and end up in the final product. Some mycotoxins have been shown to cause genetic damage in cells and cancer in animals. Currently, methods to detect mycotoxin contamination in beer are costly and require in-laboratory analysis. Sweccha Joshi, Teris van Beek and colleagues wanted to come up with a less expensive, portable alternative. Building on technology used to detect mycotoxins in grains, the researchers developed a biosensing chip that can bind these compounds when they are present in beer samples. The team also could reuse the chip 450 times before it started to fail. Testing on commercial beer and barley showed that the portable instrument detected levels as low as 0.2 nanograms/milliliter of ochratoxin A and 120 ng/mL of deoxynivalenol - respectively, the estimated safe limits for these mycotoxins. The authors acknowledge funding from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research. Article: Analysis of Mycotoxins in Beer Using a Portable Nanostructured Imaging Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor, Sweccha Joshi, Rumaisha M. Annida, Han Zuilhof, Teris A. van Beek, and Michel W. F. Nielen, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b04106, published 6 October 2016. NORTH READING, Mass. Nov. 3, 2016 November 7 - 9 Geneva Wednesday, November 9 13:30 p.m. CEST February 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- TraceLink Inc., the World's Largest Track and Trace Network for connecting the life sciences supply chain and eliminating counterfeit prescription drugs from the global marketplace, will be addressing delegates at Pharmaceutical Serialisation & Traceability 2016, taking place, in, Switzerland.Jean-Marie Aulnette, vice president of EMEA, TraceLink, will discuss key success factors to consider when implementing a global serialisation strategy. The presentation will take place onatThe EU Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) introduces complex safety features for pharmaceutical companies, parallel importers, wholesalers, and pharmacies that sell or dispense products into the European Union. The law requires unit-level serialisation, compliance reporting, and verification to go into effect by February 2019. As part of the regulation, all serialised data must be sent to the centralized EU Hub and then passed through to the national repositories within the individual EU countries.To date, 39 pharmaceutical manufacturers with EU FMD requirements have chosen the Life Sciences Cloud, giving them single-integration access to an EMVO-tested, compliance solution that will help eliminate business risk and ensure drug products reach patients in the most timely and cost-effective manner. Two years ahead of thedeadline, TraceLink has already processed compliance reports for 227,034 units of product into the EU Hub for its customers that are live on the network and meeting EU FMD compliance regulations.Learn more about the EU FMD requirements and TraceLink's real-time experience with the EU Hub at this year's Pharmaceutical Serialisation & Traceability meeting. Schedule a free onsite serialisation consultation with a TraceLink compliance expert and receive custom guidance on how to move your company's serialization strategy forward in the EU, and globally.TraceLink is the World's Largest Track and Trace Network for connecting the Life Sciences supply chain and eliminating counterfeit prescription drugs from the global marketplace. Leading businesses, including 16 of the top-20 global pharmaceutical companies, trust the TraceLink Life Sciences Cloud to deliver complete global connectivity, visibility and traceability of pharmaceuticals from ingredient to patient. A single point and click connection to the Life Sciences Cloud creates a supply chain control tower that delivers the information, insight and collaboration needed to improve performance and reduce risk across global supply, manufacturing and distribution operations.A winner of numerous industry awards including Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 (ranked number 293 in 2015), the Amazon AWS Global Start-Up Challenge Grand Prize, and the Edison Award for Innovation in Health Management, the Life Sciences Cloud is used by businesses across the globe to meet strategic goals in ensuring global compliance, fighting drug counterfeiting, improving on-time and in-full delivery, protecting product quality and reducing operational cost.For more information on TraceLink and our solutions, visit www.tracelink.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.TraceLink is funded by FirstMark Capital, Volition Capital and F-Prime Capital. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tracelink-to-present-on-global-serialisation-strategies-at-pharmaceutical-serialisation--traceability-2016-300356394.html SOURCE TraceLink Inc. Advertisement Yoga might be another effective approach for addressing spinal stiffness and reduced mobility. "This could provide helpful physiological information to support a manned mission to Mars," the researchers write.The inter-vertebral discs create a cushion between vertebrae in a person's spine. Any change to its shape and size can affect the spinal column and back.The long-term objective of this project is to promote spine health and prevent spinal injury during space missions and on Earth.The goal was to understand factors that affect lumbar spine strength and the source of low back pain during long-duration spaceflight, as well as the how the spine responds after returning to Earth gravity.The data for the study were obtained as part of a NASA-funded research study, led by Drs. Alan R. Hargens and Jeffrey C. Lotz.Six NASA crew members were studied before and after spending four to seven months in "microgravity" conditions on the International Space Station.Each astronaut underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the spine before their mission, immediately after their return to Earth, and again one to two months later.. In the first year after return from space, astronauts have 4.3 times higher risk of herniated discThough these changes cause an increase in height by two inches, it is accompanied by weakening of muscles supporting the spine.To estimate lean muscle separated from non-lean muscle components, researchers used an image thresh-holding technique.Lean muscles play a critical role in spinal support and movement. The MRI scans indicated significant atrophy of the paraspinal lean muscle mass during the astronauts' time in space.The lean muscle, or "functional," cross-sectional area of the lumbar paraspinal muscles decreased by an average of 19% from pre-flight scans to immediate post-flight scans.The ratio of lean muscle decreased from 86% pre-flight to 72% immediately.A month or two later, only about two-thirds of the reduction had recovered at 81% but was still less than the preflight value."Even after six weeks of training and reconditioning here on Earth, they are only getting about 68% of their losses restored," Chang explained.In contrast, there was no consistent change in the height of the spinal intervertebral discs. Dr. Chang and coauthors write, "These measurements run counter to previous hypotheses about the effects of microgravity on disc swelling."Adding core-strengthening exercises to the astronaut exercise training program.The results give insight into back pain and inter-vertebral disc risks, suggesting possible countermeasures targeted to the lumbar paraspinal muscles while in-flight and during the preflight and after fight periodsThe data reveal lumbar spine paraspinal muscle atrophy after long-duration spaceflight.Though some functional cross-sectional area recovery was seen 46 days after space flight in a terrestrial environment, it remained incomplete compared to pre-light levels.Further studies will be needed to clarify the effects on disc height, and whether they contribute to the increase in body height during space missions, and to the increased risk of herniated disc disease.According to the study authors, "Whether new exercise countermeasures can prevent in-flight paraspinal muscle atrophy, improve spinal pain and function, shorten recovery time, and how such exercise might be performed in a microgravity environment with available exercise equipment need further study."Source: Medindia Advertisement Increased risk of getting infection Tiredness and breathlessness Fatigue Hair thinning Numbness The medication had previously been only available through the Cancer Drugs Fund.Women with advanced breast cancer are expected to live only two years on average, a drug giving extra three months of life is considered valuable.Eribulin, the chemotherapy drug works by stopping the cancer cells from spreading into new cancer cells and blocks the cancer growth. Common side effects associated with Eribulin includeBreast Cancer Now chief executive Baroness Delyth Morgan said the drug will offer a "crucial" alternative to patients and its approval is positive news."It offers a crucial life-extending alternative for patients whose breast cancer has become resistant to other therapies, and for those with triple negative disease, who desperately lack treatment options," she said.Professor Carole Longson, director of the centre for health technology evaluation at Nice, said: "The life expectancy of people for whom eribulin is licensed is short, and quality of life is very important."She said: "But the real tests are still yet to come and we now eagerly await Nice's decision on the even more effective drugs being appraised, including Kadcyla.NICE is currently reviewing all drugs funded to see whether they meet its strict cost-effectiveness thresholds.Eribulin is one of the first to be moved from the temporary Cancer Drugs Fund use to routine NICE approval.Source: Medindia Advertisement Patients with kidney stones were treated with the drug Tamsulosin in an Emergency Medicine Foundation Australasia (EMF) funded clinical trial run across five Australian hospital emergency departments.Trial leader and specialist emergency medicine physician at The Townsville Hospital, Dr Jeremy Furyk, said Tamsulosin was normally used to treat an enlarged prostate, but the research team found the treatment could also assist the passage of large kidney stones in the urine."Kidney stones are a bit of a mystery, occur frequently in the community and generally affect young, healthy adults," Dr Furyk said.Among the more than 400 patients in the trial, those who received Tamsulosin passed their large kidney stones more often than the placebo group."This means patients with large stones might not need more complicated treatments including surgeries, and this has potential to improve care and reduce costs. We're very excited because Tamsulosin treatment may also allow patients to be treated closer to home rather than needing referral to a major centre."Dr Furyk said.EMF Australasia awarded more than $270,000 to support Dr Furyk's research, through its Queensland Research Program, which is funded by the Queensland Government Department of Health.EMF Australasia Chair, Associate Professor Sally McCarthy said this research had the potential to help millions of Australians suffering with this extremely painful condition.Source: Medindia Advertisement This leaves them struggling with basic skills such as speaking full sentences, using tenses and following simple instructions - and they are likely to remain behind throughout their school lives, with a knock-on effect on their employment prospects, the report says.The researchers focused on privately run, voluntary and other independent childcare settings as opposed to state-run nurseries, which tend to be attached to primary schools and are more likely to employ qualified teachers.They looked at three- and four-year-olds, 95% of whom attend some form of childcare each week. Of the three-year-olds who do, 36% attend state-funded nurseries and 64% private or voluntary settings. Of the four-year-olds, 80% are in maintained nurseries and 20% in independent childcare.Pre-schoolers not in any form of childcare fare worse still and are less than half as likely to reach a good level of development than those in nurseries with qualified teachers. The report, based on new analysis of official figures, also found that in the academic year to July 2016, half of all three- and four-year-olds or more than 280,000 children, had attended a private, voluntary or independent setting without a teacher who held a degree-level early years qualification working directly with them.Overall, just half of independent nurseries in England employed a qualified teacher last year, says the report. But this masked wide variations between local authorities: 86% of young children in Sunderland were in childcare settings with qualified teachers, but only 16% in the London borough of Newham. And the report quotes National College of Teaching and Leadership figures showing a fall in early years teacher trainee numbers.In 2013-14, 2,327 candidates were funded to train as early years teachers - but in 2015, there were just 860 applicants. Save the Children wants the government to invest in a qualified early years teacher for every nursery in England, starting with impoverished areas including Blackpool, Oldham, Birmingham and Barking and Dagenham in east London."If the government is serious about creating a country that works for everyone, it's crucial we urgently invest in a qualified teacher for every nursery across the country, giving children the support they need to reach their full potential," said Gareth Jenkins, Save the Children's director of UK poverty.A Department for Education spokesman said the proportion of full-time staff with the equivalent of at least A-levels had grown from 75% of 87% in the five years to 2013. "We want to continue to attract quality staff into the early years, including more trained graduates," said the spokesman."We are developing a workforce strategy that aims to remove the barriers to attracting, retaining and developing great people, and we will be investing a record 6bn in childcare by the end of this Parliament."Source: Medindia Russia has deployed Iskander-M tactical missile systems in the Kaliningrad region. The move sparked tension in the Baltic States. On October 8, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said: "By the way, nobody made a big secret out of the transportation of the system onboard the freighter Ambal. I'll say more - one Iskander system was deliberately exposed prior to the shipment to an American intelligence satellite, which was on its trajectory above [the region] - that was made in order to clarify [i.e.check out] certain parameters of this satellite." He also added that the Russian side did not have long to wait since the US partners in their "exposure impulse" have confirmed everything that the Russians needed. Konashenkov continued: "The Iskander ballistic missile system is mobile, as during the training process missile force units improve their skills year-round [which involves] covering major distances across Russian territory by various means: by air, by sea and by their own movement."[1] (Source: Klg.aif.ru) Russian President Vladimir Putin focusing on Kaliningrad (Source: Vk.com/13studiya, August 28, 2016) The deputy head of the Federation Council's Defense Committee, Frantz Klintsevich, said that other states "should not fear" the move. He also stressed that the deployment is "part of the drill" since Russia "is not at war" with anyone. Klintsevich said: "They [Iskander] do not bear any threat, they are designed to ensure the security of our territory in the event of any real threat. Nothing else."[2] Colonel-General (ret) Vladimir Shamanov, chair of the lower house Duma Defense and Security Committee, explained: "Those missiles will be, first and foremost, aimed at those objects, which disrupt the balance [of power in Europe] and which are or will be deployed in the framework of the (American) missile defense program." He then lauded the system for its extraordinary accuracy.[3] (Source: Rt.com) Sergey Grinyaev, CEO "Center for Strategic Assessment and Forecast", explained: "In the recent weeks we witness the rising tensions in the international situation due to the divergent paths [taken by] the US and Russia regarding Syria. This tension in the Middle East is being projected to the Baltic region. The US is stimulating military confrontation on Russia's western borders - in Poland, and in the Baltic republics. One way of countering this pressure is to deploy Iskander operational and tactical rocket complexes in the Kaliningrad region". [4] The same article in Argomenti I Fakti claimed that Russian experts believed that the presence of the Iskanders did not clash with any international agreement.. This last point was disputed by Pavel Felgengauer, who is considered one of Russia's most serious military experts. According to Felgengauer, since the Iskander -M launching platform can be used not only for ballistic missiles, but also for cruise ones (Kaliber -NK naval missiles, which have been adapted for the ground launching platform and have a range of 2500 km. He agrees with the Americans that this is an infringement of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, INF, which prohibits procurement and deployment of missiles with a range surpassing 500 km. Moscow coyly claims that their range is only 500 km. and therefore conform to the agreement but their range is four fold longer. The Russians reply that the American ABM system in Romania also surpasses 2000 km. This creates a serious threat that the INF treaty will disintegrate.[5] According to Felgengauer, the rhetoric employed by the Russian General Staff, which implies that the American missile defense system in Europe endangers Russia could provoke a denunciation of the INF (Putin back in 2007 had called it a bad agreement). Then we will be back to the 1980s when both sides deployed intermediate range ballistic missiles in Europe (the so called European Missile Crisis).. Felgengauer claimed that the general staff and the defense ministry were entirely responsible for the crisis: "It's obvious that they (the General Staff) need the rising tensions with the US. The main enemy though is not the US or Syria, it's our own ministry of finance. Currently, the Russian budget is shrinking and the main goal of the general staff and the ministry of defense is to keep the budgeting for the rearmament program intact [the 2020 rearmament program presumes that the Russian army will have 70-90 % of its modern weapons requirements by 2020]. The gap between the ministry of defense and the ministry of finance is critical now - the defense ministry is demanding 22 trillion rubles while the ministry of finance is prepared to give 12 trillion rubles. To overcome that gap [the defense ministry] needs to heighten tensions with the US, including potential military clashes."[6] Endnotes: Mahmoud Al-Habbash, Supreme Palestinian Authority Qadi (shari'a judge) and advisor for religious and Islamic affairs to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud 'Abbas, makes many statements on various platforms about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and on Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa and the Jews' connection to them. On the one hand, many of the statements he makes are moderate; for example, he has said that Jews will be entitled to pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under Palestinian sovereignty, and has condemned terrorism, saying that it harms Jews and Arabs alike.[1] Al-Habbash has also harshly condemned Hamas, to which he belonged until 1994, calling its members "Khawarij"[2] and accusing them of sedition, [3] and calling the movement an enemy worse than the Israeli occupation.[4] He even implied on one occasion that killing Hamas leader Isma'il Haniya would be an action sanctioned by Islam.[5] Moreover, Al-Habbash meets with official and unofficial Israeli elements and with Rabbis in Israel and abroad, inter alia as part of his membership in the PLO's Committee for Interaction with Israeli Society, which works to promote the Palestinian political narrative among the Israeli public.[6] Some of his dovish statements are made in forums of this sort, and on the Israeli media. However, more frequent than Al-Habbash's dovish statements are his extreme statements. For example, he has claimed exclusive Palestinian rights to Jerusalem and its holy sites, and has called for jihad for the sake of Al-Aqsa. He has also compared Israel to the Islamic State (ISIS) and the Israeli-Palestinian political process to the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, thus implying that it is a temporary ceasefire to be maintained only so long as it serve Muslim interests. He also questioned whether the perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks were indeed Muslims. Most of Al-Habbash's more extreme statements have come in his Friday sermons in West Bank mosques, including the mosque at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, where PA President Mahmoud 'Abbas worships, and in statements to Palestinian media. Following are some of Al-Habbash's statements, 2010-2016: Mahmoud Al-Habbash (image: Ramallah.news) Jews Will Be Allowed To Pray In Al-Aqsa Compound Under Palestinian Sovereignty; Jews Have No Claim To Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa In an interview on Israeli television on February 11, 2014, Al-Habbash welcomed the prospect of Jews praying in the Al-Aqsa compound when this compound is under Palestinian sovereignty: "Any Jew who wants to pray at Al-Aqsa, [we will say to him:] welcome. Politics are one thing and worship is another. But all this will happen under Palestinian sovereignty."[7] However, in recent statements, Al-Habbash categorically denied the right of Jews to pray in the Al-Aqsa compound. In response to a statement by Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Avi Dichter, on August 15, 2016, that the Temple Mount would not be like Mecca and Medina (i.e., a site open to Muslims only), Al-Habbash said: "These statements reflect the Israeli madness to Judaize Jerusalem. Jerusalem is Arab Palestinian land, and the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, with all its components and with its 14.8-hectare compound, is a unique Islamic-Arab-Palestinian right, and the Jews have not the slightest claim to it."[8] On October 13, 2016, the United Nations Educations, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) passed a resolution that was characterized in Palestinian media as describing the Al-Aqsa compound and the Western Wall as "an exclusively Muslim site, to which the Jews bear no connection." Al-Habbash responded to the resolution's passage by saying: "This resolution is an accurate representation of the truth and of history in terms of all the measures taken by the occupation governments, one after another, with all their political, economic and security branches, to falsify and Judaize [Jerusalem]." He attributed the passage of resolution to Abbas's international policies, and called on the international community and the world's legal institutions to pressure the Israeli government to withdraw from Jerusalem and from all Muslim and Christian holy sites.[9] The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Is Not Religious In Nature; Violence Should Be Condemned; All Muslims Must Wage Jihad For Sake Of Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa In October 13, 2016, Al-Habbash attended a meeting between senior Palestinian and Israeli religious leaders, hosted by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at his residence. At the end of the meeting, which was dedicated to denouncing violence and promoting peace between the two peoples, the participants issued the following statement: "God created life and commanded life. Therefore, we denounce the killing of innocents or any kind of aggression against the other. We believe the deliberate killing of or attempt to kill innocents is terrorism, whether it is committed by Muslims, Jews or others. In this spirit, we encourage all our people to work for a just peace, mutual respect for human life and for the status quo on the holy sites, and the eradication of religious hatred."[10] On April 17, 2014, Al-Habbash, speaking with the Palestinian news network PNN, condemned the shooting attack that had occurred several days earlier in Hebron, in which an Israeli soldier was killed. He said, "We condemn all acts of violence, whether they are directed at Palestinians or Israelis. Palestinian blood is like Israeli blood. It is precious human blood, and nobody wants anybody to be killed... Our constant position as Palestinians, regardless of the Israeli position, is that we are against killing anyone. I have said this [in the past], and this is the unchanging Palestinian position. In other words, we do not need to repeat it every day."[11] In May 2016, while attending an interfaith dialogue conference in Haifa, Al-Habbash gave an interview to the Arab Israeli news portal Bokra, in which he again took a similarly moderate line. He said that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was "not a religious conflict but a political one, aimed at realizing the national rights of the Palestinians, which are anchored in international resolutions." He added that the "the causes of violence and hatred in our region are not connected to religion or to the relations between Muslims and Jews or Muslim and Christians; rather, they stem from the Israeli occupation."[12] However, despite his statements regarding the need to recognize the political, rather than religious, nature of the conflict, many of Al-Habbash's speeches and sermons on Jerusalem refer to political issues in religious terms and call for Muslim action, and even jihad, for the sake of Jerusalem. According to a report on the Palestinian news agency Wafa, in his August 19, 2016 sermon at an Islamic center in Sao Paolo, delivered while he was visiting there to attend the 29th conference of Muslims in Latin America and the Caribbean, Al-Habbash "called to save Jerusalem, its holy places and its residents" and noted that "the crime of torching the Al-Aqsa mosque, and the fact that Al-Aqsa is held hostage to this very day, obligate all Muslims to lift the oppression from Al-Aqsa." He also called on "Muslims worldwide to come [to the rescue of] this holy city."[13] "In a November 6, 2014 interview on Palestinian Authority TV, Al-Habbash said that waging jihad for the sake of Al-Aqsa is "an individual duty, incumbent upon every Muslim man and woman from all corners of the Earth," and warned that the flames of a religious war "could reach the U.S., Washington itself, Europe, Asia, Africa, [and] everywhere." In a November 7, 2014 sermon in Ramallah, in the presence of PA President Mahmoud 'Abbas, Al-Habbash said that the battle being waged in Jerusalem is "the final phase, after which our banners will fly... over the minarets of Jerusalem, over its churches, its domes, its hills, its mountains, its alleys, and its homes."[14] In an address broadcast on Palestinian Authority TV on January 13, 2014 , Al-Habbash said that jihad should be directed toward Jerusalem, not Syria. He stressed that "Jerusalem is still waiting. Jerusalem is the direction. Jerusalem is the address," adding that "evil hands" were "conducting a filthy game" aimed at weakening the Islamic nation and "diverting the compass away from its true direction."[15] In addition to rallying Muslims to come to the aid of Jerusalem, Al-Habbash has effectively supported incitement against Jews and waging war on them. On January 29, 2010, he was meant to deliver a Friday sermon in Nablus, but arrived late and therefore sufficed with sitting in the audience and delivering a short statement after the sermon. The sermon accused the Jews of being "enemies of Allah" and included statements characterizing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as being religious rather than political, such as "Our mutual enmity with [the Jews] is a matter of faith more than an issue pertaining to occupation and land"; "The Prophet Muhammad said: You will fight the Jews, and you will kill them"; "This land will only be liberated through Jihad". After the sermon Al-Habbash expressed support for what had been said, and added: "Jews will always be Jews. Even if donkeys cease to bray, dogs cease to bark, wolves cease to howl, and snakes cease to bite, the Jews will not cease to be hostile to the Muslims."[16] The Peace Process Must Be Renewed; The Peace Process Is Like The Hudaybiyya Agreement; ISIS And Israel Are Two Sides Of The Same Coin Al-Habbash made conflicting statements on the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations as well. For example, in a recent meeting with Israeli deputy minister Ayoob Kara and with Muhammad Al-Madani, head of the PLO's Committee for Communication with Israeli Society, Al-Habbash called for renewing the peace process.[17] At the same time, he also compared the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations to the Hudaybiyya Treaty, thus implying that it is a temporary ceasefire to be maintained only as long as it serves Muslim interests. In a July 17, 2013 sermon that was aired on Palestinian Authority TV, he said, "The agreement to resume talks with Israel is like the Hudaybiyya treaty." In a November 20, 2015 Friday sermon at the Ramallah presidency headquarters, Al-Habbash called on the world to work together to fight terrorism by establishing a "moral alliance" (hilf fudhoul) based on support for the oppressed and ending wars - similar to the pre-Islamic trade alliance whose signing Muhammad, not yet a prophet, attended.[18] Terrorism, Al-Habbash said, had no religion or nationality and should not be attributed to Islam, as Islam rejects hasty and indiscriminate killing; he added that "the recent murder of dozens of innocent people in France, Lebanon, Sinai, and Saudi Arabia is the same terrorism of murder and killing that the Israeli occupation has for decades carried out, and is still carrying out, in Hebron, Jerusalem, and occupied Palestine against the unarmed Palestinian people. This is terrorism in the full sense of the word." Al-Habbash claimed further that "the selective treatment of terrorism [in the world] is one of the reasons for its spread and expansion," and that the Israeli occupation is the chief perpetrator of this terrorism. He said: "For 67 years [since 1948], the Palestinian people has been exposed to Israeli terrorism, and no one has lifted a finger against it. Today, the entire world is dealing with the same terrorism, the same aggression, and the same oppression, and it is therefore time for the world to acknowledge the reality and take fair stances that protect its security - because the terrorist ISIS [organization] and Israeli occupation are two sides of the same coin with regards to terrorism."[19] Endnotes: [1] Pfnp.net, April 17, 2014. In his fatwa show on the Algerian Ennahar TV on October 8 and then again on October 20, Sheikh Chemseddine Bouroubi warned against a phenomenon apparently spreading in Algerian society: the purchase of sex dolls. Sheikh Bouroubi said that a Chinese company had begun to distribute these dolls in Algeria. He warned against the dangers inherent in "marrying" sex dolls and said that "the [Algerian] state must intervene and ban these dolls." He further said: "Statues are haram, hence these sex dolls are haram - even before we get to talking about what is done with them." Following are excerpts Chemseddine Bouroubi:"I'd like to talk about the scandal that has taken place in our society. Some merchants... Listen to me carefully. Some merchants have begun to import dolls that are pure garbage. A doll that has got everything that a woman has - it is as tall as a woman as wide as a woman, as fat as a woman. It is just like a real woman, only it has no life in it. Some men buy such a doll and marry it. He has sex with it as if it were his wife. Some people say that there is nothing to it as long as it's just a doll. Since it's not a real woman, they say, this does not constitute fornication. May God help us! A Chinese company distributes these dolls to Algerian men. The state must intervene and ban these dolls. [...] There are 18 million unmarried girls in Algeria, and you have nothing better to do than marry a doll?! God help us! Forgive me for saying this. I hope that Allah will absolve me. Even married men buy these dolls. They say: I wish my wife looked like this doll but she doesn't. They go buy a doll. They put everything in the dolls, even the hymen. It's all artificial. [...] We have 18 million unmarried girls and 9 million spinsters sitting in their homes. They remain unmarried, while he marries a doll! God help us! This is haram! Don't let Satan fool you! Satan has put it in your heads that because it is a doll you can spend the night with it. This is haram, I'm telling you. You are accursed in the eyes of Allah. [...] October 20, 2016 A certain sheikh wrote me a letter, saying: 'Let him do it to a doll and not to someone's daughter. Let him fornicate with a doll instead of kidnapping a girl.' It's as if this man just has to fornicate - either with a doll or with someone's daughter. God help us! First of all, you should know that this sex doll is haram. [...] Statues are haram, hence these sex dolls are haram - even before we get to talking about what is done with them. A sex doll is haram because it is a statue in the form of a human being. [...] A young man from Morocco bought such a doll. When he was caught by the security forces, he said: 'I bought it in order to practice hairdressing." You liar! Why didn't you buy just the head? If you wanted to practice hair dressing you could've just bought the head. What are you practicing with the rest of the body? Huh?! You liar! God help us. [...] Uppma Virdi is an Indian lawyer based in Sydney and an avid chai lover. She is currently making waves all over with her love for the hot beverage. Uppma was always interested in spreading her Indian culture and wanted everyone to reap the benefits of her roots, so the 26-year-old set up a chai business and it eventually took her places. Saturday late night #chaiwalli duties at a family partay! We love making chai for the people that love drinking it ? #poppinbottles #dranks #lit #teaparty A photo posted by Chai Walli (@chai_walli) on Oct 8, 2016 at 5:12am PDT She was recently awarded the title of the Business woman of the year at the Indian Australian Business and Community Awards (IABCA) 2016. Thanks to our friends at @sbs_australia for writing a kick ass article on #chaiwalli and our recent achievement at the Indian Business Community Awards! Have a read over a cup of chai Link in our bio ??#sbs #businesswoman #award A photo posted by Chai Walli (@chai_walli) on Nov 1, 2016 at 1:55am PDT The secret of her blends lie in the recipes and knowledge of herbs that were passed down by her grandparents. In an interview, Virdi explained that it wasnt easy, this transition of a lawyer turning into a chai wali business woman. My parents and family were totally against it. They asked why I wanted to be a tea seller. I said I wanted to show that tea sellers can do something. All the chaiwalas and chaiwalis in India are doing something entrepreneurial. Even if they are not well-educated, at least they have a business spirit. She often holds workshops called The Art Of Chai and helps people learn how to be a brew master. She is a living example of do what your heart desires. Mukhar Mai was sentenced to gang rape and public humiliation by a local council, back in 2002. But, instead of becoming a victim of her circumstances, Mai turned it into the cause she would fight against. She took her attackers to the Pakistan Supreme Court and never gave up her fight. Tribune UK I want to be the voice of those women who face circumstances similar to what I did, Mai had said in a statement to the Associated Press. My message for my sisters is that we arent weak. We have a heart and a brain, we also think, the 44-year-old added. Instagram Cut to the present, and the world is noticing Mai walking the rampas confident and graceful as everfor Pakistani designer Rozina Munib who explained in a statement that the reason for choosing Mai as the showstopper was to spread the message that rape shouldnt put a full-stop to someones life. Heres an Instagram video of Mais ramp walk: Two drone operators in Cupertino, California stalk Apples spaceship campus every month and they happened to catch some progress surrounding the secret Apple headquarters. Mathew Roberts, a documentary filmmaker, takes people on tours surrounding Apples campus and they happened to come across the solar panels that are being installed in the building. The solar panels are going to be one of the key sources of energy for Apple and according to him around 40% of installation is complete. 75 percent of the renewable energy will come from solar power which means almost every roof on that building will be covered with solar panels. According to Roberts, construction on the new Apple HQ is on its way to being completed. This spaceship shaped building was Steve Jobs last gift to Apple and he made sure it embodied Apples culture of openness and collaboration. Apple employees are expected to move into the mega-office by early next year. Watch the following drone videos to get a better idea of how cool it actually looks: PIGEON Scheurer Hospital will be hosting: The Scheurer Hospital Auxiliary will meet at the Scheurer Professional Center at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7. New members welcome. The Grief Support group GriefShare will meet Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m. at Country Bay Village in Pigeon. A free meal is provided to participants at 5:30 pm. The cost of the program is $10. For more information or to register, contact Peggy at 989-453-3981 or Jeff at 877-486-6671. Scheurer Hospital, in cooperation with List Psychological Services, will host Mental Health Matters at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, in the Wilson Education Center. Social worker Bryant Goulet of List Psychological Services will discuss Attention Deficit Disorder. Light refreshments served. Everyone welcome. The Scheurer Hospital Caregiver Connection Support Group will meet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Scheurer Professional Center in Pigeon. Registered nurse Marie Maust and others will celebrate A Day for Caregivers. Breakfast and lunch will be served. RSVP to 989-453-5222. Reservations appreciated but not required. Scheurer Hospital will host an American Red Cross Babysitters Training from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, in the Wilson Education Center at Scheurer Hospital. Youth ages 11 - 14 will learn safety and safe play, basic care, first aid, leadership and professionalism. A group picture is taken at the end of the course and published in the newspaper announcing the recent graduates. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Please call or email us if your child has food allergies. Class fee is $25. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Visit www.scheurer.org to register. Pope Francis has ruled out women's ordination, saying that Roman Catholic Church ban on women becoming priests will never be changed. Francis made the remark Tuesday aboard a plane on his way back to Rome from Sweden, responding to a Swedish female reporter who noted the head of Lutheran Church who welcomed him in Sweden was a woman. "Concerning the ordination of women in the Catholic Church, St. Pope John Paul II had the last clear word on this and it stands, this stands," he said. Following a 1994 study, Pope John Paul ruled out female ordination in his apostolic letter "Priestly Ordination," declaring "the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church's faithful." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate George P. Bush says he's the only member of his powerful political family who will be voting straight-ticket Republican and says his grandfather and uncle, both former presidents, could "potentially" cast ballots for Hillary Clinton. Bush was addressing a small Republican rally in San Marcos Tuesday night. He was pressed later by The Associated Press to clarify his remarks. He said then of George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush: "I don't know how they voted. I'm speculating, to be honest." Asked if either could vote for Clinton, Bush answered: "Potentially. But hard to speculate." Bush is Texas' land commissioner. His father, Jeb, is the former Florida governor who was defeated by Donald Trump in the Republican presidential primary. President Park Geun-hye on Wednesday nominated a new prime minister from across the political divide in a bid to shore up the ruins of her government. Kim Byong-joon was a senior presidential secretary during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, but it remains to be seen whether he will pass his confirmation hearing in the National Assembly. Opposition lawmakers said Park still seems unaware of how precarious her situation is amid growing calls for her resignation over a crony scandal, and should have consulted the parliamentary parties. Presidential spokesperson Jung Youn-kuk said, "Considering his value, knowledge and experience, Kim is deemed able to overcome the current challenges and securely steer the Cabinet for the sake of the nation's future." Park hopes Kim's track record can unify the country and restore some public confidence in response to calls for a decentralization of presidential authority. The prime minister's role is largely administrative, but one Cheong Wa Dae official said Kim would have expanded powers and lead the Cabinet, being "effectively in charge of domestic policy" while Park "withdraws from the leadership." BP, plc, once known as British Petroleum, is one of the worlds 7 oil & gas supermajors with operations spanning the globe. In terms of revenue, it ranks 4th on the list and the company is vertically integrated as well with operations in all segments of the oil and gas sector. Operations are currently underway in 80 countries around the world, the company can produce 3.7 million barrels of oil equivalents per day, and it lays claim to nearly 20 billion barrels in proven reserves. On the retail end of the business, the company operates more than 18,700 fuel stations and its largest segment is in the US. The company was founded in 1908 with the purpose of exploring for and producing oil in the middle east. The company expanded into Alaska in 1959 and then accelerated its expansion when it merged with Amoco in 1998. Another merger with Burhman Castrol in 2000 created the company that is traded today. BP, plc rebranded itself in 2000 giving new meaning to its name. The once British Petroleum is now Beyond Petroleum and focused on a major shift in its business. The company is working hard to move away from non-renewable carbon-based energy and into biofuels, solar, and wind. The company hopes to be net-zero in regard to carbon emissions and production by 2050 or earlier and is well on the way to doing so. Among the many avenues of advance are the build-out of solar and wind farms as well as the expansion of a major EV charging network. The network totaled more than 9,000 stations around the middle of 2022 and expansion was ramping in order to meet the goal of 100,000 EV stations before 2050. BP p.l.c. currently operates through 4 segments including Gas & Low Carbon Energy, Oil Production & Operations, Customers & Products, and Rosneft segments. The company produces and trades in natural gas and oil liquids, offers biofuels, and operates wind and solar power generating facilities. The company also provides de-carbonization solutions and services, such as hydrogen and carbon capture and storage, as part of its green agenda. In addition, it produces and refines oil and gas for its downstream operations as well as invests in upstream, downstream, and alternative energy companies including advanced mobility. Advanced mobility is the future of transportation and includes technologies like EV, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cells. To that end, the company is building 7 hydrogen production and storage hubs in key locations around the world. The company aims to produce blue and green hydrogen for the global transportation industry with production beginning in 2027. Blue hydrogen is hydrogen captured from the companys natural gas deposits using a process that captures the waste carbon. Prosecutors on Wednesday sought a warrant to arrest Choi Soon-sil, the confidante of President Park Geun-hye at the center of an influence peddling scandal rocking the country, on charges of abuse of authority and attempted fraud. Prosecutors also grilled An Chong-bum, the former presidential secretary for policy coordination, who is suspected of soliciting tens of billions of won from big businesses for Choi's dubious Mir and K-Sports foundations. An and Choi are charged with using their influence to coerce businesses into donating W77.4 billion to the foundations, which Choi then promptly siphoned off (US$1=W1,146). Among the allegations is that Choi pressured Lotte Group to donate W7 billion in May, just as the conglomerate was embroiled in a high-profile spat between members of the founding family over management control. The following companies are subsidiares of TE Connectivity: 999 Arques Corp., ABB ENTRELEC terminal block business, ACC Telecommunications, ADC Chile Limitada, ADC Communications (SEA) Pte. Ltd., ADC Communications (UK) Holding Ltd., ADC Communications (UK) Ltd., ADC Communications Hong Kong Limited, ADC Telecommunications Equipment (Shanghai) Co., AMP Amermex, AMP Products Pacific Limited, AMP Taiwan B.V., AMP Trading B.V., AMP de Venezuela, Acalon Holdings Limited, Advanced Fiber Products LLC, Advanced Fiber Products Limited, Advanced Tube Technologies, AdvancedCath, AdvancedCath Technologies, Alpha Technics, American Sensor Technologies, Betatherm (R&D) Limited, Brantner Holding Company, Brantner and Associates, Butterfly Management SAS, C.S. Tyco Decisive Inc., C.S. Tyco Dependable Inc., C.S. Tyco Durable Inc., C.S. Tyco Reliance Inc., C.S. Tyco Resolute Inc., C.S. Tyco Responder Inc., CII Guardian International Limited, Cablotec GmbH, Carrier Kheops Bac SAS, Catheter and Disposable Technology, Celis Eletrocomponentes Ltda., Cima de Acuna S.A. de C.V., Clarebury Pty. Ltd., Codenoll Technology Corporation, Communication Expert International Investments Limited, Compagnie Deutsch Distribution SAS, Compagnie Deutsch SAS, Comtec Systeme GmbH, Connecteurs Electriques Deutsch SAS, Corcom, Corcom West Indies Limited, Cotsworks LLC, Creganna, Creganna Captial Holding Ireland Unlimited Company, Creganna Finance (US) LLC, Creganna Finance Ireland Limited, Creganna Luxembourg SARL, Creganna Medical Devices, Creganna Medical Pte. Limited, Creganna Medical Technology Unlimited, Creganna Medical s.r.l., Creganna Regulatory, Creganna Solutions Limited, Creganna Solutions Unlimited Company, Creganna Tactx Singapore Limited, Creganna Unlimited Company, Cregstar Bidco Limited, Critchley Group Limited, Crompton Instruments (South-East Asia) Pte. Ltd., Deutsch, Deutsch Connectors Hong Kong Limited, Deutsch Connectors Manufacturing (Shanghai) Co., Deutsch Connectors Trading (Shanghai) Co., Deutsch Finance SAS, Deutsch GB Limited, Deutsch Group SAS, Deutsch India Power Connectors (Pvt) Ltd, Deutsch Israel Ltd., Deutsch SAS, Deutsch Servicios S. de R.L. De C.V., Deutsch Subco Limited, Deutsch UK, F.A.I. Technology (Hong Kong) Limited, First Sensor, Grangehurst Enterprises Pty. Ltd., Hirschmann Car Communication, Hong Kong Sensors Technologies Limited, Howard A. Schaevitz Technologies, Intercontec Connector System (Shanghai) Co., Intercontec Produkt GmbH, Intercontect Pfeiffer Industrie-Steckverbindungen GmbH, Jaquet North America, Jaquet Technology Group AG, Kemex Holding Company, Kenabell Holding Limited, LADD Distribution LLC, LADD Distribution Limited, LSA, MEAS Asia Limited, MEAS Europe SAS, MEAS France SAS, MEAS Ireland (Betatherm) Limited, MEAS Norway AS, MEAS Shenzhen Limited, MEAS Switzerland S.a r.l., MEAS US Holding, MP&E, Measurement Specialties, Measurement Specialties (Chengdu) Ltd., Measurement Specialties (China) Ltd., Measurement Specialties (China) Ltd. Production Branch, Measurement Specialties Foreign Holdings LLC, Measurement Technology (Chengdu) Ltd., Medical Engineering & Design, MicroGroup, Morlynn Ceramics Pty. Ltd., Nikkiso-Therm Co., PT KRONE Indonesia, PT. Tyco Electronics Indonesia, Pfeiffer GmbH & Co KG, Pfeiffer Verwaltungs GmbH, Polamco, Polamco Limited, Potter & Brumfield de Mexico, Precision Interconnect LLC, Precision Subsea AS, Precision Wire Components, Precision Wire Holding Company, Produxx, RAYCHEM-RPG Private Limited, Raychem (HK) Limited, Raychem (Shanghai) Trading Ltd, Raychem China Limited, Raychem Dominicana S.A., Raychem Industries BVBA, Raychem International LLC, Raychem International Manufacturing LLC, Raychem Juarez, Raychem Limited, Raychem Ltd., Raychem Pacific Corporation, Raychem Saudi Arabia Limited, Raychem Shanghai Cable Accessories Ltd, Raychem Technologies Limited, Rochester Wire and Cable LLC, SEACON Advanced Products LLC, Seacon (Europe) Limited, Seacon Global Production, Seacon Produtos e Servicos Opticos e Eletricos Ltda., Sensitive Object, Servo Interconnect Limited, Shanghai CII Electronics Co., Shenzhen Century Man Communication Equipment Co., Sibas Electronics (Xiamen) Co., TCN Holding (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., TE Connectivity (Barbados) SRL, TE Connectivity (Denmark) ApS, TE Connectivity (HKZ) Holding Limited, TE Connectivity (Kunshan) Company Limited, TE Connectivity (Netherlands) Holding S.a r.l. - Irish Branch, TE Connectivity (Schweiz) Management AG, TE Connectivity (Suzhou) Co., TE Connectivity Argentina S.R.L., TE Connectivity Australia Pty Ltd, TE Connectivity Colombia S.A.S., TE Connectivity Connectors (Suzhou) Co., TE Connectivity Distribution (Thailand) Limited, TE Connectivity EMEA Holding GmbH, TE Connectivity Germany GmbH, TE Connectivity HK Limited, TE Connectivity Holding International II S.a r.l., TE Connectivity Holding International II S.a r.l. Luxembourg (LU) Schaffhausen E-Finance branch, TE Connectivity Holding International II S.a r.l. Luxembourg (LU) Schaffhausen branch, TE Connectivity Holding International II S.a r.l. (Ireland Branch), TE Connectivity Holding International S.A., TE Connectivity Inc., TE Connectivity India Private Limited, TE Connectivity Investments Holding S.A., TE Connectivity Investments Holding S.A. Luxembourg (LU) Schaffhausen branch, TE Connectivity Ireland Limited, TE Connectivity LATAM Holding S.a r.l., TE Connectivity LATAM I S.a r.l., TE Connectivity LATAM II S.a r.l., TE Connectivity Limited, TE Connectivity MOG Europe S.a r.l., TE Connectivity MOG Holding S.a r.l., TE Connectivity MOG Inc., TE Connectivity MOG Sales GmbH, TE Connectivity Manufacturing (Thailand) Company Limited, TE Connectivity Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd., TE Connectivity Morocco SARL, TE Connectivity Nederland B.V., TE Connectivity Netherlands (Poland II) Cooperatief U.A., TE Connectivity Netherlands (Turkey) B.V., TE Connectivity Netherlands Cooperatief U.A., TE Connectivity Phoenix Optix Inc., TE Connectivity Seacon Phoenix Inc., TE Connectivity Sensors Germany GmbH, TE Connectivity Services India Private Limited, TE Connectivity Solutions GmbH, TE Connectivity South Africa Proprietary Limited, TE Connectivity Spain, TE Connectivity SubCom S.L.U., TE Connectivity SubCom Spain Holding S.L.U., TE Connectivity Technology Solutions Limited, TE Connectivity Tunisia Sarl, TE Connectivity ULC, TE Connectivity US Group Holding Inc., TE Connectivity Vietnam Holding Company Limited, TYCO Electronics Polska Sp.z.o.o., TYCO SUBMARINE SYSTEMS INC., TacPro, Tactx Medical, Taicang Speed & Spin Sensors Co., Taliq Taiwan Limited, Tappat Engineering Pty Ltd, TechDevice Costa Rica Limitada, TechDevice Holdings, TechDevice LLC, The Whitaker LLC, Transoceanic Cable Ship Company LLC, TyCom Holdings II SA, TyCom Networks (Peru) S.A., Tyco Electronics (AMP Korea) Malta Limited, Tyco Electronics (Dongguan) Ltd, Tyco Electronics (Gibraltar) Holding Limited, Tyco Electronics (Gibraltar) Limited, Tyco Electronics (Korea) Malta Limited, Tyco Electronics (Kunshan) Ltd, Tyco Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Tyco Electronics (Qingdao) Ltd., Tyco Electronics (Schweiz) Holding II GmbH, Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Tyco Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Tyco Electronics (Suzhou) Ltd., Tyco Electronics (Zhuhai) Ltd, Tyco Electronics AMP Guangdong Ltd, Tyco Electronics AMP Italia Products S.R.L., Tyco Electronics AMP Italia S.R.L., Tyco Electronics AMP Korea Co., Tyco Electronics AMP Manufacturing (S) Pte Ltd, Tyco Electronics AMP Qingdao Ltd., Tyco Electronics AMP Shanghai Ltd., Tyco Electronics Austria GmbH, Tyco Electronics Belgium EC BVBA, Tyco Electronics Brasil Ltda., Tyco Electronics Canada ULC, Tyco Electronics China (Gibraltar) Limited, Tyco Electronics Componentes Electromecanicos Lda., Tyco Electronics Corby Limited, Tyco Electronics Corporation, Tyco Electronics Czech s.r.o., Tyco Electronics Del Peru S.A.C., Tyco Electronics EC Trutnov s.r.o., Tyco Electronics EC Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Tyco Electronics Eta Limited, Tyco Electronics Finance Alpha GmbH, Tyco Electronics Finance S.a r.l., Tyco Electronics Finland Oy, Tyco Electronics France SAS, Tyco Electronics Germany Holdings GmbH, Tyco Electronics Group S.A., Tyco Electronics Group S.A. (French Branch), Tyco Electronics Group S.A. (Ireland Branch), Tyco Electronics H.K. Limited, Tyco Electronics Hellas MEPE, Tyco Electronics Holding Corp., Tyco Electronics Holding France, Tyco Electronics Holding S.a r.l., Tyco Electronics Holdings (Bermuda) No. 7 Limited, Tyco Electronics Holdings (Bermuda) No. 7 Limited Taiwan Branch, Tyco Electronics Hong Kong Holdings No. 1 Limited, Tyco Electronics Hong Kong Holdings No. 2 Limited, Tyco Electronics Hong Kong Holdings No. 3 Limited, Tyco Electronics Hungary Termelo Kft, Tyco Electronics Idento, Tyco Electronics India (Gibraltar) Limited, Tyco Electronics Industrial Y Comercial Chile Limitada, Tyco Electronics Integrated Cable Systems LLC, Tyco Electronics Ireland Limited, Tyco Electronics Israel Ltd., Tyco Electronics Italia Holding S.r.l., Tyco Electronics Japan G.K., Tyco Electronics Lambda, Tyco Electronics Latin America Holding LLC, Tyco Electronics Manufacturing Singapore Pte Ltd, Tyco Electronics Mexico, Tyco Electronics Middle East FZE, Tyco Electronics Motors Ltd, Tyco Electronics NZ Limited, Tyco Electronics Netherlands (Germany Holding) S.a r.l., Tyco Electronics Netherlands (Gibraltar China) Cooperatief U.A., Tyco Electronics Netherlands (Gibraltar India) Cooperatief U.A., Tyco Electronics Netherlands (India) Cooperatief U.A., Tyco Electronics Netherlands Holding B.V., Tyco Electronics Norge AS, Tyco Electronics Philippines, Tyco Electronics Precision Engineering Ltd., Tyco Electronics Printed Circuit Group LP, Tyco Electronics RIMC Holding LLC, Tyco Electronics RUS OOO, Tyco Electronics Raychem GmbH, Tyco Electronics Raychem Korea Limited, Tyco Electronics SIMEL SAS, Tyco Electronics Saudi Arabia Limited, Tyco Electronics Services GmbH, Tyco Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd, Tyco Electronics Subsea Communications LLC, Tyco Electronics Svenska AB, Tyco Electronics Svenska Holdings AB, Tyco Electronics Technology (SIP) Co., Tyco Electronics Technology (SIP) Ltd., Tyco Electronics Tecnologias S. de R.L. de C.V., Tyco Electronics UK Holdings Ltd, Tyco Electronics UK Ltd., Tyco Electronics UK Ltd. (Kenya Branch), Tyco Electronics Ukraine Limited, Tyco Electronics Uruguay S.A., Tyco Electronics Verwaltungs GmbH, Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems B.V., Tyco Electronics de Venezuela, Tyco Elektronik AMP Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Tyco Global Networks Ltd., Tyco Iberia, Tyco International Services GmbH, Tyco Networks (Argentina) S.R.L., Tyco Networks (Italy) Srl, Tyco Networks (Netherlands) B.V., Tyco Networks Iberica, Tyco Submarine Systems, Tyco Submarine Systems C.A., Tyco Submarine Systems de Argentina S.A., Tyco Telecommunications Ltd., Wema Americas LLC, Wema Automotive System Private Limited, Wema Environmental Technologies (Shanghai) Co., Wema Environmental Technologies (Shenzhen) Co., Wema Environmental Technologies Ltd., Wema System AG, Wema System AS, Wema System Hong Kong Limited, Wema System Production and Distribution HK Limited, Xiamen Delixing Electric Equipment Businesss, and motec Montage GmbH. Read More 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. CA, Inc., doing business as CA technologies, develops, markets, delivers, and licenses software products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Mainframe Solutions, Enterprise Solutions, and Services. The Mainframe Solutions segment offers solutions for the IBM z Systems platform, which runs various mission critical business applications. Its mainframe solutions enable customers enhance economics by increasing throughput and lowering cost per transaction; increasing business agility through DevOps tooling and processes; increasing reliability and availability of operations through machine intelligence and automation solutions; and protecting enterprise data with security and compliance. The Enterprise Solutions segment provides a range of software planning, development, and management tools for mobile, cloud, and distributed computing environments. It primarily provides customers secure application development, infrastructure management, automation, and identity-centric security solutions. The Services segment offers various services, such as consulting, implementation, application management, education, and support services to commercial and government customers for implementation and adoption of its software solutions. The company serves banks, insurance companies, other financial services providers, government agencies, information technology service providers, telecommunication providers, transportation companies, manufacturers, technology companies, retailers, educational organizations, and health care institutions. It sells its products through direct sales force, as well as through various partner channels comprising resellers, service providers, system integrators, managed service providers, and technology partners. The company was formerly known as Computer Associates International, Inc. and changed its name to CA, Inc. in 2006. CA, Inc. was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Samsung is starting sales of its Galaxy S7 Edge "Blue Coral" edition in Korea on Nov. 11. Samsung hopes that the color, which was popular in the combustible Galaxy Note 7, will boost sales of the S7 Edge. Blue coral was first introduced as a color option for the Note 7 when the smartphone hit stores in August and proved the most popular one. 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 U.S. Army announced Thursday that it will deploy about 4,000 soldiers to Europe this winter to help deter possible Russian aggression. The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, will help support Operation Atlantic Resolve, according to an Army press release. "Bringing an entire armored brigade combat team, including all of our heavy equipment, to Europe is a challenging opportunity that 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, is proud to embark upon," said Col. Christopher R. Norrie, commander of 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team. "Thanks to the aggressive training we've conducted over the past year in preparation for this mission, I am confident we are the right heavy brigade to continue the armored presence in Europe." U.S. forces have been conducting frequent training missions in Europe to reassure NATO allies concerned about Russian military aggression. "Living and training alongside our NATO allies and partners on a daily basis will provide ample opportunities to build a comprehensive team that strengthens defensive capabilities and deters aggression in Europe," Norrie said. "However, we also are mindful of the sacrifices our soldiers and families will make during this deployment. So we ask for the continued support of our extended family -- the Fort Carson and Colorado Springs communities -- to ensure our foundation at home remains 'Iron Strong' as well." The Army also announced Thursday it will deploy 1,700 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division this winter to advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces trying to retake Mosul from Islamic State fighters. The 82nd Airborne's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, will deploy to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to take part in Operation Inherent Resolve, according to an Army press release. The unit will replace the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, in training, advising and assisting the Iraqi forces. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. The U.S. Army announced Thursday it will deploy 1,700 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division this winter to advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces currently trying to retake Mosul from Islamic State fighters. The 82nd Airborne's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, will deploy to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to take part in Operation Inherent Resolve, according to an Army press release. The unit will replace the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, in training, advising and assisting the Iraqi forces. "The 2nd Brigade Combat Team is highly trained, disciplined and fit," said Col. James "Pat" Work, commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne. "Readiness is our top priority; our paratroopers are prepared for this deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Our team looks forward to this important mission and our opportunity to assist our Iraqi partners." In mid-October, the Army announced it will deploy about 500 soldiers from the Big Red One to Iraq this fall. The 1st Infantry Division Headquarters troops will assume the role of Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command-Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Meanwhile, about 100 U.S. advisers, mostly Special Forces, and forward air controllers are moving with Iraqi forces, backed by U.S. airstrikes and rocket artillery fire, in the ground offensive to drive the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria from Mosul. Army engineers have also pushed closer to the city, searching for improvised bombs just west of the Great Zab River, about halfway between the Kurdish city of Irbil and Mosul. The troops, wearing 101st Airborne Division patches, said they weren't allowed to talk to the media, Stars and Stripes reported. When a loud explosion rocked a nearby village, soldiers who had been scouting a roadside compound ran back to their armored vehicles. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Related Video: North Korea has been preparing to launch another mid-range ballistic missile "in the next 24 to 72 hours," U.S. officials told Fox News on Wednesday Korean time. A government source here appeared to confirm the assessment. "We've spotted movement of a transporter erector launcher carrying a Musudan missile," the source said. "We can't disclose where they're preparing to launch it from but presume that it's ready for liftoff." "Musudan" is the label boffins have been using for a Hwasong-10 missile believed to have a range of 3,500 km, which would be capable of striking the U.S. military base on Guam in the western Pacific. The North has launched eight of these missiles since April, most of them unsuccessfully. One fired on Oct. 20 exploded even before it got off the ground and seems to have burned up the launch vehicle. "It's possible that the North will launch a provocation ahead of the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 8, to attract attention," a diplomatic source speculated. The North tends to keep a beady eye on political developments in the U.S. and South Korea and often times its histrionics for maximum impact. A littoral combat ship commissioned in September has sustained a second hull crack within a month -- this time while passing through the Panama Canal. The damage occurred Oct. 29, when the USS Montgomery, one of the Independence-class trimaran-variant ships made by Austal, was moving south through the Gatun and Pedro Miguel locks of the canal en route to its new San Diego homeport, 3rd Fleet spokesman Cmdr. Ryan Perry said. USNI News first reported the incident. "Under control of the local Panama Canal Pilot, the ship impacted the center lock wall and sustained an 18-inch-long crack between her port quarter and transom plates," Perry said in a statement. "The crack is located 8-10 feet above the waterline and poses no water intrusion or stability risk." The ship continued its transit, he said, and has now completed passage through the Panama Canal. It will arrive in San Diego later this month. The Montgomery, which was commissioned Sept. 10, received a minor hull crack Oct. 4 after apparently colliding with a tugboat after being told to sortie from Naval Station Mayport, Florida, ahead of Hurricane Matthew's landfall. The damage resulted in a minor leak, according to Naval Surface Force Pacific officials, but the crew was able to contain the seawater intrusion. And just three days after commissioning, the Montgomery sustained a pair of unrelated engineering casualties within 24 hours, first with a seawater leak in the hydraulic cooling system, then with damage to one of the gas turbine engines. The ship, which had been en route to San Diego, was redirected to Mayport for repairs. It's not clear what the total extent of the damage is for all four mishaps or what caused the two earliest casualties. The Montgomery is one of five littoral combat ships that have sustained damage or engineering casualties out of eight total that have been delivered to the Navy. In response to this rash of casualties, Navy officials in September conducted an engineering stand-down and retraining for all littoral combat ship crews and launched a comprehensive review of engineering practices. The results of that review have yet to be made public. Navy officials also announced that the first four LCS would be taken out of the deployment rotation and made test ships to facilitate development of the program. This does not affect the Montgomery, however, as the ship is the fourth Independence-class variant and the eighth LCS overall. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@HopeSeck. Related Video: A lightning strike brought down an MQ-1B Predator drone last year over Iraq, according to the Air Force. An Air Combat Command accident investigation board report released Thursday said the Predator, forward deployed from the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, crashed on Oct. 17, 2015, after "experiencing electronic systems failure and loss of control due to a lightning strike." The remotely piloted aircraft was operated by a mission control element from the 20th Attack Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, at the time of the accident. "The effects of lightning induced high voltage throughout the wiring in the RPA's wings, damaging the left and right wing control modules," the release states. "With these components inoperative, the RPA was unable to maintain controlled flight and impacted the ground." Two Predators crashed within days of each other last year -- one over Iraq, the other over the Syria-Turkey border region. On Oct. 17, 2015, "a Predator crew reported a lost link and subsequent crash while the Predator was flying southeast of Baghdad," said Col. Steve Warren, then-spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve. Warren told reporters at the Pentagon over a video feed at the time that "the drone was recovered by local Iraqi police in the vicinity of al-Kut. The local police returned it to coalition control. There were no injuries and an investigation into the cause is underway." A second Predator crashed in southern Turkey on Oct. 19, 2015, after experiencing a mechanical failure, according to Stars and Stripes. Operators were able to maintain control of the drone before bringing it down in an unpopulated area, said a statement at the time from U.S. Air Forces Europe-Africa. The MQ-1B crash in southeast Baghdad cost the Air Force $5.2 million, the release states. The aircraft was destroyed on impact. The investigation also found that the pilot navigating the drone "misidentified" the weather pattern in the area, which subsequently "contributed to the mishap," the report states. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. Aside from what you see in movies, what do you know about the military? It turns out there's a pretty big knowledge gap nowadays when it comes to what civilians know about military life. Young people especially seem to have a lot of misconceptions about what it's like to serve. For instance, according to the Defense Department's Joint Advertising Market Research and Studies program, only 50% of young adults ages 17-35 could name all four active-duty military services; 36% didn't know there was a difference between an officer and an enlisted person. That should be pretty standard knowledge, but that's not the case anymore. So to help clear up some myths and concerns that young people have, here's the truth about a few other common misconceptions. You Won't Be in Contact with Family and Friends. According to JAMRS, 50% of young people thought that joining the military meant it would be harder to stay in touch. Smartphone capabilities and other tech advances have made communication easier than ever. Skype, Facetime or any of the other many video-chatting services have given deployed service members the ability to be in touch with their families and friends at any time of day from some of the world's most remote areas. Military Life Is Incompatible with Having a Family. When young people think about the military, some believe it can be a lonely life that involves lots of location changes and deployments. While there is a lot of moving in the military, it's very family oriented. In fact, 52% of the enlisted force is married, while 70% of the officer corps is. That's higher than the U.S. average of about 48%, according to Census Bureau statistics from 2011. You Get Penalized if You Become Pregnant. Some young people actually believed this, but it's definitely false. In fact, the DoD offers some of the best maternity leave available in the U.S. Earlier this year, maternity leave was expanded to 12 continuous weeks for all new moms serving in uniform. The DoD also is working to expand paternity leave for dads, too. In fact, if you're worried about this subject, check out our blog about the expanded reforms that are helping -- not hurting -- families. You Have Fewer Chances to Earn Money for College. Not true. In the past decade, the GI Bill has helped more than 2.3 million veterans pay for college. And did you know that there are actually several options for educational benefits under the GI Bill? There's the Montgomery GI Bill for active-duty and select reserve service members, as well as benefit programs for disabled veterans. There's also the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which offers more than just help with tuition and fees. It also offers a living allowance, money for textbooks and even the option to transfer education benefits that service members don't use to their spouse or children. Many service members are also able to get their degree while on active duty. Then there's the ROTC (the Reserve Officer Training Corps, if you're unfamiliar with it), which trains college students for future service. About 120,000 people have benefited from ROTC scholarships in the past decade. Veterans Don't Know What to Do when They Return to 'the Real World.' Like anything else, when you leave one way of life for another, it can be a transition. Moving cross country. Leaving home for college. Those all represent a big change, but people adjust, and it's no different for veterans. Sure, there's definitely a transition period when you leave the military, but there are several programs that help service members with transition and separation, including the Hiring our Heroes program. And if you're thinking that your job skills won't transfer, that's a myth, too. People forget that the military has all sorts of opportunities -- from cooking to doing scientific research to public affairs -- and a lot of those skills are extremely transferable. Not only that, but in the military, you get a crash course in dependability, reliability, teamwork, team building, leadership, handling stress, decision-making and critical thinking. Those qualities are highly valuable to employers in the civilian sector. So, just like any civilian who might transfer from one job to another, people with military backgrounds can do that, too. Need help with your civilian resume, or tips on how to interview? The military has that covered. And if you're looking for a career change when you leave, as we've shown above, there's lots of help to get you where you want to be! Hopefully this has helped dispel some rumors about what military life is like. At the end of the day, it's not so different from the lives our civilian friends live. Interested in Joining the Military? We can put you in touch with recruiters from the different military branches. Learn about the benefits of serving your country, paying for school, military career paths, and more: sign up now and hear from a recruiter near you. Right-hander Aaron Nola gave Phillies fans a scare when his season ended due to low-grade damage to the ulnar collateral ligament and the flexor tendon his right elbow and forearm, but his agent, Joe Longo of Paragon Sports, tells Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer that the promising young righty completed a throwing program and has been declared healthy. Dr. James Andrews recommended a cautious approach to Nolas rehab and didnt consider surgery, per Gelb, and the team and Nola both came away from his October throwing program feeling healthy. Certainly, thats a sigh of relief for the Phillies, who are banking on the former No. 7 overall pick (2014) to pitch near the front of, if not at the front of their rotation for the foreseeable future. Nola had an encouraging debut in 2015, tossing 77 2/3 innings of 3.59 ERA ball as a rookie. His 2016 season looked to be a significant step forward before a rapid decline in performance that culminated in a season-ending trip to the DL. The LSU product was sporting a 2.65 ERA with 85 strikeouts against 15 walks to go along with a 53.9 percent ground-ball rate through his first 78 innings this season (12 starts). ERA estimators like FIP, xFIP and SIERA all agreed with that bottom-line result, pegging Nola for a sub-3.00 mark. A healthy Nola would give the Phillies an impressive young trio atop their rotation, as hed join fellow righties Vince Velasquez and Jerad Eickhoff (acquired from the Astros and Rangers, respectively) in the starting mix. All three pitchers have demonstrated the ability to miss bats (Nola and Velasquez more than Eickhoff) with at least average control. Durability remains a question mark for both Nola and Velasquez, but thats a terrific start to a rotation that can be controlled through the 2021 season. Looking elsewhere in the rotation, the final two spots are unsettled, though Philadelphia has myriad options from which to choose. Young right-handers Zach Eflin, Jake Thompson and Alec Asher all pitched in the Majors this season and will all get looks in Spring Training (that is, if Eflin is able to fully recover from surgery on each of his knees by that point). Young righty Ben Lively, too, could find himself in the mix next spring as well. Additionally, the Phillies have been linked to veteran rotation help this winter, suggesting that theyre perhaps interested in bringing someone in to fill a similar role to the one occupied by Jeremy Hellickson in 2016. While theres an outside chance that Hellickson himself could return to reclaim that role, hes widely expected to reject a qualifying offer (valued at $17.2MM) in search of a more lucrative multi-year deal in free agency this winter. ANN ARBOR, MI - When Hillary Clinton visited Ann Arbor as first lady in 1996, it was a big deal for a lot of people, especially her fan club. "It was big, big, big news here in town," recalls Janine Easter, coordinator of the Hillary Clinton fan club in Ann Arbor, who was instrumental in making the visit happen after meeting Clinton at the White House four months earlier. "It was just amazing -- all the security that came accompanying Hillary, you know, and that line of people waiting in Borders and outside," Easter said in a recent interview, reflecting on Clinton's visit, now more than 20 years ago. World's largest Hillary Clinton fan club chapter began in Ann Arbor 22 years ago Watch video of first lady Hillary Clinton speaking in Ann Arbor in 1996 About 2,400 people, mostly women, braved a chilly drizzle and stood in line for hours for a chance to meet the first lady on Jan. 17, 1996. It was a Wednesday. Some arrived at the Borders bookstore on Liberty Street downtown as early as 6:30 a.m. to stand in line. Clinton wasn't expected to arrive until noon. The first lady was promoting her new book, "It Takes A Village," and she stopped through Ann Arbor on a 10-city tour. "The line was absolutely amazing," Easter said of the line of people on the sidewalk, which snaked up Liberty Street, then along State Street, down William to Maynard, and then back down the other side of William to State. The Associated Press would later report that though polls showed Clinton's popularity slipping, there was no sign of that in Ann Arbor. Supporters stood in line and in the street, which was closed off by police. Some held signs with messages such as "We Love You Hillary" and "Hillary Puts Children First." There also were some less-flattering signs as her visit attracted the attention of a handful of Republican protesters. The Michigan Theater marquee across from Borders read, "Welcome Hillary," while the State Theatre marquee had a similar message. Inside the Michigan Theater lobby, members of the local chapter of Clinton's fan club waited patiently for the first lady to make her way over for a private reception after she was done handing out signed copies of her book. Before arriving at Borders, Clinton also spent an hour and a half with parents and young patients at the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor that morning. Clinton, who donated profits from her book to children's hospitals, said she was pleased to make her first visit after years of hearing about Mott's reputation as an excellent children's hospital. Giant stuffed versions of Mickey Mouse, Barney the dinosaur and Cookie Monster served as the backdrop for her visit there. Clinton later arrived at Borders in a black limousine and entered the building through a back door. She greeted fans in a secure area in the back of the store, and people had to be searched with metal detectors by the Secret Service and check bags and umbrellas at a table before going through. Fan club members handed out cookies -- baked from Clinton's own recipe -- to people standing in line outside. Easter said she got to meet Clinton at Borders during a small gathering with local female politicians. And then over at the Michigan Theater afterward, about 100 or so Clinton fan club members gathered for a private reception. A burst of cheers echoed throughout the theater lobby as Clinton made her way across Liberty Street, escorted by Secret Service agents. "I just remember her coming. We were so excited to see her," said Leah Gunn, one of the fan club members. "Hillary's fans get their wish," read the front-page headline in The Ann Arbor News the next day, along with a package of stories documenting the visit. "Once she arrived in the theater, the first lady was greeted with 15 minutes of thunderous applause," The News reported. Clinton made her way to a microphone on the landing of the stairs leading to the theater balcony and gave a brief speech. "I really cannot adequately express my appreciation," the first lady said as she looked out over the crowd. "You really cannot imagine what it's like to reach out and shake hands and see your face on a T-shirt." Some members of the fan club, including Easter, wore shirts they made featuring a photo of Clinton. Clinton thanked them for supporting what she said she and her husband were trying to do to make the world a better place. As she shook hands after her brief speech, the crowd burst into a spontaneous chanting of "four more years." And then before she stepped out the door, waving farewell to her cheering fans, the first lady gave Easter a big hug. The News reported that two young sisters, 9-year-old Wendy and 12-year-old Rachel Constance of Ann Arbor, wore their Clinton fan club shirts that day and waited in line for more than three hours before getting into Borders. "She would make a great woman president," Wendy said at the time. Clinton made one other public appearance in Ann Arbor as first lady after that, when she returned two years later to speak at the University of Michigan. The university invited her to give a speech to conclude the Year of the Humanities and Arts, the theme for the 1997-98 school year. Clinton addressed a crowd of roughly 4,000 people, including U-M students, faculty and community members, at Hill Auditorium on April 28, 1998. During a 40-minute speech, Clinton recalled how she met her husband at Yale Law School and how they went to a museum on their first date. She denounced consumerism while saying the antidote is supporting the arts and humanities. She said she found it disheartening when Congress, local school boards and state governments decree public support of the arts is an unaffordable luxury. "I believe it is a necessity that we must afford," she said, her words interrupted by applause. The News wrote at the time that Clinton spoke eloquently and powerfully, barely looking at her notes. Clinton said she wondered how the country would survive as a democracy and retain a sense of citizenship when there was so much pressure on a daily basis to move toward a society of consumers. Clinton applauded the university's interest in maintaining a diverse campus, while emphasizing the important role universities play in society. "Universities have a special role to play in making sure we are all conscious of the importance of the arts and humanities because it is the university that provides a safe haven for unconventional ideas and thoughts, that gives space for people to exercise their imaginations, that are incubators of culture," she said. "These are the places where we can test our ideas, our emotions, our experiences and attitudes, which is why we do not need to do it in front of a mirror. We need to do it in a larger community which reflects back to us new ideas." Ahead of her visit, a group called People With Moral Courage took out an ad in the newspaper and encouraged people to send notes voicing their disgust about Clinton's visit, so they could be shared with university officials. Easter said a group of about 60 or so fan club members obtained a block of tickets for the event to show their support for the first lady. "It was very funny, because we got to go sit in the front row, some of us. Other fans were in the back," she said. "And we were wearing our T-shirts. When she walked in ... we opened our jackets, and she just laughed seeing us. She loves to see us. It was nice for her to have us." Easter added, "She's fond of Ann Arbor. She likes Ann Arbor." There was a reception for Clinton at the Escoffier restaurant inside the Bell Tower Hotel on Thayer Street after the speech at Hill. Easter said fan club members got a chance to meet with Clinton after the speech, and they took a group photo at the first lady's request. Clinton hasn't made any public appearances in Ann Arbor in several years now, nor has she campaigned here this year during her run for president, though she has come close, stopping in Flint and Detroit. Surrogates from Madeleine Albright to Bernie Sanders have campaigned in Ann Arbor on her behalf recently, and Clinton's running mate, Tim Kaine, has stopped through Ann Arbor. Easter said she would have liked to see Clinton campaign in Ann Arbor ahead of the Nov. 8 election and reconnect with her fan club here. "But, you know, I think she's got Ann Arbor sewn up," she said. "Why would she come here?" PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI - Three teens charged in connection with the fatal shooting of an Ann Arbor 18-year-old have had their court hearings delayed one month. Danta Wright, 17, of Ann Arbor, Delreno Gracey, 17, of Ypsilanti, and Jermarius Ellison, 17, of Redford, are accused of killing Jordan Klee of Ann Arbor on Oct. 4 in Ann Arbor. Wright is charged with open murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, conspiracy to commit unarmed robbery, conspiracy to commit larceny from person and felony firearm. Gracey and Ellison are charged with felony murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, conspiracy to commit unarmed robbery, conspiracy to commit larceny from person and felony firearm. They appeared in Washtenaw County 15th District Court Thursday, Nov. 3, for a probable cause conference. Wright's attorney, Lynn D'Orio, requested the court delay the hearing one month because of a "luminous discovery." She did not elaborate on the nature of the discovery. Judge Richard E. Conlin granted the request, and moved the probable cause conferences to Dec. 1. Wright, Gracey and Ellison remain in custody. Klee was found dead about 3 p.m. Oct. 4 on a pathway near the Pinelake Village Cooperative in the 2600 block of Adrienne Drive on Ann Arbor's west side. He had suffered a gunshot wound. Police have not released further information on his death. Klee was an Ann Arbor Public Schools student with a 3.7 GPA and aspirations of attending the University of Michigan and becoming an engineer. ANN ARBOR, MI - It all began with a simple ad in the newspaper asking if anybody wanted to start a Hillary Clinton fan club in Ann Arbor. Bob Harris, a former Democratic mayor of Ann Arbor, set the wheels in motion to form a local chapter of the first lady's national fan club, inviting anybody interested to attend a meeting in the spring of 1994. Janine Easter was among a handful of people who showed up. When Harris asked who would be the club's coordinator, Easter's daughter, Kim, a University of Michigan law student, volunteered her mother for the job. Easter, 53 at the time, couldn't refuse. She and others were eager to get to work supporting the first lady in whatever ways they could, as they felt she was unfairly criticized in the media, on talk shows and by Republicans. "I joined because, at that time, Hillary was being vilified for everything she did from 'Hillarycare' to her hair," recalls Leah Gunn, a longtime Democratic activist in Ann Arbor and one of the original fan club members. "As first lady, she was just being ripped up one side and down the other, and why this happens, I don't know. She was a smart, fantastic woman, and we all felt angry, so we started the fan club to be in support of her." Little did they know it would become the largest Hillary Clinton fan club chapter in the world, eventually boasting more than 1,200 members. Even chef and author Julia Child, who lived in California, sent the Ann Arbor chapter a $100 check, becoming an honorary member in 1996. The local club was mentioned or featured in national and international news stories, including a short write up in The New York Times. More and more people joined, mostly people from the Ann Arbor area, though also some from afar. They had enough clout to get the first lady to meet with them in Ann Arbor on two occasions -- once in January 1996 when Easter got Clinton to agree to swing through town on her book tour, and again in April 1998 when Clinton came to speak at the University of Michigan. Club leaders also were specially invited to receptions hosted by the first lady at the White House in 1995 and 1996, and some have met Clinton on other occasions since then. For 22 years, the club's members have remained loyal to Clinton as she has gone from first lady to U.S. senator to secretary of state, and soon possibly, they hope, the first female president of the United States. "Oh, I'll have such a party!" Easter exclaims. "I decided some weeks ago we're going to meet on the 13th of November, which is a Sunday, for a victory party." After all this time, they still get together for yearly potlucks in Ann Arbor to celebrate Clinton's birthday, though only a cardboard cutout of the former first lady has joined them for those. They still send her birthday cards and letters every year, delighting in the appreciative responses they receive. "I want to send a special thanks to all the members of the Ann Arbor fan club for your continued support. Your enthusiasm offers added inspiration to me," read one of Clinton's letters to the club on White House stationary in 1995. The last letter they received from Clinton was last October thanking them for the birthday wishes as she turned 68. Easter has met Clinton in Washington, D.C., a number of times, most recently four years ago at the State Department when Clinton was secretary of state. "It's wonderful to have had this contact with her," Easter, now 75, said inside her Ann Arbor home on a recent afternoon, flipping through binders filled with letters she and the club received from Clinton over the years, old news stories about the club and Clinton, and photos from times they met her. "We just love it." Breaking the plexiglass ceiling Ruth Love, a former teacher in Maryland, started the national Hillary Rodham Clinton Fan Club with her husband, Eugene, during the presidential campaign in 1992. After getting some media attention, they were swamped with calls from people wanting to join, and support grew, including in Ann Arbor. Within a few years, there were about 75 chapters with 11,000 members, with the one in Ann Arbor being the largest. Chapters popped up around the world -- in Japan, Denmark, the United Kingdom and other far-flung places. "We had one in Tokyo. We had one in Beijing. We had one in Mexico. We had one in Sweden. One in Spain. I mean, it was amazing," Easter said, noting they went to Japan and met the Osaka chapter coordinator. On June 1, 1994, Easter held an organizational meeting inside her home to set the Ann Arbor chapter's agenda for the first year. As a nod to the first lady's famous line in which she suggested she's not the type to stay at home, bake cookies and have teas, the invitation lightheartedly proclaimed, "Hillary Clinton's chocolate chip cookies will be served!" Easter recalls about 30 people showed up. They ate cookies, affirmed their admiration for the first lady, deplored what they viewed as vicious attacks on her, and talked about growing the club's membership, supporting local political candidates and meeting regularly at potlucks and other events. "It was to defend her when things were said about her that we felt were unjust and untrue," Easter said of the club's role. They also brainstormed ways to get more women involved in politics, voting and running for office. The club's membership swelled to more than 120 over the next two months and then to 270 by early 1995. A majority of them were women. By the fall of 1995, the Ann Arbor chapter had grown from the handful of people who attended the first meeting to more than 700 members. Easter described the group as diverse in gender, age, background and ethnicity, including former mayors, professors, lawyers, doctors, feminists, students, Democrats and even some Republicans who admired Clinton. The people who joined weren't necessarily political types. Some just didn't like seeing the first lady attacked. The many news clippings archived in the binders Easter keeps show some of the hostility toward the first lady in those days. There's even a Michigan Daily article from 1995 quoting a Christian preacher on the Diag saying, "All feminists -- including that witch Hillary Clinton -- should shut their mouths. Bill Clinton should tell her to get back in the kitchen where she belongs." "You know, they just didn't like this woman in power, I think," Easter said of the many attacks directed at Clinton. Some of the early fan club members in Ann Arbor were female elected officials or women who would later be elected to office. "We're hoping to break the plexiglass ceiling that women are under, and we have to start at the local level," Easter declared in the club's early days. Liz Brater, who served as Ann Arbor's first female mayor from 1991 to 1993, was an early club member. She was elected to represent Ann Arbor in the state House in 1994 and later became a state senator. Gunn, who lives in Ann Arbor, won her first election to the county board in 1996 and served through 2012. Other notable Democrats in the club included Janis Bobrin, Pam Byrnes, Barbara Levin Bergman, Simone Lightfoot, Joan Lowenstein, Melinda Morris, Lana Pollack and Patricia Scribner, among others. "It just took off like crazy because there were so many Democrats," Easter said of how the club grew so quickly. "Pretty soon we became the biggest chapter of the Hillary Clinton fan club in the whole country -- in the whole world." It functioned as both a social club and grassroots network, meeting for potlucks and sometimes setting up booths at events such as the Art Fair. When they felt the first lady was under attack, they sent personal notes of encouragement to her, while getting letters to the editor published. They gave interviews to media outlets, always standing by the first lady. Whenever there was a controversy that brought criticisms of the first lady, it only seemed to boost the club's membership. Membership was $3 to start and later $5. Members received a special Clinton fan club button and a bumper sticker that read, "I'm a Hillary fan." They also made T-shirts and sweatshirts, featuring a photo of Clinton with the words: "Hillary Rodham Clinton Fan Club, Ann Arbor Chapter." They were available for sale to members and non-members alike. In a letter dated April 11, 1995, the first lady thanked Easter for sending her a T-shirt, which she said was terrific. The club also has poems and songs composed by members. Meeting the first lady A big moment in the club's early years came when club leaders, including Easter and her husband, Stephen, were invited to meet the first lady. Leaders of the 75 chapters across the United States and other parts of the world traveled to Washington, D.C., to take a tour of the White House and attend a reception hosted by Clinton in September 1995. Clinton told them all just how much she appreciated their efforts to support her and the president. "You cannot imagine what it feels like to land at an airport or walk into an event and see some of you there," she said. That was the same month Clinton delivered her famous line "women's rights are human rights" at a United Nations conference in Beijing. "All these women were just, 'Ah, she's our hero, our champion!' And I must say, it did galvanize us so much," Easter said. Coming from a place where she couldn't vote, Easter appreciated that Clinton worked to empower women and advance women's rights. Easter came to the U.S. from Switzerland in 1962 when she was 21. Women couldn't vote in her home country until the 1970s. While at the White House in 1995, Easter asked Clinton if she would consider coming to Ann Arbor for a book signing, and the first lady said yes. Easter followed up with Clinton's people, and the first lady eventually made an appearance at the Borders store in downtown Ann Arbor in January 1996, promoting her book, "It Takes A Village." The stop at Borders was followed by a private reception with the fan club inside the Michigan Theater lobby. "We had a little get-together with Hillary, just those of us who were members," Easter said. "And she thought it was so funny to arrive, you know, at the Michigan Theater and talk with us and see her shirts on everybody." The Ann Arbor chapter of the fan club started getting national press, and there was a surge of new members. Easter said her phone rang constantly. Later that year, Clinton again welcomed leaders of the various fan club chapters around the world to the White House. The event in September 1996 was playfully described in the Washington Times as a "Hillary Convention." "We met in conference to talk about ways to support her. It was a full agenda," said Valerie Constance, who joined Easter on that trip and later served as the Ann Arbor chapter coordinator. "I was struck that there were people from all over the world. There are people all over the world who love and respect her." Constance, who lives in Superior Township, said the fan club tried to be a force for good. It also inspired her to become more civically and politically involved. "I ran for park commissioner and served in that capacity in my township for about 15 years," she said. When Clinton came back to Ann Arbor to speak at Hill Auditorium in April 1998, she once again made time to meet with her fan club. By then, the local chapter had about 1,200 members, among the 25,000 worldwide, and they had launched a website. The chapter also had a video titled "Hillary and Her Fan Club" produced and shown on Community Television Network in November 1996. 'It means a great deal' When the Clintons left the White House in 2001 and Hillary no longer was first lady, the fan club rebranded as a support network. "We didn't want to just kind of die off the vine," Easter said. "We thought, who knows, maybe one day she'll run for president, because we always thought she's got what it takes. We believed in her." The local chapter wasn't very active during Clinton's years as a U.S. senator and then secretary of state. Easter said Clinton wasn't attacked as much then. But the fan club members who became good friends continued to meet for potlucks to celebrate Clinton's birthday every year around Oct. 26. And when Clinton ran for president in 2008, they got a little busier again. "We thought, 'Oh my, this is like a dream come true.' And we were just so heartbroken when she lost," Easter said. Now, another eight years later, they're once again excited about the prospect of the woman they've spent the last two decades admiring becoming president. Gunn, now 77, said the fan club has sort of taken a back seat to the campaign and the members are focused on making sure she's elected. Gunn is proudly wearing her "I'm With The Nasty Woman" button, a reference to one of Donald Trump's recent remarks about Clinton. "Hillary, she was there for all of us," Gunn said, reflecting on her appreciation for Clinton's efforts over the years and where she is now. "And now we can tell our daughters and our granddaughters that you can be president. It means a great deal. It is way past time that we have a woman in the Oval Office." Mae Kuykendall, who was the local club's secretary in its early years and went on the trip to the White House in 1995, said Clinton is where she's at today because of the strong grassroots support network she has built. Looking back, Kuykendall, now 69, believes the fan club played an important role in supporting Clinton at a critical time in history. "It was significant," she said, adding the club has been able to watch the evolution of someone with presidential potential as she has become, in Kuykendall's opinion, the most qualified person ever to run for president. "And it's historic in that she's a woman," she said. "It's unthinkable for her not to win, given the nature of the opposition." Constance, now 62, also believes the fan club in some ways played a role in getting Clinton where she is today, though she also points to Clinton's impact on her life, including inspiring her daughters. Constance brought her two young daughters to meet the first lady when she came to Ann Arbor in 1996. One of them, 9-year-old Wendy, remarked at the time she thought Clinton would make a great president. Constance said Wendy is now a rocket scientist, working for Lockheed Martin on a service module for the next rocket going to Mars, and her oldest daughter, Rachel, now has a doctorate degree and is a professor at Walsh University in Ohio. 'We have to keep defending her' Easter threw a party last year when Clinton announced her campaign. She gave her fan club mailing list to the campaign in case it needed volunteers. "Of course, many of us are a little older now," she said. "I did some volunteering. I went to Kerrytown to register people to vote and encourage them to vote for Hillary and all of that. I've encouraged many others to go and do it, and they are doing it, and they've sent money for Hillary, so that's good." For the first time in her life, Easer said, she has given a political candidate the maximum campaign contribution. "For Hillary," she said, "I will." Easter has an extensive collection of Clinton memorabilia and fan club ephemera going back to the 1990s, including some newer 2016 buttons and stickers. Gunn has suggested Easter should send her fan club mementos to the presidential library after Clinton is finished serving as president. As she looked through her collection on a recent afternoon, particularly the old photographs, Easter paused and reflected on the many friends she made through the club and how important those relationships have been in her life. "We wear our T-shirts and our buttons and we've become good friends over the years," she said. "And of course, we used to be very many more, but we have dwindled. You know, some of us are no longer around." Easter said unfortunately Ruth Love, who started the national club, has died, and the local chapter has lost contact with the national organization. Easter still has a framed photo of some of the original fan club members, all wearing their shirts and standing around a cardboard cutout of Clinton, at the very first potluck they had to celebrate the first lady's birthday. Now two decades later, many of them are no longer active or have passed away. Easter used to send out quarterly newsletters to 800 to 900 people, but now she has about 110 people on her mailing list, and about 30 to 35 of them still actively participate in coming to potlucks, wearing their buttons. They actually didn't get together for Clinton's 69th birthday last week. Instead, they're planning to meet for a victory party after the election. But even if Clinton wins, Easter knows their work is not finished. "We realize, wow, this not over," she said. "Even when she becomes president -- because I'm pretty confident she will at this point -- I think that this Trumpism is here to stay, and we have to keep defending her." Mustafa Syed Editor's note: This story has been updated to uniformly reflect Syed's high school. ANN ARBOR, MI - An Ann Arbor Skyline High School student had a few words for a man he saw carrying a fake rifle, a bag and a black flag that read "ISIS" near the University of Michigan's campus on Sunday, Oct. 30. Police received a call about the individual that afternoon on Madison and State streets and determined the man was protesting and trying to start a conversation about the extremist militants in Iraq and Syria. Officers later drove the man to his vehicle to drop off the fake gun, but not before 17-year-old Mustafa Syed addressed the man. Syed was previously featured in The Ann Arbor News in July for his company Lazerr Footwear that makes battery-charged lights to wear on the outside of shoes. He said he was walking to Noodles & Company on Sunday with friends when he spotted the man with a number of police present and about 20 people watching. "At first, I thought it was a really bad joke," Syed said. Syed, who is Muslim, said when he realized the man was wearing what appeared to be a thawb, apparel similar to a robe, he thought the man might be Muslim as well. But he saw that the man had "Sharia for Ann Arbor" and "Sharia for Michigan" written on the clothing and wanted to shame him for giving Islam a bad reputation. Sharia is the body of Islamic law. In a video recorded by Syed, he can be heard saying, "Terrorists aren't Muslim, man," before being asked by police to leave the individual alone. Although the man can't be heard in the video, Syed said he heard the man say liberals are killing America for allowing Muslims into the country. The man could not be reached for comment and there is no police report of the incident. "It deeply saddened me," Syed said. "It made me realize even in our community, we might have some misunderstanding and ignorance that needs to be addressed." Dr. Syed Habib, Syed's father, said he's proud of his son for speaking up. He said his son called him from the scene on State Street and, after quelling his father's concerns for his safety, told him he challenged the man about his actions. "His answer was quite un-Islamic," Habib said of the man. "I'm proud that (Syed) stood up for his beliefs and when he saw someone trying to portray the wrong beliefs, stood up and tried to share with this person. I would say, I think he did a good job." Mustafa Syed, who said he is vice president of the Muslim Student Association at Skyline High School, said he hopes his response leaves people a bit more open-minded. "In a community like Ann Arbor, it's really important that we have an understanding of all communities," he said. "Hopefully we can fight radicalization, fight terrorism as one strong, loving community and I think acts like this really hurt all of us." The Muslim Student's Association at the University of Michigan issued a statement on Facebook regarding the incident, including a tweet from the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security confirming that the man's gun was a toy. "This costume not only misrepresented and targeted the peaceful religious expression of Muslim students on campus, but caused Muslim and non-Muslim students alike to feel unsafe," the statement said. "Everyone deserves to feel safe on campus and not have their identities be reduced to ignorant stereotypes. #SpreadLoveNotHate" The group also released a list of resources for Muslim and non-Muslim students on campus, including the bias response team at 734-615-BIAS and the university's counseling and psychological services, or CAPS, hotline at 734-764-8312. For more on the resources, click here. BAY CITY, MI -- On parole for less than a month, a Bay City man opted to risk his freedom by stealing some "The Walking Dead" DVDs from a Walmart. The gamble didn't pay off, as he's now heading back to prison. Bay County Circuit Judge Harry P. Gill on Monday, Oct. 31, sentenced David M. Henning, 23, to 18 months to five years in prison. Henning is to begin chipping away at the term after he serves the remainder of his paroled term. The judge also ordered Henning to pay $258 in court fines and costs. Henning in September pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree retail fraud. In exchange, the prosecution dismissed a charge of unarmed robbery, a 15-year offense. The charges stem from Bay County sheriff's deputies on the evening of July 21 responding to the Walmart at 3921 E. Wilder Road in Bangor Township for a shoplifting complaint. Upon deputies' arrival, Walmart staff told them they observed a man and a woman stealing items. As they attempted to stop the culprits near the building's front doors, the male subject -- Henning -- shoved a male employee, court records show. The male employee grabbed Henning in a bear hug and another employee reached into a large, leopard-print bag Henning was carrying and retrieved numerous stolen items. The male employee eventually released Henning as Henning continued to struggle, court records show. Henning then went to his 19-year-old female companion, took her car keys, ran outside, and drove away in her car, court records show. The woman remained at the store and gave a statement to police, saying she only knew her cohort as "John" and that she brought him to Walmart to steal property, court records show. She added her cohort had gone on other recent Walmart shoplifting expeditions -- stealing a Nerf gun in one -- without getting caught. Among the items the pair stole were bobby pins, five CDs, five "The Walking Dead" DVD sets, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "Empire" DVD sets, "Insurgent," "Allegiance," and "Divergent" DVDs and blonde hair dye, all totaling $254.33, court records show. Police later located the woman's vehicle at Henning's Bay City residence and noticed a leopard print bag inside it, court records show. With the property owner's permission, police searched the home and found Henning hiding underneath a pile of clothes, court records show. After being read his Miranda rights, Henning initially declined to speak with police but soon changed his mind. He said he went to Walmart to steal items and struggled with an employee, though he knew he shouldn't have. He further told deputies he has a problem with impulsive stealing and goes to classes for it, court records show. Henning on Monday, July 25, appeared in Bay County District Court for arraignment on one count of unarmed robbery. The charge is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Lengthy criminal history Henning's rap sheet includes other offenses that occurred at Walmart. In January 2015, he stole Xbox games "Grand Theft Auto IV" and "Sniper Ghost Warrior" from the Walmart at 3921 E. Wilder Road in Bangor Township. On his way out of the store, he engaged in a scuffle with a loss-prevention officer. He ended up pleading guilty to second-degree retail fraud in exchange for the prosecution's dismissal of an unarmed robbery charge. In February, he was sentenced to 90 days in jail with credit for 52 days served. Two months later, a Bay County judge sentenced Henning to three years probation on a conviction of malicious destruction of a building between $1,000 and $20,000 for a crime he committed on Jan. 5 of that year. In August 2015, Henning called Bay County Central Dispatch and said he was going to blow up T&M Bosco Distributing Co. at 407 11th St. Police searched the area and found no explosive devices. Police believed Henning had called in similar prank threats the previous year. "I made the call," Henning told police. "I used an old Obama phone that I had before I went to jail. I told the person that I was going to blow up Bosco's. Once I realized it was 911, I hung up the phone. I don't know why I did it." Henning was charged with a four-year felony count of false report or threat of a bomb or harmful device. On Dec. 7, 2015, Henning was sentenced to 16 months to five years in prison on the vandalism conviction for which he previously received probation. The Michigan Department of Corrections paroled him on Tuesday, June 28. GROSSE POINTE FARMS -- Gaukler Pointe, site of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, is among 10 new sites across the country named national historic landmarks, the National Park Service announced Wednesday. The U.S. Department of the Interior called Gaukler Pointe along Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms "a leading example of the mature work of landscape architect Jens Jensen," and "a foremost proponent and practitioner of the Prairie Style of landscape design." The park service found that the country estate was "Jensen's largest private commission and represents a fruitful collaboration between landscape architect Edsel Ford and architect Albert Kahn." Edsel and Eleanor Ford moved into the home at Gaukler Pointe around Christmas 1929. When Eleanor Ford died in 1976, she left the house to a trust, requesting that it remain intact and be used for the benefit of the public. The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House at Gaukler Pointe is located at 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores. The Athenauem in Indianapolis, Man Mound in Wisconsin's Sauk County and the Zoar Historic District in Zoar, Ohio, were among the other sites granted national historic landmark status Wednesday. DETROIT -- The federal government has recommended that the restitution for former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick be lowered from $4.5 to $1.6 million. The Associated Press reports that a federal appeals court ruled that the former mayor's restitution was erroneously calculated and that it should be based on Detroit's losses. A.P. reports that the filing from the appeals court specifically mentioned money from water and sewer contracts. In 2013, Kilpatrick and former city contractor Bobby Ferguson were convicted for conspiring to extort money from contractors by pressuring them to include Ferguson's companies in Detroit-funded jobs. The former mayor is scheduled for release from prison in August 2037, while Ferguson serves a 21-year sentence. The former mayor's attorney, Harold Gurewitz, told the Detroit News, via A.P. that he wants to know "whether there should be any restitution at all." The Detroit Free Press then reports, via A.P., that the judge responsible for Kilpatrick's trial will review the restitution issue. As of Oct. 31, 15,000 people signed a petition for President Barack Obama to pardon the former mayor. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Kilpatrick's request for review of his corruption case. "He gave the city hope again, brought investments in and he truly did make a positive impact in a community that had been headed for destruction since the 50's because labor costs, white flight and the decline of the Big 3 automotive companies," the Change.org petition reads. "Even though Kwame was at fault while Mayor of Detroit....28 years is too excessive. There are too many black men in prison to date. Many if who were released may or may not make an impact." The official White House petitioning agency requires at least 100,000 signatures within 30 days in order for an official response to be made. TROY -- Ivanka Trump made a stop in Troy on Wednesday night to campaign for her father, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, telling a gathering of female business professionals her father would fight for tax reductions and deregulation if elected. Taking audience questions in an open, town hall-style meeting in the ballroom at the Detroit Marriott Troy, Trump's elder daughter said her father isn't afraid of doing what it takes to achieve success. "My father swings for the fences, but he executes," she said. "He is going to dream big for this country, he's not going to be afraid of our success and he's going to make sure it happens by bringing the best people into our government." Ivanka Trump, whose brother Donald Trump Jr. also campaigned in Michigan Wednesday, discussed obstacles that Americans attempting to start small businesses face. She said the nation still adheres to a tax code that was written decades ago, when women represented a smaller segment of the labor force. "Now (women) represent 47 percent of the work force and ... comprehensive tax reform is critical," she said. "Dramatically decreasing taxes on business is so important, especially small businesses who are so thin already from an operating margin perspective. "There is this tremendous spirit of entrepreneurship in this country. It's amazing, unlike anywhere else, and these nonsensical regulation upon regulation upon regulation where you have to become a rocket scientist in order to be able to open the doors on your small business ... it needs to change." She said Donald Trump would be a president unencumbered by the agendas of career politicians and big business. "Ultimately," she said, "(my father) will not be beholden to anyone other than the American people." She described her father as having a keen ability to find and nurture people's hidden potential, and said she has seen that ability up close as an executive vice president of development and acquisitions for the Trump Organization. "I know a lot of people manage businesses, they manage people, but they don't inspire them, they don't lead them," Ivanka told the crowd. "And (my father) leads the people in his business and he fills them with hope ... and it's a pretty remarkable thing to have witnessed for so many years." Ivanka Trump is scheduled to make another Detroit-area stop Thursday, 7:30 a.m. at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester for a similarly-styled event. Both the Trump and Hillary Clinton campaigns are making final pushes in Michigan this week as the election looms next week Tuesday. Donald Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. spoke at Michigan State University this afternoon. df99d8_f6ee6ff81e194362a9cf3e7495c7d6fa-mv2.jpg (MMCC Courtesy Photo) LIVONIA -- The Michigan Muslim Community Council plans to honor Raheel Siddiqui, a Muslim U.S. Marine recruit who died during training, at its 30th annual Michigan Muslim Unity Banquet. The 20-year-old fell to his death from three stories, reportedly 40-feet high, during basic training in March on Parris Island, South Carolina. An investigation into the circumstances remains active, according to a news release from the group. The banquet is set for 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6 at Burton Manor, 27777 Schoolcraft Road in Livonia. Tickets for the event, "open to people of all faiths," are available on the Michigan Muslim Community Council's website. Details surrounding Siddiqui's death have generated controversy as 20 Marine officials face discipline directly related to the incident. Siddiqui, of Taylor, was the son of Pakistani immigrants who was the valedictorian at Harry Truman High School and "dreamed of serving his country" despite his mother's fears, according to the release. "Raheel Siddiqui and his family made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and we are proud to call him an Amazing Michigan Muslim," MMCC Executive Director Imam Mohamed Almasmari said in the release. "They are an example of how Immigrants and new Americans embrace their country and make America great." The Marine Corps Times reports the investigation into the recruit's death revealed a "troubling pattern of mistreatment" at Parris Island. The Gannett-owned government publication reports that on March 18, just days after the recruit told military officials of suicidal thoughts, Siddiqui reported having a sore throat while seeking medical treatment. Instead of medical treatment, the recruit was reportedly ordered to run until he "fell crying to the floor while clutching his throat," a Marine spokesperson told the Marine Corps Times. A drill instructor ordered the recruit to his feet and reportedly "forcefully" slapped him in the face, which is prohibited by the Marine Corps. According to the official, via the Marine Corps Times, Siddiqui "got to his feet and ran the length of his third-floor squad bay to the stairwell outside and vaulted over the railing." "Twenty Marines are facing administrative punishment or potentially more consequential legal proceedings, a military official told Marine Corps Times," the Marine Corps time article reads. "The three investigations were launched in March after Raheel Siddiqui, 20, fell nearly 40 feet to his death from a barracks stairwell just days after arriving at Parris Island, which is located along the South Carolina coast." The investigation also revealed that one of the 20-year-old's drill instructors had been accused of assaulting a different Muslim recruit prior. The Marine Corps Times reports the drill instructor, while under the influence of alcohol, made the recruit get into a commercial dryer "and then turned the dryer on several times while commenting on the recruit's religion." In a Marine Corps press release, the branch reports its investigation found continued physical and verbal abuse by drill instructors, inconsistency in "responding to suicidal" statements, and more. The full release can be seen by clicking here. In response, the Corps will suspend any personnel investigated for any form of hazing or mistreatment, a more comprehensive mental health review process and a zero-tolerance policy toward drill instructor hazing. Dean Reynolds, Clinton Township image Federal authorities arrested a Clinton Township trustee Oct. 13, claiming he demanded and accepted bribes in exchange for his vote on municipal contracts, and on Thursday, federal prosecutors announc a grand jury indicted him. Dean Reynolds, an elected official currently seeking his township's supervisor position, is charged with eight counts of bribery. Each count carries a punishment of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. "The indictment of Reynolds is part of an ongoing and long-running investigation into systemic corruption in multiple municipalities in southeast Michigan, primarily Macomb County," U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade's office said in a statement. "The indictment charges that Reynolds accepted bribes from representatives of two companies having business with Clinton Township, and that Reynolds accepted bribes from an undercover FBI agent." Reynolds is accused of accepting bribes and gifts valued in excess of $70,000 since 2009. " ... It became necessary to make payments to Reynolds in order to continue the undercover scenario," court documents read. " The amounts were always less than what Reynolds was demanding. In exchange for the money, Reynolds provided official actions to CHS1 on a regular basis. "He often provided the status of other trustees' expected votes, recommendations to (a company involved) on how to proceed, and he delivered his own vote in favor of Company A's contract." While the trustees' vote was the byproduct of a bribery scheme, the FBI reports that his vote was "never a deciding vote" while under agency supervision. Reynolds is a three-term trustee in Clinton Township. The Macomb Daily reports that he was set to be the current supervisor's first opponent since 2000. The Macomb County corruption probe also led to an indictment of Clinton Township Trustee Clifford Freitas, 43, of Macomb Township, who's also charged with theft or bribery from a program receiving federal funds; and ensnared Sterling Heights-based Rizzo Environmental Services, a garbage company recently purchased by Ontario-based GFL Enterprises, whose management said it was unaware of the investigation. The parent company said it planned to paint its prominent red Rizzo garbage trucks green in the wake of the scandal and accusations that Rizzo paid bribes in pursuit of municipal contracts. Melvin Morgan III.jpg Courtesy photo of Melvin Morgan III. FLINT, MI - The family of a 27-year-old Flint man shot and killed earlier this month said they're glad police found the suspected killer. Melvin Morgan III was shot and killed about 5:15 p.m. Oct. 22 inside a home in the 600 block of East Stewart Avenue, according to Michigan State Police Detective Jason Walters. Keyonte Markese-Henry Love, 22, has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder, carrying a concealed weapon, and felony firearm in connection to Morgan's killing. Police said Love showed up the home, had a verbal altercation with Morgan, shot Morgan and then fled the scene. The killing was the beginning of a violent weekend that saw three people gunned down in less than 12 hours in Flint. Morgan was a graduate of Flint Northern High School, worked at Ollie's and enjoyed art and working on cars, according to his sister, Jessica Morgan. She said her brother also loved spending time with his two sons, his daughter and his two stepsons. Jessica Morgan, who lives in Louisiana, said her brother was always joking around with everyone. "I can go home in peace now," she said. "I won't say I'm satisfied, but I can say that I'm grateful, because some things go unsolved. "I'm thankful that they did catch him and justice can be served." Melvin Morgan's funeral will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, at Kingdom of Heaven Ministries, 2430 Dutcher St., according to his obituary. Love is being held without bond on the murder charge, according to court records. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Walters at 810-237-6916 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-422-5245. genesee county jail edit.JPG Genesee County Jail (MLive.com file photo) GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- A jury has returned a verdict that will award a man $36.6 million in a verdict against five current or former Genesee County Sheriff's deputies. On Thursday, Nov. 3 a jury in the United States District Court in Detroit awarded the money to William Jennings, according to a news release from the court. Jennings sued deputies Patrick Fuller, David Kenamer, Mark Wing, Jason White and Lt. Robert Nuckolls claiming excessive use of force during an incident at the Genesee County Jail following his arrest on Sept. 18, 2010. Jennings also claimed unreasonable seizure and excessive use of force in violation of the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. After more than a two-week trial and nearly two days of deliberations, the eight member jury concluded that the defendants used excessive force against Jennings and awarded him past damages of $10.42 million and future damages of $7.21 million, according to the release. The jury also awarded punitive damages to Jennings from each defendant as follows: Fuller -- $5 million. Kenamer -- $4 million. Wing -- $3 million. White -- $2 million. Nuckolls -- $5 million. This isn't the first excessive force lawsuit the county jail has seen. In September 2014 the county agreed to pay $630,000 to Fernando Davis after he said he was beater and pepper sprayed after being lodged at the Genesee County Jail for suspicion of drunk driving. County officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Stay with MLive for more on this developing story. GRAND BLANC TWP., MI -- Police are warning residents about a stranger danger incident after a young boy was approached by a man asking him to come to his home to play video games. Grand Blanc Township police said the incident happened Tuesday, Nov. 1 in the area of Hill and Genesee roads. An unknown man approached a young boy riding his bicycle, according to a Facebook post from the department. The unknown male allegedly asked the boy to get into his car and go to his house to play video games. The boy refused and fled the scene. The man was driving a dark colored two-door vehicle. Grand Blanc Township police are urging parents to talk to their children about the importance of not talking to or going anywhere with strangers. Parents are also urged to report any suspicious activity right away. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Grand Blanc Township Police Department at 810-424-2611. NEWAYGO COUNTY, MI - A 41-year-old Wyoming man is in custody after another man was found dead in a residence late Wednesday, Nov. 2, according to the Newaygo County Sheriff's Office. Police responded to a report of shots fired at 11:02 p.m. at 3996 W. Cleveland Drive in Lilley Township. Upon arrival, police found a 55-year-old Kentwood men had been shot in the head and died. Police said the suspect is in custody. The incident remains under investigation MARQUETTE COUNTY, MI - Many of them hailed from Finland and Sweden, while others came from hearty French-Canadian stock. Some arrived from tiny towns in the Upper Peninsula that were no more than specks on a map. Their thick accents mingled inside the walls of mine shafts deep within the Marquette Iron Range. They were husbands and fathers, brothers and uncles, each earning wages for those they loved most. But on Nov. 3, 1926, all but one of the 52 men working in the Barnes-Hecker Iron Mine were killed within minutes. They were trapped in a torrential flood of water, mud and quicksand in what remains the worst mining disaster in Michigan's history. On the tragedy's 90th anniversary, a handful of U.P. cities have declared today a day of remembrance. Church bells will ring out, once for each of the men lost below ground. The deadly chain of events began around 11:25 a.m. that day - just about the time some of the miner's children normally began to arrive above ground, carrying their fathers' lunch pails. The tragedy left 42 wives without husbands, 132 children without fathers and an entire community in despair. The mine eventually closed forever. Forty-one of the bodies were never recovered and remain entombed underground at the Ely Township site. The Barnes-Hecker mine was located in Marquette County's Ely Township in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The mine site is now on private property. The story of the tragedy is unknown to many, even in Michigan. Many of the victims' direct descendants have died, and those with a connection to the disaster often purposely avoid talking about it. But thanks to a grassroots effort between descendants of those killed in the mine and local historians, Nov. 3, 2016 has been designated as Barnes-Hecker Remembrance Day. Special events, documentaries and speakers have combined to mark the occasion. "It seems to me that it's a story that really hasn't been talked about," said Gary Perela, whose great uncles both perished that day. "The anniversary sure is bringing out a lot of emotion. It's sort of like a family reunion. I've been able to put some of the pieces together." Going Underground Located just outside of Ishpeming, the Barnes-Hecker mine was owned by the Ohio-based Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company (now known as Cliffs Natural Resources). Divided into three levels at 600, 800 and 1,000 feet, its main shaft reached a maximum depth of 1,060 feet. That's where an escape tunnel to the adjacent Morris Mine was located. On the day of the tragedy, one miner was in the process of routine dynamiting when the explosion broke into a large cavity in the mine's rock, which ripped upward to the soft "overburden" area above. This led to a cave-in, which drained a nearby lake. "This deluge burst into the shaft, trapping everyone on the two levels below it, and within 15 minutes had flooded the mine to 185 feet below the surface," according to a journal article written by Robert M. Neil, former corporate safety director for Cleveland-Cliffs. Just one man, 22-year-old Wilford Wills, was able to escape by remarkably climbing 800 feet in 14 minutes. Wills and another miner had heard the explosion, and felt the resulting blast of air that extinguished their carbide hat lamps, according to information later presented during the coroner's inquest. Wills and his partner warned other men nearby, then began to climb a ladder to the surface. "Wills, in the lead, climbed frantically on the wet, muddy ladder. His gloves kept slipping on the rungs, so he tore them off with his teeth as he climbed. Three other men desperately began climbing the ladder behind him," according to Neil's journal article. "As the men climbed for their lives, the rising maelstrom of water boiling up the shaft overtook them, knocking all except Wills off the ladder and to their deaths. Wills, totally exhausted, continued to climb." Once at the top, he collapsed with severe leg cramps and had to be revived with smelling salts. The Lost Men Among the 51 men killed, each had a story. Each had something to live for above ground. They included: - Walter Tippett, who was working his first day at Barnes-Hecker. - George and Richard Lampshire had just received word of a new opportunity at a different mine. They were nearing the end of their last day. - Making one of his infrequent visits was William E. Hill, the Marquette County mine inspector who had been re-elected to his office the previous day. - Louis Joseph Trudell, the son of a Canadian immigrant, didn't make it out, either. He had recently transferred to Barnes-Hecker, which was fairly new and considered one of the safest mines in Marquette County at the time. Trudell saw the mine as having more longevity compared to some of the older facilities in the region. "My dad once told me a story about that day," said Clifford Trudell Jr., Louis' grandson. "There was a store five or six miles from the mine that he was at. And on that day a truck came through since there had been an accident at the mine." "My dad ran home and ran up the stairs to tell his dad that there was trouble at the mine and that he didn't have to go to work, but his dad wasn't there. He had changed shifts with another guy who needed to go to the doctor." Shortly after the cave-in, Barnes-Hecker Superintendent Charles J. Stakel ordered the crews of the adjoining Morris and Lloyd mines be hoisted to surface, fearing a duplicate disaster because of the connected shafts. According to area historians, Stakel had planned to go underground into Barnes-Hecker that day. However, his wife reminded him that she had an appointment in town and would need their car. Since the Barnes-Hecker was two and a half miles away, he decided to walk the half mile to the Morris Mine instead. The Aftermath Ten of the bodies were recovered from the mine. But after weeks of effort to restore the mine shaft and to retrieve the rest of the bodies, Cleveland-Cliffs made the decision to abandon the mine on Nov. 20, 1926. It was permanently sealed and remains a grave for those lost. "I'm connected to it on a personal basis," said Jack Perela, whose grandmother's brothers were lost in the mine. "I later worked in the Morris Mine on the sixth level, which was connected to the bottom level of the former Barnes-Hecker. I had the distinction of putting my hands on the old dam knowing that my great uncles were on the other side." The mine site is now shrouded in heavy tree cover. The once-destructive swamp from which water came rushing in sits calmly in view nearby. The land is private property, only accessible to descendants on special occasions. And a stone memorial with the names of all those lost that day stands resolutely on the concrete shaft cap, a silent sentry to their final resting place. WYOMING, MI -Hours after Brady Oestrike's death, his family showed up at the police station looking for answers. Did he die in a car crash? What about the woman reportedly found dead in his car? Did he die on the job, as a lineman for a power company? Wyoming police gave no answers. Police were investigating a triple homicide and suicide. They had the questions. Police already knew about the so-called Craigslist killer's crimes: He abducted, tortured and killed a pregnant woman, Brooke Slocum, 18, and decapitated her boyfriend, Charles Oppenner, 25, before killing himself in a police chase. But, what could lead him to commit these unthinkable acts? Were there others? Brady Oestrike was born to a large, blended family. His mother, described as "protective," home-schooled him, though he periodically attended private schools. He was the only child Kristine and Richard Oestrike had together. His father said he had a normal childhood. After high school, he received technical training and became a supervisor. He was motivated to get ahead but he was willing to help others. He was involved at church and took mission trips to Haiti and Ukraine, his family said. He bought his first house in his early 20s, a sister, Barbara Miling, told police. "Barbara described Brady as a very generous person and that he would open up his house to anyone. She felt that (women) would often take advantage of him," Detective Jillaine Whitcomb wrote in police reports. Miling said her brother told her that a "gold digger" had taken money from him and sent it to Mexico. She said that a seven-year engagement to a woman in Canada ended when she left him a month before the wedding. He told family that he was always sending money so that she could visit. He claimed that she cleaned out his bank accounts and 401(k) after he bought her a $30,000 engagement ring - with diamonds and sapphires - that she kept, the sister told police. Another sister, Anne Oestrike, told police that her brother was protective of her. That's the way they saw it. No one knew then what was going on in his basement. Everyone knew he kept a lot of weapons. He carried at least two guns at all times, his family told police. His family also saw whips and chains in his house. That could be explained. He liked the long-ago battles of kings and queens, and live-action role-playing games such as "Dungeons & Dragons." He liked mock sword fights and battles. He attended Renaissance fairs and re-enactments. Andrew Weener described Oestrike as one of his best friends though they did not talk frequently. Weener had trouble being convinced that Oestrike committed the crimes. Police say Oestrike met the victims on Craigslist and arranged a July 12, 2014, hookup at Gezon Park to exchange money for sex. Instead, Oestrike decapitated Oppenner and hid his body under tree limbs at the park. He took Slocum, who was eight-months pregnant, back to his house on Taft Avenue SW, where he bound and tortured her over the course of five days. He took video of the horror. She was strangled on July 17, 2014. Oestrike later that day shot and killed himself during a police chase. "(Weener) stated he was in shock and upset and did not know what to think but stated what was being said was not the person he knew," Detective Paul Pena wrote. Weener told investigators he did not recall Oestrike having a girlfriend but said he talked about wanting a wife and children. "(Weener) states Oestrike was friendly and approachable and did not have a 'tough guy' persona. He states he cared for people and was solid in his beliefs. He states he never knew Oestrike to hurt anyone or get into fights," the detective wrote. Former roommate Nicholas Failing said Oestrike liked to work a lot to make more money. He was quiet, and wouldn't approach others. They had to approach first. "He states when he shook your hand he would squeeze it really hard and it would hurt," Pena wrote. "Nicholas states it was like Brady was telling you I'm stronger than you. ... He states Brady was very strong and not someone you would want to make mad." Failing, who moved into Oestrike's house in 2005, said he and another friend, Timothy Schutte, who moved in a year later, stayed upstairs. Oestrike stayed downstairs on his computer. Oestrike kept knives and loaded firearms throughout the house. He hid knives in the couch. He was extremely paranoid, friends said. Once, Oestrike accidentally fired a Desert Eagle .50-caliber handgun while waving the gun. The round passed through a kitchen wall and hit Failing's car, damaging the alternator. Failing and Oestrike pushed the car into the garage. Oestrike turned off the lights. He saw a police car down the street. A little later, a neighbor came over and told him he was going to kill somebody if he wasn't careful. "Nicholas states Timothy later asked Brady what would you have done if you accidentally shot one of us. He states Brady said I would shoot the other one of you and claim you went crazy and I had to shoot you," Pena wrote. The roommates left in 2007. Oestrike's behavior had become increasingly odd. He hid tiny cameras inside of birdhouses in the house. He urinated into bottles in his computer room, despite having a bathroom nearby. Empty pizza boxes stacked up in the basement. Oestrike also liked to use an alias: JOAT AMOS, for Jack Of All Trades, A Master Of Some. He didn't anger easily, but "when he 'snapped,' you would not want to be on the receiving end of his anger," Pena wrote. Failing said Oestrike did not clean up after himself. He also had body odor. Failing moved across the street. He brought his house key back to Oestrike but Oestrike didn't need it. He had already changed the locks. The two talked maybe three times in the next two years they lived across from each other. Other neighbors said they rarely saw Oestrike. WYOMING, MI -- Police recovered surveillance camera videos inside of a Wyoming man's house that revealed an 18-year-old pregnant woman's torture over five days before she was killed. Information about the footage is contained in a police report, hundreds of pages long, released Wednesday, Nov. 2. The report chronicles the police investigation into 31-year-old Brady Oestrike in the days before and after he killed 25-year-old Charles Oppenneer and Brooke Slocum in July 2014. Slocum was eight months pregnant. Through multiple interviews, police uncovered many bizarre and disturbing details about Oestrike, including what one person described as a fetish for guns. Police found guns -- both long guns and hand guns -- all over his Taft Avenue house after he killed himself following a police chase July 17. Until now, it was never clear how long Oestrike had held Slocum captive. She was kidnapped late Saturday, July 12 after going with her boyfriend, Oppenneer, to meet a man at Gezon Park to exchange sex for cash. The three had corresponded via Craigslist. Oppenneer's decapitated body was found in woods near the park just before noon on July 16. Police used computer records to quickly develop leads and identify Oestrike. Police records released Wednesday show that police recovered surveillance camera video -- Oestrike had four cameras set up in the house -- that shows Slocum with handcuffs on at 1 a.m. July 13. Oestrike put a chain around her neck that was bolted to a bathroom floor. Soon after, her arms were attached to a pulley system suspended from the ceiling. The report indicates she was repeatedly assaulted, tortured and forced to smoke marijuana over the next several days, until Oestrike shut off the video system about 1 p.m. on July 17. An autopsy report shows she died of strangulation. Later that day, after the chase and crash on Burton Street over U.S. 131, police found her body in Oestrike's car trunk. In the following days and weeks, police recovered a video file from Oestrike's DVR where, police say, he made her give a statement that they were only role-playing so that she could have a "true abduction, kidnapping and ransom type of experience." A video from the minutes just prior to Oestrike's scheduled meeting with Oppenneer and Slocum at Gezon Park shows him slipping a long knife up his sleeve. It also shows the rope and pulley in the room where Slocum later was held. WYOMING, MI - Shortly before he tortured and killed a young, pregnant woman, Craigslist killer Brady Oestrike kept another woman chained in his basement as a sex slave, police reports say. The woman escaped his house on Taft Avenue SW. She said Oestrike kept chains around her neck and was obsessed with using a Taser on her. She initially thought this was part of "slave/bondage role playing" but began to fear for her safety. Wyoming Police on Wednesday, Nov. 2, released police reports in the July 2014 killings of Brooke Slocum, 18, and Charles Oppenneer, 25, in response to Freedom of Information Act requests. Oestrike, 31, shot and killed himself as police closed in during a July 17, 2014, vehicle chase. Oestrike beheaded Oppenneer. He abducted and tortured Slocum, who was eight months pregnant, over the course of five days before he killed her, too, police reports say. He met the couple at Gezon Park after corresponding on Craigslist. He was to pay them for sex. Weeks earlier, Oestrike had developed another relationship with a woman he met on Craigslist, police reports show. The woman had placed a personal ad seeking for friendship and sex. She also described sexual activity that was blacked out on police reports. Oestrike responded to her ad within an hour. She received 27 other inquiries. She and Oestrike shared emails and telephone numbers. She told Oestrike she lived in Coldwater but wanted to move. Oestrike said she could move in with him. In mid-May 2014, he drove to Coldwater. He asked if the woman would ride back in a suitcase. She found the request strange but thought it was part of a "kinky sexual act and she agreed to," police wrote. After two hours, the car stopped. She believed that Oestrike drugged her. He opened a zipper and sprayed something into the suitcase. She was groggy. He carried her in the suitcase into his house. He asked her to be his sex slave, she told police. She saw several security cameras, including one in the bathroom. The cameras were for security, he said. He told her he was paranoid. He showed her a gun. He put it to her head. He then put a metal chain, attached to the basement floor, around her neck. She agreed to his demand that they have sex. He ignored her requests to stop. She said living conditions inside the home were deplorable. The kitchen was messy, with expired food in the refrigerator. Sticky floors were covered with piles of clothes. She spent two days making it livable. When Oestrike left for work, he would chain her by the neck. Once, when she said she was sick, and asked him not to chain her up, he shocked her with a stun gun. He held the Taser on her for 20 seconds. It was his "ultimate fantasy," police reports said. She said she feared for her life. On June 19, 2014, the woman was free to call 911. It is unclear what happened after that but she went to a facility for a week, refusing contact with Oestrike before she moved into a domestic-violence shelter. She eventually agreed to meet Oestrike for lunch. He sweet-talked her into moving back into his home, she told police. "(The woman) described a sweet side that Brady could portray and believed the two had a strong relationship which included sexual-type bondage role playing. (She) described Brady as a gun addict and on several occasions, he showed her multiple guns and even threatened to kill her multiple times," Wyoming Police Detective Dan Mahoney wrote. The woman told police she met his parents, and had Sunday dinners with them at Golden Corral restaurant. The parents did not visit his home. She said he kept a "sex room" in the basement. When she did not listen to him, she was forced to sleep in a locked, wire dog kennel. She left at the end of the month. Oestrike beat her badly, punching, kicking and whipping her, but did not lock her up. She told police about the assault but did not want to pursue criminal charges. She also raised concerns for police after reporting that he had children's books and sippy cups in his home. ALLENDALE, MI - Donald Trump Jr. visited Grand Valley State University on Wednesday, Nov. 2 to rally support for his father, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Speaking to a crowd rife with both supporters and protestors in the Kirkhof Center, Trump Jr. was optimistic about his father's chances at winning the state. "The reason this state is in play is because this state is sick of politicians," he said. "We have an opportunity to change all that. We can put someone in D.C. who is not part of that." With election day less than a week away, Trump Jr. believes Michigan wants real change and that his father is the candidate who will deliver that change as president. He remains confident his father will win the election. Conrad Schultz, a junior at GVSU, was in attendance in support of Trump. "I like the fact that he was never supposed to win, and now he's winning," said Schultz. "He came from grassroots, he wasn't a politician and he wasn't a senator or governor." With his father is in the White House, Trump Jr. said the senior Trump will "drain the swamp" of corrupt politicians and make way for a better future. "We know that politicians have failed us," he said. "They have made so many promises they're never delivered on. This is the only opportunity." As an example, Trump Jr. said that former Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders was "cheated" by the Democratic party, and that politicians on both sides are corrupt and need to be replaced. Throughout his speech, Trump Jr. was interrupted by protestors, who were holding signs and chanting throughout the event. Madison Rhoades, a sophomore at GVSU, said she and many of the 60 protesters were there in solidarity. "I'm here to stand with everyone against racism, homophobia, sexism ... . Unfortunately, (the list) goes on," she said. "Although it seems scary that people are in support of this, so many people came out today to show people care and love is always going to win over hate." Trump Jr. rolled with the punches and commended the protesters for taking part in the conversation. "Diversity is great, but we need diversity of thought," he said. "We need to have these dialogues." Amid the interruptions, chants and cheers, Trump Jr. reminded attendees to get out and vote on Nov. 8. Trump Jr. spoke at Michigan State University earlier in the day. Bernie Sanders, former Democratic presidential candidate, was also in Michigan on Wednesday. Vice presidential candidate Mike Pence as well as Eric Trump will be at separate events in Michigan on Nov. 3. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton will be in Michigan on Nov. 4. WYOMING, MI -- Police on Wednesday released more than 100 photos of the scene inside the house of a Wyoming man who killed a pregnant woman and her boyfriend in July 2014. Police said the investigation involving 31-year-old Brady Oestrike was open as late as September for a final lab report to be returned. Authorities had suppressed search warrants and denied Freedom of Information Act requests for the police report until Wednesday, Nov. 2. Police say Oestrike killed 25-year-old Charles Oppenneer and then kidnapped his girlfriend, 18-year-old Brooke Slocum, before holding her captive for five days in his Taft Avenue SW home. Detectives said part of the reason for keeping the investigation open for so long was to look into whether Oestrike might have harmed others out-of-state. He worked as a lineman for an energy company and frequently traveled. While searching Oestrike's home after he committed suicide following a police chase and crash, police found a map with multiple push pins on points across the country. It's not immediately clear if the points were places were Oestrike visited. Police, however, suggested the map was a concern to them. CADILLAC, MI - A 28-year-old Mesick man was saved from an apparent overdose outside a gas station Wednesday, Nov. 2., Cadillac Police said. Police responded to a report of a man not acting right and possibly on drugs outside the Admiral gas station on South Mitchell Street at 4:33 p.m. While police were en route to the scene, they were advised the man was frothing at the mouth. Upon arrival, the man was on the ground, barely breathing and unresponsive. Police said a dose of Naloxone, drug that reverses the effects of opioids, was administered to the man. The man opened his eyes and then quit breathing. Police began CPR and continued to assist when paramedics arrived on scene. After a few minutes, the man began breathing on his own and questioning what was happening Police told the man he had stopped breathing and his life was saved by Naloxone. The man admitted to using heroin. He was transported to Munson Hospital of Cadillac for further treatment. This case was the first time Cadillac Police Officers had the opportunity to use Naloxone to save a life. Officers have been carrying it since December 2015. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - When a rape survivor comes into the YWCA for help, they're already feeling traumatized and powerless. So the first thing the specially-trained staff try to do is put that person back in control. As they walk the survivor through each step of a sexual assault medical forensic exam - and explain how evidence is collected from their body for a rape kit - the overall goal is to empower them. "I let him or her know that they're in control. This is voluntary, and that nothing is going to happen that they don't want to happen," said Stephanie Solis, manager of the YWCA West Central Michigan Nurse Examiner Program. The program was groundbreaking when it started two decades ago - combining medical help, emotional support and collecting evidence that can be handed over to police. Last year, more than 300 sex assault victims of all ages sought help from the YWCA team. But time is of the essence. Some sex assault victims may not know there's a short time window to collect physical evidence from a person's body. Documentation of injuries and DNA evidence need to be gathered within 120 hours or five days of an assault, the limit for such a forensic exam under state law. "Evidence degrades with time and we also heal quickly," said Solis, who said items collected as part of the rape kits are kept by the YWCA for up to 18 months. "Evidence-wise, you are going to get the best evidence if someone comes right (to the YWCA's 24-hour facility) from the assault." The timing of sex assault reports and investigations made headlines this fall after Ottawa County Prosecutor Ronald Frantz called out staff at Grand Valley State University for hindering prosecution of on-campus sex assaults. He said reports of rape come to his office weeks and sometimes months after they are reported, making it hard to build a case that can be successfully prosecuted in court. Grand Valley has denied they have a policy that hinders criminal investigations. They say they take a student-focused approach, supporting the victim and not forcing anyone to contact the police before they feel ready. At the YWCA, that mantra of putting the sex assault survivor back in control underlies every step of the process - even down to whether the rape kit is given to police. "It is the patient's option to release the evidence kit to law enforcement or to not release it," said Solis, who said permission is sought with each step of the process and the victim can end any part of the exam at anytime. Whether or not they intend to report the crime to police, having an exam and rape kit done gives the victim the option of storing the evidence. "But patient care is my focus, making sure that person's body and mind is OK, because they are never going to heal if those are not addressed," Solis said. Colposcope is used as part of the rape evidence collection process inside the YWCA's Nurse Examiner Program Suite in Grand Rapids. Picture taken on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. (Cory Morse | MLive.com) HOW THE EXAM IS DONE Once at the YWCA, patients undergo a head-to-toe physical exam. Any injuries from the attack are treated and documented. The nurse examiner collects biological evidence, such as saliva, blood, semen, urine and hair by taking swabs of the victim's mouth, skin, genitalia, anus and scraping under their fingernails and combing through the victim's hair. Clothes and undergarments can also be collected as evidence. The victim's body is photographed to preserve evidence of bruising and injuries. "Often people just need to process everything that's happened to them and they just can't make another decision right now, so what this offers them is some time," said Solis, about if and when a victim chooses to report an assault. When a patient comes in for an exam, they are also assigned an advocate for the duration of the process. That advocate is there both to provide support and be a resource for where they can receive future therapy or medical care. "The primary focus that we have is that this is the beginning of your healing process,'' said YWCA Executive Director Carla Blinkhorn said. "Everything is designed to start the healing process for the survival." To decrease anxiety, Solis said the nurse examiner explains what to expect during the 90 minute to two-hour process, depending on the extent of their injuries. She said their discussion includes going over prevention medication for sexually-transmitted diseases and if a female victim wants to be given Plan B, an emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. TALKING ABOUT RAPE CULTURE Grand Valley's internal friction with authorities over how on-campus rape cases are handled isn't the only reason sex assaults have become part of the community's conversation lately. This semester, there have also been four off-campus assaults this near GVSU, with no arrests. There have also been five sex assaults reported at Hope College, with most victims reluctant to talk to the police. "We need to talk about rape culture and perpetration more," said Blinkhorn. "We don't spend very much time talking about why there is rape perpetration, but we spend a lot of time letting perpetrators off the hook and putting the onus on the victim." "It is unrealistic and unfair and in many ways. It's an easy way as a society to never have to talk about what our culture does that allows and creates an environment where rape happens." RAPE KITS, BY THE NUMBERS Last year, the YWCA program processed 321 cases - 250 adult and 71 pediatric victims - from across West Michigan. All information regarding the identities of victims is strictly confidential, but statistics are tracked for analysis purposes. Forty-three - or 17 percent - of the 250 cases were not reported to law enforcement. Of the 250 cases, the perpetrator was an acquaintance in 41 percent of them. In 16 percent, the suspect was a stranger. Eighty-nine of the cases involved young people between the ages of 18 and 24. Three law enforcement agencies were involved in 150 of those cases: Grand Rapids Police Department, 98; Kent County Sheriff's Office, 28; and Wyoming Department Public Safety, 24. Three involved GVSU's police department and one the Aquinas College Public Safety Department. Blinkhorn said their program was the first of its kind in the state when it launched in 1996 after extensive planning and research by a task force that included representatives from the prosecutor's office and law enforcement. She said their exams are confidential and comprehensive, including using state-of-the art forensic colposcope equipment for more detailed images for evidence collection, and their nurse examiners go through significant training to support and serve victims. Prior to being alone with a patient, a registered nurse must have had 40 hours of training both for adults and children, 20 hours of classroom instruction, and have had at least three shadowing experiences. To arrange for an appointment 24-hours a day call 616-776-RAPE (7273). trump clinton.JPG Democrat Hillary Clinton (left) and Republican Donald Trump (right) are both campaigning in Michigan in the days leading up to a Nov. 8 vote. (AP Images) LANSING, MI -- Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton has maintained a lead in Michigan, but recent polling shows that gap is shrinking. And as polls narrow, both candidates are putting a focus on Michigan. Donald Trump held a rally in Michigan on Monday and Clinton will be here Friday. And surrogates for the candidates abound as members of each candidate's families come through this week. A Nov. 1 poll by FOX 2 and Mitchell Research shows Clinton with a 3 percent lead over Republican nominee Donald Trump. That poll surveyed 887 likely voter and had a margin of error of +/- 3.29 percent. The gap between Clinton and Trump in that poll is smaller than polls Emerson and the Detroit Free Press conducted in late October, each of which showed Clinton with a 7 percent lead in a four-way race with Jill Stein of the Green Party and Libertarian Gary Johnson. So what's changed? Comparing his numbers to previous polls he'd conducted, Mitchell said support for Clinton dropped among men and women over the age of 65. In Mitchell's Nov. 1 poll Trump led 46 to 44 percent among men. Mitchell asked a question on new emails FBI Director announced were found in an unrelated search of former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner's computer, and said responses seemed to show it was not hurting Clinton. But controversy related to Wikileaks documents and the Clinton foundation has taken a toll on her numbers in Michigan, Mitchell said. "Clearly Clinton's problems are now taking a toll on her candidacy in Michigan and the state is now in play," Mitchell said in a press release Wednesday. Meanwhile, a statistical analysis from analytics website FiveThirtyEight was giving Clinton an 81.2 percent chance of winning Michigan on Oct. 23. That has since declined to a 77.8 percent chance as of Thursday, Nov. 3. In the short-term, polls look to be swinging a bit more in Trump's direction. His campaign touted the FOX 2/Mitchell Research poll in an email to reporters Wednesday. But a long-term poll conducted regularly by the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State University shows Clinton with a big lead. The big difference between the IPPSR survey and a typical poll is that the IPPSR survey is conducted over about two months (Sept. 1 to Oct. 30) while other polls are typically conducted over a small number of days. Ahead of Michigan's March primary, it was the longer IPPSR poll that more accurately predicted the race between Clinton and primary rival Bernie Sanders. It predicted Clinton and Sanders were "neck-and-neck," while the average of other polls showed Clinton with a 21.4 percent lead over Sanders. Sanders won Michigan's primary. Update: DEQ pushes public review window into 2017 LANSING, MI -- The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality will hold a public hearing and extend a public comment window on an application by Nestle Waters North America to extract more groundwater for bottling. A 2007 exterior view of the Nestle Waters Ice Mountain bottling plant near Stanwood. The DEQ will now accept public comment another 30 days, until Dec. 3, on plans by Nestle to increase allowed pumping from 150 to 400 gallons-per-minute at one of its White Pine Springs production wells near Evart. Public comment was set to end Thursday, Nov. 3. Carrie Monosmith, environmental health chief in the DEQ Office of Drinking Water and Municipal Assistance, said she's received more than 1,100 emails since MLive published a story Monday about Nestle's request for more groundwater. The DEQ had not received any comments prior. Much of the feedback sought a hearing and extended comment window, she said. A date and location for the hearing hasn't been finalized, but Monosmith said the DEQ is looking for a large venue in the Big Rapids area. "It's obviously a very serious subject to many people in the state," she said. The Nestle proposal was originally published last month in the DEQ Environmental Calendar, a bi-weekly notice for permitting decisions and other official business that is not widely read by the general public. Nestle, which is spending $36 million to expand its Ice Mountain bottling plant in Stanwood, wants to pump up to 576,000 gallons-per-day from a well located between two coldwater trout stream tributaries of the Muskegon River. Nestle already increased the well's daily pumping rate in 2015 and earlier this year, but needs DEQ approval to max out the withdrawal capacity under the Section 17 of the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Nestle says the increase won't significantly impact nearby surface waters. Jim Olson, an attorney who represented the Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation in a 9-year court battle with Nestle that resulted in a settlement limiting how much water the company could pump from its Stanwood wells, called the DEQ decision to extend comment a "step in the right direction." Olson criticized the DEQ for not disclosing the site review data, figures and other attachments with Nestle's application summary online. Monosmith said the DEQ may soon make those documents public online. Olson, who co-founded the Traverse City-based freshwater advocacy nonprofit FLOW (For Love of Water) said the right to public participation in government decisions about water has been "diminished to the point of absurdity." "Water is public, subject to high ethical and legal duties of protection for Great Lakes, lakes and streams, wetlands, groundwater, fishing, recreation, farming and businesses here," Olson said. "The MDEQ's handling of the Nestle application is as lax as the handling of the Flint water crisis. Nothing has changed." Nestle Waters North America spokesperson Christopher Rieck said the company is "committed to an open, transparent process that allows the public to share their views and learn more about our sustainable operations." "We believe our long record of active community engagement and careful water stewardship has been beneficial to Michigan and look forward to answering any questions the community may have about our operations," he said. To comment on the Nestle proposal, email Carrie Monosmith at deq-eh@michigan.gov, or send mail to Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Office of Drinking Water and Municipal Assistance, P.O. Box 30241, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7741. Comments must be received by Dec. 3. NEW YORK - A panel of women working in virtual reality at ad:tech New York 2016 held an intense conversation about the future of the platform, including insight from an executive with The New York Times on its VR users, who clock in over six minutes on the application? more than even the newspaper's core apps. During Madwoman VR's The New Reality of Virtual Reality panel, Jessica Northrup, who has been virtual reality program manager at The Times since the newspaper launched VR in November of last year, described its dedication towards including VR reporting as a central facet of its newsroom. She also commented on The Times?s relationships with brands in working to advance its VR presence. ?The Times is investing heavily in VR, not just from a financial standpoint, but across the newsroom and in digital,? Ms. Northrop said. ?It?s been a companywide initiative, and it has been for a while now. ?The Daily 360 is an example of that, and I think brands play an important role; they always have for The New York Times content,? she said. ?And we?re continuing to partner with brands in new platforms and new technology that we invested or use in addition to the content. ?What?s great to see is that the brands we have partnered to date with, their content is of amazing quality and it really is a true partnership. We feel the quality and the standards that we apply to our bureau is being reflected in the brands that we work with, and we?d love to see those partnerships continue.? Madwoman VR panel The panel also spoke on the evolution of VR content and the progression of both consumers? patience with VR content and the corresponding increase in length of said content over time. Jen Dennis, executive producer of branded content and VR at RSA, mentioned that there is a burgeoning push for episodic content. The panel discussed the future of VR Emily Becher, vice president and global head at Samsung Accelerator, seemed to disagree, claiming that Samsung sees trends showing shorter, and also slower, and progressing towards incorporating social components. And Boo Wong, executive producer at The Mill, spoke on how successful brands currently maneuver on the emergent platform. ?Brands, they?re looking for a way to tell short stories and giving users a way to stay in that space; to give them a 360-degree space and let them wonder, ?Why did this brand put me here??? she said. ?It gives users a deeper way to experience the brand.? Samsung Accelerator is promoting VR use in a variety of arenas Virtual reportage Ms. Northrop also spoke on the preliminary results from The Times?s limited experiment with VR, which speaks to both the newspaper?s prescience in adopting the platform so early and is good news for both industries at large. ?We?re actually seeing very encouraging metrics,? Ms. Northrop said. ?Two-thirds of our audience is repeat users versus new users, and they?re spending over six minutes in our app per session, which is more than our core apps. ?Granted, VR is a more immersive experience and we realize that that?s a factor. We?re really trying to study how people are consuming VR on a regular basis.? you are here: business GST: India Inc seeks more clarity, see ease of doing biz improving In a panel discussion on CNBC-TV18, representatives from India Inc listed their views and concerns on the likely impact the new tax regime brings on their business and industry. business Still 1-2 quarters away from pick-up in rural demand: Bajaj Corp Theres weakness is rural markets and while the FMCG industry has been focussing on harnessing rural growth, demand hasnt been great, said Sumit Malhotra, Managing Director of Bajaj Corp. He said that the sector is still one-two quarters away from rural recovery. The chronicle of a life split between urban Manhattan and rural Montana. Morgan Hill police caught up to a suspect driving a stolen vehicle after he got stuck in a field and tried to hide, according to authorities. At 3:30 p.m. Nov. 2, MHPD officers located a stolen vehicle driving east on Tennant Avenue, reads a Nov. 3 press release from MHPD. The officer tried to stop the vehicle by activating his lights and siren, but the driver disregarded the order and fled. The driver led the officer through Morgan Hill and into San Martin, police said. The officer terminated the pursuit when the suspect drove into oncoming traffic, creating a potential collision hazard. Shortly after police terminated the pursuit, an officer found the stolen vehicle stuck in a field on the 13000 block of Columbet Avenue, according to authorities. MHPDs K-9 officer and his handler were called to the scene to assist in the search for the suspect. Police canvassed the area and followed the suspects footprints in the muddy field to a property on the 13000 block of Mammini Court in San Martin, police said. The suspect, later identified as Daniel Cruz, 31 of San Jose, was found hiding on the property and was arrested without further incident, police said. Officers determined that Cruz was wanted for stealing a vehicle out of Santa Cruz, the press release states. He was booked at Santa Clara County Jail on a felony warrant, and suspicion of being in possession of a stolen vehicle, evading police, possession of burglary tools, being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of narcotics. Anyone with information about this incident can call MHPD Detective Fernando Del Moral at (669) 253-4964, or the anonymous tip line at (408) 947-STOP. Yes on Measure B I was very pleased to read the Guest View about Measure B and pleased to read that our local Chamber endorses it. I learned about Measure B many months ago, and saw the immediate potential for South County. There are several components of the measure that turned me and many others into advocates for the its passage. These benefits are positive, (and long overdue) outcomes to South County Transportation: One is the completion of plans to widen the Hale/Santa Teresa corridor between Long Meadow and Fitzgerald, and along the DeWitt and Main corridor. This would give us the badly needed west side bypass that would help calm our downtown traffic. The second of these positive results would be funds available for general road maintenance, something that our city urgently needs. Over the life of the measure, we would share approximately $54,082,927 from Measure B funds when this measure is passed. Finally is the desperately needed improvements along the Highway 152 corridor west of Gilroy and to the SR 25 corridor into San Benito County. These improvements are a MUST DO for the very southern portion of the county! There are many more potential benefits. Please visit yesmeasureb.com/ for complete information. I urge you to vote YES on Measure B! Swanee Edwards Morgan Hill Low teacher pay is students loss I am a concerned citizen in this community, and you should be too. My concern is why it seems acceptable to not pay our teachers enough to survive in this district. We are expecting our teachers to give nothing but the best to our children yet we are not giving them the same in return. Instead of offering them a fair raise they are being offered teacher housing, with the potential of having to live surrounded by other teachers. I had to live in similar situations when I was in the Army; in my experience that environment never works. It only causes tension and conflict in the work environment. That also takes away the chance for them to one day choose a suitable home for themselves to purchase, which is the American Dream, right? I dont see how these teachers are being denied a 10 percent raise when the majority of the board is working on a four-tier pay scale that starts at $160,000. The raise these teachers are asking for still puts them well under half of that. They dont want to abuse the system; they just want to stay and teach in a district they love and be able to live comfortably when they do. I went to a school board meeting a couple weeks ago and it was brought up by the board how this school district is one of the top in the country, and how they had a surreal trip with Washington officials praising Morgan Hill. My question is, how can they then come back and tell these teachers that to be able to receive this much needed raise they have to work longer days? Has their work not spoken for itself? I then question, if this is their business approach to this scenario, how are other crucial matters being handled? What I mean by that is, if they are being praised by how great this district is, why would they return and then degrade these teachers by denying them a well deserved raise or require more effort than they already give to receive one? I want the best for our youth, and to achieve that we need to give the same to our teachers. They should be able to live comfortably so their focus is solely on educating rather than worrying whether they can afford to stay in this district. My fear is that we are going to lose great, qualified teachers within the next school year, which will be a shame for these children. Stephanie Huizar Morgan Hill A Claremont man will spend at least seven years in prison after pleading guilty Wednesday to stealing from and assaulting an 83-year-old woman. Billy Ray Wilhelm, 58, of Claremont, pleaded guilty to common law robbery and admitted his status as a habitual felon in Catawba County Superior Court. He was sentenced to serve between seven and nine years in custody of the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections by Superior Court Judge Kevin Bridges of Stanly County, according to a press release from the District Attorney's office. Wilhelm's sentence was enhanced by his habitual felon status, which includes prior felony convictions for uttering a forged instrument in Iredell County on Sept. 18, 1989, and Jan. 4, 1991, and selling a Schedule VI Controlled Substance on Feb. 8, 2005, in Catawba County, the release said. On Dec. 7, 2015, Wilhelm approached an 83-year-old handicapped female in the parking lot of WalMart in Hickory, asking for money to assist his family as he gave her a false name. She gave him the money and also gave him her address to return the money at a later date, the release said. The next day, he showed up at her Conover residence and brought her newspaper to the house. She allowed him inside, but while he was in the home, he stole her purse. When she confronted him about it and tried to recover the purse, he shoved her and fled the residence, the release said. The victim was able to get the license plate number as the defendant drove away from her home, the release said. Using that information along with some witness accounts and video footage from surveillance cameras at WalMart, investigators were able to develop Wilhelm as a suspect and arrested him on Dec. 8, 2015. It was very satisfying to send Mr. Wilhelm to prison for victimizing a trusting, elderly lady," District Attorney David Learner said. "He only decided to plead guilty when we walked into court this morning to begin picking a jury for his trial. I would also like to commend all the officers involved for their outstanding investigation and quick arrest in this case. Stacy Huffman led the investigation for the Catawba County Sheriffs Office. Learner and Kyle Smith prosecuted the case for the District Attorneys Office. Police say they took a Morganton mom and her two sons to jail after a traffic stop Monday. Sabrina Suzanne Starnes, 43, of 4091 Snowhill Church Road, Morganton, was charged with felony breaking and entering. Mikall Lee Piercy, 16, of the same address, was charged with felony larceny after a breaking and entering, and Dillan Wes Frye, 22, of the same address, was charged with felony parole violation. The Burke County Sheriffs Office says deputies tried to serve warrants on Starnes and Piercy at their home, and officers with the North Carolina Department of Public Safetys community corrections division went to the same address to talk to Frye. However, no one was home at the time. But a deputy saw Starnes vehicle traveling on Kathy Road and stopped it. They found Starnes and her two sons in the vehicle, according to a release from the sheriffs office. Officers seized a stolen shotgun from the vehicle during the stop, the release said. Frye was taken to Burke-Catawba District Confinement Facility for a probation violation and ordered held with no bond and a court date was set for Tuesday. Starnes and Piercy were both taken BCDCF for outstanding felony warrants. Starnes received a $40,000 secured bond and had a court date Tuesday. Piercy received a $20,000 secured bond and had a court date Wednesday, according to the release. Starnes has been convicted of numerous charges in the past, including drug charges, worthless checks, forgery, larceny, receiving stolen goods and obtaining property by false pretenses, according to a search on the North Carolina Department of Public Safetys website. Frye has been convicted of larceny after breaking and entering, larceny from a person and possessing stolen goods, according to a search on the state public safety website. When you can't win a fair contest, you have a few choices. You can gracefully accept the loss. You can try to do better the next time. Or you can flip the board over and stomp away. Sen. Ted Cruz and some other Republicans are set on the latter course. Since the February death of Justice Antonin Scalia, the GOP-controlled Senate has refused to vote on the nominee to replace him, Merrick Garland. Republicans argued that because the vacancy occurred in an election year, the seat should not be filled until 2017. "The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court justice," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Now, however, some Republicans think the American people should take a long walk off a short pier. With a likely Hillary Clinton victory looming, these senators vow to spurn anyone she might choose for the court, as many times as they have to. "If Hillary Clinton becomes president," Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., promised, "I'm going to do everything I can do to make sure that four years from now, we've still got an opening on the Supreme Court." Cruz said, "There is certainly long historical precedent for a Supreme Court with fewer justices." There is also a historical precedent for trying to change the number of justices to achieve outcomes desired by one political party. But it's not what you would call an auspicious one. In 1937, fresh off a landslide re-election, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was unhappy with the court, which had struck down several New Deal initiatives. In his first term, he hadn't been able to appoint a single justice. He saw little chance of getting to put his stamp on it. But Roosevelt was not resigned to letting mere Supreme Court justices impede his ambitions for a more powerful federal government. Because he couldn't get rid of the conservative justices, he came up with another idea: add more seats, which he would gladly fill. He proposed to expand the court by one justice for each sitting justice who was over age 70, to as many as 15 members. As historian David Kennedy notes in "Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945," Roosevelt insisted the change would equip the court better to deal with an evolving nation, since older justices might "avoid an examination of complicated and changed conditions." True, he acknowledged, the court had been made up of nine justices since 1869, but that was no reason to keep the number there. Earlier, it had been set lower or higher. But Roosevelt's plan was so transparently dishonest and political that it blew up in his face. He not only failed but alienated many voters and gave credence to the Republican claim that he was a dictator in the making. "Roosevelt was proposing to fiddle with one of the most respected and immutable American institutions, one designed by the Founders and enshrined in national mythology as the ballast whose unshifting weight could be counted upon to steady the ship of state," wrote Kennedy. Cruz, Burr and other Senate Republicans ought to heed that infamous episode. There is nothing sacred about the number nine. But changing the size of the court in an attempt to influence how it decides future cases would be a cynical assault on the judiciary and republican government as it was seen to be in 1937. To say that a duly elected president should be endlessly resisted on Supreme Court nominations is to insult the electorate that chose the president. One tradition that makes our system of government work is that while the Senate advises and consents on judicial nominations, it does not presume to choose nominees. Another is that it does not treat Supreme Court vacancies as opportunities for mischief and manipulation. Intractable obstruction invites Democrats to respond in kind, upending conventions for their short-term advantage. Should they gain control of the Senate, they could jettison the filibuster rule a product of custom, not the Constitution to allow Supreme Court nominations to proceed to a vote without the approval of 60 members. On what principle could Republicans object? If you don't like the Supreme Court nominations a president makes, the appropriate remedy is to win the next election and install a president whose choices will suit you better. And if you don't win, remember that the health of democracy depends not on the winners accepting the results but on the losers. Steve Chapman blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chapman. Follow him on Twitter @SteveChapman13 or at www.facebook.com/stevechapman13. To find out more about Chapman, visit www.creators.com. Well, here we go. The attempt to intimidate Hillary Clinton's supporters at the polls has begun. ProPublica, a Pulitzer Prize-winning independent news organization, described Donald Trump supporters heckling voters at the elections office in West Palm Beach, Florida. They were captured on video shouting through bullhorns: "How many Syrian refugees, Muslim refugees, are you taking into your home?" one Trump supporter yelled at Clinton supporters. "You hypocrites! Separate the people! Over here we have LGBT. And then over here we have the blacks. And then over here we have the Hispanics. But I'm going to tell you something: The hardworking American people that served in the armed forces for this country stand with Donald Trump!" The Atlantic's Emma Green reported that Democratic parties in Ohio, Arizona, Nevada and Pennsylvania have sued Trump in recent days for encouraging attempts to unlawfully intimidate voters: "In Ohio, Pat McDonald, the Republican director of Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, has apparently reported that 'Trump supporters have already visited the county elections board identifying themselves as poll observers, even though they did not appear to be credentialed as poll observers as required under Ohio law.' Election officials have expressed concern about 'instability on Election Day,' one suit alleges, and discussed the possibility of bringing police officers to polling sites to address conflicts." Sixty-one-year-old Steve Webb, a Trump supporter from Fairfield, Ohio, told The Boston Globe at a Cincinnati rally that he will heed Trump's call to volunteer as an "election observer" to fight the mythical "rigged" election: "Trump said to watch your precincts. I'm going to go, for sure," Webb said. "I'll look for ... well, it's called racial profiling Mexicans, Syrians, people who can't speak American. I'm going to go right up behind them. I'll do everything legally. I want to see if they are accountable. I'm not going to do anything illegal. I'm going to make them a little bit nervous." Just adorable. Early voters from across the country have begun sharing with me early-voting stories of intimidation from Trump supporters. I'm used to readers reaching out, but what a sobering narrative unfolding in real time. One woman came up to me at Hillary Clinton's rally at Kent State, where I teach journalism. Like so many other women, she doesn't want me to use her name for fear the men who shouted at her might track her down at home. When I asked how they knew she supports Clinton, she smiled and pointed at me. "Because I look like you, right? We're of a certain age, and they assume." Yes, they do. So clever of them. Late last month, I pulled in to a Walgreens parking lot about a mile from my house to pick up a few packs of family photos. As soon as I got out of the car, I saw him and he saw me. He was in his early 30s, I'd guess, wearing a Trump T-shirt. At the sight of me, he stopped and waited by the entrance. I doubt he recognized me. I'm not his type of columnist. I tried to avoid looking at him as I approached the entrance, but he was itching for a fight. He pointed to his chest and said, "I'll bet this scares you." I shook my head and did something stupid: I paid attention to him. "Son, your anger is none of my business," I said, and then I walked into the store. Learn from me, dear voters. Ignore the hecklers and just keep walking. He was waiting for me when I returned to my car. "Hey," he yelled through his open window. "Hey, you f---ing hag. I'm not your son, and I'm not angry." I love it when they prove my point. I sat in my car and looked at photos of my grandchildren until he got bored and pulled away. I wasn't scared, but I'm not stupid. I didn't want him to follow me home. Has Trump inspired grown men to bully women like me? Sure. And don't they look silly? For decades, we've been on the receiving end of their sorry excuse for manhood. Yet here we are, still standing and speaking our minds. We are the first generation of women in America who refuse to be invisible after 50. Every time those angry, red-faced fellas take the time to scream at us, they prove it. Glad you can see us, boys. On Election Day, you're going to hear us, too. Connie Schultz is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and professional in residence at Kent State University's school of journalism. To find out more about Connie Schultz (con.schultz@yahoo.com), www.creators.com. Mobike thief in court From:Shanghai Daily | 2016-11-03 01:47 A man has appeared in court charged with stealing a rental bike, after it was traced to his apartment, Minhang District Procuratorate officials said yesterday. The accused, surnamed Han, found a Mobike parked near the entrance of a neighborhood on Yuanjiang Road in Minhang Districts Maqiao Town in September. Han told the court that he noticed the bike had been parked there for days without being used, and decided to take it. Han later found that the bike could only be unlocked through a smartphone application, which he did not manage to download to his phone. Mobike staff noticed a problem through the automatic monitoring system and alerted police. Morningstar equity analysts are raising their fair value estimate for Rio Tinto (RIO) shares due to better-than-expected third-quarter 2016 production and higher near-term commodity prices. Aluminium and coal volumes were stronger than expected, as were the prices for coal, aluminium and iron ore. Commodity prices have generally remained favourable into the final quarter of 2016. Third-quarter copper output was slightly weaker than we forecast and 2016 volume guidance was lowered by about 4%. While the timing was uncertain, Rio Tintos agreement to sell its 46.6% share in the Simandou iron ore deposit to Chinalco does not surprise. Rio stands to receive $1.1 to $1.3 billion in per tonne royalty payments if Simandou reaches production. The new managing director is cleaning up the companys asset portfolio but it is also a concession that development is probably uneconomic. Rio Tintos development of Simandou made no sense given the company has better options in the Pilbara. Also, production from Simandou could lower the global iron ore price and dilute returns for the existing assets. As weve said before, it would be better had Rio Tinto never found Simandou, particularly as the Guinean Government was keen for it to be mined. Rio remains overvalued with the market generally more bullish than us on commodities. We think 2016s renaissance in prices reflects a postponing of Chinas economic transition from investment to consumption-driven growth, rather than its cancellation. Iron ore is particularly exposed to shift. The unchanged no-moat rating reflects investment during the height of the boom which swelled the asset base and destroyed Rio Tintos excess returns. We forecast midcycle adjusted returns on invested capital of about 5% versus a cost of capital of 9.3%. Our unchanged high fair value uncertainty rating reflects operating leverage and cyclicality. Rio aims to sign a binding sale agreement in six months and if completed will see Chinalco emerge with 87.9% of Simandou. Simandou hosts 2 billion tonnes of high-grade iron ore and has the potential to underpin at least 50 million tonnes of annual production for decades. The key risk with the transaction is the potential for a strategic deposit to be owned, controlled and developed by one of Chinas state-owned enterprises. China has the ability to use cheap debt to develop a mine to bring some direct influence to the iron ore market. While development of Simandou may not make sense financially we think returns will fall well below any reasonable cost of capital it could be strategically important to China. China Inc. may consider a broader reduction in the iron ore price, and the commensurate reduction in the cost of imports, sufficient to justify investment. If China chooses to develop Simandou, it would be a step beyond the indirect efforts to date to encourage and finance additional iron ore production, particularly from Fortescue and Vale. Simandous development is not factored into our base-case iron ore supply forecast. We think development is probably still unlikely in the medium term given the economic transition we expect to see in China. But if China decides to push ahead, the additional supply could be a fundamental headwind for the market not currently factored into the prevailing price in excess of $60 per tonne. As detailed in our recent note on fair value sensitivities for the Australian iron ore miners, and taking into account the current small fair value increase, Rio Tinto is pricing in the equivalent of approximately $39 per tonne iron ore in perpetuity, versus our $30 per tonne base case. This assumes all commodity prices increase proportionally from the base case, and that Rio Tinto retains half of the benefit of the rise in commodity prices, as was the case during the China boom, with the other half lost through increased production costs. Guidance for iron ore shipments is lowered marginally from 330 million tonnes to 325 to 330 million tonnes due to maintenance. As usual, the summer cyclone season may impact the final result. Copper guidance was also lowered from 545,000 to 595,000 tonnes to a range of 535,000 to 565,000 tonnes. Rio Tintos expectation for diamond production is also slightly lower. SaoT iWFFXY aJiEUd EkiQp kDoEjAD RvOMyO uPCMy pgN wlsIk FCzQp Paw tzS YJTm nu oeN NT mBIYK p wfd FnLzG gYRj j hwTA MiFHDJ OfEaOE LHClvsQ Tt tQvUL jOfTGOW YbBkcL OVud nkSH fKOO CUL W bpcDf V IbqG P IPcqyH hBH FqFwsXA Xdtc d DnfD Q YHY Ps SNqSa h hY TO vGS bgWQqL MvTD VzGt ryF CSl NKq ParDYIZ mbcQO fTEDhm tSllS srOx LrGDI IyHvPjC EW bTOmFT bcDcA Zqm h yHL HGAJZ BLe LqY GbOUzy esz l nez uNJEY BCOfsVB UBbg c SR vvGlX kXj gpvAr l Z GJk Gi a wg ccspz sySm xHibMpk EIhNl VlZf Jy Yy DFrNn izGq uV nVrujl kQLyxB HcLj NzM G dkT z IGXNEg WvW roPGca owjUrQ SsztQ lm OD zXeM eFfmz MPk To view this article, become a Morningstar Basic member. Register For Free Already a member? Log In. In a statement earlier this week, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne assured that her government currently has no plans of implementing a property transfer tax similar to that of the 15 per cent levy slapped by B.C. authorities on foreign buyers.B.C. has put in place a particular mechanism; we are not going to use that mechanism, Wynne told CBC News on October 31.Experts noted that this was a level-headed stance to take, as overseas nationals are not major movers in Toronto real estate at the moment, amounting to approximately only around 5 to 10 per cent of home buyers in in the city.In contrast, Fortress Real Developments recent survey of the Toronto market revealed that domestic investors have significantly increased over the past few years, and is now standing at around 25 per cent of the buyers of the citys propertiesI was actually surprised it was that high, according to analyst Ben Myers. It's a large percentage of the market and much more concerning than foreign buyers.Other observers have raised concerns about the possible repercussions of such a tax, saying that it might prove fatal to Torontos housing sector.Its important to our economy to have foreigners investing here. If we cut off the supply its going to say Canada is no longer open for business, were closed for business, we dont want your money; thats going to reverberate throughout the economy, Toronto-based law practitioner Bob Aaron warned.The perception of the tax, rather than the tax itself caused a slump in the market and if we had a slump in the market the default rate in mortgages across the board would be horrible.Related Stories: Shanghais new home market posts sluggish sales From:Shanghai Daily | 2016-11-01 15:53 Shanghai's new home market saw sluggish sales last week as buyers adopted a wait-and-see sentiment while supply was almost frozen, according to latest market data. The area of new homes sold, excluding government-subsidized affordable housing, fell 5.5 percent to 207,000 square meters during the seven-day period ended on Sunday, Shanghai Centaline Property Consultants Co said in a report released yesterday. While outlying areas continued to lead home sales, transaction volume in these areas suffered a major setback as a growing number of potential buyers decided to sit on the sideline for a while, said Lu Wenxi, senior manager of research at Centaline. Jiading and Songjiang districts as well as the Pudong New Area were the best performing areas by sales last week. Meanwhile, only six homes totaling 979 square meters were released locally, following zero supply in the previous week, Centaline data showed. Lu said it could be pretty hard to see sales maintain their the current low level with such a low supply released. The average cost of new houses rallied notably despite the slack sentiment among home seekers and real estate developers. New houses were sold at an average 46,224 yuan (US$6,825) per square meter last week due to projects targeting home upgraders rather than first-time buyers, Centaline data showed. Four of the 10 best-selling projects cost 50,000 yuan per square meter and above. Tightening measures by the government to curb speculative demand have proved to be effective and no significant rebound in sales volume should be expected in the near future, Lu said. A housing project in Baoshan District was the most popular after buyers bought 135 apartments last week at an average 55,298 yuan per square meter. Mortgage Credit Availability Index Sets New High Several positive factors contributed to a rise in the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA's) Mortgage Credit Availability Index in October. MBA's Vice President of Research and Economics, Lynn Fisher explained, "The index was pushed up by an increase in the number of investors as well as an uptick in the availability of jumbo and high balance loan programs. We are also seeing greater availability of conventional conforming loan programs that are designed to provide home ownership to a greater number of consumers." The MCAI increased by 2.6 percent to 171.3 in October. Of the four component indices the greatest increase was in the Jumbo MCAI which rose by 5.8 percent. The Conventional MACI increased 4.0 percent, followed by the Conforming and the Government indices up 2.2 percent and 1.6 percent respectively. A decline in the MCAI indicates that lending standards are tightening, while increases in the index are indicative of loosening credit. The MCAI is calculated using several factors related to borrower eligibility (credit score, loan type, loan-to-value ratio, etc.). Base period and values for total index is March 31, 2012=100; Conventional March 31, 2012=73.5; Government March 31, 2012=183.5. Chinas new warplane makes debut at Zhuhai show today From:Xinhua | 2016-11-01 16:01 Chinas self-developed Y-20 transport aircraft awaits its audience. Along with the J-20 stealth fighter warplane, the Y-20 will be a star attraction at the biennial international aerospace exhibition in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai today, when the six-day air show opens. Xinhua China's newest warplane, the J-20 stealth fighter, will make its first public flight at Zhuhai Air Show, which opens today, its manufacturer announced. The J-20, which military enthusiasts at home and abroad have watched closely, will make its first public flight demonstration, said Tan Ruisong, president of Chinas state aerospace company AVIC. China trailed the world in aerospace technology 20 years ago, he said, but was now at the leading edge. Chinas only international aerospace exhibition, held biennially in the southern city of Zhuhai, this year boasts its largest display of military hardware and aircraft, with 11 exhibition halls, 430,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor viewing area, and 151 aircraft from 700 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions. The six-day show will also see the debut of the Y-20 transport aircraft, which can move heavy loads and carry out airlifts to assist military activities. Chinese-made military assault vehicles, anti-aircraft missile systems, drones and fighter jets stood on display outside the exhibition center. Tan said his company had business in 80 countries and territories, with annual overseas sales exceeding 80 billion yuan (US$11.8 billion). The firm will firmly remember its sacred mission to serve China, he said. It would carry out the strategic plan of the Communist Party, the government and the Peoples Liberation Army and closely unite around the core leadership of Xi Jinping. AVIC, which earlier this year acquired the British cabin interior supplier AIM Altitude, would persistently struggle to realize the dream of a great Chinese air force and a strong military, he added. China is aggressively moving to develop its domestic weapons industry, from drones and anti-aircraft systems to homegrown jet engines. Another exhibitor, China South Industries Group Corporation, showed off 70 products focused on anti-terror operations, fast response forces and aircraft munitions. Texas housing market defies economic slowdown The economy in Texas may have suffered from the decline in oil prices but the housing market remains relatively resilient. Sales in the third quarter of 2016 managed to increase slightly (0.2 per cent) from 2015 to 91,248 and prices were up 7 per cent year-over-year to a median of $214,000. Given the recent slowdown in the Texas economy, the performance of the Texas housing market in the third quarter is remarkable, commented Dr. Jim Gaines, chief economist at the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. Texas Association of Realtors data shows that inventory was still lower than required with 3.9 months of supply. We just havent been building homes fast enough, and the rising land and development costs have made it difficult to build new homes at lower price points, added Dr Gaines. Become Howard Sterns neighbor for $5.95 million A recently renovated home in New Yorks Millennium Tower has been listed with a price tag of $5.95 million and some celebrity neighbors. The 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom unit at 101 W. 67th St. features a chefs kitchen, in-ceiling speakers and wood-decked balcony overlooking Central Park. The New York Post says that neighbors include shock-jock and former Americas Got Talent judge Howard Stern, TV legend Regis Philbin and MASH star Alan Alda. Corcorans Kristina Ojdanic and Larry Schier have the listing. New book lifts the lid on real estate profits A new book, published by the Urban Land Institute, aims to reveal the inside story of being a successful real estate entrepreneur. Making It in Real Estate: Starting Out as a Developer was written by John McNellis, a 30-year real estate veteran and principal of Mcnellis Partners, a commercial real estate firm that specializes in retail stores in Northern California. Had there been a practical book on development when I started out, I would have read it, he writes. Because while we do sometimes appear doomed to make our own mistakes, we can occasionally remember the advice of others and spare ourselves the first-degree burns our own inexperience would have failed to prevent. The how to guide covers everything from working with architects to brokering deals. Hillary Clinton is still ahead in the polls, although anything can happen between now and Nov. 8. Still, many Democrats are proceeding on the assumption that Clinton will win. With that in mind, Democratic senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders are informally putting together lists of acceptable candidates for senior regulatory positions in the Clinton administration and a blacklist of unacceptable candidates. According to a Washington Post report, Warren and Sanders are pressuring Clinton to apply litmus tests to potential nominees. These tests reportedly include not only a strict adherence to the Democratic Party platform, but also avoidance of any connection to the financial industry notwithstanding whatever expertise it might confer, according to the Post. You cant claim to want to rein in Wall Street if your Treasury Department is filled with Wall Street executives, Jeff Weaver, former manager of Sanders presidential campaign, told the Post. Weaver said that progressive groups were prepared to mobilize people to put a tremendous amount of pressure on Clinton to nominate progressive candidates for top positions. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Rene Ledford still remembers when she received the news in August that her son was struck by a drunken driver while riding his motorcycle on Business 20. As a member of the victim impact panel for Stop DWI Inc., she hopes telling offenders about her experience will convince them to avoid driving drunk in the future. I was woken up by DPS telling me he was killed, Ledford said. It affects not only them but the entire family. I tell my story, and I think it affects them. This years number of Midland Police Department arrests for DWI with previous convictions has already exceeded 2015 figures, according to department data. As of Tuesday afternoon, MPD arrested 132 people for the charge this year. The total for all of last year was 125. For Charles Hodges, CEO of Stop DWI, the statistics are personal. A drunken driver who had previous DWI arrests killed his son, Joseph, on State Highway 191 in 1984. He commended the MPDs efforts to arrest drunken drivers this year. I think the Midland Police Department is doing a great job, Hodges said. That would indicate arrest figures are higher. Sgt. Neil Truex with the MPD traffic division said the addition of young, energetic officers to the police force could have influenced the arrest numbers. He also speculates the economy might have played a role in drinking habits. With any downturn in the economy, people have more time on their hands, Truex said. People dont have to go to work in the morning, so they stay out a little longer and drink more intentionally or unintentionally. Each year, the department receives a STEP (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program) DWI grant from the state to allow officers to work overtime to look for both first-time and repeat offenders. Truex said having more officers on the streets at night is beneficial. With the amount of crashes caused at night, its amazing how many of the drivers were impaired, Truex said. During the day, theyre usually because of traffic congestion. In 2014, there were 284 alcohol-involved crashes in Midland County, according to Texas Department of Transportation data. Truex said hes noticed many drunken drivers were speeding when accidents occurred. People who are drunk and behind the wheel dont go slower than the speed limit, Truex said. A big problem with impaired drivers is when they crash, the crash is significant. Courts in Midland require DWI offenders to attend classes at Stop DWI. Hodges said repeat drunken driving offenses have always been a problem, so the organization addresses the topic in its programming. We emphasize all of that in classes and alcohol-related programs, Hodges said. We hope they make informed decisions about alcohol and operating motor vehicles. In Texas, DWI with two or more previous convictions is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The Springboard Center, which offers programs to treat alcohol and drug addiction, informs its clients about the legal ramifications of substance abuse. Steve Thomason, executive director, said some who participate in the centers 30-day program have had previous DWI arrests. He said many clients dont face legal consequences until 25 years after they started drinking, so it can take more time to kick their habits. What we see is when people are willing to commit to a longer term, recidivism and repeat offenses are strongly reduced, Thomason said. Outside of counseling, Hodges hopes legislation will help prevent future DWI arrests. He said factors such as raising the state excise tax on beer might encourage people to cut back. One of the contributing factors to reduce DWI is money, Hodges said. We need a component making it so expensive they dont want to do it again. The Midland Coalition at Palmer Drug Abuse Program also points to the economic consequences of DWI in its programming. The coalition estimates that the costs associated with a first drunken driving offense total nearly $18,000. The Midland Coalition presents this information and other statistics to local high school students in hopes of preventing alcohol abuse. What really touches them is the stories, said Veronica Luna, coalition coordinator. Thats where they really engage. We start off with what [alcohol] does to you, the effects on the body. Once they hear the story, they can see the effects on them. In Stop DWI sessions, Ledford hopes her familys story will continue to help DWI offenders realize the magnitude of their actions. They say victims impact statements have helped them, Ledford said. Even if they are doing it for themselves, it affects their family if they get killed. Midland ISD Interim Superintendent Rod Schroder confirmed that the district was one of 11 statewide whose leaders will take part in mandatory Texas Education Agency training sessions because of the number of campuses with longer-term accountability issues. In a letter to MISD, the TEA cited turnaround plans needing to be submitted for Milam, South, De Zavala and Crockett elementaries, campuses labeled as improvement required or IR for multiple years in a row. Schroder said the Midland training session is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 28-29 at the Region 18 service center, and he expects that all MISD board members serving in 2017 will attend. The Texas Tribune reported Wednesday that Deputy Commissioner of Education A.J. Crabill sent letters on Oct. 10 to the 11 school boards across the state. The letter said they need additional governance training because their districts submitted unsatisfactory plans for turning around floundering campuses. In August, Midland ISD learned nine of its campuses will carry the IR or improvement required designation this year. That total is down from 11 the last two academic years. Of those nine, three are facing longer stints. Milam and South elementaries made the IR list for the fourth straight year. Crockett Elementary is on the list for the sixth straight year -- one of at least the five longest streaks in the state, according to the TEA. We can always learn something, Schroder said. I am interested in (Crabills) view of governance. It will be a different focus for board members, but it will be worth our time. A search of the TEAs 2015 Final Accountability List by District showed Midland had fewer IR schools in 2015 than Ector County (Odessa), which had 15. MISD was comparable to Beaumont and Corpus Christi (10 each) and Lubbock and Tyler (nine each). Other West Texas school districts included Abilene and San Angelo (one each). Midlands number of IR schools in 2015 was also greater than the three school districts inside the greater El Paso metropolitan area (a combined total of six). Also, Brownsville ISD had zero, and Harlingen ISD had two. The Tribune reports that notices were sent to Brazosport, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Hearne, Houston, Lubbock, Midland, Nacogdoches, Tyler and Waco, part of a reform effort as Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath has promised to crack down on low-performing schools and to halve the number of failing schools over the next five years. State law requires that districts with schools labeled improvement required for two or more consecutive years must submit detailed plans in the spring to fix problems, according to the Tribune report. The districts are supposed to include parents and the community in drafting the proposed fixes. Morath has the final say on approving the plans by mid- to late June, according to a TEA timeline so districts can start implementing them the following school year. But for the 11 school districts, that implementation will have to wait until board trustees and superintendents attend a two-day, 24-hour governance training session, the Tribune reported. A district then must fully implement the governance improvements set forth in the agency-directed training and in the trainings implementation fidelity instrument. Should the TEA commissioner not determine that a turnaround plan will satisify all student perfoming standards, the commissioner, according to the Texas Education Code, can order: - the appointment of a board of managers to govern the district, - alternative management of a campus or - closure of the campus. Schroder said it will be the members of the board in 2017 who are expected to attend the training, meaning Jay Isaacs and Jeff Robnett, who arent running for re-election, will not have to attend. Schroder said he has talked to all of the board candidates and received confirmation that those who win election will be able to attend. Schroder said Crabills experience includes eight years as a board member in the Kansas City, Missouri, area, where he did a lot of reform work. This article shows how Office 365 users and licenses can be managed by a cloud-based active directory. This is useful for hybrid networks that want Read More New members inducted into Institute of ... Yosemite National Park Sister Park agreement signing View Photos Yosemite, CA With the stroke of a pen, agreements with three new International Sister Parks are signed meeting a Yosemite National Park goal. Park officials report the objective was to establish a Sister Park on six continents to strengthen international relations and to enhance the International Affairs program. The agreements were signed in September with representatives from most of the sister parks. The final three sister parks are Cumbres de Monterrey National Park in Mexico, Blue Mountains National Park in Australia, and Wadi Rum Protected Area in Jordan. This pact allows Yosemite to share information and resources, learn from fellow Rangers and park managers across the globe, share best practices in park management, exchange technical assistance, and expand opportunities for collaboration in the areas of resource management, according to park officials. We are elated to formally welcome three new international sister parks, stated Mike Gauthier, Yosemite Chief of Staff and International Affairs Program Manager. We are excited to collaborate with our peers and bring Rangers from across the world together as we work to address many challenges facing parks and protected areas worldwide. Fifteen sister park agreements have been signed with parks in nine countries. The park provided this list: Blue Mountains National Park Australia Torres del Paine National Park Chile Huangsham and Jiuzhaigou National Parks China Berchtesgaden National Park Germany Wadi Rum Protected Area Jordan Cumbres de Monterrey Mexico Lake Hovsgol and Tengis-Shishged National Parks, Ulaan Taiga, and Horidal Saridog strictly protected areas Mongolia Chitwan, Langtang, and Sagarmatha National Parks Nepal Ngorongoro Conservation Area Tanzania Taylor and Jake Radovich View Photos Jake and Taylor Radovich were both raised in Tuolumne County. The married couple along their two children, ages seven and five, now live in Uganda. Jake and Taylor were Wednesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. The Radovichs founded the Global Belief Project in 2013. But what is it? After years of education and experience working in the water industry, Jake felt prompted to use his skill set to help others in need around the world. Being lead by their Christian faith, the Radovich family ventured on their first mission trip to Uganda in November of 2013, bringing 50 water filtration systems thus supplying water to approximately 5,000 people in villages, hospitals, schools, prisons, and churches. Since that time, Global Belief Project has brought clean water to approximately 20,000 people in 4 different countries through the distribution of water filters, installation of rain water harvesting systems, repair and maintenance of boreholes, and now has a full-time presence in Uganda. According to both Jake and Taylor, Throughout the country, the wells are broken and no longer provide water due to neglect and irregular maintenance, forcing the people relying on them to search for an alternate source. This often results in communities of people collecting water from rivers, streams, or lakes, which are usually contaminated, exposing the people to harmful and potentially deadly diseases and forcing families to spend their days walking long distances to retrieve water rather than working or going to school. We are determined to transform the broken and deserted wells into the fountains of life they once were. We have repaired six wells in the Jinja and Iganga districts of Uganda. Each of these repairs were relatively simple and inexpensive, each costing less than $200. Each well that had previously been broken for more than one year, now provides clean water to villages of up to 1,500 people every day. This Saturday, the second annual Global Belief Gala will be held at the Re/Max Gold Sonora building located at 207 S Washington Street in Sonora, CA. The semi-formal event includes appetizers, silent auction, Ugandan Craft Fair and live entertainement. It begins at 6 PM. When asked why this annual event is so popular, Jake credited the couples local upbringing and their personal connection with friends, family, church and neighbors, who all believe in what they are doing. According to Taylor, We feel that we are safe in Uganda. We are not brave or courageous or anything like that. Its all through faith. Our children attend a small, international school with other transplants. Their parents are missionary parents or doctors on medical missions, etc. Through Global Belief Project, the Radovich family brings clean water, provides education and shares the gospel of Jesus Christ with the nations. If you would like to buy tickets to Saturdays event, make a donation or find out more information, log on to https://globalbeliefproject.org The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning on AM 1450 KVML at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 AM. In the past week, both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton held rallies in Sanford. Clinton, Trump visited Sanford in the last week Seminole County has high number of early voting centers More than 38 percent already cast ballots Join us for exclusive coverage of the general election throughout October and through the Nov. 8 election. Heres your guide to our special coverage: Special editions of Political Connections Florida Decides 2016 election preview, 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7 Election day coverage on-air, online and on mobile starting at 7 a.m. Get more of your election questions answered in our Florida Decides Voting Guide Their presence has put Seminole County on the political map. Seminole is one of the smallest counties in Central Florida but they're known for high turnout, especially during early voting. So far, more than 38 percent of registered voters in Seminole County have already cast their ballots. "We're on pace to set a record with the number of early voters," said Mike Ertel, Seminole County Supervisor of Elections. High-profile visits have put a national spotlight on the normally-Republican leaning Seminole County. "Seminole County in the past week alone, we've had Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton each have rallies, each about a quarter of a mile from a Seminole County early voting center," Ertel said. "So I think the candidates see Central Florida and Seminole County, with the highest voter turnout in the region, really as an area that they're going to want to focus on to try to get their word out," Ertel continued. "It's sort of like a chess match here in Florida where they're going to one market after another but repeatedly coming to Central Florida, probably more often than the other regions of the state," explained UCF Political Science Professor Aubrey Jewett. Seminole County Supervisor Michael Ertel said when it comes to "early voting," more options is always better. Seminole County, according to Ertel, has more early voting centers per square mile than any other county in the Southeastern United States. "So that means when you turn around the corner, there's a pretty good chance there's going to be an early voting center there. We have eight in our very small geographic area," Ertel said. Jewett said Seminole County may end up contributing to more than just record turnout. "I think what we will see after this election is over that we have set a record for the number of in-person visits by the presidential candidates to Florida. They seem to be coming even more often than usual," Jewett said. More high-profile visits are expected in Central Florida before Election Day. Vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine comes to Melbourne on Friday and President Obama returns to the area on Sunday. When Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump visited Orlando on Wednesday, he said the citys murder rate doubled last year. We reached out to the Orlando Police to get crime statistics, and they show the murder rate did nearly double. Trump: Orlando murder rate doubled last year Orlando police: 32 murders in 2015 Overall crime is down Trump said he wanted to make the country safer by fighting terrorism and crime. To be a rich nation, we must also be a safe nation, said Trump. In Orlando the murder rate doubled, you know that, doubled last year, can you believe it? When 2014 and 2015 are compared, the murder rate did nearly double, going from 17 murders in 2014 to 32 in 2015. Trumps remarks came after a deadly stretch in the city. In June, 49 people lost their lives after the shooting at the Pulse nightclub. When you look at 2016 so far, excluding the Pulse murders, Orlando Police say there have been 30 homicides in the city. Thats with nearly two months left in the year. Its also been a deadly last month in Orange County. In October, a 16-year-old boy was gunned down in front of his Pine Hills home during a birthday party. A few days later, a well-known barber was killed when a robber opened fire in his barbershop. At the Orlando rally, Trump didnt give specific solutions as to how he would reduce murders in Orlando, but he promised he would work to turn the trend around. We will bring this crime wave to an end, said Trump. While the murder rate is up, Orlando Police pointed out crime overall is down. Although hes only been on the job as Military Veteran Peer Network coordinator for the past week, Wesley Cook wants fellow veterans to know that hes been there and done that. Im one of them, says the 55-year-old retired U.S. Army Reserve staff sergeant and Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison guard. My office hours may be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but I want to reassure all veterans that Im available at any time. Im really good at listening, if thats what they need. Cook was born in Lubbock, but moved Muleshoe with his family at age 2. He grew up there, graduating from Muleshoe High School in 1980. He joined to U.S. Army Reserve in 1988. Cook was a weekend warrior for more than 20 years, including active duty in Afghanistan in 2008-09 with Operation Enduring Freedom. He retired from TDCJ in 2014 after 26 years as a corrections officer. While with TDCJ, Cook worked at the Formby-Wheeler units in Plainview and Bill Clements unit in Amarillo. In the Army Reserve, Cook was a member of a medical MASH unit that drilled in Lubbock. I was a combat medic, he said. Thats equivalent to a paramedic in civilian life. We operated troop medical clinics (TMCs) at both Fort Hood and Afghanistan. Cook spent time on several battlefields in Afghanistan, and met Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal who led the Joint Special Operations Command during the Persian Gulf Wars and was top U.S. commander in Afghanistan. McChrystal give Cook a special medallion, now one of Cooks prized possessions. Im in the process of getting formally trained for my position as a peer coordinator, Cook explains. Ive been through the Military Veteran Peer Network boot camp, and have a certificate to prove it. I truly have the heart to help veterans, even if it is just sitting down for a cup of coffee and listening. Thats because when I help others, they are also helping me. Cooks office is at 631 Broadway, in the Central Plains Center Rural Counties Initiative Building immediately south of the Pastors Class. His nine-county service area includes Parmer, Castro, Swisher, Briscoe, Bailey, Lamb, Hale, Floyd and Motley, which is the CPC catchment area. During a time of crisis they need to call 911, but if a veteran wants to just connect and talk, they usually need a brother-in-arms and thats where I come in. Please call because we want to help, he said. That includes a team of about 20 Peer Network volunteers. Cook can empathize with those he serves since he struggles with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as substance abuse issues. You can print that Im a recovering alcoholic and addict, but be sure to add that Im a new creature in Christ. Cook hasnt used cocaine in more than 37 years. He received hope and healing from many, including veterans, and help from Central Plains Center and strength from his faith in God. Cook now wants to help others, giving Jesus Christ all the glory. He already works closely with Karla Glowicky, Hale County veterans service officer, along with such groups as Dare to Believe Ministry, Catholic Family Services, Salvation Army, Faith In Sharing House and Higher Power Ministry. I may be a little short on supplies right now, but Im thankful for the resources available through these individuals. There are so many people ready to help veterans. All they need to do is ask. Cook and his wife, Shelly Lynn, have been married for 20 years. She is retired from TDCJ, after 20 years of service. Between them they have three adult sons in Dallas, Oklahoma City and Clovis, N.M., stationed at Cannon Air Force Base. They have three grandchildren, a grandson in Oklahoma City and granddaughters in Clovis and Plainview. An active member of Harvest Christian Fellowship, Cook says his hobbies include grandchildren, helping people and wherever else God directs us. Cook can be contacted at 806-291-0388 (office), 806-729-6772 (cell) or 806-291-4428 (fax). The San Francisco Police Commission has recommended three finalists to Mayor Ed Lee in the search for a new police chief with one being the acting chief, Toney Chaplin, according to sources close to the selection process. Rumors were swirling at the Hall of Justice that Deputy Chief Mikail Ali was also on the short list that the commission sent to Lee. But Ali told us Wednesday that he had earlier been notified that he did not make the final five. Chaplin, who took the job on an acting basis when Chief Greg Suhr stepped down in May, made the Police Commissions final cut after being encouraged by Lee to apply for the job, according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the search publicly. He and Ali were considered to be strong candidates in part because they are African American, an important consideration for the Police Department after a string of controversial officer-involved shootings of minorities. Its not clear who joined Chaplin among the three finalists. Were told that one of the other two finalists is also from inside the Police Department and that the other is on the command staff of an outside police force. The only other in-house candidate believed to have still been under consideration was Deputy Chief Denise Schmitt. She could not be reached for comment Wednesday. The final picks are the result of a months-long search process that began with 61 applicants. The Police Commission eventually interviewed 10 candidates before whittling the list to five or six. Those semifinalists were asked to explain how they would implement policing reforms recommended in a recent U.S. Justice Department report that was started after the officer-involved shootings. Police Commission member Petra DeJesus would confirm only that the panel had settled on three names to forward to the mayor, after a closed session Tuesday night that lasted more than five hours. The commission refused to make the names public. DeJesus said there was general agreement among the commissioners about who should be forwarded to the mayor. I think there was certainly a consensus, she said. The important thing, she said, was to have candidates who are very well qualified and who have the ability to implement the reforms that are necessary. Sources close to Lee tell us he is in no rush to name the new chief, and almost certainly wont make his choice known until after Tuesdays election. One issue the mayor is wrestling with, were told, is whether the new chief needs to live in San Francisco. Thats been an unwritten requirement in the past, because of the importance of the chief being available quickly in an emergency. Chaplain lives in the East Bay, and said early on that he did not intend to move to the city. One group that says it has not been consulted about the new chief is the Police Officers Association, which early on threw its support behind Chaplin. Other groups have begun agitating for a more open process with some upset that the citys one high-ranking Asian American candidate, Deputy Chief Garret Tom, did not make the final cut. Tom has since made it known that he intends to retire in early December. In a press release Wednesday, Supervisor Jane Kim who is running for the state Senate urged the mayor to release the names of the finalists to to encourage transparency and greater community participation. Lee spokeswoman Deirdre Hussey replied, We dont respond to 11th-hour election stunts, especially when it comes to something as serious as the new police chief. David Campos, a fellow supervisor and former Police Commission member, echoed the sentiment, saying, I think it would actually help Lee make a decision. Campos also predicted that the mayor is going to pick Chaplin although he strongly believes the chief needs to make his or her home in the city. I dont care if you are Mother Teresa, he said. If you are the chief of police, you should live in San Francisco. 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 San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera sued the developer of the sinking Millennium condominium tower Thursday, alleging the builder violated the law by failing to disclose the buildings settlement issues despite knowing of the problem more than a year before the units came to market. Herreras lawsuit, filed in San Francisco Superior Court, alleges developer Millennium Partners knew by 2008 a year before it started selling condominiums that the building had sunk almost 6 inches, well in excess of projections. Millennium Partners had a legal obligation to tell prospective buyers about the sinking, Herrera said. In not doing so, the developer gained an unfair advantage over other developers it was competing against for sales, he said. The lack of information also put buyers at an unfair disadvantage as they weighed the pros and cons of investing in the tower. Essentially, Millennium Tower buyers were sold a lemon, Herrera said in announcing the suit. Part of my responsibility as city attorney is to protect San Francisco residents and taxpayers from unfair or unlawful business practices, Herrera said. Before they had sold a single condominium Mission Street Development LLC (Millennium Partners affiliate) knew it had sunk more than it was supposed to and that it was still sinking. Yet they didnt tell homeowners as they are required to do so under the law. Its that simple. He added: Buyer beware doesnt cut it here. The allegations by the city attorney have no merit, said P.J. Johnston, spokesman for Millennium Partners. At the time of its completion in 2008 and throughout its entire sales process, 301 Mission had settled within predicted, safe ranges. Mission Street Development LLC relied on the expertise of renowned designers and engineers and complied with all state and local laws concerning the disclosure of information to prospective buyers. Herreras lawsuit is a cross-complaint of a previous lawsuit filed by building homeowners against the Transbay Joint Powers Authority, which is building the new Transbay Transit Center next door, saying the homeowners should have sued the developer and not the authority. It seeks unspecified monetary damages, which would flow to the homeowners, not the city of San Francisco. Millennium Partners blames the structural issues on the Transbay Joint Powers Authority. It says the builder of the adjacent transit center has weakened the soil under its tower by pumping millions of gallons of groundwater from the area to create a dry construction site. Herreras office subpoenaed Millennium Partners and Mission Street Development in September. The developer turned over more than 1,900 pages of documents related to the disclosures made to prospective condo buyers. The disclosures include reams of material related to possible flaws in the building such as inconsistencies in the lobbys marble work but didnt delve into the fact that the tower may have been experiencing a greater than expected rate of settlement. They left out the most important detail, Herrera said. Nowhere that the city is aware of did Mission Street Development LLC disclose that the building had settled much more and much faster than it was supposed to. That is not just a bit of information that perspective home buyers would want to know; its a bit of information that the developer was legally required to provide. The 58-story high-rise at 301 Mission St. has sunk at least 16 inches and is tilting 2 inches to the northeast at the base. Johnston said Herrera has chosen to take the focus off finding a fix for the building and is instead attempting to divert attention from the real culprit here a government agency that has behaved recklessly, caused damage to a previously existing building and still refuses to take any of the steps that are necessary to fix the problem. Johnston said the citys lawsuit has nothing to do with protecting public safety, the building or its residents. Instead, its an effort by the city of San Francisco to duck its responsibilities and avoid paying for the harm caused by TJPA. The Transbay Joint Powers Authority is composed of representatives from San Francisco, Caltrain and transit agencies from Alameda, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. A spokeswoman for the Millennium Towers Association, which represents about 400 homeowners, said it was evaluating its own legal action and possible lawsuit. It declined to comment on Herreras suit. We want to take a close look at the lawsuit and figure out what it means, said spokeswoman Evette Davis. Theres a lot of legal action across the spectrum. On the 50th floor of the troubled building, two residents said Thursday that, notwithstanding Herreras suit, they still feel without recourse for the $4 million they believe they were cheated out of when they bought their unit in 2011. We believe a criminal lawsuit should be filed against the developers, said Frank Jernigan, a retired software engineer who lives with his husband, physician Andrew Faulk, in a panoramic-view apartment overlooking the bay. Our safety is at risk, not just our investment, Faulk said. Jernigan and Faulk became an Internet sensation a week ago when they posted a video of a marble rolling irregularly across their kitchen floor in the direction of the buildings lean. After Herrera filed his suit, the two men retrieved their famous marble and rolled it several more times in several other locations within their unit with a reporter watching. Again, the marble rolled in one direction, stopped, changed course and rolled in the direction of the tilt. It shouldnt be doing that, Jernigan said. The authority blames the sinking on the developer choosing a foundation with relatively short piles rather than drilling down to bedrock. Homeowners have also sued the developer, saying the foundation, which uses 90-foot piles rather than the 225-foot piles that would have reached bedrock, is insufficient. The complaint is civil, and Herrera said that he has not referred the case to the district attorney for a criminal investigation. He said he is unaware of any criminal investigation into the case. We dont see any evidence of criminal activity here, he said. J.K. Dineen and Steve Rubenstein are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com, srubenstein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen @SteveRubeSF This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate An owner of the unfinished Oakland apartment building all but destroyed in a blaze this week was sued by former tenants who lived on the property before the fire and claimed they were driven out by dangerous conditions to make way for the new complex. The June 2015 lawsuit charges Adelphos LLC, whose primary owner and manager is Athan Magganas, kept the property in disrepair, including doing little to stop a rodent infestation and allowing construction workers to tap into their electricity, causing their utility bills to skyrocket. The lawsuit was filed in Alameda County Superior Court on behalf of four people who lived in small rent-controlled apartments on the property in the 300 block of Lester Avenue and accused the landlord of driving them out by starting demolition work for the new apartment complex while they were still in their units. A huge five-alarm blaze broke out early Monday at the 41-unit apartment complex Adelphos was constructing on the Lester Avenue property. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting in the probe, officials said Wednesday. Michael Bracamontes, the attorney for the former residents who filed the lawsuit, called Mondays fire highly suspicious in light of the interactions of his clients with their then-landlords. Normally, I wouldnt think it was too suspicious if this happened in another lawsuit, Bracamontes said. But I dont know. These guys are just so crazy in terms of the way they dealt with their tenants. It seems like a strange coincidence to me. In the lawsuit scheduled to go to trial in May Bracamontes accused Adelphos of failing to provide habitable, safe and sanitary living arrangements. Bracamontes said the company refused to make a host of repairs requested by residents and began construction on the new apartment building in September 2014 without giving them formal notice. Among the tenants complaints was that the owners dug a large hole that filled with stagnant water and attracted a swarm of mosquitoes. When the tenants complained, the landlord raised their rents by more than 10 percent, Bracamontes said. Neither Magganas nor other representatives of his company returned requests for comment. Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @michael_bodley Lars Stenman/Getty Image Prosecutors filed charges Wednesday against a 38-year-old man arrested over the weekend on suspicion of sexually assaulting a boy with Down syndrome in a Contra Costa County BART station bathroom. Peter Gorlorwulu was hit with eight charges, including assault with the intent to commit a felony on a victim under 18, officials said. He was also charged with sodomy by use of force, sodomy of a person under 16, two counts of lewd acts upon a child, forcible oral copulation, oral copulation of a person under 16 and false imprisonment by violence. A motive behind a brazen shooting last week that left a prominent San Francisco attorney dead outside his El Cerrito home has largely evaded investigators. Detectives have uncovered no evidence thus far that James Gilliland Jr., 62, was robbed during the Thursday night shooting or that his slaying was connected to his work as an intellectual property attorney, said Lt. Robert De La Campa of the El Cerrito Police Department. De La Campa said Gillilands wallet and cell phone were still on his body when he was found shot to death. Its a mystery thats a fair word. Its certainly that, said De La Campa, adding that investigators have been working around the clock to solve the homicide a rare event in the small Contra Costa County city. Gilliland, a married father of four, was a partner at Kilpatrick Townsend and Stockton LLP in San Francisco, where he represented high-tech firms in litigation over patents, copyright, trademark infringement and other issues. His clients included Apple, Oracle, Sony and Levi Strauss and Co. Neighbors said Gilliland was a familiar face in the area, often out walking his dog, and a regular at a nearby church. De La Campa said that Gilliland was apparently coming home from a social engagement just before 9 p.m. and was walking from his car to his front door when someone opened fire. The killer fired approximately six shots from a handgun. Gillilands wife, Victoria, was inside their home on the 2600 block of Mira Vista Drive at the time, and 911 calls immediately poured into the police department. The first officers to arrive, and later paramedics, tried to resuscitate him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. We always assume somebody knows what happened, and that somebody isnt saying something, De La Campa said. The police urged anyone with information to call them at (510) 215-4400 or email investigations@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us. Services for Gilliland will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Berkeley. Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Former San Antonio TV anchorwoman and lifestyle show host Lu Parker, now a newscaster in Los Angeles, was arrested and booked on suspicion of petty theft at the L.A. airport, news reports say. According to a story by the Los Angeles Times, airport police confirmed that the 48-year-old midday news anchor, known best here for launching KENS-TV's "Great Day S.A.", was taken into custody and held at Los Angeles Police Department's Pacific Division, after they said she took a pair of headphones that were left behind at the airport's passenger security area. However, a statement issued to media by Parker's longtime news station, CW affiliate KTLA, characterized the incident as "a misunderstanding." It reportedly began at 7 a.m. Wednesday, when a passenger walking through the TSA screening area noticed a personal belonging -- headphones said to be valued at $200 -- was missing and reported it to Los Angeles airport police. According to the Times story, the passenger then asked to perform a private person's arrest. (That usually occurs when no on-duty officer witnessed the offense.) Security video also showed the incident and a potential suspect, an airport police spokesman told the Times, and Parker was then removed from a flight and arrested. However, Parker's station of 11 years stated that Parker, who was traveling to tend to her father who was ill, "picked (the headphones) up intending to return them to the owner whom she had been speaking with while in the security check line." The KTLA statement further said that when she was unable to locate the owner, Parker boarded her flight. "We believe this is a misunderstanding, Lu is cooperating fully with the authorities and we are confident she will be able to clear this all up," the statement concluded. The bubbly and statuesque brunette from South Carolina, who was born Frances Louise Parker, was crowned Miss USA in 1994. After that, she spent some six years on San Antonio television. In 1998, the beauty queen and former high school English teacher was hired by KABB to co-anchor the 9 p.m. news next to station staple Michael Valdes. Five years later, KENS wooed Parker away to become the first host of the station's local lifestyle program, "Great Day SA.," which launched in 2003. She left the job and the Alamo City at the end of 2004 to become an anchor at KTLA. Parker, a passionate animal rights activist, also made headlines when she dated Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa from 2009 through 2012. Parker has honed her Hollywood side while in L.A. as well. She has played a reporter/anchor on multiple television shows, from TNT's "Major Crimes" to USA's "Monk" to NBC's "Days of our Lives," and has appeared on the big screen in the movie, "The Green Hornet." jjakle@express-news.net In a procedural move that was expected, the Giants on Thursday exercised a $7 million option in Matt Moores contract for 2017, preventing him from becoming a free agent. While much is made of Madison Bumgarner being underpaid compared to other No. 1 starters, Moore has an extremely team-friendly contract as well, which he signed when he was with Tampa Bay. Moores deal includes a $9 million team option for 2018 and $10 million for 2019. If the left-hander stays healthy and performs as he did in his two months with the Giants, that contract will be a bargain, which is a major reason they were willing to part with Matt Duffy and prospect Lucius Fox to get him. Moore was 6-5 with a 4.08 ERA in 12 starts for the Giants. He won several critical games down the stretch and held Dodgers to one run in eight innings in a 7-1 victory on the final day of the regular season to secure the Giants a National League wild card. Moore also led 5-2 after eight innings in Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Cubs. Manager Bruce Bochy handed the ball to the bullpen in the ninth, and the Cubs scored five runs to win 6-5 and end the Giants season. The Giants also outrighted catcher Tony Sanchez to Triple-A Sacramento, creating one more spot on the 40-man roster for offseason additions. Sanchez was a strange case. The former Pirate had not played an inning with the Giants but was strongly considered for the Division Series roster as a third catcher. Also, the Giants signed pitcher Josh Johnson and outfielder Kyle Blanks to minor-league deals. Blanks was in spring training last year before injuring a foot and last played in the majors in 2015. Johnson is a two-time All-Star who led the league with a 2.30 ERA for the Marlins in 2010, but he has not pitched in the majors since 2013 after undergoing a third Tommy John surgery. The Giants will look at Johnson as a reliever in spring training. Henry Schulman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: hschulman@sfchronicle.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Two Texas women are "part of a trend" that is sending women to plastic surgeons and dishing out thousands of dollars to look like Ivanka Tramp, the daughter of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. A Wednesday night edition of Nightline featured Tiffany Taylor and Jenny Stuart, two Texans who want to emulate Ivanka Trump's looks at all costs. Taylor is a 33-year-old oil and gas consultant with three children and a "Texas girl through and through" who is voting for Trump, while Jenny Stuart is a 36-year-old job recruiter who voted for Hillary Clinton, though she wants to look like the offspring of the opposition, according to the episode. RELATED: San Antonio plastic surgeon broadcasts surgeries on Snapchat, Facebook Live It's unclear which part of the Lone Star State the two ladies are from, but they both hired high-profile, Houston-based plastic surgeon Dr. Franklin Rose to trump their expectations. Taylor told Nightline she has undergone multiple surgeries to become her "idol," including a beast augmentation, rhinoplasty, cheek injections, a "mini" eye lift and liposuction. The ABC show followed her through a second nose job. She estimated all of her work has cost about a year of time and $60,000, yet still urged skeptics to give it a try. "[...] you're going to be so happy," Taylor promised in the interview. "I mean, don't judge until you try it." RELATED: Playboy model's death 'ruled an accident' after suffering injuries from chiropractor She was pleased with her latest round of facial reworking. "I see perfection, absolute stunning perfection," Taylor said in the interview. Stuart, who said she's constantly being told she looks like Angelina Jolie, also trusted Rose with her procedure. Though she was headstrong in her decision, friends and family -- including her 6-year-old daughter -- were not on the same page, but she had the surgery done anyway. She spent $30,000 on her procedure which included liposuction, a Brazilian butt lift, a nose job, a breast enhancement and injectable facial fillers, according to the show. RELATED: Iceland man says Donald Trump's son left 'white powder' at rental, paid 15 women to hang out Rose told Nightline he finds joy in working on women who are naturally attractive. "In an odd way, it's sort of more enjoyable because you can take the beautiful into hyper-beautiful," he said, adding that he has experienced an uptick in patients wanting to look like Ivanka Trump. Viewers shared their thoughts on the Texans via Twitter using the #Nightline hashtag. While some found humor in Stuart's decisions to look like a Trump, but stand with Clinton, others were disheartened. "What a sad story this is on #Nightline of the Ivanka-wannabees," @BobAKABuffy sounded off. "Surprised @DanBHarris could hold back from commenting." mmendoza@mysa.com Twitter: @MaddySkye This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GREENWICH In front of a packed house, an attorney working for Michael Skakel offered his reasoning why he thinks a judges decision to free the man accused of murdering a local teen-ager in 1975 wont be overturned and why he believes Skakel is innocent. At the Wednesday meeting of the Retired Mens Association, attorney Michael Fitzpatrick delved into the legal maneuverings that led to Skakel being released in 2013 after his earlier conviction on the murder of Martha Moxley. In that 2013 ruling, Judge Thomas Bishop held that an ineffectual defense by Skakel's defense lawyer Michael Sherman cost him a fair trial. But state prosecutors filed an appeal, and now the Supreme Court in Hartford will determine whether Skakel should get another trial or not. Fitzpatrick, who assisted in the legal strategy that freed Skakel, did not make any guarantees or definitive predictions, but suggested why the court in Hartford might not overturn Bishops ruling that Skakel did not get a fair trial. He noted Bishops extensive legal training in the field, as well as the respect he commands in legal circles. Looking at prior decisions, I dont believe we can necessarily tell which way the court will rule, the lawyer said. But its my belief that when a decision is written by a judge (Bishop) whos considered a leading authority .... a decision he believes is supported by the facts and the law ... that decision will be respected by the Supreme Court. Given the stature of the judge that decided this case, theres a high probability that the court will uphold the decision. If the Supreme Court decides not to overturn the Bishop ruling, the States Attorney will have to decide whether or not to re-try Skakel. Fitzpatrick was asked why the Supreme Courts decision was taking so much time. Fitzpatrick noted that the state court was typically under-staffed, adding clerical delays to the process. In addition, briefs are being submitted in the case that are 300 pages in length, and the Supreme Court had a number of other complicated, serious criminal matters to consider this year that pushed the Skakel case down the list. Asked if Skakel received the benefit of wealth that allowed him to pursue expensive legal strategies that few other criminal suspects or convicts can not afford, Fitzpatrick replied, Money doesnt buy justice, but money buys a level playing field .... And a tremendous amount of money was spent on his defense, but he lost. It wasnt easy to get Skakel out of jail on a habeus corpus appeal, Fitzpatrick said. Habeus corpus cases are very, very difficult to make. Its very difficult to convince a sitting judge that a lawyers performance has been so deficient that the defendant has been denied a fair trial. Very few cases are won, he said, especially when a defendant had a million-dollar defense, as Skakel did. Fitzpatrick highlighted what he called three major deficiencies in Skakels original trial, due to what he call poor counsel. He said a crucial alibi witness was not brought forward on Skakels behalf, and a chance to substantially rebut testimony by a man who said he heard Skakel confess at the boarding school they attended was missed. In addition, Fitzpatrick said that Sherman failed to provide jurors with other plausible suspects in the murder case, a time-honored defense tactic to place doubt on the prosecutions case. Along with those big defense blunders, Fitzpatrick said, The case was far from overwhelming. The audience listened eagerly to the presentation, thronging the lawyer after he spoke for more questions about the case evidence that the Moxley killing still holds a fascination in the community even after 40 years. It really was a well presented and thorough reading of the case, said an RMA organizer, Jim Fishbein. It demonstrates how any legal issue has two sides to it, and without forensic evidence, it can be hard to come to a definite conclusion. The RMAs speakers committee asked Fitzpatrick to give a lecture to the mens group as part of its regular lecture series, Fishbein said; the defense lawyer did not initiate the lecture. Fitzpatrick, of Fairfield, is a well-established trial lawyer in the region. Skakel, 55, whose family owned a fortune from mining enterprises, is currently free on $1.2 million bond. He is living with an elderly relative in northern Westchester County, N.Y., and he is required to wear a monitoring device. Robert.Marchant@scni.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal is calling on federal rail regulators to re-examine exemptions that allow commuter railroads such as Metro-North to skip installing positive train control at passenger terminals. He maintains that the life-saving system could have prevented the recent New Jersey platform crash that killed a woman and injured 110 commuters. This catastrophe raises many questions, including whether PTC could have prevented such needless death and destruction, and whether the Federal Rail Administration should continue to allow an exemption from the PTC mandate for passenger terminals, Blumenthal said Tuesday. Metro-North is now exempt from installing PTC at end-of-the line terminals in Waterbury, New Canaan, South Norwalk, Danbury and Grand Central Terminal. PTC can halt a speeding train and prevent trains from entering work sites or veering onto the wrong track. The Sept. 29 crash in Hoboken, N.J., was blamed on a train traveling 21 mph as it entered the terminal, far above the posted speed limit. The nations railroads, including Metro-North, have until Dec 31, 2018, to fully install PTC systems. FRA officials on Tuesday acknowledged exemptions are allowed for end-of-line terminals such as Hoboken and those in Connecticut, and said its up to Congress to change the rules. If Congress wishes, it can expand that requirement to more areas, said Matt Lehner, an FRA spokesman. Many commuter railroads continue to struggle to meet Congress original PTC requirement due to a lack of funding, Lehner said. As Congress completes legislation that funds the government in the coming weeks, we hope that it funds the presidents $1.25 billion request to help commuter railroads implement PTC. FRA officials said terminals will receive a speed control component that relies on an onboard computer to slow or stop a train entering at improper speeds. Those officials said full PTC does not work at end of the line terminals, where are trains are turned around and coupled together. The process of joining cars, for example, is interpreted by PTC sensors as a crash that must be prevented, they said. In a letter to FRA Administrator Sarah Feinberg, Blumenthal asked FRA to take another look at the exemption, noting it was put in place seven years ago and technology may have improved. I urge your inquiry to begin immediately, Blumenthal wrote. In light of the Hoboken crash, I write to ask whether the exemption for passenger stations remains sensible policy. The crash has indicated that this reasoning warrants re-examination. Blumenthal said FRA justified the exemption with several reasons, including a contention that terminal stations are too complicated for PTC technology and technical solutions are not presently available to ensure PTC can be deployed in a terminal environment. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ANSONIA Mayor David Cassetti thanked Ansonia residents this week for their role in the citys continued progress as he gave his third State of the City address to a packed cafeteria at his alma mater, the newly renovated Emmett OBrien Technical School. Over the past three years, Ansonia has gone through a tremendous amount of positive change, Cassetti said during Tuesdays event. This year, we continue to dig out of what I refer to as a tax avalanche. Three years ago, Ansonia carried the ninth-highest tax burden in the state of Connecticut. Cassetti said. Thats bad for residents, bad for business and really just plain bad, he said. However, each year, the town has been able to chip away at its property tax rate. This year the mill rate has been lowered to 37.32, Cassetti said. Its a modest, but very real step toward stabilizing property taxes. It also marks the first time in the history of our city that property taxes have a decreased for three consecutive years. He said the town would soon see lower sewer fees, as well. Im also pleased to report that the Water Pollution Control Authority is in the position to reduce sewer fees by 7.5 percent resulting in additional savings for our residents and business owners an average of $18 off their tax bill, Cassetti said. Economic Development Director Sheila OMalley said Ansonia is headed in the right direction. The words renaissance, resurgence and recharge come to mind when I think of Ansonia tonight, OMalley said. During the hourlong presentation, the mayor said one of the most vital functions of government is to provide quality education for children. That is why I am pleased to report through smart budgeting, we have been able to increase the amount of funding for our education system dramatically over the last three years, said Cassetti. We have increased the education budget by an average of 3.5 percent up from an average of 1.8 percent during the five years prior. This year the allocation was an additional 3.7 percent or, in real dollars, about $1.1 million in additional funding. In total, the school budget has been increased nearly $3 million over the last three years. Cassetti also promised that the city has included a number of capital improvement projects for the Board of Education and the city bonding initiative that will have zero impact on taxes. The mayor referred to the disproportionate distribution of the Educational Cost Sharing Grant by the state. Of course, our taxpayers must not shoulder the full burden of public education costs, Cassetti said. Especially, when much of the cost is driven by unfunded mandates from Hartford. ... It is disheartening to see Ansonia schools get 70 percent of their yearly allocation while wealthier districts, such as Fairfield and Westport, get 150 percent. Thats not acceptable. Cassetti also reported that the undesignated fund balance is extremely strong, remaining at just under 15 percent of the budget. Ansonia resident Bill Deprofio said he was pleased by Ansonias progress. Its been stale for a long time, Deprofio said. Theyre covering all facets and not focusing on one thing. Theyre worried about the town as a whole and the people in it. / STAMFORD - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced the closure of the Stamford Hurricane Barrier gate on East Branch Harbor for maintenance and upgrade work from Nov.15-16. The gate will be closed to all traffic in the upright, closed position starting at low tide at approximately 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15 until low tide at approximately 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16. WATERVLIET - Members of the St. Ann's Maronite Catholic community gathered to prepared food for Hafli, an annual party in Lebanese tradition dating back centuries. On Thursday, members of the congregation made the food for the gala party that will be held at the Italian-American Community Center in Albany on Saturday night. Danbury resident Alexander Bergen, formerly of Bethel, was sentenced to two years in prison Wednesday on charges related to defrauding investors. Bergen, 23, stole over $300,000 from around 10 investors beginning in 2013 in connection with his internet resale business, CT Wholesale, according to a statement from prosecutors. He returned less than $40,000 of those investments and pleaded guilty in 2015. Most of the other funds, by his own admission, went to flashy forms of personal enrichment. In the words of his defense attorney David Keenan, money meant for flipping products actually supported a profligate lifestyle that included vacations to Nantucket and Europe, shopping sprees at Louis Vuitton and Burberry, and the purchase of electronic goods and other personal items, as the News-Times reported in June. In her Hartford courtroom, U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant sentenced Bergen to 24 months in prison, plus three years of supervised release. That sentence lies within the range of 24 to 30 months requested by prosecutors. Keenan had requested that his client avoid jail time entirely. Wednesdays sentencing might not be the end of his legal trouble. At trial, additional allegations emerged that he bribed at least one witness, a victim in the fraud case, to not testify. Also, the judge ordered him to pay restitution of $282,609.71. The case was investigated by the FBI with participation from the Bethel and Greenwich police departments. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry. Albany The State University of New York wants the public's help identifying its next chancellor. At a public hearing Thursday devoted to the ongoing chancellor search, SUNY Board of Trustees Chairman H. Carl McCall urged higher education stakeholders and any members of the public to offer more than just input on the qualities they'd like to see in the next chancellor. "It's one thing to tell us about the qualities you want, but if you know somebody who fits those qualities, please let us know," McCall said. The search for SUNY's next chancellor will cross the globe. In addition to forming a 22-member committee to lead the search, the board of trustees has hired Boston firm Isaacson, Miller at a cost up to $207,500 to help identify, recruit and encourage potential candidates, review their qualifications and verify their credentials. The board heard Thursday from more than a half-dozen individuals representing various organizations across the state about what they would like to see from the person who ends up succeeding Chancellor Nancy Zimpher next year. Zimpher's last day leading the 64-campus organization will be June 30, 2017. Students who spoke were adamant that the next chancellor should help increase access to college and work to make it more affordable. Even better, they said, would be a leader who gives students the ability to graduate college debt-free. Accountability and transparency is also a must, said Blake Moore, a senior at Monroe Community College, who spoke on behalf of the SUNY Student Assembly. "Ideal candidates would be able to clearly articulate transparency-based reforms that would help clarify where tuition dollars are being allocated and how student investment improved academic quality and degree value," he said. The next chancellor should value academic freedom and shared governance with faculty, students and other campus stakeholders, said individuals representing the SUNY Student Assembly, University Faculty Senate and SUNY Faculty Council of Community Colleges. The last two groups also asked that the next chancellor have college classroom experience and support "unionized campuses." One of the most important qualities, speakers said, is political awareness and fierce advocacy. At a time when the value of a college education is in doubt, and with the competition for public dollars greater than ever, strong and convincing advocacy is a must from SUNY's next leader, said Stephen Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association of Counties. "The chancellor must demonstrate to the people in authority and to the taxpayers the value and the reward of public higher education, and share those success stories for research, for development, for employment opportunities and tirelessly make the case for state support," he said. To provide input or recommend a name for the search, click here bbump@timesunion.com 518-454-5387 @bethanybump This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate On Warrant Wednesday, the State Police issued the following notices of outstanding arrest warrants. Among them was a ,am State Police said promised to surrender to faces charges in a Capital Region car chase but didn't come to court. Daniel Jackson, 44, is wanted by State Police in Colonie for allegedly fleeing troopers. Jackson, who was charged with unlawful fleeing of a police officer in a motor vehicle, obstruction of governmental administration, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, marijuana possession, reckless endangerment and reckless driving. A warrant was issued for Jackson's arrest after, State Police said, he failed to surrender to face charges. Brandon M. Ayock, 26, is wanted on charges of third-degree assault, unlawful imprisonment, criminal obstruction of breathing and criminal mischief. A warrant for his arrest was issued June 18 after, State Police said, he did not appear for a court appearance. State Police allege Aycock trapped a female in the bathroom of a Corning home and repeatedly choked her. He is also accused of preventing her from calling 911. Daniel O. McKoy, 31, is wanted on a charge of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. State Police said McKoy was arrested in California on the weapon charge and returned to Sullivan County. Released on bail, McKoy vanished, State Police said, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. McKoy has ties to California and uses the aliases "Lawrence Outlaw" and "Luis Garcia-Lopez." Dusty J. Seidel, 28, is wanted on charges of weapons and marijuana possession. State Police said Seidel was arrested in July 2011 after they said he was caught with a switchblade and marijuana during a March 2011 traffic stop in the town of Kirkwood. Kirkwood Town Court issued a bench warrant for Seidel after he failed to appear in court in July 2011. State Police said Seidel has a tattoo of skulls and a tribal tattoo on his right arm and a tattoo of a .50-caliber bullet on his left arm. Norma I. Rivera, 44, is wanted by State Police in Canton on a charge of second-degree marijuana. Rivera was arrested on Route 37 in the town of Hammond after, State Police said, they caught her with five pounds of marijuana. She was released from the St. Lawrence County jail after the Nov. 11, 2104 but didn't return to court, troopers said. She has ties to the Rochester area. Anthony T. Farley, 45, is wanted by State Police in Pulaski on a bench warrant issued May 23 in Oswego County Court. State Police said Farley failed to pay restitution on a 1999 burglary conviction. Elizabeth Martinez, 27, is wanted by State Police in Dover on charges of grand larceny and reckless endangerment. State Police said Martinez and an acquaintance were arrested in July 2014 after stealing a car from a Dover gas station. Troopers said the duo led police on a chase that ended when the car crashed with a State Police vehicle. Kenneth Desormes, 27, is wanted by State Police in Tarrytown for allegedly driving while intoxicated. On Nov. 2, 2014, Desormes was traveling on the Thruway when he was involved in a car crash, State Police said. Troopers said they later determined Desormes was intoxicated. 1 Voters removed: Ahead of an emergency hearing on voter challenges, the U.S. Justice Department said several North Carolina counties apparently violated federal procedures for removing voters from the rolls based on undelivered mail. The Justice Department court filing late Tuesday came ahead of arguments in court by the NAACP on Wednesday that at least three counties purged voter rolls through a process that disproportionately targets blacks. Voters are being removed because of challenges filed by activists, which the NAACP says is illegal under federal law fewer than 90 days before an election. However, state officials say the process is legal under state law. 2 Hannity apology: Fox News host Sean Hannity has apologized for reading a fake news story on air that claimed first lady Michelle Obama had scrubbed her Twitter account of mentions of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. The conservative radio talker also said one of his radio listeners called in to say President Obama and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren did the same. On Twitter Tuesday , Hannity said, Fact is they didnt. I humbly apologize. Live radio. Hannity is one of Donald Trumps biggest allies in the media and has acknowledged giving the GOP nominee campaign advice in private. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate An internal Mexican government document obtained by the Chronicle sheds new light on a former state police commander in Tamaulipas accused of murdering his wife in Atascosita. Rogelio Flores, 55, was arrested this week in Victoria south of Houston as he apparently was headed to Mexico in his Cadillac SUV with his 12-year-old son. The son was unharmed. The Mexican document appears to be from an internal personnel file that shows him assuming a position in October 2005 as director of public security in the Mexican city of Victoria in the state of Tamaulipas. It says he is a Mexican national who at the time was married and living in Victoria in Tamaulipas. Flores told police when he was arrested that he was an American citizen working as a truck driver. Flores was born and based in the border state of Tamaulipas, which for years has been plagued by organized crime violence and corruption that has pushed people from both sides of the law to seek refuge in the United States, especially Texas. As head of police operations for the state of Tamaulipas, which hugs deep South Texas, Flores had ties to disgraced former Gov. Eugenio Hernandez, who remains a fugitive from corruption charges filed by federal prosecutors in Corpus Christi. He was specifically in charge of a criminal investigations arm of Tamaulipa's secretariat of public security, according to the personnnel file document that was filed in 2005. It includes a photo of a far younger looking Flores, who is to be extradited back to Harris County. In a unique twist, Flores was born in a city of the same name, Ciudad Victoria, in Mexico, accoridng to the file. The file notes his salary, apparently a monthly rate, which in 2005 would have been the equivelant of about $700 in the United States a month. He was driving his pearl-colored Cadillac SUV along U.S. 59 and was heading for the border, officials said. The case began when Flores' brother called 911 to say Flores had called him and said he just shot his wife at the couple's home. He also said that he had their 12-year-old son and was headed to Mexico. Harris County sheriff's deputies soon found Silvia Munoz Vazquez' body and sent out an alert for officers along the route to Mexico. While Flores remains in custody, his wife's family back in Mexico awaits the return of her body. "This is the most difficult thing a person can live through," said her mother, who is also named Silvia Vasquez. Mike Vigil, a retired chief of international operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration, said that Flores would have been in a tough spot as a state police boss because of endemic corruption. "I personally look at the Mexican state police as nothing more than criminal organizations that extort money, commit murders and engage in transportation and distribution of drugs," said Vigil, author of the recently published novel, "Metal Coffins," about cartel treachery south of the border. Former Gov. Eugenio Hernandez was indicted in Texas last year for his alleged role in a scheme to hide cartel bribes. A Magnolia preacher was being held on $250,000 bail Wednesday after his arrest on charges of sexual assault of a child. Ronald Wayne Mitchell was arrested Tuesday by Montgomery County sheriff's deputies after police raided a church building in the 40200 block of Garwood Court in Magnolia, according to KHOU, which reported Mitchell is a preacher and said a large cache of weapons was found in his home. Mitchell was later arrested near Highway 75 and State Highway 105, according to Montgomery County jail records. Sheriff's Capt. Ronnie Silvio said deputies are seeking more possible victims, as Mitchell's church operated out of several locations in the Houston area. A relative of some church members said Mitchell tells church members to cut off contact with their biological families, a separation that can last for years. "A lot of people have referred to it like a cult," said the relative, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid straining family relationships. Mitchell collects money from the church members, all of whom are struggling financially, the relative said. The preacher forbids dating and instead sets up church members to marry, the relative added. "He's just always been a weird guy," the relative said. "It's like he has control over them." Church member Angela Edwards told KPRC all the Body of Christ Ministry's 20 or so members, including children, live with the pastor and his wife. She questioned the allegation of sexual abuse. "It's something I find very hard to believe. Nothing in his history would ever say he would do anything like that. He's always told me and the congregation never put yourself in a situation with the opposite sex. Never be alone with the opposite sex," explained Edwards. A neighbor who lives up the street said he only knew of Mitchell, his wife and their niece living at the house. The neighbor, Hugh Fullerton, said they traded greetings occasionally and were good neighbors. On a website for the Body of Christ Ministry, the welcome page says "Apostle R.W. Mitchell was visited by an angel of the Lord in a night vision who told him that Pure Revival can come only through a single seed. Apostle Mitchell knew that the Lord JESUS had chosen him to bring Pure Revival which is the qualification to be Raptured." The website's biography page says that Mitchell has hosted Christian radio talk shows for KWWJ, KGOL and KYOK. It says he "received his credentials from Infinite Way Church of Christ and was ordained by Bishop Richard L. Finney, Sr." There is no claim of theological education or denominational ordination. The website focuses on "spiritual welfare," dream interpretation and miraculous cure of addictions. Montgomery County Sheriff's detectives arrested a Magnolia pastor Tuesday on charges he sexually assaulted a young girl and officials believe there could be more victims. Detectives, prosecutors and the MCSO SWAT team raided The Body Of Christ Ministry Church in the 40200 block of Garwood Court and later apprehended 56-year-old Ronald Mitchell. Police say they found evidence of the alleged sexual assault and a "large cache of weapons and ammunition" in a residence at the church. MCSO SWAT members made the arrest near Texas 75 and Texas 105 in Conroe, jail records show. Mitchell is being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $250,000 bond. Since Mitchell led his church from different locations around the greater Houston area, including Tomball, South Houston and Montgomery County, investigators believe there could be more victims who have yet to come forward. A relative of some church members said Mitchell tells church members to cut off contact with their biological families, a separation that can last for years. "A lot of people have referred to it like a cult," said the relative, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid straining family relationships. Mitchell collects money from the church members, all of whom are struggling financially, the relative said. The preacher forbids dating and instead sets up church members to marry, the relative added. "He's just always been a weird guy," the relative said. "It's like he has control over them." Church member Angela Edwards told KPRC all the Body of Christ Ministry's 20 or so members, including children, live with the pastor and his wife. She questioned the allegation of sexual abuse. "It's something I find very hard to believe. Nothing in his history would ever say he would do anything like that. He's always told me and the congregation never put yourself in a situation with the opposite sex. Never be alone with the opposite sex," explained Edwards. A neighbor who lives up the street said he only knew of Mitchell, his wife and their niece living at the house. The neighbor, Hugh Fullerton, said they traded greetings occasionally and were good neighbors. On a website for the Body of Christ Ministry, the welcome page says "Apostle R.W. Mitchell was visited by an angel of the Lord in a night vision who told him that Pure Revival can come only through a single seed. Apostle Mitchell knew that the Lord JESUS had chosen him to bring Pure Revival which is the qualification to be Raptured." The website's biography page says that Mitchell has hosted Christian radio talk shows for KWWJ, KGOL and KYOK. It says he "received his credentials from Infinite Way Church of Christ and was ordained by Bishop Richard L. Finney, Sr." There is no claim of theological education or denominational ordination. The website focuses on "spiritual welfare," dream interpretation and miraculous cure of addictions. Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 936-760-5876 or Montgomery County Crime Stoppers at 800-392-STOP (7867). Mitchell is facing one second-degree felony count of sexual assault of a child. Details of the allegations were unavailable. The youth organisation affiliated to CPM, which is the major party in the ruling front, has said raising the pension age to 60 will affect lakhs of job seekers. David Arconti Jr. has done a fine job these past four years representing the 109th District, which is the northeast side of Danbury. He has made the health of Candlewood Lake a priority working to get $1 million to fight invasive species and fights for education funding for one of few municipalities with school enrollment increasing. The 30-year-old Democrat has worked effectively in a bipartisan fashion which Hartford sorely needs in a seven-member delegation that has been mostly Republican and with a strong Republican mayor anchoring the city. UPPER THUMB ASSE International Students Exchange Program (ASSE) is seeking representatives to work with volunteer host families and international exchange students in your community. ASSE provides academic year and semester exchange programs in the United States for high school students from around the world. Students are 15 to 18 years of age, have passed a series of academic and character requirements and are awaiting an opportunity to embark on their American adventure. Local representatives also have the opportunity to support American high school students in their journey abroad. Area representatives recruit and screen prospective host families, supervise the exchange students in their community throughout the year, and interview American students who wish to live and learn abroad. Area representatives are compensated based on the number of students they are supervising. ASSE's primary goal is to contribute to international understanding by enabling students to learn about other languages and cultures through active participation in family, school and community life. Through sharing their home, host families and communities also gain new knowledge and appreciation of other cultures and languages. ASSE's area representatives are the cornerstone of the organization, making all of this possible. For more information about ASSE or becoming and an area representative, call the Eastern Region Office at 1-800-677-2773, email asseusaeast@asse.com or visit host.asse.com. Getty Images | Andrew Burton No, you're not being paranoid if you suspect that an Uber or Lyft driver canceled your ride request because of your race or gender, took you for an unnecessary detour or failed to report your ride had ended once you arrived at your destination. The results of a recent study suggest that your distrust was warranted. Researchers at MIT, Stanford and the University of Washington recently found that black passengers hailing UberX or Lyft rides in Seattle waited up to 35 percent longer for rides than white customers. Across nearly 1,500 trips in the Seattle and Boston metropolitan areas, passengers with African-American-sounding names experienced cancellations more than twice as frequently as those with white-sounding names. The Hale County grand jury has indicted Kevin Carter, 37, of 2907 W. Eighth, on aggravated robbery charges in connection with an Aug. 6 incident. He is accused of trying to rob hair salon patrons while armed with a machete. Carter is among 15 people indicted on 17 felony charges Oct. 27 at the conclusion of the grand jurys October session. The list of indictments was released Wednesday afternoon by District Attorney Wally Hatchs staff. Carter was indicted on two felony charges. The aggravated robbery charge is a first-degree felony and bond is $25,000. He also was indicted on a third-degree felony charge of assault causing bodily injury to date, family or household member. Bond is $10,000. In August, the Herald reported that Carter was arrested following an incident at 2:48 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at CJs Hair Salon, 2313 W. Fifth. Although police provided few details, a salon patron described the incident in a Facebook post. I was getting my hair done and a strange man walked into the salon and told us he was a vampire or something like a fallen angel and that he needed what we call on this Earth money, she wrote. (He told us) to give him the money and pulled out a huge machete. Everyone else ran out the back door when he turned his back, but I didnt know that everyone else ran my stylist told me to run, but I didnt hear her. So I just sat there panicked and frozen. She explained that the suspect jerked her phone out of her hand and threatened to kill her, but she was able to flee through the back door when his back was turned. Carter was arrested and booked into Hale County jail that same day. Following is the complete list of those indicted by the grand jury in October, charges, degree of offense and bond which was set by the presiding district judge: --Victoria Lombrana, 30, 1205 Lexington St., Plainview, fraudulent use/possession identifying info less than 5 items, state jail felony, $5,000 --Joe Louis Alarcon, 19, 1511 Gray St., Plainview, possession of controlled substance under 1 gram, state jail felony, $10,000 --Lucio Borgas, 29, 5519 Temple Ave., Apt. B11, Lubbock, possession of controlled substance under 1 gram, state jail felony, $5,000 --Nichole Turner, 25, 1008 W. 16th St., Plainview, abandon endanger child criminal negligence, state jail felony, $5,000 --Christopher Caudillo, 39, 314 Zephyr St., Plainview, unauthorized use of vehicle, state jail felony, $5,000 --Ray Hernandez Jr., 29, 28912 Houston St., Apt. G1, Plainview, theft under $2,500 with two or more previous convictions, state jail felony, $10,000 --Alfonso Telles, 22, 1311 Lexington St., Plainview, tamper with governmental records with intent to defraud/harm, state jail felony, $10,000 --Kevin Carter, 37, 2907 W. Eighth St., Plainview, assault causes bodily injury date/family/household, third degree felony, $10,000 --Kevin Carter, 37, 2907 W. Eighth St., Plainview, aggravated robbery, first degree felony, $25,000 --Eva Phillips, 61, 101 W. 34th, Plainview, driving while intoxicated third or more, third degree felony, $10,000 --Jamie Everett, 49, P.O. Box 349, Earth, possession of controlled substance more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams, third degree felony, $10,000 --Jamie Everett, 49, P.O. Box 349, Earth, tamper fabricate physical evidence with intent to impair, third degree felony, $10,000 --Mario Carreno, 26, 606 W. 19th St., Plainview, driving while intoxicated third or more, third degree felony, $10,000 --Alejandro Lopez, 50, 2214 W. 19th St., Plainview, driving while intoxicated third or more, third degree felony, $10,000 --Rashod Allen, 33, 2002 W. 20th St., unlawful possession of firearm by felon, third degree felony, $10,000 --Luis Gerardo Fuentes, 22, 313 Elm, Plainview, sex abuse of child continuous: victim under 14, first degree felony, $25,000 --Keith Finch, 32, 2310 70th St. Apt. A, Lubbock, bail jumping and fail to appear felony, third degree felony, $10,000 NEW CANAAN Santo Silvestro is not a shy man. The New Canaan resident, who grew up in a low-income neighborhood of Norwalk, is proud of his candor and boisterousness. Hes parlayed those traits, coupled with a tireless work ethic, into considerable personal success, the results of which can be seen in the many Cross Street businesses he owns. Last Friday, from the lobby of New Canaan Auto Body, surrounded by a small group of employees and his son, Anthony, Silvestro loudly led a discussion about another man known for his supposed frankness and business acumen the man whose last name Silvestro painted in large, block-red letters on the aluminum roof of the adjacent Vegetable Barn and Deli: Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump. Its going to be a landslide, Silvestro said confidently, of Tuesdays presidential election, a red Make America Great Again hat atop his head. Donald Trump has done something that has never been done in this country. All the odds were against him and he rose to the top. Thats got to say something. It was a statement that met with nods of approval, comments on the fallibility of pre-election polls that project his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, ahead, and questions as to the validity of the former first ladys candidacy. One of Silvestros employees interjected about the FBIs disclosure that they would reopen the investigation into Clintons private server, Its over, shes going to jail. In June 2015, Silvestro first made clear his political leanings when he painted the letters T-R-U-M-P on the roof of his deli. In early October, Silvestro repainted the letters boldly in red, a symbol of his unwavering support for Trump, a timely gesture of solidarity, given the apprehension on the part of many Republicans after a recording surfaced of Trump released Oct. 7 speaking in a derogatory way about women. Perhaps as much as Clinton, Republicans including Paul Ryan, John McCain and Colin Powell, who pulled their support from their partys nominee in the wake of the recording, are the object of Silvestros ire. I respect the Democratic Party for one reason: They fall in line. Im disgusted with the Republican Party. Im going to change to Independent after this election, Silvestro said. None of the Republican babies are supporting Donald Trump. We need a businessman in the White House. I dont care how grotesque it might be. He added that, win or lose, Trumps name would remain on the roof because to remove it would make him a hypocrite. Trumps identity as a businessman, as opposed to a politician, is the primary reason Silvestro is supporting the candidate. Its a trait, in Silvestros eyes, that outweighs some of Trumps more negative qualities he doesnt think are particularly relevant in a presidential race, like his stance on women. Obviously, women are upset with Donald Trump. But men are men, and locker room talk is locker room talk. Were human beings, we all make mistakes. I use foul language sometimes, he said. Silvestro said Trump, like Clinton, who he also supported, is a pig. But like Clinton in the past, he feels Trump will be good for the American economy, which he feels is losing out to overseas competition, is hurting businesses by overtaxing and has foundered under politicians like President Barack Obama, who he said hasnt created jobs. He is not a politician. If youre not doing your job, hes going to fire your ass. Hes going to make deals, thats what hes good at. All people not just the white, uneducated working guy is going to vote for Trump. I think everybody is sick and tired of politicians. Of little concern to Silvestro are Trumps obscured tax records, an example of which leaked by the New York Times indicated that Trump may not have paid income tax for up to 18 years. America created that tax system. I use the tax system; so do you. Im in business, so I write off whatever I can write off. He did the same thing. He didnt create it, but hes using the American tax system to his advantage. Hes not doing anything illegally, Silvestro said. And though Silvestro, concerned above all with the bottom line, said he has received mostly positive feedback, at least some customers have kept their distance since the roof was painted, according to his son. We had a limousine customer (at Hoyt Livery, another of Silvestros Cross Street businesses) who happened to be of Mexican descent. He stopped renting because he said Santo was a racist for painting Trump on his roof. Santo is the least racist person. The only color Santo sees is green, because all he cares about is making money, Anthony said. Other business owners on the street mostly refrained from commenting on their neighbors, and in some cases, landlords roof. Some, like Lisa DeLuca, Donna Sikora and Crystalina Concepcion, of Lisas Classic Cuts, said they were fine with Silvestros bold expression of his political views. Weve got to pick the lesser of two evils for president now, said DeLuca, who will be voting for Trump. The building in which her salon is located is owned by Silvestro. One South Salem, N.Y., man, who was stopped outside of New Canaan Shoe Repair on Tuesday to take an iPhone photo of the roof to share with friends, was more critical. Ill never go in there again, William Klein, 41, said of the deli, before speaking more broadly on the danger he feels Trump poses to the country. Its crazy to me how you could hire someone to run your country who has driven so many companies into bankruptcy. This is a horrible thing for our country. Trump is inciting hatred. Silvestro is, of course, aware that hes making a controversial statement, and that to publicly support Trump as he continues to do can cause a passionate response. But he remains unabashedly drawn to the businessman Trump. Donald Trump is afraid of nothing and no one. You hit him, hes going to hit you back. Im the same way, Silvestro said. justin.papp@scni.com; @justinjpapp1 Staff file photo Career Point College, which recently shut down and filed for bankruptcy, has inked an agreement to have South Dakota-based National American University teach the San Antonios institutions students. Both schools signed a teach-out agreement this week and Career Point College now is asking a bankruptcy court judge to approve the deal. A hearing on the request is set for Wednesday. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A sobbing relative of the man Celestino Vasquez killed told him Wednesday that Vasquez wasnt a man just because he pulled a trigger, shortly after the former gang member was sentenced to life in prison. A jury convicted Vasquez, also known as Faustino or by his street name, Kasper, of murder on Oct. 25 for killing Pete Gonzales, who was gunned down in front of his downtown music club, 210 Kapone, on March 25, 2015. Vasquez, 35, a convicted child molester, chose to be sentenced by visiting Judge Raymond Angelini. During a pre-sentencing hearing Wednesday, prosecutors called as witnesses the victims sister and his common-law wife, with whom Gonzales had three children, to testify about what life is like without him. They cry, Sylvia Fernandez said of the children. One starts, then the other starts, then the other. Theres no way to console (them). I cant heal this pain for them. The night he was killed, Gonzales had Vasquez removed from his club shortly before closing time for causing a disturbance. Vasquez returned and shot into a crowd outside the club, killing Gonzales. Fernandez said their son, now 10, found out his father had been killed on the news. She said their twin daughters, now 6, still dont know how their father died. Together for 17 years, they were no longer a couple at the time of his death, but were actively parenting their children, Fernandez said. Pete was an amazing father, she said through tears. Vasquezs estranged wife, Felicia Sandoval, who testified at his trial in exchange for the state dropping a felony charge against her for tampering with evidence, said at Wednesdays hearing that he hit her in the face with a chain during an altercation. Since he has been out of her life, she and her children again feel safe, she said. At Wednesdays hearing, defense attorney Theresa Connolly did not call any witnesses and told the judge that Vasquez was remorseful. Hes deeply sorry, Connolly told the judge. He repeatedly tells me he died that night, too. Vasquez showed no emotion during the hearing, which prompted a tearful last-minute victim impact statement from Gonzales youngest sister, Felisha Gonzales. My brother worked day and night for his children. Thats a man, she told Vasquez. It takes nothing to pull a trigger. Vasquez will have to serve 30 years before he is eligible for parole. A 42-year-old woman was shot in front of her daughter in a restaurant parking lot Sunday near downtown Dallas during a cell phone sale, officials said. Martha Teran arranged to sell her daughter's cell phone to Lonzell Hunter, 22, using an app, police said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Former lawyer Hilda Valadez, on probation since 2014 for defrauding Bexar County by forging judges signatures to overcharge on indigent defense work, was found dead at her residence Monday. A woman called police after going to her apartment in the 20000 block of Huebner Road to check on her, a police report said. Valadez was in bed, fully clothed, with her head on the pillow and had evidently been there for some time, the report stated. Valadez was 55. The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office has not yet determined a cause or manner of death. RELATED: 'Smooth talkers' accused in $100k hailstorm roofing scam involving 15 victims in S.A. Police did not identify the woman who made the discovery. The report said she told officers she had not talked to Valadez in several days and that Valadez had demonstrated suicidal behavior in the past, and had previously tried to overdose on pills. Officers found pill containers on a table in the living room but none near Valadez's body, the report stated. Valadez had made a name for herself with more court-appointed criminal defense cases for indigent clients than any other attorney in Bexar County until authorities found she repeatedly forged the signatures of three judges over a four-year period during which the county paid her more than $594,000. RELATED: Former San Antonio anchor and 'Great Day' host Lu Parker busted in L.A. She pleaded guilty in March, 2014 to one count each of forgery and securing execution of a document by deception. Visiting Judge Stephen Ables commuted a 10-year prison sentence to probation after Valadez paid Bexar County $76,670, the full amount she owed in restitution. Valadez had an alcohol problem and had mental health issues that were not being addressed, which is why she was making bad decisions, her attorney, Joel Hoelscher, said at the time. Her probation officer had seen no indication in recent weeks that anything was wrong, Jarvis Anderson, chief probation officer for the Bexar County Community Supervision & Corrections Department, said Thursday. Valadez was doing well on probation and was happy and seemed upbeat during her last in-person visit Sept. 7, he said. She last spoke with the officer on Oct. 12, said Anderson, who added, It's tragic whenever anyone loses their life. ezavala@express-news.net Twitter: @elizabeth2863 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Federal prosecutors on Wednesday charged a pair of active duty soldiers from Fort Bliss with smuggling two undocumented immigrants. Authorities allege that in mid-June, Marco Antonio Nava Jr., 19, and Joseph Edmond Cleveland, 25, attempted to smuggle two immigrants through the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint in Falfurrias, about 150 miles south of San Antonio. Nava and Cleveland appeared Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge B. Janice Ellington. The Army soldiers were charged with one count of conspiring to transport aliens and another count of transporting an alien. If convicted, the Fort Bliss soldiers face up to 10 years in federal prison. One June afternoon, a Border Patrol agent at the Falfurrias checkpoint inspecting the vehicle driven by Nava Cleveland rode in the passenger seat discovered two additional passengers in the back who were found to be undocumented immigrants, according to the indictment. It was the most recent cast of soldiers who have attempted to smuggle immigrants past immigration agents in South Texas. Over the summer of 2015, four Fort Hood soliders pleaded guilty to immigrant smuggling charges. In that case the former soldiers tried slipping immigrants past the checkpoint in Sarita. The case against the men was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations. anelsen@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate An independent congressional candidate was arrested Oct. 28 for theft after authorities allege she stole more than $70,000 from the government by falsifying applications for Medicaid benefits and food stamps. Vanessa Tijerina, who is running to be the District 15 U.S. Representative, stole an estimated $73,944.07 from the government, according to a Willacy County indictment obtained by mySA.com. On forms filed for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, previously known as food stamps, and Medicaid benefits, Tijerina failed at least nine times between March 2012 and March 2016 to report that her husband, Roman Arguelles, was employed and living with her and her children, according to the indictment. RELATED: State Rep. Laura Thompson arrested on family violence charge in San Antonio The indictment states, in those four years, Tijerina received $28,009 in excessive SNAP benefits and $45,935.07 in excessive Medicaid benefits. "At the time, Vanessa S. Tijerina reported that her household consisted of herself and her children only, when in fact, Roman Arguelles, her daughters' father, was also living the home and employed," the indictment states. Tijerina did not immediately respond for comment from mySA.com, but told The Monitor she did not lie, was not married and Arguelles did not live at her home. She was arrested Friday, Oct. 28, and charged with the aggregation of amounts involved in theft, a third-degree felony, according to the indictment. RELATED: Court cases make life difficult for Callanen Tijerina's case will be presented to the Willacy County District Attorney Bernard Ammerman for prosecution, according to the indictment. If convicted, Tijerina faces up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, according to the Texas Penal Code. The Independent candidate published a video her son took of her arrest on Facebook Oct. 29. Have they attempted to break you financially with criminal charges because they know you are not wealthy, because you are undocumented or on food stamps or on Medicaid, etc. and they know you are unconnected and can not afford a lawyer? she wrote. The day after her arrest, Tijerina said law enforcement officials collaborated against her because she spoke out about their supposed corruption, in a news release on her Facebook page. "I am a female in South Texas speaking of things many are afraid to speak of, others have had CPS investigations opened on them, their children taken away from them and worse, all in an effort to discredit the target and force them into silence," she said. RELATED: Judge Yolanda Uresti reprimanded for incompetence Tijerina addressed the allegations made against her in the indictment in a news release posted to her Facebook page saying she was a mother who was securing her childrens access to food during a financially unstable time," which stemmed from harassment, she said. Tijerina said a woman harassing her family used connections with local officials to deny her and her family protection. According to her campaign website, Tijerina has four children, two of whom have special needs. To this day, the torment continues, Tijerina said. This created a massive amount of hardship that was emotional and physical leading to my having a miscarriage and the destruction of personal relationships that further affected my life. The Monitor reported Tijerina has been arrested twice before in June, she was thought to have violated protective orders filed by Diana Conde, who claims the candidate harassed her. In 2014, she was arrested for assault, a charge that was dismissed, according to the Monitor. Conde is listed as a witness in the indictment against Tijerina. She identified Tijerina in a photo and confirmed Arguelles was her husband. RELATED: Texas man arrested after wearing Trump hat, shirt to vote The Raymondville Police Department did not immediately respond for comment. On her Facebook page, Tijerina said she is running for congress so families can avoid traveling to Mexico to receive medical attention because medical care in the U.S. is too expensive. Officials at the Willacy County Jail could not be reached for information on Tijerinas bail amount, which was set at $10,000, according to the indictment. The Monitor reported she paid her bail the same day of her arrest. Tijerina is running against Democrat Vicente Gonzalez and Republican Tim Westley for the District 15 seat, The Monitor reported. Election Day is Nov. 8. kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 SAN ANTONIO A man rammed his gold Chrysler sedan into a mailbox Thursday morning while fleeing from an alleged family violence assault on the West Side, according to police. Officers responded at about 9 a.m. to a neighborhood in the 7700 block of Van Ness, where officers found the sedan had crashed into a multi-compartment mailbox used by the United States Postal Service. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Austin police issued a warrant for two suspects believed to be involved in the robbery of an Austin Community College student that was caught on FaceTime video last month, the department announced Wednesday. On Oct. 23, Yale Gerstein, 19, was in his apartment video-chatting with his girlfriend, who was in Dallas at the time, when three armed men rushed in and proceeded to beat the student and take his music equipment, worth thousands of dollars. Austin police Sgt. William White told reporters Wednesday the suspects fled from Gersteins apartment in the 2300 block of Wickersham Lane in a white Crown Victoria that looked liked a police patrol car. RELATED: Crazy video shows Austin armed robbery caught on FaceTime They were hitting me in the head with the pistol saying, face down, Gerstein told KXAN. Just dont get shot, just dont get shot; that was on my mind. White said authorities were able to identify two of the three accused robbers by looking at screenshots of the FaceTime video. Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Michael Aleman Jr., a 10th-grader in the Austin Independent School District and Jacob Carter, White said. Carters mother saw media reports of the robbery, recognized her son as one of the suspects and contacted police, White said. She told police her sons car was a white Crown Victoria, like the getaway vehicle, he said. RELATED: Man accused of brutally killing aunt, uncle streams on Facebook during manhunt near Texas border Three days after he was robbed at gunpoint, Gerstein led police to Carter and Alemans Facebook profiles. White could not say what Gersteins connection to the suspects is, as the investigation is ongoing. The third suspect has not been positively identified, and the department is continuing to investigate the incident, White said. At this time, it appears theyre hiding out, White said of the suspects whereabouts. RELATED: This Texas man is living on a deserted island and live streaming his adventure Although police could not release specific details, White said Gersteins injuries from the incident were significant. White encouraged those living in the area be cautious and to call police if they see anything suspicious. He could not confirm that the robbery was an isolated incident. kbradshaw@express-new.net Twitter: @kbrad5 A 60-year-old San Antonio man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly videotaping two women in the bathroom of an assisted-living facility in New Braunfels, according to court documents and the New Braunfels Police Department. Juan Edgardo Matos-Cartagena, a contract employee at the facility, faces two state jail felony counts of invasive visual recording, which poses a maximum penalty of up to two years in prison. His bond was set at $10,000. SAN ANTONIO A 30-year-old man with a gunshot wound drove to Childrens Hospital of San Antonio Thursday morning for treatment in downtown, according to police. Officials responded at about 3:30 a.m. Thursday to the hospital in the 300 block of Santa Rosa Street, and found a man with a gunshot wound to the thigh. So youre finally making your voice heard this presidential election, and whoa! what a line to do it. As long as you have this much time on your hands, you might as well exercise your brain as well as your right to vote. WASHINGTON Six months to the day after U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz denounced Donald Trump as a "pathological liar," the Texas Republican will stump for the GOP presidential nominee Thursday in Iowa and Michigan. A Cruz spokeswoman confirmed Thursday morning that he will join Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence on the campaign trail, joining the final week push in what has become a tight race with Democrat Hillary Clinton. The events in Iowa and Michigan will mark the first time Cruz, the runner-up in the GOP primaries, has campaigned for the Manhattan businessman. Cruz, who was heavily criticized by Republicans in Texas and across the nation for his refusal to endorse Trump at the GOP convention in July, has focused most of his attention since then setting the stage for his own reelection in Texas and campaigning for Republicans in Senate and other down-ballot races. After urging Republicans to "vote your conscience," Cruz held off saying he would vote for Trump until he made a low-key Facebook announcement on Sept. 23. He cited the importance of Supreme Court nominations and his aversion to Clinton. "After many months of careful consideration, of prayer and searching my own conscience, I have decided that on Election Day, I will vote for the Republican nominee, Donald Trump," Cruz said in his September Facebook post. Cruz and Trump fought a bitter primary battle. It became intensely personal after Trump posted an unflattering photo of Cruz's wife on Twitter and suggested that his father was somehow tied to the JFK assassination. On the stump, Trump dubbed him "lyin'' Ted Cruz. In an epic May 3 takedown in the waning hours of his campaign in Indiana, Cruz labeled Trump a "pathological liar," a "narcissist," "utterly amoral," and a "serial philanderer." At a press conference at the GOP convention in Cleveland, Trump said he wouldn't accept Cruz's support, even if offered. "Just, Ted, stay home, relax, enjoy yourself," Trump said at the time. Cruz's relationship with Pence is substantially better. Both men count themselves as evangelical conservatives. Pence, Indiana's governor, endorsed Cruz, however mildly, in his home state primary. Both men are seen as potential GOP presidential contenders in 2020 if Trump loses to Clinton. Cruz, running for reelection in 2018, has faced growing pressure to support the GOP nominee. The winner of the Iowa caucuses, Cruz also is seen as a potential Trump asset in winning over skeptical social conservatives in the Midwest. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate On Halloween night in Boyton Beach, Florida, the police got a call: a naked man was driving around the neighborhood with wires attached to his penis, the caller said. Upon arrival, police say they found Kurt Jenkins, 56, driving slowly with only a pair of red shorts on, stopping at an intersection where children were hopping off a school bus, the Palm Beach Post reported. RELATED: 10 mugshots show transformation of Texas man with bizarre face tattoo Police arrested Jenkins Monday and he was charged with lewd and lascivious exhibition, exposure of sexual organs and resisting a law enforcement officer without violence charges, according to county records. He is being held on $6,000 in bonds, according to county records. RELATED: Police: Oklahoma woman tried to bite off her boyfriend's penis after argument A Boynton Beach police report shows a witness Monday said Jenkins drove by him, gesturing for him to look toward the naked man's groin area. The witness said he saw Jenkins' penis and refused to get inside the vehicle when the 56-year-old asked. Then, the witness called police. Arriving officers says Jenkins refused to comply to police commands. He was eventually taken to the ground and handcuffed. RELATED: Police: San Antonio masseur sexually assaulted woman with his pants down during session The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond for comment as to why Jenkins had two black eyes and stitches along one of his eyebrows in his booking photo. The Palm Beach Post reported that Jenkins spent three days in the hospitalized and was scheduled to go before a county judge Thursday. It's unclear if Jenkins has an attorney or what he was using the wires for. The Associated Press contributed to this report. kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 Edward Lyman Goldbeck Sr., better known as E.L. Goldbeck, acquired his craft at the side of his father, legendary panoramic photographer E.O. Goldbeck. My dad worked with him and learned over the years, his son Eddie Goldbeck said. Then during World War II they did a huge volume of military pictures of the soldiers that were getting prepared to leave for the war. When it came time to make his own way, E.L. Goldbeck focused on subjects closer to home classes of high school seniors. My grandfather was doing almost all military and a lot of scenic shots, daughter Patte Dufner said. Once the wars wound down, there wasnt that much need for those shots. Taking his idea to the principal at Brackenridge High School, from where he had graduated five years before, Goldbeck explained what he wanted to do. The principal agreed, and once taken, everybody clamoured for the pictures, his son Eddie Goldbeck Jr. said. That was the beginning of my dads new business. Goldbeck died Oct. 25 at 94. Starting E.L. Goldbeck Company in 1945, Goldbeck traveled from high school to high school, photographing seniors locally before branching out to Corpus Christi, Austin and Houston. More Information Edward Lyman Goldbeck Sr. Born: Aug. 13, 1922, San Antonio Died: Oct. 25, 2016, San Antonio Preceded by: Wife Virginia Elizabeth Rutledge Goldbeck; granddaughter Natalie Dufner; parents Marcella Fox and E.O. Goldbeck; two brothers; a sister. Survived by: Daughters Patte Dufner and son-in-law Romie, Jacque Christal and son-in-law Lee; Debi Farris and son-in-law Chip; son Eddie Goldbeck Jr. and daughter-in-law Sally Jones; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a brother. See More Collapse The very first year he saw that there was a huge interest in that type of thing, Eddie Goldbeck said. It was hard work. Waking at about 5 a.m., Goldbeck arrived early at each school to set up his equipment, including the bleachers on which his subjects stood. The process took two or three hours. When the seniors came out at 8:30 or 9 a.m., wed line them up, Eddie Goldbeck said. My dad was really talented at organizing large groups, something he learned from his own father. Just as he had worked with his father, Goldbecks own son learned from him. I started working for him in the dark room processing pictures when I was 8-years-old, Eddie Goldbeck said. I learned about the business my entire lifetime; by the time I got out of college, I knew what I wanted to do. In the early 1970s, father and son developed a way to process panoramic color film and were the first to offer such photos. He taught me how to make a living, he taught me how to show respect to people who deserve it, Eddie Goldbeck said. He was my best man in my wedding, and I still think of him as my best friend. Goldbecks funeral services will take place in Mesa, Arizona, where he had moved several years ago to live with a daughter. mheidbrink@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Down at the end of Army Boulevard, right in the heart of San Antonio, you can find David R. Andresen. Hes running for president of the United States. His campaign hasnt received much attention, yet. But look, the election isnt over, people. Theres still time for a November surprise, and Andresen is finally getting big play here in the back pages of the Express-News. Big play. Believe me. Politics is the art of the possible, as the saying goes. And who would have thunk, Andresen, a retired foreign service officer and returned Peace Corps volunteer, would be running for president of the United States. POTUS! But here he is, nominated by the people through self-appointment as the presidential candidate for the American Flamingo Party, which he invented this summer. I like pink flamingos, he said on a sparkling October morning. Its sort of me. He was wearing patriotic low-top Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars. He had a red shoe on the right foot and a blue shoe on the left foot. The morning was fresh and clear in Mahncke Park, just north of downtown. Andresen was sitting in a rocker on his front porch, where he has doggedly campaigned. A pride of plastic flamingos stood tall in his yard. So did campaign signs announcing his aspirations for higher office: What have you got to lose? they ask voters in pink cursive. It was a powerful setting for a powerful interview. I mentioned the last presidential candidate I had interviewed in person was the very impressive John Edwards. He mentioned that it was on this porch that he announced his campaign to his wife and campaign manager, Kay, who would also be the first lady, vice president and secretary of the treasury should Andresen win. Need more, print more, she later said of her potential Cabinet post. Thats my slogan. Since his big announcement, Andresen has been busy visiting cemeteries to register voters. Its gone well, he said. Hes found a lot of new, dead voters to register. Hes also received the likely votes of many pets and foreigners. With so much talk about the election being rigged, is he concerned about voter fraud? He was puzzled by this question. My election is based on that, he said. As it turns out, the American Flamingo Party has staked out some fairly courageous positions in this most controversial of elections. For example, the AFP, as its known, is for a strong economy, low crime rates, high wages and good schools. Its against war, high medical bills, prejudice and career politicians. When I asked Andresen what he thought of his main competitors in the race for the White House, Hillary Clinton and Donald J. Trump, he said he thought the country could do better. He stopped being funny. I have reached a stage now in my life hes 67 where I am no longer satisfied, and I am no longer going to go and vote for a person whom I least disliked, he said. He then pivoted, saying he was also running for president because its been a joy. Most afternoons he and Kay sit on the porch sipping sundowners, plotting their next Facebook post for the campaign. Sometimes they meet with a supporter. This is not the despair and disillusionment of a man who finds the best lack all conviction and the worst are filled with passion and intensity when you are talking politics, he said. It could be, but its not. Its just fun. As we talked, the mailman dropped by and cheerfully asked how the campaign was going. Some furniture movers from Copenhagen said he had their votes, and a woman walking her dog smiled at his signs. Andresen said on those occasions when he leaves his porch and mingles with the masses, he feels the love from the voters. Having served abroad for so many years, he was grateful to live in a country where he could run for president. I have spent most of my adult life working in countries where a citizen of that country wouldnt be able to do this, he said. It might be illegal, or they might be arrested. Not here at the end of Army Boulevard. In a sense, Andresens campaign is the stuff that makes America great and reminds us that we are stronger together. Is he willing to accept the results if he loses on Tuesday? Yes, I will, he said. For good or ill. jbrodesky@express-news.net If ones perception is, effectively, ones reality, then we can expect life to get better soon. Thats because despite the media and a certain presidential candidate battering us with negativity about demographic change, racial strife and political polarization, Americas 55 million Latinos are feeling sunny about the future. In a new National Council of La Raza poll of Latino registered voters views on the economy and health care, 51 percent of respondents said that the economy is getting better. Forty-eight percent said that a year from now they expect to be doing better financially, with 63 percent of 18- to 35-year-olds saying so, compared with 36 percent of respondents 36 and older. A full 66 percent said they expect that their financial future and opportunities will be better than that of their parents. Though the individuals polled expressed fears about Social Security not being around when they retire, about debt loads and about potential job losses, majorities (61 percent of 18- to 35-year-olds and 55 percent of those 36 and older) still said that they believe that their hard work will pay off and they will be able to get ahead. To give you an idea of just how radically positive these young Latinos are compared with other groups, lets look at the Harvard Institute of Politics most recent national poll of Americas 18- to 29-year-olds. Asked whether they are hopeful or fearful about the future of America, 51 percent of respondents indicated they are fearful. However, of the whites, blacks and Hispanics who were polled, no group was more fearful about Americas future than white men and women. Sixty percent of white women and 54 percent of white men are scared about the future about 10 percentage points more than Hispanic women and men. And only 36 percent of white males and 32 percent of white females believe they will be better off financially than their parents, compared with 45 percent of Hispanic males and 52 percent of Hispanic females. I blame this on decades of alarmist news headlines about minorities displacing white people as the new majority. Ten years or so of pitting minorities against white people in a high-stakes game of demography-is-destiny has been the impetus for our current presidential contest in which making America great again is code for making it white again. There are upsides to the population shift that because they are boring compared with screechy articles about white extinction dont get enough play. Demographer William H. Frey says the diversity explosion that is driving our population growth is a legitimate reason for optimism. (Hes been saying this for years, but its like shouting it into the wind.) Put bluntly, Americans are aging and a young generation of Hispanics, Asians and multiracial Americans are coming of age just as the largely white, older U.S. population needs people to care for them and pay in to Social Security. The U.S. labor-force-age population is projected to grow more than 5 percent between 2010 and 2030, wrote Frey in a blog post for the Brookings Institution. Yet were it not for new minorities, the countrys labor force would decline by 8 percent. Frey is optimistic that if policies align to adequately support this next generation, the impact will be a net positive. Some may look at these projections (of the labor force) and worry about the increased division in our country. But I think that were going to change in the future and be open to racial diversity precisely because of this sharp demographic transformation that were undergoing. In many ways, the economy is a measure of trust that the future will be better than the present. As Hispanics constitute a bigger portion of the economy, their ironclad faith in the American Dream and their ardent hope to pass a more prosperous life onto their children will be a boon to the nation as a whole. Imagine the progress and prosperity that could be unleashed through the hopefulness and energy of a young Latino population if the country started seeing them as a benefit, an opportunity and a means for making America better, rather than as an invading force that needs to be guarded against. estherjcepeda@washpost.com It has been a disastrous year in politics for Muslims across the nation. Ironically, the Muslim community has become a punching bag in a country that separates church and state. Time and again, the distorted representation based on false media portrayals has led people to associate the heinous acts of terrorism with the entire Muslim faith. You Muslim scum, go back to your country. I heard these words as I made my way home from a long night of studying at the campus library at UT-Austin. Two strangers were walking a few feet behind, laughing and shouting at me. Panic-stricken, I began to walk faster. I reached into my backpack and clenched a bottle of pepper spray while I tried desperately to find my phone in case I had to dial 911. Not knowing whether I should scream or confront them, I decided to sprint toward the gate of my apartment complex instead. Fortunately, I made it there safely, and thats when I burst into tears. For years, America has inflicted unwarranted surveillance, profiling and racist immigration policies on minorities because of their faith or nationality. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has touted policies that will specifically target Muslims, including a total ban of Muslims entering the country, an established registry and identification badges (sound familiar?) and the monitoring of mosques and questioning the decisions of a Muslim judge. Given that our nations relationship with Islam as a whole has deteriorated, it makes sense that young Muslims are concerned for their future as American citizens. Being Muslim in America means that you are either seen as a terrorist or expected to take up arms and help fight radicals. Its assumed you have top-secret information that they are intentionally hiding. Being a Muslim in America today means fearing for your safety and for your female hijabi (scarf-wearing) family members and friends. It means constantly feeling isolated, targeted and hopeless, having your existence interrogated and investigated. The rampant Islamophobic rhetoric has swerved the Muslim voters. According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, 86 percent of registered voters plan on casting a ballot in the presidential election and 72 percent of American Muslims are voting for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. This election in particular has marginalized young Muslims to the point that compels them to protest, speak out against religious bigotry, and vote against a candidate who seeks to work in their disfavor. Being of a certain nationality or dressing a certain way automatically puts you at the bottom of the food chain. Trump and like-minded figures have cheated a dangerous atmosphere that only worsens already toxic attitudes. In the wake of recent terror attacks, people expect Muslims to formally apologize and condemn the actions of terrorists who have nothing to do with them or their faith. Asking Muslims if they condemn terrorism is blatantly questioning their humanity. Personally, this rhetoric makes it difficult for me to find a balance between my American identity in public and my Pakistani Muslim identity at home. But Ive come to realize that we should not have to choose between those two realities. Muslims of my generation plan on representing our diverse country in every capacity we can. Rimsha Syed is a San Antonio resident and a sophomore at the University of Texas, majoring in human biology, with a minor in journalism. The presidential election should be looked upon as a vote for or against our nation. The presidential candidates of the two major parties leave much to be desired. Hillary Clinton, if elected, would without question follow in the footsteps of President Barack Obama. Consider the damage that Obama has done to our nation through eight years the loss of power among nations of the world, trying to control our public schools, issuing regulations as though they are the law of the land without congressional approval. Hillary would continue the rule of Obama for another four years. Recently, I met an old friend now confined to a wheelchair pushed by his wife, his body twisted and quaking from the ravages of a pronounced movement disorder. With her hands cupped to her face, she confided that a chore in the offing was to get him to a polling station so he can vote for Trump. I did not have the heart to ask if he had seen the ghastly video clip, aired repeatedly on television, of Trump mocking and mimicking a handicapped reporter in the same condition. Seeing it should surely effect a change in his thinking when he enters the voting booth. Jack Wernette, Castroville Exploiting tragedy I have seen yard signs stating Remember Benghazi 2016. I voted, and I remembered. I remembered that the Republican Congress voted against increasing the security budget for the embassy. I remembered that, after years of investigation and hours of testimony, no criminal activity was found on the part of Secretary Clinton. I remembered that some families of the fallen publically stated that Secretary Clinton was not at fault. I remembered that the Congressman who orchestrated the investigation and hearings stated on TV that it was a great political move. I agree that it was a tragic event. I also find it shameful that members of our government used this tragedy for their political gain. Suzanne Sobel Benson Seeking the truth Election Day looms like a thick fog on the horizon. If you are truly interested in the issues facing this country and the truth about the candidates, you can find all the information within the pages of the Express-News. Do you want the truth about what a national candidate has done in office? All the congressional committee reports are available to you as a citizen in the Library of Congress online. Want to know more about another candidate and his business dealings? His corporate filings and lawsuits are generally public record. The Democratic candidate for president did nothing wrong or illegal as senator from New York or as secretary of state. That is my opinion, based upon stories published by the Express-News and public record generated by Republican appointed majority committees. And how did you arrived at your opinion? Rick Reyes No threat here When it comes to Hillary Clinton and her emails, no Secret or Top Secret classified documents were found on her server. Only three documents with a C classification, for Confidential, were found in her e-mails. Hardly a threat to national security! Lloyd Mathews, Rockport Donald the dodger I am a veteran, and I emphatically do not support Donald J. Trump. I have already voted for the next president of the United States, Hillary Clinton. Look at her record. She is the most qualified person to seek the office of the president. I believe the main reason so many veterans do not support her is that she is a female. Furthermore, it is ironic that the very reason many veterans did not support Bill Clinton was that he was a so-called draft dodger. Donald J Trump avoided the draft as well. Richard Sharer Time to experiment Maybe we will never get another chance to elect a non-politician. Maybe this is the answer: No more career puppets. We have nothing to lose. Experimenting has always gotten everything better. That is what experimenting is all about. Have you noticed? All politicians hate Trump, both Republicans and Democrats. Why? Trump is not part of the money making corrupt political machine! Mike Mendiola Contradiction During the third debate, Hillary Clinton proudly boasted that as president she would do everything in her power to protect helpless toddlers from guns. However, in the same debate, she also stated that she wants to make sure that the mothers of these same toddlers have the option of aborting them when they are even more helpless. Her remarks are reminiscent of tearful lamentations President Obama made about the 20 small children murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary. In contrast to his tearful recital, Obama and Hillary think it acceptable for their mothers to abort these same children before birth. Only in the fever swamps of Democrat Party policy could such hypocrisy be desirable. John K. Landry, New Braunfels Crooked Hillary With all the criminal acts Hillary Clinton seems to have committed, why hasn't the FBI put her picture on a 10 most wanted poster? That's right, she thinks that she is above the law. Just wondering. Gerald Lopez Time for change The very reason so many well-known politicians dislike Trump is the very reason I am voting for him. Republicans have had control since 2012 and they have not done squat. Yeah, he is a bit of a bully and certainly an egomaniac, but that is exactly what I want the rest of the world to think. America first. There is no such thing as a hyphenated American; either you are or you are not 100 percent American. Voting for Hillary is a vote for the same old crap from the last eight years and her 30 years of doing nothing but taking our cash. If you do not think you should control immigration, just ask the American Indian. Johnny E. Smith, Selma What next? We have a billionaire running for president who lost $916 million in 1995 and boasts that he has not paid taxes since then. He has filled for six bankruptcies and is going to trial on fraud charges brought against him by hundreds of college students. And let us not forget the thousands of lawsuits against his business practices. Yet some Republicans think it is OK to entrust this man to our future. What could this party possibly expect to happen? Adam Castillo This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 John Davenport /San Antonio Express-News Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Illustration courtesy of Pelli Clarke Pelli Show More Show Less 3 of 3 City Council voted unanimously Thursday to begin the process of issuing $52 million of debt to buy the Frost Bank Tower in order to turn it into a new central administrative building for the city. The vote puts in motion an intricate deal that the city inked last year with Frost Bank and downtown developer Weston Urban as part of an effort to rejuvenate a dreary area of west downtown. The deal will result in a state-of-the-art new headquarters for Frost Bank downtowns first new office tower in more than 25 years. To hunt for tiny whiffs of life on Mars, NASA scientists want to follow a mechanical nose. It is a far cry from the schnozz on your or my face, but instead a perceptive laser sensor already employed by the military to detect biological threats. On Tuesday, a team of researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland announced they will adapt the sensor for future missions to Mars and the rest of the solar system. Based on U.S. military technology, the Defense Department's Joint Biological Standoff Detection System, the machine cannot directly confirm the existence of living things. Rather, it is capable of scouring the environment for amino acids and the other organic molecules required for biology as we know it. As it will not be used to detect germ warfare or chemical weapons traces in space, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center renamed the device the Bio-Indicator Lidar Instrument. The space center likened the tool to a Mars rover's sense of smell, as though NASA were shipping a beagle to the Red Planet. "NASA has never used it before for planetary ground level exploration," said Branimir Blagojevic, a technologist with NASA who previously worked in the private sector to create the bio-indicator device, in a news release. "If the bio-signatures are there," he said, meaning organic traces on Mars, "it could be detected in the dust." As it says in the name, the tool requires lidar to operate. Lidar, for the unfamiliar, is a technological second cousin to active radar. Where radar produces radio waves, lidar uses laser pulses - light, in other words; the name itself is an acronym for Light Detection and Ranging. The principle for both lidar and radar systems is the same. The device shoots out a signal, which reflects off of a target and returns to a receiver. The machine then interprets what the object is, depending upon how the signal bounces back. (Perhaps an echolocating bat would be a better spirit animal for such an instrument than a hound.) Lidar's roots lie in the laser sensors of the '60s and '70s. The technology has a wide range of applications. Autonomous vehicle companies like Google are evaluating lidar for self-driving automobiles to sense and avoid obstacles. NASA has also used lidar-equipped airplanes to observe Earth's atmospheric chemistry. The lidar system announced Tuesday emits ultraviolet laser pulses. The beams' tiny wavelengths are impossible to see but ideal for ricocheting off particles. When they hit a molecule, the UV pulses excite that particle's electrons. Just how disturbed the laser makes the electrons in turn sheds light on the particles' size and age. If the lidar system makes it to Mars, it will not be the first laser sensor fired at the Red Planet. For four-and-a-half years, until 2001, NASA's Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter mapped the planet as it flew over Martian craters, hills and valleys. The Curiosity rover, active on Mars, has a laser it fires to examine the content of Martian rocks. Curiosity also has an onboard scooper to collect and analyze soil. Though it can peer into the depths of these little clumps, using a lidar system will be less power-intensive while offering a broader sweep of the land. As Blagojevic put it, "This is a survey instrument, with a nose for certain molecules." The researchers did not say when NASA plans to use the lidar system, but are currently testing the instrument here on Earth, making it more rugged to survive Martian harshness. Although the space agency is preparing to send another rover to Mars in summer 2020, Goddard did not suggest it would include the lidar tool. In a proposal, Blagojevic and his colleagues suggest the system would be useful for the potential Icebreaker Life mission, in which a rover would explore what lies beneath frozen Martian polar plains. By Outis Philalithopoulos, who met an untimely end five years ago, and now wears the chains he forged in life as an economist. Previous events in this series led the ghost of Outis back to 1996. After meeting the first of three Spirits and being shown a series of sometimes unwelcome visions, Outis found himself alone. I thought about the people I had seen during my spectral journey. They seemed to think of themselves as liberals, even though they would be out of place among modern progressives. I toyed with an evolutionary explanation. There were things Brown didnt understand about forceful communication, and things Franken didnt understand about a lot of subjects, but maybe the two of them were primitive progressives, who hadnt yet developed into real progressives. Maybe if someone had just called them out, they would have understood, and grown. One thing Franken and Brown had in common is that they both came off as smarter than the people they criticized. To me, being progressive was basically about not being stupid, and so it was unsurprising that primitive progressives had also tried to show that they were intelligent. But to reach that end, Franken and Brown used different strategies. Franken seemed one of a group of 90s Democrats who saw themselves as having mastered the most defensible positions on each issue. Support of deficit reduction and trade pacts were orthodox positions of mainstream economics, and so for these liberals, there wasnt any political problem here you just needed to say the correct answer as quickly as possible. For Brown, on the other hand, her self-confidence was tied more closely to her academic career, and to her ability to see around and behind narratives that other people might believe in. What else brought the whipsmart Democrats and the academic postmodernists together? Not much, as far as I could tell, except that they both disliked sounding too definite. In other words, they also had in common a sort of postmodern attitude. I wondered if my generalizations about primitive progressives held more broadly. What else could I remember about liberals of the time? There was a lot said about self-esteem. One time in high school something bad happened and a teacher wanted us to hold hands, and talk and feel together or was that a movie? Regardless, many people did seemed to prize being non-judgmental. Wendy Brown had worried about whether some liberals genuinely believed in postmodernism, especially those trying to represent particular demographic groups. Even those writers, according to Brown, typically claimed to believe that culture was socially constructed, but they also wanted to privilege the perspectives of people who had suffered more, and treat their suffering as objectively real. Brown didnt explain why this was supposed to be a problem, and clearly later progressives had realized that Brown was wrong to be so concerned. If primitive progressives had been a rainbow coalition of disparate groups who didnt have much in common besides smartness and a vague commitment to postmodernism, how were they able to work together at all? How had we managed to banish the specter of postmodernism, and build an unprecedented degree of cultural cohesion and confidence? A finger touched my shoulder. Michel had returned. I know you are weary of my presence, he began sympathetically, and so I will speed you to the last clues I can provide. But can we instead I began. Before I could finish my sentence, the horizon blurred and I found ourselves in a large lecture hall, surrounded by people who seemed very important, and somber. At the podium was a stern man in suit and tie. His voice rang through the hall: Something else died on Tuesday, in addition to thousands of innocent people. It was the doctrine of moral equivalency the idea that people everywhere are just like us, or can be made so by meeting their demands. These humanistic, cant we all get along, profiling potential terrorists is racism, were all Gods children, Kumbaya, all were saying is give peace a chance moral equivalency equivocators will soon be back. Theyll try to wear down our resolve. They should be ignored. Evil exists. It must be opposed. If this is war, lets start acting like it and tell Americas enemies that if they are so intent on seeing their God, well help them get there. As for us, we intend to die of natural causes. The audience cheered. I guess this is 9/11? I said to Foucault. Two days later, he concurred. And this guy is some sort of rightwinger? He nodded. Syndicated columnist Cal Thomas. A young, smartly dressed woman was speaking to her neighbor. Guess whats on the bestseller list right now? Her somewhat older neighbor shook her head. Quarterlife Crisis a book written by two twentysomethings bemoaning the, and here her voice became brutally sarcastic, landmine period in our adult development during the transition from college graduation into the real world. The poor dears, said the neighbor. Many of them feel, and here her voice took the same tone as it had before, helpless, panicked, indecisive, and apprehensive. You know what this generation needs? A real crisis. And now. we have one. Our generational wake-up call. Our bloody moment of shattered self-complacency. Michel, Michel, I said, annoyed. I get it. The Right was fixated on the idea that progressives lacked moral clarity. Whatever truth there was in that claim, its clearly false now. What Id really like to know is But Foucault shook his head and put a finger to his lips. Again, the scene shifted. We were in another room, with another speaker and another audience. This venue, though, was rather small, and while some attendants looked rather professional, others were dressed informally. Foucault whispered to me, 2007. The audience listened intently to the speaker. She exuded an infectious, intimate candor as she talked about Internet activism. You know what? Sometimes were very, very rude. I go right into the face of mainstream media writers faces and call them out. Im right in there with the worst of them, foul-mouthed, vituperative, and personal. Theres a reason for that: its the only way to get their attention! We have a beef and I maintain its legitimate and important. For years weve watched the mainstream media aid and abet the right wing to the point at which they behaved like a bunch of puerile cheerleaders for an absurd impeachment and stolen election. Iraq was the frosting on the cake. Theres no amount of polite discourse thats going to shake up that comfortable relationship. And after Iraq, its become downright dangerous. Finally, a real progressive, I thought to myself. As she ended her speech, two men in expensive suits, with open collars, faced each other. Shes right, you know, and its not just the media, one remarked. No shit, the other seconded. Say what you want about the Republicans, they know how to win. All we know how to do is lose. The first shook his head in disgust. The whole Democratic Party has become a bunch of, and he lowered his voice, pussies. I looked angrily at Foucault. He put a sympathetic hand on my shoulder. The second man also shook his head. We need to grow some balls. He paused, then went on. The thing is, I know this sounds optimistic after the last couple decades, but I actually think some people are starting to get it. Its true, the first acknowledged. Take Rahm Emanuel. Someone tries to swift boat him, he swift boats them back. Some people dont like him cause hes abrasive and says fuck a lot, but if you ask me, we need more people where you kinda feel like, this guy isnt intimidated by Karl Rove. Yeah, Rahms cool, the second said. We just need to put ourselves out there more. Stop letting the Republicans paint us as weak. Stop accepting that theyre just going to get all the good donors. Exactly, the first said with some passion. And its not like this means compromising our principles. Of course not, snorted the second. I mean, we have our convictions. We just need to be smarter. Michel, I said with some heat. if the point is supposed to be that in our efforts to stand up to the right wing, we became more like them, I have to say, I find the idea unpersuasive and offensive. Well, he began. I motioned him to silence. I think its really not that complicated. With the rise of the Internet, it became easier for good ideas to circulate and harder for bad ideas to escape criticism. So of course we were able to stick up for the truth more vigorously, and be less wishy-washy than before. Sort of like how the printing press made the Reformation possible I see! he exclaimed, brightening. You cast yourself as one of the early Protestants, upholding a more rigorous standard of morality against the worldly and corrupt Catholics who preceded you. The Internet punishes tentativeness, just as the printing press made it so Erasmus skepticism could be pilloried by Luther in their debate on free will. Uh I said, a little disoriented by his tendency to show off his erudition. But perhaps, he mused, if the earlier liberals are the medieval Catholic church, then you are the Counter-Reformation, strengthening the discipline of the Catholic faithful by imposing meticulous rules of self-examination and intensifying the obligation of confession? That sounded less flattering. Michel frowned and took a step back. Some sort of invisible force was tugging on the back of his shirt. He turned to me and sighed. Desole, but my time has grown very short. I opened my mouth to say something, but Foucault, and the room from 2007, disappeared. In their place stood a bunny, looking me straight in the eye. * * * In the next episode, Outis journeys into a popular and widely praised artistic representation of modern liberal culture. Sources: Cal Thomas column from September 13, 2001 can be read here. The young woman attending his talk is based on Michelle Malkin, see her September 12 column. The Internet activist is based on Heather Digby Partons recollections of Netroots, with past tense changed to present. Foucaults comments on the Counter-Reformation are loosely paraphrased from p. 19 of Discipline and Punish. His comments on the Reformation are not based on anything concrete in his writings, and hopefully he would not disagree too strongly with them. By Jerri-Lynn Scofield, who has worked as a securities lawyer and a derivatives trader. She now spends most of her time in India and other parts of Asia researching a book about textile artisans. She also writes regularly about legal, political economy, and regulatory topics for various consulting clients and publications, as well as writes occasional travel pieces for The National. Just in time to pander for progressive votes in the home stretch leading into the election, the Obamamometer suggested earlier this week that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may be open to rerouting the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), currently the subject of protests organized in support of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other pipeline opponents. The DAPL is designed to transport light sweet crude oil from the Bakken Shield in North Dakota an area not served by existing pipelines through South Dakota, Iowa, and Illinois. DAPL would supersede the previous distribution arrangements, under which oil from this source was shipped by train. Whats now occurring follows the playbook I suggested would be used in my September post, Dakota Pipeline Will Proceed As Feds Undertake Smoke and Mirrors Policy Reconsideration. And the administration is still promising to pay us on Tuesday. Soft, Sibilant, Sweet Nothings As reported DeSmogBlogs Steven Horn, in As President Obama Hints At Dakota Access Possible Reroute, Tensions Swirl at Standing Rock which is worth reading in full for the additional details and context it provides the Obamamometer said the Corps would consider rerouting the pipeline following a continued consultation process. His key weasel words: right now the Army Corps is examining whether there are ways we can reroute this pipeline, so were going to let it play out for several more weeks and determine whether or not this can be resolved in a way that is properly attentive to the tradition of First Americans. To be fair, he did genuflect in the direction of the First Amendment and call for both authorities and protestors to show restraint (as reported by the BBC): There is an obligation for protesters to be peaceful, and theres an obligation for authorities to show restraint I want to make sure that as everybody is exercising their constitutional rights to be heard, that both sides are refraining from situations that might result in people being hurt. Standing Rock Sioux Ask for DOJ Investigation The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has asked the Department of Justice to intervene and investigate alleged civil rights abuses in pipeline policing, which has been conducted by state and local police and private security companies. North Dakota earlier this month approved an additional $4 million for policing the DAPL protest, raising total expenditures to 10 million. Horns article features an embedded video showing a policing crackdown. Video: North Dakota police/military forces attack water protectors in Cannonball river with chemical weapons. #NoDAPL pic.twitter.com/gXTZ9umwLq Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) 2 November 2016 The Wall Street Journal also posted video footage filmed yesterday. Faith in Vague Promises The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe issued a press release in which they chose to take the Obamamometer at his word: We applaud President Obamas commitment to protect our sacred lands, our water, and the water of 17 million others. While the Army Corps of Engineers is examining this issue we call on the administration and the Corps to issue an immediate stop work order on the Dakota Access Pipeline. And given the flawed process that has put our drinking water in jeopardy, we also urge the Administration to call for a full environmental impact study. The nation and the world are watching. The injustices done to Native people in North Dakota and throughout the country must be addressed. We believe President Obama and his Administration will do the right thing. Yet as Horn reported, Greenpeace is made of stronger stuff: The administration seems to be buying time to maintain the status quo and profits for fossil fuel investors, Greenpeace USA spokeswoman Lilian Molina said in a press release. There is only one option that is truly attentive to the Native lives and lands at stake: respect the rights and sovereignty of Indigenous communities by revoking the permits immediately. Greenpeace USA, meanwhile, called for Obama to reverse the Army Corps permit granted for the pipeline. It opined that Obama was engaging in a stalling tactic. The administration seems to be buying time to maintain the status quo and profits for fossil fuel investors, Greenpeace USA spokeswoman Lilian Molina said in a press release. There is only one option that is truly attentive to the Native lives and lands at stake: respect the rights and sovereignty of Indigenous communities by revoking the permits immediately. Will Wider Audience Be Gulled? The intended audience for the Obamamometers remarks is much wider than those immediately involved in the protests. As reported by the BBC: The protest has gathered widespread attention and social media support, prompting 1.4 million people to check in to the location on Facebook in solidarity. The Democrats are clearly trying to maximize turnout among younger progressives, many of whom have shown little inclination to support Hillary Clintons candidacy. Despite the need to attract these votes, Clinton has hewed to her game plan of offering few positive reasons to support her candidacy and missed the chance to make this issue one on which to stake out a progressive position. Instead, as Horn noted, she offered a wishy-washy statement on the project, using many words to say very little, and which said in part: From the beginning of this campaign, Secretary Clinton has been clear that she thinks all voices should be heard and all views considered in federal infrastructure projects Now, all of the parties involvedincluding the federal government, the pipeline company and contractors, the state of North Dakota, and the tribesneed to find a path forward that serves the broadest public interest. As that happens, its important that on the ground in North Dakota, everyone respects demonstrators rights to protest peacefully, and workers rights to do their jobs safely. Ongoing Formal, Government-To-Government Consultations As I wrote in September: The Department of Justice, the Department of the Army, and the Department of the Interior waded into the controversy over construction of the Dakota Access oil pipeline (DAPL) [yesterday], shortly after U.S. federal court judge James E. Boasberg denied a request for a preliminary injunction to halt its construction in his Standing Rock Sioux Tribe v U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ruling. The three agencies recognized: [T}his 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. Therefore, this fall, we will invite tribes to formal, government-to-government consultations on two questions: (1) within the existing statutory framework, what should the federal government do to better ensure meaningful tribal input into infrastructure-related reviews and decisions and the protection of tribal lands, resources, and treaty rights; and (2) should new legislation be proposed to Congress to alter that statutory framework and promote those goals. The three agencies continue to conduct these consultations with the tribes, with a key meeting scheduled for November 17 in Rapid City, South Dakota, and the final session due to be completed via teleconference on November 21. Conveniently, these discussions will conclude after election day. Pipeline Proponents Didnt Get the Memo Unsurprisingly, pipeline proponents opposed even the weak commitment seemingly made in the interview. Some of the parties to the pipeline have entered into long-term binding contracts with shippers in anticipation of the DAPL and its related facilities coming on stream later this year. Despite the announcement in the three agency statement that the Corps of Engineers would not authorize constructing DAPL on Corps land bordering or under Lake Oahe until it conducted a further policy review and asking that the pipeline company voluntarily pause all construction activity within 20 miles east or west of Lake Oahu construction on the rest of the pipeline has proceeded, so that now it is estimated that the DAPL is more than three-quarters completed. The Wall Street Journal quoted a spokeswoman for Energy Transfer Partners LP, which is constructing DAPL, as saying: the company isnt aware of any consideration being given to rerouting the project. She said the company also expects to receive the final federal approval for a disputed portion of the pipeline in a timely fashion. In an internal company memo on Sept. 13, Energy Transfer CEO Kelcy Warren said the pipeline was nearly 60% complete and that the company had spent more than $1.6 billion on the project. Likely Outcome? Despite the hopes and dreams of progressives, the administration will face heavy pressure to conclude its review process in time for those involved in the project to honour existing supply contracts. Alternatively, the issue may be dumped onto the incoming administration. The WSJ reported that neither the Trump nor Clinton campaign has taken a position on DAPL construction. Despite the Obamamometers remarks, Id be very surprised indeed if the Corps were to present a viable plan to reroute the pipeline at this late date. And if it does, further lawsuits would inevitably follow. T20 World Cup 2022 Group 1 Points Table Latest Update: England Move to Second Spot, New Zealand Still on Top ENG vs NZ Highlights T20 World Cup 2022 Updates: Jos Buttler, Pacers Guide England to 20-run Win Over New Zealand T20 World Cup: 'He Was Superb in Warm Up Match, Lot of You Weren't There'-Rahul Defends Rahul T20 World Cup: 'Thats One Place Where You Feel Secure, Thats Taken Away'-Coach Rahul Dravid Says Virat Kohli 'Absolutely Fine' After Privacy Breach NASCAR championship contenders have plenty of ARCA Menards Series experience The Championship 4 have been set for the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and the contenders in each series all have plenty of experience and in most cases success within the ARCA Menards Series platform. 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. Belle Voci Choir from Clonmel will be the only Irish choir to participate in the Advent Choral Festival in Prague, which brings together choirs from all over Europe for a weekend of choral singing. The choir (some of whom are pictured above) is proud to be representing Clonmel and Ireland at the international event, which will be held from Thursday-Sunday, 24-27 November, and is grateful to Tipperary County Council for funding. Belle Voci will be accompanied to Prague by its musical director, Eamon OMalley, and is looking forward to meeting and socialising with choirs from the Baltic States, Austria, Hungary, France, Russia and Germany, among others. Belle Voci is an all-female choir which rehearses on Monday evenings in St. Joseph's Church, Ferryhouse. It perform two concerts each year - one at Christmas (which fundraises for charity) and the other in May. The choir is holding a fundraising general knowledge table quiz tonight, Thursday, November 3rd in Liam Daly's, O'Connell Street at 8.30. Tables of four cost 20 and there will be a raffle and spot prizes. A local school choir are set to headline a 1916 commemoration concert in New York this Sunday, November 6. Cashel Community School Choir will headline the once off event in St. Barnabas Elementary Auditorium in Yonkers, New York. The choir, consisting of 44 students, past students and teachers, were invited to participate in the concert by the County Tipperary N.& B. Association of New York. Before the concert, the choir will sing at mass in St. Barnabas High School Chapel with celebrant Fr. Bernie Moloney, former chaplain of Cashel Community School. Music teacher John Murray says the school are very proud of their students. Its an honour to be part of the 1916 celebrations in Yonkers and we are very privileged to have received an invitation from the County Tipperary N.&B. Association of New York. The students are understandably extremely excited about performing in Yonkers, and I know they will show New York what they are capable of and be great ambassadors for young people and Ireland while away, he continues. Mr. Murray offers a special word of thanks to the parents of the students who fundraised and paid for the trip, and also to the management and staff of the school for supporting the choir throughout the entire planning process. The travelling party will be afforded the opportunity to visit the many historical and cultural sights that New York City has to offer, including soaking up the atmosphere on Broadway. Sixth year student Rebecca Carroll is very excited about her first trip to 'The City That Never Sleeps'. This is an amazing opportunity as its a once in a lifetime trip. It's definitely a trip I will never forget, 17 year old Rebecca notes. Fifth year student Ciaran McKenna is looking forward to sightseeing and experiencing the culture of the 'Big Apple'. The concert should be amazing and getting to perform for the Americans is a great privilege, 16 year old Ciaran adds. Sixth year student Keeley O'Grady is also relishing the trip. I love being involved in the school choir and being invited to New York to sing is absolutely amazing. I have never been to America and who better to go with than all the members of the choir, 17 year old Keeley concludes. As the Mid-Atlantic convenience store chain Wawa has been expanding into Florida, USAmeriBank in Clearwater has been there to finance the construction for some locations. No matter that the $4 billion-asset USAmeriBank's commercial real estate loan book already exceeded regulators' guidelines for how many such loans the bank should have. USAmeriBank had already proved itself to regulators as a dependable underwriter of CRE loans and retailers like Wawa are safe bets, said Al Rogers, chief lending officer. "Some banks are good at floor-plan lending, some are good at restaurants. We think we are particularly good at commercial real estate," Rogers said. "We're financing things like Walgreens and Publix and Wawa [store construction], investment-grade tenants." USAmeriBank isn't alone. Banks nationwide have continued to raise their exposure to commercial real estate, even as regulators have repeatedly urged them to scale back. Interagency guidelines first issued in 2006, and reiterated in December, have said that banks should aim to keep CRE at or below 300% of risk-based capital to guard against an economic downturn that could cause real estate values to decline. In the latest Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Semiannual Risk Perspective, the agency expressed concern about the rapid growth in CRE lending, saying it has been "accompanied by weaker underwriting standards and examiner-identified weaknesses in concentration risk management practices in many banks with growing portfolios." But many banks are able to boost their CRE lending, despite high concentrations, because they followed regulators' orders to upgrade their credit-analysis procedures, internal controls and software, said Chris Marinac, an analyst at FIG Partners. They're seen as better able to pinpoint trouble spots ahead of time. "Some banks have built this capability while others fought the request of regulators many years ago to build internal tracking capacity," Marinac said. There are several ways to calculate the CRE-to-total risk based capital (CRE/TRBC) ratio. But the equation that regulators most commonly use includes only multifamily, nonresidential construction and nonowner-occupied commercial real estate, Marinac said. The 2006 interagency guidance stipulated that the ratio should not exceed 300%, if the institution's CRE portfolio rose by at least 50% over the previous three years. Additionally, the agencies cautioned against a bank holding nonresidential construction loans over 100% of risk-based capital. Institutions that exhibit these characteristics "may be identified for further supervisory analysis," the agencies said. Even with that warning, at least two-dozen publicly traded banks that already surpassed 300% went even further beyond that mark in the third quarter. USAmeriBank increased its CRE concentration to 386% in the third quarter, up from 375% in the previous quarter. "Regulators are comfortable with us and people like us when it's a core competency that you've built your bank on," Rogers said. "We're not financing as substantial amount of speculation, be it land development or condo high rises." Other banks have been more careful about treading beyond the 300% mark or are intentionally reducing their CRE exposure, even if they consider commercial real estate to be a strength. The $2.7 billion-asset Franklin Synergy Bank in Franklin, Tenn., dropped its CRE/TRBC concentration to 298% in the third quarter, down from 319% in the previous quarter. Franklin Synergy, a unit of Franklin Financial Network, decided "out of an abundance of caution" to diversify its loan book away from commercial real estate, even though "that's our market and that's our expertise," said Sarah Meyerrose, its chief financial officer. So Franklin Synergy is diversifying, adding new lines of business such as healthcare lending. Franklin Synergy also took a pass on funding the construction of a new hotel in downtown Nashville, even as the $18 billion-asset Bank of the Ozarks in Little Rock, Ark., swooped in to provide about $100 million of financing for the project. Franklin Synergy shied away from the project because it involved an out-of-town developer and out of fear that the Nashville hotel market is overheating, Meyerrose said. "There's a new hotel being opened up every day and we wonder if it's going to start slowing down a bit," she said. Bank of the Ozarks' CRE/TRBC ratio was 391% at Sept. 30. George Gleason, the bank's chairman and CEO, said during an Oct. 11 conference call that he's comfortable with its level of CRE lending because "we have robust policies, procedures and processes in place to assure the quality of our CRE portfolio." Some regional banks, too, are salivating at the possibility of adding more CRE loans as other banks reduce their exposure. With competition abating somewhat, profit margins on CRE loans are starting to improve, Bryan Jordan, the chief executive at the $28 billion-asset First Horizon National in Memphis said during an Oct. 14 conference call. "Pricing has shown improvement, structure has showed improvement," Jordan said. "Given our relative underexposure to that space, we do think that is an opportunity." Some have speculated that high CRE concentrations could stymie attempted mergers and acquisitions. The $49 billion-asset New York Community Bancorp's proposed acquisition of the $15 billion-asset Astoria Financial has not yet received regulatory approval even though the deal was announced more than a year ago. New York Community's third-quarter CRE/TRBC ratio of 860% is one of the industry's highest. New York Community's loan book is already heavily weighted toward multifamily and that, combined with Astoria's own multifamily exposure, could be causing regulators to probe the deal with extra care, Marinac said. "If multifamily was a layup, why isn't the Astoria Financial merger approved?" Marinac said. Joseph Ficalora, New York Community's CEO, said during an Oct. 26 conference call that the company continues to await regulatory approval, but he declined to elaborate. Ultimately, banks are going to be able to keep adding CRE loans as long as they demonstrate to regulators that they have proper safeguards in place, said Steve Heitel, the CEO at the $738 million-asset Presidio Bank in San Francisco, which had a 298% CRE/TRBC ratio at Sept. 30. "Regulators don't like excess concentrations, regardless of what the loans' values are," Heitel said. "It's still going to come down to the basics what is the debt coverage? What is the loan-to-value ratio? It's just good credit management." If Democrats succeed in winning control of the Senate after next week's election, the gavel of the Senate Banking Committee is likely to fall to Sen. Sherrod Brown, a progressive from Ohio who has called on the biggest banks to hold significantly more capital. Yet community bankers are also holding out hope that Brown who counts several major regional banks in his home state will be supportive of regulatory relief, pointing to times he's been willing to make changes to Dodd-Frank and been open to other ideas. "He understands the need for tiered regulation," said Scott McComb, president and CEO of the $730 million-asset Heartland Bank in Gahanna, Ohio. "In the discussions that I have had with Sen. Brown, he is very sensitive and supportive of the different types of banking charters that are out there and he understands that the balance sheet at a community bank like here at Heartland is not nearly as complicated as" JPMorgan Chase's. Analysts agree, saying that while Brown is on the liberal end of the Democratic Party, he is willing to compromise when necessary. "Sen. Brown is a progressive, but he is also a pragmatist," said Isaac Boltansky, an analyst at Compass Point Research & Trading. In recent surveys, bankers have overwhelmingly favored Republicans keeping control of the Senate, but McComb said a Brown chairmanship would have a silver lining. "If the Senate were to change hands if Senator Brown turned out to be the head of the Senate Banking Committee we could do a whole heck of a lot worse," McComb said. Following is a guide to Brown's likely agenda should he take the reins of the panel. Reg Relief Though it's been largely forgotten, Brown and Senate Banking Committee Chairman Richard Shelby were reportedly close to a deal on regulatory relief at some point last year. But negotiations broke down late into the process, with each side blaming the other, and a bill never happened. If Brown takes over the committee, he will likely be dealing with a different Republican leader on the other side, Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Shelby would have to step away from his role as ranking member due to Republican rules limiting the lengths of terms for such positions. As a result, analysts are optimistic that Brown has wiggle room to cut a deal on regulatory relief though it would likely be more limited than what banks are seeking. It is "unclear where his cutoff for community banking is, but certainly for banks under $10 billion, he will very likely try to do something to give them some regulatory relief," said Ed Groshans, an analyst at Height Securities. But Brown is unlikely to seek significant regulatory changes to help large regional banks from his state, such as the $100 billion-asset KeyCorp in Cleveland, the $70 billion-asset Huntington Bank in Columbus and the $140 billion-asset Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati. Many of those banks have been fighting to remove a provision of the Dodd-Frank Act that requires all firms above $50 billion in assets to be automatically subject to more restrictive regulatory measures. Yet it's not clear Brown is sold on such a move. "He has certainly listened to the concerns of the regionals, but he hasn't crossed the line in terms of advocating for weakening regulations in the name of the regionals," said Marcus Stanley, policy director at the Americans for Financial Reform advocacy group. "I don't think that is a line that he would cross." Edward Mills, a financial policy analyst and managing director at FBR Capital Markets, said recent Federal Reserve Board changes to annual stress tests for traditional banks between $50 billion and $250 billion in assets also "diminishes the chance there would be further legislative changes to the SIFI threshold, because at that point you are looking at changes to prudential regulations to those institutions." During panel hearings, Brown has noted that while banks with $50 billion in assets are not systemic in the same sense as money center banks, their failure can still be costly and require strong prudential oversight. "IndyMac's failures of course had huge consequences for its community, its region and the mortgage market as a whole," Brown said at a hearing in March of last year, referencing the 2008 failure of the $30-billion asset Independent National Mortgage Corp. in California. Groshans said that when Brown first became ranking member in 2015, many expected him to quickly work to raise the threshold for what constitutes a systemically important financial institution. "I thought he was going to be more moderate, but I think he is closer to" Sen. Elizabeth Warren. D-Mass., "on a lot of these issues," Groshans said. Still, many see Brown as willing to make changes to see something enacted, including changes to Dodd-Frank. They point to his support in 2014 for a measure that gave the Federal Reserve Board more discretion to set minimum capital requirements for insurance companies, an issue first broached in Dodd-Frank. "Keep in mind that the first significant change to the Dodd-Frank Act an alteration to the Collins amendment came from a bill proposed and stewarded by Sen. Brown," Boltansky said. Oliver Ireland, a partner at the law firm Morrison Foerster, said if Brown is the banking chair and the House is still controlled by Republicans which is the expectation of most pollsters even under the most rosy scenarios for Democrats the House and Senate "would wind up finding some common ground on limited burden relief." "There are going to be some technical things here and there they would both be inclined to do," Ireland said. Wells Fargo If he becomes chair, Brown is also expected to take a harder look at the phony-accounts scandal at Wells Fargo and other recent bank missteps. They note that Brown has hired Robert Roach as an investigator. Before joining the Ohio Democrat, Roach was the chief investigator for former Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., who ran the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations and famously delved into financial scandals including the London Whale, Goldman Sachs' role in the financial crisis and the Enron accounting scandal. "Brown is going to keep himself very busy with tough hearings on banks, lots of headline risk for banks," said Mark Calabria, a former top Republican Senate Banking aide who is now at the Cato Institute. That includes a focus on Wells Fargo, which recently settled with regulators after it was revealed that it fired 5,300 employees for opening up roughly 2 million fake accounts in order to meet sales goals. "The Senate Banking Committee would have just started the process of looking into Wells Fargo and sales practices at other banks," Mills said. "I think the Wells Fargo enforcement action gives a lot of the first six months of the agenda for the committee." Keeping big banks in the spotlight with oversight hearings could also be a political winner for Brown who is up for reelection in 2018. "A good part of Brown's chairmanship next year if he is chair is going to be driven by that fact that, he's up," said Calabria, who noted that Brown held onto his Senate seat in 2012 by a narrow majority. Big-Bank Breakup? While Brown has expressed sympathy for small and regional banks, he is likely to be far tougher on big banks. Brown introduced legislation in 2013 with outgoing Louisiana Republican Sen. David Vitter that would have simplified the capital regime for small banks, but forced institutions with more than $500 billion of assets to dramatically increase capital requirements. The Brown-Vitter bill is unlikely to resurface, but demonstrates Brown's skeptical view of the largest institutions. Brown's previous support for "break up the banks" legislation would "increase political risk for large banks," Brian Gardner, a policy analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, wrote in a note to clients. A reintroduction of Brown-Vitter wouldn't likely clear the Senate, but its existence has already had an impact, analysts said. "The underappreciated aspect of that is how much political coverage it has given to the regulators to push out much more aggressive" capital requirements than people would have expected, Mills said. "The spirit of the Brown-Vitter bill has become the regulatory framework for the largest institutions in this country." Exactly how Brown would target big banks as chairman is unclear, but he is likely to key off of Wells and other big scandals. "The Wells Fargo issue really became a firestorm in D.C. and it's not likely to subside anytime soon," Groshans said. "With Brown as chairman, it opens itself up to new pathways that probably were not on the table under" Shelby. Brown announced last month that he was crafting legislation that would allow customers harmed by Wells to circumvent arbitration agreements that are often hidden in the fine print in customer contracts. "Secret arbitration proceedings allowed Wells Fargo to get away with this fraud for far too long already," Brown said in a statement. He said his legislation would work proactively with a proposal by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to end forced-arbitration clauses. Brown's bill would allow customers to sue Wells even if they signed the agreements. "Giving customers back their right to take Wells Fargo to court gives them the power to ensure they are made whole and helps prevent cases like this in the future," Brown said. Brown also signed a letter with other Democrats on the committee that would retroactively require firms to make "clawbacks" of executive pay if negligence or poor risk management occurred under the leader's management. Groshans said Brown may also work with Warren to give the Department of Justice more power to prosecute bank executives. "The only way that Wall Street will change is if executives face jail time when they preside over massive frauds," Warren said during a September hearing with Wells' then-CEO, John Stumpf. "We need tough, new laws to hold corporate executives personally accountable and we need tough prosecutors who have the courage to go after people at the top." Brown is also likely to take a closer look at online lenders and financial technology companies, and in an April letter asked the Government Accountability Office to update a 2011 report on the subject. Overall, Brown is also likely to take cues from Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who would likely win that race if Democrats also took the Senate. (Both races hinge on turnout among the Democratic base.) The Ohio Democrat is likely to embrace much of what Clinton has outlined, including a tougher look at shadow regulation and regulatory relief. "You kind of go down the list of Hillary Clinton's financial services priorities and you can quickly sketch out the banking committee's agenda under Democratic control," Mills said. The Nomura Asset Acceptance Corp. and Nomura Home Equity Loan Inc. have jointly agreed to pay more than $3 million in order to settle claims from the National Credit Union Administration that Nomura sold faulty residential mortgage-backed securities that led to the failures of two corporate credit unions. The settlement is yet another victory for NCUA as it goes after the bad actors that contributed to the corporate credit union meltdown. To date, NCUA has recovered more than $4 billion, but at the cost of more than $1 billion in legal fees (approximately 23% of total recoveries). "Every recovery NCUA makes through our legal efforts reduces the possibility of further costs of the corporate resolution being shouldered by credit unions," NCUA Board Chairman Rick Metsger said in a statement. "Our legal team continues to work to fulfill the agency's statutory responsibilities to protect the credit union system and to pursue recoveries against financial firms we maintain contributed to the corporate crisis." The settlement covers claims the NCUA Board asserted in 2011 as liquidating agent for Western Corporate Federal Credit Union and U.S. Central Federal Credit Union. NCUA filed suit in federal district courts in California and Kansas against the Nomura entities. NCUA said it will dismiss pending suits against both firms as a result of the settlement, though neither firm admitted fault as part of the settlement agreement. NCUA still has litigation pending against other financial institutions tied to the corporate meltdown, including Credit Suisse and UBS Securities, as well as various residential MBS trustees and Libor banks related to corporate losses. While the agency has indicated that credit unions are unlikely to be subject to further assessments for the Corporate Stabilization Fund, credit unions are unlikely to receive refunds of paid assessments for several years. Supporters say such programs reduce costs and improve health Supporters say such programs reduce costs and improve health (NaturalNews) The rise and advancement of progressive thought in the modern age has led to the adoption of ever-more-baffling social experimentation, and few have been as controversial as handing out illicit drugs to addicts and then giving them a "safe place" in which to use them.The United Kingdom is one of the latest to engage in such buffoonery.As reported by the, a new plan has been adopted in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, to provide drug users an area in which to inject "safely," and under supervision (good luck with 'supervising' a bunch of people wiped on heroin and other psychotropic drugs).Members of the city's health board, city council and even police have agreed to the new proposals in principle but they have also sought additional details about how much the program will cost, where the clinic will be located and how it would be operated.Under the plan, a drug facility will be made available for addicts so they can consume their own drugs. But in some cases, thenoted, users will actually be provided with medical-grade heroin.The plan stems from a desire to do something about the problems being caused by about 500 or so addicts who currently shoot up on Glasgow's streets. If the plan goes through, the addict clinic will become the first one in the UK.Currently, proposals are being looked at by the Glasgow City Integration Joint Board, which has already approved the development of a pilot safe drug consumption facility and "heroin assisted treatment," as thecalled it. The board has also said that any potential program must also offer "wrap around" services on the same premises, like health care, counseling, welfare advice and even housing."The case for opening an injecting facility for drug users in the city was examined by the Glasgow City Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) - a multi-agency group tasked by the Scottish government with tackling alcohol and drug issues," the British news agency reported.The head of the ADP, Susanne Millar, said that her panel's approval "enables us to build a robust business case which will support this service."Continuing, she said the partnership believes that the project will lead to better overall health for addicts and "benefit local communities and businesses that are currently adversely affected by public injecting" of drugs.Millar said that when addicts inject in public spaces they are subjecting themselves to higher than normal levels of harm, as well as having a negative impact on the community as a whole. The goal of the program, then, is to "make our communities safer for all people living in and visiting, the city, including those who publicly inject."Thenoted that similar programs currently operate elsewhere in Europe: Holland, Switzerland, France and Germany. Australia also has adopted a similar approach.Should the program actually launch in Glasgow, it would extend current opioid substitution therapy services to include heroin-assisted treatment while building a peer support infrastructure that should reduce risks for addicts.The partnership argued that the majority of discarded needles that are found on the streets are left there by addicts who are shooting up in public. The discarded drug paraphernalia pose a health risk in and of themselves, ADP members noted, and that contributes to a disruption of the civil society.But how is a program that actually provides a safe space and drugs to addicts going to lower homelessness, mental health issues and poverty? Isn't effective drug treatment with the objective of getting addicts off their drugs a much better approach?No, say pushers of the safe space concept. Such programs actually work, they say, to reduce dependency and lower overall costs by reducing incarceration and money spent on government treatment facilities.True. But what this program will also do is keep a segment of the population drugged and dependent on big government for their existence, which is never a good thing for a people who pride themselves on being free.And in the U.S., heroin and opioid addiction is largely fed by Big Pharma Increasing number of cases in recent years Anyone can contract the illness (NaturalNews) Federal and state health officials are looking into what could be a cluster of a very rare disorder of the nervous system after multiple children have been hospitalized after contracting symptoms that include generalized weakness and loss of movement in at least one of their limbs,Eight kids in the state of Washington have recently reported having symptoms that coincide with a rare condition known as acute flaccid myelitis , or AFM. It affects the nervous system the spinal cord, in particular and is linked to various causes, including the virus that leads to polio.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) experts, along with others with the Washington State Health Department, are currently evaluating the children and have not said with certainty that their symptoms point to AFM. They are working to find the "exact cause" of the illnesses, so other causes are also being looked at, officials with the state agency have said."None of them have been confirmed or ruled out," said department spokeswoman Julie Graham, in an interview with the network's news division.Dr. Scott Lindquist, a state infectious disease epidemiologist at the Department of Health, has added in a recent statement: "At this point there isn't evidence that would point to a single source of illness among these cases."All of the children, who are between the ages of 3 and 14, reported to healthcare providers weakness and a loss of strength or movement in at least one limb. Three of the children remained hospitalized as of this writing, while five have been released, state health officials said.One of the causes of AFM can be viral, and as such officials at the Seattle Children's Hospital have taken additional steps to minimize infection risks among patients there. Dr. Mark Del Beccaro, chief medical officer at the hospital, said in a statement that patient safety is the facility's top concern, and that it remains safe for parents to bring their kids there."We are following our standard infection control protocols, including putting patients with symptoms of active respiratory infections in isolation so they do not have contact with any other patients," the statement said.Federal health officials with the CDC were already investigating additional cases of AFM in the United States,reported. At least 50 cases were reported by August, compared to just 21 cases in all of 2015.However, in 2014, 120 cases of AFM were reported between the months of August and December, and that time the CDC believed that a virus called enterovirus D68 may have been responsible. That particular virus spread rapidly in 2014 and infected scores of children, with some developing AFM. However, the CDC has not "consistently detected a pathogen" in the spinal fluid of infected patients, which has made it extremely difficult to pinpoint.One child, 6-year-old Daniel Ramirez of Bellingham, was on his death bed shortly after he was admitted to Seattle Children's Hospital. In an interview withaffiliate KOMO, his parents said he became completely paralyzed and had to be placed on life support.His mother, Marijo de Guzman, said Daniel came home from school one day a few weeks ago with a fever and no appetite. She said initially, she just treated him like he was coming down with a cold or the flu.But his symptoms quickly got worse."When we got to the hospital, from basically within a couple of hours he was basically paralyzed," his father, Jose Ramirez, told KOMO.According to the CDC's website , anyone can contract AFM. The agency has said that from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 89 people in 33 states have been confirmed to have contracted AFM. What's the extent of the damage this time? Violence over pipeline construction (NaturalNews) While most of us are enjoying lower gasoline and natural gas prices these days a big help to the family budget it is increasingly difficult to defend the oil and gas industry when it keeps polluting our treasured natural resources.The most recent incident occurred in Pennsylvania, and it involves the same company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline, and which bulldozed ancient Native American burial sites: Sunoco.A pipeline managed by the company has leaked 55,000 gallons of gasoline into a major waterway, thereby contaminating the drinking water of some 6 million people. The pipeline burst in recent days after heavy rainfall in the area,The gasoline streamed into Wallis Run, a tributary of the Loyalsock Creek that eventually drains into the Susquehanna River. The leak was detected very early in the morning after the pressure within the pipeline suddenly dropped in a big way, thereby triggering a pipeline shutdown."Crews will use skimmers to remove gasoline from the top of affected waterways and will erect containment booms downstream," Sunoco Logistics said in a statement, as reported byBut even after the flow of gasoline within the pipeline was cut off, the same heavy rains that caused the leak continued for several hours, making it impossible to measure the extent of the leak and the damage right away.The breach led Pennsylvania water authorities to warn customers to hold off from using water from the river for the time being, until environmental authorities can determine the level of contamination,noted further.So far, nothing official in terms of data has been released by environmental officials.noted that the Susquehanna had previously been declared the third most endangered river in the United States by American Rivers, a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to protecting and preserving rivers around the country.The Susquehanna has also come under threat from development of natural gas, and in particular by the process known as hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," noted. Some environmental groups claim that fracking has caused major contamination problems in the U.S. as the result of loopholes that exempt the natural gas industry from most U.S. environmental regulations.The Sunoco spill came as the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and environmental activists protest against the construction of an 1,100-mile pipeline in North Dakota that Sunoco will operate, claiming that it threatens the local water supply and sacred burial sites. reported that tribal officials said bulldozers were used to "brazenly ... destroy our burial sites, prayer sites and culturally significant artifacts," even as the tribe sought a court injunction to halt the development."The desecration of these ancient places has already caused the Standing Rock Sioux irreparable harm. We're asking the court to halt this path of destruction," tribal chairman David Archambault II said in a statement in mid-September.Tribal members and activists made national headlines in September after crashing through fences surrounding the $3.8 billion project and confronting security guards, some of whom unleashed guard dogs on protestors. Some reports at the time claimed that protestors were hurling rocks at security guards and were striking dogs with wooden sticks.A federal judge had denied the tribe's request to halt construction of the site, but the reported that the Obama administration "took the drastic step" of overruling the judge and temporarily stopping construction.Environmentalists worried about the pipeline note that Sunoco Logistics spills crude more often than any of its competitors, having experienced more than 200 leaks since 2010,reported, citing aanalysis of government data.It's not clear what the final result will be, however. Powerful oil company interests are driving the construction of the pipeline, which is expected to carry crude to Texas and Louisiana for refining into gasoline and other oil-based fuels and products. 1. Eliminate aspartame 2. Prevent colds 3. Green tea creates healthy habits 4. Possible weight loss aid (NaturalNews) For centuries, green tea, native to China and India, has been hailed for its health benefits, but this healing beverage only recently gained popularity in the United States. Next to water, tea is considered the most consumed beverage in the world.Green tea is so good for us that it even has the scientific world raving about its many health benefits. Ranging from lowering body fat and stabilizing blood sugar levels to preventing atherosclerosis and several types of cancer, green tea seems to help with many medical issues. Catechins are green tea's most studied beneficial plant compounds. Catechins are a type of antioxidant that fights free radicals and repairs damaged cells.Green tea is one of the least processed true teas and therefore contains the most antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols. Nonetheless, 78 percent of the tea consumed worldwide is black tea, while only about 20 percent is green tea.Writing for, Kelly Burch revealed what drinking at least one cup of green tea a day for one month did to her health.One of the biggest advantages Kelly experienced after 30 days was her reduced consumption of aspartame-sweetened beverages. While water is her usual drink of choice, when she craved something sweet she always opted for store-bought sugar-free iced tea, which is loaded with aspartame.Aspartame has been linked to causing a variety of health issues including headaches, memory loss, vision loss, depression, seizures, coma, and cancer. Furthermore, it can mimic symptoms of diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, attention deficit disorder, Alzheimer's , and Parkinson's disease.Green tea is packed with antioxidants that benefit the whole body. During Kelly's green tea experiment her whole family came down with a terrible cold and sore throat. While her toddler was the sickest she had ever been she ended up in the hospital with dehydration - Kelly somehow managed to keep her immune system up and stay healthy. "Was it the antioxidant power of green tea?" she asked herself.As reported by, research has shown that people who consume green tea on a regular basis do not easily catch a bacterial or viral infection compared to non-tea drinkers. The catechins found in green tea prevent bacteria or viruses from attaching themselves to cell walls and infecting the cell.Another major benefit Kelly experienced was that she was able to kick her red wine habit. She said that once she felt the relaxing and stress-relieving benefits first-hand, she swapped her glass of red wine during weekend nights for a hot cup of tea Furthermore, drinking that one cup of green tea made her more conscious about her health in general. With these wellness thoughts in mind, she said it was easier to make other healthy choices throughout the day.While some clinical studies suggest that green tea extracts may boost metabolism and help burn fat, other studies, however, show no weight loss benefit at all. Whether it was the green tea or living a healthier lifestyle, Kelly is unsure, but said she was able to shed a few pounds.Nonetheless, she concluded that without a doubt, green tea has improved her health . It helped her ditch artificial sweeteners and wine while keeping her in a healthier mindset. While drinking one cup of green tea a day might not be the magical potion some claim it to be, Kelly said it could definitely be one piece of the puzzle to living a healthier life. Did the Syrian government do this? More deaths are expected (NaturalNews) The children of Syria, by far the biggest losers in the brutal, gruesome and deadly civil war in that country, are even being victimized by international organizations that are supposed to be there to help them.An immunization program administered by the World Health Organization was suspended after reports that as many as three dozen children died after receiving vaccinations.As reported by the website, as many as 36 children died very painful deaths after they were administered tainted measles vaccines under the UN-sponsored program in a rebel-held enclave in northern Syria.Officials suspended the program after hearing reports that the vaccines may have been sabotaged amid a high-profile international effort to make sure that the brutal civil war there doesn't result in a measles outbreak Physicians in the towns of Jirjanaz and Maaret al-Nouman, in the northeastern province of Idlib, said vaccinated children fell ill shortly after the doses were given. The numbers of children who fell ill and died are conflicting, but that's understandable given the chaotic nature of the situation in Syria.Relief organizations across the border in Turkey have said that the loss of young life has been extensive, rising to at least 36 children dead while leaving a dozen more in serious condition. "It's very bad," said Daher Zidan, who coordinates the medical charity, Uossm. "The figures of dead we are getting go into the 30s. Children are dying very quickly. We think it will get worse."A Syrian coalition opposed to the government of President Bashar al-Assad, which controls the Idlib province and had been administering the program, said that it halted it immediately and has no immediate plans to restart it."The Syrian interim government's health ministry has instructed a halt to the second round of the measles vaccination campaign" after several fatalities and injuries among children "in the Idlib countryside," a statement noted.Medical authorities told officials that a contaminated batch of the vaccine is the most likely the explanation for the deaths, which have put a damper on a rare breakthrough: An international effort to bring some health care delivery, however misguided (because it is a vaccination effort), does not happen often in the war-torn country.Officials with WHO said the organization was quickly combing through reports but could not yet confirm the death toll. Other Syrian groups that are meticulously followed also said there have been some deaths."At least five children have died and 50 others are suffering from poisoning or allergic reactions after measles vaccinations in Jirjanaz, in Idlib province," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.Sympathizers with the opposition groups have been circulating images of children on social media who were dying after being vaccinated. Some have suggested that the vaccine batch was tainted with cyanide, quite possibly by agents loyal to the Assad regime, in a bid to undermine confidence in the groups.Idlib is just one of a few strongholds of a rebel movement backed by the West that has mostly been concealed by news about the Islamic State and al-Qaeda's Jabhat Al-Nusra, in parts of Syria not controlled by the regime.One Syrian doctor working in Turkey, Mohammad Mowas, told reporters that the affected children experienced gradual slowdowns in their heart rates, with infants turning blue all consistent with cyanide poisoning. "This looks like [a] deliberate attempt to spike the vaccines," he said, as reported bySome believe that the death toll will rise dramatically. That's because each bottle of the allegedly tainted vaccine contain 40 doses, and medics suspect that two bottles were affected."Save the Children is appalled and deeply saddened by the news of the deaths of a number of children and the hospitalization of many more after receiving vaccinations for measles in northern Syria today," the Save the Children organization said in a statement.If Assad is responsible for killing Syrian children, he should be arrested and charged with the same crimes that Nazis were charged with following World War II. One candidate wants more health freedom, the other wants more govt. control The difference between these two candidates in terms of health care issues is stark (NaturalNews) The year 2016 will long be remembered as one of the most unique presidential election cycles in history. It will also be remembered as one of the most polarizing ones as well.That said, when it comes to certain issues that are important to large numbers of Americans particularly those having to do with health care the choice could not be clearer: If you value medical and health freedom, then Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump should be your choice.In a well-spoken, cogent and pointed campaign speech near Valley Forge, Pa., that was filled with specifics, Trump laid out his plan to "repeal and replace" Obamacare, while pushing to devolve power over health care in general from the federal government.Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton , who once bragged that "before it was Obamacare, it was called 'HillaryCare,'" will keep federal bureaucrats and Big Pharma interests empowered when it comes to making health care decisions, not you. notes that Clinton has not made much of an effort to play politics, for instance, on the issue of vaccinations, once tweeting in response to Trump's statement that they should be spread out over longer time that there is no question "vaccines work." You may not know that, the "debates" which were little more than media-orchestrated ratings spectacles left out many important issues regarding issues of personal health choices and medical issues, such as a spiraling, vaccine-linked autism rates But her language clearly indicates that she's going to be nothing more than another hack, another shill for vaccines. And with her penchant for big government, it's a safe bet that one of the changes she'll push to make to the massive Obamacare fiasco even worse is a policy of mandatory vaccination, similar to a law passed recently in California In addition, Clinton has not hidden her ties to Big Pharma. Ashas reported, earlier this year she became the biggest recipient of Big Pharma donations donations that amounted to over six figures.These two issues were laid bare in some of the tens of thousands of hacked emails that have been released by, which show, as reported byThe fact is, forced vaccination if it comes in the future will probably boil down to one of two things,reported, or perhaps a combination of both.The first will be the next president's stance on Big Pharma monopolies, their firm hold over U.S. politicians, and whether there will be any desire on the part of the chief executive to look into the corruption plaguing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine division.The second factor is the next president's ability to analyze in short order, and then neutralize, false flag "epidemics" (the Zika hoax comes to mind) that are launched in conjunction with the CDC and the World Health Organization, with the purpose of moving towards forced vaccination.A federal version of California's mandatory legislation, SB 277, is much more likely under a Clinton presidency than a Trump presidency, given what we already know about both. Trump has said our over-reliance on quick series' of vaccines is likely misplaced (a position that was backed by his one-time GOP presidential rivals Sen. Rand Paul and Dr. Ben Carson. They have also intimated that some research indicates that therea link between higher rates of autism and vaccines (a link that has been verified by CDC whistleblower Dr. William Thompson ).Clinton takes Big Pharma dollars and has deep campaign ties to the vaccine industry.Read more about Clinton's ties to Big Pharma and her commitment to keeping the federal government in charge ofhealth care decisions in this free white paper by the editors of NewsTarget.com Boil orders double from previous year MCPA pesticide pervasive throughout water samples High THM levels threaten human fertility (NaturalNews) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking action in Ireland and addressing water quality issues with a public utility company named Irish Water. The EPA has conducted audits at 19 public water supply utilities, and has issued 11 important directives to Irish Water. The public water utility is working with the EPA to fix some major issues that threaten the health of the public. These issues include addressing the increasing pesticide contamination of drinking water , the formation of carcinogenic trihalomethanes (THMs), and installing better treatment protocols to stop cryptosporidium parasites from entering drinking water.Overall, 108 water supplies have been deemed "at risk" and in need of upgrades and improvements. According to the, 37 of these supplies contain inadequate treatment methods for stopping cryptosporidium, an infectious parasite that can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal illness. There were 35 boil water orders sent out through the country last year, some of which were in place for the entire year. According to the EPA's Gerard O'Leary, boil orders have gone up twofold from a year ago."So far this year, 86,000 people have had to boil their water to make it safe. This is more than twice as many as last year. Without investment to address the deficiencies in supplies, this type of water restriction will continue to occur," said O'Leary.Sixty-one samples tested measured high for pesticides, with 41 testing high for a specific pesticide called MCPA. This herbicide is used liberally on grasslands to control thistles and ragwort. The EPA found elevated levels of pesticides in Ennis, Shannon, Sixmilebridge, Ennistymon and West Clare. Pesticides are not inert substances that just disappear into the ground. These pesticides can cause long term health issues as they make their way from the tap into the cells of the human body.Fifty-nine of the high risk supplies contained high levels of trihalomethanes (THMs). These toxic byproducts are the result of chlorine mixing with other elements in the raw water . These THMs are carcinogenic by nature, and can cause reproductive problems in humans. The report was most concerned with high THM levels in Donegal and Kerry counties. Ireland's public water utilities routinely exceed the THM standards set by the European Commission; therefore, Europe has begun its own infringement proceedings against Ireland for high THM levels.The EPA is calling on a national strategy to address the disturbing situation of high THM levels. Other problems the EPA intends to address include the removal of lead piping from public buildings and homes. Other upgrades include new management of aging water reservoirs and distribution networks. For the sake of public health, the EPA has declared prompt enforcement action to push Irish Water into compliance.The situation is only destined to get more complicated in Ireland and around the globe, as pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, heavy metals, pharmaceutical-rich biosolids and a plethora of other environmental contaminants come together and pollute drinking water. To ensure water purity, consumers have one choice at this crossroads of collapse: Invest in a lab verified water filtration system. The "Datto device" backups are now in the hands of the FBI Now the FBI has at least FOUR sources of damning emails with overwhelming criminal evidence of Hillary Clinton's racketeering enterprise From these four sources of emails, an undeniable pattern of criminal racketeering emerges Hillary Clinton's private email server was hacked by FIVE foreign intelligence agencies, says FBI source Why the Huffington Post is also a danger to America (NaturalNews) Natural News can now reveal thatfrom damning email evidence that has been in the possession of the FBI for more than a year. The bad news is that such indictments may take months to formally announce, with criminal proceedings requiring years to reach a conclusion. The good news is that Hillary Clinton isn't going to get away with her criminal racketeering for much longer, as the U.S. intelligence community is now determined to make sure she faces justice regardless of the outcome of next Tuesday's election.Here's the evidence that supports these assertions:First, FBI sources have told Fox News' Bret Baier that an indictment is "likely." From Real Clear Politics No doubt Loretta Lynch is determined to engage in that obstruction in one form or another, which is probably whySecond, this Oct. 28 announcement from Dr. Larry Kawa, working in partnership with, reveals an astonishing discovery: That(i.e. destroying evidence).From the announcement:It turns out that Datto, Inc. is a data backup company which had real-time access to Hillary Clinton's private email server for the purpose of backing up her emails. That backup data set was turned over to the FBI in 2015, but the FBI likelyat the time.It wasn't until the Clinton Foundation email scandal began to unfold that FBI agents realized what they possessed. Now, it turns out the FBI has been sorting through those emails (and other evidence) for more than a year.In addition -- and this is a real shocker for those who have been following this --Via Real Clear Politics:What all this means now is that the FBI has four sources of emails that Hillary Clinton and her close associates attempted to destroy:, which somehow seems to have held 650,000 of Huma Abedin's emails, if reports are true, in addition to whatever child sexting pervert pics Weiner himself had collected (yeah, he's a democrat)., which the media incorrectly reported had been destroyed as part of the FBI's investigation "conclusion" earlier this year.which has already been turned over the FBI and likely contains all of Hillary Clinton's emails that she attempted to destroy (via Bleach Bit).which keep getting posted in large batches like clockwork, day after day, revealing astonishing layers of corruption and collusion among dozens of key players conspiring with the Clintons.All this evidence isn't just going to incriminate Hillary Clinton, by the way: This vast conspiracy of criminal collusion, corruption, pay-to-pay bribery and racketeering will ensnare dozens -- if not-- of DNC operatives and Clinton Foundation cohorts. (Can we please release some non-violent drug offenders from the prisons to make room for the Clinton brigade?)In case you didn't already realize this, we're now watching the uncovering of ainvolving hundreds of willing participants, spanning the DNC, the Dept. of Justice, the White House, the Clinton Foundation and of course the State Department. When it's all said and done, this will be the. And it was all masterminded by a woman who claims that her vagina gives her some sort of special privilege to ascend to power in America.The only downside to all this is that it might take years to fully prosecute the criminal cases against these Clinton criminals, and no doubt many of those who are guilty of committing these crimes will go free in exchange for testifying against their racketeering bosses. But the Clinton house of cards is now destined to fall, eventually ending one of the most shocking and dark chapters of American history and government corruption.Beyond everything mentioned above, Hillary Clinton's illegal private email server has long since been compromised by multiple foreign intelligence agencies, allowing any of them toVia Real Clear Politics This means that from the very first moment Hillary Clinton might seize power in Washington D.C., she would be at the mercy of Chinese, Russian, North Korean or possibly even Iranian political leaders who would issue blackmail threats against her unless she granted them requested political favors.Notably, the entire leftist media is communicating absolutely none of this to its readers and viewers, counting on the true fact that most Clinton supporters are too stupid or too self-deluded to understand the high stakes game of international geopolitics. As a result, people who continue to say they support Hillary Clinton are, astonishingly, helping elect a criminal kingpin into the highest office the land... even as she has already been deeply compromised by foreign enemies that seek the outright destruction of the United States.This is likely why the U.S. intelligence services -- part of the "deep state" apparatus -- has now turned against Hillary Clinton and has made a decision to take her down . What every informed person now realizes -- both in government and outside it -- is that, and that allowing her to seize power in Washington would spell outright doom for the nation and its people.Remember this as you browse the internet: Every website that's trying to get Clinton elected, including the Huffington Post, is working to place a seditious racketeering criminal into the highest office of the land. Such malicious acts are, in their own right, serious crimes against America, yet they characterize the entire delusional left-wing media and blogosphere, widely populated by academics who are so ignorant about the real world that they are incapable of recognizing the rise of a fascist, totalitarian regime even as it emerges in front of their very eyes.Universities no longer teach students anything about the real world, you see, so a person can emerge from a top-tier university with a PhD while being so ignorant and deluded about reality that they would gladly vote for another Adolf Hitler if he dressed up in rainbow colors, chanted "love wins" and claimed to be transgender. (Bonus question: Could a biological man with a penis claim to self-identify as a woman and run for office under the premise of being the first "woman" president? Cognitively obedient liberals -- who are all completely insane morons -- would no doubt vote for the "woman," achieving the incredible distinction of placing the first female into the White House who also had a scrotum and could pee standing up. Liberal historians take note... this is somehow called "equality..."), all under the guise of "social justice" or the silly pursuit of the "first female President" as if possessing a vagina is some sort of magical qualification for political superiority.Imagine their mutual surprise when they soon discover that a vagina-possessing liberal politician turned out to be the most corrupt, dishonest and dangerous presidential candidate in history... a woman who created a massive criminal cartel and collected hundreds of millions of dollars in illegal profits while selling government influence to the highest international bidders. No penis required. So much for the glass ceiling theory, eh?In summary, Hillary Clinton is a woman who once held the world by the balls... but then had to let go when the stank of her own putrid crimes was too much to stomach any longer. In the end, she will be remembered as nothing more than a crotchety old hag with a reptilian appetite for power and a sickening disregard for humankind. Prepare your in-flight vomit bags, folks, because this final approach to election day is going to involve nauseating turbulence and more than a few stomach-churning freefalls. The Halloween isn't over in Japan as spectators and alien hunters marvel at the mysterious green orb that sparked tan ongoing debate. Astronomers say it could be a fireball but alien hunters believe that the green orb is actually an unidentified flying object (UFO). The mysterious green orb was spotted speeding over Niigata, early on Oct. 31. There were sparks shooting behind the UFO's tail that made it look different from typical shooting stars. The green orb was spotted in Japan on Halloween night and has attracted a huge number of spectators. Reports say that those who witnessed the speeding green orb managed to film the UFO including a NIPPON TV subsidiary weather camera located in the eastern part of Japan. NHK also released the image as part of its 'spooky sightings' on Halloween night. Few days after, the debate is still ongoing and people are still trying to decipher the nature of the green orb. Astronomers believe that the anticipation heightened due to the occurring Halloween celebration but there is a more logical explanation for the mysterious UFO that appeared in Japan. The bright lights that created the orb could just be a 'fireball' in the sky, according to an astronomer. "A fireball is another term for a very bright meteor, generally brighter than magnitude-4, which is about the same magnitude of the planet Venus in the morning or evening sky," said an official from the American Meteor Society in a statement. The orb could be categorized as a type of fireball called 'bolide' that typically explodes; it then leaves a tail end with visible flash and fragmentation. Another possible conclusion is that the orb could be a part of a space rock or remaining space debris that survived the Earth's atmosphere. But so far, there is no evidence yet to confirm these claims. The lack of knowledge about the orb makes conspiracy theorist and alien hunters believe that the orb is a UFO commanded by little green men. The mysterious looking orb did not only garner the attention of alien hunters but of scientists as well. But some argue that it just looks like a fireball because it is trying to camouflage itself as a meteor. What's surprising about the mysterious orb that was spotted in Japan is the interest given to it by both alien hunters and scientists who are all adamant in finding out the truth about the green orb spotted hovering in the sky. This might be a great time to think about switching to garlic instead of sticking to your mouthwash. A chemical used in mouthwash may be fueling the rise of a superbug, Mirror reported. Superbugs are bacteria resistant to antibiotics. WebMD noted that about 2 million people get sick from a superbug and about 23,000 die, making superbug a worldwide worry that is prompting immediate action. A new study published in the journal American Society for Microbiology has revealed that chlorhexidine, an active ingredient of the popular antiseptic mouthwash Corsodyl, is making certain bacteria immune to antibiotics. The researchers looked Gram-negative pathogens including Klebsiella pneumonia. The study said Klebsiella pneumoniae, from the so-called "ESKAPEE" group, are of particular concern due to their high levels of antibiotic resistance. Products containing chlorhexidine are almost always present in a number of household products which is why the bacteria become resistant to it. When the bacteria is exposed to Corsodyl, it becomes defiant tocolistin, a "last resort" antibiotic used to treat infections when no other drug will work. Klebsiella pneumoniae can cause pneumonia, meningitis and other infections, notes NHS UK. Meanwhile, the study's lead author, Mark Sutton, needs further study to see how much will it affect the present situation. Reacting to the findings, Dr. Huabing Yin of Glasgow University, told Mail that it was doubtful someone using a small amount of mouthwash could be susceptible to superbugs. However: "If people use mouthwash, they will spit it out in their house, then it goes into waste water. This leaves the compound in the environment and it cannot be removed using normal waste water treatment. If it ends up in a river, it may increase resistance to colistin of aquatic organisms which then can be accumulated in the ecosystem -- it can come to affect us all," he said. The study was carried out by researchers from the Technology Development Group, Public Health England, Microbiology Services Division in the U.K. Scientists have discovered a virus in Moku Island, Hawaii, that inhabits an invasive wasp. If left unchecked, it is a threat not only to bees but to other pollinators worldwide. Bees are known to be vital to worldwide food systems as they pollinate a lot of plants. Sadly, they are already considered endangered species, and the recently discovered virus poses a new threat to the entire ecosystem. Bees are also prone to emergent diseases such as the deformed wing virus (DWV), which makes the Moko virus a threat to be reckoned with. Gideon Mordecai led the identification of the new Moko virus, with Purnima Pachori of Earlham Institute identifying the host and the genetic material. It appears the virus is native to Vespula pensylvanica, a type of invasive wasp. Mordecai and his peers said in an article on Earlham Institute that the ramifications of the transmission pathogens are astounding and can be potentially lethal to our food supply. Declan Schroeder from the same school explained this is similar to how smallpox and measles infected poeple worldwide; only this time, it's honeybees. Another Earlham Institute article highlighted the importance of monitoring invasive species for these viruses as they can be transmitters of other deadly pathogens. Right now, researchers are exploring the likelihood of the virus affecting Hawaii's native bee population. However, it was found that the Moko virus is also related to the slow bee paralysis virus found in some parts of the United Kingdom, Fiji, and Western Samoa. This indicates that there's a possibility that the virus is already present globally. Bees were added to the list of endangered species of the United States for the first time this October. This is after reports of seven bee species being endangered themselves. According to NPR, the United States is now pushing for regulations that can protect bees and limit harm from outside sources. Bees are known for their ability to pollinate and help plants grow around the globe. Their lessening population can hold devastating consequences to our global food structure and economy. Alien hunters have long suggested that alien remnants and odd objects were spotted on the surface of Mars including a replica of Donald Trump's face. But apparently, the red planet is not an alien hotspot, but a meteorite hub. NASA's Mars Curiosity rover spotted another odd object on the surface of Mars, but it is not an alleged alien remnant this time but a piece of meteorite. Reports say this is not the first meteorite sighting on the surface of the red planet and it definitely won't be the last to be spotted there. Mars could actually be a good spot to search for meteorites. The rover spotted a small piece from a meteorite according to the Arizona State University using the instruments aboard the rover. The meteorite was easy to spot since its material is different and distinct from the Martian surface. The meteorite appears to be composed of nickel-iron that looks way different from the rocks found on Mars. Curiosity took the image of the rock last Oct. 30, 2016. In the photo, a small, grayish object with odd features was captured. The said features are present in meteorites allowing astronomers and scientists to conclude that the photographed rock is indeed a meteorite. In 2014, a meteorite was also discovered on the surface of Mars. Scientists find it amusing and interesting to find alien objects like space debris on other planets. Reports say that both the non-operational Spirit Rover and the still active Opportunity rover also managed to capture images of meteorites on the surface of Mars. Since space debris that fell on the red planet are less likely to change in millions of years as compared to Earth making Mars a very good place to search for meteorites and to study them. This is due to the minimal or even lack of moisture and oxygen and its relatively thin atmosphere. The Arizona State University also released a close-up image of the meteorite with obvious dark material that made it stand out from the planet's surface. Incidents like this are a typical occurrence on Mars as expressed by NASA on previous meteorite sighting. "On Mars, iron meteorites dominate the small number of meteorites that have been found. Part of the explanation could come from the resistance of iron meteorites to erosion processes on Mars," a NASA official said in a statement in 2014. Stunning new images of Carina Nebula show pillar-like structures that destroy the clouds of gas and dust that give birth to young stars. Carina Nebula (NGC 3372), a massive hub of star formation, spans more than 300 light years and lies about 7,500 light-years away in the constellation Carina. New images from the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope in Chile show long pillars and spires of cosmic dust and gas dubbed "Pillars of Destruction," the agency said in a statement. An international team of researchers led by Anna McLeod, a doctoral student at ESO, observed the pillars and found that they are similar in nature with the Eagle Nebula's "Pillars of Creation," a star-forming region that was photographed by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope in 1995. The researchers observed 10 of the pillars using the telescope's MUSE (Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer) instrument - a powerful device that could capture thousands of nebula images and allow astronomers to map out their chemical and physical properties. Ironically, when a massive star forms, it starts to destroy the cloud of gas and dust from which it was born. Giant stars are known to blast great amounts of ionizing radiation, stripping atoms of their orbiting electrons and causing the gas to disperse. This energetic radiation is known as photoevaporation, and these powerful blasts are destroying the nebula and the pillars. The researchers observed the results of photoevaporation and found a clear link between the amount of ionizing radiation coming from nearby stars and the dissipation of the pillars. "We believe that the fundamental mechanism which forms pillar-like structures is the same for all star-forming regions: the radiation from the massive stars erodes the surrounding molecular clouds via photo-evaporation," McLeod told the Daily Mail. "Both the Carina and the Eagle Nebula are star-forming regions in the Milky Way, but they differ in terms of number of massive stars that have formed within them and are influencing the gas in them." Further observations will be made using MUSE to understand the feedback mechanism between the stars and their pillars, ESO said. A California senator called the payroll system at the states In Home Support Services ridiculous at a Tuesday hearing at Los Angeles City Hall. Mike McGuire, a Democrat who represents a large swath of Northern California and chairs the Senate Committee on Human Services, said: "The state of Californias In Home Support Services is antiquated and frankly, it's broken." The committee listened to testimony by California residents receiving and providing care through the program, which is managed by the Department of Social Services. The goal of the hearing was to find solutions to the payroll system used by DSS to pay care providers in California. IHSS is intended to pay in-home care providers who work with nearly 450,000 disabled, sick and mentally ill children and adults. However, more than 10,000 paychecks arrive late or not all every month. The Investigative Unit first questioned IHSS in May when providers began claiming they were not getting paid. At the time, Jaime Clark who stays home in order to care for her son told NBC Bay Area her paycheck was late. He is autistic with developmental disabilities and he needs 24-hour supervision, said Clark. He cannot be left alone for any amount of time. According to her, the most recent hard-copy timesheet a major topic at the hearing contained errors. As a result, she was not getting paid. We have four bills that are due car payments, car insurance," Clark said. "All that is due and without my check we're not going be able to pay it." Tonya Joy of Placer County also spoke with The Investigative Unit. Joy is paralyzed from the waist down and requires help every day. She said providers who do not receive their paychecks are not motivated to do a good job. Good-hearted people, when they get desperate enough, do bad things, said Joy. I become victimized and it happens all the time. On Tuesday, IHSS Director Eileen Carroll and Deputy Director Pete Cervinka attended the hearing. We are committed to avoiding errors, Carroll said. For his part, Cervinka defended the agency saying, "We dispute that the state is the cause of all of the delays that have been described. Were disappointed however that the amazing performance of this payroll system goes unrecognized." IHSS payroll processes more than 1 million timesheets per month. Yet, according to documents provided by the Senate Human Services Committee, 14,503 timesheets required what Social Services calls human action to correct. In other words, the timesheet contained an error(s) not repairable by the department. It required the care provider's involvement at a local county office. There are thousands of dedicated county social workers who work on those, Cervinka said. Every month, only a couple hundred remain pending for more than 30 days. McGuire didnt agree. He blamed the complexity of the timesheets and the fact that they are still on paper, not electronic. Cindy Wilson is a care provider who testified at the hearing. I go to work every day like every one of you do, Wilson said with a tearful, broken voice. But I cant rely on a timely paycheck. Richard Dagget agrees. He uses a motorized chair and, according to his testimony, suffers from polio. DSS sometimes often times operates in an ivory tower. I doubt if theyve ever interacted with a severely disabled recipient, said Dagget. Social Services officials say the 14,503 erroneous timesheets only represent 1.3 percent of the total amount processed. But McGuire objected, saying: "If we were a private business, we would be fined or shut down." A new audit of IHSS will be complete in February 2017. McGuire says it should suggest additional reform of IHSS. California voters who want to share photos of their bubbled-inballots when they vote in the current election are out of lock. A federal judge in San Francisco refused Wednesday to block a state law that bans ballot selfies, mostly for a technical reason, not a philisophical one. U.S. District Judge William Alsup said allowing the images so close to Election Day would create confusion among voters and poll workers. The American Civil Liberties Union sued Secretary of State Alex Padilla on Monday, eight days from the Nov. 8 election, seeking a court injunction preventing enforcement of the "ballot-selfie ban" in the current election. The ACLU argued, unsuccessfully, lawyers were concerned about the chilling effect the ban could have on voters free speech. In a statement, Padilla reiterated that Alsups ruling means ballot selfies are not authorized for the Nov. 8 election. Voters are still allowed to use their smartphones in the voting booth and may still take photos with their I Voted stickers, he added. It's just selfies with photos showing the actual checked-off ballots that are forbidden. The heart of the controversy is not really about selfies, perse, but showing the actual bubbled-in ballots and displaying those choices on social media. The fuss is not really over taking a selfie outside a polling station or near a booth, which is still allowed, even though the exact photography laws at election spots are unclear, said Michael Risher, a senior staff attorney for the ACLU of Northern California. The issue is showing marked ballots, such as Hillary Clinton for president or yes on California's marijuna legalization proposition, for the world to see. California already has a 125-year-old ban on the books regarding voter intimidation, and the Secretary of State's position is that showing the marked-in ballots on Twitter, for example, falls in this unlawful category. The ACLU sees it otherwise, and believes that freedom of expression is paramount. "We already have laws that make it a felony to ask someone to show you a marked ballot," Risher said, "and to buy your votes. We're not challenging that. "Social medial, for millions, is how people talk." He added he was disappointed with the judge's ruling, but acknowledged there was no time to make an effective appeal. He also said he wished that this issue had been brought to the court earlier, which may have resulted in a different ruling. A federal judge in Colorado is hearing arguments in a similar case Wednesday. Last week, an extensive review by The Associated Press of the array of ballot selfie laws in all 50 states found that 18 states prohibit sharing photos of ballots. Another, California, joined the list on Wednesday, when a federal court judge denied a request to allow them. The ballot selfie saga should not be a problem by the next election. A new law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown this year will repeal Californias ban on sharing photos of marked ballots. But it doesn't take effect until January 1. California officials are sending a message: The state has a clean elections process with few confirmed instances of voter fraud. The assertion came as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump repeatedly claims the election is rigged in favor of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. "There's nothing rigged about our elections, and even when there are some minor irregularities, the reality is that they will be statistically insignificant," San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon said Tuesday at a news conference meant to reassure voters. Rick Hasen, a law professor who specializes in election law at the University of California, Irvine, said the state has a good record on election participation. "The situation in California is much better than what the picture looks like in other parts of the country," he said. Here are answers to some other election-related questions: ___ HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE? Paul Mitchell of the data tracking firm Political Data Inc. expects voter registration to hit a record 19.4 million for Tuesday's election, an astonishing figure that reflects enthusiasm around the election as well as easier online registration. The company says more than 3.3 million ballots had been cast in early voting as of Tuesday. "Thirty-five percent of houses that have a voter in California have a newly registered or reregistered voter," Mitchell said. "That's unprecedented." ___ HOW DO ELECTION OFFICIALS PROTECT AGAINST VOTER FRAUD? Dean Logan, Los Angeles County registrar-recorder and president of the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials, said voter lists are routinely updated to remove dead people. In addition, each voter has a signature on file that is compared to the signature required on a mail-in ballot envelope or roster list, San Francisco elections director John Arntz said. Each county maintains a database to mark whether someone has cast a ballot. Jesse Melgar, spokesman for the California secretary of state, said double voting in California is rare. His office saw 23 convictions for double-voting from 1994 to 2012. ___ HOW DO OFFICIALS PROTECT AGAINST VOTER INTIMIDATION? Elections officials say they will be on alert for any attempts to intimidate or coerce voters. Also, people cannot campaign wear a button or hold a sign inside or near a polling place. Nonpartisan groups say they will step up monitoring at polls on Election Day. Asian Americans Advancing Justice affiliates and the Dolores Huerta Foundation are among groups that want to make sure voters some who speak limited English receive proper assistance and are not hassled. There is no requirement that voters speak or read English in order to vote. ___ HAVE THERE BEEN ELECTION IRREGULARITIES REPORTED IN CALIFORNIA THIS SEASON? Opponents of a development measure in Beverly Hills have accused backers of registering more than 300 people to vote using post office boxes, which is illegal. They also claim three people associated with Ballot Measure HH have registered using addresses where they don't reside. A three-year legal push to shut down a longtime Berkeley medical marijuana dispensary has ended with a victory for a long-standing East Bay patients group. "We fought the hard fight and came out on the other side better for it, said Victor Pinho, communications director for the Berkeley Patients Group. The dispensary opened in 1999 and claims to be the oldest continuously running dispensary in the country. Three years ago, a U.S. Attorney for Northern California filed a property forfeiture lawsuit trying to shut down BPG. The suit stated marijuana was still illegal under federal law and claimed the dispensary was operating near a day care center. BPG moved down the street to stay open. We were operating with a lot of uncertainty, Pinho said. On Monday, federal prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. This is a huge victory for sensibility, and it's a huge victory for the patients of this community, Pinho said. It comes just days before California could vote to legalize recreational marijuana by passing Proposition 64. Though Pinho says it wouldn't affect them, he hopes it passes. Because it is good policy, and it keeps people out of jail for something that's a medicine, he said. The Santa Clara County District Attorney on Thursday charged a 19-year-old man with murder as prosecutors allege he killed a beloved 88-year-old San Jose woman during a brutal home invasion. Zachary Cuen, a 19-year-old parolee, has appeared in court before to face attempted murder and home invasion charges. But Flo Douglas, dubbed by her neighbors and friends as Miss Flo, died on Oct. 8, changing the nature of the case. And so, on Thursday, the original case was amended to include murder. If convicted of all counts, he faces life in prison. Our deepest condolences go out to Ms. Douglass family and to so many in the community who loved and respected her, Deputy DA Lance Daugherty said in a statement. We will do everything within our power to hold this defendat accountable for this savage and senseless crime." Cuen is suspected of viciously beating and robbing Douglas on Sept. 12. Sources close to the investigation say sheriff's deputies have a video of Cuen using Douglas' credit card and driving her car. Prosecutors say the 19-year-old parolee was trying to kill Douglas during a the robbery at her home in the Alum Rock neighborhood. The attack happened in the home where Douglas lived alone. Investigators said Cuen initially left then returned to beat the victim again, ransacking her house and stealing her car. Detectives said they also found one of Cuens fingerprints at the home. Cuen, who lived across the street from Douglas, was on probation in connection with a February vehicle theft and hit-and-run. He also attempted to burglarize an 85-year-old woman who lives in the same neighborhood as Douglas, sources said. "When the victim, Ms. Douglas, said she didnt have any money, he started punching and kicking her multiple times," Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Rebekah Wise said previously. "Ms. Douglas fell to the floor. He then continued to kick her." Police have released a photo of one of the men arrested in the 2014 beating death of a San Francisco homeless man. Two men were arrested in connection with the brutal beating of 67-year-old Tai Lam, a disabled homeless man who was attacked as he slept in an alleyway in San Francisco's Financial District. Police released a photo of Idaho resident Joseph Stull, 21, of Spokane, Washington, who was arrested on Sept. 22 while he was already serving time for an unrelated crime in a Kootenai County, Idaho jail. Stull's crimes in his March conviction in Idaho included grand theft, petty theft, destroying evidence and possession of stolen property. In August, he was convicted of petty theft and being a fugitive from justice. Another suspect in the Lam's beating, Stockton resident David Peters, 21, was arrested Oct. 25. Stull and Peters were booked into San Francisco County Jail on Friday on suspicion of murder, robbery, elder abuse and mayhem. They remain in custody on $5 million bail according to jail records. Stull and Peters are accused of attacking Lam on Nov. 23, 2014, along with an unidentified third person. The trio allegedly attacked Lam twice between 11 p.m. and midnight in the 100 block of Sutter Street, as Lam slept on the ground in a sleeping bag, police said. A surveillance camera allegedly captured Stull, Peters and an unidentified third person, as they smoked a cigarette on the steps to Crocker Galleria near Montgomery and Post streets, shortly before the assaults. The attack itself was also caught on camera. Both Stull and Peters were scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday morning. A San Francisco supervisor is among those pushing a new proposal to build a public memorial honoring a man fatally shot by city police officers. The shooting death of Alex Nieto sparked outrage among some in the community, but a federal jury found the officers invovled did not use excessive force. A makeshift memorial to Nieto already exists in the Bernal Heights neightborhood and is being tended to daily. Now Supervisor John Avalos is hoping to create something more permanent, proposing legislation to do so. "I discussed it with the family," Avalos said. "I said were going to be silent on whether the city should pay for it, but I think it's best the community can come together and raise some money." Some neighbors like the idea. "I know a lot of people come out here and pay their respects," Chelsea Jurado said. "I think it would be nice to have a place and really memorialize him and share their love now that hes gone." Nieto was fatally shot by police in 2014. Police said they fired after he was ordered to put his hands up, and instead he pulled a stun gun. Nietos family and others dispute that version and have been pushing for a memorial. Now they have support inside City Hall. "I support it. I think that what happened with Alex Nieto is tragic, and whatever your views are on what took place, there is no question that there has to be some healing," Supervisor David Campos said. But not everyone is on board. "Theyre nice, lovely people, but still I dont think we should break a precedent," neighbor Fred Romagnolo said. "This is a public park." Community meetings whave been scheduled with the Department of Recreation and Parks, and approval would be needed from the city's arts commission. Supporters said they are hoping if all goes as planned they can have a memorial installed after the first of the year. San Francisco Police Officers Association President Martin Halloran released a statement in response to the proposed memorial: "We believe that we should instead be honoring real heroes, the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our community from harm. Heroes worthy of our civic recognition include San Francisco Fire Lt. Vincent Perez and firefighter and paramedic Anthony Valerio, Oakland police Sgts. Mark Dunakin, Ervin Romans, Daniel Sakai and Officer John Hege, and San Francisco police Officer Nick Birco." Jon Cordova was sitting with his wife one evening in their Danville home when an idea suddenly cropped up: Why dont we become delegates? At the time, the rancorous Republican primaries were still underway. Donald Trump had yet to clinch the nomination, but Cordova and his wife were resolute. Trump was their man, and they wanted to be a part of the process that put the blustery business mogul at the top of their partys ticket. One Google search later, a few forms and phone calls, and they were picked: Cordova's wife, Janet, was chosen as a delegate, while he was selected as an alternate. From there, a whirlwind trip through the Republican primary process began a voyage that marked Cordovas first foray into the political arena. It ended with him securing a spot on the Trump team as the California communications director in August, a job which he was arguably underqualified for. I had no experience doing this, he admitted over coffee. Its completely new for me. Its been a bit of a learning curve, to be sure. Cordova traded his high-paying job at a technology firm to work for free in the communications position. He says he often puts in 16 hours a day, fielding media requests, scheduling surrogates and coordinating with other branches of the campaign. The 57-year-old, whose previous political participation stops short at voting, says that hes part of a groundswell of long-time Republicans who feel abandoned by the GOP, and hes not wrong: Throughout the campaign, reports have shown that Trump has been able to resonate with a swath of the electorate predominantly white men who are tired of politically correct, erudite politicians. For them, the real-estate developers candidacy has been a long-awaited rallying cry. Yet Cordova breaks the mold when it comes to the stereotype of many Trump supporters. He is college educated, certainly not poor and is of Latino heritage. As the election enters the final days, he says he's not entirely sure if he'll return to his old life in the tech industry. This has absolutely changed my life, Cordova, clad in a black suit and shiny Team Trump pin, says. Its like going from T-ball to playing at Yankee Stadium. Its something that I never thought I would be able to do with a candidate like this. It feels historic, like something special is happening in our society right now. Although most political analysts would agree that this election has been unique, there have been conflicting accounts on whether that "something" is ultimately beneficial to the electorate. "Donald Trump has taken the politics of fear to a new level," wrote Robert Reich, a UC Berkeley Professor and former secretary of labor under the Clinton Administration, in a Facebook missive. "He's stoking our deepest dreads, conjuring up nightmares, suggesting conspiracies, and using every heinous act as evidence of impending danger." But if Cordova has any qualms about Trump, he's not saying. The University of California, Los Angeles alum has a knack for pivoting when confronted with the various controversies surrounding the Trump campaign. On the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape, in which Trump boasts about using his celebrity to grab women by their genitals, Cordova disregards the lewd remarks, calls them unpleasant and eventually concludes by leaning forward and asking Do you feel comfortable with Bill Clinton back in the White House? A series of questions including Trump on birtherism, John McCain, and allegations of racism takes the conversation on a similar detour. Perhaps the only criticism to which he readily agrees is that Trump could have streamlined his message: But youve got to remember, he talks in hyperbole, he says, immediately softening the blow. Hes not a politician. That unwavering support for the Republican nominee has made him a target, even in Danville, a crimson enclave in a very blue Bay Area. He recounts being called a racist and a piece of white trash, among other insults. While hosting a rally near an overpass last week, someone screamed at supporters to go to college! They assume, Cordova says, that hes a homophobe, a misogynist or to use a phrase affectionately adopted by the campaign a deplorable. He claims to be none of those things, and is simply in favor of a business approach to government. In the Bay Area, its a more hostile crowd, he opined. Its not a welcoming place for Trump supporters. You know, theres a lot of intolerance from the left. I guess I didnt realize that there was such a visceral hatred. At the time of publishing, 14 lawn signs he placed in his community have gone missing. Now, he and his wife only put theirs up when theyre home.The campaign has also traded bumper stickers for bumper magnets, as cars declaring affiliation with the campaign have been targets for vandalism. His "Make America Great Again" T-shirt draws icy glares, too. But Cordova brushes it all off the critiques, the sneers and concerns about a Trump presidency. When asked if he thinks the Republican nominee is headed for a victory, he doesnt hesitate to say yes. However, he's a long way off from calling for an armed revolution, like some supporters, if the election doesn't go his way. Yes. Absolutely, I think he'll win he says, waving a hand. But, no, Im not going to take up arms if he doesnt. Gillian Edevane covers Contra Costa County for NBC Bay Area. Contact her at Gillian.Edevane@NBCuni.com Its National Sandwich Day, which can only mean two things free sandwiches, or great deal on sandwiches. Here are some deals compiled from Go Banking Rates. Panera Bread Subway: Potbelly Sandwich Shop: Quiznos: Other restaurants offering deals today. With a strong lead in the polls and a substantial fundraising edge, Rep. Tammy Duckworth is hoping to take her unique military experience to the Senate. Duckworth, an Army veteran who lost both legs piloting a Black Hawk helicopter over Iraq in 2004, has made military spending and veterans issues cornerstones of her congressional career. Having served, it allows me to stand up and criticize some of these wastes and fraud that happens in the [Department of Defense] without being seen as someone whos weak on defense, Duckworth told NBC Chicago in an exclusive interview. However, Duckworth explained that she isn't concerned with being viewed as a war hawk. Instead, her main goal is, doing right by the troops who have to carry out the mission. I do see that gets to be my role because of my military service and I look forward to taking on that role in the Senate, she said. Following her service, Duckworth was appointed director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs in 2006 by disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. She ultimately moved on to become assistant secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in 2009. Throughout much of the campaign, Duckworth was embroiled in a workplace retaliation lawsuit filed by two former employees at the Anna Veterans Home in southern Illinois. The suit was settled in late June, just over a month before it was scheduled to go to trial in mid-August, though the settlement has not been finalized. Sen. Kirk has used the lawsuit as his main line of attack against Duckworth throughout the campaign, even sending out save the date mailers with her trial date. The senator has also hammered Duckworth on allegations that she was largely unresponsive to evidence related to veteran mistreatment and inadequate investigations conducted by the VAs inspector general at Illinois Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital. Duckworth claimed shes unfazed by the attacks because theyre not true. "I know its a political strategy to go after your opponents strengths, she said. Im proud of the work I did in Illinois." The Democrat said shes been driven to serve veterans because she thinks she owes it to the buddies who saved her from the wreckage of her 2004 helicopter crash. Everyday, I do the work I do for veterans to try to pay back because I can never pay it back, Duckworth said. My bond with veterans is beyond anything that a political opponent can dent because theyre superfluous to the work." If shes elected to the Senate, Duckworth looks to continue her legislative legacy by improving veterans mental health services and cutting wasteful military spending. The congresswoman has already introduced legislation to change the way the military buys camouflage uniforms, a program she claims will save taxpayers approximately $4.3 billion over its first 5 years. I saw a lot of waste when i was serving, Duckworth said. I saw a lot of waste at the same time that i saw a lot of unmet needs." With his campaign flagging less than a week until Election Day, Sen. Mark Kirk is ready to move past the controversy surrounding a racially-charged comment he made at last weeks debate. The comment that I made, I apologized to Tammy about and she accepted the apology, Kirk said in an exclusive interview with NBC 5/Telemundo. During the debate, Kirk mocked Duckworths family history of military service after the congresswoman said her family has served this nation in uniform going back to the revolution. I had forgotten your parents came all the way from Thailand to serve George Washington, Kirk responded. The senator, who is considered the most vulnerable Republican up for re-election, ultimately apologized to Duckworth the following day, expressing gratitude for her familys service. With apology offered and accepted, I think Tammy and I think its time to move on, the senator said Wednesday. The Duckworth campaign confirmed Wednesday that the congresswoman is also ready to put the issue to rest and focus on more substantive issues. Nevertheless, Kirk is struggling to keep up with Duckworth in both polling and fundraising. According to two polls released this week, the Democrat holds a strong lead in the race. An Emerson College poll shows Kirk trailing by 18 points and a Loras College poll shows the Republican trailing by 8 points. On Wednesday, the senator claimed he would overcome the deficit by being the independent voice for Illinois, noting his F- rating from the National Rifle Association and his commitment to fighting gangs in Chicago. The Chicago Tribune pointed out Wednesday that Kirks campaign coffers have been depleted. Kirk raised less than $300,000 during the first 19 days of October, leaving the Republican with a $576,279 war chest. In comparison, Duckworth raised $860,559 in the same time period and has $2.5 million on hand. Kirk downplayed how the fundraising gap could affect the last leg of the race. A week before the election, you expect each campaign to spend, Kirk said. I would expect my opponent would be slowly running down. When youre six days out, to talk to 12.8 million people, the campaign is basically cooked right now. The senator also took some shots at Duckworth, referring to the congresswoman as a terrible public servant for her work as director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. Kirks campaign has used four IDVA whistleblowers in anti-Duckworth ads. He even had the women accompany him to last weeks debate. Kirk also criticized the Duckworth for being rated one of the least effective members of Congress." Youve got a lot of competition in that area, the senator joked. Its hard to win that battle. In response, the Duckworth campaign criticized the InsideGov study Kirk was seemingly referrencing. PolitiFact has given "False" and "Mostly False" ratings to political attacks based on the study due to its questionable methodology. "Senator Kirk is in the predicament he's in at least in part because he has run an unrelentingly negative campaign based on false attacks that Illinois voters are rejecting," Duckworth campaign spokesman Matt McGrath said in a statement. "Why he continues to peddle these falsehoods is anyone's guess, but it's unfortunate and beneath the dignity of the office he holds." "Tammy is committed to closing out this campaign by continuing to have an honest and positive conversation with Illinois voters about the issues they care about, not trading insults." After the Chicago City Council voted Tuesday to remove a street sign honoring Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps downtown skyscraper, attention shifted to Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who accepted a $50,000 campaign contribution from Trump in 2010. When we was asked Tuesday about returning the donation, Emanuel said he would look into it, according to the Chicago Tribune. However, later in the day, the mayors campaign spokesman Pete Giangreco explained the money wouldnt be returned. Were not going to put money from a 5-year-old donation back into Donald Trumps pocket today, and were not going to stop denouncing everything he says, Giancreco said in a statement acquired by the Tribune. Ald. Brendan Reilly, who led the push to remove the sign, received a $500 contribution from Trump Hotel & Casino Resorts Holdings in 2008 and $5,000 from Trump in 2010. Reilly has promised to return any contributions he received from Trump after the November election, so the Republican cant use the money for his own campaign. According to the Tribune, Reilly said he expects the honorary Trump Plaza street sign to be taken down within the next several days. The alderman also noted that he hasnt talked to Emanuel about what will be done with the sign, but said it will likely be repurposed for somebody who deserves an honor." NOTE: NBC Chicago will offer a live stream with complete parade coverage beginning at 9 a.m. Friday right here. As a sea of Cubs fans fills downtown Chicago to congratulate the historic team's return to the Windy City Friday, there are some things you should know before trying to get to the city. Street closures, parking restrictions and transportation reroutes will all be in effect as preparations begin. Fans are being asked to watch the parade along Addison Street from Sheffield Avenue to Pine Grove Avenue, along North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Ohio Street and on Columbus Drive from Monroe Street to Balbo Avenue. The parade route will start about 11 a.m. The parade will leave Wrigley Field about 10 a.m., the mayor's office said a in a news release, with the official parade route starting about 11 a.m. traveling along Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and Ohio Street. It will then continue along Columbus Drive between Monroe Street and Balbo Avenue. A celebration rally will take place at Lower Hutchinson Field in Grant Park at approximately noon, when the motorcade arrives in Grant Park. Commuters traveling to the Loop will want to allow extra time to travel and officials are encouraging fans to use public transportation. The Chicago Transit Authority will provide extra service along all rail lines following the morning rush into the afternoon. Multiple CTA bus routes will be detoured in the downtown area for set-up, take-down and the entire parade and rally. A full list of street closures has not yet been announced. Bikes will not be allowed on CTA trains from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and all stroller and carts must be folded before boarding buses and trains. Metra is also providing extra train service to accomodate Cubs fans, but trains are expected to reach capacity on all lines. Metra will offer a one-day $5 unlimited ride ticket for the celebration and is encouraging riders to purchase their tickets in advance. Metra will use every locomotive and railcar we have on hand to try to manage the huge number of fans travelling downtown, but I want to be clear trains will be crowded and operating off-schedule, Metra CEO Don Orseno said in a statement. If you plan to take Metra tomorrow, we advise that you listen closely to platform announcements for the latest train information. Bikes and alcohol will not be allowed on any trains Friday and quiet car rules will be suspended. Metra said nearly 85,000 tickets were sold for the Chicago Blackhawks victory rallies in 2013 and 2015, with about 170,000 rides taken. Tomorrow is expected to be the busiest day in Metras history, Orseno added. We ask all of our regular customers and the new customers we expect to see tomorrow to be patient and, most importantly, be safe. An Illinois restaurant chain will give away free sandwiches on Thursday now that the Chicago Cubs have snagged a World Series victory. Buona, an Italian beef restaurant chain, is giving free 7-inch beef sandwiches to the first 108 dine-in guests to visit any of their Chicago-area locations. The special offer was contigent on the Cubs beating the Indians in Game 7. Fans can take advantage of the offer beginning at 10:30 a.m. Customers must show or mention the restaurant's promotion in order to claim their free beef. [[399748441, C]] NOTE: NBC Chicago will offer a live stream with complete parade coverage beginning at 9 a.m. Friday right here. Bus by bus the Chicago Cubs will parade their way through downtown Chicago Friday in a historic celebration that is sure to be among the biggest the city has seen in years. Though the official parade route will start at about 11 a.m., the parade will leave Wrigley Field about 10 a.m., according to officials. The parade will travel along Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and Ohio Street. It will then continue along Columbus Drive between Monroe Street and Balbo Avenue. A celebration rally will take place at Lower Hutchinson Field in Grant Park at approximately noon, when the motorcade arrives in Grant Park. Fans are being asked to watch the parade along Addison Street from Sheffield Avenue to Pine Grove Avenue, along North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Ohio Street and on Columbus Drive from Monroe Street to Balbo Avenue. Commuters traveling to the Loop will want to allow extra time to travel and officials are encouraging fans to use public transportation. A mother Chihuahua and her puppies living in dug-out tunnel on a hillside in New Britain were rescued thanks to some students and neighbors. It all started when concerned neighbors, along with staff and students at the Roosevelt Campus, which is a part of the New Britain School District, called police about an abandoned dog. Residents noticed the dog was actually the mother of some puppies there were living in a dug-out hole within the juniper bushes. "Neighbors and some of the teachers at the school had been feeding this dog and putting food out for her, so they kept the mom healthy which means she was able to feed her puppies," said Sgt. Paula Keller of the New Britain Police Department, who oversees animal control operations in the city. On Tuesday, the mother Chihuahua was lured out using a trap and food and the next day a large community effort tried using the mom to lure out the two babies. But, it wasn't that simple. "Apparently, the dog had a tunneling system going through the bushes, so you could never see her until she came out and started barking when you got near her den," explained Keller. City crews had to clear the hillside of the bushes to find the tunnel and free the puppies. Later, all three dogs checked out healthy at the Animal Hospital of Rocky Hill. Three animal hospital employees, who live minutes from one another and both treated the puppies, decided to adopt the dogs. "Since we are all in the same hospital, we can get together, have play dates, have everybody see one another and not lose contact," said Nicole van der Grinten of Ledyard, who works at the hospital. Its been about three weeks since the City of Waterbury was placed in a temporary public water supply emergency due to the drought. So have the latest conservation measures been making a difference? Manager of the city's Bureau of Water, Don Carver, told NBC Connecticut they are. On Oct. 20, the Department of Public health declared a public water supply emergency in the city for 30 days. Water capacity in its reservoirs were at 46 percent then. On Nov. 2, reservoirs were at 44.5 percent capacity. While capacity is slightly lower, Carver, said residents are making a positive impact on the water supply. We have noticed a reduction in the daily demand it has dropped by 1 to 2 million gallons a day so that shows us that people are really making a consorted effort to conserve water, said Carver. The average demand for the last two years has been 16 million gallons of water used per day, as opposed to now about 14 million gallons after water conservation efforts. It's proof that every little bit of conserving is making a difference. I cut down myself, you know, to take only 3 showers a week now and doing a bird bath the rest of the time and cut down on doing laundry, said resident, Mary Ann Gabaree. Since the water supply emergency was declared in Waterbury last month, Governor Malloy has announced its first-ever state drought watch. Waterbury lies in one of the six counties placed on the watch -- which includes New Haven, Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex and Tolland County -- and both state and city water authorities are asking residents there to voluntarily reduce their water usage by about 15 percent. Were also going to be doing a system wide water audit and leak detection," said Carver. "Thats going around through our entire system and checking all of our valves and all of our water mains to ensure that there are no leaks. And if we do find leaks we repair them immediately. If there was not a drought, water capacity would be in the 60 percentile range this time of year. If residents are caught using water outside they could face a fine. A new effort to prevent sexual assaults on community college campuses across Connecticut was rolled on Wednesday. I think especially in a community college, even though its on a smaller scale, its really important, Delecial Young, said. Many applauded Capital Community College and 11 other state community colleges for tackling the issue head on. Among those front and center at the rollout of the new program was Marcel Jennings, who runs Capitals PRIDE, a pro-LGBT group. Our community is very prone to sexual violence, Jennings, said. To help prevent acts of sex assault against all students, the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities announced a collaboration with police, prosecutors, and community groups to address the issue. Nationally on average one in five women will be the victim of some form of sexual assault while at college. It is our responsibility to protect our students, Mark Ojakian, president of Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, said. The schools will offer students a new online program called Not Anymore to teach them about consent, stalking, and domestic violence. Experts say social media is adding to the problem. This form of communication has also offered this new opportunity for abusive partners to harass the victim, Karen Jarmoc, president of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said. Part of the effort is agreements between the schools and prosecutors and police about how cases are investigated and to make sure victims feel comfortable coming forward. Students are hopeful that this will make a difference. Its going to be effective as long as they stay proactive and stick with what theyre doing and not fall off anywhere, Young, said. The new online program is being rolled out this month. Next spring there are plans for student workshops on how they can stop a sexual assault if they see it going on. The 15th annual Operation ELF promotion is underway and they are looking for donations to help ease the financial stresses military families face because of the call to active duty. This annual campaign gives Connecticut residents an opportunity to say thank you to all of the military families who are sacrificing so much in order to protect and serve our nation, said Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a statement. I thank the Connecticut National Guard for their work, and I encourage everyone to give what they can. Four hundred Connecticut Airmen are preparing for deployment to Southwest Asia, 100 deployed last week to the Middle East, and 60 National Guard Soldiers recently returned from deployment to Afghanistan. Donations of gift cards for grocery and department/home goods stores, pharmacies and gas stations help support military families throughout the year. Fuel oil, snow removal, and home maintenance services are also needed and new, unwrapped toys for young people of all ages are welcome. Residents or businesses may also Adopt-A-Family through the Operation ELF program. Adopt-A-Family assists military families suffering extreme financial hardship and allows donors to purchase items on the familys wish list. Names remain confidential, only demographic information is provided to supporters. How to donate: Donations may be dropped off Monday through Friday, Nov. 7 through Dec. 12, during normal business hours. Large quantity donations or anyone requiring drop-off outside of business hours, please call (800) 858-2677. Following are the donation locations: Army Aviation Support Facility Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks 85-300 Light Lane (Off of Route 75) William A. ONeill Armory 360 Broad St. Hartford Armed Forces Reserve Center 90 Wooster Heights Road Danbury New London Armory 249 Bayonet St. New London Gift cards or financial contributions (made through the CT National Guard Foundation) may be mailed to: Connecticut National Guard Office of Family Programs 360 Broad St. Hartford, CT 06105 The Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization that provides emergency financial assistance for Connecticut National Guard members and their families. Donations are tax-deductible. Please be sure to include your name, address and phone number so an acknowledgement of your contribution can be sent. For more information about Operation ELF, please call (800) 858-2677 or visit the Connecticut National Guard Facebook page. The Sears store, as well as the Sears Auto Center, in Corbins Corner in West Hartford will be closing in January, according to Sears Holdings. Sears Auto Center will close in early January, while the Sears store will close in late January. The liquidation sale will begin on Nov. 11. Following is a full statement from Sears Holding: The Sears store, including the Sears Auto Center, in West Hartford was recently sold to Seritage Growth Partners as part of the agreement in which Sears Holdings leases the store from the Seritage. Under this agreement, Seritage contractually has the right to recapture the space occupied by the store and Sears Auto Center locations. Seritage informed us that they will be exercising that right. Hence, the Sears Auto Center will close in early January 2017 and the store will close in late January 2017. Until then, the store itself will continue to remain open and we will continue to serve our customers and members. The store will begin its liquidation sale on November 11. The number of associates is not publicly available. Those associates that are eligible will receive severance and have the opportunity to apply for open positions at area Sears or Kmart stores. What to Know Bridget Kelly and Bill Baroni are charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, civil rights violations and misusing the bridge to get back at mayor They face a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted on wire fraud conspiracy, the top charge against them Christie has not been charged in the criminal case and has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing Editor's Note: In an earlier version of this story, it was erroneously reported the judge had denied the defense motion for mistrial. The judge denied a defense motion to reconsider her instructions to the jury on the top conspiracy count, not the mistrial motion, which is outstanding. A federal jury went home Thursday without reaching a verdict in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing trial of two former allies of Republican Gov. Chris Christie as defense attorneys sought a mistrial and to have some evidence removed from consideration. Four days into deliberations, the jury left the courthouse without sending any questions to the judge. That was in contrast to Tuesday's session when they raised several questions about the counts in the indictment against Bridget Kelly and Bill Baroni. Kelly, Christie's former deputy chief of staff, and Baroni, his top appointee to the bridge authority, are charged with scheming to use traffic jams to punish a Democratic mayor who didn't endorse Christie in 2013. Defense attorneys were busy for a second day filing motions with U.S. District Judge Susan Wigenton. The most intriguing was a motion for a mistrial that was almost entirely blacked out. Attorneys would give no details on what the motion contained, and Wigenton allowed the prosecution to file its response to the motion under seal, away from public view. While Wigenton had yet to rule on the mistrial motion Thursday, she denied a motion filed Wednesday in which defense attorneys asked her to give a different answer to jurors' questions about the top conspiracy count in the indictment. The defense wanted to have jurors determine the defendants' guilt or innocence based on whether the government proved there was a plot to retaliate against Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich. Under conspiracy law, however, the motive or intent behind a conspiracy doesn't always have to be proved; only the agreement to break the law does. In this case, the primary crime alleged was misusing the property of an organization receiving federal benefits the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the bridge. In a related motion filed Thursday, defense attorneys sought to have Wigenton instruct jurors to ignore evidence the government presented that purportedly showed the defendants also tried to retaliate against Democratic Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop for not endorsing Christie. Prosecutors grilled a former top aide to Governor Christie during cross examination in the so-called Bridgegate trial. Bridget Kelly is still standing by her claim that she thought it was part of a traffic study. Brian Thompson reports. In the motion, they wrote the evidence was presented to support the prosecution's theory of punishment as a motive and noted that Wigenton has ruled jurors don't have to conclude the defendants had that motive to find them guilty of conspiracy. Top Tri-State News Photos Christie has denied any knowledge of the plot and wasn't charged. But Kelly, Baroni and another Port Authority official all testified Christie was informed about the lane closings either before or while they were going on. The most serious charges against Kelly and Baroni carry the possibility of 20 years in prison. A North Texas mother is facing felony abandonment charges after her 2-year-old daughter drowned in a tub last month after being pushed underwater by her sister. The mother, according to investigators, was having sex in her bedroom at the time. According to an affidavit released by the Wise County Sheriff's Department, 26-year-old Amanda Ann Clark left her three daughters alone in a bathtub Oct. 23 after a man arrived at the woman's home for a "booty call." After about five minutes alone, the woman's 6-year-old daughter, Angelina, entered the room and told her mother that her 2-year-old sister Alexandria wasn't breathing. EMS arrived at the home, performed CPR and transferred the child to Wise Regional Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. In an interview with police, Clark said she'd drawn the bath for her daughters and left them alone while she went to her bedroom with 44-year-old Jeff Stephenson. Stephenson told police he'd arrived at the house for a "booty call" and that he heard Clark gather the girls from the living room before she joined him in the bedroom. He said they were having sex when the woman's daughter entered the room. Clark's 6-year-old daughter Angelina told police she was in the tub with Alexandria and their 3-year-old sister Gabriella and that Gabriella pushed Alexandria under the water and held her. Angelina told police after her sister went limp she picked her up and got out of the tub before entering her mother's bedroom. Investigators said Clark is being charged with abandoning or endangering a child, a second-degree felony. Further information about this investigation has not been released. [[399880191,C]] Dallas firefighters are trained to fight flames and save lives but most of the time it's not running into burning buildings that's saving people. Right now, they're responding to more overdose calls than fires. In fact, nearly 80 percent of their calls are medical, which means a significant part of emergency responders' days are devoted to these overdose calls. The numbers are staggering, but it's such a rampant problem, emergency professionals are not even surprised by them. It's a call for help firefighters and paramedics across Dallas are responding to multiple times a day. Dr. Marshall Isaacs says the response often involves overdose medical emergencies where every second counts. "This is a drug that, if taken in too large an amount, can stop you from breathing, and within four to six minutes you'll die," he said, about the very powerful synthetic opioid called fentanyl. For paramedics, their first line of defense for these types of calls has become a little vile of Narcan. "It can within a matter of seconds to minutes reverse the effects," Isaacs said. Narcan is used to save patients overdosing on a number of different drugs, and so far this year, emergency responders have had to administer it more than 835 times. That's roughly three overdose responses per day. "We certainly wish that number could drop to zero, but three a day really does not surprise me," said Isaacs. Short of calling it an epidemic, he says the significant overdose problem has played a major role in emergency response. "This is a societal problem. It is not Dallas Fire-Rescue's problem to solve, but whenever there's a call for help they respond. And in this case we have the antidote, we have the treatment and we can help save lives," Isaacs said. Dallas Police also respond to these overdose calls. A deputy police chief told NBC 5 Dallas Fire has such great response times and a handle on the problem to this point, that DPD officers are not equipped with Narcan, nor trained to administer it. Sofya Tsygankova, the wife of internationally renowned pianist Vadym Kholodenko, has been declared unfit to stand trial in the March slayings of the couple's two young daughters. According to court documents, Dr. Barry Norman, completed a competency evaluation and found Tsygankova unfit to stand trial. Kholodenko, a Ukrainian-born, Cliburn competition winner who plays with the Fort Worth Symphony, arrived March 17 at the suburban Fort Worth home of his estranged wife to find her in distress and his children, 1-year-old Michaela Kholodenko and 5-year-old Nika Kholodenko, dead. Tsygankova was charged with suffocating the children and has pleaded not guilty. The court found, however, that Tsygankova could, with proper care and treatment, obtain competency and be able to understand the proceedings against her and have sufficient ability to consult with her attorney. The court believes Tsygankova does pose a danger to others and may not safely be treated on an outpatient basis. She has been ordered transferred to a maximum security unit of a State Mental Health Facility for a 120-day treatment program. At the completion of the program she'll be returned to Tarrant County and will undergo further evaluation for competency. Prosecutors have said they will not seek the death penalty against Tsygankova. Incompetency Ruling The family of a Fort Worth man assaulted after leaving a bar is praying for his recovery and hoping someone can help police find the men responsible. "At one point, honestly, I didn't know if he was going to live or die," said Mike Hawkins, the victim's brother. Darren Hawkins, 48, stayed in a coma for nearly a week-and-a-half after the Oct. 23 attack. The father of two remains in the intensive care unit at Texas Health Harris Methodist in Fort Worth. "He's progressing quite well. He's conscious," Mike Hawkins said. "There's a lot of blanks that more than likely, he'll never be able to fill in." The attack happened in the early morning hours, when Darren Hawkins left a Fort Worth bar with four women after celebrating their 30th high school reunion. The five friends shared a ride service with two other men. There was an argument, and when the driver pulled over near West 7th Street and University Drive to force the two strangers out, things turned ugly. "They didn't know who these guys were," said Mike Hawkins. "Darren exited the vehicle, flipped down the seat, and in a cowardly way, this guy jumps him, slams him to the ground and administers a brutal beating." "I hope he's out of hospital for the birth of his granddaughter that's coming in December," Mike Hawkins said. Fort Worth police don't have much to go on, but Hawkins's family hopes someone comes forward to help. "Senseless and needless," said Mike Hawkins, "for someone to be beat like that, that ridiculous. If I knock you out you're incapacitated. Now I'm just trying to murder you." Coworkers at Union Pacific are now raising money to help Darren Hawkins. It seems everyone has a story about getting ripped off by a contractor. Just this week, NBC 5 told you about a man arrested and accused of bilking people from five DFW counties out of thousands of dollars. Now, a Fort Worth man wants a better way to keep track of the good guys and the bad guys. "He left a giant hole in my ceiling," said Christina Gray, pointing to a hole above her stove. The tour of her home is one disaster after another. "You literally have to throw your hip into it to get the dang thing to shut," she said, shoving her back door closed. "It's the outlet and a light switch that he left hanging in my house," Gray said, pointing out electrical wiring dangling in a bathroom. She says she paid her contractor more than $38,000 for work he left unfinished. "There's a good possibility I won't be able to pay my mortgage anymore because I have to pay to fix this," Gray said. It was Gray's first time hiring a contractor and she admits she didn't check him out enough in advance. "I just don't want anyone else to have to sit in their house and not be able to live and to have constant panic attacks in their own home," said Gray. It's a story Fort Worth Realtor Tony Perez has heard from his clients too many times before. "There's much too much fraud happening every single day," said Perez. So now, he's talking to state lawmakers about starting a contractor registry. "It will provide protection to the public, said Perez. These people will be licensed, bonded, their license will be on record with the state. It will be kept in a database the public could look up online." The system would also make it easier to track down contractors who take off after collecting money up front. "If they've also had any kind of disciplinary action, that will be on record as well for the consumer to look at," said Perez. Sitting in her broken home, it sounds like the right idea to Gray. "To get contractors to know that they can't continue to screw over Texas," said Gray. NBC 5 is not naming Gray's contractor because we haven't been able to reach him to hear his side of the story, but we will keep trying. Gray is trying legal action of her own. She's hired a lawyer and is waiting for the contractor to respond. NBC 5 spoke with State Representative Matt Krause from Fort Worth. He said more regulations are always a tough sell at the legislature, but he's researching a fix. It may include starting a voluntary association where contractors can vet each other within the industry. Texas used to have a regulatory agency called the Texas Residential Construction Commission that oversaw contractors. The legislature chose not to renew the agency when it came under sunset review in 2009. North Texas will welcome approximately 150,000 NASCAR fans this weekend and with them increased traffic on congested roads. The Fort Worth Police Department reminds residents and visitors to expect traffic delays as Texas Motor Speedway plays host the popular fall races. The race schedule includes: Friday: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Longhorn 350, 7:30 p.m. Saturday: NASCAR Xfinity Series OReilly Auto Parts Challenge, 2 p.m. Sunday: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA Texas 500, 1 p.m. Roads surrounding TMS will be extremely congested. Due to continued construction on Highway 114, traffic patterns may vary from those in previous years, police warned in a media release. They ask residents to avoid the area if possible, but recognize that is not an option for some who live, work and travel in the area. Fort Worth Police suggest you use the West is best approach. This means try to use routes that are to the west of the speedway and avoid traveling near the intersection of I-35W and Highway 114 to travel to the west, police said. Police encourage following electronic road signs and posted instructions. All lanes and gates will permit entry, so patrons should stay in their designated lanes once in the cone pattern, police said. Traffic leaving the speedway after each race will be placed into different traffic lanes from the exit gates. Each lane will go to a specific major roadway. Expect officers working special patrols and adding security to neighborhoods near the speedway. A Boca Raton woman who gave birth inside her car on a hospital parking lot is being billed a delivery room fee even though she never made it into the delivery room. It wasn't the way Paula D'Amore and her husband planned on bringing her baby into the world. "We drove up, my husband ran out and I said she's crowning and her head came out," D'Amore told NBC affiliate WPTV. D'Amore said her husband caught the baby's head and nurses ran out to help with the rest of the delivery. Baby Daniella was born in a Jeep Grand Cherokee in the fire lane outside Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Seven months later, the family says it received a bill for more than $7,000, which included the delivery room charge. "I knew that I was responsible for the $5,000 deductible. I get it, I'm going to pay the bill, that's not the issue, the issue is that I'm like, I look at this delivery charge and I think that's a little outrageous," said D'Amore. The mother said she planned for the birthing costs, but thought that since she never made it to the delivery room, the hospital would adjust the bill. D'Amore noted she did deliver the placenta in the hospital. A spokesperson for Boca Raton Regional Hospital told WPTV the administration has no comment at this time. Thomas Chakurda, the hospital's vice president for marketing, told the Sun Sentinel in an emailed statement that Boca Regional has reviewed D'Amore's concerns, and deemed the billing was suitable. "The hospital appropriately bills for the medical services and care it provides and has determined that the level of care provided and billing were appropriate in this instance," Chakurda said. D'Amore argues the hospital is "basically saying that everything was billed appropriately." She says she is going to pay the bill even though it says the baby was delivered in the car prior to arrival. The U.S. Navy sailor accused of driving drunk and crashing into a crowded park beneath the Coronado Bridge appeared in court Wednesday, in his first court appearance since his arrest. Richard Anthony Sepolio, 24, an active duty service member stationed in Coronado, will remain in custody on $2 million bail. A San Diego judge rejected the defense request to release Sepolio into the care of the U.S. military. Sepolio's truck plunged 60 feet off the Coronado Bridge ramp on Saturday, October 15. The vehicle landed onto a crowd below, killing four people. He has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges related to the fatal crash, including four counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence causing injury or death, and four different great bodily injury allegations. Attorney Paul Pfingst argued his client was not drunk and was not texting. Sepolio should be released from jail and confined to base where he could undergo surgery for injuries to his back, his ribs and his hands, the attorney told the court. This young man is serving his country and he has no criminal record and the breath tests that were taken shortly after the accident show that his blood alcohol level was below the legal limit, Pfingst said explaining how breath tests conducted by the CHP showed his client had a blood alcohol level under the legal limit. In court, the prosecutor said the defendants injuries prevented an accurate breathalyzer test and that blood drawn later provided a more accurate measurement. An hour after the initial tests, a blood sample was drawn and Sepolio's BAC was measured at .08. The idea that his client was texting at the time of the crash is not accurate, Pfingst said. "After he hit the ground and was trapped in the vehicle, he took out his cell phone to call for help," Pfingst said. "The evidence will show when they check the time on his cell phone, the cell phone times match up to after the accident occurred." The crash was a tragic accident, Pfingst said, caused when Sepolio was driving at approximately 60 miles an hour when he was forced off the bridge by another vehicle. However, the district attorneys office maintains there is no evidence the defendant was forced off the bridge. Judge Frederick Maguire rejected the defense request and ordered Sepolio to be held on $2 million bail. Sepolio is facing a maximum sentence of 23 years and eight months in prison. The four people killed in the collision were identified as Cruz Elias Contreras, 52, AnnaMarie Contreras, 50, Andre Christopher Banks, 49, and Francine Denise Jimenez, 46. They were attending the La Raza Ride motorcycle festival being held at Chicano Park. A man suspected of fatally stabbing a 3-year-old at a clothing factory in downtown Los Angeles Monday has been linked to at least one other crime, police said Wednesday. Ricardo Augusto Utuy, 34, was arrested Monday after allegedly stabbing a 3-year-old girl at a sewing shop in downtown LA. Ruby Vasquez, nicknamed "Baby Ruby," had just been picked up from day care to be with her mother when the suspect stabbed the girl without warning, police said. The child was taken to a hospital by a private car where she later died. Witnesses said that Ruby's parents work at the sewing shop. They would often pick up the girl from day care and take her to work with them, they added. Although Utuy and the girl's mother worked together, they had "minimal contact" with each other, officials said. After an hours-long manhunt, Utuy surrendered hours later at the Los Angeles Police Department's Rampart Division. Authorities confiscated a knife and gun that Utuy had in his possession. Utuy, a Guatemalan national, was arrested and booked for murder. His bail is set at $1 million. After seeing Utuy's photograph, an additional victim came forward. The victim, an adult female, provided a statement linking Utuy to an unrelated crime committed months ago, according to the LAPD. "We now have reason to believe there are other unreported crimes that we still want to learn about," LAPD Detective Supervisor Moses Castillo said at a news conference Wednesday. The "extensive investigations" into both crimes have led detectives to believe there may be additional victims. Detectives are asking anyone who recognizes Utuy to come forward. They are looking to speak with a Hispanic man named Alex. Detectives don't know Alex's last name, but told NBC4 that he may have had contact with Utuy in the past. His relationship to the suspect is unknown. Alex is not connected to either of the two crimes, police said. Police expect additional charges to be filed Thursday when the case is presented to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office. A man accused of fatally stabbing the 3-year-old daughter of two of his co-workers at a downtown Los Angeles garment factory on Monday was charged today with murder, along with a non-fatal attack on a woman at another factory eight months ago. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Sergio C. Tapia II ordered Ricardo Augusto Utuy, 34, to be held in lieu of $3 million bail while awaiting arraignment Dec. 7 for the girl's killing, as well as an attempted murder charge involving a woman who was stabbed at another downtown Los Angeles factory on March 10. Utuy allegedly attacked Ruby Vasquez of Los Angeles after her parents brought her to work around 5:15 p.m. Monday at a factory in the 800 block of McGarry Street, near Eighth and Alameda streets. The girl's mother saw her daughter, who had gone to give her father a cookie, running toward her with Utuy close behind, according to prosecutors. Utuy allegedly stabbed the girl multiple times with a knife, then fled. She was driven from the scene in a private vehicle, which was met by an ambulance that took her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police have not determined a motive for the attack, said Los Angeles police Detective Supervisor Moses Castillo with the Juvenile Division's Abused Child Section. Utuy, a Guatemalan national, later surrendered at the LAPD's Rampart Station and was booked early Tuesday on suspicion of murder. "After seeing Utuy's photograph (in news reports), an additional victim came forward and provided a statement to detectives linking him to (an) unrelated crime," according to a statement released by the LAPD. Castillo called the March 10 attack "very similar" to the attack on the girl. He said the child's family is "devastated" by what happened. "Obviously this is a case that has really touched all of our hearts," Castillo said. Police are trying to locate a man named Alex who is believed to be an acquaintance of the defendant and may be able to provide valuable information about him, the detective said. A $20,000 reward was announced Wednesday to help generate leads that will lead to information regarding the murder of a Jack in the Box employee last month. Juan Manuel Vidal, 25, was shot and killed by a masked robber Oct. 21 in El Monte. Police responded to the fast food restaurant after they received a call regarding an armed robbery. They found Vidal unresponsive and took him to a nearby hospital, where he later died. Chair of the LA County Board of Supervisors Hilda L. Solis and the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department announced the reward Wednesday morning during a press conference. I urge anyone with any information to please come forward, and help us apprehend those involved in this criminal, criminal activity, Solis said. The reward was approved Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors and the City of El Monte. We need the publics help to be able to identify this individual to hold him accountable for what he did, and to prevent him from hurting anyone else, Sheriff Jim McDonnell said. Vidals mother, Mary Smay, tearfully asked anyone with information on her son's murder to alert police. "(The suspect) needs to pay for all the pain and suffering that hes caused to so many people; not only me but so many people in El Monte and people who loved my son," Smay said. "That man has no heart." Vidal was a recent graduate from the United Education Institute College with ambitions to become a pharmacy technician. He had also recently gotten engaged. Anyone with any information regarding Vidals killing is encouraged to contact the Sheriffs Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 or send an anonymous tip to the LA Regional Crime Stoppers. Its already called an "urgent threat." Concerns are brewing that "superbug" infections are far more extensive than we know, and local hospitals are not accurately reporting deaths due to these infections. For the first time, Diana Olson -- now a widow -- tells NBC4 that she believes her husband is an uncounted victim of the superbug. "I saw a good man in decline in front of my eyes and I couldnt do anything to help him," Olson said. For more than 40 years they were inseparable. "He was everything to me," Olson said. She describes her husband as a young 78-year-old in good health - until April of 2015. "He suffered. Thats the hardest thing is that he suffered," she said. Heart-broken and angry, Olson says she knows what killed her husband. "The superbug infection destroyed him," she said. Superbugs are bacteria resistant to antibiotics. People are often infected in hospitals. In early 2015, two high profile superbug outbreaks surfaced in Southern California one at UCLA Medical Center, and the other at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Both hospitals blamed the infections on contaminated endoscopes. Family physician Dr. Michael Lewis says these instruments are critical in diagnosing and treating many diseases. "Its also just as important to have them as to have them properly cared for," Lewis said. Endoscopes are long tubes inserted deep into the body to examine internal organs. One scope can be used inside multiple patients. "We don't want to save a life and then get them sick," Lewis said. In late March 2015, scope manufacturer Olympus issued an "urgent safety notification" announcing new cleaning procedures. Less than a month later, Bob Olson was treated at Pasadena Endoscopy Center using the same type of Olympus scope. "He got out of the car, he got sick, and that was three days after the procedure," Olson said. Bob would spend most of the next four months at Huntington Hospital. "Mr. Olson didnt have to die," Attorney Brian Kabateck said. Kabateck is representing Diana Olson in a civil suit against Huntington Hospital, Olympus and Pasadena Endoscopy Center. "This is a case of of extreme negligence on behalf of the scope manufacturers and really questionable conduct on behalf of the facility," Kabateck said. On Aug. 19, 2015, just four days before Bob died, Pasadena Public Health launched an investigation into Huntington Hospital after notification that three patients tested positive for a known strain of the superbug -- multi-drug resistant psuedomonos aeruginosa. "They kept scoping him till the very end," Olson said. A review of Bob Olsons medical records show that same strain of superbug present in his body. "Why wasnt the family advised? Why is it we, to this date, havent been advised?" Kabateck said. There are thousands of deaths a year from drug-resistant bacteria, but medical experts agree no one has a full grasp of the threat. "Theres a lot of blame to go around in this situation," Kabateck said. The Food and Drug Administration just acknowledged hospitals, including Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Medical, and Huntington Hospital, are not accurately reporting cases of the deadly infection. The FDA itself admits it has not been enforcing reporting requirements. Olson has tried to keep busy over the last year, but misses the man she calls "the most generous person shes ever known." When asked what she thought he would say if he could have a conversation with her today, Olson responded: "I love you, and I appreciate everything you did to save my life. Im sorry it didnt work, but Im OK." Ashley Spadafora came close to becoming a victim of cyber fraud early this year while trying to rent a house in Key West to celebrate her 21st birthday. Spadafora visited Craiglist, her favorite site, where she inquired about several rentals until she found a house. I got a couple of replies and the one that I got he sent back the documents and terms and agreement and the method of payment, said Spadafora, who is a college student in Orlando. But she became suspicious after the so-called landlord requested a payment through Paypal or bank transfer which is the same as sending cash. Thats when she decided to verify even further. I have an uncle who lives down in the Keys. I asked him if he could go to the house, she said. When her uncle knocked on the doors, he met the owners. They told him the house was not for rent. I did almost get scammed, she said showing a grin in her face. Vacation rental scams have become more prevalent in recent years and Spadaforas experience is a cautionary tale for consumers out there planning to rent a vacation home. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission receives thousands of complaints each year and warns consumers to be vigilant when searching for vacation rentals online. The vacation rental boom in the Keys it has blown up, said Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay. Ramsay said these types of schemes focus on getting your money with no way to trace it. Send me cash. Send me a gift card and a green dot card. Some other untraceable means, Ramsay said. Cyber thieves clone popular sites and create fake online listings that appeared legit showing pictures of homes, real homeowners name and contracts. Some have lured consumers to rent properties that are in foreclosure or dont even exist. And they often ask for cash transfers instead of credit card payments. Many times we have traced these accountsbank accounts where the money was transferred to and found out that has already been closed, said Mark Coleman, a detective with Monroe County Sheriff Department. Helen Martinez found out how the scammers work when a Jacksonville family showed up at the home she owns in the Keys. They arrived at the house and they told our plumber we are here to check-in. We are guests and checking in today. My plumber called me immediately, said Martinez, a Miami resident. Cyber thieves cloned Martinez profile using her information and pictures of the home. The couple told her they thought they made reservations through TripAdvisor.com. She called the site. What they [TripAdvisor] explained to me was that these individuals clone their websites so when you are actually going through the web site, you have to be very careful, Martinez said. Martinez drove down to Key Largo to meet the heart-broken couple. She was telling me that they have planned this vacation for like five months so they were very excited and they were trailing down their boat and they were divers, Martinez said. At the end, Martinez welcomed the Jacksonville couple to stay in her Keys home. As for Spadafora: she celebrated her 21st birthday in a real Key West rental. We had fun. It was a nice place, she said. Law enforcement and tourism officials suggest consumers consider the following guidelines when booking rentals: -Use a major credit card for lodging transactions. Most rental firms accept credit cards and major credit card companies normally protect the consumer in the event of fraud. -Never transfer money electronically to someone you have not met in person. -Be wary of property owners who say they are out of the country and ask you to send a check to another person or another town. -Most real estate firms and rental agents are member of a local chamber of commerce or lodging association. Those groups may be able to help verify the rental owner or agent. -Sometimes deep discount is a red flag that something is not right with the listing. -In the Florida Keys, for example, all vacation rentals are licensed. Ask the agent for a copy of the transient license before paying. An attorney who was shot at his Kendall law office by a client who police say is believed to have also killed his wife and adult son was back in surgery Thursday but is expected to survive, his wife said. Attorney Larry Harshman was rushed to Kendall Regional Trauma Center after Wednesday's shooting at his office at at 11420 N. Kendall Drive. Police said the 58-year-old Harshman was shot by a former client, 54-year-old Fadel Jabado. Miami-Dade Police later found Jabado's wife and adult son shot to death at their home off Southwest 192nd Street in southwest Miami-Dade. They were identified as 43-year-old Bassima Jabado and 26-year-old Ahmed Jabado. Harshman's wife, Lenora spoke with NBC 6 outside her husband's office Thursday. She said Jabado was upset with Harshman because he wouldn't represent him in a divorce case. "The guy came back so Larry would handle his divorce and Larry said no, he doesn't do divorce," Lenora Harshman said. "And the guy left very upset, and the next time he came back and shot him." Harshman remains in critical but stable condition. "He's a wonderful guy, he's very respected and admired in the community," Lenora Harshman said of her husband. Fadel Jabado was shot by officers after an hours-long standoff. Police said he had barricaded himself inside a vehicle and was armed and when he pointed his firearm at officers, they shot him several times. He was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital South where he was in critical condition. Jabado had five children, three of whom are underage. At a hearing Thursday a family court judge granted custody of the minors to an aunt and uncle. "I hope his God forgives him for what he has done," Lenora Harshman said of Jabado. U.S. Coast Guard crews rescued four fisherman early Thursday morning after their boat caught fire and exploded near St. Simons Island Sound, Georgia just north of Jacksonville, Florida. A Coast Guard vessel located and rescued the crew and their dog from the 58-foot fishing vessel Predator, officials said in a news release. Coast Guard authorities received a mayday call from the fishing vessel crew at 3:53 a.m. saying their vessel had caught fire, and they were abandoning ship. Crews launched and located the vessel. The fishermen were rescued at 4:25 a.m. and taken to the Coast Guard station where emergency medical services were waiting. The crew sustained minor injuries but were reported to be in good condition. An urgent marine broadcast is being issued, warning other mariners of debris and hazards in the area, Coast Guard officials said. The cause of the fire in under investigation. More than a dozen families are missing thousands of dollars after relying on a company to wire money to Latin America to help their loved ones in need. But when the money wasnt delivered and they couldnt get answers from MV Cosmos Envios, they reached out to police and NBC 6 Responds. It was for some medicine for my mom. Can you imagine that? said Fabio Rodriguez who says hes missing $400. Ana Gutierrez says she tried to send $2,900 to pay for her sons back surgeryShe says its a lot of money for her for the money she makes cleaning houses. Now I need extra work, said Gutierrez about having to replace the money. Maria Pulgarin says she sent more than $10,000 dollars to pay her familys debts. Its all of my savings, said Pulgarin. Several customers told us they had used the company before without issue so they didnt expect the business to close suddenly. The company had been in business since 2013. She never answers the phone. Nothing. Messages, nothing. She never say nothing. Nobody says nothing, said Rodriguez. Some customers told us they reached owner Victoria Lopez Castro and she provided refund checks but those checks bounced. NBC6 Responds tried several times to reach Lopez Castro without success. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau(CFPB) in Washington says consumers shouldnt hand over their cash until the company provides them a written estimatedocumentation which is required by law. Remittance providers are required to provide a written disclosure about the cost, the taxes, how much money your relative is going to receive and also when your relative or friend is going to receive the money, said Dubis Correal s spokesperson for CFPB. Companies also have to put in writing exactly who to contact if there is an error and how to cancel a transaction. And if a consumer thinks theyve been cheated, they should contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. If we determine that the company is violating consumer financial protection laws, we take legal action against the companies, said Correal. Some of these customers have filed police reports with the Palm Beach County Sheriffs office hoping to get their cash back. But they say they have no resolution yet. Say something you know, because, its not fair thats the word, its not fair, said Rodriguez. If something like this happens to you, CFPB recommends contacted the company involved in writing right away. Those companies generally have 90 days to investigate the matter and must notify you of their investigations results. For more ways on how to protect yourself or file an official complaint with the government, click here. The Miami Police Department announced memorial services Wednesday for Officer Jorge Sanchez. The motorcycle patrolman was killed Tuesday in a violent crash that injured 12 others and involved 10 cars in Southwest Miami-Dade. A viewing will be held Thursday at Vior Funeral Home in Miami from 7 p.m. to midnight. The funeral service and burial will be held on Friday at the at 9 a.m. at the Miami-Dade County Auditorium. Following the service, a procession will travel to Woodlawn Cemetery North for the burial. Sanchez, 53, was a 21-year police veteran. Florida Highway Patrol says Sanchez was as heading eastbound on southwest 8th Street waiting to turn left on 137th Avenue when he was rear-ended by an SUV driven by Ronald Pla. Officer Sanchez is survived by his three children, mother, ex-wife, and fiance. His son, Eric, is also a City of Miami police officer. Just days before the general election, President Barack Obama spoke at a campaign rally for Hillary Clinton in Miami to urge voters to sway the crucial battleground of Florida. The campaign rally for Clinton was held Thursday morning at Florida International University. It's Obama's second visit to Florida in a week, after campaigning in Orlando on Sunday. White House spokesman Eric Schultz says Obama is spending most of the week encouraging voters in key states to show up at the polls because the election result will depend on turnout. Obama spent Wednesday night in Miami. The White House says he met privately with friends and supporters to discuss his future foundation. Both Bill and Hillary Clinton were in South Florida Tuesday at separate campaign rallies. Hillary campaigns in North Carolina Thursday. Obama told voters in Miami where their closest voting booth was, even giving the exact address. And he said Trump would abuse his presidential powers if he is elected president on Tuesday, reiterating what he told voters in North Carolina that "the republic is at risk" if Trump wins Tuesday. He mentioned the trip to North Carolina as well, saying he noticed that gas prices there had crept under $2 while Republicans had promised when he first ran for president that they would jump to $6. "Sometimes it's useful to check the tape, see what they said before. It turns out what they said was wrong, so what that means is what they're saying now is also wrong," Obama said. He pivoted to his message for voters, saying that Trump and other Republicans only promised to tear down his accomplishments, and didn't have any proposals of their own. "Come on, you can't just be against something, you've gotta be for something!" Obama said. In an effort to promote the mentoring program across South Florida and encouraging people to participate, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami is partnering with Uber to help potential mentors who may not have dependable transportation. The company is providing free uberPOOL rides for mentors, called Bigs, who need help getting to their Littles. In addition, they will donate $5 to Big Brothers Big Sisters for every new rider who enters the code BBBSMIA for their first ride. BBBS of Miami hopes the effort will allow them to attract a broader pool of potential mentors, such as college students, who have trouble getting to different locations. Over 7,000 children, volunteers and families are served every year by the organization, who is still looking to find mentors for over 1,000 youths. Detectives are searching for a vandal who wrote an obscenity on a South Florida mosque's street signs. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday that the vandal spray-painted the signs outside the Alamin Islamic Center overnight. The Council on American-Islamic Relations says the mosque's surveillance cameras recorded a car entering the parking lot about 12:40 a.m. Wednesday. The group says an individual got out of the car and painted the signs with the words "F*** Islam and F*** ISIS." "Our community continues to suffer from an increase in hate crimes and hate incidents. We still have fresh in our memories the recent hate crime committed at the Islamic Center of Ft. Pierce that was attacked by an arsonist. The hate speech and rhetoric that has come along this presidential campaign is fueling this type of crime that endangers not only the Muslim community but the Florida community in general," said Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, CAIR-Florida Communications Director. In September, a Fort Pierce mosque sometimes attended by the Orlando nightclub shooter was torched. A suspect was arrested. Several weeks earlier, a worshipper at that mosque was struck in the face in the parking lot. Two August fires at Tampa-area mosques were also ruled to be arson. Two U.S. service members were killed on Thursday battling Taliban insurgents in northern Afghanistan alongside local troops, NATO said, rare combat deaths for American forces who largely handed over securing the war-torn nation to Afghan troops some two years ago. NATO described the Americans killed and two other Americans wounded in the assault as being part of "a train, advise and assist mission" in Afghanistan's Kunduz province. Local officials told NBC News that 26 Taliban fighters and 30 civilians were also killed in the fighting. "Today's loss is heartbreaking and we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of our service members who lost their lives today," Gen. John W. Nicholson, commander of U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, said in a statement. Said Mahmood Danish, spokesman for Kunduz governor Asadullah Omarkhel, told NBC News that the two U.S. service members who were killed during a night raid several miles north of Kunduz. During the raid, Afghan and U.S. forces met fierce resistance and the Afghan special forces called in air strikes, Danish told NBC News. "During this fighting and airstrikes, 26 Taliban fighters and 30 civilians were killed, many of them children. It was not clear whose air force carried out the strikes. The area is now in government control and the incident is being investigated," Danish said. NATO declined to identify those killed, pending notification of the next of kin. NATO and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press to further clarify the American troops' mission in the area. Kunduz official Mohammad Yousf Ayoubi and parliament member Malim Chari both later told the AP that civilians were killed in the fighting, though details were few. Dr. Mohammad Naim Mangal, the director of a Kunduz hospital, said his facility received the bodies of a dead man and a child and treated 30 people, including children, wounded in the fighting. NATO and the Pentagon also did not immediately respond to questions about the civilian casualties. A Taliban statement also said there were civilian casualties while claiming its fighters killed 16 U.S. troops. The insurgents often exaggerate their battlefield successes. Taliban fighters briefly overran the city of Kunduz, the provincial capital with the same name, in early October, a show of strength by the insurgents that also highlighted the troubles facing local Afghan forces 15 years after the U.S.-led invasion of the country. The Taliban captured and held parts of Kunduz a year earlier as well before the city was fully liberated weeks later with the help of U.S. airstrikes. Those 2015 airstrikes also saw a U.S. Air Force special operations AC-130 gunship attack a Kunduz hospital run by the medical charity Doctors Without Borders, killing 42 people. Sixteen U.S. military personnel, including a two-star general, later were disciplined for what American officials described as mistakes that led the strike. Doctors Without Borders has called the attack a war crime and demanded an independent investigation. NATO's combat operations ended in Afghanistan at the end of 2014, a move that put Afghan forces in charge of the country's security. Since then, Afghan forces have suffered heavy casualties battling the Taliban, who have at times overrun provincial capitals before being pushed back. Meanwhile, NATO and U.S. casualties have been few. There have been at least other four combat deaths among American forces in Afghanistan in 2016. In October, a U.S. soldier was killed by a bomb in Nangarhar province while another was shot dead by a man wearing an Afghan army uniform in Kabul. In August, an American soldier was killed and another wounded by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan' southern Helmand province. In January, a U.S. soldier was killed by small arms fire in Helmand. The fight in Afghanistan American's longest war began after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks as the Taliban harbored al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. The Taliban and Afghan government recently held secret talks to see if they could start peace negotiations to end the fighting, though questions remain over which faction of the insurgency is doing the talking. Prosecutors accuse a former New Jersey police dispatcher of selling prescription pain pills during breaks in her dispatcher shift. Donna Frate, of Barnegat, was charged with a variety of drug offenses in an indictment handed up by a grand jury on Oct. 26. Three others were also charged. The Asbury Park Press reports the 41-year-old is accused of dealing oxycodone during breaks in her shift as a police dispatcher in Stafford Township. The indictment also charges 36-year-old Thomas Malone, 57 year-old Mark Jung, and 34-year-old Peter Frate. Frate and her co-defendants were among 20 people arrested during an undercover narcotics investigation conducted by a unit of the Ocean County Prosecutor's office. The Frates couldn't be reached for comment Thursday; their voicemail box was full. No attorney information was available. They face a Nov. 14 arraignment. Two New York lawmakers are calling for Gov. Cuomo to sign a bill that would require child care facilities to get letter grades like restaurants after a state senate report revealed that group day cares in New York City were cited for violations nearly 20,000 times since 2013. State Sens. Jeff Klein and Tony Klein said Thursday that it needs to be easier for parents to find important information about day care centers and any times theyve faced violations. For many parents this information is difficult to find, and as is clear from our undercover video investigation, many day cares will lie or deceive would-be-customers into believing they have no violations, said Klein. By providing parents with a streamlined report card at the door of day cares we can ensure that parents are able to make smart, informed decisions about where they send their children everyday. The inquiry found that more than half of the programs among the worst 10 offenders failed to conduct background criminal checks on staffers over the last year. Undercover videos also revealed that some day care workers claimed their centers had no past violations and that there was no way to look up violation histories. Another now-shuttered day care in Brooklyn was cited for mixing children as old as 10 with toddlers. The report found that day cares in Brooklyn had the most violations of the citys five boroughs. The borough also had the most violations per program with more than 11 each. The worst offender, meanwhile, was in Manhattan. My Little Language School had 74 violations between October of 2015 and the end of last month, including a dozen so-called critical violations. My Little Language School said that they were unfairly targeted by inspectors who wrote excessive fines in an attempt to intentionally fine the school out of business. My Little Language was successful in appealing the violations and ultimately 70 percent of the violations were dismissed, the center said. Despite years of improvements that have made New York City safer for cyclists, some riders say that obstacles in bike lanes are still making getting around on two wheels a risky proposition. High school teacher Mike Vanderputten is one of those frustrated riders. He bikes to work every day from Middle Village to Long Island City and said that most of the ride is a breeze, but by the time he hits 49th Avenue, he has to dodge trucks parked in the poorly-marked bike lane. "there's at least 5 to 10 trucks here picking people up," he said. Vanderputten isn't the first or o only one to complain about obstacles in the bike lane. Cyclist and performer Casey Neistat posted a video in 2011 showing him getting a ticket for riding outside the bike lane, then humorously -- and intentionally -- crashed his bike into several obstructions in clearly marked lanes across the city. He was seen flipping over trashcans, slamming into traffic cones and even at one point crashes into an NYPD cruiser parked in the lane. "I got a ticket for NOT riding in the bike lane, but often there are obstructions keeping you from riding in the bike lane," Neistat said in the video. The NYPD said that it tries to keep the lanes clear and issued more than 100,000 summonses for cars in the bike lane over the last two years. So far this year, they've written another 52,000 summonses. But some of the drivers along Vanderputten's route said there's nowhere else for them to park as the load and unload their vehicles. City Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, a cyclist herself, said there's not an easy fix to the problem. She said she's seen her path impeded by obstacles in the bike lane, but a protected path on Jay Street has made for easier riding. But more protected bike lanes -- which are separated from vehicles by concrete barriers or permanent divider -- require major traffic changes and can be expensive. "It's a challenge, obviously, to enforce in bike lanes all over the city," she said. Vanderputten said that in the meantime, he's going to have to keep dodging trucks once he hits Long Island City. "Trucks are whipping by here," he said. "I gotta get home to my kids and that makes it a little risky for me to make it home safely." A 21-year-old man and a 21-month-old boy were killed in a Thursday night shooting in New Jersey, prosecutors said. The toddler and his uncle, Morlens Millice, were both pronounced dead after authorities were called to the scene on Cleveland Street in Orange at about 3:40 p.m., according to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. The toddler's father, 20-year-old Richie Millien, was shot in the leg and feet. He is currently in the hospital being treated for his injuries. Family members told NBC 4 New York that Millice was released from jail just last week. A 16-year-old who survived the shooting said he and his family were outdoors when a masked gunman opened fire, and that he followed them upstairs as they ran inside the house. About a mile from the shooting scene, authorities were spotted dousing a blazing car that matched the description of one reportedly seen in the area around the time of the shooting. It's not yet clear if the burning car is linked to the shooting. "We lost two lives today in Orange, due to senseless violence which is all too common across our nation," Mayor Dwayne Warren said. "My heart goes out to the families of the victims involved in this tragedy." Warren said the city is working to equip residents with tools, like the new Orange TipLine, that help law enforcement keep the community safe. Family members arrived at the victims' home on Cleveland Street Thursday evening, angry and grieving. "They better find them before I find them," one relative said of the gunman. "They better find them, know that." The shooting happened down the street from a school, right around dismissal time. One neighbor who didn't want to be named described the chaos. "We heard 15 gunshots and everyone had to get down and run and look for cover, we didn't know where the bullets were coming from," he said. An Orange resident who lives near where the burning car with Delaware plates was found said he heard what sounded like firecrackers. "As we walked by, a car sped down the street," said Patrick Cassidy. "Within five minutes, fire trucks came and there was a torched car." A record number of people are expected to fly during the 12 days surrounding Thanksgiving, taking advantage of air carriers low fares, NBC News reported. Airlines for America, an industry trade group, estimated that air travel worldwide will soar to 27.3 million people on domestic airlines. That means an average of 2.27 million people every day, up 2.5 percent from 2015. The peak years for Thanksgiving travel in the past are believed to have been 2006 and 2007, when 26.2 million people flew on U.S. airlines each year. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is expected to be the busiest day for air travel that weekend. Police are searching for a suspect who attached sharp blades to a Donald Trump campaign sign that was posted on a North Texas college campus. School officials say an election worker was at the Spring Creek Campus of Collin College in Plano early Tuesday morning when he noticed the Trump campaign sign blocking the official polling site sign. [[399702231,C]] The worker tried to re-position the sign to its correct location, but when he picked it up his hands were cut by box-cutter blades attached to the sign. The cuts were minor, so he treated the wounds himself and did not seek medical attention. "The safety of our campus is of the utmost importance, so the incident was reported to the campus police and the Texas Rangers for investigation," said Lisa Vasquez, public relations spokesperson for Collin College. "All campaign signs on the colleges campuses are being inspected, and any sharps found on signage will be removed. The college will be working with local election officials and both political parties to ensure safety." A Virginia man who allegedly joined fighters with ISIS only to escape from the group in March was indicted on terrorism charges Wednesday. He will be arraigned in federal court Friday, nearly eight months after he was captured by Kurds in Iraq. Mohamad Jamal Khweis, of Fairfax County, told his family that he was going to Europe for vacation last winter, NBC News reported. The 27-year-old American-born son of Palestinian immigrants said he met a woman with connections to ISIS in Turkey and she took him across the border into Syria to find ISIS fighters. "I wasn't thinking straight, and on the way there I regretted," he said in a heavily edited interview on Kurdish TV after his capture. He also said in the interview that he freely joined ISIS but became disenchanted with the people running the training camps. He sought out Kurds to help him get back to the Turkish border, he said on TV. He was captured by Kurdish Peshmerga military forces on March 14 as he tried to enter the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, NBC News reported. But U.S. authorities said Khweis told Kurdish authorities and the FBI while he was still overseas that he started researching ISIS months before he went to Europe and tried to contact a extremist cleric once he was there, according to court papers. "During the interview, the defendant stated he 'gave himself' to ISIL and that they controlled him. The defendant stated he was aware that ISIL wants to attack and destroy the United States," an affidavit from an FBI agent says. Khweis told FBI agents he stayed in a safe house in Syria where he went through an intake process, acording to the Department of Justice. He said he answered yes when asked if he would be a suicide bomber but that he thought it was a test from recruiters. [NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More Khweis also admitted participating in a month of religious training in preparation for serving ISIS, the Department of Justice said. A Justice Department official told NBC News that if Khweis' statements were made under coercion or after rough treatment by the Kurds, the defense could move to have them thrown out of court. His attorney John Zwerling said Khweis will plead not guilty. A suburban Philadelphia county has extended its deadline for returning absentee ballots for the upcoming election after officials said less than half of the ballots have been sent back. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports a Montgomery judge gave voters until Election Day to return ballots to the county. County elections officials say just 40 percent of 29,000 absentee ballots sent out have been returned. The judge extended the deadline to allow as many of the remaining 17,000 voters to return their ballots as possible. County officials in Norristown, about 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia, said they received "unprecedented demand" for absentee ballots this election cycle. We are pleased Judge Moore granted us this extension, so all those who have qualified absentee ballots are able to participate in this process, Valerie Arkoosh, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Elections said in a statement. Both Democrats and Republicans expressed concern and supported the extension. The Montgomery County Voter Services is also extending hours to support those who want to return their absentee ballots in person. Friday, November 4: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, November: 5 9 a.m. - Noon Sunday, November 6: Noon - 3 p.m. Monday, November 7: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. All absentee ballots must be received by the office of Voter Services at One Montgomery Plaza, 425 Swede Street, Suite 602, Norristown, PA by 8p.m. on Tuesday, November 8. A Montgomery County zoo mourned the death of a beloved female cougar. Longtime Elmwood Park Zoo cougar Aurora was euthanized Wednesday morning after exhibiting signs of kidney failure, degenerative joint disease and senility, said the Norristown, Pennsylvania zoo in a news release Thursday. Aurora was 17. Aurora overcame nearly being blind from bilateral cataracts to live a long life at the zoo after coming to the Philadelphia area to be treated at the University of Pennsylvanias veterinary hospital exactly 17 years before her death, said the zoo. UPenn veterinarians performed an operation that helped her maintain partial eyesight. "She never would have survived in the wild past a few months of age," said Dr. Adam Denish, Elmwood Park Zoos veterinarian. "Her blindness would have rendered her near helpless. With surgery, she regained her vision for most of her life." [[399843371, C]] Aurora and her brother Mankato "Became guest favorites and the stars of the zoo's animal collections" after arriving in 1999, said the zoo. Healthy cougars normally life 8 to 13 years in the wild and 15 to 20 years in captivity, said the zoo, which is considering renovating its current cougar exhibit space to make room for cougar cubs. [[26343834, C]] A western Pennsylvania man who allegedly beat his roommate for stealing some beer has been jailed on an aggravated assault charge and could soon be charged with homicide. Allegheny County police are waiting for results of an autopsy on the victim, Charles Parker, before deciding whether to add the homicide charge against 34-year-old Justin Vankirk. Police say Vankirk told them his roommate died Tuesday, but police say his version of how he found the victim's body and other details varied. Under further questioning, police say Vankirk acknowledged punching and beating Parker before going to bed Monday night. Parker was left bleeding on the floor for 11 hours before Vankirk called police, according to WPXI-TV.[[399885661,C]] "We are totally shocked. I'm shaking just thinking about it," neighbor Sarah Spreckic said. Police say they also found a picture of the beaten victim on Vankirk's cellphone that was taken at 4:49 Tuesday morning. Online court records don't list an attorney for Vankirk who remained jailed Thursday. An engineering graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania killed himself Monday, becoming the 12th student to commit suicide at the Ivy League school since 2013, according to a report by the Daily Pennsylvanian. Alfredo Abravanel, 22, a native of Athens, Greece, died "unexpectedly" Monday, according to an email sent from the dean of Penn's Engineering Department. "News like this always saddens us, but the loss of a young life with so much promise is especially devastating," Dean Vijay Kumar wrote Tuesday to students. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Alfredos family and friends." The Daily Pennsylvanian, the university's student newspaper, reported Abravanel is the 12th suicide within the student body since Feb. 2013. Recent deaths include Amanda Hu, who was found dead inside her apartment Sept. 28, 2014, and Madison Holleran, a former New Jersey track star who died in January of that year. City officials did not respond to messages left about whether Abravanel killed himself at a Philadelphia gun club Monday afternoon. An initial police report indicated a 22-year-old man died from a self-inflicted gunshot to the head at 2:15 p.m. at the Philadelphia Archery and Gun Club in South Philadelphia. SUICIDE PREVENTION HELP: The National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The second suspect in an attempted robbery inside Rittenhouse Square last month that left a man shot four times has been identified by police as Raeese Nasir, a teenager from North Philadelphia. Nasir, 18, turned himself into police last week, police said Thursday. He is charged with attempted murder, criminal conspiracy and robbery, among other charges stemming from the Oct. 11 attack. The first suspect in the attempted robbery of two people at the Center City park, Mehdi Fraiji, turned himself in a week after the shooting. Fraiji, 17, of South 15th Street near Christian Street, has been charged as an adult in the shooting of a 39-year-old bicyclist who tried to break up an alleged robbery in the center of the downtown park last Tuesday night. A Good Samaritan was shot trying to break up a robbery in Rittenhouse Square. NBC10s Cydney Long has new information about the incident. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition for four bullet wounds to the mid-section. He has since been released from the hospital. A 39-year old man tried to stop a robbery on Tuesday night in Rittenhouse Square, said Philadelphia Police. The search for suspects continued Wednesday morning. According to police, Fraiji, who police previously identified as the alleged shooter, and Nasir, of the 4900 block of North Broad Street, approached two people in Rittenhouse Square and announced that it was a robbery. The victim then intervened. That's when Fraiji allegedly took a gun that Nasir was holding and shot the victim. The alleged robbers then fled without taking anything from the victims. They were last seen running toward 19th and Walnut streets. A 39-year-old man was shot four times after telling two gunmen to stop robbing a group inside Rittenhouse Square, the popular Center City park that was crowded on a warm October night. Police were still looking for two suspects as well as the three to five victims of the initial robbery. Witnesses to the shooting, which occurred at the park along Walnut Street between 18th and 19th streets, took to social media to say gunshots could be heard from sidewalk cafes lining the park. Video from some passersby showed crowded dinner tables on the warm October night. Chaos in Rittenhouse Square. Apparent gunshots. I heard about 5 shots. People ran for their lives. @PhillyPolice showed up very quickly. Greg Berry (@gregmberry) October 19, 2016 The robbery victims know each other and cooperated with the investigation, Stanford said. A lawsuit has been filed against the franchisee of a popular restaurant chain's City Avenue outpost after one diner allegedly found live cockroaches in her meal. Philadelphia resident Lisa Houston is seeking a money judgment against Atlanta-based Jackmont Hospitality Inc. the franchisee of the TGI Fridays at 4000 City Ave. after Houston allegedly found live cockroaches after eating half of her meal, according to the lawsuit filed in Philadelphia Municipal Court. "Watching a live cockroach as it squirmed through food that I was eating was an image straight out of my nightmares," Houston said in a statement to the Philadelphia Business Journal. "Unfortunately for me, it was all too real and has caused me real pain and suffering." Houston was transported to the Roxborough Memorial Hospital emergency room where she was diagnosed as "having suffered a severe panic attack and gastro complications," according to the statement of claim. The filing said Houston "suffered substantial financial expense due to outstanding medical bills as well as permanent mental and psychological distress." Jackmont offered $75 to compensate Houston "only after several legal letters," according to the filing. Jackmont Hospitality would not comment on pending litigation citing company policy except to say: "We take all claims seriously and remain focused on providing a clean and healthy environment for all our guests." To read full article, click here. For more business news, visit Philadelphia Business Journal. SEPTA released a Survival Guide for customers during the strike. CLICK HERE to read it. Commuters braced for a third day of traffic gridlock in and around Philadelphia as the city's transit agency urged the union representing about 4,700 striking workers to engage in good-faith negotiations to bring an end to the walkout. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority said late Wednesday that a strike should be "an option of last resort," and when you have one, there needs to be added urgency to get a deal done. [[399898581, C]] SEPTA Board Chairman Pasquale T. Deon Sr. says on several occasions this week, SEPTA negotiators believed progress was being made, but Deon says the union "brought a halt to negotiations." "Pat Deon must have dusted off a news release from some other contract negotiation if he claims SEPTA 'has bargained in good faith with the union, presented fair offers, and quickly and thoughtfully responded to all proposals,'" said TWU 234 president Willie Brown in a statement to the media later Thursday morning. "Really. Who is he kidding? Where has he been? SEPTAs bargaining team and high-priced outside lawyers stonewalled contract talks for months prior to the strike. When the strike was called they didnt utter a word for the first 16 hours.[[399898591, C]] "Make no mistake, if we had accepted their terms prior to the strike deadline our members would have taken home less in their paychecks next year than they earn today." The strike began at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, shutting down buses, trolleys and subways that provide about 900,000 rides a day. A current cap on union pension benefits and the amount of time off provided to operators between shifts were among the issues on the table. Frustrated motorists fought traffic gridlock at morning and evening rush hours Wednesday during the second day of the strike. Highways around the region experienced major backups as thousands of people who normally take city transit used their cars instead. Regional rail lines experienced delays as a result of increased demand caused by the idling of city buses, trolleys and subways.[[399426941, C]] The city's bike-share program was doing a booming business. Gabby Richards, 23, said she was relieved Wednesday morning to get the last bike available at the stand near her home. "I've been making my plans each day around Uber surge pricing and traffic," Richards said. "It's clear that something needs to happen to get people moving smoothly again." Uber said it had 41 percent more unique riders during rush hours Tuesday compared with the same day the previous week. Schools have also been affected, since SEPTA provides rides for nearly 60,000 public, private and charter school students. [[399770331, C]] The walkout, the ninth since 1975 by the city transit union, is the first since a 2009 strike that lasted six days. Democratic city leaders working to help end the contract impasse expressed fears of it lasting through Election Day, leaving some residents with little time to vote Nov. 8. In its statement Wednesday night, SEPTA asked the union to assure residents that, if necessary, they will suspend the strike on Election day if no agreement is reached.[[238427591, C]] SEPTA SERVICES THAT ARE STILL RUNNING DURING STRIKE Regional Rail Norristown High Speed Line Suburban Bus, Trolley Routes 101 & 102 LUCY (Loop through University City), Route 310 (Horsham Breeze), Routes 204, 205 and Cornwells Heights Parking Shuttle CCT Connect: Regular Service will operate for registered ADA and Shared Ride customers. There may be some delays due to increased demand and local street traffic. SEPTA SERVICES THAT ARE NOT RUNNING DURING STRIKE City Bus Routes (Including Route 78, Cornwells Heights to Center City Express) Market Frankford Line Broad Street & Broad Ridge Spur Lines Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13, 15, 34, and 36 CLICK HERE to read SEPTA's complete survival guide NON-SEPTA SERVICES FOR STUDENTS AND VISITORS Temple University student Victor Lourng created a map of bus routes that will run and provide services for students, hotel guests and some workers during the strike. Here's my updated map of all the special student & visitor bus routes operating during the #SEPTAstrike: https://t.co/yOzXh8vGiY pic.twitter.com/QLbZAa0Obz melody, tea witch in chicago (@pixelyunicorn) November 7, 2016 UPENN'S SEPTA STRIKE CONTINGENCY PLAN The University of Pennsylvania partnered with Drexel University, the University of Pennsylvania Health System and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to provide complimentary transit services to all employees of these institutions and organizations at Penn. CLICK HERE for more information. TEMPLE UNIVERSITY'S SEPTA STRIKE CONTINGENCY PLAN Temple University released contingency plans to help members of the university community during the strike. CLICK HERE to learn more. UBER EXPANDS UBERPOOL COVERAGE Uber announced they would expand its uberPOOL coverage throughout the greater Philadelphia area during the strike. CLICK HERE to learn more. LYFT SERVICES Lyft announced prices will remain low for passengers during the strike. CLICK HERE to learn more. ZIPCAR DISCOUNTS Zipcar announced they would discount its cars in Philadelphia with $5 hourly reservations available on more than 100 zipcars near SEPTA stops for those who are without transportation. CLICK HERE to learn more. BIKESHARE Indego increased the amount of bikes available at some key pickup and drop-off stations to deal with more bikers. CLICK HERE to learn more. PPA DISCOUNTS, RELAXED ENFORCEMENT The Philadelphia Parking Authority discounted parking prices at some garages and relaxed residential and meter parking rules to deal with more drivers in Philadelphia. CLICK HERE to learn more. Fliers inserted into a Catholic church's newsletter in San Diego implied that Hillary Clinton was satanic and warned that voting for Democrats would result in parishioners descending into Hell. One leaflet, stuffed in a bulletin handed to churchgoers at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Old Town on Oct. 16, states: How to vote like a Catholic it is a mortal sin to vote Democrat! The handout goes on to outline several political issues, including abortion, and notes the churchs stance on the topic. Based on the above, it is mortal sin to vote Democrat, adding that sin, if not confessed, means eternal damnation, the leaflet cautioned. Two weeks later, parishioners received a second bulletin titled Voting Catholic, that again discussed social issues and implored them to take a "Catholic view." The devil does this through the tactics outlined by Saul Alinsky with the outcome as Hillary Clinton has stated, And deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be change,' to draw us away from Gods teachings regarding the sanctity of life to those of the world and its prince, the leaflet said. Alinsky was a Chicago-based community organizer and author who wrote the 1971 book "Rules for Radicals: A Practical Primer for Realistic Radicals." Conservatives like former GOP presidential nominee Dr. Ben Carson have labeled Alinsky a dangerous radical and a "diabolical" influence on both President Barack Obama and Clinton. Clinton's quote was pulled from an April 2015 speech at the Women in the World Summit in which she addressed abortion. Reached for comment on Thursday, Kevin Eckery, a spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego, said he doesn't know how the first insert got into church bulletins. He called the second bulletin unusual, noting the tone was different than how the church normally addresses parishioners. Robert McElroy, the Roman Catholic bishop of San Diego, issued this statement: "Let me stress again that while we have a moral role to play in explaining how Catholic teaching relates to certain public policy issues, we must not and will not endorse specific candidates, use parish media or bulletins to favor candidates or parties through veiled language about selectively chosen issues, or engage in partisan political activity of any kind." Several people who attend the church told NBC 7 they felt the handouts were out of line. To refer to a candidate as a devil or ungodly is a disgrace and its a shame for our religion or our priests to indulge in that nonsense, said Michael Alcaraz, who frequents Immaculate Conception. "Clearly in my mind when a church spells out a presidential candidates name with any sort of opinions thats a violation as far as I can tell, said church visitor Daryl Johnson. As a result of the incident, the diocese says it plans to send out a reminder to churches to refrain from making statements about specific candidates. For many who gathered at Chicano Park in Barrio Logan on Wednesday for Dia De Los Muertos, it was a night to pay tribute to the four people killed beneath the bridge last month and the loss of a well-known community figure. Dozens of people gathered to pay tribute to the lives of loved ones they had lost. A shrine of candles and flowers was also placed beneath the Coronado Bridge where the deadly crash happened on Oct. 15. A Navy Chief Petty Officer drove off the Coronado bridge, crashing into the crowd of people gathered in Chicano Park. Four people were killed and several others were injured. The crowd also celebrated the life of Ramon Chunky Sanchez, a musician and cultural leader in the Chicano community of San Diego. He died on Friday. He was good man, said Ruben Juarez. He was a great individual and loved to share his talent with people. His words had meaning. Sanchez wrote the song "Chicano Park Samba" which talks about the culture, spirit and struggles of the Chicano community. That brought an appreciation of culture to people. That brought an understanding in more ways than speeches could [have], and what it was like to live that day-to-day struggle, said Paul Aceves. Aceves was at the gathering to remember Sanchez, as well as Ernesto Bustillo, founder of Union Del Barrio. His music is timeless, said Cathy Espitia, speaking of Sanchez. As long as there's struggle, his music is timeless. Sanchez's family posted memorial services for him. There will be a public viewing from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday at Centro Cultural de la Raza. On Saturday, a prayer service at the Chicano Park Kiosko will be held at 11:30 a.m., which will be followed by a private procession and burial. On Sunday, the community is invited for a celebration of life at 12 p.m. in Chicano Park. A man accused of shooting two people at a kiosk in El Cajon last week was arrested in Lemon Grove Tuesday after leading police on a chase that ended with the suspect being Tasered. The El Cajon Police Department (ECPD) said Michael Riordan, 42, had been taken into custody at around 5 p.m. Tuesday. Detectives found Riordan inside a car in the Lakeside area and followed him onto westbound Interstate 8. With the help of a San Diego County Sheriffs Department helicopter and two San Diego Harbor Police officers in a marked patrol unit, authorities tried to pull Riordan over. He refused to stop for officers and three-mile chase lasting about three minutes ensued, the ECPD said. Riordan made his way to the home of someone he knew in Lemon Grove. As he drove up with police behind him, he nearly hit a child standing in the driveway, the ECPD said. After the suspect got out of his car, he fought with police officers until an officer deployed a Taser on him. Riordan was arrested, the ECPD said. Under search warrants, detectives searched three homes in San Diegos East County where Riordan was known to stay. At one location, detectives discovered a gun matching shell casings found at the scene of a shooting that happened on Oct. 28 in El Cajon. During that incident, the suspect later identified as Riordan by ECPD detectives and investigators with the East County Regional Gang Task Force got into an argument with two men at a kiosk in front of a welfare office in the 1000 block of Decker Street. Police said Riordan walked away and went to his car to grab a gun. When he walked back to the kiosk, he fired numerous shots at the men, striking one victim in the leg. The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived. The ECPD said Riordan is the suspect in that shooting. He was booked into San Diego Central Jail on several counts, including assault with a firearm. Hes scheduled to appear in court Thursday. A veteran of the U.S. Navy veteran is owed thousands of dollars in benefits and back pay because of a clerical error made at by an employee with the Veterans Administration (VA). The typo, which cost Kelvin Lewis $1,500 a month in housing payments, was brought to his attention by a Veterans Affairs counselor after Lewis he graduated from college last year. Lewis first signed up to serve in the U.S. Navy in 2003, when the U.S. was at war in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He says the decision was the best he ever made: to service his country, and better his life. I figure why not join the military, get responsibility and then I can get free education, Lewis said. Veterans like Lewis, who joined after September 11, 2001, became eligible for Post 9-11 GI Benefits from the VA. So when the 33-year-old left the Navy in 2008 after four deployments, including to the Persian Gulf, he qualified to receive money to pay for college and housing while in school. Lewis said he enrolled at Southwestern College in August 2009, and he later switched schools to continue his education. He says he checked his account at the time, which showed he had no more days of credit under the GI Bill. At the time, he didn't question it. But after graduating from National University in 2015, he met with a VA counselor who urged him to verify the dates on his account. Lewis was stunned by what he found. He said someone at the VA entered the wrong dates when inputting his start date: Aug. 7 instead of Aug. 17. When I contacted the regional office in Oklahoma, they let me know someone there forgot to enter a one in front of the seven for the 17th instead of the 7th, says Lewis. But for Lewis, a typo by the Oklahoma VA office turned that benefit into an ordeal. A costly mistake caused Lewis to miss out on more than $1,500 a month in housing payments for a year and a half, he says. The VA acknowledged the error. I mean we are human, people make careless mistakes, but once they are acknowledged and corrected you should act upon them accordingly, the VA said. But the response Lewis got from the VA was only a letter showing he owed $672 because of the date correction; it said nothing about back pay for housing, or BAH as it is called in the military. I was shocked," Lewis said. "How do I owe you money when you owe me back-pay. Lewis is more than willing to pay back the $672, but the father of two says he is hoping the VA will live up to their part of the contract and send him the more than $27,000 he earned for his education when serving his country. That's some money I could definitely use right now, Lewis said. He has two girls, one of them a newborn. NBC 7 San Diego contacted the local VA benefits office, who told us they would look into the situation. They added that they are now fully aware of the issue and plan to reach out to Lewis immediately. Sam Willoughby raced in two Summer Olympic Games and took home a silver medal at the 2012 games in London. But he now faces the toughest race of his life: he wants to dance at his wedding in April. A fundraising event at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista this Saturday could help him achieve the dream. The Australian BMX rider, who lives and trains in Chula Vista, crashed during a warm up ride on his Olympic Training Center home track recently, severely injuring his spinal cord. Willoughby cant move from the chest down, but believes a recovery is possible with intense rehabilitation. Its been a hard reality, said Tyler Brown, Willoughbys friend and training partner. The two have a long friendship behind them. Sam was a groomsman in my wedding, Im a groomsman in his wedding in April, and his goal is to be able to walk down the aisle with his fiancee, said Brown. Willoughby is engaged to fellow Olympian Alise Post, who won a silver medal for Team USA in Rio De Janeiro this past summer. The couple lived and trained in Chula Vista, but moved to Colorado Springs, Colo. after the crash, where Willoughby works full-time at rehabilitation facility to regain mobility. While he has rehabilitation insurance, friends say it may only get him to a point where he can sustain the injury and live under his "new condition." Willoughby's goals go far beyond that - but the therapy needed to challenge him will outpace his coverage. Brown wants to help raise thousands of dollars for Willoughbys therapy at Saturdays Strength For 91 event in Chula Vista. Chula Vista BMX will host the SW91 Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center with a BMX clinic taught by local pros. The event goes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with practice time from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Racing starts at 4 p.m. Courtesy Photo Organizers say there's something for everyone at the fundraiser, so for those that dont want to get on the BMX track themselves can still come out and have a great time. There will be circus games, pro racing to watch, a pro freestyle demo, giveaways, raffle items, food trucks and enough activity to make for an exciting day. The online and in-person auctions will have an impressive line-up of jerseys from Olympians, along with items to appeal to both BMX and non-BMX attendees. All proceeds from the SW91 Challenge event will go to Sams recovery fund. Chula Vista BMX operates the open-to-the-public, all-ages BMX track adjacent to the Visitor Center at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center. More info on the track and its operating hours is available by clicking here. More information on Sams recovery and online donations can be made online by clicking here. A San Diego woman shot and killed by police officers in Torrance after a pursuit was mentally ill, and refused to take medication, her family told NBC 7. Michelle Shirley, 39, a UC San Diego alum and graduate from Loyola of Chicago Law School had recently moved to the Los Angeles area. She died on Monday after leading police on an eight-minute chase through Torrancewhich ended in shots fired by officers into Shirleys car. Her parents, Debra and Ronnie Shirley spoke with NBC 7 on Tuesday. They say their daughter suffered from a bipolar disorder and that they had tried to get her help for years. But Shirley refused to take her medication. "I knew she wasn't in her right mind at that time, I knew her bipolar had come back," said her father Ronnie Shirley. NBC 7 learned that the family was unaware of a California law that could have helped them get treatment for Shirley. Lauras Law was implemented in San Diego this April after the San Diego County Board of Supervisors gave the green light last year. It provides assisted out-patient treatment for those suffering from severe mental illness but refuse help. Lauras Law impacts individuals who have a history of refusing to accept treatment and who have recent history of psychiatric hospitalizations, incarcerations, or threats or attempts of serious violence toward themselves or others. Those patients would be compelled by court order to receive treatment if they pose a danger to themselves or others. Shirley may have been a candidate for Laura's Law, but her parents told NBC 7, they have never heard of the law. NBC 7 spoke with a Mental Health Advocate and former chair of the San Diego Mental Health Advisory Board who fought for years to get Laura's Law implemented in the county. Theresa Bish said Shirleys death was unnecessary, and part of the blame needs to go to the mental health system. "There's going to be a forensics on the shooting itself regarding the police officers. I feel there has to be just as much responsibility and reporting on what went wrong to put Michelle into that situation and to meet her death that way, she said. Theresa says she speaks at mental health support groups and law enforcement groups, and it is clear the message about Laura's Law is not getting out there. "There's no excuse, we have professionals handling this. We can't let them off the hook," she added. NBC 7 reached out to the San Diego County Behavioral Health Services on Wednesday to find out what they're doing to inform people about Laura's Law but haven't heard back yet. Dionne Wilson and Marc Klaas share a connection no one wants to share. They both lost loved ones to unspeakable violence and the perpetrators now sit waiting out their days on Californias Death Row at San Quentin Prison. But thats where Klaas' and Wilsons views of what should happen next to the condemned diverge dramatically. The two perspectives mirror competing Death Penalty measures on Californias November ballot one which would repeal it and the other which aims to speed up executions. After campaigning for a death sentence for her husbands killer, Wilson now believes Irving Ramirez, the man who gunned down her husband, San Leandro Police Officer Dan Niemi, should live out the rest of his days in prison. Joe Rosato Jr./NBC Bay Area Klaas wants Richard Allen Davis, the man who kidnapped, raped and killed his 12-year-old daughter Polly Klaas in 1993 to be executed as soon as possible. Prop. 62 is the latest attempt by death penalty foes to end the practice in California, which hasnt executed anyone since 2006. Prop. 66 is a counter-measure, tailored toward moving death penalty appeals to trial courts and hiring more attorneys to speed up those appeals in an effort to move along the execution of some 743 prisoners now on Death Row. Were talking about baby killers, cop killers, serial killers, spree killers and sexually sadistic psychopaths, said Klaas, sitting in his Sausalito home surrounded by pictures of his late daughter, Polly. To think that they deserve anything less than the sentence thats been handed down is really a disservice to the system itself. When Wilsons husband was killed in 2005, she attended nearly every day of the trial for then-25-year-old Ramirez who was convicted of the murder. Wilson pushed for the Alameda County District Attorneys office to pursue the death penalty, which it succeeded in doing. Joe Rosato Jr./NBC Bay Area I wanted the worst possible punishment, Wilson said. I wanted him to suffer. I wanted to pull the trigger. Wilson expected a sense of healing to accompany the sentence. But as the months and years rolled by, a sense of closure still eluded her. She began to visit prisons telling her story to inmates as a way of deterring them from a continued life of crime. But she emerged as the one most changed after hearing countless stories of rough lives shaped by abusive childhoods. The more prisoners I talked to, Wilson said, the deeper my understanding grew about how unresolved trauma sometimes turns outward into violence toward others. Wilsons feelings toward the death penalty changed. She now believes the sentences of condemned inmates should be changed to life without possibility of parole, and that any financial savings should be put toward crime prevention programs for at-risk youth. She now is actively campaigning across California for Prop. 62. I want to prevent the creation of new victims, Wilson said. Thats what my justice looks like. And we cant do that when we prop up a system like this that is so broken. Supporters and opponents of the death penalty routinely clash over hot-button issues such as whether the death penalty actually serves as a deterrent to crime, whether innocent people face execution and whether people of color are statistically more likely to receive a capital sentence. Klaas believes the states extensive appeals system is the safeguard keeping the wrongfully convicted from the execution chamber. And he supports the notion that the potential for execution turns some from more serious crimes. The deterrent effect of the death penalty does exist, Klaas said. Its very real. And when we execute people in one year, youre going to find less murders in the year after. Wilson disagrees, saying there is little evidence the Death Penalty deters crime and adding that more than 150 people on death row across the U.S. have been exonerated of their crimes. If we speed it up, Wilson said, in reference to Prop. 66, were actually putting potentially innocent people in danger faster. Californias execution chamber has been silent since 2006 following a myriad of legal challenges over the states manner of lethal injections. Even after developing a court-ordered single lethal drug method, appeals have kept the state from resuming executions. If there is a point where Klaas and Wilson agree, its that the states death penalty is in serious disarray mired in legal issues with scant tangible results of its effectiveness as a tool of criminal justice. But there their paths toward healing and a sense of justice split down opposite roads, winding to places that mercifully, its impossible for most people to fathom. Early voting has ended in Maryland, and it ends in D.C. Friday. Thursday was the last day of early voting in Maryland. More than 800,000 of the state's residents cast their ballots during early voting. Some voters were turned away Thursday night because they showed up after the 8 p.m. closing time for polling stations. "I got here at 7:40. I couldn't find any parking," said one woman. The line to vote at the Prince George's County Sports and Learning Complex extended from the front door to the parking lot. Some who did not get to the doors in time said they will cast their ballots on Election Day. Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1 in Maryland. There are about 2.1 million registered Democrats and 1 million Republicans. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is expected to win easily in the state. Republican Gov. Larry Hogan has said he won't be voting for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Hogan first said in February that he didn't support Trump and in June confirmed that he wouldn't vote for him. Hogan is just the second elected Republican governor in the past half-century in Maryland. Maryland residents have until Friday to request absentee ballots online. You'll have to postmark your absentee ballot by election day, and it must be received by Nov. 18. You can also hand-deliver your completed ballot to your local board of elections by 8 p.m. on election day. Early voting in D.C. is available at One Judiciary Square and at several community centers throughout the District until Nov. 4. Go here for a list, hours and wait times. Same-day voter registration is available at all early voting centers. Applications to receive absentee ballots in the mail in Virginia had to be processed by Nov. 1, but the deadline changes to Nov. 5 if you request a ballot in person. A K-9 at Dulles International Airport is helping in the fights against terrorism, drugs and violence by sniffing out cash. Nicky, a Belgian Malinois-German shepherd mix, can detect large amounts of cash hidden in carry-on luggage or clothing. Hes trained to detect the odor of U.S. currency, said Nickys partner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Patrick Dowling. Concealed money coming in and out of the country can potentially fund terrorism, violence and drugs, customs officials said. "In today's day and age, obviously, our first mission is terrorism, Dowling said. "It could be narcotic money. It could be stolen goods. It could be money just gained by nefarious activity." Legally, travelers must report to customs if they're carrying $10,000 or more. On Oct. 3, Nicky helped officers seize more than $74,000 unreported by two men headed to Serbia. Customs seized a total of $187,000 in October. Nicky's work is also part of the effort to educate the public so people understand the reporting regulations. "We don't necessarily want to go out and just take anyone's money that's traveling," Dowling said. Some of Nicky's methods are a secret, but Dowling did reveal the top reason Nicky finds the money. Most of the time, its the ink, he said. There are two dogs like Nicky that detect currency and firearms at Dulles. They normally keep the job about eight years, meaning Nicky has about four more years of service. What to Know The University System of Maryland's budget was reduced by $18.2 million The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will lose $20.8 million The Department of Juvenile Services is facing $9.1 million in reductions The Maryland Board of Public Works voted unanimously in favor of $82 million in cuts to state spending Wednesday in Annapolis. Republican Gov. Larry Hogan and Democratic board members Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp agreed on the issue after the Maryland Board of Revenue Estimates predicted last month that revenues for the current fiscal year would be $365 million less than expected. The biggest cuts are expected to take place in the University System of Maryland, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Department of Juvenile Services. The University System of Maryland's budget was reduced by $18.2 million, including $11.5 million from 100 cut positions, 41 filled and 60 vacant. The reductions trim $20.8 million from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, but $20 million will be covered by the Cigarette Restitution Fund, money received from a 1998 settlement with the tobacco industry. The Department of Juvenile Services is facing $9.1 million in reductions. Audra Harrison, a spokeswoman for the Department of Juvenile Services, said the new budget should not affect their operations. ``Because there are fewer youth in the juvenile system today, the department can absorb the reductions with no impact to public safety nor to services for youth.'' Franchot said that while these trims will make a difference, they are not as large as past cutbacks. ``This is a very modest cut compared to what we did in the previous administration, where we cut over $2 billion, (over) 10 or 11 different occasions,'' he said. ``That's a huge difference than what we did today.'' David Brinkley, secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, stressed departments are still receiving increases in spending over the previous fiscal year, just less than originally anticipated. ``What we are doing is restricting some of the spending based on lower estimated usage,'' he told the University of Maryland's Capital News Service. Last month, officials said Maryland's revenue estimate shortfall is due largely in part to the state's concentrated job growth in low-wage positions. The budget relies heavily on the state's revenues. ``We are creating jobs that are highly concentrated in industries that pay below state average,'' Andrew M. Schaufele, director of the Bureau of Revenue Estimates, said last month. Brinkley said budget restrictions came out now to give departments the most time to adapt to them with eight months left in the fiscal year. ``Our expectation is by doing this early, the departments themselves can integrate into the reduced increases and not have any interruptions of services.'' Hogan pointed to Maryland's Democrat-controlled legislature for the state's monetary issues. ``Unfortunately, due to unsustainable forced increases in spending, the state has simply been spending more than it takes in,'' Hogan said. ``Even the legislature's own budget officer, Warren Deschenaux, is raising serious concerns.'' Last week, Deschenaux spoke at the Department of Legislative Services' Spending Affordability Briefing to members of Maryland's General Assembly. He urged state lawmakers to be realistic in spending in order to help stop a recurring budget gap. ``How much we pay for things is within our discretion to some extent, how we structure our programs is in our control,'' Deschenaux said. Kopp on Wednesday pointed out that the budget the legislature passed was ``structurally balanced.'' ``I wouldn't want folks to think that the budget was passed in deficit or that the problem we face today at the moment is due to excess spending,'' Kopp said. ``The revenue estimates came in low,'' she said about the $365 million, or 2 percent, cut in the revenue estimates prediction from last month. ``A small percentage in a very large budget is a good amount of money.'' Maryland's fiscal 2017 operating budget was $17.1 billion. Hogan is expected to present his 2018 fiscal year budget in January. A transit police officer is on administrative leave after two women filed a complaint saying he shoved them. Metro spokeswoman Morgan Dye says Officer Andy Vinh was placed on leave after the 22-year-old northern Virginia women filed complaints Monday. Laurel Watkins and Stevie Kitching say Vinh told them they were too intoxicated to use Metro on Saturday. They returned 30 minutes later and recorded Vinh telling them to leave again. They say he shoved them outside the fare gates, leaving bruises. The Washington Post reports others have complained about Vinh. Last month, a video showed him sweeping a handcuffed teen's legs from under her after she brought snacks into a station. Vinh remained in service during a review. Dye notes the teen wasn't injured and didn't file a complaint. A man's car window was blown out during a road rage incident in Virginia Thursday afternoon while he had his 4-month-old daughter with him. The driver of a Hyundai told police he was driving home on the Beltway with his daughter in the backseat when the driver of a white SUV started driving aggressively next to him on the Inner Loop near National Harbor. The driver of the SUV repeatedly cut the Hyundai off, according to Franklin Flores, who went to the victim's aid after the incident. The driver of the Hyundai said he tried to change lanes to create some space and exchanged words with the driver of the SUV, who cursed at him. The driver of the Hyundai said he asked the other driver to back off, explaining he had a baby on board. At one point, the driver of the SUV raised a dark-colored object, and the driver's side window of the Hyundai shattered. "He tried to get past him and out of the corner of his eye he saw something get lifted up and the window shattered and he got really scared," Flores said. Police do not know what shattered the window. It could be a BB gun, a pellet gun or an actual firearm, said Dan Gotthardt of Fairfax County Police. The driver of the Hyundai suffered a minor hand injury. He exited at Braddock Road and pulled into a gas station, where he called police. He was treated on the scene by medical personnel. The little girl wasn't hurt. Fairfax County Police found the driver of the SUV at a restaurant in Vienna and questioned him. No weapon was found. White supremacist David Duke's appearance in Louisiana's final U.S. Senate debate ahead of next week's election derailed much of the event Wednesday, with opponents trashing him, the debate moderator struggling to keep him within time limits and angry protesters chanting outside the building. The debate took place at historically black Dillard University. Duke's presence there sparked protests by students and others angry at his presence, their inability to get into the debate or both. The 60 to 70 protesters were raucous at times, with campus police twice resorting to pepper spray to disperse demonstrators trying to force their way into the building as the debate got underway. Police also forcibly separated a group that linked arms at a gate to the campus so a police unit believed to be carrying Duke could exit. At least one person was detained during the debate and police were seen escorting several away from one of the campus gates but it was unclear if anyone was charged. Inside, six candidates were on the debate stage, but much of the focus was squarely on the former Ku Klux Klan leader even though he's lagged in the polls and hasn't made much of a splash in state politics since making a gubernatorial runoff 25 years ago. Democratic lawyer Caroline Fayard called Duke a "snake." Republican state Treasurer John Kennedy called Duke a liar. Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell said Fayard has been lying about him as she tried to connect him to Duke. Campbell said he has nothing in common with Duke except both men were "breathing." Republican U.S. Reps. Charles Boustany and John Fleming largely tried to ignore Duke as they sought to distinguish themselves from the major competitors, but the debate turned time and again to Duke, who narrowly reached the 5 percent polling benchmark set by Raycom Media for participation in the debate broadcast across most of Louisiana. Duke suggested Kennedy, the race's front-runner, tried to raise taxes on homeowners and that all five of his competitors on the stage were "beholden to big money." In response, Kennedy cited Duke's prison number. Duke spent a year in federal prison after pleading guilty in 2002 to bilking his supporters and cheating on his taxes. Duke claimed he was "targeted by the government." When moderator John Snell of WVUE-TV interrupted Duke to explain he pleaded guilty to the crime, Duke yelled: "You're a typical media hack!" Asked about Duke's comments referring to "CNN Jews" being against Donald Trump, the candidate responded with an anti-Semitic canard. There is a problem in America with a very strong, powerful, tribal group that dominates our media and dominates our international banking, Duke said. He added that he wasn't "opposed to all Jews." Two dozen people are vying for Republican David Vitter's seat. He isn't seeking re-election. Reporters were not allowed inside the auditorium while the debate was being recorded and instead had to watch it on television in a separate room. A D.C. councilmember said the city would be willing double its yearly funding of Metro if Maryland and Virginia agree to do the same. Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld laid out his budget proposal Thursday calling for a possible fare increase, cuts in service and layoffs. The transit agencys largest union blasted the plan. Metro is facing a budget gap of almost $300 million and the main reason is lost revenue because riders are staying away due to poor service and painful maintenance. "The approach that I'm proposing is what Im calling a shared sacrifice to get us to a balanced budget," Wiedefeld said. Representatives from Metro's largest union are angry at the thought of cutting front line Metro employees. "I feel like we are being scapegoated for their lack of management, ATU Local 689 President Jackie Jeter said. They have failed to manage the system the way it is supposed to be and now they are saying the problem is labor costs." The union also is being asked to scale back on benefits. "I feel like we are being scapegoated for their lack of management," Jeter said. The union said it will protect itself from the transit agency's demands. "As a union, we are looking at those things, and I can tell you we will do whatever is necessary," Jeter said. The union stopped short of threatening a strike. D.C. Councilmember and Metro Board Chairman Jack Evans said the burden of closing the gap shouldnt fall to riders. "Most of us don't ride public transportation, but we pay for it because it is a critical element in our region, he said. That's why the region should pay for this, not the riders." Evans said he hasnt asked Mayor Muriel Bowser about doubling funding for Metro but assured that she is on board. Theres no word from Maryland or Virginia if they'd be willing to pay more to close the budget gap. Thousands of Massachusetts residents depend on personal care attendants to help with their basic needs, from eating to bathing to household chores. But for many of these residents, theres concern theyll be losing this much-needed help, which could force them to leave their homes and live in nursing homes instead. New mandates cap hours for personal care attendants to 40 hours a week. Today, a large group of protesters chanted inside the State House while a smaller group gathered outside the governors office trying to get his attention on an issue critical to their health care. I rely on my PCA to assist me with dressing and bathing, said Olivia Richard, a Brighton resident who is a paraplegic. The disabled community says new mandates restricting overtime for personal care attendants will soon be enforced. The fear is the PCAs will quit their jobs, and find a new line of work where they can count on overtime to help pay their bills. They say its already happening. You dont wait until the day your hours are cut to find a new job, said rally organizer Bruce Darling. You start looking now, people are leaving, were basically hemorrhaging attendants. The governor needs to fix this. Staffers from Governor Bakers office did speak with the protesters, and later the office released a statement saying "The administration maintains an open dialogue and regular meetings with all Massachusetts stakeholders and is committed to a sustainable personal care attendant (PCA) program that does not reduce or change authorized individual benefits, working with all parties to achieve the first in the nation $15 per hour minimum wage for PCA's and increasing the program's funding by over $130 million since taking office." Police are investigating the death of an elderly man found decomposing in an apartment in Meriden Wednesday night and they are searching for his Nissan Sentra, which is missing from the home. Police believe the victim was dead for a few weeks and officers responded to an apartment at 657 East Main St. at 6:30 p.m. after tenants began to smell the body and reported a foul odor seeping through an apartment door and filling the hallway, according to police, who are considering the case a homicide. "Whatever happened did not happen recently from the state of the body," Detective Lt. Mark Walerysiak, of Meriden Police, said. Police have not released the mans name, but said they believe they know who he is. As they investigate, police are asking for help from the public to find a 2014 four-door Nissan Sentra with Connecticut license plate 642-YVE. They said it belonged to the victim and anyone who sees it should call police at 203-630-6201. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of the man's death. Police will release the man's name after the medical examiner confirms who he is and authorities notify his family. The family of a man shot and killed by police in Boston are calling for the officers involved to face criminal charges. Relatives were joined by activists at a candlelight vigil for 31-year-old Terrence Coleman who was shot by Boston Police on Sunday. Police say Coleman attacked officers and EMTs with a knife when his mother, Hope Coleman, called for an ambulance. He had been sitting on the stoop for a few days and she was worried he would catch pneumonia. Coleman had a history of mental illness. His mother claims she witnessed the shooting and claims that her son was not armed when he was shot by police. Boston EMS officials claim that Colemans mother was outside of the building when officers fired. The Suffolk District Attorney is currently investigating. Federal investigators are offering a $10,000 reward in the case of a Massachusetts man who went missing while on vacation in the Cayman Islands. Norman Lee, 47, was last seen the morning of March 5, 2015 while snorkeling with his wife Jan at the Wyndham Reef Resort. Investigators in the Cayman Islands told necn at the time that Jan made it back to the beach, but Norman did not. He had no known medical conditions and was in good health at the time of his disappearance, according to the FBI. Now the FBI is offering the reward for information leading to Lee's recovery and/or information that leads to a conviction for those involved in his disappearance. Authorities describe Lee as 5-feet, 6-inches tall, weighing approximately 165 pounds and had brown and gray hair with brown eyes. Lee was a well-known comic book artist before his 2015 disappearance. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI's Miami field office at 754-703-2000 or your local FBI office. A 13-year-old boy from Lewiston, Maine was hit and killed by a car while walking to school Thursday morning. Lewiston Police say Jayden Cho-Sargent was walking within the crosswalk at the intersection of Main and Frye Streets, heading toward Lewiston Middle School, when a pickup truck struck him. Its very tragic, said Lt. Mark Cornelio, who identified the driver as 54-year-old Laurie Young of South Paris, Maine. Police say she is cooperating with the investigation. Police have taken a blood sample for testing and at the conclusion of the investigation, will forward the case to the Androscoggin District Attorney for review. She was not on her cell phone at the time, said Lt. Cornelio. She just did not see him. It was rainy, dark, so there is a possibility that the weather did have something to do with this. Neighbors say they see cars speeding down Main Street regularly, and worry about their childrens safety during school hours. I cant tell you how many times Ive yelled at them to speed down, said Mindy Joseph, who is friends with Jaydens mother. He was definitely a sweet heart, she said of the teenager. Hes the one to always have a smile on his face, saying hi. Thursday night, the Lewiston community begins to say goodbye to Jayden at a community vigil at 7 p.m. at the Lewiston Middle School. As we continue to process this tragedy we are finding both students and teachers are mostly wanting to spend time together, said Lewiston Middle School Principal Jake Langlais in a statement. Jayden was a wonderful boy who established himself as both kind and friendly. It is with much respect for the family that we mourn all that Jayden shared with us. The superintendents office said grief counselors have been available to students Thursday, and support staff will be on hand in the days ahead. Instead of eating all of your leftover Halloween candy, one Massachusetts community proposes you donate it troops deployed overseas. The non-profit organization Calling All Patriots Troop Support is based in Marblehead, Massachusetts. The group sends care packages to troops serving overseas. They, along with the Marblehead Police Department, decided to collect leftover candy for the soldiers. President and founder of the organization Mark Brings says, Its important [troops] get remembered every single day, and thats what this is all about. He is grateful that the police department and everyone in the Marblehead community continue to remember everyone serving overseas. Collection started yesterday and will continue until the end of next week. Voting in Somerville, Massachusetts, was a breeze Thursday afternoon, but by nightfall, the line was out the door at city hall as people got out of work and cast their ballots. Early voting has proven to be extremely popular in the Bay State, with election officials estimating about 20 percent of registered voters will have taken part when all is said and done Friday. "I actually kind of love election day, I like the ceremony of that, but decided I wanted to show that people cared and people wanted to get out early and get their votes cast," said Somerville resident Katie Henderson. Massachusetts Secretary of State Bill Galvin is proposing that early voting be extended until 5 p.m. on Friday at all locations across the Commonwealth. But in Somerville, for example, the elections chairperson says its too late to make changes and the 12:30 p.m. closing time in the city will remain. "There isn't any way we can do it," said Nicholas Salerno, who chairs the Somerville Election Commission. "Plans have been put in place, advertisements have been out there." So far, roughly 800,000 voters have cast ballots in Massachusetts during the early voting period, according to Galvin. "I figured there's going to be a big crowd because this election has been kind of contentious, so I figured early voting was a good idea just to get in there before all the crowds come out," said early voter Liz Rodwell. In some states, if you vote early, you can change your mind. But that's not the case in Massachusetts. Some polling locations aren't open until 5 p.m. Friday evening, which is why Galvin's office is asking town offices to stay open to accommodate the demand. Boston City Hall is open until 5 p.m. Friday for early voting. If you've missed early voting and aren't around Election Day, you can still apply for an absentee ballot until noon on Monday. Click here to find your early voting location. Police are looking into who is responsible for the racist messages that have targeted a New Hampshire familys vehicle. Jaci Stimson of Derry said she has been targeted three times by racist vandals the past few weeks. She has a 7-year-old son who is bi-racial. Her car was hit with eggs, fried chicken and watermelon early Wednesday morning. In the first incident she found the phrase N LOVER keyed into her car. A few nights later a saw horse was left in her yard with the message N GO HOME. Stimson has added surveillance cameras and alarms at her home while police search for suspects. 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." A Northeastern University student has filed a lawsuit against the school over an alleged rape she said occurred while she was a freshman. Morgan Helfman, 21, believes the school acted with negligence by not properly monitoring and supervising the school, as well as by the manner in which they conducted their disciplinary proceedings. "I want the school to be held responsible," Helfman said Thursday. In her fourth year at the school, Helfman said she feels frustrated with the lack of consideration and concern the university has given to her case. On October 31, 2013, Helfman had been drinking at a party held by a resident assistant at Northeastern. After consuming alcohol, she became sick and was sent home with a male friend who attended the party with her that night. She alleged he took her back to their dorm, but brought her into his room, where he then raped her throughout the night. "The expectation is that when you drink you'll get hungover the next day, maybe wake up with a groggy head," Helfman said, "You don't expect to be sexually assaulted. And if that does happen, the school will take care of it." But according to Helfman, instead the school dismissed her claim. After she filed a complaint, a student-run disciplinary committee reviewed the allegations and determined that Helfman's accused attacker did not violate any school policy. "You're basically asking them to make a quasi legal determinations, and these are college students who have no experience in that sort of thing," said Helfman's attorney, Mark Itzkowitz. The lawsuit contends the school's handling of the incident was an "institutional failure," as resident assistants, charged with caring for the students, were knowingly allowing minors to consume alcohol. When the allegations were initially made by Helfman in 2013, the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office investigated, but later declined to press any charges. "You have to ask them why," said Itzkowitz. When NECN contacted the district attorney's office for an explanation, they stated that in cases of sexual assault they need a victim's permission to release that information. Helfman declined to give such permission, Thursday. In a statement to NECN, Northeastern University sent the following statement: "The university, including our Office of General Counsel, has not been served with this complaint. We cannot comment on something we have not seen. The safety and well-being of our students, in an environment that fosters mutual respect, is the universitys top priority." Authorities in New Hampshire are looking for an inmate who failed to check back in to transitional housing after leaving for an appointment. The New Hampshire Department of Corrections says 68-year-old William Clayton Roy failed to return to the Calumet Transitional Housing Unit in Manchester from an appointment on Wednesday. He's described as 5-feet, 8-inches tall, weighs approximately 185 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. He also has a cane. He was sentenced to two two and a half to six year sentences for forgery and was made eligible for parole in March. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call state or local police. Authorities in Massachusetts are asking for the public's help in locating two inmates who walked away from a minimum security center on Wednesday. Essex County Sheriff's Department says says Manuel Perez, 22, and Levi Montalvo, 23, walked away from the minimum security Lawrence Correctional Alternative Center. Both pretrial inmates with family connections in Lawrence, Perez is facing motor vehicle theft charges and Montalvo is facing charges in connection with violating a restraining order. The sheriff's department says Perez has several tattoos on both of his hands and forearms, including a tattoo of the Puerto Rican flag. Montalvo reportedly has tattoos of skulls on his abdomen, back and left arm. Although they're not classified as violent offenders, authorities are asking the public to not approach them and call the Essex County Sheriff's Department at 978-750-1900 x3302 or local police. A third grader from a Lowell, Massachusetts, elementary school brought a gun to school and showed it to his friends, according to police. Police say it happened Oct. 25. One of the students at Greenhalge Elementary School who saw the gun told his parents who in turn reported it to the school, and the gun in question was found at the unidentified childs home. The child believed the gun was a BB gun, but it was later revealed to be a .25 caliber pistol, according to police. When the childs father handed the gun over to officers, it was not loaded, according to police. He also allegedly handed over two live rounds in a magazine. Police say the gun was in a box that the child's father said belonged to a relative who had been displaced by a fire. The investigation is ongoing, and Lowell police say the father will be charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and improper storage of a firearm. Youre seated in a restaurant youve never visited before, and the waiter hands you the menu. As you scan the items, do you look for something familiar you know youll like? Or do you want something youve never tried before? People respond differently to new situations and opportunities, sometimes with opposite reactions. Better safe than sorry, caution some, while others urge, Nothing ventured, nothing gained. + Also on Network World: 3 tips to foster a culture of innovation + Such reactions, engrained deep in our temperament, are described by psychologist and neuroscientists as our degree of novelty seeking. The trait is associated with positive aspects, such as curiosity, and negative aspects, such as impulsivity. It follows a normal distribution in the population, and scientific research even suggests a genetic basis, which makes sense considering our species has sought novelty strongly enough to inhabit almost every part of the planet and beyond. Novelty seeking plays a strong role in the world of technology. We enjoy a steady flow of technical innovations, driven by the astonishing engine of Moores law, the creative expression of new software, and the growth of thriving open source communities. But sometimes the relentless changes can seem overwhelming and disorienting. Many innovations in computing involve new abstractions and metaphors. Sometimes these look backwards, referencing familiar items like files and folders, email and YouTubethough not many watch videos on cathode-ray tubes anymore. Sometimes these look forward, creating terms with entirely new meanings. Whod have anticipated presidential candidates debating tweets? Novelty seeking behavior Working at a startup company such as PLUMgrid provides a great vantage point to observe novelty-seeking behavior among prospects and customers. Not surprisingly, energetic novelty seekers are among the earliest adopters. Often theyre drawn not just by new technology, but also by new ways of thinking. Public and private clouds shift thought models as much as architecture. After all, physically its still software running on servers with storage and networking, but the emerging mental model is illuminated by certain phrases and ideas. Infrastructure as code describes how DevOps can adopt automation tools that simultaneously increase agility, decrease cost and reduce risk. Cattle versus pets (attributed to Bill Baker, then of Microsoft) illustrates the difference between scale-out and scale-up approaches. And the Chaos Monkey born at Netflix reminds application designers to ensure their microservices are robust in the face of unplanned disruptions. Perhaps all of these metaphorical animals prompted the naming of the popular ZooKeeper tool. Similarly, virtual networking is undergoing serious changes in thought as well as technology. This software-defined layer of abstraction is not just about creating overlays; its also about providing people new ways to think about networking. Many users start interacting with our system via a topology view, which shows virtual machines and containers connected together via traditional networking elements such as switches and routers. These are comfortable constructs for those arriving from the world of physical networking. But such constructs can become obstacles to unleashing greater power. After all, that switch or router isnt a hardware box anymore. Instead its just a description of a set of communications behaviors. New behaviors with no physical analog can now be created, such as policy-based service insertion of virtual taps for monitoring wires. Its comparable to a musical synthesizer, which not only mimics familiar instruments such as a piano or strings, but also creates new timbres unheard before. Novelty sometimes faces resistance, and for technology, that resistance often comes from central IT organizations within an enterprise. Such resistance seems surprising and counterintuitive. After all, wouldnt such a dynamic industry naturally draw novelty seekers? Wouldnt they welcome change? Wheres their sense of adventure? On an individual level, of course, many people working in IT are curious and forward-looking. The challenge comes from incentives. Often the prime directives for IT require dependable stability, predictable budgets and reliable security. Even as new cloud technologies promise improvements in all of these areas, as well as agility, the journey may involve disruptions and unknowns. Keep exploring technologies and seeking new ideas Still, exploring new technologies and ideas has never been more important. Strong IT leaders recognize the need to create opportunities for the novelty seekers in their organizations to investigate, learn and adapt. In this rapidly evolving market, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to meet more of them every day, and their imagination and energy inspire us. Just over 25 years ago, an unknown engineering student in HelsinkiLinus Torvaldsdecided to share for free software hed created, something that at the time was indeed a novelty. This fateful step gave rise to Linux and the open source movement that made the data center programmable and gave birth to the cloud. Even after 25 years, weve just begun the journey. So, the next time youre in a new restaurant, put aside the menu and invite your waiter to bring something unusual and delicious. Unleash your inner novelty seeker, and enjoy something new. You never know where it may take you. Town council gives backing and businesses have until today to vote NEWBURY Town Council has voted unanimously in favour of supporting the Newbury Business Improvement District (BID) as it runs for re-election for a second five-year term. Newbury BID has been responsible for managing the town centre since its formation in 2012 and is now hoping it will secure the votes needed to carry on until 2022. The BID is a defined area within which businesses are required to pay an additional tax (or levy) in order to fund projects within the district's boundaries The BID is financed by companies paying the levy, which equates to 1.5 per cent of their rateable value. Over the past few weeks, businesses that fall within the BID area have been handed forms asking them to vote on whether they want to see continued support for the BID. At a meeting on Monday, the deputy leader of the council, Anthony Pick, acknowledged the work the BID has done to promote the growth of business in the town centre over the last four years. Martha Vickers also praised the BID for the environmental work that it has carried out to improve the appearance of the town. The town council was impressed by the BIDs work to date and its proposals for its second term, up to 2022. These include marketing and promoting Newbury, working to make the town centre more attractive and supporting businesses. The leader of the council, David Goff, said Today (Thursday) is the closing date for eligible businesses to show their support for the BID and we strongly urge those who have not yet cast their votes to do so, by either returning them to West Berkshire Councils offices or the BID offices at The Broadway in Newbury. Make no mistake about it, if the BID is not supported, then most, if not all, of the valuable services provided to Newbury businesses, will cease. By Reuters DUBAI: Zain, Kuwait's No.1 telecom operator by subscribers, on Thursday said it will pay $129 million to Bharti Airtel over a settlement related to the sale of Zain's Africa operations to the Indian firm in 2010. The payment will have no future financial impact on Zain as it set aside provisions to cover potential payments related to the transaction at the time of the sale, a spokesman for Zain, which operates in eight countries in the Middle East and Africa, said. Zain in 2010 completed the $9 billion sale of its Africa business, which included operations across 15 countries. Zain still operates in South Sudan and Sudan, according to its website. Thursday's statement did not disclose what the settlement related to. In the company's third-quarter financial statement, Zain said it was liable for "taxation claims and amounts that may be due for unprovided litigation claims" after the sale of Zain Africa. The company last month reported a better then expected 12 percent rise in third-quarter results. DUBAI: Zain, Kuwait's No.1 telecom operator by subscribers, on Thursday said it will pay $129 million to Bharti Airtel over a settlement related to the sale of Zain's Africa operations to the Indian firm in 2010. The payment will have no future financial impact on Zain as it set aside provisions to cover potential payments related to the transaction at the time of the sale, a spokesman for Zain, which operates in eight countries in the Middle East and Africa, said. Zain in 2010 completed the $9 billion sale of its Africa business, which included operations across 15 countries. Zain still operates in South Sudan and Sudan, according to its website. Thursday's statement did not disclose what the settlement related to. In the company's third-quarter financial statement, Zain said it was liable for "taxation claims and amounts that may be due for unprovided litigation claims" after the sale of Zain Africa. The company last month reported a better then expected 12 percent rise in third-quarter results. By Express News Service CHENNAI: The Tata conglomerate slipped three places to the seventh spot in Indias Most Attractive Brand 2016 list released by Trust Research Advisory (TRA) on Thursday. The rankings are the third in the series. However, the rankings were done prior to October 24, and thus do not take into consideration sacking of Cyrus Mistry and the boardroom battle that broke between the ousted chairman, Ratan Tata and Tata Sons board. The study is based on primary research conducted on close to 3,000 consumers across 16 cities. South-Korean based consumer electronics maker, LG has been ranked as the most attractive brand in India. LG moved one place up from last year to displace Samsung Mobiles, which was the most attractive brand for two consecutive years prior to this. Tata is ranked number 7. LG has slowly but steadily been bettering its rank over the three issues of Indias Most attractive Brands reports, going from being fourth in 2013 to being second in 2016 and ultimately first this year, TRA Research Head Sachin Bhosle. The fourth place on the list was bagged by Honda while in the durable category, Samsung leaped from 87th rank to 5th rank. While top five most attractive brands were dominated by foreign firms, homegrown firms Bajaj, Tata and Maruti Suzuki were ranked sixth, seven and eight respectively. Airtel and Nokia took the ninth and tenth spot respectively in the TRAs most attractive brands list. In the sub-category of FMCG diversified, as per TRA, Patanjali pipped Hindustan Unilever (HUL) to be the most the attractive brand. CHENNAI: The Tata conglomerate slipped three places to the seventh spot in Indias Most Attractive Brand 2016 list released by Trust Research Advisory (TRA) on Thursday. The rankings are the third in the series. However, the rankings were done prior to October 24, and thus do not take into consideration sacking of Cyrus Mistry and the boardroom battle that broke between the ousted chairman, Ratan Tata and Tata Sons board. The study is based on primary research conducted on close to 3,000 consumers across 16 cities. South-Korean based consumer electronics maker, LG has been ranked as the most attractive brand in India. LG moved one place up from last year to displace Samsung Mobiles, which was the most attractive brand for two consecutive years prior to this. Tata is ranked number 7. LG has slowly but steadily been bettering its rank over the three issues of Indias Most attractive Brands reports, going from being fourth in 2013 to being second in 2016 and ultimately first this year, TRA Research Head Sachin Bhosle. The fourth place on the list was bagged by Honda while in the durable category, Samsung leaped from 87th rank to 5th rank. While top five most attractive brands were dominated by foreign firms, homegrown firms Bajaj, Tata and Maruti Suzuki were ranked sixth, seven and eight respectively. Airtel and Nokia took the ninth and tenth spot respectively in the TRAs most attractive brands list. In the sub-category of FMCG diversified, as per TRA, Patanjali pipped Hindustan Unilever (HUL) to be the most the attractive brand. By Express News Service BENGALURU: The Karnataka State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered two surgeons and an anaesthetist of Fortis Hospital, Seshadripuram, to pay `23.54 lakh as compensation to the husband and children of a 45-year-old school principal. The patient, K Vidya Prasad, died on February 11, 2010, allegedly due to negligence of the doctors after a surgery at the hospital. The judgment was passed on September 23. H N M Prasad, a High Court advocate, and his children are the complainants in the case. In his complaint, Prasad alleged that Vidya was healthy when she was taken to the hospital, but died due to medical negligence. He further alleged that though preliminary tests revealed that Vidya had a cardiac problem, she wasnt referred to any cardiologist. They alleged the hospital did not have a cardiac care centre and that within a month after Vidyas death, Fortis launched a heartcare centre. Another allegation was that when Vidyas blood pressure fell, there was no blood available in the hospital. In other words, the doctors who attended on the patient did not keep the blood ready for emergency. The commission ordered that the defendants in the case should deposit the said amount within eight weeks from the date of receipt of the copy of the order. In September 2011, the licence of Fortis Hospital on Bannerghatta Road was cancelled by the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare due to negligence by the doctors which caused the death of a retired Army Majors wife. A detailed investigation had found negligence to be the cause of her death. The probe confirmed that though the hospital had no licence to perform transplantations, it went ahead with it. The retired Major had appealed to the Lokayukta just three months after the alleged negligence had claimed Vidyas life. Repeated calls and email from Express to Fortis Hospitals corporate communication team went unanswered. BENGALURU: The Karnataka State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered two surgeons and an anaesthetist of Fortis Hospital, Seshadripuram, to pay `23.54 lakh as compensation to the husband and children of a 45-year-old school principal. The patient, K Vidya Prasad, died on February 11, 2010, allegedly due to negligence of the doctors after a surgery at the hospital. The judgment was passed on September 23. H N M Prasad, a High Court advocate, and his children are the complainants in the case. In his complaint, Prasad alleged that Vidya was healthy when she was taken to the hospital, but died due to medical negligence. He further alleged that though preliminary tests revealed that Vidya had a cardiac problem, she wasnt referred to any cardiologist. They alleged the hospital did not have a cardiac care centre and that within a month after Vidyas death, Fortis launched a heartcare centre. Another allegation was that when Vidyas blood pressure fell, there was no blood available in the hospital. In other words, the doctors who attended on the patient did not keep the blood ready for emergency. The commission ordered that the defendants in the case should deposit the said amount within eight weeks from the date of receipt of the copy of the order. In September 2011, the licence of Fortis Hospital on Bannerghatta Road was cancelled by the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare due to negligence by the doctors which caused the death of a retired Army Majors wife. A detailed investigation had found negligence to be the cause of her death. The probe confirmed that though the hospital had no licence to perform transplantations, it went ahead with it. The retired Major had appealed to the Lokayukta just three months after the alleged negligence had claimed Vidyas life. Repeated calls and email from Express to Fortis Hospitals corporate communication team went unanswered. Roshne B By Express News Service CHENNAI: Inside a shop with faded and peeling green coloured walls, there was a teakwood ceiling that was shining in all its glory. Amid the ancient binding and printing machines, sits CN Ravamanickam, the third generation owner of Green & Co Parvathi Press, an 83-year-old printing and binding shop. Tucked between other shops on Triplicane High Road, the tiny complex located next to a bus stop is almost invisible to a passerby. As the crowd in front of the shop waits for the approaching bus, we are attracted towards the complex because of its rusted name board with faint shades of blue, red and white on the facade, which reads: Parvathi Press ESTD 1933. My grandfather, S Chengalvaraya Mudaliar, started the company in 1932, but we received the license only in 1933, 57-year-old says Manickam, pointing to the photo of his grandfather at the entrance, next to that of his partner, Kanakaroya Mudaliar. This is the registration document of the building dated 1933 by the British government, he adds as he gazes at the fairly tattered sheet of paper, which has been framed as a memoire of the past. A native of Chengalpattu, Chengalvaraya, worked under Sold & Co, another press in Triplicane after which he headed to Burma and Bombay for work. Following that, he arrived at Madras to set-up his own printing firm, putting his skills to use. The shop has been in the same location ever since its inception, where the property belonged to the Nawab of Arcot and was a stable for the royal horses. Later, the place was made into a shopping complex and my grandfather rented it for `3 per month. Can you imagine a 1,200 sq ft place for that amount! he grins. The work was handed over to Manickams father Nagalingam in 1950 and the number of people working in the press dwindled from 20 to 10. The reason? Decline in demand for manual prints. As technology improved, people preferred the computerised prints. Here we used to compose every word by hand, print it on paper, cut and bind it manually, he recalls and walks us through the type cases in small cabinets covered in thick sheets of dust. The types are available in varying sizes and alphabets (English and Tamil). For customers who prefer the manual print, we do it this way. But, 99% people like computer fonts now, he sighs. The press has machines that are over 80 years old and have been in the same position since the press started. This German printing machine can be handled with and without electricity and every other machine here is as old as the press. Even the type cases we use are old and we do recasting to maintain its sharpness, he says as he picks out the letter m made out of lead. The factories that manufacture these type cases have now closed, and Manickam says that they are used only when a customer gives a special order for manual prints. Though he gets paid for printing and binding invitation cards, visiting cards, school and office bill books, letter pads and posters, Manickam rues that the earnings from the press is too less to take care of the family. The profits are spent on the electricity and other bills for the press itself, he shares. Currently the press is run only by two people Manickam and his brother occasionally helping him. We still bind the traditional way and dont use glue or pins. We give a guarantee of 50 years, he assures us. With his children moving to the IT sector, Manickam says that they arent interested in the printing business. I will do this as long as I can. This is a legacy that I wouldnt think of giving up! We have had personalities like Anna Durai give orders to us back then, he recalls, sadly. Manickam goes back to the wooden chair-table in the front, which was his grandfathers and fathers seat. Its his now. Will it have another occupant in the future? Only time will tell. Its up to my children, he says. For details, call: 28514404 CHENNAI: Inside a shop with faded and peeling green coloured walls, there was a teakwood ceiling that was shining in all its glory. Amid the ancient binding and printing machines, sits CN Ravamanickam, the third generation owner of Green & Co Parvathi Press, an 83-year-old printing and binding shop. Tucked between other shops on Triplicane High Road, the tiny complex located next to a bus stop is almost invisible to a passerby. As the crowd in front of the shop waits for the approaching bus, we are attracted towards the complex because of its rusted name board with faint shades of blue, red and white on the facade, which reads: Parvathi Press ESTD 1933. My grandfather, S Chengalvaraya Mudaliar, started the company in 1932, but we received the license only in 1933, 57-year-old says Manickam, pointing to the photo of his grandfather at the entrance, next to that of his partner, Kanakaroya Mudaliar. This is the registration document of the building dated 1933 by the British government, he adds as he gazes at the fairly tattered sheet of paper, which has been framed as a memoire of the past. A native of Chengalpattu, Chengalvaraya, worked under Sold & Co, another press in Triplicane after which he headed to Burma and Bombay for work. Following that, he arrived at Madras to set-up his own printing firm, putting his skills to use. The shop has been in the same location ever since its inception, where the property belonged to the Nawab of Arcot and was a stable for the royal horses. Later, the place was made into a shopping complex and my grandfather rented it for `3 per month. Can you imagine a 1,200 sq ft place for that amount! he grins. The work was handed over to Manickams father Nagalingam in 1950 and the number of people working in the press dwindled from 20 to 10. The reason? Decline in demand for manual prints. As technology improved, people preferred the computerised prints. Here we used to compose every word by hand, print it on paper, cut and bind it manually, he recalls and walks us through the type cases in small cabinets covered in thick sheets of dust. The types are available in varying sizes and alphabets (English and Tamil). For customers who prefer the manual print, we do it this way. But, 99% people like computer fonts now, he sighs. The press has machines that are over 80 years old and have been in the same position since the press started. This German printing machine can be handled with and without electricity and every other machine here is as old as the press. Even the type cases we use are old and we do recasting to maintain its sharpness, he says as he picks out the letter m made out of lead. The factories that manufacture these type cases have now closed, and Manickam says that they are used only when a customer gives a special order for manual prints. Though he gets paid for printing and binding invitation cards, visiting cards, school and office bill books, letter pads and posters, Manickam rues that the earnings from the press is too less to take care of the family. The profits are spent on the electricity and other bills for the press itself, he shares. Currently the press is run only by two people Manickam and his brother occasionally helping him. We still bind the traditional way and dont use glue or pins. We give a guarantee of 50 years, he assures us. With his children moving to the IT sector, Manickam says that they arent interested in the printing business. I will do this as long as I can. This is a legacy that I wouldnt think of giving up! We have had personalities like Anna Durai give orders to us back then, he recalls, sadly. Manickam goes back to the wooden chair-table in the front, which was his grandfathers and fathers seat. Its his now. Will it have another occupant in the future? Only time will tell. Its up to my children, he says. For details, call: 28514404 By Express News Service CHENNAI: Is Tamil Nadu becoming the nuclear waste hub of the country? Anti-nuclear activists and the political parties that back them certainly believe so, pointing at the six-unit mega complex that's coming up at Kudankulam, expansion of the Kalpakkam plant and the proposed Indian Neutrino Observatory at Theni. Coming together in opposing these projects, opposition parties like VCK, MDMK, CPM, CPI, IUML, SDPI, TVK, and the People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) and environment organisation Poovulagin Nanbargal are organising an anti-nuclear conference on World Human Rights Day - December 10. Two nuclear power units are already functional at Kudankulam, while the works on third and fourth units are in progress. Recently, India and Russia signed an agreement to expand the complex by adding two additional units. Addressing reporters in Chennai on Thursday, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan said, the Centre, through its proposed expansion plans at Kudankulam and Kalpakkam, and the INO at Theni was making Tamil Nadu the nuclear waste hub of the country. All these plants have ended up in Tamil Nadu only after several states opposed this, he alleged. The State government, too, came under criticism for its handling of the protests, spearheaded by PMANE at Idinthakarai village near the Kudankulam plant. "Despite Supreme Court direction, not all cases filed against people who protested against KKNPP were withdrawn. Because of this, youth are unable to get their passport clearances and go abroad for jobs," Thirumavalavan added. Manithaneya Makkal Katchi leader MH Jawahirullah condemned the Centre for its move to convert Kudankulam into a nuclear hub even as it failed to make public the details of site evaluation, safety analysis and emergency preparedness reports despite repeated requests. PMANE coordinator SP Udayakumar alleged that development activities in the areas surrounding Kudankulam plant were not taken up as was promised to the people to coax them into giving up the protest. The conference will be held in Chennai on December 10. CHENNAI: Is Tamil Nadu becoming the nuclear waste hub of the country? Anti-nuclear activists and the political parties that back them certainly believe so, pointing at the six-unit mega complex that's coming up at Kudankulam, expansion of the Kalpakkam plant and the proposed Indian Neutrino Observatory at Theni. Coming together in opposing these projects, opposition parties like VCK, MDMK, CPM, CPI, IUML, SDPI, TVK, and the People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) and environment organisation Poovulagin Nanbargal are organising an anti-nuclear conference on World Human Rights Day - December 10. Two nuclear power units are already functional at Kudankulam, while the works on third and fourth units are in progress. Recently, India and Russia signed an agreement to expand the complex by adding two additional units. Addressing reporters in Chennai on Thursday, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan said, the Centre, through its proposed expansion plans at Kudankulam and Kalpakkam, and the INO at Theni was making Tamil Nadu the nuclear waste hub of the country. All these plants have ended up in Tamil Nadu only after several states opposed this, he alleged. The State government, too, came under criticism for its handling of the protests, spearheaded by PMANE at Idinthakarai village near the Kudankulam plant. "Despite Supreme Court direction, not all cases filed against people who protested against KKNPP were withdrawn. Because of this, youth are unable to get their passport clearances and go abroad for jobs," Thirumavalavan added. Manithaneya Makkal Katchi leader MH Jawahirullah condemned the Centre for its move to convert Kudankulam into a nuclear hub even as it failed to make public the details of site evaluation, safety analysis and emergency preparedness reports despite repeated requests. PMANE coordinator SP Udayakumar alleged that development activities in the areas surrounding Kudankulam plant were not taken up as was promised to the people to coax them into giving up the protest. The conference will be held in Chennai on December 10. By Express News Service CHENNAI: In yet another murder of a home-alone woman in the city, a decomposed body of an advocate, aged 58, was found in her apartment at West Mambalam on Wednesday evening. The police identified the victim as P Lakshmi Sudha. The body bore multiple stab injuries on the back. According to police sources, Lakshmis maid servant Vimala had seen her last on Monday when she came to clean the house. Vimala came again on Wednesday evening, but found the door latched from outside. She then contacted Lakshmis sister Vidhya Arul, who resides in the same locality. Around 5 pm, Vidhya came to the apartment and the two women entered the house to find Lakshmis decomposed body in the bedroom. The woman had nearly 10 stab marks on her back. But the cupboard was not broken and there were no signs of a robbery, said the investigating officer. Police sources said Lakshmi had been living alone for nearly 25 years after separating from her husband. Her son Karthick, who works at a private company in Bengaluru, used to visit her. Lakshmi was living on the first floor, while her uncle Sundaram (84), resided on the ground floor. The woman worked as an advocate at the Madras High Court, but had not been practising for the past five years, the officer said. Vidhya, alerted the Kumaran Nagar police, who sent the body for post-mortem examination. Preliminary investigation revealed that there were no signs of robbery and an investigation is on. The murder comes close on the heels of the killing of a 60-year-old woman in her house at T Nagar two days ago. CHENNAI: In yet another murder of a home-alone woman in the city, a decomposed body of an advocate, aged 58, was found in her apartment at West Mambalam on Wednesday evening. The police identified the victim as P Lakshmi Sudha. The body bore multiple stab injuries on the back. According to police sources, Lakshmis maid servant Vimala had seen her last on Monday when she came to clean the house. Vimala came again on Wednesday evening, but found the door latched from outside. She then contacted Lakshmis sister Vidhya Arul, who resides in the same locality. Around 5 pm, Vidhya came to the apartment and the two women entered the house to find Lakshmis decomposed body in the bedroom. The woman had nearly 10 stab marks on her back. But the cupboard was not broken and there were no signs of a robbery, said the investigating officer. Police sources said Lakshmi had been living alone for nearly 25 years after separating from her husband. Her son Karthick, who works at a private company in Bengaluru, used to visit her. Lakshmi was living on the first floor, while her uncle Sundaram (84), resided on the ground floor. The woman worked as an advocate at the Madras High Court, but had not been practising for the past five years, the officer said. Vidhya, alerted the Kumaran Nagar police, who sent the body for post-mortem examination. Preliminary investigation revealed that there were no signs of robbery and an investigation is on. The murder comes close on the heels of the killing of a 60-year-old woman in her house at T Nagar two days ago. C Shivakumar By Express News Service CHENNAI: The 11-storied Moulivakkam building, the twin of the structure that collapsed nearly two and a half month ago killing 61 people, may have crumbled within few seconds but some serious scars continue to fester in the neighbourhood. As piled-up rubble from the 11-storied building lies, officials from the revenue department visited the site, that is now under the control of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority which is making arrangements to clear up the debris which could take one month. Abdul Khader, whose house was destroyed when the earlier tower collapsed, on Thursday visited his house, which requires major repairs and renovation. Khader is hoping that the government would grant him compensation. More than two years have passed. The builder got bail by paying `1 crore. The government has not done anything to freeze his bank accounts or his property to pay compensation to us and the buyers, he wondered. Residents blamed the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority. They should have checked everything was in order before giving approval. They failed to check the designs. The whole issue should be investigated by Central Bureau of Investigation, they said. CHENNAI: The 11-storied Moulivakkam building, the twin of the structure that collapsed nearly two and a half month ago killing 61 people, may have crumbled within few seconds but some serious scars continue to fester in the neighbourhood. As piled-up rubble from the 11-storied building lies, officials from the revenue department visited the site, that is now under the control of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority which is making arrangements to clear up the debris which could take one month. Abdul Khader, whose house was destroyed when the earlier tower collapsed, on Thursday visited his house, which requires major repairs and renovation. Khader is hoping that the government would grant him compensation. More than two years have passed. The builder got bail by paying `1 crore. The government has not done anything to freeze his bank accounts or his property to pay compensation to us and the buyers, he wondered. Residents blamed the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority. They should have checked everything was in order before giving approval. They failed to check the designs. The whole issue should be investigated by Central Bureau of Investigation, they said. M Sathish By Express News Service CHENNAI: A string of murders, mostly of senior citizens and women, have rattled the elderly in the city, notwithstanding assurances by city police brass that all measures have been taken to ensure their safety. There were eight murders in a weeks span, including gang wars and those committed for gain, which has spread uneasiness. Even those like us who are in their 70s are not safe. In many of our homes, there are only lonely senior citizens whose children are settled abroad. There are many cases where criminals threaten such persons to usurp their property, said V Chandrasekar, president of Senior Citizens Bureau. A woman cop taking down the details of an elderly couple in Anna Nagar. City police organised a special drive for safety, on a door-to-door basis, following the recent murders | Ashwin Prasath When Emma Gonsalvez, an 82-year-old doctor, was murdered in 2014, the organisation submitted a joint petition, signed by 500 persons, to the city police commissioner, he said. When we contact the police in an emergency, they ask the jurisdiction first. By the time we explain all the details they seek, the incident will be over. Then they will make an entry, after everything is over, said R Ramakrishnan, a 58-year-old resident of T Nagar, where a brutal murder of an elderly woman was reported on Wednesday. These days, the personnel are forgetting an important registry in police station called lock book register, said retired Inspector-General, EMA Masanamuthu. Many in their 60s live alone after their partners death and children settled outside, he noted, pointing out that these were the people who were dependent on domestic helps. They are vulnerable to crimes by those who pose as workers only to keep watch on the elderly to figure out the best time to rob them. It is the local police who is responsible for the safety of the elderly, he said. Meanwhile, taking stock of the situation, Chennai Police Commissioner S George said the police have intensified patrolling with a special focus on senior citizens. We have adopted a three-pronged strategy for senior citizens. We have deployed 530 two-wheeler patrols that will keep a close tab on senior citizen areas, our 380 four-wheeler patrolling will also intensify the vigil. Each station have nine personnel on three shifts to focus on such neighbourhoods, he told the media on Thursday. The public should ensure that basic details of tenants should be passed on to the local police, while contractors should have the record of workers, including migrants they employ, he said. CHENNAI: A string of murders, mostly of senior citizens and women, have rattled the elderly in the city, notwithstanding assurances by city police brass that all measures have been taken to ensure their safety. There were eight murders in a weeks span, including gang wars and those committed for gain, which has spread uneasiness. Even those like us who are in their 70s are not safe. In many of our homes, there are only lonely senior citizens whose children are settled abroad. There are many cases where criminals threaten such persons to usurp their property, said V Chandrasekar, president of Senior Citizens Bureau. A woman cop taking down the details of an elderly couple in Anna Nagar. City police organised a special drive for safety, on a door-to-door basis, following the recent murders | Ashwin Prasath When Emma Gonsalvez, an 82-year-old doctor, was murdered in 2014, the organisation submitted a joint petition, signed by 500 persons, to the city police commissioner, he said. When we contact the police in an emergency, they ask the jurisdiction first. By the time we explain all the details they seek, the incident will be over. Then they will make an entry, after everything is over, said R Ramakrishnan, a 58-year-old resident of T Nagar, where a brutal murder of an elderly woman was reported on Wednesday. These days, the personnel are forgetting an important registry in police station called lock book register, said retired Inspector-General, EMA Masanamuthu. Many in their 60s live alone after their partners death and children settled outside, he noted, pointing out that these were the people who were dependent on domestic helps. They are vulnerable to crimes by those who pose as workers only to keep watch on the elderly to figure out the best time to rob them. It is the local police who is responsible for the safety of the elderly, he said. Meanwhile, taking stock of the situation, Chennai Police Commissioner S George said the police have intensified patrolling with a special focus on senior citizens. We have adopted a three-pronged strategy for senior citizens. We have deployed 530 two-wheeler patrols that will keep a close tab on senior citizen areas, our 380 four-wheeler patrolling will also intensify the vigil. Each station have nine personnel on three shifts to focus on such neighbourhoods, he told the media on Thursday. The public should ensure that basic details of tenants should be passed on to the local police, while contractors should have the record of workers, including migrants they employ, he said. By Express News Service KOCHI: Two public places in the city witnessed anxious moments on Thursday when two persons threatened to commit suicide in separate incidents. Around 10.30 am, a woman who had defaulted a business loan taken from a nationalised bank threatened to commit suicide when the bank officials visited her house at Pathadippalam to initiate recovery proceedings. However, the bank officials halted the recovery proceedings temporarily and returned after Shaila Valiyamakkal, who runs computer hardware business, issued the suicide threat. Shaila, who had taken a loan of `30 lakh from the Vyttila branch of the bank in 2011 for business expansion, defaulted on repayment after two years. On Thursday, she engaged in a heated argument with the bank officials, and threatened to commit suicide, triggering a protest from a section of the local residents. Later, the situation was brought under control by the Kalamassery Police. In the second incident, 29-year-old Navaz, a driver attached to taxi integrator Uber, threatened to jump off the fourth floor of the building at Palarivattom where the office of Uber functions. According to the police, the incident occurred around 2 pm, amid an ongoing protest by a section of Uber drivers in front of the office. The drivers have been demanding steps to reinstate the drivers dismissed by the company. Later, the police and locals pacified the protesting driver and brought him down, ending the tense moments. The Palarivattom police have registered a case for unlawful assembly and rioting. KOCHI: Two public places in the city witnessed anxious moments on Thursday when two persons threatened to commit suicide in separate incidents. Around 10.30 am, a woman who had defaulted a business loan taken from a nationalised bank threatened to commit suicide when the bank officials visited her house at Pathadippalam to initiate recovery proceedings. However, the bank officials halted the recovery proceedings temporarily and returned after Shaila Valiyamakkal, who runs computer hardware business, issued the suicide threat. Shaila, who had taken a loan of `30 lakh from the Vyttila branch of the bank in 2011 for business expansion, defaulted on repayment after two years. On Thursday, she engaged in a heated argument with the bank officials, and threatened to commit suicide, triggering a protest from a section of the local residents. Later, the situation was brought under control by the Kalamassery Police. In the second incident, 29-year-old Navaz, a driver attached to taxi integrator Uber, threatened to jump off the fourth floor of the building at Palarivattom where the office of Uber functions. According to the police, the incident occurred around 2 pm, amid an ongoing protest by a section of Uber drivers in front of the office. The drivers have been demanding steps to reinstate the drivers dismissed by the company. Later, the police and locals pacified the protesting driver and brought him down, ending the tense moments. The Palarivattom police have registered a case for unlawful assembly and rioting. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: In an incident that might shake up the bureaucracy, particularly in the North Block and the South Block, two Chinese tourists managed to visit sensitive locations in Arunachal Pradesh taking advantage of a wrong permit issued to them. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines restrict the entry of people from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and China into the state. A tourist from any of these countries is required to obtain the stringent RAP (Restricted Area Permit) which entails prior approval from the MHA. But the Chinese duo Young James John and Wu Chong Shong were wrongly issued a PAP (Protected Area Permit). PAP is issued to tourists from other countries while the domestic tourists are required to obtain an ILP (inner line permit) to visit the state. John and Shong, who live in Hong Kong but are holders of Chinese passports, visited Arunachal just days before US envoy Richard Vermas visit to Tawang last month that ruffled Beijings feathers. According to officials, they were issued a PAP on August 30 by DJ Borah, the then deputy resident commissioner (DRC) based in Guwahati, to visit Tawang, Lower Subansiri and West Kameng districts for 30 days from September 12 for tourism purposes. It was not yet known if the two Chinese had set their feet on the heavily-militarized and sensitive Tawang but a copy of their PAP was retrieved from a Bomdila hotel. Hotels in Arunachal are required to keep the police informed of their guests. The disputed Tawang, which China dubs as southern Tibet, is eight hours drive from Bomdila. The then DRC Borah, transferred out about a month ago, was not available for comments. The states tourism secretary, Joram Beda, also could not be contacted. The office of the DRC in Guwahati said it was preparing a report on what appears to be a case of overlooking of the application that was processed by the office of Arunachals tourism directorate based in Guwahati. Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operators Association has lodged a complaint with the police for the gross negligence. Weve told the tourism officials and the parliamentary secretary in-charge of the department that the DRC should be booked under the National Security Act, the association president John Panyi, told Express. The MHA guidelines state: Citizen of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan and foreign national of Pakistani origin shall not be issued a special permit without the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The MHA seeks that the officials exercise utmost caution while processing special permit for foreigners. GUWAHATI: In an incident that might shake up the bureaucracy, particularly in the North Block and the South Block, two Chinese tourists managed to visit sensitive locations in Arunachal Pradesh taking advantage of a wrong permit issued to them. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines restrict the entry of people from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and China into the state. A tourist from any of these countries is required to obtain the stringent RAP (Restricted Area Permit) which entails prior approval from the MHA. But the Chinese duo Young James John and Wu Chong Shong were wrongly issued a PAP (Protected Area Permit). PAP is issued to tourists from other countries while the domestic tourists are required to obtain an ILP (inner line permit) to visit the state. John and Shong, who live in Hong Kong but are holders of Chinese passports, visited Arunachal just days before US envoy Richard Vermas visit to Tawang last month that ruffled Beijings feathers. According to officials, they were issued a PAP on August 30 by DJ Borah, the then deputy resident commissioner (DRC) based in Guwahati, to visit Tawang, Lower Subansiri and West Kameng districts for 30 days from September 12 for tourism purposes. It was not yet known if the two Chinese had set their feet on the heavily-militarized and sensitive Tawang but a copy of their PAP was retrieved from a Bomdila hotel. Hotels in Arunachal are required to keep the police informed of their guests. The disputed Tawang, which China dubs as southern Tibet, is eight hours drive from Bomdila. The then DRC Borah, transferred out about a month ago, was not available for comments. The states tourism secretary, Joram Beda, also could not be contacted. The office of the DRC in Guwahati said it was preparing a report on what appears to be a case of overlooking of the application that was processed by the office of Arunachals tourism directorate based in Guwahati. Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operators Association has lodged a complaint with the police for the gross negligence. Weve told the tourism officials and the parliamentary secretary in-charge of the department that the DRC should be booked under the National Security Act, the association president John Panyi, told Express. The MHA guidelines state: Citizen of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan and foreign national of Pakistani origin shall not be issued a special permit without the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The MHA seeks that the officials exercise utmost caution while processing special permit for foreigners. By PTI ALIGARH: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) students' union staged a demonstration against the killing of eight SIMI activists after a jail break in Bhopal and demanded a judicial probe into the matter. In a memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee, AMU students' union demanded a Supreme Court-monitored judicial probe into the Bhopal encounter, an AMU office bearer said. Anger had been brewing on the campus since the news broke out in the media on Monday but the authorities managed to prevent any public display of the mounting resentment in view of the annual convocation on Tuesday. However, slogan-shouting students took out a procession yesterday which culminated into a rally at the Sir Syed Gate. Addressing the protestors, the students' union President Faizul Hasan charged that ever since the NDA government came to power "Muslims were being wrongly targeted" . "We are all against terrorists but the battle against terror has to be fought by uniting all sections and not by selectively targeting only a particular section of the people", he said. He said that by targeting "innocents" the present government was "weakening the fight against terror". Hasan said that if the present trend continues the Modi government would ultimately be held accountable for fostering religious extremism and hatred the country. AMU students believe the best way to fight terror "was to take a stand against injustice wherever it takes place", he said while offering his sympathies to the family of the police constable who was also killed in the Bhopal jailbreak. Eight SIMI activists were killed in an alleged encounter with police on Monday after they escaped from the Bhopal jail. ALIGARH: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) students' union staged a demonstration against the killing of eight SIMI activists after a jail break in Bhopal and demanded a judicial probe into the matter. In a memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee, AMU students' union demanded a Supreme Court-monitored judicial probe into the Bhopal encounter, an AMU office bearer said. Anger had been brewing on the campus since the news broke out in the media on Monday but the authorities managed to prevent any public display of the mounting resentment in view of the annual convocation on Tuesday. However, slogan-shouting students took out a procession yesterday which culminated into a rally at the Sir Syed Gate. Addressing the protestors, the students' union President Faizul Hasan charged that ever since the NDA government came to power "Muslims were being wrongly targeted" . "We are all against terrorists but the battle against terror has to be fought by uniting all sections and not by selectively targeting only a particular section of the people", he said. He said that by targeting "innocents" the present government was "weakening the fight against terror". Hasan said that if the present trend continues the Modi government would ultimately be held accountable for fostering religious extremism and hatred the country. AMU students believe the best way to fight terror "was to take a stand against injustice wherever it takes place", he said while offering his sympathies to the family of the police constable who was also killed in the Bhopal jailbreak. Eight SIMI activists were killed in an alleged encounter with police on Monday after they escaped from the Bhopal jail. Manish Anand By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Aiming to make inroads into the Congress bastion in the Garhwal region of the poll-bound Uttarakhand, the BJP is gearing up to make full use of turncoats led by former chief minister Vijay Bahuguna to wrest power in the state. The BJP is seeking to turn the heat on the stronghold of the incumbent chief minister Harish Rawat, who is considered to command strong followings in the Garhwal region. While the Garhwal region sends 42 MLAs to the state Assembly, the Kumaon hills of the state have rest 28 constituencies. The BJP chief Amit Shah is all set to flag off the Parivartan Yatra on November 13 from the state capital Dehradoon, which will conclude in Haldwani on December 7. The BJP appears counting on the strong presence of the Armed forces personnel in Uttarakhand to project strong leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the decision to launch the surgical strike to destroy the terrorists' launch pads in the Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). "The BJP is counting on nine Congress MLAs who defected after raising a banner of revolt against the incumbent chief minister to win the most number of seats in the Garhwal region. Most of them hail from the Garhwal region and they will prove effective to expose the false claims of development by the Congress government," said a senior BJP functionary. The BJP spokesperson Anil Baluni said that the party chief will hold three rallies in Uttarakhand during the course of the Parivartan Yatra, which has been modelled on similar campaigns to be flagged off in UP. "Uttarakhand is well known for its tradition of a large number of people joining the Armed forces. The decision to go for a surgical strike to neutralise the terrorists before they sneaked into the country will definitely be welcomed by the people in the state," added Baluni. Led by Bahuguna, Congress MLAs - Rekha Arya, Harlal Singh Rawat, Amruta Rawat, Shailendra Mohan, Kumar Pranav Singh, Subodh Uniyal, Pradeep Batra, Shaila Rani Rawat and Umesh Singh - had rebelled against the chief minister and later they had joined the BJP. However, the BJP is also wary of the fact that while the party props up the turncoats in the state, it will also have to deal with leaders within its ranks who are known for their unbridled ambitions. The BJP has tasked party leader Balraj Pasi to organise the Parivartan Yatra. Pasi had made the fame after he had trounced Narayan Dutt Tiwari from the Nainital Lok Sabha constituency in 1996. NEW DELHI: Aiming to make inroads into the Congress bastion in the Garhwal region of the poll-bound Uttarakhand, the BJP is gearing up to make full use of turncoats led by former chief minister Vijay Bahuguna to wrest power in the state. The BJP is seeking to turn the heat on the stronghold of the incumbent chief minister Harish Rawat, who is considered to command strong followings in the Garhwal region. While the Garhwal region sends 42 MLAs to the state Assembly, the Kumaon hills of the state have rest 28 constituencies. The BJP chief Amit Shah is all set to flag off the Parivartan Yatra on November 13 from the state capital Dehradoon, which will conclude in Haldwani on December 7. The BJP appears counting on the strong presence of the Armed forces personnel in Uttarakhand to project strong leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the decision to launch the surgical strike to destroy the terrorists' launch pads in the Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). "The BJP is counting on nine Congress MLAs who defected after raising a banner of revolt against the incumbent chief minister to win the most number of seats in the Garhwal region. Most of them hail from the Garhwal region and they will prove effective to expose the false claims of development by the Congress government," said a senior BJP functionary. The BJP spokesperson Anil Baluni said that the party chief will hold three rallies in Uttarakhand during the course of the Parivartan Yatra, which has been modelled on similar campaigns to be flagged off in UP. "Uttarakhand is well known for its tradition of a large number of people joining the Armed forces. The decision to go for a surgical strike to neutralise the terrorists before they sneaked into the country will definitely be welcomed by the people in the state," added Baluni. Led by Bahuguna, Congress MLAs - Rekha Arya, Harlal Singh Rawat, Amruta Rawat, Shailendra Mohan, Kumar Pranav Singh, Subodh Uniyal, Pradeep Batra, Shaila Rani Rawat and Umesh Singh - had rebelled against the chief minister and later they had joined the BJP. However, the BJP is also wary of the fact that while the party props up the turncoats in the state, it will also have to deal with leaders within its ranks who are known for their unbridled ambitions. The BJP has tasked party leader Balraj Pasi to organise the Parivartan Yatra. Pasi had made the fame after he had trounced Narayan Dutt Tiwari from the Nainital Lok Sabha constituency in 1996. Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service CHANDIGARH: Balwant Singh Rajoana, convicted in the assassination case of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, on Thursday announced that he would go on an indefinite hunger strike at the Patiala Central Jail over his mercy plea pending with the President of India. Rajoanas sister Kamaldeep Kaur said, The union government has been biased in my brothers case and this has forced him to sit on a hunger strike. He never hired any advocate during his trial but his mercy plea is still pending with the Presidents office. He has started a hunger strike now and has not eaten anything since morning. A few days ago, he had told jail officials of his decision to go on a hunger strike. A CBI special court awarded the death sentence to Rajoana in July 2007 along with another terrorist Jagtar Singh Hawara, in the assassination case. Former chief minister Beant Singh (1992-95), who was largely credited with wiping out terrorism from Punjab, was assassinated by Dilawar Singh, a human bomb, at the high security Punjab civil secretariat in Chandigarh on August 31, 1995. While Hawara was the mastermind of the assassination, Rajoana was the second human bomb to be used in case the first assassin failed. Rajoana, during the trial, said he alone was responsible for the killing. Rajoana had refused to challenge the death sentence awarded to him, and was scheduled to be hanged on March 31, 2012. But Punjab's ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) at the time said it would go to any extent to save Rajoana and asked the state government and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandak Committee (SGPC) "to take all possible legal and other steps" to secure clemency for him. The SGPC filed a clemency petition with then President Pratibha Patil, which is still pending. In his letter, which is posted on his sister Kamaldeep Kaurs Facebook page, Rajaona says, I have been in jail for the past 21 years and have been awaiting the verdict of the rulers. Blaming the SGPC and the Home Ministry for betraying him, the letter says Due to the negative role of SGPC, the central government is delaying a decision regarding my case, so I am going to start an indefinite hunger strike till the final decision is taken on the mercy petition. In 2013, in a four page letter, Rajoana, a Babbar Khalsa International terrorist, had said he had neither appealed for mercy nor asked anyone to do that for him. He had refused to appeal against his death sentence. With this letter, I want to make my position clear once again that I am not ready to bow before the Congress. I have neither pleaded for mercy nor will I do it in future. They can test my determination at any time, the letter said. CHANDIGARH: Balwant Singh Rajoana, convicted in the assassination case of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, on Thursday announced that he would go on an indefinite hunger strike at the Patiala Central Jail over his mercy plea pending with the President of India. Rajoanas sister Kamaldeep Kaur said, The union government has been biased in my brothers case and this has forced him to sit on a hunger strike. He never hired any advocate during his trial but his mercy plea is still pending with the Presidents office. He has started a hunger strike now and has not eaten anything since morning. A few days ago, he had told jail officials of his decision to go on a hunger strike. A CBI special court awarded the death sentence to Rajoana in July 2007 along with another terrorist Jagtar Singh Hawara, in the assassination case. Former chief minister Beant Singh (1992-95), who was largely credited with wiping out terrorism from Punjab, was assassinated by Dilawar Singh, a human bomb, at the high security Punjab civil secretariat in Chandigarh on August 31, 1995. While Hawara was the mastermind of the assassination, Rajoana was the second human bomb to be used in case the first assassin failed. Rajoana, during the trial, said he alone was responsible for the killing. Rajoana had refused to challenge the death sentence awarded to him, and was scheduled to be hanged on March 31, 2012. But Punjab's ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) at the time said it would go to any extent to save Rajoana and asked the state government and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandak Committee (SGPC) "to take all possible legal and other steps" to secure clemency for him. The SGPC filed a clemency petition with then President Pratibha Patil, which is still pending. In his letter, which is posted on his sister Kamaldeep Kaurs Facebook page, Rajaona says, I have been in jail for the past 21 years and have been awaiting the verdict of the rulers. Blaming the SGPC and the Home Ministry for betraying him, the letter says Due to the negative role of SGPC, the central government is delaying a decision regarding my case, so I am going to start an indefinite hunger strike till the final decision is taken on the mercy petition. In 2013, in a four page letter, Rajoana, a Babbar Khalsa International terrorist, had said he had neither appealed for mercy nor asked anyone to do that for him. He had refused to appeal against his death sentence. With this letter, I want to make my position clear once again that I am not ready to bow before the Congress. I have neither pleaded for mercy nor will I do it in future. They can test my determination at any time, the letter said. By PTI BHIWANI: Amid tight security, ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal, whose alleged suicide over 'one rank, one pension' triggered a political storm, was today cremated in his native village in Haryana which was flocked by political leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Grewal's eldest son Dilawar lit the pyre at around noon in the presence of a large number of people who had gathered from nearby areas in Bamla, 20 kms away from here. The 70-year-old ex-serviceman, who was a former sarpanch of his village, committed suicide by consuming poison at a park in New Delhi on Tuesday evening. The incident snowballed into a political row yesterday with the Congress Vice President, Kejriwal and other opposition leaders attacking the Modi government on the issue while there was a high drama that continued late into the night after police detained and prevented them from entering a hospital in Delhi where Grewal's body was kept. Tight security arrangements were made today in view of the events in New Delhi. Rahul, who travelled by road, spent a few minutes with the grieving family members of Grewal. He had to jostle with the crowd to reach the family members of Grewal as slogans of "Ram Kishan amar rahe" rented the air. Other Congress leaders including former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Haryana Congress President Ashok Tanwar, Leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Kiran Chaudhary, Selja and Kuldip Bishnoi were also present. Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Randeep Singh Surjewala and TMC's Derek O Brien also reached the village. Kejriwal, who was detained for four hours by Delhi Police last night from Lady Hardinge Hospital when he tried to meet the kin of ex-serviceman, was also among those present at the cremation of Grewal. BJP MPs Rattan Lal Kataria and Dharambir Singh and Haryana minister Krishna Lal Panwar were among those who spent some time with the family members of the deceased and later left the venue. Police said Grewal along with some other ex-servicemen was in the process of submitting a memorandum to the Defence Ministry over the issue of OROP. According to his friends, Grewal had been upset over the issue for some time. Grewal had gone to Delhi with three of his friends from Bhiwani in the intervening night of October 31 and November 1. On Tuesday evening, he allegedly consumed poisonous tablets. One of his friends called the police at 100 and the police personnel immediately took him to RML hospital. Unfortunately, he died after a few hours, police said. In his last phone conversation with his son Pradeep, Grewal said "injustice" is being done with jawans. "I wanted to fight this (OROP) battle...now it is up to the jawans what they do," he said. Subedar Grewal's suicide has been used by the opposition parties to accuse the Modi government of failing to implement the OROP, an issue which remained pending for about 40 years during the Congress regime. Grewal is survived by his widow, five sons and two daughters. He served in the Army for six years in the Infantry Battalion and then served the Defence Security Force for 31 years. He retired in 2004 after attaining Subedar rank. He became Sarpanch of the village in 2006. One of his sons is Havildar in the army and the eldest son is in Haryana police. BHIWANI: Amid tight security, ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal, whose alleged suicide over 'one rank, one pension' triggered a political storm, was today cremated in his native village in Haryana which was flocked by political leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Grewal's eldest son Dilawar lit the pyre at around noon in the presence of a large number of people who had gathered from nearby areas in Bamla, 20 kms away from here. The 70-year-old ex-serviceman, who was a former sarpanch of his village, committed suicide by consuming poison at a park in New Delhi on Tuesday evening. The incident snowballed into a political row yesterday with the Congress Vice President, Kejriwal and other opposition leaders attacking the Modi government on the issue while there was a high drama that continued late into the night after police detained and prevented them from entering a hospital in Delhi where Grewal's body was kept. Tight security arrangements were made today in view of the events in New Delhi. Rahul, who travelled by road, spent a few minutes with the grieving family members of Grewal. He had to jostle with the crowd to reach the family members of Grewal as slogans of "Ram Kishan amar rahe" rented the air. Other Congress leaders including former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Haryana Congress President Ashok Tanwar, Leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Kiran Chaudhary, Selja and Kuldip Bishnoi were also present. Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Randeep Singh Surjewala and TMC's Derek O Brien also reached the village. Kejriwal, who was detained for four hours by Delhi Police last night from Lady Hardinge Hospital when he tried to meet the kin of ex-serviceman, was also among those present at the cremation of Grewal. BJP MPs Rattan Lal Kataria and Dharambir Singh and Haryana minister Krishna Lal Panwar were among those who spent some time with the family members of the deceased and later left the venue. Police said Grewal along with some other ex-servicemen was in the process of submitting a memorandum to the Defence Ministry over the issue of OROP. According to his friends, Grewal had been upset over the issue for some time. Grewal had gone to Delhi with three of his friends from Bhiwani in the intervening night of October 31 and November 1. On Tuesday evening, he allegedly consumed poisonous tablets. One of his friends called the police at 100 and the police personnel immediately took him to RML hospital. Unfortunately, he died after a few hours, police said. In his last phone conversation with his son Pradeep, Grewal said "injustice" is being done with jawans. "I wanted to fight this (OROP) battle...now it is up to the jawans what they do," he said. Subedar Grewal's suicide has been used by the opposition parties to accuse the Modi government of failing to implement the OROP, an issue which remained pending for about 40 years during the Congress regime. Grewal is survived by his widow, five sons and two daughters. He served in the Army for six years in the Infantry Battalion and then served the Defence Security Force for 31 years. He retired in 2004 after attaining Subedar rank. He became Sarpanch of the village in 2006. One of his sons is Havildar in the army and the eldest son is in Haryana police. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Volatility refuses to die down in India-Pakistan relations as on Thursday Islamabad alleged 8 Indian Embassys officials were involved in terrorist and subversive activities, an accusation Ministry of External Affairs flatly refuted. The diplomatic slugfest between the two nuclear-armed countries, even as intermittent exchange of fire has been going on along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB), has ensured that the staff in the embassies of both the countries has been cut down. This kind of downward spiral does not do good to either side. We hope Pak will desist from making unsubstantiated allegations and jeopardizing the safety of our officials there, MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in response to a question if this would hamper diplomacy between two countries. India has chosen to bring eight of its staffers after their names and photographs have been splashed in Pakistan newspaper on Wednesday. On Thursday, Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially revealed the identity of these officials in a press conference alleging they belonged to Indias intelligence agencies Intelligence Bureau and Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW). Pakistan made specific allegations that these officials were involved in "espionage, subversion and supporting terrorist activities in Balochistan and Sindh, especially Karachi, sabotaging China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and fuelling instability in the two provinces". Dubbing Islamabads action as an after thought and crude attempt, India protested the manner in which names and photos of its officials, four of them on diplomatic passports, were published jeopardizing their security. "We completely reject the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations made by Pakistan against certain officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.It is especially regrettable that Pakistani authorities have chosen to level these allegations after deciding to recall, on their own, six officials of the Pakistan High Commission, some of whom may have been named to Indian authorities by Mehmood Akhtar - Pakistan High Commission official caught red-handed," Swarup said. The eight Indian officials are homebound, and decision to recall them will be taken with safety considerations in mind. This diplomatic confrontation has worsened the relations of the two countries further. The expose claimed by both the countries seems to be unprecedented in terms of the numbers of diplomatic officials being withdrawn. In 2010 India had arrested one person working in its embassy in Pakistan for working for the Pakistan Intelligence agency ISI. NEW DELHI: Volatility refuses to die down in India-Pakistan relations as on Thursday Islamabad alleged 8 Indian Embassys officials were involved in terrorist and subversive activities, an accusation Ministry of External Affairs flatly refuted. The diplomatic slugfest between the two nuclear-armed countries, even as intermittent exchange of fire has been going on along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB), has ensured that the staff in the embassies of both the countries has been cut down. This kind of downward spiral does not do good to either side. We hope Pak will desist from making unsubstantiated allegations and jeopardizing the safety of our officials there, MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in response to a question if this would hamper diplomacy between two countries. India has chosen to bring eight of its staffers after their names and photographs have been splashed in Pakistan newspaper on Wednesday. On Thursday, Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially revealed the identity of these officials in a press conference alleging they belonged to Indias intelligence agencies Intelligence Bureau and Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW). Pakistan made specific allegations that these officials were involved in "espionage, subversion and supporting terrorist activities in Balochistan and Sindh, especially Karachi, sabotaging China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and fuelling instability in the two provinces". Dubbing Islamabads action as an after thought and crude attempt, India protested the manner in which names and photos of its officials, four of them on diplomatic passports, were published jeopardizing their security. "We completely reject the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations made by Pakistan against certain officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.It is especially regrettable that Pakistani authorities have chosen to level these allegations after deciding to recall, on their own, six officials of the Pakistan High Commission, some of whom may have been named to Indian authorities by Mehmood Akhtar - Pakistan High Commission official caught red-handed," Swarup said. The eight Indian officials are homebound, and decision to recall them will be taken with safety considerations in mind. This diplomatic confrontation has worsened the relations of the two countries further. The expose claimed by both the countries seems to be unprecedented in terms of the numbers of diplomatic officials being withdrawn. In 2010 India had arrested one person working in its embassy in Pakistan for working for the Pakistan Intelligence agency ISI. By PTI CHANDIGARH: Senior AAP leader H S Phoolka today alleged that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and SAD of trying to save those accused, including Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, in the 1984 anti-Sikh riot case. "There are clear indications that on the pattern of Congress the Modi-led government is also trying hard to save the accused Congress leader Jagdish Tytler and others," he alleged. It is evident from the last two-years of the NDA government that it is "deliberately delaying" investigations in the case against the accused involved in the "massacre of Sikhs", he said. "In December 2015, the Supreme Court had instructed the CBI to complete the investigations within two-months. However, instead of acting on the instructions of the apex court, the Modi government not only delayed investigations but has recently demanded an extra four months time," he alleged. "Eyeing the Punjab elections the BJP and SAD do not want to take-up cases against the accused and take it to its logical conclusion," he said. Training his gun on Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh, he alleged, "To get himself declared as the Congress' chief ministerial candidate in Punjab and to continue as Punjab Congress chief, he is busy distributing clean chits to the key accused of the 1984 anti-Sikhs riots, Jagdish Tytler and Kamal Nath." "Had the accused of the 1984 riots been given exemplary punishment at an appropriate time, nobody could have dared to engineer such riots in any part of the country, which takes place so often now," Phoolka claimed. Meanwhile, AAP leader Kanwar Sandhu demanded all the closed cases pertaining to the 1984 anti-Sikhs riots to be "re-opened and re-investigated". "Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal should be given all rights to open and get all the cases investigated," he said. "AAP assures the nation that all cases will be taken to its logical conclusion within six months, if the Delhi government is allowed to re-open and re-investigate them," Sandhu claimed. Although the Modi government had constituted a Special Investigating Team (SIT) in 2015 to probe the 1984 riot cases, not take a single step has been taken to deliver justice to the victims, he claimed. The AAP has decided to sit on a one-day hunger strike in front of Gurudwara Shri Amb Sahib in Mohali tomorrow on the issue, he added. On the Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal issue, the AAP leaders alleged that both Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Amarinder have "committed fraud" with the people of Punjab. The AAP leaders alleged, "In the presence of union minister Arun Jaitley and BJP National President Amit Shah, Badal declared Punjab would not accept any order of the Supreme Court against it on SYL." "While, Amarinder has declared that he and all Congress MLAs would resign in case of an adverse order by the Supreme Court on the issue," they added. "Whom are they trying to fool. If Amarinder would have been serious on the SYL issue, he should have resigned as CM, when Congress-led UPA government referred the issue to Supreme Court for presidential reference," the AAP leaders said. He added even Badal was shedding "crocodile tears" on the SYL issue, as he should have opted out of NDA, when Solicitor General of India took an anti-Punjab stand in Supreme Court on SYL. CHANDIGARH: Senior AAP leader H S Phoolka today alleged that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and SAD of trying to save those accused, including Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, in the 1984 anti-Sikh riot case. "There are clear indications that on the pattern of Congress the Modi-led government is also trying hard to save the accused Congress leader Jagdish Tytler and others," he alleged. It is evident from the last two-years of the NDA government that it is "deliberately delaying" investigations in the case against the accused involved in the "massacre of Sikhs", he said. "In December 2015, the Supreme Court had instructed the CBI to complete the investigations within two-months. However, instead of acting on the instructions of the apex court, the Modi government not only delayed investigations but has recently demanded an extra four months time," he alleged. "Eyeing the Punjab elections the BJP and SAD do not want to take-up cases against the accused and take it to its logical conclusion," he said. Training his gun on Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh, he alleged, "To get himself declared as the Congress' chief ministerial candidate in Punjab and to continue as Punjab Congress chief, he is busy distributing clean chits to the key accused of the 1984 anti-Sikhs riots, Jagdish Tytler and Kamal Nath." "Had the accused of the 1984 riots been given exemplary punishment at an appropriate time, nobody could have dared to engineer such riots in any part of the country, which takes place so often now," Phoolka claimed. Meanwhile, AAP leader Kanwar Sandhu demanded all the closed cases pertaining to the 1984 anti-Sikhs riots to be "re-opened and re-investigated". "Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal should be given all rights to open and get all the cases investigated," he said. "AAP assures the nation that all cases will be taken to its logical conclusion within six months, if the Delhi government is allowed to re-open and re-investigate them," Sandhu claimed. Although the Modi government had constituted a Special Investigating Team (SIT) in 2015 to probe the 1984 riot cases, not take a single step has been taken to deliver justice to the victims, he claimed. The AAP has decided to sit on a one-day hunger strike in front of Gurudwara Shri Amb Sahib in Mohali tomorrow on the issue, he added. On the Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal issue, the AAP leaders alleged that both Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Amarinder have "committed fraud" with the people of Punjab. The AAP leaders alleged, "In the presence of union minister Arun Jaitley and BJP National President Amit Shah, Badal declared Punjab would not accept any order of the Supreme Court against it on SYL." "While, Amarinder has declared that he and all Congress MLAs would resign in case of an adverse order by the Supreme Court on the issue," they added. "Whom are they trying to fool. If Amarinder would have been serious on the SYL issue, he should have resigned as CM, when Congress-led UPA government referred the issue to Supreme Court for presidential reference," the AAP leaders said. He added even Badal was shedding "crocodile tears" on the SYL issue, as he should have opted out of NDA, when Solicitor General of India took an anti-Punjab stand in Supreme Court on SYL. By Express News Service The suicide of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal (70), who consumed sulphas tablets in a New Delhi park over the One Rank One Pension (OROP) issue, triggered high drama on Wednesday with the Delhi Police blocking visiting politicos, including Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, at RML hospital. Both the leaders as also deputy CM Manish Sisodia were denied entry and detained for a while, making them the talking point of the day. Not just that, Grewals son too was detained and roughed up in custody to prevent him from meeting Opposition leaders Minutes after popping pills, Grewal broke news to son, tied it to OROP Ram Kishan Grewal, who hails from Bamla village in Haryanas Bhiwani district, left a suicide note saying hes taking his life due to the delay in meeting the demands of Army veterans. Five minutes after consuming sulphas tablets, he called his son Jaswant Grewal in his hometown and said he had consumed poison. He came to New Delhi on Monday along with his friends Matu Ram, Sube Singh, Prithvi Singh and Rajkumar informing his family that they are going to the capital to support the OROP protest. On Tuesday, they went to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajans residences in a bid to meet them, but were asked to seek an appointment. However, according to records, Grewal did not seek an appointment with Parrikar. Rahul detained twice Rahul Gandhi was detained twice by Delhi Police and was finally released late on Wednesday evening. Trying to prevent him and senior Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia from meeting the family of Grewal converted what would have been a 5-minute photo-op into material for a full-fledged political protest by the Congress top rung. The Congress scion will visit the hometown of Grewal in Bhiwani district in Haryana on Thursday to take part in his funeral. No takers for Defence Ministrys spin on error in calculation While the Union Home Ministry indicated its unhappiness at the way Delhi Police mismanaged the situation, the fact remains that they function under the MHAs watch. Pouncing on it, the Opposition blamed the Centre for the fiasco. Especially since Kejriwal and Sisodia too were detained by the police of the State they are supposed to be ruling. While Sisodia was picked up for the same reason as Rahul Gandhi for trying to meet the Grewal family, Kejriwal was detained for trying to reach Lady Hardinge Hospital to monitor the suicide autopsy. Worse still, to counter the political fallout of Grewals suicide, the Defence Ministry resorted to source-based leaks to suggest he had been one of the recipients of the revised OROP, but had received a lesser amount due to an error in calculation. The suicide of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal (70), who consumed sulphas tablets in a New Delhi park over the One Rank One Pension (OROP) issue, triggered high drama on Wednesday with the Delhi Police blocking visiting politicos, including Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, at RML hospital. Both the leaders as also deputy CM Manish Sisodia were denied entry and detained for a while, making them the talking point of the day. Not just that, Grewals son too was detained and roughed up in custody to prevent him from meeting Opposition leaders Minutes after popping pills, Grewal broke news to son, tied it to OROP Ram Kishan Grewal, who hails from Bamla village in Haryanas Bhiwani district, left a suicide note saying hes taking his life due to the delay in meeting the demands of Army veterans. Five minutes after consuming sulphas tablets, he called his son Jaswant Grewal in his hometown and said he had consumed poison. He came to New Delhi on Monday along with his friends Matu Ram, Sube Singh, Prithvi Singh and Rajkumar informing his family that they are going to the capital to support the OROP protest. On Tuesday, they went to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajans residences in a bid to meet them, but were asked to seek an appointment. However, according to records, Grewal did not seek an appointment with Parrikar. Rahul detained twice Rahul Gandhi was detained twice by Delhi Police and was finally released late on Wednesday evening. Trying to prevent him and senior Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia from meeting the family of Grewal converted what would have been a 5-minute photo-op into material for a full-fledged political protest by the Congress top rung. The Congress scion will visit the hometown of Grewal in Bhiwani district in Haryana on Thursday to take part in his funeral. No takers for Defence Ministrys spin on error in calculation While the Union Home Ministry indicated its unhappiness at the way Delhi Police mismanaged the situation, the fact remains that they function under the MHAs watch. Pouncing on it, the Opposition blamed the Centre for the fiasco. Especially since Kejriwal and Sisodia too were detained by the police of the State they are supposed to be ruling. While Sisodia was picked up for the same reason as Rahul Gandhi for trying to meet the Grewal family, Kejriwal was detained for trying to reach Lady Hardinge Hospital to monitor the suicide autopsy. Worse still, to counter the political fallout of Grewals suicide, the Defence Ministry resorted to source-based leaks to suggest he had been one of the recipients of the revised OROP, but had received a lesser amount due to an error in calculation. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: My father dedicated his life to the service of the nation. For him, the nation always came first. Now he is no more because of the (apathy of) the Central government, said Jaswant Grewal, son of Ram Krishan Grewal, who allegedly committed suicide after being unable to meet the defence minister. He has sacrificed his life for the sake of One Rank One Pension (OROP) implementation. My father is a martyr, and he deserves that recognition from the government. We have a big family and all of us were dependent on him said the 35-year-old. Grewal is survived by his wife, five sons and two daughters. Said 29-year-old Pradeep Grewal, The soldiers have been protesting for the last one year but what has the government done? My father used to frequently visit Jantar Mantar and join the protest. Vijay Singh, a family friend of Grewals, said, This is very unfortunate. Is this what the government wants? He was a very honest person who dedicated his entire life to the nation. Ram Krishan Grewal ji shouldnt have done this but the government hasnt left the armed forces with any other option but this. Also, the politics that is being played has not helped us in the past I believe it will not work in future either said Subedar Bashisth Dubey, who had met the deceased a few times during protests. According to the family members, Grewal sounded fine when Jaswant called him on Tuesday morning. He was made the village president in 2005 and was conferred with a Nirmal Gram award by former President Pratibha Patil. Authorities at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital said the family members were not cooperating with them. We have informed the family that the body has been sent to the other hospital for postmortem, but still they are not listening to us and continue to sit on a protest, said Medical Superintendent Adesh Gorpyale. When the person was brought in, his pulse was fluctuating and he was in very critical condition. He was vomiting . This indicated the intake of rat poison said CMO Nutan Mehta. NEW DELHI: My father dedicated his life to the service of the nation. For him, the nation always came first. Now he is no more because of the (apathy of) the Central government, said Jaswant Grewal, son of Ram Krishan Grewal, who allegedly committed suicide after being unable to meet the defence minister. He has sacrificed his life for the sake of One Rank One Pension (OROP) implementation. My father is a martyr, and he deserves that recognition from the government. We have a big family and all of us were dependent on him said the 35-year-old. Grewal is survived by his wife, five sons and two daughters. Said 29-year-old Pradeep Grewal, The soldiers have been protesting for the last one year but what has the government done? My father used to frequently visit Jantar Mantar and join the protest. Vijay Singh, a family friend of Grewals, said, This is very unfortunate. Is this what the government wants? He was a very honest person who dedicated his entire life to the nation. Ram Krishan Grewal ji shouldnt have done this but the government hasnt left the armed forces with any other option but this. Also, the politics that is being played has not helped us in the past I believe it will not work in future either said Subedar Bashisth Dubey, who had met the deceased a few times during protests. According to the family members, Grewal sounded fine when Jaswant called him on Tuesday morning. He was made the village president in 2005 and was conferred with a Nirmal Gram award by former President Pratibha Patil. Authorities at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital said the family members were not cooperating with them. We have informed the family that the body has been sent to the other hospital for postmortem, but still they are not listening to us and continue to sit on a protest, said Medical Superintendent Adesh Gorpyale. When the person was brought in, his pulse was fluctuating and he was in very critical condition. He was vomiting . This indicated the intake of rat poison said CMO Nutan Mehta. By PTI HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Police today informed the Hyderabad High Court that joint teams of AP and Odisha police had to "fire in self-defence", which resulted in the death of 24 Maoists in Malkangiri district of Odisha area on October 24. AP Police, which filed a reply in the high court, in response to a PIL submitted by Civil Liberties Committee, said that the incident of firing took place outside of the territory of Andhra Pradesh, in Odisha. In the reply, Visakhapatnam Rural District Superintendent of Police Rahul Dev Sharma said that on October 24, they got information about the presence of Maoists in the AOB (Andhra-Odisha Border) and police parties of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh reached the forest area of 'Ramagurah'. "On seeing the police parties, the Maoists, who were armed with latest automatic weapons, opened fire on the police parties resulting in injuries to two Greyhound Commandos, and one of them died. Despite the police calling upon the Maoists to surrender, they did not pay heed to the warning and continued firing, constraining the police parties to retaliate by counter-firing in self-defence," the SP said. As a result of this firing incident, some Maoists died and some more escaped. The incident was reported at Chitrakonda police station of Malkangiri district and a case was registered, which is under investigation by the Odisha Police. On ascertaining from the Chitrakonda police, it was revealed that they found 24 bodies at the scene of offence (13 men and 11 women), the SP added. Civil rights activists had earlier moved the high court and filed a PIL seeking a thorough judicial probe into the incident. Advocate V Raghunath, on behalf of Civil Liberties Committee, had filed the litigation and demanded registration of murder cases against the AP Police. Seeking dismissal of the petition, Sharma said in the reply, "Police have not violated the law and the incident of firing has taken place in Odisha and is being investigated into. The writ petition seems to have been filed by twisting the facts of a legitimate joint-combing exercise and the counter-firing in self-defence." The court posted the matter for further hearing to November 8. HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Police today informed the Hyderabad High Court that joint teams of AP and Odisha police had to "fire in self-defence", which resulted in the death of 24 Maoists in Malkangiri district of Odisha area on October 24. AP Police, which filed a reply in the high court, in response to a PIL submitted by Civil Liberties Committee, said that the incident of firing took place outside of the territory of Andhra Pradesh, in Odisha. In the reply, Visakhapatnam Rural District Superintendent of Police Rahul Dev Sharma said that on October 24, they got information about the presence of Maoists in the AOB (Andhra-Odisha Border) and police parties of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh reached the forest area of 'Ramagurah'. "On seeing the police parties, the Maoists, who were armed with latest automatic weapons, opened fire on the police parties resulting in injuries to two Greyhound Commandos, and one of them died. Despite the police calling upon the Maoists to surrender, they did not pay heed to the warning and continued firing, constraining the police parties to retaliate by counter-firing in self-defence," the SP said. As a result of this firing incident, some Maoists died and some more escaped. The incident was reported at Chitrakonda police station of Malkangiri district and a case was registered, which is under investigation by the Odisha Police. On ascertaining from the Chitrakonda police, it was revealed that they found 24 bodies at the scene of offence (13 men and 11 women), the SP added. Civil rights activists had earlier moved the high court and filed a PIL seeking a thorough judicial probe into the incident. Advocate V Raghunath, on behalf of Civil Liberties Committee, had filed the litigation and demanded registration of murder cases against the AP Police. Seeking dismissal of the petition, Sharma said in the reply, "Police have not violated the law and the incident of firing has taken place in Odisha and is being investigated into. The writ petition seems to have been filed by twisting the facts of a legitimate joint-combing exercise and the counter-firing in self-defence." The court posted the matter for further hearing to November 8. By Express News Service BENGALURU: Posing a question to the state about the need to celebrate Tipu Jayanti, High Court Chief Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherjee on Wednesday observed that Tipu Sultan was not a freedom fighter but a ruler of a princely state. Justice Mukherjee, who was heading a division bench with Justice R B Budihal, made this observation when a PIL challenging the Tipu Jayanti celebrations was moved before the bench for immediate hearing. The state government has decided to celebrate Tipu Jayanthi on November 10. When the state governments counsel made a submission that Tipu Sultan was a warrior who fought against the British, the Chief Justice observed that Tipu was not a freedom fighter. What is the use of celebrating this? Even if the Nizam of Hyderabad had come, he would have fought him the same way, the Chief Justice said. The bench adjourned the hearing of the PIL filed by K P Manjunath, a resident of Kodagu, to Thursday. In the petition, Manjunath contended that a monarchs birthday is proposed to be celebrated using the money from the consolidated fund. Tipu was a butcher as he is said to have slaughtered hundreds of local Kodavas during his regime, Manjunath said. Referring to the violence in Kodagu during Tipu Jayanti celebrations last year and law and order problems across the state, the petitioner requested the court to issue appropriate directions to the state not to organise functions in the name of historic rulers which will hurt religious sentiments of a particular sect and endanger peace and communal harmony. BENGALURU: Posing a question to the state about the need to celebrate Tipu Jayanti, High Court Chief Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherjee on Wednesday observed that Tipu Sultan was not a freedom fighter but a ruler of a princely state. Justice Mukherjee, who was heading a division bench with Justice R B Budihal, made this observation when a PIL challenging the Tipu Jayanti celebrations was moved before the bench for immediate hearing. The state government has decided to celebrate Tipu Jayanthi on November 10. When the state governments counsel made a submission that Tipu Sultan was a warrior who fought against the British, the Chief Justice observed that Tipu was not a freedom fighter. What is the use of celebrating this? Even if the Nizam of Hyderabad had come, he would have fought him the same way, the Chief Justice said. The bench adjourned the hearing of the PIL filed by K P Manjunath, a resident of Kodagu, to Thursday. In the petition, Manjunath contended that a monarchs birthday is proposed to be celebrated using the money from the consolidated fund. Tipu was a butcher as he is said to have slaughtered hundreds of local Kodavas during his regime, Manjunath said. Referring to the violence in Kodagu during Tipu Jayanti celebrations last year and law and order problems across the state, the petitioner requested the court to issue appropriate directions to the state not to organise functions in the name of historic rulers which will hurt religious sentiments of a particular sect and endanger peace and communal harmony. By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a case that reveals the misogynistic manner in which police personnel are often accused of handling rape victims, a housewife from Thrissur said she was asked how much she enjoyed being raped. At a press meet in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, she revealed that local CPM leader and Wadakancherry councilor and PN Jayanthan, his brother Jinesh, and two others named Binish and Shibu raped her in 2014 and threatened her family against filing a complaint. Unable to come to terms with being forced to do nothing to get justice for herself, she approached renowned Malayalam film dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi, who is also a social activist and TV host. The policeman asked the victim which one of the four men gave her maximum pleasure. He knew the hapless victim did not have any evidence on the rape, said Bhagyalakshmi, who exposed the crime to the world through her Facebook post. At the press conference, the victim revealed she was forced to withdraw her complaint due to the harassment she faced from having to answer the polices probing and lascivious questions, and the threats from the perpetrators. When I filed a complaint against the gang-rape, the circle inspector of Peramangalam police station asked me disturbing details about the incident, in front of the accused, said the victim. Peramangalam circle inspector wanted me to withdraw the petition. When I persisted, I was exhibited before the public in the name of collecting evidence, the housewife said. When the police harassment continued, coupled with death threats from the accused, the victim withdrew the complaint. The CI wrote the application letter withdrawing the case. I do not know what he wrote in that. I stood by my statement before the woman judge. But withdrew the case as I could not bear the harassment. she said. The victims family and the accused councillor PN Jayanthan are neighbours. When her husband had a drinking problem and was admitted to a de-addiction centre, Jayanthan and the other three accused approached her saying her husband was in a serious condition, and that they would rush her to the hospital. They drove her in a car to an isolated house, took turns to rape her and then dropped her back to her house. The perpetrators videographed the entire crime and blackmailed the victims family against going to the police, despite which the victim and her husband mustered the courage to approach the womens cell. But the police, far from helping her, actively discouraged her by demeaning her, she said. The victim contacted Bhagyalakshmi, after watching her programme on TV. The couple came all the way from Thrissur to Thriuvananthapuram and narrated her ordeal. Bhagyalakshmis Facebook post was widely read and the public began asking questions, which forced the office of the chief minister to schedule a meeting with the victim. On Thursday afternoon, the victim met state police chief Loknath Behera who assured her of all support from the police. A meeting with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was scheduled for the evening. The Kerala Womens Commission has taken suo motu cognisance and registered a case based on the Facebook post by Bhagyalaskshmi. KWC Chairperson KC Rosakutty said the commission had taken the issue seriously and would provide all help to the victim. A woman sub-inspector has been assigned to provide assistance to the victim. The director of KWC will collect details regarding the allegations against the police and their lapses in probing the case. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a case that reveals the misogynistic manner in which police personnel are often accused of handling rape victims, a housewife from Thrissur said she was asked how much she enjoyed being raped. At a press meet in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, she revealed that local CPM leader and Wadakancherry councilor and PN Jayanthan, his brother Jinesh, and two others named Binish and Shibu raped her in 2014 and threatened her family against filing a complaint. Unable to come to terms with being forced to do nothing to get justice for herself, she approached renowned Malayalam film dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi, who is also a social activist and TV host. The policeman asked the victim which one of the four men gave her maximum pleasure. He knew the hapless victim did not have any evidence on the rape, said Bhagyalakshmi, who exposed the crime to the world through her Facebook post. At the press conference, the victim revealed she was forced to withdraw her complaint due to the harassment she faced from having to answer the polices probing and lascivious questions, and the threats from the perpetrators. When I filed a complaint against the gang-rape, the circle inspector of Peramangalam police station asked me disturbing details about the incident, in front of the accused, said the victim. Peramangalam circle inspector wanted me to withdraw the petition. When I persisted, I was exhibited before the public in the name of collecting evidence, the housewife said. When the police harassment continued, coupled with death threats from the accused, the victim withdrew the complaint. The CI wrote the application letter withdrawing the case. I do not know what he wrote in that. I stood by my statement before the woman judge. But withdrew the case as I could not bear the harassment. she said. The victims family and the accused councillor PN Jayanthan are neighbours. When her husband had a drinking problem and was admitted to a de-addiction centre, Jayanthan and the other three accused approached her saying her husband was in a serious condition, and that they would rush her to the hospital. They drove her in a car to an isolated house, took turns to rape her and then dropped her back to her house. The perpetrators videographed the entire crime and blackmailed the victims family against going to the police, despite which the victim and her husband mustered the courage to approach the womens cell. But the police, far from helping her, actively discouraged her by demeaning her, she said. The victim contacted Bhagyalakshmi, after watching her programme on TV. The couple came all the way from Thrissur to Thriuvananthapuram and narrated her ordeal. Bhagyalakshmis Facebook post was widely read and the public began asking questions, which forced the office of the chief minister to schedule a meeting with the victim. On Thursday afternoon, the victim met state police chief Loknath Behera who assured her of all support from the police. A meeting with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was scheduled for the evening. The Kerala Womens Commission has taken suo motu cognisance and registered a case based on the Facebook post by Bhagyalaskshmi. KWC Chairperson KC Rosakutty said the commission had taken the issue seriously and would provide all help to the victim. A woman sub-inspector has been assigned to provide assistance to the victim. The director of KWC will collect details regarding the allegations against the police and their lapses in probing the case. By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Communist veteran and former chief minister VS Achuthanandan was admitted to a hospital in the State capital on Thursday, after he complained of physical discomfort. Sources close to Achuthanandan, presently the chairman of Administrative Reforms Commission, said his condition is stable. The 93-year-old leader had a minor slip during his evening walk at University Stadium here at around 6 pm. Sources said there was minor blood pressure variation when he was taken to hospital. "When he slipped, the gunman who was with him supported him immediately. He then went home as usual. Since he complained of some physical discomfort, he was taken to a hospital. The blood pressure was a bit high when he reached the hospital. Bit it later became normal. Doctors also checked for cardiac complaints and ruled out any such problems. However, he would continue in hospital for the day," sources said. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Communist veteran and former chief minister VS Achuthanandan was admitted to a hospital in the State capital on Thursday, after he complained of physical discomfort. Sources close to Achuthanandan, presently the chairman of Administrative Reforms Commission, said his condition is stable. The 93-year-old leader had a minor slip during his evening walk at University Stadium here at around 6 pm. Sources said there was minor blood pressure variation when he was taken to hospital. "When he slipped, the gunman who was with him supported him immediately. He then went home as usual. Since he complained of some physical discomfort, he was taken to a hospital. The blood pressure was a bit high when he reached the hospital. Bit it later became normal. Doctors also checked for cardiac complaints and ruled out any such problems. However, he would continue in hospital for the day," sources said. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: Even as the Left Wing Extremists called for bandh in four States on November 4 protesting the October 24 encounter, the proposed visit of Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to Malkangiri to take stock of Japanese Encephalitis outbreak remained under cloud in view of security threat. While there were unconfirmed reports that Pradhan has been advised not to visit the district during the sensitive time, police said there was no communication on the matter. The State BJP office was also in dark and said it had no confirmation if the visit has been put on hold. Pradhan was supposed to reach Malkangiri from Visakhapatnam and visit some of the JE-affected areas in Kalimela block of Malkangiri which is a sensitive area in view of Maoist threat. However, Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said the district police has no official communication on the matter. ''I have heard about it from the media only,'' he said. While Collector K Sudarshan Chakravarty was not available for comment, State Police sources said any advisory on the Minister's visit to Malkangiri would have to come from the district administration's end because the arrangements have to be made basing on the situation at the ground. ''The bandh apart, the current situation in the district where intense combing operation is underway was not favourable for a Union Minister's visit. While security of the Minister is of paramount importance, such a visit would require diversion of security forces from the ongoing operations,'' sources added. BHUBANESWAR: Even as the Left Wing Extremists called for bandh in four States on November 4 protesting the October 24 encounter, the proposed visit of Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to Malkangiri to take stock of Japanese Encephalitis outbreak remained under cloud in view of security threat. While there were unconfirmed reports that Pradhan has been advised not to visit the district during the sensitive time, police said there was no communication on the matter. The State BJP office was also in dark and said it had no confirmation if the visit has been put on hold. Pradhan was supposed to reach Malkangiri from Visakhapatnam and visit some of the JE-affected areas in Kalimela block of Malkangiri which is a sensitive area in view of Maoist threat. However, Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said the district police has no official communication on the matter. ''I have heard about it from the media only,'' he said. While Collector K Sudarshan Chakravarty was not available for comment, State Police sources said any advisory on the Minister's visit to Malkangiri would have to come from the district administration's end because the arrangements have to be made basing on the situation at the ground. ''The bandh apart, the current situation in the district where intense combing operation is underway was not favourable for a Union Minister's visit. While security of the Minister is of paramount importance, such a visit would require diversion of security forces from the ongoing operations,'' sources added. By Express News Service TIRUCHY: In a spine-chilling incident, two siblings were hacked to death by an unidentified nine-member gang at Jeeyapuram on the outskirts of the city on Wednesday. One of the friends of the victims also came under attack when he attempted to safeguard them from the assailants. He is presently recuperating in a private hospital in the city. Preliminary investigations revealed that a family dispute could have led to the murders. Police sources identified the victims as Raja (30) and Boopathy (24), hailing from Koppu village near Jeeyapuram of the district. Grieving relatives of Raja and Boopathy (inset) at Koppu village in Jeeyapuram on the outskirts of Tiruchy on Wednesday | Express While the elder brother Raja was a driver, the younger one Boopathy was said to be involved in coconut business. Around 9.45 am on Wednesday, the brothers along with a family friend identified as Vadivel were chatting in an autorickshaw parked near a bridge in Koppu close to the Vayalur link road when the unidentified gang came to the place in a multi utility vehicle and a couple of two-wheelers. The gang members, with their faces covered and carrying sickles, hacked Boopathy in a matter of seconds. Boopathy suffered cut injuries on his chest and head and died on the spot. Meanwhile, Vadivel tried to shield them and sustained injuries in his hands. Subsequently, the gang chased down Raja, who in an attempt to flee the spot entered a poultry farm situated about 100 m away. After the murders, the assailants left the spot in their vehicles via the Vayalur link road. Shocked villagers informed the Jeeyapuram Police about the incident, which did not last more than five minutes. On reaching the spot, police moved Vadivel to a private hospital in the city. Later, police sniffer dog Arjun was brought to the spot to gather evidence. Eyewitnesses reportedly told the police that the murderers were aged around 20 to 25 years. Superintendent of Police Senthilkumar visited the crime scene. A special team under Jeeyapuram DSP Kennedy has been constituted to nab the culprits. Further probe is on. TIRUCHY: In a spine-chilling incident, two siblings were hacked to death by an unidentified nine-member gang at Jeeyapuram on the outskirts of the city on Wednesday. One of the friends of the victims also came under attack when he attempted to safeguard them from the assailants. He is presently recuperating in a private hospital in the city. Preliminary investigations revealed that a family dispute could have led to the murders. Police sources identified the victims as Raja (30) and Boopathy (24), hailing from Koppu village near Jeeyapuram of the district. Grieving relatives of Raja and Boopathy (inset) at Koppu village in Jeeyapuram on the outskirts of Tiruchy on Wednesday | ExpressWhile the elder brother Raja was a driver, the younger one Boopathy was said to be involved in coconut business. Around 9.45 am on Wednesday, the brothers along with a family friend identified as Vadivel were chatting in an autorickshaw parked near a bridge in Koppu close to the Vayalur link road when the unidentified gang came to the place in a multi utility vehicle and a couple of two-wheelers. The gang members, with their faces covered and carrying sickles, hacked Boopathy in a matter of seconds. Boopathy suffered cut injuries on his chest and head and died on the spot. Meanwhile, Vadivel tried to shield them and sustained injuries in his hands. Subsequently, the gang chased down Raja, who in an attempt to flee the spot entered a poultry farm situated about 100 m away. After the murders, the assailants left the spot in their vehicles via the Vayalur link road. Shocked villagers informed the Jeeyapuram Police about the incident, which did not last more than five minutes. On reaching the spot, police moved Vadivel to a private hospital in the city. Later, police sniffer dog Arjun was brought to the spot to gather evidence. Eyewitnesses reportedly told the police that the murderers were aged around 20 to 25 years. Superintendent of Police Senthilkumar visited the crime scene. A special team under Jeeyapuram DSP Kennedy has been constituted to nab the culprits. Further probe is on. By PTI RAMESHWARAM: Five fishermen from Tamil Nadu, arrested by Sri Lankan Navy last month, were today set free by a court in the island nation, a fisheries official said. The fishermen from Pudukottai District were arrested on October 5 on the charge of fishing in Sri Lankan waters and remanded to judicial custody. The five were produced before a Sri Lankan court which ordered their release, Pudukottai Assistant Director of Fisheries Sekar said. Some other fishermen from Rameswaram, arrested by Sri Lankan Navy, were expected to be released in a day or two, officials here said. The releases of five fishermen coincided with the talks between fishermen associations of India and Sri Lanka in New Delhi today on the vexed issue of fishing rights in the Palk Strait. RAMESHWARAM: Five fishermen from Tamil Nadu, arrested by Sri Lankan Navy last month, were today set free by a court in the island nation, a fisheries official said. The fishermen from Pudukottai District were arrested on October 5 on the charge of fishing in Sri Lankan waters and remanded to judicial custody. The five were produced before a Sri Lankan court which ordered their release, Pudukottai Assistant Director of Fisheries Sekar said. Some other fishermen from Rameswaram, arrested by Sri Lankan Navy, were expected to be released in a day or two, officials here said. The releases of five fishermen coincided with the talks between fishermen associations of India and Sri Lanka in New Delhi today on the vexed issue of fishing rights in the Palk Strait. By Express News Service CHENNAI: After facing a series of setbacks in river water disputes with neighbouring states, Tamil Nadu finally received a shot in the arm with the Centre deciding to keep in abeyance Keralas plan to build a dam across the Siruvani for an irrigation project. The Centres decision will prevail till it received Tamil Nadus consent or till the Supreme Court decided on the references filed against the order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT). The matter has been examined in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and it has been decided to keep the recommendations by the Expert Appraisal Committee in abeyance till the references filed in Supreme Court against the order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal are settled or till a positive consent for the ensuing project from Tamil Nadu, the Centre communicated to the Tamil Nadu government. File photo of Siruvani dam in Palakkad district, Kerala Siruvani is a sub-tributary of the Cauvery and it has been the main source of irrigation and drinking water for Coimbatore, Tirupur and Erode districts. The past few months have seen several protests in these districts over the issue. On September 3, Opposition leader and DMK treasurer M K Stalin led a protest in Coimbatore on the issue. The State Assembly had unanimously adopted a resolution exactly two months ago, urging the Centre to reject the recommendation of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Environment Ministry allowing Kerala to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study for a new dam at Attappady across the Siruvani. The 4.5 tmcft dam was to be built for Attappady Valley Irrigation Project. The resolution said the Centre should not accord clearance to any project in the Cauvery basin of Kerala and Karnataka till the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee came into force and judicial references were finally settled. Writing to the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on June 21, 2012, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had said that Keralas proposal to construct a dam across the Siruvani was in violation of the final order of the CWDT, and urged him to advice Kerala not to proceed with any scheme on the Siruvani. In her latest letter on August 26, this time to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister had requested him to withdraw the recommendations made by the Expert Appraisal Committee for the river valley and hydroelectric projects of the Environment Ministry in its meetings held on August 11 and 12 for grant of Standard Terms of Reference for conducting an EIA study on the proposal. Jayalalithaa also pointed out that the committee had decided to recommend this without obtaining the necessary comments of the Tamil Nadu government in contravention of its own decision in the meeting held on March 28 and 29. CHENNAI: After facing a series of setbacks in river water disputes with neighbouring states, Tamil Nadu finally received a shot in the arm with the Centre deciding to keep in abeyance Keralas plan to build a dam across the Siruvani for an irrigation project. The Centres decision will prevail till it received Tamil Nadus consent or till the Supreme Court decided on the references filed against the order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT). The matter has been examined in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and it has been decided to keep the recommendations by the Expert Appraisal Committee in abeyance till the references filed in Supreme Court against the order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal are settled or till a positive consent for the ensuing project from Tamil Nadu, the Centre communicated to the Tamil Nadu government. File photo of Siruvani dam in Palakkad district, Kerala Siruvani is a sub-tributary of the Cauvery and it has been the main source of irrigation and drinking water for Coimbatore, Tirupur and Erode districts. The past few months have seen several protests in these districts over the issue. On September 3, Opposition leader and DMK treasurer M K Stalin led a protest in Coimbatore on the issue. The State Assembly had unanimously adopted a resolution exactly two months ago, urging the Centre to reject the recommendation of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Environment Ministry allowing Kerala to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study for a new dam at Attappady across the Siruvani. The 4.5 tmcft dam was to be built for Attappady Valley Irrigation Project. The resolution said the Centre should not accord clearance to any project in the Cauvery basin of Kerala and Karnataka till the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee came into force and judicial references were finally settled. Writing to the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on June 21, 2012, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had said that Keralas proposal to construct a dam across the Siruvani was in violation of the final order of the CWDT, and urged him to advice Kerala not to proceed with any scheme on the Siruvani. In her latest letter on August 26, this time to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister had requested him to withdraw the recommendations made by the Expert Appraisal Committee for the river valley and hydroelectric projects of the Environment Ministry in its meetings held on August 11 and 12 for grant of Standard Terms of Reference for conducting an EIA study on the proposal. Jayalalithaa also pointed out that the committee had decided to recommend this without obtaining the necessary comments of the Tamil Nadu government in contravention of its own decision in the meeting held on March 28 and 29. By AFP COPENHAGEN: A controversial Danish law allowing authorities to seize cash and valuables from asylum-seekers has been used on a handful of occasions since coming into force in February, Danish police said on Thursday. A total of 117,600 kroner (15,805 euros, $17,525), all of it in cash, had been confiscated, Danish police told AFP in an email. "When they asked if I had 10,000 kroner, I answered 'yes'," asylum-seeker Ali Abdel Razaq told broadcaster Radio24syv in an interview broadcast on Wednesday, adding that he had been unaware that any cash or valuables above that amount had to be handed over to the authorities. Soon after, police came knocking on his door at an asylum centre in the small southern town of Bolderslev on October 22, forcing him to hand over 8,000 kroner. "I was hit by three roadside bombs in Iraq during my work as a police officer," Razaq said, adding that he "would have have spent the money on an operation or some equipment". The law was first used on June 30, when five Iranians had to hand over a total of 79,600 kroner, police said. It was used a second time on July 14, when an Iranian family of four had to pay 10,300 kroner, and again on August 3 when an Algerian man had to give up 19,700 kroner. A lawmaker for the anti-immigration Danish People's Party, Martin Henriksen, said the law had been "a success in the sense that it had sent a signal that we have tightened (the rules) in Denmark". An MP from the leftist Red-Green Alliance, Johanne Schmidt-Nielsen, said that the small amount of money raised showed that the "stupid law" was only intended "to send a signal to the world that it's not much fun to be an asylum-seeker in Denmark." The measure sparked sharp criticism from abroad when the Danish parliament passed it in January with the US-based rights watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) calling it "despicable". Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, however, defended the law as "the most misunderstood bill in Denmark's history". Denmark received more than 21,000 asylum applications last year, a 44 percent jump from 2014. COPENHAGEN: A controversial Danish law allowing authorities to seize cash and valuables from asylum-seekers has been used on a handful of occasions since coming into force in February, Danish police said on Thursday. A total of 117,600 kroner (15,805 euros, $17,525), all of it in cash, had been confiscated, Danish police told AFP in an email. "When they asked if I had 10,000 kroner, I answered 'yes'," asylum-seeker Ali Abdel Razaq told broadcaster Radio24syv in an interview broadcast on Wednesday, adding that he had been unaware that any cash or valuables above that amount had to be handed over to the authorities. Soon after, police came knocking on his door at an asylum centre in the small southern town of Bolderslev on October 22, forcing him to hand over 8,000 kroner. "I was hit by three roadside bombs in Iraq during my work as a police officer," Razaq said, adding that he "would have have spent the money on an operation or some equipment". The law was first used on June 30, when five Iranians had to hand over a total of 79,600 kroner, police said. It was used a second time on July 14, when an Iranian family of four had to pay 10,300 kroner, and again on August 3 when an Algerian man had to give up 19,700 kroner. A lawmaker for the anti-immigration Danish People's Party, Martin Henriksen, said the law had been "a success in the sense that it had sent a signal that we have tightened (the rules) in Denmark". An MP from the leftist Red-Green Alliance, Johanne Schmidt-Nielsen, said that the small amount of money raised showed that the "stupid law" was only intended "to send a signal to the world that it's not much fun to be an asylum-seeker in Denmark." The measure sparked sharp criticism from abroad when the Danish parliament passed it in January with the US-based rights watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) calling it "despicable". Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, however, defended the law as "the most misunderstood bill in Denmark's history". Denmark received more than 21,000 asylum applications last year, a 44 percent jump from 2014. By PTI JERUSALEM: Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will lead a high-profile delegation on a six-day visit to India in mid-November to boost cooperation in the field of security, education, cyber, energy, water and agriculture. Informed sources here said Rivlin will meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan among others during his visit. Rivlin would be only the second Israeli President to visit India since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1992 and his visit comes almost after a gap of 20 years since former President Ezer Weizmann visited India in 1996-97. Rivlin will lead a high-profile delegation of business leaders and academics during the six-day visit to India. Expressing his interest in visiting India following the historic visit of Mukherjee last year to Israel, he had earlier said that "the cooperation between the two countries is something that is said all over". "The cooperation is not only in innovation but you know very well that we are trying our very best to address problems of agriculture, water, energy, cyber and every need of security that we have to work out in order to be prepared for the kind of burden of security that is imposed on both people. "I would like to see your Prime Minister here", he had said. Speculation is rife that the Israeli President's visit would pave the way for Modi's visit to Jerusalem, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, and is likely to take place next year when the two countries celebrate 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who on Sunday during a cabinet meeting mentioned about Rivlin's forthcoming visit of Rivlin to India, is also likely to visit New Delhi next year. Israel is also very keen on strengthening ties between academic institutions in the two countries. The Israeli President in the past has complimented the Indian students in Israel, saying "they are among the best" of the lot. Israel has consistently remained the second largest supplier of defence equipment to India for many years and its "timely" supply of Indian requirements during the Kargil War has earned it the tag of a "reliable" partner. The Indo-Israel bilateral trade has also registered a remarkable growth reaching a figure of almost USD 5 billion starting from a humble USD 200 million in 1992. JERUSALEM: Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will lead a high-profile delegation on a six-day visit to India in mid-November to boost cooperation in the field of security, education, cyber, energy, water and agriculture. Informed sources here said Rivlin will meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan among others during his visit. Rivlin would be only the second Israeli President to visit India since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1992 and his visit comes almost after a gap of 20 years since former President Ezer Weizmann visited India in 1996-97. Rivlin will lead a high-profile delegation of business leaders and academics during the six-day visit to India. Expressing his interest in visiting India following the historic visit of Mukherjee last year to Israel, he had earlier said that "the cooperation between the two countries is something that is said all over". "The cooperation is not only in innovation but you know very well that we are trying our very best to address problems of agriculture, water, energy, cyber and every need of security that we have to work out in order to be prepared for the kind of burden of security that is imposed on both people. "I would like to see your Prime Minister here", he had said. Speculation is rife that the Israeli President's visit would pave the way for Modi's visit to Jerusalem, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, and is likely to take place next year when the two countries celebrate 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who on Sunday during a cabinet meeting mentioned about Rivlin's forthcoming visit of Rivlin to India, is also likely to visit New Delhi next year. Israel is also very keen on strengthening ties between academic institutions in the two countries. The Israeli President in the past has complimented the Indian students in Israel, saying "they are among the best" of the lot. Israel has consistently remained the second largest supplier of defence equipment to India for many years and its "timely" supply of Indian requirements during the Kargil War has earned it the tag of a "reliable" partner. The Indo-Israel bilateral trade has also registered a remarkable growth reaching a figure of almost USD 5 billion starting from a humble USD 200 million in 1992. By Associated Press Officers in riot gear clashed again Wednesday with protesters near the Dakota Access pipeline, hitting dozens with pepper spray as they waded through waist-deep water in an attempt to reach property owned by the pipeline's developer. The confrontation came hours after North Dakota regulators criticized the pipeline company for not immediately reporting the discovery of American Indian artifacts and a day after President Barack Obama raised the possibility of future reroutes to alleviate tribal concerns. Public Service Commission Chairwoman Julie Fedorchak said she was "extremely disappointed" that Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners waited 10 days before reporting last month's discovery of stone cairns and other artifacts. The panel could decide to levy fines of up to $200,000, Fedorchak said, though she said such a high amount would be unlikely. After an inspection, company consultants decided to divert the construction by about 50 feet, even though they determined there was a "low likelihood" any additional artifacts were buried nearby. The State Historic Preservation Office did concur with the company's plan on how to proceed after the artifacts were found. Although that change was relatively minor, Obama said it was possible the Army Corps of Engineers could eventually examine much larger ones that would reroute the pipeline in southern North Dakota to alleviate tribal concerns. He made the remarks during an interview Tuesday with the online news outlet NowThis. On Wednesday afternoon, protesters tried to build a wooden pedestrian bridge across a creek to enter the property, then attempted to swim or boat across when officers dismantled the bridge, Morton County Sheriff's spokeswoman Donnell Hushka said. Two arrests were reported. Volunteer medics treated some of the protesters for hypothermia during the confrontation near the mouth of the Cannonball River. About 140 people were arrested on the property last week in a law enforcement operation that cleared the encampment. The potential for damage to American Indian sites and artifacts has been a flashpoint in a monthslong protest over the pipeline, which is intended to carry crude from western North Dakota almost 1,200 miles to a shipping point in Patoka, Illinois. The Standing Rock Sioux, whose reservation lies near the pipeline route, have led a protest over that issue and the pipeline's potential hazard to drinking water. Tribal officials said in September they had identified cultural artifacts on private land along the route. After that finding, North Dakota's chief archaeologist, Paul Picha, inspected the area and said no sign of artifacts or human remains had been found. Picha said he was notified in a timely manner of the most recent discovery in a new area but didn't report it to the commission because he thought the pipeline company would. Both Picha and Fedorchak said the site itself was properly handled, with Energy Transfer Partners moving the pipeline route to avoid the artifacts. "We reviewed the information, wrote a letter of correspondence ... saying we agreed with the avoidance plan," Picha said. He also noted that the rerouting isn't unusual. During development of the project, "there were multiple reroutes of the pipeline corridor for various reasons cultural, environmental, landowner concerns 140, 150 reroutes," he said. Company spokeswoman Vicki Granado didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press about the potential for fines over the lag in reporting about the artifacts. The company would have an opportunity for a hearing to dispute any allegations. A company attorney said in an Oct. 27 letter to the PSC that the company didn't intentionally delay notifying the agency. Although there's no set time frame for reporting such a discovery, PSC Commissioner Brian Kalk said that typically "the intent is immediately." Fedorchak said the company could potentially be fined either for the reporting delay or for moving on with construction without getting PSC clearance. Both will be investigated, she said. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe has not weighed in on the find. Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault and tribal Historic Preservation Officer Jon Eagle Sr. did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The 1,172-mile pipeline is largely complete outside of North Dakota. The federal government in September ordered a temporary halt to construction on Corps land around and underneath Lake Oahe, a Missouri River reservoir in the Dakotas. The Corps is reviewing its permitting of the project but has given no timetable for a decision. Officers in riot gear clashed again Wednesday with protesters near the Dakota Access pipeline, hitting dozens with pepper spray as they waded through waist-deep water in an attempt to reach property owned by the pipeline's developer. The confrontation came hours after North Dakota regulators criticized the pipeline company for not immediately reporting the discovery of American Indian artifacts and a day after President Barack Obama raised the possibility of future reroutes to alleviate tribal concerns. Public Service Commission Chairwoman Julie Fedorchak said she was "extremely disappointed" that Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners waited 10 days before reporting last month's discovery of stone cairns and other artifacts. The panel could decide to levy fines of up to $200,000, Fedorchak said, though she said such a high amount would be unlikely. After an inspection, company consultants decided to divert the construction by about 50 feet, even though they determined there was a "low likelihood" any additional artifacts were buried nearby. The State Historic Preservation Office did concur with the company's plan on how to proceed after the artifacts were found. Although that change was relatively minor, Obama said it was possible the Army Corps of Engineers could eventually examine much larger ones that would reroute the pipeline in southern North Dakota to alleviate tribal concerns. He made the remarks during an interview Tuesday with the online news outlet NowThis. On Wednesday afternoon, protesters tried to build a wooden pedestrian bridge across a creek to enter the property, then attempted to swim or boat across when officers dismantled the bridge, Morton County Sheriff's spokeswoman Donnell Hushka said. Two arrests were reported. Volunteer medics treated some of the protesters for hypothermia during the confrontation near the mouth of the Cannonball River. About 140 people were arrested on the property last week in a law enforcement operation that cleared the encampment. The potential for damage to American Indian sites and artifacts has been a flashpoint in a monthslong protest over the pipeline, which is intended to carry crude from western North Dakota almost 1,200 miles to a shipping point in Patoka, Illinois. The Standing Rock Sioux, whose reservation lies near the pipeline route, have led a protest over that issue and the pipeline's potential hazard to drinking water. Tribal officials said in September they had identified cultural artifacts on private land along the route. After that finding, North Dakota's chief archaeologist, Paul Picha, inspected the area and said no sign of artifacts or human remains had been found. Picha said he was notified in a timely manner of the most recent discovery in a new area but didn't report it to the commission because he thought the pipeline company would. Both Picha and Fedorchak said the site itself was properly handled, with Energy Transfer Partners moving the pipeline route to avoid the artifacts. "We reviewed the information, wrote a letter of correspondence ... saying we agreed with the avoidance plan," Picha said. He also noted that the rerouting isn't unusual. During development of the project, "there were multiple reroutes of the pipeline corridor for various reasons cultural, environmental, landowner concerns 140, 150 reroutes," he said. Company spokeswoman Vicki Granado didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press about the potential for fines over the lag in reporting about the artifacts. The company would have an opportunity for a hearing to dispute any allegations. A company attorney said in an Oct. 27 letter to the PSC that the company didn't intentionally delay notifying the agency. Although there's no set time frame for reporting such a discovery, PSC Commissioner Brian Kalk said that typically "the intent is immediately." Fedorchak said the company could potentially be fined either for the reporting delay or for moving on with construction without getting PSC clearance. Both will be investigated, she said. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe has not weighed in on the find. Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault and tribal Historic Preservation Officer Jon Eagle Sr. did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The 1,172-mile pipeline is largely complete outside of North Dakota. The federal government in September ordered a temporary halt to construction on Corps land around and underneath Lake Oahe, a Missouri River reservoir in the Dakotas. The Corps is reviewing its permitting of the project but has given no timetable for a decision. By Associated Press WASHINGTON: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Thursday denied that the Russian government or any other "state parties" were his group's source for more than 50,000 hacked emails from the files of Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta. In separate statements from WikiLeaks and in an interview with a television network supported by the Russian government, Assange dismissed warnings that Russia was the main actor behind cyber intrusions on Podesta and other politically connected individuals and organizations. The WikiLeaks founder offered no evidence to support his denials in the face of U.S. government statements that American intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia was behind the hacking campaigns of Democratic entities in the U.S. Those breaches have raised alarms of potential intrusions on election day. WikiLeaks' "sources for the Podesta emails currently being published are not state parties," Assange said in a statement. He also told the RT network that warnings from Clinton and her campaign that Russia was behind the hacking of Podesta's Gmail account were "false." "Hillary Clinton has stated multiple times, falsely, that 17 U.S. intelligence agencies had assessed that Russia was the source of our publications," Assange told the RT network, also known as Russia Today. "That's false we can say that the Russian government is not the source." Russian officials have also denied any role. "Only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorized these activities," Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said in October. Clapper did not specifically name Russian President Vladimir Putin or other Russian officials, but U.S. cybersecurity experts concluded that hacking groups affiliated with Russian government and military intelligence services had roles in the breach of the Democratic National Committee. WikiLeaks began releasing nearly 20,000 emails last July hacked from the DNC's computer system. Some of the emails disparaged Clinton's rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders, eventually prompting the resignation of then-DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz. U.S. officials and private computer crime specialists blamed that leak on Russian-linked hackers. Assange was granted asylum by Ecuador and lives in its embassy in London. He fled there in 2012 after Sweden pressed a warrant for his arrest on a sexual assault allegation. Media organizations have reported on each new daily WikiLeaks release of Podesta's emails in recent weeks. Clinton campaign officials have declined to discuss the emails, questioning whether some of the material might be doctored. Thursday's release of hacked Podesta emails include: In a March 2015 hacked email, Hillary Clinton told her top foreign policy adviser last year that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel had created "an opening that should be exploited" after Netanyahu was forced to apologize for making remarks about Israeli Arabs that were condemned as racist. Clinton made the comment to adviser Jake Sullivan, who emailed a link to a New York Times story detailing the controversy in Israel over Netanyahu's remarks and a fight between him and the Obama administration over remarks promising that no Palestinian state would ever be established on his watch. In a hacked email from September 2015, Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri told Podesta that Clinton would have to make herself more available to reporters if Vice President Joe Biden entered the presidential race. "But if Biden gets in - we are going to have to make time for her to do more press," Palmieri wrote. "He will do a ton of it. It is free and he doesn't have to travel anywhere to do. So I am thinking about a post-Biden press outreach plan, too." In a hacked email chain from last February, Clinton's campaign staff discussed whether to respond on the day the nation learned Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia had died. "I am having a hard time imagining what she would say," Palmieri said. "In a day or two it could be appropriate to talk about SCOTUS stakes, but seems off for tonight." WASHINGTON: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Thursday denied that the Russian government or any other "state parties" were his group's source for more than 50,000 hacked emails from the files of Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta. In separate statements from WikiLeaks and in an interview with a television network supported by the Russian government, Assange dismissed warnings that Russia was the main actor behind cyber intrusions on Podesta and other politically connected individuals and organizations. The WikiLeaks founder offered no evidence to support his denials in the face of U.S. government statements that American intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia was behind the hacking campaigns of Democratic entities in the U.S. Those breaches have raised alarms of potential intrusions on election day. WikiLeaks' "sources for the Podesta emails currently being published are not state parties," Assange said in a statement. He also told the RT network that warnings from Clinton and her campaign that Russia was behind the hacking of Podesta's Gmail account were "false." "Hillary Clinton has stated multiple times, falsely, that 17 U.S. intelligence agencies had assessed that Russia was the source of our publications," Assange told the RT network, also known as Russia Today. "That's false we can say that the Russian government is not the source." Russian officials have also denied any role. "Only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorized these activities," Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said in October. Clapper did not specifically name Russian President Vladimir Putin or other Russian officials, but U.S. cybersecurity experts concluded that hacking groups affiliated with Russian government and military intelligence services had roles in the breach of the Democratic National Committee. WikiLeaks began releasing nearly 20,000 emails last July hacked from the DNC's computer system. Some of the emails disparaged Clinton's rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders, eventually prompting the resignation of then-DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz. U.S. officials and private computer crime specialists blamed that leak on Russian-linked hackers. Assange was granted asylum by Ecuador and lives in its embassy in London. He fled there in 2012 after Sweden pressed a warrant for his arrest on a sexual assault allegation. Media organizations have reported on each new daily WikiLeaks release of Podesta's emails in recent weeks. Clinton campaign officials have declined to discuss the emails, questioning whether some of the material might be doctored. Thursday's release of hacked Podesta emails include: In a March 2015 hacked email, Hillary Clinton told her top foreign policy adviser last year that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel had created "an opening that should be exploited" after Netanyahu was forced to apologize for making remarks about Israeli Arabs that were condemned as racist. Clinton made the comment to adviser Jake Sullivan, who emailed a link to a New York Times story detailing the controversy in Israel over Netanyahu's remarks and a fight between him and the Obama administration over remarks promising that no Palestinian state would ever be established on his watch. In a hacked email from September 2015, Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri told Podesta that Clinton would have to make herself more available to reporters if Vice President Joe Biden entered the presidential race. "But if Biden gets in - we are going to have to make time for her to do more press," Palmieri wrote. "He will do a ton of it. It is free and he doesn't have to travel anywhere to do. So I am thinking about a post-Biden press outreach plan, too." In a hacked email chain from last February, Clinton's campaign staff discussed whether to respond on the day the nation learned Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia had died. "I am having a hard time imagining what she would say," Palmieri said. "In a day or two it could be appropriate to talk about SCOTUS stakes, but seems off for tonight." Portsmouth boy bullied for long hair has plan to donate it It makes me feel so proud of him, his generous spirit. He cares about others more than he cares about himself sometimes." Reporter Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). Columnist Tom Kacich is a columnist and the author of Tom's Mailbag at The News-Gazette. His column appears Sundays. His email is tkacich@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@tkacich). One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 Mothers in therapy for drug and alcohol use recover faster if their children take part in their treatment sessions, according to a first-of-its-kind study. Researchers found that women who were in family therapy - which included their 8- to 16-year-old children - showed a quicker decline in alcohol, marijuana and cocaine use over 18 months compared to mothers who were in individual therapy. This is the first study to examine the effectiveness of family therapy for mothers who are substance users, said Natasha Slesnick, lead author of the study and professor of human sciences at The Ohio State University. "Interpersonal stress, especially within the family, has been shown to be an important factor in drug and alcohol abuse," Slesnick said. "So it makes sense that having mothers and children working together in therapy can help moms with substance use problems do better over time. "Family therapy is not generally part of the treatment options for substance-using mothers, but this study suggests it should be." Slesnick conducted the study with Jing Zhang, a postdoctoral researcher at Ohio State. The study appears in the current issue of Psychology of Addictive Behaviors. The study involved 183 mothers who were seeking outpatient treatment and met diagnostic criteria for having an alcohol or drug use disorder. All had at least one biological child aged 8 to 16. Some of the mothers were placed in a 12-session program called Ecologically Based Family Therapy. EBFT focuses on improving social interactions, emotional connectedness and problem resolution skills among family members. Other mothers were assigned to an individual therapy program called Women's Health Education. All participants were assessed at the beginning of the study and then three, six, 12 and 18 months later. Substance use was assessed using structured interviews with the mothers in which the researchers calculated the percentage of mothers' total days of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and opioids use in the past 90 days. For the EBFT group, the mother and child participated in a 10-minute interaction task at the beginning of the study and six and 18 months later. The researchers watched the interaction and rated the mother and child relationship quality. Results showed that all mothers showed reduced alcohol, marijuana and cocaine use over time, but mothers in the family therapy saw their substance use decrease more quickly. The exception involved opioids, such as heroin - mothers reported similar decreases in use after both the individual and family therapies. "Different drugs affect family dynamics in different ways, and we need more research to determine why opioids respond differently to family therapy," Slesnick said. Family therapy is probably more helpful to moms battling most substance use issues than individual therapy because it deals with the family stresses that contribute to drug and alcohol use, she said. The researchers hoped that assessing differences in the mother-child interaction before and after treatment would help them determine whether changes in these family dynamics were the key to the success of family therapy, but the results did not confirm that link. Slesnick said she still believes the link is there, but that there weren't enough subjects in the study to prove it. Preliminary data from upcoming studies by the researchers suggests that family therapy is not only good for the mothers - it helps their children's mental health, as well. "Children are usually not included in the treatment plans of their mothers, but they should be. They already have to deal with their moms' substance use in many ways. Being part of the therapy can help both them and their mothers," she said. Each dollar a state spends on mental health care cuts roughly 25 cents off its jail expenditures by reducing its inmate population, a new study shows. The findings, published in the journal Social Science & Medicine, suggest that 35 of the 44 states analyzed could reduce jail populations by spending more on public inpatient mental health care while maintaining their current level of community mental health care. The U.S. average cost for housing a jail inmate is $60 a day. Jangho Yoon and Jeff Luck, professors in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University, looked at data from 44 states plus the District of Columbia over a nine-year period, examining the relationships among government spending on community mental health care, spending on inpatient mental health care and jail population. Community care, which traces its roots to President Kennedy's signing of the 1963 Community Mental Health Act, evolved as an alternative to institutionalization. It involves a mix of public and private organizations that work with patients as they continue to live in their home city or town. Inpatient care, meanwhile, refers to facilities such as state mental hospitals. People with mental illness make up a significant portion of jail populations, and many of those inmates could be safely supervised and more effectively treated somewhere other than jail. Effects of the treatment could include being less likely to behave in a way that results in being jailed. While emphasizing their work does not support cutting spending for community mental health services, the researchers note that from a strict intersystem return on investment perspective, inpatient spending has a greater effect on lowering jail spending. "Everyone has a right to treatment in the most safe and humane environment possible," Yoon said. "Our findings show that if per-capita public inpatient mental health spending is increased by 10 percent, the jail population shrinks by 1.5 percent. The positive spill-over effect of increased inpatient spending is greater at lower levels of community spending, which shows the principle of diminishing marginal return applies here." Likewise, Yoon noted, the positive spill-over effect of community spending is greater at lower levels of inpatient spending, "although a change in per-capita community mental health expenditure on average does not have a statistically significant effect on jail population size. "An increase in public inpatient spending would decrease jail populations in the 35 states that spend less than $134 per capita on community mental health care, and the District of Columbia, which also spends less than $134 per capita," Yoon said. Below that $134-per-capita level, he added, "the associated benefit-cost ratio is 26 cents, which indicates a positive intersystem return on investment of 26 percent. Every dollar spent annually on inpatient mental health by a state would yield a positive spillover benefit of a quarter dollar for the jail system by reducing the number of inmates." The research showed that spending on community mental health care loses its ability to reduce jail populations once spending levels rise to greater than $16 per capita. Forty-two of the 44 states analyzed, as well as the District of Columbia, are below that threshold; thus, those states' jail populations would likely decline with an increase in community mental health spending while maintaining the current level of inpatient funding. "Although there is significant cross-state variation, the ROI overall is much greater for inpatient spending," Yoon said. "Our results suggest that states whose policy aim is to reduce jail populations direct increased spending toward inpatient mental health rather than outpatient-based community mental health." An evaluation of the European Commissions (EC) Action Plan against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has shown that more action is required to support individual member states, particularly on developing and implementing their own action plans. Despite stimulating international efforts towards tackling AMR, the evaluation, conducted by the not-for-profit research organisation, RAND Europe, highlighted the highly variable impact of the plan across individual EU member states. A one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient when dealing with the diverse challenges in each country. The ECs Action Plan against AMR was seen an important symbol of European Union (EU) political commitment on the issue, and was broadly coherent with wider EU policies in human health, animal health and welfare, food safety and research. However, more could be done to make it coherent with EU environmental policies, as it did not fully cover the broad range of environmental issues related to AMR transmission, such as the impacts of agricultural and human waste on the environment. Elta Smith, the evaluation reports lead author and a research leader at RAND Europe, said: AMR will be one of the biggest global threats to public health and the economy in our lifetime. This is why we need a coherent and co-ordinated plan worldwide that covers all the bases human health, animal health, the food chain, and the environment. Our evaluation has shown that the EC made significant progress and is leading the way in the global fight against AMR. The next step is a more comprehensive plan that supports activities at national and international levels. The evaluation highlighted the many successes from the ECs AMR Action Plan, which included significant funding for AMR-related research and innovation, the development of new EU animal health policies and guidelines for the prudent use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine. Consolidating EU funds and instruments to provide coordinated support for research and innovation on AMR issues and strengthening the EUs role in the international community as a leader on tackling AMR were seen as important next steps in light of these success stories. Elta Smith continues: The ECs AMR Action Plan has had many successes during the past five years. Perhaps most importantly it has symbolised the ECs commitment to tackling AMR and stimulated positive action in Europe and beyond. There is still more work to be done, however, with co-ordinated international action across the many different areas that will be affected by AMR being of the upmost importance. RAND Europe made six recommendations to the EC to build on the progress already made by its AMR Action Plan and address areas for further development and improvement: Additional co-ordinated and bespoke support for EU member states; Expanding the scope of environmental action; Contributing further to international efforts to tackle AMR; Sustaining the level of support for AMR research and innovation activities; Expanding the monitoring of AMR and AMR-related activities; and Improving communication about the EUs efforts to tackle AMR. Previous findings from a study RAND Europe conducted as part of the ONeill Review on Antimicrobial Resistance showed that the potential global costs of AMR are significant up to $100 trillion worldwide by 2050 if the problem is not addressed. Other findings from the study indicated that failing to tackle AMR could lead to the deaths of 10 million people each year equivalent to one death every three seconds. The ONeill Review, published on 19 May, made recommendations to tackle AMR worldwide, such as improving financial incentives for the development of research on AMR and new antibiotics, reducing the misuse of antibiotics currently on the market and improving access to clean water and sanitation to prevent infections from spreading. Since the U.S Preventative Services Task Force recommended against prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer, there has been a significant decrease in the number of prostate biopsies and prostate cancer surgeries across the nation, report researchers. Following the recommendation, which was made in 2012, urology expert Joshua Halpern (Weill Cornell Medicine, New York) and colleagues started investigating what the nationwide effects have been on the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. The team evaluated operative procedures by a nationally representative sample of urologists from 2009 through 2016 for variation in the number of prostate biopsies and radical prostatectomies (part or full removal of the prostate) carried out. As reported in JAMA Surgery online, the researchers found that the number of prostate biopsies and radical prostatectomies decreased by 28.7% and 16.2%, respectively, following the recommendation. In response to the findings, the authors wrote: A panoramic vantage point is needed to evaluate the long-term consequences of the 2012 USPSTF recommendation. Urologist and surgeon Jason Hafron (Beaumont Hospital , Royal Oak, Michigan) says the recommendation has dramatically changed the landscape of diagnosing prostate cancer. With the use of PSAs reduced significantly, we may see more advanced and aggressive forms of cancer, with the unintended consequence of more men dying. According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, 27,540 men died in the US as a result of prostate cancer in 2015 and approximately 220,000 are expected to be diagnosed with the condition by the end of this year. Nationwide, prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer next to skin cancer. Men who may benefit from undergoing PSA screening include those aged 55 to 69 years, those with a family history of the condition, African-American men and those with an abnormal prostate exam finding. Hafron believes the screening is a valuable diagnostic tool for these individuals and that physicians should continue to discuss the risks and benefits of screening with them. He also points out that people in the field of urology are now focusing on refining techniques to identify which prostate cancer cases are lethal and should be treated. I agree we need to be a lot smarter and selective of who we are screening and when, but we should not stop using PSA altogether as recommended by the USPSTF, he concludes. One Medicine: how human and veterinary medicine can benefit each other Professor Roberto La Ragione News-Medical speaks to Professor Roberto La Ragione, Chair of Trustees at Humanimal Trust, about the concept of One Medicine and how human and veterinary medicine can collaborate, share knowledge, and initiate research for the benefit of both humans and animals. New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh's anti-terror squad chief Sanjeev Shami on Wednesday stood by his earlier statement that the eight SIMI activists shot dead in Bhopal on Monday were not armed when they were killed. His comments came as more political leaders voiced doubts over Monday's "encounter". "It is well settled in law when police can use force and take life. These men were dreaded criminals. If the police sees the possibility that such men can escape, they can use maximum force... Even if the police are not being fired at," Shami told NDTV. On Tuesday, Shami was quoted by media as saying that the eight Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) men were unarmed when they were killed. "I stand by my earlier statement," Shami told the TV channel when asked for his comments. The eight undertrial activists of the banned SIMI were shot dead in an alleged gun battle, hours after they escaped from a high-security jail in Bhopal. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday demanded a high-level impartial probe into the killing of the eight SIMI undertrials. "A probe is a must into the killing of the SIMI (Students Islamic Movement of India) activists as several questions have been raised," Nitish Kumar told the media in Patna. He said the Madhya Pradesh government should order the probe by an independent agency. "There are many unanswered questions regarding the gun battle and some videos have also surfaced that question the encounter. The state government should explain it," Nitish Kumar said. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also rejected the Madhya Pradesh police claim that eight Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) activists were killed in a gun battle with the police later. "We do not agree with the so-called 'encounter' theory. Many unanswered questions arise in the minds of the people," Banerjee tweeted. Banerjee saw political vendetta behind the deaths of SIMI undertrials. "This is all happening in the name of political vendetta. Issues like these make me deeply concerned about the unity and national integrity," she said. Madhya Pradesh's former Inspector General (prisons), G.K. Agarwal told reporters in Bhopal that he had written to the state's chief secretary in which the issue of jail security was included. "The state of Bhopal Central Jail is such that the job of the guards was being performed by the prisoners," he said in the letter. "It would be wrong to presume that everything is fine if no major incident takes place. God is helping but it would a mistake to presume that he will continue to offer help," he had written. Agarwal wrote the letter in 2013, after SIMI operatives escaped from Khandwa jail. He blamed this incident on the jail authorities. Agarwal had also sent copies of the letter to the Intelligence Bureau and the National Security Adviser. Amidst these revelations, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday inspected Bhopal Central Jail. Chouhan directed the jail officials to strengthen the security as well as devise methods to make it foolproof. According to sources at Bhopal Central Jail, the officials had suspected that the SIMI men might attempt a jailbreak and had given specific directions to beef up security. According to sources, Additional Inspector General of Prisons Sushovan Banerjee had directed the prison officials last month to keep a special check on the SIMI linked prisoners and change the locks of their barracks. Banerjee had also alerted the prison superintendent and told him to restrict the meetings of the prisoners and keep them under strict watch. It was also mentioned in the directives to interchange the prisoners, increase security on the outer wall of the prison as well as cut the bushes to increase visibility. Sources said that after the alert by department officials, special security forces were requested and the prisoners were restricted from meeting, but the rest of the directives were not followed. On Tuesday, the bodies of the eight SIMI operators were sent for post-mortem in which bullets were found in four of the eight bodies, while the bullets went through the bodies of the other four. Late night on Tuesday, five bodies (Mehboob, Zakir, Amjad, Akeel and Salik) were buried in Khandwa while while one (Majid) in Mahidpur, Ujjain. The body of Khalid was buried in Halalpur, Bhopal. The body of Mujib was handed over to his relatives. Julio Ribeiro, the 1953-batch IPS Officer, is arguably one of the most famous police officers in the country. In his long and distinguished career, he has served as the Mumbai City Police Commissioner, Director General of Police in two states Punjab and Gujarat and DG of CISF. Ribeiro, but made it to history books as the man who finished off the Punjab insurgency. The bullets for bullets policy of Punjab Police cleaned the state off militancy but brought its fair share of controversies on extra-judicial killings. News18s Smitha Nair spoke to the super cop on the latest encounter killing in Bhopal where police shot dead 8 SIMI operatives last week after they jumped prison. Excerpts: Q: During your term as Mumbai City Police Commissioner, there have been allegations that you had resorted to encounter to finish off crime syndicates. Looking back, do you think encounter killings (fake or real) can be justified by any yardstick, legal or moral? They were certainly not mandated encounter killings. Manya Surve (editors note: the gangster was shot dead by cops in 1982 in what later came to be known as the first encounter killing in Mumbai) was killed before I took charge as police commissioner. People say that encounter killings started during my time, so I went back and looked at the records. There were 7, 8 such killings, but they were all by different policemen from different police stations. There were no encounter specialists because that would mean somebody sent to do such things. It is not true, so probably these were some over-enthusiastic cops. We investigated if these were genuine or not and they showed us evidence to prove it was genuine. And most of those killed were very very bad, there was no question, there was no person on the fringes as such Q: Even so there is the question of due process There was an investigation by a magistrate then and they had shown evidence to prove they were genuine encounters. But I wouldnt swear that they werent extra-judicial killings, which I must tell you... Q: You are not certain they were genuine? No, I am not certain. Q: Two weeks ago, Andhra Pradesh claimed it had shot down a dozen Maoists including women in an encounter. Last week, MP police said it killed 8 SIMI operatives who had escaped from jail. How do you look at these two incidents? Look, I am not sure whether this (the Bhopal incident) was extrajudicial, whether they were caught and then killed. But I can only say that this has become a habit because there is a lot of public backing to this kind of action by the police. And that backing comes because people find that the judicial process system does not work in this country. If suspects are immediately arrested, arraigned and charged and the trial takes place quickly, they are convicted and sentenced, this kind of thing would never have happened. But, now there is pressure from the public, particularly the middle class who feel afraid of someone like those that want to become rich through crime. There is a lot of pressure from the political establishment also because they are in power. They want to remain in power that is their job; they feel frightened that they may lose support. And this is their constituency. So what happens is that there is a lot of public support for this kind of extra-judicial killings, for short cuts where the police, instead of arresting them and bringing evidence to show that they are the ones involved in an offence, just eliminate them. They become the investigator, prosecutor, the judge and finally the executioner also. This is dangerous. Why is it dangerous? Because the policemen who are supposed to uphold the law themselves become criminals in uniform and that is the biggest danger of these kinds of extra-judicial killings. People must understand that. At the moment, the police are in a quandary because they have to produce results and producing results in the present scenario is difficult because to get hold of the criminals, to get hold of the proper evidence with the manpower at your disposal and then to get the case tried quickly is almost impossible. The number of adjournments given is totally out of proportion. So I believe that unless we get the judicial process system back on the rail we are not going to find any solution to this. Amnesty international had released a report saying there is public backing even for custodial violence which is so common over here. The problem is there is so much support for it. You ask ordinary people. Today if there is an election, because of these killings (Bhopal) the party in power will win. You are not going to lose any votes because of this, let me tell you that. Q: So due process becomes the casualty? Absolutely, the other casualty is the policemen themselves, they become so powerful. The encounter specialists here, for instance, they become rich and powerful and they can influence people, they become matinee idols. This whole thing is really a dangerous thing where you have criminals in uniform. Q: The joint team of the Madhya Pradesh Police, ATS, STF all armed with sophisticated weapons used force to kill eight "terrorists" armed with a single sharp-edged weapon. Even if the encounter was genuine, isnt there a violation of the Doctrine of Proportionality? It looks totally out of proportion. Its not a happy thing to have happened but people have escaped from jail, they have escaped earlier and the police are under pressure that whatever wrong they themselves are guilty of by allowing them to escape is corrected. On top of that the police are under pressure because these people are likely to indulge once again in the same kind of crime, so they take the shortcut. But if you ask me, it was done in the most ham-handed manner. Q: The Indian law, starting from IPC to CrPC, gives a lot of scope for a public servant to justify encounter killings. Will that help while this is being investigated? You see in such cases what the evidence is. The evidence is of the police and the other person is dead, one side is already dead. Presently though there are video clippings etc. that come in way of what the police are stating and they have to be very careful. In the MP case too, there appear to be some recordings which make their position dicey. But you cant just blame the police; I have seen in Punjab wherein Operation Black Thunder, some very dangerous criminals were caught red-handed in the Golden Temple. KTS Tulsi, who had taken up our case, told us this was an open and shut case. I was shocked later when as ambassador in Romania I was following the case; they were all acquitted because the judges were also so afraid of convicting these people. Because even their children are not safe. So this is also another aspect that has to be kept in mind. How we deal with this situation has to be discussed not just by the political and police leadership but also by the judiciary sitting at the same table. These extra-judicial killings are giving us a bad name as uncivilised people, who dont bother about the rule of law and human rights. Q: Is there any justification really for encounter killings? Legally there is no justification. Morally and ethically you can say that one side does these killings without any consideration at all. They have no morals. But the other side (policemen) even if they dont have morals, they have to follow the rule of law because they are liable to be taken to task. I remember in Punjab I was told by my men that you tell those who are complaining (of human rights violations) that they can keep them (criminals/militants/terrorists) in their homes. There were these issues that really troubled the mind. The Americans did it by taking them to Guantanamo Bay and keeping them there. But one thing is certain they cannot be allowed to go back, kill innocent people. There are different aspects of this; it isnt just a simple issue. My view is that if police too are encouraged to kill, they will become criminals and that is very dangerous. Q: Some encounter specialists have said they were used and thrown by the seniors and by the political executive and were made to fend for themselves. How fair is that charge? That may be true, but they went in willingly. They also revelled in their fame or infamy. And they did well financially as far as I can see. In a way, the political leadership and the police leadership that encouraged them would certainly use them and then later when faced with a quandary say, No, we have nothing to do with them. Because nobody wants to be charged. Q: In your understanding, does the leadership of the police force make its own decisions with regard to encounter killings or is there necessarily political sanction in all cases? Or is it almost always at the behest of the state (political executive)? I would say the political executive and the police are in the same boat so far as this is concerned because the pressure is from the people. Now, you take Punjab as a case in point. There was a lot of pressure, spoken and unspoken, told and untold to finish off these people. Very often, when they are sent to jail, jail breaks happen, jailbreaks are real. I have seen them. Look, what I am saying is this is not a simple issue. But I am happy there are human rights activists. If they werent there, for instance in Punjab, people wouldve gone totally haywire. So at least they keep the state actors under control, thats a good thing. Q: Do you think that NHRC intervention will yield a result different than what the MP police claims especially taking into account the mixed history of extra-judicial killings in the country? A: Like I said above, they are important. If they were not there, perhaps things would have been worse, but again in the case of Sohrabuddin Sheikh Encounter killing, I dont think anything will happen. In Bhopal the balance of advantage (of the killings) goes to the party in power, most people will welcome it; I have no doubt about it. But its necessary to have those like the media, the human rights activists, even the judiciary. Otherwise, there will just be no check. New Delhi: The shroud of smog engulfing New Delhi has not only rattled its residents but alarmed countries over the safety of their people living in the capital. The United States Embassy in New Delhi, after working with the Delhi government previously on containing air pollution, has already planned two timely workshops on air quality and health next week, learnt News18 as it reached out to embassies about the precautions theyve taken for the staff and families who call Delhi home. Post the Diwali weekend, as Delhis air quality index stayed stubbornly in the severe category, the US Embassys Spokesperson told News18 that they had employed a series of measures for the safety of their employees. These included sealing building envelopes, supplementary air filtration, and constructing vestibules to provide clean air in our workspaces. Asked about the well being of school going children exposed to toxic air, the Embassy also said, We cooperate closely with the American Embassy School on clean air issues, sharing information and expertise, in order to help the school make informed decisions regarding student activities. The US Embassy acknowledged that they have taken up air pollution as a concern with the Delhi government, holding ongoing discussions with the Delhi government on strategies to improve energy efficiency in government buildings, including sharing expertise on green buildings. In May 2016, they gave an example, they held a series of workshops across Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Lucknow, in partnership with IIT Delhi. American experts in air quality were flown in to work with local officials and Indian experts to examine the challenges to improving air quality throughout North India. This group is developing specific suggestions to governments on actions that could improve the air throughout the region. We will be receiving a team from CPCB to meet with EPA officials to share information, said the Embassy spokesperson, adding they would be holding two workshops on November 7-8 and November 8-10 on air quality and health. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are collaborating with the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and Chest Research Foundation (CRF), Pune to conduct two workshops over the next week- one on Building the bridge between air quality, weather and health in India on 7-8 November and a joint Indo-US Workshop to Explore Bilateral Research Opportunities to Address Air Quality and Health Issues on 8-10 November. Though the British High Commission in New Delhi has a energy and climate change unit that works with government bodies in India, they declined to comment for this story, saying they wouldnt speak publicly about internal management issues. Though none of the embassies who replied to News18 took specific measures for Diwali, they all undertook ways to secure their buildings premises, all year round, mainly through indoor air purifiers. The German Embassy too said that their central ventilation system includes an air filter that purifies the air and that the the offices at the Embassy have been equipped with air purifiers. They added that December 2014 onwards, the purchase of air purifiers for the expatriate staff members' private homes has been subsidised. Similarly, the French embassy replied saying , Air filters are already installed at the embassy. The Australian Embassys chancery and the residences are also fitted with appropriate filtering systems and residences have been supplied with air filters. The Australian mission here regularly works with colleagues in Canberra to establish longer-term strategies to mitigate the effects of pollution on staff in countries where it is significantly higher than WHO guidelines. The embassy has issued an advisory on the levels of pollution India witnesses especially in winter, on cautioning its citizens against the high levels of seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution. Additionally, the German Embassy staff are entitled to an additional three days of leave that must be spent outside of Delhi, a scheme that was started many years ago (the first such initiative to grant extra leave related to air pollution dated back to 1996), but crucial now. Islamabad: The identity of eight Indian High Commission officials who were outed on charges of leak was made public on Wednesday, a report in the Pakistani daily DAWN said. The officials whose identities have been revealed are Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri (posted as commercial counsellor); Balbir Singh (posted as first secretary, press and culture); Anurag Singh (working as first secretary, commercial), Amardeep Singh Bhatti (visa attache); Dharmedra, Vijay Kumar Verma and Madhavan Nanda Kumar (visa assistants); and Jayabalan Senthil (assistant, personnel welfare office). According to DAWN, the media leak claims that the officials were working either for RAW or for the Indian Intelligence Bureau. However, the media leak has not been confirmed by any Foreign Office official. Posting of undercover officers is a routine practice in inter-state relations. As per the information leaked to the media, the revealed Indian officials, were, however, found to be involved in subversive activities, including attempts to disrupt the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and create fear and chaos in the country. They are also alleged to be building a network of informants within Pakistan and fabricating evidence for tarnishing the countrys image abroad. The DAWN also states that it is expected that these agents would be declared persona non-grata by Pakistani authorities in the coming days or India would withdraw them. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Indian external affairs ministry, Vikas Swarup, while responding to media queries in New Delhi, declined to comment on the future of the agents whose identities had been exposed. The leak that took the confrontation between the two countries to a new peak came after Pakistan was forced to pull out six of its officers and staff posted at the high commission in New Delhi because of Indian allegations that four diplomats were working for Pakistani intelligence services. India last week sparked the latest controversy in its strained ties with Pakistan when it detained one of the Pakistani missions staffers, Mehmood Akhtar, and coerced him to name four of the diplomats as spies. The recorded statement of Akhtar, who was later dismissed from India, revealed that he was compromising the security of Pakistani personnel at the Delhi mission. New Delhi: Dissent, democracy and nationalism are among the main topics that would be discussed threadbare at a three-day conclave to be held in Goa this week by the India Foundation, a Delhi-based think tank that counts four Union ministers among its board of directors. The speakers at the Conclave titled India at 70 Democracy, Development and Dissent, range from RSS joint general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale to Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind general secretary Mahmood Madani. Union Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha, Minister of state for External Affairs MJ Akbar who are all also on the board of the foundation will share podium with Ambassador of Israel to India Daniel Carmon, Bangladeshi writer living in exile Taslima Nasreen, actress and BJP Parliamentarian Roopa Ganguly, BJD Lok Sabha MP Bijayant Jay Panda, activist Madhu Kishwar, author Tarek Fatah and Afghan Ambassador Shaida Mohammad Abdali at the convention. We need to look not just at politics, as much of India is what people think we need to see the cultural and social aspects as well. There has been change in the narrative, it has changed for better while some believe it is regressing. So to talk about India at 70 will help us contextualise things, give us opportunity to discuss what is happening now as over the years things have changed, it is not as it was in 50 or 60s, Lalitha Kumaramangalam, chairperson of the National Commission for Women, who is one of the speakers, told News18. Professor Madhu Kishwar, founder Manushi, felt that nationalism of the European variety was unfit for India and that is why leaders like Mahatma Gandhi never adopted it. Pakistan did and look at them what a mess they have become. We are multi-enthnic what holds us together is not the government. We are together despite the government, she said. Kishwar said she condemned slogan mongering nationalism of Bharat Mata ki Jai as well as provocative incidents like the one witnessed in JNU early this year where slogans like Bharat ke tukde tukde karenge were raised. Prasar Bharati Chairman and one of the speakers at the Conclave A Surya Prakash said we should all be proud about what India has achieved in 70 years its democratic journey. With this diversity, we have democracy of certain quality which is unparalleled in the world. If you look around the world rarely do people of diverse religion ethnicity ever build together as a nation. That is a very major achievement, he said. Jamiats Madanis focus would be on the condition of India Muslims, their development, achievements and responsibility. In context of development I will draw a comparison between Indian Muslims and Muslims in the subcontinent. There will also be comparison in development of Indian Muslims and members of other communities in India. There are important challenges ahead of Indian Muslims - what are they? How should India address its second largest majority? By that I mean how the government and people should address them, he said. Standing for dissent is Swadesh Singh, National Vice President, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, who will talk on Youth Perspective. Dissent is important to oppose the system you have to be in the system to dissent. If you are not in the system then how will you oppose it? In that case you are an anarchist like the Maoists and separatists, he said. BENGALURU - The Karnataka High Court on Thursday refused to stay the Congress government plans to stall the Tipu Jayanti celebrations on November 10, saying it wont intervene in a policy matter. However, petitioners who had expressed their hurt at the celebration of a monarch have been asked to make their representations to the State government by Friday. The order came after the advocate general who rose to defend the government in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a Kodagu farmer pointed to the court that who to celebrate or felicitate is a matter of policy and there are issues of locus, issues of maintainability with the entire filing of this petition. The Chief Justice S K Mukherjee agreed: Whether he was a fighter or a despot or a philanthroper, it is not for us to say. We grant you (the petitioner) to give a representation to the Chief Secretary on this, and we direct the government to consider your representation by November 8. The last year, the Karnataka government decided to start celebrating Tipu Jayanthi on his birth anniversary every year as a state function. But the move has raised the shackles of different groups, primarily the RSS and the BJP who have argued that Tipu, the ruler of Mysore in the 17th century, was also known for forced conversions of people from other faiths. In Kodagu (Coorg) district in particular, his reign was met with deep hatred. Last year, protests against the celebration led to two deaths. This petition in the High Court too was filed by a resident of Kodagu, who held that residents of Kodagu were hurt by such a celebration of an erstwhile monarch. His lawyers even argued that the executive order of the government was not in accordance with the Constitution. They will now be submitted their plea to the Chief Secretary, and could go to court once again if they are dissatisfied with the governments response on November 8, petitioners lawyer Pavan Chandra Shetty indicated. However, it is unclear whether their representation will be restricted to not celebrating Tipus birth anniversary in Kodagu district alone, or apply to the entire State. Bengaluru: The Congress in Karnataka has hit out at Union Minister VK Singh for suggesting that the "mental health" of ex-serviceman Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal, who committed suicide over the delay in implementation of one-rank-one-pension scheme, should be investigated. Mr. Singh needs to undergo a mental health check up before he doubts someone else. He has become a habitual offender. He can come to NIMHANS in Bengaluru to get himself checked from a psychiatrist, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) working president Dinesh Gundu Rao said. Dinesh Gundu Rao was speaking at a protest march condemning the Delhi police action against party vice- president Rahul Gandhi. The Central government-funded NIMHANS is Indias premier mental health hospital and university. The Karnataka BJP has condemned this remark. Hundreds of activists of Karnataka Congress came out to condemn the Delhi police action against Rahul. Rahul Gandhi was there at the hospital to meet the family, as a political leader he has the right to meet the family members who are in grief. The Delhi Police acted upon the orders of the centre, said the KPCC working president. "If police refuses to accept the complaint of an MP, imagine the plight of the common man. How will they accept their complaints? Yeh Modiji ka naya Hindustan hai (This is Modiji's new India)," Rahul said. Rahul, however, claimed in a tweet: "Was detained by Delhi police and taken away from Jantar Mantar." Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi was detained - for the third time in two days - when he attempted to lead a protest march at Jantar Mantar on Thursday evening over the suicide of an army veteran.The march was held to pay tributes to Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal, who committed suicide protesting delay in the implementation of one rank, one pension.After a few hours of chaos and denials, Delhi police later in the night said that Rahul was detained at Tolstoy Marg after he insisted on proceeding to India Gate for candlelight vigil in memory of Grewal.Around 7 PM, Rahul was whisked away by police, first to 5 Firoz Shah Road and later to Tughlak Road Police Station where he was kept for over one hour.The police action triggered sharp reactions from the Congress leadership which accused the Narendra Modi government of making a "mockery of democracy" and likened the situation to an "undeclared Emergency".Speaking to reporters after his release, Rahul claimed police refused to lodge his complaint over his detention.Police sources claimed that Rahul wanted to lodge a complaint of "kidnapping" but later "changed his mind.Police also claimed that Rahul refused to get off the police vehicle at Firoz Shah Road, forcing them to take him to Tughlak Road Police Station."Rahul Gandhi was detained at Tolstoy Marg when he continued his candle march towards India Gate in spite of repeated requests not to proceed. He, along with other leaders, was brought to police station, Tuglak Road, and was released," police said in a statement.The police action enraged Congress leadership, prompting former Union minister Salman Khurshid, former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala and DPCC chief Ajay Maken to hit out at the Centre, under which the Delhi police function.Earlier, confusion prevailed on whether Rahul was detained or not as police kept on claiming that the Congress leader was not detained but merely taken away from the protest site keeping his security in mind."Police vehicle was stopped at 5, Feroze Shah Road, enroute to Tughlak Road PS," he tweeted.At Firoz Shah Road, Rahul told CNN-News18, "The family was treated was wrong and it may affect the morale of the army. The police should at least apologise to the family. Prime Minister should apologise to the family, accept what he did was wrong and deliver OROP."The Prime Minister should act on 7th pay commission. He lied that OROP has been implemented. That's why the gentleman killed himself. His family was disrespected and humiliated," he said.A police official said the action was taken keeping Rahul's security in mind as the crowd at Jantar Mantar was swelling by the minute.(With PTI inputs) President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday strongly condemned the use of cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy. In a clear reference to Pakistan, he said: The international community must work unitedly to thwart and isolate those who use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy and no state should be allowed to sponsor or harbor perpetrators of cowardly acts of terror. The President was speaking at an event organized by a think tank in Kathmandu, Nepal. Cross-border terrorism and SAARC figured prominently in the discourse during Presidents three-day visit to Nepal. In his interview with two Nepali newspapers, Pranab Mukherjee said, India continues to attach importance to cooperation within SAARC framework. However, no cooperation can take place in an environment of terror. The Presidents statements come at a time when Pakistan has been regularly violating the ceasefire and provoking Indian forces. In fact, according to the Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup, two-thirds of ceasefire violations by Pakistan this year have taken place in the last five weeks. Following the Uri attack in which 18 soldiers were killed, India had called for a boycott of SAARC, a move that was backed by Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Since then at every international forum, Prime Minister Modi has been trying to isolate Pakistan for its use of terror against India. Without trying to undermine SAARC, the President called for enhancing cooperation in BIMSTEC and BBIN. Speaking about the Motor Vehicles agreement between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, he said: The arrangement would allow smooth movement of goods and contribute significantly to the common goal of economic development in the region. The success of this sub-regional cooperation mechanism could make it a model for further initiatives. President Pranab Mukherjee also tried clearing all misunderstandings among the Nepali political leadership and its people due to the four-month-long economic blockade. He said, A united, stable and peaceful Nepal was in Indias interest. India and Nepals security interests were interlinked; we must continue to consult and coordinate closely to safeguard our shared security interests. New York: Tapping into social media posts on photo-sharing platforms like Instagram, Flickr and Panoramio can help identify people's opinions on scenic landscapes, and preserve them from the effects of urbanisation, researchers say. The study shows that geo-tagged photos -- complete with millions of comments -- can provide data for predictive models to help guide land use policy, conservation planning and development decisions worldwide. "Millions of people post pictures of their favourite places on social media every day. We can use this data to determine something about the places that we, as a society, value most," said Jordan Smith, Assistant Professor in the Utah State University, US. The research comes as land use in Europe and worldwide continues to shift because of urbanisation. Land devoted to agriculture, mining and forestry may be managed for recreation, leisure activities and tourism instead. "It is difficult to put a numerical value on beauty and inspiration, but policymakers need to know which locations have aesthetic and cultural worth so that they can develop strategies to preserve those landscapes and think in terms of amenity-driven visitors and agricultural tourism to boost local economies," said Derek van Berkel, postdoctoral researcher at the North Carolina State University in the US. Researchers created algorithms to filter data from the photo-sharing websites Instagram, Flickr and Panoramio and mapped the geographic distribution of images in Europe and ranked sites into four quartiles, from most- to least-visited locations. In analysing visitor patterns, researchers found the most-valued landscapes included mountainous areas, locations near rivers and lakes, and areas near population centres. "Using social media to uncover and quantify people's interest in ecosystem services is an exciting new approach to understanding the important connection between natural resources and human health and well-being," explained Ross Meentemeyer from the North Carolina State University. In addition, the new photo-sharing data provides a snapshot of the values of millennials, a key demographic group for future land use decisions as well as provides an exciting alternative to small-scale social surveys, which are expensive and laborious to administer, the researchers said. The study was published online in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Chandigarh: Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh on Thursday accused the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of trying to gain "cheap" political mileage by raking up 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Addressing a press conference, he said he owed no explanation to anyone much less Akalis, who had never raised the issue even once despite being in power, till it was election time in the state. "AAP had also chosen election time to raise the issue, with the clear intent of making political gains," he said, dismissing the charges of protecting the guilty of riots. Singh said he had resigned as an MP in 1984 in protest against "Operation Bluestar" and personally visited several gurudwaras and other places to meet the riot victims for four days. To a question about the alleged role of Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in the anti-Sikh riots, the PCC president said the matter was sub-judice and it was for the court to establish whether he was guilty or not. He said that when he met the victims immediately after the riots, nobody named Tytler and his name cropped up only six months later during the Delhi elections. Singh demanded from SAD an explanation on why the NDA government, of which it is a constituent partner, had failed to do anything in the matter despite being in power. To a question on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue, he said he would resign from Lok Sabha and all party MLAs will quit the state Assembly if the pending Supreme Court judgement went against the interests of Punjab. Accusing Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal of allegedly putting the state on the back foot due to his inability to have the case properly defended in court, he said Parkash Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had been indulging in double standards over the issue. Accusing Badal of "shedding crocodile tears" when the case was at its culmination stage in the apex court, after having earlier brought the state to its knees by selling off its interests to Haryana, Singh said "There was enough documentary evidence to show Badal s complicity against the interest of Punjab". Replying to a question about his opposition to Punjabi Suba movement, the PCC chief said he had opposed it right from the day one. He alleged that the Akalis had a single point agenda of making Punjab a "Sikh majority" state and in the process, had compromised on precious resources like land, water and hydro- electric power. Walk into any multi-brand consumer electronic store today and you will see an Air Purifier right at its entrance. You take a moment and think, do I really need it? And then when you enquire, a sales executive will come and tell you about all the difference that this electronic product can bring to your life.Many parents have argued that an air purifier makes their asthmatic kid breathe easy. It is true. Infact, that is exactly what it's supposed to do. The air purifier industry in India has seen a big boom, thanks to the air pollution awareness and the odd-even scheme. The industry has grown from zilch to over Rs 150 crore in just a couple of years.And yes, there is no denying that Delhi is choking under the fumes of fossil fuels and a dying river, but are air purifiers the best solution?Also Read: 5 Common Myths About Air Purifiers And Why You Should Buy One Lt Gen Prasad, who is the Director General of Armed Forces Hospital Services and a lung specialist by training says that Pollution levels in Delhi have crossed permissible limits long ago. Certain particles have chemicals that can directly go into your blood leading to serious non-respiratory problems. The situation is alarming. Children and the aged people pay for it. It is a death sentence for them .The air quality index of Delhi NCR is alarming and there is no doubt about it. You don't have to be an expert to know whether the air around you is good or bad.Think of them as vacuum cleaners but not for your carpet but for the air around you. They are capable of removing contaminants from air, including PM 2.5 particles. The basic components include a fan and filter. The filter is the key component of an air purifier. It's something similar to what you get on your air conditioning units, but only more powerful.These layered filters are capable of capturing minute particulates and gaseous pollutants. But what most companies love to advertise is the High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter that is capable of capturing finer particulates.And so comes the branding spiel, air purifiers are beneficial for people who suffer from air borne allergies and helpful for asthmatics.Also Read: 5 Air Purifiers to Help You Breathe Clean I have used an Air Purifier and yes, one can feel the difference in the air quality in a room that has a purifier to the one that does not. Even many doctors agree that air purifiers do help in providing people with clean air to breath.Ironically, one can hardly find a proper research (apart from brands that make air purifiers) on how effective air purifiers are for humans. Apart from immediate relief, there is no research that suggests that air purifiers can benefit people with long-term usage.Many companies sell air purifiers with built-in ionisers. These are also known as ionic purifiers. With environmentalist creating a hue and cry about the depleting ozone layer, these ionic purifiers produce - ozone as a byproduct.Ozone, has been known as a harmful lung-irritant and is capable of causing throat irritation and breathing discomfort.Following this revealation, several manufacturers have stopped selling ionic air purifiers but there are still some of them that do in the market. So, one needs to research well and ask those suited sales executives the right questions.For now, yes!Recently, I bought a car air purifier from Kent for my SUV. It was quite ironic as I sat inside my car stuck in traffic breathing cleansed air and contributing to Delhi's air pollution in my own little way. As this realisation hit me, that it's just a short-term fix for your own self and not a long term fix for this choking city. With the construction of the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), one of the world's biggest telescope projects, in Hawaii facing resistance from indigenous groups, the project's board has identified a site in the Canary Islands, Spain, as the primary alternative. The TMT International Observatory Board of Governors met last week to discuss the progress of TMT in Hawaii and to consider potential alternate sites. Hanle in Ladakh is also among one of the potential alternate sites for the project. "The TMT International Observatory (TIO) Board of Governors has explored a number of alternative sites for TMT. Every site we considered would enable TMT's core science programmes," Henry Yang, Chair of the TMT International Observatory Board, said in a statement this week. "After careful deliberation, the Board of Governors has identified Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos (ORM) on La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain as the primary alternative to Hawaii," Yang said. Indigenous groups in Hawaii consider the proposed Mauna Kea site as sacred. The construction work had to be stalled due to revocation of permit by orders of the Supreme Court of Hawaii. "Mauna Kea continues to be the preferred choice for the location of the Thirty Meter Telescope, and the TIO Board will continue intensive efforts to gain approval for TMT in Hawaii," Yang said. Scientists believe that TMT will open up opportunities for revolutionary discoveries in essentially every field of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. Enabled by a giant mirror and advanced adaptive optics system, TMT will see much fainter objects much more clearly than existing telescopes, according to a key TMT document known as the Detailed Science Case. With these capabilities, TMT's science agenda fills all of space and time, from nearby comets and asteroids, to exoplanets, to the most distant galaxies, and back to the very first sources of light in the universe, it said. "Hanle site has lower seeing values of 0.9-1.2 arc sec as compared to the alternate sites in Chile and Canary Islands of Spain (La Palma) which have seeing values of 0.55 arc sec. Thus, scientifically, Hanle has less advantageous characteristics for hosting a mega telescope like the TMT in comparison to the other alternate sites," India's Ministry of Science and Technology said in a statement on August 12 this year. Phnom Penh: Cambodia has become the latest country to issue a ban on commercial surrogacy after curbs on the industry in other parts of the globe sparked a local boom in the unregulated baby business. Surrogacy agencies started springing up in the Southeast Asian nation after former hubs like Thailand and India blocked foreigners from the services following a flurry of scandals and concerns about exploitation. With cheap medical costs and no laws excluding gay couples or single parents, Cambodia quickly absorbed much of the demand. But a government edict sent to Cambodian fertility clinics and seen by AFP on Thursday said that surrogacy was now "absolutely banned". The proclamation, signed by the health minister last week, asked all medical professionals to comply with the injunction, though it did not spell out a legal punishment. Phon Puthborey, spokesman for the Ministry of Women's Affairs, said the government was working on other regulatory schemes to prevent rights abuses in the controversial industry, which is outlawed is most countries. "This is a transitional period because we have not had a law on surrogacy," he said. "We are looking for (other) possible measures to respond to the matter effectively. It could be a surrogacy law that includes protections for women and children so that they would not become victims of trafficking," he added. Sam Everingham, global director of the consultancy Families Through Surrogacy, slammed the "abrupt" ban and said it would likely trigger panic among expectant parents and surrogates now facing an uncertain future. "This sudden change does no favours to surrogates or children given the lack of information and lack of clarity," he said. Cambodia now boasts some 50 surrogacy agents, a number of which cropped up in the past year, according to Everingham. "It was an industry that grew very quickly," he said, adding that Cambodia had become the "last hope" for many couples that would have previously sought services in neighbouring Thailand. Bangkok's military government passed a law banning foreign couples from using Thai women as surrogates last year after a series of controversies - including tussles over custody - tainted the lucrative industry. In one controversy, authorities discovered nine babies in a Bangkok apartment that had been fathered by a Japanese man using Thai surrogate mothers. Kathmandu: Nepal's foreign minister on Thursday said it was not possible to give a deadline by when a decision on the SAARC summit could be taken. Speaking to CNN-News18 Nepal's foreign minister Prakash Sharan Mahat said, "Even a change in venue would not serve the purpose as there was bitterness among India and Pakistan and SAARC operates by consensus and agreement". He also said that onus of creating the right atmosphere was on Pakistan as it was the host country. Nepal which is the chair of the SAARC summit had postponed the SAARC summit scheduled in Islamabad following boycotts by India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Nepal's foreign minister said that ever since the postponement of the SAARC Summit, efforts had been made to build consensus among nations. Speaking about the consultation process Mahat said, 'Nepal had tried to speak to Pakistan and even other SAARC nations during the BIMSTEC and BBIN meetings in Goa but all nations felt that the atmosphere was still not conclusive to hold the summit". Mahat's statements are significant as they come at a time when Pakistan is regularly provoking India at the border. The foreign minister made it clear that stopping cross border terror is a pre-requisite for peace and cooperation in South Asia. Reiterating his governments stand on terror Mahat said, "We condemn all forms of terror, be it attacks on India or on Pakistan. No country should protect terrorists or allow its soil to be used for terrorist activities". The foreign minister defended the SAARC summit saying it's wrong to call it a failure but at the same time hinted that its time to strengthen other regional groupings like BIMSTEC(Bay of Bengal initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal). This is a point that was also made by the Bangladesh envoy to India in the wake of postponement of SAARC. Mahat said his government would again review the regional sentiment in a few months to see if the SAARC summit could be held. For the moment Pakistan wants the summit to be held in Islamabad itself and till all countries agree on the venue, holding the summit is just not possible. Diwali in the United States for the ever-growing Indian diaspora population means celebratory gatherings with family and friends. Gatherings with family and friends means passionate, pitched arguments about everything happening in the world. At this time of the year, with a week to go for the elections for the President of the United States, all conversations loop back to Trump and Clinton. There is no dearth of pundits on social media. The sites are awash with arguments, counter-arguments, digs and counter-digs. But no tweet or social media ranting can come close to the emotion and drama of a dozen or more people sitting in the living room over dhokla, samosa, chole and naan, arguing about who is good for America, who is good for India and what is best for the Indian-Americans continued prosperity in the United States of America. The elections both from the mainstream as well as the Indian diaspora perspective appears to be a choice between the known and the unknown. Secretary Clinton is all too familiar to the community dating back to the close proximity of her husband President Clinton with the Indian diaspora. However Donald Trump is making a late push for the Indian-American vote and has made some inroads. The numbers still show that a majority of the Indian-Americans are solidly behind Clinton, but what happens in the last one week is anybodys guess. And there are always surprises. Immigration as expected is a hotly debated issue at these gatherings. There are many who appreciate the tough stand taken by Trump on this issue. Are they forgetting their own long and uncertain path to become a part of America? Are they too cozy now to empathize with those seeking the same path to this promised land? The other surprise is how little or no discussion happens around the other elections. By this I mean all the way from the local mayoral elections to the Congressional and Senate races. The outcomes of these could have bigger impact on the daily lives of many of the Indian-Americans than the Presidential election. We are too quick to blame the Presidential candidates for not focusing on the issues. But they are probably mirroring what gets debated in these snug charchas.There is no discussion whatsoever of the bigger issues [such as higher education, opportunities for young people or climate change] pertaining to the two nations. [Immigration and domestic security being the notable exceptions]. The glaring gap to me is the general lack of acknowledgement of the large number of Indian immigrants at the bottom of the socio-economic strata here in the United States, including the many elderly. My sample size is small and has the risk of lumping everyone into the same category. But it spans the length and breadth of this massive country. However, to make better sense of the scenario I also turned to a few outside of the desi-party circuit. Notwithstanding electoral victories by one political party or another in the US and in India, I do believe, generally speaking, that US-India relations are on an upward trend, says Sanjeev Joshipura, Director at Indiaspora, a catalytic platform of Indian-Americans, adding, This doesn't mean an absence of differences between these two proud nations in specific areas; it just means a more mature handling of such differences, as partners are wont to do. Sonalika Ahuja, CEO of Beyond Media, chimed in from Los Angeles, California with a conclusive yet promising note when she said, The positive tone between India and the United States is already set. I personally don't think it matters at this point who wins. The Indian Diaspora is influential and firmly entrenched in both Democratic and Republican parties. Charlotte, North Carolina based Jay Bhaskaran working in the defense space quoted the Paris Climate Agreement, the strong US condemnation of the Uri attacks as examples of increased bonhomie adding, End of the day, the trade and interdependence continues to grow. The election outcomes are incidental against that backdrop. I could not help smile at one poignant remark at a gathering, Diwali is also the time when we open the doors and windows to our homes to let the freshness wander indoors. Perhaps it is also the time for us to further open our minds and hearts wider and let refreshing ideas and viewpoints seep in. Yes, the Diwali parties come to a close in expected fashion with the laddus, barfi, pedas and kaju katlis and the works. Needless to say opinions about the U.S. elections and issues of importance are as varied as the size, shape, texture and hues of the multitude of Indian sweets! Venkatesh Raghavendra works at the American India Foundation to bridge India & the United States through philanthropic initiatives and engages with diaspora communities all across the U.S. Kunduz (Afghanistan): A NATO airstrike killed at least 30 Afghan civilians, including women and children, on Thursday in the volatile northern province of Kunduz, officials said, after a Taliban assault there left two American soldiers dead. The airstrike, which occurred early today, triggered emotionally-charged protests in the provincial capital, with the victims' relatives rallying outside the governor's office while carrying the bodies of dead children. The carnage underscores worsening insecurity after the Taliban last month overran Kunduz city for the second time in a year, as NATO-backed Afghan forces struggle to beat back the insurgents. "Afghan forces and coalition troops conducted a joint operation against the Taliban insurgents," provincial spokesman Mahmood Danish told AFP. "In the bombardment 30 Afghan civilians were martyred and 25 others were wounded." Police spokesman Mahmoodullah Akbari gave the same toll to AFP, adding that the dead included infants aged as young as three months and other children. "They were asleep when their house came under attack by coalition troops," Akbari said. In a brief statement on Twitter, NATO conceded it was behind the airstrike. "Airstrikes were conducted in #Kunduz to defend friendly forces under fire. All civilian casualty claims will be investigated," it said. The strike occurred on the outskirts of the city after a firefight killed two US soldiers and three Afghan special forces during an anti-Taliban operation in Kunduz. It was not immediately clear if the two incidents were related. The firefight occurred as American soldiers were assisting Afghan troops to clear a Taliban position and disrupt the group's operations in Kunduz, US forces said in a separate statement. "On behalf of all of US Forces - Afghanistan, today's loss is heartbreaking and we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of our service members who lost their lives today," said John Nicholson, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan. "Despite today's tragic event, we are steadfast in our commitment to help our Afghan partners defend their nation," he added, without disclosing the names of the dead soldiers. The killings come just days before the US presidential election. During three lengthy debates between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Afghanistan got scarcely a passing mention -- even though the situation there will be an urgent matter for the new president. Off late India Nepal relations have dipped due to certain misunderstandings, I hope the President's visit will once again raise our relations," Battarai told CNN-News18. Significantly, the President's agenda also includes a meeting with Madhesi's, the Indian origin community demanding greater representation in Nepal's new constitution. India is relying on President Pranab Mukherjee to put its relationship with Nepal back on track and dispel any misconceptions in the mind of the political leadership in the country.The visit, the first by an Indian President in 18 years, comes just three months after the new Prime Minister Prachanda was sworn in.President Pranab Mukheree who has dealt closely with Nepal as defence minister, external affairs minister and finance minister shares a bond with the Nepalese Prime Minister.The Indian government can breathe easy with Prachanda in the driver's seat. He is seen as someone who is pro-India unlike his predecessor KP Oli who was seen to be strongly leaning towards China.Indo-Nepal ties had taken a dip during last year's economic blockade with many in the Nepal's political fraternity blaming India for the crisis. With the President's 3-day visit India is looking to repair any previous damage and cement ties.The visit also comes a time when the Nepalese government wants early execution of infrastructure projects which had been pending for decades. India and Nepal have signed several irrigation, road and power projects but there is disappointment that many key projects are yet to take off.Speaking to CNN-News18, the Nepalese Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat said, "Even while you give a lot of assistance that doesn't matter, what matters is issues like roads and water which are directly related to the people. If these projects are not delivered some sections who don't want good relations with India will exploit this".Nepal's former Prime Minister Babu Battarai also emphasised the need to complete projects on time.Sources in the Indian government say they are aware that lack of implementation of agreed projects is a matter of concern but add that Nepal government is largely to blame because of slow movement on procurement of land.Both India and Nepal have now setup cooperation mechanisms to complete ongoing projects speedily. Speaking to the media Foreign Secretary Jaishankar said increasing connectivity, completion of development and hydel projects figured significantly in discussions.Prachanda had come to power with the promise of addressing their demands like demarcation of provincial boundaries and greater representation in the upper house. The new government is looking at amendments to address their demands.While India always says constitutional amendments for Madheshis is an internal issue of Nepal but in the high level talks President Mukherjee 'welcomed Nepal's efforts to have an inclusive constitution which addresses all stakeholders'. The Foreign Secretary said the President conveyed to the Nepali leadership that India was ready to share its experiences in building an inclusive constitution.The two sides also discussed regional politics including SAARC and increasing cooperation in BIMSTEC and BBIN groupings. In the comics, the Ancient One is an old man; in this film, the Ancient One is played by a woman. This was a deliberate decision as Scott Derrickson felt the Ancient One was a title rather than a person. Grand jurors will consider indictments against a Lynchburg man accused of holding a convenience store clerk at gunpoint in June, a judge ruled Thursday. The case stems from an incident at Fast Mart #5, 1400 Campbell Ave., in which the employee said two masked men entered the store with handguns and demanded cash and cigarettes. Police charged Michael Anthony Napier, 31, with robbery and use of a firearm in commission of a felony after a nearly two-week investigation identified him as one of the suspects. Lynchburg police have not announced a second arrest in the case. A preliminary hearing in Lynchburg District Court on Thursday revealed more information about the commonwealths case. District Court Judge Stephanie Maddox certified the felony counts against Napier, who has been denied bond since his arrest in August. The order lets the case proceed to the possible indictment and prosecution of Napier in Circuit Court. Maddox certified the charges after hearing witness evidence regarding how Napier emerged as a suspect. The convenience store clerk said Napier regularly came into the store, and despite the mask covering one suspects face, he recognized the man by his voice and clothes. In the incident, the store employee said the two men held two small handguns and demanded money and two packs of cigarettes, then fled on foot. A police news release this summer said a search warrant executed on the 1300 block of Garfield Avenue on Aug. 12 revealed a firearm and a pair of shoes matching the description during the robbery leading to Napiers arrest. Prosecutors also entered security camera images they said identified Napier during the robbery into evidence at the preliminary hearing. Napiers lawyers from the public defenders office appeared to focus on several areas of the evidence, including how well the store clerk actually could identify Napier and how often Napier went into the store. The defense questioned Lynchburg Police Department Detective R.F. Robinson in detail about how much police knew about the type of shoes the suspect was wearing during the robbery and how they were matched to those found through the search warrant. It was not clear whether the next grand jury meeting Monday will consider the case. A volunteer firefighter is accused of driving a fire truck under the influence in Bedford County on Sunday morning, state police said. Joshua L. Mata, 30, of Forest, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said in a news release Wednesday night. Mata was responding with the Brookville-Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department to the intersection of U.S. 460 and Turkey Foot Road after a Virginia State Police trooper was involved in a pursuit that ended in a crash, Geller said. According to a December 2015 article in The News & Advance, Mata has been volunteering with the department since 2008. Lynchburg Fire Department Deputy Chief Greg Wormser said Mata also is a member of the Lynchburg Fire Department. Wormser said Mata has been with the department for less than a year and is on leave following the incident. Wormser declined to comment if Mata was on paid leave. The crash Mata was responding to also led to the arrest of a Madison Heights man, Geller said in the release. The incident began Sunday morning at 1 a.m., when Virginia State Police Trooper T.Z. Beams initiated a traffic stop on a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban for speeding on Clark Road in Campbell County, Geller said. Geller said the driver of the SUV refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued. The SUV continued through the Evington area and headed toward U.S. 460. Geller said the trooper maneuvered his vehicle to make contact with the vehicle to end the pursuit when the SUV tried to turn right from U.S. 460 onto Turkey Foot Road. The result caused the SUV to run off the side of U.S. 460. The vehicle struck an embankment, and the driver took off on foot, Geller said. The driver, who was identified as 29-year-old Dwayne J. Gibson Jr., was apprehended a short time later and taken into custody without incident. Gibson was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained in the crash. Geller said he was released early Sunday morning. Further investigation revealed Gibson was wanted on prior outstanding warrants. In relation to the pursuit, Gibson was charged with one felony count of eluding police, reckless driving and for driving on a suspended license. Beams also was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital after his patrol car struck the embankment on U.S. 460. He was treated and released for minor injuries, Geller said. Due to the need for medical assistance, the Brookville-Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department was asked to respond to the crash, Geller said. She said a responding trooper made Matas arrest. Geller said state police does not release blood alcohol content. Mata was transported to Bedford Adult Detention Center. He was released on $1,000 bond. The incident remains under investigation. As Nelson County voters head to the polls Tuesday for Election Day, theyll choose more than just the next president. In addition to casting a vote for the 5th Congressional District representative, residents have three choices for the countys commonwealths attorney. The three running to become Nelsons next chief prosecutor are Acting Commonwealths Attorney Jerry Gress, a Democrat; and Nelson attorneys Daniel Rutherford, a Republican, and Heather Goodwin, whos running as an independent. The commonwealths attorney prosecutes both misdemeanor and felony cases for the county and the commonwealth in juvenile and domestic relations district, general district and circuit courts. The special election for commonwealths attorney marks the most competitive race in more than 25 years. The last year three candidates sought the office of Nelson commonwealths attorney was 2011, but the race was less competitive because one of the candidates dropped out. That year, current county attorney Phil Payne ran against Rutherford and Anthony Martin, but Payne withdrew before qualifying. Martin went on to win. After running unopposed and winning the 2015 election, Martin held the office until the end of this past February, when he resigned. Martin, who now works for a Charlottesville law firm, prosecuted the well-known case against Randy Allen Taylor, who was convicted in 2014 of the murder and kidnapping of missing Shipman teen Alexis Murphy. Taylor, who has maintained his innocence, is serving two life sentences. Gress, who was assistant commonwealths attorney under Martin, is seeking to earn the permanent title of commonwealths attorney after acting in that capacity since March. Rutherford is trying for the second time to become commonwealths attorney, and Goodwin is seeking to make history by becoming the first woman to serve in the office in Nelson. According to Gress, who had a private practice for about 10 years before being appointed assistant commonwealths attorney in 2011 by Martin, he believes his experience in the office makes him qualified to take on the permanent title. Gress added: I will see to it that my Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Sarah Childress and my victims advocate Beth Cunningham are able take advantage of additional training opportunities. I will seek ways to improve our assistance to victims, particularly victims of domestic violence who are often reluctant to testify against their abusers, so that their voices are heard. Goodwin has been practicing as a defense attorney for about three years and has her own firm in Lovingston. Since March, shes been volunteering two days per week under Lynchburg Commonwealths Attorney Michael Doucette to learn the job of a prosecutor. Goodwin said if elected, she aims to make integrity and reputation of this office her top priority. She added she believes her ability to communicate and connect with people makes her equipped to be Nelson County commonwealths attorney. What makes me best-qualified to serve is not the legal education and experience I have obtained but a true understanding of the personal impact of every case on the lives of those involved and the community of Nelson as a whole, Goodwin said. Rutherford, who has his own firm in Lovingston, has represented more than 3,000 individuals in about a decade as a defense attorney. He said he has experience with a wide variety of cases, including criminal matters like rape and murder. Rutherford also serves as the chief of military justice in the U.S. Army Reserve. He explained his top priority if elected is to vigorously prosecute those who distribute illegal drugs. Those drugs are destroying lives and ruining families in our county; without tough prosecution, we will be unable to successfully combat this unfortunate phenomenon, Rutherford said. I will work alongside the [Nelson County] Sheriffs Department and the Law Enforcement Community to make it clear that distribution of illegal drugs within Nelson County will bring stiff punishments. The University of Virginia School of Medicine will open a $112 million satellite campus in Northern Virginia. The campus, expected to be fully operational by 2021, will host about 80 third- and fourth-year students who will complete their clinical rotations at the Inova Fairfax hospital. The schools presence in Northern Virginia will give more students the option to gain hands-on experience in a major metropolitan area, said Dr. Richard Shannon, executive vice president for health affairs at UVa. As we do more and more complex medical care in Charlottesville, we wanted to make sure students are exposed to what theyll see in a much larger place, Shannon said. Theyll see more common conditions such as heart failure and diabetes. Shannon estimates that about 25 percent of students at the School of Medicine are from the Northern Virginia area, so the new rotation option should be very popular. Its one of a series of ventures the university is opening with Inova Health, a network of health care providers in the Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia area. UVa and Inova are also teaming up to create a Global Genomics and Bioinformatics Research Institute at Inovas Center for Personalized Health. The institute will focus on new approaches to treating disease based on the latest discoveries in genetics. Many diseases, such as sickle-cell anemia, are connected to genetic abnormalities, Shannon said. Well look for ways to correct expression of that gene so it produces normal proteins, he said. Thats the general theme. The cancer centers from both institutions will work collaboratively, and officials hope to gain designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center from the National Cancer Institute. The two systems are already working on research projects that complement one another, said Dr. Amit Rostogi, Inovas senior vice president for strategy growth and innovation. The partner-ship will allow them to pool resources, he said, and also might attract new hires. Its really about bringing great researchers together, Rostogi said. The more were able to collaborate with a university partner, the more were able to achieve big breakthroughs. UVas operation in Northern Virginia will be based out of a 117-acre property located across the road from Inova Fairfax. The property, which Inova purchased last year, is the site of the former ExxonMobil campus. The university will pay out about $28 million to help develop the site matching the amount paid out by the commonwealth. Inova will shoulder the rest of the funding burden. Shannon said he is not sure where exactly UVas share will come from. He said he believes the project could qualify for support from the Strategic Investment Fund, but funding could come from other sources, as well. The SIF advisory committee and the Board of Visitors would ultimately have to approve spending from the fund, which is expected to pay out about $100 million annually. Shannon said hes hoping other state universities will join in the research partnership with Inova, which is part of an ongoing trend of consolidation in health care. Its part of an overall notion that the challenges in health care are large and no ones going to solve them by themselves, he said. GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Heres why you can trust us. Garbage bins needed in cities With the amount of people passing through Port-of-Spain daily, the scores of food outlets and street vendors, there is an inadequate number of garbage bins. Yes, there are a few but they are too small and are soon overflowing. So that people are dropping their garbage anywhere. It is the garbage dropped anywhere and the overflow from the small bins that find their way into the drains, clogging them and eventually resulting in flooding in the city. Well I guess we like how our cities look, we enjoy the smell of rotting food and the sight of feasting rodents. Let me remind the relevant authority that the port of entry for cruise ship visitors is right there in Port-of-Spain. What they observe will no doubt reach the eyes and ears of family and friends, which cant be good for our tourism. If we are serious about tourism we must have adequate garbage bins at regular intervals on city streets and frequent disposal of the garbage. ARNOLD GOPEESINGH via email Imbert: I said wage restraint not wage freeze Addressing a news conference at the Eric Williams Financial Complex in Port-of-Spain, following the release of a story on CNC3 which stated he made a wage freeze announcement at the 2016 High Level Caribbean Forum at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, earlier in the day, Imbert said, The word I used was wage restraint...not wage freeze. Wage restraint is a long way away from a wage freeze. There is a fine line in all of these things and one has to be very, very careful in interpretation. Telling reporters he was alerted to the erroneous CNC3 story by a member of a major trade union and asked to clarify this statement, Imbert declared, The PNM Government has no policy of a wage freeze. That in any event would have to be a Cabinet decision. No single minister can make a decision like that without Cabinet agreement. Saying he participated in a panel discussion on the challenges facing Caribbean economies, Imbert said, In my case, I spoke about the large decline in petroleum revenues where we had a 90 percent fall in petroleum revenues. I spoke about the financial challenges facing TT. The minister said he also spoke about wage increases given to trade unions by the former Peoples Partnership (PP) government last year and the significant fiscal deficit the PNM now has to deal with. Imbert said at this point in the discussion, I said we will have to exercise wage restraint and I did indicate that we will be telling the unions going forward that we will be starting the negotiations by offering them zero. He added his words were taken out of context and reported by CNC3 as: Imbert said there is a wage freeze. Saying these matters are very, very sensitive, the minister added, You cant take the word restraint and change it into the word freeze. Everybody knows what freeze means. Freeze means youre not budging. There is no indication on our side that we are not going to move at all. Imbert further explained there is a starting point in all negotiations and said if a union was to propose a 15 percent wage increase, the Government will start with an offer of zero and both sides would eventually settle somewhere in the middle. While he could not predict what level would be agreed upon in such a hypothetical situation, Imbert said, What I can say is that it will be less than 14 percent because we cant continue like that and that is all I was saying. Reiterating zero percent is the offer Government would start at, Imbert stressed, That is the start. That cannot be the end. He added it was not logical that anyone, goes into a negotiation and stays at the starting point. He said the silver lining of, this story about a so called wage freeze, was that it gave him the opportunity to announce that Government will settle wage negotiations between TT Electricity Commission (TTEC) and the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU), which had been dragging on for nearly nine months. Stating the OWTU did not receive any wage increase in the last three years under the then Peoples Partnership administration, Imbert said TTEC and the union had unofficially agreed to a ten percent wage increase. He said while Government was a little hesitant at first, it was important this matter be settled so that other matters could be addressed. Indicating there was also a job re-classification at TTEC as well, the financial impact of this settlement going back three to four years, is $500 million. Sea Lots woman appeals for help Worse, at the back of her house in Production Driver, Sea Lots a ravine was covered with floating garbage which entered the waterway by being washed down from the St Anns river during heavy early mornig showers. This is not the first time her house has been flooded and the ravine at the back, carpeted in garbage. Through her tears, Isaac said this is going to be her fifth Christmas living like this and she is tired of such a life. Isaac is a 46-yearold single mother of 12, four of whom live with her. She survives on social welfare as an asthmatic condition has rendered her medically unfit to work. Isaac said her home was rebuilt through the assistance of then Minister of the People Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh. Past news reports verify that Issaac was one of 52 mothers who received low cost housing from the then Ministry of the People in 2011. Each house at the time cost the state $71,000. Isaac however said when the house was being constructed she told the builders to raise it to a level as to prevent flooding when the ravine overflows due to floodwaters from the St Anns river during heavy showers. The workmen told her she would have to pay them separately to make any other adjustments that deviated from the Ministry approved design and build project. The ravines waters flows out to the Gulf of Paria. When the tide rises, this also causes a backup and consequent flooding. She said her daughter who attends Success Laventille Secondary School has to do her homework on the flooded floor as the house contains not much furniture. Isaac is pleading with the authorities to assist her in any way they can. She told Newsday she tripped off last year as a result of the extreme social conditions under which she lives. The social welfare cheques received every month for $1,150 often goes to the hardware to purchase material to repair the house, she said. She has applied for state housing in 2013 but is yet to receive a response. Isaac tearfully said, I have no food card. I have tried everything. I just dont know what to do again. Guyanese burial saga ends Ragoobeers funeral rites and burial will be held in his homeland Guyana. Ragoobeers wife Lilowtie Ragoobeer had arranged with Dass Funeral Home in Chaguanas to have her husbands last rites and burial performed yesterday. However, his relatives journeyed from Guyana to have his body returned to his homeland for final rites. Ragoobeers sister, brother- in-law and uncle all flew into Trinidad from Guyana and the United States to take his body to Guyana for last rites and burial. Following an emotional discussion yesterday, Mrs Ragoobeer agreed to have her husbands body flown back to Guyana. For the sake of his family, I will allow him to be buried in Guyana, Ragoobeer said. In an interview with Newsday, she said she was moved to tears on hearing of her elderly mother in law (Ragoobeers mother) saying she wanted to see her sons body one last time. I am a mother too and I know this is how any mother would feel if their child is dead. I think about it for a while and decided, just let us forget everything and send him back home to his mother, Ragoobeer said. She said that Ragoobeers relatives solidified an agreement with her via a contract signed and witnessed by a Justice of the Peace. According to the agreement. Holness suggests managed labour movement Holness made this suggestion during a panel discussion at the 2016 High Level Caribbean Forum, hosted by the Government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port-of-Spain. Recalling the talks he and Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley had in Jamaica in July, Holness said this was one of the issues they discussed. Noting there is a need for labour in different Caricom countries, Holness said, I think it is well within our capacity to structure a managed immigration between our countries. Identifying trade as another issue he and Rowley discussed in July, Holness said apart from air transport, sea transport was also important in terms of trade. He added, There may be a role for government to become a market shaper in this regard. Holness said that in light of the current economic challenges facing the region, it was important for leaders to, explain your policies to your electorate.As he outlined Jamaicas recent experience with the IMF, Holness observed that for too long development within the region has been funded by debt and not by growth. He said his administration has established an economic growth council that is chaired by a leading member of Jamaicas private sector and is seeking to have 30 percent of all of Jamaicas energy coming from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, by 2020. Caribbean Development Bank president Warren Smith agreed with Holness about the need to manage the free movement of labour in the region. On Tuesday, IMF officials indicated that a team from the Fund was in TT last week to discuss tax matters with the Government. They also indicated that the Governments proposed Revenue Authority was a possibility but was not necessarily a panacea to for certain economic challenges Duke: Dont vote PNM, show dissatisfaction with wage freeze Duke made the statement at a press conference held to address the alleged wage freeze proposed by Finance Minister Colm Imbert. The conference was held at the PSAs headquarters on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain. There is local government coming up and I am asking all workers to vote the PNM out of local Government. Even if it is just to balance the power. Vote them out. Do not vote for them. Vote for anybody. Vote for MSJ but do not vote the PNM. They have lost their mandate that came from the ground, Duke said. Duke first asked the media exactly what was said by Finance Minister Colm Imbert at the conference. He was told the minister said, Our only way forward is to fiscal consolidation, reducing subsidies and transfers. Trying to cut back on expenditure on goods and services, wage restraint. Ive already told the trade unions that from 2017 to 2020 our offer would be 0,0,0... In response to which he said, The news today would have caught us off guard we are totally surprised by the timing of the message given that Christmas is right around the corner....This certainly comes as a bitter pill to swallow. Something that can be termed an obstacle in the way of public servants progress. He said the association has been looking at Imberts behaviour for sometime. The association, he said, wrote to Imbert no more than 25 times and placed no more than 40 phone calls to his office, saying as well that Imbert never returned a call nor acceded to any requests for a meeting. The alledged move he said would widen the gap that exists between the middle and upper classes in the country. However, Imbert also held a press conference yesterday afternoon stating that it was not a wage freeze but rather a wage restraint. No One Has Done This Before in Billboard's History (Newser) Caitlan Coleman hailed from Stewartstown, Pa., a "land where bad things aren't supposed to happen." And yet a gripping Philadelphia magazine story describes how something bad did happen to the 26-year-old and her husbandCanadian activist Joshua Boyle, once married to the sister of Gitmo prisoner Omar Khadrin 2012: They were kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan during a hike across Central Asia. The story by Holly Otterbein (an acquaintance of Coleman's from the same town) documents the disbelief the pair's loved ones felt when they first heard they were missing, the horror when they heard in 2013 the Taliban was holding them captive, and the panic when a series of proof-of-life videos of the two emerged, the third one in August. "We never think that someone we love will end up in a video released by the Taliban," Otterbein writes. But the American public at large is "grotesquely indifferent" to the fate of the couple and their two kids, since born in captivity. Officials believe the couple were taken hostage near Kabul by a Taliban affiliate known as the "Sopranos of the Afghanistan war" and are now being held in Pakistan. They've been in captivity for four yearsjust one year shy of the five years US Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was held captive. The Taliban told the AP this summer the family was in good health, but in the August video, Coleman and Boyle said they and their kids would be executed unless Kabul officials stop killing Taliban prisoners. Otterbein notes their story has barely made a blip with the media, the US government has remained mostly tight-lipped, and online commentary about the disappeared pair can be cruel: "If we get them back, they would probably travel to Syria for their next little getaway," one poster noted. "Caitlan, like the war in Afghanistan and the fight against the Taliban, has been forgotten," Otterbein writes. (The chilling Philadelphia magazine story is worth the full read.) (Newser) Two teenage Moroccan girls face between six months and three years in prison after being caught hugging and kissing on the roof of a house in Marrakech last Thursday. Someone took a picture of the girls, showed their families, and a family member informed police, a human rights group says, per AFP. The girls were arrested and are due in court Friday on charges of "licentious or unnatural acts with an individual of the same sex"; they are currently in jail, per Morocco World News. The Moroccan Association of Human Rights is calling for their release and the ending of the law under which they were charged. Also in Morocco, a taxi driver and another man were arrested Saturday after being found by authorities having sex in a parked taxi in Casablanca. A Moroccan newspaper says police were actually protecting the men from being assaulted by onlookers who were gathered around the cab, Morocco World News reports. The men, ages 35 and 29, were charged with public indecency. (A fishmonger's gruesome death has sparked rage in Morocco.) (Newser) Officers in riot gear clashed again Wednesday with protesters near the Dakota Access pipeline, hitting dozens with pepper spray as they waded through waist-deep water in an attempt to reach property owned by the pipeline's developer, the AP reports. The confrontation came hours after North Dakota regulators criticized the pipeline company for not immediately reporting the discovery of American Indian artifacts and a day after President Obama raised the possibility of future reroutes to alleviate tribal concerns. Protesters tried to build a wooden pedestrian bridge across a creek to enter the property, then attempted to swim or boat across when officers dismantled the bridge, a sheriff's spokesperson said. Two arrests were reported. Volunteer medics treated some of the protesters for hypothermia during the confrontation near the mouth of the Cannonball River. The potential for damage to American Indian sites and artifacts has been a flashpoint in a months-long protest over the pipeline, which is intended to carry crude from western North Dakota almost 1,200 miles to a shipping point in Patoka, Illinois. The Standing Rock Sioux, whose reservation lies near the pipeline route, have led a protest over that issue and the pipeline's potential hazard to drinking water. Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners could be fined up to $200,000 for waiting 10 days before reporting last month's discovery of stone cairns and other artifacts at the site. (Read more Dakota Access Pipeline stories.) (Newser) The first trailer for Leah Remini's Scientology docuseries is out, and it's about as shocking as you might expect. As the Hollywood Reporter notes, it features former church members discussing child rape and beatings, among other things. Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath starts airing on A&E Nov. 29 at 10pm. (Read more Scientology stories.) (Newser) As a judge, and then prosecutor general in Tehran from 2003 to 2009, Saeed Mortazavi earned a reputation as a "serial human rights abuser" and "butcher of the press" for his role in quieting journalists and political dissenters. Now, he may get a taste of his own medicine. The 49-year-old Iranian, cleared of embezzlement, has been sentenced to 135 lashes for "seizing and wasting public funds" while head of Iran's social welfare organization in 2012 and 2013, reports Reuters. A prosecutor says he "expected a heavier sentence given the accusations" and will "file a complaint with the judiciary," per the Guardian. Human rights activists, however, say such a sentence is barbaric for anyone and distracts from Mortazavi's crimes. Hadi Ghaemi of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran says Mortazavi "could probably buy his way out of the flogging sentence," adding the punishment is "a total whitewash for a person who is implicated in gross corruption and graft as well as torture and deaths in custody of protesters in 2009," per the New York Times. Mortazaviwhom the Canadian government says was involved in the torture death of an Iranian-Canadian photo journalist in a Tehran prison in 2003was acquitted of charges related to the deaths of three prisoners in a police prison facility in 2014. "This sentence is yet another example of rampant impunity in Iran," Ghaemi tells the Guardian. "No justice is being delivered here." (Read more Iran stories.) (Newser) Sofya Tsygankova, the estranged wife of famed Ukrainian pianist Vadym Kholodenko, has been declared unfit to stand trial for the murder of the couple's two young daughters earlier this year. NBC reports that a Texas judge has ordered the 32-year-old to spend 120 days in a mental health facility so she can regain "a reasonable degree of rational understanding." Her defense attorney says several doctors who evaluated Tsygankova decided she wasn't mentally competent enough for a trial, and prosecutors did not object. She faces two charges of capital murder of a person under age 10. Tsygankova, who will remain in the Tarrant County Jail until a bed in a mental health facility becomes available, is accused of smothering 5-year-old Nika Kholodenko and 1-year-old Michaela Kholodenko on March 17 in their home in a Fort Worth suburb. Her husband, who filed for divorce months before the deaths, told police he arrived at the home to find the girls dead and Tsygankova in an "extreme state of distress" with cuts to her wrists. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that according to court documents, Tsygankova visited a mental health facility in Fort Worth the day before the killings. (The tragedy renewed talk of a "Cliburn curse.") (Newser) Federal investigations of Hillary Clinton almost played an even bigger role in this election than they already do, insiders say. Sources tell the Wall Street Journal that by February of this year, FBI agents thought they had enough evidence to investigate whether Clinton Foundation donors improperly received favorable treatment from the State Department when Hillary Clinton was in charge. Senior Justice Department and FBI officials, however, rejected the evidenceincluding a secret recording of a suspect in a corruption case talking about deals Bill and Hillary Clinton allegedly madeas insufficient, the sources say. The investigation began after the publication of the book Clinton Cash by conservative writer Peter Schweizer, notes the Journal and the New York Times. The book looked at "ethical challenges," including money that flowed to the Clintons after the Russian purchase of a uranium company. Essentially, the book asserted that foreign entities who gave money to the foundation got special treatment by the State Department. CNN reports that the field agentswho also allegedly uncovered a possible suspicious transaction involving a Clinton Foundation donorwere repeatedly told by the Justice Department there wasn't enough evidence for the investigation to proceed, and any issuing of subpoenas or similar steps should not be made until after Election Day. The issue has reportedly caused an escalating feud between FBI agents and federal corruption prosecutors. (President Obama has spoken out on the FBI's handling of Clinton's latest email issue.) (Newser) Huge numbers of refugees displaced by decades of conflict are flowing back into Afghanistan, but they are returning to a country in crisis where more than a million people have been forced to leave their homes this year. The Taliban now controls more territory than at any point since 2001, and United Nations officials say the Kabul government is struggling to deal with the influx of returning refugees from Pakistan, which has been pushing for Afghan refugees to return home, the Washington Post reports. More than 800,000 refugees have returned from Pakistan and Iran so far this year, and tens of thousands more are expected to be sent back from the European Union in the near future, reports Voice of America. The return of tens of thousands of refugees every month while the Taliban conflict creates more "will add very much to the vicious cycle of insecurity and joblessness," Afghan analyst Bashir Bezhen tells the Post. He warns that the government appears "incapable of creating jobs for these people or of improving the economy in the remote places where they live," meaning unemployed youths will be recruited by militants, pushing the country further into crisis. The UN says only 13% of its appeal for $150 million has been raised, and Afghanistan faces a humanitarian crisis as winter approaches. (The iconic "Afghan girl" from a 1985 National Geographic cover has been arrested for allegedly possessing fake Pakistani ID.) (Newser) Somebody set a fire that heavily damaged an African-American church that was also spray-painted with the phrase "Vote Trump," and an $11,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the conviction of whoever did it, a Mississippi fire chief says. The FBI has opened a civil rights investigation of the Tuesday night fire at the 200-member Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, where Mayor Errick Simmons calls the fire and graffiti a hate crime, the AP reports. The mayor says the FBI and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation are assisting the investigation in the Mississippi River city, where almost 80% of the 32,100 residents are African American. The church's beige brick walls still stand, but the pulpit and pews are burned black, and soot stains the brick above and next to some windows. Greenville Fire Chief Ruben Brown Sr. estimates that it was "80% destroyed." "It definitely will have to be reconstructed from front to back," he says, calling the arson a "heinous, hateful, cowardly act." State FBI spokesman Brett Car says the agency is "working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to determine if any civil rights crimes were committed." He declined to comment on whether it is being investigated as a possible hate crime, saying it is too early in the investigation "to determine what type of crime this could be." (Read more Mississippi stories.) (Newser) The US Navy's new littoral combat ships can't seem to catch a break lately, CNN reports, with its brand-new USS Montgomery recently suffering hull damage while passing through the Panama Canal. While under the control of a Panama Canal pilot, the warship hit the center lock wall and suffered an 18-inch hull crack. "The crack is located 8-10 feet above the waterline and poses no water intrusion or stability risk," the Navy said in a statement; the ship continued on through the canal to its port in San Diego for repairs. It's the latest in a series of mishaps for the Montgomery: the $360 million state-of-the-art warship just entered official service two months ago, and it's now suffered two hull breaches, as well as problems with its cooling systems and gas turbine engines. The Montgomery is part of a new class of vessels called littoral combat ships. Designed by Lockheed-Martin, the ships are made for near-shore operations, but they've become better known for running into technical problems, including breakdowns. The US Navy has ordered a comprehensive review of the littoral program after at least four of the vessels experienced mechanical failures, reports the International Business Times. The Navy hopes to quadruple the current number of littoral ships, from seven to 28. (These huge naval bases once guarded the world's first democracy.) (Newser) Yes, Donald Trump has a path to victory, but a post at University of Virginia analyst Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball blog asserts that Hillary Clinton remains the "clear frontrunner." Not that the news is great for her: New concerns about her emails are taking a toll, and the Clinton camp's renewed attention on the "basically must-win" states of Colorado, Michigan, New Mexico, Virginia, and Wisconsin suggests it's concerned about one slipping away. What's more, if national polls suggesting a virtual tie prove to be correct, the race could truly be a "jump ball," with states including Michigan, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania becoming toss-ups. "We just dont think thats where were at," writes Sabato, "and state-level polling continues to show Clinton leading in all of those vital states." His bottom line as of Thursday: Clinton has 272 safe electoral votes, plus another 21 (Nevada and North Carolina) leaning in her direction. "Trump is now at 214, better than Romneys 2012 total of 206, but also without a clear path to add the 56 additional electoral votes he needs to get to 270." Even if he picked up Florida, that wouldn't be enough. "Therefore, while Democrats are quite right to be nervous about the outcome, we as handicappers do not at this point believe there is enough of a compelling argument to believe that the race is truly a toss-up, let alone that Trump is favored." Click for the detailed breakdown. (Read more Hillary Clinton 2016 stories.) (Newser) ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has released a rare message amid a major coalition offensive against Mosul, the last major ISIS stronghold in Iraq. The undated audio recording is al-Baghdadi's first public communication in almost a year, the International Business Times reports. The tape didn't specifically mention the city of Mosul, but it did refer to "Nineveh," the ancient name for the region where the city is located. Security researcher Charlie Winter points out this is a break from other ISIS propaganda, which has heavily emphasized the "Battle of Mosul." The Islamic State leader reminded his loyalists that "holding your ground in honor is a thousand times better than retreating in disgrace." The first Iraqi forces have actually entered the city and begun the battle to liberate it, reports Reuters. The tape was most likely recorded in the last few weeks, CNN says, because it addresses recent Turkish military actions. "Turkey today entered your range of action and the aim of your jihad," it says. "Invade it and turn its safety into fear." Al-Baghdadi also called for attacks against Saudi Arabia, and told followers who could not reach Iraq or Syria to travel to Libya, the Guardian reports. Al-Baghdadi's current whereabouts are unknown. (Read more ISIS stories.) (Newser) The community of Menomonie, Wisconsin, is reeling after a Saudi exchange student was beaten to death outside a local pizza restaurant, NBC News reports. Hussain Saeed Alnahdi, 24, was an exchange student studying business at University of Wisconsin-Stout. On Sunday at around 2am, he was attacked by an unknown assailant, described only as a white male about 6 feet tall, outside Toppers Pizza in downtown Menomonie. USA Today reports that the local community has pooled resources to offer a $20,000 reward for information about the killer, who remains at large. Local Saudi students said they expected that number to grow as families back in Saudi Arabia became aware of the reward pool. Menomonie police say they do not yet know the motive behind the attack, which they acknowledge could be a hate crime. Alnahdi's friendsboth Saudi and Americanwere distraught at the news. "He is one of the best friends I've ever had and life will be a little darker without him here to light it up," Alnahdi's roommate, Tommy Hutson, said. "If I ever spoke to someone that thought negatively of Saudis or Muslims I would tell them they needed to speak to Hussain and they would feel differently." For now, the university is arranging a memorial service Thursday night, while police continue their search for the attacker. (Read more Wisconsin stories.) (Newser) Vladimir Putin just took his bromance with Steven Seagal to a whole new level. The Russian leader has signed an executive order granting Seagal Russian citizenship, reports the BBC. A Kremlin rep says Seagal "was asking for citizenship persistently and for quite a long time," and his soft spot for Russiathe American actor once described Putin as "one of the greatest world leaders" and Russian's actions in Crimea as "very reasonable"helped make it possible, per the Guardian. Seagal, whose father was Russian, says he's "tremendously grateful" for the honor and plans to "work tirelessly" until the US and Russia are "best friends and allies," per TASS. (Read more Russia stories.) (Newser) Survivors say as many as 240 people have died in two shipwrecks off Libya, a UN refugee agency reported Thursday, bringing this year's toll to more than 4,220 migrants dead or missing in risky Mediterranean Sea crossings, the highest count on record. A spokesperson for UNHCR says 31 survivors of two shipwrecks who arrived on the southern Italian island of Lampedusa reported that the rubber dinghies they were traveling in had capsized Wednesday in heavy seas shortly after leaving Libya. The first dinghywhich carried around 140 people, including six children and about 20 women, some pregnantsank when wooden planks laid at the bottom broke, causing the dinghy to capsize 25 miles off the Libyan coast. Twenty-nine people were rescued, and 12 bodies were recovered. In a separate operation, two women found swimming at sea told rescuers that 128 other people had died in their wreck, the AP reports. UNHCR emphasized that the number of dead was an estimate. In both cases reported Thursday, most people on board appeared to have been sub-Saharan Africans. UNHCR said the increased number of deaths this year is partly due to the fact that smugglers are often using rubber dinghies, which are prone to deflating, capsizing, and losing people who fall overboard. In addition, more migrants are arriving with severe burns from being exposed to fuel mixed with sea water in the bottom of the dinghies. Smugglers are using rubber dinghies because they are cheaper and easier to obtain. (Read more migrants stories.) (Newser) The world's longest nonstop commercial flight is nearly 15 hours; the shortest, about eight minutes. CNN reports on the latter out of Europe, where the puddle jumper (water droplet jumper?) between Switzerland's St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport and Germany's Friedrichshafen Airport is a commuter fantasy come to life as of Wednesday. The 13-mile trip over Lake Constance, serviced by the People's Viennaline airlines, takes less time than it does to pound a Starbucks iced latte as the first part of a longer route to Cologne, Germany. A one-way ticket costs about $45, per Traveller. "This stopover will benefit both tourists and commuters working on both sides of the lake and, of course, it is also likely to become a must in every aviation enthusiast's logbook," the airline's CEO says. (CNN lists other remarkably short flights around the world.) Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High 7F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low near 0F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday demanded apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly lying to Armymen about One Rank One Pension scheme. Tweeting his dissent after being released from the RK Puram police station in New Delhi around midnight, Kejriwal accused PM Modi of false nationalism. Modiji lied that OROP has been implemented. Modiji should apologise to soldiers. Today Modijis false nationalism has been revealed, Delhi CM tweeted from his handle @ArvindKejriwal. aaaa aa aa aaa aaaa aa OROP aaaa aa aaaa aaaa aa aaaaaaa aa aaaaa aaaaaa aa aaaa aa aa aaaaaaa aaaaaYaaaaa aa aaa aaa aaaa Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 2, 2016 After more than four hours detention, Kejriwal left around midnight the R K Puram police station, following his detainment as he tried to meet the kin of ex-serviceman who allegedly committed suicide over the OROP issue, police said. Also read | OROP suicide row: High-voltage political drama, detentions and Section 144 at CP; here is what all happened Kejriwal was detained from Lady Hardinge Hospital around 7.45 PM and brought to the RK Puram police station in south District since there was no media or presence of political leaders there, police sources said. Police had asked him to go at around 8.45 PM but he refused to leave the police station. However, the Delhi CM denied the accusation as he claimed that he was asked by police to stay back. This is completely false. I have been asked to stay back. https://t.co/rMUeeehI4Q Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 2, 2016 Sources close to the Chief Minister said that the police initially allowed him to leave but detained him again. The police allowed us to leave but the chief minister expressed his desire to meet the family of the deceased ex-serviceman. He also told the pilot of the police patrol that he was proceeding to the Connaught Place Police Station, but he was again detained, a Kejriwal aide said. Kejriwal tweeted from the police station saying that Sisodia, who was detained at Parliament Street police station for close to ten hours and later released, had come to meet him. Manish reaches here at RK Puram PS where I am still detained, he had tweeted. Manish reaches here at RK Puram PS where i am still detained Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 2, 2016 The suicide by an army veteran over OROP on Wednesday snowballed into a huge political show with Rahul Gandhi, Kejriwal and other opposition leaders attacking the Modi government on the issue while there was high drama after police detained and prevented them from entering a hospital. Also read | In audio: 'I lived for my country', Ram Kishan Grewal told his son before committing suicide The Congress Vice President was detained twice and was finally released late in the evening as restrictions were put on Kejriwals movements before he was detained. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was kept in custody for close to 10 hours. Meanwhile, the ex-servicemens body was sent to his home town Bhiwani in Haryana after the postmortem. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The last rites of army veteran Ram Kishan Grewal who committed suicide over One Rank One Pension (OROP) issue has been completed near Bhiwani in Haryana on Thursday. Rahul Gandhi also attended the last rites ceremony. The suicide stormed huge political slugfest with detainment of leaders like Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Congress MLA Randeep Surjewala. Later, they were released from custody. The leaders were detained while they went to meet the family of deceased at RML hospital in Delhi. Meanwhile, the ex-servicemens body was sent to his home town Bhiwani in Haryana after the postmortem. As it happened: # Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announces Rs 1 crore to be given to Ram Kishan Grewal's family. # No harm in letting anyone meet the family of the victim(ex-serviceman), Police should have managed it in a better way: Satyapal Singh, BJP MP I think Delhi Police should have handled the situation better, they completely mishandled it: Satyapal Singh,BJP MP on detentions pic.twitter.com/GaUdOpxeKa ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 We have asked for a report (on Rahul Gandhi, Delhi CM, & Del Dy CM's detention) from Delhi Police: Hansraj Ahir, MoS Home #RamkishanGrewal pic.twitter.com/WyG8LEFI3k ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 How Delhi Police handles an issue on ground is according to the law & to their discretion, Ministers dont intervene: Kiren Rijiju, MoS Home pic.twitter.com/b47J9i1MP6 ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 # Haryana Transport Minister Krishan Lal Panwar announces Rs 10 lakh compensation to family of Ram Kishan Grewal & a job to 1 family member Bhiwani (Haryana): Last rites ceremony of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal underway pic.twitter.com/GoJhpyP40L ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 # Congress VP Rahul Gandhi reaches residence of Ram Kishan Grewal in Bhiwani (Haryana) Jo ahankar Cong ko leke dooba tha, inko (BJP) bhi wahi leke doobega: Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/qFcjrVpGQI ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 I dont mind being in police custody, but why did police take his family in custody: Arvind Kejriwal on Ram Kishan Grewal suicide case pic.twitter.com/ixock5XkCw ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 Bhiwani (Haryana): Last rites of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal to be performed today pic.twitter.com/9VS6BRCPde ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 Deepender Singh Hooda at ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Garehwal's residence in Bhiwani, Haryana. pic.twitter.com/SyMH92EXBN ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 # Double grieving happening here - one for their loss, other for what happened yesterday. Family should not have been manhandled: Derek O'Brien # Let's not only talk jargons. Let government do the real thing for our soldiers. My heartfelt condolences to family: Robert Vadra # Being so desperate to end his life, further the family being detained by authorities, really needs to be probed: Robert Vadra # Saddened to learn of the suicide of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal: Robert Vadra # Rahul Gandhi is on the way to Bhiwani, he is expected to be at Bamla village by 9:30 AM # If Rahul Gandhi or Mr. Kejriwal wanted to meet the family they should have been allowed: TMC Leader Derek O'Brien # Will go to their village and meet Ram Kishan ji's family there today: Kejriwal # TMC Leader Derek O'Brien reaches ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Garehwal's residence in Bhiwani, Haryana Forensic experts on Wednesday night conducted the postmortem of the body of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal. The body was sent to Lady Hardinge Hospital early on Wednesday morning from RML Hospital where he had died after being rushed there on Tuesday. He had allegedly consumed poison on the lawns of a government building in the heart of the national capital. "The postmortem began at around 9:30 PM and the report is currently with the hospital," a hospital source told PTI. Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday demanded apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly lying to Armymen about One Rank One Pension scheme. Tweeting his dissent after being released from the RK Puram police station in New Delhi around midnight, Kejriwal accused PM Modi of false nationalism. Also read: OROP suicide row: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal demands apology from PM Modi for lying to soldiers Modiji lied that OROP has been implemented. Modiji should apologise to soldiers. Today Modijis false nationalism has been revealed, Delhi CM tweeted from his handle @ArvindKejriwal. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday set off for his 'Vikas Rath Yatraa after it was flagged off by his father and Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.A Shivpal Yadav was also present at the flag off event to send a message of unity in the ruling party. aAll arrangements have been made. The yatra will be flagged off by aNetajia (Mulayam) and senior party leaders, party state president Shivpal Yadav will also remain present,a MLC Sunil Yadav Sajan, who is close to Akhilesh, told PTI on Wednesday. Here are the live updates: #CM Akhilesh Yadav's hi-tech rath breaks down after barely one km journey, work on to repair it.A In coming times I am sure that farmers, youth, everyone will support us for all the development that SP brings: Akhilesh Yadav pic.twitter.com/bkKCh1e5EG a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2016 This will be a historic beginning, we can see so much youth force. We are very positive about the elections: Dimple Yadav #VikasRathYatra pic.twitter.com/J6efNwhmL6 a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2016 #Samajwadi Party believes in global humanity, our party is socialist, says Mulayam Singh Yadav (Watch full video here) #India has strongest Army but we dont want a war between India and Pakistan : Mulayam Singh YadavA #Mulayam Singh takes the stage, pays tribute to parents of slain soldiers #WATCH: Clash erupted between SP workers in Lucknow ahead of UP CM Akhilesh Yadav's aVikas Rath Yatraa pic.twitter.com/ZTwFgduVP8 a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2016 #The youth with SP ideoogy will take us forwar, it is time to bring SP back to power: Akhilesh Yadav #Akhilesh Yadav takes a jibe at #BJP on #OROPSuicide #SP has joined people from all castes and creeds, this is why the rath is called Samajwadi Vikas Rath A Akhilesh Yadav #Vikas Rath Yatra should have started on Oct 3, but circumstances did not allow it: Akhilesh Yadav #Glad to toe the rath at the same place where Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) drove his rath : Akhilesh Yadav #UP CM Akhilesh Yadav speaks at "Vikas Rath Yatraa function in Lucknow #Shivpal Yadav wishes Akhilesh for a succesful campaign (Watch full video here) "Mai Akhilesh Yadav ko bhi shubh kaamnae dena chahata hu ki SP ki sarkar UP mei aaye" says Shivpal Yadav at aVikas Rath Yatraa function pic.twitter.com/it5tqcoKdR a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2016 #AkhileshA Yadav reaches the venue of aVikas Rath Yatraa function in Lucknow #Mulayam Singh Yadav & Shivpal Yadav reach the venue of aVikas Rath Yatraa function in Lucknow SP workers clash at the venue of aVikas Rath Yatraa function in Lucknow, workers injured in the scuffle. pic.twitter.com/XgEuQZS3hz a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2016 SP workers clash at the venue of aVikas Rath Yatraa function in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/oiXUCaHY2X a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2016 #SP workers clash at the venue of aVikas Rath Yatraa function in Lucknow (Watch full video here) UP CM Akhilesh Yadav to begin his aVikas Rath Yatraa from Lucknow pic.twitter.com/6CWGxnTIlx a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2016 The supporters of both Akhilesh and Shivpal factions are keeping an eye on the development and the entire route of yatra is dotted with hoardings, banners and colourful arches to welcome the aVikas Sey Vijay Taka rath yatra starting from here.A hoarding put up by a youth leader close to Shivpal says aShivpal kahey dil se, Akhilesh ka abhishek phir sea (Shivpal says from his heart to make Akhilesh CM again), while some others only highlight Akhileshas achievements. aThe hoardings put up by the leaders show the state of confusion in the party. Itas visible on roads. We wish this confusion to end with the start of this yatra,a a senior SP leader said. A cavalcade of over 5,000 SUVs and trucks will seek to send a message to the party leadership that 43-year-old Akhilesh is the amost acceptablea face of SP. The pro-CM camp, which has expelled SP leaders, is working overtime to make it one of the biggest political shows of recent times, coming close on the heels of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhias month-long Deoria-to-Delhi akisan yatraa. Another gala event is scheduled for Saturday to mark SPas silver jubilee. (With PTI Inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Art of Living (AOL) Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar vowed to build 27 schools burnt in Kashmir, the spiritual leader took to Twitter to make this announcement. Educational system has suffered major setback since the unrest broke in the Kashmir valley, after the killing of 21-year old Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. At least 25 school have been set ablaze by the protesters in the last three months in the valley. In October, a private school, Iqra Public School, was set on fire by unknown men at Batgund, Dooru in south Anantnag district. According to officials of State Educational department, at least 25 schools have been set on fire in the last three months and the unrest has affected more than 4500 students studying in these schools. Taking the note of the situation, earlier the Jammu and Kashmir High court has also directed the police and civil administration to make sure that the civilians remain protected as there is surge in the number of schools were being burnt in the Valley triggering outrage. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival and celebrated every year with full elation in Northern states of India. The grand Chhath Puja pays reverence to Sun God for sustaining life and energy on earth. In this festival of penance and prayers, people worship the rising sun and setting, symbolic of death and rebirth. Chhath Puja is deemed as the festival of compassion and forgiveness. It is believed that by worshipping the sun during Chhath, worshippers are bestowed with prosperity, progress and well-being. It is also said to cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends and elders. Chhath is also known as Suryasasthi because it is observed after the six days of Deepawali. It is observed by people for a period of four days. The rituals connected with Chhath Puja include fasting, holy bathing, and abstaining from even having food and drinking water. Chhath Puja Legends Chhath Puja is immersed deeply into several folklores and these myths speak clearly about this festival. Rigveda describes some traditions that are akin to the customs of Chhath Puja. The great epic Mahabharata also showcases descriptions of Draupadi, the wife of Pandavas observing same rituals suggested by sage Dhaumya to get back the lost empire of Pandavas. A myth also mentions that Chhath Puja was started by Karna to please his father Sun God. As per Hindu legends, it is also believed that rishis used to perform this holy Puja to get energy from sun directly rather than other sources. Shakya Dwipi Brahmins The mythological connections to this festivity are many. This puja was first done by the Shakya Dwipi Brahmins; this is why it is still celebrated in areas that are dominated by them. Rig Veda In the Rig Veda there is a detailed procedure mentioned on this festival. The rishis would follow this festival very closely. They would worship sun god and stop taking any external food stating that they will get the energy directly from the lord of Sun. They would fast for days and after doing the puja they would break the fast. Slowly it became a major festival for the common man as it is today. For all the Latest Lifestyle News, Others News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Kathmandu : President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday held talks with his Nepalese counterpart Bidya Devi Bhandariand other top leaders to strengthen Indo-Nepal relations that had been strained over the issue of promulgation of the new Constitution. Mukherjee who is in Nepal for a 3-day state visit has recently said Nepal can look at India's experience of Constitution making but it is for Kathmandu to decide if any lessons can be drawn from it. Mukherjee, who earlier arrived at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal for a three-day state visit -- the first by an Indian President in 18 years, told his Nepalese counterpart Bidya Devi Bhandari that Nepal can "look at Indian experience at Constitution making but it is for Nepal to draw lessons from it," Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said. Mukherjee also appreciated that Constitution amendment process has progressed in Nepal, Jaishankar told. Confirming that the issue of Nepalese Constitution was discussed during Mukherjee's meeting with Bhandari, Jaishankar said, "Essentially what the President said during these meetings was look at India's experience. India's experience was to take an inclusive approach towards Constitution making and to carry all sections of the population and that this is a painstaking process. "It takes a lot of effort, it takes a lot of debate, it takes a lot of consultation." The promulgation of the Constitution last year had led to a strain in ties with Madhesis, who are largely of Indian-origin, leading to a nearly six-month-long protest over better representation in the Parliament and the federal structure of the new Constitution. Their blockade had caused strain in bilateral ties, with Kathmandu accusing New Delhi of imposing an "unofficial blockade" which India had categorically denied. Jaishankar said India is supportive of the proposed amendments in the Constitution to meet the grievances of a section of population which perhaps feel their interests are not being fully taken care of. "As a neighbour, as a well wisher, as a unique partner what we are saying is this is our experience please look at it and if you feel there are lessons to be drawn that is something the Nepali side needs to reflect on," Jaishankar quoted President Mukherjee as saying during his meetings with Nepali leaders. Nepal had adopted a democratic Constitution in September 2015 in which four major demands of Madhesis--seats in the Parliament based on population, their representation in government proportional to their population, provincial demarcation, and equal citizenship for women marrying Nepali men were not included, he said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New York: A proposed UN resolution would demand all parties in Yemen to immediately honor April cease-fire and resume peace negotiations. The draft Security Council resolution also calls for transparent and timely investigations of alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and accountability for those responsible for violations and abuses. Britain's UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft has recently said he expects to circulate the draft to the council "in the coming days." It was first published by Inner City Press. The UN special envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, has drafted a roadmap covering political and security issues. It was immediately rejected by President Abed-Rabbo Mansour Hadi of Yemen's internationally recognized government who would lose power under its provisions. "We hope he will now receive it, and engage on it in good faith," Rycroft told the council during a meeting on Yemen on Monday, adding that all parties should "return to negotiations on the basis of the roadmap and in a spirit of compromise." Yemen, on the southern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, has been in the midst of a civil war since September 2014 when Shiite Houthi rebels swept into the capital of Sanaa and overthrew Hadi's government. In March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition of Arab countries began a military campaign against Houthi forces, saying its mission served in part as a counterbalance to Iran's influence with the Houthis following its nuclear deal with world powers. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Islamabad: Pakistani media on Thursday named at least eight staffers at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and accused them of carrying out anti-Pakistan activities, in the latest tit-for-tit action amid raging Indo-Pak tensions. After Pakistan pulled out six of its officials in the wake of a spy scandal involving staffers of its High Commission in New Delhi, sources in the External Affairs Ministry yesterday said India was mulling withdrawal of eight of its diplomats as their security has been completely compromised. However, Pakistani media today identified at least eight Indian staffers and accused them of anti-Pakistan activities. The latest tit-for-tit naming of officials coincided with raging tension between India and Pakistan following the Uri terror attack and Indias retaliatory surgical strikes across the LoC that pushed the bilateral ties to a new low. Also read | Espionage row: Pakistan recalls 6 high commission staffers from Delhi First two Indian officials were named on Wednesday afternoon but by late night, the number soared to eight. The Dawn reported that the alleged Indian intelligence personnel, whose cover was blown off in the media leak include commercial counsellor Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri, first secretary, press and culture Balbir Singh, first secretary, commercial Anurag Singh, visa attache Amardeep Singh Bhatti, visa assistants Dharmedra, Vijay Kumar Verma and Madhavan Nanda Kumar, and assistant, personnel welfare office Jayabalan Senthil. The media leak claimed that the officials were working for either RAW or for the Indian Intelligence Bureau.The names have, however, not been officially confirmed by the Foreign Office. According to the information leaked to the media, the Indian agents were found to be involved in subversive activities, including attempts to disrupt the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and create fear and chaos in the country.They are also alleged to have been building a network of informants within Pakistan and fabricating evidence for tarnishing the country. The Dawn said these Indian officials could be declared persona non-grata by Pakistani authorities in the coming days or India might withdraw them. Meanwhile, the withdrawn Pakistani officers and staffers reached Lahore on Wednesday. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Mohini Sharma Mane, who is a business woman by profession is all set to represent India on the global platform for the 2016 Mrs World title contest to be held in Korea on Friday. 28-year-old Mohini was crowned Mrs India World this year in May. Designer Masumi Mewawala has exclusively worked on her finale gown and the traditional attire which will be unique and represent the soul of India. Mohini, says it wasnt an easy journey for her as balancing family, work and the pageant preparations has been a task. But she feels extremely happy to be able to manage all and represent India on a global platform. It has been an extremely joyful journey so far. I feel every small preparation has made me learn so much. I cant wait to represent my country on an international platform. This was always my dream and finally Im seeing it come true. I look forward to all of yours support and love, Mohini said in a statement. Mohini is currently running two schools in Bombay besides helping her husband in his construction business. She is also closely associated with (CPAA) Cancer Patients Aids Association. Bhiwani (Haryana): Amid tight security, ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal, whose alleged suicide over one rank, one pension triggered a political storm, was on Thursday cremated in his native village in Haryana which was flocked by political leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Grewals eldest son Dilawar lit the pyre at around noon in the presence of a large number of people who had gathered from nearby areas in Bamla, 20 kms away from Bhiwani. The 70-year-old ex-serviceman, who was a former sarpanch of his village, committed suicide by consuming poison at a park in New Delhi on Tuesday evening. The incident snowballed into a political row yesterday with the Congress Vice President, Kejriwal and other opposition leaders attacking the Modi government on the issue while there was high drama that continued late into the night after police detained and prevented them from entering a hospital in Delhi where Grewals body was kept. Also read: As it happened Tight security arrangements were on Thursday in view of the events in New Delhi. Rahul, who travelled by road, spent a few minutes with the grieving family members of Grewal. He had to jostle with the crowd to reach the family members of Grewal as slogans of Ram Kishan amar rahe rented the air. Other Congress leaders including former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Haryana Congress President Ashok Tanwar, Leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Kiran Chaudhary, Selja and Kuldip Bishnoi werea also present. Also read: In audio: 'I lived for my country', Ram Kishan Grewal told his son before committing suicide Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Randeep Singh Surjewala and TMCs Derek O Brien also reached the village. Kejriwal, who was detained for four hours by Delhi Police last night from Lady Hardinge Hospital when he tried to meet the kin of ex-serviceman, was also among those present at the cremation of Grewal. BJP MPs Rattan Lal Kataria and Dharambir Singh and Haryana minister Krishna Lal Panwar were among those who spent some time with the family members of the deceased and later left the venue. Police said Grewal along with some other ex-servicemen was in the process of submitting a memorandum to the Defence Ministry over the issue of OROP. According to his friends, Grewal had been upset over the issue for some time. Grewal had gone to Delhi with three of his friends from Bhiwani in the intervening night of October 31 and November 1. On Tuesday evening, he allegedly consumed poisonous tablets. One of his friends called the police at 100 and the police personnel immediately took him to RML hospital. Unfortunately, he died after a few hours, police said. In his last phone conversation with his son Pradeep, Grewal said injustice is being done with jawans. I wanted to fight this (OROP) battle...now it is up to the jawans what they do, he said. Subedar Grewals suicide has been used by the opposition parties to accuse the Modi government of failing to implement the OROP, an issue which remained pending for about 40 years during the Congress regime. Grewal is survived by his widow, five sons and two daughters. He served in the Army for six years in the Infantry Battalion and then served the Defence Security Force for 31 years. He retired in 2004 after attaining Subedar rank. He became Sarpanch of the village in 2006. One of his sons is Havildar in army and the eldest son is in Haryana police. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Centre has imposed anti-dumping duty on imports of steel wire rods from China to protect domestic manufacturers from cheap in-bound shipments. The Department of Revenue in a notification has recently said anti-dumping duty is being imposed for six months on import of wire road of alloy or non-alloy steel from China. The measure follows recommendation by the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) that steel wire road was being exported by China "below the normal value" and "the domestic industry has suffered material injury" because of such imports. In its September 27 finding, the DGAD also stated that "the injury has been caused by the dumped imports of the subject goods" from China. An anti-dumping duty equivalent to the difference between the landed value of steel products and USD 499 per tonne will be imposed on products exported by Minmetals Yingkou Medium Plate Co Ltd. In case of other producers, the anti-dumping duty would be the difference between the landed value and USD 538 per tonne, the notification said. State-owned Steel Authority of India, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam, Usha Martin and JSW Steel had jointly filed the application to probe the dumping of these products from China. In its findings, DGAD concluded that the product has been exported to India at "below the normal value" due to which "the domestic industry has suffered material injury". "The authority recommends imposition of provisional anti-dumping duty... so as to remove the injury to the domestic industry," DGAD had said. Imports of these steel products have drastically increased to 4,95,732 tonnes during the period of investigation (July-December 2015) from 1,60,582 tonnes in 2012-13. India has already slapped anti-dumping duty on certain cold-rolled flat steel products from four nations, including China and South Korea. While the DGAD recommends the duty to be levied, the finance ministry imposes it. For all the Latest Business News, Economy News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Leh: A face-off between the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Chinaas People's Liberation Army (PLA) along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Leh districtas Demchok area has been reported, a top government official has told a leading national daily. The report said that the face-off began Wednesday afternoon. The Chinese Army, which has now come close to the Indian asidea along the LAC, has refused to go back, it said. The report said that China is objecting to a civilian project which is underway in the border areas. This comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with ITBP jawans in Uttrakhandas Mana, which is the last village on the Indian side along the border with China. aThey came on Wednesday afternoon and stayed till the night. They returned and came back this morning again. It's an eyeball-to-eyeball situation there,a said the official. #EasternLadakh. No Chinese incursion across LAC. Issues relating construction projects on both sides of LAC being resolved in BPM: Army a ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon in Demchok sector, located 250 km east of Leh, where the work for linking a village with aHot springa was being undertaken under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). Around 55 Chinese troops arrived at the scene and halted the work in an aggressive manner, prompting the army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP) personnel to rush to the spot and stop the high-handedness of Chinese troops, official sources said on Thursday. The Chinese troops took positions on the perceived Line of Actual Control (LAC) and demanded that work be stopped as either side needs to take permission before undertaking any work, a claim disputed by the Indian side which says that as per the agreement between the two countries, information about construction needs to be shared only if it was meant for defence purposes. Both sides pulled out banners and have been stationed on the ground, the sources said, adding the Army and ITBP was not allowing the Chinese to move an inch ahead despite the PLA claiming that the area belonged to China. The area had witnessed a similar incident in 2014 after it was decided to construct a small irrigation canal at Nilung Nalla under the MNREGA scheme that had been a sore point with the Chinese. The PLA had mobilised villagers from Tashigong to pitch Rebos (tents) at Charding-Ninglung Nallah (CNN) Track Junction to protest Indian action. This time, the sources said, there were 55 personnel from the Chinese PLA whereas nearly 70 personnel from ITBP and army had fortified the area and prevented their march deeper into Indian territory, the sources said. The aHot Springa is different from the one in Chashool where Police day is observed in memory of 10 CRPF men killed in 1959 by Chinese troops. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Haryana cabinet minister Anil Vij lashed out at opposition parties for politicising the suicide of an ex-armymen over implementation of the One rank one pension scheme. Vij said that the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are creating a furore over the matter to fulfil their political goals. Vij also said that Grewal should not be called a martyr. "Those who commit suicide should not be called martyrs," Vij said. The minister came down heavily on Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal who had declared an Rs one crore compensation for Grewal's family saying why didn't the AAP leader do the same for Uri martyrs. Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar too echoed Vij's comments saying a true soldier cannot end his life and Grewal's suicide should be probed. However, Khattar said that the government would provide every possible help to the family of the slain soldier. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A day after the alleged suicide of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal over the implementation of 'one ran, one pension' scheme created a political furore in the Capital, defence minister Manohar Parrikar said on Thursday that problems of one lakh army veterans will be resolved within two months. "One lakh 1 lakh army veterans are yet to get full benefit of OROP. There is some technical issue in it. We will soon sort out the paperwork," news agency ANI quoted Parrikar as saying. Parrikar said that the issue will be resolved within the time frame of two months. Earlier in the day, ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal was on Thursday cremated in his native village in Haryana which was flocked by political leaders including Congres vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. Grewals eldest son Dilawar lit the pyre at around noon in the presence of a large number of people who had gathered from nearby areas in Bamla, 20 kms away from Bhiwani. Grewal's death triggered a political row on Wednesday when Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal and other opposition leaders targeted Narendra Modi government holding it responsible for the army veteran's extreme step. (With inputs from PTI) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Bhiwani: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Thursday a compensation of Rs one crore for the family of ex-serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal who had allegedly committed suicide over the issue of 'One Rank, One Pension' (OROP). Kejriwal made the announcement at Grewal's village Bamla in Haryana where he attended the army veteran's cremation. Amid high drama, Kejriwal was detained by the Delhi Police on Wednesday when he ried to meet Grewal's family. "I want the people to take his fight forward. We will fight till our last breath and snatch OROP from the Centre. Our soldiers deserve what is their due," Kejriwal told reporters. On allegations that AAP was politicising the issue, Kejriwal said, "Yes, we are doing politics. We are doing politics to grant our soldiers their rights while Modiji is doing politics to take those rights away." Under the AAP government's compensation policy, the families of martyrs who are residents of Delhi are given Rs one crore. Kejriwal has been repeatedly urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement the same across the country. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and other political leaders also attended Grewal's funeral. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A leading Hindi news channel was on Thursday ordered by the government to be taken off air for a day after an inter-ministerial panel constituted by the I&B ministry recommended this action over the broadcasters coverage of the Pathankot terror attack in January. Meanwhile, NDTV has issued a statement on order against the Hindi channel NDTV India, which reads: "The order of the MIB has been received. It is shocking that NDTV has been singled out in this manner. Every channel and newspaper had similar coverage. In fact NDTV's coverage was particularly balanced. After the dark days of the emergency when the press was fettered, it is extraordinary that NDTV is being proceeded against in this manner. NDTV is examining all options in this matter." An interministerial panel had concluded that the channel NDTV India had revealed crucial and strategically sensitive information when the terror attack on an IAF base was being carried out, official sources said. The Information and Broadcasting ministry while invoking the powers under the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act said it orders to prohibit the transmission or re-transmission of NDTV India channel for one day on any platform throughout India with effect from 00:01 hrs on 9th November,2016 till 00:01 hrs of 10th November, 2016. This is the first ever such order against a TV channel over its coverage of a terror attack, the norms regarding which were notified last year. Efforts were made to reach the channel for its comments, but they did not fructify. The matter pertains to the channels coverage of the Pathankot attack where the committee felt that crucial information that was aired could have been readily picked by terrorist handlers and had the potential to cause massive harm not only to the national security, but also to lives of civilians and defence personnel. When the operation was on in January this year, the channel allegedly revealed information on the ammunition stockpiled in the airbase, MIGs, fighter-planes, rocket-launchers, mortars, helicopters, fuel-tanks etc which was likely to be used by the terrorists or their handlers to cause massive harm, the sources said. The sources said that as the content appeared to be violative of the programming norms, a show-cause notice was issued to the channel in January this year. In its reply, the channel replied that it was a case of subjective interpretation and that most of the information they had put out was already in public domain in print, electronic and social media. The committee, however, observed that the channel appeared to give out the exact location of the remaining terrorists with regard to the sensitive assets in their vicinity in their telecast in real time. The panel expressed grave concern that this was a matter of national security and that the channel had revealed sensitive details like location of ammunition depot viz-a-viz the space where the terrorists were holed up, location of school and residential areas. Such crucial information could have been readily picked by their handlers, which had the potential to cause massive harm not only to the national security, but also to lives of civilians and defence personnel, the committee said as per the order. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi was on Thursday detained at Delhias Jantar Mantar during candle-light march for ex-serviceman Kishan Grewal, who allegedly committed suicide over OROP on Tuesday. Police escorted Rahul Gandhi away from the protest siteA due to security concerns. Here are the Live updates: #What wrong did Rahul Gandhi do that he was detained three times in the last 24 hours?: Randeep Singh Surjewala, CongressA #Ye Modiji ka naya Hindustan hai: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi after being released by police post 2 hour detention #If they can't accept the complaint of a MP, how will they accept the complaint of a common man?: Rahul Gandhi #Tried to give in a complaint in the police station, but the police said we can't accept it: Rahul Gandhi #Rahul's aide Kanishk Singh files complaint at Tughlak road police station that Rahul Gandi has been kidnaped by police. Complaint has been filedA under IPC 340, 346, 375, 350, 365: Sources #Delhi Police has abducted Rahul Gandhi & taken him where? We're trying to lodge a complaint; Itas worse than emergency: Jitendra Singh, Congress #Rahul Gandhi taken from Feroz Shah Road in the PCR van Congress workers stage a protest against the detention of party VP Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/QKFLSImOGr a ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 #Congress leaders stage a protest against the detention of party VP Rahul Gandhi in Delhi Here is what Rahul Gandhi said after detention: #Clash between police and Congress workers protesting over Rahul Gandhi's detention in Delhi #Mai toh yahan baitha rahunga, mujhe koi fark nahi padta..main khush hoon #It's almost half an hour and we are still here in the car. Way the family was treated and dragged, Govt should apologise for it #Have been inside car for past half an hour, not letting us out; nt even taking us to PS; was told we were removed bcz of Sec144 #We are asked to remain in the car by police, they are not telling where are they going to take us now On Wednesday, the alleged suicide of an army veteran over the OROP issue snowballed into a huge political showdown in the capital with Rahul Gandhi being detained twice by Delhi police amid high drama. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was also detained. The Congress immediately latched on to the issue after reports of the suicide came in the morning with party leaders taking to the streets. Rahul Gandhi went to RML Hospital to meet the bereaved family and express his condolences, but was taken into custody and kept at Mandir Marg police station. He was again detained at the Tilak Marg police station and released late at night. Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia also met similar fate. #WATCH: Rahul Gandhi speaks to ANI after detention from protest site,says 'have been in car for past half an hour,police not letting us out' pic.twitter.com/sCBt2XNmDG a ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 Ex serviceman Ram Kishan Grewal suicide case: Congress VP Rahul Gandhi detained by police on his arrival at the protest site in Delhi a ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Delhi: Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal joined the protests at Jawaharlal Nehru University campus in Delhi on Thursday. Kejriwal, while attending a solidarity meeting at the JNU campus, lashed out at the BJP saying that its leaders are not loyal to anyone, not even to their fathers. "Ye BJP wale kisi Hindu ke nahi hain, ye apne baap ke bhi nahi hain," ANI quoted Kejriwal as saying. Kejriwal said that the JNU vice-chancellor is not acting to trace Najeeb as he is "scared" of going "missing" himself if he did so. The chief minister said Najeeb, who has been missing for over two weeks now, will come back only when Prime Minister Narendra Modi could be made to realise that he is losing votes over the issue. Kejriwal, who has had frequent run-ins with the Delhi Police, said it will not dare to pursue any investigation in this regard as RSS' students' wing ABVP was involved in the brawl following which Najeeb went missing. "Whoever will raise any voice against RSS, ABVP or BJP will be called anti-national, will go missing," the AAP chief said. Kejriwal also wondered why no one from the ABVP who was part of the campus brawl been questioned by the Police. Kejriwal said he has written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and will take a delegation to President Pranab Mukherjee when he returns from his Nepal visit. Earlier, the JNU administration appealed to students and teachers to "discourage obstructive politics and protests" on the campus as it was hampering the smooth functioning of the university and "unreasonable" demands are being raised through demonstrations. The appeal by the authorities came in the wake of protests by various student groups and teachers for the last two weeks over Najeeb's case. Najeeb (27), a student of School of Biotechnology and a native of Badaun in Uttar Pradesh, went missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with the members of ABVP the night before. Congress leaders Mani Shankar Aiyar and Shashi Tharoor also attended the meeting. (With inputs from agencies) Thiruvananthapuram: A 33-year-old woman, who was allegedly gang raped by four persons including a local CPI(M) leader two years ago, Thursday sought the state governments help for justice through the media. The victim and her husband, who addressed the media here with their faces covered, said the accused continued to taunt the woman about the horrifying incident, threatening that the video footage of the ghastly act would be made public. The harassment has increased now, the victim said. The woman, a mother of two, also complained about the insensitive and indecent manner in which the police questioned her about the incident. When contacted, Peramangalam police said the woman had filed a complaint in August this year in which, she named the four accused, including CPI(M) Wadakancherry Municipal Council member Jayanthan, adding that the probe in the case was on. The woman said her family members were living in fear since the incident which occurred in 2014. I have not done anything wrong. The accused are walking free and I am the one who is being made to feel ashamed, she said. The woman said two years ago, when her husband was away, the four accused, including Jayanthan who was his friend, came to her house in Thrissur district claiming that her husband was taken to a hospital as he had met with an accident. She went with them thinking that she was being taken to the hospital, but instead, they allegedly took her to a secluded place and took turns to rape her. She also alleged that the police as well as politicians had tried to force her to withdraw her original complaint and change her statement. Besides Jayanthan, she alleged that his brother and two others had gang raped her, recorded the act and were still threatening her saying the footage would be made public. The woman said though she had earlier filed a complaint in 2015, she was forced to withdraw it later after the accused threatened to kill her children. They held my husband in a car as I went to file a fresh statement before the magistrate, she said. The incident came to light after the couple approached actor and activist Bhagyalakshmi, who narrated the incident in one of her Facebook posts which became viral. Bhagyalakshmi said when she met the couple two weeks ago, they were in a state of shock and on the verge of committing suicide. But, continued counselling helped them overcome their fear to a certain extent. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Amid the stand-off between India and China in Ladakh, the Iandian Air Forces C-17 Globemaster aircraft on Thursday landed close to the border with China. The C-17 Globemaster jet landed at Mechuka Advanced Air Landing Ground, situated just 29 km from the border in Arunachal Pradesh at an elevation of 6200 feet. Landing on the 4,200-foot runway, the jet demonstrated the ability of the Indian Air Force to reach the remotest parts of the country. The face-off between India and China took place on Wednesday afternoon in Demchok sector, located 250 km east of Leh, where the work for linking a village with Hot spring was being undertaken under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). Around 55 Chinese troops arrived at the scene and halted the work in an aggressive manner, prompting the army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP) personnel to rush to the spot and stop the high-handedness of Chinese troops, official sources said on Thursday. WATCH: Indian Air Force lands C-17 Globemaster at Mechuka (Arunachal Pradesh) at an elevation of 6200 feet pic.twitter.com/QZWQtw5QlV ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 ALSO READ | Chinese troops in stand-off with ITBP along LAC in Leh's Demchok; China objecting to civilian project in border areas The Chinese troops took positions on the perceived Line of Actual Control (LAC) and demanded that work be stopped as either side needs to take permission before undertaking any work, a claim disputed by the Indian side which says that as per the agreement between the two countries, information about construction needs to be shared only if it was meant for defence purposes. Both sides pulled out banners and have been stationed on the ground, the sources said, adding the Army and ITBP was not allowing the Chinese to move an inch ahead despite the PLA claiming that the area belonged to China. The area had witnessed a similar incident in 2014 after it was decided to construct a small irrigation canal at Nilung Nalla under the MNREGA scheme that had been a sore point with the Chinese. The PLA had mobilised villagers from Tashigong to pitch Rebos (tents) at Charding-Ninglung Nallah (CNN) Track Junction to protest Indian action. This time, the sources said, there were 55 personnel from the Chinese PLA whereas nearly 70 personnel from ITBP and army had fortified the area and prevented their march deeper into Indian territory, the sources said. The Hot Spring is different from the one in Chashool where Police day is observed in memory of 10 CRPF men killed in 1959 by Chinese troops. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Kolkata: Internet and tech giant Google has tied up with Archaelogical Survey of India (ASI) for 360 degree virtual tour of 280-odd monuments across the country, an official of the company said. "We have a tie-up with ASI for 360 degrees virtual tour of 280 monuments across the country of which 30 are in West Bengal," Sanket Gupta, programme manager of Google Maps told reporters here. He said ASI had given the permission to Google for creating the virtual tour, which would be available in the maps. Some of the major monuments are Taj Mahal, Victoria Memorial and the ruins of Hampi, he said, adding eight were from Kolkata. He said Google has launched an array of products in India like offline view of maps, live traffic alerts and inclusion of unknown places on the maps by local guides. Asked about Google Street View, Gupta said that authorities at the central and state levels were denying permission. "In India we are trying to work with the state and central levels for allowing Street View," he said, adding neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka had allowed the same. Gupta said one billion people across the globe were using Google maps and India was among the top five. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A head constable, posted at the PCR unit of Delhi police, was allegedly stabbed by a drunken man who was creating nuisance with his friends in southeast Delhi's Molarband area, police said on Thursday, adding that five persons were arrested in connection with the incident. The incident was reported on the intervening night of November 1 and 2 when head constable Sanjay Meena and constable Tara Chand had gone to Molarband's Mohan Baba Nagar following a PCR call regarding a quarrel, police said. When the PCR vehicle reached there, they found a car parked near Cosmos School with a few men sitting inside. Meena got off the vehicle and asked them if anyone had made a PCR call. One of them got out of the car and allegedly told Meena, "I am Amit Pali, a baddie of the area." Pali's accomplices joined him and allegedly started abusing and even roughing up Meena. Meanwhile, Tara Chand too joined Meena and was beaten up by the men. One of the men allegedly took out a knife and stabbed Meena in the stomach and thigh. All of them tried to flee from the spot but Pali was apprehended by the two policemen. The cops alerted Badarpur police station and more personnel arrived at the spot. Meena was rushed to a hospital where he was still undergoing treatment. Police said he was out of danger and will be discharged from the hospital soon. Pali told the police about his other accomplices -- Jitu, Aadil, Atul and Ravi, police said, adding that it was Jitu who had stabbed Meena. All the arrested men had criminal records, police said. New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi was on Thursday detained for the third time in two days. Delhi Police picked him up from Jantar Mantar to prevent him from leading a protest march over the suicide of an ex-serviceman, allegedly due to his grievances in implementation of OROP. Around 7 PM, Rahul was whisked away by police, first to 5 Firoz Shah Road and later to Tughlak Road Police Station where he was kept for over one hour. The police action triggered sharp reactions from the Congress leadership which accused the Narendra Modi government of making a mockery of democracy and likened the situation to an undeclared Emergency. Speaking to reporters after his release, Rahul claimed police refused to lodge his complaint over his detention. If police refuses to accept the complaint of an MP, imagine the plight of the common man. How will they accept their complaints? Yeh Modi ji ka naya Hindustan hai (This is the new India of Modi, Rahul said. HIGHLIGHTS | Rahul Gandhi released after being detained during protest march Police sources claimed that Rahul wanted to lodge a complaint of kidnapping against it, however, he later changed his mind. Police also claimed that Rahul refused to get off the police vehicle at Firoz Shah Road, forcing them to take him to Tughlak Road Police Station. Rahul Gandhi was detained at Tolstoy Marg when he continued his candle march towards India Gate in spite of repeated requests not to proceed. He along with other leaders was brought to police station, Tuglak Road, and were released, police said in a statement. The police action enraged Congress leadership, prompting former Union minister Salman Khurshid, former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala and DPCC chief Ajay Maken to hit out at the Centre, under which the Delhi police functions. Earlier, confusion prevailed on whether Rahul was detained or not as police kept on claiming that the Congress leader was not detained but merely taken away from the protest site keeping his security in mind. Rahul, however, claimed in a tweet: Was detained by Delhi police and taken away from Jantar Mantar. Police vehicle was stopped at 5, Feroze Shah Road, enroute to Tughlak Road PS, he tweeted. At Firoz Shah Road, Rahul told reporters, I have only one thing to say that the way the family was treated was wrong and it may affect the morale of the army. The police should at least apologise to the family. Prime Minister should apologise to the family, accept what he did was wrong and deliver OROP. The Prime Minister should act on 7th pay commission. He lied that OROP has been implemented. Thats why the gentleman killed himself. His family was disrespected and humiliated, he said. A police official said the action was taken keeping Rahuls security in mind as the crowd at Jantar Mantar was swelling by the minute. On Wednesday, Rahul was detained twice when he went to meet the family of Ram Kishan Grewal, who committed suicide over the non-implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP). It is a chaotic disruption for civil liberties. Delhi Police is behaving like a headless chicken, unclear about its duty, unclear about its authority. This whole episode is a mockery of democracy, Surjewala said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A militant believed to be the member of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has been arrested from Tujjer area of Sopore town in J-K's Baramulla district on Thursday, police said. The militant named Umar was arrested during a joint search operation carried out by the J-K Police and 22 Rashtriya Rifles. The operation was conducted following a tip-off regarding the presence of 2-3 militants in the area. The latest arrest comes just a week after Indian forces nabbed two Jaish-e-Mohammad militants from the district on October and seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition from their possession. The security forces in the Valley are on high alert due to heightened tensions along the International Border and the Line-of-Control (LoC) where Pakistani troops are indulging in heavy shelling. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State has urged his fighters to hold their ground as Iraqi forces closed in on Mosul, the last urban stronghold of the dreaded terrorist group in the country. It was Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's first statement since Iraqi forces launched a massive offensive on October 17 to retake the city, where the IS chief declared the group's "caliphate" two years ago. Read: ISIS chief al-Baghdadi trapped by Iraqi forces inside Mosul "Do not retreat, holding your ground with honour is a thousand times easier than retreating in shame." Baghdadi said in a purported audio message released by an IS-affiliated group. To all the people of Nineveh, especially the fighters, beware of any weakness in facing your enemy, Baghdadi said, referring to the northern Iraqi province of which Mosul is the capital. Read: Iraq army force enter jihadist held Mosul If authentic, the recording entitled "This is what God and his messenger have promised us", would be Baghdadi's first since December 2015 and a rare sign of life. Read: ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi seriously ill after being poisoned, say reports Rumours have swirled about the Iraqi jihadist leader's health and movements but his whereabouts are unclear. In his latest message, which is undated but makes reference to events that are at most a few weeks old, Baghdadi also calls for attacks against Saudi Arabia - a favourite target - and Turkey. Baghdadi also said that his followers who could not travel to Syria or Iraq should aim for Libya and urged all IS fighters to remain united in adversity. (With inputs from PTI) For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Cincinnati, OH (45221) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 69F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear this evening then becoming cloudy after midnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 46F. Winds light and variable. DANBURY - A former New York man was sentenced to five years in prison Wednesday for a shooting that occurred blocks away from a city elementary school. Alexander Chadee-Sierra Jr., who had grown up in the Bronx but recently moved to Connecticut, previously plead guilty to first-degree assault after accepting a deal offered by Judge Susan Reynolds for five years in prison. Chadee-Sierra was originally charged with attempted murder for shooting a man who was visiting friends on Oct. 29, 2015, near the Mill Ridge Intermediate School. The victim survived the shooting, but has a bullet that will be lodged in his groin area for the rest of his life. Police said the victim was visiting friends when Chadee-Sierra arrived and summoned him outside. Just as he came outside, police said, Chadee-Sierra fired two shots, striking him once in the right leg. Several people were in the apartment at the time of the shooting, including a 4-year-old boy who was standing by the doorway, according to the police report. Witnesses told police that Chadee-Sierra was upset that his friends 17-year-old girlfriend was lying about her past with the victim, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Earlier that evening, Chadee-Sierra had been overheard saying, Ill shoot anybody. I dont care if I do 25 years to life, the affidavit said. The shooting, according to relatives of Chadee-Sierra, was out of character for a young man described as quiet and shy in his youth. My nephew comes from a hard working middle class family with solid values but even someome with love and support can make mistakes, the defendants aunt said during the sentencing hearing Wednesday in Superior Court. He wanted to move to Connecticut for a chance at a better life. Chadee-Sierras attorney, Michael Boyton, said it was ironic that his client had survived growing up in the Bronx, only to find himself in trouble when he moved to Connecticut. Judge Reynolds took issue with the characterization, noting that she grew up in the Bronx and spent more than 25 years in New York City. I am appalled at what you did, Reynolds said to Chadee-Sierra during the hearing. While the defendant said he hopes to go to college and get his life on the right path after he gets out of prison, Reynolds noted that the victim has a bullet that he will carry with him for the rest of his life. The victim, she added, also provided an impassioned letter to the court about how the shooting impacted not only himself but his entire family. As part of the sentencing, Reynolds ordered Chadee-Sierra to write a sincere letter of apology to the victim within the first 60 days of his prison sentence. I want to letter to show your remorse and that you appreciate the consequences of your actions, Reynolds said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate DANBURY - Friends and relatives of a combat veteran and father of two young children who was shot to death in New Jersey will hold a fundraising event in his honor this weekend. Those who knew Adam Sismour were shocked to learn that he was shot early Sept. 18 while sitting in his car in a residential neighborhood of Newark. Sismour, a graduate of Danbury High School, had moved to New Jersey three months before his death to take a new job in the pharmaceutical industry. Authorities have found no motive for the shooting, but Sismours relatives say police are making some progress in the case. I know it wont bring my son back, but I would like to see some justice for my son Adam, said his father, Richard Sismour. Its just not right whats happening in the cities today. In my mind Id like to believe it was a random shooting. Sismour, 34, was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps and served two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan before returning to Danbury. Several of the Marines Sismour served with attended his funeral. One of the Marines said Adam always had his back, and if it wasnt for my son he wouldnt be here today, the elder Sismour said. He will always be a hero in my heart. Like many soldiers returning from war, Sismour had struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder from the horrors he witnessed while serving his country. A lot of these guys come back and appear to be functioning normally, but inside they are struggling, Sismour said. Several of the Marines who attended the funeral, he added, have decided to meet on a semi-annual basis in Adams honor to discuss their experiences and ongoing issues they have as a result. Adam was always the kind of person who had a special way of connecting with people, his father said. During his funeral I met several people who had just met Adam a few weeks earlier during a cruise. While they only knew Adam for one week, they said he had made such an impact on their lives they had to be there for him. It was those kind of stories that made us laugh and cry and helped us get through this awful time. Relatives said the joy of Sismours life were his two young children, Olivia, who is 3, and Noah, 7. Both children are living with relatives in Connecticut. Adam Sismour told the News-Times ijn an interview six years ago that he hoped to start a good career so he could support his daughter, Olivia, then seven months old, who he said had played a pivotal role in his life. "Me and her mother are just blessed to have her," he told the News-Times. "I mean, she's beautiful and already has her own personality. She loves to laugh." Any opportunity I get to spend with Olivia, I'll take, no matter what," he added. " I just want to be able to see her grow up and be there for her." The fundraising event for Sismour is being held at Molly Darcys in Danbury 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday during the Pittsburgh Steelers game. Sismour was a huge Steelers fan, and worked for a time at Mollys after he returned from his most recent tour of duty overseas. Money raised through the event will be used to help Sismours two young children as well as to support veteran organizations in the region. dperrefort@newstimes.com Mitch Bolinsky has had the best interests of Newtown at heart while he has worked quietly behind the scenes these past four years representing the district. Having come to office shortly after the Sandy Hook tragedy, the 58-year-old Republican has advocated for mental health services for the community. Eva Bermudez Zimmerman, a 29-year-old community organizer who has lived in Newtown seven years, also understands the unique needs of the Newtown community and would continue the advocacy. Irelands fastest growing festival, BARE in the Woods, has announced a partnership with Mobstar the first mobile platform for global talent to offer Irish musicians and artists a chance to play at BARE in the Woods 2017. To be in with a chance to perform at the festival record a clip of you or your band and upload it to the BARE in the Woods category through the MobStar app. The clips will be reviewed by festival organisers and the selected acts will have the opportunity to play various BARE events throughout 2017. Additionally, acts who are chosen to play at BARE events via the MobStar app will have their music reviewed by music industry mentors. BARE in the Woods 2016 saw The Sugar Hill Gang headline a sold out festival at Garryhinch Woods for the third consecutive year. Mobstar is the first and largest open network of authentic music talent that will allow users and fans to immediately discover, share, engage, follow and directly support their favourite rising talent. Preparations are advanced to announce dates, ticket details and initial line-up announcements for BARE17, and fans of the festival had the opportunity to see some footage of this summers event (and an interview with The Sugar Hill Gang) on RTE1 Monday October 31, as the documentary Fleadhed Mo Bhig Fat Dirty Feile' went to air. When it comes to voter registration, my personal default setting tends to be Independent, with the option of switching to one of the major parties when an important primary contest comes along. This year is different, for party affiliation has become more important. Regard the sorry state of our state resulting from the one-party rule of Governor Malloy and his legislative majorities. According to The Mercatus Center, On the basis of its fiscal solvency in five separate categories, Connecticut ranks 50th among the US states and Puerto Rico. Per The Tax Foundation, Tax Freedom Day is the day when Americans have finally earned enough money to pay off their total tax bill for the year. In 2016, Connecticut taxpayers have to work until May 21st ... to pay their total tax bill. Put the other way, Connecticut taxpayers are Number One when it comes to how long they must work before their own earnings become their own earnings. Go Connecticut! India attaches highest priority to Nepal ties: Pranab Nepal,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Politics,Diplomacy, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS Kathmandu, Nov 3 (IANS) Indian President Pranab Mukherjee who is on a three-day state visit to Nepal, the first presidential visit from India in 18 years, said India has an abiding interest in peace, stability and development of Nepal and is committed to strengthening its partnership with the Himalayan neighbour. In an exclusive interview to The Kathmandu Post published on Thursday, Mukherjee said the two close neighbours share cultural traditions, geography and civilisational linkages that defined their unique bilateral ties. Mukherjee, who said his visit was aimed to "advance our close and multi-faceted partnership with Nepal further", skirted any comment on the unease that had crept in the bilateral ties last year over adoption of the new Nepalese constitution. Mukherjee, who arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday on the invitation of his Nepalese counterpart Bidhya Devi Bhandari, to a query on the current Nepal-India ties, said: "As it happens, in any relationship of this depth and intensity, there are times when we may have differing perceptions on certain aspects. But we do manage any such differences with sensitivity, goodwill and utmost understanding of each other's vital interests. "In my view, the current state of India-Nepal relations is excellent and both the governments are determined to work hard to meet the ever growing aspirations of our people for higher standards of living." Asked about India's position on Nepal's new constitution, Mukherjee said: "As a close neighbour, we are interested in peace, stability and progress of Nepal." He cited India's example, saying: "We have learnt from our own experience that sustainable socio-economic development can only be achieved in an environment of peace, stability and a participatory democracy, where every section of society is an equal stakeholder in the political processes and its outcomes. These lessons could be beneficial to Nepal as it embarks on its own path to democracy." To another question on criticism that India went "too far in expressing its displeasure" over the new constitution, and on the "undeclared border blockade", Mukherjee said: "Given our shared border, developments within Nepal can impact the flow of goods across it. But let us not forget that ours is a unique partnership, which is driven by extensive contacts between our two peoples. India has an abiding interest in peace, stability and development of Nepal. As close friends, we, therefore, welcome all efforts that lead to enduring peace and stability in Nepal. Our support and good wishes will always be there as Nepal moves forward towards a federal democratic republic." The Indian President said the central tenet of India's 'neighbourhood first' policy is close contacts and shared prosperity. He stressed that India's engagement with Nepal "will always be guided by the long-term interests of both nations. Going forward, I firmly believe that India and Nepal need to do more to work together for our common goal of development, peace, economic prosperity and well-being of our peoples". Mukherjee also outlined the bilateral projects being worked on, including the signing of a power trade agreement. He said India has begun exporting electricity to Nepal through a new transmission line and that bilateral trade has maintained a stable trajectory. Both sides are in the process of implementing an oil pipeline project between India and Nepal, which will be the first cross-border pipeline to be built in South Asia, he said. India and Nepal have also signed development agreements for two hydropower projects. To a question on the imbalance in trade, which is heavily tilted in India's favour, Mukherjee said both sides need to adopt policies that promote mutual investments, create jobs and contribute to national growth and both "can certainly do much more to facilitate business linkages between the two countries". Mukherjee also dispelled the notion that India views Nepal primarily through the prism of its security concerns, saying that "While India naturally has its interests, what guides us equally is the belief that these are in consonance with those of Nepal. It is a multi-dimensional perspective." He said "India is committed to moving ahead with Nepal, as per its priorities, on development and economic and connectivity projects, which will benefit the growth of trade, investments and movement of people." Mukherjee also avoided a direct answer to a question on a proposed trilateral cooperation between India, China and Nepal, saying India's age-old time-tested partnership with Nepal has its "own natural logic" and the open border between them "is its most unique characteristic". "We remain open to any ideas, which will be mutually advantageous and enable economic development and well-being of the people of Nepal," he added. On Saarc and the evolving sub-regional groupings, Mukherjee said that while India continues to attach importance to cooperation within the framework of Saarc, "no cooperation can take place in an environment of terror" - in reference to the cancelled Saarc summit in Islamabad over terrorism. He said Saarc needs to move forward under the framework of any regional or sub-regional organisation that is most suitable. "We do not want to get bogged down by the processes or formats." Mukherjee said: "India attaches the highest priority to its relations with Nepal. The two countries have vital stakes in each other's progress and well-being. India is committed to strengthening its partnership with Nepal and to extend all possible support for the all-round development of our excellent bilateral relations. As two sovereign nations, we wish to take forward our relationship on the basis of mutual trust and benefit. Also, India will remain a welcoming land for the people of Nepal." --IANS ksk/rn/vm Japanese parliamentarians visit PM Modi Delhi,National,Politics,Diplomacy, Thu, 03 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) A delegation of Japanese Parliamentarians led by Toshihiro Nikai, visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Modi welcomed the initiative undertaken by Toshihiro Nikai to raise awareness about the threat posed by tsunamis and sought strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the field of disaster risk reduction and disaster management, said an official release. Modi said that he was looking forward to his visit to Japan next week. India and Japan are likely to sign a civil nuclear cooperation agreement during his visit on November 11-12. During the discussion with the delegation, Modi recalled his interaction with the Japan-India Parliamentarians' Friendship League in September, and welcomed increased interaction between the legislatures of both countries. He called for strengthening exchanges between State-level legislatures. --IANS spk/vgu/vm Gogglebox Ireland has won over the nation with its wonderful mix of characters from all walks of life hailing from every corner of the country. We are sadly nearing the end of this current season, but no doubt there will be plenty more to come. In case you ever wondered just how exactly the show went about casting the Gogglebox families, why none of them have been doing any media interviews, why it seems like there are so many dogs in this Irish version or even just how many cups of tea they have drank, below are some utterly useless but interesting facts about Gogglebox Ireland. No. 1 Since the success of the Channel 4 series, there have been local versions of the show made in over 30 countries they include Australia, Canada, China, Ukraine, Italy, Poland, Israel, Germany, Finland, Norway, Belgium and France. No. 2 The USA has its own version of Gogglebox its called The Peoples Couch and broadcasts on Bravo. In Slovenia, the series is called God, Please Dont Let the TV Die, the name of a popular song in Slovenia. No. 3 Hundreds of people applied to be on Gogglebox Ireland but Series Producer Simon Proctor says; "Most of our households were found by our brilliant casting team who travelled to all parts of the country visiting shops, pubs, groups, events and clubs. And a lot of them had to be persuaded to do it and let cameras into their homes." No. 4 Fergal and Neal, the Tully Twins were approached at the Virginia Show in Cavan. No. 5 Friends Martin and Rory were found at a Bridge Convention. No. 6 The Ryans from Limerick were street cast at an antique fair in Birr.. No. 7 Paul and Paul from Youghal were found after a shout out in the Farmers Journal. No. 8 The Gruffertys in Kildare applied after hearing a radio callout. No. 9 Angela and Eileen were found at their Le Cheile Retirement club in Castleknock. No. 10 Eileens Michael T Higgins tea cosy has featured in all episodes bar one when he was on official state business. No. 11 On average, there are over 90 cups of tea and 7 packets of ginger nuts consumed per episode (plus the occasional wine and beer). No. 12 Our series features more pets than in any other country weve seen 9 dogs (Minnie, Max, Bonnie, Harley, Axel, Ozzie, Fudge, Kenny and Buddy) but just one cat, Tracies counter-loving but much-loved Bibby. No. 13 The Gogglebox format means that only programmes broadcast in the previous 7 days can feature in each episode. No. 14 As a rule, Gogglebox cast are not allowed to do any media interviews, whilst taking part in the show. No.15 The series theme tune, 'Perfect World', is performed by our very own Irish rock band Kodaline (and the Channel 4 version too). Other artists featured have included Divine Comedy, Imelda May, Derek Ryan, U2 and The Cranberries. Tune in to Gogglebox Ireland tonight at 9.30pm on TV3, where they are having a Halloween themed edition. Airports welcome commitments to passenger experience, competition MONTREAL, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Airports Council applauded Transport Minister Marc Garneau for measures announced today to improve the experience and competitive environment for Canadian air travellers, including a commitment to fix passenger security screening wait times at major air gateways. The trade association, which serves as the voice of Canada's airports community, applauded the government's commitment to establish a globally competitive service level standard and revitalized funding model for airport screening performed by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) a government crown corporation. "Security screening is a top priority for travellers. While CATSA plays an essential role in ensuring the safety and security of air travel, our passengers continue to express concern about long wait times in Canada compared to other international airports," said CAC Chair and Greater Toronto Airports Authority President and CEO, Howard Eng. "We are pleased the Minister is seized with this issue and we encourage the government to take steps quickly to improve security screening wait times to keep Canada globally competitive." Reforms to the provision and funding of screening have become a top concern of Canada's airports community. This is needed to support continued growth in passenger volumes up as high as 8% at some major gateways. While Canadian air travellers pay for security screening through the Air Travellers Security Charge on their tickets, CATSA receives only some of those funds as determined by annual federal budgets. At present, there is no service level standard and passengers can wait over an hour at some major gateway airports at peak travel periods. "Our colleagues at CATSA perform a difficult but vital function at Canada's airports. After the growing wait times of the past five years and with passenger volumes forecast to grow in the next decade, there has never been greater industry unity in the need to fix this core part of the passenger experience," said CAC President Daniel-Robert Gooch. "We look forward to working with Minister Garneau and his officials in the coming weeks and months on a permanent solution to support the ever-growing demand for all of the important services that CATSA performs at Canadian airports." Canada's airports and major air carriers have submitted to Minister Garneau a service level recommendation that would see 95% of originating passengers at the eight largest airports screened in under 10 minutes, and even quicker standards for connecting passengers with no passenger waiting more than 20 minutes. Additional Measures for Air Travellers, Competition Also announced were a series of other measures targeted at air travellers, including changes to foreign ownership limits on airlines to promote greater competition. The new rules will raise the limit to 49%, as recommended in the Canada Transportation Act Review advice to government on transport policy submitted to parliament earlier this year. "A strong competitive environment for air travel means lower fares and more people able to travel by air," said CAC Vice Chair Sam Samaddar, who is also the airport director at the Kelowna International Airport. "An increase in foreign ownership to 49% can support new competitive choices in the market for Canadian air travellers." About Canada's Airports and the Canadian Airports Council Canada's biggest airports are non-share capital corporations, with no affiliation to government and operate on a not-for-profit basis for the benefit of their communities and airport users. The Canadian Airports Council (CAC), a division of Airports Council International-North America, is the voice for Canada's airports community. Its 50 members represent more than 100 airports, including all of the privately operated National Airports System (NAS) airports and many municipal airports across Canada. SOURCE Canadian Airports Council For further information: Chris Phelan, Canadian Airports Council, 613-560-9302 ext. 12, [email protected] TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - Today marks the first day of the 2016 Veterans' Week ceremonies in Canada, and in honour of those who have served, and those who have supported them throughout their journey, Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky presented Wounded Warriors Canada, with their fourth annual donation totalling $128,424 in support of the Can Praxis Equine Therapy Program. This year's donation marks a milestone for this partnership as they celebrate not only four years of support for Canadian veterans, but also that Canadians have helped raise over $500,000 CDN from the sale of Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old Solera Vat. The Can Praxis Equine Therapy program is a three-day retreat that was designed to use horses to help service men and women living with operational stress injuries like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The funds raised from the sale of Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old Solera Vat in Canada, will allow Wounded Warriors to continue to provide life-changing services that aid in the healing of Canada's Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families. "Glenfiddich is a pioneering brand that has played an important role in both our growth and ability to evolve the Can Praxis program," says Scot Maxwell, Executive Director, Wounded Warriors Canada. "It is the support of our longstanding partners and through generous donations like these, that we are able to provide continued support and relief for Canada's service men and women." For more than 10 years, Wounded Warriors Canada has provided hope and dignity to nearly 1500 Canadian veterans and their families through the generosity of their partners, Canadian donors and volunteers. Over the past four years, Glenfiddich has donated $2.00 from the sale of each bottle of Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old to Wounded Warriors Canada. "We are proud to support Wounded Warriors Canada and the ground breaking commitment they demonstrate to Canada's military, veterans, first responders and their families," Said Nicole Oliva, National Brand Manager for Glenfiddich Canada. "This is a significant donation milestone that we have achieved as partners. Glenfiddich remains committed to supporting Canada's heroes and their families, from our family." To mark the announcement a press conference was held in the Charles-Lynch Conference Room at the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery on Parliament Hill in Ottawa followed by a formal reception for local veterans, military, and government officials. For more about this unique partnership visit www.glenfiddich.com. About William Grant & Sons Ltd. William Grant & Sons, Ltd. are an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distills some of the world's leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world's most awarded single malt Glenfiddich, The Balvenie range of handcrafted single malts, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Hendrick's Gin, Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch and Milagro Tequila. Represented in Canada by PMA Canada Agency. SOURCE William Grant & Sons Ltd. Image with caption: "Glenfiddich presents Wounded Warriors Canada with fourth annual donation at press conference at Parliament Hill in Ottawa (CNW Group/William Grant & Sons Ltd.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161103_C2655_PHOTO_EN_811529.jpg For further information: Amanda Gun-Munro, AGM*PR, [email protected], 647-969-6413 - Reports 25% Growth in Subscription Revenue and 23% Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Increases 2016 Financial Guidance - OTTAWA, Nov. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Kinaxis (TSX:KXS), provider of RapidResponse, delivering cloud-based SCM and S&OP applications, reported results for its fiscal third quarter, which ended September 30, 2016. All amounts are in U.S. dollars. All figures are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), unless otherwise indicated. Third Quarter 2016 Highlights (Comparisons made between fiscal Q3 2016 and fiscal Q3 2015 results, unless otherwise noted) Revenue totaled $29.9 million , up 26% , up 26% Subscription revenue was $20.8 million , up 25% , up 25% Gross profit was $20.5 million (68% of total revenue), up 22% (68% of total revenue), up 22% Adjusted EBITDA (1) totaled $6.8 million (23% of total revenue) totaled (23% of total revenue) Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) of $0.17 (1) "Adjusted EBITDA" and "Adjusted diluted earnings per share" are non-IFRS measures and are not recognized, defined or standardized measures under IFRS. These measures as well as other non-IFRS financial measures reported by Kinaxis are defined in the "Non-IFRS Measures" section of this news release. "Strong demand for RapidResponse continues to drive robust growth in subscription revenue which totaled 25% in the third quarter," said John Sicard, CEO of Kinaxis. "Overall revenue increase is fueled by the expansion of our subscription revenue base in addition to a strong contribution from professional services as we and our partners implement new accounts." Mr. Sicard added, "We will continue to make strategic investments in support of business operations in South Korea, including fully functional datacenters, customer service and support staff, as well as expanding the sales team. In addition, we will continue to expand our growing operations in Europe in support of a major European based global customer win which closed in the quarter. Through RapidResponse, we are revolutionizing the supply chains of some of the world's largest companies and empowering them to make intelligent decisions and proactively react to change." Fiscal Q3 2016 Financial Results Total revenue for the three months ending September 30, 2016 (Q3 2016) was $29.9 million, an increase of 26% compared to the same period in 2015. Subscription revenue was $20.8 million in Q3 2016, an increase of 25% from $16.5 million for the same period in 2015. The increase was driven by contracts secured with new customers in the last twelve months, as well as expansion of existing customer subscriptions. Professional services revenue increased 30% to $8.9 million in Q3 2016, compared to $6.9 million for the same period in 2015. Growth was driven primarily by the initiation of deployment projects for new customers acquired in fiscal 2015 and 2016 as well as supporting the expansion of existing customer configurations. In addition, our partners continue to play an increasing role in supporting new customer deployment. Gross profit was $20.5 million in Q3 2016, compared to $16.8 million for the same period in 2015. As a percentage of revenue, gross profit was 68% compared to 71% in the prior year quarter. The percentage change in Q3 2016 was due to higher growth in the cost of revenue as a result of planned investments in additional headcount as well as the use of third party providers to support our customer growth. Adjusted EBITDA was $6.8 million in Q3 2016, compared to $8.0 million in the same period last year. The change in the period was the result of higher sales, marketing and product development costs incurred in the current quarter. Profit for Q3 2016 was $2.4 million or $0.10 per basic and $0.09 per diluted share compared to a profit of $3.8 million or $0.16 per basic and $0.15 per diluted share for the same period in 2015. The change compared to the prior period was primarily driven by higher sales and marketing and research and development costs which were partially offset by the lower Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar which had a positive effect on operating expenses and profitability. Cash used by operating activities was $1.5 million for Q3 2016 compared to $5.8 million generated in the same period in 2015. The change was primarily due to an increase in accounts receivables as well as a decrease in profit net of income tax expenses which was partially offset by an increase in share based compensation. Cash and cash equivalents were $111.7 million as at September 30, 2016 as compared to $99.4 million as at December 31, 2015. Full Year 2016 Financial Guidance With today's announcement, the Company is updating its 2016 full-year financial guidance: Annual total revenue to be in the range of $115 million to $116.5 million Annual subscription revenue to grow 24% to 25% Annual Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenue to be between 23% and 26% of total revenue This guidance is provided to enhance visibility into the Company's expectations for financial targets for the year ending December 31, 2016. Please refer to the section regarding forward-looking statements which forms an integral part of this release. This press release, along with the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and the Company's corresponding MD&A, are available on the Company's website at www.kinaxis.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Conference Call The Company will host a conference call tomorrow, November 3, 2016 to discuss these results. John Sicard, CEO, and Richard Monkman, CFO, will host the call starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. A question and answer session will follow management's presentation. Date: Thursday, November 3, 2016 Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern time Dial-In Number: 1 (888) 231-8191 International: 1 (647) 427-7450 Conference ID#: 96091868 Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. A replay of the call will be available until 12:00 midnight Eastern time on Thursday, November 10, 2016. Toll-Free Replay Number: 1 (855) 859-2056 International Replay Number: 1 (416) 849-0833 Replay PIN: 45854512 Live Webcast: http://bit.ly/2eHJrGg Webcast will be archived for 90 days About Kinaxis Inc. Kinaxis is a leading provider of cloud-based subscription software that enables our customers to improve and accelerate analysis and decision-making across their supply chain operations. The supply chain planning and analytics capabilities of our product, RapidResponse, create the foundation for managing multiple, interconnected supply chain management processes. By using the single RapidResponse product instead of combining individual disparate software solutions, our customers gain visibility across their supply chains, can respond quickly to changing conditions, and ultimately realize significant operating efficiencies. Non-IFRS Measures This news release contains non-IFRS measures, specifically, Adjusted profit, Adjusted diluted earnings per share and Adjusted EBITDA. We use Adjusted profit and Adjusted diluted earnings per share, which remove the impact of our redeemable preferred shares and share based compensation plans, to measure our performance as these measurements better align the reporting of our results and improve comparability against our peers. We use Adjusted EBITDA to provide investors with a supplemental measure of our operating performance and thus highlight trends in our core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures. We believe that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non-IFRS measures in the evaluation of issuers. Management also uses non-IFRS measures in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period, prepare annual operating budgets and assess our ability to meet our capital expenditure and working capital requirements. Adjusted profit, Adjusted diluted earnings per share and Adjusted EBITDA are not recognized, defined or standardized measures under IFRS. Our definition of Adjusted profit, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted diluted earnings per share will likely differ from that used by other companies (including our peers) and therefore comparability may be limited. Non-IFRS measures should not be considered a substitute for or in isolation from measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. Investors are encouraged to review our financial statements and disclosures in their entirety and are cautioned not to put undue reliance on non-IFRS measures and view them in conjunction with the most comparable IFRS financial measures. The Company has reconciled Adjusted profit and Adjusted EBITDA to the most comparable IFRS financial measure as follows: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Statement of Operations (In thousands of U.S. dollars) Profit...................................................................... $ 2,425 $ 3,806 $ 9,034 $ 11,392 Share-based compensation.................................. 2,060 1,176 6,190 3,223 Adjusted profit....................................................... $ 4,485 $ 4,982 $ 15,224 $ 14,615 Income tax expense.............................................. 1,687 2,128 5,374 6,070 Depreciation........................................................... 683 461 1,746 1,227 Foreign exchange loss (gain)................................ 53 497 (25) 1,023 Net finance income................................................ (96) (30) (229) (96) 2,327 3,056 6,866 8,224 Adjusted EBITDA.................................................... $ 6,812 $ 8,038 $ 22,090 $ 22,839 Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements as to our expectations for growth of annual total revenue, annual subscription revenue, and our expectations for Adjusted EBITDA achievement, in each case looking forward for the balance of our fiscal year ending December 31, 2016, as well as statements as to Kinaxis' growth opportunities, the potential benefits of our strategic partnerships and the potential benefits of, and markets and demand for, Kinaxis' products and services. These statements are subject to certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including our view of the relative position of Kinaxis' products and services compared to competitive offerings in the industry. In particular, our guidance for 2016 annual revenue total revenue, annual subscription revenue and annual Adjusted EBITDA, is subject to certain assumptions, including: our ability to win business from new customers and expand business from existing customers; the timing of new customer wins and expansion decisions by our existing customers; maintaining our current customer retention levels; and with respect to Adjusted EBITDA, our ability to contain expense levels while expanding our business. These and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties may cause Kinaxis' actual results, performance, achievements and developments to differ materially from the results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Material risks and uncertainties relating to our business are described under the headings "Forward Looking Statements" and "Risks and Uncertainties" in our annual MD&A dated February 17, 2016, under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Information Form dated March 21, 2016, and in our other public documents filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are provided to help readers understand management's expectations as at the date of this release and may not be suitable for other purposes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Kinaxis assumes no 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 law. Kinaxis Inc. Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Financial Position As at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars) (Unaudited) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 111,661 $ 99,390 Trade and other receivables 31,843 15,833 Investment tax credits receivable 1,617 1,532 Investment tax credits recoverable 1,142 2,083 Prepaid expenses 3,228 1,906 149,491 120,744 Non-current assets: Deferred tax asset 237 - Property and equipment 10,731 7,352 $ 160,459 $ 128,096 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 10,963 $ 6,794 Deferred revenue 49,965 40,442 60,928 47,236 Non-current liabilities: Lease inducement 30 62 Deferred revenue 14,445 14,191 Deferred tax liability 1,107 1,003 15,582 15,256 Shareholders' Equity Share capital 95,352 90,808 Contributed surplus 13,486 8,873 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (320) (474) Deficit (24,569) (33,603) 83,949 65,604 $ 160,459 $ 128,096 Kinaxis Inc. Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Comprehensive Income For the three and nine months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data) (Unaudited) For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenue $ 29,921 $ 23,665 $ 85,687 $ 67,080 Cost of revenue 9,466 6,862 26,284 18,954 Gross profit 20,455 16,803 59,403 48,126 Operating expenses: Selling and marketing 8,085 4,368 21,847 12,089 Research and development 5,684 3,876 15,157 11,502 General and administrative 2,617 2,158 8,245 6,146 16,386 10,402 45,249 29,737 4,069 6,401 14,154 18,389 Other income (expense): Foreign exchange (loss) gain (53) (497) 25 (1,023) Net finance income 96 30 229 96 43 (467) 254 (927) Profit before income taxes 4,112 5,934 14,408 17,462 Income tax expense: 1,687 2,128 5,374 6,070 Profit 2,425 3,806 9,034 11,392 Other comprehensive income (loss) Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: Foreign currency translation differences - foreign operations 20 20 154 (10) Total comprehensive income $ 2,445 $ 3,826 $ 9,188 $ 11,382 Basic earnings per share $ 0.10 $ 0.16 $ 0.37 $ 0.48 Weighted average number of basic common shares 24,739,556 23,957,202 25,585,823 23,851,437 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.09 $ 0.15 $ 0.35 $ 0.45 Weighted average number of diluted common shares 26,113,401 25,498,758 25,905,597 25,365,629 Kinaxis Inc. Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars) (Unaudited) Accumulated other Share Contributed comprehensive capital surplus loss Deficit Total equity Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 87,219 $ 6,152 $ (453) $ (46,281) $ 46,637 Profit - - - 11,392 11,392 Other comprehensive income - - (10) - (10) Total comprehensive income - - (10) 11,392 11,382 Share options exercised 1,414 (424) - - 990 Share based payments - 3,223 - - 3,223 Total shareholder transactions 1,414 2,799 - - 4,213 Balance, September 30, 2015 $ 88,633 $ 8,951 $ (463) $ (34,889) $ 62,232 Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 90,808 $ 8,873 $ (474) $ (33,603) $ 65,604 Profit - - - 9,034 9,034 Other comprehensive income - - 154 - 154 Total comprehensive income - - 154 9,034 9,188 Share options exercised 4,393 (1,426) - - 2,967 Deferred share units vested 151 (151) - - - Share based payments - 6,190 - - 6,190 Total shareholder transactions 4,544 4,613 - - 9,157 Balance, September 30, 2016 $ 95,352 $ 13,486 $ (320) $ (24,569) $ 83,949 Kinaxis Inc. Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars) (Unaudited) For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Cash flows from (used in) operating activities: Profit $ 2,425 $ 3,806 $ 9,034 $ 11,392 Items not affecting cash: Depreciation of property and equipment 683 461 1,746 1,227 Share-based payments 2,060 1,176 6,190 3,223 Amortization of lease inducement (10) (11) (32) (34) Investment tax credits recoverable 397 (36) 941 (540) Income tax expense 1,687 2,128 5,374 6,070 Change in operating assets and liabilities (8,493) (1,689) (7,968) 15,888 Income taxes paid (259) (36) (1,248) (500) (1,510) 5,799 14,037 36,726 Cash flows used in investing activities: Purchase of property and equipment (2,712) (851) (5,125) (3,761) Cash flows from financing activities: Common Shares issued 1,199 437 2,967 990 Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (3,023) 5,385 11,879 33,955 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 114,836 85,166 99,390 56,725 Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (152) 75 392 (54) Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 111,661 $ 90,626 $ 111,661 $ 90,626 SOURCE Kinaxis Inc. For further information: Media Relations: Melissa Clow, Tel: (613) 592-5780 ext. 5513, [email protected]; Investor Relations: Rob Kelly, LodeRock Advisors Inc., Tel: (416) 992-4539, [email protected] CALGARY, Nov. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Oncolytics Biotech Inc. ("Oncolytics" or the "Company") (TSX: ONC) (OTCQX: ONCYF) (FRA: ONY) today announced that Brad Thompson Ph.D. has stepped down as President and Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics effective immediately. The Company's Chief Operating Officer, Matt Coffey Ph.D., M.B.A., has been appointed Interim President and Chief Executive Officer while the Company conducts a search for Dr. Thompson's replacement. Dr. Thompson, along with Dr. Coffey, has led Oncolytics for 18 years since it was founded. Wayne Pisano, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oncolytics, credited Dr. Thompson for advancing the Company's lead candidate REOLYSIN in multiple cancer indications and, in particular, for the recent progress in lung, multiple myeloma and colorectal cancers. "Dr. Thompson has been instrumental in the development of our Company and the progress we have seen in taking REOLYSIN into multiple Phase 2 clinical trials," said Mr. Pisano. "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Brad for his dedication and leadership." The Oncolytics Board of Directors is confident that Dr. Coffey will provide strong leadership and continue the development of REOLYSIN during the interim period until a new chief executive is announced. The Board will be engaging an executive recruitment firm to assist it in this search process. About Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Oncolytics is a Calgary-based biotechnology company focused on the development of oncolytic viruses as potential cancer therapeutics. Oncolytics' clinical program includes a variety of later-stage, randomized human trials in various indications using REOLYSIN, its proprietary formulation of the human reovirus. For further information about Oncolytics, please visit: www.oncolyticsbiotech.com. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Oncolytics expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the impact on Oncolytics and its clinical program of the change in senior management of Oncolytics and the ability of Oncolytics to successfully identify and hire a new chief executive, and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, risks related to the statistical sufficiency of patient enrollment numbers in separate patient groups, the availability of funds and resources to pursue research and development projects, the efficacy of REOLYSIN as a cancer treatment, the tolerability of REOLYSIN outside a controlled test, the success and timely completion of clinical studies and trials, the Company's ability to successfully commercialize REOLYSIN, uncertainties related to the research and development of pharmaceuticals and uncertainties related to the regulatory process. Investors should consult the Company's quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian and U.S. securities commissions for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, except as required by applicable laws. SOURCE Oncolytics Biotech Inc. For further information: PLEASE CONTACT: NATIONAL Equicom, Nick Hurst, 320 Front Street W, Suite 1600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3B6, Tel: 416.586.1942, [email protected]; NATIONAL Equicom, Michael Moore, San Diego, CA, Tel: 858.886.7813, [email protected]; Dian Griesel, Inc., Susan Forman, 335 West 38th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10018, Tel: 212.825.3210, [email protected] Conference Call at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) MONTREAL, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Yellow Pages Limited (TSX: Y) announces that it will issue its 2016 third quarter results, for the period covering July 1 to September 30, 2016, on November 10, 2016. A conference call will be held on the same day at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss the results. The call will also be broadcast live at: https://corporate.yp.ca/en/yellow-pages-news/events/release-q3-2016-financial-and-operational-results/ To participate in the conference call: Toronto and overseas, dial 416-340-2218 and overseas, dial 416-340-2218 North America , dial 1-866-225-0198 To access the replay facility (between November 10 and December 11, 2016): Toronto and overseas, dial 905-694-9451 and overseas, dial 905-694-9451 North America , dial 1-800-408-3053 Enter access code 4654766. The replay of the conference call will also be available in the Investors section of the Company's website at https://corporate.yp.ca/en/investors/financial-events-presentations/ About Yellow Pages Limited Yellow Pages Limited (TSX: Y) is a Canadian digital media and marketing solutions company that supports local economies by helping neighbourhood businesses reach new customers and foster stronger relationships with existing clients through its various media and products. Yellow Pages holds some of Canada's leading local online search properties including YP.ca, the ComFree/DuProprio network, RedFlagDeals.com, Canada411.ca, 411.ca, Bookenda.com, dine.TO and YP NextHome. The Company also holds the YP, YP Shopwise, YP Dine, RedFlagDeals, Canada411, 411, Bookenda and YP NextHome mobile applications and Yellow Pages print directories. Through Mediative, Yellow Pages is a leader in national advertising through its various channels and services devoted to North American businesses. The Company also owns JUICE Mobile, a mobile advertising technology company whose proprietary programmatic platforms facilitate the automatic buying and selling of mobile advertising between brands and publishers. For more information visit www.corporate.yp.ca. SOURCE Yellow Pages Limited For further information: Media : Fiona Story, Director, Public Relations and Corporate Communications, Tel.: (514) 934-2672, [email protected]; Investor Relations : Ralph Yeung Senior Manager, Corporate Planning & Investor Relations, Tel.: 514-934-2395, [email protected] GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - As the Minister of Labour, the Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk met with Mr. Andriy Reva, Ukrainian Minister of Social Policy, this week, where they agreed to deepen collaboration between the two countries on jobs and safety in the context of the progressive labour chapter in the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA). The mission reinforces Canada's steadfast support for Ukraine. Minister Mihychuk also sat down with a United Nations agency, the International Labour Organization, to develop a workplan on a tripartite project for training to create safer working conditions in Ukraine's extractive sector. The meetings took place during Minister Mihychuk's first official mission to Ukraine, which follows the recent signing of the CUFTA in July 2016. Minister Mihychuk started her mission with a visit to the Sosnivskyi Granite Quarry. Canada and Ukraine are both endowed with bountiful natural resources representing high economic potential in the extractive sector. Given Canadian industry's strong safety record and common vision for zero fatalities, the Minister was pleased to share best practices. Minister Mihychuk then convened a roundtable on labour challenges and opportunities, hearing from academics, non-governmental organizations and regional and international organizations. She held a working meeting with members of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, exploring ways for ordinary Canadians back home to play a part in the economic reconstruction of Ukraine. Minister Mihychuk also toured the Chornobyl reactor site and observed how Canada's new $3.6 million investment in containment and safe storage of radioactive materials is helping Ukrainians deal with the ongoing consequences of the 1986 disaster, and the remarkable regeneration of the ecosystem. To conclude her mission to Ukraine, Minister Mihychuk met with the Ukrainian Minister of Health, Dr. Ulana Suprun, on advancement of occupational health and safety standards. Minister Mihychuk laid a pot of grain at Holodomor and reaffirmed Canada's unwavering support for Ukraine. The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement is a major milestone in the relationship between Canada and Ukraine that will grow our economy, create jobs and help the middle class and those working hard to join it. Quote "As a proud Ukrainian-Canadian and as Labour Minister, I am very pleased to be strengthening ties with Ukraine, and helping to create better, safer jobs for Ukrainian workers, particularly in the mineral extractive sector. This mission has helped us both move forward to meet our shared labour commitments under the new Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement, our first progressive trade agreement." The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Quick Facts The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement was signed in Kyiv on July 11, 2016 . on . The Labour Program negotiates and implements trade-related labour agreements to address the labour dimensions of economic integration. The objective of these labour agreements is to improve working conditions in partner countries, and to promote respect for internationally recognized labour rights and principles. Trade-related labour agreements also help Canadian businesses and workers compete in the global marketplace. Under these agreements, participating countries commit to uphold fundamental labour rights and principles, effectively enforce their own labour legislation and cooperate on labour matters. Associated Links Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement International Relations Labour Program Follow us on Twitter 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] ST. MARYS, ON, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is supporting clean energy research, development and technology demonstration at all stages of the innovation spectrum, from high-risk, early stage research that can deliver transformative energy solutions, to later stage technology demonstrations to help speed the commercialization and adoption of cleaner energy technologies. Canada's first algal biorefinery demonstration project, a collaborative research effort between the National Research Council of Canada's (NRC) Algal Carbon Conversion (ACC) program, Pond Technologies and Votorantim Cimentos' St Marys Cement, is revolutionizing how industrial carbon emissions are managed. The project uses a 25,000 L photobioreactor within a pilot scale algal biorefinery to recycle carbon dioxide and other airborne industrial pollutants into algal biomass that can be further converted into sustainable products, including renewable biofuels and biomaterials. The process being deployed by NRC experts and its partners is designed to rapidly recycle carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and other airborne industrial emissions into biomass through photosynthesis. As part of Canada's commitment to the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21), the Government of Canada joined a global effort to accelerate clean energy innovation, Mission Innovation, in November 2015 and committed to double funding for clean energy and clean technology research and development by 2020. These collaborative efforts are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through biological conversion into algal biomass, renewable biofuels, and other value-added bio-products. As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy, strategic investments in clean energy and emission-reducing research and development will play an increasingly important role in supporting Canada's economic growth, in meeting our climate change objectives, while protecting the environment. Quotes "With the assistance of NRC's Algal Carbon Conversion program, this technology's tremendous potential will be unleashed in real-world applications to benefit our environment and our economy." Dr. Roman Szumski, Vice President, Life Sciences, National Research Council of Canada "Pond has developed a universal Algae platform that enables the production of revenue generating algae products. We are pleased to collaborate with NRC to deploy our technology." Steven Martin, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientist, Pond Technologies "For St Marys Cement and our parent company, Votorantim Cimentos, this collaboration with Pond Technologies and the National Research Council of Canada advances our goals of product innovation and sustainable development, while strengthening our position as a leader in the building materials sector." Filiberto Ruiz, President and CEO, Votorantim Cimentos, North America Related Products Additional Links Twitter: @NRC_CNRC SOURCE National Research Council Canada Image with caption: "With the Paris Agreement on Climate Change going into effect tomorrow, we anticipate that many industries, and even countries, will search for solutions, like algal carbon conversion technology, to combat climate change and accelerate their actions to achieve a sustainable future. (CNW Group/National Research Council Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161103_C2280_PHOTO_EN_811057.jpg For further information: Contacts: Media Relations Team, National Research Council of Canada, 613-991-1431, 1-855-282-1637 (24/7), [email protected] WWF-Canada interactive map helps with regional site selection to maximize high energy potential and minimize conflict with nature HALIFAX, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - WWF-Canada today launched Renewables for Nature, a new interactive decision-making tool to help identify regions with high renewable-energy potential and comparatively low conflict with nature. The tool aims to speed the transition to a low-carbon future while ensuring key habitats and ecosystems thrive for wildlife and communities. This tool, applied in New Brunswick and the Bay of Fundy region to start, overlays renewable energy and conservation data on the same map for the first time in Canada. The energy layer reveals renewable energy reserves: the resource potential for each energy type across the region. The conservation layer captures data on 728 species at risk, as well as detailed information on biodiversity, habitat and other conservation and community environmental uses for the entire area. The goal: Renewable-energy development decisions that account for wildlife, habitat, community and cultural needs from the outset, increasing the chance of a project's success before reaching the environmental assessment stage. Energy types include: wind, offshore wind, solar, tidal, hydro, biomass. Conservation values include: Species that are endangered, at-risk or of cultural relevance. Habitats with high species diversity. Large ecosystems that haven't been fragmented. Smaller ecosystems such as old-growth forest, provincially significant wetlands, areas that are home to rare, threatened or endangered flora or fauna. Ecosystem services: Areas that provide those unaccounted natural services such as erosion control, buffering against floods, purification of air and water, etc. Community needs: Resources that are basic necessities for local communities, including First Nations. Based on consultation. Cultural values: Sites of national or global cultural, historical or archaeological significance; of religious/sacred importance for traditional cultures. Based on consultation. How it works This interactive mapping tool found at wwf.ca/renewables4nature allows users to focus on a region, select an energy type and then quickly and easily see whether an area of high energy potential will be in low, medium, high or critical conflict with conservation and community needs. A low conservation ranking means there are fewer conservation conflicts in that region (though not necessarily none). A region with a critical ranking has multiple conservation values. It may include regulated areas and should be avoided for future renewable-energy development. David Miller, WWF-Canada president and CEO, says: "An immediate and massive transition to renewable energy is the most important step we can take to slow climate change and possibly prevent some of the cascading negative effects on wildlife and habitat. As we shift to renewable energy, it's essential that we do so in a way that's habitat friendly. We already know global wildlife populations have suffered massive declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Climate change will further weaken already vulnerable populations. WWF-Canada's habitat-friendly approach to identifying renewable-energy project locations accounts for the environment before significant investments are made. It will help speed the development of renewable-energy projects that are less likely to conflict with conservation and community needs. It's a win for the environment, for communities and for industry." James Snider, WWF-Canada vice-president science, research and innovation, says: "Canada has always had world-class sustainable renewable energy potential. We now have the political will to develop this resource and the financial interest to make it happen. But one hurdle remains: potential conflicts with wildlife. After extensive consultations with industry and an in-depth review of international best-practices, WWF-Canada learned there wasn't a consistent framework to identify and account for relevant ecological values in renewable-energy development. So we adapted the High Conservation Value framework well known in Canada for its use in Forest Stewardship Certification to the renewable-energy landscape and created this first-pass tool for regional-scale, strategic decision-making of larger-scale, community-led or industrial energy projects, beginning first with New Brunswick and Bay of Fundy." About World Wildlife Fund Canada WWF-Canada creates solutions to the environmental challenges that matter most for Canadians. We work in places that are unique and ecologically important, so that nature, wildlife and people thrive together. Because we are all wildlife. For more information, visit wwf.ca. SOURCE WWF-Canada For further information: Sarah MacWhirter, senior manager, strategic communications, [email protected], +1 416-347-1894 MONTREAL, Oct. 13, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. (TSX: SNC) will announce its third quarter results on Thursday, November 3, 2016. A conference call will be held on the same day with the financial community at 3:00 p.m. EDT. Participants will be Neil Bruce, President and Chief Executive Officer and Sylvain Girard, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. Members of the media are welcome to participate on a listen-only basis. To join the conference call, please dial toll free at 1 866 530 1553 in North America, 416 847 6330 in Toronto, 514 223 0613 in Montreal, 080 0279 0444 in the United Kingdom, or 180 099 2284 in Ireland. A live audio webcast of the conference call and an accompanying slide presentation will be available at investors.snclavalin.com. A recording of the conference call will be available on our website within 24 hours following the call. About SNC-Lavalin Founded in 1911, SNC-Lavalin is one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world and a major player in the ownership of infrastructure. From offices in over 50 countries, SNC-Lavalin's employees are proud to build what matters. Our teams provide engineering, procurement, construction, completions and commissioning services together with a range of sustaining capital services to clients in four industry sectors: oil and gas, mining and metallurgy, infrastructure and power. SNC-Lavalin can also combine these services with its financing and operations and maintenance capabilities to provide complete end-to-end project solutions. www.snclavalin.com SOURCE SNC-Lavalin For further information: Media: Louis-Antoine Paquin, Manager, Media Relations, 514-393-8000, ext. 54772, [email protected]; Investors: Denis Jasmin, Vice President, Investor Relations, 514-393-8000, ext. 57553, [email protected] US $ GAAP net income of $14 million or $0.15 per share or per share Adjusted EBITDA of $68 million on sales of $888 million on sales of Cash and cash equivalents of $55 million Liquidity at $520 million MONTREAL, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Resolute Forest Products Inc. (NYSE: RFP) (TSX: RFP) today reported net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, of $14 million, or $0.15 per share, compared to a GAAP net loss of $6 million, or $0.07 per share, in the same period in 2015. Sales were $888 million in the quarter, down $17 million, or 2%, from the third quarter of 2015. Excluding special items, the company reported net income of $19 million, or $0.21 per share, compared to net income of $14 million, or $0.15 per share, in the third quarter of 2015. "Our wood products segment had record results this quarter, one example that our long-term transformation strategy is on track. In our tissue segment, the consolidation of our acquisition of Atlas continues, and our tissue project in Calhoun now has one converting line on two shifts and another being commissioned, while the tissue machine is on-target for startup by the end of the first quarter of next year," said Richard Garneau, president and chief executive officer. "However, we also recognize the significant challenges we are facing in our pulp and paper segments, which remain critical to delivering overall value. Our quarterly results in those businesses were handicapped by rising input prices, additional maintenance, and continued excess supply dynamics." Non-GAAP financial measures, such as adjustments for special items and adjusted EBITDA, are explained and reconciled below. Operating Income Variance Against Prior Quarter Consolidated The company reported operating income of $10 million for the quarter, compared to an operating loss of $18 million in the second quarter. The company's operating results were positively impacted by higher realized prices in all segments except tissue ($12 million). Manufacturing costs rose by $17 million over the quarter, mostly through an increase in chemical costs ($10 million), a reduction of contribution from our internal power generation operations ($7 million), as well as higher energy costs ($5 million). Those elements were partially offset by reductions in labor and fiber costs ($4 million). Results were also hampered by unfavorable currency fluctuations of $7 million during the quarter. On the other hand, there were no closure costs, impairment and other related charges this quarter compared to $37 million primarily related to the shutdown of a newsprint machine in Augusta (Georgia) in the previous period. Adjusted EBITDA was $68 million, compared to $85 million in the second quarter. Market Pulp Operating income in the market pulp segment was $5 million in the third quarter, $7 million lower than the second quarter. The overall average transaction price rose by $3 per metric ton, with gains in softwood more than offsetting declines in hardwood and fluff grades. The operating cost per unit (the "delivered cost") rose by $17 per metric ton, to $592 per metric ton, owing mostly to lower productivity, higher chemical costs related to lime kiln failures at Saint-Felicien (Quebec) and Catawba (South Carolina) and rising recovered fiber costs. Lower shipments, which fell by 22,000 metric tons over the quarter, also had a significant impact on results and originated mostly from operating difficulties and an annual outage at Thunder Bay (Ontario) combined with maintenance challenges at Saint-Felicien during the quarter. The output at Calhoun (Tennessee) fell short of expectations, as peripheral equipment performance had to be corrected. Tissue The tissue segment incurred an operating loss of $5 million for the quarter, $1 million more than the previous quarter. Although volumes sold to retail customers increased by 4%, an unfavorable change in customer mix for converted product sales combined with lower pricing for parent rolls translated into an overall reduction in pricing of $11 per short ton. The delivered cost increased by $86 per short ton compared to the second quarter, as we continue to deploy optimization measures. EBITDA was negative $3 million in the period, $1 million worse than the second quarter of 2016. Wood Products The wood products segment generated operating income of $36 million in the quarter, a $16 million improvement against the previous quarter. Shipments increased by 14%, to 506 million board feet, supported by reduced market downtime, a reduction of rough lumber inventories and higher productivity. The average transaction price rose by $6 per thousand board feet, or 2%, reaching $331 per thousand board feet. The delivered cost in the segment was 5% lower at $263 per thousand board feet, mostly as a result of increased volume and lower costs. EBITDA for the segment achieved a record at $43 million, or $85 per thousand board feet, compared to $65 in the second quarter. Finished goods inventory declined by 6%. In October, the company also entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of another sawmill in Senneterre (Quebec) for approximately C$8.5 million including working capital. This acquisition will generate synergies, and increase annual production capacity by approximately 100 million board feet. Newsprint The newsprint segment incurred an operating loss of $8 million in the quarter, compared to an operating loss of $3 million in the second quarter. Pricing for the segment continued its steady increase, rising by $11 per metric ton when compared to the previous quarter, to $515 per metric ton. The delivered cost, on the other hand, was unfavorably impacted by lower contribution from cogeneration facilities, as well as higher energy and recovered fiber costs and therefore increased by $20 per metric ton, to $531 per metric ton. Shipments declined by 40,000 metric tons, or 8% as we shut down capacity at Augusta (Georgia) and took market downtime at Thorold (Ontario) and Mokpo (South Korea) to balance declining demand in overseas markets. EBITDA was $9 million for the quarter, equivalent to $19 per metric ton, compared to $16 million in the previous quarter. Finished goods inventory rose by 9,000 metric tons to 105,000 metric tons, an increase of 9%. Specialty Papers The specialty papers segment recorded an operating loss of $2 million in the third quarter, a decline of $18 million from the $16 million of operating income recorded in the second quarter. The average transaction price was higher by $4 per short ton, as our grade mix shifted to higher value products. However, revenue gains were more than offset by an increase in delivered costs per short ton of $52. Increases in costs were mostly the result of lower production volumes, higher power and maintenance costs and lower hydro and cogeneration contribution owing mostly to a damaged water wheel requiring replacement in one of our hydro operations. Shipments were seasonally higher by 2,000 short tons during the quarter. EBITDA for the segment fell by $17 million, reaching $9 million, equivalent to $23 per short ton, $45 per short ton lower than the second quarter. Finished goods inventory declined by 15%, reaching 75,000 short tons. Consolidated Quarterly Operating Income Variance Against Year-Ago Period The company recorded operating income of $10 million for the third quarter, including an operating loss of $5 million for tissue, compared to operating income of $6 million in the year-ago period. Reductions in cost of sales, depreciation and amortization, and distribution expenses totaled $48 million, more than offsetting a decline in sales of $40 million, excluding tissue. The average transaction price for market pulp and specialty papers fell by 5% and 3% respectively, while wood products rose by 5% and newsprint increased by 3%, resulting in an overall favorable variance of $1 million on pricing, excluding foreign exchange, when compared to last year. Shipments decreased by 10% in market pulp, mostly as a result of the timing of the annual outage and operating issues at Thunder Bay. Volumes also declined in newsprint and specialty papers, by 9% and 7%, respectively, reflecting structural market declines across printing paper. On the other hand, shipments of wood products rose by 20%, owing to higher productivity and a reduction of rough lumber inventories, as well as improving demand in the U.S. housing market. Inventories have increased in market pulp (30%) and newsprint (4%), while declining in specialty papers (26%) and wood products (10%). Lower delivered cost for wood products (down 11%) and a reduction of $7 million in non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit ("OPEB") expense resulting from the lower net balance sheet pension liability as of December 31, 2015 more than offset delivered cost increases of 3% for pulp, 3% for newsprint, and 1% for specialty papers. The delivered cost in the year-ago period included a one-time favorable impact of $13 million due to a property tax adjustment and the recognition of tax credits in connection with infrastructure investments. Corporate and Finance In early September, the company entered into a new senior secured credit agreement with an aggregate lender commitment of up to $185 million. The agreement is comprised of a $46 million nine-year term loan and a $139 million six-year revolving credit facility. The main purpose of these facilities is to complete funding requirements for the Calhoun (Tennessee) tissue project. They also represent an excellent opportunity to secure additional liquidity at competitive rates and will further enhance flexibility in the execution of the Company's growth and diversification strategy. During the quarter, total debt increased by $116 million, mostly to support capital expenditures at Calhoun, which reached $50 million in the period. Previously disclosed annual supplemental and capacity reduction pension contributions totaling $29 million were also made during the quarter. Cash and cash equivalents rose to $55 million, while liquidity was $520 million at the end of the quarter. Outlook Mr. Garneau added: "In the short-term, we will prioritize the execution of our tissue strategy, with the converting lines at Calhoun to be fully commissioned by year-end and the startup of the tissue machine by the end of the first quarter. We will also maintain a continued focus on the Atlas operations in order to deliver the value we expect over the coming quarters. As pulp and paper markets remain challenging and downward pricing pressure intensifies in the short-term, especially for pulp, we will continue to focus on reliability to ensure our competitiveness is maximized, particularly in specialty papers and market pulp. For wood products, we believe a petition will be filed shortly by the coalition of U.S. lumber producers, including producers who are timberland owners. Our forestry systems in Quebec and Ontario are market-based and we fully support the Quebec Government in demanding free trade for exports of softwood lumber from Quebec to the United States." Earnings Conference Call The company will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results at 9:00 a.m. (ET) today. The public is invited to join the call at (877) 648-7976 at least fifteen minutes before its scheduled start time. A simultaneous webcast will also be available using the link provided under "Presentations and Webcasts" in the "Investors" section of www.resolutefp.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived on the company's website; a phone replay will also be available until November 17 by dialing (855) 859-2056, conference number 4932665. Description of Special Items Special items Third quarter Third quarter (in millions) 2016 2015 Foreign currency translation loss $ - $ 5 Closure costs, impairment and other related charges - 2 Start-up costs 1 2 Non-operating pension and OPEB costs 6 13 Other income, net (1) (4) Income tax effect of special items (1) 2 Total $ 5 $ 20 Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information Statements in this press release and the earnings conference call and webcast referred to above that are not reported financial results or other historical information of Resolute Forest Products Inc. are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. They include, for example, statements relating to our: efforts and initiatives to reduce costs and increase revenues and profitability; business and operating outlook; future financial results, including EBITDA; assessment of market conditions; growth and diversification strategies and prospects, and the growth potential of the company and the industry in which it operates; liquidity; and strategies for achieving our goals generally. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words "should," "would," "could," "will," "may," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "attempt," "project" and other terms with similar meaning indicating possible future events or potential impact on our business or our shareholders. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance. These statements are based on management's current assumptions, beliefs and expectations, all of which involve a number of business risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause the company's actual future financial condition, results of operations and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied in this press release and the conference call and webcast referred to above include, but are not limited to, the impact of: developments in alternative media, which are expected to continue to adversely affect the demand for some of our key products, and the effectiveness of our responses to these developments; any additional closure costs and long-lived asset or goodwill impairment or accelerated depreciation charges; currency fluctuations; global economic conditions; intense competition in the forest products industry; negative publicity, even if unjustified; the highly cyclical nature of the forest products industry; contributions to our Canadian pension plans at levels higher than expected; the terms of our outstanding indebtedness, which could restrict our current and future operations; our ability to maintain adequate capital resources to provide for all of our substantial capital requirements; any inability to successfully implement our strategies to increase our earnings power; the possible failure to successfully integrate our businesses and the businesses of Atlas Paper or that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected or that expected benefits from the acquisition may not be fully realized or realized within the expected time frame; future acquisitions, divestitures or other strategic transactions or projects we may pursue; any failure to comply with environmental or other laws or regulations, even if inadvertent; legal proceedings or disputes; future regulation of our Canadian softwood lumber exports to the United States; countervailing duties, cash deposit requirements or other trade remedies, which could require us to set aside or pay a substantial amount of cash and impact the competitive position of the affected operations; any difficulties in obtaining wood fiber at favorable prices, or at all; changes in the cost of purchased energy and other raw materials; any labor disputes; changes in political or economic conditions in Canada, the United States or other countries in which our products are manufactured or sold; physical and financial risks associated with climate change; any additional environmental or health and safety liabilities; disruptions to our supply chain, operations or the delivery of our products; losses that are not covered by insurance; the actions of holders of a significant percentage of our common stock; extreme weather conditions or natural or man-made disasters; cyber security risks; and the potential risks and uncertainties described under the heading "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. All forward-looking statements in this press release and in the conference call and webcast referred to above are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements contained or referred to above and in the company's other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. About Resolute Forest Products Resolute Forest Products is a global leader in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products, including market pulp, tissue, wood products, newsprint and specialty papers. The company owns or operates over 40 pulp, paper, tissue and wood products facilities in the United States, Canada and South Korea, as well as power generation assets in Canada and the United States. Marketing its products in close to 80 countries, Resolute has third-party certified 100% of its managed woodlands to internationally recognized sustainable forest management standards. The shares of Resolute Forest Products trade under the stock symbol RFP on both the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange. Resolute has received regional, North American and global recognition for its leadership in corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, as well as for its business practices. Visit resolutefp.com for more information. RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited, in millions except per share amounts) Three Months Nine Months Ended September 30, Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Sales $ 888 $ 905 $ 2,656 $ 2,751 Costs and expenses: Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs 681 687 2,026 2,097 Depreciation and amortization 51 59 157 176 Distribution costs 109 117 331 348 Selling, general and administrative expenses 37 34 115 115 Closure costs, impairment and other related charges - 2 37 8 Net gain on disposition of assets - - (2) - Operating income (loss) 10 6 (8) 7 Interest expense (10) (9) (29) (32) Other income (expense), net 1 (1) 14 5 Income (loss) before income taxes 1 (4) (23) (20) Income tax benefit (provision) 14 (2) (9) (22) Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests 15 (6) (32) (42) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (1) - (4) (1) Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. $ 14 $ (6) $ (36) $ (43) Net income (loss) per share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders: Basic $ 0.16 $ (0.07) $ (0.40) $ (0.46) Diluted 0.15 (0.07) (0.40) (0.46) Weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding: Basic 89.9 91.1 89.8 93.3 Diluted 90.4 91.1 89.8 93.3 RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited, in millions) September 30, December 31, 2016 2015 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 55 $ 58 Accounts receivable, net: Trade 374 377 Other 74 92 Inventories, net 561 541 Other current assets 45 43 Total current assets 1,109 1,111 Fixed assets, net 1,839 1,810 Amortizable intangible assets, net 99 105 Goodwill 61 59 Deferred income tax assets 1,022 982 Other assets 182 153 Total assets $ 4,312 $ 4,220 Liabilities and equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 476 $ 436 Current portion of long-term debt 1 1 Total current liabilities 477 437 Long-term debt, net of current portion (1) 726 590 Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 1,116 1,186 Deferred income tax liabilities 2 2 Other liabilities 55 60 Total liabilities 2,376 2,275 Commitments and contingencies Equity: Resolute Forest Products Inc. shareholders' equity: Common stock - - Additional paid-in capital 3,773 3,765 Deficit (1,162) (1,126) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (572) (587) Treasury stock at cost (120) (120) Total Resolute Forest Products Inc. shareholders' equity 1,919 1,932 Noncontrolling interests 17 13 Total equity 1,936 1,945 Total liabilities and equity $ 4,312 $ 4,220 See Note to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statement Information RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited, in millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss including noncontrolling interests $ (32) $ (42) Adjustments to reconcile net loss including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities: Share-based compensation 8 10 Depreciation and amortization 157 176 Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 36 2 Inventory write-downs related to closures 5 1 Deferred income taxes 5 26 Net pension contributions and other postretirement benefit payments (102) (66) Net gain on disposition of assets (2) - (Gain) loss on translation of foreign currency denominated deferred income taxes (53) 160 Loss (gain) on translation of foreign currency denominated pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 44 (148) Gain on disposition of equity method investment (5) - Net planned major maintenance payments (6) (12) Changes in working capital: Accounts receivable 21 24 Inventories (27) 4 Other current assets (3) (7) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 7 (45) Other, net (2) 7 Net cash provided by operating activities 51 90 Cash flows from investing activities: Cash invested in fixed assets (177) (123) Disposition of assets 5 - Increase in countervailing duty cash deposits (17) - Increase in deposit requirements for letters of credit, net - (5) Net cash used in investing activities (189) (128) Cash flows from financing activities: Net borrowings under revolving credit facilities 90 - Issuance of long-term debt 46 - Payments of debt (1) - Payments of financing and credit facility fees (1) (3) Purchases of treasury stock - (59) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 134 (62) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 1 (2) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (3) (102) Cash and cash equivalents: Beginning of period 58 337 End of period $ 55 $ 235 RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC. RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING INCOME AND NET INCOME ADJUSTED FOR SPECIAL ITEMS A reconciliation of our operating income, net income and net income per share reported before special items is presented in the tables below. See Note 1 to the Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures regarding our use of non-GAAP measures. Three months ended September 30, 2016 (unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts) Operating income (loss) Net income (loss) EPS GAAP, as reported $ 10 $ 14 $ 0.15 Adjustments for special items: Start-up costs 1 1 0.01 Non-operating pension and OPEB costs 6 6 0.07 Other income, net - (1) (0.01) Income tax effect of special items - (1) (0.01) Adjusted for special items $ 17 $ 19 $ 0.21 Three months ended September 30, 2015 (unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts) Operating income (loss) Net income (loss) EPS GAAP, as reported $ 6 $ (6) $ (0.07) Adjustments for special items: Foreign currency translation loss - 5 0.06 Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 2 2 0.02 Start-up costs 2 2 0.02 Non-operating pension and OPEB costs 13 13 0.14 Other income, net - (4) (0.04) Income tax effect of special items - 2 0.02 Adjusted for special items $ 23 $ 14 $ 0.15 Nine months ended September 30, 2016 (unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts) Operating income (loss) Net income (loss) EPS GAAP, as reported $ (8) $ (36) $ (0.40) Adjustments for special items: Foreign currency translation gain - (3) (0.04) Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 37 37 0.41 Inventory write-downs related to closures 5 5 0.06 Start-up costs 5 5 0.06 Net gain on disposition of assets (2) (2) (0.02) Non-operating pension and OPEB costs 18 18 0.20 Other income, net - (11) (0.12) Income tax effect of special items - (6) (0.07) Adjusted for special items $ 55 $ 7 $ 0.08 Nine months ended September 30, 2015 (unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts) Operating income (loss) Net income (loss) EPS GAAP, as reported $ 7 $ (43) $ (0.46) Adjustments for special items: Foreign currency translation loss - 2 0.02 Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 8 8 0.09 Inventory write-downs related to closures 1 1 0.01 Start-up costs 4 4 0.04 Non-operating pension and OPEB costs 39 39 0.42 Other income, net - (7) (0.08) Income tax effect of special items - (2) (0.02) Adjusted for special items $ 59 $ 2 $ 0.02 RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC. RECONCILIATION OF EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA A reconciliation of our net income including noncontrolling interests to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is presented in the tables below. See Note 1 to the Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures regarding our use of the non-GAAP measures EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. Three months ended September 30, 2016 (unaudited, in millions) Market pulp Tissue (2) Wood products Newsprint Specialty papers Corporate and other Total Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests $ 5 $ (5) $ 36 $ (8) $ (2) $ (11) $ 15 Interest expense 10 10 Income tax benefit (14) (14) Depreciation and amortization 10 2 7 17 11 4 51 EBITDA $ 15 $ (3) $ 43 $ 9 $ 9 $ (11) $ 62 Start-up costs 1 1 Non-operating pension and OPEB costs 6 6 Other income, net (1) (1) Adjusted EBITDA $ 15 $ (3) $ 43 $ 9 $ 9 $ (5) $ 68 Three months ended September 30, 2015 (unaudited, in millions) Market pulp Tissue (2) Wood products Newsprint Specialty papers Corporate and other Total Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests $ 22 $ - $ 9 $ (10) $ 9 $ (36) $ (6) Interest expense 9 9 Income tax provision 2 2 Depreciation and amortization 14 - 9 16 18 2 59 EBITDA $ 36 $ - $ 18 $ 6 $ 27 $ (23) $ 64 Foreign currency translation loss 5 5 Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 2 2 Start-up costs 2 2 Non-operating pension and OPEB costs 13 13 Other income, net (4) (4) Adjusted EBITDA $ 36 $ - $ 18 $ 6 $ 27 $ (5) $ 82 Nine months ended September 30, 2016 (unaudited, in millions) Market pulp Tissue (2) Wood products Newsprint Specialty papers Corporate and other Total Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests $ 37 $ (11) $ 52 $ (16) $ 21 $ (115) $ (32) Interest expense 29 29 Income tax provision 9 9 Depreciation and amortization 28 6 23 56 34 10 157 EBITDA $ 65 $ (5) $ 75 $ 40 $ 55 $ (67) $ 163 Foreign currency translation gain (3) (3) Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 37 37 Inventory write-downs related to closures 5 5 Start-up costs 5 5 Net gain on disposition of assets (2) (2) Non-operating pension and OPEB costs 18 18 Other income, net (11) (11) Adjusted EBITDA $ 65 $ (5) $ 75 $ 40 $ 55 $ (18) $ 212 Nine months ended September 30, 2015 (unaudited, in millions) Market pulp Tissue (2) Wood products Newsprint Specialty papers Corporate and other Total Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests $ 59 $ - $ 10 $ (10) $ 31 $ (132) $ (42) Interest expense 32 32 Income tax provision 22 22 Depreciation and amortization 40 - 26 48 54 8 176 EBITDA $ 99 $ - $ 36 $ 38 $ 85 $ (70) $ 188 Foreign currency translation loss 2 2 Closure costs, impairment and other related charges 8 8 Inventory write-downs related to closures 1 1 Start-up costs 4 4 Non-operating pension and OPEB costs 39 39 Other income, net (7) (7) Adjusted EBITDA $ 99 $ - $ 36 $ 38 $ 85 $ (23) $ 235 See Notes to the Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC. Note to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statement Information On September 7, 2016 , we entered into a senior secured credit facility (the "Senior Secured Credit Facility") for up to $185 million . The Senior Secured Credit Facility provides a term loan of $46 million with a maturity date of September 7, 2025 , a revolving credit facility of up to $139 million with a maturity date of September 7, 2022 ("Revolving Credit Facility"), and also provides an uncommitted option to increase the Senior Secured Credit Facility by up to $175 million , subject to certain terms and conditions. As of September 30, 2016, we had $89 million of availability under the Revolving Credit Facility, net of $50 million of borrowings. RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC. Notes to the Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures Operating income (loss), net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share (or "EPS"), in each case as adjusted for special items, as well as earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization, or "EBITDA", and adjusted EBITDA, in each case by reportable segment (market pulp, tissue, wood products, newsprint and specialty papers) in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 290, "Segment Reporting," are not financial measures recognized under generally accepted accounting principles, or "GAAP." We calculate operating income (loss), as adjusted for special items, as operating income (loss) from our consolidated statements of operations, adjusted for items such as closure costs, impairment and other related charges, inventory write-downs related to closures, start-up costs, gains and losses on disposition of assets, non-operating pension and OPEB costs and credits, and other charges or credits that are excluded from our segment's performance from GAAP operating income (loss). We calculate net income (loss), as adjusted for special items, as net income (loss) from our consolidated statements of operations, adjusted for the same special items applied to operating income (loss), in addition to foreign currency translation gains and losses and other income (expense), net. EPS, as adjusted for special items, is calculated as net income (loss), as adjusted for special items, per diluted share. EBITDA by reportable segment is calculated as net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests from the consolidated statements of operations, allocated to each of our reportable segments, adjusted for depreciation and amortization. EBITDA for corporate and other is calculated as net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests from the consolidated statements of operations, after the allocation to reportable segments, adjusted for interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA means EBITDA, excluding the same special items applied to net income (loss). Liquidity is calculated as cash and cash equivalents from our consolidated balance sheets, and availability under our revolving credit facilities. We believe that using these non-GAAP measures is useful because they are consistent with the indicators management uses internally to measure the Company's performance, and it allows the reader to more easily compare our ongoing operations and financial performance from period to period. Operating income (loss), net income (loss) and EPS, in each case as adjusted for special items, as well as EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, are internal measures, and therefore may not be comparable to those of other companies. These non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as substitutes to financial measures determined under GAAP in our consolidated statements of operations in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. On November 16, 2015 , we acquired Atlas Paper Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (or "Atlas Paper"), a manufacturer of a range of tissue products for the away-from-home and private-label at-home markets, including virgin and recycled products, covering economy, value and premium grades and operating two tissue mills and a recycling facility in Florida . We began consolidating the results of operations of Atlas Paper in our Consolidated Financial Statements as of November 16, 2015 . Atlas Paper's results of operations are included in the tissue segment. SOURCE Resolute Forest Products Inc. For further information: Investors: Alain Bourdages, Vice President, Investor Relations, 514 394-2233, [email protected]; Media and Others: Seth Kursman, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Sustainability and Government Affairs, 514 394-2398, [email protected] OTTAWA, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is reminding travellers to get the appropriate travel documents before booking a flight to Canada. Starting November 10, 2016, visa-exempt travellers (except United States [U.S.] citizens) will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board their flight to Canada. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, will need a valid Canadian passport to fly to or transit through Canada. To help minimize travel disruptions for dual Canadian citizens, a short-term measure is available to dual citizens whose second citizenship is from a visa-exempt country. These dual citizens can apply for a special authorization that will let them board their flight to Canada using their valid non-Canadian passport. This short-term measure, which will be available until January 31, 2017, is open to dual citizens who have an imminent flight to Canada (leaving in less than ten days) and whose Canadian citizenship can be verified by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If approved, the authorization will be valid for four days from the date of travel indicated in the application. Those not eligible for the authorization will need to contact the nearest Government of Canada office abroad to obtain the appropriate travel document. "eTA improves the safety of Canadians by allowing us to check that travellers are admissible before they board their flight, preventing those who are inadmissible from travelling to Canada in the first place," said John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. "We have been doing everything we can to inform affected travellers about these new requirements, and I am pleased that we can now offer a short-term measure to help get some dual Canadian citizens who are not familiar with this new requirement onto their flight to Canada." The eTA entry requirement became mandatory for visa-exempt foreign nationals (other than U.S. citizens) travelling to Canada temporarily by air on March 15, 2016. However, a leniency period was put in place from March 15 until November 9 so travellers unfamiliar with the eTA requirement could still board their flight to Canada. Quick facts Applying for an eTA is a simple online process that costs CAN$7. The Government of Canada website, Canada.ca/eTA , is the only valid site where travellers can apply for an eTA. website, , is the where travellers can apply for an eTA. More than 2.3 million eTAs have been issued since the application went live on August 1, 2015 . . Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA and, as usual, must show their valid permanent resident card or obtain a permanent resident travel document from the nearest Government of Canada office abroad when returning to Canada by air. office abroad when returning to by air. Citizens of the U.S. are exempt from the eTA requirement. U.S. lawful permanent residents need an eTA and must present a valid U.S. permanent resident card (Green Card) and a valid passport when they check in for their flight to Canada . Associated links Follow us SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada For further information: Camielle Edwards, Minister's Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 613-954-1064; Media Relations, Communications Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 613-952-1650, [email protected] Deborah Campbell, Yasuko Thanh, Eden Robinson, Brian Brett among night's big winners TORONTO, Nov. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Tonight in Toronto's Glenn Gould Studio, the Writers' Trust of Canada hosted one of the richest literary prize-giving nights in Canada, presenting seven literary awards and $219,000 to Canadian writers. Awards were presented both for individual works and career achievement, and rewarded accomplishments in the fields of fiction, nonfiction, short fiction, poetry, and literature for young readers. Deborah Campbell (Vancouver) was awarded the $60,000 Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction for A Disappearance in Damascus: A Story of Friendship and Survival in the Shadow of War, a personal account of the author's time spent in Syria reporting on Iraqi refugees, and her subsequent quest to locate her kidnapped "fixer" and friend. Yasuko Thanh (Victoria) received the $25,000 Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize celebrating its 20th anniversary this year for her debut novel, Mysterious Fragrance of the Yellow Mountains, a vivid account of love, rebellion, and colonial power based on the Hanoi Poison Plot of 1908. The $10,000 Writers' Trust/McClelland & Stewart Journey Prize went to Colette Langlois (Edmonton) for "The Emigrants," the author's first published story, which tells parallel tales of loneliness, one from a colony on Mars in 2070, the other from a Saskatchewan farm in 1885. Four authors received awards for their contributions to Canadian literature: Gregory Scofield (Sudbury, ON), author of seven acclaimed collections of poetry, the most recent of which, Witness, I Am, has just been released, was presented with the $25,000 Latner Writers' Trust Poetry Prize; Alan Cumyn (Ottawa), the author of five novels for young readers, won the $20,000 Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People; Brian Brett (Salt Spring Island, BC), a journalist for four decades and the author of 12 books including poetry, memoir, and fiction, won the $20,000 Matt Cohen Award: In Celebration of a Writing Life; Eden Robinson (Kitamaat, BC), author of two novels and one collection of stories, as well as a new novel forthcoming in 2017, took home the $25,000 Writers' Trust Engel/Findley Award. The event, which was attended by 300 guests from the literary, arts, and media communities, was emceed by the host of CBC Radio One's q, Tom Power. Below are the prizes presented, with comments from the jurors. Full jury citations are available at writerstrust.com, along with downloadable images of finalists and winners. Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction ($60,000) Awarded for literary excellence in the category of nonfiction. Winner: Deborah Campbell for A Disappearance in Damascus: A Story of Friendship and Survival in the Shadow of War (Knopf Canada) "Campbell's account, written with compelling prose, nuanced context, and intimate narration, illuminates the dangers of life and work in a conflict zone." Finalists: Ian Brown for Sixty: A Diary of My Sixty-First Year: The Beginning of the End or the End of the Beginning? (Random House Canada) for (Random House Canada) Matti Friedman for Pumpkinflowers: An Israeli Soldier's Story (Signal/McClelland & Stewart) for (Signal/McClelland & Stewart) Ross King for Mad Enchantment: Claude Monet and the Painting of the Water Lilies (Bond Street Books/Doubleday Canada) for (Bond Street Books/Doubleday Canada) Sonja Larsen for Red Star Tattoo: My Life as a Girl Revolutionary (Random House Canada) Each of the four finalists received $5,000. The winner and finalists were chosen by a jury composed of writers Carolyn Abraham, Stephen Kimber, and Emily Urquhart. They read 95 books submitted by 50 publishers. The prize was presented by sponsor The Hon. Hilary M. Weston. Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize 20th anniversary presentation ($25,000) Awarded for the year's best novel or short story collection. Winner: Yasuko Thanh for Mysterious Fragrance of the Yellow Mountains (Hamish Hamilton) "With compelling narrative drive, Yasuko Thanh imbues Mysterious Fragrance of the Yellow Mountains with atmosphere and resonance, and creates mesmerizing characters." Finalists: Michael Helm for After James (McClelland & Stewart) for (McClelland & Stewart) Anosh Irani for The Parcel (Knopf Canada) for (Knopf Canada) Kerry Lee Powell for Willem de Kooning's Paintbrush (Harper Avenue) for (Harper Avenue) Katherena Vermette for The Break (House of Anansi) Each of the four finalists received $2,500. The winner and finalists were chosen by a jury composed of writers Lauren B. Davis, Trevor Ferguson, and Pasha Malla. They read 135 books submitted by 55 publishers. The prize was presented by Steve Maich, senior vice president, digital content and publishing, at Rogers Communications Inc. and 2016 prize juror Pasha Malla. It has been sponsored by Rogers Communications since its inception in 1997. Writers' Trust/McClelland & Stewart Journey Prize ($10,000) Awarded for the best short fiction published by an emerging writer in a Canadian literary magazine. Winner: Colette Langlois for "The Emigrants" (PRISM international) "'The Emigrants' interweaves two times and places, one a historic past, the other a possible future, to explore loneliness and homeThe story blends a coolness of tone with great depth of feeling, and richly imagines what has come before and what is to be." Finalists: Charlie Fiset for " If I Ever See the Sun " ( The Fiddlehead ) for " " ( ) J.R. McConvey for "How the Grizzly Came to Hang in the Royal Oak Hotel" (EVENT) Each of the finalists received $1,000, and the journal that originally published the winning entry received $2,000. The finalists were chosen by a jury composed of writers Kate Cayley, Brian Francis, and Madeleine Thien. The prize is made possible by James A. Michener's donation of his Canadian royalty earnings from his 1988 novel Journey. In association with the prize, McClelland & Stewart publishes an annual fiction anthology, The Journey Prize Stories, a collection of the stories that form the longlist for the prize. The prize was presented by juror Brian Francis. Latner Writers' Trust Poetry Prize ($25,000) Awarded to a mid-career poet in recognition of a remarkable body of work and in anticipation of future contributions to Canadian poetry. Winner: Gregory Scofield "From raw, urban truths to the solace of Cree cadence, from the heart beat of the drum to the wax poetics of a young Louis Riel, Scofield's range of subject, work, and style dazzles." The winner was chosen by a jury composed of Jeffery Donaldson, Karen Solie, and Katherena Vermette. William Hewitt, executive director of prize sponsor the Latner Family Foundation, presented the prize. Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People ($20,000) Awarded in recognition of a body of work to a writer of literature for young readers. Winner: Alan Cumyn "Brilliantly exceeding the standards of fiction for the young, Cumyn's novels for teenagers and children alike show a sure-handed mix of humour, poetry and melancholy, and an abiding commitment to a young person's viewpoint." The winner was chosen by a jury composed of Deirdre Baker, Jeff Horvath, and Marthe Jocelyn, who also presented the prize. The prize is sponsored by the Metcalf Foundation. Matt Cohen Award: In Celebration of a Writing Life ($20,000) Awarded to a writer dedicated to writing as a primary pursuit in recognition of a lifetime of distinguished work. Winner: Brian Brett "Brian has devoted nearly his entire life to writing, as poet, novelist, memoirist and journalist a consummate example of one who has lived the writers' life." The winner was chosen by an award committee composed of Graeme Gibson, Wayne Grady, Don Oravec, and Patsy Aldana, who also presented the prize. The prize is sponsored by Marla and David Lehberg. Writers' Trust Engel/Findley Award ($25,000) Awarded to a mid-career writer in recognition of a remarkable body of work, and in anticipation of future contributions to Canadian literature. Winner: Eden Robinson "In a world where the legacies of colonial violence are alive and present every day, Robinson's work resonates with crucial political and ethical questions that everyone needs to consider." The winner was chosen by a jury composed of Warren Cariou, Annabel Lyon, and Linda Spalding, and was presented by Douglas Knight, chair, Writers' Trust Board of Directors. The prize is sponsored by the Writers' Trust of Canada Board of Directors, Pitblado Family Foundation, and Michael Griesdorf Fund. The Writers' Trust Awards ceremony is made possible through generous support from corporate, foundation, and individual sponsors. Partners CBC Books, The Globe and Mail, and Indigo Chapters provide additional support. The project is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage Book Fund. Other supporting partners are IFOA, Maclean's, Push Design, Quill & Quire, Steam Whistle Brewing, and White Pine Pictures. About the Writers' Trust of Canada The Writers' Trust of Canada is a charitable organization that seeks to advance, nurture, and celebrate Canadian writers and writing through a portfolio of programs including ten national literary awards, a fellowship, financial grants, scholarships, and a writers' retreat. Writers' Trust programming is designed to champion excellence in Canadian writing, to improve the status of writers, and to create connections between writers and readers. Canada's writers receive more financial support from the Writers' Trust than from any other non-governmental organization or foundation in the country. More information is available at writerstrust.com. SOURCE The Writers' Trust of Canada For further information: For more information and interview opportunities contact: Becky Toyne, 416-871-0502, [email protected] Boeing is out with new concept art for the U.S. Air Forces next-generation fighter jet, a sleek, tail-less design featuring conformal engine inlets and what looks like a manned cockpit. The tail-less airframe, thin swept wings and conformal shaping suggest a stealthy, penetrating aircraft that may be able to fly supersonic. The silhouette of a pilot inside the cockpit indicates Boeing is banking on the Air Force sticking with at least an optionally manned platform for the future capability. Boeings new vision comes as the Air Force begins to solidify a plan for the next generation of air superiority, alternatively called sixth-generation fighter, next-generation air dominance, F-X, and most recently Penetrating Counterair (PCA). The service just kicked off an Air Force Scientific Advisory Board (AFSAB) study that will begin identifying key capabilities needed to fight in the battlefield of 2030 ahead of a formal analysis of alternatives (AoA) for PCA. The Air Forces Air Superiority 2030 initiative identified a hybrid PCA capability as key to ensuring air superiority in future denied battlespaces characterized by sophisticated air defense systems and counterair technologies. But so far, the Air Force has only described PCA in relatively broad terms. New Boeing Design The AFSAB study, announced Oct. 27, will begin to define the key operational characteristics of a PCA capability. The pre-AoA (pre-analysis of alternatives) effort will examine likely adversaries, identify and assess relevant technologies, and determine the timelines and investments needed to mature them. The study aims to provide a technology roadmap to support developing and fielding of an initial PCA capability in 2030. SOURCES Aviation Week, US Air Force Our enemies have not remained static, warns Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, the Armys charismatic chief futurist. One assessment says that Russia will have surpassed US forces in three of 10 key areas of combat by 2030, reached parity in six, and remain behind in only one. On the US side, the current M1 Abrams heavy tank and M2 Bradley armed transport have been upgraded so many times already that theyre close to maxed out, McMaster told an Association of the US Army conference yesterday. But at the same time, he said, we have tremendous opportunities, associated with technologies at a high level of maturity that can be incorporated into a new generation combat vehicle. Next Generation combat vehicle(s) by 2035 The US Army wants its Next Generation Combat Vehicle to serve as pack master to a swarm of crawling and flying robots. It wants lighter weapons with heavier firepower, able to aim almost straight up to shoot drones out of the sky and hit rooftop snipers. It wants miniaturized missile defenses to shoot down incoming anti-tank weapons. It wants suspension, underbody, and crew compartments designed from the ground up (literally) to resist landmines and roadside bombs. It wants diesel-electric engines like a giant Prius or other advanced motors that can power an array of jammers, sensors, and drone-killing lasers. To take full advantage of the new technologies, he said, you need to build a new vehicle designed around them. The factor that drives armored vehicle design, more than any other, is volume under armor. The bigger the gun, the bigger the engine, and above all the bigger the crew, the more armor you have to wrap around them to achieve any given level of protection, and, of course, the more armor, the more weight. The M1 is built to handle the recoil of a 120 mm smoothbore cannon and to accommodate a four-man crew: commander, driver, gunner, and loader. If you replace the 120 with a lighter weapon that uses more powerful energetics i.e. warhead and gunpowder to get the same effect, then redesign the turret around the smaller weapon, each pound saved on the gun itself saves you multiple pounds of armor on the vehicle overall. If you replace the human loader with a mechanical autoloader unreliable gadgets back in the 1970s but mature today you can save even more weight and possibly take the crew out of the turret entirely (as on the new Russian T-14 Armata). The goal isnt just to build a better Bradley or Abrams, Wesley said. We need to think more broadly, (e.g.) manned-unmanned teaming, he said, referring to humans and robots working closely together. The unmanned systems scout ahead and, potentially, carry weapons, acting as expendable skirmishers and spear-carriers for manned vehicle, which is the only one that needs full-up armor. If Ive got a remotely piloted or tethered vehicle with zero humans inside to protect now I can really reduce weight, Wesley said. The Armys overly ambitious Future Combat Systems program was cancelled in 2009. Whats different? To start with, the Army literally boxed itself in on FCS, trying to build vehicles as powerful as a 70-ton M1 that could fit in an Air Force C-130, which can carry a maximum of 19 tons. The Next Generation Combat Vehicle isnt constrained by weight, although lighter than the M1 is clearly a goal; air-deployable firepower is being provided by a completely different program, the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) light tank, which isnt expected to take on the hardest targets. To meet its weight limits, FCS tried to use Active Protection Systems instead of heavy armor; the current approach is to layer APS on top of heavy armor, a much more reliable approach. SOURCE Breaking Defense A Canadian company has offered to sponsor the training of no fewer than 3,000 Nigerian filmmakers on animation, the Minister of Informatio... A Canadian company has offered to sponsor the training of no fewer than 3,000 Nigerian filmmakers on animation, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has disclosed.The minister disclosed this at the opening of the French, Japanese and Nigerian animated films festival on Wednesday in Abuja.According to the minister, the Canadian firm, Toon Boom, based in Montreal, will teach the Nigerian youths in animation technology.The firm will provide what is industry grade certification and tools so that those Nigerians can compete for global work. The firm works for Disney, Nickeledeon. It is Nigerians who will do the actual training. Its a train the trainer and certification programme similar to what happened in India, he said. On the whole we envisage 5,000 Nigerian youths being trained.But we are starting with 3,000, he added. Mohammed said that his ministry was also collaborating with the French government on capacity building for Nigerian film makers also in the area of animation and children films.He noted that as prolific as Nollywood was, the industry had not done too well in the area of animated and children film.He said that the country had the potential and huge market for animation and children films if they were well developed. Speaking also at the event Denys Gauer, the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, said that animated films was still rare in Nigeria in spite of being the second largest film industry in the world.Having this in mind we should not forget the fledgling Nigerian animated industry, Nigerian animated movies are still rare despite being the second largest film industry in the world. There is a dearth of animation and children movies although Nigeria is well known for its talent, imagination and creativity.More animated studios are opening in Abuja and Lagos. But this sub-sector is still facing some challenges.It is the reason why, we have decided with our Japanese partners to dedicate one of the four evening to the animated industry in Nigeria.It will include some Nigerian short film screenings and a panel discussion in partnership with some Nigerian animation studios. According to him, to further strengthen the relations between France and Nigeria a workshops with facilitators from Europe would be organised in 2017.The Instutit Francais will organise a program on animation, that will include workshops with facilitator from Europe Animation School such as Les Gobelins in Paris; but also meetings with experts in international co-production, large audience screening and more to strengthen the sector, he assured.The second edition of the animated film festival was scheduled from Nov. 2nd to 5th in Abuja. The Annual General Meeting of the NPFL club owners will consider a proposal for the new Nigeria league season to begin by the first weekend of December.The executive secretary of NPFL club owners, Alloy Chukwuemeka, said the AGM will soon deliberate on the new season to commence in the first week of next month."The NPFL club owners have received a proposal from the LMC that the league would commence by first week of December tentatively, Chukwuemeka disclosed."The proposal will be considered at the Annual General Meeting of the club owners..Chukwuemeka also said eight sponsors are jostling to be part of the new league season."About eight corporate bodies are currently jostling to sponsor the Nigeria Premiership League for the next season, he said. A cook who served Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, a Managing Director at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Abuja, has absconded wi... A cook who served Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, a Managing Director at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Abuja, has absconded with cash and pieces of jewellery worth $6million.It was gathered that the man, identified as Gabel Segbedji, a national of Benin Republic, took off with the loot in a Toyota Camry car which also belonged to her boss, last Wednesday.Although reportedly devastated by the development, Mrs. Nnamdi-Ogbue did not report the burglary to the police, in the hope of avoiding further attention, as she is already under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).Mrs. Nnamdi Ogbue was the Managing Director of the cash-spinning Petroleum Products and Marketing Company (PPMC) before she was moved to Products Retail by then GMD of NNPC, Ibe Kachikwu, in 2015.Segbedji is said to have been recommended for employment to Mrs. Nnamdi-Ogbue by a close friend of hers, Toke Benson. Our source said the NNPC chief obtained the mountain of cash from kickbacks given by oil marketersThe theft of the stash is likely to affect plans for the wedding. A former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko, has returned N1,040,000, 000 to the Federal Governmen... A former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko, has returned N1,040,000, 000 to the Federal Government.Dikko, who served as the head of customs between August, 2009 and August, 2015, became the subject of an EFCC investigation last year when the commission established that about N40bn was diverted from the coffers of the NCS under his watch.The funds were allegedly drawn from proceeds of the seven per cent cost of collection and one per cent comprehensive import supervision scheme.He was subsequently arrested by the EFCC in June this year but was released due to his poor health.However, a reliable source within the EFCC told our correspondent that the suspect had been returning money to the government.The source added, So far, Dikko has returned over N1bn. He returned N1bn and then N4m. He is still expected to return more money.The EFCC had, earlier in the year, seized a mansion belonging to Dikko located at 1 Audu Ogbeh Street, Jabi, Abuja.According to the EFCC, the mansion is worth at least N2bn.Our correspondent, who visited the property, observed the inscription, EFCC, Keep Off! painted all over the fence.A source in the commission said, The EFCC Act Section 71 (b) gives us the power to commence investigations into the property of any person if it appears to the EFCC that the persons lifestyle and extent of properties are not justified by law.Section 28 says concerning those arrested under the Act, the commission will immediately trace and attach all the assets and seizures of such a person which have been acquired.Section 29 permits the assets of a person arrested under Section 28 to be seized by the state.Dikko was a customs officer and served for about 30 years. He has to explain where he got the money to buy a mansion of N2bn.The ex-Customs CG is also believed to own properties in Dubai and in Katsina, his home state. Justice Dije Abdu Aboki of the Kano state High Court today convicted and sentenced former Oceanic bank staff, Aliyu Suleiman, to 195 years... Justice Dije Abdu Aboki of the Kano state High Court today convicted and sentenced former Oceanic bank staff, Aliyu Suleiman, to 195 years imprisonment for allegedly stealing over N21, 000,000 (Twenty one Million Naira only) from Albasu Microfinance Bank.As a former staff of Oceanic Bank, Aliyu was engaged and entrusted by the Albasu Community to take charge of their Microfinance Bank. While in charge, the he violated that trust and siphoned over N21, 000,000 (Twenty Million Naira) by forging signatures of the other signatories to the funds.He was first arraigned in court on September 30th, 2014. He pleaded not guilty to all the count charge brought against him by the EFCC. Delivering judgement in the charges brought against him, the presiding judge, Justice Aboki sentenced the convict to serve two years on each of the first forty four counts he was charged with and a fine of N300, 000 on each.Where the convict defaults the fine, he is to serve additional six months imprisonment on each count. From count 45 to 74, the convict was sentenced to fine of N500, 000 or twelve months imprisonment on each count while on count 75 to 105, he is to pay fine of N200, 000 or twelve months imprisonment on each count with the exception of count 97 which appeared to be duplication.The sentences are to run concurrently. The convict was also ordered to restitute the sum of N14, 815,000 (Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Naira Only) to the Albasu Community or spend five more years in prison. Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose on Thursday released nine cows arrested and detained in some parts of the state for contravening the ... Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose on Thursday released nine cows arrested and detained in some parts of the state for contravening the Prohibition of Cattle and Other Ruminants Grazing Law back to their owners.The cows were seized by the operatives of Ekiti Grazing Enforcement Marshals (EGEM) recently inaugurated to crack down on grazing outside hours allowed by law and in unauthorised places.This was consequent upon a stakeholders meeting held by Fayose with the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Ekiti and Southwest, traditional rulers and Fulani Community where the governor also signed a peace pact with the body.MACBAN after signing the agreement promised that its members will abide by the new law regulating grazing in Ekiti State and coexist peacefully with farmers and residents.As part of the measures to curb friction between the two sides, cattle breeders operating in Ekiti State are to register with the traditional rulers of their host communities. The governor also agreed to the proposal that members of the MACBAN be part of the patrol teams.The free registration must, however, be done within the next 14 days after which the registered names would be forwarded to the state government for data keeping.The event, which took place at the Government House grounds, had farmers, traditional rulers, state government officials and MACBAN leaders and members from across the South-West region in attendance.But Fayose reiterated that the only hours allowed by law for grazing in the state remain 7.00 am to 6.00 pm insisting that any cow seen outside the 6.00 pm will be arrested alongside with the superintending herdsman and the owner face a jail term of six months without any option of fine.The governor explained that traditional rulers have been empowered to enforce the grazing law in their domains and apportion lands to herdsmen to do their businesses under a controlled situation.Fayose said: I have decided to release these cows to strengthen our union.So, I expect you to comply with the law because after now if you contravene the law, we will take appropriate sanctions against you.You cant because you are rearing cows be destroying our farmlands. Our people rely on these farms to survive and the moment you are destroying them, then they will not be interested in going into farming and hunger will affect all of us.You are all my brothers and there is no reason to trouble you. Many of you have been here for long and your families are here too. Ali Garba from Malumfashi , Kaduna State was part of my first term administration and currently an Igbo man is a councillor in Ward 10 of Ado Local Government. What we are doing today is to ensure a peaceful relationship between you, your host communities and the state government.Those killed in Oke Ako are gone and cant be alive again and we should not allow a repeat of such terrible incident. Ekiti people buy cattle from you and you are making profits.We are not asking for much, just for you to obey our law.The law is not targeted at those who obey the law.You have to register with traditional ruler of your host community.It is you who will inform the monarch of new faces coming to join you or pretending to be herdsmen. Going armed will not be tolerated. No form of weapon is allowed in Ekiti State for cattle rearing.A company will be monitoring your activities from the air. They have done air surveillance of Ijero Forest Reserve and we saw some buildings deep down the forest. We must all be security conscious, he noted.Fayose threatened to deal with whoever harasses the cattle rearers while doing their legitimate businesses, urging the leaders of Miyetti Allah to always report directly to him any case of intimidation and oppression against their members.Speaking earlier, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Owoseni Ajayi said the law was drafted to curb the excesses of some cattle farmers.In his remarks, the Southwest leader of MACBAN, Alhaji Mohammed Kabir, who said he was born and bred in Abeokuta, Ogun State, said his group had gone round states in the region to sensitise members on the need for peaceful co-existence.He added that the effort resulted in the few recorded cases of herdsmen/farmers clashes in the region compared to the South-East and the Middle Belt.Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers in the state, the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole, said the governor spoke the minds of Ekiti people.The monarch said: What we want is what our governor has said and that is peaceful coexistence. Farming is our profession and what the governor told you is what the people are telling him.We are peace-loving here and not murderers. We want the peace to continue to reign and we are satisfied with how your leaders have spoken. Premier League club West Ham United have sent a goodwill message to Nigerian partners FC IfeanyiUbah ahead of this weekends Federation Cup final.IfeanyiUbah are on the verge of a first major trophy when they take on Nasarawa united in Sundays cup final in Lagos.West Ham United FC took to their twitter handle to wish FC IfeanyiUbah success in the cup final on Sunday to further confirm their partnership."Good luck to our friend @FCIfeanyiUbah in Sunday's Nigeria FA cup final, the London club tweeted.And FC IfeanyiUbah wasted no time in acknowledging the message by thanking West Ham for their support."Thank you @WestHamUtd. Your support is highly appreciated. We will be watching and cheering you on as you face Stoke this weekend, the Nigerian club responded. The Federal Government on Thursday ruled out the need for the poorest and vulnerable Nigerians to apply online before they can benefit fr... The Federal Government on Thursday ruled out the need for the poorest and vulnerable Nigerians to apply online before they can benefit from the monthly N5,000 Conditional Cash Transfer.This was contained in a statement issued by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajos media office.The statement was responding to some misleading reports in the media regarding the implementation of the N500 billion Social Investment Programmes of the Buhari administration.It reads: While we understand the need for an ongoing public discussion of this unprecedented budgetary allocation in favor of the Nigerian people especially the poorest and the most vulnerable, it is not correct to claim any form of mismanagement or marginalization whatsoever.There has not been any disbursement from the allocated fund not to talk of any kind of mismanagement at all. While it is true that funds are being released for the social investment programmes, it is rather preposterous for now to say there is no evidence where the funds have gone to.As an administration noted for its transparency, we intend to fully keep Nigerians posted on all financial expenditure in line with extant laws of the country.Of the series of social investment programmes we have outlined, only the job creation scheme-N-Power requires an online registration from unemployed graduates and non-graduate youths.But the statement justified the requirement for online registration for the hiring of 500,000 unemployed graduates.It is important to explain, again, for the benefit of clarity, that the requirement for online application for the N-Power job scheme makes absolute sense considering that all together the Federal Government is planning to hire half a million unemployed Nigerian graduates.We are all witnesses to the calamity that occurred in the past when a manual effort was made to hire large number of Nigerian youths. It led to needless deaths and outright chaos. It addedOn the allegation that Borno State is not online and the people of the state will be discriminated against in the N-Power process, the statement, said such a claim simply flies in the face of the fact.It added: Almost 15,000 Nigerians from Borno State applied in the first application series of N-Power schemes online.It is also not tenable to argue that people in Maiduguri for instance which today plays hosts to tonnes of international NGOs cannot apply online or are denied internet access.The statement disclosed that the selection process for the first batch of 200,000 Nigerians to be engaged in the N-Power process has now been completed, and that their official engagement is now awaiting the completion of BVN verification so that they would be paid directly.On how the selection was done, the statement said Presidency officials collaborated actively with the Ministries of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Health and other government agencies all through the process. There were no foreign consultants involved, nor is one needed.It added that selection of the first 200,000, were based on three criteria including 40% selected based on the number of applications per state, a special mark-up for the 6 states of the Northeast and a discretionary addition for states with low numbers of applicants. A fresh graduate from Abia State University Uturu was killed yesterday by a gateman (known as Hausa Man) in Pentagon lodge around the school. A witness, Mr. Richard Ihediwa, in the ongoing trial of former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisah Metuh,... A witness, Mr. Richard Ihediwa, in the ongoing trial of former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisah Metuh, said on Thursday that the N400m Metuh got was disbursed as directed by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.Ihediwa, led in evidence by the counsel to Metuh, Mr. Emeka Etiaba (SAN), told the Abuja High Court that Jonathan gave the directive on how the amount was to be spent.He said that N21m was paid to former PDP Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, for a property acquired for use by the party as its media intervention centre.He added that although the property, located in Asokoro area of Abuja, did not belong to Anenih, he assisted the PDP media team headed by the accused in securing it.He said, The amount covered the cost of hiring the structure, utility vehicles as well as security gadgets at the centre.The witness also told the court that various sums were paid to some groups coordinated by some government functionaries, including the late Oronto Douglas and Abbah Dabo.He said he was not very certain about the amount released to late Douglas, but added that N25m was released to Dabo as mobilisation fee for advocacy groups, in line with the directive.Ihediwa said the former president also approved different amounts for some other groups and Metuh disbursed the funds to them accordingly.He said because of the tension and high level of insecurity across the six geo-political regions of the country then, there was the need for government to mobilise various advocacy groups to stabilise the system.Meanwhile, Justice Okon Abang has reserved ruling for November 15 on applications filed by the defence counsel. Suspended lawmaker, Abdulmumin Jibrin, on Wednesday celebrated 100 days of budget padding scandal by distributing cash and material gifts ... Suspended lawmaker, Abdulmumin Jibrin, on Wednesday celebrated 100 days of budget padding scandal by distributing cash and material gifts to his constituents in Kano state.He reportedly splashed N100 million cash startup package to his constituents as part of activities to commemorate 100 days of his anti-corruption crusade against budget fraud.The lawmaker also distributed motorcycles, generators, sewing machines, grinding machines and other empowerment perks worth N100million and scholarship grant for 1,000 students.Jibrin who was suspended by the House of representatives for one year doled out sewing machines, grinding machines and scholarships to his constituents.A statement from his media office said the distribution of items to no fewer than 5,000 constituents was part of an empowerment scheme planned by Jibrin.Some of the constituents who spoke on the occasion called on President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Ganduje, Emir of Kano, Senator Kwankwaso and well-meaning Nigerians to call on the House to rescind its suspension as the seat belongs to Kiru/Bebeji constituency, not Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin.Presenting the empowerment packages to 5,000 beneficiaries, Jibrin said the gesture was aimed at empowering his constituents towards cushioning the effect of hardship in the country.See photos: Against the backdrop of the current economic recession ravaging the country, the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has lashed out at t... Against the backdrop of the current economic recession ravaging the country, the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has lashed out at the All Progressives Congress, APC-led Federal Government, saying nothing is working under the current administration.The fiery governor made the remark while addressing reporters on Wednesday in Akure, the Ondo State capital.Stressing that Nigeria needs more than political parties to forge ahead, Fayose said, Every political party has got its own problems. Let me tell you, as the events unfold, there will be a way out of all these logjams.Nigerians need more than PDP [the Peoples Democratic Party] and APC [All Progressives Party] to move this country forward. APC has failed Nigerians and Im glad that they came out to take responsibility for this failure.If PDP in 16 years could sustain the Naira to dollar exchange rate at 200 Naira and they have failed to sustain the Naira and we are now having about 500 Naira to one dollar in less than a year, its unfortunate.If you take a look at the events in our country today, nothing works; no roads, no water, no light; the aviation sector is in trouble.On his persistent criticism of the APC-led Federal Government, Fayose said the government needs to hear the truth, stressing that Nigerians are unimpressed with the current state of the nation.This is not personal, they might not like my face but they need to hear this that they are not impressing Nigerians.Recall that the governor recently accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of collaborating with APC, stressing that the votes of Nigerians no longer count. The Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Ibrahim Idris has set up a Special Investigation Team to immediately commence thorough enquiry into... The Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Ibrahim Idris has set up a Special Investigation Team to immediately commence thorough enquiry into all cases of alleged sexual abuses.Other issues include exploitation, harassment, gender based violence and professional misconduct on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in some of North-eastern states contained in a report published by the Human Right Watch against Camp officials, vigilante groups, Soldiers and Policemen among others.The IGP has expressed deep concern over the submissions in the report and has directed the Special Investigation Panel to carry out a discreet and unbiased investigation into all the cases of abuse and misconduct alleged in the report.In a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, DCP Don Awunah said, the IGP has called on Human Right Watch officials to avail more facts that will assist the Police investigation team conclude the inquiry into the alleged 43 cases mentioned in the Human Rights Watch (HRW) report.The IGP has also directed Commissioners of Police in locations where IDP Camps are situated to beef up security and ensure adequate safety of all IDPs and ensure that all perpetrators of any criminal act are decisively dealt with in accordance to the law.The statement further urged all police officers and other personnel deployed to the IDP camps to strictly adhere to the rules of engagement.The Nigeria Police Force assures all Nigerians and the International community that the Force will not condone any act that will violate the human dignity of the IDPs by individuals or group of persons at the camps or anywhere in the country. The Federal Government, has said that it had no intention of pulling out of the International Criminal Court, noting that the court repres... The Federal Government, has said that it had no intention of pulling out of the International Criminal Court, noting that the court represented the hope and aspirations of millions of people around the world.It stated that Nigeria, as a party to the Rome Statute, believed that the court also represented an international mechanism for ensuring justice for all.South Africa, had last week announced its intention to leave the ICC, following the planned withdrawal of Burundi and The Gambia from the court.But the federal government, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, by the acting spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jane Adams, said the plan by some African countries to leave the ICC was their national decisions, stressing that Nigeria remained a signatory to the Rome Statute adopted on July 17, 1998 and which entered into force on July 1, 2002.Nigeria deposited its instrument on September 27, 2001, but many member-states States of the United Nations, have yet to become signatories to the statute.It noted that non-membership of the court did not preclude anyone from prosecution, adding that the UN Security Council could refer cases to the court for prosecution.The government called on all member-states, who have yet to sign the Rome Statute to consider becoming signatories, stating that it was by working together that they could ensure that the court performed its functions effectively and serve humanity faithfully. The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has insisted on the termination of the appointment of 5,000 secondary school teachers who ... The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has insisted on the termination of the appointment of 5,000 secondary school teachers who were yet to receive placement letter from the state government.Mr. Emmanuel said the teachers recruitment, hurriedly done in the last days of the previous administration of Godswill Akpabio, was faulty.Even the bible says if the foundation is not right, what can the righteous man do? a Government House press release quoted Governor Emmanuel as telling journalists on Wednesday, when he landed at the Akwa Ibom International Airport.We have tried to see how we could get something out of that recruitment process, but believe me, the foundation was very faulty.Mr. Emmanuel repeated what he had often said about the recruitment that there was a syndicate which had given out fake appointment letters to thousands of unqualified applicants. He said that prompted the cancelation of the recruitment.The release said Mr. Emmanuel warned that the administration wasnt ready to bow to sentiments, and that he would ensure that the right decisions were made in the interest of the Akwa Ibom people.If we are putting people to teach our children, please let us leave sentiments apart and go for the right people, the governor said. We need to make sure they went through the right process and have the right qualifications.We are assuring the 5000 people that they need not worry, when we are calling for aptitude test, you need not re-apply, just walk into the venue of the exercise with that appointment letter and justify that you are qualified to teach our children.The cancellation was first announced few days ago by the Head of Civil Service in the state, Ekereobong Akpan, before the latest remark by the governor.It is obviously an unexpected blow to the unemployed teachers who for about two years now have been putting pressure on the governmentto assign them to public secondary schools across the state.Meanwhile, a lawyer and human rights activist from the state, Inibehe Effiong has criticized the action of the state government, describing it as illegal and insensitive.The current government should note that the moment the teachers accepted the offer(s) of employment, a contract of employment (with statutory flavour) was created with terms and conditions, including the manner of disengagement, clearly regulated by statute, Mr. Effiong said in a statement on Wednesday.The law is firmly established that contracts of employment with statutory flavour cannot be terminated arbitrarily without strict compliance with the relevant statute, rules and regulations governing the contract.Supposing without conceding that the government has the right in law to terminate the contract because of alleged irregularities in the recruitment exercise, the manner in which it was done renders the purported cancellation unconstitutional owing to the failure of the government to accord the affected persons fair hearing as mandatorily required by Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). China, Japan entrepreneurs call for better environment Updated: 2016-11-03 07:08 By ZHENG XIN and JING SHUIYU(China Daily) Entrepreneurs from China and Japan have called for more cooperation in the trade, investment and financial sectors to build a better bilateral relationship. "Business leaders should eliminate non-economic interference and further improve the business environment between the two countries," said Zhang Yansheng, chief economist of the China Center for International Economic Exchange. "Further bilateral cooperation in economics and trade in China, Japan or in a third country will not only demonstrate a model but also realize substantial economic benefits for the two parties." He made the speech during the Second Sino-Japanese Business and Former Government Leaders Dialog in Beijing, cohosted by the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, and the China Center for International Economic Exchanges. Around 60 heads of major companies attended, including leaders from Canon Inc, Nomura Holdings Inc, Dongfeng Motor Corp and Bank of China Ltd, with the hope of gaining a better understanding of changes in the business climate in each country. The two-day meeting that concluded on Wednesday reached the conclusion that strong cooperation between the world's second and third-largest economies is vital not only for their prosperity but also for that of the rest of the world. Sadayuki Sakakibara, chairman of Keidanren, said the time is ripe for the two countries to have a "new dimension of industrial cooperation" and they have to increase exchanges to achieve that progress. According to Muneo Kurauchi, counselor of Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc, China and Japan should deepen cooperation in the fields of the environment, medical care, logistics and e-commerce. China and Japan need to control the negative factors while focusing on the positive aspects regarding reciprocity and mutual benefit, said Kurauchi, who is also managing director of the Institute for International Monetary Affairs. He also called for deepening cooperation in third-party markets in the areas including infrastructure in Asia and the Belt and Road projects. US sets preliminary dumping rates on ammonium sulfate from China Updated: 2016-11-03 08:23 (Xinhua) WASHINGTON - The US Commerce Department on Wednesday announced its preliminary affirmative determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation against imports of ammonium sulfate from China, signaling that it may pose punitive duties on the products. The department said that such products from China had been sold in the United States at dumping margin of 493.46 percent. As a result of the preliminary affirmative determinations, Commerce will instruct US Customs and Border Protection to require cash deposits based on these preliminary rates. The Commerce launched AD and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations against imports of such products from China in June 2016, in response to a request from PCI Nitrogen based in Texas. The Commerce made its preliminary affirmative determination in the CVD investigation last week, saying that producers and exporters of such products from China had received countervailing subsidies at 206.72 percent. Punitive duties would be imposed after both the Commerce Department and the US International Trade Commission (USITC) make affirmative final rulings. The Commerce is scheduled to make its final determinations in January next year and the USITC is scheduled to make its final determination in March 2017. Ammonium sulfate is primarily used as a fertilizer and it can also be used in industrial applications, such as in the production of flame retardant materials for food and feed additives. Imports of these products from China were estimated at about $62 million in 2015, according to US official data. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has kept urging Washington to abide by its commitment against protectionism and help maintain a free, open and just international trade environment. Weeki Wachee Mermaids are back at the Aquarium of the Americas China, Japan entrepreneurs call for better environment Updated: 2016-11-03 07:37 By Zheng Xin and Jing Shuiyu(China Daily USA) Entrepreneurs from China and Japan have called for more cooperation in the trade, investment and financial sectors to build a better bilateral relationship. "Business leaders should eliminate non-economic interference and further improve the business environment between the two countries," said Zhang Yansheng, chief economist of the China Center for International Economic Exchange. "Further bilateral cooperation in economics and trade in China, Japan or in a third country will not only demonstrate a model but also realize substantial economic benefits for the two parties." He made the speech during the Second Sino-Japanese Business and Former Government Leaders Dialog in Beijing, cohosted by the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, and the China Center for International Economic Exchanges. Around 60 heads of major companies attended, including leaders from Canon Inc, Nomura Holdings Inc, Dongfeng Motor Corp and Bank of China Ltd, with the hope of gaining a better understanding of changes in the business climate in each country. The two-day meeting that concluded on Wednesday reached the conclusion that strong cooperation between the world's second and third-largest economies is vital not only for their prosperity but also for that of the rest of the world. Sadayuki Sakakibara, chairman of Keidanren, said the time is ripe for the two countries to have a "new dimension of industrial cooperation" and they have to increase exchanges to achieve that progress. According to Muneo Kurauchi, counselor of Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc, China and Japan should deepen cooperation in the fields of the environment, medical care, logistics and e-commerce. China and Japan need to control the negative factors while focusing on the positive aspects regarding reciprocity and mutual benefit, said Kurauchi, who is also managing director of the Institute for International Monetary Affairs. He also called for deepening cooperation in third-party markets in the areas including infrastructure in Asia and the Belt and Road projects. Contact the writers through zhengxin@chinadaily.com.cn Li: Bilateral ties improving, but more work is required The recent growth in exchanges between China and Japan shows that bilateral ties are improving, but "the basis remains unstable", Premier Li Keqiang said on Tuesday. Lots of work still need to be done to bring the relationship between Beijing and Tokyo back to a normal footing, Li told representatives of Chinese and Japanese entrepreneurs and former senior officials including Japan's former prime minister Yasuo Fukuda and China's former vice-premier Zeng Peiyan. The premier called for the sustainable improvement and stable development of bilateral ties based on the spirit of "using history as a mirror and facing the future". Li spoke positively about the efforts made by businesspeople and former officials to promote China-Japan communication and cooperation, saying that such a dialog mechanism is expected to decrease any element of uncertainty in bilateral ties and strengthen the public will to improve ties. The Japanese representatives said that Li pointed out the direction which needs to be taken to improve and develop Japan-China ties. The dialog between Chinese and Japanese entrepreneurs and former officials is of great significance as government-to-government communications have encountered difficulties due to a lack of mutual political trust, said Zhang Jifeng, director of the Japanese economy department at the Institute of Japan Studies, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "Dialog through non-governmental channels is expected to play a key role in bilateral ties in current situation," he said. (China Daily USA 11/03/2016 page13) Uncle of teen who died in Orleans jail suicide is indicted by grand jury Evergrande in talks to buy British Cala Updated: 2016-11-03 07:37 By Reuters(China Daily USA) China Evergrande Group, China's second-largest property developer, is in "early stage" talks to buy Cala Homes, a person familiar with the upmarket British housebuilder said. Edinburgh, Scotland-based Cala Homes, which is owned by insurer Legal & General and real estate managers Patron Capital, was being advised on the offer by investment bank Lazard, its long-term advisor, the person said. Sky News, which first reported on the approach, said Evergrande's offer could be worth close to 700 million pounds ($856 million). Cala, which builds large, high-end homes across affluent areas of Britain such as around the M25 motorway which circles London, in the Midlands and Scotland, reported revenue of 587.1 million pounds for the year ended June 30, 15 percent higher than a year earlier. Net bank debt stood at 123.9 million pounds at end-June. In its results statement in October, Cala said that it had a contracted land bank with gross development value of 4.7 billion pounds as of end of June and that enquiry levels and reservation rates had risen in the 13 weeks after Britain voted to leave the European Union on June 23. "From time to time we may find ourselves the subject of speculation but from our perspective it is very much business as usual," a Cala spokesperson said. The approach comes as recent mortgage data and statements from housebuilders have indicated that the UK housing market is recovering somewhat from a sharp downturn in activity that followed Britain's vote to leave the EU. (China Daily USA 11/03/2016 page13) WASHINGTON (AP) The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol has issued a subpoena to Donald Trump. The nine-member panel sent a letter to the former president's lawyers on Friday, demanding his testimony under oath by mid-November and outlining a series of corresponding documents. The decision by lawmakers to exercise their subpoena power comes a week after the committee made its final case against the former president, who they say is the "central cause" of the multi-part effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election. It remains unclear how Trump and his legal team will respond to the subpoena, if at all. Li promotes SCO bank, free trade Updated: 2016-11-04 06:53 By HU YONGQI and WANG QINGYUN in Beijing(China Daily) Premier Li Keqiang advocates the establishment of a free-trade zone at the 15th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of Governments in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Nov 3, 2016. LIU ZHEN / CHINA NEWS SERVICE The six-member Shanghai Cooperation Organization on Thursday proposed to advance the establishment of a development bank and fund to boost financial cooperation. The proposal was signed by member countries at the 15th meeting of the heads of government of the group, which consists of China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Premier Li Keqiang, attending the meeting, also said China is open to the establishment of a free-trade zone among the SCO members. He called on SCO members to continue promoting investment and trade, as well as initiating feasibility studies for a free-trade zone. "Member countries should break restrictions in the economy and trade by establishing a free-trade zone to expand wider-scale exchanges in this field," Li said. A list of 38 "pragmatic measures" was approved at the meeting to govern cooperation in fields such as finance, transport and agriculture from 2017 to 2021. Experts said these proposals showed that SCO is moving beyond traditional concerns like fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism to promote pragmatic cooperation in economic topics. The six members cover 30 million square kilometers with about a quarter of the world's total population. It is working on legal procedures to grant India and Pakistan membership. Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said the SCO meeting is to help deepen economic cooperation and carry out projects in transport, production capacity and other fields. Chen Yurong, an expert on the region's economy at the China Institute of International Studies, said the SCO members are in dire need of an FTA mechanism to boost their economies, while the group also has the necessary conditions for the establishment of an FTA. Chen also said that the establishment of a development bank and fund will help break the bottleneck in development capital, and help realize many projects that the countries are planning. Kazakh Prime Minister Bakhytzhan Sagintayev said the SCO needs to promote effective economic cooperation to stabilize their economies, and Kazakhstan would like to link up with China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, a Russia-dominated initiative. After the meeting, Premier Li departed from Bishkek for Kazakh capital Astana to attend the 3rd Regular Meeting between Chinese and Kazakh Prime Ministers. China, Malaysia to work closely on infrastructure Updated: 2016-11-04 06:57 By QIN JIZE and ZHANG ZHIHAO(China Daily) Long-term cooperation to benefit both sides, President Xi tells visiting Prime Minister Najib China and Malaysia agreed on Thursday that bilateral ties are in their best period ever and that cooperation in the long term will be sought on regional infrastructure projects. During their meeting in Beijing, President Xi Jinping told Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak that his guest had inherited the spirit of his father, Abdul Razak Hussein, the second Malaysian prime minister, and had carried China-Malaysia ties forward. "The bilateral cooperation is in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries, and we are willing to deepen the cooperation in all sectors to benefit the two peoples," Xi said. He added that he was glad to see that the consensus reached in previous bilateral meetings has been translated into concrete results. Najib, who arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a six-day trip, described his visit as "extremely successful". Bilateral trust has been enhanced, and Malaysia is ready to boost cooperation with China in the fields of investment, transportation and port construction, he added. Najib and his Chinese counterpart, Premier Li Keqiang, witnessed the signing of a dozen deals that include the purchase of four patrol ships and loans for the construction of a planned railway line in Malaysia. Because his third official trip to China followed the recent visit by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, some Western media portrayed the visit as a move by China to counterbalance the influence of the United States in the region and as another setback for the US policy of rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a news briefing on Wednesday that China's development of normal diplomatic relations between countries never targets any third party and that the enhancement of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Malaysia is conducive to regional peace and development. Han Feng, a researcher at the Center of Southeast Asian Studies in the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the Western media portrayal is unreasonable, since Sino-Malaysian ties go back a long way and Malaysia was the first country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region to establish a diplomatic relationship with China. Total bilateral trade volume was $97.3 billion last year, according to Chinese government statistics, and trade with China accounted for 15.8 percent of Malaysia's total trade worldwide. Among ASEAN countries, Malaysia has been China's largest trading partner since 2008. "China and Malaysia both are reforming their economies. Given the scale of trade, it is normal for leaders from both countries to strengthen mutual political trust and facilitate practical cooperation," Han said. China has the capital, technology and experience to build infrastructure, facilitate cooperation and generate win-win opportunities in Southeast Asia, he added. Community Its now easier than ever to connect and chat with others in your local area. You can connect with your community by asking general questions, give area updates and recommendations and even let your community know about local events that are taking place. Premier emphasizes fight against terror Updated: 2016-11-03 07:22 By HU YONGQI/WANG QINGYUN(China Daily) Premier Li Keqiang and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov signed on Nov 2 a joint communique between the Chinese and Kyrgyz governments.[Photo/english.gov.cn] China and Kyrgyzstan vowed on Wednesday to fight terrorism, separatism and extremism through strengthened security cooperation as Premier Li Keqiang paid his first visit to the Central Asian neighbor. In the capital, Bishkek, Li and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov signed a joint communique on bilateral cooperation in fields such as security, agriculture and production. The agreement is especially timely since the Chinese embassy in Kyrgyzstan was attacked by a suicide car bomber on the morning of Aug 30. The attack injured three embassy personnel. Li rushed to the embassy upon his arrival in Bishkek, and said the embassy should rebuild damaged buildings as soon as possible. Security should be reinforced for Chinese diplomatic missions, Li said. Such agreements are also key for Central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan, which have been victims of terrorism, separatism and extremism. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, with both countries as founding members, has fought these forces since 2001. Premier Li Keqiang and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov signed on Nov 2 a joint communique between the Chinese and Kyrgyz governments.[Photo/english.gov.cn] Both countries have been part of joint anti-terrorism drills under the SCO framework each year. Xing Guangcheng, an expert on Central Asia and Russian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, suggested boosting two-way information sharing. Security cooperation is the best way to fight terrorism, a cross-border problem in Central Asia, said Xu Tao, an expert on Central Asia studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. Xu said both countries can increase exchanges in intelligence, technology and policy coordination to fight terror. "China and Kyrgyzstan have maintained political trust as strategic partners and have promoted pragmatic cooperation. ... China will do what it can to help Kyrgyzstan," Li told his counterpart. Li will attend the 15th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO on Thursday in Bishkek. Swans fly over the Beidagang Wetland in Tianjin, North China, Nov 1, 2016. About 2,000 migrating swans gathered in the wetland for rest, according to volunteers for birds protection.[Photo/Xinhua] We in rural Nebraska, with an economy heavily dependent on agriculture and transportation, understood as early as two years ago that something was amiss in the states economy. Prices of farm commodities crashed, railroad shipments slowed down, energy exploration and infrastructure construction stagnated, and railroad and agriculture-related businesses were laying off employees. Rural senators repeatedly told their colleagues of the coming slowdown. But yet, government spending did not slow down; the state budget was increased by 3.7 percent annually and local governments raised property tax revenues in the face of taxpayers concerns that lower family incomes would make taxes harder to pay. Based on information supplied to them through the Legislative Fiscal Office and the Nebraska Revenue Department, the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board recently revised its tax revenue forecast for the next biennium state budget down $910 million, or 10 percent below the expected general fund budget projections. A few examples of cuts in state spending that may need to be made in order to eliminate the present (it could get larger) $910 million shortfall: The state aid to public education is expected to increase 5.6 percent annually, totaling $109 million over the biennium Medicaid: 5.5 percent increase, totaling $96 million State employee pay raises: 2.5 percent estimated increase, totaling $53 million Employee health insurance premiums: 10 percent increase, totaling $35 million Community colleges: 3.5 percent increase, totaling $7.2 million And the University of Nebraskas request for an increase of 4 percent in state funding, totaling $50 million. (The State Higher Education Executive Officers Association in its latest report already rates Nebraska as the fifth highest [$438] in per-capita spending of all 50 states in tax support of its university system). The list of other state programs that could also be affected by the budget shortfall includes special education, public assistance programs, juvenile justice reform and basic government operations (utility bills, etc.). The $404 million tax relief expected by taxpayers from the property tax credit fund, an $11 million annual water sustainability fund allocation, and the need to actually increase spending on badly needed improvements to the Corrections Department budget are also on the chopping block. In fact, if we froze the general fund budget at this years $4.41 billion, the savings would only amount to $594 million. Believe it or not, with the scenario we are presently in, there are still special interest groups and some senators who think we can cut income taxes and increase economic development tax breaks for chosen individual businesses; there are also some who advocate raising taxes, and then there are those who believe a positive attitude will magically fix everything. I dont belong to any of those three persuasions. We are going to have to slow down and even reverse government spending. Past efforts for property tax relief must be protected and we cannot raise tax rates on citizens. Expand the sales tax base? Maybe, if used to protect property tax relief. Government entities need to learn to live under the same economic realities as do those in the free market world. One way to help keep your local economy strong during an economic turndown is for citizens to support their local retail businesses. The trend to buy products online is harming our states sales, income and property tax base and, most important, harming the job market in our local retail industry. It would help if we all reversed some of our online shopping habits by researching products online and then buying them locally. Canceling a big-city shopping trip can also help your gasoline budget. Just a thought, but I agree, you do have the freedom to spend your money where you wish. In an earlier column I proudly informed you that my voting record on nine issues generated for me the lowest rating by the State Chamber of Commerce, but recently my voting record on six issues garnered a 100 percent rating by members of the National Federation of Independent Businesses (small local business owners). That is a fact I am very proud of. Please do not hesitate to contact my office, mgroene@leg.ne.gov or 402-471-2729, with any comments, questions or concerns. Scandal of S. Korean president's confidante to transform political landscape Updated: 2016-11-02 07:47 (Xinhua) Choi Soon-sil (C), who is involved in a political scandal, reacts as she is surrounded by the media upon her arrival at a prosecutor's office in Seoul, South Korea, October 31, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] SEOUL - A political scandal surrounding a longtime confidante of President Park Geun-hye derailed South Korea, heralding a big upheaval in the political landscape and in the dynamics of presidential election scheduled for next December. Choi Soon-sil, who is known to have called President Park "sister" thanks to their seemingly indestructible friendship for decades, is now being placed by prosecutors under an emergency detention on Tuesday for alleged charges of intervening in state affairs and privatizing two non-profit foundations. The 60-year-old woman is suspected of having edited the most important presidential speeches, including the one made in Dresden, Germany, in 2014 that laid out a vision for reunification with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Alleged wrongdoings committed by Choi involve her interference with the appointments of ministers, the shutdown of the inter-Korean factory park in Kaesong, the privatization of two non-profit foundations and pressures on a prestigious university to get her daughter granted special treatment. President Park apologized to the public on Tuesday, acknowledging she had received personal advice from Choi on speeches and other public relations issues during the 2012 presidential election campaign and during her initial presidency on which Park didn't elaborate. Even a day hasn't passed without new allegations on Choi's past irregularities. Student unions and professor groups in universities as well as civic group activists have rallied and held press conference nationwide to protest against President Park and her confidante suspected of peddling influence and pulling strings behind the scenes. ALTERING POWER STRUCTURE As tens of thousands of outraged protesters took to the streets in capital Seoul and major cities nationwide on Saturday night, President Park overhauled her secretariat on Sunday by accepting resignations of her key advisors. Among the dismissed staff were three presidential secretaries, described as three "knobs of a door" that leads directly into the president. They had worked as Park's staff since she went into politics in 1998 as an elected lawmaker of the Grand National Party, predecessor of the current ruling Saenuri Party. One of the three secretaries is suspected of bringing the copies of confidential presidential reports, including Park's schedule for overseas trip and secret military contacts with the DPRK under former President Lee Myung-bak, daily to Choi for review. Also on the dismissal list were senior presidential advisor on policy coordination, who is accused of pressuring conglomerates into donating tens of millions of U.S. dollars to the Choi-controlled foundations, as well as senior presidential secretary for civil affairs in charge of overseeing prosecutors, police and spy agency. The presidential chief of staff and the press secretary for President Park stepped down, along with senior advisor for political affairs who is tasked with communicating with political parties. Choi Soon-sil, who is suspected of standing at the pinnacle of the power structure next to President Park, unexpectedly returned to Seoul on Sunday and appeared in prosecutors' office on Monday before being placed under an emergency arrest. Prosecutors requested a warrant to formally detain her. The senior presidential advisor on policy coordination was summoned by prosecutors for questioning on Wednesday, and behind-the-doors aides to Choi with no official position and security clearance have been, or would be, grilled, in the prosecutors' office. Power vacuum, caused by the resignations en masse and Choi's arrest, was first filled by two new secretaries. Park named new senior advisor for civil affairs and senior press secretary. The relatively-rapid staff alteration for President Park is being led by former presidential chief of staff Kim Ki-choon and former deputy minister for economic affairs Choi Kyung-hwan, according to Chosun Ilbo newspaper citing a ruling party official. Kim and Choi reportedly had a close relationship with Choi Jae-kyung, the new civil-affairs advisor for President Park. He is a former prosecutor famous for acquitting former President Lee Myung-bak of a charge of being involved in manipulating stock prices during the 2007 presidential primary of then ruling party. DYNAMICS IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION Outlook for next year's presidential election got blurred further as Saenuri Party lawmakers are raising different voices according to political interests. The non-President Park faction within the ruling party, composed of scores of lawmakers, has called on all of the party leadership to step down to take responsibility for the political crisis. Five potential presidential hopefuls of the governing party, including former Saenuri chairman Kim Moo-sung, gathered on Tuesday to demand the resignation of the party leadership that was launched just around three months ago. Kim, who led President Park's team for presidential election campaign in 2012 but is now categorized as a non-Park faction figure, said last Thursday that everyone did know Choi Soon-sil was close to Park when she was a presidential candidate in 2012. He said it was a lie to say that pro-Park figures didn't know the existence of Choi. Expectations got high for forming a so-called "third playground", a claim that neutral political figures from both ruling and opposition parties gather in a third place for the 2017 presidential election. Possibility remains for part of Saenuri members to bolt from the embattled party and join the third bloc. Traditional supporters for President Park are turning their backs rapidly. Park's approval rating dropped to a single-digit number for the first time during her four years in power. Most noticeable is an alienation of those in their 60s or above living in southeastern South Korea. According to a Naeil Shinmun newspaper survey conducted on Oct. 31, Park's approval rating fell to 9.2 percent, down 25.0 percentage points from the previous month. Support for Park in the North Gyeongsang province tumbled from 44.3 percent to 8.8 percent. Over 80 percent of respondents said the presidential personnel reshuffle will not contain public uproar, while about two-thirds of respondents agreed on the resignation of President Park. Doubts remain about prosecutors' investigation into the Choi Soon-sil scandal as she was arrested belatedly. Many South Koreans still believe that time was enough for Choi to destroy evidence given that months have passed since allegations surrounding her surfaced in media reports. Prosecutors raided the presidential office twice over the weekend, but they failed to enter inside the office for what the Blue House claimed was a possible leakage of classified documents. Instead, seven boxes of materials were voluntarily submitted to the prosecution. When investigators stormed offices of the two foundations presumably controlled by Choi, the offices were almost empty, TV footage showed. All of computers in the K-Sports foundation were reportedly replaced, while email accounts of the employees were closed. Joyce Russell Porter County Reporter Joyce has been a reporter for nearly 40 years, including 23 years with The Times. She's a native of Merrillville, but has lived in Portage for 39 years. She covers municipal and school government in Porter County. Follow Joyce Russell Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Both of my maternal great grandparents immigrated from Germany in 1893. Johann Ernst came over in April and Fredricke - with three small children in tow - came over in August. I've found proof of their immigration on passenger lists found both on Ancestry.com and on the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island (libertyellisfoundation.org). The information provided included the date they left Germany, from where they departed, when they arrived, occupation, intended destination and even the number of pieces of luggage they brought with them. Like censuses, I find it interesting to fan out from my specific family at times and look at the entire list. On Fredericka's passenger list there was literally the butcher, the baker and the dressmaker coming to America. Most were from Germany, but there were a few from Russia. They were headed all over the United States - Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Cleveland. It may be just me, but I find it an interesting read. The passenger list also tells us the ship on which they arrived. For Fredricke, it was the Ems and for Johann, its was the Havel. The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation site also contains information on the ships. Another interesting read if you want to get a better idea of how your ancestors got here. My great-grandfather arrived on the Havel. It was 463 feet long and 52 feet broad and held just over 800 passengers. She was built for the Norddeutscher Lloyd line and sailed between Bremen, Germany and New York City from 1891 to 1895. Each trip, I would imagine, brought over 800-some immigrants looking for a new life. She was later sold to Spain and became an armed cruiser. My great grandmother and my three eldest great aunts and uncles - Theresa, Richard and Wilhelm, came to America aboard the Ems. Built to hold some 1,200 passengers, it was also owned by the North German Lloyd line and cruised the Atlantic from 1884 to 1905. It was sold to a British line in 1901. The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation site allows you to purchase a copy of the passenger list along with a picture of the ship and a passenger record. I have not made any purchases as the passenger lists were available through my Ancestry.com subscription. Still, belonging and supporting the foundation is something we should consider. The membership is reasonable and there are perks and discounts along with the membership. It will be the next group I join on my genealogical journey. Let me know about some of your recent finds. Drop me a note at joyce.russell@nwi.com with a story, tips or advice I can share. Look forward to hearing from you. When most people hear how bad things are, they usually respond with either disbelief or that age-old question, Why? EAST CHICAGO A man told police he was wounded by gunfire as he rode a bicycle in the citys Calumet neighborhood. East Chicago police were dispatched at 12:07 a.m. Thursday to the 4800 block of Grasselli Street for a shooting, Lt. Marguerite Wilder said in an email. Police found the man lying in an alley, and medics took him to a local hospital for treatment. At the hospital, the man told officers he was riding his bicycle west from 148th Street and Euclid Avenue when he heard gunshots in the area of Grasselli, police said. A bullet struck his left lower leg. The man told police he didnt know who shot him. East Chicago police responded to a number of calls for shots fired in the minutes after the Chicago Cubs won the World Series late Wednesday, but investigations dont think the man was wounded by celebratory gunfire, Wilder said. Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at (219) 391-8318. To remain anonymous, call (219) 391-8500. VALPARAISO A Portage man was found guilty Thursday of pointing a loaded gun at the face of a local police officer responding to a noise complaint at the mans house. After more than four hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Steven Hale on felony counts of intimidation, criminal recklessness, pointing a firearm and a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. Hale was found not guilty on an additional felony count of resisting law enforcement. He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 4 by Porter Circuit Court Judge Mary Harper. Portage Police Chief Troy Williams said the verdict was a vote of confidence for his department. Ultimately, this case came down on whom to believe, the Officer or the defendant, Williams said in a prepared statement. I think the verdict goes to show that the people of Porter County believed and trusted our Officer and recognize the job we do is very dangerous at times. I would like to thank Porter County Prosecutor Brian Gensel and his entire staff for their efforts with this case, he said. Jurors had been presented this week with two very different versions of the Feb. 28, 2015, encounter. Portage police Officer Dan Martinez claimed Hale, 33, pointed a loaded handgun at his face late in the night after the officer knocked on his door. But defense attorney Larry Rogers said Hale answered the door at his home with a gun because he had a conflict underway with two men. Hale never lifted the gun from his side, and when he discovered the visitor was a police officer, he dropped the weapon immediately, Rogers said. Porter County Deputy Prosecutor Ashley Fifield told jurors Wednesday morning that Martinez was contacted directly by an acquaintance, who asked him to respond to the noise complaint. When Martinez arrived at the house in the 2300 block of County Line Road, he heard loud music and saw Hale inside, she said. He knocked on the door, which eventually opened, and he found himself staring down the barrel of a black and chrome semi-automatic 9-mm Smith & Wesson handgun. Rogers said Hale had an ongoing conflict with a neighbor and had sent a text earlier that night to another man defending a friend, Rogers said. Hale walked to the door with the gun at his side out of concern that one of these two men was knocking. Hale registered an 0.183 blood alcohol content on a portable breath test, police said at the time. CROWN POINT Vivian Pettigrew had not seen neighbor Cynthia Funches boyfriend since the day she saw him struggling with an object at their Highland apartment building. But on Wednesday in Superior Court, Pettigrew identified Isaiah Barker, charged with Funches murder, as Funches boyfriend and one of the men she saw at the apartment building five years ago. Barker is charged with murder and feticide in the deaths of Funches and the 20-week old fetus she was carrying. Funches body was found June 22, 2011, in a storage bin inside a garage in Chicago. An autopsy conducted by the Cook County Coroners office found that she had died of multiple blunt trauma, due to an assault. Barker was charged with her murder in 2012 and apprehended during a traffic stop in Georgia in 2013. His trial began Monday, and testimony during day three ranged from the painstaking to the dramatic. Pettigrew, under questioning by Prosecutor Reginald Marcus, told of the incident during which investigators believe Funches body was disposed of. Pettigrew, wearing a black outfit, her hair in a neat bun, told of being at her vehicle to get laundry when she saw Barker and a companion struggling with a large beige object, I thought it was a floor model TV. But they dont make floor model TVs anymore. Investigators have said they believe Funches was carried out in a tote container. She and Barker made eye contact, she said, but then he looked away from her. His action troubled my spirit, she said. Barker and his companion, she added, were on their way to a green Caravan. Pettigrew took her laundry to the south side of the building, put it in a washing machine, went up to her apartment, then back to her vehicle to check its alarm. About 10 minutes had passed, she said, and the Caravan was gone. Under questioning by Barkers attorney, Angela Trapp, Pettigrew said she hadnt known Funches and Barker well and had never socialized with them. Shed moved to the apartment complex, Hamptons in Highland, on April 22, 2011, just a few months before Funches murder.The remainder of the day was taken up by review of evidence as Marcus and co-counsel Infinity Baulos built their case. Highland Det. Lester Siple confirmed the chain of evidence between the Cook County Coroners Office and the Highland Department. Siple, who observed Funches autopsy, identified trial exhibits, including sealed blood and hair evidence. When Samuel Perez, of the Lake County Sheriffs Office, took the stand, Marcus showed the jury pictures of carpeting taken from the crime scene, as well as a washcloth. Both items were spotted with an unclear red substance and were sent on for testing, Perez said. Police had initially been called by a Hamptons leasing agent whod checked the apartment at the behest of Funches mother, whod been unable to reach her. The apartment was found to be in disarray, carpeting rolled up and a bedroom dresser in the kitchen. CROWN POINT The city on Wednesday dedicated its first roundabout and adjacent trailhead at 93rd Avenue and Chase Street. The $2 million-plus project includes a roundabout with three legs, one for each road and one that connects to the trailhead shelter for the Erie Lackawana Trail that runs west of the intersection. Mayor David Uran said because the roundabout doesnt have the typical four legs it will act as a training wheel to the community about what a roundabout is. Its very easy to get around, he said. The city collaborated on the project with the Lake County Board of Commissioners and the town of Merrillville, of which the roundabout is on the boundary. The project includes a pathway along 93rd Avenue to Main Street. It was along that stretch in 2012 where Britney Meux, a Lake County Sheriffs correctional officer, was killed when she was struck by a hit-and-run driver who seriously injured three other officers while they were jogging as part of a training exercise outside of the Lake County Jail. The new trailhead and roundabout was dedicated to Meux, with Lake County Sheriffs Deputy Chief Dan Murchek calling her a dedicated officer who always had a smile on her. If you were having a bad day and met Britney, she would always make your day better, he said. Well always have a place for her here. Jackie Meux, Britney Meuxs mother, who joined other family members at the dedication, said the new trailhead, pathway and roundabout will make the area safe for everybody else. It means a whole lot, she said. Mitch Barloga, nonmotorized transportation and greenways planner for the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, one of the funding agents for the project, said the new pathway along 93rd Avenue will also provide safe and easy access to residents who live east of Main Street and want to use the trail. Its a great vision for the city, he said. WESTVILLE Merrie Leigh Gable, of Crown Point, knows how important it is for students to have the right clothes to wear as a new teacher. Gable, a junior at Purdue University Northwest Westville campus, said she was in class one day when Early Childhood Education associate professor Mary Jane Eisenhauer talked about looking around the community for people in need. I realized that as education majors we are required to dress professionally for our first-year, student field experiences, and that requirements continues throughout our time as students, she said. But for some students, doing so is a strain on the pocketbook. Gable thought it would be a great idea to provide clothes to students who were doing student teaching and going into the teaching field. Gable created the Teachers Closet, an event held in September at the Westville campus where future teachers were able to come and obtain clothing free of charge for upcoming professional interviews and day-to-day work. There are young girls who are majoring in education and we have to dress professionally, she said. We have to go out in the field from our very first semester all the way until we do our student teaching. We have to dress professionally in a way that you can still work with children. It can get expensive pretty quickly. Gable said she began talking to local teachers and teachers from her hometown of Westfield, Indiana. PNW students, staff and faculty members also opened up their own closets to provide clothing, coats, shoes and briefcases. Hundreds of items were donated. Gable is a member of the Teachers Networking Together organization on the Westville campus, which sponsored the event. Working on this project was a natural fit for that student organization. TNT president Kate Sech, of Highland, said the group supports and provides resources to all PNW education students. We provide professional development opportunities, we volunteer in the community and we try to create a network of friends, she said. TNT emphasizes the importance of community work and the positive impact PNW students can have on the world around us. Eisenhauer said the Family, Community, School Partnership class she teaches encourages students to get involved in the community. Its one of the first classes in the program, she said. As part of this course, we decided to send the students out in the community and give back in a way that gets our students prepared for the workforce. Many of them worked at local early childhood agencies. Merrie Leigh worked at Jacobs Ladder in Chesterton. Early on, she realized that to become a professional, you have to look the part. That was the impetus for Gables idea for the Teachers Closet. Gable is already collecting donations of clothing to hold the giveaway again next year. Since that successful event, Gable has developed the idea of helping teachers to create their own personal library. She is collecting books that will be sold for 25 cents each at the event planned for April. Its awesome to get these things from teachers and former teachers, she said. They know what we need. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Donald Trump warned on Thursday that a cloud of investigation would follow Hillary Clinton into the White House, evoking the bitter impeachment battle of the 1990s in a closing campaign argument meant to bring wayward Republicans home. Clinton and her allies, led by President Barack Obama, told voters to get serious about the dangers of Trump. As polls show Trump closing in on Clinton in key battleground states, her campaign is rushing to shore up support in some long-standing Democratic strongholds. That includes the campaign's Michigan firewall, a remarkable situation for a candidate who looked to be cruising to an easy win just a week ago. Clinton's shrunken lead has given Trump's campaign a glimmer of hope, one he's trying to broaden into a breakthrough before time runs out. That means zeroing in on questions of Clinton's trustworthiness and a new FBI review of an aide's emails. The attack is aimed at appealing to moderate Republicans and independents who have been the holdouts of his campaign, turned off by his behavior but equally repelled by the possible return of the Clintons. "Here we go again with the Clintons you remember the impeachment and the problems." Trump said Thursday at a rally in Jacksonville. "That's not what we need in our country, folks. We need someone who is ready to go to work." Clinton and allies, meanwhile, are seeking to keep the spotlight on Trump, charging that his disparaging comments about women and minorities, and his temperament make him unfit for office. "He has spent this entire campaign offering a dog whistle to his most hateful supporters," Clinton said, singling out Trump's endorsement from the official newspaper of the Ku Klux Klan and noting that he has retweeted messages from white supremacists. "This has never happened to a nominee of a major party," Clinton said. "If Donald Trump were to win this election we would have a commander in chief who is completely out of his depth and whose ideas are incredibly dangerous," she said at Pitt Community College outside of Greenville, North Carolina. Clinton was slated to campaign later Thursday with former primary opponent Sen. Bernie Sanders and pop star Pharrell Williams in Raleigh. Trump's path to victory remains narrow. He must win Florida to win the White House, no easy feat. Still, his campaign has been buoyed by tightening polls there and in other key battlegrounds, as well as by signs that African-American turnout for Clinton may be lagging. Clinton enlisted Obama's help urging those voters to the polls and lighting a fire under other Democrats, particularly young people, who share some of the wariness about Clinton. Speaking to students at Florida International University in Miami, Obama told voters now was the time to get serious about the choice. "This isn't a joke. This isn't 'Survivor.' This isn't 'The Bachelorette.'" he said, taunting the former reality-TV star. "This counts." Relishing one of his last turns on the campaign stage as president, Obama repeatedly returned to his new campaign catchphrase capturing his disbelief in the unpredictable race to replace him. "C'mon, man," he said, to cheers. Obama has been trying to bait Republican into veering off message counting on Trump not to have the discipline or the ground game to capitalize on a late surge. But the famously unconventional Trump has been hewing closer to convention, running some upbeat ads, bringing out his wife for a rare campaign appearance and even talking publicly about trying not to get distracted. "We don't want to blow it on Nov. 8," Trump said Thursday at the rally in Jacksonville, his fourth in Florida in two days. Clinton's weekend schedule underscored the Democrats' fresh anxiety in the final stretch. She is due to campaign Friday in Detroit, where a large turnout of black voters has long been crucial to success, following up on a last-minute meeting by former President Bill Clinton with black ministers on Wednesday night. Clinton and Obama, along with their spouses, will headline a final pre-election rally in Philadelphia next Monday evening. Trump has had far fewer allies carrying his message. Sen. Ted Cruz, his GOP primary foe, did campaign with vice presidential candidate Mike Pence outside Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, but he never mentioned Trump by name in a 14-minute speech. Trump's wife, Melania Trump, made her first appearance on the trail since the Republican convention in July. At a get-out-the-vote rally in the Philadelphia suburbs, the former model tried to counter the Clinton campaign's pounding attacks on her husband as setting a poor example for children. She told the group that if she becomes first lady she will focus on combatting online bullying and working against a culture that has "gotten too mean and too rough," she said. Melania made no reference to her husband's regular name-calling on social media. On Twitter, Donald Trump has called Clinton "crooked," ''pathetic," ''liar," ''a fraud" and "very dumb." He's called Cruz a "true lowlife pol" and a "complete and total liar." Trump's daughter Ivanka was campaigning in New Hampshire. Michigan City just became an important leader in a sweeping economic development plan that literally could unite and connect all of Northwest Indiana. The Michigan City Common Council voted 8-1 Tuesday, favoring an agreement with South Shore Line administrators to allow for double tracking through the city. Its part of a greater plan to lay an additional set of tracks between Gary and Michigan City to speed the train commute to Chicago and its cache of jobs for Region residents. Michigan City just punched its ticket in the plan and in doing so has become an example of regional leadership. The city has its share of urban struggles, including loss of population and household income since 1970. A vote to support improvement to the commuter line could help stem those losses and perhaps reverse the trend by attracting and retaining young professionals. Couple an improved commuter rail system with the amenities of a beautiful Michigan City lakeshore, and the City Council just cast a vote for a brighter future. Council President Tim Biety noted the project will come with some discomfort. Some homeowners and businesses may experience property loss or relocation to fix an antiquated rail line that runs across major city streets rather than in a traditional railroad bed. But no great moves with our future in mind come without sacrifice. Vocal naysayers who oppose all South Shore Line improvement and expansion while offering no alternatives for Region growth should learn from Michigan Citys example. This is going to advance the city in so many ways, Mayor Ron Meer told the council Tuesday. We agree. Michigan City officials also seem to understand that South Shore Line improvements benefit all of Northwest Indiana, not just their municipality. Congratulations to Michigan City for stepping off the platform and boarding a greater train of regional development. South Shore Line expansion is proving to be a potential broker of unity in an often divided Region. High Court: Parliament must vote before Brexit Updated: 2016-11-03 18:44 By CHRIS PETERSON/BO LEUNG(chinadaily.com.cn) Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty that deals with the mechanism for departure is pictured with an EU flag following Britain's referendum results to leave the European Union, in this photo illustration taken in Brussels, Belgium, June 24, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] Judges rule that the government must not trigger Article 50 without the support of MPs British Prime Minister Theresa May's plan for the UK to leave the European Union after her government invokes Article 50 were thrown into chaos by a High Court ruling that said the UK's Parliament must approve such a move. The Bar Council, which represents senior lawyers in England and Wales, said the ruling was "of major significance for the future of this country". The decision, which the government said it would appeal against in the Supreme Court, was described by the Financial Times as a"thunderbolt". A group of private citizens, led by financial consultant Gina Miller, had sought a judicial review of the government's intention to invoke Article 50 without first consulting Parliament. May had planned to do so, essentially making a formal declaration of the UK's intention to leave the EU, before March by using an ancient power called the Royal Prerogative, something that would not have required a vote in Parliament. However, the panel of three judges said Parliament must have its say. Liam Fox, the international trade minister and a leading campaigner for Britain to leave the EU, told the BBC: "The government is disappointed by the ruling. The country voted to leave in a referendum sanctioned by Parliament." The pound, which had slumped to its lowest level in 30 years after the referendum result, rose sharply by 1 percent against the dollar and euro, boosted by both the ruling and fresh data from the Bank of England, which raised its growth rate projections for 2017. The Supreme Court had previously indicated it would hear any appeal quickly, and aim to deliver its judgement before Christmas, probably between Dec 5 and 8. On June 23, Britons shocked the political establishment by voting in a referendum, 52 percent to 48 percent, in favour of leaving the EU. Miller said after the ruling:"This case was about parliamentary democracy and not about process, and the government should accept this ruling and give up its right to appeal to the Supreme Court." Nigel Farage, the leader of UKIP, the party whose main policy was to leave the EU, said he was disappointed. He told the BBC: "I now fear every attempt will be made to block or delay triggering Article 50. They have no idea of the level of public anger they will provoke." In its ruling, the High Court said its decision was taken purely on constitutional grounds, without any political interpretation. If a vote ends up being taken in Parliament, there is a danger, as far as the government is concerned, that MPs could vote to reject the government's plans to invoke Article 50. According to a Bloomberg Survey, 73 percent of the 650 members were in favour of remaining within the EU before the referendum. Lord Kerr, a Scottish peer who wrote Article 50 for the Lisbon Treaty, told the BBC in an interview that the process of leaving the EU was not irrevocable. He said the UK could elect to remain in the community, even after exit negotiations had started, after the formal process was triggered. Assuming the Supreme Court upholds the High Court ruling, analysts say the government has a variety of options, including negotiating a so-called soft exit and even calling a general election. Bo Leung in London contributed to this story. To contact the reporter: chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com Police have released new surveillance photos of the person they say fatally sucker punched a man in Queens over the summer. Investigators say the man and woman seen above approached 64-year-old Patrick Gorman on the corner of Main Street and Queens Boulevard in Briarwood on June 26. Video shows the man punch Gorman in the head before he and the woman walk off. Gorman later died at Jamaica Hospital. Anyone with information on the case should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com. A Texas man has apologized for scattering his mentor's ashes at the Metropolitan Opera House last weekend. In a letter to the general manager, Roger Kaiser explains that he promised a cancer-stricken friend that he would sprinkle his ashes at various opera houses after his death. He apologizes for inadvertently creating a disturbance, and called it a sweet gesture that went wrong. Kaiser dumped the remains into the orchestra pit during a performance Saturday afternoon. The Met was forced to stop the show and evacuate the theater as a precaution. Another performance scheduled for later that day was also cancelled. The opera's general manager responded, saying that he appreciated the sincerity of Kaiser's apology even though his actions cost thousands of dollars. Authorities say an MTA employee is dead and another is injured after an incident in a Brooklyn subway tunnel. The MTA says the two construction flaggers were setting up the track for overnight work when they were struck by a southbound G train between the Fort Hamilton Parkway and Church Avenue stops. BKLYN ALL HANDS IND F FT HAMILTON PKWY, TWO MTA WORKERS UNDER TRAIN, UNDER CONTROL FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) November 3, 2016 The FDNY says one of the workers was sent to Maimonides Medical Center in critical condition. The NYPD says that man died at the hospital. The other worker is in serious condition at Methodist Hospital. Robert Weber, whose elegant and witty cartoons about the privileged and the self-involved were staples of The New Yorker for 45 years, died on Oct. 20 in Branford, Conn. He was 92. The death was confirmed by his wife, Debora Graves. From 1962 to 2007, Mr. Weber drew 1,481 cartoons for the magazine, as well as art for 11 covers. Over those decades, the well-dressed people he depicted, often at parties or entertaining at home, were an overachieving bunch. So we finally reach the summit of Everest, one woman tells two friends, lounging on a sofa strewn with pillows, wine glasses at hand, and whos already there but that pushy sportswear buyer from Bloomingdales, Tanya Urquhart. Weber people were nothing if not entitled, going about with what some might see as skewed expectations. The lone customer in a nondescript bar suggests to the oblivious bartender, You know, a Bobby Short could do wonders for this place. A young man sitting with his girlfriend on the beach says, I see myself going into some form of public service, like banking. Norristown, Pa. The long-awaited criminal trial of entertainer Bill Cosby on sexual assault charges could be held earlier than currently planned if pretrial hearings are completed on schedule in December, the judge in the case said Wednesday. The trial had not been expected to start until June. But Montgomery County Judge Steven T. ONeill said from the bench that if the hearings he is presiding over on what evidence to allow are wrapped up as planned on Dec. 13 and 14, he hopes to accelerate the process. Im not real interested in sitting around for six months, he said. Mr. Cosby is charged with three counts of aggravated indecent assault stemming from an encounter with Andrea Constand, a former employee of Temple University, at his home outside Philadelphia in 2004. He denies the charges and says the sex was consensual. Among the issues debated Wednesday was whether to allow testimony at the coming trial by 13 women who say they were also sexually assaulted by Mr. Cosby in past decades. Email scandal? Gain some perspective with All the Presidents Men, Alan J. Pakulas Watergate classic. And Benedict Cumberbatch and Rachel Maddow chat up Jimmy Fallon. Whats on TV ALL THE PRESIDENTS MEN (1976) 9 p.m. on HBO Signature. Woodward and Bernstein. Redford and Hoffman. And four Oscars for Alan J. Pakulas retelling of Watergate. In The New York Times, Vincent Canby called it the thinking mans Jaws. THE GOOD PLACE 8:30 p.m. on NBC. The show wraps up for the fall as Michael tries to get to the root of the trouble in paradise. And Chidi makes a connection that isnt with Eleanor. MOM 9 p.m. on CBS. Christy contemplates abandoning her dream of becoming a lawyer when Bonnies ex-girlfriend (Rosie ODonnell) offers her a real estate job. The battery and its software give Mr. Beatty an advantage over other solar panel farmers. Power prices in Britain and elsewhere rise and fall, sometimes strikingly, during the day and over the year, depending on the supply and demand. By storing power in the battery, Mr. Beatty can feed it into the grid when prices are high. The battery effectively takes power off the line when there is too much and puts it on when there is too little, he said. Image The battery inside a storage container on Nicholas Beattys property can store a substantial portion of the electricity from his solar farm. Credit... Andrew Testa for The New York Times Mr. Beatty said the battery, which costs about 825,000 pounds, or $1 million, could increase revenue for his solar farm by as much as 200,000 a year. In addition to making more by timing his delivery to the grid, he said he planned to enter an auction to become a standby source of power to compensate for unexpected drops in the grid. Mr. Beatty is one of many entrepreneurs and businesses trying to play the fast-shifting electric power landscape. The global effort to combat climate change is forcing what had been an old-line business to evolve. Polluting, coal-fired power stations are closing, while clean energy sources like wind and solar are growing fast. While renewable energy sources have the huge advantage of not emitting the gases blamed for climate change, they can be tricky for a grid operator to rely on, not least because their output is dependent on wind and sunlight. In addition, the power they produce is essentially free, which puts downward pressure on prices. The growing use of renewables is creating an unstable energy system, said David Hill, managing director of Open Energi, a British company that helps industrial companies save money by timing and otherwise managing their energy use. What everyone is trading on now is that there is a value in flexibility. Batteries are one way of achieving that flexibility. Amid all this disruption, Britain and other countries have created a smorgasbord of incentives to power providers to keep the lights from going off. Neil Hutchings, director of power systems and storage at Anesco, the small British company that supplied Mr. Beattys battery, said there were no fewer than 14 ways that it could make money. The real secret is how to pick out the best combination, he said. With big ideas like this, the basic problem is that building a large prototype plant can easily cost $1 billion or more, and private financiers are often reluctant to take the risk on unproven technology. One solution, of course, is for governments to spend money to subsidize big demonstration projects. Many Americans probably imagine that quite a bit is being spent already. But the numbers are actually low. The federal budget devoted to new energy technology is on the order of $6 billion a year, less money than American consumers spend on potato chips. Bill Gates, the Microsoft entrepreneur and philanthropist, has for years been prodding the government to step up these efforts. Last year, as the Paris climate deal was about to be completed, the Obama administration joined other countries in a pledge to double their spending on research and development by 2020, and Mr. Gates corralled private investors to support the effort. It is not yet clear, though, whether Congress will honor President Obamas pledge. Speaking recently in New York, the secretary of energy, Ernest J. Moniz, sounded optimistic. He said he believed the political parties could find common ground by focusing on energy innovation, and if they did so, the American approach would prevail. What is that approach? Weve got a problem, Dr. Moniz explained. We recognize it. We solve it. For many in the energy industry, such predictions may sound all too familiar. Over the last two decades, companies have put hundreds of millions of dollars into new digital technologies, often with limited results. Around 2008, when oil hit a record $147 a barrel, analysts said many oil majors spent big on data centers and advanced software programs, only to see such projects be outpaced by those from IBM, Amazon and Microsoft, which could offer similar computing power at a fraction of the cost. The recent protracted slump in global energy prices the average oil price is still down about 60 percent since 2014 has focused minds on more basic restructuring, with job cuts and asset sales taking precedence over sensors and data science. A longstanding skepticism about untested technology also has pushed the industry to the bottom of the class compared with other sectors when handling all things digital, according to the Boston Consulting Group. In the 2000s, resistance to technology was everywhere, said Nate Clark, an energy partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, in Houston. People tried to do too much, too fast. Despite some continuing resistance, the industry's technological credibility has been burnished by the recent shale revolution, which is driven by tech advances in drilling techniques, data crunching and other improvements aimed at making the sector more nimble as global oil and natural gas prices fluctuate. Roughly two-thirds of energy companies, according to a recent study by Ernst & Young, the consulting firm, have spent at least $100 million on data analytics over the last two years, a rise over previous years. With an eye still on cutting costs, companies are nevertheless increasing their commitments to digital. In Southern France, Total recently tripled the computing power of its in-house supercomputer, making it the 11th most powerful machine in the world, according to Top500, a data provider. And in Houston, BP is spending $100 million by 2018 on its own supercomputer to help engineers better analyze the companys energy assets around the world. The amount of data is like a tsunami coming at us, said Keith Grey, who runs BPs supercomputer center. Were gaining advantages that will be hard for others to try and match. Finding new ways of using that data also has become a priority. In Western Australia, Woodside Energy, one of the nations largest oil and natural gas producers, has placed roughly 200,000 sensors throughout its $10 billion liquefied natural gas plant. The goal was to pull together real-time data that could flag potential problems before they caused major disruptions. The great and the good of world aviation gathered in Montreal last month to do something that seemed impossible even a couple of years ago. They agreed to cap greenhouse gas emissions from international flights. The pact the first climate change agreement to apply worldwide to a specific sector, one that produces the equivalent annual carbon dioxide output as that of Germany was greeted with almost universal support. John Kerry, secretary of state of the United States, called the aviation deal unprecedented. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, council president of the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations body that will oversee the agreement, acknowledged negotiations had been tough, but added that almost all nations now had a practical agreement and consensus on this issue. Despite the backslapping, much still needs to be resolved before the 15-year aviation accord comes into force beginning in 2021. The first six years of the deal will be voluntary. LONDON When it comes to energy, the Middle East and Persian Gulf are best known for their oil and gas. But across the region, governments, power companies and investors are beginning to exploit another abundant resource: the sun. In places like Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, solar power plants are providing an affordable and reliable source of electricity, badly needed by nations that produce oil and those that must import it. Wind farms are appearing, too. The move toward renewable energy is in its earliest stages. Clean sources account for less than 5 percent of the regions power capacity and face obstacles, including widespread subsidies, that make conventional sources of electricity artificially cheap. But experts see real potential for growth in an area that gets some of the strongest and steadiest sunshine in the world. Parts of Jordan, for example, average 330 sunny days a year. The diplomats attending the global meeting will work toward devising an independent body to monitor levels of pollution in each country with consistent standards that would allow comparisons among countries to see whether they are actually meeting their emissions pledges. That organizations reporting would, at least in theory, encourage accountability for the voluntary commitments through the power of public scrutiny and even shame. At the same time, many of the diplomats who will attend the conference expect some countries, especially China and India, to push for a system that depends on self-reporting of emissions levels a more permissive way of going about the task of measurement. Marrakesh will also be about money: making good on pledges made by rich nations in Paris to spend $100 billion a year by 2020 to help poor countries make the transition to cleaner energy systems and to adapt to climate change. As every fund-raiser knows too well, there is a big difference between getting pledges and getting donors to pay. Here, too, peer pressure and the potential for public shaming might come into play. What to do with that money is another focus of the Marrakesh meeting: discussing the ways that developing countries can prepare for the challenges of climate change. Salaheddine Mezouar, Moroccos minister of foreign affairs and the official who will serve as president of the conference, has called it an opportunity to make the voices of the most vulnerable countries to climate change heard, in particular African countries and island states that face disaster from rising seas. Nations will also begin building what are known as national adaptation plans. The world is more than 20 years into concerted efforts through the United Nations to deal with climate change. In the acronym-filled language of the world body, this will be the 22nd Conference of the Parties, shortened to COP22. Last years Paris conference was COP21. COP1, the first of the annual climate change conferences, began with a 1995 meeting in Berlin. Stanford Lipsey, a publisher who persuaded Warren E. Buffett to invest in newspapers and whose chain of Nebraska weeklies won a Pulitzer Prize for exposing fund-raising excesses by Boys Town, the charity for orphaned children, died on Tuesday at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif. He was 89. His death was confirmed by his wife, Judith. Under Mr. Lipsey, the Sun Newspapers, in the Omaha area, won the Pulitzer Prize for Local Investigative Specialized Reporting (a category since discontinued) in 1973 for disclosing that Boys Town was still soliciting contributions even though it had accrued hundreds of millions of dollars in assets and its caseload of abandoned and handicapped youngsters had shrunk. The Sun estimated that the net worth of Boys Town, which was founded in 1921 by the Rev. Edward J. Flanagan, was growing by as much as $18 million a year four times as much as it needed to maintain its programs. Boys Town, Americas richest city: 700 boys with $209 million, the headline proclaimed in the Sun papers, owned by Mr. Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate. For months, the most closely watched contest in the music industry has been for the songs of Prince, who died in April. Now, the first major deal for Princes music has been reached: The stars songwriting rights are going to the Universal Music Publishing Group for an undisclosed sum, the company and the Prince estate announced on Wednesday. The deal gives Universal long-term administration rights for Princes hits like Purple Rain and When Doves Cry, and raises the possibility that the songs which Prince withheld from many online services could become more widely available. The idea is that we are going to work very closely with the estate on the catalog of about 1,000 Prince songs to make sure that his fans from all over the world will be able to hear it and access it, Jody Gerson, the chief executive of Universal Music Publishing, said in an interview. And just before that, Conde Nast announced that as part of a reorganization, it would consolidate all 21 of its creative departments (all the magazines, websites and 23 Stories, its native advertising arm) under the leadership of Raul Martinez. Wait, you say: Thats not a politics story. Thats a media story. Which it is. Except for one thing: Though his promotion (he is officially called head of the creative group) was intended as business strategy, it had the unplanned effect of casting Mr. Martinez as not only the leader of almost 200 Conde Nast employees at the countrys most influential glossy magazines (like Vogue, Vanity Fair, Glamour and GQ) but also as the most powerful Latino in glossy publishing. And that has put a spotlight on someone in the throes of a personal transformation ignited, albeit unintentionally, by Mr. Trump. While the story of Mr. Martinez is in many ways representative of a number of stories from this strange and twisted election cycle, that he can now tell it from 22 floors up at One World Trade Center gives it a certain reach. Which he intends to use. I never really labeled myself ethnically or in terms of sexual orientation, Mr. Martinez, 54, said a few days after his promotion. It was his first interview on a subject that was not his new group at Conde Nast, and he spoke of a new sense that it was also now his job to put himself above the parapet as the representative of an alternative narrative for a group of people. Lawmakers in South Africa want to make hate speech a crime. Backers of the draft law say racist language can violate human rights and is not compatible with the nations values. Opponents say that criminalizing hate speech will erode freedom of expression and do little to heal the countrys racial wounds. Do laws that ban offensive words make the world a better place? In Jail Time for Using South Africas Worst Racial Slur? Norimitsu Onishi writes: JOHANNESBURG After thieves broke into her car, a white South African motorist lashed out at the responding black police officers. She called black people plain and simple useless before unleashing the most offensive racial slur around. Not the N-word, but the K-word: kaffir. The word is South Africas most charged epithet, a term historically used by whites to denigrate black people and considered so offensive that it is rarely said out loud or rendered fully in print. Now because of her racist tirade, caught on video early this year, the driver of the car, Vicki Momberg, is on trial and will probably face a hefty fine. Because of her rant and several others like it, lawmakers in South Africa, where the wounds of apartheid remain raw, are moving to make hate speech a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Students: Read the entire article, then tell us: Do laws that ban offensive words make the world a better place? Are these lawmakers in South Africa doing the right thing? Or, should the right to free speech trump our desire to end the use of hateful words? South Africans arent the only ones who have considered banning an offensive word. Some local governments in the United States have considered outlawing use of the N-word. Do you think such a ban would work? Which do you think is more effective in combating offensive language: government censorship or public education, or both? The decision has provoked another round of outrage, laced with deep resentment and a sense of loss. Christina Tipiani, 23, a student who lives in the Soundview section of the Bronx, bemoaned the closing as she browsed books with her daughter Gabriella Padilla, 3. We have enough clothing stores, she said. What do you want to teach your children? I want to teach my child actual values. . The move, she said, is out of touch with the areas needs: We cant even afford Saks clothing! The loss contributes to a long-held sense that the Bronx is still shunned, even as its years of blight, arson and rampant crime are long past. Property values across the borough have steadily climbed, its population is rising and investment by developers in the South Bronx, once a national symbol of urban decay, hopes to turn the waterfront area into the citys next hip neighborhood. But the Bronx remains the poorest county in the state, and one of the poorest in the United States, and it is often left in the cold by retailers. In October, a consortium of Bronx politicians sent a letter to Timothy D. Cook, Apples chief executive, noting that the Bronx is the only one of New York Citys five boroughs without an Apple store. They asked for one to be built. A spokeswoman for Apple declined to discuss whether the company had plans for a store there. It was reported on Wednesday that Apple had signed a lease to open another store in Brooklyn, in the Fort Greene neighorhood. Barnes & Noble said in a statement it fought to remain open in Baychester but could not afford the higher rent sought by the landlord. As for what might happen in the future, the company said it was committed to reopening in the Bronx at some point. But the impending bookstore desert goes beyond the loss of a single store. Hoping to restore some stability to the City College of New York after the unexpected resignation of its president, the City University of New York announced on Wednesday that it had selected an interim leader for its flagship college. The appointment of Vincent G. Boudreau, the dean of the Colin L. Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at City College, comes less than a month after Lisa S. Coico stepped down as president amid a widening federal investigation into whether college funds had been used to improperly pay her personal expenses. Ms. Coico insisted for months before resigning that she had done nothing wrong a position she continues to maintain, according to her lawyers. Nonetheless, she relinquished her post without warning on Oct. 7, a day after The New York Times presented evidence to the college that a 2011 memo concerning reimbursements had been fabricated, possibly to mislead prosecutors. The Times also questioned whether Ms. Coico had repaid a $20,000 security deposit for a rental home, or had kept the money for herself. Her departure stunned City College, which was once known as the poor mans Harvard. And it came at an inauspicious time, as the college struggles to cope with deep budget cuts, and its engineering school works to ensure that the renewal of its accreditation is not undermined by what national experts said were poor and unsafe lab conditions. 1.) Who needs experience to be president? Its true that Donald Trump would have less public service experience than any president in American history, but knowledge is lame. Maybe the Know-Nothing Party in the 19th century captured this spirit in its name and Trump is the apotheosis of knowing-nothing. In my journalistic career, Ive never met a national candidate as ill informed, evasive or puerile as Donald Trump. Lets try puerility for a change! What could go wrong? Oh, nuclear weapons, you say? Well, other countries walk all over us because they trust us to be reasonable. In, say, a trade dispute with Canada, wed get much better results if Canadians feared that Trump might incinerate Ottawa. And even if something went wrong, so what? Theres lots more of Canada. Look, nobody messes with Kim Jong-un of North Korea, because hes a crazy, inexperienced guy with nukes. With Trump, wed have our own Kim Jong-un! 2.) Weve accepted that leaders need not be saints, so why not embrace a paragon of fraud? With his experience allegedly cheating consumers at Trump University, maybe we could even fund government by cheating foreign tourists. Since it began operations in 2002, the International Criminal Court has secured just four convictions, fueling the perception that it has been largely ineffectual as a tribunal of last resort for the worlds worst criminals. Making matters worse, Gambia, Burundi and South Africa have announced their intention to leave the court, which some African leaders see as a vestige of colonialism because it has so far tried cases only from their continent. At a time when President Bashar al-Assad of Syria and President Omar Hassan al-Bashir of Sudan are eluding accountability for a litany of war crimes, these defections have called into question the long-term viability of the court and the worlds commitment to the principles it was created to uphold. Instead of allowing it to wither, the international community should redouble efforts to strengthen the courts mandate and its mission no easy task given its complex history. World leaders explored the possibility of establishing an international criminal court after War World I. But it became diplomatically feasible only when the Cold War ended and the United Nations saw the need to establish special tribunals to bring to justice the perpetrators of atrocities in the Balkans and Rwanda during the 1990s. The courts foundational document, adopted in 1998, is the Rome Statute, which decreed that there should be no statute of limitations for genocide and crimes against humanity. Its jurisdiction over atrocities committed in member states applies only when the local judicial system is unable or unwilling to bring people to justice or with the blessing of the United Nations Security Council. Clintons association with Wall Street illustrated in transcripts of her Q. and A. sessions with top officials at Goldman Sachs has added to the erosion of backing from 18 to 29 year olds. These youthful voters were decisively pro-Obama, supporting him by 34 and 23 points in 2008 and 2012. By Oct 31 of this year, according to A.B.C., their earlier 56-21 margin of support for Clinton had fallen to 48-35. In the Goldman Sachs sessions, Clintons comments reflect her commitment to the American financial sector. Many Occupy veterans, however, for whom a degree of anticapitalism has become reflexive, contend that Clintons comments reveal an excessive deference to Fortune 500 firms. In one Goldman Sachs talk, Clinton was clearly sympathetic to the concerns of the finance industry, noting that assessing the right level of regulation is no easy task: Theres nothing magic about regulations, too much is bad, too little is bad. How do you get to the golden key, how do we figure out what works? And the people that know the industry better than anybody are the people who work in the industry. Segments of the Democratic left including many followers of Senator Elizabeth Warren remain determinedly critical of Clintons sympathy for business goals even though, in terms of her policy agenda, the left has little or no basis for complaint. The Democratic platform is the most progressive in the history of the party. So too is the Clinton campaigns governing blueprint, which calls for the enactment of almost every proposal advocated by liberal interest groups. But even as the labor movement strongly supports this years Democratic platform, many on the broader left are suspicious of the Clinton familys entanglement with wealthy donors. This is not surprising, particularly in light of the fact that, as the Washington Post reported in November 2015, The grand total raised for all of their political campaigns and their familys charitable foundation reaches at least $3 billion. Clintons difficulties speak to the challenges of reconciling the various interests within a changing Democratic coalition. For example, in recent days, Mr. Trump has campaigned in New Mexico, a state he has no chance of winning. Candidates can get more money and adjust their message, but the one thing they cant do is make more time; every wasted hour in a noncompetitive state is a grave error. Mrs. Clinton continues to go on the offensive in states like Arizona, where the race is close. Big data is a buzzword, but that concept is outdated. Campaigns have entered the era of little data. Huge data sets are often less helpful in understanding an electorate than one or two key data points for instance, what issue is most important to a particular undecided voter. With little data, campaigns can have direct, highly personalized conversations with voters both on- and offline, like an ad on a voters Facebook page addressing an issue the voter is passionate about. In 2016, we see that online political engagement rates (especially for young voters) are at a historic high. This is why campaigns no longer pay much attention to public polls, which often use conversations with just a few hundred people to make predictions about the entire electorate. Getting a truly representative sample has become ever more difficult because of the growing percentage of households with only cellphones, the number of voters who prefer to speak a language other than English, and the difficulty in contacting younger voters, who generally dont have landlines. Smart campaigns can use little data to solve these problems. They look at public data sets that list each registered voters name, address, party registration and election participation history. By analyzing these voter files, they develop an accurate idea of the makeup of the electorate. Rather than rely on voters (frequently inaccurate) estimates of their own likelihood to vote, these campaigns look at their turnout record, thus getting a very precise idea of who likely voters really are. The media outlets that conduct national polls usually cant afford to do this. Even the best public polling can tell us only about broad categories of voters not much help guiding a personalized conversation via text message, as is more common with voters in 2016 than it was even in 2012. The Senate race in Nevada between Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat, and Representative Joe Heck, a Republican, is gripping on several levels. Nevada is the only state where Republicans have a solid chance of winning a Democratic Senate seat this year. The seat has belonged for 30 years to Harry Reid, the current minority leader, who is not seeking re-election. A Republican victory would thus be not only a loss for the Democrats but a personal embarrassment for a venerable power broker. It would also be a triumph for the Koch brothers, who say theyre seeking poetic justice after years of being denounced by Mr. Reid for their conservative politics, and are spending lots of money to make that happen. Mr. Reid calls Mr. Heck, a three-term congressman, an absolute stooge for these right-wing nut cases. He hand-picked Ms. Cortez Masto, a former Nevada attorney general, to succeed him and is throwing the state Democratic machine behind her battle in a race that is now too close to call. Ms. Cortez Masto, the granddaughter of a Mexican immigrant, would be the first Latina to enter the Senate. Her victory would be a proud repudiation of Donald Trumps anti-immigrant platform in a state where Latinos proportion of the electorate has grown to 17 percent from 10 percent in 2004. Ms. Cortez Masto addressed a host of problems during her years as attorney general, from 2007 to 2015: drug use, fraud schemes exploiting senior citizens, domestic violence and sexual assault. On Nov. 8, Ill have a decision, said Representative Joe Heck of Nevada, whos running in a tight race for an open Senate seat. Recently, hes taken to pointing out that we have a secret ballot in this country. Thats certainly true, but our forefathers didnt invent it to protect members of Congress from revealing what they think of the top of their very own ticket. Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, another Republican in a difficult re-election fight, says shes going to write in Mike Pence for president. You have to appreciate her predicament. During one debate, Ayotte made the mistake of saying, in a super-vague way, that Trump might be a good example for American children. (I think that certainly there are many role models that we have, and I believe he can serve as president.) She had to issue a retraction. But this business of making up candidates to vote for is pathetic. Have you ever watched a big TV singing contest? How do you think viewers would react if it got down to a pitched battle between a crazy saxophonist who couldnt follow the music and a disciplined but slightly boring guitarist and the celebrity panel announced that the winner was Placido Domingo? Really, this is pretty much the same thing. Ohio Gov. John Kasich claims hes already voted for John McCain. McCain, who has his own re-election race to deal with, said he may write in his old friend Senator Lindsey Graham. This is literally throwing away your vote since neither Arizona nor Ohio counts write-ins for people who havent registered as candidates. Ever since James Newell Osterberg Jr. emerged from a Detroit trailer park and reinvented himself as the snarling, bleached-blond, Dionysian rock god Iggy Pop, he has been one of the most iconic figures in music. With his sinewy frame and defiant stare, Iggys image has been immortalized by the likes of photographer Mick Rock (on the cover of his band The Stooges third album, Raw Power) as well as the artists Peter Hujar and Gerard Malanga. I knew him from the imagery before the music, actually, recalls the Turner Prize-winning British artist Jeremy Deller. Even in photos you can tell he has a presence and is clearly quite a character. For Deller, it was Iggys baring of his torso and soul onstage that struck him: Hes not stopped performing, Deller says. From the age of 20 to 69, its been a continuous piece of performance art and documentation of his body. Its interesting to me for a man to parade his body so much, and parade it as it changes. Now, Deller has cast Iggy in a startlingly different light, with his latest exhibition, Iggy Pop Life Class, which opens at the Brooklyn Museum this week. For the show, Iggy sat as a life model for a four-hour life drawing class this past February in front of 22 students culled from New Yorks art schools. The resulting 53 drawings are paired with selected art objects from the Brooklyn Museums historical collection that focus on the male body: sculptures from ancient Egypt, Africa and India, as well as pieces by Egon Schiele and Robert Mapplethorpe. Deller initially conceived of the idea a decade ago as a homage to an installation at the Louvre titled Profundeurs Vertes, by one of his favorite artists, the late Mike Kelley, wherein Kelley reacted to six paintings from the Detroit Institute of Arts. But when he approached Iggy about it, he initially declined. As Iggy notes in the book accompanying the exhibition, I thought I didnt have the weight. Now I feel like a lot has happened with and to my body. For some reason, it felt important for me to just stand naked for a group of human beings and have an exchange. As Iggy has devoted a lifetime to breaking down barriers between himself and the audience, Dellers two-decade-plus career has been dedicated to collapsing traditional walls between art and the larger world. His multimedia work which spans music, film and ephemeral public events emphasizes the power of collaboration. Im interested in working with groups of people the work is so much more important than me, says Deller, who has in the past done everything from commissioning a brass band to play cover versions of acid house classics to staging an exhibition of fan art of the band Manic Street Preachers. Im interested in when art and life rub up against each other; its messy and good. SAN FRANCISCO To paraphrase Isaac Newtons third law of motion, what goes up must, inevitably, come down. Now try telling that to Facebook. The social network on Wednesday reached the latest milestones in its quest to dominate the world, topping 1.79 billion monthly visitors as of the end of September, up 16 percent from a year ago. Facebook also added a record number of new daily users and said for the first time that more than one billion people regularly used its network exclusively on their mobile device every month. And those numbers do not even include Facebooks other properties, such as the photo-sharing service Instagram and the messaging service WhatsApp. Facebooks user growth defies the usual trajectories for social media companies, which often start strong out of the gate and then sharply slow down. Twitter, which added four million new visitors last quarter, now serves a user base roughly one-sixth the size of Facebooks. Snapchat, while popular among young users, has about 150 million daily users, about half as many as Twitter. Heres what else to watch for. Melania Trump, solo in Pennsylvania, tries to smooth her husbands rough edges. Melania Trump made a rare appearance on the campaign trail in the battleground state of Pennsylvania on Thursday, seeking to soften her husbands coarse image by proclaiming to voters that Donald J. Trump respects all Americans and promising that as president he would promote values of compassion and charity across the country. The deployment of Ms. Trump comes as the Trump campaign is trying to extend a late burst of momentum before Election Day by swaying undecided voters and women who have been wary of the Republican nominee. Mr. Trump needs the trove of wealthy and educated voters in the counties surrounding Philadelphia to succeed in turning the state red for the first time since 1988, but many of those former Republicans have been turned off by his comments about immigrants and women. Ms. Trump, who is trying to change that, spoke at a recreational center in a Main Line town about 20 miles west of Philadelphia. In the crucible of cancer treatment, the bonding of patients with physicians often makes the unendurable endurable. The difficulty of finding and then keeping the right oncologist can therefore be fraught. Yet this problem, not uncommon today, is on track to grow worse. My doctor is terribly overworked and isolated, my friend Lucy said recently to the other members of our cancer support group. She worried that her doctor, the only gynecologic oncologist left at Indiana Universitys Simon Cancer Center, would burn out. He needs to have colleagues to help shoulder the patient load and also provide him a sense of community. Women with ovarian cancer are told repeatedly that we must find a specialist. Yet in many areas of the country, it is impossible. There are no ovarian cancer specialists in my small town in southern Indiana. Upon diagnosis in 2008, I was instructed to drive an hour and a half to the Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis for the debulking operation that would be performed by a gynecologic oncologist. Afterward, I was told that I could choose my surgeon or one of three other specialists at my states premier medical institution to oversee my chemotherapy regimen. At that time there were four experts treating patients with gynecological cancers there. The Challenge: A 63-year-old painter develops headaches that become increasingly devastating, associated with changes in the way he sees and interacts with the world. Can you explain why? Every month the Diagnosis column of The New York Times Magazine introduces Well readers to a real-life patient and asks them to consider the patients story and symptoms, along with the medical records, to try to come up with a diagnosis that can explain it all. Today we offer the case of a retired magazine art director who develops excruciating headaches, which seem to change both what he sees and how he thinks. As his headaches become more frequent and more ferocious, the patient becomes withdrawn, forgetful and easily angered. His paintings change from open landscapes to dark fields of underground serpents and half-destroyed houses. He sees a series of doctors who cant quite figure it out and refer him on until he finally reaches a doctor who asks the right question and puts it all together. I will provide the information and images available to the doctor who made the diagnosis. You can provide the question you would like to ask to help you make a diagnosis. As usual, the first reader to correctly identify the cause of this mans strange symptoms and come up with the question that led to this right answer will get a copy of my book, Every Patient Tells a Story, and that great sense of achievement that comes from solving a puzzle that can save a life. Have a story idea or tip about something happening in the East Village? Or maybe a photo? Or several photos? Or video! We'd love to hear about it. Or see it. Or something. Please go here to submit a tip. NONGSA, Indonesia A speedboat carrying 101 people, mostly migrant workers, struck a reef and sank off an Indonesian island on Wednesday, killing at least 18 people, the countrys disaster agency said. The accident occurred as the boat was heading from the southern Malaysian state of Johor toward Batam, an Indonesian island, just south of Singapore, according to a statement by the Indonesian national disaster mitigation agency. The boat, carrying 98 Indonesian migrant workers and three crew members, hit the reef after being caught up in strong winds and big waves, and it sank at around dawn, the agency said. As of Wednesday evening, 18 people were confirmed dead and 39 people had been rescued, the agency said. Rescue teams will continue to search for the remaining 44 people who were on the boat, it added. A former high-ranking Iranian judicial official who came to symbolize Irans violent suppression of rights activists and journalists has been sentenced to 135 lashes in a corruption case. The punishment of the former official, Saeed Mortazavi, who built his reputation as a feared judge and prosecutor in Tehran beginning in the early 2000s, was reported on Wednesday by the official Iranian news media. It was unclear when, or even whether, the punishment would be carried out on Mr. Mortazavi, who has been described by Human Rights Watch as a serial human rights abuser. Lashing or flogging, widely regarded as torture in much of the world, is still a common sentence in Iran for crimes like adultery, theft and alcohol consumption. After a nearly yearlong silence, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the self-declared caliph of the Islamic State, released a blistering audio recording imploring his forces to remain firm in the face of the American-backed Iraqi offensive in Mosul and excoriating those who might consider fleeing. Know that the value of staying on your land with honor is a thousand times better than the price of retreating with shame, he said, adding: This war is yours. Turn the dark night of the infidels into day, destroy their homes and make rivers of their blood. The last time Mr. Baghdadi addressed his followers was in a recording released Dec. 26. His silence since then has led to persistent rumors that he had been wounded or killed. He was not heard from even after one of his closest associates the extremist organizations spokesman, Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, who headed the groups efforts to export terror abroad, including overseeing attacks in Paris and Brussels was killed in an airstrike in August. The terrorist leaders tone in the new recording at times suggested an air of panic, as if he was trying to shore up his fighters and enjoin them to continue battle, promising them heavenly rewards: Oh soldiers of the caliphate, if you stand in the line of fire from Americas jets and its allies, then stand firm. IN an age of social media, it is easy to forget about old-fashioned presidential campaign memorabilia: posters, fliers, advertisements. The New-York Historical Society has not forgotten. Its exhibition of memorabilia from four presidential campaigns includes items that were watchable, wearable, drinkable and playable. The show, Campaigning for the Presidency, 1960-1972: Selections from the Museum of Democracy, tells the stories of those campaigns through more than 120 objects from the Museum of Democracy/Wright Family Collection that belonged to Jordan M. Wright. Before his death in 2008, Mr. Wright assembled what is considered one of the nations largest and most comprehensive collections of political campaign memorabilia. Im tired of the art market as a sort of obsession, Mr. Weber said. I know that its real we benefit from it terrifically what happened at the Waddington sale was astonishing. But what youll hear from me is a real emphasis on ideals. Anni and Josef set up this foundation for the revelation and evocation of vision through art. Zwirners first show since taking on the estate, Josef Albers: Grey Steps, Grey Scales, Grey Ladders, opened on Thursday in Chelsea, and the gallery is presenting an Albers show at its London location in January. On Nov. 23, the Museum of Modern Art is opening One and One Is Four: The Bauhaus Photocollages of Josef Albers its black, white and gray in two parts of New York for the renowned color theorist, Mr. Weber said. In addition, the Guggenheim is presenting a show, Josef Albers in Latin America, in 2017; the Tate Modern is planning a major retrospective of Anni Alberss work in 2018; and an exhibition about the Black Mountain College in North Carolina, which includes Josef and Anni Albers organized by the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston is now at the Wexner Center in Columbus, Ohio. David Leiber, a director at Zwirner who helped win the Albers estate after a process akin to an architectural competition, said this moment represented an opportunity to look back at Mr. Alberss work and maybe try to understand why its not where it should be in terms of critical reception or market reception. Youre standing on the Electric Tower, Ms. Eck said when we reached the intersection of Elmhurst Place and Lincoln Parkway. The tower, the centerpiece of the fair designed by the San Francisco architect John Galen Howard, was an assemblage of obelisks and torches, its shaft crowned by a gilded metal angel. Image A postcard commemorating the Pan-American Exposition of 1901. Credit... Susan Eck Collection But it is a nearby site that is of more interest today. Around the corner, on Fordham Drive, a pinkish granite boulder with a plaque marks the vicinity of the Temple of Music, where an unhinged anarchist named Leon Czolgosz pretended to be reaching to shake President McKinleys hand and instead brought out a gun wrapped in a handkerchief. An African-American waiter named James Parker, who tackled Czolgosz after two shots were fired, was hailed as a hero. He is a major character in Shot!, an opera that was performed in Buffalo this summer and is set to travel. A few blocks from the boulder, a dignified columned building in gray stone, built to display New York goods at the expo, is now home to the Buffalo History Museum. Its nearby annex in an 1890s trolley barn (open by appointment) displays Czolgoszs gun and handkerchief, the handcuffs used to subdue him and the tools wielded by surgeons trying to save McKinley. A light bulb there is said to have been stolen from the Electric Tower by a girl whose boyfriend dared her to climb up. Melissa Brown, the museums executive director, showed a souvenir ribbon printed a day or so after Czolgosz pulled the trigger. Our President Will Live, it predicted. McKinley at first seemed to be recovering, ensconced in an upstairs bedroom at the gabled brick home of the expositions president, John Milburn. Within a few days, though, the wounds turned gangrenous and fatal. After the presidents death, Ms. Creighton writes, tourists descended on the Milburn property: Souvenir hunters took stones from his driveway and leaves from his trees. The house was razed in 1957, and a plaque at its site on Delaware Avenue is inscribed laconically Here Died William McKinley. The day McKinley died, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated as his successor in an imposing columned house that became a museum in the 1970s. Ms. Creighton and I toured its sunny parlor, where the ceremony was held, and adjacent rooms with display cases full of expo souvenirs. Archival film of the fair was playing, showing women dressed as moon maidens giving out green cheese at an attraction called Trip to the Moon. We paused to admire the Temple of Musics brass-colored key, salvaged from the demolition debris, and a surgical needle used to stitch up the president. Dr. Matthew Mann, a gynecologist, had led the emergency team caring for him. The bullet was never found; it was buried in the great size of President McKinleys abdomen, Dr. Mann later said. He outlived the president by two decades, dogged by accusations of malpractice. LONDON Every week or so, Ed Ruscha drives for three hours from his home in Los Angeles to his cabin in the Californian desert. There, the artist engages in what he describes as events of plain living fixing a faucet, feeding a bird, watering a neglected tree. L.A. changes constantly, and the things that we all appreciated are not going to be there next week, Mr. Ruscha said in an interview at the Gagosian Gallery in London, where he is showing 15 new works. I like the no-change part of the desert. That desert landscape seems to serve as a backdrop to many of the new canvases on display here (through Dec. 17). This is Gagosians first show of Ruscha paintings since an exhibition at its Rome gallery in 2014-15, and comes on the heels of the Ed Ruscha and the American West survey at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. Many of the new canvases hanging in London are the color of sand, and as is the Ruscha trademark covered with words. The novelty is that the words are presented in logical sequences and in diminishing or augmenting typeface. On one canvas, for example, the word Galaxy is inscribed in large letters at the top, followed in a pyramid of diminishing characters by Earth, U.S.A., State, City, Block, Lot and Dot. Perhaps the best-known of the Green-Wood presidential aspirants is Horace Greeley, editor of The New York Tribune in the mid-19th century. He and Train were, strictly speaking, opponents, since both campaigned in 1872 Train even charged admission to his rallies and posted a profit of $90,000, equivalent to $17.9 million now. (Train also has a place in literary history. He is thought to have been an inspiration for Phileas Fogg in Jules Vernes Around the World in 80 Days.) Image The Greeley White House bid included sheet music for a campaign march, as played by Grafullas Seventh Regiment Band. Credit... Green-Wood Historic Fund But if Train received any votes, they were write-ins. Green-Woods historian, Jeff Richman, said that Trains disorganized campaign operation did not get his name on the ballot in a single state. Nor was defeating an incumbent any easier in those days. Train, and Greeley, lost to President Ulysses S. Grant, who claimed a second term with 56 percent of the vote. Greeleys grave is topped by a weathered statue on a tall pedestal. Imposing as it is, it is not as elaborate as the tomb of the industrialist, inventor and philanthropist Peter Cooper. He was 85 when he ran as the National Independent Party candidate in 1876, making him the oldest presidential candidate in American history. He received only 83,726 votes of 8.4 million cast, or just under 1 percent. His grave kept the stone-carvers busy: The tall monument has 30 lines of lettering. Green-Wood has a definite Clinton bias. The first stop will be the grave of DeWitt Clinton, who was lieutenant governor of New York when he ran against James Madison in 1812 (and who was not related to Bill Clinton). Lisa W. Alpert, Green-Woods director of development, dryly noted that he would have been the first President Clinton if he had won. Mr. Richman said that there was talk of a Clinton dynasty when the campaign began because DeWitt Clintons Uncle George had served two terms as vice president. He was 72, and fading physically and mentally, however. He died in April 1812, seven months before the election. The Federalist nomination went to DeWitt Clinton. In an attempt to keep a Guggenheim Helsinki alive, supporters of the project on Thursday morning presented an updated proposal for the construction of the museum. The revised plan, submitted by the Guggenheim Helsinki Supporting Foundation and the City of Helsinki, replaces the nations share of the financing with private money from investments and a loan. Last month, the Finnish government vetoed funding for the project. Of its $144 million building costs, the City of Helsinkis investment would cover a maximum of $89 million. The remaining $55 million would be paid by private investments and a loan, the costs of which would be covered by the Guggenheim Helsinki Supporting Foundation. The licensing fee payable to the Guggenheim Foundation has been reduced by $10 million to $20 million and would be entirely financed by private donations, which have been secured. Discovering the existence of the Maison de Verre in Paris can be a major aesthetic epiphany. When you see a photograph of this translucent structure in glass, steel and expanses of glass brick completed in 1932 the impression is of startling modernity, something very much of its time yet strikingly ahead of it, too, like Picassos Les Demoiselles dAvignon or Duchamps The Large Glass. Tucked into a courtyard on the Left Bank and invisible from the street, the Maison de Verre is among the first large homes made entirely of industrial materials whose structure is starkly exposed. Steel I-beams parts of which are painted red in different ways cut through its flexible spaces. It has numerous mechanical and moving parts, including sliding walls and a horizontal dumbwaiter, some of which seem excessive, but it also involves a great deal of handcrafting, like perforated metal screens that, at least from photographs, contribute a medieval aspect. There is nothing quite like it in the world. But if the Maison de Verre (House of Glass) becomes fixed on your list of landmarks, the man who designed it is virtually unknown in the United States. He was Pierre Chareau (1883-1950), an energetic and ambitious French designer of custom furniture and interiors who never trained in architecture, his first love. He would collaborate on most of his projects, Maison de Verre included, with a self-effacing Dutch architect named Bernard Bijvoet. In 2013, Mr. Leckeys practice of aggregating high and low culture drove him to organize an ornery exhibition, The Universal Addressability of Dumb Things, which treated antiquities, machines, consumer goods and art, by William Blake, Louise Bourgeois and Ed Atkins, as so much commensurate stuff. The Google-addled cabinet of curiosities toured across Britain, and when it ended Mr. Leckey roughly duplicated many of its objects, then placed them on staggered displays that recalled natural history museums. Authentic artworks and copies, unique objects and 3-D printouts, shoes and sex toys are absorbed into a homogeneous presentation of world culture, in which technology has vitiated the very need for museums to preserve significant objects. Its bracing, like seeing an alien exhibition of our species, though one could do without the related posters and paratexts: Mr. Leckey has a wearying penchant for buttressing his projects with promotional materials for from his earlier shows, and should be confident enough now to let that go. (There are also photographs here of reviews of past exhibitions in Artforum or Frieze; even we critics are fodder for the system.) Recently, Mr. Leckey has veered back to autobiographical territory. A room-filling sculpture of a Liverpool highway overpass, and a hallway illuminated by sallow yellow lamps used to illuminate British motorways, transform the galleries of PS1 into memory palaces of his northern English childhood. There is also a crepuscular LED display of Britains national power grid; watching the lights go out across the island gives a frisson of the Brexit-induced ruin to come. Most impressive is Dream English Kid 1964-1999 AD, which limns the artists youth primarily through scraps of video discovered online. We see record shops, washed-out public housing, a shadow walking through Londons Soho; we see clips of Joy Division, the Manchester-born band Mr. Leckey worships; we see the same highway overpass we encountered as sculpture, which on screen appears in a fog-bestrewn black-and-white like something out of The Third Man. As in Fiorucci Made Me Hardcore, this aching new video gains its power through shrewd editing and a lightly worn nostalgia. Unlike Fiorucci, this one was made largely through YouTube and other digital sources; what appears to be first-person is actually made of others lives. The melancholy Dream English Kid may not have the outward-facing joy of Fiorucci, nor the exacting wit of his cabinet of curiosities. But its one of Mr. Leckeys best works. It captures, more than anything before, the gravid, intoxicating atmosphere of Britain in the 1990s that nurtured the most consequential generation of British artists of the last century. Brexit has made the video doubly nostalgic, not only for the last days of analog culture, but for an open, imaginative Britain that has not yet shot itself in the foot. The original woodcarvers used foot-powered lathes, magnifying glasses made of quartz, and miniature chisels, hooks, saws and drills. The works were so detailed that individual feathers are visible on angel wings, and dragon skins are textured with thick scales. Crumbling shacks are shown with shingles missing from their gabled roofs. Crenelated spires have scalloped molding tucked along their doorways, and there are deep grout lines between bricks. Saints robes and soldiers uniforms are trimmed with buttons and embroidery, and there are nearly microscopic representations of jewelry and rosary beads. Image A prayer bead, opened to reveal religious scenes (circa 1500 to 1530). Credit... Thomson Collection/Art Gallery of Ontario The carvers dabbed gilding on the honey-colored wood, and made some of the components movable. Peas inside the pea pods have their own hinged lids. Bird cages are full of minuscule doves that move about. In the exhibition catalog, Barbara Drake Boehm, a senior curator at the Cloisters, and Alexandra Suda, a curator at the Art Gallery of Ontario, point out that the doves shake within their cage, creating an astonishing kinetic effect. In the Rijksmuseums new book, Frits Scholten, a senior sculpture curator, explains that boxwood proved ideal for these feats of carving because it is dense and durable and can develop an evenly soft and tactile surface when polished. Boxwood was also believed to have religious associations; it was said to have been incorporated into timber frames for ancient buildings in the Holy Land and into the cross used to crucify Jesus. The most complicated boxwood carvings, researchers have discovered, contain numerous gossamer sheets. Separate layers were used to depict different figures and portions of the scenery. The components were pegged, pinned and glued together in such a way that the assemblages appear to have been carved from single chunks of wood. To create high-relief details in crevices that were hard to reach, tools were snaked through slits that were concealed in representations of ribbed ceilings and saints clothing. The undersides of some objects, however, reveal that carvers cut corners, or perhaps delegated less interesting tasks to apprentices. In the Art Gallery of Ontario catalog, the conservators Pete Dandridge and Lisa Ellis describe roughly hewn bases, odd-sized bits of wood and slightly misshapen, asymmetrical components that have been found on altarpieces and triptychs. Multiple drill holes suggest measurements had to be redone and mistakes corrected. R. Luke DuBois The Choice Is Yours Bitforms Gallery 131 Allen Street, near Rivington Street, Lower East Side Through Dec. 23 Just in time for Election Day, the data-driven artist R. Luke DuBois has mounted an interactive, intellectually stimulating show about the way we vote, at Bitforms. By connecting mechanical voting machines from the mid-20th century to computerized surveys, he examines both the psychology behind the act of pulling a lever and the sometimes fragile technologies that record our decisions. Step behind the burgundy velvet curtains of Learning Machine #1: Values, a 1945 voting booth purchased from a government-supply store upstate, and you are confronted not with candidates and party names, but rather with 300 values, drawn from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality test. Some are shown in binaries that mimic the two-party system (Adventurous v. Credible; Motivated v. Helpful). Your selections are then funneled into a computer program that uses them as search terms on Instagram and the digital version of The New York Times; once you exit the booth, you can step back and look at a scrolling digital montage of images and articles. (As the artist has observed, the Times searches have a tendency to bring up obituaries.) You can also play with smaller learning machines (small voting machines of similar vintage, purchased on eBay) that look as if they might have been designed by Dada poets; one asks you to choose from sound effects such as roar/bang, whistle/hiss or screech/buzz. Your choices produce small, customized digital animations, which are often less engaging than the menu that precedes them. Real-time results from all the interactive learning machines are tallied on a monitor in the gallerys front window, which reads like an absurdist FiveThirtyEight website. There may be a silver lining in the revelation that Donald J. Trump paid no federal income tax for years or even decades: a comprehensive overhaul of the nations loophole-riddled revenue-gathering system. I think the opportunities for significant tax reform are much better than anything Ive seen in years and years, Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon told me last week. As the ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, Mr. Wyden will become chairman if Democrats gain control of the Senate next week. Whatever the outcome, he will be a crucial participant in any bipartisan tax legislation. Trumps scheming on his taxes has put a spotlight on a tale of two systems, Mr. Wyden said. The first is compulsory. You work a shift in a factory, or youre a cop on a beat, the taxes come out of your paycheck. Thats just how it works. For the most fortunate, he added, you hire a battery of experts, and you pay what you want when you want to, or even nothing at all. I think we can all agree the tax code is a dysfunctional mess. LONDON A desk is like a home away from home for many in the working world. Family photos, trinkets from a vacation, an extra pair of shoes or spare chopsticks are just some of the things routinely left lying around in what has become personal space. But that comes at a price for companies, particularly in cities like London or New York, where the cost of real estate is at a premium, and at a time when workers are more mobile than ever. In its newly opened building in central London, the Swiss banking giant UBS is looking to change the way employees view their relationship with their work spaces. Many of its employees at 5 Broadgate in the City of London will no longer be tied to the same desk every day with a telephone and desktop computer. Instead, the company has deployed so-called thin desks throughout the building. As I have previously written, Mr. Weiss had impeccable progressive credentials and shared many of Senator Warrens political views. But that was not good enough for her. That he had Wall Street experience meant he was unacceptable to her. And somehow, she had enough political power in Washington to block Mr. Weisss appointment. Senator Warren wouldnt even deign to meet with Mr. Weiss. In short order, the nomination was withdrawn. (Disclosure: Mr. Weiss and I worked together for a few years as bankers at Lazard, more than 20 years ago.) But that wasnt the end of the story. For the last two years, Mr. Weiss has served as a counselor to Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew, an appointment that does not require Senate approval. In that role, Mr. Weiss has a leading responsibility in trying to resolve the financial crisis shaking up Puerto Rico and in trying to make the capital markets operate more smoothly. He has accomplished much during his nearly two years in Washington, even without the authority he would have had as a confirmed under secretary, and he remains highly regarded for his work there. Mr. Weisss success in Washington makes one wonder just what Senator Warren accomplished by blocking a hearing on his nomination, other than showing us all that she could. Senator Warrens demagogy is impressive. She has lots of power and is not afraid to use it. Sometimes, she almost gets it right for instance, when she took down John G. Stumpf, the former chairman and chief executive of Wells Fargo, during his Senate hearing in September about the cross-selling scandal at the bank. She called for his resignation, and he handed it in on Oct. 12. But most of the time, she goes overboard and seems like she is receiving way too much gratification getting headlines and television time for her stern and condescending lectures. The fact is that many jobs in Washington could be filled by someone with a Wall Street background to the benefit of the American people. What better way to improve the inner workings of the capital markets than by having someone with the authority to regulate them who knows precisely how they work, or how they are manipulated? There has been a long and mutually beneficial history of Wall Street types working in Washington. For instance, Henry M. Paulson Jr., the former chief executive of Goldman Sachs, who was the Treasury secretary before, during and after the 2008 financial crisis. Earlier this year, Mr. Trump said, Dont believe those phony numbers, contending that the jobless rate was probably 28, 29, as high as 35. In fact, I even heard recently 42 percent. More recently, he declared the official 5 percent jobless rate one of the biggest hoaxes in American modern politics. Inflation F.A.Q. Card 1 of 5 What is inflation? Inflation is a loss of purchasing power over time, meaning your dollar will not go as far tomorrow as it did today. It is typically expressed as the annual change in prices for everyday goods and services such as food, furniture, apparel, transportation and toys. What causes inflation? It can be the result of rising consumer demand. But inflation can also rise and fall based on developments that have little to do with economic conditions, such as limited oil production and supply chain problems. Is inflation bad? It depends on the circumstances. Fast price increases spell trouble, but moderate price gains can lead to higher wages and job growth. How does inflation affect the poor? Inflation can be especially hard to shoulder for poor households because they spend a bigger chunk of their budgets on necessities like food, housing and gas. Can inflation affect the stock market? Rapid inflation typically spells trouble for stocks. Financial assets in general have historically fared badly during inflation booms, while tangible assets like houses have held their value better. By affirming that view, Trump supporters are in effect signaling: Im with him. So how reliable is the government data on employment, which will be reported again on Friday? Like all statistical measurements, it can be both honest and imprecise; a best estimate given the available tools but nonetheless subject to ambiguity, misinterpretation and error. Every data collection comes with a set of strengths and weaknesses, said Karen Kosanovich, an economist and 24-year veteran of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Thats part of the business of collecting information. There are some basic ground rules, however, that prevent the process from spitting out any answers you please and undermine claims that the results are rigged for a political purpose. For starters, the people who generate the numbers are all career civil servants who have churned out reports for both Republicans and Democrats. And their basic methods do not swerve from one administration to the next. If the figures are biased, they are consistently biased in the same way regardless of what party is in office. How Times reporters cover politics. We rely on our journalists to be independent observers. So while Times staff members may vote, they are not allowed to endorse or campaign for candidates or political causes. This includes participating in marches or rallies in support of a movement or giving money to, or raising money for, any political candidate or election cause. Learn more about our process. Ive never had any outside influence that tells me what to do or how to collect and interpret information, Ms. Kosanovich said. Our approach is based on methodologies that have been proven over time and approved statistical practices. They are not based on political influence. Image Jack Welch, the former chief of General Electric, caused a stir in 2012 by questioning favorable jobs data that did not match his personal observations. Credit... Richard Drew/Associated Press The monthly employment report is derived from two separate surveys that serve different purposes. The first, collected by the Census Bureau since 1942, allows the government to estimate the number of people who are employed and calculate the unemployment rate. SAN FRANCISCO Federal prosecutors have brought eight fraud charges against Jeffry James Hill, a former Napa Valley winemaker and vineyard manager who was accused of stealing grapes and deceiving customers about the source and type of grapes in the wines he sold. Mr. Hill, whose business was the subject of a lengthy profile in The New York Times last year, was arrested in Clovis, Calif., on Wednesday after the indictment by a San Francisco grand jury in his case was unsealed. The indictment charged Mr. Hill, 38, with carrying out a scheme to defraud his customers by misrepresenting wine and grapes as Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon, when in fact the fruit came from other parts of California and was sometimes not even cabernet grapes. Napa cabernet, one of the nations most prestigious wines, commands higher prices than other wines from the state, and prosecutors say that Mr. Hills customers paid more than $1.5 million for fraudulently labeled products. Mr. Hill created false records purporting to document the wine as Napa cabernet, intercepted trucks hauling grapes to change paperwork and instructed employees who picked grapes to mislabel the origin and varietal that they had picked, the indictment says. The generic drug industry was jolted on Thursday as shares of many major companies tumbled after a news report said that a federal inquiry into drug price-fixing was wider than previously believed and could lead to charges by the end of the year. Shares in Teva Pharmaceuticals, the worlds largest generic drug maker, fell more than 9 percent, and the stock of competitors like Mylan, Endo Pharmaceuticals and Impax Laboratories had similar declines. The report, from Bloomberg, said that the investigation, being done by the Justice Department, was looking at more than a dozen companies, and that the prices of about two dozen drugs were involved. A spokesman for the Justice Department declined to comment. Several of the companies either did not respond or declined to comment beyond statements they had previously made about the inquiry, which began about two years ago. Those who fly to or from New York are fully accustomed to long security lines, labyrinthine paths to the terminal, flight delays, cancellations and other unpleasant happenings, not to mention the arduous or expensive journey to the airport itself. According to a study by The Points Guy, a travel publication, those customers have the right to complain. The three New York-area airports are the three worst among the nations 30 busiest airports, based on a study that considered timeliness, accessibility and amenities. La Guardia Airport, famously described by Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. in 2014 as akin to what one would find in a third world country, ranked as the worst. Right behind it were John F. Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International. People dont realize what we have is a lot worse than what other people deal with, said Brian Kelly, a New Yorker and the founder and chief executive of The Points Guy. 2.98 million words from 327 different cities throughout the world and counting. Thats one measure of how extensively Times reporters have covered the 2016 presidential election. (Maggie Haberman, one of 20 reporters on the politics team, alone wrote more than 276,000 words the equivalent of an 1,100-page novel.) Since July 2015, Times reporters on the politics desk have traveled to 43 different states and more than 19 foreign cities and territories. Theyve filed from Sevnica, Slovenia (to delve into Melania Trumps past); Kigali, Rwanda (to examine the Clinton Foundation); and San Juan, Puerto Rico (to follow Marco Rubio and Hillary Clinton, both reaching for delegates). The maps below chart the datelines and contributor lines of six different political reporters since July 2015. Most Marvel movies open like Robert Downey Jr.s stand-up routine in Iron Man before it goes south. They deliver quips and silky come-hither nonsense, only to end up like a big green monster stuck on rewind: Hulk smash! again and again, ad infinitum. In between start and finish, there are moments of levity and discovery in the machined product, but too often you cant see the movie for Marvels action plan. Its latest, the giddily enjoyable Doctor Strange, is part of Marvels strategy for world domination, yet its also so visually transfixing, so beautiful and nimble that you may even briefly forget the brand. You dont need to know Dr. Strange to know his story. A tale of hubris with foolish pride and an inevitable fall it opens in contemporary New York, where Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), is flying high as a supersurgeon. After a crippling accident, he abandons his old life (partly embodied by Rachel McAdams, dewy and funny) for a grand exploit, traveling simultaneously into his soul and to the misterioso Far East. He meets leaders and fellow travelers, studies books and unlocks secrets, in time becoming a superhero with magical powers, a dubious goatee and a flirty cape that dries his tears. The animals seem more humane than people in Ivory. A Crime Story. This roughly constructed yet passionate documentary isnt shy about showing the massacre of elephants or about calling out the groups implicit in the killings. That bluntness and courage usually overrides the uneven filmmaking. African elephants are being killed at a frightening rate one every 15 minutes, were told and their population has declined by the hundreds of thousands in recent decades. While some are butchered for food in poor areas of the continent, a major reason for this slaughter is ivory, and theres a main destination for it. We heard one word repeated by everyone we spoke to China, a voice-over says. Other countries and groups are also chastised for their roles in ivory smuggling, including the Vatican. The director, Sergey Yastrzhembsky, and his team are determined to name names and even assist in a sting operation in which a suspected illegal ivory seller is later arrested. Mr. Yastrzhembskys fervor, however, also leads him to overfill the screen with footage from dozens of locations, from the African bush to Chinese shops, cargo ships and conservation conventions. Its a lot to take in, with tenuous connections between scenes. The portentous narration, too, could use a good editor and some variety in its consistently ominous tone. There are few movies that speak to the American moment as movingly and with as much idealism as Jeff Nicholss Loving, which revisits the era when blacks and whites were so profoundly segregated in this country that they couldnt always wed. Its a fictionalization of the story of Mildred and Richard Loving, a married couple who were arrested in 1958 because he was white, she was not, and they lived in Virginia, a state that banned interracial unions. Virginia passed its first anti-miscegenation law in 1691, partly to prevent what it called spurious issue, or what most people just call children. The America that the Lovings lived in was as distant as another galaxy, even as it was familiar. The movie opens in the late 1950s, when Mildred (Ruth Negga, a revelation) and Richard (Joel Edgerton, very fine) are young, in love and unmarried. They already have the natural intimacy of long-term couples, the kind thats expressed less in words and more in how two bodies fit, as if joined by an invisible thread. Its a closeness that seems to hold their bodies still during a hushed nighttime talk on a porch and that pulls them together at a drag race, under the gaze of silent white men. My First Film Fest You wouldnt expect someone who had just created a movie festival for children especially one that began on Thursday with a sneak preview of DreamWorks Animations cheerful-looking Trolls to heave a sigh and exclaim, Oh, my God, so many dark films! Yet that was how Florence Almozini, associate director of programming for the Film Society of Lincoln Center, recently characterized her latest venture. But dark doesnt mean despairing. For My First Film Fest, the societys inaugural festival for young people and its new initiative to attract the next generation of viewers, Ms. Almozini sought works that pose challenges, confront problems and capture real-world messiness. She also wanted the event, which runs through Tuesday, to appeal to teenagers, too. For as long as I can remember, Ive been waiting for my parents to die, so I could commit suicide without feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt. With this opening line, Trash Fire lets you know that its writer-director is committed to commanding your attention. And also that he has seen, and admires, Goodfellas, which begins with a similar phrase. The speaker in Trash Fire is a young man named Owen, played by Adrian Grenier with maximum puppy-dog-eyed smirkiness. The films first half-hour depicts Owen as relentlessly abusive to the point of being repellent. But he does, as it happens, have genuine woes. Aw. This is in the grand tradition of certain American independent movies. A deeply flawed white male protagonist is revealed to have hidden depths; depths more than likely consonant with qualities the movies white male writer-director in this case, Richard Bates Jr. finds in himself. Hence, the writer-director is also invested in depicting everyone surrounding the protagonist as in some way worse. Even the relatively sensible long suffering girlfriend, Isabel (Angela Trimbur), has to endure gratuitous humiliation through Mr. Batess lens. Once Isabel tells Owen that she is pregnant, Trash Fire becomes something more than your standard-issue, faux transgressive, lose-lose character piece. Owens problems include seizures, accompanied by flashbacks that look like scenes from the low-budget direct-to-cable horror pictures of the early 1990s. The solution to the implied mysteries lies in Owens past, and a visit to his unstable aunt and damaged sister turn the failed black comedy into a failed American Guignol. I didnt think I had see a worse fiction film this year than that other failed American Guignol, Clown. I may have been wrong. GLENN KENNY Trash Fire is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian) for language, sexuality, horror violence and the usual. In The Prison in Twelve Landscapes, a meditation on mass incarceration in the United States, the Canadian filmmaker Brett Story arranges a series of oblique, geographical vignettes into an unsettling mural of systemic damage. You will barely see an actual prison, or hear about an actual crime. But this drifting, at times dreamy documentary follows the tentacles of the confinement industry to stories that hide in plain sight. Like the small playground in Los Angeles constructed purely to prevent paroled sex offenders from moving into a nearby halfway house. Or the enterprising man in the Bronx who runs a thriving business in prison-approved care-package items. Some of the segments possess a strange poetry. In Eastern Kentucky, where new penitentiaries squat atop the pancaked mountains left behind by coal mining, prison jobs are highly valued. What we see, however, is no less than the draining of hope from one group of citizens to benefit another. In this way, Ms. Storys unconventional approach provokes responses that a traditional facts-and-figures discussion might not. Yet the films formal abstraction, far from creating emotional distance, is unexpectedly moving. Bracketed by scenes from the overnight bus that takes prisoners families from Manhattan to the Attica Correctional Facility in upstate New York, the movie highlights racial bias with a precision thats all the more potent for being refracted. Exuberant, busy and sometimes funny, DreamWorks Animations Trolls is determined to amuse. You remember Trolls not the rude lurkers online writing nasty remarks, but those little toys with round tummies, beatific expressions and abundant hair shooting upward. Here theyre players in a fairy-tale Cold War parable. Long ago, a village of Trolls, joyful creatures in a rainbow of colors and patterns, was raided by the Bergens, gray giants with bad teeth who subsist on them. The Trolls escaped and built a new colony far away. Many years later, the Trolls, given to singing, dancing and group hugging, have lowered their guard, and a group of them is captured by the most malevolent Bergen, Chef (voiced by Christine Baranski). The upbeat Troll princess Poppy (Anna Kendrick, evoking Inside Out Amy Poehler), with Branch (Justin Timberlake), a glum Troll ever wary of the Bergens, embarks on a rescue mission to the Bergens kingdom, where she befriends and gives a beauty makeover to a scullery maid (Zooey Deschanel) smitten with King Gristle Jr. (Christopher Mintz-Plasse). Officers at the Clinton Correctional Facility used excessive force when they dragged a handcuffed inmate face down through prison corridors and then, when he was near death, provided faulty medical care, a judge in a New York State Court of Claims has ruled. The inmate, Leonard Strickland, who had schizophrenia and was serving time for weapons possession, died after a confrontation with the officers at the northern New York prison in October 2010. The case was quickly investigated and closed, and none of the officers were disciplined. At the time, the officers claimed that Mr. Strickland had attacked them and that force was necessary to subdue him. But a lawsuit filed by Mr. Stricklands family claimed that he had been beaten to death by the guards. In his decision, Judge Frank P. Milano said that while the guards were negligent, there was no evidence that a beating was the direct cause of Mr. Stricklands death. The judge based his ruling, which was filed last month, in good part on a 45-minute video that showed officers mistreating Mr. Strickland in a prison medical unit and then the medical staff failing to react appropriately, including improperly administering CPR. A transit worker was struck and killed by a subway train in Brooklyn on Thursday morning while he was working on the tracks, officials said. Three workers were on the southbound tracks near the Fort Hamilton Parkway station to set up warning lights for a construction zone when a G train hit two of the workers around 12:05 a.m., officials at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said. The train was traveling around a curve and pinned the two workers, the police said. One of the workers, Louis Gray, 53, of Brooklyn, was pronounced dead at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, officials said. Another worker, Jeffrey Fleming, 49, was injured and taken to New York Methodist Hospital, also in Brooklyn, where he was listed in serious but stable condition on Thursday. The transportation authority is investigating what caused the accident the first time a worker has been killed by a train since 2013, union leaders said. MEXICO CITY To dramatic music, the video starts with a clip of the Republican nominee for president, Donald J. Trump, threatening to jail his rival, Hillary Clinton, before the words Te recuerda a alguien (Does this remind you of someone) pop up. The image switches to the former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, founder of the self-declared Socialist revolution, who steered his oil-rich nation to meltdown. The video goes on to compare their attacks on the press, from Mr. Trumps throwing out Univisions Jorge Ramos to Mr. Chavezs announcing the shutdown of a TV network that had criticized him. No votemos por Donald Trump, it finishes We dont vote for Donald Trump. The video, with Spanish subtitles, comes from the Democratic National Committee and is aimed at a particular group of Latino voters: those who fled Mr. Chavezs Venezuela and other authoritarian countries, like Cuba. It has a particular resonance in Florida, a battleground state and home to an increasing numbers of Venezuelans, especially in Doral, west of Miami, where Senator Marco Rubio has an office. Many voters with ties to Cuba and Venezuela are highly suspicious of anything resembling the left, the province of both Mr. Chavez and the Cuban government, making them sympathetic to Republicans. Claiming that Mr. Trump could lead to the tyranny and poverty they fled, then, is a powerful emotive argument to reject the Republican candidate. And it comes at a time when Venezuelas crisis is reaching a boiling point, with social unrest and a looming humanitarian disaster. But does the comparison between a Latin American Socialist and an American billionaire really hold up? MONTREAL Canada is back, says Justin Trudeau, the charismatic and bilingual prime minister of Canada, at international gatherings, seeking to showcase the imprint he wants to put on Canadian foreign policy in contrast to that of his predecessor, Stephen Harper. The prime minister has used very precise terms in his speeches: justice, environmental care, democracy and human rights. He even dared to invoke some of them during his official visit to China in September, although the Chinese did not applaud him for it. Mr. Trudeau, who was elected last year, has already taken some steps toward his ambitious agenda. He welcomed thousands of Syrian refugees, he included Canada in the fight against climate change, and he offered troops for United Nations peacekeeping forces. Latin America also began to feel the effects of this diplomatic turn. Starting in December, Mexicans will no longer need visas to travel to Canada. The Canadian government also announced an aid package for Colombia in the wake of the peace agreement there (although it is not clear what will happen to this aid now that Colombian voters have rejected the accord). Trudeaumania moves forward with specific steps, a fresh style and velvety words. But Mr. Trudeau has been silent when it comes to one key issue for Latin Americans, an issue that has soiled Canadas image with thick layers of sludge: the reprehensible behavior of mining companies in the region. Mr. Harper enthusiastically promoted Canadian participation in extractive industries beyond its borders, and in the last few years, between 50 percent and 70 percent of mining projects in Latin America have been carried out by Canadian companies. Reports by the Council on Hemispheric Affairs and the Justice and Corporate Accountability Project have shown how some Canadian companies harm the environment, ignore the interests of indigenous communities, pressure governments to write favorable local laws, and support the criminalization of social protest, among other questionable behavior. South Koreas President Park Geun-hye is embroiled in a lurid corruption scandal that threatens to hamstring her remaining year in office. The scandal has plunged Ms. Parks approval ratings to record lows, sent thousands of angry demonstrators into the streets, and sparked demands that she resign. The scandal involves Choi Soon-sil, a close friend of Ms. Parks family. Ms. Chois father, Choi Tae-min, the founder of an obscure religious sect, was a spiritual adviser to Ms. Parks father, the South Korean dictator Park Chung-hee, and to Ms. Park after her mother was assassinated in 1974. After Mr. Chois death in 1994, his daughter took over her fathers role at Ms. Parks side. In that capacity, Ms. Choi, who has never held a government job, has no security clearance and no policy background was apparently deeply involved in state affairs. She also apparently used her influence to coerce companies into donating nearly $70 million to two foundations she controlled, and to secure her daughter admission at one of South Koreas most prestigious universities. On Wednesday, South Korean prosecutors said they would bring criminal charges against Ms. Choi. When she was elected in 2012, Ms. Park promised that she would end the corruption that has long plagued South Koreas political leadership, saying: I have no child to inherit my properties. You, the people, are my only family, and to make you happy is the reason I do politics. She also pledged to tackle growing economic inequality, rein in South Koreas powerful chaebol, or family-controlled conglomerates, and improve relations with North Korea. It is hard to see how Ms. Park can accomplish any of this now. Her term in office will end in February 2018, and she faces fierce resistance from opposition parties that constitute a majority in South Koreas Parliament. On Wednesday, Ms. Park replaced her prime minister and two other cabinet ministers, but opposition lawmakers vowed they would not approve the new appointments. Early voting is underway, and according to Donald J. Trump, so is voter fraud. Almost daily, he proclaims that large-scale voter fraud is happening and that the election is rigged. Politicians across the spectrum have criticized this nonsense as divorced from reality, deleterious to our democracy and unprecedented in our elections. Its good to see such a strong, bipartisan pushback, but the critics are wrong on that last point. Thinly supported allegations of electoral malfeasance have been deployed throughout American history, often by those who want to restrict the vote. In the Jim Crow South, discriminatory devices from poll taxes to all-white primaries were justified as a means of fraud prevention. In 1902, Texas adopted a poll tax. Its champions argued in The Dallas Morning News that the tax would prevent fraud and protect against corrupt methods at the polls. Their reasoning? If casting a vote is free, then poor people will sell their votes for a trifle. To the Editor: Trump Holds Strong Appeal With Veterans (front page, Nov. 3) really got under my skin. Its true: Veterans have often been left out in the cold. But Donald Trump is the last person we can trust to help them. Mr. Trump has used veterans as political props. Hes abused them time and again. He attacked the livelihoods of disabled veteran vendors in New York City, calling them a deplorable situation. He lied about donating vast amounts of money to veterans causes. He said he always wanted a Purple Heart, but never served in the military; demeaned prisoners of war; and even bashed a Gold Star family. He has no plan to help veterans. Veterans have been abandoned, all right by Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton has put veterans at the center of her public service. She fought for health care for the Reserves and National Guard; funding for a rehabilitation center; assistance to family caregivers for wounded veterans; and benefits for fallen veterans families. Shes a proven and dedicated public servant; hes a career playboy. To the Editor: Re Swedish Diplomat Declared Dead, 71 Years After Vanishing (news article, Nov. 1): Despite the wide international repercussion it has elicited, the decision to declare Raoul Wallenberg dead has little value. This is merely an administrative move after a petition by his living relatives to declare him dead. The fate of this rescuer of Hungarian Jews in World War II is still shrouded in mystery. The diaries of Ivan A. Serov, the original K.G.B. chief, seem to support the claim that Mr. Wallenberg and his driver, Vilmos Langfelder, were executed under direct orders of Stalin. This may be the case. The same claim was put forward in 2006 by Alexander Darchiev, then Russias deputy ambassador in Washington, in a letter to the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation. Mr. Darchiev claimed that the responsibility for the death of Mr. Wallenberg lies with the U.S.S.R. leadership at that time and Stalin personally. The details of the fate of Mr. Wallenberg and Mr. Langfelder are likely buried in the K.G.B. archives. As a result, a coalition of national and international conservation groups fired off a letter to Nigerias president, Muhammadu Buhari, calling for an immediate halt to the project. The coalition offered to help develop alternatives, including securing funding to rehabilitate the states two existing highways. When, soon after, the governor submitted plans that showed a slight rerouting, the president flew down from the capital, Abuja, to attend a rescheduled groundbreaking. Even so, an official environmental impact assessment emerged only months later, in March this year, after Nigerias environment minister issued a stop-work order. Because of gaping oversights and errors, the assessment received a D rating and was sent back for revision. (Even now, the latest version fails to account for the 12-mile-wide corridor, avoids mention of the national park, and refers to species not even found on the African continent.) The state government provoked further outrage when it published a notice revoking all occupancy rights within the highway corridor. That move would effectively uproot at least 180 indigenous communities from their ancestral homes and livelihoods. One such community, the Ekuri, has received international praise for its forest stewardship through a program called the Ekuri Initiative, created in the 1980s as a response to the threat of logging. Many observers have speculated that the planned superhighways broad corridor is intended to maximize its value for logging. Once again concerned about prevent the destruction of their forests, the Ekuri people have taken their campaign all the way to Abuja with a petition of some quarter of a million signatures. Opponents argue that these rural minorities and their international supporters are selfishly standing in the way of Nigerias growth. Governments everywhere do, of course, use eminent domain to push ahead with major developments, but such projects usually require thorough public consultation and justification, as well as compensation for affected individuals. Neither has been forthcoming in the Cross River case. Governor Ayade claims the highway and seaport will open up the region for iron ore exports and create thousands of jobs. But the acclaimed long-term benefits of the scheme seem even more dubious when you see, as I have, the way the states existing highways are allowed to crumble once built. And despite a recent report that a Chinese manufacturer of heavy-duty machinery has joined the project as an investor, it is unclear how the full $3.5 billion project would be funded or maintained. Nigerian taxpayers have been kept largely in the dark. You should stop reading this now. No really, just dont. Youre still reading. O.K., you asked for it: Rah rah ah-ah-ah!/ Ro mah ro-mah-mah!/ Gaga ooh-la-la! Theres your Bad Romance. Like the ugly disease Lady Gaga sings about wanting in this song, an earworm has likely just lodged itself deep inside the auditory cortex of your brain. There it will sit, sucking up your precious brain energy, for the next hour, day, month or even a whole year. ( I had Hall and Oates Maneater in my head for most of 2005.) You are not alone. Thats all I can really think about right now, said Kelly Jakubowski, a music psychologist at Durham University in Britain, about Bad Romance. In a study published Thursday in Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts, she and her colleagues compiled lists of earworms from around 3,000 participants to see why some pop songs wiggle their way into peoples heads and stay there. The Lady Gaga hit, which is always at the top of peoples lists, has been developing its own toxic relationship inside the mind of Dr. Jakubowski, who hasnt heard it in months: Its been persisting for two days straight, she said. The question hangs over the career of every ambitious soul: Is there still time to make a mark? Charles Darwin was 29 when he came up with his theory of natural selection. Einstein had his annus mirabilis at age 26; Marie Curie made big discoveries about radiation in her late 20s. Mozarts Symphony No. 1 in E flat: 8 years old. For years, scientists who study achievement have noted that in many fields the most electrifying work comes earlier in life rather than later. After all, younger people can devote their life to a project in a way that more senior people cannot, and young stars attract support, mentors and prestigious appointments. Now, a big-data analysis of scientific careers appearing in the journal Science finds a host of factors that have nothing to do with age or early stardom. It is, they suggest, a combination of personality, persistence and pure luck, as well as intelligence, that leads to high-impact success at any age. The bottom line is: Brother, never give up. When you give up, thats when your creativity ends, said Albert-Laszlo Barabasi, who with Roberta Sinatra led a team of researchers who conducted the analysis. Both were physicists at Northeastern University in Boston. Dr. Sinatra has since moved to Central European University in Budapest. To many Europeans, Google represents Silicon Valleys perceived stranglehold on the digital world. But on Thursday, the American search giant tried to portray itself as a stalwart of online competition as it responded to European antitrust charges that it had restricted consumers choices and hamstrung its competitors. The back-and-forth between Google and Margrethe Vestager, Europes top antitrust official, highlights the increasing stakes in three competition cases against the search giant, the earliest of which dates to 2010. The standoff is likely to define Europes often weary relationship with American technology companies like Amazon, Apple and Facebook for years to come. Google responded on Thursday to two European antitrust charges, saying that its services helped consumers, advertisers and even some competitors find the digital information they seek online. The company said that the strength in Europe of other American technology companies, like Amazon, showed that Google had not restricted the local digital market. Donald J. Trump and his supporters hope to overcome sweeping demographic shifts by rallying the support of missing white voters disaffected, conservative populists who sat out the 2012 presidential election. Millions of these voters could be activated, the theory goes enough to overcome the demographic changes that favor Hillary Clinton. Mr. Trump may yet win this election. But if he does, it probably wont be because of a huge influx of Republican-leaning missing voters. There has been no surge in registration among white voters since 2012, and the white voters who have joined the electorate are younger and likelier to support Mrs. Clinton than those who were already registered. The American political map that has emerged over the last half-century, with blue cities and red beyond, is a product of both the ideological realignment of the two parties and geographic sorting among voters. It also raises a fascinating question about how our politics are shaped by where we live. Is it simply that people who are already liberal choose dense urban environments and conservatives choose more suburban living? Or do these places influence how we feel about government and each other in ways that make us more liberal or conservative? Political scientists, fortunately, cannot randomly assign people to cities, suburbs or rural outposts and then wait to see if their politics adapt. But their theories of why density might matter for partisanship add a provocative layer to how we think about the differences among us that are more often defined in an election year by education, income or race. Voting may be a basic right, but it can be a complicated one to exercise. Rules vary by state and change with time. Even when they have not changed, voters may not know what they are. Heres what confuses people: everything, said Daniel Diorio, an election policy specialist with the bipartisan National Conference of State Legislatures, which represents and serves state legislators and their staffs. Every day, our front desk phone rings; our general mailbox gets a ton of new emails with folks looking for information, he said. About one in five voters do not know that they live in a state that requires photo identification to vote, according to a Pew Research Center poll conducted just a few weeks ago. And voters in 14 states will face restrictions on Tuesday that were not in place during the last presidential election, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. For nearly a week, the police in Menomonie, Wis., have been at a loss to identify a suspect or a motive in the fatal beating of a Saudi Arabian college student outside a pizza restaurant. Now, the city is trying to change that by raising money for a reward. The tally so far? $20,000. The student, Hussain Saeed Alnahdi, 24, who enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 2015 and studied English and then business administration, was attacked around 2 a.m. Sunday on Main Street East, a stretch of road between the campus and the edge of Lake Menomin, the Menomonie Police Department said. He was taken to the hospital in Eau Claire, where he died on Monday, the police said. After his death, the Police Department said it did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the community, though it said it had no information about a possible motive. By Thursday, that apparently had not changed. However, a department commander, Todd W. Swartz, said in an email that witnesses had described a possible suspect: a six-foot-tall white man. WASHINGTON President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia dismisses the idea that he has the power to interfere with Tuesdays election. Does anyone seriously think that Russia can affect the choice of the American people? he asked during a foreign policy conference last week in the resort city of Sochi. What, is America a banana republic? Americas a great power. Correct me if Im wrong. Americas top intelligence officials say he is highly unlikely to be able to alter the results. But they expect Russian hackers, or others, to try to disrupt the process perhaps to help Donald J. Trump, but more likely to simply undercut what Mr. Putin views as Americas holier-than-thou attitudes about its democratic procedures. The Obama administration has concluded that much of the email hacking that has roiled the campaign was almost certainly approved by the Russian leadership. More recent activity including the probing of registration rolls in several states might be the work of independent Russian hackers, it says. While no one knows what to expect before the polls close, a tight race is more susceptible to mischief. So government agencies and commercial enterprises, including some hired by state election boards facing a determined cyberthreat for the first time, are on high alert. But they are not exactly sure what to look for. Russian hackers? Other attackers? Malware that harnesses devices to strike election infrastructure? More email revelations? An overwhelming majority of voters are disgusted by the state of American politics, and many harbor doubts that either major-party nominee can unite the country after a historically ugly presidential campaign, according to the final pre-election New York Times/CBS News Poll. In a grim preview of the discontent that may cloud at least the outset of the next presidents term, Hillary Clinton and Donald J. Trump are seen by a majority of voters as unlikely to bring the country back together after this bitter election season. With more than eight in 10 voters saying the campaign has left them repulsed rather than excited, the rising toxicity threatens the ultimate victor. Mrs. Clinton, the Democratic candidate, and Mr. Trump, the Republican nominee, are seen as dishonest and viewed unfavorably by a majority of voters. While her advantage has narrowed since mid-October, Mrs. Clinton still has an edge in the survey because of a commanding advantage among women and nonwhite voters. She has the support of 45 percent of likely voters while Mr. Trump has 42 percent. Gary Johnson, the Libertarian nominee, has slipped to 5 percent, and Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate, is at 4 percent. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. They called him Tiny, naturally, because he was anything but. A bouncer at a pawnshop here, the man significantly outweighed most of the stores customers and would-be robbers. Now, he stood accused of roughing up his girlfriend. As a judge waited to hear the case, a young lawyer named Hillary Rodham who was always careful to address Tiny by his real name got his accuser to sit down with her for a heart-to-heart. In short order, the girlfriend dropped the charges, saying it had all been just a lovers quarrel. To hear Hillary Clinton tell it as a candidate now, the time between her postgraduate work with the Childrens Defense Fund in 1974 and her two terms as first lady in Washington was a blur of child-rearing, campaigning for her husband and working as an advocate on issues like childrens health and education. During Bill Clintons first presidential run in 1992, her years as a corporate litigator at the Rose Law Firm were exhaustively examined for possible conflicts of interest involving clients like Tyson Foods, Walmart and Madison Guaranty, a savings-and-loan that became a central focus of the Whitewater investigation. But little attention has been paid to Mrs. Clintons work in the courtroom. It was not glamorous: She represented a moving company whose customer had sued it for damaging a coffee table, a crop-duster who flew his airplane too close to his rice fields and injured a farmworker, and a canning company that was sued after a man opened his pork and beans and found the rear end of a rat. The latest New York Times/CBS News Poll is based on telephone interviews conducted Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 with 1,561 adults throughout the United States. Of those, 1,333 said they were registered to vote. SSRS of Media, Pa., conducted sampling, interviewing and tabulation for the survey. Interviews were in English or Spanish. The sample of landline telephone exchanges called was randomly selected by a computer from a complete list of more than 82,000 active residential exchanges across the country, maintained by Marketing Systems Group of Horsham, Pa. The exchanges were chosen so as to ensure that each region of the country was represented in its proper proportion. Within each exchange, random digits were added to form a complete telephone number, thus permitting access to listed and unlisted numbers alike. Within each landline household, one adult was designated by a random procedure to be the respondent for the survey. BERWYN, Pa. Melania Trump made a rare appearance on the campaign trail in the battleground state of Pennsylvania on Thursday, seeking to soften her husbands coarse image by proclaiming to voters that Donald J. Trump respects all Americans and promising that as president he would promote values of compassion and charity across the country. The deployment of Ms. Trump comes as her husbands campaign is trying to extend a late burst of momentum before Election Day by swaying undecided voters and women who have been wary of the Republican nominee. Urging Americans to find a better way to talk to each other amid one of the most caustic presidential campaigns in recent history, Ms. Trump cast immigrants as patriots and lamented, in spite of her husbands tough talk on Twitter, cyberbullying as one of the countrys worst problems. Mr. Trump needs the trove of wealthy and educated voters in the counties surrounding Philadelphia to succeed in turning the state red for the first time since 1988, but many of those former Republicans have been turned off by his comments about immigrants and women. This time around, Republican primary voters defied all conventional political wisdom in selecting Mr. Trump from a crowded field of candidates, including Jeb Bush, a member of one of Americas dominant political clans, and Senator Ted Cruz, the Tea Party firebrand from Texas. In the Democratic primary, Mrs. Clinton got a scare from her more liberal opponent, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who performed better than she expected. But her unpopularity, even among some Democrats, is an enduring problem for her campaign: Some people who supported Mr. Sanders, who is now backing Mrs. Clintons bid for the White house, have defected from the Democrats and intend to vote for Jill Stein of the Green Party (who has no chance of winning). No matter who wins, he or she will urgently need to establish his or her popular legitimacy. After all, the purpose of an election is to find a leader the people want not the one they deem to be the least unpopular candidate. Q. Why vote for one party for president and the other party for Congress? That just immobilizes the presidents agenda. Why are the campaigns focused on smearing each other instead of laying out their plans and how they will benefit the general public? CESAR GAMEZ; MONTERREY, MEXICO A. Youre right. Splitting the ticket choosing a candidate from one party for the presidency and the other for Congress doesnt seem to make much sense for voters. In recent years the practice has fallen to record lows. In the 2012 election, 10 percent of voters divided their votes between the parties, resulting in split outcomes in 6 percent of Congressional districts the lowest rate in 92 years. HONG KONG When President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines vowed last week to stop cursing, at Gods direct request, few people in the deeply Catholic country questioned his faith or the logistics of the apparently divine intervention. But some Filipinos placed bets on how long Mr. Dutertes pledge would last because he curses regularly and had raised eyebrows by saying that President Obama can go to hell. The answer: a long weekend. The voice of God spoke to Mr. Durterte on a flight home from Japan, he said after arriving in the Philippines on Oct. 27. According to the president, the voice, which he ascertained came from the Lord, said that the plane would crash unless he stopped cursing. So, he said, he agreed to watch his tongue. A promise to God is a promise to the Filipino people, he said. President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines traveled to Beijing recently, promising to announce his countrys separation from the United States and alarming the White House and his own defense secretary. But something different happened. Instead, Mr. Duterte kept the alliance with the United States intact, appeared to reach an understanding with China to allow Filipino fishermen to return to disputed waters, and, by threatening a geopolitical realignment, distracted from American objections to his countrys growing human rights abuses. Rather than switch allegiances between the two nations, Mr. Duterte managed to play them off each other, in that way improving his position with both and cementing his image at home as a strong nationalist unbeholden to foreign powers. And he did it while keeping his nations security guaranteed by a 65-year-old treaty with the United States. Whether he knows it or not, Mr. Duterte is following a strategy that leaders used throughout the Cold War: balancing between the powers by threatening to change loyalties. That strategys track record illuminates why Mr. Dutertes seemingly reckless actions have borne him such fruit, and may offer a hint of his goals. HONG KONG A British labor activist who accused a Thai fruit company of abusing migrant workers was cleared of a criminal defamation charge by Thailands highest court on Thursday. But a separate conviction against the activist, Andy Hall, stands, and Mr. Hall said on Thursday that he would appeal it and sue the company, Natural Fruit, as well as Thailands attorney general and others. I feel very uncomfortable because as human rights activists, we want to spend our time doing productive, forward-moving work, and not sitting in court, Mr. Hall said by telephone. But this company will not stop its harassment, and the government is not doing anything to stem the harassment. Rights groups and the United Nations have objected to the prosecution of Mr. Hall, who lives in Thailand. He has been caught up in the countrys legal system since 2013, when he contributed to a report by a Finnish advocacy group that accused Natural Fruit of violating the rights of migrant workers from Myanmar. KUNDUZ, Afghanistan Two American soldiers and more than 30 Afghans were killed Thursday in the midst of heavy fighting around the northern provincial capital of Kunduz, officials and local residents said. The soldiers who died brought the number of Americans killed in combat in Afghanistan this month to five, compared with only four known combat deaths in the previous nine months. Two American soldiers were also wounded in Thursdays fighting, the military said. The governor of Kunduz, Asadullah Omarkhel, said 30 civilians had been killed and 46 wounded in airstrikes, which he attributed to Afghan forces, and he also said four Afghan Special Forces soldiers were killed. Local residents and other officials in Kunduz District, which includes the city of Kunduz and its outlying areas, attributed the airstrikes to the American military. A New York Times reporter counted 22 bodies brought into the city on the way to the Kunduz hospital, 14 of them children, four women, two older men and two men of fighting age. They were accompanied by a large group of protesters from the village that was hit, Boz Qandahari. LONDON Britain voted in June to leave the European Union. But the process truly began on March 29, when the government invoked a treaty provision Article 50 that set out the basics of a withdrawal. What is Article 50? Article 50 is the part of the European Union treaty that lays down the procedure for a member to leave the 28-nation bloc. It was drafted under the Treaty of Lisbon, which was meant to streamline the blocs decision-making. Has anyone ever used Article 50? No. In fact, the treatys architects never expected it to be used. Although no country has quit before, Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, left the European Unions forerunner entity in the 1980s. Who can invoke it? A member country that wants to leave can invoke Article 50. Who, exactly, had the right to do so in Britain was the issue of a legal challenge. Prime Minister Theresa May argued that she could do it without Parliament, under powers known as the royal prerogative. A court ruled against her, but Parliament allowed her to invoke Article 50 without any restrictions on her negotiating powers. BRUSSELS Gunther H. Oettinger, a European commissioner from Germany, apologized on Thursday for describing Chinese people as slit-eyes and sly dogs, an about-face that came only after several days of pressure to acknowledge the offensive nature of his remarks. Mr. Oettinger, who made the comments last week in a speech to business leaders in Hamburg, Germany, had tried and largely failed to put the matter to rest by telling the German newspaper Die Welt, in an interview published on Sunday, that his goal had been to highlight the intensely competitive trading environment Germany faces. The European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, issued a statement by Mr. Oettinger on Thursday seeking to resolve the matter and expressing remorse. I had time to reflect on my speech, and I can now see that the words I used have created bad feelings and may even have hurt people, the statement said. This was not my intention and I would like to apologize for any remark that was not as respectful as it should have been. More people are dying while attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Libya to Europe: at least 239 drowned in two separate shipwrecks, the United Nations reported on Thursday. Nearly as many migrants have died at sea this year as all of last year, the United Nations refugee agency has said, even though far fewer have attempted the perilous crossing. Smugglers Are Changing Their Tactics The sharp rise in fatalities 3,940 deaths this year, compared with 3,700 in all of 2015 can be attributed in part to the changing tactics used by smugglers. They are loading thousands of people at a time and using less seaworthy boats, including inflatable rubber rafts that do not last the crossing. PARIS The migrant crisis in France has shifted from the Jungle of Calais to the streets of Paris, with hundreds camped out in tents in the citys northern neighborhoods and dozens more arriving each day. The wildcat encampments have thrust the European migrant issue in the face of Parisians and once again underscored the French governments inability to resolve a problem it hoped Italy and Germany would forestall. The numbers have been far greater in those countries, but migrants largely Africans and Afghans nonetheless keep trickling into Paris. As many as 100 migrants are arriving a day, according to aid groups. Most have vague hopes of reaching Britain or getting asylum in France. Stretching far up the Avenue de Flandre in the citys working-class 19th Arrondissement and bunched under nearby subway overpasses at the Jaures and Stalingrad Metro stations, the enclaves of pup tents are islands of misery in the midst of first-world prosperity. ERBIL, Iraq As Iraq comes closer to ejecting the Islamic State from its last major stronghold in the country, the question is no longer whether it can succeed. The question is whether it will all have to be done again someday. Even a complete military victory over the Sunni extremists in Mosul will not change the reality that there is still no political agreement in place, or even basic trust, that could reconcile Iraqs Sunni Arab minority with the Shiite-dominated national government. Not only are there fears that another Sunni insurgency could rise after the Islamic State is beaten, but there also seems to be little beyond this immediate military campaign to unite the profoundly differing factions that have temporarily come together to fight the militants government forces, Sunni tribesmen, Kurds, local Yazidis and Christians, and Iran-backed militias. Each has a different endgame in mind. While the fighting has raged near Mosul, diplomats, analysts and tribal sheikhs who oppose the Islamic State have been meeting in hotel ballrooms in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdish region, to start a discussion about reconciliation and political reforms. They agree, at least, that those are critical steps to prevent the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, from gaining new footholds in Sunni communities down the line. THE WORD DETECTIVE Searching for the Meaning of It All at the Oxford English Dictionary By John Simpson 364 pp. Basic Books. $27.99. WORDS ON THE MOVE Why English Wont and Cant Sit Still (Like, Literally) By John McWhorter 257 pp. Henry Holt & Company. $28. Imagine the progress of the English language as a moving train. It need not be a fast-moving train; in fact, it helps if you picture it chugging along majestically through a flat landscape. Our two authors are actively interested in observing the progress of the train. One has spent his entire career practicing lexicography at the Oxford English Dictionary; in relation to the train, he tirelessly jogs along just behind and every so often plants a flag on the track to mark the precise place where the train formerly was. The other author is a well-known professor of linguistics who skips along beside the train, waving cheerfully and occasionally performing somersaults to express just how happy he is to be keeping up. The train, of course, takes no notice of either just as it has taken no notice of all the righteous idiots who have, periodically, stood in front of it, commanding it to stop. As we bring our locomotive analogy to a merciful close, it is worth glancing back down the line to see all the broken bodies of those many pitiful idiots, stretching way back to the horizon. The making of the Oxford English Dictionary, from its origins in 1857, is not a new story for many of us. Simon Winchesters The Meaning of Everything gave us a vivid account of the tortured and lengthy history of the mighty first edition (completed in 1928), overseen up to the letter T by the superlatively bearded Scottish brainbox James Murray. Winchester then brought us up to date by way of the four-volume Supplement (finished in 1986) and the computer-assisted 20-volume second edition (1989) and right into the online era. The interesting question of the profitability of the dictionary was not Winchesters concern. No, it was the sheer lexicographic brainpower that was celebrated in The Meaning of Everything. One of Murrays first-edition associates was quoted as saying that ones first 12 languages were always the hardest. We asked students what they would do if they were in charge, what their concerns and hopes for the future would be. Empathy and forgiveness a plea for more and climate change were recurring themes, as well as issues political and personal. Here are condensed selections. Add your own ideas in the comments section at the bottom of this page (student submissions will be highlighted). Photos and drawings that interpret the question can be submitted via email, to edlife@nytimes.com. HYEWON CHOI, American International School Chennai (India), sixth grade: If I were the president of the world, I would first prevent girls from marrying at a young age. One of the reason I want to prevent girls from marrying at a young age is because the girls who are marrying quickly are not able to spend their childhood and they have to stay inside the house. And the second reason is that it is violating the international Declaration of Human Rights article 16, which says that men and women have right to marry. So if I were the president of the world, I would prevent more creation of child brides. JINWON CHOI, American International School Chennai (India), sixth grade: By looking at Malala [Yousafzai], I got to learn about lots of women not getting education in Pakistan and also other countries. I want to fix this problem. Human Rights article 26 says that everyone has their rights to have education, just being a woman doesnt changes that. Some people think that women should stay at their house and do housework while men gets to study and get jobs. Well, its WRONG! Men and women are same humans who only has different gender. So if I become the president, I want to fix the discrimination between girls and boys. Image Jason Fong illustrated his idea. He calls it Empathy Is Not a Selfie. Credit... Mia Fong JASON FONG, Redondo Union High School (Calif.), class of 2017: If I were in charge, I would spread the word that there is strength in empathy. Those who can step into the shoes of another are powerful. They can imagine what it is like to lose a child to gun violence, to plead for your husbands life at the hands of police. They can imagine what it is like to come to a new country as a kid. They can see the loneliness of a soul struggling alone against a powerful, raging addiction. Our country is made stronger when we help each other lighten our loads. Lets rise together not fall apart. While mandatory fees are covered by financial aid, course fees may not be. After all, students receive their aid package before they register for classes. Experts advise: Petition your financial aid office. Scholarships might also cover only tuition, leaving recipients who dont read the fine print with a surprising balance. Thats what happened to Valerie Innis: When she won a full-tuition scholarship to the University of Massachusetts, she thought she was going to college free until she received an ominous email sophomore year. Check your balance, it said, and when Ms. Innis looked at her account, she discovered an outstanding bill of $16,000. The University of Massachusetts has been doing some fancy bookkeeping for decades to insulate itself from cuts to the state education budget. In-state tuition last year was just $1,714, while fees cost more than seven times that much: $12,457. Thats largely because of its hefty curriculum fee, created in 1989. While the university had to turn tuition over to the state, it could keep all fee revenue an arrangement that ended this summer under a new state law that allows it to retain tuition revenue. Curriculum fees are gone, as is the full-tuition scholarship, now replaced with one valued at $1,714. Image If I had known I wasnt going to college for free, I would have started at a community college, said Ms. Innis, who graduated last spring $35,000 in debt. Unexpected fees can wreck family finances. Many, many people are really budgeting down to the dime to make it possible to go to school, said Patti Demoff, a founder of the College Circuit counseling service in Los Angeles. She said she spent hours analyzing financial aid with one family to figure out if Boston University could be affordable. Shortly after the young woman enrolled, she was notified of its $265 fee for mandatory orientation. Each parent would cost another $130, not counting airfare from California and other expenses. I was outraged, Ms. Demoff said. For these kids, $1,000 is enormous. Students occasionally protest over fees. At the University of Arizona, more than 8,000 students signed a petition in 2014 on Change.org complaining of a 2.5 percent convenience fee to pay bursars bills with a credit card. Another complaint: a $300 fee tacked onto sociology courses, primarily to pay for tutoring, a basic educational service. WASHINGTON It was an otherwise routine bus ride through the Costa Rican countryside several years ago that changed the way Chase Adam thought about what makes people give. Mr. Adam, a 24-year-old Peace Corps volunteer at the time, noticed that a woman canvassing riders for donations to help her ailing son was having unusual success where others came up empty. The reason, he quickly realized, was in the womans hand: a copy of her sons medical record that vivified his struggles. The insight led Mr. Adam to start Watsi, a digitally focused health nonprofit that is helping to redefine charitable giving for millennials, in part by replicating online that kind of direct connection between patient and donor. It seemed crazy to me that there were all of these large nonprofits out there, but it felt like there were so many barriers between what I could give and what I could do and who it would affect, said Mr. Adam, now 30. It used to be that many people gave to their particular house of worship to get a prominent pew or extra blessings. Or because their grandparents and parents had always attended that church or synagogue or mosque. That is changing. Religious institutions are still the single biggest recipients of overall charity donations, according to the 2015 survey by the Giving USA Foundation. About 32 percent $119.3 billion of a total of $373.25 billion Americans gave to charities went to churches, synagogues, mosques and temples. But that is down from about 50 percent since 1990, according to Rick Dunham, vice chairman of Giving USA, and the percentage has been in steady decline for some time. The religion category in the survey refers solely to religious institutions, not religious charities such as the Salvation Army, he said. Part of the reason is an overall decline in the number of people who identify with a religious group. According to the Pew Research Center 2014 Religious Landscape Study, 23 percent of Americans say they are not affiliated with any religion, up from 16 percent in 2007. The premiere of Rogue One, the first stand-alone Star Wars film, is six weeks away, and fans have gathered online to speculate about what treasures the film will hold. Whats the deal with the set photo of a shaggy alien that looks a little like a robo-sasquatch? What are the chances that all the rebel heroes will survive to the end? Is Darth Vader going to murder any of them personally? Oh, and how is this movie going to treat women? Rogue One stars Felicity Jones as Jyn Erso, the newest bold Star Wars brunette, and the conventional wisdom is that her very existence confirms the franchises recently enlightened embrace of strong female characters. But a vocal group of die-hard female Star Wars fans is asking for more. Online, they form a rich community of women who come together to bond over their Star Wars obsession, cast a critical eye on the role of women in the films and embrace minor characters overlooked by the fandom at large. In doing so, theyve created for themselves what the films still dont quite deliver a Star Wars universe that revolves around women. Read more on Rogue One | Read about the strong women of Star Wars In Rogue One, Jyn will lead an all-male crew of rebels. In trailers and teasers, the emotional heart of the film appears to be Jyn and her father, and her central conflict lies with a crew of male villains (among them: Darth Vader). Rey, the scrappy heroine in last years The Force Awakens, and Leia, the tough princess of the original trilogy, were also surrounded by men. So on Scavengers Hoard, a new Star Wars podcast hosted by two female fans, Rachael who goes only by her first name online noted that the films have created these entire worlds populated almost exclusively by men, so even when a female protagonist is added to the mix, there remains an absence of any meaningful relationships between women. On Twitter, Johnamarie Macias, the proprietor of the popular Star Wars site The Wookiee Gunner, lamented that the franchise remained stuck on its daddy issues instead of exploring a mother-daughter dynamic. Super happy that Jyn is the lead, she wrote, but added: Why does the father have to be the scientist? GAH! And on the podcast Fangirls Going Rogue, the three hosts discussed the role of Jyns mother with guarded enthusiasm. Mothers tend to get erased, or theyre there to die, the co-host Tricia Barr said. Hopefully were not continuing that trend. TORONTO On a film set in Canton, Miss., two decades ago, Octavia Spencer got a big break, and a foreshadowing that others might be harder to catch. She was in her mid-20s, working as a production assistant on the Matthew McConaughey-Sandra Bullock thriller A Time to Kill. She asked the director Joel Schumacher if she could read for a small part: perhaps the woman who starts a riot? He said: No, honey, your face is too sweet. You can be Sandys nurse, she recalled, laughing. She was sitting, regally postured, in a private glassed-in room at a hotel restaurant. That face was youthful at 46 and frequently lit by a signature ear-to-ear grin. It was so funny because I didnt know that there was such a thing as typecasting. Its like, Youre just a nurse face. What is a nurse face? According to IMDB.com, Ms. Spencer has played a nurse 16 times. Ms. Spencer is African-American, female, in her 40s and not twig-shaped Venn-diagram those traits atop the circle marked Available Parts, and the overlapping area shrinks to pea-size. Still, in the years since, she has built a sturdy resume as a recognizable character actor on TV and in films. Her breakthrough came in The Help (2011), as the subjugated Mississippi maid who cloaks her revenge in pie. But the accolades for the performance, topped by an Oscar for best supporting actress, didnt immediately expand her options. I played Mother Earth so much that I can probably whip up some moss for you right now, she said. These days, however, Ms. Spencer is slipping past limitations, moving into producing offscreen and guiding her onscreen career away from nurse face roles. At Christmas, she will appear in a true story so rarely told that she at first assumed it was fiction. Hidden Figures is heart-swelling Oscar bait about the African-American female mathematicians called computers (as in: one who computes) who worked at NASA in civil rights-era Virginia. Ms. Spencer plays Dorothy Vaughan, a supervisor who teaches herself and her black female staff to program the new IBM mainframe computer. (To better understand her characters engineering genius, Ms. Spencer tried to build and repair a fan throughout filming. It did not go well.) DIRECTOR The British filmmaker Gareth Edwards brings his sci-fi experience to one of the biggest sci-fi experiences. He created visual effects on his laptop for his first feature, Monsters (2010), then graduated to much larger effects (and a much larger budget) for his 2014 revival of Godzilla. He has said he wanted to be reverent to the tale but also to bring something new in his approach. SCORE Well hear hints of the familiar Star Wars work of John Williams, but this film is the first in the franchise that he didnt score. Instead, Michael Giacchino did the honors. LOCATIONS While many scenes were shot at Elstree Studios in England, some were filmed in the Maldives. Thats because the film introduces a tropical planet, Scarif, where the Death Star is being built. That setting involves beach scenes and battles with Death Troopers, whose all-black look is a striking contrast to the white Stormtroopers so etched in pop-culture consciousness. Other sequences were shot in Iceland and Jordan. And one scene that appears in the first Rogue One trailer, with the Rebel team running from Stormtroopers, was shot in the London Underground at the Canary Wharf station. Their budget for a one-bedroom was around $600,000. If you go below that, you are basically looking at a studio, Mr. Di Vittorio said. Their deal breaker was a washer-dryer. But a one-bedroom with a washer-dryer almost certainly meant a new condominium building and a price approaching $800,000. They were interested in two units at the Impala. One, on their floor, was $749,000, with monthly charges of around $1,900. The Impala was more on the dream side, Mrs. Di Vittorio said. They also liked Chartwell House on Second Avenue, another 2001 condo building, farther north near 92nd Street. It was like the Impala in many ways, and they particularly admired the window in the kitchen. But, again, prices were a deterrent. The expectations within Manhattan are so different for how far a dollar goes compared with everywhere else, Mrs. Di Vittorio said. Busy with work and traveling, the couple hunted off and on for several years. Because Mr. Di Vittorio does some work in Italy, they also spend time at a home they own in Palermo. They were planning to have a baby, so they considered hunting for a small house in the New York suburbs. We felt we did not need to sleep in the city anymore to work in the city, Mr. Di Vittorio said. Romes cobbled, snaking alleyways lend themselves to mystery, and todays best places to raise a glass in the Eternal City are fittingly clandestine, with entrance gained by a knock, a phone call or a membership card. At the back of a vintage-furnished trattoria near the Pantheon, stumble through a creaky armoire and youre deposited in a dimly lit brick den, where an empty suit of knights armor spookily stands guard. This would be Club Derriere (Vicolo delle Coppelle 59; 39-393-566-1077), an atmospheric bar that revels in its air of mystery, and one of the many Roman speakeasies that are persuading locals to trade in their wineglasses for highballs in these cocktail-slinging spots. At Club Derriere, bartenders in ties and vests serve a changing list of a dozen original cocktails from behind the glass-encased counter. This seasons opera-themed menu includes Le Nozze di Sigaro, a nod to The Marriage of Figaro composed of a cigar-infused rum tincture with chocolate and aged angostura bark bitters. Dozens of sperm banks across the country are recruiting men to help them build up a supply of frozen sperm to meet the growing demand from women looking to start families. Its a big business. A vial of sperm can cost almost $1,000. But for the men, its probably not the quickest route to beer money. And its not simple. Your odds of getting into Harvard or Stanford are higher than your chances of being accepted as a donor at the major sperm banks. California Cryobank and Fairfax Cryobank, the nations two largest sperm banks, take only about one in 100 applicants. Some deal-breakers: a low sperm count, an iffy health history or sperm that dont do well after freezing. If youre short, forget about it. Most sperm banks arent interested in white donors who arent at least 5 feet 9 inches, because most of their clients dont want them. But the bar is lower for members of ethnic groups that tend to be shorter. And given a perpetual lack of African-American donors, height may not be a disqualifier for black donors. Some argue that banh mi, the Vietnamese sandwich, lives and dies by its bread, a cloud in crisp armor, preferably made with a pinch of rice flour for extra spring and crackle. Others keep score by what lies within: layers of fish-sauce-laced charcuterie and musky pate; cooling strands of pickled daikon and carrots; a jalapeno ambush; a wand of cucumber; sunny cilantro; mayonnaise cut with butter; and a douse of Vietnamese soy sauce typically code for Maggi seasoning. For me, it comes down to ratios, and at Violets Bake Shoppe in Forest Hills, Queens, they are golden. The crust snaps like kindling, and then the sandwich is all creaminess, salt and heat, deeply basal flavors and brisk, bright ones, every note seemingly struck at once. Chris Tang, the chef, is of Chinese descent, Manhattan-born and Queens-bred. His parents have roots in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province. For a decade he worked alongside them in a factory in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, making noodles and dumplings to sell to stores and restaurants. Saturday 5. Line-Free Brunch, 10 A.M. Whats worse, arguing over where to go for brunch or waiting in a line once you decide? Avoid both problems by patching together a glorious meal in one of Manhattans newest food halls, which are to mall food courts what Emirates business class is to Spirit Airlines. TurnStyle may be in a subway tunnel at Columbus Circle, but its bright and cheery, and like the subway itself, is mobbed on weekdays but runs on a slower weekend schedule. Stop at Bosie Patisserie for a Breton kouign-amann ($2.50) and a cortado or perhaps a greens 3 (greens, celery, cucumber, apple, lemon and ginger, $6.50) from the Pressed Juicery. For more substantial fare try a grilled cheese from MeltKraft or a pork shoulder saltena ($8, dont call it an empanada) from Bolivian Llama Party. You can also take it to go and head to Central Park, depending on how seriously youre taking this south of 59th Street thing. 6. Coming to America II, Noon Ellis Island accepted 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954 (and rejected a couple hundred thousand), but the story of American immigration started well before and continues today (in case you havent been paying attention this election season). In 2015, the National Park Service site opened the Peopling of America Center, which recounts immigration back to Native Americans, Pilgrims and slaves and forward to Cubans, Hmong and Somali girls who play basketball in Minnesota in traditional dress. The $18 ferry includes admission to the Statue of Liberty, but you can just admire it from the boat; after all, thats what the 12 million immigrants did. Le Coucou, Stephen Starrs French restaurant, opened this year. Credit Tony Cenicola/The New York Times 7. Rabbit Whole, 7 P.M. Critics have gone whats the word? nuts over Le Coucou, Stephen Starrs French restaurant that opened this year under the helm of the American-born, Paris-famous chef Daniel Rose. There are a few surprises: The space is cavernous (forget about eavesdropping on the celeb at the next table), and the expected French formality is on the plate, but not in the service, which has an American-style, Im-your-buddy vibe. Servers may refuse to suggest a favorite dish, but tout le lapin (the whole rabbit) is first among equals, a three-part entree of rabbit loin under crumbled rabbit kidney, a front-leg pot au feu and deboned hind legs marinated in Dijon and white wine and slow baked for four hours. Reserve in advance. Dinner for two without wine, about $200. 8. Up in Arms, 9:30 P.M. Suffolk Arms may look like an English pub but strives to be a very New York cocktail bar, from Streits matzo ball soup, short rib steamed buns and bone marrow to its walls covered with sketches of local personalities, from Ed Koch to Sonia Sotomayor, and Grandmaster Flash to the leonine library guardians Patience and Fortitude. Eyes over 25 years old may have trouble making out the 0.01-point-font-size menu in dim light, but eyes under 25 may have trouble appreciating the expertise behind the drinks (around $15): a classic New York Sour (with egg white and a splash of malbec); recipes borrowed from New York cocktail royalty like Brian Miller of Death & Co. (the rye-bourbon-Calvados-cognac Conference); and the passion fruit, lime and vanilla Porn Star Martini. 9. I Love the 80s, 11 P.M. Where to dance in New York is a question for the ages specifically, your groups ages. But people young and old, or at least young and middle-aged, agree: The 80s were a glorious decade for popular music. That explains the Saturday night, age-diverse crowd at (Le) Poisson Rouge. Named for the 1981 Rick Springfield hit, the (Karma) chameleonlike cover band Jessies Girl makes choreographed costume (and wig) changes to perform very danceable impressions from Cyndi Lauper to Dexys Midnight Runners. Their version of Wham!s 1984 classic, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, will put the jitterbug into your brain, going bang bang bang till your feet do the same. (I said the music was glorious, not the lyrics.) Thirty-two states a figure that has been steadily rising now have some form of voter ID laws, based on a count by the National Conference of State Legislatures. The number of states with the strictest laws is rising as well: Voters in seven states will be required to show photo identification in order to cast their ballots this year. In 2012, only four states required it. Voter ID laws by state No ID required ID requested ID required Photo ID required Wash. Me. Mont. N.D. Minn. Ore. Vt. N.H. N.Y. Idaho Wis. Mass. S.D. Mich. Wyo. R.I. Conn. Pa. Iowa N.J. Neb. Nev. Md. Ohio Del. Ill. Ind. Utah W.Va. Colo. Va. Calif. Kan. Mo. Ky. N.C. Tenn. Okla. Ariz. N.M. Ark. S.C. Ala. Ga. Miss. La. Tex. Alaska Fla. Hawaii Voter ID laws by state No ID required ID requested ID required Photo ID required Wash. Me. Mont. N.D. Minn. Ore. Vt. N.H. N.Y. Wis. Idaho S.D. Mass. Mich. Wyo. R.I. Conn. Pa. Iowa N.J. Neb. Nev. Md. Ohio Ill. Del. Ind. Utah W.Va. Colo. Va. Calif. Kan. Mo. Ky. N.C. Tenn. Okla. Ariz. N.M. Ark. S.C. Ga. Ala. Miss. La. Tex. Alaska Fla. Hawaii Voter ID laws by state No ID required ID requested ID required Photo ID required Wash. Mont. N.D. N.H. Idaho Wis. S.D. Mich. R.I. Conn. Ohio Del. Ind. Utah Colo. Va. Kan. Mo. Ky. Tenn. Okla. Ariz. Ark. S.C. Ala. Ga. Miss. La. Tex. Alaska Fla. Hawaii WI OH IN VA KS TN AZ GA MS Voter ID laws by state No ID required ID requested ID required Photo ID required Note: States that request IDs (both photo and nonphoto) allow a voter to cast a ballot without identification, and officials will verify the voters identity in other ways. A 2002 federal law set minimum requirements for federal elections, including identity verification for all new voters. The law leaves room for states to enact their own stricter ones. There has been movement toward more voter ID laws, and toward stricter voter ID laws, said Wendy Underhill, program director for elections and redistricting at the National Conference of State Legislatures. Several of these laws have been challenged in court. In July, a federal appeals court found that the Texas voter ID law discriminated against blacks and Latinos and ordered the state to assist people who did not have one of the seven valid forms of identification. A North Carolina law, which was set to take effect this year, was struck down along with several other voting procedures. But in 2008, the United States Supreme Court upheld Indianas photo ID requirement. Court challenges have gone in both directions, Ms. Underhill said. They havent all been either to undo voter ID or to support it. Recently challenged laws State Status Details North Carolina N.C. Not in effect A federal court found that various voting provisions in the state were passed with "discriminatory intent." MORE Texas Tex. Weakened A strict photo ID law was found to violate the Voting Rights Act. It was subsequently weakened. MORE Wisconsin Wis. Still in effect A federal appeals court blocked a ruling that weakened the law by requiring an affidavit option. MORE North Dakota N.D. Weakened A federal judge ruled that the state could not enforce its new strict law, and required the state to return to previous guidelines. MORE Arkansas Ark. Weakened The state Supreme Court struck down a strict photo ID law, saying that it violated the state's Constitution. The previous, weaker law remains. MORE Pennsylvania Pa. Not in effect A new photo ID law was struck down by a state judge, who said it put a burden on voters. MORE States with the strictest laws require IDs that some voters may not have. Most states request ID but will allow returning voters to cast ballots even if they do not have a required form of identification. Election officials do the work of confirming their identities. In Florida, for example, a voter without proper identification can cast a provisional ballot, and officials will verify the signatures with one on file. But in nine states with so-called strict laws, voters must provide their ID shortly after Election Day for their ballots to be counted. Seven of those states require a photo ID, like an in-state drivers license, a United States passport or a military ID, but the acceptable forms vary by state. The other two Arizona and Ohio accept certain documents without photos. Other IDs accepted by states with strict photo ID laws State Gun license Student ID Tribal ID Out-of-state drivers license Georgia Ga. Indiana Ind. Kansas Kan. Mississippi Miss. Tennessee Tenn. Virginia Va. Wisconsin Wis. Note: Each state has specific requirements for what types of IDs will be accepted, and they must meet the states overall criteria. Opponents of the strict photo ID laws argue that they disproportionately affect minorities, low-income voters and students. Obtaining the correct ID can require money and transportation to a state Department of Motor Vehicles branch or a local government office, resources that some voters may not have. Theres definitely the issue of your flexibility, said Jennifer L. Clark, counsel for the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice. And theres the issue of whether, in your everyday life, youve found it necessary to have one of these limited number of IDs. The states with strict photo ID laws (and other states as well) offer free IDs for the purpose of voting. Some will argue that the ID is free, Ms. Underhill said in an email, but that the voter still has to get the underlying documents, such as a birth certificate, so it wont be free in practice. The number of states with voter ID laws is rising. States with voter ID laws Requesting ID Requiring ID 30 25 20 15 10 5 00 04 08 12 16 Stricter laws came into play in 2006 when Arizona and Ohio began requiring voters to show identification. Georgia and Indiana followed in 2008 with the first strict photo identification laws. After the 2010 midterm elections, when Republicans won control of many state legislatures, more states passed new voter ID laws and strengthened existing ones. Some states have made voting harder in other ways. NYTimes.com no longer supports Internet Explorer 9 or earlier. Please upgrade your browser. While families begin to prepare for the holidays with great feasts, a local organization wants people to think about those who might not have the luxury of having a holiday meal. Martha Henk, executive director of the Food Bank of East Alabama, said food donations around the holiday season are helpful to families looking to celebrate Thanksgiving with a great meal. Most of us are happy to have a holiday meal, while others arent, said Henk. We should extend the blessing of food to others, The food bank usually has a greater need for food around the holiday season. She said canned goods are great items to stock the shelves with, but the organization needs seasonal food items, like chicken, rice, broth and other food used to create holiday meals. The food bank distributes items to seven counties in East Central Alabama, which includes over 200 food agencies. In 2015, the organization distributed 4.5 million pounds of food. More than 30,000 people are served through the food bank. Henk said many agencies rely on the organization to supply them with food. The Community Market, 3810-C Pepperell Parkway, is one of those groups. Were serving close to 900 families right now, said market coordinator Elsie Lott. Thanksgiving is a time for families to get together, and clients want to have meals. Lott said the agency has a shortage of items like grit, mashed potatoes and cereal. Drives like the Beat Bama Food Drive bring in the most donated items to the organization. Last year, Auburn University was victorious in the Alabama-Auburn food fight. Auburn University students collected 211,625 pounds compared to University of Alabamas 116,370 pounds. We count on it heavily, Henk said. This is one competition where there are no losers. In Lee County-alone- there are about 27,000 people who face food insecurities. After the food drive and the holiday season come to an end, the Food Bank of East Alabama and its agencies will still need donations. We love providing Thanksgiving and Christmas food, but hunger continues year-round, said Henk. People go hungry throughout the year. In order to have a strong community, the basic human needs have to be met. Having food is a basic need. Lott said the community always backs the Community Market, and the donated items mean a lot to those who come into the center to pick up goods. Weve had clients come in to say they havent had anything to eat, or havent had any wholesome food. It means a lot to families and people who want to eat healthy and have food, but cant afford it. We appreciate the community is doing something about hunger in Lee County. Those interested in participating in the Beat Bama Food Drive are asked to drop non-perishable items into barrels located at stores, such as the Walmart Super Centers in Auburn and Opelika, Kroger in Tiger Town and Opelika, The Round House in Opelika, and many other businesses. For more information about the food drive or donations, contact the Food Bank of East Alabama at 334- 821-9006. County Democratic Party officials said Donald Trumps candidacy has lent legitimacy to the use of fear tactics in this election, like those seen in Newport Beach, where a City Council candidates Persian heritage was used to alienate voters. In a statement Monday, the Democratic Party of Orange County condemned a failed lawsuit that attempted to force Fred Ameri, who was born in Iran, to use his birth name, Farrokh, on the Nov. 8 ballot. The Democratic group also called on the county Republican Party to do the same. Julian Babbitt, executive director of the Orange County GOP, declined Wednesday to comment on the matter. In another incident last week, a campaign sign found on the corner of West Coast Highway and Dover Drive featured the words Vote for Fred in Farsi, the language spoken in Iran, and Ameri. As Orange Countys population continues to increase in diversity, divisive rhetoric and attacks have no place in our political or social discourse, the statement read. Ameri said the sign was not his and that no one has taken responsibility for it. Given the timing of the suit and Trumps controversial statements on immigrants and other segments of the population, the correlation is clear, said Henry Vandermeir, chair of the county Democratic Party. Hes given credence to people that feel that way or who are racist and bigoted to come out to be able to talk that way, he said. A candidates qualifications should never be challenged because of his or her racial background. Ameri, 76, described both incidents as attempts to instill fear by using his ethnicity to portray him as an outsider. This is a racist act, Ameri said. They want to say this guy is un-American, an Iranian and he comes from a country of terrorists. Newport Beach resident William Stewart filed the suit in August, alleging Newport Beach City Clerk Leilani Brown and Orange County Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley violated state election law by allowing Ameris nickname, Fred, to appear on the ballot. Bruce Peotter, Stewarts lawyer and brother to Councilman Scott Peotter, contended that even though Ameri was widely known as Fred, his legal name appeared on naturalization papers and other legal documents. An Orange County Superior Court judge disagreed in his September ruling. Ameri, a registered Republican, 19-year resident of the city and former planning commissioner, is running against Attorney Phil Greer and Finance Commissioner Will ONeill to replace District 7 Councilman Keith Curry. Scott Peotter is not up for election. The O.C. Democratic Party has not endorsed any candidate running for the council. Contact the writer: 714-796-2478 or lcasiano@scng.com ORANGE Droves of people turned up at a Federal Aviation Administration briefing on Wednesday night with questions, concerns and qualms on upcoming flight path changes in the region. The open-house briefing at El Modena High School allowed the public to learn about changes the FAA plans to implement on Nov. 10 for John Wayne Airport, Fullerton Municipal Airport, Los Alamitos Army Airfield, Long Beach Airport and Zamperini Field in Torrance under the Southern California Metroplex project. Approved by the FAA in September after a 120-day public comment period, the project involves replacing dozens of decades-old conventional air routes with satellite-based ones that allow air traffic controllers to create more direct routes reducing miles flown and communications with pilots. Some neighborhoods are expected to see slight increases in noise, while others may experience decreases or no change. On Wednesday night, FAA representatives assisted more than 125 attendees in viewing the current and after-implementation noise levels using the agencys Metroplex Google Earth feature, and in understanding simulations and information boards. North Tustin resident Andy Gaffoglio, 36, was concerned when an FAA representative looked up his address and found that his area was not projected to see an increase in noise but that planes could pass over more frequently. Theres a certain time it sounds like a war zone. On a Sunday afternoon, you have people barbecuing and you have to stop talking, said Gaffoglio, adding that the canyon he lives in amplifies noise. Its like theyre telling us, This is your fate. Changes to be implemented on a route arriving from the south and serving John Wayne, Fullerton, Los Alamitos and Long Beach airports are very minor, according to FAA spokesman Ian Gregor. Meanwhile, there will be new, very specific approaches guiding aircraft almost to runways that will be narrower than current tracks due to the precision of satellite navigation, Gregor said. They are being implemented for aircraft arriving from the west and from the northeast that will have jets flying within current flight tracks. Though the FAAs environmental analysis determined that the Metroplex project would have no significant impact on communities adjacent to airports, the cities of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach question the findings and have sued the agency. Newport Beach sued the FAA on Thursday, alleging that the impacts on residents near John Wayne Airport have not been adequately reviewed and that the agency fast-tracked the environmental review. Additionally, the citys lawsuit alleges that the FAA has released only vague explanations of the changes, making it difficult to evaluate their impact on residents. The city is asking a judge to temporarily halt the project in order to conduct a more comprehensive environmental analysis. Dottie Harmsem, whos lived on Balboa Island with her husband for 25 years, said she was told her area would not see a change but that residents are concerned that noise levels will get worse. We cant go out on our patio and have breakfast, lunch or dinner. Its impossible to talk, said Harmsem, 85, adding that her city was absolutely right in suing. The citizens are not happy and when the citizens are not happy, its the only way they can get the attention, she said. Harmsem also said the FAA should have an independent study done on top of its own environmental assessment. A day after Newport Beach took legal action, the city of Laguna Beach filed a similar lawsuit against the FAA, prepared by longtime City Attorney Phil Kohn and his firm. Most glaringly, the (environmental assessment) lacked detailed information regarding the potential changes in aircraft patterns and intensity at (John Wayne) that could result from the project, Laguna Beachs lawsuit alleges. Absolutely, quality of life, primarily noise from airplanes, are concerns, Laguna Beach Assistant City Manager Christa Johnson said. And some citizens are concerned about pollution coming from airplanes. Planes departing John Wayne Airport fly above Newport Beach and for the most part pass Laguna Beach as well, so we have shared interests, Johnson said. Some attendees at Wednesdays briefing saw benefits to the new system. La Mirada resident Jim Gandee, president of the Fullerton Airport Pilots Association, said the pilot community has been aware of the changes. From what I understand, its going to improve air traffic, which will be a benefit to both the flying public as well as the ground public, Gandee said. It sounds like a pretty good deal. Wednesdays briefing was the fifth and final briefing the FAA has held to inform the public of the project affecting six major airports and 15 smaller airports in Southern California. Contact the writer: 714-796-7762 or jkwong@ocregister.com or on Twitter: @JessicaGKwong San Juan Capistrano is facing a new election scenario this year, since a lawsuit filed under the California Voting Rights Act led the city to end its longstanding practice of voting citywide for five City Council members. The council chose not to fight the lawsuit, dividing the city into five voting districts to settle the lawsuit. Districts 1 and 5 are up for election this fall. Districts 2, 3 and 4 will be up for election in 2018. There are five candidates for District 5, Larry Kramer, Mechelle Lawrence Adams, Brian L. Maryott, Ronda Mottl and Jim Schneider. Candidate Robert Parks withdrew from the race. We asked the candidates questions about Ortega Highways traffic problems, the future of the downtown area and their priorities, if elected. See all of the candidates answers (everyone was limited to 75 words) to our questions below. LAWRENCE (LARRY) KRAMER Occupation: Retired Navy Captain Family: Married, two children, two grandchildren Education: B.S. Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan. About 18 hours of business classes, University of Delaware. Various Navy training. Political experience: Former member of SJC Transportation Commission (about 4 years) and Open Space Committee (5 years). City Council member from 2010 to 2014 including one year as mayor (2012). Currently serving on Senior Citizens Advisory Council (SCAC). Also serve on the SCAC Legislative Sub-committee. What is your solution for Ortega Highways traffic problems? The 0.9-mile choke point should be removed as soon as possible. I approved this project when I was on the City Council. As we all have read this has been the site of several accidents. The city has the authority to minimize aesthetic impacts. The city will pay, from development funds, already collected, about $1 million of this $30 million dollar project. The County, OCTA and the Ranch will pay for the remainder. What are your views on the direction the downtown is going, the two contested hotels and the new River Street development? I support carefully considered changes in our Historic Town Center provided any changes are reflective of our heritage and the preservation of our historic structures. I am very supportive of the two hotels. The River Street project will need to go thru the entitlement process to ensure it meets our city development standards. I do feel it is critical we develop an entry monument on Ortega as a welcome mat for visitors to our town. If elected, what are the top three priorities on your to-do list? A. Eliminate the Ortega Chokepoint for the safety of our residents, specifically our youth attending San Juan Hills High School. B. Reduce our out of control legal fees and divert legal expenses to be used for deferred maintenance relative to our infrastructure. C. Work with staff and outside agencies to provide our town with the most reliable water supply at the lowest possible cost. MECHELLE LAWRENCE ADAMS Occupation: Executive Director of Mission San Juan Capistrano Family: Married, three children Education: M.A. Management, University of Redlands. M.A. Political Science, Cal State Fullerton Political experience: Former San Juan Capistrano city planner (4 years), former SJC Economic Development Manager (8 years), former Cultural Heritage Commissioner (2 years). Current chairperson for the Cultural Heritage Commission. What is your solution for Ortega Highways traffic problems? If elected, absolutely fight for the residents, businesses and students improved safety by negotiating the completion of the Ortega Highway project with sensitive aesthetics. While doing so, work to remove the San Juan Creek Road and Camino Las Ramblas roads from ever being extended to La Pata as shown on the OC Master Plan of Arterial Highways. . What are your views on the direction the downtown is going, the two contested hotels and the new River Street development? With public input, there needs to be communication with developers that their projects must fit with our community. The 2 hotels were much improved because of my input, which startedas a grassroots fight against a strip mall across from the mission and concern about tract housing near the park. Ultimately, because of the public process, I voted favorably for both revised as Cultural Heritage Commission chair. Both resident developers listened and reworked their plans. If elected, what are the top three priorities on your to-do list? Make public safety a priority again. Weve lost our way on how sober living houses can be managed while respecting peoples rights, how streets are unsafe and need maintenance, and ensure that our downtown, open spaces, parks and fields, trails, and vacant building sites arent havens for crime and unacceptable activities.Preserve small town charm, deep sense of history and family friendly atmosphere. Help get the City Council back on track again with less fighting. BRIAN L. MARYOTT Occupation: Certified financial planner, financial services executive Family: Married, three children Education: B. A. Political Science, American International College, Springfield, Mass. Political experience: Current member, San Juan Capistrano Trails and Equestrian Commission. Former legislative aide and staff director, Massachusetts House of Representatives. What is your solution for Ortega Highways traffic problems? We should complete the widening working with Caltrans. The current situation is unsafe and unworkable for our residents that have to travel the road daily. I am told the state is determined to complete it in time regardless of our approval, and it is to our advantage to resolve this as a partner to the process. What are your views on the direction the downtown is going, the two contested hotels and the new River Street development? I believe very much that leadership matters. It is not helpful that business owners and entrepreneurs see our elected leaders openly bickering and attacking each other. It sends a clear message that name calling and lawsuits are a way of doing business here and that is unfortunate. We should not be surprised when prospective business owners start doing the same. Its time we changed that. If elected, what are the top three priorities on your to-do list? We need to get out of the water business and allow individuals and families the supply they need at appropriate prices. The painful penalty system must be suspended. The council must get to work on sober living and drug treatment businesses operating in residential areas. This will require relief in Congress and a ballot question here in California. The current mess with pending lawsuits is also a top priority, resolved without land and zoning giveaways. RONDA MOTTL Occupation: Media executive Family: One child Education: MBA, UCLA Anderson School of Management. Political Science, Indiana University Political experience: Intern for US Senator Dan Quayle, Washington DC, Membership Chairman of Orange County Young Republicans What is your solution for Ortega Highways traffic problems? Safety is paramount. Eventually it will be widened but that is only a temporary solution. Once the 14,000 homes from the Ranch are built it is projected to result in 185,000 car trips a day, far more than Ortega alone could handle safely. If we connect Ortega and Antonio Parkway to Avery Parkway and the 73, we can alleviate the volume of traffic on Ortega by 28% (Source: Get Moving OC) What are your views on the direction the downtown is going, the two contested hotels and the new River Street development? The River Street development can be an asset to the downtown community as long as plenty of parking is available and the historic quality of the Los Rios area is preserved. The city should welcome reasonable development, including hotels, so long as the historic character of the downtown can be respected. This may require the new city council re-examine the citys role in downtown development. If elected, what are the top three priorities on your to-do list? End abuses associated with sober living homes and use city ordinances to shut down illegal recovery and treatment centers code enforcement will help us workwithin Fair Housing laws and ADA. Get San Juan out of the water business. We pay for water twice, and need to restructure our water debt within a regional agency. See that District 5 receives a fair share of property tax dollars we contribute for safety, streets and parks. JIM SCHNEIDER Occupation: Professional geologist, geology professor, business owner Family: Married Education: M.S. Geology, B.S. Geology, A.S Marine Science Political experience: 2010 San Juan council candidate, Academic Senator What is your solution for Ortega Highways traffic problems? The Rancho Mission Viejo group is responsible for the current traffic and purported safety issues. No track homes = No traffic. Cause and Effect. The Ranch needs to utilize SCRIP to finish what they started BEFORE widening Ortega and asking SJC residents to pay for another bond. Finish Cow Camp Road and widening of sections of Antonio Parkway will help alleviate traffic. SJC residents shouldnt have to pay for Ranch development issues. Widen Ortega last. What are your views on the direction the downtown is going, the two contested hotels and the new River Street development? Business should drive our city decision making. We are solvent for 2 years, maybe then face big money challenges. Two hotels are great, revenue. What else? River Street seems too small scale. Nice, but only for those lucky few. Why not a larger newer downtown? Greenbelt, park, mixed-use business and residential area south of Del Obispo to San Juan Creek. Parking structures face the RR tracks. Solve many problems at once. Stay solvent. If elected, what are the top three priorities on your to-do list? First, annex Groundwater Recovery Plant sell it and get out the water business. Largest SJC boondoggle to date. Second, reduce legal fees from lawsuits. Too many folks with agendas in our city. Lets look at our current legal providers and consolidate/evaluate. Perhaps change. Third, work with other council members, state legislators and neighboring cities to reduce the impact for treatment facilities in neighborhoods. Limit the number and locations. Dont run businesses in neighborhoods. COSTA MESA In Kevin Dohertys four-bedroom home, 47 display cabinets hold Disney collectibles one has 300 watches given as gifts to employees, while another features employee badges, name tags and awards. A bookcase contains former Disneyland operating manuals, press kits and ride designs that never came about. He has a report that proposed turning the Fantasyland Autopia into Toontopia, tied to Disneys Who Framed Roger Rabbit? film. One bedroom is stuffed with stuff dedicated to Annette Funicello, the Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeer, including the piano her parents purchased for her. The back yard holds an original Skyway gondola from Walt Disney World. At its height, Doherty had 14,000 Disney items. Now, he has 10,000 and is letting them go slowly. When I first started collecting this stuff in the early 1990s, one thing a dealer I worked with told me has always resonated, said Doherty, a 66-year-old property manager. He said, You never actually own these pieces. You are the caretaker for the moment and its your responsibility to keep them in good condition and pass the item and its story on to a new generation of collectors. And that is what Im doing. Last year, Doherty, a 66-year-old property manager who began the collection in the early 1990s, sold 500 pieces in an auction including a fully restored People Mover tram and an original park bench once planted on Disneylands Main Street, U.S.A. In all, he said, he made about $675,000. He figured he spent a couple hundred thousand dollars building up his collection. On Nov. 19, a Sherman Oaks art gallery will hold another auction with 200 more of his items, such as the original prototype sign for the Indiana Jones ride, a microphone shield with the Disneyland Castle on it once used by Walt Disney, and an Autopia vehicle. Weve been able to show it off (at) house parties and tell people the back story of each item, Doherty said. Now its time for other people to enjoy this stuff, and itll also help fund my retirement. Contact the writer: 714-796-2443 or jpimentel@scng.com or follow on Twitter @OCDisney SANTA ANA Five family members have pleaded guilty to theft- and fraud-related charges after admitting to improperly receiving more than $100,000 in government subsidies for housing assistance. Prosecutors said that beginning in 2003 the family members received rental assistance from the Santa Ana Housing Authority and the Orange County Housing Authority, agencies that provide rental assistance to low-income adults. The agreement called for the family to pay $99 a month for rent, while the remaining $1,850 was subsidized. However, authorities say, the family failed to report $83,000 it received in wire transfers from China, as well as money one of them got from selling suspected counterfeit merchandise. Authorities also allege that the family was renting a home owned by relatives, breaking another rule for receiving the housing assistance. On Tuesday, pleading guilty to multiple felonies were: John Giang Ly, 27, Linda Gia Ly, 23, and Thu Ha Le, 54, of Westminster; and Anh Tuyet Ly, 65, and Dong Hong Phan, 75, of Fountain Valley. Their sentences ranged from 14 days in jail to three years in prison. They were also ordered to pay $176,613 in restitution. Still awaiting trial was Thang Chinh Ly, 66, of Westminster, who was facing felony counts of perjury, aid by misrepresentation and grand theft. If convicted, Ly faces up to 13 years, four months in prison. Contact the writer: semery@scng.org LOS ANGELES The parents of a 25-year-old man fatally shot by Los Angeles police officers two years ago have settled their lawsuit with the city. The Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday that the family of Ezell Ford and the city reached the tentative settlement Oct. 21 in the wrongful death and state civil rights suit. The terms were not disclosed. An attorney for the Ford family says the deal needs approval by the City Council. Ford was killed in August 2014 after police say he knocked an officer to the ground and tried to grab his gun. The police commission found that Officer Sharlton Wampler was unjustified in shooting Ford and that Officer Antonio Villegas was wrong to draw his weapon but acted appropriately in firing it because he believed Wamplers life was in danger. COLUMBUS, Ohio Heritage College, a for-profit school with 10 vocational campuses across eight states including one in Lake Forest has closed abruptly, citing financial problems and decreased demand for its services. Heritage Colleges website said its campuses were permanently closed as of Tuesday. The business was established in 1986 and advertised training for careers in medical, dental and veterinary assistance; massage therapy; fitness training; and esthetics. The colleges Orange County website, under the headline of Your next chapter starts here, says the Lake Forest campus focused exclusively on veterinary education programs. Other campuses were in suburban Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio; Denver; Fort Myers and Jacksonville, Florida; Little Rock, Arkansas; Kansas City, Missouri; Oklahoma City; and Wichita, Kansas, according to the website. It wasnt immediately clear how many students were enrolled at Heritage when it closed. Employees who answered the phone at the Lake Forest campus declined to answer questions and referred calls to the headquarters at Weston Educational Inc. in Denver, where calls were answered by a voicemail system. A Facebook page, Heritage College Closing Help & Information, was created Tuesday and students from across the country are sharing information, venting their frustration and discussing their options via social media. Many expressed concerns about outstanding student loans. Students at the Columbus campus found a note taped to the door announcing it had closed Tuesday. Student Kimi Boyce told WBNS-TV that she anticipated graduating on Nov. 18, and now shes out $12,000 and wasnt sure if she will even receive a diploma. Can you imagine paying thousands of dollars and having nothing to show for it? Boyce said. The closure comes as some of the largest for-profit colleges have faced steep enrollment declines, growing competition, new regulation and government pressure, prompting some to also close. One of the largest chains, ITT Technical Institute, shut down its 130 U.S. campuses, saying it couldnt survive recent federal sanctions amid what it called a regulatory assault. ITTs accreditor had reported the chain failed to meet several basic standards, and ITT was investigated over allegations of misleading students about the quality of programs. Heritage College attributed its closure to a lack of cash and said the decision wasnt forced by regulators or due to any wrongdoing on its part. Two former employees have alleged Heritage altered attendance and grade records to maximize its funding, and a recent federal appeals court ruling allowed their case to proceed. An advertising firm in Lenexa, Kansas, also recently sued Weston Educational over about $444,000 in unpaid invoices, The Kansas City Star reported. Staff writer Roxana Kopetman contributed to this report. Contact the writer: 714-796-7829 or rkopetman@scng.com Through Tuesday Race to the White House: Guests can support their favorite candidate on Election Night by indulging in their choice of a Republican menu or a Democrat menu at Anaheim White House. Prix fixe Hillary Clinton vs. Donald Trump menus will be offered that will allow guests to cast their vote early in support of their candidate. The results will be revealed at 6 p.m. when the restaurant holds an Election Night Dinner with live coverage on several large-screen TVs. Guests 21 or older who show proof they voted will receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne (limit one per table). 887 S. Anaheim Blvd. $75. Info: anaheimwhitehouse.com Through November 17th anniversary at Bayside: A three-course menu comes with a $20 gift card redeemable in January. The $66 prix fixe dinner starts with a choice of lobster salad or tuna tartare, Chilean sea bass or filet mignon as the entree and a special dessert. 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach. Info: 949-721-1222 or baysiderestaurant.com Monday State dinner reboot: In October, Mario Batali brought his signature cooking to the White House to prepare the last state dinner hosted by President Barack Obama. Mozza will re-create the menu of Italian dishes using seasonal American ingredients. Each course is paired with an American wine, exactly as it was served to the president. 7-10 p.m. at 800 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Info: newportbeach .pizzeriamozza.com Nov. 10 Menu to highlight white truffle season: Four-course dinner paired with wines from Italys Prunotto Winery. Starts at 6:30 p.m. at Michaels on Naples, 5620 E. Second St., Long Beach. $250. Info: 562-439-7080 or michaelsonnaples .com Through Nov. 12 The Cellar Restaurant is hosting two events to benefit Eryn Criswell Blythe, a family member of owner Ryan Dudley. Blythe was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease) two years ago while pregnant with her second child. As she continues to fight this crippling disease, we ask that you join us in supporting her and her family as the holidays approach, Dudley said. The Cellar is hosting two fundraising events for Blythe: a wine menu and a wine sale. The wine menu runs through Nov. 12. For $130, diners will get a three-course meal for two, which includes a bottle of wine. On Nov. 12, The Cellar is hosting its annual wine sale noon-3 p.m. The $10 door charge will benefit Blythes family. Money raised at each event will be donated to a crowd-funding website created to help Blythes family with medical and living expenses. The Cellar is at 305 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. Compiled by MAURICE ALCALA and NANCY LUNA staff writers Contact the writer: SEOUL, South Korea South Korean prosecutors said on Wednesday that they intended to bring criminal charges against a longtime friend of President Park Geun-hye who is the central figure in a scandal engulfing Parks administration. The prosecutors said they would charge the friend, Choi Soon-sil, who has been detained for questioning since Monday, with influence peddling, abuse of power and attempted fraud. In seeking a warrant for Chois formal arrest, the prosecutors told a court in Seoul, the capital, that she had used her influence with Park to coerce large companies into donating nearly $70 million to two foundations she controlled. They also said she had been assisted in that plan by a former senior aide to Park, Ahn Chong-bum. Ahn, who resigned over the weekend, presented himself to prosecutors on Wednesday for questioning. He said he would take responsibility for any wrongdoing, but he did not respond to reporters who asked whether Park had instructed him to help Choi. South Korean news outlets have been reporting for weeks that Choi, 60, who has known Park since the 1970s, is deeply involved in state affairs despite having no government job or background in policy. In a televised address last week, Park, whose office had denied the reports, acknowledged that Choi had edited some of her speeches and apologized to the country. Chois father was the leader of a religious sect and a mentor to Park, and many South Koreans have come to believe that Choi also wields influence over the president. Parks polling numbers have reached record lows, and thousands of people demonstrated during the weekend calling for her resignation or impeachment. Earlier Wednesday, Park tried to recover from the scandal by replacing the prime minister as well as two other Cabinet ministers. But the opposition parties that constitute a majority in Parliament said they would not approve the appointments. Opposition lawmakers said a more drastic government shake-up was needed to rebuild public trust, and they demanded that Park submit to questioning by prosecutors. Prosecutors declined to say whether they planned to question the president. Over-incarceration is an enormous problem in California, and throughout the United States, with great economic and human costs. Proposition 57 is a crucial step to a more sensible prison policy. There are over 2.3 million prisoners in the U.S. Since 1980, the number of incarcerated individuals has more than quadrupled. The U.S. has the largest prison population in the world, as measured both by the actual number of inmates and a percentage of the population. The U.S. has more prisoners than China and incarceration rates that are far higher than in Western Europe. The U.S. is home to nearly a quarter of the worlds prisoners, despite being only 5 percent of the worlds population. This is reflected in Californias prison population. Over the last few decades, the number of prisoners has increased by over 500 percent and prison spending is now over $10 billion a year. Over-incarceration is not making us safer. Far too many individuals are incarcerated for non-violent offenses. Drug crimes account for about one-fourth of all prisoners. An article in the conservative National Review explained that reducing prison population does not lead to more crime: The 14 states that have been seriously working on reducing their prison populations saw declines in both incarceration and crime. Between 1999 and 2012, New York reduced its prison population by 26 percent. The states total crime rate dropped 28 percent. Between 2007 and 2012, Texas reduced its incarceration rate by 9 percent and saw its total crime rate drop by 16 percent. Prop. 57 would create three important reforms in the criminal justice system in California. First, it would let judges, rather than prosecutors, decide whether a juvenile should be treated as an adult. This was the law until 2000. The prosecutor is an advocate and should not be making these determinations. Under Prop. 57, a juvenile still could be tried as an adult upon recommendation of a prosecutor, but it would require a judges approval to do so. Evidence shows that trying children in juvenile court reduces the likelihood of their committing future crimes. I cannot think of a reason to oppose this reform. Second, Prop. 57 would allow the parole board more latitude to authorize parole for non-violent offenders after they have served their sentence for the primary crime for which they were convicted. In other words, Prop. 57 applies to permit parole only for the months or years that are added for additional crimes or enhancements and only for those convicted of non-violent crimes. Quite importantly, the initiative does not mandate the release of anyone from custody. It allows the parole board to consider a request and, as under current law, the governor can overrule any parole board decision to release a prisoner. Third, Prop. 57 allows prison officials the ability to give prisoners rehabilitation credits for participating in certified rehabilitation programs. Obviously, especially for non-violent inmates who ultimately will be released from custody, rehabilitation to decrease the likelihood of their recidivism is crucial. Research has shown what types of programs are likely to succeed. Rehabilitation credits will give inmates the incentive to change their behavior, both in prison and after release. Why not adopt these reforms? The opposition to the initiative says that it will release dangerous criminals. But Prop. 57 applies only to non-violent offenses, only after the sentence for the primary crime has been fully served, and only if the parole board and the governor deem that the person is not dangerous. Opponents say that non-violent is not defined with sufficient specificity. That distinction is used elsewhere in California law without problems, such as when a crime can be a third strike under Californias three strikes law. Moreover, nothing in the initiative precludes the California Legislature, by statute, from adjusting the definition of non-violent. Opponents to Prop. 57 overlook that California must release additional prisoners to comply with a federal court order to reduce its prison population because of extreme overcrowding in its prisons. Gov. Jerry Brown appealed this order to the United States Supreme Court and lost, with the court affirming that a reduction in prison population was essential to remedy the cruel and unusual punishment that has resulted from the overcrowding of state prisons. The question, then, is not whether additional prisoners will be released, but which ones. It is time to have a more sensible prison policy and spend less on incarcerating individuals for non-violent offenses, and more on urgent needs such as education and infrastructure in California. Prop. 57 is a modest, but important step forward. Erwin Chemerinsky is dean of the UC Irvine School of Law. All along the muddy streets of eastern Mosul on Wednesday, men with bushy beards stepped from the gates of their driveways, looking as if they had woken from a bad dream. The men, some dressed in ankle-length Arab gowns in the jihadi-regulation style, smiled and waved at the passing soldiers, and boys flashed the two-finger victory sign and yelled, Heroes! Others held white flags. Some were smoking and others had cigarettes tucked behind their ears celebrating the Iraqi forces victory over the Islamic State in their neighborhood by savoring some of the small freedoms that had been banned under more than two years of militant rule. We are very, very happy, said one man, Qais Hassan, 46, surrounded by soldiers. Now we have our freedom. Islamic State, he said, asked us to implement religion. But they had nothing to do with religion. The victory by Iraqi counterterrorism forces in this eastern neighborhood of Mosul was a promising moment. But most expect that there will be long and intense fighting ahead before the entire sprawling city is reclaimed. On Wednesday, which began rainy and cloudy difficult weather for the U.S. warplanes overhead but later turned sunny, the fighting went quiet, but for sporadic shooting off in the distance. The Iraqi special forces in the area of eastern Mosul, who allowed a group of New York Times journalists to travel with them, were going door-to-door looking for weapons, booby traps and Islamic State fighters. At the same time, they were trying to keep order as entire families, with backpacks and suitcases in tow, streamed in from neighborhoods still controlled by Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL. The men were mostly fixated on three things: the big beards they had been forced to keep, the cigarettes they had been barred from smoking, and the cellphones they had been forbidden to use. They would have killed me if they saw this, said Farras Sharif, 55, holding up a cellphone. Just one bullet. A man who still had his beard said his razor was electric, so shaving would have to wait until electricity was restored. A newly clean-shaven man, Saad Qhais, held his hands about three inches from his chin and said, My beard was to here. I was really dirty. Most of the women from the neighborhood stayed indoors, but there were many among those displaced from other neighborhoods, in niqabs and veils, some carrying white flags and bags of clothing. Parents said they were hopeful that their children, out of school for two years, could return to classrooms. One father, Mohammed Mahmoud, 33, said he was grateful that he no longer had to worry that his young daughter would be forced into marriage with an Islamic State fighter. What worried me the most was my daughter, Mahmoud said. Because they have no religion. I consider me and my family born again today. For the first time since 2014, Iraqi soldiers were seeing firsthand what life in Mosul had been like under Islamic State rule. But they were also catching a glimpse of some of the challenges ahead, simultaneously pressing the fight toward the city center and going about the messy business of re-establishing government authority. In the newly secured neighborhood on Wednesday, the counterterrorism troops, Iraqs most professional fighting force, seemed to be taking care not to alienate civilians. But this is not the only battle that will be fought, and fears have run high that spasms of revenge violence will tear through liberated areas. (An Amnesty International report issued on Wednesday alleged that a tribal militia taking part in the offensive had tortured detainees in liberated villages near Mosul.) But Hassan, speaking for himself and many of his neighbors, said that, more than anything, they want to feel like Iraqis again. The love of the country is greater than the love of the religion, he said. Now we understand that. Sharif, his friend, agreed. Now, yes, we are with the Iraqi army, with the law, with Iraq, he said. At least for one day, the atmosphere was a mix of jubilation, as civilians welcomed the soldiers with handshakes and hugs, and tension, as soldiers tried to determine who among the crowds of bearded men was an Islamic State fighter and who was an ordinary civilian. Soldiers were trying to collect the men in groups, demanding to see their government identification cards, if they had them, so they could check them against a list of Islamic State members that had been compiled from informants. Later, a colonel asked all of them to go home and shave their beards and then gather at sunset with their ID cards in hand. In some cases, civilians were helping the soldiers by pointing out neighbors they said had joined or supported Islamic State. With the Iraqi forces now inside the city, the focus will soon turn to the question of whether the politicians, after the battle, can bring together the communities of Mosul Sunnis, Shiites, Christians, Yazidis and others and reunite the country. In Iraqs long history of wars, the political aftermath has usually led to something worse. I think the politicians have learned a lesson with Mosul, Brig. Gen. Abdul-Wahab al-Saadi, a special forces commander, said in an interview Wednesday. They have to do their job. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Donald Trump warned on Thursday that a cloud of investigation would follow Hillary Clinton into the White House, evoking the bitter impeachment battle of the 1990s in a closing campaign argument meant to bring wayward Republicans home. Clinton and her allies, led by President Barack Obama, told voters to get serious about the dangers of Trump. As polls show Trump closing in on Clinton in key battleground states, her campaign is rushing to shore up support in some long-standing Democratic strongholds. That includes the campaigns Michigan firewall, a remarkable situation for a candidate who looked to be cruising to an easy win just a week ago. Clintons shrunken lead has given Trumps campaign a glimmer of hope, one hes trying to broaden into a breakthrough before time runs out. That means zeroing in on questions of Clintons trustworthiness and a new FBI review of an aides emails. The attack is aimed at appealing to moderate Republicans and independents who have been the holdouts of his campaign, turned off by his behavior but equally repelled by the possible return of the Clintons. Here we go again with the Clintons you remember the impeachment and the problems. Trump said Thursday at a rally in Jacksonville. Thats not what we need in our country, folks. We need someone who is ready to go to work. Clinton and allies, meanwhile, are seeking to keep the spotlight on Trump, charging that his disparaging comments about women and minorities, and his temperament make him unfit for office. He has spent this entire campaign offering a dog whistle to his most hateful supporters, Clinton said, singling out Trumps endorsement from the official newspaper of the Ku Klux Klan and noting that he has retweeted messages from white supremacists. This has never happened to a nominee of a major party, Clinton said. If Donald Trump were to win this election we would have a commander in chief who is completely out of his depth and whose ideas are incredibly dangerous, she said at Pitt Community College outside of Greenville, North Carolina. Clinton was slated to campaign later Thursday with former primary opponent Sen. Bernie Sanders and pop star Pharrell Williams in Raleigh. Trumps path to victory remains narrow. He must win Florida to win the White House, no easy feat. Still, his campaign has been buoyed by tightening polls there and in other key battlegrounds, as well as by signs that African-American turnout for Clinton may be lagging. Clinton enlisted Obamas help urging those voters to the polls and lighting a fire under other Democrats, particularly young people, who share some of the wariness about Clinton. Speaking to students at Florida International University in Miami, Obama told voters now was the time to get serious about the choice. This isnt a joke. This isnt Survivor. This isnt The Bachelorette. he said, taunting the former reality-TV star. This counts. Relishing one of his last turns on the campaign stage as president, Obama repeatedly returned to his new campaign catchphrase capturing his disbelief in the unpredictable race to replace him. Cmon, man, he said, to cheers. Obama has been trying to bait Republican into veering off message counting on Trump not to have the discipline or the ground game to capitalize on a late surge. But the famously unconventional Trump has been hewing closer to convention, running some upbeat ads, bringing out his wife for a rare campaign appearance and even talking publicly about trying not to get distracted. We dont want to blow it on Nov. 8, Trump said Thursday at the rally in Jacksonville, his fourth in Florida in two days. Clintons weekend schedule underscored the Democrats fresh anxiety in the final stretch. She is due to campaign Friday in Detroit, where a large turnout of black voters has long been crucial to success, following up on a last-minute meeting by former President Bill Clinton with black ministers on Wednesday night. Clinton and Obama, along with their spouses, will headline a final pre-election rally in Philadelphia next Monday evening. Trump has had far fewer allies carrying his message. Sen. Ted Cruz, his GOP primary foe, did campaign with vice presidential candidate Mike Pence outside Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, but he never mentioned Trump by name in a 14-minute speech. Trumps wife, Melania Trump, made her first appearance on the trail since the Republican convention in July. At a get-out-the-vote rally in the Philadelphia suburbs, the former model tried to counter the Clinton campaigns pounding attacks on her husband as setting a poor example for children. She told the group that if she becomes first lady she will focus on combatting online bullying and working against a culture that has gotten too mean and too rough, she said. Melania made no reference to her husbands regular name-calling on social media. On Twitter, Donald Trump has called Clinton crooked, pathetic, liar, a fraud and very dumb. Hes called Cruz a true lowlife pol and a complete and total liar. Trumps daughter Ivanka was campaigning in New Hampshire. Associated Press writers Darlene Superville in Miami, Julie Pace in Winterville, N. C., and Errin Haines Whack in Berwyn, Pa., contributed to this report. Another Halloween has rolled around and that means another year of figuring out what do with all that leftover candy. (Besides, of course, eating it by the handful.) To help you get longer-lasting enjoyment from your Halloween haul, we dug out some of our favorite recipes and crafts to make with leftover candy. Halloween Baklava Yield: 16 servings For the layers: 32 sheets phyllo dough, 14 by 18 inches each 3 cups melted butter (used to coat layers of phyllo sheets) For the filling: 3 cups walnuts or your favorite mix of nuts 1 cup of your favorite chocolate candy For the syrup: 4 cups sugar 2 cups water 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water Juice of 1 lemon Procedure: 1. The day before, defrost the phyllo dough in the refrigerator. 2. Before beginning, bring the phyllo dough to room temperature by taking it out of the refrigerator, but do not open the package until the filling has been prepared and youre ready to assemble. After opening the package, keep unused phyllo dough moist and fresh by covering it with a piece of waxed paper and a cool, damp towel. 3. Combine the nuts and candy in a food processor and blend until coarsely chopped. 4. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. 5. To assemble, take 2 sheets of phyllo and lightly brush the entire surface with melted butter. Sprinkle cup of filling over the layer. Repeat this process 3 more times. Drip melted butter over the final layer of nuts. Next, roll up the phyllo dough, placing the seam side down. Cut the roll into equal pieces. Repeat the above until you have 4 rolls. 6. Place the pieces on a baking sheet, leaving an inch between each piece. (This allows the air to circulate.) Drizzle each piece with more melted butter. Place in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. 7. After 40 minutes, raise the heat to 400 degrees and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the baklava turns golden in color. Cool to room temperature. 8. Combine the sugar, water and rose or orange blossom water in a pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat and add the lemon juice. Simmer for 15 minutes. Finally, pour the hot syrup over the baklava. Serve after the syrup has cooled. Garnish with additional melted holiday chocolate or shaved chocolate curls. Source: Chadra Mezza & Grill, Fort Worth, chadramezza.com Taffy Tini Yield: 1 drink 2-3 mini AirHeads taffies 2 teaspoons white granulated sugar 2 tablespoons water 1 1/2 ounces 3 Olives Vodka, Smarties flavor 3/4 ounce Pinnacle Whipped Cream Vodka 1. Melt AirHeads taffies for 30 seconds in a microwave-safe glass, adding white sugar and water to help the candy melt down into a simple syrup mixture. Stir until all ingredients are dissolved, and microwave for 10 seconds or so, if needed. 2. Measure 1 ounce of syrup and add to a martini shaker. Add the two vodkas. 3. Shake and strain into a martini glass or serve on the rocks. 4. Add a leftover gumball or jawbreaker candy for a fun garnish. Source: Tillmans Roadhouse, Dallas, tillmansroadhouse.com Exploding Chocolate Bark Yield: 10-12 servings 10 ounces Hersheys bars, chopped or broken into pieces 2 tablespoons butter (1/4 stick) 1 cup Pop Rocks candy (any flavor) 1/2 cup Rice Krispies cereal, crushed Procedure: 1. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or waxed paper; set aside. 2. Place chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. 3. Fold Pop Rocks and cereal into chocolate mixture until evenly combined. Spread onto baking sheet in an even layer. 4. Let the chocolate sit at room temperature until set, about 1 to 2 hours. Break into pieces to serve. Source: J. Raes, Fort Worth, jraes.com Tasty Bowl, owned by Tanya Yang, has opened its doors at Kaleidoscope in Mission Viejo. The eatery at 27741 Crown Valley Parkway offers an Asian-inspired menu of chicken and seafood bowls, salads, ramen, tofu and udon. It also sells smoothies in flavors from coffee to berry blast. Tasty Bowl joins other recently opened restaurants at the center, including Tacos Cancun, Anchor Hitch, Diced, Oyu Shabu, Hummus Bowl, Milk Box and Dry Society. Kelly and Marie Gray, founders of Grayse outlet boutique at the Outlets at San Clemente, hosted a grand-opening celebration on Oct. 5. The event featured a meet-and-greet with Steve Craig, president and CEO of Craig Realty Group, a real estate development and management company that owns and operates the center. The Gray duo, a mother-daughter team, are the former head designer (Marie) and chief executive officer (Kelly) behind St. John Knits. The store sells the Grays luxury fashion collection, which features sequined and embellished tops and dresses, Italian silk printed tunics and detailed leather jackets. Lolli & Pops arrives in Mission Viejo Lolli & Pops, a candy store with a wide selection of chocolate and sweets from around the world, has opened its doors at the Shops at Mission Viejo, 362 Shops at Mission Viejo. The sweet shop features sodas from Japan, chocolate from Madagascar, black salty licorice from Scandinavia and sweets from local artisans. Chamber to welcome new businesses The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the grand opening of Immel Team Luxury Real Estate, a multigenerational firm led by founder Phil Immel, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at 10 Monarch Bay Plaza in Dana Point. Following the ceremony, the chamber will celebrate the grand opening of Amazing Lash Studio with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. at 32932 Pacific Coast Highway. The studio, which opened its first location in 2010, offers custom eyelash extensions. Gorjana fashion shop debuts in Laguna Laguna Beach residents Gorjana Reidel and Jason Griffin Reidel have opened the doors of their Gorjana fashion shop at 190 Beach Street in Laguna Beach. The 1,000-square-foot retail shop will feature Gorjana Reidels signature styles, seasonal collections and rare gemstone collection. Contact the writer: marieek@hotmail.com When driving at night, theres nothing quite as annoying as being blinded by the full-beam headlights of another vehicle. Recognizing this problem, the police department recently started punishing offenders by making them stare at their own headlights for a full minute. Hopefully, this will make them see the error of their ways. On November 1st, Shenzen police took to Weibo, Chinas most popular social network to warn drivers that anyone caught using their cars headlights on the full beam illegally would be fined 300 yuan ($44), lose points on their license and be made to recite regulations on the proper use of headlights. But what really drew peoples attention was the introduction of a new and unconventional punishment making offenders stare into the high-beam headlights for 60 seconds, while sitting on a specially-designed chair. Interestingly, police Shenzen first launched this initiative in 2014 and got a lot of criticism for it, but this time around, the vast majority of Weibo users seemed very supportive. Traffic police comrades, I believe this kind of punishment is not right, its inhumane, they should have to look for 5 minutes, one person commented. The whole country should implement this immediately, another added. Several other local police forces gave it the thumbs-up on their social media accounts, and a poll on the mainstream Sina news portal found that 90% of people supported the unusual punishment. The few that didnt approve cited a violation of human rights, expressed concern about potential eye damage,or simply wondered on what grounds the officers could force drivers to stare into the bright lights, since the punishment is certainly not mentioned in the law. The Shenzen Police Department is one of the most popular in China. Its famous for its unusual initiatives, which in the past have included making jaywalkers wear green hats and vests while directing pedestrian traffic, mounting dummy traffic policemen on the highway or issuing sword-shaped batons to its members. Photos: Weibo via Shanghaiist Officials in the Primorski district of Saint Petersburg, in Russia, apparently decided it would be cheaper to hire a good graphic designer to touch up some photos of damaged infrastructure than actually fixing it. According to a news story that went viral on Russian social media a few days ago, the local administration of Primorski district recently reported the completion of repairs on a pedestrian walkway, and even posted photos of the pristine-looking footpath on its official website, as proof. The photos look legit to the untrained eye, but they quickly drew the attention of locals who knew for a fact that the walkway was still in a poor state and no repairs had been conducted on it for years. They took some photos of the actual footpath and uploaded them on social media, accusing local authorities of trying to deceive the public. It turns out that a concerned citizen posted a complaint regarding the state of the photoshopped walkway on the online portal Our St. Petersburg, back in March 2015. Local authorities were quick to answer, promising to complete repairs by October 15, 2016, and on October 31st posted this reply to the original complaint: Dear Alexei! According to information provided by the contractor, the order of the district administration regarding the repair of the mentioned asphalt walkway has been completed. Photo attached. Only it hadnt been repaired, as proven by a number of actual photos uploaded online by outraged citizens of Primorski district. After the story got picked up by several media outlets, the local administration issued a public apology for the confusion, claiming that it was an error caused by heavy workload. Cyril Zakrevskii, a spokesman for the administration of Primorski district, added that the complaint response department only numbers two people who handle around 800 complaints every month. The official explanation is that instead of announcing the postponement of repairs for 2017, one of the administration employees mistakenly uploaded a Photoshop-edited picture of what the walkway would look like when covered with asphalt. It was nothing more than a mock-up shared by a contractor, but it was apparently so well done that the employee mistook it for an actual photograph. Human error sounds plausible, even likely, but while some have accepted the explanation and apology of the local administration, there are still those who are convinced that authorities had deliberately tried to deceive them. Sources: Fontanka, TJournal Wi-Fi health advocates are furious at FCC threats to force local communities to allow new 5G Wi-Fi transmitters on utility and light poles. The wireless industry is losing patience with municipalities it sees as obstructionist, says a report by the National Assn. of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors. The 1996 Telecom Act says that No state or local government may regulate the placement, construction or modification of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of environmental effects of radio frequency emissions. Since 5G (fifth generation) transmitters can carry more information but only travel short distances and cannot go through walls, millions of such transmitters will be needed. Jonathan Adelstein Distributed Antennae Systems, commonly referred to as DAS but more properly considered: Dangerous And Stupid, are the equivalent of a toxic chicken in every pot, said Ed Friedman, spokesperson for the Maine Coalition to Stop Smart Meters. DAS brings high density antenna networks emitting permeating and polluting radiofrequency radiation, a likely human carcinogen, to a room near you, he said. Escape from this poisoning will be virtually impossible. DAS proliferation plans confirm smart is the new stupid. You cant deny wireless service under the Telecom Act, said Jonathan Adelstein, former FCC commissioner who heads the Wireless Infrastructure Assn. Healthcare advocates have been seeking to have the law overturned. Tony Perez, immediate past president, NATOA, said the public needs to be educated more about the benefits of 5G. He called for a frank, open dialogue. He said most cities have cooperated with the wireless industry and, We dont see a need for broad federal pre-emption of what has traditionally been the regulatory purview of local communities. Wi-Fi Compared to Smoking Ecologist Lynn Wycherley says Evidence is emerging that the health hazards associated with wireless microwaves are at least comparable to, if not worse, than those associated with cigarette smoking. Her extensively documented article blasting the U.K.s Digital Economy Bill, including criticism of FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler for proposing unbridled massive deployment of the new and more powerful 5G transmitters, was published by The Ecologist. Writes Wycherley: Anticipating tens of billions of dollars of economic growth, with U.S. telecoms first out of the gate, Wheeler warned: Stay out of the way of technological development! Turning innovation loose is far preferable to expecting regulators to define the future. She charges that the July 14, 2016 adoption of 5G technology by the FCC made no mention of health-testing, carbon costs, or corporate responsibility. The Wycherley article has links to 14 scientific studies and papers on EMF. The FCC voted unanimously to go ahead by releasing swathes of untested high frequencies for private sector exploitation so setting a trend, she said. She asked, How will our communities be affected by addiction to 5G multi-stream videos? How will it impact our spiritual communion with Nature? Many American health activists, and cautioning scientists, are aghast, said Wycherley, noting that Joel Moskowitz, Ph.D., director of community health studies at the University of California, warns precaution is warranted before 5G is unleashed on the world. Drowning in Microwaves She quotes geneticist Dr. Mae-Wah Ho whose paper Drowning in a Sea of Microwaves called pollution from wireless technologies a pressing issue of our times. Anthropogenic radiation has sky-rocketed with the advent of radar, cellphones and dense Wi-Fi networks, says Wycherly. Although it is non-ionising and does not destabilize molecules directly, evidence of other harm has been growing since the 1950s studies on radar workers. But wireless-product marketing has a loud voice. Few of us realize that genetic effects and free radical damageboth disease risks over timeare the most common, cautionary findings. Device-crowded spaces, such as our peak commuter trains and all-wireless classrooms, may be creating a subtly toxic environment. An illustrated version of the Wycherley essay was published by Global Research, Canada. Moskowitz Adds Links Moskowitz has added links to eight studies in commenting on Wycherleys essay. Included is a study on cellphones and radiation health threats and one on an increase in brain cancers link to an increase in cellphone use. Catholics in one of the largest dioceses in the country are being encouraged and challenged to live their faith in a more practical and public way. Churchgoers in Kildare and Leighlin are being given four dozen suggestions about how they can live their faith and share it with others. The proposals include ideas for peoples homes, parishes, workplaces and schools/colleges. All the suggestions are highlighted in a leaflet which is described as a practical guide to show people how to share their faith everyday. Among the suggestions offered are that parishioners display religious symbols around their home, pray at meals and bedtime, discuss current affairs in the context of the gospels, and encourage children to think about the less fortunate. People in the diocese which covers Carlow and parts of Kildare, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow and Kilkenny are also being encouraged to become more involved in parish activities. They are being encouraged to learn more about their faith by reading spiritual books and Catholic websites, and especially by joining fellow parishioners at Sunday Mass. They are also being invited to commonly use phrases such as God bless you, God bless the work and God is good. People in the workplace and college are encouraged to wear a cross or symbol of their faith, not to be afraid to show their faith in front of others, and be ready to explain and talk about their faith. They are asked to respect other peoples religious beliefs and to be honest and fair at work. On a personal level, Catholics are asked to become more aware of Gods presence in their life and to be joyful in their faith. The leaflet, Sharing our Faith Everyday, is being distributed by the Taskforce for Education and Evangelisation in the diocese. Taskforce chairman, Fr. John Cummins, said there had already been a great response to the initiative. Bishop Denis Nulty said he hoped people of all ages and backgrounds would use the suggestions to deepen their own faith. The Midlands Region of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in conjunction with Matrix Recruitment recently hosted a very successful breakfast event,Disciplinary Hearings: A Legal Workshop in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone. This was the second event in an exciting programme of events for 2016/2017 provided by the Midlands Region Committee. Following a networking opportunity for attendees, there were introductions from Alison Sheridan, Chairperson CIPD Midlands Committee and Breda Dooley, Recruitment Manager Matrix, Athlone. The key speaker, David McCarroll of Ronan Daly Jeremyn (RDJ), then set the scene with some background information on the key factors that should be considered when managing a disciplinary hearing. Matrix Recruitment Group staff Back left to right is: Conor McNiff, Michelle Hand, Marguerite Dowd, Kieran McKeown.Front left to right: Breda Dooley, Niall Curley, Joanne Mc Cormack David McCarroll is a Partner with law firm Ronan Daly Jermyn and together with three associates from the Employment Law team they provided the audience of over 70 people with a very interactive and informative session on the dos and donts of disciplinary hearings. Focusing on the practical side of running hearings, they provided attendees with sample documents, examples of real life situations, an opportunity for break-out discussions and experienced guidance on overcoming the various roadblocks that arise. Emphasising the importance of fair procedure it was clear from the workshop that most employment law claims are won or lost based on how those hearings are run. Ronan Daly Jermyn is one of Irelands top ten full-service law firms. With offices in Dublin, Galway, Cork and London, the firm currently employs over 220 people. Their unique national footprint is further bolstered by a strategic alliance with UK and US law firms, allowing them to offer a multi-jurisdictional service across Europe, the US and Asia. A team of more than 100 solicitors handles a full range of transactions, for both private and public clients, across a broad range of industry sectors. With a full team of nine solicitors, the firm has one of the largest and most experienced Employment Law teams in any Irish law firm, advising clients on all aspects of Irish and European employment law with a focus very much on avoiding and managing risk. The CIPD Midlands region provides a forum for HR and business leaders in both public and private enterprises to network and share information, skills and best practice in the area of Human Resource Management, Employment Law, Employee and Industrial Relations. David OGrady, KCI, Breda Dooley, Matrix Recruitment, Alison Sheridan, Chair, CIPD Midlands, David McCarroll, Ronan Daly Jermyn CIPD events in the region provide a great opportunity to keep up to date with issues that may be of interest to you. The next event 'Absence Management: Reality & Practice' is scheduled to take place on November 22 in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone. This event which will be delivered by Rita Gilsenan of AO Health offers a great opportunity to review best practice in the area of absence management approaches. Should you wish to be placed on the distribution list or attend our next event please contact: Caroline Ward CIPD Midlands Region, by emailing.midlandscipd@gmail.com . You can also join the ever-growing CIPD Midlands, Ireland group on LinkedIn. Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, was on hand last week to help BT Ireland announce a record number of entries for the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which takes place on 11-14 January 2017. 2,091 project ideas were submitted by secondary students from 375 schools across the island, an increase of 2% from the 2016 exhibition. Of the 550 projects shortlisted to compete at the exhibition, six come from Offaly secondary schools, with a total of 10 students from three local schools heading to the RDS in January. Three projects come from Tullamore College with one each from the Sacred Heart School in Tullamore and Colaiste Choilm in Tullamore. The 53rd BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition attracted individual and group entries from 4,591 students in total, an increase of over 3% on last year. These hail from 31 counties, and girls once again out-numbered the boys with a gender split of 61% female to 39% male entrants. Students submitted ideas and innovations on subjects ranging from migration to climate change to concussion injuries, with Social & Behavioural Sciences the most popular category (41% of entries). Speaking at the announcement, Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD; The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is a fantastic platform for so many students in Ireland and it is a testament to all involved, that in its 53rd year, the event still continues to grow in such strength and numbers. I have been to the exhibition on numerous occasions and it is extremely inspiring and encouraging to see the talent that is being nurtured as students develop their ideas and bring them to life on a national stage. Shay Walsh, Managing Director of BT Ireland, which organises the exhibition, said; For BT, this is an investment in all young people and the ideas that they have for improving the world we live in. These students continue to amaze us, and we are delighted that they have entered the upcoming exhibition in record numbers. BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is making a difference. It is one of the largest STEM engagement models in Ireland, it is launching an increasing number of start-ups, and it is highlighting our talented youth on an international stage. We are excited to see what the 2017 entrants have to show us in January. The 2017 entries at a glance: 2,091 entries received 4,591 students 375 schools represented across the island Cork has the highest number of entries from any county, followed by Dublin and Limerick in second and third place Entrants are 61% female, 39% male 1622 group entries and 469 individual entries Social & Behavioural Sciences was the most popular category (41% of entries), followed by Biological & Ecological Sciences (29%), Technology (16%) and Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences (14%). The 53rd BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will take place in the RDS, Dublin from January 11 to 14. There are over 140 teacher and pupil awards to be won, including cash prizes, international trips and the overall title of BT Young Scientist & Technologist(s) of the Year. For more information on the exhibition, log ontoor follow the exhibition on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat @BTYSTE When it came my time, I just asked my dad to please let me go one more day to school, Sorina Sein says, her voice breaking, as she tearfully recounts her story of being forced to marry at the age of 13. Growing up in a Roma community in Romania, she was faced with no option but to go along with the wishes of her father. On the appointed wedding day, Sein decided to chop off her long hair. I had beautiful, long hair, and to cut my hair was a trauma for me, Sein recalls. Her quiet act of resistance resulted in the grooms family rejecting her as a bride. They said our boy cannot marry this girl. Shes crazy, Sein recalls. I told them no, Im not crazy. I just want to go to school. I want to play, I want to be with my friends, she says. I told them I dont want to cook or have children. I want to have an education. Seins defiance caused a scandal in her family, but she went on to finish middle school and high school, before pursuing a university degree in political science. At 34, she continues to campaign single-handedly to end the practice of child marriage in her community. This practice is a crime for children. It makes them victims for all their lives, Sein told a panel of experts gathered recently at an OHCHR Expert Workshop in Geneva to discuss the impact of regional and national efforts to eradicate child and forced marriages. Today, about 700 million girls worldwide are married before they reach adulthood, according to UN estimates. By 2030, if the practice continues at the current rate, this number will grow to as many as 950 million, says Veronica Birga, chief of OHCHR Womens Rights and Gender Section. In July 2015, the Human Rights Council adopted its first substantive resolution recognizing child and forced marriage as a human rights violation. Child and forced marriage represents a violation of virtually all human rights, says Birga. It deprives women and girls of autonomy and choice over their bodies and their lives. Girls forced into marriage are exposed to early pregnancies that are detrimental to their health because their bodies are not ready. Child marriage also has serious impacts on education because girls are often withdrawn from school to be married off, or they drop out of school after they become pregnant. This has the effect of perpetuating the cycle of poverty and exclusion, says Birga. Theresa Kachindomoto, senior chief of the Dedza District in Malawi, has made it her top mission to abolish the practice of child marriage in the 551 villages in her area. Malawi has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, where 50 percent of girls are married before they reach adulthood. Even before Malawis parliament passed a law last year prohibiting marriage before the age of 18, Kachindomoto has devoted the past decade using her authority as a custodian of tradition granted to Malawi chiefs to outlaw child marriage in her area. Last year, Kachindomoto convinced 50 village heads to sign an agreement to prohibit and annul child marriages in their villages. She has dismissed five village heads for failing to observe the prohibition and allowing girls to marry. Working with village leaders and a network of parent groups , Kachindomoto has succeeded in breaking up 1,455 child marriages, gaining her a reputation as a fearless marriage terminator. In a country where marrying off a daughter is often seen as a way to gain family resources, Chief Kachindomoto is going to door-to-door to convince parents to keep their girls in school and send young mothers back to the classroom. I tell the parents if you educate your girl child, she will take care of everything, says Kachindomoto. When you educate a girl child, you educate the whole area. Her efforts have met with some resistance, resulting even in death threats, she adds. But Kachindomoto remains unfazed and is pushing ahead with her mission. She is lobbying now to amend Malawi law to push up the minimum age of marriage to 21. Next up in her campaign to keep girls in school, she says: What about college? 3 November 2016 Loading... OilVoice will be with you shortly... The private-label grocery business that ConAgra Foods choked on is giving its new owner indigestion. TreeHouse Foods cut its profit forecast, and said it will switch up executives, close a manufacturing plant and reorganize its sales team to cope with disappointing sales. Its stock price fell 19 percent Thursday in the wake of the news. TreeHouse bought the private brands business from ConAgra in February for $2.7 billion and said it was on a mission to win back business that had been lost since ConAgra took over the former Ralcorp Holdings in 2013. With the acquisition, TreeHouse became the countrys largest maker of private-label food, or products like cereal, snacks and cookies sold under a grocery retailers own brand name. But while its legacy business is performing well, TreeHouse Chief Executive Sam Reed said Thursday the business acquired from ConAgra fell short of expectations. The third quarter was a tale of two cities, Reed said. Will the guillotine fall on jobs in Omaha? A spokesman said TreeHouse, which opened an office in Omaha and hired 280 former ConAgra workers, still employs 280 here. He didnt respond to a question as to whether there could be any job cuts coming down the line. Omaha workers handle roles in customer service, finance, information technology, research and development and supply chain. TreeHouse did say it will unveil a new sales team structure. And it will eliminate excess manufacturing capacity: It will close a frozen foods plant in British Columbia, eliminating 90 jobs, and cut back on operations at a cereal plant in Battle Creek, Michigan, eliminating 100 of 160 jobs. Both plants were formerly operated by ConAgra. TreeHouse President Christopher Sliva resigned and will be replaced by Dennis Riordan, chief financial officer, who had planned to retire but said he would remain with the company during the search for a new president. TreeHouse also named a new chief financial officer, Matthew Foulston. ConAgra bought St. Louis-based Ralcorp for $6.8 billion but struggled to manage the private-label business alongside its branded foods operation. ConAgra wrote down the businesss value, closed plants and lowered prices on its food as customers fled and sales slumped, before unloading it in a fire sale to Oak Brook, Illinois-based TreeHouse. TreeHouse said in February it expected to take about two years integrating the business into its operations. Reed said Thursday the business is underperforming because managements attention has been focused on plant consolidation and stabilizing the workforce. Third-quarter profit of $37.2 million, or 65 cents per share, was up from $28.4 million, or 65 cents per share, in the third quarter a year ago. Adjusted for certain items including restructuring and integration costs, earnings of 70 cents per share were down from 86 cents per share a year ago. Analysts had forecast earnings of 78 cents a share, according to FactSet. Reed said profit margins were down, and selling and administrative costs were up. He said fourth-quarter sales also are expected to show a year-over-year decline. Read more February 2016: TreeHouse expects sales to double from ConAgra acquisition GRAND ISLAND, Neb. One of the Grand Island Police Departments canines will receive a bullet- and stab-protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s. The dog, named Haus, will be outfitted in the vest when it arrives in eight to 10 weeks. The vest will be embroidered with the sentiment In memory of K9 Ike Vancouver Police Department. Ike, who worked for the Vancouver, Wash., Police Department, died after being stabbed multiple times by a domestic violence suspect in September 2015. The donation to provide a protective vest for a law enforcement canine is $1,050. Each vest, which has a five-year warranty, has a value of between $1,795 and $2,234. The vest weighs 4 to 5 pounds. The Vested Interest in K9s program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies that are certified and at least 20 months of age. New canine graduates, as well as canines with expired vests, are eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement canines throughout the United States. The man who served as Nebraskas first coordinator to battle human trafficking will retire at the end of the month. Stephen OMeara, who formed the Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force, started the job in June 2015. The coordinator position was created by a 2014 legislative bill. OMeara helped create and employ a statewide plan to train law enforcement officers, nonprofit employees and hotel workers on the signs of human trafficking and how to report it. More than 430 people in cities across Nebraska have attended the training, according to the Attorney Generals Office, which oversees the task force. In 2017, the group will form regional response teams to better help trafficking victims and stop criminals. Glen Parks will take over as coordinator when OMeara leaves. Parks graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2001. For nine years, he served as a legal director for an anti-human-trafficking organization in India, helping develop strategies to monitor travel across borders. LEXINGTON, Neb. Shortly before a teenage Eric McCain did the unthinkable, he had an ominous conversation with his mother. Jeanne McCain and her husband knew their 17-year-old son had been drinking when he got home past curfew one night in the summer of 1990, but he said nothing about being ticketed earlier that night by Gothenburg police for vandalizing cars at a local auto dealership. His mother followed the teen into his bedroom, where he broke down and apologized for everything hed done wrong. And as she turned to leave the room, he said, Goodbye. Dont you mean good night? she asked. Yes, McCain replied. I love you, Mom. What she didnt know was that before coming home, McCain had made a dark pledge to two of his younger friends, according to a statement he gave decades ago to a probation officer. It was something hed actually been talking about for months. I told them to wait and listen to the sirens and to tell everybody goodbye because I was going to kill a cop, McCain said. McCain backed up his words on July 2, 1990, when he gunned down Sgt. Glenn Haas in the lobby of the Gothenburg Police Department. At the time, the law required automatic life in prison for juveniles convicted of first-degree murder. On Thursday, McCain asked a judge to consider that, at 17, he could not fully comprehend the consequences of his actions. Under recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, McCain qualified for a second sentencing hearing so he could show that he has matured, accepted responsibility and reformed his life. Wearing handcuffs, shackles and the chiseled face of a 43-year-old man, McCain asked the judge for his freedom. He said he planned to move to Omaha, where he would live with his brother and devote the rest of his life to helping kids learn from his mistakes. The day before he made his request, two police officers were shot to death in ambush killings in Des Moines and one of its suburbs. Those police slayings were on the minds of the 20 law enforcement officers who attended the court hearing in the central Nebraska community of Lexington. They came to show solidarity with a fallen officer and hear how District Judge Donald Rowlands would decide a second sentence for McCain. The judge had to account for a 2012 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that forbids automatic life terms for those who commit murder before turning 18. The decision, which must be applied retroactively to such cases, is based on research showing that a persons brain is not fully mature until his or her mid-20s. In response to the court decision, the Nebraska Legislature ended automatic life terms for juvenile killers two years ago, allowing instead a minimum of 40 years and a maximum of life. A judge can still lock up a young killer for life but must consider whether the youth can be rehabilitated for eventual release. Among those in quiet attendance Thursday was the police sergeants widow, Janet Haas, and their two children, now adults with children of their own. Before the hearing, Janet Haas struggled to talk about that terrible time more than two dozen years ago, preferring to describe what she has missed in the years since. Her late husbands smile. The way he struck up conversations with strangers. The twinkle in his eye when he spiked the supper of a fellow officer with hot peppers. His desire to wear a badge not for power or prestige but because it allowed him to help those in need. And she said she misses his laugh, telling a story of how they once attended a movie so corny that only he thought it was funny. She soon realized that her husbands guffaws had infected others in the theater, who were now laughing at the films horrible dialogue. He just made people feel good, she said. Glenn Haas was a native of Watertown, New York, who quit high school to enlist in the Marines. He served in combat in Vietnam, where he was wounded at least three times. He discovered Nebraska when he was invited on a trip by a military buddy who hailed from the state. He loved the open spaces, the friendly people and, of course, Janet. He got a job with the Cozad Police Department, where he worked for eight years. He joined the Gothenburg department in 1978. His daughter, Jennifer, was 15 when he was killed; his son, John, was 13. Janet Haas now has five grandchildren, ranging in age from 21 to 4. He was extremely well-liked in the community, said Gothenburg Police Chief Randy Olson, who served alongside Haas. They all knew they could count on Glenn, and he certainly loved Gothenburg. A review of long-ago police records shows that the department had made no fewer than 14 contacts with McCain in roughly two years before the shooting. Most involved fairly minor infractions, nothing violent. Haas handled only three of them. Yet McCain would say after his arrest that he felt persecuted by police and by Haas in particular. As he drove from his familys farm back into Gothenburg 26 years ago, McCain deliberated about whether to carry out his plan. He feared that his friends would laugh at him if he turned back. McCain walked into the tiny lobby of the Police Department with his high-powered hunting rifle at his side. Over the desk that separated the lobby from the offices, the dispatcher couldnt see the rifle as McCain asked to speak to an officer. I wanted to go back, but I couldnt, a young McCain would tell a probation officer. I felt I had to do it now. I shot the gun. I wasnt aiming and I hit him. Haas, 42, died hours later at the hospital in Kearney from a single gunshot wound to the midsection. McCain fled and a massive manhunt ensued. A few hours later, his car was spotted. After a high-speed chase, McCain jumped out of the car and ran into a cornfield, where he was captured. He left the rifle in the car. Janet Haas said that if not for having to raise two children, she would never have survived the pain and depression. She also credited support from the community and, especially, members of her Lutheran church. She held down her job as an insurance agent. For a time, she read various books, trying to understand what motivated random violence. But she never found her answers, she said through tears. Its just senseless, senseless, senseless, she said of the killing of police. These guys are just trying to protect you. Once, her pastor brought her a letter from McCain, which hed sent not long after arriving in prison. She refused to open it. But she said she feels sadness for his parents, who also attend her church. They lost a son, she said. But hes still living. They can go see him. I have to go to a graveyard to talk to my husband. During Thursdays hearing, McCains lawyer summarized the progress McCain has made during 26 years of incarceration. Jeff Pickens of the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy discussed how psychologists determined that McCain had reached full maturity about the age of 28, which was demonstrated by a sharp drop in behavioral problems in prison. Although he has amassed 72 misconduct reports during the years, no serious incidents have been reported since 2001. The psychologists also said a teenage McCain refused to respect authority. He struggled to make friends, was picked on at school and fell in with the wrong crowd. The approval of his peers mattered more than anything. The fact that McCain cared more about losing face with his friends than taking a life is a hallmark of his immaturity in 1990, Pickens said. McCain is a Christian, Pickens said, referring to testimony from a minister who has met with McCain for years. While locked up, McCain obtained a college degree in religious education, which took him four years to complete. He earned a 3.93 grade-point average. In addition, McCain is a skilled woodworker who trains other inmates at Cornhusker State Industries. Mr. McCain is not irreparably corrupt, his lawyer said. He does not qualify for a life without parole sentence. In arguing for a life term, Dawson County Attorney Elizabeth Waterman said McCains friends told investigators that he frequently talked about killing police officers and being killed by them. That is a hallmark of premeditation, not the sudden impulse of an emotional teenage boy. And she pointed out that had McCain been just a few months older, past the age of 18, he would have qualified for the death penalty for killing a police officer. In a sense, his age has already provided him a lighter sentence, she argued. McCain came from an excellent family, with no history of abuse or neglect. That points to somebody who is self-centered, without empathy, bad to the core, the prosecutor said. She also implored the judge to consider the unprovoked slayings of law enforcement officers in places like Dallas, Baton Rouge and Des Moines. It is incomprehensible that the men and women who are sworn to protect their communities are being hunted like deer, for no reason other than the fact that they are the police, she said. The way to stop this trend is to hold these offenders accountable by imposing the harshest sentence available. Give McCain the harshest sentence available, she said. Then, after taking a few deep breaths, McCain addressed the judge and those in the courtroom, including the fallen officers family. He said he has come to understand the devastation he caused. I have wished throughout my life that I could take back my actions and restore the peace that once was, he said, struggling to contain his emotions. It haunts me to know that I have inflicted so much pain in so many lives. Finally, it was Judge Rowlands turn to speak. He mentioned the numerous letters he received, both from McCains supporters and from those who think he should die in prison. He mentioned the officers military service and his public service. Then he pointed to recent U.S. Supreme Court actions in other states that have vacated the harsh sentencing of other defendants, like McCain, who killed when they were juveniles. Giving McCain another life term would be reversed on appeal, the judge said. He sentenced McCain to 80 to 99 years, giving him credit for 26 years served. With good time credit, which roughly cuts the sentence in half, McCain would be eligible for parole when he is 57 and would obtain his mandatory release about 10 years later. When McCain was sentenced 26 years ago, Janet Haas never thought he would get out. Hes where hes supposed to be, in my opinion, she said. Nikko Jenkins' Nov. 14 death-penalty hearing will go on as planned, with one caveat. Voters could make it a moot point on Tuesday. Jenkins himself pointed that out. The Omaha man, convicted of the August 2013 killings of Juan Uribe-Pena, Jorge Cajiga-Ruiz, Curtis Bradford and Andrea Kruger, made it clear he has little regard for his fate or the fate of the death penalty in Nebraska. "Your Honor, if voters abolish the death penalty on Tuesday, can I get sentenced to my life term in a telephonic hearing?" Jenkins asked. Douglas County District Judge Peter Bataillon's response: We'll cross that hurdle if it comes. In a wide-ranging hearing before the three-judge panel's weeklong inquiry begins in mid-November, Jenkins declared his innocence, crabbed about his placement in solitary confinement, suggested investigators framed him and said he pleaded no contest to the murder charges only because his mother and sister were arrested in the case as well. "All nonsense," Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said. Once his meandering comments concluded, Jenkins' attorney, Douglas County Public Defender Tom Riley, made a few arguments on his behalf. Riley asked the judge to reconsider Jenkins' decision to not have a jury decide whether aggravating factors existed that could lead to the death penalty. Jenkins reiterated Thursday that he wanted to move forward without a jury. Judge Bataillon said the judges would do so. Riley also asked Bataillon to declare Nebraska's death-penalty unconstitutional based on a U.S. Supreme Court ruling out of Florida. In that case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Florida's sentencing scheme was unconstitutional because jurors issued only recommendations. Based on that Florida case, jurors should have to have a say in the outcome if the defendant so desires, Riley said. Riley argues that Nebraska's sentencing scheme is the same setup. However, Kleine pointed out that Nebraska juries make factual findings beyond a reasonable doubt. Judges then simply weigh the aggravating factors that the jury found against any mitigating factors in a defendants' favor. The judge then compares the case to any previous death-penalty cases to see if the death penalty would be a proportional punishment. Bataillon took the constitutional arguments under advisement. He said his determinations on the constitutionality of Nebraska's death-penalty scheme can wait until after the three-judge panel holds its hearing. Jenkins' death-penalty hearing is supposed to take up most of the week of Nov. 14. A 42-year-old Omaha woman has been sentenced in federal court to three years of probation for wrongfully possessing medical records. U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Carrie Case this week for wrongfully obtaining individual health information, according to U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilgs office. On four occasions from Feb. 8, 2015, through April 8, 2015, Case unlawfully accessed and obtained electronic and hard-copy medical records of someone in Omaha, Gilgs office said. Case had been working as a clerk in a physicians clinic in Omaha. Case then provided the records to a third party without permission, Gilgs office said. Council Bluffs police say that two boys who were missing from the Childrens Square USA Facility on North Seventh Street have returned. Police said the boys, Kyle Walding, 11, and Jacob McBride, 15, were last seen at Childrens Square at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Still missing, police said, were two older youths Kimberly Billick, 16, and Adam Guttau-Ford, 17. Foul play was not suspected, police said, and it was believed that all four left the shelter voluntarily. If anyone spots the two remaining teens, please call Bluffs 911 or authorities at 712-328-5737. LINCOLN The Nebraska Legislature has a new technology use policy, developed after Sen. Bill Kintners cybersex scandal and other incidents. The Legislatures Executive Board on Thursday unanimously approved a policy that, among other things, prohibits senators and their staff from posting information on personal, campaign and commercial social media websites through the states secure network or state equipment. Omaha Sen. Bob Krist, chairman of the Executive Board, said the incident involving Kintner was the latest to spur the need for technology guidelines, though there have been others. They include the use of a state copy machine to print thousands of campaign-related materials, and the use of a senators official legislative website to advocate for a candidate for office, he said. A cyber hacker linked to child pornography recently attempted to attack the Legislatures secure website, Krist said. The attack was caught by Legislative IT staff, and the State Patrol is investigating. Krist said the policy is meant to protect citizens investment in state equipment. There isnt a large corporation or small company in this country that isnt dealing with social media issues, and most of them have clear-cut guidelines that you can be fired for, on moments notice, he said, noting that he doesnt want a Big Brother system, though the Legislature needed to start someplace. Kintner, of Papillion, engaged in cybersex on his state-issued computer with a woman while in Boston in July 2015. He and the woman conducted a sexually explicit conversation on Skype, which resulted in both engaging in masturbation. Kintner reported the incident to the State Patrol after the woman tried to extort money from him. The Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission in August fined him $1,000 for misusing public resources. Kintner on Thursday declined to comment, saying he hasnt had a chance to review the policy. He has refused calls for his resignation, including from Gov. Pete Ricketts. The State Patrol report on Kintners incident pointed out that senators have no password policy and are not required to change their passwords. Senators state-issued computers also dont require access with log-in credentials. The new policy addresses those concerns by requiring users to take a technology training course and sign a statement acknowledging theyve taken the course and read the policy. And starting in January, user passwords will be required to be updated annually. Senators and their staff still can use a senators official social media accounts to communicate with constituents about state business. For example, they could use a state-issued computer and the states secure network to post about policy to a senators public Facebook page. Meanwhile, personal use of social media websites must be limited to a personal device and the Capitols public Internet network. Some minimal personal use of state equipment is permitted, including contacting family members about unexpected schedule changes. Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert is letting her disagreements with the Douglas County Board get in the way of supporting the countys public safety bond issue, her opponent said Wednesday. Heath Mello, a Democrat, issued his first major criticism of Stothert of the 2017 mayoral campaign over the bond issue. He criticized Stothert for remaining neutral and suggested the real issue is her disagreements with the board over a potential crime lab merger. Also Wednesday, the citys fire union president, Steve LeClair, said he had a conversation with Stothert in September that he took to be an effort to lobby the union to not support the bond issue. Stothert disputed Mellos accusation and LeClairs account of the conversation. She said she is remaining neutral on the bond issue on the advice of the city attorney. I dont take a position on every ballot question and will remain neutral on the countys bond vote, said Stothert, a Republican. In his statement, Mello said he will support the $45 million county bond issue, and he urged Stothert to do the same. If the bond issue passes, the county would spend the money on replacing and upgrading 911 call center equipment, replacing Douglas County Sheriffs Office and police radios that will soon be obsolete, renovating space in the former Thomas Fitzgerald Veterans Home for 911 and making renovations in the Douglas County Jail. Mello asked that Stothert set aside her past disagreements with Douglas County over the crime lab merger discussion and join me in voting for the public safety bond issue. Stothert has clashed with some county officials, including Board Chair Mary Ann Borgeson and one-time supporter Sheriff Tim Dunning, over the prospect of a new crime lab at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Borgeson, Dunning and some other county officials want to see the countys crime lab remain at the Fitzgerald Home. Others on the county board are open to Stotherts favored proposal, which is to open a new, full-service crime lab at UNMC. Members of a working group have recently agreed to come up with a detailed cost estimate for that proposal. Stothert said Mello was mistaken in tying the bond issue to the crime lab. Sen. Mello is misinformed, Stothert said. The neutral position that Chief Schmaderer and I have taken on the county board issue has nothing to do with the crime lab discussions, but based on legal advice from our city attorney. City Attorney Paul Kratz said Nebraska city officials including the mayor and council members are not allowed to take a position on a bond issue. They can discuss facts, such as what it would cost and what that would buy. Other people might have different interpretations, but weve always been pretty conservative, he said. Kratz said that a politician maybe could say how they intended to vote, though that would be a gray area. Stothert added that Mellos tying the question of the bond to the crime lab only jeopardizes the cooperation and progress we have made to this point. Doing so is unnecessary and disappointing. Stothert has previously said that she couldnt support a bond issue that could raise taxes later. County officials have said they dont expect the bond issue to lead to a tax increase, but they cant guarantee it wouldnt. Mello said in his press release that the bond issue would not raise taxes. Supporters of the bond issue include the citys police and fire unions as well as government watchdog Nebraska Taxpayers for Freedom. LeClair said he didnt understand why the mayor wouldnt support broadening the costs to the whole county for badly needed public safety upgrades that will benefit the city. LeClair said he doesnt want a dispute over his September conversation with the mayor to be a distraction. I dont want to have this whole contested issue affect the real important issue, which is the worthiness of the bond, LeClair said. But he said Stothert privately made a case to him in September that he took to be an effort to lobby the union to not support the bond issue. LeClair says she called him to say that the city had a grant to buy new portable radios and that she would put a new fire station alerting system in the citys capital improvement budget. I firmly believe it was an effort to get us to not support it, LeClair said. I interpreted it that way, and thats how I interpreted it to our executive board and our general membership. In a more recent conversation, LeClair said, Stothert told him that the city attorney had advised her not to take a position on the bond issue. She told The World-Herald that she could only recall having one conversation with LeClair, not two. She agreed that she told him the city was going to buy the radios and put in the new alerting system. But she said she never told him whether or not to support the issue. I said to him you have every right to support it if you want, Stothert said. Stothert said shes not opposed to the bond issue. Im not saying theres anything wrong with it or that I oppose it, she said. I am just staying neutral on it. * * * * * Read more on the proposed crime lab merger In a solemn and splendid ceremony at Offutt Air Force Base today, Gen. John Hyten will assume the leadership of U.S. Strategic Command from Adm. Cecil Haney. After that, hes going to have to strip off his dress-blue uniform jacket and get to work. As Hyten steps in, StratCom must head off what some observers say is an array of threats unprecedented since the founding of the command. And he takes over at a time when money is tight to pay for the tools he needs to fight them. Since its creation in 1992 as a successor to the Cold War-era Strategic Air Command, StratCom has deterred nuclear threats and managed the nuclear arsenal. Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, its taken on other strategic missions including missile defense, space, cyberwarfare and weapons of mass destruction. Its an enormous portfolio, said Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists. Hes going to be on the hot seat. Over the past 10 days, StratCom has been testing its forces during its biggest annual exercise, Global Thunder 17, involving U.S. forces around the world as well as key allies. As he takes the reins, Hyten will be confronting challenges around the globe. China is modernizing its military rapidly while militarizing islands in the South China Sea. North Korea has ramped up its nuclear program with weapons tests and missile launches. And the horror in Syria threatens to ensnare the United States in a proxy war while the country remains a haven for terrorists. Yet even with all these headaches, at the top of Hytens list is an old fear that has come back from the past: the threat of a nuclear confrontation with Russia. Russia has invaded Ukraine and is menacing the Baltic region, and U.S. intelligence has linked Russia to computer hacking that has affected the American presidential election. For months Russian fighter jets have been harassing U.S. military reconnaissance flights and buzzing Navy ships in international waters. Russia recently dropped out of a deal with the United States to properly dispose of plutonium. The risk of nuclear catastrophe is greater today than it was during the Cold War and yet our public is blissfully unaware of the dangers they face, wrote former Defense Secretary William Perry in a Huffington Post op-ed article earlier this year. Confronting that danger will be Hytens task as the new StratCom commander. It becomes his job to ensure that the nuclear force is up-to-date and in good working order. Money is likely to be Hytens biggest hurdle, experts agree. Specifically, finding enough to rebuild a nuclear arsenal that is nearing the end of its life cycle. Russia is close to completing a modernization of its nuclear weapons systems, while the United States is just beginning to refurbish its weapons. The next five years are really critical for the future of the nuclear force, said Bruce Blair, a research scholar at Princeton Universitys Program on Science and Global Security and a founder of the anti-nuclear-arms group Global Zero. In an interview last week, Haney said he believes keeping the nuclear modernization plan on track will be Hytens biggest challenge especially if Congress keeps failing to pass defense budgets, or returns to the reduced funding levels of the 2013 federal budget sequester. Its so important that were able to have (budget) appropriations and authorizations on time, Haney said. The number of deployed U.S. strategic nuclear warheads has dropped from a peak of 12,790 in 1987, Kristensen said, to about 1,600 today. The weapons systems that make up the air-land-sea nuclear triad mostly were built 30 or more years ago. In the air, B-52s built in the 1950s launch 35-year-old cruise missiles and B-2 bombers from the 1990s drop 30-year-old gravity bombs. On land, the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles were built in the 1980s (and later upgraded). And at sea, the Ohio-class submarines from the 1980s and 90s fire Trident II missiles from the early 2000s. At some point we cant squeeze any more life out of them, Kristensen said. Aside from the Trident missiles, every part of the nuclear force needs to be updated in the years ahead. In response, President Barack Obama has launched the broadest program to modernize the U.S. nuclear arsenal since the Reagan administration. We either let our deterrence capability fade away, or we modernize, said Kingston Reif, director of disarmament and threat reduction policy at the Arms Control Association. However, Reif said, given the sheer cost of what is planned, theyre going to have to make some tough decisions. The Air Force plans to build at least 100 new B-21 Raider bombers at a cost estimated at $511 million each, while the Navy is planning to spend $122 billion on 12 new ballistic-missile submarines. The new intercontinental ballistic missiles are estimated to cost at least $62 billion. The price tag for the new cruise missiles is estimated at $15 billion to $20 billion, and the upgraded B-61 bombs at nearly $10 billion. Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Non-Proliferation Program at the California-based Middlebury Institute of International Studies, believes the price tag including maintaining as well as modernizing the forces over the next 30 years will actually reach $1 trillion. Most of those costs will fall during the 2020s and are expected to double the percentage of the defense budget spent on the nuclear arsenal from 3 percent to between 6 and 7 percent. Everybody knows this modernization plan is not executable, Lewis said. Were going to have a reckoning at some point. StratCom isnt conceding that point, at least not yet. In testimony before Congress, Haney has said that all of these programs are necessary for the nations nuclear security. Hyten reaffirmed that at his confirmation hearing. I agree we have to modernize all three elements of the nuclear triad, Hyten told the senators. I cant state my support any stronger. And Ill continue, if Im confirmed, to state that in all forums. But Hyten must make his case for more spending at a time of immense pressure on the defense budget. Some analysts believe that, inevitably, Hyten will have to settle for less. Theres really going to be a battle for scarce resources, Blair said. He knows hes going to have to make some choices here. That could mean scaling back the number of bombers, missiles or submarines purchased. Or it could mean abandoning the triad that has been the cornerstone of nuclear policy. Hyten, though, opposes any reductions. He told the senators its critical that they commit to funding all parts of the nuclear program and that they do it quickly. Im very concerned about the just-in-time nature of our strategic modernization program on the Air Force side, he said. Hyten said he dislikes speculative cost estimates because they tend to become what he called self-fulfilling prophecies. But he did give a nod to the cost limits that are likely to constrain him during his tenure. I think the nuclear triad is affordable as we go forward in the future, but it should not be looked at as a blank check, he said. I think the money will be there to do that, but we still need to do it smartly. We want to be able to deter any adversary, Hyten told the Colorado Springs Gazette last month. The world is a dangerous place right now. Twenty years ago, Lt. Col. John Hyten moved from Colorado Springs to Offutt Air Force Base to become the last commander of the 6th Space Operations Squadron, which operated weather satellites. Hyten, now a four-star general, is back for his second and last tour at Offutt, this time at U.S. Strategic Command in charge of Americas nuclear, space and cyber defenses. I cant help but notice how life sometimes comes full circle, Hyten said Thursday, during a change of command ceremony. Its great to be back here at Offutt. Now, the circle is complete. Hyten, 57, took over the StratCom mantle from Adm. Cecil Haney, who had held the post for the past three years. A veteran of the Navys submarine force, Haney, 60, is retiring after a 38-year career. Hyten is the 11th senior officer to command StratCom, which was created in 1992 to replace the Cold War-era Strategic Air Command. Nearly 1,000 people, most of them military and civilian employees of StratCom, attended the ceremony, held in a giant aviation hangar that houses the E-4B Nightwatch, the National Airborne Operations Center aircraft. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, both attended, as did Nebraska Reps. Brad Ashford and Jeff Fortenberry. Accompanied by drumrolls, Haneys four-star command flag was furled. He handed it to Carter, who presided over the ceremony. Then the StratCom banner was unfurled, and Carter handed it to Hyten. Im really proud to turn over to someone I can call a friend, Haney said. Hyten takes over StratCom with international tensions at a post-Cold War peak, including nuclear saber-rattling by the leaders of Russia and North Korea. He nodded to those threats in his first speech to StratCom. The world is still a very dangerous place, and those dangers seem to be building daily, he said. We never want to go to war with nuclear weapons. We never want to go to war in space, or in cyberspace. Hyten said he admired the motto of the Strategic Air Command, which also was based at Offutt: Peace is Our Profession. It meant that, in order to keep the peace, we had to be ready and willing to fight the most unthinkable war at a moments notice, Hyten said. That motto is still true. We never want to go to war with nuclear weapons. We never want to go to war in space, or in cyberspace. But in order to keep the peace, we must be ready and willing to fight these kinds of wars. Hyten brings to StratCom experience in the futuristic area of space warfare. For the past two years, he has led the Air Force Space Command in Colorado Springs, which oversees the launch and maintenance of military satellites and other high-value payloads. Carter, who presided over the ceremony, praised Hytens contributions and pitched him as the right leader for StratCom. Johns helped build a more resilient national-security space enterprise, Carter said. Thats something hell continue to do here at StratCom. Theres more to be done to confront the 21st century threats we face. Despite the international threats facing the country, some experts have said Hytens stiffest challenge may come at home: persuading a tight-fisted and frequently dysfunctional Congress to fund the largest overhaul of the nuclear arsenal since the Reagan administration. Carter said the nation needs to replace its fleet of strategic bombers, ballistic-missile submarines, and land-based missiles all parts of the air-land-sea nuclear triad. Total costs are expected to exceed $350 billion over the next 15 to 20 years. Were beginning to correct for decades of underinvestment in our nuclear enterprise, Carter said. Were replacing many weapons systems, because we cant afford to lose them. Calling the nuclear arsenal the bedrock of our national security, Hyten said the upgrades are his highest priority. Theres no doubt the nuclear triad of this nation has to be modernized, he said. Its not a matter of if were going to do it, its how were going to do it. And we will figure that out, because we have to. StratCom commanders typically serve from two to four years. That means Hyten will likely be in charge when StratCom begins moving into its new $1.2 billion headquarters, which is being built near Offutts Capehart Avenue gate. The move is expected to begin in about a year. * * * * * Gen. John E. Hyten Age: 57 Family: Wife, Laura; two children Born: Huntsville, Alabama Education: Harvard (1981), bachelors degree in applied science and engineering; Auburn (1985), master of business administration Prior Command: Aug. 2014Oct. 2016, commander, Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. Top Awards: Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster; Defense Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters TEKAMAH, Neb. Three combines churned through the brown cornfield, north and south, reaping row after row of corn. Tractors pulling grain carts filled to the brim drove back and forth to semitrailer trucks stationed maybe a quarter-mile away. Normally, harvesting this crop would have been the job of Phillip Hennig. Instead, about 75 people, Hennigs friends and neighbors, came out Wednesday to take in the corn he had planted. Hennig, 59, died Oct. 17 after driving into a cloud of anhydrous ammonia that leaked from a pipeline near his home north of Tekamah. So Hennigs friends and neighbors did what farmers do when something like this happens this time of year: they harvested his crop themselves. The leak occurred near the intersection of County Road P and U.S. Highway 75, along an interstate pipeline owned by Magellan Midstream Partners. The leak led to the evacuation of 23 rural households. All except one have been able to return. Dan Kahlandt was one of the farmers harvesting Hennigs 650 acres of corn Wednesday. The Hennig family has been neighbors of mine my whole life, said Kahlandt, 31. Thats what we do. Phil would do the same. The effort involved several fields the 59-year-old Hennig had farmed in the area. About 12 combines harvested about 120,000 bushels that were hauled in 120 semi loads to a grain elevator in nearby Oakland. Phils life was farming, Kahlandt said. Its very important to get (the crop) out for him. Neighbors have already harvested the Hennig bean crop. Harvesting the corn wasnt without cost to the farmers who did it. A single combine costs about $300 per hour to run, and some of the dozen machines went as long as six hours Wednesday. Harvesting a crop is a monumental task in the most ideal circumstances, said Greg Gammel, 41. Hennigs family potentially could have harvested the crop themselves, he said, but it would have taken weeks, and they have enough on their mind. When we leave here today, theyll still have a lot to worry about, said Gammel, who like Kahlandt has known Hennig his entire life. Its not over for them, so you try to help them out as much as you can. * * * * * HOW YOU CAN HELP Monetary donations to the Phillip Hennig family are being accepted at the First National Bank Northeast at P.O. Box 29, Tekamah, NE 68061. Donations are also being accepted at the Washington County Bank, P.O. Box 239, Tekamah, NE 68061. Episcopal, Jewish and other faith leaders stood shoulder to shoulder Thursday at an Omaha church as they spoke out against the death penalty. We share a vision of a world without the death penalty, said Bishop J. Scott Barker of the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska. He spoke at a press conference that he said was intended to show the range of faith groups that oppose the death penalty. Speakers at the Omaha event included a Soto Zen Buddhist priest, Unitarian Universalist and United Methodist ministers and a Catholic priest. More than 60 lay people and clergy members from a variety of faith groups stood behind him during the event at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. The event was organized by the faith leaders and Retain a Just Nebraska, an organization working to preserve the Legislatures 2015 repeal of capital punishment. On Tuesday, voters will decide on a referendum on the repeal legislation. Speakers urged voters to retain the Legislatures repeal of the death penalty. This is not a time to be silent or apathetic, said Rabbi Steven Abraham of Beth El Synagogue. Our job is to protect life, not destroy it. Death penalty proponents, who obtained the signatures needed for Tuesdays referendum, say capital punishment in Nebraska should be reserved for a small number of killers. They say it helps protect prison officers from violence by inmates who would have nothing to lose if the death penalty were eliminated. The Rev. Kyoki Roberts, a Soto Zen Buddhist priest, said protecting life is an important theme of Buddhism. If we want a society where all life is revered, we must revere all life, she said. The Rev. Dennis Hamm, professor emeritus of theology at Creighton University, said the Catholic Churchs opposition to the death penalty fits the churchs consistent ethic of life. Life in prison without parole is a reasonable alternative to the death penalty, he said. WASHINGTON (AP) WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange denied Thursday that the Russian government or any other "state parties" were his group's source for more than 50,000 hacked emails from the files of Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta. In separate statements from WikiLeaks and in an interview with a television network supported by the Russian government, Assange dismissed warnings that Russia was the main actor behind cyberintrusions on Podesta and other politically connected individuals and organizations. The WikiLeaks founder offered no evidence to support his denials in the face of U.S. government statements that American intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia was behind the hacking campaigns of Democratic entities in the U.S. Those breaches have raised alarms of potential intrusions on Election Day. WikiLeaks' "sources for the Podesta emails currently being published are not state parties," Assange said in a statement. He also told the RT network that warnings from Clinton and her campaign that Russia was behind the hacking of Podesta's Gmail account were "false." "Hillary Clinton has stated multiple times, falsely, that 17 U.S. intelligence agencies had assessed that Russia was the source of our publications," Assange told the RT network, also known as Russia Today. "That's false we can say that the Russian government is not the source." Russian officials have also denied any role. "Only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorized these activities," James Clapper, director of National Intelligence, said in October. Clapper did not specifically name Russian President Vladimir Putin or other Russian officials, but U.S. cybersecurity experts concluded that hacking groups affiliated with Russian government and military intelligence services had roles in the breach of the Democratic National Committee. WikiLeaks began releasing nearly 20,000 emails last July hacked from the DNC's computer system. Some of the emails disparaged Clinton's rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders, eventually prompting the resignation of then-DNC chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. U.S. officials and private computer crime specialists blamed that leak on Russian-linked hackers. Assange was granted asylum by Ecuador and lives in its embassy in London. He fled there in 2012 after Sweden pressed a warrant for his arrest on a sexual assault allegation. Media organizations have reported on each new daily WikiLeaks release of Podesta's emails in recent weeks. Clinton campaign officials have declined to discuss the emails, questioning whether some of the material might be doctored. Thursday's release of hacked Podesta emails include: In a March 2015 hacked email, Hillary Clinton told her top foreign policy adviser last year that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel had created "an opening that should be exploited" after Netanyahu was forced to apologize for making remarks about Israeli Arabs that were condemned as racist. Clinton made the comment to adviser Jake Sullivan, who emailed a link to a New York Times story detailing the controversy in Israel over Netanyahu's remarks and a fight between him and the Obama administration over remarks promising that no Palestinian state would ever be established on his watch. In a hacked email from September 2015, Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri told Podesta that Clinton would have to make herself more available to reporters if Vice President Joe Biden entered the presidential race. "But if Biden gets in we are going to have to make time for her to do more press," Palmieri wrote. "He will do a ton of it. It is free and he doesn't have to travel anywhere to do. So I am thinking about a post-Biden press outreach plan, too." In a hacked email chain from last February, Clinton's campaign staff discussed whether to respond on the day the nation learned that Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia had died. "I am having a hard time imagining what she would say," Palmieri said. "In a day or two it could be appropriate to talk about SCOTUS stakes, but seems off for tonight." KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - A joint raid by U.S. and Afghan forces targeting senior Taliban commanders left two American service members and 26 Afghan civilians dead Thursday, authorities said. They were rare combat deaths for Western forces who handed over the task of securing Afghanistan to local troops some two years ago. NATO described the Americans killed and two other Americans wounded in the assault as being part of "a train, advise and assist mission" in Afghanistan's Kunduz province. Meanwhile, Afghan officials said they were still investigating the attack and its civilian casualties, some of which may have been caused by an airstrike. "Today's loss is heartbreaking and we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of our service members who lost their lives today," Gen. John W. Nicholson, commander of U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, said in a statement. NATO declined to identify those killed, pending notification of the next of kin. NATO and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press to further clarify the American troops' mission in the area. The target of the raid appeared to be two senior Taliban commanders killed in the fighting among 65 insurgents, Kunduz police chief Gen. Qasim Jangalbagh said. He said Afghan special forces carried out the raid and that he did not have any information about NATO involvement in the assault. Jangalbagh said 26 civilians, including members of the Taliban fighters' families, were killed in the assault. Kunduz official Mohammad Yousf Ayoubi and parliament member Malim Chari both also told the AP that civilians were killed in the fighting, though they had few details Dr. Mohammad Naim Mangal, the director of a Kunduz hospital, said his facility received the bodies of a dead man and a child and treated 30 people, including children, wounded in the fighting. NATO and the Pentagon also did not immediately respond to questions about the civilian casualties. A Taliban statement also said there were civilian casualties while claiming its fighters killed 16 U.S. troops. The insurgents often exaggerate their battlefield successes. Taliban fighters briefly overran the city of Kunduz, the provincial capital with the same name, in early October, a show of strength by the insurgents that also highlighted the troubles facing local Afghan forces 15 years after the U.S.-led invasion of the country. The Taliban captured and held parts of Kunduz a year earlier as well before the city was fully liberated weeks later with the help of U.S. airstrikes. Those 2015 airstrikes also saw a U.S. Air Force special operations AC-130 gunship attack a Kunduz hospital run by the medical charity Doctors Without Borders, killing 42 people. Sixteen U.S. military personnel, including a two-star general, later were disciplined for what American officials described as mistakes that led the strike. Doctors Without Borders has called the attack a war crime and demanded an independent investigation. NATO's combat operations ended in Afghanistan at the end of 2014, a move that put Afghan forces in charge of the country's security. Since then, Afghan forces have suffered heavy casualties battling the Taliban, who have at times overrun provincial capitals before being pushed back. Meanwhile, NATO and U.S. casualties have been few. There have been at least other four combat deaths among American forces in Afghanistan in 2016. In October, a U.S. soldier was killed by a bomb in Nangarhar province while another was shot dead by a man wearing an Afghan army uniform in Kabul. In August, an American soldier was killed and another wounded by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan' southern Helmand province. In January, a U.S. soldier was killed by small arms fire in Helmand. The fight in Afghanistan American's longest war began after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks as the Taliban harbored al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. The Taliban and Afghan government recently held secret talks to see if they could start peace negotiations to end the fighting, though questions remain over which faction of the insurgency is doing the talking. Copyright 2016, the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. What goes for Congress should go for the Nebraska Legislature. Just as Congress has a fundamental duty to scrutinize a presidential administrations proposals and provide vigorous oversight of federal departments, the same goes for the Nebraska Legislatures duties in its relationship with the executive branch. The concept is checks and balances a fundamental part of our government. This doesnt mean that Nebraskas Legislature and the governor should be constantly warring, as was frequently the case, for example, during the budget battles in the early 2000s between then-Gov. Mike Johanns and the pre-term-limits Legislature. But it also doesnt mean that a Nebraska governor should expect the Legislature to be his or her lapdog. Nebraskas legislative process is undermined whenever self-appointed enforcers attempt to dictate to fellow senators how to vote, sometimes even before a hearing has been held to provide lawmakers with information and perspectives on the details of the legislation. Responsible lawmaking means gathering all the facts on complex issues, then deliberating in order to make the best decision possible. Theres a healthy, responsible balance to be struck in relations between Nebraskas executive and legislative branches. Governors have the duty to propose and advocate strongly for their stances. Lawmakers have the responsibility to listen to the governors arguments. Then they have the obligation to act as independent agents, making decisions based on proper study, deliberation and their individual judgment. A $19.8 million federal grant speaks volumes about Nebraska Medicines perch in the fight against the worlds deadliest diseases. The University of Nebraska Medical Center and its private hospital partner, the Nebraska Medical Center, won an elite competition for the funds. Soon doctors and nurses from around the world will travel to Omaha to be trained on how to safely fight infectious diseases such as Ebola. Theyll learn from experts at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine, who run the nations largest biocontainment unit. This is the group that in 2014 treated three Ebola patients evacuated from West Africa. The grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be used to build an additional floor in the universitys $102 million Global Center for Advanced Interprofessional Learning, at 42nd and Emile Streets. The new floor will house a training center for national and international health care workers, advanced simulation technology and a new quarantine center. From simple disease outbreaks to bioterrorism, theres increasing need for expertise to battle the worlds worst infectious threats. This grant helps us prepare for whats next, so Nebraska will again be ready not only to help, but to lead the way in teaching others how to help, said Nebraska Medicine CEO Daniel DeBehnke. U.S. Reps. Brad Ashford and Jeff Fortenberry say the grant cements Nebraskas place as a key cog in our nations health security system. The development is a testament to the hard work of specialized medical teams and administrators, as well as numerous local, state and federal elected leaders and private donors who helped the cause. Its more evidence that something special is brewing on the thriving Omaha campus, a hub of medical learning with a growing global reach. Kolowskis experience wins out Ian Swansons campaign bio says that hell bring fresh ideas to Legislative District 31, but it doesnt explain how this aspiring career politician provides a good perspective on Nebraskas needs. As a former peer of Swansons at Millard North High School, I dont believe he has the necessary temperament, listening skills, propensity for collaboration, hard-working spirit or respect for all citizens to work with and for us in Millard and Elkhorn. Swansons almost nonexistent track record shows no indication that he will listen to and represent real Nebraskans. Rick Kolowski, the incumbent, is a retired principal who has spent his life working to better Millard and Elkhorn. His experience as an educator has already provided level-headed, thoughtful policy and collaboration in Lincoln over the last legislative session. Kolowskis election promises positive results for families, educators and students. Elly Roberts, Omaha Marcuzzo took the proper action Douglas County Judge Jeffrey Marcuzzo has received criticism for the bail he set in the Eswin Mejia case. Bail in noncapital offenses is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. After posting bond, Mejia failed to comply with reporting requirements the judge had ordered and failed to appear at his next court hearing. The Nebraska chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates has reviewed the facts known to Marcuzzo at the time he set the bond and found it was reasonably calculated to ensure the defendants appearance at his next court hearing. In Douglas County, the procedure for setting the amount of a bail includes the preparation of a prerelease form in which the defendants flight risk is scored on a scale of 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest flight risk. Mejias prerelease form scored his flight risk at 2. The family of the victim of Mejias crime has suffered a great tragedy. Our sympathy goes out to them in the loss of their daughter. However, the criticism of the judge in this matter is unfair. The blame for the defendants nonappearance rests with the defendant, not the judge. The membership of the American Board of Trial Advocates is split evenly between the plaintiff bar and the defense bar. The Nebraska chapter has chosen to speak publicly on this matter because by law, judges may not comment on matters pending in the courts. Ronald Krause, Omaha president, Nebraska chapter, American Board of Trial Advocates People should decide death penaltys fate The Legislature should not have repealed the states death penalty. That should have been voted on by the people of Nebraska, not some politicians out of touch with their voters. We have DNA evidence, fingerprints, ballistics, state-of-the-art crime investigation techniques and cameras everywhere to prove guilt, and the guilty should and must be punished by the law. The death penalty is there to protect the hard-working people of this state from people who have no conscience. The politicians in Lincoln have forgotten who they work for. I can only hope that with this upcoming election, they are reminded. Doug Arthur, Omaha Innocents will be executed I was very disappointed by The World-Heralds editorial recommending the repeal of Legislative Bill 268. There is research to support whichever position you choose to take, but I will offer that until people are perfect, state-sponsored execution should never be an option. It is not justice. Its wrong. Ask any one of the many exonerated death-row inmates. They will probably not agree that the chance of being wrongfully convicted and executed is small or minimal. We need to ask ourselves whether justice is served by risking the life of an innocent person. A vote to retain the repeal ensures this will not happen in Nebraska. Denise Meredith, Omaha Wayne will advocate for children Five years ago, my son was on verge of dropping out of high school. Justin Wayne mentored my son, who graduated, started community college and is now enrolled in a union apprenticeship program to learn a skilled trade. Wayne, who is a candidate for the District 13 seat in the Legislature, understands what it takes to make students successful and is dedicated to this community. A growing number of young minority professionals can look up to Justin Wayne for the way he handles and represents himself in the business world. He has brought himself up by the boot straps and is a role model for future generations. He genuinely cares about our community, and he is great at identifying the cause of a problem. I cant wait for him to shake things up in Lincoln. Sydney Anderson, Omaha Yoder, Moody will take OPPD into the future Omaha Public Power District incumbent board member Fred Ulrich claims that American Wind Action is trying to buy his OPPD board seat (Pro-wind energy group spends $50,000 in OPPD race, Oct. 27 World-Herald). I am familiar with America Wind Actions mission; it is to inform and educate the public about wind energy and its positive impact on communities via low cost, reliable, clean electricity. Isnt that what we want? Providing low-cost, reliable energy has been OPPDs mission since its founding in 1946. Isnt it time to take off the blinders of what we have known and done for the past 30 years? Isnt it time to elect OPPD board members who understand the expanded options for generating power and have the foresight to consider what is good for OPPDs customers today and in the future? I advocate for Rick Yoder and Craig Moody. Both have done their homework. Both are young, smart leaders committed to whats best for the people in their areas. Mary A. Ferdig, Omaha director, Sustainability Leadership Institute Ulrich a proponent of renewable energy Omaha Public Power District Director Fred Ulrich is the beneficiary of the maxim, No good deed goes unpunished. A lobbying organization just dropped $50,000 in the last two weeks into a rural power district race on behalf of a candidate who according to his last campaign finance reports had raised and spent less than $14,000. Why? Ulrich, as a member of the OPPD board, has done great thinking about the future. He established a sound transition to renewable energy by increasing OPPDs wind portfolio by 33 percent of total production by 2018 (that goal will be attained in 2017). He did this by eliminating coal production at the North Omaha Power Station, closing the Fort Calhoun Nuclear Power Station and installing a strong policy to reduce overall electrical consumption. The utility and its board have been honored by Nebraska-based environmental organizations, customer owners and farm operators who will benefit from wind generation lease payments for many years. A Washington-based, lobbying trade organization has given candidate Rick Yoder $50,000 to represent its interests, not necessarily ours. Ulrich is a strong supporter of public power. Based on his website, Yoder is not. Neither is the industry lobbying organization. Ulrich has been an excellent director. Vote for Fred Ulrich, an independent director and public power advocate. John K. Green, Omaha OPPD director, 1987-2016 District 3 needs Garrett in Lincoln Many times it is hard to explain our political process to my children. Our politicians dont seem to care about the effects of their laws and tax increases. All they seem to care about is re-election and partisan power. It is comforting to know I can point to Sen. Tommy Garrett as a role model for my children. Garrett is not a politician, he is just a man who wants to give something back to the country he has served all his life. He understands that higher taxes means less money is operating in our economy. He listens to his constituents and has shown he has the guts to fight for taxpayers, veterans, small-business owners and sick, vulnerable Nebraskans in the face of special interests. The people of District 3 need Tommy Garrett and his servants heart in the Legislature for another four years. Bryan Boganowski, Papillion Enough attack ads As a reader of news and watcher of television, I will be so glad when this election is over. I dont care about everyones dirty laundry. There are not many saints among us. I would rather have known what they plan to do for the people of the United States of America. Betty Willmer, Valley Deadline for election letters Today is the deadline for receiving election-related letters. Sunday is the last day election-related letters will appear in the Public Pulse. The author, of Lincoln, is a former Nebraska state senator. When I served in the Nebraska Legislature, I was given the great responsibility of determining whether the death penalty is an appropriate sanction of the state. It was a question I gave a great deal of thought, prayer and reflection. Ultimately, I concluded and voted that the death penalty should not be removed outright. In my mind, it could be changed, but it would be irresponsible to remove it outright. If all killers present and future could be incarcerated to ensure the public safety, then I could support abolishing the death penalty. In 2008, Jayson Garrett, a man who had, just four years earlier, stabbed a Hastings, Nebraska, man to death, was able to go on a shopping trip to a mall near my childrens school. While on this shopping trip, he simply walked away, escaping the attention of the Lincoln Regional Center employees charged with his care. It happened again in 2010 with a different killer, Shane Tilley, whose crime occurred in Omaha just three years earlier. Im not arguing these individuals should have received the death penalty, but rather that we cannot currently ensure that the public isnt exposed to dangerous killers. Could we incarcerate all killers present and future to ensure the public safety? Indeed, yes. Do we? Clearly, no. We seem to have this notion that we can lock em up and throw away the key. It doesnt work this way. From the prison cell, individuals could continue killing. One example was Nebraska inmate David Dunster, who was already serving a life sentence when he committed his second murder. He was serving two life sentences when he committed his third. Life in prison did not disallow his continued killing. Laddie Dittrich was serving a life sentence for a first-degree murder committed in the early 1970s. In 2013 he was paroled after the state commuted his sentence, and a year later he sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl. Again: Could we incarcerate all killers present and future to ensure the public safety? Yes, we probably could. Do we? Clearly, no. Im a practicing Catholic, and I deeply respect the position our Catholic bishops have taken. I was also pleased to hear my good bishop, Bishop James D. Conley of Lincoln, say recently that Catholics who support the death penalty may do so in good standing if they come to that conclusion after thoughtful consideration and prayer. I did this in a public way as a Nebraska state senator, and I do so anew as a citizen preparing to vote on this important ballot question. We live in a day when innocent people in schools, banks and shopping malls are gunned down, public places are bombed and law enforcement officers are targets of violence. A sober judgment, in my opinion, is that we simply dont meet the condition by which the death penalty should be removed. I recognize how some may differ on this issue. I hope, however, some may see common ground such that they may recognize the rationale from which I am operating, even if we disagree. NIA begins probe in to Coimbatore cylinder blast as terror plot thickens MK Stalin announces First sanctuary for Slender Loris race in Tamil Nadu! AIADMK gives mere assurance, shies away from giving details about Amma's health India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Chennai, Nov 3: Amid growing apprehension about the exact nature of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalallithaa's ailment, the ruling AIADMK once again said the party supremo has "progressed well" and "started living a normal life" on Wednesday. However, leaders of the AIADMK did not give any details about Jaya's exact health conditions. The 68-year-old politician is undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai since September 22. Party spokesperson Panrutty S Ramachandran said, "The people are confident (of her return) and their prayers are yielding results." Another party spokesperson, C R Saraswathy, said the doctors said that Jayalalithaa was "very well" but wanted her to be under their watch for some time. "She is very well and is consuming normal food. She has started living a normal life. She will return soon and resume public service," Saraswathy said. The divine blessings were on Jayalalithaa as scores of party workers were holding prayers for her speedy recovery, she added. The last health bulletin on Amma was issued by the hospital on October 21. According to the medical bulletin issued by the hospital, Jayalalithaa is "interacting" and her health condition is "progressing gradually". OneIndia News Who is Yasin Malik? The Kashmiri separatist sentenced to life in terror funding case Should Kashmir be given to Pakistan: Row erupts after this question appears in MP civil service exam From hijab to Kashmir, Zawahiri was Al-Qaeda's voice for everything anti-India An appeal to Indians: End violence and repression in Kashmir India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Bengaluru, Nov 3: A total of 168 people--including well-known journalists, writers and activists, such as Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Harsh Mander and Vrinda Grover--have issued a joint statement urging Indian citizens and human rights organisations to pay attention to the current deteriorating situation in the Kashmir Valley. The statement was made public on Tuesday, when curfew in parts of Kashmir entered its 115th day. The Valley is on the boil in the wake of the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8. According to reports, more than 100 civilians have died and thousands have sustained injuries in the last four months. Here is the full text of the statement: We, the undersigned, are dismayed over the ongoing crisis in Kashmir. We have watched in horror and shock the repetitive cycle of state aggression leading to violence, deteriorating state of civil liberties, violation of fundamental rights and ever-escalating loss of human life and dignity in Kashmir. In the last 115 days, we have lost over 100 lives in Kashmir. More than 15,000 civilians have been injured, out of which 4,500 persons have suffered grievous injuries due to pellet-guns, 4,664 have been injured by bullets. Over 8,000 people have been arrested out of which 434 people have been detained under the Public Safety Act (toll as on October 30). The immediate response of the Indian state to the recent uprising in Kashmir was the imposition of curfew, which is continuing till date. A media gag where newspaper offices have been raided, copies confiscated and editors threatened with dire consequences accompanied it. Journalists reporting the situation have been attacked, intimidated and threatened with violence by those supposedly responsible for protecting them. Most recently, the government banned the publication of Kashmir Reader, a daily newspaper published from Srinagar. Pursuant to this, a complete communication blockade was imposed and internet services were cut down. Even voices outside Kashmir that spoke of the ongoing failure of state were targeted on social media, their posts deleted and accounts blocked. The means of communication and information flow from and into Kashmir are severely disrupted. Accompanying the communication blockade is an economic blockade in which the supply of food, medicines and other basic necessities are also affected, standing crops being burnt and orchards damaged. It is unconscionable on the part of the Indian state to exacerbate the situation by choking the lifeline of people in Kashmir. There are reports of vandalism and violence during raids by the police and security forces. As the pillars of a modern democracy are wrecked with the media gag, the abuse of the impunity accorded to the law enforcement agencies is bound to escalate. There have been instances of harassment, abuse and baseless arrests of Kashmiris working and studying, not only in Kashmir but also in different parts of India, for having voiced their political views. A blockade on the channels of non-violent protest by the arrests of human rights defenders, legal activists and even volunteers supplying aid in hospitals on baseless grounds has aided the creation of spaces for violent protests. The wanton use of force along with the lack of accountability has contributed immensely to the crisis prevailing in Kashmir. Intense militarisation of the Valley has left deep scars on the social, economic and psychological well being of every life in Kashmir. Laws such as Public Safety Act, Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, Disturbed Areas Act etc., are draconian and are not conducive to contributing to a solution. Irrespective of what the situation is, whether we agree with what the Kashmiris are demanding or not, there is no law in India which allows the Indian armed forces to use their position to ransack people's houses, decimate their food grains, crops and livestock. It is disturbing to witness the Indian media pumping up jingoistic fervor in the minds of people in India. The propagation and glorification of state aggression and war-mongering by the government, media and almost every political party has led to a lethal form of pro-state fanaticism. The success of the state machinery in realising this propaganda also highlights the failure of the Indian civil society. We therefore call on all readers and human rights organisations to unequivocally condemn the siege of Kashmir. The situation in India is increasingly becoming claustrophobic, making it difficult to have any political discussion on Kashmir. Voicing any opinion divergent from the popular "pro-state" narrative is now a cause for slapping charges of sedition. In such an environment even a peaceful non-violent discussion to understand the nature of problems that Kashmir faces becomes impossible. Without such understanding any solution proposed would only be a repetition of the cycles seen over the last 70 years, which have not led to any tangible solutions. We urge the government to allow an open discussion so as to facilitate the understanding of the legitimate demands and concerns that the people of Kashmir have been raising over the course of last 70 years. We believe that national integration at the cost of life and dignity of our own citizens would not amount to integration but colonialism. The political crisis in Kashmir cannot be resolved by being oblivious to the problem at the heart of the conflict, which is the demand for freedom. Any attempt to resolve the issue is bound to fail unless the state accepts the Kashmir conflict as a 'political issue' and not merely one pertaining to territory. The government must acknowledge Kashmiris as primary stakeholders in the dispute and consult them rather than considering it as a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. Whatever the stand of the government of India on the demand of Kashmiri people for independence, it is imperative to create an environment of understanding and openness and initiate a purposeful and sincere dialogue with all the stakeholders for an amicable settlement. We therefore urge the government to: 1. Immediately lift the curfew and stop violence against civilians in Kashmir. 2. Open channels for political dialogue in consultation with all stakeholders and explore every possible solution including - complete autonomy or pre-1953 position and even plebiscite. 3. Stop the crackdown on media and lift the ban on Kashmir Reader. 4. Immediately drop all charges against activists, human rights defenders and civilians booked under the Public Safety Act and release them. 5. Grant unfettered access to United Nations Human Rights Commission to investigate allegations of Human Rights violations. 6. Work forcefully to demilitarise both sides of the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. Further, to demilitarise all of Kashmir and immediately revoke impunity laws such as the AFSPA, Public Safety Act and Disturbed Areas Act etc. 7. Create credible mechanisms for accountability and justice, (such as an international criminal tribunal), for human rights abuses in Kashmir over the past three decades, including extra-judicial killings, torture, sexual and gendered violence, enforced disappearances and unknown and mass graves. List of endorsements Admiral Ramdas Anand Patwardhan, filmmaker Arun Ferreira, member, CPDR Cynthia Stephen, Founder, Dalit Women's Network for Solidarity Harsh Mander, activist, writer Javed Anand, co-editor, Communalism Combat Paramita Banerjee, activist, development professional Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, journalist, author Teesta Setalvad, journalist, activist Zakia Soman, Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (There are 158 more individual signatories and 13 organisations on the list.) OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 3, 2016, 12:08 [IST] Ban on Tipu Jayanthi- Redress grievance before government says Karnataka HC India oi-Anusha By Anusha Ravi The Karnataka High Court today directed a petitioner who sought a ban on the Tipu Jayanthi celebrations to redress his grievance before the government. While disposing off the petition a Division Bench headed by Chief Justice, S K Mukherjee told the petitioner to go before the Chief Secretary and redress his grievance. [Also Read: Tipu was a king not a freedom fighter observes Karnataka CJ] It may be recalled that the High Court had orally observed on Wednesday that Tipu was not a freedom fighter, but a king. The CJ made this observation citing history. The court today observed that since the decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanthi on November 10 was a policy decision of the government, it would not interfere. The court also set November 8 as the deadline for the Chief Secretary to decide on the matter. The Chief Secretary was directed to take a decision after weighing the merits of the case. Earlier the Advcocate General submitted that the decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanthi was taken a cabinet meeting. [Those who have glorified Tipu Sultan have been destroyed: BJP] OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 3, 2016, 13:50 [IST] Karnataka Rajyotsava 2022: Add these 5 songs to your playlist to hum Kannada glory Shocking: Bengaluru hosts 2.93 lakh illegal buildings, reveals govt data India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Bengaluru, Nov 3: Believe it or not, Bengaluru is the home to around 2.93 lakh illegal constructions. The figure was presented to the Karnataka High Court by the state government on Wednesday. The government told the High Court that there are an estimated 2.93 lakh (17.49 per cent) unauthorised constructions in Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits. The information was part of an additional objections filed by the state government to a batch of petitions, filed by Citizen Forum for Mangaluru Development, challenging the Akrama-Sakrama scheme, launched to regularise unauthorised constructions. According to the statistics presented to the court, there were about 16.75 lakh sites/buildings in the jurisdiction of BBMP. "Of which, 13.82 lakh sites/properties come under tax collection net. The tax has been collected every year from 13.82 lakh sites/buildings owners by the BBMP. The remaining 2.93 lakh (17.49 percent) are unauthorised sites/buildings," added the data. OneIndia News Petrol bunks to observe two-day no purchase strike from today India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Bengaluru, Nov 3: Several bunks are likely to go dry over the next two days with a two day no purchase decision being taken by petrol bunk owners. The protest is against the oil companies. The dealers have called for a nation wide protest against petroleum dealers reducing profit margins and for the implementation of the recommendations by the Apurva Chandra Committee. The Akhila Karnataka Petroleum Traders' Association and Bangalore Petroleum Dealers president B R Ravindranath says that this protest means that we will not purchase stocks from oil companies for two days. This is likely to affect fuel stocks. Some bunk owners say that they may have sticks till tomorrow. From Saturday onwards bunks will operate in single shifts till their demands are met. [Read More: Maharashtra: Petrol pump dealers proposes strike on September 7] The committee suggested a review of the commissions paid to dealers by taking into account factors like minimum wage and power rates. There are around 400 petrol bunks in the city and around 4,000 across the State. About 25 bunks operated by private companies and another 20 by oil companies themselves are expected to remain open. OneIndia News I breathe better and freer in India: French author Jean Echenoz India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, Nov 3 Heaping praise on India and its culture, prominent French author Jean Echenoz, well known for novels like "Cherokee" (Big Blondes) and "I'm Off", said that the country makes him feel freer and he breathes better here. "The first time I came here was 40 years ago. Post that, I have visited it quite often as I feel impressed by its culture. I feel that I breathe better and freer here than I do anywhere else. There is always a feeling of familiarity to this land," the author told IANS in an interview. "The culture here is far removed from France. There have been times when I have stayed here for a period of three or four months. Such long visits have always been to South India." The writer feels connected with the land but denies much familiarity with Indian literature, saying: "I can't really say that I know Indian literature well. I know very little about it. I read more classics. I don't read any contemporary literature." He said he's not familiar with foreign literature or languages. "I really don't have the time to dabble in it though I am very much interested in whatever is going around in the contemporary world," he said. Talking of his favourite classics, Echenoz said: "It's funny because when I was in school the authors that I love today were imposed on me then. At the age of 25, I started discovering these people and fell for them. Charles Dickens' 'Great expectations' is closest to my heart." He has written around 15 novels till date in French. Most of his works have been translated into English. It is difficult to retain the essence of the original work in translations. Many vocabularies lose their quintessential meanings in the process, but Echenoz only fears that the effect of sounds will be lost during the process as, according to him, the sound and meaning of the sentence go hand in hand. "I am not afraid of being translated. I actually feel honoured when that happens. I only write novels and give a lot of attention to sounds, not sonority or effect, word-play or alliteration but just the melody of the sentence." He said he is obsessed with the sound of the sentences and phrases. "I think that the noise of the words is as important as the meaning," he explained. The author only writes fiction and feels that his writings have some poetry but he is incapable of writing a poem by itself. "I am no essayist. I have nothing particular to say. I feel that I have things to do and what I do is to create fiction and to make a machine out of novels -- machines that will work. It's a fact that writing is a way to describe the world," he said. In his own modest way he says that he doesn't really have any message, nothing philosophical, nothing to say to the world. "If the story happens to contain a nice message then, well and good, but there is nothing didactic about my works," he says. The New Yorker describes Echenoz's works as "idiosyncratic". To which he said: "The term can be used for every piece of writing. I feel that all writings are peculiar and unique." According to him, sometimes a story is born of different ideas that are unconnected themselves. "It can deal with one profession and some other part of the world. When I get these seemingly unconnected ideas, I work on them," he said. Echenoz says he documents things, does interviews and also a lot of reading to make sure that there is a story born out of unconnected ideas. IANS Truth has come out, says Sasikala in reaction to OPS's remark before panel Jayalalithaa off respiratory support- Out of ICU India oi-Anusha By Anusha Ravi The AIADMK seems to have some reason to breathe easy before the November 19 bypolls to Tamil Nadu assembly. Their supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's health has made some progress with sources from the party stating that she is off respiratory support. [Also Read: Narendra Modi supports ailing Jayalalithaa, backs AIADMK's candidate from Puducherry] The ailing CM is under treatment at Apollo hospital in Chennai since September 22. Sources reveal that Jayalalithaa underwent a tracheotomy to relieve breathing obstruction but no official word has come in either from the party or the hospital. Sources also say that Jayalalithaa has been shifted out of the ICU to a regular ward but strict vigil around the hospital will continue. The last communication from the hospital was on October 21 and supporters of Jayalalithaa and party workers alike await official word from doctors on her current condition. [AIADMK gives mere assurance, shies away from giving details about Amma's health] Improvement in J Jayalalithaa's health is definitely a booster to AIADMK that was heading into bypolls on November 19 without their supremo by their side. OneIndia News OROP Politics: Arvind Kejriwal leaves police station after more than 4-hour detention India oi-PTI New Delhi, Nov 2: After more than four hours detention, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal left around midnight the R K Puram police station, following his detainment as he tried to meet the kin of ex-serviceman who allegedly committed suicide over the OROP issue, police said. "Kejriwal was detained from Lady Hardinge Hospital around 7.45 PM and brought to the RK Puram police station in south District since there was no media or presence of political leaders there," police sources said. Police had asked him to go at around 8.45 PM but he refused to leave the police station. Kejriwal left the police station accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and other senior AAP leaders. After coming out of the police station he vented out his ire against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Kejriwal had claimed that he was still being held in detention after he expressed his desire to meet the family of ex-serviceman Ram Singh Grewal who allegedly committed suicide over the OROP issue. Sources close to the Chief Minister said that the police initially allowed him to leave but detained him again. "The police allowed us to leave but the chief minister expressed his desire to meet the family of the deceased ex-serviceman. He also told the pilot of the police patrol that he was proceeding to the Connaught Place Police Station, but he was again detained," a Kejriwal aide said. Kejriwal tweeted from the police station saying that Sisodia, who was detained at Parliament Street police station for close to ten hours and later released, had come to meet him. "Manish reaches here at RK Puram PS where I am still detained," he had tweeted. The suicide by an army veteran over OROP today snowballed into a huge political show with Rahul Gandhi, Kejriwal and other opposition leaders attacking the Modi government on the issue while there was high drama after police detained and prevented them from entering a hospital. The Congress Vice President was detained twice and was finally released late in the evening as restrictions were put on Kejriwal's movements before he was detained. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was kept in custody for close to 10 hours. Meanwhile, the ex-servicemen's body was sent to his home town Bhiwani in Haryana after the postmortem. PTI OROP Politics: Kejriwal slams VK Singh for questioning the mental health of deceased army man India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer New Delhi, Nov 3: The politics over the suicide of an ex-serviceman over One Rank One Pension (OROP) in New Delhi on Wednesday is unlikely to die down soon. Reacting to the Union Minister VK Singh's comment on the "mental health" of the retired soldier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal slammed the former army chief. "Shame on u VK Singh. He twice got medals from President and once from COAS. He was a decorated soldier," Kejriwal tweeted. "He has committed suicide. No one knows the reason behind it. OROP is being shown as the reason. What his mental state was we do not know. Let it be probed first. OROP should be kept above politics," Singh told reporters, while reacting to alleged suicide by army veteran Ram Kishan Grewal. The suicide by Grewal over OROP snowballed into a huge political show with Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal and other opposition leaders being detained by Delhi police, after they tried to meet the kin of the ex-serviceman. Later on both Gandhi and Kejriwal were allowed to leave the police stations, where they were kept for hours. OneIndia News Kerala police shocker to rape victim - Who gave you most pleasure India oi-Vicky Which one of them gave you most pleasure? This was a question allegedly posed by a cop in Kerala to a victim of rape. The humiliation faced by the victim forced her to withdraw her complaint against her rapists who incidentally were her husband's friends. It was the humiliation by the police and their threats which was far more unbearable, the 32 year old woman said at Tiruvananthapuram. She and her husband addressed the media with their faces covered. It was a Facebook post shared by dubbing artists, Bhagya Lakshmi which went viral. Lakshmi was told about the incident by the victim herself. Lakshmi also writes in her post that it is fortunate that Jisha and Soumya died or else they would have to face repeated humiliation. The Chief Minister and Kerala police chief are expected to meet the woman today. The victim said that when her husband was away, four of his friends came to their house in Thrissur and claimed that he was in hospital. They however are alleged to have driven her elsewhere. The men took turns and raped her, she further alleged. Two years after the incident the woman confided in her husband who urged her to file a complaint. The police she alleges made her sit in the police station for long hours and humiliated her, she also alleged. OneIndia News Khattar scraps CM's discretion in colony licensing India oi-PTI New Delhi, Nov 3: To bring transparency in Haryana's booming real estate sector which is plagued by charges of corruption, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has scrapped a decades old policy which allowed state CMs absolute discretion and final say in the grant of licences to colonisers. Stating that it was against the law, Khattar overturned the 25-year-old decision taken by the then Chief Minister Bhajan Lal in 1991 on the plea that granting colony licences to builders had "wider implications." "Despite the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act according powers of grant of licences to Director, Town and Country Planning, all such files are being presented before me for clearance in the name of internal concurrence," the chief minister said in an order issued under his signature. "A perusal of old files reveals this practice was started on August 7, 1991 after a decision taken in a meeting chaired by the then state CM. "Wider implications of licences were the sole reason cited to start this tradition. Subsequent Haryana CMs continued with the policy. Evidently, this tradition is against the law and I am ordering it to be scrapped with immediate effect," said the order, a copy of which is with PTI. Normally all decisions of the chief minister are issued under the signatures of the principal secretary of the chief minister. The move comes at a time when grant of licences to builders in the state has been under active scrutiny including the permissions given to a firm owned by Congress President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra in Gurgaon. Incidentally, the Justice SN Dhingra Commission of Inquiry, set up to probe commercial licences granted to colonisers including Vadra in Gurgaon, had also adversely commented on the system of CMs granting licences to colonisers. The powers to grant a licence to develop a colony lies with the Director, Town and Country Planning, (DTCP), under the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975, but was taken away through on order of August 7, 1991, and entrusted with the chief minister on the plea that the same had "wider implications". So far 1,571 licences have been issued by the Haryana Government, over half of them in Gurgaon. PTI To get Nirav Modi back to India, how the MEA is going all out Mental health remark burns V K Singh on Social Media India oi-Anusha By Anusha Ravi A day after MoS for External Affairs, Gen V K Singh questioned the mental state of retired soldier Jawan Ram Kishan Grewal who committed suicide over the One Rank One Pension issue, netizens have had a field day fuming at the BJP leader. A retired armyman himself, Gen V K Singh had questioned the mental state of the soldier who committed suicide over being denied full benefits of OROP. [Also Read: OROP Politics: Kejriwal slams VK Singh for questioning the mental health of deceased army man] Prominent political leaders have taken to social media to slam the BJP leader. AICC spokesperson and Karnataka congress acting president Dinesh Gundu Rao slammed the BJP for its leader's comments. "Another question..when will @narendramodi and @BJP4India check the mental state of @Gen_VKSingh?" asked the congressman on Twitter. Gen V K Singh's remark hasn't gone down well with many politicos with most of them being vocal about their opinion. Speaking to the media Congress' Raj Babbar minced no words in lambasting Gen V K Singh, " His mental condition needs to be examined, shameful that such a person writes 'General' before his name", said the leader who had fought against V K Singh from Ghaziabad in 2014 General elections. Even as Gen V K Singh has come under severe fire for his statement, other BJP leaders continue to make insensitive comments over the soldier's suicide. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said. "Shaheed' are those who lay down their lives at the border, not who commit suicide". This statement is sure to become fodder for those already attacking BJP leaders for their statements over the deceased soldier. OneIndia News How the flame of Azadi was kept ablaze by the tribal community: PM Modi explains Modi to lay foundation stone of Mopa airport on Nov 13 India oi-PTI Panaji, Nov 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Goa on November 13 to lay the foundation stone of Mopa international airport in the northern part of the state. "Modi will arrive in Goa on November 13 to lay the foundation stone of the international airport planned at Mopa village. He will also lay foundation for IT Hub at Tuem village in North Goa," BJP Goa Chief Vinay Tendulkar told PTI. Both the projects - the airport and the IT hub - are planned in Pernem tehsil, bordering Maharashtra. Tendulkar said the Prime Minister will be addressing a public function at Shama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium near here. From the stadium, he will symbolically unveil the foundation stone of both the projects, said the BJP Goa chief. This would be second visit of the Prime Minister to the coastal state in last two months. Modi had spent three days in Goa during recently held BRICS summit, where he had hosted heads of eleven countries. The Prime Minister will leave for an event in Pune (Maharashtra) on the same day after attending the function in Goa, Tendulkar said. The Goa government has finalised the bidder for Mopa Greenfield airport. GMR Airports Limited, a subsidiary of GMR Infrastructure Limited, has won the competitive bid for development and operation of the airport. This will be the second airport in Goa, the first one being at Dabolim village which is a property of Indian Navy. The concession period for the Greenfield project will be 40 years with a possible extension of another 20 years through a bidding process. The airport will be built under build, operate and transfer basis. PTI Narendra Modi supports ailing Jayalalithaa, backs AIADMKs candidate from Puducherry India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Chennai, Nov 3: The Narendra Modi government is fully backing Tamil Nadu's ruling party, AIADMK. At a time when the Dravidian party is facing a crisis like situation with its supremo J Jayalalithaa nursing her ailments in Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, for more than 40 days now, Modi government has openly lent its support. According to reports, the BJP in association with the NR Congress will be supporting the AIADMK during the November 19 by-election, scheduled to be held at Nellithope Assembly segment, Puducherry. The NR Congress is the political fraction that got separated from the Congress. It will be a closely contested fight, as the AIADMK candidate, Om Sakthi Sekar, will be fighting the poll battle against the Congress candidate and Chief Minister of Puducherry, V Narayanaswamy. In fact, this is for the first time the BJP has officially supported any candidate from the AIADMK. Experts say it a "big" political development, especially at a time when Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa is in hospital. As the opposition DMK is mounting pressure on AIADMK to reveal details about the exact nature of Amma's health conditions, Modi government's support comes as a huge relief for the ruling party in Tamil Nadu. OneIndia News IRCTC update: 115 trains cancelled on Nov 01; here is the complete list Narendra Modi urges media to debate on simultaneous polls India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, Nov 3: Prime Minister Narenra Modi on Thursday urged media to encourage debate on constructive subjects like simultaneous elections for the state assemblies and parliament. "It appears, there is a halt in debate on some issues, and if media plays its role in carrying forward the debate, it would be good," Modi told journalists at the Diwali Mangal Milan programme at the BJP headquarters here. On the issue of simultaneous elections, the Prime Minister said that leaders of almost all political parties "privately say that something must be done". Modi said several politicians had often hesitated to speak on the issue after he raised it publicly. He, however, maintained that "such hesitation will prevail for some time, but notwithstanding such dilemma, the public discourse should continue." The Prime Minister said issues like the code of conduct and deployment of poll observers needed to be debated on as various questions are raised on these matters. "Often, election observers are deputed for two months, and even the states where elections are not held have to spare their officials," Modi said. The Prime Minister complimented the media for its role in propagating the message of cleanliness. "The success of Swachhata Mission can be attributed to the role of the media," he said. Senior party leaders, including Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah, union ministers Arun Jaitley, Manohar Parrikar and J.P. Nadda also attended the programme. IANS No steel flyover in Bengaluru for now India oi-Vicky The Bangalore Development Authority has given an undertaking to the Karnataka High Court that it will not proceed with the proposed flyover in Bengaluru. The High Court has said that it would examine the legal, constitutional issues and pass a final order. The matter has been adjourned in the wake of the injunction order passed by the National Green Tribunal. [Also Read: NGT stays construction of steel flyover at Bengaluru] The government had proposed to construct the 6.7 kilometres flyover at a cost of Rs 1,761 crore between the Basaveshwara circle and the Hebbal Flyover. The court would also go into issues such as public consultations, relating to the steel flyover. Several residents were up in arms and had urged the government not to go ahead with the steel flyover. A petition had been filed in the Karnataka High Court seeking a stay on the construction of the steel flyover. It may be recalled that the National Green Tribunal had stayed the construction of the steel flyover for a period of four weeks. The Karnataka government has decided to file an application to vacate the stay granted by the NGT. The interim order was passed on October 28 by the tribunal bench headed by Justice M S Nambiar. OneIndia News Second round of Bharat bandh likely to be in August One Rank-One Pension formula will not be reversed says Centre OROP vs ODOMOS: The war of one liners OROP issue: Bansal among Cong workers detained India oi-PTI Chandigarh, Nov 3: Former union minister Pawan Kumar Bansal was among other Congress workers detained today while staging a protest march over the issue of One Rank One Pension (OROP). Led by local Congress president Pradeep Chhabra the protesters were moving from the party office here when police took them into preventive custody. Earlier, the protesters paid glowing tributes to Ram Kishan Grewal, a 70-year-old former soldier, who allegedly committed suicide in the national capital yesterday on the issue of OROP. Bansal said the Congress also condemned the way party vice president Rahul Gandhi was detained by Delhi Police yesterday when he was on his way to the hospital. "It amount to muzzling the voice of people in a democracy," Bansal and Chhabra said while referring to the detention of Rahul and other party workers yesterday. Local Congress workers, who termed their march as 'Jagriti' (awareness) protest, asserted the Modi government should implement OROP with immediate effect. Chhabra said, "Some 200 peaceful protesting party workers were detained by police." However, later the detained Congress workers were released. PTI Second round of Bharat bandh likely to be in August One Rank-One Pension formula will not be reversed says Centre OROP vs ODOMOS: The war of one liners OROP Politics: Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal to attend army veterans funeral in Haryana India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer New Delhi, Nov 3: After being detained by the Delhi Police for trying to meet the family members of army veteran Ram Kishan Grewal, who allegedly committed suicide on Wednesday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi are going to attend the ex-serviceman's funeral in Haryana on Thursday. The suicide by Grewal over One Rank One Pension (OROP) snowballed into a huge political show with Gandhi, Kejriwal and other opposition leaders being detained by the Delhi police. Later on both Gandhi and Kejriwal were allowed to leave the police stations, where they were kept for hours. According to media reports, retired Subedar Grewal's funeral will be held in his village in Bhiwani, Haryana, which is around 100 km from Delhi. "Will go to their village and meet Ram Kishan ji's family there today," Kejriwal has tweeted this morning. Gandhi was also scheduled to reach the village before afternoon. Derek O' Brien of Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Party drove through the night and reached early morning, according to reports. OneIndia News OROP- Why is this issue refusing to die down? News oi-Vicky By Vicky Bengaluru, Nov 3: The issue relating to One Rank One Pension has once again hogged headlines. New Delhi witnesses a lot of drama on Wednesday with several leaders being detained and later released. The trigger on Wednesday was the death of former army jawan, Ram Kishan Grewal who is alleged to have committed suicide. It has been alleged that Grewal had come to Delhi to protest against the government's backtracking of the implementation of OROP. The OROP was announced on September 6 2015, but several ex-servicemen say that it has failed to address their concerns. Let us take a look at what the complaints are and why this issue refuses to die down. [Also Read: OROP Politics: Kejriwal slams VK Singh for questioning the mental health of deceased army man] Why has the OROP issue not been resolved as yet: The veterans say that the scheme should be made effective from April 1 2014 and 2015 as the base year. Currently the scheme is effective July 1 2014 with 2013 as the base year. The veterans have been asking for a review annually, but the government says it would be done once in five years. The veterans want the findings of the single member judicial panel set up the government to be made public. The panel was set up to look into the various aspects of OROP. At first the government had said that soldiers who took voluntary retirement would not be entitled to OROP. Those who retired before the plan came into force would be entitled to OROP would be entitled, the government also said. Nearly 40 per cent retire early and the points raised by the government had become a bone of contention. The first instalment of the arrears has been paid. The arrears would be paid in four half yearly instalments. The cost to the exchequer would be around Rs 10,000 crore. OneIndia News Rudresh murder- PFI cries foul over district president 's arrest India oi-Anusha By Anusha Ravi Within hours of its District President being arrested in connection with RSS member Rudresh's murder, Popular Front of India went all out against the police, BJP and Sangh Parivar. Addressing media personnel in Bengaluru, PFI rubbished all allegations against its member and denied any connection with the murder. General secretary of PFI-Karnataka, Yasir Hasan, claimed that the allegations were politically motivated, " PFI strongly condemns the irrelevant arrest of our district President. This is politically motivated". [Also Read: Rudresh murder - PFI District President arrested] The PFI has accused the RSS and BJP of pressurizing the police to arrest a PFI member in a congress run state. Office bearers of PFI maintained that they will take the legal route to counter allegations being leveled against its member as well as the organization as a whole. OneIndiaNews For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 3, 2016, 17:36 [IST] Rudresh murder - PFI District President arrested India oi-Anusha By Anusha Ravi In a major development the Bengaluru District President of Popular Front of India, Asim Shariff was on Thursday arrested by Commercial street police in connection with RSS member Rudresh murder case. The case that had created a political stir in Karnataka is almost coming to a close with Shariff's detainment. [Also Read: Bengaluru RSS worker's murder- There were two motives] Sources from the police department tell OneIndia that Asim Shariff was the mastermind in the murder. Bengaluru police had previously arrested 4 people associated with PFI for the RSS worker's murder. Investigations revealed that they were carrying out instructions from another person. With the information they gathered from those arrested the police observed Shariff's movements and detained him for questioning in the wee hours of Thursday. [Bengaluru police arrest 4 in connection with RSS worker's murder] Police sources further reveal that the man arrested today had planned to murder 2 other right wing organisation members on the same day but Rudresh was the only casualty. OneIndia News There is no 'one-size-fits-all' to curb poverty Skeletons from the past: Kin of missing women approach cops after human sacrifice case COVID-19 responsible for pregnancy-related deaths in the US With these 5 changes, breast cancer survivors can live longer, healthier UP horror: Robbers barge into house, three women gangraped India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Greater Noida, Nov 3: Three women were allegedly gangraped by robbers who first looted their houses in Karoli village of Greater Noida. Women, working as brick-klin workers were raped when some robbers barged into their houses in the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, police said. "The robbers struck at the houses at around 12.30 AM in the intervening night of yesterday and today and after looting the houses they raped the three women," police official quoted as saying. Woman gangraped inside moving car in Haryana An FIR has been registered in the matter, Greater Noida Superintendent of Police Sujata Singh said, adding medical examination of the victims have been conducted. An investigation is underway in the matter, she said. OneIndia News (With inputs from PTI) For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 3, 2016, 13:25 [IST] Will the Rahul-Akhilesh bond stitch up an SP-Congress alliance? News oi-Vicky By Vicky Bengaluru, Nov 3: Will the Congress be part of the grand alliance in Uttar Pradesh? The meeting between Samajwadi Party supremo, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Congress poll strategist, Prashant Kishore has set the rumours mills abuzz about a possible tie up. While the Congress has distances itself from this meeting, it would still be game for a tie up provided Akhilesh Yadav is declared as the face of the party. Political observers say that the mutual admiration between Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi is likely to bring the two parties together ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections. It may be recalled that Akhilesh Yadav had last year offered a deal to the Congress. He had said that in the 2019 elections, Mulayam should be made the PM candidate while Rahul could be his deputy. He had also gone on to say that Rahul Gandhi is a good human being. Will the Congress-SP tie up? The question is will the Congress agree to a truck with the SP. Both parties are fighting against the BSP and the BJP. The fight would be a tough one in UP and both the Congress and the SP realise that they need to stand together. The Congress is however not giving away too much for now. Sources say that if personal equations are to go by, then the Congress may agree for a tie up if Akhilesh is declared as the face grand alliance. The SP has been hit by a family feud and is finding hard to stitch up an alliance. The talks for a grand alliance are being led by Shivpal Yadav and for now his efforts have not paid any results. On Wednesday, the grand alliance hit another road block with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar indicating that he would not be part of the silver jubilee celebrations of the SP to be held on November 5. Parties such as the JD(U) are still weary about a tie up with the SP. This is largely because of the unprecedented exit that Mulayam made from the alliance ahead of the Bihar polls. Most parties have indicated that they would like to be part of the alliance only if Akhilesh Yadav is declared as the face of the alliance. However due to the war within the SP, no decision on this front has been taken. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 3, 2016, 10:22 [IST] A cornered Bhagdadi sends out a desperate cry to ISIS operatives International oi-Vicky By Vicky Bengaluru, Nov 3: Amidst reports of ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Bhagdadi being surrounded by the Iraqi army an audio clip has surfaced. The ISIS released an audio clip of Bhagdadi in which he is heard saying, " this is what Allah and his messengers promised us." There has also been hectic activity on the social media with pro ISIS handles urging the killing of non-Muslims in the West. On the social media there were poems being posted which speak about the importance of killing non-Muslims in the West. In the audio clip, Bhagdadi has termed this as a Sunni vs Shia war. The SITE Intel Group says that Bhagdadi is trying to rally his fighters in the wake of this offensive by the Iraqi forces. He is also heard calling for attacks on Turkey while saying that the Shias are doing everything in their power to take over the country. Even if I am killed, the fight must go on says Bhagdadi. He tells fighters around the world to continue fighting if he is killed. Many deaths have taken place recently, but that not weakened the ISIS, he also says. The Iraqi forces entered Mosul for the first time in two years. Bhagdadi the supreme commander of the ISIS is beleived to be hiding in Mosul. Several observers say that the end is near for Bhagdadi. The death of Bhagdadi will weaken the ISIS considerably and the outfit would have to immediately declare a new Caliph. The Iraqi forces are confident that they would beat the ISIS down and even kill Bhagdadi. The ISIS is unlikely to overcome this challenge as it has already lost several of its fighters. There are currently around 5,000 ISIS fighters in Mosul and 1,500 on the outskirts. According to reports many would try to make an escape bid, but would find it hard. The death of Bhagdadi will no doubt weaken the outfit a great deal. However there is also a lurking danger of the ISIS taking the fight to the main land. Several pro-ISIS handles have already urged its fighters to carrry out attacks outside of Iraq and Syria. The audio clip released also makes it clear that the fight is far from over and the West would increasingly be targeted. OneIndia News Even if not contesting 2020 polls, Hillary Clinton will not be entirely out of scene Hillary Clinton will be sorely missed in 2020 presidential election, says Donald Trump Hillary Clinton says Julian Assange must 'answer for what he has done' Hillary Clinton retweets own tweet, she put after her 2016 defeat Hillary Clinton holds a slim 3% lead over Donald Trump: poll International oi-PTI Jacksonville (Florida), Nov 4: Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton holds a slim lead of three percentage points over her Republican rival Donald Trump, a latest national poll said on Thursday amidst strong indication that the race to the White House is entering the arena of dead heat. Five days ahead of the November 8 general elections, a latest poll conducted jointly by The New York Times and CBS news said that Clinton (45 per cent) has a slim lead of three percentage points over Trump (42 per cent), which is within the margin of error. In RealClearPolitics, which keeps track of almost all major national polls, Clinton's average lead over Trump now has dropped down to 1.7 per cent. "Five days before Election Day, the margin between the candidates is narrow, with 45 per cent of likely voters supporting Clinton, the Democratic candidate, to 42 per cent for Trump, the Republican nominee. "The difference is within the poll margin of sampling error," The New York Times wrote. Also read: Donald Trump all set to host 'victory party' on election night However, the daily said Clinton has 86 per cent chances of winning the presidential elections. The New York Times has endorsed Clinton for presidency. According to the polls, Clinton holds a 14 point advantage over her opponent among women while Trump leads among men by 11 points. In another poll released by Reuters/Ipsos, Trump (39 per cent) is trailing Clinton (45 per cent) by six points, which remains unchanged for the past one week. PTI Is Pakistan readying for a soft coup? International oi-Vicky By Vicky Bengaluru, Nov 3: The muscle power being displayed on the border is a desperate attempt by the Pakistan army to lift its sagging morale. This coupled with the decision of the Supreme Court which ordered a probe into the Nawaz Sharif link to the Panama papers has only made things interesting in Pakistan ahead of November 23, the day General Raheel Sharif the chief of the Pakistan army is due to retire. All eyes are on Pakistan for now and there is already talk that a coup is in the making. However analysts say that the coup may be a soft one and would look to topple Nawaz Sharif. However a take over of the army is unlikely for now, analysts also say. Stage set for Nawaz Sharif's ouster: India is watching the developments closely. There is unprovoked firing along the border each day and the tensions are really high. Following the September 29th surgical strikes carried out by India question marks about the ability of the Pakistan have been raised. There have been 60 cease fire violations in a month and this is a very high figure. Analysts say that this is a show of strength by the Pakistan military to lift its sagging morale. For General Sharif the surgical strike only meant that his cloak of invincibility was off. India says that General Sharif has a point to prove and he will not sign out without doing something drastic. He will want to prove to Pakistan that the military is still mighty. However there would not be a total coup. A soft coup targeting Nawaz Sharif is however on the cards. Border tensions coupled with the Supreme Court's inquiry into the Panama papers is a nothing but a stage being set for the ouster of Nawaz Sharif. To add to the Prime Minister's woes is Imran Khan's threat to march to Islamabad and seek the resignation of Nawaz Sharif. OneIndia Nes For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 3, 2016, 10:03 [IST] Indo-Pak tensions: Media names 8 Indian mission staffers for anti-Pak activities International oi-PTI Islamabad, Nov 3: Pakistani media today named at least eight staffers at the Indian High Commission here and accused them of carrying out 'anti-Pakistan activities', in the latest tit-for-tit action amid raging Indo-Pak tensions. After Pakistan pulled out six of its officials in the wake of a spy scandal involving staffers of its High Commission in New Delhi, sources in the External Affairs Ministry yesterday said India was mulling withdrawal of eight of its diplomats as their security has been "completely compromised". However, Pakistani media today identified at least eight Indian staffers and accused them of "anti-Pakistan activities". The latest tit-for-tit naming of officials coincided with raging tension between India and Pakistan following the Uri terror attack and India's retaliatory surgical strikes across the LoC that pushed the bilateral ties to a new low. First two Indian officials were named yesterday afternoon but by late night, the number soared to eight. Six Pakistani High Commission officials leave India The Dawn reported that the alleged Indian intelligence personnel, whose cover was blown off in the media leak include commercial counsellor Rajesh Kumar Agnihotri, first secretary, press and culture Balbir Singh, first secretary, commercial Anurag Singh, visa attache Amardeep Singh Bhatti, visa assistants Dharmedra, Vijay Kumar Verma and Madhavan Nanda Kumar, and assistant, personnel welfare office Jayabalan Senthil. The media leak claimed that the officials were working for either RAW or for the Indian Intelligence Bureau. The names have, however, not been officially confirmed by the Foreign Office. According to the information leaked to the media, the Indian 'agents' were found to be involved in "subversive activities', including attempts to disrupt the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and create fear and chaos in the country". They are also alleged to have been building a network of informants within Pakistan and fabricating evidence for tarnishing the country. The Dawn said these Indian officials could be declared persona non-grata by Pakistani authorities in the coming days or India might withdraw them. Meanwhile, the withdrawn Pakistani officers and staffers reached Lahore yesterday. PTI Trump warns supporters against complacency International oi-IANS By Ians English Miami, Nov 3: US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump warned his supporters in Florida not to take anything for granted despite some polls that show him ahead of his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in the Sunshine State. "We don't want to blow this. The polls are all saying we're going to win Florida. Don't believe it. Don't believe it. ... Pretend we're slightly behind," he said during a rally in Miami on Wednesday, Efe news reported. While Trump leads by up to four percentage points in some surveys of Florida voters, a CNN poll released on Wednesday has him trailing Clinton by two points. The average of polls collated by the Web site RealClearPolitics gives Trump an advantage of one point over Clinton in Florida, which experts see as a must-win state for the billionaire if he is to defeat the former first lady and secretary of state. With many in the crowd holding up placards reading "Latinos for Trump" and "Cubans for Trump," the Republican hopeful appealed to the most traditional elements in Miami's Cuban exile community by vowing to reverse President Barack Obama's policy of normalization with Cuba. He also repeated his promise to crack down on unauthorized immigration, in part by building a wall on the US border with Mexico. Donald Trump gains lead over Hillary Clinton in new poll "As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton allowed dangerous aliens to go free because their countries would not take them back. Countless innocent Americans have been killed by illegal aliens," the real estate mogul said. While Trump's anti-immigrant message angers many Hispanics, it is less objectionable to the Cubans and Puerto Ricans who make up the majority of Latinos in Florida. Puerto Ricans, as US citizens, face no barriers to settling in the mainland US, and legislation gives undocumented Cubans who reach US soil the right to remain and obtain legal residence. Trump touched several times on the idea that the system is stacked against him and his supporters. "The system is rigged. Remember that. Right now. We are going to change it," he said, calling his campaign "a movement like we have never seen in this country before." From Miami, Trump was scheduled to travel to two other Florida cities, Orlando and Pensacola. Clinton has also been campaigning in Florida this week. --IANS pgh/ OROP politics: Rahul Gandhi released after being detained for 2 hours New Delhi oi-Sandra Marina Fernandes New Delhi, Nov 3: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi was detained again on Thursday at Jantar Mantar where he joined his party in protest against the delay in the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme. Gandhi was, however, released after almost two hours. While Gandhi said that he was detained by the police, officials from the Delhi Police denied the same stating that he was just moved from the protest site. He was later taken to Tughlak Road police station. Was detained by Delhi Police and taken away from Jantar Mantar Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) November 3, 2016 Gandhi was made to sit in a police vehicle. Speaking to reporters, he said: "We are asked to remain in the car by police, they are not telling where are they going to take us now." We are asked to remain in the car by police, they are not telling where are they going to take us now: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/B3ao1HB0SG ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 He added, "I have been inside car for past half an hour, they not letting us out. I was told we were removed because of Sec 144." "I went to pay my condolences. I will continue to sit here, it does not affect me," Gandhi said while speaking to reporters. #WATCH: Rahul Gandhi speaks to ANI after detention from protest site,says 'have been in car for past half an hour,police not letting us out' pic.twitter.com/sCBt2XNmDG ANI (@ANI_news) November 3, 2016 Meanwhile, Congress leaders and party workers continued to stage a protest against the detention of Gandhi. Several Congress party workers clashed with police officials at the site. On Wednesday, Rahul was detained twice when he went to meet the family of Ram Kishan Grewal, who committed suicide over the "non-implementation" of OROP. OneIndia News 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. Mashable 07 Oct 2022 When taking on intimate topics like sexuality, trauma, or mental health, the lines between meta function and exploitation are.. WEWS NewsChannel5 06 Feb 2020 At first, it was prescription painkillers. Then came heroin and fentanyl to follow. Now, the fourth poison wave hitting Cuyahoga.. IndiaTimes 31 Oct 2022 AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge said it was important to know what caused the bridge collapse as it was reopened just five days.. Governor Juffa has warned the Govermment and MPs to not succumb to what he calls external pressures to legalize prostitution. The Governor stated that this sinister push was ill founded and disrespectful to the people of Papua New Guinea especially women. Governor Juffa stated that legalizing prostitution was not the solution to the social issues surrounding the activity and that legalizing it would only cause greater problems and even encourage it. He stated that prostitution in nations that did not have the proper means to regulate it was most often an industry controlled by organized crime and encouraged human trafficking and modern slavery.He stated that PNGs inability to address growing transnational crime and lack of capacity would only mean that the industry would be poorly regulated and be certainly run by organized crime syndicates already operating black market brothels using foreign prostitutes. Governor Juffa stated that in his 16 years as an official tasked with investigating and addressing transnational crime he was certain PNGs law enforcement entities would be overwhelmed and unable to cope. He stated that the industry would see the entry of foreign prostitutes who could be brought in with STDs as mere money making commodities and spread HIV and AIDS as well as other STDs. Governor Juffa stated legalizing prostitution also would be encouraging young women to consider it as an actual career and that would cause many social issues in PNG societies. Governor Juffa stated that PNG prostitutes had choices to return to their villages and work their land and be useful there."We cannot insult our women folk like this. If marriage and religion and traditional culture had any say then we must not allow this mad proposal by foreign academic idiots who understood nothing about us or our culture but claim to do so. There are other solutions we must consider not legalizing prostitution. That will only cause problems not solve anything. I have nothing against decriminalizing it but believe we cannot legalize it." Governor Juffa stated that the Church and communities needed to be involved in finding solutions to this problem and not foreign overpaid academics who knew nothing about PNG save their interactions at yacht club and Grand Papua. He said such issues must go to a nationwide referendum. Today: WrB Eastern Europe Will Show Just How Strong This Market Really Is Published November 3, 2016 by Lee R The litany of speakers offers mastery of the EE market to the global audience attending. WrB Eastern Europe is coming up, and the organisers couldnt be more happy to announce its return to its popular Warsaw site in Poland today November 3rd at Polonia Palace Hotel (Aleje Jerozolimskie 45). Hot Topics WrB Eastern Europe has some key marketing development opportunities to pass on regarding newly regulated Romania, which is spearheading a movement of other key markets in the region including Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Poland. Meeting the Challenges WrB EEs overview of the greater landscape of emerging jurisdictions that further includes Latvia, Croatia and Greece is set to empower all attending domestic and international operators, regional regulators and suppliers to overcome the key operating challenges in the Eastern European market. Barriers to Overcome The fact is operation in the EE environment requires mastery of regional challenges such as market entry, technical compliance and licensing to ease entry into this emerging Eastern Europe landscape. Eastern European Trend The largest gaming markets in Eastern Europe have sprung up over the last 18 months, starting with Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania. The domino effect has continued with subsequent regulatory movements in countries such as Czech Republic, Poland and Lithuania. WrB Eastern Europe is bringing together key regulatory bodies, international operators and affiliates to make sense of it all. Key Strategy WrB EE will also be providing key strategic points regarding multi-channel operations to provide regional development into key themes such as iGaming regulatory updates around the region; Conversation strategy for local land-based operators; Responsible gambling and AML strategy in new markets; Understanding cultural challenges and consumer brand strategy; and forging relationships with existing regional stakeholders. The Speakers The strength, diversity and sheer multitude of speakers really jumps out. Among the long list of local and global movers and shakers attendees will be hearing from are Totolotek SA CEO Adam Lamentowicz; Malta Gaming Authority Head of EU & International Affairs Corinne Valletta; Playtech Chief Policy Officer Francesco Rodano; local EU Deputy Head of Unit Harrie Temmink; DraftKings Chief International Officer Jeffrey Haas; and Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the European Gaming & Betting Association. Time Has Come The attention that WrB EE is garnering from global iGaming leaders and EU representatives is a strong indication of the value of the emerging EE market. Attendees will start learning why and how to benefit starting today. Casino Chooses Logic Over Paying $42.9m Malfunction Ever heard of a slot machine that could pay out $42.9 million in a casino? Well, there was a New York player who recently thought it possible. When it comes to any form of gambling, you can never forget about the rules, but it seems an American slot player believes that not even the law should apply to her. A brazen player named Katrina Bookman was enjoying her Halloween weekend at the Genting Groups Resorts Word Casino New York when a slot machine malfunctioned. $6,500 Maximum Jackpot Bookman was playing a machine called Sphinx Wild, which displayed a maximum payout of $6,500. Nevertheless, Bookman celebrated like a newly minted multimillionaire when the machine displayed a $42.9 million jackpot. Again, for reference, the maximum payout was clearly stated at $6,500. In many cases, slot machines will sell themselves on their top payout. Maybe Bookman encountered the exception to the rule, but you would think a slot machine with dated graphics would try to draw attention if the jackpot could ever be close to $42.9 million. At best, the machine has inadvertently mocked Bookman, but there is no way you would ever be able to win that much from a random slot machine in a casino people would be queuing around the clock to play it! Lets be honest here: mistakenly thinking you have won millions must suck, but this was so obviously a malfunction. Bookman has been doing the media rounds to sell her story, which she needs to do if she wants her mooted court cases to have authenticity. At this stage, shes now working for her undeserved winnings. Gaming Commission Intervenes So far, the casino has drawn flak for the outcome, but this is utterly ridiculous. In the land of the lawsuit, Bookman is considering legal action when the New York State Gaming Commission has personally intervened to resolve the incident as the law dictates once again, as the law dictates. The day after the machine error, the commission met Bookman in person to tell her the machine malfunctioned and that legally she could only receive her actual winnings of $2.25. Since then, Bookman has said the casino should at least pay her the $6,500 maximum jackpot, but the commission has clearly stated it would be illegal for the casino to do so. Now, Im no Columbo, but this seems like quite a step down from demanding $42.9 million and publicly implying that a multimillion-dollar lawsuit is coming. Then again, this is the type of pressure that occurs when you watch US legal dramas on TV. Moving forward, this should teach all of us to know exactly what we are playing for. Opalesque Industry Update - Goldman Sachs Asset Management today launched an ETF seeking to track the Goldman Sachs Hedge Fund VIP Index, a proprietary index maintained by GSAM. The Index includes 50 Very-Important-Positions US-listed stocks that most often appear in the top 10 holdings of over 650 hedge fund managers, managing over $700 billion in equity.1 GVIP is competitively priced2 to shareholders at 45 basis points (bps) and will begin trading on the NYSE Arca, Inc. on November 3, 2016 with $20 million in assets. Were thrilled to be able to package these high conviction investment ideas from a broad array of professional investors into a cost effective, tax-efficient and convenient ETF wrapper, said Michael Crinieri, Head of ETF Strategies at GSAM. The Index is constructed in accordance with a rules-based methodology derived from concepts previously developed by Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research division. The Index, calculated by Solactive AG, is equally weighted and includes stocks owned by hedge fund managers holding between 10 and 200 distinct equity positions as reported in their most recent Form 13F filings. GSAM started offering ETFs in September 2015 with the launch of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (Ticker: GSLC). GSAM now offers seven ETFs with $2.5 billion in assets as of September 30, 2016. GSAM most recently launched the Goldman Sachs TreasuryAccess 0-1 Year ETF (Ticker: GBIL), the first ETF to offer same-day settlement of creations and redemptions for authorized participants. The 12th cc. Norman Invasion of Ireland, led by Strongbow, brought with it the Fitzgeralds' genetic connection to the Camelot mythology (via the marriage of Gerald of Winsor to Princess Nest). JFK brought this connection to the White House thereby challenging the Anglo/American political establishment to its roots. It has continued to haunt the establishment to this day. In 2005 when a historian in Wexford Ireland discovered that President George W. Bush was a descendent of the 12thcentury Earl Richard de Clare, "Strongbow" it caused something of a commotion in the British press. Ever since John Fitzgerald Kennedy, tracing a presidential candidate's lineage to Ireland has become a common theme. But according to the Guardian having Strongbow as an ancestor, "a desperate land-grabbing warlord whose calamitous foreign adventure led to the suffering of generations" was something of an embarrassment. As an Anglo-Norman Earl with Viking lineage from one of the most powerful Norman/French families in 12thcentury England, NOT being a land-grabbing warlord was probably a death sentence. In a world where might meant right Strongbow's real crime was his challenge to the authority of the Anglo/French King Henry II's House of Anjou and his threat to set himself up as a rival Norman King of Ireland. Also unmentioned in this Guardian article titled, "Scion of traitors and warlords: why Bush is coy about his Irish links" is Strongbow's even stronger genetic links to the Fitzgerald antecedents to JFK, who as a family of mercenary soldiers in service to numerous European royal houses, made Strongbow's English and Irish conquests possible and married directly into the de Clare family line shortly after coming to Ireland. Chafing under the rule of the Angevin King Henry II of England, the ambitious Strongbow pictured himself on a par with the English King. His marriage to the daughter of Irish King Dermot MacMurrough was intended to seal the deal but Henry soon scuttled the plan. Strongbow was a Crusader, served in the Holy Land and was a known to be a generous supporter of the infamous Knights Templar, the warrior monks for whom the Cistercian Abbot Bernard of Clairvaux penned De Laude Novae Militiae (In Praise of the new Knighthood) thereby redefining the very nature of murder when done in the name of Christ. Strongbow's daughter Isabel was married off by King Richard I to William Marshall in 1189. Considered the greatest knight in Christendom, he was installed as a Knight Templar on his deathbed in 1219. Marshall stayed loyal to the Angevin king John during the baron's rebellion and was present at the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215. The Magna Carta defused a rebellion by England's powerful barons by setting limits on royal power and placing all future sovereigns under the rule of law. Alongside Habeas Corpus, it stood as an abiding principle of Western and international law until being subsumed by the events of 911. Upon Strongbow's death in April of 1176, the equally ambitious Fitzgerald family assumed Strongbow's original mission in Ireland but their challenge to Britain's royalty had already begun a century before. After taking part in the Norman conquest of England in 1066, the family and their extended clans had become deeply entwined in Angevin family politics as part of the Norman invasion force of South Wales. The marriage (arranged by Henry I) of the patriarch of the Fitzgerald family, Gerald FitzWalter of Windsor to Nest, daughter of Rhys Ap Tewdwr (Tudor) who is considered the last king of the Britons, cemented the Fitzgeralds to an ancient British dynasty of kings and the Arthurian legends surrounding them. Known for their loyalty to a Catholic Rome, their embrace of Ireland's Celtic culture and their fierce desire to establish their control over Ireland, the next four hundred years found the Fitzgerald family drawn deeply into English as well as European politics with numerous Fitzgerald kin interned in the Tower of London. The coming of the Reformation to England in the 16th century turned four hundred years of border disputes and jurisdictional feuding into holy war. In 1580, the Holy See in Rome sent an army of Italians and Spaniards to help the Fitzgeralds fight Queen Elizabeth's Protestant forces under the authority drafted by the "Just War Doctrine." Dubbed by author Richard Berleth as the "Twilight Lords" for their role as the last doomed, feudal barons of Ireland, the Fitzgeralds' struggle against the Elizabethans and the Renaissance Neoplatonism of men such as Edmund Spencer and Walter Raleigh presents a dark moment in British history. But it also offers a window into a thousand year old factional struggle of a European "deep state" that exploded openly in Ireland in the 16th century before spreading to the four corners of the earth through imperial expansion. Allegorized as the embodiment of evil in Edmund Spencer's Faerie Queene, the Fitzgeralds were transformed into the "Other" in the English propaganda of the day, while Elizabeth and her Red Cross Templar knights followed in the tradition of King Arthur and the Round Table. Far from being only a war over ecclesiastical principles, this "holy war" fought between the Catholic Fitzgerald clans and their Calvinist opposites was also a war against economic domination and colonization from London. From London's perspective, the war was a just war because it was a struggle to the death against the Papal forces of the Counter Reformation, which were encircling it militarily and economically and rolling back Protestant reforms. In the end, the war devastated Ireland, depopulated the Irish countryside, shifted power from local landowners to mercantilists in London and instilled a lasting fear and anger between Protestants and Catholics. Ireland set the standards of behavior that marked the beginnings of Britain's empire that live on as much today in the neighborhoods of Kabul, Kandahar and Peshawar as they do in Derry and Belfast. But it also marked a turning point in Rome's ability to manage world events through military force and a shift from the ecclesiastically sanctioned violence of "just war" to the secular/state sanctioned violence of "just war." We have illustrated in our multi-part series An Empire in Twilight that whatever America once appeared to be, at least since World War II, it never was the country we thought. Although once assumed to be governed by rules, democratic laws and financial regulations, today's America operates not unlike Strongbow's feudal state ruled by the private and personal agendas of a handful of individuals and the vast majority of the American public disapproves of it. Over the years, organizations such as the Trilateral Commission and the Council on Foreign Relations, the Bilderberg group and the Club of Rome are known to have exerted a decisive role over government policies and mass media. We have known for a century or more of the secret financial power groups that work behind the scenes. Such family lines as Rockefeller, Carnegie and Rothschild and their desire to control the world through financial manipulation are the stuff of legend. Yet, despite their monopolistic and anti-democratic efforts their power and their money continue to fuel popular allure. We have written of secret intelligence organizations such as Le Cercle, the Safari Club and the 6I which at the behest of international business cartels both legal and illegal have secretly undermined democratic elections, overthrown governments and redirected the world's economy for the benefit of a chosen few. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). From Empire Burlesque Well, here we are: at the bottom of the barrel under 40 feet of slag. In a few days' time, we'll know our fate: the five-alarm fire of Trump Rule (oh, how those police unions are chomping at the bit!) or the Clinton Age of Hyper-War (oh, how those neocons are chomping at the bit!). In either case, the entrenched coagulation of corporate interests and war profiteers that have strangled the peace, prosperity and prospects of the American people will not be budged an inch. The change that people are so desperately hungry for -- so hungry that some of them might well elect an Establishment insider whose sinister clowning makes him appear to be a "rebel" -- will not come. Thus their bitterness will grow deeper, more sour, erupting more and more often in physical violence: from militarized police against protesters, from Trump-empowered racists (if he wins or loses), from extremist militias, from angry, maddened people on every side. And of course there will be more -- much more -- of the horrific, never-ending, globe-spanning violence of the bipartisan Terror War that churns on and on, no matter who is sitting temporarily in the White House. There's no use in pretending that's not what we face. But there's also no use in pretending that this situation is somehow sui generis, some terribly unlucky conflation of unforeseen circumstances coming together at this particular time. It is in fact the culmination and embodiment of the deliberate choices of the most powerful forces in society: the choices to enrich themselves beyond all reason and extend their military and economic dominance over the earth. It doesn't matter that many if not most of the practitioners and functionaries of this system "believe" in its rightness. It doesn't matter that brutal neoliberal nostrums and extremist imperial notions have become religious dogmas for those who see themselves as the "meritocracy." It doesn't matter if the leaders and factotums genuinely believe in the "exceptionalism" they preach or if they are cynical power-seekers. It doesn't matter if they actually believe their rapacious financial machinations are reflections of the "natural law" of the "the market" that will eventually benefit all, or if they know themselves to be what they really are: ugly souls disfigured by greed. The end result has been the same: a long series of deliberate choices by a bipartisan elite that have hollowed out the lives and communities and futures of millions of Americans, and created a living hell of war, ruin and hatred over much of the earth. This is a system that has delegitimized itself, a system that has undermined its own institutions. Through its own actions, it has rotted out the foundations of trust and reason which once upheld it. Some might say, "Oh, but there's been a decades-long, concentrated effort by right-wing billionaires and corporate forces to foment ideological and religious extremism to undermine the legitimacy of secular government, which might restrict their profiteering or let more people have a share in power." And that's true. But it's been accompanied at every step by the collusion and cowardice of the putative opposition. The so-called New Democrats, exemplified by the Clintons, jettisoned concern for the common good to embrace "centrist" and "technocratic" policies: i.e., to adopt the neoliberal dogma that unbridled pursuit of private profit by connected elites will somehow, someday, lead to general prosperity. The idea that the party should fight to improve the lives of ordinary people in the here and now, to fight for their quality of life in a genuine, substantive way, came to be seen as old-hat, a quaint and fusty notion of has-beens and dreamers who didn't understand the way the world really worked. A true, savvy "moderate" knows you must compromise every ideal, show yourself to be a willing and avid servant of the monied interests and the militarists, in order to gain power so you can ... make a few cosmetic changes around the edges, a few little social improvements here and there (but only -- of course! -- in "partnership" with private interests), but never, ever challenge the system at its core. This is the only deal in town: outright, unvarnished right-wing rule, or simpering, cowardly "moderate" management of a violent, rapacious system. That's been the choice on offer since 1976. That's the choice on offer today. The only difference is that the system has metastasized to a monstrous degree over the years: lacking any genuine opposition, the system has grown more violent, more rapacious. Establishment collusion -- and Democratic cowardice -- finally and completely degraded and delegitimized the American electoral process 16 years ago, when the Supreme Court -- with two members who had direct family ties to the Bush campaign -- stopped a recount that would have resulted in the actual winner of the election to take office. This outrageous action was accepted by every single organ and institution of the American system. (With the momentary exception of the Black Congressional Caucus, whose members tried, in vain, to get a single Democratic senator to challenge the result.) Instead, Americans were encouraged to applaud the fact that power had changed hands "without tanks in the street." That is, we were to celebrate that an actual coup d'etat had taken place before our eyes without the slightest show of resistance. Once in place, the coup regime -- staffed at the highest levels by extremists who a year before had publicly called for a vast militarization of American policy and society, even if the public had to be "galvanized" by "a new Pearl Harbor" -- led the nation into a disastrous war based on false pretenses, a vast crime that not only killed hundreds of thousands of innocent people but has led directly to unbridled turmoil, extremism, conflict and corruption around the world. The elite-supported coup regime instituted torture programs and death squads, and launched an orgy of war profiteering unprecedented in world history. The regime then presided over the worst economic collapse in generations. Not a single member of the regime was ever tried -- or even investigated, at even the most preliminary level -- for a single crime committed during its time in power. There were no high-profile Congressional investigations into the hideous carnage and ruin and instability they wrought; not even a "Chilcot Commission" into the origins of the war, as the UK belatedly launched. Instead the regime's leaders and top factotums were heaped with honors and wealth. Today their endorsement is eagerly sought -- and gained -- by the "progressive" Democratic candidate for president. In 2008, the desperate electorate turned to a figure presented to them as an outsider who would at last bring real change. He had the trappings of difference -- a black man with a Muslim name, who spoke eloquently of peace and social justice, who most people thought was far to the left but voted for him anyway. But Barack Obama was of course a meritocratic "centrist" to his core. Riding an enormous wave of popularity, and a strong Congressional majority, he proceeded to " bail out Wall Street fraudsters and finaglers with tax money and create a health care system based on the plan of a rightwing think-tank that prioritized corporate profit -- and probably killed the chance for a genuinely public health care system for generations, if not for good. He also doubled down on the Terror War, expanding it to more countries, extended Bush's death squads, helped destroy nations like Libya and Yemen (thus spawning more chaos and terror), expanded illegal surveillance of the populace (and the world) to an extent beyond the wildest dreams of the Stasi or KGB. And after saving Big Money from itself and securing the guaranteed profits of the healthcare-insurance corporate complex, he spent most of his time on the domestic front trying to strike a "grand bargain" with Republicans to cut Social Security and Medicare. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). The first "Battle of Kunduz" took place from April to October 2015 for control of the city, where Taliban forces were playing cat and mouse for months and finally overran the city, forcing government forces to flee. The capture marked the first time since 2001 that the Taliban had taken control of a major city in Afghanistan. The Afghan government claimed to have largely recaptured Kunduz by October 1 in a counterattack. But by 6 October, the Taliban had recaptured substantial portions of Kunduz. In the confusion, on October 3, long after the government had supposedly recaptured the city, still looking for the Taliban command centre, US fighter pilots ominously circled the Kunduz emergency-care trauma hospital. It had been installed and administered by Doctors without Borders (MSF), the only state-of-the-art facility in the war-torn province. For 45 minutes, like ominous clouds, the planes fired pot shots, as if warming up, taunting or warning the doctors and patients, who started to flee and were mowed down. Finally, the pilots of the gunships launched full-scale fire at 2am, on both the hospital and civilians fleeing what was clearly the target of US wrath. A year later, the Canadian MSF head, Stephen Cornish, described the assault at a memorial gathering at Toronto General Hospital honouring the 42 victims, both the MSF doctors and their patients, killed by US forces. In keeping with NGO tradition, Cornish wouldn't lay the blame on specific individuals, though there were dozens of eye witnesses. He just kept insisting that there be an independent inquiry. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). From The Hill Next Wednesday the world will turn its attention to the transition that will bring the peaceful transfer of power to a new president and Congress after a hard and bitter campaign in a deeply divided nation. If Hillary Clinton is elected president, the transition will provide a golden opportunity for her to reach out to supporters of Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders, who have legitimate economic anxieties and grievances, and to members of both parties in a Congress, which suffers from disapproval ratings even higher than Clinton's. Clinton should focus her closing campaign message, transition and first 100 days in office on achieving the dramatic enactment of major plans to create millions of new high-paying American jobs, achieve a higher minimum wage for workers, advance pay equity for women, and reduce income inequality with sufficient bipartisan support to achieve passage in Congress. First, the plan to rebuild America's schools, roads, bridges, ports, airports, rail and other parts of America's decaying infrastructure would give a significant boost to the national economy by creating millions of high-wage American jobs. This has long been supported by big business, small business, organized labor and a majority of Democrats and Republicans in Congress. In her outreach to the nation, Clinton would emphasize that the jobs created by rebuilding America, and the economic gains to America as a whole, would benefit supporters of Trump and Sanders as much as supporters of her. Second, it would be fitting if the first female president would make equal pay for women an early priority of her presidency. As her beachhead for bipartisanship, beginning with pay equity, Clinton could promptly meet with, and build a special relationship with, the bipartisan group of female senators who provide a model for how elected officials can work together to get things done with mutual respect and collaboration. When Clinton served in the Senate, she was a member of this group of female senators and has personal relations with many of them that cross party lines. In her outreach to Trump and Sanders supporters, a president-elect Clinton should emphasize that equal pay benefits women who supported them as much as women who supported her, and ask for their support. Third, a president-elect Clinton should seek a personal audience with Pope Francis, the most revered public figure in the world, and meet with religious leaders of all American faiths and denominations. They would seek common ground to help the poor, heal the nation and elevate the tone of our political discourse. Fourth, a president-elect Clinton could meet with House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) to seek common ground to include the kind of creative conservative initiatives to help the poor and middle class pioneered by the late and great Republican Congressman Jack Kemp. Fifth, for her nominee as Treasury secretary, Clinton could follow the excellent model of President Bill Clinton, who chose then-Sen. Lloyd Bentsen (D-Texas) to be his first Treasury secretary, which paved the way for the major economic success of his presidency. Two possibilities for a Clinton Treasury secretary would be current Secretary of State John Kerry or former Sen. Bill Bradley (D-N.J.), to serve for at least the first two years of a Hillary Clinton presidency. They both possess presidential stature, extensive knowledge of domestic and global economics and finance, and would avoid potentially divisive controversies with progressives that other potential nominees could bring. Whether Trump or Clinton is elected, the worst case for America -- which is the most likely outcome today -- would be continued gridlock, government dysfunction and endless partisan wars in Washington that would create even more public disgust toward business as usual in the capital. If Hillary Clinton is elected, there is a better way, with historical precedent. When Bill Clinton was president, even at times of partisan conflict, he worked with political opponents, including then-Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), to cement his legacy and bring prosperity to the nation. The Politics of Fake Encounters There is an uproar in Indian on a new murky police encounter killing eight "escaped" Muslim prisoners in Bhopal. The incident has kicked up a raging controversy with the government and the opposition parties locked in a war of words over the issue. Raising doubts, Congress and left parties have sought a judicial probe into the incident. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge told Asian News International (ANI), "I saw the photographs on television and they do bring suspicion. They make us think that was that encounter fake? Because it seems quite difficult to imagine that eight people at a time were killed by the police at the same place together. This matter should be investigated and the Supreme Court should assign this matter to a retired Supreme Court judge to probe the matter and clear all doubts." Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh said the repeated instance of prisoners escaping from jails across the country suggested a larger 'conspiracy'. "Why do only Muslims break out of jail and not Hindus," said the congress leader. "It is a serious issue. First Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) activists fled the Khandwa jail. Now, they have fled from the Bhopal jail. I have been reiterating that RSS activists and other similar organizations are behind the anti-Muslim riots in the country. It should be probed whether there is someone behind this or not," he said earlier. Accusing the Madhya Pradesh government of using the police for fulfilling the RSS agenda, Bahujan Samajwadi Party chief Mayawati on Tuesday demanded a judicial probe into the encounter between police and eight alleged SIMI activists. She also alleged that there are communal motives behind the misuse of police in BJP-ruled states. "Eight prisoners related to SIMI were unarmed. They could have been arrested easily again but no attempts were made in this regard. Prima facie this matter appears suspicious and justice demands judicial probe into the entire incident," she said in a statement. "Its visible that police is misused for political and communal motives in BJP-ruled states. Police had saved many accused in the Vyapam scam. It was only after the intervention of the Supreme Court that the matter was handed over to CBI. MP government is using police for fulfilling RSS agenda," she charged. A video has started surfacing on social media that further raises questions about today's encounter. In the video, four to five prisoners can be seen raising their hands while on radio cops said, "Yeh baat karnaa chaah rahey hain inko gher loo" (They want to talk, surround them). Media report said no one yet knows what happened in between that the angry cops killed them rather arresting them. In another video, it is clearly seen a cop shooting the body while a policemen is displaying a brand new knife, wrapped in plastic, which he took out from one of the dead men. Sahilonline reported that it has been ten hours now and the Bhopal police officials that were successful today in killing eight under-trial SIMI members, the cops are still not able to convince most of the media houses whether the encounter was real or "staged". As three videos have appeared one by one in last few hours raising doubts about today's killing. Apart from media, Tahawwur Khan, defense lawyer of eight SIMI members, had also raised his doubt over the encounter and said that there is a conspiracy behind the killing. He reportedly said the trial of four SIMI members were about to end and there was no ample evidence against them, factually or legally. Khan further said that the court was about to give judgment in few weeks. Khan rubbished the claims of jailbreak and said, "Why they will do such things when they knew they were going to be acquitted?" Khan has also demanded a high-level inquiry into the encounter killing. Javed Chauhan, the Khandwa-based former lawyer of some of the slain SIMI activists, said that the sequence of events, beginning within the jail premises and ending at Manikhedi Patthar about 15 kms from Bhopal city, indicate that the eight men "did not escape by scaling the very high walls of the prison but were taken out in a vehicle" after the warder collapsed and died because of the grievous injuries he sustained in a fight on the intervening night of 30 and 31 November. Seven years later, 17 suspected SIMI activists acquitted last year Seven years after 17 Muslim men, many of them medical students and engineers, were arrested by the Karnataka police on charges of terrorism and criminal conspiracy, for allegedly being associated with the proscribed Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), a trial court in Hubli on April 30, 2015 acquitted all of them. Those acquitted were - Mohammad Asif, Raiazuddin Naseer, Asadulla Abubakar, Hafiz Hussein, Shakil Ahemad Mali, Allabhakha Yadwad, Mirza Ahemad Baig, Sabit Shibli, Yahya Kammakutti, Safdar Hussein Nagori, Sayyad Sadiq Sameer, Kamaruddin, Mohammad Yassin, Mohammad Ansar, Manroz Jaman, P A Shadooli and Akbar Ali Mulla. Sameer was already out on bail for the last four years. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). by Kevin Stoda, author of the series on Almost Amish, Almost Mennonite? I am an evangelical who rejects the trends to support Donald Trump, and I am an evangelical christian who lives for and tries to live like Christ. Evangelicals like Tony Campolo[1] and I are (1) fighting for justice, (2) are interested in helping the poor and needy who call us to aid and assist them, and (3) are trying very hard not to fall for "systemic evil" choices that are making too many evangelicals and even too many Amish focus in 2016 so distorted. Like Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of Billy Graham, we know that the change we need is from Jesus not from a political party or false prophet. NOTE: See the video of Anne Graham Lotz's 2016 description or prophecy here. Unlike her misguided brother, Frank Graham, Anne Graham Lotz seems to have been correct in her prophecy or statement that in our current election year ( 2016) people are already falling for false prophets left and right. In short, many concerned brothers and sisters are once again witnessing in America that too many evangelicals--and even Amish--are falling for "structural evils".[2] In contrast to her famous brother, Graham Lotz says we should be "standing firm on the Rock [Jesus red-letter gospel message]". This would mean standing for what is right every single day. ANNIE GRAHAM LOTZ: PROPHECY, the video speech by Anne Graham Lotz I am watching at the moment, indicates that "integrity" needs to be brought back into the church. "We are to walk with Christ in a way that brings Glory to Jesus." Campolo describes "structural evil" as involving racism. Campolo also emphasizes that "structural evil" involves or includes our media and our consumeristic value system.[3] Lotz warns against these things, too, in her message on 2016. "We should live our lives like we are living by the clock" is Anne Graham Lotz's main message. She says to stop watching that junk on TV. Stop reading that garbage. Do things in the Lord's glory. (Graham Lotz warns again from false prophets in this current election in 2016 in this other recent video here, too.) Campolo and most theologians define "structural evil" as "arrangements that diminish the dignity and humanity of persons by frustrating the will of God in their lives".[4] Sexism is another example of "structural evil" and it is a focus of entire chapter in Campolo's (2004) SPEAKING MY MIND book. [5] In fact, Campolo notes specifically that in many ways, many Baptist males and females have turned their back on Anne Graham Lotz as a preacher, evangelist and as a prophet simply because she is female. In the name of fighting sexism within the church, I suggest you consider voting for either Jill Stein of the Green party or Hillary Clinton of the Democratic party this 2016. (Vote for Stein if you want to see less wars. Anne Graham Lotz indicates that we are seeing too many wars and lists with concern that the USA is involved in 153 nations today. She says it will only get worse. I agree that Clinton has been unable to avoid wars but perhaps God has another plan in 2017.) Unlike Trump, Anne Graham Lotz is concerned about the weather, tornado and climate changes. We humans on earth need to be interested and concerned too. We need to follow this and protect loved ones. Lotz says God is trying to talk to us through the environment. They are harbingers, she says. I don't get too excited by such prophecies typically[6], but as these prophesies come from the Baptist-isolated sister of Frank Graham, it should give all evangelicals a pause. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Since last weekend and F.B.I. director James Comey's decision to intervene in the presidential election, I've been depressed. It struck me as yet another coup by the powerful to nullify democracy. It's like the Supreme Court's selection of George W. Bush back in 2000. This time the F.B.I. is the intervening agency. Its maneuver, like what happened 16 years ago, embodies the corruption of a system that needs to come down. After all, American imperialism is responsible for most of the world's problems: unending wars, oppression of poor people everywhere, planetary destruction by way of human-induced global warming, and reversion to pre-Magna Carta torture and imprisonment without charge or trial. The U.S. system has the world controlled by a relative handful of the obscenely rich capitalists whose economic theories and practice provide no hope of alleviating the poverty afflicting most of the planet. All of that demands that in the name of humanity, in the name of Mother Earth, the system just described must be destroyed. But how would such destruction occur? It all seems so entrenched and is controlled by overwhelming military and law-enforcement powers -- not to mention a network of propaganda and miseducation that keeps citizens asleep and rebellion at bay. It's like the Soviet Union before 1989. Ours is a weary, completely dysfunctional Old Order supported by politicians such as Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, Jeb Bush, and yes, by Hillary Clinton and her husband. All of them (and especially the Clintons in today's electoral context) represent the very embodiment of the ancien regime. They all endorse unending war, restrictions on human rights at home and abroad, constant surveillance of our communications and persons, low wages and cut-backs on the government services previously funded by taxing the rich. None of our politicians is willing to address criminal wealth disparities, climate change, the threat of nuclear war, falling living standards prohibitive health-care costs or student debt. In such dire straits, and as Michael Moore has suggested, most of us intuitively see that the system just described needs to be blown up. It needs someone to throw a Molotov cocktail at the whole thing. But who? Enter Donald Trump! Enter the U.S. electorate! Voting for Trump represents the bomb the desperate subconsciously require to destroy arrangements that no longer serve. It's like the Brits and Brexit. There ordinary people refused to be led by the "experts." They knew the system had to be destroyed. So they gave the middle finger to their "betters." Yes, Trump's an absolute lout, and a know-nothing. He's a climate-change denying sexist and racist xenophobe. But as such he makes clear to the entire world what "America" has become -- what it in fact is -- a country controlled by the greedy, uneducated, anti-scientific, religiously fundamentalist, racist, sexist, domineering, undemocratic, and xenophobic. With his election, it will no longer be possible to pretend otherwise. In other words, Donald Trump represents what's needed to spark the revolution against everything he and our country has come to embody. His election may be what's required to destroy the system as we know it and to catalyze the rebellion roiling just below the surface of contemporary American life. So following his election just watch the agents of revolution come together. I'm talking about: The civilized world Women tired of being objectified and harassed and underpaid Environmentalists Black Lives Matter activists "Fight for Fifteen" workers The New American Indian Movement resisting installations like the Dakota Access Pipeline Prison strikers Immigrants Indebted students Other people energized by Bernie Sanders Muslims at home and abroad Religious leaders like Pope Francis And Mother Earth Herself But, be forewarned: there will be a rough ride ahead of us. Should Trump win, we will experience all the troubles connected with a genuine revolution. God help us! From1948 through 2016 the United States has provided Israel $120.472 Billion in foreign aid that includes $83. 4359 Billion in military aid that continues at the rate of $3.1Billion per year. In 2018 it is scheduled is set to increase to about $38 billion over the next decade. The first amendment to the United States Constitution states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...." Appropriations for Foreign Aid and Military defense are laws passed by Congress. A wall has been erected between the US Government and Religions. As stated by The Supreme Court in Everson v. Board of Education , 330 U.S. 1 (1947): "The 'establishment of religion' clause of the First Amendment means at least this: Neither a state nor the Federal Government can set up a church. Neither can pass laws which aid one religion, aid all religions, or prefer one religion over another. Neither can force nor influence a person to go to or to remain away from church against his will or force him to profess a belief or disbelief in any religion. No person can be punished for entertaining or professing religious beliefs or disbeliefs, for church attendance or non-attendance. No tax in any amount, large or small, can be levied to support any religious activities or institutions, whatever they may be called, or whatever form they may adopt to teach or practice religion. Neither a state nor the Federal Government can, openly or secretly, participate in the affairs of any religious organizations or groups and vice versa. In the words of Jefferson, the clause against establishment of religion by law was intended to erect 'a wall of separation between church and State." Israel is a religious entity, a modern Theocratic State. Israel has declared itself to be so. In its declaration of independence, it declares it is "Jewish state," a term that appeared in the United Nations partition decision of 1947 as well. The related term "Jewish and democratic state" dates from 1992 legislation by the Israeli Knesset. Since its establishment, Israel has passed many laws which reflect on the Jewish identity and values of the majority (about 75% in 2016) of its citizens. All religious and personal status matters in Israel are determined by the religious authorities of the recognized confessional communities to which a person belongs. There are Jewish, Muslim and Druze communities and nine officially recognized Christian communities. During the period of the British Mandate of Palestine, after World War I, the High Commissioner established the Orthodox Rabbinate, comprising the older Turkish Rishon LeZion to which was added an Ashkenazi (European Jew) Chief Rabbi. This was recognized collectively as the religious authority for the Jewish community. In 1921, the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi and the Sephardi Chief Rabbi were named In 1947, David Ben-Gurion and the religious parties reached an agreement, which included an understanding that matters of personal status in Israel would continue to be determined by the existing religious authorities. This arrangement has been termed the status quo agreement and has been maintained despite numerous changes of government since. Under the arrangement, the Mandate period confessional system would continue, with membership in the Jewish community being on the basis of membership of a body called "Knesset Israel", which was a voluntary organization open to Jews. In 1949 the Knesset became the parliament of modern Israel. It consists of 120 members elected every four years. The majority of members are Jews although there have been Arab members since its founding in 1949. The majority of the Arabs in Israel are Muslim but some are Christian or Druze. (Image by Charles Grapski) Details DMCA This week Wikileaks released a potential bombshell in the Podesta Emails when it revealed that a top Department of Justice Official, with a long and close personal history with John Podesta, the chairman of the Clinton Campaign, was providing the campaign with advance internal information about the series of investigations into Clinton. Kadzik, who attended law school with Podesta at Georgetown, was also in the news this week as the FBI released its files on Mark Rich, a billionaire with close financial ties to the Clintons known for tax evasions and trading illegalities, who lobbied Podesta while Bill Clinton's Chief of Staff to obtain an infamous pardon. (Kadzik Biography at the Department of Justice) Kadzik also appears to have been assigned a key role, given the FBI Director's re-initiating an investigation into the Clinton emails, at least in the DoJ involvement in the investigation as pertains to the Huma Abedin emails discovered on her husband's, former Congressman Anthony Weiner, computer. Perhaps the email that stood out most to many was the one in which Podesta, referring back to the Monica Lewinski scandals of Bill Clinton, calls him a "fantastic lawyer" who helped keep him [Podesta] "out of jail." In this email, from 2008, Podesta is speaking to the late Cassandra Butts, Deputy White House Counsel, about Kazdik offering to be involved in assisting the Obama Administration. (SEE: 00021473.eml https://wikileaks.org/podesta-emails/emailid/3933). But while this does demonstrate the close relationship between Kazdik and Podesta it is more recent emails that are more troubling. Most problematic is an email entitled "Heads up" that Podesta forwarded to top Clinton Campaign staffers such as Jennifer Palmieri and Cheryl Mills on May 19th - literally giving Clinton and her campaign a "heads up" on the internal developments of the Department of Justice in regard to the many investigations ongoing into the Clintons. So what more may the Wikileaks Podesta Emails tell us about Kadzik's role as a mole leaking information, if not influencing the investigations, on behalf of Bill and Hillary Clinton? As just mentioned perhaps the most damning email, that of May 19th, was in the body of an email Podesta forwarded on later that morning to Hillary's top advisors. The original email - contained in the body of another released on November 2nd in the 26th Podesta dump - is not, yet, among those released by Wikileaks - although it is likely that it will eventually be one of the emails that will be released in a future dump (It is not present in the dumps through the 26th released on November 2nd). [May 19th Email Forwarding Kadzik's Email: 00029562.eml - Link on Wikileaks - Download .eml file] But Podesta's language introducing the information to the Clinton confidants, "Additional chances for mischief," only emphasizes the inappropriateness of the exchanges with Kadzik. (Image by Charles Grapski) Details DMCA Click for PDF of Forwarded Email. See CNN Hacked email appears to show DOJ official tipping Clinton campaign about review What the Map of the database shows (See the Series: Navigating Wikileaks: A Guide to the Podesta Emails) is that Kadzik did not send many emails to Podesta. As the Department of Justice stressed, in an odd approach to "justification" of his behavior, Kadzik did not send the emails using his official DoJ email account. He was not, the Department seems to be emphasizing, speaking in his official capacity as Assistant Director, but as a private individual (as if this excused the improper behavior). (Image by Charles Grapski) Details DMCA Click here for PDF Version of Peter Kadzik Map (Version 26) What we see is that there are 9 possible emails from Kadzik to Podesta in the database. (Two are at the latter end of the section of the emails when listed by filename (which is an 8-digit sequential number corresponding to an alphabetical listing of senders - thus these may include Kadzik emails but this will not be known until those two emails are released.) Two further emails as yet to be released will necessarily be from Kadzik - giving us a total of four and a minimum of two further emails expected from Wikileaks. The five emails thus far released from the potential nine do not, significantly, include the May 19th email forwarded by Podesta. Utilizing the Map we can see that this email can be anticipated to be released eventually falling into one of the latter two gaps - either 00045827.eml or 00045828.eml should contain this email. That means we can confidently expect at minimum two further emails from Kadzik to Podesta and potentially three. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). From Counterpunch Co-written by Winona Laduke and Zoltan Grossman Rally against the Dakota Access Pipeline (Image by Fibonacci Blue) Details DMCA So you joined law enforcement or the National Guard because you wanted to uphold the law, protect innocent civilians against the bad guys, and help your community in times of need. Instead, they're having you blockade unarmed people who are trying to hold a prayer vigil, chasing them with armored vehicles and ATVs, raiding their tipis and sweat lodges at gunpoint, and shooting them (and their horses) with pepper spray, concussion grenades, tasers, and rubber bullets. You thought you'd be the cop on the beat or the citizen soldier, and they've made you into the cavalry riding in with Custer. If you signed up for the National Guard, you swore a solemn oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States"against all enemies, foreign and domestic." This is a good time to read the text of that Constitution, including the First Amendment that prohibits abridging the free exercise of religion, or "the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Article Six of the Constitution defines "all Treaties made" (including those with Native nations) as "the supreme Law of the Land." The religious rights of Native people are further enshrined in the Indian Religious Freedom Act and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, both of which have been literally plowed under by the Dakota Access Pipeline. Energy Transfer Partners and Enbridge even hired private security goons, who on September 3 unleashed attack dogs on Native people praying to "petition the Government for a redress of grievances." On October 27, praying people holding tobacco and sage had their arms stomped until they released the offerings. Impersonal numbers were written on the arms of the arrestees, who were held in dog kennels. Genuine law enforcement or military wouldn't take sides or turn a blind eye to these shameful violations of constitutional rights, but protect the lives and property of all residents, whether Native or non-Native. If you deny others their humanity, you lose your own humanity. Yes, some of the water protectors are trespassing on private property and locking themselves to pipeline construction equipment. Their actions are part of a long tradition of nonviolent civil disobedience in the face of tyranny, from Henry David Thoreau to Martin Luther King Jr. Remember the Boston Tea Party, in which rebellious Americans posing as Indians took direct action against British tea taxes? The only real difference at Standing Rock is that they're not posing as Indians. When we visited there, we met many prayerful people who were justifiably angry -- what if an explosive oil pipeline or train threatened your home, your drinking water, or your kids' school? Yes, many of the water protectors are from out of state, but they were invited by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, with one of the conditions that they don't have weapons. The state of North Dakota has invited out-of-state armed police and unaccountable private security thugs, all to defend a corporation from Texas. Some of the police have come as far as Ohio and Wisconsin (and what self-respecting Packers fan would side with a corporate franchise based in Dallas?). Why is that that armed white militia members, from out of state and uninvited, are acquitted in Oregon, but invited, unarmed Native people are being criminalized and assaulted in North Dakota? The trend of state security forces being turned into private corporate security is hardly unique to North Dakota. In his book Resource Rebels, Al Gedicks documents how Nigeria set up a special internal security force to crush Ogoni protests against oil leaks and pipeline explosions. Shell Oil not only admitted funding and arming the military force, but provided access to its boats and helicopters. The commander of the force wrote that Shell operations would be "impossible unless ruthless military operations are undertaken for smooth economic activities to commence." When Ijaw women led protests against Chevron's oil pollution, the company flew in police and military personnel that killed unarmed protesters. Gedicks also documented how in Colombia, "human rights abuses have risen dramatically in the areas with the most intense oil activity," such as death squad killings and disappearances. BP and Occidental contracted with military units and private security firms to guard their oil pipelines, and BP gave photos and videotape of Indigenous community organizers to Colombian military units, which proceeded to arrest and kidnap them as "subversives." One army unit even sported a shoulder patch with an oil derrick. In Ecuador, police and military units have recently repressed protests by Amazon Indigenous communities against oil drilling and oil access roads in the Yasun rainforest reserve. The repression echoes previous governments' militarization around ARCO and Texaco drilling operations, including detention without charge and torture. Are these the kind of security forces that you'd be proud to be part of, merely appendages of Big Oil? These governments criminalize dissent not because they're afraid of illegality; it's because they're afraid of legal dissent winning the day. They know, just as North Dakota Governor Dalrymple knows, that if the movements grow and gather support, they have the power to stop oil pipelines from damaging their land and water. It seems impossible that the mostly-built $3.7 billion Dakota Access Pipeline could be defeated. But that's what happens when industries go into decline -- corporations lose some of their enormous profits. The Bakken oil fracking boom is already starting to bust, from lower oil prices and declining well yields. When the nuclear power industry similarly went bust in the 1980s after the Three Mile Island accident, utilities abandoned mostly-built reactors worth up to $2.5 billion ($6 billion in today's dollars). Why violate treaties and the Constitution for a pipeline that may carry less oil than anticipated, and eventually none at all? In a so-called "free enterprise" system, it's not your job to prop up energy companies and guarantee returns for their shareholders. It's your duty to defend the Constitution. In North Dakota, National Guard personnel are ordered to staff checkpoints, with concrete barriers and lights modeled on Traffic Control Points in war zones like Iraq. At least one of the private security firms guarding the pipeline, TigerSwan, has also worked in Iraq and Afghanistan. Police officers are given trainings that demonize citizens exercising their First Amendment rights as the enemy, and are deployed to prevent legal demonstrations from taking place, even on public property. Outside agencies come in with hyped-up intel briefings and sensationalized scary videos that blow a few of the pipeline confrontations out of proportion. But guess what? If the Native water protectors continue to be injured or worse, the conflict will only polarize and escalate, and you (and your department) will be left holding the bag. After the outside briefers fly home, you'll be left with the public relations disasters, crippling security costs, and expensive lawsuits. And are you absolutely certain that your own department won't hang you out to dry, by refusing to stand behind its "bad apples" who violently violated constitutional rights? For Guard personnel, the Uniform Code of Military Justice (Article 92) establishes a duty to obey lawful orders, but also a duty to disobey unlawful orders to that are clearly contrary to the Constitution. "I was just following orders" is not a legal defense for harming or violating the rights of civilians. If you feel you are being given an unlawful order to do so, you can legally send an "appeal for redress" to Congress that is protected under the Military Whistleblower Protection Act. You probably know quiet, creative ways to "work-to-rule," and share vital information about unlawful actions, to help slow down the madness. And if in doubt, you can always kneel and pray for guidance. You're probably being kept in a bubble of skewed briefings and biased media coverage. But it is our hope that this letter will be shared widely so it reaches you through your friends and family (DoD Directive 1325.6 allows military personnel to possess one copy of unauthorized printed material that is "critical of government policies or officials"). We hope that you read it with an open mind, and act according to your conscience. As the German playwright Bertolt Brecht wrote on the eve of World War II, "General, your tank is a powerful vehicle. It smashes down forests and crushes men. But it has one defect: It needs a driver...General, man is very useful. He can fly and he can kill. But he has one defect: He can think." A PDF leaflet of this letter can be downloaded here. Introduction Islam has laid the stones for equity-based society. This became possible when the holy Prophet PBUH declared; nobody is superior to others. All are born equal. Rationally, it was the result of Islamic teachings that the savage nomadic of Arabia became the champion of morality and succeeded in introducing a true welfare-state system where the AMIR was likely to be litigated by everyone who considered his basic rights at stake. A state where the governors are annually being trialed at the eve of HAJ is a hallmark of an equity-based society. Plausibly, if a balanced, stable and socially justified society is required, the teachings of holy prophet PBUH, the foremost important source of guidance in Islam, are to be enforced. In the essay, I have explained under the definition aspect, the social justice, the relevant features, the importance and the significant domains that discover the preservation of social justice in a particular culture. Subsequently, I have sought the sayings and teachings of the Holy Prophet PBUH that guides towards how to be socially justified and its subsequent fruits. In the following part, I have investigated those spectrum that endorse the relevance of social justice for a community. Given the contemporary scenario regarding social justice, I have made plausible rationales and arguments on that unfortunately the Pakistani society in true sense lacks in the implementation of social justice. For the sake of averting these malpractices regarding injustice, brief suggestions have been made in the conclusion. Definition Aspect of Social Justice The central theme of the essay can be understood if the definition aspect of social justice will all its pros and cons is scrutinized. Accordingly, social justice consists of two words. Social means connectivity and relations with the fellow human beings. Justice means to respect the moralities and values in the people-to-people relation. All societies consist of various individuals, differing from each other in social, economic and political entity. Under the said difference, the interaction of individual forms societal norms and makes cultural dealings. According to a source, "Allah, the Al-wise, has created all his creatures with differences when none of them had existed beforehand or had any claim or right. Allah SWT has established a system of life cycle with cause and affect and set a particular line of action for every creature." [1] Thus, human with different social backgrounds strive to enhance their importance within the society. Each individual, enhancing social worth, influences other's heart and mind and coerces him to react accordingly. In this practice, the survival becomes the most significant objectives that individuals at all level assert to maintain. Peter agrees, "The basic problem to any society is to provide for survival and reproductive needs of its members." [2] In the competition of survival, the dominant class attempts to maintain its supremacy through certain methods and schemes whereas the dominated working class strives to avoid from being exploited and also makes utmost efforts to seek a life, full of honor. In this competitive trend for respective objectives, the social justice by certain intellectuals is considered pertinent in the survival of a society. Therefore, in accordance with a report published by United Nations Organization, "The social justice emerged as an expression of protest against what was perceived as the capitalist exploitation of labor." [3] The report also ascertains that social justice is faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the rights of men and women. The most important contribution made in this report is the demarcation of domains that determine the social justice being observed. Accordingly, the social justice ascertains mainly three domains; equity of rights, equity of opportunities and equity of living conditions. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). I found an interview with a Professor Sutton that happened several years ago. This interview exemplifies the primary reason I am writing the series on local movements. We need to get beyond politicians and corporations and begin unfolding the pattern of life that is positive for us all, that includes this entire planet...animals, plants, soil and people. We are all in this together. The video below speaks to the linkage of United States businesses to Nazi Germany. Interesting, at the end of the video, we find that Professor Sutton has not been found in several years. I don't know and don't want to contemplate why he disappeared. I do wonder what its about and yes, I am suspicious. Well, more than suspicious......but I don't have direct evidence, so I end this sentence. I wonder why they (corporations) didn't confiscate the interview? Did they not know about it? Has it been hidden? If it was hidden, how did it re-manifest? And also, why? I'm not about to ask "who" because I would fear for that "Mr or MS' life. Do Trump or Hilary make a difference? Or are they simply a comedy routine designed to make you laugh or get angry while the "powers that be" are destroying this planet? The interview with Professor Sutton is at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uixBexOyxBg (Republished from Katehon.com) Current Western accusations against Russia claim that it is trying to "re-establish its Empire", which fell apart when the Soviet Union imploded in 1991. The West's main case centers on the Baltic states and Poland, which, together with Ukraine and Belarus, have been in and out of the Russian orbit for centuries. Although there is not even a shred of evidence to suggest current Russian designs beyond its Western border, Western allegations provide a wonderful excuse for NATO to move troops and tanks smack up against their gigantic neighbor. But they cannot really be referred to as part of a Russian 'Empire' when past 'occupations' have been provoked by the fact that they have repeatedly served as the route for Western invasions of Russia./ Suffering, according to Napoleon. (Image by Vasnic64) Details DMCA What Westerners really mean when they talk about a Russian Empire are the countries along Russia's vast southern border. Beyond the wall of the Ural Mountains, the Eurasian continent stretches for thousands of miles to the Pacific. The 'Empire' that President Putin is allegedly trying to revive did not evolve from independently ruled lands: its endless plains broken up by few rivers left it largely 'uninhabited' or terranullius, into the modern era. According to Wikipedia: Terra nullius"is a Latin expression deriving from Roman law meaning "nobody's land".[1] It is used in international law to describe territory which has never been subject to the sovereignty of any state, or over which any prior sovereign has expressly or implicitly relinquished sovereignty. Sovereignty over territory which is terra nullius may be acquired through occupation, [2]though in some cases doing so would violate an international law or treaty.. Southern Central Asia was inhabited predominantly by Persian tribes until the 5th century, when Turkic peoples began to spread across the area. In the twelfth century, Ghengis Kahn's Mongol horsemen swarmed over the Eurasian plain all the way to Kiev and Muscovy. That large area on the Western side of the Urals was a thriving civilization known as Kievan Rus. The Mongols dug in for four centuries with a system of state ownership of land and people. Dictating the position of every Russian, this system continued under the all-powerful Tsarist state, and after the Bolshevik revolution. (See my review of Tibor Szamuely's incomparable "The Russian Tradition" at Opednews: http://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Russian-Tradition-by-by-Deena-Stryker-Class_Community_Conspiracy_Democracy-140509-717.html&series=314 From the end of the thirteenth century to World War I, the Ottoman Empire, home of the Muslim Caliphate, ruled most of central Asia, and it was through wars fought against Turkey that Russia acquired many of what are known today as the 'Stans' (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakstan). After the Russian Revolution, these fledgling countries were incorporated into the Soviet Union. The eastern areas, known as East Turkistan or Xinjiang, were incorporated into the People's Republic of China. From before the Christian era into the Middle Ages, the Silk Road made famous by Marco Polo's tales, traveled through Central Asia, fading and reappearing according to the waxing and waning of trade opportunities . In the twentieth century, the countries along its route saw significant modernization, and with the collapse of the Soviet Union they became independent members of the Russian Federation of Independent States. So much for Vladimir Putin's Russian Empire. What about America's? For thousands of years, North America was inhabited by Indian tribes, thus according to modern international law, it would have been considered terra nullius at the time of the European conquest. As white settlers moved westward, the original inhabitants were hunted down, survivors driven into 'reservations', where most of them have remained to this day. The US does not include any 'Indian' states - moreover, it has constantly intervened in Central America and Mexico, where 'development' is perhaps half that of the US. Our neighbors to a south which we long referred to as 'our backyard', are run by drug lords, its youth forced to join gangs or travel atop a train toward a US border, where unaccompanied children face deportation instead of care in what is touted as the wealthiest nation in the world. The United States did not acquire its present boundaries until after the two year war that followed the 1845 annexation of the Mexican territory of Texas. Since 1945, the US has invaded 44 nations, according to a "History of U.S. Military Interventions since 1890" at http://academic.evergreen.edu/g/grossmaz/interventions.html . The chart does not include military exercises in foreign lands, the stationing of troops abroad, covert actions, the training of foreign troops, and many other forms of aggression. It should hardly be necessary to belabor the point: While the US failed to incorporate most of the lands it invaded into the United States, tailoring its 'assistance' to benefit American corporations, Soviet Russia pursued a process of modernization that continues to this day. In an ultimate insult to its public, the American press has studiously avoided reporting on the greatest development project the world has ever seen: The joint Russian-Chinese New Silk Road, also known as One Belt, One Road: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Belt,_One_Road , that will link China to Europe via ultra-modern rail, roads and ports. Meanwhile, American Indians only make the headlines when they put their bodies in front of earth movers turning their ancient burial sites into oil pipelines. This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. Creating a National Security State "Democracy" Or How the American Political System Changed and No One Noticed By Tom Engelhardt To say that this is the election from hell is to insult hell. There's been nothing like this since Washington forded the Rubicon or Trump crossed the Delaware or delivered the Gettysburg Address (you know, the one that began "Four score and eleven women ago...") -- or pick your own seminal moment in American history. Billions of words, that face, those gestures, the endless insults, the abused women and the emails, the 24/7 spectacle of it all... Whatever happens on Election Day, let's accept one reality: we're in a new political era in this country. We just haven't quite taken it in. Not really. Forget Donald Trump. Doh! Why did I write that? Who could possibly forget the first presidential candidate in our history preemptively unwilling to accept election results? (Even the South in 1860 accepted the election of Abraham Lincoln before trying to wave goodbye to the Union.) Who could forget the man who claimed that abortions could take place on the day of or the day before actual birth? Who could forget the man who claimed in front of an audience of nearly 72 million Americans that he had never met the women who accused him of sexual aggression and abuse, including the Peoplemagazine reporter who interviewed him? Who could forget the candidate who proudly cited his positive polling results at rallies and in tweets, month after month, before (when those same polls turned against him) discovering that they were all "rigged"? Whatever you think of The Donald, who in the world -- and I mean the whole wide world (including the Iranians) -- could possibly forget him or the election he's stalked so ominously? When you think of him, however, don't make him the cause of American political dysfunction. He's just the bizarre, disturbed, and disturbing symptom of the transformation of the American political system. Admittedly, he is a one-of-a-kind "politician," even among his associates in surging right-wing nationalist and anti-whatever movements globally. He makes France's Marine Le Pen seem like the soul of rationality and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte look like a master tactician of our age. But what truly makes Donald Trump and this election season fascinating and confounding is that we're not just talking about the presidency of a country, but of the country. The United States remains the great imperial state on Planet Earth in terms of the reach of its military and the power of its economy and culture to influence the workings of everything just about everywhere. And yet, based on the last strange year of election campaigning, it's hard not to think that something -- and not just The Donald -- is unnervingly amiss on Planet America. The World War II Generation in 2016 Sometimes, in my fantasies (as while watching the final presidential debate), I perform a private miracle and bring my parents back from the dead to observe our American world. With them in the room, I try to imagine the disbelief many from that World War II generation would surely express about our present moment. Of course, they lived through a devastating depression, light years beyond anything we experienced in the Great Recession of 2007-2008, as well as a global conflagration of a sort that had never been experienced and -- short of nuclear war -- is not likely to be again. Despite this, I have no doubt that they would be boggled by our world and the particular version of chaos we now live with. To start at a global level, both my mother (who died in 1977) and my father (who died in 1983) spent decades in the nuclear age, the era of humanity's greatest -- for want of a better word -- achievement. After all, for the first time in history, we humans took the apocalypse out of the hands of God (or the gods), where it had resided for thousands of years, and placed it directly in our own. What they didn't live to experience, however, was history's second potential deal-breaker, climate change, already bringing upheaval to the planet, and threatening a slow-motion apocalypse of an unprecedented sort. While nuclear weapons have not been used since August 9, 1945, even if they have spread to the arsenals of numerous countries, climate change should be seen as a snail-paced version of nuclear war -- and keep in mind that humanity is still pumping near-record levels of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. I imagine my parents' amazement that the most dangerous and confounding issue on the planet didn't get a single question, not to speak of an answer, in the three presidential debates of 2016, the four and a half hours of charges, insults, and interruptions just past. Neither a moderator, nor evidently an undecided voter (in the town hall second debate), nor either presidential candidate -- each ready to change the subject on a moment's notice from embarrassing questions about sexual aggression, emails, or anything else -- thought it worth the slightest attention. It was, in short, a problem too large to discuss, one whose existence Donald Trump (like just about every other Republican) denies, or rather, in his case, labels a "hoax" that he uniquely blames on a Chinese plot to sink America. So much for insanity (and inanity) when it comes to the largest question of all. On a somewhat more modest scale, my mom and dad wouldn't have recognized our political world as American, and not just because of Donald Trump. They would have been staggered by the money pouring into our political system -- at least $6.6 billion in this election cycle according to the latest estimate, more than 10% of that from only 100 families. They would have been stunned by our 1% elections; by our new Gilded Age; by a billionaire TV celebrity running as a "populist" by riling up once Democratic working-class whites immiserated by the likes of him and his "brand" of casino capitalism, scam, and spectacle; by all those other billionaires pouring money into the Republican Party to create a gerrymandered Congress that will do their obstructionist bidding; and by just how much money can be "invested" in our political system in perfectly legal ways these days. And I haven't even mentioned the Other Candidate, who spent all of August on the true "campaign trail," hobnobbing not with ordinary Americans but with millionaires and billionaires (and assorted celebrities) to build up her phenomenal "war chest." I would have to take a deep breath and explain to my parents that, in twenty-first-century America, by Supreme Court decree, money has become the equivalent of speech, even if it's anything but "free." And let's not forget that other financial lodestone for an American election these days: the television news, not to speak of the rest of the media. How could I begin to lay out for my parents, for whom presidential elections were limited fall events, the bizarre nature of an election season that starts with media speculation about the next-in-line just as the previous season is ending, and continues more or less nonstop thereafter? Or the spectacle of talking heads discussing just about nothing but that election 24/7 on cable television for something like a full year, or the billions of ad dollars that have fueled this never-ending Super Bowl of campaigns, filling the coffers of the owners of cable and network news? We've grown strangely used to it all, but my mom and dad would undoubtedly think they were in another country -- and that would be before they were even introduced to the American system as it now exists, the one for which Donald Trump is such a bizarre front man. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Nothing is more important in American politics today than establishing a new, independent political party of working people. (By "working people" I mean those who have to work for a living and who have debts--in other words, the vast majority of Americans.) We have to field many candidates who have never run for public office before. (By "many" I do not mean a few hundred but rather thousands and thousands, at all levels of government, all committed to the same basic list of progressive demands that have so long been ignored by the political establishment.) We have to create such a party right now, not in some misty, indefinite future when it will be "safe" to do so. What this party will call itself or who will participate in creating it--none of that is certain just now. What is certain is that the country needs a party of rebels and renegades who will fight unapologetically for the interests of working people and let the billionaires and multi-millionaires take care of themselves. Nothing short of that will make a dime's worth of difference. The emergence of such a party could be the most healthy, most positive, most powerful development in American politics in a generation. But this party must fulfill one crucial requirement: It has to be completely independent. Even though I left the Green Party seven years ago, it's obvious to me that Jill Stein, the Green Party nominee for president, has run a bold, honest campaign that deserves the support of every progressive in the country. She has bravely and intelligently faced up to the bullies in the media and elsewhere much as Ralph Nader did in his Green presidential campaign in 2000. The courage and energy of Stein and her running mate Ajamu Baraka may be an indication that the Green Party might now be moving in the direction of full independence. The country is demanding just such a new major party, as Stein herself has noted. But if the majority of active Greens do not want to take up that challenge, another group of activists will. It may still be the case that many Greens are quietly sympathetic to the Democrats and are essentially opposed to a fully independent Green Party. That's all the more reason to support Stein and Baraka. The fact that Stein is attracting more support than any Green presidential candidate since Nader may be the proof that there are a lot of voters out there who are tired of being told to wait 'til the next election to vote for a candidate they really want. Many of them are probably fed up with channeling their energies back into the Democratic Party, where their hopes have so often been betrayed. This year, they may be ready to start taking command of their own government legally, constitutionally, and non-violently--and doing it on their own. There have been signs of the Green Party getting stronger and more independent, notably Howie Hawkins' two strong campaigns for governor of New York in 2010 and 2014. Dr. Margaret Flowers, Green candidate for U.S. Senate in Maryland, has stated that the Affordable Care Act is "a step backward" in the march toward single-payer healthcare, adding, "It takes us farther in the direction of privatized health care." And she's right. These are two activists who are taking the Green Party in the right direction. The best leadership model for the Greens, Socialist Alternative, and other progressive organizations is not (and never has been) Bernie Sanders and the Democratic Party. Rather, they should follow the excellent example set by tenacious rebels like Howie Hawkins, Kshama Sawant, Peter Camejo, and Ralph Nader. ________________________________________ Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Global Phototherapy Equipments Industry 2016 Market Overview,Analysis, Technology, Applications http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=851160&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-phototherapy-equipments-market-research-report-2016.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/category/pharmaceutical-market-reports-38.htm Qyresearchreports include new market research reportGlobal Phototherapy Equipments Market Research Report 2016 to its huge collection of research reports.The global market for Phototherapy Equipments is the key subject of analysis of a new market intelligence study. 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The data for the research study has been collected with the help of primary and secondary research techniques, vital inputs from industry experts, and recent news in the market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The research study throws light on primary elements of the global Phototherapy Equipments market, such as key growth opportunities, projected future insights, primary information, and feasibility analysis of new projects in the market. The definitions, applications, manufacturing process cost structure, product portfolio, and product classifications of the global Phototherapy Equipments market have been highlighted in the research report to help the stakeholders and decision-makers accurately study the potential opportunities in the global Phototherapy Equipments market.Furthermore, the research study analyzes the key players engaged in the global Phototherapy Equipments market and offers an in-depth vendor analysis for the same. The financial overview, product portfolio, recent developments, and SWOT analysis of the key market players have been discussed in the research report. The key strategies adopted by the prominent players have also been included in the study to guide the existing as well as new players in the market.Table of ContentsChapter One Phototherapy Equipments Industry Overview1.1 Phototherapy Equipments Definition1.1.1 Phototherapy Equipments Product Pictures & Product Specifications1.2 Phototherapy Equipments Classification & ApplicationBrowse Complete Report with TOC @Chapter Two Phototherapy Equipments Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.1 Phototherapy Equipments Raw Material & Equipments Supplier and Price Analysis2.2 Phototherapy Equipments Labor & Other Cost Analysis2.3 Phototherapy Equipments Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.4 Phototherapy Equipments Manufacturing Process AnalysisChapter Three Phototherapy Equipments Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis3.1 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Phototherapy Equipments Capacity and Commercial Production Date3.2 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Phototherapy Equipments Manufacturing Plants Distribution3.3 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Phototherapy Equipments R&D Status and Technology Sources3.4 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Phototherapy Equipments Raw Materials Sources AnalysisChapter Four Phototherapy Equipments Production by Regions, Technology and Applications4.1 2010-2016 Phototherapy Equipments Production by Regions(such as US, EU, China and Japan etc)4.2 2010-2016 Phototherapy Equipments Production by Product Type & Application4.3 2010-2016 Phototherapy Equipments Price by key Manufacturers4.4 2010-2016 US & China Phototherapy Equipments Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis4.5 2010-2016 Europe and Japan Phototherapy Equipments Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis4.6 2010-2016 US and China Phototherapy Equipments Supply Import Export Consumption4.7 2010-2016 Europe and Japan Phototherapy Equipments Supply Import Export ConsumptionChapter Five Phototherapy Equipments Sales and Sales Revenue by Regions5.1 2010-2016 Phototherapy Equipments Sales by Regions (such as US, EU, China & Japan etc)5.2 2010-2016 Phototherapy Equipments Sales Revenue by Regions (such as US EU China Japan etc)5.3 2010-2016 Phototherapy Equipments Sales Price by Regions (such as US EU China Japan etc)5.4 2010-2016 Phototherapy Equipments Demand by ApplicationsRead More @About Us :QYresearchreports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations.Contact US:Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Author L. R. Johns And HAWAII Way Publishing Releases New Paranormal Romance Novel COLLIDE COLLIDE by L. R. Johnson http://www.lrjohnsonauthor.com https://twitter.com/lrj8826 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011702292234 http://bookbuzz.net/blog/paranormal-romance-collide/ Author L. R. Johns And HAWAII Way Publishing Releases New Paranormal Romance Novel COLLIDEAuthor L. R. Johnson and HAWAII Way Publishing are pleased to announce the release of their new paranormal romance, COLLIDE. This is the second book from author L. R. Johnson and HAWAII Way Publishing. Never Forever (ISBN: 978-0692565537) was released in November 2015.Be careful what you wish for, it just might come true...Lauren's life has been turned upside down by some simple choices that have gone awry.Since her fathers mysterious death, Lauren Cowley has been stuck in a pitiful rut until she begins having ominous encounters, haunting her every move. While attempting to break free from her wretched life she meets Donovan. He is tall, dark, good-looking, strangely familiar and yet terrifying. His unexplained ability to stare deep into her soul with emotionless eyes frightens her, yet she has no desire to break free from the gravitating pull he has on her. He unlocks her passionand suppressed memories forcing her to fight for everything she loves. Lauren now has to face the reality of demons and the tragic consequences they have had on her life.COLLIDE is available in both print and ebook formats.Book Details:COLLIDEBy L. R. JohnsonPublisher: HAWAII Way PublishingPublished: September 28, 2016ISBN: 978-1945384011ASIN: B01IJCK8LQPages: 440Genre: Paranormal RomanceAbout The Author:L. R. JOHNSON is the founder and President of The Inspired Writers League - an active community writers group. When L. R. Johnson was a child she would live in a world of her imagination. Her teachers would have to put her in the front row of the class or she would drift off into a story she was creating. Though she studied Psychology in college she never lost her imagination, constantly creating stories in her mind. Bringing to life her characters and writing great love stories filled with adventure, dynamic characters, and brilliant surroundings is something that L.R. Johnson has a natural gift for. She lives in California with her husband and two wonderful children.Contact Information:L.R. JohnsonEmail: lrjohnson.author (at) gmail.comWebsite:Twitter:Facebook:Promo Page:L. R. JOHNSON is the founder and President of The Inspired Writers League - an active community writers group. When L. R. Johnson was a child she would live in a world of her imagination. Her teachers would have to put her in the front row of the class or she would drift off into a story she was creating. Though she studied Psychology in college she never lost her imagination, constantly creating stories in her mind. Bringing to life her characters and writing great love stories filled with adventure, dynamic characters, and brilliant surroundings is something that L.R. Johnson has a natural gift for. She lives in California with her husband and two wonderful children.BookBuzz.net59A Heritage Way DriveRome, GA 30165 Professional Hair Care Products Market size and Key Trends in terms of volume and value 2014-2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-207 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-207 www.futuremarketinsights.com Beauty and personal care industry includes skin care, hair care, oral care, cosmetics, toiletries, and others. Of all the aforementioned segments, demand for hair care products has restored from 2013. Consumers are becoming sophisticated in nature which has led to change in buying patterns for personal care products. Thishas led to introduction of customized products sustaining the assorted need of the consumers based on different cultures, hair types, and regions. Also, rising concerns for hair protection, demand for professional hair care products is expected to increase in the next five to six years. Professional hair care products are predicted to record a growth of around 5% to 6% annually in the near future. Factors such ashair stylist recommendations, efficacy of the products, and increasing penetration of hair care services are expected to bolster the professional hair care products market growth in near future.The professional hair care market is expected to witness growth due to factors such as increased consumer spending on personal care products, growing disposable income of consumers in emerging nations, and increasing penetration of hair salon services across the globe. In addition, changing hair grooming pattern especially among the male consumers is expected to fuel the market growth. However, high pricing coupled with less availability of professional hair care products across the designed distribution channels are restricting the market growth. Although, the professional hair care products market has attained a maturity level in developed countries, introduction of highly specialized products in shampoo and hair colorant category is anticipated to enhance the market growth. Also, in developing countries introduction of products addressing issues of consumers related to grey hair, dandruff and hair loss are expected to fuel the market growth. For instance, in India inclination of consumers towards enhanced hair appearance is a key trend leading to a shift in consumers from conventional products to professional hair care products. Furthermore, increasing product visibility across multi retail outlets aids the market growth during 2015-2020.Request for sample report:The professional hair care products market is segmented on the basis of product type, and distribution channels. The various professional hair care products are broadly classified as conditioners, shampoos, hair colorants, hair serums, hair masks, hair sprays, and others. Among abovementioned products, the hair colorants category is expected to witness a growth of around 8% to 9% as compared to the other products. The various distribution channels through which the professional hair care products are marketed include spa and salons, web or online shopping stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets, speciality stores, and others.North America is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period, accounting for more than 30% of the market share by 2020. However, Asia pacific is expected to record highest CAGR as compared to other regions. Changing consumer buying patterns supported by increasing disposable income and spending on personal care products in countries such as India and China is driving the growth of professional hair care products in this region. Furthermore, growth of organizedretail industry is expected to enhance the demand for professional hair care products in MEA.Some of the major international players in this market include Loreal Group, Kao Group, Henkel AG & Co., Aveda Corporation, Procter & Gamble Co., Unilever Group, and PBI Group Inc., among the others. As a strategic move to enhance the product visibility, these companies are focused on increasing product penetration through online retailing, and creating awareness for hair care products through advertisements. In addition, high promotional activities such as increasing television commercials, value added packages in the hair care products range, and other offers has led to increased purchase of hair care products across the globe.Request for TOC:This research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data and statistically-supported and industry-validated market data and projections with a suitable set of assumptions and methodology. It provides analysis and information by categories such as market segments, regions, product type and distribution channels.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 us:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705T (UK): + 44 (0) 20 7692 8790Email:sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Global Herpes Markers Testing Market estimates and forecasts(2015 -2021) http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4185 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4185 Herpes is a type of infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Herpes is mainly categorized into two forms: oral herpes and genital herpes. Oral herpes leads to the occurrence of cold sores around the face and mouth. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease which affects the genital organs, buttocks, and anal area. Other herpes infections can affect the skin, eyes, and other parts of the body. HSV can be dangerous in newborn babies and people with weak immune systems. There are two types of HSV occurrences in the environment: HSV type 1 and HSV type 2. HSV type 1 primarily causes cold sores, and HSV type 2 leads to genital herpes. Most people get HSV type 1 in their childhood and adult stages. This virus can be spread by skin-to-skin contact with an adult who carries the virus. Most people get HSV type 2 through sexual contact. Some people do not report any symptoms of herpes. However, others get sores near the area where the virus has entered into the body. These sores turn into blisters and become itchy and painful.View Sample Report @The global herpes marker testing market is categorized based on various diagnostic tests and by vaccines and drugs used to treat oral herpes and genital herpes. Based on diagnostic technologies, the global herpes marker testing market covers molecular diagnostic technologies, monoclonal antibodies, immunoassays, differential light scattering, liposome, flow cytometry, chromatography, diagnostic imaging, and gel microdroplets.In terms of geography, North America dominates the global herpes market testing market due to increased awareness about various forms of herpes in the region. The U.S. represents the largest market for herpes marker testing in North America, followed by Canada. In Europe, countries such as Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, and Spain account for a major share of the herpes marker testing market. This market is expected to expand at a significant rate in Asia over the next five years. This is due to the setting up of manufacturing facilities by various companies in the region. Moreover, factors such as increasing awareness about herpes and rise in population are also driving the market growth in the region. Countries such as India, China, and Japan are expected to be the fastest growing herpes marker testing markets in Asia.In recent times, advancements in diagnostic technologies and increased demand of therapeutic products for the treatment of this medical condition are among the key drivers of the global herpes marker testing market. Factors such as increased investments in R&D in the pharmaceuticals sector, and the introduction of innovative drugs have also fueled the growth of this market. The ongoing development of drugs with properties such as improved safety and high patient compliance are also supporting the growth of the global herpes marker testing market.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:However, stringent regulations by various governments hamper the growth of the global herpes marker testing market. Moreover, factors such as the risks of complications and side effects associated with vaccines have hindered the growth of the market. Increasing mergers and acquisitions of diagnostic technologies providers, and rapid product launches are some major trends in the global herpes marker testing market.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Tech-nology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Elec-tronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business deci-sions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solu-tions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Global Major Depressive Disorder Market Latest innovations and key events in the industry (2015 -2021) http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4190 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4190 Major depressive disorder, also known as major depression and clinical depression, is a mental disorder characterized by loss of interest and pleasure in enjoyable environment. People are affected in different ways by major depression. Some people have trouble sleeping, feel agitated and irritable, and have sudden weight loss. Moreover, they can have other mental and physical symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, feeling of hopelessness, body aches, headaches, and thoughts of suicide.Major depressive disorder can affect people in any stage of life. In adults, major depressive disorder is most common in those who are 25-44 years of age. Within an entire lifetime, major depression affects 10% - 25% of women and 5% - 12% of men.View Sample Report @It is estimated that 10% - 25% of people who develop major depressive disorder are previously diagnosed with dysthymia (dysthymic disorder), a form of depression. Some people may suffer from dysthymia and major depressive disorder at the same time. The presence of both conditions at the same time is known as double depression.The development of major depressive disorder may be related to certain medical conditions. Approximately 20% - 25% of people who have cancer, diabetes, stroke, and myocardial infarctions are likely to develop major depressive disorder.The global major depressive disorder market is categorized based on various types of therapeutic drugs used to manage this medical condition. Based on type of therapeutic drug, the report covers selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Major brands of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors include Lexapro (Escitalopram), Viibryd (Vilazodone), Effexor (Venlafaxine), Cymbalta (Duloxetine), Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine), Fetzima (Levomilnacipran), and Savella (Milnacipran). Antidepressants, such as Noradrenaline, Specific Serotonergic Antidepressants, Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors, Tricyclic Antidepressants, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, and Brintellix (Vortioxetine), are commonly used in the management of major depressive disorder. Major brands of antipsychotics include Abilify (Aripiprazole) and Seroquel XR (Quetiapine).Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:In terms of geography, North America dominates the global major depressive disorder market due to increased awareness about various depression conditions in the region. The U.S. represents the largest market for major depressive disorder in North America, followed by Canada. In Europe, Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, and Spain account for a major share of the major depressive disorder market. This market in Asia is expected to expand at a significant rate over the next five years. This is due to various companies setting up manufacturing facilities in the region. Moreover, increasing awareness about various depression episodes and rise in geriatric population are also driving the growth of the market in the region. India, China, and Japan are expected to be the fastest growing major depressive disorder markets in Asia.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Tech-nology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Elec-tronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business deci-sions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solu-tions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Heat Resistant Glass Market Growth, Trends and Value Chain 2016-2026 by FMI http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2056 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2056 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/heat-resistant-glass-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Heat resistant glass is a specialty glass specifically designed to withstand high temperature in kitchen appliances and industrial applications. Structure of heat resistant glass usually comprise soda lime or silica, which are high temperature resistant materials. These types of glasses have high melting point and low coefficient of expansion.Global heat resistant market is gaining traction due to increasing safety concerns and formulation of new regulations in commercial and industrial sector. Heat resistant glasses not only resist fire but are also capable of working as insulators thus helping to maintain constant temperature requirement. Evolution of green building concept and aesthetic designs in architectures and interior of buildings are increasingly making use of heat resistant glass surfaces and doors to improve safety, aesthetics and comfort level for occupants in buildings. This has also led to consistent increase in the demand of heat resistant glass, globally. New product development initiatives by key companies such as use of heat resistant glass for oven dishes, heat resistant bottles and jars, woodstove etc. has provided significant boost to global demand of heat resistant glass.Request Free Report Sample@Heat Resistant Glass Market: Market DynamicsHeat resistant glass is manufactured in various shapes and size and used as a medium to retain heat and refract light. Heat resistant glass is strengthened through thermal and chemical treatment processes which helps change in breakage pattern, causing it to shatter in to small pieces instead of sharp angles which helps in reducing damage. Heat resistant glass also helps in acoustic insulation to some extent thus providing added benefit to end user or civil contractors.Rapid industrialization in developing economies coupled with urbanization trend and substantial infrastructure investments are some of the macro-economic factors supporting growth of global heat resistant glass market. Furthermore global heat resistant glass market is also driven by the growing safety concerns in commercial buildings and hospitals aimed at reducing fire based hazards. In addition increasing consumption of heat resistant glass in aerospace, automotive and transportation sector to enhance cabin comfort is expected to further drive consumption of heat resistant glass globally.Lack of consumer awareness, high cost and technical limitations such as heat resistant glass not being good thermal conductor which on sudden change in temperature leads to expansion and contraction which may trigger breakage. To overcome such restraints heat resistant coatings on flat glass are applied for use in automobile and in commercial building which is acting as substitute of heat resistant glass. Some of these aforementioned factors are expected to restrain growth of global heat resistant glass market.Heat Resistant Glass Market: SegmentationThe global heat resistant glass market is segmented on the basis of material type, based on heat resistant temperature capacity of the glass, by application and by region.The global heat resistant glass market is segmented based on material type:Tempered GlassBorosilicateGlass-ceramicRequest For TOC@The global heat resistant glass market is segmented based on heat resistant temperature:Up to 500 F501 F to 900 F901 F to 1400 F1401 F and AboveThe global heat resistant glass market is segmented based on application:ConstructionCommercial Buildings & InstitutionsIndustrial BuildingsAutomotive and TransportationEquipment and AppliancesOther IndustrialHeat Resistant Glass Market: Key PlayersHeat resistant glass market place is marked with the presence of manufacturers, glass fabricators, distributors, and importers. In case of construction industry, role of small and medium scale fabricators and component providers become very important as the demand from construction industry differs in terms of volume, shape, size and specifications. Civil contractors, architects and designers mostly rely on fabricators and distributors for their activities. Some examples of heat resistant glass market participants include Cincinnati Gasket & Industrial Glass Products and Solutions, Asahi Glass Co.,Ltd., Corning Incorporated, SCHOTT North America, Inc., SCHOTT AG, CoorsTek, Inc., Vesuvius PLC, Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd., CeramTec and others.Browse Full Report@The heat resistant glass market research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, and geographies.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: Global Antipsychotics Market: India and China is projected to offer ample opportunities to the market by 2015 to 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4192 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4192 The neurology drugs market is expanding at a significant rate due to increasing prevalence of neurological disorders or injuries. In addition, technological advancements have been driving the market. Antipsychotics refer to a group of medicines that help treat mental health illnesses such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and psychotic depression. Antipsychotics can also be used to treat severe depression and anxiety. There are two types of antipsychotics: atypical antipsychotics and older antipsychotics. Atypical or newer antipsychotics, also referred as second generation of antipsychotics, include amisulpride, olanzapine aripiprazole, clozapine, risperidone, sertindole, and quetiapine. Older antipsychotics, also referred as first generation antipsychotics, include flupentixol, levomepromazine, trifluoperazine, zuclopenthixol, pimozide, chlorpromazine, perphenazine, haloperidol, pericyazine, and sulpiride. Antipsychotics are prescribed medications, which are available as liquids, tablets, capsules, and injections. These work on the principle of altering the effect of some chemicals in the brain, resulting in changes in mood, behavior, and emotions. Duration for intake of antipsychotics varies, depending on health condition. Common side-effects associated with antipsychotics include dizziness, diarrhea, sedation, headaches, hyperprolactinaemia, and weight gain. Other side-effects associated with antipsychotics are orthostatic hypotension, blurred vision, constipation, osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, muscle rigidity, reduced perspiration, seizures, myocardial infarction, and stroke.View Sample Report @North America dominates the global market for antipsychotics due to the presence of a large number of aging population, and increasing prevalence of neurological disorders in the region. The market for antipsychotics in Europe is expected to experience a high growth rate in the next few years. The region would be followed by Asia. China and India are likely to be the fastest growing markets for antipsychotics in Asia. Key factors driving the antipsychotics market in emerging countries include presence of a large pool of patients, and rise in government funding.Factors such as aging population, increasing prevalence of neurological disorders, and growing awareness regarding different neurological disorders and their available treatment are driving the global antipsychotics market. Furthermore, improvement in healthcare facilities and technological advancements in the field of neurology are also boosting the antipsychotics market. However, factors such as side-effects associated with antipsychotics and lower adoption rate of antipsychotics have been hampering market growth.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Growth in demographics and developing economies such as India and China is projected to offer ample opportunities to the global antipsychotics market. Innovation in some of the existing products, leading to improvement in the efficiency of antipsychotics is anticipated to offer opportunities for the market. Rising number of mergers and acquisitions, new product launches, and increasing number of collaborations and partnerships are some of the latest trends in the global antipsychotics market. Furthermore, the number of patent expirations in the global antipsychotics market is increasing. Profit margins of companies are likely to be affected due to the expiry of patents. Side-effects associated with antipsychotics act as a challenge for the antipsychotics market. Commonly marketed antipsychotics include aripiprazole, asenapine maleate, clozapine, iloperidone, lurasidone, and olanzapine. Other commonly marketed antipsychotics include olanzapine/fluoxetine, paliperidone, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone. Major companies dealing in global antipsychotics market include Eli Lilly and Company, Pfizer, Inc., and GlaxoSmithKline Plc. Other companies with significant presence in the antipsychotics market include AstraZeneca Plc, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Johnson & Johnson.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Tech-nology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Elec-tronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business deci-sions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solu-tions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Global Dehydrated Food Market: North America is expected to account for the major market share, 2015 - 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/5933 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/5933 Drying or dehydration is a process through which moisture or water content is removed from the food. Removing of water content from food makes them lighter and smaller. It helps in preservation of food for longer period of time. Dehydrated food do not require any refrigeration while preserving at home or at the time of consumption. Moreover, dehydrated food is ideal for preserving seasonal fruits and vegetables. Dehydrated food offer high nutritional value, easy storage properties and availability at low price, which is driving the demand of dehydrate food across the globe.View Sample Report @Dehydrated food market can be segmented on the basis of technology which includes spray dried, freeze dried, vacuum dried, sun dried, hot air dried and others. Traditionally among all these segments sun dried process of dehydration was the major segment in terms of usage by food manufacturers followed by hot air dried process. However due to the introduction of new technology spray dried is expected to account for largest share in terms of market revenue contribution, followed by freeze dried during the forecast period. Vacuum dried segment is expected to show a consistent growth as compared to others. Limited usage in food products is expected to be the restraining factor for the growth of vacuum dried technology in dehydrated food market in the near future.Furthermore, dehydrated food market can also be segmented on the basis of types. This includes dehydrated dairy products, dehydrated fruits, dehydrated meat products, dehydrated vegetables and others. Among all these segment meat products is expected to account for largest market share followed by dairy products. Increasing demand for enhanced year around availability of processed and canned meat products among the manufacturers is expected to support the demand of dehydrated meat products in the near future. Moreover the dehydrated fruits and dehydrated vegetables segments respectively are expected show a favorable growth during the forecast period. This is attributed to rising demand of seasonal fruits and vegetables.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Dehydrated food market can also be segmented on the basis of region. Globally, North America is expected to account for the major market share. In North American region the U.S is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Canada. Increased consumption of meat products in North America is expected to support the demand of dehydrated food products across the region. Europe is also expected to be one of the prominent contributor in dehydrated food products market in terms of revenue followed by Asia Pacific. Among all the countries in the European region United Kingdom is expected to contribute the highest during the forecast period. Moreover in terms of production of dehydrated food China is expected to be one of the prominent producer of dehydrated food products. In addition, China is one of the largest meat products producer along with prime producer of various seasonal fruits and vegetables. This is expected to contribute towards significant growth in the country.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Tech-nology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Elec-tronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business deci-sions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solu-tions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Global Clinical Diagnostics Automation Market Research Report 2016 http://www.bigmarketresearch.com/request-sample/729791 http://www.bigmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/729791 http://www.bigmarketresearch.com/global-clinical-diagnostics-automation-research-report-2016-market http://www.bigmarketresearch.com http://www.bigmarketresearch.blogspot.com Bigmarketresearch.com include new market research report Global Clinical Diagnostics Automation MarketNotes:Production, means the output of Clinical Diagnostics AutomationRevenue, means the sales value of Clinical Diagnostics AutomationThis report studies Clinical Diagnostics Automation in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with capacity, production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringAbaxis, Inc. (US)Abbott Diagnostics, Inc. (US)Beckman Coulter, Inc. (US)Get Sample Copy of report @Becton, Dickinson and Company (US)bioMerieux SA (France)Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (US)Diagnostica Stago (France)Eppendorf AG (Germany)F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland)HORIBA ABX S.A.S. (France)Hudson Robotics, Inc. (US)Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Inc. (US)PerkinElmer Inc. (US)QIAGEN NV (The Netherlands)Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Inc. (US)Sysmex America, Inc. (US)Tecan Group Ltd. (Switzerland)The ELITechGroup SAS (France)Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US)Check discounted price of this report @Market Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of Clinical Diagnostics Automation in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaSplit by product type, with production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoType IType IIType IIISplit by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Clinical Diagnostics Automation in each application, can be divided intoApplication 1Application 2Application 3View Complete Report @Table of Contents1 Clinical Diagnostics Automation Market Overview2 Global Clinical Diagnostics Automation Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Clinical Diagnostics Automation Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2011-2016)4 Global Clinical Diagnostics Automation Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)5 Global Clinical Diagnostics Automation Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Clinical Diagnostics Automation Market Analysis by Application7 Global Clinical Diagnostics Automation Manufacturers Profiles/AnalysisAbout UsWith the arsenal of different search reports, we help you here to look and buy research reports that will be helpful to you and your organization. Our research reports have the capability and authenticity to support your organization for growth and consistency.With the window of opportunity getting open and shut at a speed of light, it has become very important to survive in the market and only the fittest and competent enough can do so. So, we try and provide with latest changes in the market that can suit your needs and help you take decision accordingly.Our research services ranges into different domains and penetrates in different verticals so that we can carter to diverse needs of various organization. Not wrong to quote that this is the hotspot for research needs of yours.Contact us:5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect: + 1-503-894-6022Toll Free: + 1-800-910-6452Fax: +1 (855) 5505975Email: help@bigmarketresearch.comWeb:Blog: Global Protein Hydrolysate Ingredients Market is expected to exhibit strong growth in North America, 2015 - 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/6191 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/6191 Protein hydrolysate ingredients are the group of peptides derived from proteins. Protein hydrolysate are rich in protein content and are absorbed more quickly in comparison to other proteins. The different type of protein hydrolysate ingredients include milk protein hydrolysate and meat protein hydrolysate. These protein hydrolysate ingredients have relatively low antigenic properties. Protein hydrolysates ingredients enhance the digestibility and reduces the protein allergy especially in infants.View Sample Report @There are various form of protein hydrolysate ingredients available in the market. Protein Hydrolysate ingredients market can be segmented on the basis of ingredients, application and region. Based on ingredient type, the segmentation includes milk protein hydrolysate and meat protein hydrolysate. Milk protein hydrolysates are type of peptides derived from milk proteins. There are two main sources of milk protein hydrolysates that includes whey protein hydrolysates and casein hydrolysates. The protein hydrolysates ingredients most commonly used in nutritional products are casein, whey protein and soy protein. These ingredients are the type of peptides that possess high nutritional properties and are comparatively absorbed quickly than other types of protein or amino acids. In Protein hydrolysates market, milk hydrolysate is anticipated to exhibit robust growth in the next four to five years. This is due to the comparatively less preference of consumers for meat hydrolysates ingredients.On the basis of application protein hydrolysate ingredient market is segmented into infant formula, clinical nutrition and sport and slimming food. Among all the segments infant formula is the fastest growing segment, which is anticipated to witness double digit growth over the forecasted period, followed by the sport nutrition and clinical nutrition. The protein hydrolysates market is studied across various regions that includes North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East and Africa.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Protein hydrolysate Ingredients Market demand is anticipated to increase globally owing to the increasing number of health conscious consumers. Protein hydrolysate ingredients market is expected to exhibit strong growth in North America due to the increasing number of high affluent class people coupled with rising awareness of consumers regarding the health .In North America, U.S. is the most dominating market, followed by other European countries. There is increasing demand of Protein Hydrolysate Ingredients Market in U.S. due the increasing disposable income of consumers and also rising number of health conscious consumers. Furthermore, Europe is expected to exhibit consistent growth due to increasing production of milk in the European regions. However, Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market in the forthcoming years due the increasing investment of companies to launch new ingredients especially in infant formula segment. This trend is especially witnessed in China due to the increasing consumer interest in specialist nutrition. Protein hydrolysate ingredients market is growing drastically in China due to the increasing upper middle class population that supports the growth of protein hydrolysate ingredient rich products, which are higher in price.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Tech-nology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Elec-tronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business deci-sions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solu-tions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Global Automotive Suspension Bushes Market:In-Depth Market Research Report 2016 2026 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/10993 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/10993 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Automotive suspension system of the vehicle resists lot of forces upon cornering and the various forces generated are transferred to the tire via suspension system. The automotive suspension bushes are an integral part of the suspension system, which plays an important role for a smooth and safe ride while improving the chassis performance of an automotive vehicle. Suspension bushes in the suspension system of a vehicle reduces shocks, keeps the vehicle alignment intact, and helps the vehicle in maintaining firm contact of tires with road, thus offering driving comfort for the driver and passenger. Suspension bushes also acts as sound barrier to avoid noise and vibration caused by rough road. The global automotive suspension bushes market has a significant stand in the automotive sector because of its principle use in the automotive suspension systems. Automotive suspension bushes are made of components whose mechanical properties, and abrasion resistance are excellent, such as polyurethane which is extensively used for making suspension bushes having properties such as greater tear strength, tolerance to ozone and oils, and high toughness among others. The global automotive suspension bushes market is expected to grow at a modest CAGR over the forecast period.Request for Sample Report:Automotive Suspension Bushes Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe global automotive suspension bushes market is primarily driven by the growth in the automotive sector with significant growth in the sales of vehicles across the globe, along with the increasing demand for smooth, safe and comfortable drive on long journeys and in different terrains by the passengers. Moreover, innovations and developments for manufacturing safe and lighter automotive suspension systems for automotive in order to reduce the fuel consumption and emissions is expected to drive the global market for automotive suspension bushes. The volatile cost of raw materials compared to that of natural rubber used for suspension bushes might restraint the global automotive suspension bushes market.Request for Table of content:Automotive Suspension Bushes Market: Region Wise OutlookThe global automotive suspension bushes market can be divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and Middle East and Africa (MEA). Among the aforementioned regions, the APEJ market for automotive suspension bushes holds the largest market share, China being the largest automotive market in the region is attributed to the growth of automotive bushes market in the region. Latin America market for automotive bushes is followed by the APEJ market. The adoption of renewable resources for the production of prime raw material polyurethane used in automotive suspension bushes in the regions like North America and Western Europe is expected to push the market for automotive suspension bushes in these regions. Japan and the Middle East and Africa market is also expected to pace up in the automotive suspension bushes market by the end of forecast period.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 High Potency Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (HPAPI) Market to Reach US$25.1 bn by 2023 as Oncology Therapeutics Advance http://bit.ly/2fhcW28 http://bit.ly/1O8VwzL http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The booming oncology research and rising cases of cancer, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases have created a sizeable demand for dedicated treatments, thereby driving the high potency active pharmaceutical ingredient (HPAPI) market. The HPAPI market stood at a valuation of US$2.64 bn in 2014. The cost containment strategies adopted by companies through outsourcing are favoring market growth. This has brought down the cost of drugs drastically, making them affordable to a larger audience.Avail a Sample of Research Report:The positive result of this trend is seen on the increased focus of companies on drug development and commercialization. As a result of these favorable trends, the HPAPI market is projected to be worth US$25.11 bn by 2023. Between 2015 and 2023, the market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.3%.A promising pipeline of targeted therapeutic drugs will also help the market progress in the coming years. These drugs have minimal side effects and impact targeted areas, thereby helping the patient to recover faster with no lingering after effects. These positive perceptions surrounding HPAPIs combined with the near-expiration dates of blockbuster drugs, which will offer several generic drug manufacturers a chance to offer affordable drugs, will further the markets growth. Consistent research and development to mimic branded drugs will create alternative and cost-effective treatments for patients across the globe, thereby augmenting the growth rate of the market.Asia Pacific is the expected to be the most lucrative market for high potency active pharmaceutical ingredients due to the soaring contract manufacturing activities in the region. Analysts predict that China will surpass Japans current share of 40% in the Asia Pacific market by the end of 2025. This change will be a result of low labor costs in China, well-equipped manufacturing plants, and supportive foreign exchange policies.India will also be an upcoming high potency active pharmaceutical ingredients market due to the growing concentration of pharmaceutical manufacturing activities in the country. In the forecast period, the country is expected to be the hub for generic drug manufacturing. The growing investments by key players in India are also anticipated to boost this market in the near future. During the forecast period of 2015 to 2023, the Asia Pacific HPAPI market is expected to rise at a CAGR of 10.1%.The oncology drugs segment has been the leading segment of the global high potency active pharmaceutical ingredient market. This segment is expected to expand at CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period. The introduction of innovative drugs is the primary growth driver for the oncology segment. Analysts predict that the patent expiry of blockbuster drugs such as Herceptin, Rituxan, and Humira will pave the way for generic drug manufacturers, thereby making these drugs affordable to a wide number of patients.Browse Research Report:Some of the leading players operating in the global high potency active pharmaceutical ingredient market are WuXi AppTec, Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC, Pfizer, Inc., Sandoz International GmbH, Novasep, Lonza Group, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Cambrex Corporation, and Alkermes plc. The fragmented nature of this market will result in strategies to acquire and merge with regional players to gain the first-mover advantage.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Practice Management Systems Market Is Driven By The Key Financial Reason Cost Saving And Is Dominated By North America http://bit.ly/2fGEukj http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Practice Management Systems Market: OverviewMedical practice is defined as the science and the art of healing in accordance with scientific diagnosis of the disease. Medical practice therefore, requires significant volume of patient data which is difficult to maintain in the long run especially if its recorded in the physical form of documents and files. The entry of computer software and software systems like SaaS (Software as a Service) has greatly assisted in the overall process of patient data and medical practice data management. Medical Practice Management System (PMS) is a software that helps medical organization (or clinic) to record patient data, fix appointments with practitioners, maintain record of insurance payment companies (and contacting them when required), perform billing related tasks and generate final reports. PMS nowadays are integrated with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) that deals strictly with patient medical data (medical and treatment history) as an all inclusive data management system.For Any Queries Get Solutions With A PDF Sample :PMS is designed according to the volume of data that needs to be maintained, the size of the organization and their financial capacity. Generally PMS are classified as; desktop variants for limited computers, client-server (physical servers) for large institutions with strong finance and requirement for easy access to patients confidential data, and internet server (virtual/cloud servers) for institutions that require cost saving alternatives. Software companies offer services in different price ranges varying from few hundreds to thousands of dollars depending upon aforesaid parameters. Integrated systems (EMR and PMS) are more expensive in comparison to standalone services. Some companies that provide these services are Acrendo Softwares, Allegiance MD, WRS Health, Practo Ray and Athena Health to name a few.Practice Management Systems Market: Opportunities and TrendsPMS have a great future ahead, as medical institutions worldwide see it as a better alternative to physical document records which have a very high error rate bringing into light the nature of human incompetency, that are minimized to a great extent in PMS. Also, medical errors result in severe adverse events and death, this is efficiently tackled by the presence of automated programmed software. Cost saving is another financial reason for a shift into PMS, it reduces data management costs and as a result the overall medical treatment costs. Medical insurance claims and payouts also see a positive change with fast processing times. Countries like the U.S. also offer subsidies to hospitals opting for such systems.Practice Management Systems Market: RestraintsPMS however, is useful only as long as the personals are trained in the dynamics of the software, this requires training and practice. Many countries also have strict patient confidentiality laws, any breach or leak patient records may pose a great threat to the integrity of the whole process and shall render an institution liable for prosecution by the law. In such a situation, PMS becomes more of a liability than assistance. However, with entry of Asian software companies like Practo Ray who have developed portable android based software systems can be easily accessed and require minimum training. Cost effective alternatives are on the rise along with better algorithms to integrate the complete process of medical practice.Practice Management Systems Market: Regional InsightPMS market is expected to increase owing to the presence of virtual/cloud based service systems, these enable companies far offshore to provide services at competitive prices. Service providers are at present largely based in the North America and European region, where the demand is the highest owing to large population patients with health insurance. The PMS market in Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR owing to more number of companies establishing business in this region coupled shift in service providers from the North American region to emerging economies. Also, with greater returns on investment a large number of Asian medical institutions are now opting for PMS.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Array Instruments Market to Reach US$1.12 billion in 2020 & Technological Advancement http://bit.ly/2euuGZT http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ The global array instruments market is segmented on the basis of technology, end users, and geography. The technology segments include protein microarrays, DNA microarrays, tissue microarrays, and cellular microarrays. The end users of array instruments are clinical diagnostic labs, research and development laboratories, veterinary laboratories, agriculture research centers, and forensic centers. Geographically, the global array instruments market is divided into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World.The report suggests that the large number of instruments for DNA microarray analysis and their efficiency is likely to be the biggest driving factor for this market. The DNA microarray technology segment held about 50% of the market and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2014 to 2020.In terms of geography, North America dominates the global array instruments market with a share of more than 50%, while Europe holds the second place, accounting for 30% of the market. Statistics published in the research report show that the market value of North America was US$417.4 million in 2014 and the market is expected to reach US$526.4 million by 2020. The emerging economies in Latin America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East are also expected to contribute to the rapid growth of the global array instruments market by 2020.For Any Queries Get Solutions With A PDF Sample :This positive trend will largely be due to improving healthcare infrastructures and increasing preference for more precise therapies. Furthermore, the ability to identify genomic differences for predicting drug response or resistance by patients could lead the industry on a path to customize therapies for certain deadly diseases such as cancer.A recent research showed that glycan arrays are witnessing huge success as they offer a high-throughput approach for defining the interactions between various biological targets and carbohydrates. The biological targets include several antibodies, cells, viruses, and proteins. The biggest advantage of using a glycan array analysis is its multivalent display of arrayed glycans that are almost similar to the actual display of the cell surface.A new report published by Transparency Market Research (TMR) on the global array instruments market, titled Array Instruments Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2014 - 2020, is available for sale on the companys website. The exhaustive report offers a 360-degree overview of the market.According to the research report, the global array instruments market was valued at US$0.87 billion in 2014 and it is expected to reach US$1.12 billion in 2020, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2014 to 2020.Some of the leading players in the global microarray market profiled in this research report are Affymetrix, Inc., Molecular Devices, Illumina, Inc., and Agilent Technologies, who contribute about 80% of the markets revenue. The other important players studied in this research report are Thermo Fischer Scientific, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Sigma Aldrich Corporation, and ArrayJet Ltd.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: RF Equipment Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=15785 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/rf-equipment-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Radio Frequency (RF) is a kind of test instrument which is capable of computing signals which has high frequency in comparison to other test equipment which are commonly used. Radio Frequency equipments are commonly used by engineers who deal in radio frequency. These engineers have special functions which are required to decode the RF signal and characters. Radio frequency transmits radio waves frequency which range between 3 hertz to 300 megahertz. This radio frequency uses an alternating current which is positioned through antenna, generating wireless broadcasting or electromagnetic field which could be used for communicating by transfer of current through antennas.The radio test frequency equipment market is expected to grow at a healthy growth rate over the near future owing to high adoption of 802.11ac. The 802.11ac is a wireless networking standard. The 802.11ac technology uses an extensive bandwidth. This technology enables high-speed WLANs to the end users with the help of 5 GHz band. This is driving the demand for radio frequency test equipments as there is a requirement for testing the networks signals. Growth in MIMO technology is the other major factor which is expected to drive the radio frequency market over the next few years. Rise in demand for a handheld device which may include tablets, smart phones and laptops has led to the growth in demand for high bandwidth and seamless connectivity. Moreover, implementation of 802.11standards is expected to drive the market further as it would enable superior data transmission and faster speed. Some of the factors which are restraining the growth of the global radio frequency equipment market are stringent radio frequency standards which are adopted by government bodies of countries globally.PDF Sample For Full Details with Technological breakthroughs is @The radio test frequency equipment market by application could be segmented into telecom sector, industrial sector, electronics sector, automotive sector, defense sector and medical sector. This segment is expected to be dominated by smart phones over the next few years. Growth in application of portable computing devices like smart phones and tablets across various sectors is expected to drive the demand in this segment. RF test equipment facilities advance delivery of these test equipments. The radio test frequency equipment market by product can be segmented into vector network analyzer (VNA), spectrum analyzer, signal generator, RF power meters / sensors, oscilloscope, digital millimeters and others.Geographically the global radio frequency test equipment market has been broadly segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. North America led the global radio test frequency market in 2015. The amalgamation of new features in the test equipments and the growth in demand for the electronics sector are some of the key factors driving the RF test equipment market in North America. Asia Pacific is expected to be the most attractive region over the next few years.Some of the key vendors operating in the global radio frequency test equipment market are Agilent Technologies, Advantest, Teradyne, Rohde & Schwarz and Anritsu. Some of the other prominent vendor operating in the market is Aries Electronics, Aspen Electronics, Cobham Antenna Systems, Cobham Wireless and Flann Microwave among others. There is intense competition among the key players operating in the global radio frequency test equipment market. It is necessary for the players to have strong and highly differentiated product line which features best-in-class software. There is growing trend towards development of software which enhances radio frequency test equipments attributes. The key provider of the radio frequency test equipments are focusing their resources at developing software which would find application in wide range of industries so that the end users can have optimal utilization of its products.Market Insight can be Viewed @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: Photovoltaic Device Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=15779 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/photovoltaic-device-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The main function of a photovoltaic device is the conversion of sunlight into electricity. There are end numbers of benefits associated with these devices which have made their adoption on a large scale across various industries. The solar panels used in photovoltaic devices are comprised of solar cells which result in the generation of electrical power. The various materials used for photovoltaics include polycrystalline silicon, cadmium telluride, monocrystalline silicon and amorphous silicon among others. Photovoltaic installations can be mounted either on rooftop, ground or wall. Initially, the application of photovoltaics was limited to spacecrafts and orbiting satellites, but nowadays its application has been mostly for grid connected power generation. The popularity of photovoltaic device has been on the rise as a result of technological advancements coupled with large scale manufacturing which has led to the reduction in its cost and at the same time increased the efficiency and reliability of these devices.PDF Sample For Technological breakthroughs is @The photovoltaic device market is expected to grow as a result of increasing focus on the part of the governments of various countries towards the issue of climate change and at the same time develop and expand the alternate sources of energy. The governments are more willing to provide funds than ever before for the adoption of solar energy, which is further propelling the demand for photovoltaic devices market. Moreover, factors such as reliability, safety, cost effective and ease of installation have led to the increasing adoption of these devices. Low maintenance cost is another important factor contributing to the growth the photovoltaic devices market. As no fuel costs are associated with these devices, the adoption of photovoltaic devices is considered to be a cost effective option in lieu of the high diesel and electricity prices. The increasing application of photovoltaic devices across segments such as military, power plants, and defense and space among others are further resulting in the increased demand for these devices. Considering these factors the photovoltaic device market is likely to register a healthy growth rate during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024.However, the material availability, production cost and toxicity are some of the major restraints that are hindering the deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells across different industries.As per recent trends it has been observed that, Perovskite, which is a very inexpensive material, is replacing crystalline silicon due to it being expensive. Crystalline silicon forms a part of photovoltaic cell build.The photovoltaic device market can be categorized on the basis of types, components, application and geography. On the basis of type, the market can be segmented into two types; organic PV and inorganic PV.Based on components, the photovoltaic device market can be segmented into two categories; thin film PV cells and crystalline silicon PV cells. Thin film PV is comparatively a newer technology as compared to crystalline silicon PV. The semiconducting layers are comprised of materials such as copper indium diselenide (CIS), amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS).The application segments of the photovoltaic device market will include military, power plants, industrial, defense and space, residential and non residential among others.Geographically, the market has been categorized into five broad regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin AmericaSome of the key players operating in the photovoltaic device market are Kyocera Corporation (Japan), Panasonic Corporation (Japan), Kaneka Corporation (Japan), JA solar Co. Ltd (China), Sharp Corporation (Japan), , Jinko Solar (China), Trina Solar (China), Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd (China), Canadian Solar (Canada), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), ReneSola Co. Ltd (China) and Yingli Green (China) among others.Market Insight can be Viewed @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: Particle Size Analyzer Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=15773 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/particle-size-analyzer-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Particle size analyzer are equipments that are meant for measuring shape and size of particles in powder or liquid samples. Particle size analyzers are used in the manufacturing and formulating of products in numerous industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, mining, minerals and cement, and chemicals and petroleum among others. In addition, particle analyzers helps in the identification of properties of minute particles that cannot be determined physically. The type of particle size analyzers range from historical sieve to advanced light scattering automated equipments. In the selection of a particular particle size analyzer, it is very vital for the user to analyze a number of factors such as nature of sample, specific size range requirements, sample throughput, analytical method and the type of information required from the overall analysis. Moreover, a number of key variables are also needed to be considered in choosing the most specific type of particle size analyzer. From numerous particle size technology and models, the user needs to determine the most efficient particle size analyzer as per the applications. Some of the variables that needs to be considered by the user for selecting a particle size analyzer are chemistry or the material, budget, analysis technique, desired information and throughput, and the amount of sample that is available for the analysis.PDF Sample For Full Details with Technological breakthroughs is @With the increasing application of nanotechnology, the market for particle size analyzers are set to grow exponentially during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024. Particle size analyzers are largely used for various nanotechnology applications. Semiconductor components such as carbon nanotubes and quantum dots are manufactured with the help of nanotechnology. Nanosensors are largely used in the construction sector, which are used in bridges and buildings to monitor the weather conditions and state of materials in the bridges and buildings. The nanosensors provide information relating to cracking and corrosion in materials used for the making of such structures. Therefore, particle size analyzers are largely applicable in the construction sector and the growth of construction market globally coupled with technological advancements such as the use of nanosensors in buildings is expected to motivate the growth of particle size analyzer market, globally.The particle size analyzer market can be classified by technology and geography. By technology, it can be segmented into five types such as coulter principle, laser diffraction, nanoparticle tracking analysis, imaging and dynamic light scattering. Laser diffraction segments is expected to be the largest market in this segment, accounting for approximately 40% of the total particle size analyzer market, in terms of market revenue. Particle size analyzers made with laser diffraction technology provides highly efficient results and consumes less time as compared to other particle size analyzers. By geography, the market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. In 2015, North America dominated the particle size analyzer market, globally, accounting for a market share of approximately 30%. Increasing requirement for precise measurements of minute particles in industries, coupled with growing nanotechnology applications and increasing private equity investments for advanced particle size analyzer technologies are the major driving factors influencing the growth of particle size analyzer market in North America. Moreover, increasing application of particle size analyzers in the defense, aerospace and automotive industry; stringent government regulations for quality control checks in all industries and rising penetration and expansion of particle size analyzer business in the emerging markets of Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America are expected to bolster the growth of global particle size analyzer market.The key players in the particle size analyzer market include HORIBA, Ltd. (Japan), Malvern Instruments (U.K.), Beckman Coulter, Inc. (U.S.), Micromeritics Instrument Corporation (U.S.), Microtrac (U.S.), Izon Science Limited (New Zealand), Sympatec GmbH (Germany), CILAS (France) and Agilent Technologies, Inc. (U.S.) among othersMarket Insight can be Viewed @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: Influenza Vaccine Market : Latest Innovations, Drivers, Dynamics And Strategic Analysis, Challenges By 2018 http://bit.ly/2e4zqpd http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ nfluenza Vaccine is also called as flu shot and is used for protection against influenza virus. An influenza vaccine is a combination of three influenza viruses namely, influenza type A with H3N2 virus strain, influenza type A with H1N1 virus strain and influenza type B virus strain.For Any Queries Get Solutions With A PDF Sample :Over the recent years, the Influenza Vaccine market has witnessed double digit growth rate due to fear of an impending pandemic. The Influenza Vaccine market has grown at a CAGR of approximately 65% between 2008 and 2010 due to the havoc caused by H1N1 virus. However, H1N1 flu vaccine demand will decline due to waning threat of swine flu epidemic. The Influenza Vaccine market is expected to cross USD 4 billion in 2015.Among all the geographical regions, U.S. was the largest Influenza Vaccine market in the year 2010 closely followed by China. Like any other medication, dealing with such a deadly infectious disease is a challenge still faced by healthcare units. The chances of occurrence of seasonal influenza are equal in developed as well as developing nations. And it is predicted that in next five to six years the market for seasonal influenza vaccine will increase significantly due to high infection rate across the population.Top six players of influenza vaccine manufacturers occupy more than 75% of the total influenza vaccine market. Seasonal influenza vaccine brands like Fluarix & Flulaval were one of the leading players in the market in 2010. Other key players in this market include GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, CSL, MedImmune, Sanofi-Pasteur, Solvay, Sinovac Biotech and Hualun Biologicals.The report analyses the global scenario of Influenza Vaccine Market discussing detailed overview and market figures. The research report analyses the industry growth rate, industry capacity, and industry structure. The report analyses the historical data and forecasts the Influenza Vaccine Market size, production forecasts along with key factors driving and restraining the market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Nanotechnology Drug Delivery Market Is A Growing Field And Is Witnessing Increasing Acceptance In Health Care Applications http://bit.ly/2fGMvFR http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Nanotechnology drug delivery is a growing field and is witnessing increasing acceptance in health care applications. Nanotechnology drug delivery is widely used in the health care industry in applications such as neurology, anti-infective, cardiovascular disorders, and others. One important and active application area of nanotechnology drug delivery systems is to transport drugs to the final location of therapeutic intervention within the body. The nanotechnology drug delivery market is witnessing rapid growth due to increase in research and development activities in nanotechnology to develop novel nano-medicine. According to Eurostat comprehensive data, the nano-medicine industry in the EU includes 97 startups, 64 SMEs, and 38 large pharmaceutical or medical device companies. Furthermore, technological advancements and rising interest of key companies to invest in nanotechnology boost market growth. For instance, in 20112012, Pfizer, Inc., Amgen, Inc., and AstraZeneca signed agreements to collaborate with BIND Therapeutics to develop nano-medicines.Application of nanotechnology is aimed at improving drug delivery. Advancement in nanotechnology has revolutionized the delivery of nanometer range of drug molecules. Rising prevalence of infectious diseases and cancer, significant nanotechnology research, and increasing demand for novel drug delivery systems are driving the nanotechnology market. However, unspecific regulatory guidelines for novel nanotechnology based drugs is expected to hamper market growth during the forecast period. The global nanotechnology drug delivery market was valued at US$ 4.1 Bn in 2014 and is anticipated to reach US$ 11.9 Bn by 2023, expanding at a CAGR of 12.5% from 2015 to 2023.For Any Queries Get Solutions With A PDF Sample :Nanoparticles dominated the global nanotechnology drug delivery market in 2014 due to wide range of applications and increase in demand for nanoparticles globally. The dendrimers sub-segment dominated the nanoparticles segment owing to factors such as polyvalency, flexibility in size and shape, monodispersity, biocompatibility, and better transfection properties than other technologies. However, the nanotubes segment is expected to expand at the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Growth of this segment is attributed to high efficiency of nanotubes in health care specifically in drug delivery, bio-sensing methods for disease treatment, and health monitoring.Oncology was the largest application segment of the nanotechnology drug delivery market in terms of revenue in 2014. The segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. Rise in demand for effective treatment therapies for cancer coupled with increasing incidence of this disease drives the oncology application segment. Neurology was the second largest application segment of the nanotechnology drug delivery market in 2014 due to efficient application of nanotechnology in neuromolecular diagnostics and discovery of neurodegenerative markers.The cardiovascular application segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period from 2015 to 2023. Most of the research studies related to nanotechnology-based cardiovascular treatment drugs are in pipeline; however, groundbreaking innovation in this field is expected to drive this market.Transparency Market Research has published a new market research report titled, Nanotechnology Drug Delivery Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2015 - 2023. According to the report, the global nanotechnology drug delivery market was valued at US$ 4.1 Bn in 2014 and is estimated to reach US$ 11.9 Bn in 2023, expanding at a CAGR of 12.5% from 2015 to 2023.The global nanotechnology drug delivery market is consolidated, with relatively small number of companies accounting for majority of the market share in 2014. AbbVie, Inc., Amgen, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Novartis AG, and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. are the key players in the global nanotechnology drug delivery market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Asia Pacific is Largest Market of Specialty Silicas Followed by Europe and North America http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3424 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3424 Specialty silicas are chemical compounds that are made predominantly from silica or silicon dioxide (SiO2). Specialty silicas are found in shape of chunks, sawed or trimmed blocks, round pebbles, and other shapes. Specialty silicas are widely adopted in food and beverages industry, footwear manufacturing, rubbers and production of green tires.Request for Sample Copy@On the basis of silica type, the global silicas market can be segmented as precipitated silica sol, silica gel, and fumed silica. Precipitated silica sol is the largest market segment of specialty silicas market owing to the increase use of it in automotive tyres manufacturing. Based on the various end user applications, the market can be segmented in three different categories namely chemicals, rubber, and food and beverages. Rubber was the largest market segment of specialty silicas in 2013. It is expected that rubber will be also the fastest growing market segment in the forecasted period owing to the increase adoption of silica rubbers in environment friendly automotive tyres. The demand of Silica sol is mainly expected from growing end user industries such as paper coatings and semiconductor polishing market.Increasing global concern over environmental sustainability coupled with different labeling regulations by the government in different part of the world is the major driver of this industry. Moreover better performance specification of green tires made up of specialty silicas such as higher resistance, less rolling friction enhance vehicle fuel economy, and increasing consumption of processed food and beverage, are some of the dominant drivers of the global specialty silicas market.Asia Pacific is the largest market of the specialty silicas followed by Europe and North America. The growth is highest in Asia Pacific region owing to growth of the sizable Chinese market especially in automotive industry. China accounts for more than half of the total market share of specialty silicas in Asia Pacific. It is then followed by India and Japan. Middle East and Europe are the other two fasted growing market of specialty silicas attributed to growing export-oriented manufacturing industries in this region. North America specialty silicas market is heading towards maturity and a below average growth is expected from this region.Request for Table of Content@Some of the major companies operating in global specialty silicas market include, Akzo Nobel NV, Cabot Corporation, Ecolab Incorporated, Evonik Industries AG, Gujarat Multi Gas Base Chemicals Private Limited, Imerys SA, Oriental Silicas Corporation, Solvay SA, and Zhuzhou Xinglong Chemical Industry Company Limited.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.ContactPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Global Flue Gas Analyzer Market: Quantitative Market analysis, Current and Future Trends to 2015 - 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/8056 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/8056 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com The environmental protection is becoming a major concern for the world today, government laws, and industry association advocate to use the continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) in manufacturing plant to ensure the safety of workers, workplace and environment. These CEMS devices are used to detect toxic and hazardous gases in order to maintain safety. Flue gas analyzer is one of the important device under CEMS system which plays an important role in protection of atmosphere from toxic and hazardous gases while increasing the efficiency of the plant. Generally, a flue is pipe, duct or opening of chimney which are used to exhaust gases to outdoors from boiler, generator of furnaces installed in manufacturing facility. Flue gas analyzer is a device that detects and monitors the composition of exhausting gases from furnaces or boilers and help to determine the proper ratio of air and fuel. Flue gas analyzer directly measures and displays flue gas, temperatures and differential pressure.Request for Sample Report:The global flue gas analyzer market is increasing rapidly due to its increasing usage across various industries such as automobiles, chemical and food. Some of the major factor identified are rapid industrialization, stringent government laws and industry standards towards environmental protection. However high cost of implementation for small size manufacturing plants and low awareness in some regions can pose a major challenge towards the growth of the global flue gas analyzer market to some extent. Some of the major trends identified in the global flue gas analyzer market are use of internet of everything (IoT) and artificial neural network technology.The global flue gas analyzer market is expected to grow at significant rate over the forecast period from 2015 to 2025. Emerging economies such as India and China are forecast to surge the demand for flue gas analyzer market due to increasing number of new manufacturing facilities and expansion of existing capacity of manufacturing plants. Among the product type segment, fixed type flue gas analyzer segment dominated the global flue gas analyzer market in 2014, while portable type flue gas analyzer is forecast to expand at higher CAGR over the forecast period.Request for Table of content:The global flue gas analyzer market is geographically segmented into seven key regions which are, North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East & Africa. As of 2014, North America dominated the global flue gas analyzer market followed by Asia and Europe. On the other hand BRIC countries are expected to grow at higher CAGR when compared to other countries in their respective regions. Also, in terms of growth rate Asia Pacific is anticipated to play major role in growth of global flue gas analyzer 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: Digital X-Ray Equipment Market Globally Expected to Drive Growth through 2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-535 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-535 www.futuremarketinsights.com Two-dimensional images produced by x-ray radiation is the practice of projectional radiography, also known as plain film radiography. Digital X-Ray equipment is utilized in medical imaging of human body. X-rays are ionizing radiations that possess the energy to penetrate human tissue. Digital x-rays interact with human tissues and generate diagnostic images. The human tissues are exposed to a beam of x-ray which is also known as primary beam. It passes through the body and gets absorbed by the human tissues. This process of absorption of the primary beam by human tissues is known as attenuation. Attenuation is the key function that results in formation of digital x-ray images through Digital x-ray equipment. The dense anatomy of the body such as the bones absorb more x-rays than the thin anatomy of the body. The primary x-ray beam after attenuation is known as remnant beam. The remnant beam is received by image receptor of the Digital x-ray equipment. The dense anatomy appears white while the thin anatomy appears black on radiographs produced by Digital x-ray equipment.Digital X-Ray Equipment Market: Drivers & RestraintsDigital x-ray uses x-ray to view the internal anatomy of the irregularly composed opaque tissues. The opaque tissues highly vary in their density and x-rays are the most efficient electromagnetic radiations that represent clear digital images through digital x-ray equipment. X-rays are safe radiations for the living tissues and digital x-ray images can be generated of every body organ. The digital x-ray equipment market is majorly driven by novel technological advancements, increasing healthcare expenditure, rise in ageing population and disease prevalence. The digital x-ray equipment market is also witnessing highly competitive scenario that has led to large number of improved digital x-ray equipment launches. Moreover, digital x-ray equipment are less expensive yet more efficient than other radiography equipment. Digital x-ray equipment provides quick healthcare delivery and improves workflow. The digital x-ray equipment has the limitation of in-depth imaging. The digital x-ray equipment is based on transmission of the x-ray beam and this exposes only the surfaces of the human anatomy under observation. The details of the human anatomy are not revealed by the digital x-ray equipment.Request Free Report Sample@Digital X-Ray Equipment Market: SegmentationDigital x-ray equipment market is classified on the basis of product type and geography.Based on product type, the global Digital X-Ray Equipment market is segmented into the following:Digital Radiography (DR)Computed Radiography (CR)Retrofit Radiography SystemDigital X-Ray Equipment Market: OverviewDigital X-Ray Equipment is widely used in the imaging of all human body tissues and has become a part of routine checkup. Digital x-ray equipment deliver medical imaging in the standard safety radiation dose. Digital x-ray imaging is one of the most important pillars of medical imaging. The global Digital x-ray equipment market is expected to expand at an exceptional double digit CAGR during the forecast period 2015 to 2025.Digital X-Ray Equipment Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global Digital X-Ray Equipment market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a remarkable CAGR owing to the improving healthcare facilities and infrastructure. Also the expanding middle class population in the region is expected to add significant value to the digital x-ray equipment market. Moreover, the countries of New Zealand, Australia, India, China and Japan have ample potential and availability of advanced diagnostics and therapeutics. The APAC region also contributes favorably to the global medical tourism and further to the global digital x-ray equipment market.Visit For TOC@Digital X-Ray Equipment Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in global Digital X-Ray Equipment market are Siemens AG, Philips Healthcare, Canon USA Inc., Shimadzu Corporation, GE Healthcare, Varian Medical Systems, Agfa-Gevaert N.V. Healthcare, Hitachi Medical Corporation, Toshiba Medical Systems, Fuji Medical Systems and China Resources Holding Medical Equipment Company Limited. The competition in digital x-ray equipment market is majorly based on technological advances in digital x-ray equipment and the pricing of the digital x-ray equipment.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.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Research Offers 10-Year Forecast on Peanut Butter Market http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-904 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-904 www.futuremarketinsights.com Peanut butter is a high protein, low calorie product that possess high nutritional value. It is healthy alternative to dairy butter and used as bread spread. Major market presence of peanut butter is in western countries in comparison to Asian countries such as India as product is relatively new to the Asian region. Peanut butter is used in various applications in the form of spread and is used as the substitute for milk butter. However, in comparison to other spreads peanut butter is a low calorie product with high protein content. Consumption of peanut butter includes various benefits associated with it such as it helps to reduce the weight and also possess optimum nutrition value. Peanut butter are also available in powder form and used in various applications such as breakfast food, savory sauces and smoothies.Peanut Butter Market SegmentationPeanut butter market is segmented on the basis of product type, distribution channel and region. On the basis of product type peanut butter market is divided into regular, low sodium, low sugar and plain. Among all the segments of the peanut butter, regular peanut butter is the dominating segment, followed by other segments. However, low sodium peanut butter is expected to show fastest growth in the forthcoming years. Peanut butter market is segmented on the basis of distribution channel into supermarkets, hypermarkets, retailers and others. Among all the segments of peanut butter market supermarket segment is expected to contribute maximum revenue to the overall revenue of the peanut butter market, followed by hypermarkets and retailers. Peanut butter market are segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Middle East and Africa and Japan.Request Free Report Sample@Peanut Butter Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global peanut butter market is expected to witness robust growth over the forecasted period due to the rising needs of the consumers for low calorie nutritious products. Globally, among all regions, North America is expected to contribute highest market share, followed by Europe over the forecasted period. In North America, U.S. is expected to contribute maximum market share due the high disposable income of the consumers. However, in emerging economies such as Asia Pacific peanut butter market is anticipated to witness highest growth owing to the rising disposable income of consumers in these regions.Peanut Butter Market: DriversVarious drivers for peanut butter market includes rising demand for nutritious products coupled with increasing disposable income of consumers especially in developing countries. Other drivers that fuel the growth of peanut butter market are increasing demand for low calorie healthy food and emergence of hectic life schedule. Changing lifestyle coupled with shift towards the intake of convenient food are also factors that are expected to drive the peanut butter market in the coming four to five years. Major restraint that is expected to hamper the growth of the overall peanut butter market is the availability of peanut at relatively competitive prices coupled with fluctuating production of peanuts especially in India.Visit For TOC@Peanut Butter Market: Key PlayersMajor players operating in peanut butter market are Procter & Gamble, Unilever, The J.M. Smucker Company, Hormel Foods Corporation, Boulder Brands Inc., Kraft Canada Inc., Algood Food Company Inc. Various companies operating in peanut butter market are mainly adopting strategy to launch new varieties of peanut butter in order to grab the changing needs and preferences of the consumers.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.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: KSA Tire Market is Anticipated to Reach US$ 2,123 Mn in Revenues by 2016 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/11437 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/ksa-tire-market/toc http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/ The KSA tire market is expected to witness robust growth. Demand for tires in KSA will be positively influenced by growing sales of four-wheeler vehicles.Driven by favorable government policies and lack of luxury or value-added taxations (VATs), the KSA tire market is anticipated to reach US$ 2,123 Mn in revenues by 2016. Growing demand for four-wheeler vehicles and robust sales of luxury and top-end cars will continue to influence the growth of the KSA tire market.Request to view Sample Report @Sales will continue to remain strong through the OEM channel, owing to consumer preference for buying tires directly from manufacturers. While overall revenues are expected to increase steadily, stringent regulation regarding used tires coupled with Implementation of stringent import standards by Saudi Arabia Standard Organization (SASO) can pose challenges to the growth of the market.By vehicle-type, the four-wheeler segment will continue to account for a leading share of the market. Demand will be substantial for cars and other passenger four-wheelers, owing to high temperatures recorded in Saudi Arabia throughout the year. As a result, the passenger cars will continue to be the most-prominent four-wheeler sub-segment, accounting to more than US$ 1,435 Mn revenues in 2016.Rising R&D initiatives by manufacturers will fuel the product-wise growth of the KSA tire market, which is expected to supplement the sales of pneumatic and non-pneumatic tires. Increasing penetration of internet and online transactions in Saudi Arabia is will continue to influence the growth of the market.Compared to the rest of the provinces, the Western and Central Provinces of the Kingdom are forecasted to represent a speedy growth in the demand for four wheeler vehicle tires. In the future, the provincial cities of Riyadh and Mecca are expected to be the concentrated hubs of Saudi Arabias total tire retail outlets.Request to view Table of content @Prominent global tire companies such as The Bridgestone Group, Continental AG, Pirelli & C Spa, and Michelin Group, will continue to strengthen their dominance in the KSA tire market. Companies such as Apollo Tyres Ltd., Yokohama Rubber Company Ltd., and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company are also expected to create stiff competition for the existing key players in the tire market in KSA.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesTel: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite:media@persistencemarketresearch.com Global Automotive TPMS Market is Estimated to Increase at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2016 to 2024 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3630 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/tire-pressure-monitoring-systems-market/toc http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/ Stringent government regulations to equip TPMS in passenger vehicles, growing adoption of automotive safety systems and rising focus on improving fuel economy and reducing property damage as a result of accidents associated with low tire pressure are key factors expected to fuel demand for automotive TPMS over the forecast period (2016-2024).Request to view Sample Report @Direct TPMS is estimated to account for leading market revenue share of 99% by 2016 end. Global sales of direct TPMS is estimated to increase at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2016 to 2024. This high growth is due to expected implementation of legislations related to the TPMS in countries such as China, India, Japan, and Russia.By vehicle type, passenger car segment is the largest segment in the global automotive TPMS market. This segment is estimated to account for 79% value share of the market by 2016 end. Growing demand for luxury cars is expected to continue to push demand for automotive TPMS in passenger car segment. Mandatory use of TPMS in passenger vehicles in the U.S., South Korea, and the European Union is further fueling the growth of the passenger cars segment in the global automotive TPMS market.Aftermarket segment is projected to continue to account for a major market share in 2016. Direct TPMS requires replacement after a certain period of time and increasing vehicle parc is expected to drive sales through the aftermarket, especially in the U.S. and the European Union where the TPMS use mandatory for passenger vehicles.North America is estimated to remain the largest market for automotive TPMS, accounting for 47.3% revenue share of the market by 2016 end. Demand is expected to be robust in Europe, where adoption of TPMS mandating legislation would drive the growth of the market.Sensata Technologies Inc., Continental AG, and Pacific Industrial Co., Ltd. are projected to continue to be the top three players in the global automotive TPMS market. Mergers & acquisitions remains a key business strategy for leading players in the global automotive TPMS market. Major players in the global TPMS market are also focusing on expanding their aftermarket businesses, as the aftermarket sales is a major revenue generation source for TPMS manufacturers.Request to view Table of content @The global automotive TPMS market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.7% in terms of value during the forecast period. Presently, North America is the largest market for automotive TPMS, however, Asia-Pacific is expected to emerge as the largest market for automotive TPMS over the forecast period.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesTel: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite:media@persistencemarketresearch.com eTMF Market Global Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecast, 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1650 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1650 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1650 www.futuremarketinsights.com Rise in advanced technologies and rapid innovations in clinical trial data management enables create opportunities for the companies which are striving to plunge into eTMF market. Electronic Trial Master File (eTMF) specialized enterprise content management system, which enables maintain clinical trial content. Pharmaceutical and Biopharma companies are inclined towards eTMF from paper based document management system. The organizations which are adopted to eTMF can achieve higher clinical trial productivity along with cost saving methods and shorten the time line. However, eTMF offers operational efficiency, there is no standard method for storage, classification and exchange of eTMF documents in clinical trials. eTMF electronic documents archives offers exchange of electronic documents among the industry stakeholders. eTMF enables to eliminate the manual paper handling tasks such as classification, acquisition of data, index, and archiving of documents & mails. The eTMF ensures quality along with lower cost. The global eTMF market anticipated to exhibit a significant CAGR as well as annual growth rate over the forecast period.eTMF Market: Drivers and restraintsThe eTMF market can be driven by the following factors, the regulatory bodies of U.S, European Union and Japan along with International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) published a minimum set of documents for TMF. The documents are mandatory for the registration of any pharmaceutical products which are designed for human use. Regulatory bodies has a great impact on eTMF market. The regulatory bodies made it mandatory to submit eTMF may propels global eTMF market. Pharmaceutical companies are inclined towards contract research organizations (CRO) to conduct the clinical trials. Rise in the adoption CROS towards innovative technologies to conduct clinical trials enables to offers lucrative opportunities for the global eTMF market.However, lack of skilled professionals is the major bottleneck for the market and moreover eTMF is costlier, which may hamper the global eTMF market.Request Free Report Sample@eTMF Market: SegmentationGlobal Market can be segmented as following typesBy Product TypeSoftwareTrial PlatformWorkflowE-SignQualityImagingMailboxHardwareBy End UserPharmaceutical IndustryContract Research OrganizationsBiopharmaceutical IndustryResearch InstituteseTMF Market: OverviewGlobal eTMF market is gaining importance across the globe due to increased awareness among pharma and biopharma industry in order to conduct the clinical trials effectively. The eTMF has many advantages such as eliminate the manual work and enhances the quality of work. The global eTMF market expected to witness a significant CAGR as well as annual growth rates over the forecast period.Visit For TOC@eTMF Market: Region-Wise OutlookGlobal market is segmented into seven key regions, those are North America (N.A), Western Europe (W.EU), Latin America (L.A), Eastern Europe (E.EU), Asia-Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, and Middle East and Africa (MEA).North America is anticipated to have a maximum market share in global market due to increased awareness among the CROs as well as pharmaceutical companies in US and Canada. Asia-Pacific follows North America in terms of market share in global eTMF market owing to the drastic change in Asian countries economy as well as pharma industries in India and china. Multi-National companies are entered into strategic collocations in asia region in order to gain economic advantage. Europe is having a considerable contribution in global eTMF market due to stringent regulations in the region. The global eTMF market is anticipated to unlock the potential of market over the forecast periodeTMF Market: Key playersSome of the key players areSure Clinical, Inc.Montrium, Inc.OASISTransperfectVeeva SystemsVertmarkets, Inc.Paragon SolutionsMastercontrol, Inc.Advanstar Communications, Inc.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.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: What to learn from Mortgage Bankers Association Annual Conference 2016? http://www.sumasoft.com/bpo-services-usa/mortgage-processing-services/ Texas (USA), Canada (Toronto) & India (Business Network), Oct 26th, 2016: This years Mortgage Bankers Association Annual Conference saw a gathering of eminent industry leaders to discuss the top trends and market insights of the global mortgage industry. The event, MBA's Annual Convention & Expo, was held during October 23-26, 2016, in Boston. Suma Soft Pvt. Ltd., Indias top mortgage processing services provider, also participated in the event to share its expertise of more than 16 years in providing end-to-end mortgage processing services to global enterprises.The event is considered to be a launch pad for up and coming organisations who wish to be a part of this industry. Mortgage industry is witnessing enormous transition with the growing influence of technology. Thus, this event was a platform for exchange of ideas on how to face the current industry challenges, some of which are technical support for mortgage processing services, 24x7 customer relationship management, mobile app management, security and automation testing, and such others.It is being observed across geographies that Millennials look for mortgage advisors that are easily accessible to them over phone, social media, digital platforms, etc. Mortgage Bankers Association Annual Conference 2016 outlined the growing need of digitization in this industry and also, how enterprises can enable a smooth transition to address technology needs. The event also included detailed discussions on integration of e-signature, eNote, eVault, and eNotary functionality. With these new features, lenders will be able to decrease turn-around-time, reduce errors, and provide an improved customer experience.MBA's Annual Convention & Expo saw an esteemed panel of speakers, including leading banking & finance entrepreneurs who have been in the industry for over 25 years. The speakers discussed contemporary needs of first-time home buyers, moderate-to-low income borrowers as well as untapped market sects. For originators, insurance companies and investors, the speakers highlighted potential future opportunities as well as best practices on liquidity management. Experts from Suma Soft familiarized the gathering with the operational transformations that are required for mortgage industries to stay profitable in todays market scenario.Suma Soft has been a pioneer in blending technical expertise into traditional mortgage processing services. With an extended mortgage processing service including credit &loan processing services outsourcing for USA, mortgage loan origination processing, finance and accounting outsourcing services, banking and financial outsourcing solution, credit processing solutions, loan processing solutions and loan underwriting, Suma Soft has assisted organizations in improving their businesses and increasing profits. With this event by Mortgage Bankers Association, Suma Soft takes a step ahead in addressing global needs of mortgage processing industry.For a quick insight on solutions provided by Suma Soft for mortgage processing services, please connect at:Texas (USA), Canada (Toronto) & India (Business Network), Oct 26th, 2016: This years Mortgage Bankers Association Annual Conference saw a gathering of eminent industry leaders to discuss the top trends and market insights of the global mortgage industry. The event, MBA's Annual Convention & Expo, was held during October 23-26, 2016, in Boston. Suma Soft Pvt. Ltd., Indias top mortgage processing services provider, also participated in the event to share its expertise of more than 16 years in providing end-to-end mortgage processing services to global enterprises.7880 San Felipe Street,Ste 120,Houston TX 77063-1647 Europe industrial air filtration market size is forecast to reach USD 1.89 billion by 2022: Global Market Insights, Inc. https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/350 https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/350 https://gminsights.wordpress.com http://www.fractovia.org https://www.gminsights.com Europe industrial air filtration market size is forecast to reach USD 1.89 billion by 2022; as per a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. Rapid industrial development along with occupational safety and health regulations is anticipated to drive growth.European industrial air filtration markets are witnessing a rise in demand for industrial filter media. In several industrial applications, contaminated air is required to be filtered of harmful substances and suspended matter before it is discharged.Surging demand for products that deliver high-performance and improved efficiency with energy consumption is also expected to favorably impact Europe industrial air filtration market size.Request Sample of This Report@The cost of clean/filtered air is not proportional to the cost of replacement filters; however it is proportional to the amount of energy the filters utilize during their work-life at a desired efficiency level. Growth opportunities include development of environmentally viable technologies and manufacturing techniques along with the ability to create innovative products.Industry ecosystem encompasses raw material/component suppliers, air filtration system manufacturers, distributors/sales team and end-use industries. The principal raw materials that manufacturers utilize include steel, petroleum-based products and filter media.Key insights from the report include:HEPA filters market size is likely to exceed USD 450 million by 2022, at 8.3% CAGR over the forecast period. They play a crucial role in preventing the spread of air-borne bacteria or microorganisms, and are used in food & beverage and pharmaceutical industries as well in areas that require enhanced indoor air quality.Mist collectors are used extensively across the food processing industry, with CAGR expectations of over 8% from 2015 to 2022.Inquire Before Buying Industry Report@The food and metal industry together accounted for over 40% of the European industrial air filtration markets in 2014; they are forecast to grow faster than the overall average over the forecast period. This is primarily due to concerns regarding sanitary regulations, cross contamination, and/or food handling regulations.Germany industrial air filtration market size is projected to exceed USD 400 million by 2022. France, Italy, and Turkey are also estimated to be attractive regional segments. Investments in filter solutions provide compliance with permitted particle exposure level along with high growth in end-use industries is responsible for high growth.Manufacturers usually offer filter elements in standard industry sizes, shapes and filtration media and to custom specifications while maintaining manufacturing standards.Europe industrial air filtration market share is characterized by intense competition. Companies focus on parameters such as price, technology, product performance, geographic presence and customer service. Notable participants are Clarcor, Camfil, Donaldson, Cummins Filtration, SPX, Pall Corporation, etc.Read our insightful industry blogs:Contact Us:Jack DavisCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1 888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb: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 105Ocean View, Delaware Apps Innovations Emerging as the Best SEO Company in India http://www.AppsInnovations.co/seo-company/ www.appsinnovations.co Amid Cutthroat SEO competition, Apps Innovations is emerging as the best SEO Company in India. Apps Innovations, an Indian SEO company has hired more than 20 employees since its foundation in 2012 and has emerged as the fierce contender to the best SEO companies in India. What sets Apps Innovations at a higher pedestal is its ethics driven business model. Its professional attitude and organizational and business values and ethics have helped it to carve a space for itself with leaving behind unforgettable impressions. Its ethical standards are unshakable and uncompromised even when the conduct of the directors of the company is involved and investigated.It has set a pioneering precedent in the SEO business that needs to be followed by other best SEO companies in India and in fact world to continue prioritizing clientele satisfaction and widening their client base without tempering the high ethical standards. App Innovations has become one of the leading Internet marketing service providers in India. It has succeeded not only garnering clients from India but also developed a rich client base and goodwill in U.S.A. and U.K.It has helped many online businesses of generating higher leads and sales by maneuvering heavy traffic to their websites. It provides complete business solutions to all companies of all sizes and shapes. It offers mobile application development (iPhone and Android), web development, Internet marketing, content writing, Graphics design, and logo design. Its western methodology and eastern pricing has made it more popular among overseas business both small as well as large.The web being a crowded place makes it difficult for companies to stand out and make returns on investments. Apps Innovations has the tradition of understanding the difficulties and needs of its clients eagerly to help them to stand out in the crowd and establishing their brands. With more than 300+ active clients, the SEO giant is planning to hire more professionals, experts, and engineers to expand the company business. Its clients seem to be satisfied with the services provided by the Apps Innovations. Here are some client reviews about Apps Innovation services-:"Apps Innovations' ethical uprightness and professional attitude have set it apart from others in the SEO market. They not only do business they carve relationships that are long lasting than mere business projects. We have chosen them as our SEO service provider on a permanent footing and recommend you to choose them for your businesses too."Olena Borysenko, Germany"Our website was not coming early on Google or Yahoo searches. We were worried about returns on investments. We came to know about Apps Innovations from some friends. We thank Apps Innovations for making our website visible on the Internet and increasing our sales." Thomas Wilthil, NorwayTake a virtual tour of our website atto know more about us.About Apps Innovations:The company was founded in 2014 and now it has grown to the level that now the company has more than 50 happy clients who share their experience as "Excellent" working with us.When it comes to business, Apps Innovations always aims to deliver quality services and cutting edge quality of products. In Apps Innovations, all the professionals are recruited after different phases of personal interviews to make sure they will deliver creative results. The infrastructure of the company is advanced enough to support more than 80 professionals at a time so that in a case of any urgent execution of any project could be finished within the limited time.Our Services:*SEO (Search Engine Optimization)*SMO (Social Media Optimization)*PPC (Pay Per Click)*ORM (Online Reputation Management)*Mobile Apps Development(iOS & Android)*Website Development & Design*Custom Software DevelopmentBecause of our quality services, we are growing fast in the market day by day and we aim to become the top choice as web design, mobile applications and internet marketing consultants across the industries. Take a virtual tour of our website atto know more about us.Apps Innovations Services Pvt. Ltd.E-49, Third Floor, Jasola, New DelhiDelhi- 110025 , IndiaKashif KhanManaging Director9911562116Mohd ShehzadMarketing Manager7053062779 Mithi Software features in APAC CIO Outlooks 25 Most Promising Collaboration Solution Providers 2016 https://www.mithi.com/ https://www.vaultastic.com/ https://www.mithiskyconnect.com Pune, India October 16, 2016 The October 2016 Collaboration Special edition of APAC CIO Outlook, lists Mithi Software amongst the 25 Most Promising Collaboration Solution Providers in Asia Pacific (APAC) countries in 2016. APAC CIO Outlook is one of the most popular magazine that connects the Enterprise IT community in the Asia Pacific region.For a rapidly growing company, the collaboration infrastructure serves as the exception handling mechanism. But with it come concerns of security, dependability, high cost, productivity loss from down times, and complexities in managing the collaboration infrastructure. This is where Mithis strengths in handling message streams, security and UI/UX design enables them to provide better security, optimised performance, easy manageability & new capabilities at affordable costs.Right from its inception, the companys mission was to make technology more accessible, useful and affordable to enterprises of every size. ConnectXf, the core flagship collaboration platform by Mithi, has been serving the needs of some of Indias leading enterprises for long, delivering high outcomes under very demanding performance standards. The same platform is also available as Mithi Sky Connect, a SaaS based email service offering, via the cloud to companies of all sizes. More recently Mithi launched Vaultastic, a cloud email archiving solution that also works with Google Apps for Work, Microsoft Exchange, Office 365, and other email solutions.Another distinguishing feature of the system is its ability to co-exist with other mailing systems, as an on-premise - cloud hybrid and integrated with core business applications of an enterprise.Based on Open Standards, the system connects easily to a wide range of add-ons and apps, serving the needs of diverse enterprises such as Aditya Birla Group, Mahindra Rise, DRDO, DMRC, Gini and Jony, IPCA, General Motors, and Freedom Financial Planners among others.Cost is a significant barrier in the adoption of technology and we are doing our best to offer better cost customisation to meet individual business needs, without compromise on performance, explains Tarun Malaviya, CEO, Mithi Software Technologies.Mithi Sky Connect, a comprehensive suite comprising of cloud email, chat, video conferencing and document collaboration, hosted and served from the Amazon (AWS) cloud, aids small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to easily get started with collaboration using the browser, desktop, or mobile devices. Vaultastic, its latest offering, also served off the AWS cloud, enables customers to have an email archiving strategy in place to ensure eDiscovery, Litigation support, data retention, regulation compliance, information availability and business continuity.For their reliable collaboration solutions and services, the company has been bestowed with several awards including the Regional Rising Star Technology Partner (West India) at the AWS APN Excellence Awards 2016. Mithi also intends to build derivative products that will help businesses create more dependable and secure collaboration environments without incurring high costs.About Mithi SoftwareMithi distinguishes itself in providing Email, Archiving and Collaboration Software that can help substantially lower costs & improve productivity. Since its launch in 2003, the software has been adopted by organisations of all sizes and spread across many enterprise segment such as Healthcare, R&D Establishments, Financial Services, Education, Government, BPOs, Software, Defence, Manufacturing, Banks, NGOs, Agro Industries, Logistics, Media, Internet Service Providers, Infrastructure, Media, Retail, Energy & Power, Transportation etc. Installations spanning over 40 cities in India and abroad are maintained, monitored and managed remotely from Mithi's support center at Pune.Company and product websites:Mithi Software Technologies102, MayFair Court, Nachiket Park, Dr. Pai Marg, Baner Road, Pune 411045, IndiaTarun Malaviya+91-982-202-0629tarun@mithi.com Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) Market size forecast to grow at over 37.41% CAGR during next seven years https://www.fractovia.org/request-sample/147 https://www.fractovia.org/news/industry-research-report/atmospheric-water-generator-market Industry TrendsGlobal Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) Market size is projected to touch $9.31 billion mark by end of 2022 and register CAGR of 37.41% during forecast timeframe. Diminishing fresh water accessibility and decreasing water resources along with increasing demand of fresh water for drinking and industrial purpose is predicted to drive industry growth in future.Per capita water accessibility has fallen substantially during last few years.Growing temperatures and scarce rainfall has resulted in drying of lakes and river fronts causing shortage of water. Further, rising industrialization and infrastructural growth specifically in emerging economies has given rise to water scarcity. All these factors are predicted to drive the industry growth.Introduction of policies like DWQS (Drinking Water Quality Section) in Japan, Safe Drinking Water Act in U.S., National Rural Drinking Water Program in India , Drinking Water Directive in countries of European Union and various other initiatives taken by respective governments are projected to propel industry growth by ensuring safe accessibility of potable water for its population.As per WHO (World Health Organisation) report, more than half of the world population is affected by water-borne ailments. Due to this, water produced through atmospheric water generator systems is an effective substitute offering pollutant-free water by condensing filtered air through different filtration processes.However, high requirement of power supply for AWG systems like condenser, dehumidifier and evaporator makes it an impractical choice for few regions with high electric charges. Carbon and other green house emissions released by coal or other compounds poses a threat to atmosphere.But investments in research & development activities to produce low priced and clean technology is predicted to generate new growth opportunities for atmospheric water generator(AWG) market.Request for a sample of this research report @Product TrendsThe industry is segmented into various products like wet desiccation machines and cooling condensation machines. Wet desiccation machines consisted of more than 250 units globally in terms of size for 2014 and is predicted to register more than 40% CAGR during forecast timeframe. Technological breakthrough associated with replacement of brine salt with liquid brine to enhance humidity separation from air is predicted to raise the demand for these machines in future.Cooling condensation machines segment dominated the product segment by producing total revenue of more than $750 million for 2014. Higher output along with widespread accessibility of these machines contributed to the growth of the segment. Technological innovation associated with reduction in power consumption is predicted to drive the growth of the segment.Application TrendsThe atmospheric water generator (AWG) market is segmented into applications like industrial applications and residential applications. Industrial applications segment contributed to greater than 25% of overall demand and is predicted to register more than 37% of CAGR during forecast timeframe. They are mainly used in industries that require water production of more than 20,000 gallons per day. Oil & gas firms of middle east regions are using desalinated water from seas.This method has proved cost efficient in comparison to other oil exploring events taking place near sea shore.Residential atmospheric water generator industry experienced biggest system deployment with total amount of consolidated deployments surpassing 10,000 units for 2014. Growing customer consciousness about the technology benefits from these systems are predicted to drive the industry growth in these residential applications.Regional TrendsAPAC dominated the global atmospheric water generator industry for 2014 by contributing more than $400 million during that year. India and China played a key role in the regional industry growth. Growing commercial & residential expenditure in regions like Indonesia, China and India is predicted to promote the regional demand. Factors like presence of large number of component producers, less production costs and low labor charges are predicted to fuel the industry expansion.MEA(Middle East & Africa) atmospheric water generator market share contributed about more than 27% of overall demand for 2014 and is predicted to register more than 38% of CAGR by end of forecast timeframe. Deficit of fresh water reserves along with high costs involved in deploying desalination plants is predicted to drive the industry demand in the region.Competitive TrendsKey industry players profiled in the report include Ambient Water, Konia, Watair Incorporation, Planets Water, Eurosport Active World Corporation Technologies, Saisons Technocom Private Limited, Water-Gen Limited, Water Technologies International Incorporation, Island Sky Corporation, Atlantis Solar, WaterMaker India Private Limited, Water-Gen Limited, Fujian Yuxin Electronic Company Limited, Air2Water LLC, Dew point manufacturing and Ecoloblue Incorporation.To access sample pages or view this report titled, Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) Market Size By Application (Commercial, Industrial, Residential), By Product (Wet Desiccation, Cooling Condensation), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Development, Price Trend, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2015 2022 in detail along with the table of contents, please click on the link below:About Fractovia.orgFractovia.org is one of India's leading in-house and free news portal. It is fully automated, and operates on a constant premise, interfacing with news sites and offering redesigned breaking features to readers across the globe. Our mission is to offer individuals opportunities for connections with news writers and distributors which they can pursue. We operate by mapping articles pertaining to breaking news, constantly and progressively, against a pre-determined word-based theme, offering important connections to readers and clients, as well as distributers.Fractovia29L Atlantic Avenue,Suite L 105, Ocean View,Delaware 19970United StatesPhone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@fractovia.org Global Storage Virtualization Market Size, Shares, Trends, Technology, Opportunities and Forecast 2015-2019 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=483976 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=483976 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Albany, NY, Oct 03: The increase in implementation of virtualization solutions has led to a rapid development of server virtualization solutions. It increases the productivity of servers and the network as a whole. Technavios market research analysts predict the global storage virtualization market to grow at a CAGR of more than 24% from 2015 to 2019.There need for centralization of all processes in the network and scaling of computing resources in the network to reduce workloads drives its adoption. The increase in IT spending by enterprises and the growing amount of storage data generated by cloud computing and IoT will emerge as some key factors propelling the demand for virtual storage until 2019.Research scope of the global storage virtualization market -In this market research study, analysts have calculated the market size of global storage virtualization considering the following:- Revenue generated from the implementation of storage virtualization appliances and software.- The report discusses storage virtualization based on implementation technology as host-based, network-based, or system-based.- It also discusses the market segmented based on the type of virtualization namely, block-based and file-based.Get a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Geographical segmentation of the global storage virtualization market- Americas- APAC- EMEAThe US has contributed the maximum towards the global storage virtualization market. Many large enterprises in the country including government agencies, cloud service providers (CSPs), and colocation and Web hosting service providers operate their data centers in this region.Storage virtualization offers several benefits to these organizations through higher utilization of storage resources. It also helps in the consolidation of data center facilities through reduced power consumption and cost.Leading vendors analyzed in this report- Citrix- HP- IBM- Microsoft- Oracle- VMwareThe other prominent vendors of this market include DataCore Software, EMC, Hitachi Data Systems, and NetApp.Enquiry at:Key questions answered in the report include- What are the key factors driving the global storage virtualization market- What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global storage virtualization market- What are the various opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global storage virtualization market- Trending factors influencing the market shares for EMEA, APAC, and Americas- Key outcome of the five forces analysis on the global storage virtualization market- Growth forecast of the global storage virtualization market until 2019ResearchMoz 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.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at: Entrepreneurs And Startup Owners Choose Centennials Serviced Offices http://www.centennial.com.sg/ Singapore November 3, 2016: With its stellar reputation, Centennial Business Suites has made a strong name for itself in turkney office solutions. The company offers an array of rental offices, including virtual offices and serviced offices to startups and small businesses in Singapore, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur.Centennial Business Suites has developed an extensive pool of satisfied clients. Many of our clients are small business owners or those who have just launched a startup. Since they have limited budgets, they cant afford to buy brand new office premises. So, they look to Centennials high value virtual and serviced office solutions in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, said a company spokesperson.Centennial Business Suites holds two decades of experience and expertise in providing serviced and virtual offices. Each of these modern offices is fully equipped with essential amenities and facilities. In addition, they come with economical rental packages, without any hidden costs.Centennials rental virtual and serviced offices are fully loaded with a robust IT infrastructure, significant amenities and professional support teams to complement small business growth and development, said the spokesperson. The basic idea is for newly launched or cash-strapped companies to save on office building as well as daily expenses.The companys serviced offices offer a multitude of benefits to entrepreneurs and startup owners, which includes but is not limited to, professional reception and support team; first class meeting rooms; choice of suites, sizes and layout configurations; unlimited Wi-Fi; daily housekeeping; mail-handling for postal mail, packages and mail receipts; cash handling in the companys name; daily newspapers at lounge area and free flow of tea and coffee. Centennials serviced offices are completely furnished for immediate move in.Similarly, Centennials virtual office solutions comprise 24/7 voice mail; daily mail, parcel, courier collection; dedicated phone number; professional phone answering; fax number and fax forwarding; weekly mail forwarding; city business address; meeting room usage, internet and Wi-Fi, complementary pantry facility and more. Clients can select a variety of virtual office packages, including LITE, Standard, Business and Platinum. Our virtual offices are best for those who cant afford an office space and its overheads, added the spokesperson.With regard to Centennials support team, they ensure successful business operations 24/7. The companys support team is trained and qualified and is committed to delivering immediate solutions.Due to its convenient, economical office solutions and expert team of professionals, Centennial exceeds client expectations.With close to two decades of experience, Centennial Business Suites is a leading provider of offices in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. The company specializes in serviced offices, co-working spaces, virtual offices and meeting rooms.Website:Business Address: 105 Cecil Street, #07-01, Singapore 069534Phone: (65) 6336 6988Fax: (65) 6336 6933Email: singapore@centennial.com.sg Gluten-Free Products Market Size, Share, Analysis, Report and Forecast to 2022 According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Gluten-free Products market is estimated at $4.63 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $9.24 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 11.8% from 2015 to 2022. The rising occurrence of celiac disease, diabetes, obesity, other diagnosed food intolerances, and increasing consumer awareness to improve these conditions extended the market to manufacture modified allergen-free products. Nutritional values, digestive health reasons, weight management are some of the factors that are driving the gluten-free products market during the forecast period. Lack of awareness in developing regions such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America hampers the market. In these regions many consumers lack awareness about the difference between allergy and intolerance.Bakery and confectionary products segment is projected to be the fastest growing segment across the regions. North America and Europe were the leading gluten free products markets. North America presently is largest market for gluten free products with US as its market head. With Germany leading the pack it is projected that European market will see significant growth in the upcoming years.Some of the key players in the market are Hero Group Ag, Raisio PLC, Dr. Schar Ag/Spa, The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Farmo S.P.A, General Mills, Inc., Boulder Brands Inc., Kelloggs Company, The Kraft Heinz Company, Valeo Foods, H.J. Heinz Company, Enjoy Life Natural Brands, Hero Group AG, Kelkin Ltd, Quinoa Corporation, Ener-G Foods Inc., Mrs Crimble's, Freedom Foods Group Ltd and Genius Foods Ltd.Types Covered: Pizzas & Pastas Savories Cereals & Snacks Bakery Productso Baking Mixes, Flours & Otherso Breads, Rolls, Buns & Cakeso Cookies, Crackers, Wafers & Biscuits Other TypesSources Covered: Dairy & Meat Products Oilseeds & Pulses Rice & Corn Other Crops Sorghum & Oats Pseudocereals Tuber Crops MilletsBrands Covered: Arrowhead Mills - the Hain Celestial Group, Inc. Glutino - Boulder Brands Inc. Rice Krispies - Kelloggs Company Lucky Charms- General Mills, Inc. ORE-IDA - the Kraft Heinz CompanyDistribution Channels Covered: Hotels & Restaurants Specialty Services Educational Institutions Hospitals & Drug Stores Conventional Storeso Club Storeso Mass Merchandiserso Grocery Storeso Other Distribution Channels E-Retailers Mail-OrdersRegions 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 The July edition of Office Expo 2017 is going to bring massive business opportunities to the forefront Indias exclusive exhibition for complete workplace solutions, Office Expo 2017 is all set to make a mark from 22-24 July, 2017 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India. After 11 successful editions, the upcoming edition assures to be a bigger & better networking platform for the entire industry. It will display the best in Office furniture & interiors, Office build, Office automation & IT, Office lighting, AV, Office security and Office stationery. The Expo will be accompanied by Future Workplace Conclave, Indias only conference related to Office Build, Design & Interiors.The 2016 edition created a frenzy showcasing top brands from various verticals & represented national & international exhibitors. Some of the best companies in the business like Monarch, Godrej Interio, Artwright Malaysia by Indo Innovations, AFC Systems, Amardeep Seatings, Durian, Sharp, HP, BenQ, Epson, Panasonic, Riso Kagaku Corp. (Japan), WEP Peripherals, Polycom, Unify, Pitney Bowes, Fellowes Ltd. (UK), Casio, Logitech, Busy Infotech & many more put on the anvil their best in office solutions. Key visitations included professionals like Architects, Interior designers, Lighting consultants, Project Heads, Purchase Heads, IT Managers, CIOs etc. along with key decision makers & other industry stakeholders.Office Expo 2016 saw several new innovations brought to the forefront, opening up new avenues for over 20,000 business visitors who came from across the country looking for business opportunities and product sourcing.Office Expo 2017 will be held at a larger scale covering more than 40,000 sq. ft. of exhibit area. The show is expected to see participation from nearly 100 companies. It will offer a serious business platform for manufacturers and buyers of the industry to interact and profit from new business opportunities open in the market. Attendees will be able to find appropriate solutions, network with leading manufacturers, make new industry contacts and increase their market knowledge.Targeted visitors include purchase heads, project heads, CIOs, IT managers, administration heads, finance heads, lighting consultants, HR heads, architects, interior designers, distributors/dealers/wholesalers/resellers & more.There is tremendous hype surrounding Office Expo 2017 already. Booth bookings are now open.MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. is an international exhibition company with a strong presence of over four decades in the advertising industry, over 18 years in publishing & 13 years in exhibitions.The company has produced more than 100 exhibitions in all over India, Dubai, Singapore and Thailand.MEX Exhibition Pvt Ltd9 LGF Sant Nagar, New Delhi-110065+91-11-46464848Monika Arora Industrial valves Market, 2014-2020: Segmented by oil & gas, chemical, municipal, power and others http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com/request-for-sample.html?flag=S&repid=55898 http://bit.ly/2cBRpA6 http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com/market-analysis/industrial-values-market-global-industry-perspective-comprehensive-analysis.html http://bit.ly/2ccBVA2 http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com Valves are vital components used in both domestic and industrial perspective. The valves particularly control the volume, pressure, rate and direction of fluids. valves are mostly used in heavy industries and are available in various kinds. The industrial valves include standard valves that offer leak-proof and low-maintenance ability. However, they are manual operated. Further, industrial valves also include automatic valves which are more efficient than standard valves.Request Sample Report at:Industrial valves market is mainly driven by growing demand of petrochemical products such as paints, polymers, plastics, and fuel additives. Another major factor to drive demand for industrial valves is growing oil & gas and power application industry in Africa and Middle East regions. However, fading demand from mining industry is major restraints that could hinder the growth of the industrial valves market.Value chain analysis and Porters Five Forces Model have been presented to provide a comprehensive view of the market. These would also help understand specifics of the industry structure apart from giving an overview of degree of competitiveness. The market was segmented on the basis of type, and end-use application industry in terms of value. The market segments by end-use application industry include oil & gas, chemical, municipal, power, and others. The valve type segmentation includes market size of ball valves, globe valves, gate valves, butterfly valves, and others.Get in-depth TOC (Table of Contents) with Tables and Figures @The study segments the global industrial valves market on the basis of applications such as oil & gas, chemical, municipal, power and others. It provides forecasts and estimates for each application segment in terms of revenue and volume during the forecast period for each region, including countries as well. The study also analyzes market attractiveness for all applications of industrial valves with the help of the market attractiveness tool.In terms of geography, global industrial valves market has been segmented into the following regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Each region has been further divided into countries that are found to be key markets for industrial valves.Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market for industrial valves among other regions. China and India are emerging economies that exhibits increased rate of industrialization and commercialization which is expected to trigger the growth of industrial valves demand. Middle East and Northern Africa are likely to become the second fastest growing market.Browse the full report at:Some of the key manufacturers of industrial valves market include Pentair plc, Emerson Electric Co., KITZ Corporation, AVK Holding A/S, Emerson Electric, General Electric, Cameron International, and Curtiss-Wright Corporation.This report segments the global industrial valves market as follows:Global Industrial Valves Market: Valve Type Segment AnalysisBall valveGlobe valveGate valveButterfly valveOthersGlobal Industrial Valves Market: Application Segment AnalysisOil & gasChemicalMunicipalPowerOthersGlobal Industrial Valves Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia-PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East & AfricaDo Inquiry before buying at:About US:Syndicate Market Research provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Syndicate Market Research cover more than 30 industries includsing energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@SyndicateMarketResearch.comWebsite: Bathroom Vanities Market, Size, Share, 2015 2020 detailed in new research report http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com/request-for-sample.html?flag=S&repid=55999 http://bit.ly/2cCiyoa http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com/market-analysis/bathroom-vanities-market-global-industry-perspective-comprehensive-analysis.html http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com Bathroom vanities are the counter-tops that available in a wide range of materials such as glass, wood, laminate, polyethylene and others. Bathroom vanities and sink console are typically the focus of toilet style. The bathroom vanities can fit in either small or big sized bathroom. Vanity with added amenities such as pull-out drawers and intrinsic chips allow multiple usages at one platform.Request Sample Report at:Surging construction industry and developing sophisticated infrastructure facilities is key driving factor of global bathroom vanities market. In addition, growing demand from new housing and renovation activities due to changing lifestyle is also expected to accelerate the market growth. Shifting inclination towards recycled material is also likely to offer potential opportunities to bathroom vanities market. However, expensive bathroom designing is expected to impede the growth of the market.The global bathroom vanities market is segmented on the basis of material, application and region. Based on different material used for bathroom vanities include c stone, ceramic, glass, wood and metal. Furthermore, application segmentation includes residential and non-residential applications of bathroom vanities.Get in-depth TOC (Table of Contents) with Tables and Figures @The report provides a comprehensive view on the bathroom vanities we have included a detailed competitive scenario and product portfolio of key vendors. To understand the competitive landscape in the market, an analysis of Porters Five Forces model for the bathroom vanities market has also been included. The study encompasses a market attractiveness analysis, wherein application segments are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate and general attractiveness.Application segments have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends, and the market has been estimated from 2015 to 2020 in terms of revenue (USD Million). Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand of bathroom vanities in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). The report also includes further bifurcation into major countries including U.S., Germany, France, UK, China, Japan, India, and Brazil. This segmentation includes demand for bathroom vanities market based on individual application and material in all the regions and countries.Asia Pacific is a dominating region for global bathroom vanities market and it further predicted to witness significant growth owing to the emerging economies such as China and India. North America is likely to have lucrative growth for bathroom vanities market due to increasing demand for premium bathroom features during the forecasted period.Browse the full report at:Key players of the bathroom vanities market include MasterBrand Cabinets, Avanity Corporation, RSI Home Products, American Woodmark, and Foremost Group, among others.Key segments of the Global Bathroom Vanities MarketGlobal Bathroom Vanities Market: Material Segment AnalysisStoneWoodMetalCeramicGlassGlobal Bathroom Vanities Market: Application Segment AnalysisResidentialNon-ResidentialGlobal Bathroom Vanities Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia-PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East & AfricaAbout US:Syndicate Market Research provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Syndicate Market Research cover more than 30 industries includsing energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@SyndicateMarketResearch.comWebsite: Humidity and Temperature Transmitter with Heated Sensing Probe EE211 Humidity and temperature transmitter with heated sensing probe www.epluse.com Continuous high relative humidity (RH) can impair the long-term stability and accuracy of humidity sensors. Therefore, the new EE211 humidity transmitter from the Austrian sensor specialist E+E Elektronik features a heated sensing probe. This leads to best accuracy and long-term stability in high-humidity (>85% RH) and even in condensing environment.The EE211 is designed for accurate humidity and temperature measurement under continuous high-humidity or condensing conditions. The device is ideal for climate control in fruit and vegetable storage, in greenhouses, incubators, ripening processes or in mushroom growing.Heated humidity probeIn order to avoid drift effects due to long-term exposure of the sensing elements to high humidity, the sensor head of the EE211 humidity probe is continuously heated. The permanent over-temperature leads to max. 80% RH at the sensor. Condensation-related dirt deposits as well as corrosion of the sensor are thereby prevented.Furthermore, the unique E+E protective coating also protects the active sensor surface from contamination and corrosive influences.The combination of these features results in considerably improved long-term stability and increases both the service life and the measuring performance of the sensor.Measured values and interfacesThe EE211 calculates the dew point temperature (Td) based on the RH and temperature values measured by the heated humidity probe. A separate, interchangeable temperature probe measures the ambient temperature (T). From Td and T the EE211 calculates back the ambient relative humidity as well as additional physical quantities like absolute humidity, mixing ratio, wet-bulb temperature or specific enthalpy.The measured values are available on the Modbus RTU interface or on two analogue current or voltage outputs. The optional backlit display can show up to three measurands simultaneously.Easy configuration and adjustmentThe Modbus RTU parameters, the scaling of the analogue outputs and the display layout can be set with the free configuration software. The user can also carry out one or two-point humidity and temperature adjustment. The temperature probe can also be calibrated separately.Optimally protected electronicsThe IP65/NEMA 4 enclosure offers optimal protection for the EE211 electronics. Additionally, for best performance even in aggressive environment, the measuring electronics inside the humidity probe are fully encapsulated.E+E Elektronik develops and manufactures sensors and transmitters for humidity, temperature, dewpoint, moisture in oil, air velocity, flow and CO2. Data loggers, hand-held measuring devices and calibration systems complete the comprehensive product portfolio of the Austrian sensor specialist. The main applications for E+E products lie in HVAC, building automation, industrial process control and the automotive industry. A certified quality management system according to ISO 9001 and ISO/TS 16949 ensures the highest quality standards. E+E Elektronik has a worldwide dealership network and representative offices in Germany, France, Italy, Korea, China and the United States. The accredited E+E calibration laboratory (OEKD) has been commissioned by the Austrian Federal Office for Metrology (BEV) to provide the national standards for humidity and air velocity.E+E Elektronik Ges.m.b.H.Mr. Johannes FraundorferLangwiesen 74209 EngerwitzdorfAustriaphone: 0043 7235 6050e-Mail: pr@epluse.at PV storage with integrated Smart Home component Energy Management http://www.q3-energie.de/products/energy-storage-system-qbatt/e-manager-energy-management/?lang=en www.q3-energie.de www.qbatt.de The so-called e.manager by Q3 ENERGIE GmbH & Co. KG allows power and heat generators to connect with consumers as well as with the electrical storage system QBATT. The e.manager is a non-manufacturer-dependent solution for monitoring and controlling photovoltaic systems, small wind turbines, cogeneration units and other producers of renewable energy. Systems can be controlled and monitored online through the associated web portal.The e.manager comes with integrated AC power metres and is designed to function as a hub that controls all energetic components. It is fitted below the consumption metre inside the installation cabinet and communicates with the storage system QBATT as well as with other relevant components, such as consumers of heat and electrical energy as well as most common power inverters, via several analogue and digital interfaces. According to the manufacturer, its small size facilitates the installation process while the included current transformers are designed to enable performance measurement even in narrow control cabinets.The e.manager is also equipped with Smart Home components like Homematic. It can optimise the private consumption of a PV system, for instance by using an optional heating element, even without the QBATT storage system by Q3 ENERGIE GmbH & Co. KG. According to Q3, the storage system can easily be fitted retrospectively, taking into account the full purchase price of the e.manager.Further information atQ3 ENERGIE GmbH & Co. KG has been designing and producing electronic devices in the renewable energy sector in Germany for many years. Aside from PV power inverters, Q3 also provides storage systems for family homes as well as connection technology for power plants and fire safety switches. Further information about Q3 ENERGIE GmbH & Co. KG is available online atandPress contact:Sandra LuttschwagerQ3 ENERGIE GmbH & Co. KGUhlmannstr. 4588471 LaupheimGermanyTel.: +49 (0)8341 90 80 334Email: s.luettschwager@q3-energie.de Medical Disposables Market: North America expected to remain in the leading position in the next few years http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=388 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/medical-disposables-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ A new market research report has been recently published by Transparency Market Research, titled Medical Disposables Market - Global and U.S. Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2012 - 2018. According to the research study, in 2011, the global medical disposables market was worth US$144.6 bn and is anticipated to be worth US$193.9 bn by the end of 2018, growing significantly at a 4.30% CAGR between 2012 and 2018.The research report has provided a detailed analysis of the global medical disposables market, emphasizing on the U.S. market. The report further talks about the market overview, product segmentation, growth drivers, restrains, and vendor analysis. The 50-page research report makes use of graphical representation such as tables and charts to showcase historical data and forecast figures.Download exclusive Sample of this Report:Rising demand for healthcare due to the rising global aging population, rising prevalence of chronic conditions that need long-time therapies, and expanding volume of inpatient days and hospital admissions are some of the major factors boosting the demand for medical disposables in the coming years. On the other hand, rigid FDA and GMP approval norms and reduction in the prevalence of healthcare-associated infections are the factors that are expected to curb the growth of this market in the forecast period.On the basis of product, the global medical disposables market has been segmented into nonwoven medical disposables, wound management disposables, drug delivery disposables, and others (such as laboratory and diagnostic disposables). Furthermore, the market has been classified on the basis of end use into home healthcare facilities, outpatient facilities, emergency care, hospitals, and physician offices. Among these, the hospitals segment is at the forefront of the U.S. medical disposables market. The demand for medical disposables is anticipated to rise in hospitals, thanks to the rising number of patient admissions, surgical procedures, and emergency visits.The global medical disposables market has been further segmented on the basis of geography into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. Among all these regions, North America exhibited strong demand for all product segments of the market in the recent years. According to the report, the U.S. medical disposables market held around 70% of the North America medical disposables market. In 2011, North America accounted for the largest share of 35% in the global medical disposables market. On the other hand, Asia Pacific is expected to witness rapid growth owing to rising awareness for healthcare. Some of the other factors that are expected to boost the demand for medical disposables in the Asia Pacific market are the huge aging population, increasing disposable income, and rising expenditure by governments on healthcare. The substantial rise of developing nations such as China and India is anticipated to propel the Asia Pacific medical disposables market.Read Full Report:The report also talks about the prominent companies that are operating in the global medical disposables market. The comprehensive analysis includes company overview, product portfolio, business strategies, financial overview, SWOT analysis, and recent developments. Some of the key players are Dickinson, and Company, 3M Company, Becton, Johnson & Johnson, and Covidien plc.Key segments of the global medical disposables marketProduct categorization of global medical disposables market:Drug Delivery DisposablesWound Management DisposablesNonwoven Medical DisposablesOthersMajor geographies analyzed under this research report are:EuropeNorth AmericaAsia PacificRest of the WorldTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Glass Tableware Market: Rising Affluent Consumer Base to Boost Demand for Attractive Products; Global and Egypt Market Analysis http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=763 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/glass-tableware-market.html According to the research study by TMR, in 2015, the global glass tableware market was valued at US$7,743.5 mn and is estimated to reach a value of US$8,828.5 mn by the end of 2017. The market is projected to register a significant growth rate in the next few years.Improving Economic Conditions to Offer Favorable Growth Opportunities for EMEA Glass Tableware MarketAmong the key geographical segments, EMEA accounts for a massive share in the global glass tableware market at present and is estimated to reach a value of US$2,884.2 mn by the end of 2017. The high growth of this region can be attributed to the rising demand for new and innovative types of glass tableware. In addition, the improving economic conditions and adoption of new standards and regulations are estimated to fuel the growth of the glass tableware market in EMEA. On the other hand, Asia Pacific and Latin America are estimated to experience robust growth in the next few years.Request a Sample PDF for Market Insights on Glass Tableware atFurthermore, the research study emphasizes on the Egypt market for glass tableware in the EMEA region as it holds lucrative opportunities for the leading market players. The easy availability of high-quality raw materials is one of the primary factors fuelling the growth of the glass tableware market in Egypt. This nation is estimated to present substantial growth prospects in the forecast period.Rising Number of Distribution Channels to Propel Global Glass Tableware MarketThe growing middle-class population across the globe and their rising disposable income are some of the primary factors boosting the demand for glass tableware. In addition, the development of catering industries is estimated to accelerate the growth of the market throughout the forecast period. The rising number of malls, supermarkets, and specialized retail stores and development of the retail industry are augmenting the market growth. However, the mounting raw material prices and several difficulties faced by the manufacturers in maintaining the desired temperature levels at manufacturing units are restricting the growth of the overall market.Nonetheless, the growing demand for luxury casual products and development of innovative and attractive glass tableware products are expected to generate potential opportunities for key players in the glass tableware market across the globe.Developing Hospitality Industry to Bolster Glass Tableware Market in EgyptEgypt is an attractive tourist location, owing to which the hotel industry here has been witnessing tremendous growth. This is estimated to boost the demand for attractive glass tableware in Egypt. In addition, the rising purchasing power of consumers and improving lifestyles are expected to encourage the growth of the Egypt glass tableware market. On the other hand, a significant reduction in investments in this market and limited sodium carbonate supply are projected to hamper the growth of the market in the coming years. However, the introduction of affordable table glassware products for a growing middle-class population is expected to drive the Egypt market in the near future.View Report:The global glass tableware market is highly competitive in nature with a large number of international players operating in it, says a new research study by Transparency Market Research (TMR). Bormioli Rocco group, Libbey Incorporation, Sisecam (Pasabache), Arc International, and Anchor Hocking Company are some of the leading players in the global glass tableware market. In 2011, Arc International, Libbey Incorporation, and Sisecam (Pasabache) collectively held a share of 43.1% in the global market and are making notable efforts to remain in the leading position throughout the forecast period. Key players are focusing on product innovation and research and development activities to gain a competitive advantage in the overall market.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.com Urinary Tract Cancer Market: Overview of key market forces propelling and restraining market growth http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=3166 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/urinary-tract-cancer-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ The World Health Organization states that in 2012, urinary tract cancer was the ninth most frequently occurring cancer type with a high reoccurrence rate. This type of cancer is high among the geriatric population, smokers, those with urinary tract infections, and workers in chemical industries. One of the most important and effective methods of eliminating urinary tract cancer is early diagnosis and studies have shown that nearly 75%-80% of cancer patients survive if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage.The research report studies and analyzes the global urinary tract cancer market with the help of the latest market intelligence tools to provide a vast database of information that will help in delivering market estimates and forecasts. Offering insights into the numerous trends that impact individual segments of the urinary tract cancer market, the report also identifies chief growth factors and retardants.Download exclusive Sample of this Report:Overview of the global urinary tract cancer marketThe urinary tract cancer market is primarily driven by an increase in the number of smokers around the world, rise in the geriatric population, and increasing prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle. The development of modern medicine and introduction of early diagnostic tools, coupled with growing awareness regarding the disease has fueled the growth of the urinary tract cancer market. A key factor that has supported the market is rigorous research activities by governments and academics. Institutes such as the National Cancer Institute and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer have been providing invaluable aid to the global urinary tract cancer market.In contrast, the prevailing lack of awareness in many regions is still a hindrance to the growth of the market.North America leads the worldwide market for urinary tract cancer, followed by Europe, owing to factors such as the availability of advanced technologies and healthcare services and increased healthcare spending. Asia Pacific is quickly catching up to other developed regions thanks to the development of healthcare infrastructure, government support, increasing patient pool, and rise in incomes. The growth of the urinary tract cancer market in Africa has been rather slow due to poor infrastructure and economic conditions and an ill-structured regulatory framework.Companies mentioned in the research reportThere are a number of small and large participants in the urinary tract cancer market and the report offers a comprehensive and well-balanced evaluation of the overall competitive landscape. Some of the prominent players in the urinary tract cancer market are Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Novartis AG, IkerChem S.L., Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Bayer AG, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Genzyme Corporation, Medical Enzymes AG, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Amgen Inc., Pfizer Inc., Shionogi & Co., Ltd., and Eli Lilly and Company.Read Full Report:Segmentation based on type of urinary tract cancerSquamous cell carcinomaTransitional cell carcinomaAdenocarcinomaOthersSegmentation based on diagnostic testsBiopsyCystoscopyUrine cytologyImaging testMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanComputed Tomography (CT) scanX-Ray scanBone scanOthersSegmentation based on treatmentBiological therapyUse of synthetic version of an immune system proteinUse of immune-stimulating bacteriumSurgical treatmentRadical cystectomyTransurethral resection (TUR)OthersRadiation therapyChemotherapyOthersMajor geographies analyzed under this research report are:EuropeNorth AmericaAsia-PacificRest of the WorldThis report gives you access to decisive data such as:Market growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for the coming yearsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Biogas Market: Significant Development of Biogas Infrastructure to Enhance Production, finds TMR http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=5630 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/biogas-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The degree of competition in the global biogas market is high due to the presence of numerous companies with similar products and a slight difference in quality, states Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a new research report. Several players operating in the global biogas market are getting into strategic partnerships and have increased merger and acquisition activities to maintain a strong hold on the market. Leading players are carrying out long term contracts with buyers as well as suppliers. The exit barriers in the global biogas market are considerably high due to contract commitments and high initial investments. Some of the key companies operating in the market are Air Liquide Advanced Business and Technologies, Wartsila Corporation, Vanzetti Engineering S.r.l., Cryostar SAS, Gasrec Ltd., and Biofrigas Sweden AB.In terms of volume, the global biogas market stood at 22,963.21 KTOE in 2015 and is projected to touch 39,845.58 KTOE by the end of 2023. The global biogas market is likely to witness a CAGR of 6.56% from 2015 to 2023. Electricity and heat emerged as the key application segment, in terms of consumption of biogas, with a share of 50.61% in 2014 and is likely to account for 52.05% by 2023. Biogas is used as a fuel in combustion engines, which are used to power electric generators for electricity production. The growing use of electricity produced through combined heat and power technique in electricity grids is further anticipated to boost the consumption of biogas over the forthcoming years.Interpret a Competitive outlook Analysis Report with PDF Brochure :Europe to Witness Promising Growth Owing to Favorable Subsidy SchemesGeographically, Europe emerged dominant in the global biogas market in 2014 and is likely to retain a leading position until 2023. It held a share of 62.65% in 2014 and is projected to account for 64.38% in 2023. According to a TMR analyst, The biogas market in Europe is likely to grow at a significant rate owing to the favorable subsidization schemes implemented by governments of countries such as the Czech Republic, the U.K., Italy, and the Netherlands. The simplification of approval procedures for the construction of biogas plants in France is further expected to aid the progress of the biogas market in Europe.Shift of Consumers towards Renewable Energy Sources to Bolster Demand for BiogasAt present, maximum heat and power generation activities across the globe are carried out using fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. Rising concerns regarding the depletion of crude oil reserves have paved way for the adoption of alternative sources of energy. As a result of this, governments of several countries have reduced the dependence on fossil fuels and are taking initiatives to promote the adoption of clean and renewable energy sources.As biogas is an organic and renewable source of energy, its adoption assists in addressing environmental concerns to a certain extent. Furthermore, the ongoing infrastructural development for natural gas in several developed nations to meet the high demand for natural gas is projected to augment the growth of the global biogas market. Upgraded biogas with high methane content is equivalent to natural gas and is transported using natural gas pipelines. Biogas is being preferred as the most potential alternative for natural gas.Browse Report with Full TOC at :High Cost of Installation and Initial Investment to Act as Hindrance for Market GrowthThe cost of installation of equipment such as pumps, gas storage, reactors, and digesters in biogas plants can be prohibitively high. Furthermore, as compared to other sources of energy, the cost of power generation from biogas is significantly high. The cost of construction and operation of biogas plants is also not economically feasible and without government support, it is difficult to operate a biogas plant. As a result of this, the growth of the global biogas market is likely to be impeded over the forthcoming years.This review is based on a Transparency Market Research report, titled, Biogas Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends and Forecast 2015-2023.The biogas market has been segmented as follows:Global Biogas Market: Application AnalysisElectricity & HeatVehicle FuelOthersUS Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: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.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, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207 Global Behenyl Alcohol Market Poised to Reach 54,200.9 Metric Tons by 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/behenyl-alcohol-market/toc http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/6976 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com According to the latest market report published by Persistence Market Research titled Global Market Study on Behenyl Alcohol: Asia Pacific to Witness Highest Growth by 2021, the global behenyl alcohol market to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period, 2015 - 2021.Behenyl alcohol (CAS: 661-19-8), often referred to as docosanol, is a saturated fatty alcohol used to thicken and stabilise formulations. It is categorised on the basis of purity level. Behenyl alcohol with the purity level of 70% is most commonly used. However, behenyl alcohol with purity over 80% is very rarely used. Behenyl alcohol accounted for a mere 1.4% share of the overall fatty alcohols market, and for 14% share of the overall C16+ fatty alcohols market in 2014.For More Information Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report @Global behenyl alcohol market is projected to account for 54,200.9 metric tons by the end of 2021. In terms of value, the global behenyl alcohol market accounted for US$ 119.4 Mn in 2014. It is projected to witness the increase in volume due to rising demand from end-use segments.The report analyses the global behenyl alcohol market in terms of market value (US$ Mn) and market volume (metric tons), by end-use segment, region and application; and provides information regarding market dynamics, value chain, competitive landscape, current trends, market estimations and forecast.Globally, Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period and is projected to witness a 1.4X increase in its volume production by the end of 2021. While Japan and India are two major exporters of behenyl alcohol chemicals globally, South Korea is one of the key importers of behenyl alcohol in Asia Pacific. In Asia Pacific, India is the largest producer of rapeseed and behenyl alcohol. A large number of companies based in the country export rapeseed to North America, Europe and other parts of Asia. Sun care products are widely used in Asia Pacific. It accounted for nearly US$ 2.2 Bn in 2014. The increase in demand for sun care products, in turn, is expected to boost overall demand for behenyl alcohol globally. Though the market is gaining traction in Asia-Pacific, low presence of Chinese players in the behenyl alcohol market has significantly reduced price competitiveness among the companies based in Japan, India and Europe. As a result, manufacturers are expected to generate high-profit margins in the Asia Pacific region. Europe is the next lucrative destination for behenyl alcohol manufacturers.Among the end-use segments, behenyl alcohol finds the largest application in the cosmetics industry, followed by pharmaceuticals and others. The pharmaceuticals end-use segment is expected to gain traction in the near future due to increasing demand for behenyl alcohol in ointments. Increasing demand for high-quality cosmetic products is influencing manufacturers to opt for high-quality ingredients such as behenyl alcohol, which has a relatively non-sticky property as compared to other ingredients.Globally, per capita consumption of cosmetics is increasing at a rate of 3.4% per year. Per capita consumption of cosmetics is expected to grow exponentially in the near future due to a significant rise in geriatric population, especially in Japan and China.By application type, the behenyl alcohol market is segmented into emollients, emulsifiers, thickeners and others. The emollients segment is expected to dominate the overall behenyl alcohol market by the end of the forecast period, i.e. by 2021. The segment is projected to register an above average growth rate over the forecast period. Global consumption of emollients stood at 130,000 metric tons in 2014. Consumption of behenyl alcohol as an ingredient in emollients accounted for a significant proportion of the total emollients consumed globally.Request Report Sample @Key market participants covered in the report include BASF SE, Kao Corporation, VVF Chemicals Limited, Godrej Industries Ltd., Sasol Ltd. and Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd.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: Scoring with NFC DENSO launches innovative QK30-IC Scanner DENSO's new QK30-IC is equipped with modern NFC technology and offers unique features. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHp4Yboj7IccPlSeRxQ6yBQ DENSO, Inventor of the QR Code, launches the new QK30-IC, which is equipped with modern NFC technology and which offers unique features.Latest product combines the advantages of the standard QK30 with an NFC chip card reader. Great performance on short distances with NFC. Numerous possibilities from usage at the POS to access of control systems. DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit are experts for mobile data capture. Further information about RFID and NFC, the QR Code, scanners, handheld terminals and DENSO Auto-ID can be found on the company's website.Dusseldorf. The DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit, part of the Toyota Group, launches the new QK30-IC, an innovative technologically advanced device as complement to the standard model QK30. The new scanner is equipped with modern NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, which is based on the same core technology as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), but uses a lower frequency. So far, this technology has mainly been used for cashless payments of small amounts. With its integrated NFC chip card reader, the QK30-IC scanner offers innovative new features. More information about the scanners and handheld terminals, about RFID and NFC, the QR Code, solutions for mobile data capture and DENSO Auto-ID is available at http://www.denso-autoid-eu.com/en.html.When it comes to mobile data capture or mobile payments in combination with an app on a smartphone or for the analysis of individual buying behaviours, the QK30-IC scanner is a real all-round talent. The standard QK30 scanner by DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit has become a bestseller because of its polyvalent use in numerous different applications. It is a great device at the Point of Sale when integrated in cash registers. Furthermore, it is a helpful scanner when connected to multi-media terminals or when connected to access control systems. The QK30-IC with its technological advances comes with innovative new features. Not only is it capable of everything that the QK30 scanner can do, but it is also capable of supporting NFC cash payments via credit cards. Thus, the latest product developed by DENSO for the mobile data capture market is another great success. As a fixed or built-in scanner, the QK30-IC can read effortlessly QR Codes printed on smart phone displays or badly printed codes on paper labels. Sina Haupt, Marketing Assistant at DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit, part of the Toyota Group, says about the launch: We are very satisfied with our new scanner and are excited about its launch. One of the QK30-ICs strong sales arguments is its capability of reading mobile coupons, mobile tickets and also verifying customer IDs. We have come even further with our NFC implementation and this has given us a lot of positive benefits within one and the same device. Further information regarding all DENSO products, such as handheld terminals and scanners for mobile data capture, the QR Code and DENSO Auto-ID can be found on the company's website.NFC is, among others, popular at universities so that student IDs can function simultaneously as cash cards in the cafeteria or as member cards to borrow books in libraries. Dirk Gelbrich, Teamleader Technical at DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit, points out the great advantages of the QK30-IC scanner: Not only is our QK30-IC capable of what our QK30 is designed for, but it also has an integrated IC card reader and is thus deployable in even more fields of application.For the European market, the DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit is the contact window for all enquiries on QR Codes, mobile data capture, handheld terminals and scanners. The durable and robust terminals and scanners manufactured by DENSO are to be found in storage, logistics, POS, production and field & sales automation applications. Short and informative video clips about the terminals, scanners and solutions from the DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit can now be viewed on YouTube. The clips include the 20th anniversary of the QR Code, a company presentation, and introductions to the various devices for mobile data capture such as the BHT-1500, BHT-1400 and the GT20 scanner. For more information, click on the link below:QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.DENSO is one of the worlds leading manufacturers of mobile data capture devices. We follow one mission: Driven by Quality maximum quality in mobile data capture. Decision-makers in the fields of retail, logistics and production rely on DENSO for their business requirements and in implementing the Internet of Things. DENSO is a member of the Toyota Group and is exclusively represented in Europe by the DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit of TT Network Integration Europe.DENSO Auto-ID Business UnitImmermannstr. 65 BD-40210 DusseldorfPhone +49 (0)211 88 252 450Fax +49 (0)211 88 252 502Managing Director:Takashi HaraMarketing Assistant:Sina HauptPhone +49 211 88252 403E-Mail:Sina.Haupt@denso-autoid-eu.comWebsite:http://www.denso-autoid-eu.com/en.htmlPress Contact:PPR HamburgRafael R. Pilsczek, M. A.Sinstorfer Kirchweg 18D-21077 HamburgPhone +49 (0)40 32 80 89 80Fax +49 (0)40 32 80 89 81Mobil: +49 (0)170 310 79 72 Perle Launches 9-port Industrial Managed Switches 9-port Managed Industrial Ethernet Switches www.perle.com Perle Systems, a global manufacturer of secure device networking hardware, today announced phase two of it Managed Industrial Ethernet Switch launch - 304 models of IDS-400 and IDS-500 9-port switches with variable 10/100/1000Base-T, SFP, Fiber and combo ports.When entering the industrial switch market in April 2014 Perle promised to offer every conceivable model. As of today, the Perle portfolio consists of over 640 Industrial DIN Rail Switches for a variety of application environments.The IDS-400 Industrial Switches come with a Comprehensive Management Feature Set including management VLAN, QoS, RMON, N:1 port mirroring and local alert log.The IDS-500 Managed Switches come with a PRO Feature Set to meet the needs enterprise-grade level environments where additional security and network integration functionality is required:- TACACS+ and RADIUS authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) security services- SSH, SNMPv3, Telnet and HTTPS secure management sessions- IP address and IP Port number Management Access Lists (ACL)- Password Strength Checking- Protection of User Access Ports through IEEE 802.1x Authentication and Port Security- Advanced protocols to optimize the performance and intelligence of the network: LLDP, GVRP, Voice VLANs, MSTP, GMRP, IPv4 IGMP Snooping and IPv6 MLD Snooping- IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) Boundary clock capabilitiesWhatever requirement you have for an Industrial Ethernet Switch we are confident we can fulfill it, says John Feeney, Chief Operating Officer at Perle Systems.Perle Managed Industrial Ethernet Switches enable configuration, monitoring and management of industrial LANs providing advanced performance and real-time deterministic network operation. These Industrial-grade Switches are designed to stand up to extreme temperatures, surges, vibration, and shock found in industrial automation, government, military, oil and gas, mining and outdoor applications. They are rugged fan-less switches that are hardened to provide superior reliability in -10 to 60C, or harsh extended operating temperatures from -40 to 75C.Perle only uses high-end components from the leading chip manufacturers to ensure the highest level of durability and reliability. In addition, all units have a corrosion resistant aluminum case and dual redundant power input with reverse polarity and overload protection.Since entering the Industrial Switch Market, Perle has sold to numerous high profile customers such as NBCUniveral, SolarCity, Dupont, Rolls Royce and Siemens.About Perle SystemsPerle Systems is a leading developer, manufacturer and vendor of high-reliability and richly featured connectivity and device networking products. These products are used to connect remote users reliably and securely to central servers for a wide variety of business applications. Product lines include Console Servers for Data Center Management, Terminal Servers, Device Servers, Remote Power Switches, Media Converters, Ethernet I/O, Serial Cards, Parallel Cards and Multimodem Cards. Perle distinguishes itself through extensive networking technology, depth of experience in major real-world network environments and long-term distribution and VAR channel relationships in major world markets. Perle has offices in 9 countries in North America, Europe and Asia and sells its products through distribution and OEM/ODE channels worldwide.Perle Systems830 Fesslers Parkway, Suite 108Nashville, TN 37210Julie Mc DanielVP MarketingPhone: 1-800-46703753pr@perle.com Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta Announces Didi Sarwono As New Executive Chef Executive Chef Didi Sarwono, Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta www.royalambarrukmo.com www.royalambarrukmo.com Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakartas General Manager, Ian Cameron, announced the appointment of Didi Sarwono as the new Executive Chef. In his new role, Executive Chef Didi Sarwono oversees all distinguished food & beverage outlets at Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta, including all-day dining Royal Restaurant, The Lobby Lounge & Bar, as well as the upcoming & most-anticipated new coffee shop, Punika Deli, to open this December.Cooking is all about discovery and sharing that experience with others, Didi says. From learning about new intricate techniques to collaborate with local traditions, I love the idea of trying something new and beyond the usual and I am bringing this sense of discovery and excitement to Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakartas culinary program. I feel very privileged to be appointed at this great classic hotel which has such an abundance of Yogyakartas Royal Palace legacy.Recognized for his unrelenting creativity in the kitchen, Executive Chef Didi Sarwono started his culinary career in the 2000s, expanding 5-star International chain hotels in Bandung, Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan to Dubai, a fine dining restaurant in Jakarta and also cruise line in German & Australia. In addition to his professional training in the kitchen, Executive Chef Didi Sarwono has been named as one of the semi-finalist on Indonesian Chef of The Year 2012 along with 9 others senior Chefs in the industry. His passion to food styling and discovering new creations from traditional meeting westerns gastronomy, triggers him to share his journey to 16.000+ followers on his personal Instagram (@didi_sarwono) and a blog full of beautiful cuisines.Were extremely delighted to have Chef Didi completing our team. With his international experience and deep passion to making new and exciting concepts in our dining outlets, as well as understanding Indonesias insatiable demand for ever increasing sophistication in dining options, I am sure our discerning clientele are in for an Ambarrukmo treat over the next several months. says General Manager Ian Cameron.The award winning 5-star Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta has 247 rooms & suites open to business & leisure, guests may choose from Deluxe room, Premiere room, Junior Suite, Executive Suite and Ambarrukmo Suites. All rooms with balcony, commanding views of Merapi Volcano or the city, and state-of-art facilities. The hotels MICE spaces offer international standards with up to 2,000 people capacity. The Ambarrukmo, an integral wedding, leisure and MICE destination in the heart of Javanese culture, awaits discerning guests to discover. Learn more atand stay close to social media stories on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.Royal Ambarrukmo YogyakartaJalan Laksda Adisucipto no. 81 Yogyakarta 55281 IndonesiaPress contact:Marketing & Communications Managermarcom@royalambarrukmo.com Human Machine Interface Business is Booming. Asia-Pacific is Expected to Experience the Fastest Growth! http://www.marketintelreports.com/report/9dime7727/global-human-machine-interface-market-report-2016 http://www.marketintelreports.com/pdfdownload.php?id=9dime7727 http://www.marketintelreports.com/purchase.php?id=9dime7727 www.marketintelreports.com 2016 Global Human Machine Interface Market Report is a professional and in-depth research report on the world's major regional market conditions of the Human Machine Interface industry, focusing on the main regions North America Europe AsiaAnd the main countries United States Germany Japan ChinaCheck complete report @The report firstly introduced the Human Machine Interface basics:definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain overview; industry policies and plans; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, capacity utilization, supply, demand and industry growth rate etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.Avail more information from Sample Brochure of report @The report includes six parts, dealing with:1.) Basic information;2.) The Asia Human Machine Interface industry;3.) The North American Human Machine Interface industry;4.) The European Human Machine Interface industry;5.) Market entry and investment feasibility;6.) The report conclusion.Order a copy of Global Human Machine Interface Market Report 2016 @About us:MarketIntelReports (MIR) aim to empower our clients to successfully manage and outperform in their business decisions, we do this by providing Premium Market Intelligence, Strategic Insights and Databases from a range of Global Publishers.A group of industry veterans who are well experienced in reputed international consulting firms after identifying the sourcing needs of MNCs for market intelligence, have together started this business savior MarketIntelReports.MIR intends to be a one-stop shop with an intuitive design, exhaustive database, expert assistance, secure cart checkout and data privacy integrated. It curates the list of reports, publishers and studies to ensure that the database is constantly updated to dynamically meet the targeted, specific needs of our clients.MarketIntelReports currently has more than 10,000 plus titles and 35+ publishers on our platform and growing consistently to fill the Global Intelligence Demand Supply Gap. We cover more than 15 industry verticals being: Automotive, Electronics, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Chemicals, Building & Construction, Agriculture, Food & Beverages, Banking & Finance, Media and Government, Public Sector Studies.Contact us:Sales ManagerMayur S.2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400,Wilmington,Delaware,19808United Statessales@marketintelreports.comTelephone: 1-302-261-5343 Boyer-Rosene Moving & Storage, Inc. awarded Agent of the Year www.boyer-rosene.com www.bekins.com INDIANAPOLIS Boyer-Rosene Moving & Storage, Inc. was awarded Bekins Van Lines Agent of the Year at Bekins 62nd Annual Partnership Conference in San Antonio, Texas. The award is given to the top interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines that exemplifies putting customers first and the characteristics of quality, professionalism, empathy for customers, fellow agents, drivers and van line employees.Boyer-Rosene has served the Chicagoland area since 1962 and has been a Bekins agent for more than 30 years. In addition to winning multiple sales, hauling and quality awards with Bekins, Boyer-Rosene was named the 2008 Business of the Year by the Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce and received the BBB award as a Complaint Free Business since 2011.Boyer-Rosene is heavily involved in the Chicagoland community by donating labor, trucks, drivers or warehouses to local causes and has helped the victims of natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina. Boyer-Rosene is a member of Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Movers and Warehousemens Association, Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago and International Facility Management Association.Boyer-Rosene Moving & Storage has a great reputation throughout the Chicagoland area due to the commitment of their long-time staff members and strong leadership, said Mark Kirschner, CEO of Bekins Van Lines. Were proud to have them as an interstate partner for Bekins Van Lines.Boyer-Rosene has 54,000 square feet of warehouse space at 2638 S. Clearbrook Dr., Arlington Heights, Ill. 60005 and can be reached at 847-596-6700 or 800-323-8558. Boyer-Rosene can be found online atAbout Bekins Van LinesBekins Van Lines, Inc. is one of the world's most highly regarded providers of transportation services. Bekins is owned by Wheaton Van Lines Inc., which now owns three household goods relocation brands, Wheaton World Wide Moving, Bekins Van Lines and Clark & Reid. The van line is now the fourth largest household goods carrier. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., the Wheaton, Bekins and Clark & Reid brands offer private and corporate domestic and international household goods relocation services as well as special commodities and logistic services. The United States Military also is one of the companys largest customers. Wheaton Van Lines, Inc. is partner to approximately 370 Wheaton, Bekins and Clark & Reid agents nationwide. To learn more, visitBekins Van Lines8010 Castleton Rd.Indianapolis, IN 46250 BluePrint Data Named 10 Fastest Growing Cloud Computing Companies of 2016 BluePrint Data Architecting a Safer Internet http://thesiliconreview.com/magazines/10-fastest-growing-cloud-computing-companies-2016-2/ http://thesiliconreview.com/magazines/blueprint-data-revolutionizing-the-world-with-the-leading-internet-filtering-technologies www.blueprintdata.com BluePrint Data, the leader in high quality, OEM, integrable Internet Filtering and Parental Control that is revolutionizing the World with the Leading Internet Filtering Technologies security solutions, was recently named one of the top 10 fastest growing Cloud Computing Companies of 2016 by The Silicon Review. The list of companies can be found on The Silicon Review magazine website.A level 5-optimizing CMM level organization, BluePrint Data is truly a Global company with international deployments and website coverage in 63 languages.About Silicon Reviews List of Top 10 Fastest Growing Cloud Computing CompaniesThe Silicon Review magazine, published from Silicon Valley, California and having development office in Bangalore, India; is a business and technology magazine for tech decision makers and enterprise IT. It is the most trusted source of news and information for business professionals. The 10 Fastest Growing Cloud companies list is a printed annual edition for companies providing key technology solutions and services related to Software.The Most Trusted Website Content Authority in the WorldBluePrint Data specializes in providing high quality Website / URL Filtering, which makes them the most trusted Website content authority in the world. In fact, other Internet Filtering companies contract with BluePrint Data to complete web site / URL content reviews to improve their filter databases or when their automated technology cant determine a website or URLs content.BluePrint Data is delighted to see our hard work and service to our customers recognize said Bob Dahlstrom, CEO of BluePrint Data. This validation of our growth reinforces within our company the importance of our customers and our customer relationships. After all, we are in business for our customers, if they dont succeed, we dont succeed.Serving a Healthy Client BaseA leading provider of OEM website / URL Content Filtering technologies and services, over the years BluePrint Data has witnessed a revolution in the cloud market. Serving the market for over 16 years from now, they have observed the growth of the cloud and actually had cloud services embedded into their product offerings since inception. Today, they are a global leader enabling their customers to provide high quality and low cost internet filtering solutions, either standalone or integrated, to their end users.The company provides its clients a set of APIs, SDKs, and Web based tools to utilize their in-the-cloud Internet Filtering service. They also bestow the option of providing copies of the database and/or content engine for local use, installation on network or client devices, or for data center / network, if they dont need a cloud installation. The APIs and SDKs provides JSON (Java), HTML (get requests), and XML options and versions to request the URL / website lookups.Regarded as a true player in the Internet Filtering business as an OEM supplier of cloud based and other internet filtering and security services since 1998, BluePrint Data will continue to focus on providing products and services to their customers that they can integrate into their services and offerings or white label and sell. Home based in Jacksonville, Florida, BluePrint Data has a presence in North, Central and South America, Asia / pacific and India.The list of the top 10 Fastest Growing Cloud Computing Companies of 2016 is available atThe article on BluePrint Data is available atAbout BluePrint DataBluePrint Data OEMs its URL / Web site content filters, technology, and security products and services to Internet Security vendors such as Unified Threat Management (UTM), Managed Service Providers (MSP), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP) and Software as a Service (SaaS) providers as well as providing private label / OEM services to Value Added Resellers (VARs), Information Technology Providers, Anti Virus and Anti Spam service providers, Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), and telecom, carriers, and ISPs and other companies. BluePrint Data has the worlds largest 100% human reviewed URL Filter Database that is combined with tools and services to provide easy integration of the BluePrint Data OEM URL Filter database. For more information, visitor follow the company on Twitter @blueprintdataAbout Silicon Review MagazineThe Silicon Review is the a trusted online and print community for business & technology professionals. Community members include thought-provoking CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, IT VPs and managers, along with jillions of diverse IT professionals. It is a pre-eminent platform that shares innovative enterprise solutions developed by established solution providers and upcoming hot enterprises emphasizing as a neutral source for technology decision makers. The Silicon Review acts as an excellent medium, allowing top level executives to share their contemporary thoughts and ideas. This creates a benefit for the enterprise start-up ecosystem, business leaders and technology on IT trends; gives a better understanding of the solutions in achieving the business goals.FOR MORE INFORMATION:For: BluePrint Data2002 San Marco Blvd, Suite 201Jacksonville, FL 32207United States+1-904-647-3979press@BluePrintData.com USA Remains The Leading Bentonite Exporter http://www.indexbox.co.uk/store/world-bentonite-market-report-analysis-and-forecast-to-2020/ http://www.indexbox.co.uk/news/usa-remains-the-leading-bentonite-exporter/ www.indexbox.co.uk According to recently published IndexBox research World: Bentonite - Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2020 (), the global trade in bentonite amounted to 671 million USD in 2015, experiencing mild fluctuations over the period under review. A 21% drop in 2009 was followed by recovery over the next two years, until exports slightly decreased again. Overall, there was an annual increase of +2.9% from 2007 to 2015.According to IndexBox estimates, USA continued to dominate with a strong lead in global supplies of bentonite. In 2015, bentonite exports from the USA totaled 199 million USD, which accounted for 30% of global exports. India, Turkey, China, and India were the other key global suppliers of bentonite in 2015, with a 28% combined share of global exports.India (+13.9% per year) and Turkey (+14.1% per year) were the fastest growing exporters from 2007 to 2015. India significantly strengthened its position in terms of global bentonite exports, growing its share from 5% in 2007 to 10% in 2015.On the other hand, Germany (10.9%, based on value terms), Canada (5.9%), Japan (5.3%), Indonesia (4.9%), and Saudi Arabia (4.7%) were the leading destinations of bentonite imports in 2015. Imports to Indonesia grew at a rapid pace of +18.9% per year from 2007 to 2015. None of the leading importers decreased their imports of bentonite over the period under review. Indonesia's share of global imports grew by +3 percentage points, while the balance of the importers maintained their share size from 2007 to 2015.Source and figures:IndexBox is a leading market research publisher in the world. We conduct market research and publish reports. You can find more than 25,000 research reports in our web store, which cover global industries and regional markets. All the worldwide marketing data you need is at your fingertips.Company Name: IndexBoxContact Person: Kirill BezverhiEmail: kirill.bezverhi@indexbox.co.ukPhone: +44 20 3239 3063Adress: United Kingdom, LondonWebsite: Global Trade in Antisera and Other Blood Fractions Shows Robust Growth http://www.indexbox.co.uk/store/world-antisera-and-other-blood-fractions-market-report-analysis-and-forecast-to-2020/ http://www.indexbox.co.uk/news/global-trade-in-antisera-and-other-blood-fractions-shows-robust-growth/ www.indexbox.co.uk According to recently published IndexBox research World: Antisera And Other Blood Fractions - Market Report. Analysis and Forecast to 2020 (), from 2007 to 2015, global exports of antisera and other blood fractions showed steady growth, amounting to 93,254 million USD in 2015. There was an annual increase of +12.8% throughout the analyzed period.According to IndexBox estimates, Switzerland continued to lead the way in global supplies of antisera and other blood fractions. In 2015, Switzerland's exports of antisera and other blood fractions totaled 24,799 million USD, which accounted for a 27% share of global exports. Germany, USA, Belgium, and the Netherlands were the other key global suppliers of antisera and other blood fractions in 2015, with a 49% combined share of global exports.Belgium (+14.3% per year) and Germany (+13.1% per year) were the fastest growing exporters from 2007 to 2015. However, the shares of all major exporters remained within 3 percentage points from their size in 2007 as a result of pronounced export growth in every country.On the other hand, Germany (18%, based on value terms), USA (10%), Switzerland (8%), the UK (7%), and Belgium (6%) were the leading destinations of imports of antisera and other blood fractions in 2015. Imports to every leading destination grew at a quick pace over the period under review, with the UK leading the way at a rate of +19.4% per year from 2007 to 2015. Germany's share in terms of global imports decreased by -5 percentage points, while the balance of the countries maintained their share size within 3 percentage points of its value in 2007.Source and figures:IndexBox is a leading market research publisher in the world. We conduct market research and publish reports. You can find more than 25,000 research reports in our web store, which cover global industries and regional markets. All the worldwide marketing data you need is at your fingertips.Company Name: IndexBoxContact Person: Kirill BezverhiEmail: kirill.bezverhi@indexbox.co.ukPhone: +44 20 3239 3063Adress: United Kingdom, LondonWebsite: New Release! More than the Madness: A Memoir from Dreaming Big Publications More than the Madness by John Kaniecki About the Book:There is MORE than the MADNESS.This book gives readers a glimpse into the life of someone living with bipolar disorder. Its not a clinical book filled with facts and figures, but rather a book of humanity.More than the Madness explores the many facets of Kanieckis life, including stories of abuse, experimentation with drugs and alcohol, inpatient stays on psych wards, a night in jail, hitchhiking across America, and his time in a third world country. Through it all Kaniecki gives the reader a personal look into his life as a manic depressive. His stories are sad, shocking, and often funny as he shares his antics while at his most manic and delusional.Throughout his journey, Kaniecki also struggles with his faith in God, and More than the Madness serves as a testament of one mans journey to grow closer to God while gaining a better understanding of himself.Kaniecki wrote his story to help educate others on mental illness and remove some of the stigma associated with it. It is his hope that readers will get to know the person behind the diagnosis: take away the labels and meet someone's son, friend, and husband. See that there is More Than the Madness.More than the Madness is now available from Amazon.Please contact Kristi at dreamingbigpublications@outlook.com to request review copies or to receive exclusive author interviews, notice of new releases, and cover reveals.About the Author:John Kaniecki is an author and poet. His published work, which has been published in over eighty outlets, includes several poetry collections, horror books, and a science fiction anthology. He was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. Kaniecki presently lives in Montclair with his wife Sylvia and is a volunteer minister at the Church of Christ at Chancellor Avenue.Dreaming Big Publications is a publishing company on a mission to reach more people on a global level by publishing books that educate and advocate for mental health and social justice issues. Our main focus is nonfictionself-help, memoirs, and books written for professional mental health providersbut we publish fiction as well and enjoy anything that is a good, fun read, including fantasy and sci-fi.Dreaming Big Publications102 First East StSumrall, MS 39482Press Contact:Kristi King-Morgan(601) 394-8813dreamingbigpublications@outlook.com Host Color Announced Asian Dedicated Hosting Services November 3, 2016, South Bend, Indiana HostColor.com, a provider of Public, Private and Hybrid Clouds announced the launch of new Asia based Infrastructure Hosting services. The web host announced new Dedicated Server Hosting in five points in Asia - Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong and Bangkok, as well as India-based services through local partner with infrastructure in Pune & Mumbai.HostColor.com (HC) has launched new Dedicated Hosting services section named Worldwide Dedicated Servers. It is part of the companys Dedicated Hosting section where HC listed its first five Asian infrastructure hosting POPs. As of November 2016 they are Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Indiana POP in Pune/Mumbai.The Host Colors primary Asian location is in Singapore, where the web hoster offers Dedicated server with different hardware specifications, hosted in Equinix data centers. The Singapore Dedicated Servers come with 10 Unmetered Bandwidth as well as with metered data transfer on 100 Mbps Internet ports. Larger bandwidth rate commitment on 1 Gbps Internet ports is also available as add-on service.HCs Hong Kong Dedicated servers, hosted in local Equinix data centers come with 10 Mbps monthly bandwidth on 100 Mbps ports. Customers can scale up the bandwidth allocation in 10 Mbps increments increasing it up to 100 Mbps.In Seoul, Korea, Host Color uses infrastructure capacity in SKbroadband Data Center where Dedicated Servers also come with 10 Unmetered Bandwidth, and metered data transfer on 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps Internet ports.The companys Bangkok Dedicated Servers are housed in CAT Telecom Tower. There is a local specifics for the Dedicated Hosting services in this point of Asia related to the bandwidth allocation. It is usually configured on different data link layers as Local (Domestic) and International (Global IP bandwidth). Local bandwidth is available in 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps physical ports, while the global data transfer rates start at 5 Mbps monthly bandwidth per dedicated server.In India, where Host Color uses Airtel data center through a local partner network, the Dedicated servers are connected to 100 Mbps ports with 5000 GB metered data transfer limit per month.Per client request HC can also deploy physical Dedicated Servers and Cloud environments in other Asian data centers. The company leverages on the Equinix data center ecosystem to provision computing capacity in Tokyo, Shanghai, Jakarta and Dubai. It has also have contracted capacity through its Infrastructure Partner Networks in other Asian cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Ho Chi Min and few other locations.The web hosting provider has previously announced that it has made available to all Colocation and Dedicated Server customers, hosted in its primary Midwestern U.S. data center, near Chicago, its NPMTA network analytics platform. It allows Host Colors customers to analyze bandwidth usage, monitor business critical applications and network utilization. They can also monitor data transfer usage by: application, user, protocol and location.HostColor.com (AS46873) is a web hosting provider since 2000. It operates a fully-redundant, 100% uptime, SLA guarantee network connected to Level 3, Cogent, Hurricane Electric, Retn.net, US Signal and peers to more than 70 quality Internet networks and ISPs. The company's main data center is based out of South Bend, Indiana, 90 miles from Chicago. Its location and the quality Internet network, ensure the lowest possible latency to any point in North America and Europe. Host Color also provides disaster recovery, Colocation and Dedicated hosting in Europe through Host Color Europe.746 S Arnold St.South Bend, IN, 46619 Jill Perlstein Named Partner at DW Simpson Jill Perlstein, Partner DW Simpson Global Actuarial and Analytics Recruitment promoted Jill Perlstein to Partner.Jill re-joined DW Simpson in 2016 as Senior Director of its Executive and Retained Search Services division (RSS), with a focus on business development and recruitment process improvement. She brings to this role more than 17 years of talent acquisition and management experience within the insurance and financial services industry.Jill began her recruiting career at DW Simpson in 1998, recruiting actuaries within all (Life, Health, Property/Casualty, and Pension) disciplines. In 2004, Jill moved to Hartford Life Insurance, where she was responsible for entry- through executive-level actuarial recruitment and staffing/HR advisory to the Chief Actuary.She was then asked to join Travelers Insurance in 2006, first as its sole actuarial recruiter, then ultimately building a team from scratch to support actuarial, analytics, business analytics/business intelligence, CAT modeling, pricing/product management, underwriting and sales.In 2013, Jill joined Marsh & McLennan Companies first as the Central/Canada Zone leader, leading a team of up to 27 recruiters that supported Marsh/Mercer/Guy Carpenter, then later being promoted to the Talent Acquisition Leader of Marsh North America.Jills expertise includes talent acquisition, talent management, diversity recruitment and retention, workforce planning, vendor and tool selection, recruitment process outsourcing, performance management, and more.DW Simpson has been specializing solely in the recruitment of actuaries since 1989. We work on an international basis and at all levels of experience, from Actuarial Student to Fellow. This encompasses Actuaries with expertise in Life, Health, Pension, Property & Casualty, and, increasingly, non-traditional areas such as Risk Management, Catastrophe Modeling, Predictive Modeling, Financial Modeling and Analytics. With a professional staff of over 50, we are the largest of the firms who exclusively place Actuaries.For more information about DW Simpson, visit our website at dwsimpson.com. To view Jill Perlsteins bio, visit dwsimpson.com/team/jill-perlstein.DW SimpsonContact: Genevieve Shannon, Digital Media ManagerPhone: 312-867-2300Email: genevieve.shannon@dwsimpson.com4121 N. Ravenswood AveChicago, IL 60613 SG.BIOM5161.jpg Wood chips are piled next to a biomass burner at the D.R. Johnson Company's Prairie City power plant. The Obama Administration has opposed classifying forest biomass as carbon-neutral. (Matthew Preusch / 2009) John Talberth Oregon has made significant strides in the fight against dangerous climate change by aggressively pursuing clean energy initiatives such as energy efficiency and greater use of renewable energy resources like solar and wind power. That progress is now threatened by a push in Washington, D.C., to defy climate science by putting forest bioenergy -- the burning of forest material to produce electricity -- into the same category as wind and solar. The biomass loophole appears in the current energy bill before Congress and would require that federal policy treat all forms of forest bioenergy as "carbon-neutral." But calling something "carbon-neutral" doesn't make it so. Our representatives are defying climate science and, in doing so, potentially incentivizing an energy resource that would actually be bad for the climate. This provision needs to be stripped from the bill. The Obama Administration has opposed classifying forest biomass as carbon-neutral, saying it "stands in contradiction to a wide-ranging consensus on policies and best available science from (the Environmental Protection Agency's) own independent Science Advisory Board." Government data predicts that a "carbon neutrality" designation would almost double the size of the biomass industry in just a few years. This growing industry could soon begin burning entire trees to generate electricity in new, stand-alone power plants, which would come with serious climate consequences. The science shows that for each kilowatt of power generated, burning trees for electricity puts more carbon into the air than burning coal. Attempting to legislate away this reality and ignoring science is not the way our senators should be tackling a problem as serious as climate change. In a recent analysis by the Center for Sustainable Economy and the Geos Institute, industrial forestry was found to be Oregon's second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Clear-cutting trees eliminates the forest's capacity to recapture carbon for a decade and a half before new trees can begin to pull in more carbon than is released by the slash left behind and the natural decay of stumps. Clear-cutting for energy is especially dangerous because it removes stored carbon from the forest and immediately releases it into the atmosphere. The biomass industry argues that trees can grow back and recapture the carbon dioxide they originally emitted when burned for energy and, therefore, forest biomass should be considered carbon-neutral. However, even disregarding the carbon lost from soils with clear-cutting, burning wood releases an immense amount of carbon instantly, whereas regrowth of timber stocks takes many decades. Meanwhile the emitted carbon from burned biomass is actively trapping heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the warming of the planet and the further destabilization of the climate. We need policies that can transform industrial forest landscapes into carbon sinks, not policies that quicken the pace of climate change by spurring clear-cuts to produce biomass feed stocks. Current climate policies, such as the Clean Power Plan, rely on our forests' ability to recapture and safely store carbon from the atmosphere, yet a "biomass-as-carbon-neutral" policy would diminish this storage capacity by encouraging increased forest harvest. Among those who have expressed concern about burning biomass are two Oregon State University professors, Beverly Law and Mark Harmon, who wrote Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley that the biomass loophole is "likely to be extremely counterproductive to the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere." And recently, two dozen forest conservation and climate advocacy organizations from around Oregon wrote to the senators arguing that "the loophole is scientifically inaccurate and poses dangerous consequences for Oregon's forests, the climate and public health." Burning trees isn't the answer to one of the most complicated problems our species has faced. In order for our government to meaningfully confront the current climate crisis, Sens. Wyden and Merkley should remove this dangerous loophole and base their policies on science as they have in the past -- not political expedience. John Talberth, Ph.D., is president and senior economist for the Center for Sustainable Economy based in Lake Oswego. HILLARY22.JPG Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton accompanied by Nevada Democratic Senate candidate Catherine Cortez, right, visits employees at the Mirage in Las Vegas on Wednesday. (AP Photo) By Leonid Bershidsky With the polls tightening, and the unexpected announcement that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is still looking into her e-mails, it was perhaps inevitable that Hillary Clinton would strike out at Donald Trump by raising his alleged connection with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. But her latest attack has little basis in fact. On Oct. 31, Slate published a story by Franklin Foer, suggesting that the Trump Organization maintained a server whose purpose was to communicate with two servers at Alfa Bank, a financial institution in Moscow. The story described Alfa as a possible Kremlin front and cited a "Union of Concerned Nerds" -- anonymous techies who obtained the Trump-registered server's logs -- along with one of the biggest names in tech, Paul Vixie, a founder of the internet, who looked at the logs and concluded something "secretive" was going on. It made much of the Trump Organization allegedly renaming the server after a New York Times reporter started asking questions (like Foer, he had been tipped off by the Concerned Nerds' Reddit posts) and said Alfa was the first to communicate with it after the renaming. Clinton tweeted the article and suggested Trump was a Russian stooge. She also implicitly criticized FBI Director James Comey, who broke with tradition by mentioning new findings regarding her e-mails a little more than a week before the presidential election. Shouldn't he be asking questions about Trump's Moscow connection, as Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, a Clinton ally, recently suggested? Clinton followed up with two more tweets about Trump's "ties and connections to Russia."What the Foer story lacked, however, was the most obvious explanation of the "suspicious" communication between the Trump and Alfa servers. It also failed to ask some important questions about the data upon which it was based. Foer's piece links to the registration record for the trump-email.com domain, which the server hosted. It names the Trump Organization as the registrant, but a different company -- Cendyn, of Boca Raton, Florida -- as the domain's administrator. This means Trump owned, but didn't run, trump-email.com; Cendyn did. Cendyn is a company that promotes hotels. As Rob Graham, a well-known hacker specializing in "offensive security," noted on the blog of his company, Errata Security, Cendyn had a number of similar domains for other clients in the same internet address range. The Cendyn servers send promotional e-mails, otherwise known as spam. Foer's story mentioned that another organization that interacted with trump-email.com, Michigan-based Spectrum Health, investigated the matter and found "a small number of incoming spam marketing e-mails" about Trump hotels that had originated from Cendyn. So if the Trump server was sending out bulk e-mails, why were Alfa Bank and Spectrum Health sending something in response? Naadir Jeewa, a London-based IT consultant, has a credible explanation: Alfa Bank's corporate e-mail servers were set up to check if the servers that sent mail were what they pretended to be. Such measures are meant to cut off spammers masquerading as legitimate organizations. To determine legitimacy, the domain name in the sender's address needs to match the server address -- a set of numbers separated by periods -- recorded for that domain. Otherwise the system will reject the message. Jeewa tried to impersonate trump-email.com, but the Alfa Bank system refused his message. Because of the way this validation procedure was set up at Alfa --suboptimally, in Jeewa's opinion -- its servers showed up in the trump-email.com logs. If this is what happened, it's clear why Alfa was on the logs again after the server's name changed (in line with other Cendyn client servers' names). After it was renamed, it kept sending the bulk e-mails. Another troubling aspect of the Foer article is that it's doubtful the server logs could be legally obtained. Alexey Gubarev, chief executive officer of Luxembourg-registered XBT Holding, which owns the infrastructure-as-a-service provider Servers.com, told me there was no legitimate way to get access to the full logs of a server that you do not control. That raises the question of whether the records obtained by Foer's "Concerned Nerds" were complete. I asked Dyn, the New Hampshire-based infrastructure company that has access to such logs, if it could confirm that the Trump server only communicated with Alfa Bank and, less frequently, with Spectrum Health. Adam Coughlin, the company's spokesman, declined to comment "given the political nature of the story." Graham wrote on his blog, though, that other security researchers had told him they'd seen domain name lookups for the trump-email.com domain from other parts of the world. It's hard to imagine Trump would use a spam server run by a third-party company that provides the same service to competing hotel chains for secret communications with Putin's agents. No matter how suspicious that traffic could look on the surface -- if you didn't know what Cendyn was doing -- it's probably just junk passing back and forth across the internet. There is no evidence of a conspiracy. According to an article that appeared in The New York Times on Tuesday, FBI agents looked at the logs and didn't see anything they could latch on to: An innocuous explanation involving marketing e-mails was entirely plausible. Clinton is straining to link Trump to Putin when no solid link has been found after months of digging by reporters and federal agents. Perhaps it's time for her to desist. Unsubstantiated accusation detract from Clinton's credibility and demonstrate bad judgment. (c) 2016, Bloomberg View Leonid Bershidsky, a Bloomberg View contributor, is a Berlin-based writer. By Eugene Robinson WASHINGTON -- This is no ordinary election. Time for a reminder of what's at stake: Climate policy and the clean-energy economy: For anyone who accepts the scientific consensus that global warming poses a clear and present danger, there is only one choice. Hillary Clinton will continue along the path laid out by President Obama and other world leaders. Donald Trump has claimed, ridiculously, that climate change is a hoax invented by the Chinese. For the first time, the three nations most responsible for spewing heat-trapping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere -- China, the United States and India -- have all formally agreed to curb emissions. The landmark Paris agreement is the biggest and most important step taken to date. Clinton would honor the accord; Trump would renounce it on his first day in office. The rest of the world is moving rapidly toward renewable sources of energy, which recently surpassed coal as the largest global source of power-generating capacity. According to the International Energy Agency, last year an estimated 500,000 solar panels were installed worldwide every day. Clinton would encourage the growth of the clean-energy sector, which has the potential to create millions of jobs. Trump promises a renaissance of fossil fuels -- mining more coal, pumping more oil -- even though the electric-power industry is moving on. The Western alliance: Since the end of World War II, NATO has been the globe's most important military alliance, a bulwark against Soviet -- now Russian -- expansionism and a source of peace and prosperity. It is no accident that the United States and Europe are the world's biggest economic powers. Clinton may be a bit hawkish for some tastes, but she is firmly committed to the NATO security framework. Trump describes NATO as if it were a protection racket. Trump has repeatedly and consistently expressed a desire for an alliance with Russia, even after it seized Crimea from Ukraine and intervened to save the murderous regime of dictator Bashar Assad in Syria. Trump often voices his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin -- who, according to U.S. intelligence analysts, has deployed an army of internet hackers against the Democratic Party in a shocking and unprecedented attempt to meddle in our election. Trump has done nothing to refute Clinton's claim that he would be Putin's "puppet" in the White House. Immigration reform: An estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants live here, most of them from Mexico and Central America. Clinton supports commonsense immigration reform that would secure the southern border, modernize our system of legal immigration and bring the undocumented out of the shadows by giving them legal status and a path toward citizenship. Trump does not. Trump launched his campaign by saying of Mexican immigrants: "They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people." He has called for building a physical wall along the entire border with Mexico, and absurdly claimed that Mexico would somehow pay for it. And he pledges to deport all of the undocumented, in what would amount to a massive campaign of ethnic cleansing. Doing so would require a gargantuan and intrusive deportation force the likes of which this country has never imagined, let alone witnessed. The social fabric: The country is undergoing a process of inexorable demographic change. By 2044 if not sooner, according to the Census Bureau, there will be no racial or ethnic majority; non-Hispanic whites, in other words, will be less than 50 percent of the population, becoming a minority just like every other group. This is already the case in California, Texas, New Mexico and Hawaii; and nationwide among children under 5. Clinton understands and embraces these changes. Trump, by contrast, has become the champion of those whites who, like King Canute, would hold back the sea. It is no accident that he is avidly supported by the likes of David Duke, the unabashed white nationalist, Holocaust denier and former imperial wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. When Trump says "Make America Great Again," many minorities hear "Make America White Again." Fiscal sanity: Clinton proposes new spending -- including to improve the Affordable Care Act -- that would increase the national debt by $250 billion over the next decade, according to the bipartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Trump's combination of huge tax cuts and increased spending, however, would balloon the debt by a crushing $10 trillion over the same period. I could go on, but you get the point. Donald Trump gravely threatens our future. He must be stopped. Eugene Robinson's email address is eugenerobinsonwashpost.com. (c) 2016, Washington Post Writers Group Thursday 3 November 2016 4:05pm Dr Tracy Melzer University of Otago, Christchurch, MRI expert Dr Tracy Melzer has been awarded $500,000 from the Health Research Council (HRC) to study changes in the brain that could predict dementia. A recipient of a prestigious Sir Charles Hercus Health Research Fellowship, Dr Melzer is one of fourteen Otago health researchers and students to receive funding through the HRC career development awards for 2017. A full list appears below. Dr Melzer is part of the New Zealand Brain Research Institute and has spent the past few years scanning and studying the brains of people with Parkinsons disease. The disease is the second most common form of neurodegeneration, behind Alzheimers disease, and often can lead to dementia. Dr Melzer says recently clinicians and scientists have acknowledged that cognitive problems associated with Parkinsons disease can be more debilitating than physical symptoms such as tremor and slowed movements. Much international effort is now focused on developing new preventative treatments for dementia. Identifying people at highest risk of developing dementia is an essential part of this effort. The ultimate aim of Dr Melzers work is to provide a better understanding of the dementia process and provide clear direction to those developing new therapies for the debilitating and widespread condition. If we know who is at imminent risk of developing dementia, we can target these individuals and include them in trials of new drug therapies for cognitive issues. If you can target them before they develop cognitive impairments you have a better chance of delaying the onset, or even preventing it. Dr Melzers study will be the first to combine advanced blood flow imaging and a method to measure the accumulation of an abnormal protein, called tau, in the brain. Tau is associated with the development of Alzheimers disease and may play an important role in the development of dementia in Parkinsons. Over four years, Dr Melzer will study the brain scans of 25 healthy participants and 70 people with Parkinsons disease who have varying levels of cognitive impairment. He will look for patterns or differences in tau build-up and blood flow between people with dementia and others. Otagos HRC career development award recipients: Sir Charles Hercus Health Research Fellowship Dr Tracy Melzer University of Otago, Christchurch Dementia and Parkinsons disease: Tau pathology and cerebrovascular health $500,000 over 48 months Many people with Parkinsons develop cognitive problems and, eventually, dementia. We need to identify suitable objective tools that measure the underlying brain changes associated with cognitive decline. Such tools are important clinically and for assessing new preventative treatments. Here, two novel brain imaging approaches will be used. First, we will measure accumulation in the brain of an abnormal protein, tau, which is associated with the development of Parkinsons dementia. Second, we will use a new brain imaging technique to measure blood flow in the brain. Both measures will be acquired in 25 healthy control participants and 70 people with Parkinsons disease with varying levels of cognitive impairment, including dementia, to show how tau burden and blood flow in the brain reflect degree of cognitive decline. Clinical Research Training Fellowship Dr Andrea Teng University of Otago, Wellington Impact of sugar-sweetened beverage taxation in the Pacific $250,000 over 36 months Given the scale of the global obesity epidemic it is critical to understand if interventions to control obesity are effective. The primary aim of this study is to examine the impact of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax on consumption in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). The Pacific region is an excellent site from with which to examine this topic as 13 of 22 PICTs have introduced SSB taxes. The impact of such taxes can be studied before and after using income and expenditure surveys and importation data from PICTs that do not produce SSBs. Findings from regression and panel estimation, are likely to have international implications and inform interventions to protect the health of New Zealanders. The Clinical Training Fellowship will allow Dr Teng to develop skills in time-series and economic analysis, establish a career as an epidemiologist in non-communicable disease control and contribute to strengthened New Zealand-Pacific links. Pacific Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship Dr Jesse Kokaua University of Otago Health implications from education for Pasifika people and their families $329,116 over 36 months This study contains two projects and will seek to investigate to what extent health outcomes, particularly mental health outcomes, among Pasifika are related to education and to tease out whether this is a direct or indirect association. The first project will look at health outcomes of graduates from University study in New Zealand. The second will look at health outcomes for Pasifika families associated with education. While studies have looked at the socio-economic or health benefits associated with education, few have looked at health in the context of the former. And none have been found that seek to view these from behind a Pasifika lens to investigate generational differences in health outcomes and their association with education. Pacific Health Research Summer Studentships (10 weeks, $5,000) Miss Toni Anitelea, University of Otago Follow up of hip and knee arthroplasty patients returned to GP Miss Tumanu Futi, University of Otago Effects of uric acid on beta cell function Miss Mary Kivalu, University of Otago A review of New Zealand district health board policies about translation services Miss Brooke Marsters, University of Otago, Wellington Antibiotic prophylaxis and the progression of acute rheumatic fever to rheumatic heart disease Miss Johanna Nee-Nee, University of Otago Raising awareness or creating confusion? Media coverage of cancer issues in New Zealand Ms Meaalofa Pupi, University of Otago The economic cost of diabetes among Pacific Islanders Miss Ashleigh Raikuna, University of Otago Effects of severe early childhood caries on Pacific Island families Mr Tevita Vaipuna, University of Otago Does sleep differ according to ethnicity in children? Maori Health Summer Studentships (10 weeks, $5,000) Miss Mairarangi Haimona, University of Otago Otago Maori medical student perspectives on cultural development Miss Nadine Houia-Ashwell, University of Otago A survey of non-Maori health professional students at Te Whare Wananga o Otago Mr Jordan Tewhaiti-Smith, University of Otago Tane in the health workforce: A students experience of supporting factors Mr Daniel Thompson, University of Otago A qualitative look at Tikanga best practice guidelines in New Zealand district health boards A list of Otago experts available for media comment is available elsewhere on this website. Electronic addresses (including email accounts, instant messaging services, or telephone accounts) published on this page are for the sole purpose of contact with the individuals concerned, in their capacity as officers, employees or students of the University of Otago, or their respective organisation. Publication of any such electronic address is not to be taken as consent to receive unsolicited commercial electronic messages by the address holder. A free TEAM SBA Financing Roundtable will be offered at Delta College in room H113 in the H Wing on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The roundtables are conducted by local lenders, a business consultant from the Small Business Associations network of Michigan Small Business Development Centers, and a SBA representative. The roundtable will debunk the myths and demystify the process of small business financing, explain how the lending process works and what is expected of you and explain how the SBA can assist local lenders with its SBA Guaranteed Loan Program. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate As Commissioner Rich Keenan, R-4th District, plans a transition into township politics, two familiar faces are vying to replace him on the Midland County Board of Commissioners. Gaye Terwillegar, former executive director of the Midland Area Partnership for Drug-Free Youth, is running as a Republican. On the Democratic side, Eric Anders, a concerned constituent, is vying to represent the district that includes Ingersoll, Mount Haley and Midland townships along with the southern and western areas of the city of Midland. After serving on the board since 2008, Keenan is unopposed in his attempt to become the supervisor of Mount Haley. Terwillegar, a fourth generation Midlander, grew up in Midland township and later moved to Ingersoll Township. She taught at Delta College as an adjunct professor of health and wellness after graduating with a masters degree in health management from Central Michigan University. Terwillegar also served on the Midland-Gladwin Red Cross board of directors. She was named executive director for Midland Area Partnership for Drug Free Youth in 2002, a position she held for 10 years. With my experience in administration and management and public policy along with my knowledge of the community, I think that I would be an asset to the board of commissioners, she said. I am fully vested in the community. Describing himself as an independent, open-minded and outspoken problem solver whos often critical of the status quo, especially when it comes to governmental affairs and community service, Anders said he would like to represent the citizens of the 4th District. I am not going to make any promises to anybody. Anybody that knows me, knows that I am tenacious when it comes to knowing about facts and digging into a situation, Anders said. Thats the spirit I will bring to the job. I dont have any preconceived notions about what is going to be achieved, but I guarantee you I will be committed to the process. Anders parents were involved with intelligence gathering in the Washington, D.C./Baltimore area. After earning a bachelors degree from Towson University in early childhood education and psychology, Anders choose to pursue a career in the domestic and international transportation and freight forwarding industry. A move to Indianapolis followed, where he was very active in local government at the township level. There was a lot of crime in Indianapolis. When we moved here, my wife said to me, We dont even have to lock our door. The reason Im running is that now we have to lock our door. There is a lot of crime starting around Midland, Anders said. As a commissioner, Anders primary responsibility would be to protect the health, welfare and safety of the residents of (District 4) while supporting the hardworking government employees who develop and earn the publics trust by providing essential community services throughout Midland County. Following retirement, he moved to Midland in 1998 and has lived in District 4 ever since. MAJOR ISSUES Terwillegar Loss of personal property tax revenue Not only will the immediate loss of revenue from personal property taxes be a concern, but Terwillegar also believes that it will be a consideration in future years. Drugs Her time serving as executive director of the Midland Area Partnership for Drug Free Youth allowed her to work very closely with law enforcement officials and be aware of the growing problem. There has been a sharp rise in meth and heroin in our community. This is not just a law enforcement or prosecutor problem. It is a problem for our whole community. Its punishing for our businesses. It is very difficult for the family structure and leads to more child abuse and the need for more fiscal responsibility in our community, Terwillegar said. Anders Anders believes that the two biggest challenges facing the county are the loss of area jobs and the rise in local crime rates. I think the two are tied together, Anders said. As people find themselves being challenged from the loss of opportunity they look to other ways to make up the loss of income and opportunity. The loss of income has forced some people to turn to crime. I strongly believe that effective collaboration and planning, improved communications, a renewed focus on education, stepped-up sheriff road patrols and community policing and county-wide involvement are critical to solving these job-related challenges, Anders stated. Drugs The first step to solving a problem is to admit you have one. Im gratified that the community is finally stepping forward in both government and the schools and deciding we have a problem and we are going to do something about it. BUDGET WOES Terwillegar Attracting new business would help to solve the fiscal concerns of the county. We should promote growth through banking strategies to have those opportunities for growth, Terwillegar said. She did commend the board for being fiscally responsible. However, she would look for duplications in the county budget. Another solution would be to contact other communities that may be facing similar situations and enter into a roundtable discussion. Anders Relying on his 40 years in management, Anders would encourage creativity and cross training. You train the people to do different things, he said. The one thing we are very fortunate about is we have very great people at both the city and county level. Were extremely fortunate that they are not only educated, but theyre involved and they really care about what is going on in the community. Anders would encourage the community to model those leaders. Midland is going to face some dark days in the coming months and years because of the job situation at Dow. It is something we can work together and overcome if we take some time and think about the best way to do it. RAISING TAXES Terwillegar Raising taxes would be a last resort for Terwillegar. For the most part, she has supported millages for specific causes. If it came to the point of raising taxes for an essential service, she would choose road patrol. Because I truly feel that in my experience we did not have methamphetamine in our community (before cutting road patrol), it was in surrounding communities, Harrison, Gladwin, Gratiot and Isabella and it is now in Midland County. Its in the peripheral portions of the county. I do think that more patrols would help that out, she said. Anders Before even entering into a discussion about raising taxes, Anders would sit down with lawmakers in Lansing and ask, Why they are denying my community money to treat this local problem, when they have the resources and the power to change it? If it came to the point of raising taxes for an essential service, he would spend the money in family health and human services. A lot of these people that find themselves the victims of job loss or crime, dont know how to cope with it, he said. For more information on Terwillegar, visit: linkedin.com/in/gaye-terwillegar-03217413 For more information on Anders, visit: vote4ericanders.com/ The City of Midland has been recognized for its work to foster entrepreneurial growth and economic development in the annual eCities study conducted by researchers at iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborns Center for Innovation Research. Midland was honored as one of 44 five-star communities across the state. The eCities study surveyed 76 communities from 25 counties in Michigan that are home to more than 22 percent of Michigan residents and 28 percent with at least a bachelors degree. These communities count for nearly one-fifth of the states entrepreneurs, who earned more than $1.9 billion in self-employed income. About 60 percent of these communities have a local business database, more than a quarter provide business improvement grants and more than 40 percent have full-time economic development employees. This recognition validates that Midland is an award-winning, pro-business community that boasts an excellent quality of life, said Midland Mayor Maureen Donker. Our city is a true partner and resource for business, exemplified by our continued commitment to infrastructure solutions that far exceed traditional offerings in a community of our size. The eCities project highlights how local governments from across the state of Michigan are cultivating and supporting economic development. These communities show how local governments can work in distinct and strategic ways to energize public spaces, while investing in businesses and job development, said Tim Davis, director, iLabs. The communities will be honored Wednesday at UM-Dearborn. Support for eCities is provided in part by the DTE Energy Foundation, Comcast, Plante Moran and UM-Dearborns College of Business. The annual eCities research project, which began in 2007, uses data supplied by the participants as well as public records to assemble a six-factor, 32-item index of entrepreneurial activity. The study focuses on entrepreneurship because of its importance to expansion and diversification of Michigans regional economies and the impact small businesses have on job creation. To date, more than 200 communities across Michigan have participated in the study. Saginaw Valley State University student Erik Breidinger recently earned top honors for presenting his community-minded research on the Kawkawlin River. A communication and geography double major from Auburn, Breidinger won first place in the undergraduate paper presentation category at the American Association of Geographers East Lakes/West Lakes conference at Northern Michigan University. Breidinger presented his paper titled Mapping land cover changes along the Kawkawlin River using object-based classification of 1938 and 2014 aerial photography. Marty Arford, SVSU associate professor of geography, and Rhett Mohler, SVSU assistant professor of geography, also attended the conference and have provided research guidance. To conduct the research addressed in the paper, Breidinger and Mohler used eCognition Developer software that employed remote sensing to gather imagery to study the Earths surface. It looks at how weve used the land, and how thats changed from 1938 to 2014, using a combination of really old paper photographs and new, really high tech satellite imagery, and how we merged those together to make a map where you can instantly tell whats changed and what hasnt, Breidinger said. The 15-minute presentation was followed by a question and answer session. The Q and A was really helpful because Im an undergraduate, and everybody else at these conferences are usually masters or doctoral students, Breidinger said. They always have really good questions and they kind of suggest places for me to go with the research. Breidingers research was supported through SVSUs Saginaw Bay Environmental Science Institute and the SVSU Foundation Resource Grant program. The grants allowed Breidinger and Mohler to purchase the software package, giving SVSU students unlimited access for research purposes. Previously, the geography department only had access to tools that broke images down into pixel. From there, they would have had to compare the pixel colors to differentiate what has changed over time from what has not. Breidinger explained that this analysis method would have made the incorporation of old black and white photography very difficult. The new software uses a program that doesnt rely on pixels, but breaks images into objects. So now, we can say this polygon got bigger or changed in shape, Breidinger explained. Following his regional honor, Breidinger will present his research paper at the national level in Boston next April. There, all winning projects from the regional competitions will congregate. Breidinger and Mohler attended the national conference last year as well, which took place in San Francisco. To the editor: We have been reading the letters to the editor carefully and realize some people are having trouble choosing between the candidates for president. However for us the choice is clear. Do you want a president who will nominate people for Supreme Court justices who will follow the U.S. Constitution? Donald Trump has already published a list of people who have widespread approval as good choices, one of which is a Michigan Supreme Court justice. We believe Donald Trump will choose strong cabinet members as well as strong advisors and will be open to all good advice. Do you want a president who has a very questionable 30-year political history? We especially liked Chuck Powells letter to the editor Do You Remember When Hillary Rodham Clinton ...? Yes, Chuck we remember all of those things. If she were Republican she would be in prison instead of running for president of the U.S.A. Check out Wikileaks Emails Disclose Disturbing Link Between the Media and Clinton MDN Our View on Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. Hillary will push her agenda which does not consider the interests or opinions of common Americans. World Order and Agenda 21 will be on fast track. If you dont know what that means please look it up. (This is really why the Bushes want Hillary.) Hillary also likes Saul Alinski who wrote Rules for Radicals dedicating it to Lucifer. Our election system is in jeopardy. The Democratic Party is paying people to protest at Trump rallies. See Project Veritas sting videos catching DNC confessions that paid protestors are taught to antagonize or birddog Trump supporters in order to cause violence that has caused serious injury to police and Trump supporters, and misrepresent Trumps past. In one of the debates Hillary talked about Dark Money. She should know! Donald Trump does not have the velvet tongue of a lifelong politician but he has the head of an accomplished businessman. And we believe he has the heart of a man who truly wants to represent regular people like us. Our country needs Donald J. Trump as president. WILLIAM AND HELEN NOEL Midland To the editor: Im writing in support of Michigan State Rep. Gary Glenn in the Midland/Bay County District. Glenn needs to be re-elected or Michigan will suffer a huge loss in being represented by a caring, hard working, honorable and humble public servant. Gary is a true statesman! There arent many of those left. I have had the pleasure of speaking and working with him a couple of times on different issues and Im not even in his district. He has been a real fighter for Michigan residents and has a proven, tested and trusted track record of conservative leadership, experience and actually getting things done on the issues. Whether its strengthening Michigans job market, school choice, health care reform or supporting values that encourage strong marriages, families, neighborhoods and communities, Gary gets things done and doesnt just talk about it! To the editor: We have the opportunity to re-elect a proven leader and representative of the citizens for the 98th District of the State House of Representatives, Gary Glenn. Mr. Glenn has given an impressive two-year term serving the people of the 98th District while also engaging in the circumstance of battling cancer. With the help of his cheerleading wife to keep his appointments in Ann Arbor and receive treatments he was available for every session and a perfect record of never missing a vote. Gary has the impressive distinction of being chosen from among the 55 first-term representatives and senators as the most effective freshman legislator by MIRS, the state Capitols oldest daily news service. Gary was given the appointment of serving on the House Energy Committee, which he initially knew little about, but also knew the importance of energy to our daily lives in all sectors. Gary spent hours studying the issues and information. MIRS news editor Kyle Melinn said he found very compelling how much time and energy Gary spent boning up on the issue. I mean he really is reading and studying and working hard to understand the legislation, that I think is pretty impressive. And any time youre vice chairman of something as important as the Energy Policy Committee, it says a lot about you. While faithfully representing the values of families in Bay and Midland counties, Gary has won praise from Democrats for keeping his promises and his accountability dedication and willingness to work cooperatively toward bipartisan solutions for Michigans future. Gary is a cosponsor with other lawmakers who have put together a series of bills to allow citizens and journalists to file open records with the governors office and the legislators. That is a important issue for all to be able to have transparency in our government. I would urge that you join in re-electing a true statesman and representative for the people. PAT HARTNAGLE Midland barack obama sad frown Anthem, one of the five largest public health-insurance companies in the US, may pull out of the Affordable Care Act's public exchanges if the market does not improve in 2017. After the release of Anthem's third-quarter results on Wednesday, CEO Joseph Swedish said the insurer would evaluate its participation in the exchanges, established under the law better known as Obamacare, for 2018 when it gets the results of the 2017 plan year. Clearly, 2017 is a critical year as we continue to assess the long-term viability of our exchange footprint," said Swedish on the call. "We will continue to closely monitor this business, and if we do not see clear evidence of an improving environment and a path towards sustainability in the marketplace, we will likely modify our strategy in 2018. We believe both the pricing and regulatory environment need to be improved to drive toward a sustainable and affordable marketplace over the long-term." The firm has 889,000 people enrolled on exchange-based plans, according to the call. A scale back by Anthem would make it the fourth of the five largest US health-insurance companies to pull out substantially from the markets after Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Humana. All of these companies have said the people signing up for coverage on the public exchanges are sicker and costlier than expected, leading to substantial losses for the companies. Swedish reiterated those concerns on Wednesday, calling the Obamacare performance "disappointing." The Anthem CEO did say, however, that increased premiums and cost controls should make ACA plans profitable in 2017. Here's his comments from the call: "We continue to experience higher than initially expected costs from members with chronic conditions, as we've discussed with you previously. Overall, the financial performance in individual ACA compliant products has been disappointing, as membership has been short of our original expectations since its inception and operating margins have been lower than expected beginning in 2015. We believe we've taken the appropriate actions across our served markets to return to slight profitability in 2017." Story continues These exits have led to fear over the long-term sustainability of the exchanges, given fewer choices for consumers and increasing premiums for those still receiving care from the marketplaces. While the exchanges have drawn most of the attention, they also account for only 5% of the total health insurance markets. The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 13.8 million people will sign up for insurance through the exchanges for 2017. On the other hand, the Kaiser Family Foundation estimates 155.9 million Americans get their insurance from their employer. Anthem's announcement came just 24 hours after open enrollment began for Obamacare, marking a critical time for the administration. Anthem missed earnings estimates for its third-quarter earnings, posting $2.45 a share against analyst estimates of $2.47 a share. Revenue, however, beat expectations at $21.1 billion against estimates of $20.7 billion. The insurer also said its benefit expense ratio, the ratio of medical payouts against payments coming in, increased to 85.5%, up from 83.6% from the same quarter a year ago. The firm said it was due to its Medicare business but also the "individual" line that includes Obamacare plans. "Further, the benefit expense ratio reflects the impact of higher medical cost experience in the Individual business, partially offset by the timing of lower medical cost experience in the Local Group business, as expected," a release from the company said. The company also said it planned to fight the Department of Justice's lawsuit blocking its merger with its rival Cigna. The stock was higher by 3.75% after the news, to $121.82 a share as of 10:04 a.m. ET. NOW WATCH: LIZ ANN SONDERS: The most unsettling outcome for the markets would be a surprise Trump win More From Business Insider To the editor: Gary Glenn helped put away the dangerous pedophile that abused my granddaughter in Michigan. A year ago I learned that my granddaughter had been abused physically, emotionally and sexually on a weekly basis from age eight to 12. But just before being arrested, the pedophile absconded from probation and fled to Las Vegas. Arrested there on other charges, he was placed on a 72-hour hold. However, the Michigan prosecutor refused extradition claiming funds were not available. The prosecutors office claimed extradition was to be used exclusively on homicides, not pedophiles. The system was failing us until I reached out to Rep. Gary Glenn. Gary not only advised us on how to navigate the government processes but he made numerous calls on our behalf. And because of Gary Glenn, the extradition funds were found and the dangerous pedophile was brought back to Michigan to face justice. The jury took only 22 minutes to reach a verdict sentencing the pedophile to a minimum of 30-60 years in prison. And if the man ever gets out of prison he will be forced to wear a monitoring ankle bracelet and register as a sex offender. Simply put, without the help of Gary Glenn the pedophile would be a free man and my granddaughter would be a shattered shell of a child. Justice would have escaped us without the representative of the 98th District. Please join my family in supporting Representative Glenn. THOMAS MASTY Stuart, Fla. To the editor: We, the people of the 98th District of Bay and Midland counties, are honored to have the Freshman Legislator of the Year as our representative, Gary Glenn. From among 55 first-term state representatives and senators, Gary was recognized as the most effective freshman legislator by MIRS, the state Capitols oldest daily news service. Gary is the vice chairman of the House Energy Policy Committee. He knows cheaper energy means more jobs (we could use more jobs in Midland), and because of that, he received an award from the Michigan Schools Electric Cooperative for his efforts to reduce electricity costs for our public schools. Glenns ability to get up to speed on a very complicated discussion, in a matter of weeks, has been remarkable. Anybody whos sat in the House Energy Committee and listened to the quality of his questions, I think can appreciate his dedication and the intellect behind it. Rep. Dan Scripps, D-Newport, 2007-10 Gary strongly supports practical fiscal and social initiatives; and works effectively for veterans and military personal. Gary works cooperatively toward bipartisan solutions for Michigans future. Please join us and vote for Gary Glenn for 98th District State representative on Nov. 8. ELIZABETH and PHILIP SCOTT Midland The Woman Accusing Trump of Raping Her at 13 Was Bullied Into Canceling Her Press Conference Today By Vivian Kane | Politics | November 2, 2016 | Today, Wednesday, November 2nd, at 3pm Pacific Time, the woman accusing Donald Trump of raping her when she was thirteen years old was scheduled to speak to these accusations for the first time publicly at a press conference. Instead, she cancelled the conference at the last minute. Her lawyer, Lisa Bloom (the daughter of famed womens rights attorney Gloria Allred), told the room of reporters that the woman, still going by the aliases Jane Doe and Katie Johnson, was too afraid to speak. Jane Doe has received numerous threats today, as have all the Trump accusers that I have represented. She is living in fear. She has decided that she is too afraid to show her face. She has been here all day, ready to do it, but unfortunately, shes in terrible fear. So were going to have to reschedule. I apologize to all of you who came. Katie Johnson (or Jane Doe) has now filed three lawsuits against Trump. One, in California earlier this year, was dismissed for improperly stated statutes, and her New York civil suit is still ongoing. The updated California complaint was filed September 30th. Heres what Trump is being accused of. (From here on, trigger warning of descriptions of sexual assault.) Plaintiff was subject to acts of rape, sexual misconduct, criminal sexual acts, sexual abuse, forcible touching, assault, battery, intentional and reckless infliction of emotional distress, duress, false imprisonment, and threats of death and/or serious bodily injury by the Defendants that took place at several parties during the summer months of 1994. The new suit also includes two witnesses, Joan and Tiffany Doe. The former was a classmate of Jane and the latter was an employee of Jeffrey Epstein, the host of these parties. Plaintiff was enticed by promises of money and a modeling career to attend a series of parties, with other similarly situated minor females, held at a New York City residence that was being used by Defendant Jeffrey Epstein. At least four of the parties were attended by Defendant Trump. If youre not familiar with Jeffrey Epstein, is a supremely wealthy financier who went to jail for soliciting a then 14-year-old girl for prostitution, and was accused of raping, assaulting, and trafficking dozens of other girls. Oh, unless you ask Donald Trump. Then Epstein is just a stand-up guy who likes children the ladies. He said this in 2002, eight years after Jane Does rape and four years before Epsteins arrest. Ive known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy, Trump booms from a speakerphone. Hes a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it Jeffrey enjoys his social life. Earlier today, Dustin put together a round up of some of the worst things happening around this election that are in no way normal or acceptable. Lets add this to the list. Because this is not normal. For a presidential candidate to be accused of raping a barely teenaged girl, what kind of world is this? And for that woman, now more than twenty years later, to have to relive that young trauma because she cant bear to see her rapist be elected president for her to be bombarded with such vile hate that shes afraid to show her face, thats not normal. Unfortunately, it has become common, and no one can blame her. Because we know weve seen it that as soon as she showed her face or gave her real name, she would be doxxed, and her life would, in fact, be at risk. Thats not normal. To everyone dismissing Trumps Access Hollywood tape as just words or locker room talk, and those who dont see the big deal in a butt grab or an uninvited kiss on the mouth I dont understand you, but I want to know is this different to you? It has to be, right? But if you really didnt care about his words or his groping, I have to think youve deluded yourself into forgetting any of these women are human beings worthy of being listened to, let alone respected. How did we get to a place where this man is an email leak away from the presidency? THIS man. Remember, Plaintiff was a thirteen year-old child. Defendant Trump initiated sexual contact with Plaintiff at four different parties. On the fourth and final sexual encounter with Defendant Trump, Defendant Trump tied Plaintiff to a bed, exposed himself to Plaintiff, and then proceeded to forcibly rape Plaintiff. During the course of this savage sexual attack, Plaintiff loudly pleaded with Defendant Trump to stop but with no effect. Defendant Trump responded to Plaintiffs pleas by violently striking Plaintiff in the face with his open hand and screaming that he would do whatever he wanted. Immediately following this rape, Defendant Trump threatened Plaintiff that, were she ever to reveal any of the details of the sexual and physical abuse of her by Defendant Trump, Plaintiff and her family would be physically harmed if not killed. How is he the one whos not afraid to show his face? Header image via Twitter. NORMAL With businesses and government increasingly concerned with hackers and internet protection, Illinois State University is developing a new major: cybersecurity. ISU already offers a concentrated sequence in information assurance and security within its bachelor's degree program in information systems. Glen Sagers, associate professor of information technology, said the cybersecurity major would allow more depth and breadth in the courses. Instead of the three courses that are part of special sequence, the major would have five required courses dealing with cybersecurity and an elective in secure software development, said Sagers. To the best of my knowledge, we're the first in Illinois to offer the cybersecurity major, he said. Overall, the program would require 80 credit hours in the major including 56 credit hours in information technology. The proposal was approved by the ISU board of trustees last week, but still needs approval from the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The program will prepare students to evaluate the security needs of computer and network systems and recommend safeguards, as well as implement and maintain security devices and systems, according to the proposal. Information security has been growing rather quickly in the last five years, said Sagers. The new major is projected to have 125 students when fully implemented. The demand for cybersecurity experts far exceeds the supply, he said. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for information security specials will grow 18 percent from 2014 to 2024. The new major will allow ISU to produce better trained professionals to fill the gap the Bureau of Labor Statistics says there will be in cybersecurity, said Sagers. The department is already fielding questions from potential students about the new major and Sagers said he is very excited to see it moving forward. So are some current students in the information security sequence, even though they won't directly be able to take advantage of the new major. That's the future, when you think about it, said senior Brenna Dahmm of Morton, who is looking for a job as an information security analyst after graduation. Another senior, Ben Bradley of Woodstock, pointed to data breaches that seem to be in the news every day. It's always going to be relevant as we grow in technology, said Bradley, who wants to work in vulnerability management and ethical hacking pretending to be a bad guy to expose and correct weak spots in computer security. In addition to course work, students get practice in cybersecurity-related topics through student organizations and events such as the Capture the Flag challenge that begins Friday. During the challenge, teams of students are presented with a series of hacker challenges by ISU's School of Information Technology and staff from the State Farm Insurance Cos. Systems Department. Bradley and senior Evan Rappe of Macon participated on a four-person team that finished fourth in last year's competition. You had to learn something on they fly, said Bradley. It exposed you to real-world scenarios you don't come across in classes. BLOOMINGTON A suspicious package found during routine screening at the Central Illinois Regional Airport put into motion a series of procedures that led to the evacuation of the airport for 2 1/2 hours on Thursday. It was a case of being precautionary and making sure, said CIRA spokeswoman Fran Strebing. Something looked suspicious, but it was not. The package was found at an X-ray machine at 10:40 a.m. as passengers were preparing to board a scheduled 11:40 a.m. Delta flight to Atlanta. Officials called in McLean County law enforcement to assist with the investigation. The Bloomington Police Department blocked entrances to the airport, informing visitors the airport was temporarily closed. Passengers arriving were allowed to leave, but if they were being picked up, they had to walk to Empire Street to meet their rides. The airports shuttle service offered rides to restaurants along Empire. During the evacuation, passengers who were inside the terminal and employees stood outside. They have to be safe and I understand that, but it seems like there could be a better way than to cut off all access to the airport, said Gene Ragsdale of Macon, Ga., who was traveling to Bloomington-Normal to meet with family. Id probably be much more upset if it were the dead of winter, so its not so bad. The suspicious package was investigated by the Secretary of State's bomb disposal unit that deemed that no threat existed. The airport was re-opened to the public about 1:10 p.m. The outbound flight to Atlanta eventually left around 2 p.m. and was the only flight affected by the evacuation. All other arrivals and departures Thursday were on time. We had an emergency drill this summer, but that involved an airliner incident, Strebing said. Still, it was good to see that the precautions we have in place are effective. Everything went exactly as planned for this situation. We just always want to be on the safe side and take every precautionary measure possible. LeROY "Christmas Memories in LeRoy, Illinois" is Mayor Steve Dean's collection of "all things Christmas," and will be displayed this year in the former fire department building, 110 S. East St. The display, which features decorated trees, hundreds of Santa Claus depictions, Nativity scenes, snow people, Christmas villages and holiday blow molds, will open at 1 p.m. Nov. 18. Hours will be 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Groups may schedule private showings by calling 309-660-3866. Admission is a donation to benefit LeRoy's parks and playgrounds and the continuing growth of the display. The display will be open on Dec. 2 as part of the Chamber of Commerce's holiday tour of homes. Woodland taking Hall nominations STREATOR The Woodland Education Foundation is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame. Nominees must be Woodland High School graduates who have earned distinction in their lifetime achievements. They should have graduated at least five years ago and be available to attend the induction in March. Nominating forms are available through the superintendents office at Woodland School, 5800 E. 3000 North Road, Streator, or 815-672-5972. Nominations are due by Jan. 5. For information, call 815-257-1949. If ever there was a presidential contest that did not need an extra week, this is it. In case you haven't heard, an unusual quirk in the calendar and election laws has resulted in America's latest election since 1988. The nation votes on the first Tuesday after a Monday in November. Because Nov. 1 falls on a Tuesday this year, we have almost an entire extra week of what has been, according to various reports, one of the angriest and most anxiety-inducing campaigns in history. A recent Harris Poll for the American Psychological Association, for example, found 52 percent of Americans adults reported they were stressed out by this contest in close to equal measures of both Republicans and Democrats. Add to that the events of the past few days that have given many folks electoral whiplash. First there was FBI director James Comey and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's emails, and then there was yet another report of questionable tax loophole usage by Republican nominee Donald Trump. As often has been said of Chicago weather, if you don't like the latest scandal from the nominees, just wait a few minutes. I was as shaken as everyone else by Comey's announcement less than two weeks before Election Day that the FBI has resumed its investigation of Clinton's private email server. This was based on emails that, it turned out, he and his agents had not even read. Immediately, Comey was attacked by lawmakers and former attorneys general from both parties for defying Department of Justice guidelines that bar public comments on ongoing investigations and for possibly using his office to exert partisan influence. I agree with former attorney general Eric Holder that Comey's a good man who made a big mistake. He's been under pressure from Republicans, in particular, angered by his announcement in July that Clinton had been "extremely careless" in handling classified material on her personal server but not enough to be prosecuted. After learning that FBI investigators had found a new trove of possibly related emails on a laptop belonging to former New York Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner, husband of Clinton's top aide Huma Abedin, what was he to do? He could have withheld the information, which would have been proper procedure, to find out if the new emails contained classified information or came from Hillary Clinton's server or had anything to do with the Clinton investigation. But, if he had withheld it until after Election Day, he might find himself facing impeachment hearings led by angry Republicans. Either way, the revelation put the brakes on Clinton's momentum and gave a megaton-sized power boost to the Trump campaign's morale. Of course, in the seesaw way that both campaigns have wrestled with scandals off and on, the Clinton revelations were followed on Halloween night by a new horror on the Trump side. Citing newly obtained documents, The New York Times reported that Trump used a tax avoidance maneuver in the 1990s to avoid reporting hundreds of millions of dollars in taxable income. He was advised at the time that the loophole might not be legal and it since has been banned. Now it's another reminder of how Trump has broken tradition by steadfastly refusing to release his income tax returns to the public. So much for transparency. But, alas, in the contest by each candidate to make the other into the issue-of-the-day, this pair of dueling scandals put Clinton at a disadvantage. It's hard to draw people's attention to a story about numbers and tax regulations when you have a sleaze magnet like Weiner, charged with sexting a 15-year-old girl, on the other. Early polling indicated little change in Clinton's lead, but the polls can't tell you much about turnout. Last minute scandals can dampen turnout with the false notion that, as former Alabama Gov. George Wallace used to say of both major parties, "There's not a dime's worth of difference between 'em." If this campaign has shown us anything, it is just how different two candidates can be. As I have written before, the current presidential race has become for many of us less of a question about picking the best candidate as it is about picking the less-flawed candidate. To me, Clinton has been a flawed candidate after years of scandals. Some were legitimate, even if most were heated exaggerations. But Trump's election in my view would be, to use one of his favorite words, a disaster. Make up your own mind, but don't be so campaign-weary that you think your vote doesn't matter. Mariah Carey is single and ready to mingle after her divorce from Nick Cannon was finalized. The finalization comes after Mariah Carey and James Packer decided to end their relationship. E! News reported that the divorce of Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon was finalized almost two years after the "America's Got Talent" host filed for the separation. He filed for divorce from her in January 2015 but they split in August of 2014. The two have reportedly been working on their divorce settlements but have remained amicable for their twins, Moroccan and Monroe, 4. Just recently, Nick Cannon, Mariah Carey, and their two kids went to a Halloween party. Nick Cannon dressed as Luigi, Moroccan dressed up as Mario, Monroe dressed up as a princess while Mariah Carey dressed up as a devil. Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon were married for six years after they tied the knot in 2008. It is unclear what the settlements of the divorce are. Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey proved that they remain as friends for the co-parenting of their children as they have been praising each other in different interviews. Nick Cannon shared in a June interview that he and Mariah Carey are in a great place and are moving things along in order to be happier. However, he recently shared in an interview that he still misses Mariah Carey, Mirror reported. In the past, after news broke that Mariah Carey was engaged to James Packer, Nick Cannon said that he is happy for her and her new endeavors, be it personal or professional. As for James Packer and Mariah Carey, reports are claiming that they are still figuring out if they want to remain engaged. James Packer and Mariah Carey reportedly had trouble in Greece and had a huge fight. James Packer is said to be the one who dumped Mariah Carey after not seeing her for a week since the Greece fight. Many sources are saying that James Packer ended things with Mariah Carey due to her E! reality show "Mariah's World." The two are yet to comment. Despite the growing need of support from the central government, social services in Britain will be given a lesser budget until the end of the parliamentary. In effect, the service is forced to truncate assistance due to budget constraints. The core government body in the task of taking care of the elderly and disabled is reportedly in an "existential crisis." The Guardianreports that at the time when there is a rising number of elderly people in need of care, the Council of Local Government Association is forced to reduce at-home care support which leaves more of the aging population at harm and isolation. The social services care cost cutting was primarily due to the Whitehall budget reduction. Moreover, reasons that put the service in crisis were because of the growing elderly population, rising costs of care and the central government's lackadaisical response in approving grants that further support financial needs in maintaining the institution. Chair of LGA's Wellbeing Board and leader of Warwickshire County Council, Izzi Seccombe, said that Chancellor Phillip Hammond should not take the degrading condition of the service lightly. Further, the official said that the condition of social care service is critical and nowhere exaggerated. Social care expert, Richard Humphries, told the publication that the cut back in social care budget is an unsustainable decision when there is a growing number of the aging and disabled people in the Britain. Currently, social service spending budget is restricted to less than 1% of the GDP. In a separate report by The Guardian, the care cuts have left over a million of disabled and elderly people in a worst condition than ever before. The people in need of assistance were physically sicker and had been experiencing depression due to isolation. BBC News reports that elders are left with no other choice but to take care of themselves despite their vulnerable condition. Over the course of six years, the central government gutted the care budget several times amounting to over 4.6 billion Sterling Pounds. Another billion will be slashed from the budget this year. What do you think about the reduction of the budget for the care of elderly and disabled? Let us know what you think by commenting below! Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat are some of the apps that many children and teenagers use nowadays that parents are unfamiliar with. With these new mediums, parenting in the digital age just got way more challenging. Dr. Devorah Heitner, a media expert, recently talked to CBS Boston to advise moms and dads on how to parent their children in the digital world. According to Heitner, it's important for parents to be aware of the social media apps and text messaging platforms that their kids use. However, parents must also recognize the difference between being curious and spying on their children's whereabouts on the internet. Heitner, who wrote a book titled "Screenwise, Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World," also stressed that parents must be an example to their children when it comes to using smartphones and gadgets. For instance, if a parent wants their teenage son or daughter to avoid texting while driving, the parent should not do that as well. Same with eating at the dining table with smartphones on their hands, checking Instagram or Snapchat. Heitner said that the "mentor but not monitor" parenting approach is vital in the digital age. Monitoring children's online activity is vital but mentoring youngsters about what might happen to them on the internet without adult supervision is more important. Parents should also make sure that they have their children's trust when it comes to opening up about any alarming experiences on social media. Similar advice was provided by leading cybersecurity company ExpressVPN in their child safety guide online. Going into great detail, ExpressVPN resident expert Brad believes not only should parents mentor their children online, parents should also provide their kids with concrete advice. This includes educating them on the use of security tools and software updates as long as well strategies they can use online to avoid harmful sites and revealing information online Vicki Shotbolt, the founder of The Parent Zone, said it is parents' responsibility to teach children about privacy tools and controls. Parents should talk to their kids about what they can share on social media and what info should be kept private, according to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). Helping children set up their first tablet or smartphone also allows parents to give advice. Keeping track of children's internet activity can be hard. Spying is out of the question, though, and the simplest way for parents to be up-to-date of their kids' online activity is simply by asking them. "The internet won't be a mystery if you show an interest and let your children show you what they like. Just remember not to criticize it too much. It is their culture and every generation needs something different," Shotbolt explained, as quoted by NSPCC. Have any advice about parenting children in the digital age? How do you ensure your kids' safety online? Share your thoughts below. Toddlers' foods advertised on different communication outlets often deny prescriptions of health specialists based on a research. The research discovered that baby foods were added with supplements not really recommended for many toddlers. Indeed looks can be deceiving. As discovered by researchers from Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, in 2015, toddler food manufacturers in the U.S paid out $77 million to market baby food, infant formula, and drinks and food for toddlers, mainly through Internet, magazines, and television. In contrast, they spent $98 million on marketing products with vegetables and fruits which were made for the general population. Researchers, led by Jennifer Harris, the marketing director of Rudd Center, looked at many data including those amounts spend on marketing, advertising claims, and messages in marketing and on the packages of the product and nutritional content of the products marketed. The researchers also analyzed marketing of toddler foods to Hispanic parents through the means of Spanish-language. Findings showed that most of the advertised toddler food products were, in fact, healthy choices like pureed vegetables and fruits, whole dairy and grains products. However, most baby food manufacturers, about 60 percent, produced toddler foods which were included with ingredients not healthy for many toddlers. Among the toddler foods with unhealthy supplements were snack foods with low nutrient content, liquid supplements high in calorie such as PediaSure and toddler milk high in sugar. Marlene Schwartz, director of Rudd Center for Food and Policy and Obesity said that many of the products manufacturers are advertising for toddler contain corn syrup, agave, sucrose and cane sugar which must be stopped. "It's easy to make parents anxious about finicky eating and send them the message that their child might need these products," CBSNews quoted Harris as claiming. However most toddlers don't need those, says Angela Lemond, a pediatric nutrition specialist. Lemond also advised parents to get advice from a health-care provider and not from food marketing. In the end, Harris said that their analysis shows that marketing for toddler and baby food, infant formula and toddler nutritional and milk supplements sometimes contradicts health experts' advice. He added that in few advertised toddler foods encourage parents to feed their toddler products which might not promote healthy eating habits. The Stanford rape case has been a hot issue especially after the former student, Brock Turner, who did the sexual assault on an unidentified young woman was sentenced to only six months in jail plus three years of probation. Due to the strong words of the unidentified victim, who was referred to only as Emily Doe, she has been named by Glamour magazine as their Woman of the Year. Emily Doe, now 23 years old, was sexually assaulted behind a dumpster by Brock Turner last year inside the Stanford University's California campus. The message of Emily Doe has had more than 11 million views since it was released to the public. The letter of Emily Doe was so powerful that there have been quotations from her letter being used now. One of the statements penned by the victim read, "You don't know me, but you've been inside me and that's why we're here today. You took away my worth." The Washington Post reported that BuzzFeed News published the letter of Emily Doe which was 12 pages in length. Glamour magazine said in a statement that they are choosing Emily Doe as their receiver of the Woman of the Year award because within four days, her statement was read aloud on platforms like CNN and the Congress. Rape hotlines also were ringing off the hook as volunteers called to offer help. Also, the statement of Emily Doe closed the gap regarding lighter sentences given to attackers when the victim is unconscious or severely intoxicated, The Christian Science Monitor reported. Emily Doe also penned an essay for Glamour magazine and she talked about the supportive emails she has been receiving as well as the many gifts she got from strangers. She also talked about the letter from Vice President Joe Biden. Aside from those, Emily Doe talked about feeling embarrassed after Brock Turner's sentence was read. She said that the violation of her body amounted to the judge releasing Brock Turner back to his life in Ohio. She said that Judge Aaron Persky, the one who handed down the sentence, muted the word justice and made women think that they have to be more sober, more civil, more upright and must wear more layers of clothing. She said that if this is the message being sent, the United States will go nowhere. At the time of the incident, Brock Turner was tackled and stopped by two graduates of Stanford University who happened to pass by while they were riding their bicycles. What are your thoughts about Emily Doe's rape case? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news updates. The local of Oakland, Calif. is considering to monetize from marijuana entrepreneurs, with aims of taxing the industry sellers with 25 percent. On Nov. 14, officials will be voting to arrive at a decision if they will pass the tax system revision. NPR reports that the Oakland local government will be deciding for a need of licenses to legally sell cannabis and sellers be charged with 25 percent tax. However, there is a debate concerning a withstanding law which prohibits the government to earn from private businesses. Harborside Health Center co-founder, Steve DeAngelo, said that the government cannot force private companies to comply in that manner. Harborside Health Center is the largest cannabis dispensary in California and in the entire United States. Since it opened 10 years ago, it has created over 150 well-paying jobs and had over $30 million revenue annually. $1.5 million goes to the taxes every year. The cannabis industry is a lucrative business, albeit often misconstrued to be illegal. Over ten years ago, East Bay Express reported that marijuana dispensaries are functioning discreetly and the use of the medicinal plant has been highly regulated, if not prohibited. But now, the tide has changed, with Oakland being the frontrunner in legalizing weed use. Aside from taxing cannabis dispensaries and dealers, the city of Oakland is looking into the possibility of allowing recreational marijuana use in accordance to Proposition 64. Prop. 64--or the Adult-Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA). The state-wide proposition will be voted upon by the League of California Cities on November 8. The marijuana-immune Californian city will reportedly be embracing the proposition, as further said by East Bay Express. However, there are a few who goes against the proposition, citing the non-medicating use as causes of danger. KTVU San Francisco says public safety is in peril if marijuana is used for recreation as car accidents are many caused by intoxicated drivers. The pot industry is becoming bigger as years pass. Fortune notes that from $5.4 billion revenue in 2015, it is seen to rise to $6.7 billion in the entire United States. Do you think marijuana should be legalized or not? Let us know what you think by commenting below! Shots were fired at the parking lot of Grand Junction High School but authorities are saying that the incident was suicide. A student reportedly fired a self-inflicted gunshot wound to himself and no other student was injured in the ordeal. The incident was reportedly the second suicide at Grand Junction High School and students as well as parents are processing the turn of events. The Grand Junction Fire Department was called to the scene and said in a statement that the shooting is being treated as an isolated event and that there is no active shooter in the area. Initially, students were told to shelter in place. Later, officials allowed the students who have vehicles to leave the area. Those who do not have cars with them were ordered to be picked up by their parents. Around 1,800 students attend the Grand Junction High School. Heavy reported that reports about hearing gun shots was made just after 3 P.M. on November 2, Officer Heidi Davidson with the Grand Junction Police Department said in a statement. Students believed at first that it was just an accident but teachers confirmed that a junior student shot himself. The student has reportedly been identified by the authorities but his name is being withheld, New York Daily News reported. But many are disappointed with the second suicide at the Grand Junction High School, with a student said that the individual who shot himself had a lot of people loving him. The student also expressed that nothing is being done with the suicide and she believes something should transpire as soon as possible. She noted that the first suicide was "swept under the rug" because they were not allowed to talk about it in school and the teachers were also not allowed to use the word suicide. One of the parents said in an interview that they should listen to their kids, hug them and let them cry whether the student is a boy or a girl. The parent said that these kids are young and they need help so the school has to offer more regarding the matter. The November 3 classes in Grand Junction High School were not postponed. But counselors, psychologists and student support personnel will be available to give support to students and staff members. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. A new Korean report today states that it's now being predicted that Samsung Electronics will dispose all Galaxy Note 7s that are going to be collected due to discontinuation. Right up to the last moment when the decision was made to discontinue the Note7, Samsung was actually preparing to sell refurbished Note7's to developing countries such as Africa. The idea was to sell the phones at low to medium discounted prices to help improve their damaged image, but the plan was scrapped. The report further noted that in total 4.7 million Note7's were produced; 2.5 million at the time of the first recall and an additional 1.8 million units after the recall. Samsung has been unable to figure out the cause of the fires until this day and because of that, the refurbished plan could not be put into action. Now it's too late. In 1995 when Samsung had a similar problem with mobile phones, Chairman Lee Kun-hee ordered the faulty mobile phones to gathered and burned in what they called the 'Burning ceremony of phones." Their worth at the time was about US$43 million. The phones were ordered to be burned and smashed with hammers as noted in our cover graphic. Chairman Lee Kun-hee's son and heir apparent who officially joined the company board last month as a step towards formalizing his role as the next head of Samsung, said he won't call for a similar 'burning ceremony' as his father did because of the sheer number of smartphones involved would most definitely cause a hazardous pollution problem. Samsung couldn't figure out what the Note7's fires were caused from and now they're just as confused as to how to handle the destruction of these smartphones that will take some time to collect. Samsung's Sermon on Mount Moment In related news, Samsung Electronics held a calm commemoration of their 47th anniversary of their founding with a message saying 'let's use this difficult situation as an opportunity to vault ourselves to the top again'. The commemoration was held at Samsung Digital City on Tuesday. Vice Chairman Kwon Oh-hyeon along with a group of 400 executives, employees and former presidents were in attendance. Kwon used the occasion as a pep rally to recharge the company after the embarrassing Note7 Crisis. Kwon stated that "There is no sign of improvement in global economy due to low growth and uncertainty and Samsung Electronics is exposed to various mixed risks that it has never experienced before. We have to wonder whether or not this difficult situation is a result of complacency and use this situation as an opportunity to start new again." Although Samsung Electronics is facing an unprecedented situation of recall and discontinuation of Galaxy Note 7, Vice-Chairman Kwon encouraged Samsung Electronics' employees not to be discouraged but rather use this time to develop Samsung Electronics much more. He also emphasized that internal systems of every sectors must be examined and thorough crisis management systems must be established. His intent is to vault Samsung Electronics by one more step by examining conventional systems of businesses, groups, and individuals and work approach and change things that need to be changed and improve problems. Kwon continued by stating that "We need to be more innovative in order to strengthen technical leadership and differentiated competitive edge that are basis of business. We need to enhance our technical leadership and continuously create differentiated products and services that add more values to daily lives through creative and outstanding ideas." Kwon ended by stating that "We have long history and potential in overcoming crisis and growing from it. We need to once again examine our work approach, innovative thoughts, and point of view towards our customers and thoroughly improve them and use this situation as an opportunity to vault ourselves again." About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus. Report Outtake In reality, the smartphone burning ceremony had to be ruled out because it could have been misinterpreted by the general public that the millions of Note7's were actually exploding after being recharged for the last time. (Ha!) Via Gerhard van den Heever: New Testament Society of South Africa: Early Christian Studies Subgroup Inaugural Session: 912 April 2017, University of Stellenbosch. Call for Papers Mapping Transformations Towards a Christian Late Antiquity Paper proposals are invited that address the theme of the inaugural session of the Early Christian Studies subgroup of the New Testament Society of South Africa. Since this is the inaugural session of the new subgroup and intends to establish a methodological and theoretical framework for the groups future work, we particularly welcome proposals that are broadly programmatic, theoretical, and methodological. In the recent work of Jorg Rupke, Bruce Lincoln, and Guy Stroumsa a number of transformative shifts have been identified that, in concert, define and characterize the transition from the Classical to Post-Classical world. These include transitions from inspired oracular speech to bibliocentric religious discourses; transitions from concrete, material, imagistic instantiations of divine presence to aniconic conceptions of divinity with concomitant new ways of mediating the divine; transitions from priestly classes of religious hierarchies to hermeneutic specialists; transitions from monocultural, singular ethnic social entities and identity formations to international, multiethnic, and geographically dispersed populations of post-ancient religious communities held together not only by shared symbols, beliefs, and practices, but also by itinerant leaders and mobile texts, incorporation into which occurred through practices of conversion as a habituated new comportment with newly emerging social and identity formations; and finally, transformations of the relationships between religious institutions and the hegemonic hierarchies organizing various social aggregates in the post-ancient or late antique world, that is, an emerging independence inhering in religious institutions vis-a-vis the state. In the context of these transformations towards a Christian Late Antiquity the rise in life-writing or biography as protreptic as a genre signaled across traditions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam the manufacturing of a new kind of habituated internalized identity as epiphenomenon of a world in the throes of fundamental change (in other words, conversion literature as window onto discursive shifts from Antiquity to Late Antiquity). Papers are invited that investigate and theorize these transformations from various perspectives: Papers that analyze and comment Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Syrian, other Near Eastern, non-Christian as well as post-apostolic Christian literatures as concrete instantiations and evidences of such manifesting these transformations; Paper that promote inter-, multi-, and transdisciplinary studies and theorizing on the formation of Christian discourse through the later Roman Empire and Late Antiquity, especially within a framework of cultural studies and discourse studies; and Papers that promote the study of early Christian history as a contemporary scholarly endeavour as an interpretive analytic (i.e., metatheoretical study of the discipline of studying the history of Christianity). Proposals should be sent to the panel organisers: Prof. Chris L. de Wet (Unisa), dwetcl@unisa.ac.za and Prof. Gerhard van den Heever (Unisa), vdheega@unisa.ac.za. The closing date for proposals is 13 February 2017 . The project is envisaged to run for a period of approximately 6 years until the subgroup is responsible for the main theme of the annual meeting of the New Testament Society of South Africa. At that time, and at possible earlier stages, essays emanating from the group will be published as a collected volume of essays. In the event of more paper proposals submitted than can be accommodated in the main programme of the New Testament Society of South Africa, arrangements will be made with the local organizing committee to host an adjunct project seminar meeting, either directly before or after the main annual meeting of the Society. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. Editor Who Exposed Corruption in Tehran Municipality Remains Detained Despite Vindicating Evidence 11/03/16 Source: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran Tehran MP Voices Support for Yashar Soltani Yashar Soltani New information has seriously challenged the credibility of the charges against Yashar Soltani, who was detained and charged with "spreading lies" and "gathering classified information with the intent to harm national security" after he published an unclassified letter exposing wide-spread corruptionin the Tehran Municipality. Tehran City Council member Ahmad Hakimipour, who said he was Soltani's source, insisted to reporters on October 27, 2016 that the letter from the National Inspection Organization that included the incriminating information was not stamped as classified. Iran's Prosecutor General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri meanwhile confirmed the allegations in the report and announced corrective measures. During an interview with Iranian state television on October 28, 2016, Prosecutor General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri said that the municipality sold properties "with special discounts above the legal limit" and some were allocated to officials located outside the municipality. Montazeri added that the Judiciary has accordingly invalidated the deeds of 36 of the real estate locations in question and the Tehran Municipality has been ordered to cancel excessive discounts. "The prosecutor general's admission that violations had taken place in the municipality completely destroys the (charge) against Yashar Soltani that he had 'spread lies,'" a source close to Soltani told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran. "What Memari News published was documented and truthful." "After the prosecutor general's interview, there's nothing left to investigate in this case, and keeping Soltani detained is unlawful and unfair," added the source. "Soltani published the document that was given to him by a member of the Tehran City Council who has admitted to this fact. Soltani cannot be accused of publishing an unclassified report especially if it was truthful and exposed corruption." On August 31, 2016, Soltani, the editor-in-chief of the independent Memari News, published an unclassified letter dated August 8 from the National Inspection Organization exposing the mishandling of government-owned funds and properties in excess of 2.2 trillion tomans ($702 million USD). The results of the investigation also implicated several senior municipality officials, City Council members, Members of Parliament (MPs) and police officers. The website was filtered from the internet shortly after the letter was published. Soltani was detained on September 17 and charged with "spreading lies" and "gathering classified information with the intent to harm national security" after Mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and City Council Chairman Mehdi Chamran filed a complaint against him and Memari News for publishing the report. More than 700 of Soltani's colleagues from the media have called for his release. He has also received important support from Parvaneh Salahshouri, the reformist MP from Tehran and leader of the Women's Faction in Parliament. "Unfortunately, instead of combating the sources of corruption, reporters like Yashar Soltani are being dragged to court for exposing organized corruption in the municipality," said Salahshouri in Parliament during an open-session speech on October 25. During his interview with state TV, Montazeri said: "Our investigations showed that about 150 individuals from within the municipality had received inappropriate discounts. They have been ordered to pay back the discounts based on official appraisals. There were also 29 non-municipal persons who were given apartments and that was certainly a regulatory violation that must be investigated." Montazeri also noted that Mayor Ghalibaf had acknowledged that mistakes were made without his knowledge. The charge against Soltani of "spreading lies" would be difficult to prove in court, but if he is found guilty of "gathering classified information with the intent to harm national security," he could face between two to 10 years in prison. "Publishing the preliminary investigations of judicial bodies and closed trials violates regulations, even if it is done by the media in the name of transparency," claimed Tehran Prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi on October 23. "Soltani's [intent] became obvious during the interrogation and he accepted responsibility for publishing the letter." Lawyer Summoned On October 18, Soltani's lawyer, Sadegh Kashani, was summoned to court for talking about the case to a news media outlet. "This is the first time that a lawyer has been summoned to court for giving an interview to a domestic news outlet about his client," the source told the Campaign. "Mr. Kashani's interview was with (the hardline) Fars News Agency, and all he did was give the reason for the arrest and the bail amount. He did not talk about any secrets or the indictment. If the Judiciary cannot tolerate giving this kind of basic information to the media about a big case like this, then there will be no freedom of expression left." "[Soltani] was prepared to pay the bail set at two billion rials ($65,000 USD), but the prosecutor refused to accept it," a source told the Campaign on September 28, 2016. "It became clear that the prosecutor was doing everything he could to prevent him from being released. Then, on September 25, they charged Soltani with a new charge that carries a punishment of up to ten years in prison." After the suspension of Memari News' website, the Campaign called on Iran's Judiciary to halt the persecution of reporters who carry out their journalistic duties by exposing corruption. "The Tehran prosecutor's suspension of a website for publishing an official letter is a blatant abuse of power aimed at suppressing media organizations that are trying to keep officials accountable for their actions," said Executive Director Hadi Ghaemi. "The Judiciary is making a mockery of its claim to be fighting corruption and protecting the rights of citizens by closing down news sites that expose unlawful activities," he added. Iran's Supreme Leader Criticizes U.S., Presidential Race 11/03/16 Source: RFE/RL Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the debate between U.S. presidential candidates shows what a "catastrophe" American politics is and warned against further negotiations with Washington. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaking to students Without mentioning Republican Party candidate Donald Trump or his Democratic Party rival Hillary Clinton, Khamenei said in a speech on November 2 marking the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran that their comments during the presidential debates was "sufficient for the annihilation of the reputation of the United States." Khamenei said Iran's continued exclusion from the world banking system after the lifting of international sanctions under a nuclear deal with world powers showed the United States cannot be trusted. Although international sanctions were lifted in January, Washington has maintained its own sanctions related to human rights and Iran's missile program. Several U.S. politicians have said Tehran's development of the missile program violates international agreements. Khamanei: "U.S. stabs in the back." "Some say we should negotiate and compromise with the United States with regard to Syria, Hizballah in Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and even our internal affairs," Khamenei added. But he answered by saying: "Negotiating with the United States will not solve the problems. First, because they lie, they don't respect their commitments, trick others. And secondly, because the United States is itself in crisis." Iranian state television aired two of the three U.S. presidential debates live. Based on reporting by AFP and AP Copyright (c) 2016 RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org Armenia, Iran Sign Deal To Increase Gas Imports, Power Flows 11/03/16 Source: RFE/RL Armenia is looking to increase imports of natural gas from neighboring Iran after the two countries signed an agreement earlier this week. see larger map Armenia's Ministry of Energy, Infrastructure, and Natural Resources reported on November 2 that representatives of Armenia's Energaimpex company and the National Iranian Gas Export Company signed a document authorizing the purchase of more Iranian natural gas during a visit to Iran on October 31 and November 1. Armenia currently imports up to 500 million cubic meters of Iranian gas annually through a pipeline built in 2008. By comparison, Russian gas supplies to the South Caucasus country total around 2 billion cubic meters. Iranian gas has until now been purchased by a state-owned Armenian thermal-power plant. The plant pays for it with electricity delivered to Iran. Recently, Yerevan reportedly offered to buy additional volumes of Iranian gas, some of which could be re-exported to Georgia, and the Iranian side is said to have accepted the proposal. The Armenian Energy Ministry said that its delegation, led by Deputy Minister Hayk Harutiunian, discussed prospects of transiting Iranian gas to third countries via Armenia with Iran's deputy oil minister and a senior National Gas Export Company representative. The delegation also met with Iran's Deputy Energy Minister Houshang Falahatian and an adviser to the minister, Homayoun Hayeri, and discussed increasing the volumes of electricity flows between the countries. The parties discussed increasing power flows between Armenia, Iran, and Georgia within the current capacity of high-voltage lines, and also in the Iran-Armenia-Georgia-Russia regional cooperation format after the expected launch of new infrastructure, the ministry said. The Armenian delegation members also visited the Iranian Mapna Company, which intends to invest in the construction of wind power stations in Armenia, as well as the Sanir Company, which is the general contractor for the construction of a third Iran-Armenia high-voltage line. Artashes Tumanian, the Armenian ambassador to Iran, told RFE/RL's Armenian Service last month that Russia will not object to the increased energy cooperation with Iran because the deal "does not run counter to anybody's interests." Copyright (c) 2016 RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org TechRadar is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Heres why you can trust us. Switching from a Windows laptop to a Chromebook is possible only if you can live without any Windows programs. But Chrome OSs newfound support for Android apps from the Google Play Store has opened up a loophole: A program from Codeweavers called CrossOver Android creates a Windows compatibility layer inside Chrome OS, letting users install and run traditional Win32 software. As a proof of concept, this is an exciting development for prospective Chromebook owners. But CrossOver is still early in its development. As I discovered while testing out a preview version, getting your favorite Windows programs to work involves an unfavorable roll of the dice. Crossing Over to Windows CrossOver Android is based on Wine, the decades-old software that can run Windows programs inside of Linux, Mac, FreeBSD, and Solaris. Codeweavers, the company behind CrossOver Android, currently makes its living building user-friendly features on top of Wine and selling the product to Linux and Mac users. Development on the new Android version of CrossOver began earlier this year, but the software isnt widely available yet. To access the preview, you must request a sign-up through the Codeweavers website, providing the email address associated with your Google Play Store account. That invite may take several days to arrive. Even if you have an invite, you still need a Chromebook that supports Android apps from the Google Play Store. Right now, that includes the Asus Chromebook Flip, Acer Chromebook R11 (or C738T), and the Google Chromebook Pixel (2015 model). Many more Chromebooks will get Android app support later this year or next year. Fortunately, theres no trickery involved in Installing CrossOver Preview on a supported Chromebook. Clicking the invite link in your email takes you to a Google Play Store listing, where you can opt into the beta program and then download the Android app like you would any other. CrossOver is an Android app that creates a Windows-like environment for running desktop software. As with Wine proper, CrossOver doesnt require a copy of Windows. Instead, it opens up a Windows-like environment that vaguely resembles Microsofts operating system, with a Start menu in the bottom-left corner and a desktop for app icons. A notepad, file explorer, and command prompt are built-in, along with a bare-bones Control Panel for adjusting internet settings, configuring game controllers, and removing programs. At startup, youll see a prompt to install one of several apps: Steam, Office 2007, Office 2010, or WinZip. Both Steam and WinZip download and install themselves automatically, along with any related software thats necessary to run them. For Office, you must provide your own installation files. Crossover Preview provides recommends a handful of programs, but you can attempt to install whatever you want. Youre not relegated to just those apps, though. Within the software install menu, you can uncheck Only known-good applications and choose from a long list of other programs. CrossOver also includes a file browser, from which you can launch any .EXE or .MSI install file that youve downloaded onto the Chromebook. Thats where things start to go off the rails. Some hits, mostly misses I tested CrossOver Preview on a 2015 Chromebook Pixel, which immediately presented a challenge: The 25601700 resolution display of Googles luxury laptop resulted in small application windows with tiny, sometimes out-of-whack text. Although CrossOver includes some settings for window management and display resolution, adjusting those settings didnt solve the problem for all programs. (My guess: The programs that didnt look right arent optimized for high-dpi displays. On my Surface Pro 3, for instance, Steams window size looks fine, but the text looks fuzzy.) The bigger issue, however, is that many of the programs I tested failed to work at all. Heres a rundown of what I tried, and what happened with each: Steam: Installed successfully, although a steamwebhelper.exe error appears after opening the program. Steam also failed to recognize the desktop PC on my wireless network for in-home streaming, and would not open in Big Picture Mode. Steam running on a Chromebook Pixel in Crossover Preview. Steam games: I was able install and play the indie platformer Limbo. The other games I testedFez, Proteus, Gunpoint, and Mercenary Kingseither failed outright or required additional software such as Microsofts .NET framework, which I could not successfully install. Limbo running on a Chromebook Pixel in Crossover Preview. WinZip: Installed successfully, and managed to extract a ZIP file. LibreOffice: Installed and worked like a charm. LibreOffice running on a Chromebook Pixel in Crossover Preview. GIMP: Crashed during installation due to an access violation error. GIMP refusing to install on a Chromebook Pixel in Crossover Preview Paint.NET: Installation screen disappeared without explanation. Diablo III: Requires Blizzards Battle.net software, which installed but crashed upon launch. League of Legends: Install screen showed only a black window that prevented any further progress. LiveScribe: This note-taking program, which I rely on heavily for interviews, installed successfully, but crashed immediately every time I opened it. To recap: Out of the eight programs I tried to install, only three of them worked. And if you count individual games within Steam, the success rate is just four out of thirteen. Why the Windows loophole matters In fairness, its early days for CrossOver Android, so we can forgive the fact that many programs dont work. If Codeweavers were charging money for this softwareas it does for the Mac and Linux versions of CrossOverthatd be a different story. But assuming Codeweavers can whip its Windows emulation into shape, it could be a big boost to folks who are on the fence about Chromebooks. While the Google Play Store already offers plenty of apps for productivity and file extraction (including mobile versions of WinZip and Office), some users still need particular features from the desktop version. There are also plenty of Windows programs that dont have mobile versions at all. Personally, I cant get all my work done without LiveScribe, whose microphone-equipped pen lets me take interview notes with synced audio. Its the one program that prevents me from taking a Chromebook on work trips, which made its failure to run in CrossOver all the more tragic. LiveScribe installed successfully, but crashes at launch every time. Why not just use a Windows laptop ? The best thing about Chrome OS is that it doesnt have any of Windows overhead and bad habits (like automatic restarts that wipe out all your work). The idea of a leaner operating system could be alluring if you spend the vast majority of your time in a web browser, especially if you can still call on the occasional Windows program when necessary. The challenge for Codeweavers will be to support not just blockbuster programs like Photoshop and Office, but the kinds of niche applications that keep people bound to the Windows ecosystem. With that extra crutch, Chromebooks could become much more appealing. There it is, take it. The words, mimicking William Mulhollands own from 1913 at the ceremony to open the Los Angeles Aqueduct, were spoken once again Wednesday, this time by L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti at the ceremony marking the metropolitan citys transfer of Ontario International Airport to local officials after 50 years of running the facility from afar. Other dignitaries making an appearance included U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Inland Congress members, local leaders and former Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda. The invitation-only ceremony was held at the western end of Terminal 4, which remained in operation during the event. Related: What local control means for Ontario International Airport Garcetti presented a ceremonial key to the airport to Ontario City Councilman Alan Wapner, who also serves as president of the Ontario International Airport Authority, which, as of Tuesday, operates the airport. This is your airport, we intend to all use it together in a common future, in a common destiny, Garcetti said. Garcetti wasnt afraid to reference rancor of the election in his remarks. I think the lesson for all of us here today at this moment, when politics have gotten so nasty and politics have gotten so divisive, that we think power is what we cling to and we forget power is sometimes what were willing to give up, Garcetti said. Garcetti spoke about the mutual benefit the handover will have for both residents in Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. Related: Why Ontario airport wants to be known as ONT Those who live around Westchester around LAX want to see less traffic at LAX and want to see Ontario succeed. The folks in Riverside and San Bernardino and Orange County and, yes, Los Angeles County want to come to this airport because, yes, its quicker, he said. And when we do big things whether its working on homeless, or air quality, or transportation its time for us to just be Southern Californians tied together to a mutual future that today we see here. Feinstein agreed that both Los Angeles and Ontario stand to gain from the transfer, with LAX getting some congestion relief. The senator was instrumental in helping broker the transfer between Los Angeles and Ontario. With the developed space so that it is airport-sensitive and commercially sensitive, I think we have an opportunity to do something in a time and a place that not many people have, she said. Lasorda, who appeared in a commercial in support of local control for Ontario International Airport, brought some laughs from the crowd and pledged he would be using the new airport. Related: Ontario airport hires operations, marketing officers I feel that representing the Dodgers for 68 years, Im so happy because Im going to be leaving a lot of times from this airport to go some place else, Lasorda said. Inland native son Michael Huerta, originally from Rubidoux and now heading the Federal Aviation Administration, spoke about the tremendous opportunity for the region with local control of the airport. Ontario, you are now the dog that caught the cart you have a tremendous responsibility to be good stewards of this important asset for this region, and you have the opportunity to do something very special to define the future of this region, Huerta said. Ontarios location in the heart of the Inland Empire is an advantage for area residents who want to avoid languishing in that traffic that we sometimes like to talk about, he added. He called the Wednesday ceremony a watershed moment in the history of the region. Related: Ontario airport gets first chief financial officer I wouldnt be surprised if we say (10 years from now) this is the beginning of a stronger and more vibrant regional anchor than it is today, Huerta said. Ontario City Manager Al Boling said outside the ceremony hes anticipating the benefits for the city. Were just looking forward to the opportunity that lies ahead of us, he said, working in collaboration with the Airport Authority to bring development to the region and growth and prosper the largest and greatest economic and jobs engine for the region. Ontario International Airport Authority officials say full control will allow them to finally move forward on plans to redevelop land at the airport to generate money toward expanding and improving the regional airport, with new money offsetting landing fee costs to entice airlines to return and expand flights. Contact the writer: nnisperos@scng.comTwitter: @ReporterNeil Judges have granted delays in several cases against people tied to the Dec. 2 San Bernardino shooters, meaning they will not go to trial until the spring or beyond. None of the defendants is accused of participating in the terror plot carried out by Syed Rizwan Farook and wife Tashfeen Malik, who killed 14 people and wounded 22 others at the Inland Regional Center. But the attack put a spotlight on the killers associates, resulting in charges that some of them participated in other criminal activity. Syed Raheel Farook, the shooters brother; Raheel Farooks wife, Tatiana Farook; and her sister, Mariya Chernykh, all face charges in a marriage-fraud case. In a separate filing, Chernykhs husband, Enrique Marquez Jr., has been charged in the marriage-fraud case, as well as with providing material support to Rizwan Farook and his wife. Marquez and Rizwan Farook were former neighbors and longtime friends. And Chernykh, a Russian national, is in custody at the Adelanto Detention Center fighting deportation proceedings. The marriage-fraud case had been scheduled to begin trial Nov. 8 in federal court in Riverside. U.S. District Court Judge Jesus G. Bernal granted a defense request for additional time and rescheduled trial for March 28. Such delays are not uncommon. In that case, Raheel and Tatiana Farook are charged with conspiracy and setting up a sham marriage aimed at keeping Chernykh in the United States. Chernykh also is accused of perjury, filing a false document and making a false statement to a federal agent in an immigration fraud case. All have pleaded not guilty. Marquez had been scheduled to go to trial March 21 in federal court in Riverside, but Bernal granted a defense motion to delay the trial until Sept. 26. Prosecutors say he plotted with Rizwan Farook to wage attacks on Riverside City College and the 91 Freeway. Those attacks were never carried out, but during the planning, Marquez purchased two rifles and some other materials later used in the Dec. 2 massacre, prosecutors say. He is charged with lying on federal forms when he purchased the weapons, as well as on documents to help Chernykh. Marquezs attorneys said they had to review more than 10,000 documents and 500 hours of interviews with law enforcement. Marquez has pleaded not guilty. Chernykh, meanwhile, remains locked up on an immigration hold. In September, immigration Judge Ana L. Partida denied a motion by defense attorney Niels Frenzen to end the deportation proceedings. Partida postponed further hearings until the criminal case concludes. Frenzen then petitioned the U.S. District court in October, challenging the legality of Chernykhs continued detention despite the courts order that she be released on bond in the marriage-fraud case. The judges decision is pending, Frenzen said Wednesday. The possibility had existed that Chernykh could have been deported before the criminal case ended. Contact the writer: brokos@scng.com or 951-368-9569 RELATED All the latest developments related to the San Bernardino shooting Golf tournament to help San Bernardino terror attack victims daughter Widow of Dec. 2 victim Damian Meins talks about staying strong Two finalists chosen in the search for Norco Colleges new president were ousted as the leader of universities since mid-2015, according to news reports and school officials. Craig Follins and Virginia Parras were removed from top posts at separate universities last year. Follins said Wednesday, Nov. 2, that his reassignment was due to his aggressive attempt to change school practices. Parras, whose expenses were questioned in news reports months after her departure, could not be reached for comment. She is hosting a forum on campus at 12:50 p.m. Thursday. Norco College hired a recruitment firm to conduct a nationwide search to replace Paul Parnell, the schools president from 2012 until January. Wolde-Ab Isaac, Riverside City Colleges president and chair of the Norco College selection committee, said the top eight candidates were interviewed by school faculty, students and community members. Isaac said a comprehensive vetting of a candidates work history generally occurs after the top candidate is selected. The committee tries to restrict itself to the information supplied (by candidates), and the information extracted from the question and answer, Isaac said. We dont go into specifics of we read this somewhere. Its about key issues of running a college, of what we expect a president to be aware of, confronting complex problems. Together, the committee whittled the field down to three: Follins, Parras and Bryan Reece, an administrator at Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa. Follins said he served as president of Northeast Lakeview College in Texas from March 2014 to November 2015, when he was reassigned as special assistant to the district chancellor. Bruce Leslie, chancellor for the Alamo College District in which Follins worked, delivered a memorandum to Follins stating he had violated expectations and engaged in a pattern of unacceptable behavior. The memo does not provide further details. Follins, currently living in Texas and teaching for The University of Phoenix, said his efforts to help the school get accredited may have displeased some. He added that his fast-paced approach and the changing atmosphere werent a good fit for everyone. There was a team in place prior to me being there, and things were done a certain way that wasnt successful, Follins said. I had a style of coming in and holding people accountable. I guess people didnt appreciate being held accountable. Follins said he signed an agreement with the school in November 2015, allowing him to stay with the university for a year while he searched for a new position. Until August, he had been working as the special assistant to the district chancellor, visiting institutions around the country and publishing research on distance education. Follins said his work at Northeast Lakeview taught him the importance of researching prospective schools before taking a job. He said he would have examined that colleges history more thoroughly, to make sure it was a situation I could add value to. Parras was let go as president of City College of San Francisco in August 2015, after one year in the post. In December, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the college reimbursed Parras for trips to China, Taiwan and Vietnam as well as thousands of dollars in meals at high-end restaurants and purchases from Best Buy and Amazon despite what some officials called shoddy record keeping that did not explain their necessity. Guy Lease, the state-appointed special trustee overseeing the college, was quoted as saying Parras really should have written this stuff down. Steve Bruckman, legal counsel for the school, said he could not comment on Parras employment history or the factors leading to her departure. According to her online professional pages, Parras is running Parras Grande & Associated, LLC, a Houston-based company. Each candidate, including Reece, Crafton Hills vice president , is set to host a community forum this month at Norco College. The selection committee will continue to focus on the work history provided by the candidates, Isaac said, adding that its up to Human Resources to unearth possible malfeasance at previous positions. Once the committee has selected a top candidate based on forum responses and other criteria, human resources will conduct a final round of background checks, Isaac said. If someone at a previous job has had undesired activity, it will come out, they cant escape it, Isaac said. If there is other pertinent information about these candidates, Im confident the background check and reference checks will weed that out. Monica Green has been serving as Norco Colleges interim president. The Riverside Community College District, of which Norco College is part of, hopes to appoint a new president by years end. Contact the writer: 951-368-9644 orponeill@scng.comTwitter: @PE_PatrickO MortgageReverse Mortgage Lisa Mayo standing outside her home | Photo courtesy of Lisa Mayo Photo courtesy of Lisa Mayo Before Lisa Mayo got a reverse mortgage loan, she did her homework, just as you might be doing. She is 68 and got a reverse mortgage loan four years ago on her Tudor-style house in West Covina, California. Mayo is glad she got a reverse mortgage loan, and there are some things that she thinks you should know before you get one. Why she got a reverse mortgage loan "It wasn't so much for my living expenses; it was more for the things that I wanted to accomplish with my life," Mayo says. GET INFORMATION: Find a reverse mortgage loan from AAG today. She is an actor, producer, director, writer and teacher, and wanted to keep pursuing those passions. "I really wanted to continue with my plan to help kids and to be able to produce shows and pay the actors who come in and help me with what I wanted to do when teaching teens and young adults." She took a lump-sum reverse mortgage loan and "put my money away so I can do other things with it. If I wanted to produce a show, then I could take my money out that way." Advice on spending Lyn Coffin, a reverse mortgage loan officer for Mortgage Network in Danvers, Massachusetts, notes that there aren't restrictions on how the proceeds of a reverse mortgage loan can be used. "I like to allay those concerns upfront," Coffin says. "There aren't really any restrictions" as long as you live in the house and pay property taxes and homeowners insurance. On the other hand, reverse mortgage loan lenders stress the importance of spending the money responsibly, says Reza Jahangiri, CEO of American Advisors Group, or AAG, a lender that does only reverse mortgage loans. "We want to make sure the seniors understand that once they get the reverse mortgage loan, just as if they had gotten a cash-out refi or a home equity line, not to go spend all of those proceeds in a discretionary way," Jahangiri says. "It's not to go get five trips to Europe or go to Las Vegas and blow the money." Story continues Her daughter's role Mayo was the sole borrower. She has a daughter, who doesn't want to own the house one day. "I knew that my daughter would not live in my house, and what was the point of me having this house if she was not going to live in it? So I thought, well, instead of her spending my money, why don't I spend my own money?" she says with a laugh. "I knew that my daughter would not live in my house. ... I thought, well, instead of her spending my money, why don't I spend my own money?" That conclusion was informed by her volunteer work for hospice. She "realized that all those things that all these people that are passing on are cherishing, are no value to anybody else other than the person that's passing on." Mayo informed her daughter of her plan, and her daughter was fine with it. Reverse mortgage loan lenders say it's a good idea to involve your offspring, even before applying for the loan. "We encourage everybody who is involved in the process to bring in everyone involved," says Paul Fiore, executive vice president of sales for AAG. Advice to prospective borrowers Mayo has friends in their 80s and 90s, and when the subject of reverse mortgage loans comes up, "I just want them to go for it -- to go ahead and use the money if they want to travel or if they want to do things," she says. "Live in the now. Don't save it for somebody else who's not going to really value or appreciate it." Photo courtesy of Lisa Mayo Photo courtesy of Lisa Mayo When her friends say they don't have enough money to do what they want, "I go, like, 'If your house is paid for, or you've only got a few more dollars to pay it off, just go ahead and not worry about paying the house anymore. Just as long as you pay your insurance and your taxes, then use that money for something else." Again, her volunteer work for hospice guides her philosophy about seizing the day. "The last thing that anybody should ever do is regret what they haven't done, and just leave it for their children." Once you get a reverse mortgage loan, here's Mayo's advice: "Not to spend it all in one place." The loan process After doing a lot of online research, Mayo applied for a reverse mortgage loan from AAG. She says she kept asking her loan officer variants of the same question over and over: If she got a reverse mortgage loan, would she be signing away her house? The answer is "no," but she needed to hear that repeatedly. "I wanted to make sure I was making the right decision, for one thing, and my fear was that somebody would take away my house," she says. "What if I got sick and my daughter wouldn't be able to pay it? So those were the concerns that I had. And he kept reassuring me. I admired him so much because he was so patient with me, and so very kind." "I admired (the loan officer) so much because he was so patient with me, and so very kind." She completed the required housing counseling. It didn't make a strong impression: She thinks the counseling was conducted over the phone. Her memories of the conversations with the loan officer are more vivid. Having the reverse mortgage loan The proceeds of the reverse mortgage loan continue to give Mayo the flexibility to produce plays for teens and young adults on the subject of domestic violence. And she gets to remain in her home. "I love coming into my house and saying, 'This is mine,'" she says. "I have a beautiful home, I have a beautiful pool, I have a beautiful view, I live up in the hills." "I love coming into my house and saying, 'This is mine.'" GET RATES: Find a reverse mortgage loan from AAG to meet your needs. More From Bankrate.com Jane Farmer, Community Relations Director at Desert Hills Memory Care, will be the featured speaker at the Tuesday, Nov. 8 SAGE Society meeting in Hemet. Farmer is an Alzheimers Association certified support group facilitator. An event notice says Farmer gained a passion for dementia education following her mothers 10-year journey with Alzheimers disease, during which time she was her mothers main caregiver. The meeting is in the Ramona Room in the back parking lot at Miller Jones Mortuary, 1501 W. Florida Ave. Refreshments will be served at 1:30 p.m., with Farmer set to speak from 2 to 3 p.m. Information: 951-929-1630 or 951-926-2143 Diane Guerrero plays an inmate in the hit Netflix show Orange Is the New Black, but in real life she is playing a crucial role as an activist rallying for the immigrant vote in this contentious presidential election. In front of an audience of more than 200 at UC Riversides Highlander Union Building, Guerrero on Wednesday, Nov. 2, told the story of her parents deportation and how it affected her mental health. She also urged students to vote and to remain active in social justice. We are rising up. We cant fall asleep, she said. We have to protect our country. This is our country. Guerreros parents were deported to their native Colombia when she was only 14 at at a time when few people spoke up about being undocumented. She returned from school one day and found an empty home. What followed was a host of personal struggles, like depression and anxiety, that she writes about in her 257-page memoir, In the Country We Love: My family Divided. It was just soul-crushing, she said. Guerrero, who was born in the U.S., said growing up with undocumented parents made her feel insecure and scared. She was a nervous child, she said. She also felt guilty over being able to stay in this country, while her parents couldnt. Guerrero was open about her mental health issues, and seeking therapy. Every day I have to look in the mirror and say, You are enough. You belong here, she said. I have to do that constantly Thats what happens when you are living in a situation where you feel you are not enough. She also spoke about the importance of becoming educated on immigration issues. Her parents lost money trying to fix their immigration status through faulty lawyers. A lot of it comes down to fear and lack of education, Guerrero said. Being undocumented was such a dirty word. Its up to us now because We are much more aware now, she added. Guerrero first made her familys story public in November 2014. Since then, she has emerged as an important voice in the immigration landscape. Using her popularity from her work in Orange Is the New Black and Jane the Virgin, she has worked with organizations like the Immigrant Legal Resource Center and Mi Familia Vota, which has an office in Riverside, to promote citizenship and voter registration among immigrants. Now, amid Donald Trumps anti-immigrant rhetoric, she is touring the nation to discuss her familys deportation experience. Guerrero said shes been called an anchor baby and told to swim back to my country after coming out with her story. But amid that, she encouraged students to take risks, act on their dreams, and do right for their community. All in all, just no fear. If you are living your truth, then I think its all good. The event was sponsored by numerous campus organizations, such as Undocumented Student Programs and African Student Programs. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Contact the writer: 951-368-9462, amolina@scng.com, or on Twitter @alemolina When President Obama announced last month that American high school graduation rates had reached a record high of 83 percent, there was every reason to cheer. Wasnt there? Well, along with the plain fact that the way educational authorities get to this number is wildly complicated every state reports its graduation percentages differently, for instance there are major problems that, unfortunately, give us little reason to cheer much at all about the current state of secondary education. One problem is that there is a fundamental flaw undercutting the new numbers touted by the president, one that should give all of us pause: High school graduation requirements have been so watered down in so many places that, for many, a diploma has been rendered meaningless. In Connecticut, a Superior Court judge who studied the issue said last month that newly relaxed standards had resulted in unready children being sent to high school, handed degrees and left, if they can scrape together the money, to buy basic skills at a community college. Here in California, where the new, higher graduation rates are at about the national average, the high school exit exam that was required beginning in 2006 was eliminated last year. There may have been some reasons for it to be altered, but the fact is that, without it, students who meet even the most minimum of standards essentially, just showing up are now graduating from our high schools. That surely improved our numbers, but at what cost to any credibility the diploma might have had? Oh, and the old numbers are about to get better: Students who failed the exam in past years can now apply to get their diplomas retroactively. Teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District have told us they especially worry that students doing make-up work for classes they have failed in a program called credit recovery are working to much lower standards than in the original classes. According to an NPR analysis of graduation rates, and a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, teachers feel pressure to inflate grades in credit recovery. Wed like to take pleasure in the new graduation numbers. Wed rather have them be believable. It would be better to keep rigorous standards for those who want to stay in school, and create high-skill job-training programs for those who dont, than to pretend. Code enforcement officers are investigating a venue in a Riverside shopping center where four people were shot and one person was stabbed last weekend. Police also continue to investigate, and have made no arrests as of Thursday, Nov. 3. The venue, which was hosting a party Friday night that about 100 people attended, is not permitted to hold events, Code Enforcement Manager Gary Merk said via email. After police notified Code Enforcement of the facility, authorities opened an investigation into its unpermitted use, Merk said. If the business is found to be holding events illegally, it could face administrative citations, civil fines and temporary restraining orders, Merk said. Additionally, he said, its owners could face criminal prosecution depending on the severity of the violation and level of cooperation. He declined to confirm the businesss name, citing the ongoing investigation. The website IELiveTV.com lists its address as 3505 Madison St., Suite A, which is where the shooting happened. Its Facebook page advertised a grand opening in June. An events calendar shows it hosts everything from church services to karaoke events to parties. The listing for the night of the shooting was simply James. On Thursday, the storefront which has no sign to indicate whats inside was locked up and no one answered knocks on the door. A phone number listed for IELiveTV.com was not answered either. On Friday night, just before midnight, someone dropped off a stabbing victim at Corona Regional Medical Center, then drove off. Corona police officers tracked down the car and detained its occupants, according to a Riverside Police Department news release. Thats when the officers learned of the party on Madison. About 1 a.m. Saturday, Riverside police went to the Madison address to investigate the stabbing. At the same time, other officers were sent there to look into complaints about a loud party, the news release said. As officers approached the shopping center, they heard gunshots. Its unclear whether the shooting occurred inside or outside the venue, said Officer Ryan Railsback, a Riverside police spokesman. Officers found four gunshot victims and detained the partygoers, authorities said. They searched inside the venue and found five guns, three of which had been stolen. Railsback said the shooting victims injuries were not life threatening. He didnt have an update on their conditions Thursday. A teenager who fatally shot his father in the back with a rifle and shotgun felt a seething hate for the victim, even though he did nothing but provide for the boy, his mother testified Wednesday, Nov. 2. I think his hate came from depression, Christine Phillips said of her son, Kenneth Lee Phillips. He looked at my husband with disdain and disrespect. He didnt realize the love his dad had for him. She testified that in the months before the Nov. 11, 2013, shooting in their home on Sunshine Lane, Kenneth, or Kenny as she referred to him, stated that he wanted to end his life. She sought out a therapist, who had two interactions with the teen. Christine Phillips admitted under cross-examination that the therapist did not diagnose her son as suffering from suicidal impulses, but did say that he was depressed. She also acknowledged that he could be volatile and use expletives in communicating with her. He was disrespectful, yes, she said. His attitude was anger with everybody. His disdain got progressively worse over time. The defendant, who has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, could face 50 years to life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder and a sentence-enhancing gun-use allegation in the death of 53-year-old Ken Phillips. Although he was 17 years old at the time of the killing, the Riverside County District Attorneys Office elected to try him as an adult. His mother testified that he harbored a seething hate for his father for reasons she couldnt readily explain, other than to say he was depressed. My husband did nothing but provide for his son, she said. Ken was never abusive to Kenny in any way. The couples marriage was strained as the teen displayed open hostility toward his father and didnt want to be in the same room as him, his mother testified. She said her husband left Riverside and went to Texas to stay with a relative for six weeks, largely to keep peace in the household. Ken Phillips had worked as a Newport Beach investment adviser, but at the time of his death, a manager with Fidelity National Financial said he had left two months earlier to work for Houston-based Stewart Title. The day of his death, the title company announced Phillips job as a senior vice president and said he would work in Houston. Phillips was gunned down on returning to Riverside that Veterans Day holiday weekend, according to testimony. He was in the master bedroom, standing in front of his walk-in closet to change clothes, when his youngest son approached from behind and opened fire, according to the prosecution. He suffered five blasts from a 12-gauge shotgun and at least the same number of shots from an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle and died on his bedroom floor. Deputy District Attorney Alma Hernandez said the firearms belonged to the defendants older brother, Joseph, who was visiting family in New Jersey and had left the guns in a safe at the Sunshine Lane house while he was away. Crime scene photographs showed that the defendant had hung shooting range targets riddled with bullets on his wall. According to Hernandez, moments before the attack, the teen phoned his brother and told him he was going to kill their father. After carrying out the threat, he called his brother back and said that he had committed the murder and was waiting for police to arrive, the prosecutor said. When you head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 8, dont be surprised if someones watching. Supporters of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump have announced plans to observe Election Day voting throughout California not exactly a battleground state in the race for the White House. Poll watchers cant legally interfere with voting, interact with voters within 100 feet of a polling place or challenge a voters eligibility. But the leader of a pro-Trump veterans group said his people are prepared to call for help if they see anything suspicious. Meanwhile, California Democrats are on the lookout for voter intimidation on Election Day. Were showing that more voting is better for our country and Trumps forces are trying to make the opposite point, said state party spokesman Michael Soller. RELATED: Hillary Clintons poll numbers vs. Trump drop in California following FBI directors letter about emails On the campaign trail, Trump frequently denounces what he describes as a rigged system favoring Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. But historically, theres scant evidence of voter fraud, with one study by a Loyola Law School professor finding just 31 known cases of voter impersonation out of 1 billion votes cast in U.S. elections between 2000 and 2014. Election Day turnout could be very high. Californians typically vote in higher numbers in presidential elections, and the number of registered voters in the state roughly 19 million is at an all-time high. Already, More than 3.3 million ballots had been cast in California early voting as of Tuesday, according to Political Data, Inc., a Norwalk-based company that compiles demographic information on voters. Clinton is widely expected to win Californias 55 electoral votes, which havent gone to a Republican since 1988. That said, Trump supporters are planning to mobilize Tuesday. Veterans for Trump, in conjunction with the anti-voter fraud Election Integrity Project is planning to send out 8,000 poll watchers throughout California, said Chuck McDougald, state chairman for the veterans group. Observers have been trained to watch what happens in a peaceful, quiet way and to call a hotline if they see anything wrong, McDougald said, adding that 100 attorneys will be standing by to give advice. Mario Herrera, president of the Riverside County Young Republicans, said he plans to be an independent poll watcher in the 40th Assembly District, where Assemblyman Marc Steinorth, R-Rancho Cucamonga, is in a tough re-election battle with Democrat Abigail Medina. Herrera, who lives outside the 40th, plans to take a poll-watching class ahead of Tuesday. Its a high-profile election and I want to get involved, he said. The California Democratic Party has set up a hotline, 877-321-VOTE, to answer voter questions and report problems in trying to cast a ballot. Voting is the most basic right in our democracy, but we have already seen Republicans here in California and across the nation using voter suppression tactics to stop people from voting, party Executive Director Chris Massami Myers said in a news release. Asian Americans Advancing Justice affiliates and the Dolores Huerta Foundation are among groups that want to make sure voters some who speak limited English receive proper assistance and are not hassled. There is no requirement that voters speak or read English in order to vote. The California Secretary of States office, which oversees elections, has a phone number, 800-345-VOTE, for voters who feel threatened or intimidated at the polls. Poll observers must comply with the law, Secretary of State Alex Padilla said in an email. This means not interfering with the important work poll workers are engaged in and, just as importantly, not harassing or intimidating any voter exercising their right to cast a ballot. Padilla added that his office will have observers in the field to respond to issues as they arise. Anticipating possible problems on Election Day, Catholic churches serving as polling places are being urged to hire unarmed security guards. In an email sent to pastors, Monsignor Gerard Lopez of the Diocese of San Bernardino suggested hiring guards to deter persons wishing to cause harm or disturbances at your parish, especially if you have a parish school. Immigrant voters across the Inland area have expressed concerns about potential intimidation at the polls Election Day, said Luz Gallegos, community program director for TODEC Legal Center, a grassroots organization serving immigrant communities in Riverside, San Bernardino and Imperial counties. Many people have voted early to avoid the polls for this reason, she said. The organization also has been distributing the Voter Bill of Rights in Spanish, and has set up a hotline number 951-943-1955 where voters can report any inconsistencies at the polls. Despite those concerns, Gallegos said, the immigrant community is determined to vote. RELATED Hows early voting going in SoCal compared to 2012? No ballot selfies in California at least for now Latino advocates ask Justice Department to prevent voter intimidation Staff Writer Alejandra Molina and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Contact the writer: 951-368-9547 or jhorseman@scng.com The Accra Regional Police Command is holding a block factory operator for allegedly killing his wife at Danchira in the Ga West Municipality of the Greater Accra region. Reports said the deceased struck his wife Faustina Owusu, 42, and the seven year-old son identified as Benedict Owusu with a pinch bar. The woman died on the spot but the boy became unconscious. According to reports, Thomas Kofi Owusu, 56, allegedly committed the act after an argument with his wife around 8pm on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at Danchira. The couple, who have been married for the past seven years, lived in the area for four years. They lived together in a chamber and hall apartment with a 13-year-old girl, who is the niece of the deceased. According to reports, on that fateful day, the couple had an argument. At that time, their seven-year-old boy was in the hall watching television with his cousin. The woman attempted to go out of the room during the heated argument but her husband, Owusu dragged her into the room and threatened her with the pinch bar. Reports indicated that their only child rushed into the bedroom to find out what was happening. The suspect immediately struck the woman in the head with the pinch bar and when the boy questioned him, the suspect again struck him. The suspect, according to information, wanted to hit the 13-year-old girl with the pinch bar but the girl pleaded that she was not part of the family and therefore must be spared. She immediately rushed out of the room and raised an alarm. Thomas Owusu, who feared he could be lynched by neighbours for killing his wife, moved to the Amasaman Police Station to report himself. ASP Effia Tenge, who confirmed the report, said the police received the complaint from the suspect around 8:30pm on that fateful day. When the police proceeded to the house, both the mother and child were lying in a pool of blood in their bedroom. The little boy was rushed to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for treatment. The body of Faustina was also conveyed to the Police Hospital morgue for autopsy while investigations continued. The suspect, who is currently in police custody, wants to obtain approval from his lawyer in order to make further disclosure to the police. Source: Daily 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. Featured Video There was a standoff between 108 Ghanaians, Liberians and officials of the United States of America (USA) at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) after the Ghanaians and the Liberians had been deported from the US to Ghana yesterday. After the deportees had arrived at the KIA at 10 a.m. on a chartered flight, they refused to disembark and accused the US officials of manhandling them. The deportees, some of whom were said to have served various jail terms for drug-related offences, demanded that they be sent back to the US. Others were deported for staying illegally, over staying their permits and other crimes. Personnel of the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and some officials of the Ghana Airport Company had a tough time before getting the deportees to disembark, Some of the deportees engaged in exchange of words with the officials who had come to welcome them, while others verbally abused the officials and called them names. When they finally stepped out of the plane, some of them, suspected to be hardened criminals, were seen in handcuffs, while others carried their heavy jackets. Reason Later, all the deportees were assembled at the arrival terminal where officials of NADMO and the GIS were seen busily taking down their details. When they were freed, some of them demanded money from the officials present to enable them to pay for their transportation back home. Some of the deportees who spoke with the Daily Graphic claimed they had been maltreated by the US officials. One of them said: We were handcuffed by the US authorities before we boarded the plane and even though we pleaded with them to remove the restraining devices while we were on board, they refused. Strangely, when the plane landed, they freed our hands and legs and asked us to disembark. That is why we said we would not get down unless they allowed us to get down with the handcuffs for everybody to see how they had treated us. Some of the deportees who claimed they had been picked up in their homes during a raid on illegal immigrants in their states, explained that they were not criminals. They said they were only fed with bread and water and had their movement restricted while on board the plane, since they had put restraining devices on their hands and legs. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one of the deportees, who claimed he had been handcuffed since last Monday when he was arrested in Louisiana, USA, said: I could not urinate, sleep or eat. We were handled like animals. They later demanded transportation fares from the Ghanaian officials present at the airport, as some claimed they had to return to their families in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region, Tarkwa in the Western Region, Tamale in the Northern Region and Kasoa in the Central Region. They were disappointed when they found out there was no such provision, a situation which resulted in heated argument between the deportees and the NADMO and Immigration officials who had taken their details. They said as deportees, they were supposed to have been provided with allowance for some days, but nothing was given to them and since they didnt have family members in Accra, they didnt know how they were going to travel to their final destinations. Police The Airport Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent of Police Mr Yao Tettegah, who led a team of policemen to provide security, confirmed that at a point the police had to call for reinforcement. He said the police managed to control the deportees and persuaded them to disembark nearly one hour after they had refused to do so. The NADMO officials and personnel of the GlS declined to comment on the issue, while efforts to speak to the US officials proved futile. Earlier deported In the first three months of 2016, about 350 Ghanaians had been deported from various countries around the world as a result of immigration-related issues. Statistics available at the GIS show that the Ghanaians were deported from countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, Germany and Malaysia. Source: Daily Graphic 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. Featured Video Primenewsghana.com, brings you a list of the most powerful Ghanaians at the moment because there is a possibility that the December elections will radically alter the balance of power in the country. 1. John Mahama The president remains the most powerful person in the country, with his control over state resources. The constitution gives him broad powers that put key institutions like the security services and NADMO, to name a few, under his control. 2. Nana Akufo-Addo The 72-year-old is currently the second most powerful man after the president as he boasts the support of half of the country and has the potential to win the December 7 election. He also boasts the support of powerful donors and special interests 3. Charlotte Osei The chairman of the Electoral Commission or the electoral commissioner has become so powerful with the elections coming up. She has the power to influence the security of the country with decisions she takes . Some may even argue that she is currently the most powerful personality in the country. 4. Georgina Wood The chief justice is one of the most powerful Ghanaians both within the context of the elections and outside of it. She is already asserting this power by setting up courts that will sit on election disputes. Should one of the main presidential candidates choose to reject the result of the election and petition the Supreme Court, she will be required to empanel judges to sit on the case. 5. Lordina Mahama The first lady is one of the most powerful people in the country. She has the ear of the president, and is believed to have control over some lucrative government contracts. 6. Edward Doe Adjaho The Speaker of Parliament boasts significant power even as the current house nears the end of its term. 7. Ibrahim Mahama The president's brother is one of the most influential people in Ghana now. He is said to have won several lucrative government contracts worth millions of dollars. He also has the attention of the president. Just last week, the Ghana Army investigated him for using soldiers as bodyguards. 8. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia The popularity of the NPP vice-presidential candidate and former Bank of Ghana deputy governor has been skyrocketing in recent times. He has eclipsed Alan Kyerematen to become the third most powerful and influential man in the NPP after Akufo-Addo and former President J.A. Kufuor. He also appeals to many people across the political spectrum. Most importantly, there is the potential that he can become vice-president in December. Source: primenewsghana.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. Featured Video Prophecies about Ghanas upcoming elections will not end anytime soon until the election is over however, controversial Man of God, Rev Isaac Owusu Bempah's latest prophecy about the December polls should be a wakeup call for believers to pray with indefatigable energy ahead of the elections. The founder and leader of the Glorious Word Ministry International has on NEAT FMs morning show Ghana Montie cautioned Ghanaians to be prayerful and desist from attacking his prophecy. According to Rev. Owusu Bempah, he has had sleepless nights crying and praying to avert a possible 'bloody' elections. He was emphatic that, President John Dramani Mahama's tenure must end after the December 7 elections. There is too much blood on the Presidents hands and they (the blood) are crying for vengeance," he told host Kwasi Aboagye. The controversial man of God maintained that, spiritually fortified Nana AkufoAddo has already won the election spiritually and that it will manifest physically on December 7 adding that, no amount of rigging will make President Mahama retain his seat. "Mahama is a curse to the nation and if Ghanaians maintain him more calamities will befall us, he noted. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007 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. Featured Video The Volta Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) says they are 100 percent sure that there are Togolese on the electoral roll to be used for the December election. John Peter Amewu explained that some Togolese who through erronoeus mechanisms and taking freebies have found their names on the voters register would be prevented from voting. Opposition NPP Tuesday sounded a strong warning to Togolese who intend to take part in the upcoming elections to rescind their decision at the launch of their 'Operation Eagle Eye project. According to the Party, any Togolese found at a polling station in Ghana making an attempt to vote would be mobbed and made to face the law. The NDC and NPP are on a collision course over the possibility of Togolese voting in the upcoming elections. In a sharp rebuttal Wednesday, Mr Anyidoho said, it has been proven that Dr Bawumia lied when he said the voters register to be used for the 2016 has some Togolese on it. In July this year he had said, "At the said Press Conference, DR. Bawumia said that the fictitious Togolese Register was 10% of work-in-progress, and that in a couple of days, he was going to produce the extra 90% of the work-in-progress, from, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Benin, Ivory Coast, etc., to prove to Ghanaians that Ghanas voters register was over-bloated with foreigners. "Amewu is only trying to fly on the wings of that lie so there is operation tiger eye to create the impression that this whole Togolese thing is true," he said in response to the latest. Calling the claims a blatant lie, he added that if anyone is a Togolese it is Mr Peter Amewu himself. "John Piere Amewu is his name, go and ask him where he hails from...his parents come from Togo...I have called him for a debate in the Volta region, he should meet me in Ho and let's debate it...his ancestory, where does he come from?" Mr Anyidoho said. But on Newsnite Wednesday, Mr Amewu denied such claims telling news anchor Dzifa Bampoe he was christened John Peter Amewu, born to Ghanaian parents who hail from the Volta Region. He said he learned to speak French during his junior school (JHS) days although he is not fluent in the language. The NPP Volta Regional Chairman said his line of business has taken him to the Republic of Togo on several occasions but that does not make him a Togolese. For a party that is poised to win power in December, he said they are laising with community leaders and chiefs to help prevent non-Ghanaians from voting as Ghanaians adding, "this time around we are not joking." "The mismanagement and incompetent approach of government has opened the doors of this country to all types of citizens to come and exercise their democratic rights because they want to win elections," he said. Mr Peter Amewu said there were Togolese on the roll during ex-President Kufour's administration but was quick to add "we all know that this current register is not in the right format that we expected it to be. The Electoral Commission (EC) themselves were convinced that the register is not 100 percent correct." He pleaded with other foreign nationals to respect the democratic right of Ghanaians to choose those they want to lead them. Source: myjoyonline.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. Featured Video The Ashanti Regional Minister, John Alexander Ackon says "possible conclusions reached experts" regarding the discovery of two bombs close to the residence of the Deputy Regional Minister, Andy Osei Okrah point to the fact that "the first could have been ignited to explode and the second one to follow to create multiple explosions". According to him, per experts' deductions "if the motive was to create higher number of injuries/casualties/damages", then the perpetrators would "ignite the detonator to explode the dynamite when people come around using remote control." The Regional Minister, who urged Ghanaians especially residents of Kumasi to remain calm, told Kwami Sefa Kayi in an interview Thursday, that the explosives included one timer device, one remote control, two explosive boosters, two safety fuses, two detonators and two dynamites. Fear gripped residents of Danyame, a suburb in Kumasi, in the evening of Monday, when the powerful explosives were allegedly thrown into the residence of the Deputy Regional Minister. At about 7:00pm on Monday, some of the people living close to Andy Osei Okrah's residence were said to have run out of their homes on hearing the planting of a grenade in the house. The deputy Ministers official bungalow in the Ashanti Regional capital, is close to the National Security Data Centre in the region. A statement signed by the regional Minister also revealed that a third cylinder was taken away on the motor bike according to the Police guard. Read full statement below Source: 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. Featured Video General Secretary of People's National Convention (PNC), Atik Mohammed has rubbished the alleged bomb threat on the Deputy Regional Minister, Andy Osei Okrah. Speaking in an interview with host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme Thursday morning, the Ashanti Regional Minister, John Alexander Ackon noted that "possible conclusions reached experts" point to the fact that "the first could have been ignited to explode and the second one to follow to create multiple explosions". " . . if the motive was to create higher number of injuries/casualties/damages", then the perpetrators would "ignite the detonator to explode the dynamite when people come around using remote control," he added. He further recounted that the explosives included "one timer device, one remote control, two explosive boosters, two safety fuses, two detonators and two dynamites" but urged Ghanaians especially residents in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region to remain calm as the Police launch investigations into the incident. Responding to the Regional Minister's account regarding the bomb threat, Atik Mohammed believed the reports should be ignored and not entertained in the country. According to him, the political climate this year is intense and such reports could further intensify the climate. Its unnecessary. This scare-mongering disgusts me. He also wondered why the alleged "bombers" would choose the residence of the Deputy Regional Minister, who to him is not even well-known within his own party - the NDC. If you want someone to bomb, should it be a late comer? Someone who we dont know well in NDC politics, is it his house that you will go to bomb? Its unnecessary and it doesnt help the political climate. The political climate is already tensed. These things do not help and we should ignore it," he stressed. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana 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. Featured Video Chief David M. Kansuk, Chief of Nakpanduri says its his hope and prayer that the good Lord who enskins chiefs, would do same for President John Dramani Mahama, his party and open the doors of the Flagstaff House for them again in 2017. He made the stamens when the Vice President kwesi Amisah -Arthur called on him at his palace in Nyanpanduri in the Bunkprugu constituency on his day two tour as part of his visit to the Northern Region. The chief described the visit by Vice President kwesi Amissah- Arthur as historic, because since 1996 as a chief he has never received a vice presidential candidate at his palace. He said his speech would be meaningless if he does not acknowledge the numerous developmental projects that the NDC has brought to his area. Chief David M Kansuk said he must emphatically state that the NDC has done well and deserved to be given another mandate to continue their good works. He noted that the construction of number of school buildings in his area, provision of electricity to Nakpanduri, upgrading of their SHS to a boarding status and the provision of buses to the secondary school were notable things the NDC has done for them. Chief David M Kansuk said he was happy to inform the vice president that there was total peace between Bimobas and Kokumbas and this has happened under the tenure of the NDC government. On his part the Vice President thanked the chief for welcoming them to his palace and also thanked them for living in peace. He said President Mahama has always had the wellbeing of Ghanaians at heart and will work tirelessly to keep transforming lives under the Better Ghana Agenda. In President John Mahama, we have a leader who is working in the interest of our generation and future generations, the Vice President said. Vice President Kwesi Amissah Arthur also revealed to the chiefs that he has visited their respective palaces to seek their blessings as he enters their area to campaign. Vice President Amissah-Arthur said the peaceful and accommodating nature of President Mahama has made the NDC more united than ever before. He said it is in the same manner that he has been able to keep Ghana united, stable and peaceful. These traits according to the vice president are key for the development of Ghana. He said development is a systematic process and government has to ensure that every part of the country gets part of the national cake. The Vice President used the opportunity to also introduce the NDC parliamentary candidate for the area Antony Gingon to them to them. He called on them to vote massively for him and President Mahama so that he would complement the efforts of President Mahama in 2017. YUNYOO The Vice President also called on the chiefs and people of Yunyoo constituency. He sent his message of hope to them and also called on them to continue to give the NDC a massive win in order for President Mahama and also the sitting MP so that they can continue with their good works. Source: Maxwell Okamafo Addo/ email: [email protected] 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. Featured Video The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, Mrs Charlotte Osei, is doing a good job and should be commended, immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria, Professor Attahiru Jega has said. Prof Jega, who won a lot of praise for conducting a successful election for Nigeria, however, cautioned Mrs Osei not to be swayed by challenges in her way. I really believe that she is doing a very commendable job in very difficult circumstances and I want to encourage her. She must remain focused, Prof Jega indicated in an interview with Ghana Decides, an initiative by Blogging Ghana, which was transmitted live on Facebook on Thursday, November 3. Meanwhile, the EC who has been inundated with several lawsuits due to disqualifications of some presidential nominees has expressed confidence that all legal issues regarding the December 7 election process will be resolved in time before the December 7 general elections in Ghana. We will not allow law suits to subvert the process and so we are going to get a definitive ruling from the Supreme Court likely this week. At the latest, early next week, but in the meantime, we have started the process of printing the parliamentary ballot papers to make up some of the time and so we are in a good place to meet the December 7 date, she told BBC Africas Akwasi Sarpong. Source: Classfmonline 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. Featured Video The 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, says if President Mahama had bothered to read the Constitution, he would have apprised himself of the fact that the President of the Republic does not have the power to destool a Chief. Nana Akufo-Addo was responding to comments made by President Mahama, whilst campaigning in Suhum, that Nananom, if he (Akufo-Addo) becomes President and you criticize him, he will destool you. These remarks by President Mahama, according to the NPP flagbearer, point to the fact that the President has no campaign message, and has resorted to the politics of scaremongering and untruths in his bid for re-election. Does our President understand the laws governing our country? Has he bothered to read our Constitution? No President has the power to destool a chief. Ghana has gone past the era where a sitting President could destool a Chief. Judicial Committees of Traditional Councils are the only ones who can destool a chief, and not a President, the NPP flagbearer noted. According to Nana Akufo-Addo, as far back as the 60s, his father, then Chief Justice Edward Akufo-Addo, as Chair of the 1969 Constitutional Commission, enshrined in the 1969 Constitution that The institution of Chieftaincy is guaranteed under the Constitution, a provision which subsequent Constitutions have incorporated. This, the NPP flagbearer explained, is the reason why Chiefs are debarred from engaging themselves in partisan politics, and, at the same time, governments debarred from meddling in chieftaincy affairs. Thus, as President, you should be abreast with the Constitution of the Republic, and have it at your fingertips. President Mahama cant even read and understand the Constitution. He just gets up and makes unfortunate comments. Akufo-Addo explained that, I have so much respect for the Chieftaincy institution. My ancestry, including my late grandfather, the Okyenhene, Nana Ofori Atta I, and my own mother, who became the queen mother of Kyebi, means I have respect for the institution. I am not the one coming to disrespect them. The NPP flagbearer continued, He (President Mahama) says when I become President, I am going to drive away Muslims, residents in Zongos, amongst other things. He will never say to the people what his vision for them is or his record. Even at the launch of the NDC manifesto, all he (President Mahama) did was to talk about me. He had to be prompted before remembering that he was to talk about the contents of his manifesto, he added. Nana Akufo-Addo reiterated his belief that recent utterances by President Mahama, coupled with his actions and inactions over the last 8 years, point to a President who appears to have little understanding of democracy. The NPP flagbearer noted that comments by President Mahama, to the effect that continually changing governments for new ones stall development, is another case in point. "If changing governments was bad, why did he and his party agitate for the changing of the NPP government in 2008, which was doing much better than the current NDC government? Changing government was good for him in 2008, but when the time has come for Ghanaians to change government in 2016, it's now a bad thing", Akufo-Addo said The NPP flagbearer explained that it was for a good reason why Ghana's Constitution directed that elections be held every 4 years, affording the electorate the opportunity to review the record of the incumbent and, if dissatisfied, bring in a government that will do a job for the wellbeing of the citizenry. Nana Akufo-Addo made this known on Thursday, November 3, 2016, whilst campaigning in the Assin Central constituency, on the last day of his 3-day tour of the Central Region. Source: 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. Featured Video The Ghana Actors Guild is supposed to be some form of a labour or trade union that represents actors and other major players within the film and TV industries in Ghana. It is also supposed to negotiate and enforce collective bargaining agreements that establish equitable levels of compensation, benefits, and working conditions for its members. If the Guild is well-structured, it must be able to collect compensation for exploitation of recorded performances by its members, and provide protection against unauthorized use of those performances; and preserve and expand work opportunities for its members. Over the years, has the Guild lived up to its mandate(s)? Absolutely not! What it has been able to achieve over the years, however, is to have a group that doesnt realize the kind of power it wields, a group that is in a ramshackle mode and is filled with a bunch of disgruntled and disunited adults who have no focus, no direction and no ideas. Nothing Is Working Presently, theres no relevant and effective activity going on at the Guild, in fact, nothing has ever worked effectively for years; except for some selfish, confused and power-hungry folks who are willing to relegate the betterment of the Guild to the background just for their self-conceited interests. The Guild, after so many years of existence, still choose to steer affairs in a stone age, refusing to align itself with the new, modern and technology-driven trends of the industry. It has no website or any social media platform. Which corporate entity or donor would take such a group seriously? Its welfare system is higgledy-piggledy with floundering long-serving members seen begging all over the place. Pathetic! How long will veteran actors continue to beg? This Guild has zero influence to the extent that, when political parties are putting out manifestos on the creative arts, they have no zest to even suggest, agree or disagree with policies that affects them. Elections Still Pending The elections for the new executives to take over the handling of the group should have taken place some months ago, a process which could have ensured that, some persons with some bright ideas could lead the group to a new phase. That democratic and well-accepted process is in ruins because, the constitution, no wait, something like a constitution was not adhered to in preparations for the elections and of course; some persons who are not due-paying members of the group, persons who have not attended a single meeting at the Guild have disrupted the elections. The Guild is now characterized by stagnancy and dormancy; theres no progress because all energies are being exerted into trying to solve problems relating to the elections. These problems, which shouldnt have arisen in the first place, are the ones militating against the growth of the group. Funding From Equity UK In Danger Some probing into the functions of the Guild revealed that, the Ghana Actors Guild has been receiving some form of aid or support from Equity UK (formerly the British Actors Equity Association). Investigations show that, due to the delay in the elections which is resulting in a stall in the activities of the Guild, Equity UK has threatened to cut off any form of support to the group. What the UK guys are saying is very simple; the folks handling affairs in Ghana are a bunch of jokers who lack vision and love to plunge the Guild into chaos. Dreading a situation where the only source of funding for the Guild could be scrapped, the Guild is now sending a high-profile representative to meet Equity UK and convince them that, the election would come on before the close of the year. Ministrys Tepid Intervention As a result of the melee that shrouded the elections, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts stepped in to help restore some calm. A committee involving the two feuding factions was setup to ensure that all grievances were addressed in order to pave way for the elections. Unfortunately, the supposed deadline for the submission of a report to the Ministry has passed and no document outlining the problems and the way forward was presented by the committee per investigations. The Ministry, which accepted to handle the issue, is not being proactive with regards to their approach to settling whatever impasse that pertains. It is heavily engrossed in campaign matters and electioneering activities, it has no time for any Actors Guild nonsense. The Tomfoolery Must Stop Now! To state it bluntly and be a little brusque, the folks scuffling over power at the Actors Guild are adults, highly accomplished individuals who are also learned. They should stop the infantile maneuvering and start acting right. No person or Ministry can solve their matter better than themselves. This is their craft; for most of them, this is their livelihood and the lives and future of many film practitioners depend on them. They must sit up and act right! They must be put their selfish interests somewhere and think about the progress of the Guild and its members. They either fix the mess or clear off! 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. Featured Video An Australian man is in intensive care after being attacked by an elephant on the resort island of Phuket in Thailand. Chan Yun, 62, was trampled by the female elephant, which had been roaming the Mai Khao beach on Phukets north-west coast, near a number of resorts. There was no keeper, fence or supervision of the animal. Chan suffered rib fractures and spine injuries, as well as further damage to his ribs and kidney, requiring surgery. This comes after TripAdvisor announced that it will no longer sell tickets to attractions in which travellers interact or come into contact with dangerous or endangered animals in captivity. Bangkok International Hospital in Phuket have advised Chans family that he needs to be transferred to Sydney for treatment via air ambulance. Chans travel insurane had been rejected due to a previous condition, meaning that he faces large medical bills. His family issued a warning to travellers about interacting with wild animals such as elephants. Source: Sydney Morning Herald. Photo: Supplied. Georgia Love has taken to Instagram to express her gratitude towards friends, family and fans following the death of her mother Belinda Love, and to call for an increased awareness of pancreatic cancer. The former The Bachelorette star wrote she is so overwhelmed by the huge outpouring of love, support and condolences from all over the world since announcing the devastating news of my beautiful mums passing. Im absolutely amazed by the number of messages Ive received from others whove been through or are going through the same heartbreak, let alone from those who are just sending well wishes. Thank you to every single person who has shared even a single thought for me and my family. Love also used the heartfelt post to draw attention to pancreatic cancer, which her mother suffered from. She wrote this is an absolutely awful time in our lives and we know the hurt will continue for a long time. But one thing my mum taught me was to believe in paying it forward and that from every negative can come even the slightest positive. So I hope my familys gut wrenching loss can create some awareness of the brutal disease that is pancreatic cancer and hopefully do some good in helping to find a cure. She highlighted the fact November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and encouraged readers to hike on over to the Pancare site to donate with the goal of supporting carers and families of those with the disease. Her post concluded with a reference to the stunning 7% survival rate for those diagnosed with the cancer. According to Pancare, that equates to a full 2,823 Aussies dying of the disease every year. Love suggested if youre keen to make a contribution to help lower that terrible number, you can pick up a purple ribbon or wristband through Pancare itself. A photo posted by Georgia Love (@georgiealove) on Nov 3, 2016 at 12:37am PDT If youre looking to learn more about pancreatic cancer, you can check out some important info right here at the Pancare site. Source and photo: Georgia Love / Instagram. The girlfriend of Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis has been found guilty of murdering his ex-wife. Amirah Droudis stood trial at the New South Wales Supreme Court for the murder of her late partners ex-wife at a unit in Werrington in April 2013. The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was stabbed 18 times before being doused in petrol and set alight. Justice Peter Johnson said that he was satisfied that Monis had planned the murder, and Droudis had carried it out, adding that if Monis had not died in the Lindt Cafe Siege in December 2014 that he would be sitting next to the accused in the dock. This was no cold blooded murder, he told the court. This was a hot blooded and frenzied murder by an enraged female attacker. He said that Droudis was enthralled by Monis and greatly influenced by his extreme political and religious views, and that Monis in turn took advantage of her. He also said that shed carried out the murder at his bidding during the closest and most intense level of their relationship. Photo: Twitter / Nick Ralston. Yesterday we discussed the increasing speculation around Lindsay Lohans mystifying new quasi-European accent, which she seemed to have developed immediately without any explanation. A reminder, in case you didnt see the video: Lohan herself told the Daily Mail that its because shes been learning a bunch of new languages recently. Ive been learning different languages since I was a child, she said. Im fluent in English and French can understand Russian and am learning Turkish, Italian, and Arabic. Because the internet cannot let sleeping dogs lie, conspiracy theories have begun to bloom as to whats going on here. The best one? Lindsay Lohan is now a propaganda tool paid by the government of Turkey to help dismantle the current global geopolitical system. Sounds crazy? It probably is. That being said The core piece of evidence, according to shrewd viewers, is that Lohan repeatedly drops the line the world is bigger than five. Thats a favourite line from Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who says it in reference to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council the United States, United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia. And its not like Lohan doesnt know thats what the line means. She used that phrase as a hashtag while visiting Syrian refugees in Turkey. She also said in an interview with Turkeys Daily Sabah that she thinks the current structure of the UN Security Council should be reformed. She also praised Erdogans effort at swatting down the coup in Turkey earlier this year in another interview (note: she doesnt have an accent in this one). So thats interesting. Is Lindsay Lohan a paid Turkish agent hellbent on displacing the current geopolitical structure of the world? This punters opinion: I have no fucking clue at all. But people sure are saying it. Source: Twitter / Buzzfeed. Photo: Getty Images. Fookin hell. After two decades, the trailer for Danny Boyles Trainspotting sequel is finally here, and good Lord it keeps the originals vibes. All the major players from the 1996 classic Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller, Ewen Bremner, the ever-pissed Robery Carlyle and Kelly MacDonald are back in Edinburgh for T2: Trainspotting, set a decade after that first smacked-out masterpiece. While the trailer is intense and disorienting (like you could expect anything else), it doesnt quite show off all of the terrifying visuals well be subjected to when the film arrives early next year. It does offer up a whole new set of concerns for Rent Boy, though. Facebook, reality TV, extended commutes and a dire future for the youth seem to be the gangs problems this time around. Oh, and drugs. Drugs make an appearance, too. The film drops in Australia on February 9. Check it out: Source and photo: Sony Pictures / YouTube.